Chapter 9
"Die you disgusting creatures. I'll kill anything that gets in my way. Do you know how difficult it is to reach the final level," Haruki prattled. Hotaru absently chewed her popcorn. Her console lay dusty and abandoned( She gave up after the first few minutes). "I had to abandon my overdue assignment. I didn't pay my rent yet . Apparently you get a two weeks notice before eviction. What day is it today Hotaru? " he asked furiously tapping the buttons. Hotaru threw herself into the bean bag. "Haruki have you been living in a hole or something? It's the thirteenth," she said. Haruki paused his irresistable , addictive and irreplacable masterpiece. "Oh shit! MY LIFE IS TOTALLY SCREWED OVER!" he cried out tugging his hair. "Haruki calm down. The landlord is a kind man. He used to cut some slack for Yukimura-san," she tried to explain. Haruki shook his head pitying his naive friend. How was he supposed to explain to her that Yuki bribed the landlord with his ero manga? "Hotaru you'll let me crash at your place for a couple of days right?" he asked. Hotaru's eyebrows knitted together in thought. "I would let you. But Midori-san and you don't quite see eye to eye. You're always bickering like four year olds. Oddly enough you're the one who ends up getting bruised up. Midori-san never has a scratch on him," she summarized bluntly. Haruki's jaw slacked. His male pride shattered to various destinations across the globe. Was he that weak?! "Shut up already. You're giving me a headache. Midori this Midori that. It's almost as if you're crushing on him or something. And that sadistic bodyguard of yours is always trying to harm me. Can't a guy catch a break once in a while," he complained resuming his game. 'Is it true? Does Tachibana have a crush on Midori-san," she thought. Hotaru choked on her popcorn. She beat her chest in an effort to dislodge it. "Tachibana-chan hang in there. That useless bag of bones Haruki can't help you. Only I super hero 'Ero-Man' can handle that delicate body of yours," he said all sparkly eyed with unshed tears of joy. His moment to shine had come. His fingers were tingling with excitement when he was knocked off his feet. Suddenly he found himself facing the ceiling. "When did the world turn upside down? Oh God, Tachibana-chan I'll be there in a second," he said clumsily standing up. Hotaru was panting. She was embarrassed too even start thinking of what her eulogy was going to be like. 'Death by a tiny popcorn'. A strong pair of hands kept her steady. Hotaru rubbed his arms as a sign of gratitude. "Yukimura-san thank you for saving me," she said. There was a pause then a 'Hn'."You been avoiding me lately. Admittedly it hurts more than I expected. Did I wrong you Hotaru-chan?" he asked whispering softly into her ear. Hotaru's body temperature shot up immediately. She felt her heart rate increase rapidly. Midori also felt it reverberating through him. He didn't want to think about that right then. The doctor was more interested in knowing about the silhouette of a man he had seen dropping her off earlier that week. He needed to know if he was the reason why Hotaru was distancing herself from him. "What changed Hotaru-chan ?" he asked . "It's not what you think Midori-san. Tachibana is just figuring some things out," she said. Yukki adjusted his glasses. He didn't want to see his flower mingling the sadistic man. Ever. Yukki raised his fist carelessly in the air. "I will not accept this display of affe...Hmph. Owww I think I broke something," he said rubbing his hip. When the screen went blank Haruki was stupefied. All his hard work gone down the drain. Why didn't he save the game when he got the chance. "YOU IDIOT TOORU! Tripping all over my cables like this. Of all the days you had to be a total knuckle head you chose today to be the day. I'm going to wring that neck of yours," he said chasing after a struggling Yukimura. "Mattsun!" Yukki screeched. Hotaru broke free of his hold and faced him. "We are finally alone. How about you tell me what's bothering you," he demanded his pale blue eyes seeming rather ferocious. Hotaru seated herself on the couch. She bit her lip unconsciously. What would he think of her after this? "Midori-san I've been thinking about the promise we made to each other long ago. But what if one of us finds love will we truly be able to leave the other one. It sounds selfish considering that we waited so long. If I found someone else Midori-san will you be able to accept it?" she asked. Midori's eyes hardened for an instant then the look vanished. Hotaru had never seen that expression on his face before. Did what she said somehow hurt him? Midori's thumb brushed her chin. Her lips parted in question . Midori leaned towards her and tenderly kissed her for a while. Hotaru failed to resist clinging onto him as her fingers ran through his hair. She didn't realize how insatiable her hunger for him had become. The doctor pulled back leaving a confused Hotaru. "If you had asked me this question two years ago my answer would have been no. Maybe it's still no. I can't help it I'm selfish when it comes to sharing you with anyone else. But if you truly believe that you have found someone I'll respect your decision," he said. Hotaru embraced Midori. "Then why do I feel horrible for even thinking of leaving you?" she asked. "You know very well that I like you. I've never hidden that fact from you. It's a possibility that perhaps you feel the same way," he said. "Does Tachibana really think that Midori-san. Maybe you're right. I might not be able to understand romance or how emotions function but my heart definitely beats differently for Midori-san. Even if Midori-san left Tachibana I will never leave Midori-san," she said embracing him more tightly. "You must be wondering why Tachibana has been asking these questions? My curiosity got the best of me. Midori-san shouldn't worry so much," she said patting his head. They heard someone coughing in the background. Hotaru jumped away from Midori guiltily. The blonde haired host scratched his head. He grew surprised that he still hadn't gotten used to seeing that. " Hey Midori can I borrow Hotaru for a second. She promised to help me start up the grill," he said. Midori slapped on his silly smile. "That won't be necessary. I'll help you out instead. Hotaru is feeling a bit under the weather," he said walking to Matsuoka. "Masamune you don't mind right," he questioned a bit eerily. "Not at all. Yosh. Hotaru get well soon," Matsuoka said. "Yes Matsuoka-san. I'll be upstairs if you need me," she said getting up.
