A/N: We're back with the second chapter. Shannon and I were tossing back and forth how we wanted this to go, and when we finally came up with the storyline we wanted, we wrote the first chapter knowing that one would come easily...these next ones? Yeah, not so much. Again, we kept with the ideal not to mince words and keep the story going at a sort of speedy pace. Still, there are going to be other character pairings in the following chapters, since we wanted to give the side characters a bit more development, and help explain Natsuki and Shizuru a little bit more.

With that we're introducing a third POV in this chapter, and in a few chapters from now, a final fourth POV. Natsuki and Shizuru will still be the main roles in this fan fiction, so rest assured on that. Anyway, I hope you are all enjoying the fiction thus far, and I hope you continue to do so. We wanted to thank you all for the support we received in the first chapter, and hope you will continue to follow us as we continue onward.

Frame of the Future, Part 2

Morning, noon, and night, days seemed to settle into a routine during the week...however, the weekend was blissfully unplanned, and never without some form of laziness. Natsuki was still dead to the world when Shizuru rolled out of bed and went downstairs, where she was thankful not to find any sleeping bodies. That was a rare occasion, but it was becoming more and more frequent as Takumi's health steadily improved, and Nao found herself cramming for tests she didn't normally study for. Shizuru frowned a bit, her nest empty for the weekend, seeing as Reito had taken Alyssa. Shizuru's time was left free, and with little else to do, she settled in for the morning news, checking the weather channel.

Shizuru frowned she she noticed Alyssa left her school bag at home, though it did mean she would have to be home by Sunday night.

She sighed at that. Alyssa had been something akin to a hot potato her entire life. Passed back and forth, whenever Alyssa, or Reito himself deemed it necessary. Alyssa hand a continual choice of where to stay, when she wanted to stay, and just how long she stayed. While Shizuru sometimes found that part of it hard, she had to admit, Alyssa could lead a very fulfilling life because of it. Still though, Shizuru had always wanted more than one child, and days like today, when the house became quiet, she wished she could hear the giggles of a small little child scampering through the home once more...or at least failing that, an infant that at least called to her attention. She missed the fleeting times, and being a mother who had to share such a time with Reito, she felt as if Alyssa was growing up faster than she would have liked.

Time seemed to slip from her fingers, and that irked her a tiny bit.

With little cleaning to do, and no one to scold for causing inadvertent ruckus, she was able to do for herself, and while it was a rarity, she took to the idea with less than expected enthusiasm. At the kitchen table, she began putting together a puzzle, all while waiting for Natsuki to awaken, something that wouldn't happen until early afternoon. Her mind wandered from the blue sky she was filling in, and drifted to the woman sleeping upstairs, knowing that tonight, they would actually have time for themselves. That too, was fleeting with their busy lives, and while Natsuki was content with cuddling and perhaps a bit of fooling around here and there, they could both agree that ever since the onset of Natsuki's new school routine, there was a lack of spice in the bedroom.

Not that there had been an overt amount of it before, but tonight would be an early retreat into a much sought after embrace...

Shizuru was sure of that, having noticed that Natsuki had put strawberries in the bottom drawer of the fridge, a sweet white Merlot in the door to chill, and platter of cold cuts and mild cheeses on the second shelf in the only place it would fit. There were also shrimp along side of cocktail sauce, and Shizuru was sure they'd be eating dinner by the roaring fireplace before soaking in a long bath...likely getting tangled in the sheets before the night was out...and, though it was entirely predictable, there was some excitement in that too.

The old adage that foreplay begins at breakfast came to mind, something her mother often chanted, and with that she set to work making a meal that they could easily share in bed, the idea ticking her fancy, that perhaps there was some merit to having Alyssa out of the house for the weekend. She no sooner turned on the stove that she heard a pounding knock at the door. With a frown, she clicked off the burner, thinking it was Mai, but much to her disbelief, she found she had been completely mistaken.

"Yukino?" Shizuru muttered, looking at the woman who appeared as if she hadn't had sleep in days, even through the window, she could see the devastation hidden behind thin rimmed glasses. "My word, are you alright?" She'd all but flung open the door leading the woman inside before she had even had a chance to speak. Yukino was such the type that she didn't often leave Haruka's side, but when she did, trouble wasn't far behind. Yukino was a shy, mousy woman, who Shizuru had known for several years, going all the way back into high school, and while Haruka matured as time went on in leaps and bounds, Yukino was the same as she had ever been.

