Disclaimer: Tiara, Kagetsu, and all Shamanic Princess characters belong to Mitsuru Hongo, Atsuko Ishida, and Asami Watanabe, not me!
Author�s notes: This is an Alternate Universe fanfic. I have altered all of the plot, relationships, and characters of Shamanic Princess to fit my story!
Treasure in My Life
Chapter 2: Pearls of Doubt [part 2]
So, somehow I got through a week of crazy cramming for finals. I pulled a couple of all-nighters, one for my ridiculously hard calculus final, which I failed miserably anyway, and another for my annoying music final, which wasn't so bad except for the fact that I kept on mixing up the names of the different composers during the listening section. I just have two more finals to go, my humanities and biology finals. They aren't until the next week though, since my college has finals that span over two weeks. Now that I think of it, my school has a really strange schedule, since the last semi-formal of the year takes place the weekend after all finals are over.
The semi-formal� Gosh, I really want to go to it�
Ah, whatever, I'll think about that later. Right now, I just want to take a little break and relax before getting back into studying mode. This break of mind between tests was good timing too, because today is Thursday, the day of Lena's concert. I'm eager to see her perform, because I haven't seen her play the flute since� well, since high school, when I went to each and every one of her band performances. Fine, so maybe high school wasn't that long ago, but for some reason, it feels like it was an eternity ago.
Maybe it's because I feel like everything's changing�
And maybe� it's because a part of me doesn't want things to change.
Oh well, the guys are going to be here soon. I'd better finish up the last of my makeup and get ready to get out of here. I checked myself in the bathroom mirror and applied a bit more of the pale pink lip gloss and smacked my lips together, smoothing it out. There, I think I'm done�
I had slipped into a cute, flirty, and short spaghetti-strapped yellow dress and yellow sandals that had straps that twined around my ankles. My usual golden pigtails were tied up with pale yellow ribbons to match the dress, and I put a yellow choker around my neck for a little extra flair.
I smiled at my reflection in the mirror. Yes, I know, I'm dressing to impress again� Or Maybe I'm trying to compete with Lena, I don't know�
I frowned at that thought. I guess Lena and I have always had a little bit of a playful rivalry going on. Like when we were really young girls we'd compete to see who could climb trees faster or who had the prettier, more fashionable doll. Then later, during middle school, we'd joke about who would get a boyfriend first.
Hmm, that's funny� I guess we still don't know who's won that one yet. Even though I've been on a bunch of dates before, I've never actually been serious about one person enough to actually become a girlfriend to someone. Likewise, even though she's had thousands of admirers, Lena's never had a boyfriend either.
I guess we're both just waiting for that one really special someone�
There was a time that I thought that Graham was that someone�
But, that didn't turn out quite that well� He lost interest in me, so of course I couldn't stay interested in him, you know? So I kinda just stopped caring about him like that, I guess�
Well, anyways, whatever. That chapter of my life is over�
I let out a pensive sigh. Things were different back then, I guess.
Anyways, even in high school, I think we were rivals. Sometimes I'd envy her about something she accomplished, like making first chair flutist in the school band, while other times I think that she was jealous of something I did, like winning a pivotal tennis match for our team. We competed to see who got better grades in the classes that we shared together, even though usually she did.
I know that I definitely tried harder in everything I did because of her� I guess having a rival, someone who I strived to be better than, pushed me to my limits. I totally wouldn't have tried so hard in my classes, or to become a star player in our tennis team, if I didn't see Lena working hard at her studies and her music.
And even now� I guess I am trying to compete with her still, if even just a little�
I dunno what I'm trying to prove to myself, but somehow, competing with her makes sense.
I shrugged. Well, whatever, it'll be nice to see her again. We talk and talk on the phone, but we haven't seen each other in person since Spring Break.
And I haven't seen the guys since� oh wow, graduation? Yeah, that's right.
I wonder how much everyone's changed�
"Tiara? Your friends are here to see you!" Mimi's voice rang cheerfully from outside the door.
"Thanks Mimi! I'll be right out!" I took in a deep breath, really nervous for some reason. I grabbed my purse and walked out of the door, almost bumping right into my roommate. "Ooops, sorry!"
"Aw, that's okay." She leaned in close to me and whispered in my ear, "Wow, you look gorgeous again, Tiara. Knock 'em dead!" The brunette winked at me before going into our room.
Mimi� You're so weird. I giggled and proceeded to the lounge outside of our dorm hall.
A strange feeling of� something indescribable rushed through me as I saw him. Kagetsu was leaning against the wall as nonchalantly as ever, his arms crossed over his chest coolly, apathetically. He was a bit more dressed up than usual with his dark jeans and a long sleeved deep maroon dress shirt, and I have to say that he looked really handsome and intense in that getup somehow� There was something about him that made me want to go up and hug him and mess up his dark black hair playfully�
Okay, that's more than enough of that. I looked over at Leon, who was sitting on the comfortable, yet questionable couch that I bet more than half of our dorm building has either spilt alcohol on or have had sex on. The fact that cute little Leon was sitting on that said couch brought a goofy grin to my face. Then I got a good look at my old friend and noticed that he wasn't quite so cute and little anymore� Clad in a cyan tee-shirt and khakis and with his nearly shoulder length brown hair that kept falling into his eyes, he looked like the definition of an attractive pretty boy.
