A/N: 2013? Really? It's been that long? How time passes... [Proofread]

Kyousuke's mind raced faster than his feet could dash past scattered morning joggers and bicyclists. His worries were less focused on the fact he shall be starting his first job within the hour, and much less about his growing stomach from a missed breakfast; he was so wrapped around his agitated mood last night and the estranged end to the bath session. He knew that outburst was an eventual coarse at the current pace, but he couldn't have fathomed the way Kirino carried on as though Kyousuke did nothing up to then (hell, he risked his life battling the height of brawn and idiocy!). What bothered him most were the words left unsaid and actions left unexplained. Why did she act like he was so distance towards her- challenging his sincerity and responsibility? Granted he will not indulge her the exact way she's expecting, but damn doesn't he deserve some respect?

"At least I'll get properly compensated at this place," Kyousuke wheezed between heavy breathes. He was still considerably early by 50 minutes, but he knew that leaving a good impression meant everything for the first time (and leaving the house in a good mood). Thankfully the distance wasn't so far to require a train ride or bicycle. A few corners and a few good sprints would bring him safely to the doors without tardy. The best benefit of this? The path diverted from the usual route taken by his or Kirino's friends. Freedom from pressure and surveillance was so rewarding, after all.

After a final corner, he arrived at the city's local 7Spot, the same convenience store that he shall work at with pleasure. He took leisure in his approach as he looked more carefully at the location. Although this was just a branch of the known franchise in Japan, he felt that it shared a good local feel due to the heavy use of local posters and a postal board. Chang did a fantastic job with maintaining presence and promoting community awareness despite his... well, unique characteristic and stubbornness. Despite some uncommon utilities and decor that must have been imported from China, Kyousuke felt he could settle well here. Plus he shouldn't see too many common faces... Surely.

His stomach pressed the concern if breakfast snacks were complimentary to the employees, but he brushed off the notion before he stepped up to the glass door. Looking right to the populated board, filled to the brim with local party details and tutoring advertisements, he realized how little he knew that this place existed. He didn't see a common name amongst the tabloids which earned a sigh of relief at the prospect of not seeing familiar faces.

Kyousuke took in a deep breath before rapping on the door. He could not see Chang nor anyone else within view at the register nor within the first few aisles, so he decided to knocking more fiercely. 'Is this how I must start each day? I might end up breaking the glass before the week is done.'

Kyousuke looked to the sides once more before backing up a bit and letting out a yell. "Excuse me! It's Kousaka Kyousuke reporting for duty! Hello?! Chang-san?!"

Kyousuke stepped out towards the left corner where the alley began, hoping to see some backdoor or alternate entrance. Unless it was hidden behind the large dumpster, he found no such thing. He figured that the next step would be to call in directly to determine how to enter. He searched his pocket for the phone-

[*KSSH* WHAT YOU WANT? NO OPEN]

Kyousuke stumbled at his feet, startled by the sudden noise. He looked above and below to determine the voice's origin. He knew it belong to Chang, but could not identify from where. "Chang-san? Where are you?"

Nothing followed his question. Kyousuke stepped up to the door and peered inside in hope that Chang was inside somewhere. Again, he found no persons in sight. Was he up on the roof with a megaphone as some sort of prank? Fed up with radio silence, he knocked on the door once more. "Chang-san! Where are you?!"

[*KSSH* DAMN NO KNOCKING! CAN'T YOU HEAR? NO OPEN!]

Kyousuke gritted his teeth at this indirect way to communicate, especially as this was Chang's own future employee. TAt the same moment he looked at the register and counter, he noticed a rattling just beneath the brim. He knew it. A prank.

"Chang-san, it's Kyousuke! I know you are in there! How am I suppose to report to duty? The door isn't open!" Kyousuke tried to force the door open by plying his fingers into the door slip, but to no avail. Pushing forward nor sliding to the slide gave way, which only merited more aggressive knocking from Kyousuke.

[*KSSH* YOU DAMN STRANGER, WHY YOU NO UNDERSTAND?! I SAID NO OPEN! DO NOT OPEN DOOR TIL 8 AM? YOU DEAF? USE INTERCOM TO LEFT YOU WANNA ANYTHING]

Kyousuke stepped back once more and looked to the left. What the heck was he referring to-

"Ah, this thing?" Kyousuke brushed his hand against the only metal surface on the wall, an untitled plate with a series of buttons lined beneath a speaker. This must be the external line for assisting late-night customers when the store was officially closed. Looking farther left, this became more evident by the handle and latch to the drop-box. Kyousuke pushed down on the first button which lit a red light.

