Hey everyone, so like I said in the last chapter, this was going to be a relaxer chapter. This one, the gang will go over to Enoshima and relax for the day. Also Ben will find out aobut Nozomi's past, and also expect some more cute moments from Ben and Nyu :)

Also. MERRY CHRISTMAS! Stay tuned for the special Christmas Omake at the end :)

To a dog: Because of the Vectors, the only forms he would have to transform into is either Swampfire, Goop, Wildvine, or Ghostfreak. But I have been thinking of possibly introducing Ben's Diclinus form for this fight.

To the mysterious Mr. E: Thanks :)

To Guest: Haha, I know it's so Kawaii. but yea Ben and NYu will have more of their moments together as the story progresses, and it will continue after she matures more. Yea, that nightmare was to show how much he cares for his new friends. I am going to write some future chapters with him interacting more with them. And I agree with your suggestions on the themes of acceptance and bravery. He does care a bit for that Nyu did, but he can forgive her a bit because he knew it was mainly the DNA Voice's influence, and while he does not know aobut the institution yet, he will know aobut it from either Nana or Lucy. Stay tuned for that future chapter because we will go more into that.

To BvC: Ultimate Echo Echo.., yea it does. I will give it some thought because I am still thinking aobut how the fight will go. but that's a good suggestion.

Ben 10 belongs to Man of Action and Cartoon Network

Elfen Lied belongs to writer Lynn Okamoto and Weekly Young Jump and the anime was produced by Arms and licensed by Sentai Filmworks

Maple Inn

Nozomi had arrived at the Maple Inn, she was able to go with her friends to the beach today and Yuka was happy about it. Ben was currently in his room getting ready. Luckily he was able to buy himself some beachwear at some point and he was now wearing a black shirt with nothing underneath, blue swim trunks, and green sandals. He also picked up some sunscreen and some food as well.

"This is pretty nice, no problems, no worries, just us, the beach, and the amazing sun." He thought with a smile. He was excited because not only was he going to spend time with his new friends, but Nyu as going as well. Speaking of Nyu...Ben was thinking back to the kiss she gave him last night, and he could not get the image out of hsi mind, he was blushing like crazy and he had a hard time sleeping. "I just can't believe she kissed me on the cheek...out of nowhere." As he was thinking this, Yuka came into his room.

"Hey Ben, you almost ready?" She asked. She was wearing a black two-piece bathing suit with black flip-flops. She was also carrying a bag with her.

"Yep." He said as he got his stuff together, he took a glance at his green jacket before smiling at it. "I'll see you soon." He said to the jacket as he left with room to follow Yuka until he had a realization. "Did I just talk to my jacket?" He thought with wide-eyes. "I must be losing it." He thought as he chuckeld lightly.

He then went to join the rest at the door. Kouta was wearing a green button open shirt with nothing underneath and wearing a blue bathing suit with blue sandals. Mayu was wearing a pink short two-piece bathing suit with white flip-flops while also carrying Wanta. Nana was wearing the same thing as Mayu because Nana didn't have her clothes, Mayu allowed her to borrow some of hers. Nozomi was wearing a red bikini with red flip-flops, and Nyu was wearing a pink bikini with pink flip-flops. Ben thought they all looekd pretty, but Nyu looked gorgeous.

When Ben was looking at Nyu, he was blushing a bit, with Nyu looking at the Omnitrix wielder with a cute smile. He was completely lost in her gaze until Yuka snapped him back to reality.

"Ben!" Yuka said, Ben immediately shook his head and looked over at Yuka, with a red face. Mayu, Nyu, and Nozomi giggled a bit, prompting the boy to blush out of embarrassment. "What's wrong?"

"Oh..nothing." He said, still with his face red. "Nothing at all Yuka, so we ready?"

"Yep!" Yuka said with a smile. "C'mon everyone, let's go!" She said as they all made their way out of the house.

Train Ride

The group was now boarded and were heading off to Enoshima for a day of relaxation. they had to go on different trains though, but now there are finally on the train that will take them to Enoshima.

