Ok, no new reviewers yet but if this doesn't get done tonight I might have to change that… Thanks a lot anyway to all of my repetitive reviewers! I love you guys! =)
Cho: Aunty De doesn't own this anime or it's characters! She does own Mama, Obaa-san, Aunty Sheila, and that bad man though!
Me: I love you so much! *Hugs* Ah~ How awesome is my imagination for creating that little ball of adorableness? X3
WARNING: A song change~ The theme for one part is "Save the Hero" by Beyonce, but the new song Ichi will sing is better for how she's felt recently! ;D Also a bit EPIC!
HAPPY WARNING: Violence~ XD
Ch.15 Because... I win...
Ichi's P.O.V
This evening was so much fun! After Mori-senpai and I got home, I told Maman and Fumi all about the cake and how I was so happy that he liked it! Maman had a surprised look on her face the whole time I was talking and I knew why…
I was smiling! I was really smiling! I couldn't help it though, just something makes me smile every time I'm doing something with the Morinozuka's and my own family! Earlier this morning I had fun with Fumi-san, and then Mori-senpai ate my cake I made just for him and he actually liked it!
I feel so…. at home…
I sighed and thought back again to after Maman left to rest and it was just me, Fumi, and Cho.
*Flashback Normal P.O.V*
"Obaa-Fumi-san, what did Papa look like when he was little?" Cho asked while sitting in Fumi's lap. Fumi smiled warmly and handed Cho to Ichi as she got up and went to a large bookcase.
"Well… I can show you~!" She laughed with a smirk. Ichi laughed at the thought of Mori when he was younger.
"Oh jeez, was he like Satoshi-kun?" She laughed. Fumi tried to stifle her laughter and Ichi burst out laughing. Cho just giggled and played with Ichi's hair.
"Here, look at these Cho…. I'm sure you'd think he was cute too…" Fumi gushed as she sat close to Ichi and Cho was sitting on both their laps.
In the picture was a baby Takashi. He had a full head of black hair and was cutely sucking on his thumb while looking up at the camera. Ichi 'awed' while Cho smiled brightly.
"Papa was so small!" She squealed. Ichi laughed and hugged Cho close.
"He is cute! How did you get him to look up at the camera like that?" Ichi asked. Fumi laughed as well and sighed.
"With a stuffed animal…" The two girls looked at each other before bursting into laughter again. Next was a picture of a one-year old Takashi in front of his birthday cake.
He was a bit bigger and still had that wild black hair but he was clinging to a stuffed Husky and his eyes were wide as he stared at the single flame on his cake.
"Aw… He seems so entranced by that too!" Ichi cooed. She did love kids.
"Yeah… Someone else had to blow it out… He cried…" Ichi 'awed' again before flipping to the next page.
Laughter filled the house louder as Mori came down to see what was going on. When he walked into the room his face paled before it flushed in embarrassment.
That picture happened to be a five year old Takashi in a bubble bath. His hair was wet and he was smiling a big goofy grin while bubbles surrounded him and it looked as if he was laughing. A small amount of bubbles were sliding down his head and a little rubber duck was in his hand.
"That's too cute!" Ichi giggled, "Cho has a duckie JUST like that!" Fumi chuckled and smiled softly at the two girls looking through the photo album. When she noticed Mori she decided to play for a bit longer.
"I know! Isn't he just adorable! He had THE cutest little baby b-"
"M-MOM!" Mori gasped and blushed crimson all the way to his ears. Ichi had jumped and immediately burst into laughter along with Fumi and Cho.
"O-Oh Mori, you were so cute! I can't believe how much you and Satoshi-kun look alike!" Ichi gushed while Mori's blush darkened. Cho squealed and ran to hug him.
"Papa is TOO cute! I wanna be just like Papa and Mama when I grow up!" She giggled and sleepily blinked her eyes. Ichi walked over and bent down to hug her.
"What do you mean by that sweety?" She asked as Cho looked up at her and then at Mori.
