Bittersweet Melody

Second Arc: Act Seventeen

"How has her career been? Since the accident?" Rei asked the manager in a calm voice.

Adof inhaled a deep breath through his mouth and placed his sunglasses on his face. He lifted his hand to his head and began to scratch his scalp. Takao assumed by Adof's body language that this question was a tough one. Rei leaned forward and rested his chin on his open palm, waiting for his answer. The older man hesitated for a moment, so many things had happened since their last meeting how could it all be explained in a few minutes? Everything that had transpired since then…BEGA, the tournament it all had gone by so fast.

"Well, Miss Greco is still having a lot of troubles remembering her lyrics." Adof broke his silence with a sigh. "Not to mention Ming-Ming's fan base continuing to grow. She's making it very difficult for Miss Greco to keep up."

"She sure is popular…" Max muttered. "But how does Cat feel about it?"

A smile spread across his face. "As long as she's allowed to sing, she's happy right now. Although," Adof lifted his finger and continued, "She has been complaining about 'missing' something."

"Huh?" Kyoujyu tilted his head to one side. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"She says that she feels like she's missing something." He answered. "As if a part of her has left her since the accident." He lowered his glasses on his nose and looked directly at the boys. "That is the reason why she's trying so hard to regain her lost memories."

"I see…" Rei nodded his head.

"If you boys have any idea of what that 'thing' maybe," Adof let his eyes fall on each male guest as he spoke. "Please don't tell Cat right away. It'd be best if she discovered it for herself."

The room fell silent. Takao gripped his jeans tight. What could she be missing? If he only knew, then maybe he could help Cat restore some of her memories. He, against Adof's will, would tell her and then she would surely remember. He lifted his head and looked about the room. The Saint Shields and Team Euro sat across from him with stern looks on their faces. What were they thinking?

A door creaked open. The men in the room flinched at the sound and turned to the source of the sound. From the far right, a bedroom door opened wide. Hiromi with her gaggle of female companions stood in the doorway with looks of satisfaction on their faces. They had obviously done their job. Takao and his team rose to their feet to greet the girls. From the back of group, Jam pushed her way forward. A large smirk appeared on her face and she placed her hands to her hips.

"I can see everyone's here!" She announced with pride. "Let's get this thing started!"

All the boys waited for a few moments, each harboring their own feeling of excitement. What were they about to see? What would she look like in that little black dress? Would she be wearing make-up? A few silent minutes passed without movement. Growing irritated with the wait, Jam looked over her shoulder. A rustling from the back caught her attention and caused her to turn fully around to face it.

Over her shoulder, he watched as Jam pushed by Hiromi and Mathilda and made her way toward Cat, who was struggling about in Mao and Julia's arms. Both Mao and Julia had her by one arm and were trying to pull her forward, out into the living room. The singer had her heels dug deep into the carpet in an effort stay as far away from the living area as possible. Jam shook her head and sighed aloud. She then walked over to her younger sister and stood in front of her.

"Come on Cat." She said in a firm voice. "It's time to go."

"No!" She shouted from the depths of her room. "You can't make me!"

The boys in the living room shook their heads. How embarrassing. Max hung his as sweat dripped from his forehead. Standing in front of the couch, Takao slouched and threw his hand to his temple.

"That's it!" Jam's voice echoed from the back room. "I'm going to have to use my secret weapon!"

Jam lifted her index finger into the air and approached her sister. Mao and Julia held their grip on Cat's arm tight as Jam pointed her finger toward the girl's face. The older sister then pushed the side of her index finger underneath the younger sister's nostrils. Jam applied pressure to her finger causing Cat's head to tilt upward. The injured female let out a loud yip and began to shake her head from right to left.

With her free arm, Jam reached over to Cat's left arm and grabbed it. Mao and Julia released their grips on her and allowed the older woman to take action. She began to pull her younger sister out into the living room, her right hand still pressed beneath Cat's nostrils. In her weakened state, Cat allowed her body to be pulled along until she was standing in the living room in front of all the boys. Feeling her task was done; Jam released her tight bond on the female and allowed her younger sister to stand up straight.

Cat stood straight and looked at the audience before her. A bright red flash spread across her cheeks and she covered her chest with her crossed arms. The boys' eyes ran up her body from her toes to her head. She stood shaken in her little black dress that ended just above her knees. The thin strings supporting the black dress ran up her shoulders and revealed her pale skin. Her hair appeared to have more volume then usual and bounced in the warm room air. Her lips shimmered in the daylight and the smell of perfume filled the room. She stood in an awkward stance, embarrassed by her own appearance. How many times had she gone on stage dressed to a T? Why would this little black dress embarrass her so much now?

"AH!" Adof jumped to his feet and began to clap both hands. "You look AMAZING!"

"All thanks to us." Emily was first to take credit with a smile on her face and her hand on her chest.

"She would have looked even better if she let us put make-up on." Mao hummed aloud. "Lip-gloss was the only thing she'd let near her face."

