A.N ~ I feel I must apologise completely for this one, Firstly, for being so late - I was treated to a mahoosive new amp for my birthday, and got a wee bit distracted. Though I discovered, if Prince can make his guitar cry, CherrieBluez can make her's speak cockney! ha~ ...And secondly, for this long chapter. Introducing characters is annoying, but necessary. Please forgive crapness. x And in case my mighty hard rockin' reviewers didn't yet know it, you're all awesome in so many candy favoured ways. x
She will Rock you
ENGLAND
Somewhere in the county of Essex
7 years ago
A petite girl of nine hooked her tiny pale fingers into the strong grip of her father's bearish hand. They stood together side by side in the cold night, at the forefront of their small army of extensive family members. All were dressed in black, gathered at the entrance to an ugly two-story square building; its outer walls were covered in what the girl could only describe as dirty gravel, and the fields surrounding them seemed devoid of any living existence, if not for the crickets - who grew strangely quieter.
Some secluded parts of the countryside were just simply creepy.
The little girl looked down at her dark knee length coat, which was lined with grey fur along the collar and cuffs. She liked how the lone amber streetlight standing some distance away, still managed to shine upon her large glass buttons. A sombre smile formed on her lips as she observed the frills of her dress peeking out from the bottom edges of her coat. Was it really such an occasion to be all dressed up? …The little girl didn't think so.
A ghostly murmur passed throughout the crowd, and in that moment, every individual gathered unfurled a pitch-black umbrella. Save for the little girl, who took her time unfolding her pure white one, ready to shield herself from any form of sudden downpour. Young as she was, she knew they were not to expect mere raindrops.
The calm atmosphere was taken over by an eerie stillness as anticipation rankled every member of the large family.
An odd scuffle was heard. Then a sudden abrupt crash of shattering glass erupted from somewhere above, before a ghastly and unmistakable sound of a body hitting concrete echoed throughout the lot.
He landed barely a metre away from the little girl.
The lighter shards took their time falling upon the man; face down on the frost-covered cement. Some sparkling splinters of glass flew further out, pattering upon the many umbrellas as they ricocheted away. Small crystals of glass bounced around the man before finally settling around him in a circular splash of glitter. It had been a rather pretty sound; like a rainmaker, or very soft wind chimes.
However, the sight was far from pleasant.
Wary pea green eyes followed the trail of jagged pieces of glass, to the sharp blue eyes of a man she had grown to call 'Uncle'.
The right side of his face appeared as though the skin had been cracked open. Perhaps by the pounding of spiked knuckledusters…she didn't quite want to know. In reality it could have been a number of things. She had cousins who liked to work with bats, and barbed wire. Uncles who preferred an old fashioned boxing, and Aunts who enjoyed the odd knife play. A hilt could have beaten the man alone for all the little girl knew, so she spent no time dwelling on it. Instead she continued to look down on her poor motionless Uncle. Green eyes observed the large gash beginning from the point of his mouth following up to his cheek. He had been mentally and physically split and ripped. And from the distant look in his icy orbs, one could tell he was preparing for the final tare that would end him.
The streetlight's amber glow had taken away much of the gore in the scene before her. So it wasn't at all surprising that the true impact of what was about to happen took longer to dawn on the nine year old.
Umbrellas were folded away to the sound of pleased chuckles and solemn sighs.
A sudden grip on the arm startled the little girl, and she quickly glanced over her shoulder to see a familiar face.
"Nat, come away now." The woman spoke to her, yet those consuming jet black eyes were locked upon the figure that still held tightly to the girl's left hand.
"Genevieve" He growled lowly. "Don't interfere. She needs to be taught."
The little girl looked from her father to her guardian, unable to comprehend the reasoning behind the woman's anger and the unexpectedly tightening grip of her father. The tiny bluenette had been present to a few of these judgement trials already. She had witnessed her father at work many a time; watching him striking risky deals, blackmailing clients, smuggling guns of numerous makes and sizes - each one illegal enough to bar him up for good. Interrogation and discipline were two more essential evils in the life of a mobster. She knew that physical violence wasn't always necessary for a man such as her father, but the bluenette had come to understand that there were certain levels of discipline that were called for in special situations, and sometimes these measures used could be rather fatal. In such a case, it greatly helped having a power of detachment that she had grown to possess…although, the girl had to admit to a sliver of surprise, as she flicked her eyes over the fallen man. Tonight was the first time involving an actual member of the family. Bad Uncle Charlie.
"She's a child!" Her Stepmother hissed with a harsh bite to it.
"I was younger." He replied nonchalantly with a shrug. Then his own wolfish yellow eyes snapped to the girl. "I need to know she understands."
The nine year old nodded, knowing it was what her father wanted. However, the man knelt down in front of her, reducing his height to lessen his naturally intimidating aura, and asked her again.
"Do you understand why? …Natalie?" His brash lazy accent butchered it to 'Na-err-lee' and she hated it.
Nevertheless, she had a parent to please, so she cast her intelligent eyes to Uncle Charlie, who had just started to sit up rather shakily. Being thrown from a second story window can be a tad jarring.