"I wanna be big and strong… And, and I wanna be beautiful just like you Mama! I wanna have a big family like Papa, but I want them all to be together…" Mori's and Fumi's smile melted into a warm one as Ichi's eyes widened and she hugged Cho closer to her while shutting her eyes with tears coming from them and a watery smile.
"Cho, you're already the most beautiful little girl I've ever seen! I want you to have that too ok? You're gonna grow up to be such a wonderful young woman but right now… I just want you to be my sweet baby girl… And no matter what! We will always be together…" Ichi had her eyes opened now and happy tears rolled down them as she picked Cho up and held her close.
Fumi smiled warmly with a tear rolling down her cheek as she looked up to her almost grown boy. Mori saw this and smiled sadly down at his mother before grabbing and squeezing her hand to reassure that he'd also always be there for her.
'No matter what,' They all thought, 'We'll always be there…'
*End Flashback Ichi's P.O.V*
'I feel as if I could do anything…' I thought while walking down the street. I had to go back to work for a little bit tonight and I had a song that I felt would at least let me tell Fusei how I feel about our relationship…
I felt my face make that fake smile again and was saddened that I couldn't seem to really smile anywhere without the Morinozuka's family or my own. I changed into some black knee-length shorts and a one-strap tube top before going back out to start my work.
Sheila saw me and did her usual creepy whistle before she quit and went back to bartending and I just rolled my eyes and laughed while looking around for Fusei. I know that I will always love him but I hate myself and him for that. I don't hate him, but I do? This is so confusing…
There he is… He's sitting right in-front of the stage and looking straight at me with some weird emotion in his eyes.
'Don't worry about that now Ichi! Just go sing!' I thought and climbed up on stage. Whistles and shouts were called and Fusei just smirked. I looked at him and began to sing to my hearts content.
Normal P.O.V
Ichi looked straight at Fusei and began to sing with quiet power packed into her voice.
"You're everything I thought you never were
And nothing like I thought you could have been
But still, you live inside of me, so tell me how is that?
You're the only one I wish I could forget
The only one I love to not forgive
And though you break my heart, you're the only one
And though there are times when I hate you
'Cause I can't erase
The times that you hurt me and put tears on my face
And even now, while I hate you, it pains me to say
I know I'll be there at the end of the day
I don't wanna be without you, babe
I don't want a broken heart
Don't wanna take a breath without you, babe
I don't wanna play that part
I know that I love you, but let me just say
I don't wanna love you in no kind of way, no no
I don't want a broken heart
I don't wanna play the broken-hearted girl
No, no, no broken-hearted girl
There's something that I feel I need to say
But up til' now I've always been afraid that you would never come around
And still I wanna put this out
You say you've got the most respect for me
But, sometimes I feel you're not deserving of me
And still, you're in my heart
But you're the only one
And yes, there are times when I hate you, but I don't complain
'Cause I've been afraid that you would walk away
Oh, but now I don't hate you
I'm happy to say
That I will be there at the end of the day
I don't wanna be without you, babe
I don't want a broken heart
Don't wanna take a breath without you, babe
I don't wanna play that part
I know that I love you, but let me just say
I don't wanna love you in no kind of way, no no
I don't want a broken heart
I don't wanna play the broken-hearted girl
No, no, no broken-hearted girl
Now I'm at a place I thought I'd never be, ooh
I'm living in a world that's all about you and me, yeah
Ain't gotta be afraid, my broken heart is free to spread my wings and fly away, away with you...
I don't wanna be without my baby
I don't want a broken heart
Don't wanna take a breath without my baby
I don't wanna play that part
I know that I love you, but let me just say
I don't wanna love you in no kind of way, no no
I don't want a broken heart
I don't wanna play the broken-hearted girl
No, no, no broken-hearted girl
Broken-hearted girl
No broken-hearted girl…"
Fusei had anger filling his eyes but quickly regained his composure. Ichi stepped down with tears trying to form but she pushed them down and walked up to him while ignoring the cheers.
"Hmm… What an interesting song my little black fox…." Fusei said in a low tone. Ichi gulped and sat down across from him.
