Airdalen Highschool

Bishop Trander

"Ah Bishop! How are you doing this fine morning? "Are you by chance occupied today?" Bishop blinked listening to his cousin and glanced about the car to see his guests (Momo and her mother) and his aunt. "Well to be honest, I'm on my way to Varthrh Laurence's funeral right now. But after that I don't see anything else coming up for the day, but maybe a friend might want to come along with me." He spoke happy to use English, but he knew his aunt would a old him later about not practicing his Japanese. He glanced to Momo thinking about her, he thought it would be rude to attend the funeral with the girl then suddenly leave to spend time with his cousin. He didn't know how exactly close her and Varthur were, but everybody grieved in their own way and if she needed somebody he would be there.

"Did you have anything in mind? I would prefer to end the day on a good note." He smiled a little, Bishop being his usual positive self. He would listen for his cousin to speak and hear what he said, trying to formulate how everything would fit together in the day.

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Beep.
Beep.
Beep.

THUMP.

Jonathan clumsily rolled out of bed as he attempted to reach out to the buzzing alarm clock to silence the dreaded object, his face having a lovely taste of carpet as an extra bonus for waking up late. Today was the day of the funeral, one occasion that Jonathan wasn't overly fond about... and his antics weren't quite acceptable when he did visit one.

As he finished his ritualistic ordeal of showering and other things, the last thing on his mind would be what acceptable attire he would wear. While others would wear the most drab of outfits, Jonathan would be the one to wear something... that would be more to his liking. The redhead dashed through his wardrobe at lightning speed, passing by suits and clothes that would surely be appropriate- until his gaze fell upon their target.

It had only taken him a few minutes to get dressed in what would make even an overly death-obsessed person blush. Right as he lifted up the hood, the only feeling that coursed through his body was a mightly slap to the back of his head. "What the serious fuck do you think you're doing?! You are definitely NOT dressing yourself up as the motherfucking Grim Reaper... to a funeral no less!"

His eyes dimmed with disappointment from the sudden voice behind him, the voice of Miranda the Dictator. How long had she been standing here, and more importantly, how did she even get into my room without making a noise? "Fine, I'll change into something more appropriate but you know Miranda, why do you have to ruin my fun?"

She stormed out of the room as he changed into something more suitable as he wasn't too fond of absurdly formal wear, and realized that he had completely forgotten about checking his phone for any notifications. After clearing up a few friend requests he immediately received a group message from Arietta and Kaoru regarding directions to the funeral. Without much thought into it, he might have mentioned about having his own way there, and he was sure that Miranda knew where it would be held. At least, she should know where it was going to held.

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It hadn't taken much time for the duo to reach the Varthurs residence. While Jonathan and his caretaker climbed out of the black humvee that served as Miranda's personal vehicle, he was quite sure that she was inspecting the grill, maybe hoping that she didn't need to pick out a civilian or two, a smaller vehicle perhaps, from the grill that she might have unfortunately steamrolled over on the way over.

The house itself was quite immaculate in its decoration, and it was easy for one to notice that this family wasn't living on low income wage. "You know, you could have brought flowers, Jonathan felt the bite of her words behind him as they walked towards the building, though he bit back. "It wouldn't be appropriate since the poor fellow died because of flowers." It didn't take long for Jonathan to catch a glimpse of Kaoru, that blue hair of his standing out like a spotlight as the boy had quickly entered the household and disappeared from view, though Jonathan wasn't able to catch sight of Arietta or any others that he might know.

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"Well to be honest, I'm on my way to Varther Laurence's funeral right now. But after that I don't see anything else coming up for the day, but maybe a friend might want to come along with me. Did you have anything in mind? I would prefer to end the day on a good note." Daniel could practically feel the smile at the other end of the line. But it sure was nice to here English every once in a while. It makes one feel rather...congested when they can't get thoughts out as fast, or as effectively as they'd like.

"Ah yes," Daniel recalled the death announcement over the intercom the other day. "Poor fellow, I do wish his sorry soul a proper resting place." Although he never knew this "Varther" boy, he felt empathy for his family and friends. "As for a place to go...I'm sure we'll find one. Or we can go any place you'd like, on me of course!" He didn't mind spending money on his cousin. After all, what would be the point of having so much money if one didn't use it?

