Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts or any of the other Disney/Anime characters.

Chapter Six

Return

-You can go wherever you want. In the end, you'll always come back to those who are really meant for you.- Unknown

Hina stared at her computer, she had managed to hack into several large credit card companies looking for traces of Riku. After two failed attempts she located his credit card and began to track his whereabouts. The man spent money like it was nothing, but his biggest purchase by far was a room at the Wellington Hotel. 'I found them,' Hina jumped up happily. Proud that after six hours of pouring over her computer, slipping through the backdoor of servers and bypassing fire walls without setting alarms off had paid.

Nina was startled out of her nap, she had returned to Hina and explained the situation. From there they had decided to at least locate their friend, before choosing the next course of action. However, locating them wasn't easy and Nina had been too exhausted to keep her company. 'Where are they,' she asked as she sat up and tried to rub the sleep from her eyes.

'Wellington Hotel,' Hina beamed at her with joy.

'You look like you won a grand prize,' she covered her yawn as she got up. 'What time is it?'

'Why are you so nonchalant about this? We located Amaranth, now we can go and rescue her,' Hina accused.

'It's because I've been thinking and maybe we should give them time.'

'You've been sleeping,' Hina corrected.

'Humph, just because I closed my eyes for a second doesn't mean that I haven't been trying to figure out the situation.' She defended herself and walked over to Hina's computer to check out the information on his account.

'What is there to figure out, he took her and now that we found her we can go and save her,' Hina protested.

Nina was still looking at the computer at all the spending the mysterious guy had managed to do in a day. 'Towards the end of the story of Beauty and the Beast, Belle didn't want to be rescued because she had already fallen in love with the Beast. What if the same applies to Amaranth and she doesn't want us to swoop in and rescue her. I mean, if she wanted to she could have already escaped and found her way home. Amaranth is not a defenseless princess, she might look like one and act so, but you and I both know the truth.'

'She probably hasn't acted out because he's blackmailing her or she knows that she can be easily overpowered.'

Nina turned to look at Hina with exasperation, 'Do you really believe that?'

'Yes,' Hina nodded her head, but the questioning look made her cave and answer truthfully. 'No.'

'I think that she wants this. Hell, if I were bought fancy clothes from St. John's or taken to fancy fine dining restaurants I wouldn't want to be saved.'

'No, that would make you shallow and why would someone spend so much money on clothes?'

'What woman in her right mind wouldn't want to be pampered,' Nina asked as she crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at Hina's comment. She was not shallow, sure she liked designer clothes and fancy food, but that didn't mean that she didn't take other things into account.

'Amaranth.'

'You hold her on too high of a pedestal. Amaranth is human, she has her flaws and it might not be all the above but it could be him.'

'Don't make me gag,' the thought of her friend actually being smitten by the jerk was too much to handle. Sure it was common theme for females to fall in love with a handsome face and bad boy type, but not her. She wouldn't be like other females, she desired a sweet fella who would cater the world to her and show her the pleasures that were beyond materialistic.

'From what Sora said, she was in love with him before this Taken episode happened,' Nina wanted to whittle away at Hina's resolve.

'Why are you doing this?'

'Doing what?'

Hina felt the high of happiness begin to wear off, she had found her friend's whereabouts but she was beginning to question what she should do next. Besides go in and rescue her. 'Argh,' she messed her short hair up as she tried to rub some sense into her brain, 'this is stupid. I know what I need to do, but your idiotic logic also makes sense. Amaranth can take care of herself, we've both witnessed it and I can't deny the truth. Yet the impulse to do what I believe is right is still there.'

'Sora said she went of her own accord and in an office full of people, she could have made a ruckus and been saved. He doesn't seem to be doing anything out of the ordinary, like buying toys from S&M shops or sex clothes from racy ones, he seems to be courting her.' Nina offered her agitated friend.

'He could just be doing it for the sex. Let's be honest, what man in their right or wrong mind wouldn't want a virgin sacrifice,' Hina protested and she stopped and tried to redirect her thoughts as images flooded her mind. 'He just broke up and might be in need of a fix.'

'Look, how about after some proper rest we talk,' Nina looked at the clock and saw it was already one a.m., 'Amaranth isn't going to go anywhere now that we know where she is, so how about we figure something out later.'

