A/N: Thanks to everyone who followed, favourited and reviewed! It makes me very happy :)
This chapter was a huge struggle for me, I rewrote it at least 5 times until I was satisfied. There's quite a lot of OCs and everything, but I hope it's still enjoyable...
Anyways... Enjoy!
The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof. ― Richard Bach, Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah
And apologies, once postponed, become harder and harder to make, and finally impossible. ― Margaret Mitchell, Gone with the Wind
The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence; the past is a place of learning, not a place of living. ― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
Having children makes you no more a parent than having a piano makes you a pianist. ― Michael Levine
Loving someone and having them love you back is the most precious thing in the world. ― Nicholas Sparks, The Rescue
"Daiki, wait."
He stopped at the door and turned around to his grandma. She was a small tanned woman, not at all that old. She might've been around 55, he never really knew and never asked; the woman could be very short-tempered when someone dared to guess her age. But he knew she'd had his mother very young and the same thing applied to his mother and him too.
"Yeah?" He asked and yawned. The damn Klahan kept him up until early morning and he had to sneak back home through a window. At least his grandma didn't bother to check on him and his mother kept her occupied. And then, after sleeping for not even half an hour he was woken up by grandma preparing to leave. He knew the house would be quiet and empty afterwards, but he couldn't sleep there very well anyways, so he decided to go find some cozy spot and take a nap somewhere at the beach.
"Michiko is leaving in two days."
"I know, I'll finally be able to move around, so?" Honestly, he already could. It'd already been a week after the Interhigh. But Michiko made sure Klahan kept him in check until she left. The boy gladly complied and despite Daiki's protests he couldn't do much.
"If you're be able to move around, you'll be able to help around too." She said and pointed her chin in a direction of her small diner providing lunches and dinners for locals as well as some tourists who visited the island. "One of my waitresses cracked her ankle two days ago. I need someone to deliver food to the tables. I didn't want to bother you but..."
Daiki shrugged. "Fine." It meant he'd be able to escape Klahan for at least some period of time. That and he liked the diner. Bedises, he was eating there almost everyday.
His memories from the time he'd spent here as a little kid were blurred and almost forgotten, but the nostalgic feelings remained. Feelings of vague happiness and great longing, he didn't quite understand. He shook the thoughts like a wet dog. There was no need to be bothered by it.
"Huh…" She looked him up and down. That went way too easy. "I'll pay you the same amount I'd give to her, so you can earn something. I bet half your schoolmates are working part-time during the break."
"No need to. I have the scholarship." He didn't want to take any money from his grandma. Her small house was simple as was her life and it was made up of hard work. And most of the money she made, she invested into her diner, to make it better. After his grandpa died it'd become her love and life and it was the best diner on the island.
"I'll still pay you." She insisted.
"You can try." He chuckled. He wouldn't take anything from her. "So? In two days?"
"I'll wake you up at four in the morning."
"Urgh."
######
Late in the afternoon, Satsuki was sitting on a bench after practise. There were far less boys attending summer practises. Imayoshi and Susa had gone to visit their families for two weeks and Aomine was at his grandmother's too. She was all alone in the gym now. She thought it would be easy to be with the boys and act like nothing happened, but Naito seemed to know and he was giving her a hard time.
What she'd done was wrong and selfish and stupid, and she knew that now. And she felt so alone. Kiku-chan stopped by once, but the girl wasn't really there because of her.
Today was Aya-chan's birthday and she was thinking about sending her a message, or calling her, the whole day. But she wasn't sure what she'd write or say. The 16 hour time difference gave her a lot more time to reconsider.
She sighed.
"What's the matter, Momoi-san?" The coach's voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Oh… uh…" She cleared her throat. "Nothing." This was another person she was ashamed to face.
He sighed too and approached the girl. She'd been troubled long enough. Teenagers made mistakes, they did stupid stuff,, but he was an adult, he should be able to act like one. He sat down beside her. "Is this about pulling Aomine out of that match? Or are you angry that I let him play in the end?"
"I'm not angry… I… well… I guess I'm sorry. But there's no one to apologise to."
"I'm here. And I accept." He smiled a little, feeling he so didn't know how to handle kids.
Satsuki smiled too. "They won't accept that easily." She sighed again. "Especially Aomine-kun. I shouldn't have done that."
"You shouldn't but you did." He leaned forward and rested his elbows against his knees. "And you can either genuinely apologise and see what happens or overthink it and distance yourself even more."
"Aomine-kun probably doesn't know yet…"
"He didn't lash out at you yet?"
The pinkette glared at him. "He is in Thailand, and no, I haven't told him…. yet…"
And you probably won't unless he figures it out… which he probably doesn't want to… "Well then, I hope you know what you're doing. Those two are quite complicated and unpredictable when hurt." He said and walked away.
######
"Mornin'." Taiga's voice woke her up from her intermittent sleep at dawn. She was having bad dreams again, not nightmares, but the whole argument with father had been replaying in her head.
"Mhmmm…" Aya mumbled, and rolled onto her right side, just to be shock-awoken by a sharp pain in her freshly stitched thigh. "Fuck." She rolled back to her previous position and pressed the back of her hand against her eyes.
"So it finally does hurt, huh?" He asked compassionately and sat on the edge of her bed.
"Unfortunately." She sighed, sat up and rested her head against Taiga's shoulder. "I've had worse though."
"True, but… you sure about the competition tomorrow?" He'd ask about the party too, but it was an inevitable event. There was no point in trying to avoid it, or talking about how much they didn't want to go.
"I've competed with broken toes, trust me, a few stitches won't stop me."
He sighed, if there was anyone willing to go to such lengths, it was definitely his sister. He patted her head and then he gently grabbed chin and pulled her head away from his shoulder to look at her. Before, her hair covered her face like a curtain, but he pushed them behind her ear to see her left cheek.
"Dammit." He growled angrily. Her cheek was purple, still reddish and turning into a darker bruise. Father must've slapped her really hard.
"That bad?" She asked with a raised eyebrow and a crooked smile appeared on her face but her eyes weren't smiling.
"You'll need to do a miracle with make-up to cover it up… Anyways… Uhmm…" He wanted to ask, but he had no idea if he should.
She nudged him gently. "Shoot. I won't bite your head off."
He chuckled. "I know that, I just… I don't think it's appropriate…"
"Since when does Kagami Taiga care about being appropriate?"
Instead of commenting on that he leaned back purposefully.
"Ouch, shit!" Aya protested loudly when he leaned against her hurt thigh, contently resting his back against her. "What the hell?" She tried to childishly push him away, but he was heavy.
"You're being mean." He accused and made himself comfortable. "And you said it's not that bad."
"Urgh…" She groaned and gave up. She threw herself back on the bed.
Soon after, Taiga slid lower so he wouldn't pressure any of the bigger cuts and folded his hands on his chest resting against her knees.
"So?" She asked again. "What's up?"
A sigh escaped him. "… How're you feeling? Really feeling?"
"Don't you know?"
"Crappy? But… no, not really. I'm not sure what are my feelings and what I think might be yours… Urgh, to hell with the connection."
"Honestly? … I don't know either. I'm hurt, humiliated, worried, I feel like I've lost something very important, or that I want to break something but… I also feel free?"
"Free?"
