JPHiP Forum

The Hello! Project Fanfics => H!P Fanfics => Topic started by: Dswizzle10 on May 14, 2012, 09:48:12 PM

Title: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: Dswizzle10 on May 14, 2012, 09:48:12 PM

Yo. *holds up peace sign* A new story for you guys. This is my very first story, so don't tear me apart. :whistle:
This actually contains a lot of my personal feelings and what not, but not soooo....dramatic? See if you can figure out who the person in the story is.  :on GJ:


Chapter 1


I stumbled into the club, soaked to the bone with water so icy cold it makes you choke. A few people stared at my entrance, and I feel my blood start to boil. My fingers flexed before clenching into a perfectly formed fist. I wanted to fight. No reason was really needed. I just wanted to pin someone in a corner and just let loose. Take everything out on whoever it was.

I’m being unnaturally cold and uncaring right now, but I didn’t give a damn. She never did.

I threw my shoulders back, puffed my chest out, and slipped off my jacket. I tossed it on a random chair and straightened my shirt up. I might find someone to lose myself with tonight and I was going to look presentable. A black shirt and skinny jeans aren’t much to work with, but they would be alright for tonight.

“Bartender, give me a neat shot of whiskey.” I murmured, somewhat in disbelief of the words in my mouth, as I hauled myself up onto a stool.

Obviously, the bartender was shocked too, because she hesitated quite a bit before tending to my drink. I ground my teeth together. What right did this woman have to look at me the way she did? Her JOB is to make drinks, not STARE.

Dammit. I held my head in my hands, watching the floor vibrate to the rhythm of a song I knew I recognized, but was too lazy to name.

It was all her. All of this. Why? I never did anything to her. I only loved her and this was the price.

My fist pounded into the underside of the table over and over, until I lost count. Or more importantly, my drink came.

“Here.” The bartender said, gently coaxing the shot glass into my hand. I looked up. Nice looking girl. She can’t be any older than me. Long hair, big beautiful eyes, and a nice figure…. Yeah. Nice little figure, just like… dammit.

My hand snapped hand to my wallet, but before I could even get into my pocket, I was interrupted.

“It’s girl’s night—drinks are free. Enjoy.”

Whatever, it wasn’t really any concern of mine how much money I spent coming here. I just wanted to forget, because underneath it all… I was hurting. She was killing me. I hated her. At least, my head was screaming that. I was working on drowning out the stupid organ in my chest.

I muttered a short prayer and downed my shot. It probably wasn’t a good idea to drink so fast, but hey, good ideas haven’t been my specialty for a while.

In a few minutes, it caught up to me. I felt warm all over. Buzzed, my mind shouted at me.

I closed my eyes. My mouth was on fire, but the good kind. My first drink. My first and favorite drink.

I ordered another. Gone. Another. Gone. One more.

Colors morphed together—green, yellow, orange. Happy colors. I smiled and rubbed my tongue against the inside of my mouth, as I spun around in a circle in my chair.

“Haaaaaapy..” I sighed, drunkenly watching a strobe light in the corner blink different colors.

I looked at all the pretty girls- no, women, I corrected myself. Nice shape. Pretty smile.

I whined her name before I could stop it. I hadn’t meant to, but it just came out…flooooop. Fell out of my mouth and splattered onto this shiny floor. La la la la la laaaaaaaaaaa.

“Hey, baby. You seem a little out of place here don’t you think?” a voice purred through the pounding music, while a hand dragged itself down my shoulder blade. I shivered and my head lolled to the side.

Who are you?

Why are you touching me?

Thoughts--questions blaring in the more reasonable side of me, but dying before they reached my vocal chords. I swiveled around, away from the hand drawing circles on my back.

“Ah, I recognize your baby face now. Who would imagine I would be drinking it up with a top mezzo soprano from Morning Musume, the school choir! Not only that, but also the only girl on the football team!” the girl who had decided to pick on me squealed.

Thank God I don’t have football practice this week.

I blinked slowly.

“Whatta ‘bout it? Wanna fight?” I slurred, clumsily getting to my feet. What a gorgeous girl. Shiny eyes that reflected all the lights in this club. Pretty hair, silky and soft. A sexy smile.

She laughed; a little bit too loud, but didn’t seem to care.

I scowled. She was stupid. I could knock her senseless right now. One punch. Ba-bow. I could make Jackie Chan cry for his mommy.

I hopped back onto the stool. “Gimme a ‘ole bottle.” I instructed the bartender, pointing to the Jack Daniels branded bottle on the wall. No protests this time. Just doing her job.

She unscrewed the cap for me and quirked an eyebrow at my company.

“Weeeee ain’t togetha, so shut ya trap.” I hissed, blinking as I went over my sentence. I took a large gulp of whiskey. Gotta stop using my brain. Have to let it go. Forget.

------------------------

“I hate people.” I choke out, gulping another bittersweet ounce of whiskey down. My throat burns. I can’t feel a thing. What the hell is going on….

I’m not wearing shoes, just socks. I can hear the driving rhythm of a good song; bright lights flickering from underneath a shut door.

A hand crawls underneath my shirt, massaging the muscles on my lower back. It sends goose bumps up my spine.

“I know, baby.” A soft kiss on my biceps-- Hands crawling all over my body and unbuttoning my jeans.

Sounds so far away, but so close…

Instinct alone brings the glass bottle back to my lips. I shake my head, sending dark brown locks all over the place. I’m sweating. My hair sticks to my forehead and it gets hard to breathe.

Another kiss on my thigh. A hand pushing me back on the bed with more force than necessary.

I squint my eyes. Maybe if I focus on your face, this broad will turn into you.

“But we’re going to have some fun tonight.”

It never hurt to try. My whiskey bottle drops to the floor.

After everything I did for you.

After everything we went through.

All the battles we fought.

Everything we promised each other.

You tossed me away. I’m just an old toy.

Why keep an old toy when you can have an upgraded model?

I hate people.

Especially you.

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: rndmnwierd on May 15, 2012, 05:58:46 AM

Dang, this is a pretty emotional start!

...Reina...? :?

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: Quietriot on May 15, 2012, 02:19:03 PM

I had to wait a bit before commenting on this, hit me right in the stomach, it did.

Dunno why but instinctively I'm guessing Yossi for this? But I haven't seen anyone write much OG lately so I wouldn't be surprised if I was wrong.

Otherwise... given the clues... maybe Risa? I would guess Ai but I don't see her as the type to drown her sorrows in alcohol, and I would guess Reina if not for the description of clothing and mention of the girl being a mezzo. ...XD I like speculating~

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: Estrea on May 15, 2012, 03:15:17 PM

I came looking in with no expectations. I finished reading and now I have expectations. Please continue! I am terribly curious. It's a pleasure to read good writing. :D

Good start. Football, mezzo soprano, Morning Musume. I'm musically challenged, so I can only isolate those who fit criteria 1 and 3 and head from there.

In no particular order~

1) Tsuji
2) Miki-sama!
3) Rika
4) Yossi
5) ...Konkon?
6) Mako-chan?
7) Ah, Maki was in Gatas too. If it is Maki I might die happy. Need more OG around here :lol:

Though the "haaappy" part involuntarily conjured up images of drunk Charmy. ^^;

Awaiting the next update!

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: Dswizzle10 on May 19, 2012, 05:28:07 AM

Estrea: A little side OG pairing for you in this chapter and thank you. I like to write. (And a drunk Charmy? tehe XD)
Quietriot: Good speculating. :mon determined:
rndmnwierd: Try oooooooone generation earlier. :)

Good news and sad news of the day: Risa Niigaki has graduated from Morning Musume.  :mon runcry:
I also graduated today, but from Early College Preparatory Academy in middle school and begin college classes next fall.
.......
Shoot me.
 :mon headbang:
Anywho~




Chapter 2



“Gaki! Come on, you can’t look that bad. I bet they look great on you, so could you just come out here? Please?”

“Don’t wanna!” I screamed from the inside of my closet, blinking rapidly to rid my eyes of the tears burning at my eyelids. My chubby fists clenched together in random contractions in some effort to distract myself from the pain in my mouth. The pain was killing me and I even though I knew I was alive, I was wishing I was dead.

“Risa….”

“Go away Yossy!” I wailed, flinching in pain from speaking afterwards. Couldn’t she tell I just wanted to be left alone? I just wanted to be left to my own misery.

“I’m not leaving till you come out.” She mumbled, and from the thud I heard afterwards, I knew she had plopped down on the floor in front of the door.

I frowned.

“Don’t you have soccer practice?” I asked, laying my irritation on thickly.

“Yeah, what about it?” Yossy said, and I could already see her shrugging her shoulders.

“You’re going to be late. Shouldn’t you be gone right now?” I pouted.

“My little sister is more important to me than practice.”

“I’m adopted!” I shot back, tears welling up in my eyes again, but from a different pain.

Yossy sighed from outside, and her head fell onto the door.

“Could you please just come out? Whether you’re adopted or not, you’re still my full-blooded little sister.”

Full-blooded sister? A real sister to call my own?

I unlocked the door.

“Really?” I whispered, poking my head out. Before I could blink, I was wrapped into a warm and welcome embrace.

“Really, really.” Yossy whispered back, giving me an affection pat on my head. I closed my eyes and took a deep breathe.
Roses, spray paint, and sweaty sports equipment… is this what a big sister smells like?

“Hey, why don’t you show me your new braces, huh?”

I tipped my head off and forced a smile to my face. Yossy chuckled, face-palming my forehead. “Not like that, squirt! Make it real, like this!” She framed her face with her hand, making the most ridiculous grin she could, while batting her eyelashes. I laughed for the first time all day, and even though it hurt, I couldn’t stop.

----------------------------

“Explain to me why you were late.”

I gulped and tightened my grip on Yossy’s hand. Just stare at the ground and he won’t notice you. Just stare at the grou-

“My sister is having a rough time adjusting. I’m sorry, coach, but my first responsibility is to my family. Sports are a very close second.”

My eyes widened and I dared a peek at my big sister-- my real big sister.

She looked like a marble statue—beautiful, but cold. Her lips were pressed in a thin line and her eyes were narrow little slits. It had only been a month since I came to stay with her—no, our family, but I actually felt this was real. Yossy was my big sister that would take care of me and wouldn’t abandon me. I actually was her first priority!

“Yoshizawa, hit the dirt.” The coach ordered, the faintest hints of a smile playing on his lips, as he vaguely gestured towards the field where the other girls were doing push-ups.

Yossy gave my hand a squeeze and told me to sit on the bleachers. She ruffled my hair a little bit and gave me her bag to hang onto.

“I’m sorry. Did I get you in trouble, Yossy?” I asked. It was all my fault wasn’t it? I acted like a brat earlier and made her late. I’m so much trouble… I really understand why my parents left me.

“Hey, no negative thoughts. Everything is alright. Even if it isn’t, at least we’re together, right?” Yossy sighed, cocking her head to the side while she looked at me expectantly.

I blinked away a few tears I wasn’t aware that were coming, “Right.”

Yossy’s so cool. She was doing five in the time some people were doing one; she did some trick with the soccer ball too-- I couldn’t even dream of doing it-- and she’s so fast. Yossy’s such a smooth talker and handles people really well. She’s amazing.

-----------------

We went to go get ice cream afterwards with one of Yossy’s teammates. Her name was Rika. Even though I’ve been around for a month or so, I haven’t met her before. She’s really pretty though, with the curliest light brown hair you can imagine. She’s thirteen, the same age as Yossy, and they go to the same school. School…

A cold splotch of pink suddenly appeared on my overalls. I scraped my tongue over the train track patterns on my teeth. People with braces usually get made fun of, right? I’m going to get made fun of so much. On top of that, I’m the new kid in town that moved here this summer. Not good.

“Oi, Gaki! Now your pants are stained, you little squirt.” Yossy exclaimed, quickly dabbing at the blob of ice cream on me. I quickly snapped back to reality, giggling shyly as she repeatedly rubbed the stained area with a napkin.

“Sorry…” I mumbled, grinning as she puffed her cheeks out at me. “Yeah, yeah.” She retorted back, tossing the ruined napkin into the trash bin behind us.

“Yoooooooooo-chan, don’t be so mean!” Rika teased, elbowing my sister in her ribs. Eventually, it turned into a full blown tickle war, and being in the middle of it all wasn’t a good thing. Or was it?

----------------

Even though big sister tried to keep me in front of her on the walk home, I kept slipping to the back. It was interesting. I’ve seen Yossy with her friends, but she acts different around this girl. She smiles so much more and laughs so easily. Hey, I may be ten (and only a few months from being eleven), but growing up the way I did has taught me something. Yossy says I’m a lot more observant than your average kid my age. Anyways, back to the subject at hand.

They walked really close together. I doubt you could fit a centimeter between them. Their hands kept brushing against each other all the while too. Something was up, but I couldn’t figure out what. It was weird.

“Ah. Looks like we’re almost at your house… is your…mom home…?” Yossy trailed off, coming to halt at the corner of a building.

Rika peeked around the corner of the street. “Unfortunately, yes. It’s probably best we don’t get caught together.”

They both sighed and Yossy made a frustrated face.

“It was nice talking to you like that again, Yo-chan.” Rika said, twirling some of her brown locks around her fingers.

Yossy put her hands in her pockets and rocked on her heels, “It really was, wasn’t it? Yeah…”

“I have to go now, but,” faster than you can imagine, she leaned forward and pressed her lips to Yossy’s nose and took off around the corner, leaving Yossy just as confused as me.

I blinked a few times. I’m not really sure what to make of what just happened. From the corner of her eye, Yossy noticed my perplexed expression, and before I can ask anything, she boosts me up on her back. I burry my face into her jersey; we start walking, but Yossy takes the long way home

--------------------------

“Yossy?” I nervously chew on my lip.

She doesn’t reply for a while, and I’m thinking about acting like nothing happened, but she finally responds.

“Yeah, squirt?”

“What just happened with Rika? Actually, why were you guys acting so weird?” I ask.

“You know, I don’t really know the answer.”

“Did you like what happened?”

She chuckles and repositions me so she can move a little faster. “Why do you want to know so much now? I don't know if I like it. I'm not going into details. There's just some things that you need to learn when you're older.”

I pouted and nudged her sides with my shoes. “I’m basically eleven! I think I’m old enough.”

“Hmmmmm… I’m not so suuuuure.” She teased, looking over her shoulder at me with a mischievous grin.

“Please?” I begged, giving her a puppy dog stare as best I could.

“How about I promise to tell you when you’re seventh grade?”

“EHHHHHHHH!?” I screeched.

“Whoa, take it easy there, reaction queen. If you take the deal, I’ll tell you something else important in life. Fair enough?”

“Fiiiiiiine.” I sighed, dropping my chin onto her shoulder.

“Hey, you’ll thank me for this later. You need to know love can’t ever be defined, okay? It doesn’t matter who you are or what you are. Everyone has the right to feel love. You can run from it, but you’ll never escape it. Don’t forget it.”

I cocked my head to the side, staring at the fast approaching shape of our house. What did she mean by that…

“Everyone?” I asked, unsure of the meaning of her unintentional riddle. Did I deserve love too? My real momma and poppa left me all alone in their house. Forever. They said they would be back, but they never did come back. Did they love me? If my own parents didn’t want me, who would?

“Mhm. Everyone. Even little squirts like you.”

I deserved love? What did it feel like? So many questions, but all too fast.

“Promise?”

She nodded and set me down a couple feet away from the gate.

“What does it feel like, Yossy?”

She gave me a long stare, studying everything I was doing, from the nervous clenching of my fist to the slight twitch of my eye.

“Like this.”

I found myself wrapped in her arms again. I took a deep breath and let her warmth wash over me.
Roses, spray paint, and sweaty sports equipment. This is what a big sister is supposed to smell like. This is what a big sister’s love is supposed to feel like.

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: rndmnwierd on May 19, 2012, 05:45:14 AM

G-Gaki!? :shocked Well... I guess that could make sense...

Still, Gaki!? So angry in the first chapter, now we see her as a little kid. A little, adopted kid...

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: mochi.rini on May 19, 2012, 05:53:16 AM

ooooh :O  this sounds good :)  I'm curious to know if Chapter One was Risa or not?  Seems too angry to be her :O  DRUNK PEOPLE FTW

Lol Risa as a braceface...how quaint :3  And she's totally oblivious to the IshiYoshi action going on~ :D

Congrats on your graduation :D

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: Estrea on May 19, 2012, 07:17:40 AM

I'm reading this at work on my phone so I can't give the most enlightened comment. XD Gaki and Yossy have a nice dynamic going on, but I keep sensing Gaki having strange feelings about Yossy. Please let there be a time or confusion for her. Haha. *evil*

I love the IshiYoshi btw. XD Much love for the first real pairing to come out of Momusu history. I gather that Rika's mom already suspects something between them hence them avoiding being seen together? Cos Yossy's acting like a boyfriend sending his/her girlfriend home but doesn't want to get caught red-handed haha. This amuses me and I demand more IshiYoshi. We lack OG love lately. I guess I should introduce my own OG charas in my own fic soon..,

If Gaki is the person in the first chapter, I wonder what happened in the intervening time to make her so bitter. Unless it's Yossy. Hmm.

Please give me Maki as a character somewhere. *misses her badly* :lol:

As always, waiting for more!

EDIT: person in chapter one is most likely Yossy. Football lol. So Rika did something? Acha...oh. This raises another question. Who's the other girl she's having a one night stand with??

