It never seemed that there'd EVER come a day when she was openly and outwardly friendly to anyone she came across...save for those she let in. There was rarely an occasion when this happened. It was a difficult time in her life, she KNEW this, but yet there were still times to be happy about and things to celebrate. Like life...and achievements one strives hard to get.
She was the first to leave the locker room, with a curious, but disseminating smile on her face. It was a shock to some classmates to find the Hispanic girl smiling, since she rarely did so to them. But, though she didn't speak much Japanese, a smile and cheery wave was universal...and a few found themselves minutely smiling and nodding back, though they were a little wary.
She pulled Kevin to their lunch table and let everything drop on the top. There was such a high level of joy and excitement in her eyes, felt throughout her body, that she never imagined she'd EVER feel again. This was only akin to the rush she gained whenever she finished a really good dance routine. How was it that she felt this happy because of something related to SCHOOL?
Feeling the need to jump around and give a pleasurable cry, she undid the main backpack zipper and dug for her math book. She would have to contain herself until they got here...and THEN she would attack him! With a wide grin, fighting giggles, she opened the cover and pulled out a piece of paper. Who knew that such a thing could either make or break her good mood?
Time seemed to be ignorant of her bliss , making her wait with excruciating anxiety for the troop's heads to be seen over the din. Students sat down and greeted each other with jokes and gracious comments. Somehow she felt part of that good joy, like an entirely different person. She felt like she BELONGED at this table, in this simple school uniform, with people around that felt the same way she did. It was a strange sensation after seeing it for two and a half months, not yet experiencing it.
She nearly startled Kevin out of his skin when she jumped up and headed out of the aisle, going around those sitting. Her attention was on one person, and one person only. Even before the group managed to be within five foot of the table, she ran to Rowen and threw her arms around him with a wide smile. "Rowen! Am I glad to see YOU!"
The others looked to Rowen, finding an utterly confused look as he looked to the top of dark brown hair, not hugging her back. With a few uncomprehending blinks, he looked to the others with a raised eyebrow, as if they'd have answers. Instead, they just mirrored his look and shrugged. "Why is THAT shorty?" Rowen asked, using his derived nickname from her short height.
She let go, that smile still on her face, and gave him a very gentle sock to the arm. "Stop CALLING me that. Or I get to make one of my own condescending nicknames for you."
Her good mood and cheerful tone only confused Rowen more...and the fact that she didn't take the bait and start right in with a sarcastic remark. But he only shrugged, keeping his cool exterior with the amount of classmates around. "Hey...I call it as I see it. So, can I sit down and you can let me in on why the blue bird of happiness perched on YOUR shoulder this morning or what?"
Giving a short chuckle at his comments, she headed back to the table, the entire group following at a somewhat wary pace. This was a side they never experienced...an overly happy Epiphany. Kento thought it was a nice change since she was in a pleasant mood, but never truly happy. Ryo and Cye thought near the same thing, but wondered what triggered such a high elation. Rowen's mind was trying to figure out why she nearly pushed him back with that hug, and what he did this month that made her so happy. Sage just looked at the whole thing, not knowing how to take her, but storing the look in her face in his mind. She was a puzzle, and just when he thought he had her figured out, her moods changed. Ever since his talk with Mia, he was thoughtful of his actions and the girl's behavior.
Not even saying a word, she picked up the paper out of her Algebra book and all but shoved it in Rowen's face, hands holding it there. "¡Mira! Look!" She repeated, slipping languages in her haste. A beam set her face. "A ninety six!"
Rowen gave a smile...knowing all the studying they so painstakingly went over paid off. They spent three and a half hours going through many of the things she didn't know. Rowen wondered how Kevin DID it...having to patiently explain the equations and why they were put that way. He felt like giving up on a few topics, but plowed through with a determined stance.
Rowen's hand snaked into her field of vision as he took the paper and looked it over. "So...got the tests back today?" He absently mused, looking at the wrong answers. There were only four out of a hundred. The pride kicked up another notch.
Her head bobbed up and down so fast, the others wondered whether or not it would fall off. But she abruptly stopped, looking at Rowen next to her. "Yup! I'm so happy! It all worked!" She quickly reached in the bag and grabbed the customary apple, taking a large bite. "Sure TOOK him long enough though..." She mumbled.
"Well I'm happy for you. Nice to see that something actually DOES stick in that head of yours." Rowen cracked, lightly rapping on her head with a fist. She blushed and looked away, putting the test back. The book went after that, her attention turned across the table.
"So Ryo, how do you think YOU did?" She queried, taking another bite. All the exuberance was making her hungry, and she felt the need to do something if she was just going to sit down and be so excited.
Ryo grinned, opening a book he needed to review for homework. His gaze was diverted enough only to grab a pencil to start writing answers with. "I dunno. I didn't have ye old math wizard to help. But I bet I'm a little better than you with comprehending math...so I think I'll get above an eighty."
She grinned and propped her head up, attacking the apple again. The scene was just so magical in her mind, utterly ordinary and one to lock away. This right here, was contentment at its finest.
