Queen of Hearts

Queen of Hearts

New Game

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Chisato stirred her coffee, staring into its black depths whilst Miyu threw herself onto the sofa, finding thirty crisp packets and old magazines coming up to meet her. Sitting up again and scraping the garbage off her back she fixed Chisato with a hard stare. Chisato obviously didn’t notice.

“Well, I say you found yourself one heck of a man,” she grinned into her coffee. “Almost too good for the devious likes of you.” Miyu flushed in anger.

“I know you don’t approve of what I do as a profession but I won’t change it,” she snapped back rising rapidly. “And I’ll have you know that I hardly ever break their hearts.”

“You break their fortunes instead,” Chisato muttered.

Ignoring the last comment Miyu continued, “I never get too involved with anyone in case they begin to think we’re getting into a long term relationship.”

“What about Richard? He rang here twelve times begging for you to come back. I think you stopped his little ticker there, Miyu.”

“Richard……… was difficult. I mean, we just talked in a friendly manner. He bought me a gift-”

“-Expensive brooch.”

“Yeah, and he instantly thinks that I’m ready for marriage. It’s absurd. Anyway, we’re straying from the point. The point is that I’m a predator of the cunning type and the unfortunate Larva is my prey.” She faltered, out of an explanation. Finally she burst out, “Well, if you care so much then why don’t you flirt with him. He likes you.” The last words were bitter.

“Oh,” Chisato looked up as realisation dawned. “Are you jealous?”

“No,” Miyu looked down. “Well, I am in the way that you’re stealing a golden profitable opportunity here. Chisato,” she looked up imploringly, “Just let me do my business and then you can do what you like.”

“Me? With Larva?” Chisato laughed. “Don’t you worry, girl. I may be the occasional flirt but I’m scared of the whole real relationship thing, kinda like you.” Miyu laughed and threw a stained cushion at Chisato.

“Hey! I’m not scared!”

“Coffee!” Chisato cried swinging her precious beverage out the way of the oncoming cushion. Collecting herself she grinned evilly. “Not scared? Then I’ll make you a bet. You stay with this Larva and try a relationship then I’ll give you………” She reached for her purse and thumbed through the notes. “$2000. An offer you can’t refuse.”

“$2000?” Miyu spluttered. “It’s huge! Chisato, are you nuts? This is at least five months salary. Are you willing to part with that much?”

“If you win,” Chisato waggled a finger at her. “However, if you loose, you have to give up your con artist job and try a nice job, like a waitress.” Miyu glared at the prospect. She just couldn’t see herself in an apron taking people’s coat. The image of her slipping her hand into their wallets cropped up in her mind.

“Give up? Never!” She paused. “But of course, I’ll win, so it’s a deal.” She leant forwards and slapped Chisato’s hand. “But how can I try a relationship if I don’t even like the man?”

“Don’t like him?” It was Chisato’s turn to glare. “You interview him, find him interesting, arrange a coffee date and get all jealous when he says he likes me? I think you do like him a bit.”

Miyu sagged. Sometimes arguing with Chisato was like repeatedly bashing your head against a wall. “Fine, but I have one proposal. During my ‘relationship’ I am allowed to slip the odd gift out of him here and there.”

“I would prefer you not to, but you’re going to anyway no matter what I say,” Chisato sighed. “Well, it’s been an eventful night. The bets on and now I’m going to bed.” She rose from the counter where she’d been perched and reached for her dressing gown hanging precariously on the cupboard handle. Slinging it over her shoulders and staggered into her bedroom and slammed the door behind her. Miyu however was not in the least bit weary. How could Chisato be so relaxed after the proposal of a bet like that? She stared into space, thinking about how she could lure this Larva to like her. Well, that wasn’t hard. She’d do what she usually did with most men. The difficult bit was getting herself to like him. She continued to ponder into the night until she fell into the sandman’s clutches and sank into a doze on the sofa.

* * *

Miyu awoke the next morning with a TV magazine stuck to her forehead. Groaning she heaved herself up onto her elbows, her throat parched and croaked, “Need coffee.” She reached out for the remote to turn the TV on to catch the morning news. She clicked the buttons a few times but they seemed not to be working. It was then she realised she had picked up the phone. At that point Miyu decided to get up. She placed the phone back on the receiver and then staggered over to the counter to make some coffee. She didn’t need to, Chisato had obviously already awoken and a mug of coffee was left out on the side. Miyu thankfully lifted the coffee to her lips but did not manage to drink for at that moment the phone rang.

