Sorry I haven't updating. I've had so much crap to do for school that I haven't had time for writing. Well, enjoy. Read and review, my duckies.

Sky's POV

I play with my engagement ring, shifting it so it catches the light in such a way that the light splits into a rainbow.

I'm standing in Faith's mom's kitchen, helping her cook dinner. Faith and Vincent are with us, though seeing as they have no knowledge of cooking, they're mostly present for company.

"That's a mighty-pretty diamond there, Princess," Faith observes, peeking at the ring over my shoulder. I roll my eyes. Rude much? Faith turns to Vincent, who is standing nearby leaning against the counter. "Why didn't you get me a rock like that, Vincey-baby?"

"I didn't know you wanted a ring," Vincent replies quietly. "I could get you one if you like."

Faith smiles. "You spoil me, darling. You don't have to. I'm happy with sharing your immortality."

Here's the thing, see. Vincent is immortal, considering that he is the second most powerful thing in the Universe, and because Faith is his mate, she is immortal too. I can't help but secretly wish I could be immortal too. If only Shadow could pass some of his onto me.

"I'm so glad you guys could come," Faith's mom, a dark brown, almost black echidna named Millie, purrs as she layers a deep pan with lasagna noodles and tomato sauce. "It's been so long since I've seen any of you."

"I know, right, Mom?" Faith chuckles, hopping up to sit on the counter top. "It's been forever. How're things here? Is Al treating you well? Where are he and the twins anyway?"

Al is Faith's step-father. The twins, Ash and Ty, are Faith's half-brothers.

"They'll be back any moment. Al took them to see his sister. You remember Miss Leila, don't you?" Millie covers the pan with foil and sticks it in the oven.

"Yeah, she helped Milo when he got sick..." Faith trails off before shaking her head and grinning. "When's the food gonna be ready?"

"In a couple of hours," I answer for Millie, raising an eyebrow at Faith.

Vincent heaves a sigh and stands up straight. "I'm going to take a walk. Sky, would you join me, please?"

I don't answer immediately. I'm too busy staring at Vincent because of his question. He never asks me to go anywhere with him, especially since he mated with Faith.

"O-okay," I stutter, wiping my hands on a towel before following him out the door. I can feel Faith's eyes burning into the back of my head.

We walk in silence for a few minutes before Vincent speaks. "Do you know why I wanted you to come with me?"

"No? I can't read your mind, remember?" I mutter sarcastically, flashing a small smile. "What's up, Keeper?"

"I-I want to get Faith something, something that is a symbol of our union. Like wedding rings, you know?" Vincent says quietly. "When she was talking about your ring I was thinking that I should've gotten her something."

I blink at him. "What do you have in mind? And why are you asking me?"

"That's why. I have no idea what to get her. Will you help me?"

Help my arch rival's mate get a gift for her? Um… no?

"Sure," I sigh. "Do you want to get her a ring or a necklace or something?"

"I don't know. What do you think?"

I tap my chin in thought. "Seeing as you've neglected to give her anything material, maybe you should get her both, like a joint set or something."

Vincent pauses thoughtfully. "What kind of stone do you think she'd like?" he asks after a moment.

"You should start with diamonds. Then, work up to her birth stone for a birthday gift or something," I tell him. "Also, don't conjure it up like you normally do. Actually take the time to look for it in a store."

Vincent nods. "Ok, will do. Um, I know I'm asking a lot of you, but could you help me? You're good at this type of thing."

I shrug. "Sure. It's no big deal." I cock my eyebrow. Did Shadow ask anyone to help him to look for my ring? And why does Vincent need my help? He's supposed to be the most powerful living being in the Universe and he needs help with something like this?

"I-I just want a female's opinion," Vincent mutters. "I've never done anything like this before and I don't want to screw this up."

I look up at him, understanding. "I see. Okay, I'll help you. We'll go out tomorrow after I get back from work, 'kay?"

Vincent nods. "Okay."

I walk out of the conference hall, my ears drooping. Making business deals is tough… That board of directors didn't even move let alone smile at my invention. The Crown City Board is the most well-known and sought after in the country for young inventors and mechanics like me. I've been trying to get them to sponsor my work since I could pick up a screwdriver, and I haven't been able to sway them once.

This time, however, I think I got them. They said they'd call me back. Usually I'm just dismissed, meaning that I didn't make the cut. I really hope I get the sponsorship. I could really use the money to pay the hospital bills I've racked up. I don't make enough at the Palace, and I know Princess would never pull strings for me.

I begin to make my way back to Millie's house, my stomach protesting in hunger. I haven't eaten since last night, for I overslept and didn't have time to get breakfast before the meeting. Sighing, I veer off the path into a nearby restaurant, not even bothering to look at the name.

"Sky!" a surprised voice greets me as I walk in.

I look up to see a caramel and dark brown raccoon with bright magenta eyes wearing a black-and-white checkered scarf running towards me. He hugs me tightly before backing off to look me over.

"Hey, Lash," I mutter, smoothing my clothes.

