Author's Note: First and foremost, I never intended to take this long to update. And I apologize to you all, especially for those who remained hopeful. Anyway, I urge you to get on with the story. To those new, welcome, and to those returning, thanks for sticking around :)

I knew it wasn't going to be easy.

I have more of a chance finding a needle in a haystack than Miki in this place. It's practically all covered in neon-Crimson lights, making the chances of finding a natural redhead slim to none. Then again, I should have expected this from the name.

Crimson Wave is exactly as I predicted. Loud, sweaty, sticky, obnoxious. At least that's what the dancefloor is. Other than that, its spacious enough for the Go-Go dancers to breathe. And apparently that's what I am supposed to be tonight.

This last minute get-up got me more than just a free admission. Adoration, dirty looks, both in a flattering and uncomfortable sense came together as a package delivered right to the door only to be picked up by the owner himself. And that little package was me.

*Flashback*

We improvised. More than that, we pulled a mission out of a cleverly put together Halloween costume. Accompanied with Kaito's expensive Beats headphones, I had myself a chance of entering a club without an introduction. And that's exactly what I got. The hard part was passing the line, all eyes on me, questioning the randomness of my appearance. And before I could utter a word or some pathetic attempt to threaten the bouncer as I planned, my arm was snatched.

"There you are!"

A big, burly guy, reminding of Elton John with steroids, noticed me. A glare under those Ray Ban imitations of his, he proceeded to scold me in the open.

"You're late! You're late! You're late!"

No questions asked, this guy dragged me into the club. Past the confused bouncers and incredulous looks. A sense of adrenaline shot right through me, a change of plans so sudden yet relieved I didn't have to bring up Lily Masuda as a means of entrance. My mind spun and I found myself among a group of girls dressed as similar as me. I had to bite my tongue from speaking my mind.

Seriously, what were the fucking odds of tonight.

I really owe Kaito for his procrastination with Halloween.

"Oh my god, Zen, you scared us!"

I wasn't aware the words were aimed at me until I was turned over by a stranger. Her pupils were dilated, a sign she wasn't exactly there as she giggled every second or so.

"On your first day too, Luki is going to be very upset."

"What does he expect with a newbie, I bet Luki only hired her for her fake ass name."

Wow, these girls don't seem to like me—er, I mean, Zen. At least giggly girl does.

"Oh, and Alexis is any better? Sit down, NANCY."

Suddenly, the girls argue, giggly girl hollering over Nancy. Steroid Elton John snaps in the midst.

"Girls! Stop! You are all making me sad! SAD!"

He pouts as the hollering doubles in volume. Then a familiar yet piercing voice cuts in.

"Teddy, you have to stop being such a pussy."

I start to panic, dreading the second Luki enters. And within this small group, I would be sure to get caught.

"Here's the procedure, ladies. You dance. That's it. Nancy, you get lounge-

"It's Alexis!"

"Again, NANCY, you get lounge, Mana, bar, the rest, the Crimson Room. Tana, Cheryl, and Adalyn are going home for the night leaving Lily and the rest of you for the stage. As for you, Zen..."

His words drown in my head. My back turned to him, I'm far too busy finding a way out than to expose who I really am.

"Zen? Are you deaf? What is up with you today?"

The nearest door is enough and without warning, I exit.

The door shuts, I make my way past groups of clubgoers, the music reverberating my entire being. At this point, I have no patience. I'm in and that's what matters. Next is for me to find Miki. And the one place my gut is sure on is the dancefloor.

*End of flashback*

*NOTE: Recommended music: Slyder – Score (Starts at 3:43)*

I'm idle within the crowd. A repetitive deep, pulsing bass resounds through me. One could say I fit in yet stand out. My attire saying one, my behavior contradicting it. I'm not supposed to be among the crowd. The waitress made it perfectly clear.

"What are you doing here?"

The rest I can barely make. I can't make full sense of what shoots through my ear. I need to see Miki, a sign, anything and I'm beginning to worry more and more. In the midst, lights blind me, swaying bodies become too much of a nuisance. I push past them all the while, the music resonates with me with a build-up of adrenaline, slowing down as everyone anticipates for the drop they crave.

Suddenly, instead of the red I prayed for, I catch a blonde covered in a crimson glow. The lights above heavily compliment her figure. As expected from Luka's ex-lover, in fact, I am envious. The DJ may have the rhythm in control but Lily has the audience at awe until the beat drops, a resounding moan echoes through the crowd. They go wild.