"I mean… I'm done. I don't need to care anymore. I don't need to try and please him. He made it perfectly clear he doesn't care about me and that he doesn't respect me and my choices one bit, unless there's some benefit in it for him. So… There's no point in trying. I hate giving up, but I know when I'm turning self-destructive."
"And Aomine and Satsuki and Suzume to make it all better…" He muttered.
"You know? Compared to this… That squabble with Aomine is actually minor. He was furious; you can say stupid stuff when you're furious too… I've never held a grudge against you and, well, it wasn't really his fault. He apologised."
"Through a text… Still, he should've known you better."
"Should've, just like I should've been back there on time! He had every right to get angry at me for that, but he didn't. He doesn't know it was Satsuki… but he was furious because she went behind his back and he was forced to sit out. Just like you were furious in that match and almost took it out on Riko." She sighed. "I'm not really angry with him anymore. And hey, if I was worried about him too, I wouldn't be functioning normally. I need to function normally. I need to go to that party and act… well… strong and untouchable. Well… Maybe he'll find someone else during the break, who knows… But… The thought of seeing Daiki in a couple of weeks, making up, is giving me the strength to do that."
"Or making out..." He teased her.
Her eyebrows went up in played annoyance. "Seriously?" She groaned. But Taiga's remark was on point, she had to admit that.
"No, honestly… I doubt there'll be another girl willing to find a way to get close to the idiot besides you. But… I'm sorry too."
"Hah? What for?"
"That I wasn't there yesterday… that I couldn't do a damn thing to protect you!"
"You're my brother Tai, it's not your job to protect me. And besides, there are lines you should never cross. Punching your father, a parent, is one of them. I'm glad you didn't do it. I wouldn't either."
For a moment they went quiet. There was something about what Aya had just said that was fundamentally true. He couldn't argue against it. But maybe there was something he could do… It wouldn't matter much, but he'd feel better.
"Can I be your partner for the acro thing?"
Aya raised herself from the pillow and rested on her elbows to look at him. "Huh? You want to?"
He shrugged. "Why not? I'd like to do the 'Way down we go' choreography. Kouta won't learn that in a few hours and you said you wanted to break something… I feel that way too. Sooo… why not do that? It's violent enough, I think..."
"You'd usually play basket, but that sounds like a plan."
"Though we need to make a little adjustment, so you won't fall on that injured leg."
She frowned. "No, let's keep it as it is. You're not used to competing in dancing and the stress and all… the last minute changes usually don't end well. I'll handle it like it is."
"You sure?"
"Hundred percent, Tai. But… We're aiming to win; I hope you're aware of that."
"I wouldn't expect anything less from your first acro competition."
A soft knocking echoed in the room. The door creaked open and Gabi peeked inside. "I knew you were already awake." She hummed under her breath in Spanish and pushed the door wide open so she could comfortably walk into the room carrying a huge tray piled with food. "Good morning, my birthday twins!" She greeted them with a wide smile.
They both sat up to stare at their caretaker. "What is that?" They asked in unison.
"My first gift for you. Light breakfast, so you can run on the energy the whole day." She said and placed the tray on the bed between them.
"Haven't you always said we can't eat in bed?" Aya raised an eyebrow at her.
"Or a couch?" Taiga joined his sister.
Gabi frowned at them. "Today is a special day! We can make an exception."
"Hmmm…" They eyed the rich breakfast prepared solely for them and smiled. "We could get used to this."
######
Haruka was sitting on the edge of his bed. He didn't feel like going to work just yet or at all for that matter. Usually he was the first at the office, but today… He could use the upcoming party as an excuse and he was the CEO, he could very well take a day off whenever he wanted.
He was thinking about the argument with Aya over and over again. And the more he replayed it in his head, the worse he felt. What the hell had he done? That look in Aya's eyes when he'd slapped her… He never thought… It never had been his intention to become so distant with his children. Only now he was realising that he didn't know them anymore. That he had no idea what they were thinking. Since when had his children become so independent? He had no idea. A vague feeling of regret, one he thought he'd never feel again, filled his heart.
A knock on the door of his room broke his train of thoughts. He frowned, trying to guess who could that be, because it sure as hell couldn't be his children.
"Yes?"
Gabriela opened the door and strolled inside carrying a little box in one hand and some clothing in the other. She didn't wish him 'good morning'.
"Here." She threw the black cloth he vaguely recognised on the bed next to him.
"What is it?" He glanced at it, not daring to touch it. Under the housekeeper's steely eyes he felt like a little boy. He didn't like that, but it was Gabriela, for some reason he tolerated her.
She clicked her tongue and muttered something in Spanish. He didn't understand Spanish, he wasn't even sure if his children did. But Gabriela switched to Japanese quickly enough. "So you don't know?" She raised an eyebrow at him. "I thought so. Pick it up and take a really good look."
He stared at her for a moment, but then the curiosity won and he did as she said. He picked up the black cloth with rich silver embroidery and stretched his hands to look at it. It was… a dress? Or… a very weird and terrible swimming suit with an absurd something that was probably supposed to be a skirt? "What is this thing?" He asked more of himself then Gabriela.
"This thing," she started and her voice sounded almost hostile, "is supposed to be the dress you wanted Aya to wear for today's party."
He blinked at her in disbelief. This couldn't be true. But… He did recognise the embroidery…
"Right… Anyhow, I got a feeling you hadn't picked that up and you hadn't looked at it at all. I'm not letting her leave the house in that. I'm throwing it in the trash. I just thought you should know what you tried to force her into wearing."
"I'm not letting her leave the house in that either…" He said; his frown deepening. So this was Peter's taste?
"Glad to hear that." She said and Haruka wasn't sure if it was sarcasm or not. "And this," she threw him the small box wrapped in dark blue paper wrapping, "is what they bought for you, or wanted to give you for your birthday, I think. I fished it out from the garbage. Maybe you'll throw it out again, but you should know… anyhow… they cared." She said, yanked the dress from his grasp and turned on her heel to leave. "In past tense. Happy birthday, Haruka-sama." She added venomously.
Haruka stared at the gift but he couldn't find the courage to open it. Now, when he thought about it, it was his children's birthday too and he didn't have anything for them. He hadn't given them anything for the past few years to be precise. Yet, he had always received a birthday gift from them. With all the money he didn't find it important to spend his time buying gifts for them; they could buy whatever they needed and wanted. He'd believed they did just that. But… he wasn't so sure about it anymore… He was starting to doubt himself and that wasn't good before the stupid party.
With a sigh he got up and forced himself to dress up and leave.
The gift stayed on his night table.
He would open it in when he'd return later at night.
######
Lindsay was surprised that Haruka hadn't come to work at his usual time. She wondered what could've happened. Thankfully, there were no appointments planned for the day, otherwise she'd be the one dealing with some very annoyed partners or clients.
His absence meant she felt more comfortable doing her work without the pressure knowing that the big boss is sitting right next door and might call her anytime. Then, the usual Tuesday mail from Aya-chan was delivered.
And as usual Lindsay opened it to read it. It was the shortest mail Aya'd sent so far.
'I'm done trying. Sorry and thank you for everything.'
Lindsay could feel the bitterness and sadness hidden in those few words. Especially after she'd read all the previous e-mails Aya had sent. Now you've lost them… She thought. Serves you right.
######
Haruka arrived at work late and he was most certainly emitting 'don't approach me' aura, because no one dared to talk to him, not even look his way for longer than a glance.
