Courting Cherries

Chemistry Makes Me Nervous

A/N: Hello! I had a good vacation despite the sunburns…they hurt! Anyway I got this chapter written surprisingly quick… Before I let you read I wanted to answer a short question I got asking about the titles of the chapters. Aside from the first two chapters, all of the names are either a song title/lyric, or a random thought. They are named before the chapter is written because I'm crazy. Sometimes they make sense and sometimes they make you say, "what the fuck is wrong with her?"

Be prepared to see a darker side of Ryoki. He might be a little OC, honestly I'm not sure, but I love it.

I snuck out after my bedtime. I know mama wouldn't like it, but she'd give me some milk and maybe even a cookie. I walked quietly; I'm little so it isn't that hard anyway. I can get away with lots of things! The hallway was dark though and it's scary. Only a few more steps to the kitchen and I peak around the corner to see if anyone is there. I expect to see mama, but no. She isn't there. No one is. Well this is okay, I'll get the cookie myself! Creeping towards the kitchen I pretend I'm on a secret mission; if someone sees me I die! Heading behind a chair I suddenly stop to the sound of movement. Oh no! I've been caught by the enemy! Standing still I wait, and wait. Why isn't anyone coming to yell at me? I heard them!

That's when I turned and saw him. His head was above the couch in the living room and he was moving to get up. I almost call out to him, he so cool! But then I remember, I'm on a mission. I can't let anyone know that I'm here. So I watch as he leaves. I guess he's going home? But then instead of turning towards the door he moves down the dark hallway. Why? I catch a quick look at his face, he looks serious! The way daddy looks when he's about to yell at Akane. Laughing, I silence myself. I have to keep quiet; can't be caught! So I move like an agent into the kitchen, get my cookie, and run like a bullet back to my room.

The cookie is sweet, yummy! After I'm tired and I've forgotten all about my new supper cool idol.

Her room was droning to say the least. Amazing; how she could fit so many things in here with the little amount of space. She appeared to be a typical teenage girl, but then some of these things were her sister's too. They had bunk-beds and he took a moment to wonder who had the top and who had the bottom. Hatsumi was a pushover, he thought, she probably has the top. Skimming his fingers over the wooden frame he continued to wonder. The room had a pink hue to the walls, the walls themselves were covered beyond recognition with posters. That was probably Akane's doing as well. He could see Hatsumi having a couple, but she was much more simple. Yes, very simple. Moving on… He wasn't that much of a snoop where he would feel the need to go through her drawers… Well okay, he was, but he wasn't in the mood for it right now.

Looking into the top bunk, the wooden bars level with his mouth, he decided this was definitely where she slept. He concluded this by the fact the sheets were in their own perfect place, where as the ones below were ruffled and pushed about. She hadn't slept here last night, she'd slept with him. Wincing, he moved away. The bed was a bad thing to look at. It made him mad and gave him a feeling he couldn't place. He'd told himself the second he sat down on a small chair, upon entering the room, he was going to try. He was going to try and not lose him temper. Ryoki Tachibana knew himself, he knew he was a hot-tempered person. He didn't think that'd quality would help them much right now though, if she ever comes in here!

Picking up a pillow he threw it, and then watched it as it hit the wall and fell to the floor. Something that crinkled fell out though, inches away from the pillow they'd fallen out of. He walked over off the bed, needing to move closer in the dim light to inspect.

He laughed quietly, like a crazy mad-man, picking up the small packages; Condoms. The reason they were in this stupid, fucked up situation was because her idiotic sister didn't know how to use them! Stuffing them back in Akane's pillow he placed it back on the bed. Why? He wasn't really sure. Usually he'd jump at a chance to get that little brat into trouble, but not now. Now he needed to get himself back to a state of semi-calmness. Or at least try.

"Well then tell me Mariko, where is he?" She yelled, half moaned, as she leaned against the glass dinning room table. "It's nine o'clock! He wouldn't just leave 'til this time and not make any of us aware to his ware-a-bouts!" Mrs. Tachibana, feared across the land, was in a fuss. She didn't know where Ryoki was, he hadn't joined them for dinner, as expected, and he hadn't come home! "What if something has happened to him? He could be hurt!" He perfect son…

"I highly doubt that's the reason he isn't here, Mrs. Tachibana. I'm sure he is just out with his friends." Mariko was trying to comfort her, despite the fact she gave less then a rat's ass about the women.

