Update A/N : Decided to rewrite this to make it flow better. There's a few changes in here but the sequence of events is pretty much the same. Since I pretty much finished my writing project for summer and I had time left over, might as well do some rewrites while I was at it. I believe "Detention" will get one but it might be a little while before I get around to it.

Hello~ Thank you for the views for the last one-shot I did.

Here's the sorta sequel to "Detention". It's not really necessary to read it, but it does reference it at a few points. It also refers to some canon in ep.11 and 12 but then smashes it in the balls.

I dunno why I didn't say this earlier, but my MCL account is mirroralchemist if you're curious. I don't do much there but just play.

I still don't know how to write fluff well but I feel happy about the outcome of this. Koizumi Kohei's songs helped me in the mindset. Completely underrated singer in my opinion.

Oh warning, there's some language in the middle. But not horrible.

Anyway I don't own MCL or the characters canon to it.

In the thick forest the two walked through in the darkness. The only light accompanying them was the partial moon, with the branches of the trees preventing the full effect.

"I shouldn't have suggested this shortcut." he said, "I'm sorry."

"It's alright," she said, "We'll find our way out."

In front of them was a rock formation. She climbs on it. He looks on in worry. She could almost reach the top. She feels the gravel give under her feet. She falls.

"Oww..."

He runs over to her.

"Are you alright!?"

They look at her ankle. Swelling already started to form. She winces a little at the sight of it.

"I think. It feels twisted though..."

He offers his hand. She looks at him confused.

"Get on my back; we can't risk making that worse."

For a moment, she hesitates.

The last time they were this close, it became too personal. Too intimate. She wasn't sure if she was ready for that again.

"Come on."

'This is stupid.'

She takes it.

They walk in silence. Everywhere was silent, save for the nature. She felt every movement his feet made from his back. A soothing rhythm. They stopped, having reached a clearing. Her eyes lit up at the scene.

The lights of fireflies littered the clearing.

They stood in awe of the scene in front of them. Almost something out of a storybook. She looked down at her hands placed on his shoulders. The time seemed right. She wanted to clear the air with him. Things were too awkward otherwise.

"Does it hurt any worse?"

"No," she answered, "but look about what happened that day I-"

An adult appears before the two. A look a relief was apparent on his face. She couldn't help but frown at the timing.

"Thank God we found you guys. We can call off the search party then."

"How in the world can you two get lost on a brightly marked trail?"

It took a lot of willpower to not sigh in front of our lovely principal. I glanced over at Nathaniel and he seemed to have a straight face. Apparently we scared all the adults to death with being missing for so long. But it turned out we weren't that far from the trail.

But still, first thing in the morning, we were in the principal's office getting this scolding.

She eyed me, expecting me to say something.

But I didn't. I'm not really sure why she was eyeing me anyway. I mean sure ever since I started Sweet Amoris I've been in a bit of trouble. But this was one of the few times it wasn't my fault. On the other hand, I wasn't going to call out Nathaniel either.

"It's my fault ma'am." he admitted, "I was the one who suggested we go off the trail. No need to punish Galla-"

"I don't care whose fault it is!" she shouted, "All that planning and funding for nothing! Not to mention that Mr. Faraize nearly lost his job because of this! You two will go and apologize for the trouble you caused to him."

With a brief nod we left her office. We were pretty lucky to not make it out with detention or suspension. We messed up really bad. Getting everyone worried about us. I know for a fact my parents were contacted. It's one thing to get notified about a fight. But it's a different matter to get a call saying your child was lost in a forest for a few hours.

I really hoped it wouldn't be more of a reason for me to get transferred.

"Mir, I'm really sorry."

I glanced over at Nathaniel again. He seemed really down. I guess it's not like him to get in trouble like this now. I shook my head as I put my hand on his shoulder.

"No, it's fine. I agreed to the shortcut too so I'm just at fault as you are."

"But I got you hurt. Friends don't do that."

I looked over at my ankle. It was wrapped up to relieve the swelling. But nothing that needed serious medical attention. I gave a supportive squeeze on his shoulder. He seemed to wince at it though.

"It's okay. Really I am. You warned me about not climbing so fast and I did that. I'm not mad. Anyway, I'm going to do my punishment so I'll see you later."

