Hey all(:
I seriously can not thank you guys- the ones that do review & the ones that don't (I do wish you did; I love hearing feedback!) enough. God bless you all!
I love writing & I get so nervous when I find reviews because I'm unsure of what you think of my writing. So to JellyBelly58 – I'm not doing it for the love of reviews. Reviews is a way for me to connect with my audience & I really want to know what you think of my story because it is the first story I've published. So go easy on me please!
So...Christmas is in a month! Who's excited like me? :D
Ok I'll stop talking to you guys now coz I know you're all anticipating to find out what happens at the dance right? :P

inspire-the-writer-x3

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?

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Chapter 7: A Night To Remember

Slurp. Slurp. Slurp.

The room was silent- filled with ridiculous slurping noises from the noodles that Keiko had made. A few minutes ago, she had scooped them up from the pot with a ladle and placed the deliciously warm meal in a small white china bowl. As soon as the bowls hit the table, Yuki and I attacked them like mad men; evidently showing our ravenous states. Keiko just laughed as she began to pick at her noodles with a pair of chopsticks.

At first, I was having a little trouble with the chopsticks that Yuki had laid out on the table for Akira, Felix, Jake, Keiko, myself and herself. But everyone knew Hayley Steele's a fast learner, so after a few seconds of frustrating struggles with holding and grabbing food with the odd utensils I was given, I had almost mastered it like a pro. I smiled to myself.

"When do you think the boys are getting here?" Keiko pondered, twirling a strand of her recently curled hair.

"Not sure," Yuki mumbled in between slurps, "I think makeovers make me hungry! These noodles of yours Keiko taste better than they normally do!"

"Thankyou sister," Keiko laughed, "Be careful not to smudge your makeup or you will have to reapply and I do not think I have enough for Akira, Felix and Jake if I need to feed you again!"

Suddenly, as if it was fate, the doorbell rang. I raised my head a little from the bowl to see who would answer the door but the two girls didn't move. I groaned as I got up, taking a tissue from the table to wipe my mouth, and head to the door. I unlocked the door and saw a grinning Felix, a slightly scowling Akira and an expressionless Jake. It was fairly obvious Akira and Jake had been arguing again.

"Hey Hayley!" Felix beamed, giving me a great bear hug.

"Hey...Felix...can't breathe!" I spluttered out as he let go of me.

"Sorry Hayley, I'm just really excited!" Felix blurted, "I get to go with Yuki and between you and me, I really like her,"

"I'm glad to hear that because I reckon she likes you too, so don't mess this up," I threatened lightly- a huge smile still obvious on my face.

"Of course," he chirped, "Oh and you look great tonight!"

"Thanks," I chuckled, "You too,"

And I wasn't lying. Felix was looking cute in a white collared shirt with black jeans, a grey vest and a green tie- surprisingly in the same shade was Yuki's dress for the dance. Akira leaned in for a small kiss on my cheek and I turned red at his kind gesture. He was dressed in a blue V-neck shirt, black slacks and a black blazer, and it made him quite handsome. In the corner of my eye, I saw Keiko's eyes bulge and her cheeks flare up when she saw Akira. Luckily, I had managed to hold a giggle.

Yuki ran over to Felix, giving him a tight hug, as they started to make some small talk and walk over to the table. Keiko gave Akira a shy greeting and Akira just smiled at her and sat down at the table next to her. It was so adorable. All the couples were incredible and it was really a shock how Yuki and Felix and Keiko and Akira had matching outfits for the dance.

A cough erupted my thoughts from behind me and I turned around to meet with a stunning pair of chocolate brown eyes. I swear I could've gotten lost in them, but all too soon, he tore his gaze away from me.

"Hi Hayley," Jake said shyly, clearly avoiding my eye contact, as he placed his hands in his pockets and hunched his shoulders a little.

"Umm...hi Jake," I stuttered, uncertain of what to say because the appearance of him just blew me away.

Jake was looking hot as usual- and as much as I hated using that word to describe him, I had come to terms that this physcial attraction I had towards him had to stop. For God's sakes, I knew I was still recovering from a bad break-up and Jake had a serious girlfriend now. Who was I to interfere with his life?

