Stars Don't Shine Chapter 11, a chrono crusade fanfic

Disclaimer: I do not own the manga/anime Chrno Crusade. (It's Chrono Crusade in English but, the real name is Chrno Crusade in Japanese). I don't own the quotes I use before and after each chapter either.

Casui productions presents

Stars don't shine

A Chrno Crusade Story

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

My wounds

cry for the grave

My soul cries

for deliverance

will I be denied

Christ, toruniquet

My suicide

-Ending CHorus to Tourniquet by Evanescence

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Chapter 11: Lies Sooths the Pain

Rizelle smiled her famous sly smile and turned the corner. Aion was definitely going to find this interesting. It seemed that things were going just as planned, but he may just want to reconsider that plan. After all, it seemed Rosette's emotions were MUCH more fun to toy with, rather than little Chrono's. He was getting boring anyway.

She smirked at her ingenious mind. Oh yes, after Aion found out about what just happened in the stairwell the plan would get into action. Her teeth glistened, fully grinning from ear to ear. She looked like a moron walking down the hallway like that, but she was a Sinner. Plus, she was the most popular girl in school. Who would dare give her a dirty look? Besides, she had a perfect reason. Rizelle slid her key into the dorm room's slot, opening it and seeing Shader in her pajamas, on her bed, reading a book.

"Where's your cell phone?" she asked, closing the door behind her. Shader tossed it over "Calling Aion?" Rizelle didn't answer, pressing number one on the speed dial menu. "Yes?" a gruff voice said over the phone. "Hey, Aion." she answered, trying to make her voice sound as seductive as possible, making Shader roll her eyes. Typical Rizelle, this is how Sinners have bad reputations. It's mostly the fault of Aion and Rizelle, the male and female leader.

"Ah, Rizelle, lovely. What can I do you for?" Aion replied, his voice smooth, sly, and suspicious, as always. But even though he was such a shady character, Rizelle could help the flush that stealthily crawled on her face. There was just something about him that made shivers come up her spine. "I have some new information, plus I think after you hear it, you should update your plan a bit." she gulped, hearing him let out an audible growl.

"I may look into your suggestion." was all he said, but she could tell he was angry for simply sharing a bit of her opinion. Aion didn't like to be guided through anything, in fact, he was the most independent person she knew. When it came to brains, it was a definite no. Though, when the time came to a fight and he was alone she had seen him in action. Her only comment was: he could sure leave a mark.

Taking one final breath of air, she began to explain everything she had just witnessed and didn't add in ANY opinions on the matter, as usual. When Rizelle finished, she could practically feel Aion smirking on the other side of the phone. "Quite interesting. Call out an emergency meeting tomorrow after school, Sinner's spot. Be there by 3pm sharp." she nodded, shaking her brown locks into her face. "Alright."

"Oh and Rizelle,…Are we still on for Tuesday night?" Rizelle smirked, loving her boss's never ending lust. "Your place or mine?"

Chrono awoke with the greatest headache that next Monday morning, first noticing it when his alarm clock ran off. "Damn alarm clock. Why are you so annoying? You weren't annoying when Rosette was here… Sexist Alarm Clock." he leant up and routinely went into the bathroom to shower. He was completely beat after yesterday. Having a day full of community service (aka picking up trash the seniors purposely leave behind), then go to that evening church service, AND have detention with Sister Kate. She really is harsh…

He groaned allowed, fighting with his sleeve which just would fit over his arm. It felt too tight. "Ugh!" he growled, today was just not his day. Chrono was still struggling with his clothes about fifteen minutes later when he heard someone knock on his dorm room's door. "Crap!" he muttered, giving up on the shirt and running towards his dresser. Everything in there was the same size! Did nothing fit him? That's when he thought of the baggy jeans and top he was wearing yesterday.

Grabbing on the clothes he had on yesterday, (which had been hanging by a thread from the side of his clothes basket) he thrashed open the door. There, leaning on the door frame, was Aion, giving him his casual smirk. Chrono equalized it with his own famous smirk, trying to act casual, though his eyes held the anger he was feeling. "What do you want, Aion?" he managed to bite out without strangling the teen.

"Chrono, Chrono, Chrono…" Aion mused, stalling and making the fury inside Chrono bubble up even more. "Now, now let's not get angry. I was just wondering if you like to join me and my… comrades for lunch outside today?" he paused "Y'know? To discuss things…". "Tch'" Chrono snickered "There's nothing to discuss." he began to close the door, but Aion stopped it, putting his foot in the way.

"Now, now, Chrono. You shouldn't close a door that opens for you, don't ruin the opportunity." Aion's gray eyes glistened greedily, as if he was gaining something out of this. "Especially when a certain girl is within the deal." Chrono's eyes widened, remembering the occurrence that had happened in that alley. If Aion had really done that to Rosette, he was worried sick about what he might be talking about now. Even if he hadn't done that to Rosette, knowing Aion, there was no telling of what horror he might commit.

