Well, even though school has started, I am making a schedule so that I don't fall behind in my stories. To those reading Never-ending Journey, get prepared for another chapter really soon!

Enjoy!

N is for Near

He promised. He promised he would always remain by her side. He swore he would always stay nearby just in case. He let his head hang, holding the fragile girl's hand in his gloved one. His closest friend put a hand on his shoulder. He didn't even have the energy to push it off. He promised her, yet he broke it. He could blame his grandfather for keeping him in practice for a little longer, but he wouldn't. He could blame her grandfather for not keeping an eye on what was going on in the kitchen. Hell, he could blame the firefighters for not getting there in time. But the only person he could blame was himself. The more logical part of his brain told him that it wasn't his fault and he did everything he could. But he couldn't get past the pain, the guilt he carried.

He turned around, hearing the door close as his friends left. He couldn't blame them. It was pointless to stay. The doctor had already announced that she needed her rest and that he would call them as soon as the Russian girl woke up. He turned back to the comatose girl. He brushed a few stray hairs out of her face. He let his eyes roam down to her left arm. It had a long dark streak. A burn she received from the kitchen fire that ensued only three days ago. He should've been there. He should've protected her. Now, she had a permanent reminder of his failure. He could feel tears well up in his eyes, but he quickly blinked them back.

Suddenly, a thought occurred. What if Alice didn't wake up? What if she fell into a coma? Or worse, died? Shun felt the lump in his throat grow larger. He couldn't go on if he lost Alice too. She was all he had left.

"Alice, if you can hear me, I'm so sorry. So sorry. I should've been there, I should've protected you, I should've-" He was speaking so frantically he had to stop. He took a calming breath.

"Alice, please don't leave me. I need you! I love you." He said. He stopped speaking, his eyes growing wide. He had finally said it out loud. He finally admitted he loved Alice.

"Alice," He said, getting closer to her face. "If you wake up, I promise to say I love you every day. I promise to stay with you and show you how much I need you. Just please, wake up." He said. Slowly, he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers softly. The young girl did not stir. He sighed and slumped back into his chair.

He turned around to see the door opened, followed by the doctor walking in with a chart in his hand. He looked up from his clip board at Shun. He let his eyes fall on Alice. Shun release her hand and stood up.

"I take it you are a family member or close friend of Miss Gehabich?" The doctor asked. Shun nodded. The doctor set the clip board down and sighed. Shun stopped breathing, his heart waiting for the impact.

"We tried everything we could…I'm sorry, but Dr. Gehabich is no longer with us." He said. Shun definitely wasn't expecting that. He felt his heard sink.

"Dr. Michael?" He asked and the doctor nodded. Suddenly, he felt sad. Not for himself, but for Alice. He knew the two were extremely close. Suddenly, he felt the need to find out if Alice was doomed to the same fate.

"What's going to happen to Alice?" Shun asked. The doctor smiled, relieved to be on a happier note.

"She'll be fine. We expect her to wake up some time very soon." He said. With the news being out, the doctor quickly excused himself. Shun sighed and sat down again, taking her hand in his once more. After a few minutes of silence, reflecting on the things that have happened, he felt a small pressure on his hand. Startled, he sat upright quickly.

"Alice?" He called. He felt his hand being squeezed again, this time a little harder. Then she whispered his name.

"Alice!" He called happily. Slowly, she peeled her eyes opened as she looked into Shun's eyes. He felt his heart stop as she slowly smiled. Unexpectedly, he cupped her cheeks kissed her fiercely. Alice sat there, astonished. She had dreamed of this day since she first met him. Slowly, she closed her eyes and kissed him back just a fiercely. When they broke apart for air, she leaned her forehead against his. Shun stopped his thoughts about Alice's grandfather, his apologies, and everything else. Alice didn't ask all the questions she wanted to at the moment. The two were just happy that they had each other nearby.

You know, I didn't want to end it like this originally xD But I couldn't end it sadly. I'd be too sad if Alice didn't wake up! Anyways, I hope you liked it!

Next is O!