Chapter 34

Editing this really takes me back...

~Mako-chan~

*Yu's POV**

Sasha: Nikki.

The two girls exchange a glance, almost like a message. Then the girl, who must be Nikki, turns around, heading out the door. The muscles in Sasha's shoulders tense up as Nikki beckons Sasha after her. Sasha follows her out the door silently, her chestnut brown curls bobbing with each step. The door slams shut with a satisfying ka-thock! From behind me, someone claps a hand to my shoulder.

Yosuke: Bro, we were awesome!

He grins at me, giving me a thumbs-up. Rise pops out from behind him, laughing, the other girls surrounding her. Naoto offers me a wave and mouths: Sasha? I shake my head and point out the door, and she nods. The girls leave the auditorium, gossiping and giggling. From outside I can hear muffled yelling, and something hits the wall, causing me to cringe. Yosuke gulps as my feet hit the linoleum floor. I burst open the door to spot a tear-riddled face and the clatter of feet from a girl with dyed hair. Her shoulders shake with sobs as she walks away. I look over at Sasha, who stands there silently, her frame trembling. She looks up at me, her blue eyes brimming with tears. I bring her close to me, my arm wrapped around her shoulders. She leans into me, her hands clutching at my shirt. Her body wracks with sobs as her body gets heavier. She desperately wants to collapse and just cry, and it seems that I'm the only thing keeping her upright. I swing her legs out from under her and pick her up. Her arms wrap around my neck and she buries her face in my shoulder. I can feel the tears soak into my shirt as I take her back into the auditorium, grab our stuff, and carry her off campus. 

I drop her off at her house, with a solemn-looking Naoto greeting me, who takes the still-crying Sasha into her arms. The sky contemplates our mood and reflects it as I feel cold drops of rain hit my cheeks. Eventually, the rain becomes a downpour, and I race home. I slide open the door to my house, and Nanako greets me. When she sees my expression, she scowls. She grasps hold of my sleeve, pulling me inside the house.

Nanako: Big Bro, what's wrong? Why are you all wet?

Me: Raining outside. You take the laundry in?

Nanako: Mhm! When I got home from school, like Daddy asked me to.

Me: Good girl.

I wrap a towel around my shoulders, tousle Nanako's hair, and shuffle up the stairs. I open the door to my room and plop down onto my sofa, sighing. I send Sasha a text with a frown on my face.

 What did she say to make you cry so much? I don't see you cry like that very often.

I press the send button before I really care to notice how pushy I must sound, getting into business I shouldn't get into. I throw my phone onto the coffee table, tossing off my socks and shirt. I look outside my window and notice the downpour hasn't stopped. The Midnight Channel, a voice in my head says. I hear my phone vibrate, and look over to read the message. 

Sasha Farside

Re: What Happened With Nikki

Nikki and I are like sisters, but Nikki said she feels like I'm abandoning her. She said that if she let me down this bad, we should never talk to each other again. She said that she hopes I'm happy with my new best friends. She said that with sarcasm, so you know. We've been best friends for years, and I can't believe that this would just happen all of a sudden. I don't know what's wrong, or what I did.

At her last words, my heart seems to shatter. I can hardly believe that this girl, the strong girl I knew for always joking around, is being broken by her very best friend. It just doesn't seem right. I put the phone down and sigh, my eyes feeling heavy. The only thing that outweighs my exhaustion is how hungry I am, the case proven by a sudden rumble of my stomach. I hear the sliding door open and close, and I open my door. 

Nanako: Yeah, Big Bro's upstairs.

I come down the stairs, and notice a certain cute brunette toting a black umbrella and a bag of food. The smells emanating from the bag cause my mouth to water, and I can recognize that smell anywhere. She must've gotten me the Mega Beef Bowl. I grin, relieving her of the bag and setting it on the counter.

Me: So you're feeling better?

She walks over to me and wraps her arms around my torso. I embrace her back, and Nanako's eyebrows furrow, like she's thinking very hard. Sasha pulls away and drops her voice to a whisper. It's then I realize how bad she looks--Wait! I don't mean bad...I mean--she's still gorgeous, but her hair is tousled and her makeup smeared. That's all. 

Sasha: Not really...But it's okay. I'm sure hanging out here for a while will help me feel a little better. Even if it's just for a little while.

Me: Okay.

I comfortingly wrap my arm around her shoulders, escorting her to the table. She pulls a pillow from off the couch and places it on the ground next to the table. She plops down with a sigh. Nanako harrumphs and shoots us a cold stare.

Nanako: Big Bro, what is she doing here? Why are you hugging her and kissing her, Big Bro?

Sasha chuckles, bending over to tousle Nanako's hair. Nanako snaps back like Sasha has a poisonous disease. Sasha pulls away, her lips pressed in a thin white line. I clear my throat and soften my eyes.

Me: Well, Nanako...Sasha and I are dating. And Sasha is going through really bad stuff right now. 

