(Nostalgia - Lucas King)
(4925 words)
Kasumi Aika's POV
It was late afternoon.
The sun was setting, bathing everything in its sight with gold and orange. It was spring, where it wasn't too cold neither too hot. Even a simple sweater was more than enough. Simply, it was the perfect weather, especially one to hang out with a certain red idiot.
We were walking through the park beneath the red maple trees, enjoying ice cream sundae cookie cups. Not only that we could eat the ice cream, but the cup itself as well. Not going to lie, enjoying a great view with a great boyfriend and great ice cream is the best.
"You know, I just realized something." Karma spoke up, licking his fingers from the excess ice cream that trickled down. "Even though we've been dating for ten years, we spent half of the first relationship far away from each other. Like, out of country far away. And most couples don't last through LDR. Is it because our bond is that good?"
I chuckled. "Either that or we were so engrossed in our work that we never had the time to think about being unfaithful or such. We did promise to focus on our studies first."
"True." He shrugged. "But it's kinda amazing we managed to get this far without straying off, right?"
"That's also true." I hummed, just now finished eating the ice cream. "But how spontaneous of you, Karma. I never thought you'd be saying stuff like that out of the blue."
"Well, being with you rubbed me off, I guess. However, fishing up bullies is a hobby I'll never give up on."
"Or started."
"Oh hush, shor- ahem."
I raised a brow. "Were you about to call me a 'shortcake'?" I asked, now smirking. "Should I remind you that I'm taller than you now, love? Two centimeters now~"
"N-No! I didn't." He huffed, his cheeks in a light shade of pink.
I chuckled. "Also, I hope you haven't forgotten about the bet. Maid costume, remember~?"
His face seemed to have turned into pure horror by then. "Holy crap, I regret that so much."
"Who's the shortcake now, shortcake~?" I poked his cheek teasingly. He rolled his eyes.
"Whatever, long beans."
"L-Long beans?!"
"Yeah. Tall, skinny, and flat. Perfect candidate."
"Why you- （｀Δ'）！"
"Hey, remember what day it is today?"
"Ah..." I paused, thinking for a little. "Oh! It's the day of the month where you try to make something! I'm glad you remembered~"
"Unlike you."
"Shush! You just needed a change of topic.
~~~~~
"Tada~" He sang, showing off a...
"Chocolate ball!" I gasped, already eyeing for a small container filled with melted caramel or something to pour on top of it.
"Relax, Long beans. You can't eat dessert until you start with the appetizers and main course."
"Wait, that means... You made an entire meal? For me?" I gasped again. "Aww~ Karma, I love you so much!" I tackled him into a hug, grinning so much that my cheeks were hurting. Usually, this idiot would just make one type of food, like a burger or an omurice. But this is such a huge improvement!
"Geez, you're not kidding when you said you're a super foodie." He sighed. "C'mon, eat up, Long beans. I don't want my creation to get cold."
"O-Of course!" I sped onto the chair, sitting upright with a fork and knife already in hand. The redhead facepalmed, but proceed to bring out the food.
"First thing is first! Cream soup." He put down a small bowl filled with mushroom cream soup, the smell was appetizing and already mouth watering. But the one problem is...
"Aww... why is the portion so small? ( ≧Д≦) Give me a bigger one!"
"No way, you idiot. If I added too much, then you won't have the stomach for dessert." He deadpanned, sipping his soup. "I'll let you have some more after. But damn I made a good soup."
"A delicious soup." I corrected, refraining to go all out with the soup and drink it little by little. "Where did you even get this recipe? Muramatsu-kun?"
"Bingo, he helped me out a little."
Karma's Flashback:
Muramatsu: For goodness sake, Karma, stop adding so many spices! Do you want a nice, edible soup or a deadly hot one that'll make her scream?!
Karma: *sigh* Fine... *puts down the ghost chili pepper* And I don't think she'll scream... tearing up a little, maybe.
Muramatsu: I swear I'm about to leave right now-
Karma: Don't you dare.
"Done!" I exclaimed, finishing the soup in less than three minutes. "Next course!"
"Well aren't you excited for the choco ball." He mused.
