Chapter 16: Another Night, Another Day

Mila yawned as she looked through the fridge, debating what to do for breakfast this morning.

Her mind kept drifting back to the night before with meeting Ren.

In her mind's eye, she could see him clearly.

Those eyes, that smile…

Those arms were nice too…

And oh gosh…

That. BIKE.

She blushed, shaking her head.

Calm down. It's one date. It's ONE-

"Mila?"

She let out a loud gasp, whirling around, spotting Chiro behind her.

He was still in his pajamas, his eyes tired.

"Ichi!" She whispered. "Don't scare me like that!"

"Sorry, sorry." He stifled a yawn. "Wanted to catch you before anyone else did…"

"Hm?" She frowned. "What's up?"

He sat down at the table, resting his head on his arms.

"I need a huge favor. Like… defcon levels."

She rested a hand on his back, concerned.

"What's on your mind sweetie?"

"I… I have a date."

She covered her mouth, stifling a small squeal.

He chuckled, rolling his eyes.

"I know, I know."

"When?!"

"Today at 1 PM."

Mila stopped short.

Gosh, the timing.

"Well… just so happens I got one too… at 2 PM." She bit her lip. "So, what's the favor? Need flowers? A corsage?"

"Actually, a corsage is a great idea…" Chiro stretched, leaning back, sighing a bit. "No, it's got to do with the monkeys."

"What? Did they do something?" She looked out of the kitchen. "Do I need my shoe?"

Chiro shook his head rapidly.

"No! No! Nothing like that! I… Mila, I… I need you to cover for me. If anyone calls looking for me…" He gave her a pleading look.

Mila winced.

Oh no.

Don't encourage this.

Do not.

That is a horrible parenting mistake.

This is a terrible one in the making but…

"MILA!"

She yelped as a hand reached into the pod capsule she was laying in before a head joined, revealing the furious eyes of her mother.

"Mama?!"

"You are in SO MUCH TROUBLE young lady!"

Mila winced.

She had done so much worse at his age.

"Okay. Look, we didn't have this conversation. Got it?"

His eyes lit up.

"You are the best-"

She held up a finger.

"I'm only doing this once. After this, you tell them that you two are past the texting stage and want more time together. You gotta do this yourself. Got it?"

Chiro nodded, a grin coming to his face.

"Can do!"

"And this better not come bite me too. Understand?" She gave him a stern look. "I'm not gonna come save you if you get busted."

"Deny, deny, deny. Right?"

"Darn right. Now, c'mere!"

He brought his arms around her, sighing happily.

"You are the best!"

"Oh, Sweetie, you have no idea. I'm just happy this is your teenage rebellion. I did SO much worse as a kid…"

"How bad?"

"... I'll tell you one day." She chuckled sheepishly. "Let's just say Mom had every right to kick my butt."

"Ohh… Oh…" Chiro's eyes widened. "You did something really bad didn't you?"

She ruffled his hair.

You have no idea.. I was such a brat.

"IT'S NOT A PHASE!"

SLAM!

Uuugh I was such an edgy teenager… I was such a PUNK.

"Yeah. Big Sis made a lot of mistakes." She sighed, "Now, come help me make breakfast?"

"Aww man-"

"I'm covering for you!"

"What's first?"

oooooo

"Hyah!"

She blocked the punch aimed in her direction, spinning around, delivering a swift kick to her opponent's side.

He winced before grappling with her, sending her flying across the floor.

Jinmay yelped as she landed before popping back up on her feet.

She dropped into a defensive stance, panting a little.

This was just another part of her morning.

Across the garden, barely breaking a sweat, stood her brother. A young man in his late 20's with long dark purple hair and luminous green eyes just like her own.

He smirked, crossing his arms.

"Ready to go again?"

"When are we going back to swords?"

"Soon enough." He walked over to her, kneeling to her level. "I wasn't too rough was I?"

"No but you officially owe me now." She looked up at him, a mischievous grin coming across her face.

Ren sighed, grinning as he helped his sister to her feet.

"Alright, what else do I need to add to my to-do list?"

"Well, first things first…" She eyed the muscle shirt he was wearing. "You're not going out like that are you?"

"What!? What's wrong with it?!"

Jinmay narrowed her eyes, going over to where their phones had been laid out, picking his phone up.

She cleared her throat.

