A/N: Hello, readers. This is another little one shot that hit the bottom of the bin. I was writing another installment of the main story when something terrible happened. I lost my flie for my latest chapter of Two Halves, and a Final Fantasy XIII fic I was writing. I admit that my life hasn't been the best lately. I lost a friend, and well…a whole lot of things have been happening. I'm trying to keep hope alive. Just giving my readers this little bit as I work on the next portion of Two Halves is the least I can do for my few dedicated readers. Thank you all for your patience. I will try to work on the next part of Two Halves between it all. Here's a cute one shot for my readers between Kuro, and Miki. I don't need to explain much about this. In this draft of Two Halves, Minato also existed. Miki was a lot less expressive in this. I'd compare her to a Rei Ayanami type of character. And she recently started defrosting around Yakushima. This is their new friend Aigis' idea of keeping her safe. Kuro said a few choice words to Aigis. "It's my job to protect Miki-san, too. Let's work together." Aigis took that to heart. Aigis got an idea in her head that being close to a fellow guard while sleeping would dramatically increase her percentage of safety… Hopefully, this ends up less awkwardly than anyone would think…

MISSING HALVES 3: MORNING MIKI

Kuro rolled over, feeling something pretty soft and warm next to him. Naturally, he embraced it. He sleepily figured that it was his big, fluffy new pillow he hocked from his room at Yakushima only a few days earlier. When that pillow embraced him back... He knew that wasn't a pillow. Kuro groggily opened his eyes. Half lidded, and still partially asleep... He saw an auburn haired girl lying in bed next to him. Miki's hair was loose from its normal fashionable ponytail. He'd only seen her with her hair down once before... That was when they were both under the control of the hotel Shadow. Miki purred something inaudible against his chest. She slid her slim leg lazily up and down his hip to in attempt to bring him closer. Kuro wasn't sure how this happened... Or why. He gazed up at a certain blonde head of hair.

It instantly left after a nod of satisfaction... The door quietly shut behind Aigis. She was up to more shenanigans. He guessed... There was a bigger problem lying in his bed. He wasn't sure if he could get out of this one very easily...

Miki made it even worse by putting her arms around him, hugging him tighter.

Kuro gulped. The way she rubbed against him stimulated something downstairs... Damn, he really needed to pee...

"Mmm," she whined happily, smiling cutely. Kuro had to admit... She looked cute when she smiled.

Kuro blushed, letting out a tiny sigh. He couldn't fault their robot buddy for attempting to be helpful. Aigis did love being helpful in the most awkward ways. Kuro reached out, touching Miki's face tenderly. Miki was prettier up, close and personal. Most options were cut since his cell was on the other side of the room. It still was 5 AM... Not even light out. Minato didn't usually get up 'til six...

She hugged him tighter, burying her face in his shoulder. Her breath was warm and inviting.

Kuro's pale face flushed even brighter red. Everything about it was right about it. Somewhat awkward... No way could Kuro discount how nice this was. He hoped Miki didn't freak too badly when she woke up. She seemed to forgive him instantly after the hotel... Maybe he should face the music. He lightly shook Miki. Quietly trying to wake her with an easy tone. "Hey, Miki... Wake up."

Her eyes cracked open. "Hmm?" she said dreamily.

It took a few minutes for Miki 8 to reboot, but then her eyes flew open in alarm.

Kuro cracked an awkward smile. "Morning... Please don't freak. Aigis left you in my bed for some reason. She's one weird machine..."

She sighed, starring distantly at the door. Not truly angry, or upset. Miki seemed to think of it more like a minor inconvenience; almost like she'd been told to wait a few more moments for brunch. Eating was something she always had done... Even during class.

Kuro shook his head. Glad Miki wasn't screaming her head off. "Don't worry. I'll give her a talking to... I won't let this happen again."

Miki's bright agreement said everything. He had to give it to her... His classmate had to be a saint. "Alright."

He heard a enthusiastic beat knock against the door. Junpei's cheerful voice rang out too cheerfully for this ungodly hour. "Dude!" He cheered. "You won't believe this! Ai-chan's' missin' again! I dunno how anybody that pretty could get that lost!"