"Uncle Charlie was bad. He tampered with the races, stole money from Granddad and ratted out cousin Michael." The little girl recited, and couldn't help narrowing her eyes at the man responsible for putting one of their own behind bars. The act had been a serious betrayal, an attempt to clear his name, which inevitably put much of the family and their contacts in jeopardy.
Perhaps if his deception had paid off, she would've felt a sense of satisfaction and pride in her Uncle's cunning. Outsmarting Granddad would have been a great feat, but Charlie hadn't succeeded. Scheming could only be tolerated if done in utter brilliance, but it was a gamble most of the clan never dared to play, because a betrayal meant you had already lost.
"And you realize what this will mean for dear uncle Charlie?"
The bluenette turned back to the piercing yellow eyes of her father. She scanned his face looking for the answer she needed, but found herself distracted by his navy silver streaked hair, his long sideburns and the stubble on his chin.
Her father was not a classy man. As her Stepmother would say - 'He's as common as dirt.' The scruffy unkempt look about him helped with his brutish reputation but that seemed to be the very depth of his character. A territorial Wolfman.
After a little while of waiting, he answered for her, in a light natured and frighteningly reassuring tone. "Like anyone else who's ever wronged us…he has to die now. You wont be seeing him again."
"Oh…" What else could a nine-year-old girl say to her father? "Okay."
A collective sigh issued from behind them along with a few misplaced claps, and only then had the emerald-eyed princess realized the important test she had just passed before her entire family of felons.
Presently!
Friday morning
Natsuki was feeling rather fantastic. The thought that she had already earned herself a detention did little to dampen her spirits as she jauntily made her way through the corridors of the first floor.
The days were getting warmer as summer steadily made its approach on Japan. Teachers had already taken to leaving their doors wide open to ventilate the classrooms, creating a relaxed mood all around the school with the constant hum of noise and life filtering out into the hallways. Sunlight spilled into the building invading through the windows and doors, occasionally causing the biker girl to squint her eyes from the sudden bright flash as she walked past an open room.
Natsuki made a mental note to remember her sunglasses next week, and to never again have wine on a school night, as she made a turn down one of the older corridors.
If possible, Natsuki perked up even more so when she caught the sounds emanating from the music room at the far end. Her lazy stride had actually caused herself to be late after being cast out from Midori's office, so her pace picked up as she listened to the random clash of cymbals and odd trumpet.
She hadn't felt this excited about music class for a very long time, and had even been sent out of the room a number of times for simply not participating in any activity thrown her way.
The teacher had been exasperated with her. Knowing she was a talented guitarist, yet completely unwilling to cooperate in his moulding of her skills, he was very near the end of his tether. However as a final effort to get her inspired, he had arranged for the entire class to learn a song together. Luckily for him there were a few students in his class that were familiar with piano or brass instruments, and the rest could be thrown into a mishmash of vocals and percussion. But he only had two guitarists, and one of them refused to play.
Sakomizu Kaiji sighed to himself as he watched his classroom full of teenagers moving desks around and setting up their space. He'd really enjoyed working on this project with them, but this wasn't much of a lesson plan. It couldn't go on. Three weeks had been long enough for it to be finally dubbed a failure.
"Come on now, hurry up and get settled!" The large man rubbed his palms together, "This will be your last performance!"
Many of the students paused in their actions to direct a disappointed groan towards their Sensei, while others seemed more than pleased to finally get back to safe bookwork that didn't involve further embarrassment due to their unfortunate lack of rhythm.
Sakomizu ignored the bunch of whiney kids and ordered them to speed up with a clap of his hands. The class were still banging some desks about when he turned to his old blackboard, rubbing away some chalky scrawls with a rag. From the corner of his eye, the Afro man took note of a certain bluenette hovering on the threshold of the room.
"Care to join us this time, Kuga-san?" He called out in a bored tone. Expecting the usual refusal. "We have Electric, Acoustic, Ukulele, Banjo…even spoons should you feel inclined."
"Heh. Tempting…" She replied, walking fully into the airy hexagonal room, wondering vaguely if Shizuru would fear for her using the dangerously blunt cutlery. She sent a small smile to an energized Chie who sat further in the back behind a shinny black drum kit. The spectacled girl winked and waved a pair of drumsticks at the rebel in greeting. …What's she so excited about I wonder?
Emeralds flicked back to the big man who still stood with his back to her, seemingly busy deciding on today's colour of chalk. It felt funny being ignored by one of the most lenient teachers she'd ever known. And a twinge of guilt caused her to wonder if she'd truly offended the man. I have a habit of doing that. She thought, a little ashamed. She couldn't help it if her general attitude gave off the wrong impression. And the past few taunting weeks had trapped her in a depressing kind of limbo, yet even so, she had tried hard not to bother anyone with her moods. It's not exactly my goal in life to make others feel shittier than me. But apparently, I still managed it. She blew out a puff of air through her lips, which evolved into a thoughtful raspberry as she considered Sakomizu's list of instruments.
"Hmm, I guess I'll take an electric…if there's still one about?" She finally replied, glancing around the room. …Eh, Yuuichi's got the red Fender. Bull crap.
