Hello, my dear readers~ Here's chapter 10, yay! Sorry the chapters take a while now, school is keeping me busy :( Anyways, thank you to Lily02249, Coffee Detective, Naty17, Reinette-cat, Kiki and RightMirrorMusic for your reviews! They really make me happy :3

It had been hell getting Rin down those dreadful stairs, but Gakupo came to assist us and he, Len and I carried Rin together. At first, she had protested at the thought of being lifted by us, but Len had soothed her, and eventually, she had succumbed to the idea. Defoko had visited earlier, as stern and serious as ever, and said that Rin was allowed to be pushed in the wheelchair she had brought from the hospital.

Defoko had unhooked Rin from the drip and even helped direct us when carrying her down the stairs to the wheelchair waiting at the bottom. Now, I gripped the handles and pushed Rin in her wheelchair, Len one side of me, Gakupo the other.

"Now, you're certain you're alright pushing her?" Gakupo asked, "If you're struggling, I can do it," I shook my head,

"For the last time, I'm fine!" I smiled, for both Len and Gakupo had asked me that at least a dozen times between them already. I was trying to remain happy on the surface, but deep down, I couldn't stop thinking about me and Rin's conversation;

"I'd like... to smile,"

"Then smile!"

"...I've forgotten how."

How does one forget to smile, you ask. Well, I wondered the same question, until a faint memory surfaced in my mind;

My mother and I had been very close. She was more like a big sister than a mother; she'd buy me treats, share secrets and we'd go out to the park together everyday after school. When she died, I became deeply depressed, shutting myself off from the world. I didn't eat much, and the pounds fell off. Papa became worried, and had to look after Yuki all alone.

During the space of two years, I didn't speak unless spoken to, didn't smile at all. And then, one day, when I was nine years old, something changed. I was sat in my bedroom, picking at my fingernails, when the door opened. I looked up to see a two year old Yuki, standing in the doorway watching me with curious eyes. Then she gave a gummy smile,

"Mee-koo!" She squealed, and ran over to me. I turned my face away,

"Go away, Yuki," I had muttered, cruelly. I heard a sniffle, and turned my head to see Yuki gazing up at me with big, tear-filled eyes,

"But," A large tear rolled down her rosy cheek, "Yuki is worried 'bout Mee-koo,"

I watched her with wide eyes, as she staggered over and hugged my middle. I patted her head awkwardly, she snuggled closer,

"I luv you, Mee-koo," Yuki murmured, and I had wanted to smile for the first time in two years; I wanted to sing, laugh and jump around. I tried to give Yuki a warm grin, but found I couldn't. She looked up at me,

"Mee-koo, why are you pulling a silly face?" She asked. I sighed, sadly,

"I was trying to smile for you," Yuki grinned suddenly, her golden eyes sparkling,

"Then Yuki will help Mee-koo smile!" She declared, "Pretty please can we go to park?" I blinked,

"O-Okay, I'll just go ask Papa,"

I had never seen somebody look so surprised and pleased at the same time, "Of course!" He had replied when I'd asked, "Just make sure you're careful, and wrap up warm,"

I gripped Yuki's hand tightly as we crossed the road, I felt scared being out in the open, with so many people, but I had tried not to show it. When we got to the park, Yuki looked around, happily,

"Mee-Koo, look at the swings! Can Yuki go on them?" Something else caught her eye, "Ooh! A pond! Can we feed the duckies? Or get ice cream? Pleaseeee?" Because I was feeling anxious, Yuki's pining tipped me over the edge,

"STOP IT, YUKI," I yelled at her, my eyes flickering around me, scared of how many people there were. After all, I had tried my best to avoid people for two years, "Stop being such a baby!"

Yuki's face crumpled and she let out a wail. Tugging her hand out of my grip, she ran away from me. I gasped,

"Yuki, wait!" But it was too late; I'd lost sight of her in the crowds of people, "Yuki?" I called. I circled the park a few times, shouting her name, but there was no sign of her. I was beginning to panic, "H-Have you seen a little girl, about this tall, with black hair in bunches?" I'd ask people, cringing at having to speak to them but putting on a brave face. They'd all shake their heads, no.

After an hour of searching, I had an idea. I remembered that Yuki had asked to go to the swings, and the pond. I knew that she couldn't have been at the swings; I'd already checked there. But the other idea horrified me; What if she drowns?! Oh God, I have to go there.