The rest of Bishop's words streamed through the aristocrat's mind until statement in particular caught his attention. "Wait, a 'friend' you say? This wouldn't by any chance be Keiko again, would it?"

Caleb turned an ear, and Daniel couldn't help but laugh a bit. His bodyguard was, in his opinion, a little paranoid at times; not to mention picky. It was just his job however, so Caleb couldn't be blamed. "Oh do tell who it is Bishop, I don't mind Keiko or any friend of yours. A friend of yours is mine as well." Daniel would definitely be happy to meet someone new, especially if they went to his school.

As to address the funeral, although Varther did go to his school, Daniel had never met the boy. He felt that it would be a bit awkward showing up to a funeral of a person he had never even met before. Besides, he wasn't dressed properly to go to any funeral, and if they drove back home to change, then they'd be late. After trying every possible combination to try to go to the funeral without any kind of embarrassment, Daniel gave up. Unless for some strange reason this funeral was informal enough for him to go in nothing but a blazer, there wasn't a way for him to attend. The boy was rather hungry anyways, and rushing to a funeral would cost him his brunch.

"Ah yes. Poor fellow, I do wish his sorry soul a proper resting place." Bishop was curious about what caused his cousin to speak so profoundly. He knew how to use the English language to try and impress people, but it was in his nature to be more care free and relaxed. He supposed it was Daniel's as well. From what he understood, the other blonde was well off compared to him. "As for a place to go...I'm sure we'll find one. Or we can go any place you'd like, on me of course!" The junior blinked unsure of he should take up on his fellow blonde's offer, it was a kind gesture but he wasn't the type to get by on other people's money. "Well that's awfully nice but-" "Wait, a 'friend' you say? This wouldn't by any chance be Keiko again, would it?" Bishop rubbed the back of his head an looked to Momo closing his eyes. "Aahh... Ummm, n-not exactly. I don't know if she'll be at the funeral. But if she is maybe we can add her too?" He found it curious to why Daniel would specifically ask about Keiko, she was great to be around and was welcomed company but seemed a little random he'd ask about her in his honest opinion.

"Oh do tell who it is Bishop, I don't mind Keiko or any friend of yours. A friend of yours is mine as well." "Oh umm, it's Momo to be exact. We're riding together to the funeral with my aunt and her mother." He spoke into the phone taking a glance at all the women in his car. It just occurred to him that he was the only guy and it caused a tinge of blush to spread across his cheeks. He turned back to the window adjusting the phone against his ear. "I'll try and find Keiko and see if she would like to join us, as well as Momo too. It would be nice for he all to do something positive after this." He glance up feeling his aunt's eyes on him, but didn't see anything, but he knew she was paying attention. "Till then ok?" He would await for his cousin's reply politely, then hang up as soon as he knew the conversation was over.

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Daniel tilted his head a bit at his cousin's (Bishop) reply. Momo wasn't a name familiar to him, he'd never heard the name before to be honest. The boy was excited to meet the girl nonetheless, and replied with "Yes, until then. Have a good time for me Bishop." Daniel laughed a bit at his own joke "Of course, only as good of a time one can have at a funeral. Goodbye, and don't forget to call when the funeral's over." The phone was relieved from it's position against the aristocrat's ear, and the twitch of a finger ended the call.

"So...what's going on?" Cato was always so tentative of Daniel's phone calls.
"We're going somewhere after the funeral is over, probably a restaurant."
The car slowed to a stop as it was parked in the lot of the brunch place. The two males stepped out of the white Lexus, heading for the restaurant.

They were met with the bustle of the busy restaurant after they passed the front door. A shorter girl with black hair, hazel eyes, and a half and half look approached. "Hello, how are you both doing today?"
"Good, thank you. And you?" Daniel said. Cato just nodded with a smile.
"I'm doing good too." the waitress said, grabbing a couple menus. "I'll go ahead and show you both your seats."

The two sat down, scanning the menus. "So, how is it?" Cato asked after a few seconds of silence.
Daniel grinned, "The menu? Or the girl?"
"C'mon, you know which one I'm talking about." A smile crept onto Cato's face.
The aristocrat sat, as if deep in thought. "That's not helping me know which one your talking of."
"Aww c'mon." The bodyguard rolled his eyes. "I saw how you perked up when you saw that she was going to be our waitress."

