Priority

by small victory

Forgangur Academy sets itself on priority of the wealthy and noble children of the fame families of Europe and the world. For years, the school pride itself on wealthy matches. Now this year will change with Robert and Johnny finding themselves in a web of force circumstance. Now they and their friends will try to win back their school and find love where it is not welcome.

14. Chapter 14

Disclaimer: We do not own Beyblade

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Cinnamon.

She hated cinnamon.

That is, she had until the night before.

"Damn Scot…" She thought in annoyance. "What a dorky, cheesy, ridiculous idea…"

But she had to admit, it had been cute. Not to mention a pleasant surprise to wake up to. Cinnamon buns in the morning. It just worked.

"Sin? You in there?" Charlotte's voice interrupted her.

Sinikka blinked a few times to shake herself out of her thoughts before turning her attention to the blonde beside her. The arm her chin had been propped up on dropped to the table as she stared at her roommate.

"Hm? What?... Yea, I'm fine..."

Beside the two, McKenna lifted an eyebrow before taking a big bite of a, ironically, cinnamon bun (they were the treat of the day, oddly enough).

"Lookin like yer a million miles away, girl." She commented. "Watcha thinkin about?"

"No one- I mean nothing!" Sinikka said, mentally cursing herself.

This made McKenna stop mid-chew as all three other girls at the table gave her a suspicious look.

It had been several weeks since her outing with Charlotte and the boys. Ever since waking up the following day and finding the sinfully delicious bun on her bedside table, her thoughts had been nothing but a whirl of storm clouds and rain. After being informed by her roommate who it was from, she'd cautiously tasted it – just to say she had – and found that, for one reason or another, she liked it. Whether it was because of whom it was from or because she really did like it was irrelevant; either way she was officially hooked.

Unfortunately, every time she'd seen, smelled, or God forbid, taste anything remotely similar since, her thoughts always unavoidably went back to that night; every word that had passed between, every emotion and sight and sound and touch and taste. And all of this, eventually, inevitably, always leading back to the fiery redhead who had officially hijacked her thoughts. And it was driving her to the brink of insanity.

"Thoughts of Johnny?" Serena teased. "You'll get to see him right before we leave for break. I know mid terms have been brutal but don't let it drive you crazy. I'm surprised Charlotte hasn't been climbing the walls yet from not seeing her beloved beau."

"The only one going crazy is you, Serena. You're really hoping on having that trip to the Caribbean with Oliver, aren't you?" Charlotte glared at her.

"Yes! I want sun! Sea! Alone time! I'm going to lose it." Serena whimpered.

Sinikka sweatdropped as she looked between the two.

"I can understand the confusion." She said bluntly, sarcastically. "But it's nothing about Johnny. I was thinking about my last exam and how well I did. Looking back I think I might have given the wrong answer to the last question."

The girls stared at her. She was so good at lying it was eerie.

Too bad for Sinikka they knew her better.

"Ya know, I duno if that's skilled or scary." The Irish girl commented thoughtfully. "You bein' able to lie like that, I mean. Scary, though oddly admirable."

"Speaking of exams, we're almost done girls, and then we can celebrate!" Serena changed the subject, holding a glass up. "Wahoo! I can't wait to see what I get!"

"Hope you did great, Rena." Charlotte paused. "Just hoping I didn't mess up too bad on my last one."

"Why?"

"I ended freezing up on my last exam. I completely panicked. I dunno how it's going to turn out for me."

Suddenly a pair of arms slipped around the blonde from behind and she gasped slightly as a chin came to rest on her shoulder.

"I'm sure you did fine." A familiar voice cooed in her ear. "At least I should hope so, after all the time sacrificed to study for it... First time I've ever been jealous of an inanimate object."

Sinikka rolled her eyes at the German while the other two smiled and giggled, but inside she had to admit; cheesy as it was, it was kinda cute.

Charlotte giggled. "You? Jealous over my books? I had to, otherwise I wouldn't be such a great student."

She turned around in his arms, giving him a smile. "How did you think you did on your exams?"

"Straight A's." Robert replied matter-of-factly. It wasn't pompous or bragging, just a stated fact. He aced them all and he knew it. He always did.

Suddenly he smirked slightly as he leaned down in her face.

"Why? Do you need me to teach you a few things?" He asked cheekily. "A tutor perhaps? I've been told I'm an excellent teacher..."

"Not. At. The. Table." Serena muttered, gagging slightly. "You two are so adorable I'm getting cavities and-Oli!"

The teal haired Italian rushed out of her seat to actually 'glomp' the poor French boy.

Oliver let out a yelp of surprise as the two went flailing to the ground with a 'thud'. After overcoming his shock, he laughed as his girlfriend smothered his face in kisses. After a moment he smiled and gripped her face in his hands, holding her still and pressing a sweet kiss to her lips.

"Mmmm... I missed... you too... my love." He said between kisses, giving her a long one afterwards.

"D'aw..."

"And so the gag-inducing cheesiness resumes." A familiar voice spoke up, followed closely by a familiar Italian. Johnny's hands were in the pockets of his blazer, pointedly avoiding Oliver and Serena smooching on the floor as he passed.

McKenna beamed and scooted to the side.

"Enri..." She cooed, her gaze following him as he smiled charmingly and approached her. When he stopped in front of her he placed his hands either side of her chair and leaned down, giving her a long sweet kiss. The ravenette grinned as she reached up to cup his face and kiss him back.

Sinikka made a face and turned away from all the couples.

"Unbelievable..." She thought with mild disgust. "What the hell is wrong with people...?"

She looked down at her barely touched food and her stomach did another, this time totally unrelated, flip-flop as she stared at the untouched cinnamon bun on her tray. Sighing irritably she closed her eyes and pushed it away from her, suddenly unwilling to open her eyes and advert her gaze for fear of what she might find.

"Hey..." Johnny had moved slightly around the table to her. He was about to ask how her exams were but he noticed she had her eyes closed.

"Sin, you alright?"

"Yea. Fine." She replied shortly, not willing to open her eyes. She cursed when the scent of his cologne reached her nose and she knew he was leaning down close to her.

Damn it, why had she rushed into things? She wasn't ready for this.

She'd thought she was, but after not seeing much of the redhead for weeks, she'd had time to think and brood and the more she weighed everything, the more she decided that her decision had been too quick, too brash.

That had to be it.

No way was that tiny, annoying voice inside her head right; the one that kept nagging and teasing her that she was - it was unheard of - scared.

Of course not. It was simply ridiculous.

"I need to... go..." She tried to think of an excuse to get away but nothing came.

"Go... somewhere." She finished, keeping her eyes fixed on the table as she pushed her chair back and stood up. "Later."

She knew she couldn't leave on just that note, and honestly, after what she'd promised him, she knew it wouldn't be fair to Johnny. So, forcing herself to take a quick glance at the redhead, she offered him a forced, weary smile.

"I uhm..." She debated on giving him a quick kiss but the thought made her stomach flop again and this time she swallowed hard against it.

"Later..." She whispered softly, pressing her hand to her lips before placing it quickly on the Scot's cheek. That said she turned and quickly left.

"Later..." He stared after her, slightly confused. He took a second to rethink his curiosity and debate going after her, but in the end he decided against it. No, he would leave her alone this time. She was probably thinking of her father and his welfare.

All he wanted to do was ask her about coming with them to Switzerland over winter break.

Eventually he shook his head, turning to the other couples.

Robert's words still haunted him, even after weeks of purposely avoiding Sinikka at all cost. The bright idea of having her come with them to the lodge was the best idea he had to actually spend time with her without actually having to do so much at school.

But maybe he was wrong. Maybe he was better off not asking her….

This time the Scot gave his head a sharp shake. No, he wasn't going to let the doubt sink in. Despite Roberts thoughts, Johnny did in fact know what love was, just like he had feelings and hurt and bled and cried like everyone else. He just didn't show it like everyone else.

"So...what's everyone's plans for break?" He asked out loud.

"Well, we've decided to take a trip to Enri's uncle's villa down in the Caribbean." Oliver offered thoughtfully. "So far, the four of us are going. I'd say you're all more the welcome to come but I assume you're heading up to Switzerland as per usual?"

"We are." Robert seconded. "I've already asked Charlotte."

He looked down at the blonde with a tender smile.

"Aside from a few days stateside, I believe I've got a positive response."

"You do."

Johnny kept a straight face. "Right... Still haven't really decided yet."

"Have you asked Sin what she's doing?" Charlotte asked innocently yet her eyes held purpose.

"First time I seen her in a while was just now. I'll... ask her later." Johnny's eyes pleaded for her to drop it and eventually Charlotte nodded in understanding, making the Scot relax.

He was still thankful he had her as an ally.

Unfortunately, the others didn't quite catch on.

"Why not?" Oliver asked curiously. "You know, if you don't hurry and ask her, she may have other plans."

Johnny resisted a sigh.

"She'll... probably be spending the break with her father anyway..."

The others, save Charlotte, all looked confused by this.

"Her father?" Enrique questioned. "What do you mean? Where's her father?"

Charlotte's eyes widened slightly, wondering how Johnny would handle this and the redhead nearly literally kicked himself.

"I uh... nothing, I mean never mind... I just think she'll be busy, that's all."

"What-"

"What Johnny means is;" Charlotte interrupted Enrique. "That you know, it's family and her dad really wants her to come home. It's the first time in a long time that Sin has ever been so far from home. It would be natural if her dad wants her home for a few days, right Johnny?"

Johnny wanted to hug her.

"Yeah; what Char said." Johnny stood up and backed away. "Maybe you guys are right, maybe I should ask her… Maybe I'll do that… now…. Later!"

