Pretear Fan Fiction ❯ Field Full of Daisies ❯ Rivalry ( Chapter 11 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Field Full of Daisies- Rivalry

Kagura got up in the middle of the night, thirsty and annoyed a little. Himeno was moving around more than usual in her sleep and slapping Kagura around like a beanbag. She'd actually come this close to hitting the tulip-head back. She rubbed her side where Himeno had last kicked her and walked down the stairs to raid the fridge. Though, her reason for being annoyed wasn't all Himeno's fault. She couldn't get to sleep to begin with. Stupid Sasame…baka. She reached in the fridge and pulled out the milk, grabbed a bowl, a box of cereal, and sat in the dark at the breakfast table. What had happened? What always happens when you leave two teenagers in a house all by themselves? It's common sense people. The only part she didn't get was when, out of nowhere, he told her she had to leave. Bipolar baka…I'll never get him and by now, I don't think I want to. She stabbed her cereal into her bowl and ate breakfast, this being the first time she was up first thing in the morning for school.

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“And at the end of this week will be the dance before Christmas break. Friday night. Hope to see you all there.” Their homeroom teacher was smiling at them all. Kagura wanted to puke. The school was decorated with Christmas decorations. Gym, Kagura's best subject, had been held as book work in classrooms due to decoration in the gym and snow outside. An entire day, dedicated to splurging money and getting things, masked by the false moral of giving. Why the hell do people use Christmas to decide to be saints? Back at the ADOC, rich spoiled brats would dump their used crap on them and smile a Merry Christmas. It's only good for getting out of school.

“Of course I plan on going. And I'm bringing my new boyfriend, Maki. You've heard of him, right?” Kyoko giggled. “So, who are you going to the dance with, Kagura? That is, if a person like you plans on going at all.”

Kyoko wasn't bothering Sasame but still went out of her way to verbally annoy Kagura, ever since that day she helped Yayoi. However, for the past two weeks, Kagura has been a little extra mean in her ways in warding the girl off. Pretty much ever since she visited Maki's house. Kyoko smirked down at Kagura who immediately glared at her. Then, out of nowhere, Kagura startled pretty much half the class when she growled at her. Kyoko jumped back before returning to her seat. “Kagura, what the heck was that about?”

“Nothing. She went away didn't she?”

Himeno narrowed her eyes at Kagura as she packed her stuff before saying anything. “So, are you going?”

“No, and you can't go either.”

“WHAT!” Kagura ignored her loud shout and made her way toward the door with Yayoi who looked rather confused. Himeno shoved her things in her bag and rushed right passed Tetsu to her sister. “Why not?” she asked as they made their way to their next class.

Kagura snorted before blurting out, “Because I said so.” Himeno cut her off so they stopped walking. “Move, we're going to be late for class.”

“Because I said so isn't a good enough reason, Kagura. This morning you said you didn't care whether I went or not. What's your problem now?” Kagura told Yayoi to walk on ahead to class while she stayed behind with the tulip-head.

“I'm not just saying no for the hell of it-“

“Is it because you don't want me to go with Tetsu?”

“No, it's not that.”

“Then what?”

The bell rang again and Kagura groaned. “Can't this wait?” When she saw Himeno wouldn't budge she groaned again. “Fine, you can go. But I'm coming too. And while we're there, act like you don't know me.” Himeno looked confused. “Don't ask why, just listen. I swear, I didn't know I raised you to talk back so much. And you're late for class. Just wait until we get home.” Kagura grinded her fist into Himeno's head.

“Ow! You're late too!”

“Because of you! If I jump off a bridge are you gonna jump too? Eh?”

“If it's fun.”

“YOU GIRLS GET TO CLASS!” a hall monitor shouted. They didn't even look back, just ran off, startled by being caught loitering.

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Hayate stayed home, pretty pissed for some reason, Kagura didn't care. While Himeno was busy getting all dressed up, Kagura, Sasame, and Tetsu watched TV downstairs. “Kagura! Come here!” Kagura looked up from her lazy seat on the couch but didn't get up.

“What?” she called back.

“Come here!”

Kagura rolled her eyes and walked up stairs. Only to be asked whether she liked what the tulip was wearing. “Is that why the hell you called me up here?” She was dressed in a white dress, red head band, with a red bow tied around one wrist, and red boots. “If you're ready then let's go.”

“You're not going in that are you?”

