Before I start talking about random crap no one cares about, I'd like to thank four specific people who reviewed chapter 7. Those were the longest reviews I've ever received, and had higher praise than I could ever dream of actually getting. I've reread them several times (sad, I know). Seriously, you guys rock. ;-;
Well, enjoy! ( ^o^)/
Durarararararara ? ! ? !
Chapter VIII: Durarararararara
-BZZT-
"Is it working now?"
"… Picture. (The screen is turned on now.)"
"Great!"
Moving the focus of the lens from the clouds to themselves, Mairu grinned sheepishly at the camera. "Hello there!" She greeted. "This is Mairu Orihara here." She moved the camera over.
"And that's Kuru-nee." She waved shyly.
"And we also have…" She spent almost half a minute searching for Anri as she moved the camera around, finally finding her near an alley, ready to slowly walk away. "We have Sonohara-senpai here too. Where are you going?"
Anri blushed. Getting away from them might not be as easy as she hoped. Kururi quickly dragged here back while Mairu continued her commentary.
"Right, so you, Aoba, issued us a bit of a challenge the other day. You're saying what we think is love is screwed up? You're saying we don't understand what it is? Well, we've decided we're going all over Ikebukuro asking around for all the different types of love. Our way may be strange, but there are stranger. So read it and weep, Aoba. Don't underestimate us!" She finished off the introduction by playfully sticking her tongue out at the camera.
After listening to her sister's monologue, Kururi tapped her shoulder. "Confusion. (I'm confused.) Correction? (Are we proving that he was right or wrong?)"
…
"Anyway," Mairu began loudly. "We wasted enough time trying to get this camera to work. Let's get going!… Hey, senpai, wait up!"
There was quite a lot of tension in the van that day. Contrasting with the general gloomy mood from the day previous, the atmosphere felt angry; almost hateful.
And again, it was coming off of Saburo.
"Togusacchi," Erika lulled. "I think you're going to break it."
Oblivious to the world around him, Saburo furiously texted and typed away on his cell phone.
"Look, Saburo," Kyohei began. "I know how much you feel about Ruri Hijiribe, but I don't think yelling at people on the internet is going to make anything better."
"Shut up," Saburo mumbled angrily under his teeth.
"Hey, check it out!" Walker said, shoving his phone in front of Saburo's face. "Somebody blogged about a certain guy who keeps on posting rude messages on anti-Ruri threads. You're famous!"
"You're not helping things, Walker!"
"Togusacchi, the book signing is about to start. What are we still doing here?"
As the van grew rowdier, Saburo's texting only grew more furious. The tension was only building up with no way of turning back. Finally, he had enough.
"That's it!" Kyohei shouted and kicked Saburo with enough force to open up the door and have the poor guy tumbling out.
"What the hell, man? !"
"I'm sorry, but you need to cool off! Have some alone time or something."
"You can't just kick me out of my own car!"
"I don't think you realize it, but you're not the only one with a driver's license here." On cue, Erika and Walker flashed out their licenses with glee.
Saburo's face quickly grew red. "Fine! Have it your way!" After Kyohei slammed the door, Saburo proceeded to leave in a huff. "But I swear, if you get a single scratch on my car, all three of you are dead!"
Saburo kept fuming even as he left the scene. Even several buildings away, the three could still hear his grumblings and curses. After he was completely out of sight and sound, Kyohei sighed and blushed nervously.
"Um, so, can one of you two drive?"
"Failed your driving test again?"
"Can it, Walker."
"I say we decide with Roshambo!" Erika shouted excitedly.
BEEP.
Battery life: 3
"Hey mister," Mairu called out to a young businessman.
"M-me?" He pointed to himself.
"Yeah, you. Mind if we ask you something?"
"Shouldn't you three be at school?"
"Hey, who's asking the questions here?" She rudely barked. "Alright, can you tell us what you think love is?"
He blinked. "Love? What I think love is?" He cocked his head. "What kind of movie are you three filming?"
"A documentary on how we're going to pwn Aoba's face."
"What?"
"Understand (Just go with it)," Kururi added monotonously.
"What?"
"What are you doing? Answer the question!"