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: Dswizzle10 on June 06, 2012, 05:02:06 AM

Estrea: Thank you~ That's still a nice review coming from your phone. ^.^ We shall see what happens in the future with everything else.  :hee:
mochi.rini: Thank you. *salute* On the high school I go. Yaaaaaaaaay.... :gyaaah:
rndmnwierd: Is it Gaki in the first chapter? I'll never say  :cool1:

And by the way.... there is actually eye black called "Warrior" if you actually want to see it. And that's all I'm saying. Thanks for reading guys.


Chapter 3



“So, you’ll finally be home more?” Yossy asks, and we both send the man sitting at the head of the table a hopeful stare.

Our dad works for a construction company and his job keeps him away a lot. When he first brought me here, he was around all the time. But, about two weeks after I got settled in, he went back to work; I became Yossy’s responsibility. He’s a really sweet man though, even if he looks like he could be in the yakuza.

He looks away and scratches his bald head, “I’m sorry to say this, but…”

I eat a spoonful of cereal to hide the disappointment I know I’m going to have in the next few seconds.

“You’ll have to deal with me more often!” he exclaims, pushing out his chair, as he jumps up and holds his arms out to us.

“Really? Alright, dad!” Yossy cheers, tackling our dad into a bear hug. I follow suite and jump on his back.

“Dad’s gonna be home!” I screeched, squeezing his neck as hard as my body would allow.

“Hey, if you cut off the circulation in my head, you’ll make it so my luxurious curly hair can’t grow anymore!” he jokingly complains, trying as hard as he can to wiggle out of our grasp.

Family. Loving. Fun.

But never forever.

Nothing ever is.

--------------

“Do I have to go?” I whined, jerking away from Yossy’s hand angrily when she tries to mess with my pigtails.

“Is it really that bad in there for you? Do I need to go talk to the teacher?” Yossy asks, and the concern in her voice makes me feel sick.

“No, I just think it’s stupid I have to go on the last day of school! Can’t I just stay home?”

“You want to ditch on the last day of 6th grade?”

“Yes.”

“Well, you’re not. I know it’s hard—school children are probably the meanest thing out there. Just stick it out till lunch and we’ll talk, alright?” Yossy offers, giving me a final hug before leaving me in front of my class door. Ah, my mistake. She leaves me standing outside the gate to hell.

-------------

“‘X’ equals ten.” I mumble, tapping my pencil idly on my paper. About a dozen kids are still working out the problem I just finished. Normally, I wouldn’t have let everyone know I was done, but I would get in trouble with the Yuko-sensei if I didn’t.

The kid behind me hits my chair leg. It isn’t an accident.

“Ah, Gaki-san, you’re already done? Very good!” Yuko-sensei exclaims, yanking the paper from my desk, as she skims over my work.

I blush a little and shrink into my seat. Kill me now. You would think some teachers would get the hint that you don’t want to be gushed over. I just want to be a shadow right now. I want to be small and insignificant. I must have been that way when I was younger, since my parents left me alone.

I frown and clench my fists. Why did they leave me alone? In that house… in that nice house I loved. We were happy right?

The classroom door slides open.

“Yuko-sensei, the principal needs you for a moment.” One of the senior students says, and leaves the moment Yuko looks at him.

“Now, I trust all of you to be good, but I’m leaving Gaki-san in charge.” Sensei sighs, disappearing out of the classroom in a flash.

Everyone stays silent.

I gulp and bite my quivering lip.

“Damn you! Always showing off!”

“Yeah, why can’t you let us get some attention sometime, huh?”

The girl sitting beside me tosses my pencil across the classroom. I flinch when another kid lunges at me.

“Stupid!”

“Your last name should be ‘Niigeeki’ instead of ‘Niigaki’!”

“Haha! What’s up, Geeki-san?”

Someone slaps my shoulder a little bit too hard to be friendly.

I just want it to stop.

“Geeki!”

“Geeki!”

Please stop. I don’t like this. Why are you doing this?

“Geeki, Geeki, what a weakling!”

They crowd in a circle around me.

“Look at her braces!”

“Stop staring at her mouth and look at those ugly things she calls pigtails!”

Briiiiiing

I hear something inside me snap. Before I know it, there’s the boy that started calling me “Geeki” on the ground, and all I see is the wood panels flying under my feet.

I’m not sure where I’m going, but at the same time, I do.

I’m not really aware of anything right now. I’m just running. Everything is numb.

---------------------

My shoe collides with the bathroom cabinets and falls to a clatter on the floor. Man, that hurt.

“Sorry.” Yossy mutters, dabbing more peroxide on my knee.

“S’okay.” I mumble back.

A rainbow colored band-aid decorates my skin and I smile. “How’d you know?”

Yossy grins and shrugs her shoulders; she tosses away the wrapper. She starts checking my legs for any other cuts or brusies.

“Man, you sure can run…” she mumbles in admiration, making my chest swell in pride, “You ran at least a mile or two away from the school-- Are there any sports you want to do?”

“I ran that far away?” I ask in surprise. I don’t really remember any of that. I just ran away from that place…. It felt so good.

Yossy grunts in reply.

“I kind of wanna do track, but just running seems boring.” I say, wincing as she finds another cut on the back of my leg. I wriggle the toes on my sock clad foot as a distraction.

“You could try football-“

“ARE YOU SERIOUS!? I WOULD GET TURNED INTO A PANCAKE!” I squeal, visibly cringing at the thought of being on the field with guys five times my size.

“Calm down, it isn’t that-“

“ARE YOU SERIOUS!?”

“GAKI!”

My cheeks are suddenly smooshed together and I can’t speak. I take a deep breath and give Yossy a shy grin. She lets go of me. “Sorry.” I mumble sheepishly.

“You and your reactions kid.. Well, I’m playing in high school. You can come to my games and watch I doubt I’ll be anything more than wide receiver.” Yossy explains, securing another rainbow colored Band-Aid on my leg.

“What’s a wide receiver?”

“I catch the football and use my awesome moves to confuse everyone else.” Yossy says, tossing the box of Band-Aids into the air while spinning around.

“Psh. Awesome moves….loser.” I tease, kicking the box out of her hands before she can catch it.

“H-hey!” Yossy shouts, stunned as I dash forward and snatch the box of Band-Aids before she can react.

Smooth woods tiles disappear under my feet till I’m not running anymore. I’m flying.

I’m laughing my cares away.

Yossy scrapes her nails against my jacket, but I twist out of her reach and swerve around the banister.

“Come back here, Squirt!” Yossy calls, and she’s laughing too.

“Never!” I giggle, taking two stairs at a time.

“Why does it sound like there’s a herd of ele-“

“TOUCHDOWN!” I shout, leaping into dad’s arms, and barely catching the sight of Yossy tumbling down the steps.

Dad easily catches me, makes a face at Yossy and nudges her head. “You alive…?”

“She’s quick.” Yossy mumbles, rubbing the back of her head.

“Hi daddy!” I grin, wrapping myself around him, as he nuzzles my cheek.

“How’s my princess today? I heard you had a rough day.” he asks, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.

“Better now. Yossy is a good distraction.”

“I better be a good distraction.” Yossy shouts, struggling to her feet.

“Instead of naming you for your eyes I should have named you for your big mouth…” dad says with utmost seriousness, while he pokes a finger in his ear.

“Dad!”

“I was just kidding!”

-----------------

“Momma?”
My bare feet tiptoe across bleach white linoleum. My squeaky voice echoes against the kitchen cabinets that tower over my head.
“Poppa!” I yell, peeking my head around the corner of the living room.
Where could they be? Momma shouldn’t have work. Daddy shouldn’t have military duty either.
“Is this a test to see if Risa is big enough to take care of herself?” I ask the family portrait on the wall.
Our happy expressions stare back at me.
“Challenge accepted!” I laugh, scrambling to the front door to lock it. It’s already locked, and I don’t think much of it as I scamper back to bed for a nap.

-----------------

“Gaki!”

What…

“Gaki! You were whimpering and twisting all over the place up there. Are you alright?” Yossy whispers, stroking my hair. I drop my face into her chest and lay there for a minute.

“Where’s mom?” I ask, surprising myself with how innocent I sound.

“Mom? She’s in heaven. So is our little brother she was carrying. That’s why dad brought you home.”

“Not that one.”

She tenses up and holds her breath. “Did you have another nightmare about that?”

“Mhm.”

“Did it get to….?”

“It stopped when I went for a nap.” I whisper back, forcing back tears.

“Can you sleep?”

I’m shaking all over. I can’t…thoughts…jumbled…

My mouth opens and closes several times.

“Hey, come on. Stay focused. We’re going for a walk, okay?” Yossy says, firmly shaking my shoulders.

I nod.

Yossy crawls down the ladder of our bunk beds and quietly opens the door.

I count her steps-- 7.

“Dad…”

“Hmmm?”

“Gaki had a bad dream. I’m gonna take her for a walk in a bit.”

“Okay~ Just don’t get eaten by polar bears.”

“…Good night, dad.”

------------------

“I don’t like my pigtails anymore, Yossy.” I blurt out, staring at my reflection in the soapy water.

Yossy slathers some soap on my shoulders and works it around.

We’ve had this routine for a while now. I have a bad dream; Yossy takes a warm bath with me. It’s a little embarrassing that an eleven year old still does things like this, but it helps.

”We can cut your hair sometime.” Yossy suggests, dumping warm water on my back.

“Hair cut…?” I trail off, twisting so I can see Yossy better.

“Mhm. We can cut it like mine, but bangs on the opposite side.”

“Can I get it light brown?”

“Any color you want, Squirt.” Yossy smiles.

I crash myself against her bare, warm body for a slightly painful hug. “Thank you.” I gasp, hot tears streaming down my face.

“Anytime.”

------------------

It’s a chilly summer morning. The stars are still shining above in a purple sky. I wish I could see this more often…

Yossy is wearing a black long sleeve under armour shirt and a pair of basketball shorts. We match all the way to the bandana wrapped around our heads. The only difference is our shoes—soccer cleats and regular tennis shoes. Take a guess at who’s wearing what.

“We aren’t just walking are we?” I ask, stating the obvious, as I watch the brown, oblong shaped ball spinning in her hands.

“I figured this would be a better for you.” Yossy states, stopping to look both ways down the street, “Come on.”

After a few minutes of walking, we stop at a vacant building. I’ve never seen this part of town before.

“What’s this building?” I yawn, rubbing my eyes.

“It’s an old school. They stopped using it for some reason, but a lot of people come up here for the field over there.” Yossy yawns, jabbing her thumb in the direction behind us, as she ties her cleats again.

I turn around and glance around the school, “USO! Those lights are bright!”

“The lights are on, huh? It’s probably a good thing I brought eye black.”

“Huh?” I say, scrunching my face up at the new term.

“I’ll show you when we get on the field.”

----------------

“Hold still.” Yossy instructs, pressing two stickers under my eyes, and she does the same to herself.

“Well, don’t you look cute!”

“Shush.” I reply, looking at my reflection in Yossy’s phone. “I look mean.”

“You look like a warrior! Now let’s see what I can teach you...” Yossy trails off, tossing the ball in the air.

I try and swipe at it, but she’s too fast. She twists and I collide with her shoulder and fall onto the grass.

“Payback~” Yossy sings, tucking the football under her arm, as she beckons for me to get up.

I puff my cheeks out in return and stomp over to her.

“This is a football-“

“Duhhh?”

“Be quiet. This is a football. Now, you don’t want anyone to take this from you, do you?”

“No. They could take it and score.”

“Exactly. So when you’re running with it, you want a nice grip on it. Give me your arm.”

I stick out my left arm.

“Other one.”

I sigh and stick the other one out instead.

She places the ball against my forearm and stares me dead in the eye.

I nod and watch, no feel, how everything should be.

She presses it against the dip under my breast.

I nod and keep a firm grip.

Yossy doesn’t break eye contact with me once. She forces my elbow into my side.

She backs away and stands back for a minute—judging me. Carefully, she swipes down on the football.

It doesn’t move.

She chuckles and nods in approval. I smile and stand a little taller. This is good.

Another swipe.

Thwonk.

Another.

Thwonk.

Faster than my mind can grasp, Yossy digs her fingers into my shoulder, and presses our foreheads together.

I don’t breathe.

I don’t understand.. I’m afraid.

There’s a fire burning deep in those eyes.

“This ball, think of it as the thing you hold most precious to you.”

I nod and my hearts running marathons.

“Do you want anyone to take it from you?”

“No.”

“LOUDER.”

“NO.”

Yossy shoves me and frowns. I furrow my eyebrows and tighten my grip on the ball. What’s going on..?

“LOUDER! I CAN’T HEAR YOU GAKI!”

“NO! I DON’T WANT ANYONE TO TAKE IT FROM ME!” I shout.

Everything is quiet for a minute.

Crickets start chirping.

“Why don’t you want anyone to take it from you?” Yossy asks calmly, taking deep breathes to settle herself.

I lick my dry, cracked lips.

“Because it’s mine and it’s precious to me.” I say in a low voice.

“Run down that field and don’t stop until you’ve reached the end zone.” Yossy says, voice lower than me.

I stand rooted to my spot. She can’t mean all the way down there can she?

“MOVE IT!” Yossy barks and I’m gone.

But I’m not fast enough.

Yossy tackles me.

I groan and close my eyes. My side and back hurts.

I spit out a mouthful of mud and grass. I gag and reach up to pick some out of my braces.

“Get up.” I hear Yossy growl. Her soccer cleats stalk around me.

“Now.”

I grunt and heave myself upward on shaky limbs.

“Go back where we started.”

My body pulses in protest, but I shove it in the back of my mind.

Yossy walks behind me and pushes me down into a sprinter’s starting position.

“As soon as I say ‘Go’. Run. And don’t you stop for anything. Give 1000-percent. I better not be able to catch you.” Yossy whispers, voice low and serious.

“You ready?”

I lick my lips and focus on the goal zone. There. This ball’s home is there.

“Are you?” I growl back.

I’m going to take it there.

“GO!”

My arms are pumping and the ball is a secure little lump on my side.

I’m tasting the wind; Rejoicing in the whirlwind around me.

I’m not even trying.

It’s silent, but if I close my eyes…

Stands upon stands are filled with people cheering and screaming my name.

Cameras flashing…

And in the touch down zone there’s something waiting for me.

What is it? I can’t see it…

“You did it! That was fantastic! I don’t—I don’t even know how fast that was! Less than 10 seconds I bet! Great job! GREAT job! I’m so proud!” Yossy shouts, her voice echoing across the empty field, as she crushes me into a hug.

Sweat drips down my forehead, mixing with her’s before plopping onto our shirts.

She spins me around several times.

“Yossy….” I whisper, staring at our feet.

“Un, yeah! What is it, Gaki? ….Squirt?”

Hot tears cascade down my face.

“I don’t think I have anything precious to me, besides family.” I choke out in a sob.

My vision blurs until all I see is green and black.

“Gaki… look at me.” She whispers softly, tilting my chin up.

I sniffle, but can’t stop my tears.

I have no friends. I don’t even have a friendship like Yossy does with Rika!

What’s wrong with me? Did I do something? There must be something wrong. That’s why mom and dad left me when I was
younger…

Because I’m weird. I’m different. Nobody wants me because I’m a loser.

“Gaki. You’re going to find something precious to you one day. Maybe when you’re making a run down the field, you’ll look at the end zone and you’ll see it. And you’ll know. There’s nothing wrong with you, alright? I already know you’re thinking that. You’re one heck of a little kid and someday you’re going to make someone happy. Then you’ll have your own little family to love, and you’ll forget about us little people.” Yossy laughs, and I punch her in the shoulder.

“Me and you, at least, we’ll stick together?” I ask, rubbing my reddening eyes.

“I’ll take care of you until you’re strong enough to stand on your own.”

“Thank you.” I say, trying not to cry again. Man, I’m a reaction queen.

“Come on, let’s go home.” Yossy smiles, holding her hand out for mine.

We link hands and walk home.

We’re sisters.

No matter what, we’ll be there for each other.

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: Quietriot on June 06, 2012, 05:49:37 AM

Ouch, my heart. I'll come back and edit this when I've stopped crying. T__T

EDIT: Man, the bullying bit hits close to home... But don't apologize for writing heavy stuff that makes me cry! I'm kind of a baby so it doesn't take much. XD This story is so sad but im lovin it and waiting for more. :)

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: Estrea on June 06, 2012, 09:33:38 AM

Can't personally relate to lil Gaki's feelings since I'm a heartless self centered bastard. /snark :lol: but good job dealing with the aspect of childhood bullying, it always causes some form of drama somehow. Yossy is a good sister. I like the concept of sport as a coping mechanism. I gather Gaki will embrace it and become that person we see in the prologue. I suppose she did find something, or someone, precious to her, only to have it be taken? Ah, life. Always capricious.

As always, waiting for more! You're doing good haha.

Also, typing on my phone takes way too long! :lol:

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: rndmnwierd on June 06, 2012, 05:48:35 PM

Poor little Gaki, good thing she has Yossie there with her. Ah, when will things start looking up for this kid?

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: Dswizzle10 on June 06, 2012, 08:59:53 PM

I forgot all about this extra~ Ignore me~


Intermission: Yoshizawa Hitomi


“Momma has cancer? What’s that? Will I get it if I touch her?” A black haired little girl asked, nervously tiptoeing around the hospital bed. She didn’t like to breathe in this room. It smelled weird. It smelled like medicine and sick people.