He turned around quickly, leaving before anyone could voice any more questions about Sin and her family.

Johnny felt the tight knot in his gut ease slightly. That was way too close.

Him and his damn mouth. When was he going to learn when to watch what came out of it?

It seemed to take forever to find Sin. He managed to pass the time popping in and out of a couple of classes to check on his scores as he tried to find her. Not one idea popped concerning where she could be.

"Hello, Master Johnny."

Johnny turned to his right and sighed with relief. It was the first time he'd ever been happy to see the little freshman.

"Pipsqueak! Man, what timing! Haven't seen Sinikka have you?"

"I believe she went to the art room. Why, is everything alright?" His eyes widened, almost looking adorable with the expression on his face.

"Eh, not... Not really. Just want to ask her something before we leave for break. That's all." Johnny paused. "Hey Pip?"

The little teen blinked at the much taller redhead.

"Yes, sir?"

Johnny chewed his cheek for a minute. Was it stupid talking to a little kid like this? Well he was only a few years younger but still. Was it that he actually wanted advice? That he actually thought the little guy could help? Or was it just that he wanted to voice it, to see if someone else actually thought his thoughts were as crazy as he did.

"Look...what do you think about...? I mean, whatta ya know about….. love? How do ya think ya know when something's- Well take… oh, say… me and Sin for example. Hypothetically speaking. Do ya think…. Do ya think it's possible for us to, ya know, love- I mean, fall for-? What I mean is, do ya think we could ever be somethin' real? That someone like her and he can be…. Happy together?"

Pip's eyebrows rose as he blinked curiously at the senior student. The Scot rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly as the freshman just stared at him, silent for a long while before speaking.

"Master Johnny... love... love is caring for someone even if they're angry with you or not willing to understand you. It's giving that person a chance to say 'I'm here' without you having to ask... When it comes to you and Miss Sinikka, well it's different…. No one's love story is all fairy tales and fantasy. Just supposed to end happy, even if there are some bumps in the road. What matters is that both of you are happy, even if it takes some time...does that help?"

Johnny mulled the words over in his head a few moments before finally replying.

"Thanks..." He said absently. Then a confident look crossed his face and he felt himself relax ever-so-slightly. "Thanks, Pipsqueak... Pip. Yea that did help. A lot."

"Good." Pip puffed out his chest. "Now quit worrying so much and go ask her to spend time with you during break! I'm sure the worse she will say is no. All you can do is try!"

"Thanks Pip. You know, you're not so bad. I owe ya one, if ya ever need somethin', gimme a shout, OK? I got your back." Johnny ruffled the younger boy's hair. "Have a good break, kid."

The little teen beamed with pride as the Scot turned and walked away down the hall, now looking considerably more confident than before as he held his head high.

Johnny soon found his way to the art room and stopped at the threshold. Suddenly his confidence waned and he swallowed hard against the sudden dryness in his throat, his stomach becoming a bundle of knots again. Chewing his cheek a moment, he took a deep breath before leaning forward and peering into the room.

Indeed, as Pip had said, Sinikka was there, turned partially back-on to him. The redhead tipped his head curiously to one side as he observed her. Normally the girl looked so calm, so cool, so collected. But right then; with her head in her hand and fingers threaded through her bangs, she looked more like the stressed school girl he'd seen nearly every other student become during the last few weeks. But exams were nearly over, what could she possibly be stressed about? He reasoned it must be something important if the way she was furiously scribbling on her page with a stressed expression was any indication.

His body moved silently into the room without his conscience realizing it. He didn't' step too close to her, he wouldn't' want to break the artist shield she put herself in. Johnny had learned the hard way through Oliver about when an artist gets into one of those 'trances' and just draws. He walked close enough so he could lean against one of the tables. He stared, watching her hands move furiously across the paper. His lavender eyes watched as those hands created something.

Something beautiful and warm.

How could someone who kept herself locked away; appearing cold to so many hold so much heated passion? For Sinikka was passionate with her work. He knew she had passion, love, life. She reminded him of an iceberg; cold and beautiful and amazing, yet all you ever saw was a mere ten percent of its surface, the rest was underneath. If he were to take this literally, and he already thought as much over her as he did, Johnny knew the rest of the ninety percent had to be amazing. She just needed time.

He would wait. He just hoped he wouldn't be waiting in vain.

Suddenly the redhead jumped as the dark teen released a loud frustrated sound, something between a growl and a whimper.

"God Damn it..." She muttered, ripping out her page and crumpling it. With a heavy sigh, her head fell down on the table with a soft thud. "Idiot..."

Johnny shifted his eyes back and forth, wondering if he should leave or say something. Nope, Karma loved being a bitch to him so the moment he tried to make a quick escape, he ended up bumping into a table, causing it to emit a loud, ugly and echoing sound as it squeaked harshly across the floor, making the Scot freeze.

Sinikka's head shot up and her gaze instantly locked with the redhead's. For long, painful minutes they stared at each other and with each agonizing moment that passed, Johnny felt his stomach twist sickeningly to the point where he felt he might actually throw up.

Finally, after what felt like hours, Sinikka's gaze flickered to the side to the crumpled page on the table before darting back to him.

"How long were you-... did you see that?"

Johnny, taken aback, glanced at the crumpled page as well.

"No... I was too far away. I just came looking for you... I want to ask you something. But if you want me to leave, just say so."

Sinikka seemed to relax slightly and belatedly reached up to rub her forehead where a small red circle had formed, as if only now allowing herself to acknowledge it. She turned away from him and began to gather her things, not looking at him.

"No, it's fine. I'm soon leaving anyway, I've got to... get ready for my next class." She chewed her cheek as she flipped her sketch pad closed and placed it into her bag. "What do you have to ask me?"

"Wondering if... you'd like to come to Switzerland with me, Rob and Char over winter break. Even if it's just a few days or whatever. I'll leave it up to you but I figured I'd ask before we actually leave school."

Okay, so not the best way to ask. He still felt awkward that he'd ruined her magic.

Sinikka paused, her hand on her bag as she stared at the table. Johnny was sure he could feel his stomach bubbling and he just wished to hell she'd hurry up and answer.

Eventually she did.

"I... will be spending the break with my father..." She whispered tonelessly. "He... I don't know how many..."

She stopped and was quiet for a few moments before continuing.

"Maybe next year..." She said finally, her voice cracking slightly as she began gathering her things again. When she was finished she pushed back her chair and lifted her bag over her shoulder, not looking at him as she turned to leave. "I've got to go get ready for class... See you later..."

"Okay...just..." He reached out and grasped her arm. He wasn't rough, yet she flinched and it completely bewildered the redhead. Johnny looked at her. "If you need someone, call me okay? Even if it's just to be on the phone for five minutes of silence. Let me know how he is, okay?"

Sinikka swallowed hard, suddenly feeling an overwhelming emotion she couldn't quite place. She clenched her jaws tightly, afraid to speak and simply nodded, still not looking at the Scot as she left him and the room behind.

Johnny felt the sickness leave him but he quickly missed it as it was instantly replaced with deep feelings of dread, loss and emptiness.

With a heavy sigh, he leaned back against the table again and lifted his hands to rub down over his face. When he removed them he stared at the ceiling for a minute before his gaze was magnetically drawn to the table where it fell on the crumpled piece of paper. He knew he should probably leave it be, that curiosity never did him any good, but like always it won out in the end.

The redhead reached out and, after only a slight hesitation, picked up the ball of paper and carefully, reverently unfurled it. He stared in slight confusion at first at the cartoony images of cinnamon buns on the page, almost making him laugh. That's what she didn't want him to see? Why?

But the more he stared, the more he realized there was more to the picture. There was a boat. Multicolored beams that looked like club lights, a pool ball; the number two to be exact. A colorful drink, a microphone.

Johnny was confused for a moment until he saw the image right at the bottom of the page. A bright lavender eye stared up at him and he narrowed his own at it, wondering why it looked so damn familiar. It took a moment but eventually it clicked.

Of course! It looked familiar because it was the same damn eye he saw in the mirror every morning. It was his eye.

Johnny looked up from the paper to stare blankly at the wall, the page clutched tightly in his hands as he tried to sift through his confused chaos of thoughts.

Did she...really think of him? Was he just a moment of inspiration or something more? His heart pounded in his chest, thundering so loud it was like a war drum in his ears. A whirlwind of 'does she? does she not?' flew through his mind.

Johnny felt so pathetic.

"Damn it, Sin." He let out a sigh. "Again I wonder what is going on in that head of yours...I gotta see if I can meet her at the hospital where her father is... but geez, just how many hospitals could Helsinki have?"

The idea forming was a stupid one. He knew that.

A brash, stupid one that could lean either to the good or the bad side.

But he just had to be there for her.

She couldn't, shouldn't, go alone.

Johnny sighed, taking out his cellphone. He dialed a number he hadn't call in a while. "Hey Uncle Duncan, it's me... I need a favor…. No, it's for a friend... I would ask her but... I want this to be a surprise... I'm looking for a certain individual... in a hospital in Helsinki... It's really important and I would appreciate it. Thanks... really, I... it's hard to explain... yeah I got time."

Johnny tucked the ball of paper into his pocket, walking out of the room while talking to his uncle about his relationship with Sin and what he knew about her past. He just hoped she wouldn't kill him if the plan worked.

Meanwhile, back at the cafeteria, a small group was talking animatedly just as the bell rang.

McKenna pouted, leaning over to rest her chin on Enrique's shoulder.

"An' I was just gettin used to you again." She only half teased, making the blonde laugh. Oliver playfully rolled his eyes with a smile.