Midori felt his heart darken as they walked into the dead of then night. She was still lying to him through her teeth. Above all he despised deception.
Ichi hung onto her gift bag tightly. If Midori-san caught wind of what she was up to she was certain that he would never associate himself with her again. But he left her no choice. He was always trailing after Hotaru like she was the only person he saw. And poor Ichi remained wilting in the background. Even if he never looked at her again she would be able to always keep a part of him with her. She had carefully calculated her days and as if God was smiling upon her her most fertile period coincided with Valentines Day. If she couldn't have Midori at least she could keep his baby instead as a symbol of her love.
Midori's desk was laden with gifts and chocolate. It was the same thing each and every Vantines hospital had been flooded with people following an accident at one of the amusement parks. He exerted himself tending to the wounded. At least no lives were lost. But the damage was grave. Midori removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. A knock came on his door. "Come on in," he answered. Ichi entered shyly. Midori smiled kindly as he offered her a seat. Ichi's blood boiled at the sight of so many gifts in his office. But then again he was the hospital's prince. "Midori-sensei can you grab a drink with me after work. It's my treat," she offered. With Midori's attention focused on her so intently she wondered if he had already figured out her plan. But she refused to be defeated. "I don't have plans for tonight. I'll join you. Is that for me Ichi?" he asked indicating the gift bag. Ichi nodded ." I'm flattered that you thought of me Ichi," he said. Midori reached over for the bag but Ichi stopped him. "Midori-sensei I'll hang onto it for now ," she said. Fujimoto burst into the doctor's office startling Ichi. "Midori-san I almost forgot to give you my chocolate. My brothers and sisters helped me make it for you," he sang. Ichi punched Fujimoto for interrupting them. "Ow. Ichi that hurts," Fujimoto complained as he rubbed his arm."It's supposed to hurt trash like you. Midori-sensei and I were talking," she said punching him again. Midori chuckled. "Thank you Fujimoto. You can take rest of these home and give them to your family," he said. Midori's phone beeped. He switched the phone on and checked the message.Hotaru.
Midori-san don't be tardy today. Tachibana prepared a special feast to apologize for my behavior recently. I hope you can forgive Tachibana.
Midori's face lit up as he briskly stood up." Ichi I'm sorry but something came up. How about I grab a drink with you later? Does tomorrow sound good?" he asked as he packed away his equipment. "But Midori-san.." she whined. Midori remembered the gift bag. "I'll be taking this. Ichi did put a lot of effort into making this so I'll keep it. Fujimon lock up for me when you are done right? " he said shutting the door behind him. "Of course Midori-san!" he called after him. Ichi bit her nails nervously. Hopefully the worst wasn't going to happen. She prayed that he'd forget about her gift until she could find a way to retrieve it.
Hotaru lit up the last of the scented candles. They were fifty percent off in the shop and the shop assistant mentioned that it did wonders to dispel tension. Hotaru exhaled as the exhaustion set in. She had to work her butt off asking Kanae for tips to help mend her friendship with Midori. But the cost was dear and Hotaru wept on the inside. "Thing is Hotaru I'm not helping you today. You're on your own," Kanae said pouting. Hotaru knelt in front of her friend and clasped her hands together. "Tachibana is sorry for not telling you everything sooner but I didn't understand it myself so what was I supposed to tell you. I am so confused Kanae. Masahiko-san confessed to Tachibana . Mean while I've been waiting so long for that to happen but Tachibana feels like I'm betraying Midori-san," she said cupping her face. "Hotaru follow your heart. Do you want to remain with the hot doctor Midori-san or with that heart throb of forbidden dark pleasure Masahiko?" Kanae asked already drifting off. " Tachibana can not answer those difficult questions right now Kanae. I just need your help to make it up to Midori-san," she wailed. Kanae sat up and smiled at her best friend. "Well blondie because you refused to answer my question there is hell to pay. Now you'll do what I want no questions asked. Capiche?" she said batting her eyelashes.