Sakomizu whirled around and very nearly bellowed at the girl! "AT THE VERY LEAST YOU CAN SHAKE A TAMBOR- …P-Pardon?"
Teacher and student stared at one another. Both rather shocked to say the least. The entire class had also dropped into complete silence due to their Sensei's outburst. All watched the awkward scene with great interest. Chie stood quickly and smoothly from her stool, gaining a better angle for the lens of her phone.
Sakomizu managed to fight his amazement to ask again, "I beg your pardon?" Surely I misheard! He looked at her incredulously.
The bluenette could've sworn she felt herself shrink with all eyes upon her, and the expression on the Afro-Sensei's face did little to boost her confidence. Why does it suddenly feel like a life or death question!
"I-I…I'll have a guitar…please." Natsuki barely managed to hide a wince as her vocal chords failed her. God, I sound like a mouse…someone please kill this vermin! She mentally groaned.
As quiet as her answer had been, the whole class had heard every word of it. Including the incredibly adorable way she had spoken it. Few had ever heard the notorious Rock Chick speak so softly, especially to a teacher! This uncharacteristic act earned Natsuki a chorus of coos from her classmates, which grew ever more mocking as Chie loudly joined in, giving away her supposed 'secret filming' as the bluenette snapped her eyes to her.
Natsuki promptly stuck up her middle finger towards her friend's camera, and glared as best she could, given her rosy cheeks.
"Ah, well." The tanned man chuckled, ignoring the rude gesture; he could've easily started jiving on the spot! However, he decided it best to act as indifferently as possible. She's like a creature of the wild. Too much sudden movement may startle her to flee! "Let me see what I can do." Although he tried his very best, the quick bouncing scurry to the room's closet unfortunately gave away his excitement.
Natsuki simply watched Sakomizu-Sensei with a lift of her brow. Odd man.
"-Oi Kuga, you're actually going to play?"
With a quick turn and a swish of her dark mane, Natsuki faced toward the source of the gruff voice calling for her attention. She found the mug of Yuuichi Tate staring sceptically back at her.
The bluenette crossed her arms and shrugged. "Thought I'd give it a go…" Why? THREATENED MUCH?!!
Tate was the only other adequate guitarist in the class, and maybe even the whole year - of course he was threatened! The blonde had been holding the project together from the very start! If it weren't for him and his most awesome skills they never would have made it past the first verse!
What's this girl playing at? Tate was most definitely miffed. Ditching the group every other lesson, while the rest of us work hard – only to come back on the very last practice?!
"Well, lets hope you're a quick study." Tate smirked bitterly. You better not screw this up Kuga.
Outwardly the bluenette appeared to have an air of confidence that simply rattled the spiky-blonde in front of her. The rebel returned a crooked grin, though her emerald eyes did narrow somewhat. Shit, there's a thought. I don't know the chords!
Natsuki's slightly panicky thoughts were interrupted by the Afro man, who sounded fairly amused as he backed his way out of the closet.
"Ah…we may have a slight problem, Kuga-san…"
Why would a problem make him sound so happy? Just as the thought streamed across the forefront of her mind, Sakomizu steadily turned himself towards the bluenette and the rest of the class. Emerald eyes widened, while barely restrained hissing giggles spewed fourth from behind her. Oh, FUCK NO!
Sakomizu-Sensei took a step towards the gaping bluenette to try and explain the reason behind the object he held in his hands. Though it was hard to do so without laughing at the practically insulted expression on the girl's face!
"You see…I had the purple Gibson sent off for repairs, and it seems I'd forgotten that the only one left would be this… junior Fender." Do. Not. Laugh.
Angry, embarrassed and slightly vengeful green eyes scanned over the offending object before her. It's barely half the proper size! In fact it looks less!! …Kind of cute - but still! Cold emeralds zipped up and down the little blue Fender before finally landing on the eyes of her teacher.
"Are you taking the piss?"
Sakomizu frowned, amusement quickly vanishing. "No. And if you want to pass this class, you will use it."
Without another word the tiny instrument was almost thrown to Natsuki, who virtually leapt to catch it as he passed. It's so light too…eh, I feel like a complete twat holding this.
With a hidden grin firmly in place Sakomizu made a quick detour to his desk, picked up a music sheet, and went to his old powdery blackboard. He began writing out the notes and chords for reference, which would hopefully keep the class on track while performing. He called out to the navy haired girl who was still - no doubt, standing in the same place he'd left her.
"Pair up with Yuuichi-kun so he can show you the pacing and so on." From what I remember, Kuga-san still can't read sheet music…I'll have to get on that. He thought determinedly.
Natsuki nearly hissed at the order, and when she looked to the designated boy, she found a similar scowl marring his face. At least he's not pleased either. With a small huff the bluenette walked over to him, then used her ankle to hook onto the leg of a nearby stool and pull it closer to the small 15-watt amp between them. She sat beside him, though both of them swivelled to sit sideways and face each other practically at the same time.
"Right." Tate started, looking irritatingly smug all of a sudden. "I take it you've heard us practicing. Do you know the song?"
The bluenette confirmed with a nod. Resting the wee blueberry instrument on her lap.
