Chapter 12: In the Flowers


Popuri giggled happily as her father threw her in the air one last time, kissing her cheek lovingly and whispering in her ear just how much he adored her. He sat her on the ground and turned to his son, patting his head and telling him to take care of the farm and, especially, his little sister and mother. And finally, he turned to Lillia, pulled her close and whispered to her that she'd finally be well…that everything would be okay. She sobbed but nodded into his shoulder before kissing him one last time before releasing him. Popuri didn't know then…she didn't know what his leaving meant.

A year later, Popuri found her heart ache. Her daddy had always been her hero, hadn't he? And he'd left her. She didn't have anyone to catch her when she fell anymore. Rick…Rick was just her irritating brother, not a hero. Her mother tried. Even at her young age, Popuri knew she did, but it just wasn't the same. For hours, Popuri sat by the window, transfixed, praying softly that her father would turn around that corner, return to her and mother soon. Lillia weakly came down the steps, starting to prepare herself some tea when she noticed Popuri, rooted to the window sill. The woman smiled softly and walked over, taking a seat beside her. Popuri spared her a glance before returning her gaze to the window.

"What are you doing, dear?" Lillia finally asked after a few moments.

"Waiting for daddy" she answered softly.

Lillia smiled sadly at her before pulling the young child into her arms. Popuri stared up at her before sniffing in her scent. Her mother always smelled like lilacs…her daddy loved that scent.

"You love your daddy, don't you?"

"Uh huh…and I can't wait for him to come back! I'll show him the tooth I lost" she giggled childishly.

Lillia laughed, "I'm sure he'd love that…but y'know…you're his princess."

Popuri blinked and nodded.

"And every princess…has her prince, you know…" Lillia said vaguely, looking out the window.

Popuri frowned, "A prince?"

"Mm hmm, someone that will just sweep you off your feet…and love you."

"That's easy! Daddy's my prince" she giggled.

Lillia chuckled lowly and petted her daughter, "We'll see, dear, we'll see…"

Popuri knew after a couple months that her daddy wasn't going to return anytime soon and it made her sad. But she told herself to cheer up, to be happy. Her daddy wouldn't want her to be sad. So currently, she was indulging in the summer winds, sweet with the scent of the sea. In the mountains, she wandered around, picking flowers for her mother. Her mother was bedridden because she'd felt much too weak to wake that day. These flowers would make her feel better. Humming a tune she'd heard her father and mother hum all the time, she stared happily at the bouquet she'd assembled. Suddenly though, she was knocked face forward, right on top of her flowers. She sobbed out in horror and her eyes welled and she heard laughter from behind her. Looking back, she found Rick and some of his friends…one of them looked as if they'd been the culprit to push her. Popuri flew to her feet, balling her tiny fists.

"What'd you do that for?!"

"Aww, what's a little girl like you doing out here by yourself?" cooed one mockingly.

"I'm picking flowers for mommy! She's sick!" Popuri declared, eyeing Rick for backup.

He simply turned his head, content to ignore her and she shuddered. They all laughed.

"How cute!"

Popuri felt her lower lip tremble and told herself not to cry. They weren't worth her tears…

"Your pretty little flowers won't make your mommy any better, stupid" commented one, his voice mean.

"My mommy said that your daddy couldn't stand it anymore and left her and is never coming back" said another.

Popuri gawked and bit her lip, cheeks coloring with fury.

"My daddy is coming back! He's-he's looking for a flower to cure my mommy!"

They snorted, "Yea right. Why would he waste his time on something stupid like that? Like some flower would cure your mommy."

Popuri felt like wailing, bursting into tears, not wanting to believe their bitter words. They didn't know. Daddy was a hero. He'd do anything for them. But her knees shook, too scared and weak to say anything. But…if daddy was a hero, why wasn't he protecting her now? She wept, balling, rubbing furiously at her eyes. They all laughed at her and Rick did nothing to stop it…

"Oh my…what's all this?"

