Disclaimer: I am a very poor girl pretending to be rich. Everything I own is bootleg!

Skyla rants: Yes, I am going on a tirade lately. My friends all laugh when I say I should have one of those incredible hulk moments and HULK OUT! . This fic is a product of pure anger. It was conceived during one of those days where it seems like everyone around you has decided to pick a fight with you and Skyla wants to tell them to all f*ck off. Why does it seem that I have the attention span of five seconds? I've given up on my other fics for awhile. I will focus only on this and have decided till the muse of this story that compels me to write dies I'll keep writing. I think my problem is that when I come up with ideas I have a good beginning and an end, but all the middle crap is a blank. Ah wellz, I don't know if ppl are reading this thing or not. There seem to be so few comments. Review! More reviews=more updates.

Chapter 2: Booze, girls, and more girls.

Akira continued his brisk pace while glancing back every once in a while to check if his new protégé was following. He stopped dead in his tracks at being hit with a thought and spun around. He raised a finger to his lips and muttered to himself, I can't bring you looking like that?

Tsukasa came to a stop behind him. This is all I've got the wear. I don't have any money for anything better.

This might be a little problem. He tousled his long hair with his fingers contemplating how he could resolve their little dilemma. His face lit up at an idea brewing in his head. He glanced down at his silver Omega watch and grinned. We still have some time. Come with me. He jumped out into the street stopping a cab and at the same time giving the driver a heart attack. Akira pulled the door open and hopped in. Get in.

Tsukasa still rather bewildered and dazed by the day's events grudgingly got in. He watched Akira yell some address across town. The perturbed driver just nodded in understanding and began winding through the busy streets. Where are we going?

My place.

What the hell was I thinking trusting this guy? I have that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach that I'm gonna regret going along with this guy later. It's not too late to jump out now.

Akira watched the road ahead of him making sure the driver wouldn't try to drive the long way upping the charge. Every once in a while he would take an occasional glance at his nervous companion. He couldn't help but chuckle at his internal struggle to jump out of the car with the way his hand would inadvertently brush the handle every few minutes. Seeing as how the cab was going at about 50 miles an hour in busy traffic, he decided to calm some of his fears. You need a good shower and a change of clothes. Lucky for you I just went shopping today. I think we're about the same size.

Uh, yeah, Tsukasa sheepishly nodded as he leaned back against the seat placing his hands in his lap.

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Welcome to my humble abode! Akira cheerily greeted swinging the door open to his apartment. He fumbled with the door trying to push it wider open, but was blocked by the pile of building rubbish behind it. Al little embarrassed by his slovenly way, Akira brushed aside the debris with his foot motioning Tsukasa to enter. Sorry, I haven't really gotten around to cleaning the place up in awhile.

That's ok, Tsukasa replied trying to hide his utter disdain for the pig sty. He brushed away the scattered clothing and magazines strewn onto the couch and sat down to absorb his surroundings. The place was rather small, nothing especially grand about it that is to say.

Akira ran behind one of the closed doors and re-emerged a few second later. Good. She's not here?



Akira plucked through the miscellaneous articles strewn around the living room throwing things left and right into the basket he was currently filling up. Oh, my roommate. You might have seen here before. She was the girl from the diner.

You mean the bottomless pit.

I see you noticed, he heartily laughed. Yeah, she's like a piranha. I'll introduce her to you later. She works at the club, too. He snatched up one of his shopping bags from earlier and rummaged though it. Here, take these. The bathroom's down the hall, second door on your right.

Tsukasa obligingly took the simple pair of black and pants and midnight blue dress shirt to the bathroom. He closed the door and leaned his back against it trying to find his bearings. He tossed the clean clothes onto a clear area of the floor and turned on the shower to drown out any sounds he might make.

If you ever go to a stranger's house and want to figure out what kind of person you are the bathroom is always the best place to find your answers. The medicine cabinet is a window into a person's soul. It's one of the few places that people don't ever consider as a source of invasion of privacy. You just sort of take it for granted thinking who would look in there', but little do they know that a prescription bottle to what kind of toothpaste can reveal more than you've ever imagined. All your dirty little secrets come out.

