A/N: Just a quick note to reviewers…as I explained last chapter, I haven't exactly kept in with the ending of the manga…so just…read it as a story, okay? Thanks. (:

-x-

Chapter Two

"She is so intoxicating…amazing…

Eyes burn like fire,

And I'm frozen…broken…

All my defences desert me now,

Trying to speak but my words don't make a sound…

I'm gonna keep her in my mind,

Just to keep her out my heart,

Cause I don't really need to fall in love,

Before we even start.

I know inside that she's the angel of my soul,

She's the answer to my prayer,

I know I'd better keep her out of sight because,

They say that love is blind…

So I'll just keep her in mind…"

-Keep Her In Mind

"George!" shouted Arashi, the surprise rising in his voice. He shook his head, the chain clinking as he did so. "Bloody hell…"

George opened his eyes and looked sidelong at the receiver, feeling that familiar sentiment of home wash over him. "Long time no see."

"You're bloody telling me," laughed Arashi, shaking his spiky hair and fiddling with the pin in his lip. "Where have you been?"

"Europe. I had some fashion shows over there. I've travelled around quite a bit…but now I'm back in Japan," explained George, his cobalt eyes shining in the darkness. He hadn't bothered to switch the lights on. "My mother, Yukino, was put into hospital."

"Ahh," came the reply, tinted with sympathy. "So you staying in Japan long, mate?"

"Long enough to meet up with old team mates," conceded George, grinning. "What are you doing tomorrow?"

"Miwako and I are down at our new studio at the Happy Berry factory."

"Ahh, working for my rivals I see…"

"George, a job is a job. I'm just happy to be in fashion, and besides Mikako is a brilliant designer."

George gave a slight snort of jealousy and he heard Arashi's panicked tones. "N-not…not that working for Paradise Kiss wasn't the best!"

"Hmm," muttered George, mysteriously. "Well, I'll drop by tomorrow. Give me the address."

"'Kay," answered Arashi, divulging the details of his whereabouts. George smiled and clicked the cap back onto the pen.

"See you then, Arashi."

"Okay. Oh, and George?"

"Yeah?"

"I…I…" Arashi stammered slightly, and George could imagine him shifting uncomfortably. He raised his eyebrow at the phone and waited patiently. "I was wondering if you'd spoken to Yukari…"

"Nope," replied George simply. "I'll see you tomorrow."

With that he quickly put the phone down before he could get further questioning from his former team mate. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. That was one step away from PANIC in George's books. Of course he'd still maintained his smooth tones, but at the mention of her name he'd broken out into a cold sweat.

Shaking thoughts of the model out of his mind he decided to try and get some sleep. He knew he'd have to ensue questioning from Arashi again tomorrow…and he couldn't tell him to shut up seeing as he wasn't the boss anymore. He decided to focus on the positive things in his life.

Suddenly, he realised he was having trouble remembering anything.

-x-

George looked at the piece of paper with the address on and then glanced at the building. It had the Happy Berry sign outside, so he guessed it was the right place. Stuffing the paper into his pocket, he rapped lightly on the door and leant lazily on the doorframe. He glanced around himself. The city was busy as usual, with people bustling about their way. He shuddered slightly and turned back towards the heavy wooden entrance. Suddenly the door swung open, and a flash of pink rapidly attached itself to him.

"Miwako," laughed George, patting the pink munchkin on the head. "You're looking cute as ever."

"Miwako missed you George!"

Unexpectedly, George was thumped hard on the arm and he recoiled. Miwako's pouty mouth looked surprised. Arashi, the culprit, stood glaring at George.

"Don't say stuff like that to Miwako!"

"Oh, Arashi," laughed Miwako, snuggling her husband. They had been married a few years after the split of Paradise Kiss. George smiled and rubbed the bruise that was appearing on his upper arm.

"Sorry, Arashi," he chuckled, winking at Miwako. "I forgot. It's been a while."

He shook Arashi by the hand, and all of the bad feeling was gone as they both began to laugh. Often Arashi would give George a punch on the arm if he was saying stuff to his Miwako. She grabbed George and Arashi – one in each arm – and made her way into their personal studio.