Back and forth, a wave hits, eargasms within the crowd as they roar. My mind races, numb with the resounding beat shaking the ground. I feel it from my toes to my head. And the only thought I can make it is that I have to find Miki.

Fast.

It's a blur, almost as everyone is spinning around me. All the while, no sign of my best friend. I look up, side to side, every damn corner I can catch. Random faces, arms suddenly try to pull me against warm, sweaty bodies. I push and shove, adrenaline caused by the music, making this more than a race against time.

Then, I see her.

Despite the number of girls before me, one stands as usual to me. No other girl can move the way she does.

"MIKI!"

I scream, knowing damn well the music will drown it.

"MIKI!"

I yell her name, pushing with far more aggression this time. All I see is Miki at this point, anyone else is just an obstacle.

As soon as I'm at arm's reach, I grab my best friend, pulling her without warning. She yelps, ready to lash out but as soon as she notices it's me, a wide smile accompanies her clear, glowing pupils. I don't give her any time to process words, thoughts, or actions. I pull her HARD, ignoring whatever bastard hoping to dance on the way. And just when I think I'm almost out of the crowd, I feel force.

I don't second guess anything at this point. Yes, shoving and pushing at an extent has consequences but I'm to pissed to care right now. Even so, I should have seen this coming.

I made someone mad. Really mad. And she's cussing at me without remorse. Screaming and attempting to push me again as her friends hold her back. Unfortunately, they don't do such a good job because the next thing I know, I feel an even greater force.

A punch, to put it simply.

I fall. Miki screams and suddenly, chaos erupts.

I hear glass break, aggressive bickering. It's a girl fight in the midst of a drugged crowd. Although I can't help but think the floor is far more sanitary than the swapping tongues and saliva-filled mouth cursing at me and my best friend.

The adrenaline still courses through me. All I can think is that I HAVE to get Miki out.

NOW.

And with one last look up, I catch Lily staring right at me.

I freeze as our eyes lock, then she moves forward. She's coming down. It hits me hard but before I have time to move, another force comes down on me. This time it's Miki and she's getting pinned down by the same crazy bitch that punched me.

Half the crowd cheers, some attempt to hold back the cave woman, but it becomes too hectic as the sound and pushing bodies intervene. The atmosphere becomes too much and a newfound level rage peaks within me.

I've had enough shit.

From Miki. From Lily. And especially from Luka Megurine.

"ENOUGH!"

I scream before blindly delivering a blow. To my luck, it sends the bitch back against her friends. Down like pins do they fall. I don't give any time to hear insults or protests from stand-byers. I grab my best friend and get the fuck out.

The hardest part is over, at least that what I hoped for because the next thing I know, Lily Masuda is on my trail.

"SHIT."

Once again, no time for thoughts, actions, or words. I race, I fly, I zoom past anyone and anything. It's an aimless maze, one that feels never-ending as I turn each corner, hoping I'll lose the blonde. Suddenly, right before me, I see Luki in the midst of a quarrel with a Go-Go dancer who is strikingly similar to me. He glances then double-takes, taking in my sight like I'm a fish with legs.

"ZEN?!"

"SHIT."

I move again, pulling at my best friend. The maze resumes, my breath running out by the time I blindly decide for the closest escape. The restroom, but not without forcefully cutting the line, insults on the way, of course. I ignore it, pushing past the ridiculous number of girls crowding around the mirror and into a random stall. At this point, I have more people on my ass than Lily and Luki.

"Who the fuck-this bitch, really?!"

"This is bullshit!"

In response, Miki doesn't hold back with adding her own remarks, ones that make absolute no sense.

"THIS IS SPARTA, BITCH!"

They slam the stall door, pounding at it like a mob. Suddenly, a viscous move on my part, one that will really make the whole place go haywire.

Miki always has a lighter, an assumption proved as consistent as her blazing weekends. With no time to waste, I stand on the toilet, arm reaching out to its limit toward the ceiling above. And within a couple seconds, it starts to rain.

Shrieks fill the room, girls rush to save their hair and outfits. Within a few seconds, I find the restroom finally empty which calls for my cue.

The entire place is being showered. People push past me in panic to find the nearest exit. I follow all the while, cautiously looking out for Lily or Luki. A few feet away, I see them and they see them, only this time I don't react and I make a quick move that leads to an exit out and into the alley behind the club. There, I brush past two Go-Go dancers, smoking casually as they pay no mind to the chaos inside.

