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DISCLAIMER: I do not own the Troop.
SYNOPSIS: After Hayley's heart is broken, there's no better thing to do but to immerse herself in monster hunting; especially when there's a rare but vicious monster on the loose. But what happens when she finds herself falling for someone she'd never expect?
–
Chapter 6: A Familiar Face
The sun peaked through the gaps in the blinds- the blinds that were dangling lazily across the window. The birds chirped softly outside in the trees and the faint clanging of dishes and pots downstairs, probably from the kitchen started to disappear as I realised how comfortable and well I had slept, despite the past events of nearly being a burnt biscuit in an exploding car.
I opened my eyes slowly, thinking about how good I was feeling this morning. Surprisingly, I was met with a firm chest, covered in a black t-shirt. My eyes widened completely, as I was unaware someone else was in my bed. I shuffled up a little but was unsuccessful upon realising that the guy's arm was holding me protectively. Our legs were tangled- my bare ones with his ones covered in the soft material of his pyjamas pants. I hated to admit it, but it felt so right and comfortable. Who was this mysterious guy?
I turned my head slightly, taking in my surroundings. This most certainly wasn't my bed as I didn't remember my bed sheets being green. I looked at the clock and it read 9:27am. I sighed, knowing I was late (for what, I have no idea). I also noticed I was not in Lakewood anymore, so that was a reason why I had awaken at such a weird time- far away from my parents, Mr Stockley and Brett. On some levels, it was a good thing; I guess I could understand how special I was to have such a loving and supportive environment to live in but on the other hand, I was so damn confused on how I was supposed to be feeling. Ever since I had left Lakewood, strange things had been happening between Jake and I. And I, for one, was so mixed up. Did I like Jake or was this his way of coping with the absence of his girlfriend? I cringed inwardly as I tried to pry off the mysterious boy's grip.
"Hayley, stop moving," a deep voice mumbled in my ear.
I froze; unable to move or even think because that incredibly heart-melting voice did not come from him. It can't be...it couldn't be...it shouldn't be...
"Jake...?" I whispered questioningly, "What are you doing here?"
"Don't you remember?" he laughed softly, "We had to share the bed,"
"Oh yeah..." I muttered, trying to wriggle my way out of Jake's grip, until he used his long fingers to carefully turn my head to meet his gaze.
"Where do you think you're going?" he smirked, leaving me breathless.
"I...just...umm...I..." I stuttered nervously as he leaned closer and murmured into my hair.
"Let's go downstairs and eat some breakfast, shall we? I have a feeling it's going to a busy day today because of yesterday's incident. We don't want a repeat, right?"
"Yeah, I guess so..." I replied, still in a daze, as Jake's warm hands released me and I tumbled out of the bed.
"I'm going to go use the other bathroom. You can stay here and use this one," Jake suggested, tossing a towel over his broad shoulder, "Then we can go get some breakfast that I can smell right now,"
"Good idea," I smiled at Jake as I walked to the bathroom and shut the door.
My stomach grumbled as I thought of the delicious aromas that Jake could smell coming downstairs from the kitchen. I couldn't wait to dig in. I looked at myself in the mirror and saw the giant smile I had plastered on my face because I had awaken in Jake's arms and that there would be some sort of unique cuisine downstairs just waiting for me to consume. My eyes then glanced to that hickey on my neck and instead of grimacing, like I had expected, I ended up smiling even bigger.
After rummaging through my suitcase for my toothbrush and toothpaste, I cleaned my teeth and had finished brushing my curly dark blonde hair. Hurriedly, I put on a pair of dark denim shorts and a yellow singlet. I grabbed my favourite black boots and slid them on my feet. Unconciously, I grabbed Jake's hoodie again and folded it into my backpack. I also placed a freeze ray, monster tracking devices and other equipment that may be needed for the city patrol the two Troop groups had to do before the dance at Akira, Yuki and Keiko's school.
Just as I slung the bag over my shoulder and headed out the bedroom door, I saw Jake exit one of the other doors with nothing on but his pyjama pants. He looked up at me as he was towelling his hair and when he noticed me, I swear my cheeks were almost as red as my slightly bruised nose from yesterday. He smirked at me handsomely and I rolled my eyes to disguise my real attraction to him right now. What could I say- Leanne was one lucky girl. I had never run down the stairs faster.
