Flora-sama: F-finally...I'm finally back...How long has it been since I last updated? 4, 5 months? My God. All I can think of saying is sorry.

First of all, I'd like to wish everyone a very, very, very late Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Valentine's Day!3 3

After I last updated, my house was bombarded with family, coming in and out for like 3 months. I spent all of this month trying to actually type this story and I've finally finished. And to make things better, I only have 3 months until school ends! Yay! But before that can happen, I have finals. Yay!...;_;

Well I'm semi-positive that I won't have anymore guests until summer, so maybe I'll actually get to the good part of this story before then! For the next few chapters, I'm gonna try to put in as little filler content as possible. And I promise, it shall not be boring!(I hope...) Until the juicy parts, enjoy this chapter.

Warning: I'm sorry, I kinda rushed this chapter. I really wanted to post it before the end of February so it may be a bit(or a lot) sucky.


For the past few minutes, having listened to Len and Rin's helpful commentary of the surrounding area, I've been gazing at the large fields filled with cattle, crops, and poultry. I can't help but be reminded of the woods surrounding their home. There's a distinctive aroma every time the wind blows, the plant life is abundant, and the calming aura dispels all doubts that had pledged my mind. This feeling and this place just seem too unreal. Well regardless of whether I'm dreaming or not, I want to enjoy this to the best of my ability.

I look to Len and Rin. They seem to be having a decent conversation about something. Just a few minutes ago, they had been at each other's throats and now look at them, interacting with each other as if nothing happened. I guess this isn't such a bad thing. I mean, having them get over every argument so quickly makes things less uncomfortable for me. I couldn't handle the tension.

"Nyu~." I feel Nagi fidget in the handbag on my waist. Earlier, Rin had given it to me so that I could bring Nagi to the mall and not have her seen. I was thankful for this because neither Len nor I have thought of something like that.

But the moment I put Nagi in that bag, she immediately resisted. She would thrash and whine and struggle out of it. After a bit of persuading, however, she finally calmed down enough to stay in one place. Now she only peaks her head through the opening to make a pleading sound like now.

I give her an apologetic look and pat her head.

"I'm sorry, but we don't have any other options. I promise the second we're finished, you can fly around as much as you want." She hesitates a bit, but eventually puts her head back inside of the handbag. I feel kind of sorry for Nagi. Having always been able to go wherever she wants up until now, she must be feeling uncomfortable, being in a small place like that. The only thing keeping me from taking her out is the possibility that she might be seen by someone. Judging from everyone's reactions so far, I take it that seeing something like Nagi is very strange. Well, that's to be expected. If a strange creature was seen in a crowd of humans, a surprised reaction would be the most appropriate.

Now that I think about it, wouldn't humans find me strange? I already know that I don't look like a typical human, so that wouldn't mean that I could be figured out too?

"Uh, wait," the words unknowingly leave my mouth. Len and Rin stop talking and face me.

"What about…my appearance?" I can feel my nervousness creeping up on me again. But unlike the other times, where it was sudden and short lived, this one was different. There was a lingering sour taste in the back of my throat. I coughed a little, but that only seemed to make it worse. I kept my mouth tightly shut, fearing that if I opened it, I would gag. However, despite my worrying, Len and Rin share the same nonchalant expression.

"Yeah, what about it?" says Rin.

I swallow hard and push the urge to vomit away.

"Well, isn't it different from humans? What happens if someone asks about me?"

"We'll do the same thing we've been doing with mom; lie through our teeth." Len gives a quick answer. "If anyone asks about your hair, we'll just say you dyed it. And if they ask about your eyes, we can say that you wear color contacts. Simple." He finishes with an easy-going smile.

I take a deep breath and nod. That sour taste in the back of my throat lingers for some time, but eventually subsides. We continue walking along the dirt road. This time, I walk a little more eagerly.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

"W-wow." I am completely surrounded by a flock of humans all around me. In every direction there is a human doing something different from the other. Some are in groups, some are by themselves, some are on their phones, some are sitting on the corner holding up signs and some are doing I don't know what. They all seem to be going at great speeds, including Len and Rin. They maneuver to and from anything in their way with ease I struggle to keep up with. This both amazes and terrifies me at the same time. It's amazing how swift they can be, but it's also terrifying because no matter what I try, I'm they seem to getting farther and farther away.

Just then, I feel something jab my back. Startled, I turn around sharply and surprise the man behind me. He holds up his hands.

"Woah, sorry about that. I didn't mean to bump into you like that." He stops speaking and looks at me. His wide eyes squint and he leans in closer to me. I back away slightly. I still have my suspicions of humans. "Man, I didn't mean to scare you that bad. If you like, I could make it up to you." He continues to step closer to me.

