Crescent Moon Fan Fiction ❯ A Life Best Kept Secret ❯ There is no way ( Chapter 7 )

Note to Disclaimers: I do not own Crescent Moon so don't sue me. This is pretty standard, right?

A/N: The story is still quite A/U and now it's starting to get quite M-rated so don't complain to me about warnings, ok kids? Not old enough—DON'T READ IT. And if you do well, don't get caught by your parents or complain—it was YOUR choice, after all. Hope you enjoy.

Word Coding:

`Thoughts'

“Speaking”

Everything else

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Life Best Kept Secret

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

The next morning was like any other since that night she'd heard the fateful voices. Mahiru was awakened by the sound of her brother's footsteps up and down the hallway, before they paused at her door. She already knew he was going to wake her up but she couldn't stop thinking about the voices in her head, particularly the phrase that had been running through her mind for the past four to five hours, as well as the past month. Keiko had called her early that morning, earlier than Nozomu waking up, and mentioned that she needed to talk to her. Mahiru had obliged only to be questioned as to why she was still up when said friend called her. Blowing it off, she simply told Keiko that she'd gotten up for water minutes earlier, and was getting into bed when she heard the phone ring. In truth, Mahiru was beyond tired, having tossed and turned all night and as a result, to have not slept at all. Her eyes were slightly red from the slight tears that she'd cried and she felt thoroughly sick.

 

“Mahiru?”

 

The young blonde in question continued to stare at the white wall before her, resolute. She sniffled as the thoughts returned to her.

 

'Mahiru, I love you.' 'This is Akira and Misoka.' 'Mahiru, I love you.' `She's not going to make it.'

 

'Mahiru, I love you.'

 

“Mahiru?”

 

She sat up so fast she almost hit Nozomu in the head; he steadied her before she fell off the bed, too. “Hey, are you okay?”

 

“Who loves me?” She hadn't quite registered that Nozomu was there.

 

“What? We all do,” Nozomu replied as Mahiru began to shiver.

 

“Oh, Nozomu,” she finally seemed to come to. “Hi, good morning.”

 

“We're you having a bad dream?”

 

She shook her head in hopes to hide her anxiety. “Oh, no I just...was recalling something from uh...never mind. So, what's for breakfast? I'm kind of...not that hungry this morning so...”

 

“Are you not sleeping very well? You look so pale Mahiru.”

 

She blanched. “No, I'm fine! I'm just a little tired from my homework and work...it's just something temporary, nothing to worry about brother!”

 

He gave her another one of his suspicious looks. “Well, if you insist.”

 

“I'm fine, really,” she replied with a nod. “Oh, what day is it?”

 

He looked perplexed. “What do you mean? It's Tuesday.”

 

“Crap! I have school!” Mahiru flailed her arms wildly as she leapt out of bed and made a mad dash for her bathroom. However, she successfully landed on her bottom after having tripped on her backpack, which was in the middle of the floor. She let out a groan as she stared at the doorway and heard Nozomu laugh at her. “Shut up, you…this is not funny!”

 

“Well, truthfully, I came in to tell you that school has been cancelled. I received an email early this morning, which mentioned something about one of the major circuit breakers needing repair or something of the like.” Nozomu said as he went to help her up. “So…what were you going to do today?”

 

She looked around, thoughtful. “I think I'll go work at the store if Akira okay's it. I'm kind of…saving up for something…so I could always use the extra money.”

 

“Yeah, well, just don't overdo it Mahiru,” he answered as he began to close her door. “Actually, I might have to go out of town again today, most likely in a couple hours so…I suppose I'll see you later then—a few days, I'd surmise.”

 

“Oh…ok…well, have a safe trip and call me when you get there?” He nodded enthusiastically. “Bye!” She waved cheerfully as she turned to look out the window. `I think I'll work both jobs tonight since Nozomu won't be around to catch me!' As soon as she was sure he was gone and would have no further questions for her, she slumped against her window sill as a few tears fell from her eyes. Burying her head in her arms, she tried to push the incessant voices away from her conscious. `Please…why won't you just go away?'

