Disclaimer: Disclaimed, I do not own To Love-Ru
Rito looked into the mirror with determination, as he finishes getting ready for school. After last nights confrontation with Nana and Mea, it became clear that he had to get a list of women he had to confess to, and then reject. So far the list wasn't long, but there was no doubt he needed to get input to make sure he wasn't missing any names. The went as follows: Momo, Haruna, Run, Yui, Yami, Nana, Mea, Nemesis, and oddly enough, Mikan. He figured the way Momo thought, somehow Mikan was probably considered one of his love interests by Gid. The man was definitely like his daughter in that respect, even though there was nothing to it.
Walking from his house to the school, his thoughts were ruminating about who he should approach. Lala wasn't on the list because she was the one he was doing this for, but he knew he still needed to talk to her before anything happened. He knew Run would be hard to get too, since her schedule as an idol kept her busy and away from school and himself. He also knew she would latch on to him and not give him any room to talk without forcing her body on him in some way. He really wasn't looking forward to dealing with the adult Memorzian, but she wasn't the worst problem he could face.
There was Yami, who unlike Mea, seemed to have an attraction to him in one way or another. Having to face her Darkness persona, it was obvious her interactions with him had left some imprint towards him, whether it remained love, or if its become just friendship was the question. He would just ask her right out, but he's still afraid of crossing the living weapon. Ever since they had foiled Nemesis' plans to use Yami's Darkness to destroy the earth, Yami had broken out of her emotionless shell, but she still was quite- frigid around Rito. She had declared he was the target of her affection, but he hadn't really had time to process that, before she seemed to rebuff him again like normal. And, ever since Kuro came and Yami showed she had control over her Darkness transformation, things had gone back to a normal routine, or as normal as they were around Sainan High. He would have to tread carefully when dealing with her, less he end up accidentally incur her wrath.
Momo would be awkward and a challenge, since she was so free and open around Rito ever since she arrived. She was the reason he was even having this problem, if he was being honest, ever since she decided to alter and enhance Lala's open attitude towards Haruna and his love for her. If he was being even more honest with himself, it was no doubt Momo's feelings toward him that made Gid have to draw a line in the sand, something he no doubt heard about from his wife when she had visited and observed her actions around him. Ever since then, though, their interactions had become less and less, mainly due to Rito trying his best to make up his mind and heart up, and Momo giving him just a bit more breathing room.
But his heart had become stagnant ever since Haruna's disappearance, and it no doubt reflected in his daily attitude for the past few months. He had gotten better at avoiding making scenes using the training Zastin had provided him, but his perverted accidents still kept cropping up in unusual and stranger ways. A lot of it was unavoidable with Lala, Nana, and Momo living in his house and using their shower and bath, but the occasions around town, they were much harder to explain away. Like the time he had accidentally tried to remove a kitten from a tree, and managed to land himself in Yui's crotch, with his hands on her breasts. Or the time he had slipped on some ice and knocked Yami's taiyaki to the ground, and managed to expose one of her breasts trying to steady himself. He definitely regretted that once he had to walk home freezing cold after being being dumped unceremoniously into a snowbank. He was trying to get better, really, but it was hard when the world just seemed to be against him and took advantage of his kind and generous personality, to ruin it for someone's amusement.
Sighing, he passes his former classroom of last year, he looks in and smiles at the memories he accrued, with his understanding friends and classmates. Then his eyes pass over the long empty desk, and a pang in his heart crosses his mind. Where the sweet, kind, and lovely Haruna Sairenji once sat, the warm memories could do nothing comparing the early morning sunshine on the desk with no warm smile and friendly face to accompany them. The last person on his list, besides Momo, Haruna Sairenji would be the hardest challenge facing Rito. He would have to figure out where she had disappeared to, why she hadn't returned, and understand what their relationship really was. That last one would be especially hard on him considering, last he knew Haruna had been his girlfriend, and he was going on his sixth month of no contact of any kind with her. He had long ago stopped worrying, somehow convinced she had moved on without him and couldn't find a way to tell him. But then again, he was kidding himself, he had missed her everyday but couldn't ever get close to any of her friends or anyone who would know what happened to her, because he believed she would return.
