Here we are! Another chapter. Only took two years.

I'm the worst person in the world.

Considering I'm now in university, I'm going to be starting my final year come September and I've forgotten most of my high school life already xD it's been like four years since I went and had to deal with it and frankly, high school was the worst thing ever. I stopped giving a shit about anything, probably like most people. ^^;

I've finally updated it and I hope to keep in touch with this fanfiction and NOT FORGET ABOUT IT. I'm a terrible person, really. Anyway I hope this longer chapter makes it worth the wait and... THEIR FIRST DATE~

Bear in mind I tried to be as realistic as I possibly could. I've only dated two guys and recently discovered I do not like the male sex sexually, SO. Needless to say, the dates were awkward, I've never had a good date, probably because I was with the wrong gender. Sure answers questions, regardless that means nothing. It just means that I'm rubbish at writing dates and I've no idea if it's realistic at all or if I'm just taking stuff from Fifty Shades of Grey (FYI that book is horrendous.)

Let me know what you think, if I suck at writing dates, suck at romance and can't write realistically for shit. It helps me improve! Just make sure you tell me why, otherwise I just add it to my pile of rubbish xD! Hope this chapter makes up for the BLANK NOTHINGNESS of a couple of years!

Firsties

School was about as monotone as it had been before Waka had shown up the first day and excited the class and the school as a whole. Nothing notable had happened, the teachers were the same, it was a Wednesday, everything seemed like it was blank and written on paper all over again. How Waka made such a difference in my life, I have no idea. We did fit well together, we were able to talk easily and calmly without running out of things to say or falling into an awkward silence for a long time like some people who newly meet do. He fit in really easily into the school and made friends and enemies really quickly, hopefully with the right people in each. I felt sorry for him at first, a new kid in an unfamiliar world and Rao had made her home by pushing her rather large breasts into Waka, hoping to be the first to lay on Waka. Every boy got it, he was not special, but I could tell Waka was uncomfortable by the way he shifted after telling me the tale.

But, somehow, along the way, I had grown rather fond of him rather quickly. I didn't think it was possible to grow fond of someone rather quickly.

I brought it up with Himiko, confused and needing some help.

Himiko smiled, so bright I was worried about her mental health. "Awww, Amaterasu, are you becoming fond of that new boy, Ushiwaka or something?"

I cleared my throat, "Um, I guess so? His name is Waka, by the way, Himiko."

Her smile reached Cheshire cat level, "Oh you so do! You fancy Waka."

"I what?"

"You've got a crush on Waka. Or rather, you fancy him, that sounds rather more appealing."

"But, what if I just really like him as a friend? What if it's not meant to be and it'll just be a mistake and it'll ruin the friendship?"

Himiko shook her head at my fears. "Those are normal fears when you're in this situation. But trust me, you guys get along like a house on fire, you get along really easily and the room gets hot when you're together. You'll be great together as a couple! I can see it now, you'd be so adorable together! I know Waka likes you."

I was quick to look at Himiko, frightened and yet curious as to what Waka had told her. "What did he say?"

Himiko smirked. Caught in her trap like a mouse, terrific going Ammy. "Nothing. It's just this obvious look boys have when they like someone. Boys are rather easy to read if you learn them enough. I've been around plenty of boys, but I haven't fully settled, but I'm happy for you, Ammy. You found a good person that you really like, and it's lovely to finally see you smile properly again. You haven't smiled very much recently, I was getting worried."

I did smile, just not in the way Himiko wanted me to smile, "I'm sorry, Himiko. I've been just getting rather bored with work and school, and then there's Nine and her gang bothering around. It's one of those stupid teenager things, I'll hopefully break out of it." It's what I hoped, but life was just feeling a bit black and white recently. I assumed it was growing up, seeing the world as something not as colourful as you once did as a toddler, suddenly life seemed so much more awful and horrible. Not to say that life was horrible and awful, but definitely not the rainbows you once pictured as a child. Maybe I was just not as naive anymore and was waking up, or I was just being a stupid teenager. I don't know, but it has still been bothering me. There wasn't much I could do, however, but carry on as normal and hope the feeling passes away soon.

"I think that's just part of growing up, hun. I know, I've been feeling the same. My mother says it's growing up. Sucks, doesn't it?"

I had to smile at that one. "It sure does, I remember when I was little and Shiranui was still a puppy, now we've got Chibi growing up as a puppy and Shiranui is going to have to retire as a sheep dog soon."

Himiko shook her head. "Now let's get out of depressed area and go back to focusing on your date."

