What a crazy summer it's been! To celebrate the end of it, here's another chapter for you guys! I announced on Tumblr that I would update on Sept. 1st but updating a couple days before doesn't sound like a bad surprise!
I don't own any characters but my own :)
The Corton.
This building.
This place has seen the best of me.
And the absolute worst.
Years ago, he brought me here on our first date.
Bumbling.
Shy.
I fiddled with them hem of my skirt as his charm took over.
Fast Forward.
He said I love you.
I said it back.
Quick and thoughtless.
He said I deserved everything.
I never once questioned his love for me.
If I ignore the signs.
This gut feeling.
Then everything will be okay.
He didn't mean it.
He didn't mean it.
Makeup can only cover what is skin deep.
But…
I deserved everything…
He didn't mean it…
Shinji extended his arm out to me.
The jerk actually had the nerve to extend his arm out to me. I don't know what shocked me more. The fact that Shinj was displaying such gentleman-like behavior or that he still wore that obvious annoyed expression on his face. Like it was a chore to act like a decent human being.
"Ah yes, I see the reservation now. Party of two in the grand loft…VIP seating." The host read off the reservation as if it was his common mantra. Which it was, technically, but my eyes widened at the words. Something deep within my core froze.
Huh?
Party of two?
My sight remained fixated on Shinji's hand.
Party of two?!
I looked behind me and realized Yoshitaka already dismissed himself for the evening. The rest of the hotel staff must have left as well to attend to other guests. It was only me…and Shinji…and an invitation for a party of two.
What is going on?!
"Wait a second…" My voice was small as I tried to piece together what I just heard.
A waiter appeared graciously before us with only two menus and beckoned us to follow to our seats. A lump began to form in my throat. However, before I could even double check the reservation, or question the host, or even hightail the hell out of there, a certain brute of a trainer grabbed my arm.
"Let's go." His mutter was nothing but a gruff. I didn't even have time to react before I was dragged away, barely maintaining any form of balance in my designer stilettos. It took every fiber of the supermodel in me not to trip! I nervously looked back behind me as the host stared back at us in confusion. Didn't Shinji know that this was a high-end place?!
I could already feel the stares of the many socialites drip down my back…
"H-Hey, hold on!" I finally found my composure and snatched my arm away from Shinji as we entered the main dining room. Shinji stopped in his tracks and turned back towards me, frustrated. All I could do was scowl in annoyance. No man, especially Shinji, is going to drag me around!
"I can walk on my own!" I huffed as I crossed my arms, "And what's this nonsense about party of two? I came here because Reiji invited me, not to go on a date with you!"
"Give me a moment to explain, woman." Shinji scowled my way, "I don't want to do this as much as you do but I owe my brother a favor. Arceus…" He shook his head as he turned away, regaining his disgruntled pace.
"Just show me where the table is. She'll catch up." I overheard Shinji speak to the waiter as they two continued their walk throughout the grand establishment, leaving me behind in the middle of the dining room. The waiter nervously looked over his shoulder and back to me, contemplating if it really was a smart move to abandon such a high-profile, highly elite, ultra-glamorous, supermodel behind.
I'll give you a hint.
It's not.
My brow furrowed. I stood there tapping my stiletto as Shinji walked farther and farther away. At that moment, I had two choices. I could follow after him or just give up on the whole evening altogether. The urge to bite my lip was strong but I resisted the temptation to show any hesitation
Why was this decision so hard? I could leave Shinji behind and make my way back home. Without a thought, I could forget about this night completely and never think about the man ever again. I could finally go back to my normal life.
But…
My eyes softened.
"Everyone, return!"
"Leave me alone Empoleon!"
"D-Damn it…"
But things aren't so normal right now…
"Oi, are you coming or not?"
