Where Do We Go

[snk_haven]

Title: Where Do We Go
Pairing: Kato Shigeaki x OC
Rating: PG
Summary: After being forced into a relationship by his parents, Kato Shigeaki finally finds someone that is meant for him. Only to lose her due to his current predicament. What will Shige do to get her back.
Notes: This is actually the third installment to a short series. For reference do read the two fics that are prequels to this ( Trouble with shige completed ) and ( Fortunately Unfortunate- completed )
Disclaimer: I don't own anything Johnny's






Shige and Alex first went to Shige’s hotel after leaving her place so that he could have a change of clothes.

Shige was staying at the Park Hyatt and they took the elevator up the 12th floor where his room was.

Holding Alex’s hand he led her inside. It was a fairly large room with a queen-sized bed in the middle. A couch and an armchair were situated on one side with a coffee table in between. A circular table was by the floor to ceiling glass window and had a vase with flowers in it.

“Come here I’ve something to show you.” Shige said as he let Alex sit on the bed. He then took something from the dresser and laid them in front of Alex.

“These are some pictures I’ve taken from our last tour. I thought you might want to look at them.” Shige said as he handed Alex a couple of clearfile folders.

Alex smiled. “You brought these for me to see?” She said as she opened one of the folders.

Shige smiled shyly. “I was really hoping I’ll get the chance to show you those. I took those while we were on tour and developed them myself.”

“You developed them?” Alex echoed looking at Shige curiously.

“Yeah. I’ve built a dark room in my condo and had begun developing my own pictures.” Shige nodded.

“That’s amazing…you’re really something with the camera.” Alex said as she browsed though the pictures.Alex felt overwhelmed. A warm feeling enveloped her at the thought that Shige had thought of her while doing all those things. That he had wanted to share his work with her.

“You’ll see a lot of the guys in there.” Shige said as Alex looked at the pictures.

“Hey hun, would you mind if I leave you here for a while, while I take a shower? It’ll just be for a few minutes.” Shige said moving towards the bathroom.

“Sure go ahead.” Alex said smiling at him. “Take your time, there is no hurry.”

“I won’t take long.” Shige said with a smile before disappearing into the bathroom.

Alex looked at the pictures carefully. They were pictures of the boys mostly backstage in the concert or outside of work when they are not doing a show or are travelling in between two places. The pictures were done on various qualities as Shige seemed to experiment with his work.

There were pictures of the boys laughing with each other, eating, joking around or just doing various poses for the camera. Then there was one picture of Shige apparently taken by another member catching him of guard. He was sitting alone in what seemed like a ledge probably in one of their venues and had a far away look on his face seemingly deep in thought.

“I wonder what you’re thinking of here Shige.” Alex thought with a smile as she lingered on the picture for a while.

Alex continued to scan the pictures one by one as she turned from one page to another. But then towards the end of the folder, Alex was extremely surprised by what she saw.

There were pictures of her there too. These are the ones Shige had taken while she was in Tokyo a couple of months ago. Pictures of her as they went around town and visited one attraction after another. Alex felt touched that Shige had actually kept them and had taken time to develop the pictures.

“You’re smiling.” Alex suddenly heard Shige comment indicating he was already finished taking a bath. “I hope that means you like what you’re seeing.”

“Pictures in Tokyo…you have them here…”Alex said not taking her eyes off the photos.

“Yeah…I’ve had them for a while now. Developed them not long after you came back here.” Shige answered.

Alex looked up to see Shige walk out of the bathroom with only a towel covering the lower half of his body. He boldly approached her and was leaning down towards her.

Alex quickly covered her face with the clearfile she was holding. “Shige what are you doing? Why aren’t you getting dressed?”

Shige laughed. “What are you covering your face for?  Why are you trying to hide?” Shige said moving even closer.

Alex felt his face close to hers. “Shige put on something!” She said not removing the clearfile from her face.

Shige laughed harder. “Alex, you’ve already seen all of me last night!”

Alex felt herself blushing as Shige reminded her. He was right, she had seen everything and both of them had nothing more to hide but she still needs a bit of getting used to.

“Shige!” Alex called him as he seems to have no intention of dressing up.

Shige didn’t answer and Alex felt a bit of movement. Suddenly Shige pulled the clearfile away from her face and leaned on her kissing her fully on the lips.

