I'm back yet again guys! Now this chapter will be getting some more important role to a certain character. Anyways, you'll know soon when you read this chapter and the chapter after this. I got to say I'm enjoying writing stories right now and maybe if some kind of new idea came to me, I might as well write it or maybe make it a one shot. Time to stop blabbering and let you guys enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 7- The Sleepover
''Ok class! The principal decided to let some of you join clubs that is established here at the school like basketball, soccer, track and field, cooking, swimming, arts and crafts, etc. Just shade the circles on which club or clubs you are going to join.'' Ms. Keane instructed as she distributed papers in regards of the clubs.
''So Momoko, what clubs are you joining?'' Natsuki asked. Momoko smiled at him and said ''I'll think about it when I see the paper Natsuki.''
Miyako and Kaoru looked at the two as if they were aliens. ''Hey Kaoru, did Natsuki, as in Natsuki just talked to Momoko?'' Miyako whispered to her.
Kaoru just nodded dumbly ''It seems so Miyako…I guess Natsuki isn't that cold at all.''
''What's up you guys?'' Boomer asked them. Both of them looked at Boomer ''Oh right you didn't know. Momoko has a huge crush on Natsuki ever since he transferred here this year. I got to investigate this later.'' Miyako answered while giggling.
Boomer's eyes widened and looked behind him to see the two conversing like best friends. He tried to look closely if there is any hint that the two might like each other but…it was kind of hard. ''Damn it…It's hard figuring them out. I guess I'll let Miyako deal with this. She is a girl after all.'' He thought.
Brick glared at the new information he overheard ''This guy better lay his hands off of her or else he won't be able to eat for days to come.''
Butch also overheard of the said crush and quickly glanced behind him, seeing the slightly smiling face of Natsuki. ''Tsk, this guy…I'm going to kick his butt one way or another.'' Butch sneered at his thoughts.
A few minutes later
''Ok class, pass all your papers and I will write down the clubs and who will be their members are.'' Ms. Keane said as the students responded by passing their paper one by one with Ms. Keane writing their names at their respective club.
''So Brick, what kind of clubs did you join in?'' Boomer asked his brother. Said brother smirked and said ''Basketball and soccer, what about you?''
''I joined the swimming and soccer too.'' Boomer grinned. Butch chuckled at them and said ''That's pretty…few bros. I joined all available sports club out there.''
Brick rolled his eyes and said ''Nobody asked you.''
Kaoru's ear heard that apparently and said ''You joined the entire sports club out there?!'' Butch smirked ''Of course I did! I have skills after all unlike you Ms. Lucky''
Kaoru turned red in anger ''Oh you are so on girly boy! I'll show you real skills that you'll go home crying yourself to sleep in humiliation!'' She exclaimed
Butch laughed and stuck out his tongue at her ''Bring it on tomboy.''
''Now now, we don't need any serious fights here. This is all for fun.'' Ms. Keane scolded the greens. Apparently they were too loud causing some students to look at them. Momoko giggled at the two competitive greens and decided to ask Miyako quietly to avoid being scolded by their teacher. ''Hey Miyako, what clubs did you join?'' She asked.
''Well, I decided to join the cooking and arts and crafts. You know I'm not too much of a big fan of sports.'' Miyako smiled. ''How about you Momoko?'' With that question, the student around them perked their ears to hear Momoko's answer.
Momoko smiled and was about to speak but a gasp was heard. ''What's wrong Ms. Keane?'' Sakamoto asked.
''M-Momoko, are you sure about this? Will it not hinder you from your studies and time for other stuff.'' Ms. Keane said with a worried look.
Momoko smiled confidently and nodded ''I'm one hundred percent sure that I can do it Ms. Keane. After all, I did train and practiced for this since I was a kid.''
Ms. Keane looks at her in surprise ''Wow, you must be a really talented girl Momoko.'' She complimented making the pink-eyed leader blush ''It's not a big deal Ms. Keane. I just want to have fun and help that's all.'' Momoko smiled.
''Alright, I'm getting confused at this. What's the matter Ms. Keane?'' Kaoru asked as the students look at their homeroom teacher for answers.
''Apparently, Momoko decided join almost all the clubs that is available here at the school.'' Ms. Keane said.
''WHAT?!'' Every student shouted
''Is it true Momoko?!'' Miyako said looking at her in shock. Momoko nodded and smiled sheepishly ''Yeah it's true but the cooking and arts are not something I'm expert off but I'm willing to try and experience it.''
Kaoru looked at her as if she was crazy ''She can't probably hide all those talents in sports, can she? It's very hard to resist not playing one, especially if it's almost all of them.''
''Are you sure you're not bluffing at all?'' Butch asked her. Momoko raised her eyebrow at him ''Nope, I'm not bluffing at all. Is it really that surprising for a girl to enter most of the club here? Besides I haven't shade the anime, manga or what so ever it was called. So yeah I think I shaded almost all the sports club available and the others there. ''
All of the students shook their heads at this but one thought remained in their heads ''I have got to watch this.''
Ms. Keane collected all the papers and said ''Anyways, I got to give this to the principal and some of the coaches so that all of you will be notified when are you going to start. While I'm gone, please refrain for breaking some stuff in the classroom and do not leave. I'll be back soon.'' With those words, she left as the students decided to go to their respective friends and talked about the recent happenings in the school and clubs.
''Say Momoko, when did you start training for sports'' Eric grinned scooting a bit closer to her. Momoko noticed the close proximity and scurried a bit farther away from him ''Um, not to be rude but who are you?'' She asked with a polite smile.
Eric grinned and said ''I'm Eric, your future boyfriend!''
Momoko's eyes widened at that and suddenly things became awkward ''Umm…Nice to meet you I guess.'' She said. The RRBZ glared at him while Miyako and Kaoru snickered at that. They never thought they will see Momoko become awkward because of that. The old Momoko would be squealing in excitement with a cute boy making a proclamation like that.
