A/N: Thanks for the great feedback from last chapter! Ya'll are amazing :) Here's the next chapter, as promised! Sorry for taking so long. I got caught up in the Fairy Tail and Kingdom Hearts fandom and I just sort of stayed there. But now I'm back and ready to dive into my Kodocha stories again!

I don't own Kodocha or any of its related contents.

'Thoughts'
"Speech"
"Flashback/Dream"

Crimson Ties

-O-

Chapter 7: Insight

-O-

"How long are you going to be sulking like that?"

I resisted the urge to growl as my mama rode her way into my room, with Maro on her head. I buried my head in my pillow, hiding away from the world.

"As long as I want." Is what I said, but it probably came out as gibberish since I'm talking into the pillow instead of to my mama.

"You know that I cannot understand you when you mumble like that, Sana."

I sighed, pushing myself up from my most comfortable position. I gave a pointed look to my mom, trying to show her how upset I really was.

"I'm guessing your plan fell through?"

I hated how well she knew me.

"I just wanted to come here and avoid trouble. I wanted to finish my last two years of high school and then move back to Nagoya, fix things with Naozumi mainly. But now everything's all messed up. I got involved with a stupid gang leader and he's making my life a living hell like he promised he would."

I was sulking to myself when I felt a new weight on my bed and a hand to my shoulder.

"You are Sana Kurata. You are my daughter. You are resilient, stubborn, and brilliant. You've made choices that haven't been the brightest, but you've always had a positive outcome in the end. This Hayama Akito is just another obstacle in your life, Sana. And in your heart, you know what you have to do."

I leaned my head against my mama's shoulder and sighed, closing my eyes.

"Thanks mama. You're the best."

"I know, daughter." Geesh, way to take away the sincerity of the moment. "Now, you still have chores to do. Get to it."

I groaned, falling back against my bed, laying flat on my back. "I need my beauty sleep! If I want to tackle these problems head on!"

"Sleep is for chumps. Kurata's don't sleep." I could hear her call to me. Seriously? Sleep is for chumps? Mama is losing her edge.

"Well this Kurata does!"

I could hear Mama mumbling something incoherent from outside the door, but I paid no attention to it. I wasn't in the mood to do chores, but I figured I might as well do it because one, I absolutely had to, and two, it could take my mind off the stupid, pompous, heathen that made my life a living hell.

And what do you know? It actually helped. Even though Shimura was our maid, she really wasn't.

I know, it sounds weird.

But Shimura had always been considered family to us. She was like the really awesome aunt that spoiled you senseless. But this really cool aunt cleaned our house, made our food, and did all our chores.

But that never stopped Mama from helping her, or rather, making me help her.

Anyway, point of this whole spiel was that helping her tidy up really helped clear my mind and zero in my focus for how I was going to counter against Hayama and fix my Nakao problem.

Because the last thing I need is anymore drama.

I have enough unclaimed baggage, I don't need to carry anymore.

But first thing was first.

I had to apologize to Nakao.

-O-

You know how I said I was going to apologize to Nakao?

Well, that was easier said than done.

When I went to school the following Monday for school, after a much needed weekend break because dear god, I just couldn't deal with the whole Hayama, Nakao, and Hiro situation, I made it a priority the first thing in the morning to find Nakao and apologize to him and make things right.

Because I liked Nakao and I didn't want to hurt him anymore than I did.

But for the death of me, Nakao was nowhere to be seen. Or rather, I had seen him, but everytime I tried to make eye contact with him, he bolted in the opposite direction. Now, I understood I kind of deserved it, but I was trying here! I was trying to apologize but he wouldn't give me any time to do it!

And that wasn't even the worst part.

The worst part was that I had to do my best to avoid Hiro because that damn, stupid, perverted Hayama was watching me closely and threatened to spill my secret had I come even a mere feet close to my new friend.

How he had come to know my secret?

No idea.