So, I thrust the mirror door open and at my utter shock, there was nothing out of the ordinary. I expected a drug store to be found in there. Where were the uppers and downers? It was pretty much barren in there except for the box of tampons, floss, mouthwash, and a box of toothpaste. The only thing that could be remotely referred to as a drug was a bottle of aspirin. Then an idea struck me. It's too obvious to be the first place to look for something. I was reminded of a story I had heard back in college about where they would hide there pot. I turned to the toilet and pulled the top off awaiting the sight of a bag of ganja floating in a zip lock block. Damn! He's clean. I stared down at the crystal blue water bubbling up at me. I jumped at the sound of a knock at the door almost dropping the porcelain cover to the ground. I fumbled to snatch it as I made a grab for it a few inches from the ground. Luckily, I had quick reflexes and caught it in time.

Are you okay in there? Akira asked from outside the door.

Uh... Yeah, I'll be out in a few minutes. He carefully placed the cover back onto the toilet and shut the medicine cabinet. Looking at his own foggy reflection in the mirror, he turned to hop into the shower cleaning himself off quickly in the scalding hot water. It had felt like an eternity since he had last had a nice, hot shower so he drowned himself in the blast of water falling down on him. A good shower was all he needed right now to relax him.

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Much better. Akira put up his fingers making a picture frame in front of his face with a lopsided grin plastered all over his face.

Tsukasa tugged at his shirt shifting uneasily. It had been a while since he had felt the soft touch of designer fabric against his skin. Although the shirt was rather shiny and the pants a little tight for his tastes, he had to admit he did look rather good.

Akira beamed with pride I thinking he had found a diamond in the rough. Tsukasa would make a welcome addition to the club. He could already see the money rolling in. He snapped out of his thoughts realizing the time. Shit! We're late. He grabbed his keys from the table and grabbed his coat. She's gonna kill me, he muttered under his breath. Let's go, the place should be jumping by now. He ran behind Tsukasa and began pushing him out the door slamming the door shut behind him. We'll take my car.

When they reached the parking garage, Tsukasa's strange day got even weirder at the sight of Akira jumping into what appeared to be a 2003 Acura NSX. It was weird that it was the only non- beat up dirty car in the entire lot. It was pristine and from the way Akira lovingly grazed its hood with his finger, it was his baby. Hop in, he ordered. He stammered for a moment, Watch the leather seats.



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Yo Akira! Where have you been? She's been having a heart attack screaming about killing you. The man standing over the podium ordering the men below to push the throngs back waved towards Akira. Hey you! Don't push! The place is already packed at maximum capacity. Take care of them before they start some trouble, he directed towards two guards standing by the side. They nodded their heads in understanding and began to rag off the crowd of rowdy men trying to push their way to the front of the line while groping every female patron along the way. Come on! You better get in there before she makes good on her word.

Akira ran up behind the counter beside the man. He patted him on the back and let out a laugh. She's made petty threats before. Junpei meet Tsukasa. Tsukasa, this is Junpei our bouncer/head of security.

Nice to meet you, Junpei greeted Tsukasa in a gruff tone. He gave him a curious eye, and turned his attention back towards the crowd in front of him trying to maintain the peace.

Tsukasa weakly returned a feeling lost in such a huge crowd of people. It was strange to see such a mixture of people waiting to get in. Young. Old, rich or poor they were all there.

Stay close to me, Akira sternly ordered Tsukasa pulling him into the darkened hallway of the building.

Tsukasa stumbled in the dim hallway trying to keep up with Akira. He coughed heavily as he ran through the clouds of cigarette smoke surrounding him. When they reached the end of the hallway, he was almost blinded by the bright spotlight on the stage in front of him. In front of him stood probably one of the most beautiful women he had ever laid his eyes upon. He stopped in the doorway losing all train of thought, as well as consciousness of his whereabouts. Her husky, sultry voice filled his ears arousing a certain lust and desire in him. She was drawing him in.

The minute you walked in the joint

I could see you were a man of distinction,

A real big spender,

Good looking, so refined.

Say wouldn't you like to know who's going on in my mind?

So let me get right to the point,

I don't pop my cork for every guy I see.

Hey big spender,

Spend a little time with me.