"But you said you told him that dinner was at six! He would have come. Are you sure that you told him?" Mrs. Tachibana glared, it was very possible that it was all Mariko's fault. That would give me comfort!

"Yes, I did. He came home around four today. I also told him about the benefit dinner as well, just as you asked." Mariko took the opportunity to clear some dishes off the table, anything to get away from her.

"Enough of this," a calm yet forceful voice came from the opposite side of the table, across the room. "I'm sure our son is fine. He could have forgotten and he is seventeen. It's normal for him to act this way." Mr. Tachibana was tired of his wife's endless banter. Unspoken thoughts to his wife though, he knew Ryoki didn't want to eat dinner with them. He knew Ryoki liked to keep his space away from them. Mr. Tachibana couldn't blame him.

"Well It's nice that your so assured!" His wife threw her napkin on the table with two deliberate 'huffs' in a row. "I'm going to bed. Our son better be home when I wake up in the morning!"

Mariko couldn't help herself, the second the dragon left the room she laughed into her hand. She was shot a 'that's not very nice look, but I agree,' by the said dragon's amused husband.

Mariko crossed to sit in the chair closest to his, wondering what he was doing. It was impossible for her to pay any real attention to him when Mrs. Tachibana was around, she had to be careful. He was reading the paper, stocks, and things. She wasn't in the least bit interested in any of that, even if she did understand it. Mariko was a smart women. The only reason she had stayed around, continuing to be a maid, was so she could be around him.

"Master Shuichiro," Mariko spoke, " I just wanted to tell you that I have a good idea that Ryoki is fine. I think he's with Hatsumi Narita."

Looking over he nodded at her explanation. "You watch after him so well."

Smiling, Mariko stood up, "Would you like some more coffee, sir?"

"No, I'm fine. Sit down and rest." He looked away back to his newspaper. He knew the compliment meant more to her then it should, but that was fine. He did have a fondness for her. Nothing like what he felt for Miho, but a fondness still. She was his link.

The second he heard footsteps, he tensed. There were not often times in his life when he second guessed himself, but this was one of them. He had no clue what to say, this wasn't something he could fix, this wasn't a math equation that he could solve. He had absolutely no idea what was going to happen. And he was scared. Mr. Perfect, was scared.

He watched the handle of the door turn in slow motion, like a horror movie he'd been sent to live in. Why was he acting like this? It wasn't the end of his life… And then he came to a realization…It was just the end of him and Hatsumi.

This was pain; it was rejection. She never loved you… Just like your father. They only stay around you because they have too. Well if that's the way it is, he thought, then I'm not going to be a coward about it. Stepping out from the shadows he stood where he knew she'd see him.

Hearing her gasp he said nothing, "Ryoki, is that you?" Hatsumi stepped forward before she remembered to close the door. "What are you doing here? Is everything Alright?" She came close, looking worried. Well I guess she would be a little startled by me just appearing in her room. But no, everything isn't alright.

She looked confused, in that cute little way. Way to go and distract me…

"Ryoki?" God, the way she said his name…

Before she could get an answer to anything Hatsumi was hit with a strong force that almost knocked her to the floor. "Huh?" Ryoki was attached, hugging her desperately; tight. His arms wove around her small body and then some, he clung to her with an iron grip. His head rested on the top pf hers, as she still stood shocked. She could have sworn he kissed her forehead once or twice as well… What is going on?

Moving his hands he brought one up to her hair. Her plain Jane, golden honey-suckle locks. Hatsumi soon gave in, she couldn't help it. Ryoki was obviously in distress. If this was the only way to help him?

She brought her arms to wrap around him and laid her head against his chest. She could feel him breath, it was un-naturally fast.

Then she suddenly felt another strong blast, except this time when it hit her, nothing caught her from falling. Had Ryoki pushed her? She landed on her back, a few feet from where he stood. He looked vivid. An extremely quick change from the man who had just been cuddling her.

"How could you?" His voice seethed, it creped through her veins. He didn't move, he was rigid and unexpectedly dark.

Hatsumi looked up at him with shock, he'd hit her before but… "Ryoki, I don't understand?" Her voice was quiet. It was weak.

For minutes they just stayed there, she didn't move from the floor, and he stepped no further. She wondered if he was even breathing. Opening her mouth she searched for words, but couldn't find any… Whatever was going on, maybe it was a good idea for her not to speak.

She watched him stare at her, intimidating couldn't begin to cover the aura that surrounded him.