He had deluded himself for long enough, though, as this was a real wake up call for him, regarding the fate of Lala and the Earth. He knew he needed to move on, Mikan had been trying her best to subtlety suggest as much, and he had always known that. He hadn't heard anything about Haruna, though, nothing in the papers showing she had been killed or anything like that, so he had always kept himself from moving forward out of some form of guilt, no doubt. It was probably just his way of coping, suppressing his feelings even more, which caused his outbreak of accidents to increase in intensity as much as they had. This he was sure could be controlled, once he faced his emotions head on and came to the proper conclusion, whether he truly loved Lala or not, how to face his feelings about all these other girls, and make his feelings known.
Stopping at his school room, Rito stops himself before he opens the door. What did he really want to do, after getting these girls to understand his situation? Would he just break their hearts and hope for the best, selfishly putting his own needs ahead of theirs, because he was shouldering a duty that was basically forced onto him, out of the feeling he alone could save the earth by his sacrifice. He stops as he thinks on that. When did it become a sacrifice, trying to keep the Earth from being blown up, or worse? Was it just the feeling of the past two years influencing his attitude, or was it resentment towards Momo for forcing him into this? Closing his hand tightly, Rito can see his knuckles turn white.
Does he even love Lala like that? Will he feel that way by the time he breaks his friends hearts? Will he even be able love anymore? He felt like his world was closing in around him, as a ringing in his ears becomes apparent. His breathing gets shallow and he feels his pulse increase as everything that's happened seems to finally be catching up to him. Maybe the tears at the corners of his eyes was just the stress leaving his body, or maybe his emotions were just starting to get the best of him, having to face the plain truth put in front of him. Wiping at his eyes, Rito takes a deep breath and feels his control return to him.
Opening the door, Rito is smiling hollowly, but the sight of his familiar classroom starts to turn his feelings around, as the students file in for the morning classes. Among them is Lala, Yui, and few people he recognizes among the hallways, including Saruyama. That was when the door opened for the last time, and the form of Run Elise Jewelria marches in with a smile on her face. She walks over to Rito, and smiles flirtatiously as she brushes by him, though as she passes by Lala, who sits behind him, her expression turns dark. Rito knew, though, about the girl's bad side, that jealous side she thought she hid so well behind. Rito realized that he would have to do this today, if he wanted to get this over with, and just hope she wouldn't put up a fit and try and challenge Lala. By the time class had passed and Lunchtime began, Rito hadn't realized just how much the day seemed to drag by, until Run approached him and leaned into his face.
Meanwhile, Outside
Blowing an ember of flame out of her mouth, Kyouko sighs in the cold spring air, as she departs the bus. She was going to visit Sainan High again, since today was supposed to be a day off for Run-chan. Her Memorzian friend had been having a tough few weeks in her idol life, so Kyouko thought she'd help her friend relax as much as possible. Though knowing Run, she was trying to jump Rito as their morning classes ended and lunch began. Chuckling the Flamian hybrid walks into the school with little fanfare, unlike last time, though she put just a little bit more effort into her appearance by messing up her hair just a bit, so it looked different than her normal style.
"Rito-kun!" the voice of Run Elsie Jewelria yells out in the schools hallway, "Come back, I haven't even gotten to kiss you y-e-t!" Kyouko realized that her Memorzian friend was currently chasing a familiar face throughout the halls, and she realized it was the same man she knew Run had talked about so much. Rito Yuuki was currently booking it through the halls, aiming to find the stairway to the roof, no doubt. As he weaves and ducks through the crowds of students, he tried to go around Kyouko, but only managed to knock her aside and down the stairs. Realizing this, Kyouko tries to grab on to the nearest handle, only to find Rito's arm reaching for her hand. Grasping tightly, Rito half stumbles down the steps as he stops her from falling, having run into the stairs himself as he knocked the actress down. Kyouko feels a shock go through her hand as she notices the alarmed look on Rito's face as he pulls her up, seemingly happy he was able to get a hold of himself before anything went wrong.