"Zen?"

"I'm not Zen."

I leave the girls in confusion.

Later...

Kaito doesn't ask any questions, something I'm sure he learned the hard way through his ex. So, he waits for me to finally talk, only I have nothing to say.

Despite the warmth of the heater in his car, I continue to shiver in these wet clothes. I glance back at my best friend, the redhead is sprawled in the backseat, passed out. I can't help but roll my eyes.

This girl really did it tonight. In fact, I'm too tired to think of a resolution, a lesson, a scapegoat, a story, a plan, something to convince our parents we weren't at a 21 and over club. It feels hopeless at this point and I begin to doubt that after all the lies, I can do it once more to my dad. And not because I love him but because I'm just too fucking tired of thinking for once.

From the corner of my eye, I catch Kaito open and close his mouth, almost like he wants to say something but he ultimately continues to retract. I sigh.

"It's not raining, Kaito."

That's all it takes for him to talk. And I mean REALLY talk. I thought the cheerleaders would explode in this circumstance, so many questions yet nothing is said but even the quarterback has a sense of curiosity too difficult to ignore. Especially toward the status of my clothes.

"See! I knew it! It didn't make sense! I thought I was going crazy! What happen anyway? You guys just came in, Miki knocks out and THAT'S IT? What happen? Tell me!"

He goes on and on. I lean my head on the window, watching the passing streetlights.

"I think they were playing Slyder tonight, that's fucking AWESOME! Was there a wet T-shirt contest? Now, I know Lily got into that-

"Kaito, please shut-up."

Silence and then suddenly, the car comes to a screeching halt followed by a loud thump and mumble.

"Ow."

Miki remains unconscious after the force, her body now below the backseat.

"What the hell, Kaito!?" I holler.

He remains silent, looking forward without emotion.

"I always did this with Meiko."

"You mean put lives in danger?!"

I have no patience at this point. We exchanged remarks, mine at a higher volume than his. This doesn't last too long though. Suddenly, we're both at each other's throats.

"I do you a favor and you expect to just not tell me ANYTHING?!"

"What do you want me to say?! It wasn't fun!"

A dry, sarcastic laugh on his part follows.

"Oh, please, wet T-shirt contest?"

"For the last time, there was no damn wet T-shirt contest!"

"Then what happen!? Tell me!"

"Oh, for fuck sakes! There was a fake fire, okay!"

I've had enough. I dish it out. Everything just to please him.

"I was mistaken for this girl named Zen so I got in. Then I find myself with these other girls. I freak out cuz I see Luki so I sneak out of there. I get to the dancefloor, I find Miki then some bitch punches me. Next thing I know, I punch that bitch back then Lily notices me, goes after me. Then Luki is hot on my trail and then I'm in the girl's bathroom, lighting up the sprinklers so I can finally get the fuck out!"

I'm out of breath, I'm so stressed, so impatient, and so out of it to even care at this point.

"HAPPY?!"

Kaito simply stares at me. The information barely processing in his head as expected. And just when I think I fed his curiosity, he adds another question.

"Did you knock her out?"

I blink and suddenly, I'm laughing. Kaito chuckles along. The moment at least soothes some tension.

"I did."

The jock smiles.

"Atta girl."

To my relief, the rest of the drive is in silence. Just the three of us. It's an opportunity to have a civil conversation and I take it graciously.

"Thanks for the ride. Everything, actually."

Kaito nods, guilt resurfacing that I can't like such a good guy. After all, the heart chooses what it wants and I'm cursed to find it yearning for a pink-haired devil. I sigh, hopelessly and tiredly.

"What is it?" Kaito asks.

I shake my head.

"Mm, nothing, just thinking..."

"About?"

I struggle to answer. I would like to tell him but can I really? My thoughts run wild but I dare not to voice it.

'Luka is my first and I feel I owe it to myself to at least try with her. Yet, I can't even do that. She won't let me. And it makes me wonder if this is even supposed to be SOMETHING. Are WE supposed to be something. Or is it all just a mistake? If I can't love her, then what am I supposed to make of these feelings. Just...quit?'

It doesn't make sense. The most fucked up things never do anyway. So far, the one thing I can take from Luka is a lesson regarding hormones. Everything else is just a mystery. Her and us, whatever we are.

I realize I still haven't answered Kaito. My mind had taken over, unaware of the presence. I struggle to make sense out of anything.

