Authors Note: Well Seph, the chapter has arrived, viva The Killers!

Heart hear heart!

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Chapter 8: Mr. Brightside

Misao stopped and turned in the hallway as two members of the schools drama club, Seta Soujiro and the reigning drama Honjou Kamatari called out to her.

s up she asked.

Well Makimachi-san, as you know were working on a production of Sleeping Beauty and our lead female character well...shes got mono so we need someone to play Sleeping Beauty. Soujiro began to explain.

And we were thinking about last year how really good you were as Kaguya-Hime so we thought of you. Do you think you could do itt the play in like two weeksYes. I mean its not too many lines and well...were very desperate.

Misao scratched the back of her head and sighed.

I guess...I could...THANK YOU both drama boys yelled, suddenly glomping Misao...and sending her to the floor.

Soujiro began.

Perhaps we used too much force Kamatari said.

Misao sat up and rubbed the back of her head.

I have a feeling I may regret this. she mumbled to herself.

Makimachi-san, were going to be rehearsing after school until about five oclock and need to work on blocking.s fine. Misao said, and waved a goodbye as she headed to the library for her free period.

She had thought of auditioning for the play, but had let it slip her mind while thinking of schoolwork and other things.

Like Aoshi.

A small blush creeped onto her cheeks as she thought of Aoshi and the bet he had won. Her skeeball ego was still a bit bruised at losing to him...even if the results were most...satisfying.

Hiding in the back of the library, she hopped onto the windowsill and began reading over her chemistry notes while her head rested against the glass.

After a fifteen minutes and learning the wonders of oxidation, she turned to glance outside and was startled when she saw Sanosukes face pressed against the glass as he tapped him and grinned. Misao was also utterly embarrassed as she fell off the windowsill in surprise, landing on her butt. Groaning, she stood up and glared at Sanosuke and waved a fist at him, and then she noticed that Aoshi was with Sanosuke and stopped, turning around and blushing.

Damn him! Ill never stop blushing now

Grabbing her notebook she stormed off to a table, and sat, trying to get back to her studying only to rest her head on the table and sigh.

She really couldnt concentrate anymore.

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Looking over the soundboard and testing it with a headphone to his ear, Aoshi pressed some buttons and indicated for Kamatari to try the microphone.

Testing! Testiiiiiiiiiing! Hows that Shinomori-san

Aoshi gave him a thumbs up and set the head phone down and walked to the back of the theater to the lighting board and began testing the lighting.

Noticing a light was out, he sighed in annoyance and grabbed a screwdriver and walked towards the stage and up the ladder to the lighting catwalk and began opening the glass on the broken light.

He never knew what prompted him to do it, whether it looked good to colleges or he had too much free time, but somehow every year he got talked into being the technical director and lighting operator of all the school plays and musicals.

He half liked it, half hated it. It was always a pain in the ass when it came down to the wire. Everything seemed to go wrong and he was usually the only one who knew how to fix it. Mostly because everyone else didnt feel like learning the tech stuff.

Fifty feet in the air with a scewdriver, Aoshi began to change the bulb as Misao walked into the theater and made her way to the front row where Kamatari and Soujiro sat talking.

Makimachi-san, there you are Soujiro said happily.

Misao smiled and set her bag down.

So...what should I do she asked.

Well, Kamatari here is directing, so..KamatariRight right! Well, since youre both here we should start blocking scenes between the Prince and the princess. Stage please Kamatari called out, using a rolled up copy of the script to point and dictate and handed Misao a script.

I already have my lines memorized, so Ill get you through this. Soujiro said with a smile and Misao nodded.

She heard a slight tinkering, then a drop of metal, and a thudding noises.

s thatOh, our TD is fixing a broken light.The tech director...isnt that usually...Shinomori-san. Yes, hes the only one who knows what hes doing. We just act here.

Misao laughed nervously.

Greeeeaaaatttt...bye bye normal. It was almost fun.

As Aoshi finished and hopped off the ladder, he turned and stopped, seeing Misao blinking at him.

Seta, is she the new Sleeping Beauty Aoshi asked.

That she is! Makimachi-san is our savior Soujiro replied, throwing an arm around Misaos shoulder and gave her an affectionate squeeze.

