K.F.: Yay, this story has been hit over 100 times! ((grabs closest person and dances with them))

Gene: What are you-?! H-hey!! Stop spinning around!! ((becomes dizzy))

K.F.: Thank you all for clicking, even if you only accidentally clicked on this story, I thank you too!

Gene: ((becomes green))

K.F.: I warn you, this may become a teen story soon… nothing prolific or anything. Just some words a minor violence. ((I don't really go for gore or anything in my stories….)) Gene. Do the disclaimer.

Gene: ((has stopped spinning and is now hugging a trash can…)) N-no…

K.F.: ((points at him)) I said now! Unless you want to spin again….

Gene: No- NO!!! ((tries not to throw up)) Killafella doesn't own Outlaw Star, it's places, it's characters, or anything else I might've left out… BLEEEECH!

K.F.: ((cringes)) Well, onto the story.

Chapter 6: To Open a Doorway

I stretched out in the bed and looked down at the clothing I borrowed from that Aisha girl… She had a weird… um… taste. 'Heh, I guess I'll have to get some new clothes now… too recognizable…' My old clothes were kinda soaked anyway… doubted that they would fit me anymore….

My hand found it's way up to my short hair. Once it fell just past my shoulders. Now, it was just below my chin with choppy layers. 'It was better this way anyway,' I mentally said. 'It'll be a lot easier to handle…' Soon, I would have to start wearing contacts. It was already hard for me to put eyeliner on… always kept poking myself in the eyes… I didn't think I would manage with colored contacts…

The door suddenly slammed open. "Get up! You can't sleep in all day! You've got work to do!" exclaimed the loud red head. He then paused, seeing my short hair. "Whoa. What happened to you? You get in a fight with scissors and lose? Horribly?

I growled and then cried at him, "Don't you ever knock before opening the door to a lady's room?! Do you live in a barn?!" I liked my hair…

As if he hadn't even thought about my comment, Gene walked over to me and ruffled my hair like he would a younger sister. "Shut up and get your butt outta bed. We've got stuff to get done."

My eyes narrowed at his happy face. 'Of course, and that would probably include barging in on me, hm…?' I thought, crossing my arms. While I was contemplating the many ways I could annoy the hell out of him, Gene pulled out a baggy blue t shirt and men's black pants. "I don't think you like wearing Ashia's stuff, so here."

I gratefully took the clothes and smiled. 'Maybe he isn't as bad as I thought… he's kinda considerate….'

"I mean," he went on, "we can't have you cleaning in THAT!"

'Ass… I guess he's not too bad though…' I stood and closed the door behind him as he left. The thought of starting anew scared me a little. Becoming a whole new person wasn't going to be easy. But as my feet carried me across the cold floor, I smiled.

As I made my way down stairs, I saw Melfina, who I came to call Melly. I don't know why, I just did. I greeted her with a wave and she handed me a plate of food. I sat down and started to eat enthusiastically.

"Your hair, Kyle…" She began, tilting her head. "What happened?"

I smiled despite the food stuffed into my mouth. "You don't like it? I just thought that it would be easier to take care of and all with cleaning and…" I said a little disappointed.

Melly shook her head and added, "No, I just wondered."

'Hah!' thought I triumphantly. 'Take that Gene! You have no sense of style!'

"It's very practical."

Practical. Um… that wasn't the support that I was looking for… I finished my breakfast and Melly gripped my hand. I raised a brown and she smiled. "We are going out."

"Out?"

"Jim is also joining us," she said, walking with me towards the door.

"Wait! Wait!" I cried, shaking my head. "I – I don't have any …shoes! Yeah, shoes!" Truth was, I was kind of nervous to be around him. Last night, Jim acted… cold. Well, I was a stranger… and I had no idea how Gene knew…

:Flashback:

Gene placed a hand on my head and proceeded to ruffle my blond hair as the three of us started to walk towards their home. "So, have you decided to take up our offer?" he queried.

I laughed a bit. "I don't know…" I said, smacking his hand away. I glanced up at Jim to see his reaction. His dark blue eyes were focused straight ahead. He didn't even offer me a welcome… maybe he just…

I was brought out of my reverie as the red haired man smacked my back. "Oh come on! You know you want to…" he laughed. Then he looked at me seriously… and I knew he knew. He had somehow he had seen.

I looked away and laughed fakely. "… just for a while…." I look up at the blond young man on my left just one more time. No, I didn't think he even saw me.

:End Flashback:

A pair of beat up boots was put into my limp, empty hands. Pulled from my thoughts, I looked up to see Jim Hawking looking down at me with those same blue eyes. They seemed… softer than before. "Here. They may be old but they'll do for now."

K.F.: So what did you think…?

Gene: ((still angry with me about making him sick)) Great I suppose. But you will pay for what you did! ((smiles evilly))

K.F.: ((eyes narrow)) Ooh… I am so scared of a fictional character! ((then her eyes widen when she sees what Gene pulls out from behind his back)) No…!

Gene: Oh YES! ((holds tarantula out towards her and chases her))

K.F.: NO!!! Only those who review can save me from my ultimate fear!!! ((both stop for a moment and bow to the readers)) Flames are accepted. See ya.