He didn't say anything as I went to the courtyard. Something seemed off about Nathaniel. He would usually smile a little. But I suppose I shouldn't be nosy. It nearly got me in trouble with him the last time. He had to go work on his punishment separately while I met with Mr. Faraize to apologize to him. I really didn't mean for him to get in trouble as well. He's a cool teacher, if not a little odd.

I would hate for him to lose his job because of a rivalry.

My punishment really just involved cleaning the teacher's lounge.

Though a part of me wondered why I found a pair of pants.

That was my punishment so I was free for the rest of the day. As I found out through the course of the day, Nathaniel and I getting lost were the talk of the school. Even more so than Amber's team winning the race. Despite all the backlash, I couldn't help but feel a little smug about stealing the spotlight from her. I had bumped into Nathaniel a few times during that to get his reaction about this development.

That and to talk about what happened in the nurse's office that day.

But something was odd with him. First off he wasn't wearing his usual dress shirt and tie ensemble, he was wearing the sweat jacket that we all were given for the race. Then when I would talk to him, he seemed distant. I had hoped he wasn't mad about anything. It's so rare to see him in such a state.

It was after school when I was approached by some girls. They had a crazy idea of wanting to see Lysander's tattoo. I remember Rosa mentioning that he has one on his back. Anyway, since Lysander and I are on good terms I would be the best choice to try and see it.

I honestly don't know why they thought that.

But I suppose my weakness is that I like to help people.

There was a basketball game going on later for all the males so it would be the perfect time to attempt to get a glimpse. And that's how I was making my way to the boy's locker room. It seemed like something out of a show. The transfer student getting into trouble, and then peeping in a locker room. Some footsteps were quickly coming in so I managed to put myself into one of the empty lockers. It was a tight fit but I got in before the person could see me. I noticed that the guy had taken the locker across from where I was hiding. I could hear the zipper being pulled and the shuffle of clothing. I couldn't tell exactly who it was with the slotted vents blocking their face.

But I did notice a light blue tank top before that was discarded.

My face was heating up at seeing bare skin. It took a lot of self-control to not give myself away with my breathing. Whoever it was is pretty in shape. Since I could see some muscle definition on their torso.

But then I gasped.

The moment they turned their back to me, their back was littered with darkened splotches. Being in a few fights myself, I knew bruises when I saw them. Some looked fresher than others. I didn't know what I was thinking, but I kicked down the locker door to see if this person was okay.

And the thoughts were dead on my brain.

"Mir...?" he said.

It was Nathaniel.

There was a long period of silence between us. The fullness of the situation was sinking in. I slowly raised my hands to my mouth, in shock. How could Nathaniel get such marks?

Who would give him such bruises?

Slowly his face changed into anger.

"What are you doing in here!" he shouted.

I was taken by surprise by his yelling. He rarely got his voice in that tone. The only other times I can recall were with Castiel. I wanted to say something, but nothing was coming out. I stepped back from him. I noticed he quickly put back on his tank top and jacket. I think my silence was making the situation worse. His golden eyes eventually turned to a glare before he stormed out of the room. A few moments later I realized I had to get going too.

I already had Nathaniel mad at me.

No need to include the staff as well.

As I left, I noticed the seriousness of the situation. I messed up pretty badly. I had to talk to Nathaniel before I go home today. I needed to clear things up with him.

I didn't want Nathaniel to stay angry at me.

I hated that feeling.

I was out in the courtyard, trying to figure where Nathaniel could have headed. I had considered going to the garden. But then I remembered his allergy to pollen. So he wouldn't be there. I walked back inside the school building. I made a beeline to the student council room. Most of the time I see him is in there anyway, so I had hoped he wouldn't let me down this time.

But I was let down.

"Oh, Mir can I help you?" asked Melody.

Melody is one of the newer members of the student council. She's alright I suppose. She had invited me to a sleep over for her birthday so I guess we're cool.

Though...she told me offhand that she developed quite the crush on our president.

"Mel, great timing. Has Nathaniel been here within the last few minutes? It's really important that I talk to him."

Melody seemed to look at me quizzically before answering.

I may have said that I was starting to develop a crush on Nathaniel as well during that very sleepover.