I blinked, "My date?"

"Sure! Waka is totally going to ask you on a date soon, that boy seems the ambitious type, he doesn't look like he'll waste any time and is going to try to sweep you off your feet."

That was how I was stuck clothes shopping with Himiko and Sakuya. I wasn't too keen on clothes shopping, but compared to Himiko and Sakuya, I was the bored boyfriend waiting outside the shops for them to finish. Luckily, they weren't as bad as other girls, read Rao and Nine, but it was still something I would never hope to remember again. I did manage to get a few fancy clothes, just something the girls said would impress Waka but wouldn't give out that aura that I was desperate. They said that there was nothing worse than a desperate girl showing off. Take Rao, for example, so they told me. They had a point, Waka was terrified of Rao, as hilarious as that sounded. Her forwardness made him feel so very uncomfortable, probably not used to the forwardness of females. He did seem the old fashioned type, or what society today deemed as old fashioned.

Waka had texted me during the time I was stuck shopping. A God of sorts up there was looking over me after all!

Got some lessons in self defence classes! (: We can stop hiding in that rabbit hole now.

Huh, he's sure been a busy bee. That was my thought at the time of reading the text, anyway. Rao and Himiko were too busy looking at the clearance area to notice me replying to him in a text.

I may still use the rabbit hole, Ive been dragged out clothes shopping by Rao and Himiko. Fml.

I got a response almost straight away after. He must be as bored as I feel right now. That idea almost brought a smile to my face, if I weren't smiling already.

:( clothes shopping is the work of demons. So many boring hours of waiting for my mother to do her shopping. It'll be over soon, just hang on! :P

If I can deal with Rao and Nine for a few years, im sure I can deal with an evening changing random clothes.

Better you than me, dol :P

I hadn't expected the playfulness that Waka showed in the texts. I knew I was smiling like a typical teen with a crush, I won't ever deny it. Waka seemed to free himself more through texting, probably not one hundred percent comfortable with me yet, but I hoped that would change and soon too.

"What are you grinning at?" Looking up, I saw Himiko and Sakuya both smirking at me, looking at each other like they were planning something, or sharing a secret that I clearly wasn't part of.

I remind smiling, shaking my head. "Mind your own business."

Telling Uncle Nagi though, that was another matter altogether. How was I to tell him I was hoping to go on a date with someone?

"Um, Uncle?" I asked him whilst at the dinner table.

He smiled, looking at me as be forked a piece of chicken. "Yes honey?"

Nagi had acted as my parent for as long as I could remember. My parents were killed by the dangerous flu that had gone around, yet I survived. Nagi had been dating someone at the time, but he dropped her to look after me. I felt eternally grateful to him for taking me in and raising me as his own.

"Well... what would you say if I... met someone?"

He blinked and I panicked slightly, thinking maybe he didn't get my subliminal message. Then he frowned. "You mean, like a boyfriend?"

I smiled, slightly nervous. "Well, we're not together yet, but I'd like to. And my friends says he likes me too. I know I haven't dated anyone yet, but I think I like him."

Nagi put down his fork, sighing. "I guess it was only a matter of time. I'm still used to seeing you as a little girl, but you're seventeen now and finding someone else in your life is bound to happen. My little girl is growing up!" Nagi looked like he was about to cry. It wasn't half as scary as it sounded. Izanagi was actually a rather sensitive soul, like the BFG, and he cried about things he was sensitive about. Me being one of those things. He grabbed the nearby napkin and dabbed his eyes, before blowing his nose.

"I knew this day would come when you'd be all grown up, almost. Make sure he's a nice guy and respectful of you before you make any decision though, alright? Otherwise I will have to pummel some heads. I mean it, nobody treats my girl anything less than a goddess." He wasn't kidding when he said he would start a fight, being a farm owner, Nagi was a strong man and he wasn't afraid to defend his family. He had gotten in trouble in the past for bar fights, a guy made a comment at me when I went to the pub with Nagi one time and he made a swing for him. The guy never came back to the pub again and the police let Nagi off with a warning.

"Speaking of, I was wondering whether to hire an apprentice of sorts, someone to help around the farm. What with you going to date someone and Shiranui is going to retire soon, I feel I could do with a helping hand at the farm. What do you think?"

It was strange, Nagi has never needed help at the farm before, but then again I was always there to give him a helping hand, as well as Shiranui with the sheep. I know that Nagi was in the process of training Chibi to do the same thing, but it was taking time and wasting time was not a good thing when you own a farm. I guess finding an apprentice would be a good idea, though I imagine Nagi doesn't want Waka working there. I had a feeling that would make things rather awkward.