Miki rolled her eyes. Junpei was her best friend, but there was sometimes when even she couldn't tolerate it. Five in the morning had to make it worse. "Baka…"

"Wake up, sleepyhead!" The door came flying open; Aigis forgot to lock behind her door. Lovely... Junpei stood stock still in shock. Dark eyes went wide like tea saucers.

Miki gave him a look that said: "Cover your ears." Kuro clamped his hands on the sides of his head and Miki screamed at the top of her lungs. Dogs started going nuts all over the neighborhood, and in a small town far from Iwatodai, a couple of girls looked up at the sound.

Junpei made himself scarce. Another figure ran into the door way. "What was that?!" Yukari's turn to barge in was now. A familiar silvery shape glinted in her hands... Great, she brought her Evoker.

"Junpei's not respecting our privacy." Miki explained, slight annoyance crinkled her cute nose.

Yukari did not have any words, only accusing eyes on Kuro. Kuro flinched under her harsh gaze. Man, if looks could kill. Yukari raised up her Evoker...

"Aigis brought me in here; Kuro had nothing to do with it." Miki explained patiently. Defusing the situation entirely... The co-leader had a way with words. He bet she could make the most serious misunderstandings look completely normal.

Yukari sighed in relief, relaxing visibly. Her Evoker came back safely to her side. Obviously, she got the situation. "She broke into Minato's room, too..." Yukari explained irritably. Something about the way she complained made her sound jealous. "Minato's totally cool with it!"

Miki shrugged. Kuro wondered how high her understanding rating was. "That's just the way he is."

Yukari groaned. "Ugh... It's too early for this..."

Miki looked entirely unconcerned. Her stomach growled a bit, she frowned slightly. "What's for breakfast?"

Yukari shrugged. "That's what I was thinking..." Kuro offered his opinion helpfully. He offered to buy breakfast in exchange for Yukari's silence. That came prepackaged with reigning in Junpei. Yukari happily left to take care of her end. Kuro let a little calming breath. Yukari was nice enough shut the door behind her. "Man..." He complained. "If Mitsuru-nee got word of this, I'd be dead..."

"Let's get some food." Miki tugged lightly on his dark tank top's fabric. Her large reddish brown eyes were bright, and excited at the prospect of food. "I'm hungry."

Kuro chuckled. "Sometimes I think you only think about food."

Miki giggled.

Kuro flopped back onto his bed, staring blandly up past Miki at the ceiling. His gaze centered back onto Miki's pretty ruby eyes. He couldn't help ceasing the opportunity. Junpei had encouraged him enough to do it. Minato made it look easy... "Hey, Miki." He started courageously without any preamble. "We've been through a lot together already. Weirdness seems to love dropping us into situations like this. Be my girlfriend."

"What?" she gasped.

Kuro sat up, taking her delicate hands into his. His resolute grey-blues were completely locked into her surprised reddish eyes. "I know this is sudden. Everything about it seems so crazy. Hell, my life has always been a little unhinged. There's one thing my mom kept telling me as a kid: "Nothing happens without a reason". This is another one of these things I think is meant to happen. Why else do we keep getting into these weird situations together?"

"True." she blushed.

Kuro grinned big at the pretty Fool. "What do you say?"

"You've got yourself a girl now." A smile brighter than the sun came onto her cheery lips. He felt himself melt inside.

Kuro embraced Miki happily. "Thank you, Miki."

She kissed Kuro on the cheek. Kuro felt his face warm up several degrees. Her lips were soft...

Kuro hadn't expected this so soon. He gave her a little peck on the forehead. They fell back onto the mattress accordingly in each other's arms. "It's still early..." He suggested tiredly; barely even able to keep his eyes open. All the drama had sapped everything out of him. He yawned.

"Okay..." She sighed happily. Miki snuggled into his shoulder, taking in his scent. It wasn't bad at all.

Kuro fell into a deep sleep again. Glad for fate's intervention for once, he unconsciously hugged Miki closer. Somewhere in the sea of Miki's soul, Pharos smiled. Wondering if he could experience the same warmth.