A/N: Behind Closed Doors Chapters that isn't quite as lovey dovey as previous ones.
"Jesus Christ…" Kaito muttered. Rima nodded, awkwardly sipping her cocktail. He leaned towards her. "I thought Kain was the –"
"Yeah, so did I." Her eyes darted towards Ichijo and Shiki, a slight smile on her face. "I wish they'd wind up together again."
"Yeah, yeah. And then, you and Wakaba will be together and I'll be… Kaito." He nodded to himself. Mentally, she sighed.
"You wouldn't be just Kaito if you'd let me set you up."
"You don't even know my type." He argued. Rima hated dealing with the forever alone drunk. At least her torment wasn't long with him finally storming off. She tried to balance herself as she hopped off her stool, somehow spinning into someone.
"Hey, hey." She grinned at Wakaba's concern, holding her up by the waist.
"You made it!"
"Well, yeah." Wakaba let her lean against her side, somehow steadying the taller girl's wobbly steps. "Take your shoes off."
"Mm… No." Rima giggled at the defiance.
"How much did you drink?"
"… The bar."
"You smell like it." Wakaba glared at someone who dared approach them.
"When'd you turn all protective?" The blonde asked, hiccupping. She knew, soon enough, there'd be an ick factor.
"Would you rather I leave you to the mercy of others?"
"No." She rested her head against Wakaba's shoulder, letting her escort her out of the party. "Why is everything spinning?"
"Because you're dumb enough to drink the bar dry."
"I don't…"
"I know."
"Water." Wakaba insisted as Rima emptied the contents of her stomach into the porcelain.
"Blood water?" She asked, her nose scrunching in distaste to the liquid.
"Big baby." Still, the brunette stayed by the drunk girls side, brushing her hair back every time.
"How's our project?" Rima asked, the majority of the contents in the toilet. She lay on the floor, her big blue eyes on Wakaba.
"I'll share tomorrow." The other assured.
"Nuh, I want to help Kaito… Even if the world is spinny…"
"Rima, I love you but, you're really drunk."
"No, I'm sober." She lifted her head, instantly regretting it. "I hate everything."
"I'll tell you in the morning."
Rima woke with a blanket on her, the world still an unstable, untrustworthy jerk. She got on all fours, crawling out of the bathroom. Wakaba sat at her dining room table, scratching her head. The blonde managed to rest her head on the unoccupied seat, unable to stand. With a sigh, she rested against the wall, holding her stomach as she did so. Wakaba shook her head. "Morning, sleepy head."
"I hate tequila."
"You say that every time."
"I said I hate it, not that I won't drink it." She brought her knees to her chest and overlapped her arms on top, resting her head on her arms. "You promised."
"I promised what?"
"Don't play with me, Sayori." She burped, scrunching her nose with the taste of bile now coating her mouth.
"How am I supposed to help if you know next to nothing about Kaito?" Again, the teasing sound.
"He likes the quiet girls. The type that would shush you in the library but, in any other situation, would turn away."
"So… Meek?"
"That's what I'd call it." She tilted towards the floor, her arms holding her shins. She wasn't sure when but, she did know her head rested on Wakaba's lap, her fingers running through her hair. Rima swatted at her hand. "We're not supposed to..."
"Boo hoo." Still, she abided by the blondes wishes. "Okay, I've narrowed down the list –"
"What list?" Rima grinned at the intruder.
"You got my text."
"And the several others after that." Kiryuu lifted his phone. "What exactly was so 'weeeeee'?"
"She spun around in the hallway around four am." Wakaba shook her head.
"Enough about that." For the first time, she ignored the headache as she lifted her head. "Kaito and I saw you and Kain getting –"
"One time only." Kiryuu knelt before the two girls.
"What? Why?"
"Rima, get your nose out of my business."
"… It's in Akitty's business." Both Kiryuu and Wakaba snorted at the phrasing. Rima stuck her tongue out at Wakaba, finally lifting herself against the wall. "You've known Kaito long—"
"I'm not helping you set him up." Kiryuu pointed at Wakaba. "You shouldn't be encouraging this."
"But, he's so sad." Rima whined, instantly pouting.
"Few drinks and he seems a little…" Wakaba smiled slightly.
Kiryuu ran a hand through his hair, admitting defeat. "Who do we got?"
Wakaba held up a finger. "Only two that live within the area still… One who's still single."
"What? The others weren't single?" Rima questioned.
"Hey, I start with personality."
"Name?" Kiryuu questioned.
"Shindo Nadeshiko." Wakaba answered.
"No."
"What do you mean no?" Rima asked.
"How angry would he be if he found out he was dating someone who liked me first?"
"She's had years to get over you." Wakaba answered, shaking her head.
"Besides, you got two boys vying for your attention. And, it'd be good for Kaito to have a relationship based not on sex." At Kiryuu's hesitance, Rima's bottom lip poked out. "Please?"
"Already texted." Wakaba mentioned. Kiryuu pinched the bridge of his nose.
