Heartbeat

"Hey, Lily," Mike greeted his girlfriend with a rose, "ready for our date?"

"Yes," she replied softly.

He raised an eyebrow. She was normally feisty and fun, not ackward and shy. And her voice was nowhere near soft. Come to think of it, she'd been acting weird for the last two weeks.

"Lily, what's bothering you?" he asked, sitting with her on a park bench.

"Mike, you are such a sweetheart," she got tears in her eyes, "but…but I don't feel anything. I…I don't want to break your heart…but I…I…..just…."

She began to sob. She never cried, and he knew what she meant. He hadn't really been feeling a spark, either.

"I feel the same way," he embraced her, "I get it. I'm sorry."

"Me, too," she sniffed, "I still want to be your friend."

"That sounds about right," Lily agreed, "so…is this goodbye?"

"I suppose," he kissed her one more time, "always friends."

"Yeah," she hugged him, "forever."

As she walked away, he hurried back to The Shiba House. Once in his room, he locked the door and fell onto the bed. He never cried, but today was different. He wailed into his pillow, heart broken, even though it was right.

"Did Mike seem…depressed?" Mia asked Emily.

"Yeah, and in a hurry," Emily agreed, "I'll go check on him."

She was surprised to see him crying.

"Mike? Mike, what happened?" she sat beside him on the bed.

"Lily and I broke up," he sniffed, trembling, "and now my heart is broken, even though it was right."

"You poor boy," she held him securely, "it's okay. I'll help you get through it."

Mike was aware that it would take a little time to recover from that. But he had best friends and an old, knowing mentor. She put his head on her chest, and he heard a smooth, steady heartbeat.

She was such an amazing girl. He loved her like a sister, and she was going to help him through this. He knew she would because she was the best of them.

"Thanks, Em," he mumbled, drifting into sleep.

And with her there, him listened to her heartbeat, he knew that he was going to be fine.

Author Note: Aw…poor Mike! Sorry, it's a downer. But this had to happen for You seem a little Dark to happen. (Blushes.) Review and tell me if Lily and Mike should get back together. Oh, and who's Lily? Read We have to do what now? And I know you. ;) ;)