Learning the blues. Act 3: Scene 2 revives from the grave

[TheTealeaf]

I feel as if I've been a bit harsh to some of my characters here but this was how the conversation played out. I did research about haemophilia so I hope that my portrayal at the end of the chapter is accurate. I get the feeling it's not.

Also first introduction of Akihiro! Enjoy!

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

Act 2

Scene 2

A few angry words

Tuesday morning begins much the same as yesterday. Wake up, shower, dress, glug my coffee and pills down and then head out for exam breakfast.

Hisao joins us again this morning for breakfast and adds to the breakfast spread with his donation of some spreads and toast. It’s a thoughtful gesture and one that I appreciate. We never asked him to but he went out and did it of his own accord, which was sweet of him.

As breakfast carries on around me I take a moment to just watch everyone. I like to people watch. I’m not as outgoing as my brother I’d rather watch someone than walk up to them. Talking to Hisao like that was a rarity for me and a little out of character.

Fujiko, ever graceful with her brunette locks and baby blue eyes, gently picking from the spread of food with her chopsticks, giggles behind long sleeves at my brothers’ antics.

My fraternal twin Arashi, with his dark eyes and dark hair and delicate features, wildly expressive in his facial features with his hands currently in the air as he mocks a joke Hisao just cracked

Lastly but not least Hisao, with his messy brown hair and chocolate sleep deprived eyes, trying in vain to explain some science based joke, with a mug of juice in one hand, to Fujiko and Arashi and judging by the silent laughter coming from my brother I think he’s mocking Hisaos attempt at a joke.

“Ayane?” Hisao questions me “Anyone home?”

I snap out of my musings and crack a yawn at the same time “I’m fine Hisao, just a little sleepy, same as you”

“That obvious?” Hisao asks wryly “Just a bout of insomnia. Side effect”

“A side effect?” Fujiko questions, mid chew, she swallows the remains of her mouthful and then asks “Side effect of what?”

I grimace. Fujiko dear you are treading thin ice here. “My medication” Hisao says “Can have odd side effects sometimes” His tone is wary and I can sense his discomfort at the direction this conversation is beginning to take.

Fortunately my brother is up to the task and his white board shoved in our faces reads [What subjects today?] It is a sufficient distraction as it veers the topic into safer waters.

For Fujiko and myself today’s cram topics are history and geography, for the boys their respective topics are Japanese and history, so there is a little overlap for us to study as a group.

The grounds are busier this morning than yesterday morning and the four of us on a picnic blanket, surrounded by the debris of breakfast, half drunk cups of coffee, arguing over historical dates and places and falling over in laughter when we realise that we’re all wrong, cuts quite an odd sight even for Yamaku academy.

Mid revision session I spy Haruhiko watching me from a short distance away. I can’t reasonably tell from this distance but he looks really, really pissed. There’s a tenseness in his body language that even when I wave at him in greeting doesn’t fade away. After I wave at him he appears to sweep his gaze over the group and then with a huff stalks off.

Odd. Haruhiko does have his strange moods but I’ve never seen him be this tense and dismissive of me ever. Mind you things have been off with Haruhiko since our encounter in the pool several days ago.

I nibble my lip in quiet contemplation. I guess I’ll need to track him down and speak to him. Easier said than done as he lives off campus down in the town below Yamaku. The sooner the air is cleared the better as I do owe him an apology as I was a bit of a bitch towards him when last we spoke.

Hisao sees my contemplative look and he sees Haruhikos retreating back. I see a frown crease his forehead. “Something wrong?” I ask. My gut tells me I already know what the answer will be.

“Haruhiko was really off with me yesterday” Hisao admits.

Fuck it Haruhiko don’t come down with the green-eyed monster on me.

Why must my life get complicated? No I’m the only one that makes things complicated. Next time I see Haruhiko, I apologise. Simple.

Yet why do I have that sinking feeling?

“I’m sure it’s nothing,” I say plastering a fake smile over my face. Neither of the three look impressed or that they believe me, but the subject is dropped.

The rest of breakfast and study is taken with a more sombre mood than the gaiety a few minutes earlier. We disperse into our pairs for class when the bell rings, packing up the picnic accoutrements and then heading into another day of classes and exams.

My first exam is history and it’s easier than I expected. In fact most of the subject matter in the test is what we covered during the exam breakfast this morning so most of the dates and important information is fresh in my head.

The exam gods must be smiling on me then as I finish the test with plenty of time to spare, enough to go over and fine-tune my longer answers. Satisfied with my answers, I check the remaining time. I have enough time for a fifteen-minute catnap. Don’t mind if I do.

Fujiko gently shaking me awake brings me round from my nap. My sleepy brain kicks into gear and I realise that class has ended and the teacher is collecting the papers.

Next class is maths and the teacher has already marked the papers. That was a quick turn around. I can feel my stomach churn in nervousness at the face down exam paper. There is a nervous anticipation in the air and everyone is slightly on edge.

All the papers are handed back out and the teacher strolls to the front of the class. “You may turn your papers over” He’s a good guy our maths teacher. All the blind students get their marks stamped in Braille on the papers so everyone gets their results at the same time.

I’m procrastinating. I flip the paper over and then heave a sigh of relief. I passed. One of my weak points down so now only the science exam to go, as I’m quietly confident about the rest of my subjects.

The rest of the lesson passes in a wave of relief as the teacher goes over the exam paper, helping us spot our mistakes and what not to do next time. Before I know it lunchtime is upon us.

Today it’s only Fujiko and me dining together. The boys have been dragged off by Shizune and Misha for lunch so it’s just us girls dining today. I did remember to make myself some lunch last night so we both wander out the classroom, navigating the sea of student life, down the stairs and out onto the front lawns.

We eat out on the front lawns a lot I realise, especially when the weather stays good like this. Fujiko likes people watching just like me. She likes to imagine what they do, their hopes, their dreams and what they plan for the future. Tezuka Rin joined us on one of these lunches once, totally out of the blue. It was a highly surreal experience that lunch and made me wonder if there had been something in the water.

It is whilst we are eating lunch I have something of an epiphany. “Fujiko?” I ask gaining her attention.

“Yes?” She asks, one eyebrow raised, chopsticks halfway to her mouth.

I wave my phone at her “You ok if I make a call?” She shoves her food in her mouth and nods, her cheeks puffed out with food. She looks like a squirrel or a hamster with its cheek pouches full and it’s adorable yet oddly disturbing at the same time.

I flip my phone open but before I dial the number, I dig out a notebook that I keep for doodles and a pen. I dial the number in and let it ring. Pick up…

The phone picks up and an acerbic baritone voice charmingly greets me with “Well if it isn’t my shitty little sister, gracing her older brother with a fucking phone call”

“Hi Akihiro” I chirp back “lovely to hear from you too brother”

A snort from the other end of the line “Fuck you too”

“As charming as ever I see” I respond dryly.

There’s a bark of laughter in response and then I hear him bellow “OI! Shirou! SHITTY SAUCE CHEF! WATCH WHAT THE FUCK YOU’RE DOING!” There’s a clatter of pots in the background and a indistinct voice speaks back at my brother who responds with a muttered “I don’t get paid enough for this shit”

That is my charming older brother Akihiro. He’s a foul-mouthed lout generally but for me, Arashi and Akiho he’s still an asshole but he’s our asshole. There is the sound of footsteps, a door opening, more footsteps and then another door opening and I hear the ‘click’ of a lighter being used and then the inhalation of breath that indicates he’s having a cigarette. “So” He says in-between drags of his cigarette “What can I do for you? I doubt this is a courtesy call sis”

“Actually it is. Akiho told me you’d set a place up in the city nearby and I wanted to pick your brains for a moment if you had the time” I keep my voice sugary sweet because I know it pisses him off faster than anything else on the planet.

“Cut the sugary sweet crap,” He growls at me in English. “Yeah I have opened up a place in the city, looking at expanding near Yamaku too, got my eyes on an old tea shop near the school that I’m thinking about putting in an offer on”

That sounds… “You don’t mean the Shanghai do you?”

“Yeah that’s the fucking place. Right shit hole it is too. Think I scared the ever loving fuck out of the waitress when I went there yesterday” He laughs and I hear the click of his lighter again as he lights another cigarette as I cringe in sympathy for Yuuko. She would not have known what to do with my brother.

“I’d turn that place into something the students would like. Cheap but friendly, good service and excellent food. I’d try and hire from the school too.” There’s another inhalation “but that’s neither here nor there. What do you need shitty brat?”

I explain my idea to him and I hear him muse in agreement as he lights another cigarette. “You’ll be dead before you’re thirty” I chastise him

“You’re not my fucking mother” he fires back. There’s a beat of silence and then he mutters “Sorry. That was out of line”

“It’s fine” I wave it off, even though he can’t see me. “Lets get back on topic. Brain food”

“Hmmm your dessert idea is good. Bit fucking basic but a classic. I’d say add some booze but that ideas fucked before it even leaves the ground.” There’s a pause and I can literally hear Akihiro rummaging in his head “Fish is always a good idea for brain food. Can’t go wrong with that. What about Dads fish skewer recipe?”

That is a good idea… “I don’t have any skewers Akihiro”

A grumble. “You could probably buy some crappy bamboo ones”

“If I can’t get any?” I press him.