"So how many did you miss?" Kento queried, attacking his lunch as well. For Kento, it seemed that lunch was too far in the day and teachers weren't lenient enough to know when a guy needed a snack beforehand.
She quickly dug into the bag and fished the paper out, eagerly handing it over. This was the highest score she EVER got on a math test. She was eager to show it off to anyone who asked. Normally her grade was a low C, in danger of becoming a D. The standard grade in her tests, even with the scoring by teachers, usually ranged from a mid to high C. This A would raise the current mid C to high C and keep her from flunking out. She owed Rowen much more than he figured.
Kento handed it back, pleased to see the girl so happy. She always wore a smile on her face, but it was a small one at best. To see such an explosion of joy over a simple Algebra test, especially after knowing how much she hated the topic, was a reason to celebrate. "Cool. Now you can stop WORRYING." He kidded, wryly grinning. She matched it and put the test back. It was Friday again, making the whole grading wait a week of nerves and fretting if she passed or not. It seemed everyday at lunch, she had to be assured from Rowen that she did fine and the studying they labored over would pay off.
Lunch passed by with a contented feeling, brought on by her mood. The five chatted about classes, a few catching up on homework that either needed to be done by the end of the day, or just getting a little extra studying done. It seemed utterly normal. She subtly watched the five with a thoughtful gesture, taking in their mannerisms and behaviors around one another. This was one of the times in her life when she could honestly say she was happy. Just sitting back and reviewing those she felt she was getting close to wasn't as bad as her mind concocted it to be.
She smiled at the laughter from Rowen's jokes, the group poking fun of each other. It seemed there was never a time when they were all mad at each other. These five were one of the kinds that were true friends, and she was glad to know them.
Just as the bell rung, her heart fluttered with nervous anticipation. She took a deep breath and grabbed her bag, a hand reaching into the smaller front pocket. Fingers clutched a piece of folded paper, extracting it as she shouldered the bag and followed Rowen from the row. Her heart picked up as everybody shuffled out. Her mind was on overdrive with all kinds of questions, most of them cynical. She didn't know if she had the guts to do this, to even hand the note over. Asking was out of the question, and it came down to the old junior high way of doing things.
As she fell in stride with Kevin and Rowen, her feet effortlessly took the steps from the adrenaline pumping in her system. She was nervous, but her good mood would help to keep things light in case embarrassment threatened to make her halter. She was on a mission, one she hoped would succeed in the end.
Just before she and Kevin separated from Cye and Rowen, she clutched a sleeve and gave a cheery wave to Cye as he walked away. Softly clearing her throat, she felt a small blush when Rowen looked at her. Pasting a quick smile on, she reached for his hand and quickly stuck the note in it. "Just think about it." She vaguely answered, walking away before Rowen could open it and read.
Kevin fell in stride, head swinging back to see an utterly confused Rowen looking at his palm. Kevin only smiled, knowing Rowen would find out soon enough. He only hoped the blue haired genius wouldn't disappoint his cousin, who went to great lengths to write that proposal. He cast a quick glance to Epi, crossing his fingers with her that they ALL accepted.
~*~*~
Rowen passed his last period with a distracted mind. Normally Astronomy was his passion due to his Kanji, but he was still pondering whether or not he should open Epiphany's note. He didn't want to miss out on learning, even if a large portion of his mind was dying to find out what was in it.
Just think about it...
What did THAT mean? Indecisively chewing on his lip, hands twitched twice with suppressed urge before quickly digging into his front pocket. He stuffed the note in there after the realization that he was going to be late. Blue swung to the clock, finding only twenty minutes left. The teacher graciously gave five for everyone to get their things together in time to get out of his classroom, so he figured learning was over for the day.
Slowly unfolding the note to keep as much noise down, he wondered how the girl made such an intriguing thing. A small piece of the paper was folded over, and when pulled, it was like unlocking a clasp to something. His eyes scanned the sharp cursive, seeing her handwriting was about as good as her math skills. But her words were short and to the point...for once.
Dear Rowen...this Saturday is my sixteenth birthday. As a way of saying thanks, I was just wondering if you would like to celebrate it with me. I also invite the others, for it would be impolite not to. If you would, can you convince Sage to come as well? It wouldn't be an 'outing' if everyone didn't come along. Don't worry about getting anything. I am not one for presents, since I'd have nowhere to put it. Just bring yourselves. One final thing...do you have any dance clubs in Toyama?? Shorty
He grinned, seeing she didn't really mind his nickname. She must've wrote the note while on that math high to put THAT down, since it started off on their spats whenever he said it any other time.
For the rest of the remaining period, he contemplated her words. Sweet sixteen? That meant she must be a sophomore then. Eyes locked on her writing, blurring the longer he stared. A finger silently tapped on the desk as his thoughts raged. As a way of saying thanks? Just for the study group? Course...Rowen knew with the way she greeted him at lunch that she MUST'VE been grateful to do such an outwardly public gesture.
A small, mildly touched grin laced his mouth. That was one of the first times a girl, besides his mother, spontaneously hugged him. It was nice. Even if he wasn't going to say anything about it.