I looked up from my own thoughts and saw Shinji standing ahead of me, very annoyed. He was already one step upon the grand staircase that adorned the Corton's VIP balcony in the grand dining room. I groaned. It looks like I had no choice. There was no escape route…
"Yeah yeah, I'm coming." I sighed, following after the man. I made my way through the lower level of the dining room to catch up to the trainer. If the hotel was famous for anything, it sure was the opulence of its two-tiered dining room. The bottom floor adorned itself with tables that the general public could reserve and dine at, as well as an impressive dance floor that graced its center. Hmm…it almost looks big enough to be a pokemon arena…
I caught up to Shinji on the stairs and purposely kept my hands to myself as we made our way up the staircase steps. The silence between us was staggering as we made our way up towards the luxurious seating and soon enough, we were there.
A beautiful venue that lofted over the first floor that held a beautiful panoramic view of Yosuga City, draped in the thick veil of a harsh storm. Twinkling candles. Soft piano music. I glanced over at Shinji. A man in a well-dressed suit…
My heart stopped. My stomach churned. This was it. This was the place.
"What's the matter with you?" Shinji's voice was nothing but a distant sound. I just ignored him as the memory came back all too violently.
Takeo.
"I have to admit HIkari that you've stolen my heart…you've done it. I've fallen in love with you."
The start of where it all began. My breathing grew heavy as I tried my best not to hyperventilate. I couldn't cause a scene…not here. I swallowed the lump in my throat.
"Takeo, there's something I need to ask you about…"
There was definitely a reason why I avoided this place.
"Why would you do this to me?!"
My stomach churned once more and I could practically feel the anxiety fill up inside me. Desperate to escape.
"I could end you."
As if on cue, another harsh clap of thunder shook the hotel.
"I feel sick…" I found myself whispering aloud, forgetting where I was or who could hear me. No, I can't do this here. I won't let this happen here.
Before I could even shuffle through my clutch to find some relief, the rattle of a small bottle shook right before me. I lifted my head up in curiosity.
"Eh?"
I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Right there before me Shinji stood, looking away in annoyance as he held a small white bottle in front of me.
"If you're sick or something, take care of it now before I'm the one that has to deal with it." He muttered as he handed me the bottle, still looking away. Was his cheek pink just now?
"Uh…" I stuttered before looking down at the bottle's contents. What is this? I squinted at the small bottle before my eyes snapped open in realization. Gas relief medication?!
My brow twitched violently. No way… he thought…
Shinji walked towards our table, smirking.
I snapped. Oh boy, did I snap.
Another lightning strike sparked through the sky.
"I'M NOT GASSY!" I screamed after him, shaking the bottle at him in anger. However, I immediately regretted my actions as the entire dining area all turned towards me. Rapidly, my skin turned dark red as I heard a few awkward coughs in the midst of an intolerable silence. Great…just want I want to read in the tabloids this week…
Hikari-sama: Flashy or Gassy? You Decide!
Quickly, I threw the bottle into the contents of my clutch and rushed over to the table that Shinji was contently sitting at. By now, the waiter seemed to forego all formalities and hurry out of our way in fear. Just great. I sneered at him. He was snickering.
"I hate you." I harshly whispered as I roughly pulled my own chair out for myself and sat down in a huff. Please, like Shinji was going to pull my chair out for me. Bastard.
"I don't know what you're talking about." He said as he started looking through the drinks menu, the trace of a laugh still curled in his smile.
All I could do was leer at him. Leave it to this man to ruin a perfectly good evening before it even began. Well, let's not be too generous. This evening was doomed from the start and here I was, starring front in center of it all.
Another crash of lightning struck the city as a bright light flickered throughout the dining room. I jumped slightly at the noise as I watched the Corton's lights flickered slightly before resuming their warm glows only seconds later. Glancing over at the other guests, the storm seemed to only capture a second's worth of their time before everyone resume back to their meals.
It was surprising how little the rich and famous cared for something so deadly. The men went back to their cigars. The women went back to their wine. Chatter resumed and it almost seemed as meticulous as the storm itself. Arceus may be a god but a socialite is a whole other entity…
"E-eh…excuse me…Hikari-sama?"