She aged slowly, already having been the natural egghead of the group, a normally mild mannered and sweet girl at heart. It took Haruka a few years to mellow out, but Yukino was, and would forever be a wallflower. It was odd, but not unheard of, when they fought. Lover spats were a common thing, but this hadn't been one of those. "I'm fine, Shizuru. I'm just tired." It was gifted understatement, as always, but Shizuru had expected that much. "Haruka, I believe is having a midlife crisis."

Shizuru gaped at that, something she wasn't known for doing. "At thirty?" Haruka was the eldest of their group, Reito and Shizuru following closely behind. "Why on earth would she be having a problem about that?" Shizuru went about making a new fresh batch of tea as she pondered that very question. "She used to be the most lax out of all of us...at least, in part."

"Aging does that to a person, she's getting older, and she's noticed." Yukino shrugged, she'd been expecting it, but not this soon. "It used to be that Haruka didn't have anything at all to worry about, but she's obsessive to a fault, and we both know that no amount of medication will curb that. Little things have started to come to her attention, things you and I have noticed already."

"That's Haruka for you, she never was one for the finer details." Shizuru nodded at that. "I'll admit, she has been acting strangely." Shizuru recalled a phone call not a few days ago, that in and of itself seemed odd, though she shrugged it of quickly. "It could just be a phase. Haruka has a tendency to love going through phases."

"She does, but I doubt she'll get out of this one." Yukino accepted the offered tea, taking a long, slow sip of the heated liquid. It was a comfort that she dearly needed and then, she found herself at a loss. "This is not unlike Haruka, but, lets just say I've noticed her reverting a bit."

"Haruka declares nonsense half the time." Shizuru finally said pointedly. "This is likely one of those times. Just like in high school, when she couldn't see logic, even if it was sitting in front of her. Do you know Reito and I would often hold bets on if she would get up the courage to acknowledge you or not?"

"Oh, how right you are." Yukino knew that had indeed been the case. Haruka was infuriating about that type of thing. "Though, I doubt that she wants logic right about now." Yukino swirled the cup of tea and sighed. "We had an argument a few weeks ago, and things just haven't been the same." Then it was as if something came to mind, and a frown plastered across her face. "Please, don't take offense to this, but, why did you choose Natsuki?"

"I couldn't tell you offhand." Shizuru elaborated upon the only honest answer she had. "It wasn't as if I planned on it, everything occurred quite by accident, but it did happen, and that is the finality. I thought myself insane at first, but Natsuki captured me. It was odd, I just couldn't get my mind off of her. I know it looked questionable, and it will always be that way for some, but, I do love Natsuki, and she loves me. She's a consenting young woman, and what we do in our home every night, away from the outside world signifies that. We don't just share a romance, we share a life, and all that it entails." Though, in truth, they had shared their life before their bed. They had been careful, even reckless though they were, for their own good, as well as for the others around them.

"I think I've fallen out of love with Haruka, and I believe she feels the same about me." Yukino sighed then, it hurt to admit the truth. "Somewhere along the line, we went from best friends, to lovers, to being best friends again, and I just don't know how or when it happened."

"Still you can both agree that it did." Shizuru said softly. "There's nothing wrong in admitting that." She herself had to go through something similar with Reito, she knew how difficult it was. "It isn't as if the two of you went on the rebound, you can rebuild the relationship if you want. I think that's only something you can answer together, though, truth be told, I doubt you'd be here with me right now, not if you thought for a moment it could even be possible."

"It isn't possible, and I know that." Yukino could say that with absolute clarity. "I just find all of this to be so hard. How do you pick up a friendship after being lovers? How could one simply go back to that?"

"In time." Shizuru shrugged then. That was really the only answer. "There will always be that lingering sense of failure, that things didn't work out, but as time goes on, that feeling will eventually wane out. Sooner or later, you can just go back to being whatever you need to be." It was her deep trust in her friendship that allowed her to say something at the tip of her tongue, but she knew, even as she said it, Reito would have likely said something similar. "I didn't want to be with anyone seriously for a long while, but Reito put himself back out there almost instantly. He needed a relationship, and I was a bit torn up over that, but, then I realized, that's just Reito's way. He's a compassionate man, who needs to be needed...I'm happy he found Tate, but there was a long stretch of time I was jealous about it."

