Crescent Moon Fan Fiction ❯ A Life Best Kept Secret ❯ Just noticing ( Chapter 2 )

Note to Disclaimers: I do not own Crescent Moon so don't sue me. That's pretty damn standard by now, right? Besides…if I did own Crescent moon, then Mahiru and Mitsuru would've shared a more…”censored” scene of consummation, hehe. But of course, I don't own Crescent Moon. NO SUEING!

 

A/N: This fic is still A/U fic, so there is still nothing about the teardrops of the moon and all that magical flying stuff, powers, transformations, etc, all right? Although, I am trying to keep them mostly to their characters without the magical stuff. Anyway on with the fic; ratings will be going up soon. Hope you all enjoy.

 

Word Coding:

 

`Thoughts'

 

“Speaking”

 

Everything else

 

A Life best kept Secret(Chapter 2)

 

It was late afternoon when Mahiru dragged herself back to the quaint little house that she, Nozomu and her step dad occupied. In one hand she carried her apron and work uniform, in the other, her head. She had one of the most splitting headaches she'd had in years. The throbbing in her temples was driving her insane; she didn't remember how she'd made it to her bed. But the next morning when she awoke, her blinds were closed completely, no sunlight filtering in. `Nozomu must have…closed them, I guess.' Her thought was interrupted when she realized that her door was wide open. Curious as to why Nozomu hadn't knocked as he usually did, Mahiru arose and wandered down the stairs that led to the bottom half of their house. She was surprised to find her step father and Nozomu seated at the table, both looking somewhat tired. She stepped into the kitchen just in time to have both males turn to look at her, relief over both their faces. “Good morning father, Nozomu.” Despite the fact that he was her step father, Mahiru still respected him and called him “father” as any girl did. “Is something the matter?”

 

“No, Mahiru. Everything is fine. Nozomu and I were just discussing my next business trip,” he replied with a smile. “Did you sleep well?”

 

“Yes,” she answered with a small yawn. “I was tired.”

 

“Yes, well, Nozomu tells me you found a job.” She blanched for a moment until her father shook his head. “Don't worry Mahiru. I approve. However, I've just told Nozomu that I will be gone for about two months or so to promote the newest products the company has made. In that time, I am sure you and your brother will take good care of the house?”

 

Nozomu's bright blue eyes smiled. “Yes father, we will take care of everything.” As their dad rose to put his dishes in the sink, the younger man turned to his sister. “Mahiru, Akira told me that you have work again today around 3:30. He apologizes for not giving you the new schedule, too.”

 

She nodded, another yawn escaping her mouth as she sat down next to her brother. “Thanks Nozomu. By the way, what are you doing today?”

 

“I'll be taking a break from work to accompany father. I have some things to take care of before he leaves,” he responded with a smile as well. He suddenly glanced at his watch. “Actually, now that I look at the time, we have to be going. And you got up awfully early this morning Mahiru. In fact, it's 10:30 AM right now. I think this is a new record,” he laughed as he grabbed his last piece of sushi. “See you later sis.”

 

She waved as both men disappeared through the front door. However, her mind was not on the fact that their father was leaving yet again but more on the fact that she had work. `How am I going to deal with it this time?' She'd been working at the record store for little over a week now, possibly two weeks at the most. Yet somehow, it felt like she'd been working for ages, and just the thought of working with Mitsuru another day drove her up the wall. `And I have school with him tomorrow…this is just great,' she thought sarcastically as she slumped on the table, bored suddenly. At that exact moment, a though occurred to her, one she hadn't acknowledged when her father was present. `When exactly is dad leaving?' she did wonder whether she'd be able to spend any time with the man that was supposed to be their caretaker. Knowing her luck, she'd not see him for the minimum of two months or longer. Somehow, it seemed like Nozomu was always the one who knew about things involving her step-father, which she attributed to him being her father's actual blood son. Nevertheless, Mahiru found herself dreading the impending events of the day, work most of all. Generally, the days passed on normally—not too slow, not too long—before she was hired at the store. `Now everything had become a drag. But I…I will not let Mitsuru get the best of me! I will make us get along!' With her new found determination, Mahiru marched up to her room to get ready for the day. She took a long glance at her work uniform before balling her hands into fists. `Watch out job, here comes Mahiru Shiraishi!'