"What, no glitter?!" Giancarlo exclaimed before jumping to his feet.

"She looks fine the way she is." Ozuma grunted, crossing his arms over his tiny chest.

Max rose from his seat with a gentle smile on his face. He stepped toward Cat with one hand extended in her direction. The blush on her face became heavier as his hand landed on her pale shoulder.

"You look perfect." He replied in a smooth voice.

"T-thank you." She muttered in a lower tone, her eyes darting to the floor.

"And just where do you intend on taking her?" Adof asked Max before crossing his arms over his chest.

"Um…" The American removed his hand from Cat's shoulder and began to scratch the side of his face. "I haven't decided yet!"

From the opposite side of the room Team Euro sighed. Without hesitation, Giancarlo scooted forward and wrapped his arm around Cat's small frame. He then placed his face against her and whispered in her ear.

"How about you and I go out instead? I could show you a good time."

She let out a small yip before ducking out of Giancarlo's arms. While he was oblivious to her actions, she scurried and hid her body behind Max. The remaining members of Team Euro laughed at their only blond member. Giancarlo's eyes snapped open to see that his target had evaded his come on. He crossed his arms over his chest and turned his nose up at his teammates.

"Let's get outta here," Cat replied as she tugged at Max's t-shirt.

"So you're still not used to me, eh?" Giancarlo turned his chin toward the couple.

She shook her head from side to side and answered 'no'. Her hands gripped to the freckled blond's shirt tight and she lowered her face to his shoulder. Max let out a sweet sigh before he looked over his shoulder at his shaken date.

"You two should get going." Ralf pushed himself out of his seat and stood beside Jam. "Before it gets any later."

"I agree!" Cat yelped.

"Come on then," Max turned his body around and faced the front door. "We'll figure out something to do."

Cat began to follow behind her date, a nervous smile on her face. She stayed glued to his arm, as the two neared the front door. Just before they left the apartment completely, Yumi came running from the bedroom, arms flailing. A bright orange garment in her left arm, she made a mad dash for Cat.

"Don't forget this." She panted between words as she handed the orange sweater to the opposing girl. "Just in case it gets cold."

Cat blinked a few times while staring at the sweater. That was Max's sweater! A smile appeared on her face as he fingers wrapped around the orange fabric. She held the sweater to her nose and smelled it. A relaxed sigh came from her lips before she proceeded to wrap the sweater around her bare shoulders. She let out a happy squeak after slipping her arms through the sleeves of her orange sweater.

"Thanks Yumi," She said with a warm smile. "I must have forgotten this after all the rush."

Takao grunted before throwing his back against the couch. Again with the sweater? He pouted before rolling his eyes. What was with the constant yearning for that sweater? It was because it belonged to him. He peered over to look once again at the front door. Cat was giggling about something, Max smiling at her laughter. It was too sweet for the champ's tastes. He turned around once again and groaned.

"We'll be back at around six." Max called to Adof in the living room. "I have my cell phone if you need anything."

"Please be safe!" Jam called out to her sister.

"I will!"

"Have a good evening, Miss Greco!" Adof waved his arm in the air.

Cat waved in return and turned to her blue-eyed date. Max reached forward and opened the front door. Allowing his lady to walk out first, he followed after and shut the door behind himself. Their footsteps could be heard slowly fading away as they left the complex.

"That took longer than it had to." Johnny grumbled under his breath and stretched his arms over his head.

"You didn't have to come." Jam turned his way and shot a glare in his direction. "You like this drama just as much as I do."

"Drama?" Johnny lowered his arms from behind his head and began to laugh. "I'd hardly call it drama; it's more like a pity party!"

"Pity?" Ralf looked at the Scot in question.

"Yeah," He replied before yawning.

"I have to agree," Dunga broke his silence and closed his eyes. "It is really sad."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Mariam threw one arm to her hip.

"It's pathetic to see Max give in to Cat's situation like this." Dunga shrugged his large shoulders as he spoke. "He's totally taking advantage of her current state."

"Oh?" Yusuf cocked a single brow and began to chuckle. "And you wouldn't? Given if it were the right girl?"

"Like who?!" Dunga's eyes snapped open to look at the shorter male.

The smallest boy lifted a single finger into the air and opened his mouth, "Like Ja-"

The tanned male slapped both hands over Yusuf's mouth to silence him. "Shut your mouth!" He then began to grind his fist into his teammate's head.

"Why are you talking about Max like that?" Kyoujyu spoke outwardly to Dunga and Johnny, feeling the need to defend his blond friend.

"It's it obvious?" Dunga glanced up from his assault on Yusuf to answer. "Max is loving the fact that Cat has lost her memory."

Kyoujyu and Rei darted up from their seats and both began to defend their teammate. Dunga's stare bounced over from Kyoujyu to Johnny. The two older boys then began to laugh aloud. Johnny paused himself from his laugh-fest to defend himself.