"Good day." Lindsay greeted him looking up from her desk.
He grumbled something in response and disappeared in his office.
"…and your necktie is crooked…" She muttered under her breath and continued with writing an e-mail.
In three minutes, he was back in her office. Well, to get in and out of his office he had to pass through hers, but he certainly wanted something else than to go to restrooms.
"Make me a coffee." He demanded, but his voice sounded less bossy than usual. And Lindsay would say he looked tired. She wondered what could've happened to cause both: Aya-chan's e-mail and Haruka's strange behaviour that day.
"Sure." She got up immediately and headed to a coffee machine in a corner of the office.
Haruka coughed to get her attention.
She had to smile lightly. Thankfully, she had her back to him and he couldn't see. For a big boss, who could be unbearable and had no problem giving orders, it was very difficult for him to show his feelings, or ask something personal, or be personal. Or act as a human in general…
"Yes? Is there something else I can do for you?" She asked politely.
"It's Tuesday…" He mentioned almost casually.
Lindsay's eyebrow arched up and she turned around to look at him. The only sounds in the room were the whirring of the machine and pouring of the coffee. His comment didn't make sense. Yet, it made a perfect sense to her. The delicious scent of freshly poured coffee filled the room. She wasn't going to make it easy for him, she wasn't even sure she had the right idea in her head.
"Yes it is." She nodded and turned back to take the cup and bring it to his desk.
"… Is there some new mail?" He asked hesitantly.
"There are dozens of new mails. Do you mean one in particular?"
"From my daughter. Did she send an e-mail today too?"
Lindsay passed by him into his office and settled the cup on top of his desk. "I don't know why you'd ask. Aren't those mails a bother to you?"
He frowned. It was one of those times when Lindsay wasn't trying to be overly polite or respectful. She was saying what was really on her mind, and by the tone of her voice, he could say she was disapproving his behaviour.
"Well, I don't know what happened, but I've told you to read them all before. I've read them all. Your daughter is strong and kind and amazing young woman I'd love to meet. She bears an awful lot of responsibility, badmouthing, judgement, envy and all the shit you throw at her. And you know what? Even a camel's back breaks. I think you won't be bothered by her e-mails anymore. But isn't that what you've always wanted? To be left alone? Without responsibility for your 'insufferable' children, whom you didn't want to deal with?" She shot the words at him like well aimed bullets. And her eyes were cold and sharp as a knife. "I think you just got what you wished for." She added and sat back onto her chair.
She felt lighter. Maybe she'd lose the job after this, but damn, it felt good to finally give him a piece of her mind.
"I did indeed." He muttered and retreated into his office.
He slumped into his chair and closed his eyes. It'd been some time since he'd felt so shitty. Why were both women behaving like they knew what was right? Or what he had done wrong? Or what he should've done differently? They had no freaking idea what he'd been through or how he'd felt all these years. Being left alone with two small kids!
His world had been pitch black ever since that day. Nothing could get to him; nothing could save him from drowning. And every time he looked at his daughter, he remembered his beloved. He remembered how he hadn't been there to shield her. How they'd argued that very morning. Unknowingly, Aya made him remember every single thing he'd done wrong. And the girl had been the first one to smile and laugh, to compete and win. She hadn't mourned long enough in his opinion. Every time she'd smiled so soon after the funeral had been like a punch into his stomach. He couldn't stand it, yet he didn't want to let it show. It wasn't her fault, but emotions weren't logical. He didn't hate his daughter per se, but he couldn't understand. And he was too preoccupied with his own feelings to see hers.
And now she was threatening to destroy everything he'd build. Everything that mattered. Calling off the engagement wouldn't be easy. But losing one contract was nothing compared to losing the entire company. Aya had the leverage he should never have given her; he wondered why or when he had. He shushed those thoughts quickly, because if he didn't, he'd have to admit that he actually trusted Aya's instincts, capabilities and decisions enough to delegate a huge amount of tasks to her. Tasks he didn't want to delegate to a random employee even if he could and should. And he didn't want to admit that.
He rather didn't read Aya's e-mail before the party.
######
"What's this?" Gabriela wondered when she saw a van driving onto their property.
Ivan pushed a button to close the gate behind it and shrugged. "Young lady said they'd come to replace the carpet and the table she'd destroyed the other day."
"Huh?" She blinked at him in disbelief. "She should've left it as it was! Is she doing it just so he wouldn't feel that guilty?!"
"Like mother, like daughter." Ivan said simply. He held a great deal of respect for Keiko.
He was an older balding Russian man no one had wanted to employ back then. He'd gambled and lost everything. Even the house his family had been living in. For them, he'd been dead. He knew he hadn't deserved any better. Then somehow, by a struck of luck he'd ended up here. And he'd gotten his second chance. A chance to make things right again. That'd happened nine years ago. Now, he could visit his ex-wife and daughters again from time to time. He could see his grandchildren growing up.
Gabi rolled her eyes. "I'm not sure if that's a curse or a blessing. But Haruka sure messed up for good." They commonly discussed in Japanese or English, because Gabi didn't understand Russian and Ivan didn't understand Spanish. But since they'd both learned Japanese due to their work, they preferentially used that.
"Or he might finally find a reason to change…"
"Don't play saint with me."
"I'm not… Sometimes you have to fuck up everything to realise how messed up and stupid you were. You can't make things right unless you admit that." He shrugged. "Worked for me."
"Yeah, that and incredible luck. Otherwise you'd have drowned your self-pity in alcohol and drank yourself to death." She commented matter-of-factly. But the truth was that Ivan hadn't really touched alcohol (except occasional parties) or any slot machine for years. And the only gambling games he'd indulged in were poker or other games with her and the twins.
"Yeah, yeah…" He grumbled with an insulted expression, but he wasn't really insulted. Gabi was right.
"Still," she sighed, "I'm not sure he'll admit anything." She said gravely. "He's become too consumed and blinded by his pointless self-pity and longing."
"He wasn't always this unbearable and self-centred idiot. But I guess if he won't do anything after this, then there's no reason for us to try and help anymore."
"Guess so… You think we should get hold of Seth?"
"Nah, he's the father's competition. Always been, even if Haruka wouldn't admit it… He'd only make it worse. Haruka should realise Seth's importance on his own."
"True."
The van stopped right in front of them, three men in their thirties jumped out and approached the two servants to greet them and introduce themselves. Ivan looked them up and down, then he ignored them and shuffled away to tend to the dogs. He liked keeping an image of an unapproachable, weird and grumbling old man. Gabriela chuckled and greeted the delivery guys. She showed them to the living room and decided to overlook everything they did.
######
Aya was finally finished doing her modest make-up. She looked at herself in a mirror and smiled. Taiga did fairy-like wonders with her hair; she'd never be able to style it like that on her own. The hair, the make-up, the emerald semi-long dress with silver accessories and black stilettos… She looked amazing. Though the idea of going to Fairchild's mansion still made her skin crawl, but at least she felt comfortable in the dress she chose.
"Ready?" Taiga walked into the room wearing a fitting dark grey three piece suit with a white shirt, emerald necktie and handkerchief to match her dress. He looked very handsome. Except… His hair was neatly combed backwards.
"Yeah, come 'ere, handsome." She teased him, but he truly looked good and very different in the suit.