My eyes peeped up towards a nervous waiter who approached our table. He nervously held his menus as he quickly wiped his sweaty brow, trying his best not to shake.
"Yes?" I answered.
Shinji looked from his menu and stared at the man. From his expression, I could tell that he was slightly annoyed by the waiter's uneasy demeanor. He rolled his eyes and went back to his menu.
"I-I…I-I've been a fan of yours…for a long time and-and!" The man sputtered, fishing his pockets for something. "C-Could I be bold and a-ask for an auto-autograph?" He pulled out an ink pen and a crumbled piece of receipt paper.
A smile found itself upon my lips. It was fans like these, honest and true fans, that really made me feel alive. Made it feel completely worth it.
"Of course you can! No need to worry!" I sweetly said as I took the small piece of parchment and signed my signature swiftly. I added an extra heart above my name even.
"Thank you for all your support!" I grinned again towards the man, who grew bright red at the sight of my smile. He started to sweat even more.
Shinji scowled, "Send me a scotch on the rocks," He stared back at me for a moment, "and a bottle of red for the table." He slammed his drink menu rudely into the poor waiter's chest without even making eye contact with the poor man!
"And send over another waiter for tonight's services. We really can't be bothered tonight. That's all."
The waiter nervously tried his best to maintain himself as he gathered up the menu Shinji threw at him. His sweaty, shaky demeanor said it all when he nervously gulped and nodded towards the gruff trainer before scurrying away.
My jaw dropped as I watched the poor guy trip over his own feet.
"That was so mean, Shinji!" I said, looking back towards the direction the waiter ran off and back my "date". How could he do that?! To one of my fans?!
"You'll thank me for it later." He returned to his dining menu without a care. He then looked back up at me, "Someone like you needs to watch out for those kind of creeps."
"Huh?!" I couldn't believe what I was hearing! Shinji…how could he be so rude?! That poor man!
He made a disgusted face as he gripped a sweaty menu and shook the excess off his hand.
"Arceus…" He grunted once more.
I sighed. This was only just a sample of the night to come, I'm sure of it. Then again, what else could you expect from someone as heartless as Shinji?
The rainstorm persisted yet the sound of the venue's piano seemingly overpowered the natural forces from outside. There were no more distractions. No more sick feelings. I was just…here. A small yet very exclusive table for two in one of SInnoh's most expensive hotels and I'm sharing it with Shinji.
I turned my gaze back towards the Champion competitor as he overlooked the menu, his cool features basked in the warm glow of our table's candlelight. For a split second I almost didn't recognize him. If I didn't know him, if I didn't know how heartless or frustrating he was, then I would say he looked…handsome.
Like he could belong in a world like this.
"What are you looking at, troublesome?" He sneered at me, catching me within my gaze and snapping me back to reality. I flinched as the image of a sophisticated Shinji was shattered right before me very eyes.
"Nothing." I scoffed, looking away. My eyes wondered across the VIP venue, taking note of all the exclusive guests dining tonight. Designers, socialites, a coordinator here and there, it sure looks like everyone tried beating the storm tonight after all. I then turned my attention back to the table for two I was sitting at and suddenly… I became very aware that Reiji wasn't with us. Like he promised. The only security I had from Shinji's wrath!
"Alright speak up," I took my freshly manicured finger and pulled down the man's menu, resulting in a bitter expression on Shinji's face. Like I could care less.
"Where is heck is Reiji-kun? Your brother said the three of us would be dining tonight." I sneered at him in disgust, "I would never have agreed if I would have known I would be tricked into a date with you!"
"For the love of Arceus woman," Shinji snapped back, "Get it out of your head that this is a date! Hell would freeze over before I agree to date someone like you." His voice was aggravated, deep, and annoyed.