"Of course I am! Sweets are life~"
"Then I won't hold back. Next course is~" He brought out two medium sized bowls and two smaller sized bowls, with the familiar scent of...
"Ramen!" I exclaimed. I sniffed again. It wasn't the ordinary ramen I've normally had. However, this smelled like... "Is this the acorn ramen from the Kunugigaoka Festival cafe competition?"
"Yep~ Remade it again in this kitchen." Karma smirked with pride.
"Buuuut, with Muramatsu's help."
"Shh, give me credit."
"Yeah, yeah~" I took my chopsticks and dipped the ramen noodles into the soup, and ate it. I sighed softly, the taste of the ramen reminded me of the class competition. It was amazing, and delicious. Good thing he didn't make kobe steak, too.
"I'll admit it Karma, eating all this probably raised my affection to you. Except erase the 'probably'."
He smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck. "Uh huh..."
I tilted my head slightly, confused. He looks nervous and lost in thought... did he think his food would be terrible or what?
I mentally shook my head, getting rid of my thoughts. And before I knew it, I finished the ramen. Guess I inhaled it faster than I thought... ( ꒪Д꒪)ノ
I looked at Karma, who also just finished eating his ramen. I should seriously thank Muramatsu for helping me set this up. He thought, then looked up. "You finished hella quickly, Long beans."
"I should say the same thing to you too, Shortcake." I replied with a teasing grin. "Now the moment I've been waiting for... dessert!"
"Give me a sec." He stood up from his seat and headed off to the kitchen, prolly to get the sweet treat. But what's taking him so long? I could've sworn it's been five minutes.
Akabane Karma's POV
I looked at the plate of chocolate ball in front of me, with a small container filled with caramel syrup.
Don't forget about this crucial part, Karma. I remembered Muramatsu reminding me in my head.
"Yeah, yeah. I know." I took a deep breath in, and brought the plate and container to the table. Her smile lighted up immediately at the sight of the chocolate sphere, I almost felt guilty on what I'm about to do.
"Only one? I thought you'd make one for yourself, too."
"Oh? Nah, not this one." I replied, placing the plate in front of her. I slowly sat on the other side of the table, legs crossed.
"Why?" She asked, confusion evident on her face.
"Well..."
I gave her a daunting smile, staring deep into her crimson red eyes. My chin was resting on the palm of my hand, with my elbow propped on the table.
"This might be the last meal I'll make for you at how we are now."
Kasumi Aika's POV
Huh...? What is this all of a sudden? Is he trying to tease me again?
"What do you mean by that?" I questioned. "We've been together for almost ten years."
"And that's exactly why I'm doing this." He shot back. "It's been too long, Aika. Stuck in the same place, and I'm honestly tired of it. So I've decided to end this with a chocolate ball."
"W-Wait, are you serious?"
"Do I look like I'm not?" He questioned. I scanned his face, he wasn't bluffing. At all. I could feel my stomach dropping.
We're... over?
"You said years before that everything has a reason to it, right? Even with food? Here you go. Solve it." His smile didn't match his stale tone. "Pour the caramel on the chocolate, and enjoy your last meal, as my girlfriend."
I gulped. My hands were shaking. "You're ending it... just like that?"
"Just like that."
"...I see." I bit my lip. My vision was blurring. What is this feeling...? It's like my chest was tightening. I could barely breathe. A goodbye message, the feeling was similar to when Korosensei was gone. Why does this hurt so damn much?
I picked up the container filled with caramel, fingers quivering. It's over...?
I began pouring the caramel on the chocolate sphere, watching the dome melt and revealed...
A Japanese strawberry shortcake.
I choked out a dry laugh. "How funny." I took a small fork and tried to cut the cake, but something wasn't letting me. Something physical, something hard was embedded inside the cake. What is this, a rock? What did he put in this thing? I thought. Using the fork, I pulled the thing out of the cake.
A block of wood.
I felt a chuckle beside my ear. I jumped a little to see that Karma was beside me, crouching. He took the block of wood. "I see that you found it." He murmured.
"Were you trying to choke me? With something that big?" I frowned.
"Choke you? Oh, no. I wouldn't do that to you. I couldn't have the love of my life die on me, could I?"
What?
