Chapter 50: First day back

*Flash Back*

Michael: "Ha!"

Sara: "Yeah come on. Just like that." The bed squeaking intensely.

Michael: "S-Sara"

Sara: "Come on go harder." She says as she bounces up and down on top of him.

Michael: "B-but …"

Sara: "Don't talk back! Just do it! Fuck me harder!"

Michael: "Sara, ga!" She grabs him by the throat.

Sara: "Don't talk just do it."

Michael: "Sara, you're choking me too hard. Stop please."

Sara: "Almost there. Come on, come on."

Michael/Sara: "Ahhh!" Both breathing heavily.

Sara: "Ha, that was great." She lets go of his throat allowing him to finally breathe. "Oh dear, looks like I left a mark on your neck." She places her finger touching his bruise.

Michael: "What the hell? You could've killed me." *Cough*

Sara: "Tsk! Stop complaining, we're just starting."

Michael: "More?" He says as a tear runs down his cheek as he rubs his bruised neck.

Sara: "Hell yeah! We still got a bunch of condoms just waiting to be used, so let's get going."

Michael: "Wait, please no more. I can't go on."

Sara: "Stop whining and get hard again."

Michael: "N-no please this isn't sex anymore it's just ra…"

Sara: "You're a man! That rule doesn't apply to you."

Michael: "I said wait!"

*Flash Back Ends*

"Gasp!" He wakes up immediately, breathing heavily. (Just another dream from the past. Damn why now? Why am I thinking about her all of a sudden? I was … I was doing so well moving on from her, but …" He hears soft breathing. He looks over to his side and sees Sayori sleeping peacefully in her futon for once. When he saw her at peace, he felt a bit better.

Getting off his bed and silently hopping to the bathroom. He splashed some water on to his face before drying off and looking at his reflection. (Idiot, just what the hell am I doing? Just stop thinking about her. She's gone and it's for the best.) He looks down below. "Tsk!" (Stupid body of mine. Go away. This isn't right. None of this is. I need to walk for a bit at least to downstairs. That should help calm me down.)

Slowly heading downstairs with Sayori still asleep. He makes his way to the kitchen. (Well glad that helped for now. I need to do something to forget it all. This isn't healthy for me, but what should I do? Hm? What's that sound? Not only that, but that smell too?) He heads towards the kitchen and was surprised to see who was cooking.

Mom: "Good morning kiddo!"

Michael: "Mom? You're home?"

Mom: "Yup"

Michael: "I thought you'd be at work already?"

Mom: "No, my boss decided for all of us to work late today since we all worked during New Year's Eve, so I got some extra sleep."

Michael: "I see." (Seriously what kind of job does that?)

Mom: "Anyways breakfast should be done soon. I've made plenty for you and Sayori."

Michael: "Thanks."

Mom: "Hmph! Nice to see you standing just fine."

Michael: "What?"

Mom: "Nice to see that despite the injury you're still able to do things on your own."

Michael: "Oh, yeah well …"

Mom: "Something the matter?"

Michael: "No it's just … Lately I've been having bad dreams."

Mom: "Difficult nights?"

Michael: "Yeah" He avoids eye contact.

Mom: "What kinda dreams were they?"

Michael: "I rather not say. It's too embarrassing." (And hurtful.)

Mom: "Well I suppose I can let it go, but just to let you know. You're not alone. Remember that."

Michael: "!"

Mom: "You're not alone kiddo. You can always tell me what's on your mind. I'll always be there when you need me."

Michael: "Thanks mom. I'll keep that in mind."

Mom: "Well I better get going. It's almost eleven and my shift is about to start. I'll see you soon. Take care son."

Michael: "See you soon and try not to overwork yourself."

Mom: "Same to you." Both said their goodbyes as his mom leaves.

Later that same day.

Sayori: "You know MC, I've been doing a lot of thinking lately."

Michael: "About what?" He says as he eats.

Sayori: "I've been doing a very cruddy job of watching over you."

Michael: "What makes you say that?"

Sayori: "You know what I mean. These past few weeks I haven't been doing a good job of watching over you. All I ever do is just let you do whatever you want. Walking around town, letting you go see your friend, helping out Natsuki, leaving you behind to do my own thing, and most importantly … let you walk up those stairs on your own." She starts getting gloomy.