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

“Hi, welcome!”

 

Mahiru smiled in reply as she greeted Keiko who stood at the cashier's desk. “Good afternoon Keiko. How have things been so far?”

 

“I've been working since 12:00 PM, but sales have been good. How are you today, Mahiru?” Keiko's eyes were sparkling as she noticed Akira walk by, waving.

 

Mahiru just shook her head in amusement. “I'm fine, thank you. Anyhow, I'd better get to work. It looks like some of these racks need to be re-stacked. See you on lunch break!”

 

Without further delay, Mahiru rushed in the back, placed her apron on and began grabbing her sorted shelves of CDs and vinyls from the previous day. As she began carting them out to the front, she realized that Mitsuru was standing before her, glaring a hole through her head, if it was possible to do so. Her eyes widened in surprise as she paused, wondering whether he would move or not. “Um…good afternoon Mitsuru. Can I help you or something?”

 

He shot her another glare. “No. Do you even know what you're doing? Have you ever re-stocked a CD rack you dumb girl?”

 

She furrowed her brow as she squeezed the hand railings of the cart, anger beginning to surface from inside her. She was starting to get tired of his insults every day. Pushing her upsets down, she smiled cheerily. “No. Are you going to show me?” For the past week or so, Mahiru had been shelving only parts of the vinyl collection. She'd been sorting CD's too, but Mitsuru seemed to always shelve those before she arrived at work—she began to wonder if he lived in the store. However, she did figure that re-stacking CD's would be more or less the same as doings vinyls. Mitsuru didn't seem to think so.

 

He walked past her. “No, I'm not. Get someone else to do it.”

 

“I believe it is customary for you to show her how to do this, Mitsuru,” A voice replied.

 

He bristled at the voice. “Says who?”

 

“Oh, hello Misoka!” Mahiru grinned as she saw the older man staring at them. “But really, it's ok. I figured it'd be the same as re-stacking CDs but…Mitsuru…well; anyways…I can always have Akira show me. Thank you.” With that said, she disappeared through the employee's door.

 

Misoka turned to the young man who was fuming loudly in the corner, knife in hand as he began slashing boxes again. “You know, Mitsuru, you really need to work on your attitude around that girl. She is going to be your co-worker for a while, whether you like it or not. We don't need anymore complaints about co-worker compatibility.” Shaking his head, Misoka began to walk out. “Tell Oboro that he needs to make a call in for the shipment from the old record storage.”

 

Mitsuru rolled his eyes as Misoka disappeared through the shipping dock entrance to the outside. Tossing his knife to the side, he reached for the phone that was bolted to the wall on his left. Muttering under his breath, he waited for Oboro's line to pick up. “Hello? Misoka needs the new shipment to be called in. That's it.” After hanging up the phone, he began cursing his co-worker to hell as he grabbed his knife to cut more boxes. He took a look at one of the stacks before sighing in annoyance. For the oddest reason, the day hadn't been going his way at all, and when Mahiru arrived, it only seemed to worsen. `This is going to be one damn long day…'

 

Outside of the shipping area, Mahiru was busy placing vinyls under their proper genres. She was humming happily to the music playing in the store, a selection made by Keiko, she was sure. To her left and right were customers browsing through the various options, some dancing to the music while others simply looked around. She saw Akira bouncing off walls by the cash register, his ear attached to the phone. She was in the middle of pushing the cart to the CD section when she heard the entrance bell ring. Normally she'd think nothing off it; but for some strange reason she felt compelled to look—and look she did. Her eyes nearly popped out of her head when she saw Nozomu walk in, shades on and smiling as Akira pounced him. Momentarily forgetting her work, she rushed over to the scene of commotion, not sure what to make of it. Out of breath by the time she reached them—she'd run across practically the whole store—Mahiru grasped her knees, panting in front of the two bewildered young men and Keiko. Akira leaned down to look at her, his brown eyes wide with curiosity.