"This is nice." Ben thought to himself as he was looking towards his housemates. "Just going for a day of relaxation, it's great saving people but even a superhero needs their off time. Besides, there hasn't been a single crime since the robbery a few weeks back. guess people are getting scared of me." He thought while chuckling to himself. But he was rather curious about why there haven't been any other crimes lately.

Ben was thinking about it. Nyu, who was sitting next to him was looking at him and blushing a bit. Why did she kiss him last night? She just felt the need to kiss him, but the strange thing is...she liked it though. As she was contemplating her thoughts, she was getting a bit sleepy, guess all that riding and walking was a bit much for her. And she was putting her head on his shoulder, much to his surprise and embarrassment.

"Nyu?" Ben said as Nyu put her head on his shoulder. "Nyu, wake up, you can't sleep now." He said, but she just didn't listen and to make matter even more awkward, she wrapped her arm aorund his and held it tight, Ben would try to move it, but when he did, Nyu would moan and whine and keep a firm grip on his arm, so he relented and let her do it.

"I swear..." He thought as a blush was approaching on his face. "Still, that kiss was amazing, sure it wasn't on the lips..but its a start at least...I wonder...if we can maybe have some alone time, maybe she can-GAHHH BEN STOP IT!" He thought as he mentally slapped himself. "Can't think those kinds of thoughts...I mean I do like her..and I think she might like me to, maybe we can take things slow...hopefully if she doesn't try anything." He thought.

Yuka, who was sitting with Kouta and Nozomi was looking back at Ben and Nyu. "Hey, you know, Nyu has been showing Ben some attention." She told the two.

"Yea..seems like it." Kouta said as his fist was trembling a bit. Yuka saw this and raised an eyebrow.

"And what's wrong?" She asked him, prompting the boy to get nervous

"What? Nothing." He said looking away. Nozomi was looking at Kouta and was blushing somewhat.

Mayu was sitting with Nana and was excited to go to Enoshima. Nana, however, was a bit confused.

"So what is this Enosima?" Nana asked with curiosity.

"Enoshima is a tourist island. It has lots of attractions and stuff, I never been there before. But I'm so excited to go!" Mayu said with eagerness. Nana looked at the girl and was just confused. This girl had alot to learn.

Beach

After getting off of the train, the group all walked along the shoreline. The beach looked beautiful to the ones who had never been there before, Nana was taken away by the scenery and stuff like that.

"Wow...it's so big!" Nana said with wonder.

"I know!" Mayu said with equal wonder.

"Well," Yuka said. "What are we waiting for? Let's go place our stuff down and relax for a while," she said with a smile as they all began their walk. After getting to a nice little area. Yuka placed the towel on the beach and everyone put down their bags. "Who wants to go take a dip?"

Nyu raised her hand in glee as the others all nodded their head in agreement (except for Mayu) And they all started to go in the water for some fun. Nyu was happily splashing around and Kouta was also relaxing a bit, while yuka was looking at him while blushing. And Nozomi was swimming calmly and smiling to herself. Ben was also enjoying himself as he was lost in thought.

He still can't that image of Nyu out of his mind though, she just looks so...so...cute, and he was blushing up a storm a bit from thinking about her. To that adorable smile, to that lovely hair going down her back..just so damn cute...even cuter than Julie to be honest. But Ben made a mental note not to mention that around

Mayu was sitting on the sand with her knees up to her chest and looking out at them all.

"I wish I could join them...but I can't swim...plus, I'm so nervous too..." She thought with worry. Wanta went up tp he ran licked her hand, causing her to smile down at him warmly and pet him. "Thanks, Wanta..." she said with a small smile

Meanwhile, Yuka was watching as Kouta was just walking aorund in the water with a pleasant smile on hsi face, when he got a peek of his well-toned body she was blushing a bit as she turned away.

"Why...why can't I just tell him?" she thought with nervousness. "I mean...if he has trouble remembering that day at the festival...then why can't just tell him about how I truly feel?" She wondered. Ever since he told her about that night when the two were taking shelter. She had been wondering aobut it. What did happen to Kouta that has made him forget aobut that night? Could it have something to do with Kanae?