"Uh, I'm sorry, but I was looking for some-," I look around hoping to see Len or Rin but to no prevail.

"Oh? Do you mean your boyfriend?"

"N-no. My friends." I can feel him approaching faster now.

"Well do you see them anywhere?" Before I can answer, he has already grabbed my arm and stared tugging on it. "If not, then I could keep you company."

"Wait, I…" This is scary. There's something about him that unsettles me. He's too persistent. I can't get him to go away no matter what I say.

"Come on, it's not like you're doing anything else, so—,"

In that instance, I feel something wrap around my shoulders. A familiar voice rings through my ear.

"Sorry, but she's kinda busy right now. Why don't you try picking up some other poor girl?" I look up and see Len standing next to me, removing the man's hand from my arm.

He looks just as surprised as I feel.

"Wh-," Len has already interrupted him.

"I don't think you should still be standing here. If I were you, I'd start running like hell." Len's usual light, carefree tone has turned into an unfamiliar serious one.

The man clenches his teeth, mutters something, and walks away. Len grabs my hand and we go off in the other direction. The whole time Len doesn't look or speak to me. Is he angry? Because I got lost? Or is it because of what just happened? Either way, I don't like having him ignore me like this.

"Uhm, I, I'm sorry!" I stop abruptly and look to the ground. For some time, Len doesn't answer me and that makes me feel worse. I gather up enough courage to look up at through my bangs. To my surprise, Len looks absolutely stunned.

"Wait, what? Why are you sorry?"

"B-because I got left behind and I…made you angry," the last part came out very quietly.

Len's silent for a moment, then he shakes his head slowly.

"It's alright, it's not your fault. Me and Rin just didn't think about how you aren't used to crowds. We should've paid more attention to you." Len looked to the side.

"Then…you aren't angry?" I try to look him in the eye, but he seems to be avoiding my gaze.

"Well, yeah, I'm mad." He quickly added, "But not at you."

"Huh?"

"I just…" He raked his fingers through his hair and sighed. He quickly changed the subject. "Look, we gotta get going. Rin's waiting for us in the parking lot."

Before I have time to react, Len has already grabbed my hand and started dragging me through the crowd. I try to think of a way to ask him what he was going to say, but instead stay silent and allow him to guide me.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

"Ugh, finally! Were have you been?" the second Rin spots Len and I she immediately starts fuming. "God, I was starting to think that you got lost or something."

"I'm sorry that I caused you trouble." I apologize to Rin. However, she looks at me the same way Len had earlier.

"Huh? What for?" She steps closer to me and looks me in the eye. "I mean it's not like you did anything wrong, right? I thought we already had this discussion. You need to stop being so distant." She points her finger at me.

"Distant?" I repeated.

"Yeah, distant. Normal people don't act all reserved and conservative around their friends. It's pretty hurtful y'know." Rin pouts.

"Ah, I'm so-," I cut myself off and say, "Yes, I'll try not to be so…distant."

Rin's pout turns into a bright smile.

"Hmph. That's what I like to hear." She turns to Len. "So Lenny, are we still meeting him at the fountain?" They start walking off and I follow them into the large building in front of us.

When we enter, a gust of cold air hits me, me to shiver slightly. The inside of the mall is just as busy as the streets. People everywhere, doing multiple things and yet, somehow, they all avoid major contact with one another. Some are going in and out of stores, while others are doing their own things.

I jerk my head to the front of me and let out a breath of relief when I still see Len and Rin's backs. I slightly quicken my speed and stay close to them. Looking around was what got me lost last time.

Suddenly, the two of them stop and bump into them.

"We're here." Len holds his finger in front of him. In that direction, water is squirting out of some kind of structure. I'm guessing that this is the fountain.

"Look, there's Kiyoteru." He turns me to another direction.

Standing next to the fountain is a boy who looks to be around Len and Rin's age. He has brown hair and glasses hanging from his nose. He holds his phone with a bored expression and looks around.

Rin suddenly gasps.

"Thank God! Meiko's with him too!"

I look at the person next to Kiyoteru. It's a girl with very short reddish-brown hair. She's a little taller than everyone else, so she must be older.

Rin runs up to the girl, yelling her name.

"Meiko! Meiko!"

Meiko and Kiyoteru turn to Rin. They both smile and wave to her.

"Hey Rin," they say this together, but Rin only responds to Meiko.

"I didn't know you were coming too Meiko."

"Well, when I heard Kiyo was going to meet you two here, I thought it would be best if I tagged along too."

