Author's Note: I know I said Takeshi was two earlier, but now he's 4. Hehe. Sorry~! Thanks to everyone who reviewed!! *huggles* Sorry about the long wait. No, there was no writer's block, but my laptop died! *sob* Now I have a new one and can write! *cracks knuckles* Here we go!
"So when do I get to meet all of your high school friends," Ohkami asked as they entered a cab.
"Anou, Ohkami, why did you come with me?"
Ohkami's eyes widened and he looked away, cheeks slightly flushed. "I. . . I've always wanted to come to Tokyo."
Aya gave a look of puzzlement, then replied, "But didn't you say you grew up here as well?" Ohkami laughed nervously, shaking his head and brushing back his bangs.
"Well, I erm . . . you know what my childhood was like here. I thought it would be nice to make some new memories. And who better with than you," Ohkami replied, turning slightly serious then back to his usual flirtatious self.
"Flirt," she scolded playfully. Ever since she met Ohkami, he had worked to make her more outgoing and less shy. By his standards, it was working. Now she would tease him, when all she had earlier was either blush and become quiet or just sit there, doing nothing.
He grinned, "You know you like it."
"And I also know that you need to shush. Are you going to act like this around my friends?"
Ohkami pouted and covered his eyes with his hand. "You're embarrassed of me, aren't you? And I thought you lo~ved me…"
"This is going to be a long vacation . . ."
"No reassuring declaration of love? You just mortally wounded me, Aya."
"Hey, Ohkami, should I write a novel about this, as a sequel to Butterfly," Aya asked, used to his jests. Ohkami turned serious, as he usually did when the talk turned to business, and looked up, a sign that he was thinking After a moment, he nodded.
"If this isn't too emotionally trying," he added. Not that Aya had any bad high school memories, compared to his, they were available only in a dream. But her novel was about a girl maturing into a woman, a concept that both strengthened her and weakened her at the same time. She missed those carefree days, and the overall nostalgia of her words proved it.
"It wasn't that hard. . . I just, couldn't deal with it, I guess. You know, running from your problems? In any case, I'm fine," a bright grin, "And I can't wait to see everyone again! You're going to love them!"
*.*.*.*.*.*.*.
"Ran, you need to come over to my house right now,." Miyu quickly burst out in the telephone before Ran could say a simple 'Hi'.
"What's wrong," she replied, voice urgent with worry as a thousand possible scenarios filled her head.
"Aya's in town! She came a day early! And she's coming here right now! And we don't have a welcome back party prepared," Miyu continued, speaking quickly. Takeshi began making comments in the background, adding to Miyu's stress.
"Have you called Tatsuki," Ran asked, to which Miyu replied no. "Listen, we'll throw a bash at his club. I'm sure he won't mind, it being Aya and all."
Miyu was silent for a moment, then asked, "Do you want me to ask him?"
"It's okay Miyu. Aki and Tatsuki are a couple. I have to accept it. In any case, what time is she coming over?"
Miyu's urgency returned, "Right now! Listen, I still have to call Otohata and Yuuya and Mami-"
"I understand. Later," Ran said as she pushed the talk button. She then pressed star and two, which was Tatsuki's number in her speed dial. After three rings he picked up, voice rough as if he was up all night. That caused an uneasy lump to form in her stomach, but she pushed it away, shaking her head. Just seconds ago she accepted their relationship, and it wasn't her style to just say things without meaning them.
"Hey you."
"Ran," he said, a bit surprised. "What's wrong?"
"We have a little dilemma. Aya is here, in Tokyo, right now, going to Miyu's home as we speak. And we don't have a welcome back party for her and, well," she rambled, going out of character and feeling suddenly nervous. Their relationship wasn't the same relationship they had a few weeks earlier, and Ran felt awkward about asking Tatsuki for favors.
"You want to take her to the club? That's cool, I'll clear out a party room, okay?"
"Tat-kun, who's that," Aki called from the background.
"Ran," he replied, and received both an angry interjection and an insult directed toward Ran. A moan escaped his lips and he shook his head. "Listen, I have to go."
"Be sure to take Aki with you."
"What?!"
"It's rude not introduce your girlfriend to Aya. See you at Miyu's place, okay? Later," Ran said, feeling relieved. Slowly she was distancing her romantic emotions from Tatsuki. It was hard, but her feelings were making her an emotional wreck. Being weak was something that she could not afford to be. Everytime something bad happened, she was the strong one, the pillar that held every one else up.
