By Your Side

by Akilah

Makoto moves to a small town when she is eleven and meets Ken. They become fast friends and are inseperable. But life isn't always perfect, neither are relationships and they're no exception. We will follow the two from childhood to young adulthood.

3. Chapter 2: By Your Side Pt 2

Title: By Your Side Chapeter 2: 'By Your Side (Pt. 2'
Rating: G Author: AkilahSeven

What's up people,
Wow, I'm finally back with chapter two. I would like to thank everyone who stuck with me and waited for this chapter. This chapter has a little bit of cursing in it. Sorry if you're offended by that. Well you've waited long enough so lets get to the story.

I do not own Sailormoon. Sailormoon and its characters are owned by Naoko Takeuchi.

Ken let the warm water spill on his fragile body as he stood in the shower and thought about the events of the past day. The way he opened up to Makoto and cried after talking about his father. He felt like an idiot. How could he just put himself out there like that. How could he act like such a baby. He banged his fist against the tile on the shower wall.
'I'm such a dork.' He thought to himself. 'What a loser.' He stepped out of the shower and dried off with a towel. He looked at himself in the mirror and frowned at his reflection. The boy staring back at him was a skinny dork that couldn't even get a stupid ball into a basket. He hated that boy. That wasn't the real Ken. The real Ken was cool, handsome and a ladies man. Someone that Miaka would go for. The real Ken was great at playing basketball and got respect from all the guys at school. The real Ken was the person that Makoto saw when she looked at him, she treated him like the real Ken should be treated.

Makoto walked down the pathway to the Williams residence. It was going to be her first day at school and she was nervous. She wondered what the other kids would think about her. She wasn't particularly insecure but she did care about the way she presented herself to others. 'I hope this outfit looks okay. Maybe the other kids at school are a bunch of preps and I look like a total misfit.' After thinking about that she smirked. 'It would be cool to come in there with something they've never seen before. I'll end up being the coolest girl there.' Makoto wore her orange UFO pants and a Rainbow Bright T-shirt that she brought from some vintage store in Tokyo. She ranged the doorbell and began to feel a funny feeling in her belly. She was a little nervous about seeing Ken after what happened the day before. When he cried to her she felt a natural instinct to comfort him, and it felt right. Holding him in her arms she could almost feel his pain. But when he finished crying and they realized it was time to go, they both felt awkward. They rode their bikes home in silence and said their goodnights.
Makoto knew that Ken was embarrassed about the way he reacted last night. So she decided to act as normal as possible and not bring it up. Ken would come to her if he wanted to talk about it again.
The door opened and Ken stood smiling back at her. "Good morning Makoto." He said with an almost fake grin. He decided earlier that he would pretend that last night never happen. Makoto smirked at Ken. She could tell that his smile was phony but decided to ignore it. Ken closed the door behind him.
"So ready for your first day of school?" "Yeah. I can't wait to see how those preps react to my outfit. You like it"
Ken stared at her colorful costume.
"Well, it is colorful." He squinted his eyes in pain. "Ouch. Are you trying to blind people because it's working"
Makoto punched him in his arm and he began to laugh. "I was just joking with you Mako"
"Well that's the look I'm going for anyway. Something that will shock you little sheltered suburban kids"
They walked down the block together towards the bus stop. The tension that was between them earlier had disappeared as they joked and laughed with each other.

"Hey, got a cigarette." Shinji Blango asked Touji Ohno as they stood at the bus stop.
"Man you still owe me for the cigarettes you borrowed from me last week"
Shinji grabbed Touji by his collar and lifted him up one inch from the ground. "I said I would pay you back later! So don't make me out to be some mooching bum. You hear me"
"Yes Shinji. I'm sorry. You know I was just playing with you"
Shinji gave Touji an intimidating look before dropping him.
"Yeah, I thought so"
Shinji was a mean twelve year old sixth grader who stood at 5'7" and growing. His curly black hair, tanned skin, and black eyes made him all the more intimidating. He was not only the school bully, but he was also the most popular kid. Either people were afraid of him or they idolized him. He was a real slacker in school but he was naturally brilliant. He would cut class all week and come in on test day and pass with an eighty. He was also quite the athlete, great at basketball and American football. To top it all off, most of the girls were infatuated by him. He was what every guy wished they could be and who every girl wished they could be with.
Touji picked himself up and threw a punch at Shinji. Shinji blocked it and pushed Touji to the ground. They begin to wrestle and punch each other as Hitomi, Touji's little sister watched. Hitomi rolled her eyes.
"You two are so immature."

Makoto heard what sounded like two people fighting. "Ken, do you hear that. It sounds like a fight"
Ken stopped in his tracks. 'Its Touji and Shinji. I forgot all about them.' He thought to himself.
Shinji and Touji prided themselves with making Ken's life a living hell. Every day they would steal his lunch money while they waited for the school bus. They did it so often that Ken hid extra money in his underwear. That wasn't even the worst part. When they got to school they would stuff him into a locker or dump his head into a toilet. Someday when they felt like being nice, they would just throw paper balls at him while he was eating lunch. Ken was use to all of the torment. But it bothered him the most when it was in front of Miaka, his crush AKA the most perfect girl on earth.
"These idiots again." Ken said out loud.
"You know who it is?" Makoto asked.
Ken grumbled. "Unfortunately"
As they approached the bus stop Hitomi saw them. "Hey look! Its Ken, and he's with a girl"
Shinji and Touji both looked up. "What!" They both said as they watched the two walk down the block.
"What the heck does she have on." Touji said. Shinji slapped him in the head.
"I'm more concerned about who the heck she is." Shinji was surprised to see Ken actually talking to someone who didn't look like they belonged to the chess club.
Ken suddenly felt sick. 'Oh no, they're going to embarrass me in front of Makoto then I'll really look like a dork'
Ken and Makoto walked to the corner.
"Hey Ken, whose your friend." Touji said as Shinji gave Makoto a scornful look.
Makoto looked at Shinji with a look just a lethal.
"My names Makoto." She said while looking at Touji.
Ken felt his heart pounding. 'Oh no.' He thought.
"Looks like you've got yourself a little girlfriend Ken." Shinji said. "What a cute couple. A dike to go with a fag like you"
Ken felt his face turn red with rage. It was alright for them to say whatever they wanted about him, but when it came to Makoto it was different.
Makoto laughed. "I know that your not calling anyone a fag, because the way you two were dry humping each other on the ground just a minute ago was as gay as you can get"
Hitomi giggled, Touji gasped, Ken thought she had balls and that maybe she really was a lesbian. Shinji was enraged. Who did she think she was. Didn't she know that he was Shinji Blango and that no one messed with him. He decided to let her know that he wasn't the one to test with. He balled up his fist and pulled his arm back ready to punch her. Makoto stood in front of him not blinking. 'If he's gonna hit me, I'll just take it like a man. It'll be an excuse to kick his ass anyway.' She thought as she waited for the blow. Shinji stared her straight in the eye. He suddenly stopped when he realized what he was doing. He couldn't hit her. Even though he wanted to, he just couldn't. He put his arm down and his face burned with fire. Makoto smiled and crossed her arms. "Are you afraid of hitting a little tiny defenseless girl like me, huh.?" She laughed.
Shinji became angrier and felt his blood boiling within him. He wanted to say something to her but he couldn't move his lips. In frustration he did the only thing he could do. He gave her the finger.
Makoto laughed. "Oh wow, I can do that too. See." Makoto lifted both of her middle fingers up. And stuck her tongue out too. "See, there's one for both of you"
Touji looked at Shinji. "Hey you just gonna let her talk to us like that?" He said. "Come on lets knock some since into her"
"Lets just leave her alone." Shinji said.
Hitomi, Touji's little sister, grew angry. "What! Your gonna let this freak get away with this?" She said while looking at Makoto's outfit. The school bus turned the corner and stopped in front of the Kids. "Shut up! Hitomi." Shinji said to the dark haired girl. He picked up his book bag and stepped on to the bus. Touji gave Makoto an icy glare before he boarded the bus too. Hitomi, angry by the older boys lack of malice, walked over to Makoto. "They may let you get away with this, but I'm gonna make you pay." The tiny girl boarded the bus behind her brother.
Ken looked at Makoto in shock. Where did she get the strength to do that and why was Shinji so afraid of her? "You don't know what you've done." He said to his best friend.