He wondered what she intended on doing. Dance clubs? He heard a comment a while back about her being good at dancing from Kento. Did she intend on using that talent tomorrow? They had clubs in town, though he never went to any of them. That was more of the others' styles...save Sage and occasionally Ryo. The raven youth wasn't much for public scenes, but could be enticed if the situation called for it. A half grin tilted his lips. This DEFINITELY called for it! One only turned sixteen once in their lifetime.
Deep blue almost wistfully looked to the windows, wondering if everyone would WANT to go. Money wasn't very hard to come by, unless one was a budget like Ryo, and it was the want to go. Her question about Sage pinpointed his friend well. Sage wasn't much for a lot of noisy music, teenagers, and flashing lights. And if there were girls around, he was even LESS enthusiastic. It would be an interesting discussion to see how they'd manage to pull THAT off and get Sage to go.
Rowen's eyes swung back to the paper, a little undecided. Part of him didn't really mind going...since he didn't get out that often, if at all. He knew Kento wouldn't mind, and Cye wouldn't either. Ryo would think about it as he was. And then there was the understandable problem with Sage.
There was also the wonder about her family. A definite age turn-point should be spent with loved ones. Even though Epiphany was with her immediate family and Kevin, wasn't she going to spend it with them?
His lips pursed, wondering what she had planned. His mind was tipping on yes the longer he thought about it. Getting out on a Saturday night, instead of curling up with one of his books, was a little better way to spend the weekend. Save for hanging at one of the guy's houses and doing nothing, this would still be having fun with his fellow ex-warriors and getting outside. Decision in mind, Rowen minutely startled when the bell rang and grabbed his things, quickly leaving class to go track down the others.
Rowen only managed to snag Cye and Kento in the end. Everyone knew Ryo left as soon as the bell rang, having to get to the zoo as soon as he could. Sage's classes were on the other side of the school and even if he let Cye and Kento fetch Sage, there'd be no way to catch him in time. So he told the two about the note, and what his answer was. Kento was enthusiastic to the plan, Cye pleasant. With three-fifths of the group decided, Rowen figured Ryo would say yes now that most of the group was going. The only deal was to team up and hassle Sage to go. And to let the birthday girl know everyone's answer.
The last option was one that surprisingly came to him. Just as the three stepped outside the main doors with the stream of classmates, Kento spotted the Hispanic duo almost contentedly sitting on a wide, flat granite wall of the stairs. The two looked to be going over homework...until Kento called out a hello and made his way over. Rowen grinned and looped a finger around Cye's backpack to keep from losing him.
"What're YOU still doing here?" Rowen asked, giving a raised brow.
She only smiled back and looked up. "Well...I don't feel comfortable giving out the hotel number, so this was the easiest way to get your answer before tomorrow." She answered, giving a small shrug.
"So...sweet sixteen." Kento asked, plopping down. The girl nodded with a small, proud smile and started putting her books away. Both hands entwined behind the back of Kento's head as he leaned back a little to stare at the slightly cloudy sky. "I remember MY sixteenth birthday...probably won't be as interesting as yours."
She looked over with an amused, curious glance. "What happened?" A grin sprouted. "Did you eat all the cake and take the consequences?" She kidded, giggling.
Rowen cracked a smirk. "You only WISH you knew." A few of their birthdays occurred during the Wars and though memorable, was not one they readily looked back on. She looked over to Rowen, wondering eyes piercing his. Rowen knew she was banking on yes. Talk about going out on a limb... He knew she wasn't sure they'd say yes or not. She was that type of shy person, always thinking negative instead of positive to keep from being let down.
"So, I hear you dance." He answered, sitting with Cye on the rise.
She looked at him and cluelessly blinked, wondering what Rowen was getting at. But she nodded. "I took quite a bit of dance classes in and out of school since Spain." She answered, a hand nervously toying with the edge of the calf-high skirt. As soon as she spotted blue hair above the masses, nerves kicked into high gear. Her mind was praying they'd all come, even though she made herself look nonchalant. "What're you getting at?"
Rowen grinned and brought a knee up as a resting spot for his chin. "We know of a few clubs in the area. That all depends on your style of dance though."
She blinked. "You guys have different music-type clubs?"
"A few styles yes." Cye answered, grinning at her befuddled look. "And I for one, will accept your offer."
The smile she sent Cye nearly bowled him over. Before she knew what she was doing, hands shot out and took his off the granite, quickly shaking it. "I was SO hoping you'd want to go! All of you are welcome." She repeated. Her gaze landed on Kento and then Rowen. "And will you two come as well?"
Kento grinned, giving a quick thumbs up. "Hey...as long as you've got the food, I'll be there."
She giggled and nodded. "I've got a few things planned." She answered, a smirk on her face. Her eyes landed on the third, wondering and hope in them. "Rowen?"
Rowen only shrugged. "Hey...beats staying home on Saturday." He blinked. "This IS going to take place Saturday, right?"
Once again, her head bobbed up and down to the point of shaking off. "I wanted it that way so we can all stay out late and sleep in tomorrow."
Rowen grinned. "Sounds like a plan." He gave a quick wink. "You're talking my language!"
