Touko had extended her hand in the most awkward way possible. After all what is one supposed to do in this sort of situation. It's not that she'd never thought of the possibility of them meeting again, it's just she never imagined it this way. Had he known about her? Of course not, things would have been differently if he did, for starters their confrontation at school wouldn't have taken place.

The hug is nice, it had caught her of guard but slowly she relaxes against him, he smells like cedar wood and feels warm. Her family isn't a very forward person when it came to displays of affection, she could probably count the times her mother had held her tightly in her arms with her fingers and yes her brother and father did hug her hello and goodbye when they visited in her old homes but she knows it's not the same. It felt different. N doesn't feel stiff or awkward, he wasn't being shy about showing her how much he'd missed her. His arms wrapped around her back careful to stay above her waist, the hug of two lost friends reuniting again. Touko didn't consider herself an unloved child, but recent events had made doubt sprout in her mind so receiving a blatant show of affection as this on her vulnerable state was working wonders for her heart. She felt loved and wanted and for this reason let herself feel relief for finding her old friend. She hugged back the best way she could with her hands against his chest slowly wrapping them behind his neck.

They stayed that way for a long time neither of them speaking, just basking in the moment, their own little bubble. Both of them knew the moment they stepped back to break their embrace there would be repercussions to face, there would be things to talk about, unpleasant things. But for now, they stayed that way.

It was Touko's phone chiming what forced them back to reality. She steps back blinking away tears that had started to form in her eyes, N hesitates before letting go of her so she can check her phone.

"They're looking for me" Touko mumbles reading Cheren's urgent messages asking of her where abouts.

I decided to head back to the apartment

She writes him back before switching her phone to silent mode. She hates that if it wasn't for N she would've gotten Cheren in trouble for letting her storm off unaccompanied into the city. Her luck was both a blessing and a curse.

"Can't you stay for a while longer?" N protests "I think we should talk about this" Touko knows they should too but she doesn't want to get Cheren in an compromising position, after cooling her head she realized she couldn't really blame him for what was said.

"We can meet up in school" she proposes "With the dog, at the rooftop" a small smile adorns his features "Alright"

They walk together outside the building; N lends her a jacket to cover her blood-stained shirt "Can I take you home?"

"I don't think that's a good idea" he knows that too and he nods with a sheepish smile, Touko finds it adorable "But you can walk with me until we're close"

Touko makes sure to pull N's hoodie up and keep her face low "I know we agreed to talk in school" N starts, she wasn't expecting them to be silent the whole time so she urges him on "But I just wanted to say I'm sorry for disappearing like that"

"To be honest I thought I was the one who'd abandoned you"

N turns to her "What do you mean?"

"Well, I thought you were missing school because you were sick and in those days I was relocated to a different town" she explains "I thought that it would break your heart to find me gone without us saying goodbye"

N shakes his head in disbelief "It wasn't your fault"

"Well, I don't think you leaving was your fault either" she bumps into him playfully "We were just caught in the middle"

N appears to be lost in thought "Yeah.."

She wonders now that they're adults if that phrase still applies to them. She wonders if it really matters at all.

"I should probably tell you that Gropius isn't my real name" N tries changing the subject "Don't worry, Hilda isn't my real name either"

"I figured, Touko fits you better" she sighs, both her brother and her were named after her father's father, the previous white Dragon head. It made sense for Touya but when it was her turn her mother had insisted it. "Thanks, I'd like to return the compliment but I've never met another N before"

"Well, N is… a nickname" he seems to want to say more but decides against it. Touko decides to not pry.

When she starts recognizing her surroundings she tells N they should part ways, the young man doesn't look thrilled but he nods and promises to meet her at the school's rooftop during her lunch time. Touko finds herself looking forward to it.

By the time she arrives to the apartment building she's all but forgotten about Cheren's problem. She calls on the elevator already feeling the sleepless night taking a toll on her energy. On the way upstairs she takes her phone out and calls her friend without reading any of his responses to her message. He answers at the first ring

"I was about to call you, are you home yet?"

"Yeah, in the elevator, I think I'm gonna head to bed as soon as I arrive"

"That's a good idea"

They stay in silence for a moment, Touko isn't sure if she's supposed to say something until Cheren speaks again

"I'm sorry for what I said about Touya, I shouldn't have projected my fears on you"

Touko sighs "It's ok, I freaked out because a part of me knows you're right, I have this idea of what kind of person my brother is and I don't like to think I could be wrong'" it sounds like Cheren wants to say something else but she stops him "I'll see you home later" and with that she hangs up.

