#I’m not ready to see him in his Koku-form | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

snowe-zolynn-rogers · 5 years

Text

Pairings: Blackmist (Watasaeki Kurogiri)/Ragdoll (Shiretoko Tomoko), Dabi (Todoroki Touya)/Mr. Compress (Sako Atsuhiro), Toga Himiko/Eri, Twice (Bubaigawara Jin)/Spinner (Iguchi Shuichi), Overhaul (Chisaki Kai).Chronostasis (Kurono Hari)/Shigaraki Tomura (Shimura Tenko)

Word Count: 1320 Words

Summary: Tetsutetsu and Kendo fight Mustard, Twice has to find Touya, and the Training Camp Arc wraps up.

Warnings: Blackmail/Extortion/Threats, Fighting/Violence, Injury (Shooting), Blood, Head Injury, Partial Muteness (Touya can’t speak without it hurting because of his scars), Kidnapping, Flashbacks, Sickness/Illness (Flu/Pneumonia), let me know if I should add anything else.

Note: Based on this AU. Link here to this chapter on ao3. Kurogiri is a pro hero and UA teacher. Ahmya means ‘black rain and Ayeka means ‘someone who thinks quickly, rationally, or logically’. Shinokanri means ‘possessive particle control’, since her family is mainly telekinetic quirks. Yukimura is Todoroki Rei’s maiden name, it means ‘snow village’. Tamijiki is Magne’s chosen name, it means ‘honest beautiful’.

The Leage Of Misfit Heroes: Chapter 6- As We Disappear

Eri bounced nervously around in her energy form, the gas would kill her if she wasn't in her energy form but she was getting tired and weirded out by Koku's muttering. She hated being here.

"Three. No, two people are headed straight for us. I guess a few of them avoided my gas and realized I'm here. I should've expected that from a prestigious school." She heard him grabbing something.

"I found you!" Screamed a student and, she was blinded by panic as she rushed to block the student from the villain, a loud bang ringing over her heartbeat in her ears and she collapsed, her energy form gone and she struggled to breathe, feeling blood pouring from the wound now in her head and she felt hands on her to keep her in one place. She felt a mask being placed over her face, filtering the air and she shook feeling the blood pooling and staining her hair.

"You're okay, you're okay." Her vision blacked out to feeling the hands leaving and screaming above her.

'No, don't leave.' she thought. 'I don't wanna die alone.'

"Vanguard Action Squad, I've got our target! Head back to the retrieval point." She heard Sako in her ear. She managed to click the vocal broadcast on her own earpiece.

"Help." She wasn't sure she'd spoken, or if she even had clicked the right button but she passed out without being able to check.

"Touya!" Jin screamed for his partner. This idiot was missing and he wasn't able to use the talking earpieces because, well, no one expected him to hurt himself talking unless he was in danger. Damn those scars, Touya wasn't able to talk without hurting himself.

"I let out our friend stuck in the school building. Get your partner, Twice." He heard their inside man's voice over the earpiece and sighed in relief, rushing quietly to get Touya, who looked panicked as he ran from the school building and to him, both running off into the woods to get to the meeting point.

They had to stop at a point where Touya collapsed with overexertion and started crying our of stress, Twice holding his shaking friend close and trying to comfort him before having to keep them moving by picking him up and carrying him to the meeting point.

"Get off!" Shuichi screeched at the cat-lady above him, pinning him down no matter how many weak force fields he used to try to move her off. Tami was struggling away from Tiger, screaming and he what believed was an asthma attack. If he could just reach her, he could get her free and she could try to calm down.

"Yes, let's move the two of you. Someplace more fitting." Kurogiri's voice came and he almost thought 'saviour'.

"Give them back to us!" Midoriya screamed as they practically bodyslammed the boy in yellow and boy with silver hair.

"Out of the way, you two." Touya told the two teammates, readying a snow attack and firing it once the raven and silverette were out of the way, aka Hari covering Sako with his body. The snow sent the three attackers away from the two while a vaguely familiar voice entered his mind.

"Midoriya! Shoji!" The rush that came with just the two words trembled him and he gasped in a shaky breath.

'Tou, look!' 'We'll always be best friends. We'll always have each other! Built in best friends!' 'Touya, no, move!' 'Mama?' He collapsed to his knees with weakness and trembled.

"Shoto?" He asked himself as Jin and Hari began fighting the three that had attacked Atsuhiro and Hari with the tall one with half a dozen arms whacked Hari away from the green haired kid and Twice dodged Shoto. His eyes followed his twin, tears filling up his eyes. He thought he'd never see him again.