"Um, Chang-san? Can you hear me now?"

"..."

"...Chang-san? It's Kyousuke. I know I'm early but I wanted to see I may do for the first-"

[*KSSH* CAN'T HEAR YOU UNTIL YOU PUSH RIGHT BUTTON. RIGHT BUTTON.]

Kyousuke's brow twitched as he complied with the foremost right button, lighting a green light this time. 'You should have said so in the first place...'

"Chang-san, I'm Kousaka Kyousuke. I'm here for-"

[*KSSH* HERE FOR BEING LATE FIRST DAY. YOU SHOULDA BEEN HERE EARLY]

Click. "Didn't you say be here at 7 before the shift starts? I know it is 6:10 but I figured-"

[*KSSH* YOU JUST ON TIME! 7 MEAN 6 ON WORK SCHEDULE! GET HERE EXTRA EARLY! STOCK NEED DONE, KIDDO!]

Click. "Yeah, I'll keep that in mind next time. I'm sorry. How do I get in? The door wouldn't budge."

[*KSSH* DOOR GO BACK. ALWAYS GO BACK WITH DOOR. LIKE I ALWAYS SAY, FRONT IS FOR CUSTOMER, BACK IS FOR CHEAP WORKER. VERY IMPORTANT LESSON! NOW GET IN]

Kyousuke scratched his head. Just what the hell was Chang referring to by that supposed lesson? Does that mean that there may be a back door somewhere? As much as he didn't mind to run around the store to confirm, he was already considered late and would probably brew a storm if he had to return asking for directions.

Click. "Do you mean at the back of this store? I didn't see anything around the left just a while back... Hello? Chang-san? Did you mean-"

[*KSSH* NO KIDDO, JUST DOOR GO BACK. YOU NO UNDERSTAND? WHAT I HIRE YOU FOR? DOOR OVER THERE GO BACK]

Kyousuke moved aside to the door once more, studying the structure intensively. He could not comprehend the instructions given to him, as though "go back" was as simple as "raise your hand." He pushed against the door once more to no avail. This time around he managed to drill his fingers into the slip, under the assumption some hidden latch must be shifted to move the doors. Again, nothing worked. Kyousuke did not dare to return to the intercom to ask for more, but Chang answered the call anyways.

[*KSSH* IF I COME UP THERE YOU GET DOCKED PAY. NOT SO COMPLICATED. YOU KNOW WHAT PULL MEAN?]

"Pull the-?"

Kyousuke used the leverage made between the door as a foothold to pull the glass door backwards, this time earning an oddly easy force to bring it towards him. He was so dumbfounded to learn that despite the resilience of the door in any other direction, the door has no issue in this one. If only Chang was more proper in his instructions, this problem would never have escalated to such.

Without more delay, Kyousuke slipped past the open door and closed it behind him. Kyousuke took in a deep breath before announcing his arrival with a formal greeting. He was taken back at the spectacular site; the entire store was already well-cleaned as though nothing was needed. He figured that store cleaning would be among the first, gruesome tasks always given to the new hire as some form of initiative, yet here Chang must have already did the efforts on his own. When was this done? Judging from the good sheen against, this must have been done within the hour. Does Chang actually live here?

Kyousuke did not intend to probe for such answers, thus moved over to the register to look for Chang. He found some amusement that such an elder would be found cradled below the register, writing on a sheet of paper with calculator on standby. Kyousuke assumed that this may be the inventory sheet and possibly where the cash vault was stored, given the over-cautious expression on Chang's face when he looked up.

"There you are! You take too long, don't need slacker boy."

"I'm sorry about that- since this is my first time in here to be honest, I wouldn't have known how that door was suppose to-"

"Yeah yeah, each excuse worth a yen. I need thousands more yen than small change. You look down aisles. Get familiar with products. Need you to name each product by end of day. Then you do register."

Kyousuke nodded in agreement since this would only prove his worth. "I can do that, but I must admit this is the first time I've used a machine like that. I'm not very technically familiar with such things-"

"What I say? I no need 2 yen! You learn fast once started. Now go! Need concentrate on numbers! Always behind!" Chang waved him off as he muttered more in Chinese before he dotted the paper with more tally marks. Kyousuke took that opportunity to take the advise before making things worse.