"Thank God you did!"

"Uhm, hello," Kiyoteru waves his hand in front of Rin's face, "I don't mean to interrupt you reunion, but I'm here too."

Rin turns her back completely to him and continues speaking only to Meiko.

"Oh, there's someone I want you to meet. Wait right here." She leaves a smiling Meiko and a gaping Kiyoteru and comes over to Len and I.

"Come on, Miku," she grabs me and brings me over to them. Len follows at his own pace.

"Uh, uhm," I stutter, completely flustered by her suddenness.

"It's alright. Meiko's pretty cool. I know you'll like her," Len whispers encouragingly. But that doesn't make me feel any less nervous. I look towards Meiko and Kiyoteru. They both seem to be staring at me curiously. I swallow hard.

When we reach them, Rin stands by my side and introduces me.

"This is Miku Hatsune. She's our parents' friends' niece and she's got some family issues that need to be worked out. So for the time being, she'll be our houseguest." She pushes me foward. "Go on Miku, say hi."

"Oh," I'm stumble to find the right greeting and manage to say, "It's nice to meet you."

Meiko is the first to greet me back.

"Hi. I'm Meiko." She steps a bit closer and stares me down.

"Eh, uhm…," I stutter.

"Wow!" Her eyes grow bright and she gasps. "Your hair is so pretty! Can I feel?" For a moment, I think she's pointing to me, but then realize that she means my hair.

"Yes," I say hesitantly.

She reaches out and runs her fingers though my hair.

"Oh my God, it's so smooth! What kind of shampoo do you use?" Before I can come up with an answer, she's already stroking my hair, gushing. "I would so kill to have hair like this. And you dyed it so well, too." She pauses for a bit and slowly says, "It almost looks real."

"Uh, anyway Meiko," Len abruptly comes in between us, "don't you have to go shopping with Rin and Miku?"

"Oh, that's right," says Meiko. She turns to Rin and asks, "So where are we heading?"

"Well we have to get some clothes for Miku, since she doesn't have any of her own," she starts walking off as she says this. "And she needs some other things too, so we'll be wandering for awhile."

"Okay," Meiko walks next to her and I follow behind. "Do you know what kind of clothes you want?"

"Uhm, anything is fine," I say.

"Really? You don't want a certain brand or style?"

"No, I'm fine with anything, really." My attempts to persuade Meiko seem to work because she shrugs and starts talking to Rin. I use this time to take in my surroundings. Rin was right about there being many different types of stores. Some have clothes in their windows, some have toys, and the rest have all sorts of items that I couldn't identify. I wish I could go off on my own and explore them, but I didn't dare to, for my fear of getting lost in an enormous place like this.

But despite that, I like the mall. It must be because to the lack of crowds here. Even though there are a lot of people here, most of them seem to be in the stores shopping. The ones walking down the corridor keep to themselves and stay on separate sides. Even so, I keep close to Rin and Meiko.

They walk into one of the stores. This store is very…pink. The walls, clothing and even decorations were colored in variations of pink. We head deeper into the store until we enter a section with a sign labeled, "Lingerie". It's filled with what I assume to be clothing, but hardly lives up to the name.

Meiko and Rin walk up to a rack and pick different pieces of underwear. They hold it up to my chest and waist and hum.

"This is one's pretty cute. If they had it in a different color, like blue or pink, it'd be perfect." Meiko says this while holding up a black top and bottom.

"Well I think something white would suit Miku best," Rin holds up a white pair. "Besides, it's not like we need to get her anything sexy. She definitely won't need that."

"Hmm, are you sure?" Meiko raises one brow.

"Positive."

"You never know." Meiko shrugs and goes back to browsing the racks. "She's living with you and Len, right? Well, what if a certain somebody just so happens to accidentally walk in on Miku changing? One thing will lead to another and before you know it-,"

"Ugh! Stop it already. You're staring to sound like Kiyoteru." Rin rolls her eyes in disgust.

Meiko just laughs and waves her hand.

"Sorry, sorry, I was getting carried away. Y'know, Kiyo would be heart broken if he heard you right now."

"You think I give a damn about him?" Rin snorted and changed the subject. She turned to me.

"Which one do you prefer?"

"Huh?"

"Which one do you like better? The white one or the black one?" She holds both in her hands and shows them to me.

"Uh…Does it matter?"

"Yes, it does." Both Meiko and Rin say this at the same time.

"Oh," I look back and forth between each pair and make my decision. "The white one…,"

"Ha, I knew it!" Rin pumps her fist in the air and tosses the black pair to Meiko.