"Uh, wanna meet at 2 PM?" She read out, her voice lowering in volume to mimic her brother's. "Do you have any idea how doomed you are if you go out like that?"

Ren sighed, looking down at himself.

A simple black muscle shirt, blue jeans and black sneakers.

He didn't think it was that bad. Sure, he'd have to change into a clean version but it was fine, wasn't it?

They were just going to hang out… right?

Although…

"Master Kanno!" The front desk manager yelped. "What are you DOING!?"

Ren looked away from the sleeping face of his sister, who he was carrying on his back. He lowered his head, looking at the manager over the frame of his sunglasses.

"Arriving at my new home?"

"Dressed like that!? In front of the guests?!"

"Like if I walked around the Inn like that?" He rubbed his arm absently as he looked up at it with a grimace.

The gardens they were in right now were lush, exotic plants creeping up all over, creating a shady cover for the guests or the staff if they so wandered outside of the Inn's walls.

The Inn was at the furthest end of the city, a reinforced electrified fence providing a safe view of the jungle that creeped in on this side. Often the plants would rustle, catching the attention of the guests.

The massive gold and red building towered over them as if it was looking down on Ren in particular.

His chest clenched as his hand gripped at his left bicep, partially covering one of his tattoos anxiously.

He wasn't used to this.

"What…?"

He read the email again, his jaw dropping open.

Jinmay poked her head in from the kitchen.

"What's wrong?"

"A chance… Jinmay we have a CHANCE!"

And that chance is now looking down on me…

Ren swallowed hard.

His mind was racing as he thought over his to-do list before he could even broach the idea of heading out.

I need to order more food, both the kitchen and the eatery on the south side of the Ryokan are running low.

After that, I need to order Jinmay some new lacrosse gear. She's already wearing down her shoes again…

Training…

I need to contact Sensei later…

His heart skipped a beat, shaking his head, taking a shaky breath.

He's gonna be so angry with me…

I'm going to be in so much trouble but I… I'm gonna break if this keeps up… I need a day to REST…

Jinmay frowned, grabbing his arm, squeezing it gently.

"I'm here. Look at me."

Ren's head snapped in her direction, his eyes wide in alarm.

Jinmay took a deep breath.

Ren inhaled shakily in turn.

"Exhale… slow now…"

They stood like this for a few minutes, breathing until Ren's shoulders slumped.

He groaned, rubbing the side of his head.

"How is it I'm an adult yet you're the one who can pull me back down to Earth?"

Jinmay shrugged, giving him a hug, startling him, his arms spreading out wide.

"Because I know you?"

Ren's gaze softened, bringing his arms around her, stroking her hair.

He wasn't sure what he did to deserve someone so patient as his sister but he counted himself lucky.

Three years in and he was still convinced, he was messing up.

I'm not trying to be Dad or Mom though.

She doesn't need another one of either.

She needs me.

He narrowed his eyes.

And I will do whatever it takes.

He moved her to arms length, his eyes full of warmth.

"Alright, how about we go and take care of our chores, then you can pick out something. Sound good?"

Jinmay batted her eyelashes, placing her finger under her chin.

"One more favor?"

Ren yelped, turning away.

"NO! NOT THE FACE!"

Jinmay giggled, ominously moving around him so he had to look anyway.

"You know you can't say no to this face~" She grinned mischievously.

Ren rolled his eyes, crossing his arms with a huff.

"Do not even try with me young lady."

She whimpered a little.

Ren winced, cursing under his breath, kicking at the dirt.

"Awww come on! Okay, you win, you WIN! What do you want!?"

"Can you convince the head chef to make me a couple of bentos?"

Ren grimaced.

"Oh, you are evil. Right before the lunch menu too."

She smiled innocently.

"Pretty please?"

"Uuugh."

He reached over, patting her head.

"Fiiine!"

"Yay!" She cheered, throwing a fist into the air. "Awright, back to work!"

"It can't be helped I suppose." He mumbled, chuckling. "So, when am I gonna meet this guy you keep talking about?"

"Later! When I meet this mystery girl of yours."

His face heated up.

Mila's eyes lit up, a bright smile coming to her face.

"The beauty of this ride ahead! Such an incredible high!" Her voice echoed through the store, the joy that carried with her voice, infectious.

"You can meet her later too."

"See? Balance."

He nodded.