"What?" He frowned when she pulled at his suit so he'd bent forward a little.
"The hair just looks weird on you. You're not old enough to look that serious." She smiled and ruffled his hair a bit.
"Hey!" He protested and tried to pull away, but she held him firmly.
"Let me do it." She parted it on his left side and combed through it with her fingers, ruffling it up just enough to look awesome. "See?" She turned him towards the mirror. "Much better. "
He sighed, his sister was right. "You look stunning. Like usual, of course."
"Thank you!" She smirked. "I'd expect an insult from my brother."
Taiga rolled his eyes. "Today's not the time for our petty fights."
"True enough." She reached her hand out and Taiga automatically offered his arm to her. "Let's go then."
They walked past the kitchen and Gabriela who was eating mango: her usual afternoon snack. She smiled at them and gave them the thumbs up. "You look amazing! Keep an eye on her, all the guys there are gonna be all over her." She said in Spanish with her mouth full.
"Of course we do. We need to look presentable enough!" Aya accustomed to the language change immediately. Afternoon snack times were usually reserved for Spanish after all.
"It's for the business after all." Taiga grumbled distastefully, but judging by Gabi's approving nod he got the accent right (or at least right according to the Mexican older lady). He rarely used Spanish. He understood very well, but speaking was more Aya's thing.
"Isn't it always?" She smiled. "Well, your father just went outside. He should be waiting by a car – no idea which one he chose for today. But be nice, the driver was hired just two months ago. His name's Derek, a sweet guy. Don't freak him out."
The twins exchanged glances. "We would never." They said in unison and even got the language right.
Gabi shook her head and chuckled. "You two never change. Have some fun at least. But if you don't we'll have a party ready for you afterwards."
"Thanks. But we can't let him wait." Aya pulled at Taiga's arm. "Bye for now, Gabi."
"See you later." She waved them goodbye.
Haruka and another surprisingly young man were waiting for them by the car. Their father was tapping his foot against the ground and had his arms crossed over his chest. He sure didn't like waiting for anyone.
His children walked towards them with grace. And they looked very representative, older than sixteen, and he didn't have to feel ashamed about them. He appreciated that Aya hid her legs and there was no trace of the slap on her face. Thank god, it didn't leave a bruise. He thought and nodded in approval.
Aya looked him straight in the eyes and smiled, but it was a scornful smile and her eyes were frosty. It was clear she didn't want to be anywhere near him. "I hope my dress is suitable, father." She turned it into a question at the end.
Without waiting for his answer she turned towards the driver who was shorter and leaner than Taiga. It was the first time they met. He could be in his early-twenties. He had a pleasant face with a square jaw, grey-blue eyes and short-cut dirty blond hair. He was dressed in a suit too. It was something their driver was obliged to wear most of the time (there had been some 'casual days' for Seth though).
"Hello. I'm Kagami Aya. You must be Derek. Gabi told me about you." She greeted the man in English with a genuine smile and outstretched her hand towards him. "Nice to meet you."
For an awkward moment he had no idea how to react. He'd expected the 'princess' to ignore him. But she didn't. And truth be told, Kagami Aya in the flesh was a much more stunning girl then he'd imagined. Of course, he knew her reputation, but it didn't quite bode with the first impression he got. Haruka had informed him about it once and he'd never mentioned his children since. Then his eyes roamed Taiga and a chill ran down his spine. The sixteen year old boy was taller, wider and all-in-all stronger and fiercer than him; not as intimidating as the father yet, but he was definitely on a good path there. He looked back at Aya and her hand not sure if it was okay to accept it.
She sighed and when the driver didn't respond after a few more seconds, she withdrew her offered hand. "Sorry, my mistake." She said coldly and shrugged. The good mood she was trying to force on herself was slowly crumbling away. She was prepared to be judged by the guy, but she didn't expect him to ignore her in this manner.
"We should go." Taiga nodded and opened the back door for her; something that should've been done by Derek. He didn't bother with introductions like Aya. "I suppose he's not allowed to interact with us." He muttered under his breath, but loud enough for Haruka and Derek to hear.
"I bet it's a part of his pay check." Aya agreed and climbed into the car. "Thanks, Tai."
Derek was standing next to the passenger's door like a salt statue. He was feeling so ashamed by his behaviour.
"There's a lot for you to learn." Haruka shook his head. "Don't disappoint me at the party." He said, but the whole situation was most likely his fault not Derek's. And Aya had instinctively chosen English to interact with Derek, it surprised him. All of their personal servants knew or had to learn Japanese; it was Haruka's condition. Derek was just learning, but he knew barely anything. She couldn't have known that.
It forced Derek out of his little brooding moment. "Ah, yes, sir. Sorry, sir."
"Open the damn door already."
"Sorry, sir." He blushed in embarrassment and did as he was told. Well, this was a big ass fail… He thought bitterly.
The drive was silent and tense. Haruka didn't know what he should talk about with them and the twins were ignoring him.
Aya's phone chimed and she immediately fished it out. It couldn't be a birthday wish, because the team, Kiku and Katsunori had already written her a message; due to the time difference it arrived either day sooner or in the middle of the night. And more than anything, she was expecting some news about Suzume; hoping that the girl would wake up soon.
"What's up?" Taiga asked and craned his neck to see what the message was about. He was thinking in the same lines as Aya.
Instead of answering, she tilted her phone so he could see. It was from Satsuki.
'Happy birthday, Aya-chan. Pass my congrats to Taiga-kun too, please.
See you at the camp.'
His eyebrow arched up. "Just that? No 'sorry, I didn't mean it'? Besides, isn't it the 3rd August in there already?"
She sighed. Honestly, she wasn't that surprised; she'd noticed Satsuki had a hard time admitting her mistakes. "Does it matter? I didn't think she'd write a message at all. And definitely not an apology."
Taiga snorted. "Ahomine has more sense in him than Satsuki. And that it hurt my mouth." He added with a disgusted grimace.
Aya laughed at that. "Not necessarily."
"What do you reply?"
She shrugged and typed her curt message: 'Thanks.'
"I'd ignore her."
"You can."
They remained silent until they arrived at the Fairchild's mansion. There were lots of people swarming at the entrance. The party was supposed to start at two PM, but in was an unwritten rule that everyone came later than that. In the Kagamis case it was an hour delay.
Derek opened the door for all of them this time, starting with Haruka, then Aya and last was Taiga. Afterwards he was navigated towards where he could park the car and where he would wait with the other drivers. There was a catering prepared for them as well, but they weren't welcomed among the guests. It was Derek's first time on such a party and he was glad he didn't have to be with all the rich guests who'd been invited for the party.
Aya caught Taiga's arm again and she let him lead her towards the entrance. The mansion was huge and white. Columns by the entrance and the doorway were all decorated with flowers emanating heavy intoxicating fragrance. She doubted the scent was all natural. It irritated her nose and lungs and she was trying to breathe as little as possible.
With Haruka in lead, they climbed six marble steps and stopped in front of an usher. It was a slim girl with pretty round face, shorter than Aya. She was wearing a butler's uniform with white gloves. There were two huge guards standing behind the girl in case any trouble occurred. She lifted her big timorous eyes to look at the trio.
"Your name, sir?" She asked out of obligation. She already knew who they were.
"Kagami Haruka and my children."