Her poppa had chuckled, lifting her by her arms, and placing her on his hip.

“There are some strange little cells that won’t stop growing inside her. These strange little cells are beating up Momma’s normal cells. You can hug Momma all you want and you won’t get anything!” her poppa reassured, smoothing out her straight hair, as he gave her Momma a loving smile.

“Nothing but kisses, my darling little Hitomi; I promise.” Momma said, straining to bring her voice higher than a whisper, as she held her outstretched arms to her precious little girl.

She squirmed against her father, almost fell to the floor in the process, but managed to land on the hospital bed.

“Ah, our little Yossy is growing to be quite the monkey.” Poppa teased, puffing out her cheeks and pulling his ears out to mock her.

“Aki!”

“Uh, sorry, dear.” The older man muttered, staring at his shiny black shoes in an attempt to avoid his wife’s gaze.

Yossy stuck her tongue out, making sure her silly father saw, which he returned whilst staring down.

“Hitomi, come closer. I have a secret for you.” Her Momma whispered, patting her lap draped in white sheets.

She did as her mother wanted, and crawled on her hands and knees along the curve of her mother’s legs. Finally, she lifted herself into her mother’s embrace with chubby arms and legs.

“What’s the secret?” Yossy asked, hanging her soccer cleats away from all the weird tubes hanging on the bed. She felt uncomfortable, so she huddled against her
Momma as best she could, pressing her ear to her heart.

“There’s something else growing inside Momma you’re going to love.” She whispered, smiling as she pressed feather light kisses around the seven-year-old’s head.

“A…pony?” she gasped, revealing the wide gap of missing teeth in her mouth.

Her parents chuckled at her innocence, forgetting how grim their situation really was.

“No-- A little baby brother.” Her Momma explained, placing a hand on her presently swelling stomach.

Yossy stared in childish wonderment at the bump she hadn’t noticed.

“A brother…?”

-----------------

“Poketto no naka ni wa bisuketto ga hitotsu, poketto o tataku to bisuketto wa futatsu, mo hitotsu tataku to bisuketto wa mittsu. Tataite miru tabi bisuketto wa fueru. Sonna fushigi na poketto ga hoshii-“

“Fuu~ your voice is pretty, Hitomi. I’m sure the baby is enjoying it.” Momma spoke, her voice growing stronger with every month that passed. The treatments the doctors were giving her seemed to be producing remarkable results, without harm to the baby’s health of course.

“Thank you, Momma. I want to sing and play ball when I get bigger.” Yossy grinned, looking up from her coloring book to meet her mother’s gaze.

"Which does Hitomi like better now?"

"Singing because it makes little brother and Momma happy!"

Yossy's mother sighed in contentment, rubbing small circles around her tummy. Her daughter went back to searching for a yellow crayon for the sun in her picture and her hums soon filled the room.

“Can we name him Riku, Momma?”

“Riku… that’s a nice name. Riku is going to love his older sister more than anything else!”

“Yeah!”

----------------

Yossy was 8. She didn’t have a little brother yet because the chemo treatments had slowed his development down.

Momma’s stomach was still the size of a beach ball and it made it harder to give Yossy her daily hug. Also, one day Yossy had walked in and noticed her Momma’s beautiful, brown, curly hair was gone and replaced with a bandana.

Everything was changing. Momma’s voice was getting weak again and the machines in her room multiplied.

Yossy didn’t mind as long as she had her little brother.

----------------

She was singing again, on the same pristine white marble floor with the same coloring book. Momma was humming along too while she wrote something in a brown journal.

“What’s that, Momma?” Yossy asked, ended her song prematurely to send her mother a curious look.

“Hmm? This is something for Yossy to look at when Momma’s gone.” She replied, the happy note in her voice trailing over into an ominous and haunting one.

“Momma’s never gonna leave, because she’s a super hero!” and with that, little eight-year-old Yossy had begun running around the room with her arms outstretched like a plane.

Her mother had laughed, but then it was time for her medicine.

Then again, it was always time for her medicine.

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: rndmnwierd on June 06, 2012, 09:37:20 PM

 :cry: :cry: Aww... How sad... Poor little Yossie

Quote

“Poketto no naka ni wa bisuketto ga hitotsu, poketto o tataku to bisuketto wa futatsu, mo hitotsu tataku to bisuketto wa mittsu. Tataite miru tabi bisuketto wa fueru. Sonna fushigi na poketto ga hoshii-“

I love this song!

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: Dswizzle10 on June 08, 2012, 10:29:34 PM

Quietriot: The bully sequences are hard for me to write in many ways. I was bullied back in elementary because this girl (younger than me) was related to my dad's wife, before he married my mom. Basically, this girl told me I wasn't cool, called me dumb, and all this crap because I was born. I'm adding bits of my life into this story, and I'll point out the parts for you, if you can't pick up on them. But thanks, I got the whole summer to make this a good one.  :thumbsup
Estrea: Phone typing sucks. I tried to do an email on a touch screen... *shivers* It. took. forever.
Thank you~ and I will try not to disappoint.
rndmnwierd: I love that song too. I sang attempted to sing a broken english version of it. No one got it :(

And.... You'll alllll understand this later :D

DA DA DA DA DA DA CIRCUS DA DA DA DA DA DA DA AFRO CIRCUS AFRO CIRCUS AFRO POLKA DOT POLKA DOT POLKA DOT AFRO!


(http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4rnc9mSxI1qegw8v.gif)


Chapter 4


“I never thought I’d be the one taking care of you.” I sigh, nursing a cut on the inside of Yossy’s lip. It’s been like this for a while now, ever since school rolled around.

Yossy comes home, battered and bruised, but she won’t say who did it and why. Dad doesn’t even know, only because I’ve been helping her hide the evidence of anything bad happening at school. We’re all in the dark about everything really. Well, like I have any right to complain. I get beat up a lot, rather I would, but I’m too fast for anyone to catch. I don’t tell Yossy about any of the close encounters I’ve had, because…well I don’t want her to worry herself. She’s in high school.

She should be living it up.

But she isn’t.

“Yeah, I know. You used to get picked on all the time, not me.” Yossy laughs, but it’s humorless. Her eye twitches and her fist clenches sporadically.

“People still try to, but all I let them see is my backside as I’m running away.” I say, and it’s a real effort to crack through the saddened atmosphere surrounding us. It works and Yossy gives me an affectionate slap on the shoulder hard enough to send me to the floor.

“Owwwwwww. Geez…” I whine, rubbing small circles on the spot on my elbow where I fell. I shoot Yossy a glare, but she laughs it off.

“You can’t run away from all your problems, Squirt. They’ll eventually catch up.”

I nod in agreement, “At least my braces are gone!”

“I know that makes you happy. How’s everything look?” Yossy asks, doing a self-examination to be sure no Band-Aids are visible.

“Pretty good. If dad asks about your lip, you can always say it was football practice.” I say, lightly tapping on the swollen skin, “What happened anyways?”

Yossy’s expression goes blank, then sour. Whoops…

“Nothing.”

I blink a little to recover from that mental slap to the face. “Ummm… Okay..” I trail off awkwardly, as I stiffly leave Yossy alone in the bathroom. It was about time for me to go anyways.

Once I make it into our shared room, I shut the door. Yossy won’t bother coming in here. I know what she’s going to do, because this has happened before.

She’ll shut the bathroom door.

There’s going to be a couple minutes of silence.

Then the toilet seat is going to be lifted up. I cringe at what’s next and pick up a book on acting to distract myself.

Lazily, I heave myself up onto my bed using the metal railing instead of the ladder, which I started doing about a month ago. It really builds upper body strength…after the first couple times you try and fall flat on your butt, but then after that you get strong.

And I’m really strong for a twelve-year-old girl.

Knock knock

“I’ll be fine, Yossy. Go visit Rika-chan.” I say loud enough for her to hear, and she leaves the house in silence. That’s been a repeating ritual as well. Whenever Yossy isn’t, for lack of a better word, Yossy, she goes and secretly visits Rika. Secretly.

I’m not exactly sure what’s going on, but Rika’s mom doesn’t like Yossy. She doesn’t want her around Rika at all. I can’t imagine what Yossy would do to upset anyone.

Anyways, Yossy visits Rika, then hours later comes home like some soldier who just got promoted.

I peek through the blinds, watching her sullen form sway weakly from side to side with her every step.

I’m worried about her. I just want to know what’s wrong, but she won’t tell me! Didn’t we say we’d always be there for each other? This is not fair!

I grit my teeth and slap a pillow to my face.

“MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMPHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

It’s not fair! Why do bad things happen to us? Do we deserve it, in all honesty? I don’t think we do. We’ve suffered enough.

I just want my sister to be happy. If I can’t be happy, can Yossy be happy at least? Please. I’ll give anything for her.

----------------

Our helmets crash against each other. It’s a sound that’s stuck on repeat.

“Shhhhhh.” I hiss, pinching my left eye shut as some sweat slips inside. My feet are beginning to numb as they slip further and further into the earth. All my muscles are exerted, but I keep pushing.

My head slips down and her helmet is on top of mine, her arms are pushing me down as hard as she can.

My knees begin to shake from the strain and I let out a low grunt.

COME ON! WHERE’S ALL YOUR STRENGTH AT, YA WUSS? HUH? GEEKI, GEEKI, WHAT A WEAKLING!

I growl at my self-directed insults and shove my helmet into Yossy’s chest, upsetting her balance, and she stumbles backwards.

Our eyes meet. There’s an unspoken agreement.

Five seconds.

I take a deep breath and wipe my face of with the hem of my t-shirt. Even with my eyes closed I can see the lights still. Is there really a need for it to be that bright? I take a quick glance at Yossy.

Silent marble; Thick, wet, curly blonde hair swept under a football helmet; The fieriest brown eyes in Japan.

I’m jealous of her. I have the small face of a bean. I’m not some statue Michael Angelo would carve from the most beautiful marble. I’m like the gargoyle statues on a famous cathedral.

I lick my lips and rub at my eye black so it will stick. Our eyes meet again. Go time.

I make the first move this time and grab her shoulders hard enough to break them. She locks her arms under my own and positions them on my chest. We push hard against each other. Of course, Yossy has an advantage, being older, which makes her taller.

“I’m jealous of you.”

Surprisingly enough, I’m not the one saying those words. I shove our helmets together and we lock gazes.

Her expression is one of contemplation.

We walk in a circle, not letting up on each other.

Suddenly, the force against my chest starts hurting.

“Ah, Yossy can you-“

She knows what I’m talking about and moves her hands on my shoulder.

“Puberty coming in, eh?”

I blush a little and avert my gaze. “Maybe. Why are you jealous of me? I’m jealous of you.”

Our grips on each other loosen.

“Why?” Yossy says, brown eyes startled beyond belief.

“You have the perfect package—good looks, strong, smart, and you actually have friends.” I admit.

She stares at our feet; Football cleats and her old soccer cleats.

“You’re…normal.” She says quietly.

We drop our hands off each other and timidly stare at the grass.

Yossy’s normal. She has two eyes, a nose, lips, ears, legs, arms, and everything else. I’m pretty sure; I mean I’ve taken enough baths with her to know. Unless there’s some weird mutation she’s hiding.

I give her a scrutinizing glance from head to toe.

“What’s with the weird expression?” she laughs, pointing a finger at me.

I make a face, undo my helmet and let it drop onto the ground. I stifle a yawn and slap my cheeks. I swear Yossy woke me up earlier this morning.

“You’re insinuating you’re ‘weird’ and that’s why you’re jealous of my ‘normalness’.” I say, air quoting myself.

She lets out a sad sigh and drops her helmet to the ground. “You are normal. I’m weird. I’m not like the other kids at school.”

The soft sadnes in her voice is confusing me and so is her definition of ‘normal’ and ‘weird’.

“Just what does ‘weird’ mean? I’m not very good at speaking Yossy.” I sigh, crossing my arms expectantly.

“I’m gay, Gaki.” Yossy hisses, angrily stomping her cleats into the ground.

Gay? I’ve heard that word before. The kids in my class use it a lot when they talk about the teachers or homework assignments they don’t like. It usually means stupid, and Yossy isn’t stupid! The lowest grade I’ve seen her come home with is a B+ that was one percent away from an A.

“You aren’t stupid.” I say innocently, adding in a smile.

Yossy blinks for a moment and stops her tirade on the turf. “Huh?” then realization of my naivety hits her, “No, not the slang meaning.”

I remain silent. Is there another definition for gay?

Yossy lets out a long sigh at my befuddled expression, “Gaki, I’m gay. That means I like girls.”

I look up and Yossy cringes and closes her eyes. Why is she afraid? I’m not going to do anything. If anything, the only things she has to be afraid of are my questions.

 “Is that possible?” I yawn, dropping onto the grass with a muted thud.

She follows suite. “Apparently so…” She trails off, warily eying me.

“Why are you acting that way?” I ask, rolling onto my back so I can relax comfortably.

“Well, being gay isn’t something people approve of most of the time. You have to be careful who you tell.” Yossy explains, tiredly rubbing her eyes.

So she did wake us up earlier.

“Is that why you get beat up?”

“Yeah. I get called ‘heterosexualomi’ and most of the guys on the football team mess with me at practice.”

“Why can’t people accept you the way you are?” I ask, poking a blade of grass with my thumb nail.

It’s more of a question aimed at myself. Why are people so…unaccepting of people different from themselves? Why do we have bullies in the world? It makes no sense. We weren’t made to be alike.

“Momma left me a journal when she passed away… it explained a lot of things I didn’t know. I read it a little before you came here,” Yossy rolls next to me, staring up at the stars, “It’s like she knew what I was before I hit puberty.”

“Don’t say ‘what I was’, Yossy. You’re calling yourself some…monster. You aren’t.” I interject, lazily connecting stars in the Big Dipper.

She sighs again, “Momma had cancer. She died when I was eight, but when we had the service, neither of my grandparents came, on both sides,” and her fist slams into the ground as a strangled whimper leaves her throat.

“They didn’t come because she was different. They abandoned us because they thought cancer was contagious and a curse," Yossy's growl softens in a remembering whisper, "No matter where you go, or what you do, people will always have something to say. You just have to ignore them, because you’re being you. They don’t matter as long as you’re standing for what you believe in and enjoying life.”

And so… the hunt for what I believe in and treasure begins.

---------------------

“So, would you still accept us if we were… ugly little beasts that were abominations of society?” I ask, watching dad’s facial expressions carefully.

I asked Yossy how she felt at first when she figured out she didn’t like guys; the above is her response. She’s afraid to tell dad, because she’s afraid. He doesn’t take bad news well, according to her. So, I decided to give him a bunch of scenarios ranging from gangsters to vampires.

“Mhm~. Why are you asking this again?” he says, slurping from his coffee cup.

“Umm..”

Crap. Don’t panic! Think of something quick!

“Yoss-English! It’s for English!” I shout, and at father’s curious stare, I begin shoveling mountains of frosted flakes in my mouth.

“Gak-“

“Warry rad, rotta get to school!” I gurgle through the waterfall of milk and soggy cereal dripping down my chin. I toss my bowl into the sink (thank god it’s plastic) and trip over my shoes by the door.

ESCAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAPE NOWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!

“But it’s Saturday!”

“I knew that! It was just a test to see if you were listening!”

----------------

I rub my thumb over the ticket stub in my pocket. In the darkness of the movie theatre I can barely make out the word “Madagascar”. Somehow, Yossy convinced me to tag along with her and Rika on a date today—talk about a third wheel. I’m really regretting coming. The loneliness I feel is overcoming.

I decided to sit all the way in the back of the averagely filled theatre so Yossy and Rika can have some alone time. Yet, I can’t help but notice every act of affection. A butterfly kiss here, a tiptoeing hand there. They’re all over each other, but not in a disgusting way. It’s sweet really—as if they feel like every moment is their last. Maybe it is. We never know when some disaster is coming to rip us away from what we love.

I chuckle at myself quietly. I’m becoming more poetic as I grow older. It’s really no wonder why my English grade is so high.

I watch Yossy ever so lightly stroking Rika’s palm; I hear silent sighs of content from both. This isn’t some high school romance. I can see that much. It’s something more to both to them. Oh, I wish they could be happy together. I wish Yossy didn’t get beat up.

I really wish I had someone too.

I know, twelve-year-old talking about adult things. It’s just… no one understands me. Yossy does, but I can’t say everything on my chest. I don’t want her worrying about her kid sister all day.

A lot of the kids in my class have started dating already. Of course, I haven’t. I’m still little Geeki to everyone. But there is… No, no. It’s just admiration. That’s all. That’s all..

I wonder, what am I to be in life? I feel.. my life is a mystery. Ever since I left that temporary home, my path in life has become engulfed in darkness. At first I was flopping around like a fish. I had nothing to stand on. I was miserable. I wanted to go home.

The good thing is.. I’m getting strong. At first I was using Yossy as support, but I’m growing. One day, I’ll be able to stand on my own and maybe if I get lucky, I can lean against someone and grow old together.

Yeah, something like that.

Maybe I’m not ready for something like this in front of me; In time, maybe. For now, I’ll just have to help Yossy tell dad.

----------------

I nudge Yossy in her side, “The garage door just opened. You ready for this?”