"Good. Cos there's a lot of rhythm to get right…" Tate's voice managed to soften as he demonstrated, his head bopping a little as he played. "…Palm muting too. It took me a while to get, but it's pretty easy back and forth stuff."
Natsuki unconsciously nodded along to his words as she watched. Her own smooth and too soft fingers instinctively moved along the neck of the blueberry guitar…only to hit a very sour note.
What the…? Green emeralds snapped downwards.
Tate also stopped his strum to look at the supposed 'guitar prodigy' in question, his eyebrows furrowed.
"Bloody blueberry…." Natsuki mumbled, lifting her head up again and locking eyes with his questioning ambers. She answered dryly. "I over shot." What an understatement!
Natsuki wanted to growl at his chuckle. Not only would she have to deal with the weakened state of her fingers, but now also get used to an entirely different length of neck and fret spacing! Oh, fuck it all!
"Blueberry? You've already named it?" Tate snapped her out of her dangerously growing bad mood when she realized the reason behind his laughter.
"Uh…yeah. I thought it suited her." The biker girl pulled the black strap over her head and got in a more comfortable position on the stool – resting her heels along the bottom beam between the wooden legs, and giving little Blueberry much needed support on her knee. "You know, she's small…and blue." The badass rocker would never admit to thinking the instrument looked cute or sweet in any way! Never!
"And…fruity?" The spiky-blonde smirked.
"Not as fruity as yours!" Natsuki retorted childishly, narrowing her eyes. I can't believe I nearly laughed at that!
The blonde's mouth hung open. "What! Don't be disrespecting my sexy Fender!" He shouted rather loudly, clutching the red guitar to his chest. "She's probably got an awesome name like, Blaze or Pamela or Hot Chilli!"
Pamela? …Ah, red swimsuit. Riiight. Natsuki smirked adding her own suggestions, "-Or Betsy, Tulip, Strawberry-"
"Fuck you." -Was his quick response to that, faking an angry glare at the girl.
The navy haired rebel would've laughed had it not been for their Sensei announcing they had precisely thirteen minutes left to prepare.
"Anyway…ever played funk?" The boy queried.
"I've dabbled."
"Show me." He challenged, unplugging his lead and holding it out to the bluenette.
Just down the hall, a bored Shizuru sat at her desk in the front centre aisle, with her friends Anh and Haruka flanking her. They had been sitting in math class for a good fifteen minutes, however their Sensei had yet to arrive.
"It's disgraceful, is what it is!" Scoffed the bleach-blonde to Shizuru's right.
The Kyoto girl turned drolly to the loudmouth, polite smile in place, as she listened to Anh goad the girl on.
"Oh yes, it's despicable! Utterly contemptible!" Anh's Violet eyes twinkled as she waved her fist about in a 'why I ought'ta" manor.
"I should start a petition and get him quacked!" Haruka boomed.
Anh smirked, "Haruka's so harsh. You'll make Sensei cry – casting the ducks at him."
The light blonde blinked in confusion, before pointing an indignant finger at Anh who sat a safe distance away, on the far side of a pensive Student Counsel President.
"I said Sacked! Idiot!"
"Whacked?! Good God, Haruka you've become so violent since you started working for Shizuru!" The shorthaired brunette shook her head sadly. "For shame."
"You heard what I said!! Stop spewing nonsense you irritant! -And I do not work for that Bubuzuke!" Haruka proclaimed with a wave of her arms.
Anh meanwhile simply continued to hold a crafty grin for successfully winding up the blonde. She needed to get her entertainment from somewhere, and her highly-strung friend was always a perfect target.
The cherry-eyed teen would have added a playful comment, but she simply couldn't bring herself to. Instead she turned to her workbook and began mindlessly flipping through the many perfectly neat pages. In truth it was strange; this frustrating boredom that too often affected her mood whenever she found herself unoccupied. It wasn't fair really…the morning had started so well after all. She had quite literally woken up laughing this morning from a dream involving Natsuki explaining some interesting finger positions.
A small smile steadily crawled across her face from the memory. I must tease her about that later today. Perhaps I can ask if there's been any improvement? A full-blown grin replaced the once small smile as she rolled her pen along the tabletop.
Her amused expression turned into one of wistful longing however, when a sigh escaped her lips. It is so strange…being in love. I know she is the cause of this drained feeling sucking me down, weighing me to the floor. I even feel I could lay my head upon this desk and never move again. At least until she is near me once more…and then, Ara! The pull she has on me, I find it hard to sit still! – I can't help but want to touch her – to speak with her – to hear her voice – to always be in her line of sight! …I miss her already!
Shizuru dimly acknowledged a blur of movement coming through the open doorway to the room, but didn't spare the energy to even glance at the guest. It was probably their Sensei arriving, or more likely some random substitute-
"Greetings, third years!"
Cherry eyes snapped up in surprise, and a joyous one it was too. Because looking back at her, with those iridescent black pools, was her second favourite Brit in the whole world! Jennie-han!
Kruger tucked a colourful lock behind her ear as she beamed at the class. "I apologise for the tardiness. I was only just informed of your Sensei's absence." AKA; I was having a smoke.
Haruka raised her hand but spoke regardless, making the action completely meaningless. "So what's his excuse then?"
