Love Hurts, Even When It Feels Right... {Shiori}

[lemmy]

I remember watching Quincy go when times were hard, going to join the Recrutiers. He said he'd find me, but he left me alone... for 3 years and then after that time I knew he wasn't coming back even though I tried so hard to believe so. I'd ask people, I'd ask them despertaly. I'd search the newspaper of the new I'd not want to hear and even though it hurt me I'd go on milatary sites telling who'd lost their lives recently. None of them were Quincy. The guy with the dark brunette hair and the beautiful hazel eyes. The guy that I'd acted was my brother. The guy who made me feel beautiful inside and out... the guy I thought I'd loved. Even though I stayed by myself for a couple of years, it's been lonley... lonley trying to figure why he left me, with the last hug, the last "I love you" and the night that he made me see past all my scars for once and past the people that looked at me as if I were crazy. But after those years, I'd vowed myself I'd never do it again... never loved like I did Quincy. Because it'd only make me hurt.
Annah woke up on her messy bed and looked around, expecting to see Quincy somewhere cuddled beside her but he wasn't and she sighed from the memories that left her with so much pain. Jumping out of bed, she walked into her bathroom and took a quick shower, got dressed in a pretty black shirt and dark blue jeans and put on a golden-plate name tag with "Waiter Annah" on it. She let her hair down which reached past her should blades and began to brush the tangles which pecked at her hair. Once she got them out, she checked her watch. 10:21- 10:22. She hurried out the door and threw on her jacket going out and getting her car. Soon, she arrived and she got out going into Starbucks going inside. It was open and people filled the room, drinking coffee, smiles on their faces. But Annah was the only one with a frown. All eyes went on her and she looked at the way they looked at her... and she understood why. They could never look past the scars that she saw herself as ugly. She walked over to the counter and set down her jackets putting two elbows on it waiting for someone to come and get something.

[Guest]

Takashi was pissed again. He hated women with a burning passion at the moment. Akira had just walked out on him. He was tired of women now. All they ever did was use him to get into his bed, have one excellent night of love, and then leave him the next day. It’d happened twice now. Akira was the second. He’d dated her for a year before this happened, and she just left. Growling, Takashi slipped on his leather jacket, his loose black shirt on underneath. His studded belt was wrapped around his thin waist, and his black pants hugged him loosely, though not baggily. Takashi grimaced and ran a finger through his brunette-colored hair with liver-chestnut highlights here and there. Takashi would get some coffee, he decided. The ladies at Starbucks were polite, even though they were women. He hated women.

Oh, how he hated women. Grabbing his keys, he dropped them in the pocket of his ankle-length leather jacket and walked outside, locking the door behind him. He shoved his hands into his pockets and concentrated on the sidewalk, not even bothering to open the car. He’d just walk. He wasn’t in the mood to deal with damn idiotic drivers at the moment. And plus, Starbucks was only a ten minute walk from his house—thankfully. And as soon as Takashi walked in, he got sweet “hello’s” and “welcome back’s” from the waitresses that were scattered about, and the barristers. He was a regular in this Starbucks. But at the counter, there was some girl he’d never seen here before. So, he wouldn’t be able to just say ‘the regular’ and she’d know what to fix.

Of course, he’d have to do it himself again. Sighing and walking up to the counter he didn’t bother to give her a smile. Instead, he said, “Coffee of the day with two shots, and one pump of caramel. Coffee preferably black.”

