CRYBABY MAFIA: PART 1

CHAPTER ELEVEN

DRESS UP

DAHLIAH

"No...No...No...No."

"Koa, you can't say no to every outfit."I sighed watching Asashi take the attire out of the living room and back down the hallway.

"No."He responded once again with his arms crossed. I rolled my eyes and sat at the edge of the black couch next to him. Takoda then quickly made his way into my lap to play with my hair.

"You're hopeless."

"Well, I'm sorry if I don't want you to show up looking like I can't take care of you."He turned away. I smiled and mocked his angry pose.

"And what's that supposed to mean?"I chuckled and he pulled me close kissing me and gazed into my eyes.

"Dahliah, you know exactly what I mean. I take care of what's mine. Only the best for you. From now on."I burst out laughing at his seriousness and lightly pushed him. I hadn't realized until now how often he would just look at me. Not state but just look. I brushed away the thought and stood up,

"Koa, the party's in a few hours and we've gotta get our look together, including Takoda's."

"何? Koda and I will be wearing our usual attire."He explained. I shook my head.

"No way. This is an annual party. So you'll only get to see most of these people like once out of the whole year. We are doing more than just a black and white suit."I insisted.

"But—."

"Asashi!"I stood up and walked towards the hallway to call for him. I leaned against the corner of the wall when he finally arrived.

"Yes Miss?"I felt Koa creep up to stand directly behind me. Like a floating dark ghost.

"Do you know of any nearby boutiques? Or something like that?"I asked nicely. He glanced up at Koa then back to me.

"No Miss."

"Are you sure?"I asked because I knew he was lying. I noticed that Koa had been purposefully trying to intimidate Asashi.

"If you would like something else to wear...we do have something here in the house. Sir Koa, would you like for me to get it?"He asked respectfully. He sighed thinking about the decision.

"はい."

•
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•

While I was getting ready by myself in the formal attire, Koa and Takoda got dressed in the new suits Asashi and I picked out for them.

My dress was a mermaid long strapless velvet royal blue with a spilt up to my mid-thigh. The bust was corset-like, which made it look even more elegant and classy.

It was beautiful and fit nicely. I fell in love with the matching heels as well. I slowly opened the door just a little and peeked out into the hallway.

"Koda? Are you still out there?"I said from around the corner.

"Yes. Now let us see."

"I was talking to Koda, Grumpy."I heard my baby laugh. I knew Koa was rolling his eyes.

"I wanna see mommy!"

"Okay. Close your eyes."

"Just let us see it."Koa Responded and his usual sarcastic tone.

"You have to close your eyes daddy!"Takoda exclaimed. He sighed,

"Asashi's not closing his eyes."

"I took off my glasses Sir Koa. I assure you I cannot see."

"Oh come on."He sounded annoyed and anxious.

"DADDY!"

"Alright alright. They're closed."

I carefully strolled around the corner. My heels clicked along the hard floor as I made my way back to the living room. I was nervous because the rest of me wasn't done up, but I wanted to show them anyways.

"Okay...open your eyes."

SPARKLE

My face reddened with embarrassment when none of them said anything. I turned around acting as if I wanted them to see the back. But I soon covered my face because still, no one had said anything.

"Somebody say something! Does it not look right?"I worried.

"すごい—."Koa interrupted Asashi by pushing past him and dashing to remove my hands from my cheeks. Once again he was just looking at me.

"Stop looking at me like that, Koa. Geez, you're...so dramatic."I looked away. Then I saw Takoda run around me. I asked,

"What do think, Koda?"

"Mommy is soooo pretty! Beautiful! Beautiful!"He exclaimed giggling. I glanced back up at Koa.

"Well?"

"Dahliah you look incredible."He slightly grinned a little more than usual. I guess he does like it.

"Thanks. You boys look very handsome as well."I squatted down to hug Takoda slightly.

"Mommy is incredible!"

"Thank you, baby."I coed. I then stood back up and told them I still needed to finish getting ready as well as braid Takoda's hair.

"If it's not too much trouble...could you also braid my hair as well. If it's not an inconvenience."Koa asked awkwardly trying to keep his hard/serious exterior. I chuckled.

"Sure."I smiled.

•
•
•

ASASHI

I couldn't help but stare at Dahliah. It had been so long since I've seen this dress. It's been so long since I've seen her.

"That would be nice. Maybe I'll wear it some other time."

After confirming the rest of tonight's plans I swiftly walked out of the room quietly and made my way to my room. I glanced once again down the hallway to see if anyone was around. When I saw the area was clear I shut and locked the door.

Lock

I carefully opened a small drawer in my room and pulled out the intricate item. I ran my hand across the feathers and beads. I gently sat my glasses on the table.

FALL

I fell to my knees and sobbed. Holding the dream catcher tightly against my chest. I tried my best not to make too much noise. But it was so difficult.

Chante, she had been my only companion. Growing up in this setting, I never got to be close with anyone but Sir Koa. Chante made me feel cared for and I did everything I could to do the same for her. I still couldn't help but wonder if all this was my fault somehow.

Inhale

Exhale

I took deep breaths and stood up. I placed the dream catcher back into the drawer and sealed it shut. I looked in the mirror and straight my suit and tie. I properly grabbed my clipboard and headed back out into the hallway.

"Oh, Asashi! I was looking for you. Can you come help me find Takoda's shoes?"She asked politely.

"Yes, of course, Miss."I followed her.

I had to admit to myself that Dahliah was giving me those same feelings. Like I wasn't just an assistant. I was a friend. I was cared for.

I will do everything I can to do the same for her.

TO BE CONTINUED...