She closes her eyes and nods, “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

“You’ve got this.” I assure her, placing a hand on her back, as we stand up and walk into the kitchen to wait.

“I’m not sure if I really do. I mean, I must have went over a thousand scenarios already, but still..” Yossy trails off, hopping onto the kitchen table. A pearly white canine tooth curls out from her lip and digs into the skin under her lower lip.

I understand how she’s feeling kind of, the not knowing feeling is the worst. I have confidence though, and her telling dad has to be good.

“Everybody, I’m home! Yossy, come her—oh, there you are! Come on, I have a surprise for you.” Dad says, disappearing into the garage again through the door in the kitchen.

Sullenly, Yossy and I follow him through the door. It’s all dark and—

“Surprise! I know you have your license, but no car. So I got this for you from one of our old friends. Happy early birthday!” he shouts, gesturing to an new Ford Mustang.

“You’re…kidding..” Yossy gapes, eyes wider than I’ve ever seen before.

“ARE YOU SERIOUS!? AWEEEEEESOME~!” I shout, jumping up and down, and I barely touch the ground before I start running for it.

“Hey, calm down! It’s not even your’s!”  Yossy whines after me, slamming me aside so she can get into the driver’s seat first. We fight for a couple minutes and somehow I end up buckled into the passenger’s seat.

But I’m upside down. Don’t even ask how.

“Settle down you too. We don’t want to break it before it’s been driven!” Dad says, giving us a faux stern glance.

We stop at once, giving each other sheepish glances.

“Thanks, dad.” Yossy says, a sad smile forming on her face, as she experimentally turns the steering wheel.

“You’re welcome.” He replies, and for the first time, he looks old.

I hear Yossy let out a shaky breath and her grip on the steering wheel turns knuckle white.

“Dad, can we talk sometime soon?”

“Yeah…of course, Yossy.”

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: rndmnwierd on June 09, 2012, 04:15:25 AM

Oh man, why do I have a feeling either Yossie isn't going to be able to talk to her dad, or that conversation is going to end horribly.

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: Quietriot on June 09, 2012, 05:52:27 AM

I can empathize with the bullying. Well, I think a lot of people can since childhood is rarely completely kind to us, but yeah, I've had experience on the receiving end, myself. That being said, it takes courage to put such raw pieces of your life into a fic, so I commend you for that. I think it can be good self-therapy, too.

Anyway, chapter. More snapshots of the adorable sisterly bond between these two. I really am loving how you portray their interaction. It's just so sweet~ I can also unfortunately relate to both of their situations...

Quote

"No matter where you go, or what you do, people will always have something to say. You just have to ignore them, because you’re being you. They don’t matter as long as you’re standing for what you believe in and enjoying life."

Wise and true words but difficult to apply to life, especially when people treat you so poorly. Good thing Yossy at least has some support from lil' Gaki.

And I think Rndy sums up how I feel about the impending father-daughter confrontation...

As always, looking forward to what's next. :)

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: maikeatoot on June 09, 2012, 07:00:32 AM

i like this!!really!

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: Dswizzle10 on June 10, 2012, 06:27:11 AM

Quietriot: Bahaha. I swear I get new nicknames daily. See, my real name is Dayanara, with a long A (but people say DIE-uh-nara and it's like nails on chalkboard I swear). Since it's kinda long, I get new nicknames everyday: Day, Dayda, Dayanana (Banana), and then I got Dswizzle as an rapper alter ego because I rapped for a project one day. XD And don't worry about the gang bit, I gotta have something to daydream about this summer~ :on GJ: I wish I had a sister like Yossy. Life would be filled with rainbows with unicorns flapping nearby. *sighs*  :on cloudeye:
rndmnwierd: May this keep your mind occupied till the daughter-father talk.  :kneelbow:

maikeatoot: Thank you very much ^.^



Intermission #2: Yoshizawa Hitomi


Her father was holding her hand, staring meekly at the growing puddles of rain on the hospital curb they were sitting on.

The silence was filled with animosity and sadness, and it more so came from the elder of the two. Of course, it wasn’t held for the innocent child next to him, but, to put it bluntly, the world. Years ago, it seemed he was on top of everything. Easily securing a nice paying construction job that kept him home every night; the marrying his precious wife; and then finally having his inconceivably more precious daughter.

“I won’t have a little brother?” Yossy whispered, fat tears streaming down her cherub like face, as she stared at her poppa. The only thing she had left.

The sound of her voice, not happy and squeaky like it was any other day, but tight and pain filled brought him back to reality.

He only gave her a cold stare, and shook his head, tipping his soaked fedora further down his head.

Aki Yoshizawa wondered what on Earth had caused such a terrible thing, but then, he wondered if it could be seen positively. Maybe, his child would benefit from pain early on, becoming a strong individual that could fight for herself. He discreetly gave her a once over with lifeless ochre eyes.

“Where did Momma and Riku go?” she asked, feeling miserable inside. She dug her teeth into her bottom lip to stop the trembling, both from the ice cold rain and the storm inside her heart.

“A place much better than this—where damn doctors are paid amounts that don’t drain your bank account and kill your wife and unborn son!” Aki choked out, burying his face in his hands, as all the emotions he had hidden through the ordeal found daylight.

She didn’t understand all of it, but Yossy unleashed a new torrent of tears as her mind wondered.

“Was it my fault, Poppa? Was I a bad girl? Is this punishment?” She sobbed, furiously rubbing at her eyes even though the rain was wetting them the same as her tears.

“No, no, no! Never! You were a perfect little girl. This isn’t your fault and don’t you think that.” Aki murmured, cradling his heart broken daughter closer to him.

“At least we have each other, right?”

------------------

“Why didn’t they come?” Yossy asked, glaring daggers at the carton of milk in front of her.

Aki nearly choked on his coffee, but managed to calm himself, as he gently placed the mug on the table.

“Who?” he asked, knowing exactly what his ten-year-old daughter was vaguely hinting at. The question was random, but there was no doubting the look in those brown eyes. That fire that would burn anything it touched.

“You know who.” Yossy dryly responded, crossing her arms.

Since when had she become so grown up? Wasn’t it just yesterday she was a happy little baby taking a bath in the kitchen sink?

It was useless, that much he knew, to dwell on the past. She was growing with increased vigor each day. Soon, she would be ready to take on the world.

“Your grandparents… for some reason they were deadly afraid of cancer, even though you can’t catch it. They don’t want to be around us..” Aki whispered, wincing as the reality of his parents and in-laws set in.

Screech

Clack

Her chair found a new home on the floor and suddenly, Aki Yoshizawa was alone.

-----------------

He found his daughter later that night at an old field, lying in the grass with a girl that seemed to be around her age. The girl wrapped her arm around Yossy, who in turn leaned on her shoulder for support while she sniffled. Aki smiled and decided to just watch. Yossy always made friends very easily, but something seemed different about this meeting. From what he had noticed throughout the years, Yossy was very reserved, and even if she felt like she was sharing a lot of information about herself, in fact it was nothing more than her shoe size. For her to break down in front of someone, nevertheless a stranger, was a sight to see to believe.

 “Listen, no matter where you go, or what you do, people will always have something to say! You just have to ignore them, because you’re being you! Who cares what they say? Just do right, be yourself , and stand for what you believe in!” the girl whispered, the twinkle of her eyes rivaling the stars. Aki’s little girl slowly sat upright, dragging her palms down her face to dry her tears. It was odd, but it seemed effective.

“I ruined your pretty shirt with my tears…and here I don’t know your name. What is it?”

“Rika, but you can call me Charmy! What’s your’s?”

“Ah, I’m surprised they don’t call you Easter Island! My name’s Yossy, by the way.”

“Yo-chan is mean~!”

----------------

Aki leisurely sipped from his coffee cup, wiping some of the brown liquid from his upper lip. Was almost eight years enough time to heal, he wondered. He was perfectly fine with the opportunity, but he hesitated conversing on the matter with his 15-year-old (or was she fourteen?) daughter currently searching for something to eat.

He quietly observed her, noting her stance was wide and strong; those light brown eyes, in a shade similar to his deceased wife, held a large amount of wisdom for how early in her youth she was. She was a smart child as well and as a result, never ceased to amaze him with her quick comebacks to his teasing.

Indeed, she was built like an athlete, both inside and out. Perhaps he would have to contact Naoko and see if he would have a look at her sometime. Curiously, his daughter turned to send a quirked eyebrow his way, which he responded to with a shrug and a sip of coffee.

Shrugging back, Yossy took her see at the table, which was currently the head of the table. She admitted to herself on occasions she felt lonely, since there was a seat right next to her that her mother usually sat it.

Jabbing her spoon into her cereal as an escape from those thoughts, Yossy cautiously swallowed a spoonful, as she once again caught her father sending a watchful glance her way. She swallowed hard, not even blinking at the pain that shot through her throat.

“Whatever it is you want to say, can you say it? You’re scaring me, dad.” And she fidgeted only a little under his gaze.

“It’s nothing; I’m just trying to see if it’s the right time.” He answered simply, finding his long forgotten paper once again.

“I bet you it is the right time for it. I’m not a child anymore.” Yossy pointed out, jabbing a milk soaked spoon in his direction.

Maybe she was right. He sighed, scratching his head, even though anything that could be really itched had been shaved long ago. He smiled at the memory of himself in the yearbook for best hair. Ah, if only they could see him now.

“Dad.” She interjected through his recollection calmly, showing no hints of backing down.

“I’ve just been look around and I was wondering if it was right timing…”

“For?”

Her heart began beating with increasing excitement. Was she getting sent to some sports camp this summer? She only had two days of school left and that would be a fitting surprise. Perhaps she was getting a car that she would get to fix up this summer that she could drive herself and Rika to school in. Now that sounded nice. They could go anywhere, together.

She shoveled more cereal into her mouth, frowning at the thought of Rika, which led to Rika’s mother. Things we getting complicated and currently, the two weren’t speaking. It wasn’t forever though. It was just something Rika had done to get her mother off her trail. She was sure that with them being registered on the same soccer team, added with Rika’s mother being wrapped up in a new job, they could secretly go off on their own.

And with that thought came the wonderment of why Rika’s mom hated her, though Rika tried to convince her otherwise.

Yossy had always been avid about guitar collecting since she had taught herself soon after her mother passed. The first actual guitar she played on was a black and white Stratocaster style electric that she had gotten for her birthday with a little amp. Then, years later she noticed a nice little les paul knock off on a clearance rack at the music store. With some convincing, her father had bought it for her along with a new amp.

So, one day she had surprised Rika with her old guitar and promised to teach her all she knew.

Yossy frowned at the recollection. She had always made a point to present Rika with some kind of gift every now and then. After the guitar was given and more time was spent in each other’s presence, it seemed that something had morphed inside.

Notes about the newest sports equipment turned into love notes. Then those notes turned into long scripted letters with her initials printed in the prettiest cursive she could muster on the envelope. Rika had kept every single one, compiled them into a binder along with other pictures and gifts Yossy had given her. It was an act of friendship in her eyes (and she had long tried to convince herself and her mother of that fact), but her mother didn’t approve of the events. Thankfully, the Ishikawa elder hadn’t told her father of the sour turn of events between the children, or rather his child and Rika’s mom.

She was sure she liked Rika, in more ways than she could count, and when Rika had come to her, bawling furiously because her mother wanted her to return every gift Yossy had given her, she was in shock. All because Rika’s mother was more perceptive than Rika herself, who was involved first hand. Her mother hadn’t a single want in her body for her child to begin down that path and even told her aunt and grandmother of the child that was ‘attempting to corrupt her darling daughter’.

Yossy experimentally swirled her spoon around her bowl, still caught in her thoughts, and thankfully, so was her father.

Perhaps she could convince Rika to try and date some random guy, but at the idea came heart clenching pain. Of course, when Rika had asked her the night her mother yelled at her for still talking to Yossy, if she was gay, she furiously denied it. Her heart was knocked down with the finest spade into a deep grave, buried several times, and then covered with a large rock. Still, even with that blockage, her heart still felt a large around of pain when she said, “No, I’m just trying to be a good friend… j-just a good friend.”

But it was a lie, and while Rika was going on about how her mother was making something from nothing, Yossy was recollecting every late night spent writing in dark pen words brimming with love. The wounds were still fresh, barely even three days ago. Still, her father was oblivious to the turmoil his daughter was hiding behind her cool mask.

Her father cleared his throat and she was out of her revere, blinking away the tears that lay on the brim of her eyes.

“I was thinking about adopting a little boy.” Aki said slowly, closing his eyes as he waited for her to run away again.

She only blinked in response, wondering if she had inherited her father’s ears as well. Another child running around this house? Yossy unconsciously cocked her head and parted her lips into a deformed ‘O’ shape at the idea.

A little brother to teach all she knew to?

A small smile cascaded onto her face as she imagined them playing catch and soccer together, going for swims in the creek in the winter, and then laughing about it later when father scolded them and they had fevers.

But then again, who could take care of him? Dad was always working now and rarely at home. Yossy wasn’t sure if she was prepared for that responsibility at all.

“Who’s going to watch over him?”

“Well, I was thinking, you.” Aki chuckled, watching his daughter’s eyes widen in disbelief.

“Me? Are you sure about that?” Yossy shot back, pointing a finger at herself.

“No, you.”

Yossy snorted at her father’s little joke and stared at her milk, growing more off-white as the moments ticked by. Was she prepared to have to deal with a person, besides herself, to monitor and take care of?

“If you think so. Have you found any so far?” Yossy said, carefully wording her sentences.

“None so far. I’ll keep looking.” He replied, then with a glance at his watch, kicked Yossy out of the house so she could get to school in time.

--------------

“A police station.”

Yossy blinked in surprise. Why would a child up for adoption be held at a police station? Suddenly fearing the safety of herself and her father, Yossy turned her nose up, muttering something about home security.

“Relax, Yossy. I think you’ll love the new addition.” Aki muttered, glaring at his GPS for declaring the obvious fact that he missed a turn.

Yossy only grunted in response and decided to focus on all the houses she saw.

Eventually, the car stopped and her father proceeded to get out and head into the police station. When Yossy attempted to follow, he pivoted and sent a well-received glare her way.

So, Yossy sat on the hood, stomping on some grass in between the sidewalk cracks. She could only imagine the greedy, smudged face of the little boy. Of course, her father had chosen to keep her in the dark about everything, which accounted for her sudden bitterness.

As if responding to her thoughts, here came her father out of the police stations carrying a little duffel bag on his shoulder. A pink duffel bag. It hadn’t clicked until she noticed the little girl in pigtails holding his father’s hand, staring at her shoes with the utmost interest. Even then, her brain wasn’t moving fast enough to put the duffel bag and little girl together.

They stopped right in front of Yossy. Her father sending a premature warning glance as he watched her jaw drop, not that Yossy noticed it anyways. She was too preoccupied.

For the first time since she left her precious home, the little girl looked up and stared at the older girl before her (who noticed said little girl had the most adorable mole on her nose).

They stared at each other for God knows how long, and Aki was about to make Yossy get into the car out of fear of a battle between the two, but surprisingly enough, Yossy’s new little sister shot forward, wrapping herself around the older girl’s torso in a bear-like grip.

For Yossy, all the growing bitterness she was secretly feeling when it dawned on her that she wasn’t getting a little brother for the second time vanished in that moment. She was shocked, honestly. She hadn’t expected to be embraced by her new sibling, boy or girl, on the first day.

But in that moment, Yossy decided she loved this little girl with everything she had, and lifted her new sister onto her hip to carry around for a while. Yossy all but ignored her father’s calling of her name as she walked away from the police station with little arms wrapped around her neck; once she determined they were far enough, she gently placed her down, even though she seemed to object to being away from Yossy.

Quietly, Yossy stepped back and examined the girl, and the other did the same.

“I’m your new big sister, I’m Yossy.”

“I’m your new little sister, I’m Gaki.”

They stared into each other’s eyes, somewhat startled by the clear tenderness shining in their voices, but also unaware they were thinking the exact same thought.

She has Momma’s eyes.

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: risa_ai on June 10, 2012, 07:43:27 AM

Ouch. My heart. Ouch...

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: Estrea on June 10, 2012, 08:29:13 AM

I can identify with the loss of a mother to cancer, and the subsequent shunning by the rest of the family. Not a fun experience.

Also, I suspect that Daddy Yoshizawa might not be as unreasonable as he could possibly be. Well, I hope so anyway. He might rant and be in shock for awhile but he'll get over it eventually. His daughter comes first, if there's anything to be said about single dads. Plus, he seems like a better dad than mine ever was. :lol:

Like the little background on the IshiYoshi. So Rika is conscious and accepting of her gayness for Yossy now right? Or will that be another potential fuse to blow sometime later? Can't wait to see how this all works out.

EDIT: New page GETS!

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: maikeatoot on June 11, 2012, 04:42:13 AM

 hm very nice chapter.!cAnt wait to read more chaps.!good luck.!

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: Dswizzle10 on June 11, 2012, 07:37:34 PM

maikeatoot: Once again, thank you very much. ^.^
Estrea: Dang. I have a habit of writing stuff that relates very closely to people in a bad way  :banghead: But you'll get most of your questions answered in this chapter.

Risa_ai: *Holds out box of band-aids* I'm sorry T.T

 :onioncheer: I like this one :D On with the chapter!