"…Leave her alone." Chrono growled, so low that Aion actually thought he truly cared for a moment. Ha! That's funny. Aion caring. Oh God, that's hilarious! Aion smacked himself inwardly for thinking such stupid thoughts, FOCUS he told himself. "I see, did I hit a weak spot, Chrono? I apologize," Chrono almost laughed, he was apologizing for that one small thing after everything he had done to him? The fool. Go get a life, Aion and stop screwing up mine! Chrono thought, his eyes flashing from his usual brownish-red to blood red.

Aion stood back and actually laughed this time, a loud booming laugh. But it wasn't fun, warm, and made-you-want-to-laugh-too kind of laugh like Rosette had. This laugh was dark, devious, and down right evil. Chrono gritted his teeth, it felt as if he were being mocked once again. "It seems you've grown." Aion laughed, wiping his eyes and smiling as if he'd heard the best joke in the world. Chrono snickered at him, he'd bet his whole Linkin Park CD that that wasn't what he was laughing at…. Ok maybe not the whole CD, I mean, let's not be rash. Linkin Park's way too valuable for that.

All of a sudden, Chrono noticed how Aion's words were true, He looked over himself, had he had another growth spurt last night? AGAIN! He gulped, beginning to seem self-conscious. "Whatever Aion. I'll show up. But if you do ONE THING to her," Chrono moved himself closer so that his voice seemed more vicious and he looked more powerful "I'll do whatever you do to her to Rizelle.". Aion stiffened a bit, matching glares with the other boy. "I see, you really have sunk low, Chrono. Be there." he said as if he were spitting venom at Chrono.

As he heard the door close behind him and as he walked down the hallway, Aion smirked cleverly. "You've learned, Chrono. This isn't paradise, it's not elementary school." His glasses glistened from the ray of the school lights "This is high school, where pandemonium takes over those who can not face reality. Knowing you Chrono, you will be one able to control pandemonium itself.".

Lunch arrived faster than ever that Monday. Reader, it seemed that the only thing on Chrono's mind was what could happen at lunch. He was excruciatingly worried for Rosette. He wasn't exactly sure why, but he felt as if he was slowly drifting away from her… Well, not exactly. In fact, in a dream he had had recently in sort of described his feelings….

Chrono sighed, ignoring his buzzing thoughts and getting off the lunch line. He looked at his tray, moldy macaroni and cheese, stinky string beans, a mud-pie brownie, and applesauce. Well,…at least the applesauce wasn't moving like last time,…never mind, it just did. His right eye twitched at the sight of his plate. This crap passed the health exam? Stupid Board of Education. He shook his head, dumping the tray in a nearby garbage can. Though he hated to waste food, reader, you just had to make an acceptation. Besides this wasn't food…it was living crap.

He left the cafeteria, heading for the outside tables. Chrono gulped; he deliberately didn't go to the outside tables for any reason whatsoever. The outside part of the lunchroom connected the two campuses. Meaning, both girls and guys sat in the outside part during lunch. Chrono gulped again, just about ready to pray that he wouldn't see Mary. This time he'd actually be seen if he ran away, plus he'd look even more like a total fool. …If that was even possible.

As fast as his now, longer legs could take him, he made his way over to the far east side of the outside bench area. Finally making it to the end of the benches, he found the one and only Sinner's Table. The Sinner's usually gathered at this bench for a meeting or if there was an emergency. The table was completely secluded from the other's, no student nor teacher dared to go near it. Meaning, anything and I mean anything, reader, could be discussed.

Chrono sat down at the spot he used to sit at when he was still part of The Sinners group. He knew, that if Aion wanted to meet him somewhere and discuss important business, this was the place that it would be done. "Ah," a voice sighed from beside him "looks like you actually showed up, Chrono. Not late either.". Chrono turned to see Aion smirking at him, Rizelle was at his side, clung to his arm. Viede and Genai were behind him, looking like complete robots, ready to follow any order they were given. Shader who was still walking towards the table, had her head slightly down, but she was still smiling.

"Hey Chrono, long time no see!" Shader smiled, sitting down across from him. Chrono actually smiled back. Besides all of the other Sinner's smiles, Shader's smile was actually worth seeing. She actually meant what she said and her smile was warm and welcoming. While the other Sinner's smiles were forced and mocking.

Chrono sighed, shaking his head slightly. He couldn't forget what he was here for. It wasn't to visit any old friends or to regain any lost ones. This was about Rosette. He had to make sure that whatever scheme Aion was planning wouldn't succeed this time. "Well now Chrono, don't get too comfy." Aion said, his lips smiling but his eyes glaring as he and Rizelle sat next to Shader. Chrono suddenly felt uncomfortable as Viede and Genai sat on the opposite sides of him. He felt like he was completely surrounded, caged in, like he couldn't breathe, like he couldn't escape Aion's plan and posy. But Chrono didn't let this sudden feeling scare him. He looked Aion right in the eye and said "I won't. What am I here for?"