"Maybe if you put an ad in the pub? You can ask them to keep the ad up for a while, I'm sure it's not that expensive and plenty of people pass in that pub every day." It was a suggestion, but Izanagi seemed pretty happy with the idea.

"That sounds like a good idea! I'd rather someone rather young though, perhaps your age, someone who can learn quickly. That way, I can keep my farm running in good business quickly! It's getting harder and harder to keep it running and get good money these days, they don't pay like they used to." Then he looked at me quickly. "Though don't ask your boyfriend-to-be, I wouldn't want to see it face to face."

I laughed at Izanagi's face, so uncomfortable with the idea that his face showed it all. It was rather hilarious. "Don't worry, I wasn't intending to. And he's still very new in this area, I'm not sure he's had proper time to settle down enough to get a job yet."

Izanagi blinked, taking in what I had just told him. "New to this area? You mean that new family, Yoshitsune or something? I think I know who you mean, the young lad with the little sister he takes for walks some evenings?" I nodded. "He seems like a nice lad, but I haven't spoken to him, or his mother yet. I think they just need to get more settled in really, I hear they had a lot of trouble back in the city and came here for an easier life. Just hope they don't bring the trouble back with them here." I wasn't sure what Izanagi meant by that.

"What do you mean?"

"It's just what I heard, doesn't really mean anything. You're better off asking the lad yourself, but I don't find it likely he'll tell you anytime soon. I hear the city can sometimes be a dangerous place if you get in a tangle."

I kept that at the back of my mind all the time, Waka did seem like the type that had seen too much of the world. He had gotten in trouble by day one of school already and missed the second day. I had to wonder how it would go on the third.

I found out soon that not much at all happened at school, for me or him. He arrived walking with his sister the same as he did the first day. He waved to his sister and walked swiftly towards me as soon as he spotted me.

He was smiling wide, almost too happy. Something at the back of my mind told me something wasn't right, but I was too happy to see him to pay attention.

"Hey, managed to make it to school today?" I asked harmlessly.

Waka laughed, again a bit too much, but I paid no mind. "Crawling out of my bed like a zombie, I eventually made it. I'm not one hundred percent yet, but give me time and I'll be right as rain!"

"I'm glad you're better at least. You didn't miss much, school was as dull as ever."

Waka smirked. "Glad I'm here to spice things up. Might as well get through the torture with style." He winked at me then. How unusual of him! I had never seen him so bold before, so confident. Was this maybe what Waka used to be like? Before he became the really quiet and out of the way person he is now?

We chatted for a while whilst walking to class, Waka upbeat and apologised again for leaving me alone yesterday. His mother was the overprotective type and she wasn't used to the area herself either. He told me she worked at a local grocery shop, whilst it wasn't much of a job, it paid enough for them and Waka was happy to help with the house and with his little sister whilst she was working. He was looking into getting a part time job as well, but only after he got used to the area a bit more and settled down.

I managed to tell him that I helped my uncle man the farm, my uncle Izanagi being my guardian since my parents died when I was really young. I didn't miss them really, I never knew them and I found it hard to miss anyone I didn't really know. Waka still apologised either way.

We separated for class, the only class we had together being music. They made all the classes rather dull, no matter how essential they were. I didn't really have an ambition, so to say, but I was tempted with the idea of becoming a vet. I knew the qualifications needed for that was extremely high and I wasn't sure I had the patience or the focus to be able to get those qualifications. Getting enough grades to get into university seemed like a good idea, but I knew that Izanagi would never have the money to make that a reality. It was nice to dream though and I didn't mind if I carried on with Nagi's farm afterwards. Who knew what I was going to do after high school, only time would tell and I was keeping my options open.

Lunch was much the same. I had to stay behind during maths lesson to do some extra work thanks to the teacher being late and wasting time. Some teachers just didn't care and were just doing a job, others really care about teaching and hope their students do well. That maths teacher was a bit of both, but we learnt enough from that maths lesson.

I managed to get to the canteen in time to get something for lunch luckily, I'd have hated the rest of school if I hadn't. It didn't leave me with much time to catch up with my friends and Waka was sitting with Abe and Kamo this time. I didn't mind, he needed other friends and I hardly expected him to wait so long. Himiko and Sakuya took their time to tease me about him not sitting here, but I paid no mind. I truly wasn't bothered.