"He's stuck behind a tractor or something." The woman shrugged, leaning her backside against the thickly framed wooden desk belonging to the missing Math teacher.
Shizuru couldn't help but smile now. This motherly figure standing before her, who was so closely connected to her love, managed to ground her in a way that her friends could not. It was hard for the Kyoto beauty to describe, the kind of comfort Jennie always radiated. It was not the same content she felt with Natsuki, but it was no lesser feeling either. In the seemingly short amount of time she had gotten to know the woman, Shizuru had felt herself become very attached. And the thing that really touched her, was how included she felt now – how Jennie had effortlessly integrated her into their two-person family, bringing her ever closer to the rebel holding her heart.
Of course, this did also bring about a sliver of nervousness. Shizuru wasn't sure how much longer she'd be able to hide her true affections - and if she was even managing to do so at all! The woman was always just so in tune to things – so knowing – so considerate of the slightest signals that others failed to pick up on. Could she know?
Shizuru wasn't sure how she felt about that. On the one hand, it was comforting – like having an unconditional ally. A friend, really. The Kyoto girl certainly considered her such, without question. Yet, there was also a boundary Shizuru was conscious of; a wire sharp edge, she daren't not tread upon, and the root her cautiousness stemmed from. Jen may be her friend, but she was also Natsuki's mother. A very proud and protective mother - one not so easily impressed by blind flattery, one who could strike down any threat to her cub without a second thought.
It was then the Cherry-eyed teen decided that whatever impression she had made on Jen before; she must better it.
"So how is everyone this morning?" Ms Kruger asked. She received a hum of positive chirps, though her dark eyes honed in on crimsons, asking a rather different question. 'Hung over much?'
'Not at all.' Shizuru smiled, relaxing somewhat.
"Well then," Jennie continued aloud, grabbing a textbook from a pile on the desk. "Lets just see how awake you lot truly are." She said, licking her thumb to turn the thin pages.
Many of the students quickly opened their books, eagerly ready to jot down the question Ms Kruger was about to voice.
"On a fine Sunday afternoon at 2pm, you board the London Underground from Liverpool Street to Oxford Circus…" Pleased jet eyes observed the very studious third years scribbling down the information, while others looked puzzled as they searched frantically through their own textbooks, trying to find the damned page Kruger-Sensei was reading from.
Unable to get a glimpse of the page number, Shizuru had also been searching throughout her copy of the book…only to discover not one question to do with anything 'Underground' related. With the tiniest frown the honey-haired girl looked up to catch the briefest spark of mischief in the eyes of her teacher – who didn't seem to be reading from the book at all!
"It takes six stops to get from one station to the other – taking approximately 15 minutes. But if your destination is Leytonstone, how long does it take…-" Jennie K paused, snapping the book shut in her hands. "…to realize you're going the wrong way?"
A concentrated silence engulfed the room. And the older woman noted with some amusement the length of time it took her students to look up at her, and simply groan in comprehension.
"That's not Math! That's a trick question!!" Haruka was quick to reprimand.
Jennie held up her hands in innocence withstanding a bombardment of 'No fair, Sensei!' - 'I can't believe I wrote that down!' - 'How were we supposed to know?!"
Jen chuckled, "Hey! You lot said you were awake, yes? You should have been paying more attention."
The way the dreadlocked woman stood there, hands casually placed on her hips with the ever so cocky tilt of her curvy frame, reminded Shizuru so much of her emerald eyed girl then. Such attitude.
Dropping her pen into the centre groove of her open book, the Kyoto girl raised her hand to gain the attention of her teacher, along with the rest of the class.
Jennie quirked an eyebrow at her favourite student, "Fujino-san?"
"I believe I have an answer to the question."
Oh, this should be good. Jen started playing with a lock of hair, absentmindedly brushing it across her nose as she prepared herself. It was a habit really. If she had a moustache, she'd definitely be stroking it right now. "Oh, really? Do go on."
Cherry's sparkled as she rested her chin in a cavalier manner upon interlocked hands. "The answer would be; no time at all. For I wouldn't be on the train to begin with – track maintenance takes place on Sundays, does it not?"
Ah, I forgot about that…Jennifer's grin could not get any wider as she shook her head in defeat. "Fujino Shizuru, do you delight in upstaging your teachers?"
"All the time." Anh Lu responded quickly, sending a wink to her dear friend.
However before another word could pass, a loud and powerful male voice blasted down through the corridors, and into every open room.
~"WE-EEE-EEEL!!..."~
Every student in the music room stared expectantly, waiting for the cue from their Sensei who stood – centre stage, wielding a large white double bass, which looked suspiciously familiar to the young bluenette. The mishmash choir stood by the windows, curving around the room holding tambourines and other percussive instruments. Chie sat readily in her place between them on a slightly higher step. The two guitarists, Tate and Natsuki sat to Sakomizu's right by the door, biting their lips in anticipation.
(You make me wanna shout ~ by Little Richard)
Sakomizu-Sensei suddenly took the lead with his bass and surprisingly powerful voice.
~ You know you make me wanna ~
(SHOUT!)
~ Kick my heels up and ~
(SHOUT!)
~ Throw my hands up and ~
(SHOUT!)