"Since Cat has forgotten that she's loves Takao," He pointed toward Takao. "Max can start all over and I think he's taking advantage of it. Look at him."

"And it's clear that Cat is all over him as well." Dunga finished for team Euro's grumpiest member.

"So…" Takao's voice caused the men and women in the room to turn his way. "You, The Saint Shields and Team Euro knew all along?" He tipped his head downward and let the shadows of his hair cover his face. "That she loved me?"

The room fell silent. Oliver, Johnny and Giancarlo turned to Ralf only to have Ralf turn to Jam. The Saint Shields members looked away either to the ground or to the opposite side of the room. Jam chewed on her lower lip and brought her index knuckle to her chin. She hummed to herself before glancing back up at Takao and his former team members.

"Yes," She began to speak aloud in a calm, low voice. "We all knew. That includes Adof, Rumi and Yumi." Jam removed her hand from her mouth and sighed. "Cat told us long before the tournament started. She wanted us to know…"

Takao's head shot up and he shot a fierce glare toward the older Greco sister. "Then why didn't you tell me?!"

Her eyebrows lowered on her forehead, "It wasn't exactly my role to tell you. Cat had to do it on her own."

"It was like you were making fun of me! You all knowing!" He jumped out of his seat and continued his rant. "I hope it was funny for you all!"

Ralf stepped in front of the female. "Takao, it wasn't any of our business to tell you." He then shut his eyes and let out a low sigh. "Cat wanted to tell us, it wasn't our choice to know."

"Yeah," Johnny agreed with his team captain. "It's not like some of us wanted to know." He shrugged his shoulders. "I could care less about her love life."

"You cared enough to keep it from me!" He snapped back in protest.

Johnny laughed through his nose. "I cared even less about you to tell you." He grunted as he continued to speak. "It's not my fault she's a blabbermouth."

"Why are we arguing about this now?" Rumi said as she made her way to the center of the room. "Greco's forgotten all about it and now she's in love with Max. Let's move on all ready."

"What?" Takao cocked one of his thick brows. "What do you mean she's in love with Max?" He shook his head back and forth, "She is not!"

"Oh I beg to differ," The younger singer linked her hands to her hips. "Did you see the look on her face?"

Yumi jumped beside her partner, "It was pure loving bliss!"

"It was not!" Takao barked. "She…she…"

"You're just jealous!" Daichi looked up to his former teammate and spoke to him, "Why are you so hung up on it?"

"I am not!" He stomped his left foot on the carpet. "And she is not in love with Max!"

"Oh?" Daichi cocked his red brow and a slick smile spread across his wide face. "Then let's just find out."

"What are you talking about?" Kai snarled.

"Let's be spies!" The redhead pushed himself out of his seat and lifted his index finger into the air.

"Spy on them?" Kyoujyu tilted his head to one side. "No, we can't do that!"

"Hey," Takao whispered under his breath. "That might be such a bad idea."

"Oh come on guys," Mao rolled her eyes. "Let them alone."

"Yeah," Hiromi protested with her arms crossed over her chest. "Let them be, this is their first date."

"It's not a date!"

"Okay, okay." Rei lifted both hands into the air to calm the group down. "Relax everyone. We're not going to spy on anyone."

Daichi pouted and turned away from Rei. The Chinese boy then began to guide his team out of the apartment it was apparent now that they had overdone their stay. Kyoujyu and Kai lifted their bodies from their seats and followed Rei as he, Takao and Daichi made their way toward the front door.

Just as the team arrived at the door, Adof pushed himself out of his chair and followed them as they approached the front exit. Just as Rei lifted his hand to touch the doorknob, the manager placed his open palm on the cold door. Rei glanced up at the older man with one brow raised in question. Adof lowered his head to speak into the black-haired male's ear.

"Boys, before you go," He began in a whisper. "I wanted to know if you could do me a little favor."

"What is it?" Rei whispered in reply.

"Could you…possibly…" He hesitated for a moment, sweat dripping down his face, "Well, I know you said you wouldn't but…could you maybe watch Miss Greco for me?"

"Watch her?" Daichi said aloud.

"Shh!" Adof hissed at the youngest team member. "But do you think you could?" He repeated himself in an even lower whisper.

Takao lifted a brow as well before turning to look over his shoulder. There, he saw Jam and team Euro speaking amongst one another. So the manager/father-figure to Cat waited until the older sister was distracted to ask them to follow his client? Hm, not a bad idea.

"Adof," Rei began his speech by addressing the older man by his first name. "We can't do that."

"But you have to!" He replied in a harsh whisper. "Please, do it for me!"

He hung his head and groaned but before he could open his mouth to speak, Takao shove him to the side. With a wide smile on his face, he agreed. "Sure," He said in a whisper. "We'll make sure Max and Cat are safe."

A look of relief washed over the older manager. "Oh thank you."

A devilish smirk spread across the champ's face. "No problem."

Act End.