But the idea that he was able to obtain information from such a distance scared the hell out of me. It made me realize that this guy could actually be very dangerous. I know I played it off with a chuckle and had the ut most confidence when dealing with any of his, pardon my language, shit, but the reality was actually setting in.

Hayama Akito was a gang leader who had resources and ties with dangerous, dangerous people. And I could really end up in murky water here if I didn't watch myself.

I sighed as I sat down in my fourth period, eyes trailing towards the front of the class. I droned out the announcements and shifted to a more comfortable position in my chair. Hayama hadn't really done anything to me since school started, which was odd, but I was still watching him like a hawk.

Because really, he was unpredictable.

"Sana-chan?" I looked up to see Aya's glossy brown eyes staring at me.

Aya was cute. She was very petite, but she was adorable. Her and Tsuyoshi were so cute together! Maybe a little too gushy for me, but if there was any relationship that I envied, it was definitely theres. Besides, all my relationships (which was a total of 1), failed miserably.

"What's up?" I smiled at her. She looked at me with slight concern, which was concerning for me. Aya was always laughing and smiling. Except for when it concerned Hayama. She was very sweet and soft spoken, not really raising her voice. So it was weird for her to approach me with such a low voice.

"Are you okay?" I looked up at her, slightly confused to why she would be asking me something like that.

I smiled, like I always do. "Yeah, of course!"

But she seemed to frown at that comment. "I hope you don't mind me asking," Uh oh, that was never good, "But, I've just noticed that you and Hiro-kun haven't been speaking to each other lately. And I've noticed that Shota-kun has been ignoring you for some reason. So I just wanted to see if you were okay because I could tell something is wrong with those two boys."

And the truth comes out. Damn you, Aya. You really are perceptive aren't you? You're just hiding your sharp eye under that coat of sweetness, aren't you?

Well, no point in lying. At least, about the Nakao thing. There was no way in hell I was telling her about the... arrangement I made with Hayama. I would just make something up I suppose. Even though I hate to do that to her. To any of them.

I sighed, because this really does suck. "I swear it was a misunderstanding." Aya rose a brow at me as I said that. "I was asking Shota questions about Hayama and then some of Shota's friends walked into the classroom where it was just the two of us and assumed we were… hooking up? I guess you can say. But I reacted too strongly and hurt his feelings."

"I suppose that makes sense. We could all tell Shota-kun had a bit of a crush on you." My heart felt even guiltier after Aya confirmed my thoughts.

I smiled half-heartedly. "I figured that. I just feel bad because I didn't mean to hurt his feelings or make it seem like it was the most ridiculous thing in the world. And I've been trying to apologize to him all day, but everytime he sees me, he runs off." I frowned, crossing my arms. "So how am I supposed to apologize if he doesn't give me the chance!?"

Aya giggled, returning with a smile of her own. "Shota-kun has always been very sensitive. I think he admired you more than actually liking you, no offense." Should I be offended? "Shota-kun isn't one to carry grudges, so I'm sure if you just corner him, and explain things to him, he will understand where you are coming from."

I have to admit, Aya's advice was really refreshing. It's a lot different than Fuka. Fuka is headstrong and kind of forces her advice and words onto you. But that's only because Fuka thinks she's always right (and mind me, she totally isn't). Where Fuka is very practical and always looks for ways to make me face my mistakes while feeling bad about it, Aya is very sweet about her choice of words. She's assuring and encouraging. And it helps that she actually knows Shota.

"Alright! I'll do just that! Thanks Aya!" I thanked her, of course. Because I really was thankful. Also, I'll get Aya off my back about Hiro.

"You're welcome, Sana-chan." We smiled at each other briefly, but then, her smile turned somewhat shy, and I had a feeling that I knew what was coming next. And I wasn't quite sure how I would answer what she wanted to ask me.