Aion smirked, standing along with Rizelle "Stay here everyone," Rizelle pouted, sitting back down. "Chrono and I have some…business to take care of…" he made a motion for Chrono to follow him as he made his way over to the other side of the outside area, the area that was more near the girl's dorm. Chrono reluctantly followed, but made sure that he was close behind, watching Aion very closely for any sly tricks.

He walked all the way over to a small table near a few others that were in a farther distance. Aion sat down, Chrono sitting next to him. "Look there, Chrono." he pointed at a table on the far side of the room. Chrono rolled his eyes, wondering what the big predicament might be- His eyes suddenly bugged out of his head. There was the Mary Magdalene sitting there alone. Chrono turned away, growling "What are you showing her to me for? You're the one who broke us up in the first place!"

Aion smirked "What are you blaming me for, Chrono?" he leaned in closer and whispered in his ear "Especially when you know that you're the one who ruined everything, right Chrono?". Chrono's body tensed "My point is Aion," he growled through clenched teeth "why am I here?". "Relax, Chrono." Aion said, smugly, making Chrono only become more tense and alert. "Just watch her. I'm sure you'll see something that you'll find quite interesting…"

Chrono growled, crossing his arms and looking in the direction of Mary, but not directly at her. He didn't want to lock eyes with her, then see all her happiness in her life now fade away to unbearable pain once she simple glimpsed at him. His hands formed into fists under the table. This was all his fault! If he hadn't of been so stupid… If he had taken the time to not give up for once in his life she may have been sitting next to him at lunch again sharing a meal…like old times…

He sighed. He could still remember the first time she had called him down to meet for lunch…It was around when they first started dating in September…

"Here, Chrono!"

Chrono's eyebrows furrowed looking at the piece of…whatever it may be in his girlfriend's hands. "What is that?" He gulped, seeing a glare form on Mary's flushed face. "What do you mean, 'what is that'!" her face was turning magenta with embarrassment, taking the item and bringing it closer to his face. "It's lunch! I made it!" Chrono's eyes softened, truly touched by the offer. You have to understand, reader, Chrono had never received a gift form anyone before. After his precious mother had died, it seemed that he was only a bother rather than a living being…He didn't matter anymore.

Until he had met Aion and Mary, it was like he didn't even exist…

"You made this…for me?" Chrono said, Mary blushed at the look in his eyes. She looked down at her lap, blushing "Yeah, I did…So,…here!". Before she knew what she was doing, Chrono had fallen backwards on the bench form Mary shoving the piece of food between his lips. From the sudden movement, Mary fell over to, soon finding her self laying on top of Chrono.

She leant up, "W-What happened?" she looked down, her eyes widened in shock "I'm sorry, Chrono!". Chrono leant up, chewing the food in his mouth. Mary gulped, her face heated with embarrassment "I-Is it good?". Chrono didn't answer her timid question, chewing it slower and slower. Mary gulped again, seeing his eye wince three times in a row. A few seconds later, he gulped it down. "W-Well?" she asked. All of a sudden, Chrono ran towards the vending machine in the corner, bought a liter of Coca Cola and gulped it down.

When he had finished this rush of impulsiveness, he walked back over to where he was sitting and sat down. Mary sat there, knowing that it was probably horrible from his actions. "Uh…" he paused, then looked away this way their eyes wouldn't meet "It was pretty good…". Mary growled "Are you lying to me, Chrono?" she watched her boyfriend gulp, uncomfortably "No!". She grabbed his shoulders and he turned to lock her eyes with his. All of a sudden she began shaking him "Liar! Tell me the truth!"

Chrono stiffened. He remembered that she had said that sentence twice when they had been dating. When they first started dating in that same memory and…when they had ended dating and when he broke her heart… He gulped, bangs covering his eyes as he remembered the event.

Mary stared at him, tears in her eyes. "Please, just tell me what happened Chrono. Just tell me the truth and I'll understand." Chrono looked at her, pleading with both his eyes and his words "Then believe me when I tell you it wasn't what it looked like!". Chrono gulped, seeing his girlfriend's fists clench and bangs fall over her aqua orbs "You don't have to lie, Chrono…I'll understand…".

Chrono's eyebrows furrowed, "But I'm not lying! Would you please let me explain! Aion-". "Don't blame it on anyone else Chrono! Just tell me!". "I am!" he roared, trying to get her to calm down so that he could explain the situation. He could hear her breathing heavily with anger now, "Liar… Tell me the truth!". Mary broke away from his grasp, backing away "I told you already! I am telling the truth!". Mary shook her head form side to side, not believing a word he said.

Not able to hold it back any longer, Mary let her tears fall freely down her cheeks, that were flushed from anger. "Fine, Chrono! I thought that you really loved me…But,…If you can't tell me the honest truth-" she looked him in the eye, flames burning in her glare "then there is no love here."

