This Story No Title A School Rumble Fanfic Chapter 14: Bubblegum Crisis By John Biles *********************** There were times when Eri wished she could just will herself to go blind. This was one of those times. Akira and Nara seemed to believe that if they didn't touch each other every few seconds, they would cease to exist. The way Akira smiled at him made Eri want to beat her with a desk. And him. At least she expected Nara to be a lovestruck idiot. Not to mention, she'd never SEEN Akira smile before. Not beyond just kind of a hint. And suddenly, it was all smile, all the time. There was something vaguely unholy about it. Tenma thought they were the cutest thing ever, but Eri was about ready to vomit. How am I going to get through being grounded without becoming a murderer, she wondered. And Harima was hiding from her. Literally. He'd stayed home sick. Supposedly. And from what she'd heard, Yakumo had skipped to take care of him. The thought of them being all coupley made her even more pissed off. When it came time for Phys. Ed., they were playing soccer. Eri liked soccer today. You could make the ball go a very long ways and if it happened to clip someone, that was just part of the game. Madoka, Mikoto, and Yuuki had all fallen before Eri's wrath when one of her shots went wild and took out Imadori. That was even more satisfying. Until Karen recovered the ball and kicked it into Eri's gut, knocking the breath out of her and flinging her into the stands. Karen put a hand over her mouth. "Oh dear, I'm sorry!" Sorry, Eri thought. You've gone all tarty and now Imadori is your little dancing boy and you're clobbering me 'by accident' and you're 'sorry'. Eri was only sorry she was unlikely to take down Karen if it came down to it. ************* Tenma moped. Poor Eri was so unhappy and her best efforts to cheer her up were not working. "I made you a special dessert." Eri stared at it in shock. Tenma hoped it was happy shock. Eri took a deep breath, then said, "Thank you, Tenma-chan. That was very nice of you. But my stomach is too sour for dessert." "It'll make your tummy all sweet and happy," Tenma insisted. "I'll eat it," Akira offered. "Nara and I can share it." She patted Nara's knee. He looked at the dessert more warily than her. "Fine, I'll eat it," Eri said, quickly gobbling the cake down and realizing in the process that Tenma had switched the sugar and salt by mistake. She quietly turned green and fell over. "MEDIC!" Tenma shouted. ************ "I made you some soup," Yakumo said hesitantly to Harima as he lay topless and sweating on the bed. She tried not to stare and fought the images which gathered in her own mind, making her shiver a little. "You're too good to me," he croaked out, trying to sit up. She had to help him adjust himself, then prepared to feed him. In trembling hands, he took the bowl and took a hesitant sip. "So good," he said, then began to devour it. She sat down on the edge of the bed, half-facing him, and nervously watched him eat like it was a last meal. When he finished he said, "Still sick, but that was good." "Maybe you should see a doctor," she said hesitantly. "I should be fine in a few days," he said. "You probably shouldn't miss school for me." "I'm your girlfriend," she said, taking one hand. He half-pulled it away. "I might infect you." "I rarely get sick," she said. "We could take you to Tae-sensei. That would be free." "No doctors," he mumbled. "Yakumo-san, I have to tell you something..." She leaned closer. "What is it?" "Er...Er..." His eyes crossed. "Er what?" she asked. "BAAACK!" he shouted. She jumped back in surprise, and then he turned and puked on the floor. "Dammit," he said. "The soup..." she said weakly. "Can't handle food," he mumbled. "Not soup fault." She felt bad anyway. "I'll get something to clean up." "Okay." She left, and he cursed himself for being weak and sick at once. Every time he tried to tell her the truth, he threw up or felt too weak to handle a shock. Pathetic. ************ Tae-sensei fed Eri some stomach medicine. "This should help." "Thank you," Eri mumbled. "Is she going to be okay?" Tenma asked, worried. "She'll be fine," Tae-sensei said. "She should just rest a while. You can go back to class and let her sleep." "I...should I?" Tenma asked. Tae-sensei nodded. "Let her rest." Tenma said, "I'm sorry, Eri." "Don't worry," Eri croaked out. Tenma headed out reluctantly. Once she was gone, Tae-sensei asked, hesitantly, "I heard you kissed Harima and confessed." Eri turned red. "Who told you that?" "I have my ways," Tae-sensei said. "So how did he take it?" "I don't know. I'm grounded and he's not here today. Tenma says he's hideously ill," Eri said. "God, I hope he didn't give it to me." "I should probably check in on him," Tae-sensei said thoughtfully. There was movement and Tani-sensei stood in the door. "Oh, I see you're busy." Pause. "With one of my students." "You two make out, don't mind me," Eri said a little bitterly. Tani-sensei turned red. Tae-sensei laughed gently. "On your off period, Tani-sensei?" "Yes," he said. "But I actually came to ask a favor." "Yes?" "An old friend of mine is coming to Tokyo to visit with her cousin. I'm going to be showing her around some as well, but I thought she might like some female companionship as well," Tani-sensei said. "Going to try and make your old girlfriend jealous?" Eri asked. Tani-sensei stood on the beach and a giant wave hit him. In reality, he stood with his jaw gaping wide. Tae-sensei put a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll make her VERY jealous." "I...no...I wasn't thinking anything like that at all...I just...I mean..." He began to shake in place. Eri found watching Tani-sensei disintegrating to be strangely soothing. "I'd be happy to," Tae-sensei said. "Woo!" Beat. "I mean, thank you very much. This Saturday, then? "Yes." Tani-sensei danced out of the room. "Someone has a crush," Eri said in a sing-song voice. "You think so?" Tae-sensei asked. "YES," Eri said. "He's a nice man. This should be fun," Tae-sensei said, smiling. "Anyway, so how are you and Harima?" "He's dating Yakumo, he's sick, I'm grounded, I may kill Akira for being disgusting." "Disgusting?" Tae-sensei asked, sitting down at her desk to fill out some paperwork. "DISGUSTING. She and Nara are all super-snuggly, I luff you my little woofums," Eri said, making her voice get sickly sweet. Her stomach churned and she put a hand on it. Tae said, "Young people in love are very cute." "Feh." Tae said, "So you haven't gotten to talk to Hario about it?" "Not at all," Eri said. "We had a huge fight with ninjas, and then I got grounded and he went home." "Ninjas? Tell me about it." Eri tried to sit up, then felt ill and laid back down. "Okay, my family is descended from a Daimyo. We had our own ninja clan, once upon a time, but they deserted us after the family started marrying foreigners to get enough money to survive. We've pretty much gone international at this point. So, now we have no ninjas, except for Butler- san." Tae nodded. "So, they came after us for revenge yesterday and this is how it went..." ************ Imadori tried to decide if what he had planned was wise or insane. She clearly had the hots for him and trying to run away didn't work. She could be kind of cute sometimes, but right now, it just...it was weird. Like she was trying to be someone else. Being loose wasn't really in Karen's nature. Though it could be sexy sometimes. Hell with it. Might as well ride this puppy to the end of the line. Either it would be worth it or she'd decide that wasn't what she wanted. But it would be fun while it lasted. Right? ************* Inbetween kisses, Lala asked Hanai, "Want to go out this Saturday?" "Busy, how about Friday?" he asked. "Going out with Mikoto?" she asked with the sweetness of a viper dipped in honey. "Meeting with some friends," he said, hedging the truth and hating himself for it. She looked at him suspiciously, but to his relief, she simply put a hand on his butt and leaned in close as she kissed him, pressing her body to his. They made out quietly for a little while as he felt himself get excited. However, his watch chimed. "I'm sorry," he said, breaking it off. "I have to make sure I catch the bus home so I can work tonight." "Have fun teaching," she said. "I should come see how you teach some time." Against his will, his lips said, "Any time you like." "Unfortunately, I have homework," she said. "And a stupid project. Hopefully Harry will do his share and not just moon over Karen the whole time." "Is he really mooning over her?" Hanai asked. "She seems very determined to...get Imadori." Lala frowned. "I have to talk to her about that. It shouldn't be necessary to degrade herself to get that man, especially when he isn't worth having," "I agree," he said. She suddenly looked a little guilty, then looked at him intently. He wilted slightly and she frowned. "Stare," she said. "Huh?" "Show me your fire." So he stared, focusing his gaze on her like a hawk watching a tasty mouse. She stared back intensely, looking angry. They glared at each other for a while, and then she said, "You should have called me when the ninjas showed up." "I don't get to invite people to Eri's formal parties," Hanai said, feeling angry at the accusation. "Would you have been happy if I invited Mikoto to one of your parties if bandits attacked? Wouldn't that say you're not strong enough to handle it?" Lala looked stunned for a moment, and then her gaze softened. "You wouldn't insult me like that." "Of course not," he said. "Would you want me to do it to my host?" "Everyone needs help sometimes," she said a little weakly, then strengthened again, leaning towards him. "But yes, it would be embarrassing to her." She twined herself around him again. "You think I'm strong, don't you?" "I know you are," he said, instinctively embracing her. "But Father is going to rip my arms off if I don't show up, so I really have to go." She kissed his cheek. "See you later, then." "Goodbye, Gonzales-san," he said. "Call me Lala, Haruki-kun," she said softly. "Goodbye, Lala-san," he said, then RAN for the bus. ************** "Tae-sensei?" Yakumo asked in confusion when she answered the door. "I heard Hario was sick, so I thought I'd come and make sure he's okay," she said. "That's very considerate of you, sensei," she said, though she could feel a little worm gnawing at her gut. She wished she could read Tae-sensei's mind, to be sure. Tae-sensei found Harima lying on a bed on top of the sheets, raving about fishcakes. A quick touch showed her he had a fever. She began doing a medical exam while he babbled. The doorbell rang again and Yakumo said to Harima, "I'll be right back." "You can stop acting," Tae-sensei said, once she was out of the room. "They're in the walls!" Harima shouted. "Much as you may be wishing you could go crazy, you can't keep this up forever," she said. "Send in C company!" "Also, Vietnam flashbacks are not very convincing in someone who wasn't even born until the war ended. Especially when you live in Japan," Tae-sensei said, putting a cold cloth on his forehead. He fell silent, staring at her as he sweated. "I expect your stress has made you vulnerable to a virus," she said. "But if you keep up the raving madness act, you will probably drive the poor girl over the edge herself." They heard footsteps and Harima shouted, "No! THE PANDA!" Itoko smacked Harima in the face with a pillow to say hello. "Snap out of it," she said. His eyes rolled a moment, then he said, "Hey, Itoko- san." "Do you feel better?" Yakumo asked hesitantly. "I CAN SEE THE FNORDS!!!!" Harima bellowed, eyes agape. "I see we have no choice but to exorcise him," Itoko said. "Clear possession." "Very clear," Tae-sensei said. "We'll need your sister's shrine maiden outfits and some brooms to beat him with." Yakumo stared, then looked at the raving Harima and nodded and ran out. "Brooms?" Harima said. "Don't worry, we'll beat the evil spirits out of you." "But...I'm not possessed," he said weakly. "This could take a long time, then," Itoko said, smiling sweetly. Harima would have cried, but he had his pride. ************ Hanai threw Yuuki to the floor again. "Don't hesitate," he said. "I don't want to hurt you," she mumbled as Sagano helped her up. Class was in session; Mikoto was watching over the little kids, while Hanai worked with Sagano and Yuuki. Sagano, to his surprise, was a good student so long as she could be made to shut up and listen. Yuuki, on the other hand, held back too much. "Sagano, show her how it's done," Hanai said. Sagano grinned and charged, launching a leaping kick. Hanai side-stepped, grabbed her foot, and pivoted, tossing her into a wall. "Like that. Except not trying to use things we haven't taught you yet." Sagano laughed. "Man, that was cool." Yuuki said, "Can I hit Suou instead?" "No," Hanai said frowning. "Hit me with everything you have. Do you think I'm too weak to take it?" Yuuki looked stricken. "No!" "Then give me everything you have," he said sternly. "But...I mean..." "Get serious or you'll have to find another teacher. Pretend I'm someone else if it helps," Hanai said sternly. Yuuki imagined he was Lala. Lala kissing Hanai. She felt her blood boil at the thought, then opened her eyes and charged at him with everything she had, yelling loudly and aiming punch after punch. "Whoah," Sagano said, surprised. He blocked every punch; she had spirit, finally, but she lacked control or experience. Many of the blows failed to follow the forms and lacked power. She needed more practice. But this was normal; it generally took a long time to master all this. Though Sagano had impressed him by learning faster than normal. He commented on each blow, pointing out her errors. This seemed to make her even more angry, and finally, she slipped a punch through to his chest, knocking him down. She went from enraged to utterly horrified in a second. "No, Hanai-san!!!!!" she said, running over frantically to him. "You have lots of spirit when you let it loose," he said. "But little control. You need to practice your forms," he said. "It gets kind of boring," she confessed. "I try, but..." "Practice with Sagano," he said. "It's more fun with someone else." A little competition would drive them both to improve, he was sure. "Do you and Suou..." she began, touching his chest nervously where she hit him. "No bruise," she mumbled. "I'm used to taking blows," he said. "And yes, we do." She glanced over at Mikoto again, then said, "I guess she must be really good," softly. "She's probably better than me," he said. Mikoto shouted, "But I think you're tougher. I don't think I could take a kick to the chest from Harry like you did and not fall down." Yuuki suddenly blushed and mumbled something. "Ready for me to kick your ass, Hanai?" Sagano asked. "Or should I practice while you two flirt?" Yuuki turned more red, and Hanai said, "Come and get me." "Ooooh. Do I get a kiss if I get a good solid hit on you?" Sagano asked. "WHAT?" Hanai said. "Sagano-san!!!!" Yuuki said. "I bet that would motivate Yuuki," Sagano said, then she moved into an attack stance. Hanai moved into a defensive stance. "Come and get me." "Is that a yes, then?" Sagano asked. "I am not going to give out kisses to the victor. I am not Asou," Hanai said. "BUUUUURRRRNNNN," Sagano said. "Cold hearted! Okay, not a prize boy, here I COME!" She charged in, feinted with her left, double feinted with her right, then tried to sweep Hanai's feet. Hanai blocked the first two blows, jumped over the sweep, then kicked her to the