[lemmy]

Annah was taking orders all morning. Back and forth, forth and back. She was getting exhausted. She was just heading towards her break when a young man, about perferbally her age or maybe 1 or 2 years older strided towards the counter and asked for a coffee. He didn't smile. And she wasn't surprised. No one ever greeted her with a smile. They had more of a blank expression or sometimes they let their digust show. She was about to tell him she was going on break, but she was going to get a coffee too for her break so she guessed he could be her last one. Looking back she called for Angel Tea and what he'd asken for and waited about 3 minutes before they were done and she was given coffee. But then she grabbed his and gave it to him then taking the cash. Turning back she slid her coffee besides her because that was the only spot left... not many room in this little shop and took a seat not saying anything but sipping the coffee which she'd boughten herself. She didn't even look at him... expecting a rude comment or him moving away— and her boss did not like her scaring coustomers away. She never trusted strangers and she didn't know why out of all the jobs in the world she had to pick a job with serving strangers.

[Guest]

She was curious, Takashi thought to himself. Most of the women behind the counter would attempt a joke to make him smile. Sometimes they succeeded, others not. Shrugging it off, Takashi nodded briskly and thanked her before taking a sip of his coffee. Mmm, just the way he liked it. Takashi sighed thickly and looked around for a seat, not finding any. To hell with it—he’d stand. Walking over to a window between two leather-clad chairs, both occupied by chatty people, Takashi looked out at the scenery. The cars were getting more scarce—after all, it was early in the morning, and the people who had work had already reached their destinations, or were close to doing so. Staring at the young woman again, Takashi grunted. He’d go ask her if she was okay. No. Hell no. He wasn’t going to talk long. Just a quick question. He doubted she’d even respond. Striding over to her, Takashi managed a weak smile, but it was anything but fake. “You all right, Miss? Most of the waitresses here are more… vibrant.”

[lemmy]

Annah watched him go and she sighed. She wondered why he wasn't like most guys here more... flirty maybe? More talkitive and rude and negitave? She turned and drank her tea which was good to her tastebuds. She never had coffee... it was too plain. Soon she heard a voice and turned around to see the young man returning. She was being talked to? And not in a negitave way, she was being asked if she was okay? Annah gave a sad smile but just made it vanish. "Um, yeah I'm fine just depression." she said, refusing to tell exatcly why. She drank another sip of her coffee and knew she'd expect him to probabaly walk away after this. But she hoped not. Hardly anybody had a real conversation with this young lady because all they did was look at her scars and walk away.

[Guest]

Takashi frowned momentarily. He’d never heard somebody so outwardly proclaim they were suffering from depression. She sure looked like she was suffering from it, though. His eyes flickered over the scars she had a moment before his gaze turned to her face. A young woman got up, and Takashi took her chair after she left and pulled it up to the table with the waitress, turning it so its back was against the rim of the table, and sat on it backwards, resting his arms on the top of the chair’s back. “I’ve never heard anyone say that to me before,” Takashi commented coolly. There was no tone of any emotion in his voice. It was more of an uncomforting monotone, but that’s what he was like to every stranger. “Pray tell me what’s bothering you, Miss?” Taking a sip of his coffee, Takashi added, “I’m Takashi, by the way. Takashi Yamashina. Regular here.” Takashi flashed her a quick smile before looking out the window, wondering what exactly she was looking at. Was it something in particular, or just everything? She certainly was odd.

[lemmy]

Annah watched him intently, but he pulled a chair up to her and stayed. Annah was more surprised than ever and when he asked what was wrong she sighed deeply. Should she tell him? But she never just told her problems to a stranger and being rude to costumers would get her in trouble....even off shift. She sighed and took her gaze off his face fumbling with her fingers. "Well... my brother went to join the Recruiters." She was so good with the lie now. Her and Quincy used to tell everybody that they were siblings so they could have more of a problem. "He said he'd come back, said he'd find me but instead he left me here for 3 years." She held back the tears as she told her story and then he told him her name and she cleared her throat to say, "My name's Annah. Pleased to meet you." She then fell silent again. Tell him no more Annah for you hardly no each other. No more information. Though that's what her mind told her, there was also another part of her mind, her other part of her consious that said. I have never had a conversation like this in a long time.

