Note: Sorry for the delay. I had this chapter mostly finished weeks ago but RL just swamped me. I still work and am still very busy but luckily I have managed to recover enough to start righting again. Like always this chapter wouldn't be possible without my dear Beta Hybris. Give the woman love guys, she's been my muse and rock for this fic.

Chapter 17: Oncoming Storm

"I'm telling you Usagi, he really reminded me of you! The way he spoke about stones and stars was so wistful and ...I don't know, it just reminded me of when you speak about your past."

Usagi smiled as her friend gushed over her meeting with Sanjoin-san; she must really like this guy to talk about him so much. Naru was surprisingly shy when it came to talking to people she found attractive, so the fact that she actually spoke to him without clamming up and blushing furiously? And it was for her sake? Friendship goals.

"A hot man raving about your mom's jewelry makes you think about me?" Raising her eyebrow teasingly, Usagi grinned as she casually threw an arm over her friend's shoulders.

"Geeze, Naru, I just don't know what to think about that comparison. Should I take it as a compliment that I'm as attractive as a hot man? Or should I be concerned that my speaking of the past is like a man raving over stones and being cheesy about them?"

Jumping away from her friend in peels of laughter, Usagi avoided Naru's attempts to tickle her in retaliation. Dancing up ahead teasingly, Naru called back to her in that little annoyed tone of hers.

"Usa-chan! This is serious! I'm telling you that I think-"

Usagi took a few more steps before realizing her friend had trailed off, stopping behind her, completely distracted and looking into the distance.

"Naru?" The red head's face looked puzzled, tinged with growing unease as she kept looking away.

"...Hey, Usagi-chan was that forest always there?" Feeling concern grip her heart, Usagi wandered back to Naru as she wondered what she was looking at, between the gaps of the apartments in the area.

"What are you talking about? You know our area doesn't have any forests, even the parks don't have that many trees." You would have to go closer to where Mamoru lived to get nice forested parks, which wasn't too bad of a commute and a great walk on nice days.

"Well, we do now."

Turning to spot what Naru was staring at, Usagi felt flabbergasted at the huge, new forest now covering the distance. It absolutely had not been there a day ago, yet here it was… existing. Whoever this next General was, he certainly wasn't subtle.

'Note to self; ask Jadeite and Mamoru on the personalities and typical modus operandi of the other Generals. Maybe they can tell me what kind of thinking they had, and I can figure out how they're likely to attack.' Turning back to Naru, she gave her friend a little side hug as she turned to look worriedly at her.

"Three guesses where the new bad guy is hanging out and the first two don't count." Usagi wryly mused, hoping to get a smile out of her now worried-looking friend.

"But first, school. Right?" Naru perked up as Usagi nodded at her hesitant question. Continuing their walk to school, Usagi wracked her mind for a conversation that wouldn't add to Naru's worries.

"Hey, I heard a rumour that Rui-chan is playing after school today with the tennis club." It had been ages since Usagi had seen her; though Naru had managed to hang out with her before she went abroad.

"Yeah, her mom called last night! She's back in Japan!" Naru's bright smile and slowly relaxing posture gladdened Usagi's heart. She hated seeing her so tense and worried, especially over things that were Scout-related.

"I heard she did great in her tournament in the United States!" Rui had been the school's pride and joy as she had competed in the tournament.

"She'll be so happy to see us! Let's surprise her before you go sleuthing for clues." Holding back a startled laugh, Usagi had the sudden faint image of a young girl with long, tumbling dark hair, fumbling through her English as she tried to read a book called Nancy Drew.

Holding a hand to her temple, Usagi tried to blink the image away as a sharp pang of emptiness echoed inside of her. Quickly as it came, it left, though a sense of hollowness lingered.

'What is happening?' Nothing had been the same since she had poured her energy into Jadeite. Hopefully, she could figure out what was going on, and soon. Turning her attention back to her teasing red-headed friend, Usagi put on her most offended voice as she jogged a little ahead.

"Who the hell do you think I am, Luna and her gang? Hell no! I am going to plan first, talk with the boys, then do something about the creepy gothic style forest!"

"I am so glad you have support now. I should make them something, as a thank you for looking after you Usa-chan." Naru glomped her from behind, causing Usagi to support her weight as she received an impromptu piggyback.