 

Despite her many haunting nightmares, a few hours later found Mahiru busily working at the record store, Keiko with her. The soft clicking of small, one-inch heels could be heard clattering through the aisles of the store from every end. There were various customers around, most who were absorbed in exploring new or selected genres of music as opposed to carelessly purchasing trash with their precious paychecks or chump change. They didn't seem to notice the noise. Shifting from one foot to the other in a natural sway as she walked towards the back, the young blonde popped her gum loudly as she dove deeper in thought. Her blue-brown eyes were focused ahead as she waited, patiently, for her work shift to end. Her feet no longer hurt from wearing heels all the time, nor did her lack of sleep seem so evident. No one ever asked her about it anymore. Things were slowly beginning to change, she knew—but still, no one asked. Instead of wearing jeans to work now, accompanied by her usual cute shoes or sneakers, a sweater and a nice shirt, she opted for a different style. In place of her old clothes came fiery new articles, usually a skirt with a tank top or a combination of bright camisoles, heeled shoes and a fancy set of soft cotton shrugs. Her hair had now adopted a slightly red look to it, going from a soft, golden blond to a soft strawberry blonde with gentle highlights of pink. It was as daring as she felt she could go, with her clothes too.

 

Ever since she'd begun working at the club, her lifestyle had been so different from that particular atmosphere. But now more than a few months into the job, she started trying new things, new styles—her tastes grew. Though she still dressed conservatively, she had added more spice to her original wardrobe, which had been mature and frumpy at best, she thought. If she'd thought no one had noticed, she didn't know how wrong she actually was. Letting a small sigh escape her pursed lips, Mahiru fell back against the nearest crate as the door swung back and forth behind her. The air inside the room was thick and musty, smelling of old boxes, new boxes and the faintest hint of amber mixed with eucalyptus. `Mitsuru must be here, then,' she assumed. Ever since she'd started working with the short-tempered youth she had immediately noticed what he smelled like most of the time. It was a unique scent, granted; but it was also too intoxicating for her to function when it overcame her. She held her breath, hoping to miss inhaling too much of the aroma as she made her way to the wall opposite the loading bay—her own alphabetized carts of vinyls and CDs sat there. A little later on into their working together Mitsuru refused to have to put up with her disorganization; therefore they had made her a separate wall for her job so that Mitsuru could continue doing his effectively, and unbothered by her messiness.

 

Mahiru twiddled her fingers as she fell onto the little loveseat in the center of the wall, thankful that it was in fair shape and absent of living visible creatures—microscopic organisms didn't count in her opinion—and mold, crossing her legs as she did so. Her finger went to play with the hem of her silky shirt, enamored with the way it felt against her skin. `Like my apron,' she thought, idly. Her mind was operating on a slow, steady, rhythmic pace as she hummed to an unknown tune; it was short lived, however, as she looked up. There was a loud thump followed by a string of rather offensive albeit colorful obscenities as Mitsuru came stumbling through the door, a large cardboard box in his hand. Normally Mahiru would rush to help anyone who needed it, or at least appeared to; but with Mitsuru, that was never the case. Folding her arms over her chest, she popped her gum again and picked up the nearest magazine, leafing through it was mild interest. From his vantage point Mitsuru could feel his blood boil at the fact that she didn't offer to help him like she usually did, like she used to. Setting the box down in a haphazard fashion, Mitsuru stomped over to her, his face red from work while beads of sweat slid down his forehead from exertion. Mahiru exhaled in annoyance.

 

“What is it Mitsuru? Did you need something?”

 

His nostrils flared in contempt. When had she become so confident and nonchalant? Where was the sweet Mahiru he enjoyed seeing? Shaking his head angrily, Mitsuru fell to a squat on his haunches until they were at eye level, his brown eyes meeting hers. She looked at him with little interest, just like the magazine. Mitsuru bristled. “You're supposed to be alphabetizing those carts,” he replied through gritted teeth as he pointed towards the door to the loading area. Her eyes followed his finger acutely before she shrugged indifferently. “You seem them, right, you dumb girl?”

 

She nodded, her face holding a recently trademark impassive look. “Yeah, so what? I'm on break anyway. Akira said it was fine and the store is slow right now…why should I rush? Besides…I'm not even REALLY supposed to be here today.” He huffed and she chuckled. “Is there a problem Mitsuru? I don't recall anyone saying you were my boss.”