"He hasn't been here recently." She answered, "But I'm worried. He hasn't been himself today."

Oh she has no idea.

I quickly thanked her before heading back out to the hallway. Man, I didn't realize how hard it would be to find someone when you really needed them. Everything was pointing to give up. But I couldn't, not without getting this cleared. I walked into the next stretch of hallway. But I stopped. Standing right at the lockers was Amber.

"Oh, it's you." She said flatly.

I gritted my teeth seeing her. I really didn't feel like dealing with her personality today. She glared at me. I don't think she forgot the fight we had and I punched her in the jaw. I didn't forget the scratches she put on me.

I wonder if she figured out that I gave her the wrong answers to the exams.

"Amber." I responded back.

There was tense moment between the two of us. After about a minute I sighed. Regardless of my feelings about her, she still was Nathaniel's sister. Maybe she could help me find him. I could already feel the regret rolling in.

"Amber, have you seen Nathaniel? I really need to talk to him."

"Maybe?" she answered in that mocking tone, "Why would someone like you be looking for him?"

Despite her saying she really doesn't care about Nathaniel, she gets fiercely negative about my growing interest in him.

I shifted from side to side. I really didn't want to say why I was looking for him. I really didn't want to share with anyone what I had seen. But this was his sister. She most likely already knew about the bruises. I heaved another sigh.

"I saw some bruises on him." I explained, "I wanted to apologize for seeing that. I don't want him angry at me."

For a slight moment, Amber reacted. It wasn't much, just a slight widening of the eyes. She folded her arms over her chest while looking at me.

"And you aren't the least bit curious as to how he got them?"

Now I would be lying if I said I wasn't. In truth it was something I wanted to ask him. Someone with the personality like Nathaniel doesn't get bruises like that for no reason. A part of me wondered why he didn't tell me about this.

We were supposed to be friends right?

Amber could see me struggling with answering that question. She didn't say anything at first, just smirked at me. I didn't like her smirking at all.

"I could tell you." She said, "But it'll cost you."

"Humor me." I responded dryly.

"There's this new cell phone model out. If I could have that then…"

I stared at her in shock. I knew exactly the model she was talking about. It's three-hundred dollars. It wasn't like I didn't have the money. With my parents being successful business people, I get a substantial amount of money for allowance since I'm not with them. That and I had some money saved up from my last purchases.

But more than that, she was using Nathaniel's situation for her gain.

That pissed me off.

"No Amber, I'm not doing this to him." I said.

"Now wait just one mom-"

I started to walk away from her. Until she grabbed my wrist. I turned to look at her. I mustered up the best glare I could. I wasn't going to play this game with her. Her hold didn't lessen.

"I'm warning you Amber, let go. I'll find him on my own."

"What are you intentions anyway Ami?"

I glared at her using my name so casually.

I took a deep breath. I'm pretty sure fighting wasn't going to win me any favors. I snatched my hand away from her. When she tried to grab my wrist again, I slapped it away. I quickly dug into my pocket and threw the money in her face.

"You want it!" I screamed, "Fine! Take it! I'm not going to play this game with you Amber. I'm not going to do Nathaniel like that. He needs me and I won't let a selfish little whore like you block me!"

She stared at me as if I had slapped her.

It was sounding like a good alternative.

"How dare yo-"

"How dare you!" I interrupted, "You're using this situation for you own gain. I knew you were low, but not this low to your own brother. Now unless you want me to fucking punch you again, you won't stop me from finding him."

She didn't say anything as I ran down the hallway. My feet slowed to a stop as I saw the blond. He was standing at the steps. I took a moment to regain my composure. I needed to approach this calmly.

"Nathaniel?" I spoke softly.

His eyes locked into mines. I could see that he was still angry at what happened. But there was something else. It wasn't telling me to go away so I walked closer. I felt my thoughts leaving me again.

No!

I wasn't going to let that happen this time.

"I'm sorry." I finally said.

He was silent. I moved from side to side. Just waiting for his eventual scolding. But it never came. When I glanced at his face, he was still angry.

"I didn't intentionally do it." I explained, "I had wanted to Lys' tattoo."

"So you decided that sneaking in the boys' locker room was the best solution? Am I right Ami?" he sarcastically asked.

