Kuon clenched his fists and grit his teeth. Not only did he have to endure a night with Kijima and Koga instead of being at home with Kyouko, but now he had to spend the night listening to Shou and Kyouko bicker like an old married couple. First it was an argument about how Kyouko could afford three hours of karaoke at the Music Box then they were fighting over the type of food being served. Kuon wasn't sure what was worse, his jealousy over Fuwa's ability to effortlessly push Kyouko's buttons or the fact that he couldn't knock the boy's teeth out for being nonstop abusive towards Kyouko.
"As if you would know a good whiskey. You're probably a lightweight with how scrawny you are." Shou said looking over the drink menu.
"Oh, please I've tasted more alcohol than you could name. Yayoi-san used to have me taste test different drinks to make me a better cook." Kyouko said proudly as she snatched the menu from him. "No one said you could order anything anyway."
"Whatever those drinks were virgin like you." Shou snarked trying to take the menu back. "I don't like what is here. Be a proper host and let me order something."
"Maybe you should learn to be a more gracious guest Fuwa-san." Koga said finally having enough of the exchange.
If Tsuruga wasn't going to do anything he would. He shot a glare at Ren wondering why the big shot wasn't protecting his girlfriend. Normally when they were all out together Tsuruga kept her close and would have defended her by now had Koga been the one bickering with her.
"Who invited the nuisance anyway?" Koga asked. "Kyouko, I didn't ok this."
"Since when do you need to ok things Koga-san?" Kyouko asked in a tone that gave Shou a jealous thrill.
"You know I can't be seen with people who are beneath me. I already made a special exception for you and Tsuruga, but don't start thinking that means you can bring all your friends along." Koga said nastily stomping over and jabbing Kyouko in the forehead.
"Fuwa's not my friend and Tsuruga-san is in no way beneath you." Kyouko responded.
"Oh, we all know how superior you think Tsuruga is to everyone else, especially me." Koga said flicking her nose. Leaning in close he asked in a whisper, "Seriously why is Fuwa here?"
Taking in a deep breath and releasing it Kyouko said, "Everyone can stop worrying. He'll leave as soon as he gets a chance to hear me sing. I'm going to eat first." She walked away from them to the buffet.
"Kyouko, bring me a plate of food." Koga said testing a theory.
"Get yourself a plate." Kyouko said but Ren was suspiciously quiet. That was the kind of remark that would normally earn Koga at least a death glare.
No one had explicitly stated that Kyouko and Ren were together. At least Koga hadn't been sat down and given an explanation. However, it had been obvious to him that Kana and Tsuruga weren't a real couple though but that Kyouko and Tsuruga were very much a thing. They were always close to one another and sharing secretive looks. Koga wasn't sure how all of Japan couldn't see it they were so obvious, but Koga wasn't a rat. Teasing and being a general nuisance towards Tsuruga was fun but they had grown to be friends over the past few months of Kyouko forcing them to hang out. The girl had insisted that they had more in common than not, but Koga couldn't see it.
"A kohai should listen to her senpai, right Tsuruga?" Koga asked walking over and nudging Ren with a slight kick in the shin. Kuon ignored him and continued to play cards with Kijima.
"It seems to me like an older role model such as yourself should be able to get their own food." Kijima said, "Go fish."
"Kijima-san we're playing poker." Shinichi said.
"I'd rather play the fish game." Kijima whined.
"That's because you suck at poker." Kuon said coldly.
"Here." Kyouko said shoving a plate of sushi in Koga's hands. She wasn't happy to be ordered around by him, but she was their host and glad for the familiar banter with Koga. "Anyone else need anything?" she asked flicking her eyes to Kuon.
"Sweet Kyouko won't you relax and sing with us. Stop serving and come have fun." Yuusei said from his place at the mic with Hikaru.
Kyouko froze then shook her head. "I should eat first and let everyone else have a turn to sing. I made all of you come out tonight so I should make sure you're all comfortable."
"Tsuruga make Kyouko go sing." Koga whispered. "Maybe then he'll leave, and you can stop sulking."
"Mogami-san, bring me some sushi as well and a refill?" Kuon said raising his glass.
"Yes." Kyouko squeaked at the sound of his falsely playful voice.
"Don't be an ass just because Fuwa's here." Kana chided in a whisper.
"We could take him out back and handle him?" Kijima suggested, "I fold."
"Are you a yakuza now?" Kuon asked. "Take him out back and what, murder one of Japan's top artists?"
"Not murder." Shinichi said, "Just rough up a little."