“Stir-fry it you fuck wit” is the whiplash remark back. “Noodles will give you better sauce coating than rice”

“Ok sounds good. Refresh me on the ingredients again?” I scribble down the ingredients I need as Akihiro lists what I need to buy.

“So what’s this all for then?” he asks.

I hum for a moment “Planning a study session on English and Science ready for exams. Figured I’d feed Fujiko and Hisao at the same time”

There is a beat of quiet, almost dangerous silence from the other end of the phone “Who is Hisao?” there is a silky, dangerous tone to my brothers voice.

“He’s the new guy at the school. Went to the festival with him…” Oops. Hisao I may have handed you a death sentence.

“Do I need to come up there with a cleaver and threaten this punks dick?”

Real, real classy brother dearest. “Leave it alone Akihiro. He’s a friend. Poor fucker got transferred here mid term, he’s well out of his depth. He needed a friend”

“And you’re such a bleeding heart” is the waspish reply I receive.

There’s a commotion down the other end of the line and I hear Akihiro say to someone else “Yeah I’ll be up there in a moment you prick, talking to my sister. Fuck off.” There’s a beat of silence and then he says to me “Sorry Ayane, I’ve gotta go. Lunchtime is beginning to pick up. You should swing by and see me in the city this weekend!”

“I was making plans to” I confess. “I’ll give you a bell on Saturday after class alright?”

“Excellent!” He says before adding, “That fucker Hisao better appreciate you cooking for him. Stay safe Ayane”

“You too Akihiro” I say, grinning “Go scare those chefs you boss around”

“You bet I will, the lazy fuckers!” And after that tasteful sentence my phone beeps at me indicating that he’s hung up. I snap my phone shut and see Fujiko looking at me oddly.

“Who on earth were you talking to?” She asks. “They sounded rather rude and loud!”

I laugh as I pack away my phone and writing kit “That was my charming older brother Akihiro.” Fujikos face dawns with understanding. “And we” I add, “Should be getting back to class. Lunch is nearly over” And lo and behold as I say this, the bell goes and we make our way back to class.

Geography passes in a blur of the exam and it’s a relief to have it done. The next lesson is Japanese and it’s a revision session for the upcoming exam tomorrow. The class is mostly note taking and the time flits by pretty quickly and before I know it, the bell is going for the end of the day.

I pop up back to my dorm, waving goodbye to Fujiko, moving my way through the other students. In my room I get rid of my uniform and put on my casual wear. Thank goodness for pants. I grab a shopping bag and head out of the dorms, leaving the school grounds and heading down the winding road to the town below. I have some shopping to do!

The walk into town is quiet and apart from a few nods with other fellow students and quick greetings, I’m left to my own devices. I consult my scribbled list and decide that visiting the grocer would be better than the convenience store that most students visit.

I’ve made it down into town with enough time to visit the grocers and I flit into the store, browsing the aisles with familiarity and an expert hand, I’m not a ditherer or a window shopper, I go in, get what I need and get out again. I get what I need and I get out again. I have pretty much everything I need for tomorrow but I will need to pop by the convenience store and get something to drink for tomorrow, as there is nothing in the grocers that tickles my fancy drinks wise.

So it’s out of the store and down the road, passing the Shanghai on my way to the convenience store. I enter the store, the ‘beep whoosh’ of the automatic doors giving me a blast of chilled air as I enter. I wind my way around the shelves to the chilled drinks section. I think I see a flash of blue hair out of the corner of my eye. That might have been Suzu from Hisaos class. Possibly getting energy drinks? I shrug and put the thought out of my mind and get a selection of low sugar drinks. If Hisao can’t have caffeine, too much sugar is probably just as bad for him.

I make my selection and wander to the tills and see Suzu and Miki leaving as I come up to the till. Guess I was right. Shrugging I set my purchases down and fish my wallet out from my pants pocket, paying for my items. With that done I wander out of the automatic doors and as I leave I hear a voice behind me.

“Ayane!” The voice shouts and I turn.

“Haruhiko” I say, regarding him. Well this is a bonus, Haruhiko found me. Now’s as good a time as any. “You ok?” I ask first.

“Been better,” He admits, not meeting my gaze.

“Oh? How so?” I ask.

He frowns and fiddles with his hair band before answering me “Well I’ve been worrying about you”

There is a stony silence after that little confession and he fidgets on the spot. “Why?” I ask finally, my tone flat.

He licks his lips before answering, “I… heard from a friend that you haven’t been sleeping well” That much is true. The nightmare and then last night I was up in the middle of the night due to another odd dream. Someone must’ve heard me up.

“That is true,” I admit “But I fail to see how it concerns you” Ouch. I’m channelling Mother.

“Because I care about you!” Haruhiko blurts out, looking at me defiantly.

Oh boy. This is going to get messy. I pinch my nose in frustration at the situation. “I’m not quite sure how to phrase this Haruhiko,” I say.

“Don’t phrase it then” He says with a shrug moving a little closer. “Kiss me like you kissed Nakai after the festival”

That gets my hackles up. When the fuck had he seen that? Haruhiko must register the look in my eye as he looks as though he’s just made a monumental cock up. Which he has the blithering idiot. “Suzumiya” I grate out and I see him flinch at my tone of voice. “I’m going to be gracious and ignore that last comment, as that implies something which could have the great effect of pissing me off. The last person that ended up pissing me off like that ended up not liking the fact I dyed his bed clothes bright orange, wiped his computer and replaced all his action DVDs with ‘Hello Kitty’ ones”

Haruhikos eyes widen and there is fear in them but he straightens himself up and faces me in the light of the store. “I’ll be blunt then,” He says finally after appearing to carefully consider his words. “I’ve known you for two years now. I consider you a very close friend –“

A snort erupts from me before I can help it. “Close friend? Suzumiya we barely speak to each other apart from passing greetings in corridors, occasionally having lunch together with some of the track team and I sometimes lend you my manga. Apart from that Suzumiya I regard you as an annoying younger sibling as that is generally your behaviour round me.” His jaw drops and I press home the attack “You are a friend Haruhiko” I say my tone softening “But not a close one”

There is a moment of heavy, oppressive silence. “Fucking Nakai. He’s come along and fucked everything up”

“I fail to see how that is the case” I say, my tone cold enough to freeze penguins.

“How blunt do I have to be?” He cries, throwing his hands in the air. “Tsukino Ayane I like you and want to take you on a date before Nakai steals you away…” his voice trails off and he appears to be girding himself up for something. He shuffles slightly closer and says “You always flirt back too”

Flirt back? What in the name of… the hamster wheel clicks and the lights go on in my brain “That’s what you call flirting?” I blurt out “News flash Suzumiya! That was not me flirting back! Nine times out of ten your comments pissed me off! That’s why I gave you that nickname! We’re not ten years old Suzumiya and pulling my hair isn’t going to get me to like you!”

He stands there stunned at my verbal tirade and all I can hear is Akihiros voice going in my head “Wow you’re up shit creek without a paddle now sister” I spin on my heel and turn, beginning to walk rapidly away from the mess that my big mouth has landed me in. I make it less than three steps away before Suzumiyas hands are on my shoulders and he’s spinning me around mouth pursed in a kiss. I can feel my head pounding, fear rising. His hands are strong but I manage to push him, making him stumble back a little. He looks angry, angrier than I’ve ever seen him and I feel afraid.

That is until my brother Arashi appears behind Suzumiya, grabs one shoulder, spins him around and lays him flat on the floor with one punch on the jaw. It’s over in less than a second and Suzumiya is writhing on the floor with my brother looming over him. Blood drips from my brothers’ knuckles and Suzumiya… shit. His haemophilia.

I panic “Arashi his condition!” Arashi’s eyes go from wild and angry to concerned in less than a second. He kneels down to help Suumiya up but his hand is batted away.

“I’m fine. My conditions not that severe. I’m not about to bleed to death” He spits blood at this and I frown. “I’m fine. I’ll have a shiner of a bruise and be spitting blood and I’ll take some tablets when I get home. Just…” Suzumiya deflates “Just leave me alone please”

He begins to get up as we leave, my brother watching him warily. He staggers into the store and as we hear the clerk gasp at the sight we take that as our cue to leave the scene.

The walk back is in silence. I appreciate what Arashi did but he’s just opened a whole can of trouble for himself. When we reach the gates, I grasp his hands, look him in the eye and say, “If anything happens tomorrow about what just happened come and get me. I’ll back you up.” I feel tears falling from my good eye and I drop my shopping, hugging Arashi hard “Don’t get yourself expelled over me Arashi” He nods solemnly at me and then vanishes into the boys dorm leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Sleep eludes me again tonight.

One last thought kicks me in the teeth as I try to sleep. I never did apologise.

Damn it, tomorrow is going to suck.

End scene 2.

[AntonSlavik020]

I have to say, Akihiro is not a person I would get along with in real life. I'm not big on constant swearing and i HATE smoking.

Also, I don't really blame Ayane for not apologizing. In her place, I think I would have fired back too. He was being an asshole.

[Mirage_GSM]

Hisao joins us again this morning for breakfast and adds to the breakfast spread we have we his donation of some spreads and toast.

Wut?

Well, I was going to say, that it would have been possible to turn Haruhiko down more gently, but after reading his reaction, I guess he deserved what he got.