"Exams are nearly over now, mon ami." He said. "You can see each other after classes again."

"You heard Oli, bella. So do not fret, you'll see me again." Enrique lifted her hand up to kiss the back of her palm.

Charlotte just rolled her eyes at the adorableness that was Enrique and McKenna. She was glad things really were working for them. She didn't need to worry about them anymore. Serena and Oliver were always going to be okay. Sin and Johnny...

She felt for him and hoped that Sin would come, at least to visit.

Best she could do over this break was be there for him.

The poor lovestruck Scot needed some female guidance that wasn't Serena.

"Well, off to classes, then." Robert said, leaning down to press a sweet kiss to the top of Charlotte's head. "Just a few more days and we'll all be miles and miles away from here."

"Mmmmm... fun, sun and hot- er... weather." McKenna grinned sheepishly as her boyfriend lifted an eyebrow at her.

"C'mon Missy." Serena pulled McKenna up. "You can daydream about Enrique and you and the white sands later. For now, let's get our butts moving."

Serena took a second to press a kiss to Oliver's lips before dragging her best away from her man.

Charlotte laughed at the antics of the two girls. "Alright have fun in class. Do well. I'll see ya later."

"Later!" The girls chimed in unison before disappearing.

Oliver chuckled as he too got to his feet.

"I suppose that goes for us as well. I'm sure we'll meet up after class. Good luck you two."

"Good luck!" Enrique seconded as he got to his feet as well and gave the two a smile.

"And you as well." Robert called after the two. When they were gone, he stretched and got to his feet offering his girlfriend a smile and a hand. "Will you do me the honor of allowing me to escort you mi' lady?"

"Of course." Charlotte took his hand. She smiled as he escorted her away from the tables. She sighed happily. It was going to be such a nice vacation away from the creepy walls of the stupid school. She was especially happy that she wouldn't have to deal with Valdimar any time soon. The man had his way of being creepy and popping out in odd places, like he just knows when to appear to his students.

"I think this is going to be the best Christmas ever in my life." She commented to Robert, ignoring the creepy camera that hovered down to watch them.

"I don't think. I know." Robert said confidently, placing his arm around her shoulders as they walked. Like her, he was well aware of the camera but he had long ago learned to ignore it. It was hard sometimes but he knew it was only another few months and he'd never have to worry about them again. Besides, in his own words; just a few more days and theyd be well away from the place and he could finally relax for a while.

"Any ideas of what you are or did get me for Christmas?" Charlotte asked, teasingly.

Robert looked down at her and lifted an eyebrow.

"You're kidding?" He said teasingly yet bluntly. "You should know better. You'll just have to wait."

He grinned cheekily.

"But yes, I do have you something already."

Charlotte grinned, "sorry to poke but I'm curious. I got your gift already too. Dad's going to ship it to the school to take with me to Switzerland. I hope you'll like it."

Getting Robert something was a hard thing to do. What did you get the guy who could afford to buy anything he wanted?

It was tough having a boyfriend who was rich.

At least in the gift giving department.

"You didn't have to get me anything." He said simply. "All I wanted was to have you with me. And you've agreed to that so mu Christmas is already complete."

"I know but...I saw something and figured...it would make a nice stocking stuffer for you." Charlotte smiled fondly, "I think you'll like it."

The German smiled and leaned down to press a kiss to her temple.

"I'm sure I will." He said softly.

Just then they arrived at Charlotte's class and he released her to stand in front of her.

"This is your stop." He teased, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. "Last exam. Nervous?"

"A bit..." Charlotte chewed her lip, "I hate having text anxiety. I know I'll do my best. It's all I can do."

She watched as Robert reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny object. Unwrapping it, he placed it in front of her lips.

"Here, take this."

"What is it?" Charlotte stared hard at the tiny object. "A good luck charm?"

"If you'd like to think so. It's a glassen orange drop. I used to eat them when I was younger, if I was nervous. The taste usually settles your stomach and if you feel your nerves getting too overwhelming, just suck on it and focus on the taste until you feel yourself relax. They last a long time so it should do you a while. But just in case, here." he took her hand and pressed several more into it before curling her fingers around them. "It usually works for me... maybe it will help you too."

He leaned down and pressed a tender, lingering kiss to her lips.

"Not that I think you need it..." He said softly. "But good luck. I'll be waiting for you when you're done."

"Thank you," Charlotte pops one into her mouth, "I'll give it a try either way and see if at least helps the nerves… thank you. Love you and... hopefully your magical candy helps."

She giggled at the last part.

Robert chuckled again and pressed one more quick kiss to her lips before turning to leave.

Charlotte takes a deep breath, walking into her class and taking a seat before the bell ring so the class could begin and the exam could start.

Charlotte got of her exam with ease. The professor took the liberty of letting anyone who was finish to leave since there was no point of keeping anyone there if the lesson was over. Charlotte was one of the few. She was too early for Robert. "I can always wait for him," She thought.

"Hey Dennison, congratulations." A girl walked by, giving her a thumbs up as she passed.

"Huh? Uh... thanks?" Charlotte just shook her head. Maybe one of her professors already posted the grades. No, it was too early for that.

"Congratulations," A small group of sophomores spoke her as they moved from another class, giving her huge grins.

"Congrats to what?"

Charlotte frowned.

"Well, I never thought I see the day when a excellent girl like you gets taken off the list but I suppose," one of the guys whom had tried to ask her out about a month ago step out of the same classroom she was in.

She blinked at him. "What do you mean?"

"Oh you...I suppose Jurgen wanted to keep it hush hush. All I have to say is congratulations and good luck for your future with that stuffy German. Just don't get lost in their castle. I heard they have guillotines." The boy...what was his name? Mark? Matthew? She couldn't recall but he left before she could question him.

"Ah, you're out early." Charlotte turned to see Robert approaching hr with a smile. "How did the candy work?"

He stopped and frowned when he noticed the look on her face.

"What's wrong?"

"Something is up. I just got congratulated by a few people...even some guy in my class who tried to ask me out a month ago. He said something about you keeping it hush hush and I'm officially off the list and I'm really confused..." Charlotte makes a face, "Something is up again and I have a feeling it's not good."

Robert looked thoroughly confused as well.

"Off the- what on earth?" He stared at her for a long moment before sighing heavily and shaking his head. "Pay no mind to it. Whatever it is, I'm sure it will come out soon enough. We'll deal with it then."

Charlotte watched as he lifted his fingers to rub the bridge of his nose in annoyance as if fighting back a headache.

"Hey you two!" A cheerful student from Robert's class approach them, "Congrats! I never expect you two to move so fast but wow, you two really must be in love!"

What was her name?

Rosalie, that was it.

"What are you talking about?" Charlotte asked her.

"Your engagement, of course!" The girl said cheerfully. "The whole school is talking about it! I'm so happy for you, Robert! No offense, but we were all kinda worried you'd never choose someone."

Robert was too appalled to be embarrassed or offended by the last bit.

"Excuse me!?" He blanched. "Our what?"

"Engagement." Rosalie repeated, slower now and a little weary. Eventually she gave them another smile. "What? Embarrassed? It's okay, you don't have to be. Everyone's just a little surprised, that's all. I understand if you wanted to keep it a secret but, well, you know how it is around here! The walls have ears!"

"Yeah...huge ears...really big ugly stupid ears..." Charlotte grinned at the girl, trying not to think violent thoughts as to who could have done it.

"I'm just giving you my congrats. I'm happy for you both. Take good care of him, Charlotte." The girl smiled, "See ya later Robert. Bye Charlotte."

"Engagement..." She was angry yes, but the thought of engagement made her feel light headed. Too many thoughts all whirling into one.

Beside her, Robert groaned loudly, reaching up this time to rub his temples.

"Meine linke Lunge für eine Unze Privatsphäre ..." He muttered irritably, feeling a headache coming on. "Well I suppose now we know what the fuss is about... just once i wish people would mind their own business. Where the hell did they get-?"

He stopped and sighed.

"It's... okay. I mean... it's not... I mean..." Charlotte took a deep breath. She couldn't talk right. Her mind was just a jumble of words and thoughts not connecting.

"Where do you think they got the idea from?" She asked.

Hopefully it wasn't anything Robert had said. He wouldn't put them into a position like that. But, it was still like high school and celebrity posts. Rumors spread like wild fire.

"I have no idea." he said honestly. "But as I said; pay it no mind. People will talk and we'll probably never know who started it. Just give it some time and whether or not people realize it's not true, it'll die down eventually. Come."

Her stomach was unsettling. She took Robert's arm, leading away down the hall. They were greeted with 'Congrats' and "Congratulations'. It got worse when Charlotte saw Serena reading something. She looked up, glanced down, then looked back up. Her face turned red when Serena approached them.

"Is there something going on that I don't know about?" Serena asked, heavily bothered by the news.

Robert resisted a growl.

"For the love of God!" He snapped in annoyance. "Serena, really! Don't you think if that nonsense was true you wouldn have known long before half of the school?! Of course it's not true! Damn people nad their nosiness! I'm getting sick of all this ridiculous gossip! On my life; I swear I'm moving out into the wilderness the moment I leave this Godforsaken place! So far no one will ever be able to poke their nose into my business again! Good lord, now I know why people become hermits!"

Serena didn't bat one eyelash out of place, "I was simply asking if you knew about the rumors. Fine by me if you want to be a hermit. I doubt Charlotte would want to, seeing how embarrass she is. But thank you for ripping my head off, Robert. I'm asking you kindly if you put it back on my neck. You see, my face is one of the things my fiancé loves about me."