Kyousuke started his stroll down the foremost aisle facing the entrance. This strip featured more of the quick and popular snacks and magazines that catch the moving eye. Everything was neatly arranged and positioned along the shelves and, to some amazement, alphabetized for convenience. Within that arrangement each content was properly categorized based on type of food and flavor. Just what kind of attention was required to extensively ensure each item fell into the right position within this hierarchy? Kyousuke cringed at the thought as he memorized the general names and available varieties.

Before he reached midway, he looked to his right facing the low-raise stand that contained the magazines. This was obviously the more important feature of the store, considering the addition attractions used to catch looks. Small flashing signs beside prop copies, emphasized quotes embolden in the white spaces beneath the items, and again the excess detail to organization. This time Kyousuke was expecting the great attention given here.

After giving due respect to memorizing the keynote items and genres, Kyousuke moved on to the next aisle after next after next. He didn't require as much time in the following patterns as several items were already familiar to him, such as the common ramen containers, dairy products, breads, and of course the frozen entree department. Where Kyousuke lacked in knowledge about popular trends, he made up with a reservoir of common tidbits and facts (granted if only he could cook better with them). Although Chang had mentioned that Kyousuke would be handling inventory, he couldn't help notice that not many items were missing from the shelves or missing in surplus. Just what would Kyousuke have to do for the day?

Kyousuke noted the time- the true task would start within 30 minutes, bringing to him unsettling nerves. The thought of greeting and interacting with strangers just didn't suit well to his tastes, however this would be much better than entering an argument contest with his sister.

With a deep breath, he approached the counter and knocked twice to catch Chang's attention. "I believe I have everything noted down so far. I may not be able to recall every brand by memory, but I can-"

"Fine fine, that good. Time for register. All done with counting. Get back here already."

"You mentioned that I would be handling inventory as well," Kyousuke spoke as he motioned around the solid slab, "but I noticed that everything is pretty much handled. Just what items are missing exactly?"

Chang spit out some unknown statements before standing with overfilled folded in arm. "Not face value items. All back end. Things keep missing, getting stolen. All because that guy! Ruins everything!"

Kyousuke sighed. If he didn't understand the reason behind Isshenji's ban from this store before and the overzealous posture staring at his face, he was more than aware now. More so the reason why Isshenji wanted someone he knew to work there as a connection. "You don't say..."

"Yes I say! You keep wary this guy! Shoo him out if he dare step in! Not allowed ever! Steals everything!"

"You have my word, Chang-san. I won't let him within a mile of the store."

To such a statement, Chang clearly swung mood for the better and came in close to wrap his arm around Kyousuke's neck. Somehow he was as strong as Isshenji in this regard to pester Kyousuke so much. "That my boy, kiddo! You go far here. Teach you all I know! So you can cover baby bills!"

"C-Cover what?"

"Now you do register. Got less than half hour to know everything. I be at the frozen aisle if emergency."

Despite the confusion Kyousuke felt regarding the odd statement, he was more bothered by the continuing fact. He didn't know how to operate the machine. "But Chang-san-"

"Look down! Find details there!" Before Kyousuke could refute or ask for more, Chang already disappeared behind the last shelf without a word. Kyousuke rubbed his eyes in an effort to control his anxiety, but nothing could help him at this point. He must learn this register back and forth before their doors opened for the day. He studied the various buttons and mechanics labeled on the surface. Thankfully most items were self-explanatory and the numerals were clearly labeled, so processing payment will be a breeze.

'Most importantly,' Kyousuke thought to himself as he pressed button after button, 'how do you open the darn drawer... Ah.' Before he could stumble onto an epiphany, he could the needed item: 'Drawer Bypass.' A single click triggered the shelf to shoot open with a clear ring which startled him. He expected Chang to come running out in some fear of breaking the thing, but to his relief wasn't the case.

"Is that-?" Kyousuke muttered as he peered into the drawer. Below the tray of prepared change and slots was the edge of a sort of book. He pried upon the inner tray and revealed just the item he needed: the register's manual. "Exactly what I needed."

The manual was well-worn, but still legible for his purpose. He didn't hesitate to open the book and find the table of contents. Everything was covered in this book, even better there were additional notes and advises written on the margins. He found himself specifically noting the pages for ringing up the bar codes and the security methods... Just in case of certain persons.