Nice view, eh? Akira sniggered while nudging Tsukasa's arm. That's Starr. I'll introduce you two later if you like. We don't have time to stand here all night. Come on.

Tsukasa dumbly nodded his head with his mouth still open. The image of the siren was imprinted in his mind. That brief moment she looked in his direction it felt like everyone else in the room had disappeared. Her long auburn tresses cascaded down her back in ripples of waves. Every part of her body screamed perfection. Her long black gown hugged every curve of her body accentuating all her assets'. She was dripping in diamonds on her neck, wrists, and fingers. She knew how to use her feminine wiles and she had captured his heart, his soul, and his body in one brief moment. It seemed as if she was singing for him only.

They wound through the crowds of ogling men and prattling women annoyed by the sudden loss of attention. It seemed Tsukasa wasn't the only one enamored by Starr. Akira pulled him along dodging through the waitresses and waiters swerving from table to table carrying trays filled with drinks. It was fascinating the way they could sense the slightest movement around them dodging any impending collision all while not spilling a single drop.

Order up! Table five! a man shouted from behind the bar. His arms were flailing around him grabbing glasses, flipping bottles, and shaking canisters surrounding him.

Ok!' a cheery girl with her hair pulled into two short pig tails yelled as she rushed up to load up her tray. She bumped into Tsukasa and smiled innocently apologizing for her clumsiness. I need five Long Island's, four gin and tonics, 2 margaritas, three Jack Daniel's, a '72 Merlot, and a fakeout. She leaned up against the counter spitting out the list of orders all while twirling a piece of stray hair in her face. The girl was rather petite and dainty for a place like this. From her face, she appeared to be no more than 17. Like all the other waitresses, she wore the same attire of a tight white t-shirt and short black mini skirt. Her apron was brimming with bills almost spilling out. Her young, taut skin was smeared in body glitter making her glimmer like a fair. Her eyes and lips were smeared with an iridescent pink that only added to the fairy effect. Although she didn't exhume the same sexual tension as Starr this girl was just as stunning as making Tsukasa hold his breath.

Got it! the bartender replied turning his back to prepare the drinks.

The girl turned her attention back towards the crowd and smiled at the familiar face. Akira! Finally decided to drag your lazy ass in here? Her smile widened at the sight of the man beside Akira. And who are you, sweetheart?

Akira just let her words slide past him. I'd be careful with this one. Looks can be very deceiving, Akira whispered into Tsukasa'a ear. He sweetly smiled back at the girl. Tsukasa this is Lolita and Lolita this is Tsukasa.

My pleasure, I'm sure, Lolita beamed snapping her gum in her mouth.

Tsukasa just dumbly continued to stare at the girl feeling speechless. he stammered out.

She laughed at his shyness and leaned in closer to Akira. He's a real sweet talker, she teased. So, you brought another newbie huh, Akira?'

The bartender spun around with all the prepared drinks and began piling them up onto the tray. Great! We could really use the help. Tsukasa, right? Oh, I'm Soujiro by the way, the handsome man behind the counter yelled over the grinding sound of he blender. He extended one hand out towards Tsukasa, which he obligingly accepted. As you can see I've really got my work cut out for me here. Hey, Akira! Get your ass behind the bar and help me with some of these orders.

Akira who was engrossed in his attempts to flirt with a flock of young women briefly glanced towards the bar and shrugged his shoulders. Can't you see I'm busy with some customers?

Lolita ran over to him and yanked him back to the bar by the collar of his shirt earning sighs of disappointment from the ladies. Make yourself useful. You owe us for covering for you. We've tried to do as much damage control as possible, but she's still gonna kick your ass the second she sees you.

Tsukasa's head spun back and forth at the rapid conversation going on in front of him. Who was this she that they all seemed to fear? His answer was quickly answered by the sound of a hard plastic tray slamming into Akira's thick skull.