"As for Hiro-kun, if you don't want to tell me, I understand. I shouldn't pry in others business, but, I've known Hiro-kun for a long time and he is a good friend to the rest of us. Hiro-kun is very sweet and he cares deeply for his friends, especially for those he holds close to him." The guilt began to eat at me again, because I came to that conclusion about Hiro already. And I felt awful for treating him the way I have. Especially because who was I to be so cruel to someone who has been nothing but kind to me?

"Hiro-kun likes you, Sana." I nearly choked at Aya's confession, "Just like the rest of us do." Heart rate has calmed. "He admires you and your bravery. But he also worries for you because he especially knows how much hurt Hayama-san can inflict. Hiro-kun has been my friend for many years and I really like you as a friend also. So if there is anyway for the two of you to make up, that would make me very happy. Because Hiro-kun has already been hurt and it's nice to see him smile and return to what he use to be."

Not forgetting the last sentence of Aya's somewhat speech, I smiled weakly back at her. I was happy she didn't ask about what happened between us. If it was Fuka, she would have drove it out of me. I should probably stop comparing my friends, huh?

Anyway, I was happy that Aya didn't pry because to be perfectly honest, I wouldn't have told her and lied about the entire thing. Because I simply would not let anyone know what my secret was. But, it was eating at me, having to ignore Hiro.

It even drew me to tears. TEARS.

And I don't cry. EVER.

"I-I'll fix it both, alright? So that way it doesn't have to be weird anymore!" That was the best response I could come up with.

And Aya seemed to agree because she nodded and left it at that.

Fourth period went by pretty quickly and soon I was going to 5th period.

And that's when I saw something weird.

Well, kind of weird.

Tsuyoshi and the bane of my existence, Hayama Akito, were standing in the hallway, talking, I think. I hid behind the wall as I watched them talked about whatever it was they were talking about. Damn it. I really wish I could hear what they were saying.

From what I've pieced together, Tsuyoshi and Hayama were always really close. So it doesn't really surprise me to see them together. I've noticed times where he would always try to reason (ha! REASON!) with the asshole. And whenever we were involved in some sort of altercation, Hayama never touched Tsuyoshi.

I wonder… did Hayama have a thing for Tsuyoshi?

All the color drained from my face as the idea crossed my mind.

That was ridiculous! Stupid Sana! Why are you thinking things like that!

Tsuyoshi was clearly straight. Any idiot could see that he was head over heels in love with Aya. Even I, the most dense person on this planet, could see it!

And it was clear as day that Hayama enjoyed being with girls.

I mean, the first time I met him, he was having sex in a classroom for goodness sakes!

So no, Kurata. Cross that thought from your mind, immediately!

I focused back toward the two boys and I could see Hayama's croonies hanging around, almost like they were protecting him (By the way, they weren't very good at their job).

Anyway, when I looked back at Tsuyoshi, he looked upset, while Hayama looked indifferent.

Tch, typical.

Watching the two, I tried piecing all the pieces of information I have on Hayama together. From what I know so far, he was a "lone wolf." He was very distant and kept only some close friends. And he was just a normal guy.

And then something happened his first year in high school because that's when he did his complete 360 personality change. Now question is, what exactly happened?

It had to be something big because there have been times where I have seen other emotions rather than just lust, anger, cockiness, etc.

"Sana? What are you doing?" I shrieked lightly as I felt a hand touch my shoulder. Looking back, I saw Mami and Hisea staring at me with confusion.

"Oh hey guys! Not much. Just spying on Tsuyoshi!"

They both shared quizzical looks with each other.

I forced a laugh as I scratched the back of my head. I guess that did sound weird when you really think about it. Why would I be spying on Tsuyoshi?

"Do we even wanna ask why you're spying on Tsuyoshi?"

Shrugging my shoulders, I said "It's not creepy or stalker like if that's what you're thinking. I need some intel on the Haya-jerk and because its a consensus that Tsuyoshi is the only one who was close enough to the jerk to know anything, Tsuyoshi is my target."