Natsuki sighed and elbowed Eric at his ribs ''Can you shut up for a moment, you're making her feel uncomfortable'' He said in an irritated voice.
Eric rubbed his ribs and said ''Jeez, I'm just trying to give her a hint.'' Natsuki rolled his eyes ''Hint? More like a proclamation if you ask me.''
''Hey it's ok Natsuki, I'm sure he's just lightening up the mood.'' Momoko smiled.
''Is she just acting or she's just really dense?'' Kaoru face palmed.
''Great now she's dense, more boys will definitely take advantage of this.'' The RRBZ thought in anger, noticing some of the boys in their class staring at Momoko.
''Alright alright, I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable Momoko.'' Eric apologized after some convincing from Natsuki to apologize.
''It was no problem.'' Momoko cheered up ''To answer your question, I started since I was 9 I guess.''
''So you have five years of practice? Did you have any experience?'' Eric asked again, eager to get to know more about Momoko. Momoko held her chin in thought ''I guess not so much, but I'm willing to get some experience by joining these clubs.'' She exclaimed
''Is she really that confident or I don't know…stupid?'' Brick thought looking at his counterpart with an incredulous look.
''Don't get too injured there princess, I'm not always there to save you.'' Butch smirked at her. Momoko raised her eyebrow challengingly ''Are you seriously mocking me right now?'' She grinned ''I love challenges!''
''You have to go through me too Momoko!'' Kaoru said. ''Sure Kaoru! I always wanted to play with you.'' Momoko said excitedly making the people around her chuckle.
''Say Miyako, if ever we're going to cook together, will you show me the ropes of cooking?'' Momoko asked her best friend a bit embarrassed. Miyako beamed at her and nodded ''Of course Momoko! We're friends after all. I can't wait to start cooking with you''
''By the way Momoko, will you accompany me when there is a practice for the swimming club? I still didn't remember very well where the swimming pool is.'' Boomer asked her. Momoko grinned ''Sure Boomer! I'm glad to see some familiar faces at the club.''
''Damn it, I should have joined the swimming too!'' Brick cursed.
''Momoko in a swimsuit… Now that I got to see'' Butch smirked.
''Anyways, how about you Eric?'' Momoko asked him, trying to be friends with him. Eric smiled at her boyishly ''Basketball and martial arts. Did you join martial arts too Momoko?''
''I think I joined it too. I was debating whether to join it or not.'' Momoko said looking a bit concentrated. ''Something about it is making my head hurts so I'm not sure if I shaded it or not.''
''Are you sure you won't hurt yourself?'' Natsuki asked, slightly worried. Momoko rocked her head a bit ''Yeah, I'm sure Natsuki. Don't worry about me too much just because I'm a girl, and I'm sure I'm not the only girl out there.'' She winked at Kaoru who gave her the thumbs up.
The door opened again to reveal their homeroom teacher ''Ok class! With that taken care of, let's start with our lesson for today.'' The class sighed but reluctantly went back to their seat and bought out their books to start the lesson.
After Class
''Don't forget to do your homework when you get home! Be careful on your way home ok?'' Ms. Keane said gathering all the papers for the day.
''Ok Ms Keane! Thank you'' The class thanked her for another day as each student packed up their things and started to walk out the classroom with their friends.
''Homework again man.'' Kaoru sighed ''Saving the city from these monsters and still not being able to escape home works.''
Momoko picked up her books and put them in her bag ''Don't worry Kaoru, I'll help you. It's the least I could do for letting me sleep in your house.'' She smiled at her.
Kaoru looked at Momoko as if she was an angel sent by the heavens above ''My savior!'' Kaoru cried anime tears with an image of Momoko wearing an angel dress and a halo at her head.
The RRBZ sweat dropped ''Is she always like this?'' Brick asked. Miyako snickered a bit and said ''You should have seen her and Momoko almost a year ago. They were complaining of how tiring it is to do homework while protecting the city. Then Momoko got this crazy idea of making Ken do some kind of machine that will make our homework. Even I agreed since it was so many of them and the due date was tomorrow. Though it kind of backfired at us.''
The boys were astounded at that and immediately knew that the three girls are closer than any other friends out there. ''You girls had different kinds of adventure eh?'' Butch commented.
Miyako nodded and looked at the still two bickering girls. She could see the lively smile of Momoko and teasing grin of Kaoru that she couldn't help but nod and smiled at them. ''Yeah we have been through so much, I never thought we will get close since we have been in different classes to begin with. '' She narrated to the boys who were listening to her.
''Until we became the Powerpuff Girls Z that is'' Momoko inserted in while slinging her arms at Miyako and Kaoru's shoulder. ''It's a great gift for us actually even though we didn't get along at first, especially Kaoru''
Kaoru huffed ''Hey! It's not my fault that I don't like skirts and other girly things there.''
''And yet you're stuck with us right now.'' Miyako said with a snigger. Kaoru grumbled but didn't say anything.
''It's nice to see you three getting along.'' Boomer remarked. The three girls just let out a small smile and with the six of them together; they went out of the classroom.
''Hey, can we stop by the lockers? I need to get my roller blades.'' Momoko said in which the others nodded in affirmative. When they reached the lockers, Momoko opened her locker only to be swallowed by a stack of papers, chocolates and many more.
''Wasn't expecting that…'' Momoko grumbled while searching for her roller blades in the sea of papers. The remaining five people just stared at her in amazement, but for the boys, also in slight anger.
''Wow Momoko! You suddenly have so many admirers! Look at all those chocolates!'' Miyako stated. Momoko looked at her and said ''You want some? I don't think I can finish this off by myself…'' She collected all the chocolates and candies and laid it out for them to pick ''Well?'' Momoko asked.