Soujiro didnt notice the narrowing of Aoshis eyes.

Well then. Ill leave you to rehearse.Thanks, Shinomori-san, and the lighting is really great. Sou said with a smile and Aoshi merely turned his back to them and went back to the sound board, scowling.

He didnt like the way Soujiro had his arm around Misao. He wondered what the boy was up to and watched as they began rehearsing. Aoshi frowned more when he realized that the play required a kiss. Soujiro would have to kiss Misao.

That thought made his stomach churn. He didnt want Soujiro kissing Misao, but it was for the play..

Still, Misao was...

He didnt want his thoughts to go there. It was already enough that he couldnt seem to shake his thoughts of her, couldnt part with her.

To let himself ponder possible jealousy...

It would be implying too many things he wasnt ready to admit.

Im coming out of my cage and Ive been doing just fine

gotta gotta be down because I want it all

it started out with a kiss how did it end up like this?

It was only a kiss it was only a kiss

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Tokio sat on her bed listening to the new Unwritten Law CD as she read when a knock on the door interrupted.

Setting her headphones down she padded to the door and opened it and blinked.

Misao was standing in her doorway fidgeting.

Tokio-san, I...

Tokio rolled her eyes and pulled the shorter girl into her room and made a noise.

So what drama with my cousin now Tokio asked, turning off her CD and sitting back on her bed.

Misao looked around the room and scratched the back of her head.

Your rooms really cool.Makimachi, stop stalling. Spill.

Misao sat down and sighed.

Well, me and him...I dont know whats with us anymore.Back to swapping spit, eh? Congrats. Tokio said, crossing her arms.

Misao sighed.

I dont know. Its confusing. I mean, we ended it but we couldnt... and its strange because I thought I wouldnt feel anything else but...

Misao blushed.

Listen Makimachi, thats just how Hajime and I hooked up. I HATEDDDDDDD him for the longest time, and then one day we were making out and then screwing around. I thought we could keep it casual, but I ended up falling for the damn wolf. And though he was stubborn it was the same for him and weve been together ever since. So this is my advice: if you like my cousin, more than lust, if you want to be with him aside from that hes a good kisser or whatever you do in private then just tell him. This melodrama is getting annoying to follow.t think I can. I dont even know I feel.Well then, you better do some thinking cause my baka cousin is too stubborn to ever admit hes not such a cold person. Its up to you. May God help you. she said.

Misao half smiled.

Thanks, Tokio-san.Eh, no problem. Did you need anything elseOkay then. Doing anything right nowUmmm...no. I do need to practice lines..Sleeping Beauty, huhI suppose I can help you. I did help Sou write out the script.

Misao blinked.

re like...my strange, punkish guardian angel.

Tokio furrowed her brows and then finally shook her head. Makimachi Misao really was a quirky girl who said odd things.

She kind of liked it.

Get your script, Makimachi. Sou and Kamatari are psychos when it comes to their plays.I know. Ive had the pleasure of working with them before.Oh right. Well then, lets run the woods scene.Okay! So youll be my Prince Charmingt push it. Tokio said with narrowed eyes.

Misao raised up her hands and sighed.

Sorry sorry

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Aoshi watched from the sound board as Misao twirled across the stage for the woods scene and grimaced when Soujiro came on stage.

They were in dress rehearsal and Misao looked to damned pretty in a satiny sky blue dress. She really did look like a beauty. It was unsettling. The way she and Soujiro interacted. He hated it. He shouldnt be feeling this. It was ridiculous to feel this.

He watched Soujiro stand close to Misao and trace a hand down her cheek.

He wanted it to end, rehearsal to end. Or at least wished he was on the lighting catwalk so he wouldnt have to see it. See the pretty act they put on. The affection, even if it was an act, was irritating him.

He didnt like Soujiro touching her.

Now Im falling asleep and shes calling a cab

while hes having a smoke and shes taking a drag

and now theyre going to bed and my stomach is sick

and its all in my head but

He hated what scene was next to block with a passion. The kissing scene. The thought of Soujiro near her, touching her face, kissing her. No one else...he didnt want anyone else tasting her lips. He clenched his fist.