"Are the others coming too?" She queried, sheepishly looking away.
"We're pretty sure Ryo will go, but Rowen wasn't able to find him." Cye answered. His gaze diverted to the small trickle of those few stragglers passing through the doors. "He normally leaves as soon as he can to get to work."
That little bit of information stored in her mind, and she'd bring the topic of conversation up later with the raven youth. Her lips momentarily pressed together. "And Sage?"
Kento was quick to answer, knowing she wanted ALL to come. It wasn't hard, the answer was written all over her face. "Sage's last class is on the other side of the building. He'd be gone before either of us could find him." Kento explained. An easygoing grin sprouted. "But that's no biggie. We'll wheedle him into going." He gave a quick wink, leaning back on his hands.
Her face became a little more thoughtful, looking down at her book bag. WHEEDLE Sage into going out? That didn't sound any more positive than her mind frame was before spotting the three. At least she knew where she stood on Sage's list. Not very high, but with the possibility that he could at least be dragged into coming with. SUCH a comforting thought...
She quickly pasted on another smile, determined not to let her good mood be dimmed. Sweet sixteen tomorrow and an A on her Algebra test? This WAS something to be happy about! Even if she almost forgot about her birthday until her mother reminded her this morning. With all the moving they did she was lucky enough to keep track of her LUGGAGE.
"Well - since it'll be us seven - what time would you deem acceptable to get things started?" She queried, looking at the three.
Cye, Kento, and Rowen all looked at each other with mildly wide eyes. She was asking THEM this? It was HER birthday party! "Whatever works for YOU Epiphany." Cye answered. "It's your day...we can work it out."
Her lips pressed together, trying to find a suitable time that was late enough for everyone to meet, but still early enough to have time to do it all. "What about...well, does seven sound okay?" She tentatively queried. The three nodded, finding that good enough to get things arranged and set for the evening. With a renewed good mood, the smile returned as she stood and dusted her skirt off. "Well then...would you five like to meet somewhere and we can get things rolling?"
"How bout we just congregate at the hotel lobby again? Since we seem to be doing that an awful lot." Rowen kidded, grinning.
She mirrored his look and nodded. "Works for me. I'll make sure to bring money along for all of us then." She muttered, more to herself.
Cye blinked. "You intend on paying for us too??" He blurted, giving a disbelieving look.
She nodded. "I think it's only fair. As I told Rowen, I don't want presents, just your company. And for your trouble, I'll pay your way tomorrow night."
Kento looked at her in mild astonishment. "Really Epiphany...you don't HAVE to do that! We're accepting your invitation. It's no trouble at all!"
She gave Kento a tender grin. "But I WANT to. And I will...so no trying to change my mind." She teased. A small bout of silence passed before the later city bus arrived, picking up the stragglers who either had detention, or extracurricular activities. The five got on, the three Ronins riding to Kento's house to plan an attack on Sage later.
~*~*~
Six thirty pounced on one very agitated and excited rich girl, numbers glaring back as she paced the room with curlers in her hair. She strode across the length of open floor with hands twisting behind her back and Willow's eyes following her from the bed. Deep brown darted to the clock and went back to thick, beige carpet with a half groan. Couldn't she take these heavy things OFF yet? Everything was slowing to a crawl, even if she ran like a madwoman to get ready.
She absently tugged on the shirt her parents bought earlier, the outfit a small birthday present. She didn't really want anything, but her mother INSISTED she get something special for the day she was born. After all - Consuela insisted in the store - she wanted to impress that nice, young gentleman when they met again, right?
Color flamed in her cheeks at how her mother thought of Rowen. Rowen...a 'nice, young gentleman'? HARDLY. He was obnoxious and sarcastic, not to mention a good study partner for being nothing but brains and mouth. Sure he was nice, when he CHOSE to be, but she wasn't going to let her mind think that way. She barely got along with Rowen as it was. Sarcastic insults and playful taunts were not exactly a good, stable friendship.
"Is it time to take these things OUT yet?" She loudly whined. Hands went to her head, lightly touching the curled mass of hair and plastic confines under them. "Mother just HAD to think I needed to get 'dolled up' tonight." She darkly muttered, stomach fluttering. She gave a quick growl, throwing the door open. She refused makeup, since she didn't own any, and wasn't going to let her mother's touch her face. What was the point? She didn't find herself even moderately attractive, since she didn't think she was anything worth looking at. So she gave in on the hair, since her mother was prodding her to fix herself up this once.
She jumped upon finding Kevin directly in front, hand reaching for the knob. With a small screech, hand going to her heart, she jumped and felt a few rollers loosen. "Don't DO that!" She admonished, giving his chest a light slap. Kevin grinned and poked her stomach, getting a yelp and access into the room when she jumped back.
"Feeling antsy are we?" He congenially queried. He watched as she went back to pacing, leaning against a wall to watch the show.
"Oh stuff it." She retorted, hands going back to their original position. "All I want is for these curlers to come OUT!" She loudly snapped, abruptly turning to the open door. "MOM! Can I take these stupid things OUT now??"
