"What?"

"My life then…my death…rrg! Why me?!"

"What are you talking about?"

He pulled his knees up to his chest and sulked. "What a wimpy death."

"Whose?"

"Mine."

"You mean because you died of a broken heart?"

He winced. "And over YOU."

"Oh."

She was quiet, and then suddenly giggled.

"What's so funny?" he demanded.

"You…" she struggled to compose herself. "You would be upset about something like that."

"I don't get it. It was an awful death."

Her shoulders shook as she chuckled. "Of the whole…the whole depressing story… That was so like you…" She threw back her head and laughed.

Malik sulked, but suddenly began to see the lighter side. "That did sound kinda…" he broke off, joining her in laughter. It was several minutes before they paused to catch their breath.

"Here's to you getting a cooler death in this life," she said finally, still giggling a little.

"Thanks," he grinned. "And here's hoping you don't get stabbed."

She nodded. "I don't believe we were just laughing together."

"You're right. That's weird…"

"But it's a good thing…I think."

He smiled. "I think so too." He stood and stretched. "It's getting dark. Isis will have my head if I miss dinner."

She rose as well. "I should go too."

"I'll give you a ride home," he offered.

She shrugged. "I don't have much of a choice. It's too far for me to decline."

"Okay then." He actually made a considerable effort to slow down as she gave him directions to her house. She must have noticed, because her arms were only loosely around his waist instead of imitating a hungry boa constrictor this time. He walked her to the steps and watched as she unlocked the door.

"Thanks," she said softly before stepping inside.

"Any time…no, um…"

She smiled. "Not ready to let me ride your motorcycle whenever?"

"Well…no…" He scuffed at the ground.

She nodded, the smile not fading. "I understand." She turned to go through the door.

"Wait."

She stopped.

"Is this…do you think this is all fate?" he blurted out.

"What? That we met?"

"Well…that we're getting along now…"

She noticed the reddish tinge in his cheeks. "Maybe," she agreed, "but I think there must be more than that. I don't believe in 'meant to be.'"

"Maybe."

"Oyasuminasai," she said with a nod and finally closed the door.

"Good night." Malik sped off into the fading dusk feeling completely confused.