It was the day after the party. Madoka was laying on her bed, while she listened to her favorite music. She felt sad. Sad and tired. She didnt get enought sleep last night. She hadnt been able to sleep so good. After Hyoma told her this about Ginga, she had been thinking a lot. She couldnt believe these things, he told them last night. But he sure knew best about Ginga...after all he was his best friend. Why would he tell them something wrong?

She never thought, that Ginga could have actually such a sad reason for not dating. What if, he didnt reject her, because he didnt love her?

What if he actually did like her and only rejected her, because of that reason? Madoka felt confused. Maybe Im only hoping for things...she thought exhausted. These thoughts had been keeping her up all night. Why couldnt she simply stop thinking about it?

She still remembered his words clearly, this time when he rejected her:I truly feel honored, from the bottom of my heart. But right now...I cant return these feelings, Im sorry Madoka.

These words didnt sound that horrible now, like they used to. At least he meant the apology. Madoka knew that. Why did she only give up on him so easily? She could have told him, to name reasons, why he couldnt return her feelings! Because he didnt like her? Because he found her unattractive? Because of his past? But back then, she had been way too shocked.

Madoka sighed. She was tired of pondering all the time about this. She knew exactly, what Hikaru would do at her place. She would simply ask him. But Madoka couldnt do that. Not after all what happened. Besides asking him about the meaning of the kiss, hadnt been such good idea either. Ginga only hurt her. She didnt feel like experiencing that again. Besides, she would have to tell him, how she got to know about these things... and then Ginga would be mad with Hyoma. Madoka didnt want that.

Madoka was sick of this emotional choas, she had been through, since the past few weeks. She didnt understand how things went so wrong between them. They used to be best friends. But now...?

Why was she even bothering herself with this jerk Ginga? She was supposed to be over it,having Tsubasa at her side now. She was supposed to be happy. The fact was, she wasnt.

MADOOOOKKKAAAAAA! Dad called her from downstairs. COULD YOU COME DOWN PLEASE?

Im coming, I replied, getting up my from my bed. I went to the living room, where he was sitting on the couch. The tv was on. It was the news channel.

What is wrong? I asked him casually.

Dad looked a bit strange. He turned the tv off.

Thats exactly what I wanted to ask you... Since you returned from the party yesterday, you have been acting weird You stayed in your room all day long. You hardly ate something. How long do you plan to stay like this? First I thought, that you are tired or something...but I dont know what to think anymore. Its already evening and all you did was being in your room, till yesterday!

I frowned. Why was he acting like this right now? Showing his parent side...

Im alright. I replied with a sigh. It's nothing to worry about.

Come on, Madoka. I know when something is wrong. Why don't you to tell me?

I don't want to talk about it, okay? I snapped, feeling very irritated. Besides its doesn't have to concern you! Don't act as if you cared!

Mado-

No! I am not finished yet! Why are you acting like this? You don't have to pretend being concerned. Its always the same with you! You leave me behind all the time! So don't play like a parent now! I said, getting louder with every word

I didn't know what made me say this. I just couldn't stop myself...

Dad looked pretty much shocked. And sad.

Damn, damn...dammit!

I couldn't stand this any longer.

Im off, I hissed, turning around. I went to the entrance hall, shrugging a jacket and putting my sneakers on. I left the house, slapping the door.

It was one of those days when it was all becoming too much. It didn't help that the cloudy outside reflected my mood and all I wanted was to get out...

If only Mum was still alive, she would understand my feelings... I felt a sob, and tried to ignore it. I really did miss her a lot. No! Stop doing that! I shouldnt think about such things now...

Shaking my head violently, I rid myself of that thought and continued walking, gaining puzzled glances from onlookers. I sighed and looked around. It was a busy day in the city, despite the weather...but it always was. I wondered momentarily if there other people out there, who just needed an escape and if they, too, had just ran away from it. Probably.

Madokas pace slowed down and she began to feel the wind pick up. She wrapped her blue coat tighter around her and kept walking. Her anger began to dissipate replaced with a profound sadness.

I just needed to get away, I shouldn't have got so mad at dad. I never snap at him. He didnt deserve to be told such mean words. I was so cruel. Maybe he is not the best dad out there, but he still cares. I know, he does..

I looked up at the clouds and noticed they were getting darker. I knew it was going to start raining. I had forgotten my umbrella in my haste to get out of the house.

I looked at the side, noticing the coffee shop, Tsubasa and me had been a while ago. It had been raining then too. Well, it wasnt raining now, but...

A huge drop of water landed on her head.

Speaking of the devil...

Huge drops of rain began falling down and Madoka quickly felt her clothes and hair soaking up with water.

Great, just great! That is exactly what I needed.

But she still didnt feel like going home, so she kept walking, letting the rain cleanse her, washing away all the anger and sadness from earlier.

What a day! I thought feling exhausted. I remembered the last time, I had been under such a rain. It was on that day, she and Ginga had this fight...when he suddenly kissed her. Why only couldnt she get this kiss out of her head?

Madoka wasnt able to understand it. She suddenly wished that she never told him, about her feelings. Then maybe all of this wouldnt have happened...