Makoto sat in the main office while she waited for her new counselor to take her to her new classroom. She thought about what happened earlier with Shinji and Touji. 'What jerks she thought.' Shinji especially. What was with him? One minute he wanted to be a tough guy, then the next he wanted to act all sensitive like his feelings were hurt. Maybe she was too rough on him, but then she thought about all of the horrible things Ken told her they did to him and changed her mind.
'He deserved it' She thought. But still, there was something with Shinji, something sad, something deep, something intense. The way that he glared at her was almost hypnotizing. She shook her head. 'He's still a jerk.
"Hello Makoto." A short woman with a friendly smile stood in front of her. "My names Ms. Yasuda and I'll be your escort to your class"

Makoto walked down the shiny halls of the school. The building was huge and the floors shined like glass. Makoto looked into the open door of a class as they walked passed it. The students sat silently listening to the teacher as she lectured. They all raised their hands in unison when the teacher asked a question.
'This school looks like something out of the twilight zone.' Makoto thought to herself.

"Class 5-E is right this way Makoto"
Makoto saw the yellow sign down the hall. She suddenly felt butterflies in her stomach, anxious to know what would await her in her new class. As they approached the door, she took a deep breath.
'Don't be nervous. I'm cooler than any of these white bread "Attack of the Pods" zombie kids in this school.' She thought to herself.
Ms. Yasuda gave Makoto an encouraging rub on the shoulder. "Don't be nervous Makoto. There are a lot of friendly students in Tosako Elementary. You'll make friends in no time"
Makoto smiled at Ms. Yasuda. 'Not the ones I met already. If there any indication of what the rest of the student body is like here, then I'll probably be in detention everyday for kicking somebody's butt.' She thought to herself.
They knocked on the door and an interesting man with friendly brown eyes and a warm smile opened the door. "Hello, Ms. Yasuda. How can I help you today." He looked down and saw Makoto. "This wouldn't happen to be Makoto would it." The man looked Makoto directly in the eyes and Makoto felt something warm and special inside.
'He looks nice. Maybe this school won't be so bad after all.' She thought.
"Yes, this is Makoto Kino, your newest student." Ms. Yasuda said with a very enthusiastic voice.
"Well, hello Makoto, I've been waiting to make your acquaintance. I'm Mr. Hirro." He held his hand out and Makoto took it. His handshake was warm and firm. The butterflies that she felt in her stomach before were now gone. It was if his touch was magical because she no longer felt nervous. "Firm handshake. I like that." Mr. Hirro said with a smile.
"Well, I believe that you are in good hands now Makoto, so I'll be leaving. Hope to see you around school, and don't forget to stop by my office anytime you need anything at all." Ms. Yasuda said with a wink of her eye.
"Come in, come in Makoto." Mr. Hirro said as he shoved her into the class and closed the door behind them.
Makoto looked around the big room. There seemed to be at least 25 other students in there. They all sat and stared at her silently. She began to feel nervous as their cold eyes seemed to be piercing holes into her. She heard whispering and looked in the direction that it came from. It was Hitomi, and she was whispering in the ear of a girl with red hair. The girl looked at Makoto and giggled.
"Okay, class. Say hello to your new classmate, Makoto Kino. She's from Tokyo and just moved to our town last week"
"Hello Makoto." The class said together.
"Hello class." Makoto said.
"Does anyone have any questions for Makoto"
Hitomi raised her hand. 'Oh no, Makoto thought to herself. 'What does she have to say now'
"Yes Hitomi, please stand up"
"Makoto. What the hell do you have on? You look like a clown that shopped at a thrift store"
The class erupted in laughter. Makoto felt her blood boil. 'Bitch.' She wanted to say out loud so badly. 'How dare she embarrass me on my first day. Before I could make a reputation for myself'
"Class, that's enough. Hitomi, you can stay after school today for an hour detention." Mr. Hirro's warm smile and soothing voice had turned to a bitter bark. The class had silenced and Hitomi sat down. She had an evil smirk on her face and stared Makoto in the eye. Makoto returned look. 'This means war'
Makoto grinned. "To answer your question Hitomi, the pants are called UFO catchers and the color is called neon maroon. But I wouldn't expect an uncultured country bumpkin like yourself to know anything about hip Tokyo style. Even so, I guess looking like a clown in thrift shop clothing is better than looking like an albino rat in a wig"
Hitomi's smirk faded into a blank stare. The entire class giggled and "ohs" and "ouches" could be heard around the class.
"Okay Makoto, You can take a seat now." Mr. Hirro decided to let Makoto get away with her comment. Hitomi had it coming to her after all. "You can take a seat next to Yuki. Yuki raise your hand"
A small girl with sandy brown hair and thick glasses put her hand up. She sat at the edge of the third row. This was a good seat for Makoto since Hitomi sat in the fifth row on the opposite side. Makoto took her seat and smiled at Yuki. Yuki smiled shyly back at her.

Ken sat in class but his mind was a million miles away. He was thinking about Makoto and what happened earlier with Shinji and Touji. 'Makoto's got guts. I knew she was tough, but man, to stand up to Touji and Shinji like that you've either got to have heart or be just plain dumb. I guess since shes new she doesn't know about their reputation. But that still doesn't explain why Shinji backed down when he was about to punch her. Maybe he doesn't like to hit girls. No, I've seen him punch a girl before, but only if he thought she could handle it, and Makoto certainly proved her self to be able to handle anything he threw at her. Its a mystery I guess'
"Mr. Brown, what year did America declare its independence?" The teacher asked Ken, but Ken was to busy day dreaming to hear him.
"Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown"
Ken suddenly came back to reality. "Aw, yes Ms. Daijudo"
"Ken, are you there or are you on that Star Wars space ship of yours again." Ms. Daijudo said teasingly. Even the teachers liked to take a jab at Ken's Star Wars obsession sometimes.
"He's too busy on that ship doing Princess Lea." Shinji joined in from the back of the room. The class laughed. Ken turned around and Shinji smirked at him. "Remember to use protection, those space chicks have nasty STD's. I don't want to see a good guy like you with moon critters crawling around your pubic hairs. That's if you have any pubic hair." Shinji added. Touji cracked up. He gave Shinji a hi-five, and the class rolled with laughter.
Ken's face turned beet red. How could the teacher allow him to get away with such vulgar talk like that? It's not fair. 'I wish I was brave like Makoto, then I'd really tell him off'
"Okay class, calm down. We had enough laughter now its back to work." Ms. Daijudo said while tying to choke her own laughter down. Ken's face was still red and his blood boiled. He wanted so badly to be able to stand up to those two. 'One day, I will, One day'
He felt a thump on his head and turned around to see where it came from. Shinji and Touji waved at him and pointed to the paper ball that they had threw at him. Ken picked it up and read it:

"Looks like you're not so tough without your little girlfriend around. What's her name by the way, Momoko or something? Anyway it's pretty sad that you need a girl to protect you. To bad no one's there to protect her. If you were any kind of friend you'd tell her to back off before she got hurt. You know what I mean, since you've felt the pain that we can put anyone who stands in our way through.

