Author's Note: Well, well, well. It's been a while since I worked on this story, mainly because I was busy with piano, school, and a whole bunch of other stuff all bundled together into one amazing, sleep-depriving ball. But, anyways, here's chapter 3 of my Angel Beats! fan fic!

As for this story, I have decided to split it off into 4-5 main sections (labeled: Book I, Book II, Book III, Book IV, ect.) Most likely, this chapter will be the end of book I. Don't worry though. The story will continue, but maybe not until Book III, or I might just keep going with it. Truthfully, I'm not sure how I'll split it, but I'm working on it!

Also, I will be dedicating book II to a YuiXHinata storyline, with Kanade and Yuzuru playing minor roles in the back.

Right now, I'm leaning more towards something like this:

Book I: KanadeXYuzuru

Book II: YuiXHinata, with some KanadeXYuzuru

Book III:

Book I

Chapter 3: Unexpected Feelings

Junichi was already dreading the day ahead of him. The girl that stood next to him with a brilliant smile on her face wasn't helping things either. Since they were now living under the same roof, Hitomi had naturally decided that they should walk to school together. "... Hitomi?"

"Yes, Junichi?"

"Uhm... Could you not walk so close to me?"

"Hmmm? Am I making you uncomfortable?"

"A-ah... Not really, but I just don't want people to misunderstand."

She nodded in agreement, but continued to walk next to him. Junichi sighed in exasperation, but decided not to comment. "Oh, by the way... We shouldn't let it be known that you're staying in my apartment. It would cause trouble for both of us. So, be careful not to accidentally say something, okay?"

Her face reddened slightly. "... That's right... I got it."

She remained silent for the rest of the walk to the school, and didn't speak until they had reached the door to their classroom. As they walked through the door together, whispers broke out among the students already gathered.

"Junichi with the new transfer student? That's something you don't see everyday."

"Is there something going on between those two?"

"Man... He's so lucky a girl like that likes him..."

"Are they... going out?"

Junichi sighed and ignored the whispers as he walked to his seat. As the bell rang to signal the start of homeroom, Fujihara-sensei rushed into the room, her face flushed from running. "Settle down, settle down! Apparently, in the excitement of yesterday, we forgot to choose our class representatives... We'll hurry and pick them before we start class so I don't get yelled at by the principal."

Ishii raised his hand. "Sensei! I would like to nominate Nakamura Junichi for the position!"

Junichi sighed and lowered his head. I guess he was being serious... "Do we have anyone else who's going to try for male class rep?" The room was silent for a brief moment. "Eh... In that case, let's move on to the female representative! Let's start taking nomin-"

Ishii raised his hand again. "Sensei! I would like to nominate Nagase Hitomi for this position!"

"Eh? Nagase-san?"

Ishii secretly winked at Junichi and nodded. "Yeah! Wouldn't it be easier for her to get used to this school if she's working as the class rep? Besides, if there's any problems, I'm sure Junichi will easily be able to handle it."

Fujihara-sensei pursed her lips thoughtfully. "That is a good point... In any case, are there any objections?" The room was silent. "Well... that was easy! Now, everyone, get out your textbooks and turn to page 25. We'll start with where we left off yesterday."

A general groan went around the classroom as everyone pulled out their textbooks to begin another day at school.

After class had ended, Junichi walked out of the classroom, headed for the lockers on the first floor. Halfway down the hallway, he felt a tug on his sleeve. "... Junichi. Are you going home yet?"

"Ah, not just yet. I have practice today."

Hitomi stared at him curiously. "Hm? What sport do you play?"

"Um... I'm on the junior kendo team."

Her eyes widened in surprise and she stared at him in admiration. "Amazing... In that case, would you mind if I came?"

"Eh?"

"Let me go too!" Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Besides... it's not like I can go home right now..."

"Oh... right. I should have a spare key made for you sometime this week then... Well, in that case, you won't have to wait for me if I need to wait a really long time after school or something."

She smiled up at him. "That would be great. So, until then, I guess I'll be staying after to watch your kendo practices."

