Recap

After a few minutes, Nagi will ask me a few questions. He was always the genius out of the two of us. I'm not going to lie and say I didn't enjoy this role reversal.
-Rima's POV

"Good news about that (the tour). The doctor said that by then I should only need a boot by then. I'll be able to walk but slower."
-Nagi

"He (Nagi) healed better than we thought he would around this time."
-doctor

"Surprise!"
-everyone

"I'm going to have a younger sibling?"
-Rima

"You're (Rima) the new character"
-Nagi

Kusukusu: Nagi always knows what to get Rima

Rhythm: Doesn't Rima always know what to get Nagi?

Kusukusu: no she stresses about it and thinks about it too much

Rhythm: that sounds like Rima

Rima: What sounds like Rima?

Rhythm: nothing *nervous laugh*

Rima: *glares*

Chapter 17 The Insecurity of Feeling Helpless

*Rima's POV*

A month later and Nagi still had to use crutches. My dad drove all of us to school since Nagi couldn't go super fast. Nade, Rei, and Aarin were in the back with me on Rei's lap and Nagi was in the front since he had to be careful with his leg.

"Dad, when are we going to know the gender of the baby?" I asked. I was really excited that I was going to be a big sister.

"It will be a few more months Rima. They baby hasn't developed yet to be able to determine the gender," he answered. Mama still hasn't shown yet but she would let me feel her tummy. She would talk to her tummy too. It was a little weird to be honest but I felt closer to my little brother or sister.

"Here we are," dad said as he parked the car. Everyone in the back got out.

*Nagi's POV*

"Nagihiko."

"Yes sir?"

"I never got to thank you for saving my daughter's life. That's the second time that I almost lost her," he said.

"I'll always protect Rima," I said. He smiled at me. Why did he wait till everyone got out to talk to me.

"I don't know if this is a personal subject to you or not but since your father doesn't live at home, you can always come to me if you need some fatherly advice if you want," I was surprised. I haven't had a father figure to talk to in a long time.

"I would like that," I said as I smiled at him. Aarin opened my door to help me out.

"Mr. Mashiro, he is alive and he does love me. I wanted you to know that," I said as Aarin helped me out of the car. It was mr. Mashiro's turn to be surprised.

"Have a good day," he said to everyone. We all walked to the school. It had been a month that I've gone to school with these stupid crutches yet people still stared at me. I was used to being stared at since I'm a dancer and I've had thousands people's eyes on me but this was different. It's as if they pitied me than enjoyed my dancing.

"Nagi, did my dad bug you?" Rima asked.

"No, he helped," I said. She looked at me confused but decided to let it go. Rima knew that the subject of my father was a bit taboo since it goes too much into my tradition. I was shocked that Mr. Mashiro crossed an invisible line. Of course he didn't know anything about my father. I couldn't blame him for stepping over the line.

"Nagi do you need help?" Rima asked. Her backpack was twice as heavy. I told her that someone else could carry them but she didn't budge.

"No Rima, I just need to get used to these things," I said.

"On the bright side. The doctor said that in another month you may only need the leg cast," Nade said.

"I'm ready for this thing to be off," I said.

"You still have about four more months to go," Aarin pointed out.

"I'm aware," I said. I noticed Rima look at the floor.

"Rima?" She looked up at me. I know that we act as if it didn't happen but she had the same look she had when she tried to break up with me. There was so much guilt. Maybe Rima is only dating me now since she feels bad. I felt a small smack on my face.

"Ow." Temari slapped my cheek.

"Don't you dare think that!" Temari yelled. I would've said something back but Nadeshiko was fussing over me wondering why I said ow.

"Sorry, I accidentally hit my knee with a crutch," I told her.

"You need to stop that. You can't heal if you keep hurting yourself," she said.

"I'll keep that in mind," I said. All of us went to our classrooms. Rima took my crutches after I sat down and leaned them against the wall. She then pulled out my books and set them on my desk. Then she did the same for herself.

