Pre A/N: Fair warning, this chapter gets a little spicy
Part 27: Dahlia
JapanRail Express
Origin: Mito, Ibaraki
Destination: Sasebo, Nagasaki
(AJR- Don't Throw Out My Legos)
Dahlia returned her phone to her pocket, glancing around the mostly empty train car as her music played. Being Christmas Eve, it was surprising how many open seats there were, but Hachimiya simply counted her lucky stars as she slung her backpack on. There were more important things going on.
Like seeing her mother in person for the first time since she had moved back to Nagasaki.
The device in her pocket still held a wall of texts from Nakajima Reira, all left on 'read' from days ago. Since the morning after the party, the two hadn't spoken, and there had been zero correspondence other than the letter Dahlia had found on her kitchen floor that morning. The girls had no idea what to say or do. Hachimiya had done her best to distance herself from her friend, and now had one more reason to be grateful for going home. Being able to leave Ooarai all together, at least for a few days, and not have an infiltration to worry about.
The troubled girl opted to distract herself with the view outside, watching as snow-covered buildings whipped past. The familiar skyline of Nagasaki came into view, giving Hachimiya an unfamiliar feeling of homesickness.
"Approaching next station. Naka-Sasebo." The conductor announced. "Please, mind the gap."
Dahlia braced herself as the train rolled to a stop. Once it did, she stepped through the open door. Looking around for a moment, her eyes finally landed on a woman near the end of the platform. A few inches shorter than herself, with pale green eyes and grayish blonde hair. She smiled brightly and waved at the Ooarai girl, who quickly approached her.
"Hi, Mom." Dahlia murmured, enveloping the woman in her arms.
"Hi, honey." She smiled back. The two embraced for a time before separating. ["God, I'd almost forgotten how tall you are. How was the trip?"] Kimberly asked, switching to her native English.
["Not too bad."] Dahlia did the same. "The train was almost empty. I had a row all to myself." The girl followed her mother off of the platform and towards the nearby parking structure, pulling out her earbuds and neatly rolling them up. She dropped her backpack into the backseat of a small sedan, before climbing into the front.
"What's the good word around here?" Dahlia asked as the car steered onto the street.
"Not a whole lot. I've done my best to keep you updated." Kim answered. "Your favorite deli around the corner finally finished their remodel. The Sabasaki's moved out last month. A new family is there now. Takemura. Their son Goro is around your age. You might like him. Some people are missing having the Saunders carrier around."
"She's up in Tokyo, not far from where I am." Dahlia made a mental note to find out about Tiramaki, her former neighbor. "That's too bad about Tira. I'll miss him."
"Speaking of, how is the rebuild of Black Forest going?"
"It's slow. So much of the top deck was razed to the ground. It seems like we've done almost nothing, despite the rebuild having been going on since the end of the summer."
"Mm. I've seen the pictures. Including the ones you've sent me." Kim glanced over at her daughter. "You know, I don't like you working so far away from home."
"So you've told me." Dahlia rolled her eyes.
"What if something happens to you? During a drive home to Ooarai? Like the one you just took. You told me it was nearly a whiteout."
"I know, mom. But I'm in good hands. Having Freya around is like having a miniature you. Quite literally."
"And another thing I didn't like was you going to Saunders during that whole war thing. And then going to Aomori." Kimberly was becoming breathless. "You got shot, hon! You know how unthinkable it would be to lose you?! After what happened to your brother?"
"Mom!" Dahlia interrupted. "Calm down. It all worked out, didn't it? I'm here. I was fine the whole time." The Carpenter pushed up her sleeve. "I almost have full mobility again." She flexed her hand and pivoted her wrist, both requiring some effort. "Besides, I came down here to see you, and be with you for the holiday. Not to get lectured, or talk about the war."
"Well, I'm your mother. It's my job to worry. And with how close you are to Kay, I doubt there was going to be any way to stop you."
"You would have to kill me." Dahlia assured her. "I love Kay." She opted not to share her involvement in Kay's escapade the previous day.
"Well, I hope so, because her parents are hosting Christmas dinner tonight."