~ Throw my head back and ~
(SHOUT!)
~ Come on now ~
(SHOUT!)
The surrounding students took up their gospel role, singing and jiving away, while ashen-haired Chie followed very lightly on her kit.
The blue-haired musician would've joined the shouting choir had she not been focusing hard on her own playing. She sat on her stool curled around little Blueberry, and biting her tongue in concentration…not quite trusting her self to even start bopping yet.
Tate meanwhile, whom had had much practice, was grinning like an idiot. He'd been quite surprised at how quickly the navy rocker had picked up the style, and with the added layer of her guitar, the song sounded better than any previous performance!
Back in the Maths room, Jennie Kruger was catching flies. Jet eyes wide and mouth hung open in a kind of shocked recognition. She couldn't believe what she was hearing! Do my ears deceive? Or is that some Little Richard I hear a'callin' on me? A devilish smirk crept its way upon the dreadlocked woman's face as she sidled on over to the open doorway.
"I'll be back in one moment kids!" She called before disappearing into the hall.
Haruka turned to her two friends and personal aggravators, who looked just as perplexed as she felt. "What the hell is going on today?!"
"Apparently, band practice." Shizuru answered simply.
Anh leant backwards, balancing on two legs of her chair. "They're never quite this loud though…not that I'd complain, they actually sound pretty decent this time."
Shizuru agreed, and eventually Haruka did as well. They were quite far down the hall from the music room, but even with the distance the girls could tell there was a certain new energy that wasn't there before. Causing them and many other rooms of students to click their fingers and shimmy in their seats.
"That voice, it's definitely Sakomizu-Sensei, don't you think?" Anh grinned, listening to the Soul man's bluesy timbre.
"Ara, I think you're right." I wonder if Natsuki can hear this? …Maybe she's already dancing in the hallways like Jennie-han. She smiled sombrely as a heavy sensation cut through her chest, leaving her feeling somewhat left out.
Haruka frowned. "Is he even using a microphone?"
"Please! Like that man needs a mike!" exclaimed Anh. "He's like you - only with an off switch."
Anh made a good act of seeming preoccupied with teasing the hollering blonde, but in reality she'd been watching her other brooding best friend very closely. She knew Shizuru had her own distractions, what with the ever-growing responsibilities behind being the Student President of the school, but the Kyoto girl had been simply…off, for a while now.
Anh wanted to spend more time with her. Make her laugh. Get her out of this rut she seemed to be in…one thing she was certain of - the British bulldog was behind it all. That girl just seems like trouble, and quite content to drag others down with her. How can Shizuru not see that?
All of a sudden Ms Kruger swung herself around the doorframe looking incredibly excited. Momentarily forgetting her other students, black eyes immediately sought crimsons as she cried out, "Natsuki's playing!!"
Shizuru's body jerked upwards, her whole face lighting up. Yet she was unsure as what to do. "…Ara?"
Jennie was still clutching the doorframe, bouncing in place almost impatiently! "Well come on!" She called holding out her hand to the indecisive girl.
It only took a blink and an instant for Shizuru's chair to be shoved backwards. She darted towards her teacher with an amazing graceful haste, and followed her into a sprint down the corridor.
Closely pursuing them were the rest of the class, who found themselves effortlessly caught up in the excitement - Jeering away at Suzushiro's loud disapproval.
"We're in the middle of CLASS!" She boomed, gaining a single shrug from Anh, who quickly tried to catch up with her best friend far ahead. Damn that blue-haired delinquent.
The music hit a whole new level of pleasure for Shizuru – who tried to control the shivering thrill caused by every skip of her heart. She ran alongside Jen, feeling every bit the silliest girl in school. Ara – to be excited over such a thing…I don't think I've ever run through these halls before!
Jennie however, was happy for a very different reason. In four long weeks she had not heard Natsuki play a single jingle. Her daughter had not even touched an instrument since losing her own…not since Shizuru's gift.
Dear me, I'm getting unfit. Jen thought grinding to a halt just outside the music room. She peered in, making herself comfortable against the doors frame, with Shizuru leaning on the opposite side. The President's classmates gathered behind them in the hall, shoving each other for the best view.
~ Now wai-a-ait a minute! ~
The band fell silent as their teacher quickly motioned a boy to the keyboard. The poor lad had nearly forgotten his cue, and Natsuki let out a light-hearted chuckle at his panicked face.
She was standing now – having kicked her stool over when she finally allowed herself to get in the groove of it. She didn't care how silly she might've looked with wee blueberry hanging across her body – she was having far too much fun.
With her back facing the doorway, the dark haired Rocker didn't notice the growing audience behind her, nor the pair of sweet cranberries watching so keenly.
~ I feel aaaaaaallllllright! ~
The guitarists let out a laugh that was soon echoed by the other students. They all observed their Afro-Sensei strutting about the room dramatically, over-cooking every line; offering him cheers and whistles as he went.
~ Now that I got my woman ~
~ I feel aaaaaaaalllllright! ~
Even Jennie clapped her hands together, terribly amused by the performance. Shizuru meanwhile kept her gaze on Natsuki, grinning at the sight of the bluenette's shoulders shaking from hilarity.