I could tell I lost Hisea somewhere in the middle of my… explanation? (If that's what you wanna call it). But Mami shifted uncomfortably. Her eyes fell and she bit her lip.

I didn't blame her.

The memories of the damn jerk attempting to drown her were probably still fresh in her mind. I mean, how do you get over something like that?

The answer is, you never really do.

And for Mami, it happened not once, but twice.

She had to relive the memory twice, on two separate occasions. But in her case, it was always the same person who was doing the crime.

I still couldn't get the image out of my mind and it's been a few weeks already since it happened.

"That guy was always quiet, before he turned to that… monster." I flinched slightly at her choice of words. That's what got Mami in trouble last time. "It was always really hard to know what he was thinking because he was very stoic. There was a rumor going around that his mom was dead for a while and that his dad and sister hated him, but that was squashed years ago."

DING. DING. DING.

NOW THAT'S THE TYPE OF INFORMATION WE'RE TALKING ABOUT.

I beamed, my smile stretching from one end of my ear to the other. I yelped so loudly that Mami and Hisea cringed at the pitch of my scream. I tackled Hisea in a hug because holy hell, she just gave me the EXACT information or lead I've been looking for!

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" I chanted over and over as I hugged the girl tightly.

"You are the best person ever! Literally! I've been search for answers and no one has told me anything! And then when I heard that Tsuyoshi was the person that knew him best, I decided to interrogate him, but you just gave me some solid piece of information right now!"

"Uh, you're welcome?" Hisea squeaked as I crushed her in a hug!

FINALLY.

I was getting somewhere!

"You know Sana, if you were looking for some details, all you had to do was ask Tsuyoshi. When it comes to… him… Tsuyoshi is really silent, but I have a feeling if you asked him, he might tell you because you are hell bent on taking him down." Mami said. Hisea nodded, agreeing with her best friend.

"Yeah. Definitely. I mean, if you were asking about Hiro or something like that, then that would be different. I would definitely tell you to ask him." I cringed at the sound of Hiro's name. "But, in this case, I think Tsuyoshi would make an exception."

"I think I'll do just that! Thank you!" After thanking Hisea and Mami, I took off to find Tsuyoshi. Because if those two were right, I was about to find out what Hayama's deep dark secret was!

As I made my way through the hallway, I suddenly remembered that I actually had to go to class first before I could interrogate Tsuyoshi! I stopped in my tracks and took a deep breath. School really knew how to kill motivation.

That's when I noticed a certain brown haired boy carrying a bunch of poster rolls in his arms, making his way frantically down the hallway. I already knew who it was as he was out of breath, calling for his friends to wait and help him with all the stuff he had.

Sooner or later, this was going to happen. It looks like it was sooner rather than later.

I sighed, knowing that I had to do this. Not only because he was owed an apology, but because I genuinely liked Nakao Shota and hurting him hurt me.

"Grr, dang it! Guys! Wait up!"

"Here, let me help you."

Shota looked at me immediately as I reached for a few of the poster tubes and papers scattered on the floor below us. He looked at me with his big, puppy dog eyes, his mouth hanging slightly open.

"Sa-Sana-chan?!" Honestly Shota, a squeak coming from a guy is not manly.

I smiled softly at him as he pulled away slightly.

Oh no you didn't.

"I've been looking for you all day, Shota."

The boy looked nervous, like he was about to pee his pants. I could see the anxiety in his eyes and the way he gulped loudly. What did the poor kid think I was going to do to him? Hurt him?

I'm no Hayama dammit!

"Re-really?" He croacked.

"Yupp!" I tilted my head to the side, but what came next, personally, was really funny.

"Ow!" Shota clutched his head as all the papers and poster tubes fell to the floor. I thonked him on the head. Yes, I said 'thonked.'

