A few things you probably don't care about, but are going to hear anyway *grin*

1. My proof-reader has now started helping me write, although not until a lot further down, and only a little of a chapter, but... Jeez. She hasn't even played DOA before.

2. I am officially killing Hayate off (Not really). Apparently, the way I write about Hayate's character makes one of my friends like him. HOW CAN YOU LIKE HIM?!?! (ß rhetorical question…) *Pulls out rubber mallet previously being saved for *cough* special occasions* EVIL! YOU WILL SURRENDER TO THE WRATH OF MRS RYU HAYABUSA! (Okay, sorry, got a bit carried away, but you get my idea. That is so aggravating, especially for a Ryu fan such as myself)

3. I love you guys. :P I've tried to start reviewing some of your stories in return for you reviewing mine, but haven't done everyone's yet, but hey, I'm getting there. Reminds me… BerettaMan, I'm still crying. *Poke* Anyway, until the next chapter!

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"You wanted to see me, sir?" he asked, voice soft as he gazed at his bandaged arm, without sling today. I hope it's important. I'm missing History for this. Although, I suppose it is. About the physics paper from the other day. Lucky it didn't get mentioned in class, but…

Besides, what's the point of worrying about History? All I'd be doing would be sleeping.

"Sit down, Ryu," the teacher's voice was kind and concerned, which made him mentally frown. Great. Just another person to feel sorry for me. Why only me? Why not Hayate? Why not Kasumi? Why just me? Just because I was dating her… "What's going on? I'm sure you know what this is about, do you not?"

He nodded wordlessly. But everything is alright now. For the moment. Mostly. Sort-of. As alright as everything can be for me, I suppose. "We understand that Irene's death must be harder on you, although it hit everybody hard, she was a lovely girl… but you can only be given so much compensation, understand? You're a bright student, but we can't favour,"

"I don't want compensation," he protested lightly. "Never have I said that because of anything that I want to be treated differently from anybody else. Nobody seems to realise that, however, no matter what I do,"

"When the teachers heard about it, the counsellor wanted to see you again, but I told her that you probably wouldn't want to see her. Am I correct?"

He nodded. "Yes. Thankyou,"

"No problem," Ever since his first day, he and the physics teacher had always got along well. From his first year studying science to this very day, he had always been in the same class with the same teacher and they had grown closer over that time. As much as a teacher can to a student, I suppose.

"And Ryu, you don't have to call me 'sir'. You know as well as anybody that Mr G will suffice,"

"Yes, s- Mr G,"

The aforementioned paper was waved in his face. "Redo by the end of the week. I know that you know the answers, and you know just as well as I do what sort of mark you're likely to get, but humour me and complete it anyway. Okay?"

He took the paper, and nodded. "Thankyou, sir,"

With a roll of the eyes, he was dismissed as the bell rang.

"Ayane?"

She was leaning against the wall of the lockers, eyes shut, arms behind her head. She looked the picture of boredom. However, her eyes opened as she heard his voice.

"Oh, Hayabusa. You rang?"

"You wanted to speak to me,"

She shook her head. "Correction. You wanted me to speak to you. Oh well," she loosened her tie, untucking her shirt. "Well, what are you waiting for? Come on, before Hayate comes,"

He followed her obediently down to the tree that they usually sat under. She sat down, stretching her legs out. He looked away as her skirt rode up, barely covering her underwear.

"Pft. Don't be so good. You know you want an eyeful,"

He could hear the laugh in her voice. "I'll be fine, thankyou anyway," he responded politely.

Judging by the sudden silence, the conversation had suddenly turned sober. "You never mentioned that… that Kasumi had asked you to the dance. If you had, I wouldn't have had to make a fool of myself now, would I?"

"What do you mean?"

A sudden sharp pain on his cheek registered distantly as her slapping him. "What the hell do you think I mean? I was going to ask you the other day if you wanted to go with me, you know, when I called you a dickhead, uh… by mistake. I was going to ask you the day before, but Hayate was there and I didn't want him to know. I guess I was stupid, thinking that you and I could go when I barely even know you…" she trailed off.

That's bad. She wanted to ask me before Kasumi, but circumstances meant that she couldn't… and… I do want to go with her in a way. But I already promised Kasumi, and I don't want to break my promise… but…

"I'm sorry. If Kasumi hadn't asked me I would have accepted,"

She snorted. "I bet you're sorry. Either way, that's what I was thinking about. That's what you asked me, wasn't it? So you can push off now, if you want. Go back to Hayate and goody-goody Kasumi. Kick her up the arse for me,"

"If you want me to, I'll stay," he said softly.

There was a pause for a moment. The twittering of the birds was just audible over the happy conversation from various other students.

"No. I don't think I do," she said flatly.

For some obscure reason, Hayate's words, and his own, echoed in his head.

An ultimatum…

"That's fine," he responded simply, standing up to go.

Actually. It's not fine. I would have liked to go to the dance with you, Ayane.

*