Thank you all again for reviews. You guys don't know how much they truly mean to me.

Ladies and if any gentlemen read this, chapter 9.

Disclaimer: I do not own Mt. Fuji.

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After they left the hospital, Namine and Roxas hopped in his car and sped off, urgently looking around for a place to eat. The drama, this morning, had them miss Selphie's wonderfully cooked breakfast, leaving they quite famished.

"So Namie, where do you want to go?"

Namine put a finger to her chin, her eyes staring up at the cars' ceiling in contemplation.

"Umm, I don't really mind. You choose."

The golden-haired blond smirked.

"How about Mt. Fuji?" (1)

He saw that his friend was about to protest to the idea of eating at an expensive restaurant, but quelled her fear by holding up his wallet.

"Don't worry 'bout, Namine. My treat for our new friendship."

"If its c-cool for you then okay."

"No problem here."

The car's path remained the same as Roxas drove through Armetis and entered the main highway. Monstrous mountains zoomed into view as the city fell behind them.

"Oh, wow. Roxas, is that it?"

He followed his friend's gaze, only it see a huge building situated on top of a nearby mount.

"Yep!"

Flicking on his blinker, Roxas managed to get off on the exit and was taken to a narrow road. Namine glanced around uncertainly as highway disappeared and a vast forest replaced it. Roxas, sensing her doubt, reached over and put his hand over hers.

She observed their hands in disbelief and, yet felt calm about it, her skepticism gone. Namine beamed at Roxas, making him return his eyes back to the road, turning scarlet. He half expected her to remove his hand in disgust, scowling at the contact, but he rather enjoyed this result.

Twists and sharp turns awaited them as they climbed their way up. Upon arrival, Namine nearly jumped out of the car in glee. It was her first time here and she was totally ready to make the best of it. Taking a moment, she looked and gasped that the scenery.

On her left, were a bunch of Cherry blossom trees surrounding a small shrine dedicated to the kitsune spirit. On her right, was the entrance to the restaurant, but before that; a cute Japanese styled garden, a baby pond with koi, and a walkway to stand over and watch.

"Namine," She snapped out of daze and turned back to Roxas who had just handed or his keys to the valet. "Ready to head in now?"

"Yeah, I was just admiring the beautiful highlights."

Roxas wrapped an arm around Namine's shoulder and escorted in. The host bowed deeply as he recognized the person walking in.

"Such an honor to have your presence here again, Master Nasumi." The tuxedo-dressed man looked over the 'couples' shoulder, seemingly trying spot somebody. "Where are your parents and brother, sir?"

"They decided not to come today, so it's me and my friend. I also would like to have a hibachi table in the back if you don't mind."

The host looked down at the abashed girl, smiling.

"No problem, sir." The moderator turned around and called out a random name. "Momo, could you please take our guests to their table?"

Suddenly a black-haired dressed in a yellow kimono, appeared next to her boss.

"Of course!" The crimson-eyed girl gathered the menus and walked a few steps before peering back. "This way, please."

Now that they were seated and alone, Roxas watched Namine as in amusement. He thought she looked cute the way her tongue poked out on her mouth and how her brows knitted together in thought.

"Here are your drinks." Namine set down her menu as Momo handed her a pink lemonade while Roxas received some sake. Reaching into her kimono, the ebony-haired woman pulled out her ticket book.

"Are we ready to order?"

"I'll have the onion soup with the teriyaki chicken, please."

Momo took his card and waited for Namine.

"Umm-ahh...I'll have the 12oz. teriyaki steak with mushrooms."

"Alrightly then. I'll be back in a few with your food. Just call if you need a refill on your drinks."

And so, they were left alone again. Roxas fidgeted in his chair noticeably, startling Namine a bit. She ignored him though, deciding on finishing her rice.

"Namine, I was thinking..."

Swallowing the rest of her cuisine, she shifted in her chair to meet Roxas' inquisitive stare.

"About what, Rox?"

He shivered internally, liking the way his nickname rolled off her tongue.

"About that kiss last night...You know? With you and Riku." Namine blushed deeply, touching her moist lips lightly. Oh yes...She remembered alright.

"Yeah...so what about it?"

"I was just wondering if that would make you and Riku a couple now." She shrugged.

"I have no idea, but that kiss..." The flush reddened. "Was awesome."

Roxas smiled at his buddy's glowing face, but seethed angrily on the inside.

"I don't see why you're blushing so much over one, stupid kiss. I'm sure you had plenty before."

Namine turned away from him and glowed a brighter shade of red, if that was even possible.

"Oh, Namie...Please don't tell me..."

"Yeah, Roxas. That was my first."

Roxas' actually believed that his brain would implode from all the violent thoughts running through his skull. He wanted to strangle Riku, chop his body into tiny pieces, and throw the remains in the ocean.

He was suppose to be Namine's first kiss. His, DAMMIT!

Roxas was about to talk to Namine again when there food arrived.

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Despite the horrible news at the restaurant, Roxas thought the past week were the best days of his life. They (he and Namine, sometimes the gang came too) visited Mrs. Yugowa all week. Some day playing cards or board games while others were just sitting around and talking.

Today was New Years' Eve, so Mrs. Nasumi decided that Roxas and Sora could invite their friends to hang out for the night. As the sun began to set, Sora was interrupted from putting the snack bowls on the end table by the doorbell.

"Got it!"

Roxas slid down the railing from upstairs and landed gracefully in front of the door. He opened it widely, knowing exactly who was behind it.

Hayner and the crew stood in their winter jackets, smiling brightly and holding up all kinds of alcohol.

"Oh shit! You guys didn't have too."

Roxas called Sora to help him take all the bottles while Mr. and Mrs. Nasumi entered the living room.