Chrono watched in horror as she undid the gold chain on her shoulders, dropped the pocket watch on the ground, and ran away from him, something falling out of her pocket as she went, leaving him to cry alone…

Chrono bit his lip. That was why he didn't want friends. He didn't trust them the same as they didn't trust him. It was an equal balance. As long as they stayed away from him then he wouldn't have to worry. He almost laughed, remembering how Rosette had done all she could to find out why. Even though he hadn't told her the exact reason, her personality, laughter, temper, love, friendship, and devotion melted the ice around his heart…

Chrono froze. …Did he just say love? He felt a blush creep up on his face. He shook his head, he really was a pervert! He gulped, knowing that what he had thought was true though. Rosette was his first true friend in two years… His first friend ever since he had confronted Aion and broke up with Mary. He smiled; even though Chrono had pushed her away with every bit of effort that he had, Rosette managed to pull through.

"Hey!" Aion shouted in his ear, bumping him with his elbow. Chrono snapped out of his thoughts, looking up. "Look over there and tell me that you don't find that interesting…" Chrono's mouth was now agape, what he saw was indeed interesting, but in his eyes it was dangerous. The one and only Rosette herself had walked over to Mary's table and sat down across from her.

Chrono gulped audibly, biting his quivering lip. Is this what Aion wanted him to see? But how did he know about it? "It's strange how your ex and Rosette know each other isn't it?" Chrono glared at him, trying to seem at least a bit calm. "Not really. They are both girls, plus both Rosette and Mary are very friendly. They were bound to make friends." he said, suddenly realizing that what he was saying was true. He bit his lip, angry that he didn't notice it earlier "Why is it interesting, though, Aion? Did you know that they were going to meet?"

Aion didn't answer, tilting his chin upwards, making his glasses gleam in the sunlight. "Why are you so concerned?" he asked, being very careful with what he was saying. Chrono grinded his back teeth wanting very much to simply strangle him into telling him all he knew and then torture him for all that he had done. "You toy with people Aion and what happens to those people concern me. What are you trying to do?" Aion gave out a tilted half-smile, looking at him. "You've changed. You're not as fun as you used to be." Chrono smirked, glaring into his relaxed gray eyes.

"Rizelle was heading towards the dean's office for whatever reason and stumbled upon Mary and Rosette talking in the stairwell…' Aion paused and chuckled. This made Chrono only glare harder at the teen in front of him "It's interesting…They were talking about you.". Chrono seemed shocked by this sudden information, his eyebrows rose and his face went a slight dull pink. "W-Why?" Aion shrugged his shoulders "All I know was that Rizelle made sure to add in a little sentence that Mary had said to Rosette…Now how did it go again?"

Chrono growled, Aion was beginning to play games with him again. Aion smirked, enjoying the torture he was giving out to his old 'friend'. "Oh right, she said exactly this." Aion's voice suddenly sounded very light, high, and corny, as if trying to make a cheap imitation of a girl's voice "He cheated.". Chrono's whole world froze, his arms drooped at their sides, his bangs fell over his eyes and he turned away from Aion. "She told her?" he asked, not making eye contact with anything except the table top.

"No, not yet. According to Rizelle, they scheduled a meeting here at lunch." Aion got closer to Chrono, whispering in his ear "She's telling her right now….Her side of the story."

Chrono's shoulders tensed, he couldn't fight the rush of anger pulsating through him. He grabbed Aion by the neck collar and made his cool gray eyes face blood demon eyes. "Heh." Aion smirked, as if knowing that this was coming "Are you going to beat me up? Accusing me of another mistake that was rightfully yours?". Chrono's grip loosened, knowing that he was speaking the truth and it pained him with each word. Aion grinned, loving the sorrowful reaction "Besides, hitting me won't stop her… I'm only helping you, Chrono. I just thought you'd like to know."

With that, Aion pulled away from Chrono's weak grasp, getting ready to stand up. "Remember Chrono," he began, before heading back over to the Sinner's table "if you ever need something…Or better said,…If you ever want something that you can't get just remember,…when you're a sinner there is no such thing as no or anything that denies you of what you want. The world is your when you're free.". Chrono's fists clenched as Aion left to his lunch table. The pressure seemed to be all on him. Every bone in his body told him to go over to the Sinner's table this way everything would be right again, life would be perfect…

No, it wouldn't be. It'd just be torturing other's lives in order to make yours more pleasant. That was Aion's gruesome life and Chrono did not, under any circumstances, want to be a part of it! But now wasn't the time for dealing with Aion and his stupid half-witted plans. What was he going to do about Rosette and Mary? He couldn't not let Mary tell her…But he would bet his whole College savings that it wouldn't be the same story that he would've told…

He gulped, this was bad. VERY bad. How would Rosette react to him after hearing the truth from the "good-side" the side that would probably be the most innocent. The side that actually had the right to be listened-to, defended, and be sided with. His side was the "bad-side". The side to be pitied, ridiculed, and looked upon with disgust. He was a monster. He knew it so, especially after what he had done to the girl he had once loved…His teeth clenched as he remembered the events of two years ago…

Rosette pushed her hair behind her ear, grabbing her lunch try and scanning the lunch table for Mary. As she looked upon the many seats, she smiled, seeing Aion and Chrono sitting together at a bench chattering in inaudible voices. Her smile turned into a toothy grin, maybe the two of them really were friends after all. They probably were just mad at each other before, it happened all the time with Chrono and herself, of course he'd get in arguments with other friends!