[TheTealeaf]

I have to say, Akihiro is not a person I would get along with in real life. I'm not big on constant swearing and i HATE smoking.

Also, I don't really blame Ayane for not apologizing. In her place, I think I would have fired back too. He was being an asshole.

Akihiro is based off me about oooo 6 years ago when I was a chef. I was that sweary and chain smoked. Different now though still writing his character gives me the giggles I have an interlude planned about his visit to the shanghai

Hisao joins us again this morning for breakfast and adds to the breakfast spread we have we his donation of some spreads and toast.

Wut?

Well, I was going to say, that it would have been possible to turn Haruhiko down more gently, but after reading his reaction, I guess he deserved what he got.

Thanks mirage, can't believe I missed that. Fixed now!

Ok I'm glad people are ok with haruhiko getting his clock cleaned, I thought I was being a little OTT

[TheTealeaf]

This is a big one so I've chopped it into two chunks! No more updates until thursday earliest I'm afraid, but that said... enjoy!

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

Act 2

Scene 3

My little phantom.

It was another night of broken sleep. This is getting to be a bit like a broken record now. Not a nightmare, or a weird dream just pure restlessness. My mind keep churning over and regurgitating the confrontation with Haruhiko outside the store and the possible consequences of my brothers’ actions.

Arashi could face serious repercussion from decking Haruhiko. Yamaku has a very no nonsense approach to dealing with violence amongst students. I can recall an incident from my first year. It was rather hushed up but enough students had seen the altercation between the two third years to know why the pair were expelled a few days later.

It’s not just the fact of students fighting it’s the fact that someone could get seriously injured or killed by a school ground brawl and not just the participants either, a bystander could get caught up in it and hurt.

Bah, these thoughts are not helping me. I look over at my clock in the dark its dull glowing digits informing it’s four am in the morning. Fuck my sleep schedule this week has been appalling, I had best keep an eye on myself I don’t want to have a seizure on top of everything else and during exam week. I’m not getting any more rest. I swing out of bed and get dressed in some casual clothes I don’t mind working in. Normally at a time like this I’d try and get into the pool and swim some laps but not this morning. I have other plans.

I go into my wardrobe and hidden carefully at the back is a roll of black fabric tied up by a golden bow and with a forest green strap on the roll for carrying it with. I reach in and withdraw the roll of fabric carefully and gently wipe the dust off it. It’s been a while since I’ve used these but today I feel like using them. It’s been a while since I’ve cooked for other people properly so using the set of knives Dad brought for me feels oddly appropriate.

I retrieve my ingredients from the little fridge I have in my room and slinging the knife roll over my back with the strap, I retrieve another few bits of equipment and head down into the dorm communal kitchens quietly. It’s early and I don’t want to disturb people sleeping.

I slip into the kitchens quietly, and flick on the lights. The kitchen is a pretty basic one but it’ll do. Cupboards, some chopping boards, a hob and oven, a grubby looking sink, a fridge/freezer combination, various draws and a table are in the small kitchen. Most of the equipment I have I keep out of the kitchen, don’t want it going ‘missing’ after all.

I place my ingredients on the work surface, my other equipment near the bag and fetch a chopping board. I pull my knife roll off from my shoulder and undo the bow, letting the roll naturally unravel across the chopping board. My eyes roam across the blades gleaming in the kitchen lights. These would probably be confiscated if teachers knew I had them, sure there are knives here in the kitchen but I’m not sure that the school would approve of me having my own set.

This set is special though. Dad brought a set for each of his children when they turned thirteen. The knives are beautifully balanced, are light in the hand and possess a razor keen edge. Well at least they used to. Mine haven’t been used in a while, so I’d best put an edge on them.

I carefully unwrap the whetstone that came with the kit and run it under some running water. I pat it lightly down with a tea towel but not dry and place it on the worktop and then select the tools I will need for this mornings task. I’m going to need three of the seven knives for the job, so I carefully select them from the wrap.

A meat knife, a paring knife and a filleting knife are selected and placed down besides the whetstone. The wrap is then almost reverently refastened with the bow and moved to the table behind me. I then pick up the whetstone and my first blade of choice, the paring knife and carefully slide it down the whetstone with a small noise that is best described as a ‘wet scraping’ sound. Back and forth, back and forth goes the knife on the whetstone with the same noise echoing in the small kitchen.

The noise is nostalgic and therapeutic in equal measure and I lose myself in the motion, honing the knife to a scalpel like keenness. I stop after about a minute and half and check the edge with my thumb. I can feel the edge of the blade and it is sharp. Carefully to avoid cutting myself I place the knife down on the board and then turn my attention to the other two knives.

I’ve just about finished sharpening my last knife, the filleting knife, when a cough makes me jump in place. The knife slips on its last swipe on the whetstone and jumps; nicking my left index finger on it’s way past. Dots of crimson begin welling from my finger and I turn to the intruder, my finger in my mouth, the taste of iron and copper filling my taste buds. The intruder is Lilly and I blink in surprise. I remove my finger from my mouth. “Uh… good morning Lilly?” I say, conscious of the taste of blood in my mouth.

“Good morning Ayane” she says softly “What was that noise just now?” She frowns “It’s not something I’ve heard before”

“I was…” I trail off. Damn it this might land me in hot water. “I was sharpening my knives,” I admit. My finger is still bleeding and a small but steady drip of sanguine is ending up on the kitchen floor. I jam my finger in my mouth again.

Lilly’s facial expression is one of confusion “It is… rather early for cooking Ayane” she says finally. “Is everything ok?”

I can’t tell her about what happened. “I couldn’t sleep,” I admit, mumbling around my cut finger. “Worrying about stuff I guess”.

“You’ve been having problems sleeping lately” Lilly states her sightless eyes narrowed with concern. We might not always be on the same page and I know that she dislikes my occasional swearing habit but she really does care about everyone in the class.

“Yeah” I admit shortly, rummaging for a plaster in the kitchens small first aid box. I find one and place it on my finger, staunching the small flow of blood. Well at least I know that blade is nice and sharp now. “Why are you up?” I ask, “It’s rather early. Couldn’t sleep either?”

“I was thirsty,” She admits “I forgot to fill a bottle before going to bed last night…” her voice trails off as she gives me a small bashful smile. I reach into one of the cupboards and find a small glass and fill it with cold water from the tap and press it into Lilly’s delicate hands. Her face lights up in gratitude and she deftly finds her way to the table, sitting down in one of the chairs. “Thank you,” She says after taking a few sips.

“Not a problem” I assure her, “Sorry if I woke you”

“I was already awake, but the unfamiliar noise did concern me slightly” she admits, nodding slightly. I’m moving bits and pieces around and making a general clatter “What are you doing?” Lilly asks finally after I hear her place her glass back on the table.

I’m measuring out some cream into a bowl as she asks “I’m preparing for tonight” I say.

“May I enquire as to what tonight is?”

I slice a lemon in half and answer her at the same time “Study session tonight with Fujiko and Hisao” I juice the lemon and add it to the cream, whisking the mix together.

Lilly waits until I stop the noise before remarking “Ms Jakuzure and Mr Nakai? What are you studying?”

“I’m helping Hisao with his English” I say off hand as I measure the mixture into three glasses. “He in return is helping us with science”

“A gracious offer, it’s good to study together,” Lilly says. “I smell lemon, what are you making?”

“I’m preparing the dessert. It needs a few hours to set” I say as I sprinkle some prepared cut fruit into the glasses. A light sprinkling of whole raspberries and some diced orange chunks are added to the mix. “It’s an old English dessert known as a posset.” I say the unfamiliar word in English. “It’s a dish made from cream and set using the juice from a lemon. Sweetened with a little sugar and some other fruits it’s a nice, simple and easy dessert.” There is a moment’s pause before I add, “It was one of my Dads favorite dishes. He taught me how to make it when I was ten. I put too much lemon juice in it and he still ate it anyway, saying it was yummy” My voice cracks at the end of the sentence. I can see him now in my minds eye, the goofball, with glass in hand and a spoon, praising the dish even as his mouth puckers from the sourness.

The lack of sleep must be getting the better of me. I’m normally far more controlled than this. “A good memory?” Lily asks, her voice soft and gentle.

“Yeah” I croak, wiping my eye dry “He was always being so stupid with me Arashi. He taught all of us to cook,” I continue, placing the desserts in the fridge. “In fact the other recipe I’m preparing now is another one of his recipes. He always said he learnt it from his mother, my grandmother. It’s Arashis favorite recipe, I had forgotten about it until my older brother Akihiro reminded me of it yesterday”

“You have an older brother?” Lilly asks.

I can feel her unseeing gaze on my back as I wash up what I’ve used and begin to get the ingredients for the next dish. “Yes and an older sister as well. You wouldn’t get on with Akihiro I think”

“Oh?” Lilly asks, her voice having a curious lilt to it “What makes you think that?”

I laugh lightly as I retrieve the fish from it’s wrapping and begin to fillet it. “Because he’s as you would say… rather uncouth. His swearing habit is ten times worse than mine, a habitual smoker and rather in your face with his blunt manner and sarcasm”

“Oh my” Lilly says.

“Indeed” I respond “I know you dislike it when I swear, I honestly think you’d have a heart attack listening to my brother, if you ever met him.” A thought crosses my mind “Which actually, you might”

“How?” Lilly almost sounds afraid and it does make me laugh a little internally.

