Hey hey hey readers,
You're head is probably spinning, no it is not a fake, it is not an author's note, it is an actual CHAPTER!
I'm so proud of myself in updating twice in less than a week. See? I'm not completely heartless! I better get twice the reviews!
I apologize for any errors. I try to proofread, but it's like 2 am and I want to SLEEP!
RxExR
Chapter 12: Tame
Hotaru didn't even turn around when the words came out of my mouth. She didn't even stop typing. The printer on her desk, modeled after a turtle for whatever reason, started to make a noise and it began spitting out sheets of paper. She stood up from her spinning chair and gathers the sheets once the printer had fallen silent. She flips through the pages and still says nothing.
"Did you hear me Hotaru?" I call out.
There is plenty of space between us, but I thought for sure she had heard me, but the violet-eyed girl just strode over to me and placed the stack in my hand.
"I have excellent hearing," is all she says before returning to her desk.
The first page on top of the stack has a government logo printed on it and 'National Japanese Adoption Registry' written in big bold letters on the top. Was she looking at this the whole time? I can't help but ponder as I stare at the back of her head as she resumes sitting at her desk. My heart warms a little upon realizing what a phenomenal person I have been lucky enough to meet.
"I expect you to read those carefully and follow the instructions." She says cutting through my warm and fuzzy feeling moment with a blunt knife.
"Great," I moan, "homework."
My newfound relationship with Hotaru didn't drastically change my work environment like I thought it would. I figured maybe I'd be a pariah and no one would want to be around me because they would fear anything they say being used as a tool to get them fired.
But when I walked in through the back door of Imai's the following Saturday evening with Youichi in tow, I was greeted by Hoshio and Nobara who were both sitting in the lounge drinking coffee. They smiled and asked how my day off was and offered me some coffee. They were both working a double shift at the restaurant because Luna and two other girls called in sick. Judging by the looks on their faces when Hoshio said the word 'sick' I'm guessing that's far from the truth.
Youichi made himself comfortable on the lounge's couch with a book Natsume gave to him during our ride home yesterday evening. It was lying on the floor in the back seat of his black Porsche where Youichi and I were sitting. Let me just take a moment to say that the ride back to my apartment was amazingly comfortable in cozy leather seats that, get this, heat up. Heated seats that make my butt feel like it's a cake in an oven is the greatest invention known to man, especially after the temperature outside dropped about thirty degrees.
Natsume pulled up to the front of my apartment and turned to look at us as I opened the door to leave. He and Youichi made eye contact and he just nodded. Youichi tucked the book to his chest and got out of the car. I thanked them for the ride and pressed my code to get into the building. I watch Youichi somewhat wearily not really knowing what to think of this 'thing' between him and Natsume. I definitely don't want Natsume influencing Youichi's already fragile and stoic personality. I don't think my heart could take it if Youichi turned into some dark and mysterious womanizer sulking around in dark alleys. I want him to be happy and smile and laugh and play with other kids and live in a positive environment.
I hid the adoption information packet Hotaru had printed off under my sweater before going downstairs where the guys were waiting to take us home. I don't know what his reaction to it will be and it's not like I know what I'm doing exactly so I wouldn't be able to answer any questions he might have about it. Plus I haven't even had time to read more than the cover page since I almost overslept after crashing out on Friday night.
Saturday's shift was pretty uneventful except for catching the tail ends of conversations revolving around Natsume. How cute he was that night, his motorcycle, his eyes, and the alleged 'slut' he was with. The girl was actually really pretty with long black hair and a shimmering mini-dress that hugged and complimented her petite figure. She didn't look like any more of a slut than the rest of us. She sipped pink cosmos all night and had her hand permanently cemented to Natsume's upper thigh, but that was as far as the physical intimacy went which was odd considering that most of the girls that manage to get that close to Natsume make it top priority to try to force their tongues down his throat. Luna and Sumire, who both hate each other if I recall correctly, sat at the same table a few feet away and watched with bitter expressions on their faces.
Unite against a common enemy and all that.
As the blood alcohol level of the girl started to rise, her physical intimacy also elevated. She began to peck at his neck ever so often and her arm was draped over his shoulders. It was embarrassing and nauseating, but Natsume's lack of response made it a little more bearable. He looked a million miles away as always just sipping his beer from the bottle.
"Hey Sakura, bring this to that table over there. I have to pee!" another waitress yelled pushing her tray at me.
It was my first drink delivery and it actually wasn't too bad and I didn't screw up. Before the night was over I was delivering more glasses than I was picking up and my feet were killing me. All I wanted was a nice hot bath and some sleep, so that's what I did as soon as we made it into the apartment last night after I put Youichi to bed.
Now it's a little after seven in the morning on this chilly Sunday and I'm staring out at the sky as it begins to lighten with damp hair piled up in a bun and wearing just my sweatshirt while Youichi continues to sleep sprawled out on our futon. If I don't wake him he can usually sleep well into the morning, which gives me a few hours to just enjoy the quiet, plan our budget, count what's left of our money and calculate my paychecks. By next Saturday I will have enough money to get some electricity in this place and start buying some furniture. The classifieds in the local newspaper is a gold mine for gently used furniture.
I pull the stack of papers I have tucked away in an empty kitchen cabinet out and place it on the counter looking over to make sure Youichi is still fast asleep. Reading through the adoption packet is both insightful and frightening. The basics are all there like having to go through an agency whether public or private and then filing out the application and having to provide personal information, all of which will be reviewed and then rejected or accepted. Then there's the home study where an actual social worker comes to your house several times. Once for the initial meet where she gives a basic assessment of things needing improvement and then two more surprise visits at her discretion. The whole thing can last three months or even longer and then if everything checks out with a judge, you too can possess your very own small human. Hotaru included several pages about an agency called the Ai Nagoya Agency they apparently take on a lot of abuse cases in Nagoya. If Hotaru picked it, then she must have thoroughly researched them.
She included a copy of their application and the list of things they need from me: fingerprint, blood sample, proof of residency, form of identification, and a high school diploma. I release an annoyed sigh because I knew the whole high school dropout thing would come back to bite me in the tush. I flip the pages feeling a bit dejected when the next page catches me off guard. A high school equivalency exam pamphlet tucked in between the pages. The high school equivalency test is rumored to be a difficult exam on par with college entrance exams. Instead of the cop-out it appears to be, it is actually a difficult test given so that only those that are serious about their education can pass. I've heard it's a lot easier to just coast through high school for four years, which worries me. I was a good student at my school especially with all of my extra-curriculars decorating my record, but a big test gets me nervous and makes it hard to focus.