I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, starting to cry, imagining the worst. I finally reached the large duck pond and my eyes widened; Yuki!

"Yuki!" I called out loud, my eyes fixated on the tiny girl sitting on a bench. Her head swivelled around, and I saw fear and reproachfulness in her expression, "Yuki!" Tears of relief were falling now, and as I reached the bench, I enveloped her in a huge hug.

"Mee-Koo," She whispered, softly, and slowly hugged me back. And that's when I realised something; all the time I'd been hugging her, I'd had the biggest smile on my face. I pulled back from the hug, and Yuki looked at me with confusion, but then her eyes grew big, "Mee-Koo, you're smiling!" I laughed, happily, and she giggled along with me. I picked her up in my arms,

"You must never run away from me again, got it?" I told her. She pouted, and I sighed, "Okay, look; I'm sorry I was a meanie-pants,"

"A big meanie-pants," Yuki corrected me, giggling. I laughed,

"Okay, a big meanie-pants. But you can't run away ever again; I don't know what I'd do if I lose you," She gripped me tighter,

"Ok, Mee-Koo," And from that day, I learned to smile once again.

I thought about this memory as I pushed Rin in her wheelchair around the rose gardens of the manor. Gakupo had left once we had made it outside, but Len had stuck with me loyally, and pointed out interesting things in the ground. The flowers were beginning to bloom, and he pointed out one of the bushes, where deep purple roses were starting to open up,

"You see those roses? Well, if you'd believe it, Gakupo has a soft spot for gardening," Len informed me. I looked closely at the flowers, surprised that Gakupo could produce such a beautiful thing,

"R-Really?"

"Yeah, and when my father learnt this, he asked Gakupo to try and produce a black rose in his free time," Len paused, "Of course, he failed; nobody in the world has ever managed to grow a pure black rose yet. But they're still beautiful to look at, right?" I nodded in agreement, taking one hand off the wheelchair to brush against the silky petals as we passed.

We made our way towards the fountain, which was turned on today. Water spurted out in a beautiful arrangement,

"I-I love the fountain," I said, shyly. Len smiled,

"Thanks! My mother commissioned it from a well-known sculptor from in town a few years back. She has a particular fondness of water features,"

Although Rin didn't speak once during the walk, Len and I made up for her lack of conversation, laughing and joking away. When it was time to go back inside, Len gently removed my hands from the handles and nudged me to one side,

"My turn now," He said with a grin, and I didn't have the heart to protest. He stayed one hand holding mine, the other gripping the handle on the wheelchair. I felt my face growing hot, and did even more so when Rin kept discreetly glancing round to look at us. I imagined that Len and I were married, and we were taking our sickly daughter out for a walk, and my face probably turned beetroot. Somehow, though, the picture just wouldn't fit, and I abandoned my silly daydreams.

Len took a different route through the house than the one we normally took, and I gave him a questioning glance; 'You'll see,' He mouthed back at me. After about 5 minutes of walking, Len stopped suddenly outside a white door. Both Rin and I turned our heads to stare at him, but he said nothing. Instead, he released my hand and opened the door, easily manoeuvring the wheelchair inside the room.

I noticed Rin's hands were gripping the arm rests, and her knuckles were white. I wondered what on Earth was going on, and wished someone would say something. The walls inside the room were painted white, with lemon-coloured borders going round the edges. I recognised the room, somehow, and tried to figure out where I could have possibly seen it before. Then it clicked;

This was the room from my dream.

"L-Len? W-What's going on?" I asked, nervously. He stared straight ahead with hardened eyes, and spoke confidently,

"Rin, welcome to your new room," Rin remained cold and indifferent, but I suspected she had guessed what had been happening before now, and had had time to prepare herself. Len turned to me, "My father instructed the servants to move Rin to this room, as she will not be isolated and alone if she suddenly becomes sick. Also, it's easier to access than the tower room," I bit my lip,

"I-I see," I said, but I felt a pang of sympathy for Rin. I wondered if she loved her tower room as much as Len said she had done. I knew that when she first got ill, her parents asked her what she wanted; she could have anything. Rin had asked for the room in the tower, and her parents had obliged, as they had said they would.

I could tell Len was trying to hide the raw guilt he felt. I helped him lift Rin and prop her pillows up so that she could sit on the bed.