As Yuka was thinking aobut this. Kouta was looking over at Nyu, who was kicking her legs happily in he water, but some water splashed on Ben and Nozomi, who were both laughing a bit. "Why am I jealous of them? I mean Nyu is adorable, but if she likes Ben, then I shouldn't be like this. But I can't help it though." He thought as he rubbed his face. He then looked at Nyu again in curiosity. "But I swear...I could have sworn I have seen her somewhere before..." He said she was also in thought about that.

Nozomi was now sitting on the towel on the beach with her knees going up to her chest, she was looking at the others and was biting her bottom lip from nervousness. "I just wish I could tell them...but I'm afraid of what they'll say though.." she said.

Nozomi." The girl got out of her thoughts to see Ben standing right over her with a concerned look on his face. "Are you alright? You seem to be upset about something."

Oh..it's nothing Ben." She said with a faint blush on her face. Ben, however, didn't buy it and sat down next to her.

"You know...if you ever have a problem and want to talk to someone aobut it, I'm right there, we're friends you know?" He said. Nozomi looked at him, and then back down where her toes wiggled in the sand a bit. "Like I said," Ben said as he got up. "If you need someone to talk to, you can tell us." He said with a smile he went back into the water. Nozomi looked back at him and was in deep thought...could she tell them? She could...but what would they think though?

Ben was just walking aorund the water feeling pretty good, he hasn't gone swimming in FOREVER! And good thing is, there were not that many people here either. not that he didn't mind, but because that meant no fans to try to crown him. He liked being a superhero and liked helping people, but there were times where he just wanted to s time to himself. And now he got that wish, although he was with new people, he didn't mind. These people were nice, a bit quirky, but nice people who took him in. But he knew that at some point, he would possibly be back home in Bellwood and leave them all behind, but he didn't want to think about that right now. For now, he was just taking it easy.

Besides..he couldn't go home yet..not until he can find a way to get that voice out of Nyu's head...hopefully Paradox will come to him again at some point. Nyu...Ben was thinking about something...if he ever does go back...to Bellwood...could he possibly...bring Nyu with him? As he was thinking this, he got splashed in the face, causing him to get distracted, he turned to see Nyu looking at him and giggling a bit, seemed like he found the culprit

"Hey!" He said with a smirk. "You're going to get it now Nyu!" He said as he chased after her, prompting the girl to giggle and try to get away from him. Ben could not deny that he had feelings for Nyu, and he wanted to try to date her, but he also wanted to wait till she matures bit, but it might not be a problem any longer, since staying with them, she has started learning new words and stuff, and she started speaking in semi-fulls sentences. It would only be a matter of time now. But could he date her though? Even though she is like this? He wondered...

Kouta was watching them and was a bit jealous of the two. He couldn't explain it, but it just irked him whenever he saw Nyu giving Ben some close attention, of course, he was not mad at her, and he was not mad at Ben either, but it was just driving him a bit insane. But the weird thing is...he still thinks about that kiss he had with Yuka at the shrine a few weeks ago...he knew that he liked her a long time ago...but he just couldn't remember, but he did remember that he did like her. Now that he and her kissed...he enjoyed it, could it be that..he might like her too? But before he could go deeper into his thoughts he got interrupted by Yuka, who called for everyone to go back to the two for some lunch.

5 minutes later...

"That was so much fun!" Nana said with enthusiasm as everyone was eating their food. "I never did that before in all my life, it was really fun!" She said happily as she was chewing on some food.

"This girl's never been to the beach before?" Kouta thought with curiosity. Where did she come from? Actually...that's something he wants to know, she might be from wherever Nyu is from. but he won't press for questions...at least not now, today was just a day of realization, he couldn't help but look at Yuka in her black bikini and got a faint blush on his face.

"So...after this what are we going to do?" He asked. Yuka thought about it for a while.

"We should all go check out the different areas and sights!" she said with enthusiasm. Everyone seemed to agree (Nana just looked confused again)

"Good idea, but where should we go exactly?" Kouta asked as he had a mouthful of rice.

"Well, I was thinking that we could go and check out the shrines and the aquarium." She said with a smile. Everyone nodded to her ideas (sans Nana, who was still confused)

"I'm down for it." Ben said with a smile. "But shouldn't we change first though?" he asked.