''Well, you are going to sleep over at my house, might as well get some.'' Kaoru said while picking some candies and chocolates. Miyako shook her head and said ''I don't think I will get some, I have my own at my houses too and I found them at my locker also. How about you boys?''
The boys looked at the remaining sweets and one thought is on their mind ''Ha! As if this will impress Momoko, we're going to be taking this. Take that!'' They thought with a glint in their eyes.
''Hey hag, mind if we take all of them?'' Brick said with a crooked smile. Momoko, who is arranging the papers and looking for her roller blades, raised her eyebrows to him. ''I didn't know you have a sweet tooth Brick.'' She smirked ''Sure, you can take it.''
Brick slightly glared at her but nonetheless, he and his brothers got the chocolates and candies at their respective bags. ''This will show them to never come close to Momoko.'' Brick and his brothers grinned evilly.
Kaoru and Miyako took a step back farther from them ''Scary…''
''Found it!'' Momoko said victoriously. ''Now what am I going to do with these letters.'' She mused.
''Why don't you bring them to my house?'' Kaoru asked ''Though, it will be troublesome reading that all.'' She sweat dropped.
''I don't know Kaoru…How are we going to bring them to your house?'' Momoko asked. ''Why not just burn it.'' The boys thought irritatingly.
''I have a plastic bag here with me.'' Miyako suggested taking out some plastic bags. ''Ummm…Why do you carry some plastic bags Miyako?'' Boomer asked.
Miyako sheepishly smiled and said ''There were also lots of letters when I opened my locker so at least it's ok to be ready than not.''
''Oh yeah, she is also popular in this school.'' The boys thought. ''How about you Kaoru? I heard that you also got some letters and chocolates. What did you do them?'' Boomer questioned the green eyed girl.
Kaoru shrugged ''I just put away the letters and keep the sweets. It's a waste to throw them after all.''
''Wow…'' They all thought with a sweat dropped. Momoko took the plastic bags and began putting the letters at the plastic bags.
''You're seriously going to read all of that?'' Kaoru raised her eyebrow. Momoko shrugged ''Sure why not? People put some effort writing and putting it in my locker. Why not read it.''
''Isn't that like an invasion of privacy.'' Brick muttered making his brothers silently chuckle.
''There!'' Momoko exclaimed. ''Thanks for the plastic bags Miyako.''
''No problem'' Miyako said. ''And please don't lose your sleep reading all those.'' She winked making Momoko laugh at her ''I won't'' Momoko answered.
''Can we go now? It's almost sunset, and we still have homework to do.'' Kaoru reminded them. With that, they walked off the school and stopped at the gate.
''Well, this sure is a great day for me. Thanks for cheering me up guys!'' Momoko beamed at them. The RRBZ were informed earlier by Kaoru and Miyako about what happened with Momoko and her parents.
''What kind of parents doesn't want their child to be themselves? That's just not right.'' Butch angrily thought. ''It was no problem princess, just call us anytime to cheer you up.'' Butch smiled at her.
''Wow, I don't know if I should be annoyed with you calling me princess again, or be thankful.'' Momoko said with a red hue at her cheeks. ''Thank you again Butch, for also being there for me and saving me yesterday'' She smiled.
''You're always welcome, and if you want to compensate me…well,'' Butch cut his sentence off by leaning in closer to her as if he was going to kiss her.
Momoko has a panicked look at her face when Butch suddenly leaned closer to her making her turn pink at the close proximity but before she was going to say anything, Butch grinned like a child and yelled ''Psych!'' He laughed and ruffled her hair.
Brick and Boomer has their mouth hanging open. They never thought their green brother was that slick and a flirt. Relief filled their hearts when Butch was just joking around.
Miyako and Kaoru just looked at the scene with wide eyes. They seriously thought that Momoko will have her first kiss with Butch. Kaoru can't help but laughed at the shocked expression at Momoko's face who is staring at the laughing ruff. ''Well, this is definitely going to be interesting.'' Miyako thought giddily.
''Oh I'm so going to get him for that.'' Momoko thought in embarrassment. She shook her head to let the blush go away and touched Butch's shoulder.
Butch stopped his laughing to raise an eyebrow at her in amusement. Momoko grinned at him making Butch flushed.
''Wha-?!'' Butch was about to ask when his cheeks are suddenly pinched and stretched. ''H-Hey! Sh-htop I-it! I-It h-hurts!'' He tried to stop Momoko with his words but it was no use.
''Say you're sorry first!'' Momoko demanded with a glint in her eyes. ''A-alright! Alright! I'm sh-h-horry!'' Butch exclaimed. With that, Momoko let go with a victorious smile and said ''Mission accomplished.''
Butch rubbed his reddening cheeks and said ''You got some grip there princess.'' Momoko snorted ''Pretty obvious'' She said pointing at his red cheeks.
Butch smirked ''Next time then, it won't be a joke.'' He winked making Momoko go scarlet once again. ''Butch yo-!'' She was cut off by his transformation.
''Strong Butch!''
''See you all tomorrow!'' He exclaimed before flying off, forgetting his brothers at the moment.
''Did he just left us?'' Boomer asked Brick who rolled his eyes ''Obviously.'' He answered, silently fuming at what his green brother is doing.
''Well, we better get going too girls. We probably need the Professor's help with this homework. So I'll see you all tomorrow?'' Boomer asked with a smile.
Momoko shook her head as she and the two girls nodded. ''We'll see you tomorrow Boomer.'' Momoko smiled making Boomer grin back. ''Let's go bro.'' Boomer said to Brick.
''I'll be taking care of your sweets hag.'' Brick said with a smirk. Momoko stuck out her tongue ''Enjoy yourselves then.'' Brick chuckled at his counterpart and couldn't help but let out a small smile ''This girl is really getting on my nerves.''
''Hard Brick!''
''Explosive Boomer!''