All of a sudden, Rosette caught sight of a girl with long straw-colored hair, sitting at a bench in a far corner, eating by herself. "There she is!" she said to herself, walking over to Mary and sitting down across from her. "Hey, Mary!" Rosette said, Mary returned the greeting with a perfectly aligned, pearly white teeth smile.

Rosette couldn't help her eye from twitching, she was just too perfect! Almost fake, but that was just how she looked…how every other girl wanted to look like. She shook her head, ridding herself of such thoughts and gulping down a lump of her macaroni and cheese. She frowned, gulping it down without truly chewing it. Well,…it wasn't the best food she had ever tasted but it wasn't the worst either.

"So,…" Rosette started, pushing the tray aside and leaning on the table with her arms. She opened her mouth to say something but Mary interrupted her "I know what you're going to say.". Rosette closed her mouth, looking appalled and confused. Mary let out a deep sigh and out her hands on the side of face and leaning on the table with her elbows. "You want me to hurry up and tell the story, right? I'm just saying this to break any tension." Mary droned, looking at the table with a dazed look in her eyes.

"Actually, I was going to ask how your weekend was."

Mary's attention snapped up to Rosette's face. "I mean,…" she paused "beside the elevator crashing and that incident. The rest of your weekend, I mean.". Mary couldn't help but smile softly, "It was pretty good. Nothing too exciting besides that incident, but otherwise good. How about yours?". Rosette let out a sigh, making an exhausted face "Lets see…I got kicked out of my old dorm, got separated from a friend, got sent to the dean's office, caused a ruckus while greeting my new roommates and…" she looked Mary in the eye "I met you."

Mary blinked at her, she sure was honest "Basically, my weekend was an adventure. But then again, so is my life, go figure.". She smiled at the blunt blonde, she liked honest people, especially after…Her smile vanished, remembering the events of two years ago. "Ok, Mary." she looked up at Rosette who had suddenly started speaking. "Are you ready to tell me your heartbreaking story? It's now or never. Dun dun dun!" Mary couldn't help but laugh at her melodramatic tone of voice.

She shook her head, flushing from the sudden burst of happiness. Rosette smiled, glad that her reaction wasn't anger nor sadness. Mary dipped her head "Yeah, I'm ready…but," she looked up and made sure that she and Rosette's eyes locked "are you? This may affect whatever relation you have with Chrono.". Rosette smiled, shrugging her shoulders, putting a hand on Mary's arm "Don't worry. Whatever reaction I may have may be impulsive, but it'll be fair. Besides, it takes a lot for me not to be friends with someone.".

Mary gaped, was it just her or did the whole world just freeze along with hell and heaven? It just seemed that Rosette's holding azure gaze was so pure and meaningful it made Mary think that the world was at peace, that there were no more cold, heartless memories to haunt her, that she was totally being born anew.

"Hello! Earth to Mary!"

Rosette waved her hand in front of Mary's now dazed eyes. Mary shook her head vigorously, "S-Sorry!" she flushed slight pink, gulping down all her fear, depression, and frustration. "Ok, it was the end of the year dance, it was a Friday and all the classes had already ended. in other words, it was Summer, the last day of school..."

Mary pulled on her golden dress, her roommate, Melissa zipped the back up for her. "Thanks Mel." Mary said, smiling at her through the mirror. Melissa smiled back in her own baby blue dress that cut off at mid thigh. The thing that made it different from any other short dress was the trail of blue lace that hung like a shawl from her shoulders to her waist. It all looked perfect with her silver strap-up sandals.

Mary sighed, "Melissa you have prefect looks! You and your perfect Greek genes.". Melissa gasped, swooping her curly raven hair into a high bun, leaving only her curled bangs to hang over her olive skin. "Are you kidding me! You're the most beautiful girl in the whole damned school!" Mary smirked, knowing how her friend was always known to curse at the oddest times. But she did make a good point when she did usually, now though, she wasn't so sure…

Melissa huffed out an impatient sigh "Look at you," she appeared over Mary's shoulder in the mirror. "In that golden dress of yours plus that pocket watch Mr-you-can't-stop-talking-or-thinking-or-talking-or-even-dreaming-about adds a nice touch." Mary's face heated up, she turned around to look at her roommate "Melissa!". She shrugged her shoulders "Well, it's not like I'm lying!" but that statement only made the blonde blush more.