"La..ter," he replied in bewilderment. "Since when did Ran . . . Nevermind. Aki," Tatsuki yelled, for Aki had stompted off to his room in anger, "We're invited to meet Aya. She was an old high school friend, and I haven't seen her in ten years."
"You mean, you want to me to come as your girlfriend," she asked as she opened the door and walked toward Tatsuki. He half grinned and shook his head, then reached over and ruffled her hair.
"How else would you come silly?"
*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.
"Hoshino Aya," Rei whispered as he hung up his phone. "It's been ten years since I last saw her. . . And yet I still see her smiling face in my mind. Damn, why did we all have to meet at the same time?" Ten years ago he had a crush on Ran, but with her urgings, he had eventually became involved with Aya, who in her own way became special as well. A smile slowly appeared on his face, even now his emotions remained as muddled as they were back in high school.
"Tonight is going to be interesting…"
*.*.*.*.*.*.
The taxi driver pulled up about a block away from Miyu's home. Ohkami paid the driver, adding a tip, and got out their bags, a suitcase for him, a suitcase for Aya, and a small carryon. "Thank goodness you travel light," he commented as they began to walk to Miyu's home.
"Why'd you stop him a block away," Aya asked, looking at him oddly.
"Thought a walk would be nice, that's all. Are your feet sore? I'd carry you if I didn't have these bags." Aya smiled and shook her head. He never seemed to stop with the flirty comments. Not that she was complaining, it was a great self esteem booster.
"Any last second thoughts?"
"I can't wait to see them!" Ohkami chuckled softly.
"Thought you'd be thinking that. Well, why wait longer than you have to? Jump on my back."
"What?! I'm in a skirt!"
"You can't run in those heels. Come on, be a little adventurous!"
"She lives on three fifty, and we're on forty-six. I can walk a little longer. Thanks for the offer, though," Aya replied, slightly blushing. That was just like Ohkami, he would always suggest bizarre things to do, like swimming in winter. Of coarse, he didn't do all the things he had the urge to do, but he was just unpredictable at times.
Ohkami glanced at Aya out of the corner of his eye, smiling slightly. As soon as he suggested to jump on his back, he knew she'd say no, but it was fun to watch her blush. She was one of those girls you wanted to hug and never let go. "Wow. Nice house, eh?"
"Yeah," Aya muttered, staring at the house. It was one story, with a well cared for garden and painted a sky blue. What made it astonishing was the fact that the fence had a mural of children playing on it. On the phone Miyu mentioned she had a son, Takeshi. Aya smiled, Miyu always looked like a good mother.
"I think she likes kids," Ohkami commented, admiring the mural.
"She has a son named Takeshi."
"Well, what are you waiting for? Let's go say hi," Ohkami said as he transferred a bag to his other hand and wrapped his arm around Aya. "Smile," he whispered in her ear and removed his hold, a bit reluctantly. Then Aya pressed the doorbell, which played a short jingle, and Miyu opened the door.
Miyu's first thought was that Aya hadn't changed much, and that she just looked older. Her second thought was if her and the man that stood next to her were married. "A-Aya," she finally said, still staring at them. "Forgive me! Come in, I invited everyone over, so they'll be here in a minute or two."
Aya and Ohkami entered, admiring her cozy home. It looked elegant, and each room was well decorated with a theme. The living room was in the middle of the house, and had a tv, several sofas, and a coffee table.
"You arrived earlier than I thought. Sorry for not being ready. I'd introduce you to Yamato, but he's at work. But you have to meet my son! Takeshi," she yelled, and a moment later a young boy ran to the room, wearing a loose blue shirt and black shorts. "Say hi to Aya and . . ."
"Ohkami," he answered, nodding politely and bowing.
"Hello Aya and Ohkami, my name is Takeshi, nice to meet you," Takeshi said, bowing as well. "Can I call you Aya-shi?"
"Um.. sure," she replied, smiling gently.
Miyu chuckled softly. "He insists on giving everyone a name like that. I don't know why. Anyway, it's nice to meet you Ohkami-san."
"You as well. It's nice to finally meet everyone Aya told me about." Miyu's eyes widened slightly at Ohkami's use of Aya's name. They had to be close, husband and wife? Boyfirend and girlfriend?
