When the cherry blossoms fall to the ground...
And the scent of perfume fills the air...
The air sparkles with a new life and light...
As the gates of Whole Cake Academy open for the day...
"Luffy, I want you to come with me on tour."
Christmas was a time to be with friends and family. For Luffy, he got to see his grandfather, father, uncle, aunts, and all his various siblings under one roof. Makino would be in the kitchen with Aunt Rouge and Grandma Tsuru to make a ton of food for dinner. His father and Shanks would be watching television and drinking tons of beer. Grandpa worked a bit late but would be back in time for dinner. All of the children would be in the den and gazing at the gifts they would open the next day.
Now they all crowded the couch and were watching some movie together. Sabo had his arm wrapped around his new girlfriend Koala, who was surprised to be invited for Christmas. She grew up in a foster home and never came to a family dinner before. Ace was passed out on the couch while Isuka snuggled into his chest. The two had recently hooked up after years of chasing each other down in college. Tama was engrossed in the movie on the floor with a peppermint stick in her mouth. Komachiyo, her big dog companion was snoozing next to her. Yamato had a cup of cocoa in her hands, taking light sips as she stared out the window at the scene in front of her.
What irritated Yamato was the fact that Uta would be gone for months in the end, making albums, taking dance classes, and being on tour, and expected Luffy to be at her beck and call when she came back. He was a great guy, a bit dense, but loyal to a fault. Her tour bus would come back around his birthday, summer break, and Christmas to spend time with him. Those two were so cute to the outside world, many tabloids gossiped about the fact that Utahime found her prince charming. They were a power couple in every sense of the word and their love seemed eternal.
However, there were always dark clouds in every relationship.
Yamato recalled a night when she stayed over at Luffy's house and heard them talking on the phone. It wasn't her business, but she poked her nose in it anyways. Luffy wanted to spend more time with her and finish schooling before he explored the world. Uta wanted her freedom and passion for music. She wanted the high life of exclusive parties, fine wine, and millions of fans. The two were ambitious about their dreams of grandeur. A shouting match only happened because Luffy pointed out that he wanted to find his path in life and it didn't involve creating music like her. Yamato held her mouth as she heard Uta tearfully plead that he come with her and leave his small-town life.
Now, as she sipped her cup of cocoa, she watched them stand outside in the snow having the same conversation. The phone call was a few months back and still fresh in her mind as she saw Uta ask the question once more. Luffy was adjusting his green sweater and wrapped his candy cane-striped scarf around his face. Uta was rocking a nice white sweater dress with red leggings and fluffy white boots. Like the popstar, she was, even her headphones were Christmas themed with snowflakes.
"Uta, we've talked about this before. I don't want to travel the world at the moment. I have a life here, with friends that like me, and family who love me." He turned away, his eyes hidden under his straw hat. "I'm heading to high school in a few months. Uncle Rayleigh has transferred me over to the school Aunt Shakky runs. I'm going to finish my schooling and then I will go around the world."
Uta got close to him, batting her eyelashes. "Luffy, you can still learn on the road. I get online courses and tutoring. You can meet new friends when we travel. You can call your family anytime!" Her lip quivered, gently took his hands. "Don't you want to be with me? Isn't having me enough for you to want to come with me? We can even fix our relationship and live together. I…want to be with you."
Yamato gritted her teeth as she bit down on the cup. Her mind was racing even faster as she thought of many ways she could see this ending. If she knew Luffy, he would want to stay with Uta and leave everything behind to make her happy.
Even leaving her…
To her surprise, Luffy took his hands out of hers. Uta was even shocked, backing away as she saw him turn around.
"Uta…" He started to say, his tone even and sad. "Why do we keep doing this to each other?"
"What are you talking about?"
"I mean, why do we keep lying to ourselves like this? You leave for months at end, singing and impressing the public, and come back here acting as if nothing has occurred between the two of us."
"Nothing happened between the two of us! Why do you always bring up those arguments? Water under the bridge I thought?"
"Uta, have you ever cared about my wants and needs?"
There was a slight pause as Uta stopped herself from touching him once more. Yamato's eyes widened as she saw her face turn from shocked to angry in seconds.
"Luffy, how could you even ask that? I do care about you! We've known each other for so long now that you don't need to ask! Why would you even-!"
"I don't think this is going to work out."
Uta stopped in her rant and blinked. "Huh? What did you just say?"
Luffy pulled his hat, hiding the tears going down his face. It was hurting him, it did hurt him to say this to her. Uta had been an integral part of his life up to this point and didn't want to lose her. But…she acted like there was nothing wrong with their one-sided relationship. She was a diva who wanted everyone to agree with her. To Luffy, he felt like he was just one of her many admirers.