Her eyes looked to Charlotte who just stared at the floor. "You gonna be okay?"

"I'll be fine." Charlotte looked up, giving Serena a small smile.

"Rumors are rumors but I ask cause I know..." Serena smiled at her then frowned back to Robert.

Robert sighed heavily again.

"I'm sorry..." He muttered irritably. "I didn't mean to snap at you. I'm just so sick and tired of all this- I just wish people would mind their own business! It's driving me mad!"

"I don't know who published the bullshit. I already threaten the editor of the school newspaper. They said they had an anomyous tip. I told them to make sure nothing more gets out." Serena frowned, rubbing her knuckles. She had to use some physical persusion that turn into Johnny and Oliver dragged her out before she could pummel the kid's face in.

Robert sweatdropped.

"I see... well thank you for that... I think."

The German paused and opened his mouth to speak again when a familiar voice cut him off.

"Yo! Contrary arse!" Johnny appeared with a one hundred watt grin and approached the trio, slapping a hand down on the German's shoulder. "You ol dog you! Why didn't ya tell me!? Con-!"

"DON'T say it!" Robert snapped at him, cutting him off as a vein throbbed in his forehead. "If I hear one more person say 'con-'"

"Congratulations, Rob my man!"

Robert closed his eyes and took several deep breaths, resisting the strong urge to strangle the blonde Italian.

Enrique gave him a confused expression as him and Oliver approached the group.

"Uhm... something I said?"

"Robbie!" Came McKenna's cheerful voice as she too joined the group. "Why didn't you-?"

"I'll be in my room if anyone needs me!" The German interrupted loudly. He turned and pressed a quick kiss to Charlotte's cheek before storming past the group without another word and disappearing down the hall, leaving everyone other then the blonde and teal-haired Italian blinking in confusion.

"Great..." Charlotte sighed.

"He'll be okay." Serena patted her shoulder.

"You think?" Charlotte frowning.

"Aw, sweetie... don't be upset. He's just being… Robert."

"First time in a while since I saw him explode...or almost did." Charlotte sighed, looking at her friends, "I'm sorry guys but we're not engaged...at all."

"You're not?" McKenna asked in confusion.

"But the paper-" Enrique began but Oliver cut him off.

"Was obviously wrong." He finished matter-of-factly, frowning. "Im sure I speak for us all, Charlotte when I say; we're the ones who are sorry. I hope we didn't cause tension between you two. Of course, we never should have assumed anything. We should have known one of you would have said something before now..."

"No, I doubt it was you guys that caused tension..." Charlotte paused, feeling something wound up in her eyes. "I need a minute."

She bolted away from them, heading towards the nearest girls' restroom.

Johnny looked around, waiting to see if anyone would chase after her but when no one moved, he sighed.

"Damn it..." He muttered.

The redhead turned and the others gave him a look.

"The hell are you goin'?" McKenna demanded.

"After her!" Johnny stated. "No one wants to be alone after that, I don't care what they say. And since you're all so ready to jump at the opportunity..."

He didn't give anyone else a chance to speak before he bolted after the blonde.

It wasn't hard keeping up with her and before long the Scot saw her disappear into a girls room a ways down the hall. Without really thinking, or honestly caring, he pushed the door open and tailed after her.

"Char?" He called into the seemingly empty room. Looking under the doors, he stopped when he finally came to the last one down with a pair of feet inside. He reached up to push the door open but it didn't budge so he turned and leaned against the door, closing his eyes and crossing his arms.

"Sucks doesn't it...?" He whispered softly.

"Yeah, it does." She barely could speak loud enough. If she did, he might hear her crying.

"It sucks cause we love them so much yet they're so blind to see just how much we do..." Charlotte squeeze her eyes together, "I'm so stupid...for a second...I don't know...I...I actually kinda liked the idea."

Johnny opened his eyes and starred at the floor for a moment thoughtfully. He sucked at comforting people and with words, and he knew it, but damn it he must get some points for trying.

"Look..." He began slowly, for once actually carefully weighing his words. "I've known Rob all my life and... I can tell ya, he wasn't angry at you, or really about that rumor itself... he's just pissed that people keep stirrin up shit about you guys..."

The redhead bit his lip and thought again for a minute before continuing.

"I'm sure-... I mean, Rob really, really… loves you, I know he does. And maybe one day... well, just because this whole thing pissed him off, doesn't mean he'll never..."

Johnny stopped again and sighed heavily, reaching up for the second time that day to rub his hands down over his face.

"Char..." He began softly. "You guys' relationship is goin great, and... you're really lucky, ya know that? Don't let this crap get to ya. Rob just needs time to cool off. I know you liked the idea of... ya know, you guys engaged and stuff, and I'm not sayin it won't happen just... give it some time ok? I think Rob is just upset that... that the idea came out now instead of later when... when he was ready for it..."

The Scot mentally cursed himself as he heard a sob from inside the stall. Damn it! He should have just let her go! He really sucked at this kinda thing, no doubt he was making things worse.

"I know... I just... when crap like this happens...I get scared...that...I don't know." She rubbed her eyes, "I just get so damn scared he's just going to walk away..."

She placed a hand on the lock, sliding it back to unlock the door. Her tears blurred her vision as she opened the door.

Johnny scoffed at that.

"Pfft! No way." He snorted, amused. "You're his dream girl. Man, for years I was startin' to think he was gay! Lass, you're stuck with him now, like it or not."

He smiled and closed his eyes again.

"Trust me..." He said softly, opening his eyes and looking into her face now. "Crap like this is only gonna make him want you that much more... especially when he sees that you're the one who's stickin around."

Charlotte smiled, wiping her tears, "Thanks...I needed to hear that...just stupid rumors and stupid people and it just...pisses me off. I just want to scream but all I can do is just..."

She paused.

"Thanks...for following me...you didn't have to."

Johnny snorted and smirked.

"I do a lot of shit I don't have to. Not really one to follow the crowd, ya know?" When Charlotte laughed at that he smiled at her and stared for a minute before hesitating, then reaching out his arms to her. "Here... you look like you need one..."

Charlotte moved into his arms, hugging him as he hugged her back.

"You're a good friend, Johnny. You really are."

Johnny smiled and placed a hand to the back of her head, resting the side of his face against the top.

"Glad I could help..." He said softly. "I usually suck at this kinda thing but... if you ever need someone different to talk to... I'll be there... even if it's just to listen."

"Okay." She grinned. "And you don't suck. You're...you. You put it the best way you can which is what I need."

She pulled away. "You doing okay?"

She asked because she'd been wondering since he'd left early from breakfast.

"Huh? What?" Johnny blinked a moment before realizing what she was talking about. He frowned and stepped away from her moving to lean against the counter and cross his arms again with a frown. "Yea... I guess... just kinda... I duno... confused?"

"Did you ask her?"

"Yea... She said she was gonna spend it with her dad..." He chewed his cheek as he stared at a spot on the floor, deep in thought as he remembered Sinikka's words. "The way she talked, the things she said... It was like she didn't expect him to- like she expected this to be his last Christmas... I think she's giving up, Char... and I don't have a God damned clue what to do about it!"

"All you can do is be there for her. Show her that you care, even if you don't say a word." Charlotte leaned against the other sink. "You plan on going to Finland to follow her?"

Johnny chewed his lip now.

"I duno..." He said uncertainly. "I... well, I want to, of course, but... I duno if it- I duno if I should, ya know? You know what she's like... she might not want me to... It's been so long and every once in a while I feel like I've finally gotten through to her but then something happens and... Man, sometimes it feels like it's all a huge waste of time... sometimes I think no matter what I say or do, she's never gonna let me in..."

"You got to be patient and push. I know that doesn't make sense but just by being there when all hell breaks lose, it will mean the most to her. I doubt she'll think you'll follow her there. I don't think she needs to be alone. She wouldn't even let me go which I think is a sign that you need to be there. I say go for it. Do it. If she gets mad, she gets mad. She might, for a while but...I think she'll appreciate that you came all the way out there to stand by her side when she needs someone there to show her she can't do it by herself anymore."

Charlotte looked at him. "I have faith in you...because I can see how much she means to you. I wouldn't give up. If you really love her, then go."

Johnny's head jerked up at that and a slight pinkish tinge bloomed on his cheeks.

"I didn't say- I mean, I don't- I mean-..." He stopped and cleared his throat, finally realizing he was wasting his breath with this girl. "Yea... thanks, Char... you're right."

He gave her a lopsided smile then.

"You're a bit better at this then me." The redhead tested. "Guess we're even now. One more for good measure? This time I think I need one..."

He held out his arms again with the cheesiest grin Charlotte had ever seen.

"Sure." She just rolled her eyes playfully. Charlotte wrapped her arms around him, giving him a hug.

Johnny laughed and hugged her tight, resting his cheek against the top of her head again. Just then the door opened and Johnny turned his head with another grin, ready for the reaction of the no doubt shocked girl standing there but it was his face that quickly evolved into a shocked one to see a very familiar face standing there staring at them.

Sinikka stood, frozen, as she stared at the sight before her, thoroughly shocked and unable to decide what to think.

Charlotte pulled away, seeing Johnny's face. "What?"

She turned around. "Hey Sin... you finally popped up. Where were you?"

Charlotte was obviously innocent in thinking it was just a hug and nothing else. Despite it being in the girls' restroom.

Sinikka was still frozen and speechless. She opened and closed her mouth a few times but nothing escaped. Finally her expression went blank and she took a step backwards, clutching her stomach.

"I just got out of my last exam." She said tonelessly. "Think I did pretty well... I didn't mean to interrupt anything. I'll go somewhere else."