Chapter 5


“I’m gay, dad.” Yossy blurts out, and I break my neck trying to see in the kitchen. She didn’t…

“Pardon, Yossy. I didn’t hear you.” Dad says, chuckling while he pokes a finger experimentally into his ear. He’s reading the paper, sipping on some orange juice, oblivious to his daughter’s deathly afraid expression.

Yossy quietly slips a tomato slice in her mouth, working up courage to repeat herself. I give her a thumbs-up from the living room and her lips curve into a small smile. It’s barely noticeable, but I know it’s there.

“I’m gay, dad.” She says, more calmly and coolly than the first time.

Good job, Yossy! Now we can-

The smile on my face melts in a worried expression.

The paper in dad’s hands is laid down on the table. His fingers, thick and large, barely stay contained in the gold wedding band on his left hand. They bounce up and down, tapping a slow rhythm against wood.

Yossy stares at her cleats, still dressed in her football uniform, as she waits for him to say something.

“Rika-chan, isn’t it?” he says, looking my direction, but looking through, not at.

Yossy’s head sinks down further.

The air is thick with tension. It’s suffocating me and I’m not sure how long I can hold my breath.

“What about you?”

I jump up in surprise, staring like a deer caught in the headlights.

Run.

I’m having flash backs of all the bullies I faced through my life. I’ve always ran, haven’t I?

Run.

It’s hard to breathe. I’m panicking, standing in an unlit living room, all in the dark.

“Answer him, Squirt.” Yossy says quietly, cutting through my thoughts.

I don’t know what to say. Am I gay? I’m not sure.

There is that girl in math…

It’s just admiration.

No it’s not! You like her and you know it!

Do not!

RUN.

Do too!

Shut up!

You shut up!

“Gaki.”

“I don’t know…” I mumble, staring at the carpet, as my cheeks begin burning.

Without a word, Dad gets up, pushes his chair in, and leaves the house. His car starts up, then it’s gone.

Neither of us move until we can’t hear the car anymore. Even then, I can’t move.

My heart’s beating too fast. I’m going to faint if I don’t start breathing, but I’m…afraid.

Unacceptance. Again.

Geeki, little geeki, such a weakling…

My momma and poppa didn’t want me...

The floor is…spinning and opening up a hole into darkness.

And I’m falling now.

“GAKI!”

--------------

“..on.”

Clap

Clap

I groan, feeling the dizzying pain of a headache coming on as I stir.

“Come on. Get up.”

“Yossy?” I mumble, disoriented and unable to open my eyes. I feel her hand slap my chubby cheeks again. She goes in again, but my hand snatches out and grabs her hand.

“Good reflexes, but get up. We need to get ready.” Yossy says, disappearing from the side of my bed.

“What time is it?” I yawn, rubbing my temples as I try to guess the time from the light shining through the blinds.

“Too late for school.” Is the simple reply given to me.

I shake my head, dispelling some of the effects of the headache crashing through me, “Dad’s gonna be mad.”

“Dad never came home. You wouldn’t know though, you passed out last night as soon as he left. What happened?” Yossy asks, tossing a couple pills at me as I brush past her.

“I panicked.” I say, frowning, because it was much more than that. It was painful really.

“So, you don’t know if you’re straight, bi, or what?”

I cringe and swallow the pills dry. “I’m positive I am that way.. I just.. don’t like labels.” I mutter, grabbing a pair of shorts and a white t-shirt to change into.

I’m sure it was just how Dad reacted to everything. I was afraid, not to mention heartbroken, of losing the only father figure in my life.

“I wonder if I’m to blame for that.” Yossy grins, tossing one of her t-shirts at me.

I dodge it and shake my fist at her. “One of these days, Yossy. One of these days!” I shout in my best English.

“Pow! Right in the kisser!” She shouts back, lunging at me, as I run out of the room.

----------------

I carefully lay my letter and sharpie on the desk, straightening up everything else before I leave. I’m satisfied with how simple it is and decide to head out now before Yossy finds me in here, but something catches my eye.

A picture of Yossy and I at Christmas time.

This was almost two years ago…

I remember that day. I was so unhappy when Yossy picked me up from class, but that all changed when she showed me the sled. There’s a big hill across the street from our house, so we climbed up to the top of it and Yossy, Rika, and I sled down it. I don’t even know how many times we went down, but at some point, dad came outside and took a picture.

I look around, find a near duplicate of the picture and replace it for the one in the frame. Hopefully, Dad will understand why I took this one. It was back when things were much simpler.

More happy.

Sighing at all the memories I have here, I walk out and head to the garage to meet Yossy.

-------------

“Rika isn’t going to school?” I ask, when I notice her leaning against a tree, as we pull into the park parking lot.

“I asked her to meet us here, for a final,” she pauses for a long time and chooses not to continue. I’m fine with that; I don’t want to hear it either.

We both get out, opening and shutting our doors at the same time. I sit on the hood of her car and just watch.

Rika looks up, starts to tear at the sight of Yossy, and takes off at a sprint into her arms.

I smile at the scene and watch a bird in the distance sitting in a nest. I don’t want to be rude and stare. There’s some sniffles, a couple ‘I missed you’s, and lots of patting on the back. I’m sure they’re kissing over there, but I don’t want to see. It’s too early for me to be scarred.

Oh, wait. Too late for that one.

I lost my innocence when I walked in on Yossy making out with her pillow. I cringe at that memory.

“R-Rika… There’s another reason I asked you to come here.” Yossy stutters, which is oddly uncharacteristic of her. I wonder what’s going on—ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

I can’t help but grin at the sound of one shocked Charmy staring at my awesome older sister, currently on one knee with a gold ring in her hands.

I’m so happy right now! I think my cheeks are going to burst!

“Will you marry m-me—er, well, wait for me to get a better place to live for me, you, and the kid, and then get married?” Yossy asks. I smirk.

“Come on, Yossy! You know she’s going to say yes!” I shout, grinning smugly at their blushing expressions. They must have forgotten I was back here; that’ll teach them.

“Of course; the answer is yes a million times. I hope this didn’t cost you much—it’s gorgeous!”

“It was mother’s.” Yossy whispers, slipping the band around her soon-to-be bride.

Rika beams a smile brighter than the sun, pulling Yossy up into a back breaking hug, and then, she does the oddest thing. She slaps Yossy.

“ARE YOU SERIOUS!?” I shout before I can stop myself. Dang my reaction queen instincts.

“Yeah, what the Squirt said!” Yossy says, rubbing her reddening cheek with a sour expression.

“That’s for calling me Easter Island when we met when we were children!” Rika exclaims, punching Yossy in her arm again. “Oh, you’re asking for it, you better run!” Yossy warns, bending down to retie her shoes and give Rika a head start.

“KYAHHHHH~! You wouldn’t hurt your wife!” Rika screams, as her form becomes smaller and smaller in the park.

“Umm.. Yossy, you better get going. She’s kinda fast.” I advise, and with an exasperated nod, Yossy is sprinting after her.

Ahhhhh. 16 and engaged. That’s amazing isn’t it? To have already found your partner for life and started to make it a permanent bond.

There I go again with my poetic-ness.

Wait a minute, why am I still sitting here? I wanna run!

“WAIT UP YOSSY!”

----------------

I stir quietly, attempt to stretch, only to run into the floor mats. My head lolls over onto my left shoulder, and I blink in an effort to remove the cloudiness of sleep from my brain. My throat contracts painfully from thirst and I hiss in pain when a rather bright highway light flashes as we drive by.

“Hey, sleeping beauty.” Yossy greats, not taking her eyes off the road, as I finally decide to sit up.

I don’t say anything, staring blankly at the dial on the radio.

“You got a little drool on your cheek, sis.” She continues from my sleepy silence, and I reach up and rub my sleeve against the wet spot. Once I’m sure I got it all,
I rub my face up and down in an attempt to make myself more alert.

“Here, have some water.”

I snatch the bottle from her hand; it’s probably my fastest reaction since I woke. Greedily, I guzzle down the cool liquid, rubbing at my throat in hopes my throat will go back to normal.

“How long have I been asleep?” I cringe at how groggy my voice sounds and clear my throat.

“Since…noon maybe.” Yossy replies, flicking on the turn signal.

“Twelve hours? I’ve been out for twelve HOURS?” I ask, jaw dropping at the thought.

“Not twelve straight hours. You woke up earlier telling me how you’ve never P.I.T.S, but you managed to do it today, because ‘it was just the right time’.” Yossy chuckles, slapping the wheel comically, while I sit with the utmost confusion etched on my face.

“P.I.T.S?” I ask in disbelief. What is P.I.T.S?

“Peeing in the shower. Haha, I know! That was my face too when you started talking! It was hilarious!”

I blush and find an interesting building to stare at outside my window. No one was supposed to know…

“Don’t be ashamed. Everyone does it—think about it, you’re saving water and helping the planet!” Yossy jokes, reaching over to give me a painful slap on the back.

“Ha. Ha. Ha. You’re hilarious.” I say sarcastically, but I’m smiling regardless. We both relax, more than happy to be in each other’s company. I start poking at the handle on the door.

I’m really happy to have Yossy in my life. Rika too. And daddy as well…

Rika was my first friend, not counting Yossy. She always talked to me; made sure I was well and often gave me acting advice. Of course, I couldn’t help but get in a few chin jokes over the last two years; now that was a sight to see—an angry ‘Charmy’ chasing Yossy and I all over the town.

With that incident of course, came the close call of Rika’s mother being at the same mall we were after we got Rika to calm down. I ended up being the hero of the moment using old military…

I tense up a little at the opening of the wounds that never healed the right way.

Am I ready to relive that?

No. Not yet.

I let out a strangled sigh, placing my face into my hands.

“Does it have to do with what I think it is?”

I nod, “How’d you know?”

“It’s written all over your face. What’s the worst part?” Yossy asks, and I feel a lot better since I don’t have to actually tell it. She already knows the story.

“Him.” I answer simply, glaring at my reflection. Go away.

“Put it into the back of your mi-“

“It’s hard not to when I look in the mirror! This isn’t my face, it’s his!” I shout, rudely cutting my sister off, but I’m in a ‘screw everything’ mood.

“Gaki, that’s your face. It’s not your biological dad’s.” Yossy replies, perfectly calm at the wheel; a face covered by a expressionless mask, save for a quirked eyebrow. I admire that about her.

“I can’t help the way I feel, Yossy…” I trail off, feeling miserable with myself. I wish I could run right now. Running helps me so much. It clears my head.
My legs begin bouncing up and down, taking turns supporting each other, then finally stomping beats into the floor. I probably have a small case of ADHD, or maybe it’s dwelling on the past that does this to me, but it’s awful when it happens. Some part of me has to be moving, whether it’s my eyes or my toes.

“That is the one thing I can’t get over about you.” Yossy chuckles, glancing over at me for a moment.

“What?” I ask flatly, sitting on my hands.

“You go from a kid that’s upset, or even mad at the world, into some happy, hyper active teenager in less than five minutes!”

“Well…” I think for a minute for a comeback, “Well, you go from some cool football player to a sucker for long hair, brown eyes, a cute nose, and a HUMONGUS chin!”

“Oh my god…” Yossy whispers, shocked expression turning into a grin. We share a moment’s gaze into each other’s eyes and burst into uncontrollable laughter. After so much laughing, it grows painful, and with every breath I take, I can feel my bladder screaming in agony.

Eventually, my loud cackles turn into me rolling around my seat with no sound coming out, but my mouth moving like crazy. I don’t know why that’s so funny, but I start to cry. I have no idea how Yossy is holding up, but I do hear a couple snorts.

Finally, I regain my composure, taking deep breaths and fanning my eyes to calm myself. Yossy sighs and grins, switching her left hand out for her right hand on the steering wheel.

“But you know, I dig that about her. It’s sexy.” Yossy says, the utmost seriousness etched on her face.

I give her a ‘Are you serious?’ look and she grins.

“Pfffft…”

“AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”

The poor people who were driving next to us… Never underestimate how loud two sisters can be when they’re laughing.

-----------------

The world is upside down, then normal, then back to upside down. I let it stay there for a while.

“Man, I really regret give you any of that Mountain Dew.” Yossy says, watching me do another cartwheel into a hand stand.

“Whatever~.” I sing, staring at the people rushing to the bathroom at the rest stop. We had to stop not too long after I woke up, because I was getting a little too antsy.

So, Yossy “unleashed the beast” in me and let me mess around in the grassy areas.

I wonder, can I do a back flip? How do you do that anyways? Isn’t it like—

Boom

Ow. Not like that. Most definitely not like that.

“Bakaaaaa.” Yossy says, slapping my forehead, as I lay (painfully I might add) on my back.

I lurch upright, rubbing my spine, and swipe at Yossy’s hand. She slips away with ease and takes a safer position from a distance. I shrug, not worth the effort, and go back to cartwheeling.

“Where are we going?” I ask, kicking my legs all over the place as I jump out of my cartwheel.

“Tokyo.”

“Tokyo? ARE YOU SERIOUS!?” I shout in disbelief, waving my arms frantically. How are we going to survive there? Yossy doesn’t even have a job!

“Well,” Yossy fumbles in her jacket pocket for a neatly folded piece of paper, unfolds it, and holds it out for me to read.

“G-Gatas B-Bril…brilhantes playing contract? As in… THE Gatas Brilhantes soccer team that's forming in Tokyo?”

“Looks like I’m getting back into soccer after all.” Yossy says, smirking at my shocked expression.

Eventually, it wears off and I grin at the thought of Yossy stealing the ball from some unsuspecting opponent.

“Does that mean we’re going to have a nice place to live already? What about Rika?” I rattle off my questions in rapid fire succession, staring in the direction I think home is. I miss that Easter Island statue already… I can only imagine how Yossy feels, that’s her fiancé.

“I guess I wasn’t thinking about all that earlier. They might have a place for us to stay, if not, I’m sure we’ll find something. As for Rika… she’ll come when she’s ready to come.” Yossy adds, folding her hands into each other, as she leans against the hood of her car.

I watch a couple of semi’s passing by and wave at a few of them.

“How does it feel to be in love?”

“Ne, it seems like you asked me that just yesterday.” Yossy chuckles, as I plop beside her and copy her hands.

“I’ve asked you that before?” I yawn, passing a hand through my hair. It’s grown a little too long for my liking.

“You don’t remember?  It was the day Rika kissed me.”

“No. I don’t remember that at all.” I sigh, massaging the area between my eyebrows. I feel another headache coming on.

“To answer your question, some people get different feelings when they’re in love. For me, it makes me feel…” her eyes flutter shut and her cheeks puff out, “I forget all the bullying I go through. I feel like I could run forever, which I swear you can do. Anyways, it gives me the motivation I need to make something out of myself. I have to make Rika happy and proud of me as well. When I’m with Rika, I forget all the pain and suffering I went through and… yeah.”

“Lucky…” I mumble unintentionally, and before I can blink, Yossy punches me in the arm, knocking me halfway across the parking lot. Okay, little exaggerated there, but still! That was a pretty dang painful punch!

“BAKA! Do you realize how incredibly lucky you are? You act incredibly well, you sing like an angel, and I swear you have wings for feet! Don’t even get me started on how you write either!”

I blush at her compliments, but my eyes bug out of my head at her last comment, “YOU READ MY ENGLISH ASSIGNMENTS!? ARE YOU SER-“ before I can finish my sentence, Yossy slaps a hand over my mouth.

“You and your mouth, kid.” She mutters, and I voice my opinion from behind her hand, making sure to coat it in an extra trail of slobber.

“Gross!” Yossy shouts, yanking her hand away with a noticeable trail of saliva following.

I stick my tongue out and let out an evil cackle, "Payback!"

----------------

I was so sure I was looking at an angel right now. The clouds parted and a golden light was shining through. I hear harps and holy bells ringing; I swear I’m not making this up.

“Hi there, my name’s Aya. Are you excited to be here?” the older girl introduced herself, squatting down to my level so she could see into my eyes. She must be related to someone on the team somehow.

I can’t help but give a goofy grin and nod many times. She sounds so sweet and nice~.

“That’s good to hear. What’s your name?” Aya asks, tilting her head to the side, making light brown locks cascade onto her bare shoulder.

“Gaki.” I sigh, still grinning like no tomorrow. Oh, if only Yossy saw me now. It’s too bad she left me to practice with her new teammates a little while ago. However, God seemed to like me enough, and now I’m with Aya~.

“Brat? That’s your real name?” Aya asks again (probably taking the literal translation), scooting onto the bleachers beside me.

“Risa. My last name’s Niigaki.” I explain, watching Yossy make an extremely good pass. I’ll have to compliment her on that one later.

“How cute! Some people gave me the nickname Ayaya a while back. Ah, but enough of me, you're Yossy’s little sister aren’t you?”

I nod and yawn. I feel like running again.

“That’s so cute! Are you living here from now on, just you and Yossy?” Aya questions, turning to watch the Gatas running up and down the field again. Lucky dogs…

“Mhm. I don’t know where we’re staying though.” I scratch my head and allow myself a fleeting moment of worrying. Where are going to stay? Yossy did say we might end up staying here. This is all new to me, sort of anyways, and I've never been heading somewhere with no idea of how I'm going to survive. Then there's school. I'll be in 9th, and it's safe to say Yossy isn't going to make me finish up what little school I have left by enrolling me in junior high.

“You could always stay with Mikitty and I! Well, it’s more me than anyone else. Miki is always at practice, and I’m sure Yossy will be too. So, it can be just us two!” Aya exclaims, holding her hand out for high five, and I respond a little too enthusiastically.