P.S. Give your girlfriend a big kiss for me.
your friend Shinji"

Ken didn't even turn around to acknowledge them. He just sat there angry. Letting the pain he felt inside eat him up. His head began to throb with pain, and he had to use everything within himself to keep from screaming. "Buzzzzzzz"
The lunch bell ringed. 'Saved by the bell he thought.' He got up and begin to put his books into his bag. He felt someone shove him from behind but continued on as if he didn't notice. He already knew who it was and he already knew what they wanted.
"You read that letter." Ken heard Shinji's voice from behind him. "Tell your friend to watch out before she gets hurt. You hear me"
Ken just ignored Shinji. "I said did you hear me dork face"
"Yes. I heard you." Ken said in a low voice. He didn't want to say anything at all but he just wanted these jerks to leave him alone.
"Humph, I thought so." Shinji knocked into Ken as he and Touji walked past.
'I hate that jerk'

Makoto packed her bag for lunch when the bell rung. 'I can't wait to see Ken. He's probably the only other cool person in this school'
"So, you think your pretty smart don't you." Hitomi stood in front of Makoto's desk. Her friend with red hair stood behind her. "Don't look so angry. You're the one who attacked me first. Did you really expect me to just stand there and let you talk to me any type of way." Makoto said.
Hitomi's hands were on her hips. "Yes. Four eyes over there lets me say whatever I want to her and she doesn't say crap." Misato pointed to Yuki. Yuki looked down.
"Her name is Yuki." Makoto stood up in front of the shorter girl. Hitomi backed off. "This isn't the end Makoto. Believe me." Hitomi walked off and grabbed the red haired girl's hand and dragged her off with her.
Makoto shook her head. Hitomi had to be one of the most annoying people she had ever had the displeasure of meeting in her life. "What a brat"
"Don't pay Hitomi any mind. She's like that to everyone except her best friend Miaka Tawa, that's the girl with red hair." Yuki said.
Makoto smiled. "I didn't formally introduce myself." Makoto held out her hand. "I'm Makoto." Yuki shook it. "I'm Yuki." The two girls giggled.

"Oh, I couldn't imagine leaving Tokyo and coming to this boring town. You must hate it here." Yuki said while standing in the lunch line with Makoto.
"Its not that bad. At least there's grass and fresh air." Makoto and Yuki laughed.
"Oh, that makes it all worth it." Yuki said sarcastically. "No really, why did you leave Tokyo"
"It was my parents. They always wanted to live in a little country house since their both from the country, but never could until recently because of their careers. My mom is a photographer and my dad is an accountant. They both worked for big companies in the city until my dad was able to relocate to an office not far from here and my mom got a job as a professor at the local college"
"Cool, your mom is a photographer. That is so romantic. I bet she's been to some pretty cool places"
"Yeah. All over the world. But her favorite place is Spain. We lived in a house in Seville, which is a little city in the south, from the time I was born until I was six"
"Wow. Can you speak Spanish"
"No, I forgot every word." The two girls laughed as they looked for a table. Makoto saw Ken sitting alone. "Come on, lets sit there."

Ken sat alone during lunch everyday. He didn't mind though, he was use to it. Besides it gave him time to think and do his homework. Most importantly, he could stare at her, Miaka Tawa. The most perfect woman in the world, well under the age of eleven. She was beautiful, and she was nice. Her hair was red with curls, her eyes were a deep blue, her cheeks were rosy, and her smile, oh, her smile was perfect. The way the corners of her mouth would arch, the way her pearly white teeth would shine, the way her freckled nose would scrunch up like a bunny rabbit's, and her eyes they would sparkle like stars. She was perfect.
Well, she was almost perfect, except for one thing. She was popular, and she sat with the popular people, including Shinji and her best friend was Hitomi Ohno who was Touji's little sister. Life was unfair. It was so unfair.
"What's up, buddy." Makoto dropped her tray on the table and startled Ken with the noise.
"Hey, Mako. How was your first day? Get into anymore adventures." Ken grinned.
"Yeah, sorta. I'll explain later, but first meet Yuki. I'm not sure if you two know each other, but Yuki this is Ken." Ken looked up at Yuki and smiled.
"How ya doin' Yuki. Pleased to met you." Ken held out his hand and Yuki reluctantly shook it. "What's wrong, you think I got codies"
Yuki blushed. "No, no"
Ken smiled. "I'm just teasing. Take a seat, please"
"Okay, Mr. Flirt. If you insist." Makoto teased as both girls sat down.
"Well remember, I am Mr. Horny Hot Pants." Ken said while glaring at Makoto.
Yuki spit the milk she was drinking out of her mouth. She begin to cough and Makoto hit her on the back.
"Are you Okay"
Yuki caught her breath. "Yeah. It's just that I was surprised to hear Ken say something like that." Ken blushed and sat in silence as Makoto stared at him. "You shouldn't say stuff like that in public Ken. You'll scare people." Yuki began to laugh and Makoto joined her. Ken stared at the two girls as their laughter grew louder and harder. They even begin to attract attention.
"Stop it you two. People are looking." Ken said still embarrassed. 'I can never say the right thing. Even Makoto is laughing at me'
Makoto's eyes began to water and tears were already streaming down Yuki's cheeks. Soon their laughter began to die down and they were left breathless, panting for air.
"I can't breath." Makoto caught her breath. "Ah. I'm sorry Ken. It was just too funny." Ken looked away from Makoto he was still angry with her. His day was already pretty crappy but he had to get teased from his best friend too.
"Yuki, the whole Mr. Horny Hot Pants thing is kinda like a private joke between me and Ken"
"Oh." Yuki said while trying not to feel left out.
Makoto caught on to Yuki's feelings. "I'll explain it to you later." Yuki's face lit up and nodded in agreement. Ken's head popped up quickly. "What do you mean you'll explain it to her later. It was a private joke. It's suppose to stay that way, just between me and you okay." Ken said with anger. Makoto made a sarcastically shocked face. "Well okay Ken. If you want it that way." She had never seen Ken like this before. Even though they only knew each other four short days it almost felt like they knew each other for a lifetime. That's why it shocked her so much to see a different side to his personality.
Yuki sat in silence while Ken picked at his food. Makoto decided to break the ice. "So anyway, about my interesting day. I had a little confrontation with Hitomi this morning in class. She had some stuff to say but I showed her"
Yuki nodded in agreement. "You sure did. I never seen anyone stand up to Hitomi like that before. She thinks that she's the queen bee around here and can say whatever she wants about people. Her and her little friend, Miaka, are always whispering about someone as if they're better than everyone else. I hate them"
"So Ken…" Makoto stopped talking when she realized that Ken wasn't paying attention to her. He was staring in space, or was he staring at someone in back of her. She turned around to see. The table in back of her sat Shinji, Touji, Miaka and Hitomi (eye roll) along with some other kids. She assumed that was the popular table were all the "cool" kids sat. She turned back around and saw Ken's eyes twinkle as he sighed.
'He must have a crush on someone, but who.' She turned back around and saw Miaka. 'Nah.' She thought. 'He can't go for someone like that. She's not his type.' She turned back around and sure enough he was looking at Miaka.
"Miaka!" Makoto said in disgust while looking at Ken. Ken snapped out of his daydream. "What"
"Miaka! You like Miaka. But she's so... so... so perfect. Its disgusting." Makoto made a disgusted look.
Ken blushed. "Shhhh! Be quiet. Why are you so loud, and why do you look like that. Anyway who said I like Miaka"
Makoto huffed in anger. "Who said! You didn't have to say anything, that face you were making while you were all goggled eyed staring at her with your tongue hanging out of your mouth said it all! You like Miaka. I'm disappointed Ken, I thought you had better taste than... than that"
Yuki stared at her plate of food. 'Looks like a lovers scrawl to me, I should just keep out of this'
Ken looked at Makoto in shock. "What do you mean better taste. What's wrong with her. Look at her! She's perfect. What type of girl do you think I would go for? Someone like you!" Makoto felt like someone hit her with a ton of bricks. How could Ken say that? What was wrong with her? Its not like she had feelings for Ken anyway. He was way too geeky, and way to skinny for her liking. So why did it feel so bad? Makoto had to fight to keep the tears from falling from her eyes. She stood up and left the table.
"Makoto wait. I didn't mean that." Ken tried to say but Makoto just ignored him. She walked away quickly and then began to run out of the lunchroom. Ken stared after her. 'My gosh. I can never say the right thing. What is wrong with me'
Ken just sat there staring at the exit that Makoto walked out of. Yuki kept her head down and picked at the food on her plate. Ken looked over and saw Shinji smiling at him and shaking his head in disapproval.
"Maybe I should go after her." Yuki got up and went after Makoto.
Ken sat at the table alone. His head began to hurt again and the pounding pains returned. 'Why do I have to be so stupid? Why did I let this happen?' Ken rubbed his head.
Shinji got up and walked over to Ken's table. 'Oh no. What does this jerk want now? I can't take anymore today. No more'
Shinji smiled at Ken. "Trouble in Paradise I see. I'm kinda shocked, being that you two are so tight and all. Besides I wouldn't expect her to run off like a little wimp, instead I thought she would knock the crap out of you. Ha ah ha ha"
Ken couldn't take it anymore. He got up and slammed his fist into the table. "Knock it off you bastard." Ken looked Shinji square in the eye. Shinji took a step back. He was surprised to see Ken standing up for himself.
"You finally grew some balls, huh. Well guess what, I'm not the one to test them on." Shinji grabbed Ken by the collar and threw him down on the table knocking all of the trays off. "Who the hell do you think you are. Huh. You're still a little faggot who cries to his mommy after getting his butt kicked." Shinji wrapped his hand around Ken's throat choking him. Ken tried to pull Shinji's hand away as he fought to breath. The lunchroom erupted in chants of "fight, fight, fight" as the students ran towards the two.
"The next time you think about disrespecting me remember the way your wiggling to get out of my grasp like a little worm, trying to breath, right now at this very moment. Remember, and I bet you'll think twice before you try to get big on me again"
Ken's vision was beginning to blur and he almost felt like his lungs were going to explode. His face turned red and the only thing he could think about was if this was the end. Was he going to die here on this table with everyone looking on and chanting. He saw Miaka's frightened face and thought of Makoto. Will he die never being able to apologize to her. Where was she? He needed her now. 'Makoto.' He thought. Tears came to his eyes as he closed them. "Stop this right now!" Mr. Hirro pulled Shinji off of Ken and Ken took a deep breath. His vision became clear again and he saw Shinji being held down by Mr. Hirro as a police officer walked into the lunchroom. The officer put Shinji in handcuffs and Shinji cursed at Ken. "This isn't over yet. I'm gonna get you Ken and your not going to get away so easily next time." The officer escorted Shinji out of the lunchroom. Mr. Hirro spoke into a speakerphone. "There's nothing to see here kids. Back to your seats, all of you." The crowd was still loud and rowdy but everyone went back to their seats. Ken hardly had time to process the information, he was too busy trying to breathe. Mr. Hirro walked over to him and placed his hand on his back. "You okay there, son"
Ken's head began to throb with pain again as the events of the past five minutes ran through his mind. 'That did not just happen'
"Can you breathe"
Ken nodded yes. He looked around the room and saw every eye on him. People were snickering, whispering and mocking him. He even saw Touji imitating the way he looked when he was choking. He looked over and saw Miaka with a concerned and sorry look on her face. "Yeah. I can breath."

