Disclaimer: All respective rights/ownerships go to their rightful owners. I claim no ownership besides any OC. I only wish to write a story :d.

"So am I okay?"

"Yes, Mr. Aoi you check out completely fine. The Goddess really pulled you out of death's gates. It's as if nothing happened to you in the first place, although she looked extremely exhausted afterwards. Makes me worried just what she did to you."

"Really? How so?"

"Well, she stumbled when she first left your room but after that she didn't show any other signs of what she possibly did. The room wasn't moved around at all so she must have used something on her person to heal, although we can't be entirely sure. But a rumor has popped up that she's been taking a bit of a break towards her duties. So you can imagine the possible effects of what she did to you are having on her."

"I see...Thank you for telling me."

"No problem, now go on. Someone is waiting for you in the main lobby. Make sure you come back if you feel anything wrong, we're still a little unsure as to the extent of the healing."

"Will do Doc."

I just received the results from both exams that I've gone through the past two days and I'm making my way downstairs. It was mostly just exercise, x-rays, and generally testing how I felt.

Absolutely nothing is wrong with me. Lady Black Heart's healing really saved me completely. Although, hearing how exhausted she was after whatever she did, is troubling. I wonder just what she did to heal me. Even though we worship the Goddesses, we aren't entirely sure of what they can do. Besides the Hard Drive Divinity transformation that is. So we really don't know the extend of the Goddesses power, but apparently it can extend to healing. If I was treated normally, who knows just what could have happened to me? Maybe some parts of me wouldn't even be usable, I'd hate not being able to use both my legs or some part of my body. I guess I can use this dinner invitation as a way to also thank Lady Black Heart. Even if it was because I saved her sister, I hav- no. I want to show my gratitude towards her. Not just for saving my life but for bringing my home back together. Like I said before, Lastation is still rebuilding but at the rate it's going, Lastation is going to be better than ever. It's all thanks to Lady Black Heart that this is possible.

These were my thoughts as I descended the stairs towards the main lobby of the hospital. I didn't even notice it all go by, but sure enough I made it to the main lobby already. Although….. I don't see my mom here. Maybe she went to the bathroom? I'll just go sign myself out, maybe by then she'll be back.

I approached the front desk with a greeting and the assistants quickly got me the required paperwork to release me quickly. After some signing and a reminder to come by again if I felt off in anyway, and I'm all set and ready to go. Saying my thanks, I move towards the waiting area for a seat and patiently wai-.

*tap*

Only for me to be immiedetly tapped as I sat down. Guess my mom finished whatever business she had quicker than I thought.

"Hey mo-"

The color immediately drains from my face the second I turn around. I expected to see my mother here. A young adult with blue hair, blue eyes, slightly shorter than me, and normal clothing. The women who birthed and raised me along with my father. The women who would drop anything for me.

Instead what greets me is a girl roughly my age and height. She has long blonde hair that reaches her chest and form bangs on her forehead. She has green eyes, and lightly tanner complexion than me. She typically wears ungodly complicated dresses but this time she is wearing a fairly simple yellow dress with a small purple jacket on top of her and flats. This is really simple for her, as she typically wears really complicated outfits but…. Ah, I see now. That's the one I got her that time. Now why in the name of the Goddess is she here? I hope it won't lead to what I think it will.

"You look like you've seen a ghost, not happy to see me?"

"… I haven't been that happy to see you since school ended. You know this." Is my response, after getting over the initial shock. It's not if as if I'm always unhappy seeing her, it's just now…. I don't know exactly know what to feel about her. She changed a lot over those two years in school and even more so after it.

"Well, that doesn't matter now. Come, we need to talk."

"Can we do this another time? I just got released from the hospital and I'd like to go home first."

"No, this is the best chance we have to talk."

"You already know my answer. We've had this conversation multiple times now. What's gonna be different?"

"Please Adam." that pleading voice, don't do it!

"Kasumi…."

"Please."

Gosh she can be such a pain when she gets like this. It's hard enough telling her no to the question in the first place over and over. Ever since she first started to ask, I've always somewhat dreaded being around her. It's funny how such a simple question can drastically change how you feel about a person. I know changes must happen in life, but for this sort of thing...

Well, she usually isn't this adamant about this normally. Maybe it's something different for once? Even if it's the same reason I can't say no to her anyway. *Internal sigh* Promises are so hard to keep you know? Especially when they strain on you as much as this one has with her.

"Fine, let's go. Lead the way."

With my relent, she sports a huge smile and quickly tugs me out of my chair. I hope my arm can survive this torture.

"Great! Let's go to this café nearby. I heard it's really good!" God she's pulling hard! Make it stop!

"Hey wait! Not so rough Kasumi! I just got out of the hospital. Take it easy, I'm still not sure to the extent of Lady Black Heart's healing."

The second I finished my sentence we immediately stopped. We just stand here as she faces away from me and tightening the grip she has on my arm. I hope this doesn't last long, she was already pulling my arm out of it's socket in the few seconds that she pulled me. I'd like to keep the arm that Lady Black Heart healed.

"Hey uh, why'd we stop moving?"

"I…s…..do it" she mumbled out. I have an idea as to why we stopped when I finished my sentence. To really be upset about that? She really can be so selfish sometimes. I just hope that isn't the reason she's upset and adamant about talking. Although that wouldn't be the Kasumi I've known if she didn't get upset by this sort of thing.

