[fanfic: what a wonderful world] ch.2
“Neku...”
Neku glanced wearily up from his blue cell-phone. His equally blue gaze met Shiki’s worried. A frown plastered itself onto the red-head’s face at once. The look on Shiki’s face said it all-far more than his frown did. Awkwardly, Neku began chewing on his bottom lip. He wasn’t entirely sure why he was being so open today, why he was wearing his emotions on his sleeve this morning at lunch, but he just was. The skinny teenage shifted uncomfortably in the booth, watching out of the corner of his eyes as Shiki and Eri exchanged worried stares. With a sigh, Neku met their distant eyes.
“Guys, I’m fine,” the red-head informed them as he placed his cell carefully on his lap. “I didn’t get much sleep last night. My air conditioner is busted and it’s really hot upstairs.”
“Oh,” Shiki responded, gaze drifting down to her plush. She fell silent, knowing she would not get any more information from her best friend. Instead, she turned to Eri and lightly prodded her in the shoulder. “You did say the Prince was coming, right?”
“Of course,” Eri breathed, clasping her hands together excitedly. Neku’s emotional tendencies were temporarily forgotten.
“I’m going to make a fool out of myself,” Shiki decided as she lifted her free hand into the air to cover her face. The young girl groaned behind the appendage, refusing to meet either red-head’s gaze.
“You’ll do fine,” Eri urged and kindly placed her pale hand on the brunette’s shoulder. “Shiki, you’re an amazing seamstress. He’ll be in awe.”
Shiki giggled and averted her gaze. “Maybe...”
“He will be,” Neku piped in with a forced, gentle smile. “You’ve gotten great at sewing, Shiki.”
“Thanks, guys,” Shiki responded with a small smile. She leaned back against the booth and closed her eyes, indulging in the warm atmosphere Sunshine provided. “I just can’t get rid of these stupid butterflies.”
“I think you’re more nervous to meet him on a personal level than a business one,” Eri giggled promptly.
Shiki cracked open an eye, flushing a soft pink. “S-shut up,” she murmured, her cheeks growing hotter by the second.
“Wait...you like him?” Neku blinked in confusion.
“Obviously!” Eri squealed with a nonchalant smirk. “Shiki’s in love with him.”
“So are you!” Shiki quipped.
“Not as much as you,” Eri lilted and swung her arm protectively around her friend’s shoulders. “I bet he’ll take one look at you and fall to his knees.”
Neku snorted in amusement and looked back down to his cell phone. Beat and Rhyme had called earlier to inform the trio that they had other plans for today-something about buying Rhyme a skateboard. The absence of the two siblings made the usual table at Sunshine feel so empty. With a sigh, Neku began flipping idly through his address book, slouching in the booth. He wasn’t looking forward to meeting Eiji Oji once again. The last time they met, the Prince bluntly called him a bum. Or something like that, but with a lot more confusing terms. Neku absently shook his head, spacing out Eri and Shiki’s conversation about trends and how attractive Eiji was.
After a moment, Neku’s cursor on his phone landed upon a Contact. He hesitated, staring at the name and then the number typed neatly next to it. Shifting uneasily once again, Neku clicked a button, bringing up a blank text message. With a subtle groan, he quickly wrote up a message reading ‘Do I really have to do this?’, and sent it.
Neku quickly snapped his phone shut and stared around the fast-food restaurant. Not many people were here, which was a good thing. The last thing Neku wanted was a million people to swarm Eiji. He needed to talk to the blonde. But how could he? How could he talk to him about something as insane as the UG and the RG and Composers?! The thought that Joshua had been lying occurred to Neku a few times, but he decided that even Joshua had enough morals not to lie about that. ...Or did he?
The weight of the feather in Neku’s pocket became burdensome all of a sudden. What had Joshua meant by the single white feather?... What kind of bird had it come from? What was the significance? Was it cursed? Bewitched?
‘ I think too much,’ Neku decided mentally as he closed his eyes.
A barely audible beep broke him of his trance a few seconds later. Curiously, the red-head dug into his pocket for his phone, bringing it to the surface once again. Lazily, he flipped it open; ignoring the looks he got from the two girls who had temporarily ceased their conversation to watch him.
Neku visibly grimaced at the message.
Of course you have to do it, Neku. I’ve told you a very valuable speck of information. If you betray me and do not go through with the deal, I won’t hesitate to erase you from existence.
“How curt,” Neku muttered and nearly slammed his phone shut.
“Uh...who are you texting?” Shiki questioned.
“Some idiot,” Neku responded at once and shoved the phone into his pocket beside the feather.
“Uhm, okay,” Shiki laughed inelegantly.
“Shiki-” Eri began but was cut short by shrill screams.
Neku winced, at once throwing his hands up and over his ears. Even though he had chose to wear his headphones (if Joshua was going to be contacting him, he would need them, anyhow), he couldn’t block out the giddy squeals and screams from the women around him. Within seconds, after much grimacing and groaning, ten girls charged through Sunshine, headed towards the entrance where a rather displeased Eiji Oji stood. Upon seeing his fans, he quickly put on a facade, smiling warmly at them.
“Why hello beautifuls~” the blonde cooed, causing a few of the girls to place their hands adoringly over their hearts.
“Here we go,” Neku muttered as he bit his bottom lip. How the Hell was he going to get him alone?
“Uhm, Eiji!” Eri called over the coos of teenage girls. “Over here!”