With that, the boys left leaving a streak of red and blue behind them. ''Well, that was eventful.'' Miyako giggled. Momoko sighed ''Tell me about it.''
''You should have seen your expression Momoko! Oh I'm going to enjoy seeing your love life.'' Kaoru snickered. ''I really appreciate of you enjoying my love life Kaoru.'' Momoko remarked, sarcasm in her tone. ''I'm sure Butch is just messing around as always.'' She shook her head.
''Can't she get any dense.'' The two girls thought ridiculously. ''Sometimes I wonder how she turned to boy-crazy to this''
''Anyways, I better get going to guys. I want to visit Takaaki before I go home.'' Miyako blushed slightly. Seeing Momoko and Kaoru nodding at her with a smile, she started to get on her way.
The two girls bid their farewell as Miyako walked away. ''Well leader, let's go home.'' Kaoru said. Momoko nodded and the two of them started to skate towards Kaoru's house/apartment.
''So did you bring any clothes?'' Kaoru asked her. Momoko suddenly stopped skating making Kaoru also stop to look at her questioningly.
''I uh…kind of forgot.'' Momoko said with a thoughtful look and grinned bashfully.
Kaoru face-palmed ''You have got to be kidding me.'' She muttered ''You asked for a sleepover and yet you didn't bought any clothes on?''
''I-I'm sorry! I guess I was caught up on the moment and forgot to bring some.'' Momoko apologized, Kaoru sighed and waved it off ''It's ok, you can always borrow mine. You can wash your current clothes at our house so that you can use it tomorrow.''
Momoko grinned at her happily ''Thanks Kaoru! What would I do without you?''
''Probably having insomnia at Miyako's house'' Kaoru smirked making Momoko laughed at her. ''Oy! Stop mocking her house. It might come back to haunt us again.'' Momoko joked.
The two best friends laughed and slowly dies down into a smile ''Man it sure feels peaceful ever since we defeated Him. I'm so glad I told you guys the truth about me.'' Momoko smiled
Kaoru closed her eyes and smiled also ''I'm glad too.'' She muttered loud enough for Momoko to hear, letting her thoughts out for once. The two of them skated off in a comfortable conversation until they reached Kaoru's house.
''So glad I get to use my roller blades again! I missed this.'' Momoko said doing some tricks like jumping and landing sideways with the wind blowing at her face as she laughed.
''I can see why Miyako likes to see someone so happy. It's infectious.'' Kaoru thought and decided to start some tricks also by jumping and spinning with her skateboard.
''Hm? Who's that?'' A dirty green haired boy with green eyes lazily said, drinking his soda pop.
''Kaoru? Not bad...She got some skills as expected'' The boy commented then he moved her gaze towards Momoko ''Who is she? It's very rare for Kaoru to bring home a friend.''
Momoko smiled challengingly at Kaoru as both of them started to do some tricks, not noticing a boy watching them from above. She started to skate in circles with Kaoru quickly following her with the same smile. Momoko suddenly jumped and spun around.
''Whoah! That girl got some serious talent!'' The boy said in awe. ''I didn't know Kaoru knew such a talented and cute girl.'' He grinned Just as Momoko was about to land, she positioned her feet upwards and landed with the wheels in front only rolling around.
''A one-line?!'' Kaoru and the boy exclaimed. Momoko finishes off by jumping and skidding along the road to make her stop. ''Well, that was some good exercise right Kaoru?'' She panted a bit.
''You got some great balance there Momoko! I never had so much fun skateboarding before!'' Kaoru praised her, which is pretty rare.
''You got some serious skills too Kaoru, don't count yourself out.'' Momoko winked at her. Kaoru smirked ''Of course I'm not counting myself out!'' Both of them laughed until a voice shouted from above them.
''Oy! Kaoru! You done yet?''
''You've been watching?!'' Kaoru exclaimed. The boy chuckled and yelled back ''Of course I am! Now come up here! I have some snacks ready for your friend.''
Kaoru sighed ''We'll be up there Dai-niisan!''
The boy now known as Dai nodded and walked off, probably to get some snacks. '' Her friend is incredible. I can't wait to meet her'' He thought
''Well Momoko, we should go there now. I'm reminding you, my family is a bit…hyper.'' Kaoru sighed making Momoko giggle ''It's ok Kaoru, I'm surprised you're not that hyper as we met you.'' Kaoru looked at her quizzically ''You knew they're hyper to begin with?''
Momoko turned scarlet at this and said ''N-no! I just assumed that they are hyper as you said it.'' Suddenly remembering her time in Kaoru's body. Kaoru looked at her suspiciously before shrugging. ''Let's go.'' Momoko nodded and followed her towards her house.
Kaoru's house/apartment
''So your name is Momoko correct?'' Dai grinned at her. Momoko nodded politely and said ''Yes uhm…'' Momoko cut off, not knowing how to call Kaoru's brother.
''You can call me Dai-niisan.'' Dai said cheekily. Momoko looked stunned for a moment ''Dai-niisan…? Brother?'' Momoko feels nostalgic for no reason but when she saw Dai looking at her a bit worried, she shook her head.
''Pleasure to meet you Dai-niisan'' Momoko smiled at him. The word 'nii-san' feels foreign to her and she didn't know why.
''The pleasure is all mine.'' Dai smiled back. ''After all, it is very rare for Kaoru to bring home some of her friends over, let alone a sleep over.''
''Say Momoko, we should get started at our homework. I don't want to stay up all night doing them.'' Kaoru suggested after eating some snacks her brother set up.
Momoko nodded and said ''We should get going Dai-niisan. We still have homeworks to do.''
''Momoko don't forget to bring the snacks with you'' Kaoru mentioned. Momoko looked at her strangely ''Isn't the sweets you have enough for the both of us?''
Kaoru shook her head ''I only got a few because Brick and the others took them all.''