Alex was caught by surprise and was about to pull away when she noticed that Shige had discarded the towel and had put on a pair of boxers.

“I really should stop playing around or else we’ll never be able to leave.” Shige commented with a laugh.

Alex knitted her eyebrows. “Come on and dress up so we can go see Vanna already.”

Shige pouted pretending to be disappointed but quickly smiled and did just like what Alex said.

A few minutes later they were standing in the hotel lobby waiting for the valet to get their car,

“Alex could you stay here for a while? I just need to leave some instructions at the front desk.” Shige said as he suddenly remembered something.

“Would you like me to go with you?” Alex asked.

“Not it’s alright I just need to request a few things for the room. Just wait for me here I won’t be long.” Shige smiled and walked away.

Alex followed him with her eyes and watched him converse with the receptionist at the front desk just a short distance from where she was standing.

“Alex…”Someone suddenly called her name. She turned and was surprised to see Adrian standing in front of her.

“Adrian…” Alex said a little breathless surprised to see him there. She had completely forgotten about him and the date she was supposed to owe him.

Adrian smiled sweetly. “How have you been, feeling much better?”

Alex mentally shook herself. She felt bad as she remembered the excuse she made to him a few nights ago about not feeling well that made them end their dinner abruptly.

“I’m fine thanks for asking.” Alex managed to say. “Sorry again about the other night.”

Adrian shook his head. “It wasn’t your fault that you weren’t feeling well. We do feel down the weather at times. So what are you doing here?”

“Umm…I’m waiting for someone.” Alex suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable. “How about you?”

“I attended a meeting with a client a while ago.” Adrian said his smile not faltering.

“Umm..hey I have free time right now…”Adrian started. “Would you like to grab some early lunch maybe…well that is if you’re free.”

Alex’s just felt worse. She couldn’t think of a way to turn him down that won’t make him feel bad. Adrian was a nice guy but she really didn’t have any intention of seeing him again.

Alex was still thinking of what best to say when she heard another voice call her name and then Shige was there standing beside her, his hand resting on her waist as he held her beside him.

Shige recognized Adrian as the guy that drove Alex home a couple of nights ago. He saw him approach Alex as he stood by the front desk.  Alex had told him he had nothing to worry about as far as this guy was concerned and Shige know there wasn’t any real threat.

Adrian looked puzzled as he noted the way Shige had drawn Alex to his side. It was obvious from his expression that he was wondering who this guy was as far as Alex was concerned.

Alex sensed the confusion so she quickly made the introductions. “Adrian, this is Shige…my boyfriend.” Alex knew she should address him as such. “Shige this is Adrian…”

Adrian didn’t hide his surprise at what Alex said but extended his hand when Shige made a gesture to shake it. It was also the same time that the valet finally arrived with their car.

“Hey we’ll go ahead Adrian. It was a surprise bumping into you here. Take care.” Alex said as they got into the car with her taking on the driver’s side.

Once they got moving, Alex can’t help but observe the silly grin that was plastered ion Shige’s face.

“What’s funny?” Alex asked glancing at Shige.

Shige slightly shook his head. “I just thought how nice it feels to be introduced as your boyfriend. Makes me wanna hear it more often.” Shige said grinning widely.

“Silly…” Alex shook her head and smiled.

It wasn’t a long drive to get to Vanna’s place and after a few minutes, Alex was already parking the car in front of the pre-school.

“Do you know I’m actually quite nervous meeting your cousin?” Shige said with a small laugh as he took Alex hand when they walked towards the entrance. “She’s got the ferocity of a lion as far as you’re concerned.”

Alex smiled and gave Shige’s hand a squeeze. “You don’t have to worry about anything Shige. Yeah maybe Vanna is protective but she isn’t all that bad. You’ll find that’s its pretty easy to talk to her.”

Shige smiled. “It doesn’t really matter even if she bites my head off.” Shige looked at her meaningfully. “You’re here.”

The pre-school that Vanna was managing looked like a play school. Stepping inside you’d be greeted by a variety of colors as the walls were painted in pastel, with various illustrations designed on the wall.

The middle-aged woman at the reception desk greeted Alex warmly indicating that she was a regular visitor of the place.

“I still couldn’t imagine Vanna as a pre-school teacher.” Shige commented with a laugh.

