Hello, everyone! Here's the first chapter of this twoshot. I hope you all enjoy the story.

Disclaimer: I do not own GochiUsa. It belongs to Koi.

The Stalking Conundrum

Rize smiled as she strolled through the shopping district. Window shopping was always fun. And she needed to buy some new clothes anyway so she was hoping something would catch her eye.

Rize wished she wasn't alone, though. Having Syaro by her side made everything a lot more enjoyable. But when Rize talked to Syaro on the phone last night, Syaro said she would be busy today. So Syaro couldn't come with her.

Rize looked around. Which shop should she enter? The one to her right seemed nice. But the one across the street seemed equally enticing.

Rize slowed to a stop as she noticed something. Or rather, someone. Was that Aoyama? Crouching behind those bushes across the street? Rize blinked. Was Aoyama stalking someone again?

Rize narrowed her eyes at Aoyama. Come to think of it, wasn't Syaro the only person she ever stalked? Rize looked around. Sure enough, Syaro was standing in front of a store across the street. And Aoyama was staring at her.

Rize pursed her lips. She knew Syaro didn't appreciate how Aoyama stalked her. And in all honesty, she didn't appreciate it either. Rize took a deep breath and let it out. She'd have to go shopping a little later.

Rize turned around and walked for a bit. When she was far enough away so that Syaro wouldn't see her, she crossed the street. Rize slowly approached Aoyama, dodging behind buildings, careful to remain unseen. When she was close enough, she ran for the bushes and quickly hid behind them.

"Rize-san, are you playing hide-and-seek?"

Rize turned her head to look at Aoyama, an annoyed expression on her face. "I wouldn't have to be doing this if it weren't for you."

Aoyama blinked. "Did I do something?"

Rize gave her a pointed look. "You're stalking my girlfriend. I'd like for you to stop."

Aoyama giggled. "Oh, my. You don't have to be jealous, Rize-san. I'm just observing Syaro-san for story ideas."

"I'm not jealous. I just don't want you to stalk her. It makes Syaro uncomfortable."

Aoyama tilted her head. "But she shouldn't even know that I'm here."

"She can feel it whenever you follow her around."

"But I'm completely harmless. I'm only looking for story ideas."

Rize let out an exasperated sigh. Aoyama thought she was harmless. And in all honesty, she was. But that didn't make it any less uncomfortable for Syaro. And as her girlfriend, it was Rize's duty to get rid of everything that made Syaro feel anything other than happy.

Rize pinched the bridge of her nose. "Okay. Let me put it like this. How would you feel if I stalked you and wrote a story about an author who can never meet deadlines?"

With a smile, Aoyama turned to look at Syaro. "But Syaro-san is so inspiring! I'm not worth writing a story about."

Rize slapped her forehead. She wasn't getting through to Aoyama at all. What was she supposed to say? Was there any way she could convince her?

Rize pursed her lips as a sudden thought occurred to her. "Aoyama-san, I know you follow Syaro for story ideas. But shouldn't you give her credit in your novels? She's pretty much starring in them."

Aoyama smiled at Rize. "A writer draws inspiration from a lot of people. I'm just doing the same thing!"

"...I read your books Aoyama-san. The protagonist of Caffeine Fighter is basically Syaro."

Aoyama let out a nervous laugh. "Oh, you really do love Syaro-san a lot, don't you? You're seeing her everywhere."

Rize let out a frustrated sigh. "Well, what about Phantom Thief Lapin? She looks exactly like Syaro!"

"That's just a coincidence."

Rize raised an eyebrow. "You can't expect me to believe that."

"I don't really have that much control over what the anime does."

"I'm not convinced."

"I'm sure the character designer saw Syaro-san when he was trying to draw Phantom Thief Lapin. That's why they look so similar."

Rize took a deep breath to calm herself down. It didn't work. "Look, Aoyama-san. What you're saying is ridiculous and even you know it. Do you really expect me to believe that Syaro just happened to walk by this character designer right when he was trying to figure out the character design?"