The blonde superstar’s gaze fell upon the waving red-head in the corner of Sunshine. After a few quick words to his devoted fan, the star made his way over to the booth, evading a few more squealing girls. Once there, he quickly took a seat beside Neku and waved elegantly to the two girls across the table.
“Hi, Mr. Prince!” Shiki greeted excitedly, hands lacing nervously on the table.
“Pleasure to meet you,” Eiji nearly purred as a dashing look crossed his features. “It’s always such a pleasure to meet a devoted fan who is good with clothes.”
Eri giggled and gingerly nudged Shiki’s foot under the table. Shiki perked up at once. “Eri showed you our designs and clothes, right?”
“Of course,” Eiji responded and laced his hands behind his head, lounging.
“Did you like them?” Shiki asked nervously, now fiddling with her glasses and hair.
“They were exquisite,” the Prince answered smoothly.
Shiki bit back a squeal. “Thank you!”
Neku mentally groaned and leaned his forehead into his palm. I’m never going to get to talk to him about this stupid Composer crap. Damnit, why didn’t Joshua just pick someone else? I’m sure he could learn to trust someone other than me. Damnit...why does he even trust me? I could be a vengeful killer for god’s sake....
“This is our friend Neku,” Shiki interrupted Neku’s grueling thoughts.
Eiji’s gaze wandered over to the boy he was sitting upon, regarding him with a look for the first time. His handsome gaze washed over Neku a few times before offering a charming smile. “Neku, what a ... unique name.”
“Thanks?” Neku murmured and averted his gaze. Okay, so maybe he is a Composer. He’s got that creepy look...
“Is he always this...bland?” the Prince inquired, head cocking to the side.
Neku’s eyes narrowed. Before he could retort with an insult, Shiku’s foot kicked him in the shin. The red-head scowled and lowered his gaze, biting his tongue.
Great, he can make fun of me and I can’t make fun of him. Just great. I hate this bias.. Neku folded his arms childishly over his chest as he watched Eri and Shiki scrambled about on the table to show the blonde Prince a few designs and pictures of their creations. The red-headed male closed his eyes. If I don’t talk to him about this RG crap, Joshua is going to erase me...
An idea sparked in Neku’s desolate mind at once. Without warning, the male jerked his hand to the right, showering the Prince with a cup full of soda. Eri and Shiki shrieked in unison, followed by a startled grunt from Eiji. Neku quickly pasted a look of stun and remorse on his face.
“I’m sorry!” he blurted out, feigning sincerity.
“Good going, clumsy!” Eri barked, hiding her face as Shiki mirrored her.
“These were new clothes...” the Prince sulked, frowning at his now dripping sleeves. “This is not fabulous.”
“Here, let me go help you get some of that out before you get too sticky,” Neku uttered quickly as he and Eiji got to their feet. Without waiting for the Prince to respond or deny his request, Neku seized the wet sleeve. He then proceeded to drag the superstar through Sunshine, headed towards the small bathrooms in the opposite corner. I really hope I don’t get sued for this...
Once at the men’s bathroom, Neku quickly shoved the star inside and slipped in, locking the door deftly. Adrenaline gushing through his veins, Neku leaned back against the now locked bathroom door, wiping a bead of sweat off his face. “Damn...”
“F this...” the Prince muttered as he looked into the mirror, obviously not concerned with how he got here. “F for fugly.”
Neku bit back the urge to smack the star across the head for the cliché and rather bizarre saying. “...Uhm...Prince?...Eiji?”
“Hm? What is it spicy tuna roll?”
Neku winced at the name and walked over to the blond. He carefully stood beside the taller male and looked into the mirror uneasily. “I...” he began and rubbed the nape of his neck. His free hand turned the music down on his lanyard before meeting the Prince’s gaze in the mirror.
“If it’s about a confession, I’m sorry, but my heart belongs to another,” the Prince stated dramatically before grasping onto Neku’s shoulder and spinning him around. Neku tensed and watched as the blond leaned down and laid a soft kiss to his virgin lips. The red-head’s gaze went fuzzy and his legs felt like jello. As quickly as the kiss came, it was gone and he was leaning back against the sink with a dazed look.
“But I suppose I could just give you that. My apologies,” Eiji hummed as he licked his lips absently.
“I...I didn’t bring you in here for that,” Neku murmured hopelessly as he blinked rapidly. Uncertain as what to do now, he dug into his pocket and resurfaced with his cell phone. The feather fluttered out in the process, landing by his foot silently. Neku began feverishly texting Shiki for advice but was cut short when the Prince made an odd, but pleased, noise.
“F this. F for foolish!” the Prince exclaimed and leisurely placed his hand on his hip.
“Uhm...what?” Neku questioned, his finger freezing over the A key.
“How could I have been so dense?” Eiji questioned to himself as he shook his head. “Perhaps you just were being discreet. That’d make more sense,” he chuckled before looking to Neku with a crafty look. “So you’re his harrier?”
“Excuse me...what?” Neku asked as he slowly shut his phone, trying not to meet the star’s gaze.
“Oh, don’t play dumb with me, tuna roll,” Eiji huffed and folded his arms to his chest, tossing Neku a stern stare. “The feather, obviously. It belongs to Yoshiya Kiryu.”
“Wh-?” Neku began but cut himself off. “Oh...Josh.”
“Now, why would he send a living being to contact me? That seems a bit...foolish of him.”
“Look...” Neku sucked in a deep breath, head hurting. He had gone from stammering, to being kissed, to being yelled at in the span of a minute. It was hard for his mind to catch up to his mouth. “I don’t Know why Josh sent me here to talk to you. He told me that if I didn’t do it, he’d do something stupid. I really just want him out of my hair so I agreed. He said to meet with you and 777. About what, I don’t really know. He told me that...” A deep breath yet again. “He told me that you and 777 conducted the RG. Is that..true?”