The girl nodded. "You are eagerly expected." She moved aside and let them pass.
"I bet we are…" Aya muttered under her breath and stared at the girl as they passed her by.
Under the intense stare of her reddish eyes the girl took a step back and turned her head to a side. By doing that, she unconsciously uncovered a bruise on the side of her neck which was covered by the higher collar of her shirt. I thought so. No wonder she looks so jumpy.
They needed to greet the hosts first and so Haruka headed towards the Fairchilds first. All six of them were standing in a circle with some two business men Aya didn't know. Three sons, the father in his late sixties and the mother with cold jade eyes and unbelievable dignity. Aya gritted her teeth. The only one she could tolerate was the mother. Don't get it wrong, Aya didn't like the ice-cold old lawyer, who represented the worst of the worst, but at least she wasn't trying to act all sweet and nice and she had some common sense in her too.
Peter noticed them the first and he turned their way with a bright smile, which quickly turned sour and then fake as he took in Aya's outfit. In her stilettos she was the same height as him, if not a centimetre taller. And he was considerate enough to wear a silver necktie and handkerchief. He did all that and she decided to match up with her brother instead and wear – what he considered atrocious – an emerald dress. He decided he had to catch her up alone at some point. No one played with him like this.
Aya noticed the dangerous light flash in Peter's eyes. And she wasn't sure what to think about it. The guy seemed to adore her and hate her at the same time; to the point when she was actually terrified of him. He wasn't big, or threatening in build, but there was something unpredictable and unstable in his small dark eyes. Something that made her feel uneasy. However, she'd learned to cope with it somehow. Don't let it show. He doesn't affect you.
"Don't leave my side, please. I swear I just saw a murderous light in his eyes." She muttered to Taiga.
"I noticed too. No worries. I'm not going anywhere." He ensured her.
"Don't go whispering around our partners, it's rude." Haruka hissed at them, without looking at them. "And use English."
Taiga fought an eye roll and squeezed Aya's hand encouragingly. He knew he couldn't offer her the same feeling of safety as Seth could, but he would certainly try.
The greetings went smoothly. All three brothers complimented on Aya's dress and make-up. They were acting like perfect sons they were supposed to be. The twins weren't left in the dust either. Aya was smiling brightly, though it never reached her eyes.
"I was thinking you'd definitely wear something silver." Peter said with his usual wicked smile everyone considered unbelievably attractive – everyone except Aya.
"Silver is not really my colour." She set her voice slightly higher and forced a casual tone. She sounded spoiled and self-conceited, but not too much, just enough to fit Kagami's wealth and success in dancing. "And the dress was a birthday gift from my father. I couldn't possibly stick it in my closet and not wear it."
Haruka had to bite his tongue to keep his blank expression. He sure hadn't expected Aya to play a happy family. Then again, it was the norm around here. You didn't show people your sore spots. And if there was anything true about what she'd yelled at him at the top of her lungs, maybe he should give her the benefit of the doubt and see (or hear) everything for himself. Where else would he learn things if not at the party full of backstabbing idiots.
"Oh, of course not!" The old Gerard laughed and glanced at Haruka in surprise. He had no idea the man would give his children something. He had the impression that Kagami's were a dysfunctional family for a long time, though they were trying to play it. "Father's gifts must be appreciated and treasured. You look fantastic, Aya." He hugged her around shoulders and pulled her away from Taiga's side. "The more you hide under the fabric the more interesting you appear, fairy-girl."
Aya smiled and tried to wiggle her way away from the man. His hand was touching her scar through the fabric and his fingers brushed her boobs slightly. She found it disgusting. Yet, she couldn't just push him away.
"Ah, Seijuurou's here." Taiga said and pointed towards the entrance where Akashi appeared with his father and another man, probably Akashi's father's right hand.
"Ohooo!" Gerard whistled and clasped his hands, letting Aya go. "You know the Akashis?" He asked curiously and turned his eyes towards Haruka.
"Ah, that's not really important. The children used to know each other well for some time, but I haven't met the parents. I think the friendship withered at some point, right?" He glanced at Taiga looking for approval.
"Yes. Now we are rivals." Taiga nodded.
I thought so. "So, why are they here? Are they expanding to America?" He asked Gerard. Something about this entire situation was fishy. He knew about all the guests, except the Akashis. But why would Gerard withhold it?
"On the contrary, my friend." Gerard smiled and patted his shoulder. He lowered his voice, this shouldn't be heard by masses. "We are expanding to Japan. And when our families unite, we might be able to take them over. We just need to be patient and earn their trust."
Uniting families?! "What?!" The words left Taiga's mouth before he could swallow them. Thankfully, it was about the time when Seijuurou and his father, Masaomi, walked towards the group.
"Good day." Masaomi bowed in greeting. "I'm thankful for your invitation today, mister Fairchild. This is my son Seijuurou and my representative, Tate Ichirou." Both introduced bowed too.
"Oh, please. We're in America, just call me Gerard." The old man laughed and outstretched his hand in a friendly gesture.
Aya nodded to Seijuurou in greeting. He ignored her with his typical supercilious stare. Although he was pleasantly surprised to see them dressed formally. Especially Taiga. He thought the wild guy, so similar to Daiki, would never ever wear a suit.
The three CEOs started discussing business; the three Fairchild sons were soon mingling with the guests, chatting with everyone. It was their duty as the hosts. Aya remained close to Taiga and they went to get champagne. She kept a good eye on the one who poured them and waited until someone else who got the drink from the same bottle sipped from it first. When nothing happened after ten minutes, she dared to test the champagne herself.
"He really changed." Taiga muttered looking around to make sure Seijuurou wasn't within a hearing distance. "That cold stare gave me chills."
"And you haven't talked with him yet…"
"I don't think I will. He seems to be too good to stop by us." He snorted.
"He did tell me to stay out of his way here. And I'm not planning to ruin my the day more than it already is."
######
"So what do you think Haruka?" Gerard asked him and looked at all the people that flooded his garden. He didn't know half of them and he didn't care.
"The contract is good. I would go for it."
"Yes, yes. I know that." The old man waved his hand at it. "I was talking about the proposal. You've agreed already, but I insisted you gave me your final answer today. So what will it be?"
Haruka raised a glass of whiskey to his lips and looked at his children talking with other teenagers. He took his time in answering this one.
The long silence put a worm of doubt in Gerard's mind. He didn't like long silence. It meant his opponent (he liked to think like that about everyone) was thinking something through. And when they were, it usually turned unfavourable for him. This matter had been already decided, so why stall?
"It's the best choice for her!" He filled the silence himself. Haruka merely looked at him, which prompted him to deepen his answer. "With her slate no one would want her and she's tainting your family name. She isn't even dancing anymore. She's become a dead weight of your family. Without her shadow, you could make much better contracts. Come on, Haruka. Child or not, once they cause damage, you need to cut them out like a tumour. We both know that Aya is… difficult to handle and you need her out of the picture. You are a benevolent father, that's why she grew over your head. But once she joins my family, she'll have to bend to some rules. And my sons and I will make sure she will." He blabbered out coldly not noticing the warning in Haruka's eyes.
Dead weight, huh? Haruka narrowed his eyes. Without her successes and influence the company wouldn't be where it is now. One thing was him, blaming her and thinking lowly of her. But when someone else was looking down on his family, his blood, his name, anger bubbled in his veins.