Nanako's cold glare disappears from her face, her expression understanding. She grins, then starts to laugh.

Nanako: Oh. That wasn't very nice of me, being mean to you. I'm sorry. But I'm really happy. Big Bro really likes you...A lot. And you like him too...So now, you'll be happy, right?

I look away, my cheeks flushing. Sasha's hand slips from mine as she pushes herself up. She claps her hands together loudly, as if about to pray.

Sasha: You're right, Nanako! I should be happy, because I still have Yu! Enough moping!

She grins down at me, her cheeks tinted a bright shade of pink. Nanako giggles, nodding. 

Nanako: Mhm! And you have me, too! And we can always play together! I'll never be mean to you ever, ever again!

She crosses her hand over her chest, as if swearing to an oath. She nods with a determined expression on her face, and I feel a bubbly feeling rise up in my chest. A laugh blurts from my mouth as I take Nanako and Sasha by the hands. 

Me: You two are literally the best.

Sasha erupts into laughter as a catchy tune starts to play on the television. 

I'm the child detective, Loveline! We're on the case!

Nanako's eyes light up as her favorite TV show comes on, and then she groans.

Nanako: Aw man...I've seen this episode way too much. Do you guys wanna watch something else?

Sasha looks up at me, and I shake my head.

Sasha: Nah, TV is for chumps.

I chuckle as she opens her bowl. She snaps her chopsticks, which split in half perfectly.

Sasha: Ha-ha! Success! Thank you for the food!

I snap mine, and so does Nanako. 

Me: Thank you for the food!

Nanako: Let's eat!

We dig in, and instead of shoveling the bowl down my throat like normal, I eat each slice slowly to savor the flavor. The greasy meat is tender and smooth, and glides down my gullet with a sweet-and-salty flavor. Sasha shoves a gigantic piece into her mouth, and a drop of juice dribbles down her chin. She looks down innocently, her cheeks bulging like a chipmunk's, and wipes her napkin across her chin. I grin, and she nearly chokes on her food. She points at my mouth, and Nanako follows my lead. 

Nanako: Big Bro, you have lots of food stuck in your teeth!

I laugh, as her face is smeared with the peppery sauce.

Me: Like you should be talking! You've got sauce on your face! You're a monster, aaah!

I mimic falling down and dying of fear, and we burst out into laughter. It's childish moments like these that I cherish the most. I pull my two favorite girls closer as we laugh. Sasha attempts to push another piece of meat into her mouth, but the greasy meat slips from her chopsticks and spills onto her chest.

Sasha: Shit.

She looks over, clears her throat, and gets up, picking the meat up with her napkin. Her white shirt is covered in grease, and she groans and fumbles up the stairs. Nanako looks over at me. We share a small laugh at the sight of Sasha dropping the meat on herself. Her face was priceless. 

I get up from my seat, leaving Nanako alone, eating at her seat at the table. I run up the steps, placing my hands in front of my feet and push myself, up each step, my grey hair bobbing as I near the light. I make my way to the landing, and a light floods in from my bedroom. I push the cracked door open slightly, and see a shirtless Sasha. She stares at me like a child caught with her hand in the cookie jar. A noise emits from her throat, and then she turns around, covering her chest meekly with her hands.

Sasha: Now we're halfway even. 

I scoff, turning towards my closet.

Me: Not even close. So, uh, what were you looking for?

Sasha: A sweater. I tossed my shirt into your laundry basket and just needed something to cover up with.

I sigh, tossing her a grey sweater. She catches it, then brings it to her face. She breathes in deeply.

Sasha: Have I ever told you that you smell good?

I laugh quietly as she slips herself into the soft cotton. She grins, blushing only slightly.

Me: Actually, you haven't. Do I?

Sasha: Yes. You smell like fresh laundry and guy soap. I think it's the best scent, like, ever.

She envelops me in a warm embrace, the sweater hugging her figure snugly. I force myself to not think about it, how her chest is pressed tightly to mine, how warm her body feels. Don't think about it. Stop thinking about it, Yu. Stop it. Stop it.

She grins at me, standing up on her tip-toes and planting a soft kiss to my cheek. I smile coyly and she buries her face into my chest. I wrap my arms around her shoulders, hugging her as close as she can get. 

 Sasha: Yu...You're the best. Really, you are. And I have to say, a really nice boyfriend. Really.

She pulls away, smiling warmly. Her makeup has been rubbed off, tears dry, and her usual self slowly melting back into her. Sasha turns around, and I hear the bubbly laugh of Nanako.

 Nanako:  Oh my gosh, Big Bro! You two are soooo cute!!!

Sasha runs up to Nanako, her teeth gnashed, and picks her up by her armpits. She twirls Nanako around, grinning widely. Nanako squeals with pleasure, giggling as Sasha flies her around my room, then plopping her onto the couch. 

 Sasha: That's right! The cutest!!!

 I grin and wrap my arm around her shoulder.

  Nanako: Wow, you're really strong! Haha! And that was fun!