"Aren't you going to stand up?" He asked her finally, he sounded bitter; lost. He waited, but she didn't answer. She just stayed on the floor looking like a mouse that had just been spotted by a cat. A very angry, hungry, cat. "What's wrong? Usually you don't have any problem talking, you do it way too much." His voice was even, smooth, but anyone with half a brain would know to move cautiously.

"No," a small little voice answered.

"No!" He yelled, "What do you mean no?"

"Ryoki," she spoke quickly, "my mother, and-"

Taking the hint he thought for a moment, "Grab your coat." Ryoki brushed past her and stood firm at the door. "What are you waiting for?" He asked fiercely. "Do I need to spell it out you? We're leaving." I can't exactly scream at you here…

"But," she was going to protest, but stopped. Something was wrong and she wanted to know what. She also had a little problem of her own to disclose to him, maybe now was not the best time though… "Okay, let me go first."

He let her lead them out of her home, he didn't know why she complained about it so much. It was ridiculously easy… "Where should we go?" She asked when they were safety outside the door. She was spun around suddenly, shot up against the wall.

"Just shut up! Be quiet. I don't want to hear you speak. Your voice is disgusting." Ryoki let go and left her to stand for herself. "We'll go up to the roof," he finished more coolly, mild-tempered.

"Okay."

"What did I say about talking?" Ryoki spat.

She went to say sorry and stopped herself. Talking equals bad.

In her best manly voice, "Well I'd ask you to come in but…" Akane couldn't finish and she laughed. "I think I had too much sugar!"

"Yeah, maybe." Subaru agreed, but they'd had fun. It was a mild distraction from the days earlier events, he'd been surprised she jumped back to her happy self so swiftly. But then again ice cream could do that to anyone.

"So I guess that I'll see you tomorrow?" Akane asked him, she still liked to play the shy girl routine.

"Yes, I'll call you in the morning."

"Not too early," she pointed out, " I need my beauty sleep." Jumping over for a short hug she caught him and he gripped her jacket.

"Maybe you really did have too much sugar." Subaru said as a result of her energy.

"That's not it," she became a little more serious. "You just make me happy," slowing down her words she kissed him softly. It was unexpected and Subaru was not in the least bit unhappy about it. "Mmm," she cooed. "I hope things work out for Ryoki and Hatsu, I was just thinking that…"

"You were thinking about them when we kissed?" He gave her a lob-sided look.

Laughing again, she hit him with a playful hand. "No, not at that exact moment." Giggling, she continued. "I was just thinking it randomly while we were walking back, that's all. Well I guess I'll see you. Bye."

With another quick kiss she left him, door closed, and he stood alone in the hallway. Subaru walked down towards the elevator. He was lucky, real lucky.

Closing the door quietly, Akane crept slowly into the apartment. She worked on stealth her entire life! Mom was sleeping, so was Hikaru, and what about her sister? Hatsumi, she hoped would be in a talking mood. Akane needed to speak to her, she needed to for herself. Akane had this sense where she had to keep things right. She supposed she felt this way because she couldn't control he own life. The next best thing? Keeping other's in tact.

The door opened to her room and she drew in a breath. Stepping in she found nothing. Well this wasn't right, she thought. It was empty. Where's Hatsu? Moving to step up so she could look into her bed, her sister wasn't here. She wasn't sleeping.

Oh, Hatsu, Akane sighed when she saw the nicely made bed.

It was dark on top of the roof and Hatsumi wished the light hadn't blown out a couple nights ago. The only thing they had was the moon, and that wasn't helping them tonight.

It made him look scarier too.

The funny thing was that they had come up here to talk, or at least listen to him talk, but that was not happening. They'd been sitting in dead silence for about twenty minutes. She couldn't take this. It wasn't fair. She just stood on the opposite side of the roof and stared at him. Watched him kneel in the corner and play with the dirt on the floor.

And then the sound emerging from her jacket broke the deadpan. Huh? Hatsumi thought. Oh! My cell phone.

She looked over to Ryoki, he looked peeved, but then she didn't think the joyful little jingle would make him any happier…

"Answer it," he told her.

"But-"

"Answer your phone. I'm interested to see who'd be calling you at eleven." He was so angry… this was serious. What had she done?

"Okay." Picking up her phone, flipping it open, she answered. Only a couple people know this number… Sweat dripped from her face. "Hello?"