The elevator doors open and she steps out towards the apartment and the awaiting bed in her room. Her fight with Cheren resonated in her mind, she thought about N and how tender and sweet he'd turned when he realized she was Hilda in contrast to their first meeting as Touko and N. It wouldn't be farfetched to think Touya was any different, except he had to be, Touya was her brother, he had to be different. And if he wasn't? Would that mean she would stop loving him? She knows the answer is no, she could never condone his actions but Touya was the only family member who seemed to genuinely care about her. But if that were the case then wouldn't it be hypocritical of her to hold Kotone and Cheren at a distance? She feels like she's looking through a one-way mirror at them, she's been seeing them and making her own assumptions, interpreting their actions and decisions without any previous knowledge. Her father had been right, she knew next to nothing of how things worked, but she could change that. She will change that.

N stays in the street as she watches her get lost in Castelia's crowded streets, when he can't distinguish her anymore he finally makes his way back to the studio, he'd left his bike there in an attempt to get more alone time with Touko and it had been worth it. Now to the next issue. Red.

He knew it would come to this if she turned out to be Hilda, but it didn't make things any easier. He'd gotten word of Red's purpose after doing some minor digging on his own. His father made it a point to keep him out of the loop but he never stopped him from digging around. As long as Red was chained up in that basement Cynthia would follow his father's orders like an obedient puppy and that could be dangerous. For all he knew Cynthia could have already made her first move, maybe that's how Touko had gotten in the mess he found her in.

N isn't sure of many things; he has always interpreted his position in his father's organization as one where it's not necessary to think for himself. But Touko makes him confront things, even if it's only for her sake, she makes him think. When he gets to his studio's building he heads straight to the parking lot to get his motorcycle and drives straight to Harmony headquarters. Zooming through the city, the helmets visor blocking the risen sun and wind from his eyes. Harmony HQ is not an old mansion like the White Dragon, it's not a torn down building either, those things wouldn't work for the kind of business his father ran.

N stops in front of a twenty-storey building with the name BATTLE on display right above two giant revolving doors. He hangs his helmet on the motorcycle's handle and strolls inside the building, the cold air conditioner mixes with the smell of metal and cleaning supplies. The place has to be always kept as clean as possible.

BATTLE is a pharmaceutical company that specializes in supplements for sports, they have multiple successful contracts with athletes all over Unova and people love their healthy snacks but N isn't here for that.

As he makes his way towards one of the executive elevators none of the guards or receptionists try to stop him. As far as anyone knows Ghetsis is a handsome benefactor for the company and its nothing new to see his son running errands for him. He gets inside the empty metal box and waits for the doors to close before sliding the panel of buttons upwards to reveal an extra one at the end. He presses the small black button and feels the elevator go down in a fast pace. At some point the lights start to flicker on and off and as soon as the elevator stops they go out completely. Slowly the come on again only dimmer, the elevators door open and on the other side he finds two men waiting for him.

"Master N" they both say in unison as greeting "We weren't informed you would be coming" N motions his hand down and they visibly relax. He passes them following the white tiled hallway to his destination "I was nearby and bored, thought I'd let you guys take a break" he gives them the simple excuse "I'll wait for the next shift, you guys can go home and get some rest" he turns to give them an easy smile, the two grunts seem relieved "Thanks N, you're great" one of them says as they follow him to the camera room where they had been stationed before N arrived.

There are two more guards there, by the looks of it the four of them had been playing cards before he arrived. This room does have more light than the hallway, there are backpacks and jackets set aside in the corner and his two companions head immediately to retrieve their stuff "Hey guys N's letting us go early today" they inform their other two partners, they both turn to him asking for confirmation and he gives it in the form of a nod. The grunts give a small whoop in celebration and start getting ready to leave. N on the other hand walks towards the multiple screens displayed on the wall, they depict many of the rooms in the underground facility along with the elevators. The labs here were where Ghetsis develops his work, during the night time these rooms would be filled with people, the hallways filled with moving carts carrying samples for testing or final products for distribution but right now, the only room occupied is one of the holding cells where Red sits.