Sasha grins, and then she runs down the stairs. We follow her, and I flick the light off on my way out. We run down the stairs, and Nanako nearly trips on the last step.

Me: Careful.

 She nods, and we sit back down at the table. I pick my chopsticks out from the still-mountain of meat, and we all dig in. Nanako finishes before either of us, but this time Sasha finishes before I do.

 Me: Damn girl, you can eat.

She laughs, and places her chopsticks next to her bowl before loudly burping. Sexy. I laugh as she leans back. She glances over at me.

Sasha: What?

Me: That was...different. A chick burping? Seriously? Never seen that before.

Sasha tosses over to her side, sighing.

Sasha: I do that shit all the time.

I sigh, knowing that Dojima may frown upon cussing directly in front of Nanako. Then I realize how hypocritical that is. After all, he swears like a sailor anyways. Why can't we? We're both almost adults anyways. And we can always tell her not to cuss anyways.

Me: Hm...Well, I'm glad you're that kind of girl. I like a girl who's not afraid to be herself. Because...

She looks over at me, and I open my mouth widely. A belch so unruly and gross that would cause Mom to beat the shit out of me erupts from my mouth. Sasha raises her eyebrow, and then covers her mouth with her hands, her frame shaking with laughter. Nanako frowns, her nose wrinkled in disgust.

 Nanako: Gross. That's really gross, Big Bro.

I shrug, and then start to laugh. Maybe Sasha and I are seriously made for each other? I don't know any other chick like this. Not one.

Sasha gets to her knees and crawls to her bag. She pulls out her iPod, and I see her finger scroll through the songs. I feel laughter bubble up in my chest when I hear [insert odd song name] by [insert odd bad name] play. We all sing along, dancing in our socks, and not giving a fuck. When the song is over, Nanako's mouth erupts in a yawn. Tears build up in her eyes, and she yawns again.

Me: You tired, Nanako?

Nanako frowns, and then yawns. I nod, and she embraces us both in a hug.

Sasha: Good night, Nanako.

Nanako: Good night Sasha, Big Bro. See you tomorrow!

Sasha nods, and I grin. Nanako pulls away, and bounds up the stairs. I hear her bedroom door close, and Sasha looks over at me. She gets up, and takes the bowls and places them outside for Aika to pick up. She comes back inside, and then I hear the loud ring of the phone. I walk over, and pick the phone up from it's cradle. I hear the husky voice of my uncle, and nod along with him.

Dojima: Hey. I'm not going to come home until tomorrow. Lock the door if you don't mind. Is Nanako in bed?

Me: Yeah. She's asleep. And I'll lock the door. 'Night.

Dojima: Alright, thanks. Goodnight, Yu.

I hear him hang up, and place the phone back in it's cradle. I plop onto the couch beside Sasha, who continues to play her music, but quieter now that Nanako is in bed. She gets up, and flicks the light off. What the hell...? What is this? 

Me: What are you...?

Sasha: I really like to listen to music in the dark and just enjoy the music. Also, it gives me time to think.

Sasha snuggles closer to me, her arm pushed around my waist. I close my eyes and listen to her music, which is a good song, actually. Sasha taps her finger on my leg in time to the beat. It's then I realize who this is. It's [insert profound musician name]. Great. Wonderful. I hear Sasha whisper the lyrics, which are more like raps, the way they flow. Then I hear a song I know really well. It's called [insert song name] by [insert rapper name]. I used to like him when he was popular. I cringe hearing Justin Beiber's girly voice, but when I hear [lyricist] again my stomach stops clenching. Sasha's silver eyes stare up at me in the darkness, but the little moonlight makes them sparkle.  She softly touches her fingers to my cheek, bending my face towards hers, and I close my eyes. I feel her warm, fleshy lips against my own, and she sighs into me. Her grip around my waist tightens, and she parts her lips. I slip my tongue hotly against her bottom lip, and I can feel her skin break into goosebumps. She latches onto my lips, pulling away briefly for air. Her other hand races up my torso, settling on my shirt collar, and she pulls me closer to her. I pull away, gasping, and she does the same. She's about to kiss me again when we're interrupted by a sudden noise. The TV. I hear the chiming of the clock, and by then I know what's happening. On the screen is a girl. Her shiny hair pinned up behind camouflage, and a MAC-10 gripped firmly in her hand. Sasha pulls her hands away from me, racing up towards her mouth. The girl on the screen sneers at us from behind the wall of glass. She steadies the gun on her shoulder, and opens her mouth to speak. 

Nikki's Shadow: Well hello, you stupid bastards. Who's gonna challenge me next? I'm Colonel Nikki Jackson, and ready for mother-fucking action. I dare you to set me in your sights. Let's move. On the field, soldier.

The hell? This is her shadow? The TV flickers off, and Sasha continues to tremble, staring at the blank screen. She glances over at me, her eyes wide with fear. 

Sasha: We have to save her.