-a/n-
So, how's everyone? Sorry for the late update. My laptop had been stolen by my very beloved father for the past week and I haven't gotten a chance to continue typing the story.
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Ninth Life
3. He's no Exemption
By ©ancercute
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••Mimi••
It was dark. Pure blackness of the soundless night.
All I can see is the deserted street at the late hours, and a man standing in front before me. It was too dark to clearly see his face, but his eyes were a sparkle of blue. And in a split of the moment I saw them, I knew it was Yamato.
His face glistened in the dark, like that of a full moon. But tonight, there was no moon. His unruly golden hair was untamed as I studied him. There was really something underneath those eyes. And in that instant, I felt the ache of caressing his face, the need to feel he was real, the longingness to touch him and know that this is not an illusion.
Suddenly, I heard a quiet purr. A cat. There was a cat in front of him that I haven't noticed. It looked at him with bright narrowed piercing eyes and bared teeth. It licked its teeth, then emitting a growl which sounded more like a warning. Though it wasn't quite that big, somehow, it looked terrifying.
I watched Yamato's expression. It was straight, plain, showing… nothing. He didn't express a single hint of being afraid. As if he didn't care.
My gaze went back to the creature before him, surprised to find out it had became fiercer- more like a cheetah than a cat. It grew to look more dangerous. Its eyes glowed, blazed- sight targeted straight to Yamato. It snarled louder than before. Its fur was standing up, and readied itself for a spring.
Then without warning, it leaped hungrily, savagely towards Yamato and everything went totally black again.
I shot open my eyes to the darkness and silence, suddenly shocked. Everything was blurry. Sweat trickled down my back and forehead. It was cold, but I was sweating. I realized it was just a dream- no, a nightmare- and that I was still inside my bedroom panting for air.
I turned on the bedside lamp and tried to recall everything. No sound was present but the ticking of the clock. The dream was dusky, yet vivid in some ways. Was that what I was been afraid of when Yamato drove me home?
Yamato.
He was here the last time I was conscious, and as far as I could remember. My eyes wandered around to the spacious room, and found no one but myself. He must have gone home the moment drowsiness took over me.
What was that nightmare? I couldn't help myself get curious about it, but I refused to let it distract me. I pulled back the blanket and rested my head on the soft pillow. Trying to get back to sleep might work…
But it didn't.
I couldn't keep my eyes close. I'd just stare up the ceiling unable to get unconscious once more. Stupid nightmare. It just had to distract me from my sleep.
I tried once more, rolling over to my left.. and then to my right. But still, it had no effect. I took notice of the digital clock beside me, and it read 2:09 am. It was too early and I should be sleeping. I still have classes tomorrow. But nonetheless, it doesn't sound like a problem to me anyway.
So, I've decided I'm getting up. I pushed away the covers, got out of bed and grabbed my purple long sleeved hoodie. Heading my way downstairs, I went outside, locked the front door and wandered aimlessly through the early dark morning.
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It's been almost 15 minutes that I've been strolling down the cold, quiet empty boulevard. No vehicles, no people, no nothing. I was alone walking, looking at the neighborhood in such hour. It was already three blocks from my house, and still, I wasn't ready to go back yet. For a normal person, it would be eerie being alone by these times. But for me, it's not a difference. Same as everyday.
There was really nothing to ponder about, except that nightmare I had- and I really didn't want to deal with it. So mostly I admired the stars, the houses… random nonsense.
Then, somewhere in the dark, a hand suddenly grabbed my wrist from behind pulling me backward, haltering me to a stop. I flinched at the sudden presence, feeling my almost falling heart skip a beat, and turned to see who it was.
Yamato. It was only him. I wasn't used to being surprised like that. It insulted my senses.
As my heartbeat slowed at the sudden astonishment of his presence, I stared at him and asked.
"What are you doing here?" My voice came out ragged. Probably because of the chill since the cold was against my nature.
"I should be asking the same thing," he replied. His eyes was too tense, his grip didn't let go of my wrist.
I looked back at him and whispered, "I just had a nightmare." The thought of it again made me shiver, though I was already in my hoodie.
He let out a rough sigh. "I shouldn't have left, should I?"
He rubbed my arm and held me beside him. His perfume from last night was still there, seducing my nose. That felt relaxing, loosened my tight muscles. I shouldn't get used to this. It'd be wrong wanting him. I was different. Who could hold for the supernaturals anyway?