"Hey, it's me. Where are you Hatsu?" Thank god. "It's just Akane," she meekly told him.

"Great," he spit out, sarcastically. "Damn girl's always interrupting everything."

"I'm with Ryoki, Akane. I'm fine." Hatsumi couldn't help but shift her eyes to Ryoki as she spoke. "What do you want?"

"What do I want! I want to know what's going on! Where are you!"Akane hurried.

"I'm up on the roof…" the moment she said it she wished she could have taken it back. Ryoki gave her a look of murder and chaos. His eyes spoke for him.

The line went dead, and she knew why. Her sister was going to rush up here and then what? What's going on? What do they know that I don't? Looking back to Ryoki she gave a completely exasperated glance. "Ryoki? Could you please talk to me?" She practically whispered.

"You're an idiot. Now you sister's going to come charging up here," he spoke in monotone.

"But why?"

"You know why," this was a new voice, a sad voice. "I thought I could do it. I thought I could talk to you, but I can't. I-" He stopped. He really couldn't. How could she really stand there and pretend she didn't know why he was angry, why he couldn't speak? "I'm leaving."

Walking past her, brushing her shoulder, he stopped at the door. "I won't say anything to my mother. It'll just be between us." He lost, he failed at something in his life.

Opening the door, he crashed. He bumped straight into the last person, aside from Hatsumi, that he wanted to see right now. "You."

"Ryoki!" Akane screeched, startled.

"Get out of my way, I'm leaving."

"What, why?"

"God the two of you! Your both so stupid! Why this, why that? Can't you two figure anything out for yourselves?" He shoved her out of the way and slammed the door behind him. Damn them. Damn this place.

"Akane?" Hatsumi stepped towards her younger sister, puzzled. "Will you please tell me what's going on? Ryoki's so mad! It's like he hates me! I don't know what to do…" Hatsumi trailed off, and then started to cry. "He was so furious, it wasn't like him."

"Oh Hatsu, 'what's going on'? What do you mean you don't know! How could you not tell me?" Akane wanted to yell, but spoke quietly. She rubbed her sister's back and spoke again. She knew she should be comforting, but she couldn't help it. "How could you do it Hatsumi, why would you sleep with Azusa?"

Ryoki didn't know how to deal with this. It was like someone stole something precious and coveted from him. Dealing with her had been the wrong plan. She was too pathetic, not to mention horribly dim. That bastard. That was who he should have gone too; to hell with what Mariko-san thinks. The asshole probably tricked her into it! Storming down the stairs, rage bent with a new passion, he headed to Azusa's apartment. He was filled with a new feeling, an emotion the old him never would have conjured up.

So hmm. What do you think? I feel strange, but pleased about this chapter at the same time.

Review of the Reviews: (or at least some of them…)

Jenbo: Your story is still great and the opening of this chapter was written just for you! I love Hikaru too!

Twofang: Thank-you 'hugs' Yeah, I'm pretty sure there's only 11. There's only 54 chapters. If you want some spoilers the Hot Gimmick community over on livejournal is a good place to check them out! I'm happily a lurking member.

---On a side note for that though, I'm thinking about making a HG fan fiction community if anyone is interested?

P-Chan Lova026: Your review gave me a much needed laugh and pick me up! Nine was awesome! I was a little surprised by the ShingouXHatsumi scene though. Number 10 is coming out on November 28th! Can you believe they are going to make us wait that LONG!

Lightning-Dono: I good little tip is to go to the bookstore and read there all day…saves tons of money. I have all the Hot Gimmicks…but now I'm poor!

Tessa99999: I hope they will speed things up soon! I guess I'm the only one that knows huh? Well you have to get through the hard stuff to get to the good stuff and all those clichés.

S.B. Kisses:With this chapter I'm hoping everyone will get to see even more sides of him. I just love Ryoki. And yes! He is the HAWTNESS!

TheMilkmansMistress: Your review just made me feel really great! Happy me! I really love twisting things around too. The next chapter's gonna be the same way… :P Thank-you as well for you comment about reviews.

Xx Soul xX: I know I feel so bad for him. Especially because I'm a diehard RyokiXHatsu shipper!

Sesshomarus Chix: Thank-you! I try to picture them in my head as I write.

Lunawolf709: XD. I'll try to e-mail you soon. : )

I'm also posting this without a new beta because I'm impatient and haven't e-mailed a couple yet…but I'll get to that ASAP! Ciao!