"Fine, fine, sheesh," he grumbled. "Kids these days… So what do I think love is?" He rubbed his hand on his chin. "Well…that's kind of a hard question… I think it's all about being with someone that makes you feel warm and relaxed inside and-"
"You're boring."
"Yawn (Very boring)."
"…Excuse me?"
"Alright, we're done here… Senpai, quit trying to run off!"
BEEP.
"Still can't find it, huh?" The young albino boy sighed. What did he expect? It was a miracle he ran into the Headless Rider twice already.
He stared up towards a clock. School was dismissed already. Maybe he should just start heading home. Knowing his luck, someone probably noticed his absence eventually, and his parents were waiting at the porch, ready to scream at his face again as we speak.
No, he shook his head. I already spent all this time. I'm not going back without empty handed.
Alright, how did I find it yesterday? He pondered. Oh, right, I just kept thinking it'd show up and then it did. Maybe that'll work again!
Show up, show up, show up, show up, show up, show up, show up…
… Please show up?
He sighed again. "Who am I kidding?"
Vroooooooo…
And right on cue, the familiar sound of the ghastly neigh of a horse sounded off in the near distance. It was probably just right around the corner too.
The boy's face beamed. "It worked! I am so trying that again!"
Dashing off excitedly, his arms up in the air looking an airplane, he ran over to a building closest from where the noise was coming from and peeked. Lo and behold, his precious Headless Rider was driving towards him. The next item on hand was getting the supernatural being's attention…
And what better way to get a motorcyclist's attention than to jump right in front of them.
Celty panicked big time. She immediately hit the breaks on her horse while turning it to the side. She was only a few inches short of hitting the kid when she finally screeched to a halt.
"Surprised to see me again?" He gave a toothy grin.
-You again? !
-What is wrong with you? !
-Quit trying to get yourself killed!
"Relax," he laughed. "I still haven't died yet."
Celty put her hand on the visor of her helmet. This kid…
-Didn't I tell you to go back to school yesterday?
"They already let out. I'm home free." He gushed. "Ohmigosh, there's so many things I have to ask you. Like, how can you see without a head? Are there more creatures like you in Tokyo? Where did you come from? Are you connected to the spirit world? Why does your bike sound like horse? Do you have a name?"
Celty motioned her hands for him to slow down and calm down. She then went back to typing on her phone.
-Celty Sturluson.
"Cool," he marveled. "That's a really pretty name. Sounds foreign. Where are you from?"
-How about you tell me your name first?
He blinked. "Me?" His confused expression quickly changed to form another giant smile. "Shinra Kiritani at your service!"
…
…
…
What the hell were the odds?
-Is that really your name?
"Sure is!"
…
Seriously, what were the odds?
Do I attract crazy people named Shinra or something? Celty thought incredulously.
"So, can you answer my questions now?"
-Look, I've got a job right now, and I'm in a bit of a hurry.
"Oh, okay," Shinra said quietly in disappointment.
-H-hey, don't look so down!
"Um," he blushed. "C-can I talk to you again some time?"
Celty paused a bit before replying.
-Sure. As long as you go to school.
-And you don't do stupid stunts again.
He nodded. "Got it!"
And with that, he waved Celty goodbye. Today, he finally made a new friend. A being beyond imagination.
BEEP.
Battery life: 2
"I don't get it Kuru-nee. Why do people keep walking away from us? We've only got to film, like, one guy."
"Scare (Maybe you just keep scaring them off)."
"I do not! Maybe they're freaked out because you keep being all quiet and spooky like that. I mean, if you're gonna be quiet, at least play up the moé like senpai is…"
She turned the camera behind them. Anri was tip-toeing away yet again.
"Oh? Did you find someone, senpai?"
Anri jumped. "U-um-"
"Hey Anri, what are you doing?"
Anri looked over, with Mairu's camera following, to see the all too familiar pair of lovey-dovey Raira students: The girl with the mismatched body and the dead serious boy she always clung on to.
"Uh, hi Mika, Seiji."
"You left school so suddenly today. What have you been up to?" Mika took notice of the camera pointed towards them. "What're those two up to?"