"Oh that's right, there a restroom nearby, we can all change in there." She said. "Restroom for boys and restroom for girls." She said as he then narrowed her eyes at Kouta. "Akright Kouta?"

"What are you looking at me for?" He asked. Ben smiled and patted him on the shoulder.

"I'm pretty sure she is just teasing you, buddy, let's go." He said as he pulled Kouta up and they began to walk, with Yuka carrying the other bags and following them.

Ben and Kouta found a men's hut nearby and began to change into their normal attire. Kouta was still thinking aobut Nana's situation and wanted to know what Ben thought.

"Hey Ben, can I ask you something?" Kouta asked the foreigner. Ben turned to smile a bit.

"Sure, what is it?" He asked.

"Well...it's about that girl Nana, I am still a bit mad aobut her attacking Nyu...but form the way she reacted, she seemed to recognize her from somewhere. Do you think she might have a connection to Nyu?" He asked.

Ben was nervous, he knew about their feud due to the events at the graveyard. But he was not planing pon telling Kouta about that anytime soon, plus would he believe him? Possibly not.

"Maybe? I mean they do have horns." Ben said as he put a shirt on.

"Yea...but still though, why do you think she attacked Nyu?"

"I don't know, maybe Nana thought Nyu was someone else or something, but she apologized so it's all good though." Ben said while shrugging his shoulders.

Kouta still wasn't sure though, he was happy that Nana apologized, but he was still curious aobut her. "Well, I am pretty curious aobut her, and I do have some questions."

"Maybe we shouldn't push it though, she can tell us when she feels like it, we don't want her to feel uncomfortable now." Bens aid as he got on the rest of his clothes. He was wearing some blue jeans, his shoes, and a white shirt. "Anyway, let's go meet the girls, they might be waiting for us."

"Yea," Kouta said as she got the rest of his outfit on, he was wearing some shorts and a black shirt with shoes. "Besides, don't want Yuka to get worried...or pissed." He said as she and Ben both paled a bit at the thought of an angry Yuka.

Enoshima Shrine

Everyone was now in casual attire and walking towards The Enoshima Shrine. Ben couldn't help but blush when he aw Nyu wearing a pink dress with white flip-flops and a cute little hat to hid her hair.

"So cute...!" He thought while blushing a bit, Yuka saw this and was suspicious. Ben then saw Nozomi looking down a bit with a nervous expression, his blush vanished and turned into one of concern and curiosity. "I wonder...she is always nervous about something, maybe I should ask her what's up if we get a chance to talk together at some point."

After walking for a few minutes, they made it to the shrine. Ben was in awe at how beautiful it looked,d and he was not the only one. Nana was both awestruck by it.

"This shrine is dedicated to the worship of teh kami Benten, a group of Japanese Buddist spirits." Yuka explained with a smile on her face.

It looks so pretty." Mayu said with a smile on her face. "Right Ben? she asked her brother.

"Yea, I have never seen anything so beautiful like this." He explained. Funny, if he was still ten, he would possibly find it boring, but instead he found it pretty interesting. He looked over at Nozomi, who was still looking down and he got a bit concerned. "Nozomi..you alright?" Her asked.

"W-what? Oh..I'm fine..." She said turning away. Bens sighed and looekd at the others.

"Can you all give us a few minutes? I want to talk to Nozomi alone for a bit." He said to them. Nozomi was looking at him with pleading eyes, but it was not going to work.

"Well...I guess." Kouta said. Yuka looked over at him with a scorning look, but then Nozomi saw this and raised her hand.

"It's fine Yuka." She said twidling her fingers. Yuka looekd over at her, and then at Ben, who nodded his head. Yuka sighed and relented and led her team away from the shrine. Nyu looked back to Ben and wrapped her arm around his.

"Nyu, it's fine. I'll catch up with you guys." He said. Nyu was still not letting go and Yuka and Kouta had to walk over to get her off.

"Ben!" Nyu said with a look that was mixed with sadness and worry. Bn looked back at teh horned girl and smiled.

"Don't worry Nyu, I'll catch up. Don't worry." He said with a smile. that got Nyu to calm down a bit but still worried.

"C'mon Nyu," Kouta said. "We won't go too far, they'll catch up. After that, we will head on to the aquarium." He said. That made Nyu smile a bit and nodded her head, albeit reluctantly. She looked at Ben again and left with Kouta and Yuka.