Five sections: reading, writing, math, science and a personal essay. The personal essay is the section where you tell them why you're taking the exam and how you think you did; points to Hotaru for her through-ness. Everything I need to pull this off literally in an organized stack, forms and all.
I start filling out the forms one by one with Youichi's personal information and my own. It's very satisfying to fill out because it's similar to knowing all of the answers to a test, unlike the forms I filled out at work several weeks before.
Criminal Record?
Potentially kidnapping, robbery, bribery, squatting.
I shake the disturbing thoughts from my head and check the box next to 'No'. As far as the cops and the government know I have a squeaky clean record. I fill out the rest of the forms surprising myself with how much I know about Youichi: his name, age, birthday, eye color, hair color, height, and even his weight. There are gaps in the paperwork that would have to be filled out with the social worker, but one of the blanks I already know how to fill.
Birthmother: Deceased.
I have no idea if Youichi's father was even part of the picture when his mother died. I don't even know if Youichi even knows who or where his dad is. The scuffling of tired feet into the bathroom snaps me out of my thoughts. He heads straight for the toilet and I use the time to gather all the paperwork and put it back in the cabinet.
"Morning sleepy head." I greet slipping into a pair of my jeans.
He rubs his eye tiredly and sits down on the futon.
"Ready for some breakfast? I thought we could go to that fast food place with those breakfast sandwiches. I know you like those." I say taking down my bun.
"I finished my book." Is his reply.
I just look at him for a moment as he takes the book out from under the futon, "You really like to read huh."
He flips through the pages of the manga looking as bored as ever, "I didn't bring any."
"We can get you some." I say packing my work clothes for tonight in Youichi's small duffel bag.
"We can't afford it." He says without looking up from the book cover.
"That's the beauty of reading, you don't need money just a card." I say.
He raises a skeptical eyebrow at me. I can only smile.
The Nagoya Public Library is a large building two stories high. As we stride through the large oak doors, there is a dull chatter at the check-out desk between the aged librarian behind the counter and a middle aged woman. We stand a few feet behind them and look around. The white and black checkered tiled floor is scuffed from the high traffic of people entering and exiting the library. There is both a staircase and an elevator off to the right and next to it is a glass wall looking into the Children's Library where there are small children playing with toys on the large round rug and mom's helping their little ones pick out books. Youichi just watches the children, even as I fill out the paperwork for his library card, he just continues to stare.
"Here you go You-chan." I say squatting down next to him.
He finally breaks his gaze from the playing children to look at the card in my hand and then at me.
"You're very own library card." I say with a smile.
He takes the card from me and turns it over in his hands. I start walking towards the Children's Library's glass door entrance, but Youichi stands rooted to the ground by the circulation desk. It isn't until I call his name that he walks towards and then pass me towards the entrance. I hold the door open for him and just watch as he looks around the room at the shelves stocked with colorful paperback and hard-cover books. I find myself wondering the aisles alone narrowly avoiding get trampled by several small boys chasing each other.
I have ulterior motives for taking Youichi to the library. The adoption agency is a block and half away from here and I have the papers tucked away in the duffel bag with my work clothes. I spot Youichi down one of the aisles with several books in his hands. I make my way over to him stepping over a little girl who is lying on her stomach with a large book stretched out in front of her.
"So You-chan I think I'm going to explore this place a little, maybe gets some books for myself. Will you be okay on your own for a while?"
"I'm not a baby." He replies.
"I know you're not a baby, but I don't want you to think I'm ditching you or something."
"You wouldn't break your promise." He says pulling another book off the shelf.
"No I wouldn't," I say rubbing his hair, "I'll see you in a little bit."
I slip out of the Children's Library doors and out the front entrance making sure Youichi doesn't see me. Feeling worried and a little guilty about leaving him, I jog the entire way to the adoption agency practically leaping up the front steps. As I enter the main foyer I try to slow my breathing. A plump receptionist sits behind a computer with a phone cradled between her ear and shoulder and her fingers busy typing away at her keyboard. She looks up at me and points to an empty waiting area. I sit on one of the uncomfortable plastic blue chairs fiddling with my fingers. After several muttered responses and a clack as she hangs up the phone, she waves me over.
"Can I help you?" she asks not looking up from her screen.
"Yes I'm here about an adoption." I say opening my bag.
"How many months are you?" she asks.
My cheeks flush red, "I'm not pregnant!"
She finally looks up at me and blinks behind her round spectacles looking confused.
"I have someone I want to adopt." I clarify handing her my papers.
She takes them, but doesn't look at them, "How old are you?"
"Eighteen." I say.
"You'll need to talk to Serina," she says handing all of the papers back to me, "She handles all of our 'special' cases."
"Where can I find her?" I ask.
She directs me up the wide staircase and down the hall to the office door of Serina Yamada. Through the glass window of the office door I can see a very beautiful platinum blonde woman writing something down on a piece of notepad paper. I tap lightly on the door and she looks up at me with light brown eyes. She looks tired and a little drained as she signals me to enter.
"How many months?" she asks me.
"I'm not pregnant." I say a little calmer this time, but still slightly insulted.
"I apologize," she says not at all sincerely, "We just get a lot of young mothers through here looking for assistance with closed adoptions."
"I'm actually looking to adopt." I say.
This peaks her interests, "Is that so?"
"Yes, I already filled out the paperwork." I reply handing her the forms.
She takes them from me and looks through them, "Interesting, deceased mother and the whereabouts of the father unknown. Sounds like 'Youichi' should be a ward of the Japanese government, yet here you are ready to adopt him."
"He's like a brother to me and I just want to be able to provide for him."
"So this is about money." She says placing the forms into a manila folder.
"No," I say firmly, "I just need things that only the government can provide so I can enroll him in school."
She just stares at me for a moment, "What is your name?"
"Mikan."
"Well Mikan I hope you know what you are about to get involved in. The adoption process in this country is very rigorous and any little thing at any given time can give the goverment authority to take this boy, who I am assuming is already in your care, away."
"Yes he is and no offense but I've practically been taking care of him his entire life."
"That's all well and fine, but the fact of the matter is you are not a blood relative and if we can find a better place to put Youichi, we can forcibly remove him from your care."