 

“I'm still your superior,” he spat.

 

“But not my boss…not the same thing, you know,” she answered, still flipping through the meaningless pages. “Just admit it, you big meanie…you wanted me to help you, or at least ask if you needed help.”

 

At least the way she talked hadn't changed that much. He shook his head vigorously. “Stop changing the subject, you twit.” She ignored him, face glued to the glossy pages before her eyes. Mitsuru fumed loudly. “Well, I'm going for my lunch break. The least you could do is watch the room while I'm out.”

 

She nodded, still ignoring his every move as he threw her a disdainful look before stomping away, childishly. Once he had disappeared, Mahiru set the magazine back down on the desk table located to her right and stood, stretching until her muscles awakened again. The noise outside the inventory room had reached a considerably high level in a matter of minutes causing Mahiru to grow curious of the reason. She carefully peeked through the door in search of a valid reason and found that it was indeed a valid reason. Akira had jumped on the counter, pretending to strum to an invisible guitar while Keiko lip-synced to Utada Hikaru's rendition of “I love you.” It wasn't entirely uncommon for the workers in the store to do such things but Mahiru found it slightly curious nonetheless. With a genuine smile on her face, she headed towards the couch again, leaving the scene in the main room behind her. It had only been a measly two minutes and Mitsuru wasn't due back to work for another 28. She groaned in irritation as she picked up the couch pillow, stuffing it under her arm as a cushion as she leaned onto the hard arm. The inventory room was always full of junk, mainly cut up cardboard boxes and plastic wrapping—it was her job to clean it. But today there was nothing to clean as Mitsuru had yet to unload boxes. She'd been subjected to cleaning because Mitsuru complained about her competency to do things properly and efficiently, not messily and disorganized. `Yet another time where I seem completely inadequate.'

 

However, she did admit that they appreciated her focus on the job, her hard work and her ability to help customers in a friendly fashion when Akira and Keiko were stranded at the registers. Mitsuru was rarely seen in the customer service area as he had piled up so many complaints and write ups from Oboro for his lack of skills. Mitsuru by himself and without people bothering him was an excellent worker; with people or too many interactions, he was dangerous, she noted. Yet he seemed to work fine with her, simply yelling at her and harassing her when he saw fit. Mahiru had to wonder about this since in all the reports from the last employees had mentioned his violent temper getting out of hand, the main reasons for employees quitting, not getting fired or laid off. Suddenly in a deep wonder about his past, Mahiru threw herself from the couch and headed in the direction of Oboro's office. Misoka and Nozomu had left for another business meeting that afternoon—a commonality now, which she was used to—and would not be back until the store closed, which was a good seven hours away. Oboro himself had not returned from his previous business adventures, and so the office was empty. She caressed the key and it chain, which dangled on her neck. After they'd left, Akira had given her the key to hold for him, afraid he might lose it in the throng of people who came into the store. In the wrong hands, it could be disastrous. However, she knew snooping around was wrong, but she had to know—no one would notice anyway.

 

Sticking the key into the doorknob lock, she slowly turned it, satisfied with the soft click that resounded in the darkened hall. The music from up front was still going on and Mitsuru was nowhere insight; she checked her watch. `He still has 20 minutes…and so do I,' she mused as she gently pushed the door open with her hands pressed against it. It was pitch black in the office, the faint scent of sakura and cherry drifting about. She could hear the soft running water from Oboro's therapeutic Zen waterfall, comforting in times of stress. Once inside, she closed the door quietly before flicking on the lights and heading straight for the desk drawer where she knew the employee files were kept. It had a lock, of course. But this did not deter Mahiru as she began a quick search for the desk key, triumphant when she found it lying underneath a picture of him and a woman named Katsura. After carefully opening the drawer she immediately scanned for Mitsuru's files. When found, she basically tore it apart looking for signs about his past. According to his record he had been a delinquent orphan at the age of 5 and was given to the nearest orphanage until Oboro took him in. It went on to list all his “mental problems” and medical history. And though she was rather interested in his history, she heard someone coming. Mahiru gasped when she came to a small note in red pen. Squinting her eyes to read it, she gasped for the second time, almost dropping the folder—someone was coming. Shoving everything back in the desk, she dashed for the door, clumsily locking everything as she went. She barely managed to make it outside while looking as though she'd casually come from the bathroom. She was almost to the door when Mitsuru burst through, his eyes showing blatant accusation. She blanched; feeling caught, but forced her flush down and smiled as brightly as possible.