"Oh?" I leaned back against my chair, crossing my arms. "Someone like me? Listen up Mister Champion-wannabe, I can guarantee there are worse people than me out there!" And just like that my mind snapped to Takeo and then his crude antics. If that wasn't enough, there was the whole fame industry… anyone who owned a camera…in this world nothing is private.
I wonder if Shinji knows what he's getting into to.
A life in the public eye.
He should stay out while he can.
Shinji snapped a fierce eye at me. His blood seemed to boil as he gripped the menu in his hands tightly,
"Don't you dare call me a champion wannabe, you whore." He seethed under his teeth. I scowled at him and looked the other way.
"I call them like I see them." I coyly added, adding some further steam to his burn. I then snapped my gaze back at him. Shinji matched my gaze with his own.
"He has more urgent matters." He scowled.
"Like what?" I scowled back, "Listen if Reiji-kun isn't coming-"
The cheerful sound of a phone ringing interrupted my statement. Shinji's eyes widened in alert as he looked down at his phone, all sense of his typical rage melting away.
"Hold on," He said as he hurriedly answer his cell, "This can wait."
My jaw dropped. "Excuse me?" I gasped as the man pointed a finger up towards me in silence. I couldn't help but recoil in shock. Why I never! He's ignoring me?! For a phone call?!
"Hello? Aniki?" His tone dramatically dropped from its typical gruff demeanor. "Oh Sumomo-chan, hey. Did Reiji make it home alright?"
I froze.
Sumomo-chan?
That tiny, pink-haired gym leader from Tobari…
"Yes, he did! Luckily he arrived when he did, the storm is just hitting us now!" A tingle shot down my spine at the sound of the Tobari gym leader on the other end. That couldn't be…the same Sumomo-chan who helped me out all those years ago? Who helped me out of my coordinating slump? Suddenly, my mind took me back to a time when I saw next to the young trainer by the water. Her kind words…her encouraging actions…that gym battle we had…
Sumomo-chan…
"And Ryu-chan?" Shinji added, his voice growing in concern. At this point in the conversation, I couldn't help but listen in. As much as I wanted to ignore Shinji's conversation, the act of him sounding like an actual human being was too rare to pass up.
"Neh, his fever went down a bit by the time Reiji made it home. He took him into the nursery now with the humidifier to hopefully ease his sinuses…"
"Ah…I see…Well make sure the doctor is on call for tomorrow morning. You never know if there is anything else wrong, especially with his age." Shinji added, resulting in a hardy laugh from the pink-haired trainer on the other end.
"Jeez! Are you his uncle or his mother, Shinji-kun? My kids are strong, you know!"
Shinji grimaced nervously as a bead of sweat dowsed by his forehead. My mouth dropped slightly as I took in what I was hearing. Everything stood still for a moment.
Shinji…an uncle?
"Oji-chan! Oji-chan! Lemme talk to Oji-chan!"
A tinier, peppier voice was soon heard on Shinji's phone. Shinji laughed gently to himself as he answered.
"Neh Arisa-chan, isn't it a little past your bed time?" His tone was soft, gentle. I couldn't believe it. My eyes widened at the sound. No way was this the same man I was arguing with minutes before. The very same man who spat out such crude and hateful things!
"I helped Mommy until Daddy got home! I wanted to make sure Ryu-chan was okay!" The sweet little voice spoke once more. A smile graced Shinji's lips.
"Well aren't you a good big sister. I'm sure Ryu-chan will be better before you know it."
"Mmhmm! And then you'll be home soon and we can all pway again!"
Shinji chuckled, "Yes, then we can play. But listen Arisa-chan, can you put mommy back on the phone?"
"Hai!"
There was a rustling noise before Sumomo came back on the line.
"Oi sorry about that Shinji-kun, Arisa-chan has been so energetic ever since Reiji came home. I hope she'll be able to fall asleep tonight…"
"It's far too late for her to be up. "He scolded, "You have to put her in the Eevee pajames or she won't fall asleep." Shinji added. Sumomo laughed again.