"I sang it because I love you Fusei… I love you but I hate you and I'm so confused! Why can't you just be nice? Tell me!" Ichi stopped herself from yelling more and her eyes widened as she looked up at him. He scowled and looked at her with a dark expression.
"Nice?" He grabbed her by the hair and pulled her close to make it look like they were just flirting, "If I wasn't nice… you'd be dead." He whispered coldly and her body froze. He let go and left the restaurant as she sat there frozen.
That night she couldn't sleep and was glad that Cho had decided to stay with Satoshi in a guest room with a bunk bed. They were going to watch movies and talk all night but she knew they had already fallen asleep.
Every time she closed her eyes or tried to sleep, she'd see his face and hear those words…
'You'd be dead…'
Over and over in her head.
The next day after lunch;
Ichi hadn't seen Fusei all morning because he was in 3A. She had been a nervous wreck all morning though and couldn't concentrate. Kyouya and Tamaki noticed at lunch the most though because when she tried to pick something up her hands would shake and she'd just drop it.
They were really concerned when She pushed her tray away, lowered her head and hid her eyes while her shoulders shook harshly. Mori saw this and was sure it had to do with Fusei… He had been smirking at Mori all morning and he was seriously thinking of punching the jerk in the face.
Somehow Fusei wasn't in the lunch room at the time but it didn't matter because something was bound to happen anyway.
Now, back in class, Ichi was still really jumpy. A boy walked up to her and tapped Ichi's shoulder to ask a question but she just jumped sharply before apologizing and answering him.
She wouldn't touch her work and she only looked at the door as if something terrifying would burst through it at any moment. When it came to Club time Tamaki had to shake her out of some thought.
"A-ah sorry Mon ami! I-I'm just a bit tired…" Now that he noticed it, her eyes did look sleepy but they also held a sharp fear for some reason. He just smiled at her and she walked with them to the club.
Minutes later she had masked her smile brightly for the ladies and put on her act.
"Good evening ladies! How has your day been today?" 'He' asked. The girls blushed before frowning.
"We should be asking you that Ichi-kun! You looked so sad and tired today!" One of the regular girls spoke up. Ichi blushed embarrassingly before responding.
"I-I'm so sorry about that my fair lady! I hadn't thought of the consequences of staying up late to study and ended up not even sleeping… I guess I do look rather gloomy huh?" He smiled sadly and chuckled as the girls blushed around him and told him not to worry.
"Foxy~ Are you singing today? It's a little to qui-" The twins were cut off by the sound of a guitar on the other side of the door. Everyone turned to the sound as the door was kicked open. Gasps sounded around the room and Ichi's breath caught in her throat.
"Fusei?" She whispered. Her voice wavering with a hidden fear. He looked directly at her with a sad expression that looked so real… Her eyes caught his and she melted into his trap once more…
"Just One more moment, that's all that's needed.
Like wounded soldiers in need of healing.
Time to be honest, this time I'm bleeding
Please don't dwell on it, 'cause I didn't mean it!"
He paused and walked towards her while Renge appeared and started shouting things of 'Moe' and 'Taboo…' Ichi had gotten up and stepped towards him as well.
"I can't believe I said I'd lay our love on the ground
But it doesn't matter cause I've made it up, forgive me now
Everyday I spend away my souls inside out
Gotta be someway that I can make it up to you now, somehow.
By now you'd know that I'd come for you
No one but you, yes I'd come for you
But only if you told me to
And I'd fight for you
I'd lie, it's true
Give my life for you
You know I'd always come for you…"
During the instrumental he smiled a loving smile and his eyes shimmered. Mori clenched his fists while the twins were being held back by Kyouya and Haruhi by Tamaki. Hani just watched intently for something to change in the emotions on Fusei's face.