It was after school where something of real relevance happened. I was on my way out of the school grounds when I felt someone hug me from behind and panting, like someone had been running really fast. It freaked me out, jumping, I turned really quickly to see the smiling face of Waka.

I slapped him playfully on the shoulder. "You're an idiot! You near gave me a heart attack!"

Waka held his hands up in surrender. "I'm not sorry, the look on your face made it all worth it." He smiled, lowering his hands before fidgeting slightly. "Listen, I was wondering... and that's a pretty cliché start but here we go. Would you, Amaterasu, go out to dinner, with me?"

I felt a huge smile appear on my face as I turned to fully face him. "I'd love to! Tomorrow?" Apparently I was that excited.

Waka blinked in surprise, before smiling slightly in regret. "I would but I'm extremely busy, since joining in self defence classes and helping my mother. But I'm thinking I can go Friday night? Maybe a film afterwards? I'll let you pick."

I chuckled, he was adorable sometimes. "It's not a problem, I forgot how busy you could be. I can do Friday night, my uncle just needs to know so I can get some of the farm done for him, just so it's less on his plate."

"Alright, that's good! I can pick you up at 5:30 if that's alright?"

I smiled. "5:30'll do perfectly."

"Until then... adieu." He backed away slowly, winking and the bowing. "Ma cherie." Before he turned, called Kaguya over to walk back home.

My smile didn't wipe off my face the whole way home. Nagi was suspicious and I was sure a few strangers on the streets were very wary of me as well. I might as well have just broken out into a dance like those American Musicals often portray. I wondered if America was actually like that, happy enough for you to break out in a dance randomly? Anything was possible! With America being such a loud country compared to our little nation of Japan, I wouldn't be half surprised.

I broke the news to Nagi, not sure what reaction to expect from him.

"Oh, he piped up and asked then, finally?" Was his reply.

"He asked just before I left school, he walks his sister back home from school every day since they go to the same school, it sees easier for them really."

"Nice to know he's a caring boy. When is the date? I'm hoping I can have a bit of your help before you go, I haven't had a response about the apprenticeship yet, but it's still early days yet. If you don't mind?"

I smiled, patting his shoulder as I passed him to wash my plate up. "No, I don't mind at all! I asked him to delay slightly so it gives me time to help you and he doesn't mind. He spends his time helping his mother handle the house and his sister with her work as well, so he's usually pretty busy on that front. It's not going to be until Friday, he's told me he's too busy until then."

Nagi nodded. "That's good, he sounds like a hard worker with a good domestic sense. I'm proud of you, that's exactly the type I'd hope you'd like." He smiled then chuckled. "That sounded rather rude of me, but I know my princess only deserves the best, a real man who can do his jobs for his family and protect them with all his might." Typical Nagi, always had a sense of righteousness about him. That's how he got along so well with the police officers and how he only got away with a warning. He loved drinking with the other coppers at the pub and they got along like a house on fire. Especially with officer Shiki and Daigo. I had spoken to them before and they always had entertaining stories to tell, but they never let a name go. Confidentiality and all that. They didn't have much time to go to the pub that often anymore, considering they were working on a drug gang case that has apparently travelled from the cities and heading to the villages, such as this one. They had no idea why, probably because it was a lot quieter and easier to hide such operations in a village like this.

"He says he'll pick me up on Friday, so you can meet him and see what you think then." I told him and Nagi nodded, smiling.

"I'll give him a chance, but just so you know if he hurts you, then I'll break his nose."

I winced, imagining the image. "I'd rather you not. I'll let you know if you need to punch him, don't worry." Hopefully, that day will never come. I wouldn't be surprised if something happened, I'm not naive enough to believe everything will be happy and dandy, but he'd have to do something pretty big to piss me off enough to want to set Nagi on him. Again, hopefully, that day will never come.

The next day, Waka looked like he had gotten worse again. Hoping that his illness had passed, I thought he would have recovered a bit more from being outside in the fresh air and being in a bit of company, but this was not the case. Today, he looked pale, almost sweaty and his eyes didn't appear all there. Why he decided to get out of bed I had no clue, anyone else would have just gone back to bed and not bothered getting out. He looked terrible!

I hurried towards his side, Kaguya still by his side looking worried. "Waka, you look terrible!" I didn't mean to say it so loud, but he honest to God looked really terrible. He looked like he had a bad stomach bug and he still struggled to school anyway.

Waka smiled, but it didn't seem anything like the smile I saw yesterday. "Gee, thanks. Yeah I know, I thought I was getting better. Guess yesterday was just lucky."