"Am I not her mother? You need to relax a bit and enjoy your night! I'm just calling to let you know Reiji made it home safe!"
"I see." Shinji nodded.
"Alright, then I'll let you go! Tell Hikari-chan I said hello! Sayonara!" My heart dropped. What…?
"Sayonara." Shinji said, hanging up the phone. Gruffly, he put his phone back in his pocket before putting his eyes back on the menu before him. He didn't even look at me. Or acknowledge me for that matter.
"Hey-" I began but Shinji snapped his head up.
"Listen here, before you starting whining again, Reiji won't be making it. He has obligations back home, obligations far more important than any of this bullshit and he needs to be there for Ryu." He hesitated for a moment, as if he struggled to say what he had to say next.
"He's only a couple months old but this isn't the first time he's been sick. You can just imagine why Reiji had to leave. So yeah, this stupid dinner is the last thing on his mind."
His tone was stern, protective, and showed no signs of breaking down. "He needs to be there for his family back home so the only reason why I didn't go with him was so I could be here and make him happy." Suddenly, for a brief second, his stern gaze broke as he looked away and faltered in his breath. "He certainly needs it…" He muttered under his breath, quiet enough so he was sure I didn't hear.
But I did.
"I um…" I didn't know what to say. I tried to speak but my mouth was dry.
"I…I didn't know." Those were the only words that came out of my mouth. Shinji just kept his focus on the storm outside.
"Of course you didn't know. Who cares if you care." He said again, a deep sound of bitterness in his voice. However, this tone wasn't his usual gruffness. It was something deep, personal, like he was trying to hold back some other emotion. Like he was trying hard not to show how worried he was.
I've never seen him look so… human.
An alarming sense of guilt washed over me. He wasn't saying it but that phone call must have been more serious than what was let on. The light chatter and delicate music continued on throughout the hotel but the silence at our table lingered. I looked away from Shinji and stared down blindly at my own menu. Anything to avoid eye contact.
For once, Shinji wasn't the asshole here. It was me. He was the one who made the effort to show up. To try and get through the evening. I was the one protesting. Making it harder for the both of us. And Reiji-kun? He tried so hard to make sure we had no hard feelings but look where he's at…
"Look Shinji-" I spoke up but before I could finish my thought…
"Shinji-sama, Hikari-sama, it is a pleasure to welcome you to the Corton this evening!" An older gentlemen, dressed in a suave suit, approached our table along with another waiter who carried our drinks.
"My name is Tokata Araki, the owner of the Corton and your most gracious host for tonight. It's always a treat to have such elite guests visiting my establishment," He gestured towards Shinji, "Especially the competitor everyone in Sinnoh believes to be our next Champion. It's truly an honor."
Shinji nodded his head in acknowledgement towards the host. "It's a pleasure to meet you." In an instant, Shinji turned himself back into Champion mode. Just like an on switch, he wasn't the gruff trainer I knew but instead some sort of decent human being.
Geez, I'll never understand him.
Carefully, I composed myself in front of the elder as I resisted the urge to bit my lip. This wasn't the first time I've had an encounter with Araki-san. When dealing with people like this, it's time to put on your best face and hope for the best.
The owner of the hotel smiled and bowed again deeply. When he rose, he then turned his attention back towards me. "And Sinnoh's very own princess, looking ravishing as ever tonight. We certainly missed your presence here at the Corton, Hikari-sama."
Shinji raised an eyebrow at that statement.
However, I quaintly laughed it off. "Why thank you Araki-san, it's a pleasure to be back." I lied through my teeth. Of course this man knew me. Everyone in this establishment knew me. I used to be a regular, after all. However there was definitely something different about those days.
There was nothing I didn't love about this place…but then again…
My drifted back to Takeo.
Then again…things change.
