Hello Everyone! Wow... just wow guys the response I've gotten from this is phenomenal! The reviews were so positive that this chapter came out early just for you guys! Now keep in mind I kind of cut the Original chapter 2 in half in a sense for two reasons. One because of all the good responses. Second, reason is because I wanted to separate this stuff from the next one because the next chapter will be more inner thinking, and a gathering. I'll explain more at the bottom so stay tuned!

As Always Everyone please support the Official Release and Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Nisekoi, or any of it's characters.

Chapter 2: Is It A True Love?

"Hello is Raku home?" Chitoge asked with a straight face and determined look in her eyes.

"U-uh yes he's in his room, but I don't think he wants to see anyone." The grunt said to her but she ignored him

"I'm well aware, but I'll be able to help him if you let me." She spoke as she brushed past him and continued on her way.

The grunt didn't know what to do except to just let it go. He may get in trouble for it later, but he wasn't about to be the cause for a full on war with the Beehive. As Chitoge walked down the pathway to Raku's room she saw a door open to the side and there stood Mr. Ichijou.

"Ahh young Chitoge how are you this fine afternoon?" He spoke with his gruff voice but had on a smile

"I'm here to see Raku." She spoke lightly and bowed in respect

"Ahh well you're almost there child keep going." He nodded in the direction. She returned the nod and walked forward and only hesitated a moment when he whispered "Please help my son."

She nodded again and continued on in the Japanese yakuza hold. She didn't take any notice to any details along the walls just concentrating on the door at the end of the hall. When she approached the door she waited to hear any sounds coming from within and didn't hear anything.

Raising her hand to the door she was about to knock when it slid open "KYAA!" Chitoge squealed a bit and jumped back revealing a startled Raku

His eyes seemed almost devoid of life, his skin which was at least shade lighter than it had been before. Seeing Chitoge before him, something sparked life back into his eyes as if he was pulled out of a well.

"Chitoge? What are you doing here?" Raku spoke quietly with no edge or life in his voice.

"I'm here to check on you." Chitoge spoke quietly after calming her nerves "I was worried about you so I came."

"You don't have to do that." Raku spoke still lifeless "Just because of this fake relationship you don't have to do that it will only make it hurt more."

Raku seemed to truly still believe that this relationship of theirs was still fake, but Chitoge was not so petty as to only do this with a 'Fake Love'. She was angered by that but it wouldn't do any good to get angry at him.

"Raku I'm not that petty, I do care." Chitoge spoke to him trying to get to him "I know it's hurting you, it's hurting me too, but I didn't want to be alone."

Raku's eyes jerked open. Chitoge hated to be alone, and in the dark. Grief was no different than the dark. He remembered when she was lost in the woods in the middle of the night. Raku wrapped Chitoge in her arms and it surprised her and she jerked but she didn't back away.

"I'm sorry." Raku spoke into her ear "I know you hate to be alone, and I'm sorry."

Chitoge didn't know what to do in her situation. She didn't feel embarrassment like she normally did, she felt warmth. Chitoge rested her head on his shoulder, and wrapped her arms around his waist.

"I forgive you beansprout." Chitoge said with a small smile "I miss her too Raku. I know despite our bickering we were at least friends. Let me share this with you Raku."

Raku looked at Chitoge with his renewed eyes and spoke "Ok Chitoge, we'll go through this together."

Little did they know was on the outside there door with a tired smile on his face. He let out a silent chuckle and walked down the hallway. "Raku my boy you have the most perfect thing right beside you don't miss your chance." He thought to himself. Raku held the hold on Chitoge a little longer before he his shoulders start to shake.

"Raku?" Chitoge looked up and saw his face scrunched up in sadness, and tears

"I'm sorry Chitoge, I know I'm supposed to support you, but it just hurts me so much." Raku sobbed "I couldn't bring myself to cry, no matter how hard I tried. Nothing would come and I felt terrible. Yet when you're here I feel as though I can let it go, and I hate it. It's so selfish of me!"

"No no Raku." Chitoge started to sob with him "It's alright we're going to get through this together! You've helped me, but this time we're helping each other."

Both Raku and Chitoge fell to their knees still in each other arms crying their hearts out onto their sleeves. For that moment they were no longer enemies in love, but were friends in grieving. They seemed to cry like that for some time, but as fate would have it they fell asleep in each other's embrace from crying. The lead member of the gang walked and let out a small smirk as he saw them both. He laid his young master's futon and rested them on it, and covered them. No sense in leaving like they were. As turned around he heard something and looked.