''I swear he managed to copy my old identity's sweet loving attitude.'' Momoko deadpanned. She shook her head and was about to pick up the snacks at the table in front of her but a hand grabbed her, effectively stopping her.
''Don't worry; I'll bring it later to Kaoru's room. Dinner is coming anyways. You go on ahead with Kaoru and do your homework.'' Dai told her with a polite smile.
''Since when are you our waiter nii-san?'' Kaoru snickered. Dai immediately turned to her with a glint in his eyes.
''Augh!'' Kaoru yelped as Dai wrestled her. ''What did you say kiddo?'' He said, choking her with his arms.
''Yup, exactly the same as I remember. Good thing it's not me in Kaoru's position.'' Momoko sweat dropped.
Kaoru then elbowed Dai at the stomach making the said boy let go of Kaoru to clutch his stomach. ''You've improved kiddo. Not bad, not bad at all'' Dai said Kaoru flexed her muscles and said ''Of course I am! I'm not slacking off unlike you''
Dai chuckled and ruffled Kaoru's hair ''You're still not the same level as me kiddo. Keep trying though.'' He grinned making Kaoru huffed
Momoko smiled at the weird affectionate of the two siblings. Then suddenly her heart started to constrict ''What the? W-why does my chest hurts? Am I…missing something here?''
Momoko looked at Dai who was still smiling ''A brother…Why do I feel like I want one…''Her eyes reflecting the hurt and lost look she is feeling.
''Onee-san…'' A child voice called up to her. Momoko looked down and saw a boy with dark green hair and eyes; he also has some kind of scar at his cheek. Momoko smiled warmly at him ''What is it?'' She asked kneeling down at his level. The boy blushed and said ''A-a-are you going to stay for tonight?''
''So cute! He was so not like this when I first saw him.'' Momoko squealed a bit. ''Yes, I am. What's your name by the way?'' She asked ''My name is Shou onee-san.'' The now named Shou grinned.
''Don't be caught up by his innocent acting Momoko'' Kaoru not so whispered to her making Shou glare at her and chase her around. Kaoru laughed as she raced off with Shou behind her. Dai chuckled ''Looks like someone has a crush on you.'' He commented. Momoko giggled and said ''He's just a kid. It's normal.''
''Momoko! Hurry up! I got Shou under me, we better get going to my room!'' Momoko heard Kaoru shout and Shou's protesting.
''I'm coming!'' Momoko laughed ''Are you sure it's ok for you to bring our snacks?'' She asked with a bit of doubt in her face.
Dai patted her in the head while flexing his arm ''You see this? I'm pretty sure I can handle something like that Momoko.'' He grinned at her,
Momoko eyes widened the moment Dai patted her head ''Brother…''She swallowed a lump on her throat. Why does she felt like crying? Why does she feel that she really is missing something? Momoko abandoned these thoughts to not make the situation awkward; instead she thanked Dai with a smile and left the living room.
''Finally! I thought you will never come.'' Kaoru sighed. Momoko looked at Shou who was still struggling under Kaoru's weight ''Aren't you being a bit too hard on him?'' She asked
Kaoru shrugged ''This little guy is tough don't worry about it. Now when you enter my room, I want you to be as far as possible from the door.''
Sensing what's going to happen next, she nodded and entered Kaoru's room. Within seconds she's in the bed as Kaoru quickly dashed forwards her room, closed the door and locked it with Shou pounding the door and yelling for Kaoru to open it up. Kaoru slid off the door with a sound of exhaustion. Momoko giggled ''You ok?'' She asked
Kaoru groaned ''Yeah I'm ok. We better get started then.'' Kaoru set up the study table in her room and readied some books while Momoko looked around at Kaoru's room. It was light green in color and has some posters about soccer and wrestling. The bed she was sitting on is comfy and has a light green blanket accompanying it. Kaoru's room also has a study table, closet, and of course her soccer ball and skateboard. Overall, it was pretty a simple room.
''You done looking around?'' Kaoru asked in amusement. Momoko coughed and said ''Sorry, it's not everyday you get to sleepover in a friend's house.''
''Hmmm you got a point there. The last sleepover I went through was probably at Miyako's. Even though it's creepy there, I can't deny that her grandma makes delicious foods.'' Kaoru remembered.
Momoko nodded and looked at the work in front of them ''Well, let's get started!''
A few hours have passed; they were halfway being done in their homework. Kaoru stretched her body as Momoko stopped her writing to look at her. ''Man, doing homework sure is much easier when I have a lending hand.'' Kaoru grinned at Momoko. ''Who knew you knew all these things.''
Momoko snickered ''There are still some that I need to learn but doing homework with a friend made it less lonely.'' She closed her eyes as both of them took a break. They were explaining and answering questions non-stop for some hours now. She is sure that it's almost time for dinner. Kaoru took a piece of chocolate and ate it ''You want some?'' She asked.
Momoko shook her head ''I think I have enough sweets for one day'' Kaoru blinked and looked at the sweets they have eaten. ''Well, they're almost a few left. I think I'll give them to Shou.'' Momoko said making Kaoru shrugged.
''Are you sure you have room left for dinner?'' Momoko said in amusement ''After all, you almost ate more than me.''
''Of course I have some room! Don't underestimate me'' Kaoru huffed. Momoko snickered and collected all the left over chocolate and put them aside.
''Kaoru! Momoko! Dinner's ready!'' Dai's voice rang through the corridors.
''Well, speaking of dinner.'' Momoko trailed off. ''Well, let's go. We can always finish this later.'' Kaoru said as both of them stretched once again and went outside. A thud was heard behind Momoko and there she saw Shou tackling Kaoru down. ''This family sure is strong…and lively'' Momoko sweat dropped
''H-hey! Let go of me! We have to eat dinner you know!'' Kaoru shouted as she and her younger brother wrestled against each other.