"Good morning Hayley, what seems to be the rush?"
I glanced up and saw Yuki with a happy but slightly concerned smile on her face.
"Good morning Yuki," I replied with a small grin, "Nothing's wrong, just hungry, that's all,"
"Well you are in luck," Keiko laughed lightly, "Mother just made tofu and banana pancakes,"
"That sounds...delicious," Jake said sarcastically, as Yuki and Keiko greeted him with hellos and I frowned and avoided his gaze.
"Trust me," Yuki smiled, "They are a lot better than they sound,"
Yuki was right. As soon as Jake and I sat down at the table and took a bite of their mum's strange combination of pancakes, we felt like we were both in heaven again. These tasted better and were healthier than the pancakes we had yesterday. I had 3 pancakes, while Jake had 7, and all of us laughed at how Jake was eating like an animal. All he could do though, was look up at all of us- his face stuffed with pancakes, and give a small, shy smile. My heart unwillingly sped up.
After breakfast, the 3 of us got ready for the city patrol by packing our bags. Everyone had at least one weapon on them and a monster tracking device. We also all had communication devices- I had a phone to contact the Japanese Troop and my watchcom to contact Felix and Jake, if there were any emergencies. There was a honk of a car horn outside and I rushed down the stairs to see the others already exiting through the door.
"It looks like it is about to rain," Keiko observed; a pout clearly displayed on her face.
"Yeah it does," I nodded, "This is going to make our mission even more difficult. The weather will bring dangerous circumstances for fighting and using our technology,"
"But the dance tonight will also be troublesome! Waterproof makeup time!" Yuki squealed as we got into the new car that Akira and Felix were in that was borrowed from the Japanese Troop headquarters.
"No offence ladies," Akira sneered, "But we have a patrol to complete, so hurry up and get in,"
Keiko, Yuki and I looked at each other strangely and we shrugged it off, sensing that Akira always wanted to do what was right and had this ability to concentrate on his work and nothing else.
"Hey Hayley, Keiko and Yuki," Felix said over-excitedly, "How was your sleep? Did you have a good sleep? I know I sure did because Akira-"
"It was good," Keiko grinned as Yuki sat next to Felix and cuddled him closer.
"Hi to you too Felix," Jake greeted, rolling his eyes, as the rest of us laughed.
Akira started to drive down the roads of Tokyo and all seemed to be at peace...well when it came to monsters. Again, the streets were buzzing with people and cars and music from shops that were playing their radios way too loudly. Yuki and Keiko were talking about the dance tonight with Felix and Yuki shyly asked Felix to be her date. I could tell Yuki liked Felix for who he was and honestly, I thought they'd make an exceptional couple. I was curious on how Keiko felt about this all though, as they both were quite flirty with Felix and there was a chance she liked him too.
"Hey Keiko, you alright?" I whispered.
"Of course," she laughed, "Why would I not be?"
"Well, your twin sister just asked out Felix and I assumed you liked Felix too...?"
"What! That is crazy," Keiko gasped, in between her crazy laughter, "Yuki and I have always admired Felix for his intelligence and wit, but when Yuki actually met him, she fell for him. Unfortunately he was just using us," Keiko scowled as I laid a hand on her shoulder.
"Felix is weird like that," I chuckled, "He may seem like a dork who would do anything to get a couple of girls around him but he isn't. He's just..."
"Unique?" Keiko said, completing my sentence.
"Yeah...how did you know?"
"Well, that is how I would describe Akira," Keiko blushed, "He has been my best friend since beginning of grade school. And everyone likes him- I mean he is dark and mysterious with a wicked sense of humour and even when he is all serious, he still amazes me. He is my best friend, Hayley, and if him being with you makes him happy, then I am just going to have to be happy for him too,"
"Keiko...I don't know what to say..." I sighed, struggling for the right words.
"Then do not," Keiko smiled weakly, "It is not like Akira and I were ever going to happen anyway,"
I gave up on talking to Keiko as I felt uncertain of what to say. Luckily though, no one had heard our conversation. Akira was busy arguing with Jake at the front of the car on where to turn to visit the next street and Yuki and Felix were making small talk; laughing and grinning. After a few hours of patrolling, we had gotten stuck in traffic.
