JPHiP Forum
The Hello! Project Fanfics => H!P Fanfics => Crack-to-Go => Topic started by: Estrea on September 12, 2007, 04:04:07 PM
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Aloha! XDD Well I have a lot of random plot bunnies that have absolutely nothing to do with the serialised stories I am working on currently (aka AA or SotN). Often, I find it easier to write short stories. Probably because they give me a chance to develop a character, or a relationship, in greater detail. I like being able to delicately handle a situation. XD
So here be my fic dump, my collection of short stories. A bit long overdue, since I've written a whole variety of unrelated short stories already. I'll just post my latest one and dribble out the rest over time. XD
So, here we go!
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Layers
This isn't going to work.
This she decided after the 256th time she jerked upright on her bed, staring in panic at the blinking numerals of her clock on the dresser by her bed.
Barely 30 minutes had passed since the first time she closed her eyes at an unprecedentedly early hour, since she had decided that the cause of her having drastically overslept earlier in the day must have been due to exhaustion, so she had resolved to retire to bed as early as her schedule allowed in an attempt to ensure that a repeat incident did not occur.
Unfortunately, her innate paranoia was causing her to react too sensitively to every single sound and shift around her, jolting her awake even before she had even succeeded in falling asleep, her subconscious mind too worried that she might have accidentally overslept again, and would then have to deal with...
Miki's glare of doom, Yossi's stern-but-concerned face, Reina's impatient expression, Eri's worried glance, Sayu's surprisingly penetrating gaze, Koharu's bounciness (okay maybe not that), Aika's earnest attention that made her feel inadequate as a role model for her kouhai, and Ai-chan's disappointed and disapproving look...
Ai-chan doesn't tolerate tardiness. Risa winced at the memory of the disapproving expression from her best friend. While Ai did not say anything to her about it, her silence was somehow a lot weightier than the standard scolding that Yossi, as leader, had to deliver to her.
Silence was surprisingly a lot more eloquent than a whole chunk of words could be, and just that one disappointed look and the resulting silence from Ai-chan to her was enough to ruin her whole mood, in addition to the guilt she already felt for oversleeping and running late for rehearsals.
Risa was tried her best to expiate her feelings of guilt by working extra hard that day, and resolving never ever to be late again, so as not to be on the receiving end of the Look (TM). Of course, the latter resolution had to be carried through to the very next day as well, and so she had tried to sleep early in order to ensure that she woke up on time.
But evidently it was not working. It was probably the bed, she decided. Hotel beds were not created equal. Something had to be preventing her from sleeping well and rising early. There had to be a reason somewhere.
Risa spent another 15 minutes on a internal crusade as the many voices of reason within her mind tore at each other, trying to sort things out. It was little wonder why she tended to babble at times. With the chaos lurking inside her mind, it was surprising that she even managed to make any sense the rest of the time, much less when she lapsed into babble-reaction-queen mode.
Ai-chan always managed to translate the babbling though. It was just a random thought that popped out of nowhere into the battlefield of her mind, but it calmed the warring parties inside her. Ai-chan. Yes. Her best friend would know what to do. Cure the sleeplessness. Maybe she could sleep over with her! Yes, that would be an excellent idea.
Thus decided, Niigaki Risa, clad in teddy pajamas, ambled out of her hotel room and wandered over to the room where her best friend Ai-chan was currently residing in. Pausing outside the door, she pressed the buzzer and was rewarded with a "It's open!". Taking the invitation, Risa opened the door.
...only to see an equally surprised Ai on her own bed, holding a thick book and was apparently avidly reading until Risa's entry.
"Oh, Gaki-san! I thought Mittsi forgot something and came back for it. Did you see her?" A slight shake of Risa's head, and Ai absently closed her book after bookmarking where she stopped. Risa cursed again the luck of the draw, since Aika had ended up with Ai-chan after they drew lots to decide the rooming arrangements. Risa had ended up with Reina, who had conveniently forgotten to wake her this morning. Reina claimed that she had left the room way ahead of time and had not expected that Risa would oversleep quite that much....and Risa found it difficult to rebut that point.
Nevertheless. Ai-chan was looking at her expectantly, and Risa realised she had yet to say anything since stepping in uninvited. Sheepishly, Risa brushed her hair out of her face, blurting the first thing that came to mind.
"Can I sleep with you tonight?"
It was fleeting, but Ai's face colored slightly, her jaw clenching and her body stiffening, before she relaxed and went back to normal in a flash, blinking quite ordinarily in surprise at Risa, who was stumbling over her words trying to clarify her meaning.
"Um, well, I cannot sleep and I am scared that I cannot wake up in time for tomorrow and everyone would get upset and Mikitty would just try to eat me alive and it would be a bad influence for Mittsi and Yossi would be even more stressed as leader and I would inconvenience all the staff and..." Ai had gotten up during Risa's panicked imaginings, and shut the younger girl up by the simple expedient of a touch.
Yes, just a touch. One hand laid comfortingly on her shoulder, clear eyes looking steadily and soothingly straight at her, just the very presence, that calming aura around her best friend that managed to halt Risa's derailed babble-train. Ai was smiling at her, and that made everything better somehow.
"Of course you can. It'll be just like a sleepover and I'll make sure to wake you on time for rehearsal tomorrow." The words were rePosterioruring on their own, but what made it special was that her best friend was saying it. Risa beamed widely, radiating the simple joy that could be best described as "child-like". Not to say that she was childish, but she did revert occasionally to an innocence that was reminiscent of her younger days. It was a part of her, so it was a little difficult to stop even if she had wanted to.
"Yay~ Sleepover with Ai-chan~!" Risa cheered giddily and blasted past her best friend, flopping belly-first onto the bed that Ai had just gotten out of.
"Hey, you are taking up all the space!" Ai giggled as she pretended to take offense at how Risa was spreadeagled over her bed, but the mirth in her eyes betrayed her amusement. Risa grinned and pulled the older girl down onto the bed, the bedsprings bouncing from the impact.
"Time to sleep~" Ai raised an eyebrow at her exuberant friend. "Isn't it a bit early?"
"Early to bed, early to rise!" Risa recited the maxim confidently and nodded sagely to herself, before clinging on to Ai as if the other girl was a giant teddy bear. Ai twitched slightly, but did not break free from the position.
"Besides you shouldn't be reading in bed, it's bad for your eyesight!" Risa mock-chided Ai, who rolled her eyes, but did not protest. It was pointless to, at any rate.
"Then, good night Ai-chan!" Risa snuggled contentedly into her human pillow (aka Ai).
Ai paused for exactly the space of 5 heartbeats, before softly replying.
"Good night..."
To a Risa who was already fast on her way to dreamland. Ai smiled and shifted to get a better look at the slumbering Risa, an indulgent smile on her lips.
"Sweet dreams to you too." Turning away, she firmly shut her eyes. Out of sight, out of mind. Even if said object was practically latched onto her side. Ai let out a small sigh of frustration.
Sleep was not going to come easy for her tonight.
Next Morning...
Risa woke slowly, but the fog over her mind was clearing rapidly, so when she did open her eyes, it only took her a few moments of disorientation before she figured out where she was.
Oh, I slept over with Ai-chan last night... Blinking the last of the sleepiness out of her eyes, Risa could not help but luxuriate in the warmth and comfort of Ai-chan's presence.
Ai was still sleeping, her head somehow having Laughing Out Loudled closer in her slumber, and was currently using Risa's outstretched left arm as a pillow. Her arms and legs were curled into her own body, almost defensively if one were to look at it critically, but Risa's right arm had been flung over Ai's waist and had pulled the older girl closer, so it looked like Ai was curled up in Risa's embrace.
It was a nice feeling just lying there like that, and Risa smiled as she continued her unconscious inspection of Ai-chan's sleeping form. She was mildly, okay, very surprised when she looked into Ai's sleeping face. No, it was not that it was extremely different or anything, not like Ai had mutated in her sleep or something equally shocking like that, but Ai-chan seemed more...unguarded in her sleep.
Well, that was logical enough, theoretically. People should be more relaxed in their sleep, shouldn't they? No, Risa was simply caught off guard by the fact that there was any kind of a difference between the sleeping visage and the expression that Ai-chan usually wore when awake. The fact that there was a difference, subtle or not, was mildly disturbing. Did that mean Ai-chan never really let down her defenses even around them? Around her? The thought was somehow unsettling.
Trying to shake the niggling feeling of doubt, Risa stared at Ai's sleeping face. Definitely relaxed, almost child-like, and innocent. Almost everyone looks innocent in their sleep, probably, but it really shone through on her Ai-chan, Risa decided. There was a vulnerability there too, something she hadn't really noticed before. It just never really caught her eye, if it had been present. But it was definitely there, now that she was really looking.
Combined with the traits she had noticed earlier, the vibe that she got from a sleeping Ai-chan was definitely different from what she got when her best friend was awake. The softness, the vulnerability in her best friend that she had never consciously taken note of, evoked a desire to protect the sleeping girl. To defend that vulnerability and make sure no one could hurt her. Contrasted with how Ai-chan was usually the steady constant when they were together, the one she counted on not to change and one she could rely on, it was a rather different dynamic altogether.
Her pensive thoughts were disturbed by a soft moan from slightly parted lips, as the sleeping girl in her arms stirred slightly, eyelids fluttering lightly. A small half-yawn crept out as Ai shifted in Risa's arms, her forehead furrowing slightly as she slowly started to wake up. Risa watched the process with a kind of curious fascination, still caught in that strangely introspective mood.
She did not have to wait long, since after the shifting and yawning, Ai opened her eyes slowly, as if letting them get used to the resumption of sight. Her eyes were slightly unfocused when they were fully opened, staring straight at Risa without quite registering the other girl's presence for a moment. Then Ai blinked owlishly at her, as if trying to reaffirm that she was really there, and Risa smiled gently, greeting her best friend.
"Good morning Ai-chan."
The first thing that Ai let slip was...
"Time?"
Risa blinked and quickly raised her head to check the clock. The glowing display showed that it was about 5am. Definitely way ahead of schedule.
"It's really early." Risa murmured back, her voice low, partially because Aika was also in the room sleeping on the other bed, but mostly because she did not feel like breaking the relaxed atmosphere by making loud sounds.
"Good." Ai suppressed another small yawn, uncurling her limbs from her body and rolling onto her stomach, arching her back and stretching like a cat. Risa tentatively flexed her numb left arm, trying to get the blood flowing back into the limb.
"Did you sleep well?" Ai asked politely, titling her head to face Risa. The younger girl felt a pang of disappointment, having noted that her Ai-chan had reverted to her usual expression, friendly but completely unreadable. But she buried the emotion (for now), and smiled back.
"Yeah it was great, we should do this more often, I do not think I've ever slept more soundly." Risa replied enthusiastically, her voice rising a few decibels at first, but she was careful to bring it back down to avoid waking the third occupant of the room.
"If you want to, it's fine by me." There it was again, that warm and friendly smile that somehow managed to hide everything despite apparently revealing everything. It had never bothered Risa before, but after seeing what she had earlier, it definitely did now.
"Is something wrong?" If there was something about Risa, it was that she was fairly easy to read once you got used to her. Ai was one of those who had practically mastered the art of interpreting Risa's every move.
"No, nothing really...just that Ai-chan looks really cute when she is sleeping~" Risa blurted the first thing she could think of that would be less troubling to mention.
Ai was never more grateful for the dim lighting than at that very moment, since it conveniently hid the flush on her cheeks. Had Risa been looking at her while she was sleeping? The thought was a pleasant one.
They made some more small talk for the next few minutes, before Ai decided to shoo Risa back to her own room so that they could get ready for rehearsal. Ai was a bit anal about punctuality, so she habitually started her daily routine really early, so as not to be rushed and to be able to arrive before everything started.
A softly-protesting Risa was shown the door (in a cute, mock-serious way), and Ai sternly reminded her not to go back to sleep and end up being late for rehearsal again. Risa pretended offense at such a possibility, before they both giggled and promised to see each other later.
The soft click of the door closing seemed unusually loud in the silence of the dimmed hallway, and Risa's cheerful expression fell a little as she pondered what she had seen earlier.
Ai-chan....seemed so near, yet so far to her at the same time. As her best friend, Risa felt like she knew something about Ai-chan, but that little glimpse earlier made her wonder if she really knew Ai-chan at all.
Sighing softly, Risa rested her forehead briefly against the recently-closed door of Ai's room.
"I wish you would let me in, .Ai-chan....when you are ready...."
I want to know who you really are...
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Set in the MM Fanclub Tour this year. XD Risa did mention that she slept over in Aichan's bed because she felt uneasy about oversleeping on the first day. So here is my expansion that I finally got down to writing. -shrug- I have a lot of ideas but no inspiration with which to set down the words into a coherent structure.
So tell me what you think!
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Tell you what I think?
HAVE MY BABIES? PLEASE? XD
AiGaki kitaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa----------!
Wow. AiGaki is hard to write. Really. Since Takahashi is such a hard character to write about. She's just... so hard to read, I find it really hard to get into her head. She's like a blank piece of paper to me, well, half blank, there are some things one can grasp... from the surface, but the part where it's actually important, is simply out of reach.
And I think you did an awesome job portraying that part of Takahashi Ai.
Absolutely adored the last part. Even the title of this story.. great, great, great job.
Thank you for writing, and hope to see more soon. ^^
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Barely 30 minutes had passed since the first time she closed her eyes at an unprecedentedly early hour, since she had decided that the cause of her having drastically overslept earlier in the day must have been due to exhaustion, so she had resolved to retire to bed as early as her schedule allowed in an attempt to ensure that a repeat incident did not occur.
Unfortunately, her innate paranoia was causing her to react too sensitively to every single sound and shift around her, jolting her awake even before she had even succeeded in falling asleep, her subconscious mind too worried that she might have accidentally overslept again, and would then have to deal with...
Risa's the Reaction Queen, even when she's being quiet and trying to sleep. :lol:
Ai-chan doesn't tolerate tardiness. Risa winced at the memory of the disapproving expression from her best friend. While Ai didn't say anything to her about it, her silence was somehow a lot weightier than the standard scolding that Yossi, as leader, had to deliver to her.
A lot of times more can be said with a simple look, especially when it occurs between two people as close as Risa and Aichan.
Risa was tried her best to expiate her feelings of guilt by working extra hard that day, and resolving never ever to be late again, so as not to be on the receiving end of the Look (TM).
Trademarked. :wahaha:
Niigaki Risa, clad in teddy pajamas, ambled out of her hotel room and wandered over to the room where her best friend Ai-chan was currently residing in.
Teddy PJs? KAWAII~!!! :luvluv1:
"Can I sleep with you tonight?"
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"Um, well, I can't sleep and I'm scared that I can't wake up in time for tomorrow and everyone would get upset and Mikitty would just try to eat me alive and it would be a bad influence for Mittsi and Yossi would be even more stressed as leader and I would inconvenience all the staff and..."
BREATHE Risa! BREATHE! :lol:
Ai had gotten up during Risa's panicked imaginings, and shut the younger girl up by the simple expedient of a touch.
Yes, just a touch. One hand laid comfortingly on her shoulder, clear eyes looking steadily and soothingly straight at her, just the very presence, that calming aura around her best friend that managed to halt Risa's derailed babble-train. Ai was smiling at her, and that made everything better somehow.
"Of course you can. It'll be just like a sleepover and I'll make sure to wake you on time for rehearsal tomorrow." The words were reassuring on their own, but what made it special was that her best friend was saying it. Risa beamed widely, radiating the simple joy that could be best described as "child-like".
Awwwwww... :love:
"Yay~ Sleepover with Ai-chan~!" Risa cheered giddily and blasted past her best friend, flopping belly-first onto the bed that Ai had just gotten out of.
"Hey, you're taking up all the space!" Ai giggled as she pretended to take offense at how Risa was spreadeagled over her bed, but the mirth in her eyes betrayed her amusement. Risa grinned and pulled the older girl down onto the bed, the bedsprings bouncing from the impact.
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww~! :hee:
Ai-chan looks really cute when she's sleeping~" Risa blurted the first thing she could think of that would be less troubling to mention.
Ai was never more grateful for the dim lighting than at that very moment, since it conveniently hid the flush on her cheeks. Had Risa been looking at her while she was sleeping? The thought was a pleasant one.
AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW~! :wriggly:
TAKAGAKI RABU-RABU!!! :inlove: :heart: :inlove: :heart: :inlove:
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<33333333
Read this the moment I woke up o.o
What an ending, but now I can go to work happy :D
I like how it's written, but it's too early to make a detailed comment >_>
*skips into the bathroom*
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Loved it loved it loved it!
How you wrote the character of Ai Takahashi was just brilliant. BRILLIANT.
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Tell you what I think?
HAVE MY BABIES? PLEASE? XD
Lol. XD First time anyone asked for my contribution to the gene pool. :lol:
Wow. AiGaki is hard to write. Really. Since Takahashi is such a hard character to write about. She's just... so hard to read, I find it really hard to get into her head. She's like a blank piece of paper to me, well, half blank, there are some things one can grasp... from the surface, but the part where it's actually important, is simply out of reach.
I agree, it's like trying to describe an animal you have never seen before when you only have the vaguest details (like "4 legged animal" can be used to describe anything from a house cat to an elephant). Aichan's a lot prettier, but it doesn't make her any easier to understand. The best I could do with her is to translate my own view of her and filter it through the eyes of another character (in this case Niigaki), while letting the reader draw their own conclusions. I still don't have a good handle on Takahashi, though I try my best. Oh well.
Absolutely adored the last part. Even the title of this story.. great, great, great job.
Thank you for writing, and hope to see more soon. ^^
Thank you for reading my scribblings too. ^_^ It took me 3 hours to get the final version out. I got sidetracked halfway and had to pause many times to review what I had already written. I don't write very fast because of that, as you can expect. I'm glad you liked it though, it's nice to be appreciated.
@JFC: Ah, my regular commenter. ^_^ One of the practitioners of the art of block quoting. XD Glad you enjoyed the Takagaki. <3 Aichan's my muse now, so I sort of write lots of random shorts focusing on her (since AA doesn't figure her as a major character, and she hasn't appeared in SotN yet). Glad you enjoyed it. ;)
@inDeceit: Good to know that it cheered you up. ;) I expect that detailed comment eventually. >D XDDDD
@stefy: Sankyuu. ^_^ Considering how I barely even elaborated on how Aichan was like, merely describing her actions in relation to Risa, for you to say that I portrayed "brilliantly" is a bit of an overstatement....but it makes me feel good about myself anyway. XD; Thanks for reading~!
To everyone else, I have a couple more ideas that I'm putting on hold for the moment due to school work (all the essays due next week starting to breathe down my neck...), so you won't get any new stuff yet unless I suddenly decide to sit down and type my ideas out.
I'm open to suggestion too, so if there's really anything you would like to see, I'll take a look and see if I can do something about it. No guarantees though, but it was just a good way to get some more plot bunnies out in the open for me to seize on. So basically, scenarios, relationships (romantic or any kind really), character development (I'm mostly focusing on Takahashi currently, but you're free to try and ignite my interest in others)...anything you guys can think of.
I look forward to seeing anything you can throw at me. XD
...except rotten vegetables of course. ^_^;;;
Your (un)loving author,
Estrea
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Ok an old short I wrote and posted on my LJ and renairev, but never got round to posting here. XDD; If the date on my LJ post can be trusted, it's dated August 18, almost a whole month ago. XD Some of you might have seen it either at my LJ or at renairev already, but here it is for those who haven't seen it anyway. ^_^
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Waltz
Dancing was usually more a chore, a part of the job, than something for actual enjoyment.
That was her opinion, even though she enjoyed dancing. She did take ballet in her youth after all.
Now and then and again, dance routines for this song and that, for their own group or those of others. Part of being in the Project probably entailed learning the songs and dances of most other artistes under the label. She didn't know how the Eggs managed to pick up and remember every single routine, but it was part of their job description, so they had to do it, like it or not.
The choreography of the various songs usually weren't particularly complicated, for which she was grateful. The only real issue was that of coordination. When you put over half a dozen girls on the same stage and expected them to dance in unison, you had better make sure you coordinate their movements, or risk having them running into each other during the performance. A mistake by one person would be counted as a mistake for all. It left very little room for error.
As you can probably surmise by now, dancing could be a stressful business for them. It was very difficult to truly enjoy doing something when you're trying to make sure nothing goes wrong while continuing to sing and smile for the camera..
She herself had almost forgotten what it was like to truly lose oneself in a dance for nothing more than one's own enjoyment. Far too long, since entering the business, where every performance was for the sake of others, not truly for herself and herself alone. To be lost in the music, letting the body meld and merge with the rhythm...indeed, it had been far too long since.
It had been just another ordinary day, having arrived early at the studio for dance practice. She was alone, having arrived a little too early after setting her alarm a whole hour before that which was necessary. The studio was large and spacious, with a wide mirror covering an entire wall on one side.
Her soft steps made tiny echoes on the wood flooring, as she paced over to where someone had left a CD player plugged in near the wall. Since it was still far too early and she being somewhat bored, curiosity took over and prompted her to check the player.
Surprisingly, whoever was last using the place had left their CD in that player. Curiosity egged her on and she crouched down, pressing 'play', while wondering what exactly was in the player without actually looking at the CD to see.
She had been expecting one of the Project's songs, frankly. After all, the other girls from the other groups did use this place once in a while too. It wouldn't be too surprising if they had forgotten to take their CD with them after practice or something.
But no, it was not a song from the Project. It wasn't even a "song", strictly speaking, to begin with. It was music, certainly, but when the classical strains first rippled through the air, she had known well enough that it was not something she had ever heard of before.
Closing her eyes, she let herself drift with the instruments, shutting out the physical world around her as she simply listened to the music. No movement, no thought, no extraneous sound. Just her, and the music.
Perhaps it was the type of tune it was, but whatever it was, it certainly managed to spirit off her imagination.
"May I have this dance?"
A dark silhouette before her, extending a hand to her.
Wordless, the reply. Only, her slender hand tentatively placed in that of the stranger's. It was warm.
A light pull, and she was up on her feet, dazed and light in body and spirit. Silently, the partners assumed their starting positions, that of the waltz. It didn't even occur to her that she didn't know how to waltz, but it didn't seem to matter right now.
Her partner was smiling, a gesture she felt more than saw, and it occurred to her that she could see nothing of her partner's features, only that the other was just a little taller. The rest was merely a blur of shadow, an outline of a person with no revealing clues as to their identity.
Somewhere in that little world, the music started again, and as if responding to some unseen cue, they began to move along with it.
It only just occurred to her that she didn't know how to waltz when they began to move, but her insecurities faded away almost as soon as they arose. Her partner was moving confidently, guiding her to move in perfect synchronization, in perfect harmony as they twirled as if of one flesh across the ballroom.
Trust, not usually so easily given, was salient in their fluid steps. She did not hesitate to let the other lead, letting herself be guided and literally swept off into the clouds along with the music. There was nothing but pure unity between the two as they glided effortless across the empty floor, one with the music.
To lose oneself in the dance, in the music.......it was almost a sensation long forgotten. Or had never been experienced, never to this extent. It was perfection in itself.
She felt like it could go on forever, dancing with this mysterious stranger to this lilting tune that enraptured them both.
If only...
"Aichan! Aichan!"
She was broken out of her reverie, or should I say daydream, by a very familiar voice. Disoriented, and slightly disgruntled to have that perfect illusion shatter and dissolve so quickly, Takahashi Ai turned her head to face one Niigaki Risa, who had a concerned expression on her face.
"Are you alright? You were spacing out again when I got here." Ai nodded, and Risa shrugged. "Oh well, it's almost time for practice. Here." The younger girl extended a hand, ready to help the older off the floor.
Absently, Ai took the hand, and with a light tug, she was once again on her feet, still feeling strangely disoriented and dislocated from reality. Something felt awfully familiar about this whole situation somehow...
"Aichan? Are you sure you're fine?" Their hands were still interlocked, and the shared warmth was comforting. Ai smiled at her erstwhile best friend, about to reply in the affirmative when it struck her just what exactly had been bothering her all along.
Thus the words that did spill out were completely on the spur of the moment, with no further thought attached beyond it. A question that had no meaning to anyone else save herself..
"Can you waltz?
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XDDD I wrote this on a whim a few weeks ago. Made a few edits from the original version some of you might have seen already. Very minor ones though, just to satisfy my fastidiousness and yearnings for perfection. Still far from being a finished product, but it'll do for now.
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I agree, it's like trying to describe an animal you have never seen before when you only have the vaguest details (like "4 legged animal" can be used to describe anything from a house cat to an elephant). Aichan's a lot prettier, but it doesn't make her any easier to understand. The best I could do with her is to translate my own view of her and filter it through the eyes of another character (in this case Niigaki), while letting the reader draw their own conclusions. I still don't have a good handle on Takahashi, though I try my best. Oh well.
I think you did a wonderful job, really.
As we both agreed, she IS difficult to grasp after all.
And I'm not at all surprised that you decided to write her through someone else's eyes, I almost think writing Takahashi in first person is suicidal. At least for me. LOL.
Waltz -
Again, fabulously written.
I can see Takahashi, sitting on the floor, her back rested against the wall, her eyes foggy with the idealistic self-losing dance going through her mind. :D
As much as I think Takahashi actually has the most fun during lives, I agree that she may be unsatisfied with the routines they go through, especially when they have to repeat dances and such all the time for an entire tour, almost every weekend. Then to go through that during practice. It's been six years since she joined, things have to get old somehow.
Good observation. :D I hadn't thought about that at all.
An idea.. kek. Nouveau(Gaki)&Sapphire(Takahashi).
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I almost think writing Takahashi in first person is suicidal.
I did. :X As in, I did try writing her in first person, well, something close anyway. It came out really emo. o_o I kinda imprinted part of my own personality into her because, well, I sense a kind of similarity somewhere. Hmm. Will post it soon and then you can judge for yourself. XD;
As much as I think Takahashi actually has the most fun during lives, I agree that she may be unsatisfied with the routines they go through, especially when they have to repeat dances and such all the time for an entire tour, almost every weekend. Then to go through that during practice. It's been six years since she joined, things have to get old somehow.
Good observation. :D I hadn't thought about that at all.
It's one thing to get pumped up during concerts and lives in general (adrenaline and all), but like you noted, the routine does get old after a while. Haha, I think too much about Takahashi nowadays, she kinda took over my brain and just walked me through my imagined recreation of her life. I can't help it that I find her so damn fascinating. An enigma, a cipher I would like to unlock. So you can expect to see lots of introspective stuff from me about her. ;)
An idea.. kek. Nouveau(Gaki)&Sapphire(Takahashi).
Oh my. XD That is interesting. I can think of two ways to approach the subject, either in context (using Nouveau and Sapphire only), or writing the people behind the characters (focusing on Niigaki and Takahashi who are playing those characters). Which would you prefer? I could amalgamate both (sort of), creating a layered impression of their relationship...hmm...good plot bunny you have given me. XD I'll work on it when I have time. Since right now I really have to start on my political science essay or risk being slaughtered in class.
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I am not saying ANYTHING until you finish your papers. Good luck with them.
20 minutes until Takahashi's 21st birthday. <3
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Dancing was usually more a chore, a part of the job, than something for actual enjoyment.
That was her opinion, even though she enjoyed dancing. She did take ballet in her youth after all.
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY MORE AICHAN! :w00t:
She herself had almost forgotten what it was like to truly lose oneself in a dance for nothing more than one's own enjoyment. Far too long, since entering the business, where every performance was for the sake of others, not truly for herself and herself alone. To be lost in the music, letting the body meld and merge with the rhythm...indeed, it had been far too long since.
Awwwwwwwwwww...:(
*daydream sequence*
Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayum I could TOTALLY visualize that as I read it. :O Wickedly cool, and yet kinda creepy at the same time. :P
"Aichan! Aichan!"
She was broken out of her reverie, or should I say daydream, by a very familiar voice. Disoriented, and slightly disgruntled to have that perfect illusion shatter and dissolve so quickly, Takahashi Ai turned her head to face one Niigaki Risa, who had a concerned expression on her face.
"Are you alright? You were spacing out again when I got here." Ai nodded, and Risa shrugged.
...
Their hands were still interlocked, and the shared warmth was comforting. Ai smiled at her erstwhile best friend, about to reply in the affirmative when it struck her just what exactly had been bothering her all along.
Thus the words that did spill out were completely on the spur of the moment, with no further thought attached beyond it. A question that had no meaning to anyone else save herself..
"Can you waltz?
AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!! :wriggly:
I'd write more but it's 1:30AM for me as I type this and I gotta sleep. :oops:
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Birthday fic for Ai-chan! <3 I'm totally skiving from work but this means something to me and I had to write it. XD
Happy 21, Ai-chan! XDD
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21
"Happy birthday Leader~~!!!" Reina sang out drunkenly to the wall she was facing, raising her glass in some kind of tipsy salute before downing the suspicious liquid in a single gulp.
Yes, drunk. No, they didn't give the underage girl any alcohol. Considering the fact that most of the girls in Morning Musume were currently under 20, that meant that alcohol was a strict no-no...well, legally speaking anyway. What the public (and the law) didn't know wouldn't hurt them in the least though.
The birthday girl was the only one of legal age to drink though, but said birthday girl, the "leader" to which a somehow dead drunk Reina was toasting (to the wall, but we acknowledge her spirit anyway. Thought counts, right?). one Takahashi Ai, was definitely not drunk, even though she was the only one legally allowed to.
She was getting there though. As leader, she had tried not to include any alcohol within the immediate vicinity of the impromptu party her minions girls were throwing for her. Unfortunately, as you can see, her efforts were pointless to begin with, considering how Reina was currently singing a very drunken version of Shabondama in a pitch several higher than her usual.
Ai winced, and downed another glass of punch. It tasted funny. She had her suspicions about the punch. Especially after how Nakazawa-san, after having wished her "Lovely" a happy 21, had been lurking around the table where the punch was. And where Nakazawa was, the alcohol followed. Ai wouldn't have been too surprised if the first leader, the original yankii, had spontaneously decided to spike the punch. As if in silent testament towards that possibility, Reina had already had more than 10 glasses of the stuff, and look what she was doing now (current status: slurring Rika's spoken lines in Shabondama in front of a red-faced Eri, who also had had one too many glasses of the suspicious liquid).
"隊長！生日快樂！" (1) The two Chinese girls, also far gone in drink, had started lapsing into their native tongue. Ai smiled faintly. The traditional singing of the birthday song at the beginning had been very interesting this year. There was the usual version in Japanese, the Chinese version from the two foreigners, and lastly, an extremely badly rendered version in English from them all that would have made a native speaker break down in tears or laughter, or both. Of course, it was all in good fun, and nobody knew any better, so no harm was done. Theoretically speaking, of course.
Feeling slightly trapped as the Chinese pair started rambling in their own native tongue, Ai tried to slip off, but her escape routes were already blocked off. She was starting to feel horribly stuck when a very welcome voice broke in.
"Ai-chan~~~" That greeting was followed by a tackle-hug that threw her off her chair and onto the floor, resulting in a tangle of limbs and a lot of disorientation (aided by the helpful unknown substance Yuko must have slipped into the punch earlier).
The foreign duo, seeing their leader assaulted, was about to help when they were distracted by shiny things dangled their way by the currently extremely hyper Rainbow Pink duo. Thus diverted, the four girls wandered off, leaving their leader and subleader to their own devices (if they remembered at all that they were still there).
"Mou, Gaki-san, you're heavy!" Takahashi protested gamely, her face somewhere between pouting and wincing from the very impact on the ground that had resulted from Risa tackling her out of nowhere.
"Ai-chan is mean!" Risa, also obviously tipsy, appeared to have mentally regressed to age three, and was currently pouting and scuffing at the floor with her one free leg, all while clinging on to Ai like her life depended on it. Ai sighed and rolled her eyes.
"Okay you're not heavy, but will you please let go of me?"
"Nuh-uh, Ai-chan is all soft and huggy!" As if emphasizing her point, Risa tightened her grip and nuzzled her face into Ai's shoulder, eliciting a strangled noise from the older woman in her grasp. If you could paint a thought bubble over Ai's head now, you would be able to see a lot of ellipses stretching off infinitely.
Ai made a mental note to stay away from parties involving alcohol in the future. Crazy things happened under the influence of the stuff. Like how Koharu was currently dancing some spastic tribal-looking dance that might be distantly related to the routine for Balalaika. Or how Sayumi was doing an excellent impression of one Fujimoto Miki...aka, she was groping a dazed Eri (who herself was currently caught in an imagined reality where everyone was out to give her atomic wedgies, but an observer wouldn't know, would they?).
No, alcohol was bad news. As exemplified by how Risa, for lack of a better word, was now glomping her. Bad idea...maybe.
"Why did you cut your hair? I liked your long hair..." Risa whined while still latched tightly onto Ai, who had since given up trying to make an escape from Risa's clutches. The leader was about to reply, but Risa rambled right on, completely ignoring her.
"Maa~ It's not so bad, Ai-chan is still Ai-chan. Mhm." Risa nodded to herself, her eyes lidded and lips curled in an affirmative grin. Ai couldn't help but field an answering smile back tentatively, while still discreetly trying to dislodge her subleader.
"And Ai-chan looks cool in short hair too. Kind of like Yossi." Risa giggled weirdly to herself. "Nuh-uh, Yossi was a different kind of cool. Ai-chan is just pretty. Different. Mhm." It looked as if the drunk subleader was having a conversation with herself out loud.
"You think I'm pretty?" Ai asked quietly, mostly to herself, with a touch of amusement coloring her voice. Risa was sort of cute like that.
"Yeah Ai-chan is pretty. Mhm." Risa buried her face in the crook of Ai's neck. "And Ai-chan smells nice too." The younger girl mumbled incoherently, nuzzling gently at the older's neck. Ai suppressed a shiver at the action.
"Ne, Gaki-san, get off me, please?" Ai asked softly, feeling like she really had to get out of the place as soon as possible.
"Nuh-uh, if I let go, Ai-chan will run away again. Ai-chan is always so far away. Doesn't Ai-chan love Risa anymore?" Risa somehow managed to sound like a petulant child, minus the annoying factor. Instead, she sounded a lot more forlorn, making it look like Ai had abandoned her or something.
Takahashi stiffened at the underlying accusation. How could Risa even imply that she had left her behind? Wasn't Risa the one who was always off with the Rokkies? Ai didn't think it was fair at all.
Risa was still rambling onwards. "Ai-chan doesn't tell me anything......I know I'm not like Konkon or Mako-chan, and everyone calls me Brat, but I'm grown up! I'm almost 19!" She sounded distressed and agitated, before sinking back into her whimsical monologue.
"Ai-chan always keeps everything to herself. It's not fair. I'm subleader now, and subleaders are supposed to support the leader right? I even asked Mikitty about it, and she said so too. I want to help Ai-chan too. Not only because I'm subleader, but because we're best friends. I want to know when Ai-chan's worried, when she's happy or sad or whatever. But she won't tell me!" Risa frowned groggily at the stone-silent Ai. "Do you know why Ai-chan won't tell me? Does she hate me?"
"That's the last thing she would do." Ai whispered back, her eyes stormy and conflicted. Was this what Risa really thought? Had she really been pushing the younger girl away?
Yes, she supposed she did. She didn't mean to though. It just...happened. Or not.
Takahashi Ai knew exactly what was wrong with herself, even if she never spoke of it. It was her weakness, that fear of weakness feeding upon her own feelings of inadequacy. She always pushed herself so hard, trying to compensate for that inherent unreliability that she perceived within her own character, that need to rely on someone stronger. But she didn't want to impose on anyone. Being a burden to anyone, especially if she cared and was cared for, was something she could not allow. She just couldn't let it go. Afraid of relying on others, because they would leave eventually. She didn't want to trust people because she was afraid of getting hurt.
Even more so when she cared about someone. She couldn't impose herself on them. The last thing she wanted to do was to hurt them because she was so inherently weak. She would drag them down. She couldn't do it to someone she cared about. She just couldn't.
Risa was still speaking. "I never left, Ai-chan. I was always there. Why didn't you ever look to me? You're so unfair Ai-chan. Always off in your own world and leaving us behind. I want to help you Ai-chan. Why won't you let me in?"
Tears brimming up in her eyes, Ai bit her lip, her heart tightening within her chest. Shades of guilt hung over her like the Furies waiting to strike.
"I'm sorry...so sorry...Ga--Risa..."
Risa had fallen silent after her last statement, closing her eyes and resting her head on Ai's shoulder, as if in sleep. So it was rather unexpected when Ai heard the next words.
"I'm glad you still remember my name, Ai-chan."
Startled eyes locked in on the suddenly clear orbs of the younger girl, who looked far more alert than she had a few moments ago.
"I meant every single word, you know." Risa said conversationally, raising her head and looking straight at the stricken Ai's face.
"Gaki-san...you..." Caught off-guard, Ai had no response to this turn of events.
"Happy 21, Ai-chan." Risa smiled and quickly kissed Ai's forehead, before sliding off the shocked leader's still form. The younger girl got off her knees and straightened up, turning to look at the state of the drunken girls behind her. Ai somehow managed to find it in herself to sit up, not sure what to think or feel, eying her subleader with a wary glance, like a trapped fox in a pit.
"I guess we should break up the party before it gets crazier." Risa said conversationally, as if everything that happened within the last few minutes had never occurred. Ai blinked, before nodding slowly, still not trusting herself to speak. Risa smiled brilliantly and extended a hand to help the older girl up. Ai took it, rising shakily to her feet. She noted that Risa didn't let go of it after she had already gotten up. Not that she minded. The hand was warm, after all. Comforting.
She was broken out of her inner contemplation when Risa suddenly made eye contact with her. Friendly, yet intense. She shivered involuntarily. Risa smiled benignly (or as benignly as a shark could).
"What happened to calling me Risa anyway?"
Ai's lips twitched. She had expected that, sort of. She had it coming after all.
"...Risa..."
21 was her first full year as an adult. 21 was also the first time she acknowledged that the girl was no longer a child.
Such were the rites of passage for life.
========================================
(1): Translates as "Leader! Happy Birthday!".
Clearly, I need to be committed to an insane asylum and left to rave there for the rest of my life. How could I be so evil with a birthday fic?! >_>; Sigh. Oh well.
Happy birthday Ai-chan! XDDD
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Guess what, I'm back again because I can't sleep while being gripped in the midst of a creative frenzy. I blame listening to Yume Kara Samete. XD
==========================
Switch
Cheers. Lights. A stage.
A crowd going wild for her. Just for her.
In silence respectful, the better to imbibe of the ambrosia that is her voice.
Like the coals that flare anew, she is lit with a fire that burns within and without. The sense of her presence flares, like that of a beacon on a moonless night, sole guide in the midst of false apostles.
Her voice like manna from on high, the medium that heals, that lifts the spirit and captures the soul. Look not too deeply into her eyes, or you will be ensnared. Compelling, captivating, that is her charm.
The instrumental winds down, the lights fade dim. The press of a button, the flick of a switch.
So she is similarly transformed, from the ethereal to the earthly, the commander to the commanded. Meek and docile, as sheep guided by the shepherd must.
No queen she was, a slave she may yet be, but one could not see that performance and not acknowledge that she owned all within her sights, blazing in greatest glory, bedecked in the jewels of Charisma.
And then we see that wide, defenseless gaze, pure and innocent, like a newborn lamb, and we wonder. Oh how we wonder.
How could they be one and the same?
All too, within the flick of a switch.
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Yes I love Aichan. Yes, I idealise her a lot. Yes, I'm probably obsessive.
And maybe I should just change the title and name it "How Estrea Worships Aichan by Writing About Her". XDDD
Another idea lurking in my head. Gosh, I'm a roll.
Even when it's 2am. Especially when it's 2am. I'm a night owl. XDD
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You're on a roll, aren't you? XD
wait, nevermind. You are... *didn't read the whole post, yet* :x
Heh, loved the birthday fic :D I worship your language skills ;_;
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I said I was on a roll. I meant it. XDDD
================================
Voice
It wasn't that she felt too little, but that she felt too much.
So much that she couldn't process it all.
Like a dam waiting to be burst, the rivers of emotion yearned to overflow its banks.
And like the prudent manager, she sought to mediate its flow.
A serene front for the masses, the seething torrent hidden behind the mask. All waiting for the right moment to be unleashed.
The spotlight flared, like some great signal. The harsh glare flooding in like an omen. She took that as an auspice.
The floodgates were released, the restraints loosened. Like a charging stallion, it leaped out of the gates, as if Terror himself were hot on its heels.
But not with complete freedom did it spring free; for like the jockey on a racehorse, she kept it tethered under her check, letting the storm of energy blow itself out, but never allowing it spiral out of control.
Her emotions soared on the wind like an eagle in flight, majestic and powerful; and like the kite on a string, delicately maneuvered in skilled hands.
The instrument was the voice, the voice was her instrument. Every note carried with it that endless, ceaseless stampede of emotion, artfully concealed within the power of the message invoked and delivered.
She sang her heart out, and that was no exaggeration, for she really did.
There was no other way, perhaps, except to let her voice tell the story.
======================================
I felt inspired. One line was all it took, basically, the first line about how it wasn't that she "felt too little, but that she felt too much". I wanted to work that in somehow, and here's how it manifested. Go me, eh?
Possibly sleeping now. Depends.
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OH MAH GAHH FLUFF -attacks and latches- :3
Layers was adorable <3 Risa is so oblivious to Ai being amorous at times, eh? Oh well, it was meant to be fluffy and innocent, so <3
I've already read Waltz (coughTANGOcough) at the Renai Rev, so uh xD Oh well, I thought I could picture Yossie as her dance partner at first, but then Risa fits too <3 Just give her heels taller than Ai and it'll work <3 I love how you described the dance, it was hauntingly mesmerizing <3
21 was cuuuute xD Reina's a funny drunk :] I've always though Eri would be like an emo drunk or something xD You had me fooled into thinking Gaki-san was drunk and made me laugh when it turns out that she wasn't just so she could probe into Ai's mind a bit xD I like that one :]
Voice and Switch have a poetic sense to it xD It makes me think you're trying to base it off of that Yume Kara Samete performance in Hawaii, but then thought that this could just apply to anything xD Love the vagueness <3
Write more~! <3
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Ouch.
A little heart throbbing there with the guilt tripping from Gaki-san. :(
Awwww.
But.. awww. Heart melting at the same time. :)
Edit: Just read the other two shorts.
Ai-chan on stage really is something, ain't she? Amazingly different from the Takahashi Ai off stage.
But the ... difference is so.. attractive? My my.
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I was going to sleep. Then I realised I forgot something. So I'm back again.
Pure crack ahead. Tread with caution.
=================
MISSING SCENE for 21
A distinctive ringtone blared for all of half a second before being swiftly silenced by a small hand.
Due to an inability to sneak any closer to said individual in question, we shall have to eavesdrop from a distance. An inconvenience at times.
"...-sama....ed...pour...odka........pai....drunk....ader....yes...understood. Yes. Yes."
A click. The phone tucked away. A head sticking out into the hallway. A very shiny digital camera in her hands.
Mitsui Aika smirked and walked out of the side passage, humming a familiar tune that had a part sounding suspiciously like "love revolution". Incidentally, the ringtone was the same.
Armed and ready, Mittsi was ready to carry out her mission.
"Let's go baby!"
================
I wonder who she was on the phone with. Obvious enough though. I think. Hm. XDDD
Had to make the joke because I could. I might be out of my mind. Don't kill me. XD
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I WANNA KNOW WHAT'S AIKA'S MISSION!!! :wahaha:
All of this was abso-fan-fuckin'-tastic!!! It's gold! GOLD I SAY! :rockon: :rockon: :rockon:
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Layers
I love how you turned something as simple as Risa not being able to fall asleep into this...this really "deep" masterpiece :w00t: I've always wanted to know more about their sleeping arrangements after Risa mentioned crashing with Ai in the Hawaii trip. And now you've made that wish come true :)
Sighing softly, Risa rested her forehead briefly against the recently-closed door of Ai's room.
"I wish you would let me in, .Ai-chan....when you're ready...."
I want to know who you really are...
Awwww......... :oops:
Waltz
It's funny that Ai would find a music player lying on the floor with a CD that they could dance to the waltz with in a H!P rehearsal room :lol:
Her partner was smiling, a gesture she felt more than saw, and it occurred to her that she could see nothing of her partner's features, only that the other was just a little taller. The rest was merely a blur of shadow, an outline of a person with no revealing clues as to their identity.
GAKI! It's GAKI! Immediately came to mind XD
"Can you waltz?
:lol: Priceless.
21
"Ai-chan is mean!" Risa, also obviously tipsy, appeared to have mentally regressed to age three, and was currently pouting and scuffing at the floor with her one free leg, all while clinging on to Ai like her life depended on it. Ai sighed and rolled her eyes.
For some reason I found this scene really adorable. If I ever saw Risa like that I would hug her to death :P
"You think I'm pretty?" Ai asked quietly, mostly to herself, with a touch of amusement coloring
her voice. Risa was sort of cute like that.
"Yeah Ai-chan is pretty. Mhm." Risa buried her face in the crook of Ai's neck. "And Ai-chan
smells nice too." The younger girl mumbled incoherently, nuzzling gently at the older's neck. Ai
suppressed a shiver at the action.
Fluff!! Me loves fluff :wub: This is the only stuff I'd be happy to drown in :P
"Nuh-uh, if I let go, Ai-chan will run away again. Ai-chan is always so far away. Doesn't Ai-chan love Risa anymore?" Risa somehow managed to sound like a petulant child, minus the annoying factor. Instead, she sounded a lot more forlorn, making it look like Ai had abandoned her or something.
This made me sniff. Poor Risa :cry:
"Ai-chan always keeps everything to herself. It's not fair. I'm subleader now, and subleaders are supposed to support the leader right? I even asked Mikitty about it, and she said so too. I want to help Ai-chan too. Not only because I'm subleader, but because we're best friends. I want to know when Ai-chan's worried, when she's happy or sad or whatever. But she won't tell me!"
Risa frowned groggily at the stone-silent Ai. "Do you know why Ai-chan won't tell me? Does she hate me?"
The floodgates kinda burst open here :cry: :cry: :cry:
Risa was still speaking. "I never left, Ai-chan. I was always there. Why didn't you ever look to me? You're so unfair Ai-chan. Always off in your own world and leaving us behind. I want to help you Ai-chan. Why won't you let me in?"
Yeah, Ai-chan. Let Risa in. We love TakaGaki!! :heart:
"I'm glad you still remember my name, Ai-chan."
This sentence carries so many meanings.
21 was her first full year as an adult. 21 was also the first time she acknowledged that the girl was no longer a child.
OMG :w00t:
Switch
Ai-chan, the ever professional performer.
Voice
This is proof of your incredible writing skills. Not like any proof is needed though. You are the one I worship *bows*
MISSING SCENE for 21
Perhaps Aika was the one who spiked the punch? The little devil :D
Ribon No Kishi makes a good plot. It has always been a secret fantasy of mine to have TakaGaki in the leading roles of Sapphire and Franz but Nouveau would be satisfying as well. Somehow Risa has the ability to pull off the whole "boy" image. To me anyway XD I'll be waiting eagerly for this :)
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I'm really bad at commenting, but I did have to post a little something. I absolutely adore your writing style. It's so in-depth and fluid. Your descriptive abilities really are impressive especially to a dialogue whore like me. :depressed:
So, in conclusion. You=win. :luvluv2:
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Ah, thanks everyone! :) All the compliments light a fire in my heart. XDD
@Yuki: Lol, no need for worship. I'm still working on the language skills. Would you believe that I have an online dictionary on every single time I write something? I'm not ashamed that I have to use one whenever I am uncertain about spelling, or am unable to find the right word. Learning a language is a lifelong process, I believe. Thanks for reading though, I liked the birthday fic too, it was silly and cute and emo at the same time. ^_^
@Yuu: Yes dear, fluff. XD Lol, I wouldn't say Ai was specifically feeling amorous, maybe embarrassed because of misinterpretation, but like you said, I was keeping it innocent so...yeah. XDD And you shut up about the waltz, I know I made a mistake before. >_> XDD Hehe, as for 21, Risa being all sneaky and pulling a fast one on Ai...that was totally out of the left field. I just thought it would be a good idea halfway through and that's how it turned out. And yes, you are correct, I was inspired by the Yume Kara Samete performance in Hawaii for Voice and Switch. Also of Ai's solo for Osaka Koi no Uta in the Rainbow 7 concert. Basically, anything that showcases her stage presence. XDD
@Sevii: Yeah, guilt tripping was difficult. D: But Aichan deserved it, I think. Sometimes it is necessary to be cruel to someone to get their attention. I'm glad you liked it though. :) And yes, Takahashi on and off stage are practically two different people. And yes, that is indeed intriguing and therefore attractive. XD I love my logic.
@JFC: I might write a continuation to Aika's mission. Depends. It's cracky enough to warrant a silly little spinoff, really...hmm... And thanks for the compliment. XD
@lil_hamz: Hello, my bacon friend! XD I know, right? I always wanted to know what happened during that sleepover thing in Hawaii, so I wrote it myself. XDD Tried to keep it real, so that's how it turned out. Yeah, I too wonder who that CD with waltz music belongs to. Hmm. XDD And Takagaki in any form is love. <3333 Thanks for the worship, but I'm not god and I'm not dead, so no need to worship me really. XDD And I wonder if Aika spiked the punch? XDD This could really spark a good follow up if I chose to...
@almond: Oh hello there, if I'm not wrong, this is the first time you've commented on something I've written, yes? ^_^ Welcome, and thank you for the compliments. My writing style is the result of years of work and practice (you really don't want to read my early efforts, trash I tell you, absolute trash), and I still have a long way to go before even coming anywhere close to grazing the outer edges of the realm called "perfection". I used to be pretty bad at description too (I could show you some of the comments my teacher gave me), but it's only something that can be worked on in time. All you need is a little effort and attention to detail. I'll be happy to discuss it with you if you want to, just add me to IM or something. I'm not that scary, so I won't tear you apart or anything. XD
Okay guys, another old fic I pulled out from my LJ. Had been cross-posted at renairev before too, but eh, here it is anyway. I haven't been able to settle down enough to write something new, and as for the Ribbon no Kishi ideas, I will have to watch the musical over again to get a better feel for the characters before I trust myself to start formulating scenarios. So yeah, don't expect anything too soon. School is killer, I swear.
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Dated August 3rd. So you can guess how a certain someone stole characterisation from me when you check dates. >_> XDDD
Oh and there were some edits from the original posted on my LJ and at renairev. So yeah. XD I can never leave a script alone when reposting it anywhere. XD; My urge to improve on what I already have is too strong.
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Ebony Dusk
One wonders, if it had always been the same.
Staring out of the window, watching the sky painted a canopy of colors, shifting sunset at once the same and yet so very different in its crimson strains. Dusk, it seemed, would soon approach, or so the last gasp of brilliant, rich iridescence of the heavens heralded.
Strange how the last dance, the last frame of time, before the velvet cloak of night settled, would be so vibrant, so alive, so unlike what was to come.
Such was the scattered, quiet thoughts of one Takahashi Ai as she gazed silently out of a nearby window, one of few in the studio. It had been a long day, their jobs demanding of both time and energy, and it was now late. Or getting late, since it was technically still day. For did the sun not still hang in the air, however low it may be sinking soon?
Yes, evening was near, and their work was done. Staff scurried around, busy with their own tasks, anxious, perhaps, to get back to family, who knew? The other girls were also lingering around the area, either in groups, or singly. Like her. Standing alone, paused in motion, gazing as if in a trance out of the window at the dusky hues in the sky outside.
The other girls. Her colleagues, possibly friends, or the closest thing to it in the job. They didn't really have much of a social life outside of work anyway. She liked them, more or less. Got along with them too, outside of the occasional disagreements that were bound to crop up from time to time. You couldn't expect to have completely peaceful and uneventful relations in a group of girls. A large group of girls. Nature, if nothing else, would see to a crabby attitude from one person or another during certain times.
And she was leader now. Ai affirmed the fact to herself inwardly. She hadn't really been too thrilled about being handed the responsibility this early, or rather, have it be thrust on her out of the blue. She had known it would come in due time, just not how and why it had the way it did. Still, it was not something she could change, but only to try and work to the best of her ability, as she had always done.
She had had her own doubts about her own leadership ability too. She didn't exactly have the most commanding presence around, nor was she extremely outspoken, at least not enough to draw all that much attention. If she had not been one of the lead singers, she would most likely have been easily forgotten by the audience, since there was nothing else about her that stood out prominently. And considering the huge shoes the former leader had just vacated (no, Miki didn't count), it was pretty much a huge thing to live up to. She didn't have the same amount of charisma that Yoshizawa-san had. The only thing she could do was what she had always done. Do everything to the best of her ability and hope that everyone else followed her example.
The other girls were all clustered in their little groups. The new Chinese girls tended to stick close to each other, not surprising, since they did share a common native language. Those two were currently mingling with a couple of the others, which was somewhat amusing to watch since Reina and Risa were trying to speak slowly in order not to confuse the foreign girls, with Eri looking on quietly. The group was soon joined by Sayumi, Koharu tagging along with her, and the seven of them appeared to be talking about something or other. Probably about dinner, Ai surmised. It was the logical subject at this point in time. Food, along with weather and work, were the safe topics to talk about among them.
Aika was not with them, and was instead chatting enthusiastically with some of the staff members. Ai made a mental note of that. The youngest girl of the group didn't seem to bond as well to the rest of them, and while Yossi had been around to include her in everything, things had been smoothed over. But now that their former leader had graduated from the group, the rest of the girls hadn't really bothered with her, and Aika herself seemed to sense the atmosphere well enough, and started spending more time with the staff instead of with the other girls. That wasn't really a very good sign, but Ai wasn't exactly sure how to remedy it. It wasn't like she was exactly a social butterfly to begin with, and she certainly didn't have the kind of socialising energy that the more outgoing Yossi had.
It hadn't occurred to her immediately, but she too was standing alone. A belated realisation, perhaps. Apart from the other girls, even from the staff. It was habit by now to keep to herself, consciously or not. She responded normally when spoken to, but she didn't really make much of a first move otherwise. In the eyes of some she must have appeared infuriatingly passive, but her colleagues had come to understand that if they ever wanted a word or were simply up for some company, all they had to do was walk up to her and ask.
Ai didn't really have a best friend in the group. No, not really. Or not anymore. Who knew? She was on friendly terms with everyone, but she was not specifically close to anyone. When Yossi had been around, she was the big sister Ai looked up to. Hell, while Miki wasn't close to her per se, they did get along pretty well, the notorious groping demon finding it amusing to surprise her during practice and actual performances alike. It was a comfortable and almost expected routine, an inside joke of sorts.
Those two were gone now. Things would never be the same. Or it never was to begin with. Her apparent "best friend" on screen? Risa, or Gaki-san, as she habitually addressed the younger. They were hardly as close off-screen than on. Not that they were all that close onscreen nowadays either. Gaki-san spent more time with Eri now, or rather, more time with the Rokkies in general.
Was she jealous? Ai wasn't sure what to think. As members of the same generation after Kon-chan and Mako-chan had left the group, Ai thought that they would be a bit closer, at least, logically speaking. But they had drifted apart. Or were never that close in the first place.
Were they? Had they been? At one point, Ai had felt a connection, but now she wasn't sure. Had it ever been there, or had it just been her imagination? Or maybe it really didn't matter, since now Gaki-san was not there, not by her, not anything more than just a friend, a colleague. Nothing more, nothing less.
A strange note of wistfulness rose within her. Why did she not have a best friend? Eri was close to Sayu. Koharu and Sayu got along well, Sayu being Koharu's mentor after all. Reina drifted around a lot, but could chat with just about everyone. Gaki-san, well, Gaki-san hung out with the Rokkies. Aika was not with the other girls, but was friendly with staff. What did she have? What did Takahashi Ai have?
Nothing. She stood alone. It would not be difficult to walk over and chat with the rest, had she wanted to. But she didn't know what she wanted. She enjoyed being on her own as much as being able to converse with other people. She felt distant to the rest, not certain if it was by choice or something more. She knew the girls did not reject her presence, but they didn't seek out her company as actively either. And she could not find it in herself to approach them without something solid to discuss, such as work or something similar.
Ai knew that even as all these thoughts ran through her head, her impassive expression had not budged in the slightest. She did not scowl and look threatening as some others of the Project would and could have, nor did she look unreasoningly cheerful. There was literally no expression on her face, unless you counted the distant look in her eyes as something. Not a single shred of what she was contemplating crossed her countenance. Whether or not that contributed to her isolation she could not know, and she wasn't all that eager to find out either.
There was a flood, nay, a barrage of thoughts in her mind now. Why was she alone like this? Not alone, a part of her insisted. Why, she could just stride over and join in the conversation about going out for dinner together with the rest right now...
...and then what? Ai froze up inside. She was honest with herself. If she felt lonely and in need of someone to talk to, who would she call? Who could she call? Family members? That was the only option that popped up. Not friends. None of the other girls. She wasn't close to them, not like that. In fact, she was more than likely to curl up quietly in her room and endure the feeling if by some chance her family members were too busy to talk, rather than call up one of the other girls.
This was her life. Takahashi Ai loved her work, but there was no other outlet for her emotions. A boyfriend was out of the question considering the rules, and even the option of having close friends seemed so close yet so far away at the same time. If there was a time she wanted to scream and cry at the same time (barring haunted houses), it was now. But she didn't. How could she?
A raven flew past the window, the long shadow of it brushing briefly across her form, drawing her gaze almost involuntarily. The sun was setting, casting ever elongating shadows over everything in its path. Said raven from before had settled down to roost on a low white wall further from the building, a wall she knew to be white only from memory, since right now it looked to be painted a dusky orange and grey by the fading light of a dying sun.
The beady black eyes of the bird seemed unnaturally sharp and alert, even in the distance, and its feathers looked glossy in the orange light, as if oiled and polished to perfection. Ai felt strangely captivated by the bird, especially when it turned its head and appeared to look directly at her, staring through the window panes.
Bird and human stared silently at each other. Ai knew that it wasn't possible that the bird could be staring at her. There was no logical reason for it to do so. Still burning with the myriad questions seething within her, her own dilemmas making her behave a little irrationally.
Perhaps mouthing "do you know?" silently, as if in question to the raven outside, could be a sign of failing sanity on Ai's part, but she chose not to think about it too closely. There were so many doubts, so many things that troubled her, and in lieu of being unable to express them to other people, she had chosen to ask it of something that could not possibly answer or even understand her.
To her surprise, the bird seemed to stare even more intensely back (or was it just her imagination?) and cawed loudly. It could barely be heard above traffic noises and other city bustle, but Ai heard it nevertheless. A response? Surely not. Her imagination must have been getting the better of her...
And yet, and yet...
She couldn't resist the impulse, whispering, under her breath, as if in confession.
"I don't want to be alone."
The raven cawed again. The same sound. Almost like an answer. Maybe she really was going nuts. Yet she couldn't help the next murmur that crossed her lips either.
"Will I ever find someone?"
Yet another caw. Ai bit her lip, her eyes moistening unconsciously as she turned suddenly away from the window, grabbing her bag and moving rapidly towards the door, her already scrambled emotions in further turmoil. Her passing barely got any reaction from anyone else, though some of the girls did look up as she passed by. Ai didn't stop to hear, or even greet them. She couldn't deal with anything now. Not now.
Outside, the same raven cawed again, a strangely echoing and mournful sound. If one listened as closely, you could almost hear an answer. An answer that one could almost interpret as...
Nevermore...
======================================
I was listening to Kremlin Dusk by Utada Hikaru and wrote it like that. -shrug- The raven part was mostly symbolic, sorry if it doesn't make sense. I find it quite interesting that many of my short stories can be taken as within the same continuity. So Layers, 21 and even Waltz can be considered to be in the same timeline/continuity. Interesting jigsaw puzzle I have for Aichan. XD
Comment freely! XDD
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>.<
You make me want to grab Takahashi, give her a big bear hug, and pat her on the head or something.
Her thoughts about Gaki-san no longer being her 'friend' makes me want to ;_;. It's.. so... T_T
And you've pointed out the lack of TakaGaki on screen lately... which makes me more T_T...
I wonder what the other side of this story is, as in, how Gaki-san feels about Takahashi, when she's just standing away from the group, seemingly staring outside the window with no intention to join the group, to join HER. Ah, conflicted eh.
GOD, SOMEONE MAKE THE FIRST MOVE.
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I gave Aichan a big hug in my dream just last week ;__; and it felt real too :o
Ah.. I read that piece when you first posted it on LJ. It made me feel a little sad with what she goes through, but otherwise I can't really put a finger to describing it from my POV. It's just T____T
I cling desperately to a dictionary when I write too (or when I read a manga :/), so yes I can and do believe! XD
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Oh, man.... I just started reading your fics, and I have to say, I fell in love with your style of writing. :P Can't wait til the next part comes out!
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>.<
You make me want to grab Takahashi, give her a big bear hug, and pat her on the head or something.
I know T__T Poor Aichan.
Her thoughts about Gaki-san no longer being her 'friend' makes me want to ;_;. It's.. so... T_T
And you've pointed out the lack of TakaGaki on screen lately... which makes me more T_T...
I mentioned that precisely because of that too. T__T
I wonder what the other side of this story is, as in, how Gaki-san feels about Takahashi, when she's just standing away from the group, seemingly staring outside the window with no intention to join the group, to join HER. Ah, conflicted eh.
Mm, that would make a good follow up. Ah, curse you for planting ideas in my head! XD
GOD, SOMEONE MAKE THE FIRST MOVE.
I know, right? XD The first push will come from somewhere unexpected, more than likely. Hm. -already has ideas- Damn. XD
I gave Aichan a big hug in my dream just last week ;__; and it felt real too :o
Ah.. I read that piece when you first posted it on LJ. It made me feel a little sad with what she goes through, but otherwise I can't really put a finger to describing it from my POV. It's just T____T
I cling desperately to a dictionary when I write too (or when I read a manga :/), so yes I can and do believe! XD
Haha yeah I saw your LJ about that dream too. And yes, dictionaries are <3. XD
Oh, man.... I just started reading your fics, and I have to say, I fell in love with your style of writing. :P Can't wait til the next part comes out!
Thank you! ^__^ You aren't doing so bad yourself! Haha, keep on waiting, this week is hell for me. >_< XDDD
Okay, gotta go now. School beckons. >_>
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she was leader now. Ai affirmed the fact to herself inwardly. She hadn't really been too thrilled about being handed the responsibility this early, or rather, have it be thrust on her out of the blue. She had known it would come in due time, just not how and why it had the way it did.
If it's any consolation, Yossi became leader in pretty much the same fashion. Yossi just did her best with what she was given, and things worked out well. All Aichan can expect of herself is to give it her all, just like Yossi did.
She didn't exactly have the most commanding presence around, nor was she extremely outspoken, at least not enough to draw all that much attention.
A leader doesn't necessarily have to be "larger than life" to be a good leader. There are different ways that people can lead; there's no one right way to do it. Aichan knows what her own strengths and weaknesses are. As long as she never forgets what she does well, she'll have that confidence required to lead.
Aika was not with them, and was instead chatting enthusiastically with some of the staff members. Ai made a mental note of that. The youngest girl of the group didn't seem to bond as well to the rest of them, and while Yossi had been around to include her in everything, things had been smoothed over. But now that their former leader had graduated from the group, the rest of the girls hadn't really bothered with her, and Aika herself seemed to sense the atmosphere well enough, and started spending more time with the staff instead of with the other girls. That wasn't really a very good sign, but Ai wasn't exactly sure how to remedy it. It wasn't like she was exactly a social butterfly to begin with, and she certainly didn't have the kind of socialising energy that the more outgoing Yossi had.
Awwwwwww...:(
It hadn't occurred to her immediately, but she too was standing alone.
...
Ai didn't really have a best friend in the group. No, not really. Or not anymore.
But...but...what about Risa? :cry:
Her apparent "best friend" on screen? Risa, or Gaki-san, as she habitually addressed the younger. They were hardly as close off-screen than on. Not that they were all that close onscreen nowadays either. Gaki-san spent more time with Eri now, or rather, more time with the Rokkies in general.
:cry: :cry: :cry:
"I don't want to be alone."
The raven cawed again. The same sound. Almost like an answer. Maybe she really was going nuts. Yet she couldn't help the next murmur that crossed her lips either.
"Will I ever find someone?"
Yet another caw. Ai bit her lip, her eyes moistening unconsciously as she turned suddenly away from the window, grabbing her bag and moving rapidly towards the door, her already scrambled emotions in further turmoil. Her passing barely got any reaction from anyone else, though some of the girls did look up as she passed by. Ai didn't stop to hear, or even greet them. She couldn't deal with anything now. Not now.
AICHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN~!!! :gyaaah: :gyaaah: :gyaaah:
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I'm back! Another whimsical piece that kind of takes place after "21". XD
Unnamed for now since I can't think of a good title. XD
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Oooh it hurts...shiny! Pain! Ow!
...damn...where am I...
...boo...more punch please...
Such were the disjointed thoughts of one very drunk Tanaka Reina. The wonky eyed teen squinted painfully, light of any sort being an agony to her senses at the moment. Her head was spinning faster than it ever had, and there was a disgusting sensation burning at the back of her throat. There was a sudden sense of vertigo as her world tilted violently again, followed by a low squeak and a muttered "Sorry Reina!", when she hit the floor rather abruptly.
The yankii teen frowned cutely, trying to figure out where her arms and legs were. Or rather, trying to figure where she was as a whole person in general. There was carpet below her. She twitched her left arm. Yep, still there. Her right foot wriggled on command. Right, she was still mostly in one piece. Now to figure out where she was. And why the world was all twirly. And why there were like, 3 Aichans in her line of vision.
THREE leaders?! Now that didn't make any sense. Reina pouted, annoyed. One person whom she couldn't understand was bad enough, three would completely take "confused" out to the far end. Reina knew she wasn't the sharpest crayon in the box, so she rather keep within her happy limits and not ask for trouble.
Her blurred vision registered that the images of Leader were getting closer, and she felt herself being pulled up. Feeling too woozy to stand on her own, Reina swayed unsteadily and leaned against the nearest support --- the person holding her up. Soft...
Said person (probably Leader......Reina's frazzled mind made the vague link) huffed a bit and shifted, trying to move forward while hauling a barely responsive Reina along. There was a lot of stumbling, some choicely muttered evocations, a lot of bumping into corners (Reina was sure that some of the walls were closing in on them with the sole purpose of tripping her up), and general localised mayhem until they reached a door.
"...na...Reina..where do you put your keys?"
Reina frowned again. Keys? What keys? Shiny metal things, her subconscious helpfully supplied in a cheerful tone. Reina twitched mentally and punched the voice out. You know that you're dead drunk when you start hearing what sounded like a mix of Sayu's and Koharu's voices on a sugar high chirping at you. I'm never ever drinking anything other than water again...
"...keys?" Oh yes, about those keys. Shiny metal things. There was a door. Keys. Door.
Oh. Reina finally made the connection. Trying to regain control of her vocal functions, the drunken teen managed to slur out a reply.
"zzze....err.....pockets...."
There was an exasperated sigh. "Reina, you have at least 6 different pockets, and that's not counting the ones on your vest!"
Reina whimpered. Another sigh.
"Fine, hold still. Don't fall over on me."
There was a soft rustling, and Reina found herself being firmly placed back-first against the wall. She began to slide down the wall. A hand held her in place, pushing against her shoulder. Reina made an effort to stand on her own, but that didn't work out too well either. Her legs decided not to listen to her beyond just holding her upright.
Something reached into her front pockets. One of them. She wasn't sure whether it was the left or the right one. There was a strange sensation of someone rummaging around in that pocket, then the intruding presence moved on to the other front pocket. Reina squirmed. It tickled.
"Stop moving around." The person mumbled. Leader...Aichan... Reina reminded herself, trying not to move around with the last vestiges of her consciousness. The hand reached behind her to paw through the back pockets. Reina jumped involuntarily at the contact, her mind blanking out with the first reaction in her current state: Fujimoto?!
"Reina, stop trying to choke me....urk..." Ah, Aichan was the one with her. Reina relaxed her death grip around her leader's neck, unconsciously leaning forward and resting her head sideways on Ai's shoulder. Her eyes were half-lidded. Sleep was catching up with her after the initial buzz of the alcohol had worn off.
Ai briskly checked the other pockets on the bottom Reina was wearing. No keys there. Frowning, she decided that she would have to look in the front pockets of Reina's vest instead. Trying to pry a suddenly sleepy Reina off her, she only succeeded in getting her hand in between them, since Reina was practically clinging to her neck like a baby koala.
Trying to search Reina's vest pockets was rather awkward in this situation. Ai knew she was merely searching, of course, but from a third person's point of view, it looked suspiciously like Ai was taking advantage of Reina by groping her while the younger girl was drunk. Naturally, the possibility didn't occur to Ai at all, and Reina was too stoned to care.
However, that was not the case for the legitimate "third person" in this case. As it was, it had been up to Ai and Risa, as leader and subleader of the group, to usher the drunk members safely back into their rooms. Earlier, Risa had managed to coax Koharu back into her room, whilst Ai managed to talk Sayu into following her back into her own room. It had taken both the gokkies to push the Chinese girls back into their rooms, and then they had split up to move Eri and Reina into their rooms respectively. Aika had been nowhere to be found, but Ai figured that the youngest member was alright and definitely sober.
Risa had succeeded in convincing a tipsy Eri that her fellow "eriens" wanted her to convene with them in her room, and had managed to guide the turtle safely back with minimal mishap (that there was a sudden blackout in their general area had NOTHING to do with them at all. No sir.).
On hindsight, Risa probably had bad timing. Or it was merely a case of bad viewing angles. Possibly both.
For when had she turned around the corner, in search of her Aichan, only to end up seeing what apparently looked like a very incriminating scene. Reina was pressed into Ai quite intimately, their faces very close together, and with Ai's hand apparently up Reina's vest (told you it was a matter of perspective).
Then the pair were pushed up against Reina's still closed door, Ai stumbling forward and Reina being backed into the door, Ai's hand freeing itself from between the two girls, fumbling at the knob with the keys. Reina giggled drunkenly and buried her face in Ai's neck, earning (what sounded to Risa) a very sexy mutter from their erstwhile leader, before the door yielded and the pair stumbled in quite messily.
The sound of the door clicking shut had a horrible finality to it.
Risa let out the breath she didn't even realize she had been holding. Her fists were clenched so tight that she almost drew blood from her palm with her nails. There was a horrible feeling crawling around in her chest, scalding hot and freezing cold at the same time. There was also a strong sense of indignation burrowing its way through her stomach, rising with the bile in her throat, almost choking her.
It wasn't fair. How could Reina...why did Aichan...how did they...?
There was no justification for it. No reason. It wasn't possible.
However, the mind was such an organism that when confronted with one possible theory, it automatically filtered memory through that theory, and so as Risa recounted all the moments that could explain this anomaly, she found herself reading into what she remembered in a rather different way from her original interpretations.
Reina walking next to Aichan. Reina jumping on Aichan to wish her a happy birthday earlier. Aichan volunteering to take Reina instead of Eri. And not to mention the fact that they were in Elegies together some years back! All these random, possibly unrelated and likely to be completely innocent details somehow got warped in her imagination into "evidence".
Gritting her teeth, Risa's eyebrows knitted together, her jaw grinding silently as she hit the wall with a clenched fist. There was a very ugly knot of emotions that she couldn't quite identify somewhere in her heart.
It all felt so wrong. Aichan shouldn't be off getting all touchy-feely with Reina, of all people. It didn't make any sense to her at all. Why Reina, and not...not...her?
Risa stood stock still in that hallway for god knows how long. Actually, it wasn't really all that long, since Aichan emerged from Reina's room after about 15 minutes or so (which felt more like 15 hours to Risa, but I digress). She paused in surprise upon registering Risa's presence at the end of the hallway.
"Ah, Gaki-san! How is Kamei-chan?"
Risa twitched as Ai walked calmly towards her, her thoughts still boiling traitorously in her mind. Replaying the way Ai had seemingly pushed Reina aggressively into the door, one hand god knew where (actually, supporting Reina's lower back, but Risa couldn't see that). How Reina had been moaning while Ai's hand had been up her vest (actually, Reina was in pain from her headache). Risa couldn't help but feel another irrational surge of hatred at the youngest Rokkie, and resentment towards Aichan. Why not her?
"Gaki-san? Are you alright?" Ai frowned at the strange expression on Risa's face, wondering if her subleader was sick or something. She reached out to touch Risa's arm, but the younger girl flinched, her eyes narrowing with an unreadable expression. Ai blinked. This was new, Risa was acting too oddly...
"How is Reina, then?" There was a definite hint of venom in Risa's voice, somewhat uncharacteristic of the usually cheerful girl. Ai blinked again, automatically going into a defensive mode upon sensing the uncertain situation she was currently in. This was getting far too strange for her liking.
"Um, sleeping now. I had to help her change and then tuck her in to bed..." Ai replied, eying Risa warily. Her caution was justified.
Risa took in the words. Unfortunately, her mind "read between the lines" and interpreted the original meaning of the sentence quite differently from what Ai had meant. Ah, the wonders of an active imagination.
Ai backed slowly away as Risa walked towards her, not knowing why she did so but sensing something off in the way Risa was...glaring at her? Did she do something to deserve that? Ai wracked her brain trying to figure out what she had done, and was thus barely aware that Rsa had pretty much backed her into a wall without her realising it.
"Gaki-san...what are you doing..." Ai breathed out softly, finally registering how close Risa was to her.
"Tell me....why Reina...?" Risa's eyes was burning with an emotion that excited and frightened Ai at the same time.
"What do you mean?" Her voice shook, her heart beating faster.
Risa stared deep into her eyes, locking their gazes. There was a long moment of silence, before Risa abruptly broke eye contact, and turned on her heel, her back facing the still staring Ai.
"Nothing. It's nothing." There was an obvious attempt to force cheer into her voice as Risa continued. "Happy birthday Aichan."
"Wait..." Ai croaked out weakly, but Risa was already walking off. The leader was left staring blankly at the retreating form.
Click.
==============================================
Told you it was random. I wonder what the click at the end was. XD
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Mitssi desu~! :heart: <-- right, right?
I love the super drunk Reina here. I love how the first reaction she had when she thought it was Fujimoto feeling her up was to reach out and choke her. Hahahahaha... all the drunken thoughts racing through her mind was awesome.
Oh man, AiGaki misunderstanding angst. How could you!
First it was Gaki-san making Ai feel all awww.
Now it's Ai, unintentionally, making Gaki-san feel all awww.
You make me go awwwwww all the time, Estrea! T_T
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Why did you end there????!!!!!!!!! :O *whines*
This story is begging to be continued :P *nods*
I'm with Sevii about that click being made by Aika. Now I wanna see her picture collection so bad, there's bound to be more than a couple of interesting ones XD
I had a TakaGaki dream the other night and I'm positive you deserve all the credit. I never dreamt of either one of them before, much less together. YAY for TakaGaki goodness :wub: Keep them coming please :D
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Lol posting from school. >_> XDDD
Mitssi desu~! :heart: <-- right, right?
Hai desu. XD Mittsi is having a lot of fun behind the scenes, it seems. XDDD
I love the super drunk Reina here. I love how the first reaction she had when she thought it was Fujimoto feeling her up was to reach out and choke her. Hahahahaha... all the drunken thoughts racing through her mind was awesome.
I agree. Drunk Reina is awesome! XDD The choking thing was so...yankii. XD I had fun writing her drunk.
Oh man, AiGaki misunderstanding angst. How could you!
First it was Gaki-san making Ai feel all awww.
Now it's Ai, unintentionally, making Gaki-san feel all awww.
Cos you know, life sucks. XDD
You make me go awwwwww all the time, Estrea! T_T
Cos I'm evil, and there's nothing you guys can do about it. Muahahaha. XDDD Though seriously, I'm glad you are emotionally reacting to what I wrote. ^_^
Why did you end there????!!!!!!!!! :O *whines*
This story is begging to be continued :P *nods*
Beg for it and I might do it. :twisted: Nah, I kid. I intend to continue eventually. XDD
I'm with Sevii about that click being made by Aika. Now I wanna see her picture collection so bad, there's bound to be more than a couple of interesting ones XD
Oh yes, very interesting pictures. I have the idea for the next short ready too, complete with title and everything. Hehehe.
I had a TakaGaki dream the other night and I'm positive you deserve all the credit. I never dreamt of either one of them before, much less together. YAY for TakaGaki goodness :wub: Keep them coming please :D
Oooh do tell me about the dream eventually. XDD Credit for me? Hehe. I guess my persistent TakaGaki streak does have its uses. ^_^
Ok back to my assignment. It's due tomorrow. :X And I'm only halfway done. >_>
Will write and post the idea when I have the time. @_@
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Right, she was still mostly in one piece. Now to figure out where she was. And why the world was all twirly. And why there were like, 3 Aichans in her line of vision.
:dizzy: :dizzy: :dizzy:
"...na...Reina..where do you put your keys?"
...
"zzze....err.....pockets...."
There was an exasperated sigh. "Reina, you have at least 6 different pockets, and that's not counting the ones on your vest!"
Reina whimpered. Another sigh.
"Fine, hold still. Don't fall over on me."
Well, Aichan's just going to have to stick her hands in all of Reina's pockets to find the keys then, isn't she? :pimp:
The hand reached behind her to paw through the back pockets. Reina jumped involuntarily at the contact, her mind blanking out with the first reaction in her current state: Fujimoto?!
BOOYAH! :wahaha:
Trying to search Reina's vest pockets was rather awkward in this situation. Ai knew she was merely searching, of course, but from a third person's point of view, it looked suspiciously like Ai was taking advantage of Reina by groping her while the younger girl was drunk. Naturally, the possibility didn't occur to Ai at all, and Reina was too stoned to care.
:twisted:
As it was, it had been up to Ai and Risa, as leader and subleader of the group, to usher the drunk members safely back into their rooms.
...
Aika had been nowhere to be found, but Ai figured that the youngest member was alright and definitely sober.
Heh, they'd better hope so. If Aika got sloshed and word of it got out, they'd all be in deep, deep shit.
Something tells me though, that Aika intentionally stayed away from the party and intentionally stayed sober to fulfill her mission. :D
Risa had succeeded in convincing a tipsy Eri that her fellow "eriens" wanted her to convene with them in her room, and had managed to guide the turtle safely back with minimal mishap (that there was a sudden blackout in their general area had NOTHING to do with them at all. No sir.).
On hindsight, Risa probably had bad timing. Or it was merely a case of bad viewing angles. Possibly both.
For when had she turned around the corner, in search of her Aichan, only to end up seeing what apparently looked like a very incriminating scene. Reina was pressed into Ai quite intimately, their faces very close together, and with Ai's hand apparently up Reina's vest (told you it was a matter of perspective).
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooh this is gonna be awkward, especially considering Risa's little drunken "heart to heart" with Aichan at the party. :O
Risa let out the breath she didn't even realize she had been holding. Her fists were clenched so tight that she almost drew blood from her palm with her nails. There was a horrible feeling crawling around in her chest, scalding hot and freezing cold at the same time. There was also a strong sense of indignation burrowing its way through her stomach, rising with the bile in her throat, almost choking her.
Oh shit. :cry:
However, the mind was such an organism that when confronted with one possible theory, it automatically filtered memory through that theory, and so as Risa recounted all the moments that could explain this anomaly, she found herself reading into what she remembered in a rather different way from her original interpretations.
Reina walking next to Aichan. Reina jumping on Aichan to wish her a happy birthday earlier. Aichan volunteering to take Reina instead of Eri. And not to mention the fact that they were in Elegies together some years back! All these random, possibly unrelated and likely to be completely innocent details somehow got warped in her imagination into "evidence".
Oooooooooooooooooooh shit. :k-sad:
"How is Reina, then?" There was a definite hint of venom in Risa's voice, somewhat uncharacteristic of the usually cheerful girl. Ai blinked again, automatically going into a defensive mode upon sensing the uncertain situation she was currently in. This was getting far too strange for her liking.
"Um, sleeping now. I had to help her change and then tuck her in to bed..." Ai replied, eying Risa warily. Her caution was justified.
Risa took in the words. Unfortunately, her mind "read between the lines" and interpreted the original meaning of the sentence quite differently from what Ai had meant. Ah, the wonders of an active imagination.
Oh fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck... :badluck:
...
This is not going well (for poor Risa).
"Wait..." Ai croaked out weakly, but Risa was already walking off. The leader was left staring blankly at the retreating form.
Click.
Dammit Aika had better not turn out to be secretly working for FRIDAY.
-
English isn't your first language? I don't know if you've never mentioned it before or if I just didn't see it, but I didn't know that. I never would have guessed and it makes all your writing about twice as impressive as it was before.
I really like this TakaGaki story you got going on here. I've always loved stories written in this kind of broken-up-and-out-of-order style and I'm glad that you are telling a story this way. Even though I'm pretty sure that's just an accident that its happening that way it's still good.
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<3
I want a continuation XD
I guess for a Singaporean, English isn't technically our first language :/ *shrugs* Ironically, most of us are poorer in our first language than in English -_-;;
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Wow...I so want a continuation of 21 part 2 ! Gakkkkkki san~ :k-sad: I really love all your view points, they seem so fitting. Reina had me rolling with all her shiny thoughts XD I thought the description of the crayons and happy limit was beyond perfect :wahaha:
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Gosh, there's nothing better than a writer being into a member at the same time you are ^^
I really liked your short fics, but I wouldn't mind if they weren't 'short' fics anymore xD However, as well as '21' I'd love to see 'Layers' continue too, or maybe even joined into one story? xD
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Dammit Aika had better not turn out to be secretly working for FRIDAY.
You should know better than to plant ideas into my head. :twisted:
XDDDD
@iacus: Like inDeceit said, English might technically not be my first language, but imo, it is my first language because I'm a lot more fluent in it than my supposed first language/native tongue (Chinese). And yes, I enjoy how the story is turning out despite not having any real plans for how its panning out. I'm just taking snapshots of the characters and their interactions and letting the rest work itself out. XD Glad you liked it though.
Wow...I so want a continuation of 21 part 2 ! Gakkkkkki san~ :k-sad: I really love all your view points, they seem so fitting. Reina had me rolling with all her shiny thoughts XD I thought the description of the crayons and happy limit was beyond perfect :wahaha:
There will be a continuation of that part, don't worry. And yes, drunk Reina was fricking adorable and hilarious. XD I should write more about Reina some time. XD
Gosh, there's nothing better than a writer being into a member at the same time you are ^^
I really liked your short fics, but I wouldn't mind if they weren't 'short' fics anymore xD However, as well as '21' I'd love to see 'Layers' continue too, or maybe even joined into one story? xD
Haha I was just thinking that the story is kinda coming together on its own, mostly because of my inability to not end up weaving everything into a single timeline. XDD So yes, you can take those stories as part of the same continuity, and I'll keep posting randomly and you can rearrange them in the way you like to see it. XD -is lazy-
Hm. The next one is a bit....hmm. Well, it's gonna be short, but you can expect the next part of what happens after Risa leaves Ai in the corridor soon. XDD
======================================================
Behind the Lens
Mitsui Aika never really fit in properly.
Click
Maybe she was just too weird for the others.
Whirr
But that couldn't be it. Takahashi was weird too, but the others still liked her.
Buzz
Maybe it was just something about her, you know. Something that just held her apart.
Flash
She tried, she really did. Acted all hyper with the rest on camera. Be part of the group. That kind of thing.
Whizz
But nothing came of it. She was the outsider. Somehow. Somehow.
Clack
It was far easier to watch them. Trying too hard off screen had no value anyway.
Bzzz
In front of the camera, they were all together. Behind it, nothing.
Whoosh
Mittsi sometimes wondered how it was like to be behind the lens. Just watching. Capturing the falsity. Or even better, the reality as it really was.
Splash
The true faces of her colleagues. She became obsessed with it. Almost. Never really. It was just so...interesting. How could it not be? The many facets of these people...
Drip
Some were really easy to capture. They were open as open could be, once the cameras stopped rolling. Their faces were an open book, easy to read when they relaxed their guard. Guile was beyond most of them.
Swoosh
There was one though. Just like her. Almost like her. Same, yet different.
Flick
Aika was outcast. That girl wasn't. But both were aloof. Different.
Slide...
So many faces on camera. Wide-eyed, serious, amazed, surprised...a whole range, as befitting an idol. And yet, the faces that Aika was searching for, there were none. None at all.
Just that damned mask, that empty gaze, ready to be molded for the official camera. But none that were suitable for her camera. Nothing that she wanted.
Aika just needed to see something, anything, just once. Just for her entertainment. Just for fun. Just because she could. Because she really didn't have much else to do.
A finger rising up to trace down the contours of a cheek frozen in a moment, the perfect angles, the contrasts of shadowy planes.
Blank. Beautifully blank. Like an empty canvas, to be drawn and shaped and carved into an image of perfection.
A wavering image, an uncertain flicker, of imagination eclipsing reality.
She couldn't see because she didn't want to. And to build on that perception...
Any means were permissible.
Obsession, after all, is a kind of love too.
Ai...
===============================================
=X
I apologise to any Aika fans. I didn't expect the creepy stalker thing. o_o It just came out. And it has nothing to do with any real facts, just my own twisted imagination coming into play. That and I happened to be thinking about another music video I watched.
Killer, by JJ Lin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmMkoK0tCf0
Don't ask me what I was thinking, just that I can empathize. I like writing psychopaths, because I understand how they feel. I also enjoy writing sociopaths, but they're two different entities.
Psychopaths feel too much, and sociopaths feel too little. I'm oversimplifying, but that's how I see them. You must be wondering how my mind works. Don't. You really are better off not knowing.
-wanders off-
-
I love that song o.o
And I like putting myself in the shoes of psychopaths >___>;; hmm..
Stalker!Aika is.. creepy.
-
I can't help but say, why, isn't this Aika kind of like us fans?
Always trying to dig through the surface, trying to catch a glimpse of who they really are when they're off stage. Well, except we're not carrying cameras and all flying to Tokyo, and frantically stalking them.
Oh man, I feel like this Aika could bust out a couple voodoo dolls and start working on black magic or something. :P
I must say, this was.. out of my imagination. LOL.
I had though Mitsii was just taking these pictures as a prank, not for the benefit of her own obsession!
Now, I do have a question..
Obsession, after all, is a kind of love too.
Ai...
Is that Ai... Takahashi? Or is that love in general.. hehe.
Because one would bring a whole lot of fun if you decide to continue this.
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I love that song o.o
Me too! >D
And I like putting myself in the shoes of psychopaths >___>;; hmm..
Same here. XD
Stalker!Aika is.. creepy.
Yup, that's how it turned out, whether I actually planned it is questionable though.
I can't help but say, why, isn't this Aika kind of like us fans?
Always trying to dig through the surface, trying to catch a glimpse of who they really are when they're off stage. Well, except we're not carrying cameras and all flying to Tokyo, and frantically stalking them.
I know, right? It's like trying to crack into their heads, I just kinda superimposed part of myself into Aika by doing this. :X Hmm, it's interesting nevertheless.
Oh man, I feel like this Aika could bust out a couple voodoo dolls and start working on black magic or something. :P
WHAT did I tell you about giving me idea? >D You're going to regret this eventually, you know. XD
Now, I do have a question..
Obsession, after all, is a kind of love too.
Ai...
Is that Ai... Takahashi? Or is that love in general.. hehe.
Because one would bring a whole lot of fun if you decide to continue this.
I wanted to leave that last italicized part out, really, because I wanted to see if anyone caught the pun in the line that had originally been the final line. But I thought it was too vague and added the italics to make it clearer...and I suppose you can draw your conclusions now. ;)
And oh yes, this angle is definitely worth exploring. XD
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I know, right? It's like trying to crack into their heads, I just kinda superimposed part of myself into Aika by doing this. :X Hmm, it's interesting nevertheless.
<s>Start saving up, I'll grab my camera, and let's start the stalking!</s>
WHAT did I tell you about giving me idea? >D You're going to regret this eventually, you know. XD
I'm not gonna regret this, I know it. It's hard enough to find a fellow AiGaki fan in both the English speaking community and the Mandarin speaking one, of course I gotta share the love aka ideas when I get a hold of one! XD
I wanted to leave that last italicized part out, really, because I wanted to see if anyone caught the pun in the line that had originally been the final line. But I thought it was too vague and added the italics to make it clearer...and I suppose you can draw your conclusions now. ;)
And oh yes, this angle is definitely worth exploring. XD
Interesting.. now I'm really craving for more.
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JJ LIN - KILLER :heart: :heart: :heart: I love that song so much and the video is creepy O.o
But stalker Aika is creepy, but I like stories about stalkers O.o
-
You should know better than to plant ideas into my head. :twisted:
Oh no...what have I done? :scared:
Behind the Lens/me reads...
Holy crap that's pretty intense. :O At the same time though, it's an interesting look at how different people deal with things that bother them, as well as the differences between how people are in public compared to how they are in private. Personally I really liked this piece. It throws in a twist that not maybe people would think to use, and it gives a reminder that what you see on TV isn't necessarily what you'll get in real life.
Any means were permissible.
Obsession, after all, is a kind of love too.
Ai...
Omgass...Aika's stalking Aichan? :o
-
A finger rising up to trace down the contours of a cheek frozen in a moment, the perfect angles, the contrasts of shadowy planes.
Blank. Beautifully blank. Like an empty canvas, to be drawn and shaped and carved into an image of perfection.
A wavering image, an uncertain flicker, of imagination eclipsing reality.
She couldn't see because she didn't want to. And to build on that perception...
Any means were permissible.
Obsession, after all, is a kind of love too.
Ai...
And another member is added to the 'I Love Ai' bin :P
She does have this power to her, to draw others in because she is so mysterious and intriguing. Oh what am I saying :banghead: I love Risa :luvluv2:
Anywayz, your writing is just brilliant. I can't wait to read more so I'll definitely be reminding you to keep this up :wahaha:. Hmmm, I wonder if Aika's gonna stumble onto more interesting stuff or is she gonna turn out to be some psychotic stalker cum killer XD
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I'm enjoying the Ai adoration!
I like the idea behind Voice, and how it jived with the yume kara samete lyrics.
and I have to agree with the 'blank'ness of Takhashi in 'behind the lens'... love the blank.
but it also means she's ideal for projections. you turned it creepy when you wrote 'permissible' instead of 'possible'. :twisted: perhaps all Takahashi fans are guilty in some way.
some suggestions (feel free to ignore!)
-Takahashi gone country! she is a fukui gal after all
-Takahashi and power.... her rise to leader reminds me of Michael Corleone's in the Godfather. you know, the sort of thing which needs a sweeping score with lots of strings. :yep: ok, i'm sorry it's bigger than that! :D
- Superhero Takahashi. the obvious over-the-top extension of her off-stage on-stage "Switch"
-Takahashi as a kid
-something based on any, or all, of the best Takahashi lines. two of my personal faves are: jibun wo puchiyabure (koko ni iruzee) )and umi ni kaze, taiyou no shawaa (sexy boy). hmm, it seems the two clear Takahashi-frontgirl songs, osaka and onna ni sachi are are both very dark...
Long live the sandbox! hyuk!
ps i wrote a comment a while ago on your blog in which Takahashi and Niigaki regard a landscape. ;)
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Lyrics?! XDDD
Awesome idea. :D
I'm interested in "Love&Peace! Hero ga Yattekita!"
:3
That song is like the TakaGaki song for me. Kekekeke...
"Daisuki yo~"
"Aishiteru~"
MUA HA HA HA.
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Ara ara, so many people reading this. Me happy. XDDD You guys are awesome.
@Sevii: I'm ready to start stalking if you are! But I'm broke! D: Haha share those ideas whenever you get them, I'm willing to work on them when I have time (but time is a commodity I'm short on currently though D: work and school are killing my creativity T__T). I'll listen to that song after I finish my philosophy essay and see what I can do. ;)
@Seagull: Yeah that song rocks! <3 Creepy video FTW. Creepy stalker Aika too. XDD Glad you liked. :)
@JFC: Hehe, yeah, well, I just wanted a different angle, and Aika was handy, so... >_> XDDD Stalking Aichan? Actually, she's stalking everyone, but Aichan is just the latest target in a series of "let's take pictures of who this person REALLY is!". XDD
@lil_hamz: Yes we all love Aichan! <3 Aika though, I wonder.... >_> XD And I will convert you one day...one day...and Aichan will be No.1 on your list. XDD Meh, don't stress me, I'll write! XDD As for what will happen to Aika and her creepy stalky ways, well, you'll see. I have plans for her. XDD
@bot: Oh, so you're the one with that comment on my blog. XDD And yes, Ai adoration yay! <333 Yeah, for Voice I was listening to Yume Kara Samete for inspiration, so it's not unreasonable to make the connection. You're also spot on about Takahashi being perfect for projections, since she's that proverbial 'blank slate' that can offer something for everyone. Haha, yes, creepiness crept in because I was in a mood after watching a creepy stalker video. XDD Mm, I wonder if we all project ourselves onto her since we love her so. XDD Oh and those are truly interesting suggestions! Superhero Takahashi made me roffle...and gave me an interesting mental image. XDD I was thinking of Musume Sentai... Ahem, yeah, I need to go back to do my essay first before trying those out. Thanks for reading!
Mrr, I'm busy trying to finish my essay in time for the deadline. Bah. No writing until I finish it, so everyone will have to wait until then. Sorry for the delay! ><
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Posting from school...
Random idea I had after rewatching the Sexy 8 Beat concert. Mhm.
Oh and on the subject of school, I got an A for my first Chinese assignment. Woot!
XDDD
================================
Mephisto
"Happy birthday, Takahashi."
A familiar voice. The words themselves were spoken in an almost lazy manner, not quite a drawl, but getting there. It was a voice that one Takahashi Ai had not quite expected to hear, not right now, after a whole day that which had been her birthday. She thought that the voice on the other side of the phone would have called earlier if she had remembered to, and had pretty much resigned herself to the fact that this person wasn't going to be congratulating her for her 21st birthday.
"Oy Takahashi, you still there? I can't see you right now, but I'm sure you have your '...' expression on now. Aren't you?"
Ai laughed on reflex, a short bark that almost sounded like a cross behind a gasp and a choke. To call it a laugh was being generous. The other person on the phone thought so too.
"That sounds gross." A pause, then in a sly tone. "Am I interrupting something?"
"I have no idea what you mean." Ai replied primly in her best girl-scout tone, designed primarily to lull others into believing her relative gullibility. Remarkably effective, that.
But the intended target this time was not a member of the gullible masses, and was already wise to the whole charade.
"Oh I'm sure." A short snicker. "Nevertheless, did I make it in time to congratulate you?"
One eye flicked over to the neon display clock on the top of the bedside drawer. The red roman numerals blinked innocently, telling the time and shaping Ai's answer.
"You didn't now, but you did when you did at first, but now you didn't because you asked about the now where you didn't instead of the then when you did, but since you did it when you did, even if you asked if you did at a time when you didn't, I'm going to be nice and say that you did anyway."
A long silence ensued. Ai cracked a small smile at the overly long pause.
"...Takahashi, speak standard Japanese."
Ai bit her lip before replying in her most folksy, imbecilic tone, maintaining a straight face throughout.
"But I am."
Another pause. Then a derisive laugh. "Same old Takahashi, incapable of lying." A pregnant pause. "Or should I say, you can't lie about lying since you're already lying all the time. Isn't that so, my lovely Ai-chan?"
A reflective silence ensued, Ai thinking of god knows what, and her mysterious caller clearly awaiting an answer that would never come. Finally, impatience broke the impasse.
"Takahashi, there's no one else around, so stop pretending. I know that you know that I know, and you know that I know that you know. You aren't accomplishing a single thing by not being yourself right now."
Ai affected a bemused expression that showed clearly in her voice at this statement. "And you accuse me of playing with semantics."
A genuine laugh was evoked this time, prompting a gentle smile in return from a silent Ai, who merely sat there, phone in one hand, the other resting on the pages of an open book in her lap. One finger was playing idly with the edges of the paper, feeling the sharpness of the fresh corner and unconsciously wearing down on it with each stroke over that fine edge.
"I don't know what you mean; I haven't hidden anything about myself, within reason of course." This was said without preamble, or even a hint of dishonesty present in the tone. However, the other person wasn't buying that for a moment at all.
"Takahashi, you are the singularly most dishonest person I've ever been well-acquainted with in the industry. You don't lie with your words; you lie with your whole person. You make it seem like the light in your eyes is coming from the sun streaming in from through the back of your skull, pretending to be a dumb airhead when you're really not. That's the most disciplined expression of organized deception I've ever seen in my life, but you were always known for your discipline in all things, weren't you?"
Ai's expression didn't budge in the slightest at the accusation. Indeed, her only visible reaction was that her fingers had ceased its quest to wear down the edges of each page of the book, instead moving to tap restlessly on the margins of the page. Her voice was taut and level when she did respond.
"Fujimoto, are you calling to wish me well, or are you trying to needle me?"
The other person, now identified as one Fujimoto Miki, chuckled.
"Ah, sorry, got a little carried away. I was bored since Aya-chan's busy." As if saying that would justify her outburst. If Ai were any less composed, she would be banging her head against the headboard of her bed by now. As it was though, Ai knew how Miki was like, and simply let out a small sigh.
"If Matsuura-san was busy the whole day, why did you remember to call me only now?" Or at all, for that matter, Ai did not add. Miki snorted dismissively, and Ai could almost see her waving one hand in the air in the same gesture.
"I was watching documentaries on television and then one on howler monkeys came up, and I suddenly remembered your birthday. So I called to congratulate my former sub-leader. Anything wrong with that?"
One could almost see the indolent smile on that devil's face, and Ai couldn't help but find her voice raising a notch, the tapping of her fingers having ceased and were now pressing into the page tightly.
"You remembered me only because of a bunch of monkeys on TV?"
"Don't worry, I don't grope monkeys." If one could see Miki now, one would undoubtedly be taken aback by the evil glee in that grin on her face.
"I'm touched." Ai replied a little sarcastically, having been somewhat offended by the comparison. She could almost picture the lazy smirk on Miki's face now.
"Of course you are. I heard you've been an interesting leader. How has the job been so far?"
"If you had bothered to stay longer than 3 weeks in the position, you wouldn't have to ask me now." Ai replied just a little bitterly.
Surprisingly, there was a sigh from the other end of the line.
"You know why I couldn't stay very much longer, don't you?"
Ai did. She did only too well.
"Still, you could have given me a little more warning than just mailing 'Watch out for the news tomorrow~' the night before the whole situation exploded." Ai sounded justifiably exasperated. Miki snickered in response.
"Well, gotta keep up the Fujimoto image. Going out with a bang and all that. First they stuck me into the group abruptly, so I have every right to leave it just as abruptly."
Fujimoto-logic at its best. Ai couldn't help but smile a little at the petulance present in Miki's tone though.
"But you're bored now, aren't you?"
"Is it that obvious?" The voice was heavy with sarcasm. Then another poignant pause. "You sound snappier than usual today. What, bad day?"
Again with the intuition. Ai didn't know whether she was glad or irritated that someone had managed to see through her facade, if only marginally. On one hand, it was refreshing to have someone who did understand; on the other hand, she had spent so much time in her own little world that unexpected intrusions felt extremely unwanted and irksome. It was a dilemma, really. Seeking to be found, but yet avoiding contact at all costs. Ai wondered how much that contradiction could, and already had, cost her.
"Just a very long one." Her reply was typically diplomatic, and not completely untrue. It had been a long day, after all.
"No, really. Do you think I'm stupid?" Back to big bad Fujimoto. Ai resisted the urge to roll her eyes and reply in the affirmative. She was too polite for that.
"I'm just tired, really." Another obfuscation. Ai knew that Miki wouldn't be put off so easily, but she couldn't be bothered to think of something better. Or even just hanging up on the other woman. She could do that, of course, but it wasn't nice.
Sometimes Ai wondered why she even bothered to be the 'goody two shoes' all the time.
"Takahashi, are you still there?" Ai blinked, realizing that she had just drifted off into her thoughts again. She made a small sound in affirmation.
"Try not to drift off so much. How are you going to lead the rest with your head in the clouds?"
Now, if someone like Yossi had said that to her, it would have been more meaningful to her. However, this was Miki. The one with the shortest ever term as leader. The wild child of the group, in a sense. It was singularly odd to hear that coming from her, of all people.
"I'll be fine." It was easier to just agree sometimes, than come up with long arguments or explanations for or against the statement made. Besides, Ai really wasn't feeling up to an argument of any kind now.
"Is this about the brat?" Yet another sharply intuitive question. Ai didn't even realize her instinctive intake of breath when the words wormed their way into her ear.
"Heh, guess I was right."
"What are you talking about?" Ai asked guardedly, suddenly feeling a lot more awake, and infinitely more defensive.
"Only a few people have ever been able to bother you, even just slightly. I just picked the first name I remembered." There was a distinctly smug tone to Miki's voice. "What is it this time, she ditch you for your party?"
"No, actually, everyone was there." Ai paused. "Except Mittsi, I think. She left a bit early."
"Mittsi? Who?"
Ai cracked a small smile. "You know, 8th gen member. Clung to Yoshizawa a lot."
"Oh, THAT one. Forgot for a moment. Can't keep track of all them newbies anyway."
"You should at least try." Ai chided gently. The only response she got was a dismissive 'pfft'.
"Anyway, I think we were talking about YOU. So, something happened eh? Did the brat find a boyfriend? Hope she hid it well if she did."
"No, she didn't." She said sharply, snapping the book in her lap shut. The thought of Risa having a boyfriend was somehow disturbing. Almost as an afterthought she added. "And stop calling Gaki-san a brat."
"Tch. She doesn't mind. And aren't you doing the exact same thing?"
Ai opened her mouth to retort, but clamped it shut before any sound came out. Miki was right. She didn't have any right to correct the devil since she was equally guilty.
"Heh, poor little Gaki-san. You hardly ever listen to her, do you? That's why she went to Kamei-chan instead. Someone who actually bothered to pay attention."
Ai winced sharply. That hit a little too close to home. Risa did tell her, long ago, that she never listened to what the younger had to say. But Ai always retorted that Risa never listened to her either, or rather, no one had ever understood what she was getting at. After a while, she just gave up. If nobody could get what she was saying, she would just keep her opinions to herself rather than confuse the heck out of everyone.
"Poor little Ai-chan, all alone at the top with no one to cry out to." Taunting, almost singsong in nature.
"No one listens, no one understands." Ai's hand fisted up, balled up on the cover of the book.
Miki's voice was silky, like a panther hunting prey.
"It's painful, isn't it? And you can't even cry for yourself anymore."
Nails dug into the soft leather cover, her lips taut and pale. She looked as if she would cry, but nothing came out. Nothing at all.
Her voice, when it finally returned, was like a low growl.
"Why are you doing this?"
A soft laugh, almost gentle. Indifferently, even.
"Because, dear heart, I was so very bored." Miki's voice shifted slightly then, a peculiar mix of cruelty and kindness both.
"That and, you needed this. Come out to play, Ai-chan. Don't hide in there anymore..."
"Shut up." Ai's voice was soft, but the determination was unmistakable. Miki smirked, and it showed in her tone.
"Make me."
~*~*~
Dial tone.
Fujimoto Miki stared at her cell phone unblinkingly for a moment, mildly astonished that the goody two shoes had hung up on her. The fact dawned on her almost slowly, and when it did, she began to laugh. Softly at first, then louder, with a hint of approval on her face.
Maybe there was hope for the girl after all. The groping demon wondered for a moment if she had been too hard on the young leader.
"Nah, she's tougher than that." Miki smirked, reaching for the remote control.
This ought to be fun to watch.
~*~*~
In her mind, she pictured herself throwing her cell phone across the room and seeing it smash into little bits against the wall. In reality, she switched it off and shoved it into an open drawer, slamming it shut. Out of sight, out of mind.
That had been...unexpected. Ai didn't know if she felt angry, sad, or whatever. There had been an unmistakable heat broiling within her towards the end of the conversation, but the flames had died almost as soon as she had killed the conversation. She barely knew how she really felt about anything anymore.
Closing her eyes, she laid back down on her bed, trying to relax, banish all extraneous thoughts from her mind. Calming herself, disciplining her emotions, was like second nature to her. As quick to irritation she might have been, she calmed down just as quickly. To the point where she wondered if she had even really been upset in the first place.
She didn't know. She knew so very little about herself.
"I don't want to deal with this..." She muttered half to herself. She didn't want to think about it at all. Was it too much to ask for a placid existence?
But no, Takahashi Ai knew that she would probably extinguish herself in that case. As Miki said, life was boring. Ai thrived on a certain kind of madness, living in the moment for the moment. And yet, she needed a kind of tranquility for that to function.
The story of her life was one big contradiction. Ai resolutely turned onto her side and buried her face into her pillow.
I'll deal with this...eventually.
Right now, all she wanted to do was sleep.
====================================================
Lol, I wonder if I made Miki a bit too evil, but eh. XD
Anyone guess why I titled it like this? XD
-wanders off randomly-
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Ooo, angry Aichan ;o
I like Miki here. Cruel in a good way,and smart. I cracked up at the monkey part, coke+laughter = bad! :lol:
And that bit with Aika was XD. Though, I am starting to get used to the fact that she exists within MoMusu :P after so long.
As for the title, I don't even know what it means...
*flips through dictionary* Ah... *flips through wiki* >_>
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Woo, evil Miki! I like how you portrayed her as the smart kind of evil, which doesn't exactly equal evil in my mind, hahahaha. It's more like she's the only one willing to do the dirty work, the things that must be done but no one wants to do. :lol:
And, the name comes from a book/legend? (Cannot recall the name, since I've never read it...) As far as I know, Mephisto is one of the many names used for the devil. Devil = Fujimoto. XD
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Holy mother of god, this chapter is so full of win.
No, it doesn't have Takahashi and Niigaki all over each other in rabu-rabu mode, but all the things Fujimoto said = dead on.
When Fujimoto first told her that she was lying the entire time, I was like... OMG.
Every girl in Morning Musume plays a role. For instance, Michishige is the CUTE one, Reina is the mini-badass, but not really, Yoshizawa was the cool one, Konno was the smart one... and yet, Takahashi is the only person who lacks an easily distinguishable role. Yes, she's beautiful; yes, the girl's a heck of a singer. But then you stop there. You get the surface of her still having her Fukui accent even though she's been in Tokyo for six years now, the girl who screams like a man..
But nothing that says, she's 'THIS.'
Is she airheaded? Is she dumb? There are just too many things that slip which proves otherwise.
It's more like, she's having a really hard time presenting herself.
Which, in your conclusion of this chapter(?), you mentioned that she knew very little of herself.
Anyway, this chapter made me go OMG from the beginning to the end.
OMG TAKAHASHI IS GOING TO BED!!!!!!!!!!!11111oneoneoneone!!!111!
Okay, maybe not that much.
You said that watching the S8B concert gave you the idea to this story? Where in S8B did Fujimoto go all EVIL?! You must've been watching Ribbon no Kishi! XDDDDDDD
"No, she didn't." She said sharply, snapping the book in her lap shut.
I don't know why I like this line so much, but I can see her hold on her cell phone harden, her brows furrowing, basically, fuming. A Takahashi that's not :D or :O or :|. Something I'd pay big bucks to see. The action of her slamming her book shut in anger.. is just... I don't know, I like small things like this. :3
Ai winced sharply. That hit a little too close to home. Risa did tell her, long ago, that she never listened to what the younger had to say. But Ai always retorted that Risa never listened to her either, or rather, no one had ever understood what she was getting at. After a while, she just gave up. If nobody could get what she was saying, she would just keep her opinions to herself rather than confuse the heck out of everyone.
"Poor little Ai-chan, all alone at the top with no one to cry out to." Taunting, almost singsong in nature.
"No one listens, no one understands." Ai's hand fisted up, balled up on the cover of the book.
Miki's voice was silky, like a panther hunting prey.
"It's painful, isn't it? And you can't even cry for yourself anymore."
Nails dug into the soft leather cover, her lips taut and pale. She looked as if she would cry, but nothing came out. Nothing at all.
Her voice, when it finally returned, was like a low growl.
"Why are you doing this?"
A soft laugh, almost gentle. Indifferently, even.
"Because, dear heart, I was so very bored." Miki's voice shifted slightly then, a peculiar mix of cruelty and kindness both.
"That and, you needed this. Come out to play, Ai-chan. Don't hide in there anymore..."
This is gold, right here. GOLD, I tell you.
Sweet, slow torture. Mmm, Fujimoto-sama indeed.
If you need help with Chinese, I can probably help.
.. Actually, on second thought, my Mandarin is pretty bad too.
As for the title... well, I played Diablo II, and in there, Mephisto was like an evil dude that I never got around to beating. I also thought of Liszt the composer..
Anyway, thanks for the story, it's just getting better and better...! :D
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"Happy birthday, Takahashi."
A familiar voice. The words themselves were spoken in an almost lazy manner, not quite a drawl, but getting there. It was a voice that one Takahashi Ai had not quite expected to hear, not right now, after a whole day that which had been her birthday.
Sounds like someone's either tired, drunk, or maybe a little of both. But who is it? Miki?
"Oy Takahashi, you still there? I can't see you right now, but I'm sure you have your '...' expression on now. Aren't you?"
Ai laughed on reflex, a short bark that almost sounded like a cross behind a gasp and a choke. To call it a laugh was being generous. The other person on the phone thought so too.
"That sounds gross."
:lol:
A pause, then in a sly tone. "Am I interrupting something?"
"I have no idea what you mean." Ai replied primly in her best girl-scout tone, designed primarily to lull others into believing her relative gullibility. Remarkably effective, that.
But the intended target this time was not a member of the gullible masses, and was already wise to the whole charade.
Ooooooooooooh...definitely thinking it's Miki that's on the phone with her now. :)
Another pause. Then a derisive laugh. "Same old Takahashi, incapable of lying." A pregnant pause. "Or should I say, you can't lie about lying since you're already lying all the time. Isn't that so, my lovely Ai-chan?"
...
"Takahashi, there's no one else around, so stop pretending. I know that you know that I know, and you know that I know that you know. You aren't accomplishing a single thing by not being yourself right now."
Eh? :?
"Takahashi, you are the singularly most dishonest person I've ever been well-acquainted with in the industry. You don't lie with your words; you lie with your whole person. You make it seem like the light in your eyes is coming from the sun streaming in from through the back of your skull, pretending to be a dumb airhead when you're really not. That's the most disciplined expression of organized deception I've ever seen in my life, but you were always known for your discipline in all things, weren't you?"
Damn, if that were true...then Aichan has been pulling the wool over all of our eyes all this time. :O
"Fujimoto, are you calling to wish me well, or are you trying to needle me?"
The other person, now identified as one Fujimoto Miki, chuckled.
"Ah, sorry, got a little carried away. I was bored since Aya-chan's busy."
...
"I was watching documentaries on television and then one on howler monkeys came up, and I suddenly remembered your birthday. So I called to congratulate my former sub-leader. Anything wrong with that?"
OMGASS!!! :on lol: :on lol: :on lol:
"You remembered me only because of a bunch of monkeys on TV?"
"Don't worry, I don't grope monkeys." If one could see Miki now, one would undoubtedly be taken aback by the evil glee in that grin on her face.
Aichan = :grr:
Miki = :kekeke:
"You sound snappier than usual today. What, bad day?"
Again with the intuition. Ai didn't know whether she was glad or irritated that someone had managed to see through her facade, if only marginally.
Spill it child. Miki-sama knows all! :rockon:
"Is this about the brat?" Yet another sharply intuitive question. Ai didn't even realize her instinctive intake of breath when the words wormed their way into her ear.
"Heh, guess I was right."
Ah, Aichan's still thinking about what druken-Risa said to her? :O
"Anyway, I think we were talking about YOU. So, something happened eh? Did the brat find a boyfriend? Hope she hid it well if she did."
"No, she didn't." She said sharply, snapping the book in her lap shut. The thought of Risa having a boyfriend was somehow disturbing. Almost as an afterthought she added. "And stop calling Gaki-san a brat."
"Tch. She doesn't mind. And aren't you doing the exact same thing?"
Ai opened her mouth to retort, but clamped it shut before any sound came out. Miki was right. She didn't have any right to correct the devil since she was equally guilty.
"Heh, poor little Gaki-san. You hardly ever listen to her, do you? That's why she went to Kamei-chan instead. Someone who actually bothered to pay attention."
Wow, Miki knew what was going on, yet Aichan didn't have a clue even though she was supposedly Risa's best friend. Looks like Aichan might be scared now that she might be losing Risa. :cry:
"It's painful, isn't it? And you can't even cry for yourself anymore."
Nails dug into the soft leather cover, her lips taut and pale. She looked as if she would cry, but nothing came out. Nothing at all.
Her voice, when it finally returned, was like a low growl.
"Why are you doing this?"
A soft laugh, almost gentle. Indifferently, even.
"Because, dear heart, I was so very bored." Miki's voice shifted slightly then, a peculiar mix of cruelty and kindness both.
"That and, you needed this. Come out to play, Ai-chan. Don't hide in there anymore..."
If anyone in H!P was to be the person to hand out the "tough love", it'd have to be Miki. She's right too, Aichan has actually done a lot of this to herself. She's kept her feelings so well hidden and she's kept to herself so much that she's now found herself standing alone. Risa and the others likely have tried to reach out to her and get her back "in the loop" so to speak, but Aichan never accepted the invitations. Being a leader doesn't mean having to keep everything to yourself. That's what subleaders and your friends are for. It's okay to seek out other advice when you're not sure of what to do. Aichan needs to realize that she doesn't have to bear this burden alone.
Ai didn't know if she felt angry, sad, or whatever. There had been an unmistakable heat broiling within her towards the end of the conversation, but the flames had died almost as soon as she had killed the conversation. She barely knew how she really felt about anything anymore.
That's another thing that Aichan has to do, she has to let herself "feel" again, like how she used to. It's like ever she took over as leader, she's cut herself off from her emotions, possibly thinking that they might hinder her from doing a good job.
Anyone guess why I titled it like this? XD
There was a reason? :rofl:
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I feel sorry for Ai-chan, but...if she didn't want to come out of her shell, she'll always be alone. Nobody really bother to anymore since she seems to retract to her own world most of the times, judging from the fact that she likes being alone. But that place is slowly becoming suffocating and she needs to get out doesn't she? She just doesn't know how to reach out to people. Miki...well being evil as always, although somewhat I understand her motive of doing that cruel conversation with Ai-chan. She prolly notices long time ago, how Ai really felt toward Gaki and now that she lost the friendship plus burdened with leadership duty, she's worried Ai-chan will retract even more. Typical rough Miki on the outside, softie on the inside. I just wish the way she did it wasn't so harsh. Oh well, that's Fujimoto for you. Anyway, can't wait to hear the rest of it, so update quickly please!
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Ah, happy to see so many comments. :D
Ooo, angry Aichan ;o
I like Miki here. Cruel in a good way,and smart. I cracked up at the monkey part, coke+laughter = bad! :lol:
I thought it was funny too XD Be more careful next time! ;)
And that bit with Aika was XD. Though, I am starting to get used to the fact that she exists within MoMusu :P after so long.
Haha, I just thought it'd be funny that Miki wouldn't register Aika's presence very much. XD
Woo, evil Miki! I like how you portrayed her as the smart kind of evil, which doesn't exactly equal evil in my mind, hahahaha. It's more like she's the only one willing to do the dirty work, the things that must be done but no one wants to do. :lol:
Yup, Miki does the job only when no one steps in to do it. And then again, she WAS bored after all. XDDD
And, the name comes from a book/legend? (Cannot recall the name, since I've never read it...) As far as I know, Mephisto is one of the many names used for the devil. Devil = Fujimoto. XD
Yup, I was thinking of the Faust legend, and the Devil's name who was tempting Faust was Mephistopheles (or just Mephisto). And yes, Miki is the Devil here. Three guesses who's Faust. XD
"Anyway, I think we were talking about YOU. So, something happened eh? Did the brat find a boyfriend? Hope she hid it well if she did."
"No, she didn't." She said sharply, snapping the book in her lap shut. The thought of Risa having a boyfriend was somehow disturbing. Almost as an afterthought she added. "And stop calling Gaki-san a brat."
"Tch. She doesn't mind. And aren't you doing the exact same thing?"
Ai opened her mouth to retort, but clamped it shut before any sound came out. Miki was right. She didn't have any right to correct the devil since she was equally guilty.
"Heh, poor little Gaki-san. You hardly ever listen to her, do you? That's why she went to Kamei-chan instead. Someone who actually bothered to pay attention."
Wow, Miki knew what was going on, yet Aichan didn't have a clue even though she was supposedly Risa's best friend. Looks like Aichan might be scared now that she might be losing Risa. :cry:
I expect Miki talks with Yossi a lot, and Yossi probably kept an eye on the others. As for Aichan, I get the feeling that she spends too much time on her own instead of really looking at the real world. Frankly, I think Aichan knew that Risa was moving away from her, but as for why and how, she isn't willing to face the truth yet. And yes that means she is subconsciously aware of what's going on, but doesn't want to deal with it.
"It's painful, isn't it? And you can't even cry for yourself anymore."
Nails dug into the soft leather cover, her lips taut and pale. She looked as if she would cry, but nothing came out. Nothing at all.
Her voice, when it finally returned, was like a low growl.
"Why are you doing this?"
A soft laugh, almost gentle. Indifferently, even.
"Because, dear heart, I was so very bored." Miki's voice shifted slightly then, a peculiar mix of cruelty and kindness both.
"That and, you needed this. Come out to play, Ai-chan. Don't hide in there anymore..."
If anyone in H!P was to be the person to hand out the "tough love", it'd have to be Miki. She's right too, Aichan has actually done a lot of this to herself. She's kept her feelings so well hidden and she's kept to herself so much that she's now found herself standing alone. Risa and the others likely have tried to reach out to her and get her back "in the loop" so to speak, but Aichan never accepted the invitations. Being a leader doesn't mean having to keep everything to yourself. That's what subleaders and your friends are for. It's okay to seek out other advice when you're not sure of what to do. Aichan needs to realize that she doesn't have to bear this burden alone.
I know, this series is mostly a journey through Aichan's psyche, through all her weaknesses and insecurities as she struggles to find herself. Aichan has much to learn, and we're all here to see what happens as I write this (I'm learning too). Hopefully they'll all get out of my clutches unscathed. XD
Ai didn't know if she felt angry, sad, or whatever. There had been an unmistakable heat broiling within her towards the end of the conversation, but the flames had died almost as soon as she had killed the conversation. She barely knew how she really felt about anything anymore.
That's another thing that Aichan has to do, she has to let herself "feel" again, like how she used to. It's like ever she took over as leader, she's cut herself off from her emotions, possibly thinking that they might hinder her from doing a good job.
Yeah, she pretty much alienated her social side. She needs to find it again. I feel like I'm writing my life story through Aichan... >< Projecting, much? :X
I feel sorry for Ai-chan, but...if she didn't want to come out of her shell, she'll always be alone. Nobody really bother to anymore since she seems to retract to her own world most of the times, judging from the fact that she likes being alone. But that place is slowly becoming suffocating and she needs to get out doesn't she? She just doesn't know how to reach out to people. Miki...well being evil as always, although somewhat I understand her motive of doing that cruel conversation with Ai-chan. She prolly notices long time ago, how Ai really felt toward Gaki and now that she lost the friendship plus burdened with leadership duty, she's worried Ai-chan will retract even more. Typical rough Miki on the outside, softie on the inside. I just wish the way she did it wasn't so harsh. Oh well, that's Fujimoto for you. Anyway, can't wait to hear the rest of it, so update quickly please!
Yeah, it IS Aichan's fault that it has gotten so bad thus far, and she really needed someone coming down hard on her, and as JFC mentioned, the only one who is really capable of doing that is Miki (or maybe Yuko, but she seems a little removed from the situation). Someone needs to knock some sense into her to get her moving, or else she will stay in her comfort zone of self pitying destructiveness until the end of time. Also, hopefully the rest of the girls will be supportive when the time comes. I get the feeling that they really don't understand Aichan, and Aichan senses that, which is why she never could bring herself into the open, because she knew that no one would get it. What she needs to know is that she might not always need people to understand, what is important is for them to accept her, which I imagine they ARE willing to. Understanding can come later, if ever. She just needs to make that first step. And the first step is often the hardest. Oh well, we'll see what happens. XD
Holy mother of god, this chapter is so full of win.
No, it doesn't have Takahashi and Niigaki all over each other in rabu-rabu mode, but all the things Fujimoto said = dead on.
Ah, glad you liked. Yeah, there won't be much rabu-rabu that easily (at least not in this arc...or series...crap, it's turning into a full-fledged story @_@). And yeah, Miki is :heart:
It's more like, she's having a really hard time presenting herself.
Which, in your conclusion of this chapter(?), you mentioned that she knew very little of herself.
I agree. You can't BE someone if you don't know who YOU are. She's still trying to grasp her own personality, so to speak.
You said that watching the S8B concert gave you the idea to this story? Where in S8B did Fujimoto go all EVIL?! You must've been watching Ribbon no Kishi! XDDDDDDD
Lol, watching S8B made me think about what kind of relationship Miki and Ai shared because they were so often the leads in most songs, and they seemed to be on fairly good terms more or less. They did have some kind of chemistry between them that wouldn't qualify them into a romantic relationship, but there IS something there, and it intrigued me enough to try to do something about it...and this came out. XDD Plus, it was fun to let Miki play devil's advocate. XD
"No, she didn't." She said sharply, snapping the book in her lap shut.
I don't know why I like this line so much, but I can see her hold on her cell phone harden, her brows furrowing, basically, fuming. A Takahashi that's not :D or :O or :|. Something I'd pay big bucks to see. The action of her slamming her book shut in anger.. is just... I don't know, I like small things like this. :3
I would pay to see that too! Yup, devil's in the details, and we love it. XD
If you need help with Chinese, I can probably help.
.. Actually, on second thought, my Mandarin is pretty bad too.
Lol, thanks for the concern, I actually aced my first Chinese assignment, so that was a good thing. XD
Anyway, thanks for the story, it's just getting better and better...! :D
Lol, who'd have thought that the bored scribblings of an Aichan fanatic would have turned out this way? I just needed to look through her eyes, and this happened. Turns out I just can't let go of a story. XDD
Anyway, I have a couple of ideas what to do next, but first I need someone to clarify a few dates/times for me so I can see if my timeline works.
1) When was the latest DVD magazine shot? Around what date? It'd be useful to know.
2) When exactly did Gaki-san hurt her leg? Thought it'd be useful to work that in. ;)
Right, thanks for reading everyone!
-wanders off to do readings again-
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She hurt her knee on the 29th of September, since the concert was 9/30, and she said, "Yesterday, due to my carelessness, I injured myself.. etc. etc. etc."
As to when they shot the DVD magazine.. Err.. I'm going to guess... not too long ago? Maybe a week or two before the first concert? >.>;;;
WAAAAAAAH.. Gaki-san T_T.
GO ESTY GO!
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The first thing that came to mind when I was reading this was, why is Miki doing this? As much as I know the girl isn't the nicest person around, this is a little much. It made me wanna slap her XD Anyway, YAY to Ai-chan for hanging the phone up on her. It was too light a reaction, but this is Ai, so... :lol:
2) When exactly did Gaki-san hurt her leg? Thought it'd be useful to work that in.
Something very good is coming up. I can smell it :P
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Hi, i've just dug up a fanart I did a couple of months ago for your All Aboard fic. It's a bit of a waste just sitting in my computer all this while so I thought I might as well just post it. I hope its ok to put it here, since the fic seems to be inactive and I don't wanna bump it up for no reason.
(http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/1425/allaboardkamecannonzk5.jpg)
By the way, I've read all your stories (posted here) and I enjoyed every one of them. Thank you for sharing them :)
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^Oh WOW. Amazing! I love the detail! ^__^ Eri is <3. Oh and the little turtle drawing in the corner is adorable. XDDD Thanks for reading, I'm glad you enjoyed the stories (and AA too! ^_^)
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Ok I'm back! Since my storytelling of the Aichan saga (in my timeline anyway) isn't exactly linear, I thought I could get away with this. Heh. XD
Yeah, that means...new short story! XDDD
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By Your Side
You never look at me anymore.
There you were, smiling and waving for the cameras, for the screaming fans, for your screaming fans. I vaguely registered that a small portion of the crowd was screaming for me, so I returned the gesture, smiling and beaming widely back.
Your hand feels cold and limp in mine. I cling on to it, having seized upon it earlier before we had entered the public eye. We were supposed to be in this together, so we had to at least look like we were presenting a united front. That we unintentionally left the 3rd member of our little party out was probably not very nice, but the younger girl was so psyched by the trip that she barely noticed the hidden dynamics between us.
Truth was, I hadn't wanted you to walk ahead of me, leaving me behind. I wanted to be walking beside you, with you, not left behind like a spoiled child when the family went out to the festival. We were supposed to be partners. I won't let you run away on your own, not even for something like this.
You seem like a changed person. With your new image, your new position, your added responsibilities, you seem to have left that adorably awkward air that you used to possess, instead taking on a more confident aura as you interacted---no, was forced to interact with the media beyond that which you were accustomed to.
You spoke more, became more assertive, but nothing has really changed much, has it? Sometimes you slip up, when there were no cameras, when it was with just the rest of us, the girls whom we hung out with more than we did with our own families. That you were still just that quirky country girl from Fukui , who was never convinced in her own ability and always demanded so much from herself.
It hurts me to see you like this, closing yourself off even as you sparkle even more brightly under the intense lights of the many cameras trained on you. You were always so self-effacing that not many took notice of you, but you always blazed so brightly on stage, performing for the crowd as if your life depended on it, that those who really did look saw more to you than you presented offstage. Like I did.
I wish you would just talk to me though. You barely have time for me anymore. It's like you don't care that much anymore, but I know that can't be, since you did still cry when I injured myself that time. I just wonder what bothers you so much. Aren't we friends? Why do you keep moving away from me--us then?
My smile was bright as any other for the crowd, for the cameras. We were stopped, briefly, by yet another group of news crews, and you replied gamely, your brightest expression on for display. Slightly off to your side, I stood not quite behind, nor quite beside you, our hands still entertwined. Unconsciously, I gave your hand a light squeeze, reminding you that I was still there, still by your side, as you pause ever so slightly, so slight that no one but me would have noticed the skip in tempo in your speech. You resume your reply as easily as if there had been no interruption to begin with, the cameras never noticing that little moment for what it was.
I gaze at your profile briefly, wistfully, for a moment, before returning my gaze to the cameras, for my own turn to speak. Before that happened though, I felt your hand in mine stir, returning the gesture I gave you earlier. Our eyes met as you glanced around to me, a dazzling grin on your face. I'm sure half of it that smile was for the watchers all around us, but it was different for me anyway.
You were looking at me. Not in passing, not through me as if I didn't really exist. You were looking at at me. Suddenly, your hand in mine didn't feel so cold anymore. The moment was brief, but I relished it all the same.
We turned as one to the cameras, living our idol lives.
Know that I am always with you, beside you, by your side.
Ne, Ai-chan? Walk with me, not away from me, alright?
I'll always be watching over you.
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Yay bittersweet fluff? Written in a half hour. Yup.
Read and reply! XDD
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I can't believe you can come up with something so good in only 30 minutes! *stares at Estrea all starry-eyed*
I thought it was so cute that they were walking hand in hand during the Taiwan trip and it's just beyond awesome that you wrote about it :luvluv1:
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XD so awesome and yes, very bittersweet.
Thankyou for writing this :3
I'm going to go countdown till the taiwan interview starts now :lol: *arms self with remote and blank DVDs* XD
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Holy.....I'm speechless.... I had tears in my eyes while reading this. Now I know what you meant by "read it and cry over the bittersweet fluff." :lol:
I had hoped that you would write about this, their trip out of Japan together (okay, well, forget about Koharu for a moment XD) This totally surpassed all expectations. I'm officially in love with TakaGaki once more. See the power of ya pen? And damn, in 30 min too :D
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You never look at me anymore.
There you were, smiling and waving for the cameras, for the screaming fans, for your screaming fans. I vaguely registered that a small portion of the crowd was screaming for me, so I returned the gesture, smiling and beaming widely back.
From this opening, it sounds like Risa. :O
You seem like a changed person. With your new image, your new position, your added responsibilities, you seem to have left that adorably awkward air that you used to possess, instead taking on a more confident aura as you interacted---no, was forced to interact with the media beyond that which you were accustomed to.
Yep, Aichan never really hid the fact that she wasn't a "talker". But now being leader, she's got no choice in the matter as it's now her job to be the spokesperson for the group.
It hurts me to see you like this, closing yourself off even as you sparkle even more brightly under the intense lights of the many cameras trained on you. You were always so self-effacing that not many took notice of you, but you always blazed so brightly on stage, performing for the crowd as if your life depended on it, that those who really did look saw more to you than you presented offstage.
Aichan has always shone when it came to the performances. It's almost like the stage is her refuge, as she's clearly more comfortable there compared to doing interviews.
I felt your hand in mine stir, returning the gesture I gave you earlier. Our eyes met as you glanced around to me, a dazzling grin on your face. I'm sure half of it that smile was for the watchers all around us, but it was different for me anyway.
Awwwwwww... :oops:
See Risa, Aichan's still Aichan. :heart:
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:mon lovelaff: Aaaawwww.... I like the sweet fluff you just wrote. It's perfect to match what they might be feeling inside amidst all those fans ( some of them which I thought were really rude saying 'kochi, kochi'!! :mon annoy:) I notice they're holding hands right from the start and wow, what a rare moment it was, judging from the lack of interaction between them these past years. I'm glad they became leader and sub-leader. In part so that Ai-chan can get out from her reclusive non-talker shell and resume her otherwise nonexistent in public close relationship with Risa. She seem to very much supporting Ai-chan. She understands her, which is important in any relationship. Great job pouring those elements into flowing words Estrea. :heart:
PS: How is it that every time I'm commenting on your stories, big words (I rarely use) are all that comes to mind. :lol:
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I can't believe you can come up with something so good in only 30 minutes! *stares at Estrea all starry-eyed*
I thought it was so cute that they were walking hand in hand during the Taiwan trip and it's just beyond awesome that you wrote about it :luvluv1:
:D Yeah it was cute, and I thought it meant something, so I just imagined something that would work out in my timeline. Hehe. And thanks, it wasn't that big a deal, this was pretty short, and I was in the mood, so it got done real quick. XD
XD so awesome and yes, very bittersweet.
Thankyou for writing this :3
I'm going to go countdown till the taiwan interview starts now :lol: *arms self with remote and blank DVDs* XD
I want to see those DVDs. XD Upload them to youtube or something, haha. I need more details if I am to write more. >D
Holy.....I'm speechless.... I had tears in my eyes while reading this. Now I know what you meant by "read it and cry over the bittersweet fluff." :lol:
I had hoped that you would write about this, their trip out of Japan together (okay, well, forget about Koharu for a moment XD) This totally surpassed all expectations. I'm officially in love with TakaGaki once more. See the power of ya pen? And damn, in 30 min too :D
TakaGaki rules. XD Yeah, Koharu is like the kid they're babysitting on the trip, so let's just leave her out of the big picture shall we? Hehe. So biased. But then again, so am I. I have you to thank for pointing me to write for that trip, so yeah, everyone, thank hammy for reminding me. XD
*snip*
Yep, Aichan never really hid the fact that she wasn't a "talker". But now being leader, she's got no choice in the matter as it's now her job to be the spokesperson for the group.
Aichan has always shone when it came to the performances. It's almost like the stage is her refuge, as she's clearly more comfortable there compared to doing interviews.
I felt your hand in mine stir, returning the gesture I gave you earlier. Our eyes met as you glanced around to me, a dazzling grin on your face. I'm sure half of it that smile was for the watchers all around us, but it was different for me anyway.
Awwwwwww... :oops:
See Risa, Aichan's still Aichan. :heart:
Agreed. I always felt like Aichan needed the spotlight on her when she's on stage, in order for her to really shine (in a group, in the background, she seems to vanish entirely until the lights are on her). She's the kind of person who's suited for centerstage...when performing. Her interpersonal skills are really lacking though, so interviews aren't really her forte. Funny how it works out. She needs the impersonal attention from a large crowd, but can't handle things one on one. I like measuring that contrast for my own amusement. :D
:mon lovelaff: Aaaawwww.... I like the sweet fluff you just wrote. It's perfect to match what they might be feeling inside amidst all those fans ( some of them which I thought were really rude saying 'kochi, kochi'!! :mon annoy:) I notice they're holding hands right from the start and wow, what a rare moment it was, judging from the lack of interaction between them these past years. I'm glad they became leader and sub-leader. In part so that Ai-chan can get out from her reclusive non-talker shell and resume her otherwise nonexistent in public close relationship with Risa. She seem to very much supporting Ai-chan. She understands her, which is important in any relationship. Great job pouring those elements into flowing words Estrea. :heart:
PS: How is it that every time I'm commenting on your stories, big words (I rarely use) are all that comes to mind. :lol:
I think Risa doesn't understand how Aichan thinks, but she nevertheless can read some of the signs to indicate how Aichan feels about certain things. And yeah, I'm glad they're leader and subleader together, it lets them interact more closely with each other, something which has been sorely lacking for a while.
And haha, I guess my stories inspire you to greater vocabulary heights? I guess I can be educational too. :D
Anyway, too busy to sit down and write another story for this week (deadlines galore), unless another speed idea like this one hits me out of the blue. So bug me, or bug someone who can bug me to write in real life. Hehe. XD
Thanks for the comments everyone!
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Kek. Nice to find this right after I got off the plane from the Taiwan FC event.
I'm a happy puppy right now.
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Okay, just read the new short.
Very, very, very sweet.
Yeah, it was a little T_T until Niigaki took the first step in squeezing Ai-chan's hand.
And then to me it was all sap from then on. I loved it.
Know that I am always with you, beside you, by your side.
I think I'm melting. <3
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Guess what, I'm back with another short! Thank Sevii for feeding me with Takagaki goodness! XDDD
Ok, enough blabbering and let's go!
======================================
Malfunction
Fizz.
A sweaty eyebrow twitched irritably, just a slight tic really, if one were to look closely. She tapped at the headset experimentally, hoping that it was just a minor disruption. The built-in mic buzzed some more. Her lips were slowly forming into a pout...
"Ai-chan?" Her companion tilted her head sideways, looking inquiringly over.
"My mic...bzzt...not..." The rest of her words didn't get amplified at all. Takahashi Ai put on her most apologetic face and mouthed "sorry" quite exaggeratedly to the crowd, bowing deeply while fingering her headset, trying to get it to work again.
"Ahhhh....ahhh...ahhh...." Ai tried to see if her mic was working. Next to her, Niigaki Risa, her faithful sub-leader, gamely echoed "mic check, mic check". The largely male-dominated wota crowd chanted along, appearing more amused by the situation than irritated. It takes a lot more than a technical error to upset the wota.
"zzsht...ahhh....cshh....mou, this...crrrk...isn't working...bzzt..." Ai frowned cutely, her lips turning into a slightly frustrated pout. She stood there, feeling distinctly helpless for a moment, her mind a blank when it came to such things. It didn't help that it was currently her MC corner with Gaki-san, and Takahashi Ai absolutely hated such things. She could sing for the crowd any time, any day, but talk to them? Her natural awkwardness definitely didn't help, although at least with Gaki-san by her side it wasn't quite so bad.
"Ne, Ai-chan?" Gaki-san had closed the distance between them during her moment of spacing out, and was now right by her side. Ai blinked at the sudden proximity, one hand still frozen on her malfunctioning headset mic, her mouth still half open in an "o" shape. What was Gaki-san up to now?
"Since your mic isn't working..." Ai started to sweat some more, since Gaki-san's expression was making her distinctly uncomfortable. "Why don't we share the same one?"
Her voice failed her for a second or so, even as doe-like eyes darted to the aforementioned mic that was attached to her sub-leader's headset. That was positioned at the side of her face. That was extremely close to her lips. Ai swallowed reflexively, her fingers tensing involuntarily. Her eyes met the intense ones of her sub-leader, trying to see beyond the mischievous glint present in there.
Well, if that's the way you want to play... Ai took a deep breath and brought her face closer, watching Gaki-san's eyes intently for any reaction. The leader saw nothing but her own eyes reflected in those of her sub-leader's, sending a shiver down her spine at the pure tension in the air between them.
So close... Ai briefly wondered what would happen if she simply closed that last distance between them. It wouldn't be too difficult. Trying to speak into the mic so conveniently positioned right next to Gaki-san's lips...well, no one would be suspicious if she "accidentally" missed, right?
And judging from the look in Gaki-san's eyes, she wouldn't mind if that little "accident" happened either.
Just as she was about to close in, the sound of running feet behind her and the hissed "Takahashi-san!" made her pause, tearing her eyes away with some difficulty to see one of the staff coming up to her, holding out a hand mic for her. Behind her, she could positively feel Gaki-san deflating, the hand she had somehow grasped halfway into leaning in going slack and shrinking with acute disappointment. Ai herself let out a defeated sigh, taking the pro-offered replacement with an absolutely faked smile, thanking the considerate staff member in a slightly hollow tone. The conscientious staff ran off just as quickly, job accomplished.
Turning back to face her Gaki-san, Ai saw that her sub-leader had recovered quickly and was plastering on her most genki expression, no doubt for the crowd. Their eyes met, unfulfilled questions lingering in the air between them. With unspoken accord, they put their private issues aside first, and turned as one to face the audience, hand in hand, side by side.
After all, the show must go on.
==========================================
Info thanks to Sevii, since apparently on one of the concert days, Ai-chan's mic failed during her MC section with Risa. XD And that literally did happen. Oh well. Damn staff for being so efficient!
...crack continuation coming on. XD Hehe. heheeheehheeh.
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...and here's my take on what really happened backstage during Malfunction!
Hehehehehehe.
====================================
Kamei Eri was giggling. Giggling very long and loudly and inanely. Her eyes twinkled with mirth, one fist clenched in a victory position, as if cheering for something or someone. Behind her, Tanaka Reina was staring at the back of the amused turtle's head, though with one wonky eye focused on the screen showing what was happening on stage, which was the source of Eri's amusement. Grudgingly, the former (or still?!) yankii teen raised an eyebrow at the antics of their leader and sub-leader on stage.
"Well, it's about time." She noted a bit gruffly, although she looked just as amused as Eri was.
Off to one side, Koharu was gaping at the screen. Tugging at the side of her much shorter kouhai, the miracle squeaked tensely.
"Are they allowed to do that?!"
Not that Aika was in any shape to answer. The youngest of the group looked like her jaw was about to hit the floor, her eyes appearing too wide and round. Behind her, the two Chinese girls were going "ehhhhhhh?!" and blinking widely at the screen, before starting to babble to each other in rapid Chinese.
Meanwhile, Aika appeared to have recovered from her astonishment. The first thing she said was...
"Eh!? Niigaki-sempai and Leader?!?!?! EHHHHHH?!?!"
While the mini ruckus was going on with the kids on the side, a certain bunny was standing the furthest away, shoving a hand microphone at the nearest staff member, whispering instructions and pointing the poor man in the direction of the stage.
"Go. NOW." The wide-eyed staff grabbed the mic and ran madly off.
Devil Sayu turned around, smirking at the screen where Ai and Risa were about a few inches away from making out on stage.
"Ha, busted."
===============================
Return of the devil bunny. Bunnies are evil, I swear.
Usa-chan peeeeeeeeeeeeeace!!!!
XD
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WIN.
USA-CHAN PEACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*cries*
I love how you wrote in Gaki-san's deflation. LOL.
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^Haha I'm glad you liked it.
Ok now, ALTERNATE ENDING FOR MALFUNCTION!!!
You know you want real Takagaki action. ;)
============================
Alternate Ending
Just as she was about to close in, the sound of running feet behind her and the hissed "Takahashi-san!" made her pause. Her eyes narrowed dangerously as her head swiveled slowly around, glaring right at the sweating, cringing staff member who was holding out a replacement mic for her. Her hand on Gaki-san's tightened almost imperceptibly, and before she knew it, she lashed out quite instinctively.
The figure made a perfect arc as it soared across the heads of the wota nearest the stage, landing with a thump on hard concrete as the wota scattered instinctively to avoid getting squashed by the mysteriously airborne object. One of the others wasn't as lucky though, since he got brained by an entirely different object: aka the replacement mic that the poor staff member had been carrying out for one currently very irked Takahashi Ai.
Said leader was currently smirking somewhat triumphantly on stage, before turning back to her suddenly wide-eyed sub-leader.
"I knew those lessons in Thailand would come in useful some day..." Ai positively purred as she leaned in for the kill.
The crowd roared, forgetting instantly about the incident of violence. The staff member, for all his trouble, was trampled by the cheering wota as he futilely tried to get up.
Backstage, a bunny broke some tables. And chairs. And just about everything else in sight that was breakable. An angry bunny is a scary bunny.
Not that Ai and Risa cared. They were a bit busy at the moment.
Very very busy.
=================================
I had fun. Did you? XD
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>I had fun. Did you? XD
Yeth I didth. Tho muthch fun that I bith my thongue.
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.
-
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH TakaGaki!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH *coughs and recovers voice*
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.... OKay, I should stop that now :P
This one-shot is going to keep a stupid grin (I had it on too while reading) on my face the whole day. I wonder if it's a good or bad thing. I might either be taken to be a real sunny person or a huge nutcase XD
I cannot, and I mean CANNOT imagine Gaki-san asking Ai to share her headset mic unless she was going to take it off and hold on to it. Why did they have headset mics anyway? Don't they usually use the normal kinds? But I'm totally for them sharing :D
The backstage was hilarious! The kids spazzing out, Pandas going into Chinese overdrive and Reina being all cheesed about god know's what. Oh and Kame's laughter is adorable. The hightlight (besides the delicious couple, you know who I'm refering to) is definitely evil Sayu. Party pooper :lol:
Ai-chan showing off some Thai boxing skills = XD
Kinda sad that you didn't go into detail about what happened on stage when they *ahemyouknow* but I still love this fic to bits. Estrea, you are the best!!! :)
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Busted? Uhm... She probably messed with the mic in the first place. It's Devil Sayu, after all. Little sister to Demon Miki, right? XD
But, why was she angry? :?
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lol that was a blast to read. The alternative end was :heart: At first I couldn't figure out what was the first object to go flying but when I did I was like hahaha that's what he gets for messing with the leader! Ai chan has been super cool lately! I think it's the hair cut but yeah I can so picture Ai chan doing that now!
Eri and Reina's reactions are perfect and the poor young lings XD
as for Sayu! I can't help but wonder whose Sayu after? Our dear Ai chan perhaps? or could it be Gaki san?
hehe here's hoping for more to come *wanders off with a big grin*
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Glad that people find my insanity amusing! >D
>I had fun. Did you? XD
Yeth I didth. Tho muthch fun that I bith my thongue.
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.
Oh your poor tongue. XD Glad you had fun though, considering you were the one who planted the ideas in my head! >D
-insert screaming-
This one-shot is going to keep a stupid grin (I had it on too while reading) on my face the whole day. I wonder if it's a good or bad thing. I might either be taken to be a real sunny person or a huge nutcase XD
Teehee. Was anyone watching you while you were reading? XD That might have classified you as "nutcase" instead of sunny. XDDD Smiling is good for you though. ;)
I cannot, and I mean CANNOT imagine Gaki-san asking Ai to share her headset mic unless she was going to take it off and hold on to it. Why did they have headset mics anyway? Don't they usually use the normal kinds? But I'm totally for them sharing :D
Well, Sevii was the one who told me it was headset mics, so ask her instead! But yeah, when she said headset, I was like O__O and my imagination went wild. XDDD And this is what resulted. Yup, sharing is definitely good in this case. Hehe.
The backstage was hilarious! The kids spazzing out, Pandas going into Chinese overdrive and Reina being all cheesed about god know's what. Oh and Kame's laughter is adorable. The hightlight (besides the delicious couple, you know who I'm refering to) is definitely evil Sayu. Party pooper :lol:
Evil Sayu = WIN. Nuff said. XD
Ai-chan showing off some Thai boxing skills = XD
Kinda sad that you didn't go into detail about what happened on stage when they *ahemyouknow* but I still love this fic to bits. Estrea, you are the best!!! :)
The Thai boxing skills thing was suggested by Sevii. XDD She was like "hey why doesn't she boot him off the stage? She did get those lessons in Thailand!", and this is what resulted. XDDD As for details...well...it wouldn't really fit in the way I wrote it...cos then it would be like soft porn, and yeah....a bit out of place. :P I'll save it for next time. ;)
Busted? Uhm... She probably messed with the mic in the first place. It's Devil Sayu, after all. Little sister to Demon Miki, right? XD
But, why was she angry? :?
Look at Sukoshi's reply. That was fairly close. XD
lol that was a blast to read. The alternative end was :heart: At first I couldn't figure out what was the first object to go flying but when I did I was like hahaha that's what he gets for messing with the leader! Ai chan has been super cool lately! I think it's the hair cut but yeah I can so picture Ai chan doing that now!
Haha, no messing with our adorable leader (who is looking cool lately yes)! The hair cut helps, definitely. <3
as for Sayu! I can't help but wonder whose Sayu after? Our dear Ai chan perhaps? or could it be Gaki san?
hehe here's hoping for more to come *wanders off with a big grin*
It's really obvious as to what Sayu is doing. Some of the fan-taken photos of the concerts made it pretty clear. Hehe. More you say? Well, depends on whether I get more delectable material...or if I get into the mood!
Meh, exams next week, so yeah, I'll disappear into the shadows again! Might come back like a ninja, depends though. >D
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Seeing is believing.
(http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a322/sayou/aigaki002.jpg)
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Busted? Uhm... She probably messed with the mic in the first place. It's Devil Sayu, after all. Little sister to Demon Miki, right? XD
But, why was she angry? :?
Look at Sukoshi's reply. That was fairly close. XD
as for Sayu! I can't help but wonder whose Sayu after? Our dear Ai chan perhaps? or could it be Gaki san?
hehe here's hoping for more to come *wanders off with a big grin*
It's really obvious as to what Sayu is doing. Some of the fan-taken photos of the concerts made it pretty clear. Hehe. More you say? Well, depends on whether I get more delectable material...or if I get into the mood!
Meh, exams next week, so yeah, I'll disappear into the shadows again! Might come back like a ninja, depends though. >D
:O
Damn, I just noticed! It's been right in front of me, but never thought much of it... XD
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-dies of laughter-
I can just picture this a la Gokujou Seitokai style xD. I can imagine the scene change to a vein in Aichan's forehead and then another scene change of her pullin' off some Thai boxing on the staff guy ("Blasting off again~!")! Like Naru from Love Hina? Roffle xD.
I love how you can make any IRL moment into a gorgeous short :B
I look forward to more! <3
Don't forget my greatest creation of this board: Attack of the Chibi-Ais!
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WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT! Essy's back! :rockon:
Fizz.
A sweaty eyebrow twitched irritably, just a slight tic really, if one were to look closely. She tapped at the headset experimentally, hoping that it was just a minor disruption. The built-in mic buzzed some more. Her lips were slowly forming into a pout...
"Ai-chan?" Her companion tilted her head sideways, looking inquiringly over.
"My mic...bzzt...not..." The rest of her words didn't get amplified at all. Takahashi Ai put on her most apologetic face and mouthed "sorry" quite exaggeratedly to the crowd, bowing deeply while fingering her headset, trying to get it to work again.
Mic failure while they're on stage? Where are the stagehands with the spare ones? They should be out there pronto!
The largely male-dominated wota crowd chanted along, appearing more amused by the situation than irritated. It takes a lot more than a technical error to upset the wota.
Wotas aren't dumb, they realize that technical problems like this can happen from time to time and that it's usually not the fault of the performer/person on stage.
"Ne, Ai-chan?" Gaki-san had closed the distance between them during her moment of spacing out, and was now right by her side. Ai blinked at the sudden proximity, one hand still frozen on her malfunctioning headset mic, her mouth still half open in an "o" shape. What was Gaki-san up to now?
"Since your mic isn't working..." Ai started to sweat some more, since Gaki-san's expression was making her distinctly uncomfortable. "Why don't we share the same one?"
Smart move there Risa. :) The show must continue, after all. It's not like they can pause it while they try to fix Aichan's mic.
Her voice failed her for a second or so, even as doe-like eyes darted to the aforementioned mic that was attached to her sub-leader's headset. That was positioned at the side of her face. That was extremely close to her lips.
...
Ai briefly wondered what would happen if she simply closed that last distance between them. It wouldn't be too difficult. Trying to speak into the mic so conveniently positioned right next to Gaki-san's lips...well, no one would be suspicious if she "accidentally" missed, right?
Suspicious? Probably not. Surprised? Maybe. Turned on? Well, those that are closer to the stage probably will be. :lol:
And judging from the look in Gaki-san's eyes, she wouldn't mind if that little "accident" happened either.
Oh my...Risa's got a bit of an exhibitionist streak. ;D
Just as she was about to close in, the sound of running feet behind her and the hissed "Takahashi-san!" made her pause, tearing her eyes away with some difficulty to see one of the staff coming up to her, holding out a hand mic for her. Behind her, she could positively feel Gaki-san deflating, the hand she had somehow grasped halfway into leaning in going slack and shrinking with acute disappointment. Ai herself let out a defeated sigh, taking the pro-offered replacement with an absolutely faked smile, thanking the considerate staff member in a slightly hollow tone. The conscientious staff ran off just as quickly, job accomplished.
DOH! :banghead:
...and here's my take on what really happened backstage during Malfunction!
Kamei Eri was giggling. Giggling very long and loudly and inanely. Her eyes twinkled with mirth, one fist clenched in a victory position, as if cheering for something or someone.
What the...don't tell me that Eri had something to do with Aichan's mic failure, knowing that she would have to "share" Risa's? :shocked: :thumbsup
"Well, it's about time." She noted a bit gruffly, although she looked just as amused as Eri was.
Off to one side, Koharu was gaping at the screen. Tugging at the side of her much shorter kouhai, the miracle squeaked tensely.
"Are they allowed to do that?!"
Not that Aika was in any shape to answer. The youngest of the group looked like her jaw was about to hit the floor, her eyes appearing too wide and round. Behind her, the two Chinese girls were going "ehhhhhhh?!" and blinking widely at the screen, before starting to babble to each other in rapid Chinese.
Reina = :mon determined:
Koharu/Aika = :stunned:
Junjun/Linlin = :OMG:
While the mini ruckus was going on with the kids on the side, a certain bunny was standing the furthest away, shoving a hand microphone at the nearest staff member, whispering instructions and pointing the poor man in the direction of the stage.
"Go. NOW." The wide-eyed staff grabbed the mic and ran madly off.
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Sayu! What'd you go and do THAT for??? :badluck:
Ok now, ALTERNATE ENDING FOR MALFUNCTION!!!
before she knew it, she lashed out quite instinctively.
The figure made a perfect arc as it soared across the heads of the wota nearest the stage, landing with a thump on hard concrete as the wota scattered instinctively to avoid getting squashed by the mysteriously airborne object. One of the others wasn't as lucky though, since he got brained by an entirely different object: aka the replacement mic that the poor staff member had been carrying out for one currently very irked Takahashi Ai.
Aichan to stagehand = :kickass:
XD
"I knew those lessons in Thailand would come in useful some day..." Ai positively purred as she leaned in for the kill.
The crowd roared, forgetting instantly about the incident of violence.
YEAH AICHAN! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! :wahaha:
Backstage, a bunny broke some tables. And chairs. And just about everything else in sight that was breakable. An angry bunny is a scary bunny.
Eh? Is the bunny jealous that she's not getting any Aichan/Risa action? :hehehe:
Not that Ai and Risa cared. They were a bit busy at the moment.
Very very busy.
Hellz yeah. :batman:
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Haha thanks for the comments everyone. Like the fact that I gave everyone some laughs. XDD
And yeah, JFC, I had a DOH response too when they were interrupted! And yes, Sayu might have been jealous that she wasn't getting any action...who really knows what the bunny is thinking? XDDD
...so. XD
Does anyone want to see more Takagaki action WITHOUT interruption? All who want to, say aye. XDD
...and no, no perv. Not unless there are at least 5 different people asking for one. No, Yuu, you don't count. XD
...-already mostly done with the continuation to the TRUE ending of Malfunction-
Wait for it people! ;)
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s: aye.
e: aye.
v: aye.
i: aye.
i: aye.
HAND OVER THE PERV!
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-ATTACKS- AYE! :w00t: (I can't believe I went out of my 'nonposting in the fanfic section' phase to say that XD)
By the way, Panda also wants a perv :twisted:
-
And this is the official continuation to Malfunction. Yup.
Perv? What perv? >_>
XDDDD
==================================================
"Bye bye~!!"