"Oh, they're-"
"We're trying to learn all the different meanings of love!" Mairu boasted.
"One (But so far, only one guy answered us)," Kururi added sadly.
Immediately, Mika's eyes lighted up. "Did you say you're learning about love?" She jumped right in front of the camera lens, dragging Seiji over. "Obviously, it's all about wanting to be with someone 24/7. Even indirectly. Like, you want to know exactly what they're doing every waking moment. Like me? I use cameras and stuff, but the ones I use are much better than this shabby one you guys are using. Well, mine are used mostly for spy work, so you're camera isn't too bad since you're just filming stuff."
"Awesome!" Mairu replied. She motioned the camera towards Seiji. "And what about you?
"Me?" He hesitated for a moment. "It's about putting all of your mind, heart, soul, and devotion into that person and treating her as an equal to life itself."
"Oh Seiji, that's so cool!" Mika gushed.
"Great!" Mairu gave the couple a thumbs up. "Best answers we've heard all day!"
"Aw shucks, you're making me blush," Mika laughed. The pair turned around. "Good luck with your film!"
Mairu gave a fist pump. "Whoo! I'm all fired up now! Come on you two, the day is still young. Let's keep on going until sunset!"
Kururi happily complied, and as the twins walked down the road, they grabbed hold of Anri and dragged her along too.
BEEP.
Ten cups.
He finished ten cups.
Mikado bought double that much to last him for the week.
"Uh, M-Mr. Hanejima," Mikado said in a shaky voice.
Kasuka looked up after slurping up yet another mouthful of ramen in his eleventh serving. "Hm?"
"Uh, well, I know you're kind of depressed and all, but, uh, I really don't think eating all that ramen is going to do much." And I don't have much money left to buy some more…
Kasuka shrugged. "I suppose you're right." With that, he set down his half-eaten cup of noodles, and proceeded to pull out a cigarette and lighter from his pockets.
"Wha- d-don't smoke in here!" Mikado stammered meekly.
"Huh?" Kasuka looked up with his usual blank expression. "Oh, right. Sorry."
He stuffed the cigarette back into his pocket, and was about to do the same with the lighter, but after staring at it for a bit, walked over to the window and threw the small object across the street. Mikado looked agape.
"You wouldn't have gotten anything to drink while you were at the store, did you?"
"Before you ask, I didn't get anything alcoholic," Mikado replied flatly.
"Why in the world would I ask for that?"
Mikado sighed. "Well, I'm actually amazed that you're still here. I was expecting you to have left for your brother's place already."
"It's too much trouble to head out again. I would have been swarmed the moment I stepped out of this neighborhood."
"I hear you. I hope you weren't bored or anything though."
"It was no problem, I guess. I have to ask though," he glanced at the floor. "The woman downstairs…is she maiming the fur off of cats down there?"
"Oh, she's just trying to get them to take a bath… I think." He laughed. "Get used to it. It's a pretty good alarm clock."
"Cats are being tortured. I don't think it's funny."
Awkward silence.
"Well, um," Mikado began, attempting to relight the mood. "I'm sorry again for the lack of things to do around here. I'm pretty sure you won't be that interested in the crap I read. The computer's been down for the past few days, so I guess you can't use that either-"
"Actually, I fixed it up earlier today," he flatly interrupted.
"Y-you did?" Mikado replied in startled amazement. "How did you-"
"I've been posting on the Dollars website all day. They were talking about some accident in Shinjuku for most of the afternoon. That reminds me…" He casually strolled over towards the computer. "I haven't checked the posts in almost an hour."
"Hey, hold on!" Mikado rushed over. "Uh, can you just let me use it first? I haven't checked my mail or anything in days."
"You'll get your turn."
"I-it won't take that long. I mean, you're just checking the posts on the website, aren't you? It's not too important."
"I said you'll get your turn." Even though his voice was as flat and lifeless as it usually was, there was something about his emotional tone that made the statement seem like a threat.
Mikado gulped and backed away. It was nearly eleven when he finally had control of the computer. His guest had no real need for alcohol, cigarettes, or even endless amounts of instant ramen. All he needed was the internet.