The host clapped his hands together happily. "Well then, now that I've made my introductions I would like you two to let me know if there are any issues with your meal. We here at the Corton are so honored by your presence tonight that your meal tonight is completely on the house! It is an honor and a privilege to serve some of Sinnoh's greatest, after all!" His tone was proud and boastful. I smiled again towards his statement as I took a stronger sip of wine.
This really was happening, was it? Shinji and I, here on a date, being acknowledged as some sort of Sinnoh power duo. All of these years being a celebrity, it never really hit me how far we've actually come from our days traveling in our youth. It's almost funny how looking at the trainer makes me think of travelling again. But let's get back to reality. Those days now just seem like distant, foggy memories…
"Can we be of any more service for your evening, tonight?" Araki-san inquired, inching closer to the table a little bit too eagerly.
"Thank you, but we are good for now." Shinji said, letting out one of his rare smiles towards the man. "But if you would allow it, we would like a little privacy at the moment." And with that, Shinji took a sip of his scotch….dismissing the man's company.
Araki-san let out a small drop of sweat as he quickly managed his composure swiftly, right before anyone could notice. I did my best this time to refrain from smirking a bit. I bet that was the reaction the man wasn't expecting.
"Ah, of course." The host smiled once more, "Again, it is a great honor to serve the both of you." He bowed towards us once more before taking his leave, moving on to the next VIP table to gush over his next set of guests.
I let out a smile sigh of relief as I watched the man go. That was his job. Sucking up to the rich and powerful. Rubbing elbows with the elite. Gaining our trust. And if the money is right, selling out to the highest paying tabloid about our evenings. It was a tricky game, something that anyone would flat out deny playing.
But everyone does it. It's not just Araki-san. Everyone in this world is a sell-out, climbing over the other to try and make it. Scrambling over whose reputation could be ruined. Dying to be the next one on top.
I give Shinji props for handling the situation as directly as he did. He may be a rising figure in this world of the rich and famous, but he can still get away with handling these high-profile situations as he does. He's not quite part of the game yet. For once, I'll admit, that was sort of…admirable.
"Would you like to hear more about our dining selections or are you both ready?" The waiter Araki-san left behind smiled as he delicately poured the red wine before us. As he moved towards Shinji's glass, Shinji simply left his hand over the top as he sipped his scotch once more. It seems the wine was more a formality on my behalf then, I guess. I don't know whether to be impressed that Shinji thought to actually order something for me or be insulted that he expects to drink all this wine by myself.
"We are ready to order." Shinji spoke once more, staring back at me. But before I could even speak up to the waiter, Shinji cut me off again.
"We'll both start with the house salad and each have the special for tonight."
"W-What?" I started to speak up, but again he cut me off.
"I'm sorry, I forgot." He smirked, looking back at the waiter. "Just the salad for her then."
Blood boiled up to my cheeks! Did he really just go there?!
"I don't think so!" I glared at him before directing my attention back to the waiter, "The special is fine with me!" I huffed. Just when I started to think Shinji was somewhat of a decent person, he goes and pulls this sort of crap! It was one thing to be a jerk, it was another thing to stereotype my eating habits!
The waiter wrote down our order, "The special tonight is a finely braised tenderloin with fresh garden herbs-"
"That's fine." Shinji and I both said in unison, keeping our glares on one another and not the waiter at all. I almost felt sorry for the poor waiter as he scurried off to complete our order, but I had no time for apologies.
I was officially locked down at this table. There may be a storm brewing outside but as I took a gulp of wine, maintaining my glare on the man, I could tell the electric sparks between our gazes was much stronger.
"I could have ordered myself." I clenched my teeth, "You didn't have the right to do that. I'm not some sort of accessory to your evening."
"Are you sure you want to order that, Hikari-chan? That's so many carbs…" Takeo's smile was charming as he took the menu out of my hands.
Shinji rolled his eyes, "Don't flatter yourself. I'm just trying to get in and out of here as quickly as possible." He then scowled once more towards my way, "I could care less about your meal preferences, to be honest." He took another generous sip of his drink. Our eyes never left each other.
