AN: I blame this chapter on Xanthippe… she throttled it out of me! Literally…
Now I have to apologize to Rena, who drew me a really cute picture of Liika way back and I keep forgetting to upload it and show you all! Sorry Rena! So this chappy goes out to you! fate.xantonium .com/Liika.jpg ^^
Here on with the chappy! Oh and for all those who commented on Robert/Liika staying together for awhile.. don't worry ;)
Kai woke slowly the next morning, not wanting to wake. He had never felt more comfortable than he was at that moment. He was lying on his stomach, his head resting on one of his black cased feather pillows. One of his arms lay under the pillow, cradling his head while the other was thrown over something warm and soft, holding it close to his side. Shifting his head closer he inhaled sleepily, burying his head into sweet smelling silky locks. Slowly opening his eyes he was met with a sea of blue hair. Huh…? He thought groggily, trying to decipher what was going on. It was then it hit him.
He was cuddling Liika Tomoda… his archenemy.
His eyes widened with the realization, and he froze, trying to comprehend just how the situation came to be. The thing he had his arm curled around was none other than Liika's waist. She was laying on her side, back tucked neatly against his side, her head thrown back so that it lay on his pillow. He scowled. What the hell? He lay there staring at her in disbelief. How did she worm her way over to his side of the bed? He didn't realize that they were actually on her side of the bed.
Liika chose that moment to roll over, moaning in her sleep as if to deny the on coming awakening. With out realizing what she was doing she cuddled closer to Kai's side, tucking her head underneath Kai's chin. She chose that moment to open her eyes.
She blinked and yawned sleepily, worming closer to him, causing him to have to roll over slightly to accept her closeness. She pressed her, cheek against his bare chest, her hand running over his bare stomach. "Mmm…warm…soft…" She murmured with a soft sigh.
Kai's eyes expanded comically. He was mortified, so mortified he was frozen. He didn't move an inch. What the hell was going on?? His still half-sleep clouded mind tried desperately to grasp what was going on.
"Smells…good." She whispered, rubbing her cheek against his chest.
That was it. Kai jumped up, causing Liika's head to drop roughly to the pillow.
"What the fuck?!" He exclaimed, looking at her as if she had just grown an extra head.
"Hmm?" Liika moaned, finally coming half awake. She sat up rubbing her eyes and yawning. Cracking her eyes open she stared at Kai who was now standing feet from the bed staring at her. She scowled. "What the hell is your problem?" She demanded, yawning again.
"You just groped me damn it!"
The gained her full attention and she stared back at him in disbelief. "What? No way! Why would I grope you?! That's like… eww!" She exclaimed, grasping the blankets that pooled in her lap.
His stare turned into a glare as he grit his teeth and crossed his arms over his chest. He was not about to admit that he had been the one that was holding her in the first place, nor that he just realized that they had been on her side of the bed. "Che. Well you're no prize yourself!" He growled. He however, did not miss the fact that she looked absolutely adorable at that moment with her long blue hair tousled and her eyes puffy from sleep. His scowled softened acutely when he spotted the darkening bruise on her cheek.
Liika allowed her eyes to wander from his snapping chestnut eyes, over his disheveled bangs, down over his well-toned chest and legs, lingering on his black silk boxers, before running back up his body and settling on his lips. Damn, when did Hiwatari get hot? She shook her head, looking away. She so did not just have that thought! She shuddered, suddenly feeling violently ill.
"See something you like?"
Liika snapped her eyes back to his face and glowered at him, huffing. "In your dreams Hiwatari!" She spat.
He smirked. "More like your dreams. So we're back to last names eh? What happened to calling me Kai? You didn't seem to have any problems with it last night!"
She stared at him in aghast. Was he insinuating what she thought he was? "Ugh! Bastard!" She yelled, picking up a pillow and hurling it at him.
He ducked the pillow laughing, picking it up and throwing it back, hitting her smack in the face with it.
"Ack!" She shrieked. This time she picked up a pillow and scrambled over the bed, diving at him, swinging the pillow.
Kai ducked once again, diving for the bed and picking up another pillow to use as a weapon against the evil banshee that was attacking him. Liika squealed, avoiding one of Kai's blow and swinging one of her own, hitting him in the side. He growled, stealthily twirling to avoid another hit before delivering one of his own, one that sent her sprawling onto the bed. She giggled, rolling over to avoid the pillow that came sailing down to hit her prone body. Ducking quickly under his arm, she switched the pillow to her other hand and whacked Kai upside the head, laughing triumphantly.
"Why you…!" Kai growled, dropping the pillow and diving at her, sending them both to the feather mattress.