"You see, Long bean, you are such a negative thinker." He fiddled with the block of wood.
I frowned even more. "What do you mean by that?"
"As I said, I wanted how we are right now to end. Pouring the caramel on the chocolate sphere to end how we are right now."
"I-I know that! You're tired of being with me for such a long time. Is that why you spoke up about it before? You want to break up with me, don't you?" My voice sounded leveled, but I was breaking on the inside. Could he see it?
Karma simply laughed. "Again, Aika, you're jumping into conclusions too quickly." He stopped fiddling with the wooden block. "Have you ever thought that when I said I'm tired of being like this is because I wanted something more? The reason I wanted to end this is to change something. Maybe... instead of my girlfriend, as my wife?"
I never noticed the thin line dividing the wooden block in half until he opened it, revealing a silver ring inside of it. I could've sworn my heart stopped at the very next moment.
"I know this is gonna be extremely cheesy, but listen. I know I'm not the best guy in the world. Admittedly, I have a lot of flaws. I made a lot of mistakes in my life, but you're not one of them. So, doing this would make me the happiest man in the world. Aika, if you would be the long bean to my shortcake, will you marry me?"
~
I woke up to the sound of a familiar blonde blowing an airhorn right in front of my face. "Holy crap, Alice! The hell was that for?!"
"If it isn't the one and only Kurumi Mika finally awake! You've been snoozing till 10 AM, kiddo."
"I told you, Alice, to stop calling me with that name. I already changed it, remember?"
"Oh, right! Sorry, you hate that name now, Aika-chan. But still, snoozing till 10 AM. What made you wake up so late, anyways?"
"...Right." I sighed, rubbing my face. I was in my room. I could see the other assassins roaming the halls, going through their daily routine. Was that just a dream, then? "I had a weird dream, Alice."
"Oh?"
"I was dating this guy with red hair for almost ten years and he proposed to me." I flopped on my pillow. "That's kinda funny, right? I'm pretty sure I'll die single."
"Heh. You're funny." The blonde chuckled, sitting on a chair beside my bed. "If anything, that'll be me, since I pretty much asked for it. Wake up, Ai-Chan."
~
"Hm..?" I woke up again, but why am I standing?
"Really, Ai-Chan? Sleeping right at the big moment?" A familiar voice mused.
"Eh..?" I blinked the fatigue away, and realized where I was. I was walking towards where Karma and the celebrant (Who was Maehara) stood, and I nearly stopped dead in my tracks. Was I just daydreaming all the way to here? To the middle of the ceremony?
Well... at least the veil is covering my face from the view.
I took a deep, yet silent breath as I watched the others from the corner of my eye.
"Finally stopped sleepwalking, Aika-chan?" The voice beside me snickered.
"Oh hush, Rio. I was deep in thoughts." I murmured, pouting a little.
"Oh really? When I told you to prep up, your head was so up in the clouds I couldn't get you snapped out of it without ruining your makeup, which is something I don't dare to do. So I pretty much just dragged you along here. At least you were light on your toes, I'll give you that."
"I can't help it, it's probably because I was so nervous..." And it was a really weird daydream, I had a two layered dream... a dreamception?
"Right, right." We continued walking until I reached my destination, just right beside of Karma. And truthfully, when the priest started making a long speech, I couldn't wait to just run off and have pizza or something. The dress was uncomfortably tight and heavy...
I felt someone elbowing me lightly. Using the edge of my peripheral vision, I could tell that it was Karma. "You look really nice in that." He uttered.
"I could say the same thing to you, Shortcake." I held back a smile while he had this deadpanned look on his face.
"Aika and Karma, having heard that it is your intention to be married to each other, I now askyou to declare your marriage vows. Please face each other and hold hands."
Ooh, exciting~
We turned towards each other, now holdings hands. I already memorized my vow without the Maehara saying anything, so before he could speak, I said,
"I, Kasumi Aika, take you,
Akabane Karma, to be my husband.
I will share my life with yours,
Build our dreams together,
Support you through times of trouble,
And rejoice with you in times of happiness.
I promise to give you
Respect, love and loyalty
Through all the trials and triumphsof our lives together.