They all stopped laughing and turned towards the direction of the unfamiliar voice. They stared, stunned, at the boy. He was, perhaps, 10, and was looking at them with a rather bored expression. His silky brown hair was covering one of his chocolate colored eyes, his pale skin contrasting sharply with all his other features. Wearing a gray satiny looking dress shirt and a pair of black colored jeans, he definitely looked peculiar. No one from Mineral Town except adults wore anything that fancy…one of Rick's friends finally snorted.

"And who are you?"

"…Doesn't matter" he said distantly.

This answer seemed to surprise them and Popuri stared at him, confused. Wha…? Pushing a strand of hair that had started to cover his exposed eye, he crossed his arms.

"Now what is that to say to a little girl?" the strange boy questioned.

"She's stupid anyway! A flower won't fix anything!" declared one.

The boy went silent then walked over to Popuri, kneeling next to her crushed flowers and carefully picking them up, his gaze fixed on them.

"I don't know…flowers…flowers can surprise you."

"You're-you're just as stupid as she!" glared one.

"Am I? I'm not the one standing around, picking on a little girl…I guess I am stupid."

They all glared angrily at him before one demanded, "Are you making fun of us!?"

He smiled lightly, standing, the flowers in his hands, "Now why would I do something like that?"

They looked even angrier, Rick included. Popuri swallowed and stared meekly at the boy holding her flowers.

"Those were for my mommy…she's sick. They're ruined now" she admitted to him sadly.

He stared down at her and frowned before returning his eyes to the flowers, his hands moving skillfully, doing something.

"I'm sorry…if you want, I'll pick some more flowers with you" he offered.

She rubbed her eyes of the waning tears and stared at him, "You…will?"

He smiled warmly, "Of course I will."

"You're…" started one of Rick's friends.

The stranger turned his head back, a dark look on his face.

"Going to teach you a lesson. What right do any of you have? She's trying to do something nice for her mother and you push her down? And for what reason? I think you need to rethink who's stupid here" he growled.

They all looked stunned and one stuttered, "All-all of us together could clobber yo-you!"

He smiled, a gloomy uninterested smile, "I'd like to see you try."

They all backed away, quickly made excuses, and then ran off. Popuri blinked at this, not remembering ever seeing her brother's friends scared of anything. The boy sighed gently before kneeling in front of her. He dropped a little lower then her but not by much. She was a very short child… softly he dropped something over her head. He smiled softly at her.

"There…now you look like a little goddess."

She blinked and walked over to the edge of the Goddess pond and gasped. He'd strung the flowers together into a little crown. She giggled happily and turned back to him. He still smiled at her. He was nicer then the other boys in the village, she realized then.

"You're nice!" she declared honestly.

He laughed sheepishly, "Not really."

"Uh huh!"

He chuckled and she scurried next to him, staring up at him.

"You'll still pick flowers with me?"

"Of course. I promised."

She giggled, "Okay!"

He knelt and started to pick the flowers. She stared down at him a moment before kneeling as well, gazing at the flowers before giggling.

"By the way, I'm not a goddess!"

He looked up, blinking his long eyelashes, "Oh?"

"I'm a princess!"

His eyes widened and he smiled a smile that finally reached his eyes, lighting them up gently.

"That you are."


When Popuri returned home with a huge bouquet, she'd discovered Rick had ratted her out for talking to strangers. She pouted and told her mother he was the nicest stranger she'd ever met and Lillia sighed, giving her a bit of a lecture before smiling at the girl, thanking her for the flowers. Popuri proudly stuck her tongue out at Rick who rolled his eyes, making an excuse, and wandering to his room. Her mother sighed before reaching out and gently touching Popuri's crown of daisies.

"Now what is this…?"

"He made it for me!" she giggled.

"Oh did he?"

"I'm going to keep it forever!" Popuri squealed, rushing to her room, "And I'm going to make him cookies!"