Kagura's eyes narrowed at Himeno. “So what if I am?”

“C'mon Kagi. Dress up for once! You never do and it's embarrassing!”

“I embarrass you? As if your whining isn't enough to embarrass me.”

“I AM NOT EMBARRASSING!”

“Careful now, the people downstairs can hear you. How embarrassing.”

Himeno's face tinged red and she frowned. “Fine, do whatever you want,” she said, brushing past her on her way down the stairs. Kagura smirked, not even bothering to look at her sister.

“Your taking mommy with you to your first dance, eh?”

Himeno blushed again. “What, you can see it?”

“Nah. But you always wear that stupid necklace everywhere you go. It's gotten to the point where I don't even have to see it.”

Himeno frowned at her choice of words but Kagura just grinded her fist into Himeno's head again, as if to laugh it off. “Not my hair! Stop it! I took forever on it!” she complained on their way down the stairs.

“What the hell for? It looks the same.”

“You ladies ready to go,” Tetsu asked with a smile.

Kagura frowned but she couldn't necessarily punch the guy for smiling at her sister…Or could I? They got in Sasame's car and drove back up to the school. Tetsu offered to drive his car but Kagura said no, obviously. After reminding the two to act like they didn't know her. Tetsu had an idea why but all Himeno kept doing was asking why. “I told you. It's because you're an embarrassment.” She got pretty angry. She'll get over it. When they arrived, it was loud and crowded, full of noise, music, and laughter. Tetsu and Himeno headed off in another direction, though Kagura noted that Himeno stayed within eye shot. Give her a little freedom and she doesn't know what to do with it. They entered the gym that was vastly decorated in the spirit of Christmas. It only reminded her that Sasame's family would be here early tomorrow morning from the airport. She could already feel the headache coming on. Can't they take turns on which house to turn inside out every holiday? She immediately found a table to seat herself before they were all taken and Sasame sat as well.

“What, no dancing?” he asked with a grin. She made a sound that crossed between a `no' and a snort. “Why not? Can't dance?” he grinned again.

She grinned back. Then scanned the dance floor before replying, “You see those two over there,” she pointed. There was a couple on the floor, dancing rather suggestively.

“Yea. So?”

“Keep watchin'.” Not too much later a teacher approached the two and pulled them apart. They heard her bark `At least two feet between you two!' “That's why.”

Sasame laughed a little before his eyes fell on Kyoko dragging her date in their direction. “She actually brought the guy. Do you know him?” Sasame asked in a low voice. He was the head Saint and she was Knoctern. He hasn't heard much about all the rumors because he never bothered to pay them any attention. But now, he just thought it was safe to ask. Kagura glanced over at them.

“We've met,” replied in the same tone before they annoying couple came within earshot.

“Hi Kagura!” Kyoko said in an ear pounding tone. Kagura ignored Maki's presence and stared out at the dancing seniors. She would have ignored Kyoko's presence too, if her voice wasn't so damn loud. “and his Sasame,” she said with a little less enthusiasm.

Sasame…so that's the bastard's name. Maki plastered a fake smile on his face. “You two don't mind if we have a seat here. All the other tables are full,” he said before sitting down. Kyoko didn't want to at first, but he was right. All the other tables were full. And the teachers kept interrupting any dancing worthwhile. So Kyoko sat down too. Her smile was bright and Kagura could tell without even looking.

“This is my date Maki. You've heard of him. Tokian Saint leader.”

“Ya don't say? How about you tattoo it on his forehead,” she smirked, finally looking at Kyoko. “But where are my manners. Hello, I'm Kagura,” she smiled.

Maki looked at her, frowning for a split second before nodding. Sasame looked a little confused but didn't say anything. I guess she must not want Kyoko to know that she's already met him.

“You shouldn't get jealous,” Kyoko smirked back.

“Which is why I'm not. Are you sure this is the only table left with empty seats.”

“Yes,” Maki interrupted, growing tired of her ignoring him.

“Good.” She kicked Kyoko's chair and made her fall butt first onto the ground. “All the more reason for you to sit on the floor.”

“You bitch!” Kyoko shouted. Kagura just rolled her eyes again.

“How about you stop yelling at me and start asking why your date isn't helping you up off the floor.”