Kuon struggled not to crush his cards in his hands. He wanted so badly to take Kijima and Shinichi up on the offer.
"I'm sure his bodyguard over there would just let us, or do you plan to beat him up to?" He said with a gentleman smile.
"Full house." Koga said out loud then whispered, "We could get his bodyguard drunk first."
"Royal flush." Kuon said with disinterest and tossed his hand down.
"Dammit Tsuruga, can't you be bad at one thing?" Koga shouted throwing his cards down. "I'm going to sing next. At least I know I'm better than you at that."
"Better at sounding like a drowned rat maybe." Shinichi said, "The two of you should stick to acting and never let anyone hear you sing outside of this room."
"I've always been confident in my ability at turning any song into a charming performance." Koga said holding his head high and strutting over to Yuusei who held the mic out to him.
"More like a hilarious spectacle." Shinichi said but the tension in the room was too high for anyone to be fooled by the joking lilt of his voice.
"Forever the servant." Shou muttered for only Kyouko to hear.
"I'm the host." Kyouko corrected.
"Whatever. I suppose since you can't attract a man with your dismal sex appeal you need to be able to service him in other ways." He commented while typing something in his phone.
"Why are you so disgusting?" Kyouko asked.
"Could you go up and squawk already? I have a date with a sexy red head tonight and I'd much rather be listening to her scream than you." Shou said turning his phone to show her a picture of a barely dressed woman.
"That's a print ad of Naomi Tachibana. I've worked with her before and happen to know that she is happily married and currently not in Japan." Kyouko said fixing him with her best impression of Kuon's demon lord. "We've known each other far too long to start lying now Fuwa."
"Kyouko come sing with me." Koga called to her as she walked over to set Kuon's plate in front of him.
"Kyouko?" Shou asked with a growl. No one was allowed to call her without honorifics except for him. Not even Tsuruga did that in public.
"I told you I need to eat first." Kyouko said ignoring Shou.
"Then eat." Kanae finally spoke up after remaining silent for too long. She had wanted Kyouko to get rid of Fuwa quickly, but she realized that it wasn't going to happen. She motioned for Kyouko to take the spot beside her as she got up to get Kyouko a plate. Kyouko obeyed sitting down to eat what Kanae brought her.
"I trained her so well, didn't I?" Shou asked with a pointed look at Kuon. "You're welcome."
The room was silent as a suffocating darkness filled it. Everyone held their breath waiting for Kuon to lash out at Shou. Everyone except for Shou who had been hoping for an angry outburst from either Kyouko or Ren. Shou's cocky grin slipped when Kuon ignored the comment and continued to shuffle the deck of cards. It was the beauty beside Kuon who was absolutely livid and the ice queen next to Kyouko who looked ready to body slam Shou.
"Mogami-san," Shou heard Tsuruga call and watched Kyouko jump with a tremor. He didn't know why though, Tsuruga sounded perfectly jovial. The man seemed so fine that it made Shou sick.
"Yes, Tsuruga-san?" Kyouko asked shivering at the dark aura Kuon was emitting. He'd make her wear the cat ears tonight for sure, or maybe it would be the chipmunk or squirrel.
"Please eat quickly, everyone is eager to hear you sing." Kuon requested ignoring Shou's scoff.
"Tsuruga if you want to hear her screeching why not take her to bed. I know from experience that the sounds she makes while fucking are much better than anything she could produce while butchering someone else's song." Shou said and for a second he thought he had seen Tsuruga's mask slip. The monster beneath the gentleman costume almost emerged and Shou felt as though he had narrowly missed being murdered.
"Gentlemen don't speak about such things Fuwa. Especially when they're lies. More importantly proper celebrities do not tarnish the reputations of their peers." Hikaru said his hand on Kuon's shoulder.
Kanae wrapped an arm around Kyouko who was ready to beat Shou over the head with her plate.
"What peers? Kyouko has never been anything more than my servant." Shou pressed on daring Tsuruga to attack. He bet his bodyguard could take the ogre, and he wanted everyone to see what Tsuruga was really like. Underneath that gentlemanly veneer was a menacing dirty lecher who was preying on Kyouko's trusting nature.
"You are in a room surrounded by her friends Fuwa-san." Kijima said not bothering to hide the threat in his voice. "I would advise that you choose your words more carefully."
"Better yet why not remain silent." Kana added and Shou recalled the talk she had already had with him.
Shou looked at her then took in the room. Seven pairs of eyes leveled him with cool gazes that promised to hurt him. His only intention had been to piss off Tsuruga but Tsuruga was the only one not paying him any attention. Kyouko was looking down picking at her food determined not to react to him, but her friends were very much ready to react to his next words.