"How did you get over that?" Yukino said then. "Especially since everyone though the two of you were the perfect couple."

"That's exactly how." Shizuru said then, a little smile on her face. "It wasn't perfect, it wasn't what we wanted, and, when I realized that, it was easier to let go. In my mind, I just kept telling myself that I wanted to find love. I promised myself I'd look in the right places." In fact, though she would never say it out loud, after meeting Natsuki, she couldn't imagine of being jealous ever again. "I never though I would end up seeing that love in Natsuki, but I did, and if you continue to support Haruka, she'll continue to support you. It would be pointless to cast aside your friendship now, wouldn't you agree?"

"I suppose you could be right." Yukino nodded then, still sounding unsure of herself. "I honestly hope that you are."


(Natsuki POV)

Shizuru has odd friends, and when I woke up this afternoon, Yukino was sitting at the kitchen table. I've seen her in passing a few times here and there, but she looked terrible today. It was like she had gotten hungover without the party. Yukino's always so well dressed, and it kinda drives me nuts. She's uptight all the time, and it just seems like she's always carrying a weight on her shoulders. She was just on her way out when I'd come down into the kitchen, but something in the way the scent of tea lingered in the room, told me they'd been talking for several hours. The odor wasn't only fresh, it was strong, as if Shizuru had steeped multiple pots. Now, I know Shizuru likes her tea...but not even she can drink that much by herself.

When I inquired about it, she gave me the cliff-notes; Yukino and Haruka were having relationship woes.

I left it at that when she drew closer to me, her soft lips pressing to my own, asking me to surrender to her. It tells me everything I need to know. The kiss one of dire want, and lingering need...life has gotten so hectic that today, we need this...

I was a bit, well, annoyed by the idea at first. Shizuru has a tendency to read those self help magazines all the time, and she'll tell me about an idea she likes here and there...and I've got to admit, at first I wasn't exactly fond of the planning for sex thing. It just, it seemed like it was going to be stupid. She tore down my defenses about it though, and I eventually warmed up to the idea.

It's not like we plan for it all the time, but when life gets to be way over the top, like it has been recently, sometimes a quickie just isn't an option.

Sometimes we both need the escape, and the affirmation that the attraction is still there. Part of why it's so important is because I'm in classes that have an odd schedule, so there are nights we miss out on cuddling and talking, two things we do either late at night or early in the morning. The other part is, Shizuru's libido is a lot higher than mine, and even if she is okay with handling that aspect on her own, I don't want her to.

I want to be the one who satisfies her needs when I can, and I want to be there for her in every way I can. That isn't as easy as it sounds, believe it or not, Shizuru is a very demanding woman in that regard, even if she won't admit it.

There are times when Shizuru is overwhelming, times like now. I can't help but melt into her embrace and give myself fully to her advances, and not because I don't want to take charge, but rather, that she won't let me, her need to be in control something that's still startling, and rare. If I've let her desire alone for a long stretch of time, and leave her pondering, she becomes insecure, and within that, she gets some odd type of dominate streak. It normally eases into something more gentle and passive after a frolic or two, but the fact that side of her surfaces at all, is normally a sign that I've been neglecting my duties...and I'll end up being sore the next day.

I've often pondered if Shizuru is really just that insatiable, or if I'm just completely inexperienced in how to please a woman...likely, some measure of both, I'll assume.

Still, today is a day for sweet nothings that I'll whisper in her ear, as we share in the loving company of each other. Honestly, it couldn't have come soon enough, because I need this just as much as she does.

The scent of passion lingered in the air as the fireplace glowed with the last few burning embers. There were no more logs left to burn, and the rich smell of spicy flame mingled tantalizingly well with that of a woman's arousal. The taste of wine only all the more alluring after parched lips released a shuttering sigh. Two women lay tangled together upon the floor, Natsuki's legs still wrapped tightly around the hips of the woman above her, trying desperately to pull air into her lungs.

