A/N: I know. I'm an ass for going past the usual monthly deadline. I feel bad. I really do. Shit happens and I'm realizing little by little that creativity falters if you dwell on stupid things. I don't want to get into details as I'm sure you want to get on with the story but MY GOD, "WHAT IF'S" SUCK!
Carry on.
By now, I know a lot about Lily Masuda.
She's not only a writer but she's a swimmer as well. She has a sense of humor, a very lively one at that and not only is she highly attractive but she's more than aware of it. So it's safe to say she is very confident as well. And despite her rusty 1958 Chevy Apache, her sentimental value for it makes it shine more than a wax-job could do a Lamborghini.
There's more I could add but I have more than enough evidence to confirm that I'm at a respectful and personal level with the blonde.
Unfortunately, I can't say the same for Luka Megurine.
So far, I know she's stubborn. She likes to tease, she's painfully insensitive sometimes. She could definitely use some empathy.
Although, given the certain circumstances, suggesting such a thing wouldn't do any good right now.
Luka's pissed.
She's got me pinned, cornered, stuck. I can't find a way out of the mess I've sunk myself into. I'm in deep shit but Kaito is the one who's really about to drown. I'm just halfway into the crap-hole. And the worst part is that I can't do anything about it.
I feared for the worst. I expected Luka to punch, kick, something physically appalling to occur before my eyes. Kaito shouldn't still be standing. Luka shouldn't be so freakishly calm after practically spewing brimstone. I don't what the hell is going on but the exact opposite of what I had in mind is present before me.
"A party?"
Luka smiles and it sends a shudder down my spine. It's seemingly innocent and while Kaito is beyond confused, his friends are more than willing to attend the sudden invite.
"Something like that," Luka shrugs, "I don't expect it to be as big as your usual pikey hoedowns."
One of the jock's friends lets out a snort.
"Pikey-what?"
"Shut-up, Al," Luka deadpans.
The boys get excited except for Kaito. He's as confused as me. The party idea seems a little too random. Not to mention scary as well. Just minutes ago, the temptress was ready to rip Kaito a new one. Yet, here she is smiling without a care in the world.
"I don't know, Luka," Kaito sighs.
"Oh, c'mon!" Yohio groans, "Luka's parties are always the best…no offence, buddy."
"Well, maybe if a certain someone didn't cause drama then there wouldn't be as many fights," Kaito scoffs.
"Or maybe if you didn't invite so many chavs, you wouldn't have that problem," Luka snickers.
"Seriously, man," Al snorts, "Pikey hoedowns and chavs?"
Luka rolls her eyes.
"Go google it," she adds, "Anyway, I promise you'll love it. I even invited Gakupo."
Kaito and I are beyond confused. And as we gawk at Luka, the jock's friends cheer her on.
It sickens me.
"Awwww yeah! Getting back together?"
"Shut up, Al!"
Now I'm joining in with this so-called "trend". Al really can't shut the fuck up. Avanna must have been out of her mind to date him, let alone listen to him.
Even so, the one thing that truly is annoying me is Luka's random party idea. And with the addition of her ex-boyfriend, there's bound to be tension. I can't brush it off and even though Kaito seems reluctant to go, something tells me he eventually will.
It isn't until Luka and I depart from the jocks that I can finally question her motives. We return to the locker rooms where Luka resumes her true-self.
"Bastard," she mutters.
She changes personalities so easily. Yet, despite the awe I have for Luka's ability, it concerns me.
This woman is a true actress.
"Are you really inviting Gakupo?"
I should really be asking what the motive behind the party is but the jealousy is hard to suppress.
"I have my reasons," Luka shrugs.
"Which are?"
A quick glance by her but it's enough to catch the undeniable glint in her eyes. She certainly is up to something.
"I just felt like inviting a few people over, y'know, a couple drinks and whatnot."
I'm not convinced. I can already see something bad happening, mostly involving a fist connecting to a face.
"Although," Luka whispers, "Out of everyone, it's you that I'm looking forward to see."
Shit.
I'm aware of the deal I made with Lily but surely one can agree that it's ridiculous to some extent. But when it comes to my urges, I can definitely make arrangements.
"I'm not going," I say.
I should have kept my eyes glued to the floor. Luka's pouting and I'm on the verge of running away before I give in.
"And why not?" she asks.
"I-I wouldn't know who to go with anyway."
Luka steps closer.
"You can go with me," she says.
I gulp.
"But you're going to be busy with everyone else."
"No, I'll be busy with you…away from everyone else."
She winks and that itself is enough to get my face overheated.
"So, you'll be there, right?" she adds, "I wouldn't want you to miss anything…"
'Miss anything.'
