Code Red S2 (mutli-chap)
Title: Code Red S2 3.0
Rating: General
Characters/Pairings: Inoue Mao, Matsumoto Jun
Words: 3,801ish
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters. This is out of my bizarre randomness and inborn talent of daydreaming. No money or any financial support is made from this; only self-actualization and bliss.
A/N: Updates are coming fast!! Haha. This is to compensate my absence for too long, you know.
So yeah, I hope you enjoy this episode which is full of ermmm…. Mao-ness. And feet action. *winks*
Tonight was his.
“You know, I really should’ve brought you inside a room...” Jun murmured. His eyes, pool of disappointment, but there’s a glint of animation making them sparkle under the dim lighted hall.
Mao laughed nervously, completely ignoring the distress in his tone. “I can’t believe that we were almost seen.”
“I’m so stupid to just drag you out-“. His face darkened, complimenting the amused look still etched on her blushing features. But he couldn’t, he knew he would not possibly stop himself from submitting into the impulse, the need, the desire to kiss her, feel her against his aching body. And he did what it desired. What his senses were begging.
He abducted her.
“And pull me into a fire exit? Really Matsumoto -.”
“I just wanted to be with you. Demo, I won’t do that again. I promise.” He looked like a boy, guilty and anticipating his punishment. “I’m sorry.” His grip tightened. Pulling her closer to him that it looked as if they’re hugging, pressing his face unto her hair and inhaling her sweet scent. “Aaaah Mao.”
“Hey-“ she tried keeping the distance that is permissible when two people are dancing, peeked over his shoulder to check if anyone ever saw the intimacy just now. A couple came close by but they were too busy to notice.
“I want to feel you.” He said quietly, almost pleading. “A man has needs you know.” He added in a voice so low that Jun thought it was his subconscious.
Mao bit her lip. You have so many needs, Matsumoto.
He was grinning, pulling her again. “What are you thinking?”
The song ended but the dancing has just started. The dance floor suddenly became twice crowded as Michael Buble’s Everything began its first few notes. Jun cocked his head to one side. “Tell me please.”
She bit her lip. Knowing him, he won’t stop pestering her about it until she gives in and spill all the beans. “I was thinking why did I even comply and let you take me somewhere and not even ask you why, or where.”
Jun was looking at Mao appraisingly. Amused by how this woman speaks her mind without any pretention, without any apprehension as to what the listener may say. She’s just this way.
And how could a man not fall in love with her? With her brilliant mind and smart mouth, who would not find her amazing? Not that he wanted more competition cause heaven knows how long he had been baring his teeth like a wolf at any guy who came too close. Or even attempts to come close.
“Just that...” she looked down at their feet. Surprised that no foot stepping incident has occurred. Yet. He dances so well, making it easy for her to follow. It felt to her as if she need not do anything, just follow his lead.
She looked up abruptly, caught him smirking like a love sick puppy. Ignoring it, she added. “And why on earth would you do that? You’re not drunk yet, are you?” she assessed his features, and her girlfriend instincts told her he’s nowhere near drunk. A drunken Matsumoto just talks nonsense, and laughs like a hyena. And keeps on calling her name like it’s the only word he knows.
He laughed. “Oh Mao...Mao.....Mao....” The beat of the song increased, and he twirled her around, maintaining that level of caution and gip that the clumsy woman on his arms demands. “I told you didn’t I?”
“A man has needs, sweetheart.” And he chuckled again. This time, Mao was beginning to think he might be drunk after all, with all the laughter, the nonsense talk and her name being repeatedly called.
“I need you, Mao.” His voice so low and hoarse, she thought it was her imagination; it was how he would always sound when they’re lovemaking. But then she saw his expression darken, greedy with desire, burning her from inside out. She began to melt.
And now she’s absolutely sure that she’s flushing scarlet.
He grinned devilishly at her as he felt her arms pull him closer. Jun knows her too well that she’s unaware of such action. “Do I need to explain more?”