Sweat clung to the both of them, as a small hum was finally turned off by Shizuru's quaking hand. Natsuki's jolt in mild sensitivity a testimony to just how powerful their shared orgasm had been. It had been slowly building all day. From the steamy movies that made Natsuki's cheeks color red, to the warm bath and massage oils that had calmed Shizuru into submission, the day had been long, and slow...building and shattering the walls of desire expertly, and maddeningly, each downward spiral stronger than the last. At first it was routine and practiced, something both of them favored. As the night went onward, new exploration gave way to the freedom Shizuru was naturally adept at, and Natsuki's curiosity begged for her to try.

Truly that of a puppy, if shown the right tasty tidbit.

If one were to gaze at the VCR, the green lighting would likely say that it was well past nightfall, though the two women were oblivious to the fact, as they breathlessly calmed themselves. The toy between them slid out, glistening by the firelight. It was still a relatively new purchase, and Shizuru had yet to try it on Natsuki until tonight. The older woman wasn't entirely fond of it, the feeling though intensely wonderful, reminded her so much of Reito, and she herself was of the oral persuasion. Shizuru licked her lips at that, partaking another strawberry from the dish only a short distance away. There was something about the flavor of Natsuki and strawberries that she just loved, though, she couldn't quite place her finger on it.

With a soft breaths of air falling over her neck, and the freshly created marks on her back, Shizuru knew that would be the closest Natsuki would ever get to understanding what it would be like with a man. Her womanhood both tender and knowingly sore, something Shizuru recalled well. For the occasional romp, it had been thoroughly enjoyed. She also had to admit, that Natsuki was unbearably sexy once she fell into rhythm, and that help a lot, a girlish side peaking out from the brash exterior during times like this.

Once again, they became lost in lazy kisses, and soft caresses as they shared in the warmth that circled around them. Their embrace one of recovery and slow sensuous admissions of the soul. Hardly there confessions and unspoken admissions made them both breath in sighs of newly lit need, tired though they were. "I don't suppose you'd be interested in another round, now would you?" Shizuru's soft murmur was enough to make anyone's blood boil, the low drawl heated and impassioned by the mere idea of getting lost in the erotic feelings once again. "With as slick as you are, it would feel even better this time around." Her fingers paid truth to this as they trailed down, one of them toying with a perky little bundle of sensitivity.

Natsuki shuttered at that, the feeling of Shizuru's thigh against her already slick womanhood made her flinch in agonizing arousal..the lingering feeling of their earlier endeavors leaving a mark of truth upon the terrycloth bathrobe. At first it had been painful, due to how tight she was, unused to the size of anything larger than a few fingers, but soon, the new intrusion had become blissfully pleasurable. "It felt good, but..." Natsuki sighed as she buried her face into the crook of Shizuru's neck, the memory of what had just gone on something both completely alarming, and entirely intoxicating. "I can't feel you like that, and I like feeling you better."

Natsuki's cheeks flared at the admission, and that made Shizuru chuckle softly as she dipped her finger lower to tease Natsuki's folds. "Is that so?" Shizuru said then as she pulled away just the slightest bit to look Natsuki in the eyes. "Why is that, if you don't mind my asking?"

Natsuki hissed and took hold of Shizuru's hand that tormented her, kissing the back of it as she entwined their fingers. "A lot of what you like is still really new to me." Her voice remained quiet and her tone hesitant. "A lot of it makes me unsure, but if it's just you, and your touch, then, it's okay...I like the other stuff too, don't get me wrong...but I like it best when its just you and me, nothing between us."

"I like that best too." Shizuru's purr was melodic, lust at the hints of her whisper, but love consuming her eyes. Melting into another kiss seemed an answer gifted in the shadows of arousal. They could forget the world around them, as if their passion was a drug, and they intended on doing so. Their bodies bare, soft and gentle, as Natsuki's slightly calloused fingers drew maps along heated gooseflesh, and into silky strands of fawn that cascaded down a bare back. A few stray tendrils dipped into the pool of midnight, and Natsuki sighed into the kiss as Shizuru's fingers reclaimed their territory on the girl below once more.


