Friends will be friends. Don't worry about it – you don't have to do that solo now, eh? That's a plus, if you really weren't sure. Anywho, I didn't manage to catch the name of the game, sorry. I have played Brawl once, but failed epically. I tried Ike, while my brother played Sheik. I was killed.

As for a pet snake…well…a corn snake would be a good one if you've never had a snake before. They don't grow too big, are generally pretty easygoing, and are pretty easy to care for. Mind you, the majority are excellent escape artists, so you might want to keep that in mind.

Back to the story of the outlets, eh? Then I've got some big news for you. ;D

So where did I leave off? Oh, right, the food court. In case you have never been to one, let me just tell you there is hardly any place where there are two seats available. Especially on a Saturday at noon. We finally found a table at something that looked like a McDonalds, but not. Leaning my guitar against my chair, I placed my hands on the small of my back and stretched.

"Alright Reiko, do you want to order or shall I?" I asked, leveling my currently brown eyes at her. She took one look at the strangers behind the counter and sat down in her chair.

"You go, I'll save the seats," she decided. "You can get me whatever you think I'd like."

I glanced at her, then back at the menu. "Have you ever actually had fast food?" I queried, raising an eyebrow.

She nodded. "Once or twice, maybe."

Sighing, I headed up to the counter. A quick run though of the menu left me with a craving for a burger and fries.

"May I take your order please, sir?" the teenage girl behind the register asked in a kind voice.

I gave her a small smile. "Yes, thank you. May I have a… double cheeseburger, a chicken strip basket, some fries, and… two medium sodas?"

"Coming right up," she said, returning the smile. Nice service was always a plus. In a matter of minutes, I had my food and was maneuvering through the crowds. And here comes the not so pleasant surprise.

One of the guys from the video game store was there, sitting in my seat. From what I could see of Reiko's face, he was trying to sweet talk her. And she didn't like it one bit.

Then I got within hearing distance.

"C'mon, sexy. Ditch the loser and I can show you the time of your life."

A knot of anger began to form in my stomach. I don't really know why. Couldn't he se she was not interested? I coldly walked up to the table, setting the tray down a bit harder than was necessary.

He looked up, challenge apparent in his dark eyes. "Hey man, we were just talking about you! Mind if I take your girlfriend out for a test drive?"

"She's my sister," I said shortly. His eyes widened slightly as he realized the greater danger of a brother's anger versus a boyfriend's jealousy, but I had already begun to do something I regret. Grabbing the chair, I dumped him unceremoniously onto the floor in one fluid motion.

"Now beat it, if you know what's good for you," I growled in a low tone, popping a fry into my mouth. He looked like he was about to fight, but when he met my gaze he thought twice of it and ran, shooting a murderous glare over his shoulder.

"Thank you," Reiko said in a small voice, reaching for her chicken and offering me a small smile.

That was the end of the conversation.

Do you think I did the right thing? I mean, I know I could have handled the whole thing peacefully, but that boy's tone just… ugh, I don't even know. Reiko has grown to be a sort of sister to me. We live together, right? Some sort of relationship had to come out of it. I suppose the anger I felt is typical for an older brother when they see a guy trying to 'pick up' their little sister, especially in such a crude manner. What do you think?

Ah, well, at least something else happened to lighten my mood. I eat rather quickly, so I was sitting there sipping my soda while Reiko munched away on her own food.

"Umm… excuse me…"

I turned my head to see who had spoken. Two girls, probably mid- to late-teens, were standing, looking nervously at me.

"Yeah?" I asked, letting them know they had my attention.

"Well, we couldn't help but notice you have a guitar. Are you any good? Can you sing?"

Unsure of where they were going with this, I nodded.

"You see, it's our friend's 16th birthday today, but the musician we hired to sing to her hasn't shown. Could you maybe…" they trailed off, looking at me imploringly.

I held their gaze for a moment before a small smile touched my lips.

"I'd be glad to full in, if I know the songs," I offered, and they visibly relaxed.

One grabbed my arm, nearly pulling me out of my seat. "Come on," she urged. I snatched my guitar strap. The other girl grabbed Reiko, dragging her along too, half-eaten food left behind, forgotten.

