Worlds Collide

by Fallen707

Takao's younger sister decided to enter him in a modelling contest while he was away at training camp... Unexpectedly it seems the hawk was exactly what they were looking for. Now Kise has a new coworker who doesn't know what level of distance they should be keeping. What could possibly happen behind the scenes and off the courts!

4. Chapter 4: The Eleventh Hour

'Morning practice huh?' You could only sigh and prepare to sprint. Kise wanted to leave you the umbrella, but the forecast showed he'd most definitely need it when he got to his station. After a deep breath you ran toward a convenience store, hoping they had umbrellas stocked. Considering how early it was, foot traffic was almost nonexistent. Those who were out either had cars or umbrellas. When you got to the store there was one umbrella left… A radiant yellow… You grabbed it and some tape for Shin-chan realizing it was around time for him to run out. As you were headed to the front you saw a magazine with Kise and nabbed it without thinking. It was the same magazine the shoot would be in, just a different issue. After paying you resumed the lengthy walk to school.

Shuutoku was the opposite direction of the station you brought Kise to. Giving Mai a call as you walked you made sure she woke up, she was on cleaning duty so she had to be getting ready soon too. After a few calls she answered groggy and confused. After you reminded her she seemed to wake up and disconnected before you could say more. So you texted her some other reminders.

Ignorance is bliss, unless you were on the side of the fool. As you were waiting for a cross signal, you were busy texting Mai about the weather, breakfast and lunch, a car splashed into a muddy puddle as it sped through a turn… your phone was safe, but your pants were soaked. Finishing the message you put your phone into your bag for safety and wondered what was the point of the umbrella.

Defeated. That was all, drenched, covered in mud and a half hour early.. When you arrived, you headed straight to the shower tossing your uniform in the washer and changed for practice. Pulling the damp uniform out you hung it by the heater in your locker room and headed to the gym to warm up. Some of the seniors and freshmen were setting up, you saw the captain and coach talking, so you helped with set up. Grinning at the startled freshman you saved from toppling the ball cart "Careful, the wheels on these lock up sometimes." Flipping the locks you tested it, and nodded "There we go"

Just as you finished someone grabbed you by the back of the jersey and pulled, as you stumbled backward, being bent down you looked up to see the face of the assailant. Blinking you found yourself staring at the very angry face of Miyaji-senpai. You tilted your head and asked "Good morning senpai, is something wrong?" The anger seemed to cause a vein to pulse and you could almost see a demon behind him. ". . . Takao did you truly just ask that? You forgot?" You felt color draining from your face as you wracked your mind for what you could have forgotten, and clearly your senior recognized your forgetfulness. He hissed out a breath and shook his head "I saw your uniform in the locker room. You do realize today is the shoot for the club photos, the inter-school meet before the opening match…. Yet today of all days you soaked your uniform?" Swallowing you blinked, that did sound vaguely familiar. Though you had entertained Kise and your sister last night so you completely forgot about it. Taking a shaky breath you scratched your cheek "My uniform should dry before then senpai! If it reassures you I'll visit the school store as soon as it opens!" With an annoyed click of his tongue Miyaji let you go, with a bit of teetering you forced yourself back to your feet and followed Miyaji to the captain who sent you straight to the store, no time to take chances after all.

The good thing about schools with uniforms, sometimes the store in the school would carry generic sized ones in case of mishaps like weather. Although it was early, students were allowed in with certain conditions before school. Taking a breath you knocked on the door and stepped in, the monitor of the store, looked over appraisingly and you smiled sheepishly. "Good morning sensei~ I was hoping you might have a large uniform, I can help you stock the bread and milks to buy it early! I got soaked and the team has an important photoshoot this morning." You clapped your hands together in prayer and waited. There would be worse things to happen, but thinking back 'anyone who ruins the photo will be running suicides until they puke' wasn't it. Cold sweat ran down your spine thinking about that possibility.

After what felt like ages the manager nodded "Go get the box there on the counter, fill up the shelves and I'll let you buy a large uniform. We've got one left in stock in the front anyway. Once you finish, find me, take the uniform then go." He headed to the back arranging things and pulling out other boxes. Without waiting for an answer from you, with a sigh you started with the 'refrigerated' box. Unpacking the sandwiches, the milks, the yogurts and rice balls, quickly and diligently. It was a large box, and there were three smaller ones inside. After getting to the bottom the shelf was full to the brim, wiping the sweat from your forehead you brought the empty box to the monitor who was in the store room. "Where would you like this empty box sir?" Glancing back to you his eyebrows lifted in surprise, after all it usually wasn't that quickly done; Nodding to the corner there was an assortment of empty boxes and trash. Adding the box to the pile you nodded "Thank you sir, may I trouble you to make the transaction now?" Sighing, he nodded and followed you up from turning on the register "Get the uniform from the shelf there and bring me your ID and the money." Nodding you went to the shelf and picked up the uniform and brought it to the counter, setting down the uniform and your ID and the money. With a fluid movement the manager scanned the ID card and keyed in the uniform price, taking the bills and giving you change. Grinning you hummed "Thank you sir!" You saw his eyes glance over the shelf before back to you and he nodded "Take care Takao-kun." With a hum you scooped up the ID, change and the uniform and tucked them away.

Back in the gym you had an intense 'catch up' run, suicides, dribbles and then tag right into the scrimmage. Your lungs felt like they were on fire, sweat pouring off you, the lingering chill from being drenched was long gone. Though you couldn't help but wonder if you'd be able to stay awake during classes. It was going to be a very, very long week; By the end of practice, you were too tired to even yawn. Your first class after homeroom was History… Not the best subject to try to stay awake during, but the easiest to catch up on should you fall asleep… Though right after was math… You loathed going into that as tired as you were now.

Classes seemed to be passed in a blink, you barely kept your eyes open during the roll call in home room, then you plowed into Social Studies, the teacher learned even having you stand in the rear of the class wouldn't keep you awake. You uncomfortably napped on your feet, almost falling when you startled awake, but caught the table in front of you for a nice recovery. Slightly refreshed from that you managed to keep your eyes open during math, even though your mind wandered you managed to retain a little bit of what was being taught. Shortly thereafter was your next class, sciences were at least more interactive and you had to move to a lab which was significantly colder than the main class room so much less comfortable than trying to sleep in especially on a miserably rainy day like this one. So you managed to drift through the chemistry lesson and not get hurt. The last course before lunch was English, which somehow you doubted any of the words were going to stick in your brain today. With a bit of a struggle you managed to get through, though when you had to read aloud you ended up yawning… A lot of laughter followed your passage.

After English was lunch, normally you'd eat with Shin-chan in his classroom, but today the team had to gather in the gymnasium, you all ate together and then got ready for the photo. All your things were left in your gym lockers, usually everyone came in waves so having everyone in the locker rooms was a bit crowded for the lower strings. In the photo the first string and the subs lined up following the instructions of the staff. Behind you guys was the second string, further back the third string and the reserves for the group photo. After a few shots, the reserves got to head back for their classes. Then just the first second and third had additional photos of each individual group, It started with first string in uniform; then second, and while the second and third got their shots done the first string had to change into your jerseys. Likewise while the third string was shot the second would do the same.

After the photos, the teams had to prepare, those who had the 'home game' would be setting up the gym, which was the third string. The first and second strings had to travel. The second string was travelling to Touo for an away game, meanwhile you on the first string had to change again into the training gear. After all, once the ceremony was over Shuutoku was going to use one of the smaller gyms to practice. The team's last practice game was Sunday, so after a day of decompressing with Kise on Saturday you two would be meeting on the courts again. The night before, Friday there was only going to be a morning practice to avoid having anyone over do it, so you'd probably have Kise stay over again.

Like a whirlwind after that the days passed in a blur. Somehow you avoided needing to take any remedial remedies, you scored just above failing on all the exams that came up during the week. You got a copy of the magazine in the mail from the agency just before the final thing went on the shelves the next day. You were a target of gossip and of harassment from the seniors from how well the article went over. You were at ease when your sister gushed over how it went over at school, some of her friends planned to come over after school Friday to meet the 'famous older brother' so Friday at least the house wouldn't be too quiet until the middle schoolers went home. So on your way home you'd have to plan to do some grocery shopping Thursday so you could prepare snacks and such for the visitors to spare your sister the embarrassment of no one being home. Thursday came and practice ran late, even so you dropped by a grocery store on your way from dropping Midorima off, the rickshaw would help haul the things home for the weekend. You bought everything you'd need for a sweet tea that the girls loved, sweets, chips, baking supplies, things for the date on Saturday, some meats to make for dinner Friday night, extra rice, juices, colas, sports drinks. After paying with the food allowance card you loaded everything into the rickshaw and started home. Surprisingly it was just like bringing Midorima, maybe even a little lighter.

Of course given the balancing act of the week once you pulled up to the house you parked the bike in the shed and started bringing the bags in. As you set them down in the entryway you ran back out without noticing something was different than normal. In the entryway there were a pair of expensive high heels next to your sister's sneakers. On the second and final trip to bring everything inside after closing the shed while balancing your sports bag, school bag and the last of the groceries you noticed. And you felt your blood chill in your veins, still you smiled. As you carefully put the groceries down to change your shoes, you put the school and sports bag near the underside of the stairs so it was out of the way. Smiling you called out "I'm home!" And scooped up the groceries bringing them into the kitchen knowing it'd be empty; though your sister and your mother were sitting at the table in the other room and could see you over the counter.

Your mother's gaze was piercing as she saw the amount of bags you set down "Kazunari, what is all of that you're bringing home on a weekday?" You swallowed your unease and grinned warmly "Ah, mom you're home! Mai is having a study group on Friday and one of my teammates is staying over so I can travel with him to work on Saturday. And I have a game Sunday... So I picked up things to make snacks and dinner for us since I'll be busy for the weekend I picked up the things we need for the weekend and lunch for Monday just in case." Mai glanced at your mother then to you worried. Your mom was very set in her ways, black and white, if things didn't fit what she believed… Your life would get a bit more turbulent, likewise if she had a bad day at work you were in for a bad night. Part of the reason you were quick to be able to size up a situation, quick to read something even if it didn't make sense. As you began pulling things out of the bags you were careful to listen to and watch your mom trying to read into what mood she was in. She seemed less than impressed, but she didn't seem to be overly stressed; The fact she was here still dressed to the nines meant she wasn't going to be staying the night, though the fact she waited meant she needed you for something.