"Epiphany Sundance you stop YELLING." Consuela admonished, hands on her hips. The elder Hispanic walked to the doorway and looked at the hotel clock. "How long has it been?" Consuela asked, watching with small amusement when she went back to pacing.
Hands itched something horrible to scratch her head. But the idiotic look was spread all around her scalp, making it near impossible. "I dunno...I just want these OUT." A hand gingerly touched her head. "They're not hot anymore...isn't that a good sign?"
Consuela gave a long-suffering sigh and strode to her daughter. This was perhaps one of the few times that the young Marzellos ever did ANYTHING with her hair, other than putting it in a braid to keep it out of her face. "You're hopeless. Stand still and don't fidget. If you keep fiddling with that hem, you'll break it open and then I'll be out a few hundred Yen."
She forced arms stiff at her sides, eyes glued to the clock as her mother patiently touched her head. She really didn't want to wear this shirt, since it would most likely be coated in sweat later on at the clubs...but wasn't going to change now. Besides, she liked the feel of the polyester and the color matched her eyes. It was conservative with a frilly look down the front, giving off a grown-up feel. She didn't know if that's what she was going for, but it was sure feminine. She was just thankful her mother thought the white capris went. She needed something cool and short to counteract the long-sleeved shirt she was wearing! At the very least, she felt extremely dressed up and sophisticated. Sure beat the jeans and plain button-up shirts she always wore!
Her attention diverted when her mother poked a shoulder, casting her from her thoughts. "Hold these." Hands extended as her mother deposited the medium-sized curlers, filling up despite the average length of her hair. The weight was quickly released and she hurriedly tossed the curlers on the bed, scratching her entire scalp with both hands. She heard Willow giggling and Kevin chuckling behind her, but she just gave a relieved grin despite the display.
"Epi! Don't do that, you'll mess up your hair!" Consuela quickly gripped both wrists and pulled them away. Tsking at her behavior, the elder drug the youngster into the bathroom and grabbed a wide-toothed comb. "I'll not have you mess this up before any of them have a chance to get your picture and film you."
She sighed and crossed both arms, a finger tapping in rapid, tense succession. She tried to see the clock, but was unable. She knew time was passing by quicker when she wasn't able to see. That's how it normally went. Eyes speared Kevin's amused face with a mild glare, a smile threatening to show. "NOW what time is it?"
"GAAHH! Stop ASKING me that!" Kevin humorously cried. "Wear a WATCH if you wanna know so badly!"
She humphed and looked to the ground, grinding the heel of a pair of sandals on the linoleum. An evil smirk appeared. "So what TIME is it?"
"Six fifty!" Willow announced from the room. She gave a meek shriek and waved hands above her head at her mother's attempts to put hairspray and gel in.
"¡PARA! Stop! We don't have TIME for that!" She denied, hurriedly leaving the bathroom. Grabbing the blue wind jacket for later, she tied it around her waist and stopped in front of Kevin. She gave his khakis and blue button-up a once over before giving him a raised brow. "I take it you're ready?"
"Have been since FIVE." He announced, rolling his eyes. "Mujeras...they ALWAYS take forever to get ready."
"I HEARD that Kevin." Consuela mused from the bathroom. She shut the lights off and closed the door, walking to the bedroom door. "You two have fun tonight. Especially YOU hija. Take plenty of pictures and film the event so we can add it to the collection." The two nodded and headed for the living room, where a high tech, highly expensive, small hand-held camcorder sat...along with a leather camera bag, another expensive piece of equipment and four rolls resting inside.
"Can do 'Suela." Kevin reported, grabbing the leather strap. He shouldered the bag and handed the camera over. "You can take pictures."
She scoffed through a astonished glare. "Why do YOU get to work the camera? I'M the birthday girl!"
"Just don't BREAK that is all I'm asking." Philippe Marzellos suddenly piped up. The two teens looked to the eldest Marzellos in the kitchen, a paper in one hand with a glass in the other. He gave a quick nod and smiled. "Have fun and hurry. It's almost seven."
She beamed and waved. Though she held a deep, dark grudge against her father for dragging her across almost every continent so far, she knew her father loved her, and she him. "Can do padre! Come on Kevin...I just hope they're not already here!" She all but yanked Kevin's arm from its socket as she hurried to the door and patted her front pocket to make sure the hotel key was still there. "Ja ne!" She called, not knowing she said that, and shut the door. See you!
She saw the five sitting in a living room group, quietly talking and a few casting discreet glances around the area. She eyed the casual, yet mildly well-dressed, attire with an appreciative smile and quickened her step. Her eyes unconsciously sized up Sage despite her best attempts NOT to and thought she saw something different. When the two stopped and the five stood, she was presented with a pair of pink roses. "OH...arigatou gozaimasu!" She breathed, smelling the fragrance. Thank you very much! She beamed and got a few nods, but sheepish smiles. "They're BEAUTIFUL."
"Yea well...you said you didn't want anything, but it's always polite to give SOMETHING on your birthday." Ryo explained. She gave a small nod and another look to her gift.