I noticed him wrinkle his nose, but I ignored it. Maybe because my scent intrigued him, and that I was too close.
"Hmm..," I closed my eyes feeling his warmth against my skin.
"You shouldn't be out like this, at this time." He eyed me and my clothes. "Dressed barely in sleeping garments. Shorts and spaghetti strapped?" He raised an eyebrow.
"Doesn't matter. Nobody's out," I replied defensively without looking at him. "I can take care of myself."
He nodded his head, giving no response.
"Which reminds me, what are you doing here?" I asked.
"I live here."
I lifted my head to look at the surroundings and apparently, a big house was in front and the dark blue vehicle was parked in the garage.
"What are you doing up so early?" I asked again. Then, he dropped his hands, letting me go. The warmth from him escaped, and I wrapped my hoodie securely to avoid the chill.
He walked to the doorstep of his house, and I followed him behind.
"I couldn't sleep," he answered a few moments later.
"Shouldn't your parents know that a visitor is in your home early this hour?"
"You consider yourself a visitor?" he raised his eyebrow. "No one's here. I live alone."
We entered his living room, and it was surprisingly warm like him. I settled myself on a sofa, and he plopped down next to me.
"So you do know how it is to live alone. Must be quite hard for you," I stated facing him.
"I'm used to it. And it's not a problem. You're the one who finds it difficult."
"You don't know anything about me. Tell me I'm right."
"You're right. And you're not aware of a single thing about me either," he challenged.
"True. Yet here you are, letting me stay in your house in an unusual hour."
"Haven't you done the same thing? The only difference is it was in your bedroom. You insisted me to stay and we aren't even that close to pass for friends. Are you like that Tachikawa?" He meant it as a rhetorical question, but it was full of curiosity. Somehow it sounded insulting, yet I didn't feel that way.
"And by the way, there's no unusual hour for me. Every hour is the same- be it day or night," he added.
"Nonetheless, I feel something from you. I don't know. There's just this feeling of trust. Must be instinct, or maybe you're just too appealing."
It's funny where our conversation had us going. I realized his face was suddenly closer to mine. I could hear his breathing.
"On the contrary, it's you that I find fascinating," he spoke that his delicious breath hit me hard on my face. He moved his face closer to whisper in my ear. "Don't you think it's unfair? That you do whatever you want because you trust me this much while I spent almost two sleepless nights thinking of you, and still undecided?"
He slowly glided his nose from my ear down to my jaw. Then, he abruptly pulled back, facing a few millimeters to from me. We stared at each other in complete silence for a moment, but he broke it and lay back to the couch, head resting up with his eyes shut. I wondered at his reactions. Deliberately, I leaned forward to his shoulders and pressed a light kiss on the corner of his lips. He opened his eyes in surprise- not the surprise I expected. He glared at me. I was shocked at this that it stung me. He clearly must have seen on my face that somehow I was hurt by it since his eyes lightened and got up towards the kitchen.
"What did I do?" I asked following him. Maybe that wasn't the right question. Maybe I should have asked 'what did I do wrong?' He didn't answer me, and it was annoying.
"Matt! Answer me."
He finally turned to face me and looked with nothing but seriousness plastered on his face.
"Don't do anything stupid. Because I can see what you're doing. You're following your instinct- which is wrong- to trust me," he said remotely.
"What is wrong with that? Don't you appreciate it? The fact that I can easily trust you in a short matter of time. A week to be exact."
"Well I don't Mimi. I don't trust you. And I don't trust myself to have that kind of feelings with you." His face was cold and his eyes were hard. Clearly, he was angry.
"What kind of feelings are you talking about?" I retorted back.
"The kind that makes you trust me and kiss me on the corners of my mouth," he shot back without any hint of amusement.
That should have been embarrassing for a female, but right now, there was no place in me that fitted the word embarrassed.
"That was just a kiss," I defended calmly showing no emotion.
"And then what? You want to make out with me after that?"
Now that was completely out of line. I hadn't known that the quiet Ishida could be somehow so full of himself. How could he even think that?!
I forced myself to remain calm. Keep it cool.
"That's not the point."
I was not giving in. If he's angry, then so am I. I was stubborn and I know that. That's why I'm on my ninth life now, because of my stubbornness in the past that had me losing the other eight.
I've always been used to getting what I want, and he doesn't have to be an exemption to that.
He hasn't said anything but just kept looking at me, waiting. I returned back to our main argument.