YES! I get to stay with Aya! Wait, that’s if Yossy allows…SHE BETTER ALLOW IT.

“Ano, who’s Mikitty?” I ask, putting a finger to my lips in thought as I scan the field.

“Mikitty is—“

“Surprise!”

I jump as a last minute reaction and dive under the bleachers in surprise, as a girl dressed in a Gatas jersey slips her hand under Aya’s skirt. I blink in disbelief and watch this mystery girl let out a high pitched cackle, withdraw her hand, then disappear back onto the field as fast she appeared.

Is that girl… a ninja?

I glance over at Aya’s blushing face and watch it change from shock, anger, a little happiness, and then exasperation. I think… she is a ninja.

“Mikitty is a grope monster.” Aya mumbles, pulling frantically at the hem of her skirt.

My face freezes in the utmost horror as I poke my head over the bleachers to watch said girl latch onto my sister. I give Aya a pleading look. She can't be her. Why does she even have the nickname of a cut animal!?

“Remind me to never leave you alone with her. It isn’t safe.” Aya continues, still caught in a blushing daze.

I nod as best I can from my position on the ground, “Please don’t.”

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: Estrea on June 12, 2012, 03:07:01 AM

First! :D

Aww Ishiyoshi. Aww Yossy and Gaki sisterhood. I've never had a sister. :<

Hm, long distance relationships are complicated. I hope Miki won't add an unpredictable element to the whole Ishiyoshi pairing. Or someone else might, who knows.

And yay Miki-sama! Yes, she is ninja. Lol Ayaya is nicer and more helpless than I imagined her ever being. Ah well. XD It's cute. :3

Looking forward to seeing Yossy/Gaki live with GAM! :lol:

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: maikeatoot on June 12, 2012, 03:41:58 AM

  yoh! secoNd !!haha im really a fan of ishiyoshi.!yehey!!!keep up d goOd work.!

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: risa_ai on June 12, 2012, 03:57:17 AM

More band-aids? I ain't gonna survive. xD

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: Quietriot on June 12, 2012, 05:29:09 AM

Ack, I got caught up in writing and commenting and our messages that I forgot to comment on the last chapter, my bad T___T

Haha the fanfic section is graced with Ishiyoshi once more~ and engaged, no less! At such a young age, too. XD Though the romantic in me wants it all to work out, the realist knows there's lots of bumps in the road before then... If you even intend them to work out. And, what's this, GAM appearance as well? Haha it's been much too long. :heart:

Keep up the good work. :3

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: Dswizzle10 on June 14, 2012, 05:10:28 AM

[Shall add comments later: Working on secret writing project]
*sneaks off* :mon trudge:

Quietriot: Don't worry about it. I was caught up in Yo Yo Girl Cop last night. The American title is awful :S And yes, GAM. That's the center of my world right now. :heart: [WHY SHOJI WHY!? AYA AND MIKI WERE FINE WITH OUT YOU! :on speedy:] *Cough* I mean, I'm sooooo happy for those two... *suspicious eyes*
risa_ai: Full body cast? :D
maikeatoot: We need more Ishiyoshi/GAM/Takagaki around here. And yay~ *hugs* You wrote about an angsty-ish Gaki too!
Estrea: Yossy is the sister of all our dreams :farofflook: Ohhhh no no. We have Miki whipped for our dear little Aya. :3

You guys know how Risa can make her thumb touch the back of her hand? I can do it too~ I feel special.  :twothumbs:

*suspenseful silence*
.....
...
MIKI MATSUURA FTW! :mon beam:
 

Chapter 6


She dreamt of fire. Not red, but passionate blue flames licking happily at the floor and walls. Everything it touched turned an ugly brown, twisting and twisting until it was unrecognizable. Black clouds of smoke swam in her field of vision, which was already small, thanks to the yellow-green blanket she was swaddled in.

She coughed several times, still feeling incredibly sleepy, as she sat up and kicked the blankets off. Horrified, she looked over, noting many of her books and pictures were nothing more than ash by now. There were holes in the floor and support beams lay at random all over the place. It was a miracle the roof hadn’t collapsed and killed her.

Even with instincts screaming at her to run, she only sat on her bed, miraculously still untouched by fire, and traced over the flowers stitched onto her pillows.

It was blazing hot, needless to say, the air around her was waving in agony as vicious flames shot up from seemingly nowhere. Still, little Gaki only sat in her own little world, watching with attentiveness not seen as her age, as her surroundings crumbled and fell.

Then, as if coming back to her senses, little Gaki jumped up, sprinting through plumes of fire with her head covered. Her bare feet were nimble and quick, though a large amount of hesitation could be seen with every step.

She was eerily calm, and it seemed that all was silent. Not a sound. Not even her feet made a sound when she landed on a creaky step.

By the time she reached the kitchen, the fire was gone, and the room was bathed in dark blue light.

She wondered what to do as she stood on her tiptoes to see over the counter. She was aware she was dreaming, which made her hair stand on end, as she traced over familiar parts of the room.

A pure white light began shining from underneath the door leading to her backyard. Curiously, she walked over and tried the knob. Stuck.

One of the hinges is busted. I have to lift it.

She reminded herself of the trick to the door, doing so, then pushing it open. This wasn’t her backyard.

The sun was shining on a meadow of flowers and she swore she saw Mt. Fuji in the distance.

She looked up, noting that everything seemed to be underwater, though she wasn’t wet. Glancing behind at her still fervently burning house, Risa decided she would rather be as far away from the building as possible.

So, the ten-year-old set off to collect a bouquet of daises, as she hummed a made up song.

And as she was picking away, her foot collided with something metal, and upon further investigation, found it to be a vintage camera.

Perhaps it was an act of littering, but whatever the case, she was fascinated with this object.

Curiously, she held the camera to her face, squinted and took a picture of a nearby daisy.

---------------

“Hey, are you alright?” A voice calls out, and I’m guessing it’s to me.

I rub my head and roll over onto my hands and knees. I must have fallen off of the couch.

“Hey.” A hand appears in my vision and I reach out to take it. I lean against the couch cushion and rub my eyes. When I close them, I still can still see that camera.

An arm drapes across my shoulder, and I lean against the body next to me and close my eyes. Quick fingers work soothing circles into my back and I yawn.

Wait, who is this person?

I jerk my head upright, curling my hands into fists, as I get a better look at who I’m laying with. Ohhhhhhh no.

I look around frantically and groggily call out, “Aya!”

“No, no, no! Calm down. I grope, but not on little kids.” Miki whispers, hurriedly holding out a pinky for me to hold.

I quirk an eyebrow, warily extending my pinky as well, and seal the deal. Now if she even touches me that way, I can call the cops.

“What are you doing up?” I ask, scooting away from her for safety measures.

“What are you doing up?” Miki shoots back, sending a challenging look my way.

“I had a dream.” I respond, suddenly very thirsty.

“I heard you having that dream. I needed a moment to myself too.” Miki adds quietly, staring off into space. I can’t help but wonder what’s going on inside there.

Silence fills the air.

I glance around the house I’ll be staying in. It reminds me of home, but a little smaller; Your standard living room, bathroom, a kitchen that leads into the garage and three bedrooms, if memory serves correctly. The walls are a creamy white color, which I’m thankful for this late at night. It makes it so we’re not in complete darkness.

“I’m not sure if this will change your mind about me, but I was an orphan once upon a time too.” Miki blurts out, staring down at her sock clad feet with newfound interest.

I turn and stare at her. “Orphan?”

“My parents didn’t really want me either, kid. I figured it would be hard talking to you, considering how you saw me in Grope Demon mode earlier. I didn’t think this would be our common ground though.” Miki says, struggling with some of her words, as she sheepishly scratches her head.

What are the chances of this happening?

I nod in understanding, forgetting about my prevailing thirst, as I scoot a little closer, “Yossy told you.”

It’s a statement. Not a question.

“I might as well not have had parents. We were around each other, but it’s not your typical parent-child relationship. I lived on the streets for a while, so I have a yanki personality sometimes. Don’t let it bother you though. Aya’s made me a softie.”

“Aya?”

“I met Aya… it’s a really long story. Let’s just say one of my first memories of her is waking up on a slide with her watching me.”

She chuckles and glances fondly at the room Aya must be sleeping in.

Hmm. I wonder…

“She’s very kind. I’m not surprised she offered you two a place to stay after what happened. She must be lonely here when I’m gone. You have to take care of her for me from now on.”

I nod in affirmation and pull my hair away from my neck. It’s hot.

“Do you know what school you’re going to?”

“Not at all. Why?”

“Ne, you could always go to my school. I only go there for math.”

“Math?” I deadpan.

“I suck at math!” Miki says whispers, well, it’s more borderline quiet yelling.

“I can tutor you.” I offer, remember how much I loved algebra, but hated geometry.

“Nah. I’m fine. I don’t want to make you do that unless there’s something I can trade fairly for it.”

“Why does it have to be a trade?”

“Eh, it’s a code I picked up as a child. We’ll talk in the morning at practice. I’ll get you some water, but you get back into bed.” Miki orders, covering her mouth to
hide a yawn.

“Yes, mommy.” I tease, rolling my eyes, as I cover myself up with a blanket.

“Hey, watch your back little punk. I have a crowbar back in my room you can wear as an earring.” Miki threatens with a chuckle, shaking her fist in anger at me.

“Quiet, Yanki Demon Groper.” I yawn, closing my eyes and snuggling into a pillow.

“Damn right I am.” I hear her whisper in response as she heads into the kitchen to get my water.

Ah, Miki isn’t that bad. I actually like her. She’s pretty, just like Aya. I just wonder about them.

“Here, I doubt you’ll drink it since you’re halfway to dream land, but there’s water for you on the table.”

I grunt in appreciation.

“And just so you know, you can talk to me about anything. I understand you better than you think.”

--------------

I watch my feet take turns hitting the track. I walk alone in complete silence, save for the sounds of the Gatas practicing in their field beside me.

I keep thinking of what Miki said to me last night and I don’t understand. Why me? Why did she tell me so much? I let out an exasperated sigh. I just can’t wrap my mind around her reasons. Does she have an ulterior motive for this? Yeah, right. “I’ll tell this kid something personal about me so I can kill her off!”

I scoff at myself and kick at a loosened piece of tar. It still doesn’t make sense.

Still, I have the feeling I don’t need to question the universe. Yeah, that sounds good to me. Just go with the flow.

I take a deep breath and release, happy to put that concern in the back of my mind. I pull my track jacket closer to my body, perplexed at how chilly it is this morning. The air is slightly foggy as well. Meh, it is pretty cold for a summer morning. Regardless of the circumstances, I like my choice of shorts and a track jacket very much. It gives me somewhere to put my hands.

I chuckle quietly to myself and mess with the hair tie in my pocket. Just yesterday, I was deathly afraid of Miki. Now, I have this feeling. Not like a crush or anything, but it’s like my unconscious is telling me something. Miki is going to be close to me—closer than Yossy. The thought scares me, but I’m surprisingly accepting of it. She has that one thing in common with me Yossy never will. Of course, I love Yossy. She was my first friend. She protected me and loved me. She was my confident.

But Miki… I have a feeling we’re alike; it’s probably our experience as children that connects us. It has to. I would say I see myself in her, but it’s probably the opposite way around. She’s wiser and older. I’m the child.

I hear cheers behind me and decide someone scored a goal. A whistle blows and everyone gets ready to go again.

That reminds me, what was that dream about? Fire. Fire that didn’t hurt me.

That’s a lie.

I shivered at the memory and pawed at my neck. Fire did hurt me in real life. In this dream though, it didn’t. It was silent. In reality, it was viciously loud. The kitchen was burning as well. There was no beautiful backyard for me to frolic in.

My fingers shake and twitch as I trace over the familiar scar. Yossy never knew the whole story. I couldn’t, no, can’t talk about it to anyone. It’s too real.

Moving on.

The part that has all my attention is that camera I found. It looked old. Maybe it was because of the picture I stole, but why? It makes no sense. Yet… I can’t forget it. I close my eyes and it’s all I see. I don’t understand.

Why can’t I understand?

I feel my anger swelling up and boiling in my stomach. I’ve been having trouble with that lately. I usually count to ten and forget, but it’s becoming harder to do. I’m remembering more.

No. I’m unsealing the gateway of my memories.

I didn’t fall asleep until way after Miki went to bed. I kept thinking. Of course, I was half asleep, so the pain was numbed.

I remembered my scar. I remembered how. I remembered a lot of things.

You would think I was hurt.

No.

I’m just angry. I want to fight. I don’t need a reason. Anger doesn’t need one.

My fists clench inside my pocket and I’m glad I’m wearing a jacket. No one needs to see me this way.

In fact, I better move somewhere less crowded and let some of this go.

---------------

I decided to explore most of the training facility and got lucky enough to come about this empty boxing training room.

I barely stumble inside and shut the door before I start pummeling the nearest punching bag. I lose my mind for a while, punching, kneeing, and screaming in pure rage at and on this bag.

Why did you leave?

Whumph

I did nothing to you! I was a good kid!

Slam

I hate you! You’re the reason I have so many problems!

Slam

Clap

I go completely calm in that moment, halfway through the motion of throwing a punch, and stare at the hand wrapped around my wrist.

I start breathing again (I must have stopped when I started my rage fit), but it’s ragged. All of those hits are coming right back at me. A bead of sweat drips down my face. I swallow hard, my throat suddenly tight, and travel up the hand, then arm of the person holding me.

Miki.

Her face shows no emotion, but her eyes betray that sentiment. Maybe Yossy doesn’t have the fieriest eyes in Japan. I see pain and regret. Remorse and loss.
Anger.

Her hand tightens around my wrist.

I’m on the ground before I know it with her squatting over my exhausted form.

“Find a different outlet. Violence is never the solution. It hurts people you love.”

The sentences are short and clippy. So is the dangerously low voice it’s said in.

“What else can I do?” I shriek, trying to sit up, but get pushed back down by a strong hand.

“I swear if you laugh you’re dead… I write poetry when I’m mad.”

The hand on my chest recoils into her lap.

I open my mouth to giggle, but stop cold at the death glare sent my way.

“Don’t make me start groping little kids.” Miki growls, flushing pink.

I nod in exasperation and sit up. I’m not so angry anymore. I pick at my tennis shoes in shame for losing myself like that. Never again.

“You write poetry?”

“Poetry.” Miki reaffirms.

“What kind?”

“All kinds.”

“About Aya?” I blurt out. Ohhhhhh, crap.

Miki stares down at me, eyes bugging out of her head, and I wonder if I’m going to live past the next five seconds.

Instead, she merely shrugs. “How?”

“What?” I’m sure I screamed it instead of at normal level. Either way, she seemed not to care. I’m just surprised I’m not a bleeding carcass on a training room floor. Grateful, but incredibly surprised.

“You obviously know I like her.” She responds quietly, pulling me to my feet.

“Like her? You aren’t dating?”

She shakes her head in response.

“Are you serious…?”

She sadly nods.

 This… could work.

“How about that trade?” I ask, holding out a hand for her to take.

“Trade? For what?”

“I’ll help you get together with Aya, and maybe a little math, in exchange for teaching me how to write poetry.” I offer, and after a minute of consideration, she
shakes my hand.

“Deal, but it won’t be easy. She doesn’t think of me that way.”

“I rise to challenges.” I say with a grin.

Huh. To thing I was ready to fight the world a while ago. Now I’m ready to bring love into it.

Life is funny in that way.

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: rndmnwierd on June 14, 2012, 07:18:17 PM

Poor Gaki, why do we feel the need to be so terrible to her lately? :lol:

But the FujiGaki bonding is looking awesome already.

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: Dswizzle10 on June 21, 2012, 12:02:42 AM

I present ye all with a short tale of Miki and Gaki! *waves around holy sword* This is a short little omake before the main arc begins. *waves goodbye to the childhood arc*

Enjoy~

An Afternoon With FujiGaki: Operation GAM


“Un, she likes mirrors.”

“Miki, get serious.”

“No, I am serious.”

I give her a skeptical expression and write it down in our notebook with a sigh. I came up with the idea a couple days ago to write down things Aya likes; that way, I can help Miki better. It’s a good idea, but the hard part is getting Miki to say something useful.

“She likes mirrors? What a wonderful reason to like someone.” I tease, dotting every other line to make a list.

Miki snatches the pencil from my hand and slaps it across my forehead, “Shut up.”

“Nice comeback.” I grin, rubbing the small red spot with my pinky. I take my pencil back and start tapping it against the table in thought.

I know Miki’s trying, but it’s hard for her to let some of her feelings out. I can’t be mad, we’re the same that way. Still, five hours of sitting here in silence is too much.

“Some people think Aya’s personality is fake, but it’s completely genuine.”

“And?” I grin and tap my pencil against the (almost) empty page. We’re finally getting somewhere.

Miki shrugs and picks at a bunch of fuzz on her shirt, “I guess that’s why I like her so much.”

“Explain.” I sigh, rubbing my temples. Just when I thought we were getting somewhere…

“She’s the only girl around here that has the nerve to tell me off for starters.” Miki sighs dreamily, staring into space. I quirk an eyebrow—this is different. Miki-- likes to be...dominated?