As you set the oven to preheat, making sure there was nothing there first; Then walked over to her "How was work, mother?" She was appraising you "Work was fine, so you've started work as a model? Such a foolish career. No long term skills." She reached over to you, tilted your face seeing the dark bags under your eyes she sighed and released you "If you cannot keep up with your lessons and sport I'll have you leave this job. It's a foolish hobby." You felt your heart sink, but you smiled warmly "You don't have to worry mom! I'll be fine, I actually did better on my classes since I started; I can study with my fellow coworker, we have different strengths so we made a lot of headway and he's similar to me; He models, he's also a student athlete mum, I can do it." Her eyes got a few degree colder and a chill ran down your spine as you smiled "Besides I want to work, doing this I can support my basketball and my hobbies and not trouble you and dad for all the expenses'' Mai pouted a bit "Mummy you don't like nii-chan working? He still takes super good care of me, we're okay!" You redirected that before Mai got a cold glance "Mhm~ Me and Mai have super good synergy, if I'll be out late I make dinner in the morning so she can reheat it after club, then she'll do the laundry so it'll dry before night~ Are you staying for dinner mum? I can put it together right now" You smiled. And her eyes turned to ice before sighing. She placed two signed forms down. "No need, I'll be headed back to the office. We have a big deal coming up; I'll be flying to England in the morning and to America next week. I just had to give you two these forms, your parent teacher conferences are coming up and I won't be around; Kazunari you can sit in for Mai, but you'll be on your own for yours. You understand; they'll email me and your father whatever it is you discuss. Don't disappoint me and don't worry about the expenses so much."

You saw Mai's shoulders drooped a bit and you frowned slightly "Got it mom. Take care." As you said that her phone rang and she answered without hesitation "It's me." After a few exchanges she got up "I'll see you in a few weeks, call your aunt if anything urgent happens." Without waiting for either of you to reply she left. The two of you sighed "...Have a safe trip mother…." The door closing was the only answer you got. Gently you ruffled Mai's hair and sighed softly "Mah, mah… It's okay Mai~ We'll be having a blast this weekend, no?" You smiled sheepishly and leaned against the table deeply so you could look up to her face "I'll need your help to make a perfect Kazuri date outfit. I'll be taking that thank you date, remember? You get to doll me AND Kicchan up~ I hope you're prepared~" Mai's eyes widened and they glittered "Really! You're doing that this week? I have some finishing touches I need to do!" She hopped to her feet and took off to her studio sliding into the wall with the skidding from the slippers then fumbling with the key, she must have come out and locked it as soon as she heard the heels earlier because the light was still on inside. You heard the click and you sighed "Don't forget your homework!"

With a chuckle you scooped up the two abandoned cups and went back to the kitchen, your cheeks relaxing and the smile fading into a hollow frown. You didn't feel disappointment, you didn't feel hurt, you felt resentment. You resented that your mother treated you both like pets, tossing money at you and manipulating behind the scenes what treats or programs you could do. You resented that she took dad away to maintain the house while she worked, so he would be with her often; though he did have his work it was quite often things he could do remotely, he did a lot of architecture. So your family wasn't 'rich' but they certainly weren't poor, you didn't have to want for anything and you didn't struggle or need to work. Though you wanted to, this was a suffocating cage; left alone your mother would probably force you both to follow what she wanted, and neither of you were suited for a stuffy office job like she had. Both you and your sister took after your dad's innate art skills. Your silvery eyes were turning a dark steely color that was chilled as the sink you poured the warm tea into. Letting the water run to clear the tea then stoppering the sink to let it fill with soap and water you plodded to the entryway picking up your bags and locking the door, turning off the light there with a sigh, no need to waste electricity where there wouldn't be any more visitors.

You began the tedious meal preps, first you had to get the sweets prepared for the oven as that would take a while. Then marinating the beef for tomorrow, preparing the salad, the iced tea, mixing the juices, washing the rice, making some fried rice to chill. You tossed your blazer over the back of a chair and rolled up your sleeves. Beginning the dance around the kitchen you chuckled and shook your head and murmured to yourself with a smirk "Maybe I should set up a 'cooking with Kazuri' corner, Mai would enjoy that and I'd get both of them more well known."

After about an hour you were dripping sweat, finishing the last dish for tonight's dinner you added the last of the pans to the water which steamed as usual. With a deep exhale you smiled sheepishly at the fruits of your labor. Crepes, daifuku, macarons, two types of salad, two types of fried rice, rice balls, fried chicken, marinating beef and steak, pudding, iced tea, orange juice, fruit punch, choco-fruits and tonight's dinner. Carefully storing each dish properly in the fridge you made sure the oven and burners were off, then went to fetch Mai. Dinner was late tonight, but neither of you planned on sleeping early.

Once she joined you her eyes widened seeing the dishes you'd made. You chuckled "Well you don't have friends over often, so I made some extra treats to tie you over~ I'm probably going to pick up Kise from school, but I'll still be back around the same times as normal. Our job isn't going to be too hard so we might even be early" As you took a bite of your fish you waited to see what she'd say. Her eyes were softening as she smiled brightly "Nn! I can't wait. Then in the morning we'll do our photoshoot of you and Kise-sama before your date~" You felt your cheeks warm and you chuckled, nodding "Sounds about right, it'll be fun. And amusing considering Sunday on the court we'll be facing off. I'm really going to be seeing a lot of him, how fun." Your sister giggled and smiled teasingly "Kise-sama's fan club is going to start eating you alive Kazu-nii!" You sighed holding up your hands in surrender grinning while blushing a bit "I'm almost more afraid of that than of my team and their pineapples…. This is going to be concerning, don't you think Mai-chan?" She smirked and gave an American shrug reminiscent of one that Kise had done for a recent modelling shoot, and laughed "I think it'll be fun to watch Kazu-nii and Kazuri getting on with Kise-sama regardless of what happens~ I can't wait! I get to make a ton of new things~"

Sometimes you seriously wondered what was going on in your little sister's mind, she seemed really incessant on having you and Kise together all the time and it was hard to tell what motivation she had. Did she want Kise to come over more? Did she want to watch you struggle to keep up as Kazuri, Takao and her big brother? Did she fantasize a boy's romance? She was always so hard to read. It was making your head spin a bit as you considered it and shook it away with a quiet sigh. Shaking your head you took a bite of your dinner and tried to ignore the worrying confusion weighing on you, and the annoyed aggravation from your mother's blatant disregard for your lives.

Chewing on a piece of fish you appraised your sister, keeping a steady exasperated smile on your face as she rambled on and on about how interesting things would be from now on. You could only sigh internally as she ate and talked quickly, so bubbly and happy it was fun to model Kazuri after her times like these, but it was also a bit concerning as the target of her evil sparkles. Downing your dinner you sighed "Ne, Mai; Do you have a casual outfit for Kazuri? I figured that since I'm kinda kidnapping Kise from his team it'd be better to go as a casual Kazu and change back before we work." Her mouth dropped into a wide 'O' and her eyes took on a new level of excitement which turned your blood cold as you smiled a bit uneasily. She nodded and shoveled her food down and ran back to her studio coming back with a cute chic outfit. A pink sweater over coat, tight jeans, a long off the shoulder tee with a beautiful array of birds flying across the chest, with converse sneakers. You blinked several times and gave a slight whistle of appreciation "You are going to be a trendsetter at this rate you know Mai?" She beamed back and put the outfit on the sofa for you "I want to make lots of people love my outfits! And I have the greatest model for it!" You chuckled and shrugged "I guess; if you want to do more casual things… I was considering doing something like a cooking stream… Since I end up doing a ton of baking and stuff…" You shrugged and trailed off like it was no big deal, even though you were dying a bit. After all, although you loved letting her explore her ideas…. Being a female model was one thing, creating a 'third life' is another… "Since you want to do that, does that mean you're finally okay with having Kazuri's story become more popular?" Mai's eyes were like glitter, as if she was a fairy in a human's body, taking a breath you nodded "If I'm going to have to stand toe to toe against Kicchan I'm going to need to get used to that, on both sides. As me and her so… I should try to get used to her casually as well as the normalcy of her life."

You closed your eyes taking a slower breath than normal so you could try to relax. The slow breath allowed your senses to heighten, the darkness was soothing to your eyes and you felt your blood running through you. As you considered what would happen you decided to stop thinking for a moment, focusing on the blackness of the inside of your eye lids. The numbness of the moment was a reprieve from the anger, the anxiety, the stress, the exhaustion, everything seemed like nothing. A moment later your eyes opened and you tuned back into your sister.

Mai was oblivious to the moment of silence you took and bubbled how she'd work hard to make cooking chic clothes and maybe a signature accessory for Kazuri so you could make a trademark and perhaps even end up with a little accessory store beginning her line of clothes and such. Chuckling you couldn't help but smile "Hmmmm should I get a piercing over break, you've been wanting to add earrings to me no? If I pierce over break I'd be able to heal enough to not risk them closing during games and what not." Mai was going more and more to cloud 9 she was loving all the ideas. She plowed through the last of her dinner and once again took off. You gave a resigned sigh, finishing your meal you started to wash the insane amount of dishes leaving them to drip dry over the sink in the drying rack and headed to do your homework for your first period classes. After you finished those you'd be able to wrap up the rest on break and throughout the other classes and homeroom if you were lucky.

Nabbing your bag from the entryway you left your sports bag behind the sofa and dragged your school bag up to your room, turning on some music as you spread your work out over the table. Your history homework was simple, just a reflection essay of everything covered this week as an apology for sleeping. Not like filling out a five page essay was going to make you more likely to fall asleep again tomorrow after having to stay up late to complete it right? Well the simple homework itself was just an identifier for the key figures in the chapter of history you covered to be written in your notebook, they'd be collected and returned at the end of the day by the class rep. Sighing softly you poured yourself into the essay after a bit, the music and the knowledge flowed together and let you see the best way to fulfill the essay. Although it might not be the most fluent, there wasn't much you had to double check, accept for the facts from the day you napped. Yawning you finished it and powered through your math and regular history homework.

You piled your notebooks together and pushed everything back into your bag, double checked nothing fell out before flipping the lamp off and crawling into the bed behind you. Setting your phone alarm and plugging it in you plopped down exhausted. Normally it took you ages to fall asleep, today you barely remember your head hitting the pillow.