He looked polished in a black collared shirt and white tie- that strangely matched my dress. His dark jeans made him look casual yet cool and his dirty sneakers gave him an irresistable factor. His curly hair was just asking me to weave my fingers through them and I bit my lip in an attempt to resist the temptation.

"Look Hayley, I think we need to talk," Jake started, lifting his head to meet my eyes.

"Sure, go for it," I gulped.

"I think this trip to Japan has been confusing to both of us. You practically just got your heart ripped out and I got into a serious relationship, which we both know is strange of me. But I wanted to set things straight. Hayley, you're an awesome friend and a great person, but-"

"It's ok, I get it," I interrupted; scared tears were going to fall any second and ruin my makeup, "I know. We're friends and we're part of the Troop and that's...that's all we'll ever be,"

Before he could reply, I walked over, ducking my head as I went so noone could see the hurt on my face and the tears in my eyes. I know that I had cut Jake off but I was quite familiar in where he was going with his talk. It was the 'I'm-sorry-I-replaced-you-as-my-temporary-girlfriend-by-giving-you-a-hickey-and-I-know-we're-only-friends' speech and I wasn't sure why that hurt me but it did. My feelings for Jake were so mixed up right now and I really didn't want to think about it. I sat down and started to make light conversation with everyone as we ate our dinner. I ignored Jake when he sat down and slurped his noodles up from his bowl as he occasionally sneaked concerned glances at me.

After we had all finished our meal, we cleaned up a little- doing the dishes, wiping down the table, and fixing up our hair and makeup that had gotten a little messy due to the hilarious talk we all had during the table. Akira grabbed the car keys from his pocket and offered to drive us as we hurried into the vehicle. To my surprise, Jake didn't retaliate.

"Who is super excited about the dance tonight?" Yuki squealed, as Akira started the engine.

"I know I am because I'm spending it with you," Felix admitted bashfully.

In return to Felix's sweet comment, Yuki gave him a light peck on his lips and his eyes widened in shock. No one was expecting that move from sweet and naiveYuki.

"I am also excited," Akira stated, a smile showing in his voice, "But before we have a great night, I think it is best if we inform you on a little information we dug up on Augustus,"

"It's Gus," Jake and I both corrected automatically.

Jake's avoiding eyes suddenly met mine and I felt my heart leap a little. He gave me a small smirk and I couldn't help but let out a quiet laugh.

"Jake, Hayley- you know he gets angry when you call him that," Felix chuckled, as everyone else joined in on the laughter, "But since we will be seeing him this evening at the dance, Akira, Jake and I returned to your Japanese Troop headquarters to research on Gus,"

"Yeah, it seems our friend's been busy," Jake said, tapping away on his Troop pad- one of the many new devices Felix had come up with for us, "After leaving Lakewood, he's been to various hospitals for mental instability. It only got worse from then when his parents died,"

"It seems like pure hate for us was his real drive for trying to destroy the Lakewood Troop in the first place, but after his parent's death, it became personal. I think he may have realised the existence of the Troop was necessary in protecting the world, or innocent lives will be lost," Felix explained further, as he threw an arm around Yuki's shoulders.

"So he is a good guy then?" Yuki asked curiously.

"Well, that is what we are uncertain of," Akira observed, "Just because we believe he has changed- he has yet to prove it. But since he is going to be at the dance tonight, I want everyone on alert. Everyone must be carrying at least 1 weapon, in case of a monster attack. Let us just hope the Vortex will leave us alone tonight,"

"I think that is smart, Akira. We will all be alert for any suspicious behaviour or trouble one of our partners may have. We are all in this together," Keiko assured Akira, "But for now, it is time to party!" she exclaimed, as we pulled up next to the school.

Akira stopped the car and parked it, as we all made our way out of the car. It had been a while since I walked in heels and I sort of stumbled out of the car, in the midst of tripping when luckily, Keiko caught my arm before I reached the ground.

"Thanks," I sighed in relief, "If you didn't catch me, no amount of makeup could fix up my face,"

"No problem, Hayley," Keiko laughed, "Just promise me something tonight?"

"Sure," I smiled, as I saw Yuki and Felix hurry on into the hall and Jake and Akira follow us somewhere in the distance.