 

“Yes, what is it Mitsuru?”

 

He shot her another accusatory glare as he turned away from her, abruptly. “What were you doing? I came back and the room was empty! This isn't a playhouse, you idiot.”

 

Slightly affronted by his comment but partially relieved he suspected nothing; she simply stuck her tongue out at him though she knew he didn't see. “Oh get off your high horse, Mitsuru. I simply went to the bathroom is all. Geez…can't I even go to the restroom?”

 

“Yeah, whatever…don't make excuses for your lack of dedication,” he retorted sardonically. “Just get back to work.”

 

Shaking her head as she passed him, Mahiru could only frown. “One day of being nice to me couldn't possibly kill you Mitsuru, so maybe you should try it sometime.”

 

“You are an idiot,” he replied with rancor as he half pushed her through the doorway. He was less than rough, she noted, as his hands stayed lightly on her lower back. She wanted to ask him why, badly, but refrained from inquiry, instead opting to give him a questionable glare. He fired back, as usual. “What is it you dummy?”

 

“Nothing,” she answered, her eyes rolling to the side as she walked away from him. “I'm going back outside to the main floor for shelving.”

 

He watched as she sauntered out, her gait steady and confident as she exited the door. His mind couldn't seem to focus on anything but the light sway of her hips and the soft sound of her heels clacking on the linoleum floor. Running a hand through his aqua locks, Mitsuru let out a frustrated sigh as he fell down on the couch, eyes narrowed. He couldn't understand any of it, not for the life of him, why he was suddenly so interested in getting to know the blonde haired young woman. They'd gone to school together for almost seven years. Why hadn't they talked during high school or elementary school? It seemed almost strange that she suddenly found him so familiar, yet so unfamiliar. In school, recently, she'd been apt to sitting with him, bothering him, trying to talk to him. But that was more than three months prior. Now, mainly at work, she was a completely different person, always leaving him alone, not asking him anything, ignoring him. He wasn't sure which he'd liked more: her leaving him alone, or her giving him the attention he craved. `Maybe that's why I took that job…I don't even know anymore…' Slipping his head into his hands, arms propped on his kneecaps, Mitsuru exhaled a shaky breath. His muscles had been more than tense lately, his headaches coming two-fold and eyes struggling to resist redness from lack of sleep. He'd been covering up that problem with a healthy dose of clear eyes and his headaches with some type of aspirin. As for his weak knees, he'd been taking frequent breaks in between working and school to gain his strength back. And yet it always seemed to disappear when most needed.

 

He could hear the murmuring of Mahiru's cheerful voice as she helped a customer find a particular CD in her section. He hated to admit it but she was one of the best co-workers he'd ever had to work with, not counting her disorganization. Their compatibility was wonderful aside from their constant tiffs over trivial things, and Mitsuru found himself smiling ever so slightly at the thought that she was the first to never really judge him. `She's given me a chance…when no one else would…but then again…she always did.' However, his smile was short lived as a scowl covered his face, his eyes hardening. `I don't need anyone…she'll just run away when she finds out…' Shaking his head, he pushed himself off the couch just as Mahiru's hand could be seen opening the door. Ignoring her, he made his way towards the unopened boxes that needed sorting, his walk slower than usual and his eyes dropping ever so little. She didn't appear to notice anything out of the ordinary as Mitsuru slash across the top of the nearest box, his fingers trembling as he did so.

 

With his back to her, he continued working as though he hadn't realized she'd entered, his shoulder shaking in tiredness. Mahiru inhaled a large breath as she slipped her time card into its slot, eager to leave work for the hour break she received from the end of work at the store to the beginning of work at the club. It was exactly 3:45 PM on a glorious Tuesday afternoon; the sun was still out and high in the sky. She had received word from the school email bulletin that classes had been cancelled due to some rather expensive school electrical units having burned out. That was around 7:30 in the morning when Nozomu had informed her of the email. After that, she called in to work with Keiko, offering to work the same day, which Akira agreed to enthusiastically. With no school that day, she was eager for a night of liveliness, even if it was at work, which had her slightly annoyed because she didn't usually work on Tuesday nights, or mornings, for that matter. `Oh well…some things can't be helped…and I need the money anyway!' Reaching for her bag that contained her future night life within it, Mahiru slung it over her shoulder, almost strutting towards the exit.