“You will once you see her. She actually is pretty good with children.” Alex said leading Shige towards a room at the end of the hall.

They found Vanna inside the playroom with about a dozen children. She was seated in the midst holding a story book and was animatedly telling the kids a story. She didn’t notice them standing by the door peeking at the glass window. It was fun to watch her making facial expressions and sounds to add effect to the story she was telling.

It was almost the end of the story Vanna was telling and soon she was telling the kids that they will have lunch. The receptionist from earlier appeared and help Vanna hand over some milk cartons and oatmeal cookies to the kids.

“That was a pretty interesting story you were telling.” Alex commented as they entered and only then did Vanna notice their presence

“Alex, what brings you here?” Vanna said with a smile. Her eyes then strayed behind Alex and she didn’t hide her surprise when she saw Shige behind.

“Hi Vanna.” Shige greeted tentatively.

Vanna nodded at Shige. “When did you arrive?” was the first thing that she said to him.

“A couple of days ago. Tour had just finished and I couldn’t come any sooner than I did.” Shige answered.

Vanna looked thoughtful. “I had a feeling I was gonna see you here sooner or later.”

Alex was a bit surprised at what Vanna said but opted not to comment for the meantime.

Shige smiled shyly. “Yeah…I was hoping I could talk to you about that.”

Suddenly two kids a boy and a girl approached Alex. Alex bent down and gave each of them a hug.

“Auntie Alex we haven’t seen you for a long time here.” The little girl said looking at her expectantly as she sipped on her milk.

“I’m sorry Auntie Alex couldn’t come back sooner Halley. She had work to do.” Alex explained to the little girl.

“Will you be reading us a story again today?” It was the boy’s turn to ask.

“But teacher Vanna had just finished telling you a story a while ago Lance.” Alex said ruffling the little boy’s hair.

The two kids then tuned their attention to Shige.

Shige smiled at them and bent down as well. “Hello, how are you guys doing?”

“Halley, Lance this is Uncle Shige. Say hello to him.” Alex told them fondly.

“Hello.” The tow kids chorused.” Halley then turned to Alex. “Is he your boyfriend Auntie Alex?”

Alex was taken by surprise at Halley’s’ direct comment. “Vanna what had you been teaching this kids. They’re thinking way too fast.” Alex commented with a laugh looking at her cousin.

Vanna laughed too. “They sometimes take me by surprise too. Kids could grow pretty fast nowadays.”

Vanna then looked at both Shige and Alex intently and yet with a smile in her eyes. “I think the two of you have something to tell me that’s why you’re here?”

Alex looked at Shige and he answered for them. “You’ve got a minute Vanna? Can I talk to you for a while?”

Vanna nodded. “Come help me get the kids’ lunch.” She then turned to Alex. “Will you be alright if we leave you alone here?”

“It’s alright. I’ve been with these kids before so I can handle them.” Alex said with a smile.

Shige and Vanna walked down the hall towards the pantry. They were quiet for a while, as if trying to gauge the atmosphere. Shige thought of how to best start what he wanted to tell her.

“We really didn’t get a chance to talk when you were in Osaka a month back.” Shige commented to break the ice.

“No we didn’t.” Vanna said almost frankly. “I actually barely saw you in the few days I was there.”

Shige gave a nervous laugh. “Honestly I was a bit adamant to see you. I was afraid of what you have to say. But believe me I was on the verge of cornering you about how Alex was.”

“Why didn’t you?” Vanna asked. “I know how badly you wanted to know how she was doing right. Why didn’t you ask me?”

“Because I still believe my words would be meaningless unless I make some moves.” Shige admitted. “Sounds cliché but actions are better than words. I can’t go there trying to convince you with my words how much I want your cousin when I was there doing nothing to get her back.”

“That time I was tied with work but I wanted to do more than feel sorry. I wanted to make it happen.” Shige smiling faintly. “I wanna show everyone that I can take care of her. Sadly I had to wait though for the tour to be finished.”

Vanna can’t help but smile to herself at Shige’s determination. She had to admit she thought badly of him when he seemed not to have the guts to face her when they came across each other when they were in Osaka. But know she seem to understand him a bit more.

When she saw them enter the classroom earlier, Vanna was surprised to see Shige there with Alex. The first thing she noticed was the entwined hands and the way their body language seem to convey something. There was also something in the way they smile and look at each other that was telling Vanna that there was something more between them.