As he looked at her eager, smiling face, there was no way Junichi could refuse her request. "Sure, if that's what you want. Let me go get my gear from my locker first, then we'll head over to the gym for practice."

He retrieved his bag and looked over at Hitomi. "Um... Shall we go?"

She nodded happily. "Sure!"

Truthfully, Junichi felt extremely nervous about bringing Hitomi with him to practice. Today was the placement matches for the Junior kendo team to determine ranks and who would receive the title of Junior team captain.

I'm just afraid I'll mess up in front of her... For some reason, I feel like I should do well for Hitomi... He glanced over at her. No... I WILL do well. I have to believe that.

They reached the door to the locker room, and he turned to face her. "I'm going to go change into my uniform now. I guess you can go sit in the bleachers. I don't think there's going to be anyone else watching anyways."

She stood on her tiptoes and lightly kissed his cheek. "Good luck, Junichi!"

A bit surprised by her own bold actions, she quickly turned and ran into the gym. Junichi was left there, with a hand on his cheek, a dazed look on his face. He shook off his astonishment and entered the changing room. He pulled on his loose-fitting uniform and picked up his mask and shinai. He stepped out into the gym, where the other members of the Junior kendo team were already gathered.

The captain of the Senior kendo team, Yuki Kuroda, walked out and had them form into rows of four. "Welcome to your placement matches. Today, I will be pairing you off against a random member from the Senior team. Your performance will be judged by the top five members of the Senior team, and you will be ranked according to our opinions." He smiled. "Should anyone manage to defeat one of these regulars, and with ease, I will award that person the rank of captain."

The Junior team split off and were paired with various members. Junichi felt a sense of dread as he was paired off against a fairly high-ranking regular. He tightened his grip on his shinai and took a deep breath. As he looked off to the side, he saw Hitomi sitting in the bleachers, her face determined, as if she was fighting instead of him. Seeing her expression calmed him considerably. That's right. Hitomi is here with me. There's no way I would embarrass myself in front of her... I'll just have to beat this guy somehow.

Yuki looked around at the assembled members and pulled out his whistle. An ear-piercing trill filled the air. "Begin!"

Instantly, the air was filled with the sound of clacking wood. Every now and then, one of the Junior members yelled out in shock as a blow made it past their guard. However, Junichi blocked out all of this and concentrated on his opponent. "Oh? You seem better than the rest of that lot..."

Junichi smirked. "Complimenting me in the middle of a battle?"

His opponent smiled. "Of course. Now, shall we get started? I doubt you'll even land a hit on me, but I'll wish you luck anyways."

"... Be careful what you wish for."

Junichi dashed forward, headed for the right side of his opponent. His eyes flashed as he gauged the downward arc of his opponent's shinai. As it curved to intercept his path, it happened again. Time seemed to slow to a crawl. Junichi easily deflected the shinai off of his own.

"What?"

He took advantage of his opponent's shock to initiate a series of blows, each one more complex than the one before it. Finally, one well placed blow broke through his opponent's defense. Only then was he aware that the entire gym had gone silent. Did I do something wrong? ... it's only day one, and I'm already making mistakes... From behind him came the sound of clapping.

Yuki smiled. "Well... it looks like we have a regular here. Well done. You have earned yourself the rank of Captain."

Junichi turned around, bewildered. I... was made the captain? I really didn't even do all that much!

Yuki called over the other members of the team and made his announcement. "I will have the roster for the team posted tomorrow. We've seen a great deal of talent within this group, and I look forward to training with you in this next year."

A chorus of "Yes, sir"s followed his announcement. Junichi turned his head to look at Hitomi. She smiled at him, and got up from the bleachers. As he started his walk back to the dressing room, he noticed the Senior member he had defeated staring at Hitmoi. He instantly felt a sense of unease and rushed to the changing room. He pulled on his clothes and ran out of the gym. "Hitomi! Hey, Hitomi! Where are you?"

From around the corner, he heard what sounded like a heated debate. As he neared the corner of the gym, Junichi heard Hitomi's voice. "... and I won't go out with someone like you, no matter how many times you ask. For the last time, I will not go out with you."