“She has those eyes—the kind you get lost in without meaning to—and the softest, fullest lips that you want to lean into—“

“Save it for Aya, tiger.” I say desperately, pushing the older girl away from me when I noticed her unconsciously leaning into me with her eyes closed. Oblivious to her actions, Miki carries on in her speech.

“—and kiss. When she first wakes up, she lets out the cutest yawns. Showers with her are the best too~.”

I jerk my head up.

“Hang on, what was that again?”

“I said—“

“Mikitty!”

We both gasp and stare at the door, completely horrified at the sound of that voice. The sounds of small feet echo through the walls. Miki jumps at the sound, repeatedly running from the door to the table, all while chewing on her finger nails. An innate feeling of dread pools in the pit of my stomach at the sight of a shaken Miki. I mean... it's Miki, the yanki that glares at everyone and barely shows any fear! Miki, my fearless leader!

“Oh shit, oh shit!”

I nod my head frantically in agreement and stare down at my notebook. I twitch and slap my forehead. Great idea, Gaki, write ‘Aya and Miki’ as big as you can on top of the page!

I could always flip over the page and act like nothing was wrong?

No, no, no! I’m terrible at lying!

“Miki…” I whimper, trembling as the definitive clicking of boots continues to grow louder. The older girl looks down at me, shaking as much as I am, and we both jump at the sound of jingling keys.

“What the hell are we going to do!?” I whisper, half scream, in the heat of the moment, wringing the notebook against my chest. Miki jerks her shoulders up and drags me to my feet.

I swat her hand from my shoulder and toss the notebook to her.

She throws it back.

“I’m not holding it!”

My eyes widen and I throw it back before she finishes her sentence. I can’t face Aya like that! It’s like killing a kid’s mom and welcoming them home with a bloody knife!

“I can’t lie to Aya!”

I barely get my sentence out before a flurry of paper flies past my head.

Chink

Flap

“Oh shit.” We say in tandem, staring like deer caught in headlights at the open notebook lying in the corner of the room next to a knocked over plant. Faster than the speed of sound, Miki and I are in the corner, tugging the booklet from each other; I’m not even sure why I’m trying to get it! I'm just desperate to get rid of this thing!

Crack

I make a pained face and rear my hand back.

Crack

“Why you little…” Miki hisses, holding her cheek. She glares at me and curls her hand into a fist—

“Miki~!”

My mouth opens, but before I let out one of my famous reactions, Miki shoves something into it and clamps my mouth shut.

I turn around and gag, but start to chew. Just look at the wall. Just look at the wall.

“Oh! Good morning, Risa!” Aya calls from the doorway, kicking off her shoes.

“Ack—“

Miki slaps my back and I cover my mouth to keep from puking. I throw a hand over my shoulder in greeting to Aya.

“Ne, Mikitty, what did you do to her?” Aya asks in amusement.

I glance up at her, wondering what she’ll say, because I have no clue what’s going on!

Putting her head down, Miki tosses her head in silence, cheeks puffed out in an effort not to puke.

“I doubt you didn’t do anything to her. I’m taking a shower; you better be able to tell me what’s going on when I get out, Tan.”

We both cringe and sulk into each other as Aya slips into her and Miki’s shared bedroom and shuts the door.

“Bleck!” I shout once I hear the shower cut on, fanning my tongue to get rid of the taste of trees.

“You act like you’re the only one who ate it!” Miki hisses, snatching the plastic watering bucket Aya keeps for her plants, and tips the bucket back. Water goes
everywhere… except her mouth.

Alright, payback time for slapping me around, Fujimoto.

“Hey, Tan~! Why are you so wet? Were you having wet dreams about me again?”

Screw me now. My ideas suck.

The water bucket clatters to the floor, long forgotten, and I start backing up.

“Why. You. Little. Twerp.” Miki growls between angry breathes, as her hands reach out for me.

Chuckling despite the nervous feeling twisting in my stomach, I glance around the empty apartment for something to defend myself. Nothing.
Miki smirks at my horrified expression.

“E-e-e-e-e-eh… I-I’m sor-rry, Mi—AYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: maikeatoot on June 22, 2012, 02:07:52 PM

 eeh! maikea want some ishiyoshi 'sweet' moments!!!!! :)

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: Dswizzle10 on June 26, 2012, 01:30:32 AM

^Patient, young one, patient. *Evilly rubs hands together* You'll get your moments in the future. Promise. *holds out pinky*

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: Dswizzle10 on June 26, 2012, 01:43:59 AM

Chapter 7


I frown and watch one of my teammates being dragged over to the bench beside me. He groans in pain, hovering his right leg in the air—sprained ankle, maybe. I give him a reassuring smile and pat him on the back.

4th quarter.

I lick my lips and tap my fingers anxiously against my helmet. The other running back better pull through since coach gave me a break. On top of that, we just lost our best wide receiver. I groan as the information sets in and rub the large numeral printed on my jersey. Twenty-one—my lucky number.

“Ohhhhhh. Looks like the Emperor Penguins’ wide receiver has been benched with an injury to his right ankle.”

“The score is 14 to 16, twenty-three seconds on the clock. The Penguins have just called a time out. I wonder who they’ll substitute in.”

I roll my eyes and swipe a piece of grass off my shoulder. Whoever decided we should be named after a penguin deserves to die. Don’t get me wrong, penguins are adorable, but would you like it if you were wearing a black and white uniform with a bowtie painted on the chest? Would you still like it if it made the opposing team laugh their asses off? I don’t think so.

“Niigaki, come over here.”

Glancing around to be sure I’m the one he wants, I haul myself onto my feet, tossing my sweat-soaked braided hair over my shoulder and march over to my coach.

“Yes, sir?” I croak, suddenly wishing I had grabbed my Gatorade.

“Can you do it?” my coach asks, turning away from me to stare off into the night sky.

I scrunch my face up in confusion at his cryptic question, “Do what?”

“Can you cover for that idiot sitting on the bench?”

I take a couple steps back and stare at the older man contemplatively stroking the beginning of a beard.

Me? Wide receiver? I’m a little bit too small for that.

“I’ve never played that position, coach.” I respond quietly, staring at my cleats. He’s out of his mind.

“I have faith in you, Risa. Get out there and prove me right.”

“Yes, sir!” I shout uncertainly, running back to the bench for a quick drink, and grab my helmet. I slap it onto my head, tightening the strap around my chin as I dash onto the field, pausing to send the frenzied crowd a wave.

“Wow, they’re sending out running back Niigaki Risa as a substitute. I guess that means it’s—“

“Brat time!”

“That’s right! For you newcomers, Niigaki is the only girl on the team and has played for two years. She’s earned herself an honorary spot with the guys.”

“If you’re wondering why we say it’s ‘Brat time’, Gaki is the nickname she got as a child, but she earned that name on the team because she moves faster than a five-year-old loaded with sugar!”

“I wonder what she can do with just twenty-three seconds.”

I wave a couple more times and point down at the field goal. I’m taking it there, I tell them. A bunch of hand-made posters fly into the air with my name written on them or drawings of a chibi version of myself. I grin at the reception and bow for affect. They go insane. Nodding at my work, I take a step back.

“What am I doing, Seiji?” I call out, running to catch up with the towering quarter back captain. He beckons the rest of the guys over for a group huddle and lugs his arm over me.

“I’m pretty sure the other team is blitzing. I know you don’t know much about wide receiver, given your size. Gaki, all you need to worry about is this: You’re taking a slant route. Three hard steps forward when the ball gets snapped, then slant towards the center. Keep an eye open for the ball and as soon as you get it, do what you do best.”

I dig my tooth into my lower lip and nod in understanding. Easy enough. Seiji goes on to explain the rest of the play to the team and I take a few minutes to collect myself.

“Everyone in, ‘Ganbatte’ on three.”

We all throw our hands in the center.

“One.”

“Two.”

“Three.”

“Ganbatte!”

“Now let’s go kick some ass!”

--------------

I carefully watch the center, waiting for that snap of the ball, and start to feel the old tingles of impatient flooding my system. I chew on my mouth guard since I’ve found that it quells the locked up child inside me.

“16-years-old and you still act like a kid.” I joke to myself in the silence that surrounds me. I’m off to the side from the rest of the team. Far away enough that they can’t really hear me; yet close enough for me to run and get the ball.

I let out a grunt and roll out the kinks in my back. No time for playing right now. Through the thick padding of my helmet, I hear the faintest hint of old American rock music. I smile and get down into a sprinting position. They sure know how to get people fired up.

Everything goes eerily silent, like the build-up before a deadly explosion, and I lick my cracked lips. I should really invest in Chap Stick; It’s all because I started the habit of chewing on lip before the first play like a puppy teething. I sniff and swipe at my eye black; it’s all Yossy’s fault for passing that habit to me.

The world jumps from its frozen state, propelling me into a world of screeching fans and grunts of frustration of my teammates. It’s like a war.

I live for war.

My legs leap into motion like a warm knife through butter, springing into an easy run I use in the beginning of a play.

“One, two-” I murmur to myself, briefly glancing over my shoulder and hesitating when I see the ball flying towards me. I shake my head to get rid of the thoughts racing through my mind, pivot, and spring up with outstretched hands.

Shit! It’s high… I’m not sure if I can catch it…

Every muscle in my arms stretches and pulls, sending aching fire through my system. Time slows down. I reach further upwards, unconsciously spinning around so my body is parallel with the ball.

Pack

Caught!

I compliment myself mid-jump, cradling the ball to my side with a grin, and I look to my right, down at the end zone.

There’s a girl.

A girl holding a camera.

She’s gorgeous.

I haven’t even seen her face…

I’m so glad I haven’t touched the ground yet, otherwise coach would be screaming at me for gawking. I mentally slap myself for acting this way. To think someone is pretty, even more so beautiful, without seeing their face is ridiculous. Hell, I’m basically saying the camera attached to her face is attractive. I can already hear Yossy’s teasing in my head. Yet… I still feel this way.

My awkward landing on one sideways foot jars me back into reality. Instinct propels me forward, into a full blown sprint, but I’m not running to score a touchdown.

I need to see her.

The roar of the crowd becomes a distant echo of cries of anguish or excitement, depending on which team they’re rooting for. It’s like a scene straight from a movie. The grass is a beautiful green, but much brighter due to the illumination from the lights. The yard lines are the perfect shade of white, so bright in fact, they’re painful to look at. I close my eyes as a reflex when I see the 20 yard line; no one will catch me now.

I shift myself into my top running gear, allowing myself a small grin of satisfaction when the stomping of cleats behind me slows and disappears. I’ve never been caught. I’m too smooth and fast for anyone to lay a hand on me.

My eyes blink open just as I cross the line for a touchdown. I sigh in relief and kick my feet out to slow myself. Soon enough, all my physical efforts take their toll on me, as I bend over and burst into a couching fit. The ball rolls from my hands and I dig my fingernails into my legs, dragging them up and down viciously. I swear I’m allergic to something on this field. Whenever I get done running, my legs itch like never before. Finally, I satisfy the odd sensation in my legs and undo my helmet, standing up to my full height.

Click

A bright light blinds my sight for a few moments, and I groan and rub my eyelids. I’ll be seeing spots well into tonight.

When I can see again, I glance up, blushing red to the roots of my hair. By God, was I right! She’s gorgeous. No, she’s perfect. She gives me the hint of a smile, removing herself from the edge of the fence to tuck her camera into her bag, as she walks away.

Wh…wha… what the… H-hang on!

I turn and watch her form disappear into the crowd, blindly stumbling into an awkward run. She smiles and walks away from me! How is that fair?

“Hey y-“

Bang

Thud

--------------

“You ran into the goal post? That’s classic! What happened?” Miki snorts, ignoring Aya’s glare in her direction. I pout and rest my head on my chin while Aya presses an ice pack against my purple eye.

“Shut up, Tan.” I growl, earning a giggle from the girl beside me on the couch, but a death glare from the girl in the kitchen doorway.

“I can tell her EVERYTHING right now.” I mouth behind Aya’s back, sending Miki a threatening glare. Miki twitches and grumbles something I can’t hear and heads into the kitchen. I smirk and tally up the score.

Miki-20. Me-23. Oh yes, I’m kicking her butt.

“Ne, Risa why did you run into the goal? Everyone stood up the moment you scored and I couldn’t see anything.” Aya explains, carefully examining the bruised flesh under the ice pack. Aya was the only one that ended up coming to the game. Miki and Yossy both had a game, but they had insisted Aya go to represent them, since they hadn’t missed a game before. I appreciated the thought and couldn’t wait to tell Yossy play by play of the game when she got home from extra practice tonight.

A dull heat crept to my cheeks as I glanced away, spotting a rather interesting piece of dust in the corner.

Chuckling at my sudden shyness, Aya gave my cheek a pinch and stood up, “I understand.”

I sighed in relief that she wasn’t going to push at my obvious discomfort of remembering the minutes before I knocked myself out. I mentally slapped myself for that short moment of weakness and pressed the ice pack further against my skin, even though it screamed in protest.

“Tan?” Aya called out experimentally, quirking an eyebrow when the fumbling the refrigerator ceased.

“Yes?” came the exasperated reply, accompanied by a tired looking Fujimoto dressed in an orange jersey trudging into the living room. Spotting the now empty spot on the couch, Miki jumped over the back, collapsing into a heap next to me.

“You okay?” I ask, puzzled by the sudden change in her attitude. The older groans in recognition, closing her eyes, but then, tossing her head over in my direction and cracking an eye open to send me a discreet wink. I disguise the chuckle that escapes from me as a cough, pressing my face into a couch cushion.

“Yeah, maybe you’ve been working too hard at practice.” I hear Aya mutter to Miki, accompanied by a sigh of satisfaction from the latter.

Cautiously, I peek between the empty space between my arm and my side, grinning at the sight of a worried Aya gently massaging the older girl’s shoulders.

Miki wearily opens her eyes and meets my gaze. We share a short conversation.

Faker.

It’s more like… manipulation in the right ways.

Oh whatever.

Jealous?

Jealous? Of what, how you can’t confess?

Ouch, low blow.

And this round once again goes to the brat!

“Hey, Miki, I saw your cousin at the game.” Aya murmured softly, just in case said girl was dozing off.

Oh, Aya, if only you knew.

Quickly shutting her eyes and lolling her head back, Miki cracked her eyes back open the slightest and let out a fake yawn.

“Taking pictures as usual?” Miki questioned back, and I shot to attention, drawing questioning glances from two pairs of eyes.

I coughed and lowered the quickly melting ice pack into my lap, pretending not to be interested in their conversation. But, I was.

Miki had a cousin—a cousin that took pictures. Maybe… it was her? No, no, it couldn’t be, could it? There were lots of people at the game. The odds were incredibly
slim. Even with that in mind, my heart began furiously beating in my chest at the thought that I had a chance of seeing her again.

Aya hummed in response, inching her working hands lower on Miki’s back, an odd look flickering in those brown eyes. “I’m pretty sure she took a couple pictures of Risa. She was in the perfect pl-“

“Was she at the end zone? Against the fence? Old fashion camera?” I blurt out, practically jumping into Miki’s lap even though she wasn’t the one giving me information.

Her face twitches and a smirk becomes plastered on her features.

Screw me now. Abandon ship! Abandon ship!

“Oh I understand now. Did she distract you with those luscious brown curls? Those full lips? What about that che- Ow!” Miki cries, holding her head while giving Aya a startled glance.

“She doesn’t need your teasing. Does she tease you about who-“

“Yes, actually. I do.” I smirk, crossing my arms and tilting my chin up.

Aya goes silent, Miki fidgets, and I mentally grab popcorn for the show.

“You like someone?”

Miki bites her lower lip and twiddles her thumbs. She glances at me from the corner of her eye. I give her subtle nod to answer.

She nods in response.

“Who, Tan?” Aya whispers softly, pressing her face into the crook of Miki’s neck. The older girl visibly stiffens and a light blush colors her cheeks, which is, thankfully for her, barely visible against her tan.

Miki remains silent.

“Why can’t you tell me?”

Miki shuffles her feet, tipping her head forward so her hair covers most of her face. “You wouldn’t like me after you knew.”

It’s a childish response, filled with undisguised fear and sadness. It’s a response that isn’t Miki, but at the same time, is. I frown and think about my own self. The secret one I haven’t shared with anyone except Miki. Because we have a shared past.

“Yes, I would. We’re friends forever, Tan.”

I cringe at that promise, while intended good-naturedly, is probably the worst thing to say to someone in this situation. Quickly, I tap Aya on the shoulder, gesturing to their bedroom. Let me talk to her.

Aya nods slowly, her gaze lingering on me for a moment longer before looping her arms around Miki, squeezing slightly, then shyly pressing a kiss to the back of Miki’s ear. She blushes lightly when she catches my knowing gaze and slips into the bedroom, quickly shutting the door.

“That went exactly how I wanted.”

My jaw drops in shock. I should be saying that!

“Y-you planned all of that?” I whisper, ice pack dropping to the carpet.

“Manipulation goes hand in hand with acting.” Miki grins, tapping her ear suggestively.

Thwock

“Shame on you for playing with my emotions!” I pout, readying my hand to flick her forehead again.

She feigns hurt, placing a hand over her heart and falling onto the rest of the couch.

“So, when…?” I trail off, nodding my head towards the direction of the bedroom.

“Not sure. I wasn’t lying when I gave her my reasons for not telling her. That kiss was surprising.” Miki adds, thoughtfully cupping her face with her hand.

