DISCLAIMER: I do not own Ayashi no Ceres. I do own the storyline and any character not related to the original anime. Any resemblance to any real-life person is purely coincidental and unintentional. The story is purely fictional.

A/N: This is the sequel/ prequel of my story 'Frame of the Heart'. If you want to know the entire story, I suggest that you real that first before proceeding with chapter 1 of 'Quelle'. This is still an experimental thing so nothing is sure yet. If this clicks, maybe I'll continue. Oh yeah, 'Quelle" means same source and let's not expect that this fic would be as well-liked as its predecessor.

Chapter 1 Q

Toya took a final look and left. But then Aya called out. He turned and said nothing. He watched her as she ran towards him. When they were face to face, neither said nothing at first. "Why?" Aya just said. Toya then smiled and said, "Because you opened my eyes for me. Besides, if you saw what I did, you'll know everything. You're the one who told me that real art does not need words. Are you backing out now?" Aya just smiled. "What took you so long?" She just replied. Toya smiled at her and said, "It's better to be late than never. I-" "Don't say it. You have a lot of things to fix. I don't think we're both ready for it." Aya just said.

Toya just nodded. Aya just placed a hand on his cheek and said, "I'll wait for you." Toya smiled again. After sharing a sweet kiss, they parted with the hope that they will be together one day. They were just friends at that moment but maybe someday they'll take it to another level.

Aki and the others then joined her. "Why are you letting him go?" Chidori then said as they watched Toya disappear into the distance. "I'm not. We're still not ready but I've seen what is to be." Aya replied. "What does that mean?" Yuhi asked. Aki then answered for Aya, "Just look at the painting, man, and you'll find out." "Yeah. There are things that need no words." Aya just added.

"So what do you plan on doing now?" Chidori asked. Aya just smiled and turned to them. She then said, "Finish the decorations for the festival. Now that the show is over, get a move on." Everyone just seemed to give a sigh. "I was hoping to rewind the scene but this time with me in it. Alas! Aya has gone far, far away from my grasp." Yuhi commented with much drama. Aya and Chidori couldn't help but laugh. Aki found himself laughing too as he slapped Yuhi's back hard. He then said, "Dream on man. Just spare us the mellow drama." Chidori and Aya just continued laughing. Yuhi just grinned. "You can't exactly blame me, bro. Your sister is such a rare find. If only you were a girl too-" "Like I said dream on. Even if I were a girl, I wouldn't go for a guy like you." Aki replied.

"Ouch. You know if your speech were as sleek as the way you look, girls and guys are going to be at your feet." Yuhi answered. "Sorry dude. I don't date men. Try hitting on someone else." Aki answered. "Nah, I don't date men, either. What's the use of my good looks and charms if I ended up with a man prettier than me." Besides, I like pretty girls." Yuhi said. "It's amazing how you haven't been caught by the police yet." Chidori commented. "Hey! I resent that!" Yuhi said as they all started laughing. "Give it up, Yuhi. You can't win with these two ganging up against you." Aya said. Yuhi then placed an arm around Aya's shoulder and said, "Does this mean you're my ally?" Aya smiled and shrugged his arm off. She then said, "Nope. I'm your worst nightmare. Come on. Let's get back to work." They all just went back to work as they continued to chat about stuff.

Later that night, Aya just allowed herself to fall back to her bed. She had a content smile as she laid back and watched the dancing of the different colored shapes from her night lamp on her ceiling. It had been a long, tiring day in school and then the encounter with Toya. Toya. His name brought this feeling inside of her that made her all warm and fuzzy. Her gaze then drifted to the painting he gave her. It wasn't like anything she'd seen before. It held so much emotion that Aya could feel what Toya was trying to say through the painting.

As if on cue, Aya's phone began to ring. Aya took it and saw Toya's name flashing. Aya smiled and took it. "Hey Toya. What's up?" Aya said as casual as she could. "Nothing really. I just wanted to hear your voice." He answered. "Uh-huh. That's something new. I haven't heard that before." Aya said. She heard Toya smirk on the other end. "Glad to hear that you haven't changed." He commented. Aya laughed a little and replied, "Why? Were you expecting me to?" "Of course not. If you did, I would have to ask what you did to Aya." "Haha. That's funny." Aya replied sarcastically. Toya laughed.