floor. "Very good. Yuuki." Yuuki got ready. Just as she charged, Hanai's mother came out. "Haruki-kun! Do you know where the vacuum cleaner is?" It was too late for her to stop, but he instinctively turned to face his mother. "I'm giving a less..aaaaaah!" Yuuki crashed into him and he fell down on top of her. "KISS!!!" Sagano shouted. Hanai and Yuuki hung there for what seemed to her like eternity. He stared at her, eyes wide, frozen in place. She closed her eyes and started to lean up, but... Hanai's mother said, "There will be no kissing students in MY house." Hanai sprang back, way back. So way back he smacked back to back into Mikoto and crushed her. Her students laughed and cheered. "The hell?" she shouted. "No cursing," Hanai's mother said. Hanai's father looked up from the advanced students. "You two can make out some other time." "We are not making out!" Mikoto protested. "His butt is practically on my face! How can we make out like that?" Hanai's mother quickly turned and retreated into the house. Hanai's father laughed. "Just be careful." Hanai got up. "Sorry, Suou-kun." She glanced over at Yuuki, then kissed his cheek. "No problem, Hanai-kun." Her young students said, "OOOOH," or in some cases, make puking faces. Yuuki began elaborating on how best to destroy Mikoto in her mind. He's going to be mine, she thought. I won't lose to you. ************ Tenma came home to find Yakumo, Tae-sensei, and Itoko-sensei busy flogging Harima with prayer ribbon sticks while dressed as mikos. "Shouldn't we get a real miko?" she asked. Yakumo stared at the ground. "We should call Sara." "Good idea," Tae-sensei said. "Call her, then suit up and help us." Harima really didn't need to fake screaming by this point. ************* Sara had her victim trapped. There would be no escape. She closed in, inexorably, her hand reaching out, reaching, reaching... Just as she was about to take Asou's hand, her phone rang. She answered it. "Sara Adiemus, can I help you?" "We need Kenji-kun to be exorcised," Tenma said. "Yakumo-chan and Tae-sensei and Itoko-sensei are trying, but I don't think they know what they are doing. I'd almost think they were trying to beat Kenji-kun up." She sighed. "I'll come. See you soon." She hung up and turned to Asou, saying, "I'm needed in my professional capacity. Want to come see an exorcism?" "Sure," he said. "Who is it?" "Harima-sempai." This should be entertaining, he thought. ************* Akira was about to kiss Nara when her mother shoved a mop in her hands. "The house smells of funk," her mother said. She passed a broom to Nara. "Go to it, you two. I'm going to go get some more fans and another AC unit so this doesn't happen every time you two do it." Nara looked hideously embarrassed. "I'm sorry," he mumbled. "I'm kind of surprised myself," Akira's mother said. "I thought this house had better AC, but it's definitely time to upgrade. Anyway, get to it. I'll be back soon." "I can hardly smell anything," Nara mumbled once she was gone. "Mother has a sensitive nose," Akira said. "And really, it's probably just an excuse to make us clean the house." "Tomorrow, we go to my house after school," Nara mumbled. *************** Sara studied Harima. "Are you sure he's possessed?" "BRING ME DISCO!" Harima shouted. "He may just have finally slid over the edge from guilt," Itoko said. "Guilt about what?" Tenma asked. "How..." Harima's flailing arms somehow accidentally knocked an orange into her mouth, leaving her unable to speak. "Very strange," Sara said. "Clearly nothing but the ceremonial sex will do to drive out the beings." Harima's eyes crossed and he fainted. "Cer...cer...what?" Yakumo asked weakly. "Hmm, even the mention of it knocks this one out," Sara said. A real demon would have tried to take me up on it, she thought. Unless this is a really easily embarrassed one, but demons aren't like that. I think he's faking it. So I'll have to keep pushing until he stops. "I'm going to need salt. And cooking oil, so I can refresh my supply of sacred oil once it runs out. And a large pot of water." Asou looked over at Sara, trying to judge if she realized Harima was feigning delirium for some reason. And had she been joking about the sex? Surely she was. He did his best to sound disappointed, saying, "But the ceremonial sex is more fun." "Well, yes," Sara said, trying to not get embarrassed and blow her bluff. She was grateful to Asou for helping. Tenma and Yakumo both stared at the floor; Tae- sensei looked curious, and Itoko was trying to get the orange out of her mouth. "Okay, let's get everyone suited up," Sara said. "This will take some work." ************ "That's a very impressive plan," Sagano said to Yuuki. "I'm not sure where you plan to get the ninjas, the flaming oil, the rabid bears, or the ...what exactly is a 'beholder', anyway?" "It has beauty in its eye," Yuuki mumbled. "So it's some kind of fashion designer?" "I think so," Yuki said. "With eyebeams?" Sagano asked. "I never quite got that part," Yuuki confessed. "Well, if we could lure Mikoto into a magical world, this would probably work. But not here in Japan," Sagano said. Yuuki looked thoughtful. "What, you have some way to do that?" "It's only a rumor, but worth trying," Yuuki said. "Tokyo Tower only sends people to other dimensions in animes," Sagano said. "I think." "We shall see," Yuuki said enigmatically. Oh boy, Sagano thought. ************** Eri's phone rang. She wasn't sure if grounding meant no phone. But her father was gone, and who could tell? She answered it. "Hello?" "Eri-chan, have you ever seen an exorcism?" Tenma asked. "I've been baptized and confirmed and I've seen Shinto purification of a place once, but I haven't seen a Shinto or an Anglican exorcism," Eri said. "Why do you ask?" "They're trying to exorcise Kenji-kun, but I think they're overdoing it. But Sara insists sacred lemon juice is very important. Also, you can't really bless cooking oil, can you?" Tenma asked. "What, Harima claims to be possessed?" Eri asked, feeling her stomach clench. "He's sick and raving," Tenma said. "I see," Eri said, feeling her anger bar rapidly rising to full. "The most important thing is to find every wound or cut he has and to rub a mixture of lemon juice and salt into it. This will sterilize his injuries and the pain will help to drive out any demons." "It hurts?" Tenma said worriedly. "It hurts, but only those strong enough to endure the pain can overcome possession. Kenji is very strong." She thought a moment. "I'm not sure, but I know we use sacred oils at Anglican services." "Right," Tenma said nervously. "Any chance you could come over?" "I'm grounded, remember?" Eri said irritably. "Oh, right. Should we not be talking?" "It's f..." Eri was cut off as Butler-san took her phone and clicked it off. He shook his head. "Not while you're grounded, by your father's orders. Eri frowned and nodded. "Fine," she spat out. He sighed. "I'm sorry, Ojou-sama, but..." "I know. Dammit." He shook his head apologetically and left. ************** Yakumo finally said, "That's enough." No one paid any attention, however. They were too busy coating Harima with oil and lemon juice and salt and chanting and flailing about with prayer ribbon rods to notice her. But she saw Tenma fretting and nudged her. "That's enough!" Tenma shouted. Sara, Tae-sensei, and Itoko-sensei fell back in surprise. "It's pretty clear he's freaked out from too much school," Tenma said. "I'm sure he just needs some TLC from his girlfriend to recover, not a horde of exorcists beating him to death." Sara hesitated. She was pretty sure he was faking, but he seemed determined not to give up his bluff, even after all that. And maybe they had gone too far. "I'm sorry, Harima-kun," she said. "I just wanted to help." Why was he faking this, anyway? "Yakumo, you're going to have to bathe him," Tenma said nervously. "B...bathe him?" Yakumo said weakly. "You should help her," Itoko said. "No, no, I can bathe myself," Harima said. He couldn't handle that degree of temptation. However, his effort to get up simply resulted in him in a messy pile on the floor. "I'm the medical person," Tae- sensei said. "I can bathe him." Itoko-sensei looked over at her. "You do realize what people would think of that, right?" "Well, someone has to do it," Tae-sensei said a little defiantly. "You'll help me, right, onee-chan?" Yakumo asked Tenma. Nervously, Tenma said, "Of course." "I should bathe...myself..." Harima said, starting to crawl. Sara felt very guilty now and helped him up. "I'll help you to the bathroom," she said. Tae was about to help, when Yakumo and Tenma moved to help move him. As he protested, the three of them took him out of the room. Itoko said to Tae, "Our work here is done." "But I..." She began to drag Tae off. "DONE. As in, we leave now." "But...Hario..." "You can't help him confess to Yakumo, and that's what he has to do now. He won't, as he's not too bright." She sighed. "Which will make it all worse in the long term. But we've done what we can. He knows how we feel." It would be easier for Tae if she entirely knew how she felt. She had more affection for him than she really should for a student, but it certainly...well, it wasn't the same as the great love of her life. But then, maybe nothing would ever feel like that again. But, hopefully, she could forget it all with Tani-san and his friend. Whose name she couldn't remember. Well, not important right now. ************* Harima was half-asleep through being bathed. It had just been too much for him. He could see Yakumo and Tenma were blushing, but he was too tired to be able to care much. It felt good to just let them take care of him, scrubbing his body clean. He still had his boxers on; he had the vague idea they were wearing bathing suits. Finally, they dunked him in the hot water, and that began to really finish him off. They slid into the hot water by him, one on each side, and he smiled weakly. "Thank you." "Do you feel okay?" Yakumo asked worriedly. "Exhausted," he said. "Sick. But better. Thank you." Tenma leaned over and hugged him for a moment. "They all went kind of crazy. But I'm glad you're okay." He turned red and overheated, passing out. "Oh no!" Yakumo said, making sure he couldn't slide into the water. "I'm sorry! I must have crushed something!" Tenma said frantically. Yakumo put the back of her hand to his mouth. "He's still breathing." "Whew," Tenma said. She laid back down in the water. "You two want some privacy?" Harima began to snore. "You might as well stay," Yakumo said. Tenma nodded and soon fell asleep herself, leaning on him. *************** "So, got us any good dirt?" Tougo asked Lala the next day at school. "Suou is still a brat and Karen is still lowering herself to chase that disgusting Imadori boy," Lala told him. "And I heard from Haruki-kun that Eri confessed her love to Harima, and now they're both not at school." That should give him a jab, she thought. Finding out his girlfriend loves someone else. But he didn't seem bothered at all. "Really. Hmmm, that could be useful to know, and two of their best are out of commission. So will you be entering the essay contest?" "No, not really. My written Japanese is not great," Lala said. "A pity. I suppose Suou will triumph, then." Lala growled. "We'll see about that." So easy to push her buttons, Tougo thought. SO easy. ************* "He's still absent?" Eri asked. "Yes," Tenma said. "I think the exorcism made him sicker." Eri frowned, feeling a little guilty. "And he hasn't told her yet?" "I think he did," Tenma said. "I mean, we do know he's sick." "And Yakumo stayed home to take care of him again?" "Yes," Tenma said. Eri began to bang her head on the desk. ************* Mikoto looked curiously at the note. 'Meet me in the basement of Shinonome High School at 7.--Hanai'. Why would Hanai want to meet her there? But he was off on student council business... Well, I'll meet him, I guess, she thought. Going to have to find it, though. ************* 'Meet me at Krugmann's Ice Cream at 7 PM--Suou,' the note read. Hanai looked at it curiously. He could do that. I wonder why she didn't tell me earlier, Hanai thought. Well, no worries. He could do that easily. ************ 'Meet me in the basement of Shinonome High School at 7.--Hanai'. Lala looked at the note curiously. A tryst in a school basement. Perhaps this was some sort of special ritual of Japanese high school love. She decided to wear a dress, just in case. ************** Harima lay in bed, feigning sleep, trying to decide what to do. But he couldn't figure out what to do, or what he really felt. What he really needed was to be left alone, but Tenma or Yakumo was always fluttering over him. Which was kind of them, kinder than he deserved, but he couldn't think. Maybe I should just give up on Tenma, he thought. Hard as the thought was. It seemed increasingly likely she loved him like a sibling, not like a lover like he wanted. And Yakumo...could he love her? Did he love her? She was a good girlfriend, but it wasn't the same as with him and Tenma. Maybe I should give it a try, he thought. But what about Eri? He hadn't ever expected her to...but what if she was drunk? He didn't know what she really felt. And he ought to tell Yakumo...but then he'd have to make a statement about his own feelings. Which he wasn't sure of. Eri could be so beautiful sometimes, and when she'd been kidnapped...he'd been willing to die for her. Wasn't that love? And yet she drove him so utterly bananas. She was such a complete ass-monkey. Shaving his head, making all those demands, couldn't cook well, so unfeminine. Though she had looked really feminine in those dresses... And how could a guy like him have a future with a rich woman like her? And his manga...if he and Yakumo split... He sighed. Damned if he did, damned if he didn't... He decided to just sleep. *********** Sneaking into the basement was harder than Mikoto expected and it made her wonder more what exactly Hanai had been thinking. She'd had to scale a fence, then slip past a wandering, drunken teacher, then find the right building which actually HAD a basement. She was surprised to find an excavation which had dug into something resembling a temple. This is kind of neat, she thought, as she poked around. "What are YOU doing here?" someone asked her. She turned and saw Lala, wearing a rather nice blue dress, though it looked somewhat dishevelled. "Hanai-kun asked me to meet him here." "Haruki-kun asked ME to meet him here," Lala said. "Admit it, you showed up to try and drag him off before he could meet me." "What? THAT certainly isn't true! He sent me a note!" "He sent me a note!" Lurking up the stairs and watching as they squabbled, Sagano quickly called Yuuki. "Well, they're not vanishing into another world, but they are about to clobber each other." "That'll do," Yuuki said. "Be ready to pose if necessary." Sagano looked down at the fancy middle eastern outfit Yuuki had dressed her up in. "I still think they'll recognize me." "You will be parallel universe Sagano in that case," Yuuki said. Sagano had a bad feeling she'd end up Clobbered Universe Sagano, but she'd give it a try for her friend. *********** Hanai tried calling Mikoto again, but she wasn't answering her phone. I wonder what's keeping her, he thought. Yuuki walked into the ice cream shop and was about to wander right past him, when he said, "Hello, Yuuki-san." She jumped in apparent surprise, then turned around to see him, looking nervous. "Hi, Hanai-san," she said. "You waiting for someone?" He frowned. "It seems like she's not coming. But