"Oh, my apologies." Daniel replied sarcastically. "It must have slipped my mind that it means you want to marry someone if you smile at them. I do that to everyone anyway." He swatted the air between them, as if to move the subject away. "You're the one who needs to find someone soon anyways."
The boy's bodyguard sighed. "True, but that doesn't mean you're not looking for someone either."
"Isn't everyone? But I'm not the one who has to do the looking."
"Psh, sorry. I must have forgotten about all those gold diggers swarming you."
"You're just jealous. The only places you get to experience anything close to that are at the gym and the beach. And that's only sometimes."

"So...have you two decided something yet?" The males were so immersed in their conversation that they hadn't realized the waitress had been waiting for some time now. Daniel scrambled a bit, flipping open the menu.
"Uh...yeah, I'll have this." He didn't have any idea what he had just pointed to, and the name of the dish didn't ring any bells. Cato followed Daniel's example, except for taking the time to read the description of the dish before affirming his choice.

"Okay, I'll be right back with your choices." With that, the waitress walked off.

Arietta was stumbling through the crowd of people. Kaoru was the only one she knew here so far, and he abandoned her. She sighed a bit, and saw a familiar face ahead of her. She tried to squeeze through as politely as possible, but was surprisingly shoved forward at Jonathan by an overweight man, "Move it girly! I have business with Mr. Laurence." by the time the words registered through her ears, she had already fell into Jonathan, sending them both crashing against the concrete. She hit her head as well, seeing as only half of her landed against him.

Ow... She thought to herself, feeling distorted and strange. As she came back into consciousness, she was a bit startled. Even after her vision cleared up, her hand looked huge. Not to mention she couldn't feel her long blond hair against her back. Also she could have swore she was wearing a dress, not a pair of pants. Then she looked up. Why....am I looking at myself..? She couldn't help but wonder if she was still unconscious. She picked 'Arietta' up, putting her on her feet and tilted her head, "Are you alright?" She asked, but eyes widened as she realized the voice was masculine. She brought her fingers up to her hair and realized that it was soft, but definitely not her own. It was a boy's hairstyle. Instantly she realized what was going on. I'm Jonathan?! How did this happen?! I have to be dreaming. She touched her chest next, realizing it was flat, much different from her own. Oh hell no... She was internally panicking, how was she supposed to pass as a male? Everything would be different! Walking, Using the bathroom. No way in HELL she was going to go to a public men's restroom. H-how indecent! She thought as she began to pace.

"Jonathan..?" she questioned with uncertainty, "How did this happen? Is this real..? I HAVE to be dreaming... I cannot be YOU. Being a guy, how can you stand it... it feels so weird!" She was messing up her hair, almost hyperventilating from shock. If she paced any faster she would probably dig a hole in the ground. This was not how she planned to become popular. She wanted to be a popular GIRL. She did not want to rise to the top as a guy. What would her grandfather do once he realized that his granddaughter wasn't his granddaughter? No way Jonathan would be able to pass as her. Wait... this is a dream, remember? Calm down... Calm down..

"Pinch me so I can wake up. Now." she demanded, instantly stopping in front of her real body, still freaking out, but hoped she finally found a solution. Her breathing was erratic and her face was flushed in an irritated fashion, or well... 'his' now considering that she was currently in Jonathan's body instead of her own. Identifying as a male was definitely.. awkward. She.....He? REALLY wanted to switch back before nature decided to give her....er...him... an unwelcome call.

Hotaru helped her to reach her destination even with some of the people greeting her for the benefit of getting in the good graces of her family, specifically, her father's. That was nothing new to her and she was well-aware with the superficiality of a world known to many as of the rich and powerful. It was probably why her parents and even older brother had limited her interactions to a scale where her appearance is considered extraordinary. They desired to protect her from the ugliness hiding behind the glittering canvass of beauty and gold. She appreciates it more than they would ever consider about. It is why she cherishes her family very much. No matter what happens, she knows they will be there for her. It is why she is saddened by the fact that someday soon, she would be leaving them in the near future.

