"ARE YOU GUYS CRAZY! SAFETY IN NUMBERS, YOU MORONS!" Haven yelled at the screen as the four characters split up. Nagisa and Karma stared at her. "What? They're acting like complete idiots," she commented.
"I just never thought that you were one to like horror movies," Karma replied.
"This one's just too laughable and predictable," Haven shrugged, completely unphased by the most recent jump scare. She yawned and leaned back.
"Speaking of predictable - I bet you the couple who decided to have their way in the back bedroom is gonna be the next one offed," Fia sighed in frustration. "It's always them. Haven't they watched 'Scream'?"
"But of course!" Haven agreed, motioning for someone to pass her the tub of popcorn. "Who said we should watch this movie?"
"Didn't Benny suggest it?" Nagisa asked.
"So, Haven, want to hang out and watch that movie I suggested last week?" Benny asked as he walked with Haven to lunch the following Monday.
"I watched it on Friday at my apartment," Haven replied.
'What did you think of it?" Benny asked, slightly dejected.
"It was rather predictable, hilariously so," Haven replied.
"Well, do you have any movies you could recommend to me?" he smiled hopefully.
"I believe Karma is planning to take us to a movie this weekend. I'll let you know if it's any good," she shrugged.
"'Us'?" Benny raised an eyebrow.
"Nagisa, Fia, and I," Haven said simply.
"So, i-it's just a housemate thing, right?" he asked nervously.
"Probably, but knowing Karma and Fia…" Haven trailed off, thinking of how the outing would likely result in the two of them bickering. Benny paled slightly, a completely different scenario having crossed his mind.
"We're seeing a horror movie," Haven's voice trembled a bit as she stared at the ticket stub in her hand.
"Yeah, everyone seemed to enjoy the one we watched last week," Karma said with a shrug.
Before any of them could say "Movie Time," they found themselves in the dim theater. The seating arrangement went: Karma, Fia, Nagisa, and Haven. The previews were interesting enough, but, for the next hour and a half, Haven trembled, cringed, and whimpered next to Nagisa.
Being a protective older sibling made Fia very concerned for Haven. At first, she was very preoccupied with the whimpering noises to her side, but as Nagisa soothingly rubbed Haven's head and let her hide behind him, Fia began to relax and enjoy the movie. That was, until she felt a poke in her side. She jumped slightly and turned towards that direction.
"Karma," she whispered harshly.
"You scared yet?" he smirked.
"No, I'm used to this kind of stuff" she responded flatly. "Are you scared? You've been trying really hard to get my attention, so I thought maybe you wanted me to protect you," Fia teased.
He stared at Fia for a few moments then grinned. "Oh? I didn't think little-miss-clumsy could take more than a few steps without hurting herself."
Fia rolled her eyes. "Just pass the popcorn and enjoy the blood splatter."
Nagisa smiled worriedly at Haven. "Are you alright?" he whispered. It was a quieter part of the movie, so he hoped she would come out from hiding.
"Maybe… I'd forgotten how dark movie theaters are," Haven took a few glances at the screen before relaxing a bit and creeping out of her hiding spot. Suddenly, one of the female protagonists shrieked and Haven hid behind Nagisa once again. She clung to his arm, watching the screen with only one eye. Then the demon lunged at the screen. Startled by the jump scare, Haven regressed to her hiding spot completely.
Nagisa turned slightly and situated himself so he could both look at Haven and block her view of the screen. Blue eyes glowed softly in the dark. "Do you want to go somewhere else?" he asked, gently smiling. Haven nodded stiffly. With that, Nagisa stood and guided Haven out of the theater, taking her to wait by the concession stands.
Fia watched her friends go with a conflicted smile. She wanted to chase after her friend, but she didn't want to overwhelm Haven, and she knew Nagisa could handle it. Fia turned to look at Karma and their gazes met. He shook his head and she sighed. Karma was right, she should wait until the movie was over to check on Haven.
Nagisa sat across from Haven at a table and handed her a water bottle. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I will be. Watching movies in a theater has a very different feel from watching them off a computer," Haven replied warily.