Lash is one of Blitz's long-time friends. He, his twin sister Demy, and his parents moved to the city over a year ago.

"I was wondering when you were finally going to visit," Lash says brightly. "Is Blitz with you?"

"No, I came on a business trip," I tell him quietly. "Um, are you going to seat me or are we just going to stand here?"

Lash face-palms himself. "Duh. Right this way!" He leads me to a table for two and hands me a menu as I take my seat. "Our lunch specials are on the back. Want anything to drink?"

I cock my eyebrow at him. "You don't even have to ask."

Lash shakes his head. "You're right. I'll just place your usual order then. The menu hasn't changed."

Just as he's scurrying off, his look-alike takes his place.

"Hi, Demy," I sigh, taking out my tablet from my bag and flipping through some Air Gear designs.

"Hi, Skylar," she murmurs. "Um, h-how've you been?"

I look up at her, giving a nonchalant flick to one of the pictures. "Fine. You?"

"I've been okay."

Awkward silence.

Demy is much shyer than her twin; I've never hung around her too much. She usually keeps to herself, though when she lived in Crisis City she spent most of her time trailing Blitz and the rest of his posse. I've always known that she's been harboring an admittedly adorable crush on Blitz, even though he's a bit too thick to realize it.

"How's Blitz?" Demy asks, her cheeks changing to a bright red as she speaks.

"He's okay. He moved in with Cody a while ago," I tell her.

"Oh, okay. And d-did h-he mention m-me at all? And did he get the birthday present I sent him?" Demy prompts, her magenta eyes, identical to Lash's, widening.

I smile gently. "Yes, he talks about you all the time. He and Cody really miss you and Lash. And yes, he did get your gift."

Demy's cheeks flush bright pink with pleasure. "That's great! Did he like it?"

"You know how much he loves your cooking, Demy. Of course he liked it."

Demy's gift was a box of chocolate chip cookies, Blitz's favorite. He managed to devour the lot in a matter of ten minutes.

Suddenly remembering something, I withdraw a folded up piece of paper from my pocket. Blitz had given it to me before I left. "Here, Blitz wanted me to give you this." I flick an ear as she takes it , holding it tightly in her hand.

"Thanks," she mutters. She looks up, her cheeks still pink from embarrassment. "Um, Lash is coming back with your food. I guess I'd better go."

"Oh, okay. It was nice talking to you," I say halfheartedly.

Lash takes her place in front of me, sliding my plate of food in front of me. "So, I recently got a message from Blitz," he murmurs as I begin to cut through my sandwich, "and he said that you have a new boyfriend?"

My ears twitch as he says that, and I drop my food, frowning. "Blitz told you that? I thought his messenger was broken."

Lash shakes his head, a sly smile creeping on his face. "So it's true, isn't it? He says you're in looove."

My cheeks burn and I look down at my plate. "He's my fiancé, actually…"

Lash frowns. "Fiancé? You're getting married?"

I shift in my seat uncomfortably; my stomach churning and making my appetite go away. "Yeah."

"What about Frost?"

I glare at him, narrowing my eyes. "What about Frost? He's my best friend, nothing more."

Lash flicks an ear, not looking convinced. "Okaaay, but don't be surprised when Frost throws a huge hissy at your wedding, embarrassing not only you but Boston as well."

Frost's POV

Damn it, damn it, damn it!

She's wearing the ring again. I thought I had her! She was right there in front of me! She was almost mine!

I stomp around my mother's living room, venting the entirety of my feelings to her. She watches me in silence, her green eyes softening as she listens to my rant.

"Frost, my love, calm down," she murmurs softly as I settle down to sit beside her. She smoothes the quills on my back soothingly. "Everything will be okay. Can't you just be happy that Sky's happy? She obviously loves Shadow. It's not right of you to be jealous."

"I'm not-" I take a deep breath. "I just don't understand what he has that I don't. Sky and I have been friends for years, and we were so close to finally being together when this Shadow guy swoops in and takes her from me."

Mom shrugs. "Maybe it was meant to happen. You and Sky are wonderful friends. Can't you just be happy for that?"

I frown. My own mother is against me. Doesn't she want to be happy?

"Don't look like that," Mom scolds. "You know I'm right."

"No, I don't think I do," I grumble. I glare at my mother, flattening my ears to my head. "You don't get it do you? I love Sky, and you don't even want me to be happy with her!"

Mom frowns, her ears drooping. "Of course I want you to be happy, dear," she murmurs. "I just don't want you working yourself up over someone that doesn't feel the same way." She rubs my ears soothingly, just like the way she used to when I was younger. "I used to have the same feelings you do, you know. I don't want you to suffer the same way I did."

I look up at her, confused. "What do you-?"

Mom coughs roughly and heaves herself up, her knees shaking as she moves. I quickly stand to help her, grabbing her arm. "Let me help you," I mumble, carefully guiding her back to her room.

"Thank you, dear," Mom rasps gratefully as I help her into bed. "And don't worry. Your perfect other half will come soon."

I sigh, struggling not to disagree with her.