The sound of the alarm was absolutely piercing, it seemed to be trying to rip your head open instead of just waking you up. With a groan you swatted at your phone, resulting in it falling out of reach. As you followed it you rolled off your bed tangled in your blankets like a straight jacket. Your eyes sleepily opened as you smashed into the table and got yourself wedged in. You managed a pained sigh and wriggled free and pulled the phone over, turning off the alarm and stretched. 5 o'clock AM sighing you made your bed obediently before trudging over to the desk pulling out your to go kit, putting some of Kazuri's make up in it, with bobby pins and what not. You wrapped the wig, clothes and make up kit up in a messenger bag that was deep enough to hide your sports bag and small enough to fit inside under the sweats for practice. With a double check you made sure you had everything for all parts of the day and headed down to make breakfast before morning practice.

After getting changed into your uniform you knocked on your sister's door wondering if she'd join you for breakfast this time. For once Mai was getting ready as you were warming breakfast. She was sleepy as you were, probably she stayed up super late to finish up the outfits for Saturday's shoot and date extravaganza. With a shrug you relented and nodded understanding that it was truly going to be a long weekend it was a simple misunderstanding of interests, but you didn't mind. You wanted to see how close you would get to Kise, which of you would break past the other's mask before you broke completely. Could either of you do it, would he get bored? Questions like that swam through your mind as you danced through your usual morning preparations. The only difference was while you ate you worked on the math homework you neglected because that required a bit of consciousness, might as well try. At least some of it made sense to you, with a small sigh you worked through the equations that included letters that didn't belong in math. After a few moments you were somehow burning through the page, though you had a feeling you were going to get at least half of the equations wrong, at least they were done in a way that made sense to you. The convoluted equations made absolutely no sense, why should you remove a certain part of a problem before you could solve it when it could very easily balance out to being the same thing if you knew how to do it. There is no problem in doing such, but apparently professors and teachers didn't agree with such methodology, if you didn't properly show the work in the way that they requested it to be there were demerits, even if the answer was correct because you weren't following the proper steps into doing it.

Once you finished Mai had come out to join you and the food for breakfast was done. With a small smile you made her coffee as opposed to her usual tea, because she'd need something with a bit more kick to it to help her wake up after styling her way through the night. Call it brother's intuition or just an opinion but you could see how exhausted that she looked. With a happy yawn she accepted the hot mug of coffee and added a lot of sugar into it as she slowly sipped it with a sigh, she didn't like coffee no matter how sweet, but she also wouldn't turn it away when she was that tired. Finally when she was about half way through the glass you asked "Did you get any sleep last night Mai, mum will kill me if you end up falling asleep in class you know, you're the favorite after all" You poked fun and smiled at her and she smirked back "How could I waste more time sleeping when my darling brother and my idol are going to be going on a date and showcasing my clothes? I couldn't dare." She hummed and grinned "I'm so excited I can't wait for you to go out! You have to tell me all about it. Otherwise I won't forgive you!" With a chuckle you held your hands up in admission of defeat "I'll tell you what I can tell you Mai~ I couldn't possibly leave you in the dark my cute little benefactor." She was satisfied with that and happily finished her breakfast. The two of you cleaned up together and left together for once.

A sort of anxiety seemed to drag the day away from you, picking Shin-chan up, morning practice, classes, lunch, more classes, the after school meeting with the captain for instructions for Sunday, sending Shin-chan home. Once you were away from him you had to take your orange jacket off and put it in your bag, after all where you were headed that color would be a bit too hard to hide. Then it was time to take a train, glancing at the clock you sighed softly and scampered down the steps into the throng of people clustering for the subway. It was around 2 now, Kise wouldn't get out until around 4… almost an hour on the train, a transformation in a karaoke bar and the walk should get you there just slightly before he gets out. Swallowing dry you felt your hand curl around the strap of your bag, the anxiety was causing a lot of thoughts to run dark. After all today, you were picking up Kise from Kaijo, he was very likely to be with his teammates. Would they recognize you, would the fangirls be ruthless right off, would anyone catch you at the karaoke bar, was Kise going to reject you showing up? Shaking your head you stepped into the crush of the southbound train's rush. You balanced gracefully, not really having a handhold you swayed with the train, changing your footing with each turn until the crowd thinned stop by stop letting you stand at a rail. When you finally disembarked you headed out, carefully dipping into the first karaoke bar you spotted. You smiled and explained to the clerk you were supposed to meet a few friends and your cousin, so you'd rent the room for an hour and if they didn't show it'd be empty and there'd be no problem, either you or your cousin would drop by to let the clerk know. The clerk nodded and gave you a room and you headed back, carefully blocking the door and switching on the music, you began the transformation. Turning the table into a workstation you laid out the clothes, the make up, wig and the shoes, quickly you stripped off your uniform and sneakers. Putting the clothes in your sports bag and then the sports bag in the messenger bag. Pulling on an undershirt the taping began, you secured everything over the undershirt, taking your time but in a bit of a rush. Pulling on the underwear and putting in a few inserts to get the normal look you hummed and pulled on the clothes securely. You set up a mirror and began with the wig cap and make up, singing along to random popular song as you worked on your face. Sealing the work with a powder you put the make up away and pulled the wig on and pinned it securely with about five more pins than normal. You kept the makeup simple, since you'd be going to work afterwards. It was simple eyeliner, which would be used at the job anyway and the contouring of your face. Twelve pins held it snuggly to your head and it wasn't going anywhere. You inspected yourself a few times making sure everything looked natural and was in proper proportion. Running you hands over your 'curves' and shaking your head you could only smile at the mirror, really you were getting far to good at a practiced hand you put everything away and popped it into the messenger bag, putting your wallet, phone and such on the 'top level' making it seem more like a deep purse, yet even when you swapped back it wouldn't look out of place. Thinking about it you changed the ringtone and background of your phone before headed to the desk, the clerk was away so you waited and hummed. When he got back you said that your cousin left and your friends blew you off so the room was vacant if anyone needed the extra time. With a smile you left the clerk dazed and headed out.

Thinking about it you hopped along, stopping at a conbini you grabbed a couple lollipops, a pair of fake glasses and a plush kitten. You made a post on insta by an arcade near Kaijo with the plushie tagging it 'cute prizes' 'pregame' 'surprise visits' and you posted it. Then put the glasses on and popped the loli in your mouth putting the kitten in your bag. With an air of impatience you skipped over to the high school. Leaning against the gate you waited rocking impatiently every now and then. You heard some gossiping about you, when you saw Kise you grinned and shot him a text "Kitten, spotted." He was in the middle of a sentence when he glazed at his phone and looked around confusedly. Giggling you called "Ryou-sama!" Some of the students that were near you looked over confused. You saw Kise's mouth twitch and a vein pop on Kasamatsu's head and what seemed like hearts appeared around Moriyama. Some of the girls frowned a bit as you walked over and stopped in front of Kise "You didn't forget our D-A-T-E did you Ryou-sama? I was starting to get jealous of your senpai~ Kazu-nii is already at the studio~ I can't kidnap you 'til after so we should hurry~" With a pout you looked at him with a puppy eye.

Then as if realizing his team was there turned the cutesy up to eleven. You dipped into a bow keeping your face up smiling warmly still biting onto the lollipop. "Ah~ Your senpai are every bit as cool as you said Ryou-sama! This must be your captain Kasamatsu-sama~ He doesn't seem as short tempered as you said~'' Kasamatsu's face tinged pink at the cute words directed at him, you hummed and turned your eyes "The tall cool and composed vice captain would be…. Kobori-sama?" You tilted your head at the figure in question who was taken aback and nodded "Ah~ Then your shooting guard is the slightly whimsical Moriyama-sama? He seems quite interesting~" The heart eyes were tinged with envy at Kise as you turned to the next 'victim senpai' "The excitable senpai power forward would be…. Hayakawa-sama?" Tilting your head at Kise he nodded with a sigh "Then that makes the last one obvious~ This is Nakamura-sama~ The senpai you rely on when you push yourself too hard ne?" Kise flinched at that and went to pinch your cheek but you nabbed his hand and smiled warmly "It's nice to meet you Ryou-sama's sempai! I'm Kazuri~ Thank you for always taking care of this troublesome kitten~ Is it okay if I steal him?" Kise had seemed slightly startled at first, but was keeping up with you finally "Oi…. Kazuricchi…. You shouldn't trouble my senpai so much…" You pouted and bicked back with a huff "Ryou-sama… 'Kazuricchi' sounds so formal… And I waited for your practice to be over! I didn't want to interrupt… Are you saying I shouldn't have come to meet you?" You let your eyes water a bit and his eyes widened, pretty impressed.

It was Moriyama who came to your defense and saved Kise, smiling "Ah! You're The Kazuri?! That super popular fashion insta-blogger?!" You and Kise turned from your bickering, actually most of the teammates did as well. Moriyama pulled out his phone and opened your blog page and sure enough he followed you, and saw the latest post "You were waiting for Kise for over an hour to surprise him?!" You let your face grow warm and pouted "Mm~ I wanted to see Ryou even one minute sooner… But I settled for winning this plushie in the meantime~ I didn't want to cause trouble…" You hugged the plush doll and Kobori seemed to soften a bit and petted your head "It wouldn't have been trouble if you quietly watched our practice, you seem to know a lot about basketball huh?" You smiled warmly and nodded "Yes! My twin cousin plays for a different team in Tokyo, and I practiced with him when we were younger… I couldn't help but see it as interesting with how much he loved it~ Then I met Ryou-sama and I loved it even more since I can see him glowing" You smiled happily and Kise actually blushed a bit, he clearly wasn't expecting or prepared for that. Hayakawa was slurring a bit, but asked who your cousin was excitedly and what team he plays for "Ah~ My cousin is a first year like Ryou-sama, he plays for Shuutoku… that blinding orange team…" Kasamatsu seemed to finally find his voice and only asked "...Kazunari Takao?" You nodded "Yup! Kazu-nii! When we were little it was always hard to tell which of us was getting in trouble… 'Kazuri' and 'Kazunari' was a bit of a headache, so I was suuuuuper glad when I didn't have to enroll in the same school" You were being appraised by the team and Shinya murmured shaking his head "It's hard to see the resemblance until it's mentioned huh?" Kobori and Moriyama nodded and you giggled "I should hope I can take that as a compliment ne? I'm too dazzling to be on the same level as Kazu-nii right?" Kise was your saving grace for that one "Of course Ari, you're too beautiful to be confused with Takaocchi."

