A oneshot for my friend Takara Ravenheart, featuring characters from her story "In the Hands of Fate"...which is seriously awesome, by the way. Check it out!


Hands in his pockets and his head turned downward, Naoki Kido made his way through the streets of Odaiba, his mind miles away from the here and now.

"...and then divide by three," he muttered to himself as he worked out his homework problems in his head, well before he even reached home. A sudden collision, however, brought him back to reality.

"Hey! Watch where you're going!" exclaimed the businessman that he'd bumped into.

"Oh...sorry, sir," he said apologetically. He began to walk again, staying alert and aware of his surroundings...for a few moments. It was only a matter of time before the allure of his homework assignment had returned, taking his thoughts once again to a different place.

And it was only a matter of time before he was once again jolted back to reality.

"Nao!" the voice called out, startling him and causing him to look up. Standing mere inches in front of him was Hanako Izumi, hands on her hips and an I-told-you-so smile upon her face. She extended her hand to the boy.

"C'mon, I'll walk you home. It looks like you could use the help!"

"Thanks for the offer," Naoki replied, pushing up his glasses. "but I think I've learned my lesson now."

"I believe it when I see I see it," said Hanako, rolling her eyes. "Just to be safe, I'll keep an eye out for you."

The boy smiled; he really did appreciate Hanako looking out for him. He seemed to need her help more than he cared to admit...

"Hey, do you wanna get something to eat?" she asked him.

"Well...I'm not sure..."

"You must be hungry. You forgot your lunch again today, didn't you?"

"You know me too well, Hana," sighed Naoki.

"My treat!" she offered.

"Alright," he replied, grinning. "Let's go!"