Author's Notes: I thought, Roller Coaster needs more submissions. And then, I realised, that it was up to me (uh, not really) to fill the archive! Thus, a sweet story of... stuff. Yeah, and other things. It's fluff and it's going to be vaguely silly. It's going to have boys liking boys and girls liking girls. It's going to have *gasp* boys that like girls and girls that like boys! It's hopefully going to be fun. Mia helped with the title. Seeing as she just rocks like that. ------------------------------------------------------------ Natsume She surely must be the most tenacious opponent that I'll ever say I've had the chance to battle. Gritting her teeth, the red head steps between myself and the exit, arms spread out wide. "No," Kasumi says, shaking her head, her hair shaking freely. "You're not going to leave." "Yes," I grate in reply, "I am. Get out of my way, Kasumi. You don't want me to have to kick your ass." Kasumi just laughs and crosses her hands over her chest. "As if *that* is possible. Sit back down, Natsume. It's not going to kill you." She's not getting out of the way, and I really don't want to actually hurt her. I sigh, and then go back to the make-up table in the bathroom, sitting down and draping my arms over its own. "I really don't want to do this," I tell her, and she comes back and stands behind me. I can see her reflection in the mirror, and she picks up a clump of my hair as well as the brush, and starts to pull the bristles through. "It's going to be fun," she says with a smile. "No, it's going to be hell," I sigh. Kasumi rolls her eyes. "You have no sense of adventure, Natsume. You make a very bad girl, you know." I roll my eyes and lean back. She tsks and makes me sit forward. "You're going to sit all over your hair." "I don't see why you're making me do this, Kasumi," I groan, and she continues to brush out my hair. "Because," she answers me, "it's the chance of a lifetime. It's going to be so wonderful and romantic and just absolutely perfect," she sighs dreamily. "Anyway, *everyone* is going to be there." I sigh again. It seems to be becoming quite the past-time. "No one that matters." "Don't jump to conclusions," she smirks. "Erika's going to be there." I start and jerk forward. "Ouch!" Kasumi lets go of my hair and sets the brush down "You okay?" she asks, and I rub the back of my head. "Are you trying to rip me apart?" I demand, and she huffs, kicking the back of the chair. "No, I'm not." And then she smirks again, and I feel a sense of dread welling up inside. "But it got a reaction. Maybe not the one I wanted, but a reaction none-the-less..." I glare at her and get up. She shakes her head and puts her hands on my shoulders, pushing me back down. "I have no idea what you're talking about." "Oh?" Kasumi giggles evilly. "Erika. Erika, Erika, Erika," I wince each time she says the name, and wriggle away from her. "Stop it," I whine pathetically. Oh, Natsume, you're just working right into her hands... don't act like you care! Yeah, that should be easy enough. Of course, when I go to speak, that front falls apart. Getting my emotions back really hasn't done much good for me... Kasumi starts brushing my hair again. "See, I know she has some effect on you. You'd be cute together, you know." I blush. "Kasumi!" She tugs on my hair. "Come on, you have to admit it. I saw you staring at her at the last council meeting..." "You're going to kill me," I moan melodramatically. "Oh, don't be such a baby. I think getting your emotions back was the best thing in the world, Natsume! Now, sit STILL!" she commands, and I sit back sulking. "You're supposed to be my friend." "I am," she says, and then puts the brush down as she starts to braid my hair. "And as your friend I want you to be happy. And if Erika makes you happy..." I sigh. "You're pushing it, Kasumi." "Yeah, and I can push harder. So shut up and stop acting like a baby or I'll develop Psychic powers of my own and *kick*," she jerks on my hair a bit violently and I wince, "*your* *ass*!" I glower at our reflections and sit out the rest of this torture. Life just isn't fair. I don't want to go to this party. I don't want to see Erika. No, I do, but why do I have to see her in public? This just isn't fair! Everyone expects me to always be so calm and controlled and... Kasumi yanks on my unfinished braid. "Stop thinking that." I blink. "Eeeehhh?" She shakes her head. "You don't have to be Psychic to know what's on your mind. Stop thinking that, Natsume. You're going to enjoy yourself." Sighing, I close my eyes. This is going to be a nightmare. But maybe, just maybe... Kasumi lets the braid thump down against the back of the chair, and I tilt my head up to gaze back at her. I chew on my lower lip nervously for a moment before speaking, "Do you think this is a good idea?" Kasumi smirks. "It's more than just 'good', Natsume. It's going to be the best night of your life. Now, it's time to pick out what you're going to wear," she pulls me to my feet, and I stumble after her as she goes to the door. "You're getting more and more like your sisters everyday," I murmur, amazement in my voice. Kasumi stops, and looks back at me, a dangerous glint in the depths of her sea-blue eyes. "Say that again and I really am going to have to kick your ass, and then you