A/N: Mild spoilers if you haven't watched Stream episode 45 (but not really). Episode 45 isn't even subbed yet (although the group that's currently making subs is working on episode 40 of Stream, so it's not far away!), but nevertheless, this little drabble is based on that episode which I've at least seen the RAW of. Now, all I understand of Japanese, for the most part, is the stock phrases that you hear in series all the time, so who knows if my so-called inspiration is really that accurate. But, that disclaimer aside, hopefully still turned into something readable!

Enzan, after a cursory glance around the room, realized that Meiru had taken on an uncharacteristically subdued aura, her shoulders drooped and her back to everyone else. Instinctively he looked for Netto, wondering if the brunette had noticed as well, only to find him chattering animatedly with Laika and Jasmine about the ruins they'd just left in… well, ruins.

After a moment's hesitation, he took a few cautious steps towards her. It was entirely possible she was just temporarily worn out from running for their lives. But usually, much like Netto, she was quite vocal about it when she was tired. The fact that she was silent concerned him. He was even more concerned when he realized she was staring at the ground.

He hesitated again. He was not much one for offering comfort - battles and saving the world were more his speed - and he wasn't even sure whether she would prefer to be left alone.

Then he thought about her - her kind eyes, her warm smile, her courage in coming to the aid of her friends even when she was afraid - and made up his mind.

"Sakurai?" he said softly, quiet enough the others would not hear, quiet enough so as to not surprise her too badly.

She did startle, if only slightly, her head snapping upright. He felt a pang when she hurriedly dragged a sleeve across her eyes, still not looking at him.

"Yes?" she replied in a voice that feigned brightness.

"Everything… all right?" he said, averting his gaze awkwardly.

She laughed, then. "I'm fine."

He didn't believe her.

"If you don't want to talk, that's fine. But I don't mind listening."

There was a long pause, and he nearly turned away with a shrug to leave her in peace. But then she turned. He saw her face. He couldn't move.

He'd seen her cry before. Seen her in distress before.

But he'd never seen her look so utterly… defeated.

"I know I'm not as strong as you guys…" she murmured. "I know I don't devote half of my life to net battles. I know I'm not even close to Net Savior material. But Roll and I are just as much in unison as the rest of you. We can Cross Fuse and fight. We have. Duo even recognized us, just like the rest of you!" She held up her hand with its symbol flaring brightly, shaking. Abruptly she realized how high her intensity had grown, and she quickly fled through the doorway into the hangar. Enzan followed, closing the door behind him.

"When your men came for Netto, all Jasmine had to do was talk to them. They recognized her and brought her right along, no problem! You want to know what they did to me? Ignored me. I was nothing - nobody! the fact that Dingo got left behind too doesn't make me feel any better because I've been around since the beginning!" Her voice caught, and she swallowed. "I was by his side before he even knew any of you existed, and I got left behind like I'm nothing! He doesn't think twice about Jasmine coming, but when I finally get her, after taking a taxi, getting flung out of a plane, and rowing down a freaking river, he asks WHY? WHY am I here?!" She clenched her hand over her PET. "I'm starting to wonder that, too."

Enzan began to speak. "If it's that, I think he's just w-"

"Don't you dare tell me it was because it was dangerous and he was worried - he looked confused, Enzan. Confused and annoyed. Not worried. Even if he was worried - he thinks Jasmine is strong enough to be here and I'm not? What is that…"

She took a deep breath, straightened her back, squared her shoulders. Turned to him. "I'll be fine," she said at last. I always am. It's just… hard."

Enzan was silent, guilt prickling at his conscience. She was right. Ever since he'd first received Rockman from his father, Netto's world had very clearly continued to grow at an almost alarming rate; Meiru, though clearly fighting tooth and nail to keep up, had gotten left behind more often than he'd realized.

Meiru looked him in the eye, jaw clenched.

"I don't need to be the best.

I just want to be good enough."

Enzan looked back at her, their gazes locking, and something akin to understanding flickered briefly in their eyes. Meiru finished collecting herself, and the two of them quietly made their way back to the main cockpit to join the others.

She was right, of course, about being fine - soon enough, she was back to her normal self, laughing and joking and pouting.

But the moment stayed with him, and it was this moment that would burn particularly brightly in his mind when they were someday traveling Beyondard together.