[Guest]

Takashi listened to her intently, scanning her face. For a split second, he thought he saw an emotion cross her eyes that wasn’t necessarily a welcome one with him—and it didn’t take him long to figure out what it was. “Eh, you sure he was your brother? Or something more?” Takashi let his eyes wander to the window, and he looked as a few cars pass by (his favorite one being a bright red Corvette—what a stereotypical guy of him, he thought). He chuckled suddenly and commented, “I think I can detect a lie when I hear one, no matter how good of a liar one might be. It’s like me telling you I’m some mutant human being that has special powers.” Takashi snorted. That wasn’t a lie, however. He technically was a mutant human being. He had special powers…er—a special power. Just one. Substance mimicry. It was pretty useful once one knew how to deal with it. Pushing himself up from his seat, he looked her over again, “You know, I don’t like girls,” Takashi commented sourly, “But you look like you could use a friend.” Pulling a card out of his ankle-length leather jacket, he scribbled a number on it: his address. “Come and visit sometime. Depression isn’t healthy.” With that, Takashi took up his coffee and left the store.

[lemmy]

As if he read Annah's thoughts, he told her that he could detect her. Her heart raced as words stammered one word after one word trying to lash out saying no... you don't know anything about me! Stop reading me! And, How am I supposed to believe that your some mutant? But she said nothing. At least he can't read my mind. She thought for once relieved that no one could. But once she started getting interested, he said he didn't like girls. She didn't feel disappointed, she tried not to feel like to at least. She was a girl, and when it seeped it... her anger was boiling up. He came to tell her this! But then she untensed when he told her he looked like she needed a friend. More than ever she did! She took his number when he gave it to her and then watched him walk away, her eyes following him. "Bye.' she whispered, watching him walk away and took her plastic cup, threw it away, and went back to shift turning to watch him walk out the door. She gave a half-hearted smile and gave a small wave before turning her head to get her board.

[Guest]

Takashi waited until he was far enough away from the Starbucks before finishing off his coffee and tossing it into the trashcan. He’d not used substance mimicry in a while now… it seemed like a good idea to him. Looking around, Takashi glanced through his dark-brown hair to see if there were any humans nearby. He’d managed to evade capture for a long time now, almost 5 years, and he never planned on getting caught. Takashi Yamashina… it wasn’t his real name. No, his real name was Ichiro Kuroda. In earnest, Takashi preferred his current name to Ichiro. Then, he’d been referred to as “Kuroda.” He’d been bossed around a lot, that way. “Kuroda, try mimicking this,” or “Kuroda, get back to your dormitory for the night.” Takashi grimaced as he laid his middle and index finger on his right hand (strangely tattooed with red and black swirls that, when the fingers were put together, formed a raven) and held them out. He waited for a good 20 minutes before a bird finally perched on his fingers, and Takashi’s substance wavered, then popped, then…was gone? No, Takashi was now a perfect mirror image of the bird, and Takashi smiled a smile that looked weird since he was in his bird form. “All right,” Takashi tweeted before taking off for his home.

[ I was thinking maybe Annah was going to go to Takashi’s house…since it was 20 minutes he waited, it could’ve given her time, and she just is in time to see him transform back into a human? Just so she knows and the climax and conflict can get started? You don’t have to—just an idea. ]

[lemmy]

Annah served people all day - Recruiters and all - some being flirtious and trying to take her up while bystanders watched but she gave them a reason not to. They smelt musty, disgusting and even though she didn't want to, she didn't wish to... not yet. She decided to go see Takashi later after she was done with her job. He seemed like the right person to run to, especially since she had no where else to go.

Annah looked at the time and gave a sigh of relief, grabbing her things. "Okay I'm out!" She called. There were mumbled goodbies... but that was it. That was all. She sighed and pushed open the door - out the staff door and jumped in her car, the engine roaring to life. As she looked at the paper, she regonized the street for her best friend used to live there. Inhaling, she started to run the car and out of the parking lot. She drove the car and soon she was on the street, and starting up his driveway. She was unlocking the car when she saw a bird and it was so close. Then she gasped... right before his eyes it tranformed into a human and not just any kind of human... Takashi. She got out the car raised her eyes cocking her head. "What just happened?" she whispered.

