Chapter Nine — Part Two

Soul's Shenanigans

The store had flowers of all kinds on the shelves, display cases, windows, and even hanging from the ceiling. The floor even had a floral design. Guys and gals all around were mingling. Roxas finally felt the presence of two girls staring at him from inside the store. He felt somewhat uncomfortable, unable to locate the watchers. He began mindlessly walking around the store, noticing the different types of flowers and the people around him. The flowers were colorful, and the people were simply going about their day with friends. He continued on wandering about, that is, until he bumped shoulders with someone. The person he happened to bump into was a girl.

"..." Roxas stared at her. Now's my chance!

For some peculiar reason, he felt his throat become unusually dry, and when he opened his mouth, only weird gasping noises came. He tried to speak, but ended up coughing instead, and his face was beet red with embarrassment. The girl and Roxas locked eyes, not breaking contact. The girl gave him a confused look and walked out of the store.

"..." Roxas groaned. Good going Roxas, ugh, time to look for another one. Hopefully I can speak this time.

Roxas continued to wander about once more. He accidently slipped on a fallen leaf, and onto a different girl. The girl was shook. Roxas quickly got off her, and offered a hand. She accepted. It was very soft.

"Sorry about that, I slipped on a leaf." He apologized.

The girl looked at him suspiciously, as on the floor, no leaf was around. She took a step back, and two other girls intervened, in a hostile-manner.

"Who do you think you are?!" The first girl interrogated, "First you bump into a girl, and then you find a different one to fall on? You're just the worst!"

"I'm sure it was an accident." The second girl said. "I think."

"Wai— stop, it's not like that." Roxas spoke. "It was an accident." This doesn't look too good.

"Really now!?" The first girl continued, "You just happened to bump shoulders with a poor girl, and she suddenly leaves? And you just happen to fall onto another poor poor girl!" She pointed her finger at him, "What's your name, mister?"

"My name is —" Roxas paused. Should I really tell them my real name? Hmmm, maybe. I'm sure Xion would want me to be honest about these misunderstandings.

"It's Roxas." He told them.

"Roxas huh, sounds like the perfect name for a sleazebag." The first girl continued to berate him.

"A sleazy man in a flower shop…" The second girl gave a saddened conclusion, "Who would've guessed."

The girl who fell earlier began to speak.

"Please, Anya, Meme, it was just a mistake, honest." the girl pointed to Roxas' shoe, "The leaf is stuck under his shoe still, see?."

Roxas lifted his shoe, revealing the leaf under it.

"W-well, it was his fault for not looking where he was going." Anya pouted. "Sorry, I guess."

"We all mistakes sometimes." Meme chimed in. "Let polygons be polygons, they always say."

"... right." Anya kept her guard up against Roxas, "Tsugumi, can we please leave this store now? I've had enough action for one day."

"Sure, we've gotten what we needed anyway." Tsugumi noted.

Tsugumi turned her attention to Roxas, her face slightly pink.

"Er-um, Roxas, right?" She timidly asked.

"O-oh, yeah. That's me." Roxas answered back. What does she want?

"I know we met a bit suddenly, but um—here's my number." She quickly forced a small bag onto him, "And a flower, too— as an apology. Call me sometime, so that we can, well, maybe get to know each other a bit better."

Before Roxas could say a word, the three girls quickly left. Roxas looked at the flower, labeled Tatarian Aster aka. Shion.

"That was interesting. I got a girls' number, just what Blair wanted— I think." Roxas mumbled. "That girl, she was also kinda—cute?"

Roxas read the label once more. It almost sounds like Xion. I'll give her the flowers since it sounds really similar to her name.

After that encounter, he decided to wander about once more. He was enjoying watching the Venus Flytrap plant capture a bug with its' trap. Something else caught his eye. It was a girl nearby him — whom continued to wobble back and forth. Her hand on her head— checking her own temperature.

Roxas saw the details of the wobbling girl. She had long soft hair, with a ponytail going past her waist. Her outfit was white and sleeveless, with a yellow star imprinted on the right side of her outfit. She had two grey sashes, around her waist, with a cut in the outfit, revealing some of her thigh. A black stocking covered her leg, while she had white boots. Grey wristbands covered her forearms completely. To top if off, she had a black scarf around her neck, with her indigo eyes, fixated on a white flower.

"Camellia… Masamune…" She somberly whispered.