A sneering male voice answered her, a voice that sent chills down Junichi's spine. "I won't take no for an answer. I'll just have to... convince you."

Junichi stepped around the corner and placed himself in front of Hitomi. "Who the hell are you?"

The other boy glared at him. "Ah... it's you. Beat it, kid. You got lucky today, but don't think your luck will last forever if you stay in my way."

Junichi lifted his shinai and pointed it at the other boy. "Try me. If you want a rematch against me, then I'll be happy to fight you. But, leave my girlfriend out of this."

The Senior kendo member raised his eyebrows. "A guy like you with a girl like her? Please..."

Junichi leaned down. "Sorry, Hitomi..." he whispered.

What do you mean? Her eyes widened as he kissed her, soft and tender. "Convinced now? Stay away from her, unless you want to pick a fight with me."

The other boy glared at Junichi in hate. "I'll remember this... Don't think I'll let you off for free."

After he had left, Junichi slumped against the wall. "Whew... That was a close one. Are you alright, Hitomi?"

"A-ah! Y-yes! I'm fine!"

"Umm... Are you sure? You sound a bit flustered."

"N-no... It's just... How should I say this..."

Her face was a bright shade of crimson. "Why did you say I was your g-g-girlfriend? And why did you... k-k-k-k-kiss me?"

Junichi felt his own face heat up quite a bit. "A-ah... ummm... Well... I thought that maybe, if he thought you were taken, he wouldn't bother you anymore."

"I-i-is that so?"

The awkward silence between them reached an uncomfortable level, neither person being able to say something to the other. The only sound in the air was the noises of the city in the distance. "Ummm... H-hitomi?"

"Y-y-yes?"

"We should get going. Standing around here is just a waste of time."

"Y-you're right. Let's go, Junichi."

They walked silently toward the school gates. Junichi groaned inwardly. What in the world possessed me to do that? "Hey... Junichi."

"Hm? Is there something wrong?"

"Umm..." Her face was a deep shade of red. "C-could we... you know... h-h-hold hands?"

Junichi nearly fell over as he heard those words. He caught himself before he could trip and came up sputtering. "W-w-w-what in the world are you suggesting?"

She looked down in embarrassment. "W-well... I thought that since you told that guy you were my boyfriend, maybe we should actually pretend for a bit. At least until this dies down."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"Well... if it'll keep creepy guys like that away from me, then I'll happily endure it for the time being."

"Hey, hey... Are you trying to compliment or insult me... I really can't tell."

Hitomi giggled, and the tension between them lessened a great deal. "Does that mean you'll do it?"

He allowed his hand to slip into hers. "Fine, fine. You win. But, don't think I'll do this for free. I'll expect repayment in the form of bentos and home-cooked meals!"

"... Is food really this first thing that comes to mind?"

Junichi laughed. "Let's go home then. There's still quite a bit of homework for us to do."

As they reached the school gates, he heard a voice from behind them. "Junichi~! Are you headed home?"

He turned around to see Izumi running towards them. "Hey, why is Nagase-san here too?" Her face darkened as she remembered. "Oh... that's right. She's living with you now."

Then, her eyes drifted downward to their interlocked hands. Oh CRAP! Now I'm in for it! Junichi quickly let go of Hitomi's hand and threw up his hands in an effort to block an incoming blow. "Wait, wait, wait! I can explain this, Izumi-chan!"

Her face had an unreadable expression on it as she stared at the pair in front of her. Then, without warning, she roughly pushed past them and ran down the street. "... Izumi-chan?"

He sighed and looked over at Hitomi. "I think we may have just made a huge mistake."

She seemed just as dazed and confused as he was as she nodded absentmindedly. They walked the rest of the way to Junichi's apartment in silence. The words that Izumi had muttered as she ran past Junichi reverberated in his mind.

Junichi, you idiot.

Izumi POV

I had known Junichi for as long as I can possibly remember. Our parents are close friends, and we often played together when we had time. We were inseperable, anything we did, we did together. This sort of relationship lasted until middle school.

It was then that we began to drift apart. We both began to get more popular, Junichi with some athletic groups, and me with some popular girls. Our time together began to grow shorter as the years went by. In the end, we only saw each other a few times a week at best.

