I'm so happy I was able to get this chapter much out faster than I anticipated :) Even though it was a pain to write, haha. I hope you guys enjoy it!
I don't own Pokemon or it's characters.
Alola.
There was a storm that night, too.
When I ran away from his life.
That life.
That lie.
It was dark.
Yet…quiet.
The doors to the vacation villa closed shut.
And I let the bags just fall.
Right from my hands.
The sound echoed.
So loud.
So empty.
No one around to hear it.
Just me.
And the rain.
No one else.
No one else.
Where did…
No one else.
No one else.
…these tears…
No one.
No.
One.
…come from?
In this world of cameras and glamour, maintaining your composure is critical. Keep a smile on your face. Build a character. Don't let them see through the cracks. It was an art that had to be perfected to make it in this world, and believe it when I say it, no one had what it took to make it but me. That's how I made it as everyone's favorite supermodel. Retain the mystery. Keep the smile. That's how I made it as a world-renowned celebrity. Show them what they want to see. That's how I made it as The Diamond of Sinnoh.
If only that was enough to keep me from fumbling like a complete idiot in front of the very man I despise.
"Keep up." Shinji said abruptly as I watched his back march down the hallway. Geez, I didn't like this situation any more than he did, but did he really have to walk that fast? And to top it off, he made sure to drop my hand once he noticed there was no one around to see us!
I narrowed my eyes at him. Just in it for the show, it seems. Jerk.
However, he wasn't wrong. I did have a hard time keeping up with his pace, and after all the runways I've graced, that is saying something. My legs tingled with every step I took, and I couldn't even tell anymore if it was just my nerves or even the stilettos on my feet. Either way, I felt exhausted.
"Why don't you just take those off?" Shinji added under his breath in annoyance as he looked over his shoulder back to me. I scowled.
"I'm an elite supermodel with a reputation to uphold. We don't take off our heels. Ever." I bit back, crossing my arms. Yet as much as I hate to admit it, he was right. My legs did feel stiff, and the shoes didn't help…I forgot how much movement and energy a battle required. That, or maybe the effects of the wine from earlier was starting to take its toll…
I sighed.
He didn't say anything back, he just turned away and ignored whatever I said. Even more irritating. If he can play it at that game, so can I. I kept my scowl to myself as we continued down the corridor of the Corton's upper floors. The halls flicked every now and then from yet another power outage, each one closer than the last. A generator always seemed to kick back in but still…I could only imagine the madness still going on in the ballroom.
I wonder what I would had done if Shinji didn't step in. Where I would be? Who I would be with? When I was younger, I used to stay in random pokemon centers with complete strangers all the time! Shinji must have done the same. Looking back, I can't believe how trusting I was.
But then again…those socialites aren't the same type of people we would find in the centers. They aren't always kind. Or pleasant. Or trustworthy. In fact, I don't even think they would carry on a conversation with you if they couldn't brag about it later.
In a way, maybe that is why Shinji led me away from there…an outsider looking in. An outsider who saw past the façade. An outsider with a way out.
"Having to slow down to wait for you is just pathetic." Shinji once again made another snarky comment. And just when I thought I had some revelation about him.
I resisted the urge to snap. It was only minutes ago that Shinji offered his help, but now he's just back to his grumpy, annoying self! And he thinks he has the right to call me troublesome? Pfft! He doesn't deserve any sort of recognition after all!
I quickened my pace to close the gap, but in the sick irony of it all, I only ended up bumping into Shinji's shoulders as he stopped in his tracks. Ugh…Why me?
"Watch where you're going while you're at it." He sneered my way as he dug into his pockets. Before I could even retaliate by stating he should watch where he was going, I noticed in his hand a keycard. For the hotel room right in front of us.
We were here.
My body grew warm as I took in my breath and a quick gulp. Looking around, I didn't see anyone else in the hallway. Not a maid or guest in sight. Thank Arceus. The last thing I want to deal with are nasty rumors or potential tabloid gossips. Just think of the media frenzy if the public found out I was scene with another man, entering a hotel room at night. And with Shinji of all men! A shiver went through my spine. The Champion's Competitor and Sinnoh's Diamond caught together. Imagine the scandal.
"Just open it." I whispered to Shinji as he plugged the card into the door's slot. Geez, I can't even believe this situation. Here I am about to enter Shinji's room. Shinji's room! Of all places for crying out loud, I think I just lost all respect for myself. I really can't believe I agreed to any of this…
He opened the door with a soft creak, leading to a simple yet modest hotel room. Still fancy by the Corton's standards, obviously, but by no means a luxurious fancy suite. Shinji flicked on the lights. The golden glimmer of the room casted a soft elegance than before, giving sight to a small bed and couch in the corner. A tiny work desk filled with notes and papers. And surprising, a glass door leading out to an outdoor balcony…giving full view of the storm's rage outside.
"What? Too plain for your taste?" Shinji mocked as he headed inside. Quickly, I shook my head as I followed, closing the door behind us.
"No…" I said, looking around as I walked in. My arms crossed over my chest, keeping to myself. "It's nice…actually."
Ever since I became a model it was always the best of the best or nothing at all. That's what Takeo insisted on, anyway. I can't even remember the last time I've stayed in a room no bigger than one of my closets. It was just enough to stay and go, something perfect for a traveling trainer.
For someone like Shinji.
I took in the sight of the room. It was a rare feeling, feeling so out of place. How should I even act right now?
Shinji removed his jacket and placed it on a nearby desk chair. As he did so, I couldn't help but notice the crisp shirt he was wearing. His unbuttoned collar. And how his muscles flexed underneath…wait! What am I thinking?!
I turned away quickly. Oh geez, I hope I'm not blushing in front of him! My plan was to ignore him. His words. His actions. Just to get through the night at least. But how can I when something as simple as that freaks me out?!
Shinji turned my way and raised an eyebrow. "Don't look so uncomfortable." He then smirked, "It's not like you and I haven't been in worse situations." And by the smug, cocky look on his face I could tell exactly what he was referring to. That photoshoot.
I scowled at him. "It'll haunt me for the rest of my dreams, don't worry about that." I then remembered the contract from earlier. The whole reason why I got suckered into this night in the first place! My scowl grew even more bitter.
"And I'm not agreeing to anything, so no one will ever have to find out about that ridiculous campaign!" I added with a huff, taking a seat on his bed. Shinji 's eyes grew dark as he took the contract out of his pocket and slammed it on the desk. It was enough force for me to jump.
"This will get signed." He firmly said, pointing at the paper. His gaze matched my own and the intense spark between us only mirrored the ferocious storm that grew outside. The thunder boomed, and the rain poured against the balcony's screen door, but it felt like nothing compared to this feeling…
Just as I was about to retaliate, just as I was about to get up and leave Shinji's "hospitality" for good, a sudden chirping of a cellphone broke the mood.
Shinji looked down towards his pocket and instantly, his mood changed. From anger to worry. He grabbed the phone and turned away, dismissing my presence.
"I need to take this." Was all he said as turned away from me, answering the phone.
"Aniki." Shinji said, lowering his gaze as he walked a few steps away from me. "How is he?"
A soft mumble came from Shinji's line. I couldn't make out the words but no doubt it was Reiji. His voice was low and quiet, but just enough for Shinji to let out a sigh of relief.
"Good." He said, and then he listened to his cell. He then nodded, "Yeah, the storm hit us here too…they say it should be cleared by tomorrow morning but until then a travel ban has been placed on the city. Yeah…right…yes, she's with me."
The voice on the line grew chipper, causing a red glow to heat up on Shinji's face!
"It's not like that. She can't leave the hotel until the storm clears." He quickly said, his brow furrowing together tightly.
Could it be? Was he…flustered? I, myself, couldn't help myself from growing red either. Oh geez…what could Reiji be thinking right now? Wait!
I quickly reached for my own phone and just as I feared, I received multiple text messages from Paris and Nozomi alike asking how I was doing. I felt a sweat-drop dowse my forehead as I set my phone to the side. I think it's for the best that maybe I'll just answer them in the morning…
Great! I didn't even think about the others or the field day they'll have if they found out of about this…
I took in a deep breath. For as much as I'm concerned, and I'm sure Shinji can agree on it, no one must know. Especially our loved ones. Oh god, I can see Reiji and Nozomi's toothy grins already!
Shinji must have been feeling the same way. As Reiji was gushing on the other line, Shinji scowled as he promptly hung up the phone. Then, he turned back to me. I perked up as our eyes met once more.
"You can change into this to sleep in." Shinji said, grabbing some nearby clothes and tossing them into my hands. I caught them, confused. Wait, is he not going to start up the argument again?
"Since there is only one bed, you can sleep on the couch right there. That's what my brother did." His tone was abrupt as he continued, the usual Shinji demeanor I've come to know and hate.
"Well," I said sarcastically, "How kind of you."
I looked down at the clothes in my hand, however, and felt a tinge of pink spread across my cheeks. It wasn't much. Just a gray t-shirt and some black sweatpants. Nothing designer, nothing fancy but…they weren't just any clothes. They were Shinji's clothes. The last time I wore a man's clothes was when…
My mind drifted back to Takeo's face and as soon as it came, I quickly shook the image away.
"I don't want these." I stated firmly as I tossed them aside and onto the floor. No way. I absolutely refuse. "I don't need them."
Shinji raised an eyebrow and gestured upon my appearance. "You're going to spend the night in that?"
And right away I knew he was talking about my cocktail dress. However, I didn't let his skepticism wear me down. I was too strong for that.
"No, I'll call up room service and-" I cut myself short by the quizzical look Shinji gave me. And right away I knew what he was thinking, because I suddenly thought about it too. Calling room service would just be paparazzi suicide.
"I'll be fine in what I am now." I confidently said, changing my tone. "No need to worry about me." And to assure my point, I crossed my arms as a final statement. I designed this dress. This was my dress. I would rather sleep in something I created than in Shinji's clothes!
"I'm just saying that you probably don't want to ruin something so nice-"
"It's fine."
Shinji sighed as he undid the messy ponytail from his hair. I couldn't help but notice how softly his locks perfectly fell to shape his face. Again, my heart began to race. What is happening?!
"So, you're just going to sit there?" He sighed.
"Yes." I defiantly said.
"All night?"
"Yes." I pouted.
The man rolled his eyes and turned away, "Fine."
Of all things that came next, Shinji then soon began to unbutton his shirt!
"W-What are you doing?!" I cried out as I grabbed a pillow and threw it at the trainer.
"What the hell!" Shinji shouted as he blocked the hit. He looked at me in shock, but I didn't care. The heat rose again to my cheeks as I averted my gaze away from trainer, away from his half-exposed chiseled chest.
"Do you mind changing somewhere else? I'm right here, you know!" I blushed, still averting my gaze.
Shinji looked at me with such an incredulous look, "You've seen my body already and posed half naked with me, troublesome."
"In a professional setting! Please do that somewhere else!" I retaliated, still red as ever with my hands over my eyes.
By now, Shinji was chuckling at the situation! I gritted my teeth in frustration as his chuckle eventually evolved into laughter.
"You're something alright." Shinji said as he buttoned back up. Quickly peaking to make sure the coast was clear, I turned my gaze back to him and scowled. Don't get me wrong, I've seen and dealt with my fair share of naked men in my lifetime but…it's Shinji. Shinji. This situation is already so messed up, we don't have to pretend that we're that comfortable with each other because of it!
And then, at its worst timing, that memory of that dream I had not that long ago flirted its way back into my head. The dream where he and I did unspeakable things. And instantly, I grew pink again. My heart raced.
The air around us lingered with tension. Looking at Shinji, I could tell he was uncomfortable by this whole mess too. But did he really have to tease me like that?
"So," I couldn't take it anymore. I had to say something to break this silence. "You're not going to offer me the bed? That's not the gentleman thing to do."
Shinji sneered at me. "Why should I?" He put his hand on his hip, "I'm already inconvenienced by this whole ordeal." And then he smirked back at me. "Plus, I'm not a gentleman."
I scowled. Well that's for damn sure.
"You're the one who invited me here! I didn't even want to be here in the first place!" I bit back.
The trainer scowled, "Then leave. Nothing is keeping you here."
And he was right. There wasn't anything keeping me here at all. I didn't have to put up with his nonsense. Why should I? After all, all it would take to forget about Shinji would be to walk right out that door and never look back.
I stood up from the bed defiantly, gripping my clutch tightly with my manicured nails.
"You're right." I said, "I'm leav-"
I don't what it was. Maybe it was all the arguing or maybe it was the sudden rush of movement, but suddenly a strong noise erupted from my stomach. A gurgle. A hungry growl. Coming in at the perfect timing to interrupt whatever I was about to say next. Oh no…
The sound was so loud I swear it rivaled the storm from outside. Shinji raised an eyebrow at me as I stood there, completely mortified.
"You're hungry?" Shinji asked in amazement, "Didn't you eat all that fancy food?" He scoffed. A pout formed across my lips as I quickly tried to hush my stomach.
"I'm fine." I said. Shinji, however, stared looked right through me. I suddenly felt very uncomfortable as I faltered slightly.
"Well…I guess I didn't have the chance to eat much with the battle and everything." I mustered together with nervous laughter. Come to think of it, I really didn't do much at dinner besides the battle and arguing with Shinji...
My stomach growled again, and I grew even more red. Of all things that could happen, how embarrassing!
A sweat drop dowsed alongside Shinji's forehead as he looked at me.
"You're too troublesome." He muttered as turned away towards his belongings. He must really think I'm pathetic now. This night really was turning out to be a nightmare! I placed my hands upon my stomach as slowly but surely, I felt that nauseous feeling come back. Yes, I was hungry. Starving, really. But also…I suddenly felt very anxious. The storm outside continued to brew intensely, almost echoing these feelings inside my stomach. This dinner. Shinji. Takeo. My pokemon. No, please not now.
"Here." Shinji's voice broke me away from my thoughts. I looked up at him and in his hands he held some misshapen onigiri. He averted his gaze as he handed them to me, and as the sticky snack fell into my hands, a few specks of rice kissed the floor.
"What-?" I began but he was quick to cut me off.
"Just eat it, troublesome. "He said, still not making eye contact with me. "It'd be annoying if your stomach keeps me up all night."
I didn't know what to say. Didn't know how to respond to him, really. However, there was one thing that was certain. I was hungry, and it was an offer I just couldn't refuse. I took a small bite, which turned into another, and another.
Wow.
"Did you make these?" Amazed, I asked Shinji.
He nodded. "The food here is too expensive to order every night. So I make do."
I took another bite as he spoke. Before I knew it, the onigiri was almost completely devoured.
Watching me eat, and apparently satisfied, Shinji turned towards the bathroom door.
"I'm going to wash up and then going to bed." He said as he grabbed some sweats and headed towards the bathroom door.
"U-Um…" I sputtered out, taking one last bit of the rice. Shinji looked back towards me. Our eyes met. I wanted to say thank you. That's what anyone in my situation should do. To acknowledge his act of kindness but instead…my voice fell flat. As if I didn't have the strength in me.
"Okay…" I said instead, falling short. By the look in Shinji's eyes, I could tell he was disappointed. As for me? I didn't know exactly how to feel…
"Hn." Was all he muttered as he grabbed some sweats and left for the bathroom, closing the door behind me with a thud. I fell back onto the bed with a huge sigh as if a huge weight fell off my chest.
Arceus. Why do I keep losing my cool around him? I'm the Diamond of Sinnoh, The Hikari, and yet when I'm with him…I become that clumsy girl that I used to be. Ugh! Something must give here!
Here I was alone in the hotel room of Sinnoh's next possible Champion. And not to mention the most frustrating man ever. I let out a deep breath, what could I have possibly done to deserve this? I should have followed my gut back at the café this afternoon and decline this whole dinner idea in the first place…
Biting my lip, I closed my eyes and thought about the events that occurred. What a day it was…running into Takeo for the first time in how long, cancelling the photo shoot, and now this mess! I shouldn't have left Alola so soon…then I wouldn't have to deal with that jerk!
"He's just ruining everything…" I muttered to myself as I opened my eyes and reached for my clutch. Opening its contents, I went to reach to check the time on my phone but instead my fingers came across something else.
That golden ribbon from our battle before.
With hesitant, I carefully took the small piece of fabric into my hands. It paled in comparison to my old contest ribbons and it certainly didn't shine as bright as a gym badge…but it still was beautiful. Simple, yet sparkling, serving its purpose to show a true victory. Without even thinking, I held it close to my heart.
It's true. None of this would had happened if I declined the dinner invitation. But then again, this wouldn't had happened either. I'd be lying if I said this little piece of ribbon didn't make me happy. If not just the littlest bit. Perhaps this little trinket could be the courage I need to confront my pokemon again…to apologize…
My heart sunk at the thought. In the heat of my stubbornness and entertainment this evening, my pokemon were home all alone. In their balls. In this storm. Sitting on just some counter in a basket.
I can only imagine how terrified they must be right now. No one to comfort them. No one to ease their fears. Looking down at the ribbon now, I felt like crying.
I truly am the worst trainer…the worst friend…
Empoleon…
A harsh clasp of the thunder boomed throughout the room, causing the lights to flicker for just a moment. Just enough to snap me back to reality. I stood up, alert, as I noticed the storm persisted stronger than ever. If that was a sign to shake it off, Hikari, now is the time. I let a deep breath in and out. C'mon now, this is not the place to get all worked up. You can't lose control here…
"Geez," I began as I approached Shinji's desk, looking out at the storm. "I hope Kiku Matsu's talk show tomorrow still goes as planned." I murmured to myself as I placed the ribbon and my clutch next to that dumb piece of paper Shinji put out. A scoff left my lips and I rolled my eyes at the sight of that stupid contract. He honestly thinks I'm going to sign that piece of garbage? Yeah right!
My eyes drifted to the screen door of the balcony and then back to Shinji's desk. Another harsh clasp of thunder and lightning illuminated the room, flickering the lights, as I suddenly had a terribly good idea.
"Just a little friendly gesture of mine, Shinji-sama." I laughed bitterly to myself as I went to reach for the balcony, opening the door slightly. As I did, fragments of the storm kissed my face as I felt drops of rain and wind wisp through the room.
This contract was everything that held me back all those years.
Takeo.
Our relationship.
Always the accessory.
Discarding this piece of paper to the city below would be the final act I need to cut Takeo from my life.
Forever.
I reached for the contract. Another gust of wind swirled through the room. But then suddenly, as I extended my fingers out towards the desk, something more interesting came into view. Hm? What's this?
Amidst all the other papers on Shinji's desk, there was an old leather-bound notebook. Pieces of papers peaked out of its pages and by the looks of its cover, one could tell it had seen better days. In that moment, I forgot all about my devious plan. Instead, curiosity took over as I reached for the book instead.
It was well worn, that's for sure. I looked back over at the bathroom door. Shinji was still occupied, and when he finishes I obviously will have enough time to hide any evidence of snooping. So…if I just wanted to take a quick peak…I'm sure I could…
I opened the notebook and inside I found what I expected. Battle strategies. Battle tactics. It was nothing but Shinji's notes on his previous pokemon battles and practices. What he learned. What moves and strategies he used. What pokemon he used and what pokemon he competed against. It was impressively in-depth as he wrote out maps and little diagrams on almost every detail.
"Wow…" I whispered softly as I flipped through the pages. I may not have known Shinji personally for all these years, but anyone could tell that he loved battling. This was his passion through and through, and now that he is closer than ever to becoming Champion, he's taking every precaution to make sure everything goes right. It was strangely…admirable.
And then my eyes went right back to that contract. That stupid contract that will condemn me right back into Takeo's influence. If I get rid of it, then I'm free. I don't have to worry about being tied to his stupid name ever again. But then again, if I don't sign it…
Shinji's notebook felt heavier and heavier in my hands.
If I don't sign it,
then all this in my hand,
all of Shinji's dreams and hard work,
becomes nothing.
It's not my fault Shinji put himself in this mess. If he didn't get tangled up with me, he would of tangled himself in some other mess. That's what I'll keep telling myself…anyway. Another sigh left me as I continued to flip through the pages. With each page that I passed, however, my eyes slowly grew wide.
Electivire.
Ninjask.
Aggron.
Gastrodon.
Drapion.
Froslass.
Ursaring.
Weavile.
Honchcrow.
Gliscor.
Magmortar.
Hariyama.
Nidoking.
One by one, Shinji lists in detail his team. One by one, each pokemon is highlighted and defined. However, I flipped back and forth through the pages, one by one…and there was no sign of Torterra…
"What…?" I whispered, "There's no way Shinji gave up on his starter…" I observed the notebook once more, looking for any other details, but alas none appeared. There wasn't a single mention of the grass pokemon anywhere within the book. I closed the book and set it back down on the desk, my eyes in disbelief.