"That is what you get for avoiding me all day!" I slightly, not really yelled as I frowned at him. "I've been searching for you all day and every time you saw me, you proceeded to make a speedy getaway. That isn't okay, Shota!" I crossed my arms and looked down at him while he looked frightened, like a cowering puppy.

"I-I-I!" He tried to defend himself, but that wasn't working for him. I was one intimidating person if I wanted to be.

"Because I've been trying to find you to apologize for last time." My voice dipped lowly as I got to his level, crouching down, my chin resting on my knees. He looked surprised. "I didn't mean to make it seem like I would never date you or be attracted to you or anything like that."

"I reacted strongly and very harshly. I hurt your feelings and I'm sorry for that." I began to grab the papers and poster rolls scattered on the floor, avoiding eye contact with him. "It's nothing against you, Shota. I just don't have an interest in dating right now because I just got out of a failed relationship, you understand that right?"

See, this was the real me. I told you, I'm not always so bitter and cold.

"Sana-chan..." I could hear him say. I finally looked back to him and he was wearing a look of shame.

"I'm sorry too!" My eyes went wide as he bowed on the floor, trembling slightly. I was taken aback by his actions and looked around, seeing if anybody was around to see this (By the way, fun fact, I really should be in my 5th period).

"I didn't mean to make you feel bad! I was being selfish and didn't take your feelings into consideration! I'm so sorry! Forgive me!"

I sweatdropped as he profusely apologized over and over. I giggled, thinking about how much of a baka this kid was.

"Oh get up you! All is forgiven!" I patted him on the head as I laughed at his weird antics. Sheesh, this kid was way too sensitive! But I couldn't help but smile at his ingenuity and sincerity. Nakao Shota was really a great guy and the girl that snagged him would be very happy.

He slowly rose, the papers in his hands again. He looked at me with a blush and rubbed the back of his head with his one free arm.

"I'm glad that we made up. I was worried you would hurt me for the actions I had taken."

Did I really give off that type of impression?

I galred slightly at him. "I wouldn't do such a thing! I may be a little… passive aggressive, but never where I would actually hurt you!" I slapped him in the back slightly. He almost went flying.

Nakao Shota.

You need to gain some weight.

"My point exactly..." He mumbled as he clutched the poster tubes and papers tightly.

"You say something?" I murmured with an ambiguous glint. He quickly replied with a shake of his head and I laughed. Because this kid really was something else.

We walked towards the Student Representative classroom in silence. Which was weird, because Nakao usually had something to say, but, he hadn't really said anything in the last 5 minutes. It was making me somewhat anxious, because now I was thinking if I could have offended him again.

"I'm sorry your last relationship didn't work out, Sana-chan."

I blinked.

Huh?

Now that was unexpected.

I laughed nervously, not liking the waters we were treading. It was honestly a slip of tongue earlier, mentioning my past relationship. It's something I really wanted to avoid, especially with someone like Nakao Shota.

"Oh." I bit my lip, trying to push my thoughts away. I didn't want to think about my last relationship. I didn't want to think about his sad blue eyes and his radiant purple hair. I didn't want to think about the last time we saw each other.

I didn't want to think about my broken heart.

"But you know, if you ever are interested, I'm always-"

But I didn't give Nakao Shota a chance to finish because I currently left him behind on the floor with a reasonable bump on his head.

"Oh Shota, you silly boy!" I replied with a sweet, sarcastic smile. "You shouldn't lag behind so much!"

I could hear him laugh and say "It was worth a shot."

-O-

So on my checklist, I only accomplished 1 (and a half?) of the 3 checks I had.

Making up with Shota was relieving because I didn't want that to be a problem. We made it back to the student council classroom and thanks to the class president, I was excused from class! (Whoo hoo!) I still had to go to 6th period, but thankfully, I avoided Hiro's penetrating gaze and Hayama's hostile looks and made it clear through the day.

Speaking of Hiro, that was a problem itself.

How long was I to avoid him for?