"I was blindfolded, but now I'm seeing
My mind was closing, now I'm believing
I finally know just what it means to let someone in
To see the side of me that no one does or ever will
So if your ever lost and find yourself all alone
I'd search forever just to bring you home,
Here and now this I vow
By now you'd know that I'd come for you
No one but you, yes I'd come for you
But only if you told me to
And I'd fight for you
I'd lie, it's true
Give my life for you
You know I'd always come for you
You know I'd always come for you
No matter what gets in my way
As long as there's still life in me
No matter what, remember you know I'll always come for you
Yes I'd come for you, no one but you,
Yes I'd come for you
But only if you told me to
And I'd fight for you
I'd lie, it's true
Give my life for you
You know I'd always come for you
No matter what gets in my way
As long as there's still life in me
No matter what, remember you know I'll always come for you
I'd crawl across this world for you
Do anything you want me to
No matter what, remember you know I'll always come for you
You know I'll always come for you…"
He finished the song and put down his guitar. All eyes were on Ichi now as he slowly embraced her. She held her head down as he whispered something in her ear and she slowly hugged him back as a few glistening tears fell to the ground.
The hosts were all upset with her but what they didn't know, was what he had said to her…
Mitsukuni did, and anger boiled inside of him as he looked at the mad expression of the hosts and the smirk that was hidden in the shadows on Fusei's face. He could read Fusei's lips from where he was standing and clenched his fists.
'You're to easy slut… I've lied to you again! I think I might just go pay a visit to someone named Cho here soon… If you don't hurry up…Now act like a good little tramp and hug me back…'
He could see Ichi's eyes paralyzed with fear as tears dripped from them and she hugged him back. Girls squealed and ran to the two 'boys' while cheering for them but the hosts just stood back.
"She's just asking for it if she's going to keep going back to him like that…" Hikaru snarled. Kyouya typed away at his laptop, Tamaki read over his shoulder with a frown, Haruhi looked ready to punch someone, Kaoru had been holding Hikaru's hand the entire time, and Takashi looked a little pissed but he was really a whole lot more than that.
Hani just frowned at them all for not being able to see the look of absolute fear in her eyes at that moment. He was about to say something when All of the girls followed Fusei out of the room.
"I'll see you later Ichi-koi!" He called as the door shut behind them all. Ichi dropped to her knees while facing away from the door. Hani ran over to her and tried to get her to respond but she just kept staring at nothing with that same look of fear in her eyes.
Haruhi was the next to come over and she gasped, causing the rest to follow. Mori hadn't moved from his spot though but everyone was quiet. Ichi blinked once before looking up at them all with a terrified expression.
"I-I h-h-have t-to g-go!" She said shakily. She stood and started to run but tripped and fell on her face. Everyone questioned why and she turned around with tears streaming down her face.
"I-I have to save Ch-Cho!" She said and started to run again. The others gasped and Mori stood straight up. Ichi ran as fast as she could with the others trailing behind her. Soon they were outside and it was warmer than expected. Ichi just kept running while Mori and Hani trailed close behind. The others got in a limo as Kyouya dialed his special force team to hurry over to the Morinozuka household.
Sudden rage and hatred boiled inside of Ichi and she sped up faster than the two behind her. The adrenaline rushing through her body gave her a boost and in no time they could see the house. Ichi just knew Cho would be playing outside today and in a matter of seconds she was around the house.
It looked as if Fusei was just about to knock Cho unconscious with a rock when Ichi came flying at him. She punched him straight in the ribcage and he went flying into the ground with blood coming from his mouth.
She didn't care though as she lost all will and pinned him down. She punched him in the mouth repeatedly while screaming at him.
"DON'T YOU EVER TOUCH MY CHILD YOU BASTARD!" She screamed. He flipped her over and started to punch her harder than she had him but she just laughed like she had gone mad.
"Why are you laughing you worthless whore?" He yelled she just smiled at him and laughed once more.
"Because… I win." She said and he punched her one more time before she passed out. Suddenly he was sent flying through the air and into a tree. Mori had arrived and was looking extremely pissed.
"Keep her safe." Mori told Hani as Satoshi came out and formed a barrier between the girls and Fusei.
"Why do you care? She's just a worthless little slut!" Fusei yelled as he wiped the blood off his mouth. Mori clenched his fists and ran at him.
"Shut up!" He yelled and punched him right in the gut. Fusei made a gagging noise and was tossed into the air. Before he could land Takashi scissor kicked him in the side and he was flung into the tree again. He fell with a sickening crack and Mori knew it was most likely his arm.