Kaguya seemed to shake her head. "I told you, you should've just stayed in bed, Mum wouldn't have minded it!"

Waka shook his head. "No, I've missed too much of school already and I've only just started. I can't miss too many days, otherwise they'd think I was taking the piss."

Kaguya sighed, "I'm sure they wouldn't, brother, not when you obviously look and feel terrible. Mum would have never let you leave in that sort of state!"

Waka was going to protest, before I cut in. "Look, Waka, your sister is right. You don't look well, you look like you're about to throw up."

Waka swallowed, hard, probably the mention of throwing up made his body want to do the action, "Don't remind me." He took a deep breath, before letting it out.

I shook my head. "That's it, I'm taking you home. Kaguya, can you be a dear and go to our office in the school and tell them where we have gone? Can you do that for me?"

Kaguya smiled and nodded. "Sure thing, thanks for taking care of my brother, lady!" She turned and ran towards the high school, dodging around the walking students, some who were watching us and others who were too busy in their conversation to bother seeing what we were up to.

Waka was scowling, looking away almost like a petulant child. "I told you I'm fine, I can handle school for a day."

I shook my head. "And I'm telling you that a teacher would just send you straight back home if they took one look at you. You honestly look that bad." I took his arm in mine, like a gentleman should do with a woman, but he was so sick I felt it was safer to hold him close. "Come on, I'll take you home and get you in bed, you look ready to collapse."

Waka smiled tiredly, "I was hoping it wasn't so obvious, I didn't want my sister to walk here alone again... and..." He looked down as if embarrassed. "I wanted to see you, guess that was a stupid idea."

I blinked, shocked by this admission then smiled wide again. "That's rather sweet, thanks Waka. But I'd rather you stayed alive rather than showing up to school half dead on your feet."

Waka laughed. "Yeah, that's why it was a rather stupid idea, but I really wanted to see you. Home is rather lonely being the only one there even when I'm sick."

I put my palm on his forehead, feeling a fever coming on. "You're burning up, we better hurry you home." Luckily, Waka managed to stay aware enough to lead me to his house. He only lived three minutes away from the school, close to the village centre in a public enough area. His house looked a lot like the other houses and I could see how I would easily forget which was his house out of all the houses that were there. The only definable thing that made Waka's house obvious was the wolf statues on either side of their front door, standing as tall as gods, probably were a monument of a certain god that I wasn't familiar with.

Waka took off his bag from his back, ruffling inside as we still walked through the gate to his front door. He smiled as he brought out his house keys, picking the front door key out of all the keys and handing it to me.

Opening the door, I could see that the house was rather domestic and small. It didn't have much in the house, a few pictures of Waka, Kaguya and their mother all three together. Then there were a few hidden behind of who I assumed to be their father. Waka had told me of the fate of his father, dying in a war against the Americans. It was sad, but war always came with casualties, but Waka never truly forgave the country for taking his father. He was still a teenager, just as I was, as my Granma Orange once told me; "Teenagers will always have those moments where the demons inside of them show out and they grow a sudden hatred of many things for unexplained reasons. It is perfectly normal to show hate and rage at certain people for certain things because your eyes are still opening." Granma and Grandpa Orange were seen as the grandparents of this village, they didn't have any children, but they didn't need to. The village was their children and they were the most popular and enlightening couple I have ever met. Even today, I still go over to visit them and enjoy listening to their tales of their old days. If you ever had a problem, you always go to Granma and Grandpa Orange. Most of the teenagers saw Granma Orange as Mrs though, since she was a part time teacher at the school to give the children a helping hand. She loved to help out and she enjoyed having the extra money and being able to do jobs for society as well.

The rest of the house seemed rather domestic and family built, not expensive and just about lived in. The house was very clean, almost spotless, but the amount of ornaments and family photos that were around showed that someone was clearly at home in this house. Waka hadn't lived in this house for very long, so probably hadn't had the chance to fully make a home in his house, but it was still a lovely house either way.

I was broken out of my thoughts when I heard Waka coughing. Checking on him, I saw he had grown more pale, almost green and he was swallowing a lot. "Shit, you look like you're about to-" Waka shook his head, breaking away from my hold and stumbling quickly towards what I could only assume was the bathroom. He shut the door, locking it with a click before all I heard was retching. I winced, feeling more sorry for Waka for having to go through such a thing. The poor guy, he seemed fine yesterday, better than fine! How did he suddenly take a turn for the worse?