"Whatever," he finally said leaning back in his seat. His bodyguard released a relieved sigh.
"Kyouko sing something so he can leave." Kanae whispered, "I'll go up there with you."
A lump formed in her throat and Kyouko shook her head. Inwardly she berated herself for being a coward. She should just march up there and pick a song. Any song would do since Shoutaro would bash her no matter what. He would say she sounded like skidding tires or a cat yowling and she would give him an equally mean retort. That was just the way they were. That was the way they had always been even before she realized what he was really like. Nothing she did had ever been good enough for him. Her eyes flicked to Kuon who she could tell was doing his best not to break Shou's neck. Then she looked at Shou wondering why she cared what he thought of her still. Kuon loved her voice; he loved everything about her even the things he admitted annoyed him.
Shou met her eyes and flashed an alluring smile. She frowned at the way her heart still skipped for him sometimes. It felt wrong and dirty. Especially when Kuon was in the room being calm and collected. She knew he would rather be at home. This whole night was for their friends and her benefit but Kuon had agreed to it for her.
"Hey Tsuruga, why don't you go up and sing." Kijima whispered, "Give your little Kyouko-chan some encouragement. You were never that terrible and you've been taking lessons."
Kuon squinted his eyes and was about to ask Kijima how he knew about the lessons.
"You agreed to sing with her for the drama." Kijima answered the unasked question. "Plus, you're really competitive and wanted to beat Kyouko-chan at karaoke." Kuon's brow twitched, and Kijima chuckled saying out loud, "I now my best friend."
"Who's your best friend?" Hikaru asked taking the cards Kuon dealt to him.
"Ren is of course." Kijima replied jovially though there was still a tenseness to his voice. They were all waiting for Shou to say something else to cause Kyouko pain.
"Can't be, I'm his best friend." Shinichi said pulling a card from his hand and placing it on the table.
"In your dreams, I'm Tsuruga's best friend." Yuusei said, "Right Ren-sama?"
"Please, everybody knows that Kyouko-chan is his best friend, followed by Yashiro-san." Hikaru said placing his hand down. "Fold, Tsuruga-san has another good hand."
"How do you know that?" Kijima asked jealous that Hikaru was right.
"He has a tell." Hikaru replied pointing at Kuon's hand. "He always holds his cards in his left hand when they're good. He also crosses his left leg over his right when he doesn't think he'll win with the hand he has."
"Wow, you guys know him so well." Koga said rolling his eyes. "I'm singing up here you know."
"We know, that's why we're trying to drown you out by talking to each other." Kana said though her eyes were still trained on Shou as he watched Kyouko.
Kuon held in his sighs. He fought the need to glare at Shou and suppressed his urge to pout. He was Tsuruga Ren and even among their friends he could not be himself. He also didn't want Kyouko to feel his irritation though he knew she could. He could see the way she trembled and flicked her eyes at him. She was already nervous about Shou hearing her sing he didn't want her to be afraid of himself too. He revealed his hand to the dismay of his friends.
Kijima cursed but he lacked enthusiasm. His eyes flicked over to Shou then to Kyouko. He didn't understand the strange bond nor why Tsuruga was just allowing the little shit to stay so long. He leaned over to ask in a whisper, "why," while jerking his head in Shou's direction.
Kuon gave him a smile but his heart was breaking as he quietly replied, "She loves him."
"No." Kijima said shaking his head. "That's not true."
"Hidehito, please." Kuon begged already regretting his answer.
There was no way Kijima or any of them could understand Kyouko and Shou's relationship. There was no way they could wrap their minds around the need to make a childhood bully acknowledge your talent. There was no way they could comprehend loving someone despite the years of abuse. You had to experience that kind of trauma to truly understand what it was like to care about what your abuser thinks of you.
"Kyouko-chan, come on." Kijima stomped over to Kyouko and yanked her up by her wrist.
"Kijima!" Kuon shouted and jumped up.
"What you're gonna fight me? You should be kicking his ass not mine!" Kijima argued. There was no way he was letting Fuwa come between his two best friends' relationship. "Come on Kyouko, don't tell me you care about this guy." He added pulling Kyouko towards the karaoke mic. "Sing a song then he'll leave knowing that he could never hope to reach you."
"Kijima-san." Kanae said calmly placing a hand over Kijima's. "She's shaking."
Kijima looked down at his hand gripping her wrist then at the unusually fragile girl. He didn't know this Kyouko. She looked small and pale as he eyes flit over to Shou's arrogant smirking face.