"I love them." She murmured, eyes misting. Nobody really bothered to get her something so thoughtful, and it touched her. Even though she said she never wanted anything but their company. For not knowing her that long, they were extremely thoughtful. "Well, we don't need to head back upstairs. I know just the thing to do with these."
With a beckoning hand, she headed to the front counter and grabbed a pen and paper. Scribbling a quick message about the roses, to put them in water and in her room with her initials, she asked a front attendant to bring them upstairs upon first available. That done, she turned and led them outside and hailed a taxi. "Now...don't you five worry about a thing. I've got everything planned and you'll not pay a single yen." She teasingly ordered, wagging a finger with a smile. "I'll be the one doing that."
~*~*~
She kept true to her promise. The first stop ended at a pizza parlor/arcade place in one of the shopping centers. She ordered five pizzas, figuring there wouldn't be any leftovers. Kento would see to that...and she was surrounded by five teenage guys. Herself, she would only take three or four and let them have at the rest.
During her second slice, the sound of video games sounding, she took a moment and snatched the camcorder from within Kevin and started filming everyone with an evil, childlike grin. Mostly, she got pizza faces and a few camera shy types. "Anything you'd like to say to the camera Kento?" She asked, grinning behind the screen.
"Can't talk...eating." He mumbled around a slice.
"I'd like to say something. More like ASK." Rowen quipped, getting the camera in his face. "How'd your first name come about? A few of us were wondering that."
She grinned and panned the room in that time, allowing the others their privacy. "Father was the one who thought it up actually. Sundance is my middle name and mom wanted that as my first. But when dad found out I was not even a month developed, it kicked him in the butt and he went back to college. It was the first time he really thought about the future. Talking to a counselor and finding out he was good in computers and math signed the rest of his future. When I was explained it, father just told me I was the epiphany to his unknown success." She softly finished, almost absently as she looked through the room. She looked to Rowen above the camera and gave a posted on grin. "Anything else?"
"Where ELSE are we going tonight?" Cye popped up, grinning when the camera pinned him. "Besides a club."
She shrugged. "I figured this would take up a good couple of hours. I am going to spend a good amount of Yen here and wait for the pizza to wear off. If it's not too cold later tonight, we could go out for ice cream to cool off."
"Sounds good to me." Kento agreed. She gave him an odd, amused look and laughed. He was eating!
After the pizza was finished - not one thing wasted - she requested a birthday song in Japanese, for curiosity sake. All five grinned, including Sage to a degree, and complied, letting Kevin join in since he knew it. Their voices blended average, but the jokesters of the group kept doing off-pitches, making her laugh. When they finished, she cheered through laughter, clapping at the performance. Kevin did another round in Spanish, on a secret wish so the five could hear HER language. For some odd reason, it was getting more and more about getting both language barriers to coincide and meet. Even if neither really did learn.
When the room was abandoned to be cleaned, the group flooded the area, Yen she gave them for tokens. After some arguing from those that said they had their own money, and her insistence that she was paying, she gave plenty of Yen and mentally hoped that was enough.
While looking around for a game to play, she found Rowen and Sage interlocked in air hockey, Kento challenging Kevin to a combat-looking game, and Ryo challenging Cye on a different machine. She smiled and almost felt a little out of place as she subtly watched Kevin and Kento interact so well. A small pang of longing and isolation entered her body, dimming her good mood a large fraction, but she deeply inhaled and forcefully demanded herself to not let it affect her anymore. This was HER day and the others just paired up at the first opportunity. She would get her chance to play the victor of whatever game she chose and knew the six wouldn't feel interrupted.
As she went to a shooting game and picked up the plastic gun, going for her pocket, the niggling emotion refused to leave. A thought occurred. Then why, all of a sudden, did she feel like an outsider again and that these five were only tolerating her? Why did she feel like she didn't belong again?
Because she was the only one at a two player arcade game? Feeling hurt and a tad angry at herself for feeling this way and wondering about the others, she took aim and fired on the digital bad guy without mercy.
~*~*~
Hours passed before the seven finally left the arcade. She hailed a taxi again, the seven cramming in the car. It was almost impossible, but she sat on the top of everyone else, being the lightest of them all. Also the shortest of the group. It was utterly embarrassing, but being in such a good mood from the arcade at winning and humorously losing to numerous games helped ease the discomfort.
She let the others give the directions to the club, since they lived in Toyama and she was only a visitor. The car ride ended quicker than she thought, all the while listening to tales of how each would totally burn the other at video games. She managed to slide out one end and straighten her attire as the others shuffled out. After paying the cab, the group stopped and looked at the short line that was getting longer.
The more energetic pranksters of the group grabbed wrists of those less eager to get inside. She walked alongside Rowen and Kento as they drug Ryo and Sage, Kevin and Cye laughing at the mildly flustered looks.
"This isn't as bad as you're making it to be Sage."
"And how would YOU know?" Sage retorted back, glaring at Kento. He didn't bother struggling, since Kento's grip was like Hardrock's, even without his armor.
Rowen only grinned at his good friend. "We know because most of us get out a lot more often than you two do." He answered, eyeing Ryo and Cye. The two just shrugged, not feeling up to arguing back.