Which isn't really a bad thing at all�
Eep, okay, what is wrong with me?! I am soo not supposed to think of these guys like that. I knew them from high school, for heaven's sake! The high school that Lena and I proclaimed was full of dumb jocks, geeks, and dorky guys that so weren't cute� I mean, come on, I'm supposed to be looking out for hot, older guys in college�
I cringed inwardly as I walked over to greet them. "Uh, hey there you guys. Long time no see." I smiled at them.
"Tiara, you look even prettier than before." Leon got up from his seat and smiled sweetly as he hugged me tightly.
I was totally surprised. I'm not really used to people hugging me, especially not guys� "Aw, thanks, Leon. You look really great too." I was a bit embarrassed, although I tried my best not to show it. I glanced over at Kagetsu, hoping that he'd be a little, I dunno� jealous? But there he was, looking as apathetic as ever.
Then again, I could never read what's in his mysterious, deep brown eyes�
Leon let go of me and said, "It's so nice to see you again. We have a lot of catching up to do, don't we?"
I nodded. "Oh yea, definitely! But I guess we can talk about it up on the drive there, right? We don't want to be late for Lena's performance!"
"Yeah, good idea. Let's go then!" Leon led the way.
Kagetsu finally came over to join us. "Hey," he said calmly.
"Hey there." For some reason, I found it harder to talk to him than it was talking to Leon� "Um, thanks for driving all the way down here to pick me up for tonight."
"No problem. Lena really wants to see you, so of course I'd come down to get you."
Ouch. Thanks a lot, Kagetsu. "Ah, of course." I tried my best to smile, although inside his words stung a bit. Why do you have to be like that, Kagetsu? Is the only reason you wanted me to come was for Lena?
What happened to us?
We walked a bit until we got to Kagetsu's car. Leon opened the shotgun door for me, saying, "Ladies first."
"Ah, spoken like a true gentleman. And they say that chivalry is dead." I grinned.
He laughed and shut the door behind me. "With a girl as pretty as you, there'd better not be any more gentlemen out there, because then I'd have some competition." He smiled at me as he got in the back seat.
I giggled, trying not to blush. "You're silly, Leon."
"Are you two ready to go yet?" Kagetsu stated almost curtly. It almost sounded like he was a bit annoyed at us�
But why? It couldn't be because of our little playful teasing, could it?
"Ah, yes, of course." Leon said.
"Let's go!" I tried to seem cheerful, although I was a bit confused. And besides� what was that comment that Leon made to me? It almost sounded like he was flirting with me? It couldn't be though� right? I mean, all this time, he's totally been in love with Lena.
Ack, I just don't know what to think anymore� I guess I'll just try to enjoy the night and see what happens.
Maybe I overanalyze things too much, examining every comment made, every look given, to see what feelings are really lying under the surface. Maybe I'm right, maybe I'm wrong, and maybe there's totally nothing there and I'm just making stuff up.
Well, I am a girl, after all. It's my job to overanalyze things, to find the little gazes that were held a little too long and the little comments that were a little too friendly.
I grinned inwardly.
"So, Tiara, how's school been for you?" Leon was lounging across the middle of the backseat, and he was turned towards me. We were driving on the freeway to Lena's school, with about two hours to spare before her concert.
I turned around to face him. "Well, I've� survived through classes." I laughed.
He laughed. "Yeah, me too! Classes seem way harder in college than they ever were in high school."
"Seriously! In high school, I could just cram last minute for a test and learn enough material to pull off an A or at least a B. But now, all-nighters of studying for tests don't do jack! It's like, we have to study ahead of time or somethin'!" I made a face of disgust.
"I know, isn't that so wrong?"
I giggled. "Totally wrong."
"So, have you declared a major yet, Tiara?"
"Well, right now I'm a Bio major, but I took this Bio class, and I totally don't like it. It just seems so boring to me to be learning about the insides of organisms and stuff like that. Not to mention it's just gross to think about things like that."
Leon laughed. "Yeah, somehow Bio doesn't really seem to suit you. Are you thinking about changing it?"
I nodded. "Yup. I was thinking I could try some kinda Lit major, since somehow I can pull off pretty good essays, and since I like analyzing pieces of writing. And besides, if I'm a Lit major, maybe somewhere along the way I could do some fiction writing, which I totally love!" I smiled just thinking about it.
"Hey, that sounds really great. You should definitely pursue that. Then maybe someday we'll see you in a University someday teaching Lit classes to poor first years." He grinned mockingly.
"Ew!!! I don't want to be a professor! No offense, but that's just disturbing!"