"D-do you r-really think you can save her? Hahaha… F-forever lost Kitsune! Forever lost! D-don't you get it? P-poor little Kitsune! Her d-dad left her, her mom's dying, a-and now s-she's FOREVER LOST!" Fusei yelled before laughing like a mad man. Mori had enough.
"I said, SHUT UP!" He screamed and threw Fusei into a small fish pond. He then continually punched him across the face while holding him over the water. Fusei quickly became unconscious and was sent into the tree for the last time as it broke by this impact. Mori heard another crack and this time could easily tell it was one or both of his legs. Fusei didn't even stand a chance.
He didn't care, as long as that bastard would rot in jail.
Speaking of which, Kyouya's police force finally came and picked Fusei up on a stretcher. Mori quickly made his way to Ichi and tried to calm his breathing.
"Is she alright?" He asked as he wiped the blood from her lips. Hani nodded and Satoshi went to get his mom while taking Cho in to stay with Anna. Ichi had the faintest smile on her lips and it almost made Mori chuckle. She was right when she said she had finally won…
After awhile everyone else showed up and sat around Ichi in the living room as she was laid on the ground in a cot with a few blankets. Usa-chan, the butterflies, and Cho were all wrapped up in her arms and she looked at peace. Anna put a wet towel on her forehead after kissing it and smiling sadly and Fumi had treated her wounds.
Slowly, her eyes fluttered open and she looked around. No one noticed the change because she didn't turn her head or make a sound so Ichi looked around.
It looked as if everyone was smiling, laughing, and celebrating in the kitchen but Mori was still in the living room, asleep on the couch. She slowly wormed her way out of the blankets while tucking Cho in. When she looked down she blushed bright red. Someone had changed her into a black silky nightgown to have better access to her wounds.
"Mori-senpai… thank you…" She said and kissed his forehead since his cheek was covered by his shoulder. He didn't stir but she didn't mind as she carefully placed a warm blanket over him and tucked it in at the sides. She then walked into the kitchen and coughed nervously. All eyes flashed to her and she was instantly wrapped into a group hug.
Ichi laughed and pushed through to get to her mother. Once there she hugged her tightly and whispered her apologies over and over again. Anna just smiled and smoothed her hair down while also holding her close. Soon they departed and Ichi stood straight up and turned to face Tamaki and the others.
She couldn't find her real smile yet but she knew that with time, it would come out in-front of everyone. Not just her family and the Morinozuka's. She smiled a trying smile though and thanked them all.
"We're going to Taberu to celebrate! Just us hosts!" Tamaki cheered and the adults sweat-dropped. Ichi sighed and flicked Tamaki on the forehead. She facepalmed as he went to his corner and chuckled.
"I have to work tonight you goof…" She grinned at him and he sprang up and hugged her.
"SO INNOCENT!" He cheered. She pried him off again and held a hand up.
"Honestly, I don't see how you can call me innocent or gentlemanly if I'm supposed to act how I used to…" The twins grinned, Haruhi looked annoyed, Hani was smiling, Kyouya's glasses flashed, and Tamaki shrieked.
"Well, I have already put up a poll on our website and many of the girls want to change that as well…. They're saying that Tamaki already has that quality and that they'd love to see you play the Dark Prince type instead… I'm sure you can make that work." Kyouya closed his laptop and smiled his business smile as they shook hands.
"Sure thing, Kyo-kyo…" She laughed and walked away while his face paled and he readjusted his glasses again. Ichi didn't have any bad damage to her face really, it was a cut lip and small black eye on the bottom of her right with a little cut as well but that was it. She walked into the room and carefully tiptoed over to Mori's sleeping form.
"Mori-senpai? Come on, we're all going to Taberu!" She semi-whispered. Mori put a hand on her face and kept it there. Under the hand she made a 'wtf?' face and pushed it off.
"Morinozuka-senpai! Get up!" She tried whispering a little louder and even poked him in the face a few times. He retaliated by grabbing her hand turning the other way on the couch so she ended up sitting on his back with her arm a little twisted.