"Well I for one OFFERED to come, so you can let go now Rowen." Ryo ordered, a smile threatening to show as he tried to wrestle his hand back.
She just quietly laughed as they stopped at the end of the line. A hand covered her face, head shaking at their antics. "You guys are funny." She mumbled, mostly to herself.
A jab in her side got a yelp, and playful glare to the offended. "You should see us when we're all in a good mood." Kento kidded, grinning.
"ALL of you?" She asked, returning his grin. Kento's good mood was infectious, and she found herself standing a little closer to talk with him. He was so easygoing, and the first to offer his hand. How she never took it was beyond her. Her eyes subtly looked to Sage. "Is that POSSIBLE?" She kidded.
Cye grinned and casually crossed his arms. "We can get pretty wild if you get us on the right topic."
A brown brow rose. "Is that true Ryo?" She asked. He just gave a small, odd look. "Can you get wild if the topic arises?"
Ryo smirked at her odd sense of humor and looked to the line that was moving as they spoke. "I can let go when need be yes."
She gave Sage a silent look. The words died in her mouth to ask, for she knew anything she said might be taken the wrong way. Out of all the five, Sage was the least friendly to her. Tonight though, he was almost suspiciously pleasant, though she didn't know WHY. Even if he didn't say much to her personally, Sage seemed a little more relaxed and his face wasn't as stoic.
An arm suddenly went around her shoulders, gaining her attention. She startled and looked up to find Rowen's face near hers. She blinked through a small, amused look at how Rowen was grinning at Sage. "Aww, don't expect ol' Sage Date to let go and have some fun. He was raised traditional, and traditional he'll STAY. No use for fun and all that when he's got meditation and Kendo keeping him busy."
Sage all but glowered at his good friend. "Thanks a BUNCH Rowen." He darkly muttered, crossing his arms.
She felt a little sorry for Sage, knowing what it was like to be labeled something that you most likely weren't. She was sure Sage could let go and have fun, even though he looked serious all the time. She tried to send him a small, disarming smile, but his gaze was to the setting sun...almost thoughtful somehow.
Minutes after they were admitted and hand-stamped for entrance, all looked around, most with eager eyes.
She was in utter heaven. Here was her world and she didn't waste any time or music. With a beaming, enthusiastic face, she turned and grabbed the one closest...dragging Ryo into the crowd. Kevin's laugh at Ryo's stunned face was lost to the loud beat as he followed his cousin, determined not to lose her in the masses. Who knew when this place closed, and if ANY lost sight of her, they'd never find her again!
She couldn't help but dance to every song, unable to stop. Her soul was set free here, to fast-paced Japanese and English music, reveling in some of the songs they played. A few she recognized from her time in America. She felt a little less out of place around people that almost towered over her. Her skills made her taller than her height and she relished in that and embellished them.
Ryo was graceful enough to dance with her a few more times, though he looked a little discomfited doing so. She realized during a dance that pulling him into the crowd during her enthusiasm was NOT the most polite thing to do and apologized as best she could over the music.
Kento was the better dance partner, though his larger size tired him out faster and took up a little more space. His energy and light-hearted nature allowed him to loosen up and have fun. His moves were a little restricted with all the people about - as were hers - but they both made do.
Rowen didn't have much fluidness, but she didn't hold it against him. She was happy he was here, celebrating her birthday and good grade. Honestly, she didn't think any of them would come, but once again they surprised her. She was nearly on cloud nine at the prospect that so many people thought she was interesting enough to call her their friend.
Cye was more bashful than he let on in the beginning, but loosened up half a minute into the song. He seemed the most fluid dancer. She only managed to beg two more dances before he declined with a polite smile. When he turned to leave, she grasped his wrist and followed on impulse. Cye only gave a quick look behind his shoulder before continuing to lead them both out of the crowd.
She finally found out what became of Sage, since she didn't really see him at all. She found Sage and Kento, Ryo, and Kevin involved in a team game of pool in a sectioned area from the floor.
She blinked and stopped next to the wall and watched, finding the three were pretty good. She never really imagined Kevin could play pool, but when he sunk a pretty hard-looking shot, she knew his eye for basketball crossed to billiards.
After watching the rest of their game and the first few minutes of a winning match between Ryo and Kevin, Rowen and Kento, she decided to go back to the floor. The music called to her and during a few bank shots, her foot kept tapping to the rhythm of the club.
Walking up to the game, she tapped Kevin on the arm to gain his attention and pulled him more to her height. "I'm going back out!" She shouted, pointing to the floor. Kevin's eyes cast a quick direction at the large group of people and nodded. She waved to a few whose eyes she caught before striding back out, winding her way more to the middle. It was more crowded, but the adrenaline and FEELING was there and that's where she lived.
Finding a small space, with a small notion that she was dancing without a partner for the first time tonight, eyes closed to find the beat and let feet and arms move by themselves.