My heart feels cold, but I don't let her see that her words have affected me, "I am aware of that, but there is no better place for Youichi than with me. I know and understand him and he has faith in me. No one can love him more than I do."
My words shock even me. The word 'love' is not something that I throw around. I haven't really used it with such gravity since my dad died. I say things like I love this band or I love cake, but to say that I love another person is something I haven't done in nearly a decade. But in my heart I know that I have loved Youichi this entire time. Cared for him, protected him, cried for him, and sacrificed for him. Loving him is just something that comes naturally after all we've been through together.
"Well then let's see. You have two jobs, but no diploma. Youichi is not enrolled in school and you live in a one bedroom apartment. Who sleeps in the bedroom?"
"No one. We sleep on a futon in the living room."
"I see." She says scribbling something down.
"It's not ideal, but we do have a roof over our head."
"Uh-huh. And where are your parents?"
"My father died a long time ago and my mother is not the best influence right now." I reply.
She folds her hands together and rests her chin on them, giving me a hard look, "I'm going to honest with you Mikan, there is a lot of work to be done and not a lot of time to do it with a case like yours. Legally you are an adult, but Youichi is still a minor and it is my job to make sure that he is in a safe, loving environment. It is also my job to make sure you provide and maintain those conditions. Let's say I take your word that Youichi is best suited to be in your care because of the bond you two must have from a rough family home life, I can't just let you adopt him because of that."
"I just need you to tell me what to do to make this happen. I need this to happen."
She looks at me for a moment and sighs, "I can advise you, but it is out of my hands once the social worker gets involved. You have a place to live and that's great, but it's need to be fully furnished and Youichi needs to have his own bed. You need to get him into school I can give you some temporary files that will help you do that until the adoption becomes official. As for you, you need to get yourself a diploma, I'm assuming that you are looking into the equivalency exam?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Good. Pass it. And don't just pass, excel. Passing is great, but a good score can help us push the odds in your favor. Invest in a more mature wardrobe; appearances can also help if you look more maternal. Youichi needs to be under supervised care as well so if you can successfully get him into school you need to arrange safe travel there and back home every day. Encourage him to take part in extra-curriculars, maybe music or art or even sports. If you want to pull this off you have to be supermom. You need to cook, clean, and keep up all appearances of a good parent. If you can do that, I don't see any trouble with the adoption."
"Really?"
"I know it may seem like we're tyrants yanking kids out of one home just to drop them into another, but we would never want to remove a child from an environment he or she is happiest in. Just bring all of requirements up to speed and Youichi will be all yours in no time."
"Thank you so much!" I practically squeal.
She stamps the top of my file with a 'PENDING' stamp and places it off to the side. Her dismissal is similar to Hotaru in that she just goes back to her work and pretends that the other person just disappeared into thin air. I bow my head in thanks and respect and hurry my way back to the library, not giving a damn that the receptionist was staring at me like I had a tail.
I find Youichi sprawled on the couch with a stack of mangas next to him. A group of girls are sitting on the floor several feet away and they keep looking over at him and giggling. I try to figure out what's so funny, but judging by the blush tingeing their cheeks I'm guessing they're not laughing at him. I shake my head trying not to laugh at the cuteness of it.
"Ready to go, my little stud muffin?" I say biting back my laughter.
He looks at me with an arched eyebrow, but picks up his stack of about ten books and leads the way back to the entrance door. Unbeknownst to him, his little group of admirers watch him leave, still giggling.
It wasn't until we were finished with lunch at a nearby fast food restaurant that I finally had enough courage to begin 'the talk'.
"You-chan, I want to talk to you about something." I begin.
He just continues slurping down his milkshake, but his eyes are on me.
"I have to take precautions against Persona because even though I'm ninety-nine percent sure he won't ever find us there is a chance that he might and I need to have a plan B in case that happens."
He doesn't respond, but the slight widening of his eyes tells me that he is worried.
"Don't worry, we're not going to keep moving around. Actually we're going to do the opposite. I'm going to get you into school and hopefully adopt you."
"Adopt?" he repeats.
"Meaning that you will legally belong in my care and if anyone tries to take you away from me, I can just call the police. You and I will be legally bonded to one another. I will be like your foster mom/sister."
He stares at the surface of the table and says nothing. I guess he's letting it sink in.
"It's going to be great, you'll see." I say before draining my own milkshake.
We sit there in silence for a bit mulling over our thoughts. My brain is trying to wrap itself around how much needs to be done before a social worker gets involved. I mentally take notes of the furniture we would need: a bed, a couch, coffee table, kitchen appliances, hangers for clothes, a bureau, towels, and the list goes on and on. Thank goodness for newspaper ads.
Youichi doesn't say anything as we begin our journey towards Imai's, it's a little early to be going in for my shift, but I need to pick up a newspaper and get some information about local schools so hopefully Hoshio or Nobara are in the break room when I get there.
Almost an hour later we're finally in the lounge, Youichi and his stack of books have taken over one of the couches by the TV and I am circling moderately priced, gently used housewares. It isn't until Anna drops several Tupperware bowls filled with cake in front of me that I take my mind off of my looming situation.
She is out of breath with flushed cheeks and her hair is in a sloppy bun with stray strands sticking out in a million different directions.
"Uh hi?" I greet as she plops down into the chair next to me completely out of breath.
"Hey." She says after catching a few breaths.
"What's with the cake attack?" I ask looking at the various Tupperware bowls.
"All of my specialties. I started baking at four this morning. They finally called about my interview. It's in one week from tomorrow! And they're sending—You won't believe who they're sending! Miss Jacqueline Quinby! She's going to be in Japan on business and she's going to do only a hand full of interviews and I got one! Me!"
I grab her hand, "Anna! Breathe!"
She takes several deep breaths and rubs her temples, "I know I've been freaking out since they called yesterday. It's like my whole life is going to be decided in seven days and it's like I've forgotten how to crack an egg."
"You are going to do an amazing job. This Jacqueline person is going to love you and if your cakes taste as good as they look you have nothing to worry about." I say reassuringly.
"Thanks Mikan-chan. I just need to stop freaking out." She says with a sigh.
"Next item of business: Why on earth are you carrying so many cakes around?" I ask stacking the bowls on top of each other.
"Well I figure I can practice and have people critique me at the same time. My mother is up to her elbows in my cakes and she told me I need to go pawn them off elsewhere. I figure I'd talk to Hotaru and maybe give her best customers one of my cakes as a little thank you gift and get their feedback."
