Disclaimer: I do not own Flame of Recca or any of its characters—only the plot of this story.
I have no beta-reader. Any grammatical and spelling errors are mine.
My gratitude goes to my reviewers (hugs to all) and my bf for helping me out with this chapter. Some ideas here came from him.
Again. Editing, revisions and some changes were done in this chapter.
Stalker
Chapter 6: The Eavesdropper
He stared at the brightly lit apartment where two figures are eating their dinner.
He gritted his teeth. So the bastard's already back? He thought, jaw clenching from suppressing the fury that is threatening to rise inside him. No, I must be calm. Be calm.He repeated the words like a mantra. I have to clear my mind. I must calm down. He reminded himself.
Slowly the clenching of his jaw muscles relaxed. That's it. Take a deep breath. Long deep breaths. He instructed himself. His gaze went back to what was happening inside the apartment.
She's so beautiful. He stared at the purple-haired girl who was laughing about something the silver-haired guy told her. Such a perfect couple, he sneered. But it won't last long. Mark my words Mikagami Tokiya. It won't last long. Fuuko will be mine!
With a silent laugh, he walked away from the apartment and disappeared into the darkness.
--
Mikagami turned his head towards the kitchen's window and stared outside. I swear someone was there. He thought. A presence… I can't be mistaken.
"Is there something wrong Mi-chan?" Fuuko asked as she cleared away the dishes from the table. "You seemed to be glaring at the window menacingly?"
"It's nothing Fuu." He replied, helping her place the dishes in the sink. "I just felt some weird presence outside."
"A presence, huh?" Fuuko looked at him with curiosity. "Do you think it's him?" She paused for a moment. "You know the…"
Mikagami stared at her. "You didn't feel it?"
The ex-Fuujin wielder shrugged. "I did."
"We have to be careful. He's watching us." Mikagami sighed and his ice blue orbs met hers. "He's watching you."
Fuuko pondered for a moment. "Well, we could be possibly mistaken. I mean maybe that 'he' was just a person passing by our vicinity."
"He was standing at the same spot for more than 5 minutes. I wouldn't say he was just passing by." Tokiya pointed out.
Fuuko blew her bangs away from her eyes. "I hate it. It's spoiling our mood. We should be celebrating because you've returned. Not contemplating whether or not stalker-san is watching us." She leant back at the sink and folded her arms across her chest. "Mood spoiler," she muttered. "I'll cut off his balls when we meet face to face."
"Young lady," Mikagami warned. "You're not cutting anyone's balls off."
Fuuko smiled impishly. "What does that mean? That you'll be the one who'll do the cutting?"
The silver-haired bishounen smirked. "I'll chop him into pieces when we find out who he is."
"That's sickeningly sweet of you." Fuuko laughed whole-heartedly. "Let's make a deal Mi-chan. Let's just forget this and just celebrate your return."
"What kind of celebration do you have in mind?"
She grinned cheekily. "Let's go out."
"Where?"
"Oh, anywhere fun." Fuuko replied, reaching out to him to pull a strand of his silver hair playfully.
"My idea of fun is just spending time with you here, making love."
The ex-Fuujin master's face colored. "What?!" She asked scathingly.
Tokiya rolled his eyes. "I was kidding." He looked contemplative for a moment, watching the color of Fuuko's face return to normal. "I heard a new club just opened near the Tokyo Uni. Would you like to try it?"
Fuuko straightened from her position and beamed. "Oh! Sky's the Limit! Natsuo told me about it already. He said it was really fun and cool there." Then she wrinkled her brows. "Wait a minute. Did I just hear you suggest that we should go to a club?" She wrinkled her nose, disbelief etched on her face.
"Unless you've got hearing problems, yes I did." Tokiya answered, frowning. It was undeniably, unbelievable for him to suggest going to a club since he's not really fond of noisy and over-crowded places, but he knows Fuuko is. And if going to a club would keep her mind off the unpleasant events that happened to her, he would gladly endure it.
Fuuko squealed. "Finally! I've been itching to go but I haven't got a free time."
