"Oyasumi. Matta ashita."

I don't recall how I got home last night. I swear a cloud carried me… right up to my room and laid me to rest.

Calling Sae-chan in the morning wasn't an option.

"Eh? Uso!"

"Sae-chan, came down already," I plead. "That's the fifth time you said that."

"Kasumi-chan, this is big!" Sae-chan cheers. "Now we can double date!"

"I don't think Satoshi-kun would enjoy that…"

"Won't now until we try," Sae-chan replies.

"I can't believe how embarrassed I feel," I say. "Is this normal?"

"Don't worry about it!" Sae-chan answered. "Ah! Chotto matte…"

"What is it?"

"You're going to tell Naoko-chan, right?" She asked.

"I probably should," I reply. "She and I had a little chat about him a while ago. However, Satoshi-kun…"

"What about him?"

"He'll probably want to keep everything a secret."

"And are you okay with that?" Sae-chan questions.

"Well, I don't know," I admit. "I mean…it might be fun."

Sae-chan laughs. "Kasumi-chan, it's not like you to sneak."

"I'm not the only one, Sae-chan!" I scold mockingly. "I've never seen you and Souichirou acting very friendly in public."

"Usotsuki!" Sae-chan says. "He walks me home on the days he doesn't have swimming practice."

"Which is…two days out of the week?"

"Oh, be quiet! Anyways, what are you doing today? You have rehearsal for the play, don't you? Noriko-chan works you guys like horses," Sae-chan says.

"Actually, we don't," I reply. "I was surprised myself, but she must trust us to practice lines on our own."

"Is Satoshi-kun doing well with his part?"

"I've only gone through the scenes we have together, not the ones of him with the villagers," I inform. "He should be fine, though."

"I can't wait to see you both out on stage!" Sae-chan cooed. "Chemistry in acting and in real life. It's beautiful, Kasumi-chan…brings a tear to the eye."

I shake my head. "Sae-chan, shut up."

"I know! Since you don't have practice, let's go the park! I haven't been there since I was a middle school student," Sae-chan suggests. "I'll take Muchuuru with me, too. She needs some fresh air."

"Are you sure it won't be too cold?" I ask.

"Promise not to laugh?" Sae-chan wonders out loud.

"Yes."

"My old doll clothes fit her perfectly," Sae-chan confesses. "I already have the cutest hat and sweater combo picked out."

I had to laugh, for it was just too predictable of her.

I met Sae-chan in the local park after a quick lunch. She was holding her Muchuuru like a baby in her arms, and sure enough, it was dressed in a miniature sweater, scarf, and hat—complete with bonbon. It was adorable, until you saw the pokemon's huge lips and large eyes.

The sun was shining brightly and the snow was beginning to thin out in places. Dripping noises came from the melting masses on the trees, falling to the pavement. I had to bring my sunglasses for the bright sun's glare against the snow. Such a pity; the day was waiting patiently to be enjoyed. A perfect day to be normal, and not have to worry about anything was all I wanted. However, I knew it wasn't going to happen, even with this wonderful candidate.

It was stupid of me, but I wanted to see Satoshi. Barely twelve hours have passed since I left Yousei Cemetery and yet it felt like three times as long. Playing children's games here in the park with Sae-chan and Muchuuru, I kept on expecting to see Satoshi walk up, smile, and join in. He would never do that, I know, but I can only hope. Even though Satoshi doesn't believe in hope, there is no reason why I shouldn't.

"You're thinking of him, aren't you?" Sae-chan asks out of the blue.

I drop the snowball I had. "What makes you say that?"
"I'm starting to understand," Sae-chan says, "why Naoko-chan loved Satoshi-kun's eyes so much. You know how she said it was dreamy how he could see yours, but you couldn't see his? When you wear those sunglasses, I feel I need to rely more on instinct rather than expressions."

"I…never thought of it that way."

"Kasumi-chan, you knew how to without realizing it," Sae-chan sighs, but smiles. "It's admirable."

She wasn't making much sense, and I could tell it wasn't going to go anywhere. She was trying to explain what was in her head, but that was always hard for her. Nevertheless, I was appreciative. For what, I wasn't sure, but Sae-chan always had good intensions.

Muchuuru was hoping through the snow, making little "chuu" noises with every jump. It was obviously enjoying itself. This would have to be the first time I've seen a pokemon being a complete pet. I loved my own like pets as well, but I've only used them for battle lately. I should have brought them with me today, so they could enjoy this beautiful winter day. I suppose I've been losing my mind slowly as of late. Complete sanity must be something I can't grasp.

"So, Kasumi-chan," Sae-chan says. "What do you want to do on your day off?"

"I really don't know," I answer. "Though, for some reason, it feels as if I have forever."

"The day is endless if you want to make it that way."

"I suppose…"

"Well, if you can't decide, I'll have to do it for you," Sae-chan decides. "We're going back to my house."

"Why?" I ask.

"So we'll have a warmer place to decide on what to do!" Sae-chan snickers. "Hot cocoa sounds so good, doesn't it?"