Sasame winced a little. Kagura's just going to start unnecessary trouble, with a gang leader no less. One of these days that cocky attitude of hers is going to get me killed. Sasame glanced over and saw Maki staring at him. The blonde nervously smiled and all Maki did was smile back. Though, the smile didn't seem like a happy `I wanna be your friend smile'. More like a `I'm going to hurt you when you're not looking' smile. “Kagura, are you thirsty?”

“Not really—“

“Great. I'll go get you something,” Sasame replied while getting up and walking away pretty quickly.

Kagura cocked an eyebrow at his retreating figure before glancing at Maki who only smiled. “He seems nice.”

Kagura smiled back. “He really is. I'll have to thank him personally when we get home.”

Maki stopped smiling. Kyoko finally settled herself back in her seat and glared at Kagura. “I'm thirsty too, hun.”

Maki looked a little confused. “So what do you expect me to do about it?”

Kagura just laughed at Kyoko's embarrassment. “Could you go get me something to drink as well,” she asked with a twitchy smile. Maki smiled back at her. It seemed for a moment in Kagura's view that he was going to say no, but something in his mind stopped him from doing it. He just nodded and walked off. But before he was completely out of earshot, Kagura made sure he heard her when she insulted him.

“That's a first. The all mighty leader of the Saints being bossed around by a little girl. Sex must be that good huh?”

“That's none of your business!” Kyoko shouted. Kagura just laughed. Maki wasn't paying attention when he walked, too angry, when he bumped into a young girl. She fell backwards with a soft thud. He looked down at her. She was a little short with pink hair and an angelic appearance. “Sorry,” he apologized as if it were an after thought.

“No, I'm sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going,” she smiled. Tetsu helped her up.

Maki looked at the boy for a while before it came to him. “Aren't you Berserk's little brother? Tetsu, right?”

“Yeah. What are you doing here?”

Maki choked on the words he was about to speak. I'm on a date. Instead, he smiled. “Just business.”

Tetsu knew why he was here but shrugged it off. “See you later.”

Maki watched them disappear with the crowd, thinking on where he'd seen a face like that girl's before. Then he too, shrugged it off, concluding that he was either crazy, or it would come to him later. Once he got to a table where they were passing out food and drinks, he saw Kagura's date speaking with some girl. His frown deepened. Kagura wants him? He's cheating on her in the same building. “Hello,” he said, interrupting their conversation. He grabbed two bottles of soda. “So who's your…other…lady friend?”

Mawata stared at him oddly. Isn't he that horrible man from the news? What is he doing here?

“This is Mawata. She's a friend of mine. She's one of the people who organized the dance.”

“Really? Why don't you join us at our table then?” Maki asked with a smile. But really, he just wanted Sasame to get caught.

“Uh, yeah sure. You're not busy are you Mawata?”

“Not really. It's nothing Yayoi can't take care of. She is the head after all.” Mawata followed the two back to the table to see Kyoko still shouting, and Kagura completely ignoring her, too busy speaking with Yayoi, who was also seated at the table. “Yayoi?” Mawata asked, sitting down. “Aren't you supposed to be taking care of the band show preps.”

“Already did it,” she smiled before speaking with Kagura again.

“Hello Kagura.”

Kagura didn't speak, just lifted a hand lazily to let Mawata know she heard her greeting. Mawata frowned and Maki looked a little surprised. So she is just a friend…or Kagura's gotten really stupid.

“So did you finally read that book I gave you?” Yayoi pestered.

Kagura sighed. “I've been busy. I'll get to it over the break.”

“Kagura,” Yayoi frowned.

“I promise Blondie,” she frowned back.

“So Kagura, where's Himeno?”

“She stayed home.”

Kyoko looked at her oddly. “I saw them when we walked in. She's here with Tetsu. I mean be for real, why else would you be here if she wasn't?”

Maki's eyes widened for a second before he smiled at Kagura. “Tetsu? I saw him earlier. Fine taste in women.”

Kagura glared but his smile only grew. “You alright Kagura?” Sasame asked. Mawata eyed her with a suspicious gaze.

“Nothing,” she said before closing the cap on the soda Sasame brought her. “I have to go to the bathroom.”

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Mawata sat silent for a while. She found it quite suspicious that they both left. And she'd seen Kagura constantly glancing at him. Now, what a strange coincidence that they both have to go to the bathroom. She would just blame it on the fact that she was constantly suspicious of people, and the fact that she didn't much like Kagura, but it was still weird. And she's been gone in that bathroom a pretty long time. And for once, Sasame was talking and Mawata wasn't paying attention. “Kagura's been gone a pretty long time,” she muttered, only loud enough for Sasame to hear. Yayoi had walked off somewhere and Kyoko was just plain ignoring the two.