I don't know why." "Mind if I sit with you?" she asked. Her voice sounded casual, but she looked very nervous. "That's fine," he said. "I could use some company." She smiled brightly. SCORE!!!!! ************* Sagano was getting excited just watching the fight. Mikoto had just axe kicked Lala, sending her crashing into a crystal pillar which began to glow, after which Lala bounced off it, rebounded off the ceiling, and landed on Mikoto like a panther pouncing on prey. She began to batter Mikoto against a crystalline pillar, which began to vibrate; Mikoto brought her legs up and kicked Lala in the back, then twisted around and flung her at another pillar. The top of it whipped around, trailing beams of light which Lala and Mikoto failed to notice. Sagano stared in surprise. Lala dropped to a crouch, then sprung high into the air, coming down foot-first at Mikoto, who slid to one side, grabbed her foot, and tried to throw her at a wall. But Lala grabbed a pillar as Mikoto swung her, and managed to yank Mikoto around and kick her in the head. I'm going to be here a while, Sagano thought. *********** "She proclaimed her love for him while he was cross- dressing?" Yuuki asked in shock, then ate more of her cherry and chocolate ice cream. Hanai nodded. "I was stunned. Especially as I hadn't realized it was really Harima yet," he said, shaking his head and eating his own ice cream. "That would be disconcerting," Yuuki said. "Yes, it was," he said. "Esp...well, I shouldn't talk about it." "What? You can tell me," she said. She leaned forward almost pleadingly. He shook his head. "I shouldn't gossip." She took his hand. "Don't make me embarrass you in public to find out." His eyes widened. "Yuuki..." She carefully licked her ice cream spoon, watching him squirm. "Come on, you can tell me." "I saw her with Tougo the other day," Hanai mumbled. "OOOOOH," Yuuki said. Hanai regretted ever learning to speak. ************** Lala finally took Mikoto down, smacking her into another pillar, only to have a chunk of ceiling topple onto her, knocking her out. Sagano snapped a photo, then came down to drag them out. She felt a little guilty about the whole thing. As she dragged them, Lala's foot struck another pillar and it vibrated, then glowed green. Light shone from it and Sagano vanished, leaving Lala and Mikoto knocked out. As she vanished, Sagano wondered what her parents would think when they got back from their week long vacation and the goldfish had died. They are SO gonna kick my ass, was her last thought in this world... *********** Hanai hung up his phone. "Still no answer." He sighed. "Have you got time to go over some homework with me?" Yuuki asked. "I'm not clear about this math." "Sure," he said. "We should head to my place, as I think this place closes soon." SCORE, she thought, trying hard not to giggle with joy. "Okay," she said, smiling broadly. "Let's go," she said, taking his arm as they left. *********** Mikoto woke up with Lala lying on top of her and Karasuma shaking her. "Wake up," he said urgently. Lala groaned and Mikoto sat up. "What's going on?" Mikoto mumbled. "I was going to ask," Karasuma said. "What are you doing here?" Lala asked. "Getting you out of here quickly." Lala asked, "What time is it?" "Nine." "Dammit, Hanai stood me up," Lala grumbled. "Stood you up? He asked ME to come here," Mikoto said, crossing her arms across her chest. Karasuma looked back and forth, then shook his head. "We should go quickly." "Why?" Mikoto asked. "The custodian is coming, and if you stay too long, you may be sent to another world," Karasuma said. "That only happens in animes," Mikoto said. A green ray stabbed down near them from a pillar. "Let's not find out," Lala said quickly and ran for the stairs. ************ Yuuki sat next to Hanai, hands almost touching, feeling excited. This was what having a boyfriend felt like, she was sure. And with Mikoto and Lala banished to another world, she would have him all to herself. ALL to herself. Hanai's mother knocked on the door. "Would you both like some cookies?" "Yes, please," Yuuki said. Hanai's mother carefully laid a plate down on the table. "Haruki-chan, there's some nice young ladies here to kill you," she said cheerfully with perhaps an undertone of amusement. "Won't you come down so you don't bleed all over your room?" Hanai gulped. "Anyone you know, mother?" he said, rising. "I believe it would be your other girlfriends." "I'll go see them," Hanai said nervously. "Enjoy the cookies," Hanai's mother said, leaving Yuuki by herself. Yuuki began to sweat as Hanai stepped out and went downstairs. Lala and Mikoto were taking tea stiffly with his father. Hanai came out and bowed. "Suou-kun, why didn't you meet me at the ice cream shop?" he asked. The best defense was a good offense. "Because you sent me a note to come to the basement of Shinonome High School!" Mikoto protested. "And me too," Lala said. "Let me see the notes," Hanai said. Hanai studied them and brought out his own. "They're all in the same font and type size," Hanai observed. "It would seem someone sought to send you two off while diverting me elsewhere." "But why would anyone do that?" Lala asked. "Perhaps someone wanted to film you two fighting," he said. Mikoto frowned. Karasuma said, "It may have been someone's practical joke." "Well, if you want to stay," Hanai said, "Then you can join Yuuki and me in studying. I'm sorry about this. I hope we find out who is to blame." "Yuuki's here?" Mikoto asked. "You didn't run into her at the ice cream shop by any chance, did you?" "Just by chance," Hanai said. Mikoto looked at Lala. "So naive," Mikoto said. "She dies," Lala said, rising. "Now, now, no blood in the house," Hanai's father said jovially. "I will kill her without breaking skin," Lala said. "No violence," Hanai's father said firmly. "Unless you both wish to be tangled together." They stiffly marched upstairs to confront Yuuki. She looked up at them, vibrating nervously. "Umm, hello." Hanai's mother sat opposite her, shaking her head. "Yuuki-san, did you send us off to Shinonome High School?" Mikoto demanded. "Why would I send you to Shinonome?" Yuuki asked, sounding nervous. "Yuuki-san, did you do it?" Hanai asked, sounding disappointed. "Is that how it's going to be?" Lala said. "Fine, I will bar no holds." "I didn't do anything!" Yuuki protested. But she could tell they didn't believe her. She couldn't stand having Hanai look that unhappy with her. "Yuuki-san, please be honest with me," Hanai asked. She began to cry. "I just wanted a little time with you to myself, without anyone wandering in on us or hauling you off to parties. Or ending up in detention." Hanai sighed. "Next time, just ask. You know I don't mind spending time with you. It's not necessary to play games." "Do this to me again and you will regret having been born," Lala said flatly. Mikoto just shook her head and looked disappointed. So did Hanai. That hurt Yuuki worse. "I'm sorry," she mumbled. "Just don't do it again," Hanai said, sighing. "I should go," Yuuki said. "Yes, you should," Lala said. Yuuki said, "Goodbye, Hanai-san." "Goodbye, Yuuki-san," he said. She left and tried to call Sagano, who didn't answer. Great, Yuuki thought. Where's she gotten off to, now that I need her? ************* Sagano stood on a rocky beach, a forest behind her, the ocean pounding mercilessly against the shore, clouds rumbling above. She was barefoot, wearing an outfit which probably made her look like a harem escapee. All she had to eat was a bag of M&Ms. I'm NEVER helping Yuuki again, she thought. She can get her damn boyfriend herself. ******** Yuuki began to worry when Sagano didn't come to school the next day. I hope she's not sick, she thought. She felt a little guilty that her plan might have gotten Sagano ill, running around in that outfit when it was getting cold. But she couldn't talk to anyone about it without getting yelled at, so she just basted in her guilt and nerves instead. ************ Yet another day of no Kenji, Eri thought. Either he's dying or he's just hiding from me. And I can't seek him out. And tomorrow...no school. She frowned. But she would have to kill him later. ************ "You busy tomorrow night?" Imadori asked Karen. "I'm free," she said, winking in a hopefully suggestive way. "We can go out, then," he said. Time to see if she's willing to let me score with her, he thought. And if I can survive it. She smiled brightly. "Okay!" She floated away happily. "Good for you," Mikoto said to Imadori. "She really likes you, you know." "I know," he said, sounding a little nervous. "I'm sure she'll be gentle," Mikoto said. "Not as gentle as you, Miko-chin," he said, trying to embrace her. He never did figure out how Karen got all the way across the room so fast. *********** "She's not sick, is she?" Hanai asked Tenma. "Yakumo is fine; she's just taking care of Kenji-kun," Tenma told him. They were at school, between classes. Maybe I should go visit her, see how she's doing, Hanai thought. It can't be easy taking care of Harima. Lala appeared, as if from nowhere. "We go out tonight," she informed him. "I...well, I am free," he said. "I'll come and get you once I have a chance to go home and change then," she said. And then she was gone. Visiting Yakumo would have to wait, though he felt a little guilty about it. *********** Sagano woke up, feeling very hungry. She'd saved the M&Ms in hopes of bartering them for something more nutritious. She wished again that she could beat up Yuuki. She ambled down the beach; there had to be some sort of civilization, eventually, right? As she rounded a turn in the coast, she could see great rocks on which a ship had wrecked. There was a man her age, face down in the sand, wearing tattered clothing. He looked like Fuyuki, if someone had kidnapped him and dressed him in more regal garb. She ran down the beach to him. "Fuyuki, is that you?" He began to stir, but now she saw something come out of the forest, a creature half-serpentine and half-human, armed with two scimitars held in human-like hands. It began to slither towards Fuyuki. Or whoever it was. Am I dreaming, Sagano wondered. Karasuma would probably tell me everything is a dream. "HEY, KARASUMA, YOU WATCHING?" she shouted. There was no reply. ************* Tenma was nervously doing homework with Karasuma. Harima was still sick and still wouldn't go to a doctor. What could she do? "Karasuma," she mumbled. "Yes?" he asked. "Wanna go out tomorrow?" she said, the words slipping out as she meant to ask about Harima. She paused, confused by her own mouth. "Sure, I..." He then sneezed all over her. He blinked, then offered her a handkerchief. "I would love to," he said. HE LOVES ME, Tenma thought. She felt like the happiest girl alive as thoughts of Harima fled her mind. She didn't even notice him or the handkerchief or the snot. Karasuma wondered if someone was thinking of him. But that happened often enough for him to pay it little mind. *********** Sagano assessed the situation. Snake-man closing on cute guy with intent to kill. She was armed with her hands, feet, a harem outfit, and M&Ms. So she charged. The creature turned to stare at her, a strange amalgam of human arms and legs with a serpentine torso and head. It had what she was looking for. "DIE!" she shouted. It charged, brandishing its swords and then she pulled her flimsy top open and flashed it. It stared in surprise and she kicked it in the groin, hoping her form was good. Too bad Hanai or his dad isn't here to see this, she thought. It howled and dropped its swords, clutching its groin. She spun-kicked it in the head, then axe kicked it down to the ground. She grabbed its head and drove its long fangs into a piece of driftwood, then grabbed its swords and shouted, "YOU CANNOT DEFEAT THE SECRET ARTS OF THE HAREM NINJA!" It fled screaming even as the man finally got all the way up and staggered over to her. It definitely looked like Fuyuki in torn clothing, which was a look she could appreciate. He was coughing up sea water, it smelled like, and he half-fell onto her, mumbling, "The legendary harem-ninja has come." Then he passed out in her arms. I have GOT to be dreaming, Sagano thought. ************* Lala started when Hanai pulled her back into a doorway. "What?" They were on their way to dinner together. "It's Tougo," he whispered. "With Mai." "What, on a date? Isn't he seeing Eri?" "Well, she's apparently in love with Harima...I don't know what's going on," Hanai said. "Well, if we're stuck here..." She grabbed him and starting making out. They were still making out when Mai and Tougo walked past, holding hands, and failed to notice them. Hanai meant to stop. I shouldn't be kissing Lala when Yakumo is taking care of a sick Harima, he told himself. What if Lala gives me a cold or something and I can't help her... But his thoughts of Yakumo faded in the face of his enjoyment of kissing Lala. Deep down, he felt like a slave of his desires. But it was quite enjoyable being a slave. He finally broke off the kiss, pulling himself together. I shouldn't be on this date, he thought. I shouldn't be going out with two...three...however many women at once. Even if his heart really belonged to Yakumo. But didn't this show he had no chance with her? He could feel his mood crashing. Lala looked at him, worried. "What's wrong?" she asked. "Nothing," he said. "Don't lie to me," she said sharply, then more gently, she said, "This is supposed to be a happy time." "This isn't fair to you," he said. "I'm terrible." He groaned and stared at the ground. I shouldn't be doing this, he thought. I shouldn't be dating all these people. What kind of guy am I? I'm getting worse than Imadori. "Yakumo will never love you," Lala said. "You know that." He stared at the ground, his chest clenching. "I know," he mumbled. "But I can't stand seeing her with someone else." To his surprise, she smiled at that, though it was a bit feral. "I know the feeling," she said, pulling him in close again. "But I can make you forget all of them, if you let me." He shouldn't. But he wanted to forget, to escape the trap he'd bound himself into. He wanted to let go of Yakumo. Could she make him forget her? He had to let her try...he had told her how he felt, and he did like her, he just didn't like her so much as she liked him. Or was she just using him to hurt Mikoto? He couldn't tell and that bothered him. But not as much his churning emotions did. He leaned forwards and kissed her, trying to make himself forget. He could, for a little while. ************* Yuuki tried banging on Sagano's door, but no one was home. Her family went on vacation earlier this week without her, Yuuki thought. So she must be out. Or gone to bed early. Or eaten by Weasels. She tried calling her again, but no answer. Yuuki sighed. I hope she's okay. ************** "No guests?" Mikoto said to Butler-san regretfully. "She is grounded. But I will tell her you came," Butler-san said. Mikoto handed him a box. "I made her some cookies...can she have those?" "Hmm. Well, I will take them to her. Such kindness should not be wasted," Butler-san said. Mikoto smiled. "Okay. I'll head home, I guess. Just let her know I came." "I will," Butler-san said. Mikoto headed out and he took the cookies to Eri, who was sullenly doing homework for lack of anything else to do. "M'dam, I have a present for you from your friend Suou." He handed her the cookies; she blinked, opened the box, and smiled. "Well, thank you," she said. "She couldn't come in?" "You are grounded," he said. "But cookies should not be wasted." Eri