Luka has a tendency to throw hints here and there, especially during the most inappropriate of moments. She's definitely seeking out a plan for revenge. And while Kaito is suspicious, it isn't enough for him to realize what's coming to him. Luka's party isn't just some random event, it's a scheme and I apparently have a front row seat to see it unfold.
Kaito doesn't deserve any of this. Yet, as fucked up as it is, I can't seem to open up about it. Even so, I still have time to resolve it. Only problem is that I can't seem to think of a fake reason behind my bruises. I'm seriously risking a lot just trying to cover for Lily Masuda.
"L-Luka…"
My voice breaks.
As much as I want to, I can't come up with anything at the moment. My gut twists as I try to come up with a lie and as result, my voice dies out from the attempt.
"Miku…"
The last thing I need is for Luka to care. It just makes everything even more excruciatingly difficult to withstand. From her soft voice to her tempting body, it's all too much. What's worse is that I find myself burning from her sudden touch.
My first fuck-up is failing to come up with a decent explanation. A bike accident, hell, a damn car-accident would probably fit the bill. My second fuck-up is prolonging the conversation between us. Lily specifically warned me not to spend too much time yapping with the temptress. And now, the third and I pray-to-be-final fuck-up is THIS.
Luka's caressing my sides. Her thumbs soothe my pain in a soft and sensual rhythm. It's hard not to lose myself in the sensation. In fact, it's a struggle to simply stand as she continues such a raw act of intimacy.
"Feel better?" she whispers.
I struggle to respond. My need to protest weakens by the second as I stare into her gleaming turquoise eyes. Everything's become so hazy and heavy. From my thoughts to the atmosphere surrounding us, I've entered a familiar and dangerous realm. And I'm afraid I'm about to give in.
Fortunately, it seems the universe doesn't think so.
A crash and we both turn to a most dreadful sight.
I don't know how long ago it's been since Ritsu's arrival but her sudden presence is enough to get me and Luka to panic. In fact, the temptress completely steps away from me. And while I'm struck with silence and fear, Luka doesn't stray from expressing her frustration.
"What the hell are you doing here?"
"C-captain!" Ritsu shrieks, "I-uh-I needed to-uh-
"I dismissed you freshman about an hour ago," Luka snaps, "Why are you still here?!"
The redhead struggles to respond. All the while, I can't help but pity her as Luka unleashes her controlling nature.
"Didn't I go over this?"
"W-well, I-uh, I forgot something…"
I watch the awkward exchange unfold. I remember Ritsu and Teto mention that Luka tends to get the locker-rooms to herself sometimes. It seems today is one of those days.
"You can't be hanging out here."
"I wasn't!"
I can't handle this guilt. Ritsu sounds like she's about to cry any second now. I don't how horny Luka is but it's not an excuse to scare the poor girl.
"I called her."
Both Luka and Ritsu turn to me. And while Luka is clearly confused, Ritsu immediately takes the opportunity before her. The redhead catches on amazingly quick. In fact, I'm getting worried myself.
Did she catch me and Luka?
"Miku and I agreed to meet here after school," Ritsu adds, "I didn't mean to bother you, Luka."
I jump as soon as I feel a grasp around my wrist. And before I know it, the redhead is dragging me out of the locker-rooms. Ritsu doesn't waste time with rushing me out and away from the dangerous aura that is Luka's.
"I thought she was going to murder me!" she says, "What was up with her?!"
She goes off in a rant, one that piques my curiosity as she me leads through and out of the school.
"I've never seen her like that before! I don't even know what I did wrong! She knows my situation so why the hell would she get mad at me of all people?!"
The redhead is venting although I'd say exposing as well.
"Oh, Ritsu, you can come in anytime you want. I totally understand. Yeah, right! And they say our captain understands."
I snort. The idea of Luka expressing empathy surely almost cracks me up. And at the sound of my muffled laughter, Ritsu abruptly stops.
She stiffens and her hold suddenly tightens around my wrist. Then she awkwardly glances at me.
"B-because, y'know, girls are like, uh, w-we get-um-we get our periods, duh!"
She tries to laugh it off. And for her sake, I let out a giggle of my own. We're suddenly laughing and it becomes too awkward and false to consider genuine. I know it. She knows it. There is nothing funny right now yet we're going on and on about women's menstruation. Not to mention through inappropriate means.
"Tell me, does my hair remind you of your period?" Ritsu jokingly asks.
"I could see why but I've never really thought of it when I see red hair," I say, "My best friend is a redhead although her hair is much more natural."
"Oh really?" she laughs.
"Yeah, your hair looks like Dracula puked on it if you ask me."
She stiffens and locks her jaw.
"What?"
Oh, so I can agree with her but I can't make my own jokes. I crossed a line there, oh boy.
"I-uh, I mean um…ah…"
Shit. Once again I'm put on the spot.
"I just thought…that-uh-
A sudden smile stretches Ritsu's lips.