A sudden knock at the door interrupted the two girl's mischief. Mary looked at the door questioningly "Could that be Chrono? It's an hour before the dance starts!". "Nope." Melissa said, heading towards the door "That's gotta' be Jack. He's taking me to the shore to look at the sunset before the dance.". She laughed suddenly "That is, if we make it to the dance…We may just stay there a little longer than intended, if you know what I mean." Mary's face turned fuchsia "Melissa!". Melissa grinned innocently "I'm kidding!" she opened the door, kissed her boyfriend and began to head out.

Before leaving, Melissa stuck her head back in the door and said "Ok maybe, half-kidding!". "Melissa!" Mary threw a pillow at the door just as it closed and her roommate and best friend left for the night. Now completely alone, Mary put on her high-heel gold slippers with a beautiful, glittering flower at the tip. Then she laid back on her bed, playing with the golden pocket watch hanging at her neck.

"I wonder why Chrono told me never to take it off…I wonder what's so important about it…" she frowned, hating the fact that she barely knew anything about her loved one's past. Chrono liked to keep things to himself mostly, especially when it came to family matters. She looked up at the ceiling, remembering that he had told her that his father had given that watch to him…before he died. But that's how far Chrono would go before he would refuse to speak of the topic any longer.

She sighed, but if he felt uncomfortable sharing the information with her, she could understand that. Sometimes the past can be so horrid, that even it's simple memory horrifies you and makes you break down indefinitely. Mary shook her head, knowing that that fact connected to her the most. She shouldn't be the one talking about not knowing anything, she hadn't even told Chrono that practically all her family had passed on. At least she knew that his father had passed, she had never spoken a word to him about her family…Except that her mother and her had both loved strawberry ice cream and it was her favorite ever since.

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. She glanced at the clock, it was seven fifty already! Mary leapt up, ran over to her dresser and mirror and began doing the final touch-ups on her dress. Another knock sounded just as she placed her diamond beret in her hair, making a high ponytail. "I'm coming!" she ran towards the door, which surprisingly opened before she could turn the handle. This unexpected action caused the blonde to fall forwards, right into the arms of Chrono.

"Whoa!" Chrono said, steadying himself and helping Mary stand back up "You ok?". She smiled now having returned to standing on her own two feet "Yeah.". They smiled shyly at each other before noticing that they were simply staring at each other dumbly, they both turned away from each other, blushing.

"Uh…well, you ready to go?" Mary looked up at Chrono who was offering his arm. She nodded, grinning, and taking his arm. With one final smile, Chrono and Mary walked down the hallway to the dance that would finalize their destinies and their fates.

Chrono and Mary entered the gymnasium which had beautifully transformed into a ball room. If it wasn't for the coach, whom was a chaperone, you wouldn't be able to tell that it was or if it was ever a gym room. Banners in various colors hung from the ceiling, beautiful red and white table cloths hung from every punch and snack table. The DJ's stations was crowded as people requested songs. But the best part was when the songs were played and every person in the room could feel the beat pounding along with their hearts as they danced their all out on this final school night.

"Come on!"

Chrono almost tripped as Mary ran out onto the dance floor, dragging him with her. The DJ spun a record and scratched it up a bit before letting the song run out through the school's speaking system. A fast pop song began to play, to Chrono's disgust. But he didn't mind, he was faded into the crowd, most guys would look like fools while dancing, so what the heck, go figure.

He and Mary began dancing the night away with sweat trailing down their bodies and love and lust filling their hearts. But just when they were about ready to pump it up, someone requested a slow song and the DJ began to play it throughout the ball room. Though the whole cast of the party was disappointed with the sudden change of mood, Mary and Chrono didn't mind sharing a small, slow waltz.

Mary hooked her arms around his shoulders, Chrono doing the same for her waist. The song's melody increased, putting a bit of excitement for the dancers and then died down a bit again. The song with softer, the lyrics touching many hearts those of couples, those single, those with heartaches, and even those who had heartbreaks.

Mary was looking at her feet, making sure she wouldn't step on anyone's foot. She had a reputation for being clumsy. But suddenly, the music was getting to her, she looked up, locking eyes with Chrono. She couldn't help that her heart suddenly started beating past the speed limit. She loved this guy and there was nothing else to it. Mary nodded, agreeing with her thoughts, resting her head on his shoulder.

Chrono blushed at her actions, but soon his heart and mind was taken by the music as well. The song was at it's finale, a wondrous melody playing as the final lyrics spilled out onto the room "No matter how dim the night may seem….in my eyes…you always shine.". Chrono blinked in confusion, noticing that Mary had sung the ending lyrics just as the song ended. He looked down at his girlfriend to see Mary's eyes closed, her lips smiling and her face heading towards his.