Liika squealed, laughing as he attempted to pin her to the mattress, she, however, was not about to make it that easy. She wiggled her fingers up his side, praying he was ticklish and was rewarded when he huffed a laughing sort of sound, bring his hands down to fight her own. They rolled around, each fighting for dominance in a tickle fight to the death. Finally it ended as Kai, using his superior strength, pinned Liika's arms to her sides, his knees resting on either side of her hips. They fought to catch their breaths.
"There you crazy she-devil! No more attacking your husband!" Kai said, glaring at her.
Liika scrunched up her nose at him, staring up into his smirking reddish eyes. "I wouldn't need to if you weren't such a jerk!"
"Mouthy hag."
She stuck her tongue out at him, noting subconsciously that he looked extremely delectable this morning. "Oh god. Not needed thought!" She muttered, closing her eyes.
Kai's eyebrow arched, he wasn't sure he wanted to know what she had been thinking.
"Good morning you two!" A new voice chirped, interrupting their moment.
Kai turned his head to stare at his mother who was leaning against his doorjamb, grinning from ear to ear. His face flushed and he glanced down at Liika who was also bright red, her head turned to look at the older woman in horror. Releasing her calmly he stood, coughing to fill the silence. Liika scrambled off the bed after him, standing just behind him in embarrassment.
Kate giggled, stepping into the room. "I came up to check on you two, it's already ten thirty, and Kai's usually up by nine." She said, winking at Liika, who turned brighter red.
Kai shifted, a scowl crossing his face as he crossed his arms. "How long were you watching?" He demanded. Somehow it bothered him that his mother had been spying on him.
"Long enough." She replied smiling secretly. Kate then looked closer at her son's face and noticed his lip was swollen slightly and had a scab in the corner, and his jaw was steadily turning a dark greenish yellow. Her face transformed from a happy smile to a concerned frown. "Kai, what happened to your jaw?" She demanded, crossing the room in wide quick strides, coming to a stop in front of her son, her hand reaching up to touch his jaw gently.
"Nothing." He replied quietly.
Her frown grew as she looked past Kai to Liika and noticed that the girl's cheek was turning a dark bluish black color. Stepping past Kai, she brushed her hand over Liika's cheek. "What happened here?! Kai you didn't hit a girl did you? Why would you two get into a physical fight? You're getting along so well!" Kate exclaimed, confusion and anger filling her voice as she stepped back to stare firmly at the two teens.
Liika's eyes dropped to her feet and she stayed silent. Kai brought his eyes up to meet his mother's stern gaze. "No mother, I didn't hit her and we didn't get into a fight." He stated, his voice becoming angry as he remembered what his father did.
"Then who did Kai? You two did not have those bruises at dinner last night!" Kate said, propping one hand on a slim hip.
"Father did."
Kate's lips parted in surprise and her eyes widened. Taking a step back, pure rage filled her normally cheerful and serene crystal eyes. "He did what?!" She questioned, her tone livid. "Is this true Liika?"
Liika sent a look to Kai. She didn't want to cause any trouble for the obviously already troubled family. He met her questioning eyes with a flat look that clearly gave her permission to tell the truth. "Yes." She whispered finally, staring at her feet again.
Kai's mother sucked in a breath. Katherine Hiwatari had never been more furious in her entire life. How dare a grown man strike children! And a guest at that! Her teeth clamped together, oh that man would pay.
"What happened?" She asked, not that it really mattered, she thought.
Kai looked at Liika expecting her to answer. Liika breathed in and then explained exactly what happened, how she bumped into Mr. Hiwatari, how she apologized, but he replied by calling her names. She even told the woman what she had said to him to provoke the violent reaction. "I'm sorry Mrs. Hiwatari… I know I said too much…I-"
"No." Kate interrupted her, stepping over to the girl, and placing one hand on her shoulder and lifting the girl's chin with the other. Staring sternly into Liika's eyes, Kate stated gently but firmly, "No Liika. You did nothing wrong. Do you understand? Mr. Hiwatari had no right to strike you for stating your opinion, an opinion that I'm afraid is closer to the truth than I would like to admit. I'm sorry you had to witness my husband, he is a cold, heartless man who cares nothing for his business…and me."
She stood then, looking at Kai. "Kai, your father has left for work already. Take Liika down stairs and get her some breakfast, Niles will be happy to serve you, then pack your things and leave to Liika's house. I will see you tomorrow evening." She smiled then, leaning over and kissing Kai's cheek, then doing the same to Liika. "Don't fight too much and stay out of trouble!" She commanded teasingly. "Oh and ice your faces!" With that she turned and strode out of the room.
