I'll Be

A/N: I'll try to update a lot faster more often guys. I'm sorry heehee. Oh, thanks so much for being so patient I never actually thought that people would still wait for this! I thought you'd leave me hanging hahajk. Hope you enjoy!

"I love you too." Ritsu said in her usual cool tone.

"Well ain't that a good thing?" Mio smiled as she went out the door.

Ritsu you are this close to getting yourself in a tough position. Run away now. Ritsu thought. But then again, what if it won't be that tough? What if it's a good thing?

Ritsu went downstairs and saw Mio in a ponytail. She was wearing a loose white shirt with the sleeves folded up a bit and some shorts. Mio was cooking eggs and bacon for the two of them. Seems like a very Western day.

Mio heard Ritsu's footsteps so she turned around and smiled at her "Hey. You finally decided to come downstairs. Breakfast is almost ready."

"Hmm…what is this, some sort of American day or something?"

"Live with it, it's bacon."

"Doesn't that make you fat?"

"And here I was wishing you weren't gonna say that."

"Then I take it back. Hmm…I'll go get us some juice."

"You're going out like that?"

Ritsu stopped and looked at herself "What's wrong?"

"Well, for one thing, I can see your bra strap from here, your hair is a mess but the bangs are a plus, your legs are deadly both in a positive and a negative way and, you're cranky in the morning."

"I'm gonna pretend half of that was a compliment. I'm getting us some juice. There's a store nearby right? Oh screw directions I'll just find whatever decent store is there." Ritsu went out despite of how she looked. Mio was trying to say the Ritsu looks like some chick who just did the nasty and still looks gorgeous.

On the way to the store, Ritsu bumped into Pako.

"Ah, ohayou Tainaka-san."

"Hello Sir Fagsalot."

"Well now what do we have here, did you just do the nasty?"

"EW NO."

"Haha, I'm kidding. Where you headed?"

"I'm looking for a nearby store as if you know any."

"Why? What do you need?"

"Your head on a silver platter. Know a store that sells that?"

"Hmm…not really. But, if all you need is a store then there's one nearby my place."

"Yeah I'm starting to doubt your sexuality. I don't know if you're gay or bisexual."

"I was starting to think the same thing about you."

Ritsu raised an eyebrow and put one hand on her hip "You're pretty good for a sexually confused jackass."

"It's what I do best girl-who-hooks-up-with-other-women-and-still-ends- up-hotter-than-ever-anyway."

"I'm gonna pretend you're not amusing me because I need to find me some juice that I'll eventually pee out so excuse me." Ritsu pushed Pako away but he kept on following her from a distance.

Ritsu got the juice she needed but she was unaware that Pako was still following her "Damn it what do you need?"

"Nothing. I just need a good view to look at in the morning. I prefer the hard to get ones."

"Move or get moved."

"I think I prefer the second option."

"Oh do you?"

"Hey! What took you so long?"

"Oh nothing." Ritsu put the juice on the table and sat down for breakfast.

*Knock! Knock!*

Mio walked up to the door and to her surprise, it was Pako "Uhm, hi, Pako. You look…painful."

"Damn straight!"

"Hey Mio, do you think he's gay or bi?"

"Uhm, why?"

"Bastard's been hitting on me all morning."

"No joke?"

"WELL IT'S NOT LIKE YOU DIDN'T LIKE THEM. YOU SEEMED TO BE ENJOYING THEM." Pako yelled in pain.

"I can see you two are good friends now. And, what exactly happened to you, Pako?" Mio asked, confused.

"SHE KICKED MY—"

"PAKO RICARDO ALFREDO ESTEFAN DELOS REYES SANTA MARIA CORAZON HANAGAMI. GET YOUR ASS BACK HERE AND GIVE ME A BIG HUG!." A woman screamed in delight and not anger.

"Crap…my sister is home. I'll be back Tainaka-san…I'll be back damn it!" Pako turned around and screamed back at his sister.

"So he's half Spanish too. That explains the hair." Mio muttered.

"My day has not started off too well." Ritsu groaned.

"Well, look at the bright side. You got a guy to turn straight-ish for you. That's a big thing in a man's gay life. Hmm…were you really enjoying his lines or something though?"

"They were amusing but I wasn't into him."

Mio's voice and expression suddenly changed "Really now?" Mio got up from the table and went to the sink.

"Hey can you please tell me what is going on?" Ritsu left her plate and walked up to Mio.

Mio looked like she was gonna burst out trying to say something but she took a breath, fixed the hair strands in her eyes, and spoke "Is it a bad thing for a friend to be jealous of who her friend speaks to?"

"I still don't get that."

"It's like you're happier speaking to him compared to me or…whatever."

"Why would you think that? You're way different! I was nowhere near happy either! Mio, stop overthinking stuff. It's like you started doing so ever since your parents, you know…"

"Ever since they left me alone?"

"Now stop right there. You're mom's getting a job in America just for you and you know that."

"Then shouldn't she have called by now? Well? Nothing, right? I'm sure she tried everything to get my number. But what, nothing."

"You're not being considerate Mio. What if your mom got this really busy job, huh? And what if your mom is working so hard for you she gets sick and who knows what. You'll start having regrets, won't you? So stop it and have a little faith." Ritsu put her plate by the sink and sighed "Look, I'm not supposed to be going against you. Trust me though, I'm not. I'm trying to make you know what's right. I'm sorry." Ritsu massaged her temples and went upstairs.

Ritsu decided it was time for a shower. She made it a hot one too. She just put her head against the wall and let the water flow. Then, suddenly…

*Creak*

"WHAT THE F—RITSU LOCK THE DAMN DOOR." Mio screamed covering her eyes.

Ritsu seemed like it was her turn to play with Mio "Like what you see?"

"UGH YOU'RE DISGUSTING!"

"Look who's talking!"

"Why didn't you hear the running water then?! Did you come here just to see me?" Ritsu purred.

"I CAME HERE TO TAKE A SHOWER."

"You naked out there?" Ritsu opened the shower door a bit and took a peep at Mio but, Mio threw a bottle of shampoo at her face.

"PERV."

"Says the woman who ran into the bathroom knowing I was here! WELL LET'S SEE HOW YOU LIKE IT." Ritsu stopped the shower water and took a step outside without her towel.

Mio fainted when she saw Ritsu's foot out of the shower "I don't get it…why'd you faint? I'm wearing a swimsuit."

Yes, Ritsu was wearing a swimsuit in the shower.

Ritsu went into the balcony that the apartment somehow had and took a quick look at the view. The balcony went around the house so the one at the back faced the ocean which was extremely beautiful.

Mio found Ritsu staring at the view a few moments later "What are you doing here?"

"Waiting for the sunset."

Mio walked up to the railings and leaned by them. She sighed then smiled "Life is hard."

"Well it seems a little easier for you know, isn't it? I mean, it should be. Your dad's away and your mom is getting a little money for you. You should be happy."

"I dunno, I'm still a little…pessimistic. And, before you say anything, I'm sorry for being so." Mio crossed her arms and looked at the view one more time.

Ritsu was speechless for a while until she remembered something "Wait, I think I have to be home soon." Ritsu was about to get back inside until Mio stopped her by putting her hand on Ritsu's shoulder.

"You promised me four days."

Ritsu looked over her shoulder and smiled "Then let's have fun with the last two days. How about we call Yui, Mugi, and Azusa? Slumber party or something?"

"That could work."

"WHOA! YOUR APARMENT IS REALLY BIG MIO-CHAN! LOOK! A PLASMA SCREEN!" Yui exclaimed as she entered and looked through all of the rooms.

"Did the clothes come here early?" Mugi asked Mio, inspecting her closet.

"Yeah. The food too. Listen Mugi I don't know how to thank you seriously I can get my own supplies you don't have to."

"Nonsense! This is my treat."

"MUGI! BITCH YOU'RE HERE!" Ritsu screamed.

"YOU GOING AT IT AGAIN TAINAKA? GET YOUR SHITTY ASS DOWN HERE AND INSULT ME FACE TO FACE. I'M COMING FOR YOU DAMN IT."

Suddenly, Ritsu came sliding down the stairs "RITSUUUUUUUUUUUU….KICK!" and with that, she kicked Mugi down and out cold.

"RITSU-SENPAI WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!" Azusa asked in shock.

"You'll know eventually." Ritsu grabbed a cookie out of a nearby jar and put it in Mugi's mouth. Instantly Mugi, got back up.

"Oh, hi. What was I doing on the floor?"

"See?"

Ritsu was fixing the beds with Mugi while Mio was downstairs with Yui and Azusa making dinner.

"Ritsu, why aren't you downstairs cooking? You're a great cook!" Mugi grinned.

"Well yeah but, no." Ritsu muttered, throwing pillows to one side.

"Ritsu?"

Ritsu looked like she was experiencing some lung related sickness. She was sweating and breathing heavily "Say, is it hot in here?"

"Ritsu?"

"Ergh…DAMN IT MUGI I NEED YOUR HELP YOU'RE THE ONLY PERSON I CAN TRUST YOU WITH THIS I MEAN COME ON IN EVERY FAN FICTION YOU'RE ALWAYS THE ONE I RUN TO."

"You just broke the fourth wall."

"OH SHUT UP! JUST HELP ME."

"What's wrong?"

Ritsu fell back on the bed and sighed "I think I have feelings for someone."

"Pfft…" Mugi tried to hold back her laughter.

"DAMN IT KOTOBUKI."

"Okay, okay, I'm serious. So, who's the lucky guy? Is he the one next door? You know he only says he's gay to get to girls."

"I KNEW IT. Anyway, no it's not him ew."

"Okay, that figures."

"Maybe it's not even a…forget about it."

"It's not a…?"

"…male?"

Silence…

Mugi suddenly gasped then started clapping and jumping "OMG! Is it…?" she got closer and quieter "Mio?"

Meanwhile…

"YUI…" Mio sighed then plopped on the table.

"What's wrong Mio-chan?"

"I'm not sure about anything anymore."

"Is there something wrong, Senpai?" Azusa asked, worried.

"I'm not sure but, I think I'm falling for the wrong person."

"Whoa, Mio-chan in love? That's new!" Yui gasped.

"I know, I know. But, here's what's worse, I'm not even sure if I'm straight anymore."

Silence…not.

Yui and Azusa started squealing and fangirling "FINALLY! FINALLY! OMG! FINALLY!" they said.

"Huh?"

"We have been supporting you and Ricchan for like, forever!" Yui giggled.

"You two are just so cute together, Senpai!" surprisingly, Azusa giggled too.

"Heck, that's why Mugi-chan got an apartment with two or more rooms. Well how should I know. It's because she wanted Ritsu to come over more often!"

"Huh?"

"So, are you two gonna go out soon?" Yui asked.

"What?! No! She's obviously straight and all…"

"Well you don't maybe she's…" Azusa whispered.

"Oh shut up you two!"

"Ritsu I think Mio feels the same way though."

"How are you so sure?"

"Because we write fan fiction about you two!"

"WHAT? WE? WHO? US?"

"YUI, ME AND AZUSA! SURPRISINGLY YUI IS REALLY GOOD." Mugi said smiling.

"WHAT?!"

"YOU WRITE FAN FICTION ABOUT US?!" Mio yelled.

"YA! YOU SHOULD READ YUI-SENPAI'S WORKS. EEP!" Azusa exclaimed.

"I don't mean to brag…" Yui said, proud.

"DAMN IT PEOPLE WHY."

"Maybe you and Ritsu should go out sometime!" Yui suggested.

"Eep! Like the one in chapter 10 of your story?"

"Azunyan you naughty girl!"

"People! What exactly are you writing behind my back?!"

*Moments later*

"Oh wow this is good…really good." Mio gasped.

"See?! So you two should hook up!"

"You can't just put two people together like that. It doesn't work that way!"

"Really?" Yui grabbed her phone out of her pocket and called Mugi up "Mugi-chan, alone time, the two of them, chapter twelve." Mio could hear Mugi's screams over the phone from where she was standing.

Suddenly they heard heavy footsteps coming downstairs and not to their surprise, it was Mugi. She had her bag and this weird face on. "Mio, I have no idea what Yui is planning but we have some intense DVD shopping for later tonight so, we'll be back sooner or…later? Oh we'll take our time."

"Eh—"

SLAM!

"Damn it…"

A few moments later, Ritsu came downstairs and there was this hesitant presence with her too.

"Hey," Ritsu breathed "They went DVD shopping so, I'll help you cook and…stuff."

"Okay, cool. You can do that half and I'll do this one here."

Ritsu was about to get to her half until she felt something suspicious. She looked up and saw this hidden camera.

Mugi...I bet they're watching us. She grabbed a tomato and threw it straight at the camera.

Meanwhile…

"NOOOOOOOOOO!" Yui, Mugi, and Azusa cried.

"I can't believe Ritsu-senpai found

"But it was just getting good! In chapter 10 they're supposed to confess and stuff!" Yui sobbed.

"Well, maybe we'll come home and see them…" Mugi said, raising an eyebrow.

They all squealed in delight.

Back at the apartment, Mio and Ritsu were still busy chopping vegetables. Mio finished first so she decided to help Ritsu out.

"Hey, Mio…" Ritsu said.

"Yes?"

"Uhm, if you do go to America someday, can you promise me one thing?"

"Of course, anything."

"Don't change."

"You don't want me to promise not to forget you or anything?"

"I already know that's not even possible." Ritsu chuckled.

They were quiet for a few seconds until Mio decided to speak up too "Well can you promise me one thing too?"

"Yeah?"

"Make the right decisions."

"Why should I make such a promise?"

"Because I won't be around to keep you from screwing up."

They both laughed at the thought.

Everything was ready but they weren't back yet. Ritsu decided to take a few bites out of the cake Mugi brought with her "You know you're gonna miss Mugi's cakes when you're in America."

"That's a long time from now."

"Just making sure…"

Finally, Mugi along with Yui and Azusa finally arrived. They also brought home some chips. When they arrived, it was as if they divided into two groups. Mugi went to Ritsu while Azusa and Yui ran to Mio.

"So what happened?" Mugi asked.

"We were talking about the day she goes to America."

"GOOD! That's a deep topic. Keep it up and she'll totally feel the same way."

And while that was happening…

"Senpai, did you confess?" Azusa asked.

"Mio-chan we were supposed to watch you guys!"

"Yui-senpai don't tell her!"

"One, no. And two, you're kidding me, right?"

After dinner, they went upstairs to the movie room. Yes, another Kotobuki add on.

They picked out a romantic movie to watch. Need they say more?

They purposely let Mio and Ritsu sit next to each other for the whole movie.

Mugi was on Ritsu's side while Yui was on Mio's side along with Azusa.

Whenever the guy would say something sweet to the girl, Mio would just smile a bit while Ritsu raised an eyebrow.

"Is this movie amusing you or what?" Mio asked Ritsu.

"Well, I feel like I've heard his lines before. Can't people think of anything better?"

Mio shrugged and went back to the movie.

Somewhere towards the end of the movie, Azusa laid back on a few beanbags behind them, Yui was on her stomach getting really interested. Mio was still in her same position. Ritsu was in the same position as Yui while Mugi was hugging a beanbag and digging her teeth into it too.

After the movie, they all took their positions in the bedroom. Mio put her mattress on the floor so as to be fair. She slept next to Ritsu that night. Ritsu got up to get a glass of water before going to bed and Mio followed without Ritsu's knowledge.

Downstairs, Ritsu was surprised to see that Mio was with her "Mio? Why aren't you going to bed yet?"

"I need to ask something from you…" Mio said, playing with her fingers.

"Here, drink some water." Ritsu held a glass out for Mio. Mio pushed her hand away and placed the glass on the counter. She just came and gave Ritsu a desperate hug.

"I'm scared of the nightmares I might have…"

Ritsu eventually hugged Mio back and kissed her forehead "They're not gonna happen. Trust me." Ritsu got one of Mio's hands and held it "Whenever you feel scared, hold my hand. I don't care how tight your grasp will be."

"What if I can't sleep?"

"Then…hmm…you can hug me or a pillow lying nearby."

"I think you can pass as a pillow."

"I'm gonna pretend that was a compliment that directs to my softness and not to my weight."

And sure enough, Mio did get scared. She started crying a little too. They woke Ritsu up too. Ritsu grabbed Mio's hand and started massaging it too.

Mio calmed down a little and cried into Ritsu's shoulder. Ritsu intertwined her fingers with Mio's and started stroking the back of Mio's hand with her thumb "Oh Mio…" she groaned.

Mugi woke up first and saw that Ritsu's hand was in Mio's. She just smiled and sighed in relief "These two have nothing to worry about." And on her left, Yui was upside down and her foot was on Azusa's face while Azusa's arms were way spread out and her mouth was open. "That's…charming."

Mugi went downstairs to wash the dishes. Ritsu woke up afterwards and went out to the balcony once again. She put a blue university hoodie on since it was a windy morning. She went there to think.

I guess I've fallen for the most unexpected person and I'm not even sure if that person feels the same way. Damn, I sound so corny. Honestly, I guess all I can say is that if she doesn't feel the same, then I'll accept that. I've reached the point that I love her more than just a friend. I've realized the perfection she has. I've realized how lucky I am to have such an awesome friend. Now I have to make sure nothing ever wipes that smile off her face. Is this a bad thing? Maybe. Will I get hurt? I suppose so. But, that's the risk I'm willing to take because, well, people do stupid things when they're in love.

A/N: Again, I'm sorry because I sorta rushed with this one and, I don't want a story that goes straight to the lovey dovey action and stuff haha. Working on that hihi. Hmm…yeah I think I'm getting straight to the point. I'll slow down nao. HAHA.