smiled a little. "She can be very thoughtful. I'll have to make her something. Thank you, Butler-san." "You're welcome, young miss." He went off to his work and she returned to hers with a little lighter heart. ************* Tenma answered the door. "Miko-chin!" Mikoto smiled. "Hey, you busy?" "Karasuma had to go, so I'm bored out of my mind," Tenma said. "I was just watching TV; Yakumo-chan and Kenji-kun are upstairs, trying to study." "Is he any better?" "He's not raving any more, just sick," Tenma said. "I hope he gets well soon." "Me too," Mikoto said. "I'm going out with some people tomorrow, but..." "Me too," Tenma said proudly, heading inside with Mikoto. "I managed to ask Karasuma out." "Good," Mikoto said. "I hope mine goes well; Haruki and I are going to..." "Oooh, it's Haruki now, hmm?" Tenma asked. Mikoto stared at the wall. "I...we...we call each other that in private," she mumbled. "We're more formal in public so people don't get the wrong idea." "Do you like him?" Tenma asked. Mikoto turned and stared out the window. "I...I used...I mean..." Tenma waited quietly. "I have too much pride," she mumbled. "I think that's more Eri's problem," Tenma said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "It started out for my pride, but now it's for their sake...I mean, I would hate to break them up..." Mikoto mumbled. "I don't understand." Mikoto sighed. "I'm probably just being stupidly proud, but I kind of like it. If those other two weren't after him..." "Is this some sort of...practice dating?" Tenma asked hesitantly. "Sort of, yes," Mikoto said. "I just hope you don't all end up hating each other," Tenma fretted. "We'll be fine, and if we aren't, it's our own fault," Mikoto said. "Let's go watch some TV." "Okay," Tenma said. But she still worried. ************* Lala munched on her ice cream, feeling pretty good. The date had gone well, Hanai was being about as affectionate as he ever got, and now she was well positioned to try and make her next move. Then Imadori walked in with some blonde woman, dark-skinned. She looked like a ko-girl to Lala. He's running around on Ichijou AGAIN, she thought. She went from placid to angry in three seconds. Hanai saw her rise like the angel of death and his eyes widened. "Lala-kun, why are you..." She froze and stared at him; her smile was one of the most evil things he had ever seen. "You finally used my first name," she said, sounding satisfied. "I just have to kill your classmate, Haruki-kun. I'll be right back." He suddenly felt embarrassed. She turned and charged at Imadori. "DEATH!" Imadori squealed like a stuck pig and dove under the table. "I'm just taking her out for helping me with my homework! Shouldn't hard work be rewarded?" Kozue jumped at Lala, determined to not put up with this. This was ultimately futile; Lala grabbed Kozue's foot and swung around to hurl her at a wall. Hanai leaped out of his chair and jumped to catch her. Kozue blushed even as Lala lifted the table and began to beat Imadori with it. "Hanai-san," she mumbled. "Just doing my duty as class representative," he said, setting her down. "Are you okay?" "I'm fine," she said. "But you need to help Imadori." The auburn haired ice cream counter girl stormed out to confront Lala. "Stop attacking him! This isn't a wrestling arena!" Lala's eyes glittered dangerously. "How many girlfriends does this guy have?" "Your boyfriend has three!" Imadori protested. Hanai winced at that. Lala responded by putting him in a full nelson and putting the crunch on. Hanai strode over. "Let him go, Lala-kun," he said to her. "He's a pathetic little wretch," she snarled. "LET HIM GO," Hanai said very firmly. Lala started, stared at him, then tossed him aside. "Well," she said, seeming uncertain. "Get out of here," the ice cream counter girl said firmly, though it was hard for her to look authoritative with her rather childish hair style. He took her by the arm and led her to their table; they secured their ice cream and left. He held on until they were a block away. Lala walked along quietly. "I won't always do what you want," she said, finally. "I know," he said. "I don't like to use my authority unless I have to." "Technically, since I'm in another class, I don't answer to you," she said quietly. "That's true," he said. "Another reason." They walked in silence for a little while, eating their ice cream, when to Lala's surprise, Hanai suddenly grabbed her, stepping into a jewelry store. He carefully turned them around so their backs were to the door. "What..." Lala began. "Don't turn around." "Hey, don't eat ice cream in here!" the clerk said. "We'll just be a minute," Hanai said. "What is going on?" Lala demanded. "People we'd best not meet," Hanai said. He'd seen Miki and Masahiro going by. He hoped they hadn't seen him. So, of course, they came in. Miki said, "You don't HAVE to buy me the bracelet." "I know better than to take that literally," Masahiro said. Miki blushed slightly. "You're too good to me." As they came in, Hanai scooted Lala over to another counter, keeping their backs to the two. He was sweating. Lala frowned, but played along for now. She didn't recognize the voices. "Will you two STOP EATING ICE CREAM IN HERE?" the clerk yelled at them. Miki and Masahiro began to turn around; Hanai carried Lala out the door and down the street at high speed. "Do you owe them money or something?" Lala asked. "Something like..." he began. Now Yuuki came around the corner. She stopped and stared at them. "Uh, have either of you heard from Sagano? She missed school and I can't get hold of her," Yuuki said nervously. "Hopefully, she fell on a spike and died. Perhaps you should go find the same spike," Lala said scornfully. "Lala, be nice." "She's a manipulative little bitch," Lala said. "I'm not interested in any of your lies, Yuuki. Get out of here. Now." Yuuki turned and ran. "You didn't have to be that harsh on her," Hanai said. "You ought to be more harsh. She lied to you and me. And Suou also. This is probably just another of her tricks. I hate people like that." Her voice was tight with barely controlled anger. Hanai sighed. "Lala-kun, she just fights in the only way she can." "How can you be so calm about this?" she demanded. "I've always been trained to hold back my emotions, and to control myself and to be the disciplined person who never acts without careful thought," he says. "Restraint is in my blood." "Father taught me to fight with all my strength," she said, sounding almost angry about it. "I do not hold back." "Remember how I stopped Harry's kick? That's what discipline can do for you," Hanai said. "Are you saying I have no self-control?" she said angrily. "I envy your passion, sometimes. You're so honest about your feelings. I always know where I stand with you," Hanai said, taking her hand. She suddenly blushed, feeling a strong upwelling of affection. "You've been very honest with me too." "But I have to say it. You...you show it." He shook his head. "Anyway, I am willing to give her another chance." As she wouldn't be in this position if I was stronger, he thought. "Well, not from me," Lala said, firmly. He sighed. "Fair enough." She felt a little frustrated. She wanted to lighten the mood, but she couldn't apologize for being right. "Kiss me," she said. He turned and kissed her, pressing her against the shop window of a nearby store. People stared, and she smiled inside. He wants me, she thought. I'll make him forget Suou soon enough, oh yes. She could certainly forget everything while kissing him. ************* Late that night, Harima snuck out of bed and went outside. He needed to talk to someone, anyone not involved. Not that any such were likely to wander up. Iori did, however, so he talked to Iori. "You ever been in love, Iori?" he asked. "Yes," Iori replied to him. "Did it end well?" "I don't know yet," Iori said. "How do you tell who you love?" Harima asked. "The lady cats go into heat and I crave them insanely," Iori said. "..." "I am a male cat, you know." "True," he said, sighing. "So you say it's passion? Is that it?" "It seems to me that with humans, the people who make you feel the most are the ones you love. Those who can really get to you are the ones you care about," Iori said. "I wish we cats could be in heat all the time, but I suppose we'd starve to death." Feelings...they all aroused feelings in him. Just not the same feelings. He could remember Eri kissing him; he'd been horrified and thrilled at once. He could never have imagined she felt that way. But was it real? He had confessed to her, once, but that had been an accident. Tenma...it wasn't completely hopeless, and yet...he was making no progress. And she had someone else on her mind...how could she love that bastard? Could he let go of her? And Yakumo...she didn't arouse the passion the others did, not most of the time. But she was so sweet and kind and gentle, everything a woman should be, right? And he needed her help, her steadying hand, her creativity, her artistic skills. If they broke up, it would ruin everything. But maybe that was selfish to think that way. But if she...if she loved him, she wouldn't feel it was selfish for him to stay with her. He wondered how he would feel...if she was in true danger. Would it anger him as much as it had with Eri? "It seems like having your body tell you clearly when to fall in love would make it easier," Harima said. "Imagine if swarms of women tried to carry you off for sex whenever your clock ticked on," Iori said. "I'd be Hanai," Harima said. Iori laughed a kitty laugh. "I ought to tell her...she'll find out anyway. But then she'll want to know how I feel and I don't know," Harima said, staring at the stars. "She'd be a good mate for you," Iori said. "I think she really likes you. And you'd have smart, strong, cubs." He imagined that for a little while, then said, "Maybe I should go walkabout a while to clear my head." "The food is better here," Iori said, licking his paws. "It's not fair to her, until I make up my mind. I ain't gonna be like Hanai the Player," Harima said. "I'm a one woman man." Even if I don't know which woman, he thought. But he had to find out. ************** Karen was in a cheerful mood the next morning. She had a date tonight! She flittered around the house, helping her mother clean it. "So what is going on with you and the MacKenzie boy?" her mother asked curiously. "We're just friends," Karen said. "I have a date with Imadori tonight." "Be careful," her mother said. "It's easy for a teenage girl to get a bad rep and very hard to get rid of it. You going to make out with him too?" Karen turned red. "Mother..." "You can't fool me. I've seen you acting to the mirror. So he wants a bad girl? Is that it?" She was frowning. "I...he..." Karen was crumbling in on herself. "Don't make me regret letting you go out," her mother said. "Boys will do..." "I love him," Karen mumbled. "I need him." "You think that now, but you'll regret it later, mark my words," her mother said, then sighed. "If he gets you pregnant, your father will kill him and I will ground you for a century." "I have to know I tried everything," Karen mumbled. "You can't win a heart with sex. Just remember that," her mother said. But she could tell she wasn't getting through. "If he makes you cry, I'm going to tell you I told you so." "He won't," Karen said. I wish I could believe that, her mother thought. ************* Tani-sensei knocked nervously on the door. He'd dressed up in a suit, not sure if he should dress casually or formally, but he wanted to look successful for Yurippe, so he'd worn his best suit. Tae-sensei answered the door, wearing a long orange dress, her hair tied up in back with a floral scarf. She had sunglasses on. "Are we going to do a lot of walking? I'm not sure if I should wear the fancy heels or if I should put on my pumps." "We'll be driving around town," Tani-sensei said. "Oooh, that will be fun," she said smiling. He felt his heart flutter just a little. He'd long admired her without having the courage to do anything about it. But he hadn't even really thought of this as a date; he'd just wanted to show Yurippe a good time. But...maybe this was a good sign for the future. "Okay, let's go head and pick up Yurippe." "She's staying with a friend here?" "Yes," Tani-sensei said. "Who has to work today, unfortunately." "So how long has it been since you last saw her?" Tae- sensei asked. "Our graduation party," Tani-sensei said. "She kissed me goodbye, and I left for college in Tokyo. So it's been...about eight years." "Well, you're about the same age as I am, then," Tae- sensei said. "I grew up in Tokyo, though. Spent a lot of time being a delinquent; I'm surprised I ever managed to pull it together and go to college and get my nursing degree," Tae-sensei said, sounding a little sad. "I bet you were the hard studying guy who knew exactly what he wanted to do." "You know me well," he said, heading across the parking lot with her. "Yurippe was a very hard worker, but she had to stay with her family and help run the family business. They're bakers." "Well, I look forward to meeting her," Tae-sensei said. They reached his car, got in, and drove off. ************* "A tie. I'm impressed," Hanai's father said to him. "Well, I'm going to be around college students, and they..." "Will likely be slobs," Hanai's father said. "College are the slack years. Well, maybe not slobs, but I can guarantee they won't be in suits." "Well, I am a class representative, so I have to look good to uphold my school's honor." "And to get into Mikoto-chan's skirt?" his father asked. "No! We're just friends," Hanai said firmly. "I wouldn't push her to do anything improper." "Beyond taking baths together, kissing after lessons, running around with other women..." Hanai's father said. "I am not..." "Boy, the Nile river doesn't run in Japan, but you live there anyway. I know you'll only learn by being stupid and hurting yourself, but it's my job to warn you anyway," his father said. "She's a nice girl, and I'm happy to see you date her, but you should treat her right." "I am," Hanai said firmly. Hanai's father shook his head sadly. "It'll blow up on you in the end, boy." "I'll be fine," Hanai said. But he feared his father right. ************** "Are you sure going out with a bunch of college students is okay?" Mikoto's mother asked nervously. "We'll be fine. Miki-san and Masahiro-san are very nice," Mikoto said. She was busy adjusting her dress. "She did seem like a very nice girl," Mikoto's mother said. "You talked to her?" Mikoto asked in surprise. "She called the other day, looking for you and we had a long talk," Mikoto's mother said, leaning against the doorway. "The skirt on this isn't too short, is it?" Mikoto asked about her knee-length skirt. "That's fine," Mikoto's mother said, coming over and playing with her hair a little. "I think a bow would be nice." "If I wanted to look like I was in fourth grade," Mikoto said. "I think it's fine like this, just short with no ribbons." "Why did you cut it off, anyway?" her mother asked. "You looked so nice with the longer hair." "It was time for a change," Mikoto said. "I am getting older and...I just needed to let go of some things." Mikoto's mother sighed. "My little girl's growing up. I always thought you and Haruki-kun would marry one day, but I expected you'd both have to fumble through a bunch of mistakes first." Mikoto sighed. "I'm not dating Hanai-kun." "You don't have to pretend to formality with me, dear. I know you two have cared for each other for a long time," she said, resting