"Gabriella gave me the task of taking care of you and I couldn't do a single thing. I got your shower too hot, I walked in on you, I almost set the place on fire, I sometimes kick you accidentally, and so on. Tell me MC, am I doing a cruddy job?"

Michael: "Yeah you are." He says it like it was nothing.

Sayori: "Ga!"

Michael: "You almost set my kitchen on fire that one time."

Sayori: "GaH!" She felt an arrow pierce her chest.

Michael: "You walked in on me when I'm naked, you spilled my drink on me, you accidently kicked my foot and crotch when you sneak into my bed, you head butted me when you saw my underpants, you almost broke my phone all because you saw a picture you thought was inappropriate, you almost burst my ear drums when you were trying to play music with my stereo …" Everything he said more and more arrows stabbed her in the chest.

Sayori: "No more please."

Michael: *Sigh* He smiles to himself. "However, whenever I do come home or when I just woke up. Your cheering smile always puts me at ease, so I say you're doing a decent job."

Sayori: "Really?" She gives him the puppy dog eyes.

Michael: "Try not to ruin it."

Sayori: "Sorry"

Michael: "Well since everything is settled. I can finally take a proper rest, so I hope you're ready to do your job properly this time. I'm counting on you to take good care of me."

Sayori: "Yes sir! You can count on me!" She salutes to him. "You know this kinda reminds me when we were kids."

Michael: "How so?"

Sayori: "That time when I was sick. Remember?"

Michael: "I do. You looked awful even after I made you take your meds."

Sayori: "Yeah, but even so you stayed and watched over me. I want to return the favor, so I'll make sure to do a proper job and tend to your needs. No more letting you do things on your own. I will help you conquer those evil stairs."

Michael: "You …" He smiles. "You better promise. I'll be relying on you until I'm fully healed."

Sayori: "I will. I will make sure I take good care of you. I don't want you to run away like Mr. Whiskers."

Michael: "What?" 0-0

Sayori: "What?" Silence. "So anyways you should get some rest now. You got a doctor's appointment tomorrow."

Michael: "Yeeeeah" (I'm just going to ignore that and hope no one brings that up in the future.) He looks over to see her happy expression as she goes on with whatever she's talking about. (Well looks like we're off to a great start, but still …) He frowns. (Those dreams, my old past, the incident between me and Monika … stop thinking about it too hard. I can always talk things out with Monika, but as for the nightmares, all I can do is hope for the best. Great start to a new year, but I do hope things get better.)

With the old year ending a new year has begun, everyone enjoys the remainder of the weekend and the last two days of winter vacation. With everyone returning to school once again, all students and teachers had trouble adjusting back to their school lives as most of the students came in late due to them oversleeping.

Michael: (Not much changed since I was last here. Well, I suppose that's fine, but even so. It would be nice if there was something new.) He walks through the front gate of the school. (Seems not everyone is used to coming back here. Can't blame them. I feel the same way.) He continues his walk completely unaware of who he passed by.

Johnny: "Tsk! It's only the first day and I'm already angry."

Ronald: "Calm down. Now's not the time to pick a fight." The red head stops him from doing something foolish.

Johnny: "You expect me to calm down after what happened?"

Ronald: "No, but you were only lucky that they let you off easy."

Johnny: "Easy? Yeah right." He walks off to class.

Ronald: "…" (What am I going to do with you?) He soon follows. In the meantime, walking through the hallways.

Michael: (Let's see, class is through here? Man, I can't remember where everything is. Huh?) He sees a familiar face walk by. (Sebastian?) He turns to see him walk by. (Guess he's not over it? Can't blame him, but why did he do it? Why? I may never know his true reasoning, but it's appreciative that he did it for Natsuki.)

Sayori: "There you are."

Michael: "Huh?"

Sayori: "Dang it MC. I told you not to leave without me."

Michael: "Sorry, I didn't want to be late on my first day back and you looked so peaceful sleeping." (I couldn't get any rest last night.)

Sayori: "Something the matter? You look sad."

Michael: "It's nothing. Come on, let's go to class. I need to find where my class was again."

Sayori: "Yeah you're right." (Wonder what's on his mind? He seemed happy before, but ever since New Year's he's been acting weird. Well, whatever the case is I will do my best to support him.) Later on, after school was finally over and done with. *Yawn* "So sleepy, so boring." She lays on her desk.

Sky: "Hey Sayori are you doing ok?" Said the blue headed girl.

Sayori: "Hm? Oh yeah just feeling exhausted."