'I am not tired,' Hina lied.

Nina studied the pale red head and how the deep lines and dark bags under her eyes were. She wondered for a second if Hina would ever worry about her as much as she did Amaranth. The thought of the answer being no made her tightened her muscles and clench her jaw. Bitterness was a feeling she had never felt towards her petite friend, but in that moment of irrational thoughts she couldn't control the pinched expression on her face. 'What's wrong,' Hina noticed the change?

'Nothing,' she tried to shake the negative thoughts cruising inside her head. 'Let's get you to bed so I can go home.'

'It's late,' Hina turned to look out the window of her small living room. 'Why don't you stay? You have tomorrow off, you can barrow some of my clothes. I think they might fit you,' Hina had a small chest, whereas Nina's seemed to overflow. They would make nice cushions to lay against, she suddenly thought and unconsciously touched her own small chest and recalled all her failed attempts to find true love. All her exes currently seemed to be dating women with a larger bust size and it made her feel lacking.

Nina noticed the hunched shoulders, the bitter smile that crossed her lips as if thinking something amusingly absurd and clutching her breasts. She looked down at herself and leered in amusement at her disquieted companion, 'How the knight has fallen to her own short comings.'

'What,' Hina was lost in her thoughts, but when she heard Nina speak, she was brought back to reality.

'Squeezing them any harder won't make them bigger,' she pointed out.

Hina dropped her hands, 'I am going to bed,' she turned, exited her program before powering off her laptop and shutting it. 'You can stay or you can go.'

'Didn't think you were so self conscious,' Nina followed after her.

'I am not,' she mumbled as she walked to her bedroom.

'Right, I am sure something will fit me,' Nina cast her gaze down to her breasts when she saw Hina looking back at her.

'Why did I even offer you to stay,' Hina groaned?

'Because you wanted to bask in my beauty,' Nina informed her.

'Your beauty is sleeping on the couch,' Hina told her as they walked into her bedroom.

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Two days had passed and Hina couldn't help her fidgeting, 'Why did I agree to this? She hasn't even texted or called to say that she's okay? She could be dead.'

'Her cell could have died,' Nina offered as she wiped down the counter at the bakeshop. 'Is that all you came here to do? Complain and convince me of going with you to the hotel?'

'No, yes,' Hina shook her head and then nodded.

'Look everything is going to work out okay, plus it's not good to talk here. Her Mother and Father don't seem to be aware of the situation and I think that for their health benefit it is a good idea to keep them out in the cold.'

Hina swirled her hot coffee before bring it to her lips and taking a sip. Nina had a point, if Mr. and Mrs. Benson knew the truth they would be worried and who knows what they would do or what could happen. The bitter taste of the black coffee set her mind reeling at all the endless possibilities of what ifs of Amaranth's current situation. Nina made sense with her logic and therefore persuaded her to hold off on her rescue mission, but doubt and friendship were always a strong ally against rationality. 'How about we go on a reconnoissance, I know a person that works there and I am sure that we can get information and sneak in unnoticed.'

Hina looked over at Nina, 'Who are you?'

'What's that supposed to mean?'

'I've never seen this side of you before, you're usually the definition of ditzy blonde.'

Nina's right eye began to twitch, she held the cloth in her hand tightly and snapped in a cold tone, 'I don't know if I should take that as a compliment or an insult, but I'll have you know that I am extremely intelligent. Unlike a Hacker I know, that instead of actually working is slacking off more then usual.'

'I am a free lance agent, I choose when to work and to relax. Plus, I am not all just beauty, I am brains too,' Hina defended herself.

Nina bursted out laughing, 'Please, you've been hit with an ugly stick to hard to be beautiful. If anyone is beautiful it's me.'

She flipped her hair, Hina grounded her teeth and clenched the mug handle tighter. 'Humph, at least I am not rotten on the inside.'

'Why,' Nina was about to throw the rag at Hina when she froze in mid throw and placed her hand down.

'Girls,' Mrs. Benson came out of the back to see what was going on. 'Enough fighting, I could hear you back in my office.'

'She started it,' Hina pointed out.

'I don't care who started it. If Amaranth were here she wouldn't agree with you two bickering.'

'Yeah,' they both said ashamed of their actions.