"I have to go now," Len informed us, not meeting either of our eyes, "Bye, Rin," He leaned over and hugged her gently. Rin didn't move away; just stayed cold and rigid. He turned to me, "Miku," I looked up to meet his gaze, and saw the sadness his eyes. I could tell how scared he was at upsetting his adoring sister,

"I'll see you out," I told him, and we both got to our feet, "I'll be back in a minute, Rin,"

Outside, I took a deep breath and made my decision, "L-Len, I...I have something to tell you,"

That's when I told him about what Rin had said, how she'd supposedly forgotten how to smile. I told him my story of when I lost Yuki, and explained my idea;

"Y-You see, sometimes, you have to realise how much you've got to lose, to be able to be truly happy," I finished. Len watched me in wonder,

"Miku..." I held my breath, scared he would snub my idea, "...You're a genius! I could kiss you!" He exclaimed, and I flushed. There was an awkward pause, "Er, well, of course I won't actually...er..." He trailed off and we both looked away, embarrassed.

Len sighed, "What I'm trying to say is, I think you're right about Rin. So our mission is to get Rin smiling again, eh? I'd say we should name it Operation Smile," At this I laughed, and he smiled slightly and looked me in the eyes, "So...what do you have in mind?" I stayed silent for a minute; I hadn't thought this far ahead, and had no ideas. I let out an embarrassed laugh,

"I...don't actually know," Len gave a quiet chuckle,

"Well, I'm sure we'll think of something," I nodded in agreement and he took a step towards me, "Thanks, Miku," Len leaned in and gave me a quick hug, "I-I'll see you at dinner?"

"Y-Yeah, I-I think so," I stuttered. His own cheeks were tinted a salmon pink,

"Okay, b-bye,"

"Bye," I whispered back, watching him retreat down the corridor. That's when I heard a barking laugh from the opposite end of the corridor. I spun round, mortified, to find Gumi clutching her sides and struggling for breath,

"Ha! That has to be the most awkward show of affection I have ever seen! Hahahaha!" She wheezed, but calmed down a little. Then she looked up, caught sight of my face and started laughing her dog-like laugh all over again, "Hahaha and your face! You look like a tomato! Hahaha I should call you Romano!" I looked at her in bewilderment,

"I-I'm sorry; who?!" Gumi blinked once but then relaxed,

"Oh, right, you don't read manga do you?" I shook my head slowly, beginning to think she was a psycho.

"Who's...Romano?" I asked, trying to divert the subject away from Len and I. It worked;

"He's only the most freakin' adorable tsundere in Hetalia!" Gumi squealed, going into crazy fan-girl mode.

"...Tsundere? I-Isn't that what you called Neru the other day? W-What is it?"

Gumi's mouth acquired a smug grin, "It means a person who's cold and grouchy on the outside, but warm and loving and fluffy on the inside!~" She informed me, proudly.

"O-Okay..." I said, looking at her strangely. These anime fan girls are weird... (A/N: Haha! I basically just had Miku insult me xD)

"Gumi?"

I heard a masculine voice echo from down the corridor, and gulped, realising it was Kaito. Gumi grinned, apologetically,

"Sorry, Miku, I better go," She waved as she turned to leave, "Laters!"

"B-bye," I hurriedly called back. I sighed and, shaking my head, turned back to Rin's new door. My hand hovered above the handle, but I took a breath and entered the room. Even though I knew Rin acted like a cold, stiff doll, I had expected her to be in tears or something when I re-entered her new bedroom. Instead, her emotionless expression took me by surprise. She was sat, where we'd left her, on her bed.

"R-Rin," I began, but then, unsure of what to say, I sat down on the bed beside her. Her eyes followed me but we remained in silence. My mind was frantically searching for something to say when a cold voice spoke,

"You're blushing," Rin kept her gaze trained on my face, and for a minute it looked like she was almost glaring at me. I realised my cheeks were still red from Len's embrace. I grinned, guiltily,

"I-I am? Hehe, I feel a bit...warm, actually," I lied, avoiding her unwavering stare, "So, what do you want to do now?"