“He’s opened a restaurant in the city nearby” I say as I chop the filleted fish into small chunks. It goes into a bowl and I then wash the board before getting some pork out. “He’s also considering a business venture in the town just below Yamaku. He has his eyes on one of the tea houses I believe, so you may end up crossing paths”

I hear a rustle as Lilly moves around “I mean no offense Ayane but I pray that I never do meet this brother of yours.”

I laugh as I dice the pork up, my knife moving effortlessly through the meat. I’m not as fast as I once was with my knife work as the difference in depth perception means I need to be more careful. “No offense taken. He’s hard for a lot of people to deal with, especially with his rather err… brusque nature” The pork joins the fish in a bowl and I wash the board and knife, selecting my paring knife next.

Lilly yawns suddenly, breaking the quiet atmosphere in the kitchen. “Oh my” she says “I appear to more sleepy than I imagined”

I shoot a glance up at the clock nearby “It’s half four in the morning Lilly, it’s no wonder. Go back to bed”

“I could say the same to you” She rejoins, rising from the chair.

I snort, peeling and cutting a mango as I do so. “There’s no chance of me getting back to sleep now Lilly. You on the other hand do”

‘I suppose you are right” Lilly says, beginning to leave the kitchen. She pauses in the doorway and turns towards where she thinks I am “Ayane… I know that we are not that close but if you ever need to speak to me… my door is always open”

That’s Lilly for you, always so selfless. “Can I ask you a small favor?” I ask.

“Of course” She assures me.

“My knives…” I trail off and look at the knife in my hand. “They were a gift from my Dad… I would appreciate it if…”

“I understand” Lilly says warmly “Just… try not to let Shizune see them. She may not overlook them as I am.” She begins to leave saying as she goes “Good night Ayane, do try to get some sleep”

I chuckle as she leaves and fire a parting shot “Surely you mean good morning instead class rep?” I can literally hear her roll her eyes from down the corridor.

I finish chopping the mango, add it to the bowl with the pork and fish, add some prepared prawns and then make the marinade. It’s a mixture of a ready-made sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, a pinch of grated ginger, a scattering of paprika and last but not least a dash of rice wine vinegar. If I’d had more time I would’ve made the chili sauce myself but I didn’t. I cover the bowl and place it and it’s precious contents in the fridge. I wasn’t able to find any skewers so I’ll stir-fry it later tonight just before we’re ready to eat.

I place notes promising swift, dire and terrible vengeance upon any who disturb my stuff in the fridge. I then sign it with a smiley face just to be even more passive aggressive and then shut the fridge door. I have the washing up to do now. My least favorite part…

The washing up is done with my brain engaged in automatic. I place my knives back in their roll and then tie the bow back up again and pad back up to my room.

I grab my wash kit, head down to the bathroom and shower, relaxing under the spray of hot water and then head back to my room. I change into my uniform, yawning the whole time, then glance at the clock. It’s a little after five am. A nap wouldn’t hurt would it?

I’m woken up by Fujiko. I mutter and grumble incoherently and yawn widely. Fujiko reels back as though hit by something “Morning breathe Ayane” She says, pinching her nose. I mutter a vague threat under my breath and amble to the bathroom and scrub my teeth clean. “We’re running late” Fujiko says from behind me as I spit into the sink and then rinse my mouth clean.

“How late?” I ask

“We’ve got fifteen minutes then class starts” What a wonderful way to start the school day. I hurry back to my room and gulp down my pills with a bottle of water. Not enough time really for breakfast so we leave my room, quickly going over our Japanese text books in preparation for the only exam we have to today. Tomorrow we have English and lastly on Friday there is the dreaded science exam. Saturday no exams thankfully, but we’ll all probably be bashed over the head with our results.

We make it to class with about two minutes before the bell. I’m nervous the whole lesson, fidgeting and fiddling. Period one comes to an end and I haven’t been summoned out of class and Arashi hasn’t text me either so I begin to assume that my brother and I are in the clear.

Period two passes in much the same manner and again there is nothing. I’m feeling particularly paranoid and I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. It doesn’t and class moves on to the period and the Japanese exam. I stop my twitching and focus on the exam. I need at least a pass or I’ll lose some support from Mother.

The bell rings moments after we place pens to desks. As the students disperse I turn to Fujiko “I’ve got a small request…”

There is an impish grin on Fujikos face. She already knows what I’m going to ask. “Yes, I’ll get you something from the canteen. I knew you wouldn’t have any lunch as you were so out of it this morning”

"Thanks Fuji"

End part 1

[TheTealeaf]

Part 2 of Scene 3 'My little phantom'

I laugh, pass Fujiko some yen notes and then hurry out of the classroom and up to the library. I like the library, it has the musty old parchment smell about it and the ambience of the place just sits right with me. Yuuko is nowhere to be seen at the moment, so I quickly head into the shelves to locate some literature for this evening. The English section is rather unsurprisingly missing half its stock. Guess there are more people than just Hisao who are concerned about their English exam.

I quickly locate a book about grammar and another for spellings and then quickly bounce over to the English Language fiction area. Hisao likes to read so a good way for him to learn would be to read something that he would enjoy.

I have a little ‘eureka’ moment then. I have plenty of English fiction books in my room already. Why not use one of those? I give myself a little fist pump of victory. I shall introduce Hisao to the wonders of the world that is The Dresden universe. Hopefully I can get him hooked on those and we can swap notes. That would be… very nice.

I head up to the desk only to see the very person I’ve been thinking of. “Hisao!” I say and he turns, a book in hand “Alice in wonderland. Good choice, personally I adore the Cheshire cat” I remark.

His hand comes up and rubs the back of his head “Ah, I’m returning this one, taking out some science texts for tonight”

Huh, well looks like great minds do think alike then. “What an odd coincidence, I’m doing the same too” I say with a grin. Hisao returns his book to flustered looking Yuuko and checks the science textbooks out at the same time. I then check my books out and Yuuko hurriedly gives them over to me. Wow guess her encounter with my brother was more traumatic than I thought. I give her a pleasant smile, which she twitches at and I leave to catch up with Hisao who’s waiting at the library door for me.

He still looks sleep deprived. The bags under his eyes are more prominent than yesterday. I touch the crook of his elbow gently and I think I feel a shiver sweep up his arm. “You alright?” I ask as we head into the deserted corridors.

“I should be asking you that” He rejoins “You look like you’re waiting to find out news about a relative in hospital”

A facial expression I’m sure he’s familiar with. “Have you spoken to Arashi today?” I ask.

Hisao looks puzzled but replies, “Yes, he was in class. I think Shizune and Misha hauled him off to the nurse to get his knuckles looked at” I wince at this and he carries on shrewdly “this hasn’t got anything to do with Suzumiya being absent is it?”

Wow Detective Nakai, I confess, I repent, I throw myself upon your tender mercies! “Lets just say there was a confrontation between myself and Suzumiya. Arashi intervened”

“Thought so” Hisao said, one hand to his chin “I tried to find you after class as well…” He sighs “Yesterday Suzumiya cornered me after class”

I sigh “What did he say? I think I can guess though” I say dryly as we descend down the stairs towards the canteen.

“That as the FNG, I should back… well I won’t repeat the word. I should back off and leave you to him, as you were his girl” The look on my face must say it all and must be positively murderous as Hisao holds up his hands as if to say ‘Don’t shoot the messenger!’

There is a beat of silence and then “Yeah, I thought it sounded pretty dense when he said it”

A wry snort comes from me “If I’d known he’d said that I would’ve punched him instead but you said he wasn’t in today?”

Hisao nods and I breathe a sigh of relief. Haruhiko appears to be licking his wounds. His pride broken he’s not going to do anything apart from recover and then crawl back to school with his tail between his legs. Fingers crossed that Arashi is in the clear then. “One last question” I say “Did anyone official come and ask for Arashi? Maybe pull him from class?”

Hisao shakes his head “He’s been in class all day” he confirms.

I breathe a sigh of relief as we head into the canteen. Fujiko waves at us from the table she’s sat at with Shizune, Misha and Arashi. Hisao joins the lunch line to get some lunch and as I slide in next to Fujiko she passes me some curry bread and a can of mango soda. I tear the paper off and munch into the spicy bread. Yum. I pop the tab on the drink and nearly spit take when Shizune signs [So are you going to tell us how Arashi hurt his hands he’s being very stubborn about it]

“Yeah!” Misha chimes in with a ‘wha-ha-ha’ tacked on “Arachan isn’t telling us a thing!”

I giggle through my soda. Arachan? Wow I’m going to have to use that. I can see Arashis frustrated face and I resolve to use that in the future. [Do not laugh] he signs at me [and if you ever use that I shall steal your manga and anime] Ooooo them be fighting words brother dearest!

[“I don’t know. You hurt your hands brother dearest? Do you need sister dearest to kiss it better?”] Fujiko bursts into giggles, my brother scowls, Misha giggles and Shizune looks scandalized.

[You’ve been reading too much icky stuff] my brother signs and Misha translates for Fujiko and Hisao who finally joins us at the table.

I take a savage bite from my bread and then say “Eh it was a poor joke” I see my brother roll his eyes.

[I’m sure you know how he hurt his hands!] Shizune signs, looking fairly annoyed at my disinterested expression.