N waits for the men to leave and then a while longer before leaving the camera room and heading to the cell block. When he gets there, he slides the eye hole open in Red's cell to take a look at the man. There he was, sitting on the floor crossed leg in the middle of the room, hands cuffed to his back and a chain keeping his legs secured to the floor. His eyes are covered by a white cloth and his messy black hair falls over it. His red and white jacket is tossed aside on the room, covered in blood, his blood.

He sighs, if he wants Touko to be safe he has to get this guy out of here. At the sound of the eye hole opening Red's attention shifts to the door and his frown turns into a smirk "Well well well, if it isn't pretty boy Harmonia paying a visit to this old man" his voice is deep and sends chill down N's spine, he doesn't want to know how Red can tell it's him "Came for some one-on-one fun? Don't worry, I can go easy on you. Wouldn't want to get your dad angry" he chuckles.

"I came to talk" he says from outside of the cell.

"Hmm, that so..." The stupid smirk never leaves Red's face.

"I want to make a deal with you" N keeps on

Red raises an eyebrow in confusion "Alright, I'll bite"

"I'll help you get out of here" he says confidently and Red doesn't bother holding his laughter

"Ironic, but carry on"

"I'm not doing it for free" he grumbles

"Sorry if I offended you it's just I was under the impression that I'm already part of a deal, you give me away in exchange for Jacob's daughter"

"This is a different deal" N lowers his voice

"Hmm, I take it your father doesn't know you're here"

"No" he sees no reason to lie to Red

"Well then Harmony boy, what's the deal?"

"I'm going to help you, but once you're out of here I need you to keep an eye on someone for me"

Red chuckles

"Oh wow, too busy to do it yourself?"

"I have my reasons"

The man scoffs "Listen kid, the truth is I don't need your help getting out of here" Red speaks with confidence, the kind one gets after years of experience in the business "I'm not saying that it wouldn't be appreciated I really wouldn't want to have my lady worrying over me longer than necessary but I don't think owing you a favor is worth an early escape" N grimaces, despite everything holding Red back a part of him feels threatened by the older man this is the kind of presence a Yakuza leader possesses "So why don't you do your own work? Think you're busier than me? Unlike you I'm the leader of my own organization, not just some errand dog" N was fed up with him

"It's not that I don't want to, I can't protect her" he explains "I shouldn't even be asking you to do it"

From where he's standing he can see Red's face soften "Her?" followed by a knowing smile "Never pinned you for a romantic N, never pinned you as someone with basic human emotion really" Red gives an exaggerated sigh as if reconsidering the whole situation before finally caving "Alright, who's the lady?"

N had human emotions, he wasn't a killing machine, an errand dog like Red had called him; he just rather preferred to ignore his feelings. Growing up he had revisited what he felt for Touko back then, he knows he cared deeply for her. But speaking of it would make it more real. Did he love Touko? His childish heart screamed that he does, or at the very least did have some sort of crush on her back when they were kids even if he never realized it; but his rational side reminds him that this is not back then, and she, just like him, has grown and changed through the years. He decides that the answer is no, he cares for her and he definitely wants to get to know her again but he can't be certain what he feels should be love.

And now, confronted with what he is really asking of Red. If he doesn't love her then why is he willing to betray his father, side with the enemy, just for her?

"It's not just for her" he can hear Concordia's voice in the back of his mind

"She's your excuse, but you are the reason" Anthea chimes in.

"I need you to protect Touko White for me. At all costs"

Touko slept a dreamless sleep for what was left of the morning. Around what she assumes is midday she wakes up to Cheren knocking on her door. She shakes the remainder of sleep off from her before speaking a half greeting and permission for him to come in. He does so slowly, whether its due to his own lack of sleep or him still being cautious around her from their fight she doesn't know.

"How are you?" he asks standing in front of her bed where she's now is sitting upright. Touko shrugs "Fine I guess" she doesn't think she's lying; she is as good as she could be all things considered "What about you?" she asks thinking of his panic attack back in HQ. Cheren sighs "Better" his answer comes out as more of a question but she doesn't push him "Did you just get back?" she asks when she realizes the sun shining through her window looks more like a sunset than midday "Kinda, I tried calling you when I arrived but you were still asleep so I took a shower" Touko notices now his wet hair and the light smell of his mint body wash "Touya called saying Cynthia wants to meet you" Cheren continues "That's how I realized you never got to the hospital" he explains "I told him you were back in school already so he's coming to pick you up in a couple of hours to visit Three Gems"

Touko nods, she wonders what does Cynthia want with her, the idea of a trap crosses her mind but if Touya is going with her then things should be fine "Thank you" Cheren raises an eyebrow in confusion "For covering for me" the boy nods. She's half expecting him to ruin the moment by saying she owed him but instead he says "Your welcome" before heading outside to his own room to sleep.