"Um...," I mutter, "Sorry, I'm having a bit trouble with-

He kisses me. So suddenly and so soft. My eyes widen at the sensation.

It's a moment I know I should break but the yearn for something normal takes over. Yet, all the while, its Luka who I can only see. She haunts me and tears start to stream down at the thought.

"Miku?"

I squeeze my eyes shut, desperately forcing myself to cut off the unexpected waterworks, but the woman continues to taunt me without even being there.

"Can you take us home?" I ask.

Kaito nods, a look of concern grazes his broad features before starting up the car again.

Silence takes over. Not another word said until I'm finally home.

"Are you sure you'll be okay?"

"No, not with Miki like this."

I glance at my best friend. Both our parents are set for a fit if this were to be witnessed.

"I honestly don't think this is a good idea," I sigh.

"Do you want to stay at my place? You know, until Miki sobers up."

I chuckle, finding the suggestion a bit crazy. Miki wouldn't like it, that's for sure. Waking up in Kaito's house. She wouldn't stop asking questions. I can already hear it.

"Actually, I was thinking..."

It's a crazy thought. One that I know would definitely stir tension in the car but what other choice do I have? Lily is not an option. I don't know about Miki's friends. Then there's Rin but her pervy brother pisses me off.

"Can you take us to Luka's?"

He doesn't have to say anything. Just the mention of her name is enough to confirm the discomfort and anger brewing in him.

"Why Luka?"

The words drip with disdain. I almost flinch before responding.

"Who else, Kaito?"

"You should stay with me, why not?"

I sigh.

"I can't, Kaito."

"And why not?"

I don't want to argue but Kaito makes it very difficult to avoid it.

"Miki doesn't know you like that."

"What do you mean by that?"

I groan.

"Please don't make this as difficult as it already is. Luka is my friend. And she said it herself, she's there if anything."

"Then why wasn't she here tonight?!"

I bite my tongue, acknowledging the jock's point. He sees it then suddenly, we are off once more.

"Where are we going?" I ask.

Kaito doesn't reply. All I know is that he isn't happy. Even so, the jock obliges and before I know it, we're parked in front of a familiar gate.

Despite my relief, a great sense of guilt overcomes me. I struggle to exit out of the car. I take it Kaito doesn't want to hear another word out of me, that it, until I feel a warm hand wrap around my arm. I look up at him, he's closer than before.

"Why do you like her?"

I gulp. His sapphire eyes gleam.

"What do you mean?"

"She's not a good person, Miku. If you only knew."

I close my eyes, fully aware of why he is choosing such words. Luka can either be a dream or a nightmare, never balanced, either one or the other.

"She's my friend," I whisper.

It's almost pathetic, desperate even. As if I'm trying to convince myself.

Kaito chuckles.

"She's got you too, huh?"

He looks down, contemplating on whatever thoughts brew in his mind. Suddenly, he smiles and under his breath, he whispers.

"You'll learn though."

In my thoughts, I agree. Out loud, I play dumb.

"What are you talking about?"

The jock looks up with intensity. We stare at each other and just when I think he's about to kiss me again, I look down, speed dialing the one person he would least like for me to spend the night with.

I begin to worry as the ringing continues. Finally, she picks up. Her voice sends my heart beating with anxiety, fear and wonder.

"Luka?"

I swallow hard, mentally cursing myself for the stutter.

"How are you?"

"Fine, what is it?"

It's so formal, its cringe. I can't stand Luka talking to me like a stranger.

"Not much, I guess," I awkwardly laugh, "Actually, I'm outside your gate."

She pauses.

"Luka?"

"Uh, yeah, how...why?"

I glance at the jock beside me. He's staring straight ahead, clearly unpleased.

"Listen, something happened and I can't go home."

I hear Luka push off her bed.

"What? Are you okay?"

My heart melts. The thought of her giving a shit always does. I wish she did it more often though.

"C-can you just open the gate and let us in?"

She hesitates.

"Depends on who is 'us'?"

There goes the Luka everyone is used to. Cold as I remember her to be.

"Miki and I. We're in the car with Kaito."

Another pause. Another surge of anxiety as I wait for a response, feeling like eternity.

"As long as Kaito doesn't come in."

I purse my lips.

"O-of course. What did you think he was gonna do? Walk in?"

Kaito glances at me and rolls his eyes. Suddenly, Luka adds another detail.

"When I say he can't come in, I mean it. Not even past the bloody gate, Miku."