Dahlia pumped both of her fists. "Yesss! Okoda-sama's cooking is… second only to yours."
"Good save." Kim giggled.
"It's a gift."
Within a few minutes, the pair arrived at Dahlia's childhood home, which her mother had returned to after her first year. A small, multi-unit apartment building near the center of town. Kim parked in her designated spot, and the two climbed the stairs to the second floor.
"Your room is exactly how you left it last time. How about you go get settled, then get cleaned up for tonight?"
"Sweet."
As her mother disappeared into the kitchen, likely to check on whatever was baking, Dahlia looked around. The apartment had hardly changed since the last time she had seen it.
The front door opened into the small living room, the carpet of which was well worn in, and still displayed a stain left by her and her sister during one of their misadventures. Having been so long ago, Dahlia could only recall the two girls, a rather large scented candle, and receiving a verbal lashing after burning themselves with molten wax.
The only new addition to the room was a small Christmas tree in the corner near the television, with a small pile of wrapped presents underneath it.
"Can we er… expect to see Ginger at all this week?"
"I doubt it, sorry to say." Kim replied, retrieving two sheets of cookies from the oven. "I haven't heard from her."
Dahlia shook her head, mentally scolding her sister for dropping off the grid for so long. Instead of dwelling on it further, she turned to the right, down a tiny hallway to the bedrooms. She entered the room slowly, and wasn't entirely sure why.
What do you expect? Ginger, or maybe Dad to be on the other side? Dahlia pushed the door all the way open, not at all surprised by what she found.
The bedroom was about the same size as her own now, only there was furnishings for two in it. One bed had a complete sheet and blanket set with a black and white plaid pattern, the other was blue with rows of marching penguins all over it.
I can't believe I actually miss these sheets. Dahlia moved towards her old bed and laid her backpack on it, before sitting down and rubbing her thumb over one of the hundreds of flightless birds. Glancing around, Hachimiya was struck with an odd feeling. The room was familiar and welcoming, yet foreign and alien at the same time.
Sort of like Nakajima's room…
The girl shook her head, and the thought dissolved, along with most of the images. A few lingered on the peripheral, but Dahlia did her best to ignore them, instead digging through her backpack for her shower kit.
Directly across the hall was the broom closet of a bathroom, with the narrow shower stall she had always disliked. Even as a child, the room felt claustrophobic to her. Now, even more so.
Dahlia quickly undressed and squeezed into the stall, closing her eyes as steaming water poured over her.
Part of me still can't believe I'm here. It's like a trip through a time machine, back to when I was in middle school. She even fought the urge to hide herself from an imaginary pot of ice water being dumped on her head by Ginger, with that mischievous grin on her face.
When she opened her eyes again, Dahlia was struck with another thought. Huh. This bathroom looks a bit like Nack's… Maybe next time, I could-
Dahlia smacked herself in the head with annoyance, rubbing her eyes until the images were drowned out by stars.
'Stop it! It was one. Time! Nothing is going to come of it.' The girl quickly scrubbed the conditioner out of her hair. 'When you get back home, you'll tell her as much. It was a one time thing… right?'
Instead of answering the question, Dahlia opted to finish her shower as quickly as possible
'I'm not gay. I'm not.'
Finally clean, Hachimiya padded across the hall again and to her bedroom. She reached into her backpack and produced the clothes she had brought. Her mom had told her to bring something 'presentable'. Though having not needed something like that in a long time, Dahlia felt prepared.
She pulled off her towel and wrapped her hair up in it, readying herself.
For the top, a long sleeve off-the-shoulder shirt. Red, with the alien Stitch from the movie Lilo and Stitch laying in a lawn chair and sipping a cocktail. 'Unbothered' went across the top in bold yellow letters.
The bottom consisted of jean overalls that turned into a short dress. Looking back, Dahlia suddenly remembered how little she ever wore her school uniform, which came back even more when she pulled on her knee high socks. Hachimiya glanced over at what would finish the outfit, the red canvas sneakers that she had come wearing. Those would come last. Though an American, her mother at least tried to embrace traditions.