Hotaru was certain that ninety nine percent of what she had been forced to do was unnecessary. Why did she have to wait by the door the moment he arrived? She was not a butler. Besides the shoes were killing her feet. Kanae surely found pleasure in dressing her up. Hotaru blew out the match stick. God would forgive her if she changed into her normal clothes right. The moment she attempted her grand escape the door clicked open. Hotaru raced to the door like an obedient pet would. She silently cursed herself for being too cooperative. Midori didn't expected to be greeted a blonde woman dressed in red dress with a laced bodice. Everything else paled in comparison to her. He silently presented the red rose to her. Hotaru received it cheerfully. "Midori-san you're so kind. But one question. How is this of any use to Tachibana? " she said violently shaking the flower. Midori retrieved the rose and perched it behind her ear .Green eyes looked at a him questionably."You can add it as an accessory or perhaps in your case add it to your next meal," he suggested. Hotaru's nose began sniffing. Midori knew that look too well. Her nose was tracing chocolate. Hotaru eye's landed on the red gift bag. She smiled innocently at him. "Midori-san, Tachibana's blood sugar is slightly low. Be a good boy and show Tachibana some love. Feed me chocolate," she begged. The green haired man linked arms with her and entered the house. "You've been a bad girl lately. Feeding you chocolate is out of the question. And you haven't properly apologized to me yet. Until I'm satisfied I'm not going to let you stuff your face," he said.
Kane Tachibana paced the floor of her husband's hospital room. The doctor must have been mistaken. No! Her beloved husband, best friend and the love of her life couldn't be passing away so soon. She still needed him for Pete's sake. Her knees gave in and she sunk to the ground. She heaved as she cried . Souichi deserved to live longer than anyone else including herself. She would gladly take his place if it meant he would continue to walk the earth and finally see their daughter for the fine woman she had become. Souichi removed his oxygen mask . He was well aware that he was the reason for her tears. Because of his terminal illness he had difficulties continuing life like any normal person would. But Kane never seemed to mind. She was always taking care of him ever since they were little. The love of his life never wasted a moment if it would benefit him. She had even given him a family and a place to return to. But all he had ever given her was heart ache and pain. Even now she still wept for him. "Kane," he called out hoarsely. Hearing her husbands voice she dried her tears and put on a smile for him. "Souichi ,"she answered. "You don't have to pretend to be happy for my sake. I heard what the doctor said ," he said gently. "You-You heard? Tachibana did not want you to hear that," she said as fresh tears appeared on her face. Souichi's heart broke seeing her like this. "Come hear Kane. It's good that I heard. How else am I supposed to stop you from shouldering this all on your own? I've already put you through so much," he said. Kane sat on his bed. "I don't ever want to hear you say has been happiest whenever I am with you. You are just too good for Tachibana," she said holding his hand. "My beautiful wife you've given me everything and more. You even blessed me with a beautiful daughter. My precious baby girl. My only regret is not being able to be there for you when the two of you needed me the most. Even now there are some things I unable to do for her as her father," he said."Hotaru has never thought less of you for as long as she has lived. You know that she loves you and adores you," she reassured him. Her husband rubbed her hand. "I know that. That's why I'm going to tell her myself," he said.
Hotaru's phone vibrated on the dining table. "Midori-san excuse me for a sec," she said leaving the room. Midori relaxed into his seat. Who knew that Valentines day could be so exciting. Being around the person you loved the most spending it together. He inhaled deeply appreciating the aroma of the lavender and jasmine scented candles. His parents house always smelt like lavender. Midori couldn't remember when the last time was he visited home. Not that he wanted to. From the corner of his eye he saw a flicker of red disappearing up the stairs. He dropped his fork and chased after her. What had happened during that phone call? He heard her crying in her room. Midori found her at the foot of the bed pouring her eyes out."Hotaru," he called. When she didn't respond Midori took the matter into his own hands. He picked her up and wrapped his arms around her as he sat on her bed. "Shhh. Hotaru-chan I'm here. What happened?" he asked . Hotaru took small breaths to calm herself. She felt comforted knowing that Midori was there with her. Hotaru wiped her eyes. "Papa called me," she whispered. Midori instantly understood what this was about. Midori respected Souichi for the honest and kind man he was. He never hid anything from his loved ones even if he knew that it would hurt them. Hotaru had introduced Midori to her parents over a video call. Kane-chan,Hotaru's mother, was the grown up version of her daughter but twice as intimidating. Souichi also reflected in Hotaru. Midori made it a habit of talking to them every month. He made his intentions known although her mother wasn't quite happy about it. She didn't want any man sullying her precious daughter. Midori found out more about her father's illness. Besides the fact that it was debilitating the disease had no cure. All the doctors could manage was lessen the pain.