her hands on her daughter's shoulders. Mikoto felt embarrassed. "We're just friends." "Who go on dates and kiss and fight for each other," her mother said. "You'd fight an army for him, wouldn't you?" "Yes," she said weakly. "But I'd do that for Akira- chan or Tenma-chan or Eri-chan too." "But you don't kiss them." Beat. "Right?" her mother asked a little weakly. Mikoto laughed. "No, I don't. They're dear to me and so is Hanai, but we're not in love." She knew what love felt like from how she'd felt about Masahiro-sempai. Hanai didn't make her feel like that, all jumpy and excited. She was so much more...they were easily comfortable with each other. And he was a good kisser, she had to admit. He just didn't seem to understand Lala and Yuuki were just using him. They weren't real friends to him, like she was. At least Yuuki had probably knocked herself out of the running, but Lala...she'd be harder to deal with. ************** Harima worked on drawing; Yakumo was busy pencilling in dialogue on the pages he'd done earlier in the day. He'd managed to forget his troubles, but the guilt was eating at him. I ought to tell her, he thought. She deserves to know. "Yakumo-san, I..." "Yes, Kenji-kun?" she asked. "Do you need more tea?" "No, I'm fine," he said. "Look, at the party..." Tenma walked in, wearing a fancy dress, her hair done up in an elaborate silver hairpiece. Harima stared at her, looking like an angel from heaven in his eyes. She was even wearing long silk gloves that matched her dress, and she looked older than usual to him, so mature. He could feel his heart beating faster. "Do I look good?" Tenma asked. "Marvelous," Harima said. "You look great, onee-chan," Yakumo said. "Ready for your date?" "Yes. Don't you have to work, Yakumo?" Yakumo's eyes widened. "Oh no, I forgot. I'm sorry, Kenji-kun, I have to go work. Would you like to come with me and get some food? I can...you can choose my costume for the day," she said a little shyly at the end. Harima continued to stare. She tugged his arm. "Kenji-kun?" "I...what...you work now?" Harima asked. "Yes." "Yeah, I can drive you there," Harima said. "You sure you feel well enough?" Tenma asked, worriedly. "I'll be fine," he said. "Why are you dressed up?" "I'm going out with Karasuma," Tenma said. Harima felt his heart shatter. So much effort for him. She loves him, he thought. No, she can't! He must have...must have...it can't be true. He did his best not to show it, but he could feel a fire in his gut. And not a good one. "Kenji-kun?" Yakumo asked, wishing again she could read his mind. Forget him, Harima thought. I have a nice girlfriend. Can't I just forget Tenma and love her instead? I should be satisfied with that. But he wasn't. He couldn't get Tenma and he couldn't let go. "Let's go, Yakumo-san," he said. "We'd better get you right to work." Tenma watched them go, and worried. He must be feeling sick again, but he's hiding it for her sake, so she won't worry. What a nice guy, she thought. They have such a strong relationship; she felt a little envious. But it was time to go meet Karasuma, so she soon forgot all about it. ************** Tani-sensei knocked on the door of the apartment; Yurippe's friend Uesugi Arisa answered the door. She was a tall, muscular blonde. "Yo, Tani-sen..." Then she saw Tae-sensei and her eyes widened. "OH SHIT." The door slammed and there was a sound of locks and bars. "Oh dear," Tae-sensei said, staring at the ground. "I...hey, I'm here with one of my colleagues to take Yurippe out!" Tani-sensei shouted through the door. "You won't get me this time!" Arisa shouted. Tae-sensei buried her face in her hands. "Do you know her?" "Yes," Tae-sensei mumbled. "We beat each other up in high school a few times." Another woman said, "Is Tanisa here?" "Yes, but there's an evil demon with him," Arisa said. "I'm sorry about all the beatings!" Tae-sensei shouted. "Hello, Yurippe!" Tani-sensei said. "I have one of my co-workers with me! She's very nice!" He could hear some struggle. "No, don't unlock the door! We'll die!" "We'll be fine." The door opened, and a short woman with her brown hair done up in a long ponytail tied with a red ribbon bow stood there. Her skin was flawless and her teeth gleamed like the sun at dawn. She was slender and dressed well for it in a long, loose green dress which emphasized her hips and slender arms. Tani-sensei stared at her, hypnotized by her beauty. Tae-sensei blinked, then smiled at her. "You didn't mention how pretty she is, Tani-san." Arisa lurked next to her protectively. "Dammit, I'm gonna have to go to work knowing you're near this nut case." Tae-sensei held out a hand. "I'm sorry, Uesugi-san," she said. "I was young and foolish then." Arisa didn't offer one back. "Be careful, Yuri-san." "Don't be silly. Tani-sensei wouldn't have any mean friends," Yuri said. She took Tae-sensei's hand. "No one told me Tanisa had such a pretty girlfriend." Tani-sensei laughed nervously and mumbled. "Oh, we're just friends," Tae-sensei said. "I won't mind if you kiss him hello." Tani and Yuri both blushed. This was going to be a prime teasing night, Tae-sensei thought. ************** Karen said, "Do you really need to drive this fast, Imadori-sama?" to Imadori's mother. "Hmm, that's true, I could go faster," she said, cranking it up to 100 MPH and blazing through traffic. "Go! GO!" Imadori shouted. Karen knew she ought to be cheering to stay in character, but she had her limits, and this was one of them. "Hmm, someone is following us. Anyone you know, dear?" Imadori's mother asked him. Imadori looked back. "Mackenzie-san and Lala-chan are after us," he said. "Lala-_chan_?" Karen asked a little sharply. "It makes her scream," Imadori said, grinning. "Mom, they're gaining on us." "Is that bad?" "I expect Lala-chan is here to beat me to death for dating Karen-chan," Imadori said. Karen blushed. "Oh, is she in love with Ichijou-san?" his mother asked. "She sure acts like it." Karen's eyes widened. "You think...she...really?" "She's obsessed with you," Imadori said. "And she can't stand the thought of me touching you." He put an arm around Karen's shoulders and she blushed. They could hear Lala roar. Imadori turned and kissed Karen softly. The windows of the car rattled from Lala yelling. "Every time you do that, they get closer," Imadori's mother said a little nervously. "We should have taken the Formula-One." "There's not room for three people in that," Imadori said, while Karen swooned a bit. "We're going to have to lose them before I drop you kids off, or we may all just die," Imadori's mother said. "We'll just make out while you drive," Imadori said. "Bad idea. Let's not antagonize the nutcases, okay?" Karen said, "Maybe we should pull over so I can talk down Lala." "Do you WANT to die?" Imadori asked. The car began to complain loudly as Imadori's mother took it up to the next level. She prayed it would hold together, and decided it was definitely time to get a sports car for times like this. ************* Mikoto peered out the train window. "Was that Gonzales and Mackenzie on that bike?" "I think so," Hanai said, sitting next to her. "Hmm, we're almost to the station, right?" Mikoto asked. "Yeah," he said. She crawled onto his lap and twined her legs around his, then began to kiss him. People stared and Hanai felt embarrassed, but he embraced her and began kissing her back. Soon, he forgot all about the stares. The train stopped and they might have missed their station, but Masahiro stuck his head in the door and said, "Hey, guys, you'd better hurry before the train leaves. You guys must miss your stop all the time." He was laughing a little, thinking about the last time. Mikoto and Hanai got up, arms around each other and came outside. Masahiro passed Hanai a handkerchief, mumbling "your lips" to him. Hanai rubbed his lips and discovered some of Mikoto's lipstick had stuck to him. He was glad for the help. In addition to Miki and Masahiro, there were two other couples there. Miki began introducing them. "This is Jenny Mackenzie. She's an exchange student from the US." Jenny was a tall, thin blonde in expensive clothing. "And this is Matano Keiichi." Keiichi was middling in height, sturdy of build, with hair he'd bleached blonde. It looked quite ridiculous; he wore a t-shirt and jeans. "Over here, we have Kobayashi Shinichi and Ginza Kasumi." Both of them were middling in height with short brown hair, though she wore a red dress and he was wearing a nice dress shirt and black slacks with a bow-tie. "Nice to meet you," Jenny said. A long round of greetings followed, then Masahiro said, "We'd best get going so we have time to eat before the movie." "Let's go," Hanai said, and got everyone moving, heading into the lead with Masahiro. The group split into two waves; the four men took point with the ladies lurking behind. "I'm sure it's a coincidence," Mikoto said to Jenny, "But you wouldn't happen to have a brother named Harry, would you?" Jenny stared. "You know Harry? I mean, he is here in Japan, but..." "I'm in 2-C; he's in 2-D," Mikoto said. "That means..." Jenny looked up at Hanai. "Is he as much of a badass as Harry says?" "Yes," Mikoto said calmly, as if it was a simple matter of fact. "Even I can't stop Harry's kicks any more; I have to dodge them," Jenny said. "Impressive. Harry seems pretty excited about having some good rivals, from when I talk to him." Mikoto laughed nervously. "He makes a good one himself." "Feuding classes?" Kasumi asked. "Yeah." "Competition makes you stronger," Kasumi said. "Don't you agree, Miki?" "I prefer cooperation," Miki said. "People working together are stronger than individuals in competition with each other." "I'm rather competitive myself," Mikoto said. "Well, then, I propose a competition," Jenny said. "Whoever can get their boyfriend to kiss them in public first, wins." "Mikoto-san will win that one easy," Miki said. "They were kissing ON THE TRAIN, you know." She sounded almost proud of it. "Your boyfriend will kiss you on the train?" Jenny asked in surprise. Mikoto felt a little taken aback with everyone staring at her. "Yes." "So he'd do it right now if you walked up to him?" Jenny said. "And asked for a kiss, yes," Mikoto said. It was kind of thrilling, really, the boldness of it all. "Show me," Jenny said dubiously. She licked her lips nervously and sped up to the others. Shinichi was saying, "So this guy's on second and he looks likely to try stealing third. So I mime throwing a pitch, keeping my foot off the pitching rubber so it isn't a balk. But really, I still have the ball. The guy takes off, stupidly, and I pivot and throw to third, and Ikari-san tags him out. Third out and we get our chance to come back and win the game." "Hmm, Mikoto-kun?" Hanai asked as she approached. "Kiss me," she said nervously, feeling all eyes on her. Hanai's eyes widened for a moment in confusion, then he pulled her in for a long, slow kiss. She could feel her heart beating as quickly as if she'd been in a tournament fight. The guys stared at her, and she heard Keiichi mutter, "Daaaamn." Then she skipped off back to the ladies, grinning just a little. "Man, the guys in this country just aren't as bold as I'm used to," Jenny said a little enviously. "Keiichi's a great guy, but he can't get affectionate in public unless he gets drunk." She sighed. "Are they talking baseball again?" "Yes," Mikoto said. Miki said, "I did get..." And then she saw Masahiro coming back to her. "Yes, dear?" she asked. He kissed her quickly, almost like a butterfly visiting a flower, then squeezed her shoulder and retreated in silence, but smiling at her. Miki blushed a little, but looked very pleased. Mikoto stared. She felt a little twinge at it, but only a little. Mostly, she was happy for them. They seemed to have a good, solid relationship, and if she'd been able to help them with that, all the better. Her jealousy was gone, and she was glad for it. She glanced off at Hanai, who was watching this, smiling, and who clapped Masahiro on the back when he came back to the men, and she felt better. I don't need him when I have Haruki, she thought. I mean...not that we're dating, but if we were, he'd be better than Masahiro and this is like dating and I'm going to stop thinking. Kasumi laughed softly. "Holy shit, I didn't think Masahiro-san could muster the courage to do that," Jenny said, looking stunned. Miki mumbled something incoherent, then said, "I've been trying to get him to be bolder." "It worked," Kasumi said flatly. "So, which of you two is gonna go forward and get a kiss next?" Mikoto asked. "Oh, we're gonna play it that way," Jenny said. "I'll go next, then." Kasumi began humming makeout music. "Stop that," Jenny said, then stormed forwards. Keiichi was saying, "But there's all these peop...uh hi, Jenny," he mumbled nervously. "Kiss me," she demanded. "But...people..." he waffled. "It won't hurt you," Shinichi said. "I don't see you going and kissing your girlfriend!" Keiichi protested. "Hah! I'll steal this base!" he said, then ran back and kissed Kasumi, who turned red. "Keiichi..." Jenny said, sounding disappointed. But she kissed him anyway. "Well, that's one way to break the ice," Miki said, looking cheerful. "We should all walk together, so we all look like we're actually dating." "So long as we talk about baseball, I don't care what formation we adopt," Shinichi said. "Baseball's fine with me," Jenny said. "So long as you admit softball is better." "Better? You are insane," Shinichi said. They bantered as they walked along and Mikoto smiled. This was going to go well. She had a good feeling. ************ "So, inspired by my example, 2-C destroyed 2-D in the athletic contest. You should have seen Katou's face. He looked ready to die," Tani-sensei said as the three of them entered the restaurant. He hoped that La Cage aux Follies was as good a French restaraunt as he'd heard, as it was going to cost him a hefty chunk of change. But he wanted to show Yurippe some of the best things to be seen in Tokyo. "Hario-kun won the day," Tae-sensei said proudly. "Your boyfriend?" Yuri asked curiously. Tae-sensei said, "He's a former...boarder of mine. He's one of Tani-sensei's students. Very kind and gentle and a good artist." Kind and gentle? These were not the words Tani- sensei would have chosen. "And a good athlete," he said, playing along. Yuri's eyes widened. She could see code for 'affair with student'. She could tell Tae-sensei was very sophisticated, but that...my goodness. Did Tani-sensei know? Surely not, but...she seemed so nice, though. They now got a table; Tae-sensei chatted with the waiter in French, and Yuri shrank in on herself a little, though she fought not to show it. She'd wanted to impress Tanisa with how much she'd changed, but it seemed like he knew women much fancier than she could ever be, living in a small town. But he smiled at her, and took her arm, and she felt a little better. He pulled out a chair for her and then one for Tae-sensei, and sat down with them as the orchestra played upon the stage. "There's a show?" "As I understand it," Tani-sensei said. "I hear it's impressive." I didn't know Tani-san likes burlesque shows, Tae- sensei thought. Well, you learn something every day. ************ Forget about Tenma, Harima told himself again. He was starting to feel sick again, his stomach churning and his nerves jangling. Yakumo deserves better. She deserves the truth, part of his mind told him. Not now. Not when she had to go work, he told himself, and felt sicker. "Kenji-kun, are you okay?" Yakumo asked, fretting. "I'm