I winced at his use of my name. Hearing him repeat what I did made it sound so stupid. But I nodded all the same.

"Yeah, it was stupid on my part. I know that now. I should have said no. I really wasn't expecting to see you though."

We stared at each other for a while. It was hard to gauge his feelings. He kept himself guarded, nearly unreadable.

Then he simply turned around and started back up the stairs.

Was he ignoring me?

Before I realized what I was doing, I ran up the stairs and grabbed his arm mid-step. Slowly he turned to me. He looked shocked for a moment before slipping back into that guarded expression.

"That's it? No yelling, no forgiving me, nothing?"

"And let me guess, you want to know how they appeared? Going to look at my records again Ami?"

Ouch.

Deserved but ouch.

I looked away from him in hesitation. I was uncomfortable with how things were turning out. I hated that I had made myself out to be like that in his eyes. I felt my hands shake. The trembling seemed to go as deep as my very person.

I didn't know if I was shaking out of anger or sadness.

"Are you stupid too?" I asked, "I learned my lesson from then. If you don't want to talk about it now then I can accept that. Despite my better judgment. Just…don't ignore me."

My face became red at the admission. It was a part of myself I didn't want to reveal to anyone. This vulnerable side of myself. I learned to cope with the constant moving and things like that. But there will always be that little part of me that feels like this. I hadn't felt like this in a long while.

Nathaniel made me feel like this.

I wasn't sure when it happened, but I felt something more than friendship.

His hand was on top of mines soon afterwards. I looked up at him. He still had that slightly guarded look but he seemed more relaxed. Slowly he eased into a smile.

"Ami, I can't stay angry at you. Let's just not talk about it okay?"

I nodded my head. I was relieved that he forgave me. I lessened the hold on his jacket. But I noticed that he never let go of my hand. The nervous feeling was starting to come back. It seemed even more intense than at the nurse's office.

Honestly, I was terrified of the feeling.

So much so I tried to run.

"Mir wait!"

I was almost down the steps again before he grabbed my hand. I only spared a glance before I was in his chest. I froze at the sudden contact. I wasn't used to such things that wasn't from family or friends. I felt one of his hands pet my head.

If I wasn't so shocked over what happened, I would have made a cat joke.

It felt like a long time, but eventually we separated. His face looked just as red as mines. I looked away, not too sure if I could look at him in the eyes.

"You're okay now?" he asked.

I nodded.

"Sorry." I murmured, "I'm not usually like this."

I took a seat at one of the steps. I let out a breath to calm my racing heart. I stared at my hands. Nathaniel put a supportive hand on my back. I shuddered a little, but it wasn't as bad as just a few moments ago.

"You don't have to force yourself to explain." He assured me.

I closed my eyes while nodding. I hadn't expect the day to turn out like it did. After a minute, I regained my composure and stood up. The sun was setting showing how late it had become. Aunt Rieka would be worried about me if I didn't start for home right now. I turned to Nathaniel and bowed slightly to him.

"Thanks for that. And I'm really sorry about today. I should get home now though."

"Wait, I'll walk you home. I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving you to yourself after all this."

I blushed at his suggestion. I could have just taken the bus. I didn't feel right declining his offer. It's the least I can do after what I did.

"Well okay if you insist."

We were going to meet in the entrance to the school after going to our lockers. I had a sense of déjà vu as I got my bag out of my locker. Oh, that's right. It's happened before with the 'ghost' situation. I smiled a little at the memory; it was really the first time I got to know Nathaniel outside the school. As I made my way to the entrance, I realized how quiet the school was at this hour. I gave another smile seeing Nathaniel standing by the gate.

"Ready to go?" he asked.

I nodded as we began to walk side by side. The city was pretty quiet as well. Mostly people coming from work or getting their last errands in for the day. We talked mostly about school things. I guess with what happened earlier wouldn't let us get that causal around each other. I was reminded of when we first became friends. It was comfortable. It's always nice to hear him speak about his student council duties. He seems to enjoy it despite how stressful it can be.

I wasn't sure when it happened, but his fingers intertwined with mines.

We froze for a moment, noticing the development. It was odd to see a thing on me though. I closed my eyes while shaking my head. It wasn't as unpleasant as the last time. I responded by giving a firmer hold. He seemed shocked at my response before easing into a smile.