I bit my tongue, trying my best not to snap at him. It hasn't even been an hour into this "date" and already Shinji and I made at least three scenes. The sweat slowly dripped down my spine. I could feel the glances over at our table. I could hear the tabloids and the gossip now…
"Let's cut to the chase." Shinji spoke up once more, pulling out a document from his jacket. My eyes perked up at the sight as he laid it on the table.
"You and I both don't want to be here. Sign this and we both can leave." He stated, pushing the paper towards me. I looked down at it and my eyes widened in recognition. I knew exactly what this was…
"A release statement?" Shocked, I took the paper in my hands and looked up at Shinji. He stared back at me. Clearly, he wasn't messing around. I scowled. Well, neither was I.
"Are you kidding me?" I asked, tossing the paper down on the table. "That was the big plan in dragging me out here? To get me to release my image?!"
Shinji's brow furrowed. "Yes. Look," He leaned forward across the table, "I can honestly give two shits about your fucking ex and whatever shithole you left your relationship in. But I need you to sign this so I can be done with all this nonsense."
The blood within my veins began to boil once more. I seethed my teeth together as I glared back at him, "So this is your big idea on making a name for yourself, huh? Dragging my ex into this and trying to make my life a living hell? No thanks!"
Shinji stared wide-eyed at me, "Did you not hear a single word I said? I can care less about your stupid relationship!"
He grabbed the paper again and put it before me, "Read the fine print here. Sign this and I'm done working for your stupid ex. I can give two fucks about whatever he wants to do but if you sign this and release the photos then everything will be over."
I looked at the paper once more. As my trained eye scanned the contents of the document, my eyes slowly widened.
"Are you an idiot…?" I whispered to myself, staring at the paper. "You signed over the rights to your image to Takeo?!"
Shinji looked away from me, clearly pissed at the situation at hand. Or perhaps…pissed at himself? He folded his hands together in thought as he clenched his teeth.
"I don't know how all this modeling crap works but its publicity. Publicity and sponsorship I need for the Championship. The pay is nice but really not that important. I could actually care less about the money, it's nothing I can't make in battles if I push a little harder. "He began, "Takeo-kun made an appearance at one of my battles a couple months ago and made an offer I couldn't refuse."
"Well you certainly should have!" I added, widening my eyes at the document. "It says here you can't work for anyone else until you finished your work with Takeo!" I looked up at him, "How stupid can you be to sign something like this?!"
Shinji snatched the paper away, furious. "It was just a one time deal with this damn photo shoot! I was told that afterwards I could get whatever publicity deal I wanted, no strings attached."
I couldn't help but laugh bitterly. "Well that was your first mistake! Trusting such a ludicrous statement from someone like Takeo."
"It wouldn't have been an issue if you would have just cooperated! Arceus, I thought I would be past all this nonsense by now." Shinji growled.
"Like I would cooperate with that bastard." I scoffed. I leaned back in my chair and took another drink. It slowly was starting to make sense now. If I didn't give my consent to release the photos of Shinji and me, then Shinji is stuck in Takeo's greedy hands. Without Takeo's consent, Shinji won't be able to partake in any more publicity advertisements to promote his campaign.
He's restricted.
Off limits.
No one can work with him.
A Champion competitor with no campaign.
No publicity.
Unless I give my consent and finish the project.
"Shinji…" I began, looking back at the paper and back at him. This deep, twisted feeling grumbled deep within my stomach as that familiar veil of dread fell on my shoulders. Here I was again. Torn between two worlds, responsible for making or breaking a lifelong dream. Except this time…it wasn't my dream on the line
It was Shinji's.
A shutter of a sigh escaped from me. "I'm…sorry but I can't possibly…"
He slammed his fist down on the table. "There's more on the line here than some fucking photo shoot or hurt feelings or whatever! Who cares about the cologne campaign? I don't! I just want it done with so I can move on with my training! Just get over your feelings and sign the damn release!"