Once the three students revealed they'd stolen the three marbles from Sako, they tried to run off only to be driven back by the Nomu that was under Shimura's control, which was headed back to the meeting site and Blackmist appeared to halt them and scare them.

"It's been five minutes since the signal. Let's go, children." Kurogiri told them. Even as his teammates filed out through the portals, Hari had to drag him up and toward the portal with his other arm holding an unconscious Atsuhiro, who likely had been unconscious since his initial impact with the ground.

"Hold on! We can't leave without the kid!" He exclaimed at Hari.

"Don't worry. Hari told him, as if bragging. "They were so proud of themselves rooting through Atsu's pockets that I thought I'd let them gloat." Kurono turned to face the students. "Let me explain. They forgot there was a second villain involved. Atsu didn't have the marbles with their precious friends in them, he had dupes."

Hari held up the evidence of the two's trick and, suddenly, a lazer beam came from just before the clearing where Touya had collapsed earlier to cry, hitting Hari's hand and causing him to fumble and drop all three marbles. The three students began running to them, trying to get their friend back.

Touya saw Shoto rushing toward his direction and his body panicked and, instead of reaching for the marble, every instinct in his brain opened his arms for a hug like Sho would when they were tiny, before their mother hurt them, before their father isolated them, before they were abused. Hari fumbled and grabbed one of the marbles as Shoto practically tackled Touya into the warp gate and the twins ended up on the floor, both breathing hard.

Touya hiccupped, beginning to cry as Shoto held up his prize of the marble he'd caught and then he looked around only for his face of victory to fall as he realized he was surrounded by the League of Villains inside their bar. Touya was yanked away from his twin by Iguchi but he screamed and fought away from even him.

With his face red and his body shaking, he ran up to th bedroom above the bar, hiding in the corner next to his bed as he began sobbing. He didn't want this anymore, he didn't want any of this to begin with. He just wanted to be happy and live his life out with Atsu and maybe be reunited with his brother one day. But he didn't want their reunion to be like this, never like this.

Eventually Hari came up to comfort him, seeing as Atsu was still unconscious and was laying in their shared bed. After some time, Shoto came upstairs with a purple haired kid, a blonde kid, and the rest of the members of the league. The three captured students wore quirk inhibitors and Touya noticed the distinct lack of Kai, Eri, and Himiko.

Tenko was curled up in his bed, shivering through his fever and Tamijiki had draped herself into bed with her nebulizer, calming her lungs. But Eri, Himi, and Kai were just not there.

"Where's the other three?" He asked after a second.

"They didn't get warped back." His heart dropped and his body felt cold. Sako stirred and woke slowly and he buried his hand in his boyfriend's, laying his head on the bed tiredly while Hari tried to get him into bed to hopefully sleep off this stressful day. Eventually the half and half listened and dragged himself into bed, still shaky from all his back-to-back anxiety attacks today.

He couldn't help but mourn Eri and Himiko and feel horrible for Tenko and Hari. Eri and Himiko were all but lost, never to be seen by him again and Tenko and Hari had to live without their other boyfriend now that Kai had likely been taken into custody. He passed out still mourning them and thinking himself lucky for having not lost his best friend and boyfriend.

6 notes · View notes

glmfic · 6 years

Text

Happy holidays my dear readers: chapter 27 sneak-peak

My dear readers, bless you all. I have been writing on GLM for 10 years now, and you’ve been my everything. Nothing is more motivating and encouraging than knowing there is someone out there waiting to read what happens next. Your comments and reviews make me laugh and cry (happy tears!). Most importantly, they give me the drive to keep writing. Please don’t misunderstand, I enjoy writing-- very much, but it’s a solitary thing and sometimes can be discouraging and lonely. A quick trip to FF.net or Wattpad (and now this blog<3), is all I need to change that. Because of YOU. You, my dear readers. You are all so special and important to me, more than you know. I appreciate you all so much, thank you for being on this journey with me.

When I posted chapter 26 at the end of June, I was overwhelmed with the response. You guys were amazing-- so excited, you had so much to say! It made my heart so full, afdgshjfgssj !!! You were dying for the next part and I was dying to write it for you <333 Originally, I thought that that would be no problem-- I had sort of split chapter 26 in two...part of it was going to contribute to chapter 27. I knew where things were going, piece of cake! I’ve had this part of the story in my head for ages (Naru!!!) and I was just going crazy wanting to write it out. I thought your excitement + my motivation = chapter out in record time (oh yeaaaah). But life has a funny way taking your plans...and throwing them out the window. What was supposed to be an update in September, turned into...when can I steal five minutes to write today? Some of the delay has been work related, but a larger and tougher barrier has been some serious personal problems that have come up. I’ve been all consumed with taking care of and supporting my family in this hard time. Unfortunately, it’s left me pretty exhausted. Writing is usually my go-to way to de-stress, but most days I couldn’t find the energy, even when I had the chance. It has made me sad. Very sad because I want to write. I want to share the next chapter with you, my dear readers. Posting updates here on this blog though, and seeing you all still kindly waiting for me, lifts my heart. I am so grateful!