I nod, "Sounds like a good plan."
"Except this one. This one is for You-chan." She says pushing a strawberry cheesecake towards me.
Youichi, who comes out of nowhere, takes the bowl from me and goes back to his spot on the couch without a word.
I shake my head and grin sheepishly, "Well at least we know someone who loves your work."
"Best little critic I've ever had," She says with a smile, "Ugh I must look like a slob! Be right back!"
She disappears through the doorway as Nobara comes sauntering in.
"I guess hurricane Anna has blown through here." She says giggling at the mini mountain of desserts stacked in front of me.
"Yep and she just dropped several pounds of desserts in front of me." I comment.
Nobara helps me get all of the desserts into the fridge and notices my furniture hunt spread across the table.
"Looking for some furniture?" She asks.
"Uh yeah I just got my own place actually. Nothing fancy I just couldn't be with my grandparents anymore."
"Are you okay?" she says sitting down across from me.
"Yeah, it's just I'm sick of homeschool and my granddad can be really strict sometimes. So we had this big fight and we moved out."
"Wow, that's insane!" Nobara chuckles.
"Believe me I know." I say going back to the newspaper.
She gasped very loudly and looked possessed for a moment, "Oh my god! Housewarming party!"
"What?"
"Trust me Mikan, the best way to get some of this stuff without spending a dime is to throw a party and force people to get you stuff!"
"No I couldn't, the place is completely barren, I don't even have lights yet!"
"Even better! That way nothing gets broken, and we can throw the party during the day and then move it to the club for a little after hours celebration."
"Hey Nobara-chan!" Anna greets coming back into the lounge with her hair pulled up into two pigtails with gentle curls.
"Oh Anna-chan! We're throwing Mikan a housewarming party!"
"No we are not." I protest.
"That is such a good idea! Wait I thought you lived with your grandparents?"
"She's going out on the lamb." Nobara replies.
The next half-hour is dedicated to the planning out of party details in spite of my meek protests. They schedule it for next Sunday making it a brunch party. Anna will bring food and get her friend Yuu to bring some music and start organizing some invitations. Nobara is in charge of drinks, gift registry, and staying on top of the guest list. I reiterate how small my apartment is, but once again I seem to be talking to myself.
Well it looks like I'm throwing a party.
My stomach is in a million knots all week long. Between Anna, Nonoko, and Nobara's party planning, Serina Yamada leaving a message with Tsubasa about my next appointment with her a week from Wednesday (good or bad news is yet to be determined), Natsume hanging out in the lounge with Youichi, Hotaru handing me stacks of study materials for the equivalency exam, and realizing I have nothing to wear to my own party, I think I'm going to pass out.
Finally Pay-Day Saturday has come and passed and I had more than enough money to pay Tsubasa and get electricity in my apartment. He looks at me with that grin and rubs my head. I tell him that he can no longer treat me like a kid, but I go against that when I flip the light switch on and off about a hundred times squealing like a child. Youichi just gives me a blank look and rolls his eyes.
Thanks to Ruka I learn about the Alice Academy transfer exam that Youichi can take. It's a K-12 school so once I get him in and can afford the tuition he'll be squared away with a top of the line education. I'm a little terrified about the tuition costs, but there's no harm in letting him take the test on Monday.
My Sunday starts at seven a.m. with cleaning and laundry. I fold and stack our clean clothes and put them away in one of the empty cabinets. I stash away all of my personal things just in time before Anna, Nobara, and Nonoko show up with food, chairs and a boom box. They begin setting up for the party which starts at two o' clock. Hotaru shows up (much to everyone's surprise) with a gift that she places on the counter and then takes a seat in a chair not bothering to help setup. I'm curious as to what's in the blue box wrapped with a red ribbon, but I leave well enough alone and continue setting up chairs. Youichi sits next to Hotaru with one of his books and she actually pets his head and a flash goes off. Anna has one of those wind-up disposable cameras with her and she gets several shots of the party preparations.
The food looks really good considering Anna prides herself on being a pastry chef exclusively. She prepared several trays of deviled eggs and other finger foods that looked positively yummy. I change into one of my pleated skirts and a button down shirt with my work heels. I toss my hair up into a pony tail and mentally prep myself to play gracious hostess. According to Anna a lot of people will be passing through. I asked her why but she just smiled and didn't respond. She looked rather nervous, but I didn't have time to dwell on it as I spotted Youichi almost knocking over the deviled eggs tray because he's too short to reach the tempting treats.
My party is in full swing by quarter to four. Suspiciously the majority of the guests are females I've never seen before, but when I try to ask Anna about it she scurries off somewhere. I have to hand it to Nobara though, she wasn't kidding when she said I'd score with this party. The boxes on my countertop are spilling over onto the floor. I feel like a kid at Christmas time that has to wait painstakingly till Christmas morning to tear into the colorful paper.
I smile and laugh with Nobara, Anna, and Nonoko like I do this kind of thing all the time. My apartment door can't even close as people are constantly flowing in and out and loitering in the doorway. I pray that my neighbors aren't super uptight, it's not like we're making that much noise really.
Imagine my surprise when Sumire, Luna and several other ladies looking like high price call girls saunter into my apartment striding right up to me.
"You call this a party?" Sumire comments looking around at everyone in casual dress eating deviled eggs and having a good time.
"Um yeah. It's Sunday afternoon what did you think it was going to be?" Anna replies in my stead.
"Well if Natsume doesn't show we are so out of here." Luna says.
I nudge Anna sharply with my elbow. So that's how she got all these people here. Tell the girls Natsume is coming and they will follow and the guys hoping to get his rejects follow as well. I'm glad he hasn't shown up yet, it might cause a riot.
"Don't you have any manners? This is a housewarming party." Hotaru says standing next to me.
Sumire narrows her eyes at me even though it was Hotaru who spoke. She pulls her rather large purse off her shoulder and digs through it finding her wallet. She takes several bills out of it and hands it to me. I open my mouth to protest.
"That goes for the rest of you as well." Hotaru cuts in.
By the time all of the girls ante up, I'm holding a huge stack of money in my hand. They saunter away towards the beverages.
"Oh my gosh Hotaru." I say staring at the bills.
"Don't thank me." She says taking one of the bills of the stack and disappearing through the crowd toward the door.
"If I knew parties were this profitable, I'd throw one every week." I say counting the cash.