"Aw, but this one's so cute." Meiko rolls her head back and sighs. She puts back the black pair and asks me, "So what size are you?"

"S-size?" I ask.

"Yeah, like your cup size and waist." When I didn't respond she added. "Y'know, your measurements."

"Oh," I didn't know I needed measurements. "Well can't I just try it on and get a different size if it doesn't fit."

"No way," Meiko sharply turns and faces me. "Haven't you ever been underwear shopping before? You need to know your exact size so that you can get before anyone else get it."

I'm left speechless. I can't think of what to say. I look towards Rin and she shrugs, helplessly. I really haven't done any underwear shopping before. There was never a need for it, since all of my clothes were provided by Big Sister and she never gave me any. This gives me an idea.

"Uhm, well, I never really kept track of my measurements. There was always someone who would take care of that for me."

For some time, Meiko stares at me. Her unmoving gaze has me worried. Was I not convincing enough? What if she sees lie and starts questioning me further?

But, to my surprise, she nods her head and says, "Oh, so you're kinda like a rich girl."

"What?" Rin and I ask, both confused.

"You said you had someone take care of that kind of stuff for you before right? Well doesn't that mean that you're some kind of rich girl? I mean, what kind of fourteen year old girl doesn't buy her own underwear, other that a rich one?" She finishes this with a confident smile as if confirming her answer. Rin and I gap at her, but Rin quickly regains herself.

"Y-yeah!" She laughs nervously. "I guess you figured it out."

"Hmph, I knew you were hiding something." She turns to me. "I guess that explains why you seem so out of place. But don't worry," she wraps her arm around my shoulder and says, "whatever your situation is, I won't pry. Just don't be too secretive, okay?"

Not knowing what to say, I nod. Looking satisfied, Meiko pats my head and hands me the underwear.

"Good girl, now go in the dressing room and we'll get a worker to get your measurements."

I follow her instructions and wait in the dressing room. Just now, when she patted my head, Meiko reminded me of something. I couldn't put my finger on it, but her attitude and composure gave me a sense of normality. I don't know, maybe I'm just over thinking things.

My thoughts are interrupted by knocks on my door and a woman's voice.

"Excuse me, miss, are you ready to have your measurements taken?"

"Yes, I am," I answer back. As she enters the room, I cast aside any uncertain thoughts. I don't want to let myself get carried away by my worries. I should just try to enjoy myself.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

"It's about damn time!" We are greeted by Len furious glare. Once I had gotten my measurements and bought my new underwear; Rin, Meiko and I had done some window shopping. We went to almost all of the stores on the first floor, got some food from concessions stands, and even sat at the fountain and talked for a while. Even though I didn't say much, I really did enjoy myself. Getting to explore an unknown area was thrilling in its own way. Meiko and Rin kept close and explained anything I had questions about in full detail, which was very helpful. I even snuck Nagi a snack. Before we knew it, the afternoon had turned into evening.

"Who the hell spends three hours shopping?" Len was still fuming.

"For you information, it took us thirty minutes to shop, we spent the rest of the time hanging out." Rin crosses her arms.

As the two of them broke out into a fight, Meiko and I were left to watch. She laughs and I smile. I don't know what it is about them fighting, but it always brightens one's mood.

"Okay, okay, that's enough. Let's start heading home," Meiko says after clearing her throat.

Len and Rin stopped arguing, but continued to glare at each other. We made our way out of the mall and headed toward Len and Rin's house. I stayed in the back, listening to Len tell Rin and Meiko about what he and Kiyoteru did while we were shopping. Apparently, the boys didn't do very much at the mall. The way he described it, it sounded as if he had the most heart-wrenchingly boring time of his life. Other than walking and talking (which they didn't do much of), they spent the whole waiting for us. In all honesty, I feel kind of bad for taking so long even if I had no say in the matter. I never even thought about what the two of them were doing; let alone what they were feeling.

Suddenly, I feel someone's hand tap my shoulder. Thinking it's a man similar to the one this afternoon, I turn around sharply, ready to call for help. But instead of a man like I expected, I was faced with a wide-eyed Kiyoteru. He quickly raises his hands.

"Woah, calm down now, I'm not a kidnapper or anything."

"Ah," I relax a little, but then tense up again. I remember how much distain Rin had toward Kiyoteru and avoid his gaze. "Sorry." I try to walk away, but he puts his hand firmly on my shoulder and stops me. I keep my gaze to the ground and hope that he let's go soon.

He doesn't instead he strengthens his grip. I finally look at him only to meet his serious gaze. I reluctantly relax and he lets go. We stand there for a while, not saying anything. The first one to break the silence was Kiyoteru.