[Guest]

Takashi whirled around when he heard Annah’s voice. “Shit,” he murmured. He rushed over to Annah and grabbed her hand, dragging her into the house and closing the door behind them. He stared at her skeptically before saying, “Don’t you dare tell anybody,” he said sternly, shaking a finger in her face, “Many years I’ve managed not to get caught by those God-damned scientists that kept me cooped up in a lab and ordered me around like a dog!” Takashi suddenly realized how harsh he was being and smacked his hand against his forehead. “Gah, I’m so sorry Annah. I didn’t mean to do that. It’s just… if I ever get found out, I’ll probably be executed for running away.” Takashi through the door keys aside. “I’m sorry. Let’s start over. Pretend that never happened.” Takashi smiled brightly and convincingly. “Take a seat on the couch over there, if you’d like. Or you can accompany me to the kitchen and I can make you some coffee or tea or whatever you wish. I do have some sodas, but not many.” Takashi took off of his coat to reveal his halfway-buttoned dress shirt underneath. “I’m going to get a pop. Would you like anything?”

[ OMG so short D: I am SOOO sorry!! ]

[lemmy]

Annah was just staring off into space, off into what she just saw, it playing in her head over in over again. She heard him mumble a word she didn't hear and then he frantically came over and took her hand. She tried she flinch away, tried to run... now scared what he'd do but he was stronger and pushed her inside and slammed the door. She shrinked into the door as he told her not to tell anybody. She found herself on the ground, knees to her chest and whimpering. Until he talked more gentle and she looked up, watching him settle, saying he's sorry and she suddenly felt guilty and wished she was never here - that she was never thinking of going to his house. She shook her head and nodded. "I-I'm sorry." She stammered and then saw him make his way over towards the kitchen. She decided to shi away from him - he was still a stranger. When he asked her if she wanted tea or sodas she shook her head. "I'll go with tea," she called out to him and looked straight infront of her, still dumbfounded on what just happened

(No your fine)

[Guest]

[ ^^’ Sorry, I feel like I kinda failed. But thanks! ]

Takashi, as soon as he got into the kitchen, frowned deeply. He regretted what he’d done. He couldn’t have been gentler about it? Dang it! The more he thought about it, the more it looked to him like he was about to rape her. Takashi knew he’d never do that to any woman—not ever. Sighing thickly, Takashi got out the things needed for tea and started heating up the water, pulling a Dr. Pepper out of the fridge for himself. When he walked back outside, he sighed and looked over at her. She looked like a frightened rabbit. Takashi grimaced, walking over to her. “I’m sorry. I really am. I didn’t mean to snap at you like that. You wouldn’t know what it’s like when you can transform into things you touch. You don’t know what it’s like to be trapped in a plastic box for 36 hours straight. It’s a nightmare, I’m telling you.” Takashi snorted. “I probably sound like a lunatic. Your tea will be done in a minute. Why don’t you have a seat? I’ll get something for us to snack on.” Takashi walked back out of sight, suddenly feeling the need to get away from her. He felt awful for almost hurting her like that. Seeing her crouched down on the ground like that…whimpering like a little puppy… It hurt him to know he’d been capable of doing that to somebody. Sighing, Takashi took the tea out of the oven when it was done and put the tea bag in before grabbing a bowl and filling it with some Salt n’ Vinegar Utz chips. He hoped she’d like them. If not, he’d find something else. He’d have to be polite and courteous to her from now on. Takashi still regretted doing what he did. She looked like a timid girl. He’d need to be more careful around her from now on.