Forty thousand yen in like five minutes and I didn't have to do anything except stand there and take it. Part of me feels really guilty, but another part of me is really excited.
"I can't believe they just handed it over like that." I say handing the money to Anna for safe keeping.
"That's what crazy rich girls are like. They just throw money away like it's nothing especially where Natsume is concerned. For Sumire's sweet sixteen she made her dad buy her this jet so she could go to Paris for the weekend with her 'closest' friends, but really it was a setup for a weekend getaway with Natsume. The egg was on her face when Natsume didn't even show up. He went to his sister's piano recital instead." Anna informs me.
"Natsume has a sister?" I ask in shock.
"Yeah she's about You-chan's age." Nonoko says handing me a drink.
Speaking of Youichi he disappeared into the bedroom to finish his book in peace. I'm trying to make my way through the crowd when a soft thud on my head catches my attention.
Well if it isn't the life of my party.
"Natsume-kun." I greet a little sourly.
He isn't deterred and just hands me the small box, "It's for the kid."
"He has a name you know. You should know it by now with how much you stalk him and all." I say.
He shoves his hands into his pockets, "Do you pride yourself on being a total bore or is it included in the moron package?"
"Funny, especially coming from a womanizing narcissist." I retort.
"If you want me all to yourself all you have to do is ask."
"Please don't make me lose my lunch. Your fan club is here; maybe you can make Sumire and Luna mud wrestle for you. That outta pick things up." I say with mock enthusiasm continuing to the bedroom.
I slip into the empty bedroom where Youichi is sitting on the half folded futon engrossed in his book. He looks up at me and I just smile.
"For you. From Mr. Holier-than-thou."
He raises an eyebrow at me and takes the box from me. I slide down the wall to sit next to him, half curious about the gift and half exhausted from being on my feet so long. Youichi slowly peals the ruby red paper off the white box as if he's scared to open it. Finally he opens the box and nestled into Styrofoam casing is a pocket watch the same one Edward Elric carries around on Full Metal Alchemist. Youichi rolls it over in his hands and opens it 'Don't Forget .10' is inscribed on the inside.
"Do you like it?" I ask him.
He nods his head and closes the pocket watch, "I wish we burned our house down." He says after a moment of silence.
"Why?" I ask more intrigued than surprised.
"Because then we couldn't go back, even if we wanted to. Persona would have had to move away."
"Well burning down a house in a book is a lot different than burning one down in real life." I say.
"I know, but it would have been cool to watch."
I smile, "Yeah it would have."
The party continues on till six when everyone starts heading over to the Imai's bar for happy hour, leaving me with mountain of gifts, an envelope of money, and a huge mess in the living room and kitchen. I have to practically shove Anna, Nonoko, Nobara, and Hotaru out of my apartment. They insist on helping to clean and take inventory(except Hotaru who just wanted to stay and eat), but I tell them that I'm going to take Youichi out to dinner and clean up afterwards and they should go have fun, plus I have nothing to wear. They leave a little disappointed, but I promised to go out with them next time and they saunter off.
Youichi, having the same thought as me, starts moving the boxes from the kitchen into the living room. I help him and one by one we tear through the boxes.
A box of bright red high quality pots and pans from Anna, a complete pale green bathroom set from Nonoko with mats, towels, hand lotions and soaps, an official Imai invention coffee maker from Hotaru, and a vanity set from Nobara with make-up, hair brushes, and even a blow dryer.
Gotta love the power of friendship.
I manage to rack up:
A toaster
Two microwaves
Several gift certificates for Bed, Bath, and Body
Tupperware of various sizes
Silverware
A box of bright orange plates, mugs and bowls
A tea kettle
An iced tea jug with four brightly printed glasses
Wind chimes
Several photo frames ranging from single to collage
Kitchen accents
Dozens of last minute knick-knacks
And a couple of flowers vases
A knock on my door makes me leap out of my skin. I scramble up off the floor and narrowly avoiding falling on top of one of my two microwaves. I fling the door open expecting Hotaru or maybe even Ruka, but it was Tsubasa holding a bouquet of flowers.
"Wow! They're beautiful!" I say reaching for them.
He pulls them just out of my reach, "Who says they're for you?"
He gives me that grin and hands the bouquet to me and looks around the apartment.
"So this is what happens when you get a little electricity huh? No more work, just party, party, party."
"It wasn't my idea. My friends from work went a little overboard." I defend.
"Well judging by the size of your loot, you have some really good friends."
"Yeah, I really do."
"Well I would feel like a bum if I didn't bring you something so I got flowers. If it helps I got the most expensive ones."
"You didn't have to get me anything and besides I absolutely love them. Especially in my new vase." I say picking up one of the vases on the floor
"Well I have to get back to the desk. Do you need any help?" He asks looking around at the mess.
"No I think we've got it under control."
He ruffles Youichi's hair and closes the door behind himself. I fill the glass vase with water and start cutting the ends of the flowers. My mother taught me to cut the stems at a slant before placing them into a vase. I forget why, but I do it anyway. I'm sliding the last flower into the vase when the bathroom door opens and Natsume slinks out. I just blink at him as he leans against the doorframe like it's the most natural thing in the world.
"Oh God. You're not doing. . . that in my bathroom are you?" I say waiting for some little tart to slink out behind him.
"Tch." Is his response as he takes his long strides towards the counter where I am arranging the flowers.
I try not to look at him, but can't help but notice how fitted his black v-neck tee is. His chest is toned and his hair is in its usual tousled style. Does he even brush it? Or does he just roll out of bed and not even bother? His leather jacket is worn like he's had it a long time and doesn't wear anything else.
"Shouldn't you be juggling groupies or something? Why are you hiding out in my bathroom?"
"You ask a lot of questions." He comments.
"I have a curious nature especially when it comes to guys hiding in my bathroom." I reply placing the discarded pieces of stem into the trash bag sitting on the floor.
"Ever heard that 'curiosity killed the cat'?"
"Ever heard 'the party's over, you can get out now'?" I retort quickly.
He just leans against the counter and looks around the apartment, "What a dump."
"No one is asking you to stand in it." I say collecting the trash.
Youichi helps me collect the trash while Natsume just stands there like a lump. What is he still doing here? Maybe he's just curious about my living situation. He looks around the room like he's checking inventory. No furniture, no lamps, not even a fridge. I'll have to measure the spot where the fridge is supposed to go before I pick out a new or gently used one.