Makoto ran into the girls bathroom and walked into a stall. She slammed the door behind her and leaned against the wall of the stall. 'I'm not going to cry, I'm not going to cry.' She tried to convince herself but the tears streamed down her face anyway. Her body shook with hard sobs as her back slid down the wall and she buried her face into her knees. 'Why, does it hurt so bad'
"Makoto." Yuki knocked on the stall door. "Are you okay"
Makoto wiped her eyes. "Yes"
Yuki knew she was crying. She didn't quite know what to say since she herself had never been in the situation of fighting with a boyfriend before. "Can I come in"
Makoto smiled. "Yes." She opened the stall door and Yuki walked in. She closed the door behind her and sat down across from Makoto.
"I'm sorry about what happened between you and your boyfriend. Y'all seem like a real nice couple"
Makoto laughed. "Ha, ha, ha. Ken! That's not my boyfriend. Were just friends. Best friends." Makoto was shocked to know that someone could think that she and Ken were a couple.
Yuki looked confused. "Okay, you're not a couple. But you sure do look like one. The way you two argued, y'all sounded like an old married couple to me"
"Really? I can't imagine. That's funny"
"Do you like him"
"Please, he's not my type." Makoto laughed.
"Then why are you crying"
Makoto looked perplexed for a moment. "I don't know? I asked myself that"
The two sat in silence.