[lemmy]

Annah sighed and sat back, doing as he was told. They felt oddly... comfortable and she leaned back into the couch with a sigh. She thought back to just when he apologized and talked about sceienctists... ? All of this still didn't quite make sense to her and she was still trying to regestir it in her head. She didn't say anything more though, she drew her lips into her mouth and stayed silent and waited for her tea. Though she lost some of the trust with him, she sat nothing more. Once, she looked behind the couch to look at him but that was all. She continued to try to defend herself. But then, she started to fumble with her scars down her body. She went down her breasts and down her face. She then fumbled with her long red hair. She was not as perfect.. not that pretty and just thought of Quincy then.

[Guest]

Takashi took the teabag out and threw it into the trash, coming out with a bowl of chips and a glass of tea. He handed her the tea, put the chips down, then returned to the kitchen and grabbed his Dr. Pepper before walking back out. When he sunk into the leather of his favorite armchair, he sighed contentedly. “Hey, look, I’m sorry about earlier,” Takashi commented. “I never usually do that. Nobody’s ever managed to catch me in substance mimicry.” Takashi sighed again. “I must sound like an idiot,” he laughed at himself, taking a sip of Dr. Pepper. “Oh, and the chips are Salt N’ Vinegar. If you don’t like ‘em, I have some other things to snack on. The tea is rosemary and mint. It’s actually quite delicious. I don’t know if you’ve tried it before.” Takashi looked her over a moment, noting the scars. He was insanely curious about them, but they’d really only just met, and he didn’t want to prod on areas that were private to her. So, maybe… Maybe when they were friends (if that ever happened), he’d ask her. But now was not the time.

[lemmy]

When he told her sorry, she gave a weak smile. "N-no its fine." she murmured and took the mug from his hands and smelling it before looking over at him before he continued, explaining to her what it was. She sighed and nodded slowly. "Thanks yeah I loved tea since I was 5. My sister used to make it-" she stopped and didn't go further and looked at Takashi, taking a sip of the tea, it hit her throat and warmed her body and took a deep breath then just changed the subject. "Thank you." She said instead. She put the tea down and almost forgot the scars on her face. She put her coat on, and hid her face with her hair that was by her neck at the far side of her cheek. "I- I decided to come after a long day of serving Recruiters and other costumers who stare as if I'll attack them." She sighed.

[Guest]

Takashi stared at her. Yup. Something was wrong. He listened to her politely, though, and waited until she was finished. “Hmm, I’ve loved tea ever since I knew how to hold a cup,” he commented, taking another sip of his soda. “And why would they think you’re gonna attack them? You’re quite the beautiful woman, if I do say so myself.” Takashi smiled a brief smile, before continuing, noticing her trying to hide her scars, “Just because of your outward appearance doesn’t mean your inward appearance is anything less than what your outward appearance is—if that made any sense at all. What I’m trying to say is, though outward appearance may be pleasurable to both men and women alike, it’s the inner personality that really matters. So, I wouldn’t be afraid to show your scars, if I were you. Let people judge. Their words will mean nothing in the end, I promise.”

[lemmy]

Annah contined to keep her head down, toying with her coat zipper. When she heard his comment, saying to she was beautiful her head snapped up, eyes wide. Did he really mean it? Or was he just saying it. When he continued and mentioned her scars she nearly spilt her tea and put it down a sudden rage boiling inside her. She laughed, and pointed at herself. "Look at me." She said in a high-pitched voice. "I can't cut out with others say. There was one time I felt beautiful... inside in out. When Quincy had me with. He traced everyone of my scars and called me beautiful then the next day, he was already leaving to join some... beast! Did he believe those words? I don't think he did." She got close to him, pointing her finger on his broad chest. "I fought for three years... waiting, hoping and I don't know where he is now? If he died..." She took of her coat, her shirt to show her undershirt and took off that. "Do you see these scars? You may think words don't hurt but it depends on the kind of person you are." I lifted his chin." Look at this." She forced her arm to his face to let him see the scars. Annah turned to show her back. "And this." She walked over and curled up, covering her bare breast, tears scortching her cheeks.