"If you're going to stay the least you can do is help, unless the mighty Natsume doesn't do hard labor?" I say as I hold the bag out to him.
To my surprise he takes it and holds it open while Youichi dumps the rest of the wrapping paper and empty boxes inside. I busy myself with cleaning the bathroom and putting out Nonoko's gift: placing down the mats on my lemon fresh floor, hanging the towels on the rod next to the shower and placing the soaps and lotions around the sink and in the medicine cabinet. There's even a cup to put our toothbrushes in. I make a mental note to buy new ones. By the time I finish making the bathroom lemon-fresh and pretty, Natsume and Youichi have cleared the floor of garbage and Youichi is getting the bucket and the rags for the floor. I busy myself in the kitchen putting up the appliances and clearing away the leftover food. I can't refrigerate them, so I settle for eating while I work.
I look over at Natsume and Youichi and hold back a laugh. Youichi is on the floor, a hand on each rag, while Natsume is holding him by his legs and sliding him back and forth across the floor like a human mop. I hate to admit that they look good together, but with Natsume's bad boy-ness and Youichi's cuteness and their matching expressions they look almost like brothers. Natsume is the last person I would want to be a role model for Youichi (as if I can't say it enough), but if some male bonding opens him up a little who am I to stop it.
Besides I have a more pressing issue at hand like which microwave I'm going to keep.
I stare at the two boxes comparing their details, but I know nothing about microwaves. I should just open the boxes and pick which color I like better. That's what girls do right?
Natsume dumps the bucket of dirty water down the kitchen sink and gives Youichi the empty bucket. They made quick work of the floor and even piled the living room gifts in the corner. Natsume pops one of the remaining deviled eggs into his mouth and stands next to me looking at the microwave boxes.
"You wouldn't happen to be an expert on microwaves would you?" I say still staring at the boxes.
"Go with that one." He says pointing to the slightly bigger box.
"Why because it's bigger?"
"And it probably costs more." He adds.
"Just because something costs more doesn't mean that it's better. Sumire and Luna should attest to that."
I suddenly find myself caged between Natsume and the countertop with his hands on either side of me. Youichi is in the bathroom getting ready for bed luckily. The last time a guy was this close to me it didn't exactly end well.
"You don't scare me." I say defensively.
"Maybe you should be scared." He responds.
"I've squished things more frightening than you."
"So you want to squish me?" He says making his voice deeper and quieter, leaning closer to my face till all I can see is ruby eyes.
A feeling in the pit of my stomach is unsettling something between disgust, fear, and something else. I'm not afraid of Natsume, but the lack of the ability to move away from him right now is terrifying. I'm not disgusted by his proximity because he smells really good and his eyes are trained on me like a skilled hunter. That's what he is though: a hunter. A lion looking for his wounded zebra.
I am a gazelle.
I slowly move my hand from my side and touch his cheek savoring the sensation of electricity flowing through my fingertips; he leans in a little closer. He thinks he's got me and I'm going to melt under that smoldering stare that must have brought many a women to their knees.
In your dreams pretty boy.
I squeeze his face making his lips do the duck pout thing and he looks bewildered as I push his face away from mine. I can't help but laugh. He really thought he had me and maybe for a minute he did, but it would be a loss for girl-kind if I give in to a guy like that.
"You didn't really think that would work did you?" I say laughing walking around him to take the smaller microwave box off the counter and put it in its own resale/return pile.
"You've never been kissed." Natsume says matter-of-factly.
"Maybe I have maybe I haven't."
"I can spot a virgin."
"It doesn't matter because I'm never going to kiss you. Ever."
"Never say never tangerines." He responds toying with a strand of my hair.
I swat his hand away just before Youichi comes out of the bathroom dressed in his pajamas. I help him set up the futon on the living room floor and tuck him into the sheets with his book. Natsume, who's rubbing his face where I squeezed him, walks around us as if he doesn't know what to do with himself. The image of his lips being ridiculously pouty like a fish will keep any weird thoughts at bay.
"Thanks for your help, but Youichi is ready for bed and I have some things to prepare for tomorrow." I say.
He doesn't respond and just walks to the door with a smirk, "Aren't you going to escort me out?"
"You're a big boy. I think you can figure it out."
He scoffs, "Absolutely no manners."
I roll my eyes and walk him out of my apartment and down the stairs. Tsubasa arches an eyebrow at us, but I smile and wave to assure him that I'm fine. I walk with Natsume right till we're outside the main entrance.
"Satisfied?"
He touches the side of my face tucking a lose lock of hair behind my ear, "Not for a long time."
I was about to ask him what he meant by that, but I could only stare at him as he walked off down the darkening street. I had assumed he drove here, but he just kept walking until he disappeared around the corner. My face feels a little hot where his fingers had lingered. I understand his popularity with the female population with eyes like that it's really no surprise.
I rub my arms for some warmth. The night air is chilly, but I stand there for a while longer as if expecting Natsume to come back and make some obnoxious comment so I can great rid of this weird feeling in my stomach. I force myself to move from the spot and go back inside where Tsubasa has a weird look on his face.
"What?" I ask going over to the desk.
"You know that guy?" He asks nodding toward the door.
"Know is a relative term. That's Natsume. He's a jerk, but totally harmless." I
"I know who he is, you obviously don't."
"Someone is a little testy. The guy is a womanizer and a total pain, but he's not as scary as people peg him too be." I find myself saying.
"Mikan, Hyuuga is bad news. You really shouldn't get involved with him." He advises.
"You sound just like Sumire, but I'm more inclined to listen to you since you don't make-out with him on a regular basis. Do you?" I tease.
"Mikan I'm being serious. That guy is trouble. Rebel without a cause and what not." He says lighting a cigarette.
"I'm not following you."
"He comes from one of the wealthiest families in Japan. His dad owns like a dozen companies and his mother is a surgeon. Their house is enormous and they have estates all over the world, but there is something seriously off with that kid. He's always moping around and hanging out in shady alleys with even shadier characters." He clarifies.
"You sound like you're setting up the background to a really typical drama." I say hoisting myself up on the desk.
"Mikan I mean it. Be careful." He states more firmly.
"Natsume Hyuuga does not scare me and more importantly I have no interest in spending 'quality' time with him. He came to a party and stayed in the bathroom the whole time."
"Probably shooting up." Tsubasa mutters bitterly.
"I know a drug user when I see one. Natsume doesn't do drugs. What's with you anyway? You seem to really hate him."
