S.M: Hello, again I'd like to thank those of you that have reviewed this story.

Welcome Ch. 3 is here and I hope you enjoy it. After both her friends forget about her, she feels a little upset, but them being the food friends they are make it up to her. Com Monday she makes up with Funo, which it isn't till week's end when she learns what he's really like.

::Invisible door appears::

???: Seren!!!

S.M: Hey… What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in America?

???: ::Nods:: I came by to see how this story's going… Why are you torturing Miki… She needs me not Yuu.

S.M: :Smiles evilly: Jealous???

???: NO… I'm better than Yuu. I would have killed that jerk not just beat him up, and not in school.

S.M: Ok… Sure

???: Really!!! Do I even have anything to do with this story?

S.M: ::nods:: Yes, you finally get to unwillingly talk to her, sometime.

???: ::cries::

S.M: Don't worry Ginta you'll get to see Miki, and maybe even a chance to steal her from Yuu… maybe.

Ginta: Yes!!! I mean… ::Shrugs and left::

S.M: Well I hope you enjoy the Third chapter… And please let me know what you think.

With out me with you, With out you with me

The weekend ends… on comes the week from hell

Marmalade Boy

By: Yui

A voice spoke to me. I looked up seeing someone I hadn't seen in a long while. And jumped up giving him a hug and quickly my depressed features returned.

" Tsuchiya-san? How are you doing?"

I asked not truly caring. We chatted for a while and someone familiar walked past me.

"Suzuki-san?"

I questioned the girl as she walked by me. She gave me a weird smile and stopped in front of me.

"Well hello Miki."

She said as she grabbed for someone who was coming towards her. I looked and blushed when I saw Yuu being pulled to her, and looked away uncomfortable.

"Kei-san… Want to go for a walk. I- could you just come with me?"

I asked him as I rose from my seat and left not giving Yuu a chance to say anything to me. Once I was out of his view I felt bad. I turned to Tsuchiya to apologize, only to find that he was no longer behind me. I looked around for him but couldn't, so I walked around by myself for a while feeling miserable. I decided to do something that usually made me feel happy and hurried home. I ran to my room and grabbed my bathing suite and put it on and threw on a pair of sweatpants and Yuu's shirt, which I still had, from the other day. I grabbed a towel and put it in my bag and headed out of the house once more. I arrived at the local indoor pool and put my bag and clothes inside a locker.

"No one's here… That's good."

I said to myself as I jumped feeling the warm water on my skin. I swim a few laps slowly taking my time and relaxing. I let out a deep breath and let myself sink to the bottom of the pool. Yes that's right when I want to think I relax and hold my breath and go to the bottom of the pool. I've done it since I was 11 it freaks people out because I can hold my breath for 20-30 minutes at a time, if I force it. I remember I scared Ginta he thought I had drowned. I was down there for about 15 minutes, when I heard some splashing below me. I closed my eyes once again thinking about my stupid thoughts. Eventually I felt like I couldn't take it anymore and I swam up taking a big breath. And got out of the pool lying in a chair that was near by and slowly falling asleep. I opened my eyes eventually and spoke to myself.

"Ok… Well all in all a crappy birthday. Happy 18th Miki."

I said to myself as I dragged myself from the chair into the locker room to get changed.

At Home

It was going on 11.15 by the time I got into the house. I expected to see Yuu in his room fast asleep so I was surprised when I found him lying on the couch asleep. I walked over to him and sat down and he didn't wake. I felt my cheeks and realized that tears had fallen and I gentle lay my head down on his chest and curl up to him. No matter how upset or how hurt I feel by him just being near him makes me feel better. I am still crying as I fall into sleep.

The next morning I woke and rolled to look at the clock thinking I was in my bed and fell off the couch with a thud. I see that I have 20 minutes till I'm supposed to leave for school. I fly off the floor and run up to my room scavenging my room looking for a clean uniform. When I finally find one I go to the bathroom I notice that Yuu's already inside so I run to my dad's room and hop in his shower, it was really cold but I didn't care. I jumped out and threw on my uniform, quickly brushed out my hair feeling I've won the battle for today, I started to head back into my room. But I noticed a package on my dad's dresser, normally I would have left it alone but it was so out of place. And there was a card on top of it. I saw that the card said my name, and I opened it.

~Miki,

Hey Honey when we got our vacation all planed your mother and I forgot it was your birthday till the day we left and we're so sorry. We may not be available but we'll call you as soon as we get a chance. This is a little something for you; you'll get a better gift when we return home. But this is till then you may do what ever you want, take Yuu and Meiko out, buy yourself something. Enjoy the rest. I hope your day is the best. ~

I read with interest and opened the package and saw a beautiful locket inside with a diamond shaped heart on the outside, and underneath was a hundred and fifty dollars. I took the money and the necklace and put it in my room, and put the necklace on and hurried downstairs and just left not waiting for Yuu or even aware of where he was and headed to school.