“Yeah. I'd go see if she was all right but I can't exactly go in the girl's bathroom.”

“I'll go,” Mawata replied. Curiosity clouded her mind. If she was just being her normal paranoid self, then there wouldn't be a problem in going to prove herself wrong. She raised from her seat and squeezed through the thick crowd, walking toward the back of the gym to the bathrooms. She swung open the door. “Kagura are you all---….” Mawata's eyes flew open at the sight before her. She came to prove herself wrong and the sight before her wasn't helping. The moment she walked in Kagura whipped her head in Mawata's direction, just as surprised as her. Maki lifted his mouth from the girl's neck and glared at Mawata who was now already enraged and yet, still stunned. Maki's was pressed close to her, the front of her shirt torn down the middle, and…there…was…a tattoo there. O my god! “You're in a gang! Sasame's out there waiting for you and you're in here with this ruffian who's supposed to be KYOKO's date! You whore!” Mawata went running out of the bathroom and didn't look back to see if they would say something or follow her. She bypassed the crowd and sat at Sasame's table, fully intending to tell him, but when she got there, she choked on her angry words. She didn't want to see Sasame angry and Kagura would probably find some snaky excuse to get out of it. And with the way Sasame acted toward her, he'd probably believe the wench. I hate her! No, Mawata would figure something else. For now…

“What's wrong, Mawata? Where's Kagura?”

She winced, but smiled through her seething anger. “She's fine. She said she'd be out in a minute-“

“MOVE!”

There she is… Mawata glared her way as Kagura literally pushed past people in the crowd to get to the front doors of the gym. Tetsu was trailing not too far behind and Kagura had Himeno by the arm, dragging her out. Sasame was surprised to see her sudden raging attitude and fact was, she was running out without him. Even Kyoko looked up in confusion.

“What's her deal? She's got a different mood swing everyday.”

“I'll see you later Mawata.” Sasame got up rather quickly and followed Kagura, Himeno, and Tetsu out the door.

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Kagura had stayed in the bathroom for a while now. I knew I shouldn't have come. I knew I shouldn't have come. I knew I SHOULDN'T HAVE COME! Dammit! I should have said `NO Himeno you can't go!' Kyoko just had to open her damn mouth! I'm screwed! I have to get Himeno and leave, but if I do, then Sasame's going to start bothering me with a thousand questions a minute. Kagura had locked herself inside a bathroom stall and now kicked at the walls, cursing aloud the entire time. Girls inside were startled and ran out. My life sucks…There was a knock against the stall door. Kagura looked down at the feet in front of her stall and cursed inside her mind again. “You know you shouldn't be in the girls' bathroom.” The door was kicked open and Kagura immediately kicked back, striking Maki in the face. He stumbled back and groaned, cursing for a moment before he noticed Kagura running for the bathroom door. He ran over and grabbed her from behind, lifting her a few feet off the floor.

“Now is that any way to treat me after I came to see if you were alright?” His grip tightened the more she kicked and struggled.

“I just wish you would leave me alone!” she shouted before elbowing him in the ribs. He dropped her. On the ground.

“Stop being difficult!” he kicked her back so she'd stop crawling for the door. She screamed briefly and he immediately regretted kicking her so hard. “Kagi-“

She rolled over and kicked his crotch. “You ass!”

She got up but Maki grabbed her by the ankle and yanked her back to the floor. “And you're a walk in the park.”

“If you don't like me, then why the hell do you keep bothering me!” He got up and dragged her away from the door by the hair.

“You're lucky I like you or else I'd be here to kill you. Faking your death to get out is punishable by death. If people found out, it'd be an embarrassment. Then I'd have to kill you!” Someone walked into the bathroom and was startled when she saw Maki's hands dug into Kagura's hair, and her nails digging into his arms.

“Mind your fucking business!” they both shouted at the same. She ran back out and they continued in hurting each other.

“Then come back and kill me after I graduate!”

He let go of her hair and stared down at her, growing more and more angry with her by the second. He yanked her up by the arm pushed her against the sink. “Let go!” she punched him in the face, and that had did it. He picked her up and smashed her against the sink mirror. It cracked and again, she screamed a little. “ow…” she said a little airy.