"HELP! MASTER KANNO, WE HAVE A PROBLEM!"

He winced.

It was time to get back to work.

He made his way over to the doorway, looking back at his sister, giving her a pleading look.

"Nope." She crossed her arms. "I don't wanna deal with that today."

He groaned before heading inside to get changed.

"One minute, Akatsuki! I need to change!"

"Well, hurry up!" He called back. "She wants to talk to the manager!"

"Great…"

Jinmay sighed as she checked her phone.

A picture popped up on her notification as her face flushed.

Chiro was smiling at the camera, his cheeks dusted pink as he held up a pink carnation to the camera.

"Thinking about you. I can't wait to see you again."

He can't wait to see me…

He's thinking about ME.

All of the bravado she put on in front of Ren melted away as her heart fluttered.

She put her phone down, covering her face with both hands.

"Be still my heart…"

She smiled.

Maybe moving to Shuggazoom was a good idea after all.

oooooo

Chiro paced nervously back and forth, checking the time on his phone… and making sure he wasn't getting any calls.

So far, so good.

"I'm gonna head out now, bye-!"

A hand landed on his shoulder, pulling him back.

"Hup!"

"Where are you going?"

He craned his neck, grinning down at Otto.

"Gonna go visit my sister."

"Oh! Tell her we said hi then!"

"Just be back in time." Antauri narrowed his eyes into a stern gaze. "Understand?"

"Yeah, Kid, you got a LOT of lessons later on." Sparx looked up from polishing his magnets. "Pilot training, tactics, quantum psychics - don't make us wait. Got it?"

"Tell my sister that." He laughed, waving over his shoulder. "I'll see you guys later!"

Mila looked behind her in the mirror at her brother.

He was still wearing his custom jacket, his hair was combed to try to tame it but parts were still sticking up. He was wearing a simple black shirt under it with a koi fish pattern across it in orange and white.

He was checking his phone, letting out a shaky breath.

"So, are you nervous about the date or nervous because you're playing hooky?"

"Yes to both."

"Oi." she rolled her eyes as she finished applying her eyeshadow.

She had to admit, this was new territory for her as well.

Mila's biggest worry was over dressing or under dressing.

She didn't have formal wear aside from intricate yukata for special occasions… Or "business" attire like pencil skirts and blazers that she wore only when she had to attend parent/teacher conferences at Chiro's old school.

"Be honest, is it too much?"

He looked her over, giving a shrug.

"I don't think so."

Mila looked down at herself as she stood up… a stormy gray dress with a chain overskirt, long stockings covering her legs. The dress seemed to shimmer as she walked, the cloud-like designs of the skirt moving with her.

She hadn't worn it in nearly seven years…

As she looked at herself in the large mirror in the room, she could still see it…

Hear it…

"Conquering the darkest places!"

Her voice carried on, echoing as her heart filled with joy.

Alongside her on the stage were her bandmates as they sang in sync with their center performer.

She smiled as she looked out at the crowd.

She shook her head.

Those days are over, Mila…

"It's too much."

"No."

Chiro got up, taking her hand in his.

"It's you. It's all of you. Good, bad and awesome." He grinned.

She smiled, hugging him quickly.

"I'm so proud of you."

"Heh, be proud of me later once I don't screw things up."

He checked the time before hurrying out of the room.

"Sorry to hug and run but-"

"No, no, by all means!"

An engine's roar echoed from down below, catching their attention.

Mila and Chiro exchanged a look before hurrying downstairs towards the shop.

Absently, she picked up her newest broom, already positioning it to where she could break off the handle.

She was picturing hordes of skeletal soldiers, ready to strike…

Instead, what was waiting outside was a black motorcycle with purple flames painted on the side, the rider wearing a leather jacket and his helmet.

Behind him was a smaller rider, wearing a dark pink dress with bright pink frills and sneakers to match. She took off her helmet, letting out a relieved breath, undoing a clip she shoved into her pocket as her ponytails fell free around her shoulders.

Mila and Chiro exchanged a look before rushing outside.

The man took off his helmet just as a breeze picked up, blowing his long hair around.

There was a hurricane of butterflies in Mila's stomach as his gaze met hers.

His eyes widened.

"Mila?!"

"Ren?!"

Before either could react, Jinmay jumped off the bike, rushing over to Chiro.

"I missed you!"