Midori stroked her hair softly. "What did he say?" he asked. Hotaru sniffed."Papa doesn't have much time left to live. I thought that I had come to terms with that but hearing him tell me the terrible news I broke down. There are so many things I wanted to do with Papa. And now he's being taken away from me. I still need him," she said crying all over again. "Your Papa wouldn't want to see you like this. In his eyes you are his strong princess who never wallows in self misery even when everything seems bleak. Make him proud and fulfill everything you've ever wanted to do with him. And if you'll let me there won't memory of him that I'll allow to fade away," he said honestly. Hotaru spared him a watery smile. "Midori-san thank you for being here for me. Tachibana will hold you to that promise you just made," she said. "One more thing Midori-san. Tachibana needs a baby. So put effort in helping me tonight." Midori's eyes widened at the direct request. He loosened his tie when he felt the air around him heating up. Did she really want that? "Today?" he asked. Hotaru nodded her head. "Midori-san already gave me his word. Besides Tachibana is already prepared," she explained. Midori didn't understand the reason why he was so hesitant. "Right now ?" the green haired man asked. "There's no better time than the present , neh," she answered. Midori snickered at her unanticipated boldness."You caught me off guard. But none the less get ready," he said confidently. "Midori-san can you give Tachibana some time to prepare. I just said it without much thought," she explained. Midori shifted her off him and left her room. His heart pumped fiercely in his chest. This was bad. At this rate he was going to suffer from a heart attack. He went downstairs to grab a drink. This day was going to be memorable indeed. He'd show her just how much he loved her and more. "She must have finally realized that I'm the only one she'll ever need. Took her long enough," he said sitting on the couch. He was swinging his leg over the other when his foot bumped into something. He searched for the object that had materialized out of nowhere. "Ichi's gift bag," he said picking it up."Do you really want to be devoured that badly. Luckily for you I have no qualms about that. Ichi does make the best chocolate."
He switched on the T.V to pass time whilst she got ready. His experience told him that she was going to take a long time. So when he heard footsteps coming from the staircase he was surprised. The first red flag was the grey sweatpants. Followed by that oversized t-shirt he desperately felt like incinerating. He gave her his signature goofy smile. "Heh? Uh Hotaru-chan I thought that you were getting ready?" he asked. "Ehh? But I am done. I just needed to wear something comfortable. Tachibana has the paper , pens, an address book and my phone. We're are good to go," she concluded whilst beaming like the sun. Midori felt severley confused. "For what?" he asked lifting a brow. Hotaru rubbed his head with her knuckles. "Midori-san can be such a bird brain sometimes. We're checking out adoption centers," Hotaru explained.(Midori's dream literally packed its bags and left. "It was nice knowing you," it said to the wind) Midori brushed those thoughts away. Turns out they hadn't been on the same page after all. "We can't adopt Hotaru-chan. Not before we try everything else," he said seriously. Hotaru seated herself beside Midori and reached for some of Ichi's chocolate. Midori stopped her."Hotaru pay attention. This is not a simple issue of trying to pick a pair of shoes from a shop. We need to carefully consider what we are talking about. That little person will depend on you and me. Right now we have to find out the best way to proceed with this," he said.
"I understand that very well Midori-san. Tachibana has thought about this. If you don't want to adopt we can get a surrogate," she said. Midori couldn't believe his ears. "Hotaru surrogates are expensive. And that is beside the point. Why not use the conventional method," he suggested. Hotaru racked her brains trying to understand him. "Midori-san what are you saying to Tachibana? "she asked finally catching on to what he was saying. "Tachibana can't be lewd with Midori-san. Otherwise I won't be able to look anyone in the eye again," she said feeling conflicted. Why was she saying that and feeling like doing the exact opposite. She patted her cheeks to get rid of those thoughts. Pale blue eyes appeared hurt and disappointed. "Don't I mean anything to you. Doesn't my love for you weigh more than the world's opinion. Obviously I was misguided. But I can't stop myself from loving you either way," he said shutting his eyes. "Midori-san," she called. He kept his silence. Hotaru had never seen Midori behaving in this manner before. What he said was true. Midori had already done so much for her and he had even offered to father her baby. And yet she treated him like his say meant nothing. "Midori-san please don't be angry with me. I'm so sorry for being inconsiderate. Your opinion matters the same just as mine ," she said hugging him. Hotaru rubbed his back whilst her hair feathered his face."It took some time but I know that I certainly love Midori-san. It took Masahiko-san's proposal to finally understand how much you meant to me. Tachibana can't leave you Midori-san. Not now not ever. Hurting you like this is not what I intended. We can try this the regular way if you want to," she said. Midori wanted to brood for some time. Keep to himself and not talk to anyone. But he found it excruciatingly impossible to stay mad at her. And he also discovered the reason why she had been distancing herself from him. Some dead man walking by the name of Masahiko. He felt her face scorching his neck. Was she that embarrassed? He grabbed her waist and settled her on his laps. The papers and pens scattered on the floor noisily. Green eyes watched him nervously. Midori drew small circles on her skin. "Pfft hahahahahaha. Midori-san that tickles," she said squirming. "Hotaru I'm not forcing you to do anything you don't want to do," he said. Midori was shocked feeling her lips against his. Her soft lips and tongue sucking on his bottom lip. Nibbling teasingly. Her tongue swept across the parting between his lips. When did she get so bold?Midori kissed her back sucking her tongue. He tasted the faint hint of chocolate. When had she snuck that one in? They withdrew for some air. Hotaru reached for the red gift bag and helped herself to some sinfully delicious chocolate. "Who made this ?" she asked holding a bar. Molten chocolate trickled down her hand. Midori took the liberty to lick it off slowly."Ichi did," he said eating from her hand. Hotaru gasped from the sensations he was creating. She had never been as sensitive as she was then. Midori couldn't explain it but the moment he ingested the chocolate his head felt lighter. He was aware that chocolate triggered the release of endorphins but this was beyond normal."Let's stop here while I still can," he said . Hotaru giggled. Midori was perplexed at first. But when she started feathering kisses along his jawline she spoke. "Initially Tachibana was the coward. But now Tachibana sees that Midori-san is an even bigger coward than I am." Something inside Midori snapped as his sadistic side which once lay dormant in the recesses of his mind began to make itself known. "Hotaru Tachibana I'll make you mine tonight. That mouth of yours doomed you the moment you uttered those words. Do you have plans for tomorrow?" he asked sadistically. Hotaru strangely liked seeing Midori like this. His eyes appeared to have grown two shades darker. Midori's usual gentle features became sharper and more pronounced. She nodded. "Cancel them,"he said. Midori stood up and held her in his arms bridal style as he headed for the stairs.