won't get to see Erika," she says in a sickeningly sweet tone. I blush again, stammering and shutting up then instead of actually replying. Kasumi just smirks and drags me towards my bedroom. I swear, this is the last time I ever let her come over to do my hair and then have her end up talking me into fifty-million things more than what I'd wanted to do. Okay... so, only one... But that is *so* not the point. Kasumi kicks the door shut behind us as we reach my room, and the plonks me down on the bed. "Don't I get a choice in what I wear?" I ask as she throws open the doors to the closet. "As if," she laughs. "We don't want Erika to run screaming from 'Natsume-the-fashion-disaster', do we?" I wince, and lean back on the bed. "You really *are* getting more like your sisters," I mutter under my breath. Thankfully she doesn't hear. She turns around and holds out a pale violet sort of dress. Before I can even shake my head, she turns back around and shoves it back into the closet. "Ooh!" she squeals. "This is perfect," she yanks violently on the hanger, and then walks over to me, clothing in hand. "Get up," she says. I sigh, I do. "Well?" she asks, holding it out to me. I look down at short black skirt and the jade coloured blouse that she has pressed against me. "Um, well," I murmur. The tops of the arms are cut off, and I have to admit that I *do* look good in it... "And I saw the cutest boots to go with it. Well?" "Do you want me to look like a slut?" I reply, looking at her warily. Kasumi just rolls her eyes heavenward. "As if. Try it on?" I sigh, and then nod. "All right. I'll do it. But it's not going to look good." "Just trust me and put the clothes on," Kasumi says, exasperated. "Okay?" I submit, because I don't feel like hearing her complaining all the night long. "All right. All right... Now get out of here, this isn't a personal strip show." I blush at the smirk that suddenly springs onto her lips. "Say it and I'll have to see if I can make your head implode." Kasumi just huffs. "You really are no fun." I shoo her out of the room, "I'm going, I'm going -- sheesh!" She closes the door loudly behind her, and I put the clothes on the bed to strip to change. Shigeru just hasn't been a good influence on her... As if. I mentally cringe. Please don't tell me I'm going to start talking like her sisters too. ------------------------------------------------------------ Kasumi Well, who would have imagined it, I was right. Natsume tugs at the bottom of her skirt as if to pull it lower, and when she looks up at me her braid slips over her shoulder. "You. I am going to kill." "But you look great," I laugh. "I don't care," she hisses through clenched teeth. "This is a mistake." "No it's not." ::YES IT IS!!!:: her voice booms in my mind. Her eyes flash iridescent for a moment and then calms. When the ringing clears from my head, I put my hand on her shoulder. "Uh, Natsume, this isn't a mistake. You're just apprehensive because you're afraid of seeing Erika, and..." "Well that's a big duh, you know," she sighs, and pulls away from me. "Do we have to go in?" I nod. "We went through all this trouble. And you're beautiful. Erika's gonna melt right into your hands." Natsume sighs, and twists a piece of hair around her finger. "You're prettier." "Well, I already *have* Shigeru," I state and then turn her around and push her away from the car up towards the hall. "You're the one who's dressed for success." Natsume whines plaintively. "Kasumi, please..." "Oh, Natsume, stop being so silly." "I'm not being silly." "Yes you -- uh, let's not go there again. Just get inside... come on, it's a party! It's not gonna kill you!" I sigh. "Well, seeing as it's League sponsored, it *could*, but let's not think about that." Natsume laughs weakly. "Very funny." "I know." I grin, and then flash a smile at the trainer who's standing at the door. He's cute, with wild black hair and silky grey eyes. "Hiya there." Natsume mutters something under her breath. "No flirting when your boyfriend is waiting for you inside." I sigh and flash the guy a grin. Hey, I'm allowed to look. Shigeru said so. Though I think it's just an excuse for us to check out guys together... He holds up his clipboard. "Your names?" "I'm Kasumi of the Hanada Gym, and this is your very own --" "Miss Natsume, correct?" Natsume laughs. ::If my parents new people were calling me Miss... I'm only seventeen!:: "Yes, that's me," she smiles and speaks out loud. "Well, ladies, you're both on the list. Have a great time," I can hardly contain my glee as I grin at him again and then pull Natsume into the hall. "See, it's going to be fun." "No it's not," Natsume mutters. "You'll perk up when you see Erika," I whisper into her ear and then push her away. She manages to stay upright even on the heels, and then turns and glares at me. "You are a sadistic bitch," she grates. I smirk. "Blame it on Shigeru. He brought out the real me. Now, come on, let's --" "Sumi-chan!" I hear a familiar voice, and then a teal-haired form latches onto me and nearly knocks me off my feet. "Oh, it's so good to see you!" Imite squeals and kisses me on the cheek. "Imi-chan," I gasp, and the bouncy girl backs away. "Took you long enough! What was the delay?" I shrug, then jut my finger at Natsume, who growls. "Kasumi, you