"Woah there Naru. We don't even know if Mamoru wants to continue his superhero side gig." Tugging on Naru's arms, Usagi took some exaggerated breaths as her best friend huffed in annoyance into her ear, giving a giggle, Usagi continued,"It's not like he ever actually had a choice in it. What I'm hoping to get is advice, not drag them back into this mess full throttle. If they tell me to get lost, then I will and that will be that."

That's all she could ask of him because Mamoru was graduating this year. He was busy with getting his grades as high as possible to be accepted into a good university, plus he did co-op along with volunteering on the side. 'Busy man is busy.'

"Hmmm, I doubt it, Usagi-chan. From what you told me they're not going to sit on the sidelines, they're too involved." Pausing again, Usagi ignored Naru's complaints of almost falling off her back; she was right. Considering Jadeite nearly jumped out the window completely naked in his determination to get to his brothers, then at the very least, he would get involved.

"Well, I'll let them make that decision. Until then, we've got bigger fish to fry. Like math class." Adjusting her grip on her friend's thighs, Usagi gave a little laugh as Naru groaned dramatically.

"I don't even want to think about the next test…" Naru was an excellent student, but math was its own special type of hell.

"Let's hope there's no pop quiz today then!"

There was a pop quiz today. Usagi lamented tempting fate as she waited in the hall for Naru to finish talking with Akiyama-sensei.

'Looks like Naru is taking Home Economics' leftover fabrics again.' Usagi thought as Naru came out of the room carrying a nearly bursting bag full of fabrics.

"Sorry for the wait!"

"That's fine. Got a big project coming up?" Helping her with her stuff, Usagi jogged behind her as they raced down the stairs and into the school tennis courts.

"Oh no, this is for my personal designs; I'll tell you more about it later. Let's go to the courts, or else we'll miss Rui-chan's game!"

Making their way to the gate, Usagi noticed a tall man speaking with Rui as he handed her back her racket.

"Oh my god! It's him! Sanjoin-san!" Naru squeaked, turning red as she fiddled with her hair.

"...That's the hot rich guy who visited your store?" He seemed to be done speaking with Rui as he turned back to the gate; giving Usagi a glance at his face and profile.

'I don't think I've ever seen a man with such long wavy hair before…' His hair was his most striking feature in Usagi's eyes. It was a rich brown that almost had red tinge to it as the sun changed it from dark brown to burgundy. His eyes were an indigo hue, seeming to change to different shades of blue depending on the lighting. Add that to his tanned skin tone and broad shoulders, Usagi could see why her friend was a bit of a mess right now.

Narrowing her eyes, Usagi hummed as she watched even Rui blush at the man as she took the racket from her hands.

'This man is hot...and he knows it.' The girls weren't exactly being subtle about their appreciation for his looks, and his cool dismissal said he was used to it.

"Hey...Rui-chan looks weird." Naru's worried voice drew Usagi's attention to the almost vacant look in Rui's eyes as she got into position, seeming to ignore the boy teasingly asking for her to go easy on him.

Usagi knew Rui was a strong player, she had to be in order to compete in tournaments abroad… Yet the way the tennis ball left a skid mark on the ground was concerning.

'Did Rui-chan get that much better during her time in the United States? Or is something else happening.' Narrowing her eyes as Rui seemed to cheerfully thank the man, Sanjoin-san, Usagi wondered why he seemed vaguely familiar to her.

"Please, I'm happy to help. I am quite the fan; I was cheering you on in your last tournament. You have great potential Saionji-san, I can't wait to see how much better you become." The brunette gave a charming smile that caused many of her classmates to swoon at the sight of his pearly white teeth.

Usagi could feel her metaphorical hackles rise as he sauntered away from the tennis courts and into a beautiful red sports car. Something about him just had her instincts on edge, almost literally having her hair stand on end. She couldn't take her eyes off him, as if she didn't keep an eye on him he might strike until he drove out of sight.

'It feels like I just watched a lion decide it didn't want antelope for dinner tonight.'

"...Something's not right with Rui-chan." Hearing Naru's worried tone, had Usagi turning around to see Rui demolishing her competitors in harsh, almost violent ways, with her style of tennis.

"She's never been this aggressive of a player before…It's like her entire style changed." Naru clutched her hands to her chest as she watched Rui smirk over her fallen competitors.

"...Is this a recent thing?" Usagi knew that they were in that age where personalities and interests could change drastically. Pangs of emptiness and pain hit her as she vaguely remembered losing friends around this age in her previous life. Friends who'd seemed to have woken up one day and decided to become a completely new person.