“Loose lips sink ships,” Eiji sighed fretfully and slipped off his shirt, placing it on the sink to rinse it. The black tank top that was now visible made it increasingly hard to focus on the conversation.
“I don’t get this...Oh wait!” Neku started and quickly unzipped his jacket pocket and took out the letter Joshua had given him. “That’s right...the ass told me to give you this. He said it was confidential or something.”
“Ah...see that makes sense,” the Prince hummed as he slipped a dainty finger under the lip of the envelope. Carefully, he tore it open and began reading its contents, tapping his foot against the tile of the bathroom.
“Well...what does it say? He told me to discuss whatever the letter says with you?”
“He’s repealing,” Eiji sighed and folded the letter back pu.
“Repealing what?” Neku blinked.
“Such an uneducated Conductor,” the Prince scoffed and shook his head in dismay, ignoring Neku’s sputter opposing his statement. “If you’re not his Conductor, and you’re just a normal living boy then why-Ah, I see why.”
“I’m so damn confused,” Neku groaned and fretfully grabbed at his locks of red. “Can you please tell me what the hell is going on before I have a complex?”
The Prince took a deep breath and leaned back against the sink, watching in amusement as the water cleaned his shirt of soda. “Yoshiya Kiryu violated the laws and terms of the RG and UG when he brought you forcefully into his little game.” Neku nodded slowly. “And as anyone knows, if a law is broken, the foolish person must be punished. In Yoshiya’s case, considering he’s in charge of the UG, needs to be punished far more severely than just a few years in jail. Yoshiya abused his powers when he brought you to UG and proceeded to return you and your friends to the RG. He interfered with 777 and I’s field. The Higher Ups are horribly displeased. It’s my job, as the Composer of the RG, to take care of this violation. And such a violation deserves erasure.”
Neku paled, the words slithering into his head slowly. “E...rasure?” he repeated, feeling faint. “You’re going to erase Josh?!”
The Prince cocked his head innocently to the side. “Does this upset you, tuna roll?”
Neku held his head, resisting the urge to faint on cue. “Listen, listen...Joshua is an asshole, I know. He’s done a lot of bad things, but he doesn’t deserve to be erased. Can’t you just...can’t you just make him a regular Reaper or something? Do you have to erase him?”
“I’m afraid so,” the Prince responded, lamely poking his fingers together. “If I didn’t do such, I’d be violating the laws the Higher Ups put in place for me. Honestly, tuna roll, did your Composer teach you nothing? You are his Conductor.”
“No, no I’m not,” Neku seethed, gritting his teeth together. “I’m a normal person. I’m alive. I don’t want a part of this anymore...Just...just please don’t erase him, okay?”
“If you’re not his Conductor, like I said, and he trusts you enough to come and see me, what are you to him?” Eiji pondered.
“Nothing,” Neku responded honestly. “Or, in his words, his stupid little proxy. He used me. He used me for a bet and I can never forgive him. Hell, I’m even more pissed now for getting me involved with all this crap.”
“You should consider yourself lucky, tuna roll. You’re the only living person to know about both fields and how they work,” the Prince lectured and nonchalantly chuckled.
Neku groaned and flexed his hands by his side, bending down to pick up the fallen feather from earlier. “So he just gave me this stupid feather so that you’d know that I wasn’t lying?”
“I assume,” the Prince reasoned as he ran a hand through his soft hair. “I still have you erase him, you are aware.”
“No,” Neku murmured, wincing. “No, you can’t erase him.”
“I’m not going to risk my fame, my job, and my life to spare his soul,” Eiji warned and shook his head. “He’s committed a crime and-”
“What if I can make him change?” Neku blurted out, looking to Eiji hopelessly. “What if...what if you gave me a month to change him? What if he made up for his sins and did good for Shibuya and the UG? Would you forgive him then? Would you just demote him in that case?”
“So desperate,” the Prince stated histrionically. “He knows he’s going to be erased. He knew that the moment he shot you and interfered with my plane.”
“Please,” Neku breathed, uncertain why he was even standing up for the asshole. “Just...give me a month, please?”
“F...F for fine,” Eiji sighed and looked to Neku. “Go return to your lovely female friends. I’ll be out in a moment once I finish cleaning my shirt. You have a month, tuna roll. If he hasn’t changed, he’s going to be erased whether you oppose it or support it.”
“Thank you,” Neku exhaled in relief and made his way over to the door.
“Oh and one more thing,” Eiji called out.
“...Yeah?”
“Well, two,” the Prince hummed. “One, you really ought to change your clothes...they’re...rather bland and...insipid,” the man pointed out, causing Neku to inaudibly growl. “Secondly...I want you to meet with my Conductor tomorrow afternoon at A-East. He will discuss our deal further. Tell Yoshiya that he’s lucky to have such a passionate ... proxy working for him.”
Neku’s cheeks automatically turned a soft shade of pink. “I’ll tell him that he’s lucky I don’t hold grudges,” he spat weakly and unlocked the bathroom door and headed back into the restaurant. How the conversation had gone from kissing, to the UG and RG, and then finally to Joshua...he didn’t know, nor did he care to replay it. All he wanted to do right now was go home.
Of course...he still had to report to Joshua, right?
xxxx
It was later that night. Shiki and Eri had dragged Neku to 104 after meeting with Eiji, insistent that he follow the star’s words and get new clothes.