True to his word Touya arrived exactly two hours later to pick her up, by then she had successfully taken a shower and eaten something of substance. Sitting on Touya's black car passenger seat on their way to the Three Gems HQ Touko busies herself looking through the tainted window to the cities evening life, there was a certain enchantment to seeing the normalcy in other people's life. "Dad's not angry at you. You know that right?" she turns back to her brother driving, he doesn't take his eyes from the road "He cares about you" he continues stopping at a red light "despite your actions he is very worried" Despite my actions? Yes she had agreed to give Cheren and the rest a chance but her father is a different issue. Touko doesn't think it's a good idea to fight with her brother, especially if they're going to meet with Cynthia, it wouldn't be good for the situation "I'd rather not talk about him right now" Touya gives her a concerned look "He feels sorry for what he said" he offers as they start moving again "He's a work in progress, but I think you being here will help him. There's a lot that needs to change in how we run things, and I think it's great that you're here to push him further. Take this thing with Cynthia for example, this is your doing, you've been her for less than a month and already making a difference" Touko smiles to herself, it feels nice to be praised "There's that smile we all know and love" Touya teases poking at her ribs. She had missed this, this is her brother, she can't fathom what caused Cheren to be scared by him, she's starting to think it was a misunderstanding on both parts.

Finally, they park in front of a small pawn shop. The sky is completely dark when they step out the car, the street is mildly busy, nothing sketchy like the places she's seen before. "C'mon Tou" her brother urges her as he holds the door to the shop open for her. The place has that mouldily smell one gets when entering an old place. It's filled with the strangest things you could imagine, from and old radio to a mousses eyeless head. There are a few old chandeliers for light, they seem out of place hanging from a low roof and they all look like they might fall apart with the slightest touch. The floor creeks as they make their way to the front desk were an old lady is smiling at nothing in particular "'night kids" she says in the softest friendly voice "Anything I can help you with?" she turns to Touya "Yes, we're here to sell some things our late aunt left us" the look on the old lady doesn't change but there's a small glint in her eyes that says there's meaning to what Touya is saying "What kind of things might those be?" "A diamond, a pearl and a platinum necklace" the old lady smiles and rounds the counter heading to the front door. She turns the sign so it says closed from the outside "I see" she says heading back behind the counter before pulling a lever hidden beside her.

The bookshelf behind the counter starts shaking and slides to the right revealing a secret passageway "Miss Cynthia is waiting for you" the old lady says. Touya nods politely and they both enter the through the newly revealed door. Instantly the bookshelf returns to its original place blocking the way out. It's dark for a second before the lights on the ceiling turn on showing the way. "How did you know what to say?" she asks him "A heir has to be informed doesn't he?" He smirks with a wink before walking ahead Touko gives him a friendly punch in his arm "being mysterious doesn't suit you" Touya only laughs "Cynthia gave me the passcode, I thought it would be obvious" now that he mentions it of course it sounds obvious,

The passage is a short walk that ends in an open warehouse, Touko tries to think whether she saw a big building behind the pawn show, it seemed they were connected through the tunnel in the bookshelf. There were boxes of all sizes filing the place, with labels of every kind, food, electronics, even furniture. But Touko isn't so sure the contents matched the package, further away she could distinguish some old ship crates.

"Welcome" a voice snaps Touko out of her mindless exploration and makes her eyes settle on the woman making her way towards them. The ware house is kept in the dark, all the windows are covered with newspapers and there doesn't seem to be any natural light coming in from anywhere so it's hard to distinguish the woman until she stops directly under one of the ceiling lamps "I am Cynthia Celeste" she says.

Cynthia is quiet attractive, long blond hair going down to her hip and pale skin make a striking contrast with her all-black attire. Cynthia stretches her hand towards Touko "It's a pleasure to meet you Touko. I'm not sure whether I should be thanking or apologizing to you first" Touko takes her hand unsure of what to answer to that. The woman had sent her men to kill her less than 24 hours ago and in exchange she was helping them. Somehow saying oh, it's nothing really doesn't feel like a good fit. She tries catching her brother's eye for some guidance but Cynthia doesn't miss anything "Didn't take you as someone with stage fright" she retracts her hand and places it on her hip "Let's talk in my office alright?" she speaks directly at Touko and signals for them to follow her.