"Life is full of wonders, isn't it, Rize-san?"

"...The studio isn't in this town, Aoyama-san. It's in the city."

Aoyama didn't say anything in response. She simply smiled at Rize. A very strained smile.

Rize sighed. So she had won that argument. But it didn't really feel like a victory. At all.

"Forget about all that for the moment, Aoyama-san. What's important right now is that you stop stal-"

"Are you supposed to go on a date with Syaro-san today?"

"Huh?" Rize blinked. "Why are you asking that all of a sudden?"

Aoyama pointed at Syaro. "Syaro-san has been waiting here for a while now. She must be meeting up with someone. Isn't she meeting up with you?"

Rize furrowed her eyebrows. She turned to look at Syaro. Syaro really was waiting for someone, wasn't she? But they weren't supposed to go on a date today. Then who was she waiting for?

"Rize-san?"

Rize shook her head. "She's not waiting for me. She said she was busy today."

"Then is she perhaps waiting for that girl?"

Rize looked at where Aoyama was pointing. Yura? Why was she sneaking up on Syaro like that?

Rize sighed. There was no way Syaro was waiting for Yura. Yura must have been passing by and now she was trying to mess with Syaro. Rize wearily glanced up at Yura as she suddenly covered Syaro's eyes from behind.

"Guess who~"

Syaro let out a yelp. "Yura-senpai? Don't surprise me like that!"

With a chuckle, Yura lowered her hands and Syaro turned around to glare at her. Yura seemed unfazed as she beamed at Syaro.

Rize blinked. Syaro recognized Yura instantly. That was kind of...

Rize frowned. Did Yura often pull that trick on Syaro or something? Or was Syaro so familiar with Yura now that recognizing her voice was a piece of cake?

Rize swallowed thickly. For some reason, she didn't like the thought of Yura getting too familiar with Syaro.

Syaro pouted. "Honestly, Yura-senpai. Can't you approach me like a normal person?"

"Ehhh? But normal is so boring!"

"Yura-senpai..."

"And besides..." Yura smirked. "I thought you liked girls with a bit of eccentricity about them."

"Eh?" Syaro looked confused. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Rize's eyebrow twitched. She knew exactly what that meant. Why was Yura saying stuff like that behind her back? Though... It didn't really seem like there was any malice behind that comment.

Rize took one look at Syaro's perplexed expression and sighed. How could Syaro not understand that Yura was talking about her? The girl who always carried a gun on her. The girl who acted like a sergeant at times. The girl who, until a few months ago, had an alter ego.

Rize furrowed her eyebrows. Did Syaro seriously not realize how weird she could be sometimes? Syaro really did like her way too much.

Yura's smile widened. "Maybe if I'm a bit more eccentric, I'll be able to steal you away from Rize-chan."

Syaro frowned. "Rize-senpai isn't eccentric."

"She's not? Then what is she?"

"She's a bit... unique. That's all."

As Yura laughed, Rize closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. Yura's teasing was always a bit much. And the way Syaro was reacting... Oh, well. Unique was better than weird.

Yura chuckled. "Yes, she's unique all right. But you like that, right?"

Syaro looked away with a blush. "Are you just going to tease me all day?"

"I most certainly plan on doing that!"

Syaro threw Yura a look of disbelief. "You're not even going to deny it?"

"Nope. Why should I?"

Syaro let out an exasperated sigh. "I'm already tired. And we haven't even started yet."

Yura looked around. "So where did you want to go anyway? Is the shop nearby?"

Syaro nodded. "Yes. Let's go."

Rize's features pulled into a frown. Yura was who Syaro was meeting up with? Yura? But Syaro didn't really like Yura, right? And they were going to a shop Syaro wanted to go to. That meant that Syaro was the one who invited Yura out today. Not the other way around.

Aoyama pulled out a notebook and scribbled something in it. Rize raised an eyebrow at her. Now what was she doing?

"Aoyama-san, what are you writing?"