"I told you we needed to take the second left, you idiot!" Akira shouted, slamming his fist again the steering wheel.
"Well I was pretty sure we needed to take that left because if we did it your way, we would've ended up at a dead end!" Jake yelled back furiously.
"Are you that dumb, Jake Collins?" Akira scoffed, "We are in the middle of Tokyo- a super busy city! Why will there be dead ends?"
"According to this map, there is, Akira, so stop blaming me and read the damn map yourself! I mean you should be cool and smart enough to do-"
Before Jake could continue on with his rant, the sounds of screaming people and loud thuds drowned the busy city life and made us realise the real potential danger the Vortex could cause.
"Come on, there's no more time to argue!" I exclaimed, grabbing one of the blast guns from my backpack, "Everyone grab a weapon and split up! We need to investigate the area,"
"Hayley is correct," Akira agreed; a determined expression evident on his face, "Let me go grab some more weapons from the back. Keiko, decide the partnerships,"
Keiko was obviously taken aback by Akira's command but nodded. I tried to stop myself from pointing out the blush that was growing across her pale face as it was a serious situation. People could be hurt by the monsters unleashed by the Vortex, especially when someone was controlling it.
"Well, Yuki and Felix- go search the lower area of the town. The people were running over there and I am worried that the monsters have disguised themselves and chased them down there. Jake and Hayley- you will search here; the midtown area. If any monster comes this way; take it down. Akira and I will take uppertown because we know our way around it as there are many small alleyways and passages. Any problems, do not hesitate to call any of us. We will be there as fast as we can," Keiko explained committedly.
"Sounds good to me," Jake smiled, "Let's go!"
Everyone said a brief goodbye and good luck as we continued on our mission. I could already tell Keiko and Akira would make a good couple but Akira was too hung over me. And the bad thing here was that I wasn't into him as much as he was into me, because a certain Jake Collins constantly kept me on my toes.
"Will you quit day dreaming and help me, Hayley?"
Jake's deep voice lifted me from my thoughts as I saw him backed up against a wall, slightly hunched over, as if he was about to attack.
"Sorry," I murmured, "What's going on?"
"I heard something and now we're hiding," Jake replied, rolling his eyes, "What were you thinking about that could be more important than right now anyway?"
"Sorry Jake but that's something I know and something you'll never find out," I smirked, as he stuck his tongue out at me.
A loud explosion was heard behind us and I could feel the bricks threatening to tumble down on our heads. My arms covered my head as Jake grabbed my hand and led me out of that situation without a single scratch or bruise. I was trying to ignore the tingles Jake's warm hand had given me as I tried to catch my breath.
"What the hell just happened?" I panted as Jake covered me with his arms from any remaining rubble, as we hid under a tree.
"Maybe I could explain," a third voice laughed menacingly.
A dark figure emerged; his baby blue eyes piercing with danger and a smirk that just spoke evil. His light blonde hair had been spiked up, making him even more devilish than normal. Jake's eyes narrowed into slits and I just gasped in horror.
"I should've known it was you, Gus," Jake spat, "You've always been trying to destroy the Troop,"
"Why of course you should've known, you foolish child," Gus smiled deviously, "And it's Augustus to you!"
"What are you doing here Gus? Are you in charge of the Vortex's mutation?" I asked, making sure I emphasised his name.
"Oh Hayley, it is so nice to see you again after you betrayed me. I guess I am genius enough to control the Vortex. Maybe I am at fault but oh darling, you'll never know will you?" he taunted.
"Don't call her darling, you monster!" Jake seethed, his body shaking with anger, "How dare you put another city in danger! What happened to killing the Lakewood Troop, aye? Did you finally give up because you realised you would never hurt us? Because we were strong enough to still stick together after all your mind games and plans?"
"Don't flatter yourself, Jake," Gus replied smugly, "I live here now, in case you haven't noticed,"
"Maybe because no one wanted you in Lakewood anymore?" Jake answered; venom dripping from his voice.
"No, I moved here with my step family. My parents died in a monster incident," Gus sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"Oh...god, Gus, I'm so sorry," I gushed, knowing that even Gus was evil, no one deserved their parents dead because of monsters.