 

She barely opened the door when she whipped around to say bye to Mitsuru; she was surprised to see him gone. “Mitsuru?” He did not answer, and Mahiru shook her head in disappointment, her eyes downcast. “Well, I had wanted to see him before I left…I think he hates me more than before…” The door was almost closed when she turned back to the empty room. “Bye Mitsuru.”

 

A soft click could be heard in the room. Mitsuru swallowed hard as he leaned up against the nearest crate, which hid his whole body, and let out a sigh of relief. His heart was hammering in his chest at her last statement, his hand to his forehead. Fatigue pierced his rational thoughts and seized his limbs as he continued leaning against the crate for support. She'd been rather nonchalant to him as of the late that he didn't think it possible for her to speak in such a way. Her words had been genuine, worried, concerned—almost saddened that she hadn't been able to say goodbye. His mind drew a blank; but why? Cursing as he stood on wobbly legs, Mitsuru managed to make it to the couch before collapsing, somewhat sweaty and confused as he stared at the door. Akira's voice drifted through but he paid it no mind, his thoughts wandering to Mahiru once again. The now strawberry blonde haired girl had been the most confusing person he'd met in his life. Since they'd been going to school together, he began remembering instances when she tried to befriend him before high school and even a little after—it irked him. He'd shunned her each and every time, a misunderstood youth who hung out by himself, a loner who would hide behind the building during breaks and brood over his life. Normally, anyway. But he wasn't like other teens; and he was like all teens. At the time, he had been desperately in need of friends, of a family, of some type of concrete grounding. Nothing helped, back then.

 

High school had been the same as elementary school and when he broke free of it all, he was hoping, somewhere in the deep recesses of his mind, that college life would be far different. Nevertheless, it didn't seem so as he spent most afternoons working in the store, friendless with the exception of his surrogate family. His first year of college had been hell with such a schedule and no social life to speak of—unless counting his interactions with customers was included. He had very little money to spare since he was still trying to pay Oboro back for everything he'd done. `Yeah…that'll take a hundred freakin years…' he mused as he made small circles on the couch arm, evidently bored out of his mind. And so college continued this way: boring, uneventful and humdrum—until she walked back into his life. That she didn't remember him was too shocking to handle, and maybe, just maybe, he was a bit bitter that she didn't. `After all…she was the only one who ever cared…' Though they had never been good friends throughout school before college, she had always visited him and checked in on him. `How could she not remember me? She used to pester me any chance she got!' Something odd was going on. He couldn't describe it. Shaking his head again, which only seemed to make his headache worsen, Mitsuru returned to his work, deciding that whatever he was questioning would have to wait until he could corner Mahiru and make her talk. `And I will,' he vowed, eyes narrowed. `I will.'

 

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

 

Mahiru sighed, bored, with her head in her hands as she took in the slowness of the Club. It was only 6:00, after all. The club didn't get busy until about 7:00 PM. She'd been at work for an hour. Lucy was busy assisting a possible business partner when the door suddenly opened, flooding the dimly lit, musty area with gorgeous sunlight. The strawberry blonde haired woman blanched as she saw Hokuto walk in, Keiko defiantly at his side. Gasping, she ducked behind the bar, not wanting her friend to see where she worked lest she tell Nozomu. She was crawling towards the back when she bumped into someone's foot. Glancing up, she let out a sigh of relief when she saw her co-worker, Alina, giving her a weird stare. Grabbing her leg, Mahiru brought the brunette down with her, making a show of silence. “Alina, did you see a woman out there with greenish colored hair?”

 

Alina nodded, “Yeah Mahi, I did. Why? You know her or something?”

 

She nodded furiously. “Yes, that's my best friend. But she can't see me here…so if Lucy asks, I'm on my break, ok?”