Somewhere, along the way, I had realized something very important. I don't know exactly when it had happened, or why, but the feeling was there. I had fallen in love with Junichi.

However, I was cowardly at the time, and hid my feelings for him deep inside my heart. I was afraid he doesn't like me in the same way, and that it would ruin our friendship. I buried my feelings and lied to myself, trying to make myself forget my love for him. I had managed to keep these feelings surpressed until today.

"Why is he going out with her... Can't he tell that I love him?" Despite my attempts to crush my affection for him, there were things I just couldn't help doing in order to spend just a little more time with him.

I gripped my pillow harder. "I should have confessed to him while I still had the chance... Now, because of that woman, I really won't be able to."

Then, suddenly, something sprang into my mind. When I first saw them, Junichi tried to explain himself. But, at the time, I was too upset to even think about speaking with him... Maybe, just maybe he'll tell me that this is all a mistake?

No, no, no! Don't think like that, Izumi! You should know better than to get your hopes up. I shook my head, trying to get ahold of the conflicting emotions within me. "But... I have to know for sure."

I reached for my phone and dialed a number.

"Hey, Hitomi! I'm going out for a bit to buy some stuff for tomorrow, okay? I should be back within thirty minutes or so."

"Sure! Be careful!"

Hitomi had just begun cleaning the dishes from dinner when the phone rang. She picked it up with one hand while she continued to wash up with the other. "Hello? Who is this?"

A female voice responded. "Is Nakamura Junichi there?"

"Ah- He just stepped out. He'll be back within the hour. May I ask who this is?"

"... It's Izumi."

"Oh! Izumi-chan! Is there something that you had to speak with Junichi about? I'll gladly pass on your message if you'd-"

"Why you?"

"Eh? Sorry?"

"Why did Junichi choose to go out with you?"

"Oh! Ummm... Well, about that. He's just pretending for a while, since some creepy guy set his eyes on me. Hopefully this will help things a bit."

There was a sharp intake of breath on the other side of the line. "I see..."

"Is that all you needed to ask? I'm sorry for worrying-"

"Do you love him?"

"E-eh?"

"I asked you; do you love Junichi?"

Hitomi opened her mouth to say no, but hesitated. Why am I hesitating? I don't have any feelings for him... right?

"... N-no... I don't."

"In that case, please stay away from him."

"W-w-what are you talking about?"

"I've known Junichi longer than you have, and I'm more worthy of his love. You know nothing about him. Don't think that you, an outsider, can try and understand him just because you're living with him."

Hitomi felt like a knife had pierced her heart. What is this feeling? ... Could it be that I've actually fallen in love with him? Is it... because of that dream I've been having?

"... You're wrong."

"Hm?"

"I don't know what I feel for Junichi, and I don't know him well as a person yet, but I won't let you take my one and only friend away from me."

"... We'll see about that."

There was a click as the call disconnected. Hitomi fell to the ground, unable to move. "You know nothing about him..." Her body began to tremble as she stood up and made her way out of the kitchen. You're an outsider. She flung open the door and paused at the doorway. She took one last look at the apartment behind her before she ran off into the night. "Stay away from him."

Junichi locked up his bicycle and walked upstairs. I think I'll surprise Hitomi by using this stuff I bought to make us bentos tomorrow. I'm sure she'll like it. As he neared his apartment, he noticed that the door was open. He rushed inside to find the floor slick with water. The faucet in the sink was still running, and it had overflowed long ago. Where's Hitomi? There isn't a sign of a struggle, so she must have run out... But why?

He ran into his closet and pulled out a black silk belt and a black jacket. On the belt hung a katana and a tanto, both weathered with use. Father, I will use these to protect someone I care about.

He made sure to close the door and ran off to begin his search for Hitomi. Junichi found no sign of her in the immediate surrounding areas, and decided to look further out, since he had no idea how long ago Hitomi had left. As he passed one street, he saw her kneeling in the light of a street lamp. He carefully walked over to her and laid his hand on her shoulder. She jumped and slapped at his body with all her strength.