Sky: "Must be hard to get up early again? Don't worry everyone else feels the same way as you."

Sayori: "So it's not just me? That's good to hear." She looks around class and saw the last of her classmates just left.

Sky: "Heading to your club now?"

Sayori: "Yup, it's been a while since I was in the club room with all of my friends."

Sky: "Friends huh?" (Wonder if Conner is still a part of them?)

Sayori: "What are you planning on doing?"

Sky: "Hm, oh … I was just thinking of heading straight home."

Sayori: "You're not in a club?" Sky shakes her head. "Not even in sports?"

Sky: "No, just never found anything that interests me."

Sayori: "Well it never hurts to try something new. Believe me, MC was the same way when I asked him to join."

Sky: "That so?" She starts looking nervous.

Sayori: "Is something wrong? Now you look gloomy?"

Sky: "No I'll be fine. I better get home. It was nice talking to you again."

Sayori: "Yeah see you soon." They both wave before Sky left for home. (Wonder what's up with her? She's acting weird too just like …) "Oh crud, I need to help MC!"

She leaves class like a lightning bolt hoping MC is close by. During that time, with everyone gone and the hallways empty. The clicks and clangs of Michael's crutches echoes through the hallways.

Michael: "… So, we meet again my old nemesis of mine." He lays his eyes upon the stairs before him. (It's been a while since I had to walk up these stairs. The only time I have to use stairs is at home, but even then, I can take my time. There were also the stairs at Natsuki's place, but those were only a couple of steps.) He carefully begins to walk upstairs. Two crutch forward, one step each. (Ok, that's four steps. Still got more to go.) He takes a deep breath before continuing until he heard a voice behind him.

Sebastian: "Do you need help with that?" Michael looks behind himself and sees The Shark himself again. "Do you need help?"

Michael: "Oh no, I can do this on my own. It's been a while since I had to use stairs at school, but I need to regain my composure."

Sebastian: "I see."

Michael: "What brings you here?"

Sebastian: "Just walking on by after seeing the swimming team get started with practice."

Michael: "Oh you have?" He starts to look sad.

Sebastian: "You probably heard it by now but due to my behavior and lies I caused a girl named Natsuki to get framed for something I started. When I was found out I got kicked off the team."

Michael: "I have heard about that." He looks away from him. (So that's the story he went with.) He looks back to him. "So, what do you plan to do now?"

Sebastian: "Don't know. Being on the swimming team was all I could ever do. With that gone I don't know what to do now. Maybe find something else to do? Maybe spend more time with my girl? Keep myself busy you know?" Michael remains silent. "Sorry for being gloomy. I'll let you do whatever it is you need to do. Later." He begins walking away. "Oh, one more thing. You're in the Literature Club, right?"

Michael: "I am."

Sebastain: "Then I can assume your friends with Natsuki then?" Michael nods. "Good then it's true what they said. Could you tell her that I'm sorry for all the trouble me and friends caused her. I know she won't forgive me, but I just want her to know that."

Michael: "Yeah I'll let her know."

Sebastian: "Thanks" He turns away.

Michael: "I don't think you're a bad person."

Sebastian: "!"

Michael: "Whatever some may say. I think you made the right choice. You truly are a real man."

Sebastian: "You don't have to feel pity for me but thank you. You're not what your reputation says you are." He says as he finally leaves.

Michael: (Poor guy. I hope he finds true happiness.)

Later.

Sayori: "I'm so sorry again!"

Michael: "I told you it's fine." They talk at the club as everyone else does their normal thing.

Sayori: "But I, But I said that I would try harder taking care of you and I couldn't even help with stairs." Her tears start to build up.

Michael: (What am I going to do with this girl?) "Fine if you feel that guilty than you have to do something for me then."

Sayori: "Anything! You name it I do it. As long as it's nothing pervy." She whispers that last part.

Michael: "What?"

Sayori: "What?"

Michael: "Gonna ignore that. You want to help then you can help with my exercises."

Sayori: "Your exercises?"

Michael: "The doctor gave me a list of exercises for my right leg. You can help me with that alright?"

Sayori: "Sure thing! You can count on me!"

Michael: "Good" (Glad that's solved, but right now I have a bigger problem on my hands.) He looks over to where Monika is doing her own work. Just as he looks behind himself, he notices her looking at him and as soon as their eyes connect, she looks away.