I swallow my mouthful and then sign [Not any of your business. If my brother wants to tell you I will, if he wants you to kiss his hands better I’m sure he’ll tell you too] Misha translates and a tense silence falls on the lunch table. Pink spots form on my brothers’ cheeks and I chuckle under my breath. Is it just me or does Shizune look a little flustered too?

[I do not want her to kiss them better!] My brother signs very firmly.

[Want to bet on that?] Shizune signs back and the pair fall into lighthearted banter with Misha.

I turn to Hisao who’s sat down next to me and I can feel the heat of his thigh next to mine. He pokes morosely at his food. “The canteen food reminds me of hospital food”

I nudge him with an elbow “Well if you can wait until later I’ll be feeding you and Fujiko later”

Fujikos eyes light up. “Really? What’ve you made! Tell me!”

I can resist her begging puppy eyes. “Save the surprise for later Fujiko” She pouts and I hear a small and very brief bubble of laughter from Hisao. “I think that’s the first time I’ve heard you laugh,” I say turning to face him.

His chocolate eyes meet my good eye and I swear the canteen gets warmer. “Not had much to laugh about recently” he says.

“You should laugh more often. I’ve heard its good for the heart” I remark. An odd expression crosses Hisaos face and one hand comes up to his chest again. Ooops. I think I may’ve just touched a sore spot. He pokes at his food again, eats one or two mouthfuls and then pushes the plate away.

“I’ll try,” He says suddenly then elaborates at my confused expression “To laugh more. I’ll try to laugh more”

“Good” I nod. The bell rings and I frown “Guess we’d better head to class. See you after class Hisao” I wave as Arashi and company drags him off as Fujiko and me follow at a more sedate pace.

The next lesson is English revision and my tenseness from earlier has melted away and is instead replaced with anticipation. I’m looking forward to this evenings study session. The last two lessons of the day go by in a haze of studying and revision until the final bell goes.

When the bell does go, I’m hurrying out the door, wading my way through groups of students. I reach the dorms ahead of Fujiko and hurry to the kitchen. I nose inside the fridge briefly and nod in satisfaction that my goodies are still there. I bound up to my room and quickly shower but as I’m standing there, stark naked in my room after leaving the bathroom, Fujiko barges in.

“FUJIKO!” I shriek at her intrusion. “Why the hell did you barge in like that?”

She gives me one of her cheeky smirks and saunters past me and opens up my wardrobe. “Never fear Fujiko is here!” She cheers as she rummages through my clothes and begins to select items of clothing. She has that look in her eyes again so I simply sigh and resign myself to Fujiko dressing me up.

I have at least one small mercy though; at least it’s not a yukuta this time.

Twenty minutes later of endless decisions about what I should be wearing, Fujiko finally makes a decision. I end up wearing one of the two skirts I own, which is a light shade of green, along with a plain back t-shirt and one of my pale cardigans on top of the t-shirt. Fujiko says I look presentable then heads to her room comes back five minutes later, dressed impeccably, demands that I wear dragon eye patch and then seems to run out of steam. “Have you tidied your room?” She asks suddenly. I look around and horror begins to dawn.

My room is a tip I realize. There are panties on the floor, a pair of stockings, some bras, books all over the desk and some empty coffee mugs too. I grin sheepishly “oops?”

“He’ll be here soon you know!” She says and we both quickly dive into trying to give some form of order to the room. We have very nearly finished when there is a knock on my door. We booth freeze like rabbits caught in headlights only for Fujiko to gain an evil grin and open the door… for Hisao to get an eyeful of me carrying an armload of my dirty panties.

I’m not sure who changed color more and the fastest. Either way Fujiko ends up on the floor, holding her sides as she’s laughing so hard and Hisao and me are both rather red. “Sorry about that” I mumble whilst Fujiko dies from laughter.

“It’s ok” Hisao says, still red faced. “I didn’t mind” With that sentence Fujiko, howls with laughter even harder and starts rolling on the floor whilst my blush threatens to help me spontaneously combust.

“Ignore the rabid hyena,” I say darkly, inviting Hisao fully into my room. He takes a look around taking in the walls filled with posters of various anime titles, my row of DVDs, my shelves of books, manga and light novels, the hastily filled dirty wash basket lurking in the corner and my lime green duvet set on my bed.

“Nice place” He says giving me a small smile whilst Fujikos laughter dies down. “More colorful than I expected, although I did expect the posters and the DVD selection”

Ah I guess my nerdy hobby is exposed. Curses! “You knew I was a nerd ever since you heard my ring tone” I accuse

“No I only realized that after you addressed your older sister in the way you did” He retorts a smile inching across his face. He pauses “Does she really look like Saber?” I laugh and pull a family picture from my desk and show it to him. He stares at it for a moment and then I see the realization dawn on his face. “That is… eerily similar” He says finally.

Ok enough frivolity. I nudge Fujiko with one toe as her giggles slow. “Come on Fuji” I cajole her up “Hour and a half of study, I’ll cook you dinner then you can head to club. Why is it so late today?”

Fujikos shoulders still tremble with repressed giggles but she finally calms down to say, “Got a live model coming in. Was the only time Noyima could arrange so it’s late today”

“A live model?” Hisao asks, “So… you’re drawing someone naked?”

That shut Fujiko up quickly and she tries to hide her own blush behind the big, baggy sleeves that she prefers. I put on my tutoring cap, break open the books and drinks and begin to get down to it.

Being a tutor is surprisingly easy I find. Using some of the books I own, the lesson cracks along at a fairly fast pace and Hisao seems to be gaining more and more confidence in the subject matter. OK his accent is pretty thick but that’s something he can lose over time, I know I haven’t lost my accent entirely and I’ve been speaking English for most of my life. The idea I have of using fiction to read has seemed to help, although English is a very tricky language at any rate, with seemingly contradictory rules. I actually manage to persuade Hisao to take the first book of The Dresden files as reading material for bed and homework! I’m a genius!

The lesson continues in the dorm kitchen, Hisao getting some odd looks from the other residents as he sits at the table with Fujiko whilst I cook the dinner. We’re talking a little haltingly in English, so we’re naturally drawing some odd looks anyway. I think I see Ikezawa poke her head into the kitchen at one point, utter a dismayed squeak and then vanish at a rapid pace. Guess she wasn’t expecting to see Hisao in the girls’ dorm kitchens.

When the noodles are ready and mixed with the stir-fry, I serve Hisao and Fujiko dinner before joining them at the table. We dig in and the muted sounds of contentment bring a small grin to my face. Mission accomplished. Dinner is devoured very rapidly and Fujiko excuses herself for club. “I’ll leave dessert in the fridge for when you get back I say”

She literally vibrates on the spot “You made dessert?” I nod and she squeals with joy. “I’m looking forward to it!” she says before she begins to leave.

“I’ll leave a note on it so you know it!” I shout as she leaves with a wave. I turn and find Hisao doing the dishes. “You don’t need to do that” I say, joining him and drying what he’s washed.

“Ah but I want to” He corrects me gently. “Consider it thanks for a wonderful dinner. I’m sure your older brother would approve” Oh if only you knew Hisao, if only you knew. The rest of the dishes are done in companionable silence, the other girls having left to eat in their rooms.

“Ready for some science then?” Hisao says as we walk back up the stairs to my room. I nod, not sure I can trust my voice. I knew this was coming but I still feel a little odd about the whole situation. Me alone with a boy in my room. My heart rate is a little faster than normal and I think my palms are sticky.

We reach my room and the door swings open and we step in. Hisao pulls textbooks out and we settle at the desk, side by side on chairs as Hisao draws me down the rabbit hole into the weird and wonderful world of science.

It becomes clear almost immediately that Hisao is easier to understand than Mutou. Hisao breaks down the large unwieldy subjects Mutou rambles about into easily digestible chunks. I’m learning! I can understand this! I begin to smile and Hisao smiles at me. “Feeling more confident?” He asks.

It is then I notice how close we’re sitting together and how much time has passed. We are very, very close to each other. So close I can smell him. The room gets closer and I can feel my pulse racing. Hisao swallows and I think I see his Adams apple bob up and down. It would be so easy to…

I push away from the desk slightly and stand rapidly. “I’m gonna go get dessert! Back soon!” I dart out the door and heave a sigh of relief then curse. I sounded like Ikezawa!

But the atmosphere in there… I slump against a wall. It was… there are no words to describe it. It was… gah, this is hard, and I’ve known him for just over a week.

But there are no ifs or buts about it I muse as I retrieve the desserts from the fridge. I am attracted to him. Question is what do I do about it?

As I make my way more slowly up the stairs I make a decision. For the moment I do nothing. Carry on as normal I guess, play it by ear. I think Hisao is attracted to me as well but he needs more time to settle. Last thing he needs is a whirlwind romance.

Hopefully we can enjoy the desserts in a calmer atmosphere.

That hope is dashed when I open my door. Hisao is holding one of my music CDs, a very particular one. I can feel myself shaking and the desserts tumble from shaking hands as Hisao reads aloud the inscription from the inside of the case.

“To my wonderful little phantom, keep making the music of the night. Keep singing and make your Papa proud!”

I feel fuzzy and I vaguely register my knees hitting the carpet of my room. I can feel my eye flooding with tears.

Why Hisao, why? Why did you have to look at that one?