fine. I just need food and to see you looking pretty in a costume," he said. She blushed a little and led him in the back, around to the dressup room. He went over his options, and finally decided on the cop uniform. "Here you go." She took it off the wall. "Let's get you a table, and I'll be right out." He nodded and let himself be led along while he tried to decide what to do. ************ Tenma sat nervously with Karasuma on the train. She wanted to put an arm around him, but she was afraid to. Everyone was staring at them; they were the most formally dressed people on the train, as Karasuma was in a tuxedo. She wondered where they were going; he'd said he had something special for them. The city looked just a little odd to Tenma as they rode along; were they still in Tokyo? The cars all looked so old and there were all these people in elegant, older clothes... In fact, there were a fair number of people like that on the train, which then further confused her by going into a tunnel. Something was definitely strange. But she was with Karasuma, so it didn't matter. ************ "Maybe he'll run out of gas first," Imadori's mother said. "Motorcycles do have smaller tanks," Imadori said. "Karen-chan, I think we might as well get our making out done now, before the beatings start." Karen nodded nervously. "I am NOT going to have to watch you two make out while I am trying to save our lives," Imadori's mother said. "No kissy face for you." Imadori said, "There's only one person who can save us now, but I don't think he will." "Harima-kun?" Karen asked. "Yeah. He's been home sick all week and even if he wasn't, I don't think he likes me much," Imadori said. "Well, let me try," Karen said. She got her phone out and called. ************* "Hello?" Harima asked as he waited for his food. "Harima-kun, can I ask you a favor?" Karen asked. "Maybe," he said. "I'm feeling kind of sick, I have to warn you." "Gonzales-san is chasing me on a motorcycle with Harry-kun. You're the only person who can save me. Won't you help me, please?" Karen sounded desperate. "Aren't you dating Mackenzie? What's going on?" Harima asked in confusion. There was a long pause. "I'm on a date with Imadori and..." "I'm sorry, Ichijou-san, but I'm too sick to help Imadori do anything but get sick," he said. I might be able to take Mackenzie and Gonzales at the same time, but not feeling like this, he thought. And it sounded like he'd be getting tangled into more romantic problems, and he had enough of those. "Please," she begged. "You're the only one who can stop them." Tenma would want him to help her. But Tenma was off with Karasuma. Tenma would probably try to stop those two herself. "You're gonna have to help stop them," Harima said, finally. "Can you hold out long enough for me to eat?" I hope she appreciates this, he thought. "I think so," she said. "Where are you? We'll head your way to make it easier on you." "Cafe Mercado," he said. "Right. We're on our way. Call me when you're ready." "You owe me," he said. "I'll pay you back somehow," she said. "Thank you." "Okay, see you soon," he said, hung up, and went back to eating. ************ Mikoto sat with Hanai in the movie theatre, arms around each other. Miki and Masahiro had done likewise. Shinichi had copied them once he saw this, and Jenny had finally gotten Keiichi over his shyness to do likewise. It had taken infinite negotiations to find a movie they could all handle; they'd finally settled on Sahara; Kasumi and Shinichi weren't entirely happy over it, but everyone else was and they could live with it. Mikoto rested her head on Hanai's shoulder and smiled a little. It felt so right like this. Making new friends was always nice, and Haruki made a good boyfriend. Stand in boyfriend. Really, it was just like having a real one, but without the bad parts. She glanced over at him and wondered what he was thinking. He was thinking the people in the movie should have organized their trip into the desert better. No wonder things kept going wrong. ************ Yuri and Tani-sensei both looked ready to die by the time they headed out of the restaurant to Tani's car with Tae-sensei, who had to fight the urge to laugh. "You didn't know?" she asked again. "No one told me THAT!" Tani-sensei said. "I am REALLY sorry, Yurippe." "It's okay, Tanisa," she said. He never changes, she thought. Still the nice guy I knew in school. She smiled a little at that, then glanced over at Tae-sensei. She's such a sophisticate. What's she doing as a teacher? Or maybe all the teachers here are like that, and Tanisa's unusual. As they approached the car, two ladies in elegant evening gowns appeared, as if from nowhere, though really, they just stepped out of a sports car. "Tani-san, Tae- san," the tall, dark-haired one said. "Was the show good tonight?" "It was very good," Tae-sensei said, smiling. Yurippe stared at the women, envying them a bit. They were both so beautiful, as much as Tae-sensei or more. How did they know Tani-san? They looked like upper class women. "Itoko-san, Sasakura-san, this is my friend Yuri from my hometown. Yuri, Itoko-san teaches chemistry at our school and Sasakura-san teaches art," Tani-sensei said. "It's a pleasure to meet you," Itoko-sensei said. "Taking two women out at once, how bold, Tani-sensei." "It's not a date!" Tani-sensei protested. "We're just showing Yurippe around the city." Itoko's eyebrow cocked slightly, and then she said, "Well, you'll have to hurry. The night doesn't last forever. You should take her to see the Imperial Gardens." "We're off to there next," Tani-sensei said. "Please pardon Itoko," Sasakura-san said, smiling. "She's just jealous as she has no boyfriend." "Neither do you," Itoko said to her. "Don't let us keep you," Yuri said, just a little irritably. What a bossy woman, she thought. Itoko was about to say something, but Sasakura-san dragged her away. "Bye!" Tae-sensei said. "Don't mind them, Yuri-san," she said. "Itoko is somewhat moody, not bright and sunny like me." She smiled brightly. "Off to the gardens," Tani-sensei said, as they got into the car and got moving. "Is she always so mean to you, Tanisa?" Yuri asked. "Oh, she's not bad, usually. She just likes to tease people. You get used to it," he said. You've always been too easy going, she thought. And you get stepped on. There has to be something I can to do to light a fire under you, she thought. But what? ************* "You have to what?" Yakumo asked. "I have to go bail Ichijou out of her own stupidity," Harima said. "Do you feel up to it?" she asked, worried. "No, but there ain't no one else with a motorcycle," Harima said. "Maybe Takano-sempai could help you with the tea club truck," Yakumo said. "That's a good idea," Harima said. "I'll give her a call." ************ Rarely had Akira been gladder to get a phone call. She'd been invited over to Nara's house for dinner and an evening of meeting the family. Due to crossed wires, all of the various boyfriends and girlfriends of Nara's parents had shown up at once and now they were rioting. She and Nara had taken cover under a table with Nara's family's cat. Oreo had random black and white patches all over and was a friendly cat; Akira wished he would stop trying to climb inside her clothing to hide. She took the call. "Hello, Kenji-kun." "I gotta save Ichijou from Gonzales and Mackenzie." He sighed. "Any chance you can help with a truck or something?" "Is that wise when you're feigning sickness?" Akira asked. She could hear him wince. "I really do feel sick," he said. "But Tenma-san would never forgive me leaving a friend of hers in the lurch." He sighed. "You still haven't told Yakumo about the kiss, have you," Akira said. "I...uh..." She sighed. "Promise me you will come clean with her and I will help you." "What's this?" Nara asked. Two European guys fell on the table, which broke. Nara squealed and Akira grunted. "Damnation, what is going on there?" Harima asked. "Promise or not?" Akira asked. Harima sighed. "I promise." What else could he do? He shouldn't run away from this, anyway. "We're on our way," she said, kicking up and flinging the table and Europeans across the room. She hung up and took Nara by the hand. "Let's run." ************** "You didn't mention his mother is a race car driver!" Harry said to Lala. "I wasn't thinking about it," she said. "However, they'll run out of gas at this rate." "Not before we do," Harry said. Lala frowned. "There has to be..." "Hey, it's Harima-san," Harry said. "I wonder what he's doing." "He's coming to stop us," Lala said, after looking back. "Lose him." Harry began weaving through traffic, trying to get Harima off his tail, but the baleful looking Harima was like an angel of death, grim and inescapable. Trying to not lose Imadori made it even harder. Finally, Harry found himself boxed between a truck and Harima. He knew that truck. It opened its back, dropped a ramp, and suddenly slowed down some, forcing him up the ramp. The truck then closed up, trapping them. "Well, fuck," Harry said. "Someone will pay. IMADORI will pay," Lala swore. I should have just tried harder on a straight forward seduction, Harry thought. This isn't going the way I hoped at all. ************ Tenma was feeling very confused when she stepped out of the train, which somehow had become a subway. The place they were in looked vaguely familiar to her, like she'd seen pictures of it. And the signs were strange...they looked like English, but she could actually read them. "Where are we?" she asked Karasuma nervously. "New York City," he said. "Sort of." "Sort of?" she asked in more confusion. "Don't worry about it; just come with me and enjoy the show," he said softly. "We'll have fun." "Okay," she said, taking a deep breath. "Let's go." ************* Mikoto was enjoying dancing at the club they'd gone to after the movie, until she saw Jenny staring at her. "Is something wrong?" "Your dancing, it needs work," she said. Kasumi and Shinichi nodded. "Your boyfriend too," Jenny said. "You two, come over here." Hanai came over, glad for a chance to build his skills. Jenny and Keiichi began demonstrating some dances; to their surprise, Mikoto and Hanai picked it up with ease. "Damn, you two learn fast," Jenny said. "C'mon, Keiichi, we have to show we're better." He laughed nervously and the two couples began circling each other on the dance floor, moving to the beat, while the other two watched and clapped. Mikoto began mixing in a few joint combat moves with Hanai; soon they were whirling around, with one or the other sometimes overhead. Jenny saw this and whispered to Keiichi, who did his best to lift her up; he looked strained, but Shinichi and Masahiro both clapped extra loudly for him. Jenny laughed happily as she whirled through the air. Once he finally set her down, she kissed him on the cheek and he blushed. "C'mon, try that with me," Miki said. "Alright," Masahiro said, and got Miki in motion; it was easy for him to do lifts and twirls in the air with her, as he was in good shape. Kasumi and Shinichi looked nervously at each other, then tried the same thing. In their case, however, Shinichi couldn't muster the strength to keep her up and they both began to fall. Mikoto and Hanai dived, catching the two of them. "Thank you," Kasumi said nervously to Hanai, who caught her. "It was nothing," he said. Shinichi looked at Mikoto's arms. "I bet you'd make a great baseball player." "Thank you," Mikoto said, smiling. "We should all switch partners, keep it interesting," Jenny said. "Sounds fun," Mikoto said. Mikoto ended up, to her surprise, dancing with Masahiro. Jenny seized Hanai for herself and put him to work twirling her in the air as she laughed with great cheer. Mikoto giggled a little watching them. Masahiro was laughing too. "Does he have to do everything on a grand scale?" "He either doesn't do it or he overdoes it," Mikoto said. "He's a hard worker." "He's a good guy for you," Masahiro said. "I always thought you two would end up together." "Really?" she asked as he twirled her out with one hand. As he pulled her back in, he said, "Yeah. I thought about asking you out back then, despite our difference in age, but it seemed like you'd already found the perfect guy for you." She stared at him mindlessly for a moment, then laughed. "I had the hugest crush on you," she confessed. It felt like a weight coming off her shoulders. "Your parents would have broken me in half, anyway," he said. "And we both found someone nice, so it's all for the best, right?" "Yeah," she said softly, glancing over at Hanai. He wasn't really her boyfriend, but she couldn't admit that. Though she would have to eventually. One confession was enough for a night, and he was almost like her boyfriend, anyway. He seemed a little nervous as they danced, but she felt very relaxed. It was the final confirmation she'd needed to know she could move on. Perhaps to Hanai. He made such a good fake boyfriend that he would undoubtedly make a good real one. Kissing him felt so good, and they'd been friends just about forever. He wasn't the most romantic of guys, but Masahiro had been clumsy at that sort of thing too. They had a lot in common, really, as she thought about it. There were the rivals...but she could get rid of him. He was just drifting because of Yakumo. But Yakumo had a boyfriend and Hanai wasn't crazy enough to never give up. She could make him forget Yakumo. Indeed, she could. She had just the idea how, even if it scared her a little. Oh yes. ************ "I'm supposed to help them out," Karen mumbled. "I'm not going back near those maniacs," Imadori's mother said. "And if we don't get you two to the movies soon, you'll miss them entirely." "But..." "They'll be fine," Imadori said. "We'll owe them one." She didn't really want to confront Lala; she just felt like she should. So she let them hold her back for now. But then her phone rang. She answered it nervously. "Hello, this is Ichijou Karen." "We're gonna take them to the school. Meet us there, okay?" It was Harima. "Okay," Karen said. "See you there." Harima hung up. She told Imadori and his mother about it. "I'm not going near that school," Imadori's mother said. "I have to go," Karen said. "I'm sure Harima can handle it," Imadori said nervously. "We have to go," Karen said more firmly. Imadori sighed. "Alright. I guess we can't get out of it." "You sure, honey?" his mother asked. Imadori looked nervously at Karen who nodded. "Yes." I am so dead. ************** The Imperial gardens were very nice; Yuri felt more relaxed as she walked through them. "Do you come here often?" she asked as they passed an array of flowers. "Not too often, I'm usually busy," Tani-sensei said. "He's a hard worker," Tae-sensei said. Yuri felt her heart flutter a bit as she tried to figure out what exactly Tae and Tanisa's relationship was. She seemed to like Tani-sensei a lot, but did she... It was hard to tell. "Oh yes," Tae-sensei said, opening her purse. She pulled out two small wrapped packages. "Cookies for each of you." She opened a third one and took a cookie for herself. "Since you both ran before dessert." "Thank you. Your cookies are always very good," Tani-sensei said, smiling. Yuri took one nervously and ate it. It was delicious. "Wow, you're good." "Not as good as you, I'm sure," Tae-sensei said kindly. At least she's not a braggart, Yuri thought. "I used to make Tanisa cookies." "Wonderful cookies," Tani-sensei said. "I treasured every batch." That made her feel better, but she could still feel her nerves jangle. She told herself not to fret. "I need to