She paused as she tried to remember where the phone was, realising she’d only picked it up a few seconds ago. Wading through trash she reached the receiver and pressed the green button.

“Moshi moshi?” She took a sip of coffee.

“Hi, Miyu. This is Larva.” Miyu spat all her coffee out. It wasn’t that Larva had shocked her, it was just the coffee was ice cold. There was a pause. “Are you alright?”

“Yes,” Miyu croaked. “It was the coffee. Chisato left it nice a cold for me.” Sarcasm in the morning. This was not a good sign. “Anyway, Larva, how are you?”

“I’m well. I rang to arrange coffee. I was thinking we should go to the Rirakkusu bar.”

“Yeah, that would be great,” Miyu replied offhandedly. She was still trying to get over the flavour of the coffee. “Anytime is good for me.”

“Excellent, how about ten?” Miyu froze and glanced at her watch. 9:35. Not such a good time but she never said no to an associate. Associate? She was meant to be liking this guy so she could win a bet and she was calling him associate?

“Ten’s good,” she murmured. “I’ll meet you there.”

It was like a speeded up movie. Miyu skidded into her bedroom and rummaged through the drawers for underwear and different tops. She spent a split second deciding what to wear and eventually she was dressed. She tackled her hair and teeth as ran out of the front door. The floor had obviously been cleaned, it wasn’t sticky as usual. Miyu came to a halt. How did she know the floor wasn’t sticky. She glanced down at her feet and realised she wasn’t wearing any shoes. Running back to the flat she started to search for socks in her drawers but none could be found. In desperation she searched Chisato’s drawers but it seemed her flatmate was also devoid of socks. She scanned the floor to see if anything had turned up under the newspapers of under the sofa cushions. Nothing.

Stamping her foot on the ground Miyu cried in exasperation, “Wonderful! My house has eaten my socks when I need them!”

She glanced into the corner and saw a pair of floral sandals. Usually she never wore sandals, especially not flowery ones but she didn’t overly like the prospect of greeting Larva bare foot. Grabbing the sandals and wedging them on her feet she flew from flat once again, spending a second to slam the door shut, fail and try again. Halfway down the stairs she checked her watch. 9:50. Great, she was going to be late. She reached into her bag for her mobile to call Larva to plea but then realised she had left her phone and bag on the bed when she was searching for socks. She was now quite tempted to cry but instead she took a deep breath and thundered back up the four flights of stairs and back into the flat.

30 minutes later…..

Miyu walked into the bar and spotted Larva on one of the far tables, being closely observed by a few lonely women. She staggered over, massaging her blistered feet from the bleeding sandals and sat down. Her hair had come undone and she tried to flatten it. Larva gave her a bemused look as a waitress approached the table.

“What’ll it be, m’am?” She asked.

“Vodka,” Miyu croaked. “I need one strong vodka, no ice.”

Larva checked his watch and smiled. “It’s still the morning. I thought you believed in no early consummation of alcohol.”

“Sometimes coffee isn’t quite strong enough,” Miyu murmured staring at the table. Her feet hurt so much, she dreaded the aspect of walking home.

“I thought you weren’t coming,” he commented. “20 minutes late and you only live a few blocks away.”

“Don’t make me feel worse!” Miyu moaned, sinking lower into her chair.

“What kept you?” Larva leant over to catch her gaze. Miyu looked up apologetically. The day was going so badly!

“Well…..” she took a deep breath. “I got out the flat at 9:45 but I realised I wasn’t wearing any shoes or socks so I went back to the flat and tried to open the door but it wouldn’t budge so I spent some time opening that and then I couldn’t find any socks at all and decided to wear these sandals and I left the house again and decided to call you to tell you I was late but I’d left my bag and phone on my bed so I went back up four flights of stairs to get my bag but my phone had run out of battery so I waited for it to charge for a bit but it wasn’t going anywhere so I abandoned that idea and came rushing out the flat and tried to catch a bus because I thought it would be quicker but it took forever to come so I gave up and decided to walk but then the bus came and I chased it but I wouldn’t stop so I decided to run seeing as I was really late but I got held up in crowds of people and I tried to run the whole way but I’m not used to these sandals and now my feet are very sore and I have no phone and…..” she fished into her bag and swallowed. “I’ve forgotten my purse.” Miyu looked up, out of breath and on the verge of tears. “Gomen nasai?”