Shes touching his chest now

he takes off her dress now

let me go

I just cant look its killing me

Theyre taking control

He didnt want to be there...he wanted to leave. Screw responsibility, screw the play...he didnt want to see another kissing her. He turned his head as Soujiros face loomed close to Misaos form now laying on the set.

Jealousy turning saints into the sea

swimming through sick lullabies

choking on your alibis

but its just the price I pay

destiny is calling me to open up my eager eyes

cause Im Mr. Brightside

Im coming out of my cage and Ive been doing just fine

gotta gotta be down because I want it all

it started out with a kiss how did it end up like this?

It was only a kiss it was only a kiss

Now Im falling asleep and shes calling a cab

while hes having a smoke and shes taking a drag

and now theyre going to bed and my stomach is sick

and its all in my head but

Shes touching his chest now

he takes off her dress now

let me go

I just cant look its killing me

Theyre taking control

Jealousy turning saints into the sea

swimming through sick lullabies

choking on your alibis

but its just the price I pay

destiny is calling me to open up my eager eyes

cause Im Mr. Brightside

Misao was...

I never

Misao was...

I never

I never

He turned his back to them and walked out of the theater, standing outside and pulled a cigarette from his pocket, lighting it up and taking a drag. When he finished he walked inside and saw Misao and Soujiro sharing tea and sitting on the stage.

Soujiro was whispering something into Misaos ear and she smiled and hugged him.

Thanks for telling me Misao said and Soujiro just smiled at her.

It made Aoshi sicker.

Misao turned and saw Aoshi, and noticed he looked pale and unhappy. Hopping off the stage, She walked towards him with a smile.

Shinomori-senpai, how does the play look so far

He looked down at her, at her cheerful face and frowned.

s fine. Speak a bit louder into the mikes. he said, and turned and went to hop onto the stage and lowered the mikes to adjust them.

Misao blinked, feeling almost like shed been slapped in the face.

As rehearsals ended, they opening the doors outside and Misao grimaced as she noticed it was raining.

Damn weatherman! UghMisao-chan, want me to walk you home Soujiro asked.

Thanks, Soujiro-san, I..I will walk Makimachi home. She lives near me. Aoshi said abruptly, walking onto the pavement and half turned, waiting for Misao.

She looked at Aoshi and then back at Soujiro and bowed in apology as she followed after Aoshi.

Kamatari appeared in the doorway and shook his head.

Me thinks Tech-sama doesnt like you hanging around our Beauty.

Soujiro smiled and shrugged.

m not responsible for what he thinks. Misao-chan knows the situation.Bull. You purposely dont want to tell him cause youre enjoying this.s fun messing with Shinomori-san. Hes too serious.m sure Makimachi can loosen the boy up.I suppose. Did I do good today

Kamatari smiled and patted Soujiro on the head.

Very good. Are you coming over to work

Soujiro smiled a bit more.

Of course.

Meanwhile Misao flicked her wet bangs out of her forehead as she walked next to a silent Aoshi. She wasnt sure why, but he seemed mad at her.

s up with you todays nothing. he murmured, feeling the rain soak through his uniform.

s not nothing! Youve been extra cold and moody today! MOU! Forget it she yelled and began walking away, but a strong hand gripped her wrist.

Before she knew it, she as pulled against Aoshi as his lips assaulted hers. Before she had a chance to respond, he pushed her away and ran off, mumbling I cant do this.

Misao stood and watched him disappear...confused.

It was a few minutes before she slowly walked home, to her room where she took off her wet clothes and changed into dry pajamas, and she sat on her bed with her chin resting on her knees and wondered about what happened with Aoshi, and what it made her feel.

What he made her feel.

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After tense rehearsals and Aoshi avoiding her, it was opening night of the play and Misao sat in the green room nervous and depressed.

She missed being with Aoshi and had thought things were fine. Something was setting him off and she didnt know what.

Misao-chan, how you doing Soujiro asked, handing Misao a cup of water.

A little nervous.You look a bit depressed.s nothing.

Soujiro laughed.

s the same thing Shinomori-san said when I asked him why he was so moody lately. Maybe you can cheer him up

Misao blinked.

I dont think...Come on Misao-chan. Its a bit obvious...to me anyway.