Two full songs passed since she got on the floor. She felt good, freer out here. Though a few elbows hit her in the shoulder from such pressed space, this was the only place to be. This was the heart of the club, down in the center. She had to be here, had to show off. Her skills came out tonight, ears deaf to the words of whatever Japanese song was playing. She felt more confident, encouraged in the high tempo beat. Worries and thoughts flowed from her mind as she let legs and arms pave the way to her happiness. The only downside it seemed was the intense heat that made her clothes stick to her body and dampen once easy movement.
In the midst of that same song, a hand clamped on her upper arm. Startled out of her trance, eyes opened wide, widening even more upon finding Sage. He didn't move amidst the crowd, but the masses didn't seem to touch him. It was like he flowed with the people to keep from getting in their way.
Brown narrowed in question, wondering if they were leaving already. She wasn't tired in the least and had no intention on leaving. If she had to plead them to stay, then she would.
Sage's hand waved, beckoning her to follow. It wasn't hard to stay in eyesight, since Sage's hand had yet to leave her arm. Her mind, now crashing down from the dance high, was starting to get fuzzy at this sudden, TOTALLY unexpected contact. What was he DOING? Not that she minded...but this was definitely not like Sage!
The blond stopped them at the edge of the circle and let go of her arm. She was about to step forward and shout her questions, but he grasped a hand. His other waved to the masses and silently looked to her. She blinked wide eyes, widening at the concept Sage was presenting. But her head dumbly nodded and the two backed a little more into open space for more room to dance in.
Dancing...they were going to DANCE together! Was this a dream? She seriously betted it was. Never in her wildest notions did she EVER think Sage would dance with her. Sage was NEVER that open around her...what brought up this inane urge?
Occasionally I am serious
I also have worries
Like you now
She blinked at the lyrics to the new song, but quickly caught the beat, already in time with her partner. Looks AND moves it appeared. Sage was a natural. He had more grace and fluidness in his stance than Cye.
Time's flow changes things
It isn't just the town
The lyrics were in English, even if the music held that Japanese tempo. Whatever the song was, it was highly interesting...and it struck a nerve. Tor some reason, she was dancing to this song with Sage.
People are always lonely wherever they hide
Is that what it's like to grow up?
Thinking of how I was ten years ago
Now I want the same feelings
She couldn't look away from Sage, even though he looked to her only time to time. His movements kept him so active. She was almost awed by how easy he made it look. Almost like her.
Her lips quirked as she used the adrenaline to turn her steps up a notch. They finally had something in common.
Don't flow by
Don't flow by
She noticed out of the corner that they were drawing a crowd. She couldn't help but blush and wonder how long ago the masses left their routine to watch them. She noticed it was a lot of men and women, both sexes checking them out. She felt flattered, but knew it had to do with her looks and the way she was moving. These people here didn't know her, just how she could dance. If that was the case, then she felt no restrictions to show off.
One person in a room worries
If one doesn't reply, maybe one won't be noticed
Somewhere during the dance, Sage grasped her wrist and tugged her a little closer. To her amazement and elation, she started dancing more in time with him, doing more partner moves. She didn't know what Sage's thoughts were, or what he was planning by doing this, but she wasn't going to let it end. She WOULDN'T!
Don't follow and give up
I want to see a smile on a cheerful face
Her lips pressed together from the subtle suggestion of the lyrics. She didn't understand the song, but she could see a little larger smile on Sage's face. This was a powerful moment between them and she counted her blessings. Her eyes locked on his momentarily, able to see both without his hair in the way. He had such beautiful eyes...
No one understands what happens first
Just go along and trust
How have I changed from ten years ago?
I want to know but somehow, I'm scared
Like looking through a time machine
Somehow, during all the movements they were doing, her eye was able to catch the group in the more middle to front of the large circle surrounding them. Most to all of Sage's friends held wide eyes, even Kevin. She couldn't help but laugh at their astonishment.
It made sense now. Sage apparently found her in the crowd, having followed after a while, with the intent on showing those five he COULD loosen up. She wasn't angry for his mindset, knowing they were needlessly picking on him. When Sage spotted them, he stuck his tongue out and kept dancing as if nothing happened. She laughed, memorizing THAT little scene in her head forever.
Someday, by chance we'll meet somewhere
And now the same two people
No one can stop time's flow but
Now we can talk of our feelings
She didn't want this to end. She didn't want her time with Sage to end. She didn't want the night, the fun, the experience, the group around them to leave. Through the song, she was running on the biggest adrenaline rush, but also the biggest butterfly fluttering she'd ever experienced. There was always something felt whenever she looked at or was near Sage. But it was NOWHERE near this strong.
That's when it hit her, and started the war between her selves. This was NOT a good thing, but yet the most blessed thing in the world. If only the song wouldn't end...
Yet I want to meet again
I want to meet again
Don't flow by
Don't flow by
During the clapping and cheering, when the notes died and a momentarily relapse before another song played, Sage stopped directly in front and bent his head next to hers. "Happy birthday." He announced, giving her a quick look before blending in with the crowd again.
She dumbly stood, even as people around her smiled and gave thumbs up at how good a dancer she was as they went back to their own lives. She still stood and blinked, watching the exit Sage took, even as another song started up. The only time she moved was when someone suddenly bumped into her from behind.