"Kyouko?" he states, as he recognizes the Flamian hybrid from the year prior, and her occasional visits to Run-chan and the school since, "Sorry about that, Run is.." Kyouko nods and laughs, knowing Run was on the warpath for Rito's heart. Grabbing on his hand tighter, she decides to pull him up the stairs as Run careens down the hallway. Eventually Rito takes charge, and pulls Kyouko along towards the roof, and out into the open air, where they both stop and catch their breath. "Thank you, K-kyouko-san," Rito states, "I wanted to talk with R-run, but she- didn't give me a chance to e-explain what I wanted to talk to her about." Kneeling onto his knees, Kyouko nods and laughs, knowing Run was definitely unable to hear anything when she was caught up in what she wanted. Perhaps it was the fact she was royalty and thought she was entitled to be the center of attention, that clearly shone in her idol life, but that girl really needed to know her limits.
"Rito!" Run says, as she slams the door to the roof open, "Kyouko-chan?" The Memorzian looks puzzled as she sees Rito and her friend both on the roof. "I didn't even know you were here, Kyouko-chan, what are you doing with Rito?" she asks, "Are you trying to get in my way with Rito?" The Memorzian turns inquisitive, and her smile turns into a frown.
"Run-chan, I want you to do something for me," Kyouko says as she puts out her hand to her friend, "Rito-san says he wanted to tell you something, but you wouldn't give him the time of day to get a word in; I want you to listen and focus because it might be important!" Run nods, as Kyouko looks to Rito and smiles. "Go ahead Rito," she states, "Tell her what you wanted to ask her..." Rito gulps and nods, before taking a deep breath.
"Thank you Kyouko-san, I believe this is important for you to hear, as well as Run, due to circumstances," he says, clearly looking compassionately at both Run and Kyouko, "I am currently the fiance of the Eldest Princess of Deviluke, Lala Satalin Deviluke, the heiress to the Deviluke Empire, and request you both listen to my plea." He gauges their reactions, before opting to continue at their befuddled expressions. "Due to unique circumstances, I ask that you Run Elise Jewelria, and you as well Kyouko Kirisaki, as potential love interests, to understand that I am asking you to break off any romantic interests or pursuits regarding myself," Rito says boldly, "As I am pursuing marriage to Lala-hime, I ask you, please, to provide testimony refuting any love for me at the behest of King Gid of Deviluke when he arrives, or there will be consequences." Rito pauses, his mouth going dry as he speaks, as he sees Kyouko shocked, and Run with a look he can't even read. "Due to the nature of Deviluke politics, you can refute my rejection and become a contender against Lala for my affections and her status, or as I beg of you to do, accept the truth of the matter and my rejection," Rito says, "To lose as a contender could mean losing your life, or becoming an exile of the Milky Way Galaxy and all of Deviluke territory; so I ask you please to accept my rejection of your feelings, and provide testimony to King Gid."
Kyouko doesn't know what to say, being asked this so suddenly, but she finds her voice. "I-I mean we've only met in passing once, or twice, but I know I do not have any feelings for you Rito-san," she says with a bit of an embarrassed smile, "I appreciate your concern, though, since I don't want to get mixed up in your affairs; I know it must be difficult having to ask this of us, but thank you for your honesty Rito-san." She looks towards Run with Rito, and she notices something is not right.
Tears are streaming down her cheeks, running the mascara and makeup on the girls face as she cries. Looking up with enough sadness to pierce Kyouko's heart, she can only guess that her crush on Rito ran deeper than either of them thought. Rito too can't help but feel the weight of guilt on his heart, seeing Run, a strong girl like her, cry and reduced to tears for being rejected. "W-why are you saying these t-things R-Rito?" she ask sobbing, "Are- are you being coerced, are you just s-saying this b-because La-Lala is forcing you to?" The Memorzian girl rubs at her eyes to stop the tears. "Why are you lying about your feelings?" she asks, and Rito feels a pang of hurt, "W-why are you giving into her, when you k-know how much better I am!" Suddenly her mood shifts to anger, as she balls her fists and stares down Kyouko and Rito. A strike of thunder lights off in the distance, as the cloudy day begins to pour from sudden storm, further ruinging Run's appearance, and getting the others wet.