"You haven't got a free time or you don't have someone to go with you?" The former Ensui wielder raised a questioning eyebrow at her. "As far as I know, you love taking me in those places. You know, to show off to your friends."
"You found me out! No shit Tokiya!"
She was rewarded with a scowl.
"You know how they get jealous when they see you with me, I can't resist it!" Fuuko said mirthfully.
He tweaked her nose playfully. "That's mean."
"Look who's talking!" Fuuko retorted.
Tokiya just smiled. "We better get dress."
Fuuko grinned naughtily. "You mean I get to watch you get dress?"
A corner of his lips lifted. "I wouldn't mind."
"Forget it!" Fuuko stuck her tongue out at him. "Meet you in 15 minutes?" She asked.
"Or more." Tokiya said as Fuuko left the kitchen to go upstairs but not before giving him a smacking kiss.
Going out would be a good thing. It would take their mind of their current problem.
Tomorrow. He thought staring outside the window where he had felt the presence of the unwanted intruder. I'll start looking for that bastard tomorrow.
--
Fuuko drank her 4th glass of martini. The club was already jam-packed when they arrived. She noticed that a lot of people there are actually students of Tokyo University. She waved at a classmate who reiterated before disappearing into the sea of dancers.
"Still sober?" Someone whispered at her ear. She turned towards the voice and found a smirking Mikagami Tokiya.
"Still enduring the night?" She inquired rather haughtily. Tokiya answered her with a small laugh. He signaled the bartender for a drink. Placing another martini in front of her, he slid on the high stool beside her.
"This is the only time I'll let you get drunk, so if I were you I'd grab the opportunity." He said with a hint of mischievousness in his tone.
Fuuko grinned at him. "I don't get drunk easily." She retorted, pinching her boyfriend's cheek. Eyeing the martini with feigned disdain, she muttered. "And if you are trying to get me drunk, you'll have to do better than this." She raised the glass as if she was toasting something and swiftly drank it. She winked. "See no effect at all!"
Mikagami raised a perfectly-shaped eyebrow. He had to admire his girlfriend's alcohol tolerance. If they were to be pitted against each other in a drinking contest, he would probably lose to her. Not that he'll let it happen. "How about we upgrade your drink into a much stronger one?" He challenged.
A smirk graced Fuuko's lips. She slipped out of her seat and moved closer to him. "Be my guest." She murmured in a sing-song voice. She wrapped her arms around his neck and winked at him.
His hands went around her back instinctively, pulling her closer. He planted a soft kiss on her forehead. "I wish we could make out here." He murmured softly.
Fuuko chuckled. "That's so un-you Mikagami Tokiya. On the other hand," She grinned mischievously at him. "We could." She cocked her head towards the darkest part of the club where they could make out silhouettes of couples kissing.
"It could tarnish my reputation." The silver-haired bishounen pointed out teasingly.
"Oohh…" Fuuko pouted. "Gomen. How silly of me to forget how important your reputation is." She chortled.
The ex-sword wielder smiled haughtily. "To hell with reputation." He muttered. "This is a club. People will be busy dancing and drinking to pay any attention to us anyway."
Fuuko stared at him incredulously. "I swear you're getting mushier and mushier every day."
"Must be your effect on me."
A smile formed on her lips. "You're adorable." She murmured sweetly. "I love you."
"Now who's getting mushier?"
"Must be your effect on me." Fuuko repeated his words with a grin.
Without another word, he captured her lips with his.
The kiss was slow, sensuous and delicious. What made it quite thrilling is the fact that they're doing it in plain sight, where people can see them clearly--where people FROM their university can see them clearly. Mikagami could taste the martini she'd been drinking. And that combined with Fuuko's addicting taste was enough to intoxicate him.
So busy were they with each other that they didn't notice a pair of eyes watching them, not very far away.
--
He noticed her the moment she stepped inside the club, looking exquisite in her sexy dress. His eyes followed her form as she made her way towards the inner part of the club; stopping momentarily to greet an acquaintance with a simple hello, hugs or air kisses. His eyes continued their silent observation as he watched her movements that was all too familiar to him.