I’m crying as the words read aloud bring forth a flash flood of memories. Flashes of images and sounds assail me as a wail begins to erupt from throat.

The stage lights.

The green dress I was wearing.

The lyrics of the song drift in and out of my ears as more images assail me as I think Hisao moves to his knees, kneeling besides me. I see one last image, crystal clear, across my retinas.

My papa, dead in a playhouse seat, his hands forever frozen in applause of the song I had just finished singing. It had been our favorite growing up. I squeeze Hisao tighter and I can feel myself sobbing into his sweater vest. He begins to move and I hold him tighter. “Don’t” I say and he stops moving “Just hold me please” I whisper brokenly “I don’t want to be alone”

I cry for a few more minutes, shuddering in great heaving sobs. I grow quieter and the sobs morph into small hiccups. “Are you…” Hisao trails off “I’m sorry” He says finally.

“Not your fault” I sniffle “Shouldn’t have it out but I can’t bear to throw it out. I never said you couldn’t look” I give him a weak wobbly grin. “I…” I swallow. Hisao will be the first person apart from my direct family to know this.

I look him in the eye as I speak “Fujiko said I spoke good English because of my parents. That’s… not entirely true. Akihiro and Akiho are my half siblings. Papa married Mother after their mother died. Akiho and Akihiro’s mother was a third generation UK Japanese. She met Papa in England and they had a love of musicals” I pause and clear my throat “When she died, Papa kept her stuff in the house including all the old tapes of the musicals they loved. I found them, learnt English to sing them.”

“Go on” Hisao urges as I fall silent.

“Papa found me singing them in my room. We would watch the tapes together and he’d take me to places where I’d sing.” I meet his gaze “I was really good Hisao. People paid to see me. Papa was so proud!” I choke up again. “He’d… he’d call me his little phantom, as our favorite musical was the Phantom of the Opera”

I swallow as that image flashes across my eyes again. “Papa died during one my performances. He died in his seat, in the crowd, watching me sing our favorite song.”

There is silence in my room, a heavy, poignant silence. “It was after his funeral that I swore I’d never sing again. I can’t even listen to my favorite tracks anymore without having a flashback Hisao!”

Hisao holds me tighter, on his knees with me. “I am so sorry Ayane” He whispers and kisses my forehead. I sniffle quietly and smile at the feeling of his lips on my forehead.

“You’re the only other person I’ve told the full story too,” I whisper. “Not even Fujiko knows the full story”

“Thank you for sharing that then. I understand it must be hard for you” He says softly.

“Will you come into the city with me at the weekend?” I ask.

Hisao seems bemused “Sure but why?”

I smile softly. My heart is still aching, the echo of papa is still in the room but I feel a little better “To meet the other brother and sister” I say.

“Of course I will,” He says.

We stay locked in the embrace for a few minutes more. “I think I’ve missed curfew” Hisao says suddenly “I… I should head back.”

I stand and shake my head “Not tonight. I have a spare futon in my wardrobe. Please Hisao, I need someone here tonight… I... I don't want the dreams to come back”

I think it’s the broken tone I have and the pleading look I give him but he gives in and he stays the night on my floor.

There are no nightmares this night.

End Scene 3

[AntonSlavik020]

Loved it, especially the scene at the end. It changed it from a good chapter to a great one.

Also, I keep getting confused whenever you say "canteen". I thought at first that Fuji was storing food in her drink container at first, and wasn't entirely sure why Ayane was handing her money. You don't need to change it or anything, just keep in mind some words mean different things in America. The hob was another word that confused me, as that means nothing in American English.

And I'm not sure if I said this before, but I think I'd be awesome if her brother started dating Shizune(just look at my sig), though I'd be perfectly fine with MIsha. Or neither if them, as he's not the focus anyways.

[Mirage_GSM]

I can literally hear her roll her eyes from down the corridor.

Literally? I find that unlikely.

And yes, I always start when someone uses "canteen" as well...

[CloudGrain]

Thus far, absolutely loving it, kinda sad that I won't be getting my 'fix' until Thusday but life does come first.

You have a very, very compelling way of creating these new characters and giving life to them within Yamaku in ways that just seem to fit. Everything seems almost completely natural as to how it might play out in KS were it really another route in the game. Perhaps a few more 'animated' moments that couldn't quite be portrayed in the VN's style, but nonetheless all things that I could certainly see happening within the story without a real hiccup. I can't help but cringe slightly internally at the exact same moment, seeing how things are progressing so close to the same rate as the VN... Soon the mental breaks, and the feels multiply at an exponential rate. God save us if you leave it at a cliffhanger and get stuck with a massive workload.

Awesome stuff, great read thus far, cheers,

[TheTealeaf]

Loved it, especially the scene at the end. It changed it from a good chapter to a great one.

Also, I keep getting confused whenever you say "canteen". I thought at first that Fuji was storing food in her drink container at first, and wasn't entirely sure why Ayane was handing her money. You don't need to change it or anything, just keep in mind some words mean different things in America. The hob was another word that confused me, as that means nothing in American English.

And I'm not sure if I said this before, but I think I'd be awesome if her brother started dating Shizune(just look at my sig), though I'd be perfectly fine with MIsha. Or neither if them, as he's not the focus anyways.

Thank you for the kind words anton!

I apologise for my British language I guess it creeps in every so often!

As for Shizune and misha... All I shall say is I have plans!

I can literally hear her roll her eyes from down the corridor.

Literally? I find that unlikely.

And yes, I always start when someone uses "canteen" as well...

Eh Ayane is prone to exaggeration. She is the one narrating after all.

And again I'm a Brit. We use that word XD

Thus far, absolutely loving it, kinda sad that I won't be getting my 'fix' until Thusday but life does come first.

You have a very, very compelling way of creating these new characters and giving life to them within Yamaku in ways that just seem to fit. Everything seems almost completely natural as to how it might play out in KS were it really another route in the game. Perhaps a few more 'animated' moments that couldn't quite be portrayed in the VN's style, but nonetheless all things that I could certainly see happening within the story without a real hiccup. I can't help but cringe slightly internally at the exact same moment, seeing how things are progressing so close to the same rate as the VN... Soon the mental breaks, and the feels multiply at an exponential rate. God save us if you leave it at a cliffhanger and get stuck with a massive workload.

Awesome stuff, great read thus far, cheers,

Wow cloud, I'm blushing. Thank you so much for the praise!

As for your fix... You may be lucky and I can squeak out 4k tonight after I've finished planning

EDIT: Managed to get 1.5k for scene 4 done. You want feels Cloud? The first k of this scene is pure marshmallow fluff! XD

[CloudGrain]

I'm sure that the feels will be appreciated; when they're ready. Can't be letting myself get too carried away with things I've found that I liked and have access to upon request... I'll tell you, the last time that happened I ended up with a pool nearly completely surrounded by empty jello-shot and beer containers, a couple of friends and myself wondering what divine intervention had occurred the previous night that we all managed to survive, and a three hour drive to a kick ass concert.

Failing to see any bad in that whatsoever, and completely negating my earlier point, probably more apt to point out the fact that just a taste would be much crueler than waiting until everything was set in place to tie another scene up with a pretty pink bow. Glad to hear that you're progressing at an even faster rate than you'd expected earlier, and can definitely hope that it means you'll be pushing out a quality chapter either on-time or perhaps even a little soon. Immensely enjoy seeing that you've got an update out, and I fully expect myself to be re-reading the entire psuedo-route in its entirety after you declare it officially finished. Of course, as soon as you finish I'm going to need to steal some of the immense motivation you've got going to get myself back into the groove of writing. Can't wait for it.

Cheers,

[TheTealeaf]

Early, ahead of schedule... enjoy!

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

Act 2

Scene 4

Lean on me
(When you’re not strong)

I feel very warm. Comfortable and snuggly so wherever I am, it feels good. Feels safe like I’m at home.

I snuggle deeper into my pillow and let out a sigh of contentment. My alarm hasn’t gone yet so I can sleep for longer. I feel so drowsy. I yawn contently and I feel myself smile sleepily. That is until I hear my door creak open.

Must be Fuji. She’s the only one with a spare key after all.

I crack one eye open and see Fujiko staring at me from the doorway. Her mouth is hanging open. She then shuts my door and three seconds later, opens it again.

She stares again and then repeats the previous steps again. It is when my door opens for the third time, do I realize that I’m sleeping on my floor and that my pillow is in fact another person.

Hisao.

The events of last night come crashing into my head like a runaway freight train. I hug Hisao a little tighter and he grumbles under his breath, beginning to stir.

Last night I broke down on him. Bawled into his sweater vest and asked him to stay the night on a futon. I guess during the night I’d wound up joining him on the futon. Fujiko is saying nothing but she’s entered my room and is staring at me very intently. This is awkward. Me wrapped round a boy like he’s a living stuffed toy whilst he’s sleeping on my floor and my best friend staring at me in my doorway. “We’ll talk later” Fujiko whispers, eyes narrowing at me as she steps out of me room.

Well that’s one bullet dodged for the moment… Now time to deal with the other.

Hisao saw me at my worst yesterday evening. He saw me when I was having flashbacks. That is never a pretty sight. Most of them are on my own but I know the mess I’m in afterwards. Hisao stayed and comforted me, listened to me pour my guts out. He didn’t deserve that.

