All My Stars

15

"Are you sure you wanna go?" It's easy to stress that Natsumi would be unimpressed by something as juvenile as a college party.

"Yes" She's already dressed and it's a complete 360 of her normal work attire. Her black leather pants and floral print corset top fit her in ways I didn't even think possible, clinging to every curve and drip of her body.

Natsumi reminds me of a big cat, graceful and elegant as she comes to stand behind me in the mirror as I examine my little black dress.

"You look pretty" She kisses my cheek briefly, running her hands down my arms gently.

I want to tell her that she looks divine, that I would probably be spending the entire night just looking at her but all that leaves my lips is a measly ' thank you'. I'm disappointed in myself but try to shake it off as we head into the garage, Natsumi's hand is firm and warm around my own. The ride to the party is calm, music playing softly in the background and when we get there the party is already in full swing. The bonfire is huge, lighting up the entire field and filling the air with the smell of smores. I can hear the beat of the song playing.

"You ready?" she waits for my nod before getting out and opening my door, pulling me gently against her as we cross the street.

"So how come you never went to college yourself?"

I'm wearing heels and I still have to look up at her and it's silly but it makes me smile.

"I've been slated to take over from my father since he realized my brother is a fucking idiot" I snort and she grins before continuing, "I did study online but there was never really an opportunity for me to consider campus life so I'm glad my first experience is with you" 

"Well I'm happy to" 

There are a lot of people here but still open space for everyone to walk freely yet someone pushes past us a little rough, forcing me against Natsumi. She glares at them briefly before focusing her attention on me. 

"Are you alright?" She questions, drawing her arm around me protectively.

"Yeah fine" Her eyes scan my body for injuries and I try to distract her, not wanting a brief encounter with a stranger to ruin our night.

" Isn't a man usually the head of the family in Japanese culture?"

" Trust me when I say I've earned it" I decide not to question the subject further since she seems a bit reserved and instead direct her over to the keg.

"Do you drink?" She asks, eyeing the bar setup.

"Sometimes, mostly just at parties, What about you?"

"Not really the biggest fan of beer"

"Well, what do you like?" 

She smiles.

"Bourbon" Natsumi answers simply and my nose wrinkles immediately.

"You don't have to lie to me, just say you don't drink" She laughs, sliding her hand down to rest on the small of my back, keeping me close to her. Her palm radiates heat, she's alluring and I don't even think she realizes it.

I quickly pour some beer into a cup, chugging it before filling the cup again.

"There's vodka" I offer and she shakes her head saying no.

"Hey!" Jayla makes her way towards us, arm wrapped around Amelia's shoulder comfortably.

"hi, hey Amelia" She waves shyly, keeping her head tucked.

"We haven't formally met, I'm Jayla" She introduces, stretching her arm out for Natsumi to shake and she does.

"It's nice to meet you"

"Likewise" Jayla's movements are slower.

"You drunk?" I question and she gives me a dopey smile before replying.

"Even better, High"

Natsumi chuckles, " I respect that"

I knew she smoked but I'd only ever seen her with cigarettes. 

"You like weed?" 

She shrugs at my question, " I don't hate it"

"Well boy have I got a surprise for you" Jayla digs around in her pocket before pulling out a bag of prerolled joints and presenting them to her.

And that's how Natsumi and I ended up underneath a tree watching the party from a little ways away. 

"You good?" She questions me, moving my hair to stare down at me as I lay in her lap.

"So good" I hum back. After losing count of how many beers and shots I'd had, we decided to sit down so the world would slow down a bit in my vision.

Natsumi smokes casually and I watch, enchanted as she blows the smoke out from between her lips.

"You're beautiful" I don't mean to say it but I don't regret it.

She pauses, looking back down at me as I sit up slightly.

"Oh yeah?" She questions and I nod, watching the curve of her lips.

"I wanted to tell you earlier but I couldn't"

"Why is that?"

"I've never liked a girl before, I don't know how to do this" The word vomit is terrible but alcohol makes everything feel better in the moment. She watches as I move closer to her and doesn't make a move to stop me.

"Do you like me ?" Maybe later I'll consider what I'm asking to be juvenile but right now I can't help the hope and anticipation that builds within me.

"I do" It's without hesitation and as she answers, smoke blows across my lips and I can't wait any longer, moving forward to press my lips against hers.My hands hold onto her forearms limply, as she makes me dizzy with the intoxicating mix of her and the strawberry flavored gum she chewed on the way here  and I don't want it to end.

"Umm" Normally i wouldn't ignore someone but something about this moment with her keeps me going, has me drawing her against me.

"Hey, Navi!" Natsumi is the one to pull away and her lips glisten, a string of saliva between us and she breaks it as she turns to the annoying presence before us with a lazy and disinterested stare.

"Yes?"

 "Navi?" the voice calls again and I finally pay attention, annoyance creeps in when I see it's Lena interrupting us.

"What?" She rubs her shoulder smiling awkwardly.

"I just wanted to say hi" Natsumi's hand hasn't left my hip as she observes our interaction.

"Hi" I answer blandly and Natsumi does little to hide her amusement, turning away and laughing briefly.

"Who's this?"Lena diverts, pretending not to notice how I so obviously do not want to be having this conversation.

"My fiance" Lena looks baffled as if she can't believe I would have one and her eyes on Natsumi are suddenly hostile.

"oh" 

"Well, I'll talk to you some other time okay?" Her demeanor has shifted and she leaves abruptly.

"Is she a friend of yours now?" Natsumi cocks an eyebrow.

"No" I deny immediately. 

"Good, I don't like her" Everything from her words to her stare is serious before she breaks out into a sly smile.

"But I like you" Natsumi croons and I'm warm all over when she kisses me.