Time seemed to flow by easily as Kyousuke studied in full focus. He just managed to complete the final page regarding necessary exceptions if an item does not appear on data when he heard the most terrifying sound at the time: the door chime. He didn't dare look up as his nerves tightened. Just when did the door get unlocked? Why didn't Chang advise him or give him a head's up? He must have looked so foolish standing so stiff and still with some sweat beading on his face.

He heard the first customer's footsteps approach, yet Kyousuke clenched his eyes shut. It was easy. Give the person a standard greetings, nothing spectacular was required on this one given that he was a new hire. It was easy, sure, but why couldn't Kyousuke do it?

'Come on Kyousuke, just say it. Just say it.' Kyousuke stagnant breathing continued onward on the border of passing out before he took a final long deep breath. He let out his standard greeting with a deep bow to follow.

"WELCOME TO YOUR LOCAL 7SPOT! PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF I MAY BE OF ANY ASSISTANCE DURING YOUR VISIT! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!"

He cringed after remembering his loud tone, but praised himself for properly quoting the prearranged phrase written in the manual. He hoped that he did not frighten the person away, waiting for fleeting sounds and the door chime to confirm. He heard nothing, but even Chang complaining that Kyousuke was too loud. Just what did this person think of the nervous fellow that had no clue of social interaction? Kyousuke dared not open his eyes-

"Geez Kyousuke, you can tone it down a bit. I don't want a fright attack to start my summer vacation."

Kyousuke's eyes immediately shot open. 'No way.' Kyousuke looked up during his baffled state to see that his first customer was his supposed friend, Akagi, stifling a laugh at the performance. Kyousuke would have collapsed right there on the counter if he didn't need to save face.

"What are you doing here, Akagi? Don't you have anything better to do?"

"I would have asked you the same thing if I didn't hear this from Isshenji. You really did take up the offer."

Kyousuke rolled his eyes. 'That bastard probably told everyone by now. Not good at all,' Kyousuke worried as he wiped his brow from the increasing sweat. At least he didn't have to be so formal around Akagi in the meantime. "Yes, I was planning to save some money for the future. I didn't have anything else to do during our time off, so this was the best opportunity."

Akagi looked around before he sneaked in for a whisper, cupping his hand beside his mouth. "And getting in on the heist, right?"

Kyousuke smacked that hand down without hesitation. "Definitely not. I don't want Isshenji's foul dealings messing up my first reputation and resume. Now what are you doing here?"

Akagi shrugged as he looked at his phone. "Just coming in to get some things. Here and there. You know, snacks."

"I don't see you as a snack kind-of guy, Akagi. Is this for Sena by chance."

"Hm? Yeah I suppose you could say that. You don't check your phone at all, do you? I was trying to warn you about last night."

Kyousuke brought a quizzical expression to his face. Just what could Isshenji exaggerate further upon the contest after he lost? "Guess I haven't. What about it?" Kyousuke decided to take out his phone, regardless of the rather strict "NO PHONE" policy written clearly on every page of the manual. When was the last time he checked his phone anyways?

"Just that he literally allowed you to win because of your crying. Haha, I could just imagine being there to see it! Trembling at the guy just because he was just about to finish you off with a signature move and take your sister out on a date. Oh that is just priceless."

"Didn't happen that way, afraid to tell you." Kyousuke placed his phone on the counter and let out an aggravated sigh. Can't the damn guy just let things rest and resist the urge to lie? Letting him win just because of some crying? Whatever, at least he can prove his winnings and probably recorded somewhere to rub it in Isshenji's face later.

"I figured as much, but still you probably did cry a bit."

"Nope."

"Hm, do you think the winner would be willing to give a discount to a dear old friend who believed in him?"

"Nope. If I even had such a 'dear old friend.'"

"So cruel! You don't even return texts from said person! How am I ever suppose to forgive you!" Akagi began his melodramatic scene, and Kyousuke hoped that some other person would enter so he could dutifully ignore this poor performance. Off whim, he chose to flip his phone open to check if this was true, which brought forth the reason this was true.

"Ah, my phone is off."

Akagi's shoulders dropped in defeat as he waived a hand in the air. "See? No care whatsoever. At least tell me ahead of time if you plan to be careless like that."

"Yeah yeah," Kyousuke muttered as he powered on the phone. As expected, he never cared for his phone that much other than those instances where it mattered or happen to be miraculously powered. He drowned out the continuing woes from Akagi as he waited for the home screen to appear. He was quite thrown off when a notification appeared to warn that... 130 texts were received. Kyousuke's jaw dropped right away at the sheer number.