use a bathroom real quick," she said. "Come with me," Tae-sensei said. "I'll show you where they are." *********** I'm on Broadway, Tenma thought. She'd never believed she'd see it with her own eyes. And I'm in a theatre watching a musical there with Karasuma. She had a big bouquet of flowers he'd bought her sitting in her lap, and he was holding her hand. It was like a dream. She pinched herself, to see if she would wake up, but she didn't. It was real, somehow, right? It had to be. It was so wonderful. She hoped everyone else's night was going as well. *********** Akira parked the truck and Harima pulled up. They could see a couple making out in 2-C, silhouetted against the windowshades. From the outline, it was clearly Mai and Tougo. Harima stared. "Holy shit," he said. "Hmm, I did not realize this," Akira said. The truck shook. "LET US OUT!" Lala yelled. Nara looked at them nervously. "What if they break out?" "We will sell our lives that you may escape and warn Ichijou," Akira said to him. "I ain't selling my life for Nara. But I could use just beating the crap out of someone," Harima said. "I will handle Lala; you handle Harry," Akira said. "Right." The back of the truck burst open and Lala and Harry dropped out. "Why did you kidnap us?" Lala demanded. "You were interfering with a 2-C date," Akira said. "Gonzales-san, you are only allowed to interfere with Hanai, and that only because he needs to learn not to be stupid." "Uphill struggle," Harima said. "Hey, he's smart," Nara protested. "Akira-chan, you shouldn't be so cruel to Hanai-san." She paused and looked at Nara, looking a little surprised, then said, "He should be devoted to his girlfriend, not chasing other women, however tempting they may be." Her voice was a bit stiff. Harima winced. "I will not let Ichijou degrade herself chasing a degenerate like Imadori," Lala said. "I tend to agree," Akira said. "But that's her choice, not yours." "I can't stand seeing her with a jerk like that," Harry said angrily. "You calling someone a jerk?" Harima began to laugh hysterically. "Oh, YES, Tougo-kun!" they all heard Mai shout. An awful silence settled over them all. Finally, weakly, Lala said, "Isn't that your class president?" "And yours?" Harima said. "Treason," Lala said angrily. "Excuse me, but who here is trying to get into the pants of people in our class while not belonging to it?" Harima said. "I'd say you two are traitors too." "You're doing someone who isn't even in the same GRADE!" Harry said. "You got a thing for younger women, Loli-boy?" Nara could hear the bells of doom toll. "What did you say?" Harima growled. "I hear she does dressup for her job, so I guess you two probably..." Harry began. Akira tried to decide whether or not letting those two fight each other was wise. She feared she couldn't take on Lala and survive. But it might help them both calm down. Nara said, "Let's not fight, please?" Where are you, Ichijou, he asked himself. "And I guess it makes sense the most butch girl in your class would date the most wimpy, effeminate guy," Harry said. Harry just wanted to fight at this point; his mouth was running on auto-pilot. Nara grimaced. "She is NOT butch. She's more woman than you'll ever be!" Lala began to laugh. "He's a man, you fool." Akira's face darkened. "Nara is not a macho idiot like you, yes. But he's more man than you'll ever be. I doubt you've ever made a woman feel as good as he can make me feel. Assuming any woman's been desperate enough to let you try." She regretted the words as soon as she said them. It would only make a fight more likely. But she couldn't tolerate them treating him as anything less than a man. "He's probably too busy with dogs," Harima said. "THAT'S IT!" Harry said. He leaped at Harima, who punched him in the forehead. As he toppled, he grabbed Harima and tossed him at Nara. Akira seized Nara and jumped off to one side. "Get the class presidents," she said. "But they're having sex!" he protested. Lala strode towards Akira. "If you think yourself better than us, let's decide it with a fight." "Fighting should be the last resort," Akira said. "Nara, GO!" "There goes the weakling," Lala said. "What can you see in such a puny man?" She lunged for Akira, who flipped off to one side even as Nara ran. "Kindness and love," Akira said. "He loves me even though I may seem cold." Her voice was a little sad. Two pistols flipped into her hands. "Give it up, Lala." Lala battered them out of her hands and flipped backwards, slamming Akira hard into the ground. "Don't bring guns to a fist fight and don't call me Lala!" She began pounding Akira into the ground. "I'm sick of the lousy way you treat my boyfriend! And now you're going to pay for it!" Meanwhile, Harry kneed Harima in the gut, then tried to stomp him as he fell, but Harima grabbed his foot and rolled, pulling him over, then began pounding on Harry's chest. They continued to pound each other as Nara ran, crying. *************** "Am I in the way?" Tae asked Yuri softly once she finished her business, but before they left the bathroom. "What?" Yuri asked in confusion. "You didn't come all this way to see me; you came for Tani-san. I know there's things you can't do with him if I'm here, and you haven't seen each other in so long," Tae- sensei said. "I can kiss someone in public with no shame, but most people can't." Yuri turned red. "What makes you think..." "You always wonder how it would have gone with the one who got away, don't you?" Tae-sensei asked softly. Yuri stared at the ground. "It wouldn't be right of me to demand you go." She felt hideously guilty for her earlier ill thoughts. "I...do you love him?" she asked softly. "I like Tani-san a lot," Tae-sensei said. "But I've been so busy getting my life straight, I haven't been seriously thinking about men," she said. Though there was Hario... But it wouldn't be right for him. Eri loves him and she was rooting for their love. She'd be good for him. Better than me. "So I won't stand in your way." Yuri took her hands. "Thank you, but I couldn't just make you go away. I won't be in Tokyo for long and..." "Then seize the chance while you can. Find out," Tae- sensei said. "And then you can go home and have a good memory of your visit." "Do you think he..." Yuri said nervously. "I can't imagine he would ever forget a beautiful woman like you," Tae-sensei said. "I didn't use to be very pretty," Yuri confessed. "I spent a lot of time getting ready for this visit. I mean, I'm not vain. I hope. But..." "Then even better for him that he could see that inner beauty when it was hidden," Tae-sensei said. "Believe in yourself." She breathed in and out. "I will. Thank you." "You're welcome." She came out with Yuri to Tani-sensei and said, "Unfortunately, I must cut and run. My nursing skills are needed." "That's not good," Tani-sensei said. "Do you need a ride?" "I'll be fine," she said. "You show Yuri-san a good time." Nervously, he said, "I'll do my best." Tae waved and departed, then circled around to follow them. She had a feeling they'd benefit from a guardian angel tonight. Some people just need gentle kicks in the butt. ************** "Oh yes, kiss me, kiss me..." Mai moaned as Tougo was licking her stomach. Then the door opened and Nara said, "You have to come out and stop the riot!" "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Mai's voice was almost enough to blow out the windows. Almost. "Sorry, but Gonzales is beating up Akira-kun! You have to do something!" he said pleadingly, though he turned red and now stared at the floor. "No doubt Takano mouthed off to her," Tougo said, shifting around to hide Mai's own nudity with his body. Mai grabbed for her clothing, diving off the desks they'd pushed together. "Tougo-san, you've going to have to stop her!" "There's only one person who can stop Gonzales-san," Tougo said, slowly getting his own clothing. "Maybe two, but they're both in your class and they aren't me." He looked out the window. "Hmm, Harry-san and Harima-san are going at it too." Mai scrambled to get dressed, trying to think of some kind of excuse. But she couldn't think of anything. She just wanted to fall over and die. But she couldn't. Not with Akira-san in danger. She just hoped she wouldn't be too late. ************* Akira could feel herself riding the thin edge of passing out. Harry and Harima were still pretty evenly tied, duking it out full force. She was getting her ass kicked; she had a sudden appreciation of Mikoto's skills she'd never fully had before. And then Imadori groped Lala from behind, a hand on each breast. She let go of Akira and spun, kicking Imadori into a tree. Then Karen came down on her from above like a ton of bricks. Lala had never seen Karen fight her this hard; it was exhilarating and painful at once for her. Her strength was incredible, and she looked very angry. Good, Lala thought, even as Karen body-slammed her. You're taking me seriously. Nara ran over to Akira and helped her up. "Akira- kun!" he shouted. "I'll survive," she choked out. "I see you got help." "They're coming, but they were naked and...I see Ichijou-san arrived." They watched Karen pound angrily on Lala. It was pretty frightening, especially the way Lala was laughing. Which just seemed to make Karen angrier. Harry punched Harima in the gut, then turned to stare at the laughing Lala. Harima was about to suckerpunch him, but all he could do was stare. Tougo strode out with his shirt unbuttoned. Mai had her skirt on backwards and was half-hiding behind him as she tried to get her shirt to button correctly. "Playtime's over, kids," Tougo said. "No more fighting." Harima and Harry backed off, watching each other warily, but Karen continued to pound Lala, who kept laughing. "Stop laughing!" Karen commanded her. "That's the Ichijou I wanted to see," Lala said. Karen froze on the middle of bending Lala's arms behind her back. "What?" "If Imadori can make you fight me that hard, maybe he's not entirely useless," Lala said. Imadori, embedded upside down in a tree, said, "I wouldn't mind if someone got me out of this." Tougo strode over and peeled him out of it as Mai finally got her clothing adjusted and strode over to Akira. "Takano-san, how are you?" "Sorry to interrupt your orgasms," Akira said. "But I was busy doing your job." Mai grimaced. "I can't watch everyone, all the time." "Not when you're busy sleeping with the enemy, no," Akira said. "Akira-kun, no one even tried to contact her," Nara said. "Be fair." "Hurts too much," Akira said. "I'm going to get you some help," Nara said, getting out his phone. "I'll call Itoko-sensei; she's a nurse." "Do you have her number?" Akira asked in surprise. "Well, no, but that's what information is for, right?" Meanwhile, Karen threw Lala to one side and rose. "Don't you ever hit Imadori-san again," she said. "I won't stand for it." She looked defiant. "Good," Lala said. "I'm afraid I can't promise you that, as he's an idiot and will likely touch me and need death again. But I'm glad to see you being strong." Karen blushed slightly, then ran over to Imadori. "Are you okay?" she asked. "Man, the knockers on that woman..." Imadori mumbled. He pulled together. "Yeah, I'm fine." Karen frowned a little. "Imadori-san..." He laughed nervously. "Sorry." He stared at the ground. "So much for the date." "Well, maybe we can just see a movie at your house or something," Karen said. "Yeah," he said. "And why are you two fighting?" Tougo demanded of Harry and Harima. "He's a butt-monkey," Harima said. "He's stupid and dating an underclassman," Harry said. "At least I can GET A DATE," Harima said. "Carry on maiming each other," Tougo said. "You can both take it. They began kicking each other's ass again as he strode over to Akira and Nara. "Takano-san, I'm sorry. Anything I can do for you?" "Try not having sex with your girlfriend where you can be caught. Discretion is important," Akira mumbled. "You and Nara are always discreet?" he asked, sounding cheerful, though his eyes flashed. "He gets to see my hidden self," Akira said softly. "Does Mai-san get to see yours?" Tougo stared at her silently a moment, then said, "Mai-san, please help me haul Takano-san to the nurse's station while we wait for help to come for her." "If you show your feelings, you will be betrayed and know pain. If you hide them, you will never be able to be close to anyone," Akira mumbled, closing her eyes. "Is that what you want?" She took Nara's hand as he talked on the phone and held it as they carried her inside. ************** Mikoto walked hand in hand with Hanai under the stars, feeling a little floaty. It had just been a wonderful night, and she could feel her heart beating faster. Just thinking about what she was thinking about doing made her feel excited. Shinichi had worn himself out dancing and Kasumi had dragged him home earlier. Jenny and Keiichi had peeled off once they left the dance hall. So it was just her and Hanai and Miki and Masahiro walking along. "You guys want to come up to my room and just hang out a while?" Miki asked. "We can watch late night TV or something. I'm too worked up to sleep yet." "Sure," Mikoto said. "We just have to remember to get going before the trains stop," Hanai said. Mikoto nodded. They headed off together across campus towards Miki's dorm. **************** Tenma took Karasuma's arm. She was practically floating on air by now; they had left the theatre; she'd loved the play, even if it didn't make a lot of sense to her. But just to be there... They were in a cab now, riding towards a restaurant for a late dinner. Karasuma looked over at her and smiled a little and her heart sang to her. "Thank you," she said softly. "I'll never forget this." "Nor I," he said, covering her hand with his other hand. She hoped the night would last forever. ************* Itoko studied Harry and Harima, who were still beating the crap out of each other. "Dare I even ask?" "Can't talk, fighting," Harima said, grabbing Harry's head and smashing it onto his knee, only to have Harry pull him off his feet and stomp his stomach. "Told her yet?" "No," Harima said. "Told who what?" Harry asked as he got knocked down by Harima, who began kicking him into a tree. "Nothing." Itoko went inside to the nurse's office, where she found Karen, Imadori, Tougo, Mai, Akira, Nara, and Lala. Karen had Lala pinned on a bed. "Hmm, I didn't know you two were like that," Itoko said, then turned to Akira as Lala and Karen turned red and sprang away from each other. "Dying..." Akira mumbled. "No, just bruised. Have you had any painkillers?" "No." She got Akira some aspirin, then went to checking her bruises. "You'll be fine. Let's find you some ice for the worst ones. Really, it may hurt a lot, but that's because you're not used to being hit," Itoko said. "Are you sure we don't need to call Tae-sensei?" Nara asked. "A little loving care, some rest, some ice, and frequent ingestion of aspirin is all. Who did this?" "Gonzales-san," Nara said angrily. "Get a rein on that temper, Gonzales-san. A wrestler shouldn't have to hurt someone this much to take them down," Itoko said to her. "She was very cruel." "Words mean nothing unless you give them power," Itoko said. "Akira-san, try to avoid fights you can't win." "I couldn't let her insult Nara-kun." "Commendable, yet dangerous. You know." Akira sighed. "I know." "Nara, will you help me take Akira home?" Itoko asked. "Of course," he said. "Ichijou-san, I advise you to find a less worthless boyfriend. Imadori-san, next time call the police instead of getting my student hurt." Imadori winced at that. Itoko