"Raku…. I'll always be there for you, I just want you to love me." Chitoge whimpered in her sleep

To say the least he was surprised. The entire time he thought they were truly in a relationship, but the more he though it really didn't feel natural. Not that he can speak from experience that is. He smirked at them and continued on his way, he was not in the mood to deal with the Beehive, but from what he could tell that young lady may very well get her wish. He knew that his young masters face when he slept, having taking care of him since he was a kid at times. His face was always tense in his sleep, but now it was relaxed as can be. It was just like the time when Raku's mother held her in her warm embrace.

. . .

A Few Hours Later

"ugh" Raku grunted as he opened his heavy eye lids. "Where am I again? Oh yeah Chitoge came and visited me. We were crying, and then what?"

Raku looked around for a moment and found that he was on his futon. How did he get there? He wondered to himself, but what he didn't expect was to find a sleeping blonde next to him with her arms wrapped around his own arm. His blush grew until he saw her face, it was tear stained. Raku felt a pang of guilt and sadness in his heart, because he knew she was suffering, but yet he only locked himself away from her and everyone. Yet he couldn't help but wonder why no one else had come, but yet she herself who disliked him and the fake relationship.

"hmm." Chitoge let out a small hum as she stretched her legs

Raku held his breath as she slowly opened her eyes. They stared into each other's eyes, seemingly lost into them. Time seemed to stop all around them, they couldn't hear anything, nor did they see anything else around them, only them seemed to exist in that single space. They could hear each other's heartbeats as well as their own. Raku blinked jolted up as soon as he did with a slight pant.

"What on earth was that?!" Raku screamed internally "Last time I felt like that was the moment she fell on top of me inside that shed." As Raku pondered Chitoge still hadn't moved, because little did Raku know he had moved his head closer in the space between them just a short moment ago.

"He was leaning forward…. What was he gonna do?!" Chitoge wondered as she continued lay down on the futon before sitting up.

Neither of them could look each other in the eye at that moment. Chitoge wanted him to look, while Raku didn't know if he wanted to continue to look. He was more surprised by the fact she didn't punch him for being in the same close quarters for so long. The silence was now starting to get to Raku, and he could tell it was also affecting Chitoge as she began to fidget. So taking a deep breath he finally began to speak once more.

"So you want something to eat?" Raku asked cautiously, his own voice seemed foreign to him

"U-uh yeah." Chitoge mumbled out grabbing her arm for comfort

Raku nodded and stood up, looking down at Chitoge he said "Alright come on I'm sure the kitchen's missed me."

"What?" Chitoge tilted her head in confusion.

After a few minutes of putting his things away and washing his hands, and face, they made their way to Ichijou Kitchen. Inside the kitchen was just as Raku left it, the gang family made sure to take care of it. Raku went and grabbed his chef hat, and jacket, and began to get his kitchen alive once more. From afar stood , and the gang leader, both happy of that Raku was doing something he enjoyed to do.

"So Raku why did you learn how to cook?" Chitoge asked as Raku worked his magic with the food.

"Let's just say that learning to cook was more of a necessity of survival than a personal hobby." Raku answered while tasting his sauce "I wasn't going to eat fast food and ramen for the rest of my time here so I learned how to cook."

"Makes sense." Nodded in understanding "So what are you making?" Chitoge got up and looked over his shoulder

He didn't know why but he felt nervous, but he didn't let it affect his work. "I'm just making some mild curry. Nothing too extreme for right now."

"That is probably for the best." Chitoge agreed and walked off to the side "I wish he could see what I see."

Chitoge was sitting there admiring Raku's abilities, and notice even though he was still grieving on the inside there was the smallest of smiles on his face as he cooked. She reflected on her times with Raku, and she laughed internally at some. The time of the play, the shrine festival, and even the time at the beach.

Raku was thinking about everything as he moved from station to station. Marika's death, his seclusion, and how Chitoge had shown up. He didn't know why but he felt comfortable around her now. They had been through so much with each other to the point that even her body guard had given up on trying to prove they weren't actually dating. Yet now it felt so natural to Raku, and he put that into his cooking.

When the time came Raku prepared two dishes and plated them both. He walked over towards Chitoge and placed a dish in front of her. The smell wafted up to Chitoge's nose and it was mouthwatering.

"Dig in." Raku spoke softly and sat down in his seat picking up his own spoon and watching out of the corner of his eye on what her reaction would be

Chitoge dipped her spoon into the curry and rice, and blew on it to cool it off. She slipped it into her mouth. Color flooded into her cheeks as she savored the bite. Raku felt his heart skip a beat as he watched her savor his food. He felt warmth inside, and he couldn't explain why he felt that way when he saw Chitoge smile.