Nagisa nodded and rested his chin in his palm. "Yeah, I think you're right." Thinking for a moment, Nagisa smiled. "Well, why don't we watch a movie again sometime? We can watch on your computer, make snacks, and just have fun at home. What do you think, Haven?"
"That sounds like a much better idea," Haven gave him a small smile.
He was about to reply when he caught sight of a figure lingering by the upcoming movie posters. "Haven… Isn't that the guy from the mall?" Nagisa inquired with concern.
"It could be," Haven bit her lip.
"Are you alright? I won't pry, but I don't exactly like the idea of anyone hurting my friends," his eyes shone with seriousness.
"I'm planning to do something about it soon."
As if he had heard Haven's words, Dick turned and caught sight of the white-haired girl. His expression grew fierce as he stormed his way over to Haven. "YOU TOLD!" he shouted accusingly.
"I didn't tell," Haven glared at the blond boy, " No one knows."
"Then what was up with this chick and that redheaded asshole?" he spat. "I don't believe you!"
Nagisa looked between the two, his facial expression unreadable. Although he appeared to not be paying attention to the aggressive blonde, his sharp gaze said otherwise, said that he was watching like a snake does a mouse.
"I had met them the day before! They barely even knew me, much less anything about you," Haven clenched her fists.
"And why should I believe you?" Dick spat.
"The agreement. We promised, no lies," Haven reminded him. "You know I'm not lying to you."
"And you know I will make your life absolute hell if you tell," Dick gritted his teeth.
"Has it ever crossed your mind that maybe I'm as much, if not more so, the victim as you are?"
The blonde's face grew red as he angrily tried to come up with some sort of retort. When he couldn't, he slammed his fist on the table in frustration. "This isn't the end of this!" he yelled in a fluster as he hurried away.
"No, I suppose not. But I plan to make the next move," Haven muttered at Dick's backside.
Nagisa slowly exhaled as the tension drained from the room. He looked to Haven with concern, but said nothing, waiting to see how she wanted to proceed from there.
"Don't tell Fia. She'll just worry," Haven requested.
Nagisa nodded. "Alright, but if you need anything, you can tell me, Haven."
After a few moments, the pair saw Karma and Fia exit the theater. The redhead laughed, "I told you, this director needs to do more suspense! I wasn't expecting that plot twist."
Fia shook her head with a smile. "Neither was I! Usually, these kinds of movies are predictable so I'm glad the director decided to change things up. I admit, the jump scare at the end might have actually gotten me - " She saw Haven and Nagisa at the table and rushed over. Placing a hand on Haven's shoulder, Fia smiled worriedly. "Are you alright, Angel?"
"Yep, we've just been sitting out here," Haven smiled, a bit too brightly to be natural.
Karma lazily rolled his shoulders as he approached. "I didn't think you'd run off like that, Haven. Next time, I'll have to get tickets to a kids' movie so you won't get so scared," he teased.
Fia shot him a look. "I know you're trying to lighten the mood, but is now the best time?" she asked, gritting her teeth. He shrugged with a "what else am I supposed to do?" attitude. She gave him a wary but appreciative smile and shook her head. "Wanna head home now?" Fia asked cheerfully, turning back to Haven.
"Sure," Haven replied.
The four headed out together. Enjoying the cool autumn air and hues of reds and yellows adorning each tree, they walked at a leisurely pace. Fia was at the front, stepping from crackling dry leaf to crinkling dry leaf with satisfaction. The fall had infatuated her and stolen away all of her attention. Karma followed behind her, eyes turned up to pink sky and sun sinking on the horizon. Bringing up the rear, Haven and Nagisa walked side-by-side in comfortable silence as both took in the beauty of their surroundings. Whenever their shoulders accidentally brushed, they would look at each other and smile. Whatever Karma saw when he looked over his shoulder that evening, he didn't say anything about it.
Nagisa and Haven contentedly sighed as they looked up at the stars. There were only so many visible above the glow of the city lights, but it was enough. Neither had wanted to go inside so soon, so they found themselves climbing the steps of the fire escape and staring up at the sky.