I couldn’t give you the full chapter for Christmas like I wanted, but I wanted to give you something. So here it is: a preview of chapter 27! I know we’re just around the corner from 2018, and I am hopeful I will be able to return to writing like I so want to. I am excited to share 2018 with you all, and to share the next installments in this story I love so much.

I hope you enjoy this small preview (this chapter supposed to be 10,000+ words when finished), thank you all so much for your support <333

[previously in chapter 26]

Reaching the inn, unable to help herself, Mai scanned the cars parked outside. No black van. A familiar ache spread through her chest, but she stubbornly ignored it. Dinner was coming.

He will be there.

Last to enter the lobby, her mind on things like what freeway traffic was like at this hour, Mai didn't notice Mrs. Koku until she was nearly upon her.

“SIGN.”

Mai gave a polite bow,

“Oh, hello.”

Her greeting discharged, Mai made to move along, unpleasant memories surrounding the inn keeper assaulting her, but she was halted by a second, “SIGN.”

Mai blinked, and turned to look back. She saw then that in addition to a sour expression, Mrs. Koku held a clipboard. At her feet were two boxes. Gift wrapped.

“SIGN.”

Mai took the clipboard that was suddenly shoved into her hands.

“Me...?” she asked, staring at the receipt in confusion. Designer perfume invaded Mai's senses. Ayako was suddenly at her side. The miko bent down and picked up the two boxes.

“For you? Mai, this department store wrap, tsk-- expensive. I only pay for it at the holidays. Who could it be from?”

Mai stared at the crisp wrapping paper, thinking the exact same thing.

Who...?

She glanced at the packages, but there was no card, no return address...

“Do you know who--” she began, but faltered meeting the inn keeper's stony gaze. The old woman reached out and jammed a wrinkled finger against the X at the bottom of the receipt.

“SIGN.”

[chapter 27]

Day Seven

4:30pm

The Koku Inn

Mai had barely finished signing when the clipboard was yanked from her hands. She watched as Mrs. Koku reviewed the receipt, her expression as if Mai had written a foul word there instead of her signature. Self-conscious, Mai glanced at the clipboard.

“Is there...something wrong?”

The inn keeper grunted.

“PEN.”

Huh?

Mai blinked, confused, but then realizing what she still held in her hand, mumbled a quick, “oh, here.”

Snatching up the offered pen, the old woman gave one last scowl before shuffling away. With the distinct feeling she was being silently cursed, Mai turned to leave. She had only made it a step though, when a second booming voice filled the lobby. Mr. Koku joined his wife.

“DID YOU DELIVER THOSE PACKAGES TO THAT GIRL?”

“I HAD TO, THERE WAS A RECIPT.”

“SHE ACCEPTED THEM?”

“WITHOUT BATTING AN EYE. SHAMELESS. SHE EVEN HAD THE PLUCK TO TRY AND ASK ME WHO THEY WERE FROM. AS IF SHE DOESN'T ALREADY KNOW.”

“NOW MY DEAR, SHE MIGHT NOT AFTER ALL. THOSE KINDS OF CITY GIRLS KEEP SO MANY RICH LOVERS, IT GETS HARD TO TELL THEM APART.”

Shameless? What kind of girl...?!

Mai was definitely warm now. She tugged at her hoodie, fighting the urge to share a piece of her mind with the slanderous inn keepers behind her-- only past experience held her back. Arguing would do nothing but cause a scene. The last thing she needed was more eyes on her.

Grudgingly, she met the set that were. John's openly curious, but also empathetic. Ayako's, side-long and glittering with interest. Bou-san's amusement was clear from across the room. Reaching them, her head ducked in embarrassment, Mai was surprised to find Lin still standing there. His gaze was impossible to read as usual, but she noticed his attention lingered on the packages in Ayako's arms.

“If you're finished here, we should head in,” he spoke, leading the way down the hall. Mai followed after, only too ready escape the lobby.

“Rich lovers, hm?” Bou-san murmured as she past him.

“Shut up.”

They arrived at Ayako's room first, but the miko walked by.

“Leave me out of opening these boxes? As if.”

Mai sighed, staring at her delivery.

So much for privacy.