Feeling awkward in the living room hearing the retching not far away, I decided to investigate, finding Waka's room really quickly by the name on his door. His room upon opening was medium sized, something I'd have been happy enough with, giving enough privacy that he needed and yet not big enough to seem scary either. he had a decent sized bed for himself with plain bed sheets. He didn't seem to be a big fan of anything as far as I could see, but he seemed to have a rather large collection of books as well as a computer in his room that didn't look like it got used too often. It seemed like something he merely did his work on or to browse the weather on the occasion. He seemed a bigger reader than anything else so far I could see. He had a few CDs of some good music he liked to listen to, nothing notable and a few magazines on karate and other self defence classes. So he was really serious about his karate lessons? It left me wondering more on what had happened to the poor boy back in the city where he came from. A boy with a mysterious past, that left me wondering and worrying.

I heard the door open and ran out into the corridor to catch Waka leaning against the doorway of the bathroom. He really looked sick, I was worried and wondered if I should ask to call his mother back from work.

I walked quickly to his side. "Do you need me to get you a bucket?"

It took a while, but Waka nodded. He didn't speak , probably scared to speak after the amount of throwing up he did. I didn't blame him. Grabbing his arm, I pulled him quickly to his room. "Here, you get into bed and I'll get you a bucket and a glass of water. Don't bother to change just get in the bed, you need your rest."

The boy almost stumbled, weak and extremely tired it seemed, but he still managed a quiet reply. "Sorry." Was all he said.

I had to smile sadly at him. "Don't be sorry, you can't help being sick. Here, let's get you into bed." It was a task, but eventually Waka managed to get comfortably in bed whilst I went to fetch a glass of tap water and a bucket just in case. I placed the bucket on the floor and the glass of water in his hand, hoping he had the strength to hold it. He did, luckily, and he took a sip before placing it on the bedside table.

He looked at me, a guilty look on his face. "I wasn't... entirely honest with you." I felt a slight urge of panic, until Waka carried on speaking quickly. "I came to school because I wanted to see you, but I knew you'd take me home if I argued, so I'd see you for longer. Sorry. It was a childish thing to do."

I shook my head, amused by his boyish attitude. "That's adorable Waka, but you don't need to make excuses to come see me, I'm happy to spend time with you. It was still really stupid of you to try to make it to school, but it was nice seeing you again today." I noticed that Waka hadn't bothered to take off his hat, which seemed really unusual to me. He never took it off, even in school and claimed it was a tradition when asked to take it off in school, disrespectful to take it off except to go to sleep. Why hadn't he taken it off now? "You should probably take your hat off, that can't be comfortable to sleep on."

I saw a flash of panic and worry in his eyes, that made me even more curious. "No, it's fine I'll take it off when you leave."

What was so important about that hat? What was he hiding under his hat and wig? "I'd rather make sure you're alright before I leave, come on, just take it off and I'll put it away for you. Saves you getting out of bed again"

Waka seemed to contemplate for a long time, longer than I thought was normal. I was almost ready to talk again, when I heard his quiet voice; "Promise you won't tell? Or laugh?"

I sat down on his bed beside him, putting a friendly smile on. "I promise, don't worry I won't mention it again."

Waka nodded and then proceeded to take the hat off. I wasn't sure what I expected, but it wasn't this.

Underneath the hat and wig that Waka had been wearing was thick blond locks, something I would have expected a female to be having. It wasn't a simple dirty blond or a common blond, it was bright yellow, almost golden as it shone in the light of the sun bursting through the curtains I forgot to close for him. It was unexpected, to say the least, and I understood why he hid it so carefully as he did. How he managed it, I had no idea! I was shocked he had managed to hide that much hair in that hat. How was that possible? Even with the wig, as cool as it looked, wouldn't people notice bright golden hair? Apparently not.

It didn't change my opinion of him, it was a stupid idea to judge someone just because they had a strange hair style. Actually, because of the hair, it made him seem so much more innocent, more adorable. It would break the poor boy's ego if he knew exactly what I was thinking. It had me smiling.

Apparently the smile made Waka relax as he stopped hiding behind the sheets of his bed. I couldn't tell from him lying on his bed how long his hair really was, but I could tell it was quite something. If he hated his hair so much, I had to wonder; why didn't he cut it?

"So, you're not... horrified?" He asked, uncertain, doubt cropping up in his voice.

"Wha?" That was a bit of a no brainer there, good work Ammy. "No, of course not! I was simply surprised, I wasn't expecting you to have such long hair. I was worried you'd be bald under that hat and wig of yours!"