He willingly closed his eyes, no longer resisting the beat of the music and giving in completely. With that, the couple kissed full-heartedly, holding each other in their arms. Each one of them loving each other more and more. The sad thing was, the two of them didn't know it but,…that was the last kiss the two would ever share.

The song ended and the DJ put the fast pop music back on, making a lot of grinding couples very happy as they danced the night away. Chrono and Mary smiled at each other, pulling apart. The both of them were just about to leave this dance room, to go out into the night to look at the stars in private. But then, someone tapped Chrono on the shoulder.

"Hey, Chrono!"

Chrono grinned, getting a friendly hit on the back by his best friend. "Sup' Aion!" Aion grinned back, but then he looked at Mary, his grin faded into a forced smile "Hello madam, looking lovely tonight.". Mary laughed politely as Aion bent down, picked up her hand and brought it to his lips. Chrono glared "Watch yourself, buddy." he growled dangerously, Aion laughed "Chill out! I'm just greeting the lady."

All of a sudden Rizelle, in a short, very revealing magenta dress came up behind Aion. "Hey! You shouldn't be greeting no 'lady' but me!" she said hotly, fists clenched, her glaring eyes focused on Mary. Mary gulped, she hadn't meant to cause any trouble. Aion smirked, shifting his arm around Rizelle's shoulders smoothly, making her blush and swoon over him. "I apologize, the punch has just been spiked and Rizelle's an easy drunk. She gets a bit…'testy' at times."

Rizelle pouted, trying to form a facial look that seemed innocent. That's when Mary noticed the unnatural flush of pink on her face for the first time. She let out a chuckle, "It's all good." she replied. "So Mary," Aion began "do you mind if I borrow Chrono for a while? Just wanted to talk to him for a bit. You don't mind, do ya'?". Mary shook her head "Umm…no. I'll just-"

"HEY MARY!"

Right on cue, Melissa came running towards her roommate, waving her arms. "Hey girl, come outside I gotta show you something!" before Mary could say anything, her best friend had grabbed her arm and she was being dragged out into the night. Chrono waved her off, walking with Aion and Rizelle over to the punch bowl to chat.

Arriving outside, Melissa handed her something from her pocket. Mary looked at her palms, there lay a gold chain with a heart-shaped locket hanging at the end. She gasped "Melissa! Where did you find this!". Melissa put her hands on her hips and looked her in the eye "I found this on top of your dresser when I went back to the dorm to get something. I thought it might be important. That's when it fell open and I saw the picture."

Mary gulped, she knew what was inside. The loving picture she had cherished ever since it was taken. On their first date at a movie theatre, it was a photo booth, she had kissed him on the cheek playfully, the camera took the shot. She almost laughed, remembering how he couldn't stop blushing for about a week. "Then I looked at the engraved inscription on the locket. It reads 'Forever together, true love only comes once." Melissa finished, crossing her arms over her chest.

"It's the last day of school! You may not see him for most of the summer! When are you going to give it to him, huh!" Mary blushed. "I thought that…maybe he was ready for this kind of commitment." Melissa dipped her head, shaking it pitifully. "Girl, you are too modest for your own good." she looked her in the eye, her voice growing serious "Give it to him.". Mary paused for a moment, deciding in her mind right then, after that dance and that kiss that knocked her off her feet and sent her in oblivion, she was sure of what to do.

Mary nodded, "Ok," she said, smilin at her best friend "I'll give it to him."

Mary rushed into the ball room, scanning the area for Chrono. "Where could he and Aion have gone off to?" she thought, walking towards the punch bowl. All of a sudden someone grabbed her shoulder and twirled her around. "Huh?" she gasped in surprise, but then her shocked face was replaced with a small smile "Hey Aion. …Where's Chrono?". The teen shrugged, his eyebrows shifting to make a confused expression.

"That's what I was about to ask you. I haven't seen him. I left Rizelle and him at the punch bowl while I went to the bathroom. But when I came back, the two of them had disappeared." Mary bit her lip, she wanted to find him fast before her sanity got hold of her and she wouldn't have the will to give him to locket any longer. "If you're looking for him as well, you can follow me. I'm going to ask Viede where he went."

Mary nodded, following close behind him as Aion led her through the crowd. They found Viede hitting on some senior who obviously thought that he was a senior as well. "Excuse me, miss. May I have a word with my associate?" Aion said, cutting between the girl and his fellow Sinner, but not without sharing a flirtatious wink with the young lady first. The girl flushed, nodding and standing to the side.

Viede growled, Aion rolled his eyes "Don't worry, she's not going anywhere.". "What is it?" Viede said, his aggressive tone still in his voice "Where's Chrono and Rizelle?". Viede raised his eyebrows "I saw Rizelle dancing around a little while ago near the locker rooms. If Chrono was with her, I didn't see him. He must've gone in there before I got a chance to see.". Aion bit his lip "Thanks, have fun." he walked away hastily, leaving Mary confused, Viede and the girl seemed unfazed by the interruption as they went right back to teasing and flirting dangerously.