Larva stared at her for a few seconds then burst out laughing. Miyu’s face twisted slightly as his shoulders shook with laughter and his face was a picture. Once he had calmed down he wiped his eyes slightly and said, “Miyu, that has to be the worst morning and I think you should write an article on it in your magazine.” Miyu smiled weakly. The waitress handed her a vodka. Larva paid her and though Miyu tried to object he was adamant. Miyu smiled gratefully and downed half the glass in one swallow. She swayed for a moment then smiled.

“It was pretty bad. But life goes on.” Larva was still smiling warmly at her and she tried not to grin. “So, Mr Shin….. Larva, do you have any relations?”

“I have two brothers, but I was adopted when I was a child but they all feel like family. What about you?” Miyu stirred her vodka with a spoon forlornly.

“I don’t know my family, they died when I was very young but living with Chisato completely makes up for it,” she added with a grin.

“Still, it must be lonely,” Larva commented. His eyes watched her closely as she took another sip of vodka.

“Maybe,” Miyu replied quietly. She didn’t like discussing the truer elements of her life. “I’ll tell you what, Larva, this vodka is going to do terrible things to me so why don’t you show me the town?”

“Why not?” Larva said pushing back his chair. He offered a hand to Miyu. She took it obligingly and rose unsteadily to her feet. Larva noticed the red sores around her toes. “Will you be alright walking?” he asked concernedly.

“Probably not but I’ll manage,” Miyu muttered walking painfully a few steps. She could feel the straps rubbing against her blisters and flinched.

“You could always hitch a lift,” Larva commented taking a step towards her.

“Taxi is not the best way to view the town and too expensive. How would I-” She was cut of as Larva placed his hands round her waist and hoisted her over one shoulder.

“What? No!” She gripped his jacket for dear life. “Larva! Put me down! Put the magazine writer down! Larva!” But the next few words were lost as she laughed and giggled as Larva walked out the café. The whole street was staring at them but she didn’t care. She could help thinking how ridiculous she looked and that made her laugh harder. Eventually Larva put her down on a bench and sat down beside her. Miyu was still recovering from laughing too much. When she had got her breath back she looked him sharply in the eye and snapped, “Don’t you ever do that again!” With that she smiled. “And I got a lovely view of the city from your height.”

The day seemed to dance by. The shops seemed to blur together and only Larva stayed in sharp focus. Miyu found herself tripping into fantasies. The day seemed to end all too quickly for her liking. They had skipped shopping, merely talked. Miyu usually disliked conversations for they pried too near her real lifestyle. However, she felt a strange relaxing comfort around Larva and was eager to hear much about him.

“Have you ever had a boyfriend?” he asked as they pressed on down a side street.

“What?” The question caught Miyu by surprise.

“I’m sorry-”

“No, don’t be. Well, no….. not really.”

Larva smiled. “I’m surprised. I thought men would be queuing up for you.”

Miyu felt her cheeks reddening so she retaliated humorously. “Oh, did that thought make you feel lucky?” she laughed.

“You consider me more than a friend?” Larva asked mildly.

“I-” Miyu froze, caught completely off guard. “I…..”

Larva placed an arm on her shoulder. “Sorry, I believe I’ve placed you at unease. Forget I asked. I have a habit of doing that.” Miyu reached up and her fingers touched his.

“I told you,” she said breaking the affectionate moment. “Stop being so apologetic.”

There was a sudden crash and a trashcan rolled disdainfully across the alleyway. Miyu and Larva glanced sharply up. “Let’s go,” Larva muttered. Miyu nodded and turned to leave when there was a shout.

“You!” She recognised the voice and turned slowly.

“Oh god, not you.” It was Robert, drunk out of his wits and stinking but still the unmistakable spoilt Robert.

“How….. could you?” he slurred waving an accusing finger at her.

“Let’s go,” Miyu muttered.

“Do you know him?” Larva asked concernedly.

“We’re acquaintance,” she said hurriedly.

“Running away?” Robert bawled. “Like you did to….. me. You’re always….. running away….. from everybody.”

“Please, let’s go!” Miyu nearly cried. In Robert’s current state there was no telling what stupid thing he would say. She gripped Larva’s hand and pulled him away.

“Is that….. another man….. you’re tricking?” Robert yelled. Miyu did not look back but her eyes were tingling. “Are you gonna break his….. heart too? You’re nothing but….. a scared little girl!”

“Go away!” Miyu cried as she took off down the alleyway. Larva’s hand tried to hold hers but she pulled away and ran, tears streaking her cheeks. She couldn’t recall how far or fast she ran. People and neon lights spun past her as she ran to her flat. Running up the stairs of the flat she came to her door. Booting it open she ran into the sitting room. Chisato was slumped on the sofa clicking through each of the channels monotonously.