Lillia laughed lightly before sighing and weakly sinking into the couch. Rod…


Popuri wandered around the mountains, starting to wonder if perhaps the boy had been some fantasy creature that had appeared as her guardian once. She had not thought to ask his name or where he came from. She sighed, irritated, and stared at the little bundle of chocolate chip cookies she held. She felt sad…

"Hmm…we meet again, princess."

She leapt and turned around, feeling ecstatic. There he was again, a smile pulling at his lips. He was dressed in clothes similar to the other day except the shirt was open, a white shirt underneath. No one dressed like that but she kind of liked it. Everyone else looked like little kids. And his shirt felt nice, she'd learned the day before. Giggling, she held out the pink package with a deeper red ribbon around it.

"I made you cookies!"

He stared at her, surprised, "You didn't have to do that…"

"Uh huh! You saved me from those meanies and you picked flowers with me! Rick would never do that with me."

He took the cookies slowly, giving her a shy smile, "Thanks."

He opened the bundle slowly and took one of the cookies, taking a bite before nodding in obvious approval.

"Who's Rick?" he asked after a moment.

"He's my big brother and he's mean and annoying. He was with his friends yesterday, teasing me" she pouted.

A look of disbelief crossed his face, "You mean your brother let them tease you…?"

"Uh huh. I'm used to it" she nodded.

He frowned, apparently unimpressed, and sat in the cool green grass, patting beside him.

"Come sit."

She giggled delightedly and sat beside him, watching him eat the cookies. She stared at him for some moments before asking.

"Where are you from?"

"Mm, the city…I'm here visiting my grandfather."

She nodded and stared at his hair. It looked like one of her mother's nice satin dresses almost, shimmery and soft. Looking at him, she blinked her big red eyes innocently.

"Can I touch your hair?"

He glanced at her shocked, "Why?"

"Because it's really pretty!"

He blushed, embarrassed, before nodding. She squealed happily before reaching out and stroking the soft hair from his eyes. He gazed at her a moment before murmuring.

"I can't believe your brother would let anyone pick on you. I'd never let anyone pick on my little sister."

"Ricks a bad brother" she said absently, awed by his soft hair.

"I guess…"

She stopped her perusal of his hair and giggled, "You can be my big brother!"

His eyes widened and he looked away, "Oh, I don't know…"

"Please? I don't have many friends…" she pouted.

He stared at her before sighing albeit smiling, "Alright…I guess…just for this summer."


For that time, Popuri completely forgot about her father's absence, spending every waking second with her new companion. He was shy but bold, gentle but strong…he was Popuri's new hero, only second to her daddy. There were times when his grandfather told her that he couldn't come out and she'd go home, disappointed. But he'd come out moments later, smiling at her. She noticed on those days that he was extremely pale and tired, having to take rests every few minutes on their mountain visits. But she didn't mind. She didn't realize it then but maybe it was more being with him then actually doing anything. He listened to her better then anyone else and played with her, no matter how silly the game. He was fun… they ended up far in the mountains in a rather secluded spot where only Gotz or perhaps Basil's family would visit on occasion. She giggled, telling him this was where her castle was to be. He smiled and said she had good taste. One day, he lied in the sweet grass and flowers, closing his eyes. She stared at him as she jumped rope before stopping and kneeling close beside him. For the first time she realized on days like this, he looked exactly like her mother on bad days…she frowned.

"Are you sick?"

He opened his eyes partially, smiling delicately at her, "No…"

"Good" she sighed, lying on her stomach beside him, leaning on her elbows, "Because I'd be sad."

"Oh?"

"Mama's already sick…you can't be sick too…"

He closed his eyes again and smiled a little wider, "I promise I won't be sick…"

She gazed at him a little longer before sitting up and picking up some nearby flowers, idly putting them into his hair as he seemed to have fallen asleep. She giggled, inspecting her work. He looked pretty. He was the only boy she'd ever liked in any way, she realized. Not boring like her brother, not mean like the other boys in town, he was… she squealed and rested her chin on his chest. He opened his eyes again, revealing that he had most likely not been asleep.