Misao sighed. Another person knew. How much longer before everyone else did? Did she really care?

I suppose its fair, Soujiro-san. You know my secret, I know yours.

Soujiro smiled.

Come on my stars! Get moving Kamatari said, shooing them out of the green room and towards the stage.

Aoshi watched from the board and dimmed the lights. He couldnt avoid seeing it. Soujiro acting with Misao like they were lovers. He was painfully stuck not only to see it, but face the ugly feelings it called.

He watched the curtains open, watched it begin and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

He forced himself not to feel anything as Misao walked on stage, not to want to leave the room when she and Soujiro were on stage together, tried not to punch the board when Soujiro touched her cheek.

It was drawing close to the moment he dreaded, the kissing scene. His stomach churned. He wished he had rolaids or something to settle his stomach. Tea would have been nice.

Tech-sama, Sou-kun wants to see you in the green room ASAP. Kamatari said, creeping behind Aoshi.

Aoshi blinked and looked onstage.

Whose going to run the boardI can do it. To be a director or producer you need to know how to run one. Pecking order, remember

Aoshi nodded and left Kamatari to the board as he crept out of the theater and to the green room door.

He walked inside to see Soujiro and Aoshi frowned.

What are you doing? You need to be onstage in five minutes. Aoshi yelled, wanting nothing more than to beat the underclassman.

Soujiro smiled brightly.

Misao kept her eyes clothes and quiet sighed as she waited for Soujiro to get onstage and kiss her so she could finish the scene. She hadnt spoken to Aoshi, even during Intermission, and it nagged at her. She wanted to know what was wrong so she could fix it.

It was wracking her nerves and now the whole school was going to see her kiss Seta Soujiro, and there would be murmurs at what a cute couple they would make.

If they only knew.

As the lighting changed, Misaos breath hitched as she knew it meant Soujiro was walking onstage. Her heart pounded with nervousness at the scene, at finishing the play she had worked hard for in such short time.

She could hear the pounding in her ears, and thus couldnt hear the surprised gasps of students in the audience.

She could sense Soujiro standing above her, and could feel a calloused hand softly trace the contour of her face. Soon she felt warm breath against her lips, making her heart pound more.

The brush of lips against hers.

Soujiro?

A kiss, an achingly familiar kiss that made her melt, the familiar scent.

She opened her eyes she felt him pull away and blinked up at him. He was wearing a black and blue costume.

He was her Prince.

She could have cried, but the scene needed to get finished.

And she finished it brilliantly.

As the play ended, Misao quickly ran into the green room to see Soujiro sitting and quickly hugged and mumbled a thanks before running back onstage.

Soujiro smiled and hoped Kamatari gave Aoshi the special delivery.

Misao ran back to backstage and lined up with the cast as the curtain parted and they bowed.

Students werent sure what to make of the brooding, icy goth Aoshi as Prince Charming so abruptly at the end, but they applauded anyway.

Misao smiled, and was surprised when a single red rose was presented before her from Aoshi. She looked up at him and smiled, accepting the rose.

She would thank him later with a kiss when no one was looking.

As the theater emptied, and everyone headed to Soujiros for the cast party, Misao and Aoshi trailed behind.

Aoshi, thank you. Really. I never expected all that from you. she said softly.

He looked down at her, and sighed.

Thank Soujiro. Hes an evil little mastermind.

Misao laughed.

I suppose, but he uses his powers for good. But still, I kind of had my suspicions...but Im glad he told me.I always thought they looked at me a little strangely sometimes.Oh please, dont get vain on me, Shinomori. Misao scoffed.

Aoshi sighed.

s not easy being pretty. he said in a flat voice and it made Misao crack up.

Stick to brooding. Your humor sucks. Though really, they shouldnt keep it a secret.

He looked down at her.

Look whose talking.Touche. Though I did suspect Kamatari-san, I kind of suspected Soujiro-san...but I didnt think to connect them. Oh well, they make a cute couple

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LE FIN!

Yes, Soujiro and Kamatari are gay for each other. As Hikaru put it nicely once about Kamatarihe likes the cock.

Tehehehheeh..

Okay. Now Im tired. If the formatting sucks its not my fault.

Ja!