But privacy was exactly what she was being afforded. Mai had braced herself for the prying looks and whispers as she returned to her room, but the occupants of the Koku Inn were too busy getting ready to be busy bodies.

They reached John's room next. With the agreement to meet for dinner, the young priest left them. Ahead of them, Lin opened his door.

“I've reserved a table, be there no later than six.”

With these instructions, the Chinese man shut his door. Just the three of them, Bou-san and Ayako's suppressed interest and curiosity was given free reign.

“So, what do you think is in there?”

“Expensive shoes,” Ayako answered, tapping the box with her nails.

Mai blinked, surprised at the woman's cool certainty.

What makes her so sure?

“What about perfume?”

“Perfume? No. It's shoes, and probably a dress too.”

“What do you mean, no? Perfume makes a nice gift. And jewelry. Two-thousand yen says there's a necklace.”

“Good gifts, according to 2 am infomercials. Your singleness is showing.”

“Ah, so you've been watching them too?”

Mai reached over and took the packages out of the priestess' distracted arms.

“We're here,” she announced, digging in her sweatshirt pocket for her key. That was when her gaze, as if drawn, fell on it. Unoccupied, room thirteen.

Naru.

With mixed feelings, Mai stared at the spot she had stood that morning. The familiar ache was present, but also, the thrill of anticipation.

He's coming back.

“What's with all the commotion out here?”

Torn from her thoughts, Mai saw the door to room twelve was open, an old man standing in it.

That neighbor.

Mai griped her key and quickly turned back to her door.

“So, it's you again. Should have known,” he began, recognizing her. The commotion (argument between Bou-san sand Ayako) behind Mai paused.

“Who's your friend?” Bou-san asked. Mai turned the key in her lock.

“Ah, your parents,” the old man continued, noticing Ayako and Bou-san. Mai nearly dropped her key.

Parents...?

“I tell you, you ought to have better control of your daughter. I couldn't sleep at all because of her boy chasing, pounding on the door next to mine well after midnight, and then, she was back at it even before the sun was up--”

The boxes Mai held were suddenly plucked from her. With a firm shove from a perfectly manicured hand, Mai stumbled into her room.

“You hear that? This is all your fault. You should reflect on your poor parenting,” Ayako announced, backing in after Mai, smirking at the bewildered monk in front of her. Then, in a tone just he could hear, “We're going to spend some mother-daughter time. See you at dinner.”

“What kind of father...” was the last thing Mai heard before the door was shut.

“Boy chasing?” Ayako asked with an arch glance.

“Forget it, mom.”

“Fine, but only because we have bigger fish to fry.” The miko held out the packages, “If you don't get these open, I will.”

Mai took the packages, bringing them over to her unmade bed. Ayako made a disapproving face, but held her tongue. Mai's mind began to race. The same questions cycled through her head: who? Why?

Again, she looked for some form of identification. But her delivery was unmarked.

“Enough stalling. I'll do it.”

Ayako picked up the smaller box and expertly slipped the wrap off. Then she did the same to the larger one. Mai's heart pounded in her ears.

The two of them stared down at the unwrapped boxes.

“Hi-ro-ko Ko-shi-no,” Mai spoke, reading the name elegantly printed there.

“Hiroko Koshino...I recognize the brand-- they have a store in Ginza. I visit them sometimes. When I'm in the mood to treat myself.”

“Really?” Mai murmured, her curiosity mounting. Turning the large box over in her hands, she pulled at the corner, and the top came off. Buried in scented tissue paper was a dress, lace and rich burgundy. Mai stared, stunned. Next to her, Ayako had no patience for her shock. The priestess snatched up the smaller box, the lid was gone in an instant.

“I called it,” Ayako remarked with satisfaction, “Shoes. And a dress. That monk owes me 2,000 yen.”

“Oh, they even match,” Ayako persisted, holding up the pair of lace flats next to the dress Mai held.

It's a complete outfit.

Standing there, considering the pair of luxurious gifts and how they came to be hers, Mai could feel Ayako's intent gaze.

“Ah, the spoils of having a rich lover. I'm jealous.”

Mai blinked at the miko, only half listening, “Hm? What do you mean...?”

Ayako set the shoes down on the bed and gestured at them,

“I mean, if I wanted something like this, I'd have to be prepared to fork over 30,00 yen.”

30,000 ?!

The dress slipped from Mai's fingers.

“What? That kind of money-- I can't wear these! I don't even know who they're from! Who could afford such an expensive gift?”

Ayako bent down and collected the abandoned dress, her eyes narrowed critically. She made show of smoothing the lace, before giving a simple answer,

“Your rich lover.”

Mai crossed her arms in protest,

“Ayako-- I'm being serious.”