 

“Mahiru, are you all right? Did you need something?” His tone was concerned.

 

She breathed in heavily. “No, thank you. But…Nozomu, what are you…doing here?”

 

He ruffled her hair as he let out a small chuckle. “Oh, I work here too. I guess I failed to mention that, didn't I?” Mahiru shot him a puzzled look. “Well, you see, I work with this store, rather—not here. In fact, Dad's company delivers a lot of the old Vinyl collection that they have here. I'm here to discuss some business with Oboro since…well, you know where Dad's going.”

 

“Why didn't you tell me? All this time, too?” Mahiru felt upset all of a sudden as she crossed her arms over her chest. “Nozomu!”

 

He laughed again. “I'm sorry sis. Anyhow, it seems like it's all falling into place now.” She gave him a questioning look but stopped when she noticed him staring off towards the back of the store. “Ah…I see now. I understand why you must be so tired all the time.” Quirking a brow, she followed his gaze back until she caught sight of aqua colored hair coming their way. “Hello Mitsuru.”

 

Mitsuru threw him a dirty look as he stopped. “What do you want, you damn prick?”

 

“I see your affection for me hasn't dwindled,” Nozomu replied with a small smirk. “I see why yesterday was such a long day for you, Mahiru.” He glanced at his watch. “Well, I'll see you at home later, ok? Right now, I have to go discuss. Bye all.”

 

Mahiru watched as her brother disappeared behind the employee's door, her mouth hanging open. “Wait a minute! Akira…Mitsuru…you know my brother?”

 

Akira nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah! He's been a part of this business for as long as I can remember!”

 

“That damn bastard…what the hell is he doing HERE in person?” Mitsuru was positively livid.

 

Mahiru blinked. “That's my brother!” She retorted to the angry young man; Mitsuru rolled his eyes as he turned away from her intense stare. “So…Akira, does he not usually come HERE?”

 

“No, not usually,” Akira answered, tugging nervously at his nametag. “I think they might be re-negotiating our contract. Maybe the company owner is going on a business trip or something. I hope he's not thinking about breaking our ties…”

 

“I doubt it,” Misoka said, appearing form nowhere. Mahiru jumped at his sudden presence as Akira continued pondering. “Anyhow…we still have many things to do here. I wouldn't worry about it too much.”

 

The young blonde haired girl put a finger to her lips as she stared at the three, her face thoughtful. “Well, father did mention something like that, a business trip, that is,” Mahiru offered as she turned back to her cart. “I don't think he's going to break ties with you guys.” When they all turned to look at her she reddened slightly. “But I…uh…um…I'd better get back to work!”

 

From the corner of his eyes, Mitsuru could see Akira giving him a questionable look; his eye twitched. “What is it, you damn hyperactive idiot? You're not worried about losing business, are you?”

 

Akira simply smiled as he waved to Keiko. “It's nothing, and I didn't know you were so concerned about the store's welfare!” With a small nod, he patted Mitsuru's back affectionately as he took off into the various aisles of CD's.

 

“I never said I was,” shouted the aqua haired youth as he began stomping his way back to the storage. However, as he pushed open the door, he looked back, feeling compelled to check on something—or someone. Just as he did, Mahiru happened to look up, her blue-brown eyes locking with his as she stopped stacking CDs to give him a friendly smile. He felt a slight blush creep into his cheeks at her smile; his furious look returned seconds later. Ignoring the customers walking around the store, Mitsuru glared at her. “What are you looking at you damn girl? Get back to work!”

