Chapter 4

XXXX Author's Note XXXX

Well, it's here! Right on schedule, too.

To Pmiller, Kisdota, and Sgt. Red: Thanks for the definition! Pmiller, I assume that Yuri means Straight (As in GuyxGirl). Sgt. Red, I read your fic, pretty sweet, man! I loved it!

But guys, don't hesitate to tell me what I need to do better. I really need your advice as this is my first fic (and the first piece of writing that I actually let others see). The positive comments are good for my heart, but I need what's good for my head. BTW, I'm Indian. I just felt like getting that of my chest :)

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We were hiking for nearly 2 hours; which was easy compared to, say, a 7 reduction chain battle, but taxing just the same. I couldn't deny the amazing view, though. We passed a sparkling river that Rhyme said also met us at the camp site. The mountains, trees, and wildlife were full of energy, rejuvenating me more than one of Mind And Body Foods' Herbal shakes. We stopped to eat lunch at a small ridge halfway to our destination. Beat had one of his beloved instant curry packs, while Shiki and I had Ramen Don's instant noodles. Rhyme packed a simple Bento that she invited us to eat., but we politely refused.

Eventually, we got up and quickly made the rest of the way up to the campsite at around 5:00

"Awrhight, Rhyme an' I'll set up the tents, you and Shiki'll get some firewood, aight?" Beat requested.

"Aight!" I mimicked him, and Shiki giggled, giving my face a light flush.

We set out. Finding firewood was an easy but tiring chore. Shiki and I collected kindling, then eventually moved on to logs and branches. When we had gotten enough wood, we headed back to the camp. Something was wrong, though…

"Um… Beat?" Shiki had seen what I saw, it was apparent in the disbelief on her face.

"Yeah?" Beat had a sly grin on his face, and so did Rhyme.

"There're only two tents." I was stupefied.

"Two beds, as well," Rhyme piped up. "Beat and I will share one, we're used to sleeping together." (A/N: Nothin' Dirty, Folks!)

"But… That means…" I the blush crept up my face. Shiki was tomato red, too.

"Yep! You two lovebirds get a bed all to yourselves!" cackled Rhyme.

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "You guys…" I growled, then realized Beat wouldn't forgive me if I cursed in front of Rhyme. "Really need to get a hobby."

Beat burst out laughing, literally rolling on the ground in tears, as Rhyme gave me a grin, as if saying, This is our hobby.

I checked my watch. 6:00, damn, there's no way out of this. The last bus left at guys must have planned this perfectly. I looked at Shiki out of the corner of my eye. Her blush had yet to go away, it looked as if she had painted her face red, right up to the roots of her hair. Her light, brown hair. Soft, beautiful hair. Lush, chocolate colored- What the hell am I thinking!?!?! Oh, God. One way or another, I wouldn't forget this night for the rest of my life.

At around 7:00, we set up the campfire, and feasted on a dinner of baked beans, curry (beat) s'mores (Rhyme and Shiki couldn't get enough of them), and hot dogs (a campfire staple, it you ask me).

"Errrrgh," Beat groaned as he stretched his now full belly. "I guess it's time to call it a night."

Rhyme pretended to yawn. "Yeah, I'm really tired. What about you, Neku and Shiki?" She smiled at us innocently. Little She-Demon.

I felt the blush returning to my ears, and I looked sideways at Shiki—Just as she looked at me. We both blushed even redder and turned away from each other. Beat chuckled. "Oh, and you might want to cuddle up a bit, too. It gets pretty cold up here," Rhyme added.

I grit my teeth. They really thought this through, crap. But then again, I'm sleeping with Shiki (A/N: Nothing Dirty, guys!)… I was blushing to the tips of my ears. Cuddling… with Shiki… I shook my head to clear my slightly lewd thoughts.

"A-Alright," stuttered Shiki, who seemed as embarrassed as I was. "I-I'll go get ch-changed."

"Y-yeah," I muttered. "Me too."

We both walked to the same cluster of trees, looked at each other, blushed, and went in opposite directions away from the camp. Beat and Rhyme were guffawing, reduced to tears on the ground. Up yours, Beat.

I quickly got changed and headed to our tent, only to see the sign on the entrance. I read the words, barely noticing the light footsteps behind me. "The love tent? Oh, god." I raised my voice. "Beat, Rhyme, when we get back, I swear..,"

The only response was the loud snickering from the other tent. I turned around and saw Shiki walking up to me in her Sheep Heavenly pajamas. Suddenly, I didn't hate their brand anymore.

Shiki was wearing a light pink fleece shirt with matching pants. The outfit was slightly innocent and childish, yet still showed off her curves. I thought back to where I had last seen that outfit. Hmmm. Oh yeah! That Sheep Heavenly shop near Scramble, I'm not sure where. It was called… No way. That can't be right. I blushed as I remembered the name. The… snuggle PJs? Shiki blushed, as well. Mr. Mew was still in her arms as she read the sign next to me. She gulped. "U-um… I'll go in first, I guess."

I shrugged, still blushing. "Sure, ladies first."

She went in, opening the flap, and shrieked.

I ran inside, expecting the worst, but found… something even worse.

"Oh, no…" I groaned, seeing the inside of the tent for the first time. "Beat… You are soooo dead tomorrow morning!!!

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And that's it. How'd you like it? I just made my first cliffhanger. I'm sooo proud! I'm feeling pretty evil right now, so I think I'll let out an evil laugh.

That was awesome! Best evil laugh ever. For those of you reading, it went a little something like this:

"BWAHAHAHAHA!!!! HEHEHEHE… Nyuk, Nyuk, Nyuk… Ell- Oh- Ell."

Okay, so it's sounds a little weird on print, but trust me, it's awesome.

What's that, you ask? Am I just stalling so I can get my one thousand word quota while still leaving out the scene you guys are waiting for?

No… of course not! Do I seem like the kind of person that'd do that?

Don't answer that question.

Okay, I've hit 1000, bye!

*Waves vigorously as I push you all out the door*

And if anyone asks who's fault the cliffhanger is, I officially blame Kisdota! He said that people would like my fic more if I held out on them. So it's HIS fault!!! *Points accusing finger at Kisdota, who is looking at everyone with huge innocent eyes and holding a teddy bear, the true image of a 3-year-old boy.

Okay, bye for real now!