Request from: iHeroine

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Mondo Media.

Remarks: All characters are in human form.

Please review if you're reading this! :D:D

First rays of light streaked up as the blazing sun hovered above Happy Tree Town. Spring came unexpectedly early this year. The entire city was embraced by massive groves and dense woods. The gentle breeze seeped through the window gap, filling the household with a sweet aroma it brought along from the garden. Beams of light crept into the room and glistened in an eerie, peaceful way. The red-haired girl made a comfortable turn in her bed and opened her eyes. Immediately, she was blinded by the beautiful, shimmering sunshine. A smile crawled over her face as she slowly slipped out of her cozy bed. She stretched her arms and yawned. What a wonderful day. She thought.

Following her regular routines, Flaky pranced into the bathroom, looked herself in the mirror and rinsed her face. After brushing her teeth and combing her exceptionally spiky, troublesome hair, she strolled downstairs, humming a song in the way. One could readily spot the ecstatic expression on her face. The girl was particularly happy today because she was going on a date with her childhood friend as well as her crush, Flippy. She giggled as she cooked herself a breakfast. She usually had two boiled eggs and a bowl of cornflakes. Sometimes though, she would prefer a slice of French toast or a simple cheese sandwich with a carton of milk.

The birds were chirping rhythmically when she left the house. A trim line of fully-grown trees lay on each side of the road. Morning drops came dribbling down and landing on her head, gleaming like dozens of transparent pearls. A motorbike plodded down the street. Handy called out Flaky's name, and tried to wave at her but to his dismay, he had no hands. Flaky grinned back politely, wondering how the amputee ever managed to drive a bike.

Flaky reached the park. Her eyes immediately roamed over the surrounding in search for a familiar figure. It seemed that Flippy hadn't arrived yet. He was seldom late, in fact. Most of the time, he would be there before she was. Leisurely, Flaky sat down on a bench and waited patiently. A couple of minutes later, someone entered the park. To her disappointment, it wasn't Flippy. Pop led his toddler to the playground. Cub began to scamper about quietly in the sand, playing with a toy car he brought with him. The place was tranquil except for the distant barking of a neighbor's puppy. All was seemingly well. Flaky perked up and glanced at the mellow fruits hanging down one of those gigantic trees. She saw her favorite peaches. Gingerly, she approached the tree and attempted to climb it. She was a good tree-climber but this one just wasn't that easy to tackle. It was too enormous and tall. She couldn't possibly reach the fruit. She was halfway there when she suddenly slipped. Fear struck her as she loosened her grip around the stem and fell backwards. Fortunately enough, a pair of strong arms spread out just in time to catch her. Her weight meant nothing to the boy that was scooping her up. She took a glimpse of Flippy and blushed.

"Hi, Flaky." He greeted with a charming smile.

"H-Hi…" She stuttered. Carefully, he put her down.

"So, what were you doing up on a tree?"

"I…er…" Flaky eyed the peach slightly with a faint smile. "Nothing."

"Oh, sorry I'm late." Flippy apologized and all at once he looked at Flaky grimly. "I was having some issues this morning."

"L-Like what?" Flaky inquired.

"Well…I think I have to tell you this sooner or later." Flippy sighed.

"W-What's happened?" Flaky's heart started thumping frantically. Curiosity took the best of her. She examined the changes in Flippy's expressions. He was now staring at the ground, scratching the back of his neck.

"Flaky, I received a call from the army this morning. I have to go back to wars soon."

Flaky widened her eyes upon hearing the news. It hit her first as a surprise and in a flash, it turned into trauma. Was it real? Flippy was going back to the war? He was a soldier, all right, but wasn't this a bit too sudden? She had no psychological preparation whatsoever. Last time he went to wars, he almost got himself killed and he returned with PSTD. She could hardly imagine what might happen the second time he headed back to the battlefield.

"No, Flippy, don't go." Flaky tugged his sleeves, her eyes getting watery at once. "I don't want you to leave."

"Sorry Flakes, but it's an order I have to comply with. I will be back."

"But…for how long?"

"I…I don't know." Flippy murmured. "A few months maybe…or a year or two…"

"No! Why must they pick you? Can't you reject the offer?" Flaky pressed on. "You don't really want to fight, do you? Say you…don't!"

"Flakes." Flippy grabbed both of her shoulders and gazed at her seriously. "I'm a soldier. I have to fight for my nation when the situation needs me to. It's my duty. I can't simply decline the mission because I want to stay here…with you."

"B-But…But…" Flaky pouted, not wishing to believe that Flippy was leaving soon. She could hardly live on her own. He was her best company, her soulmate. How could she bear another year without him around? It would be a living hell!

"Flakes, look at me." Flippy said. Slowly, Flaky averted her eyes to stare at him. A reassuring smile emerged on Flippy's face as he wiped off her tears. "I'll set off the day after tomorrow. I'll definitely come back. I promise."

"R-Really?" Flaky whined. "You must!"

"I will." Flippy vowed and pressed his lips against hers. Flaky ceased whimpering and kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck. The news was still too overwhelming but she knew she had to get over it. She couldn't let herself become a burden to Flippy at times like this. Apparently, it wasn't his preference to leave either but he was bound by the grave responsibility to serve his country. It was his decision to become a sergeant in the first place and so must he commit himself to the military.

"There, there, my crybaby, it isn't that bad. You know I'll always return, right?" Flippy smiled, fondling her cheeks. Flaky merely swallowed her sobs and nodded. She had to trust Flippy no matter what. She must have faith in him.

"Don't worry. I won't just leave you alone. Someone's got to take care of you in my place." Flippy asserted, hugging her.

"I…I don't need anyone…I only want you." Flaky confessed.

"Don't be stubborn. You know you can hardly look after yourself, so I've sorted it out. I'm gonna call someone to watch you for me." Flippy said.

"W-What? W-Who?"

"You know him as well. We hung out together when we were kids. This time, he doesn't get a mission so he'll be staying behind."

"You mean…"

"Yes, dear, Sneaky, our best friend." Flippy grinned confidently.