"Yeah man...I didn't know..." Jake frowned, "But you said you could explain to us what the Vortex is doing here?"
"Well honestly, I thought one of you Troop people were controlling the monster for your own good so you could come in and kick it to the curb, but now I understand it's not you. Look, I know we've had our differences but I really am starting to get clean. I attend Ugasaki High School now and honestly, I love it there. There's even a dance there today," Gus said in a hushed, relaxed tone.
"I'll believe it when I see it, Gus," Jake admitted forcefully, "You've done a lot of stuff to us in the past. Trust me when I say noone is going to forget those crimes that easily,"
"That is your choice then, Jake. But I do hope you find whoever is at fault when it comes to the Vortex. I need to go get ready for the dance now, so if you excuse me,"
And in a flash, Gus was gone.
"Obviously, he still uses some sort of monster fighting gadgets or has some connection with a monster if he disappeared like that," I observed, "Do you think he really has changed, Jake?"
"No idea, Hayley, but I'm not taking any chances," Jake stated firmly as he communicated to the others.
In a matter of minutes, everyone had finished their patrols and had landed in the middle of the city, next to the Troop car. Everyone was unsuccessful. Noone had seen any other monsters after the screaming people and thuds. It had seemed liked the monsters had disappeared and they were always a step ahead of us now.
I was still a little surprised and still confused on whether to trust Gus or not. He had hurt Felix, Jake and I multiple times in the past, but hearing the tragic tale of his parents and how he had to live here now made it extremely hard for me to despise the guy.
"So you think he has really changed?" Keiko questioned, looking at Jake and I.
"I think he has," I said, averting all eye contact with the other Troop members, "The guy has been through a rough time,"
"Hayley does have a point," Felix smiled, casually swinging his arm around my shoulders, "I was actually friends with the guy for a while. He may be troubled, but I doubt he'd snoop that low to get what he wants,"
"I still don't trust the guy," Jake said flatly, "Once a criminal, always a criminal,"
"Sorry but I agree with Jake here, Hayley and Felix," Akira nodded, "I do not trust that guy. He seems very...how do you say...dodgy to me. We can check his profile out back at the Troop Grid,"
"Not now though Akira!" Yuki squealed in protest, "There's only 2 hours til the dance and we haven't eaten dinner or prepared or anything!"
"I believe our job is a little more important, Yuki," Akira growled.
"Now Akira, that's no way to treat a girl," Jake smiled; his voice thick with sarcasm.
"Before you guys get in a fight...again, I think the girls have had a long day," Felix said caringly, "They should go get ready and maybe make us or bring us some dinner before we go to the dance. We don't take long to dress but they have makeup and hair and shoes and painting their nails and-"
"We get it, Felix," Keiko laughed, "Thanks again. I will make some food. How does my famous udon noodles sound?"
The boys nodded and we all said our byes and got into the Troop car. Yuki was the last one to come in as she gave Felix a kiss on the cheek for being so thoughtful, and he blushed uncontrollably. It was an absolutely adorable scene.
"Be back in an hour at my place or you will not have enough time to eat!" Keiko shouted out the car window, "Update us later and call us if there's any emergency. I do not care if we are half way through straightening Yuki's hair- Felix, Akira, Jake, you must contact us or I will personally dismember you,"
"We understand Keiko," Akira laughed, rolling his eyes, "Do not be so serious all the time. I will call you if anything goes on,"
"Says the guy who's serious attitude makes others hurt," Jake coughed, rolling his eyes.
Before the boys could start up another argument, Keiko started the engine, gave a small wave and then sped down the street, back to her house. After an approximate 10 minutes, we were back in Keiko and Yuki's comfortable house.
"I will prepare the udon noodles," Keiko grinned, "You two can go get yourselves pretty,"
"Not without you, Keiko," I scowled, "You were such a big help and courageous leader today. We're not getting ready without you,"
"Agreed," Yuki giggled, "Plus, you need to make noodles enough for 6 people. I am fairly certain that is a lot of pressure, even for a dedicated cook like you,"
"Alright, alright," Keiko sighed, "Let us get our dresses and change. I will then cook and you two can help as you do your hair and makeup,"
We nodded in agreement and raced up the stairs to put on our dresses. Yuki had her dress on first and carried down a large box-like suitcase down the stairs, probably containing her straightener and a huge variety of makeup products. I helped with Keiko's dress as it was halter-neck and needed to be tied at the back. She went down hurriedly as she tied an apron to her waist. I was the last one to put my dress on but I ended up needing help to zip it up. I walked down the stairs awkwardly, holding the back of my dress so it didn't slip off and reveal the strapless bra and undies I was wearing. That would've been embarrassing.