The miko fixed her with a look, “So am I. You think rent in Shibuya is cheap?”

A heartbeat passed.

“Shibuya...”

She means--

“If I had known he had gone to Tokyo for a shopping trip, I would have made him take me along.”

Mai grabbed the dress back.

Naru?

She inspected the seams, the tag...but it was no use, no trace of the sender was stitched there.

No way.

“Cinderella time.” Ayako pressed the pair of shoes into Mai's arms.

“Cinderella?” Mai repeated, being coaxed towards the bathroom.

The miko shrugged at her,

“Well, if he's not your rich lover, then what else but your prince charming?”

Mai halted and made to object, but taking her shoulders, the priestess directed her straight into the bathroom,

“No? Okay...I guess he's just your generous boss who likes to drop 60,000 on his employees. Nothing special. Let me know when it's my turn, will you?”

“60,000? I thought you said 30,000?”

“That was just the shoes. The dress easily costs as much. Probably more. Now quit checking out price tags and get them on, we don't have all day.”

And with that Ayako closed the bathroom door. Mai leaned her forehead against it. Speaking through it, she protested,

“But we don't know if it's even from him.”

“60,000 yen says the dress and shoes are exactly your size.”

Mai's felt heat rise to her cheeks at the miko's muffled answer,

“The size...? How would he know--”

“I was hoping you could tell me.”

That Ayako.

“There's no use denying it,” the priestess continued, unrelenting,“What kind of man buys a woman flats instead of heels...unless they know what a klutz they are? It's from him. So, do you have it on yet? Let's see...”

“No. You distracted me,” Mai answered irritably, leaning back from the door. On the other side she could hear the miko rummaging around, muttering something about ungrateful people and going to dinner in her robes.

Mai sighed, and began undressing. Off came her hoodie.

4,000 yen.

Then her t-shirt.

1,000 yen.

And her jean shorts.

3,000 yen.

Mai reached for the lace dress, and paused.

30,000 yen...

That was almost enough money to pay for a month's groceries. Could she really wear something like that?

Is it really from...

“This a place is a wreck, how do you live like this? And your suitcase is completely empty, don't tell me you haven't been doing laundry...?”

I have nothing else...and Ayako's waiting...

Equal parts embarrassed and pleased, Mai unzipped the dress and slipped it over her head.

It was the exact size. Just as Ayako had said. Mai gazed at her reflection in the mirror, studying the details: the flattering cut, the hem falling just below her knees. Her arms were sleeved in intricate lace. The two cutouts at her waist were the only skin shown, the top of the dress coming up around her neck, delicate and modest.

“...and put a load in with mine tonight, really what were you planning on? You'll end up smelling like Bou-san. Are you done?”

“Not yet,” Mai answered, glancing at the shoes,“but the dress fits.”

“What did I tell you?”

Mai flushed, stubbornly ignoring the remark. Her attention then turned to her feet. Mai crouched down, her fingers trailing along her injuries. Relieved to see the skin mostly healed, she reached for the lace flats.

Another 30,000...

Each shoe on, Mai flexed her toes. Again, a perfect fit.

How...?

“What's taking so long, are you stuck? I'm coming in,” Ayako announced, opening the bathroom door.

Mai straightened, self-consciously adjusting the dress. The miko's keen gaze swept over her.

“Mm, very nice. You look every cent of 60,000.”

“It's comfortable,” Mai countered, still bothered by the price tag.

“Even the shoes...?” the miko asked, approaching her.

“Even the shoes.”

“Well done. He knows every inch of you, hm?”

“Ayako--”

“You're healing up nicely,” she went on, leaning down to study Mai's feet, “Good.”

“Can I keep the bandages off, do you think that's okay?” Mai wondered,

Ayako moved around her, coming to stand next the empty bathtub.

“I think so, you did fine yesterday. Just let me know how you feel after tonight,” she answered, reaching in and plugging the drain. Mai watched as the miko turned the cold water faucet on full.

“What are you doing?”

“What you should have done already.”

Ayako disappeared from the room, and reappeared a second later with a dress laid over her arm.

Originally pink, it was splotched red and brown. A chill ran through Mai. It was her dress from the night before.

“Let it soak, some of the blood may still come out...” Ayako mused, submerging the dress.

Mai stared. Absently she placed a hand to her chest. A heavy weight rested there again.

“Alright, now for makeup and hair. Everything is back in my room, l'll get it.”

“Ayako,” Mai spoke, her gaze still lingering on the bath, “what did you do with your outfit?”

The priestess paused. Her lips twisted into a bitter pout,

“It wasn't salvageable. I threw it out.”