sighed. "Mai-san, Tougo-san, can you clean up the rest of this mess?" "Yes, sensei," Tougo said. "Good, thank you." And then she left with Akira and Nara. She found Sasakura-sensei sketching the fight between Harry and Harima. "You going to come with me or stay and draw them?" "I feel inspired and someone will need to take the loser home," Sasakura-sensei said. "See you tomorrow, Itoko-kun." "See you, then." And she took off. ************* "Yuuki-san?" Tani-sensei asked in surprise. She was wandering around the base of Tokyo Tower. He and Yuri were planning to go up to the observation deck. "Don't go up, sensei! You'll vanish to another world!" Yuuki said slightly hysterically. "Yurippe, this is one of my students, Yuuki Tsumugi. Yuuki, this is my friend Moteuchi Yuri. What's this about another world?" "Sagano-san's been banished to another world!" Yuuki said hysterically. "I've been trying to banish myself so I can help her, but I can't figure out how to get it to work!" Tani-sensei laughed softly. "I think she's probably just playing another joke on you." "It's all my fault! I just wanted Hanai-san to be my boyfriend and..." She began to cry. Yuri knew that sort of hysteria; her sister was prone to it. She patted Yuuki's sholder. "Now, now, Yuuki-san, just take some deep breaths and it won't seem so bad." Tae-sensei watched carefully, resolving to talk to Yuuki once Tani and Yuri moved on. To Yuri's surprise, Yuuki clung to her, crying. "I have to find her. But the tower hates me." "It does not hate you," Yuri said. "Would you like to come up with us and see the city?" "It's very nice," Tani-sensei said. "Will I see Sagano?" Yuuki asked miserably. "I'm sure she's just hiding around here somewhere to prank you," Tani-sensei said. "Come on up with us." "Okay," Yuuki mumbled. She looked at Yuri. "Are you Tani-sensei's girlfriend?" "We're old friends from school," Yuri said nervously. "Okay," Yuuki mumbled and let herself be led up; Tae snuck after them. ************** Mikoto was only half watching whatever was on the TV. Maybe not even half. Much of her attention was devoted to making out with Hanai. She could half glimpse Miki and Masahiro doing the same thing, and she felt wonderfully excited by all of this, despite a vague feeling that it was kind of perverted for them to make out in front of each other. But it felt too good for her to care about that. "Hanai-kun," Miki said suddenly. "Were you at a jewelry store the other day?" Mikoto could feel Hanai vibrate. "A jewelry store? Me?" "So you were," Miki said firmly. Mikoto giggled slightly. "Busted, Haruki-kun." "I...yes," he mumbled. "So who was that girl I saw you with?" Miki asked. She sounded worried. He took Lala to a jewelry store, Mikoto thought, frowning. He hasn't taken ME to a jewelry store. But she couldn't let them know that. What if it made them lose faith in love? She couldn't do that to them. But building on lies...that wouldn't be fair either. She had to tell the truth. Had to. Mikoto took a deep breath. "That was Lala Gonzales," Hanai confessed. "She's one of Mikoto-kun's...sparring partners, I guess is one way to put it. She has a crush on me, and I don't know what to do about it." He sighed. "I've tried telling her I'm in love with someone else, but nothing gets through her head. She's determined she'll win me for herself and I'm just not strong enough to resist her as much as I should." He sounded hugely guilty. "I didn't actually take her to the jewelry store; we tried to hide in there because I was too weak to just be honest with you all for fear of...I don't even know for fear of what." She could feel him slump. "I just didn't want to cause anyone any trouble." "What a mess," Masahiro said. "Miki-chan, you probably should have been a little more discreet, asking something like that." "You were there too," Miki said. "And I waited until everyone else left." She sounded pouty. "I know all about Gonzales-san," Mikoto said, running a hand up and down Hanai's chest. "But you are mine," she said, emphasizing 'mine'. "I have known you since you were little and I know you like she'll never be able to know you. I know what's in your heart, Haruki-kun." He was turning red, and his embrace of her grew a little tighter as she sat in his lap, hand running up and down his chest. "Mikoto-kun..." "You don't have to be scared of what I think when you do something foolish. I may laugh, but I will love you nonetheless," she said. He started at that, staring at her with shock. Does she really love me? I thought we were just... "And you see the real me. Most men can only see my breasts," she said, taking one of his hands and resting it gently on her left breast. She could feel him start when she did this. She could hear Masahiro draw a deep breath of shock and Miki gave out just a quick burst of noise. "But I don't think I've ever heard you say a single thing about them. Because you see the heart of me, don't you, Haruki-kun?" she asked softly. "They are very nice," Hanai mumbled. "But they're not your best feature." Despite saying this, his hand made no move to leave her breast. "You always inspired me to work harder and do better. That's what I like best about you. You've always been my inspiration, Mikoto-kun." Mikoto glanced over. Masahiro was turning red, frozen with Miki curled around him. She looked almost like his pet snake. Miki was breathing hard, flushed and excited looking; she had the look of someone watching a last minute victory in a football game thought lost. "If we weren't meant for each other," Mikoto said softly. "Then I don't know if anyone ever was. I want you, Haruki-kun. Tonight." Her voice was tense with rising desire. Hanai's eyes widened, and seemed to widen more when she reached up and carefully removed his glasses. "I...now...but...Miki-san and Masahiro-san..." "Go right ahead," Miki mumbled. "I'm sure we'd learn something." She was staring, eyes wide and physically trembling. Then she turned to Masahiro. "Say something romantic," she mumbled. "Oh my goddess," Masahiro mumbled, staring as Mikoto reached down and pulled off Hanai's shirt, revealing his well muscled frame. Miki would have blushed more but there basically wasn't any extra blood left for her face. "Oh yes, more," she said, now sliding her hands down nervously, tugging his shirt up just a bit. A goddess, she thought. He thinks I'm a goddess. She felt even more excited than their first time; what little common sense she had now was booking passage to another planet. Masahiro carefully didn't reveal he'd actually been freaking out earlier. He had to fight the temptation to peek at Mikoto, as he expected Hanai would take her shirt off. We're all going to die, he thought. Mikoto's father will crucify us all. ANNIHILATION. But it was too late now. Miki had committed herself and he still hadn't figured out how to rein her in when she did that. "You are the cheerful shining light which guides me on my path," Masahiro said softly. "You pull me out of my ruts and force me to grow. I love you deeply," he whispered into Miki's ears as now Mikoto's shirt came off at the other end of the couch. We are so dead, he thought, and then for a long time, he didn't do much thinking. *************** Karen sighed as she munched on popcorn. Watching a movie at Imadori's house, sitting by him on the couch, would normally have excited her, but she felt terrible about what happened to Akira and the romantic mood was shot. She'd given up on her big plan to make him hers for tonight. Also, giant robot movies were not very romantic. Imadori seemed subdued too. Though that might just be the presence of his mother at the other end of the couch. Karen, at least, wouldn't try anything with his mother watching. "You okay?" she said softly. "I just couldn't do anything," he mumbled. "And Takano-san got all maimed defending me." "Well, we can buy her a nice apology gift," Imadori's mother said, sighing. "Everyone likes jewelry." Karen didn't know if jewelry would be enough. ************* Nara hung up the phone. "They didn't even notice we left." Akira shook her head softly. "I thought so." Her mother gently laid her down on the bed. "You need anything, honey?" "I'd like some wine and something to snack on as I am starving," Akira said. "She'll be fine," Itoko said. "She just needs rest, keep some ice on the worst bruises. Nara knows what to do." Nara nodded, and went to get ice, while Akira's mother went for the wine. "You're lucky to have a dedicated boyfriend like that," Itoko said to Akira. "Incredibly. He told me not to go," Akira said. "Has good common sense, then." "I couldn't leave Kenji in the lurch, foolish as he can be sometimes. I take care of my own," Akira said. "He's going to owe you big," Itoko said. "He has to finally come clean with Yakumo," Akira said. Itoko frowned. "That may turn ugly." "Not as ugly as if she hears about Eri kissing him from someone else." "Does he..." Itoko looked thoughtful. Akira shifted a little, giving a soft grunt at pain. "I don't know. I think he loves Tenma, but it's pretty clear he'd be willing to die for Eri and it wouldn't surprise me if he'd be willing to die for Yakumo too." Itoko shook her head. "The boy has never known what he was doing in anything he did, ever." "But he's a good guy at heart," Akira said. "Yeah," Itoko said. "Where is he?" Akira asked. "Still fighting, last I saw." ************* Harima was trying to fold Harry backwards, except that Harry managed to kick him in the face with a free leg and he lost his grip. Harima tumbled and his phone rang. "Hold on, I have a call." Harry paused, waiting. "Kenji-kun," Yakumo said. "Can you come pick me up? I'm done working and I have some food for both of us." He thought about his promise to Akira and he felt his heart begin pounding. He didn't know what to say, how to say it... Where had Akira gone, anyway? "I'll come and get you," he said. "Thanks, Kenji-kun," she said. "See you soon." She hung up and he turned to Harry. "I gotta go pick up the girlfriend." Harry sighed. "You're a lucky man; she and her sister are pretty devoted to you." This just made Harima feel worse. "Thanks," he said, then got on his bike and drove into the night. ************* "See?" Tani-sensei said. "Nothing strange here at all." Yuuki looked about frantically. "Sagano-san! Sagano-san!!!!!!" Tae-sensei quietly searched, hidden, worrying a little. "Does she do this often?" Yuri whispered to Tani- sensei. "No, not really," Tani-sensei said. "I'm going to have to tan Sagano's hide once we find her." He frowned. Drops of rain began to fall and thunder rumbled. "Now, if this was some anime, lightning would hit the tower and we'd be flung to another world," Yuri said. "Like in all that manga you read." "Those too," she said. "Of course, you read them too." Tani-sensei laughed nervously. "I got beat up enough without admitting..." There was a huge crack of thunder and lightning hit the tower. There was a BOOM, a FLASH, and then they were gone. ************** Eri jumped, dropping her book on herself as the crack of thunder shook the windows. "The hell?" She ran to the window, hoping this wasn't actually a nuke. But all she saw was rain. She sighed and settled back down to read in hopes of death by boredom which would thus end her boredom. Death being like that. ************** Yakumo stood just inside the cafe, watching the sudden rainstorm. Then she suddenly felt her skin prickling, felt something in the air. Something was going to happen. The mother of all thunderclaps went off, and Yakumo nearly fell, barely catching the doorframe in time. She could hear crashing noises and ran outside. Harima had knocked down a bunch of garbage cans, when the thunder startled him. "Are you okay?" Yakumo asked. "I'm fine," he said, breathing a little hard. "You okay?" he asked. She could see his voice in the air, hear his worry. It made her feel good to sense that. But why couldn't she feel it more often now? That made her worry. "I'm fine," she said. "Help me up." He got her up on the bike and then threw his jacket over her to keep dry. She cuddled up to him; he had to admit that driving her around felt completely natural to him now. It felt right. That would be the simplest solution, wouldn't it? She loved him, and he knew he at least liked her. She was good to work with and fun to be around. But would it be honest to her? To himself? Could he stand to be around Tenma once he gave up on her? And what about Eri? He sighed and pushed it out of his head for the moment. Even if he couldn't hold off MUCH longer. ************* Tenma whirled around the dance floor, wondering when she'd learned to dance so well. Of course Karasuma could dance, but he wasn't a klutz like her. Elegant, tall dancers drifted by, but she only had eyes for Karasuma. The music was just for them, the city made only for this moment. She kept expecting something to go horribly wrong, but it didn't. Not tonight. This was her perfect night. It could only go well. She heard a clock chime, over and over, twelve times. Would she turn back into a pumpkin now? She looked, worried at Karasuma, but he said, "We can keep dancing, if you like." She yawned. "I want to, but I might fall asleep," she said, sadly. "Then, before we go..." He swept her around and pulled her into a deep dip. She blushed as his face lurked by hers. And then he lifted her up and they headed on their way. ************* Being the legendary harem-ninja did have its advantages, like kicking ass, Sagano had to admit. She ran up a tree, then came down with one of her scimitars, cutting a goblin in half, then pivoted on one foot to kick out the teeth of a werewolf, followed by cutting him off at the knees. The howling monsters fled, and Prince Fuyuki crawled out of his hiding hole. He was cute, but not much use in a fight, she'd concluded. Good artist, though. He'd sketched out the monsters quite precisely on his notepad as he hid from them. "You're gonna owe me another concert," she said. "Tell me we're almost there." "It's only another four hundred miles," he said. "But I know with you here, we'll reach Princess Tenma in time." He had learned of an assassination plot, from what she understood. Intended to facilitate an oni invasion. It seemed to her like the onis and their minions had already taken over, but maybe it's normally deadly dangerous in this world, she thought. He's sure used to taking cover. Yet another wave of goblins rushed out of the depths of the forest, but then there was a crack of thunder and lighting, and Tae-sensei, Tani-sensei, Yuuki, and some pretty woman that Sagano didn't know fell out of the sky and landed on the goblins, squashing them flat. "Nice save," Sagano said. "YUUKI WHY DID YOU SEND ME HERE!" Yuuki hid behind Tani-sensei. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to banish everyone to another dimension!!!!!!" The other woman looked around in confusion. "What's going on, Tanisa?" Sagano's eyes suddenly focused on her. "Oooh, old flame of yours, sensei?" Tani-sensei's eyes widened. "We, umm...why are you wearing that outfit?" he asked. "It's all Yuuki's fault. But Prince Fuyuki here..." "Lord Fuyuki," he said. "Lord Fuyuki believes I'm the legendary Harem-Ninja, come to save the world. Or something. How did you guys get here?" "Tokyo Tower," Yuuki mumbled. "HAH!" Sagano said. "Now come here and get your spanking." Tani-sensei now noticed Tae. "Tae-san, what are you doing here?" Tae laughed nervously. "I don't know." "Obviously, it's the three assistant harem-ninjas and the Cabana-Boy-Ninja!" Lord Fuyuki said. "..." Ta