"What are you doing tonight?" Kerri was lounged in her dad's recliner, Wu curled up on her lap. It was late afternoon, she'd been home for about two hours, and she was on the phone with Sojiro.

"It's Kenshin's birthday. We're going out. You wanna come?"

"Nah…I've already got plans."

"You have plans?" An amazed tone filled the boy's voice.

"I'm going out with Kamatari."

"Kamatari? I didn't know you knew each other."

"We were talking during the pep rally. I'm going to the mall with him." She could picture the look on Sojiro's face. He would be stunned by the fact that Kerri had made friends with the school's drag queen. The mental image she had of them caused her to smile.

"You're going shopping with Kamatari? Are you insane? He has a way different style than you do."

"It'll be fun."

"Kerri, are you feeling okay? You're acting pretty queer."

"I'm fine."

"This is so unlike you, going out two nights in a row. And with him of all people? You've lost your mind. I mean, I can hardly believe this. Wow."

"What's the big deal? You're friends with people nothing like you. I mean, Kenshin and his pals certainly don't believe in all the same things as you."

"Yeah…"

"Where are you guys headed tonight?" She smoothly steered the subject away from herself and Kamatari.

"The diner and then a movie."

"Oh. The usual, huh?"

"Yup."

"Kenshin's…what? Nineteen? I didn't know it was his birthday."

"Yeah. Poor guy, it's always the last day of school on his birthday."

"Could be worse. Mine was on Friday the thirteenth once."

"I remember that." Sojiro laughed, "It was when you turned thirteen. Any way, since you'll be at the mall and we're going to the theater there, maybe I'll see you later."

"Okay. And I can't wait to see every one's face when they see me with Kamatari. It'll blow their minds."

"Well, you have fun, Kiddo. I'll talk to you later."

"See ya, Sojiro." She set the phone down and looked down at her cat. "Well, Wu, tonight should be interesting. I'm going out with a gay cross-dresser and I may be running into the people who consider themselves my friends. This may be more interesting than last night."

"Mrow?" Wu blinked his cobalt eyes and yawned.

"Yeah, Kamatari would probably like you." She scratched him behind the ears, "You're such a pretty cat. He likes pretty things."

The Siamese rubbed against her hand. She stroked his glossy fur as she thought about what she was going to do with herself. Kamatari, Sojiro and Katsuhiro…all of them were people she liked a lot. Sojiro loved her, according to Kamatari. She liked Katsu but he was always indifferent towards her. And Kamatari…how did he fit into all of this? It was all too confusing. She sighed, sinking down farther in the chair.

"I'm home, Sweetheart!"

Kerri was jolted awake by her mother's voice. She had been having a dream involving Sojiro and Katsu and the concert in which she went with Katsu and Sojiro declared his love for her from the stage. "Mom…?" She blinked, rubbing her eyes. Kamatari called her "Sweetie" while her mom called her "Sweetheart." She certainly didn't feel like a sweet anything.

"Oh, were you asleep? I'm sorry; I didn't mean to wake you."

"It's okay. Um, I'm going out again tonight."

"You and your friends are celebrating the end of school?"

"No, I'm not going out with them. I made a new friend today, Kamatari Honjou."

"Oh, I've seen her around. She's a cute one, but she's really loud and aggressive."

"Um, Mom-"

"But I'm glad you're making more friends."

"Mom."

"Where are you going? How are you getting there? I don't want you out too late."

"Mom!"

"What?"

"Never mind." Kerri sighed. It might be better, she thought, to not tell Mom that Kamatari's a guy. He would freak her and Dad out too much. It's better if they keep thinking he's a girl. We'll only be hanging out for a couple months before we go to college. "I'm leaving in an hour or so. Kamatari's picking me up. I'll be home no later than midnight. Okay?"

"I guess so. Just be careful. I don't want the two of you picking up any strange guys or anything."

"Mom…" She rolled her eyes. While it was possible that Kamatari would try to pick up a guy, Kerri didn't think he would try anything while they were together. He was a strange guy himself, but he -hopefully- wouldn't subject her to that.

She was watching the Simpsons when the doorbell rang. She shoved Wu off her lap and ran to open the door before either of her parents could.

Too late. Her dad was standing there talking to Kamatari. "So you're Kamatari? You've got good fashion sense. Maybe you could give my daughter some tips. She's always wearing black."

"Oh, sure, Mr. Mortisen." The boy smiled, "Don't worry about it. We're going shopping. I'll get some color on her."

"Hi Kamatari." Kerri said pointedly.

"Oh, hey, Sweetie. Ready to go?"

"Sure." She looked at her father, "Daddy, can I have some money?"

"Of course." He pulled his wallet from his pocket and handed her fifty dollars. "Have a good time, you two."

"Bye Daddy."

"Bye Mr. Mortisen."

"Good bye. It was nice meeting you, Kamatari."

"You too." He waved as Kerri dragged him out the door.