“You are a pervert.” She whispered.
“I know.” He raised his eyebrows and his grin broadens. “Your pervert.”
“My pervert.” Mao replied, raising her chin, her gaze burrowing into him.
“Yours.”
Gently, and in a swift motion, he lovingly cupped her cheek with his right hand. “Always...forever.” He took a breath, then placed his hand back to her waist and slowly whirled her around again as the song began to end. Then suddenly his expression changed, his mouth was in tight line, and his eyes narrowed. He was glancing over her shoulder.
They gradually stopped, and before she could even ask why, Ikuta Toma appeared beside her.
“May I?” With his hand outstretched, he was giving them his dazzling smile. The same one he’s known to possess. The exact same one who would make ladies swoon and fall into his arms without him uttering a single word. Just that smile.
Jun’s lips twitched a bit, but nodded and smiled at his bestfriend. He gave her one glance, swift enough to see her nod once. “Of course.” And placed her hand on Toma’s. The latter grinned even wider.
“You know what to do.” His parting words as he disappeared into the crowd.
“What’s that about?” Toma placed her hands on his shoulders and gently placed his on her tiny waist. “I know what to do?”
Mao continued glancing at the direction where Jun went to before looking at Toma’s eager eyes. She tried to hide the mirth. “I believe he was talking to me.”
“Oh. Oh.”
But Mao was sure she couldn’t possibly do it, Toma is also a skilled dancer and like how it is with Jun, the only thing that she needs to do is follow his lead. Accidentally stepping on his foot would be remote but that doesn’t mean she can’t do it on purpose.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked; still, in all his smiling glory.
“I was.” She whispered.
Toma snorted. “I’d like to believe I’m not the reason for your change of heart.”
“Hai. Whatever it is that you’d like to believe in.”
“You’re planning something evil.”
“Heh? I don’t know what you’re saying.” She grinned rather innocently and focused on the white rose pinned on the left side of his chest.
“Oh yes you do.” He uttered the words slow and loud enough for it make sense to her.
“And why did you say so?”
“Years of friendship.” He tilted his head to the right, as if a memory just popped out of his brilliant mind. “You got that same look when you had me eat the spiciest ramen I had in my whole life.”
“In your whole li-“ Astounded, she stopped midway. Mao pursed her lips. “It was just a little hot sauce. Besides, you said that it tasted bland.”
“A little?” His eyes widened. Remembering how he almost breathed fire after she gave him her bowl of ramen, and much to his surprise and utter horror that it was three quarters hot sauce and a quarter regular ramen.
The beat got faster. And he spun her around, his grip firm on her waist.
“Yes. A little.” But it was a lie of course. She knew he’d take whatever it is that she’s eating, so she took the moment. She knew what she had to do. And then the next thing, Toma was sporting tendrils and tendrils of sweat before he rushed to get himself a pitcher of water. It was just a sight to behold. “It wasn’t spicy at all.”
He gaped at her. As they whirled around, passing by the newlyweds who are smirking at each other like a secret joke has been passed on.
“Also, that one time I woke up, and my face was covered in make up.” He was squinting his eyes as if doing so would erase the memory. “Like seriously, I couldn’t even recognize myself.”
Mao was already laughing. Her head was thrown aback in bliss. That moment was just one of the nights she was grateful that Jun beseeched her not to drink that much. As always, he was anxious; she just recovered from flu. She wanted to drink and join the fun but he was sporting this ‘listen to me Inoue Mao or else’ look on his face the whole time. It was boring, having to watch them do what they pretty much do. And she was sitting there holding her one and only cup of beer. Luckily, drunken Toma was already sleeping. Bingo, his face equals a blank canvass.
He couldn’t help himself but laugh with her. “And I thought I had worse, you took a photo and shared it to the rest of the guys. Our group chat was on fire.”
“One day, I’ll get my reven- Ow!”
“Sorry, sorry.” She gasped; surprised at the accident but went back to giggling.“I didn’t mean to-”
He looked down at his now throbbing foot. And leered at her.