Her wine red eyes then spotted an elder man looking sharply with his suit identified to her by Hotaru as Varthur Laurence's father and then a young boy crying in such an uncontrollable manner later pointed to her as Varthur's little brother. It reminded her of her younger brothers, especially the twins who had grown attached to her strongly. She even recalled how they cried so much when she had left to study in this country. It broke her heart and to fill the sadness her brother felt, she would never fail to send them letters and e-mails everyday. But, it will come that moment she could no longer do so. She bit her lower lip as she steeled herself and approached the grieving family. She did not forget her manners and it reflected her aristocratic lineage in every movement.

“Mr. Laurence.” Cassie greeted as she bowed her head in a respectful gesture. Then, she leveled her eyes to Varthur's father who seemed unruffled and impeccable, as if he is unaffected by the death of his child. That may be so, but, she knew above all, it is not true. He has to appear strong above everything else right now, because if he doesn't then... how about the other who have been left behind, his other son who is without doubt broken with sadness. “I am Cassiopeia Elegy Argyris. I hoped we had met in another situation. Let me offer my condolences along with my father's.” She then handed the envelope who accepted with a word of gratitude about it and her attendance. “It is all we can really do at this point, Mr Laurence.” She answered with a profound sadness in her voice. It prompted another query about her knowing his son. She answered honestly to that. “I have not met him personally. But, we go to the same school and is a fellow senior.” She lowered her head a bit and then raised it again, this time with a sad yet small smile. “I really wanted to meet him. He has my vote to be class president.”

The questions stopped at that as if understanding something fundamental about her from that. It was then Mr. Laurence gestured to his younger son who was still a ball of tears, introducing him as well and wanted for the boy to greet her properly. She shook her head at this. “It is fine, Mr Laurence.” She remembered what Aeon did for her before as she placed her hand on top of the young boy's head. “Just cry as much as you want and if your body says you can't anymore and you still want to.” She lowered herself to the ground to be at the same height as the boy. “I will cry your share too.” After saying that, the kind yet sad smile on her face was slowly tainted with flowing tears from her eyes. The hand on the boy's head slowly turned into an embrace and she cried along with him.

Everyone was a bit taken back but Hotaru simply made sure that the two crying will be left in peace. Because in the end, if they won't. Her mistress will undoubtedly so whether asked for or not. For the truth, Elle is truly sad about Varthur's death and that is simply a fact which will not change anytime soon.

DAY: Sunday
EVENT: None
WEATHER: Rainy

ooc: If you have unfinished business from day before, please try to summarise for closure. Other things can be attended to today as well if you didn't get around to it. eg. arcade outing.

It looked like today would be a waste. Bright orbs of orange watched as drops of water fell from the dark grey sky. Mai was glad she had done the shopping yesterday otherwise they wouldn’t have much else to eat until it stopped. A heavy sigh escaped her and she quickly stifled it, looking around to see if anyone had heard her; of course being in her own room made sure that there was no one about. Turning her attention back to the window, Mai continued to stare out at the rain for a little while longer. Eventually she pulled her gaze away, resting her head on a frilly pillow.

If Raiden ever chose to walk into her room at this particular moment for whatever reason, he’d probably have a hard time distinguishing the small girl from the fluffy and frilly contents of her bed. At the foot of her bed and along the side that was against the wall were countless stuffed animals. Quite a few of them wore frilly outfits, making it that much cuter. Rolling over to her side, Mai looked over at her desk where the letter addressed to her mother lay. She had written it yesterday but fell asleep soon afterwards and she didn’t wake up until after Raiden was home. Mai kept worrying about whether or not Raiden had seen the letter, hopefully he hadn’t noticed it there since she didn’t want him to know about her circumstances if she could help it.

Then there was the matter of his parents coming by from Europe or whatever country it was they had gone off to. She made sure that house was spotless the other day and she even went as far as asking Raiden to get the hard to reach places. In a way the small girl felt proud of herself for bossing him around even if it wasn’t entirely intentional. With a soft frown Mai finally got out of her bed. Right as she reached for the door her stomach growled and Mai smiled a bit. I guess I’ll make myself a little snack. She stepped out into the quiet hallway unsure of where her cousin was located. Glancing down to her left, she saw that his door was closed.