They walk towards one of the truck crates and Cynthia opens it revealing a small office inside, they walk inside and she closes it behind them. It's a nice office, even tho it's in a truck crate, there are cables lining the ceiling and connecting light bulbs and light switches, it's not an orderly office like her fathers, this one has parts and pieces of machines scattered on the floor. "Sorry for the mess, someone forgot to clean after himself" she says kicking things out of her way to get to her desk. She motions to the chairs in front of her table for them to join her.

"I'm glad we could finally meet Touko, I must admit after all that's happened you peaked my curiosity" Touko smiles sheepishly "The pleasure's all mine" the blond woman nods and looks at Touko from top to bottom "You really do look like Jacob" she muses and Touko is not sure whether to take it as a compliment "Although… I think physical appearance is where the resemble stops" Cynthia's smile turns quickly into a frown and Touko's brows furrow "excuse me?" Cynthia leans back in her chair and places one of her legs over the other before speaking "There's a reason why I didn't ask Jacob for his help from the start. I'm not trying to be ungrateful" she throws a cautious look at Touya before returning to address her "I just want to give you some advice, from woman to woman. Don't be reckless, not in Yakuza business. My men told me what happened at your apartment. You spared their lives and for that I'm thank full but it's not something I would recommend" Touko purses her lips, she wasn't expecting this kind of confrontation "Thank you for the advice but with all due respect ma'am, I don't think I've done anything wrong" she motions around them forcing a polite smile to appear in her features. Cynthia smirks "Alright then, What's the catch?"

Touya clears his throat forcing Cynthia to direct her attention at him "There's no catch" he says "Touko is just that kind of person" Cynthia hums and addresses her again, it doesn't look like she's convinced

"I know that's what you told me earlier today but I'd like to listen to Touko herself. Are you sure?"

Touko nods "I just want to help you and Red"

At the mention of Red's name Cynthia's smile seems to falter "Red" the name falls from her mouth like raindrops, sad and longing. She clears her throat and in a second she's back to her yakuza-leader self "Fine, I am not about to turn down any help offer with or without catch"

The next few minutes is strategy talk, Touko does her best to keep up with the other two, now and then Cynthia makes a point to include her in the conversation and ask her opinion; even if she doesn't feel like what she says contributes to the discussion she can understand the way Cynthia is looking out for her. From one female Yakuza to another, Touko makes a point to note these things.

The three of them are interrupted suddenly when the made-up office opens and a skinny boy with blond hair pops in "I found him!" He yells and runs towards the Yakuza leader not paying the least attention to the White siblings "Wonderful news Barry" she says with a soft smile at the boy who stops next to her and places a machine he was carrying in front of her on the desk "I hadn't been able to get a good read on the tracker even after my modifications but a few hours ago I got a signal right here" He points to a red dot blinking on the machine's screen "I'm not sure what changed but that's Red" Cynthia runs her fingers through the screen causing the map to shown to move around, it's only then that the boy finally takes notice of his audience "Oh, didn't notice you had company" she lifts her eyes from the screen to them again, her eyes lingering slightly on Touya before making introductions "Barry, these are Touko and Touya White" Barry's face fills with recognition and he rounds the desk to stretch his hand towards them "Nice to meet you, Cynthia told me you guys offered us help" Touya takes his hand and gives it a firm shake "Actually it was all my sister's idea" Barry turns to her and shakes her hand with earnest

"Well thank you very much, Cynthia has been really stressed about the whole situation"

"Oh, it's ok really"

Barry leans in towards her and whispers into her ear "She won't admit it to the rest of us, thinks she has to be strong for us" Touko nods and gives Touya a sideway glance. He's looking curiously at the machine alongside Cynthia "I know how you feel" she mumbles "What is that machine?" Touya asks Barry and the boy seems ecstatic to explain "It's a tracker, well actually Red has the tracker, that thing just shows where the tracker is" Touya nods "Yeah I figured but how does it receive the information?" Barry's eyes sparkle "Oh kinda like how tv works, I sortof hacked Passerby Analytics satellite and use it to bounce signal to and from my devices" he explains. Touko had never seen Touya look this impressed with something "So you built this?" Barry nods again with the brightest smile "Yeah, it's a hobby of sorts, I've always had a way with machines. Cynthia doesn't like to use my stuff for business but family is an exception"