With her hair finally dried and styled how she liked, Dahlia made her way out to the living room, where her mother looked up from tidying the coffee table. The girl shrugged and turned herself a few times.
"Er… what do you think?"
"You certainly know how to clean up." Kim smiled, stepping closer. "I would have gone with something more… modest…" She plucked at the shirt, lifting it up over Dahlia's shoulder. "But, to each her own."
"It's called 'fashion', mom." Hachimiya said in a stereotypical American girl voice. "Maybe you've, like, heard of it?"
"Don't be smart with me, young lady." Kim swatted her daughter's bare shoulder before moving to the kitchen, dropping a few cups into the sink. Dahlia looked around further and slowly paced through the room, idly tapping out a tune on her hip.
"So… any new, strapping young men in your life?"
"I could ask you the same question."
The Sasebo native halted in her tracks for a moment, stumbling over herself for a rebuttal. "Well… I asked first."
"Hmph." Kim eyed her child for a moment. "Well, if you must know, I have recently met a nice man at work. We're going out for drinks next week, after we all go back. What about you?" Her mother returned to her task. "I know the break up with Yumeshi was tough. You two were together for so long."
"I wouldn't call it 'tough'." Dahlia insisted.
"Honey, when you called, I couldn't get a word in for nearly five minutes." Kim said with a deadpan tone. Dahlia sighed heavily and looked up at the ceiling.
"There… might be… something going on with… someone." She mumbled hesitantly. "Somebody you… might know. Maybe I'll… tell you about it later. I'm still… processing my feelings about it. It was a bit sudden."
"I half expected you to start gushing about a new boy, or that you had patched things up with Yumeshi. But, I understand. You're young. Love is new and unfamiliar."
"Ain't that the truth?"
"I don't need to 'patch things up' with Yumeshi." Dahlia insisted. "We're still friends. Sometimes it's just weird being friends with someone who knows… everything… about you."
"Right." Kim had a knowing, almost accusatory tone, tilting her head at the girl across the counter. Dahlia held up her hands.
"Hey, don't look at me like that. I told you when I had my first time. It's just weird going from that, to 'hey, 'sup, buddy? Remember that one time?'."
"I would also call it 'weird' to have this type of conversation with your mother." The American woman pointed a soap-covered finger at the girl. "Is this what they're teaching you up at Ooarai?"
"Health class can get quite detailed." Dahlia joked, something that just made her mother shake her head. Sometimes, her child's sense of humor wasn't one of her redeeming qualities. "No? Tough crowd… Ah, forget it. When is this party thing?"
"We'll leave soon. Just let me finish this and freshen up."
Regretting her choice of conversation topic, Dahlia followed her mother as she headed to her own bedroom. "Hey, do you ever miss home?"
"What do you mean?" Kim disappeared into the room, leaving the door cracked open. "I am home."
"No, I mean your old home. In America."
"Mmm…" Kimberly hummed in thought. "Sometimes. I miss things about it. Like living in a small town, and commuting to the city, instead of being in the city. Having my own house, with an actual driveway. I miss my brother and sisters, and my friends. But, now I live here. And we pay each other visits from time to time." Her mom leaned back to look directly at her. "I have you. And Ginger. I couldn't just uproot you and move halfway across the world. Besides, I think I'm used to things here in Japan. How about you? Do you miss Nagasaki?"
"All the time." Dahlia confessed. "I miss the busy city. With our weirdo neighbors yelling at each other, and Ginger and I making fun of tourists. I guess I'm the opposite of you." She leaned against the wall and raised one foot, picking at her sock. "I mean, it's cool living on the carrier and everything. But Ooarai, the ship town, is just a smaller version of the town on land."
"Despite not liking where you went," Kim stepped out of the room, wearing tight jeans and a collared shirt. "I am glad you weren't home that day."
"Yeah… me too."
Her mother shook herself. "Okay. Enough negativity. Let's go have some fun." She smiled.
"Good idea."
Several hours later…
You: 02:28: Hey. I doubt your up, but I just need to get this out
I'll explain it in person later, or we could just delete all of this and pretend it didn't happen
Kay: 02:29: surprise, surprise!
sup, kid? can't sleep? neither can i. watching some car racing movie with alisa. something about ferraris and fords
You: 02:29: Nailed it.
