I know these apologies are starting to get repetitive but I feel like I owe them to you. I'm sorry! It's been nearly a month. ;_; It turned out Hot Cocoa Len was right. I should've done my homework which was revising for exams and just... Geez, it was freakin' mad XS But my exams are over so I can update again! ^.^

But seriously guys, I know I'm annoying when it comes to updating but I WILL keep this going until the very end and WILL update this as often as possible. The fact people are reading and reviewing means SO much. You have no idea QuQ

BTW You'll find there's been quite a time skip since the last chapter. I really hope you guys don't mind too much :3

I do not own Vocaloid!

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There's A First Time For Everything

Chapter 7: First Fight

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It had nearly been two weeks since our visit to the amusement park already. It was currently a Wednesday afternoon and lunchtime. I found it quite amazing how quickly the time had gone by. It only seemed like the day before that I'd helped Rin resolve her issues with Miku and Kaito.

It was strange suddenly having someone at school to talk with other than Rin. Before, I talked to no one. It took awhile to get used to just having Rin there yapping on, but three people? It was just so weird. But I couldn't help but find myself liking it. It was comforting, in a way, to know I had someone else to watch my back. Was I finally becoming social?

Kaito wasn't actually that bad. I think he just needs to work on not thinking aloud all the time. Perhaps people wouldn't get so cross with him. His Miku fantasies are a little scary. I did wonder why she hadn't broken up with him yet. But as I said, he was a pretty decent guy. I think his belief of what Rin did was because he was simply misled. From what I'd gathered, he never truly hated her. And anyway, after he hugged her like that at the park, it was obvious how he really felt.

Kaito had even dragged me away from Rin on our walk home. He started talking about Ryuu and the conversation quickly picked up. We were almost talking like we were old buddies. Rin's an amazing friend, but it was nice to have someone of the same gender to talk with. Not to mention, he showed me his dog and I really like dogs. It was even better that he'd named it after one of the shadow beasts from Ryuu.

I'd also become quite fond of Miku. She seems a very cheerful girl, rather like Rin, but twice as energetic. She gets excited over the tiniest things and bounces about like a five year old. I will admit, she's a bit annoying but she means well. Her and Rin seem really close again. I was surprised how quickly they resumed their full friendship. She'd been over Rin's house twice already.

For some reason, and I hated the fact I felt that way, I wasn't actually fussed on that fact. I was thrilled that Rin had her old friends back. She seemed so happy and that made me happy. But I couldn't help but dislike the amount of attention Rin was giving Miku and Kaito. I was still eating with her in private under our tree yet it still made me on edge. However, I understood that Rin was just excited about her friends' sudden reappearance in her life and guessed things would calm down in about a week or so.

But they didn't.

They got worse.

"Are you coming, Rin?" I asked. I was just finishing packing up my things. I was also hungry and in need of food so I was hoping Rin would hurry up. She seemed to be staring into space. "Rin?" I asked again and waved my hand in front of her face.

"Hm? O-oh! Sorry!" she said sheepishly as she jerked back into reality. She stood up and collected her things. "Yes, yes. I'm coming."

I waited impatiently. It wasn't just because my stomach was growling, but I had something ask Rin. After all the commotion with Miku and Kaito, I hadn't been over her house at all. I actually wanted to go again, after my last visit. I enjoyed preforming with her. My parents were out that evening and Lily was going on a date with Al (I knew it wasn't just a friendship Valentine's text). So in short, it was the first time since we'd moved to Cho that my embarrassing family weren't about. I was thinking of inviting Rin over. She'd asked about my house before and it was about time I let her come over. I could even teach her to draw a bit.

My stomach was filled with butterflies. Half of them were fluttering about from nervousness but for some reason, the other half seemed to be flapping around in excitement. It was beyond my knowledge why, but I was actually pretty excited about the thought of Rin coming over. It would be pretty fun!

I couldn't help but grin to myself and shake with silent giggles, causing Rin to stand up straight and look at me quizzically.

"Len, are you ok?" she asked and placed her hand on my forehead. "You're laughing... and I haven't even done anything stupid to make you laugh."

My forehead started to burn at her touch so I swatted her hand away. "Fine. I'll tell you when we're under the tree."