"I don't know...I know you wanted to go talk to the boys but… " Reaching out to pull Naru in a comforting half embrace, Usagi said nothing as her friend seemed to curl into her in worry.

Naru was her friend, her best friend; of course, she would spare the time for her. Plus the boys didn't actually need her right now, whereas Naru did.

"It's fine. I'll wait here for you. They can wait for a little." Usagi knew Mamoru would understand, even if she couldn't predict Jadeite.

"Really?" Usagi could hear the smile in her voice as she felt Naru hug her back.

"Really."

'This isn't like Rui at all… I wonder if her Okaa-san might know anything.' Staying behind hadn't done Naru a lick of good. Rui had been short and very abrupt with her, saying she had learned new techniques in the States and how she realized she had to change to get better. 'The Americans might have a reputation for aggressiveness in sports, but Rui was…'

It was more like Rui was out for blood, instead of wins, plus her eyes were so….empty. Naru was glad that Usagi had stayed behind to wait for her; Naru hadn't managed to suppress her worried tears after Rui had dismissed her so callously. Luckily Usagi gave the best hugs and didn't mind having her shoulder soaked in her tears.

'Just what happened to you Rui?'

Saying goodbye to Usagi as she reached her home, Naru glanced at the clock and saw that if she hurried she would make it to the Lolita Event in the park. It started at 5 pm, but they weren't strict about being on time.

'If I have a quick shower, then do my makeup and get dressed, I should get there by 5:30 pm.' Maybe this was what the doctor ordered. Just a pleasant evening with a bunch of beautiful people dressed in frills.

A few minutes later, and Naru was practically skipping out the door, so excited to be wearing her handmade, beautiful lolita dress.

Her skirt was a beautiful midnight blue, with adorable cats in kimono having a tea party, decorating the bottom of the skirt. A bow in a similar colour scheme separated her blue bodice, with a sheer fringe at the top. Her headband was made of the same material as her skirt, keeping her blond wig's style in place, and her black stockings helped to make her heels pop.

'I'm so glad Usa-chan gave me some of her hair for my wig. It's so light compared to the other ones!' Arriving at the place, Naru took a moment to calm herself as beautiful people mingled, had tea, and danced about in the park.

'Oh my! I don't think I've ever seen so many at an event before.' Though this was only her third event, and first attending in lolita attire, the other two had been much smaller. Naru hovered on the sidelines, not quite sure what to do besides admire all the gorgeous clothing before she spotted a lady clearly heading towards her.

'Her hair is so beautiful, it matches her eyes.' Naru was captivated by the loose flaming waves that cascaded down her shoulders, almost shimmering in the light. And the closer the lady got, the better she could see her outfit. It wasn't the classic lolita aesthetic Naru had opted for, but instead a more refined version. For some reason, Naru was picturing a lolita version of an army general when she noted the clean A-line cuts of the skirt and the ruffled cravat. The shining buttons and braiding on the jacket enhanced that image, and the skirt's pattern of rose decorated swords seemed to cement it.

'Wow...the work on her outfit is stunning.' Naru clamped her jaw together, trying not to look like a gaping idiot in front of this gorgeous girl. 'She looks to be my age too…'

"Hello, your dress is quite exceptional." Gulping nervously, Naru cursed her out for having such a nice voice.

'Keep it together Osaka, just say thank you. Don't be creepy.'

"T-Thank you!" Looking over her dress, Naru couldn't help blurting out, "Y-Yours is beautiful too! I've never seen a military lolita outfit before!"

"I'm quite fond of the aesthetics myself, so after some tests, I've figured out the best outfitter is Sweet Steel. This is one of their newer designs."

"Sweet Steel?! They're top of the brand! And their designs are just ..." Naru grew weak in the knees of someday creating an outfit with one of Sweet Steel's designs.

The lady's neutral face broke into a small smile. "Exactly. It's pleasant to meet someone who understands quality when they see it, but I shouldn't have been surprised. Your outfit is easily the nicest I've seen in several meetings. May I ask where you acquired it?"

"Oh...Well, actually, I made this out of some clearance fabric and from what my home economics sensei could give me." Blushing a little as she confessed, Naru couldn't help tugging at her wig, and twirling a piece between her fingers, "Even my wig is homemade. My friend donated her hair for it and I used some scrap pieces to make the headband."

'Hopefully, I didn't make the girl uncomfortable with my admission.' While Naru's Okaa-san was well off, Naru knew that her hobby was still very expensive. 'Do it yourself' is the way to go when you have to count your yen on materials…'

Instead of discomfort, the other instead focused on her outfit with a keen eye as interest was written all across her face. "Really? You made each piece entirely on your own?"