Ford v Ferrari is awesome. Pay attention
And I should be the one calling you 'kid'
Kay: 02:30: too late!
You: 02:31: (middle finger emoji)
Kay: 02:31: lay it on me. take ur time, but hurry up. alisa's mad that im not giving my undivided attention to matt damon
maybe HE'S takashi
mind. blown
You: 02:35: Something happened to me the night I got back to Ooarai. It was… weird. And I won't lie… kinda awesome
It involved alcohol, food, and…
Kay: 02:36: and? come on, u can't leave that hangin!
You: 02:39: Fuck
Why is it so weird to say?
Fuck it
You remember Nakajima? Came with us to Aomori?
Kay: 02:40: sounds familiar. she one of the motorheads?
You: 02:41: Bingo
Kay: 02:42: so, what about her?
You: 02:44: …
We had sex
Kay: 02:45: nice! (thumbs up emoji)
so, what's the problem? u definitely needed it
Kay: 02:46: don't worry, i won't tell
You: 02:49: I did, but I don't know
I've never… done it with a girl before
I've been trying to convince myself that it was a one time thing, but every day and night since, I can't stop thinking about it. About her
I don't know what to think
As she typed, Dahlia's free hand absently wandered down to her shorts, gently stroking the fabric. She squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head, trying to focus on the conversation, biting her lip so hard a taste of iron trickled into her mouth. Just before her eyes opened again, she saw Reira clear as day, placing her palm exactly where her own was as she leaned down to kiss her. As if she was hypnotized, Hachimya let her fingers dip below the waist of her shorts and between her legs. Her phone vibrated with a response from Kay, but she ignored it, instead captivated by a sudden, relentless yearning.
Her slit was already dripping by the time her hand reached it, and she took advantage by slipping her digits directly between the lips. As her fingers began swirling and probing, Dahlia dropped her phone, using her free hand to push her shorts down and lift her shirt.
Just like she did. Why can't Reira-chan be here now?
Dahlia's index twiddled her clit, while her middle circled just below. Her other hand cupped her breast tightly, gently pinching the nipple.
Why do I want her so bad?
The girl brought her hand up, gazing at the glistening grool between her fingers with the moonlight from the window.
I don't know. And she's not here, so I'll try my best imitation…
Her hand shot back down, firmly rubbing up and down to scratch at a relentless itch. Her eyes closed, Dahlia's hazy mind brought up every image it had of Nakajima. Meeting for the first time as First Years, with her sheepishly asking for help changing the tires on her old truck. Hangouts over the years, being chased around town and the carrier by the local police. Reira looked so beautiful and alive whenever she was around cars, which she raised the bar on with the inclusion of tanks.
Thinking back, perhaps aided by some form of dopamine-induced clarity, Dahlia recalled catching Nack staring at her multiple times, especially in recent memory. Then, her repeatedly coming by Hachimiya's own house to ask if anything needed to be done on her truck, or to invite her out for a drive.
Then, Dahlia recalled doing some of the same, complete with some admittedly creepy thoughts. Like, what did she, or any of the Leopon girls, have on under their jumpsuits? If anything? Hoshino came to mind with that, but she was pushed away by Nakajima again. This time, it was after the Garage party. The Mechanic had coerced the Carpenter onto her bed. As she clumsily unfastened Dahlia's belt, her lips and tongue slowly wandered down her stomach, tantalizingly tickling her with every kiss.
"God…dammit, Nack." Dahlia muttered under her breath. "...f-f-fuck!"
Her finger probed the hole, worming its way in and finding a hot, fleshy cave filled with juice. One was quickly joined by another, and Dahlia's hand began thrusting all by itself. The other began wandering up and down her body, trading between both breasts, or grasping them both simultaneously, which was made difficult with the lack of mobility. Hachimiya pushed through the discomfort, bucking her hips and arcing herself until only her shoulders and feet were still on the bed. Her shirt slipped up under her chin, shorts having already been kicked off.