Makoto bounced her basketball in the driveway of her house. She was waiting for Ken to get home. After lunch she heard about the incident in the cafeteria and how Ken's mother came up to the school and took him to the police station to file a report on Shinji.
Makoto wanted to apologize for running off like that. If she would of stayed in the cafeteria a little bit longer than Shinji would have backed off. She felt so stupid! Her best friend was almost killed today because she had a little hissy fit. She didn't know what came over her. She usually wasn't so sensitive. Maybe it was just the stress of moving to a new town and starting a new school that really got to her. Whatever it was, she knew she was partly responsible for Ken's outburst. She worried about Ken sometimes. He was such a kind hearted person and sometimes he took things too personally. 'He's way too hard on himself.' She thought.
'What's worst is that he keeps everything to himself. He has to learn to just let things go and talk about his problems or they'll just eat him up inside'
Makoto threw the ball into the basket. "Swoop. Nothin' but net"
"Can you teach me how to do that"
Makoto turned around and saw Ken standing behind her. "Hey! You okay?" She asked concerned.
Ken scratched his head. He was a little embarrassed about the events that had taken place in the cafeteria. He really didn't feel like talking about it, but he knew Makoto wouldn't give up so easily. Ken shrugged his shoulders. "I'm standing here, breathing, walking, talking to you aren't I. So yeah, I guess I'm alright"
"You don't have to be so touchy. I was just worried about you that's all. What exactly happened"
Ken sighed. He really didn't want to go back to the memory. "Can't we just forget about it? Come on, teach me how to play"
'He's doing it again.' Makoto thought. 'Trying to keep all of his feelings within. I can't let him do that'
"No. Not until you tell me what happened." She held the ball tightly to her.
Ken groaned. "I don't want to talk about it okay"
"You never want to talk about what's bothering you. That's not healthy Ken, if you keep all of those feelings inside their just going to eat you alive, and you know it"
Ken was becoming angry. 'Why does she have to be so difficult.' He thought. 'But she's right. It is eating me up inside'
"Ken, you know I'm right"
"Why don't you just leave me alone!" Ken stormed off, frustrated. No matter where he went, he could get no peace. People were constantly nagging him. His mother, Shinji, and now Makoto. She dropped the ball and ran after Ken. She grabbed his arm. "Get off me!" He demanded as he fought to get lose from her grip.
Makoto wouldn't let go. "NO!" She said. She wanted to scream at him for torturing his self like this. He was too good a person to be in so much pain. But she decided not too. He didn't need someone else screaming at him, he wouldn't listen to her anyway. She realized what she needed to do, apologize.
"I'm sorry Ken. I'm sorry for acting like such a brat earlier today. I don't know what came over me. It was like I was filled with rage and I can't explain it. I shouldn't have ran out on you like that"
Ken stopped trying to run away and Makoto let go of his arm. He kept his back towards her, he didn't want to look at her. "Why are you apologizing. Do you think you could have stopped Shinji from hurting me? I don't need you as a bodyguard Makoto. I can take care of myself"
Makoto felt tears come to her eyes. "I know you can take care of yourself Ken. That's not why I'm apologizing. I'm apologizing because you didn't deserve to be talked to like that. I was fussing with you for no reason at all and you didn't deserve that. Don't you realize how good a person you are? How special you are. I don't feel sorry for you Ken, in fact I admirer you. I wish my heart was a pure as yours, I wish I was as smart and as talented as you are"
Ken felt the anger within him disappears and a soft peaceful feeling filled his heart. He turned around and faced Makoto. He was surprised to see her face filled with tears, it wasn't the first time he saw her cry, but it was the first time he saw her cry because of him.
"You think I'm talented." Ken asked while Makoto wiped the tears from her face.
She nodded. "Yes Ken. You are talented. I know it. I see it within you. Anyone that has such a glow about them has to be talented. You're special, and it shows. Shinji sees it too, and that's why he hates you. He's afraid of you because you have such a pure heart and soul. He only wishes he could be like you, that's why he picks on you." Ken felt tears come to his eyes. No one ever told him that before. It couldn't be true. Shinji jealous of him. No way, Shinji had everything what could he possibly be jealous of Ken for. But none the less, Makoto believed he was special and that made him feel special.
"Really?" He asked.
Makoto smiled. "Really." The two stood wiping away their tears and smiling at each other. After a moment passed Makoto bounced her basketball. "You ready to play or do you just want to stand here all day"
"Don't you want to hear about what happened first?" Ken asked.
Makoto smiled, she got through to him. "Of course"
Ken took a deep breath. 'Here goes.' He thought. "Well it started right after you and Yuki left the cafeteria. Shinji must have been watching our argument because right after you ran out he walked up to me and started saying some crap like 'trouble in paradise?' or some junk like that. I was already pissed off from earlier today so I wasn't in the mood to be bothered with, but he kept coming at me. So I got up looked him in the eye and said 'Knock it off you bastard"
Makoto gasped. That was really bold of Ken, she didn't know he had it in him to stand up to Shinji like that. Well at least not right now. "You really said that"
Ken nodded. "At the time I wasn't thinking, it just sort of came out. Temporary insanity I think it was. Anyway, Shinji was pretty shocked too, but that didn't last long because the next thing I know he threw me down on the table and was choking me"
Makoto's eyes grew wide. "Oh my gosh. They said that Shinji almost killed you, but I thought everyone was exaggerating"
"Well, he almost did kill me. I was really choking. I tried to pull Shinji's hand from my neck, but it was no use. It was as if his arm was made of steel or something. I swear while I was lying there I looked into his eyes, and man I'm not exaggerating when I say this, but it was almost like they were blood red, as if he was possessed or something"
Makoto was beginning to get scared. She knew Shinji was tough but now he was starting to sound psychotic. He actually tried to kill Ken. This dude was no joke! And to think she stood up to him earlier that day and he couldn't even hit her. This just doesn't match up.
Ken continued his story. "So I was laying there and my vision begin to blur. I was thinking I was about to die. It was like my life was flashing before my eyes. Then all of a sudden I was gasping for air and I could breath. I sat up and there's Mr. Hirro holding Shinji down to the floor while the whole cafeteria stood around watching and cheering. I really didn't have time to be embarrassed because I was happy to be alive. The next thing I know Shinji is in hand cuffs and a police officer is taking him out the cafeteria.
"Mr. Hirro escorted me to the nurses officer where they checked up on me and called my mom. Well you know my mom. When she got up to the school and saw me laying on the nurses bed she just started crying and balling like 'Oh, my baby.' "We went to the Principals office and she demanded to get Shinji expelled. The principal said he'll suspend Shinji for a week, but of course that wasn't good enough for my mom. She drove me up to the police station and filled a report on Shinji. So there you have it. That's what happened"
"What a day Ken. Do you think they'll lock Shinji up"
"I don't think so. The officer said that it was just some school fight and kids get into stuff like that all the time. He said it was the school's responsibility to punish him, not the law"
"The school's responsibility! But he almost killed you. Don't you think the law should step in"
Ken shrugged. "I don't know. Come on we talked enough. Let's play." Ken grabbed the ball from Makoto and tried to make a basket but missed.
Makoto laughed. "Relax Ken. You have to concentrate. Just look at the basket, bounce the ball, take a deep breath, aim, and shoot"
Ken followed Makoto's advice. He bounced the ball, which he wasn't too good at. Took a deep breath, aimed, ('Here goes nothin' he thought) and shot the ball. For one second seemed to last five minutes. He watched as the ball went up into the air and then slowly went down. It got closer, closer, closer to the basket and then it touched the rim. It sat on the rim before falling into the basket.
'I made it!' Ken thought in disbelief. Makoto smacked him on the butt. "You made it! You made it"
Ken stood in shock. "I finally did it"
"And you owe it all to me."