"Seriously, 130 texts? Just what the hell did you want to tell me, Akagi?"

"Whaaa? I only sent 2! Don't look at me Mr. Bigshot! Probably that fiancee of yours-"

*RIIIIING*

Before Akagi could spout any more nonsense about that concocted fabrication, Akagi's phone rang once with a standard tone before pumping into some pop rock theme. Akagi quickly scuffled to silence the tone with a look that revealed the reason for the call. "Oh crap, I'm late already! Hurry Kyousuke, ring me up for some ramune and Kracie Popin gummies!" He fished for the adequate change in his pocket, but gave up trying to estimate after producing a wad of yen. "Just put the rest of my change on tab!"

Kyousuke unfolded and counted the amount while Akagi ran down the front aisle for the noted snack before running towards the back for a drink. Kyousuke just managed to identify the full amount just as Akagi was racing for the door.

"Hey Akagi, there is more than you-"

"Just open a tab! Thanks again!"

Barely letting the automatic door slide open, Akagi slipped through and sprinted out past Kyousuke's stationed sight. Kyousuke let out a sigh as he counted once again.

"Seriously, leaving 6,000 yen behind... Just where does he get that kind of money from without a job." Kyousuke let the inquiry slide from his thoughts as he rang up 5 items and store the cash. He took out a pen and paper to note the remaining amount as reference for later. Surely Chang would not mind having this type of spare change around with proper documentation.

Once complete, Kyousuke let his upper body rest on the counter in defeat. His first customer and he already had a fuss to handle, let alone a large sum that would not be fully placed in register. He supposed that he could pocket that as tip and grievance for handling such a mess.

In his unexpected foil, Kyousuke glanced over at the unattended phone that contained a gruesome amount of unseen messages. Just who had sent so many messages to him in such a short amount of time? He was sure he check the phone some time ago after accepting the job, but surely not enough to merit a big load. He regretted even reaching out to open the phone once more and check the contents.

His eyes opened wide at the glimpse of words available from the current screen. He didn't need to look at the sender's name to determine the person. The cap-locked words were clear enough at that point: Ayase. Simple words and phrases like "DIE" and "GET LOST" and "PERVERT" populated the screen before Kyousuke scrolled onward. This fashion continued only for a moment before more sensible items were found.

He was caught off-guard to find that Manami had sent a few during the night. He opened one to see what she wanted:

'Hey Kyou-chan! Hope you are doing well! I haven't heard from you since the vacation started. Would you like to come over soon? Oyajii-san and obaa-san would love to see you! Rock-can too! Hope to hear from you! Manami'

Guilt riddled his mind as he read this and another similar message. He hadn't seen Manami since the last day of school, nor did he find out what she would be doing afterwards. Granted, he would be no means invite her along with the scandalous happenings that followed, but as a childhood friend he had a certain obligation to keep updated with her. How would she take any news about his supposed engagement if Isshenji ever spoke to her? How stressful that would be-

"What the-?"

Kyousuke was brought to a stop once more at the largest majority of messages after Manami's. They all belonged to one person who had the most to say: Kirino. As he could expect from his beloved sister, the messages were quite blunt and insulting as her normal dialogue. A constant reminder that he was an idiot and that he can't do anything right was the common subject as he continued to scroll.

Idiot. Idiot. Moron. Pervert. Sis-con. Idiot. The common tongue continued without cease which Kyousuke was more than willing to stop reading, but then... He came across several unexpected items. The time-stamp was just last night, surely just after their time in the bathroom. They were lengthy for sure and require his time to read, to understand what she was saying, but one word stuck out most that earned his attention.

'Sorry.'

Just then, a new message arrived, from her of all people, that was short and to the point: 'We need to talk.' Kyousuke's fingers started to fumble, his phone rocking in his grip as he thought what this could be about. If they were to cut this charade right now with a single text, Kyousuke would be most appreciative. He would be cheerful at the thought. Yet, why did his heart hurt so at the notion?

He found the courage to start typing. He could only guess what to best say: 'What about?' In some round of fear, he selected the send button and waited for a response. Hindsight warned him that just saying that was the worst possible thing, considering he left the house without warning, without notice. What doesn't Kirino think he was doing during this time? Hopefully she wasn't assuming some poor conclusion that he ran off to someone like Kuroneko or Manami to tattle on their time together. About their relationship.