"Mommy," Takeshi said, tugging on Miyu's pants, "I can't think of a nickname for Ohkami-san!" All three laughed and Miyu shook her head.
"Why don't you ask Ohkami-san what his nickname is," she suggested, and her son smiled and marched to Ohkami. He knelt so that they were eye to eye.
"Ohkami-san, do you have a nickname?" Ohkami shook his head, and Takeshi wrinkled his nose in deep thought. A smile appeared on Ohkami's face, Takeshi's sheer determination for discovering a nickname was amusing. "How about . . . Oh-bo?" Ohkami laughed, and nodded.
"Oh-bo it is then!" Takeshi smiled with a sense of accomplishment, then ran out to play video games. Miyu smiled gently as her son ran off.
"So," she began, "What is your relationship?" Both Aya and Ohkami turned red, and Aya stuttered out her answer - They were just friends. Miyu grinned, and sensed that they liked each other and weren't ready to admit it yet. "Tatsuki runs a club now, and he's offered to throw a special welcome home party for you. I know it's a little odd, but you came earlier than I expected."
"I'm sorry," Aya said, bowing.
"No, it's okay. I couldn't wait to see you again anyway! I called everyone a few minutes ago, so they should all be here soon!" As if her words were a magical incantation, the doorbell rang, and when Miyu answered it Ran stood at the door, dressed in a chic party outfit.
"Miyu! Are they here yet? I came as fast as I can!"
"Yeah, and she brought a man with her!" Both friends put on a mischievious expression and looked toward the direction of the living room. "His name's Ohkami."
"Her boyfriend?"
"No, just a friend of hers. But they both blushed when I asked them if they were a couple. It was so cute!" Ran chuckled as the image of a blushing Aya appeared in her mind. Things had been so simple back then . . . "Let's go see her, ne?"
Ran followed Miyu and found Aya and Ohkami sitting on the love seat. "They look good together," she thought, and grinned. For a moment they stared at each other, taking in the changes ten years had on them. "Aya," Ran beamed, and hugged her old friend.
"You haven't changed at all," Aya replied, giggling.
"No, *you're* the one who hasn't changed! But I'm mad at you. Why didn't you tell me you had a boyfriend?" To both Miyu and Ran's amusement, both had the grace to blush again. "It's like we're teenagers again," Ran thought as the doorbell rang.
"We're not together. He's a good friend, that's all," Aya replied, then let out a small 'eep'. "I forgot to introduce you two! Ohkami, this is Ran." Both nodded and did the standard nice to meet yous.
"Tatsuki! You're here," they heard Miyu call from afar. Ran felt her insides churn, but she shook the feeling off. This was Aya's show, not hers.
"Aki-san, nice to meet you."
Aya glanced at Ran and mouthed "Aki?" Ran gave a warning of disaster look and nodded toward the auburn headed girl that walked in with Tatsuki. "Funny," Aya thought, "I always thought Ran and Tatsuki would end up together."
As Aki sat down on the sofa across from Ran, she launched a glare full of hostile jealousy. "Don't start," Ran thought and ignored the childish girl, who scoffed from being unnoticed. "That leaves Yuuya and Mami. . ."
"No, they weren't able to come. They send their greetings and love though," Miyu said and sat next to Ran. "But you forgot about Rei." Ran chuckled lightly and muttered 'oops'. Tatsuki's eyes held Ran with some kind of regard, judgement maybe? Or suspicion?
The doorbell rang for the third time that night but before Miyu could get up to answer it, Takeshi came running and opened the door.
"Rei-pi," he said in shock. "Are you here to see Aya-ri too?"
"Come in Rei," Miyu called. "Takeshi, show him to the living room."
Takeshi grabbed Rei's arm and dragged him down the halls, chattering all the way. "Ran-bi's here, Tat-chi's here, Oh-bo, and Aya-ri!" Rei laughed softly at the child's enthusium. It was a trait he inherited from his mother, it seemed.
He was dragged into the room, and met with the worst awkward silence he had partaken in his life. All parties stared at him and Aya, wondering what would happen. "Welcome back," he said, reaching up and brushing his bangs off his face.
Aya smiled and nodded, then stood and gave Rei a light hug. Ohkami's left eye twitched slightly, and after a moment he stood, meeting the 'Rei' from highschool eye to eye. "Hi. The name's Ohkami."
"Nice to meet you," Rei replied and shook Ohkami's hand. Thankfully he didn't question Aya and Ohkami's relationship. Takeshi left, bored at the adult's formalities, and the sounds of samurai battles were heard.