"Hmm?"

"You're not my big brother anymore" she declared.

His eyes widened, adding jokingly, "Tired of me already?"

"No! You're better then a big brother" she said haughtily.

"Heh…I doubt it."

"Uh huh…you're a prince."

His eyes widened a little more and he laughed sheepishly, "A prince, huh? Because you're a princess, right?"

She just nodded happily and he chuckled, body relaxing a little more.

"I'm no prince…princess."

"I'm royalty. You have to listen to me" she said, crossing her arms.

He laughed softly, "But if I'm a prince, I'm royalty too…and I say I'm not a prince."

She opened her mouth before clamping it shut and shaking her head.

"That didn't make any sense!"

He laughed again, "I know."

He sat up and shrugged, "I don't know."

"Don't know what? Mommy said one day I'd find my prince" she said innocently.

He shot her a glance and he blushed, "I think she meant more like…Cinderella 'one day my prince will come' and I'm definitely not that Prince Charming person."

She blinked rapidly, "I don't want Prince Charming, I want Prince-"

"Popuri!" screamed an irritated voice.

She pursed her lips, "Rick…"

"Mm, I guess I should be heading home…" he yawned.

She sighed, not wanting to leave, before scowling and pointing at him.

"You're a prince!"

"Okay, okay, I'll be your prince for now…"

She squeaked happily before skipping off, greeting the aggravated Rick who was saying something to her…she was just too content to hear a word of it.


Popuri hummed, dancing in the flowers, as he was drawing something. She had asked him to show her and he told her it was a surprise and he'd show her once he was done. She'd pouted but he'd seemed adamant on keeping it secret so she just skipped around, waiting as patiently as possible. He was engrossed in the picture and only looked up at her occasionally. But he looked up at her, curiosity in his eyes.

"What are you humming?"

She stopped and giggled, "It's a song my mommy and daddy sing around each other."

"Ah…it's catchy" he said, returning his attention to his work.

"Daddy and mommy were so happy around each other. They'd sing and laugh and hug and…" she broke off.

He looked up again and raised an eyebrow, 'And'?"

"And kiss" she finished.

His eyes widened and he blushed, "Yeah, my parents do that too…when they're around."

"It looks icky" she wrinkled her nose.

He smiled, "I'm sure it's nice in some way or they wouldn't do it so much."

She frowned and pondered this as he lifted his sketch, nodding.

"It's as good as it's gonna get…" he murmured.

She squealed, "Can I see?"

He nodded and she came and perched beside him. She gasped in surprise…it was…her? But instead of the overalls she wore, she was dressed in a poofy princess dress and a tiara. She was dancing in the flowers. It looked like…a photograph.

"You DREW that?" she gasped.

"Uh huh…"

"You're really good!" she exclaimed, awed.

"You can have it" he said sheepishly, ripping it from his book.

"Really? Yay!"

He chuckled and she hugged the paper, putting it in the picnic basket she brought for them. She dashed back over to him and knelt as he leaned back on his palms. He gave her a doting smile and sighed.

"Summer's almost over…"

She stared at him, wide-eyed, before her lip trembled.

"You're leaving, aren't you?"

"Huh…? I'm only visiting, princess…"

"You're-you're just like my daddy! You're-you're leaving me too!" she sobbed, rubbing her eyes and flying to her feet.

He winced and hugged her, "I'm sorry…"

"If you're sorry, you'd stay" she sniffed.

"I-I can't…I have to get back to my family…" he said weakly.

She pouted and pulled away from him and he winced again.

"I'd stay…if my family were here."

"Hmph."

He sighed and rubbed his face wearily, "Popuri…"

"You're my prince. You can't leave" she said suddenly, her voice too reasonable.