Waka laughed, then proceeded to cough. "Bad idea," he managed to gasp out. He patted his chest a few times, before trying again. "No such luck, I've just got long hair, long blond hair."

"But, why do you wear a wig and hat all the time?"

Waka looked at me like I was an idiot. I didn't blame him, I didn't word the question very well."

"I mean, why do you bother to wear a wig instead of cutting your hair?"

Understanding dawned upon Waka and he shook his head. "Never had the heart to, my dad always liked me with long hair so... I kept it."

I sighed. "Waka, have you thought maybe you should live the life you want to rather than the way you think your dad wants you to?" I saw he was going to argue, so I quickly carried on talking, "I mean, yes I never knew my parents, I don't know if they were horrible people or if they were the nicest in the world, but I just hope and believe that they would be happy enough with me living the life that I want to live. Isn't that what most parents want for their children?"

He seemed conflicted, torn between believing and trying to be the best for his deceased father and living the life that he really wants to live.

I stroked his head before I realised I was doing it, but it was too late to take back the action. "Just think about it, for now just sleep this virus off. It'll probably do you some good." I got up and headed for the curtains, closing them and the room darkened to a comfortable soothing brightness, enough to relax and be able to sleep in. "Do you want me to call your mother or go grab her? I don't mind if you want me to."

Waka shook his head, turning onto his side to face me. "I'll be fine... trust me. I'll be right as rain in time for our date." He smiled tiredly, snuggling adorably into his pillow.

I smiled, "You sure? Do you want me to get you anything?"

Waka, still smiling slightly, shook his head again. "Seriously, I'll be fine."

Nodding and patting Waka's knee a few times, I said my goodbye before leaving, making sure to close his bedroom door and the front door. On the walk home, I couldn't take his air off of my mind or my worry for his sudden sickness. Hopefully, he would be alright.

I didn't see Waka again until we had our date. I texted him once a day to make sure he was alright and if the date was happening. He always replied:

I'm fine, don't worry just hacking like a dog :( I should be better by Friday, I wouldn't miss it for the world :D

It was reassuring, given that he had the mood to even put smileys in his texts, but not by much. I always preferred to see a person with my own eyes to see how they were rather than believing the words "I'm fine". It seemed easy to pass and so generic I find it rather hard to believe. Being a female, I was used to hearing the whole "I'm fine" lie, the biggest lie humanity ever made.

I never told Himiko or Sakuya about the date, I did love those two as girl friends, but I didn't want them to interfere. I just wanted to date Waka my way, rather than be told how to act, what to do and what to say. That didn't appeal to me and I'm sure Waka wouldn't have appreciated it either. I was nervous, there was no denying that, I was nervous, scared, excited and dreading it all at the same time. I was probably about as emotional as a pregnant woman (well, not quite), and changing my mind on what to wear constantly. I finally decided upon a lovely red dress, more of a rose red rather than scarlet red, I didn't want to give the impression I was desperate. I had on low heels, I never was fond of heels but they were simple, black and a rose coloured handbag which had a rose on the clipper as well. I wasn't sure if I was overdoing it, but it was probably the only really nice thing I had in my wardrobe. I had some skirts and jumpers, T shirts, jeans and a few other everyday wear clothes, but nothing fancy at all.

Still, it impressed my uncle enough.

"Wow, Amaterasu, you actually look like a princess!" He had almost tears in his eyes.

I couldn't help the blush at the compliment, "Aw, uncle, you're embarrassing me." I was smiling regardless, giving Nagi a hug to comfort him. It didn't matter, either way he was probably going to cry. He seemed more proud than actually upset, proud that I was growing up, finally finding someone I want to try getting along with in that way.

The doorbell rang just after the time Waka said he was arriving. I wasn't too upset that he was slightly late, he had probably been waiting outside for a while and was trying to chalk up his guts to come up to the door and ring the doorbell. I had a smile on my face imagining that, the poor boy.

Answering the door, Waka looked... rather dashing, actually! Not a word I would normally use, but he looked good! He wore smart black trousers, shoes and a nice shirt, but that wasn't what surprised me the most. Waka's hair was short! Shorter, at any rate. He wasn't wearing his hat or wig, instead he had his hair out and down, not quite reaching his shoulders. I knew for a fact that his hair used to be longer than that, last time it went way past his shoulders and the other tell tale was the ends of his hair were uneven. I didn't question it though, he still looked really good despite that.