That nickname sent up a red flag, Kasamatsu carefully avoided looking at you- how cute he was really bad with girls- Stared at Kise "Since when are you that close with Takao?" Of course you and Kasamatsu talked on that night of rain and food, you exchanged numbers and talked sometimes; Needless to say Kise wasn't close to you that he knew of so he was confused and worried his kohai pal was being mocked. Kise blinked "Hm… Oh, Ari and Takaocchi are still really close… So we go to his house sometimes… I kinda learned a lot about him and I couldn't not respect him, especially after he told me his story…." Kasamatsu raised an eyebrow and you sighed softly rocking back on your heels "Mm, I was really worried you'd loathe his story Ryou-sama; After all it had to be hard hearing all that since you've changed so much…" Shinya seemed to pick up on that "...Does the story have something to do with the Teiko years?" The blue team looked at you again and you smiled sadly and nodded "Mm, It does. Kazu-nii was the only one on his team who didn't quit in middle school. I think it was like fifty total…. But Kazu-nii refused to give up. 'Natural talent is important, but hard work isn't any less important' I think it was?" You looked at Kise for confirmation and he nodded "...Er am I allowed to talk about your cousin's private story so easily?" You shrugged "Mm I'm sure it's fine~ I mean it's not like he tries to hide it~ If his reverse carrot friend ever asked I'm sure he'd tell it, and if he gets mad I'll say it was my fault~" Kise chuckled and shook his head "I can't have him getting mad at you for that Ari" You hugged him happily and nuzzled lightly "Then we can let him be mad at both of us and bribe him with food or something later~"

The mood outside of you two was a bit murky, it wasn't anything foreign that a lot of people stopped playing basketball after the run in with the miracles… Though to learn such a large number from one school stopped was concerning. You could feel the unease and hummed cuddling Kise lightly "I know it's bad… But I mean, wouldn't they have still quit in high school anyway? If they couldn't handle losing like that, and didn't wanna put in the effort… Would they be able to handle the practices and stuff you guys do? It's nothing to feel depressed over, they just left early is all. If you truly love something you'll always go back, love isn't something you can just stare at…. You have to work for it…. Right?" After your words there was a bit of silence you hugged the plush to your chest and waited, the oldest seniors exchanged glances before looking at you appraisingly. Though Kasamatsu's face was red and he was avoiding your eyes he was the one who spoke, albit broken "...Ju-just because they wouldn't make it… Doesn't me-mean they should ha-have quit like that…" You tilted your head the other way kinda drastically to the side with a frown "Ho…? Really? Maybe it's because I'm homeschooled and I only get to see everything from the sidelines… But to play a sport you have to have at least that much mental toughness… I mean…. Even Ryou-sama and the rainbow around him had to have gotten bored and sick of it for the opposite reasons, but they still walk onto the court. If you can't take that much… Then even MMOs would be too much… There's always a chance of a super victory or a bad loss… I mean I was at Teiko's game against Kazu-nii… And I mean 151-21 is a lot… But Kazu-nii's team in high school played a game winning 153-21 so… I mean, none of them quit?" Kise sighed and put a finger to your lips looking apologetically at his senpai "Er… Sorry she's into the romance of athletics… She sees it very plainly, she was forced to give up gymnastics because of an injury and a friend quit because it was too hard…" You pouted and waited, surprisingly it was Shinya who spoke up again "...Well she does have a point, quite a few from my year quit as well, they loathed the idea of playing against them again so they'd switch sports or club types. Those of us who wanted to keep going were driven by the defeats… Like we are now…" The older three though about this for a moment and Moriyama nodded "Even freshman here can't keep up with the feeling of oppression from the practices and want to quit, so just losing one game…. It's not fair Teiko got blamed for all of it when they only caused some of it I guess…." You smiled at Moriyama and thought you saw his heart grow, he had hearts around him and Kise wrapped his arm over your shoulder and you leaned into him naturally smiling warmly, Kobori shook his head "It's a really vicious debate, but Kise you should head off, we'll see you on Sunday." Kise nodded and smiled "I'll meet you at the stadium senpai! I have work Saturday so I might travel with Takaocchi in to get a bit more rest." Sighing Kobori nodded "Just don't be late." You giggled "I'll make sure Ryou-sama and Kazu-nii arrive at the stadium early since I have to leave early in the morning too!"

The team just sort of looked at you with curiosity and you gently leaned against Kise playfully, though you were almost sure your heart would stop you hummed "Don't let me keep you up too late ne Ryou-sama?" You glanced at him letting the curls of your wig fall between you before resting against his shoulder to see his eyes, he didn't flinch instead he flushed innocently "Ari you shouldn't say such misleading things, my senpai won't give me a break if you do things like this ssu'' He tried to look trouble and you smiled at the team, watching Kasamatsu turn deep red as he understood what was being implied and Kobori shooed the two of you. Giggling you dipped down into a cutesy bow smiling at them before taking Kise's hand and dragging him away before Kasamatsu could recover. As you dragged him the two of you naturally fell into a light jog, which was a hassle as you had to keep an eye on the way that you were walking. When you were Kazuri you had to keep an eerie level of self-awareness for what you were doing at all times. Males and females carried themselves differently at all times, from the way they walked, ran, interacted- It's not something that you'd really notice, but the habits ingrained over the years are really hard to overturn and it was really something you were self-conscious over after that exfriend of yours.

Kise stayed in your pace keeping your hands twined letting you lead, once you started to slow you were already a decent bit from the school and there was nothing to worry about for passersbys. Kise couldn't resist and actually laughed for a while, holding his side he smiled and chuckling he could only shake his head "That was daring Kazucchi~" Wiping a tear from the corner of his eye he grinned "Honestly, I didn't know that my senpai could show such expressions ssu~" You twirled a strand of the wig and smiled, you could feel your cheeks burning and had a feeling a pink was showing through the foundation. "Hm~ Well I had to kidnap you before things got too crazy ne? After all~ What would I do if people followed us today? I do have to change again since we have work~" A playful smile, a dull smile in your eyes covering your fear was probably a bit obvious to Kise, but he ignored it "As you wish, graceful little hawk." Your eyes widened a bit at the pet name that was said almost as if he were the princely type host, you weren't quite prepared and couldn't help but laugh "Kitten you're too much sometimes~" You winked and smiled "Well with that shall we head over?" You touched your index finger to your cheek and tilted your head, humming "I figure changing back on the way over will be a bit less attention grabbing~ And it takes time to get there, we've still got what thirty minutes? If we stop at the mall on the way I can manage."

Kise blinked several times and shook his head "Of course ssu, you are planning to keep me up all night after all. We should aim to get home early, no ssu? I can't wait to see what you two have cooked up~" Swallowing you felt a slight challenge sending chills down your back, you purred and grinned "Nothing to worry about~ It'll be more than you're ready for though" With a giggle you linked your hand with his and started leading him to the subway again. It'd be a bit a few stations further, you could post on the train. Humming "Did you have a fun week Kicchan? Shin-chan seemed more frustrated with you that normal~"

Kise kept pace with you and chuckled when you asked "Ah Midorimacchi was annoyed I was stealing his little hawk's attention~ I couldn't help but brag ssu, he was so sulky!" You sighed and shook your head still smiling "No wonder he was so needy during practice this week… Such a tsundere I serve~" The train ride consisted of jokes about Midorima, talks about the strains of class, the game, the date and the work that so messily overlapped this weekend. Between everything the both of you wanted to just pretend this weekend didn't exist. At least everything would be fun… Though by the time Monday rolled around the two of you would be testing the limits of your stamina, on top of the approaching mid term week.

On the train ride you two made a few insta posts, with each other, with the plush doll, with teasers about the weekend. Kazuri's account blew up when the two of you weren't paying attention to it, people were playing 'find the idols' while you two played the part of a young lovey-dovey couple. It was a bit of smoke and mirrors, you two got off at the station near the mall. With a bit of a walk you reached the mall and you slipped into a bathroom to change. It was a bit of smoke and mirrors, you swapped your outfit a bit, keeping the hoodie on so you could get out without suspicion, under it was your normal shirt, which was ontop of the more femme shirt your sister made, but the bindings came off, you swapped the jeans and underwear with your school uniform and moved your bag around so even if it opened things were covered, and the contents of the messenger bag all inside the sports bag so it'd be easy to slip the covering off. The shoes didn't matter, and as for the make up and pins, it was a bit trickier you couldn't remove all the pins before it was time to peel off the wig. As you walked out of the restroom you were lightly rubbing a cloth on your face, wiping away the makeup sealer as if you were washing water away, it was so casual no one paid any mind.

Kise was rather impressed as you two hailed a taxi to get to your destination, while the driver was focused on the road you bent down and slipped the pins out of your hair and the wig and wig cap came off with the hoodie. When you sat back up right Kise gently petted your hair and the driver glanced in the mirror completely confused. You smiled slyly at the reflection and gently lifted the bag onto your lap with one hand, pulling out the wig bag you slipped it inside and dropped the wig cap in. Tucking the bobby pins into one of the outside pockets of the messenger bag before slipping the sports duffle out of the inside and folding the messenger bag into it, putting the wig and hoodie in and slipping your blazer back on. With a sigh you grinned at Kise who gave you a silent applause "That was impressive Kazucchi~ We haven't even reached the site yet."

You poked his cheek, amused by the surprised expression "I did tell you that I'd keep you interested, no?" You stuck your tongue out and finished closing up your bag with a relieved sigh. Taking out his phone Kise snapped a selfie with you captioning it ' Kazuri had to go to her classes, so TakaKazu met up with me for the night, you're all watching for our spread tomorrow, right? I wonder if Kazuri or Takaocchi will catch your attention more? I can't wait ssu" The likes trickled in, and comments until Kise was forced to mute the app. You reluctantly popped yours open as you walked up the steps and you nearly tripped "G-gah… Both my accounts nearly tripled in activity… That's rather scary, even posts from ages ago are getting talked about… Yikes" Kise chuckled behind you and teased "That's the price of stardom, didn't you say you could handle it?" You flushed a bit and huffed "I said I could handle staying by your side, a shadow fades to nothing in direct sunlight you know? This will take a bit more practice before I can adjust and show myself without hiding behind such a bright lit kitten"

The taxi pulled up to the studio while you two were bickering and you paid and took a receipt. This shoot wasn't one that a lot of people were talking about, so the studio wasn't flooded with fans as the two of you walked into the building an aide met up with you and led you to the changing room. The shoot was a simple advertisement for a type of camera, they thought that the two of you were the perfect pairing after seeing you work in the same studio for your debut shoot. The outfits were chic and elegant, the story was a pair of close friends were on a trip and stopped in a cafe; Throughout the whole thing one friend is taking pictures, in the last frame the other friend swipes the camera and takes a couple selfie of them in a cafe with a cute latte between them.