Mary ran towards Aion, deciding that he was heading towards the locker rooms. "Aion, what's wrong? You look…" he cast her a worried glance "upset." she finished. "It's because Rizelle is extremely drunk. I'm worried about what she may do when she's not under my supervision." Mary smiled at him "Don't worry, Chrono's with her! I'm sure he'll take care of her." Aion grinned back "You're right about that."

Mary followed Aion to the far side of the ball room and through some marketed-off-to-students area aka the locker rooms. Even though there were girls and boys locker rooms. There was a locker room for the sports teams where it didn't matter what gender you were, plus it was always left open, probably since the lock had broken off when a fight had broken out last January.

Aion burst open the double doors and gasped at what he saw. Mary, behind him who couldn't see had a questionable look on her face. She walked past the frozen teen only to freeze in place herself. In the light fading into the locker rooms from the ball room's lit hallway, both frozen teens could see something that would change their lives forever.

Rizelle was up against the lockers, her head tilted back and flushed an unnatural color that matched her dress that was falling off her body. The thing that made Mary almost faint with shock was Chrono was on top of her, completely shirtless, staring at Rizelle with a look Mary couldn't quite see. "S-Stop." Rizelle murmured, her lip quivering.

"C-Chrono?"

The sudden voice seemed to catch the teens' attention, as they both immediately looked at Mary's face. Chrono's eyes widened, standing up straight and looking over the whole area. Mary's lip quivered as Aion marched up to the half-naked teen. He fiercely punched him in his gut, making Chrono bang up against the locker.

"Chrono you bastard! To think I trusted you.…You fucking bastard." Aion walked over to Rizelle and slipped an arm around her shoulder to help her stand. "You know very well that she can't hold her liquor very well…" Aion gave Chrono one last skin-burning glare before he left the room, leaving Mary alone with him.

Tension seemed to fill the room more than air did, as each one of them stared at each other, both unsure of what to say. Mary wasn't sure if she should break down and cry or hit and kick him with every bit of anger and pain that was heaving in her heart at the moment.

"I-" Mary stuttered "I can't believe you!" she turned around and was about to run straight out the ball room to the ice cream parlor where she could grieve everything out in the cold treat. But something stopped her. A hand was on her shoulder. A warm familiar touch was on her skin, a careful touch that she had loved when with him but now…but now…she knew she wasn't the only one who had felt the touch. She shrugged off the hand.

Chrono didn't give up there, though. He spun her around and looked her in the eye. "It wasn't what it looked like, Mary.". "Oh really?" "Yes, really. Please listen to what I have to say. It's important to the both of us.". Mary let out a deep sigh.

"You don't have to lie to me, Chrono. I'll get it if you aren't ready for anything serious." Chrono stared back at her, appalled "You're wrong! Mary, please! Will you trust me…"

Mary stared at him, not believe he had just said that, tears in her eyes. "Please, just tell me what happened Chrono. Just tell me the truth and I'll understand." Chrono looked at her, pleading with both his eyes and his words "Then believe me when I tell you it wasn't what it looked like!". Chrono gulped, seeing his girlfriend's fists clench and bangs fall over her aqua orbs "You don't have to lie, Chrono…I'll understand…".

Rosette stared at Mary, completely speechless. Mary sniffled, looking up at the other blonde with a smile, even though tears were falling down her cheeks. "You wanna' know the real sad truth?" Rosette didn't answer, Mary stood and threw out her tray. She went back over to Rosette, telling her before she left for her next class "I still love him."

But before Rosette could respond to such a powerful statement, Mary was gone. Rosette heading back to her dorm room, the thoughts of the memory heavy on her mind. One sentence escaped her lips before she entered her dorm

"Chrono…you bastard."

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Still am I

Still waiting

For this world to stop hating

Can't find a

Good reason

Can't find hope to believe in

-Intro Chorus to Still Waiting by Sum 41

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Ok, I'll take all your hate mail for the late update. Hope this chapter you've all waited forver on makes up for it though. I wrote over 20 pages in one night. I'm going to update, do my prepe school homework and then crash for the night. I'll deal with any reviews and/or complaints later….(droans)

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY EVERYONE!

Brother: You are SO late

Me: Shut up.

Brother: You didn't even thank them.

Me: For what...OH YEAH!

Brother: Idiot. I have to remind you for everything.

Me: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR OVER 100 REVIEWS AND OVER 6,000 HITS! I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH!

Brother: oO woah let's not get too close now

Me: (bunks him on the head) Pervert.

Brother: You should not be talking.

THANK YOU SO MUCH GUYS! (for real) I'll think of a way to repay you all in what little money I have…Or how about just a nice chap? I think a nice chap is good. (runs away from angry reviewers who want cash) AHHH! DON'T KILL THE AUTHOR! THEN THE STORY'S GONE!

Brother: YES! KILL HER! KILL HER!

Me: (stares) You suck.

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