"Yea…but I said just for now…"

She scowled deeply at him and he bowed his head, "I'm sorry…"

"No you're not!" she said angrily.

He looked away miserably before reaching out and picking a flower, staring at her through sad eyes, holding it out to her.

"But…I am…"

That feeling…she couldn't register it at that age…but she couldn't be angry with him. It just…melted away. She sulked at her inability to be mad with him anymore and took the flower, glaring at a tree.

"…You'll come back?"

"I'll try…"

She fell before him again, glowering but pushing her face against his chest.

"You-you have to! You-you're a lousy prince! You're supposed to build a castle for me! And-and—"

"And marry you, right?"

She felt startled and stared up at him. His deep chocolate eyes were too serious, too mature. She had to swallow before scowling.

"Th-that's silly…"

"Is it?"

"Of-of course. We're not old enough!"

"How about…I come back later then?"

She stared at him in disbelief before looking away, "…I dunno…maybe daddy will be back by then."

"I'd never take the place of your daddy, princess."

She sighed and looked down at him.

"Would we have to do all that gross stuff when we're married?"

He blinked, "Gross stuff?"

"Yea…like…kiss…"

He laughed, "I don't think it's so bad. We'd have to kiss at our wedding."

Her nose wrinkled and he stared at her before closing his eyes and smiling.

"Why don't we try it? If you don't like it, we don't have to."

She stared at him, stunned, "K-kiss you?"

"Mm hmm…"

She swallowed and looked around, nervous, "But…"

"No ones around…" he assured, "And a princess is supposed to kiss her prince…and her fiancé."

She pouted and her cheeks pinked a little, "Fine! But you can't tell anyone."

"Our little secret" he nodded.

He closed his eyes and she winced, leaning forward slowly against his face. She clenched her eyes shut tightly, telling herself it was only for a second. Tilting her head a little, she pressed her lips chastely against his. Surprised, she didn't find it was that bad…his lips were warm, soft, comforting…She pulled away after a moment and his eyes were still closed. He opened them after a couple moments and smiled, his cheeks rosy.

"I didn't think it was that bad…"

She giggled in agreement and then blinked at him innocently, "You have to kiss me before you leave…then I won't be angry at you."

He looked embarrassed, "Of course…anything for the princess."


He was near transparent…lying on his back outside, barely able to get much farther then the tree beside the small chicken coop, he let out strangled breaths. Popuri knelt by him, not able to hold back her tears. Grabbing his hand which was cold and clammy, she wept into it.

"You ARE sick!"

"I'm fine…just tired" he said, his voice weak.

"You should be in bed…I'll take care of you" she sobbed, "I won't let anything happen to you."

He smiled wearily before slowly reaching into his pocket and pulled something out. She blinked at the charm…it was a heart, broken in half.

"I couldn't find a ring" he explained, his voice breaking.

"That's okay…"

He sat up, groaning, and she stared at him, worried. He smiled at her, though, and took the charm, his hands shakily stringing it through a chain. He leant forward, hooking it around her neck, whispering.

"I'll keep the other half…so I'll always remember my promise…"

She stared at the silver charm and looked at him, watching him struggle to put his around his own neck. She took it from his fingers and hooked it.

"I'll remember too…"

He smiled, nodding. She blinked at him and she felt her eyes well again. He looked frail, sickly…like he was dying. How could she not notice? He looked at her sadly.

"Please don't cry…"

She felt the tears run down her face and he pushed forward towards her and closed his eyes.

"Please…" he whispered, pleading, as he came closer to her.

Suddenly his grandfather yelled after him, demanding what he was doing out of bed and he sighed, smiling at her tiredly before wandering back into the house, waving at her. She waved back and held the charm, still warm…when he closed the door, she felt her throat clench and she didn't understand why…

A couple days later, he was sent back home, in terrible condition. She'd wept more then when her father had left when she found out. She was heartbroken and didn't know it…but…she stared out at the stars one night, remembering the once they'd sat in his grandfather's yard, staring up at the constellations. Everything reminded her of him, her prince. She trembled and clutched their promise in her hands, the half heart…her prince…

"Koji…"


Popuri woke, startled, her stomach full of butterflies. Touching her lips, her fingers trembling, she whispered.