After a moment and things calmed down, Toya said, "Hey, I've been thinking and I'm failing miserably." "Why? Thinking not your strong suit?" Aya said. "Haha. Now that's funny." Toya replied sarcastically. "But seriously." He added. "Then it must be something big if you're stumped." Aya replied. "It is. I'm planning to confront my dad but I'm having trouble thinking of how." "Wow! That is big." Aya replied as she shifted in her bed. "You're seriously thinking of confronting your dad? No wonder you can't think of anything." She added.

"I've been thinking of painting him something. It gets hazy after that." Toya said. "So you're saying that you don't know what to paint?" "Got that right. He's always been hard to reach so I'm not sure if he will get the emotions I'll show through the painting." Aya just smiled. He may have understood what she had been trying to tell him since they first met but he still had far to go.

"Now I've had to ask, what have you done to Toya?" Aya said. "Aya." Toya replied, a little warning in his voice. "Seriously. The Toya I knew was always sure of himself, a little annoying but sure. He uses art to express himself and now he has learned how to apply his heart in his work as well. If you're asking me to inspire you on what to paint, then you are not Toya. A canvas is an extension of an artist's soul, heart and mind. If you want to convey a message to your dad, just be Toya and you'll be fine. Besides, he's your dad. Give him more credit than that even if it's almost next to impossible." Aya replied.

Toya seemed to reflect on Aya's words. He couldn't help but smile. That was why he loved her. She could see past him. She saw the truth that he had taught himself not to see. She always knew the exact words to make him think and reflect. She knew how to stir emotions deep inside of him that would lead him to feel better.

"You should seriously think about being a psychologist than an art critic." Toya commented which made Aya laugh. "And I told you that it's part of being a critic to understand the artist. I just know you that's all." She said. "You are truly a hard girl to understand, Aya Mikage." "Speak for yourself, Mr. Mysterious. You're the hard one to understand." "Hey listen, I will be having an art exhibit nest month." "Yeah I know." "Ok, how'd you know? I just told you." "Ok genius, I told you. I come from a family of art critics. Getting me so far?" "Wait! Don't tell me your parents are the ones coming, are they?" "Close but no." "Then who is it then?" "My grandfather." Toya was a little dumbfounded. Aya's grandfather was the most famous art critic in the industry. All notable artists valued his criticism. Now Toya understood where Aya inherited her talent.

"Hello? Toya? Are you still there?" Came Aya's voice. "Yeah. Sorry. Talk about pressure. Your grandfather would be really coming? Right." Aya couldn't help but laugh. "Chill, Toya. Just do your best and you'll survive I promise. If you don't, I will crucify you myself." "That's a reassuring thought." Toya replied sarcastically. Aya just giggled a little and replied gently, "Just do your best, Toya. That's the only thing you can really do." "I will keep that in mind." Toya replied. "I'll call you tomorrow then? I know you're tired and well, I better face my dad sooner or later." He then added. Aya smiled and said, "Ok. Good night, Toya, and good luck." "Thanks, Aya. Good night to you too." Toya said as they both hang up.

Over the next few days, everybody became really busy. With the festival on the works and Toya's upcoming art exhibit, everyone was up and about doing all necessary preparations. Toya dropped by during the cherry blossom festival upon the invitation of Aya and Aki.

It was just a sense of relief just hanging around. Everybody was just enjoying themselves and having a good time. Aya and the gang just happened to come across Kojiro, Aya's almost first boy friend. Everyone's face just sank when they saw him. He just smiled and walked towards them. He then introduced himself to Toya, "Hey. I'm Kojiro. You're Toya, right? The famous artist?" "Yeah I guess you can say that. Nice meeting you, Kojiro." Toya said as the others were just silent. He then looked at Aya and smiled. She remained her usual self. "It's nice to see you are doing well. Are you two together?" Kojiro asked. Aya at first didn't say anything as Aki stepped forward and said, "It's none of your business. Why are you here anyway?" Kojiro just smiled and said, "Well if you must know, I transferred back here." "Just stay away from-" "Aki." Aya suddenly said as her brother looked at her. She never changed expression as she said, "Save your breath. Let him be. It's not worth it." She then looked at Kojiro an said, "Welcome back but don't expect things to be as they were. Things are very different now." Aya didn't wait for him to answer as she excused herself and left. The others just watched her go as Kojiro left as well.

"What was that about?" Toya asked. "Right now, it's better if you don't know, Toya. Trust me." Aki said. They then hurried to catch up with Aya.

(to be continued…)

Well, here goes the continuation of Frame of the Heart. I'm still not sure about continuing this because it's been since I finished Frame of the Heart and well, it's really weird in a way. Please do review. If this fic clicks, then maybe I will continue on. Thanks.

Michiko