Koyama had told him a couple of days ago that Shige was in Sydney trying to find Alex so he can set things right with her. Vanna knew the real story behind Shige and Minami thanks to Koyama but she chose to hear none of it. As far as she was concerned if Shige indeed liked her cousin that much he would do more than just be sorry for what happened and instead of sulking he should be taking action and do something about the situation.

But now that Shige was here and he even took an effort to see her and talk to her despite him knowing that she really wasn’t that keen about him changes the picture entirely. Vanna had realized that maybe Shige was indeed serious about her cousin. He couldn’t have taken that trip and just to see her if he wasn’t. Her question of why he didn’t do something about it sooner had already been answered and she believed him.

“You’re here talking to me now because?” Vanna looked at Shige inquiringly.

This time Shige didn’t falter. “Because I wanted to tell you that I am sorry for making your cousin go through the entire ordeal of what happened. I just want you to know that I really just badly wanna be with her.”

Vanna looked at Shige intently and for a moment Shige thought she was gonna tell him off or worse she’s gonna tell him to back off. But to his utter surprise after a moment a faint smile appeared on Vanna’s face.

“Shige it’s not me that needs convincing, rather it’s Alex.” Vanna’s smile widened a bit. “But seeing her now it seems you’ve already done that. As long as she is happy I think there’s nothing more left for me to say.”

Shige knew how protective Vanna was of her cousin. Initially he just thought of telling Vanna his intentions just to be able to clarify things since he really didn’t leave a favorable expression on her during that fateful night in this condo. It really didn’t matter if she accepts him or not as long as Alex has given him another chance. But knowing that Vanna was okay with him made him more than relieved.

After they reached the pantry, Shige helped Vanna carry some trays back to the classroom. As they entered the room they came across Alex seated in the middle of the group of kids, with a book in hand telling the children another story.

Shige can’t help but smile as he watched her with fascination. He leaned by the door way as he watched and listened just like the small kids seated around her looking at her attentively. He suddenly thought of his camera and brought it out to take some pictures discreetly not wanting to distract Alex.

The story was fairly short and it soon came to an end. The kids clapped their hands showing that they enjoyed being read at. Alex caught sight of Shige by the door and smiled at him as she stood up to walk towards him.

“I didn’t know that you moonlight as a storyteller.” Shige said smiling sweetly at her.

“I often come here before and sometimes Vanna asks me to watch over them and read them stories.” Alex looked at the kids. “They’re adorable but they really could be monsters sometimes.”

Alex looked up at Shige. “So how did it go?” She asked softly.

“I’ve nothing to worry about after all.” Shige said smiling as he held Alex by the waist and pulling her closer.

Suddenly Vanna was standing behind them. “You two, move out before you start corrupting the kid’s minds. They’re still too young for that kind of stuff.” She said good-naturedly.

Shige and Alex laughed as they stepped out of the room. “I think we’d better be going then, I’ll just see you again Vanna.” Alex told her cousin.

Vanna looked at Alex and smiled meaningfully at her. By looking at her she knew something had already happened between them and she can’t help but shake her head slightly by way of teasing her. She noticed a different glow in her as she came in that she couldn’t pinpoint but was now realizing it.  Alex looked happy like she’d never seen her for quite a while and knowing that she’s content.

“What were you saying earlier that you were expecting to see him?” Alex asked when they were out of Shige’s earshot as Vanna walked them to the exit.

“Koyama told me a couple days ago that Shige was here. I was surprised but I thought I’d wait until I actually see him.” Vanna said

Alex smiled. “I was surprised that he came. He was the one sending all of those gifts and stuff that I’ve been receiving.”

“Really? He is going all out and really exerted a lot of effort in getting you.” Vanna said sounding thoughtful as they reached the car.

“Hey could you both do me a favor tomorrow?” Vanna suddenly said remembering something. “Could I trouble you both and please drive me to the airport? I’ve no one to bring me there and taking a cab is just so much trouble.”

Shige and Alex couldn’t help but look at each other and smile as they knew where Vanna was headed.

“Koyama was talking about that nonstop before I left.” Shige said. “You’ve two had this LA trip planned for quite a while.”

Vanna didn’t say anything and Alex could’ve sworn she saw a faint blush creep up her cousin’s cheek.