It's a start.

All too soon we arrived at my doorstep. The beginning signs of nightfall were showing in the sky. Not once did we break out hand contact. The more our hands stayed interlocked, the less awkward it felt. Maybe all I needed was to get used to it.

Now I wished he didn't have to leave.

"Thank you." I spoke meekly.

"You're welcome Mir, I enjoyed it."

Reluctantly, we let go. I was already missing the warmth his fingers brought. I tucked a lock of hair behind my ear. I wasn't quite sure how to end the night. So much had happened over the past couple of days. It was a bit overwhelming to think about. I looked up at him. I suppose I could decide to talk to him now that I have his attention.

"Nathaniel," I started, "about that time in the nurse's office…"

I noticed his face became a touch pink at the mention.

"I'm sorry Mir, I wasn't sure what had ha-"

I placed my finger on his lips to shush him. I shook my head while smiling. I did like him being so flustered. It was really cute.

"No, you don't need to apologize. I kinda liked it. That and today made me realize something. I like spending time with you. And…I was wondering if we could hang out more. Preferably after school hours?"

I noticed his eyes widened at the question. Which wasn't helping my blushing at all. I turned around to my door as I grabbed my keys. I shook my head.

"Never mind, that sounded really dumb."

I almost put my key in the hole but Nathaniel's hand stopped me. When I turned around, he closed the distance between us. I hadn't realized just how much taller he was than me. I felt a light kiss on my forehead before he patted the top of my head.

"It wasn't. And I would love to."

I couldn't stop the grin from showing on my face. I hadn't felt happy like that in a long while. Pretty up there with my parents come to visit. Before I knew it I had flung my arms around him and hugged him deeply. I heard a slight hiss in pain before I stepped back. In the moment I had forgotten that the bruise are still tender.

"S-sorry." I stammered.

He replied by smiling.

"It's okay. I should get going though."

"Take care." I said while nodded.

He seem to stop for a moment. Then nodded to himself. I was confused when he placed his hands on my shoulder. Even more so when he leaned in and kissed me.

Wait.

Oh my god, Nathaniel was kissing me.

Now it wasn't passionate like in novels. Quite tame really. But I didn't care. The point was that he did it. And it was my first kiss but yeah. When we separated, he looked as red as I did. The shock of it was wearing off fast. I found that I wasn't panicking over it.

Actually, I quite liked it.

I wouldn't mind a second actually.

I leaned in to return with a kiss of my own. I would assume I was doing it right. It's really hard to tell when both of us are inexperienced.

"Ami~! Darling~!"

The sound of Aunt Rieka made us separate from each other. When I turned to her, my face fell in embarrassment.

She was wearing her fairy costume.

I nearly backed into the patio rail from it all. I'm used to her eccentric dress and behavior. But this was the first time anyone else had seen it.

I had intended to keep it that way.

"It's getting dark out here sweetheart. You've been with your boyfriend for far too long."

I watched as she laughed her way back into the house. If I had something to drink, I would have sputtered it out at the mention of having a boyfriend. I looked over at Nathaniel. Only to find him doubled over laughing.

Pretty hard too.

"I can see you two are related." He remarked.

I gave him a tired look. But I smiled. I couldn't stay mad at my aunt. Even if she did kill the moment between us.

"Thank you Mir."

"Ami." I corrected.

When he looked at me I only answered, "If you're my 'boyfriend' then you shouldn't address me with a nickname everyone else calls me."

I giggled at making him embarrassed for a change. I watched as he began to walk back to his place.

"Ami, thank you. I did need you after all. Good night."

My eyes widened as he left.

He had heard what I shouted at Amber in hall. My face became red knowing that. As I walked back inside, I noticed Aunt Rieka looking at me. I smiled a little at her.

"Don't tell Dad."

She smiled coyly at me.

"Of course not Ami." She said, "But I'm sure my sister would love to hear this development in your life."

"Aunt Rieka~!" I whined.

Welp the ending was slightly less cheese than the first one. So PROGRESS! But it feels closer than I had originally wanted so yeah.

Anyway, people who are reading this for the first time and those who are re-reading, review please~! I like them a lot ya know?