Sae-chan scoops Muchuuru up in her arms and a depressed look veils its face. It didn't get to finish its miniature snowman. It was too bad, for it will probably melt by the end of the day.

"You know, Kasumi-chan," Sae-chan barely whispers. "I miss the days when we were younger—elementary school and junior high—and how nothing mattered, as long as we got to share a box of Pocky while doing our homework."

Such a random, yet serious topic... "Yes, I do too."

"It's so sad, how friendships slowly start to disintegrate as we get older. Why does it have to be that way? I miss Naoko-chan being with us all the time, and Noriko-chan. Singing along to Hikaru Utada's latest single and gawking at the magazines with T.M. Revolution on the cover."

I laugh under my breath. "He's a strange one, but I still like him."

"They're gone," Sae-chan says. "It's just too bad we realize too late that they won't last for ever and ever. And you know what's the cause for those days disappearing?"

"Adolescence?"

Sae-chan shakes her head, but smiles. "You were always the witty one. But what I was going to say, was men."

"Men? I guess that's half true," I agree.

"The only hard part is, I can't decide if the trade was worth it or not," Sae-chan says. "Souichirou-kun is darling, and he's nothing short of kind to me, but I'll always miss those days of simplicity."

"Don't worry. No matter how special Satoshi-kun is to me, he will never take your place, Sae-chan."

Sitting on a swing is so relaxing. The gentle swaying motion and the feeling of weightlessness… is simply wonderful. I returned to the park after cocoa at Sae-chan's. Something just told me to come and have a seat and wait. For what, I wasn't sure. Most likely, it was nothing, but I never mind a little wait.

I received a letter this morning from my parents. A lovely beach scene was on a picture included in the envelope. They mentioned they'd be home sometime next month. I honestly don't believe them. As soon as they see the snow, they'll plan another trip to Porte de Sol. I'm never able to tell them anything. This transformation, Naoko-chan, Satoshi, or what I think… forever implanted in my mind lonely.

Arms suddenly embrace me, catching me by surprise. They were protected by a puffy down coat in an adorable shade…or black. It was Satoshi.

"The park? Out of all places," He says.

"Just because you don't enjoy it doesn't mean I cannot."

"Are you cold?"

"…No," I answer, playing with his sleeves. Pushing them down and then letting them inflate amused me like a little child.

"It took me a while to find you," Satoshi says.

"And you looked in the park of all places?" I turn to smile at him, poking fun.

"Yes, I did," Satoshi nods. "I have something to tell you."

"And what might that be?"

Satoshi takes a deep breath. "I need to tell Hanako."

I stand from the swing to face him. "Hanako? Why?"

"She's my mother, Kasumi. She deserves to know," Satoshi says. "I am a bit nervous for some reason, though."

"The fearless Satoshi-kun? Nervous? Don't make me laugh."

Satoshi looks down, almost bashful. "I'm afraid she might take you away from me. I know this sounds stupid, but I've never felt freer than when I am with you. Okaa-san is unbelievably vindictive and unpredictable. If she resorts to her bloodline…"

"Satoshi-kun," I wrap my arms around his. "It's not stupid. It makes me happy hearing you say that. If you want, I'll go with you to tell Hanako."

He pushes me away. "No, don't go near her."

"But I just want to hel--"

"I know you want to help me, but that's the problem," Satoshi says, seriously. "I've seen things. Things my mother performed, viciously, and enjoyed every moment, whether she was sane or not. I am NOT going to have you become her next puppet."

"Is there anyway for me to make amends?" I ask.

Satoshi pauses, possibly thinking.

"Satoshi," I say. "I'm not going to let Hanako come between us."

Maybe with no honorific, he'd listen to me earnestly.

"I know full well of now she despises me," I continue. "You don't need to protect me from her. So let me go with you. Let me be with you."

Satoshi sighs, looking helpless. "Kasumi…"

"Please?" I ask. "Trust me."

Satoshi appeared speechless. He wouldn't look at me or say a single word.

"Satoshi? …-kun?"

Was he offended?
"I…" Satoshi slowly shakes his head. "I'm worried about her decision."

"Decision?" I repeat, allowing a bit of anger slip into my voice. "Are you saying if she says no, you'll go along with it? Don't you care about this relationship?"

"I do! I do!" Satoshi instantly pulls me into another embrace. "You're all I have in this world. You are the first person to see me for who I am, not what I am. Okaa-san doesn't understand these feelings. She's almost jealous of you and I."

"But what about… your father?"

"She'll take those regrets to her grave," Satoshi replies solemnly. "But, please, Kasumi; I want to confront her alone and finally break her grasp on me. I don't want to hide in that cemetery anymore."

He squeezes me tighter, as if I'd float away if he held me too lightly. I could never drag him down. I care about this man too much to be a weight on his will.

"All right," I say. "Kiwotsukete, ne?"
"Tsuyoi da…omae no tameni."

BAM! BAM!

Frantically sitting up, almost tumbling out of bed, I awoke with a start. Someone was knocking on the front door extremely hard. Feeling my way to my bedroom door, I flip on the light and descend the steps. It was so