"I'm kidding!" she laughs, "Oh man, I got you!"
The redhead playfully punches my arm, an action that totally catches me off guard. Not to mention with incredible force that I grimace at the pain.
"Oh, sorry, I take my vitamins," Ritsu quips.
I awkwardly clear my throat.
"A-hem, y-yeah, you sure do."
I rub my arm all the while Ritsu goes on about her training routine. I get that she's strong but she's gotten a little too defensive since showcasing her surprising strength. I can smell the word-vomit.
"It's all about endurance and strength. It's a good thing that I'm short too. It makes it easier for the girls to lift me in the air and catch me. Have you ever seen us perform? We're all surprisingly strong. Teto can open a beer bottle with her eyelash curler. Although, I say that has more to do with technique than strength. Lily says it still counts because it has a lot to do with applying pressure with your fingers. 'Finger power' is what she calls it. Sound's funny, huh?"
Shit.
I forgot about Lily.
The blonde said she would apologize to Miki today. I'm supposed to make sure she does. It's a priority that should currently be in motion.
"Yeah, real clever of her," I add, "Listen, I should really get going. I just remembered I have something to do."
The redhead jumps with a smile. It's a little too cheery for me. Especially with how weird our conversation has turned out to be. In fact, leaving right now feels like a big weight off her shoulders.
"Oh, yeah! For sure!"
She initiates a hug, a very quick and aggressive one. I reluctantly give in to the gesture.
"Nice talking to ya'!"
Ritsu's emitted more than just an unsettling vibe. She's far too mysterious for me to disregard. And it's not the kind I look forward to experience. There's just something about her. Only I can't figure what the hell it is.
Despite Ritsu, the one redhead that is truly concerning me is my best friend.
To be honest, I'm not entirely sure how Miki will take Lily's apology. A door to the face would make a lot of sense. A simple acceptance and farewell seems a little too unrealistic for the both of them. Then there are other things I don't even want to think about. One thing for sure, I won't hesitate to punch the blonde if she tries anything sneaky.
It's a thought that unsettles me. One that I hope I won't have to act upon. Whatever happens though, I have faith in Miki as I always do.
Only it falters the moment I arrive to her house.
Sitting there on the porch with the usual bored expression was Miki's little sister, Iroha. It's a familiar sight that can only mean one thing.
Something stupid is going on.
Compromise is very common between the Furukawa sisters. And the usual result is the scene before me. Iroha only sits on the porch to play video games which means Miki bought her a new distraction. And in exchange, Iroha stays out of the house until her big sister deals with her business. That business is usually a house party but Miki hasn't thrown one of those in a while since her last grounding. The Furukawa parents eventually catch on. But unlike them, right off the bat, I know what's going on. And I'm afraid it involves Lily Masuda.
"Iroha, who's in there?"
The little twerp shrugs, her eyes glued onto the screen of her 3DS as she responds.
"I dunno."
"What do you mean 'I dunno'?" I scoff, "Your sister is in there!"
"Yeah, Miki is in the house. You already know that so why are you asking?"
Little smartass, I swear.
"That isn't what I meant!"
"Geez, relax lady, Miki is with a friend," Iroha adds, "Some tall blonde with tattoos. I don't know how my sister managed to get a hot friend like that. I mean, you're okay but you're not hot. You can still pass for my age. Hey, there's a junior dance at my school and my friend likes you. You can totally get away with going out with my friend. He likes you."
"Ew! No!"
I almost vomit, mostly because of the image of Lily and Miki alone in the house together. The insult regarding my age just adds to it.
"How long has it been since she arrived?" I ask.
Iroha shrugs.
"I dunno, an hour I guess?"
"AN HOUR?!"
Iroha jumps and her eyes finally meet mine.
"Quiet down," she harshly whispers, "She told me not to tell you. This is exactly why."
It's a painful remark, one that almost tears at my insides as I take it in. Miki never hides anything from me. And for that to happen so suddenly hurts.
"Shit, I'm supposed to keep my mouth shut," Iroha mutters, "Hey, you wanna play? I named the character 'Farts'. It's so funny, check it out. '"Hello, Farts! Wake up! The Great Deku Tree wants to talk to you! Farts, get up"!'"
I roll my eyes before heading toward the front door. Miki's little sister follows after me and attempts to stop me.
"Miku, wait, just give her some time," Iroha pleads.
"What could she possibly need more time for, huh?" I scoff, "I doubt they're just talking, Iroha."
"Well, Miki said all they're gonna do is talk," she blinks, "What do you think they're doing anyway? Sex?"
I cringe.
"Iroha, don't say that word."
"Oh, c'mon!" she groans, "Sex! Y'know? That thing you desperately need."
Forget Miki and Lily, it's Iroha I want to smack now.
