Bidding Chaud and the boys a farewell, Sam and Star began to trek back to the apartment. Star massaged her temples. "I don't know Sam…I just feel…like I'm missing some information."

Smiling sympathetically, Sam patted her partner's shoulder. "I think we're all missing that information. Tell you what, let's make a stop before we go any further." Pulling Starfire along, Sam finally stopped by a small shop that bore the name Angelina's. Looking at Star head on, Sam placed a hand on her PET in its holster. "I'm gonna stop in and pick up some bath stuff. You know, scented soap, bath salts, shampoo, lotion…you gonna come in and help?"

Taken aback, Star looked at the store. "Sam! We don't have any money with us!"

"That's what you think." Retorted the brunette. Unzipping her vest, Sam reached into an inner pocket and produced some bills. "For emergencies." She said simply. "I figure this qualifies as an emergency."

Chewing her lip, Starfire eyed her friend. "Sam, that's your personal money. I'm not going to let you just spend it on me because something stupid happened to me."

Looking at Starfire with a mixture of skeptical and exasperation, Sam sighed. "One, I will spend my money the way I want. Two, it wasn't something stupid, you pretty much lost your job." Taking Star by the wrist, Sam pulled her into the store.

A half hour later, the duo emerged from the store, Sam tucking away some change and Star carrying a bag of soaps.

"I can't believe you got a discount just because you're a regular." Gushed Starfire as they walked.

Zipping her vest, Sam smoothed the front. "Well, I have spread the word about that place. They always take a little off the price for me because of that."

As they passed a bakery, someone called out. "Sam!" Turning, Sam caught two croissants and looked at a young man standing in the doorway. "For you and your friend!"

Smiling, Sam waved with her free hand. "Thanks Toby! I'll stop by soon, I swear."

Taking one croissant from Sam, Starfire was surprised to find it was still warm. "Why did he-?"

"I helped him get that job." Stated the young girl as she bit into her roll. "I just go around town and see who needs help today."

"Isn't that how we got that job at the Blue Moon?" Asked Starfire, referring to the duo's second job at a small bar for teens where no alcohol was served. Usually the two girls worked as waitresses in the real and cyber worlds respectively. On rare occasions they'd be asked to play a little something or DJ, but nothing too major.

Smiling, Sam nodded, turning down a familiar street. "Yep. I help those who need help. What goes around comes around."

Once the duo was back home, they broke into their purchases for the day. Then Star and Sam retreated to the bathroom amidst much giggling.

Sinking into the warm bath, Star relaxed, allowing the bubbles to tickle her chin. "This feels soooo good." She sighed, just letting herself soak in the tub.

Poking her head around the shower door, Sam smiled, soap bubbles clinging to her wet hair. "It feels good to relax for a while, doesn't it?"

Sitting up, Star was sure to make sure that a good portion of her remained underwater. "Yeah. We can't do stuff like this with boys around!" Then the blonde sniffed at the air. "And they might keel over because of the scents. Do I detect a hint of lilac?"

"That would be the shampoo." Quipped Sam from the shower. "I'm passing it to you." A bottle was slid across the white tiles where Star promptly picked it up and began to rub it into her wet hair.

"Mmm…rose scented bubble bath and lilac hair soap." Sinking back down, Star lowered her long hair into the water. "I'm in heaven…"

One bath later, both ladies had changed into comfortable pajamas and were curled up on the window seat by the fire escape clutching mugs of tea. "So, how're things working out with Proto?" Asked Sam, sipping her tea.

With a casual shrug, the blue-eyed blonde savored her mouthful of tea. "It's…interesting. We both know how the other feels about us and it's great. I just feel like we could take this further."

"Further?" Laughed Sam. "The only way to take it further is get married, and you're only fourteen!"

Wagging a finger at her friend, Star raised her eyebrows. "I'll be fifteen next year. And you forget, Navis are ageless, timeless. We have eternity and therefore it doesn't matter what age we're married at."

Conceding, Sam stared out at the gathering dusk. "Yeah, I know that. I'd just feel more comfortable if you waited a bit before you went and got married. I like Proto and all, he's a wonderful guy but I don't want you to rush into something."

Laughing as well, Star adjusted her socks. "All right, I'll wait. I doubt Proto would propose any time soon anyways."

Gazing up, Sam pointed. "Look! A shooting star!"

Sure enough, a streak of white light danced in Star's vision as she silently made her wish. 'I want to know what I'm missing here. And if it's possible, I'd like a sign if this is right. If I'm supposed to be with Proto and all.'

Overhead, the moon and stars sparkled like diamonds in the velvety black night.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Wow, those were two chapters of fluff! And for those of you confused, these chapters are taking place at the same time.

Happy New Year! It's funny; I didn't expect 2006 to look so much like 2005. There probably won't be updates until after my finals are done next week and if there are, hide because it's a sign of the apocalypse.

WE ARE GETTING CLOSE TO THE END OF RED SUN RISING! As such, I feel there should be some questions answered. If you have a question RELEVANT to the story or any of my upcoming works, be sure to e-mail me or leave it in your review.

Also, there will be a couple plot twists. There are three total. If you have a guess as to what they will be, leave them in the reviews. I'm not telling any of you before they happen and when they do happen, I'll let you know who guessed them. Sithy, you can't participate. You know them all. And no questioning Sith about them! There's no prize for guessing them, just a pat on the head and a word of congrats from me. Hey, if any of you can put them in chronological order (the order in which the events take place) I'll be really impressed.