"A few story ideas. Syaro-san really is the best inspiration."

Rize pursed her lips. She really needed to get Aoyama to stop stalking Syaro. But she also wanted to know what Syaro was doing with Yura. She'd probably have to talk with Aoyama later.

Aoyama looked over the bushes and began crawling past Rize. Rize furrowed her eyebrows.

"Where are you going, Aoyama-san?"

Aoyama pointed ahead. "Syaro-san is leaving with that girl. Yura-san, was it?"

Rize looked up to find Syaro and Yura walking away together. Rize bit her lip. Syaro deserved some privacy. She should stop Aoyama from following after her. But...

Rize wanted to know where Syaro was going. And more importantly, why she was going with Yura of all people. Syaro didn't even like Yura... Right?

Aoyama was already quite far ahead. Rize knew she should stop her. She really should.

Rize took one last look at Syaro and Yura's receding figures and gritted her teeth. Damn it! There was no way she could just walk away now.

Rize crawled as fast as she could and caught up to Aoyama. Aoyama looked over her shoulder and threw Rize an inquisitive look.

"Is there something you want to say, Rize-san?"

"I..." Rize's nostrils flared. "I'm coming with you."

Rize had to know what Yura was doing with her girlfriend.

Rize and Aoyama covertly watched Syaro and Yura walk into a shop. Rize eyed the display at the shop windows. The shop had a wide range of dresses. Very pretty ones.

Rize creased her eyebrows. Why couldn't Syaro come here with her? Why did she have to come with Yura? Surely, Rize would have been able to help Syaro pick out a nice outfit for herself.

Yura was, however, more stylish than her. A lot more stylish than her, to tell the truth. Was that why Syaro wanted Yura's opinion instead? Rize's chest tightened at the thought.

"Rize-san, are you coming inside?"

Rize looked to her side and furrowed her eyebrows. "You're going inside?"

"Of course." Aoyama giggled. "I can't see Syaro-san from here."

Rize pursed her lips. She wished Aoyama wouldn't go to such lengths to stalk Syaro. She should tell Aoyama to back off. Tell her to stop observing Syaro. Tell her to find some normal way to get inspiration for her stories.

Rize glanced at the shop. Syaro was in there. With Yura. Doing who knew what. Rize's features pulled into a frown. She knew Syaro wouldn't cheat on her. She wouldn't! But...

She still needed to know what Syaro was doing with Yura.

Rize gritted her teeth. She had no choice. "Aoyama-san, let's go inside."

Rize and Aoyama slipped through the doors. Aoyama swiftly moved away from the door and approached an aisle to the left. Rize looked around. To her right, a little distance away from her, Syaro and Yura were browsing some clothes hanging from rods.

Rize's eyes widened and she quickly went after Aoyama. She couldn't afford to get caught. Syaro would hate her if she found out she was following her. And with Aoyama no less.

As Rize approached Aoyama from behind, she raised an eyebrow. Aoyama was currently peeking at Syaro from behind the shelves. Did she see Syaro the moment they entered the shop? Is that why she came to this aisle?

Impressive. Aoyama was a very skilled stalker, indeed. But that was probably to be expected. She always did seem to appear out of nowhere.

Rize tentatively peeked from behind the shelves too. Syaro was holding up a chocolate colored dress and eyeing it very closely. Rize knitted her eyebrows. She knew picking out clothes could be troublesome but Syaro looked a bit too focused.

A small smile made its way to Rize's face despite herself. Syaro would look beautiful in that dress. She was sure of it. But the size... Wasn't it a bit big for her?

With a nod, Syaro turned around and shoved the dress into Yura's hands. "Try this one out."

Yura smiled. "Your wish is my command."

"Can you not be so dramatic all the time?"

"But I'm only telling you the truth, Syaro-chan."

Syaro sighed. With a giggle, Yura walked away to the dressing room. Rize's jaw dropped. What the hell? Syaro was picking out clothes for Yura? Not for herself?