"You! Did you put him up to this?" she shouts at her best friend, "Are you trying to steal him away too, like Lala?" She points at Kyouko in anger, before storming up to her and getting in her face. "Do you know who I am?" she says, "I could- I could-" She stops and realizes what she is saying, before breaking down into a mess, and hugging Kyouko, to her surprise. Run then pulls away and stops, just going silent. "I'm sorry, I don't mean it Kyouko, I know you wouldn't act like that... you aren't the one I should be blaming," she says, as she turns to Rito, "What is she threatening you with, you haven't shown her any interest in two years, and yet you suddenly decide to break off any other girls romantic feelings for you?" She looks at him scornfully, as if sizing him up for a coffin. "Are you going to have to get testimony from your own mother, for breaking her heart after telling her you can't love her anymore?" she taunts wildly, surprising both Rito and Kyouko by her callousness, "You know I'm a princess too, and I could have the Memorze Fleet to back you up, even if its against the Deviluke Empire; all you have to do is tell me who to shoot..."
Rito grips his hands tightly and does something that surprises both Kyouko and Run. "Shut up you spoiled b- just shut up!" he says anger flush in his face, "You used to be her friend, and you treat her like garbage- at least Ren for all his faults, was understanding when Lala rejected him- you are just a vengeful little harpy whose petty jealousy is clouding her heart!" He walks up to Run and levels a finger to her face. "You think I want to do this, then think again, because I sure as hell am the one whose going to be hurt the most by the time I'm done," he shouts, "I don't even know my own feelings toward my missing somewhat-girlfriend, my current fiancee, and an envious, manipulative bitch who wants me to just give up on any singular happiness for the nebulous happiness of others she says 'depends' on me for it." He throws his bag across the roof as he explodes on the two alien girls, his stuff going everywhere on the roof.
"I thought I could handle the feelings of loneliness, the worry, and the anger, but I can't do it anymore," Rito yells, tears mixed with rain, "I thought it was bad the first time, when I thought I might actually have a chance of loving Lala, but then Momo and Nana came and made it worse- don't think I haven't noticed how much you want me to yourself, well get in line because it seems like everyone thinks I love them, because my stupid, klutzy, and perilous nature, causes me to get into all kinds of tiring and perverted misunderstandings..." He turns around and looks a scared Run in the eyes. "I'm tired of people like you, thinking they can just walk all over my feelings and expect me to just lie down and take it, well here's a newsflash for you," he states, "If I don't marry Lala, or if she doesn't chose someone else, or if someone else decides to challenge her, than Earth,my family, hell myself, will either: A) Die, B)Be enslaved, C) Become Exiles, or D)A Mix of the Above." Kyouko and Run both looked shocked, and Run's face softens as his lashing out becomes understandable. She goes to move towards him, but he steps back, and she stops.
Rito begins to cool down, as the fog of rage that had been building up cleared out, his eyes no longer just seeing red. "I-I'm sorry," he says, as he realizes what he had just done, "I- I-" He stops, defeated, and he starts to pick up his things that are now soaked, and most likely ruined. As he goes to pick up the last of the spilled items, he feels two pairs of arms surround him in a hug.
"It's alright Rito-san," Kyouko states, "We understand a bit now." Run nods, before letting go as Kyouko does.