 

Alina laughed as she agreed. “Sure thing Mahi, I'll let her know.”

 

With a grateful smile she disappeared behind the employee door, her arms trembling slightly at almost being caught. As she slumped against the nearest couch arm, she inhaled a deep breath as she fell onto the couch completely, annoyed that she was wasting her fifteen minute break because she was almost discovered. Brushing her bangs from her face, she decided to wait until Alina retrieved her from the break room with an ok signal. Her eyes felt heavy and she knew she was pushing her limits—but the money influx she'd been receiving the past few months made it all the more worth her time. Scooting to the end of the couch that was nearest to the vending machines, Mahiru plucked a dollar from her pocket. After sticking it into the machine's dollar bill slot, she browsed the various options of coffee; the selections were pleasing to the eye. She was getting close to giving up when she spotted a simple hot chocolate and pressed the button with the mild satisfaction that it was at least whipped. As she waited for the beverage to dispense she pondered how she was going to complete her chemistry project in time for the mid-term, which was coming up in the next few days. She knew she needed a partner and Keiko had already chosen Akira, much to Mahiru's dismay. As she cradled the steaming drink between her soft hands, she idly wondered whether or not Mitsuru would agree to work with her—though a tantrum seemed more likely.

 

`But…I still need a partner, so…Mitsuru will have to agree to it…or I'll make him agree to it,' she thought with a wry smile, her eyes dancing with mischief. She was halfway into her third sip when Alina came through the doorway, her electric blue hair sticking every which way, signaling that she'd probably been in the back digging through the supply closet for something. Mahiru chuckled. “Are you all right Ally?”

 

The slightly older woman smiled as she tipped her head to the side. “Yeah. That woman and her man friend just left. She looked positively murderous, I have to say. Although…the man on her arm, well, he was quite the handsome image of a bachelor.”

 

“Yeah well, tell Keiko that. They're engaged to get married, after all,” Mahiru retorted, amused.

 

“Really? She didn't seem the least bit excited about being in here with him,” Alina replied, curious. “How long have they been engaged?”

 

“Since the beginning of High school, if I'm remembering correctly,” Mahiru answered. “However, she bristles every time I ask about their engagement so…I'm assuming she isn't happy about it. But, she's my friend and I won't ask anything more about it unless she volunteers information, Ally; it's too sensitive of a topic.”

 

She shrugged. “I'm sorry to hear that. But it seems like you're a great friend Mahiru, not pushing the subject or anything. It must be great to have such a good friend.”

 

As she exited, Mahiru couldn't help but notice how sad Alina sounded when she'd said her piece. `Almost like…she has no friends.' Not wanting to leave the issue alone, Mahiru arose from the couch to follow suit, wanting to help her co-worker in any way she could. But by the time she reached the main floor, people were beginning to arrive into the club, ranging from employees to customers. Glancing at her watch she was surprised to see that it was already 6:45 PM. `How long was I back there?' Ignoring it, as Lucy had said nothing to her when she'd emerged; Mahiru simply took up her waitress tray and began taking orders as soon as people were seated. She'd taken at least five separate ones when Alina ran over to her, breathless. Mahiru smiled wearily as the brunette rattled off a list of drinks that needed preparation. Taking her list and Alina's, Mahiru ran over to the bar where Lucy and her other co-worker, Sasuke, were preparing drinks as fast as they could. She could vaguely hear Rupert's voice drifting from the other room as he read the list for the night's acts and such; she shook her head. Rupert, their boss, was the one that ran most everything in the surrounding area of the club, including the club itself. However, she would be a dope if she hadn't noticed his strange relationship with Lucy. Yama seemed to be hanging around a lot more as well, and she didn't think it had anything to do with their school work.