The next day at school went by pretty smoothly for both Makoto and Ken. Besides people staring at him while he walked down the hall and the occasional snickering, Ken's day was uneventful. Even Touji shut up around him, he wasn't so tough without Shinji to hide behind. Shinji was put on a two-week suspension and Ken was enjoying his little vacation without Shinji to worry about.
Makoto's day was much better than her first. She and Yuki passed notes during class making fun of Hitomi and Miaka. She got over Ken's crush on Miaka and even thought it was funny. Hitomi sat in the back of class and gave Makoto the evil eye all day. Makoto turned around once and waved at her. Hitomi just rolled her eyes.
At the end of school that day, Makoto had to stay after and catch up on all the work she missed. She asked Yuki to find Ken out in the schoolyard and tell him that she'll meet up with him later.
Yuki ran into the schoolyard directly after school that day. She wanted to find Ken to give him Makoto's message, but she didn't want to miss her bus. The yard was crowded with students and she anxiously looked for Ken but couldn't find him. The yard began to empty out as students boarded their buses. Yuki decided to give up. 'Maybe he left.' She thought. 'School was over 15 minutes ago.' She walked towards her bus, but it pulled off before she got to it. 'Aw Man. I gotta walk home now.' She decided to go on her way. Ken had to see the counselor after school that day to discuss the incident in the cafeteria so his counselor could decide if he needed to see a therapist. The meeting was brief, It only lasted about twenty minutes. He left the office and decided to walk home since he missed the school bus.
Yuki's house was a good walk from the school. She knew a short cut that would get her home quicker and decided to take it. Her mother warned her about going home this way since it required her to walk through alleyways and through the "bad" neighborhood. 'As long as I'm careful'
She walked down an empty alley and got a bad vibe. She decided to ignore it and kept going. The sky turned gray as storm clouds blocked the sun. A wind blew and an old newspaper flew past her. 'Maybe this wasn't such a good ideal after all.' She continued on her way down the alley despite her apprehension. She felt someone put a hand over her mouth and grab her arm. She tried to scream but couldn't.
"Shhh. I'm not going to hurt you. Just give me all of your money." The person said. The voice sounded familiar. Yuki dug into her pockets and pulled out her wallet. Inside she had twenty dollars that she saved from allowance. She needed that money. Her mother didn't have a very good job so it had to last her for the rest of the month, or she would have no lunch. She reluctantly gave him the wallet.
The thief snatched it and let her go. She turned around to see who it was and behind her stood Shinji. Her eyes filled with tears as she tried to back away from him.
Shinji smiled as he counted the money in the wallet. "Gee, for someone as poor as you, you sure are loaded." He looked Yuki up and down. "Are you hiding anything else from me that I should know about, huh." Yuki shook her head. "No!" She said.
Shinji looked at her necklace. It was a gold chain that her grandma had given to her before she died. He couldn't take her chain. That was all she had of her grandmother. "Give me that necklace." Yuki shook her head. "No! You can't have it." She ran away and Shinji chased after her. She was faster than he thought she would be and she manage to run down a block or two before he caught up to her. He grabbed her and held her tightly. "Give me your necklace. Now!" Yuki fought to break free but Shinji kept a firm grip on her. "Don't fight me. You know your not going to win anyway. Just give me the necklace." Shinji tried to pull the necklace off of Yuki while she cried and screamed.
"Help me!"
Ken was walking home when he heard someone scream. 'That voice sounds familiar.' He walked towards it and found Shinji and Yuki in an alleyway. When he saw Yuki crying his first response was to run and help, but then he thought of Shinji and how he had almost killed him the day before. He stood there for awhile, not sure what to do. Yuki was crying, unable to do anything as Shinji pulled at her chain. She looked up with eyes blurry from crying and saw someone watching. At first she thought it was an angel. But then she looked closer and realized it was Ken. "Ken! Ken help me"
Shinji looked up and saw Ken. "What the hell are you doing here"
Ken backed up. He thought about running away but when he saw Yuki's face, he knew what he had to do. He took a deep breath and faced his fear. He walked towards the two. "Back off Shinji. Let her go"
Shinji begin to laugh. "What are you going to do about it, huh"
Yuki looked at Ken. "Get my wallet. He has my wallet"
"Give it back!" Shinji begin to laugh. He let go of Yuki and she fell to the ground. He threw her wallet back at her.
"Run." Ken screamed at Yuki and she picked up her wallet and ran home.
"So, we meet again. I let Yuki go because beating the crap out of you would be much more fun than picking with her." Shinji's smirk was evil.
"Your sick." Ken said while backing up. He was ready to run.
"Are you going to run away Ken. Remember what I did to you last time? You're not going to get off that easily now"
Shinji grabbed Ken by the collar and threw him against the alley wall. He punched Ken in the chin, causing Ken to bite his tongue making it bleed. He then punched Ken in his stomach knocking the wind out of him. He banged Ken's head on the wall and Ken slid down leaving a trail of blood. Ken fell to the ground and Shinji kicked him in the chest and in his knee. He continued to kick Ken until Ken grabbed his leg causing him to lose balance and he fell to the ground hard. Shinji hit his head on the ground and rolled over and grabbed his head in pain. Ken crawled over to Shinji and punched him in the lip. Shinji grabbed Ken's hair and punched him in the eye. Ken took his fingers and scratched Shinji's eyes. Shinji covered them in pain and Ken punched Shinji in his left eye. Shinji sat up and kicked Ken away. He slowly stood up and kicked Ken in his left knee over and over again. Ken cried in pain on the ground. Shinji heard the sounds of police sirens. "Later, Ken." He ran away from the scene. Ken was left on the ground all alone. He tried to get up but couldn't, he was in too much pain. He felt himself falling to sleep and he closed his eyes.

Makoto sat in her bedroom looking out of her window watching the rain fall. She was worried about Ken. It was 8:00 and he wasn't home yet. 'I wondered what happened to him.' She thought about the day before and how Shinji almost killed him. 'No. Shinji is suspended, he couldn't have seen Ken today. But even so, something doesn't feel right.' A car pulled up into the Brown's driveway. She saw Ken step out of the car along with his mom. Ken was on crotches and he looked pretty beat up. 'Oh my gosh.' Makoto ran down the steps and into the living room. "What's up, Mako. Why are you running out of here." Makoto's dad asked as he sat on the couch.
"Its Ken! He just got home and he's on crutches. He looks pretty bad like he got beat up. I have to run to him to see what happened"
Makoto's father grabbed her by the shoulders. "Wait, slow down kiddo. If he's on crutches it must mean that he got hurt pretty badly. Give him a minute or two to settle in then go over to see him later"
"But dad, he needs me. I need to go to him. He needs me there..." Makoto cut herself off with her own crying. Her father pulled her into an embrace and she cried into his chest. 'I'm crying again. I've done enough crying this week alone than I have in my life. All because of Ken. Why does he have such an affect on me?'

Makoto ringed the bell to the door of the William's residence. 'Oh Ken. I'm here for you now.' The door opened and it was Ken's mom. "Makoto. Come in dear. Please." Makoto walked in the large house. The size and poshness of the small mansion never ceased to amaze her.
"Ken's upstairs in his room. You can go up to see him if you like." Makoto could tell that Kathy had been crying.
"Mrs. Brown. I mean Ms. Williams"
"Call me Kathy, please"
"Okay, Ms. Kathy. What happened to Ken"
Kathy took a deep breath. "It was that hoodlum kid, Shinji. He found him in an alleyway after school and beat him up. A girl named Yuki saw the fight and called the cops. When they found Ken he was on the ground badly beaten. The police said their was nothing they could do since Shinji was a minor and the fight started in school"
Kathy began to cry. "I just wish they would leave Ken alone. He's a good boy. He doesn't deserve to be treated like this."

Ken laid on his bed staring at the ceiling. He was in so much pain. After Shinji left him in the alleyway he woke up laying on a hospital bed. His knee was sprained from Shinji kicking it and he had a pretty bad blow to the head. His tongue was swollen and his lip was busted. He was beat up.
He heard a knock at the door. "Ken. Ken, its Makoto. Can I come in please"
Ken was in no mood for company. He didn't want Makoto to see him like this. He closed his eyes and pretended to be sleep. Makoto opened the door and walked into the room. She walked over to his bed and stared at him. She took his hand into hers and sat down in a chair next to the bed. "Ken, I'm so sorry"
"Every since you came into my life its been non-stop emotions. I swear, I must have cried a river by now. I don't know what it is but maybe we're soul mates, because I have never felt this way about anyone, ever. You're my best friend, and I need you in my life"
"You don't have to be so cheesy about it Makoto." Ken opened his eyes and smirked.
Makoto dropped his hand. "You were awake the whole time"
"Yeah. I heard your whole love confession." Ken laughed.
"You sneaky bum." Makoto laughed with him. "Ken, are you okay"
He sat up. "Yeah. I'm breathing, talking, but I'm not walking. Yeah I'm okay." They both laughed. Ken told Makoto about how he found Yuki in the alleyway with Shinji and all the details of the fight.
"So you gave him a black eye. Ken I'm impressed. I got something for you." Makoto pulled out a pint of chocolate heart attack ice cream.
Ken's eyes widened. "You didn't. Oh Makoto, I think I love you!" Makoto almost dropped the ice cream. Ken blushed. "Eh, er, I'm just kidding." Makoto giggled uncomfortably. "I know." They both laughed and ate their ice cream.