'You should apologize to each other and say one nice comment about one another,' Mrs. Benson told them.

Hina's face redden, she felt like she was a little girl getting scolded by her mother for being naughty. Nina seemed flustered as well, but it seemed that she was more embarrassed than irritated at suddenly being treated like a child. 'Sorry, we got carried away. Without Amaranth here, it seems like we let our emotions get the best of us,' Nina explained in a quick manner.

Mrs. Benson eyed both of the young woman and sighed, it seemed that her daughter's sudden departure had left everyone feeling scattered and lost. The trio was such a close knit group that she never realized what one strand missing would do to the group. Then there was Shibuya too, the poor young man was usually quiet but the past few days he had become more reserved and his existence almost none. It was strange how one person could hold so much meaning in the lives of others, Amaranth was just a quiet and calming person that at first glance seemed insignificant. Yet when taking in the whole picture, people would understand the meaning of her daughter and the relationships she built with those around her. 'Mrs. Benson,' Nina controlled herself and the blush of embarrassment.

'Yes.'

'May I ask you something?'

'Of course,' she nodded and wondered what the blonde could possible want to inquire about.

'Do you remember a person named Sora Irino?'

Hina glared at Nina, hadn't they just agreed a moment ago not to involve Amaranth's parents. 'Sora,' the older woman said the name in question before she shook her head, 'should I remember him? I don't think I know him.'

'He came here looking for your daughter a few days ago,' Nina answered, 'said they were childhood companions.'

'I don't remember a Sora, but I do remember Amaranth being friends with Riku Miyano. His family used to come and stay at the inn we used to own,' Mrs. Benson recalled the young man with silver hair and a warm smile whenever he saw her daughter.

'Riku, you know him,' Hina had joined then when she had mentioned Riku's name.

'Have you met him before,' Mrs. Benson looked over at Hina.

'I saw him once,' Hina watched as her face went from puzzled to elated.

'That's wonderful, Amaranth and him used to be so close when they were kids. I am sure that she would be happy to see him. Between you and me,' she looked at the girls as if to see if they could keep a secret, 'I think Amaranth had a crush on him. You wouldn't think that with her detached disposition against the opposite sex, she would have feelings of romance but when she saw that his family was coming to visit she would get all happy and excited.'

Hina's morale fell as Nina's explanation made even more sense and she peeked at the blonde, whom had a smug look on her face. 'Did they ever hook up?'

'Hook up,' she tried to make sense of the term when she realized what Nina meant and shook her head. 'Heavens no, they were just children and Amaranth was too shy to even tell me how she felt about him. But based on woman's intuition I can tell you that he felt the same way. You should have seen how he treated her and looked at her with such a warm and loving gaze.'

'How about a softer term, date?'

'I don't think that one week out of the year is enough time to date someone that's bound to leave you with so many miles in-between,' Mrs. Benson sadden at her daughter's past predicament. 'Plus, the last time I saw him, Riku was in a relationship and Amaranth never met up with him. I thought it was strange until she started to see another young man.'

'Sora,' Nina concluded.

'Oh, was that his name,' Mrs. Benson asked, but didn't wait for a reply. 'He's the only boy that I ever saw her actually spend time with besides Riku.'

'Do you think if she were to see him again, she would still have the same feelings for him,' Hina asked the big question.

Mrs. Benson thought for a moment, 'Why do you want to know?'

'If he made her feel love then, maybe he could make her feel love again,' Nina offered. 'Plus, it would be nice to see her happy with someone. It would allow us the opportunity to find someone of our own and not feel bad about Amaranth no having anyone.'

Nina's statement took her by surprise, 'I didn't know you girls were single because you feared your happiness would be detrimental to my daughter's feelings. You two are such good friends.'

It was horrible to lie to such a nice person, but telling her the truth would be worse. Especially if their speculations were wrong, then Mrs. Benson would feel disappointed in their accusations and overly active imagination. 'We care about her dearly and we want her to be happy. So we want to know if she could be happy with him.'

Mrs. Benson fell quiet as she thought about the question at hand and what she knew about her daughter. Then she looked at both her friends and saw the high anticipation on their faces as they held on for her answer, 'I don't know,' both young females let out their breath. 'I know that the young Amaranth would jump at the opportunity if handed to her and they could establish something more then just a week's romance. However, older Amaranth leaves me questioning, since I had already concluded she might like Hina.'