"Excuse me," Roxas approached the girl. "Are you okay? You look like you're about to fall."

"What?" The girl lost her trance on the flower, "O-oh no, I'm fine, really. Just a little tired from searching is all." The girl regained her posture and explained, "Thank you for asking."

"No problem. My name is Roxas." He introduced himself, "What were you looking for exactly?"

"Nothing really, just browsing." The girl answered, "What about you, Roxas? Find anything you like?"

Roxas lifted the bag he received earlier. "I think." He opened the bag and showed her the flower. "This one's technically a gift…" From a stranger.

"Wow, that's a really pretty flower. Are you planning on giving it to someone special?" she teased.

"Maybe." Roxas could only respond. "I'm only giving it to her because her name sounds similar to the flower's name."

"Really, what's the name? I'm also named after a flower too." the girl informed him.

"Shion." Roxas answered. "And you?"

"I'm named after the Camellia flower, or the Tsubaki." She introduced herself, "So, my name is Tsubaki Nakatsukasa. You can just call me Tsubaki."

Roxas nodded.

"Got it, Tsubaki." He turned his attention to the flower, "So what's so special about these flowers?"

"Well, these types of flowers in specific, give me a sense of nostalgia." Tsubaki answered.

"Nostalgia?" Roxas look confused at the white camellia, "Is that good?"

"Well, it's complicated to say the least, but good nostalgia nonetheless." Tsubaki replied.

Another thought came into Roxas' mind, as Tsubaki continued to talk.

"You see, lately my partner has been becoming more worried about some friends of ours. Things haven't been going their way recently. So I thought I find something for him to help take his mind of it."

Her eyes shifted from Roxas back to the flower.

"I thought maybe a goldfish, a video game, or even some more weights would keep him busy— but I thought I saw someone familiar at this shop. I ended walking around and found the Camellia flower." She gave a sad and defeated sigh, "It reminded me of someone special— hence the nostalgia."

"Hmm." Roxas interpretation the information, "I'm sure whoever you miss, is happy they're still in your thoughts. Who was the person anyway?"

"I appreciate that Roxas. However the one in my mind …. Well…" Tsubaki look slightly uncomfortable, proceeding to walk to the exit, "It's a bit of a long story, personal too. I don't want to take anymore of your time that I have already."

Roxas thought. "I already have a number for Blair… so I have time for Tsubaki's story. Soul is probably still in the restroom."

"Don't worry, I have plenty of time. I have friend who's still in the restroom, and well…" Roxas walked alongside her, "I don't think you want to know why he's in there, but he'll be in there for a while."

The girl let out an unexpected giggle.

"That's an unusual joke to tell to someone you just met." Tsubaki noted, "You're bit of an oddball aren't you."

"R-really?" a faint look of embarrassment was painted all over his face, "Sorry."

"No-no, there's no need to apologize." She pardoned, "It was the good kind of oddball, really. I'm just… going through something right now."

"Ah, want to try talking about it?" Roxas suggested, "I have a friend who has problems with talking about their problems. But once we talk about it, we usually solve it. Sometimes with the help of another friend too." Roxas advised her.

The girl studied Roxas with her indiego eyes, questioning whether she could tell a stranger a personal anecdote. He doesn't seem like a bad guy…

"You know what Roxas," she finally decided, " I'll tell you my story," Her stomach grumbled, "But after I eat something first, are you hungry too?"

"I can eat too." Roxas informed. She's really considerate of others. "Lead the way."

Roxas accompanied Tsubaki as she walked to the food court, buying a salad and some chicken, then treating Roxas to a sandwich. He accepted the meal without a second thought. The two sat together at a nearby bench on the second floor.

Tsubaki told Roxas about her history with her brother. Both her brother and herself were weapons, and what it was like growing up. She even told Roxas of how her partner helped her come face to face with him. For Black Star's safety, she made sure to not mention of Black Star's family heritage, or his name. She referred to him as her partner. Tsubaki had a good time talking while Roxas listened, not judging or adding any comments in the end.

After Tsubaki finished telling her stories, Roxas realized that someone had been watching Tsubaki and him. Is it those girls again? Guess they want to talk.

Roxas stood up, and eyed his surroundings carefully, as earlier he was making sure to maintain absolute eye with Tsubaki.

"Something the matter Roxas?" Tsubaki asked, "Did something catch your eye?"

"I think someone's watching us." Roxas answered, "It's probably just my imagination."