"I'm sorry Kijima-san. I ruined your night out. I know you were looking forward to sending Tsuruga-san off. I tried to make this a happy occasion for everyone who wanted to wish him luck, but I failed." Kyouko said shaken by her own cowardice. She should just face Shou and prove to him that she could sing.
"No, it's not your fault." Kijima said baffled that she would blame herself.
"Excuse me." Kyouko said interrupting Kijima before he could say more. She ran out of the room and Kanae fix Kijima with a cross look before she followed Kyouko out.
"Forever the crybaby." Shou muttered with a sigh feigning boredom.
"Quiet Shoutaro." Kuon barked.
"Whatever, I'll be leaving then. Seeing as your little slut is too scared to sing." Shou said but Kuon stalked over to him. Just as Shou was about to stand Kuon loomed over him forcing him back down with the force of his anger alone.
"Sit. Eat." Kuon said darkly. He straightened up and motioned for Kijima and Koga to keep watch on Shou. "Stay."
Outside of the restroom Kanae spoke quietly through the door. "Come on Kyouko, you know Kijima-san loves you like a sister. He didn't mean anything by it."
Inside Kyouko rested her head on the wall and stared at herself in the mirror. She had intended to give herself a pep talk but could only berate herself. There was no reason she couldn't sing in front of Shou. It wasn't as though his opinion mattered. Not anymore. Not now that she had Kanae consoling her through the door. Kana's opinioned was what was important and Kijima's. There was no way she would believe Shoutaro over Hikaru or Shinichi and Yuusei. If they said she was good, then she must be. Her thoughts were stuck on Shou however and the way he used to laugh at her when they were children. She remembered once he had convinced her to sing harmony for him for a school talent show and how the other students had picked on her afterwards.
She inhaled shakily. None of those girls were around anymore. Their jeers shouldn't still stab into her soul, but they did.
"I don't like anyone better than you, it's true." An offkey voice sang through the door.
Kyouko lifted her head curiously as she heard Kuon clear his throat. Before he continued in a better singing voice. "I'd crawl a mile in a desolate place with snakes, just for you." It wasn't good but he had improved a lot. He had learned to keep his voice steady at least.
"I used to like liquor to get me inspired, But you look so beautiful, my new supplier. I used to like smoking to stop all the thinking. But I found a different buzz. I only…" he stumbled his voice cracking, and she couldn't help the smile from tugging up the corners of her lips. He was so bad at singing, but he was serenading her.
"I only got eyes for you. Do you see anyone other than me? Baby, please." He sang and her smile faltered. She pulled the door open to reassure him that he was all she saw but he continued singing. "Oh, you are phenomenal, feel like a domino, fall to my knees. I am a malady, you are my galaxy, my sweet relief." He fell to his knees and cocked his head a charming smile on his face.
"You're a dork." She said hugging his head to her chest. "Thank you."
He nuzzled her breasts causing her to blush, but it comforted her all the same.
"You still can't sing, but I think director Anna would be happy with your improvement." She said wanting to compliment him.
"I can't but you can. Won't you sing for me?" he asked cutely but she frowned.
"I'm sorry Kuon. I…" she started but had to stop. She refused to break down over Shou in front of him. That wasn't what he needed to see before his big audition.
"Don't," Kuon said jumping up and taking her in his arms. "Don't cry. He isn't worth your tears." He consoled rubbing her back.
"I'm not crying because of him." She said feeling the tears finally spill. Why was she crying?
"Shhh." Kuon soothed.
"Why do you always have to be so damn nice to me?" she asked suddenly annoyed with him. He should be angry at her for bringing Shou. He should be mad about the whole night out that she had forced him into. If it were up to him, they would stay home every night and the big idiot wouldn't have any other friends besides her and Yashiro.
"It is normal to treat the one you love kindly especially when they are hurting." Kuon said warmly. "It is also normal for you to still care about someone who was once a big part of your life."
"I don't love him." She declared.
"You do and I understand." He said lifting her chin up to wipe her tears away. "Believe me I understand what it's like to love your childhood tormentor. Cedric is a racist bastard but he's still my cousin. I want him to be a good person. I wish we could have grown up to be more like brothers. I get that some small part of you will always crave his approval."
"I don't love him." She denied again though she knew it was a lie. "Not like you." she added truthfully looking deep into his eyes.
Kuon flashed her a bright smile. "As your friend I will encourage you to pick the guy who treats you like a queen. Even if I weren't that guy I would still object to you having anything to do with the worm who treats you like trash."