"Oh yes, I used a slip stitch for the hem so that it wouldn't be so noticeable that it is in fact three different fabrics making up the bottom part of the skirt." Naru had been so proud of herself when she had managed to finish her skirt. It was the first time she was doing it so layered.

"I used a catch stitch for the sleeves to give it a little cross aesthetic and to make the sleeves look more part of the bodice since I had to use a differently shaded blue. Things like that."

The lady listened attentively, head nodding slightly at points while bright yellow eyes flicked from one area to another. There was no judgement on her face as her smile widened, and she said: "May I take a closer look?"

"Of course!" Blushing furiously, Naru hoped she hadn't made any amateur mistakes, as she inspected her outfit with a critical eye.

Moving into her personal space, the lady bent her knees and started to inspect her skirt. Carefully, yet with the surety that said she was used to looking at quality clothing, she eyed the stitching before seeing how Naru had disguised the three fabrics as one. Her hands then moved to Naru's sleeves, pulling the fabric slightly so the crosses could be seen, before looking at how she'd given the illusion of the sleeves being attached. Finally, she carefully ran a strand of Usagi's donated hair through her hands before stepping back out of Naru's space.

Her smile brightened her face, making her much more friendly looking as she said "You're phenomenal with a needle. I've seen worse stitching from a number of respectable brands."

"T-Thank you very much!" Someone had noticed her hard work and complemented it! She couldn't wait to tell Usagi about this.

"I'm glad I decided to stay a little later than usual today. It'd have been a shame to have missed seeing you." Yellow eyes seemed to dance as her smile took a more playful bent. "If you'd like, I could escort you around the event. I'm sure with a keen eye like your dress suggests, you'll see why I've been dissatisfied lately."

"It would be my pleasure!" Could this be a new friend? Naru internally squealed as she was gently grabbed by the elbow and escorted around the park. Bless Usagi's soul, she really was her best friend, but Naru knew this wasn't her thing. She humoured Naru and played doll for her because she loved Naru, but would never have stepped foot in this park if she had her pick of things to do.

'It'd be nice to have a friend who understands my love for all of this.'

As the lady escorted her about, she'd carefully murmur her observations to Naru when she wasn't introducing her to someone. "See, no one else here has the talent to design their outfits by hand. But I've known these ladies for a while, and Hinagiku-san has no excuse for that pattern."

"...Their stitching is horrible. I can see where the two fabrics are joined, there are no artful ways to hide the fact that it's a mix-match of fabrics. Oh my goodness, look at that petticoat. It's so ill-fitting and unflattering for her figure." Naru could only shake her head at all of the flaws she was spotting. It made her want to offer her services to fix them.

Naru's observations earned her a warm look that spoke of how the lady respected her eyes, "Yes, and she bought all of this from Melon Rose. Evidence to my point that your needlepoint puts some brands to shame."

"Oh definitely! She could have hidden all of those imperfections with a pretty bit of embroidery." Naru could already think of a design she had learned to hide that bit of bad stitching.

As the lady turned them away from the crowd, obviously intending to talk alone, she asked lightly "Now I know I skipped over the niceties because of your lovely dress, but I am curious. Do you come to events often? I'm certain this is the first time I've seen you, as I make a point to remember people with good style."

"Oh yes, since I make these dresses by hand, and I save up to buy or find the right fabrics, it takes me a long while before another one is ready. Because of that, I don't really attend many events." It was a little embarrassing to admit, but Naru felt that this girl was trustworthy and could handle the truth.

She nodded sympathetically in understanding, but there was no mistaking the look that came over her face: calculated interest. "A question if you don't mind. How's the fit of my outfit? Could you improve it?"

"Hmmmm, yes I do believe I can. While elegantly made, I would have tucked the fabric in a bit more around your shoulders and waist. It's still a bit baggy and shows that it is a bought outfit, not made for your body specifically. The petticoat would have been redone in different material as well, since yours is supposed to poof out but instead is drooping, meaning that the company used a less sturdy material… Probably due to cost." Naru could really have fun reworking this girl's outfit. With just a few minor fixes, she would be beyond stunning.

She smiled then, widely and brightly. It did lovely things to her, but the words out of her mouth distracted Naru from that. "My name is Yonaga Hisayo, and I do believe I'd like to hire you."

"...I'm sorry?" She couldn't have said what she heard right? There's no way someone would want to hire her! She wasn't the best in her Home Economics class, nor the most creative, so how…?

"It may be a bit forward of me, however, I can see your work quality and you did just demonstrate how keen your eye is. As I have no idea when I'll see you again, it's better to seize the opportunity, no?" Her smile took on an understanding slant "Of course, we could start with a trial commission if you like. My payment would be… Say, 135,000 yen?"

Naru felt her eyes almost bug out at the offer. Coughing into her hand, she tried to get some semblance of control as her entire body seemed to betray her.

Naru could feel her eyebrow twitch as Hisayo just kept smiling like the sum she'd named was no big deal. "Of course, if you're worried about my ability to pay I can make a deposit now." She finally released the arm she had kept hold of to grab the very discrete handbag that had managed to escape notice, pulling out a wallet that looked to be made from genuine leather. "40,000 yen should be a sufficient deposit to prove my seriousness."

"Ok, you cannot just throw money around like that! Depositing with just a verbal agreement is the height of business suicide! If you're going to sponsor anyone, then a contract and a legal document for both parties should be brought up! Especially with such big numbers being thrown around like candy!" Naru could practically hear her mother tearing apart some idiot who tried to pull a fast one over her like this.

It was like her very reasonable advice wasn't penetrating at all by how Hisayo's expression didn't change. "So, you would be amenable if I produce a contract for review?"

"Discussion about deadlines and flexibility of hours must happen. I have a life outside of this, and while sewing is a passion of mine I refuse to sacrifice my personal time to an unhealthy extent." Naru had seen Ami come into school, practically two sizes smaller and three shades lighter than she had been at the beginning of the first semester. Naru refused to ever let anything consume her like that.

"Of course, it's not like you're an adult; working full-time isn't on the table at all. And frankly, your work would suffer if you tried to force yourself to take on a large commission without thinking of the rest of your life." Was it a trick of the light, or was her smile slightly wider? "I have a contract at home that would be suitable for an initial base, so we have something to build off of. What do you say?"

"I would need time to have it looked over by my legal representative before I sign, and I have the right to stop at any time should I feel your requests are not realistic."

"Contractual negotiations are key to establishing a mutually satisfactory relationship. So I take it you are willing to consider my bid then?"

"...Yes. I am willing to consider it." Naru felt crazy for saying it, but when an opportunity knocks, why should she turn it away?

This time there was no hiding the almost predatory satisfaction on the other girl's face. "Excellent! Now, since I'm planning to head home to pick up the contract as we speak, where may I contact you?"

"...You can come to my family business. We run a jewelry store not too far from here; it's called Osa-P."

A light of recognition pierced satisfaction before it returned even more strongly. "I recognize the name, you have a sterling reputation. Is there a particular time that would suit you? If you're alright with it, I'd like to drop off the contract today. Best to get the ball rolling, yes?"

Musing on the store hours, Naru gave a little determined nod as she replied confidently, "You can drop it off during work hours. Anything after them and I can't guarantee we will be able to pick up and respond to it."

"Perfect. Now, if I remember my store times right, I likely can get the contract before you're scheduled to close today… So I think I'll need to be a little ruder and say goodbye right here."

Giving a courtesy in gratitude, Naru felt excitement at the thought of getting her first-ever commission!

"Thank you kindly for your consideration. I hope to hear from you soon."

Naru blushed as Hisayo winked at her, saying, "Of course! After all, I got lucky today." Before walking off at a very brisk pace. It really did look like she was aiming to make good on her word of getting to the store before it closed. She was almost out of sight within a few minutes, she was walking so swiftly.

"I'm going to be a what?"

Usagi starred quietly as she watched her brother dance around the living room in glee, already making plans on what games and activities he would teach the baby once they were born. Her mother was giggling a storm as her father seemed to hype Shingo even more as they both made plans. It got to the point where the two were dancing goofily, causing Usagi to smile weakly at their antics, though she couldn't help gazing back to her mother's still flat stomach every once in a while.

'Mom's...pregnant. She's pregnant.'

It's not like she hadn't had her suspicions. The suddenly tighter family budget, Mom being more sensitive to foods and throwing up more often, plus both of her parents working harder and extra hours to make more money…

Usagi could feel the worried looks on her parents' faces' as she continued to stay quiet.

"Usagi? Aren't you excited?" Startled out of her thoughts, Usagi gave a big grin as she waved her hands nervously.

"Hm? Oh! Yes, I am! I mean, why wouldn't I be? Hahaha..." Laughing awkwardly, Usagi hid a wince as her brother stopped to stare at her skeptically. Her mom just raised an eyebrow as she leaned back against her husband; clearly no one was fooled by her antics. Watching her mom snuggle up to her dad, curling her feet under her legs on the couch; Usagi gripped her hands tightly against her thighs as she noticed how small her mom seemed just then.

Softly sighing, she figured she should say something, "I just…Mom...Are you okay?" Usagi couldn't help but worry about her now. She didn't remember her mom being so vulnerable and weak when she was pregnant with Shingo. Plus with the Negaverse still out there, trying to hunt her down…

'Am I a liability for my family? Should they know what's going on?' Something must have shown on her face, because the next thing Usagi knew her father was beside her, gently pulling her to her feet, and bringing her to a group hug on the sofa with her mom and Shingo.

"Oh, honey...The baby and I are fine. I just need to go for more tests because I'm a bit older than when I had Shin-chan, that's all." Snuggling into her parents' side, Usagi ignored Shingo's light teasing on what a worrywart she was.

"If you keep worrying like that you're going to look older than grandma." Usagi pouted as Shingo poked her forehead, grinning mischievously at her expression.

"Now Shingo, your sister just cares a lot. That's all." Leaning her head against her mom's shoulder, Usagi sighed as they all just settled down for a while. Tightening her grip around her mother's waist, Usagi felt peaceful as her parents murmured to each other, while Shingo slowly dozed off on their father's side.

'I've missed this.' Usagi would do anything to keep her family safe, to not have her past touch her present. 'But is this right? Keeping them in the dark while I make dangerous enemies? Or do I risk ruining it all by telling them the truth?'

Maybe Naru or the boys would be able to talk about it tomorrow. Usagi definitely felt like she needed feedback before doing anything.

'I just hope that when the moment comes…' Slowly drifting off as her mother's heartbeat lulled her to sleep, Usagi felt herself start to lose consciousness, as her eyes grew heavier and heavier.

'...I make the right decision.'

Thunder rumbled in the distance as brown eyes stared at her new home. It was a tiny thing, with the smallest kitchen she had ever seen and barely any space for a living room area; not to mention the bedroom was no bigger than her bed.

'Still...it's all mine.' Rolling up her sleeves, she got to work. Cleaning the tiny apartment was a sizable undertaking, but adding some plants and flowers to try and make it look homier was nice. A group of girls walked under her apartment balcony, giggling and laughing loudly as they skipped their way to school, swinging their umbrellas with such cheer.

'How nice, to walk with friends to school and enjoy being with them.' Staring longingly as the group turned around the corner, she gripped her arms as the brunette tried to comfort herself. This was the furthest she had ever been forced to move to, so maybe she would manage to make some friends before anyone found out about her past history.

Looking up to the sky as she clenched her hands in hope, praying that this time, things would be different. Turning to look at the clean kitchen, she started to unpack some essentials. The brunette smiled tenderly as she placed her mother's cookbooks and her father's apron on the kitchen shelf and wall. Flipping through the pages, she wondered what she should try to cook for dinner when a photo slipped out. The lightning illuminated the room, revealing the face of her ex-boyfriend and her laughing at the camera as they shared a sundae.

Feeling a painful twist, she ruefully smiled and bit her lip to hold back tears as she carefully picked it up.

'In the end, you were just like the others…Just another person to disappoint me. Another boyfriend unable to deal with me.' Conflicted, she threw the photo onto a pile of clutter. A part of her wanted to throw it away, to rip it to bits and forget he was ever a part of her life. Another...another wanted to treasure it forever. He had been her first serious boyfriend; her first kiss, her first love.

'Ugh, why can't I just move on?!" Pressing the palm of her hand against her eyes, she took deep refused to waste even one more tear on him.

The sudden ringing of the phone broke her out of her thoughts, and she wiped away some wetness on her face. Plastering a bright smile on her face, she cheerfully answered the phone.

"Hello? Oh, Shinozaki! How are you? Yes, yes, I moved in fine. You know me, I have more cooking supplies than clothes! Yes, I start school in a few days; thank your mom for me for the lovely plants. They liven up the room perfectly!" Settling into her kitchen chair, she felt her heart lighten as her best friend worried and fussed over the phone. What would she do without him?

If only she could find other friends half as kind as him ... She'd be content.

Please let me know of your thoughts, comments, questions or concerns!