"Yuki, could you please help me?" I asked politely.
"Sure," Yuki smiled, as she zipped it up for me and sat me down, "Now that your dress is on, it is time to do hair and makeup!"
"What about Keiko though?"
"It is alright, Hayley," Keiko laughed, poking her head out the kitchen door, "You two can do your hair and makeup first. I am preparing the noodles right now, but as they cook, I will do prepare as someone else watches over the pot,"
I accepted Keiko's plan as she went back to chopping up ingredients needed for her noodles. Yuki, however, took this as an opportunity to attack my hair with a bottle filled with some sort of nice-smelling substance.
"What is that Yuki?" I shrieked, clearly unaware at what Yuki was doing.
"It is a liquid that protects your hair when I straighten it," she replied, a little taken back by my outburst.
"Oh...you're straightening my hair?"
"Of course," Yuki giggled, "Not everyone is lucky to have such beautiful curly hair like you. But I believe with your dress, straight hair is the way you go,"
"I think you are correct," I said, blushing a little at her compliment, "Thanks Yuki but remember, I'm trusting you with my hair!"
Yuki began straightening my hair and in a very long 15 minutes, my hair was completely sleek and in control. Usually with my curly hair, it tended to frizz a lot and was almost always uncontrollable. Yuki sprayed some hair spray on my hair and brushed it tenderly.
"This hair spray is the best one available in Japan," Yuki explained, "Your hair shouldn't friz until you have a shower or it rains on you,"
"Thanks again," I whispered, closing my eyes, "Now is it your turn?"
"Of course not!" Yuki grinned; my eyes fluttering wide in surprise, "It's time for makeup!"
I closed my eyes again as she started to brush eyeshadow and draw eyeliner onto my eyes. I could feel her apply some blush onto my cheeks and a little lipstick and lipgloss.
"Yuki, Hayley, I am waiting for the noodles to cook now. Are any of you done so you can watch the noodles as I do my hair and makeup?" Keiko shouted from the kitchen.
"Just a minute, sis," Yuki answered, "I am finishing Hayley's makeup. Hayley, apply some mascara while I go get Keiko. Hurry over so we do not waste any time please; the dance is only in 1 and a half hours,"
I grabbed my favourite mascara from my backpack and applied it. I glanced into the mirror and was clearly surprised at how I looked. If everything failed for Yuki in the future, there was a very big chance she could make it big as a makeup artist. My eyes were a smokey metallic outburst- it had almost looked like some sort of brilliant night fireworks. The eyeliner made my eyes stand out and the blush made my cheeks like rosy and bright. My lips that were currently a pale pink colour completed the look and complimented my extraordinary eyes. I grabbed a thick black headband out from my bag and placed it on my head, brushing any stray hairs back from my face. The outfit, as a whole, looked fantastic and with the amazing works of Yuki, I appeared...flawless.
"Wow...Yuki...I look...wow..." I stuttered, honestly taken away by how I looked right then, as I approached Yuki.
"Imagine how Akira must feel, or Jake," Yuki giggled once again.
"I sort of figured Akira had a thing for me...but Jake? He has a girlfriend, you know," I replied, trying to sound like I didn't care.
"I know how you feel about Jake, and how he feels about you," Yuki grinned, "But now I see Keiko coming down the stairs so I will have to talk to you later,"
"Come on Yuki, I need to be pampered!" Keiko chuckled as she pushed Yuki out of the kitchen, "Oh and Hayley?"
"Yeah Keiko?"
"You look great," she smirked, "Now keep an eye out on my noodles! If the water starts to rise, cover the lid immediately and call me straight away!"
I nodded as I saw Keiko leave to join Yuki in the living room as they applied makeup and did their hair. But a million thoughts were buzzing through my head.
What did Jake feel for me? And what on earth did I feel for him?
–
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