His hands caressed down her arms to take her hands. "Come on. Pretend that I am the only one in the room." He said and gently tugged her down the hall towards their room. "I promise it won't be that scary and no matter what he says I'll be right there."
"You'll be able to keep yourself under control?" she asked remembering the other problem with Fuwa being there.
"I won't even punch him." Kuon said placing a hand over his heart. "I can't promise your brothers won't though." He joked and when she cocked her head in question he added, "You've accumulated a lot of them."
"Finally done postponing the inevitable embarrassment?" Shou sneered as Kyouko stalked into the room and made a beeline for the karaoke machine.
Kijima kicked his foot and Kana growled at him to shut up.
Kyouko took a deep breath closing her eyes. She could hear Hikaru say something encouraging and Koga whistled his excitement. Kanae's eyes bore into her back giving her silent encouragement. The mocking voices of her old classmates were drowned out by the loud chants of 'Kyouko's number one!' coming from Yuusei and Shinichi.
Kuon walked in a moment later and stood behind Shou who jumped when a strong hand landed on his shoulder. Bending low Kuon whispered, "She wrote this one for you." Shou grimaced from the pressure of Kuon's hand on his shoulder. Kyouko began to sing with her back to them.
"How many times do I have to say, to get away, get gone?" she started low and slow revealing her lack of confidence. "Flip your shit past another lass's humble dwelling. You got your game, made your shot, and you got away with a lot, but I'm not turned on. So, put away that meat you're selling."
"It's nothing special." Shou griped crossing his arms. "Ow!" he growled yanking his arm away from Kana's pinching fingers.
"Cause I do know what's good for me," Kyouko continued in a stronger voice and I've done what I could for you, but you're not benefiting, and yet I'm sitting…"
"She still sounds like a whining cat." Shou seethed under his breath. The hand on his shoulder tightened and he winced wondering where his bodyguard had run off to.
"Am I gonna heal from this? He won't admit to it. Nothing to figure out, I gotta get him out. It's time the truth was out." Kyouko met Shou's eyes with a venomous gaze, "That he don't give a shit about me. Cause I do know what's good for me."
Shou scoffed ready to storm out but the hand on his shoulder held him in place. He didn't want to admit that she was good. He didn't want to say that he liked the song. And he was never going to concede that it was about him. What did Tsuruga know? That song could have been about anyone, even Tsuruga himself.
It a softer almost pained voice Kyouko continued to sing. "How many times can it escalate, till it elevates to a place I can't breathe?" Shou flinched from the words more than the hand crushing his shoulder. Kyouko closed her eyes taking a deep. She didn't need Shou's approval. Not when she had Kuon and all their friends.
"I'll idealize, then realize that it's no sacrifice because the price is paid, and there's nothing left to grieve." Kyouko paused before meeting Shou's eyes again. The hand lifted from his shoulder. "Fucking go," she sang with finality then said, "Because I've done what I could for you and I do know what's good for me."
Shou growl but got up and stomped out not bothering to throw an insult at Kyouko. There was nothing he could say. She was good. Better than him even and that pissed him off.
"Isn't my wife the greatest?" Kuon asked holding his arms open to Kyouko.
"Yeah, Kyouko!" Koga shouted clapping.
"She is definitely amazing however I don't recall attending a wedding." Kijima said narrowing his eyes at his friend. "Ren…"
"You will." Kuon said taking Kyouko into his arms and kissing her head. "That is one event I will be happy to be surrounded by friends and family."
"Yeah, and we'll keep Fuwa out." Shinichi said smashing his fist into his hand.
"No," Kuon objected. "He'll be invited. He can even sing us a song as his parents congratulate me on being the smartest and luckiest person alive." He said kissing Kyouko's face.
"Get a room." Kanae said but a soft smile played on her lips.
"Mmm," Kuon mumbled kissing Kyouko's temple. "But I recall you promising to sing with my princess."
"When did I promise that?" Kanae asked appalled as Kyouko perked up. Large, excited eyes turned their attention to Kanae who released a groan. "I hate you Tsuruga."
A/N:
Songs High enough by and Get Gone by Fiona apple.
Sorry that took so long. My laptop broke and for whatever reason all my back up files were either lost or moved to different folders. No clue if I did it or if it was some computer error but this chapter was gone. Luckily I have a back up flash drive with outlines. So this wasn't how the original chapter was but I was still able to write a new one based off my original notes. Being extremely dorky and overly cautious pays off sometimes I guess. Though the original was better I think. It even had different songs and more fighting but I couldn't duplicate the exact wording.