Neku was currently standing before the CAT mural, similar to the night prior. This night, however, he was clutching a bag tightly in his hands that contained his old clothes. The red-head was now dressed in a red shirt (Shiki called it a North Wind Concerto) and a pair of jeans (that Eri insisted were called Youth’s March). Neku wouldn’t deny that the clothes were comfortable, but he preferred his own clothing.
“Hello, dear~”
Neku tensed and closed his eyes, allowing the warm hair of Shibuya to wash over him.
“What, no hello?” the voice questioned, a subtle hint of gloom hidden within the tone.
“I’m not in a good mood, ass,” Neku grumbled as he set the bag down by his feet and touched the mural, allowing the artwork to engulf him. It was always so relaxing to be here. Well, when Joshua wasn’t here, anyway.
“Mm...I do like the new outfit, Neku. It flatters you,” the pale-haired boy’s cooed in his ear.
Neku sighed and turned around, meeting the flickering gaze of the UG Composer. “I talked to the Prince today,” he murmured, awkwardly rubbing his right arm. “He’s so weird, Josh.”
“Isn’t everyone?” Joshua purred and nonchalantly twirled a piece of hair around on his finger. “Well, what did he say?”
“You didn’t tell me you were going to be erased,” Neku seethed under his breath, ignoring Joshua’s question. “Why the hell didn’t you tell me?!”
“Hm...so he is going through with the usual punishment,” Joshua stated as he tapped his lips thoughtfully. “I never imagined Eiji to invoke such barbaric punishment. All I did was shoot you, Neku. I shouldn’t suffer such harsh punishment.”
That was all it took. “You just shot me?!
“I could have tortured you and enslaved your Soul,” the Composer pointed out with a tilt of his head. “Neku, stop giving me that look.”
“You just shot me?!” Neku repeated and curled his hands up into fists. “You!...You destroyed my life! Do you realize how fucking painful dying was?! I had to die twice because of you, Joshua! You sick...you sick degenerate!”
“Hush now, Neku. I’m not that cruel,” Joshua cooed and wagged his finger at the fuming red-head.
“You know what, Josh? Screw you. You get yourself out of this punishment. I tried being civil with you but I’m done. I can’t stand you,” Neku snarled and ripped the feather out of his pocket and threw it done on the ground. Air resistance lessened the dramatic action much to Neku’s disappointment.
“Neku, you can’t quit on me~ We have a deal. You don’t want to be erased, do you?” Joshua purred and walked closer, hands nestled in his pockets. “Now, what did he say?”
Neku winced and looked away, unable to meet Joshua’s gaze. “He was going to erase you, but I stupidly bargained with him. I told him that if you didn’t shape up in a month, he could erase you.”
“Aw Neku~ How sweet of you,” Joshua lilted and reached out to stroke Neku’s cheek. The Composer’s flickering hand did not feel of flesh, but just static. Neku winced as the energy rushed over his cheek. He pulled away from the demeaning touch and glared.
“I don’t even see why I asked him to give you a month. You’re an ass and you’ll never change. God, why am I so stupid?” Neku complained and rubbed his forehead in beffudlement.
“Perhaps because you know I’m not all that bad?” Joshua cooed and giggled quietly. “Now, he said he’d give me a month? Hm... Did he give you any specific guidelines?”
“I’m meeting with 777 tomorrow to talk about that...” Neku murmured. “And another thing...he kept calling me your Conductor. I swear to God, Josh, if you somehow tricked me into-”
“You’re not my Conductor,” Joshua clarified and smiled wistfully. “At least, not yet~” he giggled.
“Josh!” Neku began angrily.
“Relax, Neku. You’re alive and you’re nothing more than my sweet little proxy,” Joshua reasoned calmly as he waved his hands in front of him. “I’ll attend your meeting with 777 tomorrow.”
“Okay...” Neku murmured and looked off to the right. “Can I go home now? I have a headache.”
“Hm...” Joshua ignored Neku’s question. “Neku, your Music is different.”
“My what?” Neku blinked and subconsciously reached to touch his headphones.
“No, silly, not that music,” Joshua giggled and shook his head. “Your aura, simply. I’ll explain it to you later. But it’s definitely different...as if someone else’s power rubbed off on you temporarily...”
“What the hell are you going on about?” Neku complained and held tightly onto one of his headphones.
Joshua frowned after a moment. A dark and rather venomous frown. “Did Eiji kiss you, Neku?”
“Uh...” How the hell does he know that? “Why?”
“Answer the question, my sweet little proxy,” Joshua deadpanned, his patience running short.
“So what if he did? It was a mistake,” Neku began but was cut short when Joshua scoffed.
“It seems that I’m not the only one breaking rules,” Joshua decided and scrunched his nose up. He looked to Neku’s perplexed expression. “Oh, don’t worry about it, Neku~ I’ll explain it to you when you’re older.”
Neku bristled. “Okay fine, whatever. I’m going home. See you tomorrow with 777,” he scoffed and grabbed his bag. Without further delay, he walked away from the mural, leaving the UG’s Composer giggling to himself.
“Oh Neku,” Joshua sighed as he watched the red-head leave. The Composer glanced down to the discarded feather with a frown. Carefully, he plucked the feather from the ground and lifted it into his hands. “Silly Eiji, wasn’t he ever told that it’s a capital offense to lay a hand on another Composer’s property?” he purred ambiguously and closed his eyes, hand clasping around the feather. “How dimb-witted you truly are, my dear proxy.”