“She was blushing.” I add quietly, retrieving my fallen ice pack so it won’t leave a wet spot.

Miki raises her eye brow and hums in approval. We sit in silence for a few minutes.

“Do you really have a crush on my cousin?” Miki smirks, pleased with my reaction, which is blushing and shrinking into the corner of the couch under her stare.

“I’m not even sure if it’s her.” I mutter, digging my fingernails into the couch cushion.

“I’m sure it was. Ai is… strange. She’s the only girl I know that uses an old camera in this day and age.”

I nod in agreement, relaxing now that the conversation is directed at me. Er… never mind.

“And why should I even let you near , let alone, date my precious little Ai-chan? I’m not sure if I trust you after I found you reading that yuri hentai manga.” Miki grins, and I groan at that… incident being brought up.

“I didn’t know!” I blurt out; being that it’s the first thing on my mind.

“You didn’t know that, and you were standing in the adult section of the manga store?” Miki scoffs, grinning maliciously.

“I-I-I-I…don…I-I-I d-didn… I WAS CURIOUS, DAMN!” I growl, now a blushing and sweating mess.

Miki lets out a nefarious cackle, holding her sides and gasping for air.

“Shut up.” I hiss, pushing her off the couch. I stand up, ready to pounce and strangle her to death for mentioning that, but at the least, I’m glad she didn’t bring it up around Aya or Yossy.

“Wait, wait, wait!” Miki cries out, catching my flying fist, “I’ll help you.”

Suspicious, I pull my fist back, “Help me what, exactly?”

“Help you talk to Ai. No one knows the way to her heart better than family.” Miki declares, jumping to her feet, and placing her arm around my shoulder.

I have a feeling… this isn’t going to be good.

The score is now 26-23.

Things don't look very good right now.

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: maikeatoot on June 26, 2012, 03:37:50 AM

 where is my ishiyoshi sweetness!!! you're torturing me huh   :bleed eyes: but yehey! maikea want soMe takagaki lovelove toO.!my gosh!!  update!update!update!!!

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: rndmnwierd on June 26, 2012, 03:50:28 AM

Omg, Gaki being so distracted by pretty ai that she rubs into the goal post? XD can't wait for them to meet.

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: Dswizzle10 on July 24, 2012, 05:27:55 AM

Shainingj, this is for you buddy, because you managed to unblock my writer's block.

My bucket list

• Invent Advil for Writer's Block
• pet a dolphin
• meet Santa
• find out where all cookies went. Note: Santa is clean here.

Moving on. I'll add responses later, since I've got a lot of editing to do on the below. Oh boy... my to-do list is long today  :cry:



Chapter 8




Oh, catastrophes. What are they again?

Ah, right. The moment when some divine god gives you the bird and decides to stand by and watch you suffer.

And at the moment, I was trapped under a DVD rack, face pressed into the carpet (which needed to be noted was very soft) swearing on my nose mole that I would go after the person (or god) that wished such… such… an embarrassing situation on me. Seriously, why me? What did I do?

Of course…

My eyes flickered upwards and a smidge to the right to take in the very flustered individuals on separate ends of the couch. I wasn’t the only one caught in this situation. In fact, I had no clue why I was so embarrassed. I didn’t have my hands up someone’s shirt whilst kissing, no, making-out on the couch. No, I was clean there. Instead, I had dozens of assorted movie cases digging into the skin of my backside. I had movies in places I didn’t know existed. I mentally shrugged, I could take this. A part of me felt very bad for the duo fidgeting and looking everywhere else besides the other. Right, why was I embarrassed again?

“Miki.”

Oh, yeah. I remember now. I groaned, hoped no one was paying attention to me, and pulled a nearby DVD to my face. Have you ever been in a situation where someone you haven’t seen in like a week (and another person who you haven’t seen in a year or two)—a person you miss very much—shows up at the worst time and the last thing you want is to see their face?

“Aya.”

That’s how I feel about Yossy, currently standing in front of the TV with her arms crossed and currently filling the ‘disappointed-father-who-just-caught-his-precious-daughter-with-her-pants-down’ role perfectly. But I knew Yossy, so it was more of a ‘faux-disappointed-father-who-caught-his-daughter-with-pants-down-and-setting-up-for-teasing’ role; we were all in for it whenever she got serious. Of course, my beloved sister-in-law was also here, quietly observing the scene with a warm smile on her face.

Ha! Easter Island!

I grinned despite myself, wriggled an arm free, and waved my arm about the floor in hopes of catching her attention.

“H-hai!” two voices, completely in sync, rang out against the awkward, albeit humorous atmosphere we had been plunged into the moment the door swung open.

Aya blushed.

Miki blushed.

Yossy smirked.

Rika didn’t notice me.

I groaned and shook a DVD case.

Rika finally glanced over my way, just in time to see me mouth “help”.

Yossy pays us no mind, ignoring the scuffling of DVD’s being torn away from my body, and instead focuses back on Miki and Aya, still pretending the other doesn’t exist.

“Are you alright?”

“Now I am.” I sigh, rubbing my neck and stretching my legs. Who knew DVDs could weigh so much.

We keep our voices low, as to not disturb whatever tongue-in-cheek comments are being cooked up in Yossy’s head. A sharp prick at the nape of my neck tells me I’ll be included whenever she sets up the punch line. Unconsciously, I begin the scratch the patch of skin where I feel the itch, and Rika sends me a sympathetic look. She must feel it too.

“Should I stop this?” Rika whispers, pointing a delicate finger towards the trio behind us.

I furiously shake my head and cautiously stand up with aim to return back to the kitchen where it’s safe, “No, no,” I pause and reflect on all the years I’ve been with Yossy, “It’s like a bad case of diarrhea. You just have to let it… go.”

“Ah. I can see that Mikitty has gotten to you.”

“You. Squirt. Couch. Between the lovebirds. Now.” Yossy orders, jerking her thumb over her shoulder.

I belt out a groan, give Rika a peeved look, and begrudgingly plop down on the couch… this dirty couch. My body twitches, suddenly very uncomfortable on this couch they were just getting hot and heavy on.  I narrow my eyes into dangerous slits, glaring at each half of the newly formed couple until I feel they’ve gotten my message.

“So, can anyone tell me what I walked in on?” Yossy asks, casually tightening her ponytail as she reclines against the TV stand.

God, this is terrible. We’re like ten-year-olds in the principal’s office! I don’t even need to be here!

“Um, what happened was-“I begin, shooting my hand in the air while checking to be sure neither Aya nor Miki have an explanation.

“Rhetorical.”

Our heads snap down in unison and we stare at our shoes (or socks, in Aya’s case).

“I’ll tell you what happened, based on what I’ve seen.”

“Oh, god, Yossy, please…please, ju-just don’t do it!” I beg, watching with mortification as Yossy points a finger at the fallen DVD rack and starts talking in her 'detective' voice.

GAM looks at me with quizzical expressions and I shake my head, rolling off the couch and landing on my knees. She can’t do this! Not now! At least don’t bring me into this and wait until I have a girlfriend!

“Obviously, an orgy was about to begin, and you,” Yossy points and me, then gestures behind Rika to the fallen DVD rack, “Were getting a blank disc and a video camera to record-“

“No, there was no orgy! I would never touch Aya like that!” Miki interjects, turning bright red (in anger or embarrassment, I don’t know) at the implications.

“What was that?” Aya snaps, jumping to her feet and leering at Miki; suddenly my position on the floor doesn’t seem very safe and I jerk myself out of the destruction zone just as Aya stomps in front of a stunned Miki.

Oh, god. Why? Of all the times to let her mouth go, wh-why now!?

GAM was finally together!  Boom, click, snap! The deal was sealed, admittedly with more kissing and touching that I would have liked to have seen, but it was sealed dammit!

“I-I didn’t mean that! Of course I would touch you like that!”

“What did you mean when you said that then?”

Miki doesn’t answer right away. Instead, she glares holes through her tennis shoes, through the floor and probably the poor person below us.

“Great! We’re all screwed! Fujimoto is pissed!” I declare, having lost my last marble when I banged my head against the table. The only person to acknowledge my deranged outburst is Miki, and even so, it’s only a glare that’s only half as powerful as the normal Fujimoto Glare.

Sighing in exasperation, Miki slowly stands (and manages not to knock into Aya, barely even a centimeter away); in a surprise move, fixes Aya’s bangs with her fingers (despite being glared at with murderous intent) and presses a kiss to her cheek,  “I meant I would never let anyone else touch you like that! Especially that-“

“USO!? I got you together in the first place!” I screech, settling for pouting into Yossy’s sweatshirt clad shoulder.

“-Kid over there! You’re mine.” Miki finishes thoughtfully, resting her hands against her side.

After a few minutes of what seems to be impending doom, Aya breaks out into a silly grin.

“So, if you would please take a seat on the couch-“ Yossy coughs.

“Can I take the floor?”

“Sure, Gaki.”

GAM slips back onto the couch—holding hands and making eyes at each other—and I make a face and plop down right where I am.

“Can anyone explain what I just walked in on?”

I once again raise my hand, “Well, I was going to earlier…”

Yossy nods, “Explain.”

I scratched my chin. Where to start? There was a lot that Yossy had missed out on. And there were also some things I wanted to know, like how everyone in this room knew each other on what seemed to be a personal level.

“Miki held me to our agreement-“

---------

Miki held me to our agreement—an eye for an eye. She helped me woo her cousin; I tutored her in math. It should be fairly easy, right? Yes, for the most part, it was, but when Miki became stubborn, it was like teaching a brick wall how to dance.

In my right hand was a freshly sharpened pencil and in my left was Miki’s most recent test, which was proudly marked with a very large ‘B’ at the top. Surprisingly, but pleasing nonetheless, Miki was opting to bring the score up to an ‘A’ by correcting the problems she hadn’t gotten points on. Finally, I was getting through to her…

Kind of.

Operation GAM was another story. Whenever Aya walked into the apartment, Miki became a blubbering pile of goop. She did whatever the younger girl wanted, and I personally was about to ask Aya how she managed to make Miki such a softie; Maybe all this ‘I’ll be your slave’ behavior was part of her attempts to get through to Aya. To each their own, I suppose. Maybe I didn’t have the right to talk, since I had been tiptoeing about talking to Ai until Wednesday of this week.

How did it go?

Well, let’s see…

One, I tried to talk to her. Two, she gives me a weird and somewhat afraid look. Three, she runs away. Four, I fell down the stairs.

Yeah, I’m so smooth, I scowl and move the Hello Kitty icepack resting on my head so that it’s in a better position. Surprisingly, this isn’t Aya’s. Who knew a person like Miki could like Hello Kitty.

Apparently, Miki is full of surprises; I try to suppress the scream building in my throat so Miki won’t get too cocky. But even so…

“YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!”

I jump to my feet and throw my fist in the air, repeating the exclamation to myself whilst ignoring the confused glances thrown my way. Yes! This is fantastic! Finally, a breakthrough with algebraic equations!

“The Gatas didn’t believe me when I told them I could make people of all age’s cli…”

Without even looking, I can see that cheeky little grin on her face and that only embarrasses (and infuriates) me. Not catching how quickly her prideful statement ended, I decided to barrel forward and give her a taste of her own medicine.

I whipped around, jabbing a finger at her unsettlingly horrified expression, and gave Miki her own signature smirk, “What was that? Climax, huh? Well, I doubt you could make Aya do something like that, and on top of that, I really doubt you could even confess to Aya!”

“Confess what?”

“Ohno.” I fall forward and cling to Miki like a koala bear, hoping against all odds that the voice I just heard is a figment of my imagination. Even in the midst of my meltdown, a part of my conscious points out how my voice was lacking in the lion-like ferocity it held a few seconds ago. I slap that thought aside, focusing instead on how comfortable Miki is, even though we’re both shaking like lambs.

Bang the gavel already and send us off to the slammer, judge. We’re guilty as hell.

I hear Aya set her bag down; carefully kick off her heals, and take cautious steps towards us, “I’ll ask again. Confess what?”

Survival instincts compel me to smash my face into the crook of Miki’s neck and press myself tighter into her. How I wish I could hide in my own pants right now, but having Mikitty wrap her arms around me in a deathly tight grip will suffice.

I’m scared.

Me too.

This is your fault.

Just hold me.

We huddle closer together, wondering how our death will play out—stabbing to death with racy pumps? Too kind. Pounded to a bleeding pulp? Closer. Wrapped in sushi blankets and dangled inches over a pit of starving sharks? Possibly, yes, possibly.

Whoa, whoa, whoa… who says this is a bad thing?

I peel myself from Miki’s front, carefully unwrapping her arms from me, as I give her knowing smirk. “Tell her.” I mouth, ignoring the possibilities of a dirty joke coming my way, which would revolve around the fact that I'm straddling her right now.

Ew… Me like Miki? Not that Miki’s gross or anything… she’s just… Miki. Ah! I’m getting distracted. Stay on task, Niigaki. Make the play!

“I’m going to… go…” I alternate between looking at Miki’s face, perfect for the poster of a horror film, and Aya’s curious expression, “See…how many…uh…” I grab Miki’s test and excuse myself to the kitchen before I make things worse for myself.

As soon as I’m sure they’ve stopped staring at my back, I poke my head out of the doorframe.

They’re silent. Bodies tight with tension and faces hardened with stony expressions. It’s like a western stand-off, but it’s ten at night and there aren’t guns anywhere in this apartment… I hope.

“So.” Aya’s first to drop her façade. She slowly settles onto the couch with Miki and (I assume) takes her hands and starts her usual habit of playing with her fingers. I know from past observation that the gesture easily calms Miki down, but in this situation, only seems to put Miki further on the edge she’s precariously balancing on.

“So.” Miki repeats back quietly.

I roll my eyes and not-so-discreetly cough, jerking my head out of sight before Miki marches in here to slaughter me using my own cleats.

Silence.

No Miki coming in here to choke me.

Silence.

No Aya-Miki conversation.

This… could be bad.

I’m ready to jump into the fray and tell Miki that I need help reading her writing, because well, a hyper baboon could write better than her, especially if it was Rafiki. Oh, Disney movies are the best! I just got Lilo and- Whoa. I really need to stop getting distracted like that. Coach is going to kill me if I do that during a game.

I shake my head and rest against the counter, “Operation: Save Miki, is a-go!”

--------------

“And things… made a catastrophic turn for the worse.” I finish sheepishly, scratching the back of my head.

“Wait, what did you mean by, ‘A person like Miki could like Hello Kitty’?”

“If you didn’t want me to explain, you should have raised your hand!” I shout, and suddenly something resurfaces in my
memories, “And you know, Miki, turning the paper sideways does not make an infinity sign an eight!”

“You turned the paper sideways?” Aya giggles, laying her head against the older girl’s shoulder.

“Moving on!”

“Right,” I roll my eyes and look up to stare at my older sibling, “Why have you been gone so much?”

“It was because of me. I graduated the day of your game, Gaki; I’m really sorry I couldn’t come see you in action.” Rika apologizes to me instead, wrapping her arms around herself.

“Eh? You graduated?” Aya asks.

That reminds me, I still never found out how everyone knows each other.

I haul myself into Yossy’s arms with a big grin plastered across my face, “Does this mean…?”

“Mean what? What’s going on?” Miki shouts, dumping Aya from her lap as she stands.

“We’re getting married. That’s why we—I was gone so long.” Yossy nods, wrapping her arms around my torso.

“I’m asking Ai to the wedding!” I blurt out, ignoring the smirk (Miki) being sent my way.

“Ai?” Yossy repeats back, furrowing her eyebrows.

“Miki’s cousin.” Aya explains, pointing at the currently flexing Miki before following up with a kick to the knees, “Knock it off, dummy.”

“Is she like you, Mikitty?” Rika looks horrified right now.

“Psh. Are you crazy? I would never let my precious Ai turn out like me.” Miki chuckles, swatting away Aya’s foot.

“Because then she would be an idiot.” I grin, pointing to the finished math test on the table.

“Brat.” Miki hisses while crossing her arms.

“That’s my nickname, don’t wear it out,” I wink, “Let’s talk more about the wedding.” I say, dragging Yossy over to the couch while motioning for Rika to join us as well.

And so, the family is finally together again.

Aren’t we special?

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: maikeatoot on July 24, 2012, 03:37:24 PM

 haha im starting to like mikitty more in this story!she's soo cutee!! and as usual ishiyoshi,! and hm takagaki..please?

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: shainingj on July 25, 2012, 06:49:30 PM

Its a beautiful DAY!!!  :peace:
o ho ho ho. . .
still can't get a clue on how i managed to unblock the block one!!!
but happy you manage to update... :cow:

so imagine the face of Gaki-san saying the word "USO" , always remember her for that..
and the ever protective Yossy on Gankou Ittetsu mode!  :pimp:
And so pervy that an orgy is on going with matching video recording... :lol:

Curious on how the story will end...
But not for now...please
Waiting for the special moment...for the special family :wub:

Title: Re: Relapse & Recovery
Post by: darkacex99 on October 26, 2012, 08:44:57 AM

Oh my goodness, i juss got into this fanfic and it is sooo good :thumbsup. At first when i read that gaki and yossie were siblings i was all like  :shocked , but its honestly cute the way they interact with each other
Im really enjoying the story so far  :yossi:

I know ppl r busy wit skool and life but I do hope u update soon cuz i wanna see wat goes on next :peace: