It was a normal day at Laforte High University, the student's were running around and bustling; talking with friends at locker's and joking around...some gossiping. A certain boy with short black hair, amber colored eyes, and wearing the normal university outfit was heading toward his locker; glancing at the other students a little. Every male wore the same outfit as did the females. For the boys they wore black pants; a long sleeve dark blue vest, white button up shirt with a red or black tie with white and black shoes. For the girls they had a plaid, pink and dark blue skirt; with a black jacket, trimmed and accented with hot pink, a white button-up shirt with a black tie. Long white socks to their knees with short black dress shoes.

The boy opened his locker before he felt a pair of strong arms around his shoulders, making him yelp in surprise. "GAH!" The boy yelped, being held steady by strong arms around his shoulders. "Hey, what're you up to?" A masculine, mature voice asked and the boy looked over his shoulder to see brown, spiky hair. "Alvin, get off!" The boy complained, giving a small glare to the older man. "Geez Jude, and here I was thinking you'd give me a warm welcome." The man, Alvin said with a sigh before backing off. The black haired boy, Jude, spun around to face his teacher's assistant, which happened to be his own brother; face-to-face. Alvin was Jude's half-brother, ten years older than the boy but helped out his teacher in many ways, mainly keeping Jude focused as the boy would suddenly slip into dream-world.

Alvin was wearing a long white lab coat, with a brown button up shirt, yellow tie, black pants with brown boots. "Helping Ms. Yamano today?" Jude questioned, looking the outfit over. "Yep! She said that lately you've seem distracted, so she said if I was there that you'd keep focus." Alvin explained with a grin and Jude gave an unimpressed face. "You know Ms. Yamano just likes to have you around right?" Jude questioned with a flat tone, which made Alvin give a mock hum as he rubbed his chin. "Really, eh? I hadn't noticed." Alvin said sarcastically but the smile was still in place.

Jude was about to say something when suddenly they heard a high pitched squeal at the end of the hall. They all turned their heads toward the left wing of the hall, seeing everyone had moved to the sides and a woman with long brown/blonde hair with a long cowlick that seemed to be tipped a light green color. Her brown/blonde hair was pulled into a ponytail with a reddish-purple wrapping along the length of the ponytail. She wore the outfit all women did except she had a criss cross belt at her waist and she had one sock that was pink and purple stripped to her knees, while the other was plain pink to her shin and she had lacing around her upper leg. She wore black boots with hot pink lacing and she had a studded collar around her neck; her jacket was halfway zipped up allowing her black tie to swing freely.

"It's Milla-Senpai!" A girl squealed out. "Will you got out with me Milla-Senpai?!" A boy shouted, trying to catch her attention but she just kept her focus on her drink. Jude felt himself flush and looked to the side, hoping no one saw his bright red face...but it didn't pass by his half-brother, Alvin, who smirked. "Ah, come on Jude, say 'hi' to her!" Alvin stated as he pushed Jude forward who yelped as his books fell. But his face went redder as he face planted straight into Milla's chest.

"Hm?" Milla suddenly stopped and looked down as Jude quickly removed himself and backed up quickly. "S-s-sorry M-M-Milla-Senpai!" Jude apologized with a flushed face. "It's okay." Milla replied coolly and Alvin walked over, confused. "Okay?" Alvin questioned in disbelief, earning a glare from Jude; acting all innocent now, huh? "He just face planted into your breasts." Alvin stated, eyes wide. "It was an accident, right?" Milla asked, receiving a nod. "Then it's okay." She replied, before walking off.

"Did that just happen?" A student questioned, shock on his face. "I wish that could happen with me." Another student said, receiving a glare from the female next to him. "How could she just brush that off?" A female questioned, disgust in her eyes. Everyone dispersed as Milla left their sight as she rounded a corner and Alvin wrapped an arm around Jude. "Man, did you see how she just brushed off the unintentional grope you did?" Alvin teased but that earned Jude elbowing him in the gut. "Shut up, your at fault for that; pushing me into her!" Jude scolded as he turned around to face Alvin, who wheezed. "Geez, *cough* you didn't have to *cough* do that to me…" Alvin wheezed out, taking a deep breath before letting another cough out. "Serves you right after what you did." Jude stated before helping Alvin up and they went their respective ways.

[~~~~~*~~~~~]

Jude had finished putting his stuff away in his locker before sighing. It had been unusually silent after his incident with Milla...but her reaction had confused him. When a boy called Ivar had hugged her, planting his face on her breasts, similar to him; she beat the living crap out of Ivar. Ivar was in the hospital for two days with a broken arm, cracked ribs, and an almost broken leg; but Milla claimed self defense and Ivar didn't wanna press charges anyways. 'Why can't I get her out of my head?' Jude thought, wondering why his thoughts kept going back to Milla. 'Is it because I respect her so much...or is it something else?' He wondered, before he heaved another sigh.

"All this thinking is hurting my brain." Jude complained, before he heard voices. "Come on, all I'm asking is one kiss." A familiar voice asked. "I said no." A voice growled out harshly and Jude's heart leapt, that was Milla's voice! Jude spun around, trying to find the source before heading to where he heard the voices pinpointing from. As he got closer, he heard more of the conversation. "Come on Milla, just once." The voice insisted, but it seemed Milla was vigilant. "I said no Ivar!" Milla shouted and Jude growled in his throat. Ivar, a tanned boy about his age with long white hair in a ponytail, olive green eyes and usually was seen wearing the school uniform; and as far as Jude knew, the boy was obsessed with Milla. As he rounded the corner he saw them; Milla was up against the wall, trying to sink into it as it looked as she tried to get away from Ivar. Ivar had her trapped with one hand beside her head, a leg between hers as he was giving off a handsome grin that had no effect on Milla.

"Please Milla?" Ivar tried to coax, but Jude felt his blood boil. "Hey!" Jude called out, catching their attention. "Huh?" Ivar questioned, giving a dumbfounded look to Jude, annoyance was mixed into his look. "Him…" Milla mumbled to herself as Jude glared at Ivar. "What do you think your doing to Milla-Senpai?!" Jude shouted to Ivar as he stormed down the hall, radiating a hostile aura. "What do you think your doing interrupting our conversation?" Ivar retorted, green eyes hard. "Back away from Milla-Senpai." Jude threatened, his amber eyes clashing with Ivar's own olive-green eyes. "What did you just say?" Ivar questioned, moving away from Milla to stand face-to-face with the boy. "You heard me." Jude growled out, glancing to Milla, trying to tell her to run with his eyes. "You little-!" Ivar growled as he swung at leg out to Jude, who blocked.

Jude then wrapped an arm around Ivar's leg before swing his other foot out to get Ivar off his feet, then slammed him into the wall, knocking him out. "You never attack your enemy first." Jude chastised before looking at Milla. "Milla-Senpai, are you okay?" He asked Milla worried, who looked at him before she smiled and nodded. "Yes Jude-kun, thank you." Milla said making Jude blush, before he smiled and rubbed his neck. "N-no problem." Jude said before looking at the unconscious Ivar. "Let's leave before he wakes up." Jude said and Milla looked at Ivar before agreeing and the two left. As they exited the building, Milla smiled at Jude softly. "Thank you for dealing with Ivar," Milla began, voice soft and sincere. "since the incident with him having hugged me; I have been unable to get him to leave me alone." She said somewhat annoyed, and Jude returned her smile.

"Aw, don't worry about it." Jude responded, blushing a little. "I couldn't let him torment you Milla-Senpai, it's not right." He explained and Milla giggled. "You can stop calling me 'senpai' Jude-kun, we are of the same grade." Milla said and Jude blushed. "O-okay Milla-Sen-I mean, Milla. You don't have to add 'kun' to the end of my name." Jude replied, scratching his cheek, and Milla nodded. "Okay then Jude...but really, thank you." Milla stated again, before she hugged him. Jude blushed madly, trying to keep his heartbeat under control but he hugged her back as well; very aware of the mounds pressed hard against his chest. Despite her being a year older than him, she was as tall as him...maybe taller...if just by an inch. "It-it was no big deal." Jude responded once again, before looking around. "Want me to walk you home?" He offered, seeing the sky was getting darker. "Even though it's still bright out, there's no telling what might happen." Jude reasoned as they separated, him grabbing his bag that he dropped upon her sudden hug. "Hmm...yes, I would like that." Milla agreed, smiling again and Jude grinned as he escorted her home.

[~~~~~*~~~~~]

Jude entered the apartment he was living in with his older brother Ludger and his other older brother, Alvin. Ludger and Alvin were both his half brother's, Alvin from his father's side and Ludger from his mother's side; but they were all he had left. Ludger and Alvin mainly paid the bills and even though Jude offered, they brushed it off saying it was fine. Ludger had bright blue eyes, black and white hair and was a type of mechanic, though he did do odd jobs with Alvin, some kind of mercenary work. He seemed like he was related more to Jude than Alvin due to having black in his hair but his hair was mainly white; except for the right side of his bangs that were black.

"Hey, there you are." Ludger said, coming into the main lobby. "Oh hey...Alvin's not back yet?" Jude questioned and Ludger shrugged. "Not yet, but then again he's always like that when Ms. Yamano asks for him." Ludger said, skimming over a paper in his hand. Jude took notice of Ludger's attentive gaze on the paper and smiled. "Another job?" He asked and Ludger nodded. "What's it say?" Jude asked again and Ludger chuckled. "Nothing unusual...though I am curious…" Ludger slowly said teasingly and Jude flushed red. "Who was that girl you were with?" Ludger asked and Jude spun around.

"G-girl?!" Jude shouted incredulously, surprised Ludger knew. "Wh-what're you talking a-about?" He stuttered out, blush still hard in place. Ludger chuckled at Jude's flustered face and placed his hands on his hips, laying the paper down. "Aw come on, don't play coy with me, who was she?" Ludger asked and Jude chuckled. "Heeheehee...she's my Senpai, Milla Maxwell." Jude replied and Ludger went stiff. "Did you just say...Maxwell?" Ludger asked and Jude nodded, smiling. "Yep, she got into some trouble with a boy called Ivar who was harassing her; I stepped in to help her out. She thanked me and I walked her home, her sister Muzet is nice...though a bit odd. And her sister's fiance, Gaius seems...cold but honest." Jude recounted and Ludger groaned...great, just great. "Jude, do you know what this means?" Ludger asked, but Jude tilted his head. "Is something wrong?" Jude questioned and Ludger gave him a flat look.

"Little bro, they are the Maxwell's; they are rich, famous and well known. The fact that Milla even spoke to you is a surprise. The Maxwell's look down on people who aren't as rich or as 'royal blooded' as them; so to know Milla even spoke to you is a surprise." Ludger spat out and Jude winced...sensitive. "Though I do recall that there was someone in the family who didn't care for the old traditions so...maybe Milla is the rebellious daughter." Ludger commented. "Of course, that's just a rumor of their view's." He finished, yet Jude seemed confused. "Ludger...I escorted Milla to an apartment." Jude said and Ludger laughed.

"Because that's where her sister lives, Muzet; Milla's older sister has the same view's. She wanted to mingle with normal, middle-class people and moved out after she got engaged to Gaius." Ludger began to explain as he sat down at the table. "Milla goes to see her sister as to not allow people she makes friends with to be seen by her family. Milla is raised with harsh view's pressed on her in her daily life; I'm sure she can't wait to graduate to get away from them." Ludger responded as he stood up and began grabbing his stuff while Jude hummed. "Anyways, I got to go and see Elle, she's been waiting over half-an-hour for me to help her out." Ludger stated and Jude groaned. "I still don't see how an eight-year old girl makes you so happy." Jude said and Ludger grinned at him. "She's like a daughter to me. I'll be back later little bro." Ludger said and Jude only rolled his eyes as the door closed.

[~~~~~*~~~~~]

Jude tossed and turned in his bed, unable to sleep properly as images of Milla entered his mind; Alvin had returned and helped him with dinner before heading out for a job. Though Jude wished he hadn't so he had someone to talk to...his phone was tempting, but he couldn't possibly ask Leia for help, and Elize was too young to know anything. Sighing, Jude punched his pillow before getting out of bed. "Maybe a walk will help." Jude said to himself as he got up, got dressed, grabbed the keys to the apartment and left. He looked into the night sky, surprised that it was actually quite warm...even though it was fall.

Shrugging it off, he continued walking in hopes of tiring out his mind enough to want to get some sleep. As he passed by a bridge, he noticed a brown/blonde haired figure and walked a little closer, realizing it was Milla. "Milla?" He questioned, catching her attention. "Huh? Jude?" She questioned, realizing Jude was on the bridge with her. "What're you doing up this late?" Jude asked and Milla returned her attention back to the river. "I should be asking you that, I never expected you'd be out this late." Milla stated and Jude nodded. "Yeah, well...couldn't sleep." Jude explained, and stood beside her, leaning on the railing of the bridge. "What about you?" Jude asked her, and she sighed.

"I...I had another fight with my Uncle, he just doesn't understand that the world isn't like what grandfather said." Milla explained, laying her head on her arms. "He won't stop trying to get me to hook up with another rich man of some sort. The guy is twenty years older than me." Milla growled out, shocking Jude. "You and your Uncle don't get along, huh?" Jude questioned and though it was more of a statement, Milla nodded. "Yes...he...he just doesn't respect me or my wishes." Milla said sadly, lowering her head to where her bangs covered her eyes.

"I know how that feels, my dad was similar; but I hope things get better." Jude said softly, rubbing her shoulder. Milla looked at him before she gave a soft smile, making Jude's heart flutter and he returned it bashfully. No matter what, he couldn't be sad, depressed or angry around her; it was impossible. "Jude…" Milla suddenly said, catching his attention. "Is it okay if I stay at your place tonight? I understand if you say 'no'...but I just don't wanna go home tonight." Milla said and Jude noticed the bag beside her feet...she was serious.

He hesitated for a moment, he didn't mind her staying over...but what if Ludger and Alvin suddenly came back and saw her? He'd never live it down, not only that she was a woman who he was sure he was crushing on; not to mention everyone would probably spread rumor's as he knew he wouldn't able to stay quiet about it for too long. But as he saw her vulnerable red-purple eyes he couldn't bring himself to deny her...not that he would anyway; it seemed she needed his help. "S-sure, I don't mind. As long as it's okay with you." Jude stuttered out a little nervously and while Milla at first seem shocked, she soon beamed a smile. "Thank you Jude, I really appreciate it." Milla said before she suddenly giggled. "It seems I've been thanking you a lot lately." Milla chimed in and Jude laughed. "It has, but I really don't mind helping you. Follow me." Jude said and Milla grabbed her bag before she followed him to the apartment.