Maki sighed. “Let me see it.”

“Get away from me!” she hit him again. He reached inside the belt of his pants and pulled out a gun, pressing it on her bruised side.

“Are you going to stop now?” she didn't say anything and Maki got a mischievous smirk on his face. He grabbed hold of her shirt and ripped it right down the middle. She flinched and was about to hit him again, but he pressed the gun harder on her side wound. “I said don't move.” He handed her the piece of her shirt. “Tie it over the cut on the back of your head to stop the bleeding. Kagura hadn't even known she was bleeding. The blood blended in with the color of her hair, but now that she paid attention, she could feel it pouring out. So she did, still glaring at him. “I hate it when you look at me like that.”

“Really? I thought you'd be used to it.”

“And I hate it when you act like that, Kagi. You know you don't hate me.”

“Really? You know that?”

“If anything, you hate yourself for not hating me. You forget that along with you seeing through me, I see right through you.”

“If you could see right through me then you'd see how much I don't want to be here right now.”

Maki leaned in a little, planting a kiss on her jaw line. “Same sarcastic attitude as always. I've missed it.” He lowered his head even further and proceeded with her neck. He felt her shiver under his mouth and it only made him happier.

“Stop it.”

“Kagura, are you all---….” Kagura whipped her head toward the bathroom door, recognizing the voice but hoping it wasn't who she thought it was. There, Mawata stood, with a surprised and angry expression. That's when Kagura realized that her tattoo was showing. She quickly tried covering it up. This must not have looked good. Considering the fact that her shirt was torn open, she had a gang tattoo in visible sight, Maki was kissing her neck, her hair was a mess, and it's pretty obvious she can't see the gun. Mawata shouted then stormed off.

She's going to tell Sasame and Kyoko. But then again, I bet she's happy about it…Sasame'll hate me and she'll creep right in to `comfort' him. Kagura frowned, then glared at Maki again.

“Well I can't exactly keep you here any longer now can I?” he sighed before putting the gun back in his pants.

She wanted to hit him just then, but held back. Don't anger the psycho with the gun… She slipped away from him, untying her jacket so she could put it on. Not everyone needed to see her indecent with a large gang tattoo on her chest. Needless to say it wouldn't reflect too well on her. Kagura ran out of the bathroom and out into the crowd, pushing people out of her way to find her sister. Himeno had left the dance floor with Tetsu and sat down at the first empty table in sight.

I feel bad…I mean…I'm having fun…but Hayate's home by himself. Himeno concked herself on the head. “Grr, why am I thinking about that Baka?”

“Who?” Tetsu asked. Himeno smiled nervously and waved the subject off.

“It's nothing, nothing at all.”

“You having fun?” he grinned.

“Yeah. Getting kinda hungry though.”

Tetsu pushed the hair in her face behind her ear and she blushed a little. “I'll go get you something.” Before Tetsu could get to far away, a certain redhead came up to him, grabbing his shirt.

“Where's my sister?” she asked. And she didn't look to good either.

“She's sitting back there. Why? What's wrong with you?”

Kagura let go of him and walked back toward a group of tables where Himeno was sitting. She turned around and frowned. “I thought you said to act like I don't know you?”

“We're leaving.”

“Huh? Why? I was just having fun…what happened to you?”

Kagura snatched Himeno up by the arm and began dragging her out of the gym with Tetsu not too far behind. She wasn't thinking about who was going to drive them home or whether or not Sasame was going to confront her about it, she just wanted to leave. We can wait for the bus. She, most importantly, didn't want Maki and her sister in the same building. Especially considering the fact that she doesn't know anything about her relationship with the bastard. They weren't two feet outside the gym before she heard Sasame's voice calling out after her. Crap… She didn't stop to see what he had to say.

“Kagura!” Himeno shouted, snatching her arm away. “Stop acting weird and stop. At least wait for Sasame.”

She glared at Himeno, then watched Sasame approach. But, surprising enough, he didn't seem angry. He sighed when he finally caught up with them. “I'm not even going to ask. We'll talk later. For now, I'll drive you guys home.” Sasame started walking toward the student parking lot but Kagura just stood, frozen. Himeno looked back at her.

“You wanted to leave so badly so c'mon,” Himeno ordered a little irritated. Kagura snapped out of her daze and followed.