No one is in the chat room.
No one is in the chat room.
Kanra-san has joined the chat.
KANRA
Good evening everyone!
KANRA
Is no one else on at the moment?
Setton-san has joined the chat.
Tarou Tanaka-san has joined the chat.
SETTON
Evening. I just got back from work.
TAROU TANAKA
I had some trouble taking control of the computer ; ;
SETTON
Do you have a relative over or something?
TAROU TANAKA
You can say that ; ;
Bakyura-san has entered the chat.
KANRA
Ah, you're finally here. ;)
BAKYURA
Die.
KANRA
Just as charming as ever, I see? ;)
BAKYURA
I'm not in the mood today.
TAROU TANAKA
Did something happen?
KANRA
Girlfriend troubles?
BYAKURA
What? How did you know?
BAKYURA
Never mind…
BAKYURA
So, how are you guys doing?
TAROU TANAKA
Same old, same old.
TAROU TANAKA
Someone's staying over my place for a while, so it's been a bit stressful. ; ;
SETTON
There's a kid that won't leave me alone at work…
KANRA
Well I for one am having a terrific day!
BAKYURA
Can it.
SETTON
Did something good happen?
KANRA
Even better than good!
TAROU TANAKA
Oh yeah? What happened?
TAROU TANAKA
…
TAROU TANAKA
Are you still there, Kanra?
KANRA
kfhnlviu; dhliljDHao:fh IFZSFCHAWJL ZMJZjd wakd90 w3hnhakxn,z -
TAROU TANAKA
? ? ?
SETTON
Are you alright over there?
SETTON
Hello?
SETTON
Earth to Kanra!
BAKYURA
Maybe Kanra got pushed into a ditch.
TAROU TANAKA
Kanra-san?
TAROU TANAKA
Are you still there?
SETTON
Kanra?
Things were awkward at the set that day.
I mean, really awkward.
After being forcibly dragged on to the set, Masaomi and Saki kept their distance and grumbled silently, occasionally glaring at each other. In contrast to the overly colorful backdrop, the tension on set grew increasingly dark and gloomy.
"Durarararararara Omake," they grumbled simultaneously.
…
Somewhere in the background, you can hear the director angrily whispering at them to start talking.
"Right," Masaomi rolled his eyes. "So what happened this chapter?" He grabbed out a piece of paper. "Saburo is acting like a PMS-ing otaku, albino kid has a name apparently, the Orihara twins are just as freakish and annoying as their older scumbag brother-"
"He is not a scumbag," Saki interrupted. "He's not annoying or freakish either."
"He's also definitely not an immature asshole who takes pleasure in mentally torturing kids and teens," Masaomi retorted sarcastically.
"Oh yeah?" Saki twitched. "Maybe you're just jealous you don't have as many fan girls than him."
"Not as many fan girls," he scoffed. "Look me up on deviantArt. Me and the Yellow Scarves have more fan clubs than him."
"So? I don't see your smug face dominating Pixiv."
"You're kidding, right? Dominating that place just means you've got a legion of creepy fan girls making shameless porn of you!"
"So you admit you've got less fan girls than him."
He slammed his fist on the table. "What the hell Saki? !"
"You accused me of being jealous the other day. Maybe you're the one who's jealous!"
And thus an unhealthy load of bickering ensued. In the background, you can pick out the groans of the cameraman and various members of the crew along with the director smashing his head on to a wall.
But hey, the show's ratings went up.
Sorry for the long wait everyone. School ended and I had a lot of testing to do and prepare for. Life has been stressful in general lately. I'll live. ^_^;
Fun fact about how little Shinra got his name: I recently picked up the English release of the Durarara! Manga. At the end of the first volume, there was a page listing all the major characters, and there was a pretty embarrassing typo on Shinra's last name (fixed by the second volume though). I already decided I wanted him to be named Shinra just 'cause I wanted the "What the hell were the odds" lines, but the discovery saved me the trouble of having to come up with a last name out of scratch.
In other news, we finally reached 1,000 views. Yay!
Well, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Please review if there was anything you liked, loved, or hated. ^_^;