Recap
"Her name will be Yukiko Mashiro."
-Mr. Mashiro
"I don't want you (Nade) hanging out with him (Leo) anymore!"
-Nagi
"Says the guy with the hicky on his (Leo) neck"
-Leo
"Kiss him!" For once I didn't question the voice. I began to lean in. I noticed him do the same. His lips touched mine
-Nade's POV
Rima: I think Nagi's yelling had the opposite effect
Nagi: *depressed aura*
Rima: Nagi?
Nagi: ...
Rima: Nagi!
Nagi: *still depressed* what?
Rima: Snap out of it! Leo lives in America and Nade lives in Japan. It's bound to not work out
Nagi: *snaps out of depression* you're right Rima!
Rima: I'm just glad you're back to normal
Chapter 25 Distract and Conquer
*Lulu's POV*
"A boyfriend?" I asked.
"Yeah! He said that he wrote a song about me then we kissed!" Nade wasn't one to gush and squeal like a fangirl but Lulu could tell she was excited.
"Details? What's his name? What's he like? How was the kiss?" Lulu felt disgusted that she had to pretend like a gossip girl
"His name is Leo. He has short black hair and piercings."
"Oh a bad boy," I said.
"He certainly is a rebel."
"You still didn't tell me about the kiss," I said. This was killing me. I didn't care about any of this.
"It was... I don't know what to say. I was amazing and sweet and great and-"
"I think I got it," I teased.
"I'm sorry, I don't mean to just talk about me. How is France?"
"Oh it's great. I got to go to the Eifel tower again and I went to a few of my favorite shops."
"Did you have fun?" This took me by surprise. All my friends in France just wanted to talk about them and their new clothes or boyfriends or hairstyles. There wasn't a single one of them that asked if she had fun before.
"Lulu?" I snapped out of my thoughts.
"Yes I did."
"Good. I was worried that you weren't having a good time." She was worried...about me? What is up with this girl.
"There's no need to worry. I have to go. Good luck with Leo," I said to get off the phone with her.
"Alright. Have fun Lulu. I'll text you later," Nade said.
"Bye."
"Goodbye." I hit the end button and sighed.
"Having problems?"
"Oh shut up! I'm just annoyed that the brat won't leave me alone." I said. I can't believe I'm stuck with her.
"You called her."
"Of course I did. If I didn't pretend to be interested then she'd think I was a fake," I pointed out.
"But you are a fake."
"I'm going to bed so I can stop listening to you bark at me. Remember that your step-daddy has guards so you can't run off," I said. She looked annoyed.
"Strike a nerve?" I asked.
"They'll figure out what you're doing. They will stop you and Mr. Valentine."
"Not when you put suspicion in the group," I said with a smirk. This girl didn't realize that she was a part of the plan from the very beginning.
"I didn't-"
"Oh come on! You know very well why Rei Mashiro and Aarin Hill haven't been effected by the machine. You were the one to cause them to be immune."
"I didn't do it to go against them."
"Oh I know. You gave them the necklaces thinking that you were helping them but really Mr. Valentine let you take them. Why do you think he had me only made two? How does it feel to betray your friends again Nami," I said. Her green eyes glared into mine.
"Nami, you need to calm down," Kaya said.
"Nami the traitor! Nami the double agent! Nami the spy!" Nana cheered.
"Shut up!" she yelled.
"How does it feel Nami?" I asked.
*Rima's POV*
"What's wrong Rei," I asked. she was looking out the window but she would occasionally look at her phone.
"Nami hasn't texted me or answered any of my calls. We've been here for two months now. It's like she's ignoring me," Rei said.
"I'm sure she has a reason," Aarin said. As if on cue, Rei phone began to ring.
"Hello?" She walked into the other room.
"Do you think it's Nami?" Yaya asked.
"Probably not. It's probably her mom," Aarin answered.
*Rei's POV*
"Hello Rei."
"Who is this?" I asked.
"This is Mrs. Fujisaki."
"Oh hello! I didn't know you had my number."
"I didn't. I need to tell you something important. I didn't have the heart to tell Rima."
"What's wrong Mrs. Fujisaki?"
"Rima's parents had a bad fight and she is currently staying at my house. I fear about the stress it's putting on her and the baby. She's very far along now."