Individually and in pairs, the girls bowed off stage, waving enthusiastically at the cheering fans, some blowing kisses, some winking and flashing a peace sign (guess who?), which only drew louder cheers from the mostly male crowd. At the end, only the leader and sub-leader were left on the stage, bringing up the rear in a sense, and they took one final bow to the audience together, before vanishing backstage, arms linked.
With the usual "otsukaresama deshita!" to all the stagehands and crew, the girls made their way to their dressing rooms, feeling a combination of physical exhaustion from a grueling concert, and a euphoric high from a successful performance. Some made faces for the camera crew filming for the backstage extras, others stopped to entertain the camera for a moment, while a certain leader, as per her usual practice, ran right past with barely a wave and a nod acknowledging the camera's existence.
Risa blinked from where she had paused to talk with Eri, wondering what was the hurry. It wasn't like they had anywhere else to go after this, except maybe to rest. Eri took one long look at her best friend, one eyebrow raised as the gears in her head started turning. It didn't take a genius to put two and two together. The fact that Gaki-san had her eyes firmly fixated where Ai-chan had disappeared spoke volumes about what she really felt about their leader. Not to mention all the not-so-subtle flirting (mostly initiated by the lovesick fool next to her) going on during the whole concert...Eri wasn't that blind to miss it. And of course, there was that famous "moment" earlier...
Such a pity that nothing came out of it, Eri mused. She glanced again at the wistful expression on Risa's face, and decided to help her friend out a little.
"Hey Gaki-san!" Risa shook herself out of her reverie and focused back on Eri.
"What is it?" Eri pointed down where Ai-chan had vanished, smiling vaguely.
"You know, you can go talk with Ai-chan if you want. You guys look like you have something to say to each other towards the end just now." Eri unsubtly hinted, nudging Risa in the side to egg her sub-leader on. Risa flushed slightly at the non-implication, her eyes drawn inexplicably back to the shade of where Ai-chan had once been.
"I suppose I should..." Risa mumbled hesitantly. Eri took the opportunity and started herding her best friend towards her destination.
"Go now, Sayu and I are planning to go out for food later, and you can invite Ai-chan along too! Call me to confirm later!" Eri bubbled cheerfully before disappearing into her own dressing room. Risa was left alone in the hallway for an indeterminately long moment, staring at the offending door.
"Ok..." Risa breathed in deeply. Ai-chan was her best friend too. Calling in on her shouldn't be too difficult, right?
But then, there was that almost-kiss on stage earlier...
Blushing heavily, Risa shook her head vigorously, trying to banish the image, the sensation of having Ai-chan's face so close to her in an almost-intimate fashion... Swallowing deeply, Risa slapped herself to keep from going down a dangerous mental path. Bad brain, bad!
Deciding to just go with it, Risa threw aside her worries and plastered on her most cheerful expression, knocking on the door before she could have any second thoughts about the whole thing. A muted "come in" was her ticket of entry, and Risa took it without hesitation, mentally still chanting "best friend, best friend, Ai-chan is my best friend...nothing else...". She couldn't quite avoid the "damn" that followed after that mantra, no matter how hard she tried.
Accordingly, she couldn't help the "damn!" that followed right after she opened the door. It really wasn't her fault, since Ai-chan was standing near the dresser, positively glistening due to excessive sweating, wet hair plastered to the sides of her face..and removing some of the accessories of their costume. Risa had seen Ai-chan's latest photobook that had a similar effect in some of the photos, but somehow seeing the real thing, skin flushed after the rigorous workout of a concert, little rivulets of sweat trailing down her chin and neck as she slid off the peculiar fuzzy armbands off her limbs...
Risa found it somewhat difficult to stop staring, even as she woodenly entered and closed the door behind her. Was it her or did the temperature rise suddenly?
"Gaki-san?" Ai turned around to look at her visitor. "Was there something?"
"Ah..." Risa felt like her tongue had caught on something, so she went on autopilot instead. "Kame wanted to invite us to go out for dinner later with her and Sayumin!" Yeah, that was a safe topic. A lot safer than thinking about how hot her best friend looked right now.
"Oh? I suppose that's alright." Ai agreed after a moment's pause, walking closer to the mirror and starting to remove her stage makeup. "What time did Kamei-chan say to meet?" Risa, her mind still whirling off into unimagined dimensions, found herself responding in an almost stilted fashion.
"Eh, she said to call her when we're ready..." Risa found herself staring at Ai-chan's profile, memorizing every already well-known detail and contour of her best friend's figure. Ai-chan's body seemed tense, Risa noted inwardly, being sort of an expert on her best friend's body language. Before she knew it, she had moved behind her leader, placing her hands on the suddenly stiff shoulders.
"You seem tense, Ai-chan. Are you stressed?" Risa's voice was little more than a whisper. Beneath her hands, Ai quivered almost imperceptibly, their gazes meeting via the mirrored reflection. Both were darkened and unreadable...yet almost familiar.
She had seen it once before. Just earlier. On stage. In that almost-kiss during the microphone malfunction.
"I'm just...tired..." Ai knew it was a lie the moment she let it slip from her lips. She was far from being tired at this very moment. All her senses were on high alert, and she was acutely aware of their proximity to each other. Behind her, Risa released her own breath slowly, her mind still not quite catching up with her own audacity (as it failed to before when she made that...proposition for them to share that sole microphone between them).
"You shouldn't...push yourself so hard..." The sub-leader chided automatically, her voice low and husky for some inexplicable reason. Her hands moved of their own accord, kneading the stiff muscles underneath them. Ai shivered slightly at the attention, eyelids drooping as her hands dropped to prop herself up on the table.
There was a long moment of charged silence as Risa's skilled hands worked the knots out of Ai's tense muscles. Neither said anything, although Ai was sure that Risa didn't have to move that close to her to do it, and Risa was wondering why Ai-chan was gripping the edge of the table so hard that her knuckles were white from the effort. One could almost sense that each was waiting for the other to say (or do) something, but neither made a move. That was one of the problems between them: that neither would make the first move to end the stalemate between them.
After an indeterminate period of time, Risa deemed that Ai's muscles were relaxed enough (although unknown to her was that Ai's knees felt incredibly weak also) and released her grip somewhat regretfully and reluctantly, taking a half step back.
"Better?" The tension seemed to lower with the slight removal in distance, and Risa for her part felt somewhat more relieved (and partially disappointed, but she didn't want to think about that).
Ai turned to smile at her, about to thank Risa for the impromptu massage, only to find that she had misjudged the distance in which Risa had backed off, as well as the strength of her own legs. As a result, she stumbled slightly, prompting Risa to instinctively move forward to steady her. The ending collision had Risa stepping on Ai's toes, their bodies pressed against each other, Risa's arms around Ai's waist, and Ai's face half buried in Risa's neck.
"Oww..." The tiny leader moaned softly as Risa apologised frantically, conveniently forgetting to let go of her Ai-chan (although she did remove her feet from squashing the other's toes).
"Ai-chan? Are you ok?" Risa asked worriedly. Ai raised her head to look into Risa's face to reply.
"Yeah I'm...fine...." Her voice trailed off uncertainly, suddenly struck by the closeness of the younger woman's face. Risa appeared oblivious to the situation for a moment, since she was overwhelmed with concern that she had managed to hurt her Ai-chan, but that didn't last long in the face of the intensity of Ai's gaze.
Deja vu, much? They both thought simultaneously as they stared into each other's eyes. Except, this time, there were no cheering crowds, no cameras, and more importantly, no interruptions.
Risa felt her heart thumping so loudly that her eardrums might burst. Could she? Dare she? They were alone. There wouldn't be any official repercussions. They wouldn't have to laugh it off as an accident. There would be nothing even remotely accidental about this. But there would be a sea change in their relationship if something did happen right now. Risa didn't know whether or not she could chance that, to risk damaging her relationship with Ai-chan forever.
Ai had similar thoughts. She was a bit cautious about her own feelings, especially with the adrenaline-charged moment on stage with her Gaki-san earlier. Was it just a moment of over-enthusiasm, or was there genuine emotion driving the whole encounter? Ai didn't want to gamble her already fragile friendship with Gaki-san over such a big "if". Or would she? A searching gaze at Gaki-san's face revealed the same deep desire she was sure was reflected in her own expression. She didn't know if this would just be a one-time thing driven by a post-concert high, or if it would be...repeated in the future.
Well, she wouldn't know unless she tried it out, right? Ai wavered for a moment, then made her decision.
Risa tensed at the sudden change in expression on Ai's face, a current of heat running through her entire body in an instant at the determined glint in her leader's eyes. Any and all thought was completely obliterated though, by what happened next.
The first contact was tentative, shy, even. Risa was so shocked by Ai's lips on her own that her vision literally blacked out for a moment. There was a hesitant pause at the still-chaste kiss, as if Ai herself wasn't sure what to do, and Risa could almost feel the older woman about ready to pull away. Well, after waiting so long for something like this to happen, she wasn't about to let it go this easily. So she reacted, pressing herself into her leader's slender frame, trapping her Ai-chan by backing the older up against the table behind them with her forward momentum.
Ai let out a surprised yelp, her hands looping around Risa's neck to brace herself, and Risa took the opportunity to deepen the kiss, still half-stunned by her own eagerness as she acted on instinct alone. Hormones plus too much waiting around for something to happen clearly had an effect on her libido. The nineteen year old wasn't exactly sure what she was doing, but judging by how enthusiastically Ai-chan was responding to the kiss, she had to be doing something right.
Emboldened by the response she was getting, the young sub-leader decided to explore a bit further, her hands starting to wander a bit. Risa had always slightly resented a certain groping demon (who had thankfully already left the group by now) for touching her Ai-chan all the time, but on second thoughts, she couldn't quite blame Miki for targeting Ai-chan so frequently. Lord knows her friend (or more now?!) was a walking temptation just by existing in the same space as others.
Ai didn't know what to think. She didn't even know if she were capable of thought at the moment. One moment she had just initiated a completely innocent (yeah right) kiss with her Gaki-san, and now...how to put it? She was fairly sure it was completely NOT innocent now, not with their tongues tangled with each other and Gaki-san's hand touching her butt...well, more like stroking, but Ai wasn't keeping track. Not that she was complaining, mind. The 21 year old purred and pulled her Gaki-san closer, her hands tangling in Risa's long hair. The younger obliged by pushing herself even closer, erasing any iota of space separating their bodies, practically ending up on top of her leader in doing so.
After a few more heated moments, their lips came apart with a wet smack as they panted heavily, unused to the whole concept and quickly running out of air halfway. Ai leaned her forehead against Risa's, both of them breathing heavily for more reasons than one, both not quite daring to look each other in the eye directly. Risa, for her part, had her eyes wandering down from the lips she had just thoroughly kissed and on to the flushed and sweaty skin of her Ai-chan's neck, trying her best to avert from her eyes' inevitable destination but failing miserably. A surge of something akin to shame rose in her, and she tore her gaze away from staring down Ai-chan's top, lifting her eyes to meet the half-lidded eyes of her best friend.
"Gaki-san..." Ai whispered softly, enunciating Risa's name in a way that she never had before. Risa felt herself grow more flushed, shifting uncomfortably and hyperaware of where their bare skin came into contact with each other, while struggling between her rational self and her newly released instincts. What was she doing to her best friend? What were they doing to each other? Risa wanted to let go and run away, but at the same time there wasn't anywhere else she wanted to be more than right where she was in Ai-chan's arms. Feeling distinctly confused (and aroused, but let's not get into that), Risa puffed out a small breath.
"Ai-chan...what..." Risa struggled to find words to express her current state. While she was undoubtedly drawn towards her leader, at the same time, maybe things were going a little too fast for them to handle. The younger woman looked pleadingly at the older, hoping that the other would be able to say or do something to reassure her panicky state.
",,are we doing?" Risa managed to finish before Ai's intense gaze rendered her effectively speechless again. Ai let out her breath slowly and deliberately, trying to calm her racing heart, even as she leaned in closer to come nose to nose with Risa.
"I don't know..." The leader murmured. One hand reached up to push the messy locks of hair away from Risa's face, lingering almost lovingly on her sub-leader's cheek. "You tell me."
One didn't get more of an invitation than that, frankly. The two girls stared long and deep at each other, almost daring the other to make the first move. When they did move, however, it was as one, but the resulting contact was a lot softer than their first, almost desperate kiss. Risa felt like she would melt as Ai delicately threaded her fingers through her hair while nibbling on her lower lip. Both were them were so into the moment that they didn't hear the soft click of the door opening...
"...Ai-chan? Mame-chan?" The shock of hearing a familiar voice calling out their names made them freeze for a moment, before turning as one to stare at the unexpected arrival.
"Aha, I knew it." A beaming Ishikawa Rika leaned against the doorframe with the door half open. The incriminating position that she found her juniors in hardly seem to faze the leader of Biyuuden. If anything, she seemed more amused than horrified, much to the utter mortification of the two gokkies, who were so stunned by the intrusion that they couldn't do more than blink and blush redder than a traffic light.
"Enjoy yourselves, I'll make sure no one interferes~" Rika waved jauntily before closing the door after her. The resounding thud made them jump apart from each other rather belatedly. There was a long silence after that interruption, both of them steadfastly avoiding the other's gaze. Ai slid off the table awkwardly, unsure of whether to approach the suddenly skittish Risa or to stay put where she was.
"Ai-chan...that was..." Risa stuttered, breaking the tense silence between them. She shifted from one foot to another, suddenly feeling very vulnerable and embarrassed. She was fairly sure that bolting out of the room wouldn't be the best course of action now, but apart from that she was unaware of what else she could do.
"Gaki-san...I...we..." Ai tried to organize her tangled emotions into a coherent strand, but seeing her friend (?) in such distress made her equally uncertain. So she did the first thing she thought of. She stepped forward and hugged Risa, who tensed up at the contact but relaxed into the comforting embrace, returning it after a moment's hesitation. They held each other like that without speaking, taking comfort in the friendly, familiar contact.
"We...we're still friends, right?" Risa asked timidly. Ai smiled into the air behind her Gaki-san's back.
"Of course." Ai paused, changing the subject. "Are we still going out for dinner with the rest?"
Despite herself, Risa chuckled, stepping back to look at Ai-chan in the face, but still holding on to her.
"We could..." Risa looked almost shy then. "Or we could go back to the hotel...and talk some more..."
"Talk...yes..." Ai replied faintly. "That's a good idea."
They grinned foolishly at each other.
Eri wondered why Gaki-san never called her that evening.
=========================================================
-cough- Talk. Yes. Talk is good.
And that's all they did! Really! >_>
...unless the perv vote comes through, of course. ;)
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DIBS O_O
Roffle, you were right in saying that it was borderline perv xD
I noticed a lot of... familiar references strewn throughout the piece too. Is that intentional? Roffle. Well they ARE Takagaki after all...
Nevertheless, I love how the story starts out all cute and innocent and then BAM! It gets hot xD. You always have a way of flowing from one thing to the other, huh? xD. It's odd to imagine Aichan uke when she has the short hair (and the voice) with the now womanly feminine Risa... xD...
Oh well, I hope it's the otherway around when you write the perv :]
Therefore, I vote for a perv too! <3
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They talk via body language, my dear.
BODY. language.
Body.
I'm sure the sneaky turtle knew why she never got a call from Ai-chan and Gaki-san, after all, she was the one who started this delicious mess. :-)
Eh, they're cute like this. They don't have to get all sexual to make me squeal like a noob.
And since they're tardcakes, I'd like withdraw my vote for the perv. LOL.
KYAH. But I do wanna see what they may talk about.
I don't know; some girls touch, right? ;)
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Are you kidding? I’ll vote yes for perv between TakaGaki if it’s the last thing I do. I wanna read the talk bit, er, no I mean chapter (since ‘bit’ sounds so short XD) real bad.
I liked how you kept using her Gaki-san or Ai-chan ever so often. Yes, they belong to each other and no evil bunny can come between them (or can she?).
Eri took the opportunity and started herding her best friend towards her destination.
Seeing the term best friends used on KameMame, I thought, what does that make Ai then, now I know. They are much more than just best friends.
I know you’re busy now and I definitely want you to concentrate on your revision so I’m gonna contain myself and not bug you too much on writing that perv. I’ll keep my mind off it by re-reading this. I’m up to the 253rd time btw :D
Sevii did you just withdraw your vote? You didn't!!!
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I told you I'm not as perverted as you are!
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*Still trying to calm my burning cheeks* :oops: First time I've read something with TakaGaki that involves something borderline on perv like this! (Pr0n doesn't count) Vey very HAWT for a non pervy fic.
I vote for more 'talk' yes, talk is good especially if it's done via the body language involving the tangling of limbs. :yep:
Please....do a chapter and post it in the Perv Fic thread if you will. :kneelbow:
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Does anyone want to see more Takagaki action WITHOUT interruption? All who want to, say aye. XDD
...and no, no perv. Not unless there are at least 5 different people asking for one.
I would have said "aye", except I was asleep when you made the challenge and you had already posted up the continuation for MALFUNCTION by the time I got to work and had computer access. :P
Aw hell, might as well do it anyway...
AYE!!! :hee:
With the usual "otsukaresama deshita!" to all the stagehands and crew, the girls made their way to their dressing rooms, feeling a combination of physical exhaustion from a grueling concert, and a euphoric high from a successful performance. Some made faces for the camera crew filming for the backstage extras, others stopped to entertain the camera for a moment, while a certain leader, as per her usual practice, ran right past with barely a wave and a nod acknowledging the camera's existence.
Never really thought about it before, but now that you mention it, it's true. After concerts Aichan almost never hams it up with the cameras backstage. :O
Eri took one long look at her best friend, one eyebrow raised as the gears in her head started turning. It didn't take a genius to put two and two together. The fact that Gaki-san had her eyes firmly fixated where Ai-chan had disappeared spoke volumes about what she really felt about their leader.
Maybe we'll get to see matchmaker Eri! :love:
Such a pity that nothing came out of it, Eri mused. She glanced again at the wistful expression on Risa's face, and decided to help her friend out a little.
Hellz yah, in the name of rabu-rabu! :heart:
"You know, you can go talk with Ai-chan if you want. You guys look like you have something to say to each other towards the end just now." Eri unsubtly hinted, nudging Risa in the side to egg her sub-leader on. Risa flushed slightly at the non-implication, her eyes drawn inexplicably back to the shade of where Ai-chan had once been.
Eri= :mon misch:
Risa = :shy1:
But then, there was that almost-kiss on stage earlier...
Blushing heavily, Risa shook her head vigorously, trying to banish the image, the sensation of having Ai-chan's face so close to her in an almost-intimate fashion... Swallowing deeply, Risa slapped herself to keep from going down a dangerous mental path. Bad brain, bad![/b]
Nuh-uh...it should be GOOD BRAIN! GOOOOOOD! 8)
Ai-chan was standing near the dresser, positively glistening due to excessive sweating, wet hair plastered to the sides of her face..and removing some of the accessories of their costume. Risa had seen Ai-chan's latest photobook that had a similar effect in some of the photos, but somehow seeing the real thing, skin flushed after the rigorous workout of a concert, little rivulets of sweat trailing down her chin and neck as she slid off the peculiar fuzzy armbands off her limbs..
Dayum... :drool:
Ai-chan's body seemed tense, Risa noted inwardly, being sort of an expert on her best friend's body language. Before she knew it, she had moved behind her leader, placing her hands on the suddenly stiff shoulders.
...
gazes meeting via the mirrored reflection. Both were darkened and unreadable...yet almost familiar.
...
"You shouldn't...push yourself so hard..." The sub-leader chided automatically, her voice low and husky for some inexplicable reason. Her hands moved of their own accord, kneading the stiff muscles underneath them. Ai shivered slightly at the attention, eyelids drooping as her hands dropped to prop herself up on the table.
There was a long moment of charged silence as Risa's skilled hands worked the knots out of Ai's tense muscles. Neither said anything, although Ai was sure that Risa didn't have to move that close to her to do it, and Risa was wondering why Ai-chan was gripping the edge of the table so hard that her knuckles were white from the effort.
DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYUM!!! :mon blood:
One could almost sense that each was waiting for the other to say (or do) something, but neither made a move. That was one of the problems between them: that neither would make the first move to end the stalemate between them.
Both are unsure of what the other feels (not to mention what they themselves are feeling). As such, it's not surprising that neither has made a move yet. They don't want to risk things becoming "awkward" in case the other doesn't feel the same way.
Ai turned to smile at her, about to thank Risa for the impromptu massage, only to find that she had misjudged the distance in which Risa had backed off, as well as the strength of her own legs. As a result, she stumbled slightly, prompting Risa to instinctively move forward to steady her. The ending collision had Risa stepping on Ai's toes, their bodies pressed against each other, Risa's arms around Ai's waist, and Ai's face half buried in Risa's neck.
*GASP* :w00t:
Deja vu, much? They both thought simultaneously as they stared into each other's eyes. Except, this time, there were no cheering crowds, no cameras, and more importantly, no interruptions.
Ummmm...where's Sayu? :pig huh:
Ai wavered for a moment, then made her decision.
...
The first contact was tentative, shy, even. Risa was so shocked by Ai's lips on her own that her vision literally blacked out for a moment. There was a hesitant pause at the still-chaste kiss, as if Ai herself wasn't sure what to do, and Risa could almost feel the older woman about ready to pull away. Well, after waiting so long for something like this to happen, she wasn't about to let it go this easily. So she reacted, pressing herself into her leader's slender frame, trapping her Ai-chan by backing the older up against the table behind them with her forward momentum.
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! GO AICHAN!!! GO RISA!!! :luvluv1:
Risa had always slightly resented a certain groping demon (who had thankfully already left the group by now) for touching her Ai-chan all the time, but on second thoughts, she couldn't quite blame Miki for targeting Ai-chan so frequently. Lord knows her friend (or more now?!) was a walking temptation just by existing in the same space as others.
:twisted: :twisted: :twisted:
Risa, for her part, had her eyes wandering down from the lips she had just thoroughly kissed and on to the flushed and sweaty skin of her Ai-chan's neck, trying her best to avert from her eyes' inevitable destination but failing miserably.
YEAAAAAAAAAAAH RISA!!! :rockon:
Feeling distinctly confused (and aroused, but let's not get into that)
Oh, don't let us stop you. Please...proceed. :kekeke:
"Aha, I knew it." A beaming Ishikawa Rika leaned against the doorframe with the door half open. The incriminating position that she found her juniors in hardly seem to faze the leader of Biyuuden.
...
"Enjoy yourselves, I'll make sure no one interferes~" Rika waved jauntily before closing the door after her.
Rika's probably like Eri, and knew (not to mention probably hoped) that this would happen sooner or later. :D
Rika = :mon thumb:
Aichan/Risa = :stunned: :stunned:
"Are we still going out for dinner with the rest?"
Despite herself, Risa chuckled, stepping back to look at Ai-chan in the face, but still holding on to her.
"We could..." Risa looked almost shy then. "Or we could go back to the hotel...and talk some more..."
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees..."talk". Talking is good. Especially when it's in a hotel room. You can "talk" while sitting on the comfy hotel bed. Yes...talk. :pimp:
Eri wondered why Gaki-san never called her that evening.
Question is though...will Eri ask Risa or Aichan the next day WHY they didn't call? :wahaha:
-cough- Talk. Yes. Talk is good.
And that's all they did! Really! >_>
...unless the perv vote comes through, of course. ;)
/me points to top of his post.
:thumbsup
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AYE! from me too :P
Not that i think i can read it (but if u post it on LJ I can ;)), gotta take it for the team though so everyone else gets some Takagaki fun :D
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I'm an American so I don't normally vote, and I don't post on here very often either. But when I hear the burning call of democracy I cannot stand idly by. So I wholeheartedly vote yes to any and all perv fics you may do. And even if you don't write out a bedroom encounter between Risa and Ai-chan, would you consider continuing this anyway? I'm pretty interested in seeing where this going.
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*cough* I believe that is at least 5 different people, is it not :P *cough*
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^Yes it is. Damn. >_> I should have said 10 or something. XDDDD
Well, still thinking about the perv and how to build up to it. I like creating the right atmosphere, and besides, there will be the official non-perv continuation in this thread to continue the "main story" (if there is one), and the perv version will simply follow on from their "talk". Yes. XD
And I have exams next week! D< I shouldn't even be here... >_>
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Go focus on ur exams... they are more important... I am quite happy to wait a while for anything u write coz its so enjoyable ;)
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pervy pervy pervy! *claps hand to the rhythm*
Studies first then.. pervy pervy pervy!
Good luck for your exams btw.
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AYE!
I'm interested in both the perv and the non-perv one(actually more on the non-perv one), but yeah, exams first. Good luck with them, but don't forget about these little homework over here xD
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PERV FIX ONEGAISHIMASU!
[/color]
:drool: :drool:
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PERV
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Oh my, all the perv requests. XD
I don't even know what I'm doing here. Ok, actually, I do.
>_>
I wanted to drop by and present some fluff before burying myself in my hated revisions again. No, it's not quite the continuation to the continuation to Malfunction, but its set timeline-wise before it. I thought it was cute, so yeah. XD
In case anyone was wondering, I've gotten started on the non-perv continuation, but the actual perv will have to wait until after my exams. It ends on Wednesday, so yeah, be patient!
Anyway, gonna stop blabbering and post now. ^_^
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One Night in Seoul
The knocking on the door was persistent, and it made a certain girl twitch uncontrollably as she hurriedly washed her hands and scrambled out of the bathroom.
"Coming!" She called out, skidding around the corner and almost slamming facefirst into the door. Rubbing her forehead gingerly with one hand, she opened the door with the other, her pained expression giving way to pleasure as she took in the sight of her visitor.
"Ai-chan!" Niigaki Risa, the aforementioned occupant of the room blurted out happily. Her visitor smiled vaguely as her eyes traveled up to where Risa was holding her hand to her forehead. The thud when Risa's forehead had made contact with the very unyielding door had been clearly audible on the other side of it.
"Are you ok?" Ai asked in concern. Risa laughed nervously as she swung herself to one side, allowing entry for the older girl.
"Eh, I ah, ran into the door just now." Risa mumbled embarrassedly, rubbing at her slightly sore forehead before brushing her fringe over it to conceal the reddened spot.
"Mou, Gaki-san, you should be more careful!" Ai sounded like she was somewhere between laughing and being concerned. She was dressed quite casually, just a t-shirt and sweatpants, seeing that her own hotel room was just across from Risa's, and she saw no point in dressing up if they weren't going anywhere else.
"I was too! But Ai-chan was knocking so hard, I thought it was something urgent!" Risa complained, pouting slightly as she closed the door behind them.
"What do I have to do with anything? You still should have been more careful!" Ai retorted, plopping herself down on the edge of the bed unceremoniously. Risa stuck her tongue out at her leader, pretending to sulk a little, and Ai did laugh out loud this time.
"Come here." Ai gestured to Risa, patting the space beside her. Risa pretended reluctance for a moment, but gave in anyway. It was her room and her bed, after all.
"So, Ai-chan, what are you doing over so late? It's past 10 already and I'm..." Risa yawned mid-sentence. "...getting sleepy."
"Let me see?" Risa blinked, wondering what Ai was referring to, but the smaller woman had already leaned towards her, brushing aside her fringe and running gentle fingers across the still reddened patch where Risa had hit her head. Risa let out something between a sigh and yawn as Ai stroked the sore flesh almost tenderly.
"Does it hurt?" Ai sounded quite concerned. Risa felt a pleasant warmth spread from her heart at the heartfelt question.
"No, I'm fine..." Then she frowned slightly. "Were you listening to me, or did you just ignore me again?"
"Eh?" Now it was Ai's turn to blink uncomprehendingly at Risa. "I was!"
"Really? What did I say then?" Risa asked suspiciously.
"Um, you asked me what I was doing over here?" Ai answered a little warily, after a moment's recollection. Risa pretended to glare at her, making the older girl shrink backwards. "What?"
Suddenly Risa grinned and reached forward, tweaking Ai's nose. "Just kidding~" Then the younger girl scooted backwards further up the bed to avoid the playful punch Ai was aiming at her shoulder.
"Mou Gaki-san, don't do that!" Ai whined, puffing out her cheeks as she turned to face her grinning sub-leader, who had already fallen back to rest on the pillows. Ai pretended to scowl at her as she crawled up to sprawl belly-first beside her friend. Risa grinned remorselessly and turned on her side to face her leader.
"So? What's up?" Ai tried to maintain her expression but after a moment's struggle, decided it wasn't worth the wrinkles and smiled slightly.
"Just came over to hang out for a bit. We don't always have the time to do that." Risa returned the warm smile and also turned around to rest on her belly, resting one cheek on her arm which was thrown over the pillow, as her other eye lazily rose up to meet Ai-chan's gaze.
"So, how was Koharu? I was going to go check on her later, before I slept..." Risa started. Ai shrugged, propping up her chin on steepled fingers as she rested her elbows on the bed.
"No need, I swung by her room before I came. I made sure she was in bed before I left." Ai smiled half to herself. "She was a bit homesick earlier, so I helped her make a long-distance call back to her parents. I think she'll sleep better tonight."
"That's nice of you Ai-chan." Risa beamed approvingly at her leader. Ai tilted her gaze down modestly, letting her short hair cover her face.
"Well, I try..." Risa smiled encouragingly upwards, reaching out with her free hand to pat the older woman's shoulder.
"I'm sure you'll be a great leader." Ai shrugged again.
"The younger ones like you better though..." Ai mumbled. "You're the nice and friendly senpai, and they all think I'm a bit...odd."
"You ARE odd." Ai huffed in response and hit Risa lightly on the shoulder, but Risa just grinned indulgently back up at her offended leader. "But I like you that way."
"Hmph, you're the strange one, Gaki-san." Ai replied, slightly flustered by the sudden compliment, but secretly pleased by it anyway.
They made some more small talk for a while, though Risa's responses grew shorter and shorter, ranging fromm "hmm" to "yeah", until she completely stopped responding to Ai's increasing monologue as the older digressed into Japanese history again (unconscious habit).
After a long period of no answers from her companion, Ai leaned over curiously, nudging Risa with her shoulder. Risa shuffled around in her sleep, sprawled over her half of the bed, limbs spread in awkward directions as she kicked unconsciously at the sheets. Ai giggled at the sleepy little frown that appeared on Risa's face as the latter tried to get comfortable unconsciously.
Ai sighed aloud at how adorable the younger girl was in her sleep. It was cute seeing Gaki-san sprawled so messily all over the bed, her lips slightly parted and a trickle of drool starting to gather and ooze its way out from a corner of her mouth. After watching indulgently for a moment, Ai decided to leave her Gaki-san alone to her slumber, not quite having the heart to wake the younger girl up.
Getting off the bed carefully so as not to wake her sleeping friend, Ai tiptoed over and tried to pull the blankets over her unconscious (and definitely drooling now) sub-leader, not wanting her to catch cold. It was a bit difficult since Gaki-san was lying on half of the sheets, and after some tugging, Ai gave up. Frowning for a moment, she stared helplessly for a second before a lightbulb went off in her head.
Zipping off into her own room just across the hallway, she retrieved something and scooted back into Gaki-san's room, where the younger girl was still obliviously dead to the world. Tenderly, she spread the spare blanket she had accidentally packed along on her friend, making sure that the other girl was tucked in warmly. Her fingers brushed over the messy forelock covering Gaki-san's forehead, watching adoringly as Risa twitched in her sleep, mumbling incoherently to herself. The sore spot were Risa had hit her head was fading already, but Ai could still see the contrast to the pale skin of her Gaki-san.
Unable to resist the impulse (well, Gaki-san was somehow pouting in her sleep, and it was absolutely adorable), Ai leaned down and kissed Risa's forehead gently, blowing lightly on where Risa had hurt herself just earlier.With an enigmatic smile, the leader reluctantly pulled away, but not after whispering something before she left the room.
"Sleep well, Risa."
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Ok, I so ripped the title off "one night in Beijing" >_> Yeah, says a lot about me, no? XDDD
Anyway, fluff done. >D
-skips away-
EDIT: My 400th post devoted to Takagaki fluff! <3
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Melting. Melting. And gone.....
I'm just a puddle of lovey dovey Takagaki sap now.. :3
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:lol: You know, the first thing I thought of at the title was "One night in beijing"... I nearly burst out singing xD
And the first half freaked me out in a "I wrote a chapter with gaki-san banging her head on something as well just the other night (Thursday)" way. ;_;
Anyway, <333333 :wub: Awwww... So sweet. I'm all full of smiles now. It's a good saturday for me.
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First thoughts…I thought the one who was racing to open the door was Ai :lol: Silly me. I liked the bit about them on the bed. How Ai was lying on her belly and Gaki-san on her side. It was a sweet scene to imagine. Oh and everything else was detailed carefully which helped me visualize easily the happenings in my head! Drooling isn’t really sexy XD but I’m glad Ai thought it was cute :D
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Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww...:wriggly: :wub: :luvluv1: :inlove: :mon inluv: :love: :k-inlove:
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Melting. Melting. And gone.....
I'm just a puddle of lovey dovey Takagaki sap now.. :3
Sap is good. <3 -scoops Sevii up and stuffs in freezer- You need to be solid again! XDDD
...so you can melt some more. >D
:lol: You know, the first thing I thought of at the title was "One night in beijing"... I nearly burst out singing xD
And the first half freaked me out in a "I wrote a chapter with gaki-san banging her head on something as well just the other night (Thursday)" way. ;_;
Anyway, <333333 :wub: Awwww... So sweet. I'm all full of smiles now. It's a good saturday for me.
Haha, you did? I know I did! Start singing, I mean. Haha. Glad to know I helped to brighten your day in some small way. :)
First thoughts…I thought the one who was racing to open the door was Ai :lol: Silly me. I liked the bit about them on the bed. How Ai was lying on her belly and Gaki-san on her side. It was a sweet scene to imagine. Oh and everything else was detailed carefully which helped me visualize easily the happenings in my head! Drooling isn’t really sexy XD but I’m glad Ai thought it was cute :D
情人眼里出西施。Or in short, I'm sure Ai finds that everything Gaki-san does is cute if nothing else. Hehe. I like writing all those details so you guys can see what I'm seeing in my head. XD Least I could do!
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww...:wriggly: :wub: :luvluv1: :inlove: :mon inluv: :love: :k-inlove:
Yes, awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww <33333333333333333333
More "awww"s coming up, I hope. I'm just writing fluff to destress. Funny how people get stressed by doing exams, I destress by writing some more after writing so much in my papers. Haha.
Anyway, fluff time!
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Past Midnight (still in Seoul)
In the dark, a lone figure stirred slightly, curling deeper into herself as pale fingers dug into rumpled sheets, tightening and loosening as the grip shifted over a wide area, moving restlessly as if in search for something. The figure seemed to shrink into a tinier ball, quest unfulfilled, muscles tensing as she began the slow, awkward rise to wakefulness.
"Nngh...Ai-chan?" A sleep-hazed voice burred softly, still thick with sleep. One hand swept around vainly, as if trying to grab onto something, but finding nothing.
The hand fell limply back onto the sheets, even as a head rose uncertainly, blinking back the fog of sleep and peering shortly into the dim ambience of the room. A soft blanket slid off her shoulder with the motion, pooling in a crimson puddle at the rise of her hip and cascading over her stomach and waist. One small hand followed to rub lazily at her eyes, as if the action by itself would remove some of the grogginess from her dazed self.
The room was woefully empty, save for herself. Repressing a shiver instinctively, her other hand balling up and pressing into the bedsheets with a vengeance of their own, Niigaki Risa couldn't help the discontented pout that inched its way onto her face unconsciously. Her bed felt empty, cold even, and far too unwelcoming. Hotel rooms generally weren't very hospitable in that respect. After all, no one really stayed there on a permanent basis anyway.
Her muscles felt stretched in unusual ways. Falling asleep in strange positions was sort of a semi-trademark of hers, not to mention her restlessness in her sleep, tossing and turning quite frequently. She supposed it was a blessing that she had woken up on the bed itself and not on the floor again. Much to her eternal shame, she could and did occasionally fall off her bed during her nocturnal thrashabouts. It was the reason why most people would never share a bed with her, for fear of her knocking them off or something like that somewhere in the night.
Ai-chan never had that problem though. Risa smiled to herself in the dark. For whatever reason, sharing a bed with Ai-chan almost insured that she stayed still for the whole night. Konkon could never believe it either, and had even tried leaving a video camera on the whole night aimed at them one time. To the astonishment of the others, the fast-forwarded playback of the recording showed that Risa barely budged in her sleep, except to snuggle closer to Ai. Mako-chan had promptly proclaimed it a miracle and declared that in future sleepovers, Risa was to sleep next to Ai-chan to ensure the general safety of all others involved, to the laughter of everyone present.
A sigh washed out of her as she allowed herself to fall back on the pillows. She missed the times when the Gokkies were all together. Even though Konkon had returned to the Project, it just wasn't the same anymore, when the four of them had been in Morning Musume together. Of course, they still kept in intermittent contact with Mako-chan, but distance and time zones made it difficult to just call each other up to talk or something. It was just...different.
Rolling slightly over to bury her face in the pillow, Risa sighed again. She hated waking up in the middle of the night like this, feeling so acutely alone and isolated. Her last waking memory had been of Ai-chan by her side, talking about something or another. Honestly, Ai-chan needed to find something else to talk about, since Risa was about ready to start reciting all the historical facts back to her at the rate she was going. Not that Ai-chan was that boring, Risa said to herself, well, ok, maybe a little. The topics were boring, but any time spent with Ai-chan was nice. There was something comforting about just being together with her.
Risa felt slightly resentful that Ai-chan had just left her to sleep and just walked out on her own. Couldn't she have stayed with her? It wasn't like they hadn't shared a bed before, and Ai-chan had to know that she didn't mind. Or Ai-chan could have woken her up before leaving. It was better than just leaving without a word and letting her wake up cold, alone, and disoriented. Like now.
Disgruntled, Risa flipped around sharply again, trying to find a more comfortable position sleeping on her other side. The hem of her t-shirt caught on the soft fabric of the makeshift blanket still draped over her waist haphazardly, and she paused in her shuffling to reach down, pulling the offending cloth up. Her harshly grasping fingers relaxed upon noting what it was, and more importantly, who it belonged to.
Ai-chan... Risa smiled faintly to herself, pulling the crimson cloth close, burying her face in it and inhaling. The scent was faint but unmistakable. Risa felt her muscles loosening as she exhaled contentedly, snuggling close to the article a thoughtful though clueless leader had left with her. It wasn't the real thing, but it was better than nothing. Going over right now to find the real thing probably wouldn't be a good idea since Ai-chan certainly wouldn't take kindly to being woken up at such an ungodly hour of the night.
But Risa could deal with that. It was just one night, and she would definitely make sure to crash over at Ai-chan's at the next available opportunity. Soon. Very soon.
With that thought firmly in mind, Risa fell back asleep, a goofy grin pasted on her face as she wandered off into the land of dreams.
==================================================
Yes, this is a continuation to the previous one. What? XD
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OHOHOHO.
Way to write while I was snoozing away!
I love how you included Konkon and Mako-chan in there, but why does it sound like Konkon's a stalker of some sort.. now if I could just get my hands on that video they recorded.. I mean.. uhh.. ya.
THE RED TOWEL!
THE LEGENDARY RED TOWEL!!!! <3
How's Ai-chan supposed to sleep?!
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In the dark, a lone figure stirred slightly, curling deeper into herself as pale fingers dug into rumpled sheets, tightening and loosening as the grip shifted over a wide area, moving restlessly as if in search for something. The figure seemed to shrink into a tinier ball, quest unfulfilled, muscles tensing as she began the slow, awkward rise to wakefulness.
"Nngh...Ai-chan?" A sleep-hazed voice burred softly, still thick with sleep.
Awww...Risa misses Aichan's presence. :wub:
Falling asleep in strange positions was sort of a semi-trademark of hers, not to mention her restlessness in her sleep, tossing and turning quite frequently. She supposed it was a blessing that she had woken up on the bed itself and not on the floor again. Much to her eternal shame, she could and did occasionally fall off her bed during her nocturnal thrashabouts. It was the reason why most people would never share a bed with her, for fear of her knocking them off or something like that somewhere in the night.
:lol:
Ai-chan never had that problem though. Risa smiled to herself in the dark. For whatever reason, sharing a bed with Ai-chan almost insured that she stayed still for the whole night.
Awwwwwwwwww...she's more comfortable sleeping when Aichan's there! :heart:
Konkon could never believe it either, and had even tried leaving a video camera on the whole night aimed at them one time. To the astonishment of the others, the fast-forwarded playback of the recording showed that Risa barely budged in her sleep, except to snuggle closer to Ai. Mako-chan had promptly proclaimed it a miracle and declared that in future sleepovers, Risa was to sleep next to Ai-chan to ensure the general safety of all others involved, to the laughter of everyone present.
XD XD XD
Disgruntled, Risa flipped around sharply again, trying to find a more comfortable position sleeping on her other side. The hem of her t-shirt caught on the soft fabric of the makeshift blanket still draped over her waist haphazardly, and she paused in her shuffling to reach down, pulling the offending cloth up. Her harshly grasping fingers relaxed upon noting what it was, and more importantly, who it belonged to.
Oh right, she's got Aichan's extra blanket.
Ai-chan... Risa smiled faintly to herself, pulling the crimson cloth close, burying her face in it and inhaling. The scent was faint but unmistakable. Risa felt her muscles loosening as she exhaled contentedly, snuggling close to the article a thoughtful though clueless leader had left with her. It wasn't the real thing, but it was better than nothing.
Awwwwwwwwwww! :wriggly:
Going over right now to find the real thing probably wouldn't be a good idea since Ai-chan certainly wouldn't take kindly to being woken up at such an ungodly hour of the night.
But Risa could deal with that. It was just one night, and she would definitely make sure to crash over at Ai-chan's at the next available opportunity. Soon. Very soon.
With that thought firmly in mind, Risa fell back asleep, a goofy grin pasted on her face as she wandered off into the land of dreams.
AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!! :shy2: :nya: :k-inlove:
THE RED TOWEL!
THE LEGENDARY RED TOWEL!!!! <3
Huh? I'm afraid I'm drawing a blank to this reference.
:dunno:
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A soft blanket slid off her shoulder with the motion, pooling in a crimson puddle at the rise of her hip and cascading over her stomach and waist.
This image of Gaki-san just seems so hawt :P
Konkon could never believe it either, and had even tried leaving a video camera on the whole night aimed at them one time.
Even with her not doing anything but laying there sleeping, this would be good XD I'm still annoyed that the gokkies never got that wake-up call segment unlike the 4kkies and 6kkies.
Huh? I'm afraid I'm drawing a blank to this reference.
Ai-chan has a beloved red blanket that she can't live without. If I recalled correctly she did say it would be one of the 3 items she would take along if stranded on a deserted island :lol:
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ah I love how you can take a real life fact and create such an in depth beautiful story out of it! I especially like how you used the story about how Risa fell sleep while talking with Ai chan. When I first heard of that I thought it was soo cute, I'm really happy that you used it in a story! :heart:
I have this strange urge to run off and translate AiGaki stuff now! They are just too adorable when referring to each other~ :wub:
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Ok, I know I should really write the stuff I promised, but yeah... >_>
I have the attention span of a flea, I guess. -shrugs-
Anyway, AU piece ahead. Watch your step everyone, don't wanna see you guys trip.
Yup, darkness ahead.
-puts out a tissue box just in case-
==================================================================
In The Dark
Kanto region, Tokyo city.
A sprawling metropolis, gleaming a brilliant silver as delicate spires caught and reflected the wan glow of a fading sun. Akin to something out of a fairytale, the city skyline resembled something out of a mystical kingdom, all air and lightness like that of a butterfly's gossamer wings. Cold steel and glass arching and interwoven with polished crystal, lending that glow of mystique and ethereal beauty to the highest towers, overshadowing what lay below...
...of dirt gray granite, rough basalt, and corrugated steel. Go deeper, further, and one would see the sheets weeping russet stains on battered asphalt, mingling with the other bright crimson streaks of biological origin, fresh and old both. Rats did not scurry across the rugged ground, they lounged, for they owned the streets; both the humans and their furred counterparts.
There were no splashes of bright color, for everything was uniformly drab and dreary. One did not have to pay to see zombies in cheap horror films, indeed horror films were pretty much outmoded. One didn't need to enter a cinema for horror, it was now everywhere in the lower levels. The point was to escape reality, and if reality and fiction were the same, fiction would be discarded...or simply merged in.
The dead walked. They lived, they breathed, they did not eat brains or resort to cannibalism...in most cases. But they were dead. For they lived down there, and not above, not in the real city of Tokyo, of shimmering lights and towers, where night and day had no meaning. They were exiles, outcasts, the discarded. The condemned, the purged. Less than nothing. They no longer existed.
Of filth and despair were their lives wrought, mechanically plowing on until they expired of something or another. It was meaningless. Pointless. For most, it was a dead end.
Most. The bowels of the city, where these outcasts dwelt, were convenient at times, for those who wished to meet out of the constant surveillance of the upper city. It was the confluence of dissent, malcontent and free expression...mired in sickness and putridity. A fitting case of how far things have fallen.
The air itself was poisoned, although the wretches who lived there permanently (at least until death swept them away) got used to it. That is, they did not sicken, though their lifespans were gratefully cut much shorter due to their continual exposure to it. Denizens of the upper city though, had to wear gas masks to prevent themselves from being contaminated by the noxious fumes that hung sluggishly like a malevolent presence everywhere in the lower depths.
Further down. Into the sewers and below. Oddly enough, the further underground one burrowed, the less toxic the air got. It was with this in mind that the resistance organized themselves, squirreling away in depths unknown even to most of the miserables inhabiting the lower city. It was in this place, of soil, stone and rotting plaster, that a lone girl sat, her spartan cell tidied to the point where the crumbling architecture became unified with the decor instead of detracting from the atmosphere.
An ancient, crackling transistor radio sputtered in front of her, the disjointed broadcast finally over. With a seemingly negligent yet entirely deliberate gesture, she switched it off, the echoes of the strains of long forgotten chords merging and harmonizing to form a music she had so long ago abandoned ever since that time reverberating in the still air.
So...those idealists actually succeeded... An illusion of a chuckle lit the immediate space before her, only to be revealed as a hoarse cough. No, laughter was too flippant for those in their circumstance. Those revolutionaries were young, as young as they themselves were biologically speaking, but so much more youthful in their efforts. Their slavery had been far more recent, instituted by an incompetent, imperfect authority that had a poor understanding of how to exercise the policies that had been so ruthlessly enforced in her homeland.
A population so long held in slavery that the word itself had lost meaning. For what was slavery without freedom? Freedom no longer existed, for upper or lower, and thus slavery held no meaning. The fish, after all, had no words for the water in which they swim. Not that there were any fish left down here, she thought grimly. Just grossly mutated ones that were patently inedible and likely to be overly aggressive.
The iron door to the cell creaked open slowly, a slender figure filling the entrance. The girl did not turn in acknowledgment or in question of her visitor's identity. Only one person would have dared to open the door without bothering to knock. Only one person she couldn't be bothered to do anything about even with this breach in etiquette.
"What do you want?" A flat, unemotional question.
"You should eat, Ai-chan." The reply came, firm yet gentle, coaxing but never condescending. Soft steps came to a stop beside the seated girl, a hand coming to rest, after a pause, on the small shoulder.
"After I finish with this." There was no malice or spite in the voice, nor weariness or weakness of any kind. It was merely matter-of-fact, a statement of the work before her, and the steady tone bespoke a calm acceptance and steely resolve hidden behind a passive exterior.
"Of course." The voice that replied had no qualms in letting the edge of her emotions be picked up by her leader, working diligently on the interface before her. There was sadness, resignation, pain, and a deep thread of pure understanding that tied intimately with the petite woman who carried the burden of leading the resistance on her once frail shoulders.
They said nothing to each other, but the newcomer did not leave, nor made any attempt to remove herself from her current position. Like a frozen tableau, they remained in that frame, the only motion that of hands caught up in the rhythmic cycles of work.
A sudden scuffling sound of sole against gravel alerted the pair to another presence lurking outside, peering in. The one standing whipped her head around, her shoulders stiffening even as her dark black hair flailed with the motion. She did not remove her hand from her leader's shoulder though. Her leader, for her part, remained completely unfazed, and in fact, continued on with her task without even flinching.
"Ai-chan?" The voice from outside, the unexpected visitor, asked wistfully. The first visitor visibly relaxed upon ascertaining the identity of the intruder, called out a soft greeting in response.
"Hey Gaki-san. Where's Eririn?"
A worn-looking Niigaki Risa trudged into the cell, shoulders bowed into herself, eyes clouded with a peculiar emotion as she took in the sight before her. Lips pursed into a tight, straight line, almost turning white in the process, but she said nothing to that effect. Instead, she answered the question posed to her truthfully, eyes never leaving the motionless figure of her leader.
"She will be along shortly, Sayumin. Tanakacchi wanted to speak with her."
"Oh." Words left unsaid, but the meaning was clear enough to all present. They didn't say much nowadays. There just wasn't much to say, at least, never in this cell. Loud noises were avoided, since it hurt the sensitive ears of their leader.
Risa paced a bit closer, the better to fix Ai-chan's profile in her sight. It was far too dark in here, the only light source being that of the interface glowing before the intent Takahashi. The darkness hardly bothered her as it used to. You just got used to it after leaving in dim surroundings underground all the time. Or in the leader's case...
"Gaki-san." Risa flinched visibly at the strange note in her Ai-chan's voice. "Was there something?"
"I just...wanted to see you." Tentative, wary, pleading. That was how close Risa was hovering to outright dejection.
"Oh." Again, more words swept away in the undercurrent of unseen interplay between them. Sayumi stood tall and silent, never commenting. It was not her place to interfere, although she did tighten her hold on Ai's shoulder, just for a moment.
Risa wanted to shrink back, slink away...but at the same time she wanted to push Michishige aside (gently, of course, the girl wasn't an enemy) and take her rightful place by Ai's side. There were so many questions hovering in the air between them, that it was nearly suffocating her. She had so many things to say, but yet it was all lost in that fog lingering like an iron curtain, dividing them so sharply that the separation felt akin to the loss of a limb or something equally important. Pain, not entirely phantom, haunted her at the loss of contact. Lowering her head, she bit her lip, her fists balling up unconsciously.
Just like that time, when first the bars, then the steel plates, had fallen down, cutting her off from Ai-chan. Their fingers had been but a mere centimeter apart. So close, yet so far. Soft, wide, brown eyes gazing pleadingly at her, mouth opened in a scream never voiced. And then that solid thud, almost like a death knell. It would haunt her dreams. Already did.
"Ai-chan, I..." Risa began impulsively, before faltering as words failed her again. Her gaze teetered precariously, affixed to Ai, but unable to look up straight. It would mean meeting a certain gaze that she wasn't quite prepared to face. Teeth sinking deeper into her lower lip, Risa managed to get her chin up and looked straight into the intense gaze of one Michishige Sayumi.
The two women said nothing, but the air between them crackled with a veritable cornucopia of indefinable emotions. Resentment, jealousy and perplexity met with a challenge and something not unlike pity. Risa was the first to tear her eyes away, focusing on a spot just below Sayumi's piercing gaze, her heart thumping fiercely in a mixture of terror and a vaguely simmering anger. But she did not miss, could not miss, the very subtle nod that Sayumi made, even as the younger slowly released her hold on Ai's shoulder and closed the distance between them.
As the young devil brushed past the still stiff Risa, her hand flashed to grip tightly, painfully, at her sub-leader's upper arm. Risa ground her teeth together, bunching her muscles, but not flinching nor giving way to the brutal hold the other was subjecting her to. Their glances met, dark and filled with shadows of their own making, promising nothing, saying everything and nothing at the same time. After an endless moment, Sayumi released Risa and walked right back out, pulling the cell door shut behind her.
Plunged into a sudden darkness, but hardly alarmed, Risa turned to regard that still figure that remained motionless throughout. An indefinable pang stung at her, even as her tongue tangled into an irretrievable mess.
She couldn't say anything. There was nothing left to say in this situation. Words meant nothing. Could barely scratch at the surface of the whole cauldron of issues she wanted to raise, but could never phrase.
So she didn't say a thing. She didn't have to.
Ai stiffened at the sudden contact, feeling the unexpected warmth suffuse from her sub-leader's body into her own. She did not make a move to reciprocate, but she did not reject the gesture either. A stuffed toy would have had more of a response than she did. She merely sat, silent and unmoving.
Risa buried her sigh into Ai's neck as she nuzzled in there. She didn't know what to say, but she so desperately wanted, needed to let Ai-chan know that she wanted to be there for her, wanted to share her burdens. Even if there were no way to take everything the older woman was shouldering...every little bit counted, right?
"Ai-chan...Ai-chan...Ai-chan..." Risa whispered like a mantra, like prayer, her breath making heated contact with the sensitive skin of the leader's neck. This time, a slight shiver passed through the previously immobile form.
"I'm so sorry..." Lips trailed over the curve of one ear, even as salty trails made their way down to stain the pale skin below. Risa wept quietly, without sniffling or any further outcry, tears rolling down through heavy-lidded eyes, her arms tightly encircled around Ai from behind, as she pressed close, not wanting any distance between them.
A soft breath escaped from Ai's lips, a sigh or not Risa could not tell. A slender, trembling hand found its way tentatively, uncertainly, to cup the exposed side of Risa's face, caressing the soft skin of her cheek tenderly.
"It's not your fault..." Gentle, almost like before. The stream became a torrent now, even as Risa squeezed her eyes shut tightly, shutting out the pain those simple words caused her. It was her fault. If she hadn't been so slow, if she had managed to grab Ai-chan's hand that time...she wouldn't be...wouldn't be...
"I can still feel you, even if I can't see you." Risa felt her heart twist within her, even as she moved from behind Ai-chan to kneel by the older woman's side. Ai's hand on her face lingered, her thumb stroking upwards to brush the tears she could not see, but could definitely taste and feel, away.
Risa bit back all the self-recriminations, all the guilt, all the self-loathing. She couldn't bring herself to indulge in that, not now. Her own hands found their way up to the sides of Ai's face, illuminated by the soft glow of the interface next to them. Almost like an angel, held within her hands. Broken.
Summoning up all her courage, Risa looked full into the face of her beloved Ai-chan for the first time since that incident. The one gaze she dared not meet for so very long, since there was no gaze left to meet.
The love of her life, blind. Blinded, because she was too slow to reach her.
Risa could never forgive herself for that. Not now. Not ever.
It was all too late to change that, but at least, right now, they were together.
I will never leave you again, Ai-chan. Forgive my cowardice for being unable to face you.
She didn't say it. She didn't have to, even though her lips were still busy.
After all, action spoke louder than words. And as Ai herself said, even if she couldn't see, she could still feel.
Let me show you how much I love you.
~*~*~
"Sayu?"
"Eririn."
"...are they?"
"There's a step."
"Ah...I hope..they'll be able to fix it..."
"So do I. I'll kill her if she doesn't."
"Sayu!"
"You know what I mean."
"I do...but, Ai-chan...she reminds you a lot of her, doesn't she?"
"....I won't fail a second time, Eri. I can't lose her too."
"I know you can't. That's why we're here too."
"Thanks Eri, I don't know what I would have done if..."
"I know, Sayu, I know..."
Hands entwined together in the shadows, never letting go.
In the darkness of their lives, the only thing they could do was hold on.
======================================================================
-takes cover under a pile of sandbags-
Hope this was appreciated.
The context, or world, was loosely borrowed off the greater universe I borrowed from the background in the Anyband PV. I wrote a short story for that too, which is loosely alluded to early in this story, but it's not necessary to read that to understand what's going on here, since this can pretty much stand on its own.
...I really hate how I can make stories pop out of nowhere. ~_~
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wow :w00t:
i realy do like how you set up the atmosphere to the situation that comes later.. this one feels more like a prologue than a oneshot...
and the Takagaki was :wub: eventhough it was very sad :'(
...I really hate how I can make stories pop out of nowhere. ~_~
no complaints about that :roll:
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omg.......Ai-chan....Risa...... :mon waterworks: :mon waterworks: :mon waterworks: :mon waterworks:
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Anyway, AU piece ahead. Watch your step everyone, don't wanna see you guys trip.
Yup, darkness ahead.
Should I be nervous? :O
In The Dark
~snip~
Ho....ly.................fuck. :shocked:
Aichan..... :gyaaah:
Risa..... :pleeease:
/me grabs some tissues from the box Essy offered.
:cry:
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wow :w00t:
i realy do like how you set up the atmosphere to the situation that comes later.. this one feels more like a prologue than a oneshot...
and the Takagaki was :wub: eventhough it was very sad :'(
It DOES feel more like a prologue, doesn't it? Actually, I have a potential storyline brewing in my head, but I'm hesitant to commit to yet another story when I have so many others unfinished. Yes, I actually envisioned more angst and a greater rift, but I gave in to my Takagaki instincts and gave them a chance to reconcile. So this is the angst lite version. Haha.
omg.......Ai-chan....Risa...... :mon waterworks: :mon waterworks: :mon waterworks: :mon waterworks:
It could have been worse, considering I went in favor of Takagaki instead of more angst (which I'm totally capable of generating). Glad you liked it though. ;)
Anyway, AU piece ahead. Watch your step everyone, don't wanna see you guys trip.
Yup, darkness ahead.
Should I be nervous? :O
My dear friend, there's ALWAYS something to be worried about where I'm concerned.
In The Dark
~snip~
Ho....ly.................fuck. :shocked:
Aichan..... :gyaaah:
Risa..... :pleeease:
/me grabs some tissues from the box Essy offered.
:cry:
There there.
*Estrea pats JFC's back comfortingly
Consider the story a preview of some sorts? Kinda like a teaser trailer...assuming there is sufficient interest for me to pursue this particular plotline. I was, and still am, unsure if I should try my hand at writing a story set in a dystopia like this. There's the opportunity to carve, literally, darker and harsher alternates of our favorite girls in this doomsday setting. Haha. Be prepared though, character death will occur liberally should I write this. People do get maimed and killed here.
So, who wants this too?
...taking into account that AA is still unfinished, SotN is still evolving in our planning room (yeah me and Fimmy got back into the groove and are working on more specifics), and then there's that future collab with Yuuyami (which I am torn between wanting to write and wanting to stab repeatedly). Also, there's also the fact that I have planned but not yet posted other potential stories, such as the (anticipated?) Ribbon no Kishi continuation after the events of the musical.
Lots of stuff on my list. Hmm. Well, what do you guys think? You're the audience, after all.
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Hmmm, well if you write it I will read it, does that help your decision? :P
As long as things end somewhat well for TakaGaki I think I can handle the death of other characters, and Ai being hurt too :(
I'm a little scard to yes to this fic coz you make it sound so depressing, lol, but like i said I would read it so take it as a yes if you want ;)
(btw, don't forget you still us a Perve as well :) )
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same as the above.. as long as you write it and as long as there are Takagaki moments(this couple doesen't get what it deserves most of the time :angry:) then i can consider myself satisfied 8).
anyway still waiting for the perv(or the "talk" piece) youv'e promised.
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I have but one word: INTRIGUING. I can't stop puzzling over the dynamics going on between the characters. This story will certainly be lingering on my mind for a bit.
What happened (besides the blindness) to make takahashi seem so withdrawn?
Who's this 'her' that takahashi reminds them a lot of, that Mshige lost?
What's the connection between Mshige and takahashi here? And niigaki for that matter?
How did they get themselves into such a dismal situation?
So many questions kept popping up as I read.
The relationship between niigaki and takahashi looks complicated and it'd be really interesting to see more development(bring on the angst! :P).
Another thing that captures my attention, Mshige seems to have more depth and maturity to her character here, quite unlike what I usually see. Maybe its because of the situation they're in, I wonder if the others would be different as well.
Oh, what's this Ribbon no Kishi continuation I hear? Very much anticipated actually. XD
I think you should just go for it, write what you feel like writing. Though it would be great if you could finish what you've started as well, no matter how long it takes. We'll wait. right, guys? :lol:
Anyway, somehow I always end up reading everything you write even though I'm not the least bit interested in takagaki...strange.
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I think you should just go for it, write what you feel like writing. Though it would be great if you could finish what you've started as well, no matter how long it takes. We'll wait. right, guys? :lol:
Totally agree, write what feels right to you coz thats when your talents will shine the most ;)
And yeah I will wait as long as I have to if it means more of AA :P
Anyway, somehow I always end up reading everything you write even though I'm not the least bit interested in takagaki...strange.
YOU WHAT!?!?!! :O :shocked:
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wow that really was dark. Takes a deep breath before continuing. Okay I know what you meant by the tissues now. My eyes became very moist while reading :gyaaah: I don't know who ended up suffering the most from the accident, Ai chan or Risa :gyaaah:
I don't know what to think really. It's so dark yet refreshing and different from almost every story. I think I've already given into wanting more but I'm afraid at the same time (lol though that wouldn't stop me at all from reading more if you happen to continue this. it's just too engrossing!)
ah how I wish you had a couple of clones.
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Personally, I'm not very fond of angst and I'm still waiting for the perv and/or non-perv continuation of Malfunction, but I can handle angst if it's well written so yeah, do whatever you want xD The Ribbon no Kishi continuation sounds pretty interesting too.
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I just loved "In The Dark", it keeps me wanting more updates...... :mon duh:until I remembered that it was a short story. A teaser, no doubt. I think u should turn it into fanfic.....the x factor's there.... :mon closeup:
But I just loved the "Seoul" Series..... Ahhhh... :mon inluv:I want that red blanky....... :mon blood:
but the best part for me was "Risa and Ai were to sleep together for the safety of others....."
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The truth is I read some time ago (2 days?) but I just couldn't think of what to say. The effect of your powerful writing probably caused it XD
There are so many questions I wanna know after reading and I don't know where to start. But most of all I want to know about the accident which left Ai in such a state. And from what you wrote of Sayumi, she blames Risa for it. How did she come to such a conclusion? Perhaps there is more to it. Reina made a really small cameo, if it even counts as one :lol:
If you're planning to continue this I hope for more details, in the form of a prequel or explanations after this chapter. Whichever way you choose to write this, I'll read it.
And I have to say that RnK preview is GOOD. It left me hungry for more. If I may, so humbly request for more chapters? And rather soon? :P
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Anyway, somehow I always end up reading everything you write even though I'm not the least bit interested in takagaki...strange.
YOU WHAT!?!?!! :O :shocked:
:lol: what's with that reaction?
"Heresy!" :lol:
Ahh warhammer 40k was fun
But, yeah, I do appreciate Estrea's depth and style of writing, so I read.
Similarly I've ended up reading a berryz fic even though I haven't a clue about them and didn't really care to find out :P
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I may be new here, but I really like your stories!
I'm not a huuuuuge fan of angsty ones, but the Ribbon no Kishi continuation and the other projects you mentioned look really promising (and I really like AA too)...
well, I'm looking forward to all of them... :grin:
(and the takagaki stories here are so much love ^^)
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Lots of stuff on my list. Hmm. Well, what do you guys think? You're the audience, after all.
As long as AA isn't being permanently abandoned (desperately want to see what happens with the Nacchi/Maki and GAM parts), I'm pretty much okay with whatever.
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TakaGaki <33333 (:(:(:
By the way, how's All Aboard coming along? I miss gropey-knife-throwing-miki-sama! :P
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*raises hand* Interest! I'm still faithfully awaiting AA but I love everything you write. And darkness and character death.
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Rather than Estrea's Sandbox, you should call this Estrea's Heaven. :heart:
Layers
It's like, topic: Gaki-san not able to sleep and sleepover at Aichan.
Result: Extremely adorable fic.
Waltz
That "Can you waltz?" line is such a killer. :)
21
Yay for Aichan getting tricked by Gaki! Makes me wonder though, does Aichan ever calls Gaki-san "Risa" in public? And awesome that you inserted rokkies love triangle somewhere between. Reina's singing Rika's shabondama line and Sayu in Miki mode. :heart:
Switch & Voice
You're such an adorable Aichan fangirl, aren't you. :heart:
MISSING SCENE for 21
I don't have any guess... But, Rika?
Ebony Dusk
Poor Aika. And Aichan, how paranoid. You know Esty, (this might sound hyperbole but it really is what I'm thinking) the one thing that really amaze me about your writing skill is that while you have a great sense of humor that makes me laugh like an idiot in front of my computer, your writing on sad things can really make me go teary-eyed. ^^; It's just that you dive into the feelings really well. ...I'm so sad now. :cry:
Unnamed continuation of 21
Drunk Reina is so cute. And her yankee fashion of having so many pockets. The Fujimoto-reaction is also very funny. :D Drunk Eri talking with Eriens. XD Oh oh the power of Risa's imagination... I changed from teary-eyed to laughing like crazy in the middle of the night in just a matter of minutes. XD Poor Gaki.......
Behind the Lens
Aika is a Aichan's fan? @_@
...Now I need to go to sleep before continuing reading the rest... Or maybe I'll just continue. XD
EDIT: I can't control myself!
Mephisto
I totally guessed Miki, and I was right! :D Gawd, she's just so evil. Poor, poor Aichan...
By Your Side
Aikaa??? I was guessing Gaki but then I remembered the Stalker!Aika... ^^; But I think it's Gaki anyway.
Malfunction
When I read this I got Hide & Seek playing all over my head. "You wanna catch me, Hide & Seek, You wanna touch me, Hide & Seek, kanari Crazy, Hide & Seek, This is another level, If you wanna get the real thrill
saa Let’s play kakurenbo, Boy You gonna try to find me" especially this:
Well, if that's the way you want to play...
And ya, Reina is still a yankee, though not as yankee as before. :D
So is the mic accident caused by those mischivious members...? Or just by Akuma-san Peace!?
And the alternate ending... Oh Usagi-chan throwing some tantrums...
Eri is so nice. :heart: And a KISS! *playing Evil Morning version of Aa!'s First Kiss* Damn Rika for ruining the mood.
One Night in Seoul
I started laughing when I read the title, seriously. XD The story makes me squeal so much like "Kya kya kya kya" :heart:
Past Midnight (still in Seoul)
Ahhhh~~ *continue squealing*
In The Dark
O_O O_O Sayu loves being the third wheel. *grabs tissue* I know it's going to be sad when you mention tissue!
Now to really sleep...
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:cry: I almost cried reading In The Dark
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Wow, all the replies whilst I lurk. Hm. I'm flattered. XD
But back to business. I've been idle too long.
Sorry, not the continuation to Malfunction (that one's STILL stuck halfway), but this is Saikami's birthday present. XDD Since I'm dirt poor and can't buy her anything, I'll just write something for my pet panda. XDDDDD It's kinda belated but happy birthday anyway!
Oh and, general replies to everyone...
>> About In The Dark...
1) It's a teaser. That means it is part of a greater story that I may tackle in the future, so I'm glad that it has a mostly positive reception to it. ^_^
2) It's still in preliminary stages. That means that I may alter certain stuff laid down in this preview. Nothing major, just parts of the setting because I'm still carving out how the world looks like in general.
3) It's not ALL about angst, even though it IS uniformly dark. That means that you get Estrea-brand comedy/humor, just with a darker twist. Gallows humor, anyone? XD
4) to meowz specifically: so many questions, but I sadly cannot answer them, not because I can't, but because I don't want to spoil it for everyone. XDD Besides, its complicated. If you really can't wait to know, PM me or something and I might give a more detailed response. XD
5) to everyone who cried/went teary: Good, I succeeded. >D
>> About All Aboard!
1) It is NOT abandoned. That means I'm just on a hiatus for it. I have some reasons for that too, which brings me to...
2) I hate AA with a passion. No, seriously. XD Mostly because I realized I screwed up characterization in the beginning and want to stab myself for it. Currently I'm trying to salvage what I can. XDDD Which accounts for the hiatus, partially.
3) When AA is done (eventually), there will be a sequel. Yes, you heard me. S-E-Q-U-E-L.
4) Don't give up on AA! ^___^
>> About the Ribbon no Kishi continuation...
1) It's set right after the ending of the musical's storyline. And will borrow elements from the original anime and manga. I'll be making it as realistic (as in historically possible, except with magic involved) as I can, so expect lots of history lessons in the form of social, political and military organization. XDDD
2) Characters WILL retain the gender and name they took in the musical. That means since Franz is male, I'll refer to "him" as "Franz" even if it was either Rika or Aya who played him. Exceptions being those who doubled up roles in the musical, in which case I'll decide which role would be best suited for purposes of the story and stick to that. I'll include my version of the cast list before every chapter when I finally get round to writing and posting it.
3) There will be Takagaki...sort of. Blame Sevii for it. XD And yes, its gonna be complicated heh.
4) Yes, there is a preview of sorts for this continuation already, as lil_hamz mentioned. I just neglected to post it here for several reasons. Mostly because I don't want to torture you people by giving you a taste of something that won't appear until much later. XDD
5) I won't be writing this any time soon. There's still AA to finish, after all. XD
Alright, on with Sai's birthday present. >D
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Snow Rain
It was cold. Of course, it was winter, so cold was definitely a given. Not that she was used to cold winters, even though Tokyo did have relatively mild ones. Fukuoka never got that cold.
Thankfully, she didn't live in Hokkaido. Tanaka Reina always wondered if she would survive being frozen to an icicle every winter season. Not that she wanted to try, of course.
Though, the snow might have been nice. Snow wasn't all that common in Tokyo, and when it did get round to snowing it never got that thick. Or nice and pretty like in Christmas cards. It was just grimy, icy, and annoying. And wet. Cold and wet didn't mix well at all.
Like right now. It was raining. In December. Rain was...unusual at this time of the year. Unless there was a typhoon or something. God forbid. She was fairly sure the weather forecast hadn't predicted any tropical storms of the like, and it wasn't the right season for it anyway. But then again, the weather forecast didn't predict rain for today either. Or for the next 5 days.
Stupid meteor-something people...stupid weather forecasts... Reina was not pleased. It was late at night, she was cold, and she was caught out in bad weather without any decent protection. Her heavy coat might ward off the biting chill of a Tokyo winter night, but not when it was soaked through with the icy drizzle that was rapidly escalating into a blinding downpour from out of nowhere.
Currently, she was taking refuge in the front porch of a building, as were many other unfortunates who were also caught unawares by the freak storm. A few brave souls decided to make a run for it, their figures quickly swallowed up by the obscuring fog of darkness and precipitation. Reina contemplated doing the same, but ultimately decided against it. Running and her were not closely associated terms. And it was still a fair distance to the train station. The young idol didn't think it was a particularly good idea to run through the rain and risk catching a chill afterwards. Especially since it was a long ride home.
Still, if the rain did not let up soon, she probably had to make a run for it anyway. It was getting close to midnight, and she definitely didn't want to miss the last train and get stranded out here, all wet and cold and shivering. While calling a cab might be marginally feasible, she shuddered at the projected cost. She might be an idol, but wasting money on something other than food and clothes (the only things worth spending on in her opinion) was anathema to her.
Standing somewhat apart from the huddled, shivering mass crowded in that limited space, Reina grimly decided to make a dash for it, lowering her head in a completely unenthusiastic manner to steel herself for the inevitable. Her already slight form seemed to shrink into the voluminous coat that surrounded her, the collar being pulled more securely upwards in some small, vain hope that the action would prevent excessive amounts of the wet stuff dribbling down her neck and running down her back. She absolutely hated it when that happened.
As it turned out, she did not have to bother with all that.
"...Reina? Is that you?" Reina blinked, her perpetually wonky eyes twisting together, although that little detail was partially obscured by the hat pulled low over her face. She was fairly sure no one would have noticed who she was (assuming they knew who she was, she thought just a bit cynically, remembering that well-meaning but idiotic talent scout from that one time), especially not in such wretched weather in that vein of an old and overused cliche of a dark and stormy night.
Of course, the only people who would recognize her in this particular garb would had have to be those who had seen her in it not too long ago. Aka, her co-workers. The voice and general physique of the person instantly gave it away anyway. There were only so many people who were at eye level with her in Morning Musume after all.
"Takahashi?" Reina blurted out instinctively, sounding a bit gruff due to her bad mood at being caught out in such bad weather. She tended to revert to type when off camera and especially when cranky. Both conditions of which definitely applied at this time.
The person she addressed stepped closer, well-armed with an umbrella and much drier than Reina herself currently was. Ai's face was not particularly pleased at being addressed so curtly, and especially not by her family name, Reina remembered belatedly after her slip of the tongue. Mentally, the wonky teen shrugged. Big deal, the leader could live with it.
"What are you doing here?" Reina resisted to roll her eyes and snipe back bitterly with some snarky comeback. Typical of Takahashi to be so...obvious. Or would that be oblivious? Her inner yankii snidely asserted that it was probably both.
She did none of the sort though, at least, nothing rude. Not particularly anyway, at least by her standards. Mutely, she just jabbed a finger at the rain cascading in sheets all around them, before punctuating it with a curt one-word reply. "Rain."
"Yes I can see that." Ai replied in her typically blank tone. Reina resisted the urge to throttle the older woman when Ai went on. "I thought you left first, why are you still here?"
Because I have short legs LIKE YOU and can't run for nuts. Besides, who the hell runs all the way from the building to the station unless there was some bloody emergency?! Irritated was just a minor understatement to use for describing Reina's inner self at the moment. But then again, there was always something to be irritated about with her, so it wasn't so uncommon. Reina also conveniently decided to forget that Ai could run much faster than her, since she didn't need any further aggravation. It wasn't like she was all that eager to make it to the front page of gossip magazines by inflicting physical violence on her leader.
Perhaps Ai must have sensed Reina's impending rage, for she swiftly changed topics without even batting an eyelid...or even, in fact, connecting it to whatever she was saying before. Conversational shortcuts were convenient for the user, although inexplicable to someone else not so much acquainted with their thought processes. Such as a much baffled Reina unfortunately was.
"I can walk you to the station. That's where you're going, right?" Reina blinked again at Ai, clearly a bit surprised by the offer...or perhaps, not so surprised. She should have known that goody-two-shoes would be nice enough to help. Deciding to let her earlier animosity dissipate a little at this kind gesture, Reina nodded, not trusting herself to speak, knowing that she would probably say something totally inappropriate if she did.
The umbrella really wasn't that large, but then again the two girls weren't that big either. Nevertheless, the driving rain made it necessary for them to walk closely together, their shoulders touching. The initial stretch as they carefully picked their way across a slippery street was made in utter silence, save for the natural din occurring due to the rain around them. Reina shivered in her damp coat and pressed unconsciously closer against the older woman, her mittened hands wringing each other out as she wedged her elbows closer to her own tiny frame, desperate for some warmth that was currently unavailable to her.
"You shouldn't have been out in the rain. You'll get sick." Ai murmured, casting a sidelong glance at Reina, who glared back.
"Well, who carries an umbrella wherever they go? Especially now?" Reina growled, forgetting her earlier resolution to be at least civil if nothing else. "Like, why the hell do you have an umbrella with you so conveniently?"
"It was in my bag." Ai shrugged, not taking offense at the vulgar language. Reina, had she not already wanted to slap her forehead for the non-answer to her question, would have been further perplexed by that. Ai was a strange person. Simple things offended her where most people wouldn't have been, but the woman wouldn't bat an eye at some of the more offensive things that the rest of society would have frown upon.
"Tch." Reina refused to dignify that with a response. Talking with Takahashi exasperated her sometimes. One could never get a straight answer out of her, and even if she did answer the question properly, there were all sorts of interesting implications involved. Briefly, the teen wondered how Gaki-san put up with their sometimes-flaky leader. It had to take a lot of patience, something Reina wasn't completely sure that her sub-leader had. But then again the once reaction queen was good with children, and dealing with Takahashi couldn't have been very much worse than dealing with a bunch of screaming brats. At least Takahashi wasn't very loud, even when she was angry...
I think... Reina frowned to herself, racking her brain for any instances of Ai being explosive in any way. Other than on stage, of course... Reina would have been blind not to notice that. It was as if the woman was possessed by something once she started performing. Completely different once on stage. Reina herself put out a different persona for the cameras too, but this was somehow different. For one thing, Reina knew that her own idol image was a carefully maintained construct to pander to the audience (well, some sections of it anyway), but with Takahashi she wasn't sure how much of that persona was made up or how close it was to her real personality. There seemed to be a distinct blurring of those lines where the leader was concerned, something Reina resented slightly. Why did she have to put up so elaborate a guise when Takahashi could just come so close to "being herself" and get away with it?
"How have you been doing?" Another random question from the woman in question next to her jolted the younger out of her increasingly bitter thoughts. Reina whipped her head around to stare disbelievingly at Ai, who blinked back innocently, her eyes shining with a sincerity that if coming from anyone else, would have been completely fake. But this was her, and Reina knew for a fact that her leader did mean it.
It was just that, considering their surroundings, wasn't it a little strange to be talking about this right now?
Some of that must have communicated itself onto Reina's face, for Ai backtracked a bit to explain herself...sort of.
"You look tired earlier, and you left so quickly. I thought there might have been something wrong so..." Ai left it hanging awkwardly, clearly trying to communicate her concern though uncertain about how exactly to voice it. Their footsteps had unconsciously slowed, although they were still generally inching towards the station. Protected against the scrutiny of others in such a setting, since the rain provided a convenient shield against them being heard or even easily noticed, what with everyone else scurrying for shelter or going towards their destinations, they stared at each other with a new intensity they rarely shared. It was as if the two of them had been isolated in their own little world under that single umbrella.
The connection was intriguing, Reina had to admit. Oh, she interacted with her leader often enough, especially when the latter spontaneously decided to try and kidnap one of the other members to go watch Takarazuka with her. If anything, Ai was quite consistent in some of her behaviors. That and, Reina wasn't above 'borrowing' from Ai's quite extensive music collection that had nothing but range to commend it. Everything from the expected (Takarazuka stuff), to the normal (other assorted Japanese singers), to the downright random (lots of Western pop music, and then there was that suspicious heavy metal album lurking behind a shelf...). There were even some classical music albums knocking around in that collection, though Reina didn't touch those.
Yet, Reina realized that she never really looked at Takahashi. Like, really looked. She was aware of the other's existence, watched her closely at times when they were performing or at practice, but those interactions were mostly dealing with Ai as some kind of role model of sorts, if somewhat unconscious in their assumption. It was undeniable that Ai was good at what she did, and Reina wasn't above picking up a few tips and tricks wherever she could to improve herself as well. She had somehow neglected to look on her leader as a person, for some reason. It just didn't seem very relevant since they didn't really hang out much outside of work. Reina didn't believe in getting to know someone unless she was really that interested, and it was difficult to command anything but a cursory interest from her under the best of circumstances.
But she really looked at her leader now, and despite the poor lighting conditions, there was no denying that Takahashi looked...older. Perhaps not exuding the same kind of maturity and confidence that people like Nakazawa or Yoshizawa would have had, but the Takahashi standing before her now seemed a lot less distant in that "off in her own world" way she used to be. That once-vacant expression had been replaced by one that was both intent and intense at the same time, with just a tinge of harried stress lines crinkling the edge of her eyes. And those eyes...Reina frowned momentarily, surprised by her own sudden clarity of insight regarding her usually enigmatic (read: vague) leader. Takahashi actually looked tired, and more importantly, strained.
That was new. The older woman was usually the picture of professionalism. Even when goofing off backstage with those close to her, she very rarely let any signs of her own problems pop up significantly enough to bother other people. She was unusually focused on whatever she had to do, and Reina grudgingly admitted that Takahashi was far more serious about work than the rest of them were. Granted, they were off work now, but it was simply strange to see her showing actual signs of exhaustion.
Not that the dark circles under her eyes weren't a dead enough giveaway. It was just that everyone in the group had eyebags, just to different degrees. The wonders of makeup erased those physical signs for the cameras, but otherwise, it was sort of a normal "accessory" for the members. Living on short sleep did that to people. Reina had ceased to use that little fact as a gauge for exhaustion levels, given how widespread it was. Eyebags or not, they still had to work.
"Reina, is there something on my face? Why are you staring?" Ai sounded just a little insecure, her free hand reaching up to tentatively touch the edges of her jawline. Reina mentally slapped herself for being so obvious, her face taking on a defensive cast as she retreated back into her shell a little, trying to take back control of the situation.
"It's nothing." The teen muttered brusquely, before letting loose an abrupt chuckle. "Taka---" At Ai's disapproving expression, Reina quickly reversed gears. An upset Takahashi might not be as terrifying as a pissed off Nakazawa, but it came horrifyingly close, just more subtly. "Ah, Ai-chan, we're all tired nowadays, nothing new."
"That's true." Ai gave ground, her hand falling away from her face to dangle loosely by her side. Reina watched without a word. They had somehow slowed to literal stop somewhere in their exchanges, pausing underneath the limited circle of light emitted by a flickering lamp post. Reina couldn't stop her curiosity any longer, so she shot off the question before the rest of her common sense caught up with her impatient tongue.
"Why did you come looking for me? I thought you would be leaving with Gaki-san at least." Reina knew that this probably the best place or time to say something like that, but since the words had already left her mouth, she refused to regret it. She watched with interest as Takahashi's face grow slightly darker at the mention of the name, her cheeks becoming slightly pinched as her forehead furrowed slightly. Clearly, the gut instinct that had driven Reina to ask the question had been somewhat spot on about the fact that something was bothering her leader. Equally foreseeable was the fact that the person most likely to distress Takahashi Ai was without a doubt one Niigaki Risa.
Reina briefly wondered what silly argument had occurred this time. Those two argued like an old married couple at times, although the frequency of those little spats had decreased in recent times, what with Gaki-san running off with Kamei half the time, and Takahashi seeking the company of some of the former Momusu members during her off time. Reina had eyes, albeit wonky ones, and she could use them just as well. Niigaki and Takahashi were comfortable with each other, but they weren't as close as they used to be. It was hard to put a finger down on what or where exactly the cracks were, but there was definitely some sort of an undefinable distance hovering between the current leader and sub-leader. Of course, it didn't bother Reina too much. It was none of her business after all.
"Gaki-san wanted to wait for Kamei-chan." Reina quirked an eyebrow, but didn't press further. She didn't have to, since Ai continued on.
"Well, after that Koharu came by and commented that you didn't look too good when you left, and then it started to rain..." Ai smiled faintly at the expression on Reina's face. "I know you hardly carry an umbrella around, and since Koharu mentioned it, I thought I should at least try to be a good leader and, you know, do something..." A sheepish expression came over Ai's face. "I don't suppose I'm doing a very good job of it right now, am I?"
Reina, meanwhile, was still trying to digest the fact that it was Koharu, of all people, who had expressed more concern for her general well-being. Sure, she hung out with her junior from time to time, probably deriving some perverse pleasure from the fact that she was definitely in control when with the younger girl. Reina felt more relaxed about letting her former yankii attitude leak out in front of the still impressionable Koharu, knowing that with the departure of a certain Fujimoto, she was the only true rebel left in Morning Musume, even if she didn't tend to show it as obviously on screen nowadays, unless horribly provoked by one thing or another. Koharu seemed to like that, but Reina definitely hadn't expected that Koharu would actually care about her. It was just...odd.
"You know, Reina, we do care." Ai stated just a little drily. At the cynical glance directed from Reina to her, Ai amended slightly. "More or less." Reina chuckled even as Ai continued. "Do you want to talk about it? I'm not Yossy, but I think I can listen if nothing else..."
Reina looked at her flatly in the face, her inner yankii deciding to flex its muscle again. "Somehow I think you're really not going to be able to help, since you're worse about it than I am." Reina looked dramatically and pointedly upwards. "And why the hell are we standing out here like a couple of idiots? I'm still wet and cold and I wanna go home." The last bit was said through gritted teeth. Reina knew it was unfair to unleash her own bad temper on a well-meaning Ai-chan, but she really didn't want people to pick at her sore spots when she didn't feel like talking about them.
"This is about Maki, isn't it?" Ai said quietly, so quietly that Reina thought she had heard wrongly over the incessant patter of raindrops. Regardless, the very mention of the name made Reina stiffen, her face setting into a dark scowl. She turned away from the understanding gaze, firmly setting her shoulder as a bulwark against that searching look. Oh, how she hated it when someone saw through her like a pane of glass. Was she that obvious? Or was it merely because....
"You've heard then?" Ai's voice never raised over that quiet timbre, so much that Reina, despite herself, strained as close as she could without being obvious about it to listen. What was the woman talking about...oh. Sensing that something more was going on, Reina cautiously met Ai's eyes, and was surprised to find her own turmoil reflected clearly in those luminous orbs. It couldn't be that...
"I thought it was just some stupid rumor..." Reina began warily, looking at Ai with a new light as her brain worked to process what little information she had. After all, the matter in question had never even been big enough to be publicized in any shape or form. It was a strictly inner circle thing, not even really known to the rest of the Project. And even among the Morning Musume members, only a select few knew anything concrete, and people like Reina only managed to grasp bits and pieces from what leftover conversational slips had revealed. It had just seemed too implausible at the time...
"It was stupid, yes, but hardly insubstantial." There was an unusually hard, bitter cast to those usually soft, doe-like eyes. An uncharacteristic smirk, strangely sad, worked its way onto Ai's face as she appeared to stare right through Reina's face. "I always did tend to get attached to all the wrong people."
"So, you..." Reina began again, trying to digest the implications. Ai's face softened slightly.
"No, nothing happened, if that's what you were thinking. I was confused, and it was a phase..." Ai shrugged nonchalantly, her eyes once again guarded. Her voice was ironic as she continued. "Not for lack of trying of course."
A nervous laugh escaped Reina's throat. The situation was feeling a little too surreal, and she felt like she was losing her grip on the whole exchange. That wasn't good at all. Taking in a quick breath, Reina set her shoulders and looked Ai squarely in the eye.
"And your point was?" The unspoken challenge was right there in the open. No one could possibly miss it. Ai gave her an unreadable sort of look.
"That you're luckier than I am, Reina. Kindness can be cruel. You're lucky because she already learned how to be cruel in order to be kind by the time you came into the picture." Ai smiled wryly to herself, but a kind of obscure pain clouded her eyes. Reina felt a sudden chill that had nothing to do with her shivering state as she put a few more things together in her head.
"But you and her...you guys seemed fine..." Reina tried to sort out that frustrating tangle of thought and emotion. On one hand, her own feelings about the situation were simple enough to understand, though hardly any easier to deal with. On the other, this new discovery was, well, unsettling. The fact that her idol had appeared to hurt Takahashi deeply on some level was somehow disturbing, if not shocking.
"It was a long time ago. We managed to clear things up." Ai replied just a little abruptly from her standards, shrugging her shoulders again. Her face was downcast, seeming preoccupied with Reina's rain-wet boots.
Reina felt like she was treading on thin ice when she spoke again. "But you're not ok, are you?"
Ai looked up at her sharply, and Reina actually took a half step backwards, hackles rising defensively. Neither of the girls seemed to realize that the rain was sputtering out around them, too caught up in their conversation to care at the moment. The tension actually appeared to light the air between them, as if a live wire had been superimposed into the limited distance separating their bodies.
It was Ai who broke the impasse first. "Probably not, but who ever is?" Her voice was now neutral, though the look in her eyes made Reina squirm in her boots.
Feeling marginally braver (and desperate to regain some semblance of dignity), Reina ventured tentatively, unaware that her own eyes had betrayed the deeply buried concerns reflected in the question.
"Will you ever be ok?"
Ai didn't answer immediately, but her next action made Reina let out a startled curse, jumping a little closer to her. The older woman had abruptly lowered the umbrella, closing it in one fluid motion. It took Reina a couple of moments to realize that it had stopped raining entirely.
"What the hell was that for?!" Reina jabbed Ai's shoulder on instinct, reverting back into her rough accent and glaring at the impassive woman who had just a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
"It stopped raining, so the umbrella wasn't necessary." Ai said meaningfully, giving Reina a sidelong look as she started to walk away. The younger former (or not?!) yankii snorted, scrambling to catch up without slipping on the slick street.
"You never answered my question!"
Ai smiled enigmatically. "Oh, but I did."
Reina growled, her eyebrows knitting together as she struggled to recall where exactly an answer could have been intimated. "Are you laughing at me?"
"Not particularly, no." Ai replied airily, as if nothing had happened. Reina resisted the urge to hit her leader again. It just wouldn't do to leave bruises after all.
"Quit being mysterious and just tell me, you big faker." Reina grumbled, rubbing vigorously at her arms in an effort to stimulate warmth, while casting a resentful glance at the still very dry and clearly not freezing Takahashi ahead of her.
"Thinking about it might keep you out of trouble." Reina might not have been able to see the grin on Ai's face, but she definitely felt it anyway. Her scowl grew deeper.
"I just know you're laughing at me."
Ai's smile was beatific. "If you know it, why are you asking?"
"This has something to do with that umbrella thing, isn't it?" Reina changed direction abruptly, trying to distract herself from pursuing murderous instincts and causing grievous bodily harm to the older girl.
"Maybe."
Reina stared malevolently at Ai's profile. "I wonder how Gaki-san puts up with you."
"You tell me." Ai seemed rather indifferent, her attention caught up elsewhere. Reina felt somehow ignored, and resented that deeply. On the bright side though, her present irritation with Takahashi was definitely doing a good job of dispelling her morose musings from previously.
"Takahashi, you absolutely impossible..." Reina began, her hands on her hips, but was cut short when Ai suddenly squealed out loud, holding her hands out, palms up as if in supplication to some unknown deity. The reason for it became apparent soon enough.
"First rain, now snow?" Reina blurted out, even as something wet plopped onto her shoulder.
"It's not really snow, not completely." Ai corrected absently. "It's mostly water with little frozen bits. I think its called a freezing drizzle or something."
Reina was about to make a snarky reply when a sneeze caught her off guard. She shivered again, feeling the piercing chill more acutely not, as if sensing the sharp shift downwards in temperature right through the skin. Ai half turned in her steps to look at her worriedly.
"Cold?" Reina gave her a flat stare that plainly said "well duh!". Ai looked slightly apologetic, and glanced around to gauge the distance to the station.
"Tell you what, I'll race you to the station. A good run should warm you up a bit." Ai's smile was completely innocent, but also utterly vicious from Reina's point of view. That was evil. Pure evil.
"You did want to catch the last train, right? We're running late~" Ai started sprinting off swiftly, leaving a very cross Reina trailing behind her and blistering the air with curses (under her breath of course). How could she be so bipolar and all-round abnormal?
Shaking her head, Reina picked up speed reluctantly, anxious to get out of the increasingly freezing outdoors. Looking upwards at the murky sky one more time, Reina briefly pondered the significance of Ai's answer to her question in relation to the sudden weather change. An ironic thought came unbidden to her, as she suddenly understood what Ai had been referring to earlier.
"What happens when rain turns to hail then?"
A rueful smirk. Some things just refused to go away.
At least, now I know that you know too.
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That was uber long. Hope everyone likes. XD
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alright...I never comment, but because I can -DIBS- so I can write a nice loooong comment of doom <3
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I know I've said this like, ten times already, but once again. Thanks! :w00t: Yeah, I can tell that ReinAi are hard to pair, but you did one hell of a job :D I :heart: it to death <333
It was just grimy, icy, and annoying. And wet. Cold and wet didn't mix well at all.
-looks outside window- Yup...pretty much what snow is like ever here.
Her already slight form seemed to shrink into the voluminous coat that surrounded her, the collar being pulled more securely upwards in some small, vain hope that the action would prevent excessive amounts of the wet stuff dribbling down her neck and running down her back. She absolutely hated it when that happened.
I hate it too D: I tend to get caught in that situation a lot, so I can feel for her XD Although I feel bad for her, I find it cute to think about <333
She did none of the sort though, at least, nothing rude. Not particularly anyway, at least by her standards. Mutely, she just jabbed a finger at the rain cascading in sheets all around them, before punctuating it with a curt one-word reply. "Rain."
"Yes I can see that." Ai replied in her typically blank tone. Reina resisted the urge to throttle the older woman when Ai went on. "I thought you left first, why are you still here?"
I'm SO going to draw that someday XD It's so cute to picture, yay for angry Reina <3333 even more yay for Aichan being evilly dry XD
Because I have short legs LIKE YOU and can't run for nuts. Besides, who the hell runs all the way from the building to the station unless there was some bloody emergency?! Irritated was just a minor understatement to use for describing Reina's inner self at the moment. But then again, there was always something to be irritated about with her, so it wasn't so uncommon. Reina also conveniently decided to forget that Ai could run much faster than her, since she didn't need any further aggravation. It wasn't like she was all that eager to make it to the front page of gossip magazines by inflicting physical violence on her leader.
-falls over laughing- that is so...Reina-y XDD I really love how you managed to capture her yankii side <3 you did a very good job, and me being the crazy fangirl I am, it makes me all :oops: and stuff ^^;;
The umbrella really wasn't that large, but then again the two girls weren't that big either. Nevertheless, the driving rain made it necessary for them to walk closely together, their shoulders touching. The initial stretch as they carefully picked their way across a slippery street was made in utter silence, save for the natural din occurring due to the rain around them. Reina shivered in her damp coat and pressed unconsciously closer against the older woman, her mittened hands wringing each other out as she wedged her elbows closer to her own tiny frame, desperate for some warmth that was currently unavailable to her.
AWW :B I'm such a sucker for crack :lol:
"How have you been doing?"
I'd so say something like that if I were in that situation XD
It was just that, considering their surroundings, wasn't it a little strange to be talking about this right now?
Just a little :lol:
Reina had ceased to use that little fact as a gauge for exhaustion levels, given how widespread it was. Eyebags or not, they still had to work.
Smart and amusing XD
"Reina, is there something on my face? Why are you staring?" Ai sounded just a little insecure, her free hand reaching up to tentatively touch the edges of her jawline.
Aww :B Reminds me of something I'd randomly put in a movie because I could.
"Gaki-san wanted to wait for Kamei-chan." Reina quirked an eyebrow, but didn't press further. She didn't have to, since Ai continued on.
Oh damn :O But...Always squeezing in TakaGaki XD can't blame you though
Reina looked at her flatly in the face, her inner yankii deciding to flex its muscle again. "Somehow I think you're really not going to be able to help, since you're worse about it than I am." Reina looked dramatically and pointedly upwards. "And why the hell are we standing out here like a couple of idiots? I'm still wet and cold and I wanna go home." The last bit was said through gritted teeth. Reina knew it was unfair to unleash her own bad temper on a well-meaning Ai-chan, but she really didn't want people to pick at her sore spots when she didn't feel like talking about them.
Even if she is my favorite, especially when she's yankii...>_< She's stubborn and well...yankii :lol: I just make perfect sense, don't I?
"This is about Maki, isn't it?"
Oh DAMN :O (but I also can't blame you for Reiki either XD)
Reina felt like she was treading on thin ice when she spoke again. "But you're not ok, are you?"
Ai looked up at her sharply, and Reina actually took a half step backwards, hackles rising defensively. Neither of the girls seemed to realize that the rain was sputtering out around them, too caught up in their conversation to care at the moment. The tension actually appeared to light the air between them, as if a live wire had been superimposed into the limited distance separating their bodies.
It was Ai who broke the impasse first. "Probably not, but who ever is?" Her voice was now neutral, though the look in her eyes made Reina squirm in her boots.
Feeling marginally braver (and desperate to regain some semblance of dignity), Reina ventured tentatively, unaware that her own eyes had betrayed the deeply buried concerns reflected in the question.
"Will you ever be ok?"
Aww :cry: But I do really like how you managed to link Maki into everything, because it's realistic that way. :) (But it's still pretty freaking sad >_< -sniffle-)
Ai didn't answer immediately, but her next action made Reina let out a startled curse, jumping a little closer to her. The older woman had abruptly lowered the umbrella, closing it in one fluid motion. It took Reina a couple of moments to realize that it had stopped raining entirely.
"What the hell was that for?!" Reina jabbed Ai's shoulder on instinct, reverting back into her rough accent and glaring at the impassive woman who had just a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
"It stopped raining, so the umbrella wasn't necessary." Ai said meaningfully, giving Reina a sidelong look as she started to walk away. The younger former (or not?!) yankii snorted, scrambling to catch up without slipping on the slick street.
XD;; They're so cute <3
"First rain, now snow?" Reina blurted out, even as something wet plopped onto her shoulder.
I knew you were going to make is snow. :lol:
"It's not really snow, not completely." Ai corrected absently. "It's mostly water with little frozen bits. I think its called a freezing drizzle or something."
Or not XD;;;
"Tell you what, I'll race you to the station. A good run should warm you up a bit." Ai's smile was completely innocent, but also utterly vicious from Reina's point of view. That was evil. Pure evil.
XD of course, she ends up doing what she wanted to avoid in the first place. hehe - Aichan IS evil :heart:
Sorry for taking forever, you distracted me with BoA XD (not that I minded)
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awsome story, really well written... and with a different pair of characters, now! there's still Ai-chan, but with the presence of reina... they match well although they look really different... and in this story they have something in common, I guess: maki...
looking forward to your other projects! :)
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Yay another one of your fics..
it raly has been too long since you've posted one. :cry:
well it's not TakaGaki but still ...mysterious and playfull Ai-Chan and angry yanki Reina is absolute win...
the mention of TakaTo/GoHashi/AiMaki was :heart:.. always thought there should be a fic about them when i read about Ai-chan crying after she heard Gocchin was going to leave H!P...
anyway waiting for the next one :ding:
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Ah.. I rushed here immediately after I saw the question you left me on MSN.
"Are you alive?" doesn't usually mean "Hey, I just wrote a new fic," but.. gut feelings work.
Anyway, the fic, the fic!
BAKAHASHI TO THE RESCUE.
Well, not really rescue, as she did manage to stir in more confusion and made Reina more irritated than she had been before Takahashi showed up. lol.
Because I have short legs LIKE YOU...
So much win that I actually LOL'd in front of my computer.
How could she be so bipolar and all-round abnormal?
And so adorably sexy, and delicious, and just omg wanna bear hug Bakahashi cute!!!!!!
HOW DO YOU DO IT, AI-CHAN! ;_;
Thank you, Esty.
I loved the story and enjoyed it so much.
No, it may not be my poison of choice(lol!), but still, awesome work done, as always.
Thanks again. ^_^
And don't you dare blame the RnK AIGAKI on me!!!
It's for the good of the world, trust me. (lol)
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2) I hate AA with a passion. No, seriously.
:OMG:
Mostly because I realized I screwed up characterization in the beginning and want to stab myself for it. Currently I'm trying to salvage what I can. XDDD Which accounts for the hiatus, partially.
Really? You mean like, in terms of their personalities? I quite liked the way you had them, personally. A bit OOC but still believable.
When AA is done (eventually), there will be a sequel. Yes, you heard me. S-E-Q-U-E-L.
Ooooooooooooooo...:)
Reina was not pleased. It was late at night, she was cold, and she was caught out in bad weather without any decent protection. Her heavy coat might ward off the biting chill of a Tokyo winter night, but not when it was soaked through with the icy drizzle that was rapidly escalating into a blinding downpour from out of nowhere.
I've been through that. Makes me grateful that I can drive myself around now instead of having to walk outside and wait for buses.
Still, if the rain did not let up soon, she probably had to make a run for it anyway. It was getting close to midnight, and she definitely didn't want to miss the last train and get stranded out here, all wet and cold and shivering. While calling a cab might be marginally feasible, she shuddered at the projected cost.
Well, if she called a cab to just take her to the train station, the cost probably wouldn't be that bad.
She might be an idol, but wasting money on something other than food and clothes (the only things worth spending on in her opinion) was anathema to her.
That might be so, but sometimes you just have to be practical/realistic about your situation and the choices that are available (or more importantly, the ones that are NOT available) to you.
"...Reina? Is that you?" Reina blinked, her perpetually wonky eyes twisting together,
...
The voice and general physique of the person instantly gave it away anyway. There were only so many people who were at eye level with her in Morning Musume after all.
"Takahashi?" Reina blurted out instinctively, sounding a bit gruff due to her bad mood at being caught out in such bad weather.
And of course, Aichan's somehow 11better prepared for the crappy weather, right?
"What are you doing here?" Reina resisted to roll her eyes and snipe back bitterly with some snarky comeback.
...
Mutely, she just jabbed a finger at the rain cascading in sheets all around them, before punctuating it with a curt one-word reply. "Rain."
/me pictures this part in his head.
...
:lol:
The umbrella really wasn't that large, but then again the two girls weren't that big either. Nevertheless, the driving rain made it necessary for them to walk closely together, their shoulders touching. The initial stretch as they carefully picked their way across a slippery street was made in utter silence, save for the natural din occurring due to the rain around them. Reina shivered in her damp coat and pressed unconsciously closer against the older woman, her mittened hands wringing each other out as she wedged her elbows closer to her own tiny frame, desperate for some warmth that was currently unavailable to her.
Oooo...:shy:
Reina wasn't above 'borrowing' from Ai's quite extensive music collection that had nothing but range to commend it. Everything from the expected (Takarazuka stuff), to the normal (other assorted Japanese singers), to the downright random (lots of Western pop music, and then there was that suspicious heavy metal album lurking behind a shelf...).
Heavy metal? Aichan? This I'd like to see. :grin:
Takahashi actually looked tired, and more importantly, strained.
That was new. The older woman was usually the picture of professionalism. Even when goofing off backstage with those close to her, she very rarely let any signs of her own problems pop up significantly enough to bother other people. She was unusually focused on whatever she had to do, and Reina grudgingly admitted that Takahashi was far more serious about work than the rest of them were. Granted, they were off work now, but it was simply strange to see her showing actual signs of exhaustion.
Makes you wonder if any of them had ever wondered or asked Aichan about how she was dealing with her new leader role. She's probably kept all of it to herself, bearing the burden all alone.
Koharu came by and commented that you didn't look too good when you left, and then it started to rain..." Ai smiled faintly at the expression on Reina's face. "I know you hardly carry an umbrella around, and since Koharu mentioned it, I thought I should at least try to be a good leader and, you know, do something..." A sheepish expression came over Ai's face. "I don't suppose I'm doing a very good job of it right now, am I?
If Aichan wasn't doing a good job, then she wouldn't have come looking for Reina; she wouldn't be standing with her in the snow.
I'd say Aichan's doing better than she (and like the others) gives herself credit for.
"This is about Maki, isn't it?" Ai said quietly,
It's not easy when you lose the person you idolize (this is, of course, assuming that this is keeping in time with current, real-life events).
"You've heard then?" Ai's voice never raised over that quiet timbre, so much that Reina, despite herself, strained as close as she could without being obvious about it to listen. What was the woman talking about...oh. Sensing that something more was going on, Reina cautiously met Ai's eyes, and was surprised to find her own turmoil reflected clearly in those luminous orbs. It couldn't be that...
"I thought it was just some stupid rumor..." Reina began warily, looking at Ai with a new light as her brain worked to process what little information she had. After all, the matter in question had never even been big enough to be publicized in any shape or form. It was a strictly inner circle thing, not even really known to the rest of the Project. And even among the Morning Musume members, only a select few knew anything concrete, and people like Reina only managed to grasp bits and pieces from what leftover conversational slips had revealed. It had just seemed too implausible at the time...
"It was stupid, yes, but hardly insubstantial."
...
"No, nothing happened, if that's what you were thinking. I was confused, and it was a phase..." Ai shrugged nonchalantly, her eyes once again guarded. Her voice was ironic as she continued. "Not for lack of trying of course."
Oooooooooooooooooooooooooh my. :shocked:
Aichan had a thing for Maki??? :dizzy:
...
I mean...:drool:
"It was a long time ago. We managed to clear things up." Ai replied just a little abruptly from her standards, shrugging her shoulders again. Her face was downcast, seeming preoccupied with Reina's rain-wet boots.
Reina felt like she was treading on thin ice when she spoke again. "But you're not ok, are you?"
...
"Probably not, but who ever is?" Her voice was now neutral, though the look in her eyes made Reina squirm in her boots.
Oooooooooooooooooooooooooh...Maki didn't feel the same way about Aichan, did she?
*EDING PART*
Well...that was just...random. :?
And yet, it's an absolutely awesome dynamic that you've given the two of them. :thumbsup
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It was cold. Of course, it was winter, so cold was definitely a given. Not that she was used to cold winters, even though Tokyo did have relatively mild ones. Fukuoka never got that cold.
REINAA~ :D
The person she addressed stepped closer, well-armed with an umbrella and much drier than Reina herself currently was. Ai's face was not particularly pleased at being addressed so curtly, and especially not by her family name, Reina remembered belatedly after her slip of the tongue. Mentally, the wonky teen shrugged. Big deal, the leader could live with it.
Careful Reina, don't want to activate Troll!Aichan XD
Because I have short legs LIKE YOU and can't run for nuts. Besides, who the hell runs all the way from the building to the station unless there was some bloody emergency?!
Reina cursing things in almost a British-way... XD
It wasn't like she was all that eager to make it to the front page of gossip magazines by inflicting physical violence on her leader.
Reina will be the one ass-kicked by Vocal Group Aichan...
"I can walk you to the station. That's where you're going, right?" Reina blinked again at Ai, clearly a bit surprised by the offer...or perhaps, not so surprised.
How manly! XD
Not that the dark circles under her eyes weren't a dead enough giveaway.
Pandas...
"Reina, is there something on my face? Why are you staring?"
"Just noticing how hawt j00 look <3" XD
what with Gaki-san running off with Kamei half the time, and Takahashi seeking the company of some of the former Momusu members during her off time.
Aichan can stay with Reina :D
Koharu seemed to like that, but Reina definitely hadn't expected that Koharu would actually care about her. It was just...odd.
Master/Slave relationship? XD
"This is about Maki, isn't it?"
:cry:
Reina stared malevolently at Ai's profile. "I wonder how Gaki-san puts up with you."
With love, with loooveee. :D
Pure evil.
Poor Reina. XD
That was uber long. Hope everyone likes.
Me likes :heart: I think I can handle a longer one :D
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:w00t: :w00t: :w00t:
Reina/Ai fic!!!! I know this is a hard couple to write and I love you for doing it xD Great fic, even with that tint of angst. I love how you portrayed them too, pretty much like I imagine them but more exaggerated xD
I really hope there's more to come :mon cute:
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Ah that was a really good read as usual. I keep forgetting if I've commented or not (yes this is my second time reading it)...I'm usually left speechless after reading something really enjoyable (after fanfic brain aka like after movie brain). but yeah I love Reina's character in this. After seeing a picture of Reina wearing Grumpy Bear pajamas, I've always come to the conclusion that Reina and grumpy bear are very much alike XD Weird comparison? hehe maybe...but they are both so adorable in my mind. So yeah through out the story I kept picturing Reina as grumpy / a wet cat came to mind too! That was fun to imagine...well until it got kind of sad and serious with Ai chan talking about Maki. At first I thought this would be about how Maki quit the project but then I was pleasantly surprised to find that out that it was about something else too. I like how your stories have this unpredictability to it. I also liked the weather references too! Very smart =D Glad Reina finally seemed to catch on at the end XD so yankee, so lovable!
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I have too much stuff swirling around in my brain right now. It's mostly your good English XD
Well, well. Ai and Maki. Who would ever guess? I read about her supposedly rushing back from Korea upon hearing the news. But it was never confirmed was it?
And AiReina. These 2 never seemed to hit it off that well. To me anyway. But your writing was convincing. They kinda "connected" in it. Anything you write I relish so even if it's not centred around my top 2 couplings, I still love em. Keep writing girl :P
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Wow, I certainly have been gone a good long time from this place. Heh.
Been busy in a new place, but yeah, figured that I should poke my head in here to show that I didn't suddenly drop off the face of the earth. :P
Did anyone miss me? XD
And yes, I come with fic. XD
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One Half of my Heart
"Gaki-san!" A familiar voice called out to her from behind.
Ignoring the instinctive urge to stop and turn to acknowledge the call, said Niigaki Risa set her shoulders stubbornly and stomped briskly over to the elevator. If she could get into it fast enough, she wouldn't have to deal with her. At least, not on a personal level, for the next few hours.
"Gaki-san! Wait!" A tinge of exasperation entering that voice now, bordering on irritation. Risa walked more quickly, now only a few meters away from the relative sanctuary of the elevator. Behind her the footsteps following her quickened, not quite running but definitely moving at a rapid pace, and almost gaining on her.
Biting her lip, Risa wasn't sure if she wanted to talk to that person right now, even though a part of her wanted to stop and ask the multitude of questions that had been burning within her since the previous day. To just find out the why, what and how of the situation, give her the chance to explain herself, clear things up...
The problem was just whether Risa wanted to listen at all. She was sick and tired of chasing that loose thread of yarn dangled her way, always just out of reach and leading her on to chase, trip, and fall flat on her face, in that order. And then getting up to chase it some more. Rinse and repeat.
Frankly speaking, it was getting extremely exhausting. There were limits to her patience too, no matter how much she lo-liked her Ai-chan.
Screeching to an abrupt halt at the lobby, Risa jabbed impatiently at the call button, and was rewarded with a 'ding' as those accursed doors opened too darn slowly for her liking today. Scooting in the moment the gap was wide enough, she half-whirled around to access the elevator panel, attacking it with an almost frenzied desperation to get the doors to close again.
Unfortunately for her, by nature of design, the doors had to open fully, wait a moment, before responding to any attempts to get them to close again. Thus it was with a mixture of frustration and dread as she got a very good view of one very ticked off Takahashi Ai striding over like the wrath of god was upon her.
Normally, the sight of Ai-chan being pissed off, especially at her, was something that made Risa feel uncomfortable and even just a little frightened. This time, however, a kind of righteous indignation welled up in the normally even-tempered 5th generation member, her jaw working soundlessly as her molars ground together, and her fist clenched tightly in on itself.
Yet, despite her indignation, she found herself unable to look in the face of that anger for long, her eyes averting instinctively downwards, allowing her fringe to fall forward to shade most of her face from scrutiny, the only evidence of her own displeasure being that aura of high tension evident through her rigid muscles, and the unconscious frown that she had been wearing the whole day ever since she woke up...or well, since the night before, since she sure as hell didn't get a good night's sleep at all.
As the doors of the elevator thankfully began its painfully slow move to cut off that laser-like glare coming from her tiny best friend, Risa leaned her head against the wall of the elevator, letting her body sag slightly to rest against the same wall, eyes half closing as her lips whispered a silent prayer or evocation, she wasn't sure. Mostly, she was just hoping that Ai didn't catch up with her immediately, but yet...
She wasn't sure if she minded being caught.
Just...I don't want to deal with an argument...not right now... Withdrawing her hand from the elevator panel, she pressed the heel to the center of her forehead, rubbing in a vaguely circular headache to forestall the impending headache she could just sense waiting to pounce on her. The mostly mute protests of her brain simply made an annoying buzz within her mind, discomfiting vibrations that threatened to crack her skull apart. No, she was definitely not up for confrontations of any kind right now.
Just as she was thinking that she would be safe from the predations of her erstwhile best friend (for now, her mind corrected wryly), a blur rocketed through the narrowing gap between the closing doors, plowing straight into her from the sheer momentum of the movement. Reflexively, Risa caught the person who had so unceremoniously slammed into her, even as her own shoulder was slammed into the wall from the motion, making her wince as she stumbled back into far corner of the elevator, the weight of the slight figure in her arms having caught her off balance to begin with.
"Ow..." Both girls moaned in unison, as if on some unseen cue. Risa blinked at the person she was holding. Oh, crap.
Despite herself though, the first thing that escaped her lips completely instinctive.
"Are you alright? Are you hurt?"
It was just...right, somehow. To ask that, even though, Risa reminded herself, she was upset with Ai for a very good reason. No matter how angry she was or still is, she still cared deeply for the older woman, and perhaps it was the depth of which she cared that caused the hurt to go still deeper this time.
That's right, I'm supposed to be angry. Angry. Not nice. ANGRY. She reminded herself quite sternly, and ignoring her own instincts this time, gently but firmly removed Ai's hands from her shoulders and pushed away from the older girl, shifting sideways along the back wall of the confined space of the elevator to put some distance between them. Her eyes remained firmly averted from Ai's face, knowing that her resolve might crumble if she looked too long into those eyes.
Yet, even without looking, she could sense the raw tear and gash of rejection hovering between them at the artificial creation of distance. She didn't need to look at Ai to feel the betrayal emanating from the other woman, as if the very act of moving away was some great sin in itself.
Shrinking in slightly on herself, Risa turned her shoulder away from the other occupant of the little metal cage they were within, using her back as a shield against that penetrating gaze that was even now boring holes into the area between her shoulder blades.
The atmosphere, to put it lightly, was suffocating. Never had a ride from the first to the fifth floor ever felt so long. It was as if her perception of time had somehow ground to a near halt, leaving her hyperaware of every motion and sound in the vicinity. She even fancied that she could hear not only her own breathing, but the sound of Ai's as well.
So...even...controlled... Risa remembered how Ai always fell back on breathing exercises to regulate her own emotions and to keep her composure. The fact that she remembered this didn't really sit well with her. If Ai had to do that, did that not mean that she was struggling to keep her emotions in check? Risa had a sudden sense of foreboding, and her eyes flicked nervously up to glance at the indicator. 3rd floor...god...too slow...
If she couldn't wait to get into the elevator earlier, she certainly couldn't wait to get off it now. Outwardly, she maintained her stony silence, not wanting to betray her own unease by speaking or making any other movements. The ominous silence of the equally mute Ai behind her chilled her, since she was sure that Ai did have something to say to her, and each passing moment only served to heighten the sick feeling boiling in the recesses of her throat.
"Where were you yesterday?" The question came all too calmly, too evenly, too ordinary, in the way it was delivered. Yet, it was also completely flat in tone, displeasure clearly tainting the words, but restrained in anger, as if Ai was giving Risa a chance to explain herself before turning on the flames. The words cut through the thick layer of tension blanketing the pair, allowing Risa to breathe again, even as her chest tightened painfully, her own anger remembered more vividly now.
Seeing that Risa didn't answer immediately, Ai went on.
"I waited for you, but you never showed up. And I couldn't get to you on your phone. What happened, Gaki-san?"
The barest hint of exasperation, tinged with resignation and laced with rebuke and an acute sense of disappointment. That was how Ai always got to her, Risa reflected in a strangely detached way, as if her consciousness was splitting three ways: her anger, her instinctive urge to apologize, and the "her" beyond those two. That voice, so effective an instrument on stage, could be just as deadly in conveying displeasure in everyday speech. The younger girl didn't even have to turn around to see it, the voice alone did well enough to indicate what Ai meant.
Yet, those seemingly reasonable words only served to feed that icy rage gathering within the younger, the accusatory recrimination implicit in Ai's question evoking an automatic defensive reaction from Risa, who believed herself to be the injured party in this case. Her response, when it did come, was uncharacteristically snippy, bordering on a raw, raspy vituperation she rarely, if ever, displayed.
"I could ask the same of you, Ai-chan." Coldly, bitterly, injured and lashing out. It was not pleased, did not have reason to be pleased, and did not expect to please. Even then, Risa could not find any satisfaction at the mild wave of shock she felt coming from Ai, experiencing neither pleasure nor vindication at the success of her counter. Her mind could not stop replaying what she saw before, of where Ai had been after missing their date entirely, near the end of the day...
The rush of bodies moving in a barely synchronized mass, shifting and snaking in an undefined manner across platforms and in and out of the station, heading for their respective destinations. Blending into this sea of humanity was not too difficult, especially when one was of average height, well, less than average height.
The random babble of her companion was a pleasant distraction, and she listened a bit half-heartedly, slightly cheered that the turtle girl was taking the trouble to keep her company and attempt to entertain her, but her mind, and more importantly, her heart, was elsewhere.
Currently wondering why her best friend stood her up on their...date? Was it a date? Perhaps. It certainly was important to her. She cherished their time together, now that it was even rarer as their schedules mysteriously (or not) filled up with all sorts of activities. She missed simply hanging out with her best friend, rambling about completely divergent topics and just keeping in contact, physical or otherwise. It was reassuring, somehow.
She had tried calling her earlier, while still waiting at the meeting place, but all she got was a busy line. She would have tried again, but her cellphone battery spontanenously decided to die on her then, leaving her effectively cut off. Had Kame not come along not long after and offered to keep her company, Risa was not sure if she would really have just stood there the entire day to wait for Ai-chan to show up.
She might have, because she was just that pathetic.
Boredly scanning the windows of the next train that had just pulled in (causing that fresh deluge of human population onto the platform earlier), Risa's thoughts were still effectively on her Ai-chan when she saw it. Or rather, them.
Risa had always prided herself on having good eyes, so there was no denying it. Especially since it was Ai-chan. She would still have recognized her even in the dark of the night while wearing shades. The train wasn't all that packed either, so she had a direct line of vision to see it. There was no doubt about it.
Involuntarily, her grip on her bag tightened ever so slightly, her eyebrows knitting together into a scowl under the cover of the peak of her cap, pulled low over her face as some kind of partial disguise while going out. Her jaw snapped shut, teeth clenching together almost painfully as she registered the sight before her.
You didn't come...because you were with Sayu? Her heart thumped hard against her chest, once, twice, heavily and wrenching deep within, as if someone had stuck a knife in and dug around in there for a bit. It was not a pleasant feeling.
An acute sense of something akin to betrayal welled up in her, and it left a bitterly sour taste in her mouth. It probably didn't help that Ai was leaning on Michishige, apparently having dozed off some time prior. Definitely not helping that that damnable ichiban kawaii demon was looking so adoringly at the sleeping girl lying half on her, and Risa found herself almost shaking with rage palpable as one Michishige Sayumi tenderly brushed aside a lock of hair from Ai's sleeping face, placing a soft kiss on the unaware Ai's cheek...
The train started moving again with a jerk, pulling Risa back to her senses as it roared away out of the station, but the image remained burned in like an indelible mark on her visual memory, edged in flaming detail and resounding with an acute pain aching somewhere deep within her soul, of betrayal, abandonment and loss.
"Are you alright, Gaki-san?" The turtle, as always, was just so nice. So...reliably there.
"I'm...just...fine..." A bit strained, perhaps, but she made some effort to smile at her dork of a friend, and was rewarded with a blinding grin and a comforting hand on her arm. Smiling wanly to herself, Risa looked down at her feet, falling as silent prey to her thoughts.
At least...goofy friends like Kame won't ever break your heart...
"I don't know what you mean. You never showed up at the meeting place, and I waited for you!" Ai was on the defensive now, having moved closer, close enough that Risa could feel the familiar heat between them whenever they were this close together. For whatever reason, they still did not face each other, Risa not wanting or daring to turn around for fear that her own reaction would have been too extreme, while Ai wasn't even sure why she didn't approach Gaki-san face on either. The pair were caught in a tangled web far more complex that either of them had ever envisioned, and were too occupied with their own private issues to even notice that they were thus entrapped.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Risa replied shortly, her own defensive barrier having snapped into place and was thus automatically rejecting anything that seemed even to remotely challenge her position that she was right to be upset. Never mind that this was Ai-chan, the person she would willingly do almost anything for. Not even for her...or simply because of her this time, Risa could not, would not, back down.
Not when you've already hurt me this much...no more, this is the last time... So her bitterness was telling her, even though a softer part of her begged for reconciliation, to forgive and forget like she always did, to hear the sometimes nonsensical explanations and give in to whatever she said anyway. Because this was Ai-chan, because that girl, that woman, was special to her and nothing could ever compare.
"Gaki-san, I never saw you. Are you sure you were in the right place?" Ai was not giving up, but then again, she had not counted on the mountain she had to scale in order to even crack her Gaki-san's resolve this time. Risa watched the indicator agonizingly jump to 5, the little 'ding' indicating that they had reached their stop.
"I went exactly where your message said to. If anything went wrong, it was with you, not me." Risa said flatly, her voice trembling ever so slightly with the volcanic anger ready to erupt underneath that seemingly composed facade. Her words came out harsher than she liked as a result, but it was too late to retract them anyhow.
She did not turn around to see Ai recoil visibly from the shock of the backlash, did not want to see, did not want to care, because it was too painful to look at someone who kept leaving her behind instead of being with her, advancing together as a unit.
What happened to us? Now it's just you and me, separate and not whole together.
Never say that I left you behind, Ai-chan. Because you upped and left me first.
The doors slid open far more quickly than it seemed to before, and Risa took that first step out, not quite hastily, more than heavily, and never once looking back. If anyone deserved that, Ai did, just this once. That was what Risa believed, even though it still pained her to take that step. Nevertheless, her own anger burned away all doubt, and was only reinforced by the nearly incriminating silence raging behind her.
Because, this time, Risa had finally had enough.
I can't play this game with you anymore.
========================================
Lalalala~
-melts back into shadows-
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What happened to us? Now it's just you and me, separate and not whole together.
Never say that I left you behind, Ai-chan. Because you upped and left me first.
It's sooo sad :OMG: Poor Gaki-chan...
But anyway I love your fics :wub: Coz in most of them Ai-chan appears :luvluv1: :luvluv1: and your style of writing is also great :kneelbow:
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With...Sayu??? :O
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Well, Sayu's not exactly a surprise, she did get friendly with Ai in the concerts :lol:
But this story... So sad! I was really hoping they would forgive each other in the end, but... The ending was still very good, as all your stories are! :grin:
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WAAAAAAAA! :gyaaah:
This story was amazing! So angsty but so intriguing....
I, too, am a huge fan of your work. You portray Ai-chan beautifully.:farofflook:
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ESTREAESTREAESTREAYOU'REBAAAAACCKKKKK! With more TakaGaki yays(:
Lol Ai-chan can be sooo clueless sometimes, poor Gaki.
At least...goofy friends like Kame won't ever break your heart...
*sobs*
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Ai chan so clueless :(, Gaki san so angry :cry:, and sayu so adorably evil :oops: that's a great mix. The heaviness of the story left me all :cry: it was really something! :wub:
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*barges in*
News of my demise have been greatly exaggerated!
Sorry, I just felt like saying that. XD
Yay more random one-shot-ness. XD
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All in the Wrist
"So it's a bit like this..." Ai demonstrated the move smoothly, her body moving subtly and sinuously, but not too obviously because they were, after all, in a narrow corridor backstage and that really didn't give her much room. Talk about last minute tips before the actual performance.
Junjun and Linlin had serious expressions on as they watched their tiny leader closely, trying to get the last minute lesson into their heads, even as they mirrored her actions, or tried to, trying to grasp the essence of the steps. The apparently easiest to master of all the Morning Musume choreography, Sexy Boy...
I never knew it could be so technical... Linlin thought with widened eyes as Ai patiently showed them how to move their hands to that distinctive section during the chorus. Both the Chinese girls had learned the dance before, naturally, during their crash course of mastering the entire choreography (more or less) of the group they were now part of. But it was one thing to learn the choreography, it was quite another thing to perfect it. As one Takahashi Ai was apparently trying to.
"How to put it...it really is like this.." Ai frowned as she concentrated on her reflection in the mirror, her forehead creasing as her hands moved to the familiar "ue ue" part. Mostly to herself, she mumbled. "No, not like this...more like..." She did it again. It looked identical to the first time she did it. There were some tiny variations however, so subtle that if you blink, you'd miss it. The nuances were very...fine.
Junjun and Linlin, if they had any opinions, kept it to themselves and mimicked the moves, slightly bewildered looks on their faces. It looked more or less the same to them, but the focus that their leader obviously put even on something so simple had a direct effect on them as well. It was hard not to feel compelled to polish everything to perfection when Ai was putting so much effort into just that one move in one song.
Linlin couldn't help but keep glancing over to Ai even as her hands moved as instructed by that quiet, unassuming voice. There was something remarkable about that young woman. It was one thing to do the dance well, but to try and fix it down to the very basics with the nuances of each move...Linlin hadn't quite expected that. Of course, with the amount of material that she had had to memorize in the previous months, just getting it right was good enough. Making it the epitome of perfection hadn't been on the cards...until now.
If there was anything the current Morning Musume leader definitely was, she was a perfectionist. Punctual to a fault, serious to the point of being scary when working, but yet she felt so...normal when the spotlights went off. Takahashi Ai was a regular girl, just as she herself was, Linlin mused. It was just difficult to make the mental switch when Ai went from her professional behavior to her relaxed one.
There was no doubt that Leader had high standards for herself, and by extension to the rest of them, but she didn't try to enforce (read: push and shove) it down on the others, though there was no mistaking the subtle undercurrent that belied her expectations, and the rest, consciously or not, took their cue from that. It helped that Ai always took time to guide them when she felt that they needed it, but never in a pushy manner. She merely tried her best to explain and demonstrate, setting herself as the best example she could be so that they could follow. Granted, sometimes they just didn't get her logic, but it ended up more as a case of "monkey see, monkey do" when it ended up with Ai.
Perennially bad at self-expression through speech, but the way she moved...Linlin saw the dedication, the focus, the intensity, and felt inspired by that. There might be a gap in translation when they spoke, whether it be hers or Junjun's still-not-completely-perfect Japanese or simply Ai's unusual way of speaking, but there was no mistaking movement. Any trouble they had understanding each other was erased by the age old method of communication: body language.
"So that's pretty much it." Ai said, her face breaking into that half-serious, half-silly grin that Junjun returned with a smile of her own, and Linlin followed half a beat later. Someone called out to Ai, and the leader nodded quickly to them before jogging off to answer the summons. The two Chinese girls looked at each other, reverting easily to their native language.
"That was...strange." Junjun admitted, her hands moving again as she glanced into the mirror. "Sexy ue ue..." The taller of the two mumbled as her hands moved again.
"Hmm..." Linlin did it as well. She frowned.
"It's not so much in the wrist as it is in the joints between finger and palm, right?" She asked her older companion for confirmation, her hands slowly drawing that tiny circle and pointing up again in that move. Junjun nodded, forehead creased again.
"Um...the instructor used bigger moves...Leader made it more...focused?" They looked at each other.
"I don't know anymore..." Linlin confessed. Junjun resisted the urge to scratch at her head.
"She makes it look so easy though..." The taller muttered. Linlin sighed.
"We'll figure it out someday..."
==================================
Taken straight from the H!P Winter 2008 backstage. I was captivated by how Aichan was so serious over just that one move, so I wrote this. Yup. I am her number one fan after all. XDDDD
*lurks again*
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Aichan left Jun and Lin confused :lol:
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LOL.. i remember that moment.
When i saw it , she realy did look very serious while explaining to them the moves, and the pandas looked very confused :roll:.
but anyways .. nice to see you post in here ...^^
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ESSIE!!! :inlove:
Taken straight from the H!P Winter 2008 backstage.
In other words... this?
(http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/7255/aichanjunlinueuedw2.gif) :P
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Yeah, the scene was really funny... And it's interesting to see it turned into a fic! It makes the panda's confusion and leader's lessons even more amusing! :grin:
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More one-shot-ness. Set in the time when they were preparing for Resonant Blue.
Hehe. >D
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The Difference Between Us
Reina was of the opinion that she was a normal person, bar the idol status. In fact, most of the Musume were in reality, incredibly ordinary people who happened to be in the industry.
Ok, so maybe Eri was a bit weird. But not that much. Turtle-chan was mostly just a bit goofy and prone to zoning out, but putting that aside, she was pretty average.
And so maybe Sayu might also be a little less than normal with her evil streak running a mile wide, but the devil rabbit was more mischievous than genuinely anarchic.
Alright, so Koharu was hyperactive and spazzy, but Reina blamed that on the perpetual self-induced sugar high that the younger adolescent would eventually grow out of. Eventually. Hopefully.
And then there was 8th gen. Aika was an alright person, really. Just too polite and too formal, too frightened about giving offense to her senpais. In time, that should fade, Reina believed that. There were already signs that Mittsi was coming out of her shell. It was only a matter of time.
As for the Chinese girls, Reina could not find any more words to replace the terms "normal" and "ordinary". So what if Junjun had a banana fetish? Reina was mildly addicted to chocolate herself, as were half the girls in the group, so they dismissed it as "perfectly alright". Besides, Junjun wasn't the only one with a weakness for food. Reina had to look no further than former 5th gen'er Konno. That girl would not stop eating. At least Junjun never took it to those extremes.
And that brought her back to 5th gen, the current leader and subleader of the group. Gaki-san was just way too nice sometimes, but Reina could accept that. Better than way too evil like one former subleader used to be. And then again, both of those aforementioned got along well (for entirely different reasons!) with one Kamei Eri, and that meant that they couldn't be all that bad. Everybody loved Eri though, so maybe that was a moot point. Nevertheless, Gaki-san did well with the kids in the group (by kids she meant Koharu and Aika), and had somehow assumed the role of fussy nanny/mother/caretaker etc etc. Normal person really, just with more responsibility on her shoulders.
Reina wasn't looking forward to having to coddle kids if and when she inherited any of the leading positions. Hanging out with the H!P Kids was one thing, taking responsibility was quite another! Not that Reina was an irresponsible person. She just preferred to be a free spirit and not be the focus of problems.
Which brought her to the leader. Now, Reina wasn't entirely sure if Ai-chan even qualified as "normal" even remotely. And she had seen fairly abnormal people over the years while being in Morning Musume. Iida-san had been weird, but she supposed that if the "communicating" former leader could somehow settle enough to get pregnant, marry, and have a baby, obviously she couldn't be an alien. Some of the other senpais had had interesting quirks here and there, but underneath it all was pure normality. They were all normal girls, with ordinary thoughts and desires and fears.
Then along came Ai-chan. Oh, the current leader had very ordinary, girly fears like the rest of them. Haunted houses were the bane of her life, as Reina could personally testify (the former yankii still resented Junjun's near-total immunity to horror houses), and the last time they screeched in unintended harmony at the unexpected appearance of a cockroach in the dressing room (high pitched shrieks + manly scream = harmony?!) proved that, at least on the "fears" side, Ai-chan had very normal phobias. The reactions might have been a tad different, since Reina could not comprehend how the woman could scream like a guy, but still, marginally normal.
It was when one looked closer that one could feel that something was off about Ai. She was too quiet, sometimes, always reading and thinking about things that the rest of them didn't bother about. Of course, that probably just made her different, but then again Reina figured that on some level, she could sort of get what Ai-chan was about. There was no mistaking the burning need to be the best, to do her best, in the other girl. Reina could understand that. Ambition wasn't foreign to her, although perhaps never in the same intensity as she saw in Ai. The current leader was relentless in practice, determined to do everything perfectly. Reina was dedicated, but never as fervently devoted as Ai was.
So, why did Reina feel that Ai-chan was strange? Call it a gut instinct, but Reina just couldn't get a good reading on Ai. Almost 5 years of being in the same group together, and she could never tell what the older girl was thinking. Well, it wasn't like she expended a lot of effort trying to read anyone's mind, but there were just some things one could learn to expect from the others after some time. Sure, Ai was famous for her Takarazuka obsession, her Fukui accent, her (remarkably) manly screams...but then what? What went on inside her head?
Reina didn't let it bother her before, probably because she had better things to do with her time than try to psychoanalyze people. It just wasn't her thing. She'd leave that to the perceptive people. Wonky eye or not, Reina knew her own limitations. She wasn't built right to be all empathetic and stuff. She could try and understand, but she didn't do pity. She just wanted to deal with stuff and move on. No use dragging her heels over any one thing.
But with the sudden frequency of being thrown together to do duets and stuff, not to mention all the shared leads in songs (Reina totally blamed Miki for this, not that she minded having more lines though), Reina found herself having to spend more time with someone she merely knew of, but in reality knew nothing about.
Technically, it shouldn't have bothered her. Their voices went well enough together. That was really the crux of their working relationship. As long as their voices meshed, everything would be fine. Ai wasn't a lousy singing partner, far from it. Reina found that she ended up learning quite a few things in working more closely with the leader, and Ai was hardly reluctant to help her whenever she had any problems figuring out what key to pitch her voice to so that they would harmonize properly. Tsunku had been pleased by their vocal partnership, in any case, so all in all it was a good thing.
But singing together wasn't just limited to studio work. It carried over to live performances in concerts as well, and that was when Reina just knew that it wasn't only just a matter of making their voices sound good together. They had to perform as a unit. That much had been drilled into her since her entry into Morning Musume. The whole group had to work together. As for duets...it was the same formula, just, ironically, more complicated simply because the focus was narrowed down to just them.
Oh, they still sounded good together. It was hard not to, not with the kind of zeal with which Ai practiced (and by extension Reina got dragged in). But Reina felt the distance between her and Ai, like there was some impassable void between them, so much so that it was difficult to grasp how Ai was emoting in the song, and how to just click as a pair. They operated on separate planes, as if they were on different dimensions entirely, although their voices melded together in perfect harmony.
Reina tried her best, really. She wanted to feel the chemistry, but somehow the spark wasn't quite there. It was as if towering walls blocked the two of them off. Ai was as untouchable as if she were on the far side of the moon. At least their voices worked together, but Reina had a suspicion that Ai-chan accommodated more to Reina's pitch than Reina did to Ai's range, but then again, with Leader's versatility, perhaps it had been wiser that Ai matched her voice to Reina's instead of the reverse.
And yet, and yet...Reina wondered why they never had a problem when they were performing with the rest as Morning Musume. She had no problem clicking with Ai-chan there. But then again, none of the others had that problem relating to Ai in that situation too. It was hard to put a finger on it, but perhaps since the attention was diffused among all the members, it was simply easier to work with?
In a rare flash of insight, Reina made a mental leap back to how Ai stood apart from her as they practiced. A duet, by its very nature, involved a very intimate connection between the singers, if one were to characterize the chemistry as such. Reina knew that she had never been close to Ai in any way previously, other than on a friendly fellow-member basis, and the wonky girl wondered if Ai had merely been unwilling to open up to her, which led to the breakdown in mutual communication when they sang together.
In that same vein, Reina surmised, Gaki-san would have had less of a problem doing a duet with Ai-chan. The two were closer than Ai was to any of the others, although frankly, of late, that wasn't saying much, what with them running off doing different things all the time. Still, Reina wasn't about to suggest that maybe Ai should be performing with Risa instead. The former yankii was stubborn (and prideful) enough to believe that she could work past the barrier.
To suggest that someone else do it would be to concede defeat. And at the end of it all, Reina simply hated losing.
Smirking to herself, she swallowed the last of whatever she had been chewing on, only to be rewarded with a bop to the head.
"Ow! What the hell?!" Reina winced as she looked back up, gagging slightly on the remains of her lunch.
"I was saying, break is over, Reina." Ai's eyebrow was raised. Reina looked around. No one else was around.
"What?" Ai sighed.
"I know the others are still on lunch break, but I figured we should work on your vocals. Tsunku-san wanted us to work on our falsettos for the new song, remember?"
Reina blinked. Oh yes, Ai had mentioned that earlier. Sometimes Leader was just too conscientious...
"Oh and I was also thinking about the part where..." Ai continued, half-tugging Reina along as they went into the empty studio.
Reina shrugged and let herself be dragged. Deep thoughts were fun in small doses, but too much muddled her up. Reina liked her life simple and uncomplicated. Unnecessary complications were to be strenuously avoided. There was only so much a normal girl could handle. And she was definitely normal, despite everything.
"Reina, are you listening to me?" Reina blinked again. Did Ai-chan just say something about something being cut? Damn that woman and her funny way of speaking. One would think that after all these years, Ai would have grown out of it.
"Why the hell would you want me to cut you?" Reina stared at her. Ai stared right back. Incomprehension filled the space between them.
Then Ai laughed.
"Reina, I said 'listen' (kikimasu), not 'cut' (kirimasu)." A wide smile lit the older girl's face, as she reached out and patted Reina's arm. "You're so funny, you know that?"
"What?" Reina was fairly sure she didn't get the leap in logic, but then again, with Ai, that was an entirely normal occurrence. The younger simply shrugged and chuckled, wanting to get over the situation as fast as possible.
Ai managed to still her mirth and reverted back into drill sergeant mode, with Reina watching and listening closely this time. The younger could not help the stray thought that crossed her mind as she did so.
The difference between us...is because I just don't get you. At all.
Are you strange? Or just different?
I don't know. I don't care.
Let's just sing together, and let the rest sort itself out.
==============================================
And yes, sorry about the lousy Japanese pun. I've been learning the language, so...XD
Lame, I know. :P
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I think it's cute. :wub: And I love how Reina makes up all these excuses to make them all normal! But I think they're normal, at least more so than other celebrities.
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Well, the girls aren't exactly normal, but hey, nobody really is! That's the interesting thing about life! :lol:
Still, Reina's thoughts on each girl were interesting, specially whent it came to Ai... She sure looks mysterious to me!
Great one-shot!
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It's WAR! (Wicked Aichan & Reina) :rockon: :lol:
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all those one-shots fics are osam..
everything!!! :wub:
all the angst,,woo. :shakeit:
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I was listening to Toki ni Ai wa, from the Utena movie, and I ended up writing this! Why? No idea. I just thought it'd be cool. XD
=========================
Duelist's Pride
"So, it's come down to this." She spoke levelly, her voice devoid of inflection, eyes with a superficial glass-like sheen, as if seeing nothing and everything at the same time. Her stance was easy, and her signet ring gleamed in the weak sunshine as she turned to face her challenger.
"I've come to challenge you, Ai-chan." An equally quiet voice, almost subdued, yet those eyes simmered with anger and hurt of betrayal. An identical rose signet adorned her left hand, and those small hands grasped a shortsword, the weapon perfectly balanced even though the grip was excessively tight, knuckles white with suppressed fury.
"I can see that." Ai made no move to draw her own katana, leaving it sheathed by her side, although she spread her hands before her, watching with cold disapproval her challenger. "Always one to let your emotions rule you, Reina." Her voice was cool, calculating.
"And your grip is wrong. How many times must I tell you not to do that?" Even as she was now, always the perfectionist. A dark chuckle rose from Reina, her grip loosening as she arranged her hold to something more acceptable. Ai nodded, but let her hands fall to her side, still making no effort to defend herself.
"Why are you here? I expected Eri to come before you." Ai sounded almost friendly, but her voice was hollow, and her eyes revealed nothing, not even compassion or even subtle interest. It was as if someone had removed her soul and left a marionette in its place.
"She would have, but I locked her in her room and came first." Reina glared at Ai, her teeth clenched, fury oozing from every pore. "I came first because she would have wanted to kill you, and I can't have that."
Ai continued to look at her with that damnably impassive gaze, as if she were some insect that she had some vague interest in, at least, not enough for her to squash. Reina ground her teeth together, setting her shoulders into a more offensive stance, but still not attacking. Reina knew full well that a foolhardy rush would cost her dearly, and had to curb her temper significantly for this.
"Strange that you would wish to preserve my life. We were never really close before, were we?" Ai reflected emptily, still unmoving, although her body was supple and relaxed, ready for instantaneous motion. Reina shifted her feet, watching carefully, hidden anxiety that there was some kind of trick to this, but seeing none.
"No." Reina found herself biting out savagely, her eyes glowing with a kind of hatred unique to her. "Eri can have what's left, after I defeat you." Her breathing grew ragged as she fought to keep from lunging at the calm woman standing before her. "I will not stand in your shadow anymore...TRAITOR!"
Unable to hold back her anger anymore, Reina quickly closed the distance between them, her shortsword flickering out like a flash of lightning, aiming straight for the exposed, unprotected neck...that was suddenly not there. Recovering quickly, Reina turned her forward motion into a sweeping back slash, the blade's movement fluid. It would have struck where Ai was standing, had the older not sidestepped again quickly, the tip coming dangerously close to her nose.
"You've improved." Ai noted, her hands still empty as she dodged yet another thrust. "But you're still flailing around too much." Another swing narrowly missed her shoulder. "You use too much force, it leaves you open to counters when I dodge." Ai calmly moved out of the way of another frenzied hack, but was forced to move a bit faster when the return swing came a bit more quickly than she anticipated.
"Stop fucking with me and draw! This isn't some demented training lesson!" Reina howled angrily as she launched another complicated series of sword movements, forcing Ai to hop backwards and actually put more effort into dodging, the older ducking and crouching low to the ground as the blade swept in a wide arc over her head.
"You aren't observing the rules, Reina." Ai noted coolly as she retreated some distance away from her attacker. "You aren't even aiming properly for the target." As she said that, she tapped at the red rose tucked in the front chest pocket of her outer coat. Reina swore under her breath, growling in her throat as she breathed heavily, exhausted by the running around after an agile opponent.
"Fuck the rules, you aren't even fighting back!" Reina spat, thrumming with righteous fury and indignation that the other was treating her like a child. Her own blue rose was tucked securely in her coat pocket, and she opted for another direct attack...or so it seemed.
"Clever feint." Ai noted almost approvingly at the blade sliced into her sleeve, but not touching her skin. "Maybe you're worth fighting after all." Reina growled again, her blade darting around, searching for an opening, and Ai was forced to make a few high back leaps in order to avoid the snake-like thrusts.
"Very good Reina, evidently you've been practicing. I'm glad." Ai landed lightly, shifting fluidly into a half crouch, one hand resting lightly on the hilt of her katana. Her eyes were lidded, as if no longer paying full attention to her challenger. "I've seen enough though, so it's time to end this."
Reina clenched her teeth again, suddenly on full alert. If Ai planned to draw her weapon, the fight was going to be a lot tougher. Ai continued to stay frozen in that stance, before she suddenly said.
"No more tricks, Reina. Come at me with all your strength, or you'll regret it." That was as much of an allowance that Reina would get, and she knew it. Forcing all other thoughts from her mind, Reina focused solely on the fight, and her opponent, who continued to stay frozen like some statue. Deep in her gut she knew that it would be settled in one strike.
Her feet were moving before she knew it, some deep instinct telling her that this was the time to strike. Moving faster than she had ever recalled moving, Reina found herself suddenly right next to Ai, the wind whistling in her ears at the force of her passage, and the damn woman still hadn't moved! Her sword came up even as she stepped around with a finesse her instructor would have approved of, even as the wind around her stilled ominously and abruptly, as if it had been cut off. In a wink of an eye, her own blade was held level at Ai 's neck, caressing the skin in a deadly embrace, but not deep enough to draw blood...yet.
"Looks like I win, captain." Reina huffed, her muscles shaking as she slowly came down from her adrenaline induced high. Reina couldn't recall the last time they had been in such intimate, deadly proximity. Probably back when they still trained as a team, back when Ai was still her beloved, respected senpai, and not, not what she was now. Even back then, Ai had never hurt her, never hurt anyone, except possibly their ego as she disarmed them and showed them what they were doing wrong.
Ai smiled, a remarkable feat for someone who had a very sharp blade held at her throat. Her eyes were still half-closed, but her grip around the hilt of her katana visibly relaxed, as if she had just let go of the weapon.
"No, Reina. You already lost." Ai did not move as Reina jerked visibly, her sword accidentally moving a fraction of an inch closer to her neck, drawing a slightest trickle of blood.
"What?" Reina didn't understand. How could she have lost? She was the one with her sword at Ai's neck, the older's life at her mercy. What was going on?
The wind on the arena grounds started again, sending a billow of blue petals high into the sky, before they showered down like a delicate spring rain. Reina stared uncomprehendingly for a moment, frozen by the petals dancing around her, before slowly looking down. The blue rose was no longer in her pocket.
"Rule of the Duels, once a Duelist's rose has been taken, the Duel ends with victory going to the Duelist with the intact rose." Ai recited mechanically with a dull satisfaction. "Where were you aiming, Reina?" Ai's own blood red rose rested in perfect condition against her chest.
"But...how...I..." Reina's sword hand began to shake, and Ai simply pushed the blade away from her throat, running a thumb at the thin line of blood there and flicking it into the wind.
"Have you forgotten my specialty so quickly, Reina? I thought better of you." Ai started walking away. Reina whirled around, her sword pointed at Ai's back. "Wait!"
"Don't be foolish Reina. You can't touch me with that." Ai did not even deign to look back, even as she vanished into the portal doorway that was the right of the champion Duelist. The doorway that had captured her.
Reina sank to her knees, her sword clattering uselessly next to her. Damn that woman. Her battojutsu had gotten even better? Reina hadn't even seen her draw. The girl clenched her fist against the ground, shaking with impotent rage at being foiled. She had let her anger overwhelm her, that raw need to hurt that woman overriding her good sense. She could not even punish the betrayal that had hurt so badly. What use was she?
Raising her head, Reina howled as the wind picked up around her, sending the remnants of battle far into the grounds below.
====================================
I actually have more to go. But eh. XD Happy reading!
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Well, that was interesting. Even dueling brings out the senpai in Ai-chan. Poor Reina, though. She just has so much to learn. Why did Eri want to kill Ai-chan? :? Great story and there's more?! :w00t:
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cool fighting scenes... XD
a traitor..i wonder why.. :twisted:
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i think this has something to do with risa because wht else would eri wanna kill her
the description of ai and the abscense if emotion in her eyes :mon suspect: was scarry
:mon chilly:
loved it though please contunie :D
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Thanks for reading, here's the next part! Haha.
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The Reason We Fight
"I could have beaten her." Reina insisted stubbornly, nursing her sore ego in the corner of the med bay. She had been forcibly dragged there by an irate Eri, who had finally managed to break down her door after some effort and had found Reina sitting by the steps of the closed arena, staring blankly at the ground. A thorough check up at the med bay had revealed no injuries, not even a scratch. As usual, Ai had been nothing if not professional; she had only gone for the rose, her sole target, and left the rest of Reina intact.
Except Reina's bruised pride, but that wasn't something conventional first aid could treat, and injury to that was rather inevitable in the first place. Reina scowled again, glaring poisonously at her sword, which lay carelessly discarded against the far wall. Had Ai been there, Reina would probably have gotten another tongue-lashing about how she was treating her weapon.
Respect your sword! Reina snorted. Her ill discipline and her deliberate disrespect for her weapon was in a way, a kind of subtle rebellion against the example their former leader had set. Ai had insisted on high standards, but Reina figured that now that she was gone, betrayed them for the other side, she had no reason to follow the rules she set. It was a little petty, but Reina was like that sometimes.
"No you wouldn't have, neither of us can." Eri growled back, also in a foul mood. Normally, the happy-go-lucky turtle was far more even-tempered, but recent events had served to taint her carefree aura. Now she was moody and on a short fuse, although far better when compared to Reina, who never had a fuse to begin with. That girl exploded on contact, and sometimes even without.
Eri sat by a bed, cradling the hand of her best friend who lay comatose there. Eri's face was tired, as if the anger that was there only moments ago had dissipated, leaving only wearied lines on the shadowy planes of her face. She was tired of fighting, of being angry, but yet she couldn't just let things go. She couldn't. Not with Sayu still unconscious like this, Gaki-san nowhere to be found...and Reina too angry to function normally.
"I just don't understand why Ai-chan is doing this. Why would she go over to the other side?"
It was a question that had plagued Eri, and indeed, the rest of their group. Reina, for her part, scowled harder from her corner.
"She's sold her soul to that devil in the Tower for power, that's why!" Reina's voice was thick with disgust, yet Eri could sense the underlying hurt in her good friend's tone. It had hit Reina very hard, Ai's apparent desertion. Gaki-san had been devastated as well, Eri knew, and with good reason. But where Risa had sought to understand Ai's motives, Reina had rejected their former comrade, too upset to want to know why, turning dark, vengeful. Eri had been in agreement with Risa, wanting to know why Ai did what she did, but her confidence in Ai had been shaken ever since Risa vanished after entering the Arena to meet Ai in battle.
It was never supposed to become like this. Even though odd things had been happening, awful, unexplainable things, there had still been some glimmer of hope that they'd beat this thing. But ever since Ai suddenly left in the middle of the night to investigate the strange tower that had appeared in the forests on the east side of the academy, things had flown apart.
The mysterious challenges for duels had been drawing off isolated members of the academy, usually the moderately talented to the outright mediocre, never the more outstanding members of each fighting discipline. It was as if whoever was initiating these encounters was deliberately eliminating the unworthy, testing the waters, seeing if any would respond and rise to the challenge.
There had been several who did, strong ones, like Reina and Eri. And of course, Ai had been one. They had attempted to enter the Tower, only to receive the rose signet for their efforts, the key to the Arena that was the final bastion before being granted entry into the Tower. Fighting the shades had been a terrifying experience, Eri recalled, since there had been so many, and the shadows had sapped at her strength, but she had overcome her fear and mastered them. The signet ring on her hand flashed, gleaming in response to her thoughts. Yes, this had been her reward, but also her curse, her burden to bear.
Meanwhile, more people had been attacked and defeated, knocked into a state of unconsciousness that was not quite a coma, yet those people just didn't wake up. It was as if they were merely sleeping and dreaming, just without end. Eri gritted her teeth, squeezing Sayu's hand. The bunny had been one of these. It was because of her that Eri had challenged the shades to begin with, since she felt for the first time the acute need to stop more people being hurt by whatever malevolent force that had descended upon their once peaceful academy.
"Bah I don't care. Gonna head to the training room now." Reina stood up suddenly, storming over to the wall and grabbing her sword. Eri guessed that the badass girl was about to take out her fury on several innocent training dummies, and possibly even more innocent living dummies who would be stupid enough to appear in the training room when Reina was in a foul mood. Eri made a mental note to let the word out to the rest of the students to avoid the training hall for the time being. No point in sacrificing them to Reina's wrath.
Eri gripped Sayumi's hand more firmly, her jaw set in a firm line. No more wavering, no more weaknesses. For Gaki-san, for Sayu, Eri would be strong.
And for Reina's sake too. Eri patted Sayu's hand comfortingly, drawing strength from that still, immobile hand, her own resolve tightening as she stood, gently placing Sayu's hand back on the bed.
Then she turned, shoulders set, ring flashing as she collected her rapier by the door, eyes narrowing dangerously as she looked out of one of the many wide windows in the corridor.
The Tower stood like a blemish against their pristine landscape, and Kamei Eri had every intention of erasing it from their lands.
Ai-chan...I don't understand why you've betrayed our trust...but I can't let you do this anymore.
With that, another warrior set out to offer herself as one more soul onto the altar of sacrifice.
==================================
The plot thickens. Heh. There's more to come!
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wow!
cool.
explained alot,
kinda... :twisted:
Aichan..
i cnt wait.. :cow:
now Kamei is going to battle..cool!
i wish nothing bad happens to Kamei.. :muffin:
where the hell is Gaki-san?!!!!! :cry:
and SAYU..OMG.. :cry:
ganbare~ :shakeit:
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I really like this story! So Ai-chan betrayed the rest of them for this tower thing..... :? So did she put Sayu in the coma? This takes so much thinking! But keep it up! :D
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Duelist's Pride
When I saw the title, I first thought it was going to be an off-shoot chapter for AA involving Risa. :grin:
"I've come to challenge you, Ai-chan." An equally quiet voice, almost subdued, yet those eyes simmered with anger and hurt of betrayal. An identical rose signet adorned her left hand, and those small hands grasped a shortsword, the weapon perfectly balanced even though the grip was excessively tight, knuckles white with suppressed fury.
"I can see that." Ai made no move to draw her own katana, leaving it sheathed by her side, although she spread her hands before her, watching with cold disapproval her challenger. "Always one to let your emotions rule you, Reina." Her voice was cool, calculating.
Edo-jidai? The girls are ninjas or something? :ph43r:
"Why are you here? I expected Eri to come before you." Ai sounded almost friendly, but her voice was hollow, and her eyes revealed nothing, not even compassion or even subtle interest. It was as if someone had removed her soul and left a marionette in its place.
Aichan's become stone-cold? No longer caring for the people around her?
"She would have, but I locked her in her room and came first." Reina glared at Ai
Sounds like something Reina would do. :lol:
"I came first because she would have wanted to kill you, and I can't have that."
Holy shit, what did Aichan do? :o
Ai continued to look at her with that damnably impassive gaze, as if she were some insect that she had some vague interest in, at least, not enough for her to squash. Reina ground her teeth together, setting her shoulders into a more offensive stance, but still not attacking. Reina knew full well that a foolhardy rush would cost her dearly, and had to curb her temper significantly for this.
"Strange that you would wish to preserve my life. We were never really close before, were we?" Ai reflected emptily, still unmoving, although her body was supple and relaxed, ready for instantaneous motion. Reina shifted her feet, watching carefully, hidden anxiety that there was some kind of trick to this, but seeing none.
Sounds like Aichan's the "master", while Reina's the "apprentice"?
"Eri can have what's left, after I defeat you." Her breathing grew ragged as she fought to keep from lunging at the calm woman standing before her. "I will not stand in your shadow anymore...TRAITOR!"
Traitor??? :OMG:
Unable to hold back her anger anymore, Reina quickly closed the distance between them, her shortsword flickering out like a flash of lightning, aiming straight for the exposed, unprotected neck...that was suddenly not there. Recovering quickly, Reina turned her forward motion into a sweeping back slash, the blade's movement fluid. It would have struck where Ai was standing, had the older not sidestepped again quickly, the tip coming dangerously close to her nose.
"You've improved." Ai noted, her hands still empty as she dodged yet another thrust. "But you're still flailing around too much." Another swing narrowly missed her shoulder. "You use too much force, it leaves you open to counters when I dodge."