Chitoge herself was enjoying every bite of the food on her plate. She felt as if the warmth of it was filling it all the way to her fingers to the tips of her toes. It had been awhile since she felt this kind of warmth. She opened her eyes to find Raku staring at her and she blushed and continued on with her food. This little exchange continued on for the next thirty minutes, before they finally finished their meal. Raku looked up at the clock to find it was seven in the evening, and before he could say anything Chitoge had spoken up.

"Hey Raku, have you by chance done your summer homework yet?" Chitoge asked as she looked at Raku

"No I haven't, been kind of…. You know…" Raku shrugged and rubbed the back of his neck

"Yeah….." Chitoge lowered her head having the thought of Marika pass through her again

"You wanna….. work on it together?" Raku trying to get out of her slump

"Eh?" Chitoge jerked her head up

With more force behind his words Raku asked "You want to work on it together for the next few days?"

"Oh umm." Chitoge thought in her head what she had going on. Tsugumi was at the American Beehive base, for a retraining session to get her mind off of things. Her 'protector' Claude had decided to go on vacation for the first time ever, and she knew nothing coming up with her father so she decided to agree "I don't see why not I have nothing going on."

"That's good." Raku nodded his head "So around twelve tomorrow seem good to you?"

"Yeah it does." Chitoge nodded in agreement

Then they fell into another uncomfortable silence. It seemed as if they ran out of things to say to one another. Yet in their heads they just wished for the other to start talking. It was almost too painful for the crowd that was watching them from the other side of the doors.

It was then that Chitoge felt there gaze and chuckled "Hmmm"

"What is it Chitoge?" Raku looked over at her confused, but happy she said something

"It would seem that we have a bit of company." Chitoge winked at Raku flipped her hair back towards the door

"Oh I see." Raku chuckled in realization "Well this is by far the longest time you've stayed at my home from what I can remember."

"That's not necessarily true." Chitoge muttered under her breath, scratching her cheek in nervousness, remembering that day very VERY clearly. It was a solemn agreement among all of them to never speak of that day.

"What you say Chitoge?" Raku asked with a confused look on his face

"Oh nothing!" Chitoge waved her hands before her "Anyways I guess I'll start heading home…."

Meanwhile watching on the other side of the door the gang that was watching was listening in. Some were just happy to see their young master up and with life in his eyes once more while some others were trying to see the 'romance'. When they heard that she was going to be going home some began to mutter.

"Young Master walk her home!" "Offer her a ride home, we'll drive!"

"Ask her to stay the night!" One grunt said and all of them looked at him as if he were crazy "What?"

"Are you trying to give that mad man Claude a reason to kill us?" Another spoke getting the other man to hang his head in shame at his mistake

"Well if you want Chitoge I can walk you home?" Raku offered Chitoge, and she looked over confused

"Are you sure? I can make it by myself." Chitoge stated

"It's no big deal, besides I kind of need to get out, I've noticed I'm not as tan as I used to be." Raku responded casually as he examined his arms "Besides doesn't hurt to have someone with you."

Chitoge was very happy, and she almost couldn't keep her feet still enough to get her shoes one as they were walking out the front door. When the door opened Raku flinched at the sun as if it were being rude in its language. Chitoge didn't like that all but since Raku was pulled out of his slump he may very well be back on the road on to getting over his grief. Raku looked over to Chitoge and attempted a small smile. It wasn't much but he wanted to be sure that she too was getting the same support. It wouldn't be fair to her that way.

They walked along the sidewalk enjoying each other's company though at that time they would not admit to it. They made small talk along the way getting a few chuckles along the way as they looked back on fond memories. Before they realized they were at the giant gates in front of Chitoge's house.

"So I have to ask this." Raku stood before the gates with Chitoge by her side

"What's that?" Chitoge staring at the gates like Raku

"Is this size really that necessary?" Raku flat out deadpanned

Chitoge shrugged "I honestly have no idea."

"Huh….. guess we'll never know." Raku shook his as if he were a sage

After a few seconds, infectious giggling bubbled from Chitoge and Raku and they both ended up laughing for the first time in a long time. After wiping away tears of laughter from their faces they fell into an uncomfortable silence once more.

"So I guess I'll see you tomorrow?" Raku spoke with uncertainty

"Mmhmm" Chitoge nodded her head, with a light blush on her cheeks.

"Do you want me to pick you up?" Raku offered

"No" Chitoge shook her head "Well at least not here meet me half way."

"Ok. I can do that." Raku nodded his head in agreement "Well talk to you later."

Raku turned around and started his way back home. Chitoge watched as he walked away, until he stopped. She narrowed her eyes in concern and confusion.

"Oi Chitoge." Raku called back turning his head slightly

Noting that he had a small blush Chitoge spoke "Yeah?"

