Forever His

Party (Part 1)

It took Masuyo and I roughly an hour to get ready for the party. I had on a plain, tight black shirt and pants, nothing fancy. Masuyo stood behind me, running a brush through my hair, thinking of how she wanted to style it.

"You're thinking of doing something fancy with my hair, aren't you?" I asked her, a small grin on my face. She laughed quietly, giving a playful tug on a lock of my hair.

"You know me too well, Akito. Yes, I am thinking of doing something fancy. What do you think I should do?" She asked, running her fingers lightly through my hair.

"Hmm, just braid it and put it in a bun. I know you can work your magic with vague instructions." I laughed lightly. She laughed a bit before going to work on my hair.

"Aki, can I ask you something?" I tilted my head back and looked at her. She kept her eyes averted as her hands fidgeted with my hair.

"Sure, you know you can ask me anything." I told her, smiling warmly. She bit her bottom lip before speaking.

"What was Killer like, when he was younger? I wanted to ask him more about himself, but I was too shy."

"Masuyo, I don't think it's my place to tell you what he was like. You need to ask him yourself. He may look intimidating, but he's a big old teddy bear."

"I'm just... so nervous to talk to him, and I don't know why. Do you think it's weird?" I chuckled a little before answering her.

"It's not weird, I promise. But... Masu, do you like Killer? It's okay if you do, you know I won't tell anyone." Her face turned red at my question, effectively giving me the answer. "I think you do, you're blushing." I teased. She lightly hit my head, cursing at me under her breath.

"So what if I like him?" She asked, her face still red.

"Well, I think that you two would make a cute couple. Talk to him at the party, get to know him. If you want, I'll try to be your wing-woman." I suggested, grinning up at her. She rolled her eyes playfully before smiling back at me.

"Honestly, I could use your help, Aki," she mumbled as she continued braiding my hair.

"Like I said, Masu, I'll try to help. But in all honesty, the best thing to do is be yourself. Now, enough talking about Killer, let's finish getting ready for this party."

Masuyo and I made our way to the deck of the ship, weaving between the crew. My eyes scanned the crowd and caught a glimpse of Killer's mask. Grabbing my friend's hand, I dragged her with me.

"Oi, Killer!" I shouted, waving my free hand to get his attention. He started walking over to us after noticing me.

"Hey, there are the guests of honor. Took you long enough to get ready." He said as soon as he was next to us. I pointed my thumb at Masuyo.

"Blame her, she's the one who wanted to style my hair." I said, grinning. Masuyo elbowed me in the side before smiling shyly at Killer.

"No, blame this one. She couldn't decide on how she wanted her hair to be styled." I turned to her, feigning shock.

"Masuyo, how could you do that to me?" I asked, placing my free hand over my heart dramatically. She laughed and flipped me off. I grinned at her, returning the gesture.

"You're the worst, Aki," she stated, still laughing.

"Yeah, but you love me." I said, hugging her tightly. She hugged me back before turning to Killer.

"So, I really only know you and Aki. Can you introduce me to the rest of the crew?" She asked, looking up at him. Killer turned his head to me, tilting it to the side.