Rin narrowed her eyes and stayed unspeaking. I inwardly sighed in exasperation but kept the cheerful smile on my face. I stood up, remembering Operation Smile. Racking my brains, I casually walked over to stand in front of her. I swallowed my embarrassment at what I was about to do, and pulled the stupidest face I could imagine. Stretching my cheeks, crossing my eyes and sticking my tongue out, I managed a flat, "Blehhh!~" I was just about to look for Rin's reaction when the door opened, and in walked Lily Kagamine,

"Sorry to intrude, Rin, darling, but-" Her sentence was cut off when she saw the face I was pulling. My eyes widened in shock at the Mistress' sudden appearance, and I immediately released my cheeks and stopped pulling a face. Lily stared at me in bewilderment, her two perfect eyebrows pulling together in confusion, and she let out an uncertain laugh, "That looks like a...fun game? Anyway, Rin, I was wondering if you'd be wanting to join us for dinner again, just so I can let Teto know?"

Rin's eyes focused on her mother for a minute, and then she did her word-clipping thing again, "O. Kay,"

Lily somehow managed to roll her eyes but still remained the picture of elegance, "Very well, I'll go and inform Teto, then," She gave a small smile at us both, "Goodbye, Miku, Rin. I'll see you in an hour,"

"B-Bye, Ma'am," I called as she left, curtsying slightly. Rin said nothing. I turned to her, "So you're allowed to come for dinner now! I-Isn't that great! Doesn't that make you want to smile?" Rin simply stared at me, and I felt my own grin faltering. I grabbed a random book off the pile somebody had thoughtfully left for her in the corner of the room and sighed deeply when I saw the title. I glanced over to Rin, "Want me to read?" I asked her, waving the book and pointing at the word "Cinderella".

Rin blinked slowly, "O. Kay,"

At a quarter-to-seven, I left Rin's room to go and wash up before dinner. Upon entering mine and Gumi's room –and finding it empty- I brushed out my long turquoise hair and decided to put it up in a single ponytail at the back. I tied it with a pretty ribbon Gumi had lent me the other day, and visited our bathroom briefly to wash my hands.

When I had finished, I hurriedly made my way back to Rin's room. I knocked quickly before entering but found the room empty. Huh? I thought. But, upon seeing the wheelchair missing, I assumed Len or someone had taken Rin to the dining room already. Fearing I was late, I walked briskly down the twisting corridors that led to the great room. I double-checked my hair was still neat before rapping my knuckles gingerly on the door.

"Come in," A familiar, masculine voice instructed. I shuddered slightly and gently swung the door open, revealing all the members of the Kagamine family sat around the long dining table. Len greeted me with a smile –as did Lily- and casually patted the empty seat next to him, like he always did. I returned their smiles and took up my place opposite Neru, who promptly ignored me. I looked over to Rin, but she was staring into space again.

My eyes flickered to the other side of the table where Kaito sat at the head, his sapphire eyes watching me. He gave a sly, almost mocking smile and I quickly forced down the shudder that threatened to creep up my spine. From the corner of my vision, I saw Len discreetly shuffle up his chair so that he was sat closer to me.

The door in the wall opened loudly, and in rushed Miki and Teto, carrying the dinner platters. As Miki set mine down in front of me, we shared a secret smile and I whispered a hushed greeting, which she happily returned.

Throughout dinner, I mostly kept my head down and focused on the delicious food I was eating. I could feel various family members' gazes on me, though, and I tried my best to remain indifferent. When everybody was finished with their meals, the plates were taken away and dessert was brought through –a delicious strawberry trifle. Despite my best efforts, I only managed to eat half of the dish, finding my appetite somewhat squashed by my worried thoughts.

I was paranoid; What if somebody found out what happened between Kaito and me? What if I get fired? What if I have to leave Rin and Len and-

"Miku," The dreaded voice cut through my thoughts. I looked up, slowly, at Kaito Kagamine, worriedly searching his handsome face. I felt my hands tremble, and fought to remain calm,

"Y-Yes?" I barely managed. His mouth formed a devilish smile and he quirked up an eyebrow,

"Are you not hungry?"

And that's when I realised he was playing me; he wanted to make me paranoid. At that moment, I felt a flare of anger in my chest,

"N-No, not really, sir. I think I must have caught a sickness bug this morning, or something," I almost snapped, trying not to glare at him.

He paled, slightly, and narrowed his eyes, saying nothing more.

After dessert was taken away, we all remained seated while Kaito and Neru discussed politics, much to my surprise. They tried to get Len to join in their heated debate, but he seemed distracted by something.