I feel a small, soft smile form. Yet he did stay. He listened with no judgment; he simply listened and held me. Hisao is one of a rare breed and I’m glad that I stumbled upon him.

I can feel him begin to stir from sleep. I relax my arms a little as he stirs further, gradually emerging from the depths of his slumber. I feel him stiffen in my arms and slowly turn to face me.

“Morning” I say softly, not directly meeting his gaze. It’s soft and filled with awe and wonderment.

He looks as though he’s searching for the right words to say but he settles simply with “Good morning to you too” There is a beat of silence and he draws me in closer in a hug “I’m not dreaming am I?” He asks.

I shake my head in his chest, his chin atop my head, a small giggle coming from me “No Hisao you’re not dreaming” I say softly, returning the hug.

“How are you feeling?”

I give a small shrug “All things considered, it could be a lot worse.” I nuzzle deeper into his sweater vest. He smells good. “Just… thank you”

“For what?” Hisao asks genuinely puzzled.

“For listening,” I whisper softly, “And for staying and holding me. Not everyone would do that”

I can feel one hand stroke my hair and I relax under his ministrations “I don’t mind Ayane” He says “In fact anytime you want to talk, you know I’ll listen, after all I am your friend. Friends do that”

Friends… I’m not sure who you’re trying to fool Hisao but we both know that this isn’t purely platonic friendship we’re feeling. This is far, far too intimate to be labeled ‘friends’. Although is it something that a label can be placed on? We haven’t crossed the line into boyfriend/girlfriend turf yet but we are treading dangerously close to it. I like you Hisao. You’re good for me, I feel as though I can finally begin to breathe with you around, finally begin to lay some demons that still cling to me to rest.

I feel his lips on top of my head. I squirm at the feeling. Hisao… never stop being you. “Then all I can do is say the same to you” I wiggle back out his arms a little and look at him “Lean on me when you have to as well. I’ll listen”

A sigh comes from Hisao “I’m not sure I’m ready to share yet” He says, looking slightly downcast “I’m sorry”

I place my hand where his heart his and I feel him suck a breath in and retreat slightly, my fingertips grazing his vest. “I understand. I haven’t shared everything. Last night… wouldn’t have normally happened.” I pause, trying to find the right words “I bottle things Hisao, the only other people that know the full story are my family” I shake my head “What I’m trying to say Hisao is don’t apologize for not sharing. Do it when and if you’re ready”

“So what was last night?” He questions me.

“Last night was the bottle breaking,” I say “And you helped pick up the pieces and mop the mess up”

“Is it that bad?” He asks gently.

I snort. “Last time I had a dream about those… events I woke half the dorm up screaming” Hisaos eyes widen slightly at that revelation. “It’s rare I have a dream or flashbacks but as you’ve seen… it can happen”

“Why keep the CD?” He asks gently.

“Sentimentality mainly. As much as the memory is painful I can’t bring myself to throw it away. Part of me still remembers when I was little and we’d sing in his study together. If I throw the CD away, I feel as though I’m throwing all those memories out with it as well.” Stupid reasons I know but one can’t explain the intricacies of the heart and memories well.

Hisao nods gently “I can’t say I understand entirely, but I’m trying”

I give him a small, thankful smile and give him another hug. We stay embraced for a good couple of minutes in peaceful silence.

At least until the peace is shattered by Hisaos phone ringing. “Better answer that,” I say, pulling myself from the futon and checking the time. Early still. Enough time for a coffee and my tablets. I put my kettle on and turn to regard Hisao. He’s finished his conversation and hangs up, sighing and rubbing his eyes. His hair is a mess, his clothes wrinkled and creased and he looks positively adorable.

“I need to get going” Hisao says softly, rising from the futon. “I’m running late for my morning run with Emi”

I have to stop myself from saying anything immediately “Running partners?” I ask softly.

“The nurses idea” Hisao says, “It’s to help manage and improve my condition”

I nod gently “Enjoy your run Hisao.” I sweep forward and plant a kiss on his cheek, exactly like I did at the festival. “Remember me whilst you run Hisao” I say softly in his ear.

He swallows sharply and steps back eyes widening at the coy grin I sport “I find that it would be very hard to forget you Ayane” He says before leaving my room.

The silence after he leaves is almost deafening. I idly pour myself a coffee and am mid sip when Fujiko barges back into my room. “You, me, talk now!” she growls at me as my coffee begins to burn my lip.

I hastily swallow my pill along with my mouthful of coffee. “What do we talk about?”

Fujiko actually stamps one foot, hands on hip and demands, “You know full well what we need to talk about! Hisao stayed the night Ayane, what happened?”

I worry my lip for a moment. “It went well to start off with Fuji” I say softly, sitting on my bed. “He really helped me understand a lot of the science stuff.” I heave a sigh, “I went down to get the desserts. I came back up and he’d gotten curious” I look her in the eye “He found something that set me off” I admit.

Fujiko sits next to me and embraces me; “Oh Ayane” is whispered in my ear. “What happened?” she asks.

“He hugged me” I say with a small shrug “and he listened. Even tried to leave after he realized it was past curfew. I asked him to stay, got the futon out for him and then you found us this morning. Guess I moved there during the night”

“I did say that you liked him Ayane but don’t you think this might be going a bit too fast?”

“I know Fujiko” I lean on her shoulder “But we only slept. He’s gentle Fujiko and I feel safe with him” I sigh “Safe isn’t quite the right word but it’s close enough. He feels like home Fuji”

There is silence as she digests the information I’ve just given her “I’m guessing he’s left to head back to the boys dorm?”

I frown “Not quite, Nurse signed him on as Ibarazakis running partner to help his condition” My tone is grouchy and a little bitter.

“Worried?” Fujiko says softly. Normally she’d be teasing but not this morning.

“You know my history with her” I say, staring into the distance. “But I can understand Hisao wanting to improve his condition. I think it’s a heart or lung problem, not sure but all the signals seem to point in that direction and if running with her will help him, why should I stop him? I’d just be being a giant bitch basically.”

“Have you asked Hisao about it?” Fujiko asks.

I give her a wry look “You know the unwritten rule as much as well as I do Fujiko. Even if the problem is very obvious, you wait until they say something. You don’t ask”

“I’m not some naïve first year” Fujiko grumbles “But changing the subject, what’re you going to do?”

I sigh and then lean back against a pillow, moving off Fujikos shoulder. “Business as normal I guess” I give a small shrug “I mean he’s already agreed to come into the city and meet Akiho and Akihiro.”

“That could be entertaining” Fujiko muses, “I’m not sure how Hisao will take Akihiro”

“Not a lot of people know how to take Akihiro,” I say dryly. “You know how he is”

“So, presenting him to the family?” Fujiko teases.

“He’s not some show dog” I say, “Not that my family has any say in who I date but for the moment, Hisao is my friend that…” I sigh. Ok time to bite the bullet in front of Fujiko. “Don’t get me wrong Fujiko I do like Hisao, I could see us dating I’m just not sure when I should broach the topic or how”

“At least you’re being honest” Fujiko says, “Do you think Hisao feels the same?”

I frown again “I’m reasonably confident he feels something” I feel my face light up as I confess, “He kissed my forehead this morning. It… felt good”

I’ve never been particularly ‘girly’, so why does talking like this with Fujiko make me grin and feel slightly giddy? “Can I give you some advice Ayane?” Fujiko asks me gently. I nod and she smiles her lopsided grin at me before she says, “I wouldn’t leave him hanging too long I think. I’m no expert but you both feel something and if you don’t do something about that spark it might fizzle out before it has a chance to burn”

Wise words Fujiko. Advice that I think I’ll take to heart. “Thank you Fujiko,” I say softly. “English is first period isn’t it?” I ask. Fujiko gives me a nod. I get up and head over to my desk and scribble out my phone number on a piece of paper. “I’m going to take my test then take the rest of the day off. I need some space,” I say half to myself and half to Fujiko. “Can I ask you to give this to Hisao?” I hand Fujiko my hastily scrawled phone number and she nods. I clap my hands together to energize myself. “Good time to get ready for that test I think”

This time Fujiko leaves me to shower in peace.

After my shower, whilst my hair is still damp with Fujiko lounging on my bed, my phone buzzes at me. Fujiko is nearest as I’m still reaching into my wardrobe. “Arashi” She chirps at me “He’s got breakfast and he says that your lover boy is with him” That’s odd. It’s only been forty minutes in total since Hisao left and I’ve spent half of that in the shower. I thought his run would’ve taken longer?

Maybe Ibarazaki pissed him off. The thought makes a small smile inch across my lips. I’m a terrible person sometimes.

“Arashi didn’t say those exact words,” I mutter, grabbing my phone. Sure enough he didn’t but I guess Fujiko is taking her points where she can get them. It’s taken her two years but she’s learning when and where to score her shots. She’s got that lopsided grin again and I just huff out a breath, “Come on giggles” I say dryly, “Lets get breakfast”

Fujiko bounds up off my bed and we march from the dorms, down the stairs, outside to meet the boys. As soon as I see Hisao I understand why he was able to join us for breakfast. He’s still in his running gear and looks pretty sweaty. He gives Fujiko a wary wave and she hides her grin behind her arm. He then gives me a very tentative, shy grin a hint of pink on his cheeks.