I thought back to a time. A time long ago when we were just children, travelling along Sinnoh as if it were our playground. Satoshi and Shinji's battles always intrigued me, perhaps because I never understood Shinji or the way he fought. After watching Satoshi train his team, his kindness just made sense. But Shinji? His ruthlessness was always a mystery. There was one thing though, that I noticed, and that was the respect Torterra gave him. The unspoken friendship between the two. As much of a monster Shinji made himself out to be…I don't believe he would just abandon his first pokemon…
"Shinji…what happened?" A murmur escaped my lips and just as it did, another large clash of thunder echoed throughout the room. The lights flickered, and suddenly a huge gust blew the balcony's door wide open-shattering its glass and blowing everything in sight!
I screamed as I covered my face with my arms, shielding myself from the sputters of rain and harsh winds as one of Yosuga City's strongest storms took over the room.
The gusts caused the papers from Shinji's desk to flutter about in a fury, blowing off the desk and into every direction. The lights flickered with a fury. Pages from his notebook, the contract, everything was at mercy to the storm's harsh blows. I winced as I fumbled back slightly in my stilettos and looked back up to the desk, only to widen in fear at what I saw.
My ribbon…from the battle earlier on…got caught up in the wind!
"N-no…!" I gasped as I desperately tried to catch the piece of clothe in the wind's relentless pull but, unluckily, I felt it slip right from my fingers and out towards the balcony! I never felt a panic like this before. An anxious, gut-wrenching feeling like this before! That familiar, painful feeling in my stomach found its way once more and my heart felt like it was going to burst.
Without thinking, I ran after the ribbon. I couldn't let it get away! My mind flashed back to the battle Shinji and I shared, how nostalgic it felt, how happy I felt…it was like a piece of the old me came back. And now…it's about to fly away!
I couldn't lose it.
I can't lose it.
Please no….
Without this ribbon, I'm just a supermodel.
Without this ribbon, I'm just a smiling face behind a picture.
Without this ribbon…
The faces of my pokemon flashed before my eyes.
Without this ribbon…how could I face my team again?
Just like my dreams from so long ago, I felt it slipping all away. Just another memory to look back upon…no!
I couldn't lose it! Despite the gushing wind, despite the flickers of rain, I raced out towards the small balcony and allowed the storm to completely consume my body. The storm's rains poured down my back and swept away my curls. I blinked furiously as the winds chipped away at my mascara, blurring my sight. Lightning cracked once more, intimidating my stance, as my legs began to falter in my stilettos.
However, despite it all, I remained determined. Along the balcony's edge, I could see it. Dangling along the stone railing, high above the city of Yosuga, was my golden ribbon. It was right there. So close to being lost…yet so close to being mine again…
I raced forward, reaching with my hand.
Miss, I'm so sorry. We did everything we could.
Coming to the balcony's edge.
What do you mean?! Where's my mom?!
I leaned my torso forward as I grasped for the ribbon.
The cancer just was too strong for her…
It's silky material slipped within my fingers.
Please! I didn't even get the chance to say goodbye!
Another flash.
Mom…
"Got you!" I cried out, holding the ribbon tightly within a trembling fist.
Don't leave me alone in this world…
Right on the tip of my toes. Finally, a small piece of my old self. But then…
Never lose sight of who you are, Hikari-chan.
It was only a moment.
Just a brief second.
A crash of lightning.
A terrifying thunder.
A shift in gravity.
"HIKARI!"
Shinji…
His voice…was so strong…stronger than any storm…
It all happened so fast.
Before I could process what was happening, before I could even lean back, the heels of my stilettos caved forward.
And my entire body, along with that golden ribbon, fell forward to face the streets of Yosuga City below.
It all blurred together so quickly.
I didn't have time to process what was happening for moments before I felt nothing and then suddenly, a deafening hold.
"HIKARI!" Shinji screamed out for me as he gripped my arms tight. His body leaned out and over from the balcony, gripping me so tightly amidst the raging storm. His grasp dug deep into my skin as I hung from the building, my stilettos dangling stories upon stories high above the streets. I screamed as fear consumed my being and frantically I wanted to cry out. But no matter how desperately I moved my lips…I couldn't make a sound.
Yosuga City. This place was my home. A bustling city full of life and glamour. This city that gave me life. I just never believed…it would be the place to consume me so.
"I have you! Just hang on!" Shinji shouted down to me, but I could barely hear him against the harsh gales. The storm seethed against the Corton's exterior and I was at the mercy of its wake. Rain drenched both our faces as I kicked my legs in desperation, but I felt nothing beneath me. No foundation. An empty void, sucking me in.