You stupid mother fucker! Where the hell have you been? I've been calling your cell every ten minutes trying to reach you. You know that today is always our busiest day of the week! The girl shoved her face into his screaming with venom dripping off her lips. With heels on she stood just at eye level with Akira glaring into his with a seething hatred. Her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail wrapped by a black scarf and her face was rather plain compared to the other women he had seen so far in the club. Although she wasn't hideous by any comparison, she didn't have that same oomph that Starr and Lolita had about them. Her body was lean and muscular under the uniform of white t-shirt and black skirt and her tall boots rose up her long legs that seemed to go on forever. Her make up was simple with her eyes smeared in a smoky grey and her lips a ruby red. Overall, Tsukasa was still turned on even though she had a disposition that seemed to dampen any romantic inclination he was beginning to feel for her physically. Sometimes I wonder if you can be trusted with running this place when you can't even keep track of your own shitty life?!

What the fuck?! Do you have to hit me so hard with that thing? Akira winced as he rubbed the giant lump growing on his head. I was out getting us some help. Mona meet Tsukasa.

She spun her head around and her eyes darted at Tsukasa. The dull blankness of them startled him making him positive he would never want to touch her with a ten-foot pole.



What do you mean no, Mona? You're always complaining that we need more help. Well here he is.

She narrowed her eyes inspecting Tsukasa more closely scrutinizing every detail of his face. I don't like him. This is a club, not a shelter.

Tsukasa's face started to turn red in rage. Who the hell did this girl think she was? Akira had hired him, so what was the big deal? It wasn't worth it to get in the middle of all their shit. Look, Akira said he had a job for me and now you're telling me you don't. I don't need to deal with all this crap. I'm leaving. He pushed past her and started for the door.

Wait! Stay here. I'll talk to her, Akira yelled as he tugged on Tsukasa'a arm pulling him back in.

The music came to a halt and the band announced an intermission earning jeers from the crowds. One of the band members ran up to the DJ stand and put on a CD sending booms of music through the speakers causing the walls and floor to vibrate beneath them. Starr sauntered towards the group huddled by the bar seductively flirting with the customers as she passed each table. Behind her trailed a sullen man that seemed to shoot daggers at every man that dared approach her in an unseemly manner.

I can't deal with any more shit tonight. What the hell are you doing? Your set isn't over yet, Starr. Get back up there and start playing something Rui!

Akira took this as a chance to push for a place for his new find. Tsukasa, meet our sultry siren Starr and our bandleader, Rui.

Starr ignored Mona's ranting and grabbed a glass of wine from the counter. I've got an audition later. I already told you I had to leave early. Anyway, I got Ivy to cover for me, she haughtily snapped while taking small sips from her glass. She placed her glass back onto the counter and swept up the back of her dress. She leaned in close to the man standing beside her and kissed him gently on the cheek. She rubbed the smudge of lipstick left on his face and purred, See you later. She stopped taking notice of the new guy, Nice to meet you, Tsukasa, she sweetly whispered with quivering lip making his body tremble.

Rui curtly whispered a before returning to his place on stage and picked up his guitar tugging at its strings to tune it. He nodded his head signaling he was ready.

Up on stage the band had already began to assemble as cat calls were being directed towards the woman preparing herself on stage. She wore a very revealing outfit consisting of a hot pink sorest with black lace running up and down the sides. Her tiny leather shorts hugged her ass, while bills started being tucked into her garter belts. Her stiletto heels made her even more intimidating with each stride and pose she made for the crowds. A group of four girls dresses equally provocatively bounded out from behind the stage and assembled behind her. Their entire image was somewhat reminiscent of the Moulin Rouge.

The drummer grabbed the mike bringing the crowd to a deathly silence. The lights blacked out and a single spotlight shone down on her. Her deathly pale skin with her painted on face were lit up under the hot lights.

Tsukasa quickly recognized her as the gluttonous girl from earlier in the diner who was now singing in karaoke style that was bordering on tolerable and plain dreadful. Although she wasn't a very good singer, there was ample reason given to explain her popularity. Her body bent, twirled, and curled in ways that didn't seem humanly possible. The way she gyrated against that pole and managed to wrap herself around it was unbelievable.

Mona frantically started berating Akira for forcing her to do this, but she had no choice. She tapped Tsukasa on the shoulder turning his attention away from the stage. You can stay just for today. You screw up and you never come back here again. Have you ever done anything like this before?