Somehow she missed the old days. Everything had been easier and less complicated. Aside from her heart pain, she missed Ginga. She missed her best friend. He always knew how to cheer her up and tease her. She remembered the time, they had spent together at the B-Pit, talking and laughing together... everything had seemed so peaceful back then.

Oh, Ginga...If you only knew, how much I wish, we could return back to these times...

The drops continued falling down, beating on her head and Madoka was thoroughly soaked. She was feeling better but the same melancholy feeling she is gotten since Ginga rejected her at the B pit, a while aback, wouldnt go away. The numbing ache wouldnt leave.

As lonely as she felt, however, she tried not to let it show. She hid it behind a smile, because she didnt want her friends or her father to notice how lonesome she felt, when she was being alone. She didnt want them to see how she felt.

Realizing that she was still standing outside the coffee shop, she moved away, not wanting to attract unwanted attention. She crossed the street to the small park and sat at one of the benches. There were mini puddles of rain on the seat, but she figured she was already soaked, so why not?

Resting against the seat, Madoka shut her eyes and tried to forget about everything expect the rain falling down on her head ...trying not to think about Hyoma´s words, Tsubasa´s confession, her father´s sad gaze and most of all, the passionate blader she loved so much it hurt.

Just think of the rain...that´s all...just the rain...uh wait

The rain. She could not longer feel it above her but it was still very clearly raining around her.

Startled she whipped around and knocked the figure behind her off his feet.

G-Gi-Ginga! I exclaimed surprised, not believing my eyes. Why did we always meet, when I less expected it? Fate was kind of cruel and sadistic to me...

What are you doing here? Rapid feelings of what happened yesterday swirled in my head, making me feel nervous.

Ginga picked himself up. Well...that is nice, Im keeping you from getting wet and then you bump into me!, he looked at me pouting.

Madoka´s eyes widened, remembering the very scene. Oh, stop! Im sorry but I wasnt paying attention and then I thought it had stopped raining, but it hadnt and then...she caught her breath, echoing her own words.

All right, all right, I get it, he said, smiling wryly at her.

Madoka didnt know what to say. Feeling flustered she looked down.

I know, that you are still angry with me..., he said.

But please, I beg you, just accept this umbrella. I dont want you to get sick...he said with a sad voice. I wont bother you anymore, than this...

I stared at him in surprise. Why? Why was he doing that? I felt my heart ache painfully...I should be over this. I should be over the butterflies...

Why was I still into him?

I- I cant accept this...I stuttered, feeling myself blush. Oh, you are sooooooooo stupid, I thought annoyed with myself. Why only did I always have to blush?

I dont want you to get soaked either... I continued, not looking into his golden eyes.

But-

You can walk me home, if you want to...I suggested, feeling embarrassed at the mere thought of that. But I knew him too well. He wouldnt give up so easily, since he was stubborn. That was the best solution, I came up with.

This way, we both can use the umbrealla at the same time, without anyone getting wet. Even if Im soaked already, so it doesnt matter anyway, I said, shrugging. Deeply inside, I felt my heart starting to race again.

Okay! That is a good idea! he said, with a relieved voice.

So, we walked back together to the B-Pit, sharing the umbrella. I felt nervous, walking beside him. And I was kind of confused, still thinking about what Hyoma told me and Hikaru yesterday.

I couldnt ask him about that. I simply couldnt.

Im not angry with you...I said, referring to what he said earlier.

Eh? Ginga was surprised.

Eh...ehm I-I mean...because you said, that...since we fought yesterday... Only remebering how I slapped the door at his face and igoring him all the time at the party made me feel like I punished him enough. After all, he is my friend...and he was always friendly towards me, regardless of what happened before.

I- ehm, I dont want us to be like that...I murmured embarrassed. That is why you are forgiven...b-but I still think you are an idiot, though! Oh god, what was I saying? Someone stop me please...

Really? Ginga grinned at me, beaming with joy.

Y-yeah...I looked down, my heart beating loudly. His smile is so intoxicating. It should be forbidden!

It was just soooo unfair! Even though I already decided to give up on him, all I needed was to see this smile and all my feelings would crash down on me all over again. Im such a fool...I thought depressed.

Suddenly I remembered the reason, I went out of the house in first place. My fight with dad! My bad conscience hit me. There you go, Madoka. Somehow I screwed up a lot lately...

What have you been doing there at the park anyway? Ginga asked me curious. He sounded relieved about our making up.

I...I ended up fighting with Dad, I admitted, feeling bad. I was so angry that I left the house...

I see...Ginga said. It is okay to fight, I think! After all we are all just humans...everyone makes a mistake sometimes...as long, as you make up again.

But I told him a lot of mean things...he sure is deeply disappointed from me now...I felt tears coming into my eyes. No! You are not going to cry! I told myself, getting angry with myself.

I dont think, he is disappointed! I doubt that anyone could be disappointed from you, Madoka...

Eh? What did he mean by that?

Surprised I noticed, that we already had arrived at the B-pit. Dad was standing there, at the entrance door, holding an umbrella, looking around.

Madokaaaa! He exclaimed surprised, right in the moment, he saw us.