"I'm sorry Rito, I didn't realize it had gotten that bad for the both of you," Run states, "I- you're right, my feelings for you have been clouded by my feelings towards Lala..." She pauses and wipes the rain from her eyes. "I've always regretted Lala for torturing my brother and I, when we were younger, but she was always just trying to get us to smile, or be friendly in her own quirky way," Run says smiling a bit, "I may never like her like Ren does, but I can start by just being your... friend." She frowns a little bit at that, but chuckles. "Why did I ever love a perverted, clumsy boy like you anyway?" she says, more to herself than Rito, "I guess I'm just jealous Lala has a boy like you willing to go to such lengths, like this, to make her happy just- just don't forget about your own happiness, Rito..." She looks to him and smiles. "Rito, you may not believe me, but the pressure's on Lala, just as much as it is on you," she says chuckling, "Knowing that girl, she probably is planning six different back-up plans to get you out of this, because she truly does love you Rito, she wants you to be happy, not forced into a loveless marriage..."
Rito looks at her, and wipes away the thinning drops of rain from his face. "You th-think s-so?" he asks, "I seem to think otherwise, because she doesn't have to do this to her friends..." Run laughs at that, before walking over to the railing and watching as the dark clouds roll on by, spreading rain elsewhere.
"You'd be surprised, she's probably being pressured by her father to give you up, and to pick one of her numerous other suitors, or worse, she has Momo pressuring her into doing some kind of gratuitous, lewd act to show you how much she loves you," Run states, as she turns her head back to look at Rito, "True she has her Mother,who is no doubt doing her best to change her Father's mind, or at least encourage Lala in her own way, and she has Nana who will do whatever it takes to back her big sister up, even sabotage whatever Momo has planned to do so..." She wipes a wet bang out of her eyes, and keeps on smiling. "No, right now what Lala needs is your support, which you already are showing her by doing this," she states looking down at the bottom of the schoolyard, "You know, Lala no doubt appreciates you sacrificing your time to approach her romantic rivals, and get them to acquiesce of their own volition; tell me who you've approached so far Rito, nice and loudly." Confused that Run suddenly spoke louder, Rito does likewise and moves a bit closer.
"Well, I've been rejected by you and Kyouko, obviously, but then there's also Mea and Nana, who I got rejections from last night," he lists, and then thinks a little bit harder, "I think somehow Nemesis learned what was going on, and said she wouldn't pursue me romantically, but that was before anyone even told me about what happened; I think Saruyama wants to go for Yui, so he's going to help me disassemble the- uh, Harem Plan, that Momo cooked up last year..." He nervously coughs that last part up, but his blush fades as Run turns around smiling.
"I'm sure Lala will be happy for you doing this; and I think I can help you with your biggest obstacle, Rito-kun," Run states, scratching her chin thoughtfully, "I'm sure you've been curious about Saireji-chan, why she disappeared before school started, and why she hasn't been back to school..." Rito perks up at this information, before he starts to wonder why Run has become so helpful. "Sairenji-chan had a run in with my brother over the summer, which resulted in them becoming friendly," she states, fully turning her body towards Rito and Kyouko, "I don't know much, so you'd have to ask Ren, but it has to do with a mix of her older sister having to move home, coupled with an accident at the beach Haruna was visiting over the summer, that caused her parents to get her to move back with them..." Rito swallows, taking this in, realizing that there was a reason Haruna hadn't come back after all.
"So, she had to move in with her parents, that explains a lot, I guess," he states feeling a bit hollow, "I guess she must have had to leave in a hurry, and not let anyone know what happened... I guess she really didn't-" He stops and sighs, before putting on a thankful smile. "Thank you Run, for telling me this," Rito says, glad that he was finally being told this by someone, "I- we better go see the Mikado-senpai and see if we can get our clothes dry before we get sick.." Nodding, the three turn and head inside from the roof, having long forgotten their classes.
Down below, looking up at the roof, where a smiling Run had spotted her, Haruna Sairenji stood in shock. She had heard enough, and was confused as to what was going on. Hadn't her message to Rito been passed on by the Deviluke princess? Confused and dismayed, Haruna turns away with a broken heart, not realizing how much her disappearance had hurt Rito. The fact he was going after 'romantic rivals' for Lala, obviously showed where his love lay now. She was his ex-girlfriend now, it appeared, even if he hadn't told her directly. It was obvious after all Run had said and she had heard, wasn't it?