a/n: oh, I'm touched because you accepted my story even though I am portraying Tokiya in a way that he's not before… thanks for the reviews… I'm kinda rushing because I only rented this computer and I'm running out of time. But I simply remember that there are five reviewers in this chapter. Merci!

CHAPTER 2: UNEXPECTABLE

"What? Mi-chan?" Fuuko shouted, causing Yuri to swallow her coffee without warning.

The man facing the window turned, making the rising sun show the man's face. His silvery hair began to show up. He smirked as he turned around. "Nashi Mametsuki, my dear partner in the Blackpool, I never imagined that you will be that desperate to have a monkey as your protégée," he remarked.

"A monkey as a protégée, really?" Mametsuki replied sarcastically. When the two of them were studying, they used to exchange sarcastic remarks with each other. "Tokiya, I never knew that you experience narcissism."

Fuuko was bursting to join the fight but Mametsuki held out a hand. "Since the two of you are close to each other, I think you'll go on pretty well."

"If I would like to act like a child, Mametsuki, I should have told you that you're unfair," Tokiya said. "You never told me that I would dance with a monkey."

"Well, Tokiya, monkeys reach space like humans. They can paint, they can construct things, but now, if you call Fuuko a monkey, let's see how a monkey dances," Mametsuki dared. She took the remote and set it on the component. She pushed the uncertain Fuuko to the middle of the dance floor.

"What am I going to dance?" Fuuko asked with a voice only Mametsuki can hear.

"The one I taught you a week ago," Mametsuki replied simply.

Fuuko nervously stood up in the middle of the floor to find out that Tokiya was circling her to the rhythm of the song the exact way Mametsuki taught her. Her heartbeat was getting fast. However, as she caught Tokiya's smug but still-cold eyes, she stood up straight, determined to prove that she was no monkey, and determined to electrify him.

Fuuko started to turn, holding her skirt, so fast that it was impossible to see her. Tokiya tried to hide his surprise. "Only Mametsuki can do that," he thought. Fuuko stopped turning and she ended up with her right leg stretched, her hand doing a graceful curve. He slowly let his hand pass Fuuko's outstretched arm from the back and felt how smooth her skin was. As his hand reached the woman's hand, he turned her and pulled her to himself, ending the introduction and starting the real dance.

Mametsuki watched the dance with captivation. She sat down at the side, surveying the dance in the middle of the stage.

Tokiya neared himself to Fuuko and the girl wrapped herself around him, keeping her gaze intact. Fuuko gulped as their eyes met. As the next figure came, Fuuko almost fell from Tokiya's grasp when the music suddenly stopped.

"Bravo!" Mametsuki said, applauding. However, her voice was different. "Now, Tokiya, are you now convinced to dance with her?"

Tokiya looked serene, thinking of something. "Anything for you, Nashi Mametsuki," he smiled, though his eyes were still filled with coldness.

"Thank you," she replied with the equal icy tone. "The two of you will start tomorrow," she instructed. She opened the door of her office and added, "You'll dance the same piece with the same steps." She closed the door, barely noticing that she had really slammed it shut. "I want the two of you to talk with each other."

Fuuko looked at her new dance partner with a handful of fake disgust. "I can't believe that the man Mame-san was praising on the floor strut could be you," she said sarcastically. "Your body is too hard that it cannot even move with grace."

"Shut up, you monkey," Tokiya replied. "If anyone should be surprised that would have to be me. I did not expect you to dance like a girl here."

"You're humiliating me too much," Fuuko said, trying to be calm. "Don't you have anything better to do?"

"If it wasn't Mametsuki who asked…" Tokiya started. However, he stopped when Mametsuki opened her door.

"Bonding time finished?" I expect the two of you to get at ease with each other," Mametsuki said, walking to the spot where Tokiya was standing. There was silence for the room contained only the three of them. Her footsteps echoing the hall.

"I won't be at ease with her," Tokiya snorted.

"Well, Tokiya, your pride always gets in the way," Mametsuki said simply. "I will not tolerate that."

"I'm here not to be a puppy of yours, Mametsuki. I'm here because of your request."

"Well, I'm not requesting about it. I changed my mind," Mametsuki said, pacing around the room. "The two of you will start practicing today because it's still early."

"What about the steps?" Fuuko asked.

"Fuuko, watch closely," Mametsuki said. She turned the music on and went in front of Tokiya. "Number 42, if you please," she whispered to the silver-haired man.

Tokiya tensed. "Why 42?" his mind asked. "Number 42?" he repeated.

"I have no other choice, Mikagami," Mametsuki said sternly. With that, she grabbed his hand and automatically, Tokiya responded.

Fuuko watched, attempting to grab the motion and the steps they were producing. However, thoughts filled her as she watched Mametsuki. She never danced this way before.

The dance finished and Mamtesuki went near Fuuko. "Did you get the steps?"

Fuuko nodded in understanding. "But I did not get everything."

"Don't worry, I'll teach you. Tomorrow then."

a/n: thank you and please review. Am I being demanding? I must warn other writers not to be too demanding with their reviews or you'll magnetize flamers, I mean, PROFESSIONAL flamers. Take an advice from the experienced.