So Mawata…didn't tell? …something's going to happen…with my luck…it always does. Kagura sat in the back seat with Himeno after practically yanking Tetsu out of the back seat. The drive was pretty much quiet until Himeno decided to speak. Though she did so in a hushed tone.

“Kagura? What the heck is your problem? Why'd you just storm out and RUIN everything.”

Kagura kept her gaze on the passing scenery. She never notices anything until it's over and done with. I'm bleeding and look a mess and she talks about me ruining everything. Just like that time I climbed in through the window at the ADOC shaking. She didn't even notice. Kagura grinned but it was a rather sad one. “Just do me a favor and shut up.”

Himeno was surprised by the reply but it only made her even more angry. “Don't tell me to shut up!” she said raising her voice.

“I wouldn't have to if you'd SHUT UP!” Kagura replied, raising her voice just above hers so she'd get the hint.

“I'm tired of you talking to me like that! You're not my mother!”

“I'll talk to you however the hell I want! If you weren't such a BABY, I would respect you enough to talk to you like an adult!”

“You don't respect me!”

“I think I shouted loud enough for the idiots in the front seat to hear but I'm not surprised dense little Himeno DIDN'T!”

“Girls,” Sasame said, trying to stop the arguing.

“Shut it!” they both barked.

“I'm dense? I'm surprised you could get anyone to like you! You're a rude, ARROGANT, BITCH!”

“Tell me something I don't already FUCKING know! But then again, being a bitch must run through the family! Like you're such an angel. Your mother is DEAD. I'm just three minutes older than you and I practically RAISED you! And all you've been is a childish BRAT! NOT EVEN A THANK YOU!”

“I never asked!”

“You'd be dead by now if I hadn't! Like that time Himeno was stupid enough to play on the stairs. I carried you to the nurse. Or that time Himeno played in the center kitchen. I gave you my BLOOD! Or let's talk about the time Himeno almost got kidnapped. I jumped on the back of the damn car! And still, to this DAY all you think about is YOURSELF and YOUR DATE with YOUR BOYFRIEND who's an ASSHOLE anyway!”

“YOU SHOULDN'T JUDGE PEOPLE! At least he's not gang drug attic drunk like you.” Himeno spoke the last sentence in a harsh whisper so the boys wouldn't hear. Well, Sasame heard anyway. You should never whisper around him in hopes of keeping something to yourself.

“How would you know? I'm pretty sure Tetsu has something he isn't telling you,” she said before kicking the back of Tetsu's seat. “You wanna tell my sister what you told me? Eh?”

“Don't bring me into your issues-“

“Careful. You don't want me to stop by for another visit.”

“Don't you threaten him!” Himeno shouted again before hitting Kagura. The redhead snapped her head in Himeno's direction.

“Don't you EVER put your hands on me you UNGRATEFUL---“

“We're home!” Sasame cut her anger off, pulling to a stop in his driveway. There was an ambulance parked in the driveway of Sanma's house. The two got out of the car without another word to each other. They entered the house to see the same two men that come every time, dressing Sanma's wound and Hayate was there too. Tetsu didn't bother coming in. He told Himeno he'd see her later and drove home.

“Sanma, what happened?” Himeno asked.

“O-O well y-you see-“

“She burned her hands,” Hayate answered for her. Both her hands were wrapped up tight in bandages.

“How?”

(while they were gone)

Sanma walked into the kitchen and slid a pizza into the oven. “The girls might be hungry after s-such a big night. I'm a l-little hungry too.” Her stomach growled and she turned on the oven. Then, the doorbell rang. The frizzy haired woman got up from her waiting seat in the kitchen and walked out to the front door. “Hayate?” She was a little surprised. And he cut his hair too. (Lidia- Now he looks like he did in the manga. I think he cut his hair in the third book. I'm too lazy to go and check but I know he cut it. Lol) “You cut your hair?”

“Yeah. Had nothin' better to do. You mind if I come in and wait for Himeno to get home?”

Sanma didn't look so surprised by the request and stepped aside for him to enter. They entered the kitchen and immediately, Hayate noticed the photo covered fridge. “Is this…Himeno and Kagura?”

“Y-Yes, Himeno put them up to pass the time. They're adorable.”

Hayate approached to get a better look. In most of them, the two looked no older than five. Even Kagura smiled in those. The happiest smile he'd ever seen on her face. It looked a lot like Himeno's smile, which she too, had plastered onto her face. Cute kids…Though, there was one picture Hayate noticed with their father, mother, Himeno, and no Kagura. “Where was Kagura during this one?”