Haruki stuck out his phone in the air in an effort to find a network signal. "Mune what is this place. A hangout for the recluse and anti-progressive. All I wanted was to sit at home and relax. But no you just had to drive us into the wild to grow cold , itchy and get zero signal," Haruki complained . Matsuoka puffed out a smoke mushroom. "Haruki. You wouldn't be complaining if Hotaru was here," he stated ."And the city life adds a couple of years to your face. It's good to escape when the opportunity arises." Yukki sat on a log toasting some marshmallows. He covered his face with his sweater as he coughed."Why didn't Tachibana-chan tag along today anyway. I thought we were all bonding and getting to know each other better. Only in the ways a partner knows his lover," he said blushing mischievously. Matsuoka shivered. "Her phone wasn't going through. Switched off I presume," he said. Haruki was furious that Hotaru had bailed on them and left him with...those two. All he wanted was a laid back Saturday which did not involve playing peek-a-boo with night creatures. Was that too much to ask for. He shrugged his shoulders "Who cares anyways? I'm just angry that she is comfortable at home and I'm stuck baby sitting you two. Someone has to be the adult around here. Mune I'm sleeping in my own tent. You share yours with the perverted mangaka," Haruki said stomping his foot . He crawled into the tent and zipped up the entrance. "Stupid battery," he mumbled. He switched on the flashlight. When his light began glitching he let out a cry of anguish. "Dammit! Does everything have to go wrong in my life!" he yelled. Matsuoka's sweat dropped as he felt Yukki's eyes on him." Finally Mattsun and I get some time alone. All you do is work all night and come back home to tell me that you are exhausted. No excuses today," Yukki said barely holding in his laughter as he hugged his best friend. Matsuoka broke free of Yukimura's hold to inspect Haruki's tent. "Hey Haruki are you fine in there," he called out. "Go away. I'm doing just fine thanks," he mumbled. What was he going to do when night time came. Especially without Usagi-chan(His stuffed bunny toy) . He trembled at the thought of being alone in the tent. Matsuoka shook a bag of chips. "I thought you might be hungry. We were going to roast some chicken later," he said. The brown haired man tossed on his side. His stomach growled audibly. "Slip the package under the tent. I don't want either of you inside," he mumbled. "Yosh. Whatever you say. I won't feel bad at all that I drove all the way here only on an hour's worth of sleep. I paid for all the expenses. And I got the bookings done two weeks prior to today. I won't feel bad at all," he said rubbing his face.
Haruki poked his head out of his tent. "You decided to blackmail me huh. I'm just joining you because it feels stuffy in there," he said crawling out. "Whatever the reason is doesn't matter. As long as you are joining us," Matsuoka said patting him on the back.
The young blonde woman smiled in her sleep. Nothing was better than the sunlight caressing her face. Her eyes swept over the alarm clock passively. Then they swiftly rooted themselves back onto the device. "Tachibana can't believe what I'm seeing! It can't be four in the afternoon. I hardly spent my Saturday," she said. Hotaru heard light breathing beside her. "Why is Tachibana in bed with Midori-san?" she asked herself. Midori's hair was messy with some of it falling over his eyes. The sheets were twisted around his lower body leaving his torso bare. Hotaru first thought nothing of it. "Midori-san," she said gently shaking his shoulder. The green haired man peeked at her with one eye. "My shirt looks great on you," he commented. Hotaru gave him a confused look. "Midori-san what are you saying to Tachibana. Tachibana is wearing her own t-sh... Kyaa! Tachibana doesn't remember borrowing a shirt Midori-san. I'm certain that I was wearing my own clothes," she mumbled out the last part. Midori rested his head on his hand. "Naughty girl stripping me of my shirt when my guard was down. But then again I'll forgive you because you look good in it," he said tickling her side. She laughed at first but stopped when her body began feeling sore. "That's enough Midori-san. Tachibana's body feels like it being stabbed by a thousand tiny pins. Worst part is I can barely recall what happened last night. My memories are a bit hazy, " she said putting her feet down. Midori raked his hair. He was suffering from the same symptoms as she was. But if it the amnesia had been induced by something he could get his memory back by returning to the last place he remembered being.