(Nervous too huh? That moment we shared New Year's.) He touches his lips. (Wonder if she regrets it? I should avoid her for a while, at least when things calm down. No, I shouldn't do that. She might take it the wrong way. I need to talk things out with her before anyone suspects us. This is something between us, but what should I say or do? This is quite difficult, but I can't leave things alone. We're in the same club with the same friends. This is something that needs to be fixed right now.)

"You only ruin. You can't fix anything. No matter how hard you try."

"…"

Monika: (Wonder what he's thinking? Does he hate me? I … I can't blame him. That kiss was so sudden. Oh God what have I done? I … I ruined our friendship, there's no going back now. No, there should be a way to fix this. I just need to talk things out with him. That's all I need to do. I can't run, I can't hide, all I can do is face it head on. Not just as a friend, but also as the Club President. I must lead them all … lead them all … I have to … lead …) Her hands starts shaking.

Michael: (This is nerve wracking. What should I say? Come on you idiot. Don't be like those generic protagonists in anime. This is reality, but what?)

Natsuki: "Is something the matter dude?"

Michael: "Huh?"

Natsuki: "You look out of it. Something on your mind?"

Michael: "No, nothing wrong. Sorry."

Natsuki: "Whatever you say." She looks around her zone and sees Sayori bothering Yuri about something.

Michael: "Just noticed something different about you today."

Natsuki: "Oh you noticed?"

Michael: "You didn't do your normal hairstyle."

Natsuki: "Nope, thought I try something new this year." She plays around her pink ponytail.

Michael: "It looks good. You look cooler now."

Natsuki: "Thanks"

Michael: "Oh that reminds me of something. I bumped into Sebastian earlier on my way here."

Natsuki: "You did? Are you ok?"

Michael: "I'm fine, why'd you ask?"

Natsuki: "Thought you might have gotten into a fight again. Considering everyone in this school still hates you."

Michael: "No not this time. All he wanted to say is that he's sorry about what happened. About your suspension, and your Manga."

Natsuki: "I see well as Yuri said once before. Water under the bridge."

Michael: "You sure about that?"

Natsuki: "Yeah, considering I got a new copy now. Besides no point in dragging it longer than needed, am I right?" She smiles.

Michael: "Yeah" He smiles softly.

Natsuki: "Now don't think I got all soft you hear me?"

Michael: "Understandable, I'll try not to get on your bad side."

Natsuki: "You better or else you'll pay for my lunch."

Michael: "Fine, fine." They both share a chuckle as Monika looks from afar upset at what she was seeing.

Sayori: "Hey watcha talking about you two?"

She joins in on the conversation as Yuri looks over to see them having a conversation. She then pulled a bit of her hair and examined it like a scientist.

Yuri: (Those three. They've changed.) She continues examining her purple hair. (Both Sayori and Natsuki let their hair grow out and Michael has one of his eyes revealed. Both changed for the better. Maybe I should change my hairstyle or add a new accessory? No, I shouldn't. It's not like it's going to make a difference. No matter how hard I try.)

"Did you hear? Thinks she's too good. I hear she cuts herself for pleasure." Laughter echoes through her head.

Monika: "Something on your mind?" Yuri looks up nervously as Monika smiles at her.

Yuri: "N-no, just lost in thought. S-sorry for worrying you."

Monika: "You're fine. I'm your friend, so if there's something on your mind you can always tell me."

Yuri: "Thank you."

Monika: "No problem."

Yuri: "May I ask what you have plan for us today?"

Monika: "Just thought of letting all of you chat for today. Tomorrow we're get back into doing what we do best."

Yuri: "Understood"

Monika: "For now enjoy your time being back in the club."

Yuri: "Yes mam."

Monika: (I need time before I face him again. Just give me time okay Michael?)

Yuri: (She seems trouble today? Must be hard being a Council Member on the first day back?)

Later on.

Monika: "Well that settles today's first day of meeting back. I hope you're all ready to start sharing poems again tomorrow."

Everyone Else: "Yes mam!"

Monika: "Then I look forward to seeing your poems again."

With the first day back coming to a close everyone begins to pack up. While they all pack, Michael stares off and sees Monika adjusting her white bow tie. He attempted to walk to her but was interrupted by his childhood friend.

Sayori: "Ready to go? We've got lots to do at home."

Michael: "… Yeah sure." He turns away and walks with Sayori. Before leaving he took one last glance at Monika.

(Sorry … for being a coward.)

End of Chapter 50