I know I shouldn't ask but her jealousy has always fascinated me.

"And why not?"

She sighs.

"Protocol."

"I see."

I mentally laugh. Protocol, my ass.

"Stay there, I'll be there."

"Oh, okay, b-

She hangs up without warning. Clearly irked for some reason. Although I can blame either Kaito or my total random appearance in the middle of the night.

I'd say it's Kaito.

It doesn't take long until a red sports car comes into view, nearly blinding us.

"Damn, woman!" Kaito hollers, "Fog lights at this time?"

He walks me out, carrying Miki along as we approach Luka's vehicle, all the while, keeping me close as he admires the red waxed exterior, the car truly shining between the headlights.

Luka gets out, slamming the door rather harshly yet calmly greeting us in her usual posh manners.

"Now, what are you two doing at a time like this?"

"Three," Kaito quips, "There are three of us here."

Luka glances at the unconscious state of my best friend.

"Is she dead?"

"You think I would be here of all places if she was?" I sarcastically remark.

"Maybe."

I lock eyes with her. A sudden change in her turquoise eyes cause me to shiver. The effect of this woman, I swear.

"Uh, Luka, now why would you bring a two-seater. You're taking two girls back."

"Daddy has the sedans locked."

"Ugh, I could never get used to you calling your dad 'daddy'."

Luka snorts.

"What do you expect me to call him?"

"Oh, I don't know, how about 'dad' like normal people."

"Well then, I guess I'm not normal."

Kaito chuckles.

"You can bet on that."

I gulp as I feel her eyes lock onto me once more. Almost predatory, as if any minute I'll be pounced on. I'm shameless to admit that I wouldn't mind.

As soon as Miki and I get adjusted into the seats, Luka revs the car, barely giving time for Kaito to bid us farewell.

"You're welcome!" He hollers.

I poke my head out the window, struggling to squeeze past Miki.

"Thank you so much! See you at school!"

Luka revs the car more, an attempt the drown my words. I glare back at her. She pays no mind as usual.

Later...

"So, are you going to elaborate or is boy scout going to have to enlighten me on this matter?"

Not even a minute into Luka's room and she's already interrogating me. Ridiculous. My best friend is passed out and her main concern is the status of my panties. Panties that don't belong to her, I must add.

"As much as I would like to give you story time, I can't. If you hadn't noticed yet, my best friend needs to sober up."

"Clearly, just make sure she doesn't ruin my sheets."

"You do that yourself anyway."

"Thanks to you, darling," Luka snickers.

I know I shouldn't argue with her but I can't help it. My main concern is Miki. And despite that she's finally being on a warm bed, safe and sound, my relief replaces with complete irritation.

"Are you sure about that?"

Luka blinks.

"Whatever do you mean?"

"Oh, don't act so innocent with me."

She smirks and laughs under her breath. This is fun to her, playing with me. Messing with my mind and especially my heart.

"I guess not, maybe, I don't know..."

I turn to her, eyes locked onto her amused expression. Then an idea comes into mind, risky yet I can't help but feed my need to piss her off.

"You got a babysitter since your daddy left?"

"Mm, you say that..." She adds, "Gakupo comes and goes."

I pause, not expecting that name. Either way, I have to outsmart her, whatever it takes. She's just bluffing, I know she is.

"Literally, I'm assuming."

It's supposed to sting her but my own smartass remark backfires.

"Well, I do have a history of doing so with him."

I see red. Whatever this is has gone too far. But I refuse to give up.

"You mean him or you? Obviously, someone wasn't doing their job, you just had to cheat."

Luka laughs.

"Yet he never expected anything anyway."

"I wonder why."

"You're better off, honey. The truth would hurt you."

Slowly it turns into a threat, one that I can't help but test even though I know It's foolish to do so.

"Can't be as bad as it already is," I mutter, "You can break me."

Her expression suddenly fades into one of concern. Finally, I see her for what she really is. A scared little girl.

"Miku..."

I turn my back against her.

"I'm going to bed. I hope you don't mind but I'm going to sleep beside my best friend."

"No, not at all..."

Silence and suddenly, I hear Luka's feet shift closer followed by her weight pressing down against the mattress. It dawns to me that we'll be sharing her king-size bed. I close my eyes, struggling to calm my inner turmoil.

Great, so now not only do I have to comfort my best friend but also fight off this shameless urge regarding Luka's close proximity.

I curse under my breath.

A/N: Thanks for reading!