"I really like looking at the stars," Nagisa said with a smile. "They're always there. Even the moon has changed on us. Who knew 30% could look so beautiful?" he laughed.
"I always wondered why it changed, but it looks more beautiful than I ever remember," Haven glowed… in the present lighting, quite literally. Nagisa looked at the moon with a bit of melancholy.
"Oh!" Nagisa gasped. "Did you see that shooting star?"
"Where?" Haven asked as she began looking around.
He laughed a little. "It was there," he pointed at an empty patch of sky to their left. "Do you believe in wishing upon a shooting star?"
"When I was very, very young, I used to stay up as late as I could every night and wait for one," Haven reminisced, "It hasn't come true yet."
"I like to believe in my own power," Nagisa admitted, "but it's fun to do things like this now and then. What did you wish for?"
"Nothing in particular," Haven smiled mysteriously. "What did you wish for?"
Blue eyes shone with affection as Nagisa smiled at Haven. She still seemed to be searching the sky. "I'll let you know when it comes true. Hopefully, that'll be someday soon."
Fia sat at the counter and silently watched Karma carefully slice the sashimi. Rolling an orange between his hands, he cut the fruit into a flower and handed it to the waiting girl before dutifully returning to work. Fia grinned and happily began consuming citrus.
"You seem happier than usual today," Karma said with a smile.
Fia mused and licked the orange juice from her fingers. "I'm having a happier than usual day," she responded. "This is my favorite type of weather, and the movie was fun. Although… Karma? What did you think of the movie?"
"I didn't think too much of it," he replied. "Why?"
"Just…" Fia rested her face in her hands. "Well…" Karma gave her a look that meant 'Speak up already.' She sighed, "I just thought the ending, although pleasantly surprising, would really scare me if I was in the protagonist's shoes."
Karma smiled. "Don't worry, Tsu-chan. As if I'd let anyone hurt you - I want to keep you around for entertainment~"
"Hey!" she laughed as she threw the remainder of the orange peel at him. "Gee, thanks!" Fia yelled sarcastically as she rolled her eyes. "The Sashimi Soldier is so very brave!"
"That I am. That's why I have this." A flash drive was dropped from his sleeve and into his hand. "I'll be right back~," He said with a grin.
After dinner, Haven went directly to her room to work on her computer.
"AHHHHHHHH!" Haven screamed. Everyone came running to the girls' bedroom.
"WHO DID THIS TO MY COMPUTER!?" She seethed.
"Kayano!?" Nagisa exclaimed as he saw the image spread across the nine monitors. His face turned slightly pink. Haven turned her three laptops to face her housemates. On each screen, "Kayano" smiled back.
"Oh dear, Nagisa, you'll have some explaining to do," Karma smirked.
"What does that mean?" Nagisa yelled exasperatedly.
"Well, you'll have to explain to your girlfriend why you've been spending so much time with a foreign girl," Karma snickered.
"We are NOT a couple," Nagisa sighed.
"Really, I've got pictures of you two kiss-" Karma began.
"It happened ONCE!" Nagisa protested.
"More like fifteen times," Karma sadistically provoked the bluenette further. Nagisa facepalmed.
"I can contact Nakamura for extra proof. We both took photos," Karma continued.
Fia looked between her housemates. "Am I the only one who has no clue what's going on?"
"That's not all!" Haven moved the mouse around the screen. Instead of the usual arrow, there was a big, sparkly bow. "And the culprit completely reorganized my computers!" Haven growled. She tried to open a file, but a video popped up instead.
"Never gonna give you up, Never gonna let you down, Never gonna run around and desert you, Never gonna make you cry, Never gonna say goodbye, Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you," the computer sang.
"WHAT IS THIS?!" Haven screamed. "Wally, virus check, NOW!"
"Never gonna give you up, Never gonna let you down, Never gonna run around and desert you, Never gonna make you cry, Never gonna say goodbye, Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you," Wally started.
"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"
"Sorry, Haven. I am not sure what happened there," he apologized before reporting, "Ten minutes ago, a foreign program was downloaded. This is probably the cause of the problems."