'She doesn't like Hina like that,' Nina quickly stated in a sharp tone that left Mrs. Benson and Hina gawking at her. 'I just feel she has a stronger taste in partners and only views Hina as a friend.'

'I'll have you know I've had my share of female admirers, so I don't see why you would think I am not attractive enough for her,' Hina recalled that in high school she had received more love notes than the most popular guys. It was disappointing at first, but it seemed that the girls really liked her athletic physique and out going personality, as well as charm.

'That's not something to be so proud about,' Nina countered.

Mrs. Benson saw another argument about to start, 'Enough, both of you.'

'Sorry,' they answered together as they glared at each other for different reasons.

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Time with Riku had been ordinary, he would take her out and treat her as if they were together. It was strange, but welcoming. Nevertheless, in the back of her mind there was always something bugging her. It was the fourth day they were together and his advances were zero, he was supposed to set her free tomorrow and as much as she wanted to get back to her daily life, his behavior puzzled her. She looked up at the man across from her and wondered what he was thinking. There was sexual tension, but his impulses to take her were nonexistent. Maybe after he saw her naked he found that she wasn't worthy enough to have a relationship with and just wanted to keep her locked up.

'Why do you keep looking at me,' Riku asked as he lifted the glass of red wine and took a sip from it.

'Why did you bring me here,' there was no reason to skirt past the issue and not asking would leave her guessing and miss interpreting the situation.

'To be my plaything,' he answered without hesitation and watched as she stiffened. All through out the day he had noticed that something was bothering her, she had been more quiet than normal.

His toy, but that wasn't right. Amber hues searched his face trying to find traces of a lie, but they didn't exist. 'Are you upset that I haven't played with you properly?'

Her face grew pale at the thought of being forced into submission, 'No….I…' she was at a loss for words.

'You,' she dropped her gaze and began to study the dish before her.

Where was I going with this, she asked herself and besides letting her imagination run wild she didn't know where she was going. Then again it was all his fault, who told him to chase after her in a towel the day before. Well, he hadn't intended to chase her semi-naked. It in fact was her fault for sneaking into his room while he was showering to get her phone. She had asked nicely a couple times if she could have it to call her family and friends, but he had refused. Therefore, when she knew that he was showering, she quietly snuck in and began searching for her cell. He hadn't made it difficult to find, it was in a drawer by the nightstand she just hadn't thought of looking there first and prolonged her investigation.

While she was making her escape and turning on her cell, she hadn't heard the shower stop or noticed the door to the bathroom open to reveal Riku until it was too late and he had her pinned to the wall, right outside his bedroom. He had demanded to know what she thought she was doing, but seeing the phone in her hand was enough of an answer to assume. Amaranth had tried to defend herself and her logic, but being pinned against the wall by a naked man in a towel with a body that left her flabbergasted made it difficult.

'Amaranth,' he leaned forward and grabbed her chin, forcing her to look up at him, drawing her out of her thoughts. When her golden hues met his, her face blossomed like the forth of July. 'What's the matter?'

'Nothing,' she reached out and grabbed his hand to pull it away. Since the incident she's become more aware of him and his touch.

Riku studied her and smirked, 'Who would have thought that the proper Princess would be a pervert.'

'Whaaaaat,' she looked up at him bewildered and her face was a shade darker. 'I-I-I am not.'

'Your reaction is quite understandable, but denying the truth will get you no where. Yet, if you'd like, we can go back to the room and make your fantasies come true.'

'Ihavenosuchfantasies,' she lied and answered rapidly.

'Such a shame,' he shrugged as if he didn't care, but continued to watch Amaranth to see how she would react. 'I thought that more than one of us could enjoy themselves.'

She began to get light headed, it seemed that all the heat was getting to her head and she felt faint. Yet she dropped her gaze from him and focused on her breathing, she wasn't going to let him win. Even though that didn't seem like an option, considering how things were going. He was easily winning her over with his charm and attention. The fact that he was taking her out and making her feel worthy instead of pushing her into submission or humiliating her was also a factor to consider. If she was a toy, why would he treat her so kindly? Was it just to get her defenses down and accept him or was there more behind his actions. 'Is everything okay,' Amaranth lifted her gaze up to look at the female waiter by Riku's side.