He headed to me and took me into his arms, hugging me tightly. Ive been so worried! I was going to look for you right now!

I felt so bad, despite all I said to him, he was still worried about me. His arms felt warm.

Seems as if I was longer away, than I thought...I didnt pay attention to the time...

Im sorry dad...I didnt mean to worry you, I muttered feeling embarrassed. I buried my face into his chest.

Ginga was still standing there, watching us. It was when Dad finally noticed him...he released me from his arms.

Hey Ginga! Im sorry, I didnt see you before!

Its ok, Mr. Amano! I have to go home anyway...

I was feeling way too ashamed to look at Ginga now, that was why I looked down on my feet. Still I was pretty much sure, that he was smiling.

Are you sure? Its already late...You can stay here if you want to!

W-whaaat? What are you talking about Dad?

Thank you , but I really have to go.

Well, then...if you insist. Thank you for bringing her home safetly.

Sure! Its my pleasure.

Somehow they were starting to go on my nerves. They made it sound, as if Im long lost child or something...

Hey! Its not as if I have been lost or something! I mumbled. I would have find the way back home! Im not a child!

They both laughed.

oOo

Dad and me were sitting together on the veranda of his room, watching the stars. The rain had stopped. Dad had brought Oalang tea. It was only a while ago, since Ginga left. I still didnt had a chance to apologize for my terrible words. Dad didnt look as if he was expecting an apology, since we kind of made up at the entrance door. Still I felt that I had to apologize...I couldnt forget his shocked and sad face.

I-I am sorry Dad...about what I said before...

Eh?

I didn't have the right to say such mean things to you. I'm really sorry.

Ah...about that! It's okay, he looked up to the dark sky, sighing.

I should be the one, who apologizes to you Madoka... I really suck as father!

W-what? That is not true!

It is! I spent too much time on my job . Somehow I cant help it. I kind of turned into a workaholic in the past few years.

Its okay, dad! It's your job after all! And as long as you are happy, I am too! Though I must admit, that I do feel lonely sometimes. But I'm not a child anymore and you are here right now, right? Im very happy about it, that's what matters most...

He looked at me, smiling wryly.

Thanks Madoka! I am really grateful to have such a modest and kind girl as you, as my daughter! I promise that I won't leave you for such a long period again! But to be honest, without him, I maybe wouldn't be sitting here now...

Him...?

Oh...well, I didn't want to tell you about this. But somehow I feel like I have to tell you about it...

Dad? What are you talking about?

Do you remember the day, I didnt make it to the airport?

Yes...? I remembered that he called me afterwards, telling me that he didn't take the plane, because of the delay. I had waited a long time for him.

Well, I really messed up back then, calling you too late. I'm still sorry about that. The next day Ginga called me and told me that you had been waiting very long for me and that you even went back home, while it rained...and that you may get sick because of that.

Well...I did get sick! But I couldn't believe that Ginga did such a thing!

I didn't ask him to do that...how did he even get your number?

Well, I guess he asked his father for it. He was really worried about you... he told me that you had been very disappointed...

Oh, I felt myself blush.

Without him telling me that, it would have probably taken me even longer to get here. He gave me kind of a lecture back then...

I giggled. I still couldnt believe that Ginga did that! Why would he go so far?

But why? Why would he do such a thing? I asked.

Dad smiled.

Well, I guess...that is because you mean a lot to him. He likes you!

I felt confused. How could he know about that?

I sighed... y-you really think that?

Yes, I do!

Hmmm...

To tell the truth, when you told me, that you had a boyfriend, I was pretty sure, it would be Ginga!

Eh? Really? ... But I thought you like Tsubasa?

I do! But I think you and Ginga suit each other very well, especially since he likes you so much.

How can you be so sure about that?

Well, it was from the way he talked to me back then... He was really worried about you!

Believe me...there is no guy, who would do such things, if he wouldnt care about that girl...

I blushed. I remembered how I met Ginga on that day too. He gave me shelter from the rain and walked me home, just like today. It seems, as if he did notice, that I had cried back then, even though I hoped he didnt.

But...but he was acting really like a jerk lately!

I honestly dont know what to think about that!

Well, I guess he did so, since he was jealous...

J-jealous? I asked frowning.

Yes, jealous because you are dating Tsubasa!

What? No...I shook my head. There is no way he is jealous! That would mean, he loves me...but he doesnt...

Are you sure? Did he ever tell you that?

Ye...eh...no...

He didnt say it clearly... he only said, that he couldnt return my feelings! But wasnt that the same like not in love? But what if his reason, for rejecting me, was because of the fact, that he forbids himself to date someone? And not because he didnt love me...

I really didnt want to overthink that again...why was everything just so complicated?

See? Dad said grinning.

Hmmm...

I frowned. I couldnt believe that I actually had that kind of conservation with Dad!

I felt really tired. It was already past midnight.

I yawned. I am sorry dad...but Im really tired, thats why Im going to get some sleep...

That is all right! Sleep well, dear!

Thanks! Good-night!

Night!

Hello everyone! :) Im really happy, that Im able to update again...hahaha!

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