"Ow! Takashi Morinozuka! Get up and let go!" She yelled. He jolted up and let go of her but she slid off his back and landed on the other side of the couch, which made her grab on to his back and chest.
The two blushed crimson before separating and Ichi started laughing.
"You're so ridiculous when you're sleepy! You're also a really deep sleeper sometimes! I yelled at you like, three times!" She couldn't help but laugh as he rubbed his neck sheepishly. Soon they were on there way to Taberu after Ichi had changed, and Ichi was in-front of them.
Ichi went in first and threw the store keys towards the bar. Sheila popped up from her sitting position and caught them like a pro before hanging them up and giving Ichi her outfit for tonight.
"What's in store for me tonight Sheila?" Ichi asked with a fake flirty wink. Sheila chuckled and shoved her towards the changing room.
"Only the best for you babe!" The hosts paled as Haruhi tried to contain her laughter and told them it was all an act like the twincest thing. They sighed in relief and went to sit down.
"You have GOT to be kidding me! I'm not coming out like this you creep!" Sheila burst into a hysterical fit of laughter and everyone looked towards the curtain to see Ichi poke only her head out with a flaming blush and a death glare towards the owner and bar tender.
"Sorry Blacks but ya have to! All the other outfits are in the wash or the other girls are wearing 'em! Come on honey, it's just a little revealing!" Sheila laughed loudly and the hosts moved closer to see what all the fuss was about.
All they could see of Ichi at the moment was her head which held a biker cap and a spiked choker around her neck.
"A little revealing? I can't even keep my wraps on with this thing! Are you trying to make me look like some hooker?" She didn't notice the boys who all blushed at her word choice and Sheila sighed before pulling her out of the room with a quick tug of her wrist.
"Oof!" Ichi landed on her butt outside of the curtain and hurriedly covered her stomach up. The outfit was practically a leather set of lingerie with a fishnet body suit and leather fingerless gloves. The fishnet blended with her scars so they weren't visible but she still felt very vulnerable.
The top stopped a little below her bust, which was no longer bandaged, and had off the shoulder leather straps with crimped leather on the top and bottom. The worse thing about the outfit was that it was pretty much tied together with strings, including the bottoms.
The bottom was a simple leather bikini style with silver studs and it tied at the sides. She had contacts in that greatly resembled Haruhi's eyes and Tamaki went into his little mind theater seeing as they could pass as twins with only different heights and hair colors.
"Sh-Sheila! I'll kill you!" Ichi yelled with a large blush. Unfortunately she couldn't run in heels and tripped. As she fell, a strong arm caught her and it wasn't one of the hosts. Her heart stopped for a moment as she looked up at the rather tall man. Then she deadpanned.
"Now, now Kitsune deary! You must be careful!" It was Ranka Fujioka.
"Oh, my apologies Ranka-san! Thank you very much for catching me! You have impeccable timing!" He stood Ichi up and she 'smiled' brightly at him.
"No problem sweety! Oh you look hot~ Are you trying to pick up some older hunks! Ichi you bad girl!" Ichi now had a crimson face.
"N-NO! I-I'm not that good looking! I wasn't even trying to do that! It's Sheila's fault!" Ichi pouted as Ranka squished her cheeks and cooed.
"Oh you look just as cute as my little Haruhi whenever she's mad! Come on, I'm sure the boys will be all over us if we sit together!" Ranka pulled her away as she cried out for help from Haruhi. Haruhi just shook her head and smirked as Ichi dropped her head.
"Haruhi, your dad's~"
"A very strange~"
"Man…" The twins said. She nodded in agreement and they all went to sit back down over near the stage. They could see Ichi hiding her face as she sat across from Ranka and was surrounded by men.
"She just got out of a relationship and she's already bein' sucked back in eh? Ha, that's my girl!" Sheila laughed next to their table. Hani looked up at her before asking a question.
"How long have you known Kit-chan, La-chan?" Sheila looked down at him then back over at Ichi. She sat down next to the boys and Haruhi and smiled.