He waited for what appeared as an eternity, but received no response. He hoped that no other customers would visit the day so he could quietly and anxiously tend to his phone. Then, the second customer appeared, this time a lady whom he never met before.

"Welcome to 7Spot! Please let me know if I may assist you!"

Kyousuke felt more confident with this greeting, given that the older woman smiled and bowed in turn, and tended to her needs without concern. Kyousuke hid the phone beneath his palm as he looked attentively towards the front. His appearance was that of a dutiful worker, yet his brotherly mind anticipated the rumble of the phone. He allowed time to pass before he reopened the phone, after the woman and another 2 customers came and gone. Kirino had yet to follow up on his question, and did not appear to have anything to say.

He looked down the aisles once before drawing a conclusion: the best thing he can do is call her. Chang may not like this from his employee, but with respect Kyousuke needed to know. So long as no other persons walked into the store, he should be in the clear.

He pulled up her contact information and completed the call. He brought the phone to his ear, tuning in on the dial tone that proceeded. He counted the times the dial continued, only to meet the voicemail at the end. He immediately hung up before letting the beep reach.

"What is going on?" Kyousuke asked himself aloud. She would send a message, but not answer her phone? Was this new development so profound that she could not oblige him a response. Tempted to get an answer, he called a second time. Same result. Third call. Same result.

Kyousuke was ready to give up by the time he dialed the fourth time, ready to end the call when-

*CLICK*

"?!" The call went through. Kirino was on the other end, though she did not respond. Kyousuke waited for a moment, listening carefully but unable to make out the distant conversation masked as background noise.

"H-Hey, Kirino? Do you hear me?"

"..."

"Kirino? What's the deal? What do you want to talk about now?"

"...Oh, is that who I think it is?"

Kyousuke jumped in shock. The person who answered was male and far too familiar with a smart-ass tone to annoy anyone. Isshenji was on Kirino's phone.

"Isshenji?! What the hell are you doing on my sister's phone?"

"Hey- give that back! I didn't say you could answer my-"

"Oh relax toots! Just Mansaka on the dial! Thought I'd give him my respects since he ran off so quick yesterday!"

"ISSHENJI GET THE HELL OFF HER PHONE AND TELL ME WHERE YOU ARE!" Kyousuke raised his voice without prompt as his protective side stepped up. He didn't care if he would get in trouble now, not when the worst possible person was with his sister.

"Yeah, get off my phone because I already told you-"

*CLICK*

"HELLO? KIRINO?! ISSHENJI?! HELLO?"

The dreadful dial tone returned the response. Kyousuke's hand trembled more as an anger boiled up inside him. Something must be done. Either Kirino had done something terrible to even look up Isshenji, or Isshenji forced his way to her. Kyousuke looked side to side, determining what must be done. He cannot take off, this was his first day. Not even a few hours in, and his instincts tell him to run off towards wherever he could think to beat the shit out of Isshenji or die trying. He was just ready to jump over the counter when suddenly, the restricted door to his right opened.

"Alright kiddo, you break time. You do very good work so far-"

"Thank you Chang-san! I need to go now!" Kyousuke darted aside, passed the counter before sprinting to the door.

"Where you going so fast? Not good time-"

"I'm sorry, but I'm needed! Right now!" Kyousuke slammed into the glass door without waiting for the sensor to detect him, letting himself out due to the relative ease of the door's functionality. His fleeting feet forced him at great speed down the road and past several corners in a desperate means to find out this situation. He knew the best place to start was back home, with his parents who Kirino had to report to before leaving the house. He didn't care about the lack of breath and pain in his chest from the effort. He was going to make it.

"Kirino! Wait for me! Don't you dare do something foolish!"

A/N: So the story resumes. The previous chapter was a poor place to begin the hiatus given this chapter had little relevance and not what I wanted to write about after Waterpark. I find myself some time to write again, moved out to Florida from Texas after quitting one job for the next. Now I no longer deal with customer service (which is a relief), but I can no longer see the women that I love. Granted only need to wait 96 days til they move in with me at the new house. I only just recovered from a recent case of mental stress-out and severe dehydration so I'm going to try writing more with the spare time I have. Hopefully that means the next 4 promised chapters will follow short. I devote all following chapters to my beloved duo at our origins...

I don't recall who my beta reader was, so if you are still around or someone wants to step in, just give me a holler. Thank you for your time and patience with this struggling fellow.