~ Every time I think about you ~
Emerald eyes flicked to Chie, and then to the ambers belonging to Yuuichi Tate. Both exchanging a knowing look, and shaking their heads in mock shame of their Sensei.
Shizuru couldn't see the bluenette's face, but she didn't like the all-too brightening shine in the boy's eyes one bit. Her smile gradually faded into fake politeness.
~ You been so good to me ~
And to the Student President's immediate displeasure, the pair actually moved closer – standing opposite each other with their guitars almost crisscrossing, as they both smirked, preparing for more synchronised strumming.
A cold sensation hit her gut. One that had her tensing her muscles as it rose up and into her chest, growing hotter with its ascent. She bit back a hiss when she felt flames licking at her throat. She wanted to scream – to roar – to snarl at this trespasser. How dare he violate my Natsuki's space! She clamped her mouth shut however, and held tightly to the wooden frame of the doorway.
For all of the dear dreadlocked woman's acclaimed clairvoyance, she had not noticed the girl's unease standing beside her. But why would she? Sometimes her own perspective could be blinding, because all she was at that moment was a mother proudly enjoying her daughter's performance. (…And secretly stealing peeks at the highly captivating fella' with the Afro.)
~ You know you make me wanna ~
~ SHOUT! WOOO! ~
Later that day,
Lunchtime:
The entire school was simply buzzing! It turned out the performance this morning had been much louder than Sakomizu Kaiji had intended. Serving to distract not just those on the first floor, but also classes on the second as well. So much so, that a rather irked Maria-Sensei had descended to find half the schools students and their Teachers loitering merrily in the hallways. She had put an end to that immediately; scolding any student she managed to catch by the collar, and all faculty members for showing such poor aptitude in control. The musicians were unable to finish their song and everyone else was ushered back to their respective class. Yet not before the damage was done – in Miss Maria's opinion.
It seemed the students had had far too much stimulation so early in the morning. Making them much louder, rebellious, excitable, and generally far too cheeky.
As soon as the lunch bell sounded, Shizuru had quickly sought reprieve from the sheer noise of the mob, and headed straight to the Student Counsel Room located in the more modern wing of the school.
Anh had joined her, sitting to the side of Shizuru's large desk as they ate lunch together. Both quietly thoughtful.
Over the passing hours, the possessive rage within Shizuru had degraded into painful fear. She never wanted to deny Natsuki the right to make new friends, or even dictate who those friends should be, but the simple notion of her Love being lured away set her heart throbbing. She didn't know how to handle it. Her stomach churned with panic.
Anh stretched beside her with a sigh, "It's nice getting away from that chaos. We should do this more often."
"Mmm." Shizuru replied distractedly, focusing her efforts on holding the teacup without shaking too noticeably.
Nevertheless, she nearly lost grip on the china when she recognised a husky voice telling someone – in perfectly pronounced English – to "Just bugger off." Just outside the room.
The door slid open revealing a beautifully scowling bluenette, followed by a small gang of second years – including Mai, Chie, Aoi and Yuuichi.
Shizuru fought to control her breathing as she watched him so animatedly follow behind. She wasn't sure of the cause behind the sudden visit from the girls, but she couldn't very well throw him out, no matter how much she wanted to. He was a helper of the Counsel and had more right to be in the room than even Natsuki did! Though that's changeable. She thought in a streak of power madness.
The three girls exchanged pleasantries, greeting both Anh and Shizuru, the latter quickly realising they'd simply been following Natsuki, and had no real business here.
"Ara, what a surprise. Even the youthful second year's wish to hide from the rabble."
"Something like that…" Natsuki grumbled, finally turning to see an odd look in her best friend's crimsons.
"…I see." Shizuru murmured, locking eyes with Natsuki's.
Natsuki's head tilted to the side slightly, bright eyes watching intently with just a hint of concern. Shizuru could almost see the intricate cogs spinning through those mysterious green portals. Two loose strands of blue fell across her face, obscuring one of those piercing emeralds, and Shizuru wanted to either tuck them back behind her lovely ear, or use the distraction to look away completely.
Natsuki broke away first, to Shizuru's discontent.
"Mai! You have got to see this!" It was Chie sniggering and holding out her phone for all to see. "You too Kaichou-san, you'll love it!"
Tate was already laughing, and Aoi was cutely whining about how she wished she'd been there.
"Awww, isn't she just the cutest!" Cooed the carrot top as she watched the recording for the fourth time – of a timid Natsuki quietly asking to play guitar.
"Please sir, I want some guitar!" Chie whimpered in her best 'Oliver' impersonation.
Shizuru sent them a smile, originally planning to politely decline in light of the growl coming from the Rock Chick in front of her desk…but jealously flared it's head once more. She couldn't have Tate, or anyone else for that matter sharing a moment concerning Natsuki that she did not.
So she rose. Gliding around her desk, and Natsuki, to the small group circled around the phone.
Traitor! Natsuki huffed through her nose.
"Ara, I will appease my Natsuki soon," Kyoto-Ben purred, seemly reading the bluenette's mind. "But I cannot be denied such a cute moment from her."