"Nozomi," ben said. "I know you are quiet, and I respect that, but if you can..could you please explain why? If it's something horrible I will not tell anyone, I promise." He said.

Noomi looked at Ben for a while. Should she tell him? Would he make fun of her or something? She was really nervous, but after seeing the honesty in hsi eyes, maybe...just maybe...

"But like I said, if you don't then it's fine, let's go cat-"

"NO!" Nozomi suddenly yelled, causing Ben to go wide-eyed and look back at her by her reaction, Nozomi realized what she did and was now blushing out of embarrassment. "I-I'm sorry..." she said. "It's just...I want to tell you, but I am just afraid...that you might...I don't know..." she said.

"Nozomi, I promise I will not make fun of you for it." Ben said as he gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. Nozomi blushed a bit and sighed to relent.

"Ok...well, you know how I didn't want to sing to you all that night?" She asked, prompting the Omnitrix wielder to nod his head. "And you know how my family doesn't approve?" Ben nodded again. "Well...my dad...he strongly opposes it...he hats my dream so much that he...that he.." As she was trying to say them, tears were starting to spill from the corners of her eyes. Ben saw this and got worried.

"Nozomi? If you don't want to finish, I understand." He said with concern. bt he was secretly worried, whatever her dad is doing to her, it must not be pretty good.

"No..I'll explain." Nozomi said as she calmed down a bit and wiped away her tears. "My dad...he...hits me..." she said while choking a sob.

Ben heard this and was now fuming a bit. A father BEATING his OWN child? For SINGING? What the hell?! Ben was pissed, but he was not as pissed because it was way different from Mayu's situation. But this still didn't excuse it.

He...hits you?" He asked with some anger in his voice. Something which Nozomi noticed and became worried.

"Ben, please don't be angry!" Nozomi pleaded.

"But he hit you...just because you want to sing...it is not right for him to do that..." He said through gritted teeth. Nozomi was worried now, and Ben saw the fear on her face and his face became much softer. "I'm sorry, but he should not have done that just because of your dream..you should tell him what you want to do."

"But...I'm afraid though." She said through nervousness again.

Be sighed a bit. "Nozomi, you should never be afraid to stick up for yourself. This is your dream...to become a singer right?" Nozomi nodded her head. "Then you need to stick up for yourself. Tell him that you want to do what you want to do. And if he doesn't like it...bug deal." He said.

Nozomi was looking at Ben a bit and was thinking about his words. It was true, she wanted to stick up to her dad, but was so nervous due to her being beaten by him. "But...what if he hits me?" She asked nervously.

Ben narrowed hsi eyes. "Well...I'll come with you then." When he said this, Nozomi looked at him with wide-eyes. "When you go home again I'll come with you and be by your side, and if he tries anything. then I'll stop him." He said with determination.

Nozomi was wide-eyed again, and she also had some tears going down her face, not out of sadness, but for happiness. Ben wrapped his arms around Nozomi into a nice warm hug.

"You're my friend Nozomi, and I won't let anything happen to my friends." He said.

"Th-thank you Ben." Nozomi said with a smile on her face.

(Eyecatch featuring Nozomi smiling while thinking about the residents at Maple Inn)

(Eyecatch of Nyu looking at Ben while blushing and twidling her dress)

Enoshima Train Station

Everyone enjoyed the aquarium, Nana really enjoyed seeing all the fishes swimming aorund and everyone as smiling at seeing Nana's reactions. After leaving the aquarium. They all went back to teh station to board the train back to Kamakura.

"But do we have to go?" Nana asked with some disappointment.

"Unfortunately yes Nana, don't worry we will come back again at some point." Yuka said with a smile. As they were all waiting for the train. Kouta was still looking at Nyu, who was once again, wrapped aorund Ben's arm.

"While I am a bit jealous..I wonder what has gotten her so worked up aobut Ben lately." He thought. "I remember when she would not let him leave her sight while we were at the aquarium and stuff like that..." He was wondering why exactly Nyu was acting like this. He then looekd back to Nana. "Hopefully tomorrow, when we are doing some work aorund the house, she can tell us a bit about herself...plus we have to go out and get her some clothes as well."