Months and months of watching her everyday; every movement she made was already imbibed in his brain. Every mannerism, gestures, the different pitches of her voice… everything. Down to the smallest details, he had it memorized. Sometimes it scares him that he knows so much about her that he can predict what she's about to do.
He smiled, like a predator eyeing his prey. You'll be mine Kirisawa Fuuko… there'll be no doubt about it. His eyes remained glued to the couple making out near the bar. I'll let this little act of you with that bastard go for now. The next time you'll be making out with someone in this bar… it would be with me. I promise. He drank his beer in one long gulp and set the glass down the table. He was about to stand when he caught a pair of blue eyes studying him.
"Daijobu?" Kamatari Natsuo asked. "Is something bothering you…"
"Yes I'm fine Natsuo-san." He replied, silently cursing himself for not being more careful. He faked a friendly smile. "Gomen, I didn't mean to be rude to you, but I have to go now. I'm starting to feel dizzy. Excuse me." He gave a friendly pat on Natsuo's shoulders. "Oyasumi nasai."
--
Fuuko reluctantly pulled away from Tokiya's lips. She stared at him through half-misted eyes. When did she get so lucky? Tokiya's not only an ultimately handsome guy, he's intellectually gifted too. Oh, and she should not forget that he's a great kisser. Nuh uh, she mustn't forget that.
She licked her lips and gave him a sly smile. She pulled him closer for another mind-blowing kiss, when a palm of a hand blocked her face suddenly and pulled her back roughly.
"Good evening Mikagami-sempai." Natsuo suddenly appeared in front of Tokiya, who jerked back a little, surprised.
"Natsuo!!" Fuuko growled. She bonked him in the head, hard.
"And good evening to you too, Natsuo-san." Mikagami greeted, more amused than irritated on what Fuuko's friend did.
Natsuo batted his eyelashes at him flirtatiously. "Good evening Fuuko-chan."
"Good evening to you too, asshole." Fuuko muttered darkly.
Her friend wagged a finger in front of her face. "That's not very nice!" He paused to light up the Davidoff cigarette that he was holding. "Want some?"
Fuuko grimaced. "The idea of sharing that cigarette with you is quite repulsive."
Natsuo rolled his eyes, not offended by her statement. "Please, I actually have a pack of this here with me and I just thought that it might be rude not to offer you some." He declared haughtily, eyeing Fuuko disdainfully. "I'm not poor like some other people I know!"
Fuuko grinned. "Then let's have some."
Tokiya coughed a little to get her attention. "Excuse me for a moment."
"Oh don't be such a killjoy Mi-chan."
"I am not a killjoy." Mikagami retorted. "I just need to go to the restroom." He planted a kiss on Fuuko's temple before walking away.
"Is Mikagami-sama offended?" Natsuo inquired. "It seems to me he didn't like the idea of offering some cigarettes to you. Oh dear!"
Fuuko grabbed the pack of cigarettes from him and proceeded to light one. "Oh please," She paused to breathe out the smoke she had just inhaled. "He's not exactly Mr. Goody-two-shoes."
Natsuo raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow. "What do you mean by that? Is there something, we, of the Mikagami Fan Club ought to know more about our charming sempai?"
The purple-haired girl laughed. "Oh please not the fan club thing again." She complained, shaking her head.
"Come on spill."
"What I'm trying to say is that Mi-chan does have his share of bad habits like a normal person should have."
"So he's not offended?" Natsuo asked trying to make sure that his ever-perfect Mikagami-sama is not mad at him, or anything synonymous to it.
"Nah… I doubt it."
"Sure?"
Fuuko gave a small nod as an answer.
"Positive?"
Another nod.
"Positively sure about it?"
Fuuko gritted her teeth as charmingly as she could.
"Ok, I get it. I'll shut up."
For a moment, silence hovered between them.
Then Natsuo opened his mouth… again.
"Are you positively sure that he is not offended?"