'Yes, thank you. Do you mind bringing us the check.'

'No dessert,' she questioned as she looked over at her, finally acknowledging her presence.

'No, thank you,' she answered and he shook his head.

'Okay, I'll be back momentarily,' she returned her gaze to Riku and bowed lightly before leaving.

It was a reoccurring theme with him it seemed, she thought bitterly as she watched the woman leave. It didn't matter that his face was marred with bruises, he stood out to the female population and attracted them like moths to a flame. So every time they went out and had a female server, she would gravitate towards him and make her feel left out as if she didn't exist. He could have any woman that he soul desired, but he picked her. Why, was it just because he wanted to get back at her for past transgressions? She wondered as she looked around the beautiful dinning room and saw that it was too much to spend on someone that was just a plaything. Then again, Riku did seem to have a taste for the fine life, so it could just be that she was there along for the ride. 'What are you thinking,' he asked as he watched her look about the room lost in thought.

'I was thinking that this is such a beautiful restaurant,' she answered half honestly.

'Hmm,' he took in the view of the five star restaurant littered with couples on dates and people on business meetings. It was a fancy establishment, yes, but the food was superb and the fact that she was usually the happiest with food. He had brought her there as a treat. Before he could make a comment the waitress returned and gave him the bill, which he looked over before placing his card in the holder and returning it to her before she departed.

Again Amaranth watched her interaction with Riku and noticed how her hand brushed against his as she took back the check presenter, the small black folder she brought the bill in. A light blush on her face from the small interaction and touch. It left a burning sensation in Amaranth's chest as she saw the reaction on the waitress's face. 'I'll be back,' she said in a soft and sweet voice that was only meant for him.

'Humph,' Amaranth couldn't contain the sound of annoyance that left her lips as the woman's words came to an end. 'Oh,' her hands went to cover her mouth in embarrassment as Riku and the waitress turned to looked at her curiously. 'Sorry,' she mumbled in apology.

The waitress nodded in acceptance and left, while Riku found the situation amusing. It seemed that the sweet little Princess was jealous and it fueled his ego to know that she wanted him to only look at her. Yet based on her reaction afterwards, he wondered if she knew what it meant. 'Are you feeling alright,' he inquired.

'Umm, yes,' she brought her hands down and tried to ease away the embarrassment and slight anger she felt. Something was wrong with her, she realized and felt her anger spike again as she saw the strawberry blonde female return with a smile on her face as she had yet another encounter with Riku. It dawned on her why she was angry at the young woman before her and beside Riku. She was jealous. She felt threatened and hostile of the woman's advances and happiness towards him. Oh heavens, this wasn't happening. This wasn't happening, she continued to tell herself as she tried to focus on something else instead of them and their exchange.

'I didn't think that you were capable of such a reaction,' Riku stated after the waitress had left and he had studied her somber expression that quieted and dulled her features.

Her eyes widen at his assessment of her, but tried to quickly regain herself as she looked back up at him and forced a smile. 'I don't know what you are talking about or assuming. But I shore you whatever it is, it is wrong.'

'Hmm,' he contemplated her statement and gauged her reaction. 'If that is how you want to play this out, so be it.' He figured if he pushed too much she would withdraw or say something that both of them would regret as she denied the obvious. 'We should get going,' he looked down at his watch, 'or we'll be late.'

That morning he had announced that he had a special treat for her tonight. At first, she thought that they were going to finally do the inevitable, but he soon clarified that he had tickets to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with guest pianist Evgeny Kissin. She had been shocked to hear him say that he had tickets to such a prominent show, considering how tickets went and his dislike for classical music. When they were growing up it had never been his style, so for him to invite her to something that only she would enjoy was baffling. 'Are you sure about this,' she asked as she got up and joined him as he waited for her. 'If I recall you're not a big fan of classical music.'

They began walking out of the restaurant with his hand on her hip, 'It's grown on me over the years,' he answered with a slight shrug, but both knew that it was a lie. 'Plus, I got the tickets for free from a friend, it would be a shame to waste them.'