"I missed you too!" He chuckled, blushing. "It's… It's really good to see you again. I know we were texting and all but…"

Jinmay giggled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"It's different being in person…"

He looked behind her at Ren and Mila.

"So… who wanted to tell me that your brother was the mystery date for my sister?"

Jinmay grinned mischievously, lowering her voice.

"This works out for us I think… though, we might need to step in sometimes. " She whispered.

Chiro nodded, looking her over, his cheeks turning pink, anew.

She's really here…

She's really right in front of me…

"Oh, one second!"

"H-Huh?"

She giggled before running back over to the motorcycle, grabbing a bag that was hanging off the handlebars, slinging it over her shoulder.

"S-So um…" Mila cleared her throat. "Small world, huh?"

"Very…" Ren's cheeks were pink as he looked to the side, smiling sheepishly. "If this is too weird…"

"No, no!" She pulled Chiro over. "This is my little brother, Chiro. Chiro, this is Ren."

"Nice to meetcha!"

"You too, kiddo. My sister's been raving about you for a while."

Jinmay's eyes widened before she elbowed Ren HARD in the side as he let out a small hiss.

"Ow! Hey!"

"I… I wasn't."

"Yeah, like Ichi here wasn't pacing for the last hour." Mila mumbled to Ren.

Ren smirked.

"I getcha." He cleared his throat. "Ahem."

Jinmay went over to Mila, bowing her head.

"It's a pleasure to meet you again. I'm sorry my brother neglected to tell me about you fully."

"HEY!" Ren exclaimed, his face burning red. "Jinny!"

"Oh, it's okay." Mila smiled, giggling a bit as she bowed as well. "It's a pleasure to meet you too… and I am SO sorry MY little brother hasn't properly introduced us until now."

"MILA!"

Jinmay giggled.

"Sorry we're early but I wanted to be sure I was on time to pick up Chiro." She turned to Ren, giving him a stern look. "Right?"

Mila and Ren exchanged a look, standing closer together.

"I-It's fine…" They both murmured.

Jinmay and Chiro exchanged a smirk, raising an eyebrow.

"Well… if it's not too much trouble then can we head out? Not that I'm not interested in knowing more but… time waits for no man." Chiro cleared his throat.

Plus, I'm so dead if I don't show up at some point today. Way, way later today.

"Right. You two crazy kids go on and get outta here!" Mila shooed them away. "Have fun, be safe."

"Remember our deal!" Chiro called over his shoulder.

"Yeah, yeah, you remember it too!"

Ren tapped something on his phone as Jinmay's beeped.

"I wired you some extra money. Don't spend it all in one place."

Jinmay's eyes lit up, smiling as she waved over her shoulder, following after Chiro.

Ren chuckled, shaking his head, looking in Mila's direction.

He looked her over, letting out a low whistle.

Her hair was swept back in its usual ponytail, a large hair pin of a silver butterfly pinning part of it out of her face. Her eyes were covered with a smoky eyeshadow.

His face heated up.

Man, I underdressed…

He was wearing a leather jacket, under it, a dress shirt and a vest that were both black in color and black slacks. A necklace of a skeletal dragon hung around his neck.

"So, what does she wear?"

Ren scratched the side of his head.

"She's a goth."

"Oh good, you two match then, punk."

"Jinmay, I dunno about this-"

"Shush."

Mila blushed, looking him over, turning away.

This isn't fair…

His hair gleamed in the sunlight, his gaze gentle, as he leaned back, against his bike.

Ren smiled as the hurricane in her stomach turned into a category five storm.

He's prettier than me!

"S-So… Where to?" She asked, smiling sheepishly. "Also, so sorry about that."

"Hm? What's there to be sorry about?" He tilted his head. "If anything, I should've given you a heads up that I was showing up early."

And he's nice too.

Dangit.

She took a deep breath to steady herself.

"You're entirely right." She grinned. "So, where to first?"

He smirked.

"Get on and we'll figure it out from there."

She locked up the store, grabbing up a small box off the counter, throwing it into her purse before heading out.

She hopped onto the back of his bike, hesitating before wrapping her arms around him.

"This okay?"

"Perfect."

The engine roared in her ears as her heart leaped into her throat.

With a laugh, Ren sped away as Mila held tightly onto him.

Wherever the day was going to take them…

I hope it's a good one.