are this close to getting to know the inside of your stomach when I make it external..." I go to reply, and then another voice calls out of the mesh of sounds. "Natsume!" Natsume looks like she's going to faint, and she whips her head around, hitting Imite in the arm with her braid as she does. "Erika," she breathes in a whisper, while Imite rubs her arm in pain. "Let's give them some time to talk," I say, snagging Imite's hand and dragging her over towards the refreshments area. "Natsume's got it bad, doesn't she?" Imite asks, daintily picking up a glass and getting herself something to drink. I nod. "Oh yeah. She definitely does." "Does what?" someone else asks, and I'm this close to snapping about invasions of privacy, when Imite squeals, "Hiro-chan!" I blink, and turns round to watch her nearly glomp the blonde onto the ground. Hiroshi laughs, and hugs her back. "We saw each other five minutes, ago, Imite," he says, and she squeaks and steps back. "I know. But you know what they say about blondes... you guys are just *so* irresistible," she finishes in a low voice, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively. Hiroshi laughs again. "Let's not let Tooru hear that, okay?" Imite giggles. "Gotcha." She then swings her attention back to me as Hiroshi picks through the drinks in a, well, picky manner. "So, do you think Natsume's going to take the plunge?" "I wish," I sigh. "I know it'd make her happy... even just telling Erika, 'Hey, Erika, I think I love you...'" I sigh again. "I think she's afraid of getting hurt by it, though. She went so long without emotions.. she's still got to be getting used to it." Imite nods. "I think I know what you mean. Everyone's heard about how much the Yamabuki city gym-leader changed... and well, love is always even a *bigger* change." Imite sighs and takes a drink. "I wish there was someway to help her along. She needs all the support she can get." "No one ever told me what she did... or does... or whatever," Hiroshi murmurs, sucking something off of his finger. I blink. "Uh, oh..." "It's just Natsume. She's got it bad for Erika but she needs a push along..." Hiroshi nods slowly, and then manages to pick up a drink that he seems to want to keep. "But why should you butt your nose in anyway?" Imite blinks. "Oh -- Hiroshi! You just don't get it, do you?" Hiroshi blinks. "Get what? That Natsume and Erika really are the only people who can work this out... making a mess of their lack of relationship isn't going to help. I mean, say we do out best to set them up, what if it all backfires in our faces? Then where will we be? And think of Natsume and Erika... I mean, what if Erika doesn't even like Natsume?" Imite blinks, and then squeaks. "That's it! Oh, Hiro-chan, that's the most perfect idea!!" Hiroshi goes to reply, and then stops himself a confused look on his face. "Huh?" I second the notion. "Huh?" Imite laughs and sets her cup down, rubbing her hands together. "It's very simple. We can play matchmakers! And make sure the two of them see just how perfect for each other that they are!" Hiroshi blinks, almost audibly. "I can't believe you're suggesting this..." "Suggesting what?" Imite demands. "A chance for love to bloom! This is our chance to share with Natsume and Erika the gift that *we* share with our boyfriends! We *owe* this to the world. We do!" Hiroshi blinks, and then looks at me. Imite's the first to speak. "Well, Kasumi, what do you think?" she asks. "I... uh... well, I *am* happy with Shigeru... and I doubt either of you have problems with Tooru or Satoshi, hmm?" Imite shakes her head. "Not at all." We both look at Hiroshi. "Who, me?" he squeaks. "Of course Satoshi and I have no problems. We're --" "See! Then we *have* to do this." Imite pleads, her eyes shining. "It's a challenge. It's..." ::Uggghhh...:: I look up at the sound of Natsume's mental voice, and turn around. Natsume runs across room towards the exit. I cringe. "I don't think this is good..." Imite grins, taking too much pleasure from this. "I think the challenge has been accepted, then, wouldn't you say so?" she asks, and then holds out her hand, waiting for Hiroshi and I to react. Hiroshi is the first to hold his hand out over hers, and then she looks at me. "Well?" she asks smugly. "We could change this... for the better!" I think over it about say five seconds and then slam my hand down over theirs. Natsume is my friend, and I want her to be happy. Imite laughs with glee, a wicked glint in her eyes. "Operation FemGymShipping is underway!" she exclaims, and Hiroshi sighs, leaning back and staring at her wide-eyed. "FemGymShipping?" he asks, and I have to refrain from giggling. "Well, they're both girls, and they're both gym-leaders, and we want them to get into a 'relationship'," she finishes, making quotes around the words. Hiroshi just sighs again. Snickering, I pat his arm. "Hey, welcome to being one of the girls." I think I just heard him mutter something about wanting to shoot himself, and then Imite giggles and yanks him out into the crowd. It's then, as they head to their respective boyfriends, and to layout the plan at hand, I realise that there *is* no actual plan... Groaning, I head towards the exit. I'm going to have to talk to Natsume.
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