"Aargh!" Fuuko stamped a high-heeled foot on the ground. "What is it with you that you are afraid of offending Mi-chan?"
"The fact that I don't want to offend him?" Natsuo answered sarcastically, emphasizing the words. "And the word don't is spelled with a capital D."
Fuuko sighed exasperatedly.
"Can't you at least have some consideration for me, who worships your boyfriend as if he is a Greek god himself, in flesh?" Natsuo cried, pointing at himself. Fuuko smacked him at the back of his head with her hand.
Natsuo rubbed the abused part. "Besides the whole Mikagami Tokiya fan club is watching your display of affections with each other." He pointed to a booth where some gays and girls are lounging; talking and laughing loudly. "We can't help but be… green with envy."
Fuuko grinned cheekily. "Then be green with envy for all I care." She whispered with an arrogant grin.
"You're a mean bitch."
"That's what I am."
"You and me, both." Natsuo declared proudly, high-fiving Fuuko, as they started laughing.
"By the way Fuuko-chan," Natsuo's tone changed into a rather serious one. "I want your photographs for the contest next week. I nearly forgot to tell you about it. Mikagami-sama can really distract me." He brought the cigarette to his mouth to take a puff. "Like I've told you before you can pick any subject." He brushed of some of the ash the fell on his shirt. "By the way I saw…"
"Natsuo!!" Someone hollered before he could continue any further.
"What is it now?" Natsuo answered in a loud voice, scowling at the direction of the interrupter. "Do you mind? I'm having some conversation here." He shouted above the club's loud music.
The interrupter seemed deaf to his complaints. He incessantly called (or better yet hollered) Natsuo's name.
Natsuo sighed. "I'll be back, girl. Excuse me for a moment." He apologized, giving Fuuko's cheek a quick kiss, before taking off into the direction of the one who called him, muttering something about 'this better be worth it'.
Fuuko nodded even though she was sure Natsuo wasn't able to see it. She glanced at the cigarette in her hand. She called out to the bartender for an ashtray, so she could put it out.
"Need some company?"
The purple-haired girl smiled. She didn't need to turn around to know who the owner of that voice is. "Yeah, I could use some. You see, my friend ditched me and my boyfriend's nowhere to be found."
"I see." Tokiya nodded. He threw something at her which she expertly caught with her hand. She stared at it, surprised.
"I know you don't like smoking Davidoff cigarettes. I bought you another brand." Mikagami explained, shoving his hand inside his pocket and bringing out a Gold Zippo lighter.
"That's thoughtful of you." Fuuko began opening the pack. "Arigatou." She stopped for a moment then stared at him. "You wouldn't mind if I smoke?"
"It's your lungs not mine." He pointed out, grabbing a stick for himself.
"Good answer."
They both settled on the bar stool, each with a cigarette in hand.
Fuuko stared at him for a moment. "Wow! You've got this awesome profile when you're holding a cigarette." She praised him. "I could take a shot of you like that, but with a better lighting. It would be a good entry to the contest."
The ex-Ensui wielder flicked his cigarette on the ashtray to rid it of some ash. "Hold on. No taking of pictures. Not until you tell me what it is for."
"I haven't told you about the contest the Photography club is having?" Fuuko asked.
Tokiya shook his head. "Do I need to remind you that I just came back?"
Fuuko rolled her eyes. "Every member is required to pass an entry. Natsuo told me that I have to pass mine next week." She explained, grinning cheekily at him. "I haven't decided about my subject yet. But since I saw you in that pose earlier, staring into space, cigarette in hand… I must say it kinda inspired me."
"Inspired you?"
"To make you my subject."
Tokiya, who's about to bring his cigarette on his lips, halted. "Your subject? If I'm not mistaken you have yet to ask me if I want to be your subject."
"I don't need to ask you. I'm telling you."
"Woman," Mikagami began. "That's a clear violation of human rights. My rights, actually."
"You don't fit in that category Mi-chan." Fuuko said playfully. "You're an iceberg remember?"
"No I'm not, monkey."
"Just be a good boy and let me have my way Mi-chan!"
