Chapter 7

For one reason or another, the disheartened Cliff took a walk around the North side of town until he came across Rick and Karen talking by the Supermarket.

"Those two look really happy together..." Cliff thought with a sigh. "I'm envious..."

After awhile, Karen noticed the time and figured it was time for her to go to work, so she head right back into the supermarket. At the same time, Rick was just about to return to the Chicken Farm until he passed by Cliff.

"Oh, hello Cliff!" Rick called out cheerfully. "What are you doing around here?"

"I don't know, really..." Cliff softly uttered.

Rick blinked in confusion. He then went up close to confirm Cliff's mood.

"Cliff, are you okay? You seem depressed." Rick said in concern.

Cliff nodded. "Rick... how did you do it?"

"Do what?" Rick said as he scratched his head.

"You and Karen... you look so happy together." Cliff moaned. "I hear she's fairly tough to approach due to a few issues, especially her drinking habit! How is it that you

managed to hook up with her?"

Rick glared at him. "Wait, what? You're asking me for girl help?" he exclaimed. "But... but Karen and I aren't officially dating! We-we just---"

"Is that so?" Cliff said. "Because you two look really close, so I assumed---"

"That's an interesting assumption!" Rick cried. "But if there was a chance for us to be dating, I would! Sure, I care about that girl a lot, but I don't know exactly where Karen's feelings lie!"

Cliff nearly smiled. "I have a feeling you two would make a great couple..." he answered wistfully.

"Thank you again..." Rick said in surprise. "But seriously, why do you need help with girls in the first place?"

"It's Ann..." Cliff groaned.

"Ann? You mean that spunky girl from the Inn that helps out there? The one that would be more useful around the house than my sister?" he cried shamelessly.

Cliff nodded. "She's been so kind and sweet to me since I stayed at the Inn, she's really grown on me. I think I've become quite fond of her, actually..." he admitted.

"Yeah, I suppose she'd be nice to be around." Rick said with a nod.

"But then, I heard news that she and Mitchel were into each other, and her father Doug was only happy to confirm this to me in the middle of one of their spats!" Cliff cried.

"Ah, yes... that was the biggest buzz going around Mineral Town, isn't it? I forgot those two were supposed to be the hottest couple around..." Rick noted.

"What am I supposed to do? Ann and I were on the verge of a lasting relationship, but then Mitchel comes along, and now I feel so distant. I can't even confront either of them, anymore."

"Well, that's a pretty tough situation. And I can tell you really like her." Rick replied. "Do you think her current relationship is what's best for Ann?"

Cliff shrugged. "... well, they haven't really shared their feelings yet, neither do they even consider each other friends. In fact, when I saw them going at it, I thought they were mortal enemies. But Doug made it very clear to me what's going on between them."

"Then maybe there's still hope!" Rick proclaimed as he clutched his fist. "Considering how often they fight, you should consider yourself her savior from sanity! Show her you can provide a more stable relationship and open up to her first!" Rick suggested.

"But... what if she rejects me? What if her secret feelings for Mitchel are really special to her?" Cliff said.

"Then, I guess it'll be up to you to decide what to do from then. The best advice anyone can offer you is to be yourself." Rick suggested. "Heck, I didn't have to bother changing my image for Karen, and she liked me just fine! You'll just have to hope Ann will like you more."

The vagabond suddenly felt his hope rise. "Thanks, Rick. Maybe I still have a chance with Ann." he said with a grin.

He then thought through the few instances the dysfunctional pair went at each other without any hint of passion behind their actions.

"I just don't understand it... if those two can't stand each other for so many reasons, what would they see in each other that would make all those fights worthwhile? Why can't they just have feelings for people that could allow a healthier relationship?" Cliff asked.

Rick shrugged. "I suppose no one's ever seen it before, but Karen and I have argued over things before. It just happens to be a strange sign that shows how two people care about each other. Anyway, being really kind towards someone doesn't necessarily mean you "love" them either. For one thing, I've always seen that farmer giving chocolates to my sister everyday and hanging around with her, but I'm pretty sure he's just doting on her. I mean, he usually calls her a "comrade" or whatever, and that's not exactly an ideal pet name! Heck, the only one who's shown any special interest in my little sister is that annoying playboy, Kai! Ha, I bet he's just desperate to wanna be with someone as whiny and childish as Popuri!"

Cliff laughed. "You must really care about your little sister if you tease her so much like that!"

Meanwhile, at the Goddess Spring, Mitchel and Popuri were hanging out again, but for some unknown reason, they were both really angry.

"Why do I feel this sudden urge to hurt Rick?" the pink-haired girl thought.

"Why do I feel like my chicken comrade Rick is acting like a moron?" Mitchel thought.

Also, at the Library, Mary was sitting at her desk by her lonesome self. Apparently, the few patrons she gets haven't arrived yet.

"I still feel ignored, somehow. Is it just me, or am I the only one in this town who's aware of my friendship with Mitchel?" she said to herself.

She then let go of the issue with a shrug.

"Oh well..."

Author's Note: What! No Omake? What the heck? Yeah, haven't done the author's notes for awhile, but I'd like to take this time to thank rosebabykiss forbeing my first reviewer in a fic once again. And… GASP! I'm actually getting more than two regular reviewers! I find this a rarity among my fics! What have I done to garner such personally unprecedented attention? Anyway, I apologize for no side story theatre here, especially with such a short Chapter. Whatever. Just read on, please… and anonymous reviewers are accepted, in case you were wandering…