"No! Stay away from me!"

Junichi caught her arms and looked at her. Her clothing was torn in various places and she had a few small cuts on her arms and hands. "Hey, hey. Calm down, Hitomi... It's me."

She looked up at him with frightened eyes filled with tears. "J-junichi?" She lowered her head as tears leaked from her eyes. "Why did you come after me?"

He flicked her forehead. "Idiot. It's the boyfriend's job to protect his girlfriend."

"... We're only pretending though... That shouldn't give you a reason to go so far for someone like-"

He reached out and gathered her fragile body into his arms. Hitomi flinched violently as his arms wrapped around her. Hesitantly, she reached out and buried her face in his chest. I feel so safe with him... Then, she remembered something important. "Ah! Junichi! There were some people chasing me! They might still be around here somewhere."

He smiled gently. "I know."

"How?"

He pointed at her body. "I don't think you can get so torn up from a walk. Don't worry though, I'll protect you."

As he pulled his jacket around her, he heard the sound of soft clapping and a very familiar voice. "Very good! It looks like you weren't lying, Nagase-san. He really IS your boyfriend."

Junichi laid his hand on the hilt of his katana and drew it out a half inch. "You again! Who are you, and why do you keep going after her?"

The other student stopped just outside the ring of light and laughed. "That's right. We haven't been properly introduced yet, have we?" He bowed in a mocking matter. "My name is Ibuki Fujimoto, ranked seventh on the Senior kendo team, and grandson of Takeo Fujimoto."

He grinned, white teeth visible in the darkness. "I'm after her for no reason other than the fact that she interests me. I will stop at nothing until she's mine."

Junichi frowned. "As expected from a descendent of the Fujimoto family. You're just as ruthless and unruly as the rumors have stated."

Hitomi tugged on the back of his shirt. "What's with the Fujimoto family? Are they really influential here?"

"The Fujimoto family are the head of the Yakuza branch of this town. No one tries to cross them, mainly because they're moving out of violent crime, but there are still the bad eggs in the basket." Junichi drew out his sword even further. "I'm warning you. Don't even think about coming any closer."

Ibuki took one step into the light, then stopped as Junichi drew his katana. "Hm? Are you sure that's a good idea? There are two armed men with me. Make the wrong move, and you end up with two holes in your chest."

He reached out towards Hitomi, who clung to the back of Junichi's shirt, trembling violently. As his hand moved closer, the katana in Junichi's hand flashed in an impossibly fast arc. Ibuki jumped back and grunted as a shallow cut appeared on his forearm. "Not bad, rookie. But you made a huge mistake."

Junichi sighed. "Damn. I was aiming to cut off his arm too..."

Ibuki raised his hand and two men appeared next to him. "Shoot them. Try and keep the girl alive if you can, but it's no big deal."

Junichi reached back and pulled the tanto from his belt. He tossed it to Hitomi. "Here, take this. Now, you can at least defend yourself."

He placed himself in front of the two men and settled into a ready stance. As the first bullet was fired, he was already on the move, swinging his sword to intercept and deflect it. However, as time passed, the effort of blocking bullets from two different directions began to take its toll on him. A few bullets managed to penetrate his defence, leaving him with cuts and burns.

Hitomi stared at the figure in front of her in astonishment. Why? Why is he going so far for me? She stared at the tanto in her hands. I can't let him do this alone... Why can't I stop thinking about him?

She unsheathed it just as a bullet stuck Junichi in the shoulder. He fell to his knees with a grunt, panting heavily. It's no use... Even I can't stop all these bullets. If this continues, I'm going to get killed! He looked back at Hitomi. No... I can't die. I have to protect her, no matter what! He felt energy race through his body and turned around. He grabbed the tanto out of her hands and raced toward the two gunmen. My senses have sharpened so much... I can easily dodge these if it's like this. In four slashes, it was over. Two destroyed the weapons in their hands, and the other two, made with the blunt side of the swords, knocked the two men out cold.

He sheathed the katana and tanto before he turned to look at Hitomi. "Are you alright?"

