Nash sat down in a big armchair in Royce's home. He thought back to when he had first come here with Royce. I still can't believe I let myself... No time for thoughts of the past...He sat there, fuming in rage about everything that had happened the past few days. "I can't believe we beat Ghaleon..."

"You'd better believe it, pal." Nash jerked his head suddenely and saw Jessica walk in.

"What do you want?"

" Nice to see you too. I heard from Alex what happened with you and Kyle, and I wanted to see what's up."

"Oh, great. Just what I need. Someone else to invade my private problems. Do I have some damn sign that says "I really could use someone to pry into my thoughts right now, inquire within?!"

"Nash, I'm your friend, I just want to help..."

"Well, thank you, that was just what I really needed. Now go away."I know I'm being a jerk...

"Nash! I've had it! Tell me what's wrong, or I'm not going anywhere!"

Nash sat up, horribly angry. "Look! If it makes you feel better, whats bothering me is quite simple! We all go off, we fight Ghaleon, we come back, we're the Five Heroes, Alex and Luna are getting married, Kyle and Jessica are getting married, and Mia is to be the next Guildmistress! Well, that about wraps everything up! But wait... what about that other hero?...You know, what's his name? Trash, Slash, it was something like that! Oh, you mean Bash? Don't worry... I'm sure he's just off being arrogant somewhere! No problem there!!" Nash sat back, winded from having the screamed mock conversation.

"Nash, I'm sure Mia would love to be with you... Why don't you just tell her?"

"I have told her. It just doesn't seem to sink in that I'm talking about more than friend wise!"

"Maybe you should be a little more clear on what you mean."

"Yea.. maybe. And just maybe you should really leave me alone."

"Fine Nash. Have fun wallowing in self pity. But when you're done pouting, go talk to Mia." And with that, Jessica stormed out of the house.

I hate it when happy people tell upset people to stop feeling sorry for themselves...

**************************************************************************** ******

Nash walked back into the party room. Kyle and Jessica watched him enter with stern looks on their faces. He promptly ignored them. Alex walked over to him.

"Is everything ok now, Nash?"

"Oh, don't worry. Everything is fine. I feel much better."

Alex smiled."I'm glad to hear it, Nash." And Alex walked away.

Someone needs to explain sarcasm to that kid one day.

Nash walked past Alex and sat in his seat at the head table. Mia turned to him with a worried expression. "Nash, I need to talk to you."

Oh boy... I bet Jessica had something to do with this."Of course Mia, what is it?"

She got up and led him into a small room. She turned and looked at him with sad eyes. "I want to know what's wrong, Nash... ever since we fought Royce, you've been a wreck... not to mentioned what happened with Royce. You can talk to me, Nash..."

Nash sighed. "Mia, Royce... Royce used me..."

"What do you mean?"

She's as innocent as ever..."She... she slept with me... Just to get me do work for the Vile Tribe..."

"Nash..."

"I know I should have known better, but I... I..." He groaned. "I just don't know."

"That's what's been upsetting you?"

"Well, there is more..." This is it, isn't it?... My big moment of truth... Well, here goes."I love you, Mia."

Mia simply smiled. "I love you too, Nash. You're my best friend. You know that."

Moments of truth are severely over rated... "I know I'm your best friend Mia, but I mean more than that. Alex and Kyle are getting married to Luna and Jessica, doesn't that make you want... something more?"

Mia laughed. "You want to get married?" She stopped smiling when she saw Nash's eyes. "Nash... we can't. Not now, anyways...I have so much work to do. I have to rebuild Vane. There's no time for that. But don't worry, you're still my best friend." She smiled and pecked him on the cheek. "Now that that's taken care of, let's get back to the party." She turned around and began to walk back.

I am, aren't I? That's all I am..."Mia...? One day ,though, ok?..." I just need something... something to hold on to...

She smiled again. He felt his whole body turn to goo. "Yes, Nash. One day."