(Sorry... maybe Annah's too crazy for him to handle but Annah will soon learn to let herself go and let herself be beautiful when they... ya know, fall for each other.)

[Guest]

Takashi stared at her, not regretting what he’d just said, until she started basically stripping in front of him. He nearly choked on his Dr. Pepper and was forced to put it down, coughing slightly and turning his head away from her bare figure. When she forced him to look, Takashi grimaced. “I—” he stopped as she curled down, covering her chest, showing him the scars on her back. Takashi lifted one hand to touch one of them, though better of it, and dropped his hand, grabbing a blanket and draping it over her, pulling her closer to him. “Annah, just because you have scars doesn’t mean you’re not beautiful.” Takashi got up and stared at her figure wrapped in the blanket a moment, “You really need to stop listening to what others say. Now, please put your shirt back on.” Takashi felt his face heat as he caught a glimpse of her cleavage, then turned and walked into the kitchen. “Tell me when you’re done, would you? I have some curiosities that need to be attended to.”

[ it's fine; how'd she get the scars, btw? and sorry so short D: ]

[lemmy]

(The scars? When she was little she had an unknown past ill get into. But she fought for her life because of it. She got stuck under so brushes to start the scars and she kept gettintg them until she found this place. She was an orphan though)

Annah continued to sob silently but then something nice and warm was wrapped around her and she was pulled she such warmness. The warmth of Takashi's body was unbelievable and she lied her head in the crook of his neck until , murmuring silently to her. When he told her to put a shirt back on she flushed and shied away, turning and got on her undershirt and shirt over it buttoning it up. She felt the red leave her cheeks and she turned towards him, biting her bottom lip. "I'm done." she muttered, still feeling the warmth of the body and wondering why she can't stop the feeling of his body against hers.

[Guest]

Takashi fanned his face off in the mirror, trying to get rid of the mental image of her bare torso out of his head. What kind of woman did that!? Oh geez… This was going to take a while to get over, wasn’t it? Walking back outside, Takashi glanced at her to make sure she was fully dressed and not going to flash him or anything. When he realized she was, he walked back out. “Uhmm, all right…” Takashi bit his lip nervously. “You have somewhere to be… or… do you possibly…want to stay for dinner? If you have to go, you can go! I’m just wondering… if you didn’t… Then maybe you could stay. I could go out and buy some ingredients for whatever you’d want to eat…” Takashi ran a hand through his long, dark-chocolate-brown hair. Ever since she’d taken off her clothing things had gotten very awkward for him. He was a guy, after all…

[lemmy]

(I g2g goodnight will reply to everything in the morn!)

[lemmy]

When she heard the awkardness between him. She sighed and sat down on the couch. She didn't have anywhere else to go, but then tension between them was getting intense. After a few minutes of silence, she looked at him to meet his dark chocolate brown eyes with hers. "I-if you want be to, I want to hear your opinon-" she said said and was gonna continue on to joke about her taking off her shirt, but she was still insecure of herself... still wanting to keep herself safe. She gave a weak smile and turned, taking the mug back in her hands and gulping down some of the tea. She didn't look at him again.

[Guest]

Takashi let out a thick breath and plopped down beside her, turning and looking at her. His eyes searched hers for a moment before shaking his head, but not in a dismissive way. “We’re both different, you know,” Takashi commented quietly. “I can turn into anything I touch, and you have your scars. We’re the same person, only different. Life throws challenges like this at people like you and I to see if we’re fit to live. And judging by you, you’re more than fit to live. You’re larger than life.” Takashi leaned back into the cushions, arm momentarily brushing against her, and continued speaking, “Don’t let what others say bring you down. Trust me. In the labs I was told more harsh things than I have ever been told in my entire life. Maybe even worse than you. After all, you’re not a freak of nature. You’re normal. Be glad to have what you do.”

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