Before anything else could be said she turned and hastily left the bathroom, the door swinging shut behind her innocently.

"Interrupt? Ah shit!" Charlotte cursed, "Go after her you idiot!"

"This isn't happening..." Johnny said, sounding slightly delirious. Now he was sure there was a God, or gods, or some sort of entity because somebody up there clearly hated him. Turning towards the blonde he gave her a pleading expression. "Just shoot me! For the love of God, just put me out of my misery!"

Charlotte rolled her eyes. She grabbed his arm, dragging him out.

"C'mon, you nimrod. Let's find her now."

It didn't take the two long to find the girl they were looking for in the dorm room. Charlotte poked her head inside, making sure to hide the redhead on the other side for the time being as she stared at her roommate, who was staring blankly into her mirror, absently brushing her long locks as if in a trance.

"Sin?" Charlotte stepped inside. "Can we talk?"

Sinikka blinked a few times and her eyes seemed to focus on Charlotte's reflection but she didn't turn towards her and her expression and tone were both emotionless as she spoke, making it impossible to read her.

"Of course, Char." She replied almost robotically. "What's up?"

"You know what's up. Don't hide back into your toneless attitude. You saw Johnny and me hugging. It was just a hug. No need to get upset."

Sinikka blinked at her.

"I'm not upset." She replied simply, and the blonde had to admit, it sounded pretty genuine. "I didn't assume anything. You're just friends aren't you? So why would I be worried?"

From the other side of the door, his ear cocked, Johnny raised an eyebrow at this. She did sound sincere but it was just too weird. Then again, what the hell did he know?

"You're worried that he's becoming the worst version of men, the kind you've got up in that messed up head of yours. You assume that he is nothing but a bad boy, heart breaker, asshole that doesn't give a shit. You think he doesn't care but he does. He really does. He was in there because I was upset over something about Robert. He chased after me because I'm not only his best friend's girl but his friend. He wanted to see if I was okay. And I wanted to know if he was okay afterwards. Cause you know what Sin, he's been beating himself up over you. Because one minute he thinks it's okay, next he doesn't know. I know you told him to be patient Sin... but sometimes you got to give a little too. I know it's hard for you. You don't trust easily. You don't believe so easily...but give him a chance...he really does care."

Charlotte just stared at her friend.

How many times was she going to put up that shield, play that emotionless tone like she could hide from her?

"You can't fool me, Sin. You're angry, upset, and hurt. You want to cry yet you tell yourself he's not worth it... yet at the same time you want to punch his lights out. Maybe you should actually listen to your hopes instead of your fears more often. Cause if all you do is try and assume the worst is going to happen, pushing it... it will. I know that advice won't help your dad... but I think he wouldn't want you to be this upset... wouldn't want you to be unhappy when you can be with someone. I just want that icy shield to come down so we can all see the real you... look, just listen to him okay? Just listen. He tries so hard and I feel like you're setting the bar too high... go easy on him this time. You've been too much of a hardass on him so much I think he deserves a break."

Charlotte walked outside, nudged Johnny inside the room.

Sinikka's teeth clenched and the fist gripping her brush turned white at the knuckles as she gripped it to the point of painful.

There were a million things running through her head just then and none of it was good. For the first time ever she was glad that Charlotte had walked away because she knew had she not, it would have been a very ugly scene indeed.

When Johnny poked his head around the door as if expecting to have something thrown at him, Sinikka turned back around in her seat and closed her eyes, forcing her grip on the brush to loosen as she began brushing her hair again.

"You don't have anything to apologise for." She said tensely. "I'm glad you comforted her when... no one else was around. But Charlotte's wrong. About everything. She had no place and no right and no damn-"

She stopped and took a deep breath.

"You don't need to be here." She continued as calmly as she could. "I'm not angry with you."

Johnny just stared at her. He wasn't sure if she was or not. Just something wasn't right. Johnny approached her, slowly and cautiously staring at her brushing her long locks.

"I'm tired." She said simply, still not opening her eyes. "My exams are over and I won't be joining you in.. wherever it was you said you were going, I told you that and I meant it. I also told you I wasn't angry with you. You won't see me for a few weeks but there's nothing I can do about that. So, goodbye Johnny... I'll see you after the holidays..."

"Okay..." Johnny stood next to her. "Can I least give you a proper goodbye?"

Sinikka frowned.

"Like what?" She asked, finally opening her eyes now and staring at his reflection with intensity. "A hug?"

"No." He gently took her by the arms, bending her back enough so he could lean down. Like any ideas he ever had, it always could end up with him getting hurt. His lips touched hers. Johnny didn't want to give her fire. Tenderness was what he was aiming for.

Sinikka tensed, and in turn, Johnny tensed, fully expecting her to pull away. But despite what he expected, she sighed heavily and kissed him back, ever-so slightly, applying the slightest pressure that still sent a shiver down the redhead's spine and set the stupid, sickly fluttery sensation in his stomach in high gear.

Before anything more could come of the kiss however, Sinikka pulled away and in his drunken stupor, Johnny didn't really register the whirl of emotion in her eyes. By the time he'd regained his bearings, it was gone.

"Goodbye, Johnny..." She whispered.

"Bye Sin, be careful and have a good holiday." He cleared his throat. He walked out of the dorm room. Charlotte had a worried look on her face.

"Was I off?"

"Uh yea… But I think…." He began the moment the door was shut. "I think something is wrong... I'm not quite sure what but…"

"But what?"

"I'm going to Helsinki. Don't tell anyone, okay?"

Johnny looked so determined. Charlotte nodded.

"I won't."

Sinikka didn't even look up when Charlotte entered the room. The blonde opened her mouth to say something but Sinikka held up a hand, a mix of emotions on her face that the blonde had never seen her wear before, especially not directed at her. Without a word, Sinikka reached for a pair of ear plugs on her bedside table, inserted them into her ears and got into bed, turning away from her roommate and closing her eyes without a second glance.

Charlotte just sighed. No use apologizing or anything of that sort. Whatever it was, it was Sin's whirlwind. Charlotte took out her phone. No sound from Robert. She sighed. She grabbed one of her novels off the nightstand and turned to leave. Charlotte closed the door quietly. Nothing more she could say or do. Now all she could do was just do something that didn't bother anyone else.

---

Robert fidgeted as he waited for his girlfriend. He hadn't seen or spoken to her in a few days and to be honest, he had no idea if she was still around or if she still planned on joining him. He regretted his brash storm-off but he knew he needed some space and he hoped the blonde would understand. Hopefully, he'd have a whole three weeks to make it up to her but damn it, he was going to follow her if she had left. No way was he spending Christmas without her and he sure as hell wasn't going to let his temper ruin his plans.

Well, in any case, he'd just have to wait and see if she was even still at school.

"Hey! You haven't left yet?"

Robert looked up to see a familiar blonde approaching but not the one he'd been hoping and waiting for.

The German sighed.

"No, not yet... I'm waiting. What about you?"

"They're waiting for me outside, just had to run back and get something... Where's Charlotte and Johnny?"

"I have no idea..." Robert groaned, reaching up to rub the bridge of his nose.

"Rob!" The two looked up and saw the redhead approaching them with a determined expression.

"There ya go man. One down one to go." He pulled his cell from his pocket, read the screen and grinned before looking back up at his friends. "Well, duty calls. Ciao! Have a good one gents!"

That said the blonde was gone and Robert turned just as the Scot reached him. He opened his mouth to speak but Johnny cut him off.

"Change of plans, we're going to Finland." He blurted.

"What?! Finland? Why on earth do you want to travel all the way to Finland? I thought you had-"

"It's emergency." Johnny cut him off.

"Robert." Charlotte's voice carried over where she had stop to look around and try to find her boyfriend.

Robert looked up and immediately spotted his girlfriend, he lifted his hand to wave her over before turning back to the redhead.

"Look, I respect that you probably have... reasons to go, but it has nothing to do with me. I- we, are absolutely not going to-"

"Char, you two are coming with me."

"Did you tell him?" She approached the two boys.

"Yeah. I told him."

"Good." Charlotte gave Robert a determined look. "We're stopping at Finland. No buts. It's absolutely necessary that we go."

Robert looked back and forth between the two.

"Why do I get the feeling I'm missing something?" He asked wearily. He looked at the blonde and frowned. "Char...I'm-"

"No time for that now!" Johnny interrupted, snagging the German's arm. "The boat leaves in five! Come on!"

Robert growled but grabbed Charlotte's hand with his free one, dragging her with them.

After grumbling under his breath for a few moments he eventually sighed and turned to the blonde, leaning down close to her ear.

"I'm so sorry Charlotte" He whispered in her ear. "I hope you know that... I wasn't angry with you..."

"I know you weren't." She whispered back. Charlotte smiled at him.

The German relaxed and allowed himself a smile as he squeezed her hand.

"I'm very glad you decided to come..." He said softly.

"You're welcome. I wouldn't miss spending my entire break with you." Charlotte brush a quick kiss against his cheek. "Trust me. Finland will be good. We just got to do something before we head out to Switzerland."

Robert raised an eyebrow.

"I am missing something, aren't I?" He stated more then asked. "Just what aren't you two telling me?"

"We're going to Finland to see Sinikka. She's visiting her dad for the holidays. She doesn't deserve to be -alone and hopefully convince to come with us." Charlotte replied a matter-of-factly.

A confused expression crossed the German's face.

"Her- But- What? I don't understand."

"You will when we get there!" Johnny snapped. "Now just shut up and walk damn it! I'll shove my boot up your ass of we miss that damn boat!

They reached the boat in time. Charlotte was cheering the moment they reached shore.

"Thank God! Freedom!"