"As soon as Yamato and the babysitter arrive, we'll go to the club," Miyu said, and turned to Aya. "How did you and Ohkami meet?"
"He's a writer as well, and my editor. When I finished Butterfly, I went to the publishing house to find out where to send it. He was leaving and crashed into me. Somehow we've been friends ever since."
"Somehow," Rei questioned.
Aya smiled with happiness, "He's like a kid sometimes! But he's fun, and funny -"
"You're embarassing me," Ohkami replied, shaking his head. "I still can't believe how lucky I am to have met her. She's a talented girl, sweet, and I always enjoy reading her manuscripts." Everyone smiled at the 'friends'. They looked and sounded like a couple, which gave Ran a new idea . . .
Her and Tatsuki locked eyes, and Ran was glad to see that he shared the same gleam. It looked like both Aya and Rei had moved on, so plan B was to get her and Ohkami 'together' before her week long visit was over. Aki noticed their stare and locked her arm through Tatsuki's, and mouthed 'he's mine' to Ran.
It was hard to believe she was the same age as Ran.
The door clinked and rattled as Yamato entered, and he came into the living room and apologized for his tardiness. "Busy," Ran asked, looking up at her older brother.
"Yeah. It was a bad night." Ran moaned.
"Which means I get the aftermath tomorrow!" Yamato laughed and playfully winked.
"Wow Aya, you look almost the same, only older. Nice seeing you again. And nice to meet you . . ."
"Ohkami. Nice to meet you too." Takeshi ran into the room, and jumped onto Yamato.
"Tou-san's home!" Yamato laughed and ruffled his son's hair. "Come on, kid," he said as he lifted Takeshi to his shoulders, "I'm going to go change, be out in a minute." They left, Miyu looking lovingly at her husband and child.
After some more small talk, the babysitter came, and the group left to Tatsuki's club.
To Be Continued . . .
A/N: Heehee!! Aren't I evil?? Don't worry, this chapter was only a teaser for the next! I'm hard at work on the next one as well, and I'll get it out as soon as I can!!
Next Chapter: Girl Talk! ^_~. Ohkami and Rei have a 'discussion', Tatsuki and Ran plan out 'Plan B', Aki acts . . well, like Aki(!), and .. . the rest is a secret!
"So when do I get to meet all of your high school friends," Ohkami asked as they entered a cab.
"Anou, Ohkami, why did you come with me?"
Ohkami's eyes widened and he looked away, cheeks slightly flushed. "I. . . I've always wanted to come to Tokyo."
Aya gave a look of puzzlement, then replied, "But didn't you say you grew up here as well?" Ohkami laughed nervously, shaking his head and brushing back his bangs.
"Well, I erm . . . you know what my childhood was like here. I thought it would be nice to make some new memories. And who better with than you," Ohkami replied, turning slightly serious then back to his usual flirtatious self.
"Flirt," she scolded playfully. Ever since she met Ohkami, he had worked to make her more outgoing and less shy. By his standards, it was working. Now she would tease him, when all she had earlier was either blush and become quiet or just sit there, doing nothing.
He grinned, "You know you like it."
"And I also know that you need to shush. Are you going to act like this around my friends?"
Ohkami pouted and covered his eyes with his hand. "You're embarrassed of me, aren't you? And I thought you lo~ved me…"
"This is going to be a long vacation . . ."
"No reassuring declaration of love? You just mortally wounded me, Aya."
"Hey, Ohkami, should I write a novel about this, as a sequel to Butterfly," Aya asked, used to his jests. Ohkami turned serious, as he usually did when the talk turned to business, and looked up, a sign that he was thinking After a moment, he nodded.
"If this isn't too emotionally trying," he added. Not that Aya had any bad high school memories, compared to his, they were available only in a dream. But her novel was about a girl maturing into a woman, a concept that both strengthened her and weakened her at the same time. She missed those carefree days, and the overall nostalgia of her words proved it.
"It wasn't that hard. . . I just, couldn't deal with it, I guess. You know, running from your problems? In any case, I'm fine," a bright grin, "And I can't wait to see everyone again! You're going to love them!"
*.*.*.*.*.*.*.
"Ran, you need to come over to my house right now,." Miyu quickly burst out in the telephone before Ran could say a simple 'Hi'.