"Dance with Akira and Jake tonight and decide who you want,"

"What?" I gasped in disbelief, "You're kidding me right?"

"No Hayley, I am not," Keiko smiled weakly, "Tonight, seeing Akira like that...I know I like him and I can not deny it any longer. I know he likes you and I can tell...I can tell Jake has some sort of interest in you too. So you need to figure out where your priorities lie. If you choose Akira, I have no choice but to let go of him and move on. If you choose Jake, well, I think you can guess the rest,"

"But Keiko...you can't leave that important decision up to me! I'm probably the most indecisive person you'll ever meet!" I argued, clearly against Keiko's command, "Keiko- you should chase Akira, no matter how much he thinks of you as a friend or partner for the Troop. You don't give up; you never give up. Listen to your heart, Keiko because I'm listening to mine and I know you giving me this to decide for you is wrong,"

"I...you are right, Hayley," Keiko sighed, "I am deeply sorry for my behaviour. It was appauling and uncalled for. I think I am starting to become frustrated. It is getting harder and harder for me to be around him because I know he likes you,"

"Keiko, you look amazing tonight and I'm sure anyone can see that. Charm him a little and just see where it goes," I winked as she giggled and nodded her head.

Akira and Jake finally caught up to us and Akira grabbed my hand and led me inside quite possessively, leaving Jake and Keiko behind us, and my head with a thousand thoughts. My 'motivating speech' for Keiko had somehow turned on me and affected my judgment on Jake. I said that I shouldn't give up and that I never should but was settling for just friends with Jake, giving up?

I shook my head. Of course it wasn't! He had a girlfriend right now anyway so it was impossible to do anything anyway. What would I say to him anyway?

The music pounded through various speakers as we entered the dance. Streamers of different colours were hung across the room and the disco lights cascaded the room like an aurora. It looked incredibly exotic and really set a fun and energetic scene. Akira led me to row of tables carrying various drinks and assortments. I scanned the dance floor and saw many happy faces moving to the beat. I even saw Yuki and Felix cuddling as they swayed to the upbeat music.

"Would you like a drink, Hayley?" Akira offered kindly.

"Yes please, thankyou," I smiled, as Akira handed over a pink plastic cup to me.

"So what do you want to talk about?" Akira asked, grabbing my hand.

"Well, I was hoping we could talk about Keiko," I suggested, casually sipping on my drink.

"Oh, what about Keiko?" Akira replied, seeming a little startled and nervous all of a sudden.

"Do you like her?"

"She is a good friend," Akira answered hastily as he let go of my hand.

"Akira, it's ok if you do because she-"

"Hello Hayley, hello Akira," a familiar voice echoed darkly, "So glad to see you here,"

"Oh hi Gus," I said, forcing out a smile.

"Excuse me Akira, but do you mind if I have a dance with Hayley?" Gus smirked, as he grabbed my hand and squeezed it tightly.

Akira nodded stiffly as he walked past us. Before Gus- in a grey collared shirt and white jeans, pulled me into the dance floor though, I saw Akira walk over to Keiko, who was sitting down with Jake laughing about something he said, no doubt, and tell them something, while he gestured at me.

"You look absolutely ravishing tonight," Gus complimented, sending scared chills down my spine.

"Uh...thankyou," I mumbled, "What are you really doing dancing with me, Gus?"

"Why, I can't dance with my favourite person from the Troop now?" Gus grinned dangerously, "Look I'm sick of dancing, let's go outside for some fresh air," he suggested, as he led me out to the car park near the entry of the school.

"What are you up to now Gus?" I sneered, "I know you took me away from Akira for a reason. What, are you jealous of him too?"

"Jealous? Too? Why Hayley, are you saying I'm the jealous type?" he asked arrogantly.

"I don't care what the hell you're type is!" I snapped, "You let go of me right now and let me go back into the hall to enjoy being in the company of my friends- my real friends,"

"You really think they're your real friends?" Gus laughed menacingly, "I thought you were smarter than that, Hayley. Akira just likes you because you're his competition; you're the one to beat. You both are strong Troop leaders but once he sees the vulnerable side of you, he won't give a damn about you,"

"Akira would care..." I mumbled, looking away from Gus, as he grabbed my jaw and turned me to face him.