"He-he can't be…my Koji?"

But on some level, she'd known. She stared straight ahead, dazed for a moment, before laughing, shaking her head. How silly…prince… she climbed out of bed, stretching and rubbing her eyes. She glanced at the flowers on her desk and blushed, a smile curling her lips. Leaning forward, she sniffed the fragrant bloom and sighed. The flowers he left for her everyday though…that was like her prin—Koji… she stood up straight and giggled a little, hugging her arms.

"My brother…he's kind of weird some times…if he's mean to you, tell me and I'll kick his butt" Jill had said.

Mean…? She frowned and started to go through her closet. Koji had been the nicest little boy in the world…but people did change, didn't they? He was gorgeous, almost to a fault, and she knew that sometimes got to people's heads… she found a black ruffled skirt and a flirty top that showed off 'too much' in Rick's opinion. She snorted. A turtleneck showed off too much in Rick's opinion so it didn't matter. She brushed her hair, feeling nervous. Her date started soon…what would they say to each other? What was there to say? Did he even remember her? She sighed and stood, deciding she'd only know if she went. Wandering down the steps, her mother looked up from sipping her cup of tea and smiled.

"Why, you look nice. Where are you going?"

"Um…just…out" she laughed carefully.

"Oh? Well, have fun."

"That's ALL you're going to say to her! She looks like-like- a tramp!" declared Rick, dropping the newspaper he'd been reading angrily.

Popuri glared at him, an expression caught between hurt and anger. Lillia scolded him.

"Your sister looks like no such thing! Apologize!"

"No way. Isn't it obvious, mother? She's going on a date with some punk" he grunted.

Popuri ignored her fast heartbeat and glowered, "Am not. I'm going to hang out with Jill and Cliff."

"…Jill and Cliff" Rick mumbled, his voice vague.

She propped her hands on her hips, "Yea, Jill and Cliff. Now, if you'll excuse me…"

"Have fun, sweetie" smiled her mother, "And don't forget about your prince."

Popuri blushed and Rick scowled, "Mother!"

Popuri quickly rushed out before an argument ensued. Stupid Rick…he'd been protective of her when she started to mature, saying she was bound to end up with some…beatnik, as he put it. She rolled her eyes. Whatever…Jill had called the night before, seeming a little glum.

"He's taking you to the MOUNTAINS. How…romantic."

Popuri laughed, "Well now, didn't you and Cliff connect in the mountain?"

Popuri could tell she was blushing and giggled.

"In the mountains…" she sighed gently.

Walking quickly, staring behind her to make sure a certain brother wasn't following, she reached for the necklace she'd worn, comforted by a promise that was made so long ago. But could she really expect things to be the same as they were in those days? She wasn't a little girl anymore, contrary to popular belief…Koji might've been her prince then, but what about now? Things just weren't that simple…

"Penny for your thoughts?"

Popuri jumped and turned around, surprised. Koji…his hair swept away from his eyes, he smiled lightly. She blushed, gulping a little.

"I, uh…was…just…y'know."

"Of course" he chuckled.

His dark eyes danced up and down her body and she stiffened as they seemed to stop on her chest. Yea, people did change, didn't they…?

"Like what you see?" she questioned in a mock- sweet tone.

He blinked rapidly before looking up at her with a grin then winked. She gaped as he walked around and pursed her lips, suddenly feeling like this was a bad idea…

"Well, I'm sure he got a nice view but remember what else is in that area?" her mind pointed out.

She frowned then gasped, looking down. The necklace…swallowing, she shook her head. When had she become so cynical? He looked back at her, hands stuffed in his pockets.