Finally, after what seemed like a long time, the train had finally arrived and the gang was going back to Kamakura. As they were riding by, they noticed the sun going down.

"Once we get home, I'll start making dinner. Nozomi, do you want to come over for dinner again?" Yuka asked the girl.

"No, I'm fine. I'll just head home." Nozomi said, she then glanced over at Ben, who was blushing due to NYu putting her head don his shoulder and smiled. "Thank you, Ben..." She thought.

Speaking of...Ben was sitting with Nyu, and her head was on his shoulder and her arms wrapping around his. She was like that all day, ever since he and Nozomi caught up with them. Ben was chuckling to himself though, guess Nyu was like "Now you are not leaving my sight for the rest of the day." This thought prompted Ben to chuckle a bit.

"From how she is acting, I do believe that she might be liking me back, but she still makes faces at Kouta though..." He thought, as he moved a bit, Nyu's grip on his arm was tight and didn't let go.

Mayu looked at them and had a small smile on her face. "Nyu seems to like Ben alot...I feel so happy for my big brother." Se thought with a giggle as Nana was looking about the window. Mayu turned back to face Nana. "So Nana, how did you like it?"

"It was really amazing!" Nana said with a big smile. "So many areas, the beach, that shrine. Everything was pure bliss." She said with a nice warm smile. "I never thought I would be able to see any of this...it feels really great." She said. "Papa...I wish you were there with the rest of us." She thought sadly.

Maple Inn

By the time everyone got back to Maple Inn, it was already dark out. Nozomi said goodbye to everyone and headed back home. Now the residents were now inside the house and putting their stuff away. Ben was now wearing a tank top and shorts. Since they had a bite to eat at a restaurant, he was not hungry and just sat on his futon and thought about the events of the day. The beach was fun, he also enjoyed the shrines and the aquarium.

But he was also focused on the fact that Nyu was all over him today, and that she had her arms tugged aorund his for a majority of the day. People were making faces and he even heard some guys mutter something aobut him being a lucky bastard. Ben didn't care though, he liked Nyu, and although he doesn't want to admit it yet, he really wants to be with her..but the question is, does she though?

Sure she kissed home before, but he also saw her make some glances over at Kouta as well, so Ben decided that it was up to her and her alone to see who she wanted to be with. But Ben was hoping that it would be him, and if Nyu didn't want him, then he would be fine and not let it bother him. At this moment his stomach started to growl.

"Huh, guess that dinner was too short for me." He said in amusement. "Good thing I bought myself some candies." He said as he walked over to his closet and got out a small bag of chocolate. "Chocolate, come to papa." He said as he got out a pice, as he was aobut to eat it, he heard the door open again. And who was it?

"Nyu!" Yep, Nyu was there earing a shirt and shorts. Ben saw her and smiled.

"Oh hey Nyu, what's up?" He asked. Nyu smiled back and walked over to sit with him, she saw the chocolates and pointed at the bag. "You want one?" She nodded her head with a smile and Ben gave it to her. When Nyu bit into the chocolate, she smiled widely and mewled at its taste. "I'm glad you like it." He said. Nyu giggled and reached into the bag and got out a piece of chocolate to give to Ben, who smiled and took it back and chewed.

"So..I had really fun today, didn't you?" He asked. Nyu nodded her head in agreement with a smile on her face. "I'm glad." He said with a smile, he then noticed some chocolate ner her lips and chuckeld a bit. "You got some chocolate near your lip." He said, he got up to go to his desk and grab a tissue. "Hang on NYu, I'll be ri-YIP!" He then suddenly tripped over a wire and fell right on top of Nyu...and their lips were touching again.

"I'm so sorry!" He said with worry as he got off of her and stood up. "Dang, just like what happened a few weeks ago." He thought with worry as both he and Nyu were blushing again. He then got more nervous when Nyu was getting up and leaning towards him. Was she going to kiss him again? Was she going to hit him? Was she going to do? WHAT WAS SHE GOING TO DO!?