Rin jokingly scowled at me for hitting her hand and said, "Alright, let's go th-"

Rin was cut off by a big, teal monster flying through the air and landing right between Rin and I. Miku was completely blocking my sight of Rin and all I could see was her long, bright hair. I tried to walk around her but she started to bounce up and down in excitement and her hair flew into my eyes, causing them to sting like crazy. I stumbled backwards.

"Rin, Rin, RIIIN!" cried Miku and giggled loudly.

"What, what, WHAAAT?!" I heard Rin reply, repeating Miku's yells.

Miku continued to bounce on the spot and said, "Kaito was playing electric guitar in the music room. You know the show off with the pink hair? That idiot, Luki? Well, he picked up a guitar and now they're battling!"

"Really?" Rin said curiously. Miku nodded, only to shake more hair in my face. Miku hair hurts.

"Uh-huh! Come see!"

I stopped rubbing my sore eyes and looked up. Rin was coming to lunch with me! Since my first day at Yuujou, there was never a day one of us missed out on eating under the tree together. Even now Miku and Kaito were now our friends, Rin and STILL I ate by ourselves. Surely Rin wasn't going to go off with Miku, right?

"Sure! I'd love to go!"

I stopped breathing and felt my heart drop to my stomach.

...what?

Miku's hand grabbed Rin's and before I could say anything, the two girls had bounded out of the classroom. Rin hadn't even looked back, let alone said anything to me. I was stunned on the spot, wide eyed. I suddenly remembered I hadn't breathed for nearly a minute and choked.

Rin had left me...

Rin had left me for Miku and Kaito...

I was alone.

People were starting to stare at me so I just awkwardly padded out of the classroom. I decided not to hang around looking like a loner (even though I was) and go to the tree anyway.

I just couldn't believe it. Rin had never left me before. I suddenly started to feel as lonely as I used to. I started to feel the way I did in my past schools. But this time was worse. Back then, I didn't know what having a friend was like. So even though I felt lonely, I didn't miss anything. Now is was different. I knew what it was like to spend time with a friend. A best friend. I couldn't hide the fact to myself that I was hurt.

I got out of the school and slowly walked up to the orange tree. The tree was becoming even more beautiful than before. It stood proudly over me, sunlight streaming through the small gaps. More and more petals were appearing each day. They were small, cute and a pretty off white. I could even see tiny oranges starting to appear on the tree.

I was about to point out the oranges to Rin but then I remembered she wasn't there. I sighed and plonked myself onto the tree's roots. I wasn't in the greatest mood one bit. Rin had gone off with Miku to watch Kaito playing the guitar. Did she think Kaito was better at playing the guitar than me? Probably.

I got out by bento and reached for a rice ball. However, before it touched my lips it appeared to crumble all over my lap. I was confused until I saw my hand was clenched in a fist. Without meaning to, I'd crushed it. Was I... angry?

I growled loudly and stood up. My foot crashed into the tree and I started to kick it. I didn't know what I was doing. Why was I acting that way? It was so childish, yet I didn't want to stop it. I didn't understand why I was so angry. I was upset as well. I was going to ask her to come over, too! ARGH! I sounded like such a kid!

Eventually, I sighed heavily, stopped kicking and rested my forehead against the abused tree.

'Come on,' I mentally told myself. 'It's just one lunch without her. You'll manage fine. It's not like she'll do it again.'

I nodded determinedly and sat back down. Ignoring the crushed rice ball, I dug into the rest of my bento. I tried to concentrate on the food and how delicious it was but my mind kept wandering off to Rin. Was she enjoying herself? Was she thinking about me? Had she forgotten me? I shook my head violently every time to try and clear the thoughts but it was useless.

I was so lost in the situation that I didn't even jump when the bell from hell rang. Now, that was something. I collected everything together, including my thoughts, and made my way back into the school. I must have been walking far slower than I realised because the majority of the class were already there. Thankfully Kiyoteru-sensei wasn't. However, when I looked around I couldn't see Miku, Kaito or Rin anywhere. I was growing even more angry and found myself muttering under my breath as I sat down at my desk.

The trio finally paraded through the door wearing huge smiles. Miku had her arm firmly wrapped around Kaito's and Kaito had a satisfied smirk. I looked to Rin who was bouncing around and giggling.

"You got him good, Kaito!" she exclaimed and gave him a pat on the back.

"Thanks, Blondie," Kaito said happily. "Glad you could come and watch me kick his ass."