His form flickered and then faded into the warm Shibuya night.
Neku glanced wearily up from his blue cell-phone. His equally blue gaze met Shiki’s worried. A frown plastered itself onto the red-head’s face at once. The look on Shiki’s face said it all-far more than his frown did. Awkwardly, Neku began chewing on his bottom lip. He wasn’t entirely sure why he was being so open today, why he was wearing his emotions on his sleeve this morning at lunch, but he just was. The skinny teenage shifted uncomfortably in the booth, watching out of the corner of his eyes as Shiki and Eri exchanged worried stares. With a sigh, Neku met their distant eyes.
“Guys, I’m fine,” the red-head informed them as he placed his cell carefully on his lap. “I didn’t get much sleep last night. My air conditioner is busted and it’s really hot upstairs.”
“Oh,” Shiki responded, gaze drifting down to her plush. She fell silent, knowing she would not get any more information from her best friend. Instead, she turned to Eri and lightly prodded her in the shoulder. “You did say the Prince was coming, right?”
“Of course,” Eri breathed, clasping her hands together excitedly. Neku’s emotional tendencies were temporarily forgotten.
“I’m going to make a fool out of myself,” Shiki decided as she lifted her free hand into the air to cover her face. The young girl groaned behind the appendage, refusing to meet either red-head’s gaze.
“You’ll do fine,” Eri urged and kindly placed her pale hand on the brunette’s shoulder. “Shiki, you’re an amazing seamstress. He’ll be in awe.”
Shiki giggled and averted her gaze. “Maybe...”
“He will be,” Neku piped in with a forced, gentle smile. “You’ve gotten great at sewing, Shiki.”
“Thanks, guys,” Shiki responded with a small smile. She leaned back against the booth and closed her eyes, indulging in the warm atmosphere Sunshine provided. “I just can’t get rid of these stupid butterflies.”
“I think you’re more nervous to meet him on a personal level than a business one,” Eri giggled promptly.
Shiki cracked open an eye, flushing a soft pink. “S-shut up,” she murmured, her cheeks growing hotter by the second.
“Wait...you like him?” Neku blinked in confusion.
“Obviously!” Eri squealed with a nonchalant smirk. “Shiki’s in love with him.”
“So are you!” Shiki quipped.
“Not as much as you,” Eri lilted and swung her arm protectively around her friend’s shoulders. “I bet he’ll take one look at you and fall to his knees.”
Neku snorted in amusement and looked back down to his cell phone. Beat and Rhyme had called earlier to inform the trio that they had other plans for today-something about buying Rhyme a skateboard. The absence of the two siblings made the usual table at Sunshine feel so empty. With a sigh, Neku began flipping idly through his address book, slouching in the booth. He wasn’t looking forward to meeting Eiji Oji once again. The last time they met, the Prince bluntly called him a bum. Or something like that, but with a lot more confusing terms. Neku absently shook his head, spacing out Eri and Shiki’s conversation about trends and how attractive Eiji was.
After a moment, Neku’s cursor on his phone landed upon a Contact. He hesitated, staring at the name and then the number typed neatly next to it. Shifting uneasily once again, Neku clicked a button, bringing up a blank text message. With a subtle groan, he quickly wrote up a message reading ‘Do I really have to do this?’, and sent it.
Neku quickly snapped his phone shut and stared around the fast-food restaurant. Not many people were here, which was a good thing. The last thing Neku wanted was a million people to swarm Eiji. He needed to talk to the blonde. But how could he? How could he talk to him about something as insane as the UG and the RG and Composers?! The thought that Joshua had been lying occurred to Neku a few times, but he decided that even Joshua had enough morals not to lie about that. ...Or did he?
The weight of the feather in Neku’s pocket became burdensome all of a sudden. What had Joshua meant by the single white feather?... What kind of bird had it come from? What was the significance? Was it cursed? Bewitched?
‘ I think too much,’ Neku decided mentally as he closed his eyes.
A barely audible beep broke him of his trance a few seconds later. Curiously, the red-head dug into his pocket for his phone, bringing it to the surface once again. Lazily, he flipped it open; ignoring the looks he got from the two girls who had temporarily ceased their conversation to watch him.
Neku visibly grimaced at the message.
Of course you have to do it, Neku. I’ve told you a very valuable speck of information. If you betray me and do not go through with the deal, I won’t hesitate to erase you from existence.
“How curt,” Neku muttered and nearly slammed his phone shut.
“Uh...who are you texting?” Shiki questioned.
“Some idiot,” Neku responded at once and shoved the phone into his pocket beside the feather.
“Uhm, okay,” Shiki laughed inelegantly.
“Shiki-” Eri began but was cut short by shrill screams.
Neku winced, at once throwing his hands up and over his ears. Even though he had chose to wear his headphones (if Joshua was going to be contacting him, he would need them, anyhow), he couldn’t block out the giddy squeals and screams from the women around him. Within seconds, after much grimacing and groaning, ten girls charged through Sunshine, headed towards the entrance where a rather displeased Eiji Oji stood. Upon seeing his fans, he quickly put on a facade, smiling warmly at them.
“Why hello beautifuls~” the blonde cooed, causing a few of the girls to place their hands adoringly over their hearts.
“Here we go,” Neku muttered as he bit his bottom lip. How the Hell was he going to get him alone?
“Uhm, Eiji!” Eri called over the coos of teenage girls. “Over here!”
The blonde superstar’s gaze fell upon the waving red-head in the corner of Sunshine. After a few quick words to his devoted fan, the star made his way over to the booth, evading a few more squealing girls. Once there, he quickly took a seat beside Neku and waved elegantly to the two girls across the table.