(Shizuru POV)

I could get lost like that forever, and I wouldn't mind. Natsuki's eyes say more than she could ever really know. It was the first thing I took notice of when I laid eyes on her. The day we met something that shines deeply in the fondness of my memories. The tears that lined her face from pain refused to fall, even then, she was a defiant girl. She fought with all of her might to protect those important to her, but also, to reach out to strangers. She is different in every way, and I've never encountered anyone quite like her, and I doubt I ever will again. She may be young, but I see forever there, where her eyes shimmer with all of the truth in the world, denying every lie, refusing any pain. She is stunning, such a girl as her.

Truly a young woman.

I wonder, what does she see in my eyes, during times such as this? Passion and love, surely...but what else? Her eyes tell a story, but, what do mine tell? Sometimes, I'm not even sure they say anything. Without meaning to do it, I've become a person nearly unreadable. Even in my fury, or my sadness, I've learned to be quiet about it. There are times, I'm sure, that she can see beyond the mask. The way she puts her arms around me something protective, but also, remorseful. She has this way about her, as if trying to take away all of the pain in the world. Perhaps, she would carry all of the burdens herself, if she could. No one would even have to ask, because if such a power were possible, she'd take it away before you even knew what pain was.

The concept lost within the wind for everyone around her.

That's just the way Natsuki is. A bit brazen, always a little angry, and never without a retort hidden in her back pocket. That sits along side of her blush, something she keeps mostly for me. Not one made of embarrassment, but of admission. The one she gets when we're talking quietly, tangled within each other. When she knows I won't tease her, that blush is likely the best kind...because it comes from only the pit of her feelings. It isn't provoked, it isn't questioned...and even if she hides her face, I can still feel the warmth on my skin, so she always tells me somehow, even if she won't let me see it.

There are times, after she falls asleep that I'm left awake. I listen to the ticking of the clock, and the house settling. The lonely noises of silence that Natsuki used to hear every day. It isn't so lonely anymore. Even her breath, calm and shallow, gives a shouting voice that was never here before. I'm sure mine does the same. Calling, screaming comfort from the recesses of unseen ghosts, the past a lingering haunt for Natsuki. One she takes in stride with a cool, gentle smile, even when she sometimes wants to cry.

I don't expect anything less, from someone like her.

A monotone, like the whispers of insanity, a drone like the low keys on a piano. The gray an area unknown, and misunderstood. Feared and misguided, just like the love I feel for her. How it even ended up like this, I'll never understand, and Yukino, though she asked the right question, failed to see that there is no right answer. I think about how things might have been, if I didn't let myself feel Natsuki's warmth.

When I think about that I realize, I would have been alright without her. She would have been just fine without me. We could have gone our entire lives without that chance meeting. Our little white lies surrounded us, our friends and family were our shield...but the truth is, now we know better.

We don't want to just be alright...as if there would be little hope for more happiness.

No...we want to run screaming barefoot into the fields, to throw snow on a cold winter day, leaves in the fall...and water in the summer. The colors of the world, the life in the earth something we wish to take upon, like a breeze. There are many unhappy things in this world that mingle into something not fully remembered, and yet, not fully forgotten. In Natsuki's eyes, you can see the shape of it, all the more reason to look into her.

Her eyes not darkened hues of pain, but not orbs of light either. They hang in the balance, like a fragile human would.

Yet isn't that what we are? Fragile souls...who just happened to get lucky enough to find each other? She doesn't complete me, or make me whole. I doubt I do anything of the sort for her either. Even in emptiness, we would still be strong. Still, there's need in her eyes, every time she looks at me. It isn't just lust either. She needs me, because she wants to need me. I need her for the same reasons...our love isn't filled with total happiness or sadness...we just linger, like fragile souls tend to do, once they've found shelter.

Life will rain, and the sun will shine...and in the end it doesn't matter, but I think that's why she loves me, as I do her.

"Honestly, I think it would be best to just leave her well enough alone." Shizuru sighed at the kitchen table, shaking her head at Reito's antics. "She's not like you, she doesn't bounce back nearly as easily."

"She may never bounce back at this rate." Reito grumbled then softly, an annoyed tone at the hints of his voice. "They've been done for years, and in denial about it. Now, Haruka's off gallivanting around with some other woman, and you sit around and proceed to tell me that you want me to leave matters well enough alone?" He crossed his arms. "This is Yukino we're talking about. She's been madly in love with Haruka ever since I can remember."