Sanma looked over to see which one he was talking about. “Oh, from what I hear, she was away from home for a while. She was being held in a psychiatric ward behind the hospital in Jyouh. Sad really. The day she came home was the day her mother was announced dead.”

Hayate's eyes narrowed a bit. He scanned other photos and that's when he noticed the big gap. From their five-year-old lives right into the few photos taken with his family and Sanma during the Halloween festival. Kagura's smile wasn't the same in those. And, in a way, neither was Himeno's. It reminded him of himself and Sasame. Both Hayate's real parents and Sasame's father died in a car accident due to a drunk driver. I guess we're not that different…what's that smell? Hayate looked around and saw smoke coming from the stove. “Sanma! Your stove!”

She looked over at the smoke rising from it and panicked. “I t-turned it on t-to high!” She ran over and pulled out the still half frozen pizza and burned her hands on the metal stove layer. “Hayate…call an ambulance.” Her voice was more of a quiver.

(end)

“Oh Sanma, you're too kind,” Himeno smiled nervously.

Kagura walked in, her body still aching and Sasame noticed her limp a little. “You alright?”

“I'm fine,” she waved before turning her attention to the two men from the ambulance. “Hey boys. While you're here, you won't mind wrapping something up for me?”

“Sure, Kagura. Tell me where it is.” She hopped up on the kitchen counter and pulled her hair over her shoulder. “How'd that happen?” he asked a little surprised. He took out some tweezers to pick out the glass.

“I fell.”

Himeno noticed the blood running down the back of her neck before the man wiped it up and wrapped a bandage around it. “Kagura! You could have told me you got hurt! Then I wouldn't have been so mean about leaving. Just like you, not to explain yourself.”

“You would have asked a million questions,” she smirked.

“So how'd it happen? And don't give me that BS excuse I fell.”

Sasame stared at the two playfully bickering twins and twitched a little. It's like the argument never happened…

“You alright Sasame?”

“I'm fine. So, why did you come here Hayate and…what happened to your hair?”

“You cut it?” Himeno was now distracted from Kagura's wound for the moment.

“I swear, we can't leave Hime-Kaze-Baka alone for two seconds without him doing something drastic. Next thing you know he's gonna get a nose job…actually…that's not a bad idea.”

“SHUT UP BEFORE I PUT ANOTHER HOLEIN YOUR HEAD!”

Kagura smirked. “Temper, temper. Why are you even here?”

“Because-…” Now everyone in the room was staring at him. Even the two hospital workers.

“Hayate?” Himeno persisted when he didn't say anything.

“I can come over any time I want you damn tulip-head and you damn punk!”

Himeno's curious face fell into a frown. “Fine!” She punched him square in the jaw and stormed up stairs. “I'm getting ready for bed!”

When Himeno was out of sight and earshot, Kagura snickered. Sasame just sighed. “You don't know how to treat a woman.”

Hayate sat up, holding his face. “Shut up…”

The two workers left after telling Sanma not to cook any time soon and telling Kagura not to sleep on her back. “If you like her, just tell her,” Kagura smirked.

“Who the hell said I liked her!”

“Don't play dumb Hayate,” Sasame cut in.

“It's obvious to everyone…well…everyone except her. She doesn't notice thing to well. Besides, you listen and hang on her every word, you stare at her when she doesn't notice, you subconsciously sit beside her whenever Tetsu's around, you blush like mad every time she smiles at you-“

“Sounds like love to me,” Sasame cut in. Though, he didn't see Kagura flinch when he said it. “You keep getting nervous so you insult her-……” Sasame shut his mouth quick when he saw Himeno come back downstairs.

“Why the hell would I like that tulip-headed valley girl?” There was a low growl from behind him and Kagura snickered again. “She's behind me isn't she?”

“I forgot…my purse,” she said through cringed teeth. Then her purse came colliding with the back of his head. Hayate fell over again before she stormed back up the stairs.

“I'll be going t-too. G-good night,” Sanma nodded before following Himeno up the stairs.

“I'm going to go to bed too,” Kagura muttered lazily. Then she looked over at Sasame and Hayate. “Get out.”

lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

Kagura and Himeno were waiting inside the Ayanami's home with Sanma and the boys. Ayanami had left to meet the family at the airport. “Tell me again why I'm here?” You don't have to guess to know who said that.