'I-I can't do that!" I snapped back at him, the pit in my stomach grew even heavier. I couldn't get let myself get emotional. Not now. But…
"It's not my fault you signed this dumb thing but I refuse to be associated with that man and it's your fault for taking that risk! Look, I'm sorry you got screwed over but it's not my fault!" This isn't my fault. Shinji made the mistake of signing this paper, not me. He's the one responsible for ruining any chance he had at Champion. Not me. It won't be my fault. It can't be.
Shinji bit back some words before scowling my way. "Trust me, troublesome woman. If I would have known I was going to come between a feuding couple I would have not got involved-"
"We are not a couple!" I bit back. "Not anymore!"
"Regardless!" Shinji growled. "When I initially agreed to this, all Takeo said was that I knew the person and that it would be easy. I thought…" His tone faltered for a moment. "…I would work with someone else."
I shrugged off his poor, pathetic plea and once more took another sip of wine. "I suggest getting a good lawyer then because you're not getting anything out of me."
Another crash of thunder echoed throughout the room as the storm outside raged even stronger. Shinji's expression grew ice cold as he clenched his teeth, gripping the contract in his hand tightly. Inside, something deep inside me broke. However, I couldn't show it. I felt sorry for him. I truly did. It was a rookie mistake on his part and now he has to pay the price. If I could help him, I would.
But…
I'm finally free from Takeo. After months and months of regaining myself, finding myself, believing that I could exist in a world without him…I can't get sucked back in again. Even if it means helping out someone from my past…even if it means breathing life back into an old dream…I'm sorry, but I just can't. I can't be treated like this again. My reputation is untarnished. Perfect. I'm finally out of Takeo's cobbled web…I'm finally free…
Shinji's next words were ice. Unexpected. Cold. Unforgiving.
"You may have cheated in your relationship but you sure as hell won't cheat me out of the Championship."
The glass of red wine slipped right out of my hands and onto the floor.
The sharp sound echoed the storm's cries.
Glass shattered across our ankles.
A puddle of wine slowly blossoming upon the floor.
And I just sat there, frozen.
Numb.
Stuck.
I thought I was finally free…
Oh my, how the mighty can fall from grace so easily. Could it be true? Is our favorite little blunette a cheater? I mean, it wouldn't surprise me. She's cheated herself out of pretty much everything. Her childhood dream, her morals, and now someone else's dream as well? Poor little Hikari-chan. It's about time you discover how tainted this life can be. Don't blink.
The cameras are always watching.
Mwah!-HG10
I'll be honest, I really didn't want to end the chapter where I did! However, if I would have kept going the chapter would have been twice as long as I intended it to be ^_^; But I will say that I'm happy with how this chapter turned out! I really really really can't wait to dive more into the upcoming chapters because NOW starts all the events that inspired me to come back to this story! Yay! I hope you guys enjoy all the twists and turns as much as I do:)
Also, I just want to thank you all so much for your kind words and support! It brought tears to my eyes reading your reviews, because you guys made me remember why I love to write. It warms my heart so much to know that people still enjoy my writing and that it makes them happy to read something that I created! That's all I ever wanted- to share my stories with others. This summer has been a real eye-opener for me since I started to write again. I've realized that I don't need a fancy degree or stuck up class to enjoy what I do. As long as I'm happy with what I write, that's all that really matters! And it's all because of your kind words that I am more confident in myself not only as a writer but as a person as well :) I'm happy to say that I've picked up a few writing books this summer (and even an online class!) so I can better fine tune my skills at a pace that is comfortable for me. I really can't wait to push my limits and see what sorts of ideas I come up with! Again, I just want to say thank you all for everything 3
Anywho, that's all I have for this chapter! Please leave a review and let me know what you guys think!
Until next time!
HarvestGirl10