"Koishikawa-san."

Someone yelled in front I looked and saw Tsutomu walking up to me. I've never really talked to him so I was a little surprised.

"Koishikawa, I talked to my cousin last night. He said he tried to call you yesterday, but he got the answering machine and he tried later and got some guy so he hung up. He wanted to wish you a happy birthday. He says he misses you."

I scoffed and looked away.

"If he missed me he'd call me. And Not Meiko."

I yelled getting teary,

"Miki…"

I heard someone call from behind me. I saw a strange look come to Tsutomu's face.

"Matsuura, what are you doing here? Why aren't you going to school anymore?"

He yelled past me to an approaching Yuu. I kept walking ignoring the 2 of them arguing. I was amazingly early and took my seat in the class. The bell was just about to ring when 2 last students ran into the room. I just sat at my desk fiddling with my necklace. But glanced at the familiar students, Funo-san had a swollen face and avoided looking at me like the plague. I continued to stare at the front of the room, not really paying much attention to Yuu, or Meiko.

The class ended and I left to go to my next one. Yuu appeared besides me and walked silently for a moment.

"Miki… Why were you talking to that pain in the ass…? Tsutomo?"

Yuu questioned coolly. I ignored his question and continued to class not really paying much attention to anyone who had spoken to me. I don't know I was acting this way it wasn't anyone's fault my birthday's so insignificant. I sat at my desk, which unfortunately was next to Funo-san.

"Funo-san… What happened."

I asked curiously, glancing at his swollen features. He shot me a threatening look, but calmed down slightly and spoke to me.

"What do you want… You made yourself clear, or more Yuu did."

He explained I looked at him confused, and he returned it.

"Yuu told me that you ha just excepted to be polite. You really didn't want to do anything with me."

I felt badly, that wasn't true.

"Funo-san… that's not true. Will you talk with me during lunch? I promise Yuu won't bother you."

He stared at me and nodded. I grabbed a book out of my bag and began to write thinking of Yuu once again. The next 2 classes flew by and soon it was time for lunch. After 3rd period it was time for me to have lunch.

I walked to my locker wary of Yuu and Meiko and found Funo-san outside the café waiting for me. I waved happily as I ran over to him. We walked in and sat at an empty table. He told me about how Yuu talked to him, and told him to apologize to me. And when he asked what for Yuu punched him hard. He opened his mouth and I saw a missing tooth. I cringed and looked away. He laughed nervousness clear in his voice.

"Miki…"

He whispered. I looked at him and smiled.

"Would you try going with me to the school dance."

I smiled and nodded happily.

"Hey, want to get pizza or something tomorrow. Kind of to apologize for Yuu and do something for my birthday even if it is late."

I asked him he wished me a happy late birthday and apologized for not remembering. The bell rang and we walked together till I had to go into my classroom. I walked in feeling happier but still angry and soon that feeling won over. I had class with both Meiko and Yuu. I found myself falling asleep undisturbed till the bell rang I quietly got my stuff together and left the room.

"MIK!"

I heard Meiko yelling I turned and saw her and Yuu running after me. I sighed and stopped and waited for them.

"Miki-chan what's wrong with you today, did Tsutomu do anything to you this morning?"

Yuu asked seeming almost concerned.

"No he didn't do anything to me he! He talked to Ginta, and since they're cousins Ginta had him wish m … Nevermind."

I saw Meiko's face change into regret.

"Miki, I'm so sorry."

"It's alright… I'm sure you had something more important to do, I know he did."

I finished as I pointed to Yuu and quickened my steps towards the house. I walked inside and felt bad for yelling at Meiko. I went into the kitchen and made dinner early so I wouldn't have to do it later at night. I finished an hour later and picked up the phone and called Meiko's house. Her mom said she wasn't home, and I hung up the phone finally changed out of my school uniform into a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. I sat on the couch and let out a sigh.

"Yuu never came home, did he tell me he was going out with Suzuki-san again."

I asked myself. I went into the garage to grab a flashlight that I had left in there, and I heard a strange noise come from the house.

"YUU!"