"And how exactly do you plan to bend her?" He asked neutrally.
"You don't need to know all the details. We have our way of teaching wild women their place in the men's world." He said with a sick twinkle in his small pig eyes. That was the only thing Gerard couldn't hide. Once he started thinking about young, innocent women and what they would do with them...
"I'm sure of that." Haruka downed his whiskey and placed his glass on the railing in front of them. After this, he was eager to believe Aya's words. After all, she'd always been good at judging character, and even Seth had warned him about the Fairchilds several times. Now he remembered. He'd always hushed them both down. "But as her father, I decided to decline the proposal." He finally answered Gerard's initial question.
Gerard went silent for a moment; he was shocked. Then he shook it off and continued. "Don't be silly, Haruka. You don't want to lose that contract I offered. I'm offering you a third of my company. The girl is a failure. But you can at least make a higher profit thanks to her."
How could he be so blind? Yes, Aya had made mistakes. She'd gotten her share of downfalls, she'd disappointed him in the past, but he never called her a 'failure' in front of anyone. And truth be told, he wasn't sure what he'd been so disappointed about anyways. "By selling her to you, you mean?"
Gerard laughed, but sweat glistered on his forehead. "I wouldn't word it like that, my friend. It's just a friendly deal."
"Then I'm calling that friendly deal off. My daughter doesn't wish to be part of it and I decided to respect that wish. That's all."
"You can't do it!" He protested. There was more at stake than one third of the company. He needed Aya. He needed to connect more closely with a business that had a completely clean slate. To divert attention. And at least one of his sons needed to settle down before the gossips would start. Peter was the youngest and the most problematic one, he needed to punish him too, but he was too meek and he decided to please his son by giving him a splendid toy named Kagami Aya. She was considered a failure, but she was a great asset, the old man knew. "You've already agreed."
Haruka knew this was rather a delicate situation. He could guess that something was wrong and this whole engagement was most likely to serve as a sensation for crowds. All of his warning lights were now flaring in alarm and he knew he'd have to shield his back damn well, because the Fairchilds wouldn't stop that easily. His decline was very well a declaration of war. More than ever he'd need to find a really good leverage too.
But Haruka seemed decided and his steely look gave Gerard chills. Those burning red eyes were unbearable; like they saw right into his head. Gerard never thought he'd be intimidated by another man. Kagami Haruka wasn't to be trifled with.
"You look almost desperate, my friend. As if you needed the engagement more than my daughter. But I haven't agreed to anything yet. I simply took your offer into consideration. And this is my final word. The engagement is through. She is off limits. Oh… And one more thing. Don't ever call Kagami a failure." He announced calmly and walked away. There were other partners and people he needed to chat with.
As he was passing by a flock of women, Haruka overheard bits of their conversation. They were vividly discussing Aya and her dress, her hairstyle, her figure, her make-up. They were contradicting themselves at times and none of it was true.
"Her make-up is too thick, don't you think?"
"Yeah. She's trying to play adult. How pitiful. And those boobs, I bet they're fake."
"I heard she has a disgusting scar on her shoulder."
"Urgh, why doesn't she have it removed? It's not that difficult. Or expensive…"
"She just wants to be interesting. Maybe the scar isn't real. It's like in the movies, I saw some videos how you can make an artificial scars and wounds and they look real."
"And she definitely goes to some pro stylist."
"Well, she doesn't have a mother to guide her anymore. Poor thing."
"Yeah, she's just seeking popularity, like all lonely teeny girls here."
"Poor little teenagers, desperately preying on our men to teach them things."
"Hush, her father's coming." One of them shushed the group, avoiding Haruka's gaze and thinking they weren't heard.
His eyes were slowly opening to the world around him. And he didn't like what he saw.
Then he noticed Aya standing just a few paces from the group of the women, half hidden by a column. She was taking some food and Taiga was close by, chatting with some other boy. The women couldn't have seen them, but the kids must've heard everything.
Aya turned around with a professional smile and walked away. Not saying one word to the women, but they noticed her; and none of them dared to look her way.
######
Aomine's phone buzzed and it was only a coincidence he noticed.
It was lunch time and he was finally allowed to run around and so he spent most of his day playing basketball with Klahan. His friend didn't match up to him, but he figured out he could enjoy it, especially because Klahan wasn't giving up no matter what. And if they'd had enough basketball, they could always go running or play video games – which were Klahan specialty. He had no time thinking about anything else. The next day he'd start at his grandma's diner as staff, he believed it wasn't that difficult to carry food to the tables.
"What?" He barked at Kise, whose number appeared on the screen.
"Don't what me, Aominecchi! I miss you!" He whined.
"If you don't have to say anything, I'm hanging up."
"Who's that?" Klahan asked curiously and leaned over to hear the person on the other end.
Aomine pushed his head away and frowned at him. "Kise… The idiotic model I've told you about."
"And your best friend." Klahan added with a smile and leaned against the fence which encircled the basketball court they were on.
"Why do I feel you've just insulted me?"
Aomine could imagine Kise's sulking face that went with the tone the blonde had just used. "Because I have. So?"
"So… I'm curious. You called Ayacchi, right? It was her birthday yesterday." Kise's voice turned serious, or at least less whiny and less overly-cheerful.
"…" Fuck…
"Figured you'd forget…"
"Couldn't you call me yesterday, dammit?! You know I'm bad with dates!" He bristled at the blonde, though he knew it was his fault. He should've remembered or put a reminder into his calendar or something…
"Not only birthday dates, I guess…" Kise teased. "I forgot to call you. But I really wanted to, please believe me."
"Go die somewhere already." Aomine grumbled and was ready to hang up.
"Wait, wait, wait. Don't hang up on me just yet, Aominecchi."
"…"
"Sorry, I won't make fun of you anymore. But I had to… Anyways…Ayacchi's in the L.A., right?"
His curiosity was piqued now. "Yeah, what are you getting at?"
"Time zones."
"What?"
"It's still yesterday there. Late at night, but still the 2nd August – Ayacchi's birthday."
He narrowed his eyes. He didn't like being played like this. "You did this on purpose, didn't you?"
"Maybe. You have about one or two hours. I thought Ayacchi had a lot going on with some party Shiracchi mentioned, so she probably wouldn't have picked up and you'd feel ignored, but now… Girls don't really hate it when you think about them late at night."
Of course he had it planned out… "It's lunch time here, genius."
"…and the middle of the night where Ayacchi is. I don't think she'll be in the mood to consider the little time zone detail. I bet she'll be delighted to hear that husky voice of yours over the phone. Who knows, maybe she'll have a niiiice dream 'bout you after that."
Aomine's cheeks heated at Kise's suggestion. "You're the worst, you know?"
"Pretty much, but you love me anyways."
"Urgh, I hate you."
"Bye-bye, Aominecchi~" He hung up, feeling so smug about himself.
"I really hate that smug bastard." Aomine muttered and rested his arm against his bent knee. He was flipping the phone in his fingers, deciding if he truly should bother Aya, when it was so late there. Maybe it'd be better if he'd only send a message or something…
"Huh? What's up?" Klahan asked inquiringly. "You seem to forget that I don't understand Japanese."
With a sigh he quickly translated the dialogue for Klahan.