Hotaru went to her room to get her clothes .How was it possible that when she thought about last night everything was almost a blank slate? She rubbed her shoulders to reduce the stiffness. "Tachibana must have been mentally exhausted. That's all," she concluded returning to her happy go lucky lifestyle
Sunday morning arrived with a blissful Fujimoto singing merrily as he baked for Midori. "A fresh batch of blueberry muffins for Midori-san. He likes them warm," he said placing the muffin tray in oven. Fujimon's weekend ritual included visiting Midori's residence and polishing up the place. This morning however he had the wind knocked out of his lungs. Was there such a thing as an indoor tornado? Almost everything had been scattered on the floor. Fujimon had to roll up his sleeves and put some extra elbow grease into it. Fujimoto crackled his back and smoothed his uniform black and white apron. He was tackling the dishes when he heard footsteps in the kitchen. "Something smells good," Midori commented reaching over for the coffee jug. Fujimoto blushed lightly. "You think so Midori-san. Fujimon made this for you and Hotaru-chan. The recipe itself has been passed down from generation to generation in the family so it's been refined to perfection," he said enthusiastically. Midori clapped his hands together. "Simply can't wait. It's been a while since I had your scrumptious muffins," he said. Fujimoto was putting away his cooking utensils when he noticed angry red lines marring his Midori-sensei's back. "Ehh Midori-san did you get a cat? " he asked . Midori followed Fujimon's eyes."Pfft. Fufufufu. If you put it that way. I'd say I did. She gets feisty when she doesn't get what she wants," he commented lazily. "Eh. I have a cat too. Tell me the breed Midori-san. I can arrange a play date," he said eyes shining. Midori stared at him contemplating whether or not to burst his bubble. "Not now Fujimon. We'll talk about this after I've had made fill," he said focusing on reading the morning paper. Fujimoto put the muffins on the counter to cool. He turned around to grab some plates but when he looked back the tray had vanished. "Midori-san is also excellent at magic tricks. Teach me too," he said putting his hands together. Midori rooted his eyes on the gullible Fujimoto and shook his head."I'm still starving. Go and solve the case of the missing muffins Fujimon," he commanded. Fujimoto saluted and left for his new mission. He traced the scent of muffins with his nose. The scent stopped at Hotaru's room. He heard harsh whispers being exchanged. The white haired man cracked open the door. Seeing Haruki curled up in a ball and sipping coffee from Hotaru's cup made him laugh. "I didn't know that Haruki-kun could be so cute," he said holding his face. Haruki blushed fiercely at being labelled cute. "I'm manly dammit!" he yelled. "Shhh! I'm trying to sleep," Yukki mumbled. Matsuoka draped his leg over the couch's arm. Hotaru looked like a deer caught in headlights."Sorry Fujimon. Tachibana is certain that Midori-san appreciates the thought. They were delicious and mouth watering. But Tachibana wasn't left with much of a choice but to use my sweet ninja moves. Those three were hell bent on making me pay for skipping out on them. I already explained that I totally forgot about the camping trip somehow. But they wouldn't see reason. They made me their slave for the day," she said looking so innocent. Fujimoto felt compelled to hug her. "Don't paint us as the criminals. You offered to shelter us after our rental car broke down," Mattsun said while yawning. "Without Midori's permission too," Yuki added. "Guilty Hotaru. I wonder what'll happen if you get caught? " Haruki asked a bit icily. Haruki was still fuming about have to huddle with everyone in one tent. They even went too far by taunting him about his fear of the dark. Almost instantly Fujimon found himself being dragged by the collar. The door was violently shut in his face. The young man scratched his head as the confusion bombarded him.
The doctor leaned against the door enjoying the scenery. "I had my suspicions that something like this would happen. But alas that's not what I'm here for. Where are my muffins?" he said giving them a sickly sweet smile. Yukki rolled on his back and rubbed his gut."No wonder I enjoyed them so much. It was a pleasure taking them away from you," he said . Matsuoka continued sleeping. Haruki had covered his head. Midori spotted a hint of orange under the bed. "Hotaru-chan come out or your friends are going to experience a new world of hurt. I'm even starting to get excited," he said smiling. Haruki burrowed himself further into the blanket. Hotaru crawled out and raised her hands her as a form of surrender. She nervously bit her lip in an effort to find a good excuse as to why all her friends were staying in her room. "Don't even imagine lying to my face Hotaru-chan. I'll begin with you," he said throwing her over his shoulder. "Ehhh! Midori-san put me down. You're making me uncomfortable. Tachibana does not appreciate being held like a sack of potatoes," she said slamming her fists on his back. Yukki ran for his beloved flower. Midori narrowed his eyes at him. Yukki poked Midori in the chest. "This is the violation of our beautiful flower by handling her in such a barbarous manner. I will have you behind bars this very instant," he said. Midori smirked confidently. "That would only be valid if Hotaru-chan and I didn't share a deep bond. Food for thought," he said putting his finger on his lips. Yukki's essence floated right out of him. Matsuoka shot up wondering if he had misconstrued what Midori had said. Haruki was furiously cleaning his ears wishing that he hadn't heard anything at all.