"I don't like spoiled little rich guys who think they have it so hard." He declares.
I jump off the desk and say goodnight. This conversation is going nowhere and neither is the bitterness in Tsubasa's tone. He reminds me of myself with how judgmental I was with Hotaru and everyone. Maybe Natsume's lifestyle is glamorous, but maybe he has some demons in his closet just like everyone else. Just because he doesn't live his life the way Tsubasa thinks he should doesn't mean he's a bad guy. I've lived with a 'bad' guy for three years with drugs and drinking constantly around me, I'd know a bad guy if I saw one. Natsume may be a womanizing pain in my ass, but I can handle him.
And by handle him I mean not get involved with him at all.
"To put it simply, Youichi is a genius."
"I'm sorry?" I repeat for like the third time.
Monday morning Youichi had an eight a.m. transfer exam at Alice Academy which is a million times more luxurious than my old school. There's a stone wall surrounding the school and a security guarded front gate. We were escorted to the Registration office where I filled out Youichi's paperwork and handed him off to a very effeminate looking gentleman with blonde hair. The name on his tag reads "Narumi" and he seemed nice enough. The test is four hours long and covers all subjects. I think it's all a bit much for a kindergartener, but clearly this is not your average school. Narumi leads Youichi to a small room with several desks and a chalkboard inside. All of the test materials are spread across the first desk closest to the window.
I had twenty minutes to get to work on time, but I felt weird about leaving Youichi alone for so long. But like any responsible guardian I fed him a big breakfast and brushed his hair. I even tucked in his shirt and gave him a bottle of orange juice before the test. Narumi-sensei assured me that he would call me as soon as Youichi was done, but that most kids take the whole four hours. I kiss Youichi's head and scurry off to work feeling pretty good. I do baby Youichi a little, but I knew he could handle a little test. I reassured him that it was no big deal and to take his time.
When Narumi called Imai's asking for me, I expected the worst because it was barely after ten. I asked Misaki to cover my tables and jogged all the way to bus stop. Once I got to the school a pit started to form in my stomach. Youichi sat completely disinterested in one of the chairs facing Narumi-sensei's desk. The expression on Narumi-sensei's face was thoughtful, but it told me nothing else. I sat down in my big coat that I put on over my waitress outfit because I didn't even think to change my clothes.
"Well Miss Sakura it is highly unusual that we call on the guardians so early after the start of the exam, but when I found Youichi-kun asleep on the desk I figured it was time to call you."
"You slept?" I say looking at Youichi, "Does that mean he got a zero? Because I mean he still technically has an hour and a half left."
"There's no need Sakura-san." He says taking a dramatic pause, "He passed."
"He what?" I reply as if the man had just spoken gibberish.
"Passed. A perfect score actually only a hand full of students have ever accomplished this and fewer still in less than two hours."
I feel dizzy "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that Youichi-kun is a promising student and we would love to have him here on a full scholarship."
"F-full scholarship?" I feel a little dizzier like the world is spinning too fast dizzy.
"He's a promising genius most likely. It's quite incredible."
"G-genius?" it's like I don't even know how to form sentences anymore.
"If you would just fill out this form and sign off I would be glad to welcome Youichi-kun to our school."
I hold my hands up as if trying to stop time, "Hold on a second, I'm still wrapping my head around this."
"Well to elaborate we will take care of all of Youichi's school fees: uniforms, lunches, books, as long as he maintains an A in all of his classes."
"For how long?" I ask.
"As long as Youichi keeps his grades up. If his Transfer exam is any indication I can see him at the top of his class in no time."
I turn to Youichi, "Do you like this place? I mean we can try a more typical school."
Youichi looks up at me, "We should work hard together."
I pet his head, "Okay."
I fill out his clothing sizes and sign off on his emergency contact card. Before long, Youichi is clad in an official Alice Academy uniform and boots. He looks positively adorable and I make a mental note to take a picture of him before developing the film in the disposable camera Anna left me.
"I'll be glad to show Youichi to his classroom. The last bell rings at three o' clock."
"Then I'll see you at three o'clock." I say kneeling down to give Youichi a hug which he squirms out of.
"Sorry, sorry. Again with the smothering." He gives my hand a squeeze and follows Narumi-sensei down the hall.
I feel a little sad watching him walk away from me, but I know he's walking towards something. Another step toward normalcy and that is definitely something to feel good about. The tears running down my cheeks are definitely tears of happiness.
Afterschool at Alice Academy is complete insanity. Screaming children get released about fifteen minutes before the screaming teenagers do and after ten minutes I still can't find Youichi anywhere. I'm trying not to panic when Narumi-sensei waves me over.
"Youichi got signed up for soccer club during P.E. They practice every day afterschool. He won't be released till five." He informs me.
"Can I see him?"
We walk from the front of the school to the soccer field which is next to the football stadium and past the tennis courts. I can see little bodies running after a ball in the distance. It isn't until I sit next to Narumi-sensei on the sidelines that I spot Youichi leading the pack dressed in a red thermal long sleeve shirt and a jersey with the number eleven on it. It's pretty warm out for February, but all of the kids are dressed in winter uniforms running wildly and screaming, except Youichi of course. He's completely focused on keeping the ball away from a pudgy boy. The large boy is exerting so much energy that he trips over his own feet taking a dark haired girl down with him. She lets out a loud scream.
Youichi stops in his tracks and turns back to the girl. The larger boy had fallen right on top of her. Narumi and I were already on our feet as the coach jogged out towards them, but Youichi already pulled the bigger boy off of the girl and pulled her up checking her legs. She rubbed her tear stained face, but was otherwise unharmed.
We jogged over to them in time to learn that the girl was perfectly fine, but she won't let go of the end of Youichi's shirt. Youichi who already inspected her for damage just stood there.
"Aoi." A familiar voice called.
Natsume wearing a lacrosse uniform is several feet from us carrying a duffel bag and looking rather sweaty.
"Onii-chan!" the girl wailed.
The other kids take several steps back from Youichi and Aoi who is still clinging to him.
"Ah Natsume-kun. Typical accident. Kids will be kids after all." Narumi-sensei says quickly.
"Come on Aoi." Natsume says looking at me instead of his sister.
Aoi finally releases Youichi and runs after her brother grabbing the leg of his pants. I watch them walk off stopping to get Aoi's duffel bag and backpack. The coach dismisses the kids early and Youichi walks with several other boys to their bags and some of them clap him on the shoulder as he walks towards me.