I'm guessing that Reina's movements are too, well..."large". In a swordfight, this is a no-no because, as Aichan said, it leaves you open to attack on the backend of your swings/strikes. You want efficient strikes, with minimal wasted/unwanted motion to be considered adept at handling a sword. :yep:
"You aren't even aiming properly for the target." As she said that, she tapped at the red rose tucked in the front chest pocket of her outer coat.
For a sec I read that as "the red NOSE tucked in her front chest pocket". :rofl:
"Fuck the rules, you aren't even fighting back!" Reina spat, thrumming with righteous fury and indignation that the other was treating her like a child. Her own blue rose was tucked securely in her coat pocket
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, I see. The different coloured roses symbolize the 2 different/opposing sides of the conflict. Aichan's rose is now a different colour than Reina's, which shows that she's switched sides. No wonder Reina's pissed.
Her feet were moving before she knew it, some deep instinct telling her that this was the time to strike. Moving faster than she had ever recalled moving, Reina found herself suddenly right next to Ai, the wind whistling in her ears at the force of her passage, and the damn woman still hadn't moved! Her sword came up even as she stepped around with a finesse her instructor would have approved of, even as the wind around her stilled ominously and abruptly, as if it had been cut off. In a wink of an eye, her own blade was held level at Ai 's neck, caressing the skin in a deadly embrace, but not deep enough to draw blood...yet.
:stunned:
Reina couldn't recall the last time they had been in such intimate, deadly proximity. Probably back when they still trained as a team, back when Ai was still her beloved, respected senpai, and not, not what she was now. Even back then, Ai had never hurt her, never hurt anyone, except possibly their ego as she disarmed them and showed them what they were doing wrong.
Damn, it must have hurt the others a LOT to make Reina (and Eri, even though she's not here ATM) react this strongly. :cry:
Reina stared uncomprehendingly for a moment, frozen by the petals dancing around her, before slowly looking down. The blue rose was no longer in her pocket.
"Rule of the Duels, once a Duelist's rose has been taken, the Duel ends with victory going to the Duelist with the intact rose." Ai recited mechanically with a dull satisfaction. "Where were you aiming, Reina?" Ai's own blood red rose rested in perfect condition against her chest.
Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...Aichan never drew/needed to draw her sword because it was never her intention to actually attack Reina, instead she used Reina's own attacks against her, and waited for the right opportunity when Reina's rose would be exposed enough that she could take it from her. That was slick.
Ai did not even deign to look back, even as she vanished into the portal doorway that was the right of the champion Duelist. The doorway that had captured her.
...
Raising her head, Reina howled as the wind picked up around her, sending the remnants of battle far into the grounds below.
Don't know why, but reading this part (especially the last sentence) automatically made me picture the story in a setting like "The Pit" from the Mortal Kombat video games.
:wahaha:
The Reason We Fight
"I could have beaten her." Reina insisted stubbornly, nursing her sore ego in the corner of the med bay. She had been forcibly dragged there by an irate Eri, who had finally managed to break down her door after some effort and had found Reina sitting by the steps of the closed arena, staring blankly at the ground. A thorough check up at the med bay had revealed no injuries, not even a scratch.
And THIS makes me think that the story is set in some post-apocalyptic future or that they were duelling in a holodeck like on Star Trek.
:on lol:
Had Ai been there, Reina would probably have gotten another tongue-lashing about how she was treating her weapon.
Respect your sword! Reina snorted. Her ill discipline and her deliberate disrespect for her weapon was in a way, a kind of subtle rebellion against the example their former leader had set. Ai had insisted on high standards, but Reina figured that now that she was gone, betrayed them for the other side, she had no reason to follow the rules she set. It was a little petty, but Reina was like that sometimes.
Even if she has betrayed them and joined the enemy, Aichan's words are still true. A warrior's weapon is his/her life. If you don't respect it, you won't ever be able to use it to it's absolute full potential. You'll be fighting against it, while at the same time fighting your opponent.
"I just don't understand why Ai-chan is doing this. Why would she go over to the other side?"
It was a question that had plagued Eri, and indeed, the rest of their group. Reina, for her part, scowled harder from her corner.
"She's sold her soul to that devil in the Tower for power, that's why!" Reina's voice was thick with disgust, yet Eri could sense the underlying hurt in her good friend's tone. It had hit Reina very hard, Ai's apparent desertion.
Wow, now all of a sudden I'm thinking Star Wars, and that Aichan has gone "to the Dark Side". XD
Question is then...who is it that's in this Tower that Reina mentions, and just how did he/she get connected to Aichan?
Gaki-san had been devastated as well, Eri knew, and with good reason. But where Risa had sought to understand Ai's motives, Reina had rejected their former comrade, too upset to want to know why, turning dark, vengeful. Eri had been in agreement with Risa, wanting to know why Ai did what she did, but her confidence in Ai had been shaken ever since Risa vanished after entering the Arena to meet Ai in battle.
Risa?!??!? :shocked:
It was never supposed to become like this. Even though odd things had been happening, awful, unexplainable things, there had still been some glimmer of hope that they'd beat this thing. But ever since Ai suddenly left in the middle of the night to investigate the strange tower that had appeared in the forests on the east side of the academy, things had flown apart.
So Aichan's betrayal came rather suddenly then? One day she sets out to investigate this Tower, and the next she's joined the other side?
There's more to this than we're currently aware of.
Meanwhile, more people had been attacked and defeated, knocked into a state of unconsciousness that was not quite a coma, yet those people just didn't wake up. It was as if they were merely sleeping and dreaming, just without end. Eri gritted her teeth, squeezing Sayu's hand. The bunny had been one of these. It was because of her that Eri had challenged the shades to begin with, since she felt for the first time the acute need to stop more people being hurt by whatever malevolent force that had descended upon their once peaceful academy.
Oh crap, Sayu...
:hip aww:
Eri gripped Sayumi's hand more firmly, her jaw set in a firm line. No more wavering, no more weaknesses. For Gaki-san, for Sayu, Eri would be strong.
And for Reina's sake too. Eri patted Sayu's hand comfortingly, drawing strength from that still, immobile hand, her own resolve tightening as she stood, gently placing Sayu's hand back on the bed.
Then she turned, shoulders set, ring flashing as she collected her rapier by the door, eyes narrowing dangerously as she looked out of one of the many wide windows in the corridor.
So like, what's with the flashing ring? Is it a source of power for the wearers? Or is it being used as a sort of summons, telling the one who wears it that they're being challenged?
The Tower stood like a blemish against their pristine landscape, and Kamei Eri had every intention of erasing it from their lands.
Ai-chan...I don't understand why you've betrayed our trust...but I can't let you do this anymore.
With that, another warrior set out to offer herself as one more soul onto the altar of sacrifice.
Be careful Eri...
:gmon tears:
The plot thickens. Heh. There's more to come!
You should just make a new thread for this one then. From what you've given us so far it looks like it's gonna be epic.
...
Not as epic as AA has been, mind you (BTW, anytime you want to continue on with AA, please feel free to do so :D), but still pretty epic in it's own right.
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What am I doing, I'm not even done packing for the trip! Oh well. Part 3!
@JFC: I only planned 4 parts for this cycle. Dunno if I should turn this into a full fledged story. If more people really wanted it, I might, but eh. We'll see.
==================================
Will to Battle
Crack. A sharp, precise hit to the wooden practice dummy, the clack of wood on wood echoing throughout the empty training hall. The practice area had cleared almost immediately before the current user had even stepped in, the previous occupants knowing well enough what that thundercloud expression on one Tanaka Reina's face boded for anyone foolish enough to stay behind.
That said, Reina was currently almost inhumanely focused on her training exercises, her breathing deep and controlled, beads of sweat gathering on her forehead and soaking her carelessly tied back hair. She ignored the rivulets of sweat making their way down the sides of her face, the only thing reflected in her eyes being her practice sword and the training dummy that was rather badly worn down by her repeated attacks.
Crack. Another lightning fast strike, heavy yet controlled, swift and precise. It was an accomplishment she should have been proud of.
But she wasn't. She couldn't be proud of something like that, because it simply wasn't enough.
Not fast enough. Reina clenched her teeth tightly together, adjusting her sweaty grip on the hilt, her feet shifting to a more comfortable pose. Her arms ached from the constant swinging of the sword, her heavy-hitting style and drive to perfect it fast taking a toll on her strength. Reina had considerable stamina, but to launch so soon into such an exhaustive exercise after her defeat against Ai earlier...
NO! Reina thought savagely, her corresponding strike heavier, but clumsier at the same time. She shattered the wooden sword, the blade cracking and splintering. She stared uncomprehendingly at it for a moment, before shaking her head impotently to clear it, lowering the broken blade as she did so.
Ch. She discarded the useless sword at the stack she had rapidly accumulated. An angry Reina had a tendency to go through whole racks of practice equipment at a disturbingly rapid rate. If the fees of the academy hadn't been so high as to offset all of these additional costs, Reina would probably have to pay a lot extra to replace everything she broke whenever she got ticked off. Then again, Reina already had to pay "supplementary" fees every semester as it was. The girl figured that if she were paying extra, she might as well make sure she got her money's worth.
Striding over to the weapons rack, she allowed herself a moment to wipe the sweat from her face with her sleeve. She should have used a towel but she had neglected bring one along, but at the moment, she had more things to worry about than something so trivial. That done, she reached out with one hand to select one of the practice swords, but froze as a memory struck her.
"Reina, you broke another sword?" Ai's voice was disapproving, although her eyes lit with amusement. A much younger-looking Reina, possibly 2 or 3 years younger than her current self, scowled defensively as she replied.
"All these toys don't hold up to my strength." Reina scoffed, reaching out for another weapon off the rack. A hand grabbed her wrist, halting her movement.
"Strength isn't everything, Reina. You need to learn control." Ai eyed her speculatively, before half-turning and grabbing a steel blade, handing it hilt-first to the astonished young yankii.
"Get used to that sword, you'll be sparring with me. 10 minutes, Reina." Ai let go of Reina's wrist, walking off to her circle of friends. Reina looked down at the polished steel shortsword that she held, feeling its perfectly balanced weight in her hands.
"Shit..." Reina muttered, her outstretched hand clenching into a fist. Her other hand had also balled into a fist, trembling with suppressed energy. There were too many things in this place reminding her of that...that...traitor. She hated it. Hated her.
"Fuck!" Reina stumbled forward, unable to halt her own momentum as she struck empty air. Someone grabbed the back of her collar and hauled her upright before she hit the floor face-first.
"Don't be so hard on the kouhais, Ai-chan." Risa laughed, letting go of Reina after making sure that the yankii was fine. Ai smiled, shaking her head.
"I think you're too soft on them, Gaki-san. Our own senpais were tough on us too, remember?" To Reina, Ai took on a more serious tone.
"Don't ever think that your opponent is restricted to parrying, Reina. If you commit too much into a strike, you'll be left a lot more exposed if they dodge." Then her features rearranged into a more gentle expression.
"Are you ready for another round?"
"Damn it." Reina brushed at her face angrily, sitting down with her back to a wall, hugging her knees to herself. She hated remembering. Hated knowing how much things had changed. And it didn't help that the room was empty...too empty.
She remembered when there had been so many of them, laughing, training, sparring and joking with each other, more like a family than anything else. Mistakes were made, laughed over, and corrected. Senpais paired off with kouhais to train and spar, learning from each other, strengthening their bonds. Eating together, changing together, training together...
Yet so many of them were gone. Some lost to the duels, trapped in that dreamless sleep, some leaving the academy entirely. And then there was that ultimate betrayal, in Reina's eyes.
Ai. Always practicing. Always pushing herself to the limits. She trained like a demon possessed, compensating for her lacking physical strength with technical skill. Reina might have had the upper hand when it came to raw power, but Ai always beat her with skill, her ironically yet fittingly named 'gentle sword' style countering Reina's all-out offensive movements. Reina had always wanted to beat her, just once, just to prove her own worth.
And so it was a horrific thing to find out that Ai had entered the Tower on her own...and had come out entirely different. The random challenges on weaker members of their club stopped, and those with the duelist rings were summoned to fight, to challenge the champion duelist...Ai. The winner would get a reward, one wish, anything that chose, no matter what it was.
But no one had gotten past Ai yet. She stood like a silent sentinel at the gates of the Tower, presiding over the Arena and meeting the Duelists as they came against her, defeating them and disappearing back into the Tower until the next challenger came. Reina had concluded that Ai wanted the power of the Tower for herself, although Risa had never agreed, saying that Ai must have had her reasons for doing so.
Niigaki Risa, you fool... Reina thought bitterly. Risa had gone alone to the Arena, wanting to speak with Ai, find out what was going on, and maybe bring her back. That soft, sentimental, well-meaning idiot. Risa had never come back from the Arena. Not even when Eri went to the grounds, seeking her favorite senpai and good friend, without result. She hadn't even seen Ai when she went to the Arena, the place silent and deserted. All except for splatters of blood...and Risa's discarded blade next to it.
Eri had gotten really angry then, cradling Risa's weapon, tears in her eyes and swearing to take revenge. Reina had been shocked to the core too. She had not expected that Ai would have gone as far as to injure Risa. Those two had been close, even inseparable. Reina had always had suspicions about just how close they were, but was thus far inconclusive.
Still, it was inexcusable. Unforgivable. Reina had had to lock Eri into her own room to prevent her turtle friend from rushing straight to the Arena and demanding to fight Ai. In her frenzied state, Eri would have been no match for Ai. Of course, Reina hadn't heeded her own advice, seeking her former senpai out herself in her own angered state.
Ai...how could you... Reina trembled, remembering the soulless stare Ai had given her, like she was some worthless insect not worth her attention. Where had those kind eyes gone? Reina had so desperately wanted to smash that facade, break that fake puppet that was masquerading as Ai, tear that mask off and find the real Ai, her senpai that she respected so very much...even if she did spend most of her time thinking of how to defeat her even before the betrayal.
She had let her emotions overtake her earlier. Reina closed her eyes, angry at herself, at Ai, at the whole situation. It was all going to madness, and Reina suddenly felt very tired, very alone. She wanted to close her eyes and wish it all away, or just fall asleep and never wake up...
What was she thinking?! Reina suddenly raised her head, furious with herself for that moment of weakness. How could she even think of giving up like that? She couldn't let those who had fallen down like this. And if nothing else, her pride would not allow it.
I'll defeat you, Ai...somehow, someday, somewhere. Reina reached out, finding her own shortsword, pulling it slightly out its sheath, staring into the gleaming blade.
With this sword you have given me, I will... A liquid drop splattered on the shiny surface, distorting her reflection in it, and Reina blinked, shocked by her own...tears?
Gritting her teeth, she shoved the blade back into her sheath, biting her lip and lowering her head, trying to hold back the angry, helpless sobs threatening to spill out from her. All the sadness, masked previously by her anger, was threatening to engulf her all at once, but she resisted, stubbornly and futilely, even as tears rolled down her cheeks silently, making a puddle on the ground as her fists clenched against the floor.
"What are you doing, Reina? Stop sulking over there and join us!"
Her voice, ringing in Reina's head. Too real, almost as if it were occurring right there and then. But it rang true, even if it was merely an echo from her memory. Reina stared into the little puddle of her tears, seeing her own face, all desperate and angry and wounded.
I won't stay like this. Reina promised herself. I'll get stronger, and bring you back.
Straightening up, Reina picked up her sword and stood, fresh resolve evident on her face. She would not give in, she could not.
I am Tanaka Reina, and I'm strong! Reina smirked at her own youthful pronouncement, years ago. Well, she would just have to live up to that, wouldn't she?
Just you wait, I'll make you proud of me one day.
============================================
And that was Reina's take. One more part and I'll be done. XD
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Wow, angry Reina is not to be messed with. I feel bad for her, hearing Ai's voice constantly pointing out her flaws. And Ai hurt Risa? :( I hope Ai like cut herself or something to make it look like she hurt her but she really just took Risa back with her.
Only 4 parts? That's ok, but do we get to find out anything about why Ai betrayed them?
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^Well I can't answer the speculations yet, but there are some things I can confirm.
1) Reason for Aichan's betrayal will be revealed
2) Risa's fate will also be revealed
3) Also, something big will happen
4) Prepare for heartbreaking scene
Unfortunately, since I'm flying to Taiwan tomorrow morning, I won't be able to finish part 4 in time. MM concert, here I come! Haha. Sorry for the delay, but it will be worth the wait. I'll probably like, write it on a notebook or something, and type it out when I get back. Plus I might get inspired to write something about the concert, so look forward to that too. ^_^
Be back next week. XD
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:frustrated: Nooo! whats going on Ai did something to Risa... possibly i hope not its takagaki ai wouldn't hurt Risa would she :cry: geuss i have to what till you get back MM concert lucky :drool:
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NEXT WEEK!?!?! :frustrated: Oh well, it's a great story so I can wait that long. OOOO, you're going to the Taiwan concert? LUCKY!!!! :luvluv2: One of my dreams in life is to see Momusu in concert. (Preferably before 5 and 6 gen leave) Have fun and I wanna hear about it!! :byebye:
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Yay! New chapters! and a nice, new, mysterious plot :)
Calm, cool Ai is a sexy Ai :drool: Reina's yankee power can't keep up! More training ;)
I really like this evil(?) Ai. I don't think I've seen this kind of portrayal before. There must be a big reason behind why she's a "traitor"..hm.... can't wait! [Ahhh....what happened to Sayu :( wake up!]
Have fun at the concert!
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What am I doing, I'm not even done packing for the trip! Oh well. Part 3!
Trip? :?
@JFC: I only planned 4 parts for this cycle. Dunno if I should turn this into a full fledged story. If more people really wanted it, I might, but eh. We'll see.
Oh, okay. Nevermind then. :oops:
Crack. Another lightning fast strike, heavy yet controlled, swift and precise. It was an accomplishment she should have been proud of.
But she wasn't. She couldn't be proud of something like that, because it simply wasn't enough.
Not fast enough. Reina clenched her teeth tightly together, adjusting her sweaty grip on the hilt, her feet shifting to a more comfortable pose. Her arms ached from the constant swinging of the sword, her heavy-hitting style and drive to perfect it fast taking a toll on her strength.
To try and achieve speed with, as is described here, a "heavy-hitting style", is going to be tremendously difficult to say the least. Each of the two are almost counter-productive to the other. One needs time to build/gather the strength for heavy, powerful moves, and conversely they usually sacrifice it for improved speed and agility. It's difficult to achieve a balance between the two, which is something that Reina will definitely need if she's to have any chance of beating Aichan.
"Don't ever think that your opponent is restricted to parrying, Reina. If you commit too much into a strike, you'll be left a lot more exposed if they dodge."
Aichan's definitely correct here. One mustn't assume that he/she knows what an opponent will do. Do think that way will limit your own thought process, and thus handicap you in the fight. You have to be ready for anything and everything.
Ai. Always practicing. Always pushing herself to the limits. She trained like a demon possessed, compensating for her lacking physical strength with technical skill. Reina might have had the upper hand when it came to raw power, but Ai always beat her with skill, her ironically yet fittingly named 'gentle sword' style countering Reina's all-out offensive movements. Reina had always wanted to beat her, just once, just to prove her own worth.
It's usually true that being the most physically strong does NOT guarantee victory. Skill, speed and finesse can manipulate power and use it against itself.
Reina probably wouldn't admit it, but it's pretty obvious that she really looked up to Aichan and wanted to be as good and as proficient of a fighter as her. If she didn't she wouldn't be so hurt over what's happened.
And so it was a horrific thing to find out that Ai had entered the Tower on her own...and had come out entirely different.
Aichan must not have told anyone that she was going there. The question then is...did she go there because she saw that the others were losing, and she decided to switch sides thinking that it would make her a better fighter? Or did something unexpected happen that changed her while she was there? :shocked:
[bgcolor=#000000]What if the being within the tower saw just how strong Aichan was, and is now somehow possessing her?!?!? O_O[/bgcolor]
The random challenges on weaker members of their club stopped, and those with the duelist rings were summoned to fight, to challenge the champion duelist...Ai. The winner would get a reward, one wish, anything that chose, no matter what it was.
A wish? For anything they want?
...
Shit, now we've got some type of sorcery involved, which only strengthens the above hypothesis which I made and which I've coloured for spoilers. :)
Risa had gone alone to the Arena, wanting to speak with Ai, find out what was going on, and maybe bring her back. That soft, sentimental, well-meaning idiot. Risa had never come back from the Arena. Not even when Eri went to the grounds, seeking her favorite senpai and good friend, without result. She hadn't even seen Ai when she went to the Arena, the place silent and deserted. All except for splatters of blood...and Risa's discarded blade next to it.
RISA NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
:OMG:
Gritting her teeth, she shoved the blade back into her sheath, biting her lip and lowering her head, trying to hold back the angry, helpless sobs threatening to spill out from her. All the sadness, masked previously by her anger, was threatening to engulf her all at once, but she resisted, stubbornly and futilely, even as tears rolled down her cheeks silently, making a puddle on the ground as her fists clenched against the floor.
"What are you doing, Reina? Stop sulking over there and join us!"
Her voice, ringing in Reina's head. Too real, almost as if it were occurring right there and then. But it rang true, even if it was merely an echo from her memory. Reina stared into the little puddle of her tears, seeing her own face, all desperate and angry and wounded.
I won't stay like this. Reina promised herself. I'll get stronger, and bring you back.
Here it sounds like Reina might also be thinking the same crazy, blacked-out hypothesis that I came up with. It just seems unfathomable that Aichan would so easily, and willingly turn her back on all that she knew and cared about.
And that was Reina's take. One more part and I'll be done. XD
Damn, something tells me it's going to be one hell of a doozy. :cow:
4) Prepare for heartbreaking scene
Is that in a good way or a bad way?
Unfortunately, since I'm flying to Taiwan tomorrow morning, I won't be able to finish part 4 in time. MM concert, here I come!
Three-part response to this:
a) Taiwan? :stunned:
b) Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. :mon whine:
c) OMGASS HAVE FUN!!! TAKE PICTURES AND PHONE VIDS IF YOU CAN, THEN POST THEM HERE! :rockon:
:wahaha:
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1) Reason for Aichan's betrayal will be revealed
2) Risa's fate will also be revealed
3) Also, something big will happen
4) Prepare for heartbreaking scene
Now that I see that you are back from Taiwan...at least I think you are...time for me to commento! OH! but you MUST tell us how Taiwan went...somewhere! I'm dying to know...there's so little comments about it XD
I'm gonna take some random guesses (I know I'm probably so off but XD)
1) I think Ai chan betrayed them for the greater good! I think she has faith in say Reina beating her in the end and asking for things to return to normal...maybe Ai chan tried defeating the tower but she couldn't quite pull it off so she made a deal with them to stop the random challenges in order to protect the weak
2) As for Risa...I can't see Ai chan hurting her, instead I think it's the reverse. I think Ai chan couldn't bare to hurt Risa despite everything but Risa accidently hurt Ai chan, not seriously though...but Risa finds out what's really going on and entered the tower to stay with Ai chan...hence no ones seen her after that.
as for 3 and 4 :O
I can't wait to see how this ends...I'm sure it's going epic ! =D
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Sorry it took so long, I ran into a slump. Anyway, after a long delay, here is part 4 of the saga!
=========================
Devil's Deal
Ai was kneeling, her hands hanging limply by her sides, head bowed in apparent supplication to the living flame dancing on the altar before her. Shadows danced around her form, eerie and flickering, like little ghostly sprites at play. Ai's breathing was subdued, even labored, and sweat beaded her forehead, her short hair clinging mattedly against her skull.
The flame on the altar grew, rising high to illuminate even the shadows of the vaulted ceiling, glowing brilliantly white-hot for an instant, and Ai gasped, her breath hitching as she was thrown forward, hunching over as she wheezed painfully. Her limbs felt weak and rubbery, and her head spun. She felt utterly drained, emptied of all energy, thought and even emotion. Her eyes lidded heavily, her consciousness swimming in and out of focus.
Fist clenching as she dragged it across cold stone, supporting the rest of her body as she pushed herself up, panting hard. Her eyes remained empty, but something flickered inside those dark orbs, the beginnings of a return to conscious thought.
"I feel..." Her lips were dry, her voice hoarse. A tongue flicked out to wet her lips lightly. "...violated."
You are. A soundless, sourceless voice reverbrated across the chamber, resonating deep within the recesses of her mind. Ai chuckled, choked, and coughed scratchily, settling back into a kneeling position, her hands on her lap.
"How very candid of you." Ai sounded uncharacteristically sardonic, staring stoically at the carvings on the altar as she regained herself, her eyes burning with a fierce pride and passion that had been absent during her fights outside. She had no need to hide anything in here, not to a being that had delved so deeply into her soul.
We have no need for lies. A pause. Unlike you humans.
Ai sighed. "I suppose not." Then she looked up, directly into the bright light where the spirit communicating to her was gathered. "How ironic though. That demons would have more cause to be honest."
A measured pause, as if the spirit were gathering its thoughts. We are who we are. There is no need for obscurities. That is something humans lack that we do not. Then, in an almost reminiscing tone, it continued. Demon, you say? You humans are so inconsistent. Once, we were gods to your kind, and now you would call us demons. A soundless chuckle. How amusing.
Ai shrugged. "Well, I still don't really know your exact species, except that you're definitely not human." She smiled grimly. "You may be powerful, but you are no god. The only thing I could come up with was demon, so live with it."
A long silence followed, as if the spirit was considering her words. Ai showed no fear, even though her soul trembled with trepidation. A lesser person would have wilted under the powerful presence emanating from that inhuman spirit burning atop the altar, but Ai had adapted to it by sheer force of will. Her teeth ground together, and she bowed her head again, waiting.
You are an interesting human. The voice echoed at last. There was a note of curiosity edging its words. You are afraid, as is fitting for one in your situation. Yet your fear does not grip you, nor do you give in to despair. The voice appeared to be struggling to find the correct description. You are...resigned.
"Would you have it any other way?" A rhetorical question if there was one. Ai sighed again, once again looking straight at the burning spirit. "I know the rules and what is at stake, and I have accepted the deal." Ai gritted her teeth, eyes flashing with hidden pain. "I refuse to regret it."
The resonant voice sounded almost sympathetic, rather than dispassionate as before. You bear a heavy burden, human. You have our respect for this, if nothing else. An awkward pause. You humans baffle us sometimes. Some are strong, yet still others are weak and cowardly. The voice mused. There are those who are reckless, and those who waver. Physically weak, humans, but so fascinating nevertheless.
Ai raised an eyebrow. "Are you trying to compliment me or insulting my entire species?" She paused for a moment. "Or both at the same time." She sighed. "What does it matter? It will soon be all over anyway."
Yes. The time for the ceremony is almost at hand. The spirit flickered around on the altar, as if excited by the idea, although its voice remained dispassionate. You have been the perfect specimen. Strong, intelligent, an excellent warrior. Even better, a virgin, which is rare in this day and age. Perfect for our purposes.
A hint of curiosity rising in her, Ai couldn't help but ask. "If I hadn't been one, would you have repelled me as you had the rest?"
That is unlikely. Firmly. There may have been many strong ones in this place, but few with pure hearts. Among those, how many would have listened to what we have had to say?
Ai nodded, understanding. "They...would not have listened." She agreed reluctantly, then smirked ironically to herself. "Me and my curiosity, I guess. I just had to ask." She shook her head in quiet amusement. "And the contract has to be made willingly, that was what you said."
A contract has to be willingly made, yes. A strange reluctance. However, we could have forcibly chosen you as our vessel had the need been great enough...
Ai stared disbelievingly at the spirit, then snorted. "So much for not lying. What else have you failed to tell me about, oh mighty ones?" She shook her head. "But well, I made the contract of my own free will anyway, so I guess it doesn't matter even if you didn't tell me then, huh?"
However, a contract freely made is far stronger than any bind we could have made on you, against your will. The energy we harvest is...purer, this way. The voice hesitated a moment. We must credit your suggestion in this endeavor. Your idea has made for a very successful carnival. The ceremony will be a success due to your efforts.
"It wasn't too difficult." Ai shrugged modestly. "If human faith is strong enough to create gods, it speaks of the strength of human emotions." She smiled sadly. "In the end, it had to be me, after all." She looked at her hands, continuing to explain her own logic in that passive tone. "To get what was needed in that time frame specified...we needed an amplifier, a focus."
And you are the Vessel. There is no better way. The voice agreed. Though it has caused you no small amount of pain in doing this. We regret your loss.
Ai actually laughed, hollowly though. "No you don't." Then more strongly, she added. "What would you know of emotions, when you are not human?" She shook her head again, more firmly. "No, you do not understand what I have lost."
Perhaps not. The voice acceded smoothly. And yet, you still cling on to past loyalties. What of the girl you brought into the Tower?
Ai winced, flinching back slightly. "I...I could not just leave her in the arena." Then, accusingly, she added. "She should not have fainted after her rose was taken. Why has she not woken up yet?" Her face was defiant, fists clenched as she stared straight into the center of the flame.
That is simple, human. Too much energy was drawn from her in that instant. A contemplative pause. That human must have felt very strongly about you to provoke such a reaction. That burst was...unexpected.
Ai smiled mirthlessly. "Of course...of course...despite everything, she still believed..." An expression of pain contorted her face, and she clutched at her shoulder, the pain from where Risa had stabbed her flaring up again. She had provoked the girl, deliberately, she would freely admit now, knowing that she had a duty to perform. Gaki-san had been crying as they fought, and Ai admitted to herself that she had deliberately toyed with the other then, prolonging the fight for no good reason.
And then as an unspoken apology, she had walked right onto Risa's sword before taking her rose. The look of shock on Risa's face...so, even then, Risa had felt so much for her. Ai felt tears pricking at her eyes, but refused to let them fall. She had not wished to hurt any of her friends, least of all her Gaki-san. But it had to be done.
You have done well, human. More than we have expected. Again the voice hesitated, as if unsure what to say. We will remember you.
"Thanks, I guess." Ai started to get up, brushing herself off as she straightened. "One last question, before the ceremony on the new moon tomorrow night."
We will hear it.
"How long will this last? Before the next ceremony, I mean." Ai asked, folding her arms.
A long, calculating pause. That depends on how much we harvest, but usually, at least five hundred years as you humans reckon time. Given your generous contribution this time, perhaps a little longer than average.
"Good." She meant it. It meant that no one would have to suffer her fate for a good long time. It was worth it then, her sacrifice. "I trust that you will uphold your end of the deal, then."
We will keep faith, human, Vessel. Have we not stopped our attacks on the weaker warriors by your request? We are as much bound to the terms of the contract as you are.
"Then I shall take my leave. The next challenger is coming, I sense it." Ai bowed deeply, one hand over her heart.
"I will not shirk from the path I chose freely, if that was what concerned you before." Ai added, about to turn and leave. "I do not break my promises."
The voice that interrupted her was not that of the spirit.
"Ai-chan? You...you chose this?" A weak voice, wavering like a leaf on the wind. Ai whipped around, pain shooting up her shoulder at the sudden movement.
"Risa..." She whispered, one hand reaching out towards her friend, who was leaning, pale and weak, against the columned doorway of the chamber. "You...heard?"
Risa had a mixture of expressions on her face. Hurt, betrayal, disappointment, anger...Ai flinched back, her hand withdrawing towards her own body.
"I didn't believe that you would have turned on us, you know." Risa started. "Not even when I was fighting you. I knew you had a good reason...you had to have one. You never did anything without having a reason for it." She stared at Ai, who could not bring herself to meet her best friend's eyes. "I trusted you, Ai-chan. I believed in you. I tried to come up with excuses for you. That you were being threatened. That you were forced to do it. That it wasn't really you who wanted this."
Ai wanted to retort, wanted to explain, wanted to run forward and hug her Gaki-san, tell her everything, cry out to her...but her oath made her stay her tongue, her eyes burning with things unsaid, which was why she kept them directed at the floor. She could feel the weight of her promise bearing down on her, threatening to crush all life out of her should she even breathe a single word at the moment. She could feel the spirits watching her, feel the overwhelming presence lurking behind her...
So she kept silent, holding her pain in, holding everything in. She had made the deal. She had known what was at stake. She knew what she was doing. It had to be done.
And if not her, who else would she send onto the altar of sacrifice? How could she send anyone where she herself would not go? No, it had to be done, and it had to be her.
Risa continued, her eyes filling with tears. "But you said...you said...you chose this path. Freely." The tears started to fall, unbidden. "How could you, Ai-chan? How could you walk away from us like this? How could you do this to me, to us?" Risa clenched her fists, biting her lip.
"I can't look at you anymore, Ai-chan. I...I just...can't..." Risa was obviously struggling with her emotions now, and Ai suppressed the urge to go over and hug the other girl. She knew what could be coming next, but it still hit her like a ton of bricks when it came.
SLAP
"I...I...I hate you, Ai-chan! I HATE YOU FOR DOING THIS TO ME!" Risa yelled, stared at Ai for a long, tear-filled moment, then turned and ran blindly from the place. Ai stood there, head flung to the side where Risa had slapped her, her entire body rigid.
Are you...alright? Ai wanted to laugh at the question. She wanted to cry. She wanted to scream. She did none of those.
"Take it." Her voice was inhumanely controlled. "I know you felt that. Take it. Take it all." Emotionless, empty.
"Oh, and let her go." Her voice was bitter. "I don't suppose I need to fight the next challenger too, do I? We have enough already, do we not?"
Indeed. You should rest. The voice almost sounded concerned. Ai straightened up, touching her cheek gently.
"I know you can take it. Take away this pain." Ai intoned lowly, her voice cracking ever so slightly. "There is power in it, is there not?"
Yes. Demons could not lie. If that is your wish, we can.
"Take it then. TAKE IT!" Ai burst out, eyes flashing with pain and anger. Then as swiftly as it had come, it vanished, and she calmed down again.
"After all, what else have you not taken already?" She intoned humorlessly, already beginning to walk out.
"I will return for the ceremony, when it is time. Do not worry, I will not break the contract."
She left. The spirits continued burning on the altar, waiting, preparing.
Time until the New Moon - 24:32:59
=====================
Ok, so actually there should be another part to it, but I decided to split it. It felt right to end here, so I did. So there's another bit, the finale. XD
Hope this answered some questions though. ;)
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Daaayyummmm that was such a gooooooooood part! Demon thingy = win!!! Ai screaming for it to take the pain away gave chills, i really got into it. And good idea at ending it there.
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I have chills now, even though it's 81 degrees! That was scary. The demon thing was a good addition. Not really what I had expected at all. But then again, I didn't expect that Ai-chan would have willingly accepted whatever contract was binding her. I totally thought like Gaki-san, that something was preventing her from coming back and that she had no choice. Poor Gaki-san. :cry: When Ai was telling the demon to take away the pain, I could picture it. Can't wait to hear the rest!
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Ai was kneeling, her hands hanging limply by her sides, head bowed in apparent supplication to the living flame dancing on the altar before her. Shadows danced around her form, eerie and flickering, like little ghostly sprites at play. Ai's breathing was subdued, even labored, and sweat beaded her forehead, her short hair clinging mattedly against her skull.
Ohsnap, was I actually correct in that guess that I made and then blacked out for spoilers? :?
Ai gasped, her breath hitching as she was thrown forward, hunching over as she wheezed painfully. Her limbs felt weak and rubbery, and her head spun. She felt utterly drained, emptied of all energy, thought and even emotion. Her eyes lidded heavily, her consciousness swimming in and out of focus.
Call me crazy, but this is a totally different image than the one that we've been getting previously. Before Aichan was portrayed as being absolutely dominant. Here, she's just...so tired.
"How ironic though. That demons would have more cause to be honest."
HOLY FRAK I CALLED IT!!! :OMG:
"I know the rules and what is at stake, and I have accepted the deal." Ai gritted her teeth, eyes flashing with hidden pain. "I refuse to regret it."
Deal? What deal? Waht made Aichan agree to this??? :o
"It wasn't too difficult." Ai shrugged modestly. "If human faith is strong enough to create gods, it speaks of the strength of human emotions." She smiled sadly. "In the end, it had to be me, after all." She looked at her hands, continuing to explain her own logic in that passive tone. "To get what was needed in that time frame specified...we needed an amplifier, a focus."
So Aichan knew that she would probably have to face her former kouhai like this?
And yet, you still cling on to past loyalties. What of the girl you brought into the Tower?
Ai winced, flinching back slightly. "I...I could not just leave her in the arena." Then, accusingly, she added. "She should not have fainted after her rose was taken. Why has she not woken up yet?" Her face was defiant, fists clenched as she stared straight into the center of the flame.
Omgass, Risa's alive?!?!? :shocked:
"One last question, before the ceremony on the new moon tomorrow night."
We will hear it.
"How long will this last? Before the next ceremony, I mean." Ai asked, folding her arms.
A long, calculating pause. That depends on how much we harvest, but usually, at least five hundred years as you humans reckon time. Given your generous contribution this time, perhaps a little longer than average.
"Good." She meant it. It meant that no one would have to suffer her fate for a good long time. It was worth it then, her sacrifice.
A-ha, I think I see now. The purpose of the duels is basically to act as "feeding time" for whatever these beings are, isn't it? For some reason they select a human as their fighter, who then goes and gets into these duels which, during the process, gathers the energy needed by these beings to survive. They then must go away somewhere, leaving humanity alone until they need to feed again.
:k-crazy:
"Then I shall take my leave. The next challenger is coming, I sense it." Ai bowed deeply, one hand over her heart.
"I will not shirk from the path I chose freely, if that was what concerned you before." Ai added, about to turn and leave. "I do not break my promises."
The voice that interrupted her was not that of the spirit.
"Ai-chan? You...you chose this?" A weak voice, wavering like a leaf on the wind. Ai whipped around, pain shooting up her shoulder at the sudden movement.
"Risa..." She whispered, one hand reaching out towards her friend, who was leaning, pale and weak, against the columned doorway of the chamber. "You...heard?"
Oh shit.
:mon scare:
Ai wanted to retort, wanted to explain, wanted to run forward and hug her Gaki-san, tell her everything, cry out to her...but her oath made her stay her tongue, her eyes burning with things unsaid, which was why she kept them directed at the floor. She could feel the weight of her promise bearing down on her, threatening to crush all life out of her should she even breathe a single word at the moment. She could feel the spirits watching her, feel the overwhelming presence lurking behind her...
The beings must realize that if humanity knew teh true nature and purpose of these duels, they'd no longer participate/do their bidding.
she kept silent, holding her pain in, holding everything in. She had made the deal. She had known what was at stake. She knew what she was doing. It had to be done.
And if not her, who else would she send onto the altar of sacrifice? How could she send anyone where she herself would not go? No, it had to be done, and it had to be her.
Oh fuck, don't tell me that the end of this whole mess invovles Aichan having to give up her own life to pass on the energy she has gathered to these beings?
:scared:
"I can't look at you anymore, Ai-chan. I...I just...can't..." Risa was obviously struggling with her emotions now, and Ai suppressed the urge to go over and hug the other girl. She knew what could be coming next, but it still hit her like a ton of bricks when it came.
SLAP
"I...I...I hate you, Ai-chan! I HATE YOU FOR DOING THIS TO ME!" Risa yelled, stared at Ai for a long, tear-filled moment, then turned and ran blindly from the place. Ai stood there, head flung to the side where Risa had slapped her, her entire body rigid.
:shock:
Still though, can't exactly blame Risa for feeling this way.
"I know you can take it. Take away this pain." Ai intoned lowly, her voice cracking ever so slightly.
Aichan just wants it to be over, doesn't she? She just wants to end things the way they are, if for no other reason than to make sure that she doesn't get made/forced to fight her friends.
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DAMNIT I got tricked!
Anyways, what were the demons gonna do if Ai didn't sacrifice herself? And I'm guessing by the time the rest knows what Ai really did.. it'll be too late huh?
-tries to imagine Reina in a pony tail-
..... can't get the image into my mind.
hehe, your fic is THAT hard to read (this time round) XDD
I hope it wouldn't be a long wait for the next chapter!!
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^ Me too! I was like, where did you end it there?!?!??! It isn't even ended yet~~~!!! I know the answer to that but I ain't telling XD It's sad just thinking about it though *sniff*
TakaGaki....*sigh*
Anyway, I love Reina here. Her character is awesome and the bits where she shows her vulnerable side? Perfect. Eri was hmmmm, how do you say this? Kinda attractive in a way? How she's always by Sayumi's side and an obvious loyal friend to Gaki. Ai-chan written by you can't be anything but the best. You are great in portraying her every single time. And Risa....well what can I say. I adore her. In this fic too. I just wish she wouldn't leave Ai at this juncture. She's gonna regret it. Oops, did I just say too much? :P
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oh no! I think you left me with more questions! Like what Ai chan actually had to sacrifice..guess it wasn't her actual life...since the ceremony must have already happened (during the time line of the first 3 parts) but she was still there to guard the tower.. Makes me wonder if she had to sacrifice her humanity or maybe she's now a spirit! :dizzy: and where in the world did Risa run off to! What if she never did leave the tower! :O and Eri!...and...and the bad demon thingies...I wonder if they are collecting souls or some type of life force...so many questions...you can tell that I'm dying to find out the answers =D *has a feeling that Ai chan is going to be killed off by Reina but hopes that's not the case* Can't wait for the grand finale!
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Ok finally...after 8 long hours of writing...here is the grand finale.
I am so fricking tired. And so damn drained.
Warning: SAD ahead. Ok, prepared? Let's go.
P.S. The title doesn't mean anything, I just liked how it sounded.
============================================
Le Grand Retour
Eri didn't know what to expect, as she mounted the spiral stairway up to the arena, that strange sense of vertigo haunting her every step as she went still higher.
Castles in the air...and a damsel in distress.... Eri smiled grimly. What is this, a fairytale?
More like a nightmare given form. The sun had already set, but yet time felt somehow irrelevant when one was within these grounds. It was as if the arena and the Tower were on a different dimension of existence entirely. Eri shivered, feeling the evening chill set in, the mournful dirge of the wind whispering, siren-like, into her ear.
I'll defeat you, Ai. I have to. For Gaki-san, for Sayu... Eri refused to contemplate the fact that it was entirely possible that Gaki-san was already dead, clinging to the belief that no matter how much Ai had changed, she would not be gone as far as to kill Risa.
The stairway was interminably long, but Eri finally found herself at the top, framed in the arched entrance to the grand arena. A few forlorn petals swept across that broad circular space, and Eri once again contemplated the intricate designs carved into the floor of the arena itself. The patterns were beguiling, compelling even, when one looked too long at it, and Eri had to tear her gaze away even as her mind begin to spin. The whole place gave her the creeps.
There was no Ai waiting for her on the other side. According to Reina, Ai had already been there and waiting when she came, as if she had known long beforehand that they were coming. Eri felt a sense of foreboding, a chill that ran down her spine. There was something terribly wrong here. It felt almost too quiet, even though the winds continued to draw the petals scattered all over the arena into some kind of ancient dance.
As if the thought had summoned it though, a doorway opened, a portal-like entrance that Reina had described earlier. Eri steeled herself and walked down into the arena proper, one hand on the hilt of her sheathed rapier and eyes alert. She did not want to be caught unawares.
The person that stumbled through was not Ai though.
"Gaki-san?" Eri breathed out shallowly, not believing her eyes. So Risa was alive? And...from the Tower? The portal had closed immediately the moment Risa had been, for lack of a better term, ejected from within, since the older girl had ended up on her butt, before falling backwards to lie on her back.
"Gaki-san!" Eri abandoned all caution and rushed over, kneeling by Risa's side and gently supporting her senpai to sit upright again. "Are you alright? Are you hurt? What happened?" The questions came out in a confused blur, since Eri was herself rather baffled by the whole turn of events. Risa squeezed her eyes shut, putting her hands to her ears as if to cover them.
"Kame, one question at a time!" She cried out, opening one accusing eye reproachfully to look at the abashed Eri. Eri slowed down, giving Risa a quick once over and noting wordlessly the tear-stained face and reddened eye. There were no obvious wounds or injuries, which relieved the turtle girl.
"What happened to you?" Eri blurted out, even as Risa started to try and stand up again with Eri's help. The older girl leaned on Eri, one arm thrown over Eri's shoulder for support, still feeling dizzy from her run out of that nightmare Tower.
"Ai...Ai-chan...she..." Risa mumbled, her eyes filling with tears again. "She..." Images flashed in her head, of Ai bowing to that living presence on that altar, that indifferent figure as she yelled at her. Risa gritted her teeth, still not wanting to believe, but yet her heart ached painfully at the memory, of hurt and betrayal.
"Did she hurt you? I found your sword. There was...blood on it." Eri babbled, halfway between elated that Risa was alright, and still very worried about her condition as they limped slowly across the arena.
"No...not really..." Risa felt like her mind and heart were separating, the heart that wanted to believe, and the mind that struggled with the overwhelming evidence that Ai had chosen her own path. "She...the blood...that was hers..."
"You managed to wound her?" Eri asked a tad incredulously. Risa nodded slowly, then just as quickly, shook her head.
"No...no...she..." Walked right onto my blade. Risa didn't understand why Ai did that. In between one breath and the next, before the darkness had claimed her, she had seen, or felt, Ai-chan catching her and whispering something to her.
I'm sorry. Forgive me. Was that what she said? Risa couldn't remember clearly. Just the lips moving. I'm sorry. And then, darkness.
The steps were difficult to navigate. Risa kept feeling like she was going to trip and roll down the rest of the way. Given how crappy she felt, she was beginning to find that an attractive alternative. Beside her, Eri was also struggling, more with her own mind than the terrain. There were so many things she wanted to ask, but didn't dare to. Risa's eyes frightened her. So haunted, so hurt, so full of despair.
What on earth happened in there, Gaki-san?
~*~*~
Ai was sleeping. Or not. It was difficult to separate dream and reality in the realm of the Tower. She was merely...differently aware in this particular state.
Her eyes opened slowly, the room shifting around her, rearranging itself to suit her perception. This was a very strange place, Ai reflected not for the first time. Nothing was ever as it seemed in here, and not everything was permanent or even substantial. Her environment seemed to change according to how her mind was ordered, and Ai had learned very early on in her stay here to school her thoughts carefully. If she went on too much of a mental tangent, things tended to get confusing.
Perception shapes reality. She echoed in her mind, and the room solidified as she grew more alert. That was the first thing she learned during her sessions with the spirits of the Tower. That line had a very profound significance in this dimension.
Everything was in a dark tone now, in her room. Jet black, blood red, like a scene right out of a gothic novel. Ai smiled mirthlessly. Apparently her choice in reading material, back when she had a normal life, had played no small part in forging this state. Of course, her less than bright mood probably contributed to it as well.
There was something bright and shimmering in a corner. Something that didn't belong. Ai stood, her feet touching the shadowy "floor", feeling it bounce a little under her step. A few steps, and she was there by it, touching the fabric.
And time slowed around her as she absorbed the psychic memory invested within the garments. Ai shuddered, staggering back as her hand snapped back as if jolted by the contact. She knew now, instinctively, that she would have to wear that for the ceremony. As the Vessel, she would have to be properly attired.
Somehow, that amused her. Turning around, she wondered how much time she had left until the ceremony. A series of flashing numbers appeared on a wall in response to her unspoken thought, answering her question. She had slept longer than she had thought, but then again, she had barely slept much since entering the Tower. Time passed differently here, or so it would seem. Ai already felt significantly aged despite knowing intellectually that it really hadn't been all that long since she was in here.
A few more hours. Already, darker thoughts were beginning to encroach on her own mind, shadows of her own making beginning to lengthen in the room. She pushed the melancholia away, as best as she could. She had no time for regrets now. Instinctively, her hands sought the hilt of her katana, that familiar, reassuring grip in her hand reminding her of better times.
She banished those thoughts as well, drawing her katana so swiftly that it was barely more than a blur, cutting the suddenly materialized shadow that she had allowed to emerge from her mind. Oni, the manifestation of a human's negative thoughts and emotions. In this place between worlds, the spiritual energy needed to give it form were in abundance, and Ai needed an outlet to kill her thoughts and focus on nothing except the rigors of her katas.
Within seconds, she had managed to shred the dark creature into little bits, and the strange floor absorbed the remains even as her blade found its way into her sheath again, her breath coming out in time to match the motion. The focus she needed to perform that move required a clear mind, and it helped to ward off any unwanted memories. Clenching her teeth tightly together, she continued, fighting against shadows of her own making, a dance of death as her blade sliced through everything in its path.
She was unaware of how much time had passed, only focusing on the moment, of the intricacies of the sword movements, on her footwork as she moved all ghost-like to match even the true ghosts in agility. But there was no mistaking the call when it came.
It is almost time. Prepare. No question at all. Ai slowed, banishing the shades with a single thought as she resheathed her katana in a single smooth move. She was panting, sweating hard, but the touch of the spirits removed her fatigue, and she felt refreshed and more clearheaded than when she had first begun. Her workout had its benefits, after all.
Wordlessly, she shed her clothes and put on the shimmering robes, feeling them fit her as neatly as if it had been made for her --- which it had been. She tied on her katana to the silken belt at her waist, not wanting to leave it behind even though there was no need for it where she was going. That done, she looked out of the window, at a sky painted red with the setting sun.
My last sunset. One last, grim look. Then she turned, drawing the hood of the outer robe over her head, putting her face in shadow.
She walked out of the door. There was no hurry. She would get there in plenty of time.
~*~*~
Eri had been fiercely protective of Risa when they returned to the dorms, keeping a hawk-like watch on the exhausted girl, as if afraid that the moment she took her eyes away, Risa would disappear. It was bad enough that Reina had to physically drag the taller girl away just to make sure Risa got to shower in peace.
Reina, on her part, had been greatly relieved to see Risa back, even if she didn't say much about it. However, even she knew well enough to give Risa space to recover, after taking one look into her senpai's eyes. Eri had taken much longer to convince, and Reina had to resort to locking the door again.
Of course, this time she locked herself in with Eri so that the girl wouldn't have to be alone. Reina might be blunt and straightforward in her speech, but she wasn't completely insensitive. She knew Eri had been rendered quite insecure after Sayu's unfortunate accident, since the lack of someone who kept clinging to her managed to unsettle her, no matter how much she complained about Sayu never leaving her alone all the time before.
Reina also knew that Risa needed time alone, being herself in need of copious amounts of alone time every so often, which was why she had made Eri bunk over in her room (since Eri busted the door on her own).
It had been a long night, but somehow they made it through intact, if somewhat fuzzy-brained in the morning. It was an uncharacteristically quiet breakfast at the mess hall, given that there weren't many students left around, and the 3 of them were all huddled together in their own corner, poking at their food. Even Reina, who usually always had something to say, no matter what the situation, was silent, chewing on her food contemplatively, her mind elsewhere.
Finally, Risa was the one who broke the silence.
"I guess you guys want to know what happened." Reina snorted, rolling her wonky eyes.
"Took you long enough. So spill. Why did you disappear?" Eri kicked Reina under the table. Reina kicked right back. Eri winced and pouted. Reina stuck her tongue out at Eri. Risa pretended not to know what was going on, gathering her thoughts.
"I think...I fainted after the fight with Ai-chan." She wanted to stop referring to Ai so affectionately, but old habits die hard. Resigned, she continued.
"She brought me into the Tower..." At the mention of it, she shuddered again, remembering the chaos she had woken up to, the shifting reality giving her a pounding headache wherever she looked. "It was...scary. That place..." She rubbed her hands together before clutching her coffee cup tightly.
"Get to the point." Reina said bluntly, unwrapping a bar of chocolate she took from her pocket. "Did you find out anything useful? Like, how can we get Ai-chan out of that bloody place?" She snapped a section off the chocolate bar and handed it to Eri, who had been eying it the moment Reina started unwrapping it. Eri mumbled a thank you and munched happily on the chocolate, finishing it before directing her attention back to Risa.
Risa ignored Reina's words and continued, detailing what she saw and heard in that place, right down to when she had stumbled on the chamber where Ai had been. She had heard Ai's voice, as if she were talking to herself, and had moved closer, only to hear those fatal words that had shattered her confidence in Ai.
"No...way..." Eri said slowly, uncomprehendingly, as if unable to process what Risa had just said. But one look at the pained expression on Gaki-san's face told her that the older girl had not been lying at all. Reina's face was unreadable, although her eyes burned with a mix of emotions.
"She chose it huh...what the fuck..." Reina muttered, half to herself, the chocolate suddenly a lot more bitter in her mouth. She swallowed, then gulped down her cooling tea, eyes hard. Her hand gripped the cup tightly, as if trying to shatter it in her hand, even as her jaw worked silently, teeth grinding together.
Risa closed her eyes, looking very old in that instant. "I don't know why she's doing this...I just don't...I don't want to believe, but that's what I heard." Risa bowed her head, feeling the tears burning in her eyes and the back of her throat. She felt sick. Sick at heart, at this betrayal.
Eri was thinking. She had a distant expression on her face, as if she wasn't quite there. She felt like they were missing something, somehow. Despite everything, she still wanted to believe in Ai. The Ai she knew...even if she chose to do this, there had to be a reason for it. A reason that must have convinced Ai to do so. They just didn't know what.
"Didn't you say..." Eri started hesitantly, processing Risa's account of what happened. "...that Ai-chan was talking about some ceremony?" The gears in her head worked in vain for some plausible answer, but coming up empty. "That would be important, wouldn't it?"
Risa too, felt as Eri did, even though her own private pain was making it difficult to focus on the matter at hand. She nodded slowly, trying to think, but Reina cut in.
"Does it matter?" Reina slammed her fist down on the table, making everyone in the vicinity jump in their seats at the loud bang. "There's some major hoodoo happening, I don't know what, but I'm gonna stop it cos it can't be anything good." Her face was grim as she announced that, never mind that everyone in the cafeteria was staring at her.
"What the fuck are you looking at?!" Reina yelled, making everyone at the other tables quickly look down again. Risa looked at her reproachfully.
"Tanakacchi, cool it. We can't just go charging in like that. Whatever's happening, it's big, and it's happening tonight, so we still have a little time to prepare." Risa managed to state coolly, in a way Ai would have been proud. In Ai's absence, she had to be strong and level-headed, and not give in to her instincts to hide somewhere and cry. Beside her, Eri also nodded, trying to come up with something that made sense.
"Bah, whatever." But she did sit down, staring at the table blankly. It was difficult, putting up a gruff exterior, but she managed it, scowling at nothing in particular, if only to hide the fact that she was hurting inside. She felt the need to smash things, just to let out the pent up frustration, but restrained herself. No need to act like a brat right now.
They kept talking, Gaki-san and Eri, and it was driving Reina mad inside. She wanted to just go to the Tower, drag Ai-chan out, and kick some sense into her. Reina didn't like feeling so powerless, so at a loss, and just helpless in general. It made her feel useless, and she hated that.
"You know," she found herself cutting in. "Why don't we just go to the Tower and ask if we don't know anything?" Better than just sitting here and grumping. Reina favored constructive action over this kind of useless inaction. Risa and Eri looked at each other, then back at Reina, who was tapping her foot impatiently.
"Alright, fine, we go, we find out what happen, and we fix it!" Risa declared as if it had been her own idea to begin with. Reina sighed and bounced to her feet.
"Come on, slowpokes. We're wasting time here."
They went. Who knew what lay ahead? They certainly didn't, but they were going to find out, one way or another.
~*~*~
The sky was darkening overhead, the absence of the moon robbing the encroaching night of its luminiscence. Storm clouds were brewing, hanging low and pregnant across threatening skies. In the distance, the faint rumble of thunder made itself heard.
Ai stood in the middle of the arena, her hood still drawn over her head, in the precise middle of the grounds where the designs intersected. Waiting, watching. She raised her head, gazing at the incoming storm. Lightning crashed across like an accident waiting to happen. She closed her eyes, taking in the scent of approaching rain on the wind, letting her senses reach out and absorb everything around her.
She could feel them, her friends, trying in vain to gain access to the arena grounds. She smiled, feeling their frustration, remembering.
They will come, because I am here. She had said that to the spirits, at the beginning of the formal duels. Once again, they have come. For her.
She tilted her head skywards, letting the hood slip back just a little, her face angled to the skies as she spread her arms. No regrets. She promised herself that.
And knowing that they would come, despite what she had done to them, perhaps that was reward enough. It was worth it, to protect this world with her sacrifice.
~*~*~
"Fucking door, open already!" Reina kicked at the unyielding door, only succeeding in bruising her foot. She yelped and grabbed at it in pain.
"I don't like this." Eri said nervously, glancing at the threatening skies above. "Something's happening...something..." She shuddered.
Risa was staring at the door, as if it would open by sheer force of will. "It's sealed...Ai-chan...what are you doing inside?" She was shoved aside by a growling Reina.
"If it won't open the regular way, then we'll just make our own way." The tiny rebel was interrupted by Eri handing her an axe. She blinked at the normally reserved turtle girl, who flushed slightly and scratched at her head.
"Um, I kinda took this from the store earlier..." Eri confessed sheepishly. Reina, however, let a savage grin creep onto her lips.
"I like how you think, Eri." Reina turned back to the heavy door blocking their path.
"Let's get this party started." And swung.
~*~*~
The seal will come into alignment soon. Prepare yourself, Vessel. Ai nodded, drawing the ceremonial dagger and raising it and her other arm high.
"One last boon, will you hear it?" Ai requested on dry lips, licking them as her hands wavered in the air.
The wish is yours, as the victor. Name it, and we will accomplish it if it is within our power.
Ai spoke. The skies rumbled, along with the assent of the spirits that guarded this place. She closed her eyes, nodding in acceptance. She heard voices in the distance, and steeled herself. She cut, a deep gash across her palm, and let it fall.
Forgive me. Ai cast a final, desperate glance at the horrified expressions on the faces of her friends in the distance. Somehow, they had managed to make it up to the arena's gates, but the barrier surrounding the grounds kept them from entering. And now they were watching as her blood dripped from her hand, down...
...touching the grooves of the carved design on the ground. Instantly, it flared up, glowing with an eerie light. More of Ai's blood dripped down, filling the little crevice where Ai stood, even as the sky above her started to rumble even more loudly, flickers of lightning illuminating the night sky.
~*~*~
They raced up the stairs faster than they ever had, knowing, instinctively somehow, that they had to hurry. When they reached the top, Eri leading the pack, there was a collective gasp (minus Reina, who was still a little behind).
"AI-CHAN!!!" Risa screamed, trying to barge into the arena, but an invisible force prevented her from entering. She could only watch, helplessly, as Ai cut her palm, the blood gushing out like a fountain.
Reina pushed her way past to gape at the scene, shocked as well. If she screamed something, it did not register in her mind. She had lost the axe somewhere in the mad scramble upwards, so she started pounding at the barrier with her bare hands, ignoring the sizzle whenever she made contact with the barrier. Her fists began to bleed at some point, but she did not care. All she knew was that she had to get in, some way, somehow.
Eri had sunk to her knees, mostly in terror. She was the most sensitive to the force building in the place, and the overwhelming pressure forced her to her knees. She clutched at her head, trying to push the feeling out. She was shaking so bad, she barely knew what was happening around her.
They cried, wept, pounded, screamed and shook. A variety of responses, all in vain. They could only watch. Only that, and nothing more.
~*~*~
The design begin to glow more brightly, even as the blood spread out from the center, snaking across the grooves and filling them with that blood red glow. The pattern seemed to come to life, lighting up wherever the blood touched, and Ai's hand continued to bleed, far more than was normal for a cut that size at that location. The knife dropped from her hand with a clatter, and she clutched at her arm, gasping as her blood seemed to be drawn from her more and more quickly.
The circle took her blood and began to power up, the rings of blood beginning to throb with a steady beat, and Ai sank to her knees, unable to stand upright anymore. Around her, the magical design rose in strength, driven by her lifeblood. Above, the sky began to open up, the dark black of night bleeding to crimson, the exact replica of the pattern that was carved into the arena grounds.
The seal is ready. Commencing energy transfer. If Ai heard it, she did not respond. She could not. It was all she could do to stay conscious already.
She would regret that decision shortly.
The first ray that came down was gentle, almost soothing, and Ai found herself bathed in light and lifted off the ground, floating a few feet off the floor, her body angled at a slight incline, her hood falling off so she could see into the heart of the seal she was going to power. She saw it, and felt no fear. She was past fear at that point.
But not past pain, when the next bolt came down.
Ai choked, a strangled cry escaping her lips as a blood red spike impaled her right through the left wrist. Before she could even register the pain, the next one pinned her right wrist, and so on with both her ankles.
Crucified. She coughed, and blood dribbled from her lips. She threw back her head and screamed as the final spike went through her abdomen, the pain white hot, searing her every nerve as her eyes bulged. Her body spasmed involuntarily, and her vision almost blacked out at the shock.
She vaguely registered that she was still suspended in the air, this time by the spikes, which had been driven straight through into the holes in the pattern below her. She thought it would hurt more, but the pain was so intense that it didn't really hurt anymore. She was, thankfully, almost numb at this point.
Then she felt it. Great power, flowing through her, and upwards. Powering the seal. She smiled, laughed, cried, shouted. She did not know what she was doing, reliving all the emotions that had been taken, the purity and intensity of the feelings directed at her during the duels.
And then she wept, silently, because she never realized how much they loved her, and she them. And now it would all be too late.
Forgive...and if you cannot, forget. Ai closed her eyes. My last gift. Forget.
The seal took everything she had to offer, waxing in strength to last another few hundred years. And its guardians were content, their duty performed for yet another generation.
The sky flashed, brilliantly, lighting everything in the immediate vicinity and blinding everyone with eyes to see. And then it was all over, and faded to darkness absolute.
Only the spirits remained, watching what they had wrought. They would keep faith, as they always have done.
Done, and done. It is finished.
And then it was over, at long last. The spirits saw what they had done, and were content.
Let no one claim that they had broken their promises, for they had done as promised.
In every end, a new beginning...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Eri woke with a start, in her own bed, thrashing about violently at first as she looked about wildly, terror coursing through her veins. The last vestiges of her nightmare faded out of recent memory as she calmed down. She was alone in her room. Where was Sayu?
Then she remembered that Sayu had fallen ill and was in the medical wing. Seized by a sudden urge, she dashed out of her room, the door flying open on contact (I thought I locked the door, she thought vaguely), skidding round the corner and running helter skelter down to the medical wing, bursting into the room panting hard.
Sayumi was sitting up, propped up by numerous pillows and startled by Eri's sudden entrance.
"Eririn! Why are you...mmphf!" Sayumi found herself cut off by a huge bear hug from her best friend, who was...sobbing into her shoulder?
"I thought you were gone for good..." Eri wailed, not knowing exactly why but feeling a strong urge to cry. Which she did, with great vigor. Sayumi patted Eri awkwardly on the back, hugging her back.
"I'm fine, it's just a bad cold..." The self proclaimed cutest girl in the world chuckled. "No need to act like I died."
"I was so scared..." Eri mumbled, managing to sit up next to Sayu on the bed and snuggling up to her best friend. Reaching out, she took Sayu's hands in hers and squeezed them firmly. "Don't you ever disappear on me, you hear?"
Sayu smiled at Eri warmly. "Never." Then she sneezed. "Darn cold..." She grumbled, and Eri laughed, freeing her right hand to reach for the box of tissues by the bed, handing them to Sayumi, who blew her nose loudly after taking a wad of tissues. Eri watched her, idly toying with her own fingers as if to play with the ring there, but finding nothing on her hand. She looked at her hands.
"What is it, Eri?" Sayu also looked down after she had cleared her breathing passages. Eri was staring at her own hands, at the lighter patch of skin in a ring around one of her fingers. Sayu prodded at the same spot, a confused expression on her face.
"Were you wearing a ring?" Eri slowly shook her head, the sense of unease growing within her.
"I don't know, Sayu...I don't know..." Sayu shrugged, snuggling up to Eri and distracting her with other topics of conversation. Eri also ignored her hands and returned her attention to Sayu, although that nagging feeling continued on in her mind, even as she made idle conversation with Sayu.
Am I forgetting something...?
~*~*~
Risa was straightening her hair in her room, struggling with the task in front of the mirror and resenting her hair dreadfully at the moment. Her hair wasn't completely untameable, but it could be a handful at times. Like right now.
She could have used a little help, but she wasn't rooming with anyone else, so she couldn't beg the help of a roommate. It was strange, living in a double room on her own, but the extra space wasn't so bad. Although...it felt a little empty at times. Too empty, even.
I should ask for a roommate...or just transfer to a single room... She mused, overcoming a tangle with a triumphant grin. "Yay~"
Then she caught sight of the clock. "Oh no, I'm running late!" She half-shrieked in panic, scrambling around for her things, finally reaching for the sword lying in a corner of her room. She missed a step though, falling to the floor with a clatter and knocking the sword over, sending it out of its scabbard.
"Ouch..." She winced, rubbing her nose where she had hit it on the ground. Climbing up to her feet, she reached for the fallen sword, ready to shove it back into the scabbard, and then froze.
Blood...? What was blood doing on her blade? Confused and curious, Risa drew her sword fully, holding it to the light. No doubt, there were dark crimson stains on it, especially around the tip.
"Why..." Her throat tightened for reasons unknown to her, and tears began to flow from her eyes. She just stood there, staring at the bloodstains, and weeping.
"Why am I crying...?" She whispered aloud, not knowing the reason, but feeling indescribably sad, little stabbing pains in her heart as she looked on at the blood.
Why do I feel so alone?
~*~*~
Reina woke up with something very similar to a hangover, if the pounding headache threatening to drill its way out of her skull was any indication. Her hand throbbed painfully, matching the pain in her skull. Blearily, she opened her eyes, raising one hand to shade her face from the sun.
Ugh...too bright... Reina rolled over, burying her face into the pillow in some hope that the evil sunshine would leave her alone. The headache was not helping. Neither was the pain in her knuckles. What was the pain in her hands? Frustrated, the little yankii opened one wonky eye and looked at one hand.
The other eye snapped open very quickly after the first glimpse.
"What. The. Fuck." Reina intoned with genuine confusion as she stared at her bruised and bleeding hands. Did she beat someone up with her bare hands the night before? What happened the night before? Did she get drunk or something? Reina groaned and let her head fall back into her pillow.
Then she looked up suddenly, groping for the clock by her bedside. One look at the time confirmed her suspicions.
"Great..." She was already late for practice. Whatever. The only thing she ever did there was break the wooden practice swords. Niigaki-senpai did try to teach her stuff, and those things were even useful sometimes, but Reina wanted a truly strong opponent to cut her teeth against. It was boring, and the only other person she could really fight against was Eri, but Eri was such an annoying pacifist. Pity, since Eri was fairly skilled.
"Bah, practice can go to hell." Reina muttered grouchily. Besides, she had a good excuse this time. Her hands hurt, and they were obviously in no condition to be wielding a sword at the moment. Besides, more sleep sounded like a good idea.
If only she didn't have a headache, and better still if that damned sunshine would just leave her alone.
"Ugh, screw sleep." Reina rolled up to a sitting position, rubbing at her eyes with her wrists since her hands were still sore. She felt warm and sticky all over. A shower would be a good idea.
With that in mind, Reina stood up, stumbling over to her closet and opening it with a yawn. Idly, she picked out some casual clothes. It was a weekend, so she was free to go down to town and walk around or something. Fault her for as many things if you would, but one could never accuse Tanaka Reina of having lousy fashion sense.
She was about to head out of her room towards the showers when something caught her eye in the corner. Curiously, Reina draped her clothes over a nearby stool and put down her other things on top of the dresser, crouching down to paw at the mess of stuff in that corner. She had seen the glint of metal...
There. She pulled it out of the pile of books and magazines. One eyebrow raised high as she stared at the object in her hands.
"A sword...?" A steel one. A fine shortsword, the heavy weight of which felt really...familiar in her hands. Comfortable, like taking hold of an old friend.
"I have this...?" There was an annoying blank in her mind as she tried to figure out how she had come by such a thing. She stood up, still holding it between her hands, ignoring the pain from the cuts and bruises.
She drew it, and it whispered out of the sheath smoothly. Reina fell into a fighting stance with it, feeling the balance and weight of the weapon she held, marveling at how perfect it was for her. She swung around with it carefully, pleased by the weapon, but still baffled as to how it came to be in her possession.
Returning it to the sheath, she examined it carefully, her fingers probing curiously across the surface. She raised another eyebrow when her thumb caught on something, and she sprung the hidden compartment in the hilt of the sword.
"What's this?" Surprise, certainly, as she pulled out the tightly rolled up piece of paper tucked inside. Curious, she set the sword aside and unrolled the paper.
Reina,
If you've found this, that means you've been paying attention to your sword. That's good. You should always care for your weapon, and know it well.
I hope you like the sword, I had it made for you. Do take good care of it.
I look forward to the day when you can give me a good fight with it.
No need to rush, I'll be waiting.
--- Ai
Something wet fell onto the paper, then another, and another. Reina gripped the paper tightly, her shoulders shaking as tears fell from her eyes, unbidden.
"Ai..." The name rolled off her lips, barely above a whisper. It set off tremors right through her soul.
So close. She knew that name. She just knew she did. But what...?
"Ai..." Her tears continued to fall, her heart aching within her. The note was half crushed in her fist.
"Ai...chan?"
I'll be waiting. Reina laughed, a high, wild, shaky laugh. Her hands shook, almost tearing the note apart.
"Liar." She whispered at the note. "You lied."
I remember now. How could I forget?
You're so cruel, Ai-chan. So damn cruel.
I won't ever forgive you, or forget what you've done.
Never.
==============================================
It is done! I am finished! -collapses-
Hope you liked it. XD
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WAHHHHH! Yeah, that's the sound of me bawling my eyes out! So Ai really did sacrifice herself? For them? For mankind? And she made them forget? They were still injured but had no recollection of why. That was a great story, really. On a happier note, I can totally picture Eri munching on the chocolate bar, like a little squirrel or something. And Reina waking up with a hangover-like headache cracked me up!
Thanks for writing this. I really enjoyed it. Please write some more soon!
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Damn you la, you made me cry :cry: This was too awesome for words. As always you did a phenomenal job. The detailing in the ceremony was so good. My heart went out to Ai-chan then. I think it was also the same time I started crying. Anyone who saw me probably thought someone died. Well Ai-chan did! (says indignantly) In this fic anyway. I couldn't stop crying till the very end. The only good thing was Sayu waking up at the back. The ring disappearing was a little sad since Sayu would now not know how Eri felt for her. Still can't stomach that you killed Ai la, damnit. You better make up for this with that RnK fic :P Yes, I didn't forget about that XD
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shit. made me cry.. TT^TT
i love youuuuu!! :cow:
Damn.. Reina remembered.. XD
and HOORAH FOR AI!..HERO! :otomerika:
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Eri didn't know what to expect, as she mounted the spiral stairway up to the arena, that strange sense of vertigo haunting her every step as she went still higher.
I can't help but think that Eri doesn't stand a chance here.
:hip aww:
Eri once again contemplated the intricate designs carved into the floor of the arena itself. The patterns were beguiling, compelling even, when one looked too long at it, and Eri had to tear her gaze away even as her mind begin to spin. The whole place gave her the creeps.
So like, is the arena part of the tower that mysteriously showed up, or was it there already and it's just being used now for these duels?
The person that stumbled through was not Ai though.
"Gaki-san?" Eri breathed out shallowly, not believing her eyes.
Oh please say Risa's not being made to fight Eri!
:scared:
The portal had closed immediately the moment Risa had been, for lack of a better term, ejected from within, since the older girl had ended up on her butt, before falling backwards to lie on her back.
Hmmm...guess not. :O
"Did she hurt you? I found your sword. There was...blood on it." Eri babbled, halfway between elated that Risa was alright, and still very worried about her condition as they limped slowly across the arena.
"No...not really..." Risa felt like her mind and heart were separating, the heart that wanted to believe, and the mind that struggled with the overwhelming evidence that Ai had chosen her own path. "She...the blood...that was hers..."
"You managed to wound her?" Eri asked a tad incredulously.
Holy crap! Considering Aichan's supposed to be the elite of the elite, if Risa wounded her then it either means Risa got really lucky, or something's fishy.
:stunned:
"No...no...she..." Walked right onto my blade. Risa didn't understand why Ai did that.
:mon wtf:
In between one breath and the next, before the darkness had claimed her, she had seen, or felt, Ai-chan catching her and whispering something to her.
I'm sorry. Forgive me. Was that what she said? Risa couldn't remember clearly. Just the lips moving. I'm sorry. And then, darkness.
The demon's made Aichan impervious to injury or something? :?
Perception shapes reality. She echoed in her mind, and the room solidified as she grew more alert. That was the first thing she learned during her sessions with the spirits of the Tower. That line had a very profound significance in this dimension.
Other dimension? So...Aichan has been given the ability, or this place has the ability to make things appear as one wishes them to?
:shock:
And time slowed around her as she absorbed the psychic memory invested within the garments. Ai shuddered, staggering back as her hand snapped back as if jolted by the contact. She knew now, instinctively, that she would have to wear that for the ceremony. As the Vessel, she would have to be properly attired.
Somehow, that amused her. Turning around, she wondered how much time she had left until the ceremony.
It's pretty obvious that Aichan's going to be the focus of it, but I still can't help but worry about what exactly this ceremony is supposed to be and what's specifically going to happen.
It is almost time. Prepare.
...
My last sunset. One last, grim look. Then she turned, drawing the hood of the outer robe over her head, putting her face in shadow.
She walked out of the door. There was no hurry. She would get there in plenty of time.
:gmon tears:
Eri had been fiercely protective of Risa when they returned to the dorms, keeping a hawk-like watch on the exhausted girl, as if afraid that the moment she took her eyes away, Risa would disappear. It was bad enough that Reina had to physically drag the taller girl away just to make sure Risa got to shower in peace.
:lol:
"I guess you guys want to know what happened." Reina snorted, rolling her wonky eyes.
"Took you long enough.
...
"I think...I fainted after the fight with Ai-chan." She wanted to stop referring to Ai so affectionately, but old habits die hard. Resigned, she continued.
I guess it would be rather shocking to see your opponent (let alone a friend) intentionally walk into your blade. Then again, if Aichan IS impervious to physical injury like I surmised, it could be that she only did that because she wanted to get close enough to Risa to render her unconscious. If she was out cold, then Aichan wouldn't have to fight (and thus possibly seriously injure, or even kill her).
Reina didn't like feeling so powerless, so at a loss, and just helpless in general. It made her feel useless, and she hated that.
"You know," she found herself cutting in. "Why don't we just go to the Tower and ask if we don't know anything?" Better than just sitting here and grumping. Reina favored constructive action over this kind of useless inaction. Risa and Eri looked at each other, then back at Reina, who was tapping her foot impatiently.
Reina = :mon annoy:
Risa/Eri = :mon huh:
"Alright, fine, we go, we find out what happen, and we fix it!" Risa declared as if it had been her own idea to begin with. Reina sighed and bounced to her feet.
Even if they're not able to fix it, they would/should at least be able to find out (hopefully) what the deal was with Aichan.
They will come, because I am here. She had said that to the spirits, at the beginning of the formal duels. Once again, they have come. For her.
Damn, she knew that they wouldn't just leave things be, didn't she? Could it be that they're destined to bear witness, or even take part in the ceremony?
"Fucking door, open already!" Reina kicked at the unyielding door, only succeeding in bruising her foot. She yelped and grabbed at it in pain.
Reina = :mon woo:
;D
The seal will come into alignment soon. Prepare yourself, Vessel. Ai nodded, drawing the ceremonial dagger and raising it and her other arm high.
"One last boon, will you hear it?" Ai requested on dry lips, licking them as her hands wavered in the air.
The wish is yours, as the victor. Name it, and we will accomplish it if it is within our power.
Ai spoke. The skies rumbled, along with the assent of the spirits that guarded this place. She closed her eyes, nodding in acceptance. She heard voices in the distance, and steeled herself. She cut, a deep gash across her palm, and let it fall.
:OMG:
They raced up the stairs faster than they ever had, knowing, instinctively somehow, that they had to hurry. When they reached the top, Eri leading the pack, there was a collective gasp (minus Reina, who was still a little behind).
Poor Reina, she always did admit that she sucks at running. :cow:
"AI-CHAN!!!" Risa screamed, trying to barge into the arena, but an invisible force prevented her from entering. She could only watch, helplessly, as Ai cut her palm, the blood gushing out like a fountain.
Oh shit...Aichan's last wish was for the room to be shielded so that the others couldn't stop her, wasn't it? :cry:
*THE CEREMONY*
AICHAN NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
:pleeease: :pleeease: :pleeease:
The seal took everything she had to offer, waxing in strength to last another few hundred years. And its guardians were content, their duty performed for yet another generation.
Fuck... so the purpose of it all was to seal in some evil force to protect everyone.
I called it. :banghead:
Eri woke with a start, in her own bed, thrashing about violently at first as she looked about wildly, terror coursing through her veins. The last vestiges of her nightmare faded out of recent memory as she calmed down. She was alone in her room. Where was Sayu?
...
Sayumi was sitting up, propped up by numerous pillows and startled by Eri's sudden entrance.
"Eririn! Why are you...mmphf!" Sayumi found herself cut off by a huge bear hug from her best friend, who was...sobbing into her shoulder?
Well, at least Sayu's ok. :cow:
Eri watched her, idly toying with her own fingers as if to play with the ring there, but finding nothing on her hand. She looked at her hands.
"What is it, Eri?" Sayu also looked down after she had cleared her breathing passages. Eri was staring at her own hands, at the lighter patch of skin in a ring around one of her fingers. Sayu prodded at the same spot, a confused expression on her face.
"Were you wearing a ring?" Eri slowly shook her head, the sense of unease growing within her.
Well, the rings were magical, weren't they? Perhaps they disappeared when the seal was fixed.
Am I forgetting something...?
~*~*~
Risa was straightening her hair in her room, struggling with the task in front of the mirror and resenting her hair dreadfully at the moment. Her hair wasn't completely untameable, but it could be a handful at times. Like right now.
She could have used a little help, but she wasn't rooming with anyone else, so she couldn't beg the help of a roommate. It was strange, living in a double room on her own, but the extra space wasn't so bad. Although...it felt a little empty at times. Too empty, even.
I should ask for a roommate...or just transfer to a single room...
...
Why do I feel so alone?
~*~*~
Reina rolled over, burying her face into the pillow in some hope that the evil sunshine would leave her alone. The headache was not helping. Neither was the pain in her knuckles. What was the pain in her hands? Frustrated, the little yankii opened one wonky eye and looked at one hand.
The other eye snapped open very quickly after the first glimpse.
"What. The. Fuck." Reina intoned with genuine confusion as she stared at her bruised and bleeding hands. Did she beat someone up with her bare hands the night before? What happened the night before? Did she get drunk or something? Reina groaned and let her head fall back into her pillow.
Oh no. It's as if she never existed. They've lost all their memories of Aichan, didn't they? :pen_cry:
She was about to head out of her room towards the showers when something caught her eye in the corner. Curiously, Reina draped her clothes over a nearby stool and put down her other things on top of the dresser, crouching down to paw at the mess of stuff in that corner. She had seen the glint of metal...
There. She pulled it out of the pile of books and magazines. One eyebrow raised high as she stared at the object in her hands.
"A sword...?" A steel one. A fine shortsword, the heavy weight of which felt really...familiar in her hands. Comfortable, like taking hold of an old friend.
"I have this...?" There was an annoying blank in her mind as she tried to figure out how she had come by such a thing.
Don't tell me it's Aichan's sword?
:gmon tears:
"What's this?" Surprise, certainly, as she pulled out the tightly rolled up piece of paper tucked inside. Curious, she set the sword aside and unrolled the paper.
Reina,
If you've found this, that means you've been paying attention to your sword. That's good. You should always care for your weapon, and know it well.
I hope you like the sword, I had it made for you. Do take good care of it.
I look forward to the day when you can give me a good fight with it.
No need to rush, I'll be waiting.
--- Ai
Oh man...the saddest thing is that Reina doesn't have a clue who Aichan is here. In a previous chapter Reina said she would get good enough so Aichan would be proud of her, looks like she already was, but just never got to tell her in person.
:mon waterworks:
"Ai..." The name rolled off her lips, barely above a whisper. It set off tremors right through her soul.
So close. She knew that name. She just knew she did. But what...?
"Ai..." Her tears continued to fall, her heart aching within her. The note was half crushed in her fist.
"Ai...chan?"
I'll be waiting. Reina laughed, a high, wild, shaky laugh. Her hands shook, almost tearing the note apart.
"Liar." She whispered at the note. "You lied."
I remember now. How could I forget?
You're so cruel, Ai-chan. So damn cruel.
I won't ever forgive you, or forget what you've done.
Never.
Oh fuck she DOES remember!
:pig cry:
One can't help but wonder now...just when did Aichan write that letter and have that sword made? Was it part of that final request that she made during the ceremony? Was it prior to the events of the story, before she became "their vessel"?
:gyaaah:
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Oh, lookie at all the people crying. XD My work here is done. -bows-
Ok, Q&A time, since so many people have questions. XD
1) Ai's final request.
-- Actually, her final request was fairly obvious, I thought. o_O She wanted them to forget about her, because if they don't remember her, then they won't have to mourn her. It's a way to spare them the grief, I guess. XD
2) The sacrifice.
-- Yup, JFC, you were right, they were sealing something evil away. They required the blood to open the link, and no human has ever survived the transfer process for the energy used to power the seal. Aichan knew it had to be done, since the seal was weakening at the time when she approached the spirits (well she asked why they were there, and they told her), so she came up with the idea of collecting the emotional energy of the duelists that came to fight her, because all of them had a personal connection to her, so the emotions were magnified. XD
Now, to JFC's speculations, since you deserve a section to yourself. XD
1) Aichan wasn't impervious to injury, but the spirits could heal any physical wound as long as it wasn't fatal. She walked onto Gaki-san's blade as an apology for everything she's done and everything's she gonna do next. Aichan felt guilty about doing this without telling them about it, which was why she felt like she should suffer that wound to make some amends.
2) The Tower, and the Arena, are part of the world of spirits, or rather, the world between the one they were sealing and the human world. It can exist anywhere and everywhere at the same time, but it takes energy to fully materialize in the human world. That's why Sayu and the others were drained of their energy at first, they needed a starting source to anchor it to the human world.
3) The sword that Reina found. In case you don't remember, I point you back to one of the earlier parts, Will to Battle. Reina received that sword from Aichan some time prior to the story events here, and she's been using it without realizing that the message existed in the hilt. Aichan saw potential in the younger Reina, and wanted to motivate her to get better. It's a pity things turned out this way though. XD
I think that's about it. I'll take more questions if anyone wants to know about anything else. XD
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Thank you for the warning...I prepared myself and was able to hold out for sometime but gosh darn it!!...when Risa asked herself why she was crying..I couldn't hold back anymore! :pleeease: your readers would surely be a sight for sore eyes, with everyone curled up in a ball crying XD
but the tears were worth it! Everything in this beautiful story was worth it! It was so good, so much emotion :farofflook:
Gokurosama deshita! :farofflook:
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Just wanted to thank you for a creating a great fic. Always look for something to read in the morning, this is definitely a good read. Cant wait for your other projects, if any are planned of course :)
Note: This reminds me of "Kannazuki no Miko." Sad that Ai had to die and that the girls didn't get to know the real reason.
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Tralala~ I'm back! XD With new story! XDDD
@Sukoshi: Teehee I made you cry too. *marks to scoresheet* Lol. Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. :)
@mads: Thanks for commenting. <3 Kannazuki no Miko? I watched that! Oh yeah, I can see where that comparison came from, what with Ai pulling a Chikane and going "evil" but actually trying to sacrifice herself for the greater good. Yeah the girls never knew why, so in that sense I was really evil in doing so. Oh well. XD
Alright. New story. NEW PAIRING. NEVER BEEN DONE. I'm serious. XD
...most of you might not even know who one half of this pairing is. XD
But well, this is set during the 5th gen auditions. That's all I'll say for now.
I hope you'll enjoy it. XD
================================================
The Night Before
1, 2, 3, 4...step...5, 6, 7, 8...slide... Takahashi Ai, age 14, chanted to herself as she clapped her hands and moved across the darkened corridor as Natsu-sensei had instructed, rolling her shoulders and striking a pose for the dance steps. Her bangs fell into her face, still slightly damp from her shower earlier, but mostly resoaked again by her own sweat, and she breathed hard but steadily, holding the pose while mentally rechecking her moves.
I think I was off a few beats somewhere... Her eyebrows knitted together into a barely perceptible frown as she relaxed, straightening up and stretching her neck and back muscles to settle back into her starting position. Humming under her breath to get the beat of the song, she closed her eyes as her body started to sway, letting muscle memory take over while her mind focused on the insistent counts of the rhythm.
A step on the hardwood floor, just out of beat with her own, cracked her intense concentration, and she frowned. Her final slide was just a little off, sending waves of dissatisfaction through her as she opened her eyes. Peering across the shadows of her own stretch of corridor, Ai squinted through the splash of muted light from the dusty bulb set high in the ceiling, the relative brightness blinding her more than the dark itself.
However, there was no mistaking the outline in the shadows beyond the light that separated them. No one else was that tall among the finalists, and certainly not with the same broad shoulders she had come to recognize.
"Yukina-chan?" Ai's voice was barely over a whisper, mindful of their surroundings. Then again, she had never been one to speak that loudly, not with someone she wasn't all that close with...yet. There wasn't yet enough time to be truly familiar with any of the finalists, not when they were all this busy with trying to polish their performances in order to shine in the audition. Ai had a feeling that she would have time enough to get more familiar with one Kinoshita Yukina though, younger though the other may be, but who held herself with a confidence that Ai could only envy.
"Ai-chan?" Yukina's voice was similarly hushed, as if reluctant to break the serenity of the encroaching night. The taller girl stepped closer, out of the shadows, and winced as the light hit her eyes, quickly crossing the lighted patch to join Ai in the calming darkness. She blinked, getting the spots out of her eyes, even as she turned to face the much shorter and smaller Ai.
"You're out here too." Yukina murmured, and Ai could read the smile in her words, being unable to see the younger's face in the dark. She nodded reflexively and shifted around on her feet as Yukina continued. "I ran into some of the others in the hallway too." The basketball player sounded amused. "Everyone seems on edge, huh?"
"You don't seem nervous." Ai replied frankly, just the slightest twinge of envy creeping back into her voice at Yukina's seemingly easy confidence. Her words managed to coax a short, low chuckle that sounded so boyish for a girl.
"I am, I just hide it better." Yukina whispered with a faintly conspiratorial air, as if letting Ai in on some great secret. Despite herself, Ai giggled softly, feeling the edges of her tension ease off at the act. Yukina grinned, stepping back to regard Ai more completely in the dim light.
"That's much better. Try to relax." Yukina's voice was a husky rumble that was strangely soothing to Ai, and she found herself smiling back unreservedly, doe-like eyes still soft and shy with the innocence of youth. It was difficult for Ai to remember that she was the older one here when hanging out with Yukina. Sometimes she wondered if she would ever really grow up and be anything like that, with the same confidence and reassuring exterior.
"What are you doing here?" Ai found herself asking, making conversation for once. Too often she found herself tongue-tied in the presence of relative strangers. Of course, the past few days of training together had helped, but it was still a significant step for someone as socially challenged as she was. It always did take her a longer time to open up to others.
"Couldn't sleep." Yukina admitted, brushing her hair back over her shoulder. "And the rest are all hard at work, so I would feel kinda bad if I had fallen asleep." Yukina grinned again, and Ai laughed softly at the honesty in her words.
"So you're just walking around looking at what we're doing?" Ai prodded back tentatively in a mildly teasing tone, surprised by her own initiative but in no way displeased. Yukina chuckled, rolling her shoulders around as she fidgeted on the spot, her legs moving around restlessly.
"Naw, well, I was looking for a place to practice too, then I came across you dancing..." The younger girl trailed off, that harsh twang of her dialect almost muted with a peculiar embarrassment at having been caught looking by Ai earlier.
"It's alright, I needed a break when you came by anyway." Ai assured her instantly, not wanting the other to feel bad for interrupting. Yukina chuckled just a bit awkwardly, although she was glad that Ai hadn't completely gotten the point. In this case, it was definitely a good thing.
"So, why didn't you practice with the others?" Ai asked curiously, adding with a thoughtful expression. "I've seen you guide some of the others before lessons." Ai couldn't think of why Yukina had come all the way over here if all the younger girl had wanted to do was to find a spot to practice.
For one thing, Yukina was rooming with Ogawa Makoto (whom Ai considered a rival, although she could just barely remember her name) and another girl in a different room, and would have had to cross several hallways to even come to this side where Ai had escaped to in order to practice alone.
For another, well, Ai would have thought that Yukina would practice with those rooming with her since they were all together to begin with.
"Er..." Yukina seemed momentarily at a loss for words. "Well...I could try and help them...but I thought I should...try and do some work for myself?" Her voice grew lower in tone, still colored with that selfsame embarrassed air. "I can't do that if I have to keep coddling others."
"Oh." Now that was something Ai could sort of understand. Ai hadn't been quite as social as Yukina had been over the past few days, although she had found herself staying fairly close to the taller girl whenever the opportunity presented itself, not deliberately of course. It just sort of turned out like that, and then again Yukina had this reliable air about her that made Ai feel somewhat more secure in the other's presence.
Ai was about to think of something to say when Yukina went on, shuffling her feet around even more obviously than before.
"And well...I wanted to look for you." Yukina confessed, scratching at her head awkwardly. Ai blinked up at the taller girl, confused. Yukina gave a lopsided grin at the smaller girl, gathering her own courage to continue.
"You're good, I've seen you dance before. The set we had to learn was for a group, wasn't it?" Ai nodded, and Yukina went on, her voice getting stronger and more certain.
"I need someone who won't hold me back, and with whom I can push myself to compete with." Yukina inclined her head briefly in Ai's direction. "You were the best choice." She smiled, no hint of either flattery or malice in her statement.
"That's why I said you were my rival." Yukina added, almost as an afterthought.
"I..." Ai's cheeks were flushed at the compliments, and she was never gladder that the shadows hid her reddened cheeks. "I'm not that good." She murmured modestly, eyes downcast as she kneaded her own fingers, surprised that Yukina had such high opinions of her when she herself was still so unsure if she were actually good enough.
A warm hand covered her own, and Ai looked up, startled not only by the contact, but by the fact that Yukina had stepped closer as well. If Ai had felt that Yukina was more mature before, it definitely hit home now.
"Don't say that." Yukina sounded surprisingly intent, her voice deadly serious yet reassuring at the same time. "The Ai-chan I know is definitely worth it. I won't just call anyone my rival, you know." Here Yukina's voice softened, though still bearing that characteristic huskiness as she rumbled on.
"You can do this. We can do this. It's the last day tomorrow, and we gotta give it our all, no?" Her voice was insistent, but strangely hypnotic in cadence as Ai nodded, entranced by Yukina's sudden transformation.
Then Yukina smiled, squeezing Ai's hands in her own briefly, clinging on for a moment longer before letting go. Ai stood there dumbly for a moment, already missing the warmth that had enveloped her hands, and had traveled straight to her heart with the obvious regard that Yukina accorded her with.
She was broken out of her reverie by that same low voice that had put her in that state to begin with.
"Can we practice together?" Yukina asked almost shyly, quite the reversal from her forward attitude just a few seconds ago. Ai smiled, recollecting her senses as she nodded back without hesitation at the younger girl facing her.
"Sure." Both girls smiled warmly at each other, their bodies already moving to a ready position without further prompting, and after a few exchanged mutters, they began, moving in sync despite having no music to synchronize their steps, at least none they could hear with their ears.
Ai had no trouble "hearing" it the other way though.
I, 2, 3, 4... The rhythm that had so eluded her before, she finally found in the resonance she shared with the other heart beating in time with hers.
5, 6, 7, 8... They danced, with each other, around each other. In step, in beat, in the music they shared. No words were needed.
They danced.
==================================================
There. Ai x Yukina. XDDD Or just TakaYuki. :P
Blame stefy. She was the one who pointed me in this direction!
Kinoshita Yukina was one of the finalists in the 5th gen auditions, and is currently a gravure model, as well as being in Pabo with Satoda Mai and Suzanne. She reminds me of Yossi...a lot. Seriously. It's her attitude. Oh wait, her attitude is like a mix of Miki and Yossi combined. She's yankii too, which adds awesome points. For more info about her, consult wiki. And watch some of the videos with her in it, she's cool. XD
Ai and Yukina were close in the auditions and still keep in contact, which is why I felt motivated to write about them after watching the 5th gen auditions with stefy today. It seems about right. I hope I got Young!Aichan and Young!Yukina right. XD
There, I hope I convinced some people. :P
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You just won the internets for pulling out a completely random pairing from nowhere (okay, maybe SOMEwhere, but eh XD...)
It's late for me to make constructive comments, but this is a pretty good read.
A spawn of mix of Miki and Yossy is definitely made of win. -watching a bunch of videos now-
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I liked it. I was a little suprised when I read the name though. For a split second, I read "Yurina" and I was like whoa, Ai-chan and a kid? Then I remembered how it said Ai-chan was 14 and I was like :O. But it was refreshing to see a totally new pairing. I think I will have to look her up now...
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HOLY CRAP!!! It's YukinAi!!! :w00t: :w00t: :w00t:
Man, totally makes you wonder "what if"... doesn't it? Personally, I think she would have been AWESOME in the H!M skits. :D
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Niiiice job estrea, I knew Yukina was in the auditions... had no clue she and Ai got along so well during them though.
HOLY CRAP!!! It's YukinAi!!! :w00t: :w00t: :w00t:
Man, totally makes you wonder "what if"... doesn't it? Personally, I think she would have been AWESOME in the H!M skits. :D
TOTALLY!!! but maybe it was for the best. I can see major rivalry between her and yossy and major head budding between her and Miki. Nonetheless.... that would've been really interesting. Gokkie dynamic would be beyond diff XD.
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Yay!!! You wrote it!~ Boy that was fast...
*good thing I ranted about Yukina to you*
Wellz eh.. as much as I'd want to read it (BADLY), gtg for work now. Comment later!
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Well, you already know what I think about this Yukina fic. :inlove: Now, deal with the fad you've just started... :lol:
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great story as always ^^
I just love it how you can make a story from just about anything... and any pairing ... :heart:
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*takes a bow* Thank you everyone for the kind words!
Lol, yeah, that pairing came out of like...stefy's pesterings of me. XD But she just showed me stuff and rambled, and I was like just sitting there, and then my brain went *CLICK* and idea! Yeah. XD
I also think that had Yukina made it into MM, it would have been so very different now...I feel like writing an "alternate timeline" MM where Yukina eventually gets in (one way or another >_> <_< >_>) XD. I also have another idea where it continues in "present timeline" where Ai and Yukina are still friends (basically nothing has deviated from the history we know). Then there's also another idea I have that's not related, well not quite, so yeah.
Options time, people!
1) Aichan and Yukina in present time, still friends. No alterations to timeline at all, just my interpretation of how their grown up selves would interact now.
2) Alternate timeline MM. There are two suboptions to this particular option.
a) Yukina enters as one of the Gokkies in the auditions.
b) Yukina enters as part of 6th gen instead, Miki never enters MM.
So pick your poison! XDDD
3) Alternative universe. Estrea writes vampires! I can so make blood and sex go together, I swear. XD Oops, did I just say that? XD Characters that will be appearing are the regular suspects, like Aichan (what story do I write that doesn't involve her somehow?!), Reina, Miki, Maki etc...the rest of the gorokkies will also be involved (I'm a gorokkies fan, in case it ain't obvious enough XD).
Option 1 is a one shot, obviously. 2 and 3 are both longer stories, and its actually a lot easier for me to do 3 than 2, since I need to seriously do my research if I do 2. XDDD
Right-o. Time for a shower, and then I'll get cracking. Tell me what you guys want in the meantime! ^_^
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OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG PUHLEASE DO 3!!!
Ok, i'm sorry, i couldn't control my excitement there... That would be sooo incredibly awesome, especially with those characters... The others sound great too and I'd still be interested in reading them, but I'm a total sucker for vampires :drool: (pun intended ;) )
And oh yes, I have no doubt you can make blood and sex go together... wait did I just say that too :o :P
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I vote for 1. Because I don't really wanna see Yukina in MM. But that's just me. And I'm not a vampire person.
But I will probably read anything you write.
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^ I'll give u candy if u vote for 3 :P
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3 !! ^^..vamps rox..XD
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although i do want to read the first option...
3 all the way ..vampires :drool: ... it's been a while since your last perv :roll: :twisted:
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Heh, funny.... I'm actually in the mood for a vampire story. Adding MM into it just makes it that much better.
My vote goes for 3 as well! >:E
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Damn, looks like we'll have a vampire story, if Estrea goes by the amount of feedback from us readers. But that's ok. :D
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^ for what it counts SBC, i would've picked number 1 if 3 didn't exist :)
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^ Same for me, I just couldn't resist the 3rd option!
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Well well well, poets nagged me into posting this. XD I wrote this some time back and some people might find it familiar already, but well here it is for people who've never seen it. XD
Warning: Character death again. It's not really tragic. It's just supposed to be WTF?! kind of reaction generating. XDD Have fun
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The Fall
She was only dimly aware of how tightly she was gripping the cold steel railing, eyes fixated on the battle happening beneath her vantage point, knuckles white and face pale, alternately sweating and shivering as rivulets of sweat coursed down to puddle around bare feet.
Locked in combat, two machines of war. Or were they machines? She could not know. It felt like flesh to her, the thrum of life singing underneath plated skin. Yet they were taught that these units were not sentient, alive they may be...
She did not know. Another deadly chill passed through her, and her teeth chattered in response. In the thin smock that was the nightwear of the trainees in this facility, it barely offered any protection against the air conditioning, never mind that the system had been busted.
By this attack... Another shudder, and she knew that it went far further than the cold. Deep within her, the poison was working its way through her system, the mere whiff she had briefly taken with that half-inhalation sending her immune system into overdrive.
Sweat was good, under the circumstances. The poison would work its way out. She would survive. Her roommate and fellow trainee had exhorted that they both survive, never mind that they had been betrayed by command, in her opinion. Survival was of the utmost priority.
We're the best, both of us, so we can't die to some stupid nerve gas!
Was the exact words. And now she was standing here while her partner was fighting for her life against the mysterious intruder that had broken into the facility. Standing helplessly there, unable to be of any practical use, since there had only been one Archangel, and Eclair, being the best trainee among the 12 that had been gathered there, had boarded it and engaged the intruder.
It was amazing how her partner could still fight despite suffering lingering aftereffects from the gas as well. Ai knew that she would not have been half as effective in her current state. Her mind was too stumped by confusion, not really by the aftereffects of the gas, but by the reasons behind its release. That they had been sentenced for termination chilled her far more than the poison in her body.
The others had not made it, as far as they knew. 2 out of 12 was a pathetic survival rate, but to have survived at all was a mercy in itself, she supposed. But to have come out straight into the middle of a battle...
Ai wasn't sure if that was really much better.
Keen eyes watched the Archangels pound on each other. Well, Eclair's Samael was attempting to pound the stranger. She only caught a brief glimpse of the flowing runic inscription that she had been taught since childhood...
Ireul......the fear of God...
Ai wondered what sort of pilot would justify that kind of Archangel. The name was earned, not bestowed beforehand. Well, not always. There were always exceptions to the rule. Like how Samael was given to their Archangel before any of the trainees had even formally boarded the prototype.
The poison of God....somehow...it seems right...
She caught brief glimpses of the rippling field around Samael's form. Evidence that Eclair was wisely turning it on only when there was a chance for contact with the enemy. Ai didn't know how much energy was stored within Samael, but clearly Eclair didn't want to waste whatever her unit had. The enemy Archangel clearly knew how much it would hurt when that field touched it. The scorch marks on the armor plating after its own force shield had been completely disrupted by Samael's emanation were testament to that.
There was movement, almost too fast for her eye to follow, but Ai clearly noted the aftermath as the invader was hurled into a wall by an increasingly erratically moving Samael. That worried Ai. Eclair usually had more control during simulations. It was unlike her to act like some kind of drunken brawler in battle. Or a berserker.
Samael made to finish off the stunned Ireul, but its movements grew increasingly static and jerky, as if something was severely wrong with the system. Ai desperately scanned her memory as she leaned further over the railing to get a better look, trying to figure out what was happening. It couldn't be a power shortage, since in that case the runic prints on Samael's body would be the first to stop glowing as the unit powered down to conserve energy. No, there was something else, and Ai suddenly felt the chill touch of fear, fear for Eclair's safety.
What if...the gas was working...?
Eclair had pushed her through the escape vent first earlier. Maybe she had gotten more of the gas than she had admitted? Ai ground her teeth together as her brows furrowed. Hopefully, Eclair would be alright...
She had yet to complete her mental sentence when her vision was filled with a blinding white light. Flashback of an explosion, she realized immediately, squeezing her eyes shut to protect them, being blinking rapidly to regain her vision.
Only to see that Samael had been forced back by yet another Archangel.
Sariel...the Command of God...
Eclair must not be well, Ai mused. Judging from the way Samael was moving, obviously her partner was having difficulty controlling it. Sariel moved fluidly, clearly in the hands of an experienced pilot. Samael was swaying from side to side like a recovering alcoholic. The difference could not have been more stark.
Another flash of movement. Ireul had recovered and was coming at Samael from behind. Ai's cry of warning was lost in the clash, but her fears died in her throat as Eclair clearly showed enough presence of mind to activate the shield again, sending Ireul flying backwards upon contact.
Straight. At. Her.
This time she did scream. Thankfully though, the arc of the defeated Ireul did not end up landing right on top of her.
However, it did hit the struts supporting the walkway she was standing on. There was an ominous groan as the steel creaked painfully, crushed and crumpled by the uninvited guest it just received. The walkway shuddered like a woman in labor, a keening cry like that of a demented baby's wail piercing her ears as part of the supports gave way.
Desperately, she clung to the rail even as the entire section collapsed beneath her, the metal still attached to the other still intact support beams. However, her palms were slick with sweat, and it made holding onto the cold steel devilishly difficult.
Still, sheer willpower kept her from letting go immediately, and she tried instead to climb back up. Falling down was no joke. Even if she didn't die from the impact, her legs would be broken, and that would be as good as the end.
Behind her, Samael desperately blocked another assault from a wily Sariel, who was avoiding direct contact with the shimmering shield that would burn it if it went too close. Staggering back, not so much from the attack as from some obvious internal conflict, Samael leaned back and screeched, as if in some kind of horrendous pain, nebulous jaws wide open as the internal speakers projected that awful wail.
The sound sent shockwaves through the test area, rippling like a vivid tsunami that sent Sariel stumbling back, hands pressed to either side of its head, as if the Archangel was mimicking the actions of its pilot within it.
Not that Ai cared. Because it was also at that moment when the last of her shaky grip dwindled to nothing, and she fell.
Is this it?
She hit something almost...soft...in nature. Wet, slimy, and warm. It absorbed most of the shock of her fall, so she was unhurt.
It took her but a few moments to figure out where she had fallen.
In...Samael's....MOUTH?!
If she stood up, only her bottom half would be still within the cavern. It wasn't like the Archangels were THAT big. Large they were, yes, but not the size of buildings. About 4 times her height, Samael was. And it was kinda small for a regular Archangel, really...
But that was hardly the point. The point was, she was in Samael's mouth and she had to get out immediately.
Her fears were justified even as she tried to push herself out of that sticky trap. Her feet wouldn't move. She looked down.
Shit. That was fast.
The reason why she couldn't feel her feet was because the damned absorption system was kicking in. Whoever came up with the idea of a biological energy converter might have been a genius, but Ai was cursing him and all his ancestors and probable descendants at the moment. The thing was EATING her, for god's sake. That was not good.
She couldn't feel her feet. That didn't matter. The numbing effect was a good thing. She didn't want to have to deal with excruciating pain while trying to extricate herself from this. Provided she survived this, she could always get prosthetics or have the flesh regrown back. Synthetic flesh replacements were fairly effective in this day and age.
Problem: She couldn't get out.
Crap crap crap crap...Eclair, if you can hear me, turn this thing OFF!
No answer from her partner. Ai had a sinking feeling about this whole thing. She knew, somehow, she didn't know how, that Eclair couldn't respond to her calls any longer. She didn't know how or why she knew, but she just did.
Because Eclair was dead, and if she didn't hurry herself, Samael would eat her just as Eclair had somehow perished within the cockpit. Ai could only hope that Eclair had not suffered too much in her final moments.
The descent this time was slow, but dreadfully inexorable. It was as if time was splitting into two levels for her, on one level moving too fast, so much that she couldn't have enough to get out of this death trap. On the other hand, she felt every single agonizing second as it passed, felt her life slip away as she was sucked deeper in.
I can't feel my legs...oh god...
Tears, of fear or desperation, she could no longer tell nor care, streamed down to mix freely with her sweat and blood from a lip reddened and raw where her teeth had tore it open. Hope was fleeing her faster than the bullet train pulling out of a station, but still she struggled, weakly, desperately, giving all she had despite everything, because the alternative was death. Death in a most ignominious way.
Let me die in battle, in glory, in service and in love...
Not this way! Not this way!
In the maw of shadow, unknown, unmourned, unremembered, unworthy.
She was chest deep in. Claustrophobia was kicking in quite vividly at this point. Being swallowed whole and digested did that to a person. She didn't even know what she was fighting for now. Hell, she didn't even know how long she would remain alive once her heart and lungs were pulled into that horrible pit below. There were limits to regenerative technology. She was as good as doomed.
But tell that to someone who was already desperate and confused. Throwing everything to the winds, for the chance to live.
She could feel the pulsing flesh of Samael all around her. Not difficult, since she was in the process of being absorbed by the damned machine. Always before, she had touched the flesh from the outside, and felt the life within, wondering, wondering...
Now, she focused, emptying her mind entirely as she had been taught, save for one thought that remained stubbornly lodged in her brain, and reached out.
I want to live!
Desperation at its finest. Ai had never heard of anyone who attempted to synchronize with an Archangel OUTSIDE of the cockpit. It was simply inconceivable. The neurons couldn't connect that way, synapses couldn't link together, pilot and Archangel could not become as one being if the pilot wasn't within the Archangel.
But to her way of thinking, she was already being practically assimilated into the damn Archangel, to hell with connections. Being one with the Archangel? Well, she would be taking a very literal interpretation of the term if she allowed herself to be consumed this way.
She wasn't sure what she could do even if she could take control of the Archangel. Make it spit her out? Was it even possible? Nevertheless, she had to try. There was no other way anyhow.
Her ribs constricted painfully, the bones crushing inwards as she slipped further in. She felt no pain, however. Her mind was so focused, so desperately seeking that connection to Samael, so intent on survival, that everything else became secondary.
No pain, no fear, no self...
Her mind touched something. Searing, freezing, familiar, alien. Without a second thought, she seized it, as a drowning person would a life buoy. Seized it, and dived straight into it.
For a brief, wonderful second, there was unity. Of oneness, of being whole.
No one had ever told her it would be this wonderful.
And then her head disappeared beneath the oily, slick surface of Samael's mouth. She felt nothing, heard nothing, saw nothing. Lost, in that one moment of utter, complete, synchronization.
Takahashi Ai died, her body assimilated into the living flesh of Archangel Samael. It would as if she had never been. Without a corpse, without a record, without a memory.
Samael's flesh pulsed again, thrumming with energy, with life.
What is life? Energy? Or the soul?
What makes the soul? Memory? Electrical synapses between cells? Tangible or intangible?
In life there is death, and from death, life.
They circle each other, like day and night.
The only evidence that we have lived, is in the remains of our death, cycled into new life.
So what are you waiting for? Live, and die!
That is our fate, Life and Death eternal.
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Tralala. I'm a terrible fan. Killing my favorite over and over again. XD
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Yeah, I think I've read this somewhere. But it's still good! Kinda creepy but your writing is just :inlove:
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the only thing that came to mind was...neon genesis evangelion?! XD
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O_O.... That was extremely good O_O...... you should've posted it before. I think I found my fave thing about you... writing wise that is XD... I LOOOOOOOOVEE how kill your characters!!! (Ai atleast, haven't seen you kill anyone else... fictionally).
The way you just mercilessly and with out remorse just kill the character in your story.. could be called...well... poetic
And I second the NGE comparisons...
Again.. That was wickedly good O_O!!!!!
Well well well, poets nagged me into posting this.
teeheehee :gmon hot:
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Am I the only one who thought of Evangelion after reading this one? :?
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At least you kill her in such ingenious and original ways... Makes it kinda worth it like that ;)
:heart:
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Alright, I'm insane, its almost 6 in the morning and I'm still alive and kicking. And writing as well. orz
Anyway, story. Story ahead. I was obviously inspired by a certain game. XD As the title gives it away...
Warning, character death again. XD
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Devil May Cry
"Devils do not love!"
"Well, I love me! It's the only kind of love that makes sense!"
The young one snapped back harshly, blue flame dancing around the tips of her claws as she slashed at the noxious fumes of their realm, leaving glowing trails to mark the passage. Eyes simmering like hot coals burned deeply within the sockets of that face, stripped of human guise in their own world. Blood red prints ran down that slim nakedness, vaguely humanoid in outline, but plated with natural horn-tough devil-hide under the steel-blue fur, impenetrable except to the sharpest of weapons. Raw gashes on that body revealed a sickly black ooze that came from within, evidence that even those natural defenses could be breached.
Blue flame flickered ominously as she slashed the air again to emphasize her point.
"You've grown weak, Ai! You're sympathizing with those human scum!"
Red eyes like distant stars burned dangerously in the bladed figure directly opposite her. The voice was of fury and flames as she replied.
"Not so weak that I can't still fend off the likes of you, Reina." As if in emphasis, those distant eyes scanned the wide gashes across her vaguely furred counterpart. Reina scowled, showing off a full set of very pointy teeth in her true form.
"You were never the same after you returned! Perhaps you turned traitor..." She did not get to finish her words, arms snapping up instinctively to block the slashing strike from the coldly angry Ai. The blow staggered her, and she hopped a few more yards back to hide her weakness from her superior opponent.
"I am no traitor! I am a devil!" Ai declared, her voice going down to a low growl. Her entire form in her natural state was all angles and ends, a walking blade. Her flesh was harder than diamond, and sharp enough to open those selfsame gashes on Reina's chest. Hidden claws stayed retracted within her forearms; her wrist blades more than sufficient to deal with an insolent young lieutenant, newly promoted and too cocky for her own good.
"I know you, Ai!" Reina hissed lowly, arms still throbbing from blocking that last blow. "You no longer thirst for blood in battle! I can see it!" A triumphant sneer. "You will bring about your own fall, and I'll be the one who causes it!"
With that, Reina bent over, great leathery wings bursting from her back as she arched, and with a coiled leap she took to the air, circling mockingly over the bladed general.
"I will take your head and your place one day!" A flutter of wings, and the furred devil took to the skies, eager to escape before the other could finish her off.
Ai grunted, touching the sore spot on her right arm where Reina had managed to get a solid hit in earlier, turning her back on the departing younger devil. Once upon a time, she would have torn others apart for less than that, but she no longer saw the point for such mindless savagery, even in the face of such insolence.
It had not always been like this, not for her, not the Devil Axe, not the Left General of the Devil Lord's armies. She had slaughtered thousands, tens of thousands, waging war against the human cattle that polluted the earth. Torn apart women, children, and the old. Fed upon innocent young babes. Ripped apart screaming young men who thought they could challenge her. Her, one of the strongest in Sheol!
Strength was all that mattered to them, to the devils. The strongest survived, prospered, won pride and position by besting others. It was a brutal, direct way of deciding one's station in life. You either won and lived, or lost and died. Either way, you fought. From birth, from the den, fighting until something else stronger overtook you.
That was the devil way. Their way. Her way. Until recently.
The war had gone on longer than expected. Humans, weak as they were, were annoyingly numerous and even more irritatingly resilient. Despite the obvious superiority of the devils in strength and intellect, humans continued to resist them, fighting to the death and never giving up their pathetic hope that they could overcome the invaders. How foolish they were, yet how fascinating in their mindless and obviously misguided hope and courage.
As a general and a warrior, Ai led the armies against the human warriors, spreading destruction and carnage wherever she went. She had enough blood and death to soak in for the next few decades, all in the space of 2 years. She stood proud, proud of her own strength, her capabilities. Reina had been right. The only love the devil race had was for themselves and their pride. All other emotions had been discarded in their race to create the perfect warrior.
But there was no loyalty among devils. Loyalty like those between one pathetic human insect and another, comrades who would fight and die to their last breath, unwilling to abandon each other in defense of their homeland. The only price of loyalty in Sheol was strength, and he (or she) who was the strongest ruled. Respect came only for power, and only lasted as long as until someone else stronger took over.
She had been challenged, nay, ambushed, by those wishing her position. Reina, at the very least, had the decency to issue a formal challenge as the old ways dictated. Others less honorable, spoiled by the time of war against weak humans, had conspired to turn on her in battle, seeking to remove the general so that they could contest for her place.
Granted, she should have known better than to leave her back open to anyone at all, even if they were her subordinates. Still, having poisonous claws rip into you from behind was never a pleasant experience, and even though she paid them back in full for that treachery (there wasn't enough of them left to bury), she had been severely weakened, instinctively fleeing from the rest of her army after felling those who had wounded her. After all, weakness was intolerable amongst their kind, and to stay where she was after being so badly injured would be to invite her own death from other ambitious underlings.
A devil in human lands would hardly have been welcome, and Ai had had the presence of mind to assume a human guise with the last of her magic, collapsing not too far from the ruined village she had sacked with her own hands not so very long ago. She had resigned herself to either healing and surviving to fight another day, or dying right there if her body could not ward off the toxins coursing through her bloodstream on its own. She had been taught to give no mercy, and expect none in return.
But it was mercy she encountered that day, mercy from an enemy, of all things. From weak humans! The Ai of the past could not have thought of anything more humiliating, waking up to find that her wounds had been neatly dressed and herself lying on a cot. In the temple city, no less! Where the magical wards had kept the Right Vanguard from charging in to obliterate the place! She, the Left General of the devil armies, the one who gave the Field of Blood its name, in this place!
She could have transformed then, and tore the city apart from inside. But she didn't. She couldn't. The wards had allowed her in, showing that her injuries had been more extensive than she had first estimated, so much so that her demonic aura had not been detected and repulsed. She would have had to recover first before harboring any hopes of destroying the place on her own.
At least her human guise had held up, even though her body was so drained from trying to heal itself. However, as the much feared devil would learn in the following days, being human was far more than just looking the part. And the natural-born warrior, elite of the devil race, had no idea what it was like to be one of those she hunted.
She learned many things during that time. Learned that the soft human hands reaching for her wounds weren't trying to tear them open and leave her to bleed to death. Learned that even hardy devils could have fever, and that water-soaked towels helped bring the heat down, provided they were changed every half hour by a patient healer. Learned that a voice could be soft, gentle, soothing; not harsh, cruel and demanding. Learned that even devils could dream, of gentle hands and kind smiles, without malice.
Too many things. She realized, too late, that humans were not worthless cattle to be driven and herded into a corner, just because they did not possess the same fighting prowess as devils did. She discovered, for the first time, that there was strength beyond blades and blood and the dance of battle fierce.
She might have stayed. Stayed to learn from these puzzling humans, try to figure out that strange, hidden strength that they had, that she did not understand. But she could not, because her oath to her master remained, to be broken only in event of her death, and that blood-oath bound her still, her master aware that she still lived. She had made her choice then, when she felt the faint sizzle of the wards detecting her emerging aura as she gradually healed under the tender care of her savior, and crept away in the darkest part of night, without note or sign to explain her absence. She had not yet become human enough to do such a thing.
Yet she was had become human enough to tire of the endless conflict, no longer interested in the battle and the kill. Now, she slew with a swift, unhesitating blow that caused the least pain; whereas in the past she would have tested herself to see in just how many ways she could quarter a human with only a single blow. She took no more pleasure in that activity, only the faintest amount of satisfaction from a job well done, as instructed by her master.
She had left Sheol once as a conquering, bloodthirsty battle maniac; now she returned as a weary veteran tired of the mindless slaughter. What kind of a devil had she become?
A human-loving piece of scum. She growled and kicked at the red dirt beneath her clawed feet, suddenly hating her homeland and her kind violently for the lives they were forced to lead. Survival of the fittest, because the environment did not condone weakness. If the weather didn't get you, something else would. That was their way.
Sick to the stomach, Ai focused, drawing on the power invested within her to split the dimensions, opening a route to the portals established by their lord. She would go to the human world, take a breath of the cleaner, lighter air there, look at the greenery. Better than the endless red of Sheol, spotted with thick yellow fumes that belched purple at first from cracks in the ground.
The transition, as always, was abrupt and disorienting, but Ai had since learned to shake it off with a warrior's discipline. There was always a need for her to be alert to her surroundings, even more so after she had let her guard down once before for that near-fatal encounter. She did not wish to repeat it.
Briefly acknowledging the low-level sentries at the portal, Ai strode off, knowing that there was none here who could question her actions. And she knew she had been acting a little strangely of late, resulting in endless gossiping from the ranks that the previous attack on her must have rattled her even worse than she had let on.
She couldn't exactly tell them how close they were to being right, given the circumstances, but she did ignore them anyway. A rumor, once started, couldn't be stopped. It only grew, or died out on its own. Any attempts to extinguish it usually resulted in the opposite effect.
Once out of sight of her subordinates, Ai concentrated, drawing on her human visage to hide her demonic side from view. Sharp edges melted into softer features, soulless steel transmuting to tender pink flesh, so deceptively defenseless. Burning red eyes dimmed into soft brown orbs, and she blinked once, twice, getting used to appearing in a different form.
Where a tall, bladed devil that struck fear into the hearts of those that stood against it, now only a small, harmless-looking human female remained, walking barefoot across the green hills, not so far away from the city where she had once rested in, weak and helpless.
She wondered what madness drove her to come back so close to that place; she could no more return to that city than she could betray her kind. Yet her feet had brought her here, and so had her wings from before in her devil form. Unconsciously, she was still drawn to this place, where she had first learned the worth of humans.
Cresting a high hill, she looked down wistfully at that gleaming city. It still stood strong against the assault of the devil elite, though the walls looked a little more battered, the magic shields that protected the city a little less bright, but still holding up well enough despite everything.
It was not under siege in the same way humans understood a siege, for devils could come in force at almost any time, and they did not fight in the human way, relying more on individual power than the strength of the unit as the more fragile humans were forced to rely on in order to compensate for their weaknesses.
Thus, in this lull during the fighting, the city still looked beautiful, and alive. She gazed at it, lost in thought.
So much so that she did not notice the presence near her until a familiar gasp reached her ears. Whirling about sharply, the wind blowing her hair forward as she faced the absolute last person she wanted to see right now.
"You're alive! And you're here!" Before Ai could even get a word out, she was tackled by another girl, barely taller than her, but absolutely ecstatic at seeing her alive and well. Ai couldn't help the small smile that cracked her usually solemn face as she tentatively returned what humans called a hug. She had had to learn the first time round that no, she wasn't been attacked when someone else was trying to hug her.
"You left without a word! I was so worried..." The exuberant voice quieted into an almost soundless sob. Ai bit her lip, unsure about how to react, patting the back of the girl who held her in a death grip, as if afraid that she could vanish the moment she let go. Thankfully, Ai could hold her breath pretty well, so air wouldn't be a problem for a while.
"I'm sorry..." Ai was surprised to find herself saying, her voice rusty and ragged from disuse. Well, she didn't count yelling and snarling commands and threats a kind of talking anyway. Her vocal chords were definitely unfamiliar with tenderness, and it showed in the awkward silence that followed after her unexpected apology.
"I'm glad you came back, Ai-chan." The other girl whispered, after the moment had passed. She buried her face into the crook of Ai's neck, and the devil squirmed a little awkwardly, not knowing what to say and deciding that silence was golden in the absence of a proper code of conduct.
"Um..." Ai's throat constricted on itself, part of her horrified that her enforced silence wasn't as effect as it usually was. She struggled to find something coherent to say, but came up empty. "I..."
"Shh, I understand." Soft, smiling eyes met her own darker ones, a finger pressed to her slightly parted lips. "You don't have to say anything."
No, you don't understand anything! Ai thought desperately. This girl, this young neophyte, a priestess-in-training, did not know about her true identity. And she would sooner die than let her know about it. Ai could not bear the thought of hurting this person, who had become important to her in that short time they had spent together.
"I...I have to go." Ai managed to stammer out, her nervousness evident in her eyes. She could not stay here. It was still too close to camp, where raiding parties would still range out to kill any unwary human and generally cause havoc wherever they went. She could not risk letting her angel stay with her out here, away from the protection of the city. She could not be seen with a human either, it would ruin her standing for good.
"I had a feeling you would come today." The girl did not let go. Ai wanted to cry out in frustration, but could not find it in herself to push the other away.
"I wanted to see you." The voice dropped to almost inaudible levels, inaudible only to humans with poor hearing. Ai had no trouble, fortunately or not, since she was not human. "I missed you."
Please don't say any more. Don't make it any more difficult for me to leave. Ai begged mentally, trying to convey her desperation in her gaze.
If the girl caught it, it was duly ignored anyway, since she continued, almost shyly, yet hopefully at the same time.
"Can you please stay? Don't go back. Stay..." She murmured softly. "Stay with me."
"I..." ...want to... "...can't..." It was the most difficult thing Ai had ever said in her life.
Tears welled luminous in those large eyes, and Ai felt her heart, if she had a heart as a devil, crack within her chest. That unfamiliar pain seized at her innards, squeezing painfully and pulling at her with exquisite agony. She needed to say something, do something, to take it away.
She surprised herself with what she did finally decide to do. Or rather, instinct decided for her, since her mind was still paralyzed in helpless indecision.
Her lips found the other, first tenderly, then with the characteristic rage of her devil blood; strongly, fiercely, possessively. She heard the startled gasp at her action, savored it, and took the opportunity to force her tongue through the gap. Tasting her, memorizing every inch of how her mouth felt like...
"Ai..." Her not-lover breathed when she managed to wrench herself away with a great effort. Ai found that her own breathing was ragged, her disguise slipping a little in the way her eyes glowed slightly with the characteristic quality of her true nature, but she held it together.
"Risa, I..." She never got to finish her sentence when Risa's body suddenly stiffened in her arms, bright eyes going wide with pain. She managed to choke out Ai's name before her breath caught and her head lolled forward, resting against Ai's shoulder.
Ai had been around far too long not to realize immediately what had happened. Slowly, with barely restrained anger, her own disbelief thrust aside in the wake of her overwhelming rage and pain, she looked up to stare at the pathetic creature that had ripped the one person she had learned to care for away from her.
Just a weak scout...just one.. The irony couldn't have been more appropriate. One of the weakest elements in the whole devil army had caused more pain to her than a full-blooded lieutenant like Reina could have.
The demon scout did not even have the chance to consider running away, since it was blown to pieces by raw power in the very next instant.
Ai didn't even realize she was screaming until she noticed that the gale that was ripping nearby bushes up by the roots was not in fact, natural. Green grass burned into a crisp in a wide circle around her, testament to her overwhelming rage as her power spiked wildly, without control.
She sank to her knees, still holding Risa close to her, that pounding rage eating at her and setting her shoulders to shaking with repressed fury. She did not know what to do, how to react. Her mind a blank, she could only cradle the limp form of the one human who had taught her what it was like to smile and sleep without one eye open for danger.
So lost in her despair, Ai did not notice at first that Risa twitched in her arms, but a hacking cough from the girl in her arms alerted her. Supporting her carefully, Ai tried to get Risa into a comfortable position, caressing the younger's cheek and cursing herself for not knowing any healing spells that could close that horrid gash through her torso. She barely even noticed the fact that the same spear that had pierced Risa had also lodged inside her own stomach, but it was hardly life-threatening for her in this case.
"Ai...chan..." A weak, deathly pale smile. "It's ok..." One hand, struggling to touch Ai's face, but too weak to reach. Ai clasped that falling hand and pressed it against her own cheek, her eyes burning with a strange, unknown sensation.
"Don't...cry..." Ai blinked, confused. Was she crying? She had never done so before, so she never knew what it was. Was this...moisture...coming from her eyes known as crying?
"Devils...don't cry..." Risa's voice was barely audible now, but she still had a brave smile for her beloved. Ai stared at her.
"You knew..." The devil in disguise whispered, stunned. "You knew, but you still..."
"I saw....your wounds...black blood..." Risa's breathing grew labored. Ai shook her head, disbelievingly.
"Why did you save me? I am...your enemy." The devil did not understand. How could one show charity to a foe?
"All I saw...was...a dying person. I...had to help." A tired, groggy smile. "There is no evil in you."
"How can it be?" Ai whispered, more to herself than anything else. "I've killed so many, danced in their blood and celebrated their deaths." Her voice grew dark with self-loathing. "I was a murderer...a butcher."
"There is no evil in you." Risa repeated more strongly, despite the effort it cost her. Another weak cough, and blood followed it. "You were a warrior. You had honor."
"What honor is there in slaughtering women and children?" Ai asked bitterly. "I've slain too many of the defenseless to have any honor left."
"You didn't...know. It was different for you." Even now, at the brink of death, Risa still defended her from her own guilt. More tears fell, and Ai blinked fiercely, struggling to keep her emotions in check, but largely failing to do so.
"I...I must bring you to the city. They can heal you there!" Ai suddenly burst out, remembering that Risa was not as hardy as her, and needed immediate medical treatment if she were to survive the wound. She prepared to lift her up, despite the awkwardness of the weapon joining their bodies together.
"N-no...it's...too late for me..." Risa coughed again, and a fresh gush of blood stained her lips. Ai trembled, knowing that it was true, but refusing to admit it anway.
"I don't want you to die..." Ai whispered, grunting as she stood up, supporting Risa's weight in her arms easily.
"Death...is natural.." Risa gazed serenely at the suffering devil. "Put me down. I want to see your true face."
"But..." Ai couldn't comprehend what this girl wanted. Her true face? She wanted to see the devil? Was the girl mad?
"I want to see how you really look like, before...before I die..." Her voice grew fainter, and Ai had to swallow hard to force the lump in her throat down.
There was no way she could refuse her. Not this girl. Not this person who had taught her how to feel like a human. She dropped the spell, felt her disguise fall away like snow melting in spring. She had never hated herself more, hated how she looked, all sharp and angled and a devil, than at this moment. She dropped her gaze, ashamed, not daring to look Risa in the eye.
"So...this is...your true face..." A soft caress of a thumb on the polished surface of her face made her look up, meeting Risa's tender gaze.
"You're still...beautiful." Weaker, fainter. "Not...evil..." Hot tears streaming between pale human fingers, clasped against devil skin.
"I...love..." The last word never made it out, her eyes glassing over with the gaze of the dead.
Ai stayed there, frozen, clutching that cold hand close to her, unable to respond. No thought, no emotion, no action.
Only tears remained, flowing from glowing red eyes.
See, you taught me so much. How to feel, how to care, how to love.
And the last thing you taught me, that given a good reason...
Even devils may cry.
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Please forgive any errors in spelling or grammar. Writing at ungodly hours messes with my ability to type properly. XD;
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Character death, oh nooooo!!! :'(
Guess it was necessary... For such a good story. When I started reading it, I had a feeling it was Ai and Reina who were fighting. After that, I got the feeling Gaki would appear... Kinda weird XD
Really loved the writing and flow of this story. It was short (well, compared to other things you wrote), but it had an interesting beginning, middle and end. Loved it, as usual!
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Wow... Damn I'm glad you stayed up to write this! :w00t: even if it isn't Reinai :P
either way! I really like, I got a bit choked up there in the end :sweatdrop: didn't actually cry though! XD but I must say, great one shot. Shows that even the worst of people can cry, even devils. Gaki was cute, as usual, clinging to Aichan like that X3 I'm glad she didn't let go, although I was sad that she got stabbed >_>; at least you gave warning, but I did guess that Ai was going to die when you warned us LOL (it's just like you to change things around like that)
She learned many things during that time. Learned that the soft human hands reaching for her wounds weren't trying to tear them open and leave her to bleed to death. Learned that even hardy devils could have fever, and that water-soaked towels helped bring the heat down, provided they were changed every half hour by a patient healer. Learned that a voice could be soft, gentle, soothing; not harsh, cruel and demanding. Learned that even devils could dream, of gentle hands and kind smiles, without malice.
Alright, had to quote that, 'cause DAMN...I dunno, it's just stuck in my head. :heart:
great work, as usual 8) -huggles-
Edit: DAMN YOU! Grisours! I knew I shoulda dibbed first post!! XD
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Gosh, after all this time reading your work, it still leaves me speechless!!! Your description is so damn vivid!!! :inlove: Even though someone dies, it's still great. At least it wasn't Ai-chan this time! :lol:
Keep it up, Estrea-san! :heart:
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Damn, you made me cry first thing today :cry: Okay, maybe it was the second thing since I was throwing laundry into the machine while I was reading this. You can expect that I took a long time standing at the wash area today XD And my tears weren't 1 or 2 drops, it was a lot! It's a good thing no one saw me. Imagine if someone saw me crying as I look at my cellphone (I was reading this on it :lol:). I'm surprised Ai wasn't the one who died this time :P A BIG thank you for writing this. I missed TakaGaki :heart: Oh and I liked the title and last sentence. They sound... nice (for lack of a better word)...kinda brings up a lot of feelings when I read it out loud.
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I thought it would be appropriate to make my first post here. ;)
Anyways, this was beautifully written. I came pretty close to busting out some tissues at the end, seriously.
I was hoping near the end, after seeing the character death warning, that Ai would manage to save Gaki and some other poor sod drops dead for the "character death" :D Lol, yeah...I wish.
I'm not at all disappointed though, it's rather fitting for the tone and feeling of this particular story. :D
*Sigh*, officially de-lurked XD
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Whoa i just read all your stories ...
you're a really really good writer
especially that last story
the devil element was awesome
except ... risa died .. :cry:
hope to see an update from you soon!
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Alright, I'm insane
And that's why we wubs you. :D
RISA NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
:mon whine:
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Thank you everyone for your continuing support! I'm glad people like my work. ^_^
So, rev2hd, are you that lurker who commented on my LJ? XD No matter, congratulations for de-lurking! XD
And yes, since I don't usually post meaninglessly, it means that I come bearing story. It's not really a story, just...a short piece of writing that most people will be unable to comprehend. Maybe rokun might. Or any other philosophy student. But it's entirely likely that no one's gonna really get it. But well. It's not even really H!P, but just...a bit of something. Yeah.
So. Here we go then.
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Apology for Evil
Some men, they just want to watch the world burn.
A lighted cigarette fell, sizzling into the distant sidewalk, the barest pinprick of light in the darkest of nights. I stepped onto a stage of one, embracing my unseen audience.
There is evil is this world.
Walking on the edge. On my left the darkness; on my right, the shadow of the valley of death.
Evils like greed, like hatred. Like anger and lust. Like Fear.
I am not drunk. My step is steady, my eyes closed. I am balanced. I am one with the edge.
True evil, though, is none of those.
Forward. Always forward. One step at a time, unwavering. Arms stretched, as if crucified. Head raised to the heavens, staring into the empty darkness.
There is no reason, no motivation, for true evil. It simply is.
Staring, with the mind's eye. For the flesh and blood, yes, those deceive. Will not the Cartesian theater continue to stretch endlessly, into an infinite corridor of mind to mind to mirror mine?
And if there must be a reason, then there can only be one.
Like the Ouroboros, a snake devouring its own tail. For does not the Abyss look back upon at those who gaze into it?
Just...because.
Because I can. Because I will. Because I have. Because.
Forgive me, Lord, for I have sinned.
No rest for the wicked. Forgiveness is for the weak. Forgiveness is for those who believe they should be punished.
I am me. I know not why. Only that I am me.
Evil has no name. I am its face. I define it. I am me.
In the end, Evil is just on a journey for Discovery.
The other shoe drops, dark within dark. I am alone. I am Evil. I am at peace.
The hemlock lies before me. It does not condemn; the accusers walk free.
I drink. I am alive. I am dead.
And thus ends an Apology for Evil.
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Sorry about the esoteric allusions. I was reading a deeply psychological story about the mind of a sociopath, listening to Where Does the Ocean Go? from Ghost in the Shell, and it just popped to my head to write this.
I'll just...disappear now. >_>
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Yeah, you're right: I have no idea what's going on. XD But it's very deep and that, I can appreciate!
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^Lol Ichigo-chan. :D I'm always just a little mad. There's a fine line between genius and insanity, and sometimes I lose sight of it.
I'm back with another story that might make a certain hamster happy. Then I shall sleep. Do enjoy.
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Where Does The Ocean Go?
"Where does the ocean go?"
The question surprised me. Then, no matter, she always surprises me. Just when I think I've gotten her figured out, she always comes up with something else to prove that her mind works in different ways from us. From mine.
She leans close, not enough to touch, just barely a hair's breadth away. She's never really been big on physical contact. Unless she gets emotional. Which can be often. She's always so easily affected by certain things.
But still. She wants to be touched. I wrap an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close, leaning my cheek against her soft hair. She does not say anything, but shifts to get comfortable. She does not reject my touch, but neither does she accept it.
Sometimes she is so far away, even when she is so close. Sometimes I think it's just her. Or me.
Maybe it's just me. Because I'm afraid to reach past that perfection, and touch the real her behind all that. Because I'm afraid of how much, how far, her needs stretch. Afraid that I can't give her what she wants, what she needs. Afraid that I can't do it, that I'm not good enough.
So I am always just out of reach, always so close, needing to be close to her. Wanting to understand, but never daring to. And I scoff at her in my usual way.
"You always say such weird things! Who thinks about things like that?"
I scolded her, playfully, seriously. She smiles, her face crinkling into a frown as she pretended to sulk. She almost looks upset.
But I know her better than that. She knows that I know. And still she waits. Waiting for me to touch her.
Silence. She's thinking. Her silence is filled with the soundless noise of her thoughts. I can't read them, but they're there, nevertheless.
"It has to go somewhere, don't you think?"
She doesn't let go of a subject that easily. I roll my eyes. Far easier to fall back on routine. It hurts less than reaching into the fire of her soul. The fire of judgment, ready to pronounce a verdict. Guilty.
"And if it does? The sea is just there. We're not scientists, we're idols, we don't have to think about these things!"
My argument was simple, practical. I know she knows. She always likes to complicate things. Thinking far too much.
Then again, I think too much. We're a matched set.
More silence. It's getting cold. I'm hungry, and I say it. She nods in agreement. She does care.
We stand; her hand in mine, or mine in hers. I'm never really sure. Does it matter?
As we walk back to join the others, she turns to look back at the shore again, illuminated by the fiery sunset. Her eyes reflected the glow, and once again I'm caught off guard by her transcendent beauty. An ageless, exquisite sorrow.
"I really want to know, you know." She turns back, face once again cast in shadow. I tug her along, sand getting between my toes.
"Why bother? You can't even swim." My answer didn't even make sense. But she smiled. A real one this time.
"I just want to know."
I know. I look away.
"Let's just go." Abruptly, awkwardly. Her hand in mine stays my steps. I stop. Waiting.
I don't want her to say it.
"Let's go and eat then, Gaki-san." And she smiles again, like the sun.
She knows. I smile back.
We walk back, hand in hand. Me and her, never saying anything, always knowing, always wanting, always needing.
Someday, someday I'll be able to tell you.
My Ai-chan...
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Meaningless little piece. XD I just felt...like I had to do something. And...well...yeah. Just. Yeah. XD
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Like the Ouroboros, a snake devouring its own tail. For does not the Abyss look back upon at those who gaze into it?
Two concepts, one line. I guess they could be compared, though. I can't say, I'm no philosophy student (but I do have philosophy classes in college XD)
I may not understand everything you meant to say with this piece, but I guess that happens to every writer... I did like it though, and it flows nicely. You may blame your awesome writing skills for that. :yep:
As to Where Does The Ocean Go?... I really liked it too, and you add a little Ai-character-study (as you always do) but using Gaki's point of view. Cute!
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But this...oh I definitely understand this!!! XD I really love how you portray Ai-chan as this mysterious woman that even her closest friends (or lovers!) don't fully know. And Gaki, sweet Gaki!!! I always feel bad when she wants Ai-chan to let her in. Don't worry, Gaki, I think you're good enough!! :wub:
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Apology for Evil
Serene, yet nicely dramatic at the same time.
Where Does The Ocean Go?
Awwwwwww...:oops:
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So, rev2hd, are you that lurker who commented on my LJ? XD No matter, congratulations for de-lurking! XD
Yep.
One of the things I like most about your work is your ability to dive into the minds of the characters and do a really good job. Not sure how to put it into to words, but it's er...expressive and...raw? Somehow it makes me feel for the girls more lol.
The Takagaki interaction in Where Does The Ocean Go? is sweet. So addictive XD
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I LIKE THE TITLE!!!! Sorry about the caps :P But I really do.
You know I love any TakaGaki writing you do so thank you! And yes, I am a very happy little hamster :) Now I can go for lecture with a little spring in my step :lol:
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I had the weirdest idea that an Apology for Evil would be a follow up to Devil May Cry...either a follow up to the story or an apology for making your dear fans cry...cause you know it was really sad but of course really interesting and creative as well.
Where Does The Ocean Go?
ah I like that question...I also really like the answer to that question....there's something very romantic about the water cycle XD (and about the story of course!) Maybe one day Gaki can tell Ai chan that the ocean becomes the clouds but in the meantime I like your answer for Gaki. I like how it made Ai chan smile and me as well =D
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Obviously, I've been listening way too much to Prisoner of Love by Utada Hikaru, because I wrote a fic under its influence. XD;
Sorry about the lack of updates to Gegenschein, between school and work, the rest of my time is being devoted to sleep in order to recharge. Lol.
Anyway, new story. Enjoy. XD
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Prisoner of Love
I made another notation on my already littered sheet, half distracted as I studied the lyrics, contemplating what notes to stress and all those little technicalities. I twirled my pencil around my fingers, managing a couple of rotations before it slid off my hand, skidding off my desk to hit the floor with a clatter.
A crooked grin touched my lips, even at my own failure. Drew my nail across a specific part of the lyrics sheet, underlining it unconsciously. My smile reached my eyes. Surely you would have laughed at me if you had seen this, and then proceed to show off what you could do quite effortlessly.
Always so competitive... I shook my head, leaning down to pick up my fallen pencil. You were always out to have fun, always flitting from person to person, talking and laughing and playing. You could even make me laugh, making it seem so effortless and commonplace. I pause in my work now, still gripping the pencil, but staring off into space.
When was it that I began to see you as you, and not as just another one of my kouhais? Your frank stare, confident smirk, that sparkle in your eye; I remember them well.
Yet I saw your hesitance as well, behind that seemingly brash exterior. You were just another girl too, younger than me. Vulnerable.
You hid your uncertainty well enough though. With a smile and a laugh, you reached out that time and said:
"Let's have nothing but fun."
Did you know how far you were between lies and truth that time? Had you known how far it would go, your deception of self and others? I hadn't seen it back then either, my own troubles shadowing my eyes. Couldn't see your struggles, your fleeting escape from the inescapable. Had I known, would I have taken up that offer?
Yes, and yes. I would do it all over again, even knowing what I do now. I tilt my head to one side, playing with the strands of my hair as I glance blankly through the lyrics of our new song. My fringe falls into my face; I sweep it aside with an annoyed flick, puffing out a quick breath, my thoughts never straying far from you.
It had always been like that for me. When I got involved in something, I stay focused with a single-minded obsession. It made it difficult for me to see other things. But I tried to live with no regrets; often failing, but still doing my best. It was all I knew.
At one time, I even believed that my life was destined to be uniformly bleak, brightened only when I was on stage. It was bad enough that the vast majority of the group didn't seem to understand how my mind worked; I thought I made perfect sense! But it definitely did not help that my life appeared to have its own personal depressing theme. They didn't call me "rain woman" for nothing; every time I went somewhere, rain seemed to follow. Perfect setting for being emo, I suppose.
Rain or shine though, you sparkled. That stubborn streak that ran a mile wide in you; it refused to back down even when confronted with my waterworks. You always insisted on your own way, but strangely we never did butt heads quite as badly as I would have thought we would. I was no pushover myself when it came to holding my ground on certain things; well, if I had been less insistent, I wouldn't have gotten into the situation you found me in that time either.
Your radiance was refreshing. I don't think I ever laughed quite as much before that time; you just had a knack for coaxing laughter out of me. Your laughter too, it echoed along with mine, yet ringing always just a little off. Something was missing that I hadn't seen, back then. I know now what it was, but I didn't even notice then.
Maybe it was because neither one of us wanted to think at all. Far easier to just avoid the issue, forget about what bothered us. Have fun, as you said. Forget.
Your presence, and the laughter you brought; it made things tolerable. It helped me put things in perspective. Loneliness wasn't always so bad, nor pain; soon another day would come, and wash it all away with fun and games. How naive we were. But we tried; that is to say, you did.
I smiled a little sadly to myself. It wasn't long after that time, that I began to drop the formality and call you by your given name. Too difficult to call you by the same nickname that she did as well. I would always be friends with her, closer than most others. But it was never the same, no matter what she tried to do afterwards. I think we both knew it, but she ignored it all the same. I guess it was just easier for her to pretend that nothing happened.
Abandoning all pretense at trying to work, I set down my pencil and pushed the sheet away from me, leaning backwards to space out at the ceiling. You were always telling me to be a little less serious, cut loose more. I didn't hesitate to tell you that if I slacked off, you might just steal my position.
Your impish grin after my words said more than anything you said could ever have. Neither could I resist the matching grin that crept onto my face. You could be such a bad influence sometimes.
Still, I knew you. You worked harder than you let on, and I respected that. Your drive made me push onward all the harder. The path I chose for myself was rocky and barren; the price of excellence was, in a way, solitude. Lonely at the top, some said. Trying to be the best alone set me apart from the rest, given my typical tunnel vision when it came to these things.
But you were there. You understood, in your own way. I could see the same ambition reflected in your eyes. You knew, without asking, what I sought. We were headed in the same direction, via different paths. But you knew me, even you didn't understand why I walked the way I did. You accepted it as part of me, even though you never would let me off the hook about always being so serious about things.
I guess I needed that, needed you. Always putting on my best face for things, even though I was often emotional enough to cry at the drop of a hat ---- a fact you never ceased to remind me of either. Sometimes I wonder why I put up with you and your endless ribbing, but I guess it's so simple I don't even have to think.
I loved you. Things I wouldn't let others get away with, you got away not only unscathed, but also with the gift of my smile. The way you challenged me, said things on purpose to get a reaction out of me; I met that with a kind of bemusement, often urged on to laughter.
Yet amidst all that you were still that same hesitant girl hiding underneath that cocky exterior that day you first reached boldly out to me. I see it in the times you pause, that edgy flutter of motion as your gaze shifted around anxiously, the way you looked at me as if afraid that I'd break.
I wish I could tell you, but I never did get round to it. It was difficult enough to admit to myself that I felt this way, even worse when I realized just how long I had been caged by this emotion, this unnaturally strong attachment to you. Even if I had spent most of that time being blissfully oblivious to it, on hindsight it shone as clear as day.
Somehow, being made aware of this state made me feel all the more imprisoned, suffocated by the web tangling us together. It was all I could do to smile back as I always did, even as you batted away at the tangled lines between us, chasing the threads like the half-wild kitten you were.
...I wonder if the thread that led you to me was red in color...?
Abruptly, I stood, pushing my chair back with a low screech. My idle fantasies were leading nowhere, and it was getting to a stage where I just didn't want to think about it anymore. Denial was a wonderful thing, especially when the other way led to unimaginable complications.
As if on cue, a rapid stacatto sounded at my door. I didn't even need to open the door to know who was making such a racket. Only a few people knocked like that in our group, and you were one of them. The sinking feeling in my chest gave me a good indication of who to expect even as I cross the short distance to face that barrier.
Brushing aside that moment of hesitation, I braced myself and opened the door. And there you were, in all your Yankii glory, eye to eye with me with that familiar cocky grin.
"So that's where you disappeared to! Ai-chan, how many times must I tell you, you need to learn how to have fun!" You scolded me playfully as you grabbed at my arm, hauling me out by force; not that I was resisting that much, frankly.
I smiled weakly, making the same old excuses of work, work and more work that you so often rolled your eyes at; and you did so now, giving me a cross-eyed glare that made my heart tremble. You said something else, I'm not sure what, because then someone else latched on to us, and my world seemed to fade into that peculiar state of black and white like something out of film noir.
"Mittsi, go tell Eri and Sayu I found our missing leader. And you," here she fixed me with that half-serious, half-joking look. "No running away from the party, you hear?"
I barely paid attention to what was going on, only noticing as you ruffled Aika's hair affectionately, never mind that the girl was growing to be taller than both of us pretty soon. A bitter taste filled my mouth. It was a familiar one. Jealousy had always been a bitter pill to swallow.
You stick closely by my side, talking about the things I missed since my escape to my room earlier. Your animated recollections of those events was probably more entertaining than when they had first happened, and I laughed along, a practiced reflex. Still struggling to reconnect back to reality, and to avoid looking like my mind had been abducted by aliens.
You stop suddenly, in the middle of that interminable corridor leading to the elevators. Turned to me, standing close enough to feel your breath against mine. I stopped breathing entirely, if only to feel that repeated current of warmth across my skin. I was so pathetic. Am so pathetic.
"Are you really alright, Ai-chan?"
No. "Yes."
You didn't look convinced, your eyes searching mine for some kind of answer, but I remained closed to you. You shrugged, that subtle nod of acceptance evident in the gesture. I had not wanted to share, and you accepted that. I loved you for that. That you didn't ask, when it came down to these things.
You went right back to trying to distract me with your entertaining stories as if nothing had just happened, the only way you knew to break me out of my moods. My eyes chased your shadow, even as you pursued your own shadows. I smiled bravely, casting my doubts aside, enjoying your company.
Don't ever change, Reina. Don't abandon me to myself. I smiled again, and laughed along to another of your jokes.
Thank you for being you.
===========================================
I'm tired. Sleep. Yes.
-waddles away-
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>_> DIBS!
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Ah, I was listening to the song as I read this <3 Wonderful, as usual. They really do fit the song well, huh? :3 What is it about you that makes you perfect for writing Aichan!? :P Also, although this was in Aichan's PoV, Reina seemed...very Reina-y XD It seems like her to always hide behind fun, just how she is.
Ahh, Reinai makes me happy :heart: I love you. X3 I'm a very happy panda right now. Keep up the good work. :3 -cough-might I add, I love the red thread part. :D
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...That was amazing. :O You wrote the song according to the lyrics too! (I have an obsession with Utada Hikaru's music... *sweatdrop* Actually, the first thing I thought of when I saw "Prisoner of Love" on your fic title was "Utada Hikaru" and "crap someone beat me to it". xD)
I'm actually writing a fic right now myself...and the background music is meant to be the instrumental version of Prisoner of Love. :whistle: Though unlike your fanfiction it wouldn't fit with the lyrics. xD I tried, but it didn't work.
Once again, great work. You always write well when it comes to Ai-chan. ^^
My ordinary days begun to shine
Since the day you stole my heart.
I thought I could deal with loneliness and pain.
and
Even if this cruel reality tries to tear us apart
It will only bring us closer.
Somehow I have a feeling that we'll be able to do our best.
Would have to be my favorite parts of the song. <3 (Sorry if it's not completely right...I'm pulling it off my head. XD)
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That was so amazing!
And something else thats amazing...
When I clicked here my iTunes went to the next track which happened to be Prisoner of Love
XD it made me laugh
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I could totally tell who this was about!! :lol: I love Reinai now! For some reason, they seem so good. Maybe even one of the best pairings (besides TakaGaki). Cuz I will never let go of my TakaGaki~ :lol:
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At first I thought it was a MakixReina story, what with the part about the narrator writing stuff down and Maki's recent Avex debut where she wrote one of the songs she sang. :P
You like writing Aichan as the "thinker", doncha? :D
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didn't hesitate to tell you that if I slacked off, you might just steal my position.
:hehehe: LOL, XD
ohhh, i knew it. it was RenAi~ i really like it..... :mon beam: made me happy...>:] and sad..and everything!
and i love Utada too. lmao. Prisoner of Love LSS! :mon heh:
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Oh, I had the feeling this was Reinai... Great Ai-chan POV too, you really wrote it well!
And yeah, I like this song too, even though I don't know Utada much...
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oo a Hikki inspired fic :wub: ....I switched to Prisoner of Love - Quiet Version - for this story...since it's more sad sounding.
I read your post over at the girls thread before heading over here so I knew this would be ReinAi but I thought the narrator was Reina at first because of the pen twirling. Poor Ai chan...a prisoner to her own thoughts..though it seems like Gaki and Reina also have their own issues to attend to.
I like how Reina pulled Ai back into reality..and the Aika thing was a nice touch.
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It's Ai-chan's birthday! I come with fic!
XD This is written at 4am in the morning. My brains are frazzled. Beware wackiness and lack of coherence.
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Messages
It will be my birthday in less than an hour...ahhh, I'm getting old...
Takahashi Ai, leader of Morning Musume, 5 feet of Lovely, 21 going on 22, was feeling her age. Not that she really had to, but in a group where the average age was below 20, anything above it was pretty much ancient. Besides, being female and an idol in Japan sort of warped her age perception. 25, in her opinion, was old.
And let's not get into what a certain H!P member's age was like in idol years...Ai valued her life, and dying at age 21, right before her birthday, was not really her idea of fun.
45 more minutes. Ai flopped around on her bed, taking the time to laze around for once. She figured that since she was going to become yet another year older, she got the right to relax for a bit. Stretch those aging bones.
The current leader of Morning Musume briefly wondered what it would be like to reach Nakazawa-san's age...dangerous thoughts! She looked around furtively, as if worried that the first and most badass leader of Morning Musume would suddenly pop out of nowhere and clobber her for even thinking it. One could never be too sure about how far the powers of the Nakazawa stretched. Better safe than sorry.
40 more minutes. Time seemed to be passing at a crawl. Well, she supposed she could use the time to enjoy what was left of her 21st year. Not that she got to enjoy it before, what with that brat Koharu deciding to remind her of their age gap earlier...as leader, Ai supposed, chucking the nearest movable object at her own group members would be very bad form. Not to mention all the bad press that could be generated.
No, she just had to take it. Fortunately, Aika had saved her (and Koharu) by whisking the hyperactive 7th gen'er off for one reason or another. Ai knew there had to be a reason why she liked Mittsi better. The girl just had an impeccable sense of timing sometimes.
35 minutes. Time wasn't crawling, it was swimming through a quicksand bog. Ai wondered why her mind was so active when the rest of her had decidedly switched off. She had her face buried in her pillow, and was idly kicking her covers. Her limbs were splayed out langurously, her muscles loose. Rolling back up, she curled into a fetal position and stared at the clock, the gleaming numerals seeming to mock her.
Oh just get this over with. Glaring balefully at the clock, as if to move time ahead by sheer force of will, Ai persisted in her mental efforts, only to give up about half a minute later. Evidently time had decided to torture her by slowing everything down. She sighed. Life sucks.
I wonder what the others are doing now... She pondered, playing with the hem of her t-shirt. She wondered what sort of presents they would give her. Or the kind of birthday wishes. If tradition held true, she would be getting a flurry of text messages around midnight. That might in some measure explain her twitchy mood in the preceding hour. She couldn't wait to see what they would send her.
As if on cue, her cellphone started singing out and flashing. A new text message? Ai almost fell out of bed in her haste to reach the dresser. Scrambling around a bit to regain her balance, she fumbled with the phone and checked her inbox.
Ai-chan!!!!
Happy birthday~ ♪
I'm the first to congratulate you, aren't I? Aren't I? :heart:
Yay~ ♪
Be Lovely forever ne? ＝＾・＾＝
Eririn ♪
Ai couldn't help the smile that came to her face. It was just so sweet! But practicality reared its head in her ever realistic mind, and she checked the clock reflexively.
Eri...it's not my birthday for another 30 minutes... So said the little voice inside her head. She didn't have the heart to correct the girl though. Eri did have the best of intentions after all. Still smiling, she saved the message to another folder and leaned back onto her pillows.
The leader had no idea how long she sat there, cradling her phone in her lap, but she jumped up when her phone sounded again. She glanced at the clock as she clicked on the message. 15 minutes before midnight.
A happy birthday from the ichiban kawaii in the world!
Ai-chan~ Always so cute~ :heart:
Not as cute as me, but that's ok! You're the cutest 22 year old until I reach that age! :heart: :heart: :heart:
Dai~suki yo~ ♪
Usa-chan Sayumin~
This time Ai giggled out loud. She could practically imagine Sayumi's face while sending this message. Briefly, she wondered if the two Rokkies had conspired to send her their messages early. It seemed like something they would do. Though for what reason, she wasn't sure. Well, she would find out tomorrow, that was for certain.
As for now, she would just wait to see if anyone else sent her any more messages of well-wishing.
She wasn't disappointed.
1 minute before midnight, her phone went off again. She clicked reflexively, her thumb having been poised over the button since the last message 14 minutes ago.
Osu! Happy birthday Ai-chan!
