Oblivious
"Haa... haa... haa... this exercise is gonna kill me." huffed Neku, out of breath from jogging up a hill with a trainer. His trainer also happened to be a childhood friend who ended up living in the same place after graduation. Neku had reflexes like no other, He could change direction without even trying, and lift much more than he seemed like he could. However, he couldn't run a mile without nearly passing out on the pavement. This was very strange for a cat. "Can we... can we take a break? Besides... your store needs to be opened soon, right?"
"I almost forgot! Sorry, I guess we'll have to stop here. You are improving Neko." Said Ally.
Neku didn't mind when she called him Neko, which was Japanese for cat. It was the first name she called him when they were just toddlers, and Ally kept saying that it was cute. "Better hurry... oh, you coming to the show tonight?" Neku was in a rock band that mostly performed in bars, and wherever they could get in. The Watchers were an indie group, with a unique sound that had collected quite a following. When they played, they wore blindfolds, just to show that they didn't need to see to play. Neku was the lead guitar and lead singer.
Ally thought about it for a second, "You know, I did miss your last one... might as well. Got nothing better to do, so see you there. Even if you don't see me... hee hee." Ally was always amused when they wore the blindfolds. In her spare time, she was able to make a colorful one made of patched up fabrics of all textures. She even put a pink heart in the center. Neku promised to wear it every show. Ally rushed down the hill, her tail flicking the air as she dropped to all fours to gain speed.
Neku shook his head and limped back to his apartment. He opened the fridge, hoping to find something to eat. Unfortunately, he was terrible at remembering when to buy food, so all he could do is sigh. "Damn, I need a note or something. Guess I need to see Ally again..." She was the owner of a small grocery/convenience store, and gave everyone a good deal. She was a sweet cat girl, and was secretly in love with Neku. He was the only one who couldn't see it.
It was only a ten minute walk from his place to Ally's Grocery. Most of the other stores in the block had some sort of graffiti on them, but not hers. It's rumored that someone tried to paint on her side wall, but a group of young kids who were vandalizing a building across the street saw it and sent the lone criminal to the hospital. Neku wasn't sure if it was true, but it became an urban legend that everyone knew. He entered the store, which had just opened, "Hello, welcome to- oh, forget to shop again?" Ally smiled and jokingly put her hands on her hips. Neku nodded, "I swear, you're useless by yourself."
"That any way to greet a loyal customer?" he said sarcastically. Ally giggled and walked behind the counter. Neku picked up a basket and picked up anything that could be cooked in under five minutes. While he was grabbing some food, a group of kids walked in. They were dressed like they thought they were in a gang. To a newcomer, they seemed like a danerous group of people. Ally was only 21 but they respected her like she was their mother.
"Hello miss Ally. Having any trouble around here lately?" not only did they respect her, but they were her unofficial security squad.
"No, you boys have really done a good job keeping the bad guys out. And before I forget, I just got a new shipment of that drink you boys like. First one's on the house!" she had a cheery grin on her face as the gang bangers thanked her. One of them looked over at Neku, then whispered something in Ally's ear. Her smiled was replaced with an embarassed look and she blushed through her fur.
Neku couldn't hear Ally, but he could make out what the teen said, "...well, if you ever need some help, give us a call. We'd be happy to help you." Ally nodded her head and thanked the boys as they left. Neku had just finished shopping and walked up to the counter.
Ally raised an eyebrow, "You know, if you keeping eating junk like this you'll never get any healthier."
Neku smiled, "If only that were so. I don't seem to gain any weight, and this stuff is easy to cook. Win-win, right?" Ally shook her head and rung him up. He paid for his food and rushed back to his apartment. At the entrance to the building, a dog was ringing a bell. "Hey, Beef! I'm not in there!" Neku shouted.
The dog looked around and yelled back, "I can tell! Hey! What's in the bag?" Neku shook his head. Beef was in his band, but he liked to just come over and eat all of his food. He unlocked the door and they both went to his place.
Neku put all of his food away while Beef just sat on the couch. He was the bass player for the Watchers, and he looked like a body builder. Hence the nickname, Beef. He was really popular with the ladies, and always left with someone after a show. "Ya know, Neko," Neku spun around with a pissed off look on his face. Even though Beef was stronger, he was afraid to fight with Neku, "I mean Neku, how's Ally been doin'? I heard she broke up with her last boyfriend, maybe you should step in and ask her out."
"Are you kidding me? Ally isn't interested in me. Besides... she's probably too good for me. I wouldn't have a chance." Neku said, believing it to be true. Beef rolled his eyes and turned his attention to the TV. He knew that Ally was in love with him, she even approached Beef to get help breaking up with her old boyfriend. He often wondered how Neku could be so oblivious. The two sat around and watched TV for a few hours before heading off to their gig.