Half way through, Len turned his head to look at me, making sure the attention wasn't on us. He smiled shyly at me, which I did my best to return. Then he looked down at my dangling hand beside my chair. Under the table, away from prying eyes, he reached for me and took my hand in his own. My eyes widened and I felt a blush spread across my face, but I had to appear relaxed, otherwise people would wonder what was going on.

I never was good at lying.

"Miku, you look a bit warm? Is it the sickness bug?" Lily asked, and I bit my lip, nodding my head slightly. She frowned, "Well in that case, you should rest. You are relieved of your duties for tonight. Len, will you escort Miku back to her room?"

Len kept his expression steady, "Certainly, Mother," But I could see his eyes sparkling with happiness. I stood up slowly, releasing my hand from Len's grip. He did the same.

"Goodnight, everyone," I said politely, and smiled. I looked over to Rin, perhaps to give her a little wave goodbye, but found her normally expressionless eyes stormy. Even her pale face was tinted a light pink and I felt my brow furrow in worry. But before I could do or say anything, Len called to me from the door, and I had to follow him out.

We were unusually quiet on the way to Gumi and I's shared quarters. I kept sneaking glances at Len, and I had the feeling he was doing the same to me. After a while he broke the awkward silence,

"So tomorrow's Sunday, your day off, right?" He asked me.

"O-Oh yeah," I stuttered, "T-This week went really fast," He nodded his head in agreement,

"Anyway, so I was thinking..." His cheeks turned a dusty rose sort of shade, and I couldn't help but think how cute he looked, "Maybe...we could go for a picnic? T-That is, if you want to," He ducked his head in embarrassment. I smiled,

"S-Sure, that'd be real nice, Len,"

His face lit up and he grinned happily, "I know this great place, but it's a bit far away; one or two miles. You think you could manage it?"

I stuck my tongue out, albeit a little shyly, "Of course!"

"Great!"

I found we had reached my door already. We paused outside.

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow!" He said, cheerfully.

"Y-Yeah, see you!" I replied, bashfully. I grasped the handle and opened the door. I stepped inside and was just about to close it again when Len called me;

"Miku!"

I turned, quickly, surprised and flustered, "Y-Yes?"

Len had a strange expression on his face, it looked like a lot of his emotions were conflicting, "I-I..." He trailed off, but then smiled apologetically, "Oh, never mind. Goodbye,"

And with that, he walked away quickly. I stood there for a moment, still baffled, but then sighed and closed the door. I went and sat on the edge of my bed, a lot of thoughts running through my head.

I wondered if Rin would be alright on her own, and if the picnic would go well tomorrow. And then a sudden, girlish –but scary- thought struck me, and I stiffened immediately;

What am I going to wear?!

"Have no fear, Gumi is here!" Gumi laughed as she held up the navy pleated dress for my viewing. I bit my lip,

"U-Um?"

She sighed dramatically, "Another no-go?" She flung the dress carelessly on the small pile that was already growing on her bed. Gumi was going through her old clothes, trying to find something suitable to lend me for tomorrow's outing. So far we had one 'maybe' (a pastel pink print dress with darker skirts) and three 'no-go's'.

The problem with Gumi's clothes was that although they were nice, they consisted of mainly two colours – orange or green, neither of which I was particularly fond of.

"Haven't you got any...turquoise dresses?"

"Turquoise?" Gumi muttered, absently, still rummaging through her drawers.

"I-It's my favourite colour," I informed her.

"Mm." She murmured, not concentrating, "I still can't believe you went and got yourself a date with Len Kagamine! You sly little minx," Gumi gave her signature, barking laugh and I felt my cheeks heat up,

"I-It's not a date, we're just friends!" I protested. Gumi rolled her jade eyes,

"Yeah, yeah, I've heard that before," She flicked a lock of apple-green hair away from her face and turned back to the clothes. I opened and closed my mouth a few times, trying to think of a response,

"No, really we-re-"

"That's it!" I looked up, startled, at Gumi's sudden yell.

"W-What?"

"This is the one!" She turned slowly, dramatically to me, holding up a garment. It was a beautiful white halter-neck with ruffles on the collar and skirts. I stared at it in awe,

"W-Woah. That is one pretty dress," I breathed, and reached out a hand to stroke the soft material.

"Now," Gumi grinned, "I think you're ready,"

(Sorry for pinching this, Naty17 XD) Question of the Chapter: What will happen on Miku and Len's picnic?

Thanks for reading!