“Yeah sure we’ll pick you up from your apartment tomorrow then.” Alex said as it was her turn to smile at her cousin meaningfully.

They bade their goodbyes and headed out.

“Anywhere in particular you wanna go to?” Alex asked Shige as they walked hand towards the parking lot.

“Can we visit the Queen Victoria building today? I wanna look at a few things.” Shige said.

“Can’t wait to go shopping eh?” Alex teased. “All right then.”

“Well aside from that I’ve read a few things about the place being historical and all. I really wanna check it out.” Shige said as he grinned.

Alex nodded. “That’s a fairly good excuse to go shopping. Alright I’ll pretend I believe you.” Alex said with a small laugh.

When Shige have read about Queen Victoria Building, he knew he wanted to see it and take pictures. Something bout it being old and historical appealed to him a lot.

Camera in tow, Shige looked up as soon as they entered the structure and stared at the huge dome in the ceiling. It was a fine sunny day and the sun’s rays filtered through the stained glass windows.

Alex looked at Shige and she knew from his smile that he likes what he was seeing.

“You wanna look around?” Alex said with a smile as took Shige’s hand.

Shige smiled and gave Alex’s hand a squeeze as they started to stroll. “This was built sometime in the 1890’s right?”

“Wow looks like you know your history.” Alex said with a laugh. “Yes it was and it has been a shopping area, library and municipal office over the years but since it’s been restored it had been a shopping center once again.”

Shige clicked his camera as he admired the Romanesque design of the place and was deeply fascinated by the intricate tile work of the floors, the wrought-iron balustrades and even the statues inside. He hasn’t anything so historical looking yet modern at the same time.

“What are you gonna do with those photos?” Alex asked curiously

“I was thinking maybe I could use them for my magazine essays.” Shige said.

“You wanna check out the shops while we’re here?” Alex offered.

“Yes of course.” Shige said with a grin. “That’s also part of the plan.”

Shige had always a taste for fashion and the good things and they went to a few stores that he found to his liking. They first looked at the specialty shops and antique shops where Shige had been curiously looking around at a few things. Then they checked out some of the clothes shops and  Alex wasn’t at all surprised at Shige’s choices but then she thought he would look cool and handsome in any outfit.

“That would look nice on you.” Shige said pointed at a dress on display at one of the stores they passed by.

Alex surveyed the red one piece tube dress and thought it was indeed nice. “You think so?”

Shige smiled. “You’d look great in anything actually.” He said reciprocating her earlier thoughts. “Come on let’s see how it would look on you.”

“But Shige…” Before Alex could utter anymore protest, Shige had taken her hand and led her inside the store.

The dress fit her perfectly and Alex had to admit it did look good. Before she could do anything else, Shige had already asked the saleslady to wrap it up and paid for it despite Alex’s continuous protests.

“You didn’t have to buy me anything!” Alex said as they walked out of the store with Shige carrying the parcel.

Shige drew her to him. “But I wanted to get you something. At least let me indulge you every once in a while.”

“But…”Alex was about to say something.

“Not buts. This is only the first time I’ve actually bought you something so just allow me alright.” Shige said dropping a kiss on her temple.

Alex knew better that to argue. Shige seemed to be enjoying himself and he looked content in doing something like that for her so she just let him be.

“Let’s go somewhere tonight then maybe you can wear it.” Shige said smiling at her meaningfully.

They finished late in the afternoon when they’ve had their fill of the shops and decided to head back to Shige’s hotel.

“I guess I’ll just come back for you later. I’ll just head back home so I can change for dinner. “Alex said as Shige closed the door behind them.

Shige pulled at her. “You can change and get ready right here. You’ve already got what you need right here so there’s no need to go back.” Shige said indicating their earlier purchases.

Alex raised an eyebrow. “It’s not that far from my place. I could just easily come back here.”

Shige shook his head. “No just stay here.” Shige sat on the edge of the bed pulling Alex with him.

Alex laughed. “You could still catch some sleep you know. It’s still fairly early.”

Shige lay on his back with Alex beside him. “Yeah I could…but I don’t wanna do that right now.”

They spent the next hour telling stories, playing games with their hands and Shige telling her fortune by reading her palm insisting he knew how to do it because he’s seen it on TV a few times.

“Why does my fortune conspicuously involves you at every turn?” Alex laughed as Shige has mentioned his name for the nth time.