She was giggling so hard that tears were on her eyes. And when he could no longer stop himself, both his hands went to either side of her face and squished them. “Oh you adorable, adorable thing.” He mused and rubbed her cheeks. Well, he adored her, she is, after all, a little sister to him. Someone he’s ready to protect and look after. He cherished her, seeing her happy and laughing like this is entertainment to him. She’s one of the few reasons why days are never dull anymore. She is just a delightful person. No one could deny that. And despite that she could be pesky with her little evil ways; it doesn’t change the fact that Inoue Mao is loved by all.
And Toma is thankful. For one, she is his nemesis and partner in crime rolled into one ball of energy who has those soulful chocolate brown eyes, proud nose, heart shaped face, rather slim limbs and high forehead.
Plus that bright, bright smile.
He swore that he’d break anybody’s face if they break her heart. Matsujun included. If he ever makes her miserable, he’d be the first to make his nose bleed before Jun could inflict pain on himself. That’s how much he loves her.
To see her wretched, he’d rather lose his teeth.
“Cut it.” She said despite her mouth formed that of duck’s bill.
“You look prettier this way- Aw!” She was pinching his cheeks too, and pulling them both on the opposite way. “What are you doing? Let me go.”
“Let me go first.” Her cheeks, flushing against his warm palms..
“No, you let me go.”
“You first...” she pulled harder as his expression resembled no longer that of an idol.
“Ladies first remember?” his reply and squished even more. His brow quirked, forming almost a unibrow.
“No. No. You go firs- Oh.” She was glancing behind his shoulder now. And slowly released her firm grip on his cheeks.
“Hah! I won!” His laugh lines getting more evident as Toma released her face too and began massaging his. “Now my face hurts.”
“May I?” Okada Masaki appeared. His unruly brown hair now swept and combed that it almost looked impeccable. Like he spent a good hour taming those wild locks. And as usual, he looked regal. Then he flashed that roguish smile of his; that same one that would make you say yes to whatever he says..
“Oh. Masaki, we-“
“Oh yes, please.” Mao thrilled. Toma eyed her.
Masaki just shrugged, took her hand and placed it on his shoulder. Toma who is still massaging his reddened left cheek, nodded and smiled genuinely. “Goodluck on your toes.”
“I know. I’m quite ready.” Masaki mumbled low so that only Toma could hear, the latter patted his back before he disappeared into the crowd. And he glanced back at her cheerful features. He couldn’t help but smile himself. “You two seemed like you were enjoying the...er...dance.”
She looked up at him and raised an eyebrow. Even in her Manolo Blanhik’s Chaos ankle-strap heels in silver, he was still towering over her. “That idiot just won’t stop pestering me.” She scowled.
Masaki just made a little laugh. If there’s a human version of Tom and Jerry, it’d be Toma and Mao. Their antics would just turn the house upside down. And no matter how many times he’d ask them to stop, or atleast try them to, they would just continue. And what intrigues him more is that no one seems to be helping him do so. Especially when they’re almost running around the house, Toma with his face full of icing chasing Mao, apparently with her hands full of whatever it is on his face. Or that one time when Mao was hitting him with a pillow and Toma was on the floor laughing so hard because he ate her share of the dessert. It wasn’t just a dessert. It was ice cream (pistachio ice cream to be exact) and you do not mess with Mao and her ice cream.
You just do not.
It’s like everybody’s used to it. No more referees, only audiences. Not even Jun who would just sit and stare at her like a blind man seeing the sun for the first time. Shun would object at first, but he would give in and just snort his head off as their banter progress. At times, he would even play bets with Eita as to who’s gonna get the last laugh. Well, Yu worries about them, but she’s too busy taking care of the rest of them, preparing food and making everybpdy comfortable. The lady of the house Oguri has got her hands full, so it’s up to him, the one with the right mindset to impede Toma from roughhousing her and Mao from bullying him.