At first, Tsukasa considered pressing his luck by holding out just to torture her a little. He saw the bind she had found herself in, and he would have been delighted by the fact of stringing her along a bit. However, the money bulging out of her apron said made his brain says something else. Who would pass up an opportunity for fast cash. Not really, he muttered in return. My last few jobs have been odd jobs like washing dishes or delivery stuff, but I learn fast and I'm willing to do anything. He attempted to make himself sound a little more reliable than he seemed at the moment.

Mona rubbed her temples and motioned him to follow her. Christ, this is gonna be an interesting evening. Follow me and listen closely.

Good luck! Akira shouted form behind the counter as he began to show off his skills flinging bottles in the air and lighting shot glasses on fire.

he muttered in return not quite sure what the rest of the night would bring him.

Mona grabbed an empty tray and shoved it towards his chest. She scanned the room for a few moments before heading in one direction. She chose a dim corner that was the least heavily trafficked. This will be your area for the night. All you've got to do is take orders, bring them to Soujiro and Akira who will take care of it all for you, and you bring them back to the customer. Do you think you can handle that?

Tsukasa glared back at her feeling his temper rise. Well it's not like it's brain surgery? he sarcastically rebuked. Even a damn monkey could do that.

Well just see about that, she retorted. Anything you spill comes out of your pay. We al share the work equally, so at the end of the night tips are pooled and divided equally amongst everyone. Straight pay comes at the end of the week. The customer is always right, so anything they ask you give. We draw the line at drugs and sex. Got that?



She warily looked at him with a face that exhumed a complete lack in confidence in his abilities. I'll be over there if you need me. She walked away picking up her tray and put on a cheerful grin replacing her sour face.

Tsukasa picked up his won tray, took a deep breath, and headed into the crowds.

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Ok. So I wasn't exactly the best waiter, but I can't say I completely sucked. I got some of the orders mixed up, but luckily most of my customers tended to be old hags that came for the eye candy. Every once in awhile, my body jump at the touch of a hand on my ass as I passed by a table. I held back though. I could sense Mona glancing over in my direction every few minutes to check on my progress. It was enough motivation to make me just keep walking in fear that she would take out her anger on me. Overall, the night went pretty well. I mean I did screw up a few orders and spilled a few, but get some women drunk enough and with my pretty face they would pretty much drink anything you served them.

It was a very different experience from my previous occupations where I was usually locked in some small room doing a monotonous task over and over again. Ivy's show wasn't as bad as I expected. I could see why so many people came here. The place burst with energy filling your veins and lungs with some sort of euphoric high. People came here to act out their deepest fantasies and carnal desires leaving their problems at the door to have a good time. Hangovers and consequences would be taken into consideration later.

So, everything was going fine. My pockets were filled with large bills. Then we hit the little snag in the evening. I came upon a table of some rather rich older women. You could tell they were the types who were out on one of those girls' nights out kind thing getting their kicks getting drunk. Grabbing some ass, and making lewd comments until it was late enough for them to drag their drunken asses into their husbands' cars and go home to their kids, maids, and empty lives.

I swallowed the lump in my throat the second I saw the four women take a seat in my section. The moment they saw me, they came running over to grab a table in my section. I didn't think much of them at first thinking they would just order their margaritas and drag some helpless younger man out onto the dance floor with them. From the way they were already carrying drinks in hand and staggering to keep balance, they were pretty much wasted already.

Tsukasa picked up his order and brought over their drinks consisting from a few bottles of tequila, vodka, and scotch. They were really looking to get hammered. He tried to remain calm as their leering eyes devoured him with a hungry lust in their eyes that would make anyone blush. One of the vultures had enough nerve to rub her hand up and down his leg towards his upper thigh.

Another wearing a very low cut breast in your face kind of tank top leaned forward and whispered into his ear, You're new aren't you? How about we play a little game?

He hid the disgust in his expression at the whiff of her liquor laced breath. I don't think that's such a good idea.

Come one it'll be fun, she purred into his ear making him shudder.

I wouldn't feel comfortable with that.

The seductress demeanor disappeared and was replaced by the smile cold, bitch attitude his mother had most of the time. What the hell kind of service is this? We are paying customers and you should know the customer is always right. Let me speak to someone in charge.