“Hi, Mr. Prince!” Shiki greeted excitedly, hands lacing nervously on the table.
“Pleasure to meet you,” Eiji nearly purred as a dashing look crossed his features. “It’s always such a pleasure to meet a devoted fan who is good with clothes.”
Eri giggled and gingerly nudged Shiki’s foot under the table. Shiki perked up at once. “Eri showed you our designs and clothes, right?”
“Of course,” Eiji responded and laced his hands behind his head, lounging.
“Did you like them?” Shiki asked nervously, now fiddling with her glasses and hair.
“They were exquisite,” the Prince answered smoothly.
Shiki bit back a squeal. “Thank you!”
Neku mentally groaned and leaned his forehead into his palm. I’m never going to get to talk to him about this stupid Composer crap. Damnit, why didn’t Joshua just pick someone else? I’m sure he could learn to trust someone other than me. Damnit...why does he even trust me? I could be a vengeful killer for god’s sake....
“This is our friend Neku,” Shiki interrupted Neku’s grueling thoughts.
Eiji’s gaze wandered over to the boy he was sitting upon, regarding him with a look for the first time. His handsome gaze washed over Neku a few times before offering a charming smile. “Neku, what a ... unique name.”
“Thanks?” Neku murmured and averted his gaze. Okay, so maybe he is a Composer. He’s got that creepy look...
“Is he always this...bland?” the Prince inquired, head cocking to the side.
Neku’s eyes narrowed. Before he could retort with an insult, Shiku’s foot kicked him in the shin. The red-head scowled and lowered his gaze, biting his tongue.
Great, he can make fun of me and I can’t make fun of him. Just great. I hate this bias.. Neku folded his arms childishly over his chest as he watched Eri and Shiki scrambled about on the table to show the blonde Prince a few designs and pictures of their creations. The red-headed male closed his eyes. If I don’t talk to him about this RG crap, Joshua is going to erase me...
An idea sparked in Neku’s desolate mind at once. Without warning, the male jerked his hand to the right, showering the Prince with a cup full of soda. Eri and Shiki shrieked in unison, followed by a startled grunt from Eiji. Neku quickly pasted a look of stun and remorse on his face.
“I’m sorry!” he blurted out, feigning sincerity.
“Good going, clumsy!” Eri barked, hiding her face as Shiki mirrored her.
“These were new clothes...” the Prince sulked, frowning at his now dripping sleeves. “This is not fabulous.”
“Here, let me go help you get some of that out before you get too sticky,” Neku uttered quickly as he and Eiji got to their feet. Without waiting for the Prince to respond or deny his request, Neku seized the wet sleeve. He then proceeded to drag the superstar through Sunshine, headed towards the small bathrooms in the opposite corner. I really hope I don’t get sued for this...
Once at the men’s bathroom, Neku quickly shoved the star inside and slipped in, locking the door deftly. Adrenaline gushing through his veins, Neku leaned back against the now locked bathroom door, wiping a bead of sweat off his face. “Damn...”
“F this...” the Prince muttered as he looked into the mirror, obviously not concerned with how he got here. “F for fugly.”
Neku bit back the urge to smack the star across the head for the cliché and rather bizarre saying. “...Uhm...Prince?...Eiji?”
“Hm? What is it spicy tuna roll?”
Neku winced at the name and walked over to the blond. He carefully stood beside the taller male and looked into the mirror uneasily. “I...” he began and rubbed the nape of his neck. His free hand turned the music down on his lanyard before meeting the Prince’s gaze in the mirror.
“If it’s about a confession, I’m sorry, but my heart belongs to another,” the Prince stated dramatically before grasping onto Neku’s shoulder and spinning him around. Neku tensed and watched as the blond leaned down and laid a soft kiss to his virgin lips. The red-head’s gaze went fuzzy and his legs felt like jello. As quickly as the kiss came, it was gone and he was leaning back against the sink with a dazed look.
“But I suppose I could just give you that. My apologies,” Eiji hummed as he licked his lips absently.
“I...I didn’t bring you in here for that,” Neku murmured hopelessly as he blinked rapidly. Uncertain as what to do now, he dug into his pocket and resurfaced with his cell phone. The feather fluttered out in the process, landing by his foot silently. Neku began feverishly texting Shiki for advice but was cut short when the Prince made an odd, but pleased, noise.
“F this. F for foolish!” the Prince exclaimed and leisurely placed his hand on his hip.
“Uhm...what?” Neku questioned, his finger freezing over the A key.
“How could I have been so dense?” Eiji questioned to himself as he shook his head. “Perhaps you just were being discreet. That’d make more sense,” he chuckled before looking to Neku with a crafty look. “So you’re his harrier?”
“Excuse me...what?” Neku asked as he slowly shut his phone, trying not to meet the star’s gaze.
“Oh, don’t play dumb with me, tuna roll,” Eiji huffed and folded his arms to his chest, tossing Neku a stern stare. “The feather, obviously. It belongs to Yoshiya Kiryu.”
“Wh-?” Neku began but cut himself off. “Oh...Josh.”
“Now, why would he send a living being to contact me? That seems a bit...foolish of him.”
“Look...” Neku sucked in a deep breath, head hurting. He had gone from stammering, to being kissed, to being yelled at in the span of a minute. It was hard for his mind to catch up to his mouth. “I don’t Know why Josh sent me here to talk to you. He told me that if I didn’t do it, he’d do something stupid. I really just want him out of my hair so I agreed. He said to meet with you and 777. About what, I don’t really know. He told me that...” A deep breath yet again. “He told me that you and 777 conducted the RG. Is that..true?”