"I think that's enough talk for now" Cynthia cuts in abruptly "I'm interested on what changed for the signal to appear" Barry nods getting back on business mode "He was probably moved to a different location, the previous one must have been some place underground"

"It could also be a trap" Touya notes "If the Harmony's know of this tracker and realize we've joined forces they could be using it against us"

"That's impossible" Cinthia says sure of herself "You see, the only people who know of that tracker are in this room"

Touko didn't think her brother's curiosity could be peaked even more "What do you mean?"

"Red doesn't know of it, I planted it inside his body after he had a bad meeting some years ago that got him to the hospital" Touya hums "I can't argue with the results" he says with a smile.

"Don't you think it's a bit creepy putting a tracker on someone without them knowing?" Touko asks Barry while they walk around the warehouse looking for his crate. Before Barry left the office she'd asked to accompany him, she was curious to know what other things the boy had built. Cynthia hesitated slightly but Touya was quick to dismiss them both without much regard. "Red's not the only one who has a tracker like that, Cynthia has one too, we're the only ones who know of them and I'm the only one who can track them so it's not that bad" Finally the boy stops on one and slides the door open "She doesn't trust just anyone, she must be very desperate to accept help from you guys"

Barry's crate is not an office like Cynthia's, it looks more like a technological workshop. There are gadgets spread on the floor with machine pieces everywhere touko could guess the mess in Cynthia's office was Barry's doing "How do you find anything around here?" she jokes trying to make small talk "I have my system" he answers with a smile sidestepping over piles of pieces and bits "Please watch your step" he pleads.

He stops in a side of the crate that is filled with computer screens of all times and sizes over a long table, under said table there's a nest of cables that run out to the warehouse from a hole carved to the side of the crate "Do those things even work? Aren't they too old?" she walks closer to his setup to get a better look as he works on the machines showing different things on each screen "They're old sure but not obsolete" he explains as he plugs in the tracker screen into one of the PC's under the table "the market makes it seem as if these things turn useless once the new models come out but they're still functional for what I need them" Touko watches attentively at the computer screen that is now mirroring the portable device connected to it.

"What are you going to do?"

"I'm trying to pinpoint the signal better, so far I got it reduced to a three-block radio, this thing's antenna isn't as potent as a the one connected to my computer, using this big one we could even get the exact building where he's being held" Touko hums from her place standing next to him. The way he talks passionately about his machines, the kid has talent but there's something that has been bothering her "How old are you?" she asks "14 and a half" he answers without thinking much, already submerged in his work. He grabs a marker and a Castelia city map from across his desk to start comparing the map in the screen to the one on paper.

He's so young she thinks "Aren't you scared of being here? Working for the Yakuza?" Barry still doesn't turn to her "Well sis said it's just this one time because it's for Red and I'm not doing anything dangerous" Touko blinks "Sis?" Barry visibly freezes before slowly turning towards her wearing a sheepish smile "Cin! I meant Cin for Cynthia" he fires back rapidly. Touko then realized how much the boy and the older woman look alike, the same pale skin, blond hair, the same round features and honey-colored eyes "She's your sister" she exclaims in realization as she openly stares at the boy who mirrors her expression in horror. Why hadn't Touya or Cheren mentioned it? It felt like a relevant thing to say for a meeting like this. Unless they didn't know themselves, except they should know, they always know things like these and it then clicks in her brain "No one knows" she mumbles with a confused expression.

Barry reaches for something under his desk but Touko is faster, she knows that move and is quick to slam the boy against the table keeping a vice grip on the hand that's holding the previously hidden weapon.