Breakfast hadn’t been very social as they almost immediately went to their rooms to take care of whatever business needed attending to. Mai scurried over to the kitchen to make herself a snack, making sure not to make too much noise. She made herself a sandwich and then thought of Raiden who might be hungry as well. She looked down at Shoo who was staring up at her expectantly, “I g-guess I can ma-ake him a snack as w-well.” The small dog simply smiled up at her, showing off his sharp white teeth. A smile on her face Mai got to work on making a second sandwich.

Once it was done she placed it on a plate and walked over to his room. Knocking on the door, “Ah I-I brought-t a sn-snack.” she paused for a minute “I-I’m co-coming in.” She turned the knob and made sure her back was to it just in case Raiden was in a state unfit to be seen by her. This way she could just stop and wait. Finally turning around once she knew it was okay to do so, Mai placed the plate nearby and nodded at her cousin. Now that she had done that she was about to close the door when she remembered her aunt and uncle. Peeking around the door Mai looked over at Raiden. “A-are your p-parents still comin-ing?”

Bishop awoke rather late that day, he didn't get much sleep the night before due to the funeral. The time spent with his cousin Daniel was really nice though, and helped keep his mind off of things. Though it couldn't be helped when he finally retired for the night that his mind wondered off to Varther. He sighed and turned towards the window in his room, well it wasn't really 'his' room but the room he slept in when he stayed at his grandmother's old house. He sat there and thought about the same thing he thought last night, before finally drifting off to sleep. <How would I want to be remembered if I passed away? Would anyone even show up at my funeral?> His mind wondered until he grunted and shut his eyes forcing the mixed emotions and thoughts out of his head. The young blonde sat up and swung his feet off of his bed moving to his feet and stretched. He looked at the clock seeing that it was a little past 10 am, then decided to check his phone going through any messages if he were to received some between the periods of consciousness.

Stepping out of his door Bishop blinked and jumped back moving out of the way of his aunt Musubi. "Well, look who's awake now. Did you stay up texting that Momo girl? Hmm?" The woman leaned in with a devilish smirk placing her hand on her hips. Bishop blushed and looked away reaching up to subconsciously scratch the back of his head in a reflex. "Ahh, nosey as usual- ow! Hey!" Bishop rubbed his nose after Musubi flicked the end of it cutting his sentence off. "Your Japanese needs some work, you'll never impress a smart girl like that. And show your elders a little more respect, it's not my fault I'm a master of figuring things out. You should date her, she's going to be a wealthy doctor some day." The blonde grumbled watching her walk away humming to herself. "Oh! By the way, mother would like you to do some chores around the house while you're here. So could you be a dear and not take too long to get yourself ready this morning?" "Yes aunt Musubi~" <Great, chores! Grandma's are always so difficult.> The junior descended down the stairs and went into the kitchen to grab himself a quick breakfast then dashed back up to shower before he stopped himself. "Eehhh, now that i think about it- Oh wait, Japanese. He mentally switched language gears focusing on his second native tongue. "Since I'm going to do these chores, and i showered last night... It would be- ehhh.... Ummm... What's the word for 'redundant' in Japanese?" "Jochona." Bishop spun around hearing a familiar voice finding his ever wise grandmother, then bowed respectfully. "Grandmother! Good morning. "Yes it is still morning I see, I thought you were going to miss it. Is everything alright dear?" Bishop raised to stand upright and face the elder woman, him and his grandmother were pretty close. She always had interesting stories about his grandfather and her father and grandfather.

"Oh well, to be honest I just had a lot on my mind grandmother." "Aaahhh, yes a death of someone close to you tends to do that. Was the person close?" "Well... Sort of, he was my senior at school. The one suppose to show me around and help me with anything I needed." "Oh I see... Such a shame, it is always harder to watch a parent bury their child before they are to be..." There was a momentary pause, letting the near poetic words settle in the air. "Welp, nothing helps clear the mind like some hard work!" Bishop almost flinched at the sudden change of mood and pace of his relative. "Young Bishop... There will always be time to reflect on your peers that have passed on but there is no sense in dwelling in the past forever! If you want to honor your friend have a drink I say! Hahahaha! <Welp, there's grandma's spirit again... I totally understand where mom got it from.> "Now! The koi ponds needs some rocks replaced, and the water itself needs cleaning, don't forget to feed the fish too. You need to- Bishop would stand there hearing the long list of chores that needed to get done, trying to make the excuse that he had to go change so he could get ready, but the fiery old woman would follow just making the list longer and longer.