"It looks like Rima-chan is taking really good care of Nagi."
"Aww, she acts like a housewife."
"Nagihiko-kun is lucky to have a girl like her."

Our fans were at it again. Since Rima takes care of me a lot she has been labeled as my wife. Of course I wouldn't mind when we're older but she's fourteen and I'm thirteen. It's too early for all that. Rima usually ignored them and continued to help me. Today she smiled at all of our fans then kissed me on the cheek.

"Nagi, did you make up all your homework and tests?" she asked.

"Yeah," I said and smiled at her.

"Good, mama said she would pick us up right after school," she said.

"Rima, you seem really happy today," Amu said who sat next to Rima.

"I guess I am," she said. I knew why she was super happy today. Today was the day that the newest Bala-Balance came out. She wanted to know what everyone thought of the character. She told me that she uses her laptop to chat with other manga fans and that they were waiting to see the new character. Of course Rima read her manga a million times since her birthday.

"Fujisaki-kun, what's the answer?" That snapped me out of my thought. I looked up to see the teacher at the board. I noticed that my book was opened on my desk. Rima touched my arm. I snuck a peek at her. She had a small piece of paper that had the answer on it.

"Twenty six."

"Correct." I gave a sigh of relief. A note fell on my desk. I looked at Rima but she was busy writing notes from the board. I think this is the most concentrated I've seen Rima when it came to school. I carefully opened the note.

You ok? You seemed really deep in thought. It's not like you to daydream during class. I'm usually the one that spaces out.

I looked at Rima and nodded my head. Everyone has been walking on eggshells around me as if I was going to break like glass. I hated it so much. Then again, Rima was treated like that through a lot of her life. I see why she created her outer character. It get annoying when no one lets you be independent.

*Time Skip*

"Rima-chan, Nagihiko, I'm heading over to Lulu's. Will you be alright while I'm gone?" Nade asked.

"Of course Nade. Rima and Baya are here if I need anything," I said. Mother went out. Her and Mrs. Mashiro decided to plan a baby shower even though it was a long time before the baby would be born.

"Go ahead Nade-chan. Have fun," Rima said and smiled at her. Rima went to her house before she came here. She found out that everyone loved the new Bala-Balance character. That meant that Rima was in a very good mood. Nadeshiko smiled back at her and left.

"Nagi, do you need anything?" Rima asked.

"I just want you here," I said. Her and I were sitting on my bed. She was leaning against me while I wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Her and I haven't really had time to be a couple recently. Since my leg can't bend, because of my cast, I can't bend down to kiss her. I can't hold her hand while we walk because my hands are full of crutches. She couldn't hug me because it would cause me to have to put pressure on my leg. She can't sit on my lap. I can't give her a piggy back ride anymore. My injured leg stuck out reminding me that I was helpless right now.

"Nagi?" I looked at her.

"What's wrong? You've been glaring at you leg for the last few minutes," she said. Should I tell her my insecurity of not being able to do anything.

"Nagi, you can tell me anything," she said as she grabbed my free hand. I squeezed it lightly.

"I feel like I'm helpless," I said. There was no way I could look her in the eyes. It hurt my pride to tell her. I always want to be strong for her. Surprisingly, she kissed my cheek. I looked at her confused.

"Nagi, you're not helpless. You've done so much for me. You always make sure everyone is alright. When was the last time you did something for you and you didn't care what others thought. Nagi, don't think of these next four months as a time where you're useless. Think of it as a well deserved relaxation. You've taken care of everyone. Now it's you long deserved break," she said. When I think she can't, she always surprises me. I cup her cheek and bring her close to me. Our foreheads touched.

"Thanks Rima."

"You're welcome" I closed the gap in between us. Her arms were instantly around my neck and she instantly deepened the kiss. I licked her bottom lip. Last time I did that I surprised her and she let me in accidentally. This time she let me in willingly. She moved to get close to me. I instantly pulled away and tried to stifle a cry of pain.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hit your leg," she said. She was freaking out.