"Reito...it's alright." Shizuru said then, putting her hand on his, mostly to keep him from making himself even angrier. His usually calm exterior was lost at the moment. "Yukino will find her way, she's perfectly capable of figuring things out for herself."

"Been there, done that, Shizuru." Reito was still quick with his tongue regardless of the look in her eyes. "You were the same way, and you've no idea how nuts it drove me!"

"Well this is a treat." Natsuki muttered entering the kitchen, having just come back from dropping Alyssa off at school. "I haven't seen the two of you ever fight."

"We're not fighting." Both of the combatants said in unison, causing Natsuki to chuckle.

"Yes, hence why I could hear him shouting from across the house." Natsuki replied lamely. "What the hell's the problem? You guys are like, freakishly buddy-buddy...you two never fight, so whats going on?"

"You've just never seen us fight, Natsuki, there's a difference." Shizuru sighed then, though the fact that Natsuki was searching for an answer made her remember just why the fighting was going on. "Reito is concerned about Yukino, and I think he should just leave matters well enough alone."

"I'm telling you Shizuru, it's not healthy." Reito retorted back quickly. "The poor woman isn't going to come back out of her shell for who knows how long."

"Hey, meat bag!" Nao groused at Reito. "What's your problem dude? You've got yourself a nice boy toy, so just leave it at that."

"Nao, don't feed the fire." Natsuki sighed, though she had to agree. "Listen, guys, here's a newsflash; people don't fall in love with their best friends and expect it to last. Just leave them be, give them time, because really, you can't do anything anyway."

"Well, that's an incredibly cynical way to look at it." Reito sighed then. "Natsuki, you have to understand-"

"What's there to understand?" Natsuki fired her temper at Reito. "The damn woman's afraid of her own shadow, leave her be!"

"I'm surrounded in a room of women who don't know how to rely on others." He stood from the table and looked at Natsuki. "Shizuru would still be a very lonely and bitter woman had you not come along." He sighed, looking at Shizuru next. "If you want to sit there and watch Yukino suffer though everything you did and more, that's fine. Go on ahead...but I won't do that. You can't admit how depressed you were until Natsuki came around, and that's fine...for you. It won't be fine for Yukino."

As Reito stormed out of the room, Shizuru rolled her eyes, running her fingers though her hair. She knew Reito had been entirely correct, and she wanted to help. There was just nothing she could do. "You'll have to pardon Reito." Shizuru said then with a gentle smile. "He can get a bit emotional when other people are involved, and for what it's worth, his heart is in the right place."

"Yeah, and his head is so far up his ass, he can see daylight whenever he opens his mouth." Nao said then, her usual vulgarity coming to light. "I don't know what you see in him...hell, I can't even guess why someone like you would sleep with him in the first place."

"Nao, lay off." Natsuki all but hit Nao in the head with the can of soda she'd chucked at the fiery redhead. "For what it's worth, he's a good father...and he's not that bad of a guy...a pain in the ass, yeah. Still, no worse than you."

"I guess." Nao shrugged flicking the top of the can that she'd caught in one hand. "I still think he's an idiot though." She popped the top and took a sip. "We take better care of Alyssa than he does." Nao had a limited view of the man, having met Reito in passing only a few times. "So, need me to watch the squirt tonight, or are you staying in?"

"No, we do intend to go out, so we still need you to watch Alyssa." Shizuru said offhandedly, knowing the best way to deal with Nao was to brush her off. "Although if I come home to the house a mess like last time, I won't be pleased. Just let that be known."

"Have Mai babysit of you don't like it." Nao scoffed. "I don't get paid for this you know."

"That you don't." Shizuru could concede the point. "We're going out to visit Yukino and keep her company, so we will be gone until a late hour, though I don't assume you'll be bothered by it."

"I got it covered...just leave money for a pizza, we'll call it even." Nao said holding out her hand, happily smirking when Natsuki forked over a few crisp bills from her wallet.


(Nao POV)

It seems like it's always me.

Mai likes to babysit, but she's been busy recently staying home with Takumi more and more. She's trying to help him with his school work, I think. It honestly doesn't matter, he's smart, so Mai really should stop worrying about him. She has her own classes to pass, though, she's better off. I'm skirting by with crap for grades. Natsuki needs to help me, I just can't concentrate on my own. Anyway, I'm sure they'd ask Mai, but once again, she's bogged down, and we all know it.