"You coming? I set everything up here."

She nodded and quickly followed him as he walked forward. She was stunned when they arrived. Their… 'spot'. She watched in awe at the area she never visited anymore. More flowers had grown and a willow tree had bloomed, making the area look like almost enchanted. Koji sat on a blanket spread out and waved a hand, gesturing for her to come sit. Her cheeks pinked a little but she wandered over, sitting in front of him.

"You sure Jilly didn't manhandle you into this?" he asked jokingly.

"Oh no! I-I mean, uh, did she 'manhandle' you?" she questioned nervously.

"Not at all" he said casually.

She watched him dig through the basket. His dark brown locks still looked like perfect silk and shined brightly in the sunlight. He was still rather pale, compared to Jill, but in an entirely endearing way. His eyes glowed, mysterious and secretive. She winced and looked away before he noticed she was ogling. He pulled out sandwiches and fruit and drinks before grabbing an apple, lying on his back.

"It's gorgeous in fall…all the leaves are changing colors…so different" he mused, seeming like he was in his own world.

She reached out and took a pear, blushing, "Yes, it's nice…"

"Hmm…" he murmured, staring at her.

She flushed and pushed a loose hair behind her ear, "Something wrong…?"

"…Nothing" he sighed, continuing to eat his apple.

She nodded and they ate in silence for a while before he started to lick the sticky syrup off his fingers. She swallowed hard and blushed…the way he darted his tongue out…she squealed, covering her flushed face.

"I'm such a perv!"

…Did she just say that aloud? He laughed though and looked at her.

"Princess…?"

Her heart jumped at the name he used to use for her, parting her fingers to look through at him. His eyes were soft, gentle…

"Want me to lick your fingers too?"

She squealed, recovering her face and he laughed more.

"I'm kidding. I wouldn't do that…" he closed his eyes, opening one, "…Unless you want me to."

She pouted, blushing heavily, "Your sister told me to tell on you if you were bad…"

His eyes sparkled, "Jilly can't tell her big bubby what to do."

She chuckled, getting the idea that that was true on some level. Koji used to speak lovingly of his younger sister back home, how much he missed her, and how he couldn't wait to see her. To think he was speaking of Jill…

"Jill's a sweet girl" Popuri commented, grabbing a sandwich.

"Yup, that's my Jilly…" he nodded, sipping some juice, "But that Cliff…she's turned my innocent baby sister into…not my innocent baby sister."

Popuri giggled, "But aren't they cute together?"

He blinked and sighed, "I guess…but it's still odd. Jill…well, she wasn't a people person as a teenager so she never brought any boys home. I'll never forget how much I wanted to throttle Cliff when he walked over and put his arm around her like that…but oh well, Jill…she's really happy with him and I couldn't ever take that away from her. I'm understanding like that."

She snickered, "Cliff told me you threaten him on a daily basis."

"Well, I'm not that understanding…"

She laughed, "But think of Cliff. You interrupted their…bonding."

He shivered, "There's some things I really don't wanna know…I hear them sometimes and it bothers me to death…"

She played with a ruffle on her skirt, "You didn't have girls around back home…?"

"Nah, I'm a virgin."

Her eyes widened at him and he blinked before rolling his eyes around, "Well…sort of."

She smirked, "I'm not surprised."

"Nope, the playboy thing is all my twin…I'm too innocent for that" he sighed airily.

She giggled before her eyes widened, startled, "…You have a twin?"

"Yup, Nelly. We're identical…Jill has a twin too, y'know? My mom was just special like that."

"…There's another Jill?"

Koji laughed, "Yeah, Tony."

"…Weird. I guess I don't know her well" sighed Popuri.

He gazed at her, "Does that bother you?"

"…A little" she whispered, gazing into his eyes.

He just stared at her and she looked away, blushing.

"…You're my Koji, aren't you?" she whispered silently.