Johnny lead them swiftly off the docks and towards the busy street. Lifting a hand to whistle loudly, he easily and quickly hailed a cab, all but shoving his friends inside as he spoke in rapid Icelandic to the driver, who promptly sped off so quickly Charlotte momentarily feared for their lives.

"We got one flight to Helsinki. We should be there quickly. Hopefully we won't miss her or get there to early." Johnny looked down at the date on his phone, "I found the hospital that he's in. She should be there."

"Good." Charlotte looked at his phone.

"Did she say anything about his condition?" Johnny asked.

"No...I don't think...I don't' think it's good...she hasn't talk to me in a few days...I'm really worried that..." Charlotte couldn't finish the sentence.

"We'll be there for her."

Johnny gave a small smile. "Best we can do for Sin."

"Hang on just a minute!" Robert demanded, stopping in his tracks with a serious look on his face. "If I'm getting dragged along on this godforsaken journey, I wanna know just what the hell is going on here! What are you talking about?! Is Sinikka's father in the hospital? What's wrong with him, why are we going there? What do you two know that I don't! I want answers here!"

"God damn it, Robert! Johnny cursed furiously. "Just come ON will you! We will explain there's just no time right now!"

The German debated this for a few moments before eventually sighing irritably and giving in.

"Fine." He pouted. "But I want answers pronto!"

"You will, promise. We just have to get the airport. We'll tell you on the flight there." They got to the airport quickly. They all produce their passports and plane tickets (Those that Johnny had got for them ahead of time). Soon they were on their way to Helsinki, Finland.

Much to Robert's displeasure, his best friend and girlfriend weren't much more forth coming with information on the trip there then they were earlier, as they seemed to either be unwilling to talk about it having been lost in thought or they were busy discussing the situation with each other instead of explaining it to him. He had to admit, it annoyed him greatly but there was little he could do about it.

After an agonizingly long trip, the plane finally landed and Johnny was the first off the plane, impatiently awaiting his friends as they soon came behind.

"Hurry it up!"

"We're coming, God!" Charlotte tumbled after him.

Johnny sighed, "Okay who here knows decent Finnish?"

Two faces blinked blankly at him.

"Great!" The Scot exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air. "OK, major flaw in the plan here... uh..."

The redhead looked around frantically before grabbing the first person he saw.

"Hey! Excuse me! Do you speak English?!"

The man simply looked at him like he was insane and quickly scurried away.

"I suppose that answers that question." Robert said bluntly, sighing and crossing his arms.

Johnny ignored him and ran up to someone else.

"Do you speak English?" Another no, another person. "Do you Speak English? Do you speak English?...DOES ANYONE SPEAK ENGLISH!"

"I do and it would be best if you quit screaming at random people. It's disturbing." A deep voice spoke behind them. A tall man with dark skin and light hair smirked. He was dressed casually in a dark blue parka, tan pants, and boots. Charlotte's face lit up immediately.

"Uncle Oscar!"

"Hey!" The happy Finnish man picked her up into a hug. "Did you forget that I was meeting you here?"

"Yes, sorry about that. We're just really worry about Sinikka and her dad." She saw the grim look on Oscar's face. "He's not doing too well, is he?"

"No... I'm afraid not. But he keeps chugging along." Oscar motioned to the two boys. "C'mon, I have a car. We'll be at the hospital in no time."

"Yes!" Johnny cheered, bolting for the exit. "Come on!"

Oscar had them all piled into a small four door blue car.

"Buckle up." Oscar smirked. "My driving isn't exactly... healthy."

The crazy Finnish doctor barreled out of the airport parking lot like he had the devil on his heels. He darted through the city traffic, avoiding pedestrians and vehicles alike. Everything seemed to be a blur as they raced down through streets, cutting corners aver few turns. Soon they were stopped at some backed up traffic. Oscar put the car in reverse then turned down an alley. If it was any other car, it wouldn't have fit. But the small blue car made its way through alleyways until they reached the hospital.

"There! All safe and sound! He should be on the third floor in the ICU. You will find your friend there."

A little pale from the near-death experience, Johnny pried his fingers from the handle and dash, pulled himself together and hastily got out of the car - for more than one reason.

"Thanks Charlotte's uncle!" He spat quickly. "Later!"

That said he turned and bolted up the steps of the building fast as his legs could carry him.

Robert sweatdropped.

"I apologise for my friend's behaviour and... lack of manners." He said wearily. "Thank you very much for everything."

"It's no problem." Oscar got out of the car with them, "He's worried as he should be. I'm glad your friend finally got the balls to ignore any protest to be here with her. Even if she doesn't say she needs you, she does. I'm glad you all came."

"Thank you Uncle Oscar." Charlotte smiled.

"No problem. I promised your mother I would keep an eye out for you. Now let's go check up on Sin and her family."

Oscar lead them inside the building. They took the elevator. They haven't seen eyes or tails of Johnny yet. They get to the third floor where there is a small commotion.

"Let him go. He's with me." Oscar made the security guards drop the Scotsman onto the floor.

"Come," Oscar took Johnny by the arm, giving it a tight grip so the Scot wouldn't run into anything important.

The air in the hospital was thick and sickly, smelling of strong cleaners, bad perfume and death and suddenly the three friends understood why Sinikka hated hospitals so much.

"She's just in there." Oscar said, stopping them in front of a door. "Technically no one is allowed in but considering the circumstances... still, I think it best if only one of you go in at a time."

"Me." Johnny said immediately, moving past them.

"Johnny." Oscar called softly after him. The Scot looked impatiently over his shoulder. "Quiet, alright?"

Johnny's expression softened and he nodded once before turning and finally entering the room.

His heart broke the moment he stepped into the room and saw them. A helpless sickly man lying in a white bed with all sorts of machines trying to help him live. Sinikka was right next to him, holding his hand, talking to him. Johnny approached the two quietly.

The man in the bed was nearly as pale as his daughter's hair, a shocking contrast to her dark skin, and indeed she looked darker than usual beside him.

Johnny opened and closed his mouth a few times but no words came out, so instead he bit his lip and looked around. The room was decorated with many bright colors and bright things, obviously an attempt to make it as cosy a setting as possible, though it still reeked of rot and sickness and still had an eerie feeling.

Feeling a shiver run down his spine, Johnny caught sight of a picture on the bedside table and quietly stepped towards it, leaning over to examine it, not ready to disturb the occupants yet. In the picture he saw a handsome looking man with dark skin, bright blue eyes and hair nearly the exact same shade laughing and staring back at him. On his shoulders was a young, jubilant looking girl with matching eyes and skin color but snow white hair. Immediately Johnny realized this must be these two people and his heart broke all over again to look at the man in the bed now. He looked like a skeleton with skin stretched over his bones, his eyes were sunken and now dull rather than bright, almost blind looking, his hair no longer held a slight shade of color and he looked so frail he might break if you weren't gentle enough.

Johnny swallowed a searing lump in his throat and focused his attention back on the familiar form in the chair beside the bed.

Sinikka was leaning against the bed, her lips beside her father's ear and whispering to him in soft-spoken Finnish words that sounded alluringly magical, nothing like he'd ever heard escape her lips before.

Johnny looked around, unsure whether to stay standing or to sit. A spare chair was up against the wall so deciding, he sat down in it, just listening and watching. It didn't matter if it took an hour, two hours or even longer for Sinikka to realize he was there. Long as he was there, it's all that mattered.

He watched for he didn't know how long, a soft smile coming to his own face when he saw the man smile at something his daughter said, and surprisingly, a soft, deep laughter escaped him. Sinikka smiled, a beautiful smile the likes of which Johnny hadn't even realized she could produce. Though her expression was tinged in sorrow and heartache, she also looked happy and it stirred a mix of emotions inside him.

Johnny listened as the man spoke in a deep, slightly raspy voice words he didn't understand; so alike and yet so different from the words Sinikka had spoken for they didn't sound quite as magical as they fell in broken pieces from his lips.

Eventually, after a long time, the man's gaze seemed to drift and soon they locked on Johnny, staring at him and making the redhead squirm. The Scot opened his mouth but nothing came out, what was he to say?

Then it happened.

"Mikä hätänä isä?" Sinikka asked softly.

When the man didn't reply she furrowed her brows.

"Daddy...? What's wrong?" She whispered in English.

Still he didn't reply so she turned her head and finally sapphire met lavender.

"Hi..." He finally found his voice. He still felt squirmy.

Now all Johnny had to do was wait for her reaction.

A part of him was nervous about it.

The reaction was immediate.

Instantly Sinikka's face contorted into an expression of wicked rage that made her normally beautiful features simply unattractive.

"You-!" She almost screamed but she stopped herself and clenched her teeth. Turning to lean down she forced herself to remain calm enough to whisper something to her father before giving his forehead a kiss and whirling on the Scot. Storming up to him, she grabbed his arm so hard it made him yelp and spun him around, practically shoving him out of the room.

Johnny stumbled as he was pushed out the door and straightened to face the dark teen just as she shut the door to the room behind her.

"You idiot!" She all but yelled, doing her damndest to keep her voice down, though her face was a very unattractive shade of scarlet rage now. "You-"

Suddenly she caught sight of two other familiar faces and her expression briefly changed to one of shock before contorting once more into a savage rage.

"What the fu-" She stopped and snarled at them. "You had no right to come here! I told you not to come! Out! All of you, leave! OUT!"

"No." Johnny spoke up before Robert or Charlotte had a chance. "We're not leaving."

He kept his ground. "We're staying."

Just like he'd never seen her smile the way she had with her father, he'd never seen her this angry either and he had to admit, it was a little intimidating. Still, he'd meant what he'd said.