"I have an idea. If it works then Rima doesn't have to know and my aunt and uncle will be happy."
"I'm open to anything. I don't want them to hurt Rima."
"Good. Here's the plan."
*Nagi's POV*
"Who was it?" Aarin asked when Rei returned.
"It was mama. She wanted to know how we were doing and that she's been watching all of our shows on TV," Rei said.
"I wonder how mama is doing? She must be pretty big by now. It's been about six months since she found out she's going to have Yukiko," Rima said.
"We'll call her later. Right now we need to get ready for tonight. I have a new song for tonight," Rei said.
"That's great! I have one that I wanted to give a try," Aarin said.
"They seem to be in their own little world," Rima said.
"It happens," I agreed.
"I kind of miss mama and papa," she said.
"You'll see them when you get home."
"I know. I can't wait to be a happy family of four."
"Here we are Chicago, Illinois," Sanjo said. All of us stepped off the bus and into the hotel. We were used to the daily routine. They would get off the bus, grab their things, go to their rooms, unpack, travel around the town, concert, sleep, wake up, pack everything, check out, and get on the bus. We've been on tour for almost two months. We still had one more left. Of course Nade and Leo were together. I had hoped that she would realize that he was a loser but unfortunately she hadn't.
"Nagi, can you help me? I need to check in," Rei asked.
"Sure." I followed her to the check in desk.
"Checking in for Utau Hoshina," Rei said. The person behind the desk went into the back for keys.
"Nagi, I don't have a bunch of time to tell you this but it wasn't my mother that called me on the bus."
"Who was it?" I asked.
"Your mother."
"My mother?"
"She called to tell me that auntie and uncle had a bad fight and auntie is staying at your house right now."
"That's going to crush Rima," I said.
"That's why we aren't going to tell her. I have a plan. All you have to do is distract Rima tonight at the concert. For once, I want you to hog her all to yourself. Make sure she doesn't see the show tonight. I don't care how you do it," she said.
"Will you tell me the rest of the plan?" I asked.
"Fine."
*Rima's POV*
I tried to manage Nagi's luggage and mine but I wasn't strong enough.
"Here let me help," Aarin said. He grabbed Nagi's suitcase.
"Thanks."
"No problem." We all went into the hotel and met up with Nagi and Rei.
"Here's the key," Rei said as she passed them out. We accepted them and went to the room. The bed arrangements never changed. Nagi and I unpack in our room.
"I think your leg is doing better," I said.
"I think so too. I only have to have the boot on for another month then I can dance and play basketball again," he said. She could tell that he was excited about it.
"I think after dinner I'm going to take a little nap. I had a hard time sleeping last night," I said. I had a nightmare about mama and papa fighting. Nagi of course woke up and calmed me down.
"Good idea. I'm a bit tired too," he said.
"We should have an hour or two to nap before we have to leave for the concert," I calculated in my head.
"Sounds good." There was a knock on the door.
"Come in," I said.
"Dinner's ready. Nade made sandwiches," Aarin said.
"Great I'm hungry," Nagi said. We went into the living room to see everyone eating on the floor. We grabbed a sandwich and joined them.
"I can't wait for the new songs," Yaya cheered.
"You'll have to wait like everyone else," Rei said.
"I haven't even heard them," Utau said.
"No way!" Amu said.
"Oh by the way, Nade these are really good," Utau said.
"Thank you."
"That's my girl," Leo said as he wrapped an arm around Nade. I saw Nagi glare at him.
"Nagi and I will be taking a nap. Make sure to wake us up before the concert," I said changing the subject.
"Will do," Amu said. Nagi and I finished dinner quickly then retreated to our rooms. We got under the covers and cuddled.
"You're so comfy," I said.
"Glad you think so." My eye lids felt heavy.
"Nagi. Do you think mama and papa will ever fight again?" I asked.
"No one is perfect and marriage takes work but I think they'll be fine," he said. I smiled at him then sleep took me over.
*Time Skip*
*Rei's POV*
"It's time to go. We better wake them up," Nade said.
"We should leave them alone," Aarin said.
"I agree. They had a rough night. Rima had a nightmare last night and Nagi was up all night with her," I said.
"Are you sure that's alright?" Sanjo asked.
"Yes."