The rebel's frown deepened with a blush as she pulled out a chair and sat down, resigning herself to another 10 seconds of mock filled coos – at the most!
Shizuru was oh-so glad she had decided to view the little clip of her flustered Natsuki. She hid her grin behind a hand. Ara, and here I thought you only used that voice with me?
Glaring at the floor the bluenette soon heard the muffled chuckles of her traitorous best friend, and that's when she snapped.
"Chie. Put it away before I shove it up your-"
"Now, now. No need to get so violent." Shizuru teased, patting blue hair in passing.
Natsuki growled, and Shizuru sat back in her comfortable wheelie chair on the opposite side of the desk. God, this is frustrating. I just want to be alone with her! Both thought uncannily.
Just then another two guest arrived in the form of Suzushiro Haruka and Kikukawa Yukino.
"What the? WHY THE HELL HAVE WE BEEN INVADED BY SECOND YEAR'S?!!" The Blonde bellowed, conveniently ignoring the fact her own companion was a second year also.
Apparently I don't count. Thought the mousy girl bemusedly.
"Who knows?" Scoffed Anh. She was generally a social person, so she truthfully didn't mind the mini incursion, but the way Kuga just seemed to take over the room by her mere presence irritated her to no end.
Haruka crossed her arms, looking most severe indeed. "Then all second year's, OUT!" she demanded, only to be tugged on the sleeve. "Ah – well all second year's without business here…" She amended to Yukino's nod, and turned back to the waiting students, "Get LOST!"
Aoi jumped a little from the volume but quickly scampered out the door with Mai and Chie sniggering behind her. Tate was the next to stand, I'd rather not get dragged into anymore extra work…but then he paused a moment, noticing the dark haired Rock Chick didn't seem to be making a move.
"Hey…" he began, getting her attention. He gestured over his shoulder with a point of his thumb. "Do you wanna maybe have a shred-off in the music room?"
Excuse me?! If the boy had looked, he just might have burst into flames from the absolutely flaming blood red eyes directed his way. What exactly is that supposed to mean?!
Natsuki on the other hand, who was currently lounging back in her chair – feet resting on another, merely looked at him with mild consideration.
"Not today. I have business here." She motioned, flicking back some hair. Making Shizuru feel mightily satisfied…until Natsuki continued, "We'll jam sometime." Oh, the innuendo! Natsuki thought with a mental grimice…so not the best choice of words.
Shizuru couldn't stop her teeth from grinding as she watched the interaction. Though her impatience was hidden exceptionally well. Just leave already!
Tate laughed, walking out the door. "Definitely! Kuga's a regular Rockabilly!"
"That's blasphemous. Tulip head!" Natsuki saw his retreating figure hold up two fingers, he was either saying 'peace' or 'fuck you'…didn't really matter as Natsuki smirked all the same.
She hadn't fully decided whether she liked him yet – in a friend capacity of course. He reminded her a bit of the lads back home, the jabbing exchanges and so on…but he did have an arrogance about him that Natsuki couldn't imagine putting up with for long. Perhaps it was a musician thing…
The emerald-eyed girl turned back to her golden-haired friend – only to find her completely avoiding Natsuki's gaze. What's wrong?
"So why are you here?" Anh asked tiredly.
"Detention. Shouldn't you know that?"
"Ara?" Shizuru finally looked up with a slight puckered brow. "Are you sure? This is the first I've heard of it."
Haruka took a step forward and slammed her hand upon the desk, "Well of course it is! We couldn't have you knowing about it just so you can go behind everyone's back and get your Girlfriend out of trouble!"
Shizuru looked a little stunned. The tiniest curve of her lips gave away her sudden thrill. God that felt good to hear.
The biker girl may have noticed it too.
If there was indeed anyone in Fuuka High who had completely fallen for the gag the girls had started, it was Haruka. While others looked on bemusedly, or played along with the two girl's flirty banter, Haruka took their relationship very seriously – either she was too ignorant to realise the joke…or she simply saw things for exactly what they were.
Seizing the opportunity to lift her precious friend's mood, Natsuki let out a pretend huff of irritation. "Some GIRLFRIEND."
Shizuru's cherry eyes locked back to her, a brow steadily rising in question.
"She only wants me for my body."
Two brown eyebrows shot upwards for just a moment in amused shock. ARA!
The Kyoto girl recovered quickly enough when she saw the sheer naughtiness sparkling in her Love's eyes. She placed her elbow on the tabletop, chin in her palm, and leant closer to the girl.
"And Natsuki only wants me for my…instrument."
Green eyes narrowed trying not to over think that last statement. Shizuru would have commended her for winning – just barely, over the blush, but after watching that pink tongue twist about and graze it self along pearly white teeth, she quite forgot to.
"It's not really the fairest exchange." Natsuki finally retorted.
"Oh?"
"Considering all the mental abuse I'm exposed to."
Oh, my Natsuki, you are such a brave puppy behind that desk.
The bluenette was torn. She found herself restraining the will to laugh, and the will to crawl and beg for forgiveness. It was Shizuru's smoulderingly seductive expression.
She held a look in her eyes that seemed to say: 'Come hither, so I may beat thee.'
Were best friends really supposed to make you shiver that way?