"We stopped at a group of tables surrounded by teens, mostly girls. They were chattering about whatever came into their heads.

"We've returned!" the girl holding my arm announced. I'm sure I looked like a deer in headlights, because I was completely bewildered. The statement was met with a small chorus of cheers.

A hand came down on my head, and I whirled around. The girl that had been dragging Reiko held her hands up, palms facing out. "You needed a bow," she defended.

Now feeling like a total idiot with a big red bow stuck to my head, I was pushed through the throng until we came before a tall, gangly brunette. She furrowed her brow at me, gaze flickering questioningly between the two girls.

"Happy Birthday, Fumi!" the girl on the left laughed. The one on the right made the birthday girl, Fumi, sit on the table while I pulled out my guitar, strumming it and tuning it. When I was satisfied, I turned to her.

"Any requests?" I asked, trying to ignore the whispers and hushes around me.

She thought for a moment. "Umm…do you know any songs from an American band called Secondhand Serenade?"

I smiled. They were a good band, and I knew several songs. "Your Call, Stranger, or Vulnerable?" I inquired. "And would you like me to translate the lyrics?"

She smiled. "Your Call is my favorite. I like it best in English."

Clearing my throat, I strummed experimentally. The notes seemed to cast a spell on the entire room, even those not involved in the party. Suddenly feeling self-conscious, I strummed the opening chord again.

"Waiting for your call, I'm sick, call I'm angry

call I'm desperate for your voice

Listening to the song we used to sing

In the car, do you remember

Butterfly, Early Summer

It's playing on repeat, Just like when we would meet

Like when we would meet," I sang, eyes half-closed as I felt the nervousness and worry melt away. I was filled with joy. It had been forever since I had sung for anyone. Other than Aaron, I mean, and he wasn't exactly what one would call a good audience.

"Cause I was born to tell you I love you

and I am torn to do what I have to, to make you mine

Stay with me tonight. "

I looked up to see her with her eyes closed. She swayed slightly, matching the tempo. A faint smile adorned her face, and she looked so happy.

"Stripped and polished, I am new, I am fresh

I am feeling so ambitious, you and me, flesh to flesh

Cause every breath that you will take

when you are sitting next to me

will bring life into my deepest hopes, What's your fantasy?

What's your, what's your, what's your..."

I repeated the chorus, gaze flicking around at everyone. Half were watching me with contented looks on their faces, while the other half were mouthing the lyrics to themselves.

"And I'm tired of being all alone, and this solitary moment makes me want to come back home.

And I'm tired of being all alone, and this solitary moment makes me want to come back home.

And I'm tired of being all alone, and this solitary moment makes me want to come back home."

My head jerked around to look, surprised, at Reiko. She had joined in for the duet part. Quietly, yes, but it still surprised me. Her eyes were shut tightly, and her fists were clenched. It was slightly different, having a female and a male voice rather than two male ones, but it was…nice.

We finished out the song and were greeted by applause.

As soon as we could, we excused ourselves and headed out back to the train station. I called, and our ride was waiting for us there. I opened the door and let her climb in. She sighed when I climbed in after her, presumably the relief of getting out of public.

I slipped an arm around her shoulder and she leaned into me.

"You have a beautiful voice," I told her in a low voice.

She smiled slightly, closing her eyes. She fell asleep before we got home, so I had to carry her up to her room. Setting her on her bed, I gave her a quick kiss on the forehead and left.

It's nice, having a sister. I don't know why people complain about them so much.

Anyways, the surprise….

This afternoon Reiko made a big decision. She told her father that she wanted to return to Ouran, but only under one condition. I had to go with her, for the first month or two, at least. Just until she became comfortable with her surroundings.

Ah hah! You are wondering how we could pull it off. Let's just say Mr. Ishikawa "accidentally" let it slip that his daughter had fallen down the stairs and suffered a concussion. Yeah, far-fetched, I know, but possible. And – get this – she suffered memory loss from it! XD

That'll cover her not knowing people, as well as the 'sudden attitude change', we hope.

Ehh, it'll have to do.

Gotta go, it's time for bed. First day with Reiko at school tomorrow.

Night!