''Not until you admit defeat!'' Shou retorted. ''As if!'' Kaoru answered back.
''Ah, ah there at it again. Too bad I'm not joining them or else they would have lost to me.'' Dai said, hearing the scuffling at the corridor.
''Are they always like this?'' Momoko asked him. Dai nodded ''Everyday! Usually it would be Shou who would admit defeat, and when I'm with them, both of them are no match for me'' He smirked ''Don't worry it will be over soon.''
Momoko slowly nodded and looked at the two siblings who were still fighting each other. She suddenly remembered something. Momoko quickly went back to Kaoru's room, avoiding the two at all cost to not get in between them.
''Hey, Shou'' Momoko called out to him making the scuffling between the two stop with Shou sitting at Kaoru's back.
''What is it onee-chan?'' He asked. Momoko kneeled at his level and gave him something in the form of plastic. Inside of it were some left over chocolates that she and Kaoru ate.
''Here, you can keep it. We don't want to waste it so I thought of giving them to you.'' Momoko grinned at him. Shou looked at her with starry eyes ''T-t-thank y-y-you onee-chan!'' He said. He was about to take a piece of chocolate but Momoko's hand grabbed him making him stop.
''But let's eat dinner first.'' Momoko reminded him and gesturing to get out of Kaoru's back. Shou nodded obediently and got off of Kaoru's back as he went to the dining area.
''Wow, you sure know how to handle him Momoko'' Kaoru said standing up. ''He's just a kid, anyone could handle him.'' Momoko dismissed it.
''I'm impressed'' Dai said ''We have a hard time containing him well except mom and dad.'' He chuckled. ''Let's eat now! I'm starving!''
Momoko giggled and nodded as the three of them went to the dining area. There they saw Kaoru's mother setting up the table and Shou putting the chocolates in the fridge.
''Hey mom, where's dad?'' Kaoru asked. Kaoru's mother looked at her with a gentle smile ''Your father won't be home until next week. He's at Mexico doing some business about wrestling for future tournaments.''
Kaoru nodded in understanding and was about to sit next to Momoko but someone already got to her first ''Oy! What are you doing there squirt! That's not your usual sit!'' She yelled
''Why not onee-san? I want to sit here.'' Shou grinned at her teasingly. Kaoru has a tick mark at her head but reluctantly let him sit there. ''Damn brat…'' She muttered and went to the other side to sit next to Dai.
Dai snickered ''That's the first time Shou acted like that. Your friend sure do knows how to handle him.''
''If it wasn't by his stupid crush at Momoko, She would have seen how he usually acts.'' Kaoru rolled her eyes. ''Oh come on Kaoru, he's just a kid. No need to get ticked off.'' Momoko winked at her as Shou sneakily stuck out his tongue at her.
''I swear that brat is going to get it the moment Momoko leaves.'' Kaoru cursed while chewing her food angrily.
''Kaoru never change.'' Momoko smiled and shook her head and proceed eating the food made by Kaoru's mother. She always wondered how she put up with her lively family since she was so gentle but shrugged it off since it was not her business to meddle with.
''The food is delicious Mrs. Matsubara.'' Momoko commented with a grin while eating the food made by her.
''Please, call me Mitsuko. Any friend of Kaoru is a friend of mine.'' Mitsuko said with a gentle smile. Momoko nodded ''Thank you Aunt Mitsuko.''
''So how did you and Kaoru became friends?'' Dai asked, striking a conversation. Kaoru continued eating, letting Momoko answers the question. She doesn't want to talk about some mushy stuff anyway.
Momoko chuckled nervously ''Well, we didn't get along at first in the beginning.'' She scratched her hair sheepishly ''We had a lot of disagreements before we became close.''
''Kaoru does have some temper and pride to control with.'' Mitsuko nodded calmly while eating. The two brothers also nod while chewing their own share of food.
Kaoru glared ''Don't talk about me like I'm not here.'' She muttered grumpily.
''She may have that tough exterior, but she's a big softie if you manage to break it off.'' Momoko grinned watching Kaoru choked. '' Did you really have to say that Momoko! Jeez…'' Kaoru said while drinking some water.
''At least you didn't deny it.'' Momoko snickered. Her family laughed as Dai slang his arm at Kaoru's shoulder ''You got a great friend here Kaoru. Don't mess it up.'' Kaoru rolled her eyes exasperatedly and took Dai's arms out of her shoulders ''Yeah yeah I know. So will you stop the histories now please?'' She said. They all laughed, yes it was fun messing around with Kaoru if you've gotten closer to her.
Everyone had a great time conversing and laughing together. Momoko smiled ''This is nice…Sometimes I wonder what if Kaoru, Miyako and I are sisters.'' She chuckled at the imagination of her, Kaoru and Miyako being sisters ''It would be a load of trouble I bet.''
''It was great having you here Momoko. Don't hesitate to come for a sleepover.'' Mitsuko said picking up the plates they have eaten at. Momoko beamed and helped her ''Thank you Aunt Mitsuko! It was a pleasure to hang out with all of you.''
''It's too bad my husband have some business to do. He would love to get to know you'' Mitsuko sighed. ''It's ok Aunt Mitsuko! I will probably meet him someday!'' Momoko smiled at her positively making Mitsuko smile also.
''Thank you for helping me Momoko, now let me take care of this. You go on and go to Kaoru's room. She is probably taking a bath right now. These boys need their milk afterwards.'' Mitsuko said gesturing at Dai and Shou who are getting the milk at the fridge.
Momoko turned scarlet as she remembered that ''Well, at least they're not half naked drinking it. Must be because I'm here.'' She thought.
''Hey Momoko?'' Mitsuko called her making Momoko looked at her questioningly. ''Thank you for being Kaoru's friend. Being Kaoru's mother, I'm a bit sad that she didn't have any friends to talk about or hang out with since she is so focused in sports and her pride. So I would like to thank you for being her friend and changing her for the better.''