Rize swallowed thickly, her chest tightening uncomfortably. Why was Syaro picking out clothes for Yura of all people? And why did she seem so worried about getting it right?

Rize looked away. Syaro always liked to make her try out cute clothes. Even though Rize didn't think such cute clothes suited her. But as embarrassing as it was, it warmed her heart that Syaro wanted to do that for her.

But now, Syaro was doing the same thing for Yura. And Rize didn't like it. Not one bit.

Aoyama silently moved to another aisle. Rize sneaked after her. Aoyama truly was good at stalking. This vantage point was perfect. They could easily see the dressing room without getting caught.

Rize eyed Syaro who was currently waiting outside the dressing room. She seemed nervous. Why? Did it really matter so much to her that Yura found the right clothes?

"Rize-san, are you okay?"

Rize turned to look at Aoyama. "Ye-Yeah. I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

"...Yes."

Aoyama tilted her head. "You seem really jealous, though."

Rize felt her cheeks flare. Was it that obvious?

"I'm sure Syaro-san isn't cheating on you, Rize-san."

Rize averted her eyes. "I know that. She wouldn't cheat on me. I trust her." Rize glared at the closed door to the dressing room. "But I don't think I trust Yura."

"I think Yura-san is just joking. It doesn't seem like she's really trying to steal Syaro-san away from you."

Rize pursed her lips. Aoyama was probably right. But she still didn't like what was going on right now.

The door to the dressing room opened and Yura stepped out. Rize had to admit that she looked pretty good in that dress. Yura gave a twirl, the knee-length frilly dress flowing out.

"So, how do I look, Syaro-chan?"

Syaro intently stared at Yura, eyeing her from head to toe. Then she proceeded to walk around Yura, keenly examining her from all angles. Rize's features pulled into a deep frown. Honestly, what the hell was going on?

Eventually, Syaro let out a sigh and shook her head, a disappointed look on her face. "This dress is pretty. But it won't do. I'll look for something else."

With that, Syaro walked away. Rize's frown deepened. Why did Syaro look so serious? Syaro never looked that serious when she was picking out clothes for her. Syaro always just handed Rize some clothes and smiled whenever Rize tried them out.

According to Syaro, everything looked good on Rize. Rize wondered if Syaro simply patronized her. Because here she was, obsessing over what dress Yura should buy for herself. Why couldn't she be a bit more interested when it came to Rize?

Rize shook her head. What was she thinking? Syaro was her girlfriend. She loved Rize. And Rize loved her. So Rize knew she shouldn't be thinking about Syaro like that. There must be a perfectly reasonable explanation for everything that was going on right now. A reason why Syaro was doing all this. A reason why Syaro turned down a day with her to spend time with Yura.

Rize threw a sour look at Syaro as she walked back to Yura, a couple of flowy dresses in her arms. Syaro handed Yura the dresses and with a bright smile, Yura walked back into the dressing room.

Rize glanced at Aoyama to find her scribbling notes in her notepad. What was she even writing? Rize didn't really feel like asking anymore. She'd have to deal with Aoyama later. Finding out exactly why Syaro and Yura were spending the day together was more important.

Yura emerged from the dressing room wearing a sky blue dress. Once again, Syaro silently observed Yura, looking at her from all angles. Rize clenched her fists. She didn't like how happy Yura looked right now. Syaro was just helping her pick out a dress. It wasn't like Syaro was checking her out or anything. So Yura didn't need to look so excited.

A mischievous smile tugged Yura's lips upward. "Oh, my, Syaro-chan. Do I really look so beautiful? You're embarrassing me."

"Stop teasing me, Yura-senpai."

"But you can't take your eyes off me!"

With a blush, Syaro looked away. "I'm sorry. But I can't help it. I have to stare at you. Just bear with it, please."

Rize felt the blood drain from her face. Seriously? Syaro was blushing because of Yura now? And what did she mean by she couldn't help it?!