But she did not have time to dwell on such thoughts as she set a tray of drinks before Alina's bewildered face. No sooner than she had put it down, it had disappeared with Alina into the growing crowd of patrons. Lucy, too, was whipping out drinks as fast as possible while Sasuke ran to the back to retrieve more bottles of needed alcohol. Mahiru was content in finishing them up as they had developed an assembly line type of method. Her fingers worked like clockwork to add the last touches to drinks before Alina carted off more, her mind on automatic pilot as most customers ordered their usual drinks. She paused midway when she noticed she was running out of Kahlua, which was a rarely asked for drink. Puzzled, she scanned the crowded bar in search for any new patrons. When she spotted none she shrugged her shoulders and returned to work just as Sasuke brought in a fresh bottle of the caffeine flavored drink. It seemed as though the rest of the night was likely to become busier, if possible, and that meant a longer shift than Mahiru anticipated. `Hm…and tomorrow I have class early in the morning. If I'm out of here by at least 11:00 PM…then I should be all right…oh, wait…tomorrow is Wednesday. 'No class, duh!' Somehow, she had managed to convince Keiko and Akira that she did not need them to sleepover in her brother's absence. After the incident it was like a heightened security field had been issued by Nozomu. Rolling her eyes, she continued working, a small smile making its way onto her lips as she thanked the higher powers that her brother cared for her so much.

 

Meanwhile, Keiko and Akira were walking down the deserted residential block. It was only 9:00 PM and they had decided to go check up on Mahiru. Keiko had given her word that she would make sure nothing happened to her friend while Nozomu and Misoka left for business meetings and such. So, of course, when she arrived on Mahiru's doorstep, knocked and there was no answer, she became worried. It was only moments after she'd knocked for the second time that she noticed all the lights were out, with the exception of the porch light. Puzzled, she went around the back to check the back door. Akira followed suit, curious and uncertain of what the older girl was doing when it was clearly obvious to him that Mahiru was either not home or already in bed. When Keiko realized that all the doors were locked, the lights were out, and the windows closed, she was convinced that Mahiru had gone to bed rather early. `Probably had a hard day at work and with all that make-up homework and extra homework from tutoring…I'd be sleepy too.' Although she doubted that this was the reason, she let it go. As they continued down the block back to her own house, Keiko gave her friend's house one last fleeting glance, an uneasy feeling creeping into her mind before she rejoined in conversation with Akira.

They walked for what seemed like hours though in reality it had been mere minutes, only stopping once they'd arrived at the nearest little tea house in the urban area. Akira opened the door for Keiko to step in, the moonlight shining down on every visible part of the city. Couples were walking around, few and far in between, and enjoying the beautiful, cool, quiet evening, lost in each other. A part of Keiko—a part she'd done a good job of hiding—was somber about these couples around them, though she and Akira gave the appearance of one. But how her reality threw them off; she and Akira were no couple, thanks to Hokuto. `Although…he doesn't know just yet…and I don't think Akira does either.' Sighing, she accepted the iced milk tea that Akira placed in her hand as he led them to a small, two-chaired table by the large, blue-tinted glass window that displayed the menu off drinks. After idly sipping her milk tea for a few seconds she found her eyes drifting to Akira's face; her own widened when his met hers. She felt the color drain from her face as he did not look away, his eyes bright and seemingly questioning. She paused; what was she supposed to say? She felt her fingers tremble as she clasped her cold drink as beads of cold water slid down the plastic exterior, slowly, until they landed against her skin.

 

“Keiko…I need to talk to you about something.”

 

His voice broke the silence as she felt the beginnings of a blush rising to her cheeks. Nodding, she took another languid yet nervous sip of her drink. “Yes, what is it Akira?” The fact that he wasn't bouncing off the wall when telling her something was enough to bring Keiko to alert as she watched him glance around for a minute. When it appeared that he'd forgotten what he was going to say, she let out a gentle “ahem” that made him look back at her. “Yes, Akira, what is it? Have you forgotten already, silly?”

 

He scratched his head quickly before setting his hands on the table top, folded. It appeared as though he was trying hard to utilize any ounce of self control that he possessed. “I…uh…well, do you remember all those years back when we were kids…when we all lived in Upstate New York?”

 

She nodded. “Of course. How could I forget all that?”

 

He laughed nervously. “Well...even back then I've always kind of…” He paused; Keiko held her breath, hoping against hope he was going to say what she wanted to hear. “No, I uh…never really thought Nozomu's relationship with Mahiru was…weird. But a few days ago I thought I heard Mitsuru talking to himself about it; I don't think he knew I was there.”