Rin giggled at Kaito's words but then her gaze rested on me. You'd think someone grabbed a huge needle, plunged it into Rin and drained all the blood from her skinny body. All colour had left her face and her smile quickly faded. She sprinted over to me, dodging surprised students in the process and slammed her hands on my desk. She opened her mouth to speak but she got interrupted.

"I'm here," sighed Kiyoteru-sensei as he walked into the room rubbing his eyes. He looked really tired. "Please take your seats. I'm not in the best mood so please keep quiet."

Rin looked down at me with a look of desperation to say something. I flicked my eyes towards the seat next to me to tell her to sit down before she got into trouble. She reluctantly walked around and plopped herself down. She shuffled closer to me. I guessed it was to try and whisper something to me but I surprised both of us by moving away. I didn't look at her. I was pretty mad and I wasn't going to let her get away with it.

The rest of the day went past so slowly. It was almost agonising how long the minutes seemed to last. Rin kept trying to get my attention by flicking erasers in my direction or tugging on my sleeve but I just completely ignored her. I didn't want to accidentally snap at her later on so I figured that ignoring her for the time being would calm me down.

By the time the bell went, things really had calmed down. So much so I did my regular jump unlike earlier on. It was alright. She'd only left me for one lunch and she seemed pretty sorry. Anyway, I was probably making it a bigger deal than it was. I was fine now.

"Rin," I said as I packed up my things.

"Y-Yes?" she asked back nervously.

I turned to her and smiled. "Never mind about lunch. Let's just forget it happened, alright?"

Rin sighed in relief. "Yes! I'm sorry Len... thanks."

I continued to smile as I picked up my bag. I turned around to Rin who seemed to be staring into space just like she was before lunch. She was away with the fairies a lot recently. I gestured towards the door and asked, "You coming?"

Rin shook her head awake and said, "Yep! Yep, I'm coming."

We made our way towards the door and walked down the corridors. I decided to work up the courage and ask her over. Under the tree, with little people around, would've been ideal but the corridor would have to do. Otherwise, she'd be home before I could ask.

"H-Hey, Rin?" I asked. I tried to sound casual but my nervousness showed through my tone.

Rin looked at me and tilted her head. "What?"

I started fiddling with my sleeve as I replied, "Are you busy this evening?"

Rin squinted her eyes in thought before she said, "Nope. I can't think of anything I have planned tonight. Why?"

"Well...um..." I said, trying to find the right words. "I was just, er, wondering if you'd like t-"

"Oi! Oi! BLONDIE!"

I held in my growl as Miku and Kaito leaped out from behind us. Miku's eyes were twinkling and Kaito was grinning. Before Rin or I could ask why they'd jumped out at us, Kaito held out some strips of paper. They looked like tickets for something or other.

"Remember last week I mentioned that music fair?" Kaito asked Rin as he waved the tickets at her. Rin nodded but this was the first I'd heard of any music fair. "Well, I forgot to say earlier. My dad got us tickets. We're going!"

Rin's face lit up. "Really, when?"

"Now, silly!" Miku said and giggled loudly.

Kaito handed Rin the tickets and she gazed at them almost lovingly, like they were a dear pet. But her expression quickly turned to one of confusion. She counted the tickets under her breath. There were three. She looked back up at Kaito worriedly. "There's only three."

"Aha...well," Kaito said and looked awkwardly to the side. "Dad could only get three. I couldn't say anything, I had to grateful enough for these or I wouldn't even have them."

"But what about Le-"

"Save it."

Rin jerked her head to me. Her aqua eyes were wide and confused. "Wha...what?"

"I said, save it!" I snapped darkly.

That was what I was scared of earlier. That's why I wanted to calm myself down. It worked then but now the new incident was happening, I was enraged. My chest was extremely tight and my eyebrows were so furrowed it was causing me a headache. I'd had enough of being left out.

"I'm SICK of everything being about these two. You keep leaving me out! And lunchtime upset me more than you think," I explained angrily.

Rin scoffed and said, "Are you saying you're jealous? How childish."

My eyes lit up with fire. "I'm not jealous! Just extremely pissed off."

Rin's eyes narrowed and she crossed her arms. "You seem jealous to me. And you could have said something before I left with Miku."

"You ran off before I could!" I said a little too loudly, causing passers by to stare. "I was going to ask you something too but I guess you're running off with these two, now."

"Uh, g-guys?" Miku asked nervously. "Please don't squabble in the hallway. People are looking."

Rin stepped closer to me and said, "Come on, then. Ask away."