"P-Please don't let go!" I finally cried, finding whatever voice I had before just felt so trivial now. Everything leading up to this moment …what did it matter…!
We were too high up for anyone on the street to see us. Just little specks of blinking lights and small moving dots, nothing more. If Shinji were to let me go…I would join those little dots and become…nothing. My heart began to race as everything grew faint.
Was this it? Was this how my story will end? I shut my eyes tight. No…it can't end like this.
Shinji's lips were moving frantically as he tightened his grip. I no longer could hear him. All I heard was a strong, ringing noise. I gasped, my legs kicking into absolute nothingness as I felt a pull on my body. From it all, I felt one of my heels fall right from my feet…
Nozomi. Paris. My pokemon…
Mom, I'm not ready…
I felt the pull of Shinji's body hoist me up along the side of the building as another round of lighting crashed against us. As my body skimmed the side of the Corton, I felt a deep rip in my dress as sharp stone cut right through my thigh. I winced from the pain yet maintained my grip, clenching my teeth as Shinji continued his pull.
Everything dimmed as I felt a strong shift in weight and I shut my eyes as Shinji yanked me up over the balcony's railing and finally into his arms. A ground finally under my feet…and yet…I don't feel so good…
"Hikari!" Shinji cried out as I collapsed in his hold, losing all balance in my legs.
Dropping down to his knees, he tried his best to steady my weight. I whimpered out with a gasp as I collapsed into him, shaking.
"It's okay, you're okay, I have you." He said over and over as he pulled me back inside the room. Away from the balcony. Away from that storm. An overwhelming feeling of vertigo came over me once we stumbled inside and looking down upon my legs, I saw the cuts left from my fall. The terrible rips in my dress. My dress. And Arceus all the blood…
"W-Wh…" I tried to say something. Anything…but I couldn't. I never felt so dizzy…and a painful feeling welled deep inside my chest. A familiar, twisted feeling. A feeling I knew all too well.
This time I couldn't hold it in.
Helpess, I fell to my knees and suddenly vomited onto the ground right before me. Gagging, my breaths grew shaky as I let out another spew of puke. And then…I lost all control.
Shinji dropped down beside me instantly and I felt him pull back my hair as my body continued to convulse in his arms. Wet, hot tears streamed down my face as each spasm came more powerful than the last.
Why…why…
"Easy now…" I heard Shinji soothe into my ear, so faint that I almost didn't recognize his character at all.
Why does he have to see me like this?
Eventually, my stomach eased itself and I was finally able to breathe…but it wasn't long before those breaths turned into tears. And then those tears just couldn't stop. I felt Shinji's wrap his arms around me as I sat there in my mess, and in that moment, I forgot about everything. The photoshoot. The dinner. All the drama. What did it matter now?
Shinji…
He didn't let me go that night. He kept me tightly within his arms and through the night that is where we stayed. I can't remember how long I cried into his chest, or when my eyes drifted asleep along his shoulder, but the man whom I hated held me close in that corner and would not let go...
In this world of cameras and glamour, maintaining your composure is critical.
Keep a smile on your face.
Build a character.
Don't let them see through the cracks.
It only took a second.
A little glimmer between the cracks.
For everything between Shinji and me to change.
My my, such an unfitting end to such a not so glamorous night, Hikari-sama.
No one likes a hot mess. Especially someone who just can't keep it together.
After all, one can only wear a pretty mask for so long.
Don't blink. Everyone will have their eyes on you tomorrow.
And no matter how much makeup you wear. How many pretty smiles you flash.
That won't erase the events of this evening.
But don't fret.
Storms are unforgiving. Lightning never strikes just once.
Consider it a warm-up for what's to come.
Mwah!-HG10
Do I get props for not leaving this chapter on a cliffhanger? ( plays drums ) Sorry, I had to mention that xD
But anyways, I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! For me, this chapter was really hard for me to write because I really wanted to make it as intense as I could and make sure the writing was suitable for it. It was kinda hard to do! Now for all those who expected Shinji and Hikari to -ahem- this chapter, I'm not going to lie, that was the original intention when I drafted this dinner idea years ago. However, now that I fleshed out the plot more, I decided to go another route so you'll just have to see where it goes!
Trust me though, things are about to get even more intense in the next couple of chapters ;)
I would love to hear your thoughts on your reactions! Where you expecting that ending? Please let me know since I live for your reviews xD
Until next time!
HarvestGirl10
