Archive of Our Own ^beta

The newlyweds had just finished their first dance as guests begun piling onto the dance floor. The lights shone various shades of pink and purple, representing the women's newfound love. Everyone was so excited to let go of their cares and dance in celebration.

Well, almost everyone.

Teto sat at the bar area, a cup of beer standing in front of her, watching, waiting to be drank. God, she was going insane. Why did she come again? Why did she even RSVP? Why did she keep in contact with either of them? Why, why, why-

"Wow Teto, don't drown in it," a warm voice came from behind the girl as she begun to down the drink, nearly choking in surprise.

"Who- oh, Kaito," Teto sighed in relief. "Yeah, I'll be careful," she weakly chuckled, swirling the little that was left in her cup. She avoided Kaito's gaze, afraid that she would reveal something if she opened her mouth again.

Reveal what?

That you still-

"Gakupo's doing great out there," Kaito said, snapping Teto out of her potential spiral.

"Yeah, he's running that dance floor like the navy," Teto agreed, amused at the samurai's involvement with the crowd. "I haven't spoken to him as much lately," she mumbled. She really hasn't spoken to anyone lately.

The singer watched as Kaito ordered a drink- some random ice cream float- as she absentmindedly asked for another beer right after. From what... her ex said, and the few meetings they've had, Kaito is like an older brother figure to her. Always making sure she's okay and being a shoulder to cry on. He was always very smart, helping people through tough times and giving the best advice... if you asked for it, of course. Sometimes, you just need someone to listen to your woes.

Speak of the devil (or angel in this case), Kaito thanked the bartender and went almost immediately turned to Teto. "So, how have you been? I haven't seen you around lately... I got worried you disappeared!" he joked.

I can only wish, Teto thought. "I've been okay," she replied simply. "I wake up, work, go to sleep... repeat. Same old, same old. And you?"

"I've been great! Everyday is better than the last. I really think in the darkest of times, its best to find something that makes you smile, even if it seems silly- like a bird playing in a puddle, or rays of sun after rain."

Teto finished downing her... wow, third already? Well, she finished downing a third drink, somehow- she doesn't remember ordering another one... she raised an eyebrow in response. "That sounds kinda cryptic. We're at a wedding, you know?" she replied.

Kaito simply chuckled. "It's not cryptic, I'm just answering your question!" he replied with a smile. "This float's really good... I might get another- do you want one?" he asked.

"Ehh.. I think I'll stick with beer," Teto replied as she called over the bartender again.

"Well, suit yourself!" he said, taking another sip of the sweet drink as though it were from the fountain of youth. His skin seemed to have regained color since their last meeting... or was it just her imagination?

"Why'd you come over? You don't wanna.. burn off any of that energy dancing?" Teto asked with a tired sip of her drink. It didn't taste any more fulfilling than the last.

"I don't think I'm ready for the crowd just yet."

"I see."

"And you were just all alone here, I wanted to make sure you were having a good time."

Huh?

Teto turned, confused as she was handed another drink. What was this, her fifth? Seventh? She doesn't know anymore, she just wants to stop thinking for the night. "I'm having a blast!" she exclaimed, almost defensive. "Might I remind you, we are at a wedding, Kaito, there's nothing to be sad about!" she lied through her teeth.

Kaito shrugged. "You seemed a little down, I just... thought I'd come over and make sure you're okay. You're a friend of theirs, right? It'd be cruel of them to just leave you out," he waved at the bartender to politely ask for a refill.

"...I guess," the girl gave up.

"You're a very kind person," he spoke up, taking Teto's hand in a comforting manner. "Being there for your friends, despite... the situation at hand," he said sympathetically.

Don't even mention it.

The red haired girl shrugged, looking at her reflection in the beer. "I'm just being a good friend. Not even, just civil," she replied... bitterly? No, she had no bitter in her, just regret...