“But that’s what’s written on your palm.” Shige said trying to act innocent.

Alex sat up on the bed. “I need to take a shower first before we go out.”

“You go ahead.” Shige said as he too got up and walked to the bathroom. “There are fresh towels here and other stuff that you might need.”

Alex took a quick shower and when she got out of the bath Shige was tinkering with his laptop.

“What are you doing?” Alex asked as she walked to the dresser in a terry-cloth robe.

Shige suddenly closed his laptop and had a look of someone being caught. “Err…nothing. I was just checking my email.”

Alex looked at him inquiringly and decided to just let it pass. As Shige took a shower, Alex got herself ready and wore the dress that Shige bought for her earlier. That didn’t fail to get appreciative looks from Shige when he got out of the bath.

Shige insisted on driving and had asked to just give him directions along the way.

“Umm…Alex would you be able to get a few days off work?” Shige asked as he drove, looking at Alex on the passenger seat.

“I was actually planning on doing that while you were here. I can leave the shop in the ably hands of my assistant anyway.” Alex said as she smiled at him.

Shige’s face broke into a wide smile. “Really, you were planning on doing that?”

Alex nodded. “Yeah…I wouldn’t want you getting lost in the city if you tried going around on your own. “ Alex kidded.

Shige pouted and pretended to be hurt.

Alex laughed and pinched his nose even while he was driving. “You’re here, so it would be nice if we can maximize your stay.”

The smile never left Shige’s face after that. They went to Cockle Bay wharf, a known place where the best restaurants and bars in town were at. Alex was surprised at how Shige knew a lot about things in Sydney. He may have done some reading and research but still Alex found it impressive.

They went to one of the restaurants in the gardens on the roof terrace. They got a table by the glass wall over looking the bay and the dock area that was now illuminated by a variety of lights that was very colorful in the night sky.

“I just realized that you haven’t actually told me how long you’ll stay here?” Alex asked Shige as they sat across each other.

Shige looked away and turned his sights towards the dock outside. “I’m actually checking out tomorrow already.”

Alex looked surprised and wasn’t able to say anything. She was just looking at Shige not really knowing how to react. He was leaving that soon.

Alex turned towards the glass and looked at the view outside. But she really wasn’t paying attention to anything in particular. Her mind was still busy trying to absorb what Shige just said.

Alex was too immersed in her thoughts that she didn’t notice Shige look at her direction and smile mischievously. He stared at Alex with an amused look on his face. Alex must’ve felt Shige staring for she turned to look at him.

Alex looked at him suspiciously. “You’re trying to make fun of me aren’t you?”

Shige continued to smile. “Why are you looking sad hun? I said I was checking out but I’m not yet leaving. I’ll still be staying for about six more days.”

Alex’s raised an eyebrow. “You’re just trying to see how I’d react aren’t you.”

Shige laughed but he quickly reached across the table to hold Alex’s hand. “Don’t get me wrong but you really looked cute a while ago. Of course I won’t leave, not when everything is working out wonderfully.”

“But why are you checking out tomorrow then?” Alex wanted to know.

“Well…I thought we could go somewhere.” Shige said his smile not faltering. “I was checking out some sites earlier and I thought it would be nice to go to the beach. I saw this nice place at Palm Beach and I thought maybe we could go there for a couple of nights. I had actually checked online earlier and booked us an apartment at Mountains to the sea.”

Alex was surprised by Shige’s actions yet again. She knew what he was talking about. Those were waterfront apartments with their own private beach. That place is well known in that area and is a bit pricey.

“You’ve already made reservations?” Alex asked as if to confirm.

Shige nodded. “Yeah I made a booking online earlier at the hotel.” And Alex remembered Shige was tinkering with his laptop when she got out from the bathroom.

“I thought we could drive up there tomorrow. Will that be just fine with you?” Shige looked a bit worried for a while.

“Yes of course.” Alex recovered and smiled. “You just surprised me that’s all but yeah I would love to go there. I haven’t actually been to the beach for a while.”

Shige looked pleased. After a while they made their orders and had dinner. They lingered for a while and decided to have a few drinks and enjoy some music at a bar in the same garden deck before calling it a night.

Shige drove them back and headed straight to his hotel.