Sinikka reached out, looking ready to pummel him, when suddenly a melodic voice cut through the air.

"Sinikka, Darling." A feminine voice drawled, accompanied by the clicking of heels on the hard floor. "Don't scowl like that, it's very unattractive."

If she looked angry before, she was nothing short of livid now. Any second the others expected to see her start foaming at the mouth.

Whirling on the new arrival, Sinikka snarled at the woman.

"What the hell are you doing here!?" She demanded. "Get out! This is my time with him!"

"Oh don't be so prudish, Darling. He's my husband, I can visit when I want. Beside's you've been here all day."

"I only got here two hours ago!" Sinikka all but shrieked.

The other three stared at the woman who had just arrived. Despite her less than attractive persona, she was admittedly stunning. With long legs and perfect curves in just the right places, she was a total knock out. Her skin was fair, the polar opposite of her daughter's and her eyes were a stunning molten gold color but her snow white, stylish bob was the exact shade of Sinikka's and their faces were perfect matches. There could be no doubt, this stunning creature, no matter how unpleasant, was Sinikka's mother.

Sinikka's chest was heaving with fury and she looked like she might actually explode.

"Whatever." The woman said absently, airily waving a perfectly manicured hand. "The point is, it's my turn. You can go now."

Sinikka lunged at the woman but Oscar caught her around the waist and pulled her back a few feet.

"Why don't you go home and take a rest?" He said to the angered teen."You haven't seen the house since you left... You can always come back later."

Sinikka was literally shaking with furry but she yanked out of Oscar's grip and stormed past him none the less, stopping alongside her mother. She hissed something in a language that was neither English nor Finnish, making the woman scoff careleslsy, before storming past them and leaving the wing behind.

Oscar turned a harsh glare on the attractive woman.

"Hisui." He said coldly. "Why must you make everything so difficult? You couldn't wait a few more hours?"

"I was bored." She said simply. "And besides that, this is none of your business. He is my husband, I am allowed to visit him in his sick bed. Anyway, it's time for her to grow up and stop acting like a child."

"Ex-fucking-cuse me?" Johnny spoke up now, lavender eyes flashing dangerously.

"How dare you say anything like that about Sinikka? That is her father in there and any moments together right now might be their last! For the first fucking time, I actually saw her really happy, and you had to just show up here and ruin everything!" Johnny narrowed his eyes at the woman.

Hisui stuck her nose in the air and looked down it at him like he were a troublesome splat of mud on her expensive designers that needed to be removed immediately.

"And who might you be?" She asked pompously. But before he could respond, she lifted her hand in the air. "Never mind, I decided I don't care. But to correct you; I believe it was you who… what did you say? 'ruined everything'. After all, it seems she was a little upset before I arrived. So, quite obviously, her foul mood cannot very well be blamed on me now can it?"

Her point made, Hisui reached up to casually ruffle her perfect hair as she strode confidently past the small group and into the room, promptly putting it between them as the final exclamation point to her sentence.

"Johnny, don't." Charlotte grabbed his arm.

"Never have I had the urge to hit a woman so hard." Johnny was shaken.

"C'mon, let's go find Sin and explain why we're here."

Johnny just glared at where Sinikka's mother just went in. He didn't want to leave that man alone with that woman. He had a horrible feeling in the pit of his stomach. It was something he couldn't ignore but there was currently nothing he could do. He sighed.

"Fine, let's go find her before I change my mind about popping that woman right in the nose."

"If you do, I won't hold you back." Oscar commented, getting oddball stares from all three young people, "What? I hate her too."

"Come on..." Robert said softly, the first time having spoken since their arrival. "I'm sure she can't have gotten too far."

"You three go on, I'll stay here and... keep an eye on things." Oscar said suggestively. The three nodded and left.

Luckily, it was a great deal easier finding Sinikka then they'd anticipated. She was outside, some difficulty hailing a cab and working herself into a still fouler mood with each one that passed her.

"Sin..." Charlotte said softly as she approached. The dark teen didn't turn.

"Sinikka." Johnny spoke a little louder.

Sinikka turned and glared at them.

"Keep your damn distance!" She snarled, turning away from them again. "Make no mistake, the only reason why I haven't had you three arrested already for trespassing is because someone I hated more happened to show up!"

That was much worse then a punch to the stomach for all three but no one commented right away.

Seeing her continued difficulty with the cabs, Johnny lifted his fingers for a loud whistle, successfully succeeding in what she coulnd't. This seemed to tick the dark girl off more as she turned a furious glare on them. She moved to get into the car and the other three just stared at her, unsure of what to do.

Just when they thought she was going to get in and leave, she turned back to them, still looking angry, but spoke.

"Well, get in." She growled. "I'm sure you three idiots didn't think this through and I'd bet my left lung you don't have anywhere to go or know a lick of Finnish, do you?"

"No, but better that then having to deal with your foul mood right now." Johnny grumped angrily.

"Johnny!" Charlotte and Robert said in unison, the latter more sternly while the blonde eyed him in shock.

"What?" Johnny snapped, sending a challenging glare all around. "Pretty sure I just met the biggest bitch in the world and, shocker, she's your mother! Well now, suddenly everything makes sense. Must run in the family."

Charlotte just stared at the Scot, her mouth agape. What the heck had gotten into him?

"You bastard." Sinikka seethed, her face a mix of emotions. "Have fun walking to fucking nowhere!"

Robert slapped his forehead as Sinikka got in the car and made to slam the door. Bounding forward he reached out to grab it before she had the chance.

"Sinikka wait! I'm sorry, ignore the moron, you know it's a major flaw of his…. Please, you're right; we do need your help. You're not going to just leave us here in the middle of Finland alone are you?... Just for trying to help?"

She stared up at him for a long minute, her eyes narrowed and looking ready to slam the door in his face. Robert swallowed anxiously, impatiently awaiting her response, and eventually she sighed irritably.

"Get in." She said again, sounding simply weary this time.

Robert glared at Johnny who didn't bother to look at his friend.

Charlotte looked at the Scot. And he felt her staring at him.

"I'll be fine." He muttered under his breath at her.

The three of them got into the taxi and immediately Johnny crossed his arms and turned his face towards the window, pointedly avoiding the dark teen. Which was fine cause she was steaming herself at having to share a car with him as well.

Soon as the doors were shut, without giving anyone time to settle in, Sinikka spat a quick muttering of Finnish to the driver, and the man sped out of the lot.

The ride was long and painfully silent as no one seemed willing or able to talk.

It seemed to take hours to get where they were going and each mile was like another mile into another world. The group watched as buildings became more and more scarce and the landscape morphed into a wide expanse of crystalline beauty that took their breaths away. Even Johnny momentairily forgot some of his anger and relaxed a little as he looked over the land that could easily rival the beauty of the highlands enough to make him homesick.

For a long time they drove, almost to the point where the new arrivals were sure they were going to fall off the edge of the earth, until finally a massive, ancient looking mansion rose like a zombie from the horizon. Three mouths dropped as they watched it grow to an incredible size.

"What the hell..." Johnny muttered in shock, his jaw slightly agape.

"You live here?" Charlotte asked Sinikka in awe.

"Unfortunately." The dark girl muttered as the driver drove past a huge set of open wrought iron gates and up a long gravel drive.

For a while, as the house got closer, the three in the back were impressed. That is, until they got close enough to get a good look.

While it was clear that the house must have once been stunning, it now looked like a haunted house out of some old cheesy movie. The colossal fountain in the middle no longer flowed and instead was filled with filthy green water and debris. The paint on the house was chipped and faded and the large ornate steps were cracked and stained. The garden and landscape was an untended mess of tangled weeds and snarled vines, making it nearly impossible to imagine that something wholesome and beautiful could ever have grown there. Looking up, one could see that windows that weren't boarded up were broken and so dingy and filthy there was no way you could see through them.

There were two tall and regal looking statues standing sentry to the no doubt once majestic house.

Charlotte blinked. Was that a birds next sitting atop one of their heads?

"You're kidding, right." Johnny said bluntly, his anger evaporating as the driver pulled to a stop near the front steps.

Sinikka didn't reply as she paid the driver and got out.

"Sin... wait, what happened?" Charlotte asked, starring up at what was once a jewel as she too exited the car.

"Yeah, this place looks like a dump." Johnny said bluntly, reaching out to touch a decorative piece beside the steps and sweatdropping as a piece came off in his hands.

Sinikka snorted humorously as the driver drove away and she led the three up the steps to the house.

"You want the long version or the short one?" She asked sarcastically.

"Quit being a smartass and just tell us the truth, Sinikka." Johnny snapped, turning to her with a serious expression. "We're here now. We know about your dad, we know about your mother and now… this. There's nothing left to hide. So spit it out."

Sinikka shot him a dirty look and moved a few good feet ahead of him, pushing open the heavy front doors and leading them inside. The three behind her cringed as the thing creaked and whined shockingly loudly as it gave way with great effort.

"OK. Fine." She said indignantly. "You wanted it here it is. Our family was once pretty well off. Not filthy rich like some of the old bastards around here but we weren't in want of anything. My father's family comes from old money, well respected in Finland. My mother, as I'm sure you've noticed, comes from Asian blood, fancy aristocracy. Anyway… my father's parents died young, leaving him as the sole heir. So, when he got sick that only left my mother and me."

Sinikka stopped to grab a lamp from a nearby table and took the time to light it with a book of matches, though it took a few attempts with the old looking things, before proceeding. She then doubled back to close the front door, leaving their way to be lit only by the lamp she was holding, despite that it was the middle of the day.