“Loose lips sink ships,” Eiji sighed fretfully and slipped off his shirt, placing it on the sink to rinse it. The black tank top that was now visible made it increasingly hard to focus on the conversation.
“I don’t get this...Oh wait!” Neku started and quickly unzipped his jacket pocket and took out the letter Joshua had given him. “That’s right...the ass told me to give you this. He said it was confidential or something.”
“Ah...see that makes sense,” the Prince hummed as he slipped a dainty finger under the lip of the envelope. Carefully, he tore it open and began reading its contents, tapping his foot against the tile of the bathroom.
“Well...what does it say? He told me to discuss whatever the letter says with you?”
“He’s repealing,” Eiji sighed and folded the letter back pu.
“Repealing what?” Neku blinked.
“Such an uneducated Conductor,” the Prince scoffed and shook his head in dismay, ignoring Neku’s sputter opposing his statement. “If you’re not his Conductor, and you’re just a normal living boy then why-Ah, I see why.”
“I’m so damn confused,” Neku groaned and fretfully grabbed at his locks of red. “Can you please tell me what the hell is going on before I have a complex?”
The Prince took a deep breath and leaned back against the sink, watching in amusement as the water cleaned his shirt of soda. “Yoshiya Kiryu violated the laws and terms of the RG and UG when he brought you forcefully into his little game.” Neku nodded slowly. “And as anyone knows, if a law is broken, the foolish person must be punished. In Yoshiya’s case, considering he’s in charge of the UG, needs to be punished far more severely than just a few years in jail. Yoshiya abused his powers when he brought you to UG and proceeded to return you and your friends to the RG. He interfered with 777 and I’s field. The Higher Ups are horribly displeased. It’s my job, as the Composer of the RG, to take care of this violation. And such a violation deserves erasure.”
Neku paled, the words slithering into his head slowly. “E...rasure?” he repeated, feeling faint. “You’re going to erase Josh?!”
The Prince cocked his head innocently to the side. “Does this upset you, tuna roll?”
Neku held his head, resisting the urge to faint on cue. “Listen, listen...Joshua is an asshole, I know. He’s done a lot of bad things, but he doesn’t deserve to be erased. Can’t you just...can’t you just make him a regular Reaper or something? Do you have to erase him?”
“I’m afraid so,” the Prince responded, lamely poking his fingers together. “If I didn’t do such, I’d be violating the laws the Higher Ups put in place for me. Honestly, tuna roll, did your Composer teach you nothing? You are his Conductor.”
“No, no I’m not,” Neku seethed, gritting his teeth together. “I’m a normal person. I’m alive. I don’t want a part of this anymore...Just...just please don’t erase him, okay?”
“If you’re not his Conductor, like I said, and he trusts you enough to come and see me, what are you to him?” Eiji pondered.
“Nothing,” Neku responded honestly. “Or, in his words, his stupid little proxy. He used me. He used me for a bet and I can never forgive him. Hell, I’m even more pissed now for getting me involved with all this crap.”
“You should consider yourself lucky, tuna roll. You’re the only living person to know about both fields and how they work,” the Prince lectured and nonchalantly chuckled.
Neku groaned and flexed his hands by his side, bending down to pick up the fallen feather from earlier. “So he just gave me this stupid feather so that you’d know that I wasn’t lying?”
“I assume,” the Prince reasoned as he ran a hand through his soft hair. “I still have you erase him, you are aware.”
“No,” Neku murmured, wincing. “No, you can’t erase him.”
“I’m not going to risk my fame, my job, and my life to spare his soul,” Eiji warned and shook his head. “He’s committed a crime and-”
“What if I can make him change?” Neku blurted out, looking to Eiji hopelessly. “What if...what if you gave me a month to change him? What if he made up for his sins and did good for Shibuya and the UG? Would you forgive him then? Would you just demote him in that case?”
“So desperate,” the Prince stated histrionically. “He knows he’s going to be erased. He knew that the moment he shot you and interfered with my plane.”
“Please,” Neku breathed, uncertain why he was even standing up for the asshole. “Just...give me a month, please?”
“F...F for fine,” Eiji sighed and looked to Neku. “Go return to your lovely female friends. I’ll be out in a moment once I finish cleaning my shirt. You have a month, tuna roll. If he hasn’t changed, he’s going to be erased whether you oppose it or support it.”
“Thank you,” Neku exhaled in relief and made his way over to the door.
“Oh and one more thing,” Eiji called out.
“...Yeah?”
“Well, two,” the Prince hummed. “One, you really ought to change your clothes...they’re...rather bland and...insipid,” the man pointed out, causing Neku to inaudibly growl. “Secondly...I want you to meet with my Conductor tomorrow afternoon at A-East. He will discuss our deal further. Tell Yoshiya that he’s lucky to have such a passionate ... proxy working for him.”
Neku’s cheeks automatically turned a soft shade of pink. “I’ll tell him that he’s lucky I don’t hold grudges,” he spat weakly and unlocked the bathroom door and headed back into the restaurant. How the conversation had gone from kissing, to the UG and RG, and then finally to Joshua...he didn’t know, nor did he care to replay it. All he wanted to do right now was go home.
Of course...he still had to report to Joshua, right?
xxxx
It was later that night. Shiki and Eri had dragged Neku to 104 after meeting with Eiji, insistent that he follow the star’s words and get new clothes.
