Through Hayate's directions they arrived at a nearby German town. It was morning and the streets and houses were colored by an airy bluish hue. Blue is a cold color, and they had a first-hand experience of feeling it in their exposed skin. By this time Hayate could walk a little bit, and guided them to one of the houses - walking upwards through the steep cement tiled sidewalk. There were no other people on the streets at all, which they were thankful for. They were bound to get attention with the little article of clothing they each had on. It might have seemed obscene to some unknowing passers-by.

They came to the door of the house and knocked. No one answered. Hayate knocked again, harder. Nothing. He was about to knock yet again when they heard noises coming from inside. A yellowish light could be seen through the windows, contrasting with the grayish-blue tone outside. And when the door opened, it was as if one of Van Gogh's stars came to one of Picasso's blue period paintings.

A young girl, who Lenina guessed was about her age, appeared before them - framed perfectly by the rectangle of the door, with just a little part hidden by one side as to not be centered. Lenina studied her more carefully; she had very light brown hair - straight, and she was wearing a long shirt that came just above her knees. She was obviously groggy, having just been woken from her sleep, and ran a hand over her eyes.

"Do you know what time it is? The Jehova's Witness doesn't come around this early." She had her hand on top of her eyes like a visor. The eyes themselves were barely opened - a sour expression on her face. That expression was gone in an instant though, and her eyes became wide open. "Ein…what are you doing here?"

Lenina was bit confused and wondered who she was talking to. She then turned and saw Hayate force a painful smile. "We were just in the neighborhood and thought we'd stop by."

"Oh?" the girl then turned and suddenly noticed Lenina for the first time. "Ohh, I didn't realize you brought company." She inspected the red-head more closely. "I know you don't I?"

Lenina shook her head, "No, I don't think so…" unsure.

"Well, nevermind." The girl then crossed her arms together and looked around behind them. "Oh, I'm sorry, it's so cold out. Please come in."

"Thank you, Hitomi" Hayate said as he limped into the house. Lenina followed him, holding on to one of his arms.

"What happened to you Ein?" Hitomi asked as she closed the door. There was a little more than a subtle hint of concern in her voice.

"Don't worry about it, we just ran into some disturbed people, that's all." He tried to pass it off casually with a forced smile.

"I'll say, they have to be if they dressed you guys up like that." Hitomi was still skeptical, she knew there was more it than that, but she decided to let it pass. "Or did they bother you because you were dressed like that?"

Hayate sat down in the couch. "Hey, this is a fashion statement."

"You don't have any pants Ein."

"Well, neither do you." He laughed lightly as he chided with her. It reminded him of his relatively short stay there when he was still suffering from amnesia.

"This is my sleeping attire."

"Besides, I thought you Europeans do these kinds of crazy things all the time?" He was enjoying this.

"No! Normal people don't go around in the streets naked."

Lenina stood there beside the couch listening to them argue. She felt uncomfortable just standing there quietly; the two were obviously old friends. Hitomi turned to her and extended her hand. "Oh I'm sorry, how rude of me. I'm Hitomi."

She took the hand firmly and said her name.

"That's funny. I swear I've seen you before. Weren't you in that tournament…?"

Hayate interrupted before that conversation could go any further. He knew where it would lead, and he knew that it would reveal certain truths and questions he did not feel like answering at the time. "We're tired Hitomi. She helped carry me all night."

"Okay then." Hitomi still wanted to ask Hayate what happened, but decided he was right. "You can sleep in one of the guest rooms Lenina. I'll take you up there." Lenina nodded and followed the girl towards the stairs. Hitomi turned her head to Hayate. "You know where your old room still is, right?"

"Yeah." He then remembered something. "Where's sensei?"

"My parents are on vacation overseas." Hitomi shouted from upstairs. "They won't be back for a couple of more weeks…"

author's note: read and review. flames, comments, constructive criticisms or anything else are all welcomed (sorry alex, it's succinct and to the point.)

also, thanks to kochan for sharing her ideas and opening up new avenues for which this story to go to.