theme: #4 our distance and that person

Author's Note: well this is how i interpreted this theme, it's not as direct as the last one but i think it works enjoy!

disclaimer: guess


"Welcome home!" Tommy, Takuya, Kouji, Kouichi and J.P. yelled as soon as they saw their blonde friend. A little over a year ago Zoe's father had taken a job in Italy and the whole family moved to Ancona. It was the first time in four years that any member of the group had spent substantial time away from the others.

The moment Zoe saw them she threw down her bags and ran across the lobby and into her friends' arms. Yes, even Kouji joined into the group hug. "I've missed you guys so much." Zoe laughed as the group began to let go of her.

"Then why'd you leave us?" Tommy whined without letting go of Zoe's waist.

"Well, I'm not exactly old enough to live on my own; I don't really have a choice." She said squeezing the boy tighter.

"Come on Tommy; leave some for the rest of us." J.P. laughed as he pulled Zoe out of Tommy's death grip and into his own. "Why'd you leave us?"

"Oh come on! I had to. You all know that. I'm sorry." Zoe said, prying herself out of his arms. "I'm only here for the week; please don't make it one big guilt trip."

"Then don't leave us again." Takuya said, picking up Zoe's bags and going back towards the group.

"Knock it off guys." Kouji said walking over to Zoe and placing a hand on her shoulder. "We did miss you though." Zoe just smiled and pulled him into a hug.

"You're quiet Kouichi; you didn't miss me?" Zoe laughed as she let go of Kouji and walked over to his brother.

"Of course I did it's just, you look different." Kouichi mumbled to Zoe who was standing a little less than a foot from him.

"How so?" she giggled until she saw how serious and almost sad he looked.

"You look older, not old; just you know, older." he muttered, avoiding her gaze.

"It has been a while." she whispered with a sad smile.

"Fifteen months, three weeks, five days." Kouichi said, still keeping his voice down.

"I've missed you so much." Zoe whispered, throwing her arms around Kouichi.

---- (One week later) -------

"I hate this!" Tommy cried, throwing his arms around Zoe's waist. All six were waiting in the airport lobby for Zoe's flight to be called.

"Listen to me," she said bending down so she was eye level with him. "I'll be back, I promise." Tommy just nodded while allowing his tears to spill over and hugging Zoe again.

When Zoe let go of Tommy she stood face to face with Takuya who was wearing his trademark grin. "Now who am I supposed to argue with?"

Zoe merely smiled and punched him on the shoulder. "I think you'll find somebody." She said hugging him tightly.

"Take care of yourself buddy." Takuya whispered as he let go of her and Zoe made her way to J.P.

"Here, for your flight." J.P. said handing here a couple bars of chocolate. Zoe, and the others, burst into laughter.

"Thank you." She said hugging him. "Jeez, I'm gonna miss you." she chuckled before she walked over to the twins.

"Keep in touch." Kouji said as he hugged her. She knew that Kouji wasn't good with emotion so that he hugged her first nearly made her day.

She then turned to Kouichi who was again avoiding her gaze. "Kouichi." she muttered, tears filling her eyes. He silently grabbed her and hugged her tightly. "Why do you have to make this so hard?" she chuckled as she buried her head in his chest.

The two stood their in silence until her flight was called and Kouichi loosened his hold on Zoe only to have her hold on tighter. "I don't want to go." she muttered, and Kouichi could feel her tears on his shirt.

"I know, but you have to." Kouichi whispered, kissing the top of her head. Zoe gave Kouichi one last squeeze before letting go and walking towards the gate.

When Zoe was out of sight Kouji turned to his brother. "You never told her you like her did you?"

"No, she has enough to deal with. I don't want her to feel worse." Kouichi muttered and the five left the airport.


Author's Note: i hope you like it!!!!