We both started laughing. "Aw, well then maybe someday you'll be a popular writer� of cheesy, scandalous romance novels," Leon joked.
I gasped in mock surprise. "How did you know about that little guilty pleasure of mine, Leon? Uh, I mean� of course not!" I winked at him.
He laughed.
"So, Leon, what about you? You in a major or anythin' right now?"
"Well, I'm majoring in electrical engineering. I actually had an internship at this electronics company for a while, and it was pretty nice."
My mouth gaped open in surprise. "Wha? Are you serious? Wow, that's crazy!"
He smiled at me. "Yeah, I know engineering's tough and all, but somehow, that stuff just clicks with me. I guess I'm more of a hands-on kind of guy."
I laughed. "Well, that's great then, that at least you've found something you like."
He nodded. "Yeah, it's definitely a relief. Although I know we have a lot of time before we graduate, it's just nice knowing what field I probably want to seriously go into one day."
"Yeah, that's so true." During this whole time, Kagetsu hadn't said a word. I felt bad for him, so I asked, "What about you, Kagetsu? Do you have a major yet?"
"Yeah. I'm a history major." He glanced quickly over at me and then turned back to watching the road.
"Ah. Do you like it?" I said, trying to get him to open up more.
"Yeah, I do."
Okay� That's it? "That's good then." Not knowing what else to say, I continued my conversation with Leon. "So, what about the party scene, eh, Leon?"
"Party scene? Um, well, I'm not really into that too much�" He laughed nervously.
"Uh huh. Suuure ya're not�" I grinned at him mischievously. "Come on, I bet you're the one who parties and gets mad drunk every weekend, right?"
He shook his head frantically. "Of course not! I uh� just party kinda hard, maybe� every two weeks? Heh heh�"
I grinned. "I knew it!"
He blushed a bit. "Hey, but you haven't see Kagetsu! Now he doesn't party that often, but when he does get drunk, he's so crazy!"
I laughed. "Oh, really, Kagetsu?"
The young man just said, "Yeah, I guess I have been known to get a little bit out of hand at parties sometime."
"Come on, tell her about the time when you and I and our whole floor were playing that drinking game as we were watching cheesy reality shows, and then you started reenacting� what was it? 'Hamlet' or somethin'? It was hilarious!" Leon grinned goofily.
"Ah, that's all right� Maybe next time," Kagetsu said.
"Oh, okay."
Well, there goes that whole opening up idea. What's his problem, anyway? I'm his friend, aren't I? I resisted the urge to sigh.
"Your turn, Tiara. How often do you go out and party?"
I blinked. "Um� Not that often. Maybe� three times a month?" It was my turn to laugh nervously.
Leon chuckled. "Oh, so that's the kind of girl you turned into, eh?"
"Huh? Me? Why, I'm just an innocent angel." I made my cutest puppy dog eyes.
The young man laughed. "Uh huh. More like a dark angel..." He grinned.
"Well� I guess you're just gonna have to find out which one I really am for yourself." I winked at him playfully.
"I guess I have the whole summer to do that, now do I?"
We laughed. The rest of the drive was like that, with Leon and me talking, chatting about college, about high school, and about just pop culture and random things like that. It was really nice to talk to him again, but� Kagetsu totally wasn't into our conversation. He barely said anything, and when he did talk, it was just to confirm something that was already said or to make his one word replies to our questions.
I don't know why he was being like that. I mean, I know that he's a quiet guy, but when he's with his friends, he talks. He has a lot of fun, just like everyone else. So I really don't know why he was being so difficult like that�
Has he changed that much? But then, according to what Lena has told me about him�
Well, she says that he actually opens up to her. That he actually tries to get to know her, and that he lets her get to know him.
Why is he like that with Lena, but not with me?
And besides� what happened to our friendship? We used to be so close, and now he doesn't even talk to me!
He talked to me a bit on the phone, but� why is he being so cold now when we're face to face?
I really hate change�
"Here we are." Kagetsu parked the car next to school's main theater.
"All right, let's go!" I was about to open my car door when Leon opened it for me.
"After you," he said sweetly.
"Oh, thanks, Leon." Why can't Kagetsu be as sweet and just as friendly as Leon?
And more importantly� why do I even care?
I slapped myself mentally. Come on, girl, why do you care so much if Kagetsu and you are close anymore?
Maybe I'm just pissed that he's nearly ignoring me.
Yeah, that's it� It's just a matter of my stubborn pride.
Pleased with that explanation, I walked with the guys into the theater. We took our seats in the middle of a row that was pretty close to the stage, and waited a bit nervously.
Okay, so maybe the two of them were just waiting with anticipation to see her. I was the one who was nervous as I was sitting in between these two guys� So close to them that I could smell hints of their sweet cologne. So close that I could hear their breathing. So close that I could feel their hearts beating.
And somehow, being this close to them is making me nervous�
Gosh, I sound like some dorky schoolgirl with a crush. What is wrong with me?
Chapter 2, pt.3
Yuna's page
Email Yuna