He smiled widely, he looked much better as well after he was throwing up a lot a few days ago! "Hello, Amaterasu, you look really beautiful tonight." He bowed, not too low to be embarrassing, but enough for me to feel appreciated.

"Well, you got yourself a fine gentleman here, princess!" I turned, letting Nagi get a better look at Waka. Whilst the boy seemed nervous, he smiled and greeted Nagi in the same way. "Alright son, no need to please me too much. Just be back before midnight and no funny business. I may not be her father, thingiewhatsit, but I'll be damned if I'm not treated like it. So, no funny business, son."

Waka nodded, "No problem, Mr Omikami, I'll escort Amaterasu safely back home when we are done, I promise." The smile did it for Nagi as he nodded happily and walked back into the house, giving us the privacy we really wanted. I smiled as Waka grinned at getting what he wanted. I wanted to laugh, but I held back. Turning away, he held out his arm for me to take. "Are you ready, my darling?"

Taking his arm with my own, I grinned back, "I'm ready, let us be on our way, deary."

The restaurant Waka had chosen seemed a bit fancy for either of our tastes, being honest. An expensive sushi restaurant he had managed to book. The place screamed fancy, what with tanks with live lobsters in them and waiters wearing suits. I had a feeling this was going to be awkward with the atmosphere we were feeling. It felt entirely too formal.

Waka seemed to share my concern as soon as he looked inside. Clearly he had no idea, probably in his delirium of his sickness he didn't check the prices. Sitting down, a seat for two by the window with a candle lit nicely, even with the clothes we wore, we felt underdressed. The prices on the list were rather... cheaper than I thought, but still not something I was comfortable Waka spending with.

And it just got worse on and on. We could barely think of a conversation to start with, anything we wanted to touch upon seemed inappropriate or tense. Given that most people were talking about work, their family or their money, what were two students to talk about in this sort of place?

We ended up instead just having a main meal and finishing there, neither of us being able to bear the area much longer. It hurt Waka's pocket, I saw the look on his face as he paid for the meal, almost a wince as he looked like a broken man, sobbing for his lost money.

"Well, that was a complete waste of time and money." He seemed upset with himself and I was quick to reassure him.

"Don't worry, Waka, you're still new around the area. How were you to know?"

He shook his head, "I should have realised if I was checking properly."

Patting Waka's arm, I smiled instead, "How about we just go to the cinema? Watch a silly film together? That should end the evening on a high."

"We could... we can go watch a chick flick." He shut up as he saw my eyebrow raise as if to ask if he was joking, "or we can just watch some action or adventure film."

"That's more like it! You'll learn soon enough that I'm nothing like most girls." I winked to put him at ease. He chuckled, relaxing more as we made our way to the films.

We proceeded mostly taking the piss out of the films, laughing louder than we should have done and making crude comments during certain parts of the film. Some people got angry, annoyed that we were ruining the emersion of the film, but there were only three more people besides us watching the film due to how late at night it was and the film had been shown for a while too. I had wanted to see the film for a while and Waka didn't seem to care which film we watched, so it was a win win situation, I hoped.

I had a great time anyway and I'd like to believe Waka did as well. We were still laughing about the film as he walked me back to my house, holding my hand the whole way. I got onto the steps of the house, Waka stopping nearby but still holding my hand. He smiled as he stared into my eyes for a while until it become a little uncomfortable.

He smiled wider, before taking one hand of mine, "Thank you, Ammy, I had a lovely time and I hope we can do it again. This time, I'll pick a better restaurant that is more our style and not for... shall I say, snobs?" We both laughed, still on a high from the film.

"Yes, thank you Waka. I really enjoyed tonight, I'd love to go out again one day."

Smiling wider, Waka took the hand and kissed the back of it. Throwing his hand up in the air, he bowed exaggeratedly, "Farewell, ma cherie! Until we meet again!" He turned and made his way back as he heard my reply of "goodbye!" and spotted me waving. He waved back, then turned and walked back down the street to his own home.

I went back inside the house, Nagi was sat asleep in the chair. Still smiling and shaking my head at his typical antics, I put his blanket over him and proceeded to head to my room, getting ready for bed and still I was laughing about the film.

Well, I kind of rushed by the end because I just wanted this chapter done and dusted for you guys! I hope it was worth the wait and you still want to read more of this story, I'll do my best to update quicker if I can!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I hope you enjoy the many to still come! c: bear in mind I may cause some time skips soonish, because High school was really boring and dull. If anyone argues, you had a fantastic life and I hate you. :P

~Blackie