Ken stayed home from school the next day. He would have to stay off of his left knee for awhile. This gave Makoto more bounding time with Yuki. "So Shinji tried to steal your money. That bastard!" Makoto said angrily.
"That's not all. He tried to take the necklace my grandmother gave me before she died. For a minute there I was devastated. I kept thinking about my grandmother and how I couldn't live without my necklace. That's when Ken appeared." Yuki's eyes widened and sparkled as she mentioned Ken's name. "He saved my necklace." She sighed. "He appeared like an angel. He walked up to Shinji all brave and stuff and he was like 'Let Yuki go.'" Makoto couldn't help but giggle. She knew for a fact that Ken was scared to death. He probably peed his pants when he saw Shinji, but to Yuki he was some type of superman. The look in Yuki's eyes as she talked about Ken looked familiar. It almost reminded her of the way that Ken looked at Miaka.
'OH MY GOSH!' Makoto thought to herself. "You like Ken!" She said out loud and a couple people in the cafeteria turned around.
Yuki blushed and looked down. "I... I guess I do." She said embarrassed.
Makoto burst into laughter while Yuki continued to look down.
"You don't have a problem with that, do you?" Yuki asked meekly.
Makoto shook her head. "No, not at all. I just find it funny. My two best friends and one of them likes the other"
"Yeah, I like him but he likes Miaka." They turned around and watched Miaka talking to Hitomi, looking all cute and sweet.
"Little Ms. Perfect." They said at the same time. They looked at each other and laughed.

Makoto read the piece of paper she held in her hand.
143 Sesame Seed Ave.
Makoto did some detective work to find Shinji's address. She snuck into the student records in the main office while the secretary was on her lunch break.
'I'm going to give Shinji a piece of my mind.' Makoto had decided to give Shinji a visit and discuss his problem with Ken. Maybe she could get through to him and he would leave Ken alone. She realized what she was doing was potentially dangerous, but she had a feeling that Shinji wouldn't touch her. She didn't know why, but when she looked into his eyes that day, she saw something so sad and so deep. Shinji had a secret heartache, much like the pain Ken carried about his father.
She walked up the broken down steps of the small shack like house. She rung the bell and waited. Inside she could hear someone hollering and what sounded like pans falling to the floor. Makoto's heart began to race. 'Maybe I shouldn't have come here.' She thought. The door opened and a big man stood in the doorway glaring at her. He looked mean and made it pretty clear that she was disturbing him. The man had tan skin and dark eyes, just like Shinji. His arms were covered with tattoos and his large bear belly poked out of his greasy wife beater shirt. He looked Makoto up and down, intimidating her. She felt sweat beads form on her head.
"What do you want? I'm not interested in buying any cookies." Makoto swallowed hard. 'No wonder Shinji is so messed up. Look at his old man.' She thought.
"Hi. Is.. um is Shinji home"
Shinji's father rolled his eyes.
"What does a nice looking girl like you want with my son. Wait here." The man turned around and screamed. "Shinji. Get your a#$ down here. Somebody here for ya. It's a girl." The man turned around and walked back into the house leaving Makoto at the door. He sat down on the couch in front of the t.v. and picked up his can of beer. Shinji walked into the living room and went to the door. Makoto swallowed hard as she saw Shinji approach her.
When Shinji saw Makoto's face he looked like he had seen a ghost. "What are you doing here?" He said while opening the screen door and stepping onto the porch.
Makoto took a step back as Shinji neared her. Her heart began to beat even faster than before. She suddenly found it hard to breath, as if the air was too thick. She took a deep breath in. 'Why am I reacting like this? Am I that scared of him?' She thought as she felt her body temperature go up. She stood staring at him, not knowing what to say.Shinji stared back at her, his dark eyes piercing her green ones. He didn't look angry but he looked shocked, almost amazed by Makoto. He stared at her as if he was searching her eyes, trying to find a piece of her soul within.
'Why is he looking at me like that?' She began to feel uncomfortable and broke her gaze with Shinji by looking away.
Shinji continued to stare at Makoto but quickly returned to "consciousness". He cleared his throat.
"So are you going to answer my question, or are you just going to stand out here all day?" He asked sarcastically.
Makoto looked up at Shinji and felt her self return to normal. She remembered what she came there for, Ken.
"I came here to talk to you, about Ken"
Shinji rolled his eyes at the mention of his name. He leaned back on the front of his house and groaned. If Makoto didn't know better she'd think he was a little disappointed.
"Talk about what? I beat the shit out of him. What else is there to say." He looked over at Makoto as if he was becoming impatient.
Makoto felt her anger towards him return. She balled up her fist and felt the urge to knock the crap out him. 'He's not even worth it.' She reminded herself that she came there to make peace, not to start another fight. She relaxed her hand and took a deep breath.
"Why? Why do you pick on him? He never did anything to you to deserve that"
Shinji looked away from Makoto and buried his hand in his pocket pulling out a cigarette and lighting it. He took a puff and then relaxed his shoulders as he exhaled. He leaned his head back against his house. "Because he's a little pussy. I'm just trying to toughen him up, get a little man into him." He said with a smirk and looked over at Makoto again.
'He's sick.' She thought. 'What an insensitive jerk. I can't believe I thought I saw something deeper within him.' She turned to leave and began to walk away.
Shinji jumped forward and grabbed Makoto's arm, pulling her towards him. Her back was pressed against his chest and she could feel his warm breath on her ear. She felt a shock go through her body like a bolt of electricity.
"Wait. Where are you going?" He asked in a voice she never heard from his lips before. She turned around and looked him in the eye. She could she that he was lonely, and so sad. She looked down at his hand on her arm and he let go.
"I'm leaving." She said as she turned around to face him. "You obviously aren't sorry for what you did to him"
Shinji looked frustrated. "Why should I. I told him what I'd do to him, but still he pushed. I just gave him what I promised"
Makoto shook her head. "You just don't get it, do you? You hurt him! Can't you see that! You hurt him deep inside, just like someone hurt you." Makoto's eyes begin to tear up and a single drop slid down her cheek. She wiped it away quickly. "Its funny, the person that could probably understand you the most is the one you push away"
Makoto turned and walked away as Shinji stood and watched.

Ken sat on the living room couch as he watched Star Wars for the 100th time. Ken was enjoying his little break from school. He got a chance to be home alone while his mother was at work. This meant having the TV all to himself and all the junk food he could eat. 'This is the life.' He thought as he took a bite of gummibear and cheese pizza. 'No rules, and no one to answer to'
The doorbell rung and Ken grabbed his crutches. 'Who could this be at this time of day.' It was 2:15 p.m. and Makoto was still at school. 'Maybe it's my light saber that I mail ordered last week.' He began to get excited and hobbled to the door quickly. He was so anxious for his new toy that he didn't look through the hole in the door to see who it was. Instead he opened it quickly and was surprised to see who stood in front of him. It was Shinji Blango! Ken almost fell over from both shock and horror. He maintained his balance and stared Shinji dead in the eye. 'I'm not afraid of him.' He told his self.
"What do you want"
Shinji scratched his head. "I just wanted to apologize. I kinda feel bad for putting you in crutches. So sorry." Shinji said almost reluctantly.
Ken looked at him in shock. 'He looks like Shinji, sounds like Shinji.' He looked the other boy up and down. 'He even has the black eye that I gave him. But this can't be Shinji'
Shinji stared at Ken awkwardly. "Alright so I apologized. Are you happy now"
Ken shook his head for a moment. He almost felt dizzy. "You came to my house to apologize to me. Are you really Shinji or am I just dreaming." Shinji looked irritated. He punched Ken in the shoulder almost knocking him over. Ken screamed in pain. "Ouch! What did you do that for"
Shinji smiled. "Well if you felt that, you can't be dreaming"
Ken looked up at Shinji as if he were the sickest bastard on earth. He then laughed and Shinji joined him. After a moment of laughter they stopped and an awkward silence followed. Ken cleared his throat.
"Thanks for coming over to apologize"
Shinji just nodded. "Well, I guess I'll be going now." Shinji tuned around to leave.
"Wait." Ken said. Shinji turned around. 'What am I doing.' Ken thought. 'He tried to kill me'
"Do you want to come in and sit down for awhile, I got some pizza"
Shinji looked surprised. He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know? I was planning to rob some innocent kid in an empty alleyway today." Shinji said with an evil smirk.
Ken laughed nervously. "Oh, okay." Ken felt stupid for inviting him to hangout. 'He wouldn't want to waste his time with a nerd like me'
Shinji smiled. "Did you say you have pizza"
Ken shook his head. "Uh huh"
"Well I guess I could rob someone anytime. I am kind of hungry"
Ken smiled. "Okay"