"Listen you twerp! You're too young to even know how-
Music suddenly blares from within the Furukawa residence and I freeze. There's no denying where it's coming from. I instantly recognize the tune.
I can practically feel the walls reverberate from the bass of ZHU's 'Faded'. Clearly, there is no "talking" what so ever going on in Miki's room.
"It's too loud in there for a conversation," I mutter to Iroha.
The younger Furukawa steps aside.
"I know," she sighs.
No doubt about it, Iroha's job was to stall but it's failed on me, of course. All the while Miki just did the favor of making everything as painfully obvious as she usually does. She's a horrible liar. And with that reminder, I step inside into the Furukawa residence.
Despite the adrenaline coursing in me, I can hardly move. I'm scared, nervous, angry, and confused. I just want to make it through the day by checking up on my best friend; even if it involves Lily.
The music pounds at the walls, the rhythm in synch with the rapid beating of my heart. My palms are sweaty. A vivid image in my head of shameless behavior causes me to grimace. And before I know it, I'm standing in front of the door I'm hesitant to enter.
I don't how long it took for me to finally react. I must have blanked out for a good minute before the music cut off because the next thing I know, I hear muffled voices belonging to none other than Lily and Miki. I don't mean to ease drop but given the certain circumstances, I have no choice. It's much easier to just stand and do nothing.
"I can't get it right," Miki says.
"It's all in the hips, just focus."
"Easy for you to say, you're a pro."
Oh god.
"Well, when you get paid to do what I do, you kind of have to be."
It's easy to assume the worst in this situation. It already sounds suspicious and dirty. And if I didn't know anything better, I'd think they're fucking at this very moment. It's a total sitcom cliché.
"I'm much better when I'm high."
That should have been it. That was my cue to barge in and smack the living daylight out of Lily Masuda. Instead, the blonde's next words stop me before I can even touch the door.
"Hey, 'Dance is the hidden language of the soul and body', Martha Graham, baby," she laughs, "You don't need to be hopped up on drugs. It's naturally inside you."
Well, I'll be damned. Lily is actually being civilized around Miki so I assume the apology went smoothly.
"Yeah, just like that," the blonde says, "See! It's not so hard."
Miki laughs.
"Just like that?"
I'm relieved to hear them enjoying each other's company. I honestly expected the worse out of the two. I don't think I need to be involved for now. In fact, it's best I just leave them alone.
"Shoot, I think Miku may be home by now…"
I freeze.
"What's wrong with that?" Lily asks, "Just invite her and I can show her some moves too."
"She already knows how to dance," Miki adds, "Besides I don't want her to see you here. Knowing her, she'll get the wrong idea. I don't want to explain."
"She knows I'm here. I did tell her I was going to see you after school."
Lily has a point. Miki should have known that I was going to send the blonde to apologize. So, why is she so against me seeing them together today? It doesn't make sense.
"You said you were just going to apologize, Lily," Miki softly adds, "You did more than that."
Her tone is suggestive and playful. It's an obvious indication of what I feared. I know it's none of my business if Miki decides to sleep around. Even if it Lily, I shouldn't be so butthurt but it's hard to look past it when there's a deal going on. Lily is supposed to move on from Luka. It shouldn't include Miki whatsoever. That's the part that's stirring my urge to kick the door open.
"About that…I'm not too sure we should keep this a secret, Miki."
My fists clench.
"And why not?
"Miku is your best friend."
Miki tends to mess around but this…this is just complete bullshit. I can't believe I'm hearing the words coming out of her right now.
"And as my best friend she should understand that even I have things I don't want to talk about. It's all about being ready. She knows that. And I, quite frankly, am not ready to confess our deal."
She's emotional but I don't care. The thought of any secret pisses me off. Then again, I haven't told Miki what exactly has been going on between me and Luka. In a sense, I suppose it's a matter of fairness…unbeknownst to Miki, of course.
Iroha confronts me afterward but I don't say much. Just a simple bye and she gets the idea that I don't want to talk. So she leaves me alone. It's only a matter of time before she tells Miki that I came by. I just don't know if I'll be able to talk to her for a few days.
Great, not only am I going to have to avoid Luka but probably Lily and Miki as well. See, this the part that sucks when it comes to people. No matter who they are, most end up disappointing you. I thought Miki knew better but, then again, I can't say I'm not surprised. She was always the free-spirit while I tended to have a stick up my ass. I obeyed rules and she lived to break them. We're complete opposites.
I should expect these things from her.
Only problem is that I can't seem to accept it right now.
Oh, Miki. What am I going to do with you?
Hope that wasn't too short but I really need to get on with my other writing projects. Like the ones I have for school DX I'm juggling school and work. It's a whole new experience for me right now. Until next time. AND THERE WILL BE A NEXT TIME.