This commitment is made in love,
Kept in faith,
Lived in hope,
And made new every day of our lives."
I could tell the now ex-heartbreaker was surprised at my words. Karma, who smirked lightly at Maehara, also spoke up.
"I, Akabane Karma, take you,
Kasumi Aika, to be my wife.
I will share my life with yours,
Build our dreams together,
Support you through times of trouble,
And rejoice with you in times of happiness.
I promise to give you
Respect, love and loyalty
Through all the trials and triumphs of our lives together.
This commitment is made in love,
Kept in faith,
Lived in hope,
And made new every day of our lives."
I stifled a giggle at Maehara, who was simply at a loss of words, sweatdropped. Now I look like the fool! They know that they could just repeat after me, right?! The poor guy thought. However, he cleared his throat and pretended that was supposed to happen.
"Your wedding ring are the outward and visible sign of the inward and invisible bond whichalready unites you two hearts in love.
The ring that Aika will receive today comes from her mother's. Her mother wears hergrandmother's ring which is identical. As this ring represents a family heritage, may it be a joyfor Bride to wear for the rest of her life.I ask Isogai to give Aika's ring to Karma.Karma, place the ring on Aika's finger and repeat after me-"
"I give you this ring.
Wear it with love and joy.
As this ring has no end,
My love is also forever."
I refrained from laughing as the redhead placed the ring on my finger. Yes, this is the best day of my life, but also one of the most embarrassing moments for poor Maehara. The poor blonde was just trying to recover the shock from being unable to say anything (๑꒪▿꒪)*
"Ahem. Isogai, now please give Karma's ring to Aika.Aika, place the ring on Karma's finger and-"
Without hesitation, I slipped on the ring on his finger and spoke in a clear voice,
"With this ring, I marry you.
Wear this ring forever
As a sign of my love."
I could already tell Maehara was melting on the inside. Both in a good and bad way, I suppose.
"May the wedding rings you exchanged today remind you always that you are surrounded byenduring love. Now by the power vested in me and the gods above, it is my honor and delight to declareyou husband and wife. You may seal this declaration with a kiss-"
Karma didn't spare a second and leaned in, planting a soft kiss on my lips. I merrily returned the kiss, smiling. As cheers resonated through the room, I could hear Maehara's silent weeps of happiness and embarrassment.
"You bastards purposely set me up as the celebrator so you could do this to me, didn't you (눈_눈)" Maehara whispered, a tic mark evident on his head. Karma simply gave him a cheeky grin.
"So glad you're our celebrator, Maehara!"
"Omaewa mo Shindeiru (-̀◞▥◟-́ )"
"Aww, that's mean!" I pouted. "I guess I'll have to throw this bouquet to someone else, then..."
"Noooo!" He cried.
~~~~~
"Whew! Now that's over, party time!" I heard Kayano cheered, already heading to the buffet. I giggled at this. I could finally change out of this wedding dress! It's so heavy, how many layers did this thing have?
"You alright there, Aika-chan?"
"Oh, Nagisa-kun!" I greeted, though I first didn't see him at all because... well... I had to look down ^^;
"Your wedding dress seemed pretty heavy..." He commented.
"Hell yea it was! Good thing I'm wearing something so much lighter now~" I sighed, stretching as I wore a majestic...
Butler suit.
Nagisa sweatdropped. "Why are you wearing something like that in your after wedding party?"
"Oh, you'll see~" I sang. As if right on cue, I could hear a small thud coming from the groom's changing room. I won't lie, this is indeed the best day of my life.
"Aika, I swear you're going to get it once this is all over." Karma trudged out of the changing room, wearing a...
Classic maid costume~
"You look so pwetty in that, my husband~" I cooed teasingly. "Shall we have a beautiful dance together, mademoiselle~?" I reached an arm out exaggeratedly, in which he replied with a tic mark.
"You are so lucky there are people here, Aika." He unwillingly took my arm.
"Your fault for betting that silly bet years ago~" I sang.
"I know, I hate myself so much for that now." He grumbled.
"Aww, don't be so down, Shortcake~" I booped his nose. "We have an ice cream cake to finish first!" I looked at the ice cream wedding cake, with strawberries decorating the exterior. Oh gods of calamity, I really want to eat that.