"What's wrong," she replied, voice urgent with worry as a thousand possible scenarios filled her head.
"Aya's in town! She came a day early! And she's coming here right now! And we don't have a welcome back party prepared," Miyu continued, speaking quickly. Takeshi began making comments in the background, adding to Miyu's stress.
"Have you called Tatsuki," Ran asked, to which Miyu replied no. "Listen, we'll throw a bash at his club. I'm sure he won't mind, it being Aya and all."
Miyu was silent for a moment, then asked, "Do you want me to ask him?"
"It's okay Miyu. Aki and Tatsuki are a couple. I have to accept it. In any case, what time is she coming over?"
Miyu's urgency returned, "Right now! Listen, I still have to call Otohata and Yuuya and Mami-"
"I understand. Later," Ran said as she pushed the talk button. She then pressed star and two, which was Tatsuki's number in her speed dial. After three rings he picked up, voice rough as if he was up all night. That caused an uneasy lump to form in her stomach, but she pushed it away, shaking her head. Just seconds ago she accepted their relationship, and it wasn't her style to just say things without meaning them.
"Hey you."
"Ran," he said, a bit surprised. "What's wrong?"
"We have a little dilemma. Aya is here, in Tokyo, right now, going to Miyu's home as we speak. And we don't have a welcome back party for her and, well," she rambled, going out of character and feeling suddenly nervous. Their relationship wasn't the same relationship they had a few weeks earlier, and Ran felt awkward about asking Tatsuki for favors.
"You want to take her to the club? That's cool, I'll clear out a party room, okay?"
"Tat-kun, who's that," Aki called from the background.
"Ran," he replied, and received both an angry interjection and an insult directed toward Ran. A moan escaped his lips and he shook his head. "Listen, I have to go."
"Be sure to take Aki with you."
"What?!"
"It's rude not introduce your girlfriend to Aya. See you at Miyu's place, okay? Later," Ran said, feeling relieved. Slowly she was distancing her romantic emotions from Tatsuki. It was hard, but her feelings were making her an emotional wreck. Being weak was something that she could not afford to be. Everytime something bad happened, she was the strong one, the pillar that held every one else up.
"La..ter," he replied in bewilderment. "Since when did Ran . . . Nevermind. Aki," Tatsuki yelled, for Aki had stompted off to his room in anger, "We're invited to meet Aya. She was an old high school friend, and I haven't seen her in ten years."
"You mean, you want to me to come as your girlfriend," she asked as she opened the door and walked toward Tatsuki. He half grinned and shook his head, then reached over and ruffled her hair.
"How else would you come silly?"
*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.
"Hoshino Aya," Rei whispered as he hung up his phone. "It's been ten years since I last saw her. . . And yet I still see her smiling face in my mind. Damn, why did we all have to meet at the same time?" Ten years ago he had a crush on Ran, but with her urgings, he had eventually became involved with Aya, who in her own way became special as well. A smile slowly appeared on his face, even now his emotions remained as muddled as they were back in high school.
"Tonight is going to be interesting…"
*.*.*.*.*.*.
The taxi driver pulled up about a block away from Miyu's home. Ohkami paid the driver, adding a tip, and got out their bags, a suitcase for him, a suitcase for Aya, and a small carryon. "Thank goodness you travel light," he commented as they began to walk to Miyu's home.
"Why'd you stop him a block away," Aya asked, looking at him oddly.
"Thought a walk would be nice, that's all. Are your feet sore? I'd carry you if I didn't have these bags." Aya smiled and shook her head. He never seemed to stop with the flirty comments. Not that she was complaining, it was a great self esteem booster.
"Any last second thoughts?"
"I can't wait to see them!" Ohkami chuckled softly.
"Thought you'd be thinking that. Well, why wait longer than you have to? Jump on my back."
"What?! I'm in a skirt!"
"You can't run in those heels. Come on, be a little adventurous!"
"She lives on three fifty, and we're on forty-six. I can walk a little longer. Thanks for the offer, though," Aya replied, slightly blushing. That was just like Ohkami, he would always suggest bizarre things to do, like swimming in winter. Of coarse, he didn't do all the things he had the urge to do, but he was just unpredictable at times.
Ohkami glanced at Aya out of the corner of his eye, smiling slightly. As soon as he suggested to jump on his back, he knew she'd say no, but it was fun to watch her blush. She was one of those girls you wanted to hug and never let go. "Wow. Nice house, eh?"