I called from outside and got no reply. I walked in slowly and noticed something upstairs. I crept up slowly figuring it was Yuu and Suzuki, but if it were he would have answered my call. I was at the end of the hall and I noticed a small light coming from underneath Yuu's door as well as muffled noises. I held the flashlight high and crept towards his room. I was getting ready to put my hand on the handle and the door quickly opened and I flung the flashlight at the person blindly. I still had my eyes squeezed shut, when I heard laughter. I opened my eyes slowly and saw Meiko, Suzuki, Tsuchiya, and Tsutomo sitting around Yuu's room and Yuu lying on the floor. I turned bright red and knelt down next to him giving him an embarrassed smile.

"Miki I'm so sorry that I forgot to call you. But I was still away with Nachan."

I nodded, and she wished me a late happy birthday. I looked around the room and noticed everybody and said hi.

"Uhm… Thank-you guys for doing this."

"It was Yuu's idea after I bluntly reminded him that it was your birthday yesterday he felt horrible and decided to throw you a little party. And we saw Kei-can who was getting something for you anyway, then we ran into Tsutomo, and then Suzuki-san and asked them if they wanted to come."

Suzuki brought out a cake that was behind her and dropped it on the table, and sat back down. They sang happy birthday and gave me some gifts and one-by-one they had to get home. Soon it was just Yuu and I. I took my gifts that had yet to be open and put them in my room and helped Yuu bring the plates and forks to the kitchen. He threw away the paper plates and turned to me.

"Miki… Why didn't you remind me it was your birthday yesterday?"

He asked. I stared at the forks in my hands but felt him getting closer to me.

"That's ok… It's not important. Not even my parents thought to call."

I ended in a whisper. He grabbed my shoulders and forced me to face him. He had a strange look in his eyes.

"Miki I don't know what gives you the right to say that. You are very important to me to all your friends. We care about you, we might have forgotten one day and we're sorry."

He almost looked like he was asking for forgiveness himself. I shrugged assuring him that it was ok. We were so close and I could feel us slowly coming closer together. I pulled myself from his grip and began to leave but turned to him one last time.

"Yuu… Thank-you, that was a thoughtful present I appreciated it."

Yuu looked at me with a smile. If I didn't pull away I would have kissed him and that's something that can't be taken back.

"Miki that wasn't my present to you. But you're not getting it right now."

He finished with a nod, I turned and got my pajamas on and went to bed.

The rest of the week after that passed by uneventfully, Yuu worked all the time, and when I wasn't doing my homework I was with Funo-san. But a good thing is Funo-san and I had gotten to talk, and we've been really close this week. But it seems to affect Yuu, or at least that's what it looks like. Anyway the calm normalcy I had gotten used to was shot on Friday, the day of the dance none the less.

The past 2 night Yuu's been out all night not coming home and Thursday was no exception. I've been worried of coarse not knowing where he's been but I tried not to show I too much.

Friday morning my alarm went off and I hit the snooze button grumbling about 5 more minutes. But I guess just then my alarm decided to quiet because when I opened my eyes it staid 5.40. I made my way down stairs and I happened to glance at the clock and saw numbers I was shocked to see. The time said 1.40. I had to do a double take and looking at my watch it said around the same time. I ran upstairs and threw on a uniform, grabbed my bag and was out of the door like a bullet. I arrived at school 20 minutes later. I was nervous but I walked into my second to last class. And approached my teacher.

"Koishikawa-sama. Go to the principals office now."

I was nervous but did as she asked. And it seemed like an eternity till I finally arrived in front of the office door. Slowly opening it and finding it filled with people, some I knew some I've only seen before. I went up to the secretary and spoke with her.

"Hello I'm Koishikawa, my teacher told me to come down to the office. I think…"

"Go into the principal's office."

She told me not letting me finish what I was saying. I was nervous 'I didn't think you had to see the principal for being late.' I thought to myself. I nervously opened the large opaque glass door and the first thing I was Yuu sitting in front of his desk, he had looked up when he heard the door open. He was staring at me and I saw that his lip was swollen and split. I hurried over to him carefully touching his lip. The principal clearing his throat got both of ours attention. That was when I saw Funo-san, he looked away but I knew something was wrong with his face. I stood and faced the principal.

"Koishikawa, nice of you to decide to join us today. Do you know why you're here?"

I shook my head and he asked me to sit down, and I did so next to Yuu.

"Miki-san let me ask you first why you have not been in school till now apparently. We've wanted you here since 9 this morning."

I blushed and looked back at him apologetically.

"I really overslept and I didn't realize the time because my clock batteries died."

He continued to look at me suspicious like I've done something horrible.

"There was a fight this morning, It was pretty serious. These 2 were the main initiators, there was a small group with Funo-sama. I need to know did you ask either of these boys to harm the other."

I gasped surprised and angry.

"Kouji-sama I would never do something like that… And both of them are close to me."

I said with upset tears brimming my eyes. He sighed and looked at me.