That also was a lie, after he had left her the first evening to get clothes for them, he had seen the poster and recalled her interest for classical music. He had a friend that was also an advent fan of said music and knew that he would surely have tickets. So he made a call and sure enough his friend did, however said friend had been stubborn to let his box seats go, saying that this was a once in a life time chance to see pianist Kissin perform live. Nonetheless, after some persuading and convincing his friend had relented and agreed to give him the prized tickets. In return, Riku had promised to get him seats to one of the best restaurants in town and pay for his meal without restrictions. He had a feeling that the restaurant bill was going to be more then the tickets, but her happiness was worth it. It also meant that he was one step closer to his goal. He looked down at the beautiful woman at his side and smiled for a brief second.

Her gears were turning, she couldn't understand why he would put himself through the pain of something so hideous to him. Then again she wondered why he put himself through all the situations they had been in the last few days. The Riku she knew enjoyed the quiet comfort of his home or secluded places that people wouldn't bug or annoy him. Nevertheless, that didn't stop him from taking her to the mall, Navy Pier, museums or other crowded establishments. He was pushing himself for her, but she was worth no real value. So why try to make her happy? 'You do know that we don't have to go,' she told him as he opened the door for her to get into the car and she turned to him.

He was amazed at how much she cared for his enjoyment, 'I already have the tickets,' he answered again. 'It would be a shame to miss out on such a once in a life time experience. I hear that this guy, Kissin, is really something special.'

'He was a child prodigy that made his debut at a young age,' she told him. She didn't know much about Kissin, but had stumbled across his work while browsing for new music to listen too. Sure the music he played wasn't new, but he gave it new life with his interpretation of it. 'He his greatly known amongst the classical music community and has won many prizes and awards.'

'See and you want to miss his show,' he lightly pressed on her back to usher her in the car.

Amaranth sighed and nodded, she too wouldn't want to miss such a promising show. They rode to the center in silence, but it wasn't an awkward overbearing silence that left both of them uncomfortable, it was nice. When they found a parking spot, Riku got out and went around to open the door for her. She looked up at him and smiled as she allowed him to give her his attention and guide her to the symphony center. The place was crowded, people in elegant dresses and suits surrounded them and she became a little claustrophobic.

He looked down when he felt her hold on his arm tightened and her body press closer to his. He didn't mind, he just gave her a quizzical look before guiding her to their seats after they were allowed inside. Once settling her in and making sure that she would be alright alone, he told her that he would go and get them drinks. She had nodded in understanding and he could feel her watching his retreating back. He had better make his trip fast, he thought, before she thought up something stupid like escaping or some stupid idiot decided to make a move while he was gone. As he headed down the stairs to the concession stand, he was passed by a young man that seemed to be in a rush. He didn't think much of him, considering he looked to be in his late teens to early twenties. However, his rushed demeanor, tall lanky body and orange spiky hair made him stand out and made people do a double take.

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He couldn't believe it. He had decided to go to the orchestra concert with Joshua, whom had gotten tickets for his friends and him. Then as he was looking around and admiring the architecture and layout of the building, he had spotted her up above. She was seated in one of the private boxes and just like him looking around as all the people began to take their seats and waited for the show to start. He had excused himself from the group and gone to search for her. He needed to ask her where she's been and if what Nina and Hina said was true. Shiki had tried to stop him, but he hadn't listened to her.

He remembered counting the private areas before taking off, so when he reached the top of the stairs he began to count each door he passed until he reached the one she resided behind. His heart was pounding and he took in huge gulps of air to catch his breath. Once he had calmed himself down he reached out with a trembling hand to grab the door knob and pull the door open. At first he noticed the back of her head, dark long wavy locks cascading down her back and disappearing behind the plush chair. 'You're back,' she said, her voice a soft chime of melodies as she turned to greet her guest, only to find him. 'Shibuya?'

She got up, her eyes wide and bewildered as she recognized him. 'What are you doing here?'

'It is you,' he walked inside and closed the door behind him. 'I am here with friends and when I was looking around I spotted you.'

Dark blue hues studied her and she felt uncomfortable under his gaze, 'You shouldn't be here,' she told him.

'Why, your family is worried,' that was a lie, her mother and father were fine, 'so are your friends and I.'