He closed his eyes, opening them partially to stare up at the afternoon sky.

"I thought you didn't remember me."

"I, uh…I did…just thought…it was a dream. I stopped believing in things like that" she muttered.

He turned over onto his stomach and looked at her, eyes curious, "Things like what?"

"Good things" she mumbled, "Good things don't happen. At least, not to me."

His eyes softened and he slowly reached up, cupping her cheek in his hand. She stared at him before she felt tears well in her eyes…she was crying…why? His feminine eyelashes veiled his eyes as he stared at her lips.

"I was lonely without you…"

Popuri sniveled, nodding, "I…I missed you…I just wasn't sure what I missed…"

He chuckled lowly before he looked up, his eyes glowing, "I'm here now…I promised, didn't I?"

She turned her face in his hand, kissing his palm. She gasped as he shoved her onto her back and carefully lied on top of her. Blushing, she stared up at him, his face impassive before slowly leaning forward, his lips a centimeter away from hers.

"I promised to kiss you before I left, didn't I…? I don't break my promises…"

She breathed, her heart pulsating, "I…"

He shushed her gently and pressed his lips against hers, using his tongue to prod her lips apart. She blushed as he kissed her fully, tenderly…closing her eyes slowly, she reached up and ran her fingers through his hair…Koji…

"KOJI!"

Koji's eyes widened and he pushed away, shocked. Popuri looked up, flustered. There behind them stood no other but Cliff and Jill. Jill looked furious.

"I-I should've known! How could you do this to one of my friends?!" snapped Jill.

Koji sat up, glowering lightly, "Jill, I am-"

"I expect this from NELLY, not you!"

"This isn't-"

"You don't even KNOW her!"

Koji pursed his lips and mumbled, "Why are you here…?"

"I thought me and Cliff could join you on a nice double date…" she grumbled.

Koji glanced at Popuri who was flustered and couldn't find anything to say… she should've stuck up for them, said something… but she was speechless. The look Koji gave her broke her heart though and he finally smiled, standing up.

"Well, that's a great idea. But I think I've worn myself out and all…here, the three of you enjoy."

He stalked away and Popuri winced, coming to her feet.

"W-wait, Koji!"

But he didn't stop, obviously upset, and Popuri bit down on her trembling lip. What had she done…?

"And you…you let him kiss you" Jill shook her head.

Popuri turned back and scowled at Jill. She ruined their date…

"She's really happy with him and I couldn't ever take that away from her…"

Unfortunately it seemed that Jill couldn't return that sentiment. Cliff suddenly cleared his throat and Jill glanced at him.

"What?"

"Isn't that your brother's necklace?"

Jill blinked and Popuri gasped, staring at the choker lying on the blanket. She felt herself sob.

"N-no! He promised!"

Running over, she scooped up the necklace and ran down the path past the confused Jill. He couldn't be that angry, she thought, wept. He was…was going to rescue her, right?


"…Popuri has the other half to that necklace" Jill gasped, suddenly figuring it out.

"Yup…" Cliff sighed, sitting on the blanket, "And you…messed up their little love connection."

"I-I didn't know! How was I supposed to know that they knew each other?!" she sobbed, coming to sit beside him.

Cliff shrugged and Jill hugged her knees, staring up at the sky.

"You know…Koji came here once when we were little. Mom thought the country air would do him some good. Koji…Koji didn't want to live back then. He didn't have anything that, I guess, gave him reason to… he was so sick, so close to death. And he came back from here, closer to death then before but…but he'd…he'd touch that necklace, smile, and push on…" Jill gasped, "…And…and it's Popuri, isn't it? The one that-that kept him going…"

"Wow…to be that devoted at such a young age. Weird…" Cliff murmured.

"I have to fix this!" Jill whined, coming to her feet.

Cliff sighed and picked up the picnic basket before giving her a grin, "I think you should let them be, Jilly…I'm sure they'll make up."

"What…?"

He just smiled.