Midori shut the door behind him. Hotaru panted hardly able to retain her normal breath."Midori-san what did you say to Yukimura-san .He suddenly fell silent. Yukimura-san never keeps quiet," she said. "Ah? Oh that. I just mentioned that our ties of friendship were far too strong to be broken," he said snickering. Hotaru nodded in agreement. Midori placed her infront of the stove. Fujimoto had already whipped up another batch of blueberry muffins. Hotaru looked at him questioningly. Pale blue eyes settled on her lazily. "You owe me a breakfast. Here's what I want. Bacon , french toast, a fresh cup of coffee and a rice omelette," he listed down using his fingers. Hotaru's jaw slacked. "For a list that you spontaneously thought of isn't that too much," she asked. He motioned for her to get going. "For Tachibana's crime this seems to be an even greater injustice. Tachibana will not not spare Midori-san for this," she mumbled while getting the ingredients. "Hotaru-chan less talking and more sizzling," he said egging her on. Her suffocating blood-lust filled the kitchen rapidly. Fujimoto shivered from the atmosphere that rivaled the stench of death. "Midori-san is it safe to rile her up like that?"he asked out of concern. "What are you talking about Fujimon. She's perfectly fine," he answered enjoying the show. Her mad pace was superhuman as she chopped up the the chicken. All the while taking deadly glances at the doctor. Upstairs Yukki, Haruki and Matsuoka were huddled together fearing the worst. "Do you really think she killed him?" Yukki asked. "I believe the answer is yes. She's probably chopping him up into flush-able pieces right now," the host said trembling. Haruki looked uninterested. "I'll grab the garbage bag. Mune and Tooru you're on cleaning duty. Tooru bleaches while Mune hoses," he said unfazed. Matsuoka and Yuki looked at Haruki suspiciously. "Mattsun have you seen Haruka in a while?" Yuki asked. "Surprisingly no. I might have an idea why," he said scooting away from Haruki. "What the hell! I'm a doctor not a homicidal maniac," he said feeling offended. Yukki nodded unconvinced. "Mattsun should I call 119?" he whispered. Matsuoka passed him the phone. "You idiots!" Haruki yelled lunging for them.
Hotaru set the food before Midori with a violent clutter. He beamed at her like a small child. "Tachibana doesn't want talk to you right now," she said pouting and walking away. Midori held onto her forearm in an attempt to talk to her. She was at war with herself resisting her natural urges. Midori had been promoted to target practice dummy number one. Hotaru yanked her arm away from him. The doctor grew amused by her growing frustration. Maybe this time he had gone over his boundaries but he wasn't left with much of a choice. Strong emotions like anger , hurt and incitement of happiness were a known remedy for amnesia. Under the guise of punishing her for sneaking her comrades into her room without telling him( Which he still wasn't pleased about.) he'd been administering his medicine. Clearly he preferred the former and the in-between. Hotaru's blood was simmering. Her green eyes stared daggers at him. "Midori-san what else do you want?" she asked rubbing her arm. "You're finally angry I see," he commented. Angry?! Hell she was infuriated. She clenched her fists resisting the need to punch him. Midori noticed her nails digging into the flesh of her palms. It was only a matter of seconds before they broke skin. "Punch me Hotaru-chan. If it makes you feel better," he said. She vehemently refused his offer."Suit yourself," he said digging into his breakfast. Hotaru sat right across him and picked a piece of bacon from his plate. "Tell Tachibana something," she said. "Hm? What is it?"he asked. "This childish feud between Midori-san and my teammates. Is it ever going to end. Tachibana endured for a while. Hiding things from them and sometimes from Midori-san because of how fragile the peace is. But it becomes exhausting even for me," she said. Midori put some thought into what she had said. When Midori met Matsuoka he was on the verge of committing suicide. Sly Midori (With good intentions at heart) coaxed Matsuoka into surrendering his life to him. The juvenile blonde boy needed a reason to live for and Midori wanted a change of atmosphere. Before long he had gotten close to Masamune to the point were they were virtually brothers. Side by side they conquered the world of survival games. They became an unbeatable duo and together they were practically invincible. But Midori discovered that beyond survival games Matsuoka was virtually an empty vessel. Nothing else was going on for him . If Midori took away the only thing that mattered to Matsuoka would he be able to cope? The green haired boy severed their friendship and their brotherhood as a test of his will power. "Masamune you've come a long way," Midori began. Matsuoka was exhilarated from hearing Midori praising him. "Midori you don't have to say that. It's all thanks to you. If you hadn't stopped me that day I ... I don't know if I'd still be alive" he said. Matsuoka vigorously dried his face of the water before it wet his shirt. A gentle hand stopped him. "Don't rub too hard. It'll ruin your handsome face" he said. Matsuoka stared at the ground. Midori had been saying things like that ever since he first began to know him. But surprisingly Matsuoka still blushed whenever he said that. "After all you're nothing but a pretty face," Midori added. Nothing. A simple seven letter word that represented a number of inadequacies. Apart from his looks he had absolutely no value. "Why ?" he asked him with his lower lip trembling with bottled up emotions. "Why you ask?" Midori said glowering at him. "I do not require your service any longer. It was fun I admit but I got bored. You don't fascinate me anymore," he