"Ben..." Nyu said with a blush on her face as she did something Ben did not expect. She leaned in and kissed him fully on the lips. Ben's eyes went wide with shock. Sure he wanted to do with to Nyu for a while, but now..of all times...this was just a shocker. Ben then closed his eyes and kissed her back, it lasted only a few minutes though.

After a few minutes, they broke the kiss up to stare at each other in the eyes. Both of them were blushing like crazy. Nyu even more because her face was as red as a cherry. Ben was lost in her beautiful gaze.

"Wow...that was amazing." He said without a care in the world. After hearing what the just said, his face turned as red as a cherry and Nyu giggled a bit. "I'm sorry Nyu, do you forgive me for falling on you?" He asked. "Also...do you forgive me for kissing you?" He asked while twidling his fingers nervously.

Nyu smiled and nodded her head, but as Ben sighed in relief. Nyu kissed him on the cheek again and blushed again. After a few minutes of awkward silence, Nyu then ran out of the room, her face all flustered. Ben saw her run and think one thing to himself.

"Best day of my life." He then got in hsi futon and fell asleep, dreaming pleasant dreams

Nyu meanwhile ran to her room and got in her futon. What was going on? Why does NYu feel these feelings? Nyu can't help but find Ben so sweet and handsome too. Could...Nyu be..falling in love with Ben? but what about Kouta? Oh..this is all hurting poor Nyu's head.

"Nyu like Ben." She said. "But Nyu..also like Kouta..." Nyu was thinking in her head...oh this was hard. Who should she pick? she could not deny that she liked both boys, but it was so hard as to who to pick. Nyu then felt really sleepy. "Sleepy..." She said with a tired voice as she laid down in her futon and dozed off with a smile.

Christmas Omake

Maple Inn

Ben was helping Yuka put up the Christmas decorations around Maple Inn. Funny, this is the first Christmas he is spending without his family. He was sad aobut it, but he knew that they would be alright without him, but he couldn't help but feel sad aobut it. He saw Nyu nearby looking into some gauze curiously and wrapping it aorund herself. Causing Ben to giggle.

"Hey Yuka, look." He said as Yuka turned to what he was looking at, "Nyu looks like a Mummy." He said.

This prompted Yuka to giggle as well. "A Christmas Mummy." She said with a smile. He then turned to Ben with a curious look. "Hey Ben, how are you feeling? This being your first Christmas without your family?" She asked.

"Well, it is a bit sad, but I will try to get used to it. Besides, it ain't a total loss. You guys are here, so it's better." He said with a grin.

"Well, we are happy that you are here as well Ben." Yuka said with a smile. At that point Mayu came in, wearing a white T-shirt and black shorts.

"I made some cookies for everyone!" She said with a small smile. "I just hope they are good." She said. Nyu happily ran out of the room for her treat as Yuka and Ben giggled. Ben walked up and put his hand on Mayu's shoulder.

"I bet they'll taste great sis." He said with a reassuring smile. Mayu looked up at Ben and smiled as she blushed.

"Thank's Ben." She said as they all walked to the dining room. Nyu was wearing a lovely green dress with red knee socks. Nana was wearing a red dress with pink-knee socks, and Nozomi was wearing a red dress with blue knee-socks. Kouta was wearing a green shirt and blue shorts.

Oh, that's right...Yuka was wearing a pink dress with red knee-socks, and Ben as wearing a black T-shirt with green shorts. Everyone gathered aorund to see a yummy looking dinner that consisted of turkey, rice, and fish. Everyone had all sat together.

"Itadakimasu!" Everyone all said as they began to dig in. Ben was enjoying the savory flavor of the turkey as it was mixed into the rice, all the flavors of food together..it was heaven. Oh, but still, what Ben would do for some chilly fries and a smoothie, he looked around to see everyone else enjoying the meal. Nyu especially, since she was getting food all over her face again, causing him to giggle.

"Nyu, you need to control yourself a bit." Ben said as he grabebd a napkin and gave it to Nyu, who began to wipe her face off. Nana watched and looekd down. Although time has passed, she was still not used to seeing Lucy like this...it felt weird, but at the same time...kinda nice, because they were not fighting or anything...Nana was secretly hoping that it would stay like that.