<Ugh! I'm gonna be at this all day! Please someone call me!> He glanced to his phone in his hand as he walked into his bedroom and shut the door. "Now remember, the polish you need is going to be up in the cupboards by the sink. I don't have to remind you where the polishing cloths are do I?" "No grandmother- "Good! And don't forget to dust every layer of armor in the family hall when you get to it. And-" Bishop fell to his knees and clutched his head looking up at his bedroom window. "This woman is going to kill me~"

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Here she was again, looking at the garden scenery. Her eyes were a bit red since she did cry a lot yesterday and even now, she does feel sad. She doesn't feel a bit embarrassed by what she did in front of other people. It was fine to cry when one feels extremely sad or lonely. Unlike others, Cassiopeia was not inhibited by the sense or the passage where showing one's emotions are signs of weakness. She simply sat there and contemplated if she too when gone from this world, would her precious loved ones also weep? There was a high chance of that, it is always painful to be left behind that much she had heard from Aeon personally. She took a deep breath and the shook her head. It was time for her to cheer herself up, being depressed and all are not on her agenda in coming to this foreign country. It was to have fun and to experience a lot of things as much as possible.

She took out her phone and made a call to a certain someone. It didn't take long before the ringing was replaced by that comforting voice. “Aeon!” She instantly greeted with a cheery note. “Good morning! I was wondering if you're free today. Could you accompany me around town? I wanted to take a look around.” Her voice despite its happy tone. There was the thread of nervousness wrapping around it. She wasn't sure that Aeon would be available today. His brother and father had returned so, he might be busy along with his duties. “You don't have to push yourself, if you're busy. I understand... I'll have Hotaru accompany me.” She added so that Aeon won't be pressured by her request even if he was his fiancee. He still has a choice in the matter.

He spoke again and agreed to accompany him. He would be picking her up, but she didn't want that. “No! I want us to go out together like other people do... like meeting in a specific place and go around just by ourselves... like those dates I see on the televisions...” She was pertaining to the ones she had seen on those shoujo animes and mangas she had managed to have her hands on since arriving here in Japan. “Those normal dates high school students like us do...” She then realized she might sound a bit demanding as she immediately apologized. “I'm sorry if I was being too demanding and picky... So sorry Aeon...” She was waiting for him to say that she was indeed being too demanding, but instead, he answered that he will grant that request. They'll be meeting at the Loyal Square by the fountain at 10. There was a bright smile on her face at his agreement of her wish. He was truly a kind person. “Thank you so much Aeon! Yes, I'll be careful. Goodbye.” The call ended as she was extremely happy. She stood from her seat and quickly looked for Hotaru inside the Mansion. It didn't take long as Hotaru immediately scolded her not to run so recklessly due to many things, but she explained the reason.

Cassiopeia wanted Hotaru's help on what to wear. This was in her personal opinion is her actual first normal date. She wanted at best to make it very memorable. This was done as Hotaru offered to take her at the meeting place, but Cassiopeia was insistent doing it by herself. There was a bit of argument before they managed to reach a compromise where Hotaru will escort her through the train terminal and that's it. Cassiopeia apologizes for not letting Hotaru come with her but she wanted to experience everything this world has to offer for someone like her. This would be the only time she could do as much as she pleased, so she will do just as that.

She was finished with her preparations as she donned a simple yet fitting attire for someone like her. Hotaru delivered her to the train situation where she rode by herself for the first time. The train was not that full so, she was able to sit. She was unaware of the curious and ogling stares of people on her. This was truly an exciting and happy moment for her now. Her destination was Loyola Square. She had been there at that place when she first came to Japan. It would not be difficult for her to find it. She looked at her wristwatch and see that there was still ample time before Aeon arrived. She managed to reach the fountain and took her seat first at the rim. Here, she would be pleasantly waiting for him to come. She was oblivious to the looks she was receiving due to her appearance, because she was a busy body and waiting happily for her date.