"UGH! It doesn't even matter now!"

"Guys, seriously, you better-"

"If it was that important, you'd ASK!"

"Well maybe from the way you're treating me, I don't WANT to ask you anymore!"

"Blondie...everyone's looking..."

"It was just one lunch anyway. Don't be such a baby, I'm sure you survived."

"Don't call me a baby!"

"Fine then. How about shota?"

"YOU KNOW WHAT?!"

"WHAT?!"

"I wish I'd never have stepped in at the amusement park! Kaito and Miku could still be bullying you for all I care!"

I heard Miku gasp behind me and Kaito make a small noise in surprise. Rin's angry scowl faded into a blank expression. I was still furiously panting. We stared into each other's eyes. The whole hallway was dead silent but I knew there were many witnesses. Before anything else sparked up, I pulled my bag up higher on my shoulder, tilted my head forward so my bangs hid my face and started marching away from Rin.

I heard shuffling and Rin's now shaky voice say, "L-Len...I..."

"No, Rin. Get lost and leave me alone," I hissed over my shoulder and proceeded to run out of the school. I kept running, dodging all the people making their way home.

My legs took me away from the school. Far away. I didn't really know where I was going. I was just running. I didn't want to go home and I didn't really have anywhere else. I'd been in Cho for nearly three weeks but I still wasn't familiar with any facilities. Rin was going to show me around the following weekend. Apparently there was a small shopping centre (which my parents had already been to but I was too lazy to go) a cinema and a park that Rin went to often. I was actually looking forward to it but now I wasn't so sure. I was so angry.

I was starting to grow tired and my running was slowly turning into a walk. I stopped for a moment and looked around. I didn't have a clue where I was. I didn't even know which direction I'd come from. Basically, I was lost.

Just a short distance ahead, I could see black, swirly railings. At first, I thought they were for someone's garden but the railings were really long, carrying on to the end of the road. I wandered over to them and soon I could see nothing but luscious, lime grass. There were all different types of trees everywhere, a sparkling lake just off to the right and a small playground to the left. Little children were running about with their parents stood around happily chatting and a few old folk were sat on benches around the lake.

'Well, I've found the park.'

I reached for the gate, opened it and slipped inside. There was no one really my age about. They were all probably still coming out of school. I didn't want people to look at me (being the awkward person I am) and made my way over to a group of oak trees. They were large, and shielding from the sun. I sat down on the roots, looked down at the dirt and sighed.

"I wish I'd never have stepped in at the amusement park! Kaito and Miku could still be bullying you for all I care!"

"No, Rin. Get lost and leave me alone."

I was beginning to regret everything I'd said to Rin. I'd surprised even myself with the harsh words. Thinking back, they were beginning to upset me. I would never want Rin to picked on again. The poor girl had been through enough with the Akumas. I liked Rin's smile so much and I always wanted to see it. I never want to see her cry. It'd hurt me to see her cry. I guessed it was the painful yet rewarding burden of her being my best friend.

It wasn't long before all my anger had vanished and all that was left was guilt. Guilt, guilt, guilt. What if I'd upset Rin? What if Rin was never going to talk to me again? What if... What if I'd made Rin cry? I didn't know. But I did know that if I had, I'd probably hate myself. Hate is such a strong word, I know. Yet if Rin's tears and pain were caused by me, I really would.

I rested my head back against the tree and looked at the sky. It was a brilliant, bright blue although I noticed some grey clouds over the horizon. I doubted it would rain before I got home. Well, if I did somehow work out how to get home. I knew it was best if I got up and tried to find my way back but I couldn't bring myself to get up. I was feeling really tired. I let my eyes close and let out yet another sigh.

My eyelids slowly lifted and I looked up to the sky again.

'Oh... Oh crap... How did it get so dark?!'

I brought my hand up to my face to rub my eyes. I looked back up and sure enough, it was really dark. I looked at my hand and noticed sleep had rubbed off on it.

'Damn! I fell asleep!'

I shot up, grabbing my bag in the process, and came out from under the tree. I looked around and I wasn't surprised to find everyone was gone. I started to panic. There was no one around for me to ask for help. I quickly pulled out my phone. It was still on! I found I had six missed calls. Two from my mother, one from my father, one from Lily and two from Rin. Rin...

I quickly looked up 'Mum' in the contacts and pressed the mobile to me ear.

Ring, ring.

'Pick up!'