"Felix is too busy with his girlfriend to care about you too," Gus continued, "And Jake? Why, Jake doesn't even give you enough attention to notice your love for him!"

"I don't love Jake!" I fought back, "And apart from this lovely conversation we're having, what else do you want?"

"Oh, you mean other from this?" Gus growled as he crushed his lips onto mine.

I felt instantly disgusted. Gus- the boy who had been trying to kill my friends and I for the the last year or so was kissing me. If only this was Jake...

Abruptly, I felt his teeth push against the skin of lip and I jerked back in surprise. Gus' eyes were growing red and I could see fangs growing from his mouth. And then it hit me. This wasn't Gus.

"Come back here you little rat and let me drain your blood," a sinister deeper voice spoke, as he tried to grab me.

"Get back!" a recognisable voice commanded, as I turned around; tears blurring my vision.

A few shots of a blue beam hit the vampire-like monster's chest and it collapsed. Jake threw his weapon on the ground and started to attack the monster with his own fists.

"Don't...you...ever...bloody...touch...her...again!" he snarled furiously; the veins in his neck popping out as he stressed each word.

"Jake, stop punching it! You don't know what type of venom or substance the monster could have!" I cried, attempting to tug on his swinging arms.

"You're right Hayley," Jake sighed, turning to face me- his eyes still burning with anger, "I'm sorry I wasn't here earlier to protect you,"

"Jake...you did more than enough for saving me right now," I admitted, giving him a big hug.

The other Troop members came out of the hall and looked around in worry. Yuki and Keiko didn't say anything but give me a comforting hug after seeing my shaken up state. Felix gave me an apologetic look and kissed my forehead in a friendly manner. I was trying my best not to cry, as I pulled on and scrunched up Jake's formal shirt.

"You know, you should be more careful. How could you be so foolish to dance with Gus and come outside with him? Are you insane?" Akira shouted, as he shook my shoulders gently.

"You hypocrite!" Jake roared, "You let her go! You should've been there to say to Gus that she couldn't go with him! What the hell were you doing when she was being attacked?"

"Will you both shut up?" Keiko snapped- the first time I had ever seen her so annoyed, "You two are both acting like children, especially you Akira! You are supposed to be our leader, looking out for everyone! It is your responsibility and yet all you do is blame other people. Jake is a hero for saving Hayley before it was too late. I can't believe I like an idiot like you!"

Keiko huffed away quickly as her black heels clicked against the pavement. Yuki was about to run after her sister but Akira just shook his head and ran after Keiko. Whatever happened between them though- I hoped it would work out. They did make the perfect couple. Felix and Yuki both gave me a hug but tears leaked from my eyes so I leaned into Jake's warm body for support. They left soon, giving Jake and I some privacy.

"You know we can still hear the music from here?" Jake chuckled softly, breaking the silence.

"Yeah we can," I smiled, looking up to him; the music faintly playing in the distance.

"I'm glad you're ok," Jake said sincerely, "The Lakewood Troop wouldn't be the same without you and...I wouldn't either. I wouldn't be such a good opponent when it comes to arguing with Akira then,"

"Very funny," I rolled my eyes humourously, noticing the music in the background was starting to turn into a much slower pace, "I'm glad I'm ok too but let's forget about that incident for now. I haven't had a chance to dance yet so..."

"Considering I...I mean we almost lost you today, I guess I could dance with you," Jake winked as he took my hands and placed them on his shoulders.

I grinned to myself as I noticed his little slip up. I wrapped my arms around his neck, while his hands found their way to my waist. Silently, we gently swayed to the soft music. I could feel my pulse increasing as the distance between us closed and our bodies were touching each other. Our eyes never once left each other and on my part, it was because I was mesmerized with his chocolate orbs. He rested his forehead against the top of my head and I felt all the fear I held onto before completely melt away.

"You know, I never got the chance to tell you how beautiful you look tonight," Jake whispered huskily into my ear, making my heart beat crazily against my throat.

"And I never got the chance to do this," I smirked as I pulled his head down so my eager lips could meet with his.

–

Sooo...what do you think? :P
I wrote the ending several times but I like this one best XD
Tell me what you think in a review! Please & thankyou~

inspire-the-writer-x3