"I've known that wonderful child for a long time actually… I can't even remember how long it's been, but I'd guess at least… Five years? The first time she walked through that door she was a hit, but the sad thing is… She's so clueless!" Sheila laughed and Haruhi spoke up to.
"Yeah I noticed that to…" She deadpanned. Sheila snapped her head up and looked at Haruhi. "She's always acting the bold or flirty one here, yet she doesn't realize how pretty she really is… She thinks that the guys only like her because she looks easy…" Haruhi smiled sadly as Sheila had an idea.
"Thanks Fujioka, I have the perfect song now…" She looked over at Takashi and smirked. "Oh, hey Tallness! Thanks for takin' care of Blacks!" She winked as Mori was now getting teased by the twins about his new nickname.
As Sheila got on stage she let her usual bun down and threw hew bar tending apron off to the side. Now that they could see, Sheila actually had a really young look to her for a woman in her late twenties. She had long red/brown hair that flowed straight to her thighs and a small figure.
They also noticed that she was taller than Ichi by a good foot and her eyes were a mischievous green that sparkled in the stage lights. She walked over to the mike and grabbed it before turning around and shushing the room.
"Ok, this one's for a very special girl in this crazy house… It's for the gorgeous young waitress over there, Miss Black!" Cheers were heard around the room as Ichi shot her head up to look at Sheila. She just smiled warmly at the self conscious girl and began to sing.
"Seems the only one who doesn't see your beauty
Is the face in the mirror looking back at you
You walk around here thinking you're not pretty
But that's not true, cause I know you...
Hold on, baby, you're losing it
The water's high, you're jumping into it
And letting go... and no one knows
That you cry, but you don't tell anyone
That you might not be the golden one
And you're tied together with a smile
But you're coming undone~"
She pulled Ichi out of her seat and twirled her around before bringing her up on stage.
"I guess it's true that love was all you wanted
Cause you're giving it away like it's extra change
Hoping it will end up in his pocket
But he leaves you out like a penny in the rain
Oh, cause it's not his price to pay
Not his price to pay...
Hold on, baby, you're losing it
The water's high, you're jumping into it
And letting go... and no one knows
That you cry, but you don't tell anyone
That you might not be the golden one
And you're tied together with a smile
But you're coming undone~"
She got really quiet and brushed Ichi's hair back behind her hat while wiping away a stray tear that had leaked through.
"Hold on, baby, you're losing it
The water's high, you're jumping into it
And letting go... and no one knows
That you cry, but you don't tell anyone
That you might not be the golden one
And you're tied together with a smile
But you're coming undone
You're tied together with a smile
But you're coming undone... oh
Goodbye, baby
With a smile, baby, baby…"
She finished after a little bit longer and there were cheers as she hugged Ichi tightly. The hosts all clapped with either small smiles or large ones and Ranka even stood up and cheered. Ichi really smiled under Sheila's hair and hugged back as she finally took in what it felt like to really be loved by others that weren't her family.
That night had to have been one of the best nights in her life. She was now walking home with Mori and they were both at peace.
"Hey, if you have trouble sleeping from all the leftover energy, I'll make you some of my special tea ok? I make it for Cho every time she has trouble sleeping… Poor thing…" Mori looked down at her and nodded as he watched her yawn and rub her eyes. Ichi went inside first and saw Cho sitting in the cot with the butterfly stuffed animals, Piyo, and Pome.
"Hey there my pretty little girl! Mama's home!" Ichi said and scooped her up in her arms. Cho hugged back and giggled before being taken into the kitchen. Mori walked past and saw the look of complete adoration the little girl held for Ichi. He smiled slightly and walked back up to his own room.
Ichi made Cho some tea and waited until she fell asleep to take her upstairs and place her in Anna's room. She then went back down and made a thermos of it and labeled it 'Mori' before going back upstairs. She heard the shower still on and went into his room and set it down. A few minutes later she went out of the room and made her way back to the kitchen for the last time. She slowly drank her own tea before she fell asleep with her head in her arms on the table.
Hope you liked it, and please review! Also, next chapter is an episode chapter, but I'm skipping to the pool episode!