Fia sweat-dropped. "Were you just… Rick-rolled?" She cringed, terrified that the troll video would make a comeback. "Karma? Did you do this?" He smiled at her, looking all too satisfied with himself. Karma twirled the thumb drive from earlier.
"Wally, revert to the most recent backup for each computer from before the foreign program was introduced," Haven grumbled. She turned to Karma, "You have taken this too far. You can mess with me, you can mess with my best friend, you can mess with this thing - " Haven shoved Benny's present in Karma's face " - But, you can NOT mess with my computers, especially my Wally," Haven yelled.
Fia ran and grabbed the guinea pig plush from Karma. She checked it over for injuries then carried it over to her bed, where she cuddled the cute thing. "I'm glad you're safe - … What was your name again? ANGEL, YOU DIDN'T GIVE HIM A NAME?!" She looked as if she had been seriously hurt.
"You name it, Tsu-chan," Haven mumbled while staring Karma down, "WHY DID YOU MESS WITH WALLY?!"
"Wasn't the intention," he admitted, "but this sure is hilarious. Hey, Wally. Can you sing again?" Karma laughed loudly.
"Wally, don't you dare!" Haven glared at the redhead who had caused all of this.
"Never gonna give you up, Never gonna let you down, Never gonna run around and desert you, Never gonna make you cry, Never gonna say goodbye, Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you. Haven, I am sorry. I do not think I can speak without singing first. I believe this antic is called Rickrolling. Rickrolling is when a link is purposely mislabeled and directs the user to 'Never Gonna Give You Up' by Rick Astley. The reverting process is 25% complete," Wally replied. Karma began laughing. Haven glared daggers at him.
Karma grinned. "Nice work, Wally. You know, you're a real friend. You're never going to give her up or let her down - " he started.
"You will regret this," she growled.
Nagisa sighed and sat down on the edge of Fia's bed as he watched the chaos unfold. Fia cradled the white plush and tied a green ribbon around its neck.
"BACIO!" Fia cheered as she kissed the plush with a loud smooch. "Your name is Bacio!"
Nagisa sweat-dropped, amazed that the girl who was normally so very protective was completely off on her own planet - no, galaxy. "What does that mean?" he asked.
"Kisses~!" she grinned. "Grazie, Angela~!" Fia put the plush down next to her on the bed. "Now that that matter has been settled, Angel, are you going to be alright?"
"I will be, after my revenge," Haven muttered. "Wally, notify me the millisecond that the reversion is completed. If you want, save the past ten minutes of your memory bank. Send it to Ritsu, perhaps?"
"Never gonna give you up, Never gonna let you down, Never gonna run around and desert you, Never gonna make you cry, Never gonna say goodbye, Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you. Yes, Haven," Wally nodded. Karma continued to laugh.
Wally: Reverting complete!
Haven: Thank you, Wally. (opens a laptop and starts typing)
Fia: You got that stupid song stuck in my head! Karma!
Karma: (laughing) Never gonna -
Nagisa: Please, not again.
Haven: Just WAIT! I'm going to figure out what makes you tick, Karma!
Fia: It's a little something called "sadism." (fake cheerfulness) That's what makes him tick!
Nagisa: Can't say I disagree with you.
Haven: I can't really use that against him…
Fia: Nagisa… Was that Kayano-person your ex-girlfriend or something?
Nagisa: (blushes) No! It wasn't like that.
Fia: But -
Nagisa: Look, Bacio!
Fia: WHERE?! (runs to find him)
Karma: Bacio?
Nagisa: (sweat-drops) That's right, you and Haven were bickering. Fia named the guinea pig plush "Bacio." It means "kisses" or something like that.
Karma: Oh, does it now? (smirks)
Nagisa: Haven't you caused enough chaos for one chapter?
Karma: Only for one chapter.
Haven: (going wide-eyed and staring at the computer screen) More like for several more chapters!
Nagisa: What do you mean?
Haven: (snaps computer closed) Nothing!
Narrator: This is playing out just like a movie. Where's my popcorn? Oh! The next chapter preview. In one word? Confessions.