"Aika, say ah~" He cooed, already slicing the cake.
"Ah~" I did what he said as he put a spoonful of the ice cream cake into my mouth. I teared up a little at the flavor of the delicious cake. This is so good... "You should really try this, Karma." I told him.
"The bride has to also feed the groom, remember?" He said in a joking manner. Suddenly having flashbacks (to the Christmas special ;3), I smirked.
"Okay~" I leaned in and gave him a kiss, making him flustered. "I hope that was enough, ojou-sama~" I teased.
"Why you-" His face was as red as his hair and so flustered. How cute~
"I'm gonna get some drinks, so sit tight and be pretty for me, yeah? ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ" And then I quickly ran away before he managed to reply.
"Phew.." I sighed, taking a sip of watermelon punch.
"Aika-Chan~ Congrats on the wedding!" I heard a cheerful tone greeted at me. I grinned at the sight of an old friend.
"Dokusha-San!" I greeted cheerfully. "Thank you so much for coming! I'm so happy you're here!" I hugged them tightly. (A/N: Can you guess who that is? Hint: Translate :D)
"I wouldn't miss it for the world! You finally got married, Ai-Chan! Knew you're never going to stay single forever~" They cooed.
"Ha! How about you, though? Surely you didn't come alone." I guessed.
"Nope! I decided to not go alone for once. But where is he...? Hmm. I'll get back to you on that. Lemme just find that idiot."
I giggled. "Alright, good luck with that." And so we headed our separate ways, for now at least.
Now where is that Akabaka Karma?
After a few minutes of searching, I finally caught a glimpse of red hair from a distance. Finally, there he is!
"Hey, Karma!" I called out, though he did not appear to hear me. Really, again? "Jeez, that idiot. Do I have to kiss him again or something?" I stormed over to where he was standing. "Shortcake, hey! Karma!" No reply.
Really now?! That's it!（｀Δ'）！
"I've been calling you out for the third time, you bozo, don't ignore me-!" I grabbed him by the collar and forced him to face me, but then I saw a burn mark on his face... and he's heterochroma- shet. This is not him. I could feel an icy chill from my fingertips.
WHY IS THIS HAPPENING AGAIN?! ( >д<) This is not Karma, isn't this Todoroki Shouto?!
I jumped back at the sudden cold that came from the male, now flustered. The male, in return, sighed. "Here I was hoping everything would be normal, but the groom is wearing a maid costume and the bride is wearing a butler suit and mistook me as her own groom. How perfect."
(The one and only Todoroki Shouto~ ;3)
"W-Well, I'm sorry! You looked exactly like him from the side! Also, I don't remember inviting you..." Not that I hate it, tho-
"Really, Aika-San? You mistook someone as Karma? Again?" Another familiar voice deadpanned. "You're lucky he didn't try to use my scissors on you."
"Eek-" I sweatdropped. "Akashi-Sama, I didn't know you were here too... (￣□￣;)" I sweatdropped.
"Of course I'd be here." He scoffed. "Unfortunately." He muttered that last part.
"Hey! (;｀O')o"
"Tsk tsk tsk, Long beans. I thought with your kind of IQ, you wouldn't do the same mistake twice." Karma popped out of nowhere and was already teasing me.
"Well, I can't help it if there are three people who looks almost exactly the same as you! Well, Todoroki-San only counts as half, but still!"
Now seeing all three of them in front of me, I might as well be in redhead galore ^^; NotthatImind,tho-
"Todoroki-kun, there you are!" I heard another voice coming this way.
"Dou-San.." He murmured. "Sorry, but I was caught up in a conversation with these three." He mentioned me, Karma, and Akashi. And just like my reaction, Dokusha seemed to be rather surprised and flustered.
So many redheads... They thought. "Jeez, you really should stop straying away. You still owe me a dance, after all..."
"Ah.. you're right."
Wait... so Dou-San was the one who invited Todoroki-San?!
"I believe someone else also owes me a dance." Karma hinted, which I rolled my eyes to.
"Yes, yes, my needy mademoiselle~" I lent a hand out for him to grab, in which he accepted and we began swaying to the beat.