A stark memory replayed in Mai's mind: Ayako, tending to the injured theater goers, the white she was wearing marred with streaks of red.

It wasn't salvageable.

“Hey, what's that face for...?”

Mai shook her head,

“Never mind. Thank you for helping.”

“Helping? This is nothing,” she answered gesturing at the pink dress, “You should see your room, you won't recognize it. God, I really am your mother...”

And with that the priestess left the bathroom. She returned some minutes later to find Mai perched on the counter, still facing the bathtub. Mai allowed the miko to go to work, creams, powders, liners...

“Close your eyes” Ayako ordered.

Obediently Mai shut them, feeling the swipe of a brush across her eyelids. It was then that she noticed it. How tired she was.

I hardly slept last night...

Passing in and out of exhausted consciousness, Mai's thoughts wandered, but they weren't aimless. Relentlessly, they cycled back to one thing...the dress soaking a few feet from her.

The other ghost.

“Quit frowning, you're ruining my work. You can open your eyes now.”

Mai swallowed, surfacing from her reverie, blinking blurrily. Her eyes wanted nothing more than to close again.

“Just say it.”

“Hm?”

“Something is bothering you.”

Mai hesitated. There was so much couldn't just say.

“I was just wondering...” she finally said, “about the case.”

Ayako made a considering noise, “Still uneasy? Is that it? Don't be. I personally saw to two exorcisms today. Really, all that is left to do is announce that we've cleared the haunting. Case closed.”

Mai's brow furrowed,

“What happened at the theater was dangerous,” she persisted in the face of the miko's self-assuredness.

“We've handled worse than Mr. Miyuki.”

Mr. Miyuki.

Further weight pressed against Mai's chest.

“What if...but what if we're missing something? We need more time to investigate.”

Ayako's trademark smirk emerged,

“Weren't you listening? Two exorcisms today. Whatever was there, is gone.”

The priestess' bravado in full force, Mai gave up the argument. With a guilty conscience, she forced herself too look away from the bath and it's haunting reminder of the secret she was keeping.

The other ghost.

“Here, let's do something with that hair.”

Ayako zipped up her makeup bag and stepped back, allowing Mai space to slip down from the counter. Mai turned and stared into the mirror.

“Pretty good, hm?” Ayako quipped, seeing Mai's expression, “I thought a smokey eye might be nice for a change. Suits you.”

“It's...perfect.”

Mai continued to gaze at herself. She wouldn't say it out loud, but Ayako had been right. She felt like Cinderella.

The miko's expert fingers went to work again. Sprays and bobby pins later, the front sections of Mai's hair were braided back, the rest left down.

“There. Very classy. If I didn't know better, I'd say you'd were some rich heiress.”

A dress and shoes from a designer in Tokyo.

60,000 yen.

“It's comfortable,” Mai repeated, modestly. But her heart raced. She couldn't help but imagine the moment she would see Naru.

“What time is it, already a quarter past five...? I need to head back.” Ayako announced, gathering her things.

Mai followed the priestess from the bathroom, and got her first look at her bedroom. Mai blinked in surprise. She didn't recognize it. The window was cracked open to let fresh air in. The bed was made. There were no clothes strewn about the floor-- in fact she saw none of her clothes at all. Not the green dress loaned to her from Nari. Not the shirt and shorts she borrowed from Ayako. Her suitcase was missing.

“Smells better, doesn't it?” Ayako remarked, with grim satisfaction, “It should. I took out those old food trays you had piled up. Honestly, I don't know how you live...”

“Where did you put it all?” Mai wondered, glancing at the tidy corners of her room.

“I stole your suitcase. I'll be doing laundry later. Everything else you had laying around is folded. Along with some festival greatest hits I found crumpled under your bed,” Ayako answered admonishingly, “I figured you'd want to return them.”

Festival greatest hits...?

Mai's gaze fell on something colorful stacked at the foot of her bed.

“I'll see you in thirty, meet me outside John's room,” Ayako instructed on her way out the door. A rustle of robes and she was gone.

Mai let out a long breath. Careless of her hair, she threw herself across her bed. She was so tired.

Mai laid there, the last twenty-four hours running on a jumbled replay through her mind:

The theater.

The blood.

Mr. Sachi and Miss Miyuki.

Nari's near miss.

The pink dress.

Mrs. Motoshi.

Not friends.

The other ghost.

Naru taking her hand.

Naru helping her clean up.

Naru looking pale.

Naru gone.

Naru.

Naru...

Mai blinked and cleared her throat. It suddenly felt tight. Her stare shifted from the ceiling to her sleeves. She studied the lace detail.

Is this really...from him?