Don't work too hard for today! Reina will make sure you can take a break!
Cos Reina won't ever lose to Ai-chan~ ♪
Ne? ;)
Haha, Reina is sure Reina beat Gaki-san to it~ Hehe~ ♪
Reina
Ai couldn't help the indulgent smile playing on her lips. Really, all 3 of the Rokkies were just too adorable. Reina in particular...Ai always wanted to spoil the girl outrageously. She was far more lenient to Reina than she was with the rest. It was just easier to let that little yankii get off the hook for the little things she did. It was just so...Reina. Besides, Ai knew that Reina wouldn't make horrific mistakes most of the time. It was just her attitude to be the way she was.
In the midst of her musings, the clock struck midnight, and her phone sprang to life again. She clicked without thinking. It was habit by now.
"Gaki-san..." She whispered, breaking into a smile even before she started reading. Always so precise, her fellow Gokkie and subleader.
Happy Birthday Ai-chan!
We've been together for so long, ne? Can't believe how fast time passes, and here we are now. ^_^
Ai-chan is always so serious, it's cute. :heart: I just wanted to let you know, even after all this time, you're still my favorite person. ^_^
We'll always stay together, ne? Forever. <3
Ai...daisuki yo~
Omame
"Always..." Ai whispered, rereading Risa's message over again. Oddly, tears pricked at the edges of her eyes, and she wiped them with the back of her hand. Damn emotionality. She really could cry at the drop of a hat.
Ai...almost like...she wanted to type something else... Glimmers of a false hope, internally squashed before it ever saw light of day. Ai didn't want to think about it right now; it raised too many questions she wasn't prepared to answer.
She could just settle for best friends forever.
"Ne, Gaki-san? Always be with me..." She whispered at her phone.
The screen blinked back brightly.
Zutto isshoni.
=================================================
Happy 22nd birthday, Ai-chan! I love you. :heart: :heart: :heart:
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WOO! -dibs- :heart:
Alright, lemme see if I can do this before dinner. XD
I love the text messages XD Short, but they really show the everyones personalities. I was hoping for Reinai LOL but you came out with Takagaki in the end, figures! XD Either way, awesome! ^_^
Oh, and the Nakazawa part made me LOL :lol:
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Aw, Takagaki love. <3 The GoRokkie love~ :) I love this fic. Happy birthday Ai-chan! ^-^
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That was adorable!!! :inlove: KYAAA~ Ok, we'll pretend I never did that. :lol: Love how cute the Rokkies are but obviously, I loved Gaki's message the best. Great present for Ai-chan. Can't believe it's already been a year: I can still remember your fic from last year, 21. Ah~ natsukashii
Anyway, great job, Estrea-san!
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But of course Risa would get it perfectly on the dot and be the first person to msg Aichan on her birthday. :wub: The messages from the Rokkies were cute, but they sent their msgs before midnight, so technically it was not yet her birthday when they did it. :D
The current leader of Morning Musume briefly wondered what it would be like to reach Nakazawa-san's age...dangerous thoughts! She looked around furtively, as if worried that the first and most badass leader of Morning Musume would suddenly pop out of nowhere and clobber her for even thinking it. One could never be too sure about how far the powers of the Nakazawa stretched. Better safe than sorry.
Yep. XD
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KYAAAH! Such a cute fic... And it's TakaGaki! :cow:
I was pretty much expecting ReinAi. :P
But there's some of it, too, if you look hard enough. :)
Good job! :yep:
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Awwwwww, aw aw! :heart:
XD at all the Rokkies, they just have to get in before Gaki... But in Eri's case I was thinking it was so she could just go to bed and didn't have to wait up anymore :P
The msgs were all so true to character for each girl, makes me wonder if you're psychic and that's actually close to what Ai would have received :lol:
Risa's message, awwwwwwwww, I'm sure you're not reading too much into it Ai, she did want to say more... One day, you'll both get the guts. :wub:
TakaGaki forever :heart: And once again, Happy Birthday Ai-chan, there's still 1.5 hours left :D
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OHH that was sweet~ :wub:
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*randomly goes to JPHIP* *realizes Estrea didn't tell her about the new story she posted ~.~* *reads new story ^-^*
Like Sai posted earlier, the text messages were really good... totally sounded like something they'd write. My favorite was Sayu's XD "untill I reach that age!" LOLOL oh~ Sayu :wub:
I liked the begginning with Ai thinking about her age and how it effects her idol persona. The idol world really does warp your perception of what is old. And ovcos the Yuko part was :lol:
Love that it ended with Takagaki (though I sorta new that already XD)
I wonder if Ai will ever trully know why she got those messages at those.... particular moments XD
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Awww, I loved it! It's very sweet, and it matches perfectly with the birthday theme. The messages from the girls were so like them, lol. :lol:
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I can't believe it's this time of year already! why I still remember reading Ai chan 21st birthday fics like they were written just yesterday....it's scary how time passes so fast XD
but anyways that was sooo sweeet! :shy2: I just knew Gaki was going to be the one to wish her happy bday at midnight! That just made it perfect!
now that my mind is all sugary~
*fangirl dreams* Ai chan txting Gaki aishiteru for her upcoming bday in return~ :shy1:
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I thought Eri was the one who sends birthday messages on the dot :D No matter though since I'm always up for a good TakaGaki fic. I'm so happy you decided to write this pairing instead of your favourite one. Thankies!! :wub: Oh and I totally agree about how each girl's message sounds like what they would write. You get into their heads so well! I guess that's how a genius is :)
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Haha.....glad everyone liked the birthday story. And more on the birthday thing, because Sayu is awesome and told us what she gave Ai for her birthday. XD
A really really short fluffy story. XD Written while I had a headache, so no promises about quality...~_~ Enjoy!
======================================================
Cupcakes
"Kame! Time to wake up~" An insistent voice poked incessantly against the slumbering aura of one drowsy turtle, who was currently sprawled all over in a chair and nodding off quite ostentatiously.
"Nnngh...5 more minutes..." Eri mumbled, shifting to curl up into herself.
"Gaki-san! That won't work. Let me try." A pause. "Eririn! The staff just brought in a plate of umeboshi! Wake up before Junjun eats it all!"
"Bbbrughwha?" A stream of gibberish erupted from the turtle, who nearly fell off her chair in her haste to wake up. A still groggy Eri peered around shortsightedly, trying to figure out what just happened.
Risa giggled at the sight, even as Sayumi flashed a triumphant peace sign. Eri just stared at them, not registering anything as her brain rebooted, flashing the word 'umeboshi' repeatedly as it started up again.
"Where?" Eri mumbled, looking around frantically. Risa just laughed again, poking Eri's cheek.
"Sleepyhead, it's almost time for rehearsal!" Eri glanced at the clock. "Already?" She pouted, already beginning to whine as Sayu planted herself next to her best friend.
"Yeah..." One glance around the room produced some notable absentees. Risa absently picked a lint off Eri's shoulder as she asked, looking at Sayumi.
"Have you seen Ai-chan yet?" The narcissist shook her head in reply. Risa looked up again, noting where everyone was.
Reina was chumming around with Aika off to one side, and judging from the chocolate smear on the corner of the young 8th gen member's mouth, the two were on a chocolate trip again. For someone who keeps wanting to watch her weight, Risa knew that Reina's one weakness was sweets, chocolate in particular. Ah well, the girl was stick thin to begin with, so it probably didn't hurt that much.
Junjun had just wandered in, nibbling absently on a piece of bread with a far off look in her eye. Linlin was nowhere in sight. Risa knew that Koharu was working off excess energy on the emergency stairs towards the back, and would be back any time now.
However, their errant leader was nowhere in view. Risa hadn't been particularly early herself, and so had missed seeing Ai in the locker room earlier. She figured that their leader was already there, given that her bag was in the room, but of the person herself there was no sign.
"Probably off talking to one of the senseis again..." Risa mumbled half to herself. Sayu had engaged a now awake Eri in conversation, and the two were practically joined at the hip, their usual practice.
Shrugging, Risa wandered over to Reina and Aika, the older of the two currently gesturing and talking about something in her usual animated way, and Aika just lounging in her chair, although she did appear to be paying attention.
Risa was about to tune in to their conversation when a familiar voice said an even more familiar name.
"Ai-chan!" Sayu's voice was shocked, and Risa turned around to stare at the entrance. Behind her, Reina peered around her subleader, and Aika tilted her head backwards to stare upside down. Junjun, for her part, continued chewing quite calmly.
Silence, as the girls gaped at their tiny leader. The only sound was the scraping of the fabric on fabric when Aika decided that all the blood rushing to her head was probably unhealthy and decided to shift to a more comfortable position.
"Uso! Did you just get out of bed?" Risa was the first to exclaim. Aika shook her head, trying to settle the dizzy feeling. "But she doesn't have bed head..." The youngest of the group observed, crossing her eyes briefly in a fair imitation of Reina, who noticed immediately and smacked the her cheeky junior playfully for it.
"Hi everyone, is there something wrong?" Ai greeted quite calmly, as if nothing had happened. She did fidget a bit though, under the stares of her fellow members. "What? What is it?"
"Why did you wear pajamas to rehearsal?" Reina, as usual, got straight to the point. Ai blinked, staring around at all the other girls, who were also dressed casually.
"But I'm not..." Reina snorted and waved a hand around dismissively.
"Leader, it's definitely pajamas, no matter how you look at it." The yankii cocked her head to one side, wonky eye rolling around. "And since when did you wear something this cute to sleep?"
Ignoring that for the moment, Ai walked over to where the other two Rokkies were sitting together. Eri was still at a mild loss for what to comment on about the shirt that Ai was sporting, only managing to blurt out a "it's cute..." as her leader came close.
Smiling at the still stunned Sayu, Ai grinned, doing a little twirl for the little devil of Morning Musume.
"See, Sayu, I'm wearing it!" The 22 year old leader's grin was very much like one that was half her age, seeking approval and brimming with a kind of childish delight.
Sayumi, who had been shocked to silence by this turn of events, burst out giggling and impulsively hugged Ai, squeezing the tiny leader tightly in her arms.
"Seriously...Ai-chan...you're the best..." Sayu laughed as she released her senpai. Ai grinned a bit more tentatively, almost like a little puppy (or monkey, whatever).
"Of course, it's Sayu's present, I wanted you to see that I liked it." The leader's eyes were still lit with that infectious smile. "Thank you."
"No, thank you." Sayu smiled warmly at Ai as she linked arms with the older, heading for rehearsal. Ai looked questioningly up at her, but Sayu just shook her head and smiled even more widely.
Thank you for being such a wonderful leader, Ai-chan.
====================================================
Title is because the shirt Ai-chan is wearing has cupcake prints on it. XDDDDDDDDDD
Okie sleeping now. Tired. Hope y'all like it. XD
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Awwww Kamei, I :heart: sleepy turtle.
And LOL at emergency stairs running Koha xD
When the pajamas came up I was convinced this was just a dream.
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Gah, it's sleeping Eri again! <33 Much luff to that. And I lol'd when I read about Koharu and the emergency stairs. XD Ai-chan in a cupcake printed shirt...the thought of it is so...cute! XD
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Off to a good start with the sleeping Eri because you can never go wrong with that! Ai-chan's missing....? Love how you describe what everyone is doing. OOOSHIT, Ai-chan forgot to change?! XD Poop, I hoped she was wearing some sort of sexy lingerie. Awww, Sayu's sweet to give Ai-chan such a freakin adorable present!! So much love here!!! :heart:
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ah so cute~ <3
Ai-chan sporting sth cute from Sayu?! kawaii~ <3
sleepyhead Kamei~ <3
cuteness overload.... :]]
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"Gaki-san! That won't work. Let me try." A pause. "Eririn! The staff just brought in a plate of umeboshi! Wake up before Junjun eats it all!"
"Bbbrughwha?" A stream of gibberish erupted from the turtle, who nearly fell off her chair in her haste to wake up.
Junjun's all about bananas. Koharu's the one in the group who's crazy about umeboshi. :lol:
Junjun had just wandered in, nibbling absently on a piece of bread with a far off look in her eye.
Probably dreaming of her next banana. XD
**AICHAN WEARING PRESENT FROM SAYU**
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww...:oops:
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^Oops. XD But whatever, it seems to work out anyway. Anyone know what Eri's favorite food is so I can fix that little error? XD
I wanted Junjun to be eating a banana, but bread makes sense too. *saw her eating bread in backstage vid once* Haha. XD
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^
Well, knowing Junjun, it was probably banana bread (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana_bread).
:on lol:
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Eri's favourite is umeboshi so no need to fix that =) JFC's just commenting on how Koharu would be the one to eat up all the umeboshi but then again JunJun's the one that's always eating so it works XD
hehe the story is so cute and even more cute since it's something that really happened XD
I loved the description of everyone's activities. Sleeping kamei and chocolate Reina were my favourite parts. hehe I thought this would be TakaGaki since Risa was the focus at the start but it's funny how it was Sayu that whisked the leader away at the end....in a non romantic way of course...but it was still so cute and very sweet. Ai chan really is the best =D
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One more point to fix. Aika doesn't like chocolates. -If I'm not wrong-
You just write the cutest Eri scenes! Yay to that~ haha
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I'm back! With another random, pointless one shot! Written in a half hour, so no guarantee for quality. ^^;
So, please enjoy!
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Crisis Core
"Ai-chan."
No response.
"Aiiiiii-chan."
No response. The caller pouted, moving closer to the non-responsive leader, not yet giving up on getting her attention. Next to her, an amused Rokkie pair watched her futile efforts.
"It's better to stop now. It's impossible to get through to her now." Behind her, the voice of experience advised her junior. The quester ignored it and continued sneaking up on her target.
Poke. Poke poke. Poke poke puuuuu..... Repeated jabs in the shoulder didn't seem to have any effect. The harasser sulked, but refused to give up, tugging at the leader's sleeve experimentally. Still no response.
Head down, eyes narrowed, a shadow cast over a sleek metallic device. Takahashi Ai had effectively shut out the world as her fingers worked furiously with frantic haste.
"Aiiiiiiiiiiii-chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan~" The girl was obviously out to make herself noticed, no matter what the cost. A furrowed eyebrow was all she got. She was about to try more when a curt reply cut her off.
"What?" Blunt, rough, masculine. Not at all like the feminine lady she was supposed to be.
"Aiiii-chan! What are you doing?" Her tormentor grinned.
Eyes never leaving the tiny screen of her PSP, Ai scowled as her thumb skidded across the analog stick, frantically blocking in time before a massive fireball hit her character.
"Fighting. Quiet. Now." Short, direct answers. That didn't seem to phase her harasser. If anything, it only encouraged her.
"What's this? Looks like a big gold dragon!" The girl rested her chin on Ai's shoulder, throwing her coordination off for a second. Ai squawked in horror as a barrage of spikes that she had been trying to avoid impacted her character.
Muttering under her breath, the tiny leader moved quickly to rectify the problem.
"You owe me a Hi-Potion..." Soon enough, the leader was back to being immersed within her game. That didn't please her junior, who stubbornly refused to remove her chin from Ai's shoulder.
"Oooh, what's..." The girl squinted. "E...x...a....Fl...are?"
"Oh damn." Ai muttered. "Not again."
"Oooh, pretty animation! Shiny!" Ai sighed and canceled the animation, watching the numbers jump over her character signifying the damage done, all while ignoring her clingy junior.
"Eri, go away. If I can't beat Bahamut Fury before call time, I'll burn all your umeboshi." Ai shook a pouting Eri off and returned to her game.
Meanwhile, next to them, Reina turned to Sayumi with a raised eyebrow.
"What did you feed her?" Sayumi smiled innocently.
"Who, me?" Her megawatt smile turned devilish within a nanosecond. "What about you, Reina? What did you feed her?"
Reina smirked. The Rokkies shared a conspiratorial glance as they watched their Eririn pester a very hassled Ai who was STILL trying to defeat her opponent.
Behind them, Risa stared at the scene. First at Eri pestering Ai, then at a scheming Sayu and Reina. She briefly contemplated saving her Ai-chan, but two evil eyes, one wonky and one kawaii, froze her in her tracks.
Risa looked at Eri. Then back at the other two Rokkies. She decided Ai really didn't need saving after all. Not when in the next moment, Ai burst out:
"TAKE THAT!!! OCTOSLASH!!" Even a sugar high Eri blinked and paused in trying to harass an Ai that had a maniacal gleam in her eye as she ruthlessly pummeled the in-game monster.
"I win! Yay!" Ai grinned evilly as she flashed a victory sign along with Zack. The leader didn't seem to notice how everyone in the room was staring at her, slack-jawed. With the sole exception of Risa, who calmly walked over and handed a sheet of paper to Ai.
"Hm, Gaki-san? Ah, yes, thanks." Ai's smile was dazzling in the aftermath of her victory. Then the glow faded as she reverted back to work-mode, standing up and clapping her hands together.
"Ok everyone, assembly in 3 minutes on stage! Hurry up!" And she walked from the room, leaving her PSP on top of her bag. She usually knew how to separate work from play.
"Ehhhhhhhh?" Eri exclaimed. "What is thisssssssssssss?" Reina wandered over and picked up the handheld console, curiously poking at it before Risa quickly swiped it away from the curious yankii.
"Don't touch it, Ai-chan will kill you if something happened to her game." Risa carefully switched it off and stuck it inside her best friend's bag. The subleader switched back to motherly mode and started ushering everyone else off to work.
No one even noticed the words that had flashed right before Risa had switched the PSP off.
Do you want to save?
A curious yankii finger had pressed 'cancel'.
Boy, was Ai going to be pissed when she found out.
======================================================
I'm lame. XD
Seriously, if Ai loves Final Fantasy so much, she can't possibly have NOT played this. XD
Hehehehe.
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Yay for Geeky!Ai :w00t:
I shoulda known it was Eri bugging Aichan XD; I actually thought it was Reina at first (maybe it's because my mind now automatically hooks Reinai together everywhere? o_O) Poor Aichan...she's gunna be some kinda pissed when she finds out XD; I know I would be. :lol:
I love how sucked into her videogame she is, I'm like that too, so I feel her pain when she is bugged while playing XD;
very cute ^_^ Geeky!Ai is my favorite type of her, methinks <3
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I thought it was Sayu... :P
Funny how you made manly Aichan show up. That side of hers rarely comes out these days.
I feel sorry for Reina, though. She'll have to face the wrath of their leader alone. :lol:
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GAMER AICHAN!!! :rockon:
SUGAR-HIGH ERI!!! XD
"Ehhhhhhhh?" Eri exclaimed. "What is thisssssssssssss?" Reina wandered over and picked up the handheld console, curiously poking at it before Risa quickly swiped it away from the curious yankii.
"Don't touch it, Ai-chan will kill you if something happened to her game." Risa carefully switched it off and stuck it inside her best friend's bag. The subleader switched back to motherly mode and started ushering everyone else off to work.
Good thinking there, Risa. :yep:
No one even noticed the words that had flashed right before Risa had switched the PSP off.
Do you want to save?
A curious yankii finger had pressed 'cancel'.
Boy, was Ai going to be pissed when she found out.
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh that's putting it mildly. :o
Aichan finding out her game was deleted = :mon wtf: :mon fierce: :mon mad: :gmon pissed:
Other members seeing Aichan find out her game was deleted = :OMG: :on freeze: :scared: :mon curtain:
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You can never go wrong with Gamer Ai and Sugar High Eri. XD I knew it was Eri from the moment I started reading...well, not really. At first I kinda thought it was Gaki-san, but when I read about someone advising their junior, I switched it with Eri. :P
No one even noticed the words that had flashed right before Risa had switched the PSP off.
Do you want to save?
A curious yankii finger had pressed 'cancel'.
Oh...Shit. :mon wtf: :mon oshitwc: :mon curtain:
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Ok, just gonna tell you right now that I didn't expect that at all. :lol: I mean, I know Ai-chan's a gamer but to imagine her like that is like whoa. Oshit, Reina is gonna get her skinny ass kicked for that!!! XD
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RRRRROOOOOFFFFFLLLLL
that was hilarious yo! I relate... I RELATE SO MUCH TO IT XD
only a gamer could write so accurately the annoyance others can be while a tense moment in a game :lol:, right es-chan =D *cough* gamer *cough* :D
*still laughing* this was good XD I liked it alot... from teh bugging to annoyed ai to warnful Gaki to naughty sayuXreina team to Ai's victory cry... but that ending was AWESOME
dude it hurt me... having passed that part and then... REINA :angry: cancelled it ~.~... i want to smack her
anywho.. good job ^_^
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LOL! This is epic win.
Dude, it's not just Reina who's gonna get it. There won't be any members left to write about when Ai is done taking care of business.
Scene opens with Ai.
There's blood and corpses all over the walls and ceiling.
...
Ai exhales.
The End.
lol...someone might need to sit her down in front of a first person shooter to relieve her of her need to hurt people.
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LOL!
that was cute and funny XD
i wanna see wat happens to Reina hahaha. just curious.. mehehe.
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lol...someone might need to sit her down in front of a first person shooter to relieve her of her need to hurt people.
LOL! Yeah, an FPS with a full-automatic gun as her weapon of choice
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lol...someone might need to sit her down in front of a first person shooter to relieve her of her need to hurt people.
LOL! Yeah, an FPS with a full-automatic gun as her weapon of choice
Maybe I should let her play Halo 3 next...XDDDDDDDDDDD
Anyone have any other suggestions? XD
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lol...someone might need to sit her down in front of a first person shooter to relieve her of her need to hurt people.
LOL! Yeah, an FPS with a full-automatic gun as her weapon of choice
Maybe I should let her play Halo 3 next...XDDDDDDDDDDD
Anyone have any other suggestions? XD
Halo 3 is great, but it's not brutal enough IMO D:
I'd say Gears of War (though third person shooter), but I'm totally in love and bias towards that game. Nothing like chainsawing the shit out of people, shooting them in the knee caps and curb stomping the lights out of them <3 Second installment coming out mmm XD
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lol...someone might need to sit her down in front of a first person shooter to relieve her of her need to hurt people.
LOL! Yeah, an FPS with a full-automatic gun as her weapon of choice
Maybe I should let her play Halo 3 next...XDDDDDDDDDDD
Anyone have any other suggestions? XD
Halo 3 is great, but it's not brutal enough IMO D:
I'd say Gears of War (though third person shooter), but I'm totally in love and bias towards that game. Nothing like chainsawing the shit out of people, shooting them in the knee caps and curb stomping the lights out of them <3 Second installment coming out mmm XD
O_O *writes on a sticky note: MUST BUY GEARS OF WAR* i remember when that game was about to come out, it looked goood.
as for suggestions... i'm a BIOshock fan, but I'm into because of the story... not so much the gameplay... if it's just shoot and KILL i'd go with an oldie but a goodie.. DUKE NUKEM >=D
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Eeek not duke nukem! That made me so motion sick XD
hehe super cute story...lol I though the harasser was Gaki or Reina...but sugar high Eri wins out =D The troublesome two are always awesome =D
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^ Oh thank god it wasn't just me!!! All this time and I thought I was the only one who got motion sickness from that :P I unfortunately can't get into the whole cool gaming thing with FF and Halo etc coz the 3-D graphics make me hella sick (although the ever improving graphics now are making it slightly better for me) so I just stick to my sport games :lol: :oops:... But i do remember playing the old fashioned Prince of Persia when I was a kid and I still enjoy killing as many people as possible in my old school 2-D (i think) GTA game on the computer XD Bloodshed is fun :w00t:
ANNNNNNNNYWAY!
OMG Essy-chan, Cupcakes was so freaking cute :heart: I'm really glad you wrote that coz when I read Sukoshi's translation of that part of Sayu's show all I could think of was how dorky and gosh damn adorable Ai-chan was being doing that :mon inluv: You just brought it even more to life with that :D
Crisis Core
Hmmm, I wonder if that curious Yankii is curious about the best way to flay a petite idol whilst they are still alive, kicking and screaming?... if so, I'm sure a certain leader will be happy to demonstrate for her :P
Like Poe-po said, only a gamer can get into the mind of another gamer so well and that really came through with all the description of her intense concentration and random shouts here and there... I love how she gets right back into professional mode though, so Ai-chan of her (der!).
Awww Gaki is so sweet protecting Ai-chan's baby from the hands of he evil rokkies, shame she wasn't paying close enough attention though coz I have a feeling she will be the one coping the blame for the lost game :sweatdrop:
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yay!
moar gaming for Ai-chan XD <3
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I was watching the unreleased footage of the TakaGaki Futarigoto and was struck by something Risa mentioned, so out popped a super short fic!
Hehe.
Oh and Hammy, feel better soon. I'll write more TakaGaki to cheer you up if that's what it takes to cheer you up. ^_^
And on with the story~
==========================================
Hot
Summer in Tokyo. Insects a-flying.
Senses melting. The air seemed to ripple, making everything seem blurred and far away.
The you that was no more than two steps away seemed very far off. Didn't like that.
"Risa-chan! Give me your hand." I blurted out without thinking, holding out my hand expectantly, never once considering that I would be refused. The thought of you refusing had never even occurred to me.
You turned with some surprise, sweat beading your forehead. Your hair seemed a little listless in the muggy atmosphere; but then no one else was looking their best in such temperatures.
Hand still held out expectantly, I did not expect to wait long. And neither did I have to, for you just gave me that familiar, indulgent yet exasperated look, much as one would give a demanding child.
My brows creased into a minute pout, lips pursing together ever so slightly, but you gave in before I could make any further protest, slipping your smaller hand into mind and giving it a reassuring squeeze.
""Mou, Ai-chan..." Your tone sounded like a complaint, but you were smiling.
Looking down at our tightly interlaced fingers, I smiled too.
=============================================================
This was when they're still teens. XD Circa 2003-4? Heh. Hope y'all liked, did it in like 15 minutes. Lol.
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ka-ka-ka-kawaiiiiiiiii~!!
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I'm on a roll. XD
More fluff inspired by the TakaGaki futarigoto. Lol.
============================================
Just You
"So do you really think that I think that I'm boyish?"
Insistent questioning. Like a puppy gnawing on a bone, you never let go of a topic even after others had already moved on, chewing and worrying at it with an intense concentration.
"Wouldn't you know for sure yourself since it's your own thoughts?"
My reasonable answer, sensible and logical. Sometimes it's really hard to remember that you're actually older than me. You never act like it anyway.
"But I'm a girl?" You frowned worriedly, eyebrows furrowed as you seriously went through the hoops in your mind like the monkey you are. I had long since given up on trying to understand you, preferring to sit back and watch your little antics instead.
"Does it really matter? Ai-chan is Ai-chan." I pretended to be adjusting the rest of my outfit, but one eye always remained on you. If only you knew how adorable you were right now, fretting over a non-existent problem...
Whoever said that you weren't interesting had to be totally blind. You're plenty interesting when you're like this. Too bad you never realized it yourself either...
"Don't laugh at me, this is serious!" You protested, slapping my arm in gesture of mock offense, but I knew you well enough to know that you weren't really upset, just trying to get my attention. I looked back up, and you seemed satisfied that I appeared to be listening again.
"Why are you so concerned over this? I thought something like this would be natural..." I hadn't even gotten to finish before you started to mumble something under your breath in that rapid-fire Fukui dialect that no one really gets.
"Eh? What did you say?" You look up at me, as if contemplating whether or not to explain.
"Never mind...I'm just talking nonsense now..." You turn your head aside, almost like a spurned child. I always had to fight an urge to reach out to pat your head when you did something like that.
"Maa, Ai-chan will always just be Ai-chan to me, whether you're boyish or girlish." I stated firmly, making you look up almost hesitantly to meet my eyes.
I smiled at you, reaching over to hold your hand. Your fingers curled instinctively around me, trapping my hand where it was, like you always did.
"Really?" Just like a little kid. Are you really two years older than me? I had to wonder again.
"Un, you'll always be my Ai-chan." The words slipped out easily before I even properly processed them, and I blinked a few times when what I just said hit me. Before I could correct myself though, one look at you shut me up.
Your smile was like the sun coming up. How could I bear to take that away from you?
Rubbing my thumb absently on the back of your hand, I smiled back.
My Ai-chan. Why not? I thought with a little shrug.
If appearances were any indication, you certainly didn't mind either.
=========================================================
I tried my best to make it sound like them when I write in first person. Does it show? XD
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Egads, that's cute! <3 I can totally see them discussing this. Aww... :wub:
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AWWWW~~ They were both extremely sweet~ :heart:
Love your stories, even if they are written super quickly. I wish I could do that!! Instead, it takes me a month to write one stupid chapter!! :lol:
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Hot
Awwww... :oops:
Sometimes all you need is that one little gesture to turn your day around. :yep:
Just You
I had long since given up on trying to understand you, preferring to sit back and watch your little antics instead.
Quite often, just watching is the more entertaining option anyway. :P
Your smile was like the sun coming up. How could I bear to take that away from you?
Yeah, her smile is totally capable of making one melt.
:wriggly:
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All your constant writings of adorable Ai-chan made me make a sig. Congrats :lol:
I want moar!!! :heart:
Look at that. My first comment on your fics. All because of Ai. lol
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^LOL XD
Muahahaha. The things we do for Ai... >D
So does this mean that if I write more Ai-related things, you'll pop up? XD *somehow thought of whack-a-mole* XDDDDDDDD
Glad you guys think that it was cute, I feel fulfilled! Haha. Now I wanna write ReinAi. I just need some ideas...
*sits down and meditates*
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I'm super glad you wrote those, there was so much material in that short 5 and a something mins it was crazy... I love them both of course (considering its TakaGaki) but I especially enjoyed 'Just You' and not just coz it was even fluffier :P When you write, we always get to see Ai's thoughts from her perspective really, be able to enjoy the weirdness of her speech and see into how Gaki
interprets enjoys it was lots of fun this time and a nice change :)
*snaps for Essy-chan*
I'm so not gonna help you meditate and get ReinAi ideas *pouts* I want moar TakaGaki :onionwhip: Still a long way to go till you get me over to that dark side, although I am one step closer now... damn you! :P
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Watching the futarigoto extra made me all melty. Reading Hot and Just You melted me some more and now I think I'm a puddle :oops:
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ah kawaii~ <3
"Don't laugh at me, this is serious!" You protested, slapping my arm in gesture of mock offense, but I knew you well enough to know that you weren't really upset, just trying to get my attention.
:tantrum:
:bigdeal:
:on woohoo:
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2 Takagaki shots!! Short by your standards but like I always say, any TakaGaki is better than none :)
I finally got around to watching that unaired Futarigoto clip. It was too adorable!!! There was this moment that Risa would have accidentally kissed the side of Ai's face if she didn't draw back. Awww Gaki-san, why did you have to go do that *pouts* XD
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I kept my promise (?) and wrote ReinAi! Kinda. XD
Inspired by Sukoshi's comment in the Reina thread about Reina's room. Hehe. XD
Enjoy!
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I Don't Get It
"Sorry for intruding..."
"I'm home!"
The second voice sounded a lot more confident, dutifully removing her shoes and placing them on the rack before stepping in. Her guest followed along obediently, looking around the place curiously.
"Mom went out shopping with her friends, but she said she'll be back in time to make dinner." Her guest nodded, still peering around the place with avid curiosity.
"Will you be staying for dinner?" No reply. Seems like her guest was spacing out again.
"Hello~" A hand waved around that blank face seemed to do the trick.
"Huh? You were saying?" An innocent blink was followed by an exasperated sigh.
"Ai-chan, why don't you ever pay attention?" The petite figure turned around abruptly, stomping away from the leader. "Reina doesn't like it when you don't listen!"
"Um...I'm sorry..." Takahashi Ai, 22 year old, leader of Morning Musume. Looking exactly like a 15 year old. It couldn't be helped though, she just came off filming. "I was just tired..."
"Huh." Was all the reply she got, as Reina removed her coat and hung it up. "You should take care of yourself." It sounded a lot like a grumble, but Ai smiled anyway, looking around the living room.
"This is the first time I've been to Reina's house in a long time...are those new curtains?" Easily distracted by certain things, Ai drifted over to said curtains, running a hand across the fabric.
"Soft..." Without warning, Reina appeared right at her elbow, a peculiar expression on her face.
"Ai-chan..." She started, then trailed off, as if unable to grasp what exactly to say. Shaking her head, Reina shrugged, a switch within her seeming to shut off with the gesture.
Almost as if someone had changed the setting, Tanaka Reina, super-idol, seemed to morph right back to a normal teenage girl. A tiny, haggard, sleepy-looking girl who seemed almost like a cat.
Ai, as usual, didn't bat an eye. Whether she noticed the change or not, that could certainly be a matter for debate. She merely turned to the curtains again, fingering the fabric.
"Zebra curtains, Reina?" A hint of a smile. A pause.
"...what of it? I like them." Eyes averted, falling back into casual street language without a second thought. Reina huffed slightly, turning away and beginning to walk off.
"Does Ai-chan want to see Reina's room?" The question lacked the abrupt tone the yankii was famous for. It sounded almost gentle, uncertain, even. Ai glanced at Reina's back. The younger girl's shoulders seemed very small without her coat in the way.
"Ok!" The burst of energy seemed to surprise them both, but Ai pushed away any doubt by catching up to Reina and indeed, striding just half a step ahead of her. Reina blinked, caught off guard, but recovered instantly and matched her steps to her suddenly enthusiastic leader.
"It's this way..." The door clicked open, and both girls stopped at the entrance. Reina looked down at her toes, picking at a strand of her hair nervously.
Silence. With every passing nanosecond, Reina felt like she might throw up from the tension.
Then, inexplicably, Ai began to giggle. Softly at first, then chuckling aloud. Reina's head snapped up, eyes narrowed as she stared at her leader. She couldn't decide if the older woman was making fun of her or something, such was the unpredictability of one Takahashi Ai.
"What? What is it?" Reina's eyes looked doubly crossed as she started tapping her foot, arms folded. Ai grinned broadly, stifling her chuckles.
"As I thought, Reina is really very girly after all~" Reina's face colored instantly.
"Huh?!" Ai swept her gaze around Reina's surprisingly neat room again.
"Everything's pink, Reina..." Reina mumbled something under her breath, turning her head away.
"Oh, that...is there a problem?" The last part sounded almost like a threat, the way Reina was saying it. A normal person would have backed off immediately, but Ai merely shook her head and chuckled some more.
"No...just that, not even Sayu's room is anything like that." Ai continued to smirk just a bit as she took a step in. "Maybe Ishikawa-san though..."
Reina sighed as she followed her senpai in, idly removing her accessories and setting them down on the dressing table. Ai seemed almost like a kid in a candy store, looking around everywhere, but never touching anything. Seems like she did know her manners after all.
"Aika said the same thing when she was over the other time..." Reina muttered as she flounced onto her bed, staring at the ceiling for a moment before sitting back upright again.
"Mittsi did? She's a good girl, isn't she?" Ai smiled fondly at the mention of her youngest junior. Reina huffed slightly again, nodding in acquiescence when Ai looked mutely at her for permission to sit down on the bed.
"Feh, I suppose she is." Despite herself, Reina couldn't keep up that gruff tone for long. "She's fun to hang out with. Good kid, that one."
"Reina's being a good senpai to her too." Ai beamed at her, swinging her legs back and forth like a schoolgirl. Reina couldn't help but wonder if acting in Q.E.D was warping the leader's personality entirely.
"I'm happy that you have someone to hang out with at last, Reina." It was more her tone of voice, even more than what she had said, that made the Rokkie turn to her with raised eyebrows. Ai was still smiling peacefully, although her eyes were a bit distant.
"I'm happy for you, Reina. Let's do our best together on stage again, alright? Now that you have someone with you off it too..." Ai was staring into space again.
Reina stared at her. Contemplated if hitting her on the head would work. She wanted to yell: Pay attention to me, baka! but experience told her that it wouldn't last for long. Not to mention that she wouldn't get away with it at all. No matter how Ai let her get away with things sometimes.
She's easygoing, but I shouldn't push it too much... Reina gripped her sheets tightly, trying to figure out just what her incomprehensible leader meant with those words.
"Why don't you ever get angry with me?" The question slipped out without much thought. Reina froze, biting her tongue as she directed a panicked glance at Ai.
One second passed. Then two. And a third.
Reina couldn't believe it. She just couldn't. She thought Eri was bad, but she sure didn't expect Ai to be the same!
Asleep. Huh. Eyes closed, mouth half open, a very un-idollike face. Not really something you'd expect from the gorgeous, poised Takahashi on stage. Entirely expected from the occasionally fumbling, awkward Ai-chan off it though.
It was a good thing they were of similar size. Sort of. Ai's weight on her shoulder wasn't entirely uncomfortable, but that angle would be bad for her neck when she woke up. Sensibly, Reina moved Ai to rest on her bed; gently, carefully, as if afraid that she would break.
"You shouldn't overdo it." Reina scolded the sleeping leader as she squatted next to the bed, staring at the peaceful, ordinary face. The face that had never gotten upset with her.
"You get upset with Gaki-san all the time. Why can you show that face to her, and no one else?" Reina sat down on her floor, glaring at the unconscious form on her bed.
"Do our best together. Huh. We always do. No need to repeat it again." Leaning her head against the side of the bed, Reina could feel Ai's breath tickle her hair. In, out. Warm.
"Why can't you just say whatever you want to say?" Reina grumbled, closing her eyes, listening to the even breathing above her. Soon, her own matched it.
~*~*~
When the door clicked open again, all Tanaka-mama saw were two very ordinary girls sleeping, lightly illuminated by rays of a dying sun. She smiled and closed the door.
No need to interrupt a much needed rest, especially not with their hands joined in sleep.
When we wake up, let's do our best together again.
====================================================
No particular reason, I just felt like doing fluff. Heh.
-hides in little corner to twiddle thumbs again-
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Yum, fluffy goodness!!! :lol: Reina has a badass place! :P I love the way to describe them as turning back into regular ppl instead of idols. Just gives me a happy feeling! :grin: Tanaka mama!! :lol:
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So much sugary fluff xDDDD
I had the exact same reaction as Aichan when I heard about Reina's pink room and zebra + leopard print curtains xDDDDD Yuko in the making!? Anywho, I really liked their interaction this time around. Aichan isn't up to her emo-ness (In YOUR story!? OMG xDDD) as usual and Reina's all casual, yaaay xD
The image of Aichan falling asleep so suddenly is so adorable~! Poor Angst-chan is so tired xDDDD I actually saw it coming with the way you wrote her more spacious than usual xDD.
I adore the part where Reina was chiding Aichan softly; I can just picture her solemn face as she says everything <3333
Woo~
Write moooar <3
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Aw... I love how you kinda made them "normal" for a moment. So much fluffy goodness! <3
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I like how the story felt cute and funny in the beginning and ended up being very adorable...well more than adorable, it felt very precious.
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I Don't Get It
"Everything's pink, Reina..." Reina mumbled something under her breath, turning her head away.
"Oh, that...is there a problem?" The last part sounded almost like a threat, the way Reina was saying it. A normal person would have backed off immediately, but Ai merely shook her head and chuckled some more.
"No...just that, not even Sayu's room is anything like that." Ai continued to smirk just a bit as she took a step in. "Maybe Ishikawa-san though..."
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo... :lol:
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Everyone, I'm back! It's 3 in the morning but I just HAD to write this after seeing the article about the QED press conference. Thank goodness I understand Japanese. XD
So, here we go~
=================================================
That Which Was To Be Demonstrated
"Ah~ Leader's finally here~ We can start practice now!" Tanaka Reina announced as the leader of Morning Musume, one Takahashi Ai, stepped into the room.
"Ah, sorry I'm late everyone! My manager called me for something." Apologizing profusely, obviously embarrassed by being the last one in, she set her bag down and hurried over as everyone gathered round to start.
A few hours of gruelling practice later, the girls of Morning Musume were finally allowed a break, and they scattered around to rest. The leader and subleader quite naturally sat down next to each other, Risa passing Ai a cup of water that the latter accepted gratefully.
"So, what did your manager call you in for this morning?" Risa asked after sipping from her own cup.
Ai, who was chugging down the whole cup, almost choked trying to answer before all the water had gone down. Risa rubbed her back as the leader recovered from the slight mishap.
"Mou...Ai-chan, be more careful with yourself..." Risa scolded gently. "Don't make me worry about you all the time."
"Thanks Gaki-san." Ai smiled gratefully back at her ever-reliable subleader.
"So, what were you going to say?" Risa asked curiously, her hand still on Ai's back. The older girl shrugged, looking around the room at the other members.
"I guess I should tell everyone, this is kind of important news actually..." Ai admitted, brushing her hair from her face. It was already getting longer, but now, she couldn't even cut it.
"Oh?" Risa was curious, but waited agreeably as Ai called for the others to come over. It took a while; it always did. Ai wasn't the type to go around barking orders, and the other girls usually took their time to respond to her, unless it was actually urgent.
"So wassup, leader?" Reina asked lazily as she plopped down on the floor near her two senpais. "Break ain't already over, is it?"
"No, not yet. I just have something important to tell you guys..." Ai started, but was cut off by a wide-eyed Sayumi, who exclaimed.
"They're not going to graduate you, are they?" Sayu clung to Ai's side. "They can't do that, can they?"
"Does that mean I get to be lead?" Reina mused out loud, but Aika jabbed her playfully in the side, teasing.
"No way! Takahashi-san's way better~" Reina turned with a mock growl and pretended to lunge at Aika, who laughed and sidestepped. In any case, Reina only flicked a finger at Aika's forehead.
"No disrepecting your senpai." Aika grinned at Reina (who was unsuccessfully trying to glower at her junior), answering with a flippant "hai~".
"Brat." Reina muttered, although there was no malice in it. Next to her, Eri giggled out loud.
"No, that's Gaki-san!" Everybody looked at her.
"Well...that's Kame for you..." The aforementioned Gaki shook her head. "Always so KY..."
"Gaki-saaaaaaaaaan..." Eri whined, puffing out her cheeks indignantly. The rest of them laughed.
"Alright guys, listen, I have something important to say." Ai tried to get back to the point. After a few more moments, they finally settled down enough for her to get a word in.
"I've been slated to act in a drama."
That was it. A simple declaration worthy of the usually taciturn leader. A moment of silence passed.
"Uso!"
"Sugoi!"
"Congrats!"
"Wow..."
"That's great!"
"What drama is it?"
Were the assorted reactions, as expected. Ai waited for the noise to die down again. It was easier than trying to shout over the excited babbles of the girls anyway.
"It's called Q.E.D Shoumei Shuuryou. Apparently, it's kind of like Conan."
Blank stares. Except from, well, Sayu, who burst out excitedly.
"Ah, I love detective stories! This will be so cool!" Sayu's gushing helped to clear up the confusion for the non-otaku members.
"Detective story?"
"Awesome!"
"Good for you, leader!"
Ai waited for the ruckus to die down again. Being leader of Morning Musume could be hard work at times.
"So what's your role gonna be like?" Risa asked curiously. Ai pursed her lips, thinking.
"Well, apparently I'm going to be acting as the female lead..."
Again, she was cut off by assorted "uso!"s and "maji de???". Ai waited patiently. If nothing else, she was really learning how to be patient with people.
"Yeah, although the character's a high school girl..." Ai finished uncertainly, looking at the other members. As she had half-expected, the other Gorokkies were all looking at her wide-eyed.
"High school girl???" Yeah... Ai thought to herself.
"But you're already 22!" You don't need to remind me...
"Will you be alright?" Thanks Eri...
"Are you sure you can do this?" Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence...
She had thought that the worst of over, but no, apparently she had forgotten about the 'Miracle'.
"Aren't you already an obachan?"
Dead silence. One could most likely hear a pin drop in that room, it was that bad.
Thankfully, one Mitsui Aika, wise beyond her years, clapped a hand over Koharu's mouth and hauled her away before their pint-sized leader could kill with the icy daggers coming from her eyes. Desperate to raise the suddenly cold atmosphere, Risa exclaimed with forced cheeriness.
"Well I'm sure Ai-chan can do it!" Opposite them, Linlin nodded vigorously.
"Takahashi-san can surely do it!" Beside her, Junjun also added her agreement.
"Leader definitely looks young enough!" Sayu shot Junjun a 'be careful what you say' look before adding her own two cents.
"Ai-chan can definitely handle something like this. Right, Ai-chan?"
Ai smiled weakly at the other girls. They were all genuinely concerned for her. What more could she hope for, with friends and colleagues like this?
"Thanks everyone...I'll do my best." She smiled bravely. "I won't let anyone down."
Ganbarimasu!
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The article was fun. Apparently the members actually asked "daijoubu?" to Ai because her character's a high school girl, and someone even said said she was an obachan (or old lady). XDDD Poor Ai-chan.
Ok, so. Now I sleep. <3
P.S. That Which Was To Be Demonstrated is actually the English translation of the Latin term Q.E.D, or quod erat demonstratum. I thought it would be appropriate lol.
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That was so funny!!! :mon XD: Really brought my mood up. TakaGaki at the beginning~ :mon thumb: I can so imagine Gaki saying that, as well as the Reina/Aika thing. Hehe, otaku Sayu!! :mon mischief: Jeez, Koha is so KY, it's more painful than funny. :mon noprob: Gotta love the POSITIVE PANDAS~ :pandaaa:
For the record, Ai-chan can pull off a high-school girl like no one's business!!! No offense to her or anything but there are girls at my school that look older than her. :lol:
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GAAAAH. I saw this story up two mintues before my digital photography class ended (I sneak on) and had no time to read it. T_T I swear, it was no more than 5 minutes after you posted it. But I couldn't read 'til now (I'm home) and I kept thinking about it the rest of the day. xD Anyway...
...It's great. I absolutely love it. XD It's very cute and made me feel happier... Ai-chan can easily pull off a high school girl. I showed her picture to a friend recently, and my friend thought she was 18/19. xD
"Brat." Reina muttered, although there was no malice in it. Next to her, Eri giggled out loud.
"No, that's Gaki-san!" Everybody looked at her.
"Well...that's Kame for you..." The aforementioned Gaki shook her head. "Always so KY..."
"Gaki-saaaaaaaaaan..." Eri whined, puffing out her cheeks indignantly. The rest of them laughed.
...I can totally imagine Eri doing that. XD
"Will you be alright?" Thanks Eri...
^LOL. Bad choice of question, Eri.
...Poor KY Koharu...
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hahah!! :]]
that was funny ~ <3
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"So, what did your manager call you in for this morning?" Risa asked after sipping from her own cup.
Ai, who was chugging down the whole cup, almost choked trying to answer before all the water had gone down.
K, I"ve got to be pretty messed up to think the idea of Aichan chugging her drink is hot.
Come to think of it, yeah, I'm pretty twisted.
:mon sweat:
I just have something important to tell you guys..." Ai started, but was cut off by a wide-eyed Sayumi, who exclaimed.
"They're not going to graduate you, are they?" Sayu clung to Ai's side. "They can't do that, can they?"
"Does that mean I get to be lead?" Reina mused out loud, but Aika jabbed her playfully in the side, teasing.
Aichan = :bingo:
Sayu = :scared:
Reina = :on asmo:
"Brat." Reina muttered, although there was no malice in it. Next to her, Eri giggled out loud.
"No, that's Gaki-san!" Everybody looked at her.
"Well...that's Kame for you..." The aforementioned Gaki shook her head. "Always so KY..."
:on lol:
"I've been slated to act in a drama."
That was it. A simple declaration worthy of the usually taciturn leader. A moment of silence passed.
Aichan = :)
"Uso!"
"Sugoi!"
"Congrats!"
"Wow..."
"That's great!"
Other members = :onioncheer:
"It's called Q.E.D Shoumei Shuuryou. Apparently, it's kind of like Conan."
Blank stares. Except from, well, Sayu, who burst out excitedly.
"Ah, I love detective stories! This will be so cool!" Sayu's gushing helped to clear up the confusion for the non-otaku members.
Aichan = :hee:
Other members = :mon huh2:
Sayu = :mon lovelaff:
"High school girl???" Yeah... Ai thought to herself.
...
"Aren't you already an obachan?"
Dead silence. One could most likely hear a pin drop in that room, it was that bad.
:mon speechless:
Thankfully, one Mitsui Aika, wise beyond her years, clapped a hand over Koharu's mouth and hauled her away before their pint-sized leader could kill with the icy daggers coming from her eyes.
Good thinking Aika. :thumbsup
The article was fun. Apparently the members actually asked "daijoubu?" to Ai because her character's a high school girl, and someone even said said she was an obachan (or old lady). XDDD Poor Ai-chan.
For anyone who hasn't seen it yet, the articles in question have been translated over at H!O.
http://www.hello-online.org/index.php?act=helloonline&CODE=article&topic=588
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lol otaku Sayu is so handy to have around sometimes. Can't say the same about the miracle in this instance though...I so can imagine her being the one calling Ai chan and obachan XD
funny stuff~
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Oh man Koharu XD Poor Ai-chan. I wonder how long the other girls teased her about this. Regardless, I'm sure Ai is gonna enjoy great success with QED. I can feel it in my bones :P
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I'm Still waiting for something new T_T
Hope some update =)
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Everyone, I'm back! It's 3 in the morning but I just HAD to write this after seeing the article about the QED press conference. Thank goodness I understand Japanese. XD
Lucky. :-\
"Ah~ Leader's finally here~ We can start practice now!" Tanaka Reina announced as the leader of Morning Musume, one Takahashi Ai, stepped into the room.
"Ah, sorry I'm late everyone! My manager called me for something." Apologizing profusely, obviously embarrassed by being the last one in, she set her bag down and hurried over as everyone gathered round to start.
Knowing how Aichan's got issues about punctuality, for her to be the late one is pretty ironic...not to mention that it makes her an easy target for those verbal jabs by Reina. :P
I just have something important to tell you guys..." Ai started, but was cut off by a wide-eyed Sayumi, who exclaimed.
"They're not going to graduate you, are they?" Sayu clung to Ai's side. "They can't do that, can they?"
Awwwwwwwww...Sayu doesn't want to lose reedah.
:wriggly:
"Does that mean I get to be lead?" Reina mused out loud, but Aika jabbed her playfully in the side, teasing.
"No way! Takahashi-san's way better~" Reina turned with a mock growl and pretended to lunge at Aika, who laughed and sidestepped. In any case, Reina only flicked a finger at Aika's forehead.
Good ol' TanaMittsi fun. :lol:
"Brat." Reina muttered, although there was no malice in it. Next to her, Eri giggled out loud.
"No, that's Gaki-san!" Everybody looked at her.
Reina = :on thumbb:
Eri = :bingo:
Everyone else = :dizzy:
:lol:
*AICHAN'S ANNOUNCEMENT*
Everyone else = :onioncheer: :onioncheer: :onioncheer:
"It's called Q.E.D Shoumei Shuuryou. Apparently, it's kind of like Conan."
Blank stares. Except from, well, Sayu, who burst out excitedly.
"Ah, I love detective stories! This will be so cool!" Sayu's gushing helped to clear up the confusion for the non-otaku members.
"Detective story?"
Sayu -
(http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/2092/detectiveconanshowdownwtv2.jpg)
Everyone else -
(http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/823/879920049307aad1yj5.jpg)
WOTA SAYU!!! :rockon:
She had thought that the worst of over, but no, apparently she had forgotten about the 'Miracle'.
"Aren't you already an obachan?"
Dead silence. One could most likely hear a pin drop in that room, it was that bad.
Oshit...
:mon scare:
Thankfully, one Mitsui Aika, wise beyond her years, clapped a hand over Koharu's mouth and hauled her away before their pint-sized leader could kill with the icy daggers coming from her eyes.
Aichan @ Koharu = :gmon pissed:
Quick thinking Aika, you probably just saved your senpai's skin. :yep:
P.S. That Which Was To Be Demonstrated is actually the English translation of the Latin term Q.E.D, or quod erat demonstratum. I thought it would be appropriate lol.
The fact that you mentioned at the beginning that you had watched the press conference was another nice hint.
:hee:
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Jajajajajajajaja
I can't image Ai-chan like Arnold Schwarzenegger 112 jajajajajaja
To much xD
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I'm back~
Don't ask me why I wrote this. I don't know. XD
Anyway, I might turn this into a story, or I might not. Who knows? XD
=========================================================
In the Habit
"What do you want to eat after this, Eri?"
3 girls walked down a dark alley, seemingly with no concern for danger of any kind. Their shadows were long in the flickering streetlight suspended high ahead, hiding their features from closer view.
What it did not hide though, was the fact that these 3 girls were all, in fact, nuns. Or wearing the habits of a nun. It was uncertain if they were actually nuns or just cosplaying, especially since the girl in the lead did not act very much like a nun.
"Why does Sayu only ask Eri and not Reina?" The shortest one, who was also the one in the lead, asked with a rising note in her voice, as if playfully annoyed. The one she addressed as Sayu giggled as she walked hand in hand with the other girl named Eri.
"Because Reina always only wants to eat yakiniku, so I don't need to ask~"
Reina pouted. "What's wrong with yakiniku? It's great!"
"Yeah, all that meat and everything...Reina's such a carnivore~" Sayumi teased as she prodded the shorter girl's shoulder. The three of them had halted in the middle of that darkened street, still playfully squabbling over inconsequential things.
"Speaking of meat, I think there's some fresh ones out there." Eri, who had been quiet for a while, suddenly spoke up. She was staring into the darkness in that spacey way of hers, but there was a peculiar alertness to her dark eyes.
Reina wrinkled her nose. "Fresh? More like rotten..." The tiny nun-wannabe took a step out, wonky eye twitching violently. "Looks like we have company..."
A wet, smacking sound in the distance, followed by an unearthly groan. Sayumi cringed.
"Sounds like a big one..." Rolling her eyes, she shook back her sleeves to reveal the rosaries binding her wrists as she rapidly made the sign of a cross before raising her hands. The beads began to glow, and the 6-pointed star illuminated behind her as the barrier went up.
"Just when I'm hungry too..." Eri complained, pouting as she also held out her hands, as if in supplication to some higher power. "Do you think there are any places open this late in this part of town?" A peculiar sigil glowed behind her, and fire wreathed around her feet as she extended one hand into the rising flames.
"Well I know of this cool 24-hour place..." Reina suggested as she raised one fist into the air, electricity crackling in the air around her. Spreading her palm open, she reached up and grasped a familiar handle.
An earth-shattering roar cut off anything else Reina was going to add, as a gigantic creature of shadow and flame oozed its way into the material plane. It was vaguely blob-like, dark as night and almost blending into the shadows, but it was of a darkness more intense than the mere absence of light. One glowing red eye opened in the middle, followed by dozens of smaller ones.
"Ew." Sayu complained as an acidic spurt of shadow came hurtling in her general direction. A shimmering shield of light blocked the blow, but the impact of the projectile made it glow purple in the night. Backpedaling quickly, she sent an energy arc hurtling back towards the ugly blob thing, but the creature merely absorbed the blow as if it were nothing.
"Keh, trash from the Netherworld should just go back to hell where they belong." As always, Reina was already charging ahead, seemingly unencumbered by the flowing robe she was wearing. She held an enormous sword perpendicular before her, the length of the blade even taller than her form. What made the blade most impressive was not the reality of its length, but rather the fact that it was formed out of pure energy and glowed like the sun.
"Reina, look out!" A dark tentacle had been lashing towards the tiny girl's unprotected back, but Sayu's warnings were unneeded as a crimson scythe separated the tentacle from its source with a single fiery slash.
"Reina, you owe me another ice cream!" Eri called as she nimbly dodged another dark projectile, trying to catch up to Reina's reckless charge.
"Get Gaki-san to raise our allowance first before I can buy you anything!" Reina yelled back as she slashed vertically upwards, skidding on asphalt as her short height allowed her to easily duck another tentacle swipe.
"You know that will never happen!" Sayu interjected as she cast another quick spell on Eri, glowing orbs starting to rotate around the scythe-wielder. Eri nodded briefly at Sayu before jumping into the air and running down one raised tentacle as if it were a pathway. Negative energy sparked around her, but was canceled out by the glowing orbs of white light.
Beneath her, Reina ran one hand over her glowing blade as it sparked brightly underneath her touch. Her lips were moving to some unknown prayer as she rolled to dodge another crushing swipe, and her hair was beginning to frizz out wildly as the electricity built up around her.
"Ready?" Eri was busily jumping from tentacle to tentacle, trying to get closer to the main core of the shadow creature. Reina grinned savagely as she thrust her blade into the earth, cracking the ground as a sphere of pure energy crackled around her.
"Ready when you are!" Sayu called out, her staff held out in front of her. A glowing circle with runes was already before her, and she began to chant in some strange tongue as Reina and Eri charged up their attacks.
"Eat this!" Reina bared her teeth savagely as her bright blade leapt forward in a straight thrust. An incandescent energy surrounded her, turning her into nothing more than a bright arrow spearing ahead with little care for what lay in its path. A paranormal figure appeared to be superimposed on her form, also wielding that same giant blade of light and with great wings wrapping around her slender figure.
Above, Eri had also leapt high into the air at the same time, right above the core of the creature. Her scythe seemed to morph into flame in her hands, reforming into a fiery sword between her palms as she arched over, great fiery wings erupting from her back. The afterimage of a winged figure seemed merged with her own form, taking hold of the flaming sword and plunging it straight down even as the sword of light pierced it from below.
The resulting crash was blinding, smoke rising after the explosion. Sayu raised one hand as her prayer ascended to its apex, and she brought one hand down as chains of pure light burst out of the magic circle before her, hurtling into the midst of the smoke.
"Seal!" Her voice was high, almost strained, and her chains appeared to be struggling with something before strengthening and binding whatever was within the smoke.
Reina wandered back out of the smoke, her nun's habit more than a little scuffed and singed around the edges. Behind her, Eri wore her usual goofy grin as she followed behind the youngest of the trio towards an exhausted Sayumi.
As the smoke cleared behind them, there were unmistakable signs of a rift closing, bound and chained by the astral links that the exorcist had called up. She had just about finished her job when her comrades came to a stop on either side of her.
"Ha....that was tiring..." Sayu huffed as the rift closed, her face pale from the exertion.
"That was the third one tonight...been really busy around here lately." Reina commented, dusting herself off. "You ok now, Sayu?"
"More or less..." She looked at her partners critically. "Are you two hurt anywhere?"
"Just a scratch on my elbow." Reina shrugged. Sayu frowned as she stepped forward, her hands already glowing as she placed them on the sizable gash on the pint-sized nun's left arm.
"Mou, Reina...don't keep charging into things like that..." She scolded as the gash began to close up underneath her hands. Reina smirked.
"I don't need to worry so much since we have a portable healer with us~" Sayu rolled her eyes.
"See if I can heal you if you end up dead." Reina stuck her tongue out childishly at the older.
"I'm really hungry now." Eri piped up, playing with a strand of her lustrously dark hair. The other two stared at her, then at each other. Reina shrugged again.
"Guess we better get something to eat before we report back..." Sayu pursed her lips together thoughtfully.
"Gaki-san will be mad at us if we're late again..." Reina quirked an eyebrow.
"Do I look like I give a damn?"
"Language!" Sayu laughed. "What kind of a nun are you?"
"The butt-kicking kind." Reina breezed off as the three started walking again, continuing their light-hearted conversation.
Just a day in the life of a bunch of demon exterminators.
~*~*~
"Did you know how much damage you did to public property again this time!?" A loud voice screeched at them as they lined up in front of a large table. Reina was absently checking her nails while Sayu and Eri appeared to be whispering to each other, completely ignoring the scolding.
"Hey we did the job just fine. Quit complaining." Reina grumbled. A heavy sigh from their superior.
"Do you know how many reports I have to write to cover up the damages and stuff? Seriously..."
"Don't worry so much Gaki-san, you'll get wrinkles!" Sayumi warned as she looked up from her earnest inspection of Eri's hands. For her part, Eri seemed to be in a dazed state again. From a prophetic vision of simply lack of sleep, it was hard to tell at this point.
"Oh well, can't be helped." Gaki-san, otherwise known as Niigaki Risa, tried to give them the sternest look she could muster. It didn't turn out too well, but she tried. Reina only yawned.
"Risa, are you done yet?" A soft voice called from behind another set of doors.
"Ah, Ai-chan! Did I wake you?" Risa's voice became gentler as she addressed the sleepy-looking girl who had just wandered into her office.
"Don't get so upset with each other, the energy's very disturbing." Ai said simply as she rubbed at her eyes, the heavy pendant around her neck clinking as she moved.
"Sorry..." They had almost forgotten how sensitive the girl was. Ai gave the trio a piercing look.
"Go wash before you enter the dorms. The children might have nightmares if you come in radiating that much negative energy." The three girls mumbled their assent and shifted uncomfortably, feeling suitably chastised.
"Go sleep, Ai-chan. You have to wake up early in the morning." Risa suggested quietly.
"Alright." The tiny young woman blinked sleepily. "You get some rest soon too."
They watched as Ai left as quickly as she had come. Reina was the first to break the relative silence.
"I just don't get it sometimes...why do we all end up listening to her even when we are the ones doing all the work?"
Risa gave her the evil eye. "Don't talk about things you don't understand." At the three of them, she sighed as she glanced at the reports before her. "You're dismissed."
"Aye aye Ma'am!"
===========================================
Inspired by the choir outfits in Resonant Live. I took one look at it and went NUN! Again, don't ask me why. Might have been partially influenced by Chrno Crusade and Chrome Breaker. Apparently, I read too much manga. Haha.
Well, it's nighty-night for me now. :D Do comment.
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I was about to ask you about Chrono Crusade, lol. But, to some extent, I thought you got the idea from Bitch Slap. :lol: (Also, I think you've been influenced by Yuu and her WG fic. :P)
Anyway, that was interesting. Imagining them as nuns was half the fun... :cow:
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The NUN outfit makes me remember "Resonant Live ~" they were something like an Habit xD in their last song...
Everything Estrea writes is HELLZ YEAH!!!
O0
I was about to ask you about Chrono Crusade, lol. But, to some extent, I thought you got the idea from Bitch Slap. (Also, I think you've been influenced by Yuu and her WG fic. )
Anyway, that was interesting. Imagining them as nuns was half the fun...
I feel like Chrono Crusade too xD I love that anime u_u
And we love Estrea too <3~
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Ahahaha! Nuns! This is a good read.
The last part with Ai-chan and her pendant definitely reminded me of Chrono Crusade. Such a sad series. T_T
Reina using a giant sword bigger than her gave me an image of Mikoto from Mai-Hime. XD
If you do start this as a new series, you'll have like 4 on-going series!! XD
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Holy... :O That is...whoa. WIN!! This looks amazing already!! *wants more*
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nyahaha! OMG YOU WROTE IT ALREADY?! That's fast...
Man the way you write is cool! So... when's the next chapter~? xDD
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In the Habit
I read the title, and immediately thought of "nuns" for some reason. :?
"What do you want to eat after this, Eri?"
3 girls walked down a dark alley, seemingly with no concern for danger of any kind. Their shadows were long in the flickering streetlight suspended high ahead, hiding their features from closer view.
What it did not hide though, was the fact that these 3 girls were all, in fact, nuns. Or wearing the habits of a nun. It was uncertain if they were actually nuns or just cosplaying, especially since the girl in the lead did not act very much like a nun.
OSNAP!!!
:wahaha: :wahaha: :wahaha:
Now then.......why are they dressed like this? Trying to stay hidden from the wotas and stalkerazzi?
:mon huh2:
"Why does Sayu only ask Eri and not Reina?" The shortest one, who was also the one in the lead, asked with a rising note in her voice, as if playfully annoyed. The one she addressed as Sayu giggled as she walked hand in hand with the other girl named Eri.
"Because Reina always only wants to eat yakiniku, so I don't need to ask~"
Reina pouted. "What's wrong with yakiniku? It's great!"
They can read Reina like a book when it comes to food. :lol:
"Speaking of meat, I think there's some fresh ones out there." Eri, who had been quiet for a while, suddenly spoke up. She was staring into the darkness in that spacey way of hers, but there was a peculiar alertness to her dark eyes.
What the.....oh don't tell me you've written need yet ANOTHER vampire fic? :bleed eyes:
Reina wrinkled her nose. "Fresh? More like rotten..." The tiny nun-wannabe took a step out, wonky eye twitching violently. "Looks like we have company..."
A wet, smacking sound in the distance, followed by an unearthly groan. Sayumi cringed.
Zombies too?
"Sounds like a big one..." Rolling her eyes, she shook back her sleeves to reveal the rosaries binding her wrists as she rapidly made the sign of a cross before raising her hands. The beads began to glow, and the 6-pointed star illuminated behind her as the barrier went up.
Rosaries? Well, that rules out their being vampires (since religious artifacts like rosaries are supposed to be harmful to them).
As for the 6-pointed star...the Star of David? But that's a symbol of Judaism; nuns are a Christian thing...or am I looking too deep into the religious thing? :O
"Just when I'm hungry too..." Eri complained, pouting as she also held out her hands, as if in supplication to some higher power. "Do you think there are any places open this late in this part of town?" A peculiar sigil glowed behind her, and fire wreathed around her feet as she extended one hand into the rising flames.
"Well I know of this cool 24-hour place..." Reina suggested as she raised one fist into the air, electricity crackling in the air around her. Spreading her palm open, she reached up and grasped a familiar handle.
Hooooooookay, just what IS going on with these three? :shocked:
*ROKKIES FIGHTING*
Eh? :shocked
FF Musume?
"Just a scratch on my elbow." Reina shrugged. Sayu frowned as she stepped forward, her hands already glowing as she placed them on the sizable gash on the pint-sized nun's left arm.
"Mou, Reina...don't keep charging into things like that..." She scolded as the gash began to close up underneath her hands. Reina smirked.
"I don't need to worry so much since we have a portable healer with us~" Sayu rolled her eyes.
"See if I can heal you if you end up dead." Reina stuck her tongue out childishly at the older.
"I'm really hungry now." Eri piped up, playing with a strand of her lustrously dark hair. The other two stared at her, then at each other. Reina shrugged again.
"Guess we better get something to eat before we report back..." Sayu pursed her lips together thoughtfully.
"Gaki-san will be mad at us if we're late again..." Reina quirked an eyebrow.
"Do I look like I give a damn?"
"Language!" Sayu laughed. "What kind of a nun are you?"
"The butt-kicking kind." Reina breezed off as the three started walking again, continuing their light-hearted conversation.
Just a day in the life of a bunch of demon exterminators.
So like...just another day at the office, so to speak?
*ROKKIES DEBRIEFING WITH RISA AND AICHAN*
:lol:
Lemme guess...with Aichan we've got a "sleeping giant" sort of thing? They don't listen to Risa but just one look from Aichan and they're all "Hai!" :D
Inspired by the choir outfits in Resonant Live. I took one look at it and went NUN! Again, don't ask me why.
XD
Might have been partially influenced by Chrno Crusade and Chrome Breaker. Apparently, I read too much manga. Haha.
Maybe just a tad. :P
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Le gasp! XD I'm back with another Nun story. XD Should I just go ahead and give it its own thread and increase pressure on myself to finish even MORE stories....
Nahhhhhh. XD
Unless you guys really want to see it. Haha. :P
And here goes~
============================================
That Nun Story Part 2
Glória in excélsis Deo...
A clear, rich voice rose unfalteringly into the highest point of the nave, the purity of the tone making people pause in their steps just to listen and marvel at the sound of it.
The children stared wide-eyed at their angelic caretaker, who was currently lifting her voice in song, her face ecstatic as she drove into the notes with all her power. The sun seemed to glow even more brilliantly in the sky, shining down a peaceful benediction on the quaint little church they were in.
As the hymn faded down to the last, quavering 'Amen', the children surged forward to swamp the tiny young woman standing in front of the altar. Smiling, Takahashi Ai ruffled the hair of a few of the smaller children, the taller ones being too far for her to reach. The homeless children clamored around her, wanting to hear more, but she shook her head in quiet amusement, gently shooing them to their lessons.
"Risa, are you busy?" Ai asked curiously as she poked her head into the study. A very harried looking Niigaki Risa looked up, a ready smile for her best friend and fellow nun. The two had met when they too were mere children like those outside at the moment, with no place to go or call home. The Order had raised them, and trained them to enter its service. And now there was no other place they would rather be.
"Never too busy for you." She put down her pen and took off her reading glasses, making her look about 10 years younger instantly. Ai grinned as she closed the door behind her, dropping the more mature face she had with the children outside. When this pair of childhood friends were together, they tended to revert back to type.
"So what's been going on outside lately?" Her manner was relaxed, yet brisk and almost boyish at the same time. Risa looked up at the older girl as she sat down on the arm of the large chair Risa was sitting in.
"Unexpected rash of demon crossings..." Risa frowned at the thick stack of reports, taking another file and showing it to Ai, who also had a concerned look on her face.
"Is there any pattern to the rifts opening so far?" Ai studied the data intently as Risa shook her head.
"Unfortunately, no. It seems to be completely random." Risa massaged her temples wearily. "We're stretching those three out to their limits every night, just enough to make sure the threat is contained, but they can't keep doing that forever..."
"Do you need my help? I can go out with them." Ai offered, absently playing with the ornately carved pendant around her neck. The cubic design on it seemed to glow under her touch, drawing Risa's gaze to it.
"You know I can't let you do that." Risa met Ai's gaze resolutely. Ai sighed and looked down.
"I know...but isn't this kind of ridiculous? My guardian angel is supposed to be engaged in eternal battle with the forces of darkness, but I'm such a useless avatar that I can't even go out into the frontlines..."
Risa smiled and took Ai's hand into her own, squeezing it comfortingly.
"Sandalphon isn't just about battle, Ai-chan. He is also the Angel of Prayer and Benediction." Risa turned Ai's palm upwards, their eyes meeting. "I'm sure you were chosen for your voice. Make a joyful sound to the Lord!"
Ai had a resigned expression on her face. "We all serve in our own ways..." Gripping the pendant tightly with her free hand, a shadow of bitterness flitted across her face.
Risa stood up and pulled Ai into a comforting embrace.
"Don't think about it too much, Ai-chan. It's not your fault..."
The seal of Metatron glowed in her hand as she buried her face into Risa's shoulder, and the younger patted the older girl on the back as quiet little sobs were buried into a sympathetic shoulder.
"There there..." Risa murmured. Ai could be such a crybaby sometimes, but she would never have it any other way. In between choked sobs, Risa was suddenly aware of a soothing effect washing over her as Ai started to hum softly.
She sang the Magnificat, in a low voice and alone, tears still streaming down her face. Risa hummed a quiet harmony alongside, but was broken out of it when she saw a glow behind her friend.
The shimmering image of angel's wings, curved out from Ai's back and wrapping them both in a tender embrace. The light touch of feathers on one cheek, and the whisper of an ethereal voice.
Come, all ye faithful...
===================================================
I be lazy to come up with new title hehe. XD
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Yay! More nuns!
Takagaki :heart: Poor Ai-chan, she wants to kick some demon butt, but can't. :(
Now all you need is some nuns with guns. XD
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Aww, chaste TakaGaki. :love:
Somehow, I expect Ai's voice to be meant for much more than just singing. :yep: But maybe it's just hopeful thinking. :P
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That Nun Story Part 2
Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan...and I just finished the first part of it too. :sweatdrop:
A clear, rich voice rose unfalteringly into the highest point of the nave, the purity of the tone making people pause in their steps just to listen and marvel at the sound of it.
Aichan, ne? :)
"Risa, are you busy?" Ai asked curiously as she poked her head into the study. A very harried looking Niigaki Risa looked up, a ready smile for her best friend and fellow nun. The two had met when they too were mere children like those outside at the moment, with no place to go or call home. The Order had raised them, and trained them to enter its service.
This is no ordinary "order" they're in, is it?
"Unexpected rash of demon crossings..." Risa frowned at the thick stack of reports, taking another file and showing it to Ai, who also had a concerned look on her face.
"Is there any pattern to the rifts opening so far?" Ai studied the data intently as Risa shook her head.
"Unfortunately, no. It seems to be completely random." Risa massaged her temples wearily. "We're stretching those three out to their limits every night, just enough to make sure the threat is contained, but they can't keep doing that forever..."
Makes you wonder a bunch of things. How do they select or find the ones that go out to fight? Where do the powers come from? Has this order always had responsibility? :?
"Do you need my help? I can go out with them." Ai offered, absently playing with the ornately carved pendant around her neck. The cubic design on it seemed to glow under her touch, drawing Risa's gaze to it.
"You know I can't let you do that." Risa met Ai's gaze resolutely. Ai sighed and looked down.
"I know...but isn't this kind of ridiculous? My guardian angel is supposed to be engaged in eternal battle with the forces of darkness, but I'm such a useless avatar that I can't even go out into the frontlines..."
Avatar? Guardian angels? So then...the girls must each have one, and they are therefore just vessels through which the angels' powers are channeled to combat the demons?
But wait a sec, why did Aichan say she was a useless as an avatar? :(
"Sandalphon isn't just about battle, Ai-chan. He is also the Angel of Prayer and Benediction." Risa turned Ai's palm upwards, their eyes meeting. "I'm sure you were chosen for your voice. Make a joyful sound to the Lord!"
Ai had a resigned expression on her face. "We all serve in our own ways..." Gripping the pendant tightly with her free hand, a shadow of bitterness flitted across her face.
Ah, so it depends on who their guardian angel is, and what powers he/she has? If that's the case, then yeah, prayer and benediction, while all well and good, isn't going to be the first thing one looks to during a fight with a demon that's trying to rip your head off.
The seal of Metatron glowed in her hand as she buried her face into Risa's shoulder, and the younger patted the older girl on the back as quiet little sobs were buried into a sympathetic shoulder.
But I thought Sandalphon was Aichan's guardian angel...who's this Metatron?
BTW, I initially read that as "Megatron". XD
She sang the Magnificat, in a low voice and alone, tears still streaming down her face. Risa hummed a quiet harmony alongside, but was broken out of it when she saw a glow behind her friend.
The shimmering image of angel's wings, curved out from Ai's back and wrapping them both in a tender embrace. The light touch of feathers on one cheek, and the whisper of an ethereal voice.
Awwwwwwwww...:oops:
I be lazy to come up with new title hehe. XD
Pfffft. Keep the title. Makes it easier to keep them all straight. O0
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I'm on a roll! :D
Here's part 3. Moar nuns!
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Nuns Part 3
"Hey, wake up!" Shake. "Wake up!" Pull. "Come on, wake up already!"
Muffled voices in the background. A very groggy Tanaka Reina burrowed deeper under her blankets. It was too early to go demon hunting, and not quite yet time for lunch. Her internal clock was good enough for that at least.
"SENPAI!!! WAKE UP!!!!"
Bang. Boom. Rustle.
Was that glass cracking or did a mini atom bomb just go off somewhere in the church?
They were about to try waterboarding the comatose kitten when a sleepy-eyed Michishige Sayumi shuffled in with all the grace of a zombie and the deathly glare of a demon directed at the kids trying to wake the oblivious Reina up.
The kids decided it was a good time to make a run for it right about then.
Sayumi shambled over to Reina's bed, where the kittenish young girl was sprawled wildly all over the sheets. Her face was under a pillow with one arm thrown over it. One foot was twitching sporadically, toes wiggling in the air.
Her comrade would really rather leave her in bed. Actually, she would rather be in bed herself too, but something had come up and a certain someone had made it a command appearance. So if Sayu had to suffer, Reina would have to as well.
As for Eri, she had already left the turtle girl staring in a daze at the nearest (or furthest) wall. She would go back to retrieve her beloved Eririn once she managed to drag the kitty out of bed.
Said kitty was currently also muttering something about yakiniku in her sleep. Sayumi shook her head and yawned widely. Maybe she should have brought Eri along...setting fire to Reina's toes would be easier with the walking firebrand around.
She took a second look at Reina, then around the room, before shaking her head. In Eri's present condition, letting her deal with fire in a room full of inflammable material would probably result in Gaki-san crucifying her on the church spire at high noon. That would be terribly inconvenient, not to mention bad for her complexion.
Speaking of complexion, she probably needed more sleep to help with that as well, but since she wasn't going to get anymore today, neither would Reina. Which brought her back to her original purpose. The bunny of the trio began to smirk evilly as a plan came to mind...
Sleeping was terribly difficult to do when one's blood was rushing all the way to one's head. That was the first thought Reina had when the unbearable pressure threatened to push her eyeballs out of their sockets. She was very nearly purple in the face when she caught sight of a smirking Sayumi sitting on a chair.
"Sayu! Let me down now!" Being suspended upside down in midair was not a pleasant experience for Reina. She, who loathed even fairground rides that took her on mild spins in the air, was definitely not dealing very well with being stuck right there as a result of one devious, magical rabbit.
"Are you awake now, Reina?" Sayu asked with sugary-sweet pleasantness. Reina bit off a few curses as she struggled to get upright again. Unfortunately, her element of electricity was not of much use when she was being held by air magic. She only succeeded in shooting sparks all over the place and shorting out not quite a few electronical devices.
Including the much abused alarm clock, because it suddenly exploded as an indirect result of Reina's panic, a stray spring pinging off the kitten's forehead. Needless to say, it did not serve to improve her mood.
Two minutes and a dozen death threats later, Reina was finally back on the ground and walking down the long stone corridor from the dorms to the main courtyard. Dark circles ringed her eyes, making her resemble a raccoon more than her usual cat-like manner.
Sayu seemed to be in a markedly improved mood since her successful prank on her hapless friend. Her attitude went on a positive leap the moment she caught sight of Eri sitting on a bench in the courtyard, and she practically flew to join her best friend's side. Reina plodded along with a lot less energy as she too sank into place on that stone bench.
"Why did Gaki-san make us wake up so early?" Reina grumbled as she pawed sleepily at her eyes. Eri blinked vacantly, before snapping back to attention.
"I think it was Ai-chan who called me..." Eri turned to look at Sayumi, who shrugged. "Gaki-san froze my bed after pouring a bucket of well water on me..."
Reina raised an eyebrow. "So you decided to come bully me right after that?" Eri frowned. "What did you do to Reina?"
"Oh I only left her dangling in midair for a few minutes. It wasn't that bad." Sayumi said a little defensively. Reina sulked. It was that bad for her.
Eri giggled. "I guess I got off easy. Ai-chan pulled me out of my dreams...I was having a splendid one about unicorns and umeboshi too..."
Reina stared. "She can do that?"
Eri scratched her neck absently. "I dunno how, but one moment I was there in my dream, then the next moment I saw her shimmer in and take my hand, and then I woke up." The turtle girl had a puzzled expression on her face.
"Weird..." The other two echoed in unison. Eri grinned.
"At least I didn't end up drenched or dizzy like you two."
That response required no further discussion from the other two members of the famed trio. Eri dissolved into a puddle of squeals as her friends tackled her together, tickling her furiously.
"Ahem!" A familiar voice behind them. Risa gave the three girls a disapproving sort of look, while Ai just looked amused. A pair of strangers stood next to the shorter senior.
"As you can see, this is our three top agents...well, supposedly." Risa commented drily. Ai chuckled. "They're normally more reliable-looking...sort of anyway."
The three girls in question quickly dusted themselves off and got up, trying to retain some form of dignity in front of outsiders. The strangers, one tall and one short, had a distinctly foreign cast to their faces, and their habits were of a slightly different cut than theirs.
"The higher ups in the Order responded to our appeal for reinforcements, so as of today we are welcoming two transfer agents from the Chinese branch." Risa looked over at Ai, who led the newcomers over.
"This is Li Chun." Pointing at the taller one, who bowed politely. "Just call me Junjun."
"And this is Qian Lin." The younger and shorter one also bowed, before bouncing up with a friendly smile on her face. "Just call me Linlin!"
"I want the three of you to show them around the city. You know, what to look out for and where the usual hotspots are." Risa instructed. Reina was the first to raise any objections.
"Why us? Any one of the acolytes can do that!"
Risa sighed. Ai cut in easily.
"Because you three are the ones on active duty, so you will know the ground better than any of the trainees." Ai's voice was firm as she stepped closer to the trio. She might have been small, but she knew how to be intimidating when the situation called for it.
Reina seemed about ready to argue, but something in Ai's eyes discouraged her from doing that. She swallowed her objections and went back to stare at her own feet. Risa smiled at Ai as the older girl returned to her side.
"Also, you'll be taking two of the senior acolytes with you on patrol from now on. They're on probation until they can take the promotional exam. As seniors, you three must take care of them as well." Risa looked over her shoulder.
"Koharu! Aika! Come over here!"
"Hai~" The young teens, their robes pulled together in proper fashion, came over obediently. Reina raised an eyebrow.
"Mitsui! You're on probation already? That's quick!" Aika grinned lopsidedly at the delinquent nun.
"I'll catch up to you soon too, Tanaka-senpai~" Reina laughed.
"In your dreams kid." Risa was smiling at the display of camaderie.
"Alright, now that that's settled, try to get to know each other." She looked over at Ai. "Coming, Ai-chan?"
"Coming..." Ai smiled wistfully at the little gathering before returning to her best friend's side.
"They'll be just fine. All of them."
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The whole lineup's there now. Hehe.
*prances off*
Edit: Oh, to JFC, Metatron is the twin brother to Sandalphon, and is one of the chief angels and also a scribe of all events that have taken place. Metatron also has the power to exorcise demons that even the 4 Archangels cannot dispel. Why does Aichan wear the seal of Metatron? I wonder. XD And lol at the Megatron thing. XDDDD
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You crazy crazy writer...
awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Sayu bullying Reina sooo cute!
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Thought I would watch today's toradora and go to sleep but curiosity got the better of me and I clicked and started reading.
Hehe since my brain was already in anime mode the first thing that I thought about when I read they were wearing nun outfits was chrono crusader! (hehe glad I was correct in thinking so)...my alternative thought was that they were too lazy to change out of those horrid ame-hoshi things *shudders* I swear they are almost on par with those yellow-green-pom-pom outfits *shudders some more*
but anyways I pictured the whole thing in anime style so it was really fun to read =D tempted to do some chrono styled fan art but since it's the dead of the night...I shouldn't :sweat:
Sister Gaki being cheap had me rolling...that and imagining her having to come up with all sorts of weird explanation for the damaged buildings :lol:
I had the feeling Sayu's power would be support related...she just isn't the athletic type is she? XD Reina's complaining was the cutest~ <3 I hope none of them turn evil XD Time to read the next chap~
chapter 2~ awwww....Ai chan seems so young and innocent. The TakaGaki moment made me want to squeal kawaii~~~ :nya: I really like the wing thing! soo pretty sounding and cool! poor Ai chan though...I must know more! and surprisingly there is more! crazy~! I love it when you're on a roll =D
chapter 3~ comatose kitten..hahahaha :wahaha: zombie bunny~! it just keeps getting better XD
Ah so sweet of Sayu to leave Eri in a corner. Can't believe she kept Reina up in the air for a whole 2 minutes though. She's either really brave or just that evil ^_^;
Ooo Wonder what kind of niffy powers the others have.
That was a lot of chapters but still craving more~! ah that's readers greed for ya XD it's so immensely entertaining and funny :heart: Can't wait to see what happens!
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Another chapter already! o.O Damn!!! But this is good~! XD
I'm guessing that while A-chan uses Sandalphon normally, the seal of Metatron (or Megatron :P) keeps her full power in check and she's actually the avatar of Metatron :O
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Back! Nuns again!
And yes, there be nuns with guns. XD Does that make you happy, Fenrir? XD
Emergence of a plot?! Gasp! Shoot it dead!
I'm babbling cos I need sleep. On with the chapter!
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Nuns Part 4
"Ai-chan! There you are!" Risa called out to her best friend, who was currently surrounded by a group of children gazing starry eyed up at her.
Ai smiled in greeting, shooing the kids away as they asked her to sing for them again. "Later, I promise." She patted a few of the younger ones on the head and sent them on their way.
"These kids keep sneaking away from lessons to come listen to you." Risa shook her head in some exasperation. Ai shrugged.
"I like to sing." Bending over, she brushed the dirt from her robes, her hair cascading down past her shoulders as she had left it uncovered for once. Sunlight kissed her form, making her seem more radiant than usual.
"You shouldn't indulge them so much." Risa scolded lightly, tugging Ai on the arm as they went to sit by the rose bushes. Ai smiled, a tad of mischief in her eyes.
"That's why you're in charge and I'm not. I get to be as irresponsible as I want~" Risa huffed indignantly.
"Can't you believe you're actually older than me too..." The pair sat quietly, enjoying the comfortably warm weather and atmosphere that lay between them.
"The kids have been out for a while." Ai suddenly spoke up. Risa raised one eyebrow.
"Don't let Reina hear you call her a kid, she'll throw a fit..." They looked at each other.
"Just like a kid." They ended together, then giggled.
"It must be nice to be young..." Ai mused, stroking a fallen rose petal. Risa scoffed lightly.
"You're not that old, Ai-chan. Stop talking like you're an obasan." She paused, then continued tentatively. "Are you feeling alright? Your body's fine right?"
"I'm perfectly healthy, Risa." Ai said with some exasperation. She let the petal fly as her hand went back to her lap. "Honestly, I'm not an invalid, so stop treating me like one."
"But you know what happens when you try to summon..." Risa said anxiously, concern hooding her eyes. Ai shook her head.
"I haven't been out of the grounds for months. No chance for summoning anything." Ai pouted like a child. "Stationary targets are so boring, and you don't let me go out to patrol..."
"I can't let you go out on your own, you can't seal the rifts without summoning your angel, and the last time you did that, you ended up in a coma for a week!" Risa's voice had gotten louder in her agitation, as it always did. Ai merely patted her best friend's hand.
"I know, I know." Frustration edged that beautiful voice. "I don't have to go out alone...you could always send me out with one of the others..."
"I can't split that troublesome trio up...they've worked together for so long that they'd be off balance otherwise." Risa sighed. "The new Chinese girls are an unknown, but they look like a stable partnership already...and I definitely can't send you out with the acolytes. They don't have angels yet and you can't use yours either..."
"There's you." Ai looked so earnestly at Risa that the younger had to avert her eyes.
"I can't leave the church unprotected...you know that..." Risa muttered. "Sometimes I hate having to be responsible..."
Ai looked off into the distance, and Risa felt the older girl's sadness again. It wrenched her heart to sense it, and she gripped Ai's hands tightly within her own.
"Do you think all the demon crossings are a result of human agency?" Ai changed the subject abruptly again, leaving Risa blinking rapidly at the shift.
"It's possible...but we haven't had any reports of a rise in occult activity. Then again, they could be doing it secretly, so it's hard to track." Risa frowned thoughtfully. "With our new recruits, we could probably afford to do a more thorough sweep though..."
"Let me go with them." Risa was about to object immediately when Ai raised one hand.
"You know my sensing abilities are the strongest here, even without Sandalphon summoned. Only Kamei-chan can come close with her Uriel manifested, and she's better off in combat in any case, especially with me unable to summon." Ai sounded very logical as she laid out her case. Her voice betrayed none of the pain it must have caused her to admit her own weakness.
Risa ground her teeth together. She knew that she couldn't keep Ai safe and protected forever, but it didn't stop her from trying. If she had her way, she'd keep the older girl away from combat for the rest of her life. But there was no keeping Ai away from it. There was no one else who believed in their cause as fervently as one Takahashi Ai did, most likely because she had seen for herself how much damage even an incomplete demon summoning could cause.
"Ai-chan, I can't promise anything but..." Risa was cut off when Ai suddenly sprang to her feet.
"What is it?" Risa asked, then she froze as a wave of negative energy washed over her. It was so close! A scream rang out in the distance.
"The children!" Risa choked out even as Ai already started running towards the commotion. "Ai-chan, wait! That's..."
"Demon." One of the acolytes was already pinned against the wall, a black spike piercing right through her chest. The perpetrator was licking his claws, appearing deceptively humanoid in appearance. But there was no mistaking the dark aura emanating from what looked like a young adolescent.
"An A-class Devil Lord." Ai muttered as Risa skidded to a halt next to her. The beautiful young boy smiled like an angel, a sinister gleam playing in his rainbow irises.
"Very perceptive of you, pretty." Sharp fangs glinted in the sun, whose rays now seemed sickly, weakened by the heavy miasma that hung over the courtyard.
"Let me introduce myself. I am the Demon Knight Anshel, in the service of Prince Asmodeus of the First Circle." The demon smiled beatifically. "Pleasure to meet such lovely ladies."
Risa had already positioned herself protectively before Ai, her hood and sleeves already pushed back for action. A light blue glow already stained her fingers, as she muttered the incantation.
"Ah, no introduction in return? I'm disappointed." He frowned as a magic circle formed around Risa's feet. "Oh I see, a Paladin?" He cocked his head. "Or one of the famous Avatars?"
A volley of icy spikes was his only answer. The thick spears of solid ice thudded into the flagstones, and Risa muttered an oath under her breath as she realized that she had missed. Or rather, the demon had dodged.
"Avatar then." Anshel was perched on top of the nearby fountain, seemingly unconcerned by the attack. Risa growled and materialized her weapon, a great curved bow apparently carved out of ice. Even as she stepped forward, one could dimly see the image of a winged figure superimposed over her, blue cape fluttering in some imaginary breeze.
"Left." Ai called out, Risa reacting instantly with a blue tinted shield as a black spike came hurtling towards her out of nowhere. The dark energy was absorbed into the watery shield and neutralized, blinking out instantly as Risa returned the favor with a volley of ice arrows.
"Not bad." Anshel was suddenly in front of Risa, a black sabre crashing down on the divine bow as Risa hastily parried. The demon was fast, too fast, and Risa began to sweat as she drove him backwards with a wave of holy energy.
"Scissors two-six!" Ai cried out, Risa adapting instantly to the warning, shifting her bow into a long halberd as she pivoted to block the incoming attacks from the indicated directions. A quick return circle slash managed to nick the demon knight across the shoulder as he bounded back.
"Keh, you're really too perceptive for your own good!" Anshel seemed somewhat ticked off by the scratch. He flashed forward, heading towards the apparently unprotected Ai who stood off to one side.
"Ai-chan!" Risa yelled as she scrambled towards Ai unthinkingly. Ai yelled back in frustration.
"Risa, stay back!" But emotion overrided good sense, and Risa charged straight at Anshel's back recklessly. The demon knight smirked and flung a few dark needles of energy towards the onrushing Avatar.
Risa reacted quickly, managing to deflect two of the needles, but it was too close to avoid entirely. The other six needles seemed destined to turn her into a pin cushion. Anshel began to laugh.
A rapid series of shots echoed throughout the courtyard. Anshel spun around to see the tiny nun behind him wielding a pair of smoking guns. Runes covered the entire surface of the modified weapons, and Anshel growled as he felt the holy power emanating from the guns.
"You're more trouble than I thought..." The demon knight snarled, stalking menacingly towards the gunslinging nun. Ai stared at him unflinchingly; though she felt fear, she did not let it overtake her. Instead, she let the feeling strengthen her resolve, the natural impulse to hum a hymn of praise bubbling up from her throat.
"You're a terrible shot though, only just barely nicked me." Anshel sneered as he closed the distance. Ai looked at him resolutely, then smiled.
"Who says I missed?" Anshel faltered, then stiffened as something pierced right through his chest from behind. He looked down at the icy spear point that had emerged from his chest.
Risa stood on the other end of the long spear, none the worse for wear from the sneak attack. The needles from the failed attack laid in scattered fragments on the flagstones behind her, along with the spent shells of blessed bullets that had diverted the deadly shards.
"This is what they call teamwork, demon." Risa added, calling out the name of her guardian angel as she channeled the divine power down the spear.
"Gabriel!" A tall armored angel manifested more solidly over her, placing one hand on the spear as a burst of light exploded through the demon's chest.
Anshel howled as the light tore through his armor, shredding his outer human skin and revealing the horned devil beneath. Cracks began to run through the black hide, glowing a sickly neon red.
With a burst of dying strength, the disintegrating demon knight wrenched himself from the end of the spear and staggered forward, making a last desperate lunge at Ai, who neatly sidestepped it, the extended claws only managing to graze her cheek, barely drawing any blood.
The two warrior nuns looked on as the demon knight contracted in on itself, spasming and cracking up even more. Glowing red eyes stared up at his executioners, a long forked tongue flicking between bared fangs.
"This town belongs to us! The blood of the virgins hath been spilled, the contract signed and sealed in flame. It is ours, and we will claim it!" The demonic hiss chilled the blood of all those who heard it, and flaming eyes locked on the suddenly immobile form of Ai.
"Your blood is sweet, little one." Dark, sadistic glee tainted that corrupted voice. "Sweet as the sacrifices!" Ai shuddered, lips quivering as she backed away from the sneering demon, who was breaking up more and more, his body crumbling to dust.
The last words of the demon were lost in a rush of the harsh language of devils, snarling and spitting as that flaming eyeball turned to ash. Risa quickly called up the chains of binding, sealing the temporal rift and purifying the area with the holy power of the Archangel Gabriel before other demons could cross over to cause any more trouble.
When she was done, Risa turned to look at Ai, who had sunk to her knees and was trembling like a leaf. Her breathing was shallow, as if she were about to have a fit again.
"Ai-chan! Are you ok?" Risa knelt by the older girl, rubbing her back soothingly and enfolding her in a half embrace. Ai had one hand on her grazed cheek, eyes distant and terrified.
"I remember now..." Her voice shook as her fingers dug into her cheek.
"I'm scared, Risa...they're coming back..." Ai muttered incoherently, eyes wild. "So much blood...so much..."
"Ai-chan! Snap out of it!" Risa cried, trying to jerk Ai back into reality. Ai turned terror-filled eyes to her best friend. She was crying.
"Help me..."
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Lalalala~ Off to bed with me now. :D
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OH MY GAH YOU POSTED 3 PARTS WHILE I WAS ASLEEP?!?!? T__T
Well, anyway, this story is just getting more and more interesting considering I have no background knowledge whatsoever compared to the rest of you. It's really caught my attention!! So everyone's finally all together... But I can't help but wonder what happened to poor Ai-chan. :(
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Woohoo! Nuns with guns!! And it's Ai-chan with the guns!! Nice! XD I like. :heart: Makes me as happy as Ai-chan! (http://www.eyeballcancer.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/QED_-_Ai_Smile_2.gif)
Ooh, poor Ai-chan. Always traumatized. Looks like the town will be the next battlefield.
*looks up on Wiki for all the angels' names. XD*
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HOLY.... :w00t: This story is so exciting already! At first, I was like NUNS?!?!??!?!! But now I see that they are cool, badass nuns. :yep: Something happened to Ai-chan in the past? Reminds me of something else...*cough* Nocturne *cough* XD
Ai-chan and Gaki fighting demons is sexy~ :twisted:
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Nuns Part 3
Muffled voices in the background. A very groggy Tanaka Reina burrowed deeper under her blankets. It was too early to go demon hunting, and not quite yet time for lunch. Her internal clock was good enough for that at least.
Being able to tell that it's not quite time for lunch? That's one heck of an internal clock. :lol:
"SENPAI!!! WAKE UP!!!!"
Bang. Boom. Rustle.
Was that glass cracking or did a mini atom bomb just go off somewhere in the church?
What the? :O
Her comrade would really rather leave her in bed. Actually, she would rather be in bed herself too, but something had come up and a certain someone had made it a command appearance. So if Sayu had to suffer, Reina would have to as well.
Oooooooooooooh...something big, eh?
The bunny of the trio began to smirk evilly as a plan came to mind...
Sleeping was terribly difficult to do when one's blood was rushing all the way to one's head. That was the first thought Reina had when the unbearable pressure threatened to push her eyeballs out of their sockets. She was very nearly purple in the face when she caught sight of a smirking Sayumi sitting on a chair.
"Sayu! Let me down now!" Being suspended upside down in midair was not a pleasant experience for Reina.
Oh, nicely done Sayu! XD
Gotta admit, I'm rather impressed that she'd be able to hold Reina upside-down on her own (even though Reina is physically the smallest of the three of them). Knowing Sayu though, she just would have used magic to do it. :P
Reina bit off a few curses as she struggled to get upright again. Unfortunately, her element of electricity was not of much use when she was being held by air magic. She only succeeded in shooting sparks all over the place and shorting out not quite a few electronical devices.
Including the much abused alarm clock, because it suddenly exploded as an indirect result of Reina's panic, a stray spring pinging off the kitten's forehead. Needless to say, it did not serve to improve her mood.
/me mentally pictures this happening.
:on lol:
"Why did Gaki-san make us wake up so early?" Reina grumbled as she pawed sleepily at her eyes. Eri blinked vacantly, before snapping back to attention.
"I think it was Ai-chan who called me..." Eri turned to look at Sayumi, who shrugged. "Gaki-san froze my bed after pouring a bucket of well water on me..."
Risa has freezing powers? So then, each of the girls' powers are focused on a particular element (air, wind, etc.), and they're able to wield it as they wish/need?
Eri giggled. "I guess I got off easy. Ai-chan pulled me out of my dreams...I was having a splendid one about unicorns and umeboshi too..."
Reina stared. "She can do that?"
Eri scratched her neck absently. "I dunno how, but one moment I was there in my dream, then the next moment I saw her shimmer in and take my hand, and then I woke up." The turtle girl had a puzzled expression on her face.
Aichan has psychic powers? I guess that she must be unable to physically use them in a fight, considering her pouting about it in a previous chapter.
The three girls in question quickly dusted themselves off and got up, trying to retain some form of dignity in front of outsiders. The strangers, one tall and one short, had a distinctly foreign cast to their faces, and their habits were of a slightly different cut than theirs.
"The higher ups in the Order responded to our appeal for reinforcements, so as of today we are welcoming two transfer agents from the Chinese branch." Risa looked over at Ai, who led the newcomers over.
Strangers? Chinese branch?
JunLin!?!?!? :w00t:
"This is Li Chun." Pointing at the taller one, who bowed politely. "Just call me Junjun."
"And this is Qian Lin." The younger and shorter one also bowed, before bouncing up with a friendly smile on her face. "Just call me Linlin!"
JUNLIN!!! :cow:
"I want the three of you to show them around the city. You know, what to look out for and where the usual hotspots are." Risa instructed. Reina was the first to raise any objections.
"Why us? Any one of the acolytes can do that!"
Risa sighed. Ai cut in easily.
"Because you three are the ones on active duty, so you will know the ground better than any of the trainees." Ai's voice was firm as she stepped closer to the trio. She might have been small, but she knew how to be intimidating when the situation called for it.
Reina seemed about ready to argue, but something in Ai's eyes discouraged her from doing that. She swallowed her objections and went back to stare at her own feet.
Aichan's got "the look". You know the one, the "don't bother trying to get out of this unless you want me to get pissed off" look. O0
"Also, you'll be taking two of the senior acolytes with you on patrol from now on. They're on probation until they can take the promotional exam. As seniors, you three must take care of them as well." Risa looked over her shoulder.
"Koharu! Aika! Come over here!"
Koharu and Aika are up for promotion to active duty? Good for them. A little first hand, real-world field experience is good to have.
Edit: Oh, to JFC, Metatron is the twin brother to Sandalphon, and is one of the chief angels and also a scribe of all events that have taken place. Metatron also has the power to exorcise demons that even the 4 Archangels cannot dispel. Why does Aichan wear the seal of Metatron? I wonder.
K, so Aichan's angel is still Sandalphon, right? She's not "bonded" (for lack of a better word) to Metatron, but she does know him?
:dizzy:
And lol at the Megatron thing. XDDDD
:D
Nuns Part 4
"You shouldn't indulge them so much." Risa scolded lightly, tugging Ai on the arm as they went to sit by the rose bushes. Ai smiled, a tad of mischief in her eyes.
"That's why you're in charge and I'm not. I get to be as irresponsible as I want~" Risa huffed indignantly.
"Can't you believe you're actually older than me too..."
Gotta admit, given the situation, it IS somewhat odd to not see Aichan in the "leader" role. It's not that Risa can't handle it, it's just...unexpected. Granted, it IS cute the way they play off each other about it. :oops:
"Are you feeling alright? Your body's fine right?"
"I'm perfectly healthy, Risa." Ai said with some exasperation. She let the petal fly as her hand went back to her lap. "Honestly, I'm not an invalid, so stop treating me like one."
"But you know what happens when you try to summon..." Risa said anxiously, concern hooding her eyes. Ai shook her head.
"I haven't been out of the grounds for months. No chance for summoning anything." Ai pouted like a child. "Stationary targets are so boring, and you don't let me go out to patrol..."
Uh-oh. That doesn't sound good at all. Is Aichan prone to more...after-effects of using her powers? Exactly what happened?
"I can't let you go out on your own, you can't seal the rifts without summoning your angel, and the last time you did that, you ended up in a coma for a week!" Risa's voice had gotten louder in her agitation, as it always did. Ai merely patted her best friend's hand.
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!?!??
:OMG:
"I don't have to go out alone...you could always send me out with one of the others..."
Okay, firstly, going on alone when taking on a demon isn't the smartest move to begin with. If things turn for the worse during the fight, and there's no backup, then you can undoubtedly just go ahead and kiss your ass goodbye. Secondly, all self-confidence aside, if the fight that the Rokkies had in the first chapter here is any indication, these things can't be handled by just one avatar/angel.
"Do you think all the demon crossings are a result of human agency?" Ai changed the subject abruptly again, leaving Risa blinking rapidly at the shift.
"It's possible...but we haven't had any reports of a rise in occult activity. Then again, they could be doing it secretly, so it's hard to track." Risa frowned thoughtfully.
Hmmm...so the recent demon appearances might not be just a coincidence then?
"Let me go with them." Risa was about to object immediately when Ai raised one hand.
"You know my sensing abilities are the strongest here, even without Sandalphon summoned. Only Kamei-chan can come close with her Uriel manifested, and she's better off in combat in any case, especially with me unable to summon." Ai sounded very logical as she laid out her case.
So then, Aichan wants to be a proverbial divining rod? If so, and if Risa agrees, it could make the others' job of taking care of the demons a lot easier if they can get to potential hotspots and take care of them BEFORE they actually become hotspots.
"Ai-chan, I can't promise anything but..." Risa was cut off when Ai suddenly sprang to her feet.
"What is it?" Risa asked, then she froze as a wave of negative energy washed over her. It was so close! A scream rang out in the distance.
"The children!" Risa choked out even as Ai already started running towards the commotion. "Ai-chan, wait! That's..."
"Demon." One of the acolytes was already pinned against the wall, a black spike piercing right through her chest. The perpetrator was licking his claws, appearing deceptively humanoid in appearance. But there was no mistaking the dark aura emanating from what looked like a young adolescent.
ONOES!!!
:mon wtf:
*TAKAGAKI FIGHT DEMON-BOY*
:shock: :on kimbo: :mon kungfu: :k-crazy: :mon scare:
A rapid series of shots echoed throughout the courtyard. Anshel spun around to see the tiny nun behind him wielding a pair of smoking guns. Runes covered the entire surface of the modified weapons, and Anshel growled as he felt the holy power emanating from the guns.
"You're more trouble than I thought..." The demon knight snarled, stalking menacingly towards the gunslinging nun. Ai stared at him unflinchingly; though she felt fear, she did not let it overtake her.
What the...Aichan? A nun gunslinger??? :shocked:
As cool as that is, is this going to hurt her the way that Risa was afraid of? Did Aichan have to use her powers to conjure up those guns, or is she always packing heat?
"You're a terrible shot though, only just barely nicked me." Anshel sneered as he closed the distance. Ai looked at him resolutely, then smiled.
"Who says I missed?" Anshel faltered, then stiffened as something pierced right through his chest from behind. He looked down at the icy spear point that had emerged from his chest.
Risa stood on the other end of the long spear, none the worse for wear from the sneak attack. The needles from the failed attack laid in scattered fragments on the flagstones behind her, along with the spent shells of blessed bullets that had diverted the deadly shards.
"This is what they call teamwork, demon." Risa added
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! :rockon:
*DYING DEMON'S LAST WORDS*
Ooooooooooookay, that...is reason for concern.
At least they now know for sure that the demonic activity is localized in their area/town for a reason.
Risa turned to look at Ai, who had sunk to her knees and was trembling like a leaf. Her breathing was shallow, as if she were about to have a fit again.
"Ai-chan! Are you ok?" Risa knelt by the older girl, rubbing her back soothingly and enfolding her in a half embrace. Ai had one hand on her grazed cheek, eyes distant and terrified.
"I remember now..." Her voice shook as her fingers dug into her cheek.
"I'm scared, Risa...they're coming back..." Ai muttered incoherently, eyes wild. "So much blood...so much..."
"Ai-chan! Snap out of it!" Risa cried, trying to jerk Ai back into reality. Ai turned terror-filled eyes to her best friend. She was crying.
"Help me..."
Oshit...this is what Risa was worried about, isn't it? It's not that using her powers physically drains/hurts Aichan, but rather it's something psychological???
:scared:
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Wow....just wow! This just keeps getting better and better! Chapter 4 was awesome! The action was so good! I think I had some thoughts on the beginning of the chapter but they have totally left my brain after the intense fight. Ai chan's so cool with the guns...though I can't wait to see her use her real powers...I just know you're gonna make Ai chan even more cooler.
Poor poor Ai chan though. So cool yet so tormented. The perfect Estrea combination. I'm so addicted! :heart:
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waterboarding the comatose kitten
This image had me laughing like crazy for some reason. I think I must be one of my moods. I still don't know how you come up with all these incredible ideas. They are so out of there but yet fit so perfectly together. After reading your fics I always wish I owned a production company so I can turn your writings into real shows that people can watch. I know so many will be enthralled by them. I guess I'm the only one who thinks the girls look like choir girls instead of nuns in those blue outfits? :D Oh and since they are nuns, there won't be any naughty scenes will there? Or are you gonna somehow find a way around that? :P
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Nyahahahaha I'm back! With random one shot. Felt inspired by something. Hehehehehe.
It's just so... kekekeke... *snickers harder*
And presenting to you a crack one shot!
=========================================
Performance Anxiety
Should I...or should I not...
A certain turtle girl lagged half a step behind her erstwhile girlfriend...or rather, she hoped that she assumed correctly in that the other girl had accepted. The problem was that one Takahashi Ai was often so ambiguous that it was difficult to tell whether or not she did say something.
Kamei Eri sighed quietly to herself as she continued to trail awkwardly behind Ai, her mind obviously elsewhere, as people had come to expect from her. That was a good thing sometimes. That way, she could be allowed to think about her current...problem...without being called on it too obviously.
Should she or shouldn't she? Eri pondered that with uncharacteristic seriousness. She was already 20, an adult, so she should be able to make such decisions. Staring at the object of her dilemma again, Eri screwed her courage up and reached forward...
...only to abruptly turn a corner and right into the restroom, calling out.
"Ah, Ai-chan, you go ahead, I'll just be in the bathroom!"
Ai turned around, smiling. "Ok, I'll go on to the practice room first, alright?"
"Un!" Eri nodded and disappeared back into the restroom, resting her back against the nearest wall and slumping down. She just managed to keep herself from banging her head against the nearest hard surface in sheer frustration, such was how she was feeling.
Stupid stupid stupid! Eri thought to herself. Why can't I just...
"Kame? Are you alright?" A curious head poked into the restroom.
"Gaki-san? Ah, I'm fine..." Eri looked up. Risa entered and bent down.
"Are you alright? Quarreled with Ai-chan? You seem a bit down..."
Eri pulled a face. Was it that obvious? Risa patted her on the shoulder.
"Just tell me, I won't tell anyone else about it."
Eri sighed again. "You're going to laugh at me, Gaki-san...I'm sure you will..."
Risa frowned. "I would never do that...come on Kame...just say it..."
Eri muttered something under her breath. Risa blinked and leaned closer.
"What?"
Eri repeated it again, slightly shame-faced. Risa's eyes went wide.
"USO!!!"
"Shhhh!!!" Eri hissed, grabbing hold of Risa's shoulders. Risa looked like she was somewhere between shock and breaking down into helpless laughter. Eri pouted.
"You said you wouldn't laugh!"
Risa took a deep breath and tried to calm down. Didn't work. She closed her eyes and slowly counted to ten. That helped a bit.
"So...you're telling me that, you have been going out with Ai-chan for over a month and you STILL haven't done it?" Risa's voice was slightly incredulous. Eri pouted again.
"It's not so easy! I never really know what she's thinking, or how she'll react...and it's kinda scary..." Eri muttered, looking down. Risa tried to look sympathetic, and almost looked convincing. She had a great deal of practice looking sympathetic. Part of the job.
"There there Kame, I'm sure Ai-chan won't reject it. You just have to reach out for it yourself. It's not so difficult!" Risa consoled the depressed turtle.
"But...but...it's scary!" Eri looked terrified. "What if she doesn't like it?"
Risa resisted the urge to laugh, trying to keep a serious face. Taking a deep breath, she continued.
"Just do it, Kame. You'll never know until you try. Come on, you're an adult now."
Eri bit her lip. "I guess...alright, I'll do my best, Gaki-san!"
Risa smiled and patted Eri on the back, helping the younger up to her feet.
"There, now go after her. I'll make sure the other members aren't around to interrupt either, so you'll be alright, ok?" Risa assured her in her best motherly tone, ushering Eri out of the restroom.
Eri turned and beamed broadly at Risa. "Thanks Gaki-san!" And ran off, in pursuit of one elusive leader.
I swear I'll finally be able to hold your hand, Ai-chan!
===================================================================
Super short piece done in like 20 minutes. The inspiration came out of almost nowhere. Kekeke. XD
Poor Eri. :P
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I knew it! Muahaha! Eri wants to hold Ai-chan's hand~ :oops:
I guessed that Eri wanted to hold her hand when I read the line:
Staring at the object of her dilemma again, Eri screwed her courage up and reached forward...
Such a cute story.
Eri's such an adorable fool worrying over holding her girlfriend's hand! :wub:
Good thing she has such a reliable sub-leader/secret lover....
:huhuh
What? I can dream, can't I? :lol:
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Only Eri... Only Eri. XD It's just like her to worry over something so trivial. I can only imagine what'd happen when... Oh my. :blush:
So damn cute. Very luffly~
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LOL you...
I knew where this was going after I read the first line. Could have been any pairing, but Ai and Eri! I feel spoiled. :D
Though I think Eri's insecurities is what makes it the most amusing/adorable. XD
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Kawaii~~!
Ganbare, Eri~! :on GJ:
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AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!
:nya:
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Poor Eri!! Why can't Ai just make the first move! That'll save Eri from all that anxiety...
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LOL :lol: that was too good! Here I was thinking how I missed reading things that are more innocent...well this certainly did the trick =D
our turtle is just oh so adorable :nya:
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*melts into a puddle of smily happy goo*
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Turtle ROCKS!!!
She is so sweet *o*
It's like mmmm... I don't know... so temptive xD
I just wanna huge her all the day ._.
Damn I HAVE TO go to L.A T____T
Anyone wanna marry me??? xD I want a VISA or greencard? whatever but... NOW T_T
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haha
Kame is so cute~
having problems from holding Ai's hand. too cute. Ganbare Kame~ :twothumbs
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OMG that was so wicked cool :lol: When I was almost done reading, two lines to be exact, I was wondering where the crack is, and then the second to the last word came, and I was like holy cow, I literally loled :rofl: 5/5 :twothumbs
Can't blame Risa's reaction XD
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Annnnnd I'm back. Blame dinny for the idea. ALL. HER. FAULT. Or well, not really.
First part of a mini series. Assuming I ever get round to finishing. hee.
============================================================
Outside Looking In
"Ai-chan, wait up!"
I'm walking behind the two of them. Way behind the two of them. After all, I'm just a kid. Just the mischievous little junior that alternates between being incredibly languid and incredibly hyper. And kids should only be seen and not heard, especially in adult situations.
Tanaka-san is just a little ahead of me. She is chattering to Kamei-san, who is also currently alternating between being hyper back, or looking around in a daze. I like Kamei-san. Everyone does. She's just lovable in that strange way of hers.
Michishige-san is on the other side of Kamei-san. They're rarely apart. Even more so than the other pair I was talking about. I like Michishige-san. She's fun to annoy. Most likely because she's the most patient, so trying to get a rise out of her is the most challenging. I like that.
"Mou, Ai-chan, you forgot this."
I look ahead again. Leader and sub-leader all the way in front. Niigaki-san is passing Takahashi-san something, and smoothing the messy strands of Leader's hair in that motherly way of hers. I can't see much from where I'm standing. Michishige-san and Kamei-san are kind of blocking my view. I shift to the side, behind Tanaka-san. Koharu changes places with me without complaint. She doesn't have to. She's tall enough to look over the other two senpai's shoulders.
We continue looking. It feels like spying, almost. I'm pretty sure our Rokkie senpais are doing the same thing. Well except maybe Kamei-san. She went back to zoning again. Should be back in a few minutes, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
From my new angle I can see Takahashi-san smile, almost cat-like and peaceful, eyes reduced to mere slits as she looked back at Niigaki-san. Almost childlike. Very cute. Sometimes it's hard to imagine that someone like Takahashi-san is the oldest and our leader. She doesn't look the part at all. We all still like her though.
They hold hands as they continue walking. Holding hands is pretty common. I glance at the Rokkie trio right before me. They're all but clinging to each other. Normal. Tanaka-san has one hand free in order to gesture as she talks. She does that a lot.
Back to the married couple right out front. Oops, did I say that out loud? Koharu looks at me. She's quiet now, but I catch the look in her eyes. Yeah, she caught that too. She's not quite as airheaded as she appears to be all the time. But of course, you'd have to be blind to not catch the sparkling aura around the blissful pair in front.
Takahashi-san is looking straight ahead. She almost always does. Probably mentally planning what to do later. Niigaki-san is the one initiating conversation, as usual. They walk in step, without faltering. It feels very comforting to watch. Their easy familiarity with each other is obvious in how they move around each other. And the sound of Takahashi-san's Fukui-ben is unmistakable as she replies, slapping Niigaki-san on the shoulder in a playful manner.
We stop at the lobby, ready to pile into the elevator once it clears out. Niigaki-san is standing in a way that makes sure that no one gets near Takahashi-san. The Rokkies cover the other side. We protect Takahashi-san a lot, whether or not she actually needs protecting. Same logic with Kamei-san. After all, are not Michishige-san and Tanaka-san both flanking her automatically like bodyguards? I sidle up next to Tanaka-san's other side. She gives me a look. I smile and shrug. She knows that I know that she doesn't like being left vulnerable either. We don't need to talk about it. I just cover for her before she has to say anything. Easier on both of us that way.
The elevator is clear. We pile in, a giggling gaggle of female idols. Typical. Niigaki-san stumbles a little, but is caught by Takahashi-san who props her up. We are all pressed close to each other in the elevator. I suppose we could have taken separate lifts. But where's the love in that?
I am squashed between Junjun and Koharu. Linlin is next to me, looking similarly squashed. We exchange a look, then glance at the two giants trapping us. Linlin's rubber face makes an appropriately exaggerated expression. I laugh. Wouldn't you?
Koharu shifts, allowing me a splinter of vision to the pair I have been observing since earlier. I wonder if she does it on purpose. I might never know, unless I ask. But where's the fun in that?
Everyone is pressed against each other. So is our dear leader and sub-leader. Except that no one really needs to be pressed that close, even under such circumstances. Their foreheads were touching, a tender gaze passing between them. Their fingers are still locked together. This time, Takahashi-san is the one that smooths out Niigaki-san's fringe, and tucks the stray hair behind her sub-leader's ear. I look away. It seemed a little rude to keep staring at that for some reason.
We reach our floor. I get out with some obvious relief. Behind me, Tanaka-san repeats an old joke regarding her bad English skills. The seniors roar with laughter. Kamei-san parrots it.
"People people people~ Party Party Party~"
I admit, that was cute. Niigaki-san shoots out an automatic retort at Kamei-san. I guess the PPP acronym was just a little too obvious to not be used here. Good job, sub-leader.
It's almost time to get down to work. As usual, Takahashi-san detaches herself from Niigaki-san, shifts into work mode, and converses seriously with the staff. Niigaki-san also falls back into her role of watching the rest of us, while listening to what our manager has to say about today's schedule. They really complement each other perfectly.
"They're perfect together, aren't they?"
It is Michishige-san. Rare moment that Kamei-san isn't right next to her. Oh wait, there she is. We are sitting in a semi-circle, in case I forgot to mention. Koharu's on my other side.
I don't have to ask who she is referring to. It is the most obvious thing there is. And I know that Michishige-san feels very attached to them. We all are, but Michishige-san most of all. I think she holds them in her ideal image of the perfect love. She's terribly sentimental sometimes.
"I don't know if I can believe in love anymore if something like that breaks up."
I know. They've been together forever. All but married. They've had their arguments and their disputes. But they always come back to each other. They do that because they love each other.
That's what I believe. That's what everyone here believes. The truth is right out there in plain sight, witnessing to all who care to see. We don't need to talk about it, it just is.
But you know, I'm just a kid. What does a kid know? Adult situations. Can't figure them out.
I turn back to Koharu and start talking. The moment passes, as if it had never been. We go back to normal. Leader and sub-leader continue sparkling in that undefined way they've always had. And always will.
Right?
============================================================================
I love writing from Aika's POV. Been such a long time since I wrote in first person. Haha.
*ninja skulks away before anyone can ask about Gegenschein or Nocturne*
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DIBS!
It's awesome!! I'll leave a better comment when I'm finished getting ready for school XD
mm'k, onto the comment. ^_^
I like how it was in first person of Aika, because although it doesn't tell too much of her, I like how it focuses on other characters from a distance :) Also, by doing it first person, I think you really get closer to the group? Aika's a good choice 'cause she's a little spy :lol:
TakaGaki!??!? :angry:
...
JK XD Although I love ReinAi, you always make me all :oops: when you write TakaGaki. It's cute <3 Those two are original, after all :wub:
Mini series? :D I'm interested
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Aww, this was so cute~ :wub:
At first I was wondering where this was going to go to and what tragic event or something was going to happen but it never came. It was a great realistic slice-of-lfe story :w00t:
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Haha. I guess it is my fault isn't it? I approve, so it's okay. :)
I see what you mean by cute now. TakaGaki interaction in here made me almost giggle. ALMOST.
Right?
WRONG. I like being a jerk. It's very fitting. 8D
It was a great realistic slice-of-lfe story :w00t:
Lol KonaKaga, funny that you mention that...
Looking forward to seeing the rest of this. Wonder if the POV will change. Aika espionage FTW.
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I know. They've been together forever. All but married. They've had their arguments and their disputes. But they always come back to each other. They do that because they love each other.
pure love
*ninja skulks away before anyone can ask about Gegenschein or Nocturne*
:lol:
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Ehhhhh I'm not seeing things am I? You actually updated a new fic. LOL, just kidding. Keep writing more so I have stuff to read instead of working on my projects XD
I'll read this later on you know what so the comment about the fic will have to come tomorrow. I always need a lot of time and peace to digest your fics :lol:
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Outside Looking In
"Ai-chan, wait up!"
I'm walking behind the two of them. Way behind the two of them. After all, I'm just a kid. Just the mischievous little junior that alternates between being incredibly languid and incredibly hyper.
Gotta be Aika. :P
We continue looking. It feels like spying, almost. I'm pretty sure our Rokkie senpais are doing the same thing. Well except maybe Kamei-san. She went back to zoning again. Should be back in a few minutes, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
In other words, everything is pretty much status quo. XD
We stop at the lobby, ready to pile into the elevator once it clears out. Niigaki-san is standing in a way that makes sure that no one gets near Takahashi-san.
Possessive much? :D
The Rokkies cover the other side. We protect Takahashi-san a lot, whether or not she actually needs protecting. Same logic with Kamei-san. After all, are not Michishige-san and Tanaka-san both flanking her automatically like bodyguards?
Awwwww...:oops:
I am squashed between Junjun and Koharu. Linlin is next to me, looking similarly squashed. We exchange a look, then glance at the two giants trapping us. Linlin's rubber face makes an appropriately exaggerated expression. I laugh. Wouldn't you?
Linlin's exaggerated facial expressions FTW! :cow:
Everyone is pressed against each other. So is our dear leader and sub-leader. Except that no one really needs to be pressed that close, even under such circumstances. Their foreheads were touching, a tender gaze passing between them. Their fingers are still locked together. This time, Takahashi-san is the one that smooths out Niigaki-san's fringe, and tucks the stray hair behind her sub-leader's ear. I look away. It seemed a little rude to keep staring at that for some reason.
Raburabu deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesu~. :wub:
"They're perfect together, aren't they?"
It is Michishige-san.
...
I don't have to ask who she is referring to. It is the most obvious thing there is.
Plain as the nose on her usa-chan face. :yep:
The moment passes, as if it had never been. We go back to normal. Leader and sub-leader continue sparkling in that undefined way they've always had. And always will.
Right?
Like I said. Status quo.
Just wouldn't be..."right" without the TakaGaki. :heart:
I love writing from Aika's POV.
As soon as you said "languid"... ;D
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Niigaki-san is standing in a way that makes sure that no one gets near Takahashi-san. The Rokkies cover the other side. We protect Takahashi-san a lot, whether or not she actually needs protecting.
awesome! Ai is like the BOSS. XD
Same logic with Kamei-san. After all, are not Michishige-san and Tanaka-san both flanking her automatically like bodyguards?
awww, so cute~ She's like the Princess and Ai is the Prince. lmao.
oh well, i really liked it. it was fun to read. :P
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Despite how simple and cute the situation, I absolutely loved this. It really was like something Aika would see each day with the rest of the members. XD So very, very cute~
They hold hands as they continue walking. Holding hands is pretty common. I glance at the Rokkie trio right before me. They're all but clinging to each other. Normal. Tanaka-san has one hand free in order to gesture as she talks. She does that a lot.
Awww... :oops:
We stop at the lobby, ready to pile into the elevator once it clears out. Niigaki-san is standing in a way that makes sure that no one gets near Takahashi-san. The Rokkies cover the other side. We protect Takahashi-san a lot, whether or not she actually needs protecting. Same logic with Kamei-san. After all, are not Michishige-san and Tanaka-san both flanking her automatically like bodyguards?
Somehow... I can TOTALLY imagine this. <33
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Awwwwwww.... Takagaki :heart:
I like how this is written. It really does seem like this is what could happen backstage that us fans will never see. XD And it's even more amusing in that it's from Aika's POV. She makes a good person to look from. As a newbie, she isn't too involved in the "group," yet been in the group long enough to know what goes on, etc.
Nicely done! :twothumbs And a mini series?! That means something tragic must happen. Must be. After all, it is you writing. XD
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wah! It's the sandbox! and it has a new castle built on it! :luvuluvu:
Ooo a mini series? Am I happy or do I fear? :ph43r: You're gonna make them break up aren't you? XD but in any case if you continue with this I'll have to come up with a way to include it in the "sentence of ongoing stories" XD I'll also have to come up with an excuse for laughing out loud in the middle of the night XD
I love how you wrote Aika's pov. There's something very charming and humorous about her logic. Cuteness overload at the sparkling people and the zoning out turtle :mon inluv:
The elevator part made reminiscent of the story Inside the Elevator :lol:
anyways you're able to write different genres so well! I do hope you continue =D
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*o* Another fic to die for xD
It's the first time I think... I read from Aika's POV o_O
That TakaGaki interaction it's so Awwwwwww... but just before work xD
Little Aika give a sensation of just wanna hug her all day xD
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Am I the only one who thinks this intro was rather creepy? o_O
The way Aika was observing things in her active sense, or perhaps that's just the style of writing (which I think is gives a somewhat creepy effect), as well as just how everything is presented. Like, for one, it's just one thing happens, then another, then another, just like everything's bland and normal. Looking like everything's normal gives me the feeling that it's a bit too normal, a bit too fluffy. Like there's fluff, but it's not fluff... Maybe it's the use of words like "protect" and "bodyguards". And the point of view is all very detached. Or perhaps it's just cause I know what Essy's writing is like otherwise, but there's something about her style here that just doesn't set right with me. :P And it's not even what I thought of just now about the types of plots she usually has in her stories. I mean, she could be doing something different after all.
...:ph43r:
Anyway, all that said, Aika was very cute, and the interactions between all the loving MM are just aww.... wait... No, I still can't get it out of my head that there's something creepy about it all. >.>
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^
But you like creepy, rokun. :P
Wow, though I'm not much of an Aika fan, I thought this was damn adorable! XD She's like cute and kiddy but pretty wise and observant at the same time. TAKAGAKI!!! :wub: Sorry for the lame-ass comment. I'm still sleepy, nap only helped a little. XD
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There, I finally got around to reading this. I like it tremendously! Aika POV is almost always insightful and somehow very interesting. Hmmmm....mini-series? I'll be looking forward to it :)
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FINALY!! it took me 4 days but i read all of your one shots~! X3 and i l0ve all of them~! X3333 i realy cant wait for the next one~! X33
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Hehe, I am back. Hoho.
I guess this is part of that mini-series I mentioned before. :D Hehe.
Enjoy~
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Inside Looking Out
Life can be surprising sometimes. It throws the things you least expect at you, and it sometimes hits at an angle that you never thought it could possibly come from. It gives no warnings, takes no prisoners, and before you know it, you're already in the situation wondering how it all got to that point in the first place.
"Gaki-saaaaaaaaaaan~" Eri was whining loudly as she tugged on Risa's arm. I flick a glance at them neutrally as Eri badgered Risa to go out to a new dessert place with her, before returning to my own reflection in the mirror with a serious eye.
Hmm, should I go with their pair of earrings or the other one? I hold up one set against the other, studying both with a critical eye. Behind me, Reina was paying careful attention to her own hair, turning to Sayu and asking if it looked fine. Naturally, the resident bunny gave a positive answer. I suspect Sayu would almost always will give someone what they want to hear unless it's obvious that a lie cannot possibly be perpetuated in the situation.
"Tanaka-san!" Aika's voice rings clearly in the dressing room; the girl had gotten more outspoken after settling in. I guess that's a good thing. I would hate for anyone to feel left out.
"Linlin, do you think I should go with this set of earrings or the other one?" I found myself asking the young Chinese girl next to me. Pausing in her own makeup, she turns to scrutinize my face with exaggerated care.
"The pink one." That was not Linlin's voice. I did not turn around, instead staring at Reina's reflection in the mirror. She had one arm thrown casually around Aika's shoulders, the two of them looking like old time pals from way back. Somehow, the thought of Aika being a yankii in any shape or form at one point or another made me want to giggle and shrink in horror at the same time. Don't you think so too? I chuckle to myself, drawing strange looks from more than one person. Sometimes I wonder what is wrong with the rest of them. Can't they see the obvious? Hmm. How strange.
Linlin looks like she is about to voice her alternative opinion, since her eyes were still fixed on the shiny dangling earrings in my other hand, but apparently she didn't feel like disagreeing with Reina, so she didn't say anything. I guess that's only normal. Reina doesn't take disagreement very well.
"Pink huh..." I find myself saying as I lifted the pink accessories. They aren't so bad. A bit loud and almost childish, but then again, considering some of our stage costumes this time, it wouldn't look too terribly out of place. With a shrug, I put down the metallic earrings and start fastening on the pink ones. At least they look cute.
Reina turns away, chattering to both Aika and Koharu at the same time. I wonder how she keeps track of multiple conversations at the same time. I find it somewhat exhausting to even keep up with one sometimes. A bright flash makes me blink. Another picture? They sure do love taking pictures of themselves in the dressing room. Oh well, keeps the fanclub happy.
"Ai-chan! Don't just sit there~" Sayu hops over to my side, spinning me on my chair to face outwards, positioning herself next to me as she held her phone up.
"Say cheese~" Before I could even think up a response, I am staring blankly up with bemusement, one hand still clutching my other earring, and the other in an instinctive peace sign next to my cheek. Camera-trained, I guess. It's for work, after all.
A click and whirr, then Sayu detaches herself from me with a grin, showing me the shot she just took. Hmm, I suppose I look alright...could be better though. Sigh. I wish I looked better in photos...
"Mou, Ai-chan, are you done yet?" Risa's voice. She must have gotten free from Eri somehow. I glance around. I hadn't noticed, but Eri was now with Junjun. That was quick.
"Yeah I'm just checking my makeup now..." I reply, giving myself another once over as I swung back to face the mirror. I guess I don't look too terrible. I quickly fasten the other earring on before standing up.
"What's up, Gaki-san?" I don't call her Risa at work. I don't know why. I must have called her Risa-chan at some point, early on in our career. Somewhere along the way, it just happened. Things just change. And now we find ourselves standing at the head of the team. I guess that's just how it is.
"Manager-san wants to talk to you outside." Ah, she must have been told on her way in, because I don't remember being told beforehand. I came into the dressing room early after all.
"Alright." I glance around the room. We are as chaotic and noisy as usual, in our own little dressing room that we share as one group. It really does feel like family, in its own way.
Risa stands next to me. She has a motherly air to her, I notice. And what does that make me? I run one hand through my hair. It's getting longer, but the higher-ups would have a fit if I cut it off again without consulting with them. I sigh. Back to having to deal with hair sticking to my neck during concerts again, I guess. How annoying.
"I'll take care of the kids while you're gone." Risa smiles indulgently at the rest, and at me too, I suppose. Sometimes I feel like a child. Sometimes I want to be a child. Oh well.
"I leave everything up to you then." I smile at her gratefully. Genuine gratitude. If she had not been here to support me, if everyone had not been here to support me, could I have been able to go on in this role of mine? Even now, sometimes I still feel like I'm not ready. Can this wavering heart really be one of a leader? Somehow, I doubt it.
She smiles back at me. I nod and turn away, heading for the exit. Behind me, I hear Eri latching on to Risa, with Junjun in tow this time. I hear Reina trying to force Aika to eat chocolate again, with Koharu most likely stealing sweets from them in the meantime. I hear all my girls, my colleagues, my friends, all behind me, even if I'm not that much of a leader and don't have much of a commanding presence. Would anyone notice if I slip out of the room otherwise?
"Oi Ai-chan, can you help me with my nails later?"
"Reina~ I can help you with it~"
"Sayu! I don't want bunnies on my nails!"
"But they're cute~"
"Maa, Michishige-san, I think Tanaka-san wants a different opinion, don't you think?"
I laugh at them, then shake my head helplessly as I open the door, leaving them behind as I step outside.
Closing it behind me, I lean briefly against it, my back covering the sign that says "Morning Musume" on it. Head bowed, I am still smiling.
It's nice to be noticed. Still smiling, I straighten up and walk off.
Time to get down to work.
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One more facet. :D Everyone sees things differently. XD Ai is always in her own little world, don't you think? XD
Comment freely~
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Once again, you portrayed them perfectly. <33 I could totally see everyone acting this way. Business forward Ai, Eri clinging to Risa (and Junjun), Aika glued to Reina, and everything else. It's almost like taking a look at Momusu's life. Everything's perfect. <3
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totaly agree~ i could see everyone acting like that too XD i realy liked the line about ai wantting to be a kid at timesX3
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I like it! The one before was outside looking in and now it's inside looking out. The two stories complement each other quite well.
And yes, Ai-chan is always in her own little world. :heart: Chuckling at her own jokes. XD
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I really like this. You're just too good. XD
I don't call her Risa at work.
After reading this line, my mind kinda ran off a little...if you know what I mean. :twisted:
Aww, they really do sound like a little family. I'm envious. :P
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I have to say this sorry
She has a motherly air to her, I notice. And what does that make me?
that makes you the father ai-chan :twothumbs *imagines takagaki scene from Alone Time :w00t:*. okay I will go back to lurking
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Inside Looking Out
I did not turn around, instead staring at Reina's reflection in the mirror. She had one arm thrown casually around Aika's shoulders, the two of them looking like old time pals from way back. Somehow, the thought of Aika being a yankii in any shape or form at one point or another made me want to giggle and shrink in horror at the same time.
Ooooooooooo...mystery POV (though after reading the narrator's initial observations of the other members, it narrows the possibilities down pretty quickly).
I did not turn around, instead staring at Reina's reflection in the mirror. She had one arm thrown casually around Aika's shoulders, the two of them looking like old time pals from way back. Somehow, the thought of Aika being a yankii in any shape or form at one point or another made me want to giggle and shrink in horror at the same time.
Dang, that would be interesting, to say the least. :lol:
I chuckle to myself, drawing strange looks from more than one person. Sometimes I wonder what is wrong with the rest of them. Can't they see the obvious? Hmm. How strange.
That pretty much cements who the narrator is. After all, who else but Aichan would get this type of reaction from the others? :P
"Ai-chan! Don't just sit there~" Sayu hops over to my side, spinning me on my chair to face outwards, positioning herself next to me as she held her phone up.
"Say cheese~" Before I could even think up a response, I am staring blankly up with bemusement, one hand still clutching my other earring, and the other in an instinctive peace sign next to my cheek. Camera-trained, I guess. It's for work, after all.
It's like a reflex now for her. :yep:
A click and whirr, then Sayu detaches herself from me with a grin, showing me the shot she just took. Hmm, I suppose I look alright...could be better though. Sigh. I wish I looked better in photos...
Oh Aichan...can't help but be her own worst critic.
If only she could see what we could see... that she's one of the more naturally photogenic (and generally speaking, more naturally pretty) members. :oops:
I run one hand through my hair. It's getting longer, but the higher-ups would have a fit if I cut it off again without consulting with them. I sigh. Back to having to deal with hair sticking to my neck during concerts again, I guess. How annoying.
Might be annoying for her...but it's a MAJOR turn-on for the rest of us. :drool:
I laugh at them, then shake my head helplessly as I open the door, leaving them behind as I step outside.
Closing it behind me, I lean briefly against it, my back covering the sign that says "Morning Musume" on it. Head bowed, I am still smiling.
It's nice to be noticed. Still smiling, I straighten up and walk off.
Time to get down to work.
Why do I get the feeling that this was somewhat inspired by Aichan's recent talks/confessions on that Bijo Houdan show?
:theking
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I read! *whew* As I said yesterday but the commenting bit...hee hee. Cut me some slack ok? Pretty please? I'll get to it after the day. Which is 2 days after yours?
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ah, the contrast. :lol: Mitsui's story is all shiney and happy while Ai chan's story is quite the opposite. Ai chan's pov is more murky and somewhat depressing XD but the ending makes up for everything (and the thought of yankii Aika :lol:). It's so cute that through all the second guessing and whatnot, all she wanted was to be notice. Makes you smiles and want to give her a hug. :wub:
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OKay, I finally got to commenting. I read through this again. Though this fic is about a normal day in their not so normal lives with nothing really big happening, I enjoyed it. Cuz it's nice to see them just being themselves and being the fantastic writer you are, you always make it so believable and real.
*sigh* And this is why I never what writer's block to hit you. Your fics bring so much joy and entertainment to fans everywhere :)
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Lmao, I come bearing a random fic that came out of a random conversation with rokun. Not for the first time the topic has been broached though.
And now, I present you with...
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The Problem With Hat
"I'm telling you there's something off with that thing!"
"Ha? What do you mean, Tanakacchi?"
Exasperated, Reina fussed at her own hair for a bit, flailing around for a good way to express herself. For someone used to speaking her mind frankly, being at a loss for words was something entirely uncomfortable for the straight-talking Fukuoka girl.
"Just, don't you think that she becomes all weird with that thing on?" Reina gesticulated some more, leaving a very puzzled Risa staring at her in confusion.
"What are you talking about? I don't get it..."
Just as Reina was about to tear her own hair out (or Gaki-san's throat, who knew), the object of their discussion happened to pass by. Not one to miss an opportunity, Reina immediately seized hold of a bewildered Takahashi Ai's arm and pulled her to her side.
"Ai-chan, already changed huh? That's quick!" Risa commented. Ai grinned sheepishly, glancing around furtively for cameras. There were none. She relaxed.
"Well there are still a few more songs before my performance, but I figured I'd change early so I won't be in the way of the others..." Her attention was completely focused on Risa, so much so that she was completely unaware to the fact that her arm was still being held captive by a zealous Reina.
"See! She's normal now!" Reina pointed vigorously at an oblivious Ai, who gave her a blank stare in response. Risa gave Ai a once over.
"Ai-chan is still Ai-chan." Risa said affirmatively, reaching out to pat Reina on the head. "You're thinking too much, Tanakacchi."
"Me?" Ai was still confused. Reina deftly stole the hat from the crook of her arm, and Ai protested weakly, awkwardly adjusting the tie of her outfit. "Ara..."
"I'll prove it to you Gaki-san. Right now!" Reina said determinedly. Turning to the still utterly bemused Ai, Reina advanced on her leader with a flinty look in her eye.
One of the staff called out to Risa, drawing her attention away just as Reina jammed the hat onto Ai's head. Ai blinked and adjusted the hat, making sure her hair was in place and not messed up under it. Reina half turned around.
"See, Gaki-san... Gaki-san?"
"Tell me later, I'm up next on stage!" Risa called from around the corner before disappearing completely. Reina stared at the empty air where her senpai had once been.
"Right..." About to turn around to address Ai, Reina suddenly found herself pulled further into the narrow service corridor where few people came by and fewer even noticed that it existed as they hurried past to their assorted duties. Before she knew it, her back was to a wall and an arm propped itself up against the wall next to her face, preventing her from running off.
"Ai...chan...?" Reina swallowed nervously, pressing herself even further back into the wall. The rim of the hat sat low on her forehead, lending an ominous shadow to the suddenly suave expression on Ai's face. Or should one say, Mr. Moonlight...?
"You've messed up your hair...let me help..."
Why does even her voice sound different?! Reina was panicking inside as Ai's face came almost too close for comfort. She could feel Ai's breath brush her cheeks as tender fingers gently coaxed her mussed hair back into place, almost caressing each strand.
The closeness was making her nervous. This wasn't on stage, in front of a cheering audience where tensions ran high and she could get caught up in the atmosphere and be all touchy feely with the other members. This somehow felt very different, charged yes, but a different kind of tension compared to the stage. This almost felt...erotic...?
The outfit definitely wasn't helping. Ai's slender frame was neatly wrapped up in that yellow plaid suit, the silver tie sparkling on her chest. Normally she would laugh if she saw something like that on the street, but the effect it had while on Ai was entirely different.
I guess the person wearing it really matters... Reina thought faintly as Ai's fingers brushed lingeringly across her cheek, as if reluctant to let go. Wait, when did she start touching my face?! Reina blinked out of her bemusement and noticed quite belatedly that Ai had moved still closer during the time she had been spacing out.
Yabai. That was the only response Reina could come up with at the moment. This wasn't exactly the first time this had happened. Back during High-King, not even poor Yuukarin had been spared the attention of this...transformed...Ai. Oddly, Maimi and Saki had escaped it. Maimi probably because she was too tall, and Saki was just too slippery to be cornered. Not for nothing was she the Berryz's Captain, after all.
"Reina, you're blushing." Matter-of-fact, with a hint of a laugh underlying the words. That only served to make the blood rise higher on her cheeks, and Reina stuttered stupidly for a bit.
"I hate to cut this short, but I'll have to go soon." A touch of elegant regret in both tone and feature. Ai was really getting into character. Reina found herself able to breath properly again the moment Ai pushed away from the wall, giving her what little space there was to herself.
Before she could even blink though, Ai darted in to drop a quick kiss on Reina's forehead, her lips barely grazing the surface of the skin, but Reina definitely felt it like someone had burned a searing brand into her flesh.
"There, I'll be going now." Ai ran her thumb and forefinger along the rim of her hat, smirking naughtily as she touched a finger to her lips. She waved over her shoulder as she disappeared around the corner. "Later~"
For the second time in a few minutes, Reina stared at the empty spot near the corner, this time with one hand on her face where Ai's lips had made contact. Her cheeks were still burning a bright crimson.
Gritting her teeth, Reina's hands closed into fists as she bit out savagely.
"It's that damn hat!"
No one paid any attention as Tanaka Reina stomped out, muttering to herself all the while. Moments later, the familiar strains of a tune echoed in the hallways, mirroring the performance outside.
Ai wo kudasai...
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*snickers*
I've discussed this with several people before, ever since High-King came out and all. Somehow, Ai seems to subtly shift personalities with and without the hat. It's weird. Lol. This in particular is set in the 2009 Wonderful Hearts tour where Ai was Mr Moonlight, complete with hat...which makes all the difference. Heh.
Note the backstage where Ai was in full Mr Moonlight regalia but having yet to put on the hat. Her attitude was totally different then. Stick the hat on and voila! Fic idea. :lol:
Oh and extra scene for everyone just because.
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That Day, The Hat
The moment they stepped off the stage after the MC, Reina reached over and all but tore the hat off Ai's head. Ai blinked, her hands flying protectively to shield her head a little belatedly.
"You are not wearing this off-stage." Reina said emphatically, clutching the evil (to her) hat close to her chest. Ai looked at her confusedly, scratching at her dripping hair awkwardly.
"If you say so..." Next to her, Risa shared a look with her fellow Gokkie, an identical sentiment of utter bewilderment mirrored in leader and sub-leader. They shrugged. Who knew what the little yankii was thinking?
Reina was secretly triumphant about her little victory, cradling the offending item in her arms as they continued down the corridor. She didn't even notice that she had fallen behind until one arm snaked around her shoulders comfortably, a cheeky grin aimed right at her.
"You're not red anymore."
With a laugh, Ai let her go and quickly jogged up to match Risa's pace. Reina gaped at their backs, or more specifically, at Ai's.
Looking down at the innocent-looking hat in her hands, Reina glared at it as if it was the source of all her troubles.
"Damn it..."
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Hehe. That was fun. :D
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!! I think we've had this discussion about the MC they had during WH before. How her Mr. Moonlight persona carried over from her performance. The way Ai talked and her body language was just like a boy. Seriously, just stick her in whatever outfit and she'll just switch on.
So, when's the gang gonna do some shoplifting? :D
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Now this. Is win. I've always said that Ai with a hat is pimpin' Ai. :P She needs to wear that hat more often if you ask me. :kekeke:
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The Problem With Hat
As soon as I figured out who the topic of the conversation was, my first thought was "Yossi's left one powerful aura in that hat." :pimp:
:rockon:
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lmfao this was great! Ai being the player again. :D She does seem to be extra confident when playing the Mr. Moonlight role. Reina cracks me up in this too. I like all your one-shots. =)
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Ahahahha! We had this convo too >D Ai + hat = WIN.
Love how Reina's the victim (don't I always?) Also love the end where it is discovered that it isn't the hat's complete fault. XD
Short but lovely :B
-wants moar-
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i love u~ XD i was also talking to some of my friends about how ai kinda changes when she ges into mr. moonlight mode XD*swoons* poor reina, she just gets attacked so easily, but then again,that's ai da playa for u XD it's cute how reina thought that the hat caused all of it when it only helped in .5% out of the 100 XD i cant wait for the next one~ keep it up! X3
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XD XD
Pimpin' Ai! :heart:
She does change when in her Mr. Moonlight mode. :D
Poor Reina~ XD It's not all the hat's fault. XD
One week... I will wait one week for the other one. lol j/k... take your time...
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LOL you're a comic genius! I think you already know that though :on lol:
Reina and her simple ideas, so perfect! So cute~! I love the girl to bits :lol:
All along I had a feeling Ai chan was just being mischievous....
hehe I can see Reina being the perfect victim when she's in innocent kitten mode XD
Ai chan probably wouldn't dare pull this on Sayu or Risa since she usually shies away from doing things with certain "consequences" XD
The ending bit rules! lol it would also be funny if there was a cat in the hat chapter XD Say if Ai chan didn't reveal the secret...I could see the kitty cat having a little fun of her own and taking no responsibility for what the "hat" makes her do XD
As always with your skills, this was brilliantly funny XD I also liked how it was hot...like really..and you didn't even have to go down that cookie path I tend to avoid :sweat:
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Oh wow, that hat certainly is something. XD It's entirely true though, fedoras transform Ai-chan into :drool: It's funny that only Reina seems to notice this "change". Poor girl~ :lol:MMM, but hey, I can't say I'd complain if I was being seduced by Mr. Moonlight.
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LOL, Reina noticing this change. XD hahaha.
AI is so sly~ :P
Ai is teh ultimate seme~ :cow:
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Estrea and I were chatting and randomly came up with this lovely story for you. Presenting a true crack fic to go. XD
It all started with some nuns. Not your ordinary nuns though. No. They were extraordinary nuns. They were jazz-singing, gun-wielding, assassinating vampire nuns that live on a boat. Missionary nuns on an evangelical trip, out to convert the world and spread the message of Love and Peace (tm) using their love machine to resonate the dreams of people who chase after them so much that they just might cry after a happy summer wedding; in which they wear naked smiles and head out to catch fish on an instinct because they are ambitious and have manpower and even if their tears don't stop, they will keep on walking until they achieve a girl's victory because they know one day everything will be alright as long as they do it now on the unexpected contradiction island where soap bubbles and oranges are plentiful and in their hometown where lights of summer shine down all day and night; a special summer night town where Mr. Moonlight dances to the big band filled with sexy impatience and cheered by noisy girls who are nestled by the gentle breeze, wishing that their dear boy would hold on to them at the love revolution 21 dance site, but this was a young memory, a light of their youth, because of a detective pepper, who always need a cup of morning coffee, came to cast a sorrowful twillight upon the town forcing the nuns to go find the osaka love song, a song about the seeds of love and peace, to free their town and the world because they know they are alive right here and now, so may girls' good luck always travel with the not so ordinary missionary nuns sailing around the world on a boat.
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Yay Fenrir! She came up with most of the bottom half, really. I only contributed a few lines. XD
That was fun! ;D
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Wow that was fun~!!!! XD
Crack-a-liciousss~!! :lol:
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lol my "gun-wielding vampire nuns that live on a boat" line made it into crack :lol:
LOL So crack-a-licious~ XD I can't stop laughing! :mon lmao:
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Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn, were you two able to get all of the singles' titles to fit in that? XD
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^ You betcha! Count carefully. XD
Use wiki for the translations as we used them to write the crack. XD Of course some are changed or shorten, but its all there. :D
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Nice!!! XD GJ Fen and Estrea~ It's like the fic version of Juunen Ai AKA the B-side of Bokura ga Ikiru My Asia.
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And I'm back! I was gonna go to sleep 2 hours ago, but then I decided to watch the Shouganai performance on Music Fighter, and suddenly I got hit by instant inspiration that just demanded my attention, and so was born this short. :D
Cute, pointless, random fluff. Maybe. XD
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Looking At You
"Look, you do it this way. Turn. Glance. Look. Glance back. Nod if you have to."
"Why do I have to do this? It's not switched on..."
An exasperated sigh. "Look, Ai-chan, I don't have to do this, but Gaki-san told Eri who told Sayu who in turn told me, that we have to do something to help you. I'm not sure how I ended up doing the job but I'm here now and I'll be damned before losing that bet to Sayu..."
Ai blinked innocently at Reina. "Bet? What bet?"
Reina coughed awkwardly, quickly changing the subject. "That's not important. We've got to get you to look into the camera properly now."
"But it's not running. Why do I have to?" Reina wanted to strangle the clueless leader. Or even better, that nosy sub-leader who started off this whole chain of problem-passing and eventual bet-making. Maybe strangling the devil she made a deal with would be a better idea...
"Ai-chan, this is important. This is for work." There, she said it. The magic word. If that didn't work, Reina would go kick the living daylights out of her 'reliable source', but not before screaming and breaking a few dishes. Girly frustration thing working itself out.
"Work?" Ai looked doubtful, but she did glance back at the inactive camera propped on its stand, the dark eye of the lens winking back at her. "I suppose..."
"Good." Reina briskly rubbed her hands together, glancing around quickly. There was no one around, which was useful, because Ai tended to run towards the staff for help in escaping uncomfortable situations like having to speak in front of a camera. As for the other girls, well, they would just distract her from the point of the lesson, which was, well, the camera.
And no one, except possibly Sayu, could beat Reina at this whole camera attention thing. It was a matter of pride for the little yankii. Not that the bet had anything to do with it, of course. Triple fudge chocolate sundaes had nothing to do with it. Okay, maybe a little. But we're getting ahead of ourselves here.
After a frustrating 15 minutes with the hapless leader, Reina provided a succinct assessment of the problem at hand.
"Ai-chan, you don't really have to keep staring at me when I'm talking. Hello, camera there, me here." Reina gestured as she spoke. Ai followed the directions Reina's hands were pointing, but there was no doubt about the fact that her attention remained very much on the younger girl.
"As much as I'm flattered by how you keep looking at me, when we're on screen, the camera is more important. See camera. Look at camera. Smile at camera." Reina sounded like she was addressing a little kid. Ai, for her part, just kept attentively listening, and you got it, looking straight at Reina.
"You have no trouble finding the camera when we''re performing. Just, do that thing you do. You know, not just when you're dancing or singing. You can do it when you're sitting still too." As if demonstrating, Reina turned to face the camera and smiled dazzlingly at it. Ai followed her gaze, her own smile lukewarm but sweet nevertheless.
"See, you can do it." Reina turned her attention back to Ai, who was already looking back at Reina. Ai seemed dubious about the whole thing, idly twining one finger around the lengthening strands of her hair. She continued looking directly at Reina, who shifted awkwardly under her gaze.
"Say...why do you keep looking at m--uh, the rest of us when we're talking on screen?" Reina blurted out to cover the moment. Ai blinked softly, pushing her bottom lip out a little as she thought about it, a cute frown crinkling her forehead.
"Well, isn't it normal to look at someone and pay attention when they're talking?" Ai seemed very sincere in her reply. Reina didn't know whether to laugh or hit herself on the head. So that was the problem.
"Ai-chan, that's what we do when we're off camera. When we're on air, you have to divide your attention between who's talking and the camera." Reina waved one hand at the object of the discussion. Ai sighed.
"I know, but..."
Reina raised an eyebrow, waiting. "But...?"
"It's not human." Ai mumbled under her breath. Reina stared at her. Really stared at her.
"Ai-chan, how long have you been in Morning Musume?"
"Um, 9 years?"
"How old are you now?"
"Uh, 22...almost 23..."
"You've spent like, what, almost half your life in front of a camera and you still haven't gotten over the fact that it's not human and so you cannot look at it properly." Reina threw her hands in the air. "I give up."
"Technically, 9 is half of 18..."
"And?"
"I'm not 18." Somewhere during the exchange, Ai had prudently decided to inch away before Reina decided to hit her for that. Fortunately, Reina did not resort to violence. Well, not physical violence anyway.
"I knew that." Reina glared. A hint of a smile touched Ai's lips, and she ducked her head slightly to keep it from being too obvious, using her hair as a convenient shield. Long hair did come in handy at times.
"Not the point. Anyway." Reina moved on. "Moral of the story. Look at the camera. That's it. Case closed. Done. Signed. Sealed. Whatever." Ai continued looking passively at her, twisting one strand of her hair upwards to brush at her own lips.
"You can stop looking at me now." Reina muttered, leaning back into the couch they were seated on. Ai also leaned back, but she didn't stop looking.
"Why are you still looking?" Reina growled, sulking as she tugged on her own hair. Ai grinned.
"Because you're still talking."
"..." Reina shot Ai a vicious glare that the latter blissfully ignored, now focused on her growing hair. Unbeknownst to the younger girl though, the older still had one eye locked on the little yankii's face.
Staring at her own highly decorated nails, Reina was jolted out of her self contemplation when Ai, surprisingly, initiated conversation of her own volition.
"Reina." The younger looked up, startled. Ai was staring at her again, making Reina squirm a little. The intensity of the gaze was actually making her uncomfortable in more ways than one.
Ai leaned in, shuffling closer to Reina on the couch, making the younger girl move backwards until she was pressed against the other arm of the couch, with no escape save for abandoning the couch entirely. Should that be necessary, Reina would certainly not hesitate to employ that move.
Their faces were close to each other, enough to make Reina feel distinctly self-conscious about it. She was certain the heat on her cheeks was merely due to shared body heat from the proximity. Not because she was blushing, oh no. That would be clearly absurd, and she will be moving away immediately any time now.
Reina could feel Ai's breathing mix with her own shallow ones, joined in the minute space that still remained between them. Those dark eyes were unreadable to her now, mixed in with a veritable cornucopia of emotions.
Just when Reina thought she was going to faint from the tension, Ai suddenly smiled and leaned back a little, reaching up with one thumb to wipe away the smear of chocolate that had been on Reina's lips.
"That was what I was staring at." Ai explained a little needlessly, leaning back into her own space. Reina remained in that position, staring with a certain amount of disbelief at Ai, or more accurately, at Ai's thumb. She was broken out of it when Ai licked the chocolate off, eyes twinkling with something akin to mischief. Reina's eyes narrowed.
"Ai-chan..." Her tone was decidedly dangerous. Sensing immediate danger to her person, Ai leaped off the couch, grinning like a little kid.
"I think I'll go practice some more now so bye!" She bolted, fast on her feet as always. Reina jumped up in pursuit, indignant.
"You're not getting away with that, Takahashi! GET BACK HERE!"
Assorted staff and crew went about their own business calmly as the girls tore down the hallway. You just got used to the energy level after a while. Part of the job.
After all, it was just another wacky day at the office.