"Yeah," Aya muttered, staring at the house. It was one story, with a well cared for garden and painted a sky blue. What made it astonishing was the fact that the fence had a mural of children playing on it. On the phone Miyu mentioned she had a son, Takeshi. Aya smiled, Miyu always looked like a good mother.
"I think she likes kids," Ohkami commented, admiring the mural.
"She has a son named Takeshi."
"Well, what are you waiting for? Let's go say hi," Ohkami said as he transferred a bag to his other hand and wrapped his arm around Aya. "Smile," he whispered in her ear and removed his hold, a bit reluctantly. Then Aya pressed the doorbell, which played a short jingle, and Miyu opened the door.
Miyu's first thought was that Aya hadn't changed much, and that she just looked older. Her second thought was if her and the man that stood next to her were married. "A-Aya," she finally said, still staring at them. "Forgive me! Come in, I invited everyone over, so they'll be here in a minute or two."
Aya and Ohkami entered, admiring her cozy home. It looked elegant, and each room was well decorated with a theme. The living room was in the middle of the house, and had a tv, several sofas, and a coffee table.
"You arrived earlier than I thought. Sorry for not being ready. I'd introduce you to Yamato, but he's at work. But you have to meet my son! Takeshi," she yelled, and a moment later a young boy ran to the room, wearing a loose blue shirt and black shorts. "Say hi to Aya and . . ."
"Ohkami," he answered, nodding politely and bowing.
"Hello Aya and Ohkami, my name is Takeshi, nice to meet you," Takeshi said, bowing as well. "Can I call you Aya-shi?"
"Um.. sure," she replied, smiling gently.
Miyu chuckled softly. "He insists on giving everyone a name like that. I don't know why. Anyway, it's nice to meet you Ohkami-san."
"You as well. It's nice to finally meet everyone Aya told me about." Miyu's eyes widened slightly at Ohkami's use of Aya's name. They had to be close, husband and wife? Boyfirend and girlfriend?
"Mommy," Takeshi said, tugging on Miyu's pants, "I can't think of a nickname for Ohkami-san!" All three laughed and Miyu shook her head.
"Why don't you ask Ohkami-san what his nickname is," she suggested, and her son smiled and marched to Ohkami. He knelt so that they were eye to eye.
"Ohkami-san, do you have a nickname?" Ohkami shook his head, and Takeshi wrinkled his nose in deep thought. A smile appeared on Ohkami's face, Takeshi's sheer determination for discovering a nickname was amusing. "How about . . . Oh-bo?" Ohkami laughed, and nodded.
"Oh-bo it is then!" Takeshi smiled with a sense of accomplishment, then ran out to play video games. Miyu smiled gently as her son ran off.
"So," she began, "What is your relationship?" Both Aya and Ohkami turned red, and Aya stuttered out her answer - They were just friends. Miyu grinned, and sensed that they liked each other and weren't ready to admit it yet. "Tatsuki runs a club now, and he's offered to throw a special welcome home party for you. I know it's a little odd, but you came earlier than I expected."
"I'm sorry," Aya said, bowing.
"No, it's okay. I couldn't wait to see you again anyway! I called everyone a few minutes ago, so they should all be here soon!" As if her words were a magical incantation, the doorbell rang, and when Miyu answered it Ran stood at the door, dressed in a chic party outfit.
"Miyu! Are they here yet? I came as fast as I can!"
"Yeah, and she brought a man with her!" Both friends put on a mischievious expression and looked toward the direction of the living room. "His name's Ohkami."
"Her boyfriend?"
"No, just a friend of hers. But they both blushed when I asked them if they were a couple. It was so cute!" Ran chuckled as the image of a blushing Aya appeared in her mind. Things had been so simple back then . . . "Let's go see her, ne?"
Ran followed Miyu and found Aya and Ohkami sitting on the love seat. "They look good together," she thought, and grinned. For a moment they stared at each other, taking in the changes ten years had on them. "Aya," Ran beamed, and hugged her old friend.
"You haven't changed at all," Aya replied, giggling.
"No, *you're* the one who hasn't changed! But I'm mad at you. Why didn't you tell me you had a boyfriend?" To both Miyu and Ran's amusement, both had the grace to blush again. "It's like we're teenagers again," Ran thought as the doorbell rang.