It took everything Rize had to not storm out and confront Yura right at that moment. What did that idiot think she was doing, flirting with her girlfriend like that?

Rize rubbed her arm and took deep breaths in an attempt to calm herself down. Maybe she was getting too worked up about this. Was she being too possessive? Too clingy? Too insecure?

A shaky sigh escaped Rize's lips. She shouldn't even be here. Who Syaro wanted to spend time with was not for Rize to decide. Syaro might be her girlfriend but that didn't mean she owned Syaro. Syaro could do whatever she wanted to.

But was it really wrong for her to not want anyone else to flirt with Syaro? To not want Syaro to act like she was on a date with someone else? To want Syaro to only look at her with so much interest?

Yura held up her dress. "So do you like it?"

Syaro seemed to ponder over the question for a while. Then she shook her head. "It's nice. But it won't do. Could you try out the other dresses?"

Yura chuckled. "Of course. But you're really worried about this, huh?"

Syaro looked up at Yura, pure determination written on her face. "It has to be perfect. I won't settle for anything less."

Rize looked away, tears springing to her eyes. This was painful to watch. She knew Syaro wouldn't cheat on her but it really felt like that was what Syaro was doing. Rize turned back to look at Syaro, blinking back her tears. She trusted Syaro. She really did. But she didn't like what Syaro was doing right now. Not one bit.

Why was she so insistent about Yura's dress being perfect? Why did Syaro care so much? Why?

Yura proceeded to go back into the dressing room and try out the next dress. And the next one. And the next one. Syaro didn't like any of them. So she went and found another dress and handed it to Yura.

"I think this one will be good. Please try this one on, Yura-senpai."

With a nod, Yura did as told. Rize wearily observed Syaro as she stared at Yura. Syaro's eyes widened and a huge smile spread across her face.

"This one is perfect, Yura-senpai!"

Rize creased her eyebrows. The dress was deep purple and went down to a little below Yura's knees. There weren't any frills and it wasn't as extravagant as the previous dresses. But it had a white sash around the waist and one side of the dress was longer than the other.

It was a pretty dress. But did it really suit Yura? Rize had no idea why Syaro thought this particular dress was perfect for Yura. In all honesty, Rize felt like this dress would suit her better. A lot better.

The more Rize stared at the dress, the more she kind of wished she could buy the dress for herself. It really would suit her. Though she wasn't sure she'd ever have the confidence to actually wear it...

But it didn't matter either way. Syaro wanted Yura to wear it. Not her. Rize looked away bitterly. She hated this.

Aoyama was still jotting down notes. Seriously, what on earth was she writing?

Rize shook her head. She couldn't worry about Aoyama right now. She had something way more important to worry about. Rize looked up at Yura to find her beaming at Syaro.

"I think this dress is perfect too. You've got great taste, Syaro-chan."

A smug grin formed on Syaro's face. "Thank you."

With that, Yura went back into the dressing room. A few minutes later, she came out with the purple dress in her arms.

"Let's go and pay for the dress now, Yura-senpai."

Yura shook her head. "Not just yet, Syaro-chan."

Syaro knitted her eyebrows. "Why?"

Yura grinned. "You should try out some stuff too!"

"Eh?" Syaro shook her head. "I don't need any new clothes right now. Forget about it."

"Oh, come on, Syaro-chan." Yura smirked. "I shouldn't be the only one getting ogled at."

Syaro's eyes widened, a furious blush on her cheeks. "I wasn't ogling at you!"

"Sure, sure." Yura walked away. "Wait here. I'll find something for you."

"But, Yura-senpai, I really don't-"

"Just wait for a while, Syaro-chan." Yura looked over her shoulder and winked at Syaro. "I promise you won't miss me for too long."

Syaro buried her face in her hands, clearly embarrassed. Yura walked away with a giggle. Rize felt like going out and throttling Yura right now. She was openly flirting with Syaro and Rize wanted nothing more than to just attack her right now.