"Let me go!" Barry screams whilst struggling under her and Touko can only pray he can't be heard from Cynthia's office "Not until you calm down" she tries to speak in a level manner, she clearly wasn't supposed to find out this piece of information and the kid was acting paranoid. "Look I'm sorry for finding out your secret? But I won't tell anyone if that's what you want" she tries explaining herself

"Gee well if you promise" Barry says stopping his struggle, Touko relaxes her grip on him to let him go but Barry turns and aims a kick at her. She's fast enough to stop the direct hit on her stomach with her hands but it still makes her take some steps leaving space for him to bring out the small revolver. "I'm serious!" Touko says holding her hands high, the gun's pointed at her but she should be able to disarm him if she gets closer "This is why you're here, why you followed me back here? Your brother told you to dig something up on us" Touko's eyebrows furrow but she answers as she takes slow steps towards him "What are you talking about? Cynthia invited us here to talk" Barry's hands seem to falter and Touko takes the chance. In a swift movement she twists Barry's arm and holds him against her, the gun drops to the floor and she kicks it away from both of them before she lets him go again. "I don't want to fight you" she tries to speak calmly with him "I just wanted to get rid of the gun so we can talk"

"What so you can get more information out of me?"

"What information? What are you talking about?" Touko can hear the desperation in her voice "You slipped, if you don't want to talk about it I won't, it was an accident"

Barry still regards her with caution, but his walls seem to be lowering "I know you just met me and I'm not sure how to explain to you that I won't tell anyone anything, I'm not going to ask why you want it to be kept a secret but I need you to trust me. If Cynthia or my brother find out about this it's going to be bad for everyone. I don't want that and I know you don't either, please you have to trust me"

Barry seems to consider her words heavily before nodding slowly "Alright" he rubs on of his arms with a wary look "You're strong" Touko gives him a sheepish smile already feeling the tension in the room deflating "Thanks? I train regularly" Barry nods "Sorry for slamming you against your desk" she offers

"Sorry for pointing a gun at you" he answers back "You can't tell anyone, not even your brother" he says in a warning tone but Touko shrugs "There's nothing to tell, don't worry"

The boy finally gives her a half-relieved smile before returning to the screen. She slowly walks back to stand beside him "Well" he says pointing at the screen showing the black and green map with the red dot and then turning towards the Castelia map he has on his desk already picking up where he left off "If I'm not mistaken he should be in this building" he moves back so Touko can take a look. It's in a commercial side of the city, the building is marked on the map as headquarters of a popular brand of athlete supplements. It seemed the Harmony's style was hiding in plain sight.

The next day Touko ties her necktie slowly around her neck, it's time to go back to school. She looks at herself in the mirror, the cut her would-be kidnapper made on her yesterday is hidden under her shirt and has scared nicely; it doesn't seem like it'll leave anything permanent. She looks the same as always, but feels different on the inside. It scares her how easy it's been hiding things from Touya and Cheren.

Barry's secret wasn't too hard, after finding out where Red is being held they took the map to Cynthia. She seemed relieved to see them, Touko could take a guess on what was keeping her nervous. They said their goodbyes and Touya took her back to Cheren's apartment, the car ride back was silent and Touko didn't realized she had fallen asleep until her brother was poking her awake.

She thinks of what her father and Cheren had said, they'd accused her of not being able to handle herself, lacking the experience they had for things like this. I can do this she thinks to herself, she can't help the smirk growing on her face. Sure, she hadn't had a first-hand experience before and things had been wild the day before but look at her now. Everything turned out fine and things will only get better.

"Are you ready yet?" she hears Cheren calling from the living room. She grabs her schoolbag and greets him in the front door where he's already set with his jacket and keys.

After he drops her off at school she bids him goodbye and promises to wait for him inside the building before jogging to her classroom. The first periods before her break she can't focus correctly in anything, she's hyper aware that there's a pending chat waiting for her at lunch time. She wonders if he'll show up all but quickly dismisses the idea, he was the most insistent in not parting the day before. She feels a small knot on her stomach at the memory, she had had time to think their situation more thoroughly after meeting with Cynthia and Barry. She'd realized she had to trust him to some extent if they were going to be friends, and she was willing to cooperate on that if he was.

When the lunch bell rings Touko is the first one to get up and pack her things, she'd written Kotone a quick message explaining to her that she wouldn't join her and Bianca in the cafeteria during class so she heads straight towards the staircase that will take her to the rooftop. She makes the climb anxious wondering if he'll be there already and when she reaches the end to find the door slightly ajar she can't stop the smile that forms on her face. She opens the door to find N sitting against the railing, rolling a rubber ball across the rooftop for the dog to chase. When he sees her his face lights up "You came!" her stomach does that thing again where it turns into a knot, she's nervous, why is she nervous? "Yeah, I told you I would"

He promptly gets up and walks towards her but stops a step away as if he's reminded that he shouldn't overwhelm her. She's grateful, I hug would be inappropriate she reminds herself. She motions to her lunch box "Can I sit?" N nods "Yeah, yeah" he steps aside and lets her walk to where he'd been a moments before "A part of me didn't think you'd come" he says taking the seat next to her "You seemed unsure when you left yesterday, I apologize if I scared you" Touko opens her lunch box, Cheren had prepared some onigiris for her, perfect finger food "I did feel nervous" she offers him a rice ball but he declines it politely "I'm sorry if I came on to you too strong, it's just… I've missed you" he lets out a dry laugh before continuing "For years I wondered if you were still alive, or how you were doing, whether you grew up to have a normal life back in Acumula or moved away and whether I'd see you again someday…" Touko looks at him as he speaks, his expression is a combination of agony and relief, it's a strange look in his face and when he turns to look back at her and smiles her whole body feels warm.

She takes a bite of her onigiri to give herself something to do, trying to think on how to word what she feels, the anxiousness, the excitement but also her fear of him. Because she is scared of him, even if only for a small part after what happened yesterday. Beside her N sighs "Maybe I got ahead of myself" he says "I thought you would want to see me too but may-" "I did miss you N" she speaks in alarm "You were my only friend, you listened to me, played with me, we had our album" she makes a pause remembering good times they spent together "We protected each other" she mumbles "And I missed that sweet boy, I miss him still"

N seems to be barely containing a smile "Then-"

"I'm not done yet" she cuts him off, by the look on his face she feared her next words could hurt him, but for her sake they needed to be said "I miss him yes, but that's not the guy I found here" He looks away glaring at the floor, it looks like she wasn't the only one who had thought of it "I've already explained the incident you saw on your first day here" he mutters "I know but that's not the only issue N" she puts her lunch box down, he had made her re-evaluate her standing with her friends but this was different "Are we really going to ignore the obvious?"

"I'm willing to" N answers without missing a beat. He accommodates himself so he's sitting in front of her "About what you said, it's true a lot of things changed when I came here, I have obligations now, stuff I have done and I'm not trying to justify my actions but you more than anyone should know the kind of position I'm in. I can't blame you for being wary of me, but I would like it if you could understand"

Touko could imagine, there was really no difference between him and Cheren, or Kotone or Silver.

"When you told me you were Hilda I hoped I could find a friend in you just like I did years ago, I will understand if you say you don't want anything to do with me anymore but if there's a chance, even if small, that we can go back to what we were then, I'll do my best to be someone worthy of your friendship"

Touko considered him, he's being open and sure about things, is he not scared of the consequences?

"Why are you being so open to me?" N doesn't seem to understand the question, Touko purses her lips before continuing "I came here because I do want to be friends again but I'm still worried of what could happen if someone finds out and you're just blatantly offering to become someone worthy of my friendship? I thought you'd be more guarded"

"I thought being honest would be the best approach"

Touko laughs lightly "And I believe you" she really does, her conversation with Barry had taught her sometimes one had to rely on one's instincts "Which is why its alarming that you're giving so much up for someone you barely know"

N seems to be able to handle that answer "That's not the way I see it, I know you, I know you're kind and strong and rebellious"

"It's ben years, we're completely different people now"

N shakes his head "Don't think so. I've done a terrible job of showing you I'm still the person you knew, even tho I like to think I am. But you… you're still stepping in when random people are about to get hurt"

He bumps into her playfully

"Even if it was some asshole I was actually defending?"

"I'm trying to focus on the good parts"

Touko giggles, she's starting to feel comfortable in their conversation "Alright so we're friends then, still leaves the thing about… our work?" it felt weird including herself on the job but she thought it would be right considering recent events "That guy you killed yesterday? Not the only one who your dad sent for me" N's eyes widen slightly "Cynthia already made a move" Touko laughs nervously "Yeah she did, I found out your dad is holding her fiancée against her" N's mouth twists uncomfortably "Yeah…" she doesn't have to know he's the one who brought Red in just yet "He's fine in case you were wondering, visited him after leaving you yesterday"

"You do that with all the people you guys abduct?"

"No, only with the one's I'm helping escape"

AN:

Sortof long chapter? Pride month gift? It's been a busy time with an actual paying job but inspiration hit me this weekend so here it is. I hope you enjoy it, next chapter when? Maybe in July? who knows.