"Still some people aren't nearly as mature as you. Others would throw a fit or just not come at all to save face, but you showed up. It really says something about you, you know. That you're always there for people, that you always want those close to you to be happy... no matter what."

"I'm just a normal person," Teto interjected. "Anybody would do the same. Plus, it's nothing to stay petty over, I mean... she likes her. Loves her. You can't just demand anything of the heart, it does what it wants."

Even if I loved her once,

Even if she confessed her undying,

unchanging,

eternal love for me.

"...she doesn't love me anymore," she muttered under her breath. "Nothing I can do."

"It hasn't been that long, if you really think about it. You're strong," the latter said softly, looking pitifully at the empty cups around Teto. It was like a scene straight out of a movie. "I'm not just saying that. You need to give yourself a bit more credit..."

"..you deserve to be happy," he said, oh so disgustingly softly, treating Teto like she was some fragile thing, ready to break at any moment.

..he wasn't wrong.

A small hic escaped the girls mouth, followed by a broken sob. She can't do this, here? Now? Awful. What an awful, selfish thing to do. Cry at a wedding? Her ex's wedding? The party celebrating who got picked that she willingly went to? How could she do this!

"It's okay, Teto."

She doesn't need permission to cry.

She's tough.

She pushes through when the going gets tough, when she's on the verge of breaking, she simply bends.

So why?

Why is it those three words make her break down sobbing?

Somehow, her shaking body makes its way into Kaito's comforting arms, rubbing her back as he doesn't berate, doesn't scold, just... stays.

"I'm right here," he says softly as tears stream down Teto's cheeks.

"I-" she begun, getting choked up before she could push out another word. "I- I'm sorry," she cried as quietly as she could in a loud wedding venue.

"It's okay. Just... let it all out," Kaito replied. It was the same line he used time and time again, but that's all you can do sometimes. Sometimes you need to sit in your apartment in the arms of someone who cares and just cry it all out.

"I loved her," Teto finally managed. "I loved her so much- God, I'm so- fuck..!!" she cried, a bit of snot dripping down her nose as she was handed a tissue from the latter. Teto was so ugly when she cried, all red faced and wet. Gross.

"She doesn;t actually love her," she muttered, breaths coming out shaky. "I can't prove it, but I know. I know."

...oh.

Well this was an interesting turn of events...

"..we can talk about that later," Kaito softly replied, furrowing his eyebrows in confusion.

"She doesn't see that same spark in her eyes!! She doesn't dream of running her fingers through her long, beautiful blue hair! I can't prove it, but she doesn't love her, I do!!" she exclaimed as tears continued to wash off whatever mascara Teto did for the day."..I love her so much," Teto softly sobbed once more.

All the meanwhile, Kaito was just... drowning in confusion.

..I need to ask someone about this later.

But for now...

"Let's go clean you up," Kaito carefully got Teto off the bar stool and began walking toward the bathrooms to grab some paper towels, until...

"Teto!!"

...Miku.

Teto immediately tried to stand up straight- key word being try- but stumbled ever so slightly. Her eyes widened, a mix of awe and surprise, as Miku, being followed by Neru, ran up to the girl.

"Is she okay!?" the singer asked nervously, looking up at Kaito. "She's fine, just had a bit too much to drink.. aha..." he replied. 

Poor girl seemed to be stuck in place.

"Will she be okay going home?" Neru wondered out loud, getting close to Teto- uncomfortably close.

"She'll be fine," Kaito replied once again, shockingly quick. He never pressed when he wasn't a part of the situation, always tried to mind the business that paid him- and if someone needed help, he would be glad to give it. After all, what else could he do for his dear friends?

But something felt wrong.

Something was just off as he led Teto to the restrooms as she turned her head and softly cried some more, as he saw Miku turn on her heel back to the dance floor as Neru wore...

...a sinister smile on her face.

Something just wasn't right.

"...I love her," Teto choked out.

...he's gotta get to the bottom of this.