"Why not? Why can't you trust me? I'm not giving up with this. So you better explain why the hell you shove me away from you like I'm some evil demon cursing your life," I demanded as I glared with furiousness at him in an accusing manner, poking him on the shoulder.
He ran his hands on frustration and walked away from me again. I wasn't buying that. I can't afford to be walked away from.
"Because… Because you're different. I've already told you that, haven't I?"
I was confused at his answers. How could that make sense? He wouldn't trust me because I'm different.
"How am I different? That's some stupid crap Ishida. Because of my smell?" I accused. I acted completely human, because part of me is human. I can't just argue with him saying 'I'm a werecat! Of course I'm different'. He doesn't need to know that part.
He let out an exasperated sigh.
I was tired of him sighing. Of course. He wouldn't trust me because somehow I smell different- but in a good way.
"Stupid alibis," I murmured to myself. What a poor excuse.
"Look, let's take this slowly. There's no need to hurry," he finally spoke something besides some nonsense.
••Yamato••
I plopped back to the couch, and she followed. I don't know what she wants from me. How could she possibly like me? For one thing, I know I couldn't trust her. Not in a bad way though. But I know she's not completely human. She has secrets to hide- some things that must be remained unsaid.
I noticed the clock as it read 4:15. In almost another four hours, we would be having classes. And this again, was another sleepless night. Again…
"You should go back to sleep. School starts in a few hours," I said.
"Whatever," she muttered.
She sulked in the couch beside me, and somehow, I found it amusing how childish and cute Mimi could be. I smirked at the idea. She continued on grumbling and grunting to herself and I ignored it. In one way or another, she'll stop.
The minutes grew longer as I waited. I didn't dare speak to her, yet she did exactly the opposite. She was annoying the hell out of me. Whining. Slapping and punching me in the arm. And still, I gave nothing away.
"Are you trying to ignore me so I'd get sleepy?" she accused. "If you are- which I know you are- well, it's working. So, do you want a round of applause?"
I didn't answer. But clearly she was getting sleepy. Her eyes looked like it could fall down any moment and she yawned.
"Uugghh!! Dammit! Fine! I'll go to sleep," she got up from the couch and headed for the door. Funny how she could still get angry when she's already drowsy. Fascinating.
I was confused at her actions and caught up to her, grabbing her wrist.
"Where are you going?"
"Oh, now what? I'm trying to do what you're telling me, obviously. Why? Are you taking back what you said?"
"No, no. You might get unconscious while going home and end up sleeping in the middle of the street," I explained fighting a smirk. But it was no use. She was insulted at the moment the words came out.
"Hmph. So you think I can't get home by myself?!" she fought back.
"Who knows? You look incapable of doing so." The smirk was still in place.
"Oh, so that's what you think? You'd rather make me sleep in your small disgusting couch?" Yes, she was pissed, insulted and underestimated. Still cute though. Like a little kitten thinking she's a tiger. And I was amused.
"No. You can stay in my room," I offered with a sincere smile.
Her expression became astound.
"Are you making fun of me?! Yeah right Matt. As if you could get me fooled with your crap," she said as she put her hands on her waist and rolled her eyes.
"Seriously. I'm not joking. I'm sincerely offering you a favor," I persuaded, still smiling. Half smirk and half honest. I couldn't help holding a laugh at her expressions.
"Favor!" she scoffed.
I waited for her answer as she looked closely at me to see if I were really telling the truth- which I was.
Finally, she gave up.
"Ok. Sure. Whatever," she replied uninterestedly with her hands in the air.
I laughed at her, and she shot me a deathly glare.
"Here, I'll show you the room," I said leading her upstairs.
As we walked, she became quiet. Sleepy and annoyed maybe. I opened the door of my room for her. She was surprised.
The room was untidy but clean. My two guitars, one electric and one acoustic, was in the corner along with piled papers. Posters were on the walls and everything inside was music related.
"Are you okay with this? You could sleep in the other room if you like."
"No, no. It's completely fine. Thanks," she spoke as she went inside.
"Ok. I'll be in the other room if you need me. i'll wake you up tomorrow just in case."
I decided to give her time and privacy.
"Oh Matt?" she asked before I could close the door behind her.
"Yeah?"
"Thanks."
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-a/n-
Review!! Sorry for the late update. You know how school is. Uhm. I'll see you in my next update and hopefully i could also update "Twice the Love, Twice the Pain" coz I'm really missing the drama. Ciao!