"It's ok," I said. My voice gave away how bad my leg hurt. I've tried so hard not to make it a big deal to everyone. I wanted to them to think i was fine. I especially didn't want Rima to worry more than she did already.

"Rima, it was an accident," I said after the pain went away. She scooted away from me.

"Oh no you don't," I said as I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her close to me. She couldn't help but giggle. I kissed her cheek.

"They're so cute," Temari and Kusukusu said at the same time.

*Nade's POV*

"I'm glad you could come over again Nade," Lulu said.

"The pleasure is mine," I said. I loved it over here. Lulu was my closest friend and her parents were really nice. I never admitted it out loud but I missed when my parents lived in the same room, or house, or even country. It made me a little jealous. Don't get me wrong, I love how nice they are to me but I wish my parents would be together like they used to be.

"I finished the necklace I promised I would make you," Lulu said. She pulled out a simple chain necklace with a red gem in it.

"Thank you Lulu," I said. She out it on me.

"It's a symbol of our friendship," she said.

"Nadeshiko-chan, you're mother called. She asked if you would come home for dinner. She said something like the Mashiros were dinner guests," Lulu's mom said.

"That's my brother's girlfriend's family," I said.

"Have fun at dinner," Lulu said as she walked me to the door.

"I will, have a great night Lulu," I said. I started to walk back to my house.

*Lulu's POV*

"That girl is so oblivious. She doesn't even see what you're doing," Nana said as I sat down on my bed.

"She's clearly not a current or former guardian but she's easily wedged herself in their group since her twin is in their click. She is too desperate for a friend of her own that she doesn't even realize that she's my pawn," I said.

"You don't even like dancing. You even hate it," Nana said.

"I'm a good actress aren't I? I get it from my mom," I said.

"So when are you going to use the necklace against Nadeshiko?"

"I'll save her for later just in case I need a plan B," I said.

"Mr. Valentine will surely be proud of you for being able to friend someone that is connected to the guardians so quickly," Nana said.

"He's already aware of my progress," I said.

*Time Skip*

*Nagi's POV*

The Mashiro's came over for dinner. It was mainly our moms talking about the baby shower bringing Mr. Mashiro into the conversation a few times. Then us kids talked to each other. The grown up decided they weren't done talking and went into another room to discuss plans. THe four of us decided to go to Nade's room and play games. When we were in the middle of Clue, I suddenly felt a hot flash. I looked at Rima next to me. I could see the goosebumps on her arms. I pulled her close to me.

"Are you two going to separate enough to take your turn?" Rei teased.

"I'm fine right here," Rima said. Rei looked at her cousin confused. Rima did a gesture to show that she was cold and another one to show that I'm hot. She instantly covered for us.

"Those two can't get enough of each other. Anyway, we'll just skip them. Nade, it's your turn," she said. Why was Rei not hot or cold? Could Kairi have been right? Is she still against us?

Kusukusu: This chapter was sort of a filler

Temari: True but it brought up a few important things for the plot

Rhythm: I feel bad for Nagi. He was making out with Rima and she accidentally stopped them

Rima: I said I was sorry

Nagi: I'm not mad Rima. I know you didn't mean to

Rima: Also there is the question! It's very important that people answer.

Nagi: It's about your new brother or sister right?

Rima: Yes! Question # 19 Do you think my new sibling will be a boy or a girl

Kusukusu: Name suggestions are welcomed too

Temari: I think it will be a girl

Rhythm: Well I think it will be a girl

Temari: Girl!

Rhythm: Boy!

Temari: GIRL!

Rhythm: BOY!

Temari: What do you think Kusukusu?

Kusukusu: um..

Rhythm: Yeah Kusukusu, what do you think?

Kusukusu: *feels pressured and nervous* um...um..uh both?

Rhythm and Temari: 0-0

Kusukusu: *giggles* review please