Kai sighed, smirking. "I told you the bastard was in for it when mom found out. Anyway, come on, I suppose your hungry, witch." He tossed her a look, walking over to his dresser, pulling out a white wife beater and pulling it over his head before walking to the door.
Liika sent him a flat look, padding out the door after him. "Jerk." She said, reaching up, tugging a lock of his blue hair.
"Ah! She lives! Praise the lord!"
Liika shot Enrique a dirty look as she flopped down on the love seat in Enrique's family room. Kai followed close behind her, pushing her baggy jean clad legs off the small sofa so he could sit down. After he sat, Liika merely moved her legs back, resting them on his thighs.
Tala, Enrique, Jade, Ian and Michael watched in amazement, waiting for Kai to push them off with some rude comment.
It never happened.
The five teens stared.
"What the hell?" Ian burst out, giving Kai a funny look.
"What?" Kai replied grumpily.
"Since when did you and Iki become all buddy buddy?" Tala asked, raising an eyebrow in amusement.
Kai stared at his best friend as if not understanding. "We didn't, why?"
"Well for starters you're sitting beside her when there are other seats available, and second you're letting her use you as a human leg rest." Tala stated, his amusement growing.
Kai stared mor, before shrugging indifferently. "I'm too tired to deal with her bullshi, you try doing hours of AP History and Senior Chem."
Liika nudged him with her leg roughly, opening her eyes that she had closed as soon as she had lay down. "Deal with that, jackass."
He wheezed shooting her a glare. "Case and point."
Tala laughed. "Didn't get much sleep last night you two?" He winked, earning himself double glowers.
"I could ask you the same thing." Kai retorted saucily.
"Ewww…! You so did not just insinuate that I am gay!"
"What happened to your face Ika?"
Jade's question brought absolute silence to the room, the only sound being the quiet cooing of Michael's animated doll baby.
Liika froze. Her eyes shifted to meet Kai's who stared back at her.
"Yeah, and what happened to your face Hiwatari?" Ian shot in, his arm locked around Jade's waist. They were sitting side by side in beanbags that had been pushed together.
"Since when have you and Jade been a couple?" Liika shot back, hopping to change the subject with out anyone noticing.
"Since yesterday. You guys got into a fight again didn't you?" Ian pushed, his navy eyebrows rising.
"You hit a girl?!" Enrique demanded angrily, scowling at Kai.
"No."
Once again the room fell silent. They were all surprised greatly when the two enemies answered in unison. Kai and Liika glanced at each other again. Liika took a deep breath before continuing hesitantly, "No…we did not get into a fight –physically at least. Actually we just… had an accident. It's not important! Now Eny, what have you planned for this night of fun?" This time Liika was sure to change it to a topic that could not be changed back easily.
Liika glanced at Kai once more and was met with an almost thankful look, a look that did not go unnoticed.
Tala narrowed his eyes; he suddenly had a very good idea what had actually happened.
The rest of the night flew by. The rest of the 'gang' had shown up shortly after Enrique started explain what he and Tala –since Tala was technically a host also- figured they could just watch movies and munch on junk food. No one disagreed with this plan and settled in to argue over which movies they wanted to watch. Robert never left Liika's side, much to the annoyance of Kai, who also had to remain near the blue haired witch.
A fight had nearly broken out between the two boys when Robert saw Liika's face. Liika intervened, explaining hastily to her irate boyfriend that it had merely been an accident and she was just clumsy. He seemed to believe it, but kept an eye on Kai the rest of the night. He wondered slightly over the marks on Kai's face, but forgot it quickly, he didn't much care what happened to him.
After the second movie the group decided to go outside and chill on the back patio for a bit before coming in to watch one more movie. The weather was a bit nippy –it being the second of week of October- but that didn't stop the teens from running around the back yard, chasing each other with sticks. Johnny –who had shown up around eight not wanting to be left out- chased Jade a little too close to the Sattiay's pool –which had not been covered for winter- and both ended up falling in, much to the amusement of all except Ian who punched the red head soundly for getting his girlfriend soaked. Amelia bustled out, towels in hand, clucking disapprovingly and ordered the girls to take Jade over to Liika's to get her some dry clothes while Enrique got Johnny some dry clothes. Let's just say Johnny got the worse end of the stick. However, as the boys were heading inside, Tala thought he saw a flash of blond in the bushes that lined the sides of the Sattiay yard. Creepy, He thought hurrying inside.