"You two are comforting him when this messes up."
"Well, yeah. You're not exactly Mr. Feeling."
"No… No. Ugh…" They stood in the washrooms hallway. Rima pulled Kaito to her, tearing off the tie.
"I wouldn't have worn it if I knew where we were going." Kaito argued, his voice wavering. Rima held up a finger, unbuttoning a few on his button up top and fussed with his hair. Kaito glared at her, adjusting his hair once she finished with it.
"Did you get the flowers?"
"Yeah."
"Let's see." He held up a few wild flowers.
"I didn't know what kind to get."
"… Those will do. They're pretty." She pulled out a Kleenex, wiping off the sweat on his hands. "Nervous?"
"No." He tried his arrogant smile. Rima shook her head. "Okay, fine. I'm nervous."
"She's just as nervous as you are. Just… Be polite. And, be yourself."
"That's contradictory."
"How'd you act if she was your girlfriend?" Automatically, she slammed her hand into her head. "Right. No point of reference. Zero, any tips?"
"Don't mess up?" He offered, leaning against the wall. Both Kaito and Rima glared at him. The silver head shrugged. "Frankly, I'm surprised you got this far."
"And, that's enough from the peanut gallery." She rested her hands on Kaito's shoulders. "Deep breath in. Out. You are Kaito. You've done scarier, reckless things than going on an actual date."
"Most of them I had Kiryuu as my partner."
"And, how'd I help with that? Cyrano this date?"
"Huh?" Both Kaito and Rima replied. He shook his head, waving his arm to dismiss it.
"Order on her behalf but, don't take her choice."
"… Contradiction…"
"Ask her what she wants, listen to her choice and order it." Rima simplified. "Ask questions."
"What if she asks me a question?"
"Answer it honestly." She glanced at her watch.
"What if she wants me to kiss her? Do I go for it or do I shake her hand?"
Rima swallowed a smile. "Considering what Sayori told me about her, kiss her cheek. One peck. Don't press for more."
"Unless she specifically asks for more." Kiryuu piped up.
Kaito's eyes widened. "What do I do then?"
Rima glared at Kiryuu as he smirked. "Tell her you respect her and you'd rather take it slow with her. If it goes well, ask her out for next week. It shows that you're not going to play her and that you're actually interested in her."
"Unless she –"
"Stop." Rima held up a finger towards him. "Or, I'll put a muzzle on you."
Kiryuu snickered, watching as Kaito approached the table. Rima kicked his shin. "Why are you trying to ruin this for him?"
"Little pay back. He'll be fine." He eyed her. "You're wearing a dress."
"Yeah, and?"
"… What's your plan?"
Rima blushed. "What plan?"
They walked towards the table a little way away from the table but close enough to hear. "Getting back together with Sayori."
"That's not possible right now. So, let's just enjoy."
Wakaba joined them a little while later. Rima watched as Shindo's eyes rested on the ground, trying her best to breathe. She wore a yellow dress, knee length, her hair in a braid. Rima nodded to Kaito who stood… and shoved the flowers in her face. Kiryuu covered his mouth, trying his best not to laugh as their joined friend apologized profusely. Rima covered her face, unable to watch the scene unfold. At least she hadn't left. Wakaba shook her head. "He's that nervous?"
"Rima tried to give him a pep talk and everything. How could it have gone so wrong?" Rima stomped on Kiryuu's foot.
"Shut it, Zero. Your pep talk probably terrified him." She smiled as she recognized him ordering her a drink. "Well, at least he's smart enough to take direction."
"How much is Shindo going to have to teach him?" Wakaba asked.
"The most he knows is a one-night stand so…" Rima shrugged.
"… Could have informed me of that." Wakaba scolded.
"Is it a problem?"
"No."
"Then, why would it matter?" Rima smirked, glad she had finally won an argument. Kiryuu sighed, the date seeming to go well… At least, while they talked. Rima exhaled slowly, the server pouring the red wine. Perhaps it was the fact the appetizers appeared at the same time. Kaito pulled the napkin the glass sat on as Shindo reached for it. Rima covered her eyes as Kiryuu snickered. Shindo stood quickly as the server disappeared. Kaito offered her napkins, trying his best to assist. She shook her head and ran to the bathroom. Wakaba followed her, offering an apologetic nod.
"Thanks for inviting me, Rima. This is funny."
"You're such an ass." Upon seeing Kaito's red face, the concern returned to them both. "Kaito, deep breath."
"I… I should probably just go home. I ruined her dress and –"
"How's the conversation?" Kiryuu asked. He nudged Rima towards the girls' restroom, signaling that he could handle it. Rima joined Wakaba and Shindo in the washroom.
"I mean… He's… kind of a jerk." Shindo sighed. "My dress…"
"It's not permanently ruined." Rima answered for Wakaba. Shindo tilted her head, examining the blonde. "And, he's not a jerk. He's just incredibly nervous."
"Why?" Shindo asked.
"You're the first date he's ever had. Now, turn."
