-:Hey guys! Sorry about such a late post- I've been backpacking with my dad! I'm going to try and set deadlines, okay? Try to get a chapter or two in each month. Okay. I still have something to say.. I'm running out of plot-based ideas! Can someone help? I seriously will take just about anything. Thanks so much! I love you guys!

I do not own Okami or Waffle House. Sadly.:-

Kabe was sprawled across Yumi's bed, flipping through a magazine. Yumi, herself, was typing rapidly on her laptop.

A pinging from the computer brought Kabe's head up as she flipped onto her stomach, to stare at the messages being fired back and forth.

"Talking to Tachi?" Kabe asked, rather intrigued by their conversation. She could only catch bits, but she was intelligent enough to understand that they were discussing a sleepover. Yumi nodded.

"We're arranging a slumber party. I'm asking her if you can come." This was conveyed to a suddenly startled girl. "What?"

"You're invited. Can you come?"

"Uh… Sure. I'll tell Geki-" Kabe was cut off by Yumi whipping around and giving her a hard stare.

"Don't. He's not your father."

This issued a rather whiny cry from the other, light brunette. "But he is my roommate! And my best friend! I have to tell him if I'm going somewhere. He'll freak out if he doesn't know."

"Ohh, I get it now." Yumi held a rare smirk, which made Kabe rather uncomfortable. "Get what?"

"You and Geki have a thing."

"WHAT?! We do not!"

"Then come without telling him."

"I certainly will!"

There was a pause before Kabe added, extremely meekly, "Where did that come from?"

Yumi turned back to her laptop, typing away. "You never do anything without telling him. He won't let you out of his sight unless you're with another friend or in class. He kisses you on your forehead. And you smile."

"He takes care of me."

"Why does he need to? You're fourteen. You can take care of yourself."

Kabe stayed silent.

Back in Kabe and Geki's dorm room, she stared at a book for a good hour. Geki finally got tired of watching her and stood up, walking over to the girl.

"What's wrong?"

She looked up at him, blinking, but saying nothing. He pressed further.

"Kabe, are you okay?"

"I'm gonna hang out with Yumi and her sister for the next few days. Don't expect me back," came the reply before she stood up, dropping the book onto the floor, and walking out.

Geki stared at the door, where her lithe, small frame had been a few moments before, as he sighed.

Soon, she'll act like an actual teenager. I wonder if I'll be able to protect her then.

She shuffled into Waffle House, head down. Of course, she perked up slightly when she saw her friends waving at her. There was, surprisingly, another girl with them. Sitting down, next to Yumi, Kabe blinked and politely introduced herself. "Hi! I'm Kabe!"

The other girl bowed. "I'm Kushi! Nice to meet you!"

The two exchanged smiles before Kabe asked, tentatively, "So what's your specialty?"

"Drinks. Kushi wants to grow up to be a famous sake brewer." It was Tachi who supplied the answer.

Kabe looks surprised, and with a good reason. Kushi couldn't be older than 16- the age limit for dealing with alcohol was 21!

Kushi giggled self-consciously at Kabe's disbelief. "I only deal with non-alcoholic currently, but just wait! I'll be the best sake brewer ever!"

"Well, I believe it! Your mixes are amazing," chimed Yumi. All four of the girls giggled, and Kabe thoroughly enjoyed this.

When they were finished, they headed over to Kushi's house, which was, thankfully, not too far away from the Academy.