It was by his own good luck that Mona decided to glance over in his direction to see a rather irate drunk woman yelling at him. Tsukasa hurried to quiet her down and looked around the room for any sign of whether or not it would be a good idea. He finally noticed Lolita running a drinking competition with a table full of men downing one drunk after another. Mona soon also became preoccupied with the same task at another table playing a drinking game. She had her hands full when one of the drunks decided to begin fondling her breast leading up to a great disturbance. Junpei came rushing in and grabbed the whole table throwing them out. He turned back to the table of rebuffed women finally nodding his head. Let's play then.

Tsukasa's tolerance for liquor could be considered pretty high considering all the times his sister had challenged him to contests. Also hi build was quite large giving him a great body mass to retain his sobriety. His body had been trained to consume large amounts of alcohol, but after 2 bottles of scotch, 10 tequila shots, and a bottle of pure vodka he was feeling the buzz in his head. Lucky for him, the last shot he downed was also the last drink he had to serve that night. He staggered towards the bar where the others were assembled already throwing their tips onto the counter.

Everybody out! Mona yelled snatching bills from the dirty counter.

Tsukasa watched as everyone emptied out their pockets. Akira collected the money, and upon receiving a thick wad form Tsukasa he gave him a pat on the back. I knew you would be good at this.

He handed over the cash to Mona who quickly flipped through the bills calculating the night's intake of tips. First, she pulled out a percentage for the She carefully divided the bills and began making small piles on the table slapping away any thieving hand that attempted to make a lunge for their money. She slapped down the last bill and clapped her hands together. Good haul tonight everybody. We each get 15,000 yen.

Tsukasa reached for his money, but was stopped by a hand slapping his. What the?! he looked up only to be greeted by Mona's surly disposition.

I'll be taking back some for the drinks you spilled.

Damn, he thought to himself. I thought she didn't see me.

Thank you, she sweetly smiled putting the money into the register.

It was already four thirty in the morning when the last of the stragglers outside were escorted off the premises. The most pertinent messes that had to be cleaned up were cleaned, while the rest of the little jobs were left to take care later.

Closing time! Akira yelled at Ivy who was busy chatting with Lolita.

We're coming! she called back waving a good bye. She grabbed her caught and draped it over her costume, which she had not bothered to take off.

Lolita followed in suit grabbing Soujiro from behind the bar. Come on. You promised me you would give me a ride home.

Soujiro tiredly sighed letting out a long yawn. He grabbed his jacket and protectively wrapper her up. It's cold outside.

Akira gave Tsukasa one last hearty pat on the back. The group waved goodbye and they were out the door. Behind the group lagged a barely awake Rui dragging his feet out the door. As he passed by, Tsukasa couldn't help but become dumbstruck by his cold, dead eyes. The previous night he hadn't been able to get a very good look at the sullen man. Although even give any recognition to his presence, just looking into his eyes seemed to slice through Tsukasa like a cold, steel blade. His body broke out in goosebumps.

Junpei popped his head in and yelled, See ya tomorrow Mona!

a woman's voice echoed back from the back office.

In the end, Tsukasa was the last one left with a pocket full of cash and nowhere to go. He pondered going to a hotel for the night, but found his head was beginning to throb from all the liquor he had already consumed. He heard the sound of footsteps coming and realizing it was probably Mona, the bitch he could barely stand, he staggered out the door to avoid any further confrontation.

When the cold, bitter wind hit his face arousing him for a moment from his stupor something else in him lurched forward. He could already taste the bile rising in his throat choking his breaths. He looked around him trying to find some inconspicuous place to retch. In the narrow alleyway, he stood slumped over spitting out the leftover remnants of whatever he had eaten the day before. It was only the clatter of trash cans being knocked over that made him look up. A woman was screaming at a man. He looked vaguely familiar.

No one turns me down, the man slurred lunging towards her. I'll make you pay for the whore you are!

The woman tried to kick him away, but he pinned her arms against the walls. She struggled to free herself, but was met with only the arrogant laughter of her attacker. Get the fuck off of me!

He pressed his body up against hers and shoved his hand up her shirt fondling her breasts while trailing sloppy kisses on the nape of her neck.

Tsukasa leaned against the wall watching the scene in front of him wondering whether or not it was his place to intervene. I mean, Mona wasn't exactly his favorite person in the world. He turned his head towards the end of the alleyway to be hit by something. She raised her face for a moment and looked directly at him with a soft, pleading look in her eyes. Although she stopped her useless pleas a single tear fell down her cheek.