“Aren’t you gonna drive me home?” Alex said when Shige parked by the hotel’s driveway and was about to go down to hand the keys to the valet.

Shige shook his head. “You’re staying the night right? You’re staying with me.” Shige said with a smile and before Alex could think of protesting the valet attendant had already opened her door and assisted her off the vehicle.

Shige held her hand as they entered the hotel lobby.

“I don’t leave far away from here Shige and I can easily drop by early tomorrow you know.” Alex said with a small laugh as Shige held her close to him.

Shige pouted. “But I want you to stay here. It’s my last night here anyway. Besides we still have to bring Vanna to the airport tomorrow right.”

Alex laughed some more. “You do know I don’t have any change of clothes here and would have to pass by the house tomorrow still right?”

Shige just smiled. “It’s alright. Like you said you don’t live that far from here so that would be easy.”

“Would you always insist to have your way?” Alex asked as they stood inside the elevator.

Shige looked at her knowingly. “Do I have to?”

Alex could only giggle and shake her head as she knew Shige wouldn’t take no for an answer.

************

Alex was slowly woken from sleep as she felt an arm hold her by the waist and pull her to the warm body beside her. She slowly opened her eyes and strained them as she saw the sun already up through the curtains that were still pulled together. The bedside clock told her it was already 8:00 in the morning.

She felt warm breath on her shoulder and turned her head a bit to the side to look at Shige’s face just a few inches away from her. He was still fast asleep and her movement didn’t seem to wake him up. She held the arms that held her as she tried not to move too much lest she wakes him up.

Per Shige’s insistence, she had spent the night in his hotel. Later she’d help him pack his things so he can check out and they could drive up to Palm Beach.

Alex then remembered her cousin and knew Vanna had asked them to drive her to the airport. Her flight was at noon and they still have lots of time before they would need to pick her up. Alex smiled thinking about her cousin’s upcoming trip. She had been looking forward to that for a while now. Vanna and Koyama had agreed to meet in Los Angeles and spend their vacation there. Since both their birthdays were coming up they thought it would be a good idea to go somewhere.

“She probably wasn’t able to get decent sleep from all the excitement.” Alex thought with a laugh imagining her cousin’s giddiness.

“On no I forgot to make a phone call!” Realization suddenly struck Alex as she had meaning to call her other cousin for days now but seem to keep on forgetting.

She saw her phone lying on the dresser and she gently lifted Shige’s arm so she can get up to. Pulling herself away gently, Alex took one of the sheets to cover herself. She tiptoed around the bed despite the carpeted floor so as not to make a sound. She can’t help but blush a bit as she saw her clothes and Shige’s strewn all over the floor. She picked up some as she walked towards the dresser. She sat on the chair and dialed a number.

“Hey Calvin.” Alex greeted brightly albeit softly as someone picked up on the other end. “How have you been?”

Calvin is Alex’s cousin from her father’s side. He lives in LA but they still manage to be close with each other. He was friends with Vanna as well.

“Vanna’s flying in there today for a vacation did she tell you already? No?” Alex asked. “Yeah I know you haven’t seen each other for ages.”

Alex then went on to tell her cousin some of the details of Vanna’s trip so they could meet up. They also chatted a bit about updates with each other and how they haven’t seen each other for a long time as well.

“Alright Calvin, I’ll tell her later when we bring her to the airport. Take care.” Alex said as she hung up.

“Who were you talking to?” A sleepy voice came from the bed and Alex looked to see Shige starting to open his eyes.

“That was my cousin in LA. I was just telling her Vanna was going there.” Alex explained.

“What are you doing sitting there? Come here and come back to bed.” Shige patted the space beside him.

Alex laughed. “But its time to get up already.” But she walked back to the bed nevertheless and crawled back under the sheets where Shige automatically pulled her to him for his morning kiss.

“We still need to pack your things.” Alex said when they pulled apart.

“It’s still early. There’s not much stuff anyway so it’ll be quick to get everything ready.” Shige said as he held Alex tighter and closed his eyes without any signs of getting up.

“And we won’t be late for Vanna I promise.” Shige said making Alex laugh as he seem to have read her mind.

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A/N: This is a bit of an uneventful chapter I guess. I apologize if it dragged a bit. There will be more revelations on the next chapter. Thanks for understanding guys!

btw Im loving the soukon mood theme! thanks to katrinasacay and gigabytexx