Mai's heart fluttered. She sat up, blaming it on palpitations. That was when she caught sight of it again. The stack. Her festival greatest hits. Mai frowned, realizing that Ayako wasn't far off the mark. Sitting there were the forgotten dresses of festival days past.

Mai snatched at the bottom of the stack, effectively destroying it (sorry Ayako!). In surprise, she held up a dress of pale blue satin. Mrs. Koku had given it to her, the very first night of the festival.

I never gave it back...?

With growing guilt, Mai examined the rest of the ruined stack. Threads of purple and silver. The kimono Masako had lent her. Mai winced at the dirt stain marring the perfect brocade. Before thoughts of manhandling could surface, she turned her attention to the next dress. Dark green and velvet.

Ah, here's Nari's...

Mai's cheeks grew warm. The actress had been so generous. Mai had meant to return it right away.

I hope she's not in trouble with the costume department because of me.

Mai set to straightening the stack into something orderly again. She made a new promise to make good on her loans. Mai found herself restless, distracted.

The pink dress, soaking in the bathtub, haunted her. Ignoring it, her mind then treacherously fixated on the dress she was wearing now. How right it felt. How perfect it was. The best of any of the dresses she had worn. A persistent voice whispered that the person who had picked it out had done so with care...and if that person was Naru, then that must mean...

Her face growing hot again (for an entirely different reason), Mai firmly banished any further thought. Her eyes searched the room, but caught on the edge of the bed. Blue satin shimmered there. Mai hesitated. She glanced out the window, attempting to read the darkening sky. How late was it...would she even have the time...?

With a groan, Mai stood. She had made up her mind. She would do it. Against her better judgment, she snatched up the blue satin dress once again and left.

The hall outside Mai's door was unusually quiet. Mai took this as an encouraging sign and hurried on her way. She past John's room-- there was no Ayako.

Good, still early.

Mai's footsteps slowed as she neared the lobby. She began to doubt herself. She recalled her earlier encounter with the old inn keeper, the woman's snide comments and suspicions. The last thing Mai wanted was to be the subject of another spectacle. She readjusted the dress that was draped over her arm.

I'll just hand her the dress, say thank you, and walk away...simple.

Mai approached the lobby counter, for a moment she entertained half a hope that no one would be there, but as luck would have it (or not), it was occupied. Mrs. Koku stood there, sorting through mail.

A moment past. Then another. Mrs. Koku continued sorting, occasionally turning to stick letters in cubby holes with room numbers printed next to them.

Mai cleared her throat.

Nothing.

Unnoticed, but not about to shout and attract attention, Mai placed the dress on the counter. The inn keeper's head snapped up. Seeing Mai, her surprised gaze...narrowed.

Mai bowed her head and gestured to the dress.

“Sorry that it's late, thank you for letting me borrow it.”

“HUH?”

Eager to be free of her charge, Mai tried again.

“I said, thank you for--”

“WHAT'S THIS YOU'VE PUT HERE? A DRESS...?”

Mai heard voices in the hall, people were coming. She needed to be gone.

“On the first day of the festival, you let me borrow--”

“WAIT, I THINK I RECOGNIZE THIS-- YES, THIS WAS MY SUKI'S. WHY DO YOU--”

The voices were loud now. Whoever it was, they were nearly there. The word spectacle flashed through Mai's mind. In a panic, she answered,

“YOU CAN HAVE IT BACK.”

Flustered, she ducked her head in another bow and stepped away from the counter. As before, she had made it halfway through the lobby when a second voice boomed after her.

“I CAME OUT BECAUSE I HEARD A RAISED VOICE, WHAT'S THE COMMOTION?”

“OH, IT WAS THAT GIRL. YOU KNOW THE ONE. SHE'S JUST MADE HERSELF CLEAR. OUR POOR NIKO, SHE NO LONGER THINKS OF HIM NOW. I CAN'T BELIEVE HER NERVE, WALKING UP TO ME WEARING ANOTHER MAN'S SHIRT. SHAMELESS, I TELL YOU-- SHAMELESS.”

Heat burned Mai's cheeks.

Another man's...what?!

Just then the “voices” from the hall entered the lobby. Mai fled the scene, leaving behind the offended Kokus' and the nosy onlookers.

So much for simple.

Her temper and skin were still hot when she reached the part of the hall where Ayako stood waiting, outside of John's room. Catching sight of her, Bou-san waved from beside the miko.

Mai quickly attempted to gather herself, willing her cheeks to lose their color. The last thing she wanted was to have to explain the last few moments. She waved back. Reaching them, a low whistle greeted her.

“Well, would you look at that?”

Mai followed the monk's gaze to her dress.