Damn it, Tsukasa muttered to himself. It looks like I better break that up before anything else happens. He gripped the side of the walls and scrambled towards the scene. He stopped behind the man and tapped him on the shoulder. Get offa her!

Mind your own fucking business!

Leaving him with not much choice, Tsukasa scruffed him by the neck and pulled him off with one hand. He tossed him against the wall watching him crumple against the blow. The exertion of the rest of his strength was too much as his inebriation fully hit him forcing him to grab onto Mona for support.

Mona, who at that point beginning to regain her consciousness of the situation pulled something out of her bag. She pulled Tsukasa's face to hers and shot something into his eyes.

Tsukasa screamed putting a hand over his eyes. His vision completely blurred rendering him blind. He grasped for anything solid to balance himself.

It took you long enough! I saw you think before coming to help me!

You didn't have to do that, bitch!

This only left ample opportunity for the attacker to get the upper hand. He grabbed an empty bottle and smashed it against eh ground making himself a jagged weapon. He ran forward aiming towards the arguing couple. Mona was oblivious to this fact due t her incessant screaming, but snapped out of it at the sight of sharp glass barreling towards them. She pushed Tsukasa out of the way and shot another blast of mace into the man's face rendering him blind, too. A second later, and the glass would have penetrated through her arm completely. She grabbed the closest heavy metal object, a garbage can lid and swung it over his head knocking him unconscious. She was about to walk away, but the sight of Tsuaksa gripping his face made her feel something, pity.

Come with me, she order grabbing his arm and pulling him towards her car. She buckled him into the passenger seat and was about to close the door, when Tsukasa suddenly jerked his head to the side vomiting all over.

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What happened? I opened my eyes feeling the sun's rays burn through my corneas. I tried to sit up, but quickly laid back down at realizing that the room was spinning. I decided to instead just stare blankly at the white ceiling. Where am I? Wait! Last night? The last thing I remember was some guy attacking Mona behind the club. Me throwing the guy off of her Then? Then that bitch sprayed me with mace! I couldn't see much after that. All I heard were some screams, glass breaking, another blast of mace, and a garbage can lid hitting something hard. She saved me didn't she?

The door quietly creaked open in an attempt to not awaken its occupant. Tsukasa quickly closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep. He could feel something heavy sit down on the bed making. There was the sound of dripping water and then something cool against his forehead. A hand brushed away the hair that had fallen over his eyes. Another pulled the cool cloth from his forehead and rested against his forehead. It was something new to him.

Why do I feel funny all of a sudden? Is this what it feels like to be taken care of? I've been sick before, but it's always been Tsubaki or one of the maids to take care of me. Who is this person?

The warm body shifted from its position on the bed and got up.

No! Don't go, he hoarsely whispered. He grabbed onto her arm and pulled her back onto the bed. He opened his eyes and looked up at the face of the angel of mercy who took him in.

She was a completely different person now as the morning rays illuminated her face. Mona looked down into his eyes and warmly smiled. She twisted her hands not knowing how to break the awkward silence. She realized that she would have to be the first to extend an olive branch. Finally, she spoke up in a small voice. Thank you for saving me last night.

Tsukasa pulled himself up to rest his back against the headboard of the bed. Sorry about not helping you sooner, he muttered in return.

Another long silence followed.





Oh, you go first.

No you go.

I said you go first!

Just say what you want to say damn it!

They both blushed crimson at the childishness of arguing over who should say something first. Once again they sat in silence.

Finally Mona took the lead. I was thinking Maybe we could start all over again. I'm not normally as bitchy as I was last night. I was just under a lot of stress.

He nodded his head in agreement and put out a hand. Nice to meet you, Mona. My name is Tsukasa.

She cupped a hand over her mouth giggling.

Tsukasa just looked at her with a confused look all over his face. Did I say something funny?

No. No. She sputtered out between laughs. No one calls me Mona outside of the club. It's just a stage name I use. She stifled her laughter and smiled back at him. She took his hand in hers and shook it. It's my pleasure, Tsukasa. My name is Tsukushi.