 

Her heart fell. “Oh…I didn't know…” She managed to reply as she averted her gaze. Her eyes were beginning to burn with unshed tears. `Stupid Akira...you are so dense…'

 

“That's the thing though…haven't you ever wondered where Mitsuru comes up with these ludicrous ideas?” He suddenly chuckled before taking a sip of his tea. “Anyway…I guess I just needed to tell somebody because it's been bothering me.”

 

“Oh…I see…” She answered, sullen as she too took a sip of her tea. She glanced at her watch. “Oh, Akira…it seems I have to go home…please, do excuse me.” She was halfway out the door when he shouted at her.

 

“Wait, Keiko! I can walk you home if you'd—”

 

She gave him a sullen yet somewhat cold smile. “Oh, no. That won't be necessary Akira. Thank you. See you at work.”

 

Akira sat dumbfounded in his seat as he watched her figure disappear into the evening air, not quite sure what had just transpired. However, he knew one thing. Keiko Himura was extremely unhappy and mad. And he had not the slightest clue why.

 

~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~

 

Mahiru sighed as she watched Sasuke and Alina chat away next to the bar. The club had slowed down a little and she was finally able to take her break. She glanced around, searching for Lucy; she found her sitting at a table with Yama, laughing and seeming to enjoy herself. Rupert was nowhere in sight. Curiosity won the best of her. Slipping her apron back on, Mahiru proceeded to the secluded part of the club, the area hidden by curtains. It wasn't exactly off limits but she never worked there—it was not really open on her working shifts- Today, however, was an unusual shift for her so she decided to go as it appeared there was a show going on. Her hand reached for the curtain, her gaze slowly scoping out the patrons and people behind her where no one seemed to be paying her any attention; she slowly pulled the curtain back. The area inside was musty with dim lighting and a crowd of women, mainly, though there were a few sprinkles of men around. She didn't see anyone on the stage but the pole was a dead giveaway. `I guess…it's a strip club, too?' Something told her she'd been a dolt not to think so in the beginning but she shrugged it off. She took another step inside, the curtain falling behind her to conceal the area where the bouncer, Glenn, nodded for her to proceed all the way inside. `So this is like a VIP part.' It looked as though there was a special pricing to get in this place. Once again, curiosity got the best of her.

 

“Hey Glenn, is this a special part of the club?” She asked.

 

He laughed. “Yeah sure is. We got regulars who come here every Tuesday and Thursday.”

 

“Is it a strip club?”

 

He laughed again. “More like private dancing, though there is some removal of clothes on the person's part. But at this time, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, it's private dance—dancer's choice. So whoever is dancing gets to pick one lucky person to give a free, private dance to or…whatever else the dancer wants to do.”

 

“So…is someone performing tonight or did the person choose someone?” She twiddled her fingers.

 

Glenn shook his head, allowing a group of giggly, college girls to pass through the velvet curtain. “Nope, not yet. He should be getting started in about…1 minute.”

 

“Uh…he?” She looked flustered at his smirk.

 

“Yeah, the ladies can't resist this spitfire. He's been working here a couple years or so. Really gets the crowd going with his looks, his moves…he makes us the most money, too. Lucy got lucky when she hired this one.” Glenn shook his head. “Too bad the ladies sometimes get the wrong idea. Why, is little Mahi interested?” Mahiru blinked but nodded, curious and suddenly very interested as she slapped Glenn's arm playfully. He chuckled. “Well, guess you're in luck.” She raised a brow. “Eyes to the stage, little Mahi, and you'll see just what I mean.”

 

Huffing, Mahiru turned her gaze to the stage just as the shadowy figure of the dancer stepped out, and the once silent crowd of women erupted in a fit of shrieks and wilds screaming. She couldn't see him just yet so she took another step closer until his form was revealed from the smoke. But nothing could have prepared her for what she saw.

 

`Mitsuru?!'

 

TBC

 

(AHAHAHAHA! Mitsuru, you've been discovered, ahahaha! I am so evil…but he'd make quite a hot stripper, gotta admit. Well, there's chappie 7. It seems I'm on a roll, so I hope to have chappie 8 out soon, too. Thanks to all who have R&R and are still R&R. I love you all! Cookies for everyone ::gives cookies to all:: )

Chocomintswirl