"I need to go get something from the kitchen. Be right back." Ben said as he got up from the table and walked to teh kitchen, unaware that a certain pink-haired girl was following him.

In the kitchen, Ben was in the fridge looking for a beverage, he got out some soda and began to drink some. "Ahh, refreshing." He said with a grin on his face. As he put the can down in the recycle bin, he was met by Nyu, who was standing by he door. "Oh, hey Nyu. Are you ok?" He asked, prompting the horned girl to nod her head in agreement.

"Ben, dinner!" She said pointing to the door. She walked over and grabbed his arm. "Ben come back for dinner!" She said with a smile. Ben sighed and smirked at her, this girl was something else. But before he can do something, Nyu looked up and saw something with interest, causing Ben to get confused.

"what is sit Nyu?" He asked, he then looked up to see what she was looking at, and when he did...his face went red with embarrassment. It was Mistletoe...and we all know what happens when people are under Mistletoe ;)

"Oh jeez...Mistletoe." Ben thought with dread. He was a bit nervous...because that meant he had to kiss Nyu...and the other residents were in the next room. Nyu was looking at Ben with worry.

"Ben sad?" She asked with concern. Ben immediately waved his hands to tell her that he was fine.

"I'm good Nyu..it's just...well...that." "He said pointing up to the Mistletoe, Nyu looked up.

"What that?" she asked.

"Well...it's called...Mistletoe." He said as his face was turning red.

Nyu, however, looked at him with confusion. Ben sighed and began to explain that whenever two people are underneath the plant they...well they have to...oh god, why does a conversation like this need to be so awkward?

"They...kiss underneath it, it's a Christmas tradition..." He said. While he was blushing a serious thought came to his mind, she must not have heard of Christmas during her time in that horrible place...or maybe she did and no one treated her with kindness.

"Kiss?" Nyu said with interest. This prompted Ben to snap out of his thought and blush red again and nod his head, but Nyu was then NOW the one who was blushing. "Ben kiss...Nyu?" She asked with a red face as she twidled her fingers a bit.

"Well," Ben stammered. "Only...if you...w-want to." He said nervously. Nyu nodded her head yes with a small smile and a red face and the two leaned in close, and when their lips touched, they got lost in their own world, Nyu grabbed Ben's shoulders and Ben cupped her face, after a few minutes they broke the kiss and looked into eachother.

"Wow Nyu, that was amazing." He said with a smile.

NYu smiled back at him with her face still red. "Nyu..kiss Ben again?" She asked twidling her fingers. Ben looked at the entrance to see no one looking.

"Sure," He said with a smile and he brought Nyu in for another kiss, the two lost in their embrace, Ben grabbed her waist and Nyu wrapped her arms around his neck. they could have said like this for a few more minutes...but unfortunatly...

"Well, well, well." Ben and Nyu broke their kiss up to see the other residents looking at them. Mayu and Nozomi had their hands over their mouths while blushing, Nana looked a bit confused, and Kout and Yuka looked a bit peeved. "A love affair isn't this terrific." She said with a sweet smile, a smile that made Ben a bit nervous.

"It was Mistletoe!" Ben said suddenly as he ran out of the kitchen, fearing the older girls fury. Nyu was watching with confusion, but could not help but giggle as she blushed.

Mayu was also giggling and blushing. "You never cease to make me smile or make me happy Big Brother." She thougth with happiness.

So that was pretty much it, I am sorry if some of you do not like this won,e it was kind of hard to write, but yea Ben had his moment with Nozomi today, he is going to have more moments with the rest of Mapel Inn residents as the story progress. Next time we will be introduced to a Dicloinus that was able to beat Lucy herself...Number 36.

Also about the kiss scene. This is Nyu. Not Lucy, Lucy will have her own moment with Ben at some point, possibly when the fight with Mariko is happening. But I do hope you all liked it, this shows that Nyu is starting to like Ben more, even more than Kouta, but she will still think aobut Kouta because of Lucy.

I hope you all enjoyed that cute little Christmas Omake. This was decided last minute because I felt like doing something special for this day, it might not be much, but I still hope you all enjoyed :)

Also please do not forget to read and review, I am always happy to hear from you guys and happy to answer any questions you might have.

See you all next time. Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! :D