*Nagi's POV*
I heard them as they left. Guilt began to take over. Rei told me that Rima's parents were fighting then Rima asked me if they would ever fight. I felt like the worst boyfriend but I'm trying to make sure she doesn't get hurt.
"Mama."
"She's dreaming about her mother," Temari said.
"Rhythm."
"It looks like Kusukusu is dreaming about Rhythm," I said. His face turned pink.
"I still feel bad that we can't wake her," I said.
"It's for her own good," Temari assured. I looked at the blonde. She was so peaceful right now. I just hope she stays asleep. I felt like I needed to stay away but I couldn't help but fall asleep.
*Time Skip*
*Rei's POV*
"Are they watching?"
"Yes. Both of them are in the same room watching it. I told them that they needed to do this for Rima," Mrs. Fujisaki said.
"Good." I hung up the phone and walked on stage. The crowd was cheering. I'm glad that they are willing to listen to my music. I began to play the song.
"This song goes out to a few family members of mine," I said.
Mama please stop crying, I can't stand the sound
Your pain is painful and it's tearin' me down
I hear glasses breakin' as I sit up in my bed
I told dad you didn't mean those nasty things you said
You fight about money, about me and my sister
And this I come home to, this is my shelter
It ain't easy growin' up in world war three
Never knowin' what love could be, you'll see
I don't want love to destroy me like it has done to my family
Can we work it out, can we be a family
I promise I'll be better, mommy I'll do anything
Can we work it out, can we be a family
I promise I'll be better daddy please don't leave
*Mrs. Fujisaki's POV*
The Mashiro's were crying. Tears streamed down their face. Then they looked at each other.
"We were being stupid," he said.
"Just a fight over nothing," she said. They held each other while they cried.
"Good job Rei," I whispered to myself.
*Rei's POV*
Mom I'll be nicer, I'll be so much better
I'll tell my sister, I won't spill the milk at dinner
I'll be so much better, I'll do everything right
I'll be your little girl forever, I'll go to sleep at night
I couldn't take it anymore. This was my worst fear. I would be gone and Rima would be heartbroken all over again. I should never have agreed to leave. The music faded out and everyone began to applause. I couldn't move. I didn't have stage fright but I was scared. I was scared that my plan didn't work.
The best thing about tonight's that we're not fighting
Could it be that we have been this way before
I know you don't think that I am trying
I know you're wearing thin down to the core
Aarin sat at the piano on stage and played as he sang. I had no idea that he could play. He never mentioned it before. He patted the spot next to him. Suddenly the tension I felt moments ago faded away. I sat next to him as he sang.
But hold your breath
Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you over again
Don't make me change my mind
Or I won't live to see another day, I swear it's true
Because a girl like you's impossible to find, you're impossible to find
*Mrs. Fujisaki's POV*
"May I have this dance?" Mr. Mashiro asked.
"You shall," she said as she took his hand. The two danced while they listened to the American boy's song. I guess I'll have to reconsider my opinion about that boy. He wasn't part of the plan but he certainly helped directly cheer up three Mashiros. He also indirectly cheered up Rima and her unborn sister. He brought the family together without even knowing it.
*Time Skip*
*Rei's POV*
"Thank you for telling me. I'm glad we were able to get them on good terms again," I said into the phone as we made it back to the hotel.
"Goodbye." I hung up the phone.
"I hope Rima isn't mad that we didn't wake her," I said. We all went straight to their room. I was afraid to see the wrath of a really angry Rima but when we opened the door it was the opposite. Nagi had one arm around Rima's waist while she slept on his chest. We could see Nagi's boot poking out of the blanket. Both of them looked peaceful as they slept.
"I guess you were worried for nothing," Amu whispered.
"Yeah." All of us retreated to our rooms. Getting ready for bed didn't take long. Yaya passed out pretty quickly but I couldn't sleep. My mind was too awake. What Aarin did for me was the sweetest thing in the whole world. I was frozen with fear and he was able to make sure I didn't crack. I have to write this feeling down. I quietly got up and went to my desk. I turned the lamp on. Yaya didn't stir so I kept doing what I was doing. I got out a piece of paper and began to write.
"What are you doing Rei?" Jazlynn asked.
"I'm writing a new song."