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The Class Trip was today and to best say the morning started with Aunt Margarette apologizing once more for not being able to accompany Hikaru. Ryou managed to settle the lady down for her to hand the packed lunches. Really, it was no trouble for him to spend time with his little brother who was ecstatic of that idea as well. Hikaru woke so early in the morning and would not remove himself by Ryou's side. It was a typical brotherly moment for them as their female cousins commented on wanting to go as well. It was impossible since Reisha has club practice while Trixie will be having her check-up with with the doctor, hence why their Aunt couldn't come. His Uncle was on a business meeting with a client even on weekends. He should be working today, but took a day-off in order to accommodate Hikaru who was looking forward to the trip.

"We'll be off then." He said as they were now outside the house. Hikaru did the same. "See you later Auntie, Reisha-neechan, Trixie-chan." The little boy waved his hand happily while the girls returned the gesture with cheerful smiles. They were off to the meeting place with Ryou holding Hikaru's hand. The people they walked passed by would both look at them with curiosity and an obvious red tinge across their cheeks. It was very notable to the girls while the men would be gaping. Ryou had managed to hear some people saying that the boy was his son and his wife was a lucky woman to have a beautiful family. It made him wonder if he looked that old to have a family of his own. It's true that Hikaru and he looked strikingly similar with only a few features setting them apart. Then, he did notice, he was far taller than anyone. That could have lead to the misunderstanding that he was the father.

"Nii-chan, are you sure it's okay that you're with me?" Ryou looked at Hikaru who was gazing at him with controlled fear. His eyes softened as he patted his little brother's head. "I wanted to be here. So just enjoy your day, okay?" Hikaru brightened immediately and happily nodded. "I will Nii-chan!" The smile on Hikaru's face was enough for Ryou. No matter how things might get troublesome, he was fine with it. They soon reached the meeting place where he was greeted by Ryou's homeroom teacher who was a female. The said teacher blushed at immediately seeing Ryou. "Oh... Good morning, I was expecting Miss Margarette. You must be..." Ryou gave a small nod as a greeting and introduce himself to clear any hesitation on the teacher's mind. "My Aunt has another appointment. I'm Hikaru's Brother, Ryou. It's nice to meet you."

The other parents in attendance who were mostly girls began to gossip like they were still in their high school days. It wasn't everyday they could see and even have a chance to interact with someone like him, a vision as many had stated which Ryou had outwardly retorted as nonsense. He only hoped that when Hikaru grows older, he will not be subjected to this kind of troubles. Hikaru was without doubt looked like their mother who was quite the admired beauty by many when she was still alive. The teacher gave an understanding nod and coughed a bit. She seemed flustered in Ryou's presence. "It's very nice to have you here with us Ryou-san. I'm sure Hikaru-chan is also happy, right?" Hikaru happily nodded his head in agreement as Ryou gave his little brother a small smile. Somehow, there were a few women who fainted which made Ryou wondered what had caused it.

The trip proceeded as scheduled and Ryou was constantly talked to by the mothers about random things. He answers them as briefly and politely as he could. It was a good thing that Hikaru would always want him near which gives him the perfect reason to leave the older women. Their trip has brought them to the aquarium where Hikaru was truly excited in seeing the different fishes. He was also entertained by the things he was seeing. He could say that the trip was rather relaxing even with the occasional talks with the women who seemed interested on him. He could never understand females most of the time, especially these mothers. They have children and husbands, why would they be interested on another? That was adultery and he has no interests on any of them. There was only one woman on his mind right now.

"Nii-chan! Look at the sharks!" The tugging of his little brother on his hand made him look at the sharks swimming inside their aquarium. "Are you scared of them, Hikaru?" The boy shook his head and smiled brightly at Ryou. "Nope! I'm with you!" Hikaru always manages to make Ryou smile and there was it again, a small smile only for his little brother.

Sigh

Alice

Sigh

Akira yawned in the back of the quaint, quiet little café that she worked in. Business wasn't exactly booming and it gave her unwanted time to reflect on the past few days.