"No." Mikagami said firmly. "I don't want any portrait of myself to be submitted as an entry to a contest."
"Have a little sympathy." Fuuko begged. "It's hard to think of a good subject for this contest. My deadline's next week."
Mikagami rubbed his temple. "I could be persuaded. Let's talk about the terms and conditions." He said in a businesslike tone.
Fuuko smiled. "Gladly."
--
The club was hopping by the time the clock's hands struck the number 12. Nearly everyone was in the dance floor dancing the night away. Natsuo came back moments later to borrow Fuuko from Mikagami for a dance. The ex-ensui wielder relented and was left alone drinking a non-alcoholic beverage. As much as he wanted to drink something with alcohol… the fact that he'll be driving a car later to get home was enough reason for him not to touch anything alcoholic.
He watch as Natsuo twirled Fuuko in the dance floor expertly. From what he had heard from Fuuko, Natsuo is a part time dance instructor. That was the reason behind those flashy moves and incomparable gracefulness. That and the fact that Natsuo is a gay. Applause and cheers erupted from the dancers when the song ended, followed by a loud holler from Natsuo and some of his gay friends about 'tequila shots'.
"Hi there. Looks like you could use some company." A sultry voice murmured beside him. He glanced sideways, only to find a black-haired beauty, dressed in a quite revealing outfit, batting her eyelashes at him.
"Excuse me." He muttered curtly. And before the girl could say anything else, he strode towards the dance floor. 5 girls approaching him all throughout the night was enough.
He stepped between Natsuo and Fuuko. "Sorry Natsuo, time's up."
That earned an amused laugh from the two. "Ok ok, sempai. You're just in time." Natsuo laughed. "The tequila shots are starting and I'm definitely not going to miss it."
"The tequila's more important than me." Fuuko pouted. "Some friend you are."
"Sorry honey," Natsuo apologized. "But it's already calling my name." He grinned cheekily. "Can't you hear it?" He cupped a hand behind his ear. "Natsuooooo…." He called out in a dreadful ghostly tone. "Feel free to join us anytime." He added, before sashaying off to the direction of the 'tequila shots'.
"He's not going to make it back to his apartment." Fuuko said warily.
"Positive." Tokiya agreed.
--
"Good Kami!" Fuuko cursed as she stumbled inside her dark room. Her hand groped for the light's switch. "You owe me your life for this Natsuo." She muttered, glancing at the figure that she's trying to support. It's already 1:30 in the morning according to the illuminated digits of her clock on her bedside table. Finally her hand found the switch and she flicked it on.
"Are you sure that he's drunk?" Tokiya queried as he half-drag, half-supported Natsuo on the other side. True enough the 'tequila shots' kicked nearly half of Natsuo's buddies into oblivion, including him. Pitying the blond guy as he lay in stupor on one of the club's couches, he and Fuuko decided to take Natsuo with them back to their apartment. "Maybe it's just an act so he can molest me."
"What makes you think he's molesting you?"
"The fact that he's nuzzling my neck?" Tokiya growled out. "I don't mind you nuzzling my neck, but he nuzzling it is another story."
She glanced at Natsuo only to find his face snuggling Tokiya's neck. With jealousy kicking in, all the remnants of being friends are forgotten, she said, "You can just throw him on the couch Mi-chan." She pointed towards the comfy couch near her bedroom's window.
"Gladly." Tokiya complied, maneuvering Natsuo's unconscious body and plopping it down the couch.
They both breathed a sigh of relief.
"You're going to sleep here?" Tokiya asked rubbing his neck a little.
"Hai…" Fuuko responded. "It wouldn't be a good idea to let me sleep in your room, genius." She poked him in the chest. "You know how nosy Natsuo is."
"That guy owes us big time." Mikagami grumbled.
"I know."
"Let's rest." Mikagami suggested. "I'm… tired." He admitted.
Fuuko smiled and took his hand. "Thanks for everything Mi-chan."
"My pleasure, love." He tilted her chin to place a lingering kiss on her lips.
"Good night." Fuuko breathed.
