After an hour in the car, I fell asleep; the last couple of days had been exhausting. when I had waken from a half hour nap, I found that Clover had thought so too; when I had fallen asleep, she had laid her head on my shoulder, her awesome pillow being of use once more. I was jealous, as I only had the car window. But I felt I slept well enough. I slowly stroked Clover's head, feeling her cute, puffy hair until I reached the end, then retracted my hand to do it again. And again. And...again. Eventually it got to the point that I couldn't stop, her hair feeling amazing on my hand.

"Stop it, Nudgy," she mumbled, not fully awake.

"Sorry."

I took my hand away and awkwardly placed it in my lap. Clover moved her head into a more comfortable position on my shoulder, then went back to sleep. I was bored and wasn't sure what to do. Without warning, the car turned into a rest stop area. Lotus looked back at us.

"Sorry, I had to go."

She parked and ran into the building. I got out as well, careful to put Clover into a comfortable position on the seat. I walked over to a vending machine, knowing full well I couldn't buy anything, even if I wanted something. I didn't really want anything, it was mainly to kill time. I heard Seven take Hongou out of the trunk and there was some mumbling. A few seconds later I heard Snake behind me.

"Junpei."

"Snake."

I turned around.

"What's up?"

"Junpei, there's something going on between you and Clover."

"Yeah, I kinda noticed. Look man, she's the one who started it."

Snake took a step back.

"Well, I'm not quite sure about you yet. I know we've been through a lot, but I don't feel I know you well enough yet. For now, just try to keep your distance from her."

I sighed.

"Snake, we're in a small car. Besides, she's 18, shouldn't she be able to make her own decisions?"

"Her age is also part of the problem, Junpei. You're 21, she's 18."

"Snake, that's three years! Three years is not that big of a difference. Heck, my parents are seven years apart!"

"Those were different times."

"Like hell they were."

"Junpei, please. Just stay away from her for a while."

"How can I? The three of us are in the same backseat and you don't want Seven in the back."

"I'll sit in the middle, she and I will switch sides."

"Snake, I think you're being ridiculous."

"Maybe, but it'll make me feel better."

I huffed, and shook my head, giving in.

"Fine. But you know you'll only let us get closer in the future, right? I believe I can pass your standards."

"Well, you seem like a good guy, Junpei. However, Nijisaki also seemed helpful. Hongou seemed helpful at first as well. Santa seemed like a good guy, but he was Zero's helper. And..." Snake paused, unsure if he wanted to take this route. "Akane, she seemed to be good, but she was Zero. As you can see, even from the past 72 hours, people have pretended to be what they are not. I really hope that you are who you say you are, and act like you usually do, but I still don't feel trusting enough."

"Fair enough."

I turned to walk away.

"And Junpei...I heard you on the phone earlier. I know what Akane said."

"And do you believe her?"

"No."

"Yeah, me either. But I don't feel I can take the chance."

"Well, I'd better go position Clover for the new seating arrangements. Thanks for understanding, Jumpy."
I shuddered at his use of Akane's nickname.

"Please, use 'Junpei,' It hurts less."

"I understand."

Snake walked towards the car and began to move Clover around. I stayed by the vending machine, confused and just a bit hurt.

I understand where he's coming from, but we've been through so much. You would have thought that he would approve. Oh well, the only thing I can do is make sure he approves. I'll just have to be myself.

I walked over to the restrooms myself and went inside.

I walked outside. Seven, Lotus and Snake were waiting outside the car. Lotus spoke.

"You ready to go?"

"As ready as I'll ever be."

"Let's go then."

We climbed in and began part two of the trip to Sacramento.

Me: Aw man, I'm almost done with this fic!

Clover: Really?

Me: Yeah, I was planning on having 10 chapters. This is chapter 8.

Clover: Aw man.

Me: Yeah, I'm gonna miss you guys.

Junpei: I won't miss you. You write a terrible version of me.

Me: Whatever. Anyway, I know this is a little short, but please review and stuff! Chapter 9 is going to be a whole lot longer and better, trust me!