Two weeks?

A month?

2 months?

How long would I be successful for until Hiro decided to get bold and confront me about it? Like he did a couple weeks ago. How long until I can't keep away? How long until Hayama decides enough is enough?

I needed to talk to Hayama about this, because there was a limit to everything. Then again, maybe the crazy gang leader didn't have limits. And I, who had a pretty big ego, held onto pride pretty tightly. And I would rather roll over dead than let Hayama win.

Akimoto Hiro was a damaged soul (trust me, I knew a damaged soul when I saw one), and he didn't deserve the way I was treating him. And I felt like the scum of the earth, subjecting myself to the damn Haya-jerk and choosing a secret over him.

But it had to be done.

Because sad to say, that secret meant more to me than he did.

These were all thoughts of mine as I walked home. I waved goodbye to my friends and made my way down the street towards me neighborhood.

But it wasn't until I felt a pair of strong arms grab me from behind that I fully realized that something was happening.

I suddenly couldn't breathe as a hand covered my mouth, preventing me to scream or yell. The other wrapped itself tightly around my waist, holding me closely to this person's body. I struggled against this person's hold and wiggled, trying to get away from their grip, but I couldn't!

Are you shitting me right now?

Was this really happening?

I continued to struggle, but this person tightened their hold even harder and pulled me into the shadowed alleyway. The sun was still up so it wasn't dark or anything like that, but still! This is creepy as hell!

This person was definitely male, if the size of their arms and the strength they had was any indication. And the first male that popped to mind was no other than the damn bastard: Hayama Akito.

I thrashed my head, trying to speak with the hand still covering my mouth.

"Mmm-let me- gooo-mmm!" I was cut off as they clamped their hand shut over my mouth even tighter.

"Shh..."

I shivered as this person's (HAYAMA'S! DAMN ASSHOLE) breath tickled my ear. I squeezed my eyes shut, memories of my times at Osaka racing through my mind.

A lot of the memories were him, no surprise there. Then came Mama, and Fuka, and Yuta. Then of my new friends: Tsuyoshi, Aya, Nakao, Mami, Hisea, Hiro.

Was I really going to die right now?

Or was I being overdramatic?

I still struggled against this person's hold, but he was gripping me really tight and I had no wiggle room. But seriously, there was a real possibility that Hayama was just taking care of me now and getting me out of the way.

Would he really kill me?

Would he stoop so low to kill someone he doesn't even know?

Kami help me.

A/N: How about that for a cliffhanger! Hello! I'm back! And yes, I came back with a cliffhanger! I know, I'm cruel. Sorry about the very late update! It's what I briefly said at the beginning of the chapter, I'm obsessing over Fairy Tail and Kingdom Hearts and I just can't help myself. But I've gotten some really encouraging reviews lately and people have even gotten out of their way to PM me about my stories! So I've decided to update.

It didn't take me long to write, honestly. This story comes so easy to write, but also so difficult also. Because once I have an idea of what I'm going to write about, it comes so natural and easily. But if I'm stuck, dear lord I am stuck forever (as you all have seen and witnessed).

Something to know about this story, it's not going to be very long. The max amount of chapters I can see is 20, with no less than 15. This story moves very quickly. Multiple things happen in one chapter, as you can see. And it's going to move fairly fast. So just a heads up for everyone! If anything, Life as We Know It, which is sort of Crimson Tie's alternative counterpart, will be longer because that one is definitely going to be a lot darker and touch on more serious themes. CT is more comedic and drama.

Anyway, this chapter definitely touched on the background of all the characters. Yes, Hayama and Hiro were not in this chapter, but they were there in thought. Little by little, will past be brought to light and the real story starts. I wonder what Sana's fate will be! Any guesses? Let me know in your reviews! Again, so sorry for the late update! Reviews, criticism, comments, and suggestions ALWAYS welcomed!

So until next time!
-Dark Waffle