The digits inside danced around each other. Dahlia's tongue mirrored their movements, imagining it swimming around Reira's mouth clamped tightly against her own. Her whole body was rigid, heart racing, stomach tingling with adrenaline. The final thought was of Nakajima pushing her own fingers inside, gliding them all the way to her knuckles. Dahlia did the same, curling her digits up in one motion.
"Gah!"
Mind white, toes curled, eyes crossed. Free hand grasping a handful of the sheets as tightly as the broken muscles would allow. The orgasm exploded, with honey gushing out and puddling beneath her. Dahlia's knees locked together as her back fell onto the bed. Her whole body clenched and spasmed rhythmically as her fingers twirled around, dragging out the pleasure as long as possible. Finally, with panting breaths, Dahlia reached the end of the wave, opening her eyes to find herself glazed with sweat.
"Woah… fuck me…"
Senses coming back through the foggy darkness, Hachimiya sat up, and immediately felt a cold damp spot under her.
"...shit."
She slowly rose from the bed, legs as wobbly as jello. Dahlia stumbled around in the darkness for a moment before she found her towel from earlier in the day. She wiped her face with it, sweeping away the clinging strands of hair. Spinning around, the previous problem returned to her attention.
"Ah… well… I'm here a few days. Might as well help with the laundry."
Dahlia draped the towel over the wet spot. At the very least, it would be a barrier. Sitting back down, she noticed her phone light up with a notification.
"Who…? Oh fuck. Kay!"
She grabbed the device, which had several missed texts, all from her friend.
Kay: 02:50: hmm… that might require a bit of unpacking
that's quoting alisa. sorry, she's reading over my shoulder
Kay: 02:51: jkagfjkre189vie
jdsgfuwey2
Hi, Dahl!
Convo hacked by Alisa
Muhuhaha
Wow, sounds like a dtrg00vjbk,n
Kay: 02:52: sorry. got it back
Kay: 02:52: has there been any lewd history between the 2 of u?
in the past, i mean
like, stares, comments
Kay: 02:53: these are alisa's words with my voice
i needed to ask 'the expert' (eyeroll emoji)
which would normally be takebe, but i doubt she'd be up this late
Kay: 02:54: maybe u should just tell her about it. not being able to stop thinking about her
about nakajima, not takebe
unless you've got some kind of harem thing going on up there
ankou and hippo give off that vibe
i would say rabbit but i heard police sirens as i started typing lol
Kay: 02:55: yo just out of curiosity is this what you needed to get away from?
confusing, out of control emotions?
ahh, my little blossom is growing up
Kay: 02:57: hey, u still alive?
did alisa scare u off?
she gives terrible advice, i know
Kay: 02:58: earth to dahlia
if you fell asleep, just hit me up in the morning. we'll pick up where we left off
Dahlia scrolled around the messages, quickly formulating a white lie.
You: 03:00: Hey, I'm here
Phone's just being retarded
Tell Alisa to stop being a weirdo
Kay: 03:00: she lives!
and thats impossible
every friend group has to have the weirdo
like us
im the life of the party
naomi is the drama queen
youre the voice of reason
alisa is the weirdo
so, whattya thinkin?
You: 03:01: I don't know
I've never felt like this before. Not even about Yumeshi that much
Also, I couldn't tell Saori, unless I wanted the whole school to know by the end of the week
You know how she likes to gossip
This tea is pretty spicy
Kay: 03:02: girl, u remember what i told u about him
while u were a cute couple, u were better as just friends
You: 03:02: Yumeshi isn't bad
I loved him. Still do. Sort of
Dude, seriously help me. I feel like I'm having an identity crisis here
Kay: 03:03: hon, it aint the end of the world i promise
so u slept with a chick, and now your head over heels for her
youre bi. congratulations
its not like the cops are gonna kick down ur door
You: 03:04: But you of all people know how this country is with liking the same gender
And I've got some pretty wild traditionalists in my family
I mean, hell. My aunt is in with the Liberal Democrats
Besides, I've never so much as thought of being with a girl. I feel like Danny the Intern from Archer
The guy Krieger spiked with gay drugs
Kay: 03:06: ha! tradition, she says
what do u do for a living, dahl?