“What? It's nice.”

Bou-san smiled.

“Very nice.”

“You'll notice the distinct lack of jewelry and tale-tell whiff of perfume,” Ayako interjected, she held out an open hand, “Where's my 2,000?”

Bou-san shrugged, “Sorry, I spent it on this tie.”

Ayako scoffed,

“Which you're wearing like a noose, are you a monk or a caveman?”

The next instant the miko was shoving her clutch into Bou-san's hands, her own going to work at his throat.

Relieved at the change of attention, regaining her composure, Mai allowed herself a chance to study her parents. Not that you could look anywhere else. They made quite a statement.

Ayako was dressed in an strappy hot pink number, which hugged every one of her curves. Her lips, heels, and nails were red. Her hair fell in red waves around her bare shoulders. What Mai could see of Bou-san around the miko throttling him, were peaks of sleek black dress pants, a white shirt, not buttoned all the way, and a deep purple blazer. The tie he was wearing, which Ayako had finally managed to untangle, matched.

The door to the room next to them opened and out walked John.

“Ah,” he spoke, acknowledging Ayako and Bou-san, “you are here...I thought I heard voices-- oh, hello Mai.”

“Oy, you're choking me.”

“It's a tie, quit whining.”

Escaping the miko, Bou-san pulled at his collar.

Ayako snatched her clutch back from the monk, and swatted him in the arm with it.

“Caveman.”

Mai felt someone bump into her. It was a young woman, she smiled and apologized, but she wasn't out of ear shot when Mai heard her hushed gushing:

“I think that's her-- the one from the lobby...”

“Did you see her dress?”

“Expeeeensive.”

“How is that, isn't she apart of that paranormal team?”

“Oh, she isn't paying, that's for sure. Didn't you hear about the rich lovers she keeps in the city?”

Spectacle.

Mai frowned, crossing her arms. The hall was getting too full.

John noticed this also. He suggested they move on. The idea was quickly agreed to, and the young priest lead them into a swell of people headed for the dining room.

As they made their way through the inn, Mai kept her head down, avoiding eye contact with passersby, but it wasn't long before more whispered gossip reached her ears...

“So, he finally decided to stake a claim, eh? That's quite the down payment.”

“My educated guess? No less than six figures.”

Mai threw a dangerous look over her shoulder. She knew those voices. Her gaze flicked between the monk and the priestess trailing behind her. She caught their conspiring body language.

That Ayako.

“You have to admit, it's bit surprising. He's not usually this heavy handed.”

“Eh, he must have been nervous, leaving her with alone with Niko around and all.”

“Good point.”

That Bou-san.

Flushing, Mai turned from them. Seeking refuge, she fell into step with John.

“I meant to tell you earlier, you look very nice-- was that the gift you received?” he spoke with a kind nod towards her.

Gossip still ringing in her ears, Mai nodded back,

“Yes, it is.”

She gestured to the suit the young priest was wearing,

“You look very nice too. I can't figure how you and the others thought to bring such dressy clothes...if it weren't for my donations I'd be wearing jeans to the festival.”

John gave a small smile, rubbing at the back of his neck,

“To tell the truth, I didn't think of it. I only brought the basics-- a suit definitely wasn't on the list.”

Mai titled her head at him,

“But then...?”

John adjusted the bow-tie at his neck,

“It's a rental,” he confided sheepishly, “I can't speak for the others, but Bou-san and I rent our suits. There's a man who offers them...isn't he at your festival meetings too?”

Mai shook her head, thinking back to the last festival meeting she had attended. It had been awhile, but she didn't recall anyone hawking dresses.

“So, that explains it,” she murmured, her mind wandering over the variety of looks Bou-san had sported.

It was then that the crowds surrounding them parted. Double doors swung open to admit people inside. They had arrived at the dinging room.

Mai halted, her heart suddenly racing.

Naru.

Was he there waiting?

A touch at her shoulder. Mai jumped, a hand coming to her chest. There it was again, that weight. She felt so close to shifting it now...

“Mai, aren't you coming...?”

Mai met John's wondering stare. The whispers of those around her were growing.

“That's her isn't it?”

“What's she doing?”

“Look at her blocking the way, doesn't she have any manners?”

“I bet she's waiting for someone.”

“You think? But she already came with someone...”

“So?”

Spectacle.

Mai took hold of John's arm and they passed through the doors.

#happy holidays!!#I hope it's a safe and cozy one for you dear readers #I'm sorry for not updating properly #I wanted to give you guys something #so here's a preview :)#this chapter is going to be monster long when it's finished #thank you for your patience #here's to spending 2018 together with the SPR team #writing update

19 notes · View notes