“Kagura!” Himeno scolded. “You're being rude.”

“What's your point? It's not like this is my family. And don't shout at me or I take your Christmas gift back.”

Himeno pouted and sat back down on the couch. Her bunny hat flopped round when she sat down and she started playing with the ears out of boredom. Then the doorbell rang. Sasame got up to answer it, glad they were finally here, but when he opened the door, Mawata was standing there. “Uh, hello Mawata. Come in-“

“I'm actually here to see Kagura. No one answered next door so I assumed they were here.”

Sasame cocked an eyebrow at her but went to get Kagura anyway. “Uh…Mawata…wants to see you?” he said, not even sure of it himself.

Kagura groaned and got up from the sofa to go to the door. “What the hell do you want?”

Mawata frowned but refrained from insulting her. “I need to speak with you…alone.”

Kagura shut the door behind her. When they heard the door close, they became suspicious themselves. Well, all except Sanma. Kagura and Mawata walked back next door to her house and the red head let her in. She closed the door behind her and they sat in the living room. “Sit down, I'll be right back,” Kagura grinned before walking up stairs. Mawata sat on the sofa, staring at the many pictures on the shelf above the entertainment system. One of them being one she loathed. The same one pictured on the news. Kagura and Sasame during the Halloween festival in front of a game stand. Kagura returned to the living room with a large duffle bag and set it on the floor in front of the sofa-chair she sat in. Mawata, for a moment, wondered what was inside, but turned her attention to Kagura instead. “So…again…what the hell do you want?”

“You don't seem to be too grateful that I didn't tell Sasame.”

“Contrary to what you may believe, I have a valid excuse for everything I do. I may not want to share with Sasame because I don't want to worry him.”

Mawata laughed a little. “Like you care about anybody but yourself.”

“I've been watching my sister since we were five. I keep personal matters out of Sanma's house, and when I have a problem, I keep it to myself. But that's not caring about other people. Caring about other people is sitting in your mansion, spending mommy's money, thinking you're better than everyone, and fawning over Sasame. The guy you rejected before anyway. You are the most caring person I know.”

Mawata frowned. “I knew him long before you did. What would you know about it?”

Kagura shrugged. “He told me. So, why don't you just tell him you like him. If he likes you back, it won't be my place to get in the way. If you'd stop being so damn afraid, we wouldn't be here right now.”

“Don't you lecture me!” Mawata shouted for the first time. Kagura's grin only grew. Mawata returned to her usual calm-cold tone. “From what I understand, Knoctern's supposed to be dead. I don't know much about the story so correct me if I'm wrong.”

“No, you're right. I'm supposed to be dead. Go on.”

“I want you to stay away from Sasame.” Kagura's grin fell into that of a stern frown. “You and your affiliated gang problems won't bring him anything but trouble. And you're cheating on him with that murderer.”

“Don't even pretend you know anything about it.”

“If I see you with him again, I'll tell him.”

“Why don't I just tell him you're black mailing me? He won't want to see you any more than me.”

“I'll tell everyone if I need to.” Mawata glared at the girl with an intense hate and Kagura's eyes looked like they were flickering fire again. But she grinned at Mawata again.

“This whole scheming evil act is so not you Mawata.”

“Who said I was the evil one?”

“You're right. You're right. I guess, by definition, I am the evil one.” She unzipped the bag and pulled out her old Saint sword with her name engraved in the sheath. “I'm in a gang. I'm cheating on Sasame. I'm around him more than you. You knew him first and I just moved in out of nowhere, bent on snatching him from you. Do you know how many people I hurt with this thing? Hm, you wouldn't even know what to do with a sword like this.” She set it on the coffee table and pulled something else out. Something that made Mawata's eyes widen for a moment. It was a gun with a barrel-silenced tip. The only noise it would make when fired it the sound of metal slicing air. And maybe a scream from its target. But Mawata kept a straight face about seeing it. She had to. This woman wasn't going to make her feel small. “So, me being the evil one. I must live up to my reputation.”

“You're not going to kill me,” Mawata frowned further.

“Of course not! I never killed anyone. But then again, when I'm around, people tend to go missing. Sometimes they're found dead in lakes, rivers, sewers. But it's not murder unless you get caught right? The evil one, is the one that makes the big threats around here hun. So what's it gonna be?”