"And I was not being needy, I wanted the party to be over with so I can take off these damned flats." He defended.
"Uh huh." I chuckled.
~~~~~
It was time for the closing. The after party lasted for hours, and Karma kept complaining on how the flats he was wearing were killing his feet. I, in return, told him that's the pain of dressing as a woman.
"Finally, I can just get rid of these since the guests are leaving!" He breathed a sigh of relief, taking off the shoes. "I should've kept wearing the previous shoes instead of those hell things."
"Oh please, you haven't even tried heels, you big baby." I teased.
"Ha! I'll never wear those. Ever." As the crowd got thinner, Karma excused himself for a moment to talk to Akashi, probably to boast about getting married before he did or something. I, however, laid my eyes on redhead number three... or two and a half, whichever works. He seemed to be waiting for Dokusha to get out of the bathroom.
"Todoroki-San!" I called out, grinning. He gave a small smile in return. "Did you enjoy the party?"
"It was... better than expected. I got to know more things about Dou-San, and the food was great. Like what kind of wedding have pizza and all sorts of desserts in their buffet?"
I laughed at his remark, but then smirked. "You mentioned about getting to know Dou-San a little bit more... are you a good friend? Or maybe...?"
The half hot half cold male shook his head. "No, no. Nothing like what you're thinking. Unfortunately." He murmured that last part. I smacked the idiot upside the head.
"Listen, Mr. Hot and Cold (you're yes then you're no, you're in then you're out, you're- okay I'll stop now), if you really want to get out of the friend zone, do something about it. Dokusha-San seemed to be very fond of you, after all." I encouraged.
He scoffed. "It's not easy with someone like Dou-San. Especially with their ability to see through others. A clairvoyance ability, to tell what a person is thinking, their status, and all that stuff. It's not the best skill to have on hand-to-hand combat, but it's like a deadly weapon for things like these. It's hard to keep them from reading you, and much harder to read those who could read you, you know."
"But you know Dou-San doesn't often use that ability, the side effects are annoying if used too long."
"I know, headaches and a 20% chance to see through people's clothes."
That side effect isn't too bad... I mean-
"Indeed, awful. But still. If Dou-San can read you like a book, might as well be open to them and just confess. Or just make a gift accompanied by a letter. It's much easier to do, since all you need to do after is give them the thing and run or something."
He sighed. "Fine, I'll give that a try. I guess coming here did outweigh the bad stuff..."
"What bad stuff?!"
"You mistaking me as Karma."
"W-We will not speak of this!" I huffed.
"Yeah, yeah. Go back to him, he looks rather impatient."
I looked back to see him in his silly maid costume, arms crossed while tapping his foot impatiently. I giggled at this. "Well, I wish you luck, and goodbye."
"You too."
The redhead let out a long sigh once I returned, then got into our wedding car. "You sure know how to keep a guy in a maid dress waiting, huh."
"Is it just me or have you become a little more womanly ever since you wore that thing?"
"I-It's probably rubbing off on me!" He argued, and drove to our new home.
~~~~~
"This house looks so nice..." I awed again at our new home, then glanced at Karma. "Do you need to be carried off? I don't want your poor dress to get dirty~" I teased.
"And, what, you become my servant?"
"Right, right~" I giggled. "I shall become one hell of a butler while you must run away from an Elizabe-?"
"Hey, I refuse to be a twelve year old and order you around- well except for the latter part."
I raised a brow. "Oh, really now? Do I have to mention that that demon schtupped two people?"
"Oh, I don't want that. However..." He leaned in, placing a finger beneath my chin. He smirked dangerously, making my heart fluttering. "I just want you to go for one person only." He whispered.
"Uhm... Ah... (//∇//)" Aika.exe stopped working.
End of Chapter Forty Two
I... actually have no words for this XD I just wanted to write this up for the fun of it, and it's just really fun to. And I also want to say thank you so, so much for reading my very first fan fiction I publish, I hope I didn't do terribly, tho admittedly there are times I forget about what happened and ended up mucking stuff up... curse this goldfish memory X'D
Closing brought to you by Gaara, Saeyoung, Soma, and many other redheads feeling left out,
Pocky-Chan, out!