"We're not together. He's a good friend, that's all," Aya replied, then let out a small 'eep'. "I forgot to introduce you two! Ohkami, this is Ran." Both nodded and did the standard nice to meet yous.
"Tatsuki! You're here," they heard Miyu call from afar. Ran felt her insides churn, but she shook the feeling off. This was Aya's show, not hers.
"Aki-san, nice to meet you."
Aya glanced at Ran and mouthed "Aki?" Ran gave a warning of disaster look and nodded toward the auburn headed girl that walked in with Tatsuki. "Funny," Aya thought, "I always thought Ran and Tatsuki would end up together."
As Aki sat down on the sofa across from Ran, she launched a glare full of hostile jealousy. "Don't start," Ran thought and ignored the childish girl, who scoffed from being unnoticed. "That leaves Yuuya and Mami. . ."
"No, they weren't able to come. They send their greetings and love though," Miyu said and sat next to Ran. "But you forgot about Rei." Ran chuckled lightly and muttered 'oops'. Tatsuki's eyes held Ran with some kind of regard, judgement maybe? Or suspicion?
The doorbell rang for the third time that night but before Miyu could get up to answer it, Takeshi came running and opened the door.
"Rei-pi," he said in shock. "Are you here to see Aya-ri too?"
"Come in Rei," Miyu called. "Takeshi, show him to the living room."
Takeshi grabbed Rei's arm and dragged him down the halls, chattering all the way. "Ran-bi's here, Tat-chi's here, Oh-bo, and Aya-ri!" Rei laughed softly at the child's enthusium. It was a trait he inherited from his mother, it seemed.
He was dragged into the room, and met with the worst awkward silence he had partaken in his life. All parties stared at him and Aya, wondering what would happen. "Welcome back," he said, reaching up and brushing his bangs off his face.
Aya smiled and nodded, then stood and gave Rei a light hug. Ohkami's left eye twitched slightly, and after a moment he stood, meeting the 'Rei' from highschool eye to eye. "Hi. The name's Ohkami."
"Nice to meet you," Rei replied and shook Ohkami's hand. Thankfully he didn't question Aya and Ohkami's relationship. Takeshi left, bored at the adult's formalities, and the sounds of samurai battles were heard.
"As soon as Yamato and the babysitter arrive, we'll go to the club," Miyu said, and turned to Aya. "How did you and Ohkami meet?"
"He's a writer as well, and my editor. When I finished Butterfly, I went to the publishing house to find out where to send it. He was leaving and crashed into me. Somehow we've been friends ever since."
"Somehow," Rei questioned.
Aya smiled with happiness, "He's like a kid sometimes! But he's fun, and funny -"
"You're embarassing me," Ohkami replied, shaking his head. "I still can't believe how lucky I am to have met her. She's a talented girl, sweet, and I always enjoy reading her manuscripts." Everyone smiled at the 'friends'. They looked and sounded like a couple, which gave Ran a new idea . . .
Her and Tatsuki locked eyes, and Ran was glad to see that he shared the same gleam. It looked like both Aya and Rei had moved on, so plan B was to get her and Ohkami 'together' before her week long visit was over. Aki noticed their stare and locked her arm through Tatsuki's, and mouthed 'he's mine' to Ran.
It was hard to believe she was the same age as Ran.
The door clinked and rattled as Yamato entered, and he came into the living room and apologized for his tardiness. "Busy," Ran asked, looking up at her older brother.
"Yeah. It was a bad night." Ran moaned.
"Which means I get the aftermath tomorrow!" Yamato laughed and playfully winked.
"Wow Aya, you look almost the same, only older. Nice seeing you again. And nice to meet you . . ."
"Ohkami. Nice to meet you too." Takeshi ran into the room, and jumped onto Yamato.
"Tou-san's home!" Yamato laughed and ruffled his son's hair. "Come on, kid," he said as he lifted Takeshi to his shoulders, "I'm going to go change, be out in a minute." They left, Miyu looking lovingly at her husband and child.
After some more small talk, the babysitter came, and the group left to Tatsuki's club.
To Be Continued . . .
A/N: Heehee!! Aren't I evil?? Don't worry, this chapter was only a teaser for the next! I'm hard at work on the next one as well, and I'll get it out as soon as I can!!
Next Chapter: Girl Talk! ^_~. Ohkami and Rei have a 'discussion', Tatsuki and Ran plan out 'Plan B', Aki acts . . well, like Aki(!), and .. . the rest is a secret!