The rest of the weekend passed with almost no incident. Liika and Kai once again woke up entwined in each other's arms, and both blamed it on the size of the futon they were sleeping on. They also made the other swear that no one would ever hear of what transpired in the beds that weekend.
As Kai had to stay until four in the afternoon, the rest of the day was spent at Enrique's house having doubles competitions at Mario Cart and Super Smash Bros on Enrique's N64. Liika pitied her partner –which more often than not was Enrique- as she was completely horrible at both games. She had to punch Kai multiple times because of the lame and cruel jokes about her driving skills –or lack there of.
Monday morning saw Liika trudging down the hall towards homeroom after AP History, wanting nothing more than to curl up into a ball and die. She hadn't seen Robert all morning, instead, for the third morning in a row, had to deal with the devil incarnate first thing. On top of that her teacher had assigned them a five-page research essay on why Hitler was defeated in WW2. The bell had sounded some minutes before and Liika knew if she didn't hurry she was going to be late. She stumbled into the science class that was her homeroom, heading straight for her usual seat beside Enrique. Tala and Bryan sat behind them and Riley in front.
"Dude, you look dead." Enrique said as she sat down.
"I am dead." She replied, slamming her head onto her closed Math text.
"Aww… whatsa matta? Wok too hawd?" Tala cooed behind them.
Liika didn't raise her head. "Drop death asshole. Ugh, I hate Mondays!" She moaned, earning a sympathetic pat on the shoulder.
"I think the feeling's mutual to all students. But in other news, we have a new student!" Enrique said.
"Another one? God I hope they don't turn out to be as hellish as the last one." Liika muttered, finally raising her head off her desk.
The second bell went then and Mr. Topper – their homeroom teacher- stood, motioning to a girl Liika hadn't noticed, to follow him. "Good morning class! I hope you all had a good weekend! This morning we're in for a little change of pace as we have a new student. Please welcome Amy Monroe." He introduced, heading back to his desk. "Please tell us a little about yourself Amy."
Liika studied the new girl. She was tall and slender, but curvy and well developed. Her strawberry blond hair hung down in layers to her shoulders, framing her heart shaped face and large emerald colored eyes. She carried an air of confidence and it was clear this girl was not shy.
"Dude, she's hot!" Enrique whispered, earning a slap upside the head from Liika and a glare from Riley.
The girl smiled brightly at the class. "Well as you know my name is Amy. I just moved to Bakuten from Blind River, Ontario, Canada. My father is a doctor and my mother his receptionist. They're opening a new practice here. Um… I'm seventeen and I have an older brother who is a senior. My likes include anime, and Linkin Park and my dislikes include Avril Levign herself – I like her music- and airheads."
Mr. Topper smiled at her. "Thank you Miss Monroe. Now the rest of you please introduce yourselves, starting with the table in front of me."
"Jenny Silverman," a girl with long bleach blond hair started and each student continued until they reached the fourth row –each row had three tables- and Tala and Bryan.
"Tala Valkov." Tala said, sending her a wink.
Bryan wore his typical scowl as he muttered, "Bryan Wakeman."
Enrique grinned, chirping, "Enrique Sattiay!"
"Liika Tomoda." Liika smiled.
"Riley Wakeman."
"Very good. Now Miss Monroe, would you please take a seat next to Miss Wakeman? The rest of you work on your homework for the rest of the block." Mr. Topper said.
The new girl picked up her bag and walked over to Riley's table, plunking herself down beside the pale haired girl. "Hi!" She smiled cheerfully.
"Hi!" Riley replied. "Weclome to Bakuten High! It's kinda small, but you get used to it."
The new girl laughed, waving her hand a bit. "Blind River's even smaller than Bakuten! Though not by much, so I'm used to it."
"Is it true that up in Canada all Canadians say eh, in like every sentence?" Enrique cut in.
Liika looked at him incrediously, smacking him upside the head again. "Idiot!" She growled. She then turned and smiled at Amy. "Ignore him, he was dropped on his head as a child." She quipped.
Amy laughed, winking. "No it's not, eh!"
This sent the four teens into giggles. Tala and Bryan watched with raised eyebrows. Amy looked past Enrique and Liika to Tala and Bryan, a smirk crossing her glossy lips. "Oooh… you're pretty! Did your sisters do your hair?"
Liika burst out laughing, turning in her seat to gauge the boys' reactions. Tala's eyebrows shot up, arrogant amusement glinting in the depths of his aqua eyes, but he said nothing. Bryan was silent also, but his pale eyes glowered at her, obviously no amused.
Liika giggled, turning back to Amy. "Amy, I think you'll fit right in here!"