I hear her breath in and out heavily. Slowly but surely, her grip on my arm lessens in its intensity and I can feel my blood course through my arm again. She must be really upset for this sort of reaction. I don't hear that heavy breathing thing of hers too often, as she only does it to calm herself down when she's really upset. Something I learned I don't want to be around if she does that, doesn't lead to good things for me.

"Let's just go to the café for now. Okay?" She said to me as she turned around to face me slightly. I only nod and we make our way out of the hospital.

Lastation is quite beautiful, even with it in a state of rebuilding this nation truly shines to me. Of course what truly make a nation a nation is the people. The people who are always working hard, the friendly atmosphere you can fell, and making constant advances. The people who are the heart of Lastation.

Are also the people that are giving me and Kasumi strange looks. They are all just staring at us as we make our way to the café that I'm being led to. One would naturally assume two people of the opposite sex walking together in an intimate position are together. This is normally a correct assumption as no one would willingly be this close to someone, but this isn't the case.

"Would it kill em to at least not make it so obvious?" I hear Kasumi grumble lightly.

All of them are staring at her bright gold blonde hair.

Honestly she shouldn't be surprised anymore. She's been stared at since the day she came to Lastation because of her hair. Her blonde hair isn't exactly natural around here and considering the fact that she doesn't look like she's from Lastation doesn't help at all. Not to mention her personality isn't the nicest around, but that's understandable considering the background she's been around. You give what you take after all.

"Don't worry about it so much. This shouldn't be anything for you. Your Kasumi after all."

She doesn't verbally respond to me, but she does tighten her grip on my arm for a second. Message was received at least.

We soon arrive at a quaint looking café with a coffee sign on top of it. It's a lighter in colors than usual for Lastation. Instead of the usual black and grey metal theme that most buildings have, this is one of those stores that stray from it. It's instead made of wood (mahogany?) with lighter shades of the dark colors. I see why she'd like it. Kasumi always was attracted to light colors. We make our way in and are quickly seated. All the while the waiter is giving *that* look. Just because two people are together, doesn't mean that they are dating damn it!

"So, what is it you wanna talk about? You usually don't get that insistent." I say as I page through the menu. This menu actually has quite the selection. Sandwiches and some good selections of coffee. I think I'll just have a regular coffee this time though, don't wanna make the bill too high since I'm not sure who's paying. Don't have too many credits on me now.

"...Let's enjoy this little meal first before we talk about that."

I nod and we continue the evening.

It's been around 30 minutes now. We ate, drank, and had some small talk. Although I didn't have much to say since I just got out of the hospital and Kasumi wants to avoid the subject for now. As such she's the one that's been doing the majority of the talking. Which is just fine since I do want to catch up on what's been happening in Lastation since I've been out.

From what I've learned, no one really knows what happened to me and who I saved. Everything continues in Lastation as per the norm. Which I'm actually glad for. I never did like having a massive amount of attention on me. Even though being recognized as a national hero would be cool and all, it's not something I want. I did what I did for selfish reasons after all. Not all good deeds are selfless acts. Now as much as I do like being around Kasumi, I'd like to go home and prepare for the dinner at the Basilicom. I'm sure the Goddess wouldn't appreciate me being late, even though there is no set time.

*ahem* "So Kasumi, shouldn't we get to the main point here, as much as I enjoy this, I'd like get home before my mom comes hunting for me." Don't think telling her about the invitation would be a good diea.

At the mention of my mother Kasumi tenses a little. *Sigh* These two….

"Yea, we should. I don't want her on me again." She says consenting to my request. I knew dropping mother would get this moving along, even though I feel bad for using that. Now to get on the nitty gritty! I nod at her to signal to start.

"So first, I'd like for you to apologize to your mother for me. We both know she won't listen to me, and I am sorry for my deal. Of which I'm sure you've heard of by now."

Ah, so that's what this is about. Now for the second part.

"But also tell her I don't regret what I said. I did and do mean it. As cruel as it was to wait at that moment to say anything, I had to take my chances. I care for you a lot. But you know and understand why I went for it at that moment."

I do understand her. I always have. I perfectly know why she did what she did.

"That doesn't mean I'd be too happy about the outcome. Even if you were to provide the funds to save me. I'd of course appreciate it and show my gratitude, but for something like that? Kasumi, you must know it wasn't right."

"I know!" She slammed the table while raising her voice, of which caused us to draw in attention. We both quickly said our apologies and resumed conversation.

"It was just….it was horrible Adam. I didn't hear about you until two days later… but what I saw…" Her voice got quieter as she spoke, and I could only wait for her to speak again.

"I was so scared for you. Of all the people in this Nation, your one of the few I care for here. If you left me like that… I just got so scared that I just had to say it. Even if it meant making you not liking me after it, having you with me like that would make me happy." Oh no. Don't do it Kasumi!

"And that's why I need you to answer me this now!" No no no no. Not this again. It practically breaks my heart when she asks this! She looks at me fiercely with a pleading look as she gets up to stand in front me and softly grabs my hands.

"Adam Aoi, will you please take my hand in marriage?"

A/N: Hi! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter.

College has been interesting so far, I hope those of you who started school as well are enjoying it...hopefully :p

So, I can totally ensure a chapter at least once a week. I may or not update twice a week, who knows! But once a week I can guarantee. so look forward to it!

Have a pleasent day/evening/night everyone!