"Why don't you take a seat." Ken said while hobbling over to the couch.
Shinji looked around Ken's living room in awe. "I'm surprised you don't have a butler at this place"
"No, but we do have a house cleaner. She comes every morning, you just missed her." Ken said while siting down.
"Is she a French maid. The sexy kind that wears a short skirt with long legs and can't speak a word of English." Shinji said excitedly while flopping on the couch.
"Our maid is like fifty years old, and you don't want to see her in a skirt." The two boys laughed.
Shinji picked up the remote. "I bet y'all got a satellite dish with like a 1000 channels. What's the porn channel number"
Ken felt a sweat drop. "Well, my mom blocks those channels"
"Aw man. That's wack." Shinji said disappointed. "Your dad lets her do that"
Ken got a little quite. "My dad doesn't live with us. My parents are divorced"
"Oh." Shinji said surprised. "Where does your dad live"
"In America. California exactly"
Shinji looked impressed. "Wow. You've ever been there before"
"I was born there. Both my parents are American. That's why I have an English name. We moved to Japan when I was four and I haven't been back since"
"Man, If my dad lived in America I'd be there every summer. Why don't you visit him"
"My dad's a dead beat. He sorta pretends I don't exist and I return the favor"
Shinji was quiet for a moment. "Well at least your dad just ignores you. A lot of people got it worst than that"
Ken looked over at Shinji and he could tell that his relationship with his father was probably worst than the one he had with his.
"You got your mom Ken. You're lucky. I can't even say that"
Shinji stared at the television screen while he talked. He acted so nonchalantly, but Ken knew it was just a front.
"What happened to your mom"
"She died." Shinji didn't move his gaze from the television screen.
Ken began to feel sad. "How"
"Look I don't want to talk about it. You're starting to sound like a real fag, getting all emotional and shit"
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..." Shinji cut him off. "Look, its alright, just don't mention it again okay." Ken looked down at his cast. He felt bad for pressing the issue, he should have known better.
Shinji tried to change the subject. "Pretty good strategic fighting Ken. I didn't know you had it in you." Shinji looked over at Ken and smirked.
Ken smiled. "Really. I wasn't thinking like that. I just did what I had to do to keep from getting killed"
Shinji nodded. "Yeah, well it was pretty darn smart. Making me fall like that, then scratching my eyes. Where you learn that from, a kung-fu movie or something?" They laughed. "I had a head ache for three days straight. It still hurts a little now. Then my eye. No one else gave me a black eye except for my old man"
Ken tried to ignore the last part. He figured that Shinji was abused at home. 'So that's why he's so angry.' "Well, I tried." Ken said. The two sat in silence.
"So. Makoto, is she your girlfriend or something?" Shinji asked while cracking his knuckles.
Ken shook his head. "No. She's just a friend. In fact, were best friends"
Shinji nodded. "That's sweet." He laughed. "She's pretty tough, huh"
"Yeah she is. Once you get to know her though, she's the nicest most understanding person I know. She can really read people, she's knows their hearts"
Shinji knew that. He found that out yesterday. "So, do you like her"
Ken blushed. "No! Of course not. It's not like that. I only see her as my friend"
"Yeah, sure. If you say so"
"I'm serious. Why are you so concerned anyway? Do you like her or something"
Shinji laughed. "Of course not. She's not my type, a little too masculine for me. That type would work good for you since you're a little on the sweet side"
Ken rolled his eyes. "Whatever"
Shinji looked at his watch. "I gotta go." He said while standing up.
Ken got up on his crutches and walked Shinji to the door.
"Thanks for having me over. It's been real good talking to you." Shinji said while holding out his hand. Ken shook it.
"Thanks for stopping by. It's been my pleasure"
Shinji put his hand behind his neck. "You gotta stop by my place next time to have a beer and watch some porn." The two laughed.
Ken opened the door and watched Shinji leave. Makoto was walking past when she saw Shinji walking out of Ken's door. She stopped in her tracks and watched as Shinji walked towards her while Ken stood smiling at the door.
Shinji spotted Makoto and winked at her. "Hey, babe"
Makoto stood with her mouth open as she watched the scene. She shook her head. 'Maybe I did get through to him after all.'

"So you two actually had a conversation?" Yuki asked Ken as they sat in the cafeteria the following week. Ken had explained the situation to Makoto that day after Shinji left, and she decided to not to tell him about the conversation she had with Shinji.
"Yeah, and it was a pretty good one at that." Ken said.
"I'm jealous Ken. You're out of school for one week and you already have a new best friend." Makoto pouted her bottom lip.
Ken laughed. "Please Makoto. It was a one time only thing. We just made peace, were not friends"
"Well, if you say so Ken." Makoto added. She didn't quite know how she felt about Ken and Shinji being friends. She was the one who confronted Shinji in the first place, so she did see something in Shinji that would be good for Ken. But then Shinji was Shinji and she didn't want his negativity to rub off on him.
"What's up Ken." Makoto didn't need to turn around to see who was in back of her. She knew who it was by the electric shock that went through her body. 'What's going on with me and that feeling.' She knew that Shinji stood behind her. He was the only one who could make her feel like that.
Ken's face lit up when he saw Shinji. "Nothin'! My legs back to normal, still hurts a bit though"
Shinji smirked. "Good to hear that." Shinji looked down. "Hi Makoto"
Makoto didn't turn around to face him. "Hi Shinji." She said while staring at Ken.
"Why don't you sit with us today. I talked to Touji, he's cool now. Nobody's gonna give you a hard time over there. I'll make sure of it"
Ken looked at Makoto and Yuki. "No, that's okay. I want to eat with my friends today"
Makoto kicked Ken's right knee under the table. "Go ahead Ken. Me and Yuki will be alright over here without you. You can eat with us any other time"
Ken looked at Makoto and then at Shinji. He looked back at Makoto. "Are you sure." He asked.
Makoto laughed. "Ken. We'll live without you. Now go on. Sit with Shinji, and all the other people who sit there." She winked at Ken, referring to someone special.
Ken smiled. He got the joke. "Okay. I'll see you after school today right"
Makoto smiled. "Of course. Now hurry before the bell rings"
Ken walked off with Shinji to the "cool" table.
Yuki looked worried. "Do you think Ken will change now that he's hanging out with the popular kids. He may never talk to us again"
Makoto shook her head. "Don't worry Yuki. Ken's not like that. He's loyal. He'll never change, he'll just get better." Makoto believed every word that she said, and she was right. Ken didn't change. He just became a better person. Even though she was right about him, she regretted this day for years.

To be continued...

Check back for Chapter 3: 'Boys of Summer'. We'll go four years into the future where the teenaged Makoto and Ken spend the summer at the shore.

May God bless you,
Akilah Contact me at