“Miyu?-” She started as Miyu flew by into her room. The door slammed behind her. Chisato stared after her. Miyu never got flustered or upset like that. Unless….. “Oh god! It’s happened!” Chisato sighed.

“Miyu?” Chisato knocked on the door. Miyu had been quiet all night, she hadn’t even come out for a morning coffee. There was a long pause.

“Yes?” Finally Miyu’s voice came quiet and high, as though she had been crying.

“May I come in?”

“Okay…..”

Chisato eased the door open. Miyu was curled up on her bed with a large book of The History Of Troy on her lap along with a box of chocolates and a lot of used tissues in the bin. She looked tired. Chisato sat down on the edge of the bed.

“So…..” she began slowly.

“So?”

“Was he not so good after all?” Chisato asked.

“It’s not him…..” Miyu’s lip trembled but she stayed calm. “It’s me.” Chisato’s worst suspicions were aroused.

“Then did you do anything….. wrong?” Chisato murmured.

“Yes!” Miyu sobbed. “Why am I like this?”

“Miyu?” Chisato said bluntly. She had to be sure before taking drastic measures. “Are you pregnant?”

Miyu choked and looked up.

“Wha-what?”

“I thought you….. you know….. accidentally…..” She saw Miyu raise an eyebrow. “It could of happened!”

Miyu burst out laughing. She shook her head and smiled weakly. “Chisato, you sure know how to cheer me up.”

“Then what’s with the severe depression?” Chisato folded her arms indignantly.

“Robert saw me with Larva and….. said some stupid stuff.”

“Oh,” Chisato understood now. “Damn. That must have been upsetting. Had he actually worked out you’re a con artist?”

“He must have,” Miyu sighed. “And soon Larva will have worked it out.”

“Why don’t you call him?”

“I don’t want to,” Miyu slid further under the covers. “I can just see the disappointed look on his face.” All the same she reached for her phone and turned it on. She had kept it off all night in fear of Larva ringing her. As the screen flickered to life she stared as the message ‘YOU HAVE 23 MISSED CALLS’ appeared on her screen. She checked the number and recognised it as Larva’s. As Miyu scrolled down each number was the same.

“Well, he obviously wanted to call you,” Chisato stated the obvious.

Miyu said nothing but her hands shook. She slammed the phone on the bedside table. “I’m not calling back,” she snapped defiantly.

“Then you’re giving up the bet already?”

Miyu froze. The bet! She’d clean forgotten! Did she have $1000? Could she still afford to live in the flat with Chisato? The image of her curled up in a cardboard box floated through her mind. She clenched her fist. She wasn’t going under without a fight.

“Fine, I’ll ring back,” she sighed, defeated.

Chisato smiled. “That’s the Miyu I know. The one that doesn’t give up! Now get out of bed and quit gorging those chocolates! This room is a tip. It’s time to get back in line!”

“Chisato,” Miyu said dangerously. “Your room isn’t exactly spotless…..” But Chisato hadn’t heard. She was already dialling in Larva’s number. Miyu grabbed the phone off her and pressed it to her ear. It rang twice, then she heard someone pick up at the other end.

“Moshi moshi?” Larva asked.

“Hi, it’s Miyu,” Miyu said quietly. Chisato gripped her hand reassuringly.

“Miyu! Are you alright?” Larva sounded concerned.

“I guess…..” Miyu paused, wondering what to say. “That man was…..”

“You don’t need to explain if you don’t want to,” Larva reassured her.

“Oh, okay. Well, he was a bastard I used to date anyway,” Miyu replied quickly.

“Miyu, wash your mouth out!” Chisato snapped.

“Miyu, is Chisato with you?” Larva asked.

“No!” Miyu cried slapping a hand over Chisato’s mouth. She mumbled in protest so Miyu shoved a pillow in her face.

“Hey!” Chisato yelled indignantly.

“Oh for God’s sake, Chisato!” Miyu snapped. “Shut up!” She realised Larva was still on the other end of the line. There was a lengthy pause.

“So, how about coffee?” Larva’s voice came mildly.

* * *

Okay, another Chapter finally cooked up. Sorry if this wasn’t as good as the last. I’m running low on steam, ideas in the pits if you know what I mean. I’ve got another fic coming, which is chewing up my time.

Anyway, till then! Please review….. oh, and Vampire Miyu characters don’t belong to me and so on and so forth…..