"Uta, you are a nice girl and deserve the world. The problem is, you have a dream that I want no part of. We are too different in the ways we handle problems. I just can't sweep our issues under the rug." He went towards her, placing a kiss on her forehead. "I'm sorry Uta, but I'm breaking up with you. I hope you find what you are looking for."
As he walked in, Yamato moved away from the door, casually draping over the bar room table. He took one look at her and shook his head. She wanted to say something to him, but her words got caught in her throat. Passing by her, he gave her a soft smile and left upstairs to go check on the food. It made her nearly swoon before the door slammed open to show a now in tears Uta. Her makeup was running down her face, mascara looked like ink on her eyes. Her hair was even in disarray. Her eyes darted around the room until they hit Yamato's.
"I hope you're happy Dog Girl! He broke up with me! It's probably all your fault!" She shrieked, stomping over toward her. "You just couldn't leave him alone, could you? I bet you sunk your claws in him the second I left. Well, I have something to tell you; he'll be back. I won't let someone like him dump me ever again. You may have him now, but he'll come crawling back to me in the future. Mark my words, this isn't over Dog Girl."
Uta glared at her before taking the cocoa out of her hand and pouring it on the ground. Tama turned over to see Uta run up the stairs and sniffle.
"Big sis, is Big Bro and Uta okay?" She asked worriedly.
Yamato turned and shrugged. "I don't know. And to be honest, I don't care."
It was harsh, but Yamato knew this moment would pass in Luffy's life. This could be the moment she had been waiting for. All she had to do was wait until this all blew over and then make her move.
This will all work out, right?
He regretted this big time.
Everyone at Whole Cake Academy was outside waiting in anticipation of the arrival of Utahime. Several girls rocked pins and buttons that had her face. Some had flags and hats on. There were even many banners rocking her face and message of peace. Luffy stood next to his friends while they were looking eager themselves except for Yamato.
"How did you manage to get Uta to come here? I can't believe this!" Vivi smiled.
"You saved our festival!" Nami exclaimed, hugging him. "Oh, I could kiss you!"
"Hey! Knock it off!" Yamato broke the two up. "Luffy just has old connections with very important people."
"I find it super cool! I even made some new clothes for the occasion." Camie started sketching in her book. "Making more as we speak."
Robin turned to see the solemn look in his eyes. "Will you be alright Luffy? Isn't she your ex?"
"I know…frankly, I didn't want to see her again. However, she is our last chance to save the festival. After this, I am officially cutting ties with her."
Before Robin could reply, the familiar face of Charlotte Linlin came pushing her way through the crowd. Even she had her Utahime outfit on and rocked a nice-looking rainbow necklace from the Utahime collection.
"How on Earth did you manage all this Monkey?" She asked, giving him her usual snarl. "Do you just have famous people under your belt or blackmail those you say you know?"
Luffy sighed, rolling his eyes. "Linlin, at this point in the school year, why are you even bothering me? If you hate me that much why does it matter who I know to you?"
Linlin said nothing after that and merely gave him a glare before walking off. This surprised the group as she wasn't one to give up so easily. Over the past weeks, she had seemed to mellow out and stopped bothering him so much. Luffy hoped this meant that Linlin had finally given up on expelling him at last.
A loud hissing noise interrupted his thoughts as the screams of several girls were heard. A large tour bus pulled up by the school that had Uta's face on the side while blaring music from her latest album. Confetti popped out from the top, spraying the crowd in rainbow goodness. Then, with fog for dramatic effect, out emerged Uta wearing an outfit for the winter festival that her fashion designer made. It was a cute Santa dress with a short skirt, red and white stripped stockings, black boots, and small red jacket that was tied around her shoulders. Her headphones were even ornament bulbs with the tops being the headband. She waved to the crowd of fans, grinning and signing merchandise and books.
"Hey Whole Cake Academy! Whose ready to travel through the UtaWorld?" Uta posed, making the girls all squeal. "I am here on request that your school festival needed a star! As my Christmas present to you, I graciously came to save your festival!"
More claps and screams were heard as the crowd started chanting her name. Yamato scoffed at this, crossing her arms at how Uta acted. Some things never change and it would appear the ego of her oldest rival had only gotten bigger.
Uta stared through the sea of girls before her eyes landed on Luffy's. The two shared a stare of reminiscing, where one of them had their heart racing wildly and the other felt more neutral. Uta felt her cheeks grow red as she came towards him. Luffy was silent as she stopped in front of him and gave him a big hug. Sniffling was heard as tears ran down her face.
"Welcome home Uta." Was all he could say as he patted on top of her head.
"I'm glad to be home Luffy." Was all she said before planting a kiss on his lips, making him recoil in shock.
Happy Holidays everyone!
I was trying to get this out around Christmas, but I got really tired and ready for the holidays. However, the final part will be released no later than New Years.
So...thank you for your patience.
Uta is back, but is this a good thing? Should Luffy be happy to see her again?
You'll have to find out next time!