"Well now, I feel like a jerk…. Maybe I misjudged him?" Rima read the tag, nodding to herself.
"Just a little. But don't worry – he's a big teddy bear once you get past his 'I'm so cool and tough and can ride a motorbike' façade." She turned to Wakaba. "Can you ask for dish soap and hydrogen peroxide?"
"I have some." Shindo pulled it out of her purse. Wakaba let the door swing behind her as Rima lifted her bag.
"I brought a back-up just in case."
"You know my measurements?"
"I just looked at the size of your dress and you're a bit bigger than me but, you can still pull it off." She handed her the other dress. "At least it's pale green."
Shindo nodded, shutting herself in one of the stalls. "So… Did you bring this because you knew he was nervous?"
"That and I get freebies all the time at work." She grabbed the yellow dress, soaking the wine out of it. "How'd you gather he's a jerk?"
"Just… He starts turning red if you take the controversial side, like he's about to blow up at you… But, how else are you to have a conversation?"
"Does he do a lot of sputtering and stammering?"
"Yes…"
"That's not him being angry. That's him stalling for time while he considers your position. He's also a talker while he's mulling over an idea."
"Oh…" She could almost see the girl fiddling with the ends of her braid. "Are you his…"
"Spiritual twin."
"Then, how do you and Sayori know each other?"
Rima lowered her head and sighed. "Sayori's… Like an angel I was blessed with for a while. The only thing that made sense to me. But, like everything else in my life… It was fleeting."
"Sounds like you still love her."
"… I do."
"Does she know that?"
"She does, now." Wakaba answered. Rima couldn't help the slight yelp as she distracted herself with the stain, the blush prominent. "How's the dress coming, Shindo?"
"Um… It… It's kind of… revealing…"
"Come out. I can figure something out." Rima spun around, taking in Shindo's figure. The other pulled it past her mid-thigh. Rima adjusted it, letting it sit right above her knees. Shindo instinctively covered her chest. Rima pressed a finger to her lips, digging through her bag before turning to Wakaba. "Can I have the –"
"Yeah, yeah." She unbuttoned her shawl, tossing it towards Shindo. Shindo did one of the buttons, shaking her head.
"This isn't going to work."
"Here." Rima tugged the fabric past the exposed skin, buttoning it as she did so. "Unfortunately, it won't keep the back warm…"
"You look good." Wakaba offered. Shindo blushed at the compliment.
"Not my best work." Rima sighed, checking through her bag. "But, it'll have to do."
"Thank you."
"When you get home," she threw the yellow dress into a plastic bag, "throw it directly in the wash. Cold water. By then, the stain should be out. If not, another round of peroxide and dish soap and back. It should be fine."
Shindo nodded, opening her mouth to ask a question then closing it again. "You can ask."
"… What does Kaito like to talk about?"
"Umm… Uncomplicated movie plots, DC, Marvel… Horror movies… He likes the idea of science and science fiction but, he doesn't like studying it…"
Shindo nodded to herself. "Which does he like better – DC or Marvel?"
"He's a DC nerd. Anything to do with nananananana…" Rima smiled. "Unfortunately, I think we're going to get along."
"Why is that unfortunate?"
"Because Kaito gets me in the divorce so…" Shindo squeaked as Wakaba shook her head.
"Don't mind her. Rima likes happy endings for everyone."
"Get back out there and show him no hard feelings." Rima encouraged. She tried to follow Shindo out, the second-hand embarrassment beckoning her. Wakaba took her hand, spinning her around. "I don't want to talk about it."
"Then, don't talk." Wakaba offered, pressing her lips to Rima's cheek. It was instantaneous, the years almost melding into one moment which stretched into an eternity. One of Rima's hands in her hair, the other on her waist. Wakaba held her by the hips, trapping her between the sink and herself. It was her soft whimper that recalled reality. Rima pecked her lips again, resting her forehead against Wakaba's.
"We can't go public." Rima whispered, resting her hand on Wakaba's neck.
"That's okay. We can be called best friends for the rest of our lives. As long as it's with you." Rima kissed the tip of her nose, taking her hand in hers.
"By the by… I like your dress." They stepped out of the restroom and walked into a pouting Kiryuu.
"You guys spent a long time in there." He muttered.
"Whatever, petty." Rima ruffled his hair, her eyes landing on Kaito. She held up a finger, tuning in to whatever they were talking about.
"… I'd prefer a coffee shop, honestly. I'm not exactly the fancy dress shirt type. Not that I can't rock it –"
"You wear it well though, I do think that dates should be about exploring things… together…" Her voice trailed off.
"What's your take on TV and take out, wearing nothing but comfortable clothes."
"… I think I'd like that." She tucked a stray hair behind her ear. Rima grinned as Kiryuu rolled his eyes.
"Nights still young. He can still mess up."
"Says the guy who can't keep the man he actually likes." She dodged his quick hand, reluctantly letting to go of Sayori's.
A/N: Just… D'awe!