We arrived in Sacramento. The trip there had been pretty boring-no calls, no conversation, no anything. Well, nothing except silence. There was no shortage of silence on the trip. I guess we just had nothing to say. Everything had been said already. Clover had woken up halfway there. She noticed the different seating arrangements, but said nothing. I guessed that she would talk to Snake about that later.

The city ominously loomed in front of us, looking daunting yet inviting. I shuddered at the sight. We were finally here, finally one stop from home. We had everything we needed; money, passports and ourselves, but still, I felt something was missing. What was missing, I didn't know yet, but I felt like I would figure it out soon.

We stopped at a gas station just inside the city. Inside, I grabbed a Dr. Pepper, noticing a green bottle labeled "Mountain Dew." We had it in Japan, of course, but it was hard to get outside big cities. Curious, I grabbed a bottle and went to the checkout.
The cashier looked indifferent, not caring about me or my items. I coughed and she noticed me.

"Oh hey. This everything?"

"S-sorry?"

"Is this it?"

"Aaaaaa... Yes."

She scanned the items.

"$2.75"

I handed her the money.

"Thanks hon."

Baffled, I walked out of the store. Clover was out there, Snake nowhere to be seen. Excited, I saw my chance to talk to her.

"Hey."

"Nudgie, you shouldn't be here."

"I know."

"Then stay away." A tear came to her eye. I took a step closer.

"Clover..." I said in a hopefully reassuring voice.

"Nudgy, you know it's not right. Snake will be mad at you if we talk without him. Just stay away. Go back inside...something!"

I stayed silent, not sure exactly what to do. Slowly I turned and started heading back to the building. There was a bench outside that I sat on. I opened my Dr. Pepper and took a swig. It wasn't as sweet as it usually was, and I knew why. Nothing was the same without Clover. I put my bottles on the ground by my feet and held my face in my hands, my elbows on my knees. My hands were still wet and cold from the bottles of soda I had just put down.

I wasn't at all sure what to do. Snake would like it if I stayed away from his sister for a bit, but both Clover and I wanted to be together. Stupid ethics and morals! They were keeping the two of us apart! Well, I guess I couldn't blame him. If I were in his situation I guess I would do the same thing. But why did things have to not work out how Iwanted them to work out? Life was just so frustrating!

I kept pondering all these things. It hurt, it really did. First Akane's betrayal of my trust...and my love...now Snake wondering what my intentions with his sister are and if I'm trustworthy or not. Too many heartbreaking things, one after another. I wondered if one could die from heartbreak. I figured I'd ask Lotus later. She'd probably know.

I heard some talking from behind me. Turning around, I saw Seven and Lotus walking towards the vehicle. Cool, I was able to join them, and maybe I could say a few things to Clover while I was at it.

I walked over, and stood next to them, staying silent.

"Oh hey, Junpei."

"Hi, Lotus."

"What's going on?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, how are you doing?"

I was silent for a minute.

"I'm doing fine." I said, turning towards the car.

"Junpei..."

"What?" I snapped at Lotus.

"It's obvious you're not doing fine. What's up?"

As if to save me, Snake got out of the bathroom.

"It's nothing. Snake's coming, so let's go."

"O-okay then..."

We all got into the car; Clover and I were still separated by the skinny, prince-clad figure. I didn't feel like talking at the moment, so I stayed quiet. The others seemed to have nothing to say as well.

I finished my Dr. Pepper and looked at the green bottle in my hand. I guess it was the moment of truth. I unscrewed the top, making a hissing sound of releasing CO2. Snake looked over.

"What's that?"

"Some Mountain Dew."

"Ah." He turned back to looking forward. I never knew what went on in that guy's brain. I took a swig. It was a little sweet, but it was okay. I wouldn't call it the best soft drink in the world, but it was certainly good enough to buy again.

I took another drink then screwed the cap back on. A giant building passed as I put the bottle on the floor, between my feet.

"Lotus, are we close to the airport?"

"I would think so."

"Good." I leaned my head on the window, impatient. There was nothing to do in this car. My back felt restless. I wanted to move. I wanted to get home. This whole stupid trip…it was annoying. It was a waste of my time, that's what it was. Nothing good had happened on this trip. Okay, I got to meet Akane again, and I got to find Clover. And there were the other cool people I met. I guess it wasn't too bad. But nothing seemed to be going right at the moment.

Akane was taken from me, and now Clover was. Lotus was way too old for me, and the rest were guys. Wait...this wasn't a speed dating session...why I was I so centered around girls? I mean seriously, 51% of the population is female. But still, I felt like I had a special bond with these two.
Something else was bothering me as well. Why had Akane called me? What were her motives? Did she really still like me? Would she seriously try to help me? I guess there was only one way to find out; I'd have to see for myself.

We pulled into the airport parking lot as I got another call.

"Hello?"

"Jumpy, it's me. We're at the airport."

"So are we."

"Good. I'll try to keep Aoi at bay until you get here. We're going to The Narita Airport, one way, no layovers. You should have enough to buy the tickets-I made sure of that."

"Thanks."

I hung up. Maybe she wasn't as bad as her brother. The car was stopped in a parking space. I looked at the others.

"Well, should we go in?"

"Yeah, I guess," came Seven's reply.

We all got out, and Seven dragged Hongou out of the trunk and unbound him.

"Does everyone have their passports?" They all nodded. "Alright, let's go in!"

We walked into the airport, drawing a few looks from people. We did kinda smell...I mean, we hadn't bathed in a few days. It really stunk. Literally. Don't worry about it, Junpei,I thought to myself. We walked up to the counter. I was handed the money, then looked at the attendant behind the desk.

"Seven tickets to Narita, please."

"Alright. Any luggage?"

I resisted the urge to say "Hongou," and shook my head. A number flashed on the screen. I flipped through the money and handed it to the girl. She handed us our tickets.

"Here you go. Have a nice flight."

"Thank you."
We walked to the gates, looking for the one that would get us to the plane that would get us home. Gate 372.

I spotted a blue sweater underneath the sign. Akane. I bolted to her, wanting to see her again. Confused, the others followed. Finally, I reached her.

"Hello Jumpy."

The voice was cold, ruthless.

"A-akane?"

"Hello Junpei. Welcome to the airport."

"What's goin' on?" Seven asked.

"Oh, nothing. You just played into our trap."

"Dammit. I thought she was up to no good."

"You should have trusted your instinct. Take 'em away boys."

Some big, heavyset guys came out and grabbed us.

"You know where to take them."

The thugs nodded and started dragging us away.

"Oh, wait. I'll take Hongou off your hands. You don't mind if I get the credit for bringing him in, do you?" He laughed as Hongou was brought to him.

"You bastard! I'll get you!" I yelled as we were pulled around a corner. Then I was knocked out.

Me: Dun, dun, dun!
Akane: You're an idiot Junpei. You thought I'd still love you after all this time?
Junpei: Well, yeah...it happens in anime and manga all the time!
Akane:...This is real life. Grow up.
Junpei: I wish I had never saved you.
Me: Woah! Calm down you two! Anyway...please review! ^_^
Clover: Nudgy, do you still like me? Or do you like June again?
Junpei:...no comment...