You: 03:06: I'm a carpenter. You know this
Why?
Kay: 03:07: is it a 'traditional' thing for girls to do that?
to build shit?
You: 03:08: …no
Kay: 03:09: there ya go
ur already driving traditionalist windbags up the wall, just by doing what u do
no offense
i mean, look at me
im dating SEXY BEAST
Kay: 03:10: darjeeling. stupid auto correct
we tend to get front page attention on most sensha-do magazines and newsletters
the whole country knows were boning
has anyone ordered a hit on me? or her?
i dont even get hate mail
though, some guy sent me a pair of his boxers once, and asked me to sign them
You: 03:12: I guess you're right
Wait. Boxers?
I think that calls for elaboration
And why did Darj correct to THAT?
Kay: 03:13: yeah. boxers
story time
i put out a thing on twitter mentioning a new po box. fans like to send me stuff. international snacks, uniform jackets from their own teams, or stuff they want me to sign
homie's skivvies made the front page
not a word from that address or handle since
maybe the heart attack and nosebleed combo killed him?
and i dunno, man. that week she went to england is still hazy. and was full of margaritas
blue division doesnt fuck around
You: 03:16: I laughed much more than I should have
Hopefully I don't wake my mom up
"If I didn't already…"
I do like Nakajima. She reminds me alot of me. Tradesperson with a heart of gold and an obscure sense of humor
And she's not bad on the eyes. I should know
Kay: 03:17: thats the spirit!
talk to her, man
You: 03:18: I will. I don't know what I'll say, but I will
When I get back to Ooarai next week
I'll try not to feel bad about ghosting her in the meantime
Thanks Kay
Kay: 03:19: what are best friends for?
and at least tell her youll talk when u get home
now go to bed. im about to do the same
merry xmas
You: 03:19: Love you, babe (kissy emoji)
Merry Christmas, kid
Kay: 3:21: haha screw u
Still grinning from the banter, Hachimiya opened another text chain. Several messages deep, all from Nakajima.
You: 3:23: Hi, Nack
I know it's late, and I doubt you're still up
I just want to say I'm sorry for ghosting you
She tapped her thumb against the side of her phone in thought. To her surprise, the text status changed from 'delivered' to 'read' within seconds. Dahlia waited for a time, but there was no response, as if Nakajima knew she had more to say.
You: 3:24: I stand corrected
Anyway, yeah. That was shitty of me
I've been spending the last few days just… so confused. With myself, with you…
With everything
Nack: 3:24: Yeah… I get that
I was your first girl
Sorry for blowing up your phone
And that letter
Jesus, I'm such a loser
Hachimiya recoiled.
You: 3:25: What? No you're not
I'm the loser here
I dropped off the grid without a word to you
Look, how about this
I'm in Nagasaki visiting my mom and some friends from Saunders
When I get home, we'll talk about this
In person
The reply took some time, with Reira repeatedly typing and erasing.
Nack: 3:28: Yeah… yeah ok
Apology accepted, by the by
Out of curiosity, when will you be home?
Dahlia hoped her response wouldn't be taken the wrong way.
You: 3:30: After the new year
Probably the 2nd or 3rd
I haven't seen my mom in a long time
Or the others. Not counting the war, of course
Nack: 3:31: I get that
I'm thinking of doing something similar
Suzuka is kinda far away, too
I guess I'll let you go, then
Goodnight, Dahl
You: 3:34: Goodnight, Nack
See you soon
"Hopefully the heart emoji isn't too tacky."
Dahlia set her phone on the nightstand, trading it for the blanket on the floor. The thoughts about a certain classmate weren't nearly as intrusive as she drifted off.
"Now, what am I supposed to tell Mom?"
A/N: I feel like I need to say something here
So, about Dahlia now discovering a massive crush she has on Nakajima... remember how Dahlia is my self insert?
Yeah... hopefully this wasn't too weird to read
I still stand by my previous statements. Shinobu and Piyotan are my waifus forever
Anywho, thanks for reading this monster of a chapter. More, less racy chapters are coming soon. Stay tuned!