Neku was currently standing before the CAT mural, similar to the night prior. This night, however, he was clutching a bag tightly in his hands that contained his old clothes. The red-head was now dressed in a red shirt (Shiki called it a North Wind Concerto) and a pair of jeans (that Eri insisted were called Youth’s March). Neku wouldn’t deny that the clothes were comfortable, but he preferred his own clothing.
“Hello, dear~”
Neku tensed and closed his eyes, allowing the warm hair of Shibuya to wash over him.
“What, no hello?” the voice questioned, a subtle hint of gloom hidden within the tone.
“I’m not in a good mood, ass,” Neku grumbled as he set the bag down by his feet and touched the mural, allowing the artwork to engulf him. It was always so relaxing to be here. Well, when Joshua wasn’t here, anyway.
“Mm...I do like the new outfit, Neku. It flatters you,” the pale-haired boy’s cooed in his ear.
Neku sighed and turned around, meeting the flickering gaze of the UG Composer. “I talked to the Prince today,” he murmured, awkwardly rubbing his right arm. “He’s so weird, Josh.”
“Isn’t everyone?” Joshua purred and nonchalantly twirled a piece of hair around on his finger. “Well, what did he say?”
“You didn’t tell me you were going to be erased,” Neku seethed under his breath, ignoring Joshua’s question. “Why the hell didn’t you tell me?!”
“Hm...so he is going through with the usual punishment,” Joshua stated as he tapped his lips thoughtfully. “I never imagined Eiji to invoke such barbaric punishment. All I did was shoot you, Neku. I shouldn’t suffer such harsh punishment.”
That was all it took. “You just shot me?!
“I could have tortured you and enslaved your Soul,” the Composer pointed out with a tilt of his head. “Neku, stop giving me that look.”
“You just shot me?!” Neku repeated and curled his hands up into fists. “You!...You destroyed my life! Do you realize how fucking painful dying was?! I had to die twice because of you, Joshua! You sick...you sick degenerate!”
“Hush now, Neku. I’m not that cruel,” Joshua cooed and wagged his finger at the fuming red-head.
“You know what, Josh? Screw you. You get yourself out of this punishment. I tried being civil with you but I’m done. I can’t stand you,” Neku snarled and ripped the feather out of his pocket and threw it done on the ground. Air resistance lessened the dramatic action much to Neku’s disappointment.
“Neku, you can’t quit on me~ We have a deal. You don’t want to be erased, do you?” Joshua purred and walked closer, hands nestled in his pockets. “Now, what did he say?”
Neku winced and looked away, unable to meet Joshua’s gaze. “He was going to erase you, but I stupidly bargained with him. I told him that if you didn’t shape up in a month, he could erase you.”
“Aw Neku~ How sweet of you,” Joshua lilted and reached out to stroke Neku’s cheek. The Composer’s flickering hand did not feel of flesh, but just static. Neku winced as the energy rushed over his cheek. He pulled away from the demeaning touch and glared.
“I don’t even see why I asked him to give you a month. You’re an ass and you’ll never change. God, why am I so stupid?” Neku complained and rubbed his forehead in beffudlement.
“Perhaps because you know I’m not all that bad?” Joshua cooed and giggled quietly. “Now, he said he’d give me a month? Hm... Did he give you any specific guidelines?”
“I’m meeting with 777 tomorrow to talk about that...” Neku murmured. “And another thing...he kept calling me your Conductor. I swear to God, Josh, if you somehow tricked me into-”
“You’re not my Conductor,” Joshua clarified and smiled wistfully. “At least, not yet~” he giggled.
“Josh!” Neku began angrily.
“Relax, Neku. You’re alive and you’re nothing more than my sweet little proxy,” Joshua reasoned calmly as he waved his hands in front of him. “I’ll attend your meeting with 777 tomorrow.”
“Okay...” Neku murmured and looked off to the right. “Can I go home now? I have a headache.”
“Hm...” Joshua ignored Neku’s question. “Neku, your Music is different.”
“My what?” Neku blinked and subconsciously reached to touch his headphones.
“No, silly, not that music,” Joshua giggled and shook his head. “Your aura, simply. I’ll explain it to you later. But it’s definitely different...as if someone else’s power rubbed off on you temporarily...”
“What the hell are you going on about?” Neku complained and held tightly onto one of his headphones.
Joshua frowned after a moment. A dark and rather venomous frown. “Did Eiji kiss you, Neku?”
“Uh...” How the hell does he know that? “Why?”
“Answer the question, my sweet little proxy,” Joshua deadpanned, his patience running short.
“So what if he did? It was a mistake,” Neku began but was cut short when Joshua scoffed.
“It seems that I’m not the only one breaking rules,” Joshua decided and scrunched his nose up. He looked to Neku’s perplexed expression. “Oh, don’t worry about it, Neku~ I’ll explain it to you when you’re older.”
Neku bristled. “Okay fine, whatever. I’m going home. See you tomorrow with 777,” he scoffed and grabbed his bag. Without further delay, he walked away from the mural, leaving the UG’s Composer giggling to himself.
“Oh Neku,” Joshua sighed as he watched the red-head leave. The Composer glanced down to the discarded feather with a frown. Carefully, he plucked the feather from the ground and lifted it into his hands. “Silly Eiji, wasn’t he ever told that it’s a capital offense to lay a hand on another Composer’s property?” he purred ambiguously and closed his eyes, hand clasping around the feather. “How dimb-witted you truly are, my dear proxy.”
His form flickered and then faded into the warm Shibuya night.