Oh, Hideyuki would also help, but everytime he tries to, he’d get caught in the middle and before he knew it he’d become the victim of the two little devils.
“Ow!” that got him back into the present. Round one.
“Sorry.” She bit her lip. “Won’t happen again I pro-“
“Ow.” Round two.
“-mise.”
Her shoulders slumped while her angelic features looked apologetic. “I’m not really good at this. I’m sorry.”
He just grinned. “Hey. Heyyy. It’s okay. I’m not good with this too and besides, I’m mentally prepared for this, you know.” A foot massage seems a good idea just now.
Mentally prepared? She almost asked.
“I’ve seen you trip and fall with your own feet so this doesn’t surprise me. At all.” He informed her as a matter-of-factly.
“Oh.” She pondered. “I don’t know if that’s a compliment...”
He tightened his grip and pulled her a little bit. “Okay. Listen, I don’t mind you stepping on my foot or anything. Let’s just enjoy this dance.”
“Un.” Mao nodded.
And they danced in silence. They moved slowly and passed near where Jun, Toma and Hideyuki were standing. The three looked so engrossed in a deep conversation. She caught his eye for a second, and her insides burned as she saw longing in his stare.
“Ne...”
She too wanted to be next to him.
“...I haven’t congratulated you yet for catching the bouquet awhile ago. Omedetou!” He was beaming so wide it was taking up most of his handsome face. “I was really rooting for you, you know. And by the time everybody was applauding at your catch i was like ‘As expected of my Mayu-chan.”
She felt her cheeks burn. “Tss. I may not look like it though, but I’m quite capable.”
“Ouch.” Third round.
“Sor-“
“Daijubo.” He reassured.
“Looks like someone’s going to take you away from me.”
“Heh?” her mouth was hanging open. Dear heavens she’s been dancing nonstop. She wanted to rest her feet.
“Finally!” Hideyuki had his hands clasped infront of his mouth.
“Oh Barter-kun!” Mao peeked at Masaki’s side as they made a little turn. “Nani?”
“May I?” His voice drowned by the music.
“Eh?” The two continued to dance and Masaki caught sight of Toma and Jun looking at their direction grinning like idiots. They’re probably betting on Hideyuki.
He tried to hide his amusement. “Mao-chan, if you may.”
Masaki raised an eyebrow.
“Mmmmmmm.” She stalled. “Oh yeah. Sure.”
Masaki twirled her one last time before giving her hand to Hideyuki. “Take care of her.” He flashed one gorgeous smile and then he was engulfed into the crowd.
“Finally!” he repeated. “I thought I won’t be able to dance with you. Those guys were-“ and his face crumpled.
“Ooopsie.”
“-they took their time and I-“
She yawned.
“Are you tired alre-“ his nostrils flared as she gave an apologetic smile. “-already tired?”
“Kind of. But go on, you were saying?”
“Oh. Where was I?” he scratched his chin. “Oh! I was saying those guys were taking their time so long and I thought that the night is going to end without me having...” he paused. His big toe is going to swell real bad tonight.
“You wanted to dance with me right?” she smiled indisputably. “I wanted to dance with you too, Barter-kun.”
“Really?” His face broke into that of an amused smile at what she said.
She reached up and rummaged his swept hairstyle in reply.
“chotto! Heyyy!” he tried escaping from her reach but it was no use. His hair was back to normal, bangs and all. It’s as if a tornado just hit the place, and he was the only one who faced casualty. He gawked at her.
“There. I like it better this way.”
“Geez. Thanks.” He muttered. And then there’s another one. “Really Mao-chan, I’ve known you for so long but I never thought you were this clumsy.”
“If the world only knows how a terrible ballroom-“
“Hey! I’m not that bad.”
“Yes you are.”
“Maybe it just depends on the partner.”
The music shifted and Jun is again by her side.
“May I?” He said in a tone that didn’t hint any need for permission.