As the aide explained this to the two of you, both of you were having trouble controlling your expressions. After all, didn't that sound like what you just did on the way here, minus the latte? The aide looked between the two of you and sighed, not convinced you were serious. Before she spoke you smiled "We got it~ I'm assuming Kise is the one who swipes the camera at the end?" Kise chirped up "And we just need to act naturally and have fun, right?" The aide was startled, but nodded still suspicious "If you two understand, get changed and head over to makeup. We want to finish this quickly. The director doesn't take kindly to those who waste time or play around." She exited the changing room closing it behind her with a finalizing snap. You and Kise exchanged a look and laughed putting your things down and starting to strip.

While you were unbuttoning your shirt and blazer, yet again, you said "Seems we already had some practice ne? I wonder if we'll be considered too playful if we imitate what we did before?" Kise laughed tossing his jacket over the back of one of the chairs and you saw him shake his head in the mirror "Heh I wonder, should we ask the director to let us use that kitten plushie as a prop? It'd be cute~" You laughed and grinned "I don't mind it'd be like a cameo, and it'd seem that Kazuri gave you the kitten so you wouldn't get lonely. Totally a twist if any of your fans see it." Kise laughed sitting next to you as you both removed your socks and shoes "Mm~ It's an easter egg I'd love to see what happens; lets see if it'll go with our outfits and suggest it."

Once the two of you were down to your briefs you went to the costume rack, Kise's outfit was a three piece outfit; he had casual jeans, rolled at the end to showcase the short topped boots, a faded gradient shirt that complimented the long black jacket that hung open with a scarf sewn to it in a dewy gray. Your outfit was a similar color scheme, consisting of long gray jeans that contrasted against the deep black shoes you had, however you had a 'couple's' version of Kise's shirt, yours was long sleeved and it hung long with a black vest to go over. As you two looked in the mirror you licked your lips in thought then tucked in half of the shirt giving you a bit of a difference in appearance; making it seem more intentional and refined than lazy. Glancing at Kise you smiled and tossed the kitten to him "It's got just enough contrast to work?" Kise caught it and checked the reflection, grinning slyly "Too cute ssu~"

The two of you exited the changing room, leaving your phones muted in your bags with your clothes. Kise held the cat plush, letting out his 'bored' look he was breathtaking. You didn't feel like losing out in terms of aura so you took a breath, keeping your smile you let the natural anger out. The air around the two of you was like a little vortex, people were trying to steer clear and the director watched as the two of you walked to the makeup artist. He was sizing you both up as if he were already filming.

As you both sat the stylists took a breath before they started to work, they tried chatting with the two of you. Other than pleasantries the two of you kept 'character' according to the script neither character was interested in others, just the scenery, fashion and their friends. So although they were far from rude they mostly chatted with each other; which for anyone who'd worked with Kise before knew that was unlike him. Even the stylist today who had worked with you on your last shoot was startled. What happened next caught you by surprise, he caught your stylist's hand as she almost made a mess of your makeup while trembling. He spoke simply "Please don't be so careless. You are a professional, do not be so surprised by the characters you work with." You lightly touched his hand making him relax, then his cheek "Mm don't be so harsh Kicchan, we are different than they expected." With a flurry you plucked the kitten from his pocket and pressed it to his lips with a playful smirk "But thank you~" The director who was watching the entire time gave some directions to the staff, it seemed the kitten was getting screen time. Your stylist was shaken and had to switch to managing your hair first. So, while she did that, you mirrored what she did on the left eye yourself. She was startled, but focused on your hair and praised that you did well. You politely thanked her and let her arrange your hair. Glancing out of the corner of your eye, you couldn't help but chuckle coldly "Really? That hairstyle with his outfit? Are we in 2005?" This time Kise's stylist flushed in shame and Kise lifted an eyebrow towards you "Didn't you tell me not to be so harsh?" You averted your eyes like a scolded child, offering a pout "I can't help it, since it's you, you know?"

Kise chuckled and twined his hand with yours, neither of you said anything after that. It took another ten minutes for them to manage to arrange your hair. By that point the director was impatient, he clearly wanted to roll. The two of you walked over to him and gave small in character bows and greeted in harmony "It's a pleasure to finally greet you sir." Neither of you were overly cheerful or excited, just simply like a pair of rich kids who were pulled away from their fun to talk to a teacher. One of the aides was going to chastise you, but the director held up his hand and gestured to the prop handler to offer over the camera. It was a stylish sleek camera, as you took it; you silently appraised it, with a sparkle in your eyes then lifted an eyebrow questioningly at the director.

Sensing your gaze he chuckled "We've changed our plan a little; instead of this one studio, we'll be shooting in two and the courtyard. Considering how well you two are doing; I think letting you do your thing is more fitting for this ad. When you get to the first studio, we're going to stick this little one into the machine for you, I do hope you're good with the claw Kise-san?" Kise chuckled and leaned on your shoulder "If it's for Kazucchi of course I'll be perfect~ I won't leave his gift trapped" Your lips curled and you hummed "So director-dono~ Is it safe to say it's studio two, courtyard then finishing here?" Your eyes swept the set ahead of you; it was the cafe. The director chuckled "You've got it. Well then shall we get moving? I'm looking forward to what the two of you have to offer."

Chuckling you leaned your head against Kise's and said "Of course~ We get to spend more time together once we finish after all~" Kise chuckled "We're in your care director-dono." The director widened his eyes and grinned "Right. He'll bring you over to studio two, go get set up; We'll be on our way." The aide who was gestured to was startled, but he bowed "This way Kise-kun, Takao-kun." He turned on his heel and lead the way down the hall to the studio. You could hear the director barking orders in the studio behind you, you fiddled with the camera. Looking over the features and such as you walked; knowing your tool would be beneficial. Kise noticed and chuckled quietly walking in pace with you. The aide was about five paces ahead of you both and kept glancing back. In the new studio it was an arcade set up, clearly there was someone else who had used it as there were two stages and the second was being broken down. When the aide walked in the others looked over; Seeing Kise and Takao behind them a few of the workers from this scene whistled softly, you both had a very self important air to you. As the aide introduced you both, you glanced over and gave the same half-careless bow you gave to the director and spoke simply "Thanks for your care." The one in charge of the scene chuckled and nodded "I look forward to seeing what my senior is up to this time. He said you had a prize for the machine that needed to be added?" Kise pulled the kitten out of his pocket and handed it to the assistant director. You glanced over and smiled "If we're using that old claw, you're going to want to make sure that the other dolls aren't too close or it won't close. I bet no one has caught anything on that today right?" You were already back to looking at the camera making some changes to the settings, and the assistant quirked his eyebrow "How do you mean?"

Knowing there was an easier way to explain, you handed Kise the camera and walked over to the machine, pressing the 'play' button. The telltale music started, the assistant followed you while the aide glared nervously. You heard Kise comment "He doesn't say anything pointlessly, just wait." The assistant watched as you manipulated the claw "See if it's here; the doll should be caught. But . . . " You hit the button to drop the claw, however as it fell the claw closed on the few dolls close by and the claw didn't close until it was starting to lift, this only caused the doll to roll of the pile. "The claw is old, and has less power to it. And because it's older the grip is bigger so having the dolls too close would make it impossible to catch. They need to be layered of course, but you want to have them spread in a way the claw can catch especially when you need a catch." You saw a flash as you pointed at the dolls, glancing over Kise had taken a photo with the prop, making you smirk a little. You didn't turn to him yet "See what I mean, or would you like a hand?"

The assistant thought for a bit glancing at the dolls and opened the back, trying to spread out the top most layer "Like this?" The director and camera crew walked in at this moment, you both ignored them. Noticing you two playing around, he ordered one set of cameras to film. You sighed softly and walked over to the assistant "Close. It's a bit more." You reached in and adjusted the second and top layers to show what you meant, then adding the kitten into a sweet spot like a featured toy in the machine." Kise grinned "Purrfect" He took another shot of you, and you smiled slyly back at him. The assistants noticed the directors hand gestures and quietly got the people needed into place without words. You walked over to Kise, smirking a little "Ah~ You started using it already? I thought you weren't interested?" He held the camera out of your reach as you leaned forward he grinned "Can't help it, you looked picture perfect~"

With a fluid movement you leaned toward him, gently touching his shoulder and carefully pulling the camera away from him, not ruining either outfit, noticing the microphone near you, you chuckled "Really? You won't let me see, kitten? That's no fair" Some of the staff covered their mouths watching you two. You pulled the camera over and opened the photos, slowly changing through, there were two you had taken, and two he had taken. Your cold smile warmed. "Mm, not bad, you do have good sense~ I wonder if you can win back that toy?" Kise's lips curled into a naughty haughty smirk "Do I get a reward if I do my little hawk?" Humming you pressed a finger to your chin, tilting your head "How about your favorite latte?" Pouting Kise huffed and looked away, your lips curled "Mm? Not enough? How about we spend the day together, then get a latte. I don't want things to end early either~" He seemed to come to life "It's a promise then~ I obviously won't lose~" Kise walked over to the machine and you smirked as he said "You better not take your eyes off me!" You purred "Oh~ How could I dare? As long as you don't get boring~" You saw his lips curl more, but he curled his fingers around the joystick and put in some coins. As he started the game, you inhaled, making sure you looked surprised, then satisfied; You lifted the camera, turning off the flash dramatically. Then you took a burst shot, taking a series of photos and showcasing the feature. You took a second burst shot and grinned. In perfect time as the doll dropped you both said "Beautiful."

The director was satisfied "Cut." Then he turned to one camera "You keep filming, don't take your lens off them" You and Kise grinned walking toward each other, you showed him the photos and he pressed the kitten to your cheek. The assistant in charge of the machine was in awe, he blinked a few times watching the two of you. After showing off the awesome pictures Kise chuckled "I still like the photos of you better~" You shrugged and turned your face slightly planting a gentle kiss on the plush doll earning squeals from the unexpected female staff "Mm~ You're far more beautiful though my kitten~" Kise purred and leaned against your shoulder again "Shall we head to the courtyard?" He wrapped his arms around your waist "Mm, we should there's so many people here." He made sure to look directly at the camera with a naughty smile. He held out his hand for the camera, which you gave him and took the kitten in an equal trade. Kise stretched out his hand and the two of you posed for the first of three in character selfies.