I suddenly feel as though a squadron of butterflies have dive-bombed my stomach. Heat blossoms on my face and I give him a shy grin back. My eagle-eyed brother has noticed the interaction and is watching our interaction with narrowed eyes.

We set up the exam breakfast and rather deliberately Arashi sits between Hisao and me. Breakfast begins, and Arashi takes the chance to interrogate me, whilst Fujiko distracts Hisao. Thanks Fujiko, throw me under the bus why don’t you?

[Something’s changed] He signs, eyes narrowed slightly.

[What’s changed?] I sign back. If he wants to interrogate me, we’ll do it privately thank you.

He cocks his head to one side before signing [Not what. Who. Something about you has changed] He pauses and marshals his thoughts [You’re different from yesterday and the days before that. You seem lighter. More like the you before Dad died]

My brother is perceptive little shit sometimes. [Hisao helped me unload some of the demons that have been haunting me] I confess.

[Good] My brother signs, nodding with authority. I nearly spit my coffee in shock. [It’s about time you spoke to someone else] he continues signing, oblivious to my shock.

[You’re ok with him?] I sign.

There is an ambivalent shrug [If he’s good for you and treats you right of course I’m ok with him. If he hurts you though Akihiro and myself have cleavers]

Brothers. They never change. [It’s not an overnight fix] I sign. [I’m still getting shivers and sweats at the thought of a stage or even just singing in private. I miss my music I miss listening to music]

[What did happen?] Arashi asks

I nibble my lip,

Arashis eyes widen [I… I wasn’t expecting that] He admits.

[Neither was I. It just happened] I sign with a shrug. [But it felt good] I admit with a small smile [After all the crying and screaming and snot of course] Arashi looks mildly repulsed and waves me off to continue breakfast.

I turn back to find Hisao with an odd expression on his face. “Can I ask what that was about?”

I ‘hmmmm’ before saying “Just Arashi in ‘over protective brother mode’”

“Should I be worried?” Hisao asks, partly in jest. Arashi nods and I punch him on the shoulder.

“Only if you be a dick,” I said bluntly. Arashi signs rapidly and Hisao raises a questioning eyebrow. “He said if you’re a dick, you lose your dick via cleaver”

Hisao turns slightly paler. “Straight to the point I see” Arashi just grins in response and gives him two thumbs up. Hisao shuffles close to me and my brother rolls his eyes, pulls out his whiteboard and heads over to Fujiko. “How’re you feeling?” He asks softly, his lips nearly directly on my ear.

Goose bumps fly down my arms. “I could be better” I admit. Although the pair opposite are trying to be discrete, I can tell that they’re listening in. “It was cathartic in a way Hisao but it’s just the first step.”

“Admittance” Hisao suddenly says, breath hot in my ear. I shiver again as he continues, “The first step is admittance, then the rest follow”

“I know but Hisao it will be a long journey, not just for me but anyone that comes along for the ride” That is a stark blunt warning to you Hisao. I’m damaged goods are you sure you want to begin walking this thorny, thorny road?

Hisao holds my hand in his and says “I need to go on my own journey too Ayane and you’re ahead of me. I still haven’t really accepted what happened to me yet.” I open my mouth to speak, swiveling to face him and Hisao cuts me off, “but I’m getting there. Slowly. So… I may want to walk that road with someone to lean on”

“Hisao” I say softly… I chicken out. Instead I gesture at Fujiko and she throws me the paper with my number on it. “My number. Ring me during lunch.” I glance at my watch “You need to go get showered Hisao, you stink and class begins in about fifteen minutes. Shoo” Hisao takes my number, winks at me and then strolls off in the direction of the boys’ dorm.

Cue two sets of interested eyes on me. “No” I state flatly. Fujiko pouts and Arashi rolls his eyes. We finish what little remains of breakfast, pack up, with me swiping the blanket and head to class.

I’m feeling confident about the English exam, so when the paper comes around and the exam begins, I crack a small grin and begin to tackle the paper.

I finish the paper early, even after triple checking my answers. The only person who’s finished ahead of me is Lilly. That is usually the case for English so I simply place my head on the desk and take a nap.

The bell ringing and Ms Miyagi’s sweet voice wake me from sleep. I take in the sights and sounds briefly, sweep my bag up and head out of the room. It’s not unusual and during the teacher swaps sometimes students leave. We are given a large amount of leeway here at Yamaku and I have a very good attendance record. One day isn’t going to affect my records.

At least, I hope it isn’t.

I head back to my room, staying in my uniform and grab a selection of books, putting them in a backpack, along with the blanket I’d swiped earlier. I pack some drinks, pack some snack stuff and leftovers in tubs from the kitchen into the bag and then leave the dorms.

I head out of the back gate of the academy, winding my way through the dappled forest and the stream nearby. There is not a sound and the silence is blissful and I can feel myself unwinding.

There is a spot here, a tree near the stream, not far from Yamaku that I found during my first year. It has this tranquil feeling and this lovely dappled shade that I adore.

It’s only a few minutes walk and I find myself at my special spot. I set the blanket up, flop down and draw some of my reading material from the bag. I pop a can of soda and relax back and enjoy the silence.

It gives me time to organize and collate my thoughts that have been stumbling and bumbling around. I feel myself falling asleep even as I try to stay focused but the cool, calm air and the bubbling of the stream lull me with natures lullaby and I cannot resist its call.

I wake, not sure of the time and yawn blearily. The aftermath of a dream hovers at the front of my conscious and before it wriggles away I can hear a sentence ring in the clearing.

“Every journey begins with a single step but no-one ever said you have to make that journey alone”

Wow subconscious way to tell me what I’ve already been told today. I guess even my own brain thinks I’m stupid.

I lean over and rummage in my bag and pull my phone out. One missed call from a number not programmed into my phone. I guess that’s Hisao. The call was only two minutes ago… and yes my phone goes off even as I’m looking. I always have very timing when it comes to phones.

“Ayane?” Hisao sounds a little confused.

I giggle a little at his confused tone “Right number Hisao”

“Why’d you ask me to call you? You could’ve found me at lunch” He states.

I hear the bustle of students in the background and possibly echoes of Mishas distinctive laugh. “Not possible Hisao, not on school grounds at the moment. Needed some… time” I give a beat of silence. “I’ve gone on a literary excursion with drinks, food and snack. Care to join me?”

I can hear the moral battle go on in his head for almost five seconds. “Where are you?”

A grin curls up my mouth. Excellent. “I’ll come get you. Do you know where the back gate is?”

Another voice chimes in and Hisao responds, “Fujiko says she’ll show me the way. See you there?”

“Of course” I say and hang the phone up. I dust myself off as I get off the blanket and then head back, leaving my stuff there. It’s only a short trip back but when I’m there, Hisao is already waiting at the gate, hands in pockets, a very small faint smile on his features.

I extend my hand and Hisao takes it and I lead him through the dappled forest to my quiet spot. He sees the blankets and books and a bigger smile crosses his features. He turns to speak but I simply shake my head, point at the pile of books and smile at him again. He gets the message and we settle down on the blankets with or reading material.

We sit in the shade listening to the stream; Hisaos head eventually finding it’s way into my lap. The silence is blissful and the only communication between us is through small gentle touches. It is when I abandon my book and begin running my hands through Hisaos hair that I break the silence. It almost seems like sacrilege to break the silence but I do.

I pick my words carefully. “Hisao…” He flicks his eyes up to mine. “Is it just me or does this feel really, really right?” Hisao nods, my hands still entangled in his hair. “It’s a little scary though. It’s been what, two weeks now?”

“I know what you mean.” Hisao says eventually. “I’m… not good with girls Ayane. I came here because a girl confessed to me and I had a heart attack”

That got my attention. Heart attack? Wow after a girl confessed. Talk about really, really shitty luck. Hisao looks like he wants to say more but his face is twisted in indecision. I shake my head. “You don’t need to tell me anymore” I say softly. “Tell me when you’re ready.” He nods and I ask. “Can we go back to the first topic? Like I said two weeks, it’s a little scary. Where do we go from here?”

He muses for a minute and then finally says, “For today, can we just stay like this? As for Saturday… after I meet your other siblings…” He sucks in a breath, looks at me and rather bluntly states. “After I meet and am threatened by your siblings, how about we get something to eat, maybe see a film”

“You mean a date”

Hisao sighs in defeat. “Yes Ayane, a date”

A smile graces my features. “I’d love to” Hisao blinks, seemingly surprised by my easy answer. I tangle one hand in his hair again and go back to reading and the silence descends on us again as the evening begins to draw in.

It is a few minutes later when Hisao speaks. “Ayane?”

“Yes?”

“I know you said it this morning, I could lean on you but I just want to let you know that you can lean on me too”

“I know Hisao, I know”

We read in contented, peaceful silence until there is no more natural light to read by.

End scene 4

[AntonSlavik020]

Another great chapter. Kinda cheesy at points, but still good. Really looking forward to Hisao meeting her older brother. I know I said I don't like him, but in this case it should be fun.

Also, I think "I suddenly feel as though a squadron of butterflies have dive-bombed my stomach." was my favorite line.

[azumeow]

Knew it was worth staying along for the ride. The past two chapters were perfect D'AAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!! material.

[Mirage_GSM]

Nce chapter again.

A few typos here and there, but I chalk that up to that insane release schedule of yours...