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Random, pointless fluff. Hehe. XD
I can't help but notice that Ai just really stares at whoever's talking, and only looks at the camera when the person obviously directs their attention to it. Most of the rest will at least take a moment to glance back at the camera on their own without any further prompting. Lol. So that's how I came up with this. Hurhur. XD
Now I sleep. :D
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^
WOOOOOOOOOOO!!! FLUFFAGE!!!
:on lol:
The bit with Aichan rubbing off the smear of chocolate that was on Reina, THEN licking said smear herself.....:drool:
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aw~! it's so cute~! it makes me wanna throw up rainbows~ X3 XD
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lol this is another great one-shot. hehe I'm curious to what the bet was for Reina! I like how you wrote for Reina. It seems a lot like her, to me at least. I loved the hot moment with Reina and Ai lol damn it she should have just kissed Reina! That would have been so much better! Great job. :twothumbs
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It's true that one thing I've always noticed about Ai is that when someone is talking she stares at them with this wide eyed look like they are the most important thing in the world. It is super cute but you can also see she's the only Musume that does that.
Love that Reina is trying to show her how to camera-whore. :lol:
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YAY for cute, pointless, random fluff!!! XD
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FLUFF~!!!!!!!! LOTS AND LOTS OF FLUFF~!!!!!!! :heart:
So cute~! Ai-chan really does face the person who's speaking and not the camera. XD Almost like she is camera-shy. Even after 9 years. XD
Ah, you can never leave it out. Ai the player. XD
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hehe that was cute~ I could always use some fluff~ :stuffed:
lol now I'll always be thinking about this. Well not that I haven't noticed before but now it's funny XD Was just watching Watashi, Ai chan was looking off to the side, mostly at the ground and the sky, while talking XD
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That was TOO cute. Fluff~~~ <3 I actually find it hilarious when Ai's staring at someone and not the camera. XD There's also the moments when she just blanks out while eating... :P
EDIT: Omg, I JUST saw Fenrir's crack post. XD I don't get how I missed it. Good god, I laughed so hard I think my face is red, and it's gonna be stuck the way it is. :lol:
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LOL Hilairious! ^_^ I love "The Problem With Hat" story Estrea! :D
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:lol: This was brilliant!
It's so cute when Ai-chan just keeps staring at someone when they talk :oops:
*remembers a video she saw on YT*
Takagaki Subtext (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ae6xoRCn_k#ws-lq-lq2-hq)
:wub:
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Oh, cute~ That was my initial first thought! :lol: Reina should know better by now not to make deals/bets with the devil. :yep: But that was just so....I can't describe it. Ai-chan~~~~~ :wub:
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The Problem With Hat
Highlight:
Before she knew it, her back was to a wall and an arm propped itself up against the wall next to her face, preventing her from running off.
"Ai...chan...?" Reina swallowed nervously, pressing herself even further back into the wall. The rim of the hat sat low on her forehead, lending an ominous shadow to the suddenly suave expression on Ai's face. Or should one say, Mr. Moonlight...?
"You've messed up your hair...let me help..."
Why does even her voice sound different?!
I guess the person wearing it really matters...
Poor Kitty... XD
Clueless Sexy Monkey... :inlove:
Double personality Sexy Monley :love: :love: :twothumbs
Moral: Never let Ai-chan near a hat NEVER AGAIN XDDDD
Looking At You
Highlight:
"Look, you do it this way. Turn. Glance. Look. Glance back. Nod if you have to."
"Why do I have to do this? It's not switched on..."
An exasperated sigh. "Look, Ai-chan, I don't have to do this, but Gaki-san told Eri who told Sayu who in turn told me, that we have to do something to help you. I'm not sure how I ended up doing the job but I'm here now and I'll be damned before losing that bet to Sayu..."
The kitty rox :heart:
Sexy monkey :love:
Moral: New bet with someone you are sure is going to win XDD
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I am back! This came out of a random talk. Friendships are an interesting thing. XD
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Storm in a Teacup
Awkward silence.
That was how it felt like, eyes darting around from one object to another, flickering anxiously behind a facade of undisturbed calm. At least I hoped it was undisturbed calm. Where was Sayu and her trusty mirror when you needed one?
My eyes fell automatically on the restless one. Fidgeting in her seat, she managed to look like she was all over the place while remaining seated. Fiddling with her phone, absently nibbling on her bottom lip as she starts toying with the accessories on her phone with one hand, before switching over to tapping on the napkin placed on the table before her.
I correct her automatically, and she stops, eyes hooding a little as she sticks out her tongue at me, but complying with my words. She puts down her phone, evidently bored with whatever she was doing, and glances over at the third companion of our little party.
The serious one. Cellphone is one hand, she had her datebook in front of her and appeared to be jotting something down. She had gotten a mail just a minute ago, and whatever it was, it appeared to be important enough for her to note it down. Then again, she was fairly meticulous about work. So was I, but I think I can be even neater than her when it comes to certain things.
The lack of conversation bothered me. We had been chatting earlier, over various unimportant things and only intermittently about work. That was alright. Small talk was better than this dead silence that hung between the three of us. I was incredibly conscious of its presence, as if it was some living creature, stalking and snarling.
Before I could break that unusual tension, someone beat me to it.
"Ai-chan, look!" Kamei Eri, a flippantly wide grin hanging lopsided on her lips, thrusts the phone she had only just recently put down on the table right in front of one Takahashi Ai, interposing between the leader's gaze and the datebook she was still recently studying.
Ai blinked slowly, setting her pen down and looking at whatever Kame was showing her with a wide-eyed look that was both sincere and baffled at the same time. She frequently had that expression around Eri, I noticed. Then again, Kame was always moving at her own pace, and only the other two Rokkies could keep up with her in any way, and only imperfectly.
Me? I don't even try to keep up with her; I knew I couldn't. She had her own pace, I worked with that. But I had mine too, and while I accommodated enough to be able to work with her, I didn't adjust my entire thinking pattern to fit her flights of fancy. We were different people, I recognized that. I appreciated her strangeness, and it brought some amusement to be around her. It was just easy to goof around, if nothing else. Child-like, yet serious about the things that mattered to her. That was our Eri.
Ai-chan, on the other hand, seemed to have never even contemplated keeping up with Eri. She was content moving at her own pace, doing her own thing, just like I did. But I accommodated to Eri; she didn't. She simply stuck to being herself, floating along in her own little world, allowing the unpredictable force of nature known as Kamei Eri buffet her along in her wake. Yet she seemed somehow undisturbed despite this, as if she derived some peculiar enjoyment out of simply watching and following along, a nameless spectator in some game.
They were chattering now. I blink and jerk myself back into the conversation, nodding and making sounds of agreement despite the fact that I hadn't been paying attention for the past couple of minutes. Ai-chan also seemed to be agreeing with whatever Eri had been saying, replying with a thread of comment that seemed somewhat unrelated to whatever Eri was now talking about.
I stared at them like I was watching a strange tennis match. Were they even talking about the same thing? Trying to piece together whatever they were saying, I came to the conclusion three minutes later that while there was some confluence in topic, they seemed to be talking about entirely different matters while being on the same subject and page at the same time. Was this even a conversation, or just a babble session?
It then occurs to me that I was just sitting and staring, with nothing to contribute. Before I could even open my mouth to chip in though, Ai-chan turns and looks at me, tilting her head to look at me curiously.
"Why so quiet, Gaki-san?"
Eri grins as she chipped in. "That's so unlike you!"
"What, do you mean I talk a lot?" I retort, biting back a little defensively. "You should listen to yourself sometimes, Kame!"
"Listen to yourself too, Gaki-san!" She parrots back, sticking out her tongue again at me. Ai-chan laughs, her face scrunching up as she did. She always laughed the same way. It was familiar and somehow comforting to see it, even though the object of the laughter was most definitely me.
"Hmph." I choose not to dignify it with an answer, and Kame seems to take it as a sign of victory, turning and nudging Ai in the side with her elbow, a grin on her lips. Ai grins back, sharing in the moment. An unsightly emotion nudges at edge of my awareness; I push it away firmly, and it recedes, but never really leaves.
It falls to silence again, even as Eri fades back into her shell of disinterest, fingers playing with the napkin once more, folding it at different angles and unfolding it again. Ai is staring out of the window, her datebook now closed and pen laid on it. She seems to be thinking about something again. I find it difficult to read her. Sometimes she could be thinking about complicated things, yet sometimes her thoughts are of something so simple that I wouldn't have imagined that she would be thinking of them in the first place. That was when she used to tell me what she was thinking, when I asked. Somewhere along the way I stopped asking, and she stopped telling me.
Was I the only one who felt this silence to be unnatural? The tension was palpable, across the table. Across the table. I blink, suddenly noticing something.
I was seated directly opposite Eri, diagonally opposite Ai. This unnatural tension that was eating at me swirled like a miniature storm unseen in that space across the table, but I notice only now, with a start, that none of that storm's fury had touched the air between the two seated next to each other across the table from me.
They were not seated close together. Ai was leaning a little against the wall, her shoulder just barely brushing the flaked paint. Eri, on the other hand, was on the other end of the seat, sprawled a little outward, but not so much that she would roll and fall out should she somehow fall asleep. The actual physical space between them was a fairly sizable gap, but the air was dead calm between them, an easy silence that comfortably buffered them from each other as they spaced out in their own little worlds, but did not separate them so thoroughly that they were unreachable to each other.
In contrast, for all of the fact that the physical distance between me and them was not that much bigger than the space that lay between them, the yawning chasm that divided us was that much more evident, though invisible to the casual observer. It felt like I could never reach out to them, as if my voice could never cut through to them, lost in that invisible storm that raged in the distance between us.
I tear my eyes away from them, from the silence that was suddenly even more choking than ever. For lack of something to focus on, I let my eyes fall into the teacup I cradled between small hands, the rapidly cooling tea losing its ability to warm my suddenly cold hands. Despite that, I held on, as if it was the most fascinating thing on earth.
The tepid tea had captured not only my attention, but also my reflection. Rippling and distorted, an inverted image without color, just a wraith etched in shadow. I move it closer to me, watching the ripples dissolve my image, roiling like a tiny maelstrom in porcelain depths.
Conversations starts up again, nominally including me. I answer as I always do, but my hands remained tightly circled around the precious teacup, the continuous ripples never settling enough to capture me, however distorted, in its depths.
I have seen a storm. And now it won't stop, inside or out.
"You're not interested, are you?"
Ai stops in the middle of a historical digression, glaring at Eri, who only grins impudently in response.
"Nope! It's boring!"
There was no malice in the statement, nor in the stare. The deadlock lasts only a moment, before Ai shrugged, a wry grin on her face. She did not seem surprised.
"Figures."
Eri shrugs in reply, still grinning. They let the matter drop, moving on easily, as if nothing had happened. That never happens with me. Neither of them. I would have scolded Eri had I been in Ai's place, and I would have gotten into an argument with Ai had I ever let the situation go that far with her. It never just...ended...like that. It all seemed so anti-climatic somehow.
Dissonance. The ripples of the storm spread further. I grip it tighter, as if reluctant to let go. As if afraid to let go. How would such a storm break?
I am still afraid to know. That is why I don't ask. That is why I won't ask. I'll just let it pass.
And next time, we're never going out as a trio like this ever again.
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Random. It made me think. Group dynamics change along with its members. Add or subtract one, or several, and the dynamic changes yet again. Same people, different mix. A hundred and one results. Fascinating indeed.
So what do you guys think?
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Aw, this made me smile :) Gaki seems so cute, analysing it all so much while Ai-chan and Kame just... well... be themselves... I love the part where Gaki is describing how her, i guess you could say, relationship with Kame and how she deals with her, and then goes on to how Ai-chan does. I like that part coz its such a nice look into how things work behind the actual interactions that one sees. Actually, tis what I like about the whole, although it makes me think "Poor Gaki" and I wanna huggle her (more than I already want to), its an interesting way to look at the dynamics of their friendships.
Its like you analysing them by having Gaki analyse them... hmmm... yeah, that's a lot of thinking, crazy overthinkers :P
The end is awesome, it goes from like this intense mood to that last line that just makes me smile again.
It all just feels sweet... somewhat bittersweet, but sweet :heart:
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I must admit, I liked it a lot. ^_^
I liked how you described Eri and Ai. :D
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Mi finds this really entertaining and funnny.
Now it makes me wonder what would happen if Ai wasnt there and it was some other person..
or if Eri wasnt there..or maybe Gaki-san.
anywhoo..thanks for that osam one!!! 8D
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aww that was kind of
depres....erm deep!
I never thought it would be awkward for these 3 to be alone together. I think of Eri as this big ball of warmth that people can't help but indulge...so Gaki and Ai would be in mom and dad mode when left alone with her XD but of course this is a different spin on things which is far more interesting than what I imagine XD
Of course, it made me feel bad for Gaki though. It's sad to think that she can't be close to either one of them when they are both around but I like how Eri and Ai don't expect anything from each other XD
The last line is my favourite. It's like lesson of the day: two spaced out people in their own world plus one Gaki in off mode don't mix. XD
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Lemme first off say that I like the title. :lol: But as for the story itself, I almost don't know what to make of it. It's quite plausibly (sp?) true, that there is this sort of tension between Ai and Eri. Their relationships with Gaki are quite different, no doubt about it. But at the same time, I'd like to think they get along in their own way, maybe a bit like the way you described it. Ai and Eri couldn't be more different in terms of personality and actions but opposites do attract at times, yes? I honestly can't stand thinking that the girls are awkward around each other. :D
Thanks for making me think a little today. I'm exhausted but this was a welcome distraction~ :wub:
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Estrea and I were chatting and randomly came up with this lovely story for you. Presenting a true crack fic to go. XD
It all started with some nuns. Not your ordinary nuns though. No. They were extraordinary nuns. They were jazz-singing, gun-wielding, assassinating vampire nuns that live on a boat. Missionary nuns on an evangelical trip, out to convert the world and spread the message of Love and Peace (tm) using their love machine to resonate the dreams of people who chase after them so much that they just might cry after a happy summer wedding; in which they wear naked smiles and head out to catch fish on an instinct because they are ambitious and have manpower and even if their tears don't stop, they will keep on walking until they achieve a girl's victory because they know one day everything will be alright as long as they do it now on the unexpected contradiction island where soap bubbles and oranges are plentiful and in their hometown where lights of summer shine down all day and night; a special summer night town where Mr. Moonlight dances to the big band filled with sexy impatience and cheered by noisy girls who are nestled by the gentle breeze, wishing that their dear boy would hold on to them at the love revolution 21 dance site, but this was a young memory, a light of their youth, because of a detective pepper, who always need a cup of morning coffee, came to cast a sorrowful twillight upon the town forcing the nuns to go find the osaka love song, a song about the seeds of love and peace, to free their town and the world because they know they are alive right here and now, so may girls' good luck always travel with the not so ordinary missionary nuns sailing around the world on a boat.
.... the fuck?
LOVE EET. XD XD XD
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Storm in a Teacup
Hmmm...narrator's Risa, right?
Ai-chan, on the other hand, seemed to have never even contemplated keeping up with Eri. She was content moving at her own pace, doing her own thing, just like I did. But I accommodated to Eri; she didn't. She simply stuck to being herself, floating along in her own little world, allowing the unpredictable force of nature known as Kamei Eri buffet her along in her wake. Yet she seemed somehow undisturbed despite this, as if she derived some peculiar enjoyment out of simply watching and following along, a nameless spectator in some game.
Oddly enough, I find that this description of Aichan fits me pretty well when it comes to social situations (i.e. situations where I'm with a bunch of other people).
Dissonance. The ripples of the storm spread further. I grip it tighter, as if reluctant to let go. As if afraid to let go. How would such a storm break?
I am still afraid to know. That is why I don't ask. That is why I won't ask. I'll just let it pass.
And next time, we're never going out as a trio like this ever again.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm...very interesting observation. A lot of people don't often think of how relationship dynamics change depending on who or how many people are involved. TakaGaki works. GakiKame works. Considering the mutual link that is Risa, one would (at least) suspect that TakaGakiKame would work as well, but obviously here, that's not the case. It isn't necessarily that they're bad together. The "individual" parts are fine, but put together they just don't seem to work.
Maybe it's just because I'm hungry, but for some reason I'm seeing food analogies for this. For example, put peanut butter and jelly into a sandwich and it works. Put peanut butter and chocolate together and it works. However, a peanut butter-jelly-chocolate sandwich? There's just something..."off" about it. Again, it isn't necessarily that the combination is "bad", but it just doesn't "fit" together.
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Why do you always have to make my brain work so hard? :P
But it is worth it since Risa is in the fic XD Are you sure you didn't pick through the girls' brains? Because I'm pretty sure you right on the mark with how you potrayed them.
The genius never fails to impress with her writing *nods*
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EEEEEEEEEEHHHH?! I never commented on this!? Wow, I must have been feeling lazy the day I read this. DX
Damn, never thought of TakaGakiKame this way, but the way you describe them is spot on.
...Poor Risa. DX
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Ok, so I had a most awesome idea at 5am in the morning, and it came in the form of a fairytale. :D
Hopefully it will prove to be interesting. :3
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The Bard
It was a story from a long, long time ago...
There once was a princess who was much loved by her parents. Her parents, the king and queen, made sure that the princess never wanted for anything, and kept her safe within the walls of the palace, sheltered from all the evils of the world.
Now everyone knew of how great a love the king and queen had for their dear princess, and so they in turn showered their own fulsome compliments onto the frail little princess, almost fighting among themselves in their eagerness to demonstrate their loyalty to the beloved royals.
Now the princess too loved her parents greatly, knowing how great a love that they bore for her; thus she never disobeyed them, for that was how much she cared. Whatever was given to her, she accepted; whatever her parents wanted of her, she went along with, for she knew that they loved her, and she could do no less for such great concern that they bore for her
So this was how the people perceived their precious little doll of a princess, so beautiful and obedient and ready to please, and loved her more for it. And this princess, so much did she respect the wishes of her parents and the people she loved, never ever spoke a word for herself that was not expected from her by others.
And thus the years rolled by, and this beautiful little girl matured into an even more beautiful young woman. Doll-like in her perfection was this princess, who could do no wrong in the eyes of those who had ever seen or heard of her. It seemed such that she would always be so loved, for it was evident to all that she lived to serve those who loved her.
However this was not to be. For on her 18th birthday, disaster struck.
In this quiet little kingdom, 18 was the age of majority, and all royals were traditionally required to host their own coming of age parties, culminating with a speech to all those gathered in the city square for the occasion. It was a moment greatly anticipated by all, especially for this one princess, whom all had heard so much about.
For this beautiful, sheltered princess had never seen beyond the walls of the palace; so eager to hide her from the cruelty of the world her parents had been. This event would be her official introduction to the people, and there was no other topic as hotly debated in the streets in regards to the appearance of Her Royal Highness.
As for the princess herself, her speech had already been prepared by her loving parents; all she had to do was recite it to her people. She would, as always, hear and obey. For were they not her parents, her liege, and to whom she owed greatest obedience to for all the love they bore for her?
And so it was that the party within the palace, attended by the nobles, went smoothly. The young princess only ever needed to smile and agree with those she conversed with, for any undesirable people and questions were driven away by her stern chaperones flanking her on either side. No one should ever inconvenience her passing, for she was not to be harmed in either word or form.
All too quickly came the speech to the people, and for the first time in her life, the young princess stepped out past the inner walls of the great palace, up to the great battlements that overlooked the rest of the city.
The mass of people gathered below was great. All were eager to see the true face of the princess they had all heard so much about, but had never had the opportunity to see.
The faceless mass blanketed the square below, but the princess was not looking at them. Instead, her gaze was drawn to the horizon, set afire by the setting sun in all its glory, splashing the hills and plains of the country beyond the city limits with rich colors.
"Ah..." Her voice caught in her throat, and she almost forgot to breathe.
Beneath her, the thronged masses gazed adoringly at the beautiful princess now revealed, for indeed she was even more fair than had been rumored, and the people clamored for words from her.
Time stood still as the princess basked in that fiery light. Almost unbidden, thoughts foreign to her came springing to mind.
"I want to go there. I want to see what's beyond the hills." Quiet thoughts, no more than a murmur, and certainly nowhere near in volume from the cheering crowds who longed to hear their beloved princess' voice.
The cheers brought her back to where she was, standing on the great stone battlements as she looked out over at the faceless masses, steel grey in the shadow of the great castle. Her own voice seemed so small, so insignifcant, swallowed up in the massive tide of expectation.
The speech. She clutched it in one hand, knowing that she had to speak it, if only to quell the rising swell of voices raised from the throng below.
Beside her, the two heralds stepped out to the forefront, raising great bugles to signal for silence from the people
The crowd fell silent after the clarion calls, ready and eager for the message. It was time. The princess took a deep breath, and opened her mouth.
But no words came out.
Moments passed in tense, awkward silence, as the young princess tried desperately to say something, but all the words seemed caught in her throat, stubbornly refusing to emerge.
The blazing disk of the sun drew her eyes once more, to those mysterious hills set afire in its light, and again came that deep yearning. The wordless longing engulfed her, rendering her unable to speak, so long had she gone without ever expressing her own wishes, that she no longer knew how to voice it.
Uneasy murmurs came from the gathered people. Surely their princess would address them; was she not the most obedient daughter the great king and queen could ever desire? Was she not their most perfect princess?
A great hush swept over all present, even as the hooded storyteller paused in the tale. When no more seemed forthcoming after a few moments, one child asked.
"What happens next?"
Sounds of agreement came from the other listeners, all held rapt by this strangely woven tale. The storyteller clasped pale, weathered hands together, as if smiling, or not. The hood hid the true face of this wandering bard, who was earning her supper by telling stories for this little encampment.
"What happens?" The voice mused, for the bard was more a voice than anything else now, virtually a wraith in the flickering light from the campfire, further accentuated by the ragged cloak that muffled the person within.
"The people got upset, of course, when the princess did not speak. The cheers became something uglier, and the princess couldn't deal with it. So she collapsed."
"Did a prince come to save her?" Came one childish voice from among the crowd. Nods of agreement came from the other children, who turned eager eyes to the ragged storyteller.
"No." The children pouted, but continued nagging on for details. The bard smiled and continued.
"The King and Queen were most concerned for their precious Princess. They called in the best doctors in all the land to look in on the princess, who had not stirred from her bed ever since that day. The greatest minds in medicine came and went, but none could ever find any physical malady that ailed the young princess."
Wide eyes dominated the young audience, all who were mesmerized by the voice of the storyteller, who raised and lowered it in cadence to match the story unfolding. Now it was low and grave, and it drew the listeners closer to the fire, to better hear what was being said.
"But all knew that from that fateful day onward, the Princess never again uttered a single word."
The voice drew to a close, signalling louder than words that the story had ended. There was a pause, before the children erupted in a flurry of questions.
"You mean that's all?"
"Does she ever get better?"
"Why did she lose her voice?"
"Was it a witch?"
"What happens in the end?"
The children, no longer wary of the strange storyteller, crowded around her and badgered her with questions. Laughing quietly, the bard gently but firmly moved them away, raising her voice again in answer to those questions.
"How does it end, you ask." The children nodded eagerly, leaning forward.
"How do you think it ends?" It was a rhetorical question, but the general response from the young ones all leaned heavily towards a happy ending. The storyteller shook her head.
"Stories like these never really end. They just keep going on."
There was a mixed response to that, but the storyteller would entertain no more questions, and more firmly sent them back to their own beds.
Once more alone by the fire, the storyteller now sat closer to it, shrugging off her hood and pushing her hands as close as she dared towards the dancing flames.
It was in truth, she reflected, an old story. Yet it was not so very long ago; but in this foreign land so far away from the rolling plains of her home country, it might as well have been an eternity away.
The ending had been as vague as could be. Yes, the Princess never again uttered a single word. But if she stopped being a Princess...?
It was a cold night. She gathered her cloak more firmly around herself, curling up next to the fire as it lulled her to a gentle rest, to dream of further places not yet seen, but would someday reach.
For the Bard could go as the wind dictates, carrying songs and stories from different lands, seeing things that the poor, trapped Princess could never have experienced.
I have seen the hills and what lay beyond. Now, the rest of the world awaits.
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This could be anyone. But knowing me, you know I'm partial towards Ai-chan. :P I hope you guys like this. :3
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Dibs~
Ahh, I like this. :heart: Of course, I just imagined Ai as the princess in the first place :lol: I guess she just fits the image in my head. XD
I like how Ai made it sound as if the princess never physically spoke again, but instead rather, she just turned into her own person. <3 Naturally, the children weren't exactly impressed with the ending, because they want happy endings, sucks for them :P I especially love the quote:
"Stories like these never really end. They just keep going on."
because it's so true, especially with the stories with "happy endings". :) It reminds me of the quote from Ever After that is something on the lines of "And while Cinderella and her Prince did live happily ever after, the point, gentlemen, is that they lived." it's not the same, but it just reminded me of it. :heart:
Keep up all the good stuff, as usual! :)
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Wow, I really like this, in all it's non-angst glory. It was beautifully written as always. Saikami pretty much said what I wanted too...
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i thought of the smae thing X3 ZD princess ai(?) ftw~ XD
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Princess Ai, that was a good story to read, the fairy tale, and idk if I have commented here before but I love your writing :thumbup
If I haven't, gomen for lurking
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What's this? What's this?
There's no angst anywhere
What's this?
There's a princess story in the air
What's this?
I can't believe my eyes
I must be dreaming
Wake up, Fen, this isn't a renfair
What's this?
A princess turned bard? Don't tell me she'll meet up with a chakram warrior princess with a darker past and explore the world together doing good things??! *gasp!*
But a nice start! :twothumbs I want to know more; what she'll do and the crazy people she'll meet. :D Perhaps she'll start taking on quests to earn money?! :o Actually, I'm more curious how she escaped the castle? I have a silly image of Takeda helping her escape and he taking her place in the castle. That is the REAL reason why the Princess "can't speak." XD XD
K, I'll stop being a dork now.
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I rather enjoyed that, an unconventional take on the fairytale. I think if I got the same story as those kids then I'd be just as unsatisfied... haha, luckily you gave us just a little bit more. :grin:
Ironically, I've literally lost my voice so when I read this I lol'd (nice coincidence) - as much as one can lol without a voice. ^^; Suffering just a day wherein I couldn't really voice myself was bad enough so I can only imagine how the princess felt when tied down to her title for years since it wasn't just her speech that was stifled in that environment. I'd be interested in more of these tales by Ai (?) the bard if you ever get the inspiration.
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This fic coming from you, I would imagine Ai as the princess :D But reading on, no idea why but the image of Sayumi keep crossing my mind :P
"But all knew that from that fateful day onward, the Princess never again uttered a single word."
For the Bard could go as the wind dictates, carrying songs and stories from different lands, seeing things that the poor, trapped Princess could never have experienced.
The princess couldn't speak, not because she lost her voice literally, but because for once she couldn't address what is expected of the princess. Rather for once, she wants to voice her wants as the person that she is, that she just discovered. From that moment on, she relinquish her identity as the Princess and assumes the role of the travelling storyteller as we now read :D
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I was imagining Ai's the princess and the bard’s Ai too, as to how, that I do not know. Maybe somewhere in between, there'd be a flashback or something
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I rather enjoyed that, an unconventional take on the fairytale.
My thoughts exactly.
As I read the first third of it I couldn't help but think that the storyteller/narrator might have said this with a hint of sarcasm or even bitterness in his/her voice.
Then upon mention of the 18th birthday ceremonies I couldn't help but think that something major was going to happen...which it sorta did.
THEN I got to the "campfire" part, and I was like "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah. Clever there little miss bard, if she is who we all think/hope she is." :)
I could totally picture Aichan in this giving a little smirk. ;D
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I'm back with an odd little story! That all spawned from one line! :D
And that's the beginning sentence. XD
On with story!
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Half-Boiled
"Of course I have a libido, I'm not defective!"
The indignant voice crashed around the entire dressing room, silencing all who were present at the moment. The tense atmosphere was broken the next second by Risa dropping her hairbrush, followed by some mad scrambling to retrieve it, leading to bumped elbows, knocked knees, hysterical apologies from a flustered Koharu, and some deadly looks coming from the youngest member of the group.
The person with the outburst continued on with her conversation, albeit at a much lower volume, so as not to damage her friend's ear over the phone she was currently holding.
"So yes, I'm not defective; and no, I don't need to know." Pause.
"I don't want to know." Her voice was a little shrill at this point, but still immaculately controlled, despite the rising flush on her cheeks.
"You didn't have to tell me that!"
As one could possibly imagine, the object of the discussion was getting to be increasingly intriguing, and the audience of three (out of the 8 total present who were not involved in the conversation) were getting to be progressively more curious as time went by.
"I'm not going to talk to you again if you keep this up!" Another pause, and three pairs of eyebrows shot up as they watched their highly esteemed, incredibly tiny, and currently, extremely stressed leader move her jaw around in almost inarticulate fury.
"You...you..."
Put a dragon in one Takahashi Ai's place, and it would be puffing smoke and flames out of every possible orifice right about now. Except that she was human, and currently, a very red one. There were only so many topics that could make this leader flush to such a degree, which made the three Rokkies watching her very interested indeed.
"Go, just...go now." Ai looked like she was torn in between wanting to laugh and wanting to cry. Her cheeks were returning to their normal tint, and she seemed quite calm by the time she hung up and stuck her phone back into her bag.
"Ai-chan, are you ready to go yet?" Risa asked, completely non-plussed by the odd conversation. Either she completely missed it, or she was simply ignoring it. The curious Rokkies could not decide which, and they missed their chance to ask when their ever-reliable sub leader swept their amiable leader out of the door before they could even blink.
"So, who do you think it was?"
It was Reina who dropped the question in their minds, watching the topic skip across the grey tile of their wide dressing room, skidding to a halt at Sayumi's very large, very pink bag that was lying at said Rokkie's feet. As she expected, her bunny-in-crime picked it up, playing at it thoughtfully. Next to her, a sleepy-looking turtle slouched in her seat, absently playing with her hair while twirling in her swivel-chair. Yes. Twirling.
But never mind that. Back to the topic at hand.
"Hmm..." Sayu seemed to be considering it quite seriously. Reina, impatient, threw a possibility out in a somewhat hushed tone.
"...boyfriend?"
"Girlfriend?" Eri deadpanned in mid-swivel, staring upside down at a surprised Reina, who stumbled over in her chair without even getting up. "What?!"
Eri grinned slyly at Sayu, who smirked back at Reina's obvious shock.
"A-anyway, as I was saying..." Reina glowered lightly at the rabbit and turtle. "Who could it possibly be?"
"Well it sounded sort of intimate...maybe..." Sayu contributed (un)helpfully. Eri chirped in.
"Maybe it's Miki!"
Long pause. Reina seemed to actually think about that, but Sayu dismissed it out of hand.
"For goodness sake, she's already married!"
"And you think that would actually stop her?" Came Eri's reply. More silence, as the Rokkies pondered on the truth of that statement.
"Ai-chan couldn't possibly be..." Reina started a little weakly.
"What couldn't Ai-chan possibly be?" Came a cheerful voice from behind, as Risa popped out from seemingly nowhere. Ai was not with her. Probably off doing leader-ish things while the sub leader came back to rouse the rest of the troops. Delegation of duty, that was how the Gokkie leadership worked.
"Come on, stop chitchatting, we'll run late if you do." The responsible sub leader managed to pry all three out of their chairs with minimal effort, since the Rokkies were professionals, after all.
As they stepped out of the dressing room in a group, a bright idea came to Sayumi, and she turned on her reliable senpai.
"Gaki-san! Do you know who Ai-chan was talking to just now?"
Risa blinked, as she suddenly noticed three sets of very intent eyes trained on her. The predatory intent inherent in those gazes was somehow intimidating.
"Why do you want to know?"
"Well, don't you think that conversation was just a little weird...?" Reina tried pushing the idea subtly, or not so subtly, across. "Ai-chan was getting so...flustered..."
"Ah, that..." Risa frowned thoughtfully. "That's normal for them though, I think."
"You know who it is then!" Reina and Sayu burst out at the same time. Eri however, tilted her head to one side and asked.
"You...think?"
The other two Rokkies gave her a look for not being synchronized with them, but Eri only giggled it off as if it were nothing. Fortunately for her, that always worked to get her off the hook. So she was never above using it. Like right now.
"Why? Is there a problem?" Risa seemed genuinely puzzled, and not as reaction queen as she should have been. An odd realization was beginning to rise in two of the three Rokkies...
"So who is it?" Surprisingly, Eri was the one who moved it forward. She wasn't always as slow as her turtle persona seemed to be.
"Well, it's just..."
"Gaki-san! What's taking you so long?"
Risa was cut off from revealing the truth just as the object of the discussion flounced in from behind the group, making the guilty trio jump. Risa, however, held no such qualms, as she had absolutely nothing to be concerned about.
"Ah, Ai-chan, these three were just asking me about..."
"How we should really get going or we'll be late!" Sayu cut in smoothly to prevent Risa from revealing their line of questioning. Reina shot a grateful glance at the quick-witted bunny.
"Yes, we should be going..." Risa shot them a weird glance as Ai started to drag her away. The three Rokkies paused for a split second, as if in indecision, before trailing a few steps behind the Gokkie pair.
"Well that was close...we could have found out already..." Reina grouched. Sayu, however, had a worried expression on her face. Eri, noticing this, clung to Sayumi's arm, tugging on it slightly as if to ask her what was wrong. Sayu, when she did speak, had a slightly stunned look in her eyes.
"If Gaki-san knows..." Reina raised one brow.
"Doesn't that mean that she also approves?"
Silence. Even Eri didn't break that moment with something odd.
"Oh god..." Reina muttered. Eri however, shushed both girls on either side of her, gesturing at the pair ahead, who were talking about something between themselves.
"I can't believe she was telling me all that..." Ai was saying, or at least seemed to be saying. She was not exactly talking at a volume to be heard from a few meters away.
"About Fujimo..." A bunch of staff members trundled past with equipment, cutting off the rest of Risa's reply from their hearing.
The Rokkies had heard enough though.
"Oh my god."
"This is big."
"Adultery?"
The trio babbled out in hushed, horrified tones. They couldn't believe their ears. Sure, it was one thing to have boyfriends despite company policy. Sure, it was another thing to have girlfriends, despite how abnormal it could be. But...adultery? With another girl? More importantly, Ai? Takahashi Ai? The goody goody model leader of the group?
The world as the Rokkies knew it was ending.
~*~*~
Aika watched her target intently, except in a totally non-intent manner that would have betrayed the intensity of her scrutiny. She was good at that. The languid pose she so carefully cultivated only aided in that impression.
In a way, she was very sad that Koharu was going to be graduated. She would no longer be able to spend time with the older girl. Which was definitely a pity. She rather liked Koharu.
Hence why she was spending all her attention and free time indulging in Koharu-watching for now. She had to capture more memories of her somewhat ditzy senpai before she left.
Aika was a little strange like that.
She almost ignored everything else to exclusion, though she did notice the somewhat strange outburst Leader (no, Ai-chan, she mentally corrected with a smirk) had over the phone. It was a little strange, but she merely filed that under something to note for later in her mind.
Right now, top priority was one Kusumi Koharu. Time was short with her, so she had to grasp it while it was still around.
They had to gather soon, so Aika pestered Koharu into going with her first, so that Ai-chan wouldn't have to make two trips to come collect them later. Her Rokkie senpais seemed to be doing some serious pow-wowing, so she decided to leave them alone for now.
Naturally, Koharu got mildly distracted by something along the way, making Aika tag along with her. Aika didn't mind too much. They still had a little time, and the walking clock known as Niigaki Risa would probably serve as a reminder when she would pass by to gather the wandering Rokkies they had left behind.
Thus it was a little later when, somewhat to her surprise, she saw Ai-chan stop by the side corridor where she was chilling with Koharu to tell them that they had 5 minutes to get to the gathering place, before said leader zipped off down the corridor to collect her sub leader and the errant Rokkies.
With a shrug, Aika managed to get Koharu to move along with her, but they hadn't managed to go very far when they were cut off by staff members moving stage equipment down the somewhat narrow hallways. Thus it was that they were able to witness the following conversation.
As they waited, Aika heard the familiar voices of Leader and Sub Leader chatting on the other side of corridor that was blocked by the moving equipment.
"About Fujimon?" Risa sounded amused, yet relaxed at the same time.
"Yes! I don't need to know about private details, but Yukina-chan keeps teasing me about...this and that..." Ai sounded embarrassed and more than a little sulky at the same time.
"You're too pure, Ai-chan~" Risa teased, the Gokkie pair coming into view as the last of the equipment boxes were moved past them.
"Am not!" Ai retorted, puffing out her cheeks indignantly as the friendly pair continued on their way.
Aika smiled as followed after them, noting in passing the somehow frozen Rokkie trio some distance behind.
"Michishige-san and the rest seem a little odd today." Koharu remarked next to her, and Aika nodded, commenting.
"Maa, adults are weird."
That, at least, was something they could always agree on.
=================================================================
XD XD XD
In case you didn't figure it out, Aichan was talking about Kinoshita Yukina, who happens to be dating a comedian called Fujimoto Toshifumi, aka Fujimon. I just thought that it'd be funny if Yukina was teasing Ai with slightly pervy details about her own relationship, and Aichan, being Aichan, would be all "nooooo" at it. One thing leads to another, then came the defense about her having a libido, and misunderstandings from the Rokkies who only heard half of the conversation...both conversations. XD Yay jumping to conclusions? :lol:
Hope you guys like this!
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that explained it, I had a thought of the person but didn't know she was dating Fujimon (Sorry I don't keep up with japanese entertainment). Misinterpretation? The rokkies are like "wow Takahashi and Fujimoto" Now I can see why you would never go into the middle of conversations lol
Well good job, too bad I'll never be a great writer like you, well I'll try but it won't come out, ne ways keep it up
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oh~ X3 it's so cute and it teaches u a lesson XDDDD now if u only make a risa b-day fic i shall love u even more X3 XD
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The Bard
lol the title...makes me think of old men in tights :ph43r:...or a jolly fellow playing the mandolin XD
I kept thinking the princess was Eri...just cause she seems the most princess like in the group XD of course, I also knew at the same time it would be Ai chan XD
The storyteller clasped pale, weathered hands together, as if smiling, or not.
and the thought that I couldn't shake after reading the story? the hands! the poor hands! poor princess-bard... the desert has no moisture :k-sad:
Half-Boiled
LOL half-boiled! so funny :lol:
"Of course I have a libido, I'm not defective!"
libi...did I look that up before?...oh wait...no it was something else :ph43r:
now to think:
whose this that Ai chan could be talking to? Well if Risa's in the same room and not on the phone..then it must be Fujimoto!
"Maybe it's Miki!"
yeah, good thinking Eri!
"For goodness sake, she's already married!"
hmm...gal's got a point but it's Miki we're talking about!
"And you think that would actually stop her?" Came Eri's reply.
ah Eri, we agree on so much!
But...adultery? With another girl? More importantly, Ai? Takahashi Ai?
ah silly Rokkies...Ai chan doesn't even know the word Adultery XD Probably another fact that Aika knows and they don't XD
hehe the awesome Rokkiness!!! :nya: Eri~ :nya: Sayu~ :nya: Reina~
Totally love this story! :mon inluv:
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Ahahahaha!
Rokkies, always jumping to conclusions. XD So funny. They like to make up their own little story with only a part of the facts.
Oh Aika. Ever the observer. Watching everybody's move; ready to pounce at any moment.... or not... lol
Lastly, good ol' Aichan. XD So pure, innocent, and cute. :heart:
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Half-Boiled
Lemme guess, Akiko had just whacked Shotarou with her slipper when you were writing this, weren't you? :P
For anyone who didn't know, this is Kinoshita Yukina,
Yukina Kinoshita / 木下優樹菜
(http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/4700/000002ty7.jpg)
Profile
Full Name: Yukina Kinoshita
Birthdate: 1987/12/04
Bloodtype: A
Height: 168cm
Measurements: 88/58/86
Quoted from the Official JPH!P Kinoshita Yukina Thread (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=14881.0)
and the guy on the far right in the black shirt is Fujimon (aka the lucky bastage that's dating Yukina).
(http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/3057/ayameringue20090607fuji.png)
Oh the crackfic, how much we wub thee! :twothumbs
BTW Essy. *Tee hee* (http://tinyurl.com/yfvc6j4)
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Yay jumping to conclusions? :lol:
HAHA! :lol: I love your dialogue. Please keep having more of it in your head so that it can lead to more hilarious stories~
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:lol: :lol: Brilliant!
They still had a little time, and the walking clock known as Niigaki Risa
:rofl: :rofl: XD
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OMG :wahaha:
I'm so full of OMG this couple of minutes courtesy of shock, excitement and laughter, not that I'm complaining, they’re cardiovascular work out.
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Half-boiled
There are too many LOL moments but I think this one is my fave.
The world as the Rokkies knew it was ending.
I can just imagine those 3 standing in a line with their mouths hanging open in a daze :D
It's hilarious how every time Risa wanted to tell the 6kkies something had to cut her off :lol:
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Half-boiled
Hilarious, dramatic rokkies. Thinking Ai has fallen deep into pervdom, but they're not exactly innocent. Oh, and imagining them going from confused to frozen is extremely funny. :lol: (And Miki rules, just for eliciting that kind of fear in them!)
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Oh my god, this was so hilarious. XD
Haha, the Rokkies really cracked me up. *can't stop laughing* XD
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:lol:
I'm a turtle, so it took me 2 reads to get what was going on, lol. Hilarious stuff, though. The Rokkies definitely had me laughing out loud. Maybe they should've gathered up some guts and asked Aichan about it instead of quickly jumping into a seemingly far-fetched (though incredibly amusing) conclusion.
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Just a little dark fantasy.
Silent Hill 2 OST - Theme Of Laura (Reprise) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JozVfR-XavQ#normal)
Listen to this while reading.
===================================
Scream
Mama, Mama, it hurts. Make it stop.
Hoarse choking, fingers scrabbling across dust and grime. Came away wet; pained, broken. But still they reached, blindly, into the darkness.
I'll kill you, I'll kill you. Make it stop.
Low moaning, like a hurt cow. Breaths drawn in irregular intervals, like a broken bellows. A shrill scritching, the sound of a dozen rats chittering in the distance. Far away, a clock began to tick, slowly at first, then with melancholy booming.
Haa...haa...it hurts... Mama, it hurts...
Tears that were not, words that were not, gasping and muttering like a broken record. Knees, ground, in anything but a prayer. Rocking, back and forth. Hands, where were the hands?
I'll kill you, break you, tear it out of you. Just say it.
Say that you love me.
A strangled sound, sickness rising from the throat like a monster boiling out of the depths, mangled screams accompanying in its wake.
Where were the hands?
Augh...uwao...it hurts, it hurts. Love me, leave me. Don't...
It hurts and I'll kill you. Ahhhh, Mama, it hurts!
Hands, guilty hands. Broken, dirty, filthy hands. I'll kill you. I will not. Crushing, breaking, loathsome hands.
I will take my sin and make it yours. I'll break you and be free.
The hands are here; around my neck, around yours. You smile up at me, a ghastly grin. I smile back, and the shadows are still screaming...
I killed you and you killed me, in a macabre fantasy.
In the end, we are still not free.
===================================================
Mhm.
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One word, Deep... My super low brain can’t decipher it ;D
*reads again*
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Something i like personally, dark tones
It is such torture to understand pain
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Ehhhh, I was disturbed when I wrote the above. XD Nothing new there...
Anyway, something cute to compensate the mental trauma.
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Stutter
Another concert over. A stream of tired yet pumped up girls streamed through the narrow hallways, all giggly and chatty. Adrenaline was in the air, practically electrifying the atmosphere around them. As it always did after a successful concert.
They split, as always, flowing into separate streams heading into adjoining dressing rooms. There never was enough space for 9 girls and all their things in one room, so they had to be placed in separate rooms. Of course, that didn't prevent the girls from migrating into each other's dressing rooms like a flock of ducks in spring, be it to borrow accessories or just to talk nonsense. They were pretty close knit.
For some reason or other, the same few people always got sorted into the same group. The first time it was assigned, and the next few times as well; until it sort of became more of a habit to just separate themselves that way whenever they had different dressing rooms. Then again, since nothing was stopping them from dropping by the other room, it didn't really change anything.
There were just four in this one room, since they were an uneven number. But it was soon to be an even number, and eventually it would be 4 each to a room. No one there mentioned the fact though, especially since the graduating member was with them.
"Ah that was a great concert!" Reina pumped her fists in the air, stretching with the motion. Koharu was practically bouncing from the excess of adrenaline, but she seemed more subdued than usual. Since this was her graduation tour, it wasn't so surprising to have her worry surface from underneath her cheerful mask.
"But, Ai-chan did it again, ne?" Aika pointed out with a wink and a grin, nudging said leader in the side before scooting away out of reach. Ai pouted, huffing a little indignantly.
"Well I don't do it on purpose!" But her defensive tone didn't hide the fond smile directed at Aika for having called her "Ai-chan" instead of Takahashi-san. Her little project to brainwash, um, educate all of Hello! Project to address her informally was finally making some progress.
"Well if you did it on purpose, it wouldn't be called fumbling with your words." Reina added, high-fiving the youngest member of the group as she did.
"Maybe Ai-chan should just make that her charm point." Koharu piped up, joining in the fun. The yankii and her disciple (?) laughed even harder. Reina spluttered in between fits of laughter.
"At least you'll have an excuse to do it then!"
"Mou..." Ai grumbled, amused yet annoyed at the same time. Turning away from the others, she started removing bits and pieces of her stage costume, while digging around in her bags for her casual clothes.
The conversation moved on swiftly. Reina liked to talk, and Koharu was always loud. Aika had faded back quietly again, only joining in when she felt like it. Ai, as always, kept to herself. Depending on the topic, she could probably join in as well, but she wasn't feeling quite up to it at the moment.
The concert was great, as Reina had put it earlier. Being strict with herself though, Ai knew that she wasn't fully satisfied with it. In addition to having to ward off Sayu's affectionate attacks (which were fast becoming a regular occurrence), Ai had found herself stumbling over her lines a lot.
That bothered her. Even though she was outwardly serene and quiet, inside she was mentally reviewing all the mistakes she had made, as well as the other dissatisfactory parts. She would probably review it closer after the staff passed her a copy of the recording for today.
All members received their own tapes after performances, stuff that was never available for the public. It allowed them to pick through individual mistakes, review their own performance, and generally see themselves as the crowd perceived them, in order to improve.
What's wrong with me? I just can't get my lines out right. Ai frowned to herself, running her hands through her sodden hair to free the tangles in it. Behind her, Aika slipped out of the room with a sports bag over her shoulder, clearly heading to the showers. The yawn that had punctuated her announcement before leaving clearly told of the youngest girl's exhaustion. Nothing a good shower and rest couldn't cure though. The young recovered fast.
Deciding that what she really needed now was a good shower (since she was really sticky at the moment), Ai picked up her stuff and headed out, pausing only to calm an overly excited Koharu down from all that gesticulating while babbling. Reina caught her eye briefly, a narrow look that seemed oddly speculative before Ai turned away.
Staff members swarmed around the halls doing their usual thing. The girls might have the main part of their jobs done for the day, but for many of the backstage crew, the evening still had a long way to go before being finished. Not being able to help out much, Ai wisely stayed out of their way and nodded her acknowledgement often. She didn't want to seem unappreciative.
Truth to be told though, all these minor gestures were more of a habit than something done out of conscious consideration. One didn't stay in the industry for almost half her life without picking up a few things along the way. It didn't cost her to do those things, and it kept people happy. That was something she had learned from her senpais.
Not in any particular hurry herself, Ai wandered down the corridor at her own pace. There wasn't anything scheduled early next morning, so she didn't have to rush through everything here and head home for another nice long soak in the bathtub before going to bed.
Still lost in her own thoughts, Ai jumped when someone tapped her on the shoulder, letting out a shout bark of surprise. A girly giggle came back in response, and Reina popped out from behind.
"You still have that manly scream..." Ai stuck her tongue out reflexively, slapping Reina on the shoulder for scaring her.
"So, what's up?" The younger girl fell into step with the leader, the two walking on in a comfortable atmosphere.
"Nothing really..." Ai deflected the question with her usual air, but was pinned back with another straightforward question from the blunt girl next to her.
"Really? You don't always get that funny look in your eye unless something's really bothering you."
Ai smiled wryly at that. Reina was always far more observant than anyone gave her credit for. Then again, for whatever reason, Reina had somehow always been able to tell when Ai was feeling irritable. Coupled with her distressing tendency to get to the point, the two girls had more than once gotten into shouting matches and/or gushy heart-to-heart talks in the past.
"Nothing you have to worry abet...I mean, about." Ai pouted at her own mistake again. She did tend to stumble over her words even in private...
Reina gave her another knowing look, but didn't press further, at least not directly. Just when Ai was thinking that she had gotten off the hook, Reina said quite casually.
"Gaki-san covered for you again earlier, didn't she?"
Ai stiffened slightly, a movement so minute that it would be otherwise unnoticeable, but not for Reina. That and Ai's forehead also wrinkled slightly at the thought, her nose scrunching up.
"Ha! I knew it bothered you!" Reina declared triumphantly. Ai puffed out her cheeks, exhaling slowly as they returned to normal size. "It doesn't!"
"Oh really?" Reina continued on with a flippant tone. "So you don't mind that Gaki-san gets more of the closing lines to every single group MC, that she covers for you when you slip up, and is acting more like a leader than you in public..."
"Shut up!" Ai snapped without thinking, then slapped one hand over her mouth. Reina didn't seem affected by the outburst. Instead, she seemed rather smug about it.
"See, I told you it bothers you!"
"It doesn't!" Ai insisted stubbornly. "I was just...upset about messing up my own lines, that's all."
"That's not all there is to it, and you know it." Reina prodded her accusingly in the shoulder. "Don't think I don't know how you really think, leader."
"Don't just go around assuming you know everything about me!" Ai snapped back hotly, stopping in the middle of the hallway, hands on her hips. "This is my problem, it has nothing to do with Risa!"
"Of course it has nothing to do with Risa." Reina rolled her eyes. "But it has everything to do with how subleader is doing everything for you, and you hate it." Reina gave Ai a piercing look.
"Don't lie to me, we all know how seriously you take this whole leader business."
Ai snorted. "Says the one who so desperately wanted to be leader herself."
Reina smirked. "That's my problem, Ai-chan. And we're talking about you here, so don't change the subject."
"Urk." Reina shot her another smug look.
"You can't win with me, not when I'm right."
Ai muttered mutinously for a few moments. "Can't we just drop this?"
"No." At Ai's death glare, Reina went on.
"Look, I'm trying to help here. Let's get this out of your system before you really have an epic fight with our beloved subleader. God knows that went really well the last time you guys yelled at each other and refused to talk for a week."
Ai chewed on her lower lip sulkily, before giving in grudgingly. "Fine, I have a problem. So what?"
"Deal with it." As always, Reina's advice was brutally to the point. "So you fumble over your words, why let it bother you? I don't bother, and I mess up my intonation all the time."
"You do it on purpose sometimes!" Ai argued, and Reina grinned.
"Ya, and it's purty fun~" Despite herself, Ai laughed. Reina smiled, her softer side showing through on her face.
"Don't be so serious, Ai-chan. Just go with the flow. The fans don't mind it when you make little mistakes like that. I actually think they rather like it." Reina deadpanned at the end.
Ai smiled faintly. "Perhaps..."
"And as for Gaki-san, don't feel like she's taking over your share of the work. She's doing her job, you're doing yours. Remember, you da Leader!" Reina deliberately exaggerated the last bit, prompting another giggle from Ai.
"Thanks, Rei."
"No tru'ble!" Reina gave her a thumbs up, and they grinned at each other, before bursting out in laughter.
"Ai-chan! Tanakacchi! What's so funny?"
Speak of the devil, and she shall appear. Risa came up from behind, smiling broadly. Reina swiftly mimicked Ai's Fukui-ben as an answer, earning her another slap from the leader and a loud guffaw from the subleader.
As they headed towards the showers, Ai caught Reina's eye again. This time she smiled in thanks, letting Reina know her gratitude for that little pep talk. The answering glance carried little more than a shrug, letting her know that she would do that anytime.
Her smile was honest this time. It was good to have friends.
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Cute friendship fic, with a blink-and-you-miss-it TakaGaki in the background. XD
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lol well that was a cute fic that warms the heart :heart:
well your RenAi still flows through you :lol:
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I won't comment on that first fic, except to say I still think someone is into S&M :P (c'mon... this is jphip after all)
As for the most recent one, how... cute? XD I'm not sure if the way we write Aichan anymore is necessarily "cute", but it's also not the opposite. :P The same issues seem to be coming up all the time for her, eh? Including this time some balancing of Rei-Gaki. :lol: As far as Reina is concerned they do seem to just act quite friendly to each other, although I'm a bit suspicious of that "Rei" usage (yes yes, I know that's how they used to be...). Could this be more a reflection of reality though...? Like my fic perhaps...? XD
Speaking of which, I noticed many things similar in here too, including that subtle angsty TakaGaki :ph43r: and an over-amorous Sayu... Don't tell me we're rubbing off on each other that much now! :lol: Or maybe I just now finally get it... :ph43r:
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Scream was very interesting. Yeah, that's the word for it.
Stutter. I love little short stories about things like that. You managed to capture everyone's personalities perfectly, as usual and I love the tiny nuances that appeared.
Her little project to brainwash, um, educate all of Hello! Project to address her informally was finally making some progress.
:lol: :lol:
it has nothing to do with Risa!"
"Of course it has nothing to do with Risa." Reina rolled her eyes. "But it has everything to do with how subleader is doing everything for you, and you hate it." Reina gave Ai a piercing look
*raises eyebrow yet says nothing*
"Look, I'm trying to help here. Let's get this out of your system before you really have an epic fight with our beloved subleader. God knows that went really well the last time you guys yelled at each other and refused to talk for a week."
That's so cute. From mentioning the fight to the 'beloved subleader' part.
And still, though you may squint and turn your head, this IS a friendship fic. Friendship. I love it.
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You still manage to bring out the TG vs RA war even in this little short fic. XD
Kamu Kamu Aichan :heart: But poor girl. She needs to stop internalizing it all, but that does make her Aibutt... What a conundrum...
Write more cute stories!! The other one was too morbid. *ruffles hair*
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Reminds me of STAR Digio. After reading the show's translation, my TakaGaki love was a bit shaken by it, I kind of started to believe there’s more to ReinAi than AiGaki, not to mention the fact that one of my greatly admired fanfic writers writes ReinAi with a high voltage interpretation attached. But I have recovered :D
"And as for Gaki-san, don't feel like she's taking over your share of the work. She's doing her job, you're doing yours. Remember, you da Leader!" Reina deliberately exaggerated the last bit, prompting another giggle from Ai.
Amen to that.
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Such a cute ReinAi friendship story. :heart:
I could see why Aichan would feel bothered about the whole issue with Risa; I know I'd feel the same way if a colleague of mine started to (seemingly) take over my very own position. That's why I'm glad there are people like Reina around, willing to give out pep talks for those who need it. And Aichan definitely needed it.
Nothing's better than feeling confident and assured about one's self. :D
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Scream
:on blackhole:
Thank goodness that's not the last fic I'm reading before going to bed :sweat: It's only the second last! :stoned:
Stutter
In addition to having to ward off Sayu's affectionate attacks (which were fast becoming a regular occurrence), Ai had found herself stumbling over her lines a lot.
It's totally the bunny's fault! That and love! lol of course Reina has a more reasonable take on things :lol:
Hehe so cute that Reina's all helpful and without getting all frisky~ Always a welcome surprise! :k-wink:
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I'm back! Well actually I was sleeping, but then I suddenly had this brilliant idea that made me leap out of bed and write this. I'm too restless. ^^;
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The Idiot and the Airhead
"So, from now on, it's alright to just call me Ai-chan, ok?"
Widened eyes, shocked expressions. That was how the juniors in the Project looked at the moment. To have a senior be this friendly, it was kinda scary. Creepy, even. It went against all kinds of traditional notions, especially those of hierarchy that was built into the language and culture. It was practically in their blood. And now this person was telling them to just drop the formality and address her on equal terms.
She must be either really nice or just crazy. The unanimous agreement ran throughout the young ones. Back when a certain Nakazawa was still around and the Great Leader (TM) of the Project, no one, absolutely no one, would ever call her "Yuu-chan". No one but the inner circle, a selected few. The rest knew better than to show any disrespect.
Nakazawa Yuko might not be an ogre who ate babies, but the kids were taking no chances. Scary was scary, and they valued their lives (and sanity) greatly.
"Eh~ What's this? A secret meeting?" Came a familiar voice from behind. Eri, accompanied by Sayumi, popped up without warning. The turtle had her eyes half closed, but was clearly able to see exactly what was going on. Sayu giggled next to her.
"Ara Ai-chan, laying ground rules with the kids?"
"Ahahaha....you could put it that way..." Ai laughed awkwardly, one hand messing with her own hair. Turning to the wide eyed kids, Ai smiled and sent them on their way.
"You're really trying to get everyone to call you Ai-chan huh?" Sayu observed, looking at the retreating backs of the juniors. Ai smiled absently.
"Well I don't really know how to be someone who leads, not like Nakazawa-san or even Yoshizawa-san, so I just thought it would be better if we were all friends?"
"Maa, that's just like Ai-chan." Eri piped up, grinning in a lazy sort of way. Opening her eyes a crack further, she smiled sleepily at her senior. "So are we still going shopping on Thursday?"
"Of course. Don't be late!" Ai added on as an afterthought, but from her expression one could tell that she didn't really expect Eri to not be late. Sayu laughed at them.
"Just do what I do, Ai-chan. Tell her to come early. Since she'll be late for that, you'll end up meeting her right on time~" Eri whined, pouting for effect as her best friend and leader laughed.
"I'll try that next time." Ai promised with a grin, prompting Eri to complain to Sayu about how she was teaching Ai all the wrong things. The squabbling pair of best friends continued on their way.
Picking up her schedule, Ai looked through it while walking through the building. Dance lessons were already wrapped up earlier, and they had free time before heading for the next practice. Ai was interrupted in her musings by yet another familiar voice.
"Oi, Ai-chan. Ran into Maasa just now. Kid says that you're making them all call you Ai-chan." Ai didn't even have to turn around to identify the speaker. Familiar voice aside, the Hakata dialect gave her away all too readily.
"Ah, Reina..." Ai cocked her head politely to listen. Experience told her that Reina wasn't done talking anyway. She was right.
"Some of the Eggs are terrified." Reina seemed to smirk at that. "The really young ones are all in shock, apparently. They probably think you're crazy."
"Eh!?" Ai blinked in confusion. Just what was that supposed to mean? Here she was, trying to be nice, and they just got frightened? Was there something wrong with her?
Just as Ai began to panic internally, Reina continued.
"Look, you're like, the leader of everything now." Explaining patiently, Reina seemed more amused than anything else. Raising one hand, she started ticking off titles.
"One, you're leader of Morning Musume, which is like the flagship group of the Project. Two, you're the leader of the Project itself. Three, you're the oldest." Glancing at Ai to make sure that the leader was following her, Reina chuckled when Ai made a face at the last 'title'.
"I didn't even choose to be all that." Ai complained. Reina shrugged.
"Well you're stuck with it. Too bad." Ai looked like she was about to protest, but resigned herself to sulking. Reina laughed before moving on.
"There's more, but basically, the young 'uns are mostly in awe of you." Pausing a moment, Reina corrected herself. "Well, the noobs are, the more senior brats in Berryz and C-ute know you're a pushover." That earned her a shove from the pushover in question. Reina grinned unrepentantly.
"Pushover or not, they all really respect you though." That stopped Ai short, and she was about to deny it when Reina shut her up with a well placed look. And a finger to the leader's lips.
"You mean you never noticed? The kids in C-ute totally idolize you. The brats in Berryz don't say it, but they do too. Not sure about the Eggs, but I'm pretty sure they all think you're cool. If only they knew..." That earned her yet another shove. Ai might not be able to say anything, but actions did speak louder than words.
"That's not true..." Ai was blushing darkly at the compliments, casting her eyes downward to stare at the floor. Reina chuckled again.
"So when you tried to get them to call you Ai-chan, I think they were really floored. It's like having your beloved Johnny Depp come up to you and tell you to call him by his first name." Reina added with a hint of sarcasm. Ai blushed even harder, shuffling her feet around in embarrassment.
"So, why are you doing it anyway?" Reina asked, partly because Ai looked like she wanted to dig a hole and bury herself inside, but mostly because the silence was getting strange.
"Um, well, you know how I asked Nakazawa-san and Yoshizawa-san about how to be a good leader, but they both said the same thing. That all I had to do was just be myself." Ai looked a little dismayed by that. Reina resisted the urge to laugh at her expression.
"So I uh, decided that I didn't want to be the scary senior. Figured that it was easier if everyone just addressed me informally." That and being called Takahashi-san all the time was starting to make her feel old. Not that Ai was about to admit that.
"Good job, you're just scaring them in a different way now." Reina deadpanned. Ai blushed and had the grace to look embarrassed. Twisting the strands of hair with her hand, Ai said in a small voice.
"There's more..." Reina folded her arms, leaning against the wall casually as she waited. Taking the cue, Ai did the same, the two equally small girls standing side by side, shoulders touching.
"I...wanted everyone to be closer. More like a family, you know?" Reina raised an eyebrow. Ai smiled briefly.
"Everyone's still so young, and we're still quite busy compared to normal girls, so we don't really get to spend time with our families. I didn't want them to feel like there are huge gaps in between senior and junior. We should all get along."
"Hn, you might be right." Reina conceded, recalling how things were back when she had been the newbie. Ai nudged her in the side, making the Fukuoka girl blink in surprise.
"You do realize this is all your doing." Reina stared at Ai uncomprehendingly. "Har???"
"Back then, we were close too, but Yaguchi-san said that you were being disrespectful because you were calling me by name without honorifics." Ai reminded her. Reina frowned. "Oh yeah..."
"I didn't like being told what to do either." Ai confessed, causing Reina to smirk. "But because of that, I started to think that there shouldn't be too much formalities between friends, to hell with tradition." Reina's eyes widened at Ai's language, clearly surprised by the blunt manner. Sometimes the former yankii forgot that Ai could play a lot rougher than her delicate exterior appeared to allow.
"So I figured if I let everyone call me Ai-chan, then they won't feel so distant from me." Ai concluded. Reina hummed quietly, thinking about it.
"Huh, that's nice..." Although if everyone addressed her the same way, it somehow felt less special. Reina's expression reflected some of her inner thoughts as her lips unconsciously formed into a pout. Ai, who was keeping a close watch on Reina, giggled.
"Don't feel so bad, Rei~"
The familiar pet name made Reina jerk sharply, her head turning so quickly that she nearly sprained a muscle. Ai was smiling. Reina looked down. That smile was way too sparkly.
"I wonder why you stopped calling me that." Reina admitted. Ai had dropped the private nickname after Mari's lecture, experimenting with other nicknames like the 'Tanakacchi' Risa bestowed on her, before settling on simply calling her by name.
"Well, since you couldn't call me Ai anymore, I didn't want to continue using that. It didn't feel right somehow." Ai shrugged. The leader paused, pursing her lips together as her forehead crinkled in thought.
"You know, I didn't think about it before, but since I'm the most senior now, no one else can scold us for being too familiar." Ai looked pleased. Reina raised an eyebrow.
"So...can I call you Rei again?" Reina internally flinched away from the puppy eyed attack Ai was (un)intentionally unleashing on her.
"You already did just now." Reina muttered, turning away. Stupid teenage crushes. She was not going to be all infatuated with the idiot again! Not after finally getting over it years ago. Even more so since the bumbling leader had been too dense to notice anything at all.
"Then you get to call me Ai again." Ai, completely oblivious, was smiling brightly to herself.
"Only in private." Reina said quickly. At Ai's questioning gaze, she sighed.
"Well, won't the others get curious if we suddenly change the way we address each other?"
"Does it matter?" Ai was absolutely sincere. Reina wanted to bang her head against the conveniently placed wall behind her. Could the girl be any more dense?
"Well, I want it to be private." Reina said quickly, then decided that maybe banging her head against the wall now would be a good idea. Fortunately, Ai didn't seem to think anything was wrong.
"If you say so." So pleasant, so oblivious. Reina sighed. Truth was, she just didn't want anyone else to catch on to the pet names and start using them as well. She wanted it to be just for the two of them.
Maybe she wasn't quite as over the crush as she thought she was.
"Well, I'll see you later at practice. Thanks for everything, Rei!"
"You're wel--" Reina froze in mid-sentence when Ai cheerfully kissed her cheek before skipping away. What the hell she never does that!!!
Even as Reina was hyperventilating inwardly, Ai giggled to herself. It was worth seeing her Rei's cute blushing face again after all this time. The Fukui girl might be dense, but she wasn't blind.
Perhaps, there might just be hope for them after all.
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Well, the title suits them. XD The idiot and the airhead...
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-drags self out of lazy lurker mode-
ReinAi... :heart:
Am I the only one surprised there has been two one-shots in a row without any angst!? Then again, you put in a Nanchatte update between them...so it shouldn't count. It's a miracle nonetheless! :D
I like the stories based off of the old nicknames between them. :heart: Makes it seem more realistic. ^_^
Poor kids...Aichan scaring them like that. :lol: I'd be scared too, especially after Nakazawa ruling with an Iron Fist for so long...XD
The Fukui girl might be dense, but she wasn't blind.
There's hope?! :w00t:
Sorry for my semi-lazy comment. :sweatdrop: Write moar~!!!
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A very crazy story overall, especially the last part to the story
oh well my comment should be suffice :lol:
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:wub: :wub: :wub:
Pure awesomeness XD
I will never have enough of this Rei~ thing, it's just so damn sweet :wub:
The title totally for the win :twothumbs that really is the image I have of them :lol:
And Ai wanting to create this huge family, it's so in her style XD
"Well, I'll see you later at practice. Thanks for everything, Rei!"
"You're wel--" Reina froze in mid-sentence when Ai cheerfully kissed her cheek before skipping away. What the hell she never does that!!!
Even as Reina was hyperventilating inwardly, Ai giggled to herself. It was worth seeing her Rei's cute blushing face again after all this time. The Fukui girl might be dense, but she wasn't blind.
Perhaps, there might just be hope for them after all.
Aww~ I'm overkilled by the cutness of this scene :inlove: but yeah....we always knew there is a hope for them XD
I'm afraid that I'm becoming addicted to your ReinAi writings...=.=
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Damn you! I was just starting to not like this pairing again and then I read this! :lol: :lol: I miss when you wrote Takagaki... Still, so cute!
Nakazawa Yuko might not be an ogre who ate babies, but the kids were taking no chances.
:lol: :lol:
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I'm glad that you write about RenAi over TakaGaki :D
When I first saw the title I thought it was going to be about Ai and Eri (the airhead and the 'aho'), but was very happy to see the kitty cat pop out and nursing a crush on the leader :lol:
Lol at the Yuko reference :lol: She can't be that bad if Reina managed to survive a takoyaki party with her, had dinner with Yuko and friends, and even succeeded in getting Yuko to make salad for her because she asked and Yuko hates cooking XD Then again, it must be the yankii blood :lol: XD
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Cute! :heart: I remember reading about the whole nickname exchange between Aichan and Reina. I thought it was terribly sweet that they were incredibly willing to drop off all the formalities since they've become close friends; though, it sucks that Yaguchi found out about it, lol.
It's nice to see that someone wrote a story about that particular ReinAi history, even incorporating it with Aichan's little goal of trying to get all the other members to address her informally.
Truth was, she just didn't want anyone else to catch on to the pet names and start using them as well. She wanted it to be just for the two of them.
Oh, yeah. I know how that feels... :sweatdrop:
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"Some of the Eggs are terrified." Reina seemed to smirk at that. "The really young ones are all in shock, apparently. They probably think you're crazy."
:wahaha:
"Good job, you're just scaring them in a different way now."
:lol:
"You already did just now." Reina muttered, turning away. Stupid teenage crushes. She was not going to be all infatuated with the idiot again! Not after finally getting over it years ago. Even more so since the bumbling leader had been too dense to notice anything at all.
Lovely and funny
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Fluff!!
Moar fluff!!! This is what you should be writing more. None of that Nachatte Renai angst. >.> :P
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Dude, that was pure awesome. XD Fluff~ <3
...But isn't there an egg now who's older than Ai? I remember people saying that she was a graduate student. ._.
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The Other
"Ah, Reina-chan! Good to see you again!"
"Hai...is Ai-chan around?" Reina asked politely of the girl's mother, who looked pleased to see Reina pop by the house.
"That girl's in her room right now, been in there for the last hour. Maybe you can drag her out." The older woman invited Reina in, the younger girl closing the door behind her and slipping out of her shoes at the entryway before following with a soft "sorry for intruding". She did have manners.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Ai's mother bustled off to do more household chores, leaving Reina free to look her friend, colleague and leader up.
"Ai~ I came over to play~"
No answer. Reina poked her head into the room. Other than the light from the computer screen, there was no other significant light source other than the sunshine filtering in through the blinds on the window.
The object of her quest sat in front of the open Macbook, staring intently at the screen. Reina noted the headphones on Ai. No wonder the girl hadn't noticed her presence.
With a smirk, the 20 year old snuck up slowly on the oblivious Ai, ready to tear the headphones away to surprise her. Just as she got within range, she heard Ai sigh out loud.
"Kirei..."
Reina paused in mid-action. Curious as to what got that reaction, she peeked over Ai's shoulder to look at the screen as well.
A video was playing, and it was apparent that it was some sort of movie, or something very much like it. Ai continued to ignore her presence, eyes fixated on the screen.
When a black haired girl appeared onscreen during the video, she heard Ai sigh again.
"Kakkoii..."
Reina twitched. She didn't like the way Leader sounded just now, like a teenage girl with a crush. And over some kind of animated character? What kind of obsessive problem is that?
The footage switched to something very obviously from a game, and Reina's eyebrow twitched further as Ai leaned in further with all the fixation of a gaming otaku. The reformed yankii had to resist the powerful urge to slap the older girl across the back of the head to bring her to her senses.
Deciding that she was not going to be ignored any longer, Reina gripped Ai's shoulder and shook rather firmly. Ai jumped a little in her seat, pausing the video as she turned her head around to look up at her visitor.
"Reina! When did you get here?"
"For the last few minutes." Reina said sarcastically, draping her arms over Ai's shoulders and and embracing her from behind, resting her chin on Ai's shoulder as well.
"What are you looking at?" Ai took off her headphones and leaned comfortably into the embrace, clicking through the site idly at the same time.
"Oh, just some Final Fantasy stuff. They've got some really cool things in store for XIII this time."
Reina tuned out the details as Ai enthusiastically went on to note some of the new things in store for her favorite game series. There was just no stopping Ai once she got to babbling about something she was passionate about. Like Final Fantasy. Or Takarazuka.
Instead, she buried her face into Ai's neck, nuzzling comfortably into it. She had always liked the subtle scent Ai had on her, a scent unique to the woman. Like a puppy, or a cat, Reina happily basked in that scent. She didn't often get the chance to do this unless they were alone, and only when Ai was otherwise distracted, like right now.
While Reina could normally be less than bothered by whatever Ai had to say about her games, something Ai said suddenly made her ears perk up, and she jerked sharply up to pay attention to just what exactly Ai was talking about.
"...she's really cool-looking, I really like her..." Besides just what exactly Ai was saying, Reina was far more concerned about the way she was saying it. Glancing upwards to look at Ai's face, Reina frowned at the obviously lovestruck expression Ai was wearing as she talked about one of the game characters. She looked back at the screen. Ai was zooming in on that character.
Oruba..Yun...Fangu? What kind of gay name is that?
Reina was not happy. What made her mood fouler by the minute though, was how Ai talked about this...this...thing.
"...she's pretty..."
I'm pretty too! Reina protested inwardly. She glared at the game character. Prettier than her!
"...really badass..."
I'm more yankii than she'll ever be! Reina growled softly, eyes narrowing to slits. Ai, either completely oblivious or just ignoring what was going on, continued.
"...sexy..."
I'm sexy too! Reina muttered under her breath, tightening her grip on Ai just a teeny bit more. Why are you staring at her more than me?
"The tattoo is really cool, and I like her hair." Ai concluded. "Can't wait to play the game."
Reina growled again, this time more audibly. Ai, if she noticed, didn't say anything. Instead, she paused as she scrolled through the screenshots from the game.
"Hey her breasts are really nice. Very realistic!" Ai complimented, before commenting about how most other female game characters usually have assets that defied gravity and thus were not as appealing.
Meanwhile, Reina had kind of suffered a mental shock at the linkage of "breasts", "nice" and "big". Ever since learning (and accepting, however reluctantly) that she was the "small breast character" of Morning Musume, her ego in that area had become extremely fragile.
"...Reina? Reina?" Ai called out gently, shaking slightly to try and get a reaction out of the girl clinging to her. Did I overdo it?
"...does Ai like a game character better than Reina?" Reina sounded depressed. Ai bit her lower lip to keep from laughing out loud. She had half-expected the reaction, but experiencing it for herself was still the best. Still, she felt a little horrible about doing this to Reina.
"Well..." Ai pretended to think about it. "Fang really has perfect features, just the way I like it..."
Reina felt like she was going to cry. She didn't though. Instead, she pulled abruptly away from Ai, turning on her heel to leave. "Hmph, if Ai-chan likes the game girl so much, Reina will go away now."
Before Reina could actually walk away though, Ai spun around on her chair and pulled Reina back. Not expecting the move, Reina lost her balance and landed right in Ai's lap --- exactly as the older intended.
"Ne, hold on..." Ai murmured into Reina's ear, wrapping her arms around Reina's midsection to keep her resident yankii captive. Turning back around to face the screen, Ai pointed at the screenshot of Fang on the screen.
"Look more closely, Reina." Stubbornly, Reina refused to look, struggling instead to get out of Ai's grasp. However, the tiny leader was stronger than she looked, and kept Reina right where she was.
"Fine, if you won't look, I'll tell you myself." Ai whispered into Reina's ear.
"She has black, spiky hair...a really yankii attitude...small breasts actually..." Ai tightened her grip on Reina as she finished, blowing lightly into Reina's ear and nibbling at the earlobe seductively.
"Remind you of anyone?"
Reina blanked out the moment Ai started getting all intimate with her, but she did hear what Ai had to say. The pieces fell into place in her head, and she flushed as she put it all together.
"That's right, Rei...sounds a lot like you back then." Ai teased. "Just the way I like it."
"What about Reina now?" Reina tried to sound less vulnerable and more confident, but failed miserably. Ai chuckled, burying her face into Reina's hair.
"I'll admit, I miss your black hair, but..." Reina shifted around on Ai's lap to face her. Ai gazed at Reina with a burning affection.
"The one I like is Reina. Doesn't matter how you look as long as you're my Rei."
Reina blushed, then covered it up quickly by suddenly capturing Ai's lips with her own. Ai was startled, but nevertheless recovered admirably to receive the challenge.
After the short but intense make out session, both had goofy grins on their faces. Reina leaned contentedly against Ai, nuzzling against the older's neck like a kitten. Ai rubbed Reina's back fondly, smiling indulgently as Reina purred at the action.
Suddenly Reina raised her head, looking intently into Ai's eyes. Taken partly aback, Ai stared back nonetheless, wondering what was wrong. Reina had a strange expression on her face as she glanced back at the currently dormant Macbook screen.
"Ne, Ai, promise you won't cheat on me with that Fang girl, ok?"
Ai's eyes widened comically. "Huh?"
Reina sighed dramatically. "Well, you spend so much time playing your games, I don't want you to end up really falling for that girl while you're playing..."
Ai pouted, defending herself indignantly. "I don't play that much, and I'm not that delusional..."
Reina giggled, glomping the still defensive Ai in mid-rant. Whispering into Ai's ear, Reina sounded smug.
"Gotcha."
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Kekekeke.....
The idea came to mind after I translated the article Ai was in for Game Enta!, where she talked about Final Fantasy in general, and the new FFXIII game coming out in particular. She said that she liked the black haired girl, so I went looking for the trailer to track her down. After looking at the video, I couldn't help but notice the similarities between Fang (the girl) and young yankii Reina. A hop, skip and jump later, idea was born. :D
See, cute story. :D
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ROFFLES! That was just absolutely hilarious, yet, at the same time, so true. We all have our moments of having a "thing" for fictional characters, regardless of how ridiculous it may seem, looking back on it. Although, I'm actually quite glad that Aichan's reasoning behind her liking for Fang makes for something cute and plausible. Fang really did remind me a lot of Reina when I first saw her in the TGS trailer.
It's cute that Reina got all jealous of some video game character. :lol: And Aichan's one heck of a charmer!
"Hey her breasts are really nice. Very realistic!" Ai complimented, before commenting about how most other female game characters usually have assets that defied gravity and thus were not as appealing.
Who'da thunk Aichan pays attention to that particular detail? XD
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Reina bothers her in the middle of her gaming lol
Well I think that was hilarious when Reina is trying to gain her attention but it was a fail and then she implements her plan onto Ai
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LOL i loved it XD keep it up X3
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LMAO Given a choice between Reina and any gaming character (or person for that matter), the answer is quite blatant. But then again, Ai is hardcore XD
Hmm there is some similarities between Reina and Fang...wondering if it's done on purpose :lol: Glad you picked this up Essy XD
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Well, at least it's happy. And (annoyingly) cute. XD :twothumbs
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She didn't often get the chance to do this unless they were alone, and only when Ai was otherwise distracted, like right now.
Taking advantage I see
Oruba..Yun...Fangu? What kind of gay name is that?
Damn :lol:
"She has black, spiky hair...a really yankii attitude...small breasts actually..." Ai tightened her grip on Reina as she finished, blowing lightly into Reina's ear and nibbling at the earlobe seductively.
Oh, so that' how she looks like.
"Ne, Ai, promise you won't cheat on me with that Fang girl, ok?"
:lol:
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Gamer Otaku x Jealous Kitten what a cute couple :wub: XD
I love how Ai plays her game with Reina teasing her and kitten just totally falls for that :lol:
And that Fang girl hot indeed, I guess it means Reina needs to get a tatoo now XD
You always have brilliant ideas :twothumbs
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MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
You really did write a story about this and it's a fluffy ReinAi story. :heart: Yay~!!
But you still need to do 10 CHAPTERS OF FLUFF~~ :D
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Wrote this during my exile and posting it on the fly. Kthnxbai.
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First Love
It was a first love she never forgot, and would never forget.
~*~*~
First day in a new school. The girl sighed as she hefted her bag over her shoulder carelessly, walking with a swinging stride as she approached the gates of the imposing building.
Heads turned and whispers started to multiply as she passed; the girl noticed and smirked, holding up her head proudly as she continued on. She loved being the center of attention, loved being noticed by everyone else. Her dirty blonde hair was a definite attention grabber, as was her attire.
She had always been defiantly different from the rest. Where some girls hitched up their skirts to make them as short as possible, the girl noted this and went the other way and lengthened it instead, reasoning that doing the reverse of an already unconventional style was a certain way to gain attention. Her tie was also shortened beyond regulation, giving her an even more rebellious appearance.
Everything about her was pretty much non-standard, and despite the constraint of uniform, the girl had managed to go out of her way and customize it to be different. And everyone definitely noticed.
Unfortunately, so did the teachers, and before she even made it into her assigned classroom, the shrill screeching voice of a harpy, err, teacher, gave her her marching orders to the disciplinary office. The girl rolled her eyes and complied, strutting off towards the office with everyone's eyes still on her.
And so it was that Tanaka Reina, 2nd year high school student at Morning Girls' Academy, became the fastest person ever to receive detention for a new school term.
~*~*~
Reina yawned and stretched as she finally came out of the tiny classroom that doubled as detention area. It had been a long first day, especially with the detention on top of everything else.
Exiting the building, Reina looked around and saw a few of the sports clubs already practicing. The seniors had to train, after all. The academy had a reputation to uphold. Recruitment for the first years would not start until next week, and Reina supposed that she would have to join the first years in picking a club or society to join.
Otherwise though, the school seemed pretty quiet. Most people usually left school grounds the moment they could, unless they had club activities. Or detention, like she did.
It would be a little difficult fitting into a new environment, coming in like this as a second year, into an elevator school where just about everyone already knew everyone else. More than half of the students probably went as far back as pre-school together, so there was a definite exclusionary wall against outsiders.
Well, I don't need them. Reina sniffed haughtily. She was a one-woman sensation all on her own. She didn't need people to approve or disapprove of her, because she knew she was special.
Given that this was her first day, Reina decided she would explore the grounds a little, get to know the place a little better. Skirting the main areas where other people usually went, Reina wandered around, trying to spot good places where she could use as a hideout whenever hanging around people become a chore. While Reina liked being around other people, there were times where she just wanted to be alone for a while. Not very often, but there were times.
The academy was pristine and beautiful; Reina knew that the current school grounds were relatively new, having been rebuilt a scant five years ago. The old school buildings were mostly torn down for the reconstruction, but there were a few of the older structures still standing on the far side of the academy.
That was where Reina eventually ended up. Ignoring the 'Keep Out: Danger' signs on the rusty gates, Reina slipped through a gap in the fence and looked around. She knew better than to enter the old buildings of course, she wasn't sure if they were structurally sound. But that still gave her a decent amount of space to roam in the open areas, and so she continued walking.
The grounds here were wild and overgrown, a sharp contrast to the carefully maintained lawns of the main school building. Stepping carefully, Reina looked around curiously. Given the relative desertedness of this area, she was fairly sure that if this had been a co-ed school, it would be a hit with couples seeking some 'alone time' away from prying eyes.
I guess an all girls' school probably wouldn't make use of this place like that. Reina thought wryly. Deciding that there probably wasn't much to see of this place anyway, Reina was going to turn and head back out when a melody reached her ears.
It was not quite a song, but a wordless tune that seemed oddly soothing. Curious now, Reina followed the music, wondering who would be in such a place aside from herself.
At the back of the compound, under a faded sakura tree, she found her answer.
It was a girl, of course. A student too, since she was wearing the same uniform as Reina (well, in the standard way). The tree she sat under arched over near the back entrance of a worn building, and the girl sat in the combined shade of tree and overhang, humming.
Reina stood there quietly, listening to the melody without comment. It felt oddly familiar, yet not at the same time. There was an oddly half finished quality about it, as if the composer had yet to finish the rest of the score.
Shifting her weight, a twig cracked under Reina's foot, and the melody stopped. The girl under the tree paused, before turning to look straight at her. Despite the distance, Reina could see the anticipation on the girl's face, as well as the disappointment following it.
Deciding that it was best to introduce herself since she had already been exposed, Reina shrugged and approached the girl, who stood up politely to regard Reina with a curious look in her eye. Now that Reina was closer, she noticed just how totally and completely unremarkable the other girl seemed, with everything about her uniform according to regulation and a generally modest appearance. If this were anime, the girl would probably be Generic Shoujo A. Not that Reina said that out loud, of course.
"Hi, I was just exploring and didn't expect to see anyone here." Reina explained with a sheepish grin. The girl smiled.
"It's ok." Her voice was low and quiet, a voice that could fade into nothing and never be remembered. In contrast to her singing voice, it was a big difference, but Reina sensed that the girl was probably just shy.
After a few more moments of silence, Reina broke the silence easily. She always did know how to make conversation.
"So, I'm Tanaka Reina, second year in the high school section. I just transferred in."
"I'm Takahashi Ai, third year high school. Nice to meet you." Ai bobbed her head politely in greeting. Reina grinned.
"So I guess you're my senpai. What are you doing here anyway?" Reina always did get to the point. Ai smiled vaguely.
"I'm waiting for someone."
"Ah..." Reina did not press further, sensing that it probably wouldn't be a good idea to ask for details since she barely knew the girl. "Well, I'll just clear out now so that I won't disturb you."
"It's ok if you want to hang around. I don't mind." Ai smiled. "Waiting on my own gets a little lonely sometimes."
"Well if you say so! I don't feel like going home so soon anyway." Reina shrugged and made herself comfortable under the tree. After a moment's hesitation, Ai sat down as well.
It took a while to get Ai to start talking at all, so Reina did what she did best: talk. She filled in any potentially awkward moments by diverting the conversation to herself. She always had an amusing story to share, or just something to say in general. Ai was probably the best audience Reina ever had, quietly listening with a look of rapt attention in her eyes. She actually seemed interested, instead of simply pretending to be interested.
Time flew by rapidly, and it was getting a little late when Reina finally decided she probably had to head home. When asked if she wanted to walk home together, Ai shook her head with the same mysterious smile.
"I think I'll continue waiting a little while longer." The smile grew a little brighter.
"It was nice meeting you, Tanaka-san."
"Eh, don't call me that. It makes me look around for my old man." Reina made a face, and Ai giggled lightly. Reina viewed that as an improvement, and noticed that it made the older girl look quite cute.
"Just call me Reina." It felt a little odd to let someone she had only just met this afternoon call her by her name, but somehow it just felt right. Ai nodded, replying.
"Then you can call me Ai as well." Her smile really was very sweet. Reina found herself smiling back unguardedly. It was nice to be around someone as sincere as this.
"Well I'll see you again. Take care!"
Reina left, feeling a little better about this new school. She had made a friend.
~*~*~
It was break time the next day, and Reina found herself back inside the old compound, not really expecting to find Ai there but going anyway. She wanted a nice quiet place to eat her lunch, and the sakura tree seemed good enough to her.
Ai was under the tree again as she approached. Reina caught the flash of disappointment that went through the older girl's eyes when she looked up to see who was coming.
I guess the person she was waiting for still hasn't showed up. Deciding it was none of her business, Reina greeted Ai normally, taking a seat next to her senior.
At some point in their casual conversation, Reina asked.
"Do you come here everyday?"
Ai hesitated. "Um...yes." She seemed awkward about the question, and a faint blush was on her cheeks. That just reinforced Reina's assumption of just who Ai was waiting for. Although the yankii did think that whoever it was that was making Ai wait was an idiot.
Dropping the subject, they moved on to more mundane things. Ai opened up a little as well, sharing little tidbits about herself, like the things she liked. Reina also learned that Ai had a little sister, who was attending the middle school section of the academy at the moment.
The break was over all too soon, and Reina quickly stood up to head back. When Ai didn't get up to follow her, Reina looked back questioningly at her. Ai grinned, a slightly impish expression that made her look quite adorable.
"I run very fast. Now go on, or you'll be late."
Reina growled playfully at the jibe about her speed. She knew she shouldn't have shared those stories about how slow she was at running. Speaking of which, she really had to go, or it would be detention for two days in a row. And Reina definitely did not want that.
Ai watched as Reina hurried away. It was nice to have a friend after all this time.
~*~*~
The following weeks went by in a blink of an eye. Reina practically went to the old school compound every day, it having somehow become sort of a secret meeting place for her and Ai. On one hand it was a little sad since it meant that Ai was still waiting for whatever idiot who kept not showing up, but Reina was still glad to be able to find Ai there during breaks or after school.
It was nice having a friend who would listen to all her problems, nice to have someone to brag to about stuff, and just nice to be around Ai, generally. The older girl seemed so understanding, always willing to listen to her and have a smile ready for her. Despite everything, Reina found herself growing quite attached to the girl. Ai felt oddly reliable, despite how easily she cried at things, and how withdrawn she generally seemed to be.
They were young and it was all too easy for friendship to waver into affection, almost resembling infatuation. It was not something that occurred to Reina easily or quickly, given how remarkably dense she could be about certain things, but even she could not deny that she liked seeing Ai.
It took quite a while before Reina finally managed to ask something that had been nagging at her since the first time they met.
"Who are you waiting for?"
Ai hesitated, before answering slowly.
"Someone...important to me."
Though Reina had expected the answer, hearing it still brought an unexplained pang into her heart. So Ai liked someone, and obviously liked that person a lot, otherwise she wouldn't be waiting for that person every day.
"Someone you like?" Reina had to confirm it. Ai paused, then nodded with a blush.
Reina said nothing, her face suitably expressionless to hide the odd feeling welling within her. Of course Ai would have someone she liked. Despite her deceptively plain appearance at a glance, Ai was really quite pretty if one took the time to look.
"Does Reina have someone she likes too?" Ai asked curiously.
"Uh..." Reina thought back to her previous schools. She had never really grown attached to people in an intimate way. Some of the boys in her previous school had been kind of cute, but well, it wasn't really 'like' she felt for them.
"No." Reina said after that long pause. "No one really." She confirmed to herself a second time. Then she chuckled wryly. "I don't need to; boys used to confess at me at my old school but I just turned them down cos they were boring."
"That seems rather lonely." Ai remarked. Reina turned to look at her sharply. She had not expected a response like that. Ai looked up at the sky.
"Reina seems like the type to have a lot of friends, you know?" Ai continued as she gazed up wistfully. "Always surrounded by people."
"Un, I guess so..." Reina admitted grudgingly. She always did attract a crowd, either of people gawking at her, or people who just liked to hang out with her due to her outgoing personality.
"Yet, Reina comes here to talk to me every day, despite all the other people she could be talking to." Ai looked over at Reina with a grateful smile.
"Reina is very kind." Reina blushed at the compliment, looking down quickly and staring at her half eaten lunch, pretending to eat.
"But you're really lonely, aren't you?" Reina froze, her chopsticks poised over her lunchbox. Ai smiled sadly at the younger girl.
"Reina always has a lot of people around her, but those people only look at your appearance. They don't really look at you."
"Reina doesn't need them." Reina muttered stubbornly. "Reina doesn't need other people. Reina only needs herself."
Ai's smile remained the same, understanding and sad. Sad not because of pity, but because of the understanding. Reina did not want to look at that face.
Ai did not seemed rebuffed by the silence. With a distant gaze, she went on.
"I admire Reina. To be able to do your own thing, to stand out and be different, to keep going even though you're scared and lonely..."
"Reina isn't scared!" Reina cried out, standing up abruptly. Her fists were clenched, teeth gritted into a tight line. She was on the defensive and she knew it.
"No, of course not." Ai agreed. "Reina is too proud to feel that way. Even if you are lonely, you'll still show a cool face to everyone else." Ai smiled.
"Because that's how Reina is."
It was too hard to argue against her. So Reina turned and ran away. Leaving the older girl to stare after her forlornly. Ai looked up, staring at the faded sakura tree above her.
"If I could only have been half as confident..."
~*~*~
She did not go to there the next day. Or the next. Nor the day after.
Reina spent the whole time interacting with her classmates, reasoning to herself that she needed to bond with them even if they were not completely open to outsiders like her. After all, she still had a little more than a year and a half to spend with this class until they graduate. It would be better if she made friends there as well.
It was a little awkward and difficult at first, but Reina's natural charm managed to win some of them over. The girls who were originally rebuffed by the seemingly yankii appearance slowly discovered that Reina was actually far more trendy and girly than her image suggested.
She even went out with some of her classmates, going to the movies and to karaoke, and taking purikura together. It felt like normal for once, something ordinary high school girls would be doing. Nothing like the semi-clandestine meetings she kept having with Ai. As if they were secret lovers or something...
It was almost two weeks later before Reina finally slowed down in her frenzy of social activity. Two weeks without seeing Ai. Despite going out with so many different people, doing different things each time, it all still felt empty. She enjoyed the outings, but they never felt truly meaningful, unlike the long conversations she had with Ai under the sakura tree.
It was then she realized she missed the older girl. Missed seeing her, missed talking to her, missed being around her in general.
Deep down, Reina knew Ai had been right that time. She was lonely, and had been for a long time. She had always been able to hide it before, even from herself. She drew attention to herself with unconventionality, as if to fill that void. But all it had really brought in the end were empty words and empty smiles.
Reina wanted to see Ai. Because the older girl understood. And was the first one to notice just how utterly alone Reina had been all this time.
~*~*~
"You're back."
Ai greeted Reina neutrally, a tentative but welcoming smile on her face. Reina paused, before thrusting out a carefully wrapped box.
"Sorry about the other day." Reina muttered. She had woken up extra early to make an additional lunchbox for today. Reina was surprisingly domestic, yet another side most people never saw to her.
"It's alright." Ai smiled gently back. The lunchbox was set aside, but Ai did not touch it. Reina looked at her questioningly, and Ai just shook her head, hugging her knees to herself. Reina tried not to stare at the expanse of thigh revealed by the action, stopping at the pair of boyshorts Ai wore under her skirt. Reina smirked at the boyish side to the seemingly demure Ai, and thought about how they both hid other sides of themselves from other people.
"I'm not really hungry." There it was again, that sad and faraway look. Looking at Ai, Reina felt a sense of irritation growing within her. It bothered Reina how Ai always looked so sad, waiting on her own under the tree for someone who just never came.
"You shouldn't have to keep waiting like this." Reina finally said out loud. Ai shook her head.
"It's something I chose to do."
It really annoyed Reina how Ai was so devoted to this mysterious person even after all this time. Couldn't the girl take a hint from the continual no-shows from that person?
"They're not coming." Reina said flatly. Ai tensed, but didn't respond.
"You shouldn't waste your life here. You have to move on." Reina urged the unmoving Ai.
"I asked her to meet me here. What if she comes after I leave?"
Her? Reina mentally recoiled at the fact. So it was a girl all this time...
Irritably, Reina said. "Whoever she is, she has no right to make you wait!"
"But I wanted to." Ai said calmly. Stubbornly.
"Someone worth waiting for isn't someone who would make you wait like this." Reina said flatly. Now on a roll, she continued.
"I've known you for months, and every time I come here, you are still waiting for that person who never shows up." Reina sounded upset.
"You always look so sad, like you're about to cry all the time. You're even lonelier than I am!" Reina almost yelled. She felt irrationally angry for some reason.
Ai didn't answer, burrowing further into her own arms. Reina knelt down in front of her this time, making sure that Ai couldn't avert her eyes short of pulling away.
"You deserve to be happy, with someone who makes you happy." Like me, her heart added, but Reina shoved that little voice aside.
"I don't know who that girl is and how she made you feel about her, but if all she is doing right now is make you feel sad, then she isn't worth your feelings." Reina concluded.
Ai was crying. Silently, but crying all the same. She seemed so fragile, almost unreal. Reina felt her heart twist sharply at the sight, and the words came spilling out of her mouth before she thought about them.
"I like Ai, so I want Ai to be happy."
Reina's voice was oddly quiet, subdued by her standards. She was also blushing furiously as she lowered her head, shocked at her own unexpected confession.
Several moments passed in dead silence, before a small voice spoke up.
"Thank you, Reina."
A soft kiss was placed on her cheek, and Reina felt like she could faint that instant.
She did.
~*~*~
"Tanaka, Tanaka?"
Reina slowly opened her eyes, wincing at the bright sunlight piercing down on her. Her head felt fuzzy, and she rubbed at her eyes groggily.
"You ok?" Reina squinted at the girl opposite her. Another ordinary face.
"Yeah..."
"What are you doing here?" Another girl behind the first girl asked. Reina frowned. That girl was from her class. Michishige, was it? Yes, yes it was.
"I was...talking to a friend." Reina muttered, placing her hand over her eyes as she leaned against the sakura tree.
"Here?" Michishige's friend next to her, also behind the first girl who had addressed her, sounded a little doubtful. And a little scared too, she noticed.
Actually, now that she was paying attention, Michishige and her friend...Kamei, Reina's mind supplied. All that socializing also brought in the gossip. MIchishige was never seen without Kamei by her side whenever class was out. Anyway, those two were clinging to each other somewhat nervously, and they were also sticking very close to the other girl who had woken her up.
"Is there something wrong?" Reina asked somewhat pugnaciously, folding her arms and glaring.
"Gaki-san, she's still new so I guess she doesn't know about...you know." Michishige whispered, but Reina heard her clearly. The one she addressed as "Gaki-san" grimaced.
"Tanaka, you shouldn't be here. It's out of bounds to all students."
"You three are here." Reina pointed out. Gaki flushed.
"I'm with the student council, and since you were missing from class after break and didn't come back for your things even after class let out, we went looking for you."
Ah yes, the responsible student council. The academy had a fairly independent student council who were instrumental in getting the students involved in things. It seems that the ultra-responsible Gaki-san was a perfect example of the council.
"How did you find me anyway?"
Gaki frowned. "Actually, I'm not entirely sure myself. I just felt like I had to look in here when I passed by the old fence. Like...someone telling me to."
Kamei trembled behind her, ducking into an equally shaky Michishige's arms. "Wahhh Gaki-san, don't talk about these things!"
Reina was confused. "Ooook...so uh..." Reina looked around. Her own lunchbox was still on her lap, unopened. The other one she had brought along though, was missing.
"Did you guys see another student around here?" All three stared at her weirdly. Reina couldn't help but notice that they seemed a little freaked. Kamei in particular looked like she was about to bolt immediately.
"You were alone when we found you." Gaki said firmly. Too firmly, as if to convince herself of something. Reina ran a hand through her hair.
"I guess Ai left first huh..."
"What did you say?" Gaki said sharply. Reina blinked. Kamei and Michishige started looking around nervously, bumping still closer to Gaki.
"Uh, my friend? Takahashi Ai, a third year."
They tensed quite obviously, and the previous nervousness grew more obvious. Reina raised an eyebrow as the three friends threw glances at each other. Finally, Michishige spoke.
"Um, I think you have to meet someone..."
~*~*~
There was something oddly familiar about the person they brought her to meet, after dragging her out of the old compound at top speed that is. Kamei had nearly torn her arm out of its socket with the way she took off faster than a scared rabbit, which was odd since well, shouldn't a turtle be slow?
Her side profile looks a lot like Ai... Reina admitted to herself. She was still wondering why the crazy trio had brought her here.
"Ano...Yuu-chan?" The girl looked up, and Reina blinked again. The girl had a definite resemblance to Ai. It was almost uncanny.
"Sayu?" The smile on her face was eeriely familiar. She turned to look at Reina. "Hi, aren't you that transfer student?"
"Uh yeah..." Reina looked in Michishige Sayumi's direction, and the girl stepped closer, an uncomfortable expression on her face. As usual, Kamei stuck to her side.
"Tanaka, I would like you to meet my friend since elementary school..." Sayu trailed off, then finished hesitantly.
"...Takahashi Yuu."
Reina stepped back. She stared. Yes, the resemblance was there, and the name was definitely the same. Ai had a sister, but that sister was still in middle school. She should not be in high school, and definitely not in the same grade as she was.
"Is there something wrong?" Yuu seemed confused. Sayu looked even more uncomfortable.
"Do you have a sister named Takahashi Ai?" Reina asked suddenly, gripping the edge of the table tightly. The girl seated in front of her seemed shocked at first, then looked down.
"Yes..." Reina swallowed hard. Yuu wrung her hands together.
"...but Onee-chan died two years ago."
Reina froze. She did not hear that. It could not possibly be true.
Gaki, or rather, Niigaki Risa, stepped up from behind, placing one hand on the stunned Reina's shoulder. Her voice was gentle.
"Ai-chan was...in an accident two years ago, at the old compound. No one knew why she was there alone, but part of the building came down on her while she was inside and..." Risa trailed off uncertainly, her own unshed tears brimming in her eyes.
"She was waiting for someone." Reina said quietly. Four pairs of eyes stared at her.
"How did you know that?" Yuu sounded stricken, yet oddly hopeful.
"She told me." Audible gasps all round. Sayumi looked around nervously.
"No one's ever...seen her." Her voice was little more than a whisper. "Some girls have heard a voice singing at the most, but no one's actually..."
"She was always there." The crushing realization came down on Reina, its full weight settling on her shoulders. Her voice cracked as she went on.
"She was always there, waiting, for two years, alone." Reina held back a sob. She could not imagine how much pain Ai must have been in, waiting alone for all that time.
"Onee-chan..." Yuu whispered, her own tears falling unchecked.
Sayumi cupped a hand to her mouth, holding back her own tears. Kamei was biting her lip, eyes squeezed tightly shut. Risa tightened her grip on Reina's shoulder, her own voice hoarse with shock.
"Are you sure?"
Reina nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Risa sat down heavily in shock, unable to express herself any further.
Reina felt dizzy as well. Her hands were shaking, and she wiped her gathering tears away angrily. Her fingers slipped down to her cheek, remembering the soft touch she had felt there before...
Then she suddenly turned and ran, leaving the others behind.
~*~*~
She wasn't sure what she would find there. What would she have done if she had seen Ai there again? Reina didn't know. She really didn't.
"Ai!" Reina called out. She circled the sakura tree, calling Ai's name in intervals. No one responded, save for the birds chirping in the distance.
"Ai..." Reina sank to her knees. She felt confused. She felt like she should be scared, but she really wasn't. No, not scared of the fact that Ai was actually a ghost, and not of this world. Yes she was scared, but what she was really scared of was losing her.
It made absolutely no sense. The feelings were real, the time she spent chatting with Ai had been the best times she had ever had with anyone alive. Literally. Now she knew why.
A hysterical giggle came from Reina's lips, retreating just as quickly into broken sobs. Her hands closed on the long grass, crushing them in her fists even as her tears fell into the soft soil.
"Why..." Reina asked, looking up at the faded sakura tree.
"Why does it hurt so much..."
A bright spot of color caught her eye on a distant ledge, and before Reina registered the motion, she was already up and moving. The spare lunchbox she had made this morning returned to her hands, the cloth it had been wrapped in still sitting on the ledge.
Hands trembling, Reina opened the box.
There was nothing inside, save for a short note. Very brief, just like her.
Reina hugged the box to herself, her tears beginning to flow again.
Thank you, it read. I can move on now.
Be happy, Reina.
Her first love was over almost as soon as she had realized it. Clutching the box close to herself, Reina wiped her tears away as she gazed into the faraway sky.
Reina will be happy, Ai. It's a promise.
A promise she would never forget.
========================================
I thought of this while lying in bed unable to sleep. Haha. :D
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Awwwwww....
Sweet yet sad.... but who was Ai-chan waiting for?! :o *gasp* Gaki?!?!?!?!
*watches the Reinai/Takagaki battle continue*
And this is not fluff!! >:|
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About a quarter into the story I had to ask myself if Ai was dead. And then I was surprised when she was!
Who was she waiting for? Miki, perhaps? Or Yossui?
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I was actually surprised that she was dead, I mean I had a gut feeling but it didn't become obvious until the next couple time she kept meeting with her.
Interesting
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I knew she was a ghost :fainted: I wonder for whom she waited...Gaki? or maybe her sister?
Anyway, poor Reina to fall in love in a ghost :cry: Yet it still was sweet and cute :heart:
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It's really bad to read comments first :grin: Was Ai waiting for Risa? :w00t:
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OH MY GOD! POOR AI-CHAN! :on polter:
and reina (i_i)
i have a feeling that ai-chan was waiting for risa(i_i) :mon cry:
and i agree with Fenrir ....
THIS ISNT FLUFF! GIMME FLUFF THAT INVOLVES TAKAGAKI PLEASE!!! XD
..pwetty pweez?
:mon cute:
and keep up the awesome-ness X3
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That was such a great read. :heart: It made me a bit teary-eyed as well. Poor Reina... Poor Aichan... :gyaaah:
I seriously wasn't expecting Aichan to be a ghost, so the revelation bit was pretty shocking for me. I know I should've picked up on the clues along the way, but it wasn't until the second reading that I actually noticed them. I know, I'm a turtle, lol.
And I'm also wondering just who Aichan was waiting for. I've a feeling that, whoever it was, stood her up and never returned her feelings, which may be why her spirit never got laid to rest. Then Reina came along...
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Wow, that was unexpected. I actually didn't pick up on Ai-chan being a ghost (my imagination doesn't stretch that far...) but on my second read I guess I saw signs alluding to that shocking revelation.
It's a habit of mine to scroll down and know the ending in advance and scroll back up and read thing whole thing through for stories featuring my favourite pairings, and when I read Ai-chan's message to Reina I thought Ai-chan had died or had chosen someone else over Reina but was aware of Reina's feelings and wanted her to be happy. I wasn't reading properly because I didn't see the 'I can move on now' bit :nervous
I felt really sad the most about Ai-chan waiting for that someone who never came for her, and how her face lit up everytime Reina approached her but immediately became crestfallen that it was someone else. Was that person indirectly responsible for her accident? Because she was waiting and waiting and couldn't get out in time? I'm also kinda curious who it was Ai-chan was waiting for. Not that it matters much I guess, as she finally moved on. Ghost Ai and human Reina made an interesting read.
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WTH?!??!? :angry:
The next time I see you, I'm gonna demand you stock me up with loads of tissue. Why did you have to make me cry???? :cry: :cry: :cry:
I know this isn't the main concern of the fic, heck it isn't even a concern XD But why was Ai waiting for her? Why didn't that person appear after all this time? Also, why was she in a dangerous area in the first place? Isn't that a bad place to meet up? :P
Judging from Risa's reactions, I'm tempted to think that she was the person Ai was waiting for. But why didn't she go? Didn't she know about the date? Despite the sadness of it all, KameShige was a nice relief. Added a dash of humor into the story.
Last thing, Ai's message in the note. Did she mean that because of Reina she no longer needed to wait? But why? Questions, questions and more questions :?
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The Other
She had always liked the subtle scent Ai had on her, a scent unique to the woman.
lol I love this part. In my mind I'm like, "It's detergent, Reina. Detergent!" XD
hehe the whole story made me all warm and fuzzy~ :wub: :wub: :wub: :wub: :wub:
*****
Great I see A LOT of warning signs, in the way of crying icons, for First Love! lol I think I'll save that for tomorrow night~ XD
I'm gonna happily skip off to bed. Hopefully I'll dream of pretty cgi and fresh laundry~ :sleep:
*****
Crud...eyes...blurry...eyed...hard to type a response :gmon tears: :gmon tears: :gmon tears:
*sniffles* I love First Love so much *wipes at eyes some more* :mon hanky: so well written!
I didn't read the comments before hand so I didn't know what actually happened...only that it was sad.
while reading...
pretty early on, I felt there was this strange eeriness to the story (I always thought it was weird how Reina could hear the singing for such a distance!)....almost half expected things to end like a horror fic... Anyways so here I was expecting someone to be dead...and by someone, I was expecting it to be Gaki san. I felt so bad for Ai chan, waiting for someone that would never be coming because they were already gone...man was I crushed when I learned that it was actually Ai chan :gmon tears:
and to make it even more sad....Gaki san didn't know all this time! sooo sad~ :mon runcry:
lol on a separate note, I found it hilarious that in Reina-vision...everyone is plain looking XD
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First Love was so sad, but so wonderfully happy too~ :heart: :cry:
Only the sweet quiet Ai could rip down the wall of Reina's heart, then Reina finds her true love to be already dead ;_;
I do love the short and sweet note Ai left her in the end, a perfect ending...though it was sad, yet happy. :love:
It is what I expect from my favorite author :D :thumbsup
Keep writing~ I want more amazing stories from you ^_^ :heart:
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A month and some plus days later...
I have finally finished reading your stories! From the first page to the last.
Might I say Estrea, I like the way you write in your stories. :inlove:
Very descriptive, using high vocabulay (some I had to look up :lol:) and such.
You have great skills in writing. When I read your one-shot stories, it makes me want to finish writing my own and post my FanFics up.
All about TakaGaki right? :twothumbs And I'm loving the ReinAi fics too.
Keep up the GREAT WORK. Maybe in time you can read mine.
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Estrea Hellz Yeah xD ~
But yeah... we want TAKAGAKI xD in all the ways >o<!!!!
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ReinAi :heart:
But poor Reina :cry:
me want more ReinAi XD
keep writing :)
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I finally got around to reading all these!!! :panic:
OMG!! Bawled my eyes out at First Love!! :cry:
So touching!! I'm absolutely loving ReinAi!! :heart:
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Estrea's sandbox is an amazing place :twothumbs
I love all your oneshots, especially the ReinAi ones :heart:
First love is sad. I wasn't expecting Aichan being ghost. Poor Reina :cry:
I felt really touched.
Everything very well written :thumbsup
Keep writing please~ :)
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Thanks for all the continual support, peeps. :D I am touched by all the praise. ^_^
Anyway, here's more fluff~ Based on this picture.
(http://st53.storage.gree.jp/album/23/42/27952342/1cbde93b_240.jpg)
And here we go~
===================================================================
Turtles, Bunnies and a Sneaky Kitty
(featuring a Sleepy Monkey)
So this note rises a half-pitch here...
Ai made a little mark on her notes, reminding herself where she was supposed to modulate her voice. Lying flat on her stomach, she rested her chin on the palm of one hand, her arm sinking slightly into the futon below her. Idly, she twirled her pen between her fingers, frowning slightly when it slipped and rolled off the edge of the futon.
The petite leader of Morning Musume eyed the errant pen lying just out of reach. She was comfortable where she was, and didn't really feel like getting up just to fetch the pen. She was on break, for all that she continued to work even during it.
The room was bright and open, light filtering in through the stained glass windows behind her. It was largely empty and sparsely furnished, given that no one actually lived there for any extended period of time. The only reason she was there, that all the other girls were there, was because of work. The mansion was owned by the company, and there was always one reason or another for them to be there for photoshoots and the like. If not for the unfortunate association with work, it would have been a rather nice place to relax in.
Speaking of relaxing, perhaps she should consider actually taking advantage of her break. Ai peered owlishly at her fallen pen, as if it would magically return to her hand by force of will. She never did like to be roused from a comfortable position if she could help it.
The shuffling sound of footsteps made her tilt her head up, and she instinctively brushed her hair out of her face as she did. What she wouldn't give to cut her hair again! But her manager had nearly had an apoplexy the last time she did, and to this day she was still being scolded for it whenever her manager ran out of things to nag at her about. It seemed as though she would never live it down for the rest of her life.
The door banged open unceremoniously, and an obviously sleepy Kamei Eri wandered in like a lost puppy, rubbing at her eyes and yawning widely. Ai smiled, her eye twitching involuntarily when she noticed that one of the straps on Eri's tank top had slipped dangerously off the girl's shoulder. Did Eri just walk through the hallway half-awake without even noticing that little detail?
Despite noticing that though, Ai did not get up to fix it for Eri. Maybe if they had been out amongst prying eyes, but there was no need when it was just them. Ai waggled her fingers in greeting, too lethargic to give a full wave. Eri yawned wider in response, then almost tripped over Ai's fallen pencil.
"Eh? Is this Ai-chan's?" Eri bent and retrieved the offending object. She placed the pen on the bridge of her nose, balancing it as she wobbled forward in Ai's general direction. Ai looked on with a bemused expression, content to let Eri do as she pleased. Well, as long as it didn't affect her negatively.
Fortunately, it did not. Eri managed to get to the futon without further incident, whilst still balancing the pen on her nose as she carefully sat down by the edge of the futon. "See what I did!" Eri cried out excitedly, puffing up proudly.
Ai laughed and nicked her pen off Eri's nose, but not before rapping Eri smartly on the head with said pen, and with a familiarly affectionate exclamation of "idiot!".
Eri grinned, rubbing at her head without protest. She blinked again, as if her sleepiness had suddenly caught up with her. Barely suppressing a yawn, Eri looked around for a blanket (it was still fairly chilly for the end of March), found two, and tossed one off to Ai as she wriggled into a comfortable cocoon under her blanket.
"Oyasumi~" Eri mumbled, dropping off between one breath and the next. Never let it be said that Eri could not sleep; she can, and definitely will, beat you in a race to Dreamland as and when she liked. So much for being a turtle.
Ai watched the process with something akin to amusement; she was fairly used to Eri's quirks by now. One did not spend 7 years working together in the same group with someone without learning a bit about their habits eventually. The towel Eri tossed at her had actually hit her in the face, but now it lay between her arms as her attention drifted back to her notes.
Pen in hand, her gaze wandered idly over the paper, and she only just managed to stop herself from chewing the end of her pen. Eri's long, slow breaths and peaceful aura was making her sleepy. All that yawning earlier had not helped either.
Perhaps it was time for a nap. Break wasn't over for a while yet, and she had gotten up early for work today. A little rest would recharge her, and she did happen to be on a futon, with a blanket right there with her. How convenient.
With impeccable logic in hand, Ai made her decision, setting her notes aside and laying her pen down. She almost felt a pang of guilt for wasting time on a nap in the middle of the day, but quashed it with a quick glance over at the happily snoozing Eri. Perhaps Eri needed company in Dreamland too? Ai shook her head to clear it of such flights of fancy, throwing one arm over her eyes as she lay on her back, blanket drawn over her body.
Just a few minutes... She promised herself, allowing her body to relax, her breaths evening out into long, smooth cycles. She shifted unconsciously, fidgeting to get a good position. Part of the blanket slipped off her raised knee, but she was barely aware by then.
Her arm slid off her closed eyes, her chest rising and falling in a regular rhythm. Evidently, sleep came easily to turtles and tired people.
~*~*~
Reina was padding down the hallway when she noticed her fellow Rokkie and narcissist lurking suspiciously around the doorway to a room. Her curiosity sparked, the tsundere of the group wandered over to see what so intrigued the dear bunny.
Sayumi had one hand on her cheek, and as Reina drew close, she took her phone out and snapped a quick picture of whatever was in the room, squealing to herself. Reina raised an eyebrow, popping up at Sayumi's shoulder and startling the devil bunny.
"What's so -- oho!"
Leader and resident aho were asleep together on the same futon. Eri slept like a corpse, still and unmoving, almost the picture of elegant repose, if not for the imminent case of bed-head should said turtle wake up in the immediate future.
Reina snorted at Ai's sleeping posture, wondering how on earth Gaki-san ever put up with (and enjoyed!) sleeping next to the woman. Ai slept like a barbarian, blanket half thrown off, all knees and elbows sticking out at awkward angles, and certainly appearing anything but delicate and feminine.
Then again, Reina knew that Ai was anything but delicate and feminine. It was all a pose. With a wry look, she turned to Sayu, who was still squealing over how cute the picture was. Trust the resident narcissist to attach the 'cute' label exclusively to her best friend and the person she idolized. Reina could not imagine Sayu putting anyone else ahead of her...if she ever did...in the race for the ultimate ichiban kawaii of the world.
"What are you gonna do with the picture anyway?" Reina asked in idle curiosity, glancing back into the peaceful room. Ai seemed to be stirring, if only a little. Reina had to wonder if the woman was always such a restless sleeper.
"Keep it, I guess..." Sayumi finally looked up at her fellow Rokkie, who was leaning against the doorframe. Reina met her gaze, and smirked.
"Why don't you blog about it?"
Something lit up in Sayu's eyes; something between the fanatical gleam of a maniac blogger and the devilish twinkle of a born-again schemer. Cackling to herself, Sayu skipped down the hallway, already composing her next blog post on the phone.
Reina watched her go, then looked back at the snoozing pair. Ai was definitely moving around in her sleep now; whether it be natural tossing and turning, or an imminent awakening, Reina could not know. Either way, it was best to vacate the immediate area for the moment, especially after what she had so innocently suggested.
"Ai-chan does read your blog, Sayu..."
Chuckling to herself, Reina slipped off and continued on her way, content to let any explosions erupt as they would in the near future. The things a girl had to do to ensure constant entertainment...
=================================================================
Can you imagine Ai's reaction when she sees that post on Sayu's blog, complete with picture? XD
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^ good job Estrea, that was quite amusing how they got up to the point of the picture.
The part where Eri balances the pencil to get to the futon was probably the most interesting part in the whole story, because the rest led up to the picture being taken. After a closer look at the pic itself, Ai is full of win XD
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AH~~~ YES~ SAYU'S BLOG STRIKES AGAIN~! XD
lol her blog is full of pure win~ X3
i love how u came up with it too essy~! it was ubber cute X3 that pic just screams idea's doesnt it?? XD
anywho~ i love how reina was the instigator of that XD and i seriously wonder how ai felt when she read that entry and saw the pic XDD pure :thumbup :thumbup and :bow: for u my friend X3
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!!!111oneoneone111!!!
*shocked by update*
Y'know, that picture STILL makes me squeal, no matter how many times I look at it. I swear, those two dorks look so much like an old married couple in that photo, it's actually pretty amusing, yet so cute at the same time. Your story makes it all the more cuter, especially the bit with Eri balancing the pencil on her nose. I could definitely see it, lol. I could also see the whole thing actually taking place. Heck, I think your story might be pretty close to what really happened behind that picture.
And, I just have to say this -- Sayumi is the greatest blogger evaaar. :D
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Haha thanks peeps. :D
*facepalms* I only just remembered that MM is still in Hawaii for the fanclub tour, this should have taken place there. orz Ignore the little continuity error guys, will ya? :lol:
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no problem, I would have added that it has been quite windy with some dew lately but it sounded good, without the fact they were in Hawaii :thumbsup
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This one-shot is so cute! I like how you wrote Eri and have her be her goofy cute self. The part with the pencil made me laugh and go aww after. It was a good thing no one was home when I did that. lol
I think you wrote it how I pictured it when I saw the picture, which by the way is so cute! Another great one-shot, Estrea. :twothumbs You should write another one-shot like that filled with fluff and cuteness. It's one of my favorite type of fics.
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No, I cannot ignore that mistake, Estrea. It's too big and too obvious. :angry:
Just kidding! I had absolutely no idea that the photo was taken during their time in Hawaii, so I didn't really think much about the setting. It's easy to overlook, so, yep, don't worry about it.
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Oh my god, an update. And an adorable one at that! Did you and rokun plan this together?
Anyway, I certainly know I can't stop looking at that picture and I definitely wondered as to the story behind it. As well as Ai-chan's reaction to it!
The things a girl had to do to ensure constant entertainment...
Best line ever.... :lol:
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I'm back again! :D You can blame rokun for this one. :D
Set during the Shuffle Date concert. ;)
===========================================
Tension
Give me love, give me love, give me love!
She held the final pose as the music drew to a close, her shoulders tense and taut, her breath coming in short gasps. The cheers of the crowd were loud behind them, and she took the moment to slow her breathing, trying to soothe herself and the tension rising within.
Concert adrenaline, that was what it was. It set her blood to pumping, filling her body with the strength to keep on singing and dancing. It tingled her senses, making everything in her vision seem preternaturally clear.
The stage darkened, and her body jerked forward on instinct, practice leading her to respond to stage cues before she even thought about them. She moved jerkily, though quickly, as if her limbs still throbbed with unreleased energy. It was almost painful, and she bounced around a little on the balls of her feet after descending the stairs into the backstage area.
"Ai-chan, hurry up!" Reina hissed under her breath, taking a firm grip of the older girl's arm. Ai flinched slightly, a shiver running through her tense body. Reina shot her a second glance at the unexpected resistance, an eyebrow raising in question before the light of understanding came into her eye in a flash. Ai swallowed nervously, her hands suddenly clammy as her heart-rate tripled. That could not be a good sign.
"We can't waste time." Reina said briskly, tugging at Ai again as they dashed down to the changing area. Saki, Maimi and Yuuka were only a few steps ahead of them, taking the final outfits held out to them by the waiting staff members and giving them their microphones to hold in return.
Saki looked up as Reina and Ai caught up and did the same, her eyes catching Ai's as Reina dragged them both past. Her eyebrow also raised briefly, before she smiled and turned to herd Maimi and Yuuka into the nearest curtained changing areas, then entering one herself. Ai had a sinking feeling at that. Am I really that transparent???
Without further ceremony, Reina pulled them both into the curtained area furthest away, where it was a lot less brightly lit, and drew the curtain decisively. Now it was just the two of them, alone in that confined space.
Ai clutched her next outfit in front of her like a shield, her muscles taut and throbbing with a new tension. She had changed in front of the other girls before, and gone even further than that with Reina on more than one occasion, but the loud voice of responsibility was giving her a screaming countdown of how much time she had left to change and freshen up for the last song. This is so not the time.
"Reina...?" Her voice came out strained, though more needy than she actually intended. The fierce look in Reina's eyes softened a little, before hardening into a look Ai thought she recognized.
Reina leaned close, taking advantage of their equal heights to touch her forehead to Ai's. Ai shivered in response, nearly dropping the clothes she was holding. Lightly, Reina cupped Ai's face with one hand while the other looped around Ai's waist, pulling their bodies flush against each other. Their breaths mingled as their lips hovered close enough together to kiss, and Ai almost stopped breathing entirely until Reina whispered.
"You're all tense, Ai-chan..." Ai nodded meekly, eyes uncertain. Her hands were starting to shake as Reina's hand slipped down from her face and started unbuttoning her shirt.
"Reina will help you feel better in a moment." The words were velvety-smooth, Reina's lips shifting to Ai's ear and nibbling lightly on it, making the older girl gasp softly. Reina's eyes were teasing and fiery both, but Ai could only see the tenderness hidden in the depths.
"Reina, we don't have time for this..." Ai protested weakly, losing her grip on her next outfit as Reina carelessly removed the fedora she had been wearing. Her shirt was already half-off and her pants loosened. Never let it be said that Tanaka Reina could not work fast.
"Ai-chan, hush. You're wound tighter than a knot. Can't have you going on stage like this..." Reina all but purred into her ear, kissing a fiery trail down to nuzzle at Ai's neck. Ai's toes curled inward, her shoulders tightening as Reina pushed her into the wall, their closeness heating the space up in an instant.
"But we have to--" Reina silenced Ai with a kiss, startling the older girl enough to shut her up for a moment. During that lapse, Reina's fingers slid easily down Ai's stomach, heading towards her goal.
"We've been through this before, Ai." Reina murmured against her erstwhile girlfriend's lips. "Don't fight me over this." Another soft kiss. "Makoto can stall for another minute or so."
Ai couldn't quite argue the logic, though her breath hitched as Reina's hands wandered over her body, stimulating all the right spots that pushed her self-control to the limit. Her own hands clenched and unclenched, before reaching down to cup Reina's butt, pulling her still closer, to feel her. Her hands were about to slip down to stroke Reina's thighs when Reina herself stopped them, panting harshly.
"Uh-uh, this is for you." Cat-like eyes bore relentlessly into Ai's flushed gaze. A slightly petulant expression crossed Reina's face. "If you get me all hot now, we won't have time to finish."
Ai cast her eyes downward obediently, and Reina chuckled deep in her throat, resuming her task with a vengeance. The breathy gasps grew in frequency, before the inevitable explosion came swiftly in a rush, punctuated by a satisfied hiss of relief.
Neither spoke for a brief second, with Reina recovering from and planting a kiss on Ai's sweaty forehead before withdrawing. Ai watched her, taking a moment to recover. She blushed even redder when Reina licked her fingers clean in rather provocative fashion, but the young yankii only winked at her before proceeding to strip and change into the next outfit. Ai watched unashamedly, greedily taking in every detail before she remembered that she too had a concert to finish.
Straightening carefully, she was only halfway changed by the time Reina was done. As Reina helped her finish dressing up, Ai took the opportunity to whisper some very graphic promises for the after-party, grinning wolfishly as the normally composed yankii flushed, tugging harder than necessary to tighten the scarf on Ai's neck before wheeling and stamping out without another word. Ai rolled her shoulders, feeling a satisfyingly loose limberness in her muscles. Smiling to herself, she too stepped out to join the rest.
~*~*~
Outside, Saki had been calmly holding both hands over Yuuka's ears. The poor thing was probably too innocent to realize what was going on, and Saki didn't think it was the right time or place for her to find out either.
Maimi had clued in almost right after she had earlier, when Reina had all but hauled Ai into the changing area with her. The two leaders of their respective groups knew enough by now to run interference with anyone who might interrupt, almost making a game out of estimating how long it would take for such a tryst to be over.
"How much longer do you make it?" Saki asked, her voice a mixture of casual indifference and strained tension. Her eyes flicked to the glowing numerals on the wall, indicating the time.
"I give them another 30 seconds." Maimi was holding Saki's mic for her, while Yuuka just looked scared. The two leaders had told her, very nicely of course, that she absolutely COULD NOT tell anyone about whatever she saw around here. Yuuka had agreed. What else could she have done?
10 seconds went by. Maimi shifted from one foot to another, humming to herself to block out any possible audio feedback she didn't feel like hearing. She glanced over at Saki, who seemed to be nibbling at her bottom lip while staring holes into the wall clock.
"Hey," Maimi said suddenly. Saki looked back at her, one eyebrow raised. Maimi shrugged, nodding her head in the direction where the pair of Morning Musume members were undoubtedly engaged in 'adult activities'.
"You know, they do it so often, so I'm kind of wondering..." Maimi trailed off.
"Wondering?"
"Has it ever occurred to you that maybe we should try it out sometime?" Maimi blurted out. Saki raised an eyebrow.
"Are you coming on to me?"
Maimi was saved from answering when Reina came stalking out like a leashed panther, with Ai only two steps behind her and beaming like Christmas had come early.
The younger trio exchanged glances, then Saki released Yuuka, who shot off like a frightened rabbit. Saki retrieved her microphone from Maimi, giving her a very long look before joining the rest without so much as a backward glance.
Maimi stood still for a moment, then her mouth twitched into a grin before she bolted after the rest as they ascended to the main stage in a burst of light.
===================================================================
This is for you, rokun. :heart: :heart: :heart:
Time to run! :ph43r:
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Awwww, thank you! :heart: :grin:
So that's why poor Makoto had to keep stalling. If he only knew.... Then again, he probably does. lol. Hot dressing room action ftw! :rockon: Reina has to do her best to take care of Aichan, after all~ In that way only she knows best~
XD @ the end... Poor Yuuka held captive by her senpais. By her running I have a feeling she has at least some idea what's going on... And Saki and Maimi...... XD Hmm... that gives me some ideas... :mon dunno:
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I don't know why, but the moment I saw the most recent ReinAi picture posted on Aichan's thread over at Hello!Online, my instinct was telling me to come here -- and I did, to be surprised by another one of your updates, and this time, a ReinAi one. Awesomeness! I've already told you this before, but, man, the Morning Musume fanfiction world has been suffering from a ReinAi drought lately. Makes me feel sad. D:
This is a really nice piece, though! It's rare to see Reina taking the lead, especially in your stories. Needless to say, I was pretty shocked. XD But it's still pretty hot. Lol'ed so bad at Maimi's suggestion. Who'd be keeping Yuuka from all the dirtiness if Maimi and Saki decided to do it at the same time Aichan and Reina are? :lol:
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great one-shot essy, a lot happens backstage :lol:
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Oooo... Essy's one-shots. Yet more to read :nervous *overwhelmed with having to catch up*
@Turtles, Bunnies and a Sneaky Kitty
^ This one was positively adorable. :wub:
Sayu's blog is probably one of the best sources of inspiration for writing lately. I love how she gives us insight into what goes on behind the scenes... this picture is Ai/Eri loveliness in a way I can't explain.
Your portrayal of the both of them in this is pretty awesome! Everything that Ai-chan and Eri did and said, I can easily imagine would happen. I wouldn't be surprised if Eri does take a liking to balancing pens on her nose IRL :lol:
Eri and Ai-chan in Dreamland together is sweeeeeet :oops: Eri sleeps like a corpse, and Ai-chan sleeps like a barbarian. The image amuses the heck out of me XD
What a sight it must be for Sayu. Her bestfriend (who she is like married to), and her girl crush, Ai-chan. Sleeping together like that. Must be something from a dream. Hahahhaa.... and of course it was Reina who prompted the blogging. ^__^ though you have to think, with Sayu blogging as manically as she is, she had the thought in mind to post it up on her blog while taking the picture. :P
Thanks for the cuteness! :mon inluv:
@ Tension
^
:mon bleed2:
Ummm....
Well, OK I'm still trying to recover right now from reading this... uhhh... so this is how Ai-chan gets rid of her tension backstage now, hey? I wonder how and when it all started then, hahaha. But yeah, that was really steamy hot. Reina really knows how to take charge. Although I have to wonder, after servicing Ai like that, shouldn't Reina also be turned on like HECK? lol... And the Maimi/Saki thing :lol:
:on_hot:
Thanks for sharing, hahaaa... looking forward to future updates! :heart:
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:O :shocked :w00t: :drool: :oops: :wub:
Okay, RenAi went up a couple more notches. :wub: Thank you rokun, whatever you did!
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@Turtles, Bunnies, and a Sneaky Kitty
Love the pic :inlove: Awwwww Aichan's manly sleeping style :wub:
AiEri!!! It's so cute that they are sleeping together. Adorkable :heart:
Sneaky kitty+Devilish bunnies=Awesome combie. Full of mischievous action :twisted:
@Tension
ReinAi :heart: :heart: :heart:
Pretty hot backstage action :drool:
SakiMaimi :? ....... :drool:
Poor Yuuka doesn't have a partner in High King's affair XD
Great job :thumbsup
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Hii!!
I love all your ReinAi fics, and the last one was...AWESOME!!
Long ago I did not read a ReinAi Fic and now I feel so happy :gmon flowers:
It was so cute and sexy... I loved Reinya!! It's such a good and lovely girlfriend :gmon nya:
Thank You Estrea and also Rokun!!!!! You guys made me very happy!! :luvluv2:
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.....I just read the cute one then the sexy one.....that was a huge jump. :shocked
I loved them both though~
I wanna cuddle with Eri and Ai~
And then for the sexy and amazingly hot one....just wow :drool:
Wuv you essy~ :heart:
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That was amazing! :D I think I should come here often. :heart:
ReinaAi & (a little) MaimiSaki at the end, wonderful! :thumbup
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Turtles, Bunnies and a Sneaky Kitty
Ai smiled, her eye twitching involuntarily when she noticed that one of the straps on Eri's tank top had slipped dangerously off the girl's shoulder. Did Eri just walk through the hallway half-awake without even noticing that little detail?
oh Ai chan, the things you looks at :lol:
Reina snorted at Ai's sleeping posture, wondering how on earth Gaki-san ever put up with (and enjoyed!) sleeping next to the woman.
my TakaGaki sense are tingling! :mon inluv: hehe thank you for that delightful little reference.
lol I half expected Sayu to join them in their little nap XD but yes getting away from the scene would be a smarter way to go about things XD
hehe so many things to giggle over in the chapter and most importantly it was so cuuuuuuuuuuuute :shy2:
Tension
lol I just noticed I have my hands covering my entire face, except for my eyes, while I'm reading this
and for good reason :mon blood:
Saki had been calmly holding both hands over Yuuka's ears.
lol *removes hands to laugh out loud* :on lol:
*finishes reading*
well...*ahem* what can I say....I...I..... :on bleed:
I think a re-reading is in order :mon sweat:
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Shock! Random one shot inspired by a moment at work. This actually happened to me lmao. Kind of. XD Some parts were totally altered. XD But, well, real enough, I suppose.
There is actually a point to this. Sort of. XD
Well, enough of me babbling, let's get on with it.
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Six Degrees
Have you ever met someone who, on first sight, makes you feel like you've known them forever, and that you still want to know more? Without a word, without any real gesture, just that point of eye contact opening a future that might have been, all in an instant.
It was just a chance encounter. These things happen. The moment of contact is made, then broken, and all is forgotten as two different people who have never met and will probably never meet again move on with their own lives.
Life, after all, is what happens while we make other plans.
Unless, of course, life has other plans for you, as it so often does.
~*~*~
Working in a convenience store has its upsides and downsides. On one hand, there's something sublimely satisfying about a job well done, when everything is exactly where it is supposed to be, employees scurrying around like clockwork, and business running smooth as an oiled flywheel.
On the other hand, there are days where nothing seems to go well, things get stuck, or it's just boring like fuck...
Excuse the language, thought one Takahashi Ai, and then she promptly wondered who exactly she was apologizing to in the depths of her own mind. Just as she was about to launch into a mental digression on dualism and the Cartesian theater, she was brought back into the real world (what is real? She thought, and then promptly snuffed it before it created a headache) by the scurrying presence of her manager zipping past in front of the counter she was currently presiding over.
A whole lot of nothing, she thought in an answer that was no answer, to a question that was not quite a question. At least, not one that was going to be answered. And if it was, not by someone like her.
Today, Takahashi decided, was a day of both upsides and downsides. Just like any other day, but decidedly more concentrated. On one hand, things were relatively busy at work, which was a good thing. However, some incidents did occur, and anything out of the ordinary was usually bad in her book. Unexpected occurrences were never a good thing, or so her manager had casually mentioned after her first week there. From what she had observed, he seemed to be right on target.
At least the evening shift was relatively quiet, at least after the mad scramble that marked the end of office hours. Things to arrange, stock to be inventoried, and the cleaning. Always the cleaning. There was always something to do in a convenience store, customers or no.
She had just finished arranging the shelves when the manager stuck on right back on cashier duty while he did his inventory list, since none of the other peons currently on duty were cleared for that yet. The other senior part timer had just ended his shift, and so she had to deal with the aftermath while her harried manager juggled training the new crew along with his paperwork. She pitied him. Almost.
She could see the stragglers to the station streaming past the glass storefront, lines and clusters of them. Harried salarymen in their suits, graying hair clearly visible even in the dim light; office ladies in their scarves and heeled boots, clearly having changed to something more presentable, more fashionable, after office hours. Then there was the odd tourist here in confusion, as if everything was new to them. Their maps and cameras gave them away, even if their looks did not. She had learned to pick them out by sight alone, if only to amuse herself during the slow hours.
Her hands moved automatically even as her mind wandered; straightening the display, tidying up the counter, putting things away. Her body worked on autopilot; she merely had to set a course and it would follow. Experience allowed her that freedom, and she reveled in it. Conditioned responses saved her the trouble of overthinking things, as she was wont to do with just about everything else in her life.
Case in point: the automated door slides open, and the greeting is out of her mouth before she even blinks. In the time it takes for that signal to cross a synapse, her smile is on before she even realizes it, sincere and welcoming. It was a badge of experience she wore proudly, if quietly.
The coat swallows up the figure it encased, as if it was two sizes too large and not cut for the form. It hangs all wrong, and Takahashi tilts her head slightly as she tries to get a read on the latest customer. Only the back is visible as the figure hurries through the aisles, obviously looking for something. Takahashi notes the slightly messed up hair, the jumpy gait, the spark when the customer finds the object she was looking for, and came to a conclusion.
Active, in a hurry, and despite that coat, female. She nods to herself, then straightens into a professional posture as the guest headed over to pay for the purchase.
Viewed from the front, she is surprised that the woman is actually well dressed underneath the ill fitting coat. It was cold outside, which explained the coat's presence, just not the form of it. Her smile hid all her lingering doubts, a professional mask aimed to put people at ease.
She picks up the items put on the counter, scans them, asks automatically if the lady wanted it heated up, and on hearing a yes, proceeds to do so while ringing up the purchases.
She places the heated up bentou into a bag for the customer, picks up the bills from the tray, and then looks up. And the gears grind to a stop, clockwork no more.
Their eyes meet in an instant; it would have been polite to look away, normal even. It was not seeming to look into someone else's eyes, to really look. It was...improper.
But she did not look away, could not. That moment became an age in itself, as if the world had stopped all around them, perceptions lengthening and unravelling into myriad threads of past, present and future.
I know you. I have never met you, never even seen you before this moment, but I know you.
Words do not flow through her mind, images do. Whispers of things that might be, should be, could have been; a thousand maybe's and perhaps's racing through her very soul, and it all boiled down to one simple fact.
I know you.
Or, she felt like she should. Perhaps. Maybe. Or not.
"Your change is 460 yen. Thank you." Her voice is stilted, scratchy, with a hint of an accent she has never entirely erased, merely mutated over the years. It was not the voice with which she serves, and she knows that she has slipped. Mercy above that her manager was out of earshot, and so was everyone else likely to squeal to him about it.
The words, even awkward as they were, ends the suspended moment. Like a touch to an overly taut line, the tension hums for less than a moment, and then it snaps with the jingling of change and the crackling sound of rustling plastic.
The customer merely nods, jerkily, eyes shifting away to anywhere but there, a new tension in the small shoulders dwarfed by that monster of a coat. Takahashi notes it in passing, the tidbit of information lodging itself in between the crevices of her mind even as she moves on to the next customer that had popped in during the miliseconds she was out of touch with reality. The spell is broken, and the world moves on.
It was only until much later, on reflection, that Takahashi realized that it wasn't only just her who felt that extended moment of epiphany. It was entirely mutual, a shock to the sensibilities, and entirely forgotten the moment one of them stepped out of the store as the other continued to work.
At least, for now.
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Yes, there's going to be a part two. XD
Anyone get the references? Dino cookies for those who do! They have chocolate chip eyes! :D
Anyone who can guess why this is titled Six Degrees gets a Stegosaurus cookie with M&Ms for the spikes on its back. :D No, strawhead, YOU CANNOT ANSWER. XD
And now I must sleep.
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i won't try for the prize but it does remind me of something happened a while back, in which I got to talk to a really good friend from a while back and when I asked she said to wait so yeah that came into my mind and now it is stuck for a while :nervous
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I'm ashamed to say that I don't entirely get it. :?
But~ I suspect a little RenAi interaction here. Perhaps? Maybe? Or not? XD
Either way, if I'm right or wrong, I look forward to the next part.
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im not gonna try to guess either...eventhough i want a cookie XDDD glad to see u back essy~! X3 and i cant wait for the next part X3
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Hahaha, brilliant. Those are the kinds of moments I think life is worth living for. I don't recall any moment I've had where I've known a stranger in this way, but I have had moments with complete strangers that have made me feel close to them, like we have some special bond even though we only just locked eyes for three seconds while riding a train.
As usual, I praise your skill in the way you weave sentences together. I also think you've captured the actions of someone in this situation (I imagine) perfectly. Like the emotional response (discomfort, here, of the stranger) of someone in such a weird, personal moment.
Favourite part?
The words, even awkward as they were, ends the suspended moment. Like a touch to an overly taut line, the tension hums for less than a moment, and then it snaps with the jingling of change and the crackling sound of rustling plastic.
The customer merely nods, jerkily, eyes shifting away to anywhere but there, a new tension in the small shoulders dwarfed by that monster of a coat.
desu.
Now I have to ask: what happened to you today at work? I would love love love to hear the story of that. I will pick your brain later. :D
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Ai-chan the conbini worker is too cute. I have cute mental images~~~ :wub:
It bothers me that I can't figure out who this coated figure is. I know who it's NOT. :lol: Fuck, Essy...I know you're laughing at me and "whistling cheerfully". :P
Annoyance aside, this was definitely all I imagined it to be and more~ That one moment of recognition...it's awkward but in a way, comforting. At least that's how I feel.
*munches my Stegosaurus cookie* Hehe...now, it's impossible for me to get that T-Rex so I'll just enjoy this. :nervous
Edit: *now munches T-Rex cookie* I win. XD All it takes is a little research...and an Essy to confirm with.
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:o
Oh dear... I missed a few one shots. lol
The afternoon nap is cute. I remember seeing that picture on Sayu's blog and was thinking what happened to the little white rabbit after the monkey got through with her. XD Hmmmmm.... part 2: The torture and death of the little white rabbit
Poor kids... watching the older members get it on in the changing room. LOL Shame on Rokun influencing you and corrupting the little ones, but if it leads to some yummy Reinai I guess I could forgive him. XD
6 degrees... the only thing I can think of is that relation thing on how you could know everybody in the world by 6 degrees of relation or whatever. Hehehe. Hmm.. I wonder who it could be in that big overcoat... a catgirl? *le gasp*
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Six Degrees
Wow...
Yeah. Wow. :P
You know, I knew you were a really good writer before... but after reading this particular one-shot, this one fact is blinking in my head like neon lights. Awesome! :thumbsup
I think your writing style suits this kind of tone/mood EXTREMELY well. I mean, your fluff is good (though I still have yet to read non-ReinAi fluff from you XD)... but I feel this is something a few levels above that.
Such a simple scenario, and you pulled out something this impressive. Great structure, great expression, great great great!
Wondering who the over-sized coat bearer is. Reina? You seem to be in favour of this coupling, but I can't be sure. Need more clues. Or do you think you've provided enough for us to begin making inferences?
Loved how you portrayed the meeting of eyes, that first connection, and the power of it. That was definitely my favourite part.
(Not sure if this was intentional on your part, but you started off with present tense, slipped into past tense for a good portion of it and then fell back into present tense... I was wondering for a while if this had anything to do with the story itself :nervous I'm thinking not? If so, then pardon me, I've become too used to picking up on these little things thanks to the last 6 years of it being my job. But just maybe it does...)
Thank you for writing this!
Looking forward to the next part :heart:
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More Than Three
(or: Jesus Christ it's a lion get in the car!!!)
Sometimes you end up in a place you didn't think could ever exist, because it was too impossible, that it could never happen to you of all people...
Only to look back in life and see that, oh my, yes, there it was all along.
Hindsight is always perfect, if splotchy. Sometimes it's the things you don't remember that make a lot more sense than the things you actually do.
Then again, what is life if it all made sense to begin with?
~*~*~
Internship was awful.
She thought that the first day she stepped into the company, and one month later, the feeling had only been intensified a hundredfold.
I actually have a mind! She fumed to herself silently. Being reduced to brewing and serving coffee was quite a blow to the dignity. Even repeating old cliches about service being a reward of its own failed to calm the disgruntled feminist in her. Perhaps taking that exchange to San Francisco during her university tenure and doing a course on Gender Studies was not the smartest move she had ever made. Not knowing what she was missing would perhaps be a tolerable alternative to suffering in silence.
To add insult to injury, she found that her favorite coat was missing from where she hung it with all the other female employees. As if being made to wait on half a dozen balding, overweight salarymen was not punishment enough! She inwardly wanted to smack herelf on the forehead, but considered herself in hostile territory and refrained from doing so.
At least there was a coat left at all. Being the last to leave, there was only the one coat remaining. With the sigh of one who had no other choice, she took the hulking mass of leather and buckles from the rack. It certainly did not match her personal outfit, which she had swiftly put on after being graciously allowed to leave. She briefly contemplated braving the cold without that atrocious piece of material, but moving within ten steps of the exit changed her mind immediately.
Did it drop twenty degrees during the day? Even with the double doors, she thought she could feel the chill settling in on the ugly tan carpet with the green company logo. She eyed the outside with obvious misgiving, her shifting glance catching the eye of the security guard sitting at his post by the reception. He leered at her, and she felt an odd sense of nakedness under that stare.
Suddenly the cold felt more welcoming than the building. She was out in seconds, having slipped into the coat, or rather, been engulfed by it, her cheeks flushing against the sudden cold snap.
Her legs moved automatically, her mind numbed by the icy fingers of wind that were evidently dissecting her brain. Vaguely, she wished for a hat, but was grateful she had a scarf at all. No, that did not make sense to her either. Or maybe it did. Was her best friend's airheadedness finally infecting her as well? That certainly would not do.
As if the mere thought summoned said friend, her phone began to vibrate in her bag. She failed to notice it for several moments, being utterly focused on trying to get to the station without being blown off the sidewalk. The wind was not helping, though the coat which was not hers was mercifully warm. And not as musty as she had been dreading. It was just...ugly.
Almost stumbling on a cracked bit of pavement, she managed to save herself from an ungraceful tumble using the athletic grace that had fortunately stayed with her from her days on the team during college. It was also then that her phone finally got her attention by flying out of her bag, still vibrating with a vengeance.
With reflexes that would have put Bruce Lee to shame, she managed to snag her phone in midair, hop around on her heeled boots to prevent a disgraceful spill, and not bump anyone else in the process. She skidded to a stop, phone in hand, a flushed but triumphant smile on her face, then noticed the hidden glances of those passing by her. The scrutiny immediately quieted her, making her shrink and fade away, even as her inner feminist warred with her inner traditionalist for dominance.
The nail that sticks up must be hammered down! Yelled one.
For Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness! Cried the other.
Oh shut up! She imposed radio silence on both voices, before picking up the phone.
The voice on the other end was most definitely not drunk. Nonsensical and a little strange yes, but that was her best friend. It was normal...
Oh who am I kidding, she sounds like an old man when she's been drinking...wait, she already got started without us?!
The monthly get-together, or girls' night out, was something she had really been looking forward to for the past week or so. She was completely ready to get smashed and pass out on the floor in her best friend's huge apartment, hangover be damned. And she was the voice of reason in the group. Clearly, stress was not helping her keep a clear head.
"Sho...hic...you schee...you better buy a few more cans of beer to tide us over until Yocchan can come over with that carton from her aunt's place...and make it snappy!"
The switch from drunken old man to drill sergeant didn't even make her blink. Sure, it made her eyebrow twitch a little, but she was nothing if not easy-going. It helped her maintain her sanity even through the strangest things her circle of friends kept putting her through. Sometimes it almost felt like nothing could ever catch her offguard.
Still, a carton? Just how much is she planning to drink anyway?
She figured she'd find out when she got there. Spying a convenience store across the street, her legs propelled her there in double-time. The wind had done a number on her hair, and she was acutely aware that she looked a mess by her usual exacting standards. Well, not as exacting as her best friend when said best friend was sober, but she did always prefer a more natural look compared to the artfully styled manner the other woman preferred.
"You know I luuuuuuuuvvvvvv ya, dont'cha, Shibacchan?"
She sighed, her breath forming a little cloud before her lips. The convenience store was only metres away. Now to get this over and done with.
"Yes Rika-chan, I love you too. Now stay where you are and don't move until I get there, alright?"
A few more tipsy giggles and exchanged words later, a very frazzled Shibata Ayumi finally managed to hang up on her longtime best friend, wondering if the world had something against her that week, or whether it was just that day only.
If only she really knew the irony of her own words right then.
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Now to answer some of the comments I received. XD
@Commie: Mhm it was strange to have that kind of moment, it felt so intimate. Weird. Especially since it was a total stranger. Thanks! I tried to capture how I felt lol. I'm glad it came through well. <3
@Fen: Yes you missed a lot! And you get a special cookie for guessing right! It is six degrees of separation I was referencing. :D :D :D
@strawhead: Yes, yes, you only got it because I gave you a titanic hint. :P But enjoy this part as well. Haha.
@Beecubed: I must have mentioned it before, but your comments make me feel fuzzy inside because of how you phrase them. :lol: I'm a sucker for well written flattery/praise. orz XD Hopefully I actually deserve them, but yes! I enjoy vignette writing the most because I cherish scenes so much. Haha. The tense portion, hmm...I did it quite unconsciously to portray the shifting perspectives within Ai's mind. One moment the detached observer reporting her day and the things she sees, the next a blow by blow account as she is taken from her little observer's post and thrust into the front lines. Might not be the best way to get things across, but well...I'm fairly loose on tenses sometimes. ^^; And thank you for reading!
:D To everyone else, thanks for reading as well! Haha. I'm glad I could bring enjoyment to people through my writing. Also, I would think that the reference for the title is incredibly blatant this time round. I'm sleep deprived and operating on 4 hours sleep and then going on for 18 hours awake today. Insanity! But that's when the loopiest writing comes out. XD As well as the corny jokes. Essy goes crazy and writes weird shit when exhausted. Lmao.
And now, I sleep!
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i feel like im missing sommething....i still dont get it XD its epic though XDDD i guess i'm not paying full attention to it?? idk XD
have a good sleep then~ u deserve it :twothumbs
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You're right, this is hilarious!!! Shiba-chan is win. Drunk Rika is also pretty awesome...in a drunken kind of way. :lol: I also had a fun time imagining Shiba-chan preventing herself from falling...the triumphant grin :grin:
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Drunk Rika for the win :lol:
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Poor Shibata :lol: :lol: I'm quite curious to see where this is going.
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Shiba-chan. :heart: Essy. :heart: :heart:
Even repeating old cliches about service being a reward of its own failed to calm the disgruntled feminist in her. Perhaps taking that exchange to San Francisco during her university tenure and doing a course on Gender Studies was not the smartest move she had ever made.
MADE ME ROFFLE. True, ignorance can be bliss. ^o^
I went "OHHHHHHHHHHHHH" out loud when the last coat was left. Took me then to realise it was the other side of the story. ^^ Yay for multiple POVs. ;)
I feel... nodded at. :lol: :love:
So... gonna make this a three shot? Four shot? Keep going... (Maybe Tachibana has a POV, too '_')
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@Beecubed: I must have mentioned it before, but your comments make me feel fuzzy inside because of how you phrase them. :lol: I'm a sucker for well written flattery/praise. orz XD Hopefully I actually deserve them
Hehhee, I'm glad. :)
I've had to learn to comment properly. I do correct and comment on Year 12 work after all!
And yup, you do deserve them. I think you have the potential to take your writing very far.
I enjoy vignette writing the most because I cherish scenes so much. Haha.
Me too. ^___^ I think a lot of fanfic writers forget to just stop, breathe and take some time to focus on scenes - on the little details and the eloquent thoughts. Probably not do it all the time, but every now and then is really good for some mood making. :yep:
The tense portion, hmm...I did it quite unconsciously to portray the shifting perspectives within Ai's mind. One moment the detached observer reporting her day and the things she sees, the next a blow by blow account as she is taken from her little observer's post and thrust into the front lines. Might not be the best way to get things across, but well...I'm fairly loose on tenses sometimes. ^^; And thank you for reading!
That makes sense, though if it was your intention, it wasn't very obvious :nervous
It's okay, I think tense is one of the hardest things for people to grasp. I have trouble with it too! But yeah, it doesn't subtract from the reading in any way, only if it's all over the place and becomes distracting. You've done plenty fine :love:
OK, now to the comment...
I'm surprised kawaii beam didn't get it... you probably weren't concentrating there friend :P
I'm also surprised that the person turned out to be Shiba-chan! :shocked: I DID NOT expect it to be her... any particular reason why it's Shiba-chan and not Reina? :D Lovely you mentioned Rika & Yossie too (drunken Charmy = :bow:), please make sure to mention them many more times in the coming installments :grin:
The relationship details between Rika/Yossie/Shiba-chan are still a little vague at this point; wonder who likes who. Drunken Rika offering an I-love-you to Shiba-chan over the phone mightn't mean anything :nervous
So that's why Shiba-chan's sporting such a massively out-of-place coat. So that's why Shiba-chan is heading off to the convenience store. So that's how they first meet. I am REALLY looking forward to more of this story. Really really.
Again, very well written and I really like the way your writing flows, and the way you get from a to b so smoothly in any story or one-shot or chapter or whatever. It's just great to see! :heart:
Thank you for writing this and
PLEASE UPDATE SOON!
:love:
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*falls on face after reading Beecubed comment* damn i feel dumb now XDDD i wasnt realy concentrating XD i readi t like as soon as i woke up XDDD sorry^^;
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We interrupt this story to bring you breaking news.
Estrea
(12:43:07): it could, but I had that idea for another story
(12:43:13): in which I had backgrounds for everyone
(12:43:39): like Gaki being a divorcee who had a miscarriage and is now unable to safely bear a baby to term
(12:43:42): ...XD;
Comrade
(12:43:59): LOLWTF
(12:44:07): you....
(12:44:08): ok
(12:44:16): everyone complains that *I* put my charactesr through hell
(12:44:21): they obviously forgot about YOUR charaters
(12:44:23): *c
Estrea
(12:44:26): XDDDDDD
(12:44:44): cos I'm awesome sauce and make them forget with all the hawt sexx0rs I write
(12:44:45): XD
Comrade
(12:44:55): LMFSDAOFKLOLOL
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LOL essy you are so right with those XDDDDDDDDD
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:lol: :lol: :lol: OMG Essy-sama, poor Gaki.
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Fufufu, another update.
More insanity ahead, because an Essy at 3am is a crazy one. Yesh. Fear the insanity!
*cackles*
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Falling House of Cards
Some things just stick to you your whole life. Like a piece of old chewing gum getting stuck on your sole, never coming off no matter how hard you try, to the point where you just give up and keep on walking. After all, it's not like it actually gets in your way. It's just simply there.
Sometimes we find things we never expect to pick up. A pretty penny on the floor that someone dropped, something shiny out of a pocket. Little things, insignificant things. Things that we can forget, even let go of and not know, but somehow they just end up finding their way back into our hands.
Some things just don't go away. Maybe if we ignore it hard enough, throw it away often enough; maybe then, just maybe, it would finally bounce off and never be seen again. And we would continue on our merry way, none the wiser to what was lost, because it had never been gained.
It could happen. But do you want it to?
~*~*~
Somewhere along one word and the next, she had forgotten what she was supposed to be listening to, her attention riveted instead to a single, trembling little ball. It rolled gently in a spot, swaying ever more precariously closer to the edge, the vibrations of wood and metal below it a silent partner to its eventual fate.
It was pretty insignificant by any standard, but for some reason, she just kept watching. Just wanted to see when it would finally fall, as she knew it would, and how.
Sometimes, waiting was half the fun. The eventual result, however predictable, didn't matter.
A glass slammed down on the scored surface, the shockwave spilling out like a tidal wave. She felt almost disappointed as the ball fled over the edge like a refugee seeking asylum, only to find that it was like jumping out from a frying pan into the fire. Like how so many refugees in real life discover.
The analogy amused her, and she found herself smiling unconsciously before her attention was abruptly seized (forcibly so, one might add), by her (self proclaimed) bestest friend in the world.
"This is your party, Shiba-chan!" No, it did not feel like it. She would have picked somewhere with better atmosphere. Like a nice cafe. With books. And coffee. Good coffee.
"You're no longer an intern!" A fact to be celebrated! A dozen miniatures of herself began dancing in a Las Vegas kickline, to some nameless, meaningless pop song she didn't remember the words to. Ah, America, the things you leave in one's brain!