You both watched as the rest of the camera crew besides the designated recorder headed out. Giving them a moment you two played another round of the claw for the sake of it. Then headed out leaving the prize in the collection box. Kise whistled softly "You're skilled Takaocchi" You hummed "Not as much as Kicchan~" Kise and you simply linked arms, trading props again naturally. The filmographer with you two was having a heck of a time keeping track of all your intricacies, but was determined to miss nothing. When you arrived to the courtyard, it was easy to see where you were going; there was a beautiful fountain by a sakura tree. Your lips curled and you lightly tugged the listless Kise with you, you heard the director order the rolling to start and you hummed bringing Kise right to the fountain you had him sit, after he did, he boredly played with the kitten and you took a picture, before setting the camera up on the edge of the fountain, checking the angle then going back. You lightly splashed Kise with water, to which he startled and retaliated. As he did you both were grinning and the flash went off, Kise seemed surprised and looked at you questioningly. You held up a finger to your lips and went to pick up the camera, showing him the shot, then gracefully turning the camera to the camera so they could record the beautiful candid shot. Even the filming staff were silently praising, the fountain, the tree and the two of them were in the shot.

Kise pouted "No fair… I can't stay mad if you do that…" Chuckling you casually laid back so your head landed on his thigh "Mm, I really wanted to see you smile though… This camera might be my favorite thing; Only because I can see you smile even when you're not by my side~" True to the character, he covered his face from you and turned away flushed "W-what do you think you're even saying? We'll always be together" You smiled sadly and looked at the camera longingly then to the camera recording, your eyes almost seemed tearful "...I hope so…"

This time the director waited a moment before calling cut, his hand touched his chest over his heart, those soft words through his earpiece actually hurt him. Kise fiddled with your hair a little as you waited for the camera to move far enough away for you to sit up, once you had Kise hugged you almost sending you both into the fountain. To avoid getting soaked you leaned to the groundward side bringing him down on top of you, One of his hands was wrapped around your waist the other touching your cheek, crushed against your chest was the kitten. One of your hands supported his back and the other kept the camera safe, but still gently touched his side. Once the two of you landed, you maintained eye contact for a few moments before touching your foreheads together and closing your eyes. Once again in unison you spoke "Always."

At first some of the crew were rushing over thinking there was an accident, they stilled realizing the filming was ongoing, and their hearts ached seeing the scene. After a few moments the sound of the director and some of the crew moving caught your ear, and the two of you slowly sat up, twining your hands together and you slowly got up brushing each other off before picking up your props and headed to the cafe intertwined.

Once again when you entered the studio you hadn't even entered the set, the director called for action. You two walked listlessly toward the set, using the stage door properly. You paused and took a photo of the front of the shop before entering. Kise causally ordered for you, and you ordered for him. Simple and cute, some of the staff were squealing into their hands. The two of you walked over to a table and waited. The both of you played with the kitten, then when the drinks came out; You looked at the latte art and both of you looked at each other, carefully you shifted yourself into Kise's arm and then he took the camera taking a selfie of you, him the latte and the kitten on the table. As you both looked at the picture you smiled. The latte art was a hawk and a kitten with a ribbon tying them together reading 'Forever'. Once the final shot was taken and the final 'cut' was called you two relaxed.

The director called the two of you over, and he was startled at your real personalities. Kise was bright and sparkling, meanwhile at the moment you were smiling but extraordinarily embarrassed. You both bowed properly and smiled "Thank you for today" The director laughed heartily "I'm glad I went with your agency's suggestion. I hope to work with you both again in the future. If you're ever interested in acting, come to me first. I'll look after you two." The two of you exchanged looks and grinned "We're honored. We'll keep that in mind" The two of you laughed lightly "We're really too in sync at the moment." You laughed and offered the camera back to the director smiling "Is it possible we could trouble you for copies of these photos, we won't leak them, but it is our first job together." Kise nodded pressing his hands together in hope. The director nearly dropped the camera "Y-your first time?"

You tilted your head and blinked "Mm, I only had my debut photo shoot a week ago?" Kise chuckled "Amazing isn't he? Though we play the same sport~" You looked at Kise "Even then we're on rival teams and don't interact much you know?" The director watched you two quibble and was at a loss for a moment. He had an aide bring over a laptop and opened an email, having you both input your addresses he sent the photos to you. "Seriously… You two do not seem like amateurs… If you're ever interested email me back at any time." The two of you bowed again "Thank you very much! We'll keep in touch!"

As you headed back to the dressing room you chuckled and murmured "Another new world opportunity huh?" Kise looked at you curiously "New world?" You blinked, blushing a bit again "Ah.. Well…" After closing the door to the dressing room you decided he'd already heard enough about you, this wouldn't be as big "To me, everything seems to need to be separated.. Probably thanks to my mum. She sort of enforces that everything needs to be perfect and that certain things aren't pursuable… Photography, Sports, Modelling, Fashion, Business things like that, each ended up seeming like a new world… After highschool I won't be allowed to continue sports, I might be able to do photography, but modelling or acting; I would have to leave home probably. Since they aren't 'approved' worlds. Just like Mai and fashion… We're expected to follow our family in some shape, and so we have to beautify the 'worlds' we might need to leave…" You were both nearly out of your outfits, when you felt Kise hug you, his chest against your back, his face in your neck "You know… Parents can't control everything Kazucchi… Don't stop fighting for what you want…" Your heart tightened, maybe the lingering character, maybe the feelings for this golden copy kitten blooming in your heart. You pressed your hands over his and closed your eyes "If… I don't lose heart…." Kise stayed like that for a moment, before biting your neck, intending to leave a mark, you inhaled sharply and your fingers curled around his hands tightly as you shivered. After a moment he pulled away and muttered "Don't be so boring…" His eyes seemed slightly betrayed and the bright red spot on your neck spoke to his betrayed feeling. Your fingers traced the bite and you closed your eyes for a moment before you swallowed that pain into your heart "Hey! I didn't give up yet, don't get bored on your own." You huffed as you continued to change and you flushed "Geh we're shooting with Mai in the morning how on earth am I going to hide this?"

Kise smirked sadistically behind you "Mm~ Do you want me to leave one only we'll see then?" Your face turned red and you tossed the costume coat at him which he caught and laughed "I might do just that later~ Buuuut why don't we shoot tonight, then it won't be as obvious what it is after all" You felt your face flush and you nodded "If you're up for another shoot I'll message her." Kise chuckled and nodded, once you two were changed you both were still somewhat synced up, you pulled out your phones and opened the camera, taking a selfie with the cat plushie between your mouths you looked totally mysterious and appealing. Tagging each other you posted on insta 'Insane shoot today; Kise is going to cause a sellout of a certain brand~ #Anotherdayatwork' You flushed a bit seeing Kise's post pop up since he tagged you ' TakaKazu totally floored the staff today. Hope you're ready to be blown away by both of us! We're going to blow your minds. #Anotherdayatwork' You and him looked at each other and laughed. Then thinking about it you swapped accounts and commented on Kise's as Kazuri "AH! NO FAIR! RYOU-SAMA, TAKA-NII! YOU EVEN BROUGHT OUT KITA TO PLAY IN THE COMMERCIAL?! TakaKazu Kise how could you do this while I'm in class?! #Betrayed"

Kise laughed and liked the comment, as expected the whole post started gaining attention as you two finished getting ready to leave. You put the plush kitten back in your bag chuckling "Ah, really we're going to be so busy this weekend huh?" Kise smirked "Getting tired already Kazucchi? Can you really keep up with me?" You held up your hands in an exaggerated manner "Kicchan~ Not everyone is full of boundless energy, even if I fall asleep; that doesn't mean I failed to keep up, because I'm still beside you, you know?" He could only laugh and you grinned back "Shall we head back, this exhausted bird of prey still needs to feed the kitten and probably the girls." You were glad you decided to wear the jeans under the sweats from practice, since it made your bag feel a bit lighter. And the outfit still matched having your blazer and team jacket over the sweats you had a casual look, matching Kise's post-school outfit.

After thanking the staff, and apologizing to the stylists who were startled you two exited the studio out the side entrance as a safety habit. The two of you unmuted your phones and headed towards the station. As promised you messaged Mai "Would you be up to doing the shoot tonight? Me and Kise were thinking about resting a bit more in the morning" You barely put your phone away when you got a reply "We can do it tonight! I'll work my hardest to finish my project; oywh?" You laughed and commented to Kise while you waited in place for the train "Mm looks like we can shoot tonight~" You grinned and texted back "Catching the train now. I'll make dinner and serve snacks when we're back."

The train ride back was still roughly an hour, it was full, but not as packed as you'd expected; you two stayed standing in one corner by the door. You were kept in place by him, and your conversations were simple. After a while you realized he was slightly annoyed so you poked his cheek making him look at you. "You know? I really don't give up easily. So even if my mother disapproves that doesn't mean I'll lose heart you know? I thought you'd want me to tell you about it so I did… I was happy when my worlds started to collide… Since I overlap with you more…" Your cheeks burned and you looked at the glass to the subway door. Kise blinked looking at you and he leaned his forehead against yours again like earlier in the day "Hm… I don't know why what you said bothered me… But now hearing that… It doesn't feel so bad…" For the last bit of the trip you were in better moods and chatted about things like what Mai would be planning, or how jealous Midorima would be.

The fifteen minute walk back to your place was bickering over stardom and the costs, being teased and countering about the new world you were dragged into. About the new experiences you forced the seniors into and the very obviously jealous Midorima who had just moodily messaged the two of you having seen your posts. You two looked at the notification then each other and laughed "Shin-chan/Midorimacchi" While walking the two of you answered him and chittered as you headed back.

Once you made it back to your house, you could hear the squeals of your sister's friends as soon as the door opened. Slipping your shoes off you sighed putting the ones from your feet and the ones in your sports bag on the rack and pulling slippers down for you and Kise you set them down and smiled "It'll quiet down probably around when we start entertaining~" Stretching a bit you slid the door closed and hopped up to the entryway "Feel free to run your bag upstairs~ I'm going to prep dinner, there's probably still some snacks left over if you're hungry" Humming you slipped back into the kitchen, having a feeling that soon it was going to become trickier and trickier to make food like this all the time. With a slight bead of sweat running down your back, the dance began.