said. Matsuoka fell to his knees. "Don't leave me Midori. Is it because I'm weak? I'll grow stronger if it means staying by your side," he said tearing up. Midori tilted Matsuoka's chin up. "Don't shed tears from those beautiful eyes of yours. Instead find other people who are willing to support you and stay by your side. I can't do that anymore. And one more thing Masamune. If you're truly determined to be by my side again defeat me on the battlefield," he said more softly. "But we make a great team. Everyone thinks so," he said. Midori clicked his tongue. "Masamune you can be so easily swayed. Flattery is the best form of mockery. We are nothing alike. So Masamune this is goodbye," the green haired boy said turning on his heel. Matsuoka remained on the ground bawling his eyes out. Midori stabbed his food. His teeth his bit on steel. "I believe that my plate was full," he said. "It's your fault for making me angry. Tachibana burns energy more quickly when I'm angry. And it was amazingly delicious. Now Tachibana has forgiven you as long as you say that you'll make amends with everyone," she encouraged. "I can't do that. The human heart finds it difficult to heal when wounded. The scars occasionally bleed during the healing process. Even when the wound heals that portion remains taut. I live with my decisions because I made them. Some things never go back to the way they used to be." he said."But they can. I'm certain that you can start afresh. The past is difficult to forget but you can forge a brighter future. Fight for what you want," she said already feeling renewed. The doctor silently laughed. "Some other time. When I'm not dying from starvation. Speaking of the past do you recall anything from Friday night?" he asked. Hotaru didn't understand why Friday night felt important to her. Almost as if vital part of her memory had been robbed from her."Tachibana and Midori-san were talking about adopting a baby . A cute little baby boy or girl. But Midori-san wanted to try other routes," she said puffing up her cheeks.
Fujimoto jumped up and down excitedly after hearing the news. His cowlip swung around rapidly. "Is this true? You are adopting a baby Midori-san. Finally Fujimon can be Uncle Fujimon," he sang. Midori had been interrupted before he could tell her that they had already tried the last option. And now he had to deal with Fujimon before the word got out. Hotaru was confused when Midori covered Fujimoto's mouth. "How about we talk about this later when there aren't so many ears in the room," he suggested. "Yes, Midori-san. This is a serious issue," she replied.
Ichi nervously scanned the hospital corridor. Clutching on her phone tightly she entered the janitors closet. "So how did the plan go?" he said watching her keenly. Ichi faced him with eyes full of fear. "The plan failed," she whispered. The crimson eyed man gripped her waist and drew her to him. When she felt his hands cupping her breasts she froze. He let his hands weigh them out. "How can a girl who is endowed this much fail to lure one man into her net? I'm failing to understand," he said squeezing them a bit roughly. Ichi groaned from the pain. She ripped herself away from his reach. "Midori-sensei is not your typical man. He hardly sees anyone else apart from her," she said. Masahiko chuckled from disbelief. Masahiko had picked Ichi as his accomplice in this scheme because they both stood to gain something from it. "Okay then you failed. What about the package?Is is still in your possession or you fucked that up to?" he spat out. "He took it from me before I could get the chance to retrieve it," she said. Pain seared through her left cheek as he resounded a slap on her face. Ichi fell to the ground still cupping her face. "I warned you about how potent that drug was. All you had to do was give it to him once then it would be game over. But did you have to be an incompetent bitch too. If I discover that anything has happened to my goddess I'm taking your head," he sneered. Masahiko the devil's incarnate had his claws wrapped around her. Ichi couldn't see a way out of the mess she had gotten herself into. Masahiko smoothed his glistening black mane. Red eyes watched her in the dark closet threatening to end her life. "Report to me tonight about the results. For your sake it better be pleasing," he said exiting the closet. Ichi's cheek seared with white hot pain. Normally Ichi never let anyone mishandle her like that. But Masahiko knew each and every one of her dark secrets. Her dark past. Ichi was well aware that he didn't like playing around either. "Forgive me Midori-sensei," she whispered.
The nurses giggled as Masahiko passed by. "Ask him for his number" one of them said. A young bodacious nurse with red hair strutted infront of him. "Do you want to grab a coffee some time later?" she asked him oozing with confidence. The crimson eyed man sized her up a bit. She seemed to know all the information that was passed around in the hospital. He needed more intel on his rival and she appeared knowledgeble of sorts. "Why not? I'll treat you," he said retrieving his phone.
Midori arrived at work with renewed strength. His weekend had been a blast. They even grilled fish for supper. The ominous presence in the room brought him back to reality. His mind warned him that there was something strange in the air. The small crowd of people gathering around a tall raven haired man caught his eye. "A celebrity maybe?" he thought out loud. He brushed off the negative thoughts and proceeded to the nursery wing. Masahiko saw the doctor and his blood heated up. Nobody else but him would have her.
end of chapter 9*
This chapter has come to a close. And yes Masahiko is a schemer . But just how far is he willing to go to get what he wants? Thank you to all my loyal readers. Keep on turning those pages.