"I don't think it's your imagination, Roxas." Tsubaki pointed, "If you think someone's been watching us, then maybe we should get going. We can go to the DWMA for help. If anything happens, I can protect you."

"The DWMA?" Roxas appeared worried. "I think I'll pass."

" Well, if you say so." She got up, "So do you see anyone suspicious as of now?"

Quickly, Roxas scanned the area at fast as his eyes could go. The people around them continued to go about their day; eating food, talking to one another, enjoying their day. Except the presence was still there. The area around them felt eerily quiet rather suddenly.

"..." Roxas remained quiet. Something's not right.

The sound of his name broke his concentration. He turned and saw that it came from Tsubaki.

"Whoever it was probably left by now." Tsubaki suggested, "Anyway I have to get going now. It was fun talking to you." She stood up from her seat, and collected her items, "Good bye."

Roxas brought out his calling card, and the number Soul gave him.

"Wait— Here. It's my calling card and number." Tsubaki accepted it. "So we can talk some more later." Or something like that.

"Aw, that's sweet of you." She smiled, "But Roxas," She looked serious, "If you ever think you're in danger, talk to me. I'll try my best to help." She returned to smiling, "Alright, have fun with your friend." Tsubaki walked into the sea of other people, and left Roxas' sight.

With Tsubaki now gone, Roxas ventured around the mall, trying to find Soul without too much worry, as the watcher he felt. Was gone.

Eventually Roxas found Soul. Soul was talking to a small group of girls slightly older than him. He was talking about the time he fought against a witch. (That witch being Blair, who was just a cat with magical powers, but no one was there to fact check him). By the time Roxas joined them, the girls were applauding and asking if Soul wanted to join them to the beach sometime. Soul declined, and walked out of the mall, with Roxas walking beside him.

"That's how you do it." Soul explained to him.

They walked towards the exit, and made their way to the alleyway where they first arrived. Excitedly, Roxas explained to Soul about how he talked to a normal girl, and even gave his calling card and number to her. He forgot to mention his encounter with Tsugumi and the others. He hid the phone-number in his pocket.

"So who was the poor girl that you gave your number to anyway?" Soul asked.

"Tsubaki." Roxas responded pridefully with his new found knowledge. "She's named a flower."

"T-Tsubaki who?" Soul paused. "Like. Her last name." Roxas gave a confused expression.

"In other words dude," Soul sighed, "The second name she gave after the first one."

"Oh. it was Tsubaki Nakatsukasa." Roxas answered, with a smile forming afterwards.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"What?" Roxas stopped smiling

"Let's just go meet Blair, she's probably bathing at our home." Soul walked towards a different alley, "Let's go Roxas, I know a shortcut."

"Can't we just use the Corridor of Darkness?"

"Nah. I wanna see if things have changed." Soul picking up a star-shaped rock. "Hopefully not too much."

Upon night, the two made it into the Albarn and Eater residence. It looked a bit different, as one of the walls had been revamped with purple wallpaper, and much of the furniture had been changed into various forms of cats and pumpkins. The humming and singing of a girl could be heard from the bathroom. Plenty of steam could be seen coming out from the closed door.

"Nyaa~

I'm a beauty,

Yes-sir tooty.

Cute as a flower,

Go witch power,

Nyaa Nyaa~."

Roxas had a vacantly confused look on his face, while Soul was folding tissue paper. He was planning something.

"Who's singing?" Roxas asked, "She's.. Really creative with her words."

"Yep, that's Blair, the sexy magical cat alright." Soul confirmed, "She'd beat Demyx's songs anyday."

Soul brought Roxas close to the bathroom door, and shouted, even closer to the door.

"Hey Blair! Maka and me are back! Maka's right outside the door, and has a present for you. I bet it's yummy cat food if you come out right this second!" With his shouting done, Soul dove onto one of the couches, and brought his camera out. His signature grin revealed itself. His plan was coming together. Roxas fell into his trap.

Before Roxas could say a word, the door in front of him swung open, as the steam lowered itself onto the floor quickly. His eyes widened as a woman with a towel barely covering herself had suddenly gave Roxas the strongest hugged he ever received before. Actually, it might be his first hug. His face was being smother with something. Whatever it was, it was very soft, wet, and very warm. He couldn't breathe. He could hear the woman's eccentric cries of happiness. The sounds of a camera was heard every second.