The boy's eyes widened. "But of course you have to call her! Don't be a pussy; it's the birthday of the girl you love! Come on! The call is the least you can do. I mean, she should be getting flowers or something…"
Aomine frowned; he was terrified of the idea of calling her. What reaction should he expect from the redhead? Would she pick up? Did she want to talk with him? He had no idea and it scared him. But deep down he really wanted to hear her voice too. "We still haven't talked or made up. If she sends me to hell it's on you."
"Or made out…" He muttered and pushed himself off the ground before he'd be tackled for the comment. "I'll go eat lunch. Meet you at the grandma's!"
"Yeah… Meet you there." He muttered under his breath as he watched his friend leaving.
Then he looked up Aya's phone number. For a moment he stared at it indecisively, then he tapped on it and prayed; not sure if he wanted her to pick up or not.
######
"You okay?" Taiga peeked into her room in the evening.
Aya was sprawled on her bed staring at the ceiling. She didn't feel like moving. Or doing anything at all. The emerald dress was all wrinkled as she hadn't bothered to change. But she didn't care.
The Fairchild's party had been crappy like usual. Maybe even crappier than usual. Taiga had managed to stay with her the whole time, but when he'd learnt about the refused engagement (Aya'd known why she'd left out the little detail and why she'd hoped he wouldn't find out) he'd had to go and give Peter a piece of his mind, actually punching him in the middle of the crowd, because his fuse was way shorter than Aya's. And Peter, idiotic as he was, dragged all the attention to them, whining about how terribly refused he'd been and how cruelly they'd treated him. Of course he hadn't left out that despite his generosity to propose to a 'disgustingly scarred whore' (although he had no valid knowledge of her having any scars except one - he'd only heard some rumours) the said 'whore' hadn't licked his shoes in gratitude like she should've done. Honestly, the whole situation had left Aya speechless, angry, hateful and ashamed. No one had known what to do. And then to everyone's surprise it'd been Peter's mother, who had stormed to her son and splashed her champagne on his face, infuriated by his scene. She'd sent him to his room like he was a 10 year old kid and not a 24 year adult. Peter hadn't dared to protest and at end, it'd been him who'd become a laughing stock, not Aya.
However, the words cut deep, and her father's passivity all the more. They'd left immediately after, but he hadn't spoken a word to her since. And she didn't want him to.
She turned her head and looked at him. "Not really."
"I didn't think so." He muttered and slipped into the room, closing the door behind him. "But we should go. The party starts in an hour."
"We're at the beach in ten minutes… I still have 50 more to feel like shit."
"No can do, because I feel like shit too." He shook his head and his back hit the bed at her feet, making her jump upwards.
"So? What are we gonna do about it?"
"Weeeeeeellll….." He started and stuck his hand into his pocket searching for something.
She gasped. "Oh, no. Tell me you didn't."
"Don't kill me, but I broke the promise for this once." A wide, victorious grin settled on his face when he finally touched a small object hidden in his pocket. "It's nothing, really…"
She sprang up glaring at him, "Damn you, Kagami Taiga!" But a small smile ghosted her lips. "What is it?"
"Ah, I don't remember… You'll have to open it up…" The expression he had could be described as 'I didn't do it, it was someone else'. Of course he remembered what he'd gotten her.
For a moment, she hesitated. She wasn't used to receiving gifts from Taiga and despite everything, it made her happy. She took the small package from him and carefully unwrapped it. The wrapping must've been done by Gabi, or some shop's clerk, because Taiga wasn't good with things like these. She took her time, enjoying Taiga's impatience and anticipation. He was cute, feeling almost happier than her. That was one of the many reasons she loved him.
In the wrapping, there was a small box. By now she knew it was some jewellery and she couldn't believe Taiga would go in that direction when it came to gifts. But she was curious. She opened the box. A small silver hanging bead in the shape of a dragon with red stone embedded in its chest was waiting for her. The dragon was small and cute. It was a piece she could add onto her bracelet. Two words were carved on the rim of the bead.
"Dragon heart?" She read it out loud.
"I can't imagine anyone else wearing that one." He nodded with a soft smile. "Then again!" He proudly stuck out his left wrist where he was wearing a black leather bracelet with a similar, more robust, more boyish looking, dragon bead with the same red stone and same text. "Since I knew you'd feel bad for not having anything for me, I got myself a matching piece."
Aya had to laugh at that silly childish happiness he expressed. She ruffled his hair and he didn't protest. "True, except those rings which come in three pieces, the two of us… we don't have anything matching."
"Now we do."
"Yeah… Now we do." She took the bead and flipped it in her fingers looking at it lovingly. It was indeed a beautiful piece she'd proudly wear. "Thank you, Tai."
"We only have to survive the party." He sighed.
She was trying to be positive. "We have the dragons. We will."
######
The birthday party prepared for the twins was fun. They were roasting marshmallows on a beach, talking, singing, dancing even. There was also alcohol, but Aya didn't feel like drinking that much.
A birthday was supposed to be a fun day, something to look forward to. But the twins didn't really like the day. It was connected with the Fairchild's parties and their father had been born on the same date as them. In the past it'd been a very cheerful and happy day, but with passing years it'd become more of a burden. So they were a year older, what about it?
But if their friends and Gabi and Ivan who were more their family than their father took the effort to prepare it, they'd honor it. Someone was thinking about them, going out of their way to make them happy. Even if everyone realised the twins had never really asked for it, at the end of the day, they were able to relax and forget about everything bad connected with the day.
This year, however, Aya was quieter than usual. She was trying to put up a cheerful front, because she loved her friends, because the gift - a photo album - was beautiful, thoughtful and perfect and the whole party was well planned out, but…
After the days' events she would rather crawl into her bed and stay there for a couple of hours. Alone. Or maybe she'd tolerate Taiga's presence. She was exhausted; both physically and mentally. Her leg hurt more than in the morning. She'd had taken an hour long nap and it'd cleared her mind a bit. But she still felt like being alone and not with everyone. She missed Daiki. She missed Suzume's silly congratulation e-mail she used to get. She missed all of her new friends. But these were also her friends. Friends she'd missed in Japan. They were there with her. Taiga was here with her. He even thought of getting them a gift. The day might get connected with something good once again. So slowly, but surely her mood was getting better. It's all about the mind set.
"Aya, come oooon! At least one shot! The tequila is perfect!" Dominic sat next to her, juggling two glasses of silver tequila, two slices of lime and salt cellar in his hands. She wondered how he managed to do that without spilling anything. He wasn't drunk per se, but he was already in the mood. So were Nina and some others.
"The Mexican revenge? I don't think so. But if you'll get golden for me… I might as well give in."
He laughed and pushed the shot into her hand. "Mexican revenge? Where did you get that from?"
"Ever gotten wasted on tequila, sweetie?" Gabi asked over the bonfire.
"Oh… No."
"Then you won't understand." She laughed. "But don't get them too drunk, they're still underaged."
"Yep, that's true." Aya agreed and tried to return the shot, only to end up holding the lime slice he brought for her. "Pizzaman!"
"Oh, don't call me that!" He protested, but then he grinned at her. It was a knowing smile of someone who saw through her. "You're not feeling as happy as you're trying to display, my dear. We know you don't want us to worry, and we're not pressuring you to explain yourself. But… Come on, let out some steam! With whom else would you be breaking rules and getting drunk if not with your friends? And hey! Gabi and Ivan are here!"
