A/N: I hate repeating myself, but I serenely apologize for not updating. I've been busy in the real world for once. Anyway, enjoy :)
I wake up to two empty futons. I must have slept in, it's almost 11AM. Mrs. Mankanshoku arrived with some French toast and milk. "Ah, you're finally awake." she said happily. "Don't worry, I saved some food for you." I mechanically take the plate and cup, then proceed to consume it all in less than five minutes. Mornings aren't my thing, getting up is a chore let alone living.
The Mankanshoku family were gathered in the next room. I attempt to say a friendly "hello", but it comes off as annoyed. At this hour my voice isn't strong enough to carry much emotion. I make myself scarce in the bathroom, but also keep an eye out for any peeping toms. You know how the guys are around here. Before I even change, I look around and see the boys trying to sneak a peek. I give them the death stare and attempt to crack my knuckles to act tough. Thankfully they got the message and ran with their tails between their legs.
Once I finished getting myself ready for the day, I go to Ryuko and Mako's room to decide on something to do. I could sleep the rest of the day until they show up, but that'd be boring. My sense of adventure wants me to explore the town we've moved into. With that in mind, I go and ask Mrs. Mankanshoku if it's okay for me to "take a walk". She seemed okay with it so I wander around town.
The sun was shining, not many people were out walking like me, and the sky appears to be clear. A few blocks down, there's a used bike shop that doesn't seem to get many customers. Such a shame. On the road to my right, there's a mom with her six year old son who's admiring the sea glistening from the sun's light. It made me feel alive to see all of the lively people about. Not one appeared to look like a bum or drugie unlike in my town where no one has the decency to brush their teeth, take a shower, or wear street clothes. Seriously, I see people in their PJs at Walmart and Kroger.
"Your mood seems to have improved." the gem noticed.
"Yeah, it's nice to see people who look and act decent around here." I commented.
"I understand. But know that every place has its own fair share of weirdos."
He's not wrong. But there are places with only a handful of weirdos, in other words, criminals, drug dealers, prostitutes, and perverts. They are human too and need love just like everyone else, and I'm not talking about the errotic love. The kind of love I want is what friendship can offer or from a family. Romance isn't my style, never has and never will be.
Walking for about a half an hour got me tired so I rest on a bench. The gem gives me a bottle of water for free since it's a necessity. I look up and see clouds coming in. Maybe it'll rain or just be cloudy in a few hours or less. My awareness of the weather came from Nami who is the Straw Hats navigator. I'm no weather wizard, but I can take notice of some weather changes and predict it at times.
The surrounding area is kinda quiet aside from the cars that drive by every so often. Hardly anyone walks by here, it's kinda nice. But I do miss my new friends.
"I wonder how Ryuko and Mako are doing." I said, leaning back on the bench.
"You miss them?" the gem asked.
"Yeah, they're a really nice bunch."
"Thinking about them is keeping your heart in rhythm."
"How do you know that?"
"I can read your physical and emotional being. Much like Senketsu."
"Well, that's convenient."
Thinking about my loved ones puts me at ease, for the most part anyway. Knowing I can carry them with me in my heart makes me feel less lonely. But I can still feel alone at times when I forget this truth. I enjoy the company of those I love, unless it's a project discussion. When it comes to work, I prefer to handle that myself for the most part. If I need help then I'll ask, but don't force it onto me when I don't need it. That annoys me! Especially if someone gives me countless requests like I'm going to do every single one when I clearly have projects of my own.
A few moments later, still exhausted, a lady sits on the opposite side of me texting someone. She's white with a little tan, blonde hair with hints of black at the ends, brown eyes, skinny, and is wearing a turquoise tank top with white jeans and brown boots. I attempt to not make eye contact and ignore the fact she's right next to me. My breathing however, was kinda loud since I was still tired and my heart was acting up again.
"You don't sound too good." the lady commented.
"Yeah, just tired." I said, trying to not remain open for conversation.
"I see. You from around here?"
"No."
"Neither am I. I lived near Honnouji Academy before it sank. That girl in red and black sure made herself known."
I act like I don't know what she's talking about by ignoring her. It's rude, but I don't want to volunteer too much information to a stranger I barely know.
"You're quiet, aren't ya?" she asked.
"I guess I'm just not feeling too chatty." I replied.
"If you're trying to act cool, it's not working."
"I'm not. Just being honest."
"I like honest people. Forgive me for not introducing myself, my name is Ashlyn."
"Fair enough, the name's Rebekah!"
We shake hands as a way of building a bridge for a future relationship. Yeah, I doubt this one will last long.
"Well, Rebekah. It was nice meeting you." Ashlyn said, as she got up.
"Likewise." I nodded.