While you worked Kise went upstairs, changed into his gym gear rather than wear his uniform. Your sister and her friends smelled something delicious so they peaked out of her room and squealed seeing Kise on the sofa chatting with you in the kitchen dressed similarly in your gym clothes - well at least from what they saw- you chuckled serving Kise's tea and some pudding and macarons, smiling you looked at the gaggle across the room "Good evening, thanks for looking after Mai~" The girls were curious about how you and Kise were close and started chirping at you both, you had a feeling Kise was rather bored. So after bringing out some snacks for the girls you smiled and put the pan in the oven to heat the beef and steaks. Rinsed and dried you hands and casually walked around leaning on the back of the sofa, a slight smirk "Hm~ We're a bit closer than you'd think~ But shouldn't you be spending time with Mai?" Kise leaned back tilting his head up to look at you curiously, the sound of wind he was hearing was stopping as the surprise washed over him again. He decided to mess with you and tugged one of your hands making you lose your balance and dragging you over onto the sofa, having you sprawl out across his lap. Your face tinged pink and you recovered enough to catch yourself so you didn't roll onto the floor, adjusting yourself a bit so you could look at his mischievous golden eyes you sighed "Jezz Kicchan, you're too much sometimes!" The girls shrieked and broke out in giggles, watching you two so intimately they took the tray of snacks you brought for them and scampered back to Mai's room watching from the doorway.

When you tried to get up the kitten wrapped his arms around your waist and murmured "Give it a couple minutes, so they don't rush back out ssu" This was partially your fault so you could only concede, instead you fed him a macaron since you could reach the tray and he could not "It's not my fault if your legs go numb" You huffed as you pushed the cookie treat to his lips, he nommed it and the tip of your finger before teasing "Hm you're rather light for that Takaocchi, unless you plan on staying like this all night ssu?" He lowered his voice and murmured "It's interesting ssu, considering in that fall it's a good thing you kept those jeans on hmm?" Another shade of deeper pink took over your face, he was right in that shuffle your sweatpants had dropped a fair bit, if not for the jeans the underwear you had on would be on full display. Sulky you hissed "That would be from not expecting to be dragged over the sofa, that was cruel Kicchan" You could hear Mai trying to control her friends, but more than that you could only hear your heart pounding in embarrassment. With a chuckle the kitten simply clung tighter to your waist earning a sigh from you and he asked "Ne, that macaron was pretty good, can I have more ssu? Where did you get them?" You hummed a bit pacified by that and you brought the plate over holding it in your lap you fed him another "Hm? I made them." Grinning you watched his expression go from happy to startled as he ate the treat "Really ssu? Takaocchi you're amazing. Is that another one of your worlds?" You continued feeding him as you chuckled "Mah I just wanted to help, since Mai wanted them one day when she wasn't feeling well, I went through tons of trial batches before they were edible, but when she woke up and after she had her porridge she was able to eat the treat she wanted. Since then I make them occasionally...I guess it kind of is, but it's not one I visit as much; Though I might since you enjoy treats too~"

The door to your sister's room finally closed with a click while you fed Kise after a while he caught your wrist before you picked up another and asked "...You noticed?" You gently brought the hand to his cheek coaxing him to look up to you "Mm, it wasn't hard… You had this sort of dazed look in your eyes, and it seemed like you were only hearing an electric buzz not words, so I wanted to save you from that. It's not fair you came over to have fun, only to get stuck like that? Ne?" Kise seemed to be at a loss for words as he just stared confused and curious into your eyes, making you self conscious and clueless as to why. You gently stroked his cheek waiting for him to say something, or respond in any way. After a while, he slid his hand from your wrist and gripped your hand and tilted his head, gently biting your wrist, effectively startling you, you drew a startled breath and before you could say anything found yourself biting your tongue to avoid making more sound as he seemed determined to leave a hickey there. The color had been fading from your face, settled into a red immediately, and you shivered. It was a strange feeling, the warmth spreading from your wrist sent chills up your arm, it made you squirm a little and Kise's other arm tightened at your waist. You noticed the corner of his lips twitch up in a smirk, and his eyes stayed locked on yours. Pouting you closed your fingers around his gripping a bit trying to pull away lightly, which failed, he only released you after leaving a nice dark mark on you.

Kise hummed satisfied and you pouted "That's not fair Kicchan…" He chuckled "What's not fair ssu? I can't leave a mark? Even though you said so many adorable things?" You opened your mouth to say something and found no words, so you just ate a macaron unable to say anything, making him grin triumphantly. Even though you both knew you weren't being watched anymore, neither of you bothered to change your sitting arrangement. Now there were two marks to contend with, and your heart couldn't take another one.

When you finally stopped trying to escape Kise took another selfie with you feeding him, you almost hadn't noticed, but the shutter gave it away. You curiously looked at Kise, but before you could protest it the timer for dinner started chiming, so you carefully got up, leaving the plate of almost finished macarons in Kise's lap and headed to the kitchen, adjusting your pants as you went. Kise chuckled and watched you while finishing the plate of cookie treats. You pulled the steaks out of the oven and started reheating the rice and steaming up some vegetables. You sighed softly and were startled when Kise came to help "Five sets right?" You chuckled "Please and thank you!" As you moved around, Kise became your sous chef in a sense setting out the dishes, chopsticks and fetching things like the salad and juices you told him about while you plated and finished the foods.

After a bit of prep time, all the dishes were served, with a pot of tea, coffee and pitchers of juice on the table as well. You went and knocked on the door of Mai's room "Mai, girls food is ready." After a short bit Mai opened the door and looked at you with a slight pout "Jeez nii-chan you made it suuuuper hard for us to finish our project!" You rubbed the back of your neck and could only smile helplessly "Sorry na~ Are you coming out now, or do you want me to cover the plates for you girls to have later?" Mai went in to ask the three discussed and it was a unanimous "We'll eat when we finish!" Mai closed the door before you could say anything else, with a shrug you went back, taking out three heating tents you covered three portions and sat with Kise to eat.

Once you finished you two washed and dried the dishes you had used then went to take a bath, figuring it would probably be late when you finished with Mai it'd be best to get it out of the way now. The two of you had a relatively calm bath, when you came out the girls were finally eating and gasped seeing two 'hot boys' wet. You and Kise could only chuckle as Mai turned red alongside her friends. The two of you blinked and looked at each other, smirking a bit you shrugged. He sighed and smiled warmly at them earning another wave of squeals. The two of you could only head upstairs and curl up in the sitting room up there before you lost the ability to hear. When you got up there you checked your phones and both of you went wide eyed, your post was trending. 'We'll be playing a game of hide and seek in Tokyo, look forward to it' and there were hundreds of likes, comments and shares. Kise hummed "Oh tomorrow will be a game of cat and mouse on top of everything else ssu?" You felt like you wanted to cry, but no tears would come nodding "Mm it seems like it, how fun~ Seems we'll be running around a toooon~" He chuckled and leaned on your shoulder "Hm~ I wonder how many expressions of yours I'll get to see, since you're excited, nervous, embarrassed and curious"

Your eyes widened, had he gotten used to reading you? Kise hummed and nuzzled your shoulder "Though I wonder if I'm imagining it, I'm not as good at reading people as Kurokocchi, since I never really cared enough ssu~ It's just how you seem Takaocchi" You felt your heart aching while it beat unsteadily, you ruffled his hair "I wonder, you have an interesting way of trying to see through people though." You felt him tense up a bit at your touch, you continued to gently play with his hair and chuckled "Ah, is this why the make up artists were saying your hair was like silk? It's so soft even when it's still wet." He tilted his head to look at you curiously "What do you mean ssu?" You blinked and smiled "You don't know? The makeup and hair stylists were gossiping about your hair being a gift that would make any girl jealous. That your girlfriends must have been heartbroken learning your hair was silkier than theirs."

Kise blinked a few times and his eyes narrowed a bit curiously "Hmmmmmmm, Takaocchi hears all the gossip huh? Hasn't it only been a day ssu?" You felt an indescribable shiver run down your back and you shrugged "Well it was a day that I had to work beside you Kicchan, you realize that they'll always chitter away with you around, and I have a predisposition to listening to what's around me. Whether or not I want to, call it a curse since I see and hear so much noise" The kitten was watching you with his eyes like a predator, your heart was starting to pulse painfully again, and you couldn't help wondering exactly what was going to happen to your poor heart. After a while of appraising stares he hummed "So what else did you hear Takaocchi?" Thinking either way you were going to be in for a ton of chills you sighed "Mah, mah it wasn't really interesting~ There was the comment about your hair, about how you're the eye candy everyone wants to work with or'' you coughed a bit not realizing the next words would draw heat to your face you continued anyway "Work over if you were older or they were younger, they were excited to imagine if you got a partner to work with what'd happen. There was a ton of squawking about what would happen if we worked together, as if I'd live up to that image; yes there was a lot of harsh critique on me at that point, then some startling defenders listing back similar things about me." Shaking your head defeatedly, you didn't notice your fingers tracing over the mark Kise left, though he smirked when he noticed "They also were chittering about your last job with the popular actress, and the next job with the big name model. Wondering if you'll get woo'd and what'd be next." When you finally finished you tilted your head and looked into his eyes again, startled to see him smirking and watching you so closely "I… Think that was everything?" Now that his eyes were reading through you like this it was unnerving and you weren't certain of anything anymore.

Kise kept watching you, your fingers froze over the mark after you noticed what they were doing, your hands unnaturally twined together and you tilted your head the other direction. He chuckled and nabbed that marked wrist pulling you over to him again, mentally you wondered if you were going to end up pulled around like a puppet very often, and somehow the thought wasn't revolting as you'd expect; this time was a bit different since you weren't behind him on a sofa instead you were only a foot or so away sitting across from him when you were pulled from your semi-crossed legged position you were brought to your knees and with a bit more of a tug you were on your hand and knees, with your other hand captured hovering barely inches from him, your blush deepening as you tried to control every possible emotion and thought running through you. Watching your eyes seem to swim he laughed and leaned forward and just before your lips touched whispered "Ah Takaocchi~ I wonder, will you really survive our game ssu? You're so interesting and adorable~ Should I reward you? Punish you for your jealousy? I wonder which?" Swallowing you mumbled "B-but I'm not j-jealous" With a deep breath you toughened your spine even though you were positive that he wouldn't let you go "Even if I was~ Why would I let Kicchan know that I was jealous? It's so uncute sometimes to be jealous like that… It'd just seem clingy" You pouted a bit which made it seem like your lips brushed his, though barely. His eyes glittered in challenge "Oh~ Really ssu? You seem really jealous, but are you telling the truth?" You realized what he wanted to ask, if you were really jealous, and you were lying wouldn't he make it even worse than if you were to be honest and tell him? Though even in that case what could be said? Were you jealous? Not at that time, maybe thinking back on it now you might be, but not for the reasons he'd expect. The hand Kise captured twitched as you considered it and you sighed and steeled yourself "Mah~ You're reading things however you want to Kicchan~ Maaaaybe I'm jealous now but it's not of what they said~ It's probably since they got to see so much more of you, and I'm curious about everything they mentioned" Even though you tried to keep cool, your face was totally on fire, and Kise's eyebrows raised as he listened and his smirk deepened "Oh ho? Kazucchi is jealous? Even though he just said he wasn't~ What should I do ssu~ This little hawk is truly cunning~ And we've left the door open~ I wonder if the girls downstairs will hear if I tame such a difficult bird~" Your heart started beating like it wanted to make a getaway again, and you froze startled at the suggestive tone he'd taken, Kise was certainly a cheshire and you had no clue what he was planning to do. Swallowing you could only watch as he made his moves, not that you were reluctant to see where he'd take you only if your heart could keep up.