 

Instantly, her face scrunched into one of obvious confusion then disgust as she looked away, resuming her steady paced working of stacking CDs in their proper places. At the cashier counter, Akira and Keiko watched the interaction with peaked interest. As Mitsuru disappeared behind the employee door, Keiko let out a small giggle as she leaned in towards Akira, her eyes narrowed. “I do believe there is more to this than I originally thought.” Akira, not usually the one who played matchmaker, could only nod his agreement. Despite popular speculation, Akira was note quite as clueless as everyone around him thought. Sure, he didn't catch everything people did or said. But there were certain things that he paid more attention to—like cooking and making sure customers were satisfied. Only recently, when he'd taken a liking to Keiko Himura, did he find anything particularly girly that was even remotely interesting, such as the seemingly unspoken attraction between their co-workers. Both young persons would have drifted further along that train of thought had customers not suddenly come towards them, demanding to purchase their CDs of choice. With a content sigh about her day's work, Keiko gladly began ringing up each customer's items as Akira helped people find what they were looking for.

 

In the back, Mitsuru was fuming as he heard the door open, most likely signaling that Mahiru was done with her first cart. Pretending not to have noticed, he, too, reached for a cart to shelve, slowly wheeling it past her as she entered. He was getting closer to the entrance when his back suddenly tensed and his legs began to tighten. Holding back any pain he felt, he forced himself to continue as if nothing was the matter. Mahiru acted as though she'd not seen his shoulders twitch and legs wobble ever so slightly; but she did noticed. He kept moving past her without much acknowledgment, if any. At first it seemed like she was going to stop him for something; but as he inched past her it became clear that she was either bothered by his previous actions, or just didn't need anything. He was sighing in relief, almost halfway out the door when her soft voice drifted to his sensitive ears. Cringing in annoyance, Mitsuru whirled around to face her, his eyes ablaze. She stared at him, her eyes somewhat hazy as she fingered the CD case in her hands. Involuntarily, his fingers began tapping on the plastic rail of his cart, irritation obvious in his body posture. However, Mahiru didn't seem to notice as she began walking towards him, her steps uncertain. As she neared him, Mahiru felt butterflies erupt inside of her, her stomach doing flip flops from nervousness. He looked so annoyed that she was afraid he was going to yell at her again. When she finally was face to face with him, she shoved the CD case in her hands at his chest, surprised when he didn't immediately push her away or scream at her. Instead, he gave her a pointed stare full of boredom and inquiry.

 

“What am I supposed to do with this, girl?” He asked, voice even.

 

Mahiru blinked stupidly for a moment. “Oh…um…right. I…uh…didn't know where to shelve that one so I was hoping that you could shelve it. But I was wondering if you were…all right?” With a sigh, he took it from her and continued on his way, never once saying anything more to her. She wasn't sure whether to be annoyed that he hadn't yelled at her, or flat out overjoyed. `Still,' she thought as she watched him go. `I'm glad I didn't get yelled at But he didn't answer my question either.' As she walked out of the store after work, she eyed her paycheck warily. `Hm…$250.00 isn't bad at all…but…it still isn't enough.' Mahiru knew that she needed more money to keep up with all her class expenses and funds for her club trips, but the money she was making at the store wasn't enough. As she sat at her desk that evening, pondering a possible solution, she began to wonder if she had enough time to work another job—less hours, of course. Nevertheless, she still needed more money. Setting down her wallet, she clasped her hands together. `That's it…I'll just have to get another job.' She knew her father would disapprove; so would Nozomu. However, what they didn't know couldn't hurt, right? `I can handle it. I want to help father and Nozomu by not having to ask them for money all the time. Another job can't hurt.'