"Maka MAka MAKA MKAA!" She repeated joyously, "I've missed you so much, everyone's been so worried. Nya~."

She continued to squeeze Roxas without a moment's note of hesitation. With his last amount of strength, he pushed the woman away. Luckily succeeding and able to catch his breath. Despite what happened, his cheeks had a hue of pink, and his mind still processing what was going on. The woman and Roxas eyes met. She looked at Roxas rather confused.

"Who're you?!" Roxas huffed in exhaustion.

"You're not… Maka." She realized, "Oh wait, you're Roxas!"

Without a pause, she squeezed Roxas with another strong bearhug. Roxas struggling to breathe intensified. The clicking of a camera continued while the warmth of the woman remained strong. Could he defend himself from this attacker? No. She wasn't an attacker is any sort of way. Her manner towards him was friendly. A moment later she let go, letting Roxas fall down against the wall, gasping for air. His hair was ruffled, his clothes wet, and his mind confused.

The purple woman turned her attention to Soul.

"Soul, you're so naughty playing a trick like that. Where's Maka?" she hummed. "Where are my manners, let me give you a great big hug too!"

Soul backed away, showing signs of caution. His eyes were more focused on Blair's now looser towel. His nose had leaks of blood dripping. He held the remains of his coolness with all his might.

"I-I'm cool, just put some clothes on!" he averted his eyes onto the anything around him. Upon closer inspection, everything seemed a bit different, like Maka and him have been gone for longer than a week. He heard the sound of something heavy and wet hit the floor.

"Don't be stingy!" The energetic woman sprang forth and bearhugged Soul. "I'm so glad to see you again."

"Oof,"Blair landed onto Soul completely fully exposed. Any remains of dignity was no more as he let the blood squirt away from his friend.

"Uhg." Soul hazily failed to push his friendly attacker off, resulting in acceptance. "It's good to see you too."

Roxas found himself slightly wet, tired, and not unsure on what his opinions are of this woman. The floor around them was wet, and the couch itself was the only dry furniture around besides the Halloween pumpkin wallpaper. Roxas finally regained his balance, approaching the almost unconscious Soul and the energized woman. He made sure not to look down, only at her eyes for maximum politeness. His intuition told him that looking at what her towel was once covering, would not end well for him.

"Who are you?" Roxas scratched his head. "Soul called you Blair, but Blair's a cat. Also you're not a cat."

"That's right nyaa. My name is Blair. I'm not just any cat, I'm a cat with magic powers. When we first met, I was in cat form." She insisted, "Can you be a dear and hand me my towel?"

"You can transform into a cat?" Roxas raised an eyebrow. Hope she's not like the striped pink cat from Alice and Wonderland, what was his came again? Cherryhair the cat? Whatever it is, it's not important right now.

Roxas quickly obeyed and picked up the wet, warm towel. He turned around at saw Blair lying on a big sofa in the center of the living room. He averted looking while she was still completely exposed. She must feel embarrassed for being caught without anything on. If I keep looking away, it might help her dignity.

"Can you be a dear and hand it to me?" Blair purred, "I think I've had enough time on the floor, and Soul's taking a nap on it. C'mere, this sofa is really comfy. Wanna join me, Roxas?"

Another thought had crossed his mind.

What is she saying? Well, that couch does look comfortable, maybe even more comfortable than the ones at the HQ. What if she's trying to say something else? Axel told me before that when girls say something, sometimes they mean something else. Is this one of the "sometimes"?

Roxas cautiously approached Blair with the towel in hand. He closed his eyes completely, and let himself move forward. He was a few feet away. He took a step. And another. Will she grab the towel already?

"Wait, watch your st—"

"Ahh!"

*Thump*

The familiar sensation of the girl's heat returned to him. Why did it return to him?

"?" Roxas opened his eyes.

Reality had struck him. No. Something made him slip. Click.

A camera could be heard once more, followed with Soul's groan. A quick glance of his positioning with Blair gave him a worrisome thought. Roxas was on top of Blair, who did not have anything covering herself. This feels like deja vu.

What if Xion saw this?! Xion gets kinda jumpy whenever I end up in weird situations. I'm glad she isn't he—

*Creak*

The front entrance had slowly opened itself, revealing two very familiar people at the doorway, exasperated at the sight in front of them.

"!" Roxas gulped.

Word Count: 3364

Author's Note: Hey guys, here's the second segment. Hope you enjoyed it. Review if you want.