There wasn't much you could say to argue, one way or another something was going to happen, what that was would depend on the kitten's mood. You felt cold sweat on your back, the heat from the bath was turning into a settling chill as you offered a slight sigh "Hm? I did already promise I can keep up no matter what Ryou-sama it's just a matter of stamina in certain situations." It was obvious you'd shrug if you could, but in this situation you could only half-heartedly do that, considering you'd lose your balance if you tried with one hand grounded holding most of your weight. Kise's lips curled into what you could only call a sadistic smile, and you swallowed your breath as your positions changed again. Before you could blink you found your back against the cushions on the floor with a copycat pinning you down. All you could think about was him.

By the time you regained your senses you heard the girls getting ready to leave, your heart was ready to exit your body again. Whimpering softly you looked up at Kise and mumbled "K-kichan… we need to go downstairs soon…" If he didn't look up to meet your eyes you'd have guessed that he didn't hear you, after all you didn't hear that yourself. Chuckling he leaned back helping you sit up, causing you to spasm slightly from chills. You could feel your face burning and you glanced at the long mirror, reluctantly forcing yourself to terms with what just happened and fixing your appearance again with a pout "Kicchan… There's a limit to cruelty…" He smiled like a Cheshire and helped you clean up a bit and sounded like he was purring as he spoke "You know Takaocchi~ I didn't expect to be so compatible with you, it's going to be super fun; Truly I'm glad it was you who won the contest."

With a sigh you could only meet his eyes in the reflection of the mirror and grin despite the burning you felt on your face "Mm~ I'm glad too Kicchan, bu~ut we still have quite a few games to play to see if your words will hold up, ne?"

Downstairs the sounds of voices were nearing the steps so the two of you got up, Kise caught you noticing you almost stumbled from rushing "Hmmmm Takaocchi can be clumsy? How surprising ssu" It seemed more probing than teasing, but it had a taunting tone, with a pout you met his eye "Nn clumsy? I guess, but I just moved too quickly~ After all how can I let Kicchan go first to face the flood of female flames again?" Kise's eyes widened a bit and softened just slightly as he shrugged "Oh~ How reliable, I wonder how this graceful little hawk will handle them this time?"

Whistling softly you smirked over your shoulder and started down, gracefully skipping the last six steps and landing on the floor with a surprisingly light thud. The girls jumped and Mai sighed, while Kise whistled appreciatively from the top of the stairs, walking down normally. You chuckled and smiled at the girls who turned red again "Are you headed back now?" The red faced duo nodded, both averting their eyes but glancing at you multiple times. Mai was glaring at you while smiling at her friends "I'm glad we finished the project! Now we can do the presentation early and relax for the next couple days~" They were called back by her words and nodded and flushed even more when they saw Kise who seemed to be glowing more than before. You chuckled shaking your head "Mm if you three do well on the report, I'll treat you to some special sweets next time~ You two should get home though; It won't be safe if you head out much later than this." They seemed to hesitate and you gave a toothy smirk and carefully murmured so only the two could hear, which was difficult with how close Mai was "It wouldn't be safe to stay the night either~ After all, too much excitement would keep you girls awake, you do want to try a tastier sweet don't you?" Mai and Kise looked at you as they squealed and nodded before flustering towards the entryway, you chuckled and called after them "Make sure you let Mai know when you reach the station and when you get home." They nodded and scampered away, leaving Mai to follow them out and call after them confusedly "See you tomorrow" After they left her sight she came back in locking the door and heard Kise ask "What exactly did you do Takaocchi?"

With the same mischievous smirk you just shrugged "Hm~ I just fed their imagination a bit probably?"

Mai just sort of glanced between the two of you then giggled "Well nii-san~ Kise-sama; shall we begin, as the night is young?" You felt a chill run down your spine, but you nodded "Mm, it'll be a sleepless night if we start to late, and playing hide and seek when you're tired is just no fun~ Ne Kicchan?" Kise smirked a bit and nodded "It's quite true the little hawk will need to rest properly to appease me tomorrow~ Shall we play Mai-chan?"

Mai seemed to be completely over her tiredness and she nodded enthusiastically "I finished your outfits this morning! I'll set up while you both change!" She seemed to sparkle and ran into her studio, you could hear her unlocking the door. She came over with two bags, one was smaller and easier to manage, obviously Kise's bag, men's clothes wouldn't be as intense and Kise wouldn't need a wig or anything. You sighed softly taking the bag from Mai and peeking in blinking "Oh? It's like that this time?" She giggled and smiled happily nudging you towards the stairs. With a relenting sigh you nodded "I got it, I got it I'm going, I'm going." You looked apologetically at Kise "You don't have to change right away if you don't want to; You know about how long this will take." Kise chuckled "I'll change, I'm curious what Mai-chan came up with, I'll change in the bathroom down here though, so Cinderella can keep his magic~" Before heading upstairs you grabbed your sports bag from the hallway since part of your uniform was in there.

You sighed helplessly and went into your room, flushing at the traces of embarrassment again. You stripped to nothing, and dug out the things you needed or that didn't belong in your sports bag first. Tucking and placing, binding and then setting out the make up and the contents of the bag. Your eyes widened when you saw today's outfit "When… did she start making this one?" The dress in front of you clearly was not something she just whipped up. It was stunning, a gauzy chiffon dress, it was shoulderless, leaving the neck and upper back exposed. There were cufflets on the upper arm and wrist to hold a glittery transparent starry silver sleeve on the arm, the dress was a silky fabric with a layer of fluorescent translucent chiffon over it. The dress cut above the knees in the front and was a bit flowy and lower in the back. Absolutely stunning. There was a star drop choker, and the star earrings you wore would accent this perfectly. There were stick on nails this time, bedazzled flats for shoes, with the same glittery tights from last time. The wig was woven with star clips into an updo braid like a crown.

Taking a breath you pulled the underwear set and tights on, then sat in front of the mirror pulling out the full makeup kit you had. Putting on a wig cap you took a breath and began the assessment and process. The brows needed to be softened and thinned again with the glue and then feathered for a gentle look, the eye liner was going to be a graphic arrow with a black outline and silver inlay, you'd use the silver body glitter to make it more stunning. A shocking silver lip liner, a darker blush to stand out against the skin, and a lighter one for the chest and nose as normal. Carefully using foundation you covered the exposed hickey on your neck as best you could, the one on your wrist was hidden by the dress and couldn't be hid with makeup. After that you sprinkled silver glitter on your chest and shoulders lightly before covering it and putting it away. You carefully pulled the wig and accessories on. Taking a breath you got up pulling the dress on and admiring the look before slipping into the shoes. Then you sat on the bed for a bit, applying the nail glue and the fake nails. The headed out the door not putting anything away; After all it'd be needed again in the morning, why bother.

Walking downstairs you saw Kise on the sofa, he was in a dark gray suit, you couldn't see everything. Curiously you called "Ki-chan? You're changed already huh?" Your falsetto seemed to have startled him, just like yesterday he turned and saw you and blinked "Amazing. . ." You saw him stand up and whistled softly, his outfit was dark gray with a silky tie wrapped in the same fluorescent chiffon your dress had, with a silvery shirt underneath that had a star inlay. You were a couple out of this world in dress and personality it seemed.

As you reached the bottom of the stairs Kise held out his hand, like a gentleman escorting his partner to a dance. You giggled and relented taking his hand, the fake nail glue having already dried. The nails were a deep blue with silvery stars on them, quite a vivid pop of color against the white gloves on his hands. You smiled "You're stunning Kicchan" When the two of you walked in Mai actually fangirled for a moment before setting to work, the poses were to accentuate the clothes, she offered some poses when the two of you got too carried away, but she didn't call to many negative takes. Within an hour you two were finished, having been posed and kneaded you leaned against Kise for a moment, just exhausted. Mai hummed waving her hand "Thanks for your hardwork~ Nii-chan leave the clothes in here after you're done." You sighed softly "Yes, yes I'll leave them on the chair here after we wash up…" You mumbled under your breath "Again…"

You didn't even bother leaving at first, you carefully slipped away from Kise and removed the wig and wig cap; having only used four bobby pins you clipped them to the bottom of the wig bag and put the wig and cap away, setting that and the choker on the chair by the door. Kise chuckled and shook his head, following your lead for a bit he slipped his shoes under the chair and set the tie and jacket on the chair before lifting an eyebrow challengingly. You flushed and slipped your shoes next to him, before taking his hand leading him out of the studio flushing. Kise chuckled and murmured "Well isn't it better to leave them here so they don't get wet in the bathroom?" You flushed and pouted ". . . I guess. . ."

Somehow you felt like you were getting caught up in Kise's pace more and more the longer today went on. Just like last time his hands ran down the fabric, he didn't need to kneel this time as the dress wasn't nearly as long, instead his fingers teasingly ran lower intentionally before hooking the dress and lifting it up slowly, letting his hands run over your skin as he did, sending waves of shivers through you. Swallowing you carefully slipped your arms out of the sleeves as he lifted it over your head and then you didn't give him a chance to escape, while he held the dress you unbuttoned his shirt and undid the pants and belt to his outfit, kneeling down to drop them and your own tights and the panties with them, sticking your tongue out up at him as you nudged him to step out of them, you saw his eyes darken for a moment before he stepped out of them closer to you, nearly trapping you against the wall as you slowly rose up to your feet your back pressed to the wall, he whispered against your ear "You enjoy playing dangerously don't you?" He shrugged off the shirt and handed it and the dress to you headed into the bathroom smirking "Don't keep me waiting too long Kazucchi~ Or I'll see how long your stamina really can last~" You swallowed dry and watched the back of Kise disappear into the bathroom. You flushed, carefully folding the clothes and putting them on the chair, slipping the bra off as well and leaving that before headed to the bathroom very quickly. So quickly you forgot that you didn't have a change of clothes down here tonight.