She dropped her gaze and frowned at the news, she didn't think that her parents would be that concerned considering how much they trusted her. Hina and Nina she could understand, since she knew that Hina would think too much of the situation and come up with a theory as to what had happened to her. After hearing the news of her departure, she must have also tried calling and texting and without a reply her gears would have started to turn and Nina would have helped. 'That's understandable,' she muttered.

'What's going on? Are you in trouble,' he took a step towards her. He couldn't help wanting to protect the woman that he had grown fawned of the last year.

'No,' she shook her head, 'I am staying with a friend for a bit.'

'Friend,' he didn't like the sound of that, especially since she was dressed so elegantly in a deep red satin dress that was off the shoulder and showed off her figure as it was form fitted until it dropped to a long skirt. There was no way that she would dress so ravishing for just a friend.

He became quiet and she knew that he was in thought. Shibuya was a young man of few physical words, but that didn't mean that his mind didn't run ramped as it tried to deduce meaning and logic into the equation of what friend meant. 'Shibuya,' she called out to him softly as she took a step towards him, Riku would be back any moment and finding him here would not be ideal.

'He's him, isn't he,' he asking, halting her in her advancement towards him.

'I don't know what you mean,' she answered as she tried to unfreeze herself and hurry before Riku got back.

'You do,' he challenged.

'I don't mean to be rude, but I need you to leave. Please,' she told him trying to avoid the subject and help him.

'Why, are you afraid of what he'll think,' so he was right, he noticed how she halted and her body stiffened.

'I…,' she didn't want to tell him that she was more afraid of what Riku would do if he found him there. 'Please, once I return we can talk about all this, but for now I need you to lea—' she never finished telling him to leave as the door to their box seats opened and standing behind him was an annoyed Riku.

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'Miss, Miss,' the flight attendant gently nudged the sleeping blonde awake.

Yawning and shifting in her seat to sit up, the female look up at the person whom had awaken her from her peaceful slumber, 'Yes.' She yawned once more, but this time lifted her hand to cover her mouth.

'I am sorry to wake you, Miss, but we are about to land and need you to put everything away and buckle your seatbelt.'

'Oh,' she turned to follow the woman's gaze and saw that she was looking at her sketch pad.

'You are very talented,' the woman commented as she studied the sketch of a handsome male with sharp features and piercing eyes.

'Thank you,' she beamed down at her drawing of Riku, it had been a while since they last met and she wondered if he was still as handsome as she remembered.

'Is he someone special,' the attendant asked as the blonde young woman gathered her belongings and began to put them away.

'Yes,' she smiled as she looked down at the sketch book one last time before closing it and putting it away with her other belongs.

'Hmm,' the woman nodded. 'Well, he is one lucky man then.'

She nodded as she turned clear blue hues towards the attendant, 'I hope he feels that way too.'

'I am sure he will,' the attendant affirmed as she studied the younger woman before her. There was no way that any man would pass on the beautiful blonde, with clear light blue hues, pale skin with lightly blushed cheeks, and pale pink colored lips. When she smiled she radiated a sense of unworldly happiness that was contagious and people couldn't help but smile back.

'Thanks,' she told her as the captain came on the intercom and announced of their soon descent and the need for everyone to get back to their seats and get their seat belts on.

'I have to go,' the attendant told her and smiled when the young woman nodded and waved good-bye at her.

—

A/N: Hello, Everybody, its been awhile since we last met. I am so sorry for the delay. I ended up getting side tracked with another story and hadn't been focused on this one :(. However, I decided to reread it and refocus, so that we can finish reading the story as a whole. You'd wonder that as the writer I'd know how the story goes, but in all honesty I don't. Originally, I did have this story mapped out, so how it ended up spiraling and doing its own thing, I have no idea. It seems that it's a reoccurring theme with all my stories, they like to do whatever. Next thing you know, I have other characters doing their own thing and that is what frightened me to continue as well. I didn't know how you guys would react to Hina and Nina's relationship, since it is the first time that I've written about a same sex couple. Also they sometimes seem to showcase more than our leading couple and I try to hold back and balance it out, but I can't help that they are my comic relief to the dark notes that this story takes sometimes. Anyhow, please bare with me and I hope that we can get a conclusion to our story within this year. I'll try to write diligently, so until next time.