"Come, come! Don't shy."

Shedding their excess clothes, went to greet the parents.

"Oh Hayner, look how big you've grown." The sepia-eyed boy blushed and rubbed the back of his head.

"Olette, is that you?" Both woman embraced. "You're even more beautiful than I can remember. Are your parents still on for dinner Friday."

"Yes, ma'am."

Edmund stepped up to Pence and gave him a noogie. (2)

"Oi, Pence, you still overly obsessed with those cameras of yours?"

Selphie, Kairi, and Namine watched as their friends caught up with old buddies.

"And who are these three lovely ladies?" The three girls hopped forward, scared from Edmund popping up mysteriously behind them. At this point, the twins returned back from the kitchen.

"This," Sora replied as he wrapped an arm around Kairi's waist. "Is Kairi, my girlfriend."

Megumi stepped forward and clasped her hands with Kairi's.

"Ah, so you're the Kairi we've been hearing so much about." Suddenly, the unsuspecting auburn-haired girl into a bone-crushing hug. "Please to finally meet you. You can just call me Megumi or mom. Whichever you prefer!"

"Ahh-umm...Thanks, Megumi."

Finally, the girl was released, breathing deeply trying to refill her lungs of oxygen.

"This Selphie and this is Namine."

Selphie waved enthusiastically while Namine bowed slightly. Megumi and Edmund's eyes glinted, wanting to make a comment, but decided against it.

"Well, what are we waiting for? Break out those tequilas! Let's party like it's 1999!"

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'11:30 already, huh?'

Namine thought as she watched a completely sober Hayner and a slightly tipsy Olette dancing together on her left while Sora and Kairi were making out next to her. Roxas, Selphie, and Pence were all playing a challenging of Uno.

Selphie, that lovable nut, was winning.

No idea as to where the parents vanished too either.

Namine sighed as she watched the giant, glowing ball glittered brightly as the thousands of people below it cheered and drank.

She wondered how Haku and dad were fairing without her this year. Namine smiled as she imaged Haku throwing confetti around and screaming his lungs, while dad groaned about how it had to be cleaned up.

An abrupt ringing from her jeans alerted her that she was receiving a call. Everyone stopped his/her own fun to see what the problem was. She pulled out the phone and checked her caller ID.

Her heart stopped beating.

It was her father. Her thoughts quickly went to mom, but she forced herself to think logically for a second.

'Okay, Namine. Deep breaths. Maybe, it has nothing to do with mom and maybe, he's just calling to check up on you.'

Collecting herself, she flipped it open and spoke.

"Hey, dad. What's up?

"It's time, Namine."

"Wh-What?" She didn't like how his voice was strained.

"The doctor just called me ten minutes ago. He said that's she's in a lot of pain and she could go anytime now. We're already here. Come, she's waiting."

Namine run to the door, dropping her phone in the progress. She didn't care though. Her mother was dying; She needed to be there!

As she reached her goal, Roxas stopped her trembling form from leaving. He gripped her shoulders.

"Namine, what's wrong?"

"Roxas," She clutched his arms for dear life, tears overwhelming her senses. "It's mom. It's time!"

The older boy nodded to their friends and everyone scrambled to the door, grabbing their keys. They took no time to throw on their jackets as they bolted out of the house, into their cars, and off to the hospital.

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The gang rushed into the building, brushing past startled nurses and relatives of patients as they went to find Mrs. Yugowa's room. They finally arrived.

Mr. Yugowa had his head on the wall; streaks of liquid shimmering in the light. Her brother sat next to him on floor, balling his eyes off. Namine left her friends, running to her family and hugging them tightly. She pulled away as her broken-hearted father spoke.

"Go, Namine. She wants to see you."

Nodding, she disappeared into the dim-lighted room, briefly hearing her father thank everyone for coming.

The blond walked further into the small hospital room, gasping at the sight before her. Her mother was laying there stock still, eyes closed, breathing slightly ragged and strained. The only thing Namine could see as an indication of pain was Nozomi's fists clenching the sheets.

"Hey, mom." Namine whispered quietly as she dragged a chair to her mother's side. "How are doing?"

The woman smiled pathetically.

"Just fine, my dear. Don't worry."

Even when her mom asked her not to cry, she did. Her mama looked so pale and thin.

"How could you say that to me?" She took the elder's hand in her own and squeezed. "Not to worry...The person I love is fading away. I want to stay, mama."

Namine bowed her head, ashamed. Her cellphone strapped to her waist glowed.

11:58

"To see your children graduate, get married, give you grandchildren. Not leave."

The girl sobbed her hair clouded her face from her mother.

11:59

Mrs. Yugowa lifted her daughter's face with a bony finger. Nozomi smiled at Namine; eyes moistened.

10

"Namine, please listen to me. I want you take care of you father and brother for me."

9

"Anything."

8

A few tears rolled from Nozomi.

"Promise me, you'll make everyone proud."

7

Namine felt her mom tightened her grip on her hand, desperately trying to spare more time for herself.

6

"Listen to your father and don't fight with Haku."

5

All the crying Namine was doing, disabled her will to talk, so she just nodded instead.

4

Her mother weakly lifted her another hand and began to gently caressed her daughter's face. Namine leaned over the bed railing and put her head on her mom's chest, hearing her fading heartbeats.

3

"Namine..."

2

"Yes, mom?"

1

The blond felt the hand in her own begin to loosen. She gazed up into her birth giver's hazy, green eyes.

"Promise me...you'll continue your beautiful art."

All went was silent except the sound of heart rate machine.

Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep

"HAPPY NEW YEAR'S!"

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- The greatest Japanese restaurant on Earth.

-goes all teary-eyed-

I can't believe I just wrote something so sad like that.

Stay tuned.