"Youichi-chan is quite popular on his first day." Narumi-sensei comments with a smile.
"Yeah." I reply barely able to contain the huge grin wanting to break out on my face.
I hold myself back from taking his hand as not to be that embarrassing mom/sister figure. He reaches up and grabs my empty hand though, not at all caring about being babied. The chaos at the front of the school has died down and the parking lot is mostly empty. As we stride through the main gate there are several black cars with chauffeurs standing on the passenger side waiting for their young masters to get released from their afterschool studies and activities. One of the cars looks oddly familiar when the backdoor opens and a little raven head pokes out.
"You-chan!" Aoi says waving her arm.
The pit in my stomach is back. Aoi looks adorable in her black pea coat that hangs open over her uniform. Her cheeks are flushed and her ruby eyes are shining as we approach the vehicle. Natsume sits in the driver seat tapping away on his phone not even acknowledging us.
"Hi! I'm Hyuuga Aoi! You must be You-chan's sister! It's nice to meet you." She says with a bright smile on her face.
"Yeah I am. It's nice to meet you too." I say bowing my head a little.
Her short raven hair falls shorter in the back and gets longer in the front, a style that fits her very pretty doll-like face. She asks Youichi a series of questions in quick secession that I can hardly keep up, but he looks up at me as if expecting me to answer.
"I'm sorry?" I say looking at the young girl.
"My onii-chan and I want to give you a ride home!"
"That's sweet Aoi-chan, but we're actually going to do some shopping and then grab some dinner." I tell her earning myself a pout and sad puppy eyes.
I notice she's holding onto Youichi's jersey again, but make no comments. Eventually we say our goodbyes with promises of some other time and begin our walk to the bus stop. There's a bargain furniture store that offers discounts for whole room purchases. With the money I earned from work plus the money Hotaru got out of Sumire's bunch, I'll be able to hopefully furnish both the bedroom and living room.
I don't really need much in theory, it's not like my place is that big. I mull over where I want certain things to go as we take the bus all the way to Nana's Furniture Store. It's not a big place, but they have a decent amount of stuff lining the walls and crowding the floor making it hard to actually walk through the place. A little obaa-san greets us as I am looking at a small couch. She asks me what I'm looking for and I tell her I'm looking for bedroom and living room furniture and some barstools so we can eat breakfast at the island counters that separate the kitchen from the living room.
"I have everything you need." She says confidently.
"But can I afford it?" I mutter following her through the labyrinth of furniture.
"Don't mumble girly. All you young people with your loud music yet all you do is mumble." The old lady says.
"Sorry." I say more firmly.
One thing I can say for the old broad is she knows how to haggle. Up and down and up and down with the figures, but not in a con artist way just in a 'I want to give you a good deal, but I am running a business here' way. By the time I finish filling out the order form I'm down for two end tables (buy one get one free), a refrigerator (half price for some missing shelves), a pull out couch (throw pillows included since it's a little old), a coffee table and TV stand for a bargain because they haven't been refurbished yet, four barstools (full price since they're new and rather nice), a great bureau with a mirror attached (vintage, old, and in good condition also on sale), and a full sized bedframe with box mattress included (got a great deal because she's been trying to sell it for a while). I'll have to buy a mattress, but for hygiene purposes I'd rather spring for a new one of those anyway and with the money I saved in this place I'll probably get a nice one too.
Oh and some pillows.
I arrange to have the furniture delivered the following evening right after work. I get free shipping for ordering more than five pieces of furniture, a deal I'm sure she is regretting by now considering how much I actually ordered. She handed me a copy of the order form so I can check things off as they bring it in to my apartment. I pay her in cash and take my receipt eagerly. In less than twenty four hours I will have a furnished apartment. I practically sing all the way home, in my head anyway.
I inform Tsubasa of my purchase and he looks rather impressed. In one week I've managed to get my lights turned on, get Youichi into a fabulous school, and buy furniture. I mentally check them off the list I have in my head. Now all that's left is the fun frivolous part of shopping. Buying posters, maybe some paintings, bed sheets, lamps, curtains, a rug, and a bunch of other stuff to make the apartment more home-y.
"Well Youichi enjoy your last night on this futon. Well not really because we'll probably put this on top of the box mattress in the bedroom till we get a real mattress, but Tsubasa says he can help with that." I say to him, rolling over to my side on the futon.
Youichi holds his pocket watch over his head watching it twirl, "Why do you hate Natsume-nii-san?"
The question surprises me, "I don't hate him. I just don't like him invading your space so much. Remember the Anna incident."
"He's nice and he doesn't invade my space. He likes the same books and shows I like. And he has a really cool car."
"I know you like him You-chan and I tolerate him because of you, but a lot of people say some not nice things about him."
"People suck." He states.
I shake my head, "Yeah I suppose they do, but sometimes people are right."
"So you'll listen to them?" He questions.
I sigh deeply, "I'm trying not to."
"Maybe he just needs somebody." Youichi suggests after a thoughtful moment.
"What do you mean?"
"Someone like you. To help him so that people don't say those not nice things about him."
I roll onto my back and stare at the dark ceiling, "I don't know You-chan."
"He's just like me."
"Of course he's not. Natsume is practically a grown up, you're still just a kid." I correct him.
"Well not all kids can have a big sister like you."
I lie there smiling in the darkness as Youichi rolls over and nestles himself into the sheets beside me. Maybe all Natsume needs is a little rehabilitation. To be around a girl who doesn't despise or adore him; someone who can be a neutral party and coax him out of his bad behaviors. It sounds like a lot of work, but if my brother wants to be exposed to this creature on a daily basis for prolonged periods of time, I must tame the beast. Only then can I feel reassured that none of his bad habits will transfer to Youichi in the heinous ritual of male bonding.
"I'll try. For you You-chan." I tell him closing my eyes.
Even in the darkness of my eyelids a pair of ruby eyes are staring at me.
With a look I can't describe.
Love? Hate? Mild Criticism?
Drop me a line just keep it clean.
Definitely picking things up in the Natsume department leading up to all of the craziness that is bound to ensue because you guys KNOW I'm just itching to leave you on cliff just hanging ;)
You're most welcome for the chapter btw I know those of you who have stuck with me know that it's completely out of character for me, but I really like this chapter. It's like the big turnaround before I pull one of my famous stunts lol
Lots of Love
Chi-chan