"What do you think George?" Miwako asked, doing a little spin, her pink hair flying out behind her. "Sissy made it for me and Arashi…"

"I bet you guys don't get much work done," muttered George sarcastically. "Right Arashi?"

Arashi turned several shades of magenta before nudging the blue-haired man hard. "Shut up."

Miwako laughed in her cute way, and ran off to their little kitchenette to fetch George a drink. Arashi and George sat down on a couch which was located near the sowing machines.

"Seems like you've got a pretty good set up here…"

"Yeah," conceded Arashi, smiling and running his hand through his messy hair. "Miwako and I love it. We've always wanted something like this."

"Don't you guys have a kid now?"

"Yeah," replied the blonde man, slightly bashful. "His name is Wakim. He's at school at the moment though, but you can see him later if you stay long enough."

George nodded but didn't give any direct reply. Instead he picked up a handful of the Happy Berry designs and skimmed through them. He nodded approvingly.

"Mikako has improved since I last saw her work," he acknowledged, placing the designs back on the desk. "Not in Europe yet though. I don't think Europe is ready for Happy Berry."

"Well, one day," laughed Arashi, tucking one knee up lazily as Miwako buzzed back in with some tea. "Thanks, Miwako."

"Miwako likes making tea!" giggled the angelic woman. She really hadn't changed a bit. George couldn't help but feel curious as to how the child looked.

"How's Isabella?" asked Arashi, sipping his tea as Miwako sat across his lap nipping hers. "Is s/he enjoying the new market in Europe?"

"Loving it," laughed George, his blue eyes steely as always. "Been doing some excellent work together. I couldn't ask for a better pattern designer than our Isabella."

"Miwako misses Isabella and George," sighed Miwako, shaking her cherry locks. "And Caroline."

Arashi looked sidelong at Miwako slightly uncomfortably. Miwako realised her mistake and lifted her hand to her mouth protectively. There was a cold silence, as the composed George continued to sip his tea, seemingly unaffected.

"George, Miwako is sorry…I didn't mean to—"

"Its okay, Miwako," stated George, indifferently. "I'm sure you do miss her."

"Does George miss her?" asked Miwako, her eyes shining with innocence. Arashi looked at her incredulously then back at George, waiting for impact.

"Not really," lied George, blandly. "Why would I?"

"Because…because Miwako thinks—"

"Miwako, shhh," interrupted Arashi, placing his hands softly on her lips. George looked at the two without emotion.

"You can talk about Yukari, it's fine."

"George, look," began Arashi, looking at Miwako's teary face. "It doesn't matter. Miwako sometimes forgets that love lives can change."

"Yup," conceded George, nodding. His eyes gave nothing away. Inside he was cut raw. Every mention of her cut him a little deeper. He felt emptiness inside without her. "They change."

Arashi coughed to shake the uncomfortable silence which ensued. "So…any girls on the scene?"

"Not right now," replied George, looking at the empty tea cup before placing it back on the desk. "Concentrating on my work and all that. Still, it's good to see you guys so happy."

Miwako breathed a sigh of relief and gave a winning smile. "Miwako is happy!"

Arashi smiled helplessly and hugged his beautiful wife. George gave a half smile. Miwako giggled.

"How long are you staying in Japan, George?"

"Four days," replied the blue-haired man, shrugging. "Not too long."

"You should come over for dinner tomorrow night!" exclaimed Miwako, clapping her hands together. "Pleeeeease?"

Arashi smiled and gave a half nod towards the man. George shrugged again. He looked at Miwako's joyful, thrilled face and felt a pang of guilty for not keeping in touch with these people whom he'd called his friends for such a long time.

"Alright, sure. I've got to visit mother again so I'll drop by after that, about seven-ish?"

"Yes, yes, yes!" laughed Miwako, bouncing up and down on Arashi's knee. Arashi looked at her with mild alarm, and George let out a low chuckle.

About two hours later, George was all talked out and he wanted to get back to the apartment. He whisked his keys out and stood up stretching.

"I'll see you tomorrow then," he stated simply, turning towards the door. "Laters."

Miwako and Arashi waved towards him as he made his way towards the street. As the door slammed shut Miwako turned towards Arashi slowly.

"Did Miwako do the right thing today?"