Momoko smiled ''It's not that she changed Aunt Mitsuko. Kaoru has been always like that, she just needs someone to reach out for her. Miyako and I gladly reached for her and we would never regret it. Don't be sad Aunt Mitsuko; you have raised a great daughter. It is me who is lucky to have them as my friends. For that, I would like to thank you.''
Mitsuko was touched by her words and let her hand wiped away a tear that was coming to her eyes and nodded ''Thank you Momoko…and also let this Miyako know that she can come over whenever she likes. Why didn't she come with you and Kaoru for a sleepover?'' She asked
''Her grandma needs some help at her house so she decline, but she promises to go next time.'' Momoko answered. Mitsuko nodded with a smile ''I understand. Well, you should go and wait for Kaoru at her room. I'll take care of this.'' She said.
She thanked Kaoru's mother again and went up to read the letters while waiting for Kaoru.
''Hmmm…What is it about my hair, eyes, personality, or whatever? Are they implying something? Are they dirty, ugly or what? Well, it does have some words like beautiful and cute…'' Momoko mumbled to herself. ''Where is my brain when I need it.'' She groaned.
''Onee-chan!'' A childish voice shouted out. Momoko looked at door to see Shou in his yellow pajamas holding a pillow. ''Awwww he is so cute!'' Momoko squealed.
''Let's play!'' He grinned excitedly, running up to her while lifting his pillow. ''Huh?! What do you mean by pla-'' She was cut off by Shou slamming his pillow at her face.
''Bulls eye!'' Shou laughed. ''He's pretty hyper, must be from the chocolates.'' Momoko giggled at him and grabbed a pillow at Kaoru's bed. ''So this is how you going to play it huh.'' Momoko grinned deviously. ''Take this!'' She shouted while taking her revenge at Shou slamming it at his face. Shou laughed and together they started a pillow fight.
''Hey Momoko? Here are some snacks for you and Kaoru.'' Dai said coming in through Kaoru's door. He sweat dropped at the sight before him. ''Well, isn't she lively.'' He thought with a smile. The squeal and laugh of the two making him grin affectionately. He then noticed some letters on the floor ''Letters?'' He picked up one and saw the hearts and words in it ''A love letter?'' He looked around the floor and saw that there was more ''T-that's so many! Wow she must be popular.'' Dai thought looking at the two. ''I can see why though.''
''Momoko, I'm done using the bath it's your turn now.'' Kaoru said coming in to her room, not expecting the sight before her. There she saw Dai holding a tray of snacks while Momoko and Shou stopped their pillow fight to look at her. Then her eyes trailed over the mess of papers at the floor and the once organized bed now scattered and well, disorganized.
''Uh oh…'' Momoko and Shou whispered. Kaoru clenched her fist ''YOU TWO!'' With that yell, Kaoru started her rant in an anime style big head kind of way.
A few minutes of ranting later
''We're sorry! We're sorry! We're sorry!'' Momoko and Shou apologized. Kaoru sighed and massaged her forehead ''Fine. Clean it up you two.''
''Yes mam!'' The two troublemakers salute and began cleaning up with Shou picking up the letters and Momoko cleaning up the bed. Dai laughed as he watched the scolding of Kaoru to the both of them ''Well Kaoru, I think I'm going to take the bath first since Momoko is busy at the moment.'' He said ''Here, take your snacks. I'll be fast don't worry.'' Kaoru nodded in thanks and put the snacks at the study table as her big brother left.
''Jeez, you two are so childish'' Kaoru commented while watching. Shou stuck out his tongue ''I am a child''
Momoko giggled making Kaoru scowl ''Just leave now squirt. We still have some homework left to do.'' Kaoru instructed. Shou shook his head in defiance '' I don't want to! I want to keep playing with Momoko onee-chan!''
Before Kaoru was about to start another rant, Momoko said ''It's ok Shou! I'm going to stay here for a few days anyway, we can play afterwards!'' She smiled at him making both siblings looked at her with shock and the other in excitement.
''Few days?!'' Kaoru exclaimed while Shou celebrated. ''Ok onee-chan! I'm going to sleep now. We'll play tomorrow right?'' He grinned making Momoko grin back ''Of course we are!''
''Goodnight onee-chan!'' Shou said before leaving is sister's room. Momoko finished up cleaning the bed and went back to do the homework. ''Well?'' She asked Kaoru gesturing at the work in front of them
''W-wait wait, what do you mean a few days? I thought you were only staying for the night?'' Kaoru asked her. Momoko nervously laughed ''Did I say that?''
''Momoko!'' Kaoru bursted out and with that, another Kaoru ranting started. ''Oh boy…'' Momoko thought.
Another ranting later…
''You done yet?'' Momoko opened her one eye to see if Kaoru was done. Kaoru sighed and ran a hand through her hair. ''Seriously, just don't do anything irritating. I do owe you after helping me through this homework.''
Momoko beamed at her and can't help but hugged her ''Thank you so much Kaoru!'' She said in excitement.
''This is going to be a long few days.'' Kaoru thought. Nevertheless, she felt a little bit happy actually. It is true that it's very rare for Kaoru to have a friend sleepover at her house, and she is very glad for Momoko adjusting to her family and making them happier and livelier. Her happiness is just contagious.
''Alright alright, stop being affectionate.'' Kaoru said letting Momoko get off of her. ''Let's finish this so we can go to sleep.''
A knock was heard ''Hey Momoko, it's your turn to bath now. I'm going up to my room. If you need anything just knock.''
Kaoru chuckled; even her brother is being polite once in a while. She went through her closet and grabbed a green short, peach colored undershirt and undergarments
''Here, you can wear this for the mean time. Wash your clothes at the washing machine while you're taking a bath. I'll do some of the homework while you're gone.'' Kaoru instructed. Momoko took the clothes and thanked her ''Do you think you can do the homework without me?'' She teased.