Ring, ring.

'PLEASE pick up!"

Ring, ri- "Hello."

"Hello?! Mum?!" I asked frantically into the phone. "Listen, I'm in the park and-"

"This is Lola Kagamine. I'm unavailable right now but please leave a message and I'll get back to you! Keep on smiling!"

I grunted and rolled my eyes at my mother's cheesy voice mail and waited for the the beep. But... the beep never came. I brought my phone away from my ear and stared at it. It read:

BATTERY LOW - PHONE WILL TURN OFF AUTOMATICALLY

With that, my phone's screen went blank then quickly went as black as the night sky. However, something appeared on the phone screen and for a second I thought that maybe it had found some extra charge. More little things appeared but they soon turned into big things. That's when I felt myself growing weirdly wet and looked up to find it was raining.

"ARGH!" I yelled out in frustration and shoved my phone into my pocket. I didn't have a coat with me, not even a hood of any sort. My bag was too heavy to hold over my head and I didn't want to take my school books out, they'd get ruined. It wasn't long before I was soaked.

For some reason, I'd given up. I didn't try to leave the park and go looking for home. I didn't even try to go knocking on someone's door for directions. I was so down that I couldn't be bothered to leave that park. My mind had firmly set itself back on Rin. I'd upset her, I'd probably upset Miku and Kaito and I'd even upset myself.

What was strange was that you would have thought I would at least run for shelter back under the tree. But I didn't. Instead, I was drawn to the lake. The rain hitting it made such a pretty splitter-splatter sound and I wandered over. I hovered over the short railings, watching as the water droplets fell into the lake making little ripples. Even though the sky was dark and filled with clouds, the water somehow still found a way to sparkle.

I leaned further over the railings. I could see my reflection in the water. Though it was being torn apart from the ripples, I could still make out my blonde hair. The hair tie I use had fallen out, probably while I was asleep, and my hair hung down to my shoulders. I looked... I looked a little like Rin.

Suddenly, the water seemed to stop and all I could see was Rin. Her face was scrunched up and her eyes hidden by her hair. She then tilted her head upwards a bit and I could see her eyes, filled with hurt and tears. The tears started to quickly trickle down her face and she cried out. I reached out to her, trying to get to her, but I just couldn't!

"Rin!" I called. "Rin, I'm coming!"

"Len! Stop! You're going to fall!"

SPLASH!

I was surrounded by water. I couldn't see. I couldn't breathe. All I could hear was the disturbed water around me, swishing everywhere. I tried to call out for Rin but I started to choke. It was dark. It was wet. I didn't like it. I tried to call out to Rin again. I had to stop her crying.

I felt something grab me from under my arms and pull me upwards.

The night's cold air hit me hard as I emerged from the water. I gasped for breath and choked out the water that had invaded my lungs. My rescuer, who still had a grip under my arms, grabbed my legs as well. I felt a breeze fly passed us and I guessed my rescuer had sat down. My head seemed to be rested on their lap. I looked up. My vision was blurry but I could just about make out blonde hair.

"Rin?" I croaked out, squinting my eyes.

"No," my rescuer breathed out. "It's Lily... It's Lily..."

I felt somewhat disappointed Rin wasn't there yet I found myself suddenly clinging to my big sister. Her warm arms wrapped around me and she pressed me against her. I felt like a little kid again. When I was upset, Lily used pull me onto her lap and hold me close. Sometimes it seemed like Lily was there for me more than my parents.

"Lily, I'm sorry. Tell mum and dad I'm sorry too," I moaned quietly, my voice muffled because my face was pressed into her chest.

"Shh, it's alright. We'll go home now. Mum and dad are coming here right now," she explained, still holding me tightly.

"Ok," I sighed and closed my eyes tightly.

The last thing I remembered were yells from my parents and Lily's soft, soothing words.

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This became way more dramatic than I first intended o.O But, uh-oh! Rinny and Lenny have had a fight XO Poor Len. ;_; And if you think Rin's sudden character change is odd, think about it. Have you been in a situation where one of your friends has found a new friend and they kinda forget you're there? Yeah, it's happened to me so it was easy to describe the feeling :/

Can I just say, I think Lily and Len having a brotherly/sisterly love is really cute! X3 Same goes for Luka and Rin. :D (Even though Luka isn't in this story XD)

I'll try really hard to update this quicker than last time! But remember, long reviews = quicker updates! ;)