She glanced at Taiga, asking if it was really obvious she didn't want to be there, but Taiga shrugged. He was acting as much as her, and he'd say they were doing a great job so far. Apparently, partly drunk people could somehow sense their dishonesty, or maybe their friends knew them better than they liked to believe.
"Urgh, fine." She took the salt from him and applied it on the back of her hand. "But only if Taiga drinks too."
"I've been waiting for the approval, sis'." He smirked and took a shot from Nina. Punching Peter would've been the best event of the day, if the idiot hadn't caused a scene. Taiga couldn't stand him, and he missed his sister's self control. Once Peter had started whining and spouting nonsense, Taiga had been pulled back into the crowd and couldn't get to him to truly break his nose for those insults he'd spouted towards his sister. And when he'd tried to say something, it got cut, twisted and shot back… Taiga truly hated those people. So… a couple of shots should calm him down and make him feel a bit better, or forget about it for a short while. But he wouldn't drink without Aya.
"Now, everyone's ready?" Nina asked and raised her glass. "To the most amazing twins we've ever known!"
"Kampai!"
Aya chuckled at that. So they did learn something in Japanese.
They all licked the salt from their hands, downed their tequilas and ate their limes.
Only Gabriela slowly sipped the liquid from her glass and shook her head at the treacherous way her young pupils were drinking the alcohol. "Ah, youth… They can't savour a good drink yet." She hummed in Spanish. Then Aya's phone vibrated in a big pocket of her denim waist apron. "Robin, you're wanted." She called out to her.
"By who?" She asked curiously. The party was a no-phone event and Gabi had collected everybody's phones to watch over them. She was surprised that someone would call her this late.
"Can't read the kanji dear, you know that."
Taiga leaned over Gabi's shoulder and read out loud. "Aomine." Then he took the phone from Gabi's hands and threw it over the bonfire to Aya.
"Dammit! Be careful with that!" She shouted; she barely caught the phone. She blinked at the vibrating device with mixed feelings. Huh? What?
"Just pick it up and deal with him until he is still ringing!"
Right… She thought and got up. She couldn't think about it, or she wouldn't answer. "Yes?" She picked up, walking away from the loud group of half-drunk basketball idiots. She didn't need them shouting anything stupid. Both dogs which were contently lying next to Ivan got up and trotted after her.
"Hey." Aomine said and she got goosebumps after hearing his husky voice. "I didn't wake you up, right?"
"…No, I wasn't sleeping." She replied, not sure what to tell him. There was so much, but she couldn't decide. She left Japan with a bad aftertaste and now she felt awkward talking with him. And over the phone.
For a moment they were both silent.
"Uhm…" He started, not sure what to say anymore. He didn't even know if she was actually listening. "I just wanted to… Uhm… wish you a… happy birthday…?" He said almost shyly and his voice cracked slightly.
So he hadn't forgotten; she thought he definitely would… That simple congratulation was the best she'd received that day. The best she could've asked for. Aomine wasn't one to remember such things and she wouldn't hold it against him if he hadn't called, but… He did. And despite their misunderstanding and all, he did call her.
"…Thank you." She smiled and bit her lip to keep her emotions in check, because Aomine had a talent to get under her skin by the simplest things he said or did. All she wanted to do now was hide in his arms and cry her soul out for all the unfairness and hurt she felt. But she was also happy he remembered and she didn't want him to worry about her, especially when he was so far away.
"I… well…" He gulped. "I'm sorry for blaming you back then. Uhm…"
"I'm not angry with you anymore." She said quickly. "It was just a misunderstanding, so… Apology accepted, and I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have been late. It shouldn't have happened. None of it…" She added quietly, and she didn't mean their misunderstanding only.
"… or you should've punched me."
She chuckled. "I doubt that would make you listen."
With that, he could only agree. He chuckled too. "How are you doing?"
"…Our friends prepared a little late night beach party for us so… Sweet sixteen, yay!"
"You're having fun..." He said, but there was a slight question mark hidden in his tone. Her hesitation to answer and the answer itself made him think there had to be some real shit going on around her. He was almost certain about it. And all he wanted was to be there for her, even if he was on the other side of the planet.
She was never good at playing form in front of him. She didn't want him to worry, but… "Not really. Some things happened and well…" She admitted. "I love them… My friends, the basketball idiots, I do, but… But I miss you here. Ah… Sorry. Anyways! That's for another time. How are you? I bet you're enjoying sun rays all day long!"
And there goes the quicksilver… He thought but she didn't convince him she was okay. Still, he decided to play along. Maybe she needed a distraction and... she missed him! "Y' bet. Klahan, a friend, won't let me off the hook all days long. I'm finally allowed to play again and now I'm forced to play with him over and over and over again, even though he'll keep losing. What's wrong with you people, really?"
"Nothing? It's fun playing against you. We learn a lot and our instincts get better. Oh, yes! I learnt some new tricks from Dominic. You'll have to play with me at the camp."
Now the excitement in her voice was genuine and he could hear her cheerful smile. Yes, she needed a distraction, something to look forward to. But… Who the hell was Dominic? "… I'll gladly test your new skills." He said honestly. "Aya, I –"
She blushed, he rarely used her name and damn, his voice was so hot even over the phone. "Looking forward to that, Daiki. I can call you that again, right?" She asked teasingly. "Though if you don't want me to–"
"Yes." He said abruptly. He so regretted telling her to call him by his family name again. And he had no idea how to ask her to not do that anymore, that once she asked it herself, he was way too eager to allow her. Then he realised his fervent reaction."Ah… Uhm… Yeah… Sure…"
Aya chuckled. "Glad to hear that."
"Ayaaa! Another tequila round, come oooon! I got you golden!" Dominic went to fetch her.
"Urgh, it's important!" She protested. "I'll be back when I'm done."
"Over the phone sex, Robin?!"
"Oh, burn in hell you –" She looked at the dogs. "Keep him company, will ya? Go get him!" She urged them and Bullet and Arrow shot after Dominic who was stumbling in the dark towards them, carrying tequila again.
"They are searching for you?" He understood what it was about, but he barely heard what Dominic had said.
"Yeah… Dominic apparently wants me to be his drinking buddy tonight. Two more shots and he'll get all whiny about his failed past relationships. Thankfully, the phones are stored at a safe place and he won't be able to pester his exes with regretful drunk texts." She rolled her eyes, feeling better all of a sudden. Aomine effect… At least one thing in her life seemed to be steady and normal. Like her lighthouse. Yeah, Aomine Daiki was her lighthouse.
"I wouldn't mind your regretful drunk texts."
"Why regretful? You're not an ex."
"…" He rather didn't want to poke that topic over the phone. "Go."
"Mhm. Thank you for calling. I guess it was the second best birthday gift I got today."
"What was the first?" He asked curiously.
"My brother broke the no-gifts tradition we had going on, sooo…"
Daiki chuckled, but it reminded him of a very difficult task awaiting him. "Good for you. So… See you later?"
"Definitely. Have a nice afternoon, Daiki." She hung up, feeling much lighter and ran after the dogs. She really hoped they hadn't really bitten Dominic.
A/N: That's that for now. I hope no one was OOC and the chapter was good and I promise that with the next one we'll get back on track with the canon (at least a bit).
Let me know what you think and remember, reviews are appreciated but never necessary.
S.