I pay my way as a freeloader by watching Alyssa anyway, so more power to me.

The kid's an easy kid to watch, and I don't mind babysitting. At one time, it used to bug the hell outta me, but then I realized, Alyssa isn't exactly as obedient as she wants mommy to think. She's not bad, she doesn't do wrong things...but, she's kinda shy, and doesn't get out much. When she's with me, that all changes, and she'll climb up on the roof, or spar around in the grass, play fighting though it is. I think Alyssa is the type of person that really won't care about the world around her. That's both good and bad...mostly good because she won't take to heart what others say...but...that can be bad too. Alyssa needs to be more than just a happy go lucky little girl, or one day real life will bite her in the ass...

Hard.

Now, I'm not normally one for kids, but Alyssa grew on me...mostly because of her past. I don't really like talking about mine much, but, with Alyssa I kinda feel like when she's older, she'll be one of the people privileged enough to know. I don't trust everyone with it, but Alyssa, she almost suffered a fate that could have been similar. In that alone, she's earned enough respect from me. Natsuki and I go back...way back, actually...and we used to hate each other. I don't really consider how we became friends to be a good thing, in fact, I'd call it twisted...doesn't really matter though, does it?

'Like hell!' Now, that would be the correct answer.

Either way, Natsuki stumbled upon Shizuru and Alyssa out of pure luck, but, I wouldn't say that was a bad thing. In fact, Natsuki did exactly what she promised...although, I don't recall telling her to bring home the people she happens to save. I guess, no matter how you look at it, I was born to do the things that I do, and Natsuki's the same. We go down town a lot, and we don't tell Mai or Shizuru why. The truth is, it's for us to know, and Shizuru to never find out. Mai has an idea, I think, but she's being smart enough to keep her big mouth shut...a first for her really.

Vendettas are the name of the game, and my wrath comes best served with the poor bastard beaten into a pulp.

Shizuru just got lucky with Natsuki finding them...Natsuki's not as violent as I am, probably a good thing. Usually we tag team, but I wasn't with Natsuki that afternoon, and I don't think she was actually hunting down bad guys. More so, I think she just so happened to be in the right place, at the right time. Either way, Natsuki kept her promise, and that's what counts.

So, now that Natsuki's got herself tangled into a package deal, she can't go out snooping around as much. That really used to piss me off, but then I got to know Alyssa. She's a blond haired, blue eyed little girl. She just wants to be understood. Even I've stopped going down town as much, but that's because I'm stuck playing sitter a lot. I don't mind though, because...well...call this stupid all you want, but I like the little shit. I figured my mom would like it, if I invested my time in something other than beating the crap out of people.

She liked charity work...and I consider Alyssa a charity deal.

Someone's gonna have to protect her...show her the dark parts of life before she walks face first into it on her own...we all know that's a bad idea. Yeah, call me a bad influence all you want...but the kid needs someone who's not going to baby her...someone she can just hang around with, and let's face it, Mai's a bit motherly for that. Natsuki can't do it because she's supposed to be a good parent, and Shizuru's pretty uptight...I'm the only one left...well, the only girl anyway.

So I figure, hey, I may not be snooping around tonight, beating the snot out of thugs, but instead I get to do something a little bit better...yeah, okay, I know what you're thinking. Teaching a nine year old how to shoot zombies may not be a favor to the world right now...but you just wait and see...a couple years down the line, when she grows up, she'll have a good head on her shoulders...and yeah, a lot of that will come from her parents, but I'll bet you anything, part of that will come from me...

When I show her someone as screwed up as I am can make something of themselves.

Kinda cool when you think about it...but you gotta start someplace, so after she and I finish our homework, it's pizza and zombie time...oh, and lets not forget eating all the junk food, jumping on the bed, and using the hallway floor as a slip and slide in our socks...as long as we don't break anything. Though, sod's law likes to bite my ass all the time anyway, so this time, lets just hope whatever we destroy isn't important.

Yeah, tonight will be good...and hell, I call it an easy break...the Squirt's alright in her own ways.