''Of course I can! Now go, I need to concentrate.'' Kaoru said with an embarrassed blush. Momoko laughed and went to take a bath.
''It sure is fun having someone to work at.'' Kaoru smiled softly before looking at the set of questions laid out. ''This is…going to be harder than I thought.'' She sweat dropped.
With Momoko
Momoko turned on the washing machine as she entered the shower room and also turned it on. The warm water hitting her body making Momoko be swallowed up by her thoughts as she closed her eyes.
''Kaoru's family is so nice even thought they are a bit…hyper. I bet they are better at accepting me than my parents are…'' She chuckled weakly. ''I really am glad that I asked Kaoru…''As she was alone, she can't help but remember the fight between her and her parents earlier this morning. She clearly wasn't expecting that. She suddenly remembered her father's words as she cleaned herself.
''Do you even know the cost of what you are doing!? You're going to be vulnerable like that! Why did you even think that taking it off will help you hm?!''
She flinched as she remembered her father's angry words. ''Why does he make me feel like I'm weak…'' Her eyes started to get watery. The vulnerableness and pain that she felt at her father's words. ''Why…'' She whispered.
''There is someone out there who is after you Momoko.'' Kakiko said calmly but with a serious look at her face ''Ever since you have put your mask on, nothing dangerous has happened. Hiding yourself is just a sacrifice needed to protect you.''
Momoko laughed weakly ''Sacrifice…What a stupid sacrifice.'' She laughed but the tears streaming down her faces started to join the water cascading towards her. What they said made something snapped inside of her. The frustration and emotional stress that she felt just...blew up. Everyone has their own limits...including her. And that limit was unfortunately reached and she blew it up to her parents.
''It hurts me to think that the two most important and influential part in my life are the ones who tried to stop from being who I am. So please, don't try and find me. I'll come back, I just don't know when though.''
It feels good letting all that out. She didn't feel any regrets saying it, but the pain that she felt upon realizing that they tried to stop her is still there. Fresh and spreading to her like a wildfire. She couldn't help but let out a sob which seems to echo around the bathroom.
She shook her head ''I must stop this. Kaoru is waiting for me, I don't want her to be worried. 'With that, she started to clean herself. Still desperately trying to get her thoughts straight while tears still streaming down to her eyes.
Outside the bathroom
Dai was walking towards the bathroom since he forgot to wash his dirty clothes. He thought Momoko was finished but was proven wrong when got there to discover it was lock. ''Oh well…I can always wash it tomorrow.'' He muttered. He was about to walk away until he heard a sob. ''Is she crying?'' He thought, a bit worried.
He focused again just in case another sob breaks out but it didn't come. ''I can't just ask her…'' Dai whispered to himself. For now, he decided to let it slide but he was a bit worried if his instincts were true that she really was crying. After all, he was beginning to get attached to her. With a few convincing words to himself, he walked away.
Kaoru's room
''What's taking her so long?'' Kaoru asked herself. It was almost half an hour since Momoko left to take a bath. Do girly girls like Momoko and Miyako really took so much time in the bathroom? She was knocked off from her thoughts by her door opening.
''Finally, I thought you've gone to sleep out there.'' Kaoru said before turning to look at her. She was taken aback by what she saw and narrowed her eyes in suspicion when she noticed the slightly red eyes of Momoko.
''Sorry, the bath was too relaxing and I waited for my clothes to finish up.'' Momoko smiled tiredly. Kaoru nodded slowly ''Are you ok?''
Momoko blinked at her ''Yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit tired.''
Kaoru looked at her intensely. She decided to let it slide for now. ''Anyways, I finished both of our homework so we should go to sleep.''
''Wow, you are pretty smart for your own good'' Momoko said in surprised. Kaoru got a tick mark on her head ''Hey! Are you saying that I'm an idiot?''
Momoko laughed. After the emotional moment in the bathroom, it feels good for someone to cheer her up. ''No that's not what I meant. What I meant to say is that you can work your lazy butt after all.''
Kaoru scowled at her ''Whatever, let's just go to sleep.'' She laid out a comforter at the floor, took some pillow from her bed and laid there.
''You're going to sleep on the floor?'' Momoko raised her eyebrows.
''My mother would kill me if she finds out that I let you sleep on the floor. I would like to avoid some nagging tomorrow.'' Kaoru mumbled.
''Why not sleep next to me? Your bed could clearly hold two people. It's obvious that you're uncomfortable there.'' Momoko pointed out while Kaoru was fidgeting. ''I don't want to!'' Kaoru shouted from her pillow.
''I don't cuddle Kaoru if that's what's stopping you'' Momoko chuckled to herself. ''It's not that…It's just that I'm a tenacious sleeper!'' Kaoru thought embarrassingly. ''It's not that.'' She answered
''Then what is it?'' Momoko asked her amusingly.
Kaoru doesn't want to let her know that she can be a pretty…persistent sleeper. She wouldn't be able to sleep with Momoko teasing her. So she did one thing she could do ''Alright alright! I'll sleep next to you!'' Kaoru sighed and returned the pillows to her bed. She then glared at her ''No cuddling!''
''I just said that I don't cuddle.'' Momoko put her hands up in defense while laughing to herself.
Momoko lay at the bed with Kaoru turning off the lights. ''Thanks for finishing our homework Kaoru.'' Momoko said as she closed her eyes.
Kaoru grunted ''It was nothing. Goodnight Momoko'' She said. Momoko smiled, letting sleep take over her ''Goodnight Kaoru…'' Yup, sleepover can really improve your friendship.
Finished! I had lots of plans for this series and I'm excited to share it with you! I decided to make Dai have a more important role because, why not? You will all see in the next chapter! Or maybe even in a few more! Anyway, R&R guys and don't forget to favorite if you liked it!