"Hisui… is a colossal bitch." She said bluntly, the light casting deep shadows on her frowning face. "But... she does and always did love my father. Believe it or not, though she was always really annoying... she was never really quite that bad. It was only since my father took sick that she changed; took up alcohol and drugs and all that garbage, like a real damn proper cliché. Makes me sick but unfortunately what I think has never mattered two licks."

She led the group through the house past rooms of covered furniture, grimy portraits and frames, dingy and broken windows and a multitude of doors with dusty and tarnished knobs. What wasn't covered by sheets and blankets was covered in a thick layer of dust and it was all the trio could do not to choke on the thickness of it. Sinikka either wasn't affected or she didn't notice. Either way, she continued to lead them down endless halls and corridors without missing a beat.

"Eventually her habits and persona got so bad that all the hired help who she didn't fire quit. Without anyone to take care of the house, it kinda… fell apart. Like anything else when it's neglected." She paused in the hall to straighten a crooked frame with glass so dirty it was impossible to see what was inside it. "Soon enough, her family became disgusted with her and gave her an ultimatum; either she straightened up or she got disinherited and disowned."

A sinister grimace crossed the dark teen's face.

"You can guess which she chose. So Sobo and Sofu cast her away. Furious, she forbid them from seeing me and cut off any and all contact from them until I turned eighteen. I haven't seen them in years and I have no idea if they're even alive."

Sinikka took a deep breath and straightened.

"I used to do some of the house cleaning." She said quickly changing the subject. "But obviously, I don't need to explain that. Only so much any one person can do alone, and in a house like this…."

Finally the group stopped at a tall, faded blue door.

"Well, this is my room." Sinikka said boredly, reaching up to push it open.

The three behind her held their breaths, not sure what to expect and each anticipating something different.

What met them wasn't quite as scary as either of them had expected and each relaxed considerably.

The room was huge, as was expected, but other than some dust and dirt, it wasn't nearly as much of a health hazard as the rest of the house. It was blue and white with a modern yet somehow cosy feel. On the left there was a couch scattered with matching throw cushions and pillows and on the right was an archway that lead to a massive walk-in closet. There was a large desk at the back piled high with notebooks and sketchbooks and stacks of loose papers. Beside the desk on one side was a tall bookshelf with rows upon rows of neatly stacked books, while the other side there was a work bench overflowing with paintbrushes, pencils, canvases and easels and colors and a wide array of artistic utensils to make the most accomplished artists proud. Directly in the center of the back wall was a humongous bed. It was so tall and large there were three steps on the left side to help you climb onto it. Just across from the bed on the left, light struggled to seep through a pair of dingy glass doors that the others could see led to a large balcony that over looked the front garden.

"I know it's dirty." She said bluntly, absently picking up a framed photo on her bedside table and starring at it sadly. "But I never saw a point in keeping it clean when I never spent any time here anyway."

She approached a dresser on the left wall and fingered another dusty frame on it. A small, sad smile came to her face as she tenderly brushed the dust from the glass and starred down into the face staring up at her.

"Anyway... make yourselves at home..." She said wearily, suddenly looking exhausted.

"Sin..." Johnny said softly, taking a good look around the room. "Why didn't you want us to come?"

Sinikka frowned, not looking at him.

"Because this is my world." She said coldly. "No one was there when I needed them to be so I got used to things that way and I've come to like it. No one's ever given me a reason to trust them and that's exactly the kind of lessons I learned. I know none of you can understand it, but I don't want or need anyone else."

She closed her eyes.

"I've got enough to deal with right now. I don't need anyone else making things more complicated. Besides I liked it when it was just my father and me... we didn't have anyone else to worry about but each other. He was all I had left in the world and I never wanted to share him or this with anyone."

For a long time, no one knew what to say or do as they let these new confessions and revelations sink in. Surprisingly, Johnny was the first one to speak up.

"You don't have to share it with us…" He whispered, taking a cautious step forwards. "We just want to help you, Sin…. Just cause there was no one there before, don't mean you gotta be alone now.."

Encouraged by the redhead's words, Charlotte spoke up then.

"Sin, you've kept this to yourself for too long. That's not healthy." Charlotte frowned.

Sinikka turned a glare on the blonde at that.

"Yes, and that's the way it should of stayed!" She said angrily. "Because other people don't understand, can't understand. If we aren't a pity story we're a joke! The crazy bitch and her pretty, pathetic helpless and victimized daughter!"

She turned away again and clenched her teeth.

"At first it was embarrassing, then downright shameful... But there's none of that left now. Now I don't give a damn about anyone… and I hate her. Damn that woman!"

"Sinikka." Johnny cooed soothingly as he approached her. There was none of his former anger left towards her. Now there was only sympathy and guilt as his heart ached and broke for the girl before him. How could he ever have gotten angry at her for her emotions, knowing she was hurting and under so much stress and not knowing the full story.

"I really am mean and jerkish…." He thought with dismay.

"Hey.. Look at me." The redhead said softly, reaching out now to turn her towards him. His heart clenched sickeningly to see the tortured expression on her face. "We're the people who count and you're not a joke or a pity story to us. Do you honestly think we'd give a damn about any of this stuff? We all cared about you long before we knew any of this stuff about you. I know you think you have to do this alone… that you want to. But c'mon… can't you at least try to let us help you?

He paused, taking a deep, nervous breath. What was he doing? He wasn't any good with this mushy stuff. His luck he was only going to make matters worse.

But Johnny knew he had to try.

"Maybe you might just find you like having someone else around even more then you like being alone…"

Sinikka sighed and closed her eyes as her brows knitted together in a painful expression.

"I don't know what I want or need anymore..." She whispered, fighting back the sudden urge to cry.

She was silent for a long time before she finally seemed to regain her control enough to speak again.

"I... don't think I'm going back to school..." She said matter-of-factly. "I'm staying here with him until-"

Sinikka stopped and bit her lip, unable to say it.

Johnny looked around and made a face of disgust.

"You are NOT staying here." He argued bluntly. "None of us are. This place should be condemned. It's horrible. As for the school... well, we'll talk about that later. Right now, you need some serious rest!"

"You're exhausted..." Charlotte whispered, finally deeming it safe to speak up now. "It's not good for you. And not good for your dad to see you like that. Don't you want him to see you happy and not stressed out? I think he would want you to be happy."

"Yeah, see? Little best friend here knows what she's talking about." Johnny tilted Sinikka's chin up. "So here's what we're going to do. We're going to pack your bags, call that cab back and then we're all leaving to find somewhere liveable to stay until we get this mess sorted out."

He searched her eyes for some sort of resistance, waiting for her to complain. But to everyone's shock, she didn't.

"Okay…?" The redhead prompted in a whisper. He lifted his hands to cup her face and gently brush his thumb across her cheek as he continued to search her face.

Sinikka didn't say anything, couldn't say anything, as she stared up at the redhead. Finally after another big sigh she closed her eyes and plopped down on the couch. To Johnny's surprise, she reached out and wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him close and leaning forward to rest her face against his stomach.

She looked so damn tired.

"Sinikka..." He cooed, reaching down to thread his fingers through her silky locks as he had not so long ago that night back in his dorm. "C'mon baby… I really don't want you to stay here…. How about a nice place in town, huh? Close to the hospital?"

Sinikka turned her head to bury her face in Johnny's stomach, and the simple action made the redhead's body heat and stomach knot. Swallowing and straining to remain calm and cool, the Scot placed a hand on Sinikka's shoulder while the other continued to gently slide his fingers soothingly through her hair.

Charlotte smiled at the two. "D'aw..."

Johnny shot her a dirty look for that but his cheeks were stained a bright pink that severely belied the otherwise intimidating expression.

Finally Sinikka lifted her face and looked up at the Scot.

"Okay…" She said simply, her voice a little hoarse.

Johnny smiled as a wave of relief washed over him.

"Great!" He said enthusiastically, reaching down to take Sinikka's hands and pull her to her feet. "Char, go pack her a bag so we can get the hell out of this death trap before it implodes on us and swallows us whole… and if that bat-shit-crazy woman comes make sure someone's got a Taser or a tranq gun on hand!"

"Right sir!" Charlotte gave him a mock salute before moving to collect Sinikka's things and pile them into a suitcase.

"Johnny, I can walk!" The dark teen protested in annoyance as the Scot bend to scoop her up into his arms. But her squirming was clearly no match for him as he simply gripped her tight to him in response and carried her from the room.

Robert made a face as he moved a stack of folded yet dusty blankets aside with his foot.

"I honestly have no idea what to think of this place..." He muttered to Charlotte as he watched her gather some of Sinikka's things.

"A place that hasn't been home in a long time." Charlotte looked over the suitcase as she made a mental checklist in her head. Last minute she added a couple of things that she knew Sinikka would appreciate before reaching to zip it up.

Charlotte dropped the suitcase along with two other bags next to Robert's feet and turned to him with a sweet smile. "Be a sweetie won't you and carry these downstairs."

Robert gave her a smile and leaned down to give her a quick peck on the lips before bending to pick up the suitcases. He made to straighten but was surprised by the weight and his eyes popped.

"Good lord girl, what on earth did you put in here!?"

"Just the basics." Charlotte said matter-of-factly. "A girl never knows what she might need on her travels. You're strong enough. You can handle it. I'm going to give Oscar a call to come and get us."

Charlotte left the room, dialing her uncle's number on her phone.

Robert sighed and with a grunt, hoisted the bags and proceeded to lug them out the room and down the stairs, wondering just how in the hell his petite girlfriend had managed to so easily lift and drop them at his feet.

Perhaps a serious trip to the gym was in order….