"Uhm," he looks off to the side and tucks his hands in his pockets. "I might be wrong, but did Rin say something to you? About me?"

I'm thrown off by his question. Was it obvious that I feel uncomfortable around him?

Yes, Rin did say something about you, I think. She went on and on about how horrid you were to her, so of course I'd be a bit careful around you. But I don't say any of this. Instead, I slowly nod my head.

He sighs and slumps his shoulders.

"Of course she would," he pushes his glasses up his nose and says nothing. This leaves an uncomfortable silence that I want to break but don't know how. I look behind me to see the others not too far off and release a small breath of relief. But he must have heard me, because he meets my gaze, then looks away.

Having realized how rude my actions were, I try to apologize, but Kiyoteru's hand stops me.

"It's alright, I already know she hates me. I don't blame her. I did some pretty crappy stuff to her before." Kiyoteru chuckles bitterly. "Anyway, I just wanted to…get to talk with you. At least once." He walks ahead of me in a hurry.

Seeing him as he is now, I can't bring myself to dislike him at all. He doesn't seem like a bad person at all. In fact, he seems just as nice as Len.

And before I can stop myself, I'm reaching out to Kiyoteru.

"W-wait!" I pull on his sleeve and force him backwards. "I-I would like to as well," I blurt out.

"Huh?" Kiyoteru looked completely bewildered. I try to clarify myself.

"I would like that too. To be able to talk to you, I mean," I say, looking straight at him. "You seem…nice, so I'd like to talk to you again."

Kiyoteru gapes at me. Soon he gets a hold of himself and tries to say something, but is interrupted by someone calling out to us.

"Hey, Miku, Kiyo! What are you guys doing over there?"

I scan the area in which the voice came from and see Meiko waving her hand erratically. Kiyoteru sees her too and makes his way over to her.

"We weren't doing anything, you guys just went too far ahead so we got left behind." He stops mid-step, then turns to me. He gives me a small smile, waves his hands, says, "See ya later," then joins Meiko. Rin and Len are not too far behind.

"What're you doing, Miku? We gotta go home," says Len. Next to him, Rin is quietly waiting for us to leave. I nod and fall in between the two. When we make it out of the city and back into the fields, Rin finally speaks to me.

"So," she starts off, slowly, "what did Kiyoteru say to you?"

"Ah…," I say awkwardly. I wasn't expecting this. Was she watching us? "He was just telling me that he wanted be able to talk to me a little more next time we meet," I say, deciding telling the truth was the best thing to do. "B-but that's all! He just wanted to properly establish that," I add quickly, seeing Rin's eyebrows furrow.

She stays silent, looking me over. She doesn't look convinced in the slightest. When I think she counter my response with denial, Len interrupts.

He pats me on the head and smiles brightly.

"That's great. You've already made two friends. You'll start living a normal life in no time. Right, Rin?" He turns to Rin, his smile continuing despite Rin's glare. Eventually, though, she drops her frown and sighs.

"Yeah, I guess. Just be careful alright." She continues down the path, not making any sign of turning back to us.

Len chuckles.

"Looks like I saved you once again." He ruffles my hair a bit. "Is this gonna become a regular thing with you?"

"Oh. I-," I stop myself mid-apology and grin. "I hope not." This causes another laugh from Len.

"It's fine, it's fine." He uses his other hand to brush the air. "To be honest, playing the hero is kinda fun. But you seriously need to learn to lie or at least stand up for yourself. I won't always be around to help you."

I nod. He softens his smile and slowly removes his hand on my head, leaving the spot where it once was strangely cold. The two of us catch up to Rin. Len and Rin start talking about something Rin had seen in the mall earlier, but I hardly pay attention to any details. My mind is preoccupied with today's events and what I should do to correct my mistakes next time.

Making sure I don't lose my pace with Len and Rin, I increase my speed and think about the strange man, the mall, and my new underwear. But the things that on my mind the most are the friends I've made and the warmth from Len's hand.


Flora-sama: Is anyone even still reading? God, I don't feel very confident in this chapter at all. I can't wait to post the next one though. Now that'll be good.

Does anyone remember that poll I was doing once upon a time? About what I should do for my reviewers? Well I sure didn't remember! I completely forgot all about it. But I did recently look at the results and it looks like I'll be doing a secret chapter of Solitary! Great, I was hoping for this. I'll get to work on it immediately. At this moment, it's most likely to be posted before the next official chapter of Solitary, but who knows? I definitly don't. Just pray that I have it posted before March ends, because I will.

Well until next time.

Bye-bye duckies! ヽ(^。^)ノ