She made her leave and so did I. The clock nearby read 12:45 PM, only a few more hours until Ryuko's out of school. That girl had an ominous aura about her, maybe it's because she looks like my ex-friend? I don't know. Whatever the case may be, I shouldn't be making a big deal out of it, along with my stomach aches. I need to eat less so I can remain in shape. Over the years I've lost weight, but I'm still fat.
"You hungry?" the gem asked.
"Not one bit!" I pouted.
My stomach says otherwise though. I sigh and enter the local ramen shop. It was a rather small, humble restaurant with a few tables and booths for people to enjoy their meal. The floor had a light brown and white checkerboard pattern which complimented the color scheme; brown and white.
I order chicken flavored ramen with some veggies because I need those in my diet. Who doesn't? Remember kids, eat your vegetables. It's good for you! What isn't is eating too fast, like me. I gained this habit by imitating it via cartoons and I'm always in a hurry.
"Slow down." the gem insisted.
"I can't." I said with a mouth full of ramen. "What if there's something out there?"
"That girl seems normal to me, she's probably in business."
"Possibly, or she could be plotting something."
"You think too much."
"Well, you run your mouth like a certain gecko I know!"
I legitimately know someone who runs his mouth like Gex. I'm guessing it's because he's lonely? Don't know, don't care at this moment. All I care about now is keeping Ryuko safe. Speaking of which, I wonder how she's doing?
Meanwhile at Rinne High School…
Lunch is almost over for Ryuko and Mako which means it's almost time for class. The kids who finished are playing what appears to be Dodgeball on one side while the other side has kids finishing their meals. One girl in particular is sitting alone with a Rilakkuma plushie. She's got freckles, braces, glasses, the typical nerd. An easy target for bullies and speaking of, a few guys in black walk up to her. The one with blue hair takes the plushies away from her while the guy with red hair and guy with yellow hair watch.
"Give that back!" the girl pleaded.
"You mean your doll?" the bully asked. "What are you, five?"
The guys join in laughing, then proceed to assault the girl by punching her in the face. Ryuko ain't having any of this, she walks up to them ready to kick their butts.
"Hey! You got a problem with her?" Ryuko asked getting the gang's attention.
"Just who do you think you are?" the red guy asked.
Ryuko glared at them, waiting for the right moment to wipe them out. The trio crack their knuckles in unison and proceed to attack. But Ryuko took them out in a split second. Mako cheered for her friend to realize that the teacher noticed and reported all involved to her office.
Mako waited outside the door, hoping Ryuko will not get a detention or worse, expelled. When she opened the door, the girl let out a sigh of relief knowing all is well.
"I'm off the hook" Ryuko said smiling. "But if I get in trouble again...well I don't want to think what happens after that."
"You were amazing, Ryuko!" Mako cheered.
"I second that." the nerd girl said. "Uh, thank you for helping me back there."
"It's no problem. I hope you're not injured."
"No, not really. You saved me from the worst of it."
The bell rang, sending all the students back to class. Seeing the nerd girl made Ryuko think of me because I'm one myself. An oddball in a sea of flesh, but easily forgettable.
Back at the Mankanshoku family's home, Mataro returns with a TV that actually works this time. The last one had nothing but its shell. Sukuyou returns with groceries, a bit more than usual since the store was having a sale. I'm guessing it was a 7-Eleven or Family Mart, those are common in Japan.
The boys, including Guts attempt to snag a snack from her before dinner, being the good mom she is gives the guys a good smack.
"Come on, we're starved!" Bataro begged.
"No food until dinner is ready, okay?" Sukuyo ordered.
"Yes, mam!"
At this point it's 3PM and there's nothing more for me to do other than wait near the school for Ryuko and Mako. That's what I do, sleep near the building until the students leave. As I lie on the cold concrete, my mind begins to wander off to a familiar place. Death always seems to live next door to my brain somehow; it reminds me of how painful life is. Happiness and friendship are but fleeting illusions.
My oxygen is cut off from me as the angsty emotions take over. Even though I could hardly breathe, it felt okay. I welcomed it as it was almost comforting. The pain felt good somehow.
"Rebekah?" the gem said, trying to get my attention.
"Yes?" I answered reluctantly.
"Stop focusing on the darkness. It's not good for you."
"But it feels real. Unlike the fake, fleeting emotions like love and joy."
"Life isn't all bad, it has some good in it."
"Agreed, but that too is an illusion."
The gem was aware of where I was allowing myself to wander, but he could do nothing to stop me. I was being reminded of how friends will betray and use you to their liking. Not to mention the good feelings come and go unlike the bad ones, mainly sorrow.
The bell rang the all-to-familiar tune used for schools in anime. Students were allowed to leave, but one that approached me was not a student. The white attire, the somewhat freshly cut black hair. Could it be? Satsuki Kiryuin!?