"I'm not sure," whispered Arashi softly. "We'll just have to wait and see…"

-x-

George stepped out of the car and walked down the small stretch of road before the flats. He glanced at his watch and then the sky. It had started to get dark already. He shook his head and pulled the key out of his pocket. Days seemed to fly past him at the moment. Perhaps he was doing too much thinking.

Looking up towards the house he saw a figure by the door. He squinted in the half-light but couldn't make out any features. He made his way closer to the figure and he saw something which he recognised.

A dress. But not just any dress. One he'd designed for someone very special to him. He gasped slightly and walked closer, feeling his heart picking up pace.

The face which was shrouded in shadow moved towards the light cast by the moon. George's blue eyes widened as he saw Yukari looking down at him from the top of the steps. He blinked as she smiled at him and moved her dark hair out of her face.

"Hello George."

"Yukari," he managed, keeping his voice cool and composed. It was more of a strain than usual. He made his way towards the top of the steps and looked at her properly. She was beautiful as always.

In his designs she practically radiated perfection. He took her hand and spun her around. She giggled lightly and he let her go.

"That always did look good on you," he admitted, shaking his head slowly. "One of my favourites."

"Mine too," agreed Yukari, looking him directly in the eyes. "Thanks."

Yukari had changed. Her beauty had matured, and her hair had slightly altered with soft curls in it. And she had matured in her personality as well – less ditzy and more controlled. Modelling does that, decided George internally. But her eyes…they were the same eyes which looked at him during their love-making, that cried those salty tears, that glared fire, that pleaded. He fell in love with those eyes years ago, and now they were back, looking at him steadily. He felt his heart-rate pick up, but stayed calm on the surface.

"What are you doing here?"

"Miwako called me," whispered Yukari, looking down at the floor. "I probably shouldn't have come but I thought it'd be nice to catch up…"

"Yeah," George muttered in reply. He unlocked the door and walked in. He didn't invite her in but held the door open for her anyway and she followed him towards the flat slowly. As he entered the flat he flipped the lights on and took his coat off. Yukari looked around the flat and nodded approvingly.

George turned around. In the fully lit room, she looked even more beautiful. It almost took his breath away, but he regained himself gradually. He blinked.

"Drink?"

"Sure, I'll just have a tea," smiled Yukari, sitting delicately on the couch. George made it and brought it over, sitting beside her, but at a safe distance. He sipped his tea in silence, waiting for her to talk.

'She came here,' he thought, stubbornly. 'She can talk to me if she wants to.'

"So, how's work?" asked Yukari, eventually, flicking her dark hair. George looked at her slowly, his icy eyes boring into her.

"Yeah, fine," he replied, slightly coldly. "Europe's pretty neat."

"Yeah," agreed Yukari, meekly. She looked at her hands. George felt pangs of guilt but ignored them. "And Isabella?"

"Fine," replied George, looking down at his own slim fingers. "Enjoying the new work."

"Good," nodded Yukari, half-heartedly.

The conversation was lukewarm and boring. They could be strangers meeting for the first time. George cringed at his stupid remarks, but he felt this stubborn anger towards her and he didn't know why.

Suddenly, Yukari turned to look at George tearfully. "I'm sorry, George. I shouldn't have come."

She stood up and walked towards the door. "I hope that your work continues to be successful…"

George felt pangs of pain and he stood up and walked after her. His mind desperately searched for something to say. He felt tearful himself, feeling them well up in his eyes. How pathetic and immasculine.

"Don't go!"

Yukari stopped dead. Flashes of their first night suddenly came over the both of them as soon as the words had left George's mouth. Yukari straightened up and turned around slowly. She walked towards the blue-haired man, little by little her eyes glued to his.

"Don't cry," she whispered, stopping dead a few inches away from him. He looked straight at her, feeling his heart pounding hard. He'd acted like such a fool in the past, he couldn't bear to do anything stupid again.

"So…"

"So…" he whispered, still looking at her. Her eyes, beautiful as they were, were giving nothing away. "Want to come and sit back down?"

-x-

A/N: Thanks very much to the few, but valued, replies. ParaKiss isn't, I fear, big enough to consitiute a lot of reviewers, but I'm happy someone took the time to read my little tale. (:

Thanks again.

And sorry for the delay. Get the last chapter up in a few days.

Take care,

-Chibi-