Rize gritted her teeth, her fists clenched tight. Violence wasn't the solution. She couldn't attack her friend. And Yura was lucky for that. Otherwise she'd be a goner today.

Yura came back to Syaro and handed her a beautiful white dress. "This should suit you. I'm sure of it."

"This really isn't necessary."

"Just try it on, Syaro-chan."

Syaro eyed the dress for a while before letting out a sigh. "Fine. But just this one."

Yura chuckled. "Sure."

As Syaro disappeared into the dressing room, Rize couldn't help but imagine how Syaro would look in that dress. It was really pretty and Syaro was beautiful anyway. So Rize was sure Syaro would look stunning.

A few minutes later, Syaro emerged from the dressing room. Rize's breath caught in her throat. Syaro looked even more adorable in that dress than she had imagined. And cute. Way too cute.

Aoyama giggled softly. Rize raised an eyebrow at her. What was so funny?

"You look mesmerized, Rize-san."

"Huh?"

Aoyama smiled. "Your face is red too."

Rize looked away. Damn it. Was she that easy to read nowadays? She wasn't soldier-like at all anymore.

Rize slowly turned back to look at Syaro. And she basically melted. Syaro looked so damn cute that Rize just wanted to go up to her right now and pull her into a bear hug. And then kiss her. Probably more than once.

Oh, well. She might as well give up on being a strong soldier and resign to her fate. She'd have to spend the rest of her life as a lovesick idiot. And she didn't even mind.

Yura clasped her hands together. "Oh, my, Syaro-chan. You look gorgeous!"

Syaro shyly looked down at her dress. "I think you're exaggerating..."

"No, I'm not. It's perfect for you. You have to buy it."

"I don't need anything new right now."

Yura pouted. "But I want you to wear this for me the next time we go out together."

Rize's eyebrows shot up. Next time? There was going to be a next time?! Rize's nostrils flared. That damn Yura. What did she think she was doing?

"I don't think I can afford it right now, Yura-senpai."

With a smirk, Yura slinked over to Syaro. Then she leaned forward and whispered something into Syaro's ear. Syaro's eyes widened and her face became as red as a tomato.

As Yura backed away, Syaro's eyes dropped to the floor. "Okay. I'll buy this dress."

Rize's jaw dropped. What the hell did Yura say to Syaro? That so easily convinced her to buy that dress? And why was Syaro blushing like that?

Rize blinked back tears. This was ridiculous. She knew Syaro wouldn't cheat on her. But in all honesty, if any stranger saw Yura and Syaro right now, they'd think that those two were on a date.

Syaro spun on her heel and went back into the dressing room. Yura chuckled. A few minutes passed and then Syaro came out, the dress in her arms.

Syaro grabbed the purple dress too. "Let's go and pay for these."

Yura nodded and the two headed for the counter. Aoyama swiftly made her way to a different aisle. Rize followed Aoyama silently. When it came to stalking, Aoyama was certainly one to learn from.

Rize watched as Syaro paid for both dresses. Yura stood behind her, smiling. The lady at the counter handed Syaro two bags. Syaro turned around and gave one bag to Yura.

"Here."

"Thank you, Syaro-chan."

Rize frowned. Was she seeing things right? Did Syaro just pay for Yura's dress? Rize blinked in confusion. Why would Syaro do that? It seemed like an expensive dress. Why was she paying for it?

Rize watched in stunned silence as Syaro and Yura exited the store together. Rize swallowed thickly. They were going on fewer dates so that Syaro wouldn't have to work so much. Rize was even buying teacups for her. All so that Syaro didn't have to work so hard to make ends meet. And this was what Syaro was doing with her hard-earned money? She was buying stuff for Yura?

Rize shook her head. This didn't make sense. At all. There must be something going on. But what?

She had to find out.

"Aoyama-san, let's go. We can't lose sight of those two."

Poor Rize. She's not happy at all in this fic, is she? But that's going to change in the next chapter. Look forward to it!

Read and review, folks! I'm always open to feedback and constructive criticism.