The Watchers were up, and before Neku put his blindfold on, he took a glance around for Ally. She was waving in the front of the crowd. She worded with her lips 'good luck' then Neku slid it on. They started with a haunting song that pleased just about everyone in a crowd, young and old. Then they shifted back to their usual set. It was their last song, and Neku had a great idea. He went to converse with the band, and they approved. He spoke into the microphone.
"Listen up out there, we got another song we wanna play. It's new, but we're missing a little something. We need a sexy female with a heavenly voice to join us up here and sing with me. So, who's it gonna be?" A roar went out through the crowd, girls of all shapes, sizes, species, and ages were tackling through the crowd. Neku already had someone in mind though, since Ally had given him the inspiration for the song. He lifted a part of the blindfold so he could see, then reached out for her hand. She was shy, and was afraid of singing, but her voice was very fine. Neku jumped down off the stage and grabbed Ally's lowered hand. With the microphone in hand, he said, "Would you do me the honors?" Ally smiled nervously, then nodded. He signaled for her to jump on his back then carried the both of them on stage.
Ally whispered in his ear, "Um.. Neko? I-I don't really think I can do this... I mean, I don't even know the words." Neku produced a sheet of lyrics from his pocket and taped it to the stand. He put his hand on her shoulder.
"Trust me, this song was made with you in mind. Just let the words flow." Ally trusted him and gripped her shirt tightly. The drums and bass came in first, creating a low, steady rhythm. Neku signaled for Ally to start, and they sung the lyrics. The audience swayed back and forth, seemingly lost in the song. A calm aura settled around the stage. Ally didn't realize it, but the song was titled "Guardian Angel". Beef and the drummer smiled as they backed off, leaving nothing but the vocals and the guitar, which faded.
As they finished, a cheer burst from the crowd, screams coming from the women. They took off the blindfolds and bowed to their fans. Neku grabbed Ally's arm and took her backstage with the band. "Don't want you getting hurt." was his excuse. They ended up in a small room with a few chairs, a TV, and a mini fridge. The drummer, Pick-up, reached in and grabbed a beer before sitting down. "That wasn't so bad, I think we got a few more fans tonight."
"Yeah," chimed in Beef, "I don't think I ever heard anyone scream that loud. Nice work up there, Ally. You two really are good together. Maybe you should go out on a date?"
Ally blushed and turned her head away as Neku talked, "What?! Don't joke like that, Ally isn't even into me. She's got her own things planned out."
A small voice piped up, "... that's not entirely true, Neko." Neku spun around to look at her, a stupid look on his face.
Pick-up spoke up, "Tell me ya ain't that dumb, Neku. Ya didn't even see tha' the poor girl's in love wit' you?" Neku didn't know how to react. In his past, only a few girls ever expressed genuine interest in him. When he learned that much, he changed into a completely different person.
Neku's shy side took over and he bolted out of the room. Ally reached up for him, but Beef stopped her, "Don't worry 'bout it. He's a coward when it comes to liking someone who likes him back. We'll take you to his apartment, he needs to learn to face this nonsense." Ally calmed down, but was still embarrassed.
Neku rushed through the crowds, running the whole way. He didn't know what he was doing, all he knew was that he needed to run. The streetlights were dim, but he could still see in the night. He rushed in his apartment and collapsed, folding and the stomach. His eyes were wide open as the thoughts started to flood in. It was almost too much to bear, but he could move from the spot on the floor. (Sure, she's attractive, but she can do better than me. I'll just drag her down. I'll ruin her life. She's too good for me. I'm nothing compared to her... ) his thoughts raged on for what seemed like an eternity.
There was a knock at his door, and Neku dragged himself to his feet. He walked over to the door and opened it without even asking who it was. At the doorway stood a nervous Ally, holding a piece of paper. "Can I come in?" she asked weakly. Neku moved out of the doorway and Ally walked in, shutting the door behind her. "I know that you are... well... I really like you."
Neku plopped down in his couch, "You realize that you can do better than me, right? I don't deserve anyone as good as you. The only ones that are on my level are the bar hopping smokers."
Ally was discouraged, but kept on pushing, "You are good enough for me! You are brave and artistic and good with people and..." she stopped when Neku looked at her face. "What i-is it?"
Neku just stared at her, his thoughts still racing. He tried to speak, but no words came out. He wanted to say that he was in love with her, but the words were blocked by his mind, still jammed up from the thoughts of worthlessness. Ally put her hands around his face.
"You don't need to speak, just... let me... kiss you." She leaned in slowly and kissed him on the lips. At this moment, Neku's thoughts cleared up. He wrapped his arms around her back and pulled her on his lap.
Neku was able to mumble out, "Where do we go from here?"
Ally leaned back with a smile on her face, "Wherever we feel like!" she went back in and continued to passionately kiss him.