Hideyuki’s eyes bulged. “But we just st-“
“I know.” As Jun offered a hand, his eyes never left hers. “May I have this dance?”
Mao nodded. She knew she’s blushing from head to toe the moment she heard his voice next to her. She gave an apologetic smile to Hideyuki and complied with Jun’s request against the harassed expression on the former’s face. She turned to him and placed her hand to his. The look on Jun’s face shifted from irk to excitement.
“Mah. What can I do?” Hideyuki eyed them both. He rolled his eyes as he sensed he didn’t exist to these two now. He poked Jun’s arm. “Take care of your feet.”
He chuckled as his hands felt the familiar curve of her waist. Ah, euphoria.
“Am I a terrible dance partner?” She peeked under her lashes and inhaled his signature scent. It’s not even strong but she could tell Jun apart from the rest of the men inside the hall. It’s not because of the perfume or anything, it’s just the way he smells. His masculinity; it was the smell she grew accustomed to ever since.
“You are the best dance partner I ever had.” He said, grinning.
Mao bit her lip. It was a yes or no question. She resisted the urge to let out an impatient breath and instead, gave up on the answer she’s been seeking. She stared at him for a full ten seconds, the expression of giddiness still etched on his handsome features, and then she muttered. “Stop patronizing me.”
“Hmmmm?” As he whirled her around the dance floor to the beat of I’ve Got You Under My Skin. They just swayed to the beat while the other pairs left the floor, new pairs began to occupy the space.
“Hmmmm.” She mimicked him. Brushing the stray hair on his forehead.
“Hmmmm?” his reply.
“Hmmmmmm?”
“Hmmmmmmmmmmm.”
“Your nostrils are moving.” She said as a matter of factly, modestly trying her best not to laugh.
“Hmmmm?” he repeated as she began to giggle at the sight of him making his nostrils move with every word he said. “No they’re not.”
“S-stop.” Mao playfully slapped him on the shoulder. “You’re so ugly...”
He shrugged. “But you love me.”
She raised an eyebrow.
He moved closer. “Yes you do.”
“Yes you do…”
“Jun.”
“Say you love me.” He whispered to her hair, bringing chills all over her body.
“Jun, no.”
“No?” He looked like a lost puppy. “You don’t want to say it or-“ he couldn’t say the words. He pouted as his thumbs started rubbing her waist against the soft fabric of her gown.
“You know the answer to that.”
“I don’t.”
At that her lips parted, and Jun found himself wishing he’d found a corner as private as it was quiet, because she was practically begging to be kissed, whether she knew it or not.
But he was a patient man, and they did still have that comfortable room reserved at the hotel. “Oh, Mao,” he said huskily, leaning in more than was proper, even with one’s lover. “Don’t you want to have some fun?”
She flushed scarlet. “Jun…”
And he laughed aloud upon seeing her speechless. It was, after all, rare to see.
“I wasn’t talking about that.”
“Neither was I.” he replied, completely unable to hide the glee on his face. “but I’m happy that that’s what you think of.” He pretended to glance around the room. “I think it’s totally fine to leave.”
“Now?” She was completely speechless. And the mischief they did earlier flashed on her mind. She shook her head and pressed her knuckles on her forehead. “I don’t know what I’m going to do with you.”
He continued to stare at her, and he liked what he sees. “Well, I have plenty of ideas. You can start by kissing me.”
“I was thinking about that too.” She admitted casually. And it was his time to turn beet red. “and then,” she continued, “maybe -“
“Are you certain?” He blinked. His thoughts wander about route they have to take to get to her room; it would be quite troublesome and it would absolutely take them a while given distance and of course, the time for some intimacy.
“I think you should sit down.” Mao said, her eyes now taking on that glint of guarded fatigue usually reserved for small children.
Or out-of-his-mind Matsumoto Jun.
“And remain still.” As they begin to gradually stop dancing.
“What about my kiss?” He managed to sulk as they started their way to their table
Mao couldn’t hide the elation that she’s feeling. Oh Jun.