She missed Varthur's funeral, but she doubted he would have wanted her there anyway.. As far as she knew, he died hating her, and that was a lot to swallow. There was also her tutoring session with Raiden, who told her if she didn't get her act together that she could look forward to repeating her Senior year.. The truth stung, but she was glad he gave it to her without hold on back or sugar coating it. She needed brutal honesty if she was ever going to survive this year. She made a lot of mistakes, pushed a lot of her friends away and burnt a lot of bridges down.

She ruined her chances at becoming friends with Sera due to jealousy and the whole crazy kidnapping incident, she made several bad impressions with Momo, and Akira knew that she stood no chance mending that relationship. For some reason Kei befriended her worst enemy, but she also held a grudge and never got to make amends..

The only person she managed to reconcile with was Bishop, the guy who accidentally groped her once... Her Senior year DEFINITELY wasn't going as planned. So, after a long Saturday of Raiden's free tutoring sample and a night of harsh studying, Akira came to a conclusion; She would have to get past her feelings for Silas, and focus on work and school. Hell, she would avoid him all together if she must. She needed a complete detox, and while she was at it, she would avoid Devone as well. She didn't want to fight anymore, and if the other girl would allow it, Akira wished to bury the hatchet.

New friends, I need to start fresh! Akira told herself, mentally pumping herself up. If she tried hard enough she was certain that she would make friends that could look beyond her darkened past and realize she wasn't that person anymore, or at least, that she was trying not to be.

"AKIRA!" shouted her boss, coming in the back and shoved a notepad in her hands, "Customers, go take their order.... and fix your wig, it's sliding off." the harsh woman stated with an irritated huff and curled, angry lips.

Akira nodded, adjusting her long brunette wig. She gave herself a once over, frowning at the maid outfit, but hey, it was easy cash and the men tipped her well. It was better than the alternative...

She scurried to the new customer, flashing a bright smile and began to take their order, "Good morning, goshuujin-sama~!" She chimed in a cheerful tone, though she always hated this part of the job. This persona was definitely not the kind of girl that Akira was, and she always felt awkward when socializing with the customers. Though, she found comfort in the fact that none of them knew or recognized her personally.

The start of a new day was upon her, and she had a feeling that it would be just as long as the day before.

Raiden had a general feeling of dread towards the day and he had completely forgotten why as he tried to distract himself by socialising and forum duties. “Noobs, noobs everywhere.” He thought aloud to himself, as he scrolled down the forum on the hunt for people to potentially ban due to several reports he had received over the weekend and was behind on attending to. “I’ll never finish by the end of today…” he said with slight frustration ringing in his tone. Raiden leaned back in his chair and stretched his arms before reaching for his phone and scrolling through his contact list really feeling like he had forgotten something, something important. Impatiently tapping his leg, he continued scrolling until it hit the number of the girl he had last tutored, Akira. Was the thing I forgot to do that? Confirm whether we were having lessons anymore or not or..?

Just in case, he decided to text: “Hey, it’s Raiden the err tutor guy. I just wanted to confirm whether or not you’re interested in further tutoring. Please let me know before next Saturday~ thanks. (:”

After pressing sent, he waited a few minutes before lowering his back against the chair even more as the feeling of dread remained. Ughh what is it! He leaned forward in a sudden hunch, messing up his hair in his hands just as he heard a small knock at the door. “Ah I-I brought-t a sn-snack.” “Oh?” “I-I’m co-coming in.” Raiden turned his gaze to the door with a raised eyebrow when he noticed his cousin was cautiously facing his back to her. “It’s alright, I’m not doing anything..” he said uncertain, since he was still pretty sure he forgot something. When Mai turned around she placed the plate she was holding near him and nodded, already making her way for the door. “Uhmm… thanks Mai.” Raiden said, blinking repetitively as he eyed the sandwich. Maybe food would refresh his memory. “A-are your p-parents still comin-ing."

Raiden’s world froze as he mentally backtracked all memories of them coming. “Oh….right…” he spoke before headdesking on his table. That was what I forgot. “Yeah… today. Thanks again for the help with the cleaning… less to worry about y’know?” He said lifting his head up, eyes wandering and picking up the sandwich she made to nom. “You know I never really asked but… how’s your family doing?” The doorbell rang before he could press on.