"But you just finished one. You should probably rest," Angel suggested.
"I have to do this now. It's my love song."
"You mean?" Both charas asked without bringing up the question.
"I think I'm in love."
*Nade's POV*
"Goodnight," I said.
"Night," Leo said then he gave me a light kiss. I walked into my room. Amu was already in the bed asleep. Utau was up and around.
"Utau? I thought you would be asleep by now," I said.
"I wanted to tell you something," she said. I looked at her curiously.
"I know what it's like to be an outsider. I used to hate Amu, Tadase, Nagi, Kukai, Yaya and Kairi. This was before Rima, Rei, and Aarin moved here. I used to hate everyone that I'm friends with now. I got to know them, I learned to love them. My point is that I know how you feel. You feel like we're forcing you into this group but you can be around whoever you want. You don't have to be in our group if you don't want to but we will welcome you with open arms," she said. I was surprised by her.
"I am around people I want to be around," I said.
"You and I both know that's not true. You feel stuck in a personality that was made up for you without you being here. Nagi may have been Nade for years but maybe it's time that Nade got a makeover. For now on you do whatever you want...within reason," Utau said.
"Thank you Utau. You don't know how much that means to me," I said I was sincerely touched by her little speech. My chest felt a little lighter. I felt determined.
"Promise me something," she said.
"What do I promise?"
"Be yourself." I smiled at her.
"I promise."
*Mrs. Fujisaki POV*
Luckily the Mashiro's were happy. All the tension was gone. THere one thing still on Mrs. Fujisaki's mind.
"You may be cunning Mr. Valentine but I am not a fool. You've tried to dig around and find out what the Fujisaki secret is."
"I wondered how long it would take you to notice something was wrong. I admit that it's impressive that you found out this quickly," he said.
"Don't underestimate me."
"Please! Your son runs off with his friends and fights a big company last year and none of you parents even know about it!"
"What are you-"
"Ask your son about Easter. Ask your son about shugo chara."
"You keep him out of this! He has nothing to do with this!"
"You love your son yet you don't know anything about him."
"Easter" The words left her mouth.
"What does a big company have to do with my son?"
"Why do I not know about it?"
*Lulu's POV*
"You are to wear this at all times," I said as I handed Mr. Valentine's bratty step-daughter one of my necklaces.
"I'm not wearing it! You're not turning Kaya into a ? chara!" she yelled. Two bodyguards that Mr. Valentine hired held her arms while I clasped the necklace around her.
"You don't have a say in this. If you take it off then we'll put it right back on," I said.
"You're evil!"
"No, I'm just a winner," I said with a smirk.
"You're not a real winner. Real winners have wonderful friendships. They depend on each other, laugh together, enjoy each other. Rei taught me that as well as the rest of my friends. Who wants to be friends with a girl that's so selfish that she doesn't even realize how lonely she is," Nami said with malice in her voice.
"Shut up!" How dare she say those things! I don't need friends! I don't need to depend on anyone else! I can do everything myself! I heard the smack but I didn't feel it for a few seconds. My hand then began to pulse. I hit her. Mr. Valentine will be upset.
"Nami!" Kaya yelled with concern.
"I'm alright. Her hitting me just proves my point. She's a loner and no one likes her," Nami said. I walked away from her. I couldn't stand to be in the same room as her.
"Lulu!" Nana called for me. I went into my room and sat on my bed. She was right. I didn't have any real friends. I pulled my knees closer and curled up into a little ball.
"Lulu."
"Nana, do I have any friends?" I asked.
"Of course you do. You have me," she said.
"You have to be around me. We're friends because you're a part of me," I said. My phone suddenly beeped. I looked to see that I got a text from Nadeshiko.
"Nade is my friend."
Rhythm: Woah! A lot of stuff happened during this episode
Temari: Nami being Mr. Valentine's step-daughter
Rhythm: Rima's parents fighting
Temari: Rei and Aarin bringing them back together
Rhythm: Rei finally gets to write her love song
Temari: Utau is a great friend to Nade.
Rhythm: Mrs. Fujisaki is suspicious of Easter and Nagi
Temari: Lulu depressed
Rhythm: I guess question # 27 is what do you think will happen?
Temari: I'm still wrapping my head around everything
Rhythm: Me too... I guess...review