Junichi staggered as she flung her arms around him. "Hitomi? Ow, ow, ow, ow! Hey! I might be fine, but I still have a bullet in my shoulder! Lay off!"

She shook her head. "I won't! Why did you have to make me worry so much? I thought you were going to die!"

He laughed in a strained voice. "... If you keep squeezing me like that, I think I will die."

Hitomi seemed to realize what she was doing. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Junichi!"

He slowly got to his feet. "Don't worry about it. It's nothing too bad." He dusted off his pants and held out his hand to her. "Well. Shall we go home?"

She took it, her face red. "Yeah."

As he pulled her to her feet, Junichi asked a question he had remembered. "Say... Hitomi? Why did you even leave like that in the first place?"

Her face turned an even deeper shade of red. "Ah- um... it's nothing too drastic... I'll tell you tomorrow, okay?"

He nodded. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. If it makes you uncomfortable, then I will happily say that I'd rather not know."

He winced in pain as bolts of fire seemed to shoot out from his wounds. "Guh... damn, this hurts..."

Hitomi grabbed his arm. "We should get you to the hospital!"

"No. We can't."

"Why? You'll be in danger if you get an infection from that wound."

"If I go to the hospital, they'll ask needless questions. Besides, I don't have the money to pay for it."

She bit her lip. "Well, at least let me bandage your arm."

He smiled at her, acknowledging her request. "As soon as we get home, I promise you can do whatever you want."

Whatever I want... Hitomi felt her face heat up as she contemplated his words. Should I let him know about Izumi? But... I don't even know how I feel about him.

They walked all the way back to the apartment in silence. As soon as he opened the door, she roughly pushed him down on the couch before bustling around as she looked for bandages and rubbing alcohol. "Take off your shirt. I'll try and clean the wound as best as I can, but if I can't get the bullet out, you really WILL have to go to the hospital. No exceptions."

Junichi sighed, but complied with what she asked. He winced in pain as the shirt brushed across the wound.

She stared at his upper torso, her face getting slightly red as she gazed as his figure. "Hitomi? Is something wrong?"

With a shock, she realized that he had noticed her staring at him. "N-n-nothing! Now, turn so I can check out the wound."

"Like this?"

"Just a little bit more. That's - "

She froze in shock. The bullet wound itself had disappeared. Dried blood still marked the place where it had been not long ago, but the wound itself was gone. "J-J-Junichi! Why are you healed already?"

"Eh? What are you talking about?"

As he looked over at his previously injured arm, Junichi jumped up in shock. The bullet hole was truly gone. As he stood, something rolled out of his shirt and onto the floor. He picked it up and stared at it, speechless. It was the bullet that had been imbedded in his shoulder not thirty minutes ago. "What in the world is going on here..." He shook his head. "Screw it. I'm going to take a shower. Maybe when I come out, I'll discover this was all just a dream."

He got up, muttering to himself, and walked into the bathroom. Moments later, Hitomi heard the sound of running water as the shower started. She sighed and walked over to her bags. From inside one, she pulled out her laptop and booted it up. What was with that ridiculous regeneration time? That's not human... is it? She quickly typed in her password and waited for her desktop to load.

As she moved to start an internet browser, a small icon in the top right hand corner of the screen caught her attention. "What's this? I've never seen this before... Did I download this before I left home?" She frowned in concentration. "No... I definitely would have remembered. Maybe it's a virus?"

The name of the program caught her attention. Why do I feel like I've seen this somewhere before? Beneath the icon was a simple, two word name.

Angel Player.

Author's Note: Ok, I think I overdid it a bit in two places:

1.) The fight scene, with Junichi being a beast and blocking bullets.

2.) Izumi's little monologue.

I admit it. I think I made Izumi seem like quite a bitch, didn't I. Well, what can I say? Jealousy works wonders on people.

OH damn! The Angel Player program has popped up again! But... There's going to be a twist on it. What if it no longer corresponds to Kanade? What if it's Yuzuru who is now affected by the program? (Hand sonic? In real life? Sweeeeet.)

That's all for now! Please remember to leave a review or send me a PM with suggestions! I really appreciate any comments made.

Until Next time!

~TabiNoTochuu