 

With her thoughts settled and her decision made, she reached for the switch on her desk lamp. `Goodnight world. But tomorrow, say hello to hardworking, no longer waking up late Mahiru Shiraishi.' Somehow, the phrase seemed awfully familiar as she lay her head down on her pillow that night. And though on any other night she would have liked to talk to Nozomu, especially with what she'd found out earlier, her body demanded sleep. Tomorrow would bring another interesting day at work, not to mention job hunting. But most of all, Mahiru hadn't studied all week and knew she had a dreaded Chemistry test to look forward to in the morning. School was going to be the biggest drag.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Mahiru could barely see out of her own eyelids the next morning as she placed her exam on the teacher's desk, rubbing her forehead with her available hand. As she trudged back to her desk to re-seat herself, her eyes caught the familiar sight of Mitsuru's aqua colored locks. He was sitting in the back, staring out the window with his arms crossed over his chest. He appeared completely oblivious to everything around him and Mahiru wondered, briefly, if this is why she never realized he was in her chemistry class. To her left, Keiko was giving her a somewhat worried glance as Mahiru managed to find her seat and situate herself without a commotion. Despite all that, her eyes had not left Mitsuru's figure as she continued to gaze at him in curiosity—until he turned to her, chocolate colored eyes blazing like hellfire. Immediately Mahiru whirled around, not wanting him to cause an outburst in class. She glanced at the clock to find that there was still at least an hour left of class time; but with her exam finished, Mahiru knew she could take a nap or simply leave. With work after class, she figured it'd be better to nap and then leave with Keiko since their schedules coincided so frequently, perhaps off by an hour or so from week to week. Letting her head fall to her desk, she relished in the cool surface of the plywood as she felt her eyelids droop from staying up so late the night before. She slept.

 

On the other side of the classroom, Mitsuru eyed the blonde haired girl suspiciously. He'd noticed how tired she was and wondered about it for a moment. When he caught himself worrying, he quickly clenched his fists in annoyance, which was becoming a common emotion associated with his co-worker. He had turned in his exam early and was also planning on getting some rest before work that afternoon and evening. Just the thought of work in the evening made him tired and caused his skin to crawl, just a little. He hated work after closing the store. Oboro never approved of his other job but the pay was good and he wasn't half bad at it; but he hated it. Even to the day he didn't understand how he got the job or why he'd taken it. But it was paying good money and he needed all her could get. Pushing down another sigh, Mitsuru resumed his steady gazing out the window, forgetting Mahiru for a while. As he listened to the ticking of the clock on the wall, he felt his own eyes becoming heavy. The night before had worked him hard in the inventory keep. Luckily he didn't have work after that. But all the weeknights before had worn him out, both physically and mentally. He'd barely been able to make it to work the next day; he was exhausted. But no one would know that except Oboro—no one ever noticed. `Until that damn girl came. She seems to notice everything.'

 

His eyes flew open and scanned the room, frantically, until they landed on her sleeping figure. Somehow, he wasn't sure exactly how, she noticed how tired he was and even asked about it. Sure, he hadn't answered, for he figured she'd not ask anymore questions or take offense to the fact that he hadn't answered. He acted this way with her all the time; it wouldn't suddenly change. Yet it seemed fishy, he thought. Stretching his stiff and sore legs, Mitsuru turned his head back to the papers lying atop his desk; most of them were study guides and notes he'd taken. He eyed it with little interest as he heard the bell ring. Standing up slowly, he watched as the rest of the students rushed out the door, eager to escape the torture of three hour chemistry labs and bask in alcohol or some other activity Mitsuru deemed plain out stupid. He opted to gather his things at a slower pace before proceeding to the door. Once there, he scowled as he spotted Mahiru and Keiko waiting for him, the latter wearing a perturbed look as Mahiru leaned on her for support, still groggy from her nap. As they departed—together, to his dismay—he could only deepen his scowl of irritation as Mahiru's unconscious form fell onto his shoulder. He was not looking forward to the rest of the day at all.

 

TBC

 

(All right, the second chapter is done. Hopefully it was up to par for you all. I enjoyed writing it for everyone and for myself. Mitsuru torture will become more frequent in the future chapters, not to mention his life is beginning to unravel to his co-worker (*cough* Mahiru *cough*). Anyhow, hope you all liked it. Oh, and Teen Titans: Chapter 10 is done and I'll be posting it in about a few days, for anyone interested in that. Please R&R if you'd like. Chao.)

 

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