"So drink up! It's on the house!" A very undrunk, but still very hyper, Ishikawa Rika clapped a bemused Shibata Ayumi on the back. Above, a gaudy disco ball shimmered in the dimmed lights, sending assorted refractions all over the walls.
Tacky, a snobby little voice inside her sniffed. She had to agree with it. While the whole place was still a great deal classier than its neighbors, it still lacked a certain gravitas. Then again, it was a club, and not an exclusive one, at least not in the usual terms.
It was a special place...and one she gravely hoped to never encounter any familiar faces in. Because, seriously, she did not need to know if any of her more normal friends were...into these things. It was bad enough that all her close friends seemed to be ridiculously deviant (and proud of it!). She certainly didn't need her normal existence threatened by more unexpected revelations.
Being the only sane person in a circle of absolutely crazy people could be utterly exhausting. So Shibata believed. Normal, rational people would have flown out of such company like a bat out of hell the moment the weirdness started showing, but somehow she had stayed.
Because, she reasoned, someone needed to keep an eye on them. Or at least, be able to post bail for them in case anything happened.
She liked to be prepared for eventualities, should they ever occur.
The sane, rational part of her would never admit that she actually enjoyed the crazy hijinks they pulled her on. It was kind of like wakeboarding --- being pulled along at high speeds, cresting the waves, the wind in your hair, the spray of the sea --- just living in the moment.
Shibata liked being alive. Merely living was much too boring.
Rika was talking about her Yocchan again. Shibata rolled the ice in her glass around, idly watching the play of lights across the cubes as they clinked gently against the sides. She loved her best friend, but sometimes Rika could be a little too much for anyone. Then again, it wasn't like she never listened. If there was anything she was good at, it was multitasking.
"You aren't listening, are you?" The smile on Rika's face never faded, which just upped the danger level for anyone who really knew her. The more glassy her smile got, the wider it went...the more trouble you were in. Rika was just warming up right now, but years of experience had taught Shibata well.
Do not mess with the Ishikawa. She will kill you. Really.
And she will smile over your fucking grave.
Suppressing the chill of foreboding that ran through her spine, Shibata turned her full attention (or at the very least, an intent expression) on Rika, smiling back mildly.
"You were saying that Yossi's been working more shifts for her aunt, and that between her day job and this one, you guys haven't been hanging out as much. Also, your neighbor needs to stop singing in the shower because the walls aren't soundproof, and it's kind of like hearing nails screeching on a blackboard every evening. Oh and, Fujimoto got married and you didn't go because you were at...wait, Fujimoto got married?!"
Rika just continued staring at her with that creepy smile-that-was-not-a-smile. The glassiness was fading, which was a good sign. Now, she simply looked amused.
"You know, sometimes I'm never actually sure if you listen, because you do...and you don't at the same time." Rika rested her chin on an open palm, eyes glinting in private amusement. "At least your ability to repeat everything you've ever heard within the last hour is still intact."
Shibata snorted. That ability was why any of them had passed midterms at all. Or for that matter, graduated with honors, in her case.
But back to the point. So one of their fellow teammates had gone and gotten married. The most unlikely one too...Shibata couldn't imagine anyone taming that tiger(ess) from Hokkaido.
Except one person. And they couldn't have gotten married, because, well, this is Japan. Not San Francisco.
Pity, that was one couple Shibata actually approved of. In a vague, roundabout way. But she approved. Because it was adorable.
And also because the Queen was downright fucking scary. Though still a good friend of hers.
Yeah, she kept some really strange company.
"So, she's...married." Shibata rolled the concept around in her mind. Fujimoto. Married. It really didn't click.
"I was surprised too. Came out of nowhere." Rika said with a shrug. "Then again, we never really kept in contact after graduation, not with her anyway." Here, Rika gave her a sideways glance.
"I thought you would have known, since, you know..."
Ah, yes. Because she knew the Queen. Sometimes also known as Matsuura Aya.
Shibata shrugged eloquently. "We talk, but you know her. She's an ice queen even to her friends." She mentioned a bit of trouble some time back, but that was it.
That 'bit of trouble' coming from an infamous ice queen should probably have set alarm bells off in her head, but the normally astute Shibata had more than likely missed it while trying to disentangle herself from the coils of the great dragon known as Work. Or rather, back then, the Internship. It was wonderful to finally be free and employed on her own terms elsewhere.
Though, she reflected, the more things changed, the more they stayed the same.
The year as an intern had passed quickly, and she had also gone on to better things. The entire reason why she was at a club, at this club, was because Rika had spontaneously decided that her new job was worth celebrating, and of course, any opportunity to hang out with her Yocchan was a big bonus. That and, Yossi's aunt was a generous, if scary, woman. They could probably drink for free for as long as they wanted, since they were her precious niece's friends.
Though Shibata sincerely hoped they did not run into her. Few people intimidated her, but only an idiot was not intimidated by THE Nakazawa Yuko.
Shibata was anything but an idiot. Or, as Rika put it, 'our resident shrink, encyclopedia, dictionary, and GPS, all in one person'. She felt the love right there. Really.
Or not.
She was out of juice, since she strictly refrained from chugging large quantities of alcohol ever since that day. Rika still dredged it up whenever she ran out of material. The mere memory (or non-memory, since she still couldn't remember what happened that day, only its horrifying aftermath) was mortifying. That was when (and why) she swore never to get drunk again. Losing control of one's higher faculties was never a good idea, even in the worst of times.
As if on cue, the door to the private suite opened, but Shibata barely paid it any attention. Just another of the waitresses working there, from the barest glance at the movement. Rika had called for more drinks, so it did not surprise her to see someone coming in with the order.
Still, breeding and natural societal graces kicked in, and she thanked the nameless, faceless person with a brief smile without even really looking at said person. Putting down her empty glass, she reached out for the fresh one while keeping one eye and ear on Rika, opening her mouth to speak something in reply when time suddenly slowed to a crawl all around her.
It was cold. Of course the glass is, it's an iced drink. Warm, just a touch, a spot. Wet, just a little. Like tears, but that's silly, that's just condensation running down the glass...
Her thoughts ran over and on top of her observations, flights of fancy getting churned over with the facts. It was soft, almost smooth. Skin, hand, fingers?
She could feel all the calluses and wrinkles unseen, their fingers locked in a lovers' embrace around the arc of the frosted glass, barely touching, more than a brush, less than a caress. Just a section of skin against skin, so small as to be insignificant, but she felt...
And was abruptly thrust away, the contact breaking off as quickly as it had begun, and the clock started ticking once more. The nameless, faceless waitress babbled an apology so garbled that she could barely understand it as Japanese (it sounded like a fusion of Greek and Portugese, maybe with a touch of Spanish?), before fleeing the room like a gust of wind in spring.
Shibata remained frozen, one finger still arched outwards, as if still seeking the contact lost. Her breath, as it was, had literally been stolen from her lungs. She almost forgot to start breathing until she started seeing spots in front of her eyes, and her hacking wheeze made Rika pause in concern over her wellbeing.
Breathing helped. Air entered, circulated, rejuvenated her jarred thoughts. Slowly, deliberately, she ran one hand over the finger that had been, for one, perfect moment, utterly alive, all on its own. She processed, savored, stored away, and utterly forgot it all, as the wheels of her mind kept on turning and turning...
There had been no thunder bolt, no electric current, no instant spark to set off a forest fire of passion or anything of the like. Just a single moment of awkwardly intimate contact with someone she couldn't even name or place, a faceless stranger like the masses she passed by every day in her life, unremembered.
Her mind dismissed the encounter. But her body remembered.
Touch was, after all, still one of the most primal forms of contact.
Shibata laughed, talked, and lived. The incident, no stranger than the sort of things that had a tendency to happen to her, fell completely out of her awareness.
It was just one more thing to be remembered when all the pieces were in place.
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Title is not meant to make sense. I'd be surprised if it did.
Now I crawl into bed because I HAVE WORK IN LESS THAN NINE HOURS AGGGGGHHHH!!!!!
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Wow, this chapter had a sort of intensity to it that the others didn't. Maybe the atmosphere, maybe the detached thoughts of the wandering Shibata, or maybe it's just the insanity of three am on the other side of the world. Whatever the cause, I still find myself screaming, "Who?! Who is it~!?" and shaking my monitor as if it would give me the answers I seek. Yeah, I really wanna know, mostly because I want to see another story up by you, since I was beginning to suffer from Essy-sama deprivation (now to find rokun...) and mostly because, as usual, the plot in this is so intricate and twisted that it's really left a lasting mark.
Heheh, hopefully this reply is better than my last two, which really don't do my thoughts any justice or make it seem as though I had thoughts at all. Well, I usually don't, but that's neither here nor there. XD
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I'm finally here, you comment-starved maniac! XD
LOL at Shiba-chan's enthusiasm for her party. She seems so intellectual, something I never noticed because the Melons were rarely on my radar. :nervous OHSHIT!!! Now THERE'S the "aiso-warai" that Eri and Sayu talked about on Mujack. :lol: You make me kinda scared of Rika. :nervous
Except one person. And they couldn't have gotten married, because, well, this is Japan. Not San Francisco.
Gay marriage is no longer legal here, at least at the moment. :P
Shibata was anything but an idiot. Or, as Rika put it, 'our resident shrink, encyclopedia, dictionary, and GPS, all in one person'. She felt the love right there. Really.
Or not.
I had to laugh at this, for some reason. XD
And this waitress chick...gives me interesting vibes. lol
Happy now? I commented. :P Now give me my perv!!!!
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Whoa, you're not kidding Essy when you warn us about the insanity.
This new chapter is a little nuts :nervous
A bit hard to follow, since your writing can be quite heavy and complex, but then again it might just be my exhaustion. That, or that fact that I haven't read anything age-appropriate in the last two weeks (preparing primary school readings is not very intellectually stimulating... XD)
Do not mess with the Ishikawa. She will kill you. Really.
And she will smile over your fucking grave.
:rockon: :rikabunny :rockon:
Shibata was anything but an idiot. Or, as Rika put it, 'our resident shrink, encyclopedia, dictionary, and GPS, all in one person'. She felt the love right there. Really.
Now where is that nerd icon...
(But hey, I love Shibata too :love:)
It was cold. Of course the glass is, it's an iced drink. Warm, just a touch, a spot. Wet, just a little. Like tears, but that's silly, that's just condensation running down the glass...
..............
Her mind dismissed the encounter. But her body remembered.
Wow, talk about detail. Similar to that other chapter, I really like the way you convey these single moments in time. Very effective :heart:
I'm now beginning to wonder your purpose behind writing these. Anything going to be developed further? I'm hoping so, because I still want to find out what's going to happen between Shiba-chan & Ai... and now this new stranger, how is she going to fit into everything?
Thought-provoking stuff. I like the way you begin off with some fodder for thought. I also love this chapter's title, even though I haven't made an association with the text yet :nervous
Thanks for sharing :heart:
Update soon!
Oh and one more thing - I haven't forgotten about Destiny Love. You went on a crazy bout of updating and I'm still trying to catch up and comment properly. I'm kind of slow with the catching up, with uni keeping me busy and all.
I hope things have been well on your end! ^______^
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Not a continuation to the Six Degrees series, just a little standalone I discovered on my hard drive. :lol:
I need something out here to clear my head...
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First and Last
I've missed you.
Soft finger trailing feather light over white, white skin, barely brushing, barely touching, barely there to begin with, just a whisper, an illusion of contact, like a breath of spring across winter's threshold. Lingeringly, like the touch of a lover, an admirer...or something else entirely.
I've always had your face in my mind.
Lips, warm breath, eyelashes to fluttering. Barely daring to touch, just a millimeter above pale, cool flesh. Too white, too pure.
I can't taint you.
Withdrawal, gloved fingers to trace patterns in the air, as if imagining the trail one would take, to explore that unknown territory.
No, not completely unknown.
The wind rustles ebony locks, scattering them restlessly amidst petals of white and red. White, black and red. So stark. So beautiful.
Just like you were, that night.
A gathering breeze, swirling around knees and sending the petals to dance to some unknown melody, filling the air with their intricate steps. A single white tear falls from the performance, spent.
You wept too.
It catches, is caught. Delicately, fluttering to rest on one outstretched finger. Leather, brown and cracked and worn, balancing that delicate petal. So white, so thin, so...fragile. Luminescent.
Radiant, your smile through the tears.
Spellbound, that moment. Around, the wind ceased its restless journey with a sigh, the dance of broken flowers drawing to a close, settling down in a rain of red and white. Still, the single drop balanced on that tip.
I've always been watching you.
Hovering, uncertain. It would fall, will fall. It was never meant to be held in the first place. But that was alright.
I was content to watch.
Lips forming into a small pout, cheeks tightening in almost invisibly. And released.
But you just had to ruin it, didn't you?
It fell. Buffeted by a sudden gust, the petal whirled, spinning, borne aloft by the current. And torn apart.
I was not your first, so you whispered that night.
A cracked fist, clenched tight, frozen in midair. Dead silence.
Then why did you have to kiss me?
Relaxed, fingers loosening. Fine dust, like powder, swirling unseen. Flaky fragments, descending. Crushed.
White, red, then black...
The wind picked up once more. It was cold. A shadow rising, black on white and red.
Let me have been your last, just as you were my first.
A dirge sung on wistful pipes, played by nature. Mournful, pining, aching. White stained red, cast in shadow. No more, no less. The door closes, never to be opened.
Only this, my first, my last, my love.
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Feel free to attach whoever you want. I didn't really write it with a specific person in mind at the time.
Some people might find this oddly familiar. :P
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It does seem oddly familiar. RenAi seems to fit here, but I like to think it's some other Reina pairing.
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OMG!!! [bgcolor=black]It's your creepy stalker story!![/bgcolor] :mon wtf:
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeek! [bgcolor=black]creepy. stalker. murder story!!! *Shivers* [/bgcolor] :on freeza:
I remember the title and the ending line. [bgcolor=black]Throw in the gloved hand and the red and white...and it was like click click click. then creep out again[/bgcolor] :mon curtain:
[bgcolor=black]hehe don't want to spoil for the others [/bgcolor] :mon evillaff:
People, don't read my comment and enjoy the romance la~ [bgcolor=black]*throws out deceiving icon* [/bgcolor] :mon inluv:
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It's nice to read something like this once in a while. :mon lovelaff:
^ :mon sweat: So I'm not the only one that was scared by this (in a good way?). :mon fyeah:
:mon dance: ... Alright, back to lurking. :mon rush:
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Hey its September 14th!!!! Guess what?
:D :D :D
I apologize for the crappiness, I was tired and kinda lazy. :P
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Playlist
aka So this is only how much you love me?!
1) Zutto Suki de Ii desu ka?
All good things come to an end, and Takahashi Ai sighed as she repacked her old Super Famicom console back into its box.
2) Fast Forward
She presses the button until the end, and sings with Der Tod as the veil is falling: For you belong to me!
3) agony
Tears brim in her eyes as she reads one mail too late: I missed the application for FFXIV's beta!
4) Magic
She digs out her old Halloween costume and tries it on; it fits and she pretends to cast Ultima.
5) SONGS
She falls, and thinks about how much she fails at life.
6) Tomo
Her friends are dorks, and they are so lying when they said she was cute on TV.
7) Abracadabra
Dancing alone in front of her laptop should somehow be embarrassing, but she finds a sudden understanding for her wota: This is so much fun!
8 ) Bad Romance
She has no idea what she is doing, but continues doing it anyway: I mean, what the heck?
9) Kimagure Princess
She watches her flit around from interest to interest, and tuts quietly from behind a book.
10) Suki Sugite Baka Mitai
She buys a gift for her, but it doesn't fit, so she hands it to someone else and sighs: A fool in love indeed.
11) Hitomi no Naka no Meikyuu
She doesn't understand why people are puzzled by her; after all, she's normal and they just had to be weird.
12) Secret World
She locks the door and turns the Eye on; no one else needs to know about her obsession with DDR and Para Para.
13) Radical Dreamers
Someday she wants to travel the world as just another face in the crowd.
14) Masquerade
She loves being on stage; she can become something other than herself.
15) Arigatou
She wants to write Thank You, but they said no, Japanese only, so she gives up and just says it as it is.
16) Osaka Oishiinen
She is reminded of takoyaki, karaoke, and mangled lyrics: Gomen, Koharu!
17) Ano hi ni modoritai
She reminisces about climbing trees to impress her sister, and conveniently forgets about how she fell off it in the end.
18) akai nikkicho
She didn't think she would ever get it, until she fell in love herself; now she keeps a journal, but it's black.
19) Genie
She wonders if she can convince the rest to dance it with her.
20) Yume Kara Samete
She doesn't want to sleep, but does anyway, and is glad when there are no dreams for once.
21) For You
She feels most alone when surrounded by other people.
22) Lalala
She tries to change, and forget anything ever happened.
23) Crazily Pretty
The outlines were sleek and trim, curves in all the right place, truly a work of art, so crazily pretty she thought she fell in love at first sight: iPad wo kudasai.
24) Happy Birthday
Turning 24 wasn't so hard after all.
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Just an attempt to tell a story using single lines and inspired by whatever's on my playlist shuffle. A tribute to Her Dorky Hotness, Takahashi Ai. :heart: We love you even if you're 24! Ganbatte! :lol:
*slinks away*
EDIT: *slinks back* It occurs to me that not everyone may get the inside jokes/references in each one. I promise dino cookies to anyone who can name them! Hint: Some are related to the meanings of the songs, not just the title. Have fun!
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lol i was wondering when u'd put something up~ it wouldnt be ai's b-day with out essy putting something up!
that's like ubber cute X3 i couldnt stop smiling at the cuteness X3 to me u got her right on point XD 3,11,15,17,23and 24 are the ones i love the best X3 great job~>3<
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Eeep....I was hoping I didn't have to use my brain XD Well here's some random guessing:
1) Can I Love You Forever? - About giving up on one-sided love
1-4) Final Fantasy geekiness XD
5) Tripping during concert performance of SONGS
6) Ai + Friends on Fukui TV
8 ) A bad romance
9 ) Fickle flirty lover?
10) I Like You so Much That I Look Like a Fool -hand me downs to Sayu
11) The Maze in My Eyes -trying to confess
13) Chrono Cross
8-14) Some secret crush that ends badly?
15) Seishun Collection
16) Delicious things of Osaka + Koharu's concert song
17) I Want To Go Back To That Day
18) Red Diary - new love Black journal...broke up?
19) Awoken From a Dream -dreams of past lover ...no dreams this time.
15-19) Thanks the lover, wants to go back in time...back when things were good...conveniently forgets about the bad parts, breaks up, gets over it....falls in love with someone new in 23.
23) Love at first site with someone pretty
24) Happy Birthday Ai chan XD :heart:
Random after thought: 16) Eeeew the secret crush better not have been Koharu :lol:
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Interesting concept, I giggled at a few parts, but I also wondered who exactly she fell in love with. For some reason, Sayu seemed like a good choice.
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Smoke and Mirrors
Takahashi Ai was a whimsical person.
She often thought of many things, different things, all at the same time, which may or may not have any relation to what she is actually doing. Her mind is distracted, but her body remains responsive, and quite active as well.
Her lips relearn the contours of her partner's supple body, murmuring hidden whispers to the heated skin. Nails dig in, leaving red marks that would take days to erase. Sheets twisted under writhing bodies, dimly lit from the moon shining through fogged windows...
She watches the smoky glass, distracted once more. Her partner does not stay passive, taking the opportunity to switch positions, pinning the not-unwilling Ai to the bed. Hungry mouths meet, clash, with no clear victor in sight.
Ai remains fixated on the window. Was that a cloud behind the glass, or was it the mist glistening on it? Her attention is shaken for a moment, eyes widening as her lover gets down to work, slippery as an eel. She returns to the matter at hand, her competitive streak triumphing her distraction. There are things she would never give in to without a fight.
So real and unreal at the same time. Their struggle for dominance seems temporal, and hard to grasp. Even as both of them hit orbit at the same time, Ai is reminded of the moon, misty and uncertain through the fogged glass...
It is much later, or early to be precise, and already the false dawn glimmered through the loosely drawn curtains. Ai is slouched in the oversized couch, clad only in a long dress shirt that reached to mid-thigh. Her trusty netbook lay on one knee, while the other was drawn up to where she could rest her chin on it.
She had not slept. Her mind was racing, fevered yet clear. Slender fingers flew across the keyboard, pausing only to delete whole lines, before replacing them anew. She was biting absently on her lower lip, a look of intense concentration on her face.
Her lover wakes. A light sleeper and a perpetual insomniac, she only slept when utterly worn out. Sex was one method with which she achieved that state. Stretching cat-like amidst silken sheets, she arches an eyebrow at the sight of her lover occupied with what looked suspiciously like work to her. That simply would not do. They rarely saw each other as it was, and they certainly wasn't going to waste precious time doing anything else other than having fun together.
The rustle of silk barely roused Ai's attention, her eyes remaining fixed on the glowing screen. She barely reacted even when slim arms looped around her neck from behind, her lover nuzzling affectionately into her ear. She simply hummed low in her throat, even as her lover nibbled her earlobe, whispering.
"Leaving me alone in bed isn't very nice, Ai."
"You need the sleep." Ai was distracted, but stuck by her inspiration despite the very tempting advances her demanding lover was making on her.
"You almost sound like you care." Her lover teased, hand already slipping down to cup the generous assets only half-hidden from view. The swift physical response and faint scent of arousal only brought a smile of triumph to the other girl. Ai still wanted her, even while working.
"You know that's not how it works." Ai retorted, managing to keep her voice steady. She was almost done as it was. Cocking her head to one side, she glanced up at her wildcat of a lover.
"I just had an idea I couldn't let go of. You know how that goes." Her lover raised an eyebrow, but her hands continue moving.
"Oh? I must not be doing a very good job then, if it gives you time to think about other things while we're playing." As she spoke, she bit down lightly on a few sensitive spots on Ai's neck, eliciting a light gasp and hazed over eyes.
Ai was a little dazed from the assault, though she managed to steady herself enough to reply.
"On the contrary, I think that was part of the inspiration."
"Oh? Now I'm curious." This time Ai takes the initiative and captures her surprised lover into a deep kiss. Only the awkward angle forces them to break apart sooner rather than later, and Ai licks her lips like a cat that got the canary.
"It's for you anyway. I'll mail you a copy." She turns back to her netbook, still perched on her lap. Her lover is not amused.
"Oh no you don't. Come back here right now. " She scrambles over the low back of the couch, determined to win Ai back from the clutches of the evil machine.
Their lips meet again with the force of a tropical storm, and Ai's loosely buttoned shirt soon slides down her shoulders from the sustained assault. She returns the fervor with equal strength, one hand kneading her partner's bottom, drawing an approving moan in response.
Her other hand manages to click 'Send' on the completed file, and she only just puts the machine on standby right before her over-enthusiastic lover scrambles onto her lap and knocks the usurper onto the mercifully carpeted floor.
"Reina! My netbook!"
Wonky eyes were fiery and dark as Reina growls in response.
"Fuck the netbook. Now shut up before I throw the damn thing out of the window."
Ai gave in. There were some battles she didn't have to fight. Besides, it wasn't like she had anything to lose in compromising just this once...
The sun was well up by the time either of them got any more sleep.
Ai wakes up alone this time to see the sun setting. Stretching her infinitely sore muscles, she winces as she gets up, starting to retrieve her scattered clothing.
Her phone chirrups just as she located her stockings (under a dresser, of all places). She picks it up, and her lips curve upwards at the message.
I had a great night.
See you around sometime, Tiger. ;)
P.S. Thanks for the verse, you weirdo.
Ai grins as she snaps her phone shut. Now to find the rest of her things...
~*~ Two Months Later ~*~
"And now, first on the Oricon charts, a new entry?! Here it is...Smoke and Mirrors by Tanaka Reina..."
Ai looks up idly from the draft in her hand at the sound of a familiar name, twirling a pen in her fingers as she puzzled over her work. She is unsurprised by Reina's name; she knew who exactly she was sleeping with, after all. Though it wasn't like she asked the first time they did it, and somehow it never came up in subsequent trysts.
We ask no questions, tell no lies
Leaving our masks behind
In a land where secrets never rise
Her pen pauses in mid-chicken-scratch (that she couldn't even read herself sometimes). The lyrics were hauntingly familiar.
The you I see
A dream of me
We are passserbys in the mist
Your touch is real
But the only thing I see...
Of course. Ai laughs, suddenly, in comprehension. That sneaky little brat, turning something like that into a song. Clever of her, though a risky move. Ai wondered who she named as the lyricist. Surely not herself, because no one else knew about their clandestine relationship. Hell, no one even knew that they even knew of each other, much less being much of anything else.
And Ai wanted to keep it that way. She didn't need the spotlight in being linked to a famous singer. She had her own niche, known in her own circles. No need for to trail along in the shadow of someone else. Fame wasn't that important, not to her.
Smoke and Mirrors
The you reflected in me
Is it real or fantasy?
I punch through the darkness, reaching
Nothing, but
Smoke and Mirrors
Leaning back in her comfy chair, Ai lets the sound of Reina's voice from the radio wash over her. It was sung in a much lower timbre than most of Reina's songs were, though Ai certainly didn't listen to enough of her songs as it was. She wasn't even a fan, for goodness sake. She was far more interested in Reina the person than Reina the singer. However, this song interested her in more than one way, the least of which being that Reina sounded like she was having sex with the song. And that turned her on more than anything else could...
Well, except maybe Reina herself, but the person in question was unavailable at the moment.
As if reading her thoughts, her phone sang out. Flipping it open, the message contained therein was brief, but direct.
Usual place. I'm waiting.
Ai raised an eyebrow. Her fingers typed up a reply before she even stopped to think.
Do you expect me to come running at your call?
The response she received was almost instant.
No.
Then her phone rang. She picked up without really thinking.
"I ditched the after-party." Came the breathless first words. Reina's voice was restless, active, full of life and energy. The sheer force of it was magnetic, hypnotizing. It was what drew Ai to her in the first place, made her reckless enough to jump headfirst into...whatever it was they shared.
"Really." Ai got up from her chair, her writing materials scattering without notice as she sauntered out of her room towards the hall.
"You heard on the news?" Reina moved on like a hurricane. Ai could never fully expect what was coming next from her fiery lover. Their thoughts moved on parallel lines.
"Radio, actually. Congratulations." Ai said offhandedly. She came to her front door, then leaned her back against it, waiting.
"Your lyrics were great. Can I hire you?" There was a teasing note in Reina's voice, and Ai could almost picture the toothy grin the younger girl was wearing.
"You wouldn't be able to afford me." Ai replied loftily, drawing a short bark of laughter from the other side. Ai hid a smile, playing the game as long as Reina wanted.
"No I wouldn't. Perhaps freelance though? We could work out an...arrangement." Reina's tone became flirtatious, and Ai had to resist a strong urge to reach out to her lover there and then.
"Inspiration doesn't come cheap, m'dear." Ai's voice was husky, almost dripping with desire.
"Perhaps I could...pay in kind." Reina's voice was smoky, aflame with barely restrained passion, which was the last straw for Ai, really.
She threw open the door, and Reina hung up, rising sinuously to her feet.
"You lose." Reina declared smugly, removing the large shades covering most of her face. Ai reached out and took them from her, tossing them aside carelessly and pulling the real Reina in with her.
"On the contrary, I think I won." She purred.
The door slammed shut behind them.
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Don't ask me how I got this idea. I was just talking to rokun about ReinAi when this just suddenly popped into my head. XD
I hope I rescued ReinAi a little with this! Maybe! :D :D :D
*prances into dreamland*
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ReinAi for the win <3
Ai wrote out lyrics for reina's song, even if she was the lyrical genius, Reina appreciates the song despite she is the singer, love love love
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Hehe this was
smokey steamy and cute XD
The cat mixes business with pleasure so well :on lol:
"You lose." Reina declared smugly, removing the large shades covering most of her face.
lol I read this in two ways, probably both wrong. I got a good laugh imagining Reina sitting in a dimly lit apartment room with dark sunglasses on XD lol I then re-read it and thought of Ai chan throwing on shades to walk a couple of steps down the hall XD I'm greatly humored by both scenarios :wahaha:
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Lyricist Ai and Singer Reina. I likey. I like reading about these relationships where one half of the couple is in the spotlight, and the other half is a non-celeb. Of course, there are many routes where this premise can take (like, it could be a stormy relationship filled with jealousy and distrust....), but I like it here how Ai prefers to stay in the background, sticking to her own niche, and is comfortable with her relationship with Reina; she seems indifferent and a little aloof even, but she clearly loves Reina.
+ I just love it how in every story she's in Reina can't help but be a bit of a spoilt brat, always clamouring for attention :lol:
And yay for the ReinAi revival XD
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Nice and saucy. XD I do rather like this piece.
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I'm not rly a ReinAi supporter but ur story is rly good :twothumbs :twothumbs :twothumbs
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:heart:
Ai's poor netbook. :lol: I completely sympathize with her in that... Reina's just so careless with regard to things like that lol. Which is worth more to her I wonder - Reina and what she gives her, or that? :lol: Though she did rather quickly dismiss the netbook in favor of the kitten... lol.
You do seem to have taken what we were talking about and run away with it, lol. Ai with her disinterest in most things related to people in favor of her technology or work, where things have to be stuck right in front of her nose in order for her to really notice. Reina with her fiery temperament and sauciness - a word rndm chose well. :lol: Interesting new roles to give them, but I do think they fit well. Reina with her attention whoring personality (aussie, Reina can't help clamouring for attention because that's just how she is XD) and need for showmanship as the celebrity singer, while Ai is more comfortable sitting behind a computer and just creating her art. I hope she does some kind of dance or something too though, because that performer side of her is definitely there as well!
I believe they have a perfectly workable business arrangement between them. :D Many goods and services to exchange... lol.
Hopefully this will begin to help restore ReinAi in the eyes of fans as well. :) :heart:
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ESTREA-SAMA!!!
I'm kame_eririn, this is my new account XD I forgot the other password.
I was missing your ReinAi's stories very much! Now that I have more time I plan to start reading Gegenschein. :wub:
About this one-shot! I totally love it! The ReinAi relationship is so hot!!! :inlove: They are the perfect match!
I'm so happy to read other good ReinAi written by you! :thumbsup
And yes, Ai's poor netbook... :on lol:
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Oh my gosh! :w00t: The last time I came here was when rokun linked one of your fics. (couldn't remember the title.... but it was about ReinAi as well). It has been a long time since I visited jph!p since I haven't got any means since my laptop broke. When I did visit (today) this is the exciting and wonderful fic I read. :inlove: Now I'm getting to love ReinAi as much as MomoSaki, MiyaSaki and ShimiJima. :heart:
Your fics are great. In a way that everything has its own uniqueness and great ideas. :twothumbs Can't wait to read more from your works. (Well, I guess I better get a move on and get my laptop fixed)
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It's been a while. Something short that crawled out of my head when I was on the way home from work.
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A Last Word
A lost word then, from me.
It might be a selfish request, but I do hope you will think not of my worst, but to remember me at my best...
Gripping hands tightened around the jagged scrap of paper, almost crumpling it. There is anger, and there is sadness, as she speaks.
"You idiot...you absolute idiot!"
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And that's it.
Sometimes I only write because I cannot speak.
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morel ike microscopic XD but ubber happy its something essy X3 makes me feel it could be anyone saying/ doing that
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Ha! You wrote something. I only hope the title is a bit of creative play on words and not literal.
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^Actually, I wrote the bit in italics while thinking about what I would write in a last letter to someone before I
killed myselfdied. Takes a lot out of this piece, doesn't it? :lol:
I think I might write more tonight, we'll see.
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my last letters are something to behold. occasionally, i'd come across one whilst packing my room and laugh myself silly before trashing it. hilarity and smartassedness to the very last.
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Actually, some of the stuff I wrote when I was like, 8 years old, crack me up like no one's business. I was already snarky and elitist as a kid. :lol:
But damn, I've been emo all my life. Snarky and emo. I thought I would outgrow it, but noooo. It keeps coming back. I swear I'm bipolar. XD
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i dont think ur bipolar, im sure we all thought of that...maybe once or more in our lives
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Silence
The habit of silence is hard to break.
It's not that she has nothing to say, oh no. Draw her out, get her started, and she babbles with the best. Her eyes light up, and with her stumbling words comes the braying laughter -- less than flattering a description for an idol, but oh so true, and so very human and normal of her.
Yet, easy as it is to speak of the things that capture her interest -- which can range from anything like music to games to movies -- she finds it difficult to express the things she truly wishes to say.
It is easier with strangers, with people she barely knows beyond their surface. They associate based on the shared point of commonality that draws them together, and conversations naturally revolve around that. With her manager, she speaks of work and what she plans to do next, either personal or private; with her stylist, of fashion and upcoming exhibitions they can attend together. She is moderately social, as is expected of her, perhaps even more than is expected, since others have wondered how she can go out with people she barely knew.
It is easy for her to understand, yet difficult to communicate that understanding. The insights that come to her sound garbled, even foolish as they tumble out from her lips. She struggles to articulate the concepts she sees so perfectly in her mind's eye, that make so much sense to her, but to no avail. On some occasions, a happy few in her recollection, there are some who grasp what she intends to say, and translate it out for her with far more eloquence than she could ever manage.
And she is grateful, if not a little envious of that ability to make oneself understood through words. Bad enough to be teased for an accent that was no longer even true to its roots -- so much so that even her old friends back home tease her for picking up a city influence -- it was far worse to not even be able to say what she needed to say without being misunderstood.
It took a while, but she learned silence. Better to be thought a fool, than open her mouth and forever confirm that fact. It was easier to let others take center stage, and if she absolutely had to speak, she would confine herself to things that were not easily misunderstood. Things that were easily conveyed, even if not everyone might understand the exact nature of the topic.
Silence came more easily than she expected. But it came with a price she had not foreseen.
See, silence breeds on itself. It builds walls around you, and reinforces them in continuity. Silence becomes reality, it is a habit that grows and feeds on you. It becomes easy to remain silent, and speaking seems to become more of an effort.
Granted, hers was more of a selective silence, but even that was enough for the little demon to find a refuge in that tiny niche. Growing ever larger, guarding the pathways leading to her inner self like a jealous lover, or perhaps a mysterious sphinx awaiting the right answers.
So it becomes easy to appear mysterious and always calm, with the habit of silence swathing a part so essential to her. The facade slips when she is able to speak of the things she had not subsconsciously blocked off, and she appears as normal and goofy as the girls around her, if a little on the geeky side. She becomes more real, more defined even, as her personality comes to the fore, brought out by her grinning juniors. She plays with them, and the silence recedes.
It recedes further, as people reach out to her, pulling her out of that self-imposed shell. They encourage her, give her the support she needs. She knows she is weak, and gratefully accepts the help they give to her unasked, acknowledging that they give her the wings she needs to fly. Though a part continues to whisper doubts to her, wondering why she is not that much stronger, so that she would not need to rely on others so much. So she could lead by her own strength, not always borrowing the strength of others.
The habit of silence lurks deep within her, tangling her tongue and constricting the throat. It is difficult to admit these fears of hers, even more challenging to voice her desires. Where others could say directly what they meant, she weaves and dodges, skirting the subject and talking around the answer as she struggles for the right words.
Simple words really, those. Yet it is precisely because what she wants to say is so simple, that there is almost no chance of being misunderstood, that she hesitates. Because the habit of silence is hard to break, and it is easier not to speak. Best to leave the conflicting display of emotion hidden from sight, safe from ridicule and rejection.
I need you. Stay. Little things. Perhaps even she did not know what she wanted to say, really. Was she desperate? Not quite. Was she lonely? Maybe, a little. Did she need it enough?
Yes...or no. The silence stretches. The moment passes, and once again she has said nothing. Frustrated, she could almost cry. She almost did.
But she does not, for once. Bursting into tears for no apparent reason stretched even the credulity of those used to her loose tear ducts. She turns away, berating herself once more in the silence of her own mind, the echoes reverbrating, each adding its own recrimination with every rebound.
It is but a familiar routine. One day, she promises herself. One day she will break that routine.
And the universe answers: what day better than now?
"Ne, stay here with me, just for a little while?"
"Eh? Why?"
"Nothing, really..."
"Since Ai-chan asks, I will~"
"...thanks."
When one has missed a moment, perhaps all it takes is just the courage to create the next one. It is but a small step, but she is heartened by the little success, tiny as it is.
Perhaps I too, one day, can say what I truly feel.
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Took a while, but here's what I was working on. The person she wants to speak to is left up to the imagination, I didn't really have a person in mind...actually I do. Cookies to the person who guesses right first. :D
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D: aw~ i wanna huggles ai-chan even more~ and i wanna say either lin, gaki(even if u dont like her XD) ,reina and sayu maybe?
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Took a while, but here's what I was working on. The person she wants to speak to is left up to the imagination, I didn't really have a person in mind...actually I do. Cookies to the person who guesses right first. :D
Reina.
By the way, if anyone asks me for a study of Ai-chan, I will direct them here. :P
Damn you!! *shakes fist*
*Scampers off to finish her own baby crackfic and WIP Ai study. At SIX in the morning.
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A Last Word
I must say I fully disapprove....if you are ever to leave last words...it better be a few decades worth of words in writing, otherwise....I'd imagine your legion of followers would much too quickly run out of material to read. With unfulfillable craving and lack of closure (those poor AA fans), they could end up falling into a pit of despair! Never to emerge again! Tsk tsk tsk, Tea-chan, you just made me imagine the demise of everyone here XD
(oh yeah I only mentioned the AA fans cause I seem to have taken pity to them as of late....how weird eh? XD)
Silence
If I think from your point of view, I can imagine it being either LinLin or Gaki. I don't think it's Reina just cause I don't think Reina sticks around for no reason XD I think it'd go down like this:
"Ne, stay here with me, just for a little while?"
"Eh? Why?"
"Nothing, really..."
"Eh? Ai chan's being strange. If it's nothing, Reina will go home now. Reina wants to hula hoop."
"...um..okay."
As for my own thoughts on who it might be, I would like it to be Eri she's talking to. I'm just thinking of Eri's grad...it would be nice, even in just the fic world, if someone asked Eri to stay and she replies that she will XD
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How I've missed your work, Essy~ I just read Silence and it was deep. lol You really are pro at peeling away the various layers that make up Ai-chan as a person.
Maa, I want to say she's talking to Risa, of course! :P But maybe it's Reina...or it could be some totally random-ass person. >_>
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Ah, our always misterious Ai-chan. When it comes to Ai, I always enjoy reading your works the best. I love how you portray her. She’s really a complex individual.
I like this one-shot a lot. But after reading it I felt kinda sad. In fact, this happens a lot to me after reading something yours. I don't know, usually there is a sad feeling lurking in between lines XD Not between lines in this case. Aw, it sure was deep. You are great at writing stuff like this.
Where others could say directly what they meant, she weaves and dodges, skirting the subject and talking around the answer as she struggles for the right words.
Simple words really, those. Yet it is precisely because what she wants to say is so simple, that there is almost no chance of being misunderstood, that she hesitates. Because the habit of silence is hard to break, and it is easier not to speak. Best to leave the conflicting display of emotion hidden from sight, safe from ridicule and rejection.
I like that part the best. Just because is the truth. I can be talking for hours trying to say a simple thing. Simple words are tough to say. I guess it's because you're exposing yourself, in a way. And of course, there is always the possibility of rejection... sigh.
Anyway, for the character, I say Reina. Because today I feel like shipping ReinAi XD
Oh, and btw with A last word you left me in emo mode, overthinking things. Yay?
"Ne, stay here with me, just for a little while?"
"Eh? Why?"
"Nothing, really..."
"Eh? Ai chan's being strange. If it's nothing, Reina will go home now. Reina wants to hula hoop."
"...um..okay."
This is win :rofl:
Sorry, but the hula hoop was too much :rofl: I had to quote :rofl:
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Yeah, yeah, alright, I concede. I will break my own reviewing silence for you, Tea-sama. :lol:
gracula was right, this really is a study on Ai-chan and a very well thought out one too, though I would expect nothing less from you with your favorite MM subject. This really brought to mind the Collabo Labo with TRF, specifically when Ai was doing the collaboration with Yuki. From the very beginning, when she walked in with Risa, to Yuki's initial thoughts on her, to Ai finally warming up and eventually shining on stage and then their little talk afterwards. Everything could potentially be explained by this ficlet right here.
I really liked that show.... I know I still have it.
*shakes head* Anyway, as for who she's talking to in the end, gosh, it could really be anyone, now that I've put too much thought into it. Who do I want it to be? LinRisaLin Risa? Lin? From opposite side of the spectrum.
Who do I think you had in mind? Reina, of course, but maybe you'll surprise us and put in Sayu in your mind. Can you tell us now?
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Yeah, yeah, alright, I concede. I will break my own reviewing silence for you, Tea-sama. :lol:
Awww rndy. :heart:
Thanks everyone for the comments! :D I do love Ai-chan, so I put in the most effort for her. Though, I suppose, it gets sad sometimes because I think about these things at night and I get sad way too easily. :lol:
As for the answer, I'm surprised everyone thought that I was thinking of Reina. :P Actually I was thinking of Eri, though also a bit of Sayu also. So Sushi gets a cookie. XD And I guess rndy does too. :lol: Everyone else gets a free hug. XD
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yay for free hugs~ XD better luck next time X3
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(::) Cookie! NOM NOM! :grin:
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This has been stewing in my head for weeks. It only just really sprang to life a week or so ago. So now here I am at 5am posting. Crazy, wot?
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Frame
The room is spick and span, barely more than a oversized walk-in closet when one takes a step back to look at it, but it was a decent room nevertheless.
It was also home for the last two years, and for that she was grateful, even as she pauses in the middle of scrubbing every inch of surface she could reach. Which was, happily, most of the room. Being small wasn't so bad when the room seemed sized for you. It also cut down on the actual surface area in need of dusting. There just wasn't that much room.
The single window was just three paces away from the door, and it was thrown wide open for the first time in what felt like (and probably was) months. The cold snap had not quite fled from the fresh spring air, and she was also extraordinarily fond of warmth. The combination of those factors resulted in the current state where fresh air was being let in, and the smell of thick winter socks being let out. Not that it smelled bad, mine. She liked her socks just the way they were, and she did do her laundry regularly.
But enough about socks. None of those were present save for those already on her feet. In fact, there was a remarkable lack of personal effects strewn about the room. As neat a person she might have been, there was no way to avoid leaving signs of habitation in a space that was exclusively yours...more or less.
The only thing in the room was a desk and a bed, and nothing else. No clothes or books or other random junk a college student generally accumulates. The bed was remarkably spartan, without any fancy sheets. It looked like something you might expect to see in a prison cell, which on hindsight tends to be of similar dimensions.
The desk was a little scuffed, but scrubbed clean to a gleaming finish. A pair of keys laid bunched up near the side, along with a couple of open (though folded) letters. A set of train tickets was being held in place by the only thing that she had yet to pack away with the boxes she had sent ahead of her. The worn photo frame faced away from her, turned towards the window.
She does not look at the frame, yet there is little else to look at in the room where nothing much is left. Her little suitcase is backed against the door, and she sits on it briefly, using it as a chair as she inspects the condition of her soon-to-be-former domicile.
There was little to be singled out, even with her discriminating eye. She hates cleaning as a rule, but she hated being irresponsible even more, so it ended up with the room looking cleaner than it had when she first received it. Duty and obligation, that was all.
Her eye is drawn once again to the lone picture frame, resolutely turned away from her. She knows what it contains, had framed the picture with her own two hands. The frame itself was a gift, something she had received when she first moved into this room in a city far from home. It had accompanied her these two years, witnessed both tears and triumphs, shared a part of her life as intrinsically as the subject framed within.
She makes as if to reach out for it, but is interrupted by a loud, though still polite, knocking on the door that sends vibrations through her back (as she is leaning against it). Half scrambling off her perch, she responds with an instant "hai~?" and is rewarded with a familiar voice.
"Takahashi? Need any help moving?" The deep masculine voice of her neighbor almost makes her smile. She opens the door slowly, careful not to hit anyone as it swings outwards.
The owner of the deep voice always amuses her, mostly because he had an appearance that completely failed to match his voice. Scrawny, pale and bespectacled, he looked very much like the classic image of a hikikomori in his faded t-shirt and sweats. Nevertheless, he was a good neighbor in that 1) he was quiet, 2) he never bothered her, and 3) he was nice enough to offer help when the need arose.
He was also the only third party who knows, if only vaguely, why exactly she is leaving. Quiet and unassuming he might have been, he still had eyes to see and ears to hear with. Their adjacent rooms were hardly soundproof, after all.
"Suzuki-kun." She smiles, a slightly stiff affair that would hardly gain her any points for drama class. She knows this, but keeps up the charade for pride's sake.
To his credit, Suzuki makes no mention of that pale imitation of a smile. They were not close enough to be friends, and barely more than nodding acquaintances who knew each other's last names by the plaque on their doors. Still, as a decent human being he is concerned for the wellbeing of his neighbor...admittedly his very pretty female neighbor, but let's not dismiss his altruism as an attempt to ingratiate himself with a pretty girl.
"Need a hand with your stuff?" He has helped her with a few boxes in the days before, and is not unwilling to do so again. His tone is friendly, and he makes no attempt to invade any personal space, either physically or even mentally. He knows where he stands.
"Actually, I think I'm just about done." Her attempted smile is a little more genuine this time, though still a pale and watery affair by usual standards. She gestures at the little suitcase behind her. "I'll be leaving this evening, and I'm glad to have been in your care."
"Same here." The conversation, such as it was, winds down with the usual polite pleasantries, and one Takahashi Ai soon finds herself closing the door behind her as she heads out to grab some lunch before her departure.
She does not pay much attention to her surroundings, except in a general sort of way. A stray cloud could pique her interest as easily as a sale, and she drifts along almost without direction, the only thought she allows herself at the moment being that of food.
It was a discipline she had rigorously practiced for several months. By dwelling on the immediate present, she can block out any unwelcome thoughts, as well as the attendant feelings that follow. It is not entirely failsafe, but it helps. Every little helps, when everything along the bloody street reminds her, inevitably, of something.
The chilly air froze her nose, and it gave her temporary relief from the chasing memories by giving her something else to focus on. It was also why she was currently glad to be out of the room that had housed her; merely being in there, even with the sole intention of cleaning, evoked memories she would rather not dredge up, feelings she would prefer not to discuss.
Her legs, however, had a mind of their own. Without thinking, she found herself ascending the familiar stairs of a cafe she used to visit with tedious regularity, and in which she even has a regular seat by the same window towards the left side and back.
Before the realization even settles in, she is already seated in her usual place, greeted by familiar staff who give her genuine smiles (she can tell, she wasn't in the drama society for nothing). The smiles are perhaps a little perplexed, for she had come alone, and not for a while. She brushes away the thought before it leads to the next one, and picks up the menu instead.
Her decision is practically made for her, for her order is always the same. The same order almost slips out from her lips, but she reins in visibly, brow furrowing as she deliberately finds a different item instead, determined to break tradition just this once. She would not fall into the same routine as...before.
Lunch is promptly served, even as she was taking in the sights and sounds of the cafe. The atmosphere feels oddly different, but then again she never came alone before...at least, not after the first time when she first discovered the place. She stubbornly drives her wayward thoughts away from the forbidden area, and forcefully forks some salad into her mouth.
Glancing out of the window in an attempt to distract herself, she is momentarily surprised by the view. It never occurred to her to look, to really look, out of the window before. Always in the past, she had had other things to occupy her. Be it her notes and books, or the -- don't go there, Takahashi, she warns herself -- anyway, she was always otherwise occupied.
The view out of the window is mundane, all things considered. Bare sakura trees, little more than sprigs, the white petals they once bore scattered like frost on the sidewalks. The odd person navigating the narrow alleys, since this was a back street rarely travelled. The little old ladies haggling by the stall on the far end. Even in the distance she could see the fresh tomatoes, vividly red in the crisp spring air.
All of it was ordinary. Usual. Refreshing. She took in a deep breath, ignored the tickle of her nostrils by the chill, and took another bite of her salad. She feels strangely more at ease now.
So this is what I've been missing. Deep down, she knew how completely circumscribed her life had been by...the thing she has been refusing to think about. Even in trying not to think about it, she realizes, she is still ruled by it.
Outside the window, life went on for the world and everyone else living in it. The thought sobers her, brings her back to the reality she has been avoiding these past few months. Doubtlessly, everyone who walks past outside had their own burdens, but they walked on nevertheless. She could not simply stay still. Events don't wait. Life doesn't stay still. The world is not static, and she could either let herself be swept up in the tide of things, or choose to walk a path of her own making.
God knows it hurt, is still hurting, and will probably continue to hurt; but she had to move on. One way or another, she had to keep going.
The epiphany is brief, but it wasn't so life changing as to banish the emotions she still feels deep beneath the surface. The rest of the salad is finished without any further fuss, her jaws mechanically working to finish the process of feeding her body.
She does not linger long in the cafe, for it too provokes many memories. She would be glad to return to her hometown now, after finally finishing her studies in this city, the city of her young adulthood. There was a time when she relished the freedom of being away from the constant supervision of her family. But now, older and hopefully somewhat wiser, there was no other place she would rather return to but the place that had raised her.
Perhaps, when she is back in the familiar surroundings of home, she will finally be able to heal.
She steps out of the cafe, pulling her coat tighter around her as she neatly skirts a quarrelling couple in the middle of the street. The ruckus disrupts the fragile peace of the formerly quiet back alley, and she frowns subtly, the only visible sign of disapproval her reticient nature will allow in the presence of strangers.
Kids these days... And she catches herself mid-thought, almost laughing aloud at the irony. She might be edging closer to the edifice of legal adulthood, but deep down she knows she is still little more than a child in sore need of guidance.
In retrospect, this critical self awareness had perhaps given her the right to assume the mantle of a wise elder, if only in respect to certain individuals. Though she in her humility would probably never recognize it, seeing only the flaws that prevented her from achieving a state she could approve of.
She is jolted from her thoughts by the loud smack of flesh on flesh; despite herself, she takes a look back to see what happened.
The slowly reddening welt on the girl's face, her boyfriend's hand still half raised from the blow; these things tell the story well enough. Ai finds her face twisting into a sharp expression of disgust. How could any self respecting man lay a hand on a girl right out in public? This was not the Edo period, or even the Meiji era, where women were subjected to the whims of patriarchal authority. Social norms might still bind them in this time and age, but not to the extent of condoning outright violence.
Disapproving she might be, she did not intervene -- for what was her place in a lovers' quarrel? As long as the violence did not threaten to escalate to potential critical injury or fatality for the party involved, she could not reasonably call in the police to stop things, as any good citizen would.
In fact, other than the few (like her) who had paused to stare at the proceedings, the ebb and tide of humanity flowed on in the main street just paces ahead. Even those few who had taken notice were already turning away, probably also having drawn the same conclusions she herself had. She makes to move as well, and only her split second of hesitation afforded her a glimpse of something she was sure to have missed had she but turned away any sooner.
The girl was distraught, that much was obvious in the waves of anger and humiliation rolling off her petite frame almost palpably. Yet even in her distress her lips remained pressed together tightly into a thin line, pride and anger radiating in her fierce gaze and iron control. Tears shone unshed in liquid orbs, yet it is evident that rage was the dominating force that kept the flood at bay. No raging explosion it was; instead it was a coldly burning anger, almost at boiling point.
The event that Ai would have missed was the moment when the pot finally boiled over, the hiss of rage signalling it much like that of a serpent, or perhaps like the whistle of a steaming kettle. Normal girls might have reacted with ineffectual slaps, or perhaps with flight and the inevitable tears. This one, however, used what she had for maximum effect, proving that long nails weren't just an expression of vanity. No wild scratches like some feral cat though, the damage inflicted was calculated and deep, red gouges running down the length of one arm. It would leave a mark, for sure.
The young man curses, raising his injured arm to strike the girl once more -- but was finally stopped by a shout from a passing salaryman. Perhaps not all people were apathetic after all, Ai reflected. Her attention seemed destined to wander once more, yet it lingered for one small moment on the supposed victim.
Another thing she might have missed entirely otherwise. A vindictive sneer -- not triumphant, maybe a little sad, but something that had all the marks of having the last word -- as the girl tugs something off her hand, says something to her now ex-boyfriend, before tossing the object into his stunned and outraged face. The girl beats a quick retreat before he could exact more violence on her -- a wise move, all things considering. A man who has already hit you once is likely to hit you again, especially when provoked.
Something rolls to a stop at Ai's feet, its polished surface catching the light just enough to draw her eye. Without really thinking about it, she stoops to pick it up, rolling it in her hand for a few moments before figuring out its significance.
A ring. Still warm to the touch, from where it had once being snug on a finger.
Rings. They spoke of promise, of continuity, of joining and wholeness. To be one, together, linked. Ai thumbs the ring thoughtfully, her feet propelling her along the familiar paths to her soon to be former residence.
To be able to take it off...was it a breaking of a promise, or the ability to let go? Her mind replays the ring's last moments, of being flung against the person who had mostly likely been the giver. The act had been a statement. But what did it say?
She never had a ring. No promises to be shared, only lives entwined together in the unstated expectation that things would never change. But change it had, and now here she was. Somewhere, nowhere, resolute in front of the door of her room.
The ring stays snug in her palm, somehow heavy as she slides wordlessly into the confined space. Echoes of a past not so long ago whisper to her, concentrated most vividly in the single picture frame standing upright and away at the corner of her empty table.
Takahashi Ai is not a brave person. One of her worst fears is a haunted house experience, in particular the many monsters and ghouls that infest them. Yet this is one ghost she can confront, in the sanctuary that had once belonged to them both.
She picks up the picture frame. For the first time in months, she gazes directly into the source of her troubled state these past months. Smiling faces greeted her, her own grin no less bright even when frozen for eternity. The other person was pressed right next to her frozen self. A person that was no longer next to her.
A familiar pang, and the beginning of tears. She blinks, swallowing uncomfortably. Has she not shed enough tears over their parting? Must it continue to torment her so?
The ring she had scavenged earlier wedges almost painfully into her skin, forced there by the sudden clench of her fists. She opens the palm, almost reluctantly, and beholds the discarded ring.
She had not been brave enough to end it decisively as the stranger had, and the weight of the unseen ring she still bore sat heavy on her shoulders. She could not have done as the girl had, to throw it right back in the aggressor's face and break things off clearly. So she suffers even now, weighted down by regret and sorrow.
The ring. The frame. Her gaze travels from one to the other, each in one hand, as if in some obscure balance to each other. Her eyes eventually rest on the frame, and the scales tip at last.
She does not flinch now as she studies the picture, committing the image to memory. For with the sorrow of parting came the beauty of beginnings, and the tide of good memories they had shared came back to her. The sadness that they could no longer share them together returned as well, but it was no longer crushing. Regretful, yes, but do not all things come to an end?
The tears come, but she is no longer crying for times lost. Her smile is sad, but determined, as she puts the frame down, her fingers trailing its edge.
"I'm going now." It feels strange addressing an object, but in lieu of the real thing, this will have to suffice. She was not yet brave enough to address the real thing anyway.
She pauses, the next words an obvious effort.
"Goodbye."
She places the frame face down on the table. After a split second, she places the discarded ring next to it. Let the past stay where it was, and perhaps, even such things should have company...?
The door closes behind her, and she does not look back.
For all the times you have given me, the times we have shared.
Thank you, memories.
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I like how it turned out. :D
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D: sad ai is sad! D: well it seems sad to me ^^; when i 1st started reading i was like "its another ai oneshot~!" then for some reason when i realized the small aparment and shortness i thought lin for some reason ^^; XD but then my thoughts were casted and it was ai^^; extremly great as always essy X3 if this is your last oneshot for the yr then i cant wait for even more epic ones next yr~! :bow: :cow: :otomerika: :inlove: :twothumbs
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:fainted: I like this. It's quite touching in a detached, yet hurting Ai sort of way. Though I wonder who the person in the picture was, at the same time, I almost don't want to know who you had in mind; feels like it would kind of ruin the feeling if I knew.
Though the girl she saw fighting with her boyfriend just screams Reina. :lol:
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What was that Yuuyami liked to call your Ai? :lol:
But I liked how it turned out too. I think the depiction of how Ai is dealing with the pain and trying to find closure is extremely accurate. I wonder what happened? Feels like one of those on-again-off-again relationships that never truly ended until you realized the other party just left at the final off-again.
Though I wonder who the person in the picture was, at the same time, I almost don't want to know who you had in mind; feels like it would kind of ruin the feeling if I knew.
I agree. But it would've been interesting to see who actually managed to consume her life and affections this much to cause this pain.
She does not pay much attention to her surroundings, except in a general sort of way. A stray cloud could pique her interest as easily as a sale, and she drifts along almost without direction, the only thought she allows herself at the moment being that of food.
I don't know why, but this was cute. I think it was the sale thing.
The final shot was very poignant.
Great way to end the year. Hope the new year brings fresh dreams and inspiration for you.
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Happy 2011 from Singapore! :D
Though I wonder who the person in the picture was, at the same time, I almost don't want to know who you had in mind; feels like it would kind of ruin the feeling if I knew.
I thought it was obvious who it could be. There are only so many viable options. XD But since you don't want to know, I don't have to tell~
Though the girl she saw fighting with her boyfriend just screams Reina. :lol:
*hands you a tin of cookies* Congratulations for guessing the cameo. :lol:
@drac: I do believe Yuuyami thinks my Ai is too introspective. Or possibly too emo. XD Though in my mind, Ai seems like the type to see the details and totally miss the big picture. Kind of an airhead lol. She's observant and sensitive, but at the same time completely oblivious. (as an aside, Eri is much the same, but she only pretends to be oblivious).
But basically, it's been a great year here with you guys at JPHiP. Here's to another year of pervy goodness and fanfics galore in our little section! *raises wine glass*
:D
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"Only so many viable..."? I can count at least five off the top of my head, :lol: though I kind of know who I want it to be. Happy New Year Essy-sama. :yossi:
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*pats Dinner-chan* I'm not telling ya either :P (You just gotta disregard the younger ones...odds of them being featured as college students/graduates ...seem a lot..... lower) XD
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Frame
Poor Ai chan. I was worried that you killed Gaki and that Ai chan was in the anger phase of grief...but then I figured it's more likely Gaki just dumped her XD...lol or is that the more unlikely way to look at it? It being my second thought instead of my first :sweat: I blame hammy for always making me think they are dead first! :farofflook:
lol Lucky and unlucky neighbour guy XD I'm sure he's heard some "interesting" things between the walls....yet he so can't have any of it XD
My favourite moment was the cat attack....most cringe worthy moment too! I was afraid Reina would scratch the dude in the face! :mon wtf: I'm always a little worried about Reina and her nails.... but whatever..the dude so deserved it XD
lol as an after thought, I was thinking of what would happen to the picture and the ring. lol, I came to the conclusion that the neighbour guy would end up with the picture XD
Sukoshi's afterthoughts:
*Ai chan leaves without taking the picture*
*New resident moves in and notices the picture and ring. Thinking that the last tenant simply forgot the items, the new tenant goes around asking people if they know who the items belong to*
*New resident ends up asking Suzuki*
*Suzuki says he knew of the old tenant and that the items belonged to her*
*New resident takes it that they were friends*
*Suzuki ends up in possession of the items since new tenant feels uncomfortable holding onto them*
*Suzuki realizes he has no way of contacting Takahashi. Puts up the picture of Ai chan, with someone he doesn't know, on his desk anyways*
*Happy with the new eye candy, Suzuki ends up starring at the picture daily*
And now he comes off as the poor lucky-unlucky guy whose a bit creepy. XD
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Ai chan's Suppin to Namida performance = :wub: :wub: :wub:
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^Sukoshi you just made my day. :D
Dunno if anyone else realized, but this entire one shot was basically based on Ai's performance of Suppin to Namida. Go read the lyrics translation. Then come back to the story. You'll get a lot more out of the whole thing. Hehe.
And Sushi? The part about Suzuki was hilarious. Poor dude. XD He only ever gets leftovers from all the fun... :lol:
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The Plot
"I understand if you have no reason to trust me. We barely know each other at this point."
Slender eyebrows arched upwards on an otherwise expressionless face. The girl's fingers tapped impatiently on the armrest of the plush sofa she was currently lounged in, taking in the person addressing her.
"I saw your notes for later. That's pretty ambitious of you." The first speaker said with a small smile.
"Hardly any way to build trust by letting me know that you peeked without permission." Again, that unemotional face and voice. The girl sits up straight in her chair, leaning forward to rest her chin on one palm.
"Then again, yours is no less ambitious."
The two girls exchanged a look, then chuckled. The atmosphere relaxes a little as both girls lean back into their seats.
"I'll say we're even then." The first speaker is still smiling. The other girl gives her a quizzical look.
"So what brings you here? Our goals are somewhat different, so you can't be here to issue any ultimatums. I don't see any reason for conflict."
"Precisely!" Seeing the incomprehension grow, the first girl reaches out and takes the hand of her soon-to-be-fellow-conspirator.
"Since there is no conflict in our goals, we should work together! We can make sure to eliminate any competition, and smooth the way forward..."
"Thanks, but no thanks." The second girl pulls her hand away, shaking it as if to rid it of cooties. "I know exactly what I want and how to get to it. I've already gotten this far by my own strength, and I don't need your help for what's to come."
The smile on the first girl's face wavers a little, her hand shrinking back into her own lap. She considers the quandary, but already has a contingency in place for the stubborn one in front of her. She already knew that the hardest nut to crack would be her after all.
"That's true for sure, and I know you're far more talented than I am, than most of the others are. You will probably get what you want...but for one thing." A pause, if somewhat dramatically.
"Oh? Do share."
"We lag behind in terms of seniority." The best way to deal with this girl, she decides, is to be blunt. "It might not affect my goal too badly, but it will definitely affect yours."
The frown that greeted her words was entirely expected, but it was a considering frown. She knew her words had struck home, considering how true they were.
"We should stick together. I'll even share center with you...not that you'll need much help getting there, probably." That last bit came out as somewhat of a grouse. The biggest threat to her own ambition was basically the girl before her. The entire purpose of this meeting was to neutralise the threat, or at least, to mitigate it to some degree. Working together instead of against each other would yield a more substantial benefit in the long run.
"What's your plan?" There was no definite yes or no quite yet, but she could definitely feel her target leaning towards agreement with her, and she had to dampen her own excitement before she ruined her own plans.
"I was thinking of judicious bribery and networking within our target circle, to begin with. The other two can be conned into leading the charm offensive, to take the heat off us." Not to mention, your aloof demeanour will deflect any suspicion off me. "I already have a good hold on that wannabe yankii, and Moe-chan just needs a little...persuading."
Her target was eyeing her speculatively, with just a hint of wariness. For her part, she just leaned back and waited. Her cards were on the table, now it was just up to the other party to accept or reject the terms.
"What stops you from reneging on the deal later on? If you plan to screw me over..."
"Rest assured, I have no wish to lead." I just like pulling the strings. "Being the face of the group is good enough for me."
"...I'll consider it."
A wide smile.
"I await your favorable reply."
=====================================================
This is because 9th gen needs fic. It's kinda obvious who is who. :lol:
I call Riho x Kanon in the future. Something about them...hmm...XD
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All that's missing is a smoke-filled room, dim light through the shutters and a white cat.
"I saw your notes for later. That's pretty ambitious of you." The first speaker said with a small smile.
Somehow, i imagine these plans and notes to be written in colorful markers (possibly pink)- more diagrams than words, with hearts and flowers encircling the most devious plots.
"That's true for sure, and I know you're far more talented than I am, than most of the others are. You will probably get what you want...but for one thing." A pause, if somewhat dramatically.
The bait and hook.
"What's your plan?" There was no definite yes or no quite yet, but she could definitely feel her target leaning towards agreement with her, and she had to dampen her own excitement before she ruined her own plans.
Reel it in slowly.
I felt the first stirrings of interest over 9-gen just a little after the graduation announcement, but this really has me impatiently waiting to see more and more of their characters. Look at you, all propagating excitement for the fandom. XD
This was a really enjoyable read- I can really imagine this happening, then the both of them dispersing from the meeting to the outside world with their cute (contrived) smiles and deferential attitudes, biding their time.
Congratulations on first dibs for the first 9-gen fic (that I've ever read).
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At first I was like, "What? Is this an AU?"
Then, I was like, "Riho?! Who is she talking to?"
Then, I thought it was Fuku-chan, but immediately dismissed that and Zucchini was my next guess. :lol:
Hmm, I can already kind of see a Zucchinix(Eri)Pyon pairing in the making. RihoKanon? Mmm, maybe it'll be all love triangle like the 6kies. XD
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I dunno, I'm not quite feeling the kyukkies yet. Too absorbed in my GoRokki fandom XD I enjoyed it just because you wrote it though, Estrea-sama :D
Liked the noir-ish feel to it. Yeah, we just needed the smoke-filled room XD
(I miss your RenAi though :( There were some RenAi episodes that came to light these past few days that made me crave for RenAi fics :lol:
Like the one about Reina putting Aichan on the spot when she told them about her grad, or Reina tying Aichan's shoelaces popping out of nowhere when it had come undone during rehearsals....)
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@aussie: I DEMAND to know where your info came from (the ReinAi, obviously :P).
Anyway, some crazy stuff ahead. I took a long walk and jotted out ideas on the fly. Wrote this when I came back. Not particularly long, but somewhat...
Well, you'll see, won't you?
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Pull
For a time, I wanted to walk on forever.
Head held high, shoulders squared, walking like a warrior with a thousand yard stare. Face warped between scowling and crying, finally settling for somewhere in between. Music pumps in my ears, loud music, your music, until I'm just stamping along to your beat, as I always have.
My heart is in my chest, my throat, my ears...jerking around like a broken toy soldier, just out of sync with all the other bloody windups on display, and mostly definitely out of step with your tune in my ears.
The language of passion...something I am unfamiliar with. Was unfamiliar with, strange tongues that were not my heritage. Then you came along, and showed me that passion is universal. You were passion, my native tongue all but tripping over itself in eagerness to follow you, worship you.
With you, I could be vocal. You made me sexy, you gave me an edge. You came into my life and just took charge, wrested control, just taking and taking, only ever feeding mere scraps to my starving self, knowing I wanted this, needed this, wanted you...
And hated you. Oh how I hated you.The way my eyes darkened, impulses quickening in your mere presence. I felt, I wanted, I craved. It became all about me; and there you were, not quite smiling, not quite laughing, just knowing, always goddamn knowing...
I know that you know I know. That we belong. That I can't escape from you, can't get away, because, god help me, I made you that way. You are what you are because you are what I want. I would let the world burn for you, tear it down and then remake it in your image. I would see you and only you, and never look away all my days. Because you are mine, and I am yours.
Then just why can't I stand having you? I want you, I hate you, I need you, I love you and I want to destroy all you are and will ever be.
It shouldn't have been like this. Not like this, not like me, not what I want, what I need...
And there you are, always there, always haunting me softly.
"What are you afraid of?"
You. Me. Us. This whole thing. I can't just let you take over, can't just stand by and let you consume all that I am, that I ever was, and...and...
"You can't accept that you need this, need me. Even though you always wanted, and now that you do have it right for the taking, you won't take it, won't let it in..."
Stop! Just...stop. I can't take this. I really can't. I can't just sit back and let something else take control. I cannot...
"Then you choose to deny yourself? To deny what is yours, to refuse empowerment..."
And drive myself crazy? To become someone I don't know, someone I don't even recognize, all because of you?
"To finally change, like you've always wanted."
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Part one. Non cultists should not read part two for own sanity. XD But I know you will read this Kuji. Eventually.
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I like the emotions, the conflict portrayed here- wanting something, having it and hating the fact that you are possessed by the very thing you want, instead of having some kind of control over it. All this can be summed up into one word- over-thinking. We're all guilty of it at one point or another, but I always believe it's an affliction of the early to mid-twenties. :P Nowadays, I just say 'fuck it' and live a happier life.
Dear Lord, there's a part two?
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Cult..ists? :?
This is short, but intense and obviously influenced by a long walk. XD I think grac pretty much sums up my thoughts on the fic, so to keep from repeating, I'll just finish with:
PART TWO WANT!! :panic:
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@drac: I'm guilty of that overthinking. :lol: And yes, I'm good at part twos! (just not with the whole, you know, ending thing)
@rndy: Inside joke. Kuji is convinced I'm a cultist out to sacrifice beloved OTPs to the altar of ReinAi. and other unorthodoxies XD
And paaaaaaaaaart two. :D
==================================================
Push
Enough. The book snaps shut, locks clicking in place. My fingers were shaking. I was shaking. Trembling with outrage, shame, fear...
And want.
My eyes went dark again, the world throbbing around my already limited vision. I wanted to rage, cry, scream, to just do something...
"Come back to bed..." A plaintive voice murred, hazed by sleep. My racing heart relaxes, but my vision spins in contrast, constricting to narrow black orbs that I know had to be there. Even if I couldn't see myself. Even if she couldn't see me.
She shifts, stretching and curling in that familiar way I know, even if I couldn't see her, touch her. Her hands groped for me on my side of the bed, where I wasn't. A problem I would have to rectify. I could almost feel her pout, sleepily, certain unaware of the absolutely adorable sounds she was making while squirming around.
She settles down as I find my way back to her side, almost purring as I slide in beside her, her very own personal body pillow. Blood rushes to my ears, drowning out everything as my whole world literally shuts down; all as I take in her scent, our scents, intermingled on the sheets.
I almost forget myself then, almost give in...only to find my own mocking voice laughing away, just laughing at me, in my head. To take what I want, become who I am.
I screwed my eyes tight and held her closer. My salvation, my temptation. My lips are dry, but I do not lick them. Instead, I bite them until they almost bleed, inhaling, exhaling.
Control. Not over the innocent in my arms, oh no no no.
Myself. I am the monster. I am my worst enemy, and that damn voice just keeps trailing me. I can't tear away, won't do it. I refuse to lose to myself, of all things.
She sighs into my arms, innocent, trusting, untainted. She holds me, unaware of how I cling to her, needy, desperate. She can never know.
I want to cry.
====================================================================
If anyone can guess the pairing, I might actually continue with this. XD The odds are low though. XD
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AiLin.
Come on!
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AiAika?
It could happen....
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^Rndy, unless the POV is a world-weary Aika, I somehow do not see Mittsi making the cute sounds- not like she isn't capable of it, but I like to think she sounds like an ossan in her more vulnerable moments. I cherish that image of her, I dunno why.
Plus, there's that native tongue thing going on in part one.
Captain/JunJun- come on!!
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Well, rndy got it in one shot. Congratulations! You win virtual cookies and a new chapter! XD
I surprised myself writing this. No planning, no forethought. Just jumped in and the story just came. I didn't plan beyond the first two parts. :D It was surprisingly natural to write this pairing. Hmm, maybe I should explore this further...
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Restrain
I know she wants me.
I shift to wakefulness not long after she slips from bed, though I betrayed no sign of it. I might not be quite the light sleeper, but I don't sleep well in cold beds. I could very well have pulled another blanket over myself, but that's no substitute to having a human version of a hot water bottle.
The desk light switches on in a corner. I catch the illumination at the corner of my vision, but I remain still. She is quiet, obviously trying not to wake me, but I can almost smell the tension she left in her wake. Smell her, really...
She actually doesn't hide it very well, if you know what you're looking for. And I definitely know what I'm looking for, considering the people who pretty much mentored me. I might be young, but I'm not stupid.
I know why she wants me. Well, I can guess. There are still rumors floating around, even after all this time, and I do happen to be close to one of the other principals. Some people might find it insulting to be taken as a replacement for another person, but I don't think I mind in this case.
She is really very beautiful, after all. And that's with her still so...innocent. Yes, innocent. She might think herself dirty, but really...her conscience gets in the way all the time. She's not inexperienced, but she's almost virginal in the purity of her mind. Figuratively, of course.
I can sense her agitation now, her mental struggle almost open to all. Normally she is so reserved, you can hardly tell what she's thinking. Now, in the privacy of her own room, she had lowered one part of her usual defenses, and the sheer intensity is striking.
I'm not even looking at her, and I know she's absolutely stunning right now. We rarely ever see her angry, irritated yes, angry no. Even then she is stunning, and utterly desirable. Also apparently very scary, but since I'm not the target, I can usually sit back and enjoy the view.
She's always so...restrained. Controlled. Sure she can get really emotional at the drop of a hat, but I always get the feeling that she holds herself back, so very much. I remember what Jun said about her, about how she always kept everything to herself, shouldered all the burden without a word and just took care of things without complaint.
I want to see her let go. I want her to lose control. I want to see her rage. I want to see her darkest moments, drink them in. Drink her in. I want her, as fierce as she can truly be.
I want to see all of her, broken as she is, and put her back together. I want to be there for her, take care of her, be her everything. I want her to want me for me, not someone else.
So I might be a little obsessed myself, but so what? I know what I want. Now it's just a matter of working towards it. I'm nothing if not patient. Michishige-san taught me that.
The snap of paper on wood brings me out of my own musings, and I tune back into the atmosphere. The air is so thick, it was almost suffocating. And she is so angry...
Come now, is it so bad to want something? Oh, I forget, ethics. She's such a good girl, it hurts. She's hurting herself, and even I'm starting to feel anger by osmosis. I don't want her to be in so much pain, torturing herself over inconsequential things.
I need to do something.
I pretend to 'wake', shifting in my pseudo-sleep as I murmur for her to come back. Innocently, of course. She still thinks me a child that needs protection from big, bad her. The idea makes me want to laugh, but I play along with her assumptions. Can't move too fast with her. I don't want to hurt her. The very idea of hurting her is abhorrent to me.
It makes me feel a tiny bit guilty to manipulate her at all, but I learned from the best. And I was not toying with her, unlike a certain someone I knew who had. I just wanted her to open up to me...and more. Definitely more. I want her to let go of her inhibitions and just do something.
And I won't run from her, unlike a certain someone. Hmph.
I purr when she slides in next to me. Innocently, yet oh so very suggestively. I hear her breath hitch a little as I make little animal noises and shuffle around. Honestly, we could have slept apart, but I had used the excuse of it being cold to cling to her childishly. She hadn't suspected a thing, and I enjoyed being close to her anyway.
It had taken a great deal of time and patience to even get her to thinking of me in that way, but I think all that time was worth it. Her body is warm, too warm, as she leans into me. I can feel her fingers trembling as she subconsciously ran them down my arm.
Just as I thought she might actually try something for once, she freezes, and her arms around me tighten almost imperceptibly as she chokes back a quiet sob. So fragile, so in pain. So beautiful. I want to kiss her tears away, make everything all right again, and I hate that I can't, not right now, not as I am.
I sigh instead, holding her close. I won't run from her. No matter what.
I will wait until she is ready, whenever that will be.
======================================================
It turned out oddly sweet. XD This is fun!
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beautiful as always essy X3 and its kinda ironic to me in a way cus i watched the newest bijou gaku yesterday and saw aika and ai all chatty and such and then next thing i know the 2 of them are talking to riho...about their chins XD or something like that xD either way back on topic....
pull made me feel like everything ai felt all of those emotions all over the place and reminds me of me when i overthink things^^;
push even more reason for me to shake ai and slap her silly and to stop over thinking
restrain made me really see that aika's like effin mature to the max! girl knows what cards to play!
in short, great as usuall essy and all of this just from a walk! nice~ :thumbsup X3 cant wait for what you write next!
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yes- new chapter! everybody wins. but... my mittsi? no threadbare jersey? no grunting? no hands in pants, scratching? Nooo!! *retreats to grackverse where these things happen*
And I definitely know what I'm looking for, considering the people who pretty much mentored me. I might be young, but I'm not stupid.
I like the thought of her mentors taking pains to prepare an attentive Aika for things they were never told by their own mentors, inundating her with random information and little life lessons that the Hachikie adapted to suit her own purposes.
Or people Aika would meet and interface with, whom she would secretly think of as mentors, absorbing whatever she can from whatever they tell her. So she can do things like these:-
It makes me feel a tiny bit guilty to manipulate her at all, but I learned from the best.
Honestly, we could have slept apart, but I had used the excuse of it being cold to cling to her childishly. She hadn't suspected a thing, and I enjoyed being close to her anyway.
While Ai is killing herself trying to deal with the conflict. :thumbsup GJ, Manipulative!Mittsi. This is my second-favorite Mittsi after all. Ranks up there with Ossan!Aika, Shotgun-toting Mittsi and Yankii!Mittsi.
Just as I thought she might actually try something for once, she freezes, and her arms around me tighten almost imperceptibly as she chokes back a quiet sob. So fragile, so in pain. So beautiful. I want to kiss her tears away, make everything all right again, and I hate that I can't, not right now, not as I am.
I suppose this is Essy-level sweet. :lol:
Chapter 4?
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nice!!! you made my day hahahaha :twothumbs good job!
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How did I guess? XD Maybe because I, too, have been thinking of this pairing of late.
I love how Ai thinks she's the one in control(well, not in control. In a more dominant position?) when it's really Aika who's pulling her strings, however subtly. I guess, that makes the other a certain kitty, then?
EDIT: BTW, I apologize for my bad grammar of late, what with my random and then missed capitalizations. Geez, I haven't been typing enough.
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Gag
There is desire, and there is madness.
Red pushes at the edges of my vision. Kiss her. I fling my limbs in wild abandon, losing myself to the dance. Touch her. Every move is crisp, edged with passion and flair. Take her. The music ends, and I hold my position, chest heaving with more than simple exertion.
"Well done, Takahashi. That's the kind of expression you need."
Lust? Frustrated desire? Unfulfilled passion? Such a cruel expression, but apparently so very right for stage. The irony is striking, and I let out a helpless chuckle, flushing at the praise -- not at the reflection of a familiar form in the mirror before us.
Gaki's watching me with a hint of concern. She knows something is up; she always can tell when something is up. No doubt she will attempt to meddle again. Maybe I'll tell her. Or maybe I'll just brush it off, and then we can end up arguing again. A good argument might take my mind off things. Operative word being 'maybe'.
Sayu is also watching. That's nothing new. She's always paying attention to everything, behind that self-centered facade. Telling her might be less stressful. She would be less likely to judge. More likely to try and 'help' me, but I'm not sure if I'll survive her help. I think I rather do without this time.
Then the...other two. As usual, they are just hanging out casually, talking about god-knows-what. I wish I could make conversation as easily, but I'm not very good at starting conversations. I can follow one well enough, but starting one always feels a little awkward. I never know how to begin.
As if sensing my gaze, they look up. Well, Reina looks up, and gives me that look again. Cocky, knowing, challenging...a surge of the old anger rises within me, bringing a familiar haze over my eyes, and I can sense dimly the instant wariness that crept into those yankii orbs. She averts her eyes, not daring to meet my stare. Of course she wouldn't dare. Reina, no matter how tough she pretends to be, is easily frightened. If she meets something she can't handle, she backs off and bolts like a bat out of hell. And then continues strutting around like she owns the place.
I'm not like her. I'm frightened of lots of things, and it shows. I cry too much, rely on others too much, and obsess over things too easily. But deep down I know, no matter what happens, there's a part of me that is untouched, a part of me that stays calm, stays certain, stays locked up and inert no matter what comes my way. Even when I'm screaming or crying on the outside, there's a part of me that is unaffected, watching, always watching.
I wish that part had always stayed as it was. I might not like being a weak crybaby, but it's still better than dealing with...this. I can deal with being frightened of things outside. I rather not have to deal with being afraid of myself.
Perhaps the anger has always been with me. It shows in the littlest things; the way my temper flares when provoked just a little too far -- like the way I kicked down the door to my own room when it got jammed, for instance --, the cold rage when people annoy me. Little things.
I don't deal very well with anger. So I react by not getting angry whenever possible. I accept whatever I can, becoming placid and forming a protective shell around my temper. Sure, I get into explosive arguments with Gaki-san pretty often, but I find that those are great ways to destress before I actually hit boiling point. I think she understands too, because she doesn't hold a grudge (much) after those are over. In a way, that's how we communicate. I can't tell her things, but at least I can vent on her. Not completely, mind, but it definitely helps.
I must be spacing out again, because there is a gentle tap on my arm, and I snap back to reality to find the youngest of our much-reduced lineup right next to me. When did she get this close?! My inner voice panicked, though outwardly I maintain calm. Control, I need control.
"Ai-chan? Are we still up for lunch after this?"
We are? I search my recent memory. Oh, we are...the vague memory of the invitation floats into my recollection, tinged with a plethora of emotions, colored predominantly in warm hues.
It helps that we are right out here with others in the room. I am able to suppress the crazy voice not and speak normally. Just push her against the wall, it urges. No. I'm not an animal, I can do better than this. Take her to lunch, then pin her against the table!
Not helping! I wanted to smack my forehead, but settled for rubbing my flushed face with the towel around my neck instead. I made a non-committal sound and idly made plans with her about our impending lunch outing with a straight face. The minor details helped to push back the incessant urging for inappropriate action, giving me something else to focus on.
I'm not sure how this happened. Well, it's not the first time, but I had thought that...well, I had thought that it was over. After the first time it reared its head...I knew it was too hard to control. But control it I must, because letting it out is worse. I might actually hurt someone. I actually had hurt someone. The wary look in Reina's eyes is a constant rebuke to me. It's also why we don't usually get anywhere near each other anymore, unless we absolutely have to. She doesn't trust me. I don't trust myself either, although it hasn't come back in a while, even when Reina's close. I had taken that as a good sign.
Unfortunately, it seems to have chosen a new target.
I'm still not sure how it had happened. It had been just another day. Aika was just sitting next to me, talking. I was watching her, listening and paying attention, and then I looked. Really looked at her, and realized something.
She's grown up.
The thought had filled me with a sisterly kind of pride, even if it had made me feel old at the same time -- a lot of things do now, actually. I hadn't given it much thought at that point, but something must have struck me, because that damnable red haze started invading my vision not long after. Clouded my better judgement, it did. The voices didn't start immediately, but they did eventually, making a triumphantly (evil) gleeful return to my psyche.
I had known for a while that I find girls attractive. Attractive, but I never felt compelled to do anything about it. I am quite content to just appreciate beauty from afar. Besides, the contract that came with the job was pretty specific about things like this. Well, they didn't exactly have a clause that said "Do not date/screw your fellow members, especially if they're younger than you", but still.
I would know. I checked. More than once.
They did, however, imply that whatever we did, we had better not get caught. Especially not by the media. It's one thing to get caught by the company; they'd just issue warnings, talk your ear off, and then stick you in the nearest fridge for a while (as for how long, that depends on how much you're worth to them). If the media got hold of it -- and if the company didn't get there in time to do something about it -- well, there'd be hell to pay.
I was pretty lucky the last time shit hit the fan for my case. Well, it helps that the higher ups really really liked me (and I didn't even have to sleep with them!), so everything blew over without a fuss. And no, the media didn't even get a whiff of it. Yes, we are that good at hiding things. It also helps that I was also pretty discreet for a crazy bitch at the time.
I don't deny it, I went pretty much off my rocker for a short while back then. It didn't look like much if you were watching me on shows and the like, because I kept it pretty well hidden, but the people who really knew me knew that I wasn't...all there. Withdrawal symptoms, I'd call it. I got better though, after it all got sorted out. Sort of. It generally involved a lot of avoiding the person in question, and never ever talking about it.
Some people say that avoidance doesn't solve anything. I beg to differ. Personal experience shows that it does help...somewhat.
It's back though, but I wouldn't say it's back full blast. I'm not quite obsessed yet, thank heavens, but the old dread was painful to bear. Knowing what could happen was almost as bad as having it happen all over again. There are lines to be crossed, and I'm working on making sure they aren't. We can't quite have a repeat of what happened back then. I do have responsibilities as leader.
That's probably why I finally pushed myself to make the decision to graduate. Of course, Tsunku had suggested it to me, but he had graciously left it up to me to decide when it would happen. I might have stalled for longer if only to make sure the 9th gen are all settled in, but with the possible relapse occurring, I couldn't afford to wait longer than a year. I was already pushing it by setting it so many months from now, but I figured that the company would keep me busy during those months, trying to milk as much profit they could out of me before the inevitable. And that kind of activity would distance me from the rest, which would save my sanity more than anything else could.
Yeah, I think too much sometimes, but I like to imagine all that overthinking is helpful in this case. Distracting myself with pointless details prevents me from going mad otherwise. I sometimes think my mind is way too well-compartmentalized though.
Case in point: Somewhere along my ruminations, I somehow managed to make it through the rest of rehearsal with half my brain turned off, get changed, and headed off to lunch with the little devil that has been tormenting me for the last few weeks. Or more. I think I lost track.
Note to self: avoid one-on-one interactions with the person you're on the verge of becoming obsessed with. Of course, it's a little late to be making a note at this point, but for future reference...
...why am I even hoping that there will be a future reference at all?
Bad brain. Bad, bad brain. It doesn't help that she's looking so adorable today. Agh. Normal! Have to pretend to be normal! Right, let's take photos so I can blog about this, yes...who the hell am I kidding with this anyway? And the girl has got to stop leaning into me. Too much body contact! I sometimes wish girls aren't so touchy with each other. I'm about to jump out of my skin here. Maybe the real solution here is to stop bringing her out with me so much, but I can't help it. She's the only one who really understands the stuff I like. And good grief, not the puppy eyes!
Just kill me now. I'll even pay you to do it. This has got to stop.
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I love how whacked out Ai is here. Of course, I was pretty warped at the time, so the stuff that came out was pretty...hmm. XD
Less morbid, more crazy. All's good! :D
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It's not TakaGaki and the traces of ReinAi gives be the heebiejeebies (I might be allergic? :nervous ) BUT somehow, Estrea, Queen of Ai-fic makes it work.
This pairing is just because you thought Aika looked hot in that photoshoot with the 9kkies, ISN'T IT? :O2 Now the question is, will this pairing catch on and what will it be called? I'm partial to AIKA, which showcases the very important and surprising component to this pairing. There is of course, AiAi which the very romantic corny of us will undoubtedly favour.
I liked how this part touched a little upon everyone else from Ai's perspective. Actually, I liked the Reina part best. :O
Also I love the word "plethora".
AMG, Ai feeling old! That makes me feel old. u_u Though I guess since she's been doing what she has for as long as she has and the average age of the people in that industry... she's got good reason.
The line about being on the verge of obsession still makes me feel weird though. This is probably because I read the last three together without enough time to really ruminate on the relationship so it still feels sudden TO ME. I like how Ai being with Aika shows us an Ai that's different to how she is when she's with anyone else. Feels like that should be a given but really, not everyone pulls that off in my opinion. :thumbup
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Obssessive compulsive Ai!!
It's not warped or crazy at all. Well, in Ai's case, since she's so fixated, maybe a little crazy.
Everyone has/had moments like these, I'm sure. And it usually is perfectly random, too. I dunno if it's just you and me, but there has definitely been the urge to grab and something someone- most of the time I don't even know what the something is. The imagination runs wild, your brain overloads, but you're still able to function normally and behave appropriately. I enjoy those moments for the sheer feeling of having both control and the loss of simultaneously. It's a rare sort of freedom, I think.
I was pretty lucky the last time shit hit the fan for my case. Well, it helps that the higher ups really really liked me (and I didn't even have to sleep with them!), so everything blew over without a fuss. And no, the media didn't even get a whiff of it. Yes, we are that good at hiding things. It also helps that I was also pretty discreet for a crazy bitch at the time.
Any chance we'd get to see this? :P
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*takes deep breath*
So this is a flashback toward the beginning of all of this craziness huh? I seem to see some self-identification there with Ai... and even Reina a bit. :P Lots of thoughts lately? :lol:
I haven't posted yet, but I approve of Takai. :yep: Despite age discrepancy I wonder if they're not somehow at a similar emotional maturity level, but Ai is so cute with her struggles with it all. Not sure what happened there with Reina, and not sure I wanna know... Glad to see Ai isn't sleeping with those "higher-ups" anymore. Bad, bad habit. That's something nice to have outgrown.
Then again... I suppose Aika's doing the same thing now?
Ai's just a little insane.. but y'know, when she manages to get some, I have a feeling that'll be better than her silly thoughts of trying to "stop". :P
"She's grown up." Ahh... the classic loli-fic cliche. :lol: I suppose it works to have the two best-endowed Musume together. :roll:
*exhales slowly*
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Ah, man. How in the world can I make my comment as thoughtful and interesting as the three before me? >.< Pressure~! j/k
You know, I don't think anyone writes crazy Ai quite like you do. Or at all, really, but that's not the point. :nervous
I wonder, will we get a repeat of what happened with Reina? Will we even get to know what happened with Reina? Is it sad that I'm kinda hoping for an explosively sexy resolution? :sweatdrop: You seem to be on a roll with this, so I'm hoping for something more.
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Eternally
This, is the singularly most stupid thing I have ever done in my life.
Coming from a smart (or so everyone says) person, that was quite the statement. That and, this wasn't even the first stupid thing she has ever done, so to make it the crowning achievement (?) of one's life said plenty. Or it could just smack of pure drama.
Yeah, that should be it. Just another scene from a drama that she was so not acting in.
It still felt so unreal. Even now, she could not believe that she was caught in the situation, or the fact that it was even unfolding at all.
Nothing registered at all, just a solid curtain of darkness as she quivered on her knees -- of course, baka, the lights are off! Terror raged against panic, the two churning to create the perfect storm. Stupid stupid stupid! What were you thinking?
Can't see a thing, but she was there, a mere silhouette in the gloom. There were no sparkly effects like in those corny shoujo manga -- which I do not read -- but that person's outline shone clear as day to her. It was salvation. It was condemnation. It would be judge and jury.
She cringed back unconsciously, shying away from the dark figure on the bed as the sour taste of fear turned her insides. She did not so much scoot away as she did crawl, and quite pathetically so too.
"Come here." That voice. Firm, gentle. Commanding. An order she could not refuse.
How could I refuse? I can't refuse you anything. Never, ever. Never.
Like a whipped puppy, she crawled back just as pathetically, not quite whimpering but just on the verge of doing so. Her mind felt amusement at the image -- just like a puppy, aren't you? -- but abruptly ceased all function when warm arms wrapped around her head and neck, pulling her close.
"What's wrong?" Soothing words. Soothing voice. She wanted to run away, but her eyes closed involuntarily, relaxing into the embrace.
"I'm scared." The words slipped out before she could help it, and her shoulders tensed at her own remark. Dumbass! Now she's going to be worried!
"Of what?" Great, as if she didn't think of you as a child already...
Her hands, stroking. What am I, a dog? The irony did not escape the girl on the floor, and she let out an inaudible sob as her shoulders hunched further into themselves.
"You." I'm afraid of you. I'm afraid of what you would say. I'm afraid to hope.
I am afraid, because I hope.
"Me? Why are you afraid of me?" She could sense the frown without seeing it -- not like she could see it, it was dark out -- and a choked gurgle of something resembling hysteria escaped her lips. Too much, it was all too much.
But she had gone too far to stop at this stage. Too much already. Too late to stop. Can't stop. Won't stop.
She launches into a rambling speech that she could barely make sense of, her voice on edge and shaky. If you had asked her just what she had talked about, she probably wouldn't have been able to tell you. She was trying, really trying, to get to the point.
It was hard. Funny how the simplest things took the most effort to express. How difficult could it be, to say three little words? She remembered mocking the characters on TV over how they stumbled over those words, and now here she was, doing the exact same thing. Except worse, infinitely worse, because this was real.
I am so screwed. I am so dead. Someone needs to barge in right now and totally ruin the atmosphere. Yes. Like in a drama where someone is eavesdropping and then falls in by accident. Come on, plot twist already!
There was no avoiding it. She had already veered close enough to the topic in her endless babble. If incoherency were an Olympic sport, she would have snagged the gold medal for sure.
I love you. "I like you. A lot." Coward. It was hard enough saying that much! Chickening out at the last minute is hardly glamorous. That she managed to get this far without hyperventilating was good enough!
Honestly, defending herself against her own jibes could be quite the exhausting affair. She felt like a one-woman manzai act, with all the tsukkomi-ing she was inflicting on herself.
The silence stretched on forever. If not for the fact that she was still being held so close -- close enough to hear her breathe -- she might have freaked out and run off into the night. Climbing out of the window seemed like a viable option. Breaking a leg seemed a lot less painful than what would probably come.
Stop. She needed to stop. And breathe. The hand moving in soothing circles on her head helped a lot. In, and out. Calm, she would be calm.
The words came like a murmur. Nothing she wanted to hear, nothing she dreaded to hear either. Soothing words, comforting words. She understood. In her own way, that person was reassuring herself also.
It was obvious. Some things were that evident. Even if that person did not say it -- gentle soul that she is, always seeking to spare the feelings of others -- she knew the answer. That her feelings were not returned. That she had never been thought of in that capacity.
A good friend. That's all you are. Just a really good friend.
Even though she wanted so much to be good enough, strong enough, to bear the burdens that that person never wanted to share. Wanted to be reliable for her sake, wanted to help, wanted to be there...
And more. So much more. It was painful to hope. But hope she had, no matter how much she had trampled on it, squashed it, shoved it into the tiniest corner imaginable...
But it remained still, and that hope merely made everything burn more intensely, even in the face of how impossible it was.
Even right now, being embraced by this person, the closeness they shared felt like no more than a fantasy. She could not imagine being elsewhere, but reality would separate them more surely than time or distance ever could.
Kami-sama, if you exist, stop this moment forever. Let me stay here with her.
The light of tomorrow would erase everything, and she could not bear that. In the light of day, in the light of the truth, everything would change. Even now that person wonders aloud what she could do to make things easier, but the answer right now was nothing. Absolutely nothing.
I don't need help until tomorrow comes. I just want to stay right here, forever.
This proximity to her most precious person could almost make her weep. But she would not. Could not. Bad enough to be shivering like a newborn pup. She could not afford to show even more weakness, more vulnerability. It would hurt that person. Worry her even more. No. Unthinkable.
"It's late. You should get some rest. We'll talk tomorrow when we're both clear-headed."
And she thinks I must be joking. Or confused. Right. Right.
The words she wanted to say never left her lips. Selfish words, childish and wilful. But if she could have said them, but she knew it would never happen. Just a little request, really. A little too much, but could it really be so?
Just hold me like this, for a little while longer.
Everything was going to change. Everything had already changed. As long as she remained in this position, she could stave off that crushing reality from sinking in. The moment they separated, they could no longer return to those days of blissful unawareness.
She squeezed her eyes shut, tight to the point of physical pain. Nothing existed except for that familiar warmth, that familiar scent, that familiar calm. She fixed every last detail into memory, knowing, knowing...
That this moment, precious as it is, might just be the last.
So let it stay in my heart, untouched and unspoiled.
Let me cherish this memory.
A moment that lasts eternally.
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Feel free to fix any pairing you like.
Needed to write this as a form of catharsis. Also, please listen to Utada Hikaru's "Eternally" because I wrote this with that song in mind. XD
Oh and rndy, this is my answer to how things turned out for my fic of a life.
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I wonder if, perhaps, this might be more suited to a pm, but here goes.
I wish that I could give you my phone number so that I could say the words I want to say, if not in person, at least to you directly. Oh sweet heartache, oh terrible love. I had always thought myself the kind to never fall in love and I have never after that first wonderful, disastrous time. No one could ever be like that person, no one could move me in that way. My thoughts, my heart, spin and tremble to read this, those feelings coming back. I'm a teenager again, an adult in the eyes of the law and yet so far from maturity it's laughable. You write now what I could not then, Essy. You write what, surely, many others have felt as well.
The years have passed, will pass, and my feelings from then have faded to a memory. I begin to hope again for that wonderful, terrible feeling to grasp me. Love strikes most unexpectedly, after all. I long for sweet rejection even, because nothing scares me more than a true relationship. I'm in love with the idea of love, while at the same time having nothing but realistic ideas about what giving my heart, my trust to someone would entail. And yet, I still write about passion and love, I dream of happiness.
I guess, what I'm trying to say is, time heals all wounds. Or maybe I should shut up?
As for the story, I, of course, see TakaGaki. But upon closer inspection, I see RenAi, AikaAi, SayuEri. Any one could be plugged into this story, it has a classic plot. Love and rejection, life, really. Uncertainty and certainty, it breathes and speaks in a guttural, emotional voice. It touches a nerve, my heart going, yes, I remember. I hear you.
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I hate both of you so much right now. I don't even feel like posting dancing cows :mon POd:
Okay, not really. The thing is I was left almost dead and quite emotional reading this. And then I read rndy comment and that finished me off. So wow, quite an impact. I think I said this but... why do you have to let me so depressed everytime? :cry: And no, I'm not really complaining. Your angsty stuff always struck a chord with me, no matter if I relate to it in some way or not, and that's really awesome. Even if I feel all my energy drained suddenly :bleed eyes:
I guess everyone had or will have an experience like this sometime. Aaah... bring back some painful memories, but luckily time heals that. The situation, the feelings, the everything is omg so accurate. AND THAT SONG! Utadaa :heart: The song didn't help me to cheer up either :cry: It surely goes well with the fic. I love to listen to music that fits what I'm reading, it intensifies the feeilng I get from it :heart:
Everything was going to change. Everything had already changed. As long as she remained in this position, she could stave off that crushing reality from sinking in. The moment they separated, they could no longer return to those days of blissful unawareness.
And this. GOSH :gyaaah: Just kill me now.
That is the exact moment when things are not going to be the same anymore and you know it. You can't change it, but you still doesn't have to accept it. But you know the second you let go of that precious moment there is no turning back and you have to accept that crushing reality :cry: Ugh, I wanna cry XD
There is a lot of pairings that actually could fit in this. Takagaki is always one of the first to come to mind, though. So I'll be sad for them this time. For some reason I don't want to see ReinAi here >_>
I really hope the catharsis was succesful and you feel better now :deco: Next time, something fluffly? :roll: I love your angst anyway, though. Update soon! Whatever you feel like writing, I'll be really happy to read it :heart:
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Seems like the theme of the season is... (semi)-anonymous angst.
This piece was beautiful in all sorts of ways that I cannot quite describe. I read through it several times, affixing different characters to it and getting new things out of it every time. My favorite pairing was somehow TakaShige.
This, is the singularly most stupid thing I have ever done in my life.
Oh, I say this often enough in my life to know that stupidity has no bounds and it is something you will never outgrow.
In the context of the story though, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope despite the gloom.
Loved this. Thanks for sharing, Essy.
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I read this awhile ago but I ran :on speedy:... Read Gracula's story first then this...the double gloom got to me XD Immediately after, I listened to some happy sugar pop music thus rendering my brain incapable of commenting.... :gmon sing:
*A couple of weeks later*
Now let's see if I remember anything :sweat:
hmm....*puts on Sherlock hat* Originally I thought it was TakaGaki or Sayu X maru maru but after re-reading, I'm set on it being SayuEri.
This, is the singularly most stupid thing I have ever done in my life.
Coming from a smart (or so everyone says) person, that was quite the statement.
Okay, so this eliminates a lot of characters for Shoujo A XD At least all the cute ahos :sweat:
Sayu's my front-runner, being that everyone says she's smart.
just a solid curtain of darkness as she quivered on her knees -- of course, baka, the lights are off! Terror raged against panic, the two churning to create the perfect storm.
As for someone that panics in the dark...lol virtually all the girls XD Ones to really panic in the dark? Sayu or Reina. or Eri...or Ai....or....
There were no sparkly effects like in those corny shoujo manga -- which I do not read
Who actually reads manga? -Sayu
Who doesn't read anything? -Eri XD
Who reads strange books about child abuse? -Ai chan XD
She launches into a rambling speech that she could barely make sense of, her voice on edge and shaky.
Sayu
A good friend. That's all you are. Just a really good friend.
Friendship conbi! TakaGaki
Definitely SayuEri!
lol in the end, it still could be any pairing but bias opinion wins out XD I'll stick with my SayuEri :mon sweat:
Oh!...on second read, it's not as gloomy! XD
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It's been a long long time. I've been pretty silent here. But here's a story. XD
About time I dealt with it anyway...
===================================================
Graduation
"Wahh the time totally just flew by!"
"Aichan sugoi~"
"Morning Musume really is the best..."
"Rescind your graduation then. Don't quit."
The air stilled, heavy with a note of sudden gravity that belied the speaker's tone. It should have been a joke. It should have come out as a joke. But the person who said it had meant it. Really meant it. Irrationally, even now, at the very last minute, hoping against hope that the situation could change.
The tour had just ended. Takahashi Ai's graduation concert had but concluded only minutes ago. The fact of her graduation from Morning Musume was basically a case closed. Fait accompli. End of an era and all that. Tears were shed, hugs exchanged, flowers given. There was absolutely no question of going back. It has never happened. It will not happen now.
The moment hung for just that, a moment. Aware with the keen sense of professionals that the camera was still running, Ai put on a mockingly serious mask, slinging a conspiratorial arm around the almost invisibly trembling Reina and pulling close.
"Rescind the graduation."
"Un." Reina shot a quick glance at her leader...well, ex-leader. It was a look uncharacteristically vulnerable. Hopeful. It broke Ai's heart.
"There's no way that's possible~" Ai laughed outwardly, her tone lighthearted. Making the whole awkward moment a joke. Her eyes, when they met Reina's, were apologetic.
I'm sorry.
Reina, for her part, smoothed over her faux pas so quickly it was like it never existed. Thankfully, Sayu also came to the rescue, skilfully diverting the topic back to the concert that just ended. Safe ground. Reina made a note to do something nice for her fellow Rokkie later.
"But Morning Musume really is the best..." said Ai again, this time with a note of wistfulness.
"This is the Morning Musume Ai-chan built." Reina cut in before chatterbox Sayu could even begin, her entire self earnest and open. She hadn't been this open since...forever. Her quota for this should be maxing out. Soon. Just a little longer. Just for her.
Ai actually faltered for a moment, but she recovered instantly, punching Reina in the arm.
"Nandeyanen!"
Reina laughed. Her turn to cover for Ai. She didn't even mind when Ai started tugging at her cheeks. Well, not too much. She almost felt sorry for Sayu, who was standing forlornly to one side, forgotten. Well, not really. So there.
They move on. There are other cameras. They chat with other members, they go separate ways for a while. Just a while.
Ai comes to her first. It is a familiar pattern. Reina never makes the first move. Ever. Except for that one time at the hotel, but in Reina's defense she was a kid and afraid of ghosts. Not that Ai was any less afraid of ghosts either, but her room was nearby and so...
At least they could be frightened together. Not alone.
That was years ago. Reina is still afraid of ghosts, but she's no longer thirteen. She stands in a corner, drinking from a bottle and scowling at nothing in particular. Or not actually scowling, to be honest. It was just her customary expression that, to the uninitiated, looks terribly unfriendly. It had the useful side effect of diverting unwanted company, so Reina never saw a need to change.
"Alone again?" Ai saunters over, towel still draped around her neck, her hair still mussed and sweaty. Reina spares her a glance.
"So are you. Shouldn't you be with everyone else?"
Ai leans on the wall facing Reina, reaching out for the bottle in Reina's hand. Reina scowls at her, Ai grins, and takes the bottle with no resistance whatsoever from the kitten. The ex-leader takes a long draught, then sets the now empty bottle on a nearby table.
"I'm leaving Morning Musume in your hands, Reina."
That abrupt declaration was so like Ai. Concise, to the point, and completely disconnected with the previous lines of conversation. If it hadn't been so, so Ai, Reina would have slapped her. As it was, she simply folded her arms, turning away so that only her profile was facing Ai.
"I don't want it. You can have it."
She wasn't angry. She wasn't sad. She sounded...petulant. Stubborn. Like a child in a department store stomping her foot and yelling "NO!" at the top of her lungs, except Reina wasn't five, so throwing a tantrum would be spectacularly inappropriate.
Not that she didn't try though. it wasn't like she didn't know that she couldn't change a thing. But she'd be damned if she just lay down and accepted everything without a fight. Not happening. This was her last stand. Even if the only audience was just Ai. Or perhaps precisely because it was just Ai. She could get away with it. She always did.
Ai was kind like that. Reina loved her for it. It was also the most fucking irritating thing in the world.
"Reina." Again with that saint-like patience. Sure, Ai had her short-tempered moments, but with Reina, her tolerance rivaled that of Mother Teresa. Reina wanted to scream.
She chose instead to dig her nails into her own arm, putting up a cold front. She didn't want to hear anything more. It had been too much to hear of Ai's graduation months ago. It was still too much now, even after the graduation had come and gone. Reina would be damned before she let anyone, least of all that annoying country bumpkin from Fukui, see her break down into a blubbering mess.
Not that she was close. Not at all. The air conditioning was just too dry. Yes. That's why her eyes were itching. That's all. Nothing to see. Move along.
Ai moved closer to her, almost touching distance, but not quite. Even now, giving her space. Reina hated how Ai always knew what she needed. Loved her for it.
Stay. Don't go. Don't leave me.
A part of her wanted to grovel and beg and collapse in an emotional heap. Reina gave it a good hard mental kick for the umpteenth time in the past nine months, banishing it to the unseen corners of her mind. No way was she displaying such weakness. It wouldn't affect the outcome anyway, so why bother?
"Reina can do it, because you're strong. Stronger than I am..."
Lies. A pack of lies. Reina bit down on her lip, hard. Her shoulders were tense, almost shaking. She didn't want to listen to this.
"So...please take care of MoMusu. Everyone needs you."
Except you. Reina couldn't help that one, last bitter thought. If she bit down any harder she would bleed.
"I know you guys can...sniff...uuuuu...."
Reina looked up in surprise. Or lack-of-surprise actually, it was more like a reflex. Ai was tearing up again, predictably. The waterworks were in full flow as the emotional ex-leader started sniffling and wiping at the corners of her eyes with her hands. Reina clucked her tongue and whapped Ai upside the head. Gently, of course. Or gently by her standards, which was still pretty hard for most people.
"Ite! Wahh...what?" Ai held her head protectively, sounding and looking as boyish as her hairstyle made her out to be.
"You're hopeless." Reina said bluntly, arms folded protectively in front of her. It felt comfortingly familiar to fall back to old patterns. Never mind that this was the last time they could be like this. Reina fought back a wave of nausea at the idea. She was going to be sick.
"If you're going to give a pep talk, you should just...eh?"
Reina found herself enclosed by a comforting warmth. Her body contracted defensively at the uninvited contact, her first instinct being to push away the offender. But Ai was stronger than she looked, and Reina had her arms pinned in any case.
Before she could even process what was going on, just as her mind was only catching up to the fact that Ai had just hugged her, the older woman spoke.
"Reina is always strong, and doesn't like being weak. I know you don't like being told what to do, but don't push yourself too hard, alright?"
Ai's voice was gentle, too gentle. It was filled with worry and concern and love. Reina was surprised to find herself trembling in that embrace.
"...and if Reina doesn't like to cry, I'll cry your share too. I'm the crybaby after all. A little more won't hurt." Tears were falling freely from Ai's eyes as she spoke. She wept unabashed, hiding none of her emotions, nose red, cheeks flushed, taking gasping breaths every other word.
It was too much. She was going to break. Reina's lower lip trembled, and she was surprised when she found Ai's hand on the back of her head, guiding her face into the leader's shoulder, hiding the kitten's face from the world.
That did it. Reina bawled. Quietly. But it was bawling nevertheless. Ai's already soaked concert tee gained extra volume with Reina's tears. They wept together, everything in between unspoken. They had no need for words now. It was all understood.
I'll miss you. I know. I won't call you. I will.
Eventually even their tears had an end. Dehydration was becoming a problem anyway. Ai continued stroking the back of Reina's head, for her own comfort or for Reina's, that distinction mattered little.
"Don't you think it's time you grew up a little? Reina's an adult already..." Ai commented idly, tangling her fingers in the kitten's silky hair.
"Don't wanna." Reina muttered, still burrowed into Ai's shoulder.
Ai smiled.
"I'll leave everything to you from now on then." / 「これからよろしくお願いしますね」
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A very belated graduation piece. Before everyone goes "of COURSE it has to be ReinAi", I'll say it. Yes, of course I write ReinAi. I imagine Aichan actually went to each member one by one and spoke with them individually after the concert. just a few more last words and all that. It would be typically her to do so. And I bet she cries at every stop. But I feel emotionally attached to Reina and Ai together, so there we go.
Now excuse me while I go bawl in my blankets all over again...
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I shed a few tears... :cry: :cry:
You're such an amazing writer.. It feels like I'm reading how it really happened..
Thank you :bow: :bow:
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im just happy to see you updated! D: you always write such nice stories essy ;3; its like i can feel each pov ;3; crybaby ai is forever cute and so is a stuborn reina. and its never to late~! lol i hope you have more time to write some more :deco:
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Estrea-sama !!!!! :bow: :bow: :bow:
It is an honor!!! :bow: :bow: :bow:
Even if it brings back a bag full of tears: nobody could write up ReinAi like you would!!! The pain, strong front, reassurance, and mostly the tears!
That's what ReinAi is all about and Estrea-sama: showing us in writing how it all develops...well... that's all you!!! And even if your confidence gets low it will all get better. That's mostly the reason why the pen and the paper exist. To build a literary bridge between the image we have of ourselves and our true self buried deep within that image.
Ganbatte Estrea-sama! :twothumbs
Weild the mighty pen and scribble along everything inside! :twothumbs
Your characters are yours and nobody elses because in them lies your very bearth, heartbeat, and most affectionate stroke born out of the love you have for the art and what it makes you feel! ;)
Thank you for another great one-shot and every single piece of writing born by your hands. Arigato! :cow: -Koei
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I started in my chair when I saw this, lol. Do you feel a little better now, though? Now that the RenAi is posted here?
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I laughed in a creepy way when I saw this update. Can't quite describe the sound nor the state of my mind.
Was this as therapeutic to write as it was to read?
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@sakura_drop_: Thanks. :) I've always loved Ai in a special way XD
@kawaii beam: I'm glad I updated too! I have more time and energy to write now. I hope you like my latest offering too! :3
@Koei: Thank you for your kind comments. :) As usual, your enthusiasm is infectious. I hope I never disappoint you!
@rndm: Yes, yes I do. They have an oddly therapeutic effect on me in recent times. XD
@grac: I want to hear you laugh in a creepy way. For some reason. And yes, it was very therapeutic. It still hurts, but not so much now...
Ok guys, new one shot that is creepy to me on many levels. Well not creepy per se. Just...different. It might disturb some people. You have been warned.
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Listen
My name is Takahashi Yuu. I am 5 and I like to sing and dance.
"One day I will join the Takarazuka and be an otokoyaku!" I declared at the dinner table. Papa and Mama looked at each other, then at me. But they smiled...right? I can do it! If I work hard enough, anything can happen!
The same night Papa sat me in my room, locked the door, and explained a few things to me. Why I wasn't allowed to go swimming with the neighborhood kids. Why I was homeschooled. Why I was...different.
I was 5 and I didn't understand. The only thing I got out of the whole talk was that Takarazuka would most likely be nothing more than a distant, unattainable dream.
That night, I cried. It would be be the last time I did.
After all, boys don't cry. Even weird ones like me.
~*~*~
My name is Takahashi Ai, a choice I made myself. I am 12 and in the choir at school.
Sensei says I have a beautiful voice. I think I can do better. I practice every day at school.
At home I wear shorts and climb trees with the neighbor boys. Make fun of my little sister, who is a little snitch and hogs all the cute plushies for herself.
I stole her favorite and tossed it down the canal. She started crying like the dog died.
Okay, not even I'm that much of a bad sibling. I went down and got it back for her. Almost drowned in the process, since the next thing I remember was waking up in the hospital.
Mama was bawling her eyes out and hugging me like I already died. No Mama, I'm not dead. Not yet, unless you decided to choke me to death with your bear hug.
My little soldier, my little princess. One thing from you, one thing from Dad. Make up your mind already, which one?
I know I already have.
~*~*~
I am Ai. I am 14 and my hair is now past my shoulders. The boys at school are starting to be a bother. Not that I care. I just like to be left alone to sing. And to dance.
Too bad I had to drop ballet all those years ago. They wouldn't agree with certain things.
Hip hop is a little more forgiving though. And my choir teacher likes me so much that she doesn't even care. She even gives me extra lessons after school.
I like her. I like her a lot.
~*~*~
I lost my virginity in an empty classroom. It was awkward. But it wasn't bad. Goto-sensei knew what she was getting into. I didn't, not really. But I picked it up pretty quickly.
She is a good teacher. I really like her.
The school was a lot less forgiving. They didn't catch us in the act, at least not immediately. We got careless, a few months in. Someone took a picture of us kissing on the rooftop, when we thought we were alone. Sensei was suspended immediately. I only got a warning.
After all, I was just a student. She was a teacher. She was supposed to know better.
It was also the first time I heard the word "lesbian" being whispered behind my back by my classmates. I ignored them.
If only they knew.
~*~*~
It wasn't until the last year of junior high that the shit really hit the fan.
I thought I could avoid it. I thought I could dodge fate, or biology, indefinitely. My luck certainly had seemed to be holding out.
My voice broke. I barricaded myself in my room and refused to come out for a week. Cursed fate, cursed my parents for making a decision they had no business making. Cursed them for not making the decision properly, or thoroughly enough.
I didn't want to be a boy. I wanted to be a girl.
My birth certificate disagreed. Takahashi Yuu, male. The entry in the family register mocked me with its existence. I wanted to be Takahashi Ai. I wanted to sing, to join the entertainment industry. To shine.
But who needs a freak like me? Not fully a boy, not quite a girl.
I cried in my room, where no one could see. I'm supposed to be a boy, but really am a girl at heart.
Girls can cry, right?
~*~*~
I am Takahashi Yuu, 17 and in the drama club. High school life suited me.
It also helped to have moved to an entirely different prefecture. No one knew me there. I could start over. As a boy. I'd cut my hair short. My voice was deeper, now.
I was almost too pretty to be a boy. I hear the whispers among the girls, their giggles. A pretty boy, like out of manga. A little on the short side (curses), but a pretty boy nevertheless.
I don't sing anymore. It depresses me.
It also reminds me of Goto-sensei. I still think of her sometimes.
I am quiet and not boisterous at all. Being in the drama club was a good excuse. Even if some of the guys in class sometimes jokingly call me a fag. I'd hit them and we'd scuffle. I'm not weak, you know.
Girls aren't weak. I am a boy, too. At least physically. Can't I be both?
I don't know. I'm not sure anymore.
~*~*~
Actually I lied. I still sing. Just not in school.
I put on my disguise, which is nothing more than a baseball cap and shades. I complete the ensemble with jeans and a jacket. I've been doing piano since I was forced to give up ballet lessons all those years ago. Now I can put it to use.
I can't pass off as a girl now, with my voice the way it is. If I didn't open my mouth and wore a wig, then yes, I could still look like one. But that's beside the point now, isn't it?
Some things just can't be helped. Singing is in my blood, my soul. I live to perform. I put up a performance every single day, from the moment I wake up to the moment I fall into bed to sleep at night. Boy or girl? What does it matter?
I let people see what they want.
Singing, though, exposes the soul. I dress ambiguously, at a dingy bar where the smoke obscures people from each other. A place where people come to be anonymous. A place where I can be myself.
Every high school student who isn't rich has a part time job. I am no different.
I play and sing for people who probably don't even listen. That doesn't matter.
I'm not singing for them. I'm singing for myself.
Even if my voice has changed. Even if I'm nothing but a fraud, inside and out. I sing because I can. I sing because it's the only thing left to me that isn't a farce.
I sing because I can't even cry out anymore, except in song.
Will you listen?
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This was...difficult to write. I wrote this because I was tinkering with some of Ai-chan's solo songs in Audacity to make her sound like a boy. She sounds damn good as a boy, fyi. XD For some reason, I was reminded of IS, a Japanese drama about a person that was born intersexed, with both male and female reproductive organs. It was deep. It was informative. I decided to make it more twisted.
Imagine a baby born male and female. The parents want to let the kid choose which gender, but they had to pick a gender on the birth certificate at the time, and they chose boy. Unfortunately, their 'son' grew up more girly. Or a bit of both, really, as you see from the progression in the fic.
Tempting to make it a full story, but I have too many fic commitments already. :P Feel free to comment! I'm curious to hear your opinions...
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YOU ARE FREAKING AWESOME! The emotions were written well. :D
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This is really good! This isn't an easy subject to tackle but you did it admirably as always. Poor Ai/Yuu, I'm curios as to how things turn out later in life, though. Does Yuu decide to become monogendered through surgery? Or eventually come to terms with who he is? Does he get a happy ending or is he one of those poor souls destined to suffer his whole life?
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That...that was absolutely fabulous Estrea! :O Seriously! Your mind is like a vortex full of strange, yet completely amazing ideas!
I was a bit confused at first when it went from Yuu to Ai...but then I got it :O Cra~aaaazy! I must TOTALLY suck being born intersex, especially if you're more of the gender that you don't identify with...
I hope you write more :D Even if it's not a complete full story...a 2, 3, 4, or 5 part would be pretty awesome :D I can't wait for more from you!~ I've read so many of your one-shots and you are such a talented person when it comes to written expressions~ <3
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I kneeew it. You had me at 'You have been warned' and 'Takahashi Yuu'.
And post them Guy-chan songs!
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Funny enough, I'm a big fan of the singer takahashi yuu lol when I saw that name in your post, you got me hook, line, sinker. Totally. Completely. Well-done!
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I kneeew it. You had me at 'You have been warned' and 'Takahashi Yuu'.
And post them Guy-chan songs!
As requested. XD
Guychan - Sayonara Tomodachi ni wa Naritakunai no (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-YpQP4_NTM#)
Guychan - Haru Yo, Koi (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxFypZVgluU#)
XD Isn't Guychan sexy? XD
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I LOVE YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!!!! Especially Haru Yo, Koi! :heart: x 1000
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Hi guys I'm back with another one shot~
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Loli Whistle
"This is a thing of beauty." Michishige Sayumi intoned.
She held up the item in reverence, as if it were the mythical Holy Grail or something of equal or even greater import. It glittered in the early light of the false dawn.
Her companion yawned.
"Sayu, put the damn thing down. Where's my coffee?"
Tanaka Reina directed her last statement into her general surroundings. No one heard. The staff were busy setting up and running last minute checks, but someone had been dispatched to get the coffee some 15 minutes or so earlier. Reina was not noted to be a patient person.
"Let's give this thing a try then!"
Sayu is way too happy about this... Reina eyed her fellow rokkie skeptically, resisting the urge to rub at her eyes because it would smear her makeup. Whose bright idea was it to wake up so goddamn early again? Oh yeah, PR. Damnit, having to start over from scratch after 10 years in the bloody business made her feel old. Shit. No way was she going to lose to those damn br--
PHWEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
"What the hell Sayu?!" Reina clapped her hands to her ears. 5 in the bloody morning was too early to be blowing whistles right into other people's ears!
Cue animated cloud of dust. Reina was instantly distracted by the waft of steam from a fresh cup of hot coffee produced tantalizingly close to her face. Oh, the disturbingly huge grin behind the coffee was an issue too. Wait, what the hell?
"Gah!" Reina flailed as someone pounced her from behind. A too-genki voice all but yelled into her ear.
"Tanaka-saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!!! Ohayoooooo!!!!!"
If it were anyone else but one Sato Masaki, they would be dead and lying on the floor in several messy pieces. But Reina had a soft spot for the kid from Hokkaido, plus damn that kid had one hell of a death grip.
"Maachan..." The voice of sanity, somewhat exasperated in its futile attempts towards damage control. Next to Reina, Sayumi's grin went from megawatt to nuclear overload. There was something to be said about her mood being elevated by the sudden appearance of the other 8 lolis of the group.
Before the lolico--um, leader could open her mouth though, she was beat to the punch by an overenthusiastic puppy, aka one Sato Masaki.
"Sayashi-saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan~"
Glomp. Riho's face was frozen into that bemused half-smile as she went rigid from the full body tackle. Her knees buckled, but she just managed to brace herself in time. Good reflexes from years of dance training. Behind her, Kanon gave them an unreadable look. It was too early in the godforsaken morning to come up with a good tsukkomi.
Released from the clutches of the Hokkaido Energizer bunny (seriously, how does that kid have so much energy?), Reina grabs the proffered cup of coffee and takes a swig. She looks at it critically, then swivels to face the person who handed her the coffee.
"This is good. How did you know I like my coffee like this?"
"Tanaka-san is my idol. It is my duty to find out about these things!"
It was a good thing, Reina reflected, that Kudou managed to not sound like a stalker. Fangirl she could deal with, but she already had her hands full with the one stalker in the group...
"RihoRiho~ :heart: "
Speak of the devil. Sayumi had let the whistle around her neck fall, and was currently zeroed in on one Sayashi Riho, who was currently pinned in place by her 10th gen kouhai. The rest of 9th gen stood in a loose semicircle behind her. Well, a certain Suzuki Kanon had immediately gone into self-preservation mode upon spotting the incoming leader, and ducked behind the PonPon combi. Said PonPon combi, comprising Fukumura Mizuki and the ever-KY Ikuta Erina, were having their own fangirl moment as their favorite Michishige-san closed in.
Help! Riho's eyes went round. Her best friend shook her head from the crevice between Mizupon and Eripon. Sorry.
"Um, are we practicing for the event later?"
Thank god for Ayuyu. Must do something nice for her. Riho breathed a sigh of relief as she shimmied her way out of Masaki's grasp and pivoted to slide into place between the older two of the 10th generation as they moved in to close the circle.
"I think we could improve on our timing!" Haruna's voice was high-pitched as always. "Should we find the optimal range to spread out so we can maximise our coverage?"
Everyone ignored the statement. It was too early in the morning to process smart people comments. Hell, it was never time in Morning Musume to process smart people comments. Honor students like that came only once in a blue moon. Not since Konno Asami had we ever had professor material. Would Haruna rise to the challenge? Only time will tell!
Reina decided she had to step in before Sayu sank her claws into any of the kids. She did feel some sense of responsibility towards them. Being the only other adult in the group, she felt a keen duty to not let Sayu defile anyone. And it was not just because Gaki-san said so!
"It's too damn early to be running around. Go, shoo, get something to eat. Think of what you're going to appeal with later, kay?" Reina managed to mix in grumpy with genuine kindness. Kuduu might be having a fangasm at the side right now. Fortunately, her doukies were considerate enough to haul her away as well.
Sayu thought she could almost cry when her precious RihoRiho slipped right away through her fingertips. Reina huffed out a long breath. Being responsible was hard work.
Her eyes strayed to her own doukie, who was currently fingering the whistle around her neck with a speculative glint in her eye. Reina scowled, instantly reading what the bunny had on her mind.
"Sayu. No."
"I was just going to test..."
"No."
"But..!"
"You are not going to use the damn whistle to summon the lolis again, for god's sake. You will get to do that to your heart's content later, so just leave them alone!"
"....RihoRiho..mumble..."
"What was that?"
"...socute..."
Reina facepalmed. She had to figure out how to confiscate the damn whistle from her pedo colleague before things went completely out of control.
Oh yeah, more coffee would be great too.
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Inspired by this video: 15周年の新生モー娘。街行く人に自己PR!! - めざましテレビ #120702 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5852Z85aKn0#ws)
Pedo!Sayu is win. Exasperated!DamageControl!Reina is win too. Poor Reina. XD Poor everyone. Sayu :heart:
I feel so much love for this new Momusu. XD
P.S. Credits to grac for giving me the title "Loli whistle" :lol:
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:lol: :lol: :lol: XD XD XD OMGLOLROFFLECOPTER This senseless crack is omg yes! I'm sorry, I'm dying from laughter here. XD XD I can't help it, the thought of Sayu with that whistle, thinking about the power she holds and Reina trying to reign her in! :lol: :lol: Omg, omg I can't breathe.
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(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6idxrqedK1qzegu6o1_400.gif)
AYUYU SHWING!
brb exhausted.
This is hilarious. I spent the last of my energy laughing over this so hard. I meant to post this follow yesterday but was too tired to.
The Loli Whistle™, is not to be confused with this:
(http://www.pennytreats.co.uk/images/uploads/68%20melody%20pops%20lollies.jpg)
Man i love the Loli Whistle. I used to have a whistle like that attached to my bag when I was a loli. The irony is so delicious- the raep whistle. Wait... okay, so it's a different kind of raep whistle.
Speak of the devil. Sayumi had let the whistle around her neck fall, and was currently zeroed in on one Sayashi Riho, who was currently pinned in place by her 10th gen kouhai.
The sacrificial offering. Tossing a Riho at Sayu will tend to appease her.
You have one too many threads I can put this in.
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y214/gracthemusical/23916175.gif)
*gacked from pixiv
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erfect perfect perfect XD
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BEST. DELAYED. LUNCH. BREAK. EVER.
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I'm dying. I was ROFLed. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
I read this last night and I can't breathe, really :rofl:
Oh~~~ I want that whistle too XD
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Wasuremono
"Ne Riho, left anything behind today?"
Ikuta Erina, otherwise known as Eripon, laughed and ducked as her younger gen-mate tossed a random object at her head. The recipient of the teasing comment, one Sayashi Riho, huffed in mock offense as she put both hands to her hips.
"I put my cards and wallet into the same bag today so I wouldn't forget anything this time!"
"And you promptly left the whole bag behind the last time, remember?"
Riho turned to face her best friend, cheeks puffed out. "Kanon-chan! You're not helping!"
Everyone laughed. Riho flushed, but joined in eventually with a rueful smile. Falling back to the laggard of the group, ojou-sama Fukumura Mizuki was watching the antics of her younger gen-mates with her usual diffidence when Riho casually looped her arm into the older girl's, leaning comfortably into her shoulder.
"At least Mizuki-chan isn't mean to me."
Mizuki grinned impishly, leaning down and rubbing a thumb against Riho's cheek.
"Oh I don't know, aren't you getting a little plump lately...?" The older girl said in a singsong tone, giggling when Riho abruptly stopped leaning into her touch at that.
"All of you are terrible." Riho pouted, but didn't let go of Mizuki's arm. The 9th generation kids continued their light banter as they headed towards the train station from UFA headquarters.
"Riho-chan, remember the script we were going to go through?"
Kanon fell back easily to Riho's other side, the group generally shifting around as lines of conversation went this way or that. Riho stiffened visibly at that, letting go of Mizuki's arm at the same time.
"Um, really?" Riho looked vaguely panicked. She turned fully to face an amused Kanon, who put on a serious face.
"Yes, really." Kanon smirked. "Or did you forget it somewhere already?"
"Oh, Riho forgot something again? I knew it!" Eripon jogged back and pumped her fist triumphantly in the air. "Another point for me!"
Riho shifted awkwardly. "I guess I'll have to go back and get it..."
"I'll walk back with you." Mizuki offered. Kanon grinned.
"Too bad but my mother expects me home early today. I'll expect a call later in the evening ok? You better not forget!"
"Ha, she totally will! I bet she falls asleep!" No guesses who said that. Kanon grabbed Eripon's arm and yanked her away firmly, the KY continuing to expound her views whether or not anyone was listening.
"Ja ne! Good luck!" Kanon waved energetically at them before hauling Eripon away.
"So, what script is this? It's not for work is it?" Mizuki asked as they began the trek back to the office.
"It's um, for school." Riho mumbled vaguely. She pulled her jacket more firmly around herself, angling her bag so that she could hug it in front of herself. "Special project." She muttered something else inaudible under her breath. It sounded vaguely like 'embarrassing', but Mizuki couldn't be sure.
"Hmm..." Mizuki hummed to herself, content to wait if Riho was reluctant to share. The older girl casually upped her pace to match Riho (the girl was growing so fast!), reasserting the previous hold they had by slinging her arm into the crook of Riho's. It might have been her imagination, but Riho tensed briefly when she did that, though the younger girl quickly relaxed into the touch, both girls enjoying the simple contact.
They entered the building with a brief greeting at the reception, gaining entry easily since, well, they were known after all. Riho fidgeted a little while they waited at the lobby, and they entered the elevator with a couple of staff members whom they nodded politely at.
Riho immediately pressed the button for the top floor, which made Mizuki raise an eyebrow, though she said nothing. When the staff members left at floors 3 and 7 respectively, Mizuki finally opened her mouth.
"Riho-chan, you can't possibly have left anything on the top floor. That's for the executive officers..."
In between floors 8 and 9, Riho's finger found the emergency stop button, and the elevator cranked to an immediate halt. The jerk from the sudden stop yanked Mizuki off balance, sending her careening to one side before Riho deftly caught her. The younger girl was grinning sheepishly.
"Sorry, this was a setup." The grin was fearlessly unapologetic, though a trifle shy as Riho took a deep breath.
"See, I really did leave something important behind. I was hoping Mizuki-chan could help me find it."
"Oh?" Since when did Riho get this tall? Mizuki wondered to herself idly as she found herself almost nose to nose with the newly turned 15 year old. She could feel every breath the no-longer-loli-but-still-cute girl was taking. Her hands on Riho's wrists picked up on the rapid pulsing, and she realized her own had sped up to match?
Riho leaned in even closer, her cheek brushing against Mizuki's, their favorite form of skin contact. One of them anyway. The young ace whispered into the sexy tennen's ear.
"I lost my heart. Think you could find it?"
Riho pulled abruptly away, her cheeks stained a vivid red at the boldness of her own statement. She would have stepped back too, but Mizuki hadn't yet let go of her wrists. The ace settled for looking down at her Converse-clad feet.
I am going to kill Kanon-chan, oh god, I cannot believe I just said that, oh god Haruka-chan I hate you for coming up with that line and I can't believe I listened to you oh god Eripon kill me now! No! She must never know!
Hyperventilating quietly, Riho chewed on her own lower lip, not daring to look up at the older girl she had been crushing on since she joined the group.
It wasn't supposed to happen this way. She joined Morning Musume with the very specific intent on bringing the group back to its former glory. To stand at the very top, because she could settle for no less. She auditioned knowing that she could and would meet all challenges, and she would never back down from the hard work needed to succeed.
Friends were optional. Her generation mates were a shock to her at first, Eripon and Kanon-chan breaching her natural reserve with their effusive effervescence. They taught her how to take life a little less seriously, how to have fun like a normal kid. She smiled more with them. It was hard not to.
And then there was Mizuki. Riho wanted to be like her. Quiet, reserved, elegant. Beautiful. To the 12 year old Riho at the auditions, Mizuki was the ideal woman. She wanted to become exactly like that.
Funny how things worked out. Their laidback auras and hardworking nature left little conflict in their working relationship. It was easy to escape to Mizuki's side when the energy of Kanon-chan or Eripon threatened to overwhelm her. Sure it was fun to play and be crazy with the rest, but Riho needed a break once in a while. Mizuki was her safe place.
It also helped that her skin was so wonderfully soft and comforting and everything else in between. Riho hadn't even known that she had a fetish until she met Mizuki. Which said a lot. She loved snuggling up to the older girl, and Mizuki was always up for some skinship.
When did the lines blur? Possibly with the entrance of 10th gen. Seeing her Mizuki-chan so happy to be with her former comrade from the Eggs sent a shot of something approaching jealousy as it took away from her Mizuki time. Determined not to lose, Riho had approached one Kudou Haruka, and to her own surprise found that she got along just fine with the husky voiced girl. In fact, if Kanon-chan was her best friend, Haruka was probably a buddy, a best mate. They fought a lot, but they instinctively got each other. They were rivals, but friendly rivals. Riho was honored to have a rival like that, and they were near-inseparable.
It was one of her random conversations with Haruka that had set things up leading in this direction. In one of her off tangent rants over how much she loved Mizuki's skin, Haruka had interrupted with an incisive:
"Aren't you a bit too obsessed with Fukuchan?"
"Am not! She's just...amazing! It's like..." Riho attempted to defend herself, but Haruka had shot down every single one of her objections.
"Riho. You are obsessed. You need help."
Haruka just had to ask Reina, though she had the sense to not be direct about it. Riho, who was lurking in the background when Haruka went to consult with their senpai, nearly fell over from shock when Reina's casual reply came.
"Sounds like a crush to me. Pretty common at your age."
The cat-like senpai smirked mysteriously at that, muttering something about "this kids..." before going back to her magazine.
"I have a problem."
Riho stated bluntly when she was alone with Haruka.
Haruka's reply was equally succinct.
"Yes."
Then they stared at each other and started laughing.
That was months ago. Somehow in the intervening time Kanon-chan had found out about it, and that was when the serious plotting began. They kept it to themselves, and Riho dragged her feet wherever she could. She was content with the status quo, where she could initiate casual contact with her Mizuki-chan as and when she liked it. It was less complicated. Besides, they were both girls! Never mind Michishige-san, Riho quickly added, when Haruka looked like she was on the verge of saying something. Kanon just laughed at them, though all three kept an eye out for their lolicon leader out of habit.
Trying to dismiss it as a crush was hard. Riho went about as usual to keep suspicion to a minimum, but she couldn't long resist snuggling up to Mizuki, or glowering vaguely whenever someone else latched onto the older girl. It was, as she noted at the beginning, a problem.
Kanon advocated a direct confrontation, which Haruka supported. With both her self appointed advisors urging the same course of action, Riho eventually caved to their prodding, not to mention her own inability to shake the fuzzy feelings whenever she was close to Mizuki.
"Besides, if she rejects you, then at least you can get over it." Haruka observed. Kanon scoffed.
"As if! In case you didn't notice, Fukuchan is just as much of a lolicon for Riho-chan as Michishige-san is!"
"What."
The argument that resulted after that is completely insignificant and probably would warrant another story. Let us return to the present, where Riho's gaze was close to boring a hole into her favorite pair of sneakers.
"Riho." Mizuki's voice was gentle. She shifted her grasp down to Riho's hands, squeezing them lightly.
"Mmgh." Riho made a little incoherent sound that seemed vaguely strangled. If Sayumi had been around she would have glomped the girl with no remorse already. Mizuki, however, was a lady and therefore more restrained.
Riho eeped when warm arms looped around her neck, and the familiar feel of Mizuki's forehead rested against her own. Despite herself, Riho's breath caught in her throat, and she stopped breathing entirely.
"You're so cute, Riho-chan." Mizuki murmured, half to herself. Her voice seemed huskier than usual, darker and more seductive. Riho gulped. What had she gotten herself into?
~*~*~*~
"You didn't call last night " Kanon noted calmly. Her arms were folded. Her toes were tapping against the floor. She waited.
Riho turned an interesting shade of vermilion. Eripon, who was strolling by, couldn't resist.
"I told you she would fall asleep! Right, am I right Riho?" The KY paused, frowning thoughtfully. "Isn't that blouse Mizuki's?"
Dead silence. Eripon, used to the effect she often created, shrugged and moved on. Kanon's eyes were the size of dinnerplates. Her mouth moved wordlessly for a moment, then snapped shut.
"I don't even want to ask."
Riho flailed helplessly after her best friend. "It's not what you think! Kanon-chan! Really!"
"It's ok Riho-chan. I understand. You don't need to explain."
Riho turned helplessly to her buddy, who was slouched in a corner poring over a script for the variety show they were appearing in.
"Haruka-chan, say something!"
"Was her skin really smooth?" She didn't even look up. Unthinkingly, Riho snapped a reply in the affirmative, then clamped a hand over her own mouth and whimpered pitifully. Kanon couldn't hold it in any longer and started laughing, then stopped abruptly when Mizuki sauntered over, casually draping her arms over Riho's shoulders from behind, hugging the younger girl in greeting.
"Good morning Kanon-chan. I hope you slept well last night?" Mizuki smiled beneficiently, but Kanon got a distinct shiver up her spine at the territorial manner the older girl so casually displayed.
"Oh yes, very, ah! Maachan! What are you eating? I'll catch you later guys!" Kanon beat a skilful and hasty retreat, leaving a bemused Riho and a giggling Mizuki behind.
Riho grinned up at the older girl. Mizuki laughed and pressed a cheek to Riho's, nuzzling comfortably as she walked backward to sit down on a nearby chair, Riho naturally falling onto her lap.
"They all think the worst now..." Riho murmured, turning her face to press against Mizuki's neck, inhaling slowly. The older girl giggled.
"Let them." Pulling Riho closer, Mizuki whispered into her ear.
"We might get there eventually..."
Haruka snuck away as Riho turned yet another interesting shade of crimson. Things were going to get interesting around here...
=============================
Yes I went and did it. Fukuchan x Riho. Ahahaha. I couldn't resist.
Inspired by this video.
http://touch.dailymotion.com/video/xrnf6b_yyyy-yyy-opv_people (http://touch.dailymotion.com/video/xrnf6b_yyyy-yyy-opv_people)
Teehee.
P.S. I wrote the whole thing on my phone, so yup. Interestingly, I managed to forget my own wallet back at work and so had to go back for it. Funny how my life parallels my art. :lol: "Wasuremono" indeed! Riho is well known by now for leaving things behind all the time. She has mentioned this on her radio several times, and I figured I might as well do something about it. Ehehehe. XD Hope the gushing fluff was good for everyone too!
Sent from my LT18i using Tapatalk 2
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that was so cute ;3; i feel like riho's "obsession" about mizuki's skin is like how sayu is with her lol forever loving it XD and the haruka and kzukki help was great too! XD
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Oh my gah should be working, read this instead. Comment later!
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I knew it!
I know that the new gen pairing would be so this cute. >w<
Eripon KY-ness is good as ever. Lol
Kanon! You lovely best friend! <3
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"I lost my heart. Think you could find it?"
I laughed the very instant I read this because I knew it was too corny for you to even write. Oh, children.
Riho, Kanon and Haruka Productions present
ショートコント : Elevator Seduction
"Oh oh! Okay, how bout you push all the buttons and then say 'I just wanted to spend more time with you.'"
"Baka- then the door would open on every floor, right?" Kuduu smacks Zukki on the arm.
Kuduu backed Zukki up against the wall with a smoldering gaze (she thinks) and breathed, “I’m glad this elevator has an emergency button for fires because I’m burning up just looking at you.” Snapping her head back to Riho for the girl's opinion, she said brightly, "How's that?"
"You mean like a fever?" Riho asked, puzzled.
Zukki merely gaped at Kuduu. "Where did you learn this stuff from?"
"I still prefer my 'You're the most beautiful thing that's ever graced a building security tape' line better," Riho muttered.
(Deleted scene)
“This elevator isn’t the only thing that likes going down.”
"Down where?"
"I dunno. Somewhere."
"Don't suggest things you don't know the meaning of!"
"Isn't 'going down' kinda negative? Wouldn't 'going up' be better?"
"Yes, but what does it mean?!"
I'm gonna get banned from this forum before these girls turn legal, I swear.
Besides, they were both girls! Never mind Michishige-san, Riho quickly added, when Haruka looked like she was on the verge of saying something. Kanon just laughed at them, though all three kept an eye out for their lolicon leader out of habit.
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aoltv.com/media/2008/08/meerkat.jpg)
"As if! In case you didn't notice, Fukuchan is just as much of a lolicon for Riho-chan as Michishige-san is!"
"What."
hahahaha wat?
Kanon's eyes were the size of dinnerplates.
I want to see this happen irl.
I would like for you to write more, but my natural one-upscrackship is going to get me into a lot of trouble.
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I thought, could it be, COULD IT BE????
"Sorry, this was a setup." The grin was fearlessly unapologetic, though a trifle shy as Riho took a deep breath.
"See, I really did leave something important behind. I was hoping Mizuki-chan could help me find it."
OMG. [GURGLING DYING SOUND OF ME CHOKING ON MY OWN EXCITEMENT]
This GLORIOUS ship arrived. Delivered by Estrea, benevolent purveyor of Mizuki x Riho (does this pairing have a name yet?) fic. *¬*
And Kuduu/RihoRiho rivalry friendship bond is beautiful T______T
"Haruka-chan, say something!"
"Was her skin really smooth?"
KUDUU I LOVE YOU (but not in a Sayu pedo like way)
I think I made some strange giraffe noises over Riho's obsession with Fukuhime's skin as well but it's okay, my family slept through it. :peace:
I read the loli whistle one too but I'm too overwhelmed (oh lordy). Just... that was great too.
I'M HAPPY TO BE ALIVE!!! :pen_whirl:
EDIT: I'm rereading it now.
EDIT 2: Jsyk Riho's obsession with Fukuhime's skin is now my head canon.
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To answer, this pairing was called SayaFuku by RihoRiho herself.
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^
lol nice of her to put her name 1st
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Read this on my iPad to save some battery power on my phone. Lol. even my iPad's only got about 50% left. D:
Rivalry friendship is the best type of friendship ever. I imagine those Reo fan girls all biting their handkerchiefs and so on. XD
Haruuuuuuuuu
Ayumi is so perfect<3 I feel a bit bad for her that she tries so hard but still ends up constantly second place. but oh well.
Damn people on the train kept shoving me and hitting me with bags and luggage while I read so you can be sure i'll be sure to give this a proper read through later on. :thumbup
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This is why I want to pinch Sayashi's cheeks so badly. XD XD
Also, little Da-ishi in this story is so awesome :lol:
And, Haru-kun!!!! :wub:
Please continue this project, and thanks for your hard working. :bow:
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Since Essy asked I post this random thing I doodled:
(http://i.imgur.com/owJED.jpg)
...and he'd been singing so cheerily too...
Also—
Confession: I used to not like Ayumi. :x I blame the hair she had when she first joined, really.
I like her a lot now though and in this story, I'm pretty curious about her POV on the brothers since she's obviously known them for awhile (Maachan too but :cry: ).
As I said before, if Reo were a male character in an anime, I'd bash him to hell for being 'too perfect' but :wub: rule #1.
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Haru-kun :inlove: :inlove: :inlove:
Don't worry about it Haru-kun.
Even your brother is some kind of evil, he still help about your love :lol:
Maachan....the eager puppy as always :rofl:
Thanks you very much :bow:
P.s. If you don't mind, could you give me a chap of lolicombi (Kuduu and Maachan). :bow:
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(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/78/Trollface.svg/200px-Trollface.svg.png)
one good dibs deserves another
"Eripon Happened?" you said. "Needs a meme picture. Could you perhaps contribute?" you asked as I was already making one. "Good job" you said.
Why didn't you stop me? I don't even remember what it was I wanted to point out about the story anymore. Perhaps one day it will return to me, along with my sanity.
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y214/gracthemusical/Forum%20Links/jama.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y214/gracthemusical/Forum%20Links/babyeripon.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y214/gracthemusical/Forum%20Links/TsunkuSez.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y214/gracthemusical/Forum%20Links/tsunku-eri.gif)
"Good job," you said.
Where is your god now?
Today's Cannot Unsee© is proudly brought to you by Grack, the Crack that Keeps Giving.
Refunds not accepted.
Edit: Somebody STOP ME!!
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y214/gracthemusical/Forum%20Links/tsunkucut.gif)
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Ikuta, the paparazi XD
ROFLed for Ayumin :rofl:
Not that you're shorty, but you only brought less height with you :lol:
:bow: :bow:
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Still
I wasn't the one to say goodbye
Yet all of a sudden, all I had of you were memories
You know, I felt our love to be eternity
Even now, I still...
Fear. Confusion. Primal emotions. A raging storm contained within, hurricane turned inside out.
She sat calmly. This too will pass, the teeny voice of bitter experience whispered. Hold your head up, keep your dignity to the end. You always have yourself. You only have yourself. Last one standing. Always, with you.
Would anger have been the right response? Or tearful confessions ripped from the tattered scraps of a heart? Dramatics. This is reality. No longer a fantasy. She remains stoic, a thousand words left unsaid.
You don't love me. You never loved me enough. Why did you accept me back then? Why give me hope to crush it again?
Round and round the words spun. Liar liar, they sang accusations and betrayal in turn, an orchestra of the mind. She is silent. Numb.
Fear is the mind killer. It is the little death. I will not fear. I will let it pass over and across me. I will mark its passage, and when it is gone, only I will remain.
Lessons learnt too well. The traits that led her to excel in one area also contrived to trap her as a mere bystander in her own life. Where once watching was no longer enough, she stands paralyzed in inaction. It costs her. It always does. She knows this. Yet it is a mistake she repeats. Over and over, the script worn through, her an actor in a role she despises, yet not knowing how to be anything else.
The Mirror cracks, but it reflects still. A shattered image, nothing within that is not without. I would have you shape me, if you would, and I would be yours forever.
She stands, and turns away. Enough, she whispers. An empty room greets her cracking voice. The message is mechanical. It hides this. The walls hold the truth, but they speak not. She feels relieved, and betrayed, by their silence.
It ends, as all things must. She lets it go, a love she was not worthy to bear. Surely, a better happiness was out there. Maybe not for her, but for the other. The thought comforts her. A small happiness, knowing that she can no longer actively hurt the one she loves. That they are now free.
She does not pray for their happiness. God, she decides, has nothing to do with this. Happiness comes to those who seek it, and who seek to preserve it. It is enough to be like this. Small joys, little dreams, petty hurts. Enough for a single life. She will not hope. It brings only despair.
Saying goodbye isn't a way to forget you
Even if we are apart, I hold you close to my heart
I would not be the one to say goodbye
I'm not that strong
Even now, I still...
Goodbye. Goodbye. Goodbye.
To the one I loved. To the one I love. To myself, who will never love again.
Goodbye.
=============================
Wrote this while listening to BoA's song, Still. On the bus. In less than an hour.
Copious and shameless stealing of lyrics, plus quotes from other songs and notably, Frank Herbert's Dune novel. Haha.
Need to write more. Need to break the block somehow. Heh.
*flees*
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>.< Essy~! So sad, but I love the things you write. :cry:
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Oh The Places We Go
It was a beautiful day at the end of summer, and Sayashi Riho was skipping out on chores to rest in her father's apple orchard.
It was too splendid a day to be wasted on little things like tending to the gardens or mending tools. Riho had seized on attending to their modest herd of horses, putting them out to pasture in the field next to the orchard as she kept one lazy eye out from underneath the flowering apple trees. As the eldest she supposed she should be setting a better example, but it was a good day and she would really rather be relaxing instead of slogging under the intense heat of summer.
Plus it wasn't like she wasn't doing anything! Their horse herds were a significant source of income, and Riho kept a particular eye on the mares that were going to foal soon. That she could do so from under the shade of her favorite apple trees was just a helpful bonus. She did not envy her little brother, who had just been apprenticed to her uncle, a blacksmith by trade. Had she been a boy, that role would have been hers, but Riho gladly begged off on such an honor. Blacksmithing might be an honorable trade, but getting trapped behind anvil and bellows while sweating like a stuck pig at the fires was not an ideal life for her.
She learned her letters, helped with the accounting, dealt with the traders when her father was away, and generally learned how to manage a small estate while doing as little as possible at the same time. She worked hard, no doubt, but also learned how to take time for herself. They were not nobility, just burghers who had risen to a modest living and built on the ancestral holdings of land bequeathed to them by some distant artisan of an ancestor who had performed meritorious service for a lord of some kind. Every generation had learned some kind of useful trade, and the Sayashi clan had grown strong from trade and craft. They had prime lands, but were not so centrally placed that others would covet them. They had a good name, a strong estate, and their sons and daughters were usefully employed. Even Riho, who at the tender age of 14 was more literate than others older than her, and could add up numbers better than others twice her age.
There is no better way to live! Mused Riho, as she munched idly on a blade of grass. She wanted for nothing, was usefully occupied, and there was nothing more she loved than the fields and forests of her family lands. Her father was always busy, but always took time to stop and teach her the business in his gruffly affectionate manner. Her siblings tormented her, but she tormented them right back, and more than once had to settle disputes between her younger siblings. She loved her family above all, and could never imagine leaving them.
Something hit her head with a dull thud, and she yelped, before grinning as she picked up the offending object. It was still too small and a little green, but the apple was crunchy and sweet, with a tang on the tip of her tongue reminding her of its unripe state. She couldn't wait for autumn to come, when Father had promised to show her how to make cider from their annual harvest. She adored cider, and looked forward to coming up with new ways of making her favorite beverage.
So it was while daydreaming about cider that her life took a decidedly dramatic turn, shattering the peaceful idyll of her life up to then.
~*~*~
"Thief! Stop, thief!"
The girl wondered just how exactly she had gotten into such a situation. Her, daughter of a knight of the realm, with no lands perhaps, but raised at court at their Lord's table. She had grown up with the Duke's children and ran wild with the sons and daughters of other vassals and servants. She picked up swordplay along with skills suitable for a lady, though she generally preferred to be out in the sun instead of knitting or crocheting. Cooking was a practical skill though, and the cooks had since learned to put up with her barging into the kitchens and throwing together ingredients on a whim. Surprisingly, her efforts were not only edible, but quite delicious to boot. Unfortunately, she never remembered to note down the ingredients used, and many a great dish has sadly been lost.
So what was she doing in the middle of nowhere, caked in the mud of travel and being hailed for a thief despite her semi-noble birth?
An image of the princess flashed before her eyes in memory. Oh...right. The Princess! Who was kidnapped (of course) by an evil witch (what else?) and held prisoner at the edge of the kingdom, in the Unmapped Fens. Many a knight was rumored to have gone in search of the witch's lair, but none have returned.
When her own father had left the Duke's castle (for the capital city he assured her. She was not convinced), that was when she decided that something had to be done about the situation. You see, she always wanted to be a knight, but no one ever trained girls in the knightly arts. She might have picked up some skills over time by roughhousing with the squires and kitchen boys, but she would never get the chance to apprentice to a real knight and practice the way of chivalry. She knew it disappointed her father that she wasn't a boy, but there was no help for it.
Unless! Girls were taught to read, and growing up the way she had, she read a great deal of epic tales of adventure and romance. While girls her age tended to favour tales where fair ladies swooned in impossibly high towers built on equally impossible terrain, all the while waiting for some brave knight on a quest to rescue her and live happily ever after, she was more interested in the stories where knights distinguished themselves on the battlefield and were thence honored for their valor. It gave her hope that one day, she too could break with tradition and do something so glorious that they would have no choice but to knight her. She could make her father proud! And save princesses! Achieve fame and eternal glory in song and tale!
Which brought her to her present predicament. So there was a princess to be saved -- the Princess was amazing, she saw the lady one year ago at the Solstice feast in the capital, and had never forgotten her since. Had she told anyone they would have laughed it off as a crush. She didn't tell anyone, and believed it to be love. The love of her life was in danger! And it was the duty of every right thinking knight to rescue a fair maiden, particularly the object of their affections!
Never mind that she wasn't a knight, that she was a girl, the Princess doesn't even know she exists, and she had no idea where to start looking. But every quest begins with a first step, and she had sneaked out of the Duke's keep in a spare set of practice armor (a bit big, but all those sewing lessons came in handy for readjusting those infernal leather straps), her father's spare blade (heavier than she was used to), and a tired old pony (really a mule, but it's hard to steal a warhorse). She also sensibly packed some spare clothes, food, and a bit of money she had squirreled away for emergencies.
But things Went Wrong, as they are wont to be, where an encounter with bandits left her without her steed -- that poor mule accounted for itself bravely, sending two brigands off a sheer cliff -- and she almost drowned after falling into a river, forcing her to discard her armor or drown ignominiously, and she had used up most of her funds about two weeks in.
About the only thing she had left was her father's sword, her boots, and a few rags that passed for clothes. She had had to hack off her long hair after it got unceremoniously tangled in a thorn bush following her emergence from the stream that had almost drowned her, and as a result she looked nothing like the knight's daughter playing at being on a quest, but rather more like a street rat with a nice sword (that she finally had the sense to disguise with crude wrappings in order not to draw any undue attention to it).
In short, she was hungry, tired, miserable, and never happier in her entire life. For what quest would it be without Trials and Tribulations? Galahad would have suffered no less for the Grail, she was certain.
Still, starvation was distinctly unattractive, and thus it was that she found herself being chased by a little kid waving a saucepan around with considerable fervor. It was just a piece of bread! She didn't have to act like the bloody crown jewels had been taken. Shoving the bread down her throat with unseeming haste, she put on another burst of speed, her longer legs allowing her to outrun the brat behind her.
It wasn't very honorable to steal bread, but she made a note to return the cost of the bread following the success of her quest. She justified many actions that way. A knight, even one who has not actually been knighted yet, has a sense of honor, and pays their debts.
So, really, she was going to pay for the horse too. They were just out there in the field! She was pretty sure she was still within the Duke's fief, so it was right for the freeholders to contribute to her noble cause. She was going to pay them. Eventually.
"Sis!!! That thief is getting away!"
Damn, that brat really was persistent. She risked a look behind her shoulder as she mounted bareback onto the most docile looking steed. The snot nosed kid was standing next to a taller girl, who was dressed sensibly for the outdoors and had a rope in hand. From the not inconsiderable distance she couldn't be sure, but it seemed like the taller girl was frowning.
Pursuers aside though, there was the smaller and yet very crucial business of getting away. On a horse that had obviously not yet been broken to saddle, because its reaction to a rider was to buck violently and try to throw her off. Whoops.
Clinging on bareback with your face buried in horse mane was not the most enjoyable experience, particularly while your life is on the line. With a deafening whinny, the horse reared back on its hind legs in a futile attempt to dislodge its unwanted passenger, and when that failed, the poor beast chuffed angrily and burst forward in a flash, running wildly with no apparent direction. And she'd thought this one looked docile?
I'm going to die I'm going to die Father save me!
There was a high whistle and the wayward horse turned back towards the sound, still bucking madly with the girl clinging on for dear life. There was the snap like a whip through the air, and they jerked to an abrupt stop as the horse reared upwards again. This time she did fall off, and landed on her ass. Fortunately, she also had some presence of mind to roll away, avoiding the thrashing hooves that would have made mincemeat of her.
Her vision spun, and she gave thanks to every single deity out there that she was alive. Cracking one eye open, she made out the blurry figure of the girl next to that monstrous beast of a horse, her rope lassoed around its neck as she rubbed affectionately at the frightened beast's jaw, offering what looked like an apple to calm it down.
Minutes later, she could not be sure, she heard the crunch of boots on grass next to her as she lay sprawled on the ground, too sore and exhausted to move.
"So thief, who are you and why were you trying to steal from us?"
Oh the shame. She knew she could not give her family name, it would shame her father and herself forever. The name Ikuta might not be old and respected, but it still held some measure of honor. She could not disgrace herself any further...
"Eripon...just call me Eripon."
=============================
I was in a whimsical mood. Lmao. It all started with Riho under an apple tree, I swear. And then Eripon happened. :lol:
Fun fun!
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Omg tell me you are going to continue this beautiful piece XD
I would so love to see more Eripon and Riho in this work of yours.
I'm guessing the missing princess is Risa?
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Ace
"Sayashi, in the center."
With a crisp "hai" I stride to the center of the formation. Head up, back straight, never betraying a hint of nerves. My hands were clammy, but as long as no one touched them, no one would know.
No one was going to know. Next to me, Tanaka-san was chatting with Michishige-san, who was standing behind her. Maachan had already latched on to her 'Tanasa-tan' with that infectious grin, and Tanaka-san seemed to be perfectly at ease despite having a Maachan-sized neck accessory on her. I guess you really could get used to anything.
On my other side Ayumin was chatting with Harunan and Kanon-chan, the latter two being on the back row but had drifted back down to chat while the staff were still running around getting things ready. Kanon-chan sees me watching, and pulls a weird face, making me grin back in response. Good ol' Kanon-chan. I would have probably gone crazy(ier) if she hadn't been around to help me take the edge off the stress. It's fun to watch her.
I continue watching even as Duu (funny how we went from Kudou-san to Kuduu to just Duu...) strolls up to the talkative trio and oh-so-nonchalantly slings an arm around Ayumin. Drats, was Duu getting even taller? Because Ayumin looks really tiny next to her, and I hope Duu doesn't outdo me in height quite yet. It's a silly thing to be competitive about but it has pretty much become second nature by now.
The edge of my lips quirk up into something resembling a smirk as I notice the look Ayumin shoots the smugly oblivious "shounen" next to her. There are times when I try to decipher whether Duu knows exactly what effect she has on Ayumin (odds are, yes, if her blog posts are anything to go by), and if she does, why she persists in taunting the poor girl that way. Sure, it actually is pretty hilarious to watch their antics, but even I am capable of feeling some form of sympathy for my kouhai. Never mind that she's older than me and the girl she is so obviously crushing on. For her sake, I almost want to remind Ayumin that Duu IS A GIRL, NOT A BOY. No matter how boyish she acts like, down to the hair pulling and childish pranks and...everything, really. I guess I can't blame Ayumin for getting all confused, particularly since we're not allowed to date as idols. I'm just glad I don't feel that kind of complication...
"...met Niigaki-san yesterday! She was soooo cute..."
I don't even need to turn around to identify the speaker. Voice aside, the subject matter was an instant giveaway. Flicking my hair over a shoulder, I take the opportunity to glance towards the back left where Eripon was talking animatedly to Fukuchan, who was listening attentively as always. They were standing very close together, and Eripon had no trouble reaching out to touch Fukuchan at every turn. I almost feel jealous, but I guess that's just the way they are. Fukuchan's too nice for her own good anyway. That's why we all love her.
In any case, Eripon was always like that; expressive and good at communication, able to talk to anyone about anything, whether or not she met them 5 years or just 5 minutes before. I sort of envy her easy ability to interact with absolute strangers. It takes me a while to get used to people, and I can't help but wish I could just approach people as easily as Eripon does. Too often I find myself sitting alone doing my own thing, which isn't necessarily bad, but it would be a nice change to be all fun and outgoing the way she is.
Being in Morning Musume has helped a lot in that area, and it has only gotten easier as I get used to the members, but I feel like I really need to project myself more positively if I'm going to stand in the center as the next ace. I have a responsibility to be the best I could possibly be, and then some. It's the only way I can justify taking the center spot, and be able to bear the weight of all those eyes on me. Not just from the audience, but from my own group. I know they don't hate me or anything (I hope), but being targeted by everyone as THE rival can get exhausting. I want to be closer to them too, but I can't help but feel like they're judging me all the time. I need to be better. I want to be better. I have to be. There is no option for failure or being inadequate. I want to be able to say that I earned my spot in the center, to have everyone acknowledge me wholeheartedly in my role as ace; not just because management put me there and is aggressively promoting me in that role.
I am grateful for the push. I really am. I know my strengths, and I know I was one of the better candidates for the spot. But I also know my weaknesses, and Sakura-chan's entry as the sole member of 11th gen flashed warning bells in my head. I know I shouldn't be so petty, but I felt like Tsunku-san was subtly making a point. I needed to sing better, perform better, to be the Ace. Ayumin's entry forced me to up the ante for dancing, and now Sakura-chan's presence reminds me to polish my singing. I felt like everything was a pointed reminder for me to buck up and work harder to keep my place.
The pressure can get pretty crippling. My mind flashes back to that interview I did with Abe-san. She knows. She understands. There's so much I need to know, things that I desperately need to learn. So many things, from being a performer to being an idol (completely different things, I realize now). I needed to improve in all dimensions, and I was really grateful for her advice. It made me happy too, when she said that her image of me was "someone who belonged to the center spot". I couldn't believe that the first Ace of the group thought that of me. I've worked so hard to be recognized, but sometimes...it's still pretty amazing for someone to come out and tell you this type of thing. I'm just glad I didn't burst into tears in front of her. That would have been embarrassing.
So now, here I stand in the center. The camera's ready, and everyone is back in their places. Directly behind me, Sakura-chan fidgets, and I feel more than hear Eripon whisper encouragement under her breath. I know if I had been looking, Eripon's lips would not have been moving in that instant. Pretty useful skill, that. I banish useless thoughts aside as I focus on the lens. Felt every inch of my body, every hair and down to the tips of my fingers and toes. Total body awareness. The shifts of angle and the expressions I had to make. I had the center. My place, my duty, my responsibility. Nervousness is for other people. I am the next generation Ace. My face is not my own, but for the group.
I belong here. I'll prove it. I won't ever falter, even if I have to do it all alone. I have to lead. The future is on me.
My name is Sayashi Riho, and I'll make you remember it.
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Read an interview with Nacchi and Riho, discussing their place as Aces in their own generation. It was the main inspiration for this piece, though part of it came from watching too many DVD mags and noticing that Riho is always and forever doing weird things on her own off to one side and kinda lurking in a corner when other people have the main shot for the camera. Unless she's with Zukki doing weird things together. XD But yeah, I get the overwhelming sense that well, it's lonely at the top. She gets the center spot, she's touted as the next ace, she gets lots of attention....and she admits in the interview that there's a lot of pressure on her. She's holding up pretty well for being a 14 year old, really. Girl's tough, ambitious, and doesn't betray her nerves easily. It's pretty amazing to observe.
Speaking as an Aichan wota and having spent years observing Aichan and writing about her....I feel like Riho has a very different internal voice. I'm still working on grasping it, but writing Riho is VERY different. Yes they're both introspective, feel the weight of their roles keenly, but Riho has more confidence in herself and too often has that insufferably smug expression on her face, whereas Ai was always a lot more self effacing to the point of having depressingly low self esteem. I'm still trying to find the right balance for Riho in my head, but I've gotten a pretty good picture and now just need to work on expressing that in writing. XD It's fun having a new favorite toy to play with, that's for sure, and I can't seem to make Riho emo because it's not in Riho's nature to BE emo. She gets negative, but not emo. I like her better already, she's good for my psyche. :lol:
And now I really need to sleep because I need to wake up in 3 hours for a wedding. :S Night!
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I always love to see how you portray your favorites, or any of the girls, really. You have this amazing ability to perceive them in ways that I don't and in ways that make me go, 'Yeah, I could see her thinking that.' :heart: :heart: I love your writings.
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It's sound interesting about Riho's thought as the next ace of Morning Musume. Everything just come to her, good and bad, mostly good.
It could be fun if not just the center's story. Maybe the other members' story would be more attractive.
(just my own opinion) (=w="
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the way you write the girls so far are always so close to how they show themselves to us essy, its like u know them ubber well. i agree on your thoughts of how riho seems to be. like i always notice when the others talk about her being an ace when she's around she kinda stiffens or just looks awkward. i noticed this the most during the h!p dvd mag for the winter con. like she shows she's not oblivious to the fact that everyone knows she's the ace. like does that even make sense?
your writings are always great and i'd love to see simmilar oneshots like this for the other girls, but you know i'll be reading whatever you write :deco:
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Clearly, Sayashi is my favourite, because I come bearing fic of her again. XD
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5 Years later
"Riho-chan, what's wrong? It's late...we have a concert tomorrow."
"I couldn't sleep. Can I come in?"
"Alright...come on in."
I wonder when it was that my feelings changed. It wasn't a moment I could pinpoint exactly. She had always been important to me, someone I felt safe with, whom I could go to and be as child-like as I wanted to, and have her spoil me endlessly.
I met her when I was 12, so much a child then still, even though I didn't think myself to be one at that point. Looking back, I miss the innocence of that time. To be able to go up to someone without fear or expectation, with the trust of a child that has never felt rejection, or even conceived of the terror in such. To know, implicitly, that she would always welcome me with open arms.
Truly, I was so naive back then. I miss it.
"Did something happen? Wanna talk about it?"
"Sorry about coming so late at night. You were going to sleep soon?"
"Mm...but if you have something troubling you, I'll listen. I'm the leader, after all."
"Only as a leader?"
"Haha, well, as a friend too? So? What's up?"
She was older, beautiful, and a rock-solid figure in my life as an idol. It wasn't easy being one. The performances, those I could do. I had trained for years to be on stage. But being an idol was more than just singing and dancing. It meant becoming something that fans can connect to and pour their hopes and dreams into. To be the focus, and the reflection, of all that attention. To always be smiling, never showing anything but the best for the fans, because that's what they want, and it eventually becomes what you want to show them as well.
It wasn't easy for me, not at all. I'm not the brightest and most cheerful person around. I have my moments when I get excited about the things I liked, but most of the time I stayed one step removed from the action. It wasn't that I didn't want to be part of things, it was just that I couldn't find a space where I could fit in. I couldn't keep up with the pace they set, their conversations and antics progressing in a tempo foreign to me. I might be able to find the rhythm in dance, but social interaction has always remained somewhat elusive.
I've always envied Eripon, for example. Even though she gets called KY all the time, she simply charges straight ahead and never lets anything get her down. To be able to talk so freely and easily...I envy her. I want to become more like her. More open, brighter and confident in myself. I've improved and learned in these years, but a part of me knows that it doesn't come naturally. I put it on, my idol mask for the world, professional to the end. But it really isn't me, and I can't deny it.
But enough about the gloomy side of myself. Heh. I am rather capricious, aren't I? The classic AB bloodtype. I don't dislike this in myself. In fact, I can even call it a defining characteristic? It's a strange thing to choose to define oneself with, yes? But I like it. It suits me.
"I...I think I have someone I like..."
"...I've always wondered about Riho-chan. It's more than past time you had such feelings, but you were always so focused on work...so, what's the guy like? Someone at school? I hope I don't have to tell you to be careful not to get caught if you want to pursue those fee--"
"It's not a guy."
"...ah. Haha. Well, girls' love is a wonderful thing too~ Nice of you to join the club~ So, is it someone I know? Maybe even someone in the group? *giggle*"
"You should know."
"Ehhh...Maa-chan? No, can't be, though you two would be so cute together. Just imagine her going all Sayaaaashi-saaaaan. So adorable. Hmmm, maybe Kanon-chan since you two are always so close?"
"...Kanon-chan's my best friend. It's kinda weird to even think of her like that."
"That's true...how about Sakura-chan? She really likes you, have you noticed?"
"Huh? She does?"
"You didn't notice? She's always clinging on to you."
"She does it to Maa-chan too."
"Oh Riho-chan, take my word for it. She's always watching you."
"Really? I didn't notice."
"So it's a pass from you then? Poor Sakura-chan...what about Duu then? You two have been joined at the hip lately, and you sure look different around her..."
"...tsch, Haru's a really good friend, and we click, that's all. Besides I said I like a girl, liking Haru would be like liking a boy..."
"Ahahaha that's so mean, Riho-chan! But you're right, Duu is looking more and more handsome nowadays.Such an ikemen she has become haha...then, Ayumi-chan? She surely is girly enough! Ah~ I would like to date her too, even!"
"Hmm Ayumin sure is cute. She has gotten really pretty too."
"I know right? Haha, so is it Ayumi-chan?"
"Nah. She's attractive, but I don't feel that way about her, not really..."
"Ah mou! I give up! Don't tell me it's Eripon, I'll get mad if it were~"
"You would, wouldn't you..."
"Oh...it's Eripon?"
"No."
"..."
"..."
"It couldn't be...me, could it?"
".......I shouldn't have come here tonight."
I wonder what possessed me to have even knocked on her door that night. Worst mistake of my life. Wait, it's not even the worst thing I could have done. Knocking on the door was one thing, I shouldn't have brought up that topic at all.
Because I knew. I had known for a long time. Her heart belonged elsewhere. Sometimes, I hoped that maybe, just maybe, I would be considered as well, but deep down I knew I never stood a chance. To her, I was just a cute little sister, a generation-mate, someone she can spoil silly and have fun with. Never mind that I'm the ace, the face of the group and leading from the front in performances. I sometimes even think that was a barrier between me and everyone else. It's not always fun to be the lead dog running ahead of a pack, when everyone is basically glaring at you from behind. Sure, it's a friendly rivalry, but it's still there. We get along well, the members of the group, but everyone also wants to stand in the center, where I am pretty much placed all the time.
Duu gets it, I think. She and Ayumi both, since they often take turns sharing center with me, though Ayumi gets placed there more often. Both of them often tease me about how they were going to muscle me out of the way one day, and I always tell them to bring it on. It was a little strange to have become so close to the 10th gen members, what with how difficult I find it to warm up to new people, but I guess after 5 years together any distance would and should have shrunk by now, particularly after Michishige-san graduated and we were left to hold everything together.
I'm glad I'm not alone, really. If I had been, I don't know how I could have held it all together when the inevitable rejection came. I should never have said a thing, and just accepted what affection that came my way. But since I said it, I had to live with the consequences.
I got lucky though, because she was so kind. She always was. That might have been why I fell for her, and didn't realize it until she was already out of reach. She never turned me away even after gently letting me down. She became more considerate of how I must feel around her, and stopped the overly affectionate displays that used to leave me both happy and stressed at the same time. It was a little lonely without her hugs, but the other members were more than happy to fill in. Between Maa-chan and Sakura, I barely had any breathing space sometimes.
But I was glad. That the others were with me. That she still spoke to me, still smiled at me. I'm happy too, because even if it felt like my heart would break at first, I could still smile back at her. Reassure her that I was fine. Because I didn't want her to worry. Because I still wanted to be her friend. Because I am the face of Morning Musume, and my smile must always be radiant for the fans.
I am better now. Honest. I shift on the bed, trying not to accidentally elbow anyone in the process. I'm not sure how they knew not to leave me alone, but I'm really grateful for the members who kept supporting me throughout, even if they didn't know what happened. It gets a little cramped when a bunch of them spontaneously decide to crash my hotel room when we were on tour, but it's nice not to be alone.
I smile again as I cuddle against someone in the dark, and this time I wasn't forcing it.
I am the 18 year old Sayashi Riho of Morning Musume, and I am not alone. Because I am not alone, I can be strong. Thank you, everyone. For everything.
Let's all work hard together from now on!
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I just happily trashed FukuSaya. Why? Because I suddenly had a fit of empathy and realized that Riho reminds me of myself when I was much younger, and I had someone similar to what Fukuchan was in her life. And yet, I think she'll recover better than I did, because woo member-love. Haha.
But yes. Been burrowing into RihoRiho's character, slowly but surely. XD This is not meant to be fully representative, of course, but hey, she's taking a rejection much better than I did. :lol: It's not the end of the world, and she'll be the better for it once it's over and done with. Mm. :D
Weird mood now. Haha.
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As always, I love how you delve into the character of your subjects. Ai-chan and Riho are so similar, aren't they? XD
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^They are, in a way. Riho wouldn't cry over this though. In some ways she's even more reserved than Ai-chan is, and crazier in other ways. Subtle differences. XD Makes all the difference. I feel stronger about Riho because she's tougher than Ai was at her age. :lol: And I like that.
FYI, not an update, but I transliterated the entire dialogue in the one shot into Japanese here: http://shizuka-junko.livejournal.com/362653.html (http://shizuka-junko.livejournal.com/362653.html)
I'm quite proud of it because I've been trying to figure out how they talk in the original Japanese. I probably can't master their dialect, except maybe broken Hakata-ben because Eripon and Reina spam it so often. XD Been reading too many fics in Japanese lately...I think the Japanese fandom has warmed up to 9/10kies a lot, judging by the flood of fic for them recently. I've been inundated with IshiDuu, SayaIshi and PonPon primarily, with a couple of other crack pairings popping up along the way. It's rather amusing hearing, figuratively, all their voices in my head because it's written with all the girls' unique way of speaking. The TanaShige scene I was reading in one fic killed me because of Reina's dialect and I could totally imagine Reina and Sayu doing and saying those actual things. Like...
"I'm still in shock...Sayumi's RihoRiho..."
"It's not like she actually belongs to you, you know."
6th gen is win. :lol:
Anyway gotta go now! Baaaaai~
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Ho~~~ I love this. :wub:
I can't use a word to tell how I love this fiction. :inlove:
Anyway, this two sentences, I know what it is because I ever read it. XD
I just recovered from cuteness overload of Maa x Duu's yesterday fiction. :P
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@Shiawase: Hehe are you reading off m-seek too? :D I love the fics there!
Fee fi fo fum. I was catching up on the web radio and the Morning Jogakuin episodes (still not fully through with them haha, this will take days, if not weeks), and lots of interesting info comes to light on radio. :3 So some short stories related to 9/10kies based on stuff that actually happened!
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Cute, You Say?
"Guys! Have you seen Sayashi-san's self-shot photos on her blog? It's so cute!"
An excited voice rippled through the open doorway into the room where the rest of the 10th generation members were supposed to gather.
"Iikubo-chan? Really? Where? Lemme see!" Kudou Haruka hopped to her feet, still holding on to her manga as she joined the oldest member of her generation, who was tapping on her phone as she put her bag down.
"Kuduu~ Don't leave me aloneeeeee!" Sato Masaki whined after the 'shounen' of the group, trailing along to check out the pictures on Harunan's phone.
"Ehhhh!!!! That's so cute! How does Sayashi-san do it?" Haruka wondered aloud as she leaned in next to Harunan to see the aforementioned pictures.
"Sayashi-san is so cuteeeeee!" Masaki chimed in, tugging at her Kuduu's arm as she bobbed up and down. Haruka scowled.
"Haru said it first!"
"Isn't it alright? Sayashi-san doesn't belong only to Haru!"
"Don't call me Haru!"
As the elementary schoolers started their usual squabble, Harunan resisted the urge to facepalm and took one step away from the noisy kids, instead returning her attention to the picture in question. It really was amazing how Sayashi-san managed to take the shot at an angle that maximised her cuteness. The fashionista of the group knew that if she showed this picture to Michishige-san right now, the poison-tongued bunny might just spontaneously combust, and then Sayashi-san might just be in danger of having her cheeks abused from excessive pinching. Silently, Harunan decided not to do so, out of the goodness of her own heart. Then again, knowing Michishige-san, she probably already has seen this...
"What's that all about, Harunan?" Ishida Ayumi, the tiniest of the group, walked in sipping from a bottle of mineral water. The 17 year old girl raised her phone.
"I was just saying that Sayashi-san's blog pictures were really cute today. Don't ask me how those two managed to pick a fight from that."
Ayumi snorted. Kuduu and Maa-chan were famous for being able to quarrel over anything. And yet they would be totally fine just a little while afterwards. Until they found something else to quibble over again, that is. She eyed the energetic pair. She and Harunan would let the argument run its course for a few more minutes before intervening. She couldn't ever remember herself being so energetic like those two kids. Was she ever so young?
Of course, had she thought to pose the question to Harunan, the oldest of the 10th gen members would say that, yes, in fact, didn't Daishi just fight with Kuduu over something in dance lessons just now? Fortunately, no one opened that can of worms, and Harunan would probably figure out a way to solve the issue even if it came up. Not for nothing was she the peacemaker in this quartet.
"Oh? I haven't checked our 9th gen senpai's blog today. How was it?"
"Sayashi-san took really good shots today! I must ask her about camera angles later. Here, see for yourself!"
Ayumi took Harunan's phone from her, using her thumb to scroll down the brief post to where the picture was. Her eyes widened when she saw the picture.
"Ah. So cute..."
Was Sayashi-san so cute before? As if on cue, they heard the voices of one Suzuki Kanon, as well as the girl of the hour, Sayashi Riho, coming from around the corner.
"So you see, at school..."
"Really? Kanon-chan sugoi...ah!"
"Riho-chan are you ok?"
Two heads popped out from the room curiously, and bore witness to a magnificent faceplant by the same Sayashi Riho. Suzuki-san seemed torn between laughing and trying to help her friend up.
"Mou Kanon-chan, it's not funny..."
"But Riho-chan, how did you manage to trip on thin air?"
"I don't know...ahhh~ I'm growing too fast, it's throwing my balance off!"
"But you've been tripping for way longer than that?"
"That's mean, Kanon-chan!"
"Ahahahaha~"
The same two heads withdrew back into the room. A cocktail of emotions swirled on both the 10th gen members' faces, ranging from amusement to genuine puzzlement, with many others in between.
"I must say...that was kind of cute too." Harunan started first, looking over at Ayumi, who looked back down at the picture on Harunan's phone.
"But...it's a different kind of cute? Somehow?"
They shrug simultaneously. Ayumi returned the phone, glancing behind her to where the younger two of their 9th gen senpai had gone to meet up with the other half of their generation. The pitiful expression on Sayashi's face from earlier had been wiped and replaced with a toothy grin as she greeted first Eripon, then Fuku-chan with a hug. When the two separated, the look on Sayashi's face returned to its usual impassive half-smirk. Ayumi shook her head, turning back.
"Sayashi-san really has a myriad of expressions, doesn't she?"
Harunan nodded, locking her phone and putting it away.
"Well she's our senpai, even as young as she is. We have a lot to learn."
"Mm..."
Ayumi looked vaguely dissatisfied for a moment before her gaze settled back on the still-fighting Maa-chan and Kuduu. She sighed.
"I guess we better do something about those two as well?"
"I agree."
They moved forward. Just another day in Morning Musume.
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Tidbits that are real:
1) Riho trips often. XD It's becoming a bad joke, not to mention all the bruises she is getting. Not just on her legs, but her ego as well. 3 times in front of Tsunku during rehearsals. She wanted to die of embarrassment there and then. :lol:
2) The Sayashi-has-cute-pictures thing. Maachan mentioned on an episode that 10th gen was squealing over some very cutely taken self-shots on Riho's blog posts, to Riho's acute embarrassment. XD
3) Ayumi said on Morning Jogakuin that Riho has a lot of expressions. Like one minute she'll be goofballing around with the rest, then on set it's like she flips a switch and transforms instantly to something else. XD
4) Maachan and Kuduu fight over the silliest things. But they get over it real fast. Also, Kuduu absolutely forbids Maachan from calling her Haru (which is how she refers to herself XD).
This is set somewhere in 2012, though the dynamics of the group may have shifted somewhat since. Some things remain the same, but essentially...yeah, as you have it. I might do more as I get inspired from all the radio I've been listening to. :lol:
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I remember reading on Riho's blog at some point that she figured out why she trips so much. Apparently she analyzed her way of walking and found that she tends to walk with her toes first, so I guess she catches her toetips on the ground unexpectedly. I haven't heard much about her tripping since then.
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XD omg lol I think I just got a toothache from all the cuteness in this story, not to mention my cheeks hurt from my grinning.
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RihoRiho's self-photo shooting is always the best of the rest. I also kind of wanting to pinch her cutie cheeks. XD
The classic habit of AB bloodtype; trip over and fell down by nothing on the floor. Lol
MaaDuu are cute. >w<)
From the Morning Jogakuin (10gen day), Duu allowed Maa-chan to call her Haru. Anyway, now Maa-chan calls her generation-mate with their name. Except for Harunan, she is called Meshikubo. xD
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@Slack: Yeah I remember the blog post. But somewhere in November on radio, Riho confessed that she fell down in rehearsal again. Lmao. She might have fixed the falling while walking normally, but on stage....sometimes she still screws up :lol:
@rndy: Hehe cuteness from 9/10kies is easy. They're awesome. XD
@Shiawase: Thank you for the information~ I'll update it as the timeline for my one shots move into the right zone. :D Maachan is amazing!
So I was paying attention to wota reports from the public recording of Morning Jogakuin earlier today (yesterday?) and this happened. XD
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Maji de Itazura / マジで悪戯 / Seriously, It's A Prank
Fu~
Splashing water on her face to remove the faint traces of makeup, Ishida Ayumi sighed deeply as she reached for a towel. Her face stared back at her in the mirror, the pale skin of her ears still tinged a faint pink from earlier.
Just the sight of the remnants of a blush reminded her how the blush was put there in the first place, which made her bury her face in her towel, desperately trying not to think about the whole incident.
Today was the first open-to-public recording of Morning Jogakuin, and together with Fukumura-san, Ikuta-san, Sayashi-san and Harunan, she had conducted the radio recording in front of 300 fans. It was a somewhat nerve wracking experience, having to talk in front of so many people, and it really didn't help when someone decided to have fun at her expense.
As if having one little boy teasing her in the group wasn't enough. Said 'little boy' wasn't present at the recording today, for which Ayumi would give thanks to any and all deities out there, because she was sure Kuduu would just make things worse, especially since she has heard this before. Then again, had Kuduu being there, maybe she would have helped to deflect the topic back onto Sayashi-san, like she did the first time when the topic first came to light. Ayumi had confused feelings about Kuduu, so thinking about the whole thing just made her even more muddled in general.
It also did not help that the complete lack of surprise on the part of her other 9th gen senpais said a lot in itself; then again, they were quite used to a certain Sayashi Riho's warped logic and weird topics of conversation, so perhaps they didn't think much of it. After all, Sayashi-san did have that famous moment on stage where she declared her love? fetish? obsession? with Fukumura-san. They were probably used to Sayashi-san's flights of fancy, even if she wasn't.
But she had thought that Harunan at least would have been on her side! But no, Harunan had gotten interested in the topic as well, displaying pleasant surprise of all things and allowing Sayashi-san to continue without interruption. Maybe Kuduu would have been a better shield here...
"Ah mou!" Frustrated, Ayumi scrubbed vigorously at her face, the tips of her ears still a vivid red from her blush relapse. The worst part of the whole incident was how smug Sayashi-san was about the whole thing! She was sure her young senpai was smirking at her while saying all those embarrassing things. Where did the nervousness from the last time go? Ayumi was certain that she recalled Sayashi-san being confused and embarrassed when Kuduu reversed the topic of the conversation back onto her, and Ayumi had also joined in on teasing her senpai for the first time there. So how could Sayashi-san bring it up again so confidently? And not to mention, she covered her tracks brilliantly as well, by bringing up relevant points about everyone else present.
Ayumi had to grudgingly give the cheeky girl some points there. Fukumura-san was right about Sayashi-san improving at her conversational skills. Ugh, if only it weren't at my expense!
The topic in question? Why, a simple discussion over the music video for their upcoming single, Help Me. Sayashi-san had been praising the perfection of Fukumura-san in the video, to no one's surprise of course. Then again, Ayumi had to agree: Fukumura-san did look amazing in all aspects in the video. Of course, Ayumi had sought to tease Sayashi-san about her single-minded fixation on Fukumura-san by commenting on how Sayashi-san was always looking at Fukumura-san, but that had ended up backfiring quite seriously on her...
"You sure look closely at Fukumura-san." Ayumi commented with a teasing glint in her eye. Sayashi raised an eyebrow. Challenge accepted.
"Well I pay close attention to everyone. Like for Ayumi-chan, I was looking at your lips and all~" Sayashi said with a grin. Ayumi's jaw dropped, and she almost sprang to her feet before she remembered that this was a public recording and she really shouldn't do anything weird. She settled with a 'what the hell do you think you're doing???' glare at the smug-looking Sayashi-san, who continued on without shame. "They are really distinctive so they stand out~"
Ayumi twitched, almost reaching out on instinct to try and grab Sayashi-san before the girl decided to go on talking about such embarrassing things any further.
"Wow this is the first time I've heard of this!" Ayumi stared at Harunan, who looked really interested by what Sayashi-san had said. Traitor!!! Her mind cried, even as a small whimper escaped from her lips. Ayumi was sure the blush on her face had spread to her ears and down her neck by now. Curses!
As if completely unaware of the impact of her statement, Sayashi continued with the topic, pointing out what she noticed about the other members in the music video, like Ikuta-san's dance moves and Harunan's poses, concluding with a self-satisfied grin.
"See? I pay attention to everyone equally!"
Ayumi sighed. She had no comeback for that at the time. Even now, she still couldn't think of anything she could say that wouldn't open up a veritable can of worms. In fact, she wasn't even sure if Sayashi-san said all those things on purpose, or what she said them for, even!
At least Fukumura-san had come up to her after the recording and patted her on the head, saying something about how "Riho-chan sometimes goes a little too far with her words and doesn't notice it at all". Ayumi wasn't sure if that made her feel any better. In that aspect Sayashi-san and Kuduu were similar in how they were able to tease her, although in Kuduu's case it was definitely deliberate, while Sayashi-san seemed to be more...oblivious?
To think they had started to get a bit closer ever since the autumn tour too. Having dance lessons with just the two of them had helped to shrink the distance, especially since both of them loved dance and often spent time discussing the technical movements and practicing together. Ayumi's early feelings of rivalry towards her younger senpai had long since given way to grudging respect and even admiration since early last year, with her acknowledging within herself that Sayashi-san was better than her at dance. That didn't mean she had given up on trying to surpass the girl though, but she had come to make some peace with the fact that as things stood, Sayashi-san was still a level above her in performance.
These things, coupled with the fact that Ayumi was nervous about talking to her senpai (even worse, this senpai was younger than her), ensured that she kept a respectful distance away from Sayashi-san for a good long while. Any interactions that happened tended to be in the context of a group conversation, though the rare few times where they spoke one-on-one Ayumi was careful to keep a polite distance. She wasn't sure how to handle this younger senpai of hers. Suzuki-san was so much easier in comparison.
The joint dance performance for the autumn tour had definitely helped her get over the awkwardness. It was easy talking about dance to Sayashi-san, and Ayumi found that she could talk about the really technical details without having to explain herself every other sentence. Sayashi-san would nod in understanding and add on other things she had noticed herself. It was a great learning experience for the both of them, and Ayumi had felt more comfortable around Sayashi-san since.
Still, it seemed as if Sayashi-san could still spring nasty little surprises on her when she least expected it. She was used to Kuduu's pranks, and while she was aware that Sayashi-san was young as well and probably just as playful, especially around her fellow 9th generation members and Maa-chan, she hadn't quite expected Sayashi-san to pull anything on her. It just hadn't occurred to her that Sayashi-san would do it to her of all people.
Like on the final day of the autumn tour. The staff had rolled out a gigantic cake that had all the members oohing and aahing over it, and all of them were jostling to take pictures to put on their blogs later. Then came the obligatory group shot with the cake, with everyone huddling in various poses in their jerseys.
The first few shots for different cameras went off just fine, with Maa-chan and Kuduu flanking her on either side. Then they had shifted around some, and Ayumi had drifted towards Oda-chan and Fukumura-san at the back. Sayashi-san had also drifted towards the back, behind Maa-chan and Kuduu, as they started taking shots for Tanaka-san's camera. As the staff called out for the last shot, Sayashi-san suddenly moved behind her and hugged her from behind, lifting her an inch or so off the ground. Still conscious of the camera, Ayumi had hidden her surprise and made a peace sign while smiling as the camera flashed, and the next moment Sayashi-san chuckled behind her, almost into her ear.
"Ayumi-chan is light!"
And then the girl ran off to play with Ikuta-san and Suzuki-san right after that, leaving a flabbergasted Ayumi behind trying to process what just happened. She had received spontaneous hugs before, but not like that, and certainly not from this person. In the end, she came to the conclusion that she just didn't understand Sayashi-san at all.
"I don't get it..."
Ayumi dropped her towel onto the sink and stared into the mirror. The rest of her face was scrubbed a pinkish tinge by now, and she heaved another tremendous sigh as her shoulders slumped. The only way to deal with it was not to think about it...
*beepbeep* 1 incoming message
"Eh? Who is it?" It was late and Ayumi honestly did not expect any texts from anyone. After all, they had school the next day. Everyone who was likely to text her should already be in bed by now. Clearly, someone wasn't (and neither was she, either).
From: Sayashi Riho
Subject: Hyaahoooi~♪( ´θ｀)ノ
I got to see Ayumi-chan's blush again today! Yatta!
All as according to plan~ ♪♪
Sleep well tonight and I'll see you again at work!
P.S. It was Duu who reminded me about it ♪♪ She said Ayumi-chan's blushing face was cute so I had to see it for myself~
P.P.S It really was cute~ ♪
Oyasuminasayashiii~
...
.......
..........
What. Was. This?
Ayumi clutched her phone tightly and tried to decide who to kill first. Or maybe she could get them together in one place and hit them both at the same time. Yes, that seemed like a good plan. That was what she would do.
Underneath her iron grip, her iPhone case underwent a hairline crack. Let us pray for the two middle schoolers now. May they safely escape the wrath of Ishida Ayumi.
We can hope anyway.
=================================================
Hurhurhur. :lol:
I couldn't resist. I can just see Duu and Riho being pranksters. Totally Duu's fault. Lmao. And Riho cleverly deflects part of the blame. XD GJ.
The bit about the group shot with the cake on the last day of the autumn tour is based on a photo on Reina's blog (Dec 15th, go see! XD). It's not immediately obvious but Riho latched onto Ayumi on the last shot and knowing how Ayumi is the shortest in the group now, the idea is that Riho actually lifted her for a moment during the shot itself, because Ayumi was peculiarly taller (either that or Riho was crouching XD). Ayumi mentions also that she got to know Riho better during the autumn tour because of their joint performance of Crazy About You. Stuff that I happily mention because I can...and because it's funnier that way. I enjoy trolling Ayumi. XD
Also, the lip thing. It was first mentioned on radio with Duu, Riho and Ayumi during the promotional period for Renai Hunter. They were talking about each other in the music video and Riho was like "oh I was looking at Ishida's solo shot scene and her lips really got my attention". Ayumi: "Ehhhh? This is embarrassing!!!" Duu: "Ahahahaha! Where the hell are you looking at?!" Cue Riho embarrassment as Duu and Ayumi tease her about it. Riho attempts to defend herself, but only really succeeds in digging herself in deeper. It was hilarious.
So I saw the wota report from the Jogakuin public recording and this guy was like "Sayashi brought up that she noticed Ishida's lips again, all while grinning mischievously. Ishida looked extremely embarrassed and was blushing so hard you could see her turn red in the ears and neck." Thank you wota-san. XD
Lastly, the title. A play on Maji de suka ska. I did it cos I can. Haha. My tension is all weird now hurhurhurhur......
9/10kies IS THE BEST~
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No comments? Me sad...oh well. XD
Presenting the thoughts of our latest dimensional creature. MM has seen aliens from outer space. This is probably the first time we've had someone from an alternate universe entirely...
I bring you...
====================================
The Care and Feeding Of.......
by Maa-chan
The Care and Feeding of Kudou Haruka
- Lead her to Tanasa-tan.
- One Piece!
- More Tanasa-tan!
Note to self: Keep her away from Ayumin. Haru is mine! Mine! MINE!
by Maa-chan
~*~*~
The Care and Feeding of Ishida Ayumi
- Watermelons!
- ...I'm not sharing Haru with her.
- Meshikubo can distract her
- Fukumura-san too!
Note to self: Maybe I can ask Sayashi-san to help keep Ayumin away from Haru.
by Maa-chan
~*~*~
The Care and Feeding of Meshikubo
- Manga!
- Wada-san!
- Michishige-san!
Note to self: If all else fails, just call her Harunan. She will be so happy I did...but I won't.
by Maa-chan
~*~*~
The Care and Feeding of Suzuki Kanon
- Food!
- Fukumura-san! Ikuta-san! Sayashi-san! ...basically the 9th gen senpai!
- More food!
Note to self: Suzuki-san doesn't like me glomping Sayashi-san...maa, not that I care~
by Maa-chan
~*~*~
The Care and Feeding of Sayashi Riho
- Cider!
- Fukumura-san!
- Letting Sayashi-san correct me!
Note to self: Sayashi-san seems to be catching on to me. Maybe I should throw Ayumin at her as a distraction?
by Maa-chan
~*~*~
The Care and Feeding of Ikuta Erina
- Niigaki-san!
- Niigaki-san!
- Niigaki-san!
Note to self: Too easy.
by Maa-chan
~*~*~
The Care and Feeding of Fukumura Mizuki
- Tsugunaga-san!
- Michishige-san!
- Shoujo manga!
Note to self: Fukumura-san is more than she appears to be. Tread with care. Cute girls have also proven to be effective.
by Maa-chan
~*~*~
The Care and Feeding of Tanasa-tan
- Lots of love and attention!
- Hugssssssss!
- Tanasa-taaaaaaaaaaaaaaan~
Note to self: Tanasa-tan loves me so I can get away with anything. :D
by Maa-chan
~*~*~
The Care and Feeding of Michishige Sayumi
- Hand Sayashi-san to her.
- Run away.
Note to self: Sorry, Sayashi-san...but earlier problem solved!
by Maa-chan
==================================================
Because Maa-chan is a genius. And from another dimension entirely. Maachan-world is incomprehensible. XD
EDIT: I totally forgot about Oda Sakura....y'know what? Maybe next time. XD
EDIT 2: The solution to Sayashi catching on to her...is obviously to feed her to Sayu. What an economic solution!
EDIT 3: Translated the entire thing into Japanese again because I can. And it's funnier that way somehow. http://shizuka-junko.livejournal.com/362880.html (http://shizuka-junko.livejournal.com/362880.html) Hehe
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I'm telling you, it's not a universe because there'd be no way to communicate with her. She's a 4D tesseract who might constrain herself to 3D movements. Or she might just like working in non-Euclidean 3D spaces, which actually ties her in better with the real physical world than the rest of us (See this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elliptic_geometry), for example). Given how Tanasa-tan is a math genius in disguise and Sayu is a math genius merely satisfied by completing her Universal Set of Cute, this makes perfect sense. :rofl:
Maachan, never change. XD And what's this with DaiFuku?
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Sorry for didn't comment on the trolling to Ayumin. XD
Ayumin, You can't kill Haru because Maa-chan will not happy if you do that. Lol
The care and feeding of...
Maa-chan, genius girl. XD
Yes, yes. Haru is yours.
Not that Kanon-chan doesn't like Maa-chan. She just don't like how Maa-chan always skip away from the crime scene she did and runs to Tanasa-tan for helping. XD
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omg those last 2 u posted killed me essy XD
for the 1st one i totes feel bad for ayumin ^^; like i hate that feeling of trying to corner someone but it fails horribly and you then have to try and plan a payback ^^; hopefully her poor iphone case doesnt crack under the pressure XD
for the 2nd i kept laughing harder and harder and legit lost it at eripon :rofl:
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What is this? I come back to two updates!? :cathappy: :cathappy:
I always love to read your interpretation of events, especially since I can actually get so little news about certain ones. And the DuIshiSaya triangle that's going on is something alright.
Second: Maachan :lol: Just, just :lol:
Favorite part?
The Care and Feeding of Ikuta Erina
- Niigaki-san!
- Niigaki-san!
- Niigaki-san!
Note to self: Too easy.
XD XD
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Moonlight
I don't believe in things like destiny. We aren't born to be or do something. We just are, and the rest is a result of our own choices and the choices of people around us. We are born to a certain lot in life, but we always have a choice whether or not to follow it. The rest is just hard work and a little luck.
I never intended for this. I wasn't born to this life, yet circumstances shaped me to become the person I am. Would I have chosen differently had I known where this path would lead me? This path that walks the line between dark and light, the way between loyalty and betrayal. I trade in lies and deal with death, in service to a lord that knows neither my name or face. I am eyes that see and the ears that hear, the lips that whisper into the shadows, and the hands stained with blood. Every day is another day on stage, my life a mummer's play, and I dance to an unseen melody, puppet and puppeteer both.
Once upon a time I was an artisan's daughter. Once upon a time I had a name, was part of a household, honoured among mere commoners and elevated by his Lordship's own hand to serve in his castle. But I am not noble-born, and an artisan's daughter is still an artisan's daughter, even if the artisan in question is valued for his craft. I was the firstborn daughter, which matters little. I was not the son my father needed, a role my younger brother, born years after me, would fulfill. I was the spare, though Father cared for me still, and gave me an education a samurai family might provide their daughters. I learned to read and to write, to do sums, the practical side of the craft my father was known for. The ladies of the castle, the ones who did the actual work of making things run smoothly while his Lordship gave orders for the realm, taught me the basics of running a household, and I became errand girl and servant and messenger as required. Being a mere commoner, I spent time with the servants and stable boys, the latter of whom taught me the basics of horsemanship as I helped to exercise the beasts and muck out the stables. I made myself useful in my youth, and the castle opened to me in a way only servants could see, and I learned many things there.
On hindsight, my childhood had shaped me to be one who is always there, but unobtrusively so. I was nobody, but I was everywhere, and I saw and knew what I was seeing. It was probably inevitable that someone who was trained professionally to be that way would notice a gifted amateur such as myself. Better yet, I was a commoner and effectively dispensable. Had I not chosen this path I would have ended up marrying someone of my own station in the castle, preferably someone who would have useful connections for my father. It was the way things were, and I did not resent it. That did not stop me from taking the first way out though, a way out into the world that did not involve banditry or something equally immoral.
Not that what I was doing was not occasionally reprehensible. But I had an oath to a master, which mattered in these times. My lord was new to his shogunate, though old and wise to the ways of lordship and the games of power the daimyos play. Sekigahara might have sealed a military victory, but holding a domain in times of peace is harder than holding it in war. More than a dozen years have passed since that fateful battle, and for common folk such as myself, the end of the major battles that ravaged the land was a welcome change. The people don't really care who ruled them, as long as they were fed, housed, and kept usefully occupied. My birth clan had reaped the benefits of the wars as best as we could, and even if we were mere artisans, we were nevertheless still respected in our own caste. In fact, my grandfather was one of the artisans responsible for the fine wedding tanto gifted to my lady Senhime. I was but a child still when she first came to the castle, but I still remembered the lady as she entered on a fine sedan, wife to my lord Tadatoki. I do not remember much else of the occasion, except for my sole glimpse of the lady's face. It was beautiful and sad and I was too young to know how I felt. Even now I still do not think I know.
No one man can rule a whole domain without help. And the shogun with his many fiefs and even more vassals? A strong leader could keep them in line, but the realm was vast, and not everyone was content with Tokugawa rule. I was born in the Himeji Domain, a loyalist stronghold since Sekigahara, ruled by lords allied by ties of marriage and blood to the Tokugawa. I knew no different life; I was born to a world where open war had ceased, and all were, on the surface at least, obedient to the shogunate. I was a girl in a time where women were subordinate to the men, but I had learned enough in my time among the servant women of the castle to know that there were ways for one of my sex to exercise power even within these constraints. These women might not have been well educated or raised in finery, but they had good common sense and knew how the world worked. I learned practicality and a kind of invisibility from them, something that would serve me well in my chosen path as the eyes and ears of the shogunate.
How else was a shogun going to keep track of all his vassals without reliable reports? Official investigators could only gain official records; access to information hidden in the hearts and minds of his subjects would require a covert, human touch. Was I a spy then? Perhaps. I served the shogunate in my own way. I was part of a an unofficial web of contacts and agents loosely coordinated by men of Iga. But I was more than a mere informer, not just one of the commoners who provided information in exchange for payment.
You see, I was chosen since I was but a mere child. I was to be given a comprehensive education and free rein to explore and grow for some time. By the time I first laid eyes on my lady Senhime, my fate had already been sealed, and I did not even know it. Perhaps I had seen her sadness, and even now I wonder still what I had realized in that moment, without knowing. In times of silence I sometimes wonder why I had been chosen. I was not an orphan. I had a family, a good life that awaited me, and my father was not so poor as to sell me to the first person he saw. I would never know for sure. To ask would give me no answers. In any case I at least had a choice, as compared to my less fortunate counterparts from more dubious backgrounds. That I chose to enter the same profession probably said something about my character, but no one could say that I was any less tractable than the most desperate apprentice out to prove themselves. If anything, I had to work harder to catch up with those who were raised from early childhood in the skills of our profession.
I am proud to say that I am one of the better students, despite having a slight disadvantage. Then again, as it turned out, my childhood had been less unattended as I had assumed it to be. The games I used to play around the castle turned out to be disturbingly similar to actual training exercises, and I needed no additional lessons in etiquette appropriate in court, considering I used to see it every other day and could probably tie an obi with my eyes closed while reciting poetry. Backwards. I did always have a gift for those blasted things.
Religious studies were more of a chore, and it was there I had to actually slog harder to keep par with the rest of my peers after I was turned over for formal training. Learning how to form and maintain active personas was a chore, since we had to learn various dialects from different regions, and comport ourselves accordingly in both dress and manners so as to blend in. It was less difficult in certain roles I was already accustomed to, but posing as a geisha or even a prostitute was certainly a great deal more challenging. Fortunately, I would have little use for those roles given my assigned duties.
I stare into the moonlit sea now, 15 years old and fully trained in covert operations. I was basically a sleeper agent, seeded into Kagoshima Castle in my birth identity. Perhaps this was why I was chosen in the first place. The Sayashi clan was well known among the exclusive circles of swordsmiths, and it was not unlikely for one of our ilk to gravitate to Satsuma in order to come into contact with the influx of foreign traders and the new weapons they brought.
You would think it would be easy to be myself. Problem was, I do not remember what it was like to be Sayashi Riho, daughter of Sayashi Kenichi, from the Sayashi clan of Harima Province, master artisans to the Honda at Himeji. I remembered being a child in Himeji Castle, but that time eventually came to feel like a prelude to my life in the shadows. I had had to use my training to fake my own identity, an ironic fact if there ever was one. 'Sayashi Riho' was as much of a construct as being 'Momo' or any one of the numerous roles I had to play before coming here.
So who am I? Perhaps as a nod to my origins, my master called me Sayamaru, and the name stuck. It was an affectionate name for a child, ubiquitous and an all-purpose moniker. It suited me in my new role, one with no fixed name. I might have been born as Sayashi Riho, but I have been remade into a different form. I am a liar in my own skin.
The city waits below me. I do not scale the walls in skintight blacks. I do not creep around corners and lurk in shadowy corners. I walk along corridors and down stairways, taking servant ways and keeping the right balance between unobtrusive and overt. I do not need to hide. I am myself and I have every right to be here.
And that in itself is the greatest lie of all.
====================================================================================
Dusted off a slightly crackish idea I had over 2 years ago, when Riho first joined and told us that story about her family name. XD Something about her ancestor being a scabbard maker in Himeji Castle. XD That pretty much tracks her lineage back for about 200 years at the very minimum. XD;
So I did some research, discovered the spread of the Sayashi name in modern Japan (10 in Kansai, 2 in Kanto), and then came up with a crack theory to explain the split. But yeah, I pretty much just threw her into the beginning of the Edo period, about 20 or so years after the battle of Sekigahara in 1600. XD
All names apart from the Sayashi are actual historical figures. Senhime, which Riho mentions seeing coming to Himeji, was married to Honda Tadatoki in 1616 and moved to Himeji a few years after, by which time Riho in this story is about 5 years old or so. XD I placed her in Kagoshima, capital of Satsuma Domain, which was dominated by the Shimazu clan who were fairly independent of the shogunate and were growing rich off foreign trade. It makes sense that the shogunate would want to keep track of a tozama (outsider) lord who were not related directly to the ruling Tokugawa.
Not making any major changes to history. Just interested in fitting Riho into the framework and working within it instead. I chose Satsuma for a very specific reason as well. XD And the obsessive timeline? Means something to me. :P I may or may not continue. There's a very short story in there...
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I loved how you wove in "Momo" and "Sayamaru". Sayamaru is totally the kind of name a ninja would have!
Satsuma, eh? By that time Satsuma had annexed the Ryukyu Kingdom... which means dealing with Ryukyuan nobility... which means..(http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/4925/fukuninja.jpg)?
The timeline would put this after 1625, when the Satsuma Domain banned certain family names as well. Huh, how about that.
I think I like where this is going. :D
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well hi there saya
shitsujimaru. :P
I see access to Kagoshima-jo as a springboard to spy on the other domains of Kyushu who may or may not have been tozama daimyo. This will be interesting... but Fukuhime's role is (or will be, depending if you continue) different from what I was recalling.
Okay, more thoughts to come.
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Well, this is probably the most interesting way to learn about Japanese history. Bring on the learning! Sayashi style.
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I can't explain it with any word. :wub:
I'm not the good student of History (not only Japanese History, but also world history and my country history XD).
Waiting for sure :twothumbs
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I interrupt my own history lesson to bring you something a concert MC from the winter tour threw up. XD
==========================================================================
Cats of a Kind
"Tanasa-tan~ look at this!"
"Yes yes, what is it?" Reina looked over at her hyperactive and over-enthusiastic junior, who was running across the dressing room with another member in tow. Kudou looked somewhere between exasperated and resigned as Sato happily tugged the 'little brother' character of the group with her as if she were pulling on the leash of a reluctant puppy.
Reina couldn't help the grin that came as she looked at the kids. They certainly made life interesting around here. Allowing Sato to pounce on her, she ruffled the Hokkaido girl's hair affectionately and chuckled at the envious expression on Kudou's face. She gestured with one arm, inviting the youngest of the group in as well, and Kudou lit up like a Christmas tree as she tentatively but happily hugged the tiny idol. Reina hid a small sigh. To think Kudou used to be tinier than her when she first joined. Now the kid was way taller and did not look set to stop growing any time soon. Children these days...
As the kids detached themselves from her, Sato still talking excitedly, Reina briefly wondered again at the changes in herself. It was as if the walls she put up around herself didn't exist when the kids were around. Or to be more specific, the unstoppable force known as Sato Masaki held utter disregard for any and all walls before her. Reina had given in after much pestering. It was just too much work trying to repel Maa-chan. It would be like trying to stop the tides. Reina was not someone given to hopeless causes, so she chose a graceful retreat instead.
Not that it was really such a bad thing. Reina found herself smiling more often at work now, and while she would still get pissed off if the children screwed up at work, she found it impossible to hold a grudge against them. This was a good thing, she decided. She was going to leave soon anyway, so she really wanted to enjoy the time she had left.
Of course, her impending graduation also meant that Sato clung on to her even more than she usually did. Which was a lot. Even now the kid still held her hands hostage as she babbled on happily about school and squabbled playfully with Kudou. Reina laughed as Sato said something, and as she leaned over to one side to catch her breath, she was suddenly aware of someone else nearby.
The corner Reina had chosen in the dressing room was the one furthest in and the most isolated she could find. Which didn't count for much in a combined Hello Project concert. When you shoved that many young girls into the kind of space they had backstage, things got cramped and noisy like you wouldn't believe. There were times when Reina would be happily adding to the cacophony herself, but sometimes she also valued a little privacy.
So she was genuinely surprised to notice that Sayashi was barely more than an arm's length away from her, sitting by herself on a chair next to an already empty bentou box. When did the kid get there and how did she not notice any sooner?
As if aware of Reina's gaze on her, Sayashi looked up from the songsheet she was holding, nodding respectfully at the senior. The white wires of her earpieces trailed down to the iPod on her lap, and a pencil was tucked into her ear, next to a hastily pulled up ponytail. Reina returned the nod, holding the younger girl's eyes for a moment before allowing the kid to look back down again. Sayashi's lips moved soundlessly, or well, too softly to be heard over the unending din in the dressing room. Practicing, apparently. Reina nodded again, this time more to herself, before returning her attention to the troublesome pair in front of her. She let herself get carried by the easy conversation for a while, though her eyes roamed around in search of her longtime partner in crime...
...there. Trapped between Ikuta and Fukumura. Reina smirked. She was sure Sayu was only listening half the time. Catching her generation-mate's eye in the mirror, Reina glanced briefly at the pair before her and made a quick jerk of her head. Sayu got the message immediately. Minutes later Ikuta came bouncing over with Ishida in tow and miraculously managed to distract Maachan from her beloved Tanasa-tan. Reina took the opportunity to get up and slip away, ruffling Kudou's hair in passing.
"So, what's up?" Sayu asked without even looking away from the mirror as she fixed her hair. Reina had drifted over to the leader after her escape, and now pulled up the chair Ikuta had vacated earlier.
"When did Sayashi come in?" Reina asked briskly.
"Before I did. You came in here after eating your salad, and RihoRiho disappeared not long after you did. When I came in with Fuku-chan she was already here. You didn't notice?"
As expected of the Sayashi-stalker. Reina knew Sayu kept an eye on everyone, but of course Sayashi was her favourite and therefore worthy of especial attention. The two Rokkies briefly glance in the mirror where Sayashi was reflected, watching as the 14 year old girl sat apart from the rest with an intense look of concentration on her face as she practiced.
"Tsunku-san spoke to her earlier I think." Sayu continued on calmly, not finding it odd that she knew everything that happened around her precious RihoRiho, though Reina did raise an eyebrow at that.
"Wada is out with flu, so she has to sing that Peaberry song solo." Reina concluded, already one step ahead of Sayu's line of thought, and she looked over again at the kid.
"She already sings better than I do." Sayu sighed, putting her hairbrush down. She left the rest unsaid, but Reina caught on at once.
"At least now you can hold a tune." Reina replied somewhat distractedly, picking at an imaginary lint on her t-shirt. Sayu looked surprised by Reina's statement, but wisely chose not to comment. Reina was hardly ever this generous with praise, so she rather enjoyed what little she could get.
"I'm surprised that you aren't harassing the kid today." Reina said suddenly. Sayu shot the ex-yankii an arch look.
"I have some self control, you know." The narcissistic bunny paused, then sighed.
"I can't help her with that, that's why."
Reina smiled. Sayu really was very observant, and kinder than she let on. Even if her fixation on Sayashi sometimes bordered on slightly creepy. Reina still remembered how Gaki-san pulled her to one side and told her to keep an eye out for the children's sake. Reina didn't think Sayu would actually do anything, but she gamely played her part. It helped that the kids amused her at least.
"That brat's like a damn cat." Reina said suddenly. Sayu blinked and turned fully to face Reina.
"You are saying that? You?"
Reina snorted. Sayu had a point, but that was beside her point, so Reina ignored it and moved on.
"She's always just there." Reina pressed her lips together. A strange ache was in her chest. It reminded her of times long past. Sayu didn't say anything for a moment, then nodded in understanding.
"I see. You would know, wouldn't you?"
Reina stood up abruptly. Sayu waved languidly in farewell, though her eyes were sharp as always. Reina walked purposefully over to Sayashi, who looked up in surprise as the dai-senpai stopped in front of her.
"Tanaka-san...?" Sayashi stared at her wide-eyed. Again, as always, Reina felt a strange sense of kinship with the brat. It reminded her a little of a 13 year old girl who too was pushed to the center not long after her debut. Reina saw the wary respect in the girl's eyes, as well as the hunger and determination in there. She clenched her jaw briefly. She had resented having to babysit a newbie who could barely sing right at first, but Reina knew that the kid put in more extra work than anyone else in order to catch up. Her ears knew the truth, and Sayashi was always next to her on stage. She couldn't help but notice.
And even off stage. Reina realized with a start that while Sayashi didn't tend to approach her the way Sato did, the kid was always somewhere nearby. Reina bit back a laugh. She recalled doing the exact same thing once, a long time ago.
"Sayashi, you have a solo later right?"
"Ah...yes. It's not really supposed to be a solo though, but since Wada-san is unwell..." The kid looked uncertain for a brief moment, then that face smoothed into one of cool resolve.
"I'll just have to work twice as hard to make up for it."
And with that, the kid looked up at her and smiled. It was a brave smile, and if Reina didn't know any better she would have been fooled. She nodded though, allowing the gesture to go unchallenged. She respected the kid enough to do that.
"Good. Drink more of that tea I told you about. An idol has to protect her voice."
"Hai! Thank you for the advice!"
Reina wasn't one to care for others in the way Sayu, Gaki-san, or even Ai-chan would. It wasn't in her to pull the kids aside and tell them it was going to be alright. She wasn't the motherly sort. She would advise them on work related matters and listen if they approached her, but she rarely if ever went direct to someone to ask after them. In a way she was glad Sayu was leader now. Her generation-mate was good at talking to others and lending a listening ear. These kids would need it.
Reina might have mellowed a lot, but a leopard never really changed its spots. She knew Sayashi was worried, but she let the girl have her pride. It wasn't like the kid was getting complacent. If she had been, Reina would be the first one in line to kick her ass. She would not tolerate that kind of behaviour for someone who was going to succeed her. Sayashi had earned her approval, but god forbid if that meant she was going to go easy on the brat. Because she wouldn't. Not for the kid's own good.
Turning on her heel, Reina left the dressing room quietly and went in search of the staff members in charge of the audio for the concert. A leopard might not change its spots, but it didn't mean she never cared in her own way. Reina wasn't like Sayu. They were good at different things. Sayu had as much admitted she couldn't help Sayashi earlier, not for what the girl was struggling with. Reina could, however. She wasn't given to a personal touch like the poison tongued bunny, but Reina had her ways.
"Hey you."
"Ah Tanaka. Can I help you?"
"Sayashi's going to ruin her voice at this rate. Let me adjust her mic settings."
"Ah...okay...go ahead..."
Reina didn't bother to let the brat know. She was only doing what she had to. Of course, she hadn't counted on Sayashi figuring it out herself, with a little help from a big-mouthed staff member. To the kid's credit, she didn't ask why. And when the juniors came to thank the seniors as per custom, Sayashi took the opportunity to thank her personally. Not for anything specific, mind you. Just the usual "otsukaresama deshita" and "yoroshiku onegaishimasu". But there was no missing the gratitude in the kid's eyes. Reina respected the brat for not getting all sappy with her. With Sato around her image had already been shot to pieces. She didn't need to be exposed any further.
Unfortunately, she had also underestimated the canniness of a certain Sayashi Riho. Because the next day during a concert MC, the brat then went and informed the whole world about the mic incident. Well played, kid. Well played. Reina couldn't help but laugh. Damn brat was just too uppity for her own good. Turning the tables on her like that? Not bad for a kid.
She could leave now, and know that Morning Musume was in good hands. Until that time came, she would watch over them.
======================================================================================
So yeah, H!P winter tour, Riho and Ayumi got pulled out for an MC with Makoto. The topic was "unexpected kindness" or something like that, and Riho revealed that Reina went and adjusted her mic settings for her because she was worried that Riho was straining her voice too much. Reina did this without telling Riho about it, and Riho also said that she didn't complain to Reina about anything either, but Reina just upped and did it on her own initiative. I thought it was very story-worthy so here it is!
Reina has also said in several magazine interviews that she approves of Riho as her successor and that she had always liked the girl, ever since the Fashionable stage play (to Riho's pleased embarrassment XD). In a H!P interview booklet thingy, when asked to name certain H!P girls as animals, Reina named Riho as a cat because "whenever I look around myself, I realize Sayashi is just right there. She's not like Sato who would just come up to me, but she's always somewhere nearby". I am abruptly reminded of MSF for some reason. Like "father" like daughter. :lol: I can just imagine Riho lurking near Reina but never really approaching her lmao.
Also Reina and Riho are both lone wolf types. You don't really see Reina playing with Riho like she plays with Maa-chan (or rather, Maa-chan plays with Reina...there is a difference XD), but there's a kind of understanding between the two. Both aces, they share center, and I bet that Reina wasn't very happy with Riho right at first, but came to accept the kid gradually. In more recent interviews she said that "Sayashi is the only possible choice for center right now" and that she would pick Sayashi as her successor if she were the producer as well. XD Now, I don't know how much of that is just playing to the company line, but she said it and I am inclined to just take it at face value for now. I think it's very interesting to parallel Reina to Riho considering they were both pushed to the center from the start (Reina went one better, she was center for Shabondama, her debut single XD at least Riho didn't front Maji desu ka ska), they started really young, and Reina of all people will know the pressure of being in the center from a young age. Of course, it's actually worse for Riho now considering she's bearing the whole weight of the group because of a management decision, whereas at Reina's time you still had people like Miki-sama, Ai-chan and any number of seasoned members there to hold things up. I have a few more ideas regarding these two...they intrigue me. XD
Anyway, ciao~
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I always liked your fics the best because you always incorporate the latest info we have into your characterizations. While die-hard overseas fans that keep track of them as closely as we do might be able to glean better ideas of the girls' personalities, that kind of insight takes a lot of close attention and a bit of active investigation. Since that is outside the language abilities or attention span of the average non-Japanese fan, I want to applaud you on making some of these insights more accessible while providing damn good entertainment in the process. Bravo!
I also love how your fics cover different genres, and not just modern-day angsty slash fic. Sci-fi, pirate adventure, jidaigeki, it's fun having the variety and it's all good! Even without having the extra enjoyment of picturing the members in the roles you've given them, I'd probably still read them just for how well-written they are.
I'm proud to consider you a colleague in the effort to inform and class-up the fandom. これからよろしくお願いします。
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^Thanks a lot for your comment! I try my best to contribute to the things we know about the girls, though of course I have a definite bias towards my favourites. I actually have a few unused tidbits from the H!P winter tour, and am figuring out how to work all the stuff I learned through Morning Jogakuin and MajiPyoko. Stuff like Harunan's friends at school nicknaming her "Ojou", or Riho and Harunan bonding over the fact they both nearly drowned once. :lol: The radio shows have amazing material and you can really tell how they interact with each other. I'm naturally intuitive about these things so I guess it's normal for me to work out personalities and stuff. XD
Stuff I found interesting:
1) Eripon is less KY than a year ago. Even her manager said so. "生田空気を読めた！" So epic XD To which Eripon is like "well I've been in Momusu for 2 years, I better have learned how to read the atmosphere around here by now..."
2) Ayumi is now the suberi chara. In other words, she fails. Hard. XD She made up her own nickname, IshiPro. XD And 10th gen loves to rag on her mercilessly.
3) Eripon gets along with everyone. It's amazing. She's my favourite on radio (barring Riho, but Riho is my oshi so it doesn't really count), and she really livens things up because she can find things to talk about with everyone. Also, her Niigaki-love is amazing. XD I also particularly like how when there was a joint 9/10ki broadcast and the topic turned to how their managers were telling them to brainstorm about new merchandise, first thing Harunan does is to direct it to Eripon, who she names as "our resident expert". XD And Eripon is all like "so I was talking to wota at an event the other day and we came up with these ideas" in a totally chill way. Geez, sasuga an idol wota. Despite being an idol herself, she's pretty savvy about wota since she is still one herself lmfao. I love Eripon.
4) 9th gen and 10th gen are totally different. Seriously. Too many fans just lump all 8 of them together because it's easy and convenient and even I do the same thing by calling them all "those new kids". But hearing the separate generation broadcasts, there is a definite sense that 9th gen is the senior and more serious, and you can tell that they have a huge sense of responsibility particularly with Reina's graduation coming up. As Riho says "after Tanaka-san graduates, Fuku-chan will be second from the top. I want to be able to help support you when that time comes.". They had a very sober conversation about their responsibilities and there's just this undeniable sense of....well, experience there. Whereas 10th gen was mostly still super self centered around their own generation, though they did exhibit a great deal of rivalry in terms of their 9th gen senpai, and also a sense that they have to get better before Reina leaves. You can hear the difference between them and I think it's important to remember that 9th gen is senior and more experienced and even now 10th gen themselves still use keigo in reference to 9th gen. I love 9/10kies, but I'll always love 9th more because they came first and well....Eripon and Riho. Lol. My two top for the next generation. XD;
5) Oda Sakura. I'm getting the hang of her. Gods, she sounded adorable on that one Morning Jogakuin episode. I have several fic ideas in mind to explore her character in reference to the other members, particularly Eripon, Duu, and Riho. It's pretty amusing how Sakura seems a little intimidated by Duu. XD And Eripon once again proves that she is popular with everyone by being the first one Sakura is close to. And the Satoyama episodes seem hellbent on showing off the Riho/Sakura senpai/kouhai interaction. XD
In other words, I'm having fun and I'm letting everyone know about it. :lol: Too much 2ch and twitter stalking, but hey, information galore. I have an endless stream of new information from these avenues....unlikely that I'll stop writing, except for being busy or being lazy. :lol:
Anyway, ganbarimasu! :D
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May not be a history lesson, but I'm still learning a lot here! I love hearing about these kinds of things, especially since it's so hard for me to get this kind of information. I know that the radio shows have so much goodness, but listening to them give me a headache after a while.
Anyway, your take on everyone's personalities is amazing, as usual. I love how Reina takes care of everyone just as much as Sayu does. It's really going to suck when she graduates because we're going to lose that great dynamic as well.
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Time skip back to before the Stacies musical~
Warning: Very Different Tanaka-san Ahead. This is not the Tanasa-tan we know. Not yet anyway.
XD
===============================================================================
Walls
"Maa-chan doesn't get it!"
Worried frowns adorned the faces of her generation mates. The oldest of them, Iikubo Haruna, was chewing on her lip while desperately clutching her own clear file of notes. She too was having trouble remembering the dance moves and all, but Fukumura-san from 9th gen had been unfailingly patient. It also helped that her fellow 10th genner, Ishida Ayumi, was fairly quick with dances and often stayed to help her out on that front. This was the first musical for 10th generation as a whole, except for the youngest of them, Kudou Haruka, who had had the privilege of joining in on the Reborn musical the previous year, and who was now starting to get mad at one Sato Masaki.
"Why can't you remember the lyrics? You don't even have that many spoken lines! It's just the songs! We've been going through it over and over again with you! Are you even trying?!"
Yes, Kuduu was definitely pissed off. She might be the youngest, but she was also the most experienced out of 10th gen, having come from Hello!Pro Eggs before joining Morning Musume. This was only her second stage play with the group, but she had a major role in the show and therefore had many more lines. Only their senpai Tanaka Reina and Sayashi Riho of 9th gen had an equivalent amount, with Tanaka-san obviously having the lion's share. Kuduu wanted very badly to do well here, but she also needed everyone to do well with her. It was part of being a group, but Maa-chan simply wasn't cooperating. In fact, the 12 year old was sitting on the floor pouting like something fierce.
"But but! It's not Maa-chan's fault that the lyrics just keep flying out of Maa-chan's head! The lyrics are really difficult! Maa-chan doesn't understand them at all!"
I wonder if we're going to be fine like this... Harunan winced as Kuduu flared up again. Ishida tried to step in and make peace, but it didn't work out very well. Harunan had to forcibly separate them to make sure it didn't come to blows. Meanwhile, Maa-chan was already sulking in a corner and refusing to talk to them. The oldest 10th genner could feel an impending headache coming on already...
And just then, Fukumura-san came by with Suzuki-san in tow. The two 9th gen senpai looked concerned as Fukumura asked first.
"What's wrong?"
"Well, Maa-chan's having some trouble..." Harunan started with a sigh, explaining the situation. Fukumura nodded seriously, exchanging a knowing glance with Suzuki.
"You know, 9th gen is here with you too. We'll help as well."
"That's right. I'll talk to Maa-chan first?" Suzuki offered, already moving towards her junior. Harunan nodded gratefully, and was joined by Ishida next to her.
"Thank you so much...sorry for causing all this trouble..."
Fukumura shook her head. "Mm, it's ok. It might not be much, but we'e still your senpai and we really like to help out where we can. We're a team after all." The most senior of the 9th gen smiled at her juniors before her, who, ironically, were older than her.
"Now, is there anything else I can help with?"
~*~*~*~
"Oh Riho, did you see where Mizuki went?" Ikuta Erina, also known as Eripon, called out to her gen-mate. Sayashi looked up from where she was reciting her lines to herself while walking towards a vending machine.
"Fuku-chan was with 10th gen just now. Kanon-chan's with her. They asked me for help earlier with some of the dance steps...I only just stepped out to get drinks for everyone."
"I'll help!" Eripon stepped up next to the tinier Sayashi, and they talked about their scripts as they bought drinks for everyone. By the time they returned, it was to a scene of chaos and mayhem.
"...-HIS IS WHY YOU DIDN'T HAVE ANY LINES. IF YOU CAN'T REMEMBER ANYTHING YOU WON'T GET ANY!"
Kuduu was yelling at Maa-chan, who was yelling back with just as much vigour, if not as much sense. The other 4 present were desperately trying to pull the two elementary school kids apart with little success. Ikuta exchanged a wordless glance with Sayashi, and they both dropped whatever they were holding to help yank the warring parties apart. Ikuta was stronger, so she pried Kuduu off with ease. Between Sayashi and Suzuki, they were able to hold Maa-chan still while Ishida spoke urgently to the young girl to try and calm her down. Fukumura was at Kuduu's side with Iikubo, and the older girls were doing their best to try and make peace. Fukumura looked very stressed.
"What should we do? This isn't working..." Iikubo voiced her concerns first, worry showing in every line on her face. Fukumura sucked in a deep breath as she looked around at everyone. Sayashi and Ishida were trying again to work with a grumpy Sato, and even the normally sweet-natured Sayashi was starting to crack a little. Not to mention Ishida had already been putting up with that nonsense since early in the morning, and was beginning to lose her temper as well. Fukumura pressed her lips together as she made the only decision that could be made.
"I'll go to Tanaka-san for advice."
The entire room quieted. Eyes swivelled over to Fukumura, ranging from shock to concern. Tanaka-san had been extremely cool around them, barely speaking to them even when they first received the script at lessons together. Naturally, everyone was a little intimidated by their dai-senpai. As Tanaka had many scenes that were separate from the 9th and 10th gens, she had spent more time with the other actors rehearsing her lines, and only spent time with the children when they had to learn the dances. Even Kuduu, who idolized Tanaka, didn't dare to approach the fierce-looking 6th gen member who was the only senpai they knew on set.
"Mizuki, do you want me to come with?" Ikuta volunteered immediately, looking concerned. Fukumura paused, her own nervousness coming to the fore, but then she shook her head. No, this was something she had to do herself. She was the most senior of the 9th generation, and she felt responsible for them all. 10th gen had gathered here on their own initiative to practice despite there being no official session scheduled today. 9th gen did too, but even they hadn't come quite as early as compared to their juniors. Fukumura knew Tanaka-san was around the office today as well, because they saw her manager at the lobby earlier.
"I'll go now..." Dread boiled inside Fukumura. She knew it was the right thing to do, but it didn't stop her from feeling nervous. If only Michishige-san had been participating in the play as well! But they only had Tanaka-san, and they were at their wits' end with this problem. They absolutely had to get things right before the next scheduled practice, or else risk getting yelled at again in front of everyone. Everyone wanted to avoid that, which was why they all took time out in their own free time to come together to practice. Now that they had a problem they couldn't fix, the only solution was to consult with someone who would know what to do.
"Good luck..." Sayashi whispered as Fukumura passed her, and the older girl took another deep breath before stepping out of the room. Whether she liked it or not, she had to go through with it now. She was the most senior among the newer members. She could do this. She had to.
~*~*~*~
Knock knock.
"Come in." Reina was looking down at her own file of notes, which lay next to an open schedule book. Her manager had stepped out for a moment, and she had simply assumed that the woman was on her way back. To her surprise, the soft voice of her junior, Fukumura Mizuki, greeted her instead. The 15 year old slipped into the room with a quiet 'ojamashimasu' and came up to Reina somewhat nervously.
"Well, what do you want?" Reina asked bluntly, her pencil pausing from making notations on her script. She looked irritated by the interruption. Fukumura gulped. No backing down now.
"Um...Tanaka-san! We need your help!"
Reina stared at her blankly for a moment, then blinked. "Huh?"
Fukumura looked like she was either going to pass out or explode. The normally soft spoken girl took another deep breath for courage, steeling herself.
"Tanaka-san, 9th and 10th gen came today to practice, but Maa-chan is having problems and we just don't know how to help her any more...everyone's getting upset and we just don't know what else to do..."
The problem, once out, came quickly. Fukumura looked much more relieved the moment the tirade left her lips, though that didn't quite banish the scared expression in her eyes as she shifted around from foot to foot.
"So that's why we really need your advice! We really didn't want to disturb you, but I just couldn't do any more for them..." Fukumura was close to tears at this point. She felt horrible. As senior to the 10th gen, she had really wanted to do right by her juniors. All her fellow 9th gen-mates felt the same way. 9th gen had literally been thrown headfirst into the fray when they first started, and they had experienced all kinds of harsh criticism and been yelled at so many times that all of them had burst into tears in rehearsal at some point in time.
Which was why they wanted to spare 10th gen the same pain. Which was why 9th gen was always next to 10th, always guiding them, gently offering advice even before mistakes were made, in the hope that it would smooth their path and let everyone get along happily. After all, only a little less than a year separated their generations, and Fukumura felt that even if they didn't have that much experience to offer to their juniors, it was only right to do what they could. And they had reached the limits of what they could do with their current strength, with this musical. The pain of that reality very nearly brought tears to Fukumura's eyes, and she had to stop herself from breaking down right in front of their fiercest senpai.
"I understand." Reina's face was taut with a kind of repressed tension. A complex melody of emotions played in her eyes, though her face remained stiff. Seeing Fukumura practically shaking in front of her, Reina was suddenly made aware of the fact that she had been neglecting her juniors. What did Gaki-san say again? Oh right. She had to look after them. But that was what Sayu was for. Reina couldn't be arsed with the brats. It was a pain trying to get to know new people, and the brats were so noisy. She had ignored them for the most part, except when she had to correct them in the course of work. It was irritating that they weren't fully competent yet, and she had little patience for them.
But now, looking at Fukumura, Reina winced inwardly. Things must have gotten really bad if the kids had dared to come ask her for advice. Reina really wanted the musical to go well, of course, which was why she was focused on her own performance first. She simply figured that the kids just had to catch up somehow, which were what the official lessons were for. But they were still young yet, and Reina had been in the business for almost 10 years. She had almost forgotten what it was like to be young and inexperienced. Almost.
Reina bit her lip, putting her pencil down finally. She was the only senior the new kids had in this job. Sayu would be no help here. It was time for her to act like a proper senpai. God, she felt old.
"Get everyone in here. We'll work things out."
Fukumura instantly looked more relieved.
"Hai!"
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Inspired by this video:
130113 音ボケPOPS「モーニング娘。来店！」—在线播放—优酷网，视频高清在线观看 (http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNTAxOTc4MTky)
Lol Reina, your image!!! Seriously, her troublemaker past, her unfriendliness with the children (at least right at first XD)... Anyway for those who don't really understand Japanese, towards the end of the video, Reina admits that she put up serious barriers between herself and the new members. She wouldn't speak to them unless spoken to first, and she had no patience for them whatsoever. Then came the Stacies musical, and she really hated how she got stuck babysitting a bunch of brats (her own words XD), especially since there was no Sayu there to help. And by then Gaki-san and Aika had already gone, so she was basically their only hope in that play. XD Fukuchan said that during the rehearsal period for Stacies, Maachan couldn't remember the lyrics and dances at all, no matter how both 9th and 10th gen tried to help. They were at a loss for what to do, until Fukuchan bravely went and approached Reina (for the first time in like, ever....this Reina admits XD) for help. And then Reina was like "..." and she said that it was the first time she realized how bad things must have gotten and that the kids must have suffered a lot trying to do everything on their own before finally daring to come to her for help, so she finally called all of them to her and they had an emergency meeting to solve the immediate issues. And that was when, she said, that the walls between her and the 9/10kies started to fade away.
Now contrast to my previous one shot which is a reflection of Reina from the latest H!P Winter tour. Totally different. o_o Reina has finally grown up! :lol: I found it interesting which was why...here. XD I must admit, I like the mellow Reina more... ^^;
Also tried to convey the feelings of 9th gen and 10th gen. I hope I managed to capture each of the girls' little interactions. I'm particularly proud of the bit where Eripon immediately volunteers to go with Fukuchan, because I have this image of Eripon being like that, always eager to help, and very protective of the more innocent Fukuchan. Also, the part with the 10th gen fighting was also gleaned from MajiPyoko...they never actually said that they fought on the show itself, but Harunan admitted that she was concerned about 10th gen as a group right at first because their personalities were clashing so horribly in the beginning, and Duu on another episode also confessed that she didn't think they'd work out as a team right at first too. I just put two and two together from all the sources I had to put this picture together. XD I like to think something like that actually happened...
Hope everyone likes it too!
EDIT: I finally remembered where I got the bit about Maa-chan and Duu fighting in the rehearsals about the line distribution and stuff. Apparently they actually, really, fought because Maachan was mad that she didn't get any major lines and she was throwing a tantrum. It was pretty bad, but they managed to get her to calm down eventually. Yeah, Maachan was really difficult at times. XD Harunan calls her an "okochama", which is like "little princess" in this context. XD Definitely hints of "spoilt child" all over her....but we still like her. Somehow. Lmao. XD
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The Stacies thing,
Maa-chan and Duu had a fight with each other many times. XD
One of that I can remember; Maa-chan skipped away from the rehearsal because she got hungry while the others were practicing. Then Duu found out and scold at her because Duu just wanted Maa-chan to watch and learn the moves and script.
Addition, from "Top Yell", Maa-chan also said that her other generation-mates were in Maa-chan hated group in the first started. Anyway, they are now finally get along, it is a good thing after all. >w<)
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^ Oh yes now that you mention it I remember that food thing from Stacies. Man, Maachan sure was a problem child. :lol:
Anyway random one shot that just popped into my head. Enjoy~
================================================================
First Contact
"Sayashi-san! Good morning!"
Pounce.
"Uh, it's afternoon. But hi anyway, Oda-chan..." Sayashi Riho blinked at her newly gained kouhai-accessory. Maybe it's a single-person generation thing. While she didn't reject the hugs, she did stand quite still during them. Riho was hardly the type to return hugs so easily when she barely knew a person. The only people she was on hugging terms with at work were her generation-mates and the 2nd-gen S/mileage members she was close to.
Holding on to her school bag, Riho wondered whether it'd be polite to wriggle out of the embrace long enough for her to put her things down. She had come straight from school for the recording. Today it was just her and Oda Sakura, the sole 11th generation member. They had a duet for the next single, and they had both received the demo tape and songsheet a week ago. Riho had studied the lyrics for a long while, trying to figure out what kind of emotions she should be channelling. The tune was deceptively upbeat, but the lyrics definitely did not match the feel of the music. It certainly reminded her of the 52nd single, Help Me, in some way.
"I just heard from the director earlier that we weren't expected until later. So why did you ask me to meet you here earlier, Sayashi-san?"
A good question. Riho nodded as Sakura finally released her death grip, sinking down onto the couch of the lounge area. Taking the cue, Sakura sat down next to her, still awaiting her senpai's answer.
"Well I know it isn't your first recording since we just did the recording for Help Me a few days ago, but I thought we should discuss this song since it's a duet. Like the points we should note and stuff. You've looked at the lyrics and all right? How did you find it?"
Truth to be told, Riho knew that Sakura had stronger vocals compared to her, but even now she was still the senior, and vocal talent aside, she had insights into the song from a different sort of perspective. Given Sakura's vocal talent, Riho had thought it prudent to pick her junior's brain about the song to see what the newbie had to say about it. It could be a good learning experience for the both of them.
"Oh I see...that makes sense. I was just looking over the lyrics again last night, and I thought that it felt a lot like a continuation to Help Me, don't you think? There's a similarity to the beat and the sound is in the same vein on the demo tape..."
Riho nodded as Sakura discussed the technical aspects of the song, the two of them comparing what they thought about what they were given. It really was a challenging sort of song, and Riho had put a lot of thought into it. Sakura seemed to feel no pressure whatsoever, and Riho had to wonder what was really going on in the kid's head. Perhaps something like this still felt too easy for her...?
"You know, when you said that this felt like a continuation to Help Me, it's not just in the melody, but also in the lyrics." Riho said suddenly, frowning at the songsheet. It had occurred to her briefly that the lyrics were in a similar vein, but until Sakura had said that thing about continuity, and then things just clicked inside her head. Sakura looked up at her quickly.
"Eh?"
Riho waved her hand uncertainly. "I'm not fully sure, but it kind of feels like, you know, what happens after the events in Help Me... like the girl in Help Me has finally given up on waiting for that guy but doesn't want to give up at the same time. That's why it's Daisuki Dakara Zettai ni Yurusanai, she still loves him but can't forgive him. That's what I thought."
There was a long pause as Sakura studied her own lyrics sheet. After a moment, the 11th gen member nodded slowly, looking up to stare at Riho with a certain respect.
"I...didn't think quite as far as that. As expected of Sayashi-san."
Riho shook her head. "No, if Oda-chan hadn't said that thing about the music being like a continuation, I wouldn't have made the connection. But you know, the melody doesn't feel sad at all, just like in Help Me. I really have this image of a strong woman who won't let herself fall even if she's in pain. It's definitely going to be a cool type of song."
"Mm, I wonder how best to project that kind of feeling into the song..." Sakura leaned easily into Riho's side, shuffling closer to her senpai until they were practically glued together. Riho twitched, her head shifting away and staring at her clingy junior. Sakura seemed to have no sense of personal space whatsoever. Even Fuku-chan had mentioned it in passing, and Fuku-chan was usually comfortable with skinship. Riho herself was a bit more selective, since her first choices were basically Fuku-chan and Kanon-chan respectively in no particular order there. Even Maa-chan usually announced herself first before pouncing. Sakura just moved in without any preamble. It was...a little disconcerting at first, she had to admit.
"Well, Oda-chan is good at singing so I'm not too worried." Riho said calmly, her body still a bit rigid from having someone else press into her. She wasn't so rude as to flinch or even push Sakura away, but it didn't mean she was entirely comfortable like that. "This is only the first recording for Tsunku-san to assess our individual interpretations first before he decides how we're going to do this for real anyway."
"I know. But it still bears thinking about." No declaration of nerves or even worry. Riho sometimes wondered what was going on within the girl. For herself, she hid any concerns well enough that even Kanon-chan couldn't tell that she was nervous at first. Of course, after 2 years together her fellow 9th generation members had learned how to read her by now. Riho didn't express nervousness the way normal people did. If anything, she ended up looking sober and serious and exhibited a different kind of tension that Kanon-chan sometimes described as "like a predator stalking around". A normal Riho who wasn't nervous would be goofing around with the people she was comfortable with. A tense Riho, on the other hand, withdrew and became extremely quiet and straight-faced. Riho hadn't quite decided if Sakura worked in the same way, but she figured she would figure it out eventually. She watched everyone very closely after all.
It was nice to have a junior who was actually younger than her again, unlike Ayumi-chan and Harunan from 10th gen. It felt less strange taking care of someone who was younger, though it was still a little odd that even though Sakura was the same age as Maa-chan, they were in the same school year and the difference was quite stark there. There was a kind of gap, Riho decided, that Sakura had. When it came to anything singing related, there was a more mature Sakura who would seriously consider what had to be done, but at the same time there existed a needy Sakura who latched onto her like a puppy seeking warmth. Riho didn't quite know what to do with the girl. She felt like she had to take care of Sakura if only because she was a junior, and often did help the girl with her dancing and various other points at work.
Still, it would help if the girl didn't keep coming up to her for hugs all the time. Not even Maa-chan was this clingy, and Riho was starting to want to crawl out of her own skin from the excessive proximity. Perhaps she should follow Deli-kun's advice and say something?
"Um Oda-chan..."
"Hmm?"
"Can you give me a bit of space please?"
"Huh? Oh...I'm sorry..." The girl sounded a bit disappointed as she shifted away, her eyes flicking briefly to Riho before going back to her lyrics sheet. Riho instantly felt horrible. She didn't want to be a grouchy senpai or anything. It was just that, well, she had a quota on the proximity thing.
"Don't get me wrong, it's not like I hate it, but..." Riho groped around for the right words. It was hard to explain it in a way that didn't sound unfriendly. After all, her aversion could basically be summed up to the fact that she simply didn't know Sakura well enough to get all cuddly with her. She had good conversations with Sakura, but progressing to close contact took a little more time on her personal scale. It was a part of her natural shyness that she had yet to fully overcome. Then again, considering how averse she was to any kind of physical contact from anyone who wasn't family before joining Morning Musume, this was already a vast improvement. Still, she did not want Sakura to get the wrong idea.
"It's ok if Sayashi-san doesn't like it. I'll just have to be more careful next time." Sakura smiled at Riho, who felt like she just kicked a puppy with the slightly lost look in her kouhai's eyes.
"No that's not it...I'm just not used to people coming so close." Riho hung her head, clutching the lyrics sheet in one closed fist. "Being in the group has helped, but it takes me a while still to get used to new people. I don't want you to think I dislike you or anything, I just need some time to get used to you."
"Oh..."
"Well you can still hug me and stuff. Just don't expect me to get all cuddly right away and we're good." Riho said quickly, trying to reassure her junior. Sakura lit up at the remark, and Riho found herself engulfed in another bear hug.
"Thank you Sayashi-san! I hope we'll get along from now on too!"
Riho couldn't decide if Sakura was KY or simply air-headed. If anything, Eripon had been more KY and Maa-chan even more air-headed. But there was a simple earnestness to the words, and Riho was abruptly reminded that Sakura was alone in her generation. She gently returned the hug, patting her junior's back comfortingly. As a good senpai, she would have to watch over her. It wouldn't be so bad, she reflected. They got along in many ways already. Now it was just a matter of getting used to all this physical displays of affection.
That couldn't be so hard, right?
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Just a random piece with no real point to it. I'm drawing from a number of things here. Always wanted to write something with Sakura in it, and since I'm naturally biased towards Riho...XD
Firstly, Riho mentioned on Riho-Deli that she wasn't used to how Sakura just randomly comes up to her and hugs her. And when Riho asks her what's up, Sakura is all smiles and is like "I just wanted to hug you :D". Now Riho doesn't really have a problem with that, but she does have a problem with how often Sakura does it. XD Apparently if it's one or two times Riho is fine, but more than 5 times a day is a bit much by her standards. :lol: Deli-kun suggested that she tell Sakura to limit the amount of physical contact, but yes, that's what I used here. XD
Secondly, I basically used the fact that they have a duet for one of the b-sides of the 52nd single in order to place them together for the period of this one shot. XD I borrowed a little of what Riho said about Help Me, her impressions of the song basically, and then while I was listening to the radio preview of Daisuki Dakara Zettai ni Yurusanai, the lyrics suddenly struck me as a continuation of Help Me. It also helped that musically Maachan mentioned how each of the b-sides inherited portions of Help Me's backing track, and I decided to work a little of that in for Sakura to notice. Riho's comments here about the song is mostly just my imagination XD I hope it works out!
FYI, I really like the song. I'm trying NOT to think about the implications too much, mostly because I'm sure I would write angstfic if I delved too deep into the meaning of the lyrics, and I do not want to angst the children up. They're too young for my crap. :lol:
Anyway, bedtime and auuuggghhh I'm tired. Forgive any inconsistencies in the writing, I really shouldn't have stayed up so late just to write @_@
Oyasuminasayashiii~ :P
EDIT: Wow this is why I shouldn't be writing at 4am in the morning. Typing on autopilot with my eyes unfocused is a bad idea. Even if I didn't make any spelling errors. :lol: Thanks for spotting it guys, fixed the paragraph in question. XD
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Wait a second, isn't Sakura 10 months younger than Riho? Since the grade level cutoff seems to be April 1, being born in March would put Sakura at the younger end of her school grade, while Riho would be near the older end, being born in May.
The one 2 months younger than Sakura is Maa-chan, isn't it? I'm not 100% sure without checking, so I may be way off though.
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Another puppy, eh? XD
With something in her childhood had turned her to be too positive person and like to cling over people. I can't blame her. On the other hand, it feels so lonely to be a sole member. (^^;
Sakura-mochi (the name that Kananan and Meimei, the S/mileage 2nd refered to her) was born in 1999, 12 March. Which means she has to be in same grade with RihoRiho and Kanon-chan.
I think Sakura is clever enough to read the atmosphere, but she is the natural air-head after all. :lol
The c/w thing, it made me purse-shocking state. Damnation, why I am the music addictor. Orz....
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^LOL guys thanks for spotting my error. I knew I should have fact checked but I was too sleepy to check Sakura's age last night. 4am writing was a bad idea on hindsight. :lol: It's a miracle that's the only major error I made. Fixed though! :D thanks guys!
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Did I really not comment on the Walls one? I must have been reading at work again XD
Every time I read some of your work, I always walk away feeling like I have more insight into the girls. Seeing you put these stories down like this makes me say, "That MUST have happened!" Like watching a behind the scenes or something. It gives me a greater appreciation, even though you're human too XD
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@rndy: I love climbing into the heads of the girls. It's fun for me. :D
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Nights at Nagoya
"It must be nice to go home to stay the night..."
"Aww Riho-chan, are you going to miss me while I'm away?"
"Of course! Do you even need to ask?"
The younger half of 9th gen grinned at each other as they went about packing their stuff up. It was the evening after the Nagoya Hello! Project concerts for the day, and they were scheduled to stay overnight at a hotel since they had consecutive performances at the same venue for the next day as well. As one Sayashi Riho had so ruefully pointed out, Suzuki Kanon was able to go home to stay with her family for the night since she was originally from the area. Since they usually shared a room when on tour, Riho was going to miss her best friend in the group.
"So do you know who you're rooming with this time?" Kanon asked as she neatly zipped up her suitcase. Riho paused in her attempt to shove everything into her own mess of a suitcase, digging around in another bag for her phone.
"Um, Manager-san sent us a mail about it earlier I think...Maa-chan was squealing about rooming with Eripon just now..."
After a few moments of fumbling, the disorganized ace managed to retrieve her phone under masses of stuff. Overpacking, that was the Sayashi (Riho) way. Kanon was already done, and pulled up a chair to watch with amusement as Riho scrolled through her messages with her lips pursed.
"Hmm, Fuku-chan is rooming with Iikubo-chan...how nice... Ah, Ayumi-chan's with Duu... Yup, Maa-chan with Eripon...oh."
"Let me guess, Sakura-chan?"
Riho shot a grinning Kanon a mock glare. "Gee, I wonder how you guessed."
Kanon laughed. "She isn't so bad, Riho-chan. She's really nice and friendly."
"You get along with everyone, Kanon-chan." Riho whined, flopping down on the floor with unidol-like grace. "I mean, Oda-chan and I get along, but..."
"Riho-chan, you can't always room with just 9th gen you know."
"I've roomed with Duu before." Riho pouted, folding her arms.
"Yes, and the two of you somehow managed to drive Ayumi-chan insane. Eri-chan and I were wondering why she was screaming at 4am in the morning."
"I woke up too early from paranoia, and Duu's a light sleeper. We were bored, and you keep forgetting Fuku-chan helped!"
"Mizuki-chan only opened the door for you guys. She didn't actually do anything."
Riho muttered a "so you think" under her breath, but didn't dispute the point any further. She definitely did not want to incur the wrath of a certain Fukumura Mizuki. Despite her placid, kindly exterior, there lay a darker slice of personality within that ojou-sama aura. Riho was pretty sure she didn't want to find out for sure. She loved Fuku-chan dearly, but didn't want to tempt fate.
"Play nice, Riho-chan. She's still new." Kanon tapped the top of Riho's head in warning, making the ace squint and stick her tongue out instinctively.
"I'm always nice! I didn't even complain when Manager-san let you room with her the last time."
"No, but you were sulking anyway. Honestly, Riho-chan..."
"Fine fine, I'll be good. Say hi to Cha-chan for me." Riho smiled up at Kanon, referring to the bedraggled teddy bear that Kanon always slept with at night. Kanon grinned back, ruffling the mass of hair on Riho's head to the ace's stifled protests.
"Oh, Sakura-chan! You're rooming with Riho-chan later right?"
Kanon waved a lurking Sakura over, from where she had been standing at the outskirts of 10th gen...being 10th gen. Maa-chan was somehow riding on Duu's back, with the boyish girl attempting to throw her off without actually hurting her, and Ayumi was chatting enthusiastically with Harunan. There was literally no space for any outsiders, unless you happened to be Ikuta Erina and capable of walking into any conversation as if you belonged there. Case in point: Eripon was now chatting with Harunan and Ayumi, before Tornado Maa-chan suddenly assaulted her from behind with Duu laughing like a hyena behind her. Somehow, in the midst of all that ruckus, there stood Fuku-chan with a beatific smile on her face, her sketch pad clutched to her chest. Riho met her gaze, and they shared a mutual look of understanding as their gaze flicked over to the ensuing mayhem.
Sakura walked over with a cheerful smile ready on her lips. "Yes I am! Suzuki-san, you're staying with family tonight right?"
Kanon nodded, laying a hand on Riho's shoulder to bring the ace's attention back. Riho looked back and up at the new girl, giving a friendly smile and a head tilt in greeting.
"Sakura-chan, I must in all good conscience warn you...Riho-chan is horrible with mornings."
"Hey! Don't tell tales!" Riho protested, punching Kanon's thigh in warning. Kanon laughed at the indignant expression on her best friend's face, and the bemused expression on her junior's.
"I'm serious. If you can't wake her up in time for roll call, just call Manager-san and put it on speaker. That should do the trick." Kanon advised with all the wisdom of a veteran. Riho slapped her palm onto her face, hiding a groan.
"Kanon-chan!"
"I will keep that in mind. Thank you, Suzuki-san." Sakura returned the head tilt Riho gave her earlier, a little grin mirrored on her lips. "I'll be in your care too, Sayashi-san."
"Haaa..." Riho heaved a great sigh dramatically. "You could at least leave me a little dignity in front of a kouhai..."
Kanon folded her arms. "Well, she will find out whether or not I tell her. It's only right to give fair warning. You're absolutely terrible at waking up, Riho-chan."
"Still!" The duo playfully bantered back and forth for a moment, until their manager stuck her head into the dressing room and told them to get a move on. A chorus of 'hai's echoed in unison, and everyone started grabbing their things. Except Riho, who realized that she still had to tidy up her stuff.
"Oh crap! Kanon-chan, help meeeeeee!!!"
"Riho-chan, that wasn't funny at all."
"I wasn't trying to make a joke!"
"Yeah yeah, try that on someone more gullible."
"I'll help, Sayashi-san!"
"Da-chan! You're amazing! I love you!"
"Did someone call me?"
"No, Ayumi-chan, Riho-chan was talking about Sakura-chan."
"Forget them Ayumin, let's go get ice-cream! Come on! And no, Maa-chan I'm not buying any for you!"
"Duuuuuuuuuu! Come onnnnnn!"
"Go pester Ikuta-san or something!"
"Oi Duu, don't shove your problems onto me!"
"Hehe sorry Ikuta-san~"
At the door, Reina exchanged a look with Sayumi. The cat-like idol sighed, though she couldn't quite erase the upward quirk of her lips.
"These kids make me feel old."
Sayumi shrugged, her hands already busy. So many great candid shots of the children! She couldn't be more happy about it all. Morning Musume was wonderful!
==========================================================
I love dressing room dynamics. You will notice that Sakura really doesn't quite fit in yet, as I took away from the Ikeburo Sunshine City event where she said that she hasn't really gotten close to her senpai as yet because the bonds within each generation was too strong to penetrate.
More fun facts:
- Riho really is terrible at waking up. XD It's kind of legendary by now.
- Riho waking up at 4am from paranoia. Actually happened. She was so paranoid about oversleeping one time that she ended up waking at 4am and then she couldn't get back to sleep even though it was way too early. Source: Musata. XD The rest about her and Duu tormenting Ayumi is fictional and only happens in Essy-headcanon. :lol:
- The rooming arrangements are accurate as far as I know, because Eripon and Maachan posted about rooming together, Fukuchan was with Harunan, and Ayumin was with Duu (and their ice cream haha). That leaves Zukki, Riho and Sakura unaccounted for, but since they were in Nagoya those two days, I figured that Zukki went home to be with her family, so that leaves Sakura with Riho. Hence this story. XD
- That Da-chan thing at the end. Riho mentioned on radio that she occasionally slips up and calls Sakura "Da-chan", which is short for "Oda-chan". Ayumi was on the same broadcast and she said that "I usually end up responding to that..." Interesting, I thought. XD
- I tend to let Fukuchan and Harunan be more quiet in these because I figure that they aren't quite as loud as people like Duu or Maachan. XD
Probably a part 2 to show more hotel hijinks. XD Depends on my mood.
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I rofled so hard from the top to the end. XD
Except 6th gen, the kids are roomed by drawing lots.
Sakura might know how to wake Riho because she ever woke Maa-chan by making cup noodle and said 'If you don't wake up anytime soon, the noodle will distend~'. :D
Today is my happy day because Maa-chan and Duu are in the same room. >3<
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Super short crack piece that emerged out of a what if moment...
XD
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In Between
"Um, Sayashi-san..."
"Oh, Iikubo-chan? What is it?" Sayashi looked up from her phone with a smile. The older 10th gen member shuffled around awkwardly, making the younger senpai cock her head in question. "Is something wrong?"
"I actually have a favour to ask of you!" Iikubo blurted. Sayashi waited patiently, her phone abandoned on her lap. The taller girl breathed deeply.
"You have a Peaberry shoot the day after tomorrow, right?"
"Well yes. Wada-san told you about it, right?" Sayashi was fully aware of the close friendship between Wada and Iikubo. She grinned; this could be interesting.
"Yes, Aya-chan did..." Iikubo smiled to herself, prompting an impish grin from Sayashi.
"Oh, it's 'Aya-chan' now, huh?"
Iikubo blushed. "Well I was wondering if you could help me pass her something, since I won't be able to meet up with her soon."
Sayashi waited for a beat or two (for dramatic effect), then agreed magnanimously. After all, who was she to stand in the way of True Love?
~*~*~
"Wada-san, Iikubo-chan asked me to pass you this."
Wada, who had been idly checking her phone, almost dropped it in her haste to grab the gift. Sayashi stood aside with a bemused expression as her senior tore into the gift with a squeal.
"Harunan~ ♪"
Sayashi shrugged as she was completely ignored in favour of the gift and Wada's rapid texting to her 10th gen junior. Mission accomplished?
~*~*~
"Yasshi~"
"Hai, Wada-san?"
"Can you help me pass this to Harunan? You have work together later right?"
A huge box of gigantic strawberries. Sayashi stared covetously at the gift. Geez, she would love some strawberries too! But no, not even she was KY enough to ask for some in this case...it wasn't her place to do so.
"Oh, I have cookies for you too! Happy Valentines!"
Yup, Sayashi knew a bribe when she saw one. Still, cookies are a pretty good price.
"Thank you Wada-san. And I'll be happy to help."
This was getting to be a habit.
~*~*~
"Sayashi-san! You have a handshake event with Aya-chan tomorrow, right?"
"...is there something you want me to pass to her?"
"Oh, how did you know?"
"Lucky guess."
When Sayashi looked at the envelope that just got entrusted into her care, complete with cute patterns and ribbons, she had to wonder just what she had gotten herself into.
"Well...not like I have anything better to do..."
~*~*~
Of course, by the time the two lovebirds started passing handwritten notes through her, Sayashi was starting to feel like a messenger pigeon. Don't you two text each other all the time already????? She wanted to yell. But...those looks of bliss whenever she handed over a new delivery...she couldn't do it. It was just too sweet (disgustingly so).
"Kanon-chan...I can't take it anymore...the sparks between Iikubo-chan and Wada-san..."
"Riho-chan, how do you spell love?" Her best friend asked suddenly, without looking up from her DS.
"Huh?"
"Ah, rabu. Thanks."
But I didn't say anything? Sayashi wondered. Then she noticed the game Suzuki was playing. Nope, her best friend wasn't listening.
"Sayashi-san~ Do you have a moment~?" A familiar high-pitched voice called from the back of the van they were in. Sayashi's forehead hit the cushioned seat in front of her. Not again!
Maybe I should just ask Tsunku-san to put Wada-san and Iikubo-chan together next time?
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Lol so I was talking to Kuji last night and I was like "I have this weird feeling that Riho will be playing courier between Harunan and Dawa" because Riho's in Peaberry with Dawa and all. And this idea was born. Cos, you know, the raburabu between those two is starting to BLIND ME. Mostly on Harunan's blog posts. I don't even need to set yuri goggles to detect mode anymore. They're just there, with this vividly pink aura around them...
Stole a couple of things. Dawa sent Harunan a box of enormous strawberries for Valentines (implied that she did it by courier, but I co-opted it for the purposes of this story XD). The thing with Zukki and her DS = true story, with modifications. XD In Riho's blog post Zukki asks her how to spell "with" in katakana, but Riho mishears it as "water" (mizu, instead of wizu, for "with"). I thought it'd be funny to troll her this way here. XD I just have this feeling that Riho will be playing messenger pigeon between those two real often...:lol:
*rolls away*
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A hard laugh day. :rofl:
AyaHaru, the couple of the year. XD
Not only these 2 girls' blogs. Even in Satoyama Life, they proof it. XD
Kanyon also happy to watch her in-love leader, I think. XD
Kanon-chan's DS crack was also posted in Ayumin's blog.
Everyone just love Kanon-chan. :lol:
Still, I don't know why the members love to take pictures of Kanon-chan while she is really participating on something. :lol:
PS. Giantic strawberry thing, it kind of sad for Harunan that Maa-chan and Kuduu had stolen another half from her. Anyway, kids. :rofl:
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I really need to check out these blogs lmao these seems oddly possible, it probably has happened lol
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Oh man :lol: Poor Riho, it just seems so likely that this is what's going on and I can imagine Riho's long suffering looks in this, too. The part with Kanon was what had me laughing out loud, though XD
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ayacho and harunans love is just so cute :deco: and it would feel like riho'd be the little messenger bird for the 2 of them, maybe the 2 of thesm should start giveing her cider too XD
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Aloha~ I come bearing one shot again (because I have too many little plot bunnies that keep replicating themselves in that giant bunny warren located somewhere in my head). XD Ahem. Right!
==========================================
One Step Behind
Her ears were still ringing.
Disconcerted, Ishida Ayumi shook her head, her smile still fixed in place despite the fact that they were already off stage. It felt like her smile had been plastered on the whole time. Always be conscious of your expression! People are watching you! The words of their teachers echoed in her ears.
Blinking rapidly, she rubbed at her left ear again. Her earpiece was out of her ear for good now, like it was supposed to be. Earlier, it had fallen out when it wasn't supposed to, which had led to her current situation.
"Here, drink something. It helps a little."
A voice startled her from behind. Ayumi whipped around, her hair flicking against the face of her bemused senpai, Sayashi Riho. The ace-in-waiting took a step back, seemingly amused by the reaction. Her arm was still outstretched with a water bottle that had Ayumi's name labelled on it.
"Ah, hope you don't mind me grabbing your bottle for you. I thought you'd need a drink so..."
"T-thank you...and I'm sorry about..." Ayumi gestured helplessly at her hair. Riho grinned.
"Don't worry about it."
Nervously, the tiny dancer took her bottle from Riho, taking a small sip. Riho was also holding on to hers, and was taking a huge gulp. The 14 year old ace cocked her head to one side.
"Try swallowing bigger mouthfuls. And crack your jaw a bit. It clears the ringing more quickly."
"Eh? How did you know?" Ayumi stared at her taller (but younger!) senpai in amazement. Riho shrugged nonchalantly, starting to walk towards the changing room with Ayumi falling into step next to her.
"I saw your earpiece fall out during the encore earlier. Figured your ears would be ringing. Mine sure did earlier." Riho explained, rubbing at her right ear with a rueful grin.
"Eh? Sayashi-san also?"
"Mm, in the earlier half of the concert, during Kanashiki Koi no Melody. Trying to keep in tune while going deaf isn't a fun experience." Riho laughed, pushing her wayward hair behind one ear.
"Ah, and Sayashi-san had solo lines too...I didn't notice at all..." Ayumi shot a sideways glance at the 14 year old. She still found it amazing that this young senpai of hers was so competent and coolly professional, despite being sometimes quite silly off stage. The more she saw of Riho's ability, the less she felt capable of actually claiming herself as the girl's rival. From where she stood, it felt like Riho was leagues ahead and still storming forward with every stride. That feeling of inadequacy made her naturally hesitant around the other girl.
"You had to focus on your own perfomance, it's natural to not notice. But Niigaki-san was the one who taught me how to fix the ringing, so I'm just passing her advice along, really." Riho admitted, smiling at a backstage camera as they passed one, though her face broke into a full blown grin at the antics of her fellow 9th gen ahead of them.
But you noticed anyway. "Thank you." Ayumi said very seriously, putting her smile back on for the camera as well. Riho waved it off easily, before turning her attention back to her generation mates. Ayumi was still a few steps behind her, but felt like that distance was perfect.
Since I'm still a few steps behind you, but I won't lose either!
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Lol, while rewatching the Ultra Smart concert performances on youtube, I noticed someone uploaded Ayumi's solo angle during the encore of Namidacchi, and her earpiece fell out too :lol: A hop, skip and jump later, idea came tumbling out. Characterizations drawn from several magazine interviews where Ayumi stated that the more she saw of Riho's ability, the less she could claim herself as a rival (since they both started out good at dance), and that it went from competitive feelings to a kind of admiration....but she's not giving up yet! Yeah. XD
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Yay! You finally wrote SayaIshi here!! :D
Write moar~ :heart:
*flees*
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I'm on a bit of a roll...discovered an old video that I didn't know existed. The information shocked my plot bunnies into action...
That and I'm procrastinating on Neighbours....the next chapter is still only half written....hahaha... *hides*
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That Night
"Ah~ Sayashi-chan is so cute...I wonder if she's alright today? Suzuki-chan is not here today either..."
Michishige Sayumi hummed to herself as she brushed her lustrously long black hair. She was clad in pyjamas, having already taken her bath, and was preparing to go to bed. After all, they had a whole day of concerts ahead. Even if Hello! Project tours aren't quite as physically demanding as Morning Musume ones, she still needed her rest. She wasn't getting any younger!
Being a senpai, she had a single room to herself. It was the same for the rest of the older half of Morning Musume. 'Older half', she shuddered to think it. To think that she had finally progressed far along enough to be considered in the older half of the group, ever since the 9th generation had just joined at the beginning of the year. It had only been a week since, and it was strange yet comforting to have their numbers back up again. Morning Musume was meant to be a big and noisy group, and with the young newcomers, it felt like a much needed injection of freshness. Plus, cute little kids! What was there not to love?
Especially that Sayashi Riho. Sayumi found herself enchanted by the kid. Sayashi's hair was such that she wanted to run her hands through it, it looked (and felt, she checked!) so soft! It was almost unbelievable. And when the girl smiled, her eyes literally vanished into nothingness, and then those dimples...the explosion of kawaii could almost kill Sayumi. It was telling that she didn't even consider her own claim of being ichiban kawaii when faced with the mindblowing explosion of adorableness from Sayashi. And the kid wasn't even trying! She was just cute! Just like that! Just by being there!
Ok calm down Sayumi. She told herself, taking deep breaths. She felt a little flushed. Even for today's MC, she had found herself going just a tad too far and fumbled a little when the atmosphere got a little too strange even by her standards. Thankfully the rest had been able to push the conversation forward and she had recovered quickly enough. It was embarrassing to have lost focus while gushing over her cute little junior, but it really couldn't be helped!
At least no one else noticed, she comforted herself. Reina or Ai-chan might have, but if they did they said nothing to her afterwards. Then again, she had been too busy chatting with the new members so they might not have had the chance to do so. Oh well! Best not to talk about such things!
Knock knock
"Eh? Who could it be?" Sayumi said out loud to herself, setting down her brush. Shuffling to the door in fluffy slippers, she opened it a crack...
...and saw a wide-eyed Sayashi standing outside. Her cute junior made a small 'o' with her mouth, looking very much like a deer (a fawn!) in the headlights.
"Eh? I thought this was Fuku-chan's room...I'm so sorry!"
The girl hastily bowed at a full 90 degrees, backpedalling quickly. Before she could dart off though, Sayumi stopped her.
"What's wrong?"
Sayashi looked down shyly, fingering her pajama pants nervously.
"Um, I was hoping to ask Fuku-chan if I could stay over with her and Eripon..."
Ah, that's right, they had a lottery earlier to see who got to room together. But since Suzuki was out from a cold, there was only 3 of the 9th generation, and the privilege of a single room had gone to Sayashi, who had drawn the short straw. Sayumi was abruptly reminded of the MC earlier...
"So do you need anything to sleep with? Like say, a doll or a teddy bear?"
"Um, well, I can't really sleep on my own, so I usually need someone next to me..."
Oh my. That, combined with Reina's cheeky suggestion that Sayashi come knocking on Sayumi's door at night and ask to stay over...Sayumi resisted the urge to dance a little jig. While she had found it annoying when Koharu used to blatantly crash her room and more or less demand that Sayumi keep her company until she fell asleep, she now felt none of that annoyance when faced with Sayashi. Although she did wish that the kid didn't look like she was about to run away any second...
"To Fuku-chan huh...am I no good then?" Sayumi pretended to look hurt. Sayashi's eyes widened and she started flailing a little.
"Oh no no no, I was just afraid to bother Michishige-san because you're a senpai and I'm just..." The normally self-composed kid seemed a little at a loss for words. Sayumi bit her lip and tried not to giggle. Watching Sayashi panic was just too great! She was too adorable for words!
"It's alright, Sayashi-chan...I'm sure you'll be bored with an old lady like me..." Sayumi bit the inside of her cheek to keep from breaking into a grin, resolutely maintaining a sad expression with all her might. Sayashi looked so scared and bewildered in that moment, and then the kid started shaking her head profusely.
"Michishige-san isn't old at all! And I find you really interesting! Really!" It was adorable how earnest she was! Sayumi almost wanted to drop the charade, but Sayashi's reactions were just too amazing to give up on!
"Then you'll be ok staying with me then?" Sayumi was only half-joking when she said that. She didn't actually expect a positive answer, what with little children tending to avoid her at the best of times. To her surprise, Sayashi's response, while infinitely cautious, was actually...positive?
"Eh? Really? If Michishige-san is alright with it...but I really don't want to be a bother...maybe I should go back to my room..." The girl was already starting to inch away very slowly. Sayumi was still internally reeling from the fact that the kid had more or less said 'yes' without actually saying it, and responded quickly before the 12 year old could escape her.
"Then it's decided! You can have a sleepover with me~ I would love to get to know you better~"
"Eh!?"
Before Sayashi could change her mind, Sayumi had all but hauled the 9th gen member into her room and shut the door. Sayashi looked around like a cornered animal, before letting her gaze fall on her Rokkie senpai.
"T-thank you for having me?"
Sayumi beamed.
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この後はご自由に想像してくださいｗ
I...am not writing what happens after. But let's just say that Riho has a very good reason to be nervous about Sayu. :lol:
The video that got me writing this:
ツアーに持って行ったらいいグッズは何ですか？ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cXkGYxIjEA#ws)
Because seriously, when Reina suggested Riho go knock on Sayu's door if she needed someone to sleep with, I literally grabbed my screen and said "OMG REINA WHAT ARE YOU SAYINGGGGGGG!!!". I mean, at that stage (2011 H!P Winter tour), Sayu still hasn't quite gotten on the RihoRiho bandwagon yet, but SHE WAS ALREADY SHOWING SIGNS OF IT. I have youtube evidence (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV3vb0T0HA4#ws) if anyone needs it. :lol: I think the shocking thing is that when Reina made that suggestion, all the rest of the senpai AGREED with her. I guess they had a prior case in Koharu, as mentioned in the same video...but I guess none of them expected Sayu to become so...obsessed...with her RihoRiho eventually. :x
Also, I feel oddly smug that my MSF characterisation of Riho being unable to sleep alone actually has basis in fact. Because I'm very sure I didn't know about this little tidbit before. :lol: Still...oh man...what have I done? :lol:
Ok, goodnight!
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I think Riho used to bother Kanon with it a lot, asking to sleep together in the beginning, but Kanon scolded her a bit for it and Riho eventually stopped asking. Kanon mentioned it while saying that she thought Riho had grown up. I remember that from a radio show quite a while back.
Still, that MC had me giggling XD
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Oi, Essy... Don't just say "この後はご自由に想像してください" and run away like nothing happen! XD
12 years old RihoRiho is just too cute. :oops:
I don't know why, but I pray for RihoRiho to alive. :grin:
First time that Kanon-chan and RihoRiho were in the same room...
It is because RihoRiho usually sleep with her sister and they cling each other.
On the other hand, Kanon-chan has her own room. She also denied to sleep with Mizuki when they got in the same room. :lol:
Gorilla on the way~ And a white pomeranian come along. XD
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(https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/2202575527/pedo-bear-close-up-wallpaper.jpg)
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@grac: Nice to see you back again! XD
Ok so this idea came out of a 2ch thread title: What if Ayumi hit Sayashi on accident during the dance break in Brainstorming? With that in mind, let us proceed!
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Dance Dance Baby!
"Ita!"
Riho's head rocked back, and she stumbled, clutching her eye. Her infamous lack of balance decided to throw in an appearance as well, sending her sprawling backwards onto her butt.
"RihoRiho!"
"Sayashi-san! Are you alright?"
In a moment, everyone was clustered around her, while the music for their dance practice continued playing before one of the staff thoughtfully paused it as the next ace tried to regain her wits.
"I'm so sorry, Sayashi-san..." The culprit apologized shamefacedly. Ishida Ayumi was knelt directly in front of the still wincing Riho, who was rubbing tentatively around her eye.
"We better get some ice on it just in case." Reina said with a frown. There may or may not have been any bruising, but she wasn't going to take any chances. Idols had to take care of their appearance!
"I'll go with you..." Ayumi helped Riho up, not that she actually needed helping, but the guilt on the older girl's face was apparent. The two dancers exited the dance studio with one of the staff. The other members carried on with their practice. They had so little time for everything these days!
When the staff member went off to fetch an ice pack, leaving them alone in the lounge, Riho suddenly spoke up.
"This was for the other time, isn't it?" Riho blinked awkwardly to clear her vision, but her unhurt eye was still trained on her older junior. Ayumi blinked back innocently at her.
"Do I look so petty?"
"Yes." Riho replied instantly, earning a playful box in the ear. "Abuse! Help! Ayumi-chan is violent!"
"You totally deserved it." Ayumi scowled, a hint of mischief in her eye as she said that. Riho grinned unapologetically, still mock-cowering.
"I only pointed out your lip gloss, why are you so defensive? Is that a different shade today? It was cherry the other day..." Riho leaned in closer to Ayumi's face, and the 16 year old pushed the inquisitive ace's face back with a finger.
"Back, you hentai."
"Ayumi-chan is mean! I only notice these things because I pay attention to everyone!" Riho wailed in protest, though her lips were curved in a smirk that made Ayumi raise her fist again threateningly. Riho grinned placating, waving her hands in front of herself.
Ayumi lowered her fist, glaring at the obviously unrepentant ace. Her lips quirked up slightly as she remembered something, then she chuckled.
"I forgot...Sayashi-san is actually an M, aren't you? You actually like being scolded..." Ayumi taunted, leaning in smugly. "You like it when I get angry at you!"
"That's not true!" Riho was staring at Ayumi's lips again. Hey, if she put them so close, it was only right to look, right? "Are you still harping on that?"
"You were the one who gave me that opening, Sa.Ya.Shi.San." Ayumi teased, emphasizing every syllable deliberately. As if for added impact, she poked Riho in the side unexpectedly.
Riho gasped, recoiling on instinct. Ayumi raised an eyebrow, then drove her fingers in again as Riho twisted away to try and avoid it. The sound that came out from her younger senpai's throat sounded almost sexual, and both of them blushed.
"S-stop it! Maa-chan is bad enough!" Riho whined, pouting indignantly and puffing up her cheeks. Ayumi wiggled her fingers experimentally, making Riho's eyes widen in panic.
Fortunately, the staff member decided at that moment to return with the ice pack, saving Riho from an extended tickle attack. Ayumi helped her put it on, and her voice was low with pleased satisfaction as she leaned over Riho, whispering.
"Now you know what I can do next time you try anything..."
Riho glared with one eye. Then, out of nowhere, she said.
"It's watermelon today, isn't it?"
Staff-san wondered why she heard a squeal in the room as the door swung shut behind her.
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Short drabble. So with that intense dance break in Brainstorming, the wota on 2ch were like "lol if Ishida punches Sayashi on accident...but I'm kind of hoping it happens on stage" XD Oh, wota. Many SayaIshi anecdotes used here! Rokun, I hope you are pleased with this!
1) The lip gloss thing: From yesterday's Tsuntube. Riho said that her observation skills are very good and it allows her to notice things like the marshmallow-softness of Fukuchan's skin and the kind of lip gloss Ayumi is wearing when the light reflects off it, people keep calling her hentai...even though she was just being observant! :lol: Oh Riho, you're progressing very well along these lines....well done, Sayu?
2) "Sayashi-san is an M": From one of the Help Me release events. During an MC corner SayaIshi were paired up and the topic was "a recent dream". Other than cute!fail!lol they had in their mutual interactions (attempts to prank each other XD), when Riho finally actually got to the topic of a dream, she said "recently I've been having a lot of dreams where people get mad at me, it's bad D:". Then Ayumi suddenly jumps in and is like "do you know dreams are actually subconscious reflections of what you actually want? So maybe Sayashi-san actually WANTS people to get angry at you!" (GJ, Ayumin. Your revenge for that public recording of Morning Jogakuin has been noted. XD).
3) Riho and her extreme reactions to tickling: Another Help Me release event anecdote. I had to rely on wota reports for this one. A LOT of them talked about it, and there's a whole thread (actually, several XD) on it. The corner was "something you can't stand anymore". Riho was like, "Maachan keeps coming up to tickle me randomly, I can't take it anymore!". The following events then unfolded:
Reina: You better stop!
Sayu: Stop doing it to MY RihoRiho! (Sayu, really? YOUR RihoRiho? XD)
Reina: Maybe you should start charging them 1000 yen every time they do it *to Riho* (lol, Reina and her moneymindness XD)
Riho: But Maachan would be able to cough up that amount easily with her kind of allowance... (How rich is that girl? XDDD)
Maachan: But Sayashi-san has such great reactions! Right, Ayumin?
Ayumi: *grinning* Yup!
Maachan: That's why 10th gen always gets into it!
Sayu: So what are you going to do from now on?
Maachan: ...I'll stop.
Sayu: How cute. ;w;
Riho: Well it's ok if you do it only once in a while.... >_> (so you really ARE an M! :lol: )
Also, apparently when Maachan was talking about how cute Riho's reactions are when being tickled, Reina who was standing next to Riho got mischievous and tickled Riho spontaneously. The result was basically what spawned so many 2ch threads. "Ah, iyaaaan~" :lol:
Now I really want to see someone tickle Riho on video. ;w;
Oh, here's the Tsuntube video! XD
http://youtu.be/87kFXLE26eU?t=17m8s (http://youtu.be/87kFXLE26eU?t=17m8s)
See how Ayumin is all *snort* XD :lol:
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:lol: :lol: Once again, I cannot stop grinning. I love how Riho is more like Sayu's apprentice than her victim. I also love how you bring us these things I want videos of the Help Me! events now~!
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Lol, being reading too much sci-fi lately. >_> XD
===========================================================
Night Fever
4, 3, 2, 1...
The heavy bass thumped loudly in her ears, the noise-cancelling headphones sealing the world away from her. Not so much her away from the world though, but it did filter out the white noise.
The world was vivid in the night, swirling neons and pinpricks of natural light hidden far above the pollution. Sharp in contrast, her vision pulsed in time to the rapid, migraine-inducing tempo of the song blasting through her headphones. She was going to go deaf before she was 30 at this rate, but she didn't care.
There were other ways to hear.
"So you can be my shining star tonight~" She sang softly to herself, working her jaw as if she were chewing gum. She wasn't. She wished she was though. The buzz in her ears was from something more than the blaring music from her headphones. She was getting closer to her target.
Targets. A different pulse extremely close to the first one she had been tracking all evening. A lesser empath might have missed it entirely, but she was close enough, sensitive enough, to notice the slight blip in frequency. Her sneakers crunched on loose gravel as she altered course, going down a different side alley than the original route she had been following. It was better than walking straight into a confrontation with 2 crackheads doped up to the gills with the latest new drug. What did they call it again? Speed? No, that was last year's hit.
Whatever. She had to do her job. The music in her headphones changed again, altering from the mind-numbing dance tracks she had been listening to on the hunt to something slower, more wistful. She never had to put a finger to the next button. It was as if her player picked up on her subconscious thoughts and played something that fit her mood. Given the strength of her abilities, it wasn't completely far fetched. Especially with something that has been with her for years. Just as she has gotten used to the quirks of her player (the Play button only works if you press in a certain way, volume controls are stuck and only luck could help you jiggle them on a good day), so had the player come to terms with her. Most electronics didn't work right around people with strong Ability. It was a miracle this one had stuck with her for longer than a year and not broken down entirely.
She tasted fear in the air, but she was sure she wasn't quite close enough to be able to sense it off Class Two, Three at the most, Ability users. So it was true that the new drug amped up their psych abilities. Interesting. She would have to file that in tonight's report, confirm the unconfirmed street rumours about the drug's effect. The department hadn't been able to get a hold on a sample thus far, which was fairly unusual. It showed an uncanny control over the distribution of the product, and tonight's case was their best lead yet. If she got lucky, she might have more than a couple of junkies to haul in. If she got hold of a sample of the drug for the lab heads to tear apart, maybe she could wrangle for a few days off. They hadn't let her go since they transferred her to the Psych Crimes Special Forces in Tokyo weeks ago. The capital sure was different from the provinces. There was always something going on.
There was an ugly ripple in the mindspace ahead, and she steeled herself, shoring up her mental shields on instinct as her mental feelers reached out cautiously. There was violence ahead, the air was heavy with it, and her gut churned as both her nose and mind scented the reeking stench of an ugly death. Shock and fear and desperation. She focused, tuning the extraneous input out with the help of her training as well as the screaming vocals in her headphones. She got a lot of flack for wearing those out on field ops, even more for acting alone all the time, but she was the youngest Spec Ops member with a certified class Seven on overall Ability, though if you narrowed it down to pure offensive capability she could probably rank a high Eight or a low Nine. That made her almost too valuable to be deployed on the field for ordinary cases. Eight was the minimum rank for Enforcer status, and they almost always worked in pairs after that. Once you hit level Ten, you were basically untouchable. Not that many people ever did. It took her almost 3 years to rise from Six to Seven, and that was considered exceptionally fast. Every level above Class Five took years of training to achieve, and only specialized agents took that much effort. Even then, Fives and Sixes were the bulk of the empath-capable force. Only the skilled and talented went further, or the really determined.
She turned a corner, then resisted the urge to gag. A homeless man (woman? thing?) lay gutted in a pile of cardboard sheets roughly assembled to form some kind of shelter. There were no flies yet on the seeping wounds, so this was fresh. So fresh that the edges were practically clean.
Vibro-blade. She had barely time to register the thought when a pre-cog vision kicked in, the same blade used to gut the poor homeless person jabbing into her kidneys as the illusion fizzled around the laughing madman while she was leaned over examining the body of the murdered street person. Abruptly she recalled the blip of a second person with the first on her radar, how similar they had been...
"Synchro?" She said aloud even as her training kicked into gear, reacting in full self-defence mode, her wide area search tightening into the immediate area while she pushed with her mind. Push was an understatement. Imagine a vice-like grip on everything with a psychic trail in her immediate vicinity, then add spikes on the inside of that grip. All kill was overkill with her, her old instructor used to say. She used to explode dummy psychic models in the early stages of her training whenever she got agitated. It took a while (a few years) before they deemed her safe to be let out against actual people.
Someone screamed. It might or might not have been the voices in her headphones. Her vision hazed, blurring dangerously as it reconfigured to re-process her visual input of the alley. It was a basic illusion even Class Ones could use, though Ones could only avert mildly curious eyes at best. To hide one person from sight without a trace took at least a Five, or a Four with training and an aptitude for the art.
Or, a couple of class Two junkies on synchro. She added dryly. Something else to go into the report. If they could blind a class Seven like her even temporarily, those drugs must be something serious. A pair of Twos working in synch normally could approximate the power level of a Three or a Four, but not enough to hide from her normal search mode. If they could slip under her radar, it was something approaching a Class Six ability. And that was not a good thing. At least it was something she could break though, once she was aware of it.
Although she had never heard of people without training working in synch. It had to be specially taught, although in some cases natural synchronization did occur, usually among highly compatible persons, or identical twins. Rare, but not impossible. She focused sharply, body and mind both in ready positions.
A skinhead with a vibro-knife was crouched a few feet away from her. He was bleeding from the eyes and ears, and he was screaming something as he stared up at her. Oops, did I squeeze too hard? Her lips curved into a smirk, though her voice was professional as she said.
"Drop the knife. You are under arrest for suspected drug peddling and murder. Any resistance will be countered with extreme prejudice, and will count against you in court."
Even as she spoke she scanned the surroundings for the second person. She could only see the one perp, but she was certain there was a second culprit. She had touched the guy's mind briefly in her crushing attack earlier, and he had to have a major migraine on top of the nausea from the backlash of a severed mind-link from the synch.
The cornered man howled, the blood streaming from his orifices looking a lot like tribal war paint as he lunged at her. His surface thoughts were the chaos of the truly psychotic, and she recoiled with a certain disgust as she swerved to avoid the clumsy strike, her hand snaking out like a serpent to lock his wrist and elbow the old-fashioned way, forcing the perp to the ground. There was no way she was going to dip her mind into his to lock him down psychically. Not only was it disgusting to sort through drug-addled thoughts, she couldn't risk being caught by the still-missing second suspect while she was busy in someone else's mind. Just because she had Ability didn't mean she had to use it for everything. That was what her first combat instructor had told her, right before he had tossed her onto her back with a judo flip after first warding against her initial psychic intrusion. She had taken it very personally, and henceforth always took care to spend some time honing her physical abilities on top of her mental ones.
Even as she disarmed her captive and reached for her cuffs, a tingle ran through her senses, and she barely had time to react before her suspect's face literally exploded in front of her, splattering her face and front with gore. She lashed out mentally from instinct, her inner bloodhound, as she liked to call it, latching onto the withdrawing psychic whiplash from the attack and chasing after the originator. She could taste the panic from the attacker, probably the second person she had sensed earlier, as he realized that she had caught on to his mental trail. He tried to shake her off, but she was not to be deterred. Her persistence on the chase was legendary even back when she was still a trainee in the provinces. You could beat her blue and bloody and she would still not let go. They still told that story back at the academy, to her embarrassment the last time she went back to visit.
And then, suddenly, nothing. She felt the sudden rush as she almost sank her mental jaws onto the fleeing psychic imprint, but the constantly mutating chaos of Mindspace suddenly went hollow as if everything in the vicinity was sucked inwards where she was, and it nearly tore her pursuing consciousness in half as she snapped back to her body to protect herself from the backlash. She threw up over her headless suspect when she was back in her body, looked at the mess on her lap, then threw up again.
She must have lost time in between, because she could hear wailing sirens through her now very broken headphones, which were still stubbornly playing a last tune even as one side dangled helplessly away from her head. Damn, she liked that pair of headphones!
Weakly shoving the headless corpse to one side, she crawled away from the mess of blood and brain and tried desperately not to shake like a leaf. Violence was one thing, but the shock of nearly losing her mind from that powerful...whatever it was...shook her. Her hands would not stop trembling, and she had to ball them into fists on the grimy alley floor to hide it.
It took precious minutes before she could even stand again. By then, normal cops had already secured the area, and at least half a dozen guns were trained on her. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Norms didn't like psychs like her, but they made demands of her department every time they had a hard case to solve anyway. Then again, she surmised they had a good reason this time to be pointing guns at her. She did look like a pretty gory mess, and there was not one, but two dead bodies in her general vicinity.
"Hands up where we can see them!" The lead cop's voice boomed through his fancy helmet. Bubbleheads, her department called the new breed of street cops. With the intensification of Psych crime in recent years, state department had successfully lobbied for basic protective gear for their people, the norms who had no natural wards against psychic influences. The helmets were good against petty Ability users up to Two (or a weak Three), but were about as useful as pretty plastic in the face of a class Seven like her. Not that she was going to advertise that. They didn't like her already, she didn't want to give them a reason to shoot first and apologize later.
"I'm from Psych Ops, working on a case. Don't shoot, I'm reaching for my ID." She said slowly and clearly, moving very very cautiously so as not to excite any itchy trigger fingers. It was hard to get a clear read of their intentions with their helmets in the way, and the lingering wooziness from her psychic backlash earlier was affecting her ability to read in any case. She could barely pull herself together to send in a telepathic call to HQ in this state, though her distress signal should have warned whoever it was on nest duty. She could only hope that one of her own would come for her before things got stickier.
She could almost hear the mental gnash of their jaws the moment she mentioned which department she was from, and she could guess that they were thinking something along the lines of "damn spooks" or something entirely worse. Probably worse, considering how she was painted in gore at the moment. Not the most flattering look for anyone.
The lead Bubblehead gingerly took her spattered ID from her bloody fingers once she had gotten it out, and she was proud that she did not shake even once. Pride kept her from swaying on her feet, and she squared her jaw defiantly even with powerful halogen lamps blinding her physical vision. If pushed, she would see with her mind, exhaustion be damned. Her survival instincts were strong enough for that.
"Special Investigator Sayashi. You look a little young for the job." The voice was thick with suspicion as he eyed her contemptuously. Sayashi shrugged. Almost everyone in her line was young. Ability surfaced early in some, but most of it showed during puberty, and Psych Ops always needed new people. They didn't care if you were 13 or 30. There was never enough good candidates, and it was crucial to snap up powerful Ability users before someone unscrupulous got to them first. Once found, the strong ones like her could never really be free. She was ok with that though. She had a job for life if she didn't screw up too spectacularly. But her life belonged to the state. To the nation. It would never be her own, but there were worse fates.
"You can call my department for verification." She kept her tone neutral, not wanting to antagonize the guy with the big gun. She could feel the blood starting to coagulate on her, and it felt disgusting. She really needed a shower, but only if these norms would let her go. It was going to take her forever to get the gore out of her hair.
She had never been more grateful to hear the powerful whine of anti-grav engines, but what really calmed her was the steady presence of a pair of familiar minds. Her shoulders relaxed, and she saw a couple of the Bubbles twitch, their guns locked at her chest. Geez, jumpy much?
"What seems to be the problem, officer?" A cheerful voice cut through the edgy standoff. A tall figure dressed in outrageous style seemed to materialize out of nowhere, and Sayashi resisted the urge to snort. A simple blind to turn their attention while she slipped through the lines and onto the scene, but it looked as if she had just teleported in to the untrained eye. Still, it effectively drew half the guns pointed at her towards the newcomer, and if this had really come down to a fight, they would be able to take down the whole lot between the two of them. Not that it would, not today. They were on the same side.
"Who the hell are you?" Lead Bubblehead growled, one fist still clenched around Sayashi's ID. The newcomer waved nonchalantly, tutting disapprovingly as she took in the crime scene.
"Oh, don't mind me. Psych Ops, Ikuta at your service. I'm here to retrieve one of our agents on a distress call logged in about 15 minutes ago. It's on file if you feel the need to request it." Ikuta turned to regard Sayashi with a wry look.
"You look like shit."
"You should see the other guy." Sayashi quipped, their mental conversation hidden from the cops. Ikuta eyed the headless corpse lying a few feet away, grimacing at the sight as her nose twitched. The stench was getting pretty bad.
"Our department will be sending in a team to aid in on-site investigation here. I've already placed the call." Ikuta told the lead cop, who stiffened noticeably.
"This is our jurisdiction."
"This was our case." She pointed at the headless man. "That used to be a lead. We will be aiding with your investigations. Rest assured, Officer Morita, we will share information. We want to close the case too."
The man jerked visibly at the use of his name. There was no name tag on his uniform anywhere, so the only way Ikuta could have known was, well, by pulling directly from his mind.
"That was mean, Eripon." Sayashi laughed mentally as her fellow agent escorted her from the area to where their ride was waiting. Ikuta grinned.
"He irritated me." She raised her voice a little louder.
"And yes, I know I'm a damn spook. That's what they pay me to be!"
The cursing behind them redoubled in frequency.
==================================================================
Yay blood and gore. :D I do love me some violence. :3
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Hoho... Sci-fi fiction debut? XD
Reading people's mind is mean by itself. Especially knowing others' name. :lol:
Even I don't know and can't remember people's name, I can guess what they are thinking in 2 minutes. XD
That is useful for the air-headed like me. :lol:
roled off. XD
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Eripon! XD I demand more spook Eripon and Riho!
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^Teehee! You will! Unfortunately, I won't be posting them on jphip due to rules and all. XD Well, I don't know if I'll actually bend any rules at all, but I don't want to force myself to conform and end up self-censoring. :lol:
The good thing is, I'll be posting at AO3. Link for the story here: http://archiveofourown.org/works/707883 (http://archiveofourown.org/works/707883)
I cleaned up the chapter a little and reworked the minor details that were bothering me, and the next chapter should be on its way soon. XD My AO3 account will be mostly for use where I have iffy concerns over whether something is ok for jphip, but most of my work will still be here. Thanks for reading, guys! XD Appreciate the interest!
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*opens link in new tab, continually refreshes* XD
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^Geez it won't be ready THAT soon. :lol:
EDIT: Upped! :P
EDIT 2: I love it. I don't know about everyone else, but I missed writing like that. I miss writing with a worldview bigger than a small community or an insular setting. My mind isn't always satisfied with small things. Think big, dream big, the details pulse with irrepressible energy. I am not fulfilled, but I can, and I will be. It's a complicated feeling.
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Tralala.
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Eye of the Tiger
Welcome to Actor's School Hiroshima!
They might as well have written "Welcome to Hell" up there. It would have made no practical difference, all things considered. Not that it would have deterred the hopeful faces. Young girls of varying sizes, all determined to be the next big thing in showbiz, assembled at that place.
Sayashi Riho was one of them. At age 9, she was still small, tinier than those her age, and only those who were even younger were smaller. It didn't matter. Only those who had real talent, real skill, could remain. Would be allowed to remain.
That was the first day. There were 50 of them. At the end of the session, only 20 were left. And though their faces were red and puffing with exertion, not a single one expressed any complaint. The ones who were sent away could not make it through the gruelling physical tests. And all this before the actual lessons even began.
Eyes forward. Focus. No slip ups. Keep going. All you really needed was brass bands and uniforms and this would look no different from a military training camp.
"You want to be the best? Prove it! Only the best of the best will be chosen! Only the elite will get to perform! Only those who are better than everyone else will be scouted! Everyone here is your rival! You must be the best! Show it!"
Competition was fierce. You want to be front and center? You had to earn it. Otherwise you get relegated to the back of group performances. Never chosen for small unit performances at the ASH demonstrations. And only the top of the class get the coveted solo spots.
It was idol training hell. The original 20 halved after a year. More girls came in later batches, keeping the competition fresh. Dance, singing, everything in its place. Girls picked their specializations, lived it, breathed it, half-killed themselves over it, all for a shot at the limelight. They had a dream, they all wanted to live it. And even though it was the same dream, it was not something you could share. Fame was not so generous.
I have no friends here. Sayashi realized this very quickly. She had to. Naivety had no place in the tireless idol training machine. This was the real world. The strong overtook the weak. She could not afford to fall behind, and she could not stand being anything less than the best. Dance was her life, and more than once she found herself practising late into the night in front of the mirror. She might love sleep, but she loved dance more, and hated it when she failed in front of everyone else. Tears of frustration at every screw-up was swallowed in front of her ASH-mates -- she could not afford to show weakness. Only when she was home did she allow herself to cry. Her mother would have let her pull out, soft-hearted as she was, but her father sat her down once and told her this.
"Riho. If you really want something, you have to work for it, no matter how hard it is. If it is something worth working for, then you cannot give up. Is this what you really want?"
And yes. It was. She loved dancing. It was more than just being on stage, or merely moving her body. It was expression, it was her soul. The harsh criticisms levelled at her in ASH hardened her determination. She would not fail. She would not quit. She would never give up. Through every triumph and every mistake, she progressed, learning through experience every nuance of her own body, felt the rhythm of the music as part of herself. It was more than routine and choreography. Anyone could mimic the movements given time. She had to feel it, and live it. She learned what she could and could not do, and worked twice as hard on what she could not. There was no other way, if she wanted to be the best.
She moved forward in the internal rankings. Looks of scorn gradually shifted to faint approval. She got more performances at the ASH demonstrations. The audience was starting to know her. Things were still difficult, but always the sensation of performing gave her the best thrill.
She still had no friends in ASH. Older girls, more experienced, resented her competence. They were skilled as well, but the new kid's rapid rise was threatening. They didn't outright bully her, of course, save for the occasional catty remark, but it made her cautious. She was shy to begin with, but this just made her warier. More closed off. She affected a blank look, not wanting to give away anything to her rivals. She could not relax, never let her guard down. She was only 11.
Perhaps it was because of that, seeing how his eldest daughter was withdrawing into herself, that Papa Sayashi lowered his newspaper one evening and looked over at her.
"Why don't you audition for Morning Musume?"
Auditions. There had been rumors of talent scouts who had been watching their last major demonstration. The ASH students were all pumped up, of course, and she was no exception. It would be a chance, an opportunity...and an escape. Since when did she view ASH as something she had to escape from?
It had built her up. It had given her the technical skills she needed. The confidence to be on stage. Taught her the ugly side of idol business, cut her teeth on the reality of fame (or the potentiality of it?). ASH molded Sayashi Riho into potential star material. It was what they did. What people paid for. To have true skill, true talent, fired through the forges of ASH...
It was also a den of tigers. Putting that much excellence (after the chaff had fallen away/dropped out) together in one place resulted in, no, guaranteed bloodshed. Figurative, of course, though there was that one time where Sayashi fell down a flight of stairs and ended up with a painful gash near her lip. She had gritted her teeth and continued stubbornly through lessons afterwards, and the scar would stay with her long after it. It was a blemish, but she took it as a reminder never to trust anyone with her back unless she wanted them to stab it.
Sayashi Riho felt like she couldn't just stand around waiting to be spotted any longer. If she wanted something, she had to go for it. And so she went. Made it past the first few rounds without a hitch, though when she cleared the second round she had to go to ASH and inform them of the situation. She was surprised, then, when her instructors told her that scouts from another company had approached them about her.
"But finish the audition process for Morning Musume first, and we'll discuss what happens from there."
It was the first time her instructors showed so much kindness and consideration towards her. They were usually uniformly harsh and critical in front of everyone, to breed a competitive spirit and prevent the students from getting complacent. It was only fair, that way.
She got through to the final round. Her parents and instructors met up to discuss the possible paths for her future. She, however, already knew what she wanted.
Sayashi Riho graduated from ASH in 2011, with blessings from her instructors, and joined Morning Musume as part of the 9th generation. There would be no looking back.
The future was ahead for her to grasp.
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A little something about Riho's time in ASH. My interpretation, after seeing some discussion on 2ch about ASH's reputation as idol training hell. XD They literally do call it a "den of tigers", and the dropout rate is famously high. Of course, recruitment from their ranks is also high, being that Perfume was formerly of ASH, as well as two in the -48 groups, 2 more in Sakura Gakuin, and a few others. Not to forget, Riho herself. Standards are notoriously high, and apparently if you couldn't do the physical exercises, you get kicked out, no questions asked. Only the best, the ones who had real potential, real skill, real talent, could stay (this was quoted from another ex-ASH trainee, now also a celeb XD). I think Riho's time in ASH really impacted her not only as a performer (polishing her dance skills, thank you), but also in her initial personality -- super polite, super reserved...and how the hell did she know keigo at 12 years old? They don't use it in elementary, much less teach it. Conclusion: ASH taught her these things. I just included Riho's scar (on her right cheek, a little away from her lip) for kicks, a possible reason for how she suffered that injury leading to it....but yeah, that's just me making shit up again. XD There should be a follow up for this....I have something very specific in mind...but it's getting late and I should sleep!
Oh, additional note, Riho's dad really did tell her to go audition for Momusu. I invented his reason why here, but yeah...seems like it could happen. Riho really doesn't cry in front of other people (still haven't seen her actually bawl through 2 graduations so far...it's like her tear ducts don't work right. apparently sobbing but very few tears...), but she says that she usually cries at home out of frustration at her own mistakes/failures (source: Riho deli). Riho is also totally a daddy's girl. XD Oh, and she really does stay up late to practice dancing. Odd, when you remember she also loves to sleep, but I guess dancing is more important to her. It really shows how much she loves it, and she admitted on Riho Deli that she was like a "dance baka" back then...which she regrets because she felt like she should have worked more on her singing as well. Oh well, no one's perfect (unless you're Aichan, but well...there can only be one Aichan).
Anyway, enough Riho info dump! Hope everyone appreciates this! Ta!
EDIT: This is just hearsay and some speculation on my part, but it's possible that Riho might have ended up in either Sakura Gakuin or one of the -48 groups if she hadn't picked Momusu first. Someone overheard the talent scouts in the audience of one of ASH's demonstrations, and when Riho was performing, he heard them whispering between themselves about how "the rumors were true (about there being a strong talent)" and that "this was the one they're after". Of course, there's no guarantee that it's actually true, but it's fun to think about. There's also leaked info about how when Perfume went back to ASH, their alma mater, on a visit for a TV program in '09, they actually looked over the training for the elite class of ASH students for a few days, and came away with the thought that there were only two stand-outs from that batch (Riho and another girl). There actually was a video where they captured part of the one-on-one interview chibi!Riho had with the Perfume girls. XD She was so tiny back then :lol: And she took the front and center spot for the dance performance the elite class of ASH (40 were specially picked) put up specially for their returning Perfume senpai. It's fun to see that she was among the elite even back then, and it sometimes makes me wonder WHY she picked Momusu...this girl could have easily ended up elsewhere. >_>; Lol. I am grateful though. What would I do without my oshi? XD
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And what would we do without your constant information and subsequent take on the situations presented to you? Probably be unbearably bored and less full of Riho-goodness!
EDIT:Hey, found something you might like!
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xxyv8o_yyyyyyyy_fun#.UTXlNKX6_IY (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xxyv8o_yyyyyyyy_fun#.UTXlNKX6_IY)
Edit: Fixed it. Still sleepy. Thanks resop2
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This took a slightly different turn than I expected. Still works though.
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Never Walk Alone
"Will the new members be alright?"
"The concert's starting in little over a month..."
"Rehearsals aren't going that well..."
"At least Sayashi's keeping up."
"Her singing's still weak though."
"That kid's competent, she can do it."
"Yeah, at least that's one less to worry about. Now, about Ikuta..."
Another halt in rehearsals. Riho stood alone in a corner, clutching her notes and practising quietly. There were so many things to remember, more than what she was used to from ASH. Then again, this was a full concert, and she was expected to pull her weight as a member. A new member, but a part of the group nevertheless.
Formation changes weren't difficult for her to comprehend, the stage markings and where to go when was just on a larger scale and somewhat more complex at parts, but it wasn't unfamiliar. It was having to sing AND dance at the same time while remembering where to go and what to do next while making sure she didn't foul up the rest of the group's movements that was challenging. She and the rest of 9th gen had already been yelled at countless times by the stage director, so much so that she could already feel the pricking of frustrated tears at her eyes. But crying wouldn't solve their problems, and Riho on her part wanted to make sure that at least SHE wouldn't be the one making mistakes.
Close by, Fukumura was going over the choreography with Suzuki, while Niigaki-san and the leader, Takahashi-san, were coaching Ikuta during that so-called break. Riho went through the motions on her own, her senpai more or less trusting her enough to get the choreography right. "Sayashi can handle it" was the general sentiment, and usually only Mitsui-san and Niigaki-san would come by to check on her and make sure that she was fine. Michishige-san and Tanaka-san were completely serious during rehearsal time, and generally left her alone unless she made mistakes they could correct. Which wasn't as much as the rest of her generation-mates, so she ended up being left to her own devices during the rehearsal breaks.
"It's better if you snap your wrist forward like this during the move. It looks cooler." Leader's voice came from behind her as she was dancing, and Riho froze in her tracks for the merest of moments, before repeating the move as instructed. It did look better, and Riho was fully aware of eyes on her as she completed the rest of the routine, with occasional tips from the watching Takahashi.
"Thank you very much for your advice." Riho said as she stopped, bowing formally to her senpai. She dabbed at her face with a towel, and was surprised when Takahashi-san handed her a bottle of water as she looked up.
"You're very good at dancing. Just keep working at it, you'll be able to bring your own expression to the stage soon." Takahashi smiled at her, ruffling the 12 year old's hair fondly. Riho squinted at the gesture, not sure whether to give in to the action or pull back -- she didn't want to be treated like a kid...but it was kind of nice. Nice to have senpai who took care of her, instead of always watching her own back. It was tempting to relax and not worry about anything.
But she couldn't. She had to work hard to catch up. Riho had assumed that she had the skills, but it wasn't until after she saw her Morning Musume senpai at work that she realized the real difference between a real professional and an untested rookie like herself. She had the basics down, yes, but there was so much more to being on stage than simply knowing how to dance, and she was desperate to live up to those standards.
She wished for the reassurance of being near her generation-mates. There was something indefinable about having suffered through the nerves of the same audition process (not that she showed any, but that didn't mean that they weren't there), the shared elation of being chosen together, and being scolded together? Somehow? She wasn't sure how to open up properly around them yet, but it was easier when she was with the other new members. At least they could all be rookies together. Her damnable shyness was a bit of a problem, but Kanon-chan was good at making her laugh, and that was a start. You tend to like people who make you laugh. It was easier being around them.
Misreading the conflicted expression on Riho's face, Ai frowned, wondering if she'd upset the kid somehow. It was a little painful to see the children suffer, but she knew it was due process for anyone wanting to become a true professional. She would be no less hard on them than her own senpai were, because she wanted them to improve and be able to stand on their own feet. Time was flowing like sand through her fingers, she had so little time left in which to help them with. More than 6 months still to the end of her graduation, but it felt like each day was slipping by too quickly.
"Sayashi? Ai-chan?" Niigaki Risa moved up to flank the two of them, clueing in easily to the cues of the situation. She had known Ai-chan for a decade, and could read the stubborn woman easily. As for Sayashi, it was like seeing a miniature version of Ai-chan in some way. Equally reserved, and very determined. It was a good trait, but sometimes...
"Niigaki-san." Riho greeted instantly, again with another formal bow. It was a little endearing to see how proper the kid was, but the stiffness in her shoulders was an unspoken sign of nervousness in front of her senpai. Risa sighed inwardly. It was going to be one of those.
"You know, if you have any concerns, you can come talk to us." Risa very deliberately linked arms with Ai to include the leader in the equation, and the statement prompted the leader to nod too, smiling reassuringly at their kouhai. Ai appeared to be at a loss with how best to deal with someone who didn't seem to need them. Which was a fallacy, Risa observed. Sayashi asked questions when it came to work, but kept everything else to herself. While it was encouragingly independent of the kid, Risa was sure the 12 year old had her own problems. Ai was trying, Risa knew. It wasn't like helping Ikuta or Suzuki, where rapport could be struck up by helping them with their performance issues. In a way, Ai was doing things the only way she knew how, by value-adding on top of the regular choreography, and it was ironic how Sayashi soaked everything up like a sponge and often watched Ai-chan with something akin to worship when they were rehearsing, even though Ai often worried if Sayashi was afraid of her. Tanakacchi was right, Risa decided. Sayashi was just simply terrible at approaching people. And Ai-chan worried too damn much.
So they had to approach her instead. Risa and Aika had been taking turns to watch over the kid while babysitting 9th generation as a whole, and it helped to see how her generation-mate, Suzuki Kanon, was helping to draw the girl out of her shell. It was endearing to see her act her age, rather than the ultra-formal and proper idol-in-training she appeared to be.
"We're all part of the same group. We take care of each other. I hope you'll come to be comfortable around us. Morning Musume is family to me, I hope it will be family for you too."
And sometimes, Ai just says the right things without even knowing what to say. Risa watched as a sudden emotion flooded Sayashi's eyes, and for a moment she thought the girl was going to burst into tears just like a miniature Ai-chan would have, at that age, but no tears came, and the moment passed as if nothing had happened. The girl was remarkable, Risa decided. Remarkably stubborn, remarkably tough, and...perhaps Ai-chan did have a reason to worry after all.
The two 5th gen exchanged glances, let the moment pass, and rustled Sayashi into practising their joint routine. It wasn't something that could be solved overnight, but they certainly were going to try.
Morning Musume was home to them, and no one would be left behind.
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We will never walk aloneeeeeeeeee~
:P
In the same 'verse as the one before, set during the Fantasy DX tour rehearsals (spring 2011). Little Riho has issues. XD Too serious, too reserved, too "dark". She broods. XD It shows. She's been getting better of late, and that's a good thing. She's learning to trust the others, and open up to them, so she's becoming brighter and more cheerful. This is a good thing. :D
@rndy: I saw it! Haha Riho so cute <3
EDIT: I feel like I'm in the process of creating a "Sayashi Legend", chronicling her from her early days and tracking her development. It's a strangely fulfilling process and the fun part of supporting someone all the way from the start. I think this was what I was missing with Ai-chan. I came into the fandom late, so Ai was already kind of there and I had to reverse-engineer her proto-personality. With Riho, it really feels like I'm watching her grow up step by step, so there's more investment in the whole process. Am I a bigger wota for Riho than for Ai? Yes, I would agree so. It's really a matter of timing. If I had the opportunity to watch Ai grow up real time the way I am doing now for Riho, I have no doubt I would love Ai even more. XD But the past is past, and now there's only the future! Can't wait to see how things turn out. :3
EDIT 2: Riho really did get left alone during practice a lot, because the rest really didn't have to worry about her screwing up quite as much. 鞘師ならできる -- Sayashi can do it. That was what the other members felt like. I think Sayu mentioned how they didn't worry about her as much on her radio, and that only Aichan would be the one instructing her at anything at all. I always wondered what it would be like if Aichan had had more time in the group to coach the rest -- Riho would definitely be a better singer in that case. Right now Riho sounds like Reina the Second, and I don't doubt that's because she has been taking her cue off Reina. Not that it's a really bad thing, but it's going to take some time to educate her out of the nasal tone that Reina in her early days used to fall back on way too often. Reina now can sing a lot better, but she has had the benefit of 10 years of singing experience. Riho...is not quite there yet. >_> Oh well.
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I got super happy at this last one for some reason. I dunno, maybe seeing the group as they were(could have been?), caring about each other and helping the new kids out kinda brings a tear to me wee eye. Especially the Ai/Riho interaction with Risa's thoughts on things. You know how I feel about my oshi XD
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RihoRiho's legend :thumbsup
Fun to read, as always :lol:
ASH, a den of tigers.
Another girl with Riho who was aftered is Nakamoto Suzuka or Suu-Metal.
If Riho and Suu-chan still being in ASH, they will end up like eternally rival. I confirm this. :)
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subscribes to thread... :)
awesome work, Estrea! :twothumbs
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Back! After staring for WAY too long at the Aisaretai no ni performance from the Colorful Character tour, this was born...
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Practice
"Looking good, Kanon-chan! You've gotten a lot better!"
Fukumura Mizuki, the eldest of the 9th generation members, praised the youngest of their generation. Suzuki Kanon smiled up at the 16 year old Mizuki.
"It's all thanks to you, Mizuki-chan. And Riho-chan too."
Kanon looked over to her fellow 14 year old generation-mate, who was helping the fourth member of their generation, Ikuta Erina, with the dance routine for their song. Currently, the two girls were on the floor laughing over something or other, and it did not take much effort for them to overhear the following part of the conversation.
"...counting on you, Riho! I'm at my limit!"
"Aw come on Eripon! Just one more round? I'm sure you'll get it!"
"Time out, time out~ I give, Riho! You're too strong!"
Mizuki and Kanon drifted closer to overhear the 14 year old ace mutter "but you're the one with all the muscles" under her breath as she stood up. Erina lay flat on her back where she had fallen earlier, arms spread out dramatically as she closed her eyes to rest.
"Riho-chan! I think I got that move you showed me earlier down!" Kanon exclaimed excitedly, demonstrating for Riho's inspection. The dancer watched intently, eyes taking in every detail. She stepped in once or twice to correct a few angles, but nodded approval as Kanon huffed to a stop. Mizuki, who was next to Kanon and also dancing along just to provide company, was also smiling at Kanon's attempt. To think that when they first started Kanon could barely keep up with the rest of them, but now the youngest of them was doing quite a fine job.
"You're really lucky, Fuku-chan..." Riho said suddenly, as she shifted her gaze over to the 16 year old. "Your bodyline is beautifully suited for this routine. I don't have the chest to make that move look quite as good..."
"Riho. Where are you looking at?" Erina drawled, opening one eye from the floor. Riho blinked innocently at her, before glancing back at Mizuki.
"I'm just observing Fuku-chan's dance...what are you saying?"
Mizuki giggled, the faint blush on her cheeks already fading. It was amazing how completely oblivious yet observant Riho could be at times. Once the ace got into her 'dancer' mode, it was as if everything else faded into the background. Some of her comments could be easily miscontrued, and Mizuki was beginning to wonder if they were confusing the girl by always calling Riho out on her unintentional verbal slips. The poor thing seemed to be feeling quite defensive over being called a hentai, which only made them want to tease her more, of course. It was fun watching Riho work herself up and get all flustered. Mizuki could see why Michishige-san, their beloved leader, so enjoyed teasing the young ace. Riho-chan was very cute when caught off-guard, after all...
"Gee, I could have sworn you were staring at Mizuki's chest." The KY of the group grinned. Riho twitched, then stared at the aforementioned bodypart on reflex, making Erina and Kanon burst out laughing as Mizuki crossed her arms self-consciously over her chest and turned away with a blush. Riho pouted.
"You're all terrible. Fuku-chan, I really wasn't staring!"
"I know, Riho-chan. You just can't help where your eyes go." Mizuki teased lightly. "Just like how they always end up on someone's lips."
"That's right! I'm always watching everyone and my eyes just get drawn...Fuku-chan!!!" Riho hopped around in frustration, puffing out her cheeks as she realized the trap she had walked right into. "Mou! I'm not a hentai!"
"We didn't say it this time." Kanon grinned at the injured expression on Riho's face. "You know we still love you, Riho-chan. Even if you're kinda silly at times."
"And a hentai." Erina added, sitting up with a smirk. Riho pouted, putting her hands on her hips and trying to look indignant.
"Hmph, I'll go practice some more..." Out of the corner of her eye she spotted her 10th generation juniors in a cluster. "Ayumi-chan and I need to work on Crazy About You anyway."
"Don't get distracted by her lips." Mizuki teased. "And I'll need a turn with Ayumi-chan myself, so don't wear her out~"
Riho coloured, and Erina choked on her laughter, pounding on the floor with one closed fist as she bent double from the hysterics. Kanon laughed a bit nervously, eyeing Mizuki and Riho with a skeptical gaze while trying to decide how serious they were actually being.
"I...I don't know what you're talking about!"
Riho declared, then zipped away with all the speed of a roadrunner on steroids. Erina recovered from her laughing fit, wiping away tears from her eyes.
"I couldn't have done that better myself, Mizuki."
"Why thank you Eripon." Mizuki had a saint-like smile on her face.
Kanon shook her head. She loved her generation-mates dearly, but sometimes they were all a little crazy. Oh well, it made life interesting!
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Oh Riho, you make it so easy to pick on you. XD
I can always see Fukuchan and Riho being the ones teaching the rest. They know what they're doing most of the time anyway. XD
Set during the rehearsal period for Colorful Character, obviously. Crazy About You was Riho and Ayumi's duet during the shuffle corner where the setlist changes at every concert. It featured a dance battle AND WAS NOT ON THE DVD, CURSES. But the DVD magazine appears to have it. >_>
Reason why Fukuchan said she needed a turn with Ayumi as well: Fukuchan and Ayumi also have a duet, Daisuki 100 Manten for the shuffle corner. XD Which also wasn't on the DVD. >_> *snerk* I couldn't let go of the opportunity when it came up....I guess I'm the biggest troll around. :lol:
And now I sleep!
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Lollitrollolol XD I love the behind the scenes stuff so much, words can't describe.
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Trying very hard to break the block. I wrote about 5k worth of words for Tokyo Runner, trashed it, and restarted again. Yeah. Sorry for the wait. Here's something for lulz because I need the distraction while working on something serious~
Warning: Much insanity ahead.
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The Route to Love
It all started one innocent day in the dressing room that the 9th generation members of Morning Musume shared...
"I have decided."
Ikuta Erina, otherwise known as Eripon, declared suddenly while gazing into her phone. Her generation-mates were in the same room, all going about their own business while idly chatting. The oldest of them, Fukumura Mizuki, glanced over.
"Decided what, Eripon?"
There was a dramatic pause as Erina lowered her phone and returned the gaze levelly.
"I want Michishige-san."
Someone choked on a snack. A phone clattered to the floor. Muffled cursing as a knee smacked against the edge of a table. 3 pairs of eyes trained themselves on the oblivious Erina, trying to comprehend what their generation-mate just said.
"Are you joking?"
"What do you mean, you want her?"
"Michishige-san is very pretty."
The first two speakers, the younger half of 9th gen, immediately stared at the third. Mizuki smiled benignly, and continued brushing her hair as if nothing major had happened. Erina grinned the other half of the PonPon combi. She knew Mizuki would understand!
"Are you running a fever? Maybe you should go to the hospital?"
Sayashi Riho, resident ace, had limped over despite her scuffed knee to rest the back of a hand against her generation-mate's forehead. The star dancer was so distraught by Erina's seemingly insane statement that she completely forgot that her phone was still on the floor where she had dropped it in her shock earlier.
"I'm fine! Oh by the way Riho, I hope you don't mind coming with me to go look for Michishige-san later? I figure she'll stick around longer if you're with me. I want to ask her out for a date!"
"You're...serious?" Riho stared at Erina like the girl had just sprouted two heads and was breathing fire. Suzuki Kanon, who was in the process of drinking water to wash down the snack she had choked on earlier, dissolved into great hacking coughs as liquid ran down the wrong pipe. Mizuki was the only one who look completely unfazed, only idly asking what plans Erina had for a date with their senior.
"But this...this is Michishige-san! She...she's..." Riho flailed helplessly, arms all over the place as she hopped from one foot to another, unsure how best to express her inner agitation and shock. Kanon recovered from her second choking fit and was taking deep breaths before finally asking.
"What about Niigaki-san? Are you actually oshihen-ing?"
Mizuki made a small 'ooh' sound to herself, grinning eagerly as she watched Erina's face turn inexplicably serious. Then again, the KY of the group was always serious about being the Number 1 fan of their former leader.
"Niigaki-san will always be my oshimen. My feelings for Michishige-san are completely different. It's love! This could only be the frustration of love!**"
Riho and Kanon were staring at her with their mouths in small 'o's. Kanon recovered first, blinking rapidly as she processed what her generation-mate just said.
"That's...a line from Mr Moonlight?" Mizuki was already cracking up in the background, wiping tears of merriment from her eyes with the back of her hand. Riho seemed to still be in shock, her jaw working soundlessly as she tried to process what was going on. Kanon was torn between laughing hysterically or laughing ruefully. She settled for something in between, her chuckles alternating between high sobs and low rumbles as her eyes focused on something far off into the distance. You could only suffer so many shocks in a limited period of time.
Meanwhile, Erina decided on a plan of action to snare their leader, the ichiban kawaii idol, Michishige Sayumi!
"Yosh~ Ganbatte-ikuta!"
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Don't ask how this happened. I was on 2ch. And then Kuji sent me a photo of Eripon and Sayu looking gorgeous together. Stress and lack of sleep combined to produce this. :lol: Basically, Eripon just happened in my head. XD
** Sore wa koi, koi zurai sa! That's the spoken line in Mr Moonlight. I love misquoting songs for my purposes hahaha. And apparently 9th gen does it a lot too in their free time. :P
And now I :ph43r: away~
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I love being a part of your insanity. :peace:
Pics will keep coming. <:
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Eripon's randomness is the best crack ...
another great kyuukies shortfic by you.
also belated Happy Birthday :yossi:
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9 gen craziness is the best! It seems It's usually Eripon who starts it. This is awesome, maybe a look into sayu and reinas reaction to eripons date request could surface?
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@Kuji: You are the cause of too many instances of my insanity!
@AmberSan: Thanks! Haha I love 9ki crack. :D
@H!PShipper: Well Eripon's my favourite for drumming up crazy things, so yeah. XD And as requested, the SayuReina reaction!
Obligatory warning: more insanity ahead.
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Love on a Highway
"Michishige-san! Do you know..."
"Michishige-san! I really like what you're wearing today!"
"Michishige-san! Are you free later?"
"Michishige-san, do you like spaghetti?"
"Michishige-san! I love you!"
"Michishige-san~~!"
After a whole day of being pestered by her junior, Michishige Sayumi was almost ready to throw in the towel. 10 years in Morning Musume had never prepared her for this!
"I wonder if this was how Gaki-san felt like...?"
Sayumi had made a last minute escape back to the dressing room she shared with Tanaka Reina, her fellow 6th gen member. The pint-sized idol had been drinking carrot juice while flipping through a magazine when Sayumi burst in and locked the door behind her, making the cat-like girl raise an eyebrow.
"Sayu? What's wrong?"
Another first. Well, less shocking considering their recent thaw in relations. Reina had become more solicitous of Sayumi's well-being ever since Sayumi became leader and they were the only two Rokkies left at the top. The old Reina would have made a scathing comment about Sayumi barging in before, or more likely, simply ignored it. They didn't used to be close until now, and Sayumi was really grateful for the support her generation-mate was finally stepping up to provide.
"Michishige-san~~"
The echo from that voice reverbrated through the hallways, and the thin walls were no protection against it. Sayumi shivered involuntarily, a hunted look in her eyes. Reina took one look at her, and laughed.
"Ikuta?"
"Mou Reina, it's not funny! How did Gaki-san deal with this?"
Reina gave it all of two seconds of thought, then shrugged.
"I think she just gave in at the end."
Sayumi pouted, then heaved a great sigh as she flopped down on a chair next to Reina.
"I don't know what's up with Ikuta, I mean, usually she's always extremely chatty, but she talks to everyone all the time so that's fine..."
"I always just ignore her." Reina chirped in (un)helpfully. Sayumi shot her a sideways glare.
"You think I don't? Well today she's been latched on to me the way she used to follow Gaki-san around like a lost puppy. I thought she was just being Ikuta at first, but when she won't leave me alone at all throughout the day..."
"Maybe she just got interested in you. You know, like with Gaki-san." Reina seemed amused by the whole situation, but was trying to say something to assure her nervous generation-mate. Sayumi looked uncomfortable.
"She asked me out for a date!"
"Haaa?"
"I know! I thought she was just kidding at first, but then she kept pestering me about it and asking me what I liked, so I just tried to blow her off by being really vague and stuff, and now she seems to think I've said yes and won't leave me alone!"
Sayumi finished her rant and grabbed a bottle of water off the table, chugging it as she tried to calm her nerves. Reina recovered from her stunned state, patting the distraught Sayumi on the shoulder awkwardly.
"You could always just pull rank on her and tell her off..."
"But she didn't actually do anything? Speaking of which, I did tell her off for being a pest. She didn't seem to notice..."
Reina pursed her lips thoughtfully.
"You could just limit it to a meal right? Just humour her a couple of times and she might just lose interest. You could always call Gaki-san for advice."
The two Rokkies stared at each other for a long moment, then Sayumi raised an eyebrow.
"You do know that Gaki-san was hopeless against Ikuta right?"
"I know." Reina grinned impishly. "Good luck, Sayu."
Sayumi threw a cushion at her generation-mate, who ducked, and then they both burst out laughing. That was when a knock at the door froze both of them up. Or well, froze Sayumi up. Reina just took another look at her and continued laughing.
Sayumi swatted her unhelpful fellow Rokkie and reverted to her bad childhood habit of gnawing on her nails for a moment, then remembered she was an idol and probably shouldn't do so. She was contemplating plucking at her eyebrows when a hesitant voice called through the door.
"Michishige-san? Do you have a moment?"
Sayumi lit up like a lantern. That voice was...!
Reina raised an eyebrow as Sayumi rushed to the door and unlocked it. Then she shrugged. It was Sayashi, after all. Sayu's favourite junior. Reina was quite fond of the brat herself, though not quite to the extent of her probably obsessed generation-mate. Reina watched with some amusement as a visibly nervous Sayashi was led into the room like a lamb to the slaughter. She nodded in acknowledgement when the kid greeted her politely -- Sayashi never missed a beat when it came to etiquette -- and settled back with a grin on her face as she watched Sayu fawn over the girl. This could be fun, Reina thought as she sipped at her juice.
She choked about 10 seconds later when Ikuta burst in through the now unlocked door as her designated bait cringed (subtly) away from the attentions of the leader.
"Michishige-san~ Your schedule's open this evening right? Let's go have some Italian food~"
"Eh!?"
Reina was still hacking on her carrot juice when someone handed her a napkin. When she was done cleaning up the mess, she glanced over and saw Riho hovering stealthily at her side. Clearly, the kid had taken the chance to crawl away from Sayu in the ensuing confusion. Reina snorted at the ingenuity of her juniors.
"Ikuta put you up to this, right?"
"Well, I couldn't say no..." Riho demurred, cleverly hiding behind Reina and eyeing the door wistfully. Unfortunately, because of the way Sayumi and Erina were positioned, she had no clear shot for escape at the moment. Reina chuckled.
"Can't tell if you're really brave or really dumb, kid."
Riho shrugged in response, wondering how the hell she was going to get out of the situation. At least Tanaka-san was agreeable enough to let her stick around!
~*~*~
Meanwhile, in another dressing room...
"What do you mean, Riho-chan went to help Eri-chan? Is Riho-chan going to be ok?"
"Well...Riho-chan's just there to create a distraction, it should be alright?"
"But this is Michishige-san we're talking about!"
At that moment, her phone beeped.
Kanon-chan, I'm trapped (・ω・);;;
Tanaka-san's with me now so I'm safe for the moment, but Eripon seems to be getting shoved out soon...
"Oh dear." Mizuki's unhelpful comment came from over Kanon's shoulder. The youngest of 9th gen resisted the urge to facepalm and typed a quick reply back.
Don't worry, I'll send in help. Just hang on for now!
The reply came back instantly.
Kanon-chan thank youuuuuu! I'm...hiiiiiiiiiiiii
The message trailed off there. Silence in the room. Kanon leapt to her feet.
"10th gen should be next door, right?"
Mizuki nodded, and then hid a giggle to herself as Kanon dashed out of the door. This was getting entertaining!
~*~*~
"Mou, Ikuta you're annoying! Get out of here!"
"I'll pick you up at 7 later!"
"Get lost!"
Sayumi finally managed to drive her persistent junior out of the door, and locked it again for peace of mind. The nerve of that girl! And where was RihoRiho in all this?
Ah, there she was! The girl had grown too big to properly hide behind Reina. While Sayumi mourned on some level that RihoRiho was no longer all tiny and cute like she was when she first joined, there was no doubt that the girl was slowly growing into a woman...and to her surprise she found that she liked the metamorphosis. Not that it made the girl any less cute in the process. Case in point: RihoRiho still looked very much like a hamster with her cheeks puffed up as she huddled close to Reina, who was chatting with her.
"RihoRiho~ ♥"
Riho dropped her phone again for the second time that day. Reina whistled in amusement and reached for a pack of chips. What? Snacking was a perfectly legitimate activity!
As Riho was pulled away from Reina's side by a very persistent Sayumi, there was a sudden pounding at the door as the doorknob rattled.
"TANASA-TAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN~~~~~~"
"Ah, it's Sato." Reina paused in mid-munch. "Come in...ah, the door's locked." She crossed the short distance to the door and unlocked it, and was promptly greeted with a flying tackle from the 13 year old.
"Good afternoon, Tanaka-san." Came a husky voice from behind the high pitched squeals of the hyperactive Sato Masaki, who was latched on to Reina like a baby seal. Reina bore it with much grace -- it's amazing how one could get used to anything. She nodded at Kudou, while patting Sato on the head like she was hushing an overgrown puppy.
"Is Sayashi-san around?"
Reina glanced over her shoulder while Masaki stole her bag of chips. She flicked a finger into the kid's forehead, and Masaki made a face back at her.
"Should be somewhere around there. Oi Sato! My chips! Mine!"
Kudou Haruka skirted her favourite senior and her partner-in-crime, intent on her current target: Sayashi Riho. Who was currently looking too freaked out to even bend over to pick up her phone. And who was somehow still managing to smile as their leader wrangled her into a two-shot photo. Several shots, actually.
"Um, Michishige-san? Can I borrow Sayashi-san for a moment?" Haruka cleared her throat self-consciously. Sayumi turned.
"Oh? What for?"
"Well, we have voice training lessons..."
Behind Sayumi, Riho mouthed 'we do?', but was wise enough to not say anything out loud. Haruka was at her earnest best. Sayumi, ever the consummate professional at work, let out a sigh and let Riho go. The frazzled ace scooped up her phone and all but ran out of the door with Haruka in tow. They left Masaki exactly where she was. God knows Maa-chan would love nothing more than spending time with her beloved Tanasa-tan.
"Thank god you came." Riho breathed. "Did Kanon-chan send you? I'm pretty sure our voice training lessons aren't until tomorrow..."
"You looked like you could use the help. But yes, Suzuki-san dropped by to ask us for help." Haruka shoved her hands into her pockets. Riho beamed up at her.
"Thank you." A pause as they continued down the corridor. "You're free now right?"
"Well, the event's over already, so yup. Spring holidays are great!"
"Wanna go grab a drink? My treat. Since you saved me and all." Riho looked over at Haruka, who grinned back just as enthusiastically.
"Yosha! Free drinks~"
"I hope you don't mind Starbucks."
"Uwahhh, Sayashi-san likes adult drinks!"
"I'm sure they have ice cream too."
"Yay! Should we call Suzuki-san along?"
"Nah, she's got a recording later with Iikubo-chan I think."
"Cool. It's a date then!"
Riho paused in her tracks, eyeing Haruka dubiously. The boyish girl cocked her head questioningly.
"Did I say something wrong?"
"I was just thinking what Ayumi-chan would say if I stole her ikemen from her for the day."
"Ahahahaha! Ayumin isn't like that! Plus she's like a little sister to me! Even though she's older than me..."
"Ah, I get that! You know the other day..."
They continued walking. Back in 10th gen's dressing room, Ayumi sneezed, then rubbed at her nose. Hay fever?, she wondered.
Spring was a time of change, after all...
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Now if Sayu were more like Harunan and actually memorized Rihoriho's schedule... she wouldn't have been fooled. Too bad for her. :P
This was crack-filled but somehow cute. :thumbsup
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Omg, I'm dying over here! This crack is so awesome, plus the fact that the forum is back on April Fools pranks just makes this all the better! XD XD
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Damn this was hilarious! :lol:
It's quite hard for me to read about the 9th and 10th generation, because I know so little about them (Don't know why it affects my reading so much....). But I just decided to have a go when I noticed this update and I really enjoyed this crack. This indeed made me want to learn more about them! XD
And, lol, Sayu's and Reina's chat before, Riho came in. Reina is so evil~
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Waking up to this is the best, thank you for granting my request lol.
I've now gotten my daily dose of 6Ki, 9ki, Tanasato and maaharu lol this was great!
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Hey! Soooo much lol today. :lol:
And I just woke up
Rihoriho is a Kamikaze! XD And I agree, Kuji! Sayu should memorize the Rihoriho's agenda. :grin: And I love ReiSaki pair, so much cute! :love:
More crack, please! :cow:
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Hey guys! I wrote a little something on AO3 here: http://archiveofourown.org/works/744539 (http://archiveofourown.org/works/744539)
It's a one shot based on ANOTHER Japanese fanfic...the ending was too horrifying in the original and I simply had to do something about it. This is mostly for Kuji's (and my) sanity's sake.
Ok now I really ought to sleep. x__x
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@Dreamcato lmao sorry it was 6:40 am on my way to school. I guess my phone auto corrected it or something I did not notice Laughing Out Loud
Edit: or not. It seems like the site changes it on it's own cause it appears as l o l when I write it but as soon as I save it becomes lol o.o
Anyway I do not know what the original was like exactly but I am guessing that kudo stayed with Ayumi and Riho was left to regret her choices? And most likely not as we'll written? Right? I fully and truly embrace and cherishd your alternate ending though, much angst! Angst is the best, Laughing Out Loud jk anyway good job. ^^
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@Dreamcato lmao sorry it was 6:40 am on my way to school. I guess my phone auto corrected it or something I did not notice Laughing Out Loud
April day's fool... i guess :lol:
The last year, I remember a lot of he-mans everywhere XD
It's a one shot based on ANOTHER Japanese fanfic...the ending was too horrifying in the original and I simply had to do something about it. This is mostly for Kuji's (and my) sanity's sake.
I loved your ending, very optimistic and hopeful for Riho. ;)
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Even I'm against for IshiDuu and SayaDuu, I love it. :wub:
Also sorry for didn't comment anything. :sweatdrop:
PS. I got the information from my friend who follow twitter for the report of individual hand-shake event.
He came to Maa-chan and ask her that did she want to be with Duu in Morning Musume after 10 years from now.
Then Maa-chan said yes because Duu always be by her side for helping her almost everything.
After that the reporter(?) came to Duu and ask the same question.
Duu also said yes and told that Maa-Duu is really great and Maa-chan can't do anything without her.
Too long. :P :cry: XD
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@H!P Shipper: Actually the original was amazing. Amazingly tragic. :lol: I just couldn't live with how amazing it was, and the sadness was heartbreaking...so I wrote my own alternate version. The original really was excellent. Haha. I just wanted my own spin on things!
@Dreamcato: Thanks for commenting both here and there. XD But yeah, I really wanted a happy ending. :lol: The original was so sad, I couldn't take it. Glad you liked it!
@Shiawase: I love MaaDuu too. Really I do. Haha. Thanks for the info! Glad you read and liked it despite the pairing not being your preferred one. :lol: Out of curiosity, what are your preferred new gen pairings? :D
Kay guys I wrote a continuation to that SayaDuuIshi: http://archiveofourown.org/works/745768 (http://archiveofourown.org/works/745768)
Tadaaaaaaa. XD Fluffity fluff to counteract all that angst. :P Enjoy!
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Not my favored pairing, but still adorable. I love how you write Maa-chan, btw. I now have the image of her as a flying squirrel.
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That's good to know then, wish I read Japanese. Lol This sayashi kudo pairing his a bit of a stretch in my opinion but it was still cute ^^ nice fluff lol
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Me? I love MaaDuu. The Lover's quarrel is cute. :wub:
Also RihoKanon, their love come along with respect to each other.
Lately, I have interested in AyuMizuki too. :lol:
Thanks for your hard working, it's cute. I like it. :)
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@rndy: I adore Maachan the hyper flying squirrel. XD More of her again! I actually rather enjoy SayaDuu now after I write them...I convince myself of ships o_O;
@H!P Shipper: Context is important I guess. Tbh I have plans for SayaDuu in my own continuity, not so much the Japanese writer's. It was a fun pairing to explore though~
@Shiawase: MaaDuu is adorable! Though I don't really feel the RihoKanon -- best friends I see, nothing beyond that though. XD AyuMizuki in my head usually has Mizuki preying on the helpless Ayumi... :lol: I'm weird, don't mind me~ And thanks~
And I come bearing fic again~
================================================================
Matching Pair
"Hmm...what hairstyle should I go with this time..."
It was a full day of photoshoots for the girls of Morning Musume that day. Riho was beginning to lose track of how many times she had had to change clothes, fix her hair, and then wait for her turn to be photographed for the official shop photos that were going to be on sale at the new Akihabara Hello! Shop. In between waiting for their turn with the camera crew, the rest of the girls happily played around, snapping shots with their own phone cameras, goofing off like the kids they were.
"You should try something different, Riho! You've got your birthday t-shirt shots today too, right? Give some fanservice with a more moe hairstyle! Like twin tails or something! I'm sure your fans will be happy!"
Eripon, otherwise known as Ikuta Erina, gave her two cents on the subject. Being a wota herself, her professional fan opinion was greatly appreciated by the rest. Next to her, Fukumura Mizuki perked up at the mention of twin tails and nodded.
"Yes yes! Twin tails will look so cute on you, Riho-chan~ You should try it!"
"Ehhhh...but...it's not really me? I mean, I'm not..." Riho protested weakly, waving her comb in front of her. Her nose wrinkled into a reluctant expression as she glanced at her generation-mates.
"Well it's not like you're going to do it ALL the time! It's nice to surprise your fans with a cute image once in a while! Plus since they aren't expecting it, it'd be fun for you too! Special service, one time only~ That kind of thing!"
Eripon argued her case passionately, ending with a fist pump in the air. Mizuki nodded sagely next to her, and Riho eventually caved under peer pressure. It wasn't like it was that embarrassing or anything. It just wasn't her usual image.
It didn't take long to get done, though Riho couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious as she primped in front of the mirror. She usually preferred looking cool over looking cute, so this was a little odd for her. Never mind that a certain leader was constantly cooing over how cute she was. What she wanted to be was something else entirely, of course.
"Sayashi-saaaaaaaaaaaaaan~" An overly excited squeal interrupted the ace's thoughts. She had barely the time to brace herself when the human tornado known as Sato Masaki, or just Maa-chan, collided into her back.
"Ah, Maa-chan, you're done with your shoot?" Riho tilted her head to one side, trying to glance over her shoulder where Maa-chan was currently latched onto her back. She stood up, dragging the excitable 10th gen member with her, even as the PonPon duo laughed and made their way out for their turn with the cameras.
"Mm~! Oh, Ayumin~ Look!!! Sayashi-san and you match!"
Maa-chan waved vigorously at the just-entered Ishida Ayumi, who had just stepped in with Kudou Haruka, both of them in their red Brainstorming outfits. In contrast, Riho and Maa-chan were in blue, and Maa-chan still had her arms around the slightly taller Riho's waist. The hyper 13 year old detached herself from Riho and went straight to her generation mates, jumping around excitedly. The knot of 10th gen girls stopped next to Riho, who was busy fixing her clothes that were rumpled after Maa-chan's tackle.
"Wow Sayashi-san, that's rare! I don't remember seeing you in a hairstyle like this before!" Haruka said, circling around the suddenly shy Riho.
"Ha...Eripon suggested I try something different..." Riho shifted awkwardly, toying with a few strands of her hair. "I don't think it suits me..."
"Haha! But I think it suits you, you look cute!" Haruka grinned and laughed her trademark husky laugh, with Maa-chan by her side also agreeing that "Sayashi-san is cute!". Riho resisted the urge to hide her face and smiled wryly, trying to disguise her inner discomfort with the whole 'cute' thing.
"But really, Ayumin and Sayashi-san are a matching pair now! Hora!" Maa-chan came foward and dragged the two dancers to stand side by side. The two girls glanced at each other, and both chuckled under their breath.
"Red and blue huh...how appropriate." Riho murmured. She glanced over at Ayumi with a raised eyebrow. "You have my red though, Ishida-san~"
"And you have my blue, Sayashi-san." Ayumi shot back, also with a curve of her lips. She tugged at her own twintails, then shyly reached out to Riho's own. "We look like twins again."
"Hmm~ I wonder. Ayumi-chan has dyed hair after all. Ah~ I can't wait to be able to dye my hair too!" Riho groused, puffing her cheeks out.
Ayumi frowned. "I think dark hair suits you though, Sayashi-san."
"Really? But I really want to dye my hair too! It's like...such an adult thing to do." Riho pouted. At the look on her face, Ayumi giggled. Riho scowled.
"What?" Ayumi smiled indulgently back.
"Nothing...just that Sayashi-san doesn't always act her age...so it's nice to see you being yourself..."
"You're making fun of me, aren't you?" Riho poked her older junior in the arm, clucking her tongue disapprovingly. Ayumi giggled again.
"I wouldn't do that!" She paused, then linked arms with the now huffy Riho. "Ne, Sayashi-san..."
"What?"
"Take a picture with me~ Please~?"
Ayumi rested her chin on Riho's shoulder, eyes twinkling as she made her best puppy face for her recalcitrant senior (who was totally younger than her). Riho felt her resolve melt away under the cuteness assault -- was Ayumi-chan wearing lip gloss again today? -- and reluctantly agreed. Ayumi cheered up and handed her phone over to Haruka, who was grinning widely as she stepped back in a professional manner, gesturing for them to pose for the shot. Ayumi continued grinning widely as she clung on to Riho from the back, getting her senior to do a matching pose with her -- since our hairstyles match already!
It was over in a flash, and Ayumi couldn't stop smiling as she got her phone back from Haruka, who wandered away as Maa-chan hollered at her from across the dressing room. Riho shrugged, not quite understanding why her junior was so happy about the shot. Then, Ayumi looked up at her with a shy smile.
"It'll be nice if we could perform like this now, don't you think? Team Blue and Team Red's dance battle, with both of us in twintails..."
"Ah, that should be interesting..." Riho mused. Then she stopped and looked at Ayumi through narrowed eyes. "No."
"Aww, why not?"
"I'm not doing it again."
"But it'll be fun!"
"This is the first and last time."
"It'll be good though...!"
"No."
Riho folded her arms and hid a smirk at the crestfallen expression on Ayumi's face. Then suddenly, her junior brightened, hugging her phone to herself. Riho raised an eyebrow, and the 16 year old grinned.
"That means our double twintail combination is only limited to THIS PHOTO I have~ Ah, I'm so glad I took it~"
"Haaa?" Riho blinked uncomprehendingly. Ayumi giggled, skipping away as her name was called by one of the staff members. Riho stared after her, confused.
"Ayumi-chan is weird..."
That night, Sayashi Riho blogged about her special super-secret-limited-edition hairstyle (but kept said hairstyle a mystery) and went to bed early after her packed day. Barely an hour later, Ishida Ayumi went ahead and uploaded that incriminating two-shot of the double twintail pair look. It wasn't only until AFTER she posted that she checked the 9th gen blog and realized what she had done...
When Riho woke up the next morning, a whole bunch of unread messages was on her LINE messenger...all from one very apologetic kouhai. Bemused, Riho pulled up 10th gen's blog, and promptly facepalmed at the picture staring straight back at her. The following conversation then ensued on LINE:
I'm not angry, Ayumi-chan. But this isn't the first time...!
I'm so sorry Sayashi-san!!! m(_ _)m Forgive me?
Maa, what's done is done. Honestly, Ayumi-chan...
But...I was just so happy we had matching hairstyles...
...eh?
Nothing! Ah, I see your post! I really am sorry!!!
It's alright...well, if you're really sorry, you can make a public apology~
I will! Ah, I have to go now! Talk to you later!
K~~
Riho put her phone away. Ayumi-chan was being weird again. Oh well, at least it kept things interesting? She smiled as started brushing her hair again. Today, a Peaberry event, but more importantly...they had a concert at Hiroshima tomorrow! Her hometown! She couldn't wait!
And no, she wasn't going to do twintails again. Honestly!
====================================================================
:lol: Based on the blog saga between Ayumi and Riho for the last 2 days. XD I laughed so hard at how Riho tries to hide the fact that she did twintails, then Ayumi promptly uploads the pic of it. Next day, Riho is all "..." and posts an "oh well..." kinda post. And later that night Ayumi is all "OMG I'M SORRY SAYASHI-SAN!!!" and is like "but...I was just so happy we had matching hairstyles..."
Yup. Cuteness. XD There, rokun, your SayaIshi. :P
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^ Yay! You finally wrote it! :D
Thank youuuu :heart:
You even got me to look at Riho's last blog post whose contents I wasn't aware of, lol.
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I love sayaishi! somehow I'm really getting into Ayumi lately. Lol PonPon interactions are always fun too. This is awesome, no excuse me while I go check the blogs that I neglect far too often ^^
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I knew it! As soon as I saw the SayaIshi twin tails pic, with the blog posts about such, I knew there would be fanfic material from you! I was like "I wonder if Essy has seen this?" XD You don't disappoint.
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HAHAHAHAHA :lol:
I know you won't miss any cracks in members' blogs, eh? XD
PS. For RihoKanon, just be there together, love without any kind of romantic action. :wub:
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Technically a continuation of the Sayu x Eripon, but can be read as a standalone. I think I'm having way too much fun with this ship. :lol:
=============================================================================
Chocolate and Cream
"I'll have a dark mocha, grande size, with whip cream."
Riho ordered fluently without missing a beat, then turned to her companion, who was eyeing the menu owlishly.
"What about you, Duu?"
"Ehhhh...I'm not sure...um, I'll have that green tea drink?"
Riho looked up at where Haruka was pointing. "Oh, the green tea frappe?" She turned to the barista and ordered. "Do you want whip cream?"
"Um, ok I guess." Haruka scratched at her head awkwardly as Riho paid up for both their drinks, and they walked over to the other end of the counter to wait.
"You come to Starbucks often, Sayashi-san?" Haruka asked as they waited. The boyish girl fiddled with her cap restlessly, one hand jammed in a pocket. Riho had a mask on as usual, since they were out in public and didn't want to run the risk of being recognized.
"Mm, I often get Manager-san to get drinks from me. I get sleepy..." Riho chuckled to herself awkwardly, tugging at the strands of her own long hair. "The cheesecake here is nice too."
"I see..." Haruka scratched at her chin thoughtfully as she studied the milling crowd. "Sayashi-san often goes out alone, right?"
"Haha, how did you know?" Riho quirked an eyebrow at her junior. "Does it show?"
Haruka grinned. "Just that Sayashi-san is so confident ordering and all. Plus you wrote about going out on your own a few times on your blog."
"Oh no no no, you should see me in a restaurant, I can never decide what I want." Riho waved her hands in front of her rapidly. "I'm a regular at Starbucks, so I know what I like already...it does make ordering a little easier." Riho admitted, shoving her hands into her coat pockets.
"Still! You can go out on your own. Haru can't really do that yet...I usually go out with my mama or my friends..." Haruka leaned against the counter with a rueful expression. "Sayashi-san is really awesome, I think..."
"That's not true...! I'm just..." Riho paused, struggling to put her thoughts into words. "I'm...not very good with asking people out...I usually wait for people to ask me out...so I end up going out alone all the time?"
"Oh? In that case...if Haru asks you out next time, you'll go out with me?"
Riho blinked once, suddenly glad that her face mask covered the small 'o' of surprise on her lips. The gears in her mind whirred to life, but she shushed them with a few well placed swats, reassuring herself that Kuduu was just being friendly. Yes, just friendly.
Still, she couldn't help the urge to tease. It would be good revenge for the last time the younger girl tripped her up verbally in front of cameras. Riho could be a bit vindictive like that.
"Are you coming on to me, Kudou-san?" Riho asked haughtily, her eyes twinkling with mirth. She giggled when Haruka actually lost her balance as her elbow slipped off the counter. The younger girl swore softly under her breath when the same elbow banged against the solid wood, wincing as she cradled it close to her body. Riho winced in sympathy, reaching out automatically to steady her junior. Their eyes met when contact was initiated, and Riho felt a strange feeling run up her fingers where they were in contact with Haruka's. Ignoring it, she let go when Haruka straightened, stepping back as the younger girl adjusted her cap on reflex.
"Sorry if I overdid it..." Riho apologized. Haruka shook her head, her cap shadowing most of her face so that Riho could only really see the lower half of her face.
"S'ok..." There was a pause, then Haruka started chuckling lowly as she placed a hand on the back of her neck. "I...didn't expect Sayashi-san to get in one over me."
"I can't let Duu lord it over me all the time." Riho grinned in relief. "I do have some pride as a senpai too, you know."
"Heh, remind me not to underestimate you next time. You really are amazing, aren't you, Sayashi-san?" Haruka looked up, and Riho wondered if it was the lighting that made the girl's cheeks seem a bit more flushed than usual. Probably the lighting, she decided.
"Dark mocha and green tea frappe!" The barista called out, and Riho turned towards the counter.
"Ah, our drinks!" She went forward and collected both cups, handing the green tea frappe over to Haruka. Their fingers brushed over each other's as the cup changed hands, a pleasantly warm sensation over the cold shock of the cup itself. Neither of them said a word as they collected napkins and straws before making an exit from the store.
"This is good!" Haruka exclaimed as she took a tentative sip from her drink. "It tastes like ice cream! Sayashi-san! You should try too!"
Riho turned as Haruka shoved the cup towards her, momentarily forgetting that she still had her mask on, and the straw bumped clumsily against her masked lips and up against her nose, making her splutter. This made Haruka laugh heartily as Riho slid the mask down from her face with a pout, puffing her cheeks out indignantly as Haruka continued to guffaw.
"It's not that funny!" Riho protested, putting one hand against her waist and scowling at her junior. Haruka managed to get herself under control, took one look at Riho's face, and then burst out laughing again. She had to reach out to steady herself on Riho's shoulder as she regained her breath, heaving huge quantities of air in an attempt to re-inflate her lungs.
"Mou..." Riho pouted. Haruka grinned as she straightened, her free hand lifting from Riho's shoulder and moving towards her face. Riho flinched away from the hand on instinct, only to have her junior tell her to hold still.
"There." After a moment, Haruka's thumb swiped across the tip of Riho's nose, making the ace wrinkle it instinctively as she squinted, balling up in a defensive gesture. Had a certain leader been around, she would have squealed over how hamster-like Riho was being. Then it was Riho's turn to flush slightly as Haruka licked her thumb free of the cream she had swiped off her senior's nose.
"Ice cream." Haruka nodded sagely at the taste. Her cheeks were still flushed from the cold and all that laughing from earlier, and she offered her cup again, this time at a respectable distance. Riho rolled her eyes and leaned in to take a sip. It did taste like ice cream...
"It's good..." Riho admitted. Haruka puffed up proudly.
"Right? Ha, Haru has good taste!"
Riho snorted at the confidence, rolling her eyes heavenward as she took a sip of her own dream. Ah, chocolate and coffee~
"Ne, Sayashi-san~ Can Haru try yours too?"
And suddenly Haruka was right next to her, almost wheedling as she zeroed in on the drink Riho was holding. Riho held it away defensively.
"Why?"
"I let you try mine, now let me try yours!"
"What for?"
"Haru is curious!"
Riho sighed and reluctantly held out her cup. Haruka leaned down...only to have Riho yank it away at the last moment with an evil grin on her face. Befuddled, Haruka wondered why Riho had taken to her heels a beat later until it registered what Riho was yelling at her.
"Catch me if you want a taste!"
Haruka barked a laugh out of surprise, then grinned competitively as she started chasing after her suddenly playful senior. She wouldn't lose to anyone at sports, that's for sure! Not even if it's Sayashi-san! She sped up.
She would have a taste or die trying!
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The ending was a bit of a surprise for me. Riho is usually so mature, but she DOES have her playful side. XD I enjoy letting it out to play sometimes. :3
SayaDuu cuteness. :3 Hope you like it, Kuji!
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It's so cute >.< Damn you, I won't like this pairing! :lol:
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Awwwww :wub:
But!!! Agh!! You kill me with SayaDuu :bleed eyes:
川# ｀_〉´)＜No!! Duu is mine!! Only Maa-chan's.
Just kidding :P :lol:
I read almost everything, even not my favoured pairing cracks in 2ch. :lol:
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Though once again, I don't know much about these girls (expect Riho), this was extremely cute :oops:
Yes, the ending was a bit surprise, but it doesn't make it any less cute~
Reading these makes me want to learn more about "the newest" generations! XD
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I can get used to this pairing. Definitely cute! Lol
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Lalala. I should be writing more. But well...
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The Same View
"Sayashi-san."
Sayashi Riho turned away from the glass windows in response to her name. They were in rehearsals for Yaon that day, and she was frankly lathered in sweat after their instructor put them through their paces. The ace wiped her face with a towel as she faced the person who called her.
"Duu? Is there something I can do for you?
Riho eyed her junior, who had by now far outstripped her in height. It was a tad annoying in a way, but it did her no good to pout over it. It wasn't like she was going to get any taller that way...
Not that she wouldn't keep trying to, though. She just wasn't going to talk about it. Yup.
Kudo Haruka was sweating buckets just like her, but where Riho's long hair was plastered against her face and neck (how annoying!), Haruka's short hair was spiky and dripping at the ends, as if she just had a bucket of water tipped over her head. The 13 year old was holding out a bottle of Mitsuya cider to her.
"Here. I thought you'd like some, Sayashi-san."
Riho hesitated. She had been trying to cut down on the soda ever since her manager yelled at her to watch her weight more carefully. 3kg in such a short time...how fearsome...but Mitsuya cider...
The conflict must have shown on her face, and Haruka also hesitated, as if concerned that she had done something wrong. A weird atmosphere rolled in, and it suddenly felt oddly awkward.
"Um...thank you!" Riho said a bit loudly, quickly grabbing the bottle before Duu could withdraw her hand. She felt bad for making things feel odd. It was just one bottle. She just wouldn't have any more that day. Yes. One wouldn't hurt. After all they just had rehearsals...she had burned a lot of calories. It should be fine right?
Haruka looked a tad more relieved after Riho broke the stalemate, and the 10th gen girl brought her own bottle of Mitsuya cider before her and twisted it open. The bottle cap released with a hiss, bubbles frothing at the neck. Riho giggled as she did the same. The two looked at each other, then chimed together:
"Shuwa shuwa pon~"
They clinked bottles. Riho took a swig, and then sighed in contentment. Nothing beat a cold cider after rehearsals!
Opposite her, Haruka was chugging away at the 500ml bottle without taking a breath, and to Riho's amazement, the self proclaimed shounen of the group finished it all in one go, ending with a satisfied "fuwaaahhhh!" as the bottle left her lips.
"You must be really thirsty." Riho commented, her eyes running up and down her junior's figure with a certain envy. It must be nice to have a growth spurt like that, and the fact that Duu never seemed to put on weight...Riho kind of wished she had her legs.
"Ehehehe...maaa, I sweated a lot!" Haruka grinned, her fangs showing prominently. The taller 13 year old shook her head, beads of sweat flying about as she did so. "Ahhh, I need a shower!"
"So do I..." Riho mourned, picking up her hair that had stuck to her face. Most of it had been gathered into her usual side ponytail, but the tail of it was sticking to her neck, and her fringe looked like it had been glued to her forehead. Fortunately she had gotten her fringe trimmed the other day, otherwise she would have been blinded by her own hair.
"Ah...I want to cut it..." Riho mumbled as she swept her hair off her neck.
"You can't do that, Sayashi-san." Haruka blurted out suddenly. Riho blinked.
"Why not?" Then she remembered what the younger girl said the other time. "Ah, Duu would cut her hair even shorter if I did...that would be bad, your hair is short enough as it is!"
"Nn...long hair suits you better, Sayashi-san." Haruka mumbled. Riho chuckled softly.
"Thank you...it's really inconvenient though...it sticks all over the place when I sweat. It's so much easier with short hair like yours, Duu."
"Meh, the sweat drips all over the place like this. I feel like a tap." Haruka grumbled, running one hand through her hair with a grimace. Riho laughed at that, turning back to look out of the window into an already darkening sky.
"What are you looking at? You've been here since rehearsals ended." Haruka asked, joining her senior by the window. Everyone else was talking and playing around and generally making a lot of noise. Riho had been standing on her own, lost in thought until Haruka had approached her with cider. It was unusual, but not unwelcome, and Riho appreciated the gesture as much as she was mildly surprised by it. She would have thought that Duu would be spending more time with her gen-mates or sticking close by Tanaka-san. After all, it wasn't all that long before Tanaka-san would be graduating, and everyone knew Duu adored their cat-like senior.
"Just thinking how near yet so far we are from the people around us." Riho gestured with her bottle, vaguely, towards the blinking lights of the city below them. Blinking neon ads and the fierce halogens of packed traffic competed for dominance in the dying twilight, whilst smudged shadows of people-figures crabbed ant-like across the barely visible landscape, so many stories up.
"I don't understand." Haruka said frankly. Riho smiled, a little gloom creeping into her eyes, or was that the light? Haruka could not be sure.
"I want everyone out there to know of us. To look up and be able to see us. To recognize us. I want Morning Musume to be great again, Duu. We have so much to do to live up to our seniors."
Haruka stared wordlessly at the smaller Riho, who was looking out fiercely at the creeping night, chin lifted in defiance at the task ahead of her. It was at times like this that she felt like, here was the ace of Morning Musume. This was the Sayashi Riho that stood proudly at their head, determined to reclaim glory for the group. It was like a completely different version of the Riho who, when left with her 9th generation mates, laughed and played like the 14 year old girl she was.
Haruka remembered when she first joined almost 2 years ago. Her first impression of Riho had been...unremarkable. Then again, all she saw was the Riho who was with her favourite Kanon-chan, and they had been silly and giggly and nothing at all like the admirable Tanaka-san who always had this palpable aura around her that befitted that of a star. It was only after joining and watching the Sayashi who was a completely different creature the moment it came to work that she slowly came to respect her as a senior and someone to learn from.
2 years on, they had all gelled together as a group. Generation bonds meant that 10th gen tended to stay within themselves (though they sort of adopted Sakura thanks to Maachan), and 9th gen lounged about in pairs or trios or as a full set when work put them together. Yet, Haruka noticed this.
Sayashi Riho always stood apart. By choice or by incident, the girl hovered on the fringe of things, joining in occasionally and staying out just as often. Always watching, always observing. The girl relaxed only around her Kanon-chan, but otherwise she simply sat on the sidelines and bided her time. Time and again when Haruka attempted to make conversation, they would talk seriously about work, but the younger girl always felt a sense of helplessness the moment Riho got introspective. She simply couldn't follow where the older girl went when that happened. It was frustrating to be left behind. More than frustrating, it was almost painful to know that she wasn't at that level.
"Too bad we can't see the stars overhead in Tokyo. It would be pretty, wouldn't it?" Riho mused aloud as she looked up. Then she smiled wryly.
"Maybe we can be the stars that people look up to in this city. Wouldn't it be great, Duu?"
Haruka returned the smile with a grin of her own, ignoring the sudden flutter she felt in that moment. It was so easy to be caught in a moment, and when they both gazed out of the window once more, Haruka felt like she could almost see the same scenery as Riho did.
And it was beautiful.
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Yeahhhh I feel like I'm saving up material to use in between one shots. Took a lot of stuff from various sources.
1) Mitsuya cider. Duu talked about it on a blog post, implication that she had cider with Riho. XD
2) Riho worrying about her weight. It came up somewhere on radio I think. Dunno if she got scolded about it, but she declared that she was going to cut down on cider because it was making her fat. Yeah. XD Let's see how long that lasts.
3) The hair thing. Riho said on dvd mag 51 that she wanted to cut her hair but Duu was like "if you cut your hair I'll cut mine even shorter!", so she gave up on that LOL. XD though, just yesterday, she cut 10cm of her hair...hmm... a follow up to this one shot may be necessary!
4) Duu not getting Riho. DVD mag 47 or 48, I cannot remember. They're talking in one scene, and Riho says something really deep, but Duu was like "I don't get it ._." in this really blunt way. I felt bad for Riho. lol. I feel like this happens a lot.
Anyway, yay SayaDuu~ Aghh I hate the fact that DuuIshi is the more obvious ship and it's hard to be flying a lonely flag....but! I get scraps and I'm happy! ;w; Plus, I create my own canon muahahaha.
Enjoy!
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I'll get on the ship with you. SayaDuu!!! Yeeeeaaahhhh!
This was cute and deep lol
About the hair thing I wish eripon, ayumi and Fuku-chan would dye their hair a different shade of brown, a more obvious shade, you know? But I think the number of members with short hair is just right lol
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Oi~~~~ Oi~~~~ I'm still around here. :lol:
Deep talk with a kid is not help, Riho. :lol:
It's kind of a teenage drama. :wub:
Well, actually it's observable. (for me)
After they become the last year of junior-high school student.
Riho shows more interest in Kanon-chan (but Kanon-chan is so dense to notice it. XD)
I also gets the report from the fan that Riho even show her emotion toward Maa-chan when Maa-chan is around 'her' Kanon-chan. :lol:
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Whoo. What a roller coaster ride to be able to take in all of these at once. Your Sandbox often reminds me of a theme park with all sorts of different rides centered around Momusu. Lol. Essy's Sandbox: the Disneyland of MM fanfic.
As you know, I hardly have had any leisure time for any sort of pleasure reading, much less for a fandom I hold a waning interest for (there, I admit it). Don't get me wrong, I still love MM- it's just that I haven't had the opportunity to acquaint myself with this reset of characters that now make up this group that I love so well.
But halfway into reading here, wow. Newkies, amirite? (http://forum.clubpenguin.pl/customavatars/avatar17259_1.gif)
Anyhow, I was halfway writing about how I found the concept of Riho as a horse breeder hilarious and full of sexy potential. Then I scroll up and remember reading Still a while ago and how it made a great impression on me. Something as obviously personal as this, while largely appreciated by us readers, tends to get glossed over for something easier to respond to and comment on. Unless you're Rndy, or me of course.
It may have been word vomit to purge a writers block for you, but as is with every piece you craft, carries a large part of yourself that I find fascinating.
Do the words come easier with emo pieces like Still or with the ones you construct with the elaborate back stories? How much of Still did you delete, thinking it possibly unfit for public consumption?
Why do idols hold our fascination so? I've been trawling through different idol groups of late via tumblr because it's faster to look at pretty pictures. Even more so than actors or other kinds of celebrity, we are able to empathise best with the Idol. We may not know what it's like to stand in the center facing forward alone as the Ace, but we certainly know of loneliness. Spotlight and glitter aside, being an idol is just another job and we know what that's like. From what we know of them, it is easy to conjecture what they may be going through and put ourselves into their shoes.
This too will pass, the teeny voice of bitter experience whispered. Hold your head up, keep your dignity to the end. You always have yourself. You only have yourself. Last one standing. Always, with you.
This is me. At 14, at 24 and perhaps even now, occasionally. And I realize that while the process of gaining experience was "bitter"- this statement is often laced with pride and self-satisfaction. It feels good to be able to say it. Not that sad after all, really.
And so here ends my self-indulgent rant of questionable maturity, largely due to the presence of pedobear.
If anything else stands out upon re-reading, you can be sure that I will tell you.
PS- I really like the period pieces.
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@grac: I do always miss your insights. Even with the pedobear. XD Sometimes....the words come. It isn't always emo, but the emo pieces are there. They serve a purpose, I imagine. I am not good at articulating my feelings and thoughts, and must filter them through the lens of storytelling. It's my way of processing, I suppose. Idols are terribly convenient for my purposes. I can put them into all sorts of situations. XD I'm glad you like the period pieces, I like those too!
And now, more random AU-ness that popped into my head after too much reading and some introspective thoughts in the shower.
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Bridge
I first met her when she was going to kill herself.
"What are you doing?"
That was the first, probably dumb thing, out of my mouth. Well, you couldn't quite blame me, could you? You see a complete stranger perched precariously on the top of the siding of a bridge, in that nonchalant way only the either very drunk or the very suicidal do, and my highly honed cop instincts (okay, 6 months out of the academy and very much a ground pounder following a routine beat) picked up the noticeable lack of beer bottles, broken or otherwise, around her, as well as the general lack of that telltale alcoholic stink. I might be out of uniform and definitely off duty, but any right thinking citizen would have done something.
Scratch that, any right thinking citizen would have given her a wide berth, assumed she was a delinquent and/or possibly crazy, and may then perhaps stress their faculties long enough to put a phone call in to the police. Let the uniforms do the job, so to speak.
As I might have mentioned, I was a uniform, even if I technically wasn't wearing it at the moment, but a strong sense of civic duty was one of the things that had driven me into the force. It certainly wasn't for the glamour of the job (okay, maybe I did watch too many Hollywood movies and the FBI were cool, dammit), or the crummy uniforms, though the pay was pretty decent and it certainly was respectable enough.
But I am getting distracted. Focusing back on the girl on the railing was top priority. I supposed she might have technically been "disturbing the peace", but then again she wasn't doing anything except sitting there quietly, so trying to bring her in on those charges would be questionable at best. Procedure was very important, and trying to arrest her after she had succeeded in disturbing the peace -- aka thrown herself off the bridge -- would be counter-productive and we would then probably have to invoke yet another department for aid in search and rescue, thus leading to more bureaucratic hassle than any junior officer would want to get involved in.
So diplomacy it was, and my famous tact decided to make an appearance. Blunt honesty did have its moments. This may even have been one of them.
The girl turned her head. It might have been in response to my question; it could also easily have been in response to the wind, that stiff breeze gusting in from the harbour which we faced, the churning black mass invisible beneath the pinpricks of neon on the opposite bank. By chance or design, it was at precisely an angle where the soft glow of the fluorescent lamps that kept the bridge illuminated threw a long shadow across her face, lending something almost theatrically tragic to that countenance. There was something beautifully old noir in the opalescent sheen of her skin, leeched of colour by the dusty white light, highlighted against a grim city background.
And yes, I may have been watching too much film noir. Hey, they were classics!
I resisted the urge to tip my fedora -- not that I had one -- but I managed to shuffle closer without looking like I was doing so. They taught you that back in the academy, how to move closer, or away, from someone in case you needed to jump them in a hurry, or to run the fuck away so you can call for backup. I correctly deduced that I may have to grab and haul her to safety given half a chance, since I didn't quite like the idea of anyone teetering that precariously off the side of a bridge.
Not that anyone else was on this bridge. It made sense. It was evening, dark out, the wind was gusty and the temperature falling rapidly, and the view here, while scenic, was still somewhat in the middle of nowhere. Or to be more precise, in the middle of somewheres, that in-between place between places where you actually go to have a view, or when you return from having one. The occasional taxi zipped past, the buses came on the hour and the last one had just gone by ten minutes ago -- I would know, that was the one I missed, which was why I was walking because I was too cheap for a taxi and figured that the walk would be bracing after an entire day of being trapped in a cubicle filing paperwork. The joys of being a junior constable. I shrugged imperceptibly. At least it had put me in the right spot for once.
"Enjoying the view."
There was my reply, and coming from anyone else it would have sounded curt, even cheeky. From this girl, however, it sounded wistful, contemplative and distant. I might have heard her sigh, but that could have been the wind. I pulled my windbreaker more closely around myself and half-pretended it was a trenchcoat -- let me have my little indulgences, will ya?
"Is it really better up there?"
I asked this tentatively. I did have some tact. There was a ghost of a smile, I could not be sure. Could be a trick of the light, or maybe even the weight of my own expectations.
Moving unobtrusively, I sidled up to the railing, stepping gingerly over a raised little concrete ledge that was perhaps ankle-high and did absolutely nothing except to act as a physical marker to not step over...but was no dissuasion in of itself. There was a little hollow beyond it that was probably some sort of gutter, but I couldn't have sworn to it. I was no engineer, and the only thing I cared about a bridge was whether it was safe to cross it.
In any case this put me more or less next to the mysterious girl, though she was still sitting on the top of the chest-high railing, while I was still behind it. I leaned casually against the barrier, peering over the edge. All around me, the wind guttered fitfully, whistling a mournful welcome. The darkness below seemed to swallow light.
"It feels as if I might just disappear." The girl said suddenly, her voice stronger than it was earlier, but that might have been due to my new proximity. She shifted, the hem of her dress flapping in the wind. I noticed offhandedly that her boots were very nice.
"It's very dark down there." I agreed amiably, mentally calculating whether I could safely wrestle her down onto the right side of the rails. I certainly didn't want to accidentally push her off, or take a dive with her. I wasn't suicidal.
There was an awkward silence afterwards. Well, I felt awkward. The girl seemed to be lost in her own thoughts, staring out into the bay. Her long hair strayed in the wind, and some of it flitted against my face. The faint scent it left was not unpleasant.
I moved minutely closer. She didn't seem to notice. Mentally, I cycled through some of the things I could probably say after man-handling her down from danger. I was fairly sure at this point that I would have to do that, and was positioning myself for such a move. I was still wondering when she spoke again.
"Have you ever wondered if there was at least one place in the universe where you knew you would belong, where you would fit in, without falsehood or appearances, just as yourself?"
I paused. Thought about it for all of five seconds. Then gave my honest, professional opinion.
"I've never thought about it before."
On hindsight, maybe I shouldn't have said that. After all, I had been suspecting that she might have been suicidal, or at least severely unbalanced (pun completely unintended, I swear), so I really shouldn't have been so blatantly insensitive. You really didn't want to antagonize potential hysterics. It could have made things incredibly complicated.
I was lucky though. She laughed.
"Most people don't."
She looked at me. Actually looked at me, instead of the sideways not-really-there kind of glance that I had been on the receiving end of since I had addressed her. I looked back at her with a vague kind of concern, my face knitting into a perplexed expression that matched my current state of mind. She smiled.
"Thank you for being so honest."
I wasn't sure what to say to that. Then she moved, and for half a second I thought she was going to push herself off the bridge before I could do anything, and then I was moving before my mind had even reacted, and the resulting tangle was purely an exercise in physics. Multiple forces were applied in one direction, so the laws of motion were in place.
I hit the ground shoulder-first, and felt something hard impact my nose.
"Ow." My eloquent response.
"Ow." Was the reply I received.
For about two seconds I catalogued the likely places where I would be bruised come next morning. So it didn't quite register on me immediately when the person in my arms started shaking, and my brain didn't quite put together the sound I was hearing with the motion, at least not right away.
She was laughing. Giggling, really. So there I was, on a scabbed over concrete pavement with a giggling female stranger on top of me, and belatedly I realized that my nose was dribbling what could only have been blood. And this girl, a bruise already forming on her forehead, was laughing for gods knew what reason.
So I laughed too. Hey, when you can't beat them, join 'em? Then I wheezed, and sniffled. My nose felt mildly out of joint, and my shoulder really hurt.
"I'm sorry." The girl gasped after a moment, her eyes still dancing with mirth. She had propped herself up by her elbows to look me in the face, and I wondered absurdly for a moment if she was going to kiss me. We certainly were close enough, and I almost shut my eyes again in half a hope that she might.
"Um, will you let me go now?"
Ah. That was when I realized that I still had a death grip around her waist from where I had grabbed her earlier. Flushing slightly, I released her, and she picked herself up awkwardly in the manner of creaking joints and careful hesitation. I appreciated her efforts to not accidentally stab me with the killer heels on her boots. It was a wonder how she managed to even get up onto that railing with heels like those in the first place.
I sat up gingerly, brushing at my nose with the back of one hand. I was right; it came away bloody, and it already felt tender to the touch. Biting back a sigh, I was going to push myself off the ground when a hand was thrust in front of my face.
It was mystery girl, who seemed extremely apologetic about my state (the bloody nose was hard to ignore, pardon the pun). I took her hand -- it was polite to do so -- and she helped me up. I almost didn't want to let go when I stood. Her hand was baby soft and smooth, and I had to resist the urge to rub my thumb against her hand. I didn't want to come across as a pervert, after all.
She was smiling faintly up at me, and now that we were on level ground, it finally registered that she was a lot smaller than me. It wasn't that obvious, what with her heels and all, which left her near eye level with me, but I still remembered how she felt in my arms. I ran a hand through my short mop of hair awkwardly, wondering what to say.
"I'm glad you're okay." I blurted without any finesse. Her lips twitched, and for a moment I thought she might laugh again, but she did nothing of the sort.
"Thanks to you." She gave me another piercing look, a once over that seemed oddly knowing, even smug. It must have been the tilt of her face, or perhaps the shape of her lips...
"You're actually a really cute girl, you know?"
Wait, what? I blinked rapidly, and I was pretty sure my jaw must have dropped in shock. The girl laughed again, then reached out to brush something off my jacket, eyes still twinkling.
"But I like your style, Kudou-kun." The teasing drawl to the suffix was unmistakable, and my ears burned for some reason. Hurriedly, I looked down at my chest. Sure enough, I'd forgotten to take off my name tag. Even so, for her to immediately pick up that I was a girl...
...right. She was on top of me earlier. And I was clutching her pretty tightly. I don't bind my chest or anything, for all that I dress androgynously. It's a matter of personal choice. With my boyishly short hair, husky voice and practical mannerisms, most people just take me as a boy at first glance. I didn't really bother to correct them in any case, and it was fun to play along sometimes. I wasn't gay or anything, but it was still fun to tease girls who thought I was a good-looking guy.
"Um." My oh-so-eloquent response. What do you say in such a situation?
"Thanks?"
She smiled again, her cheeks dimpling in a way that made me want to pinch them. I liked her better when she smiled. Beautiful as she was earlier, tragic in the waning light, I much preferred it when she was smiling as she was doing right now. I found myself grinning along unconsciously, that boyishly charming one that my friends had scolded me countless times before for unleashing on poor unsuspecting girls. Well, I didn't do it on purpose!
"You should go home, it's late."
I said even as I noticed her shiver, attired as she was only in that black sleeveless dress. Without really thinking about it, I shrugged off my windbreaker and wrapped it around her, to her surprise as she looked up at me with startled eyes.
"You look cold." I offered lamely, jamming my hands into the pockets of my jeans.
"...thank you." Her voice was soft, and I had to strain to hear it over the howling wind. I could smell the ice on it, and I shuffled from one foot to another, feeling the cold stabbing at me through my shirt.
She was saying something, and I had to step closer to hear her. Caught the ends of the sentence "...return it to you?" and surmised the rest of her question.
Pulling out my phone, I noticed how she nodded without me saying anything. I suppose it was an unspoken code of sorts; we exchanged numbers through infrared.
"What's your name?" I asked distractedly as I tried to type with numbed fingers. She looked up from her own screen, the backlit glow shrouding the outlines of her face.
"It's Sayashi. Sayashi Riho."
I hesitated over the name, and she must have seen it, because she stepped up next to me, taking my phone to input the right characters with a wry grin, as if she had done this a million times before. She probably had too, when she returned my phone to me and I looked at the new entry. I had never seen this family name before.
"And you are Kudou...?"
"Haruka. Kudou Haruka. It's nice meeting you, Sayashi-san."
"The same."
I avoided asking her what she was doing up there on the railing, and she seemed grateful for my deliberate oversight. Instead, we walked across the length of the bridge, each passing the another in opposite directions; her towards the city, me away from it. I did not turn to look at her retreating back, and I wager she did not turn to look at mine.
We could have passed each other like this a million times before and never known it, but for this chance encounter. Now she knows my name, and I know hers, and the world seems smaller for it, one more connection made out of the hundreds and thousands of free floating individuals moving on our own personal orbits, close enough to touch but never intersecting.
She may call me to return the jacket, I do not know when this will happen. I know that I would not call her. I liked the jacket, but was resigned to its loss should she never contact me again. After all, I did not know her. I had her number, saved in my phone. Her name, carved into memory. Sayashi, an unusual name. It would be an interesting story to tell over drinks and dinner, the next time I met my friends. The story about the girl I met on the bridge, who may or may not have been about to kill herself, and my timely (?) rescue. My friends would chortle, call me a Casanova (they do enjoy teasing me about my white knight complex with cute girls), and then all would be forgotten after the next round of drinks.
Or would it?
=================================================================
Testing myself a little. I haven't written anything description heavy in a long time. I still didn't go too heavy on it this time, but well...gotta work that old muscle. Just a little tale spun from the recesses of my head. I can still write. I can. Gotta keep my hand in...
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This was... Cute? XD You and your SayaDuu complex. I like it though, and the descriptions were wonderful, as always.
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I like it. So much.
I hope Sayashi returns the jacket.
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SAYADUU Is so cute!!
I loved the description!
Can't wait for your next update!
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I've been reading most of your work in this collection and it's been a slow process hahahaha. There are so many pages to go through! /solateinthegame/
From what I've read so far (including the most recent ficlet) I really like the way you use descriptors. Everything is set up nicely as things are described. One can imagine what's going on quite well. With that being said, I like to read dialogue just to visualize how the other person would react or respond. Description and dialogue have that delicate balance that is never really balanced per se. One can go so heavy on description and suddenly a one-liner is enough to balance it out.
I can't really say much more since I have to finish reading the rest of this collection. Thanks for writing :)
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I like to pretend I can write sometimes.
=================================================
Doodle
"Ah! Yasushi-san is sleeping~"
"Sh! Maachan, not so loud!"
"Well Sayashi-san is a pretty heavy sleeper...and she really is cute when she's like this..."
"See, Ayumin! Even Harunan says so!"
"Mou..."
Ishida Ayumi resisted the urge to slap her forehead with her palm as the hyperactive Maachan made a round around the chair where Sayashi Riho, their 9th gen senpai, was dozing peacefully. Her upper lip quivered with every exhale, making a sound not unlike that of a tiny animal.
"But...she really is cute..." Ayumi admitted grudgingly, leaning over her dance rival. At that moment, she heard a shutter snap and looked up to see Harunan wave at the posing Maachan, who was making a peace sign at the phone the oldest 10th gen member was holding.
"Nice shot, Maachan! Ah, Duu, there you are!"
"Duuuuuu!" The bundle of energy known as Sato Masaki bounded over to her partner in crime. "Do you have a pen or something?"
"Unn, I have a marker from the stuff they made us write earlier...what's going on? The 'little brother' of Morning Musume looked easily over the top of Maachan's head. "Ah, Sayashi-san is...oi, Maachan, my marker!"
"I'm just borrowing it! Ah, Duu, you wanna try too?"
"What are you...wait, Maachan!" The Hokkaido girl's marker was poised over the sleeping Riho's face.
"Sayashi-san is my rival so I'm going to launch a sneak attack! You wanna join in too, Duu?"
"Ehhhh? But Sayashi-san will be angry with us..." Duu seemed torn between interested and reluctant. Maachan grinned exuberantly.
"It's ok! Yasushi-sun forgave me the last time! Yassan is a good person! She'll forgive Duu too!" In her excitement, Maachan continued to happily mangle her pronunciation of Riho's name. Everyone had gotten used to it by then anyway, so they ignored that little faux pas.
"Of course it's not ok!" Ayumi cut in firmly, cuffing the younger half of 10th gen soundly. "You can't do something so outrageous to a senpai! Harunan! Help me out here!"
Haruna walked over while rummaging around in a pouch. "Maachan, you can't use a marker on Sayashi-san's face...here, use this instead."
"Eyeliner?" Duu raised an eyebrow, then pounded one fist into an open palm. "Ah, good idea Harunan! Sankyu!'
Ayumi was in shock. "Harunan, you too?"
The older girl shrugged. "It's better than using a marker. At least that eyeliner is washable...hey you two, don't overdo it!"
"Harunan, do you have a different color?"
"Hai hai...here, take the whole pouch."
Ayumi couldn't believe her eyes. Stunned speechless, she could only watch as the troublesome pair hovered over the still peacefully sleeping Riho (how could anyone sleep through something like that?) to begin their 'work of art', with Harunan hovering behind their backs snapping photos of the process. The only sane one of 10th gen was about to turn and leave, washing her hands off the entire situation, when Maachan suddenly snared an arm of hers.
"Anumin! Don't you want to join in?"
"HUH?"
Maachan grinned disarmingly.
~*~*~
Omake
~*~*~
"So you see, Mizuki...ah, Riho's over there."
"Oh that's right, Riho-chan's sleeping again..."
"Well considering she was actually on time for the Oha Star recording, she must really have worked hard to wake up this morning."
"That's true...ah!!!"
"What is it, Mizuki!"
"Riho-chan's face..."
"What's so...whoa! Seriously? Oi Riho, wake up!"
"Nnn...?"
"Oi. Sleepyhead. Wake. Up." Shake shake.
"Ah, it's only Eripon..."
"What do you mean, it's 'only' me?"
"Hora, you two, don't start arguing again."
"Fukuchan..."
"Oi, stop clinging on to Mizuki..."
"Fukuchan's nice and soft...zzz..."
"She's sleeping again..."
"We can't just leave her here, can we?"
"Why not?"
"Eripon!!!"
"It's fine, it's fine! Kanon-chan's somewhere around, we can leave it to her~"
"Un...that's true, but..."
"Just leave her alone. It's not like it can get any worse..."
"Alright..."
Silence as Erina helped Mizuki to free herself from the sleeping Riho's deathgrip.
"Ne, Eripon."
"Wha, Mizuki?"
"You won't let anything like that ever happen to me right?"
"Of course not! I'll protect you!"
"Fufu."
"Don't ever leave my side, ok?"
"Un. Eripon will always be with me too, right?"
"You don't even need to ask."
Hand in hand, the PonPon combi walked away, leaving their gen-mate to her fate...
===============================================================
Inspired by this recent photo: http://imgbox.com/acnnv8b2 (http://imgbox.com/acnnv8b2)
So. Much. Material. I've got a lot of raw material to work with, but no motivation to write. Heh. Here's a little something though...
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Hyper active Maa-chan... I can say goodbye to my abs and face muscles, lol. Hadn't my friend sat opposite of me when I read this, I would have laughed out loud :lol:
Poor Ayumi, trying to protect Riho from her over energetic kouhais. I wonder did Maa-chan manage to coax her to draw on Riho's face lol XD
And that image at the end... Is that Riho??!! Oh my lols :lol:
Nice update~ I really enjoyed it.
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I seriously cracked up. Maa-chan fooling around and going “it’s okay, she’ll forgive me”. I think it’d be hard not to forgive her, she’s too cute and innocent looking.
Lol Haruna, nice one.
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Poor Riho XD everyone here is so evil~ (except good girl Daiishi)
"Fukuchan's nice and soft...zzz..."
Yup XD
PonPon~
Thanks for the update :)
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I love it ~! XD I would give anything to have been a fly on the wall at that time.
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So I'm really really excited for MM's new musical, Lilium. In case nobody saw the promo pics, here they are:
(http://i.imgur.com/FAEvjtD.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/AZTl9dt.jpg)
So, I wrote a really short piece based on these images because...well...I needed to break my writer's block. :x
===================================================
By Moonlight
"A chopstick, Fukumura? Really?"
A hint of a smile touched thin lips as Sayashi Riho flexed her wrist, snapping the slender stick in a twist. The jagged half she brought in front of her face, half shadowed in moonlight from the open windows.
A quiet titter from the lurker in the shadows, and a sensuous figure sauntered into the line of light, towering over the slighter figure of the white clad girl by the window. Leaning in close, she hovered near the ear of the shorter girl, her smile touching the shell of Riho's ear as she blew lightly into it.
"Always so serious, Riho-chan."
Midnight hair fluttered in the shell-white of lunar light. The two girls were close, intimately so, even. One pale hand rose, still clutching the broken half of chopstick, and with a casual seeming move, twirled a handful of ebony hair into a simple twist, sliding the broken implement in like a mockery of a hairpin.
"If only you could be so decisive about those pesky hunters when they come after us too..."
There was a whimsical note to those words, barely concealing the hidden edge. Riho catches the equally pale wrist of the girl who was still holding her, stopping the jagged edge of chopstick a bare centimeter away from piercing her neck.
"Enough, Mizuki. Stop playing."
Firm words, but her tone was bored. As if she had seen this all before...which she had.
"But I'm always serious, Riho-chan."
The smaller girl turned in the half embrace, locking gazes with the taller girl. Wills clashed in the staredown, before Mizuki shuddered almost visibly, her arm falling slack in Riho's still iron grip. Her fuller lips fell open to reveal a hint of sharpened canine -- unnaturally so, gleaming by moonlight. A hand clasped her chin gently though firmly, one thumb tracing the outline of those slightly parted lips, teasing them even further open to press against the exposed fang, coaxing an incoherent moan from the full figure before her.
"You have such perfect skin, Mizuki. Don't make me mar it."
An almost imperceptible nod, and the broken chopstick clattered to the ground. Almost as silently as she had come, Mizuki fled back into the dark, leaving Riho to stand alone, face shadowed with her back to the window. Slowly, she raises her thumb to her face, watching as a bead of black dyed blood wells up from the pinprick on it, leached of colour in the dark.
She presses the thumb against her own mouth, letting the dark red rouge her lips as she traces them, turning back to gaze back into the garden of lilies outside her window, white beckoning to white above. A sibilant tongue follows after the action, licking the liquid life off her thin lips. By moonlight, her canines flashes even more brilliantly than the softer white of the lilies outside.
==============================================
Yip. Vampires wheeeee. Loving the concept.
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I'm not stopping.
==================================
Ill Met By Night
The crunch of leaves made Oda Sakura turn her head sharply to stare at the interloper, but her raised hackles lowered when she saw that it was only one of her brethen. The newcomer greeted her with a lazy smile, the fingers of one hand coming up idly in a half wave.
"Yo, Sakura. I see you're still...eating."
Sakura ignored the newcomer, turning back to her still weakly struggling meal. She did always prefer her food fresh, so to speak. More leaves rustled as her companion came to squat down beside her, the short hair flopping forward into twinkling eyes as she eyed the last throes of the doomed prey.
"You broke his legs?" An eyebrow quirked up at the younger vamp, who had her teeth locked around a major artery at the moment, finally putting the poor creature out of his misery.
"He ran." There was a pause before this statement, as Sakura detached herself, mouth still bloody, a satisfied look like the cat who got the canary on her face. She turned to blink slowly at her companion, who still looked completely unruffled by the scene. In fact, she seemed morbidly amused by the circumstances.
"You did always like a chase, eh, Sakura?" This only drew a predatory grin across bloody fangs.
"Kudou-san." She pointed vaguely at the corner of her mouth, making the short haired girl wipe across her own mouth with the back of one hand. Red came off, but in a different shade and consistency from the freshness that dripped from Sakura's lips.
"Ah, thank you. Though you really shouldn't talk, Sakura. You're such a messy eater." Kudou Haruka flashed a charming grin, the kind that made people weak at the knees and throw themselves, regardless of age or gender, at her. Sakura would have blushed, but she preferred blood in her stomach, not on her face, and settled for licking her lips instead.
"That's not blood though, is it?" Sakura dusted herself off as she straightened, barely sparing a glance at the useless hunk of flesh that lay on the ground, a mangled mess so fresh, flies hadn't started to gather yet. Haruka rose with her, a self satisfied smirk gracing her elegant features.
"No, it is not. I quite prefer my food to come to me, if you get my meaning."
"Was she very pretty then?" Sakura inquired politely. Haruka smiled.
"Oh yes, she was."
========================
Haha.
-
I should sleep at some point.
====================================
Rhapsody by Moonlight
"Oh, Ayumi-chan, you're still awake?"
This close to dawn, any sun-fearing vampire would have retreated to their underground fastness, awaiting the return of a cooler light by which they could hunt. Instead, Ishida Ayumi sat by the grand french windows with curtains drawn, training a piercing gaze at the far edge of the estate, where the gates were. A half-full glass of something viscous steamed next to impatient fingers drumming a rapid staccato against the solid oak of the table.
"Fukumura-san." A greeting bland as the expression on her face, though Ayumi managed to form a smile when she tore her gaze away from the window to look up at the older vampire. Mizuki slid gracefully up to her, scooping up the abandoned glass with a flourish as she inhaled deeply, as any connoisseur would to a particularly fine vintage.
"Still fresh, I see?"
A short scream pierced the air, but neither girl flinched. Ayumi inclined her head to the door on the far side of the room, as if that was all the explanation needed.
"Suzuki-san brought me some just a while ago."
Mizuki tipped the glass against her lips daintily, taking an exploratory sip. Both of them ignored the high pitched giggling that followed the screaming, and Ayumi went back to staring out of the window.
"Waiting for someone?" Mizuki asked blithely, settling herself across from Ayumi, still cradling the glass, now much diminished, in a perfect pale hand. Her high-collared dress hugged her voluptuous figure in flattering ways, and every motion only served to accentuate her charms, though Mizuki preferred to remain entirely covered up. More for the imagination, she would reply if you were ever to ask her. Ayumi, predictably, did not. Her own dress was of a more normal cut, though tightly laced corsets provided the illusion of curves where there were none. Still, her petite figure conjured a doll-like vulnerability that drew certain kinds of people like moths to a flame. Different brushes, different strokes.
"They're late." Ayumi replied flatly, though her expression changed not a whit. Always so in control, Mizuki smiled, lips curling up to reveal a fang. The older vampire rested her chin on one raised arm, elbow balanced perfectly on the edge of the table as she studied her junior.
"Perhaps Haruka-chan found someone new to play with again?"
There was just the smallest tightening of skin around that tiny mouth with its full lips, but the flash of emotion was almost indecipherable before it faded back into placid indifference. Away in the next room, the shrieks had died down to barely discernable whines and whimpers of one who had little strength left to cry out.
"She always gets...distracted." Ayumi cleared her throat briefly, letting her gaze wander. "Or perhaps Oda-chan did. She has a lot less...self control than the rest of us."
"Not as little as Maa-chan, though."
Both girls paused as the booming sounds of the pianoforte echoed through the mansion, a cascade of resounding notes speeding with mad genius across scales and painting in all the colours of music, ready to uplift in one moment, or crush to impossible depths in the next second. It was almost like being alive again, in memory if not spirit.
"Maa-chan knows perfectly well what she is doing, I think."
Ayumi quipped, sharing a wry glance with Mizuki, who allowed herself an enigmatic smile as she downed the rest of the glass, making a small face at the aftertaste.
"You don't think she still has any left by now...?"
The music screeched to an end in a calculated cacophony, threatening to burst eardrums. It almost masked the definitively final shriek of the poor victim for which the dirge was being played. Ayumi shrugged.
"Not anymore, I don't think."
==================================
Goodnight.
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Thanks for the update! ^^
Her own dress was of a more normal cut, though tightly laced corsets provided the illusion of curves where there were none.
Ouch XD
AyuDuu? It's been a while X)
It's such a pity Sayu, Honey and Eripon aren't part of the musical >_<
Because Sayu as vampire... XD
Glad you're back!
I have a slighty off-topic question, are you planning to continue writing Tokyo Runner? I just read it and I love it XD
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Long time no see, Estrea :inlove:
Don't know why I clicked into here, but now I am. :grin:
The concept of vampires made me feel so excited. :twisted:
It's not only MM'14, but also S/mileage too. :inlove:
Your story made me nosebled this time. :wub:
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@Baekshim: Thanks for reading! Haha well Sayu as a vampire might be too dangerous XD Probably a good thing she isn't involved, tbh. As for Tokyo Runner, I actually want to scrap some parts of it to rewrite because I get irritated at my own writing a lot. ^^; having a serious writer's block though, so i haven't actually been doing much writing until now. :/ Will update when I feel able to!
@Shiawase: Hi hi, it's been a while! :D Glad to see you too! I love vampires and this really made me want to write again! :D
Ok guys, I posted again!
http://archiveofourown.org/works/1470244 (http://archiveofourown.org/works/1470244)
Go, read, enjoy!
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oh estrea-san, sorry for the late visit... it's been long since you last updated, the habit of checking your threads faded some time
but i'm so glad to come back today, you updated! you did! yattaa~!!!
Hihi, you do really like writing 'bout vampire stories. I like reading them.
Will you update again?
Always waiting :)
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＠aya-chii: I'm so sorry I was away for so long :/ I had a major drought creatively and work was horrible. Haha. BUT MY SPARK IS BACK. Please continue to be patient with me! m(_ _)m
Well then! In honor of Sayu's grad announcement...!!!!
==============================================
I'm Not Crying
Everyone was crying.
No, Michishige-san wasn't. She was comforting a sobbing Maachan, who, somewhat unusually, wasn't wailing at the top of her lungs. Instead, the "child" of the group clung stubbornly to our leader, face buried in the front of the her shirt, as if Michishige-san might disappear any moment.
Behind them, Oda-chan stood just a little apart, wiping at her face with her palms, obviously holding back the loudest of the sobs, but her eyes were already red-rimmed, and her nose sniffled with each wheezing breath.
Almost immediately next to her, a huddle of the remaining 10th gen girls was in position. Harunan's eyes were bloodshot, but she seemed to be holding together better than expected, and was comforting the bawling pair of Ayumi and Duu in her arms. Earlier, those two had tried to cling onto Michishige-san as well, but Maachan had proved to be fiercely territorial and they had to retreat for the moment, finding comfort in the thin but still reliable arms of the subleader.
Speaking of subleaders...eyes swivelled across to where the other one was. Mizuki was hugging Kanon-chan, tears welling in her own eyes as Kanon-chan huddled in her arms. Mizuki was so occupied with soothing Kanon-chan that she didn't even look up to meet my gaze, and I bit my lip stubbornly as I looked away...
Only to see Riho, who was leaning against the wall just off to one side of Mizuki and Kanon-chan, staring into the distance with a blank expression on her face. By chance, our eyes met, and the heavy weight in our hearts were reflected in our mutual gazes.
Without really discussing it, I joined her by the wall, and she scooted over to make space for me, the two of us in a corner of the room.
"9th gen's going to be on top huh?"
Unusually, it was Riho who broke the silence first. Usually, she'd wait for someone else to do it. But this was hardly a usual time, was it?
"We're going to be the daisenpai. Amazing eh?"
My reply was a bit less smug than you would have imagined if I were to say something like that, but you know, circumstances.
"12th gen is coming in soon too."
That was Riho. All business. Both of us continued staring at the opposite wall, neither looking at each other nor at the other members.
"Riho. You're not gonna cry?'
"Isn't that what I should be asking you, Eripon?"
We both laughed quietly, choked little affairs bordering on hysteria. My fists were clenched by my sides, shoulders stiff. The opposite wall was a very interesting blur.
"Eri's not gonna cry anymore."
"Un."
"We're gonna be on the top and all."
"Un."
"So we gotta lead the rest."
"Un."
"..."
"..."
"Eri's not crying at all."
"...sure. You're not."
"...that's all you're going to say?"
"No one's watching, no point tsukkomi-ing you."
"You're...right..."
"Eripon."
Riho's hand slipped over my clenched fist. Her hand was trembling slightly too, and even though I didn't look over, I knew she was almost at her limit. I opened my fist and allowed her hand to slip into mine.
"I'm not crying too."
"Un."
"I'm the ace, I have to face forward."
"Un."
"That's why...that's why..."
Riho halted, her throat seizing up as she swallowed hard, head bowed slightly. Her hand was very small in mine.
"We're not crying."
I said for both of us, squeezing her hand in comfort. She squeezed back.
After all, what's a couple of white lies between generation mates?
=====================================================
Lies. You're both bawling and everyone knows it.
*crawls away into corner to cry*
-
Wrote a quick little fic on the train after being inspired by a feudal era story.
========================================================
Hidden in Maple
A long shadow fell over the bruised face of a battered thug, who squinted through a barely open slit of his swollen eye, flinching away at the outline. Or well, as best as he could, with a sandaled foot placed on his chest.
"Oi, you alive?"
Uneasy squirming, but that was answer enough in itself. The unknown warrior grunted, lifting the foot crushing the man's chest and turning to look at the rest of the clearing.
It was a scene of carnage, if somewhat lacking in blood. Men in rough clothing lay in crumpled heaps, the tools of their villainous trade shattered scraps of metal. Most had been badly beaten, but no skin was actually broken, the only blood coming from broken noses or teeth. The only one still conscious was the poor sod this passing warrior had stepped on earlier, but as far as she could determine, none of the bandits were actually dead. Broken bones and rearranged features, certainly, but no fatalities thus far.
"And so the Swordless Wanderer strikes again eh?"
The warrior looked up, both hands slung casually over the daito resting against the back of her neck. As a girl, she could not be officially recognized as a samurai, but in these troubled times there was always work for a good hand with a sword, and Ikuta Erina was no slouch with the long blade she carried. To be honest, she was probably even stronger than the average samurai, since her daito was longer and gave her more reach over a regular katana. And if they ever got within her striking range...
The twin wakizashi at her waist would account for themselves. She usually used them for indoor combat since swinging around a long blade was inconvenient in closed areas, but she could wield daito and wakizashi in each hand if it came to that. The rippling muscles in her biceps were a mute statement of her dedication to arms. Tiny light scarring could be seen on her arms and hands, the mark of an experienced warrior who had yet to suffer serious injury in real combat, and whose mistakes were small and infrequent.
The only deep scar on her was covered partially by headband and fringe, physical reminder of a flung dagger that narrowly missed her eye and gouged a fair path past temple and beyond. Half blinded by blood and pain, Erina was glad she had managed to cut down the last man attacking her before passing out. It was a blessing the blade hadn't been poisoned, or she wouldn't be here now. As a reminder of that incident, she had shorn off her long locks and tied a thin strip of cloth around her forehead to keep her fringe out of her eyes. The result was a vaguely masculine, even dashing appearance, a fact Erina was not shy to take advantage of when the occasion arose. Loveable rogues scored better deals with young ladies, and sometimes, not so young ladies. As a wandering mercenary, saving on coin was always a wise choice whenever possible.
And now, her assignment had been completed by this vexing Swordless menace. The local lord had tasked her to rid the woods of the marauding bandits, and she had tracked them for days, only to find that someone had beaten her to the punch. It wasn't even that this mystery warrior was trying to steal her business, since whoever they were, they had only beaten up the bandits and nothing else.
Well, almost nothing else. A quick rummage around the crude campsite revealed that neither coin nor food were left, and there was even a smouldering flame in the firepit when she had first arrived. It was as if the mystery person had come, beat everyone up, took their rations, cooked and eaten, then left with the money plundered...right before Erina had stumbled in on the scene.
It was almost vexing to see how casual this mystery warrior was about the whole thing. Erina had heard talk of the Swordless Wanderer before, but had dismissed it as idle chatter...until now. Seemed like there really was a wandering warrior out there capable of beating up on a dozen bandits without drawing a sword.
It was almost insulting to Erina's professional pride, but she swallowed the instinctive indignation and squared her shoulders instead. She might not have had to draw her daito today, but the day would still see blood yet. The lord had demanded proof of the bandits being eliminated, and Erina always finished her jobs.
"Well, whoever you are Swordless, you sure made things easier for me today. I'll buy a beer and drink a toast to ya after I get paid for this!"
Whistling a cheery tune, Erina put down her daito and drew the little knife tucked at her waist instead. A little blade for a little task...
The men weren't smiling when it was over, but a grisly grin yawned wide across every throat, and Erina hummed to herself as she heaved the bloody pack of severed ears that would serve as proof for payment.
Just another day in the war torn fiefdoms. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do to survive, after all.
=================================================================
Eripon is my favorite shonen hero.
-
*wanders in sleepily* Hi everyone.
=================================================
Dilemma
"Harunan, do you have a moment?"
The older girl looked up from her phone at the youngest in their group, who was scratching at her head and scuffing one foot awkwardly against the ground.
"Of course, what's the problem?" The 19 year old hurriedly finished off her text and sent it off, before turning it face down and putting it on her lap, folding her hands primly over it. Haruka shrugged and flopped down on a chair next to Haruna, taking a quick glance at the mirror to fix her fringe before resting her chin on folded arms on top of the back of the chair. Haruna grinned at the unconscious vanity Haruka displayed, knowing that if she were to point it out, the younger girl would hotly deny it. Ah, to be young...
"Lately...Haru feels kinda weird." The boyish girl confessed, eyes trained on Haruna's lap for no particular reason. Her shoulders seemed to slump a little, her lips drawn into a thin line as she considered her next words. Haruna said nothing, simply waited for the younger girl to get to the point. As the oldest of 10th gen, and also as subleader, she felt a keen duty to watch over the rest, particularly her own gen-mates. Haruka might not come to her often, but it was a show of trust when she did, and Haruna was determined to not let her younger colleague down.
"Like...Haru doesn't really want to talk to someone." Haruka's face was drawn into a grimace. "I want to...but I don't at the same time. I feel really irritated and just want to walk away instead, but it'd be rude and I can't do that so..."
"Is it one of the members?" Haruna asked tactfully, already half-aware of who the younger girl might be referring to. There weren't that many of them, and Haruna was fairly observant herself. Haruka jerked a little, an instinctive lie on her lips, but her eyes flicked up and saw the expression on Haruna's face, and she scowled in response instead. Haruna smiled beatifically.
"Well, yeah." The admission was grudging, but Haruka knew there wasn't much point in lying to someone who already knew who she was talking about.
"Duu has been talking to Suzuki-san a lot recently." Haruna observed offhandedly, though she kept a careful eye on the younger's reactions. At the mention of Suzuki Kanon, their senpai from 9th gen, Haruka seemed to relax a little, an easy smile lightening the cloud hanging over her face.
"It's easy talking to Suzuki-san. She's funny and there's no stress around her at all." Haruka sat up a bit straighter, one shoulder raised in a half-shrug. "Haru can talk freely and be myself."
"So much so that our senpai is going all doki-doki over you, ikemen-san~" Haruna teased. A light blush coloured the girl's face, but it was washed away by the somewhat triumphant smirk that followed instantly.
"Haru's gotta show her best side at all times!"
"Well let's see, we have Takagi-chan, Suzuki-san, some of the Kenshuusei and who knows how many others...Duu sure is popular." Haruna ticked off the candidates who were known to fawn over their resident ikemen on her fingers. She then lowered her hand, looking seriously at the her gen-mate.
"But there's someone you can't talk to."
It was like drawing an instant fog over sunny skies. Haruka scowled, lips curling into a retort.
"It's not like I can't talk to her. I just...don't want to."
"But you said you wanted to just now." Haruna reminded her. The tomboy glared back.
"It's just...not the same, ok?" Haruka took a breath, as if about to say something, then let it out as a sigh instead. "We talk just fine. It's the same as always. Nothing's changed..."
"But...?" Haruna prompted, making a 'go on' gesture with one hand. Haruka sighed again.
"That's what's weird. Nothing's changed at all...but it's like...everything's different." Haruka's shoulders slumped, her gaze falling back down to somewhere near Haruna's knees instead. "We're just talking normally and everything's fine and then I'll just feel...irritated. Even though there's no reason to. It's stupid! I don't even know why! And I don't like it!"
The last few statements came out louder than intended, and it was probably for the best that there wasn't anyone else with them in the room right now. Haruka subsided a little after her outburst, muttering a quick 'sorry' and staring at a spot on her chair instead, her face set in a difficult expression.
Haruna put on her most patient face -- this was a difficult age for the younger girl, she knew -- and tried a different tack.
"Are you irritated with her then?
Haruka's head whipped up. "What? No!" The look of instant outrage faded into bafflement under Haruna's steady gaze. "I'm not...it's just...frustrating."
"What is?"
"Everything!" Haruka burst out, throwing up her hands in frustration. "There's just...nothing."
"Haruka-chan." Haruka blinked. Haruna rarely used her name, unless she was being serious.
"If you want me to help you, you're going to have to be honest with me. Now," Haruna looked squarely at the younger girl in the eye. "Do you dislike this person?"
Haruka frowned. "Of course not."
Haruna nodded to herself; she had expected no less. She had to proceed carefully though.
"Does talking to her make you nervous?"
"Not...really." Haruka rubbed at her chin thoughtfully. "It can be pretty fun sometimes, but..."
"But...?" Haruna prodded. Haruka's face contorted again.
"It's just...not enough."
The words came out a bit grudgingly, as if the boyish girl loathed to say them. Haruka had her nose scrunched up as she scowled, mostly at herself this time. "Haru's being weird, right?"
"Well, not really. Sometimes we just want to talk to a person more. It happens." Haruna explained cheerfully, the buzzing of her phone on her lap going ignored for the moment.
"You're not gonna get that?" Haruka nodded at the phone. The subleader smiled.
"It's ok, it's probably just a text from Aya-chan. She'll understand."
"That's nice. You two are close." There it was, that note of envy barely concealed. Haruna repressed a smile.
"You're close to Takagi-chan too aren't you? You guys flirt around all the time. It can make a girl jealous~" Haruna teased again in a singsong voice, making Haruka flush again.
"We're just playing around! But...I admit...it's nice to have that kind of attention."
"That's because Duu is a narcissist after all~"
"Harunan!!!"
"What, you know it's true." The older girl grinned at the younger, who simply pouted with burning cheeks.
"So maybe you want that kind of attention from Sayashi-san, right?"
The bomb was dropped with hardly any aplomb, but the effect was near-instantaneous. Haruka went pale, then red, shifting from shock to embarrassment before settling on a kind of conflicted dejection.
"S'not possible." It came out in a halfhearted mumble. "S'not what she wants..."
"Oh?" Despite the obvious waves of what looked suspiciously like despair rolling off her younger gen-mate, Haruna found that she was enjoying herself. Did that make her a bad person? She shook off the thought and focused on the situation. She had teenage angst to defuse at the moment.
"I'm not...well, I'm just her kouhai. That's all there is to it." The note of resignation was heavy in her tone. Haruna sighed internally.
"Sayashi-san does like you, you know."
"I'm not like Mizuki-chan though..." Haruka said absently, referring to the other subleader with offhanded casualness. Her familiarity with her former friend from the Eggs was usually ruthlessly crushed under the need for formality at work, but in moments like this the endearment still slipped out unconsciously. Privately, Haruna thought it was cute that Duu was trying so hard to be a grown-up, when it would have been so much easier for her to be a child. Maybe not quite as child-like as Maachan perhaps, but it would probably make the girl happier...or at least less stressed. Then again, the struggle to be taken seriously as an adult was part of what made Duu endearing after all! Haruna nodded to herself.
"You want Sayashi-san to be affectionate with you like she does with Fukumura-san?" Sometimes directness has its own charm. Haruna watched with amusement as Haruka twitched, the muscle in her cheek jumping as her jaw clenched.
"No! It's just..." Mumble mumble. Haruna raised an eyebrow.
"What did you say?"
Mumble. "I....just want her to like me...for who I am."
Ahh, so that's the problem. "Duu is fine as you are already, I think."
"But I'm...!" Haruka started, then bit down on her lip as she cast her gaze down at her own hands. Haruna smiled gently at her younger colleague.
"I know you're trying very hard to establish your character, Duu. I like the cool ikemen you too. Everyone does..." Here Haruna paused to gauge Haruka's reaction. "But you think Sayashi-san doesn't, right?"
"She keeps trying to point out my girly side." Haruka grumbled, wringing her hands slightly. "I hate that."
"Is it so bad to be a girl?" You wouldn't be in Morning Musume if you weren't one, she did not add. Haruka sighed.
"It's just...I don't know! I like being the boy, the ikemen. It's fun. Girls like me that way, and it's really neat to be admired. Plus I like being cool. Boys have more fun..." Haruka grumbled, shrugging eloquently.
This wasn't something Haruna could identify with personally, but her manga experience gave her some context for understanding the dilemma. Duu was...confused. Conflicted. It was partially because of teenage hormones, she was sure. Part and parcel of growing up. It was a constant struggle in the search for one's own identity, and even at the ripe old age of 19, Haruna wasn't completely sure of herself yet either. It was probably something that just happened gradually.
"Do you really have to be one or the other?" Haruna inquired. Haruka looked up, confused. The older girl smiled gently again.
"Duu wants to be cool like a boy, I get that. But you're also a girl, and it's not something you can change. And that's what's making it hard, right?"
Haruka nodded slowly. Haruna inclined her head and continued.
"I think...Duu is trying too hard. You're torn between what you want to be and what you think others want you to be. And then there's who you are underneath...I'm sure it gets really frustrating at times." Haruna took a deep breath.
"But you don't have to choose. You're not just one thing, Duu. You're a lot of things. That makes you who you are. You're not just a cool boy, you also make a really pretty girl...and don't make that face at me, you know it's true. And I'm not telling you that you should be something you don't want to be. What I'm telling you is...you should just accept all sides of yourself. Find a balance in it. You can be cool and a girl and still be an ikemen and everything. Why settle for one thing when you can be so much more?"
Haruna finished in a rush, watching the younger girl knit her brows into a thoughtful frown as she considered everything that was said. Unable to resist the urge to tease her, Haruna then said.
"You can be the you that you like and still appeal to Sayashi-san, you know."
At this, Haruka turned another interesting shade of red. One could almost picture the steam boiling out of her ears.
"It's not like that!"
Fufufu. "Of course not. You just want her to like you, just like the way everyone else does."
"Yes that's...HA.RU.NAN. I SEE WHAT YOU DID THERE."
"I wonder?"
"Damn you!"
A door slammed open.
"Duuuuuuu! Harunaaaaaan! Are we playing tag? Are we? Are we?!"
"Sato-san, slow down!"
"Anumin, you play too! You too, Oda!"
"Maachan I'm telling you that's..."
"Ah, Aya-chan's calling, gotta go~"
"GET BACK HERE YOU!"
A bemused 9th gen watched as Harunan made a quick escape past them down the corridor, while an enraged Haruka was being held back by Ayumi and Masaki. Or rather, Maachan was latched onto Haruka like a remora, with Sakura trying futilely to tug her off. Ayumi was trying to juggle everybody with only two arms, and whether it was a success or a failure depends on who you were asking.
"Well, they're lively as always..."
"Yeah..."
It was just another day at the office for Morning Musume, such as it was.
=========================================================
*wanders back out sleepily*
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Ok guys, I forgot to post the links here, but I wrote stories for Lilium after actually watching the musical. All are canon-compliant, some spoilers may follow:
http://archiveofourown.org/works/1771849 (http://archiveofourown.org/works/1771849) -- Marigold's backstory
http://archiveofourown.org/works/1812385 (http://archiveofourown.org/works/1812385) -- Snow & Lily
http://archiveofourown.org/works/1823935 (http://archiveofourown.org/works/1823935) -- Camellia/Sylvatica, some ending spoilers
Will continue adding to my Lilium-verse because the musical has been amazing and I haven't been able to leave it yet...lol
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Overprotected
Teenage hormones were something that happened to other people, Sayashi Riho decided. She was far too sensible for such nonsense; she had goals, objectives, so many things to do. She didn't have time for worrying about boys or having hangups over her self esteem -- though she did worry about getting fat, since as an idol she had an image to maintain. All part of the job!
She was actually early to dance lessons for once today too -- not that she was always late, but she was rarely the first in. It helped to have work before that, so she was already conveniently in the area, and since this was next on her schedule, she decided to just come in early to practice.
The room was vacant, locked until a helpful staff member had let her in upon spotting her loitering in the hallway. Now freshly changed to lesson gear (loose pants, baggy top and sneakers), she plugged her earphones into her iPod and thumbed the wheel speculatively, rolling her shoulders and doing some preliminary stretches to warm up.
Her thoughts wandered back. Coming from school earlier today, she recalled how during lunch break where all her female classmates were gossiping about boys. She had watched with a semi-indifferent expression, until some genius had directed the conversation towards her. As if they didn't know she wasn't contractually allowed to date! But no, inquisitive teenagers being what they were, they still wanted to know what was her 'type'. No harm in entertaining them, she thought. After all, she did want to fit in. If she gave generic enough answers, perhaps that would satisfy them?
Still, it was somewhat annoying to see the girls squealing over so-and-so from whatever class, as if that was the beginning and ending of their lives. Was that all they had to look forward to? Riho couldn't contemplate having her entire existence fixated on finding the right guy to marry. She supposed it would happen when it happened, since she did plan on having a family one day, but she did have ambitions for her life beyond becoming a wife and mother. And as things stood, she didn't have space in her busy schedule for something as trivial as teenage infatuations.
Her iPod wheeled on shuffle through her considerable playlist. She still had time, and although she knew that she would be better served by practicing the moves for the upcoming single, she figured she still had time to do something a little different for once. She was more than a half hour early, after all. Surely she could spare a few minutes freestyling for a while? It truly has been too long since she got to do that...
Click. Click. She switched playlists to her collection of Western music. For any number of reasons, she had picked up a small collection of Western dance music, a legacy of her training at ASH. She enjoyed the beat, it was something fresh to her, and her body already began to move in time to the rhythm. Her hair, already pulled to its usual loose side ponytail, swished as she improvised to the music.
Dancing had always been sort of a means to the end. She had wanted to take the stage, and dancing well was one way to get there. Along the way though, she had fallen in love with dance itself, to the point of neglecting her vocal training, a fact she had sorely regretted upon joining Morning Musume. She had struggled hard to catch up, and envied how Oda-chan seemed to take to it so effortlessly. There was no way she would allow herself to be shoved out of the spotlight by her own junior though, so she had redoubled her efforts to improve her singing. It was only right, as the ace and the center, that she had to put in twice as much effort to keeping her place. She had a responsibility to the group and to the fans; she had to be the best she could be.
That said, there wasn't really much time to just do what she loved for fun anymore. It was all work, and the formation dance that was Morning Musume's greatest weapon also locked her within its confines. She performed her role as expected, but a part of her chafed at the restraints at times. It was like a Ferrari being restricted to ordinary speed limits. Riho had not had the chance to let loose except at events, and even then it was still within tightly controlled limits. It was the price she had to pay, she acknowledged, but surely, just for a little while, she could cut loose...?
The next song came up, and for a moment, Riho stilled. Then very slowly, she smiled.
How very appropriate.
Now fully warmed up, Riho turned her mind off, letting her body take over as she lost herself within the music. She moved sinuously, smooth and deliberate, always in time, always on the beat. Rhythm is life! She could almost hear Tsunku-san say, and smiled again at that.
I need time
Love
Joy
I need space
I need... Me.
It was all in English, but Riho had looked up the lyrics before. Teenage hormones or not, she was still definitely an adolescent, and the rebellious streak did exist somewhere in her. She was always obedient and on her best behaviour most of the time, but she did act out once in a while. The rest of the time, she restricted herself to expression through music. Through dance, where she could be herself.
I don't need nobody telling me just what I wanna
What I what what what I'm gonna
Do about my destiny
I say, No, no
Nobody's telling me just what what what I wanna do, do
I'm so fed up with people telling me to be
Someone else but me
There was freedom here, in the motion, in the effort she exerted, the sweat that flicked off her forehead and slicked down her neck. Who needed boys or those other complicated things? She had her work, and her dance. That was all she needed for now.
What am I to do with my life
How am I supposed to know what's right?
I can't help the way I feel
But my life has been so overprotected
And stop. Her chest heaving from the effort -- it had been a while since she went all out like this, without following choreography, just doing whatever her body felt most appropriate to be in sync with the music. It was exhilarating, an adrenaline high that sent tingles through her. When she looked up, triumphant and gleeful, her grinning face sort of froze when she noticed she had an audience.
"Um." Riho swallowed awkwardly. It wasn't like she was unused to people watching her dance. God knows it was her job, and being in ASH before meant that she was already used to people watching her dance since a young age. Yet, somehow, it felt somehow weird to have someone watching her like this. It wasn't exactly private or anything, but she had been having a moment.
"Ah, sorry if I was intruding on you, Sayashi-san. I happened to arrive early and the door was unlocked so..."
The interloper apologized awkwardly, one hand scratching at her short crop of hair. Kudo Haruka had been leaning against a wall when Riho had finally come out of her dance-induced trance, apparently watching quite avidly until their eyes had met through the mirror that ran across the length of the wall Riho had been facing.
"No no, it's fine... You just surprised me a little, that's all." Riho waved it off, trotting over to where her things were and pulling a towel out of her bag to wipe at the sweat she had built up. Haruka followed her over, putting her things down next to Riho's. The lanky girl was already in lesson-appropriate wear, and came across more boyish than ever with shorts and t-shirt. Odd, really, Riho thought, considering how pretty a face the girl had. It almost made her a little jealous to see such perfectly balanced features, but Riho had long since given up on envying others for every little thing. When one was in the idol business, beautiful people were a dime a dozen, and Riho didn't want to depress herself by getting too hung up over it.
"But you were really amazing, Sayashi-san... that was really good." Haruka enthused, eyes sparkling as she complimented her senior. There it was again, the flattery. Well, not so much flattery considering how sincere Duu sounded, but Riho always had her doubts. It was a built-in defensive mechanism, what with the ikemen of the group dazzling half the girls in the Project with her good looks and almost gentlemanly charm.
Riho was not easily impressed, and it showed in her carefully impassive expression. She did make an effort to smile for the compliment, but it was awkward and they both knew it. Haruka instinctively took a step back, unsure what to say. It made Riho want to apologize for the weird tension, but she couldn't find the words, and the moment passed as quickly as it came.
"Well! You sure are early for lessons today Sayashi-san! Will you practice with me? Haru needs help with the new dance..."
Good on her for changing the subject, Riho thought with some relief. She couldn't help but be a tad more frigid with the boyish girl of late, for reasons she herself wasn't exactly sure about. Maybe it was a holdover from their roles in Lilium. Where everyone else had been going gaga over the cool False-sama, Riho alone had felt kinship with her character, Lily. So what if she was the target of the kabedon every single time? It wasn't like it meant anything anyway.
In any case, the musical had just made the already popular Duu even more popular with girls. Riho watched this turn of events with a detachment that would be the envy of Wada-san's Snow. Speaking of Wada-san, of course, she was the latest one in Duu's string of victims. Not to mention that Duu herself had been quite enamoured with the beautiful leader of S/mileage lately, sparing no effort in showing her appreciation. It was amusing to watch their interactions, even if it got slightly absurd since it was even extending offstage.
Riho understood business relationships. It was just annoying to see all the hue and cry over a manufactured character. Duu was just Duu. Yes, the girl was cool and good-looking and a really nice person. And so what? Were they all so starved for relationships that they'd just latch onto the nearest ikemen that was safe to go gaga over? Honestly!
Riho did not understand teenage hormones. It was ridiculous. Absurd! She had no time for such frivolities. Besides, these things were so fickle. Why, didn't Duu use to proclaim that she was her favorite person? But now the girl had moved on to greener pastures.
Not that Riho was upset about that, no. Of course not. It was ridiculous, that was all. It meant nothing whatsoever...
"Sayashi-san? You look irritated. Did Haru do something?"
Ah. Riho blinked, realizing that her emotions must have shown on her face. What was she even thinking? She sighed, shaking her head at the baffled expression on Haruka's face.
"It's nothing. I was just thinking about something. What did you want me to help you with?"
As they moved on to practice, Riho could not help but feel the familiar dissonance whenever she was near Duu. She dismissed it as always. Just a carryover from the play, she told herself.
Maybe I'm still stuck in Chrysalis?
=============================================
Inspired by Riho posting about listening to Britney Spears' OVerprotected on her blog a few days ago. XD It was just too good to let go~
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I've been reading the Lilium-themed stories and I just get caught up XD
I need to see the play XD
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This will not make any sense to except maybe kitaoji. (psst, think SOTN)
It's probably bad. I haven't seriously written in over a month. I'm out of practice. Still, no excuse.
Warning has been given. Tread at own risk.
===========================================================================
Step
How was this any better?
Fists clenching, fingers curling deep into the soft flesh of palms. A bitten lip, the metallic tang of blood raw on the tip of a tongue. Flicker, and gone.
Eyes wide shut, shoulders squared and feet apart, as if awaiting inspection or the firing squad. Ghost of a touch, lip throbbing in painful anticipation. Slowly, your eyes fluttered shut...
And sensation, not unpleasant, certainly unwelcome. It takes all of your will to stay still, struggling with your fight or flight instinct. Perhaps, not just your will, but unwilling subordination. There is terror, fascination, dread hobnobbing with hysteria in a dark corner, waiting for you to succumb.
It may be easier not to think. Seductively easy, to submit. To turn your will over to another. To break, lose control, be open and vulnerable. That was the name of the game, was it not? It was temptation and it was reward, punishment and trial both.
You had to hold still. Already, the reason for which you still fought dimmed in your mind's eye. What was it that was so important? Your pride, or the fruits of failure? What did it mean to win? Bile rose in your throat, an unwilling gag reflex matching the tickle trailing from low at your collarbone to high at your jugular. Breath matched pulse, and your nostrils flared, biceps tightening with sudden tension.
Was that a smile or a laugh beyond your tightly clenched lids? Fear was a fine wine, dizzying to the senses. Your head buzzed from the finest vintage, your mouth dried out. Your resolve, such that it was, wavered. It was too easy to forget, in a moment of weakness.
The voice that calls to you is hypnotic and alluring. You remained deaf to it, having shut out all extraneous input to cling on to whatever pathetic shreds of sanity you could still call your own. Those were tenuous, fraying strands, struggling to slip through your stiff fingers, brittle from disuse.
It would be so easy to break you. Was that you saying it, or was it said to you?
When you were alone once more, you could have wept for relief or fallen from exhaustion. You did neither. Like a puppet with its strings cut, you drop one limb at a time, a huddled form that sought the darkest corner to hide in, unseeing and unhearing.
If the sun rose through the French windows on the far side of the room, the rays never reached near enough to illuminate the longest night in your life, the first of many, hideous games that invaded your mind and soul; until one day, you either started playing along, or stopped pretending not to. Where did that line start, and where did it end?
You did not know. You chose to forget. Perhaps that choice itself was illusion, but then one day, you would forget even the reason for forgetting. And the only self that was left was the void greeting your gaze in the mirror, the abyss reflected upon itself.
How was this any better, indeed?
=============================================
No, you would not understand. kitaoji, this is for you.
-
Stayed up to 4am to write this bloody thing. Churned it out in 4 hours which is pretty amazing considering the length. I was on a roll thanks to C-ute's new song I Miss You...so. XD Enjoy!
==========================================
Trick
The tinkle of chimes by the door announced the arrival of a new customer; a couple of heads turned -- not many, since it was late, and it was a discreet cafe, where the regulars were more inclined to mind their own business.
It suited the new patron just fine, her low heels clicking against the burnished wood of the floor as she paused briefly to check her reflection in the mirror. Long curls reflected doubly in the brief moment before she removed her shades, an affectation sure to have drawn some attention had anyone been paying any, given the time of day, or night, as it were. The young woman nodded briefly at the barista behind the counter, already moving towards her favourite corner, tucked behind a sharp turn just out of sight from the entrance.
Her tea came mere minutes later, after she had settled herself down. Gone was the earlier poise and easy grace as she slouched within the oversized easy chair, half tempted to kick off her heels, but regardless of the congeniality of her surroundings, she was still in public, and she had enough presence of mind to adhere to some decorum still.
Taking a sip of the tea, she ignored the buzzing and flashing of her phone, the numerous caller IDs and message headers showing different names, mostly male; some from work, some decidedly off it. She could not begrudge them for making the attempt -- she did run out of the afterparty following the successful wrapping up of the shoot. Speaking of the party, she was still dressed for it, which explained the heels and dress and purse. The sacrifices she had to make for the sake of appearances. Jeans and sneakers were far more comfortable, but her work in the public eye left opportunities for such attire few and far between.
Normally, she would be quite at ease lubricating the social circles her work demanded. Tonight though, she simply didn't feel up to that task. Just the thought of putting on her mask was exhausting, and fending off half a dozen advances from pretty boys who thought that a turn or two behind a camera lens made them irresistible to anything in a skirt could grow old after a while. No, not tonight. She needed time away, time to herself.
So here she was, in familiar surroundings, a place of refuge that has never let her down in years. She had discovered it before her career had taken off, before she had even considered it as a career, to be frank. She was so young then, and almost shy. Why, she would never have been able to come to a place like this alone, a place for adults.
And she had not been alone, not then. Not quite hand in hand, though their fingers had brushed in shocking flushes of heated contact, eyes skittering away from each other in tentative moments, the mating dance of youth. It seemed almost innocently nostalgic, looking back on those halcyon days. They had both been little more than awkward colts, more likely to shy away from each other than explore anything more intense than a simple hug, while the mere thought of holding hands would have given her a case of the sweats. The young woman she was now could only take her head ruefully at the wistful memory; how innocent she had been, and how shocked her younger self would have been, seeing how boldly she was able to hold her own now, against both men and women flirting with her.
How times had changed, how she had changed, but yet this place remained the same. A finger played idly with a long strand of hair, tugging it critically for a moment, before releasing it with a tiny sigh. The worn wood of her surroundings lent the illusion of hiding out from the world, and even the cuckoo clock on the far wall was the same old one she remembered from her first visit; a well-loved, well-mended timepiece that warbled on the hour with a rattle of handmade mechanisms.
She wondered why she came back here. Times there were where she stayed away for months, but when life got too intense -- be it from work, or from some spat with her mother over her vastly exaggerated bad habits (damn those tabloids) -- she found herself slinking here like a wounded fox to its hole. Every time she told herself it would be the last, that she would no longer want or need to chase shadows, or seek comfort in some fading memory of a love -- no, scratch that, a childish infatuation -- that never was. Yet, whenever the going got tough, whenever she felt the need to shut out the world, she retreated to this place they had discovered. Even the tea she was having was a taste acquired through her acquaintance with that person.
She did not think herself sentimental. This was just a place of tranquility, appropriately discreet and isolated enough for her to duck in and hide from the storm of the world. The tea was deucedly excellent, as were the biscuits that came complimentary with it. That was all there was to it.
She did not need to be reminded of how she still sat facing the timepiece on the mantel, able to, even to this day, name every scuff and scratch on the painted wood because of how intensely she had stared at the dratted thing because it was far easier than meeting the eyes of the person sitting opposite her at the time. Did you know that the cuckoo bird that popped out had mismatched eyes and a splinter had been chipped out of its left wing? She did.
Speaking of the bird, it made another chirping appearance, looking just a little worn, a little more paint having flaked off one side of its head since the last time she had been here. Midnight, it decried, and another pair of patrons exited with that last chirp, the chimes jangling in tune. She stared into her tea instead, and thus missed entirely the entry of a new patron. Not that she would have, given how discreetly located her present location was, but had she been looking up, she would have spotted the silhouette of the figure making that fatal turn round the sharp corner into her nook, and thus would have been more prepared to respond with something more eloquent than...
"Oh."
The words echoed in the musty silence, doubly reinforced by the identical reaction from the person staring down at her. A mug of steaming coffee (coffee? At this time?) occupied the newcomer's hands, and her cheeks were flushed from the bitter cold snap she had indubitably escaped shortly before. For an interminably long moment, both women took the chance to give each other a once over, eyes darting with unguarded curiosity after their enforced separation, years ago.
But the moment passed, and the guards snapped back on, on both sides. Our first young lady assumed a pose of professional grace, her model's mask firmly in place. The newcomer merely fell back into her usual inscrutability, a fact our ingenue noted with a certain sense of amused irritability. That, at least, was something that hadn't changed in the years they hadn't met.
After the briefest of pauses, the newcomer squared her shoulders and sat down primly across from the first woman. They sat in somewhat farcical silence for several minutes, sipping ostentatiously at their beverages and almost bullishly daring the other to break the silence first. Pride, she noted, had been their downfall in years past, and it seemed like time had yet to blunt their tempers significantly.
In the end, she gave in first. Wasn't that always the case?
"You're looking well, Sayashi-san."
A ghost of a smirk fleeted briefly across the thin lips facing her, half-hidden by the coffee mug. Gods, that was something else that hadn't changed.
"You're looking...different, Kuduu."
Different was an understatement. Once boyishly short locks were now flowing long tresses, and while she still hadn't filled out that much in the chest department, she still comported herself with dignity befitting a lady. The dress and heels helped.
Opposite her, Sayashi Riho was dressed down but still tastefully, with artfully ripped jeans and printed top. Her wavy hair was gathered in a side ponytail, and the sparkle of the studs in her earlobes caught the light in a distracting way. Kudo Haruka averted her gaze and pointedly refused to let her gaze travel down that neck and the chain that lay fetchingly against raised collarbones. She found herself staring at that cuckoo clock on the mantel again. Damn thing.
Awkward silence reigned again. Then again, Sayashi-san had never been one to volunteer conversation in most cases, Haruka thought bitterly. Oh, it wasn't like they never had anything to talk about. But that was years before. Before everything changed. Before she left.
"I didn't know you were back in Tokyo."
Haruka found herself blurting. It was getting difficult to pretend her tea held any interest (it was cold), and one could only stare at a clock for so long. Riho nursed her coffee for a moment before replying.
"Only for a month or two."
"Ah."
Silence again. It was Riho's turn to be staring into her coffee, and Haruka took the opportunity to sneak another glance. When was the last time they had seen each other? At the airport? Yes, all those years ago. I'll write. The letters had come for a while, then grew more sporadic, before halting entirely. She most definitely did not keep any of them. They were probably in some old shoebox at the bottom of a cupboard somewhere. Probably. No idea where those things were.
Now they were both older, engaged in their own careers, and most definitely too busy to relearn a friendship (or had it been more?) fallen by the wayside. Haruka had heard of the famous choreographer Sayashi Riho a year or two ago, through other channels. Newly returned to Japan then, after studying overseas for a number of years. She had not sought out the woman then, didn't want to ask why the letters stopped. She had her own career to worry about. Kudo Haruka, one of Japan's modelling darlings, and up-and-coming actress making her first inroads into that industry. The party she had skipped out on was for the movie in which she had had her first big lead role. She really should have stayed there tonight.
"You look a lot more feminine now..." Riho said suddenly, startling the younger girl. The dancer was looking directly at her now, pinning her with that disconcertingly penetrating gaze.
"Well, I couldn't have stayed a tomboy forever." Haruka retorted, and that elicited a brief smile from Riho. Haruka found herself echoing that smile for a moment, before tamping down on it with some effort of will. The fading of that smile drained it from Riho's face as well, and a pall fell over the pair again.
Haruka scowled to herself. She didn't want to be here anymore. This was her refuge, but with this woman here...well, some memories were best left buried. Besides, her tea was cold, so she had excuse enough to leave. She was about to stand when an absent, habitual-seeming gesture of Riho's caught her eye. A ring, no more than a simple band, encircled the ring finger of her right hand. It was hardly flashy, and didn't stand out in any way, which may have accounted for her missing it the first time round. A sharp pain stabbed at her temple; Haruka knew the beginnings of a throbbing headache when she encountered one.
"If you'll excuse me..." The young model murmured as she pushed off on the table with the flat of her palms, feeling rather faint herself. If she had access to a mirror right now, she would have noted the pallor of her complexion, which may or may not have coincided with her taking notice of that damnable ring.
"Are you alright?" Riho rose with her, and Haruka noted with a small satisfaction that she towered over the older woman, especially when in heels. Granted, she already had a small height advantage previously, and the heels merely allowed her to maintain a lofty stance. Back straight, chin up. Posture was everything. So was grace, and poise.
"I'm fine. Just tired." Haruka stepped out from behind the table, but couldn't resist dropping a passing barb.
"Congratulations on the engagement."
It could have ended there, with Haruka sweeping out in high dudgeon, righteous rage burning in the deepest pits of her belly. She would have stepped out into the cold night, hailed a passing cab, and then gone home. With her luck, her mother would still be up, they would exchange words about coming home at an indecent hour, and she would retire to bed with no small irritation boiling in her veins. Then she would wake up to a new day, and everything would have washed away, to begin anew. And she would forget tonight, as if it had been a mere aberration. She would probably avoid the cafe for the next month or two as well.
Alas, things do not often go along to script. Life had a nasty habit of doing that.
"What are you talking about?"
Genuine puzzlement coloured Riho's voice, and Haruka made the first mistake of turning back to gesture broadly at the ring on her finger.
"You could have picked someone who could give you a flashier ring. Not even a single diamond on it? What a stingy fellow." Haruka sniffed in a superior manner, concealing any hurt she might have felt behind affected distaste.
Riho was frowning at her, but the words led her to look down at her own hand, as if finally seeing it for the first time. Then, to Haruka's surprise, she burst out laughing.
"Oh, this thing?" Her shoulders trembled with suppressed mirth, though Haruka couldn't see what was so funny. She had just insulted the woman's fiance, why wasn't she offended? Riho collected herself after a few moments, though her eyes were still alight with amusement when she met Haruka's gaze with something of a sly twinkle in those dancing orbs. Haruka immediately felt a sense of foreboding; she had been on the receiving end of that look more than once in the past, and it had never ended well for her. Ever.
"You're right, I should have picked someone better. But you see, that was all they could afford at the time..." Riho trailed off, watching the expressions flicker across Haruka's face, first dour, then surprised, before becoming resigned. The bright twinkle in the older girl's eyes never faded; in fact, it seemed to grow in intensity.
"I see... that person must be very special to you." Haruka mumbled, wondering if turning around and walking away quickly was an option allowed in polite company.
"Oh, yes.... Proud and stubborn as an ass. Difficult too, but still, a really kind person at heart..." Riho let her words fall and watched Haruka carefully, noting the minuscule droop of her shoulders, the crease of skin at the edge of her eyes, the twitch of her lips. There was only so much teasing Kudo Haruka could reasonably take, and Sayashi Riho, out of practice she might have been, still remembered the limits of yesteryear like no time had passed at all.
"Good for you then." Haruka was not going to cry. She was too old for this nonsense. Not to mention that whatever they shared was over. Gone. No more. Over and done with. Riho was free to date and marry whoever. They had never gotten that far anyway. It would never have worked out in any case. They were both girls, it would never have been accepted by society.
"Oh, Duu."
When did that woman get this close? Haruka's mind shrieked warnings at her as Riho stepped within hugging distance, but thankfully did not initiate such contact. What it did do, however, was place the offending hand right under the younger woman's nose.
"Take a closer look. Don't you remember?"
Haruka looked. Up close, the ring was even cheaper and gaudier than she had first assumed. It was almost jarringly out of place considering everything else Riho was wearing. The dratted thing was just a cheap piece of plastic, not unlike a child's toy, or something that could have been won from a gacha machine...oh.
"Oh." Her lips echoed her brain. That was literally all the vocabulary Haruka could dredge up in that instant. Her mind was scrambling to keep up, having tripped and fallen flat over one very important fact: that cheap toy ring was hers. Well, hers for the short period of time she had gotten it from a gacha machine until she had seen Riho next, and triumphantly slipped it on the older girl's finger. It had been too big for her then, though it fit perfectly now.
How old had they been then? 10? 11? Young, certainly. Haruka had been very enamoured with the new neighbour's daughter, who was a year older than her. That childish friendship had eventually developed into a full blown crush as they stepped into puberty, though Riho had been blissfully oblivious for a time until a combination of nerves, prodding from various friends, and sheer terrified foolhardiness had led Haruka to a babbled confession that hardly made any sense at the time.
The awkward confusion had lasted for an interminable few days, though at the time it had felt like years. Haruka almost rolled over and died from shame, and Riho was so rocked by the unexpected confession that she hid inside her room and didn't emerge for a good long while. The next time they both met at school, there had been a great deal of hemming and hawing, with Haruka bolting like a terrified rabbit more than once. When Riho finally caught up with her (re: trapped her), they had had a very long talk.
They didn't start dating then. The emotions they were experiencing were strange and raw and just weird. It wasn't like two girls liking each other was considered normal. They agreed to give it some time and continue being friends, though now with the added spice of, dare I say it, sexual tension.
Everything went well for a time. They were even able to delude themselves that nothing was happening between them (well, the delusion was mostly on Riho's part, Haruka was quite aware that her infatuation was being incredibly persistent and that any kind of touching was bad touching in her mind....hormones being what they were). It surprised no one, not even the parties involved, if they were to be honest with themselves, when almost a year later (they were very stubborn, clearly), they succumbed to temptation and kissed for the very first time. The world spun, galaxies came into being, stars went supernova -- you know, the usual things life gets up to while you're not paying attention -- and they decided to not do it again. Because it was weird. And awkward. And made them feel funny.
They would proceed to break that promise over and over again over the course of the next few months. Each time was just 'a mistake', or 'an accident'. The only people they were fooling were themselves. It only took them six months this time to decide that there were only so many times an accident could happen before it stopped becoming an accident. Intimacy could be very habit-forming. Not that they went quite that far, of course. Either one of them might have spontaneously combusted had anyone even suggested it at the time.
Their innocent experiments and tentative groping (not literally, mind) towards establishing their budding romantic relationship was abruptly cut short when Riho's parents were scheduled to move abroad for work. America was impossibly distant. Even with the conveniences of modern technology, it was going to be a trial to keep in contact, especially with draconian parents who restricted access to said technology. Snail mail was an option, but it was slow, and who was to know if they would still feel the same after being separated?
It had not been an easy parting. They even managed to keep in contact for a time, then, silence. Eventually, Riho's parents had found out about the letters. It had been cute to see their daughter being so attached to her friend, until they realized the attachment went beyond what was normal. They had put their foot down after that. And Riho never had a chance to explain, while Haruka grew bitter at the silence.
Time passed. They grew up, grew apart. Lived their own lives, pretended to have moved on. They even dated others in their own time. Some even went pretty well, at least for a time. They didn't work out in the end. But now here they both were. Older, somewhat wiser, and no less stubborn than the last time they had seen each other, and Haruka couldn't recall the last time she had been at such a loss for words (right after she confessed her feelings to Riho for the first time). She simply stared at the tacky old ring adorning Riho's finger, and swallowed hard.
"You...kept it all this time?"
"Well, that was the only way to make sure my parents didn't dump it."
Riho said this offhandedly, and Haruka felt more than heard the bitter undercurrent in those words. She might not have guessed at the whole meaning, but she could sense the wealth of stories untold in her tone. In that instant, Haruka wondered how much time they had wasted away from each other. Her gaze never wavered from the incriminating ring on Riho's finger.
"It's a tacky old thing. It doesn't even go with what you're wearing."
What am I even saying? Haruka yelled internally at herself. Riho brought her hand back to her chest, cradling it with the other hand.
"Perhaps not. But I like it."
And there really wasn't much else to say to that. Haruka may have said something along the lines of "I would invite you for a coffee, but we're already here", and the resulting clever banter would have occupied several more pages and entirely too much screen time, so we're going to skip that and head for the ending.
They didn't go home together. Home was in different places. Work called, so Haruka was kept busy from one shoot to another, and Riho would soon have to travel abroad for her next engagement working on another project. They were both extremely busy and successful people. That was an excuse for them to retreat into their own shells to contemplate their next moves. On the bright side, they were grown adults and the increased wisdom should stand them in some good stead. At the very least, it shouldn't take them a year and a half to get down to business this time. One could hope.
I've missed you.
Me too.
Perhaps this time, they could work something out. But that's a story for another day.
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You can see how I got really tired towards the end. XD Happy belated birthday, Duu!
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Another home run :)
The chance meeting to have a little bit of nostalgia although ending going their separate ways not know when time will get them back together :nervous
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Yes, yes, I know you've already warned me in the title already but what can I say? I'm an easy target for such traps :sweatdrop:
Good job using all the recent happenings and put them all right here in one story. *cough* okama *cough* pettanko *cough* WHAT ARE ALL THESE JAPANESE TERMS I'M LEARNING FROM YOU?! XD There's nobody to blame except Duu herself huhuhu. I wanted to say "poor thing" but she looks like she's having a lot fun digging her own grave anyway... same goes with this story. Happy Birthday to Duu indeed :rofl:
Like the flashback, like this line "Perhaps not. But I like it." (so cute I can die), love the cuckoo clock so much think it deserves to have a bit more screen time :D
(http://i58.tinypic.com/23jhitf.jpg)
(http://i59.tinypic.com/2n7juq8.jpg)
Also provided an empty one for anybody who wanna have a go at what the bird says. Bird's named Reina. Not my idea.
http://38.media.tumblr.com/797d6ebecd2178aa187dfaa92d7f161f/tumblr_ne9jkaC8m61qhw67ro3_1280.jpg (http://38.media.tumblr.com/797d6ebecd2178aa187dfaa92d7f161f/tumblr_ne9jkaC8m61qhw67ro3_1280.jpg)
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HOW DARE YOU.
FEEEEEEELS
どうして？！
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omg, sayaduu! young duu is so adorable and awkward :nervous
the part where riho teased duu is amusing to read, especially since the image of riho's smug face keep popping up in my head :D
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So I've been super excited over the new MM play coming up in June, titled Triangle: http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=38972.0 (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=38972.0)
I've read the original manga, but since it doesn't give us much background about Lieutenant Kiri (Riho's role), I kind of came up with a background (that could be entirely wrong, but hey, I'm having fun XD).
Thus I present a new short story o_o I hope my writing skill hasn't gone into the gutter during my long hiatus >_<
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Kiri
For years, he was always just "Runt".
All the other children in his platoon went by the same "name". They were worms and maggots. "Runt" was the kindest term their sergeants ever used on them. Train, drill, train some more. Quick march through the night, a light breakfast at supper, and off you went again.
Those were his earliest memories. There was no need to differentiate between individual platoon mates. A simple "you" sufficed, made easier by their natural empathy. They knew what they were, who the other person was. Names were irrelevant, and titles were only to be earned. Every runt there dreamt of earning rank, of climbing up the hierarchy to lead as their abilities dictated. Strength and capability was all that mattered, not lineage nor connections.
Raised together in platoons and companies, the children had never known parents. They knew their corporals, feared their sergeants for the harsh taskmasters they were, and worshipped the commissioned officers like the icons they aspired to be. It was all he knew.
Even as a child, a mere grunt deserving of neither rank or title, he had distinguished himself in drills. Out of earshot, his trainers would grudgingly admit they had a budding prodigy on their hands. The wooden sword all the children practiced with was as an extension of his arm, and he seemed to grasp a swordsman's movements and field control as easily as any trained veteran. Yes, his technique was not yet refined, he was yet to develop his full strength, and he still struggled with the natural gift all Vita-born were cursed with: psychometric telepathy.
"He could go far, if tempered properly." That was the consensus. There was no hiding it in the close knit environment of boot camp, especially not with everyone capable of varying degrees of telepathy. The trainers pushed him ever harder, keen to hone his edge and forge him into the weapon he was meant to be.
Control. That was the key. The leaders drilled them mercilessly, enforced military precision on the kids from the moment they were ready to crawl, a defensive bulwark against the weight of the outside world. Untrained thoughts and emotions could crush a Vita native, leaving them irrational and prone to violent outbursts. Their squad would be their safe zone, trained from the cradle, the familiarity of the unit protecting and buffering them against the mental violence outsiders posed.
If their people had the reputation of being warlike and violent, it came from a long history of knowing exactly what outsiders thought of and wanted to do with them. They had been a captive people, once. The stories handed down spoke of how their ancestors had been forced to serve as truthsayers or interrogators, held on a tight leash and never ever truly trusted in their roles. Hatred and suspicion destroyed Vita minds faster than any torture, and they were subjected to it on a daily basis through the fear and ignorance of off-worlders.
Never again. The Shadow Noon rebellion took care of that. The triple eclipse at noon triggered a planned revolt, where Vita-born truthseers and servants turned on their masters, exploiting their own weakness and turning it into strength as they read every movement and slaughtered with abandon. The repressed anger found an outlet; they beheaded leaderships that held them captive, banded together and proclaimed a free nation for their people. It then led to a long, bloody war to retake their home planet of Vita, and the establishment of an empire to rival the ones that had held them in bondage.
What followed was not taught to the tyros now. He would not have known until after he had fled the chaos of his home planet, to read the histories others had written of his people. A bloody history indeed, of the Mind Lords who ruled with an iron fist and left you no privacy, not even the sanctity of your own thoughts. The Inquisition was ruthless on enemies both within and without. They had been an empire born out of nightmare.
But as a child, he had not known that. He had only known the secure cohesion of the unit, the closest thing to family he could comprehend. The training to mold him into a living weapon in service to empire was simply what everyone he ever knew did. He could not have known the political realities, such as they were. That he was born military caste, and thus a tool of those who held the reins.
He could not have known that, as a teen barely in the first flush of manhood, he would be ordered to slaughter his own people as part of a purge, in what was framed as a “training exercise”. He had always been sensitive, which was part of what made him so feared on the training ground. He could sense intent from further than most of his peers, which made him particularly deadly against those who failed to adequately master their minds. It was what made him different, how he could read deeper, even without touch.
In this way, he had felt every stab of terror, every slash of pain, as he moved according to orders. As trained, he was moving as part of a unit, efficient and brutal. He was the personification of Death, his longsword reaping a full harvest of lives.
He had made it quick. All around him, he felt the satisfaction of his unit, the thrill of the hunt galvanising them with every kill. Where he finished with quick strokes to end the echoes of pain reflected back to him, some of his unit had revelled in the terror they caused., toying with their victims before dispatching them.
He thought nothing in response to that. To think anything in response would be treason, and he was a good soldier. He simply took their pain and cut through it, a methodical killer. Cut, slash, repeat. The terror, hate, and pain; he cut through them as if they were physical threads before him, dancing a ballet of death through the massacre. He left none alive, as the objective demanded, even cutting into the intended victims some of his unit mates had been toying with.
After their first sortie, most of the runts received a name in recognition of their action. It was as much title as description, something that would define you along with any rank you might earn. That night, he became Kiri – he who cuts. He was his sword, and the sword cut down all before it. It was, he reflected, a name he had been built to become.
Not yet a full man, and in some cultures still a boy, he was sent into battle after battle. Internal conflicts and external wars; he was a veteran by the time he had to shave regularly. He was Kiri, the Sword. Rank followed accolade, and he was the youngest ever to make Lieutenant, after a particularly valorous action where he had made a daring rescue of political prisoners. He was only 20 at the time.
Less than 2 years later, he would desert, becoming the first and only decorated officer to successfully do so. Traitors were always hunted down and executed, but he had proved the better of any hunter set on his trail. Cast adrift without purpose, he drifted through world after world, restless and uneasy, forever on guard against a universe seemingly oversaturated with unguarded thoughts. Training took over at these times, and his cold front was barrier enough in most cases. He had no desire to eavesdrop on the innermost desires of others. They could keep their secrets, and he would keep his.
Eventually he had drifted to the far off world of Alpha, a place that had never known war. It was an alien concept to him; war had defined his entire life. He had been raised to become a weapon. His very name was an act of violence. An entire planet devoted to pacifism? How did they even survive?
Sufficiently intrigued, Kiri made his way to the planet. He noticed the complete lack of any defensive structures before he even left the shuttle. The people all had open and friendly faces. Even with his barriers up, he could feel the peace of the place. They still had their petty quarrels and minor disagreements, but the lack of hate was remarkable and refreshing. It was like a breath of fresh air after a lifetime inhaling smog.
For the first time, Kiri felt like he could breathe. The peace of Alpha touched him like nothing else had, a peace that reached deep into his bones and whispered for him to lay down the burdens of war. It was a salve on a wound that cut so deep, he had not even been aware that it existed. It was a wound that he had lived with all his life, that he had built his life around, so much so that he was the wound, in some respect.
It only took a day for him to decide to stay. He was not the only immigrant that day at the office, and there was a definite hush for a moment when he was asked to state his name and place of birth for the registrar. Even the officer at the counter paused in the midst of entering his details.
Kiri waited for the inevitable. He doubted they would try to kill him – he had yet to feel anything even resembling killing intent thus far on this planet – but he could still be asked to leave. It would not be the first time he had been politely (or in some cases, fearfully) asked to move on. Kiri accepted it as part of his lot. His people did not have the best of reputations.
The moment came and went. Conversations restarted as if nothing had happened, and if there were a few questioning glances his way, it was more out of curiosity than actual hostility. The lack of it was refreshing, and Kiri continued in his application for residency with something akin to relief. What few questions there were were also standard and minimally invasive: intended length of stay, occupation and skillset. No one questioned his reason for staying. He was glad he did not have to explain as well.
Alpha was a friendly commune. Every newcomer was allotted a place to stay, free of charge. They were assigned jobs based on their stated skillset, and those with overspecialized skillsets (such as Kiri), would get assigned to less complicated forms of labour if they were unable to make a good match. Everyone contributed to the community in some way, and no one went hungry or became destitute. It was a peculiar place to Kiri, but he said nothing and merely performed his assigned duties to the best of his ability.
It did not take long before he was taken to the palace, and Kiri was surprised it took them a week to notice him. After all, he was the only Vita-born immigrant on this planet of peace. He had been waiting for a summons ever since the first day. He was curious too, about the ruling family of this planet. How did they hold power, if they did not exercise fear on their people? Why would anyone consent to be ruled then? It was a mystery he could not comprehend, but he would try to do so anyway.
The audience went only halfway to his expectations. To begin with, he had anticipated them enlisting him into their service. However, he had not expected what was required of him. Most Vita-born were always exploited for their inherent talent to read minds, and Kiri had fully expected something along those lines. Instead, he found himself drafted as a mere guard – no mindreading necessary, only his skill with a sword.
A guard in a place where violence didn't even occur to the natives? Kiri would have laughed if he had known what the action entailed. But he could see the point to a degree: Alpha was a melting pot of immigrants from all sorts of planets, and integration did not occur immediately. The nature of the planet discouraged violence and hatred, and the natives were an open and friendly sort. They were still bound to human foibles however, but it never escalated beyond a moment's fury, soon to be forgotten as the peace of Alpha worked its subtle magic on all upon it.
Kiri was to be a peacekeeper, to help sort out any problems as they arose. A glorified policeman or even referee, really. It was a concession to his stated occupation of soldier and field officer. In a way, he was almost touched at how well they matched his talents to a place that didn't require them at all.
He never could find it within himself to discard the longsword he bore, but he decided that he would find purpose beyond it. Here on Alpha, he would finally be human, not a weapon. It was, Kiri decided, a place to heal. A place he could protect, without reserve. A place to recover from the poison of fear and hatred, to find himself beyond the sword.
He would always be Lieutenant Kiri, but now he could choose for himself what that meant.
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I wrote this based on the explanation from the princess's maid about Kiri's people. All we know is:
1) his people are known to be warlike and violent
2) Kiri is the only one of his people known to be on Alpha
3) his people are capable of reading minds via close physical proximity
The maid also said something very interesting, and I quote "(the princess's fear and suspicion of Kiri's mindreading ability) is poison to his spirit". Unsurprising, if he can read her mind and can feel it personally, it must hurt him.
Anyway, can't wait to see how this play is like :3
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your skill is still great essy omg ;3; im glad you're still even writing!!!
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Fairly interesting insight into Kiri although the play may bring out a bit more :)
It's nice to see an Essy work once in a while XD
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And I came back again. Such shock, I know. XD Maybe I found my groove again?
A different POV from the story Trick, but essentially the same events :)
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Treat
It had been on a whim when she had chosen to enter the shop that day. Nothing more than a moment’s caprice, even though it was late and she usually drank nothing but coffee whenever she used to come here, years ago.
Perhaps she should change her order, that was her thought as she pushed open that familiar, battered oak door. The sound of chimes remained the same, years after her last visit. In the end, she went with her old order, nostalgia and habit influencing her decision.
First week back in her old stomping grounds, and here she was once more, in a place she used to come alone, until she didn’t. Back full circle now, aren’t I?
Slender fingers tapped against the worn wood of the table she had chosen, while her chin rested in the curve of her palm. Eyes tracked the well tended wallpaper, spotting the careful repairs in the intervening span of years. She sat here alone, in this particular corner that catered to single customers. All alone, with her earphones and a book, back in the day. This cafe used to be her special place, where she could nurse a cup of coffee and read, or stare out through glazed glass at the figures on the pavement outside. She had not felt compelled to share it with anyone, not her parents nor close friends (such as she had), until that person had managed to worm into her confidence.
She knew she was no good at expressing herself with words. It was a major flaw, one of the many reasons she never had many friends. She was usually reticent, preferring to express how she felt through action rather than words. Even when she wanted to say something, it somehow never came out quite the right way.
It may have contributed to her choice of occupation. If her body could tell the story better than her lips could, then that was how she would express herself. And once she had decided on something, she would have it...or so she thought.
She had that one great failure. Perhaps, she should have tried harder. Perhaps, more could have been done. Perhaps, if she had been more careful, her parents would not have found out, and nothing would have changed.
All the “might have been”s in the world could not change “what is”, and she dismissed that familiar regret with her usual practicality. She had given in to the pressure, suffered through the therapy, allowed practicality to rule her choices until the day she could finally win her freedom. It had taken years. She persevered, even when the reason for persevering grew dim and she forgot the reason for which she fought. Only the singular goal, “away”, remained.
Away from the judgement. Away from the control. Away, and free.
She held on to a few little things, just enough to remember. In the isolation, through the shaming, in the darkest moments when suicide had seemed the final option. She wasn’t that strong, not always, but in the end she had been strong enough. Scraping through with the barest scraps of sanity, with what little of her “self” that still remained after the weekly sessions threatened to scour her of any personality she might have had.
Her eventual occupation had been what saved her, in the end. Her frustration, her fear, her distress; all of it melted away and was transmuted into a fury that showed in every move. Her dance was the perfect storm, and her inner self remained in the eye of the hurricane, a spot of quiet in chaos. It was an outlet. It was escape, and it became freedom in the end.
Lessons led to competitions, which eventually led to accolades and a possible future weaving itself before her eyes. She had leapt into it enthusiastically, embracing the art with an enthusiasm that pleased her parents. They only ever wanted her to excel, and excel she did. And the moment she was ready to leave, they could not stop her even if they wanted. It was all she ever wanted, the freedom to choose.
What remained of her coffee was cold. When she went for a refill at the counter, she spotted a vaguely familiar back disappearing round the other corner of the shop. She had started then, wondering if the caffeine late at night had led to hallucinations. But it couldn’t be. Caffeine didn’t do that, and she had drunk more before, at even stranger timings.
She should have been wrong. There was no way that back was in any way familiar. It had been years, for goodness sake. Not even a perfect memory would hold up against the changes time wrought. Besides, that person was in a dress and heels, and more than that, was sporting long hair. There was nothing at all that could have triggered a memory, but the shoulders had caught her, just like that. That, and the oddly familiar tilt of the head, the hint of a vastly different gait in that swaying step.
She hesitated, at first. Coincidences like these couldn’t possibly exist; what were the odds anyway? In this little cafe that held so many memories for her, it was as if the ghosts of the past refused to let her forget. Nor did she want to forget, perhaps. It was one of the few ways she had of rebelling, back in the day.
While she waited for her new drink, she did not return to her seat. Instead, she stared at the corner, as if by force of will alone she could penetrate wood and concrete to see round it. It was a blind spot from the counter, she knew. She used to sit there, first alone, then with that person. It had been too much this evening to return to that spot for her, so she had taken a different seat.
If it is her, would she be there, in our usual spot? Does she remember me like I do her?
If I see her again, what would I say?
Indecision kept her there until her coffee arrived, and she absentmindedly took it in her hand. What harm could it pose to just walk over? Just one look would banish old ghosts. If she didn’t check, it would always gnaw at her.
Sayashi Riho didn’t do regrets. Not anymore. She took her coffee and turned the corner. It was probably nothing. She was probably overthinking it. She was…
...absolutely correct.
8 years had certainly made a difference. That visage was not unfamiliar to her, though. Upon her return to Japan for work, she had been greeted by enormous billboards of the person she had once loved, then lost. It had been a shocking thing to come home to, to say the least. Even with all the changes, she had recognized the woman her once boyish girlfriend had grown into. All that promise of femininity she had seen back in the day had blossomed into full glory, and she felt a sharp pang of longing once more, in the present.
The real thing was far more compelling than the billboards. Even with the familiar slouch (honestly, didn’t that girl ever learn about good posture?), Kudo Haruka shone like a candle flame in the night. Everything else seemed to fade into the background in the supernova of her presence, the magnetic allure still functioning even in ‘off’ mode.
Riho felt her cheeks flush, a mixture of embarrassment at her own reaction - that wildly electric thrill that governed her most primal responses - as well as a strong surge of remembered emotion when she recognized that Haruka had not only taken the same table, but was seated in her usual spot in the exact same pose she used to fall into. Some things, it seemed, never changed.
Then she looked up, and it was the same eyes that had graced dreams and nightmares both.
“Oh.” The words escaped her lips without thought, matching the same syllables that left her counterpart in the same breath. A hitch caught in her chest, a surge of something approaching pain churning within. Those eyes were as mesmerizing as ever. And so very close, within reach, unlike all the fleeting images that had haunted her for years.
Then Haruka composed herself, and Riho found herself following, that stubborn streak of competitiveness within refusing to lose even the most trivial of competitions. She stood no more than a few arms’ length away, and for a moment Riho contemplated escape.
It had been years, after all. What could she possibly say to her? Sorry? Years and years of stories had gone untold. As it were, Haruka could have found someone else (not currently at the moment. Riho had checked). It could have just been a phase for the other girl. They couldn’t just pick up where they left off. It had gone too far for that.
It was a decision all heart and entirely unlike herself. Only Haruka ever moved her to such heights of irrationality, though she never put them to words. Though usually shy, she would suddenly show initiative that would shock even herself, all because she wanted to elicit a certain reaction from the one she loved.
So she sat down, bold as brass and not quite believing herself, taking a sip from her steaming cup to hide her own shock. The near comical sight of Haruka’s eyes widening was almost worth it. Riho smiled into her drink, and waited.
True to form, the younger girl caved and addressed her first. Her reply was a bit more flippant than she actually felt, but Sayashi Riho was a master of concealing how she truly felt in the moment. The conversation felt more like a tentative clash of hidden glances and unspoken sentiments, and Riho found herself falling into familiar rhythms as she relearned the game. Before she knew it, a smile lifted a corner of her thin lips, mirrored by the answering one on Haruka’s.
Only for it to collapse under the frown that suddenly knitted Haruka’s brow, as if the girl was struggling with herself. Riho winced internally. She had almost forgotten that things weren’t as they used to be. It had been too easy to fall into old patterns, except that everything had changed and they could never be the same.
Oh, she had tried moving on. Dated a few boys her parents had set her up with, if only for appearances. They had barely interested her. When she had won her freedom, she experimented with other girls, but nothing ever lasted. It was as if she kept internally comparing them to her first, and since she felt she could never be fair to those others, she had broken things off in turn. It just didn’t seem right if she couldn’t devote herself wholly to someone. Casual relationships though, that had fewer strings attached. Riho could live with herself as far as that, at least.
The reason for her uncertain relationship status now sat right across from her. Riho didn’t blame Haruka. If anything, it was her own fault for not doing better. Concealing a sudden urge to frown, she looked down and ran a thumb restlessly over the ring resting on her finger. It was a calming gesture for her; ironic, since the source of her calm originated from her current source of distress.
The sound of chair legs scraping on worn wood echoed loudly in that confined space, and Riho looked up abruptly to see Haruka push herself up and away, jaw locked in a half hidden grimace. Unconsciously she found herself rising to follow, concerned by the sudden pallor in Haruka’s complexion. Did the girl feel unwell? It was cold outside.
“Are you alright?” Riho looked up at Haruka, uncomfortably aware that the other girl now towered over her. Their once-miniscule height difference had been exacerbated by the fact that 1) Haruka had gotten taller, and 2) those 3-inch heels. She had one hand half-extended unconsciously towards Haruka when the girl flinched away, stepping out and around the table. The dancer could not help but notice the clenched jaw as Haruka turned away from her, ready to leave. A pang seized the older girl -- she didn’t want it to end like this…
She barely heard the muttered excuse, and was still struggling to find the right words to keep Haruka with her for just a little longer that she almost completely missed what the model said a moment later. Riho blinked rapidly for a second, then shook her head. What did she just say?
“What are you talking about?”
Haruka turned, and Riho caught the fleeting flash of hurt cleverly hidden under an air of dismissive indignation. It was so much like her to do so, to pretend it did not matter, when it did so much. It was almost enough to make Riho want to hug Haruka on impulse, to hell with the long silence and years of separation between them.
Then Haruka mentioned the ring, her eyes guarded in defensive resentment as she disparaged it, leading Riho to look down at her own hand in response. The absurdity of the situation took a moment to register, but when it hit her she couldn’t help but laugh.
The befuddled expression on Haruka’s face only made it worse, and after a few seconds she was red in the face and gasping for breath. Oh, the irony! Riho wiped tears of merriment from her eyes. This was too good an opportunity to let go.
"You're right, I should have picked someone better. But you see, that was all they could afford at the time..." Riho watched carefully as Haruka struggled to keep her emotions off her face, but that was one thing her ex-girlfriend had never truly mastered, at least not in front of her. It had been years, yes, and Haruka had improved in masking how she felt, but there was no mistaking the raw jealousy that seethed within. Riho glowed inwardly; things were looking up indeed.
"I see... that person must be very special to you." Haruka mumbled almost inaudibly, and Riho caught the tensing of her body, like she was preparing to bolt. She subtly repositioned herself to ensure that she was blocking Haruka’s escape route from the cafe. It reminded her of the time where she had had to corner the younger girl in school when she was actively trying to avoid her. It was almost nostalgic.
Riho knew it was probably an evil thing to do, but it had been years since she last got to do it, and Haruka was starting to resemble a kicked puppy. She couldn’t resist just a little more teasing in this case. It was like forcing a reluctant pup to take a bath. There were times where Riho could be truly sadistic, and none more so than when she was before her beloved.
"Oh, yes.... Proud and stubborn as an ass. Difficult too, but still, a really kind person at heart..." Riho watched Haruka carefully, concealing her glee at the way the younger girl seemed to take it almost personally, defeated by this imaginary adversary. It was a little mean, and Riho would sooner die than admit it, but bullying her Duu like this was the best feeling ever. If she was feeling more evil, she could make the girl cry, but she decided to have mercy. After all, it has been years. It wouldn’t do to push too hard, too fast.
Taking pity on the poor girl, Riho sighed and stepped in close, holding out her hand for Haruka to take a closer look at the ring. The same ring that Haruka had gotten her, over 10 years ago, when they were still only best friends and neighbours who played together. She still remembered sitting at the swings at the playground, waiting for Haruka to join her. Little Duu, still smaller than her then, pelting straight towards her like a bat out of hell. The girl tripping and falling in her enthusiasm, scraping her knees and bursting into tears until Riho rushed to her side. Then, still in tears, Duu had slipped the ring onto her finger before bawling even harder and latching on like a remora, refusing to let go.
The memory still brought a fond smile to her face. Haruka used to be such a crybaby. Riho was more the shy type herself, and it had made her happy to have the other girl come looking for her all the time. It had come as a shock when Haruka blurted out her feelings to her during a sleepover, before retreating in horror and pretending it didn’t happen for a full 2 weeks until Riho finally put her foot down and cornered the panicky younger girl. She hadn’t really known how to feel about the whole situation, but Haruka was important to her, and she couldn’t stand how the confession had come in as a wedge between them. It was one of the few times Riho had been extremely proactive in her personal life, and she regretted nothing about that.
Riho snapped back to the present and waited patiently as Haruka finally grasped the import of the ring, understanding blooming in her eyes. Her eyes were fixated on the incriminating evidence on Riho’s finger, and Riho idly watched the curve of her ex’s throat as the younger girl swallowed -- damn, if anything, her collarbones looked even better than they did years before.
"You...kept it all this time?"
"Well, that was the only way to make sure my parents didn't dump it."
Riho couldn’t quite keep the bitterness out of her voice, try as she might. The undercurrent of resentment was still there, much as she had tried to make her peace with her parents. They loved her and wanted what was best for her; that much she knew and understood. It was just that what they wanted for her was not exactly what she wanted for herself. They may never understand the choices she chose to make, but she could at least choose to forgive them the sin of loving her enough to try and remake her in their own image. She was here, now, and she would choose for herself. They would just have to live with that.
“...it doesn’t even go with what you’re wearing.”
Haruka mumbled awkwardly, running a hand through her now long tresses. Such a familiar gesture, and it instantly brought Riho back to before, where Haruka would mess with her hair whenever she was feeling nervous or awkward. Some things, it seemed, just never changed. It brought a smile to dance on Riho’s lips, and she hugged her hand to her chest, gazing earnestly back at her one-time lover.
“Perhaps not. But I like it.”
She said it. She knew what it meant, and there was no way Haruka could have missed the not-so-hidden implication, even with how dense the other girl used to be. It would never be exactly the same as before, but, if Haruka was willing, they could try starting over again. They had been so long apart that just learning about each other all over again would be work enough.
But it was work Riho was willing to put in, and she had put herself out there. Now all she needed was for Haruka to meet her halfway. She would not force her or trick her. No lies, no evasion; just the stark reality of her being here and available.
If you would have me, here I am.
I still care for you.
Do you still feel for me?
A tired smile lit Haruka’s face like a hesitant flame, a wounded spark almost afraid to do anything more than flicker. Riho didn’t dare to breathe for fear of disturbing it. They were on the edge; it could go either way. If Haruka chose to walk out now, Riho knew she could not, would not stop her. The ball lay in the younger girl’s court. All she could do was wait, hope and pray.
“Man, I just can’t win against you, huh?”
Haruka said half to herself, shaking her head in a familiar gesture of defeat. When she looked up again, a wry smile tugged at her lips, and her arms folded behind her back as she straightened, looking Riho straight in the eyes.
“Okaeri.”
Riho felt herself breath again, her clenched fist finally relaxing and falling to rest on her thighs. The weight she didn’t know she had been bearing slid off as imperceptibly as rain down a gutter, sight unseen.
“Tadaima.”
Maybe, just maybe, things would work out just fine after all.
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*poofs away*
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Had to reread Trick to get the gist of this one and that was an adventure reading this one to see the other side of the conversation :thumbup