"Thank you." Raku managed out before looking at Chitoge

Raku was stunned at what he saw. Chitoge was smiling a heartfelt smile, that seemed to go right down into his soul. It was warm, caring, and loving. Raku stared in awe, at the sight before him.

"You're welcome." Chitoge spoke softly and walked inside the gates.

. . .

Raku was walking to the halfway point he was supposed to meet up with Chitoge. Last night was the first night he didn't cry himself to sleep or got sleep in general. He actually woke up refreshed and made breakfast for himself. Raku himself daydreamed for most of the morning before he started on his way to meet up with Chitoge. Wondering why she had come in the first place, and then feeling some guilt for not going to her. Though in the back of his mind he wondered why did he care so much?

After walking about fifteen minutes Raku arrived at the pavilion that was deemed as the midway point between their houses. It brought back good memories to him when he walked Chitoge home in the pouring rain. The moment that his dad pulled up and teased him about them actually 'falling in love'. Raku began to wonder to himself if maybe, just maybe, if he was possibly leaning in that direction.

"Raku!" A voice called out to him

Raku jerked in the spot he stood and looked around to see Chitoge in a beautiful blue sundress, with red hair in its usual place. "Huh?"

"Sorry to make you wait Raku." Chitoge came jogging up, breathing a bit hard "I got kind of caught up in my dad's business but I got out of it."

"Is that alright? I mean this is just homework." Raku spoke concerned about her escapade

"It's fine I was mainly just gonna be a decoration for show, but he'll be fine." Chitoge shrugged it off "Besides I want to get this homework done before the end of summer vacation."

"I can agree with that." Raku nodded with a small smile "Well lets head back, my father left earlier this morning so nobody's home."

"Eh." Chitoge stopped suddenly, shocked by the information "We'll be home alone?!"

"Mmhm" Raku hummed out "I mean there are a few behind to guard the house for whatever reason."

"Oh ok." Chitoge let out a breath "It's not that I don't want to be alone with him, but I kind of do, but…. Argh this is so confusing!"

With that they both started again to the Ichijou household. When they got back like Raku said there were a few grunts around to guard the place. Raku and Chitoge ignored them and went straight for his room where he had already placed his materials and some snacks. None of which was whiskey chocolate. Raku had felt a strong ache for in his head as he looked at the chocolate so he decided not to bring it out. They both got settled and started in a comfortable silence. To anyone looking in you wouldn't think it be nothing but a couple friends working together, but in truth this was their way of healing another. The weight in the room was tremendous, but they were sharing the burden with one another.

There were moments when slight tears would run down the other's face, having the other hand a neckerchief to them. There was a moment where Chitoge broke down from thoughts in her head and Raku crawled over and sat next to her. Raku slowly rubbed her back as she quietly sobbed. After that the two didn't separate from the spot they continued to work on their homework. Almost an hour later Raku himself started to let tears flow down his face. Chitoge brought his head to her shoulder and let him rest on it. It felt almost like an eternity, before any of them spoke.

"Hey Chitoge….." Raku spoke his voice cracked

"Hm?" Chitoge hummed

"Do you think you could rub my hair…." He spoke quietly

"Eh?" Chitoge caught her breath, as a flush appeared on her face

"A one-time request ok?" His head was still on her shoulder "It one of the few things that I remember about my mother, it was how she would calm me down."

"O-ok!" Chitoge squeaked a bit as she started pet his hair

A content sigh came from Raku and he spoke "Thank you Chitoge."

Chitoge continued to pet his hair for ten minutes, before Raku sat back up and rubbed his eyes. They both went back to their respected homework assignments managing to complete at least one subject, before they each called it a day. Raku walked Chitoge back home like he did before despite Chitoge's complaints of him going past the halfway point. He just couldn't bring himself to leave her alone. Little did Raku know he was slowly feeling an emotion that he thought he felt for another girl, but in truth it was someone much, much closer to him.

Well what do you think Everyone? I actually love writing this series it's nice change from Fallen Campione!. In the next chapter it will be more in sense more focused on building the stories future. So in some cases some might find this boring so I didn't want to drag this chapter down with it. When I post the next chapter there will also be a Poll, regarding what you may ask? Well you'll have to read the next chapter Muhahahahaha! Remember everyone I do read those Reviews! Keep it up I look for criticism I live on that it helps my writing style, also for those guests that leave me some Reviews, I hope you continue to read on! This story will continue on I promise.

As Always Everyone please support the Official Release and Enjoy!... what I don't know this time, maybe Halloween? It's like two days away right?

Happy Halloween Everyone My treat too you!