"It's already morning."
"Whatever."
"I'll leave Natsuo to you." Mikagami said.
Fuuko nodded, as Mikagami left the room. She yawned, the events of the day finally taking its toll on her. She decided to take a shower in the bathroom downstairs first (since Mi-chan's probably going to use the one adjacent to his bedroom) before crawling into her inviting bed.
--
Natsuo stirred from his sleep. He sat up groaning, rubbing his temples a little. Where is he? The last thing he remembered was that he was sitting on one of the club's couches, drinking his 6th Tequila shot, then… zilch. Nothing.
He yawned, glancing around the room that looks familiar to him. He stared at the sleeping figure on the bed then smiled. "You really are a good friend Fuu-chan." He whispered before standing up from the couch. His throat was a little dry and raspy and he badly needed some water. There's no use in waking Fuuko up since he already knows the apartment's floor plan after numerous visits.
He stretched his hands over his head, yawning again. The soft light of the moon cast some shadows inside the room. A tree was blocking what supposedly was a good view of the neighboring apartment's wall. He scratched his abdomen a little. Not knowing what possessed him to look out from Fuuko's window; he peered a little into the darkness outside.
And found himself staring at a pair of human eyes.
--
Fuuko woke up because of a loud scream. She rushed out of her bed the moment she saw Natsuo standing near the window pointing outside, mouth opening and closing involuntary. She could her footsteps coming from Tokiya's room.
"Natsuo what happened?" She shook him, trying to get his snap him out of his trance-like state. "Natsuo."
"Fuuko, Fuuko!!" Natsuo called out hysterically. "There's someone outside." He pointed out towards the window.
"What?"
Natsuo gripped her shoulders. "I just woke up and… and… was about to go downstairs… for water... Suddenly I saw a pair of eyes…" He stammered.
The door of her room opened and Tokiya rushed in, a look of concern etched on his face. "What happened here? Who screamed?"
"Mikagami-san!" Natsuo wailed. "Someone's outside!"
"Outside?"
"Natsuo said that he had just woken up and was about to go downstairs when he saw someone outside. Or rather, he saw a pair of eyes or something…" Fuuko explained, patting Natsuo's back, in an attempt to comfort him.
"Someone is outside?" Mikagami walked towards the window and reached out to slide it open. His eyes scoured the area but he found no one. He turned to Natsuo. "Are you sure?"
Fuuko's friend seemed to have calmed down a bit. "Hai… there, at the tree."
Mikagami frowned and stared back at the tree. The branches of it were big enough to hold a man with the same built and weight as him. His insides turned a little cold. The branches were almost at the level of Fuuko's bedroom window. Anyone there would have a good view of the bedroom. Shit. He cursed inwardly.
"The eyes disappeared when I started screaming." Natsuo explained. "Gomen, I was so surprised."
Fuuko smiled weakly. "You nearly gave me a heart attack. I'll just go downstairs and get you a glass of water."
"I'll go with you." Natsuo said. "I need to pee too." He whispered shakily and headed towards the bedroom's door.
Fuuko glanced at Tokiya who was still staring outside the window. "Mi-chan?"
He turned to look at her. "I'll just follow."
Fuuko nodded. Natsuo was patiently waiting outside the bedroom.
"And Fuu," He called out before Fuuko can exit her room.
"Yes?"
"You'll be sleeping in my room from now on."
--
He laughed softly. What a commotion. Now his trysts with Fuuko would have to be put on hold, since Mikagami's probably aware of what he was doing on that tree. And judging from the look on his face when he stared outside the window; hoping to catch a glimpse of him, the eavesdropper, he was not too happy about it.
Too bad Mikagami! He chortled inwardly. Too bad…
-To Be Continued-
Please excuse the name of the club. I know its lame. But I'm too tired (and lazy) to think of another. And just a random thought: I love a naughty-slash-mischievous Tokiya.
Frankly, I haven't been inside a club. The events here are based from the people I knew who have first-hand experiences with these places. I hope this chapter's long enough to compensate for my delay. That's it, please read and review.