"I know Miki… Will you take Funo-san back to the nurse while I talk to Matsuura."

He asked me, I put my bag down and got up uneasily and followed Funo-san out of his office. In the brighter light. I could see how hurt he was. We walked through the office quietly heading out the door, and I paused for a moment.

"What happened to you?"

I demanded. He looked at me with irritated eyes and slapped me hard; I felt my face sting.

"Ask that asshole Yuu!!! Yea it's true… You were never worth anything."

I held my face tightly and tears fell down my cheeks, and I marched back inside. The principal and Yuu were talking and neither looked happy I grabbed my bag and began to leave the room.

"Miki what happened to Funo-san?"

The principal asked annoyed. I just looked at him and left not feeling like dealing with him. Yuu stood and approached me and removed my hand from my bright red cheek. And put his hand over my cheek. I could have stayed that way but I pulled myself away and left the office. I stormed out and left the school. I went to the place that was perfect for my current state of mind. I sat at the same bench as I have so many times and leaned back just staring at the sky and funo-san's words ran through my mind. ' Yea it's true… You were never worth anything.'

"What did I do?"

"Miki…"

Yuu's cool voice echoed. My eyes stayed transfixed on the sky till Yuu was standing over me blocking my view. The cool air was blowing around us and I could feel it on my burning cheek.

"What did you do?"

Yuu sat down next to me and remained silent for a moment.

"I was at my locker and I heard Funo-sama saying stuff. So I decided to approach him and asked him civilly if I heard him correctly, he pretty much said 'damn straight' and went on to tell me more, me of all people... Not his smartest move. I told him I was going to tell you and walked away he came after me and punched me. That was the only hit he got. I jumped on him and beat the crap out of him for that. Then when we were being escorted to the office he asked me if I'd seen you in the past few days and I jumped on him again. We fought 4 times and he kept losing, you think he'd learned."

He finished matter-of-factly. I looked away and was hurt and curious.

"Wha- what did he say?"

I asked almost not wanting to know. Yuu was silent for a long time but I urged him to tell me.

"He- He said that you were worthless, and that you wanted him. He was going to have you after the dance. Then he said things like you use Suou-san as an excuse not to get close to any guys and that the rumors are true. He said he was just using you."

He finished almost in a whisper. I looked at the ground in shock, I could tell Yuu was staring at me but I didn't look up at him.

"How come you're not accusing me of lying, or trying to protect him? You seem to think as much of me."

He mocked. I just turned to him and hugged him tightly and started crying. I could tell he didn't want me on him but he was sweet and consoled me anyhow. I stayed in his arm for an hour and finally found the strength to rise.

"We should get home."

I said as I grabbed his arm and pulled him to his feet. And slowly started walking towards home. He asked again why I wasn't giving him a hard time, but I kept on quietly walking. But he raced in front of me and blocked me. He asked me once more why I wasn't accusing him of lying or something. I looked him straight in the eyes and gave him an answer.

"When I was going to take him to the nurse, I tried to see if he was ok, and ask him what happened. He said ' Ask that asshole Yuu!!!' And 'Yea it's true… You were never worth anything ' So I know what you said was true. I know he meant it."

I said as I slipped under his arm and hurried home. Once inside I ran up to my room and got changed and sat at my desk. I realized my parents weren't home yet. I hurried down stairs and listened to answering machine messages. I was surprised and unnerved by a message I had heard.

"Miki, Yuu… We're still here. Our flight was cancelled so we won't be home till Sunday or Monday at the earliest."

Just as I finished listening to the message Yuu walked into the house. I rubbed my cheek, and walked back upstairs. 'I wonder if he even cares, maybe he just didn't want his reputation to be soiled.' I thought to myself.

"Did you get in trouble?"

I asked behind me as I was going up the stairs.

"Yea. I'm suspended till Thurs, and he's out for 2 weeks."

I walked back down the stairs and gave him a tight hug he was surprised.

"Miki, Sorry to tell you this but you're suspended for a day."

I looked at him with my mouth falling open.

"Why?!"

I squeaked nervously.

"Kouji-sama was just going to give you a warning, but you left school. He only let me leave to make sure you were alright."

I turned and solemnly went back into my room. The dance was tonight but I didn't go feeling stupid about the incident that had taken place during school.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well that's it for chapter 3… I really hope you liked it. And will give me a review so I know what you think and how I could go about continuing it.

Ginta: Can I see her next chapter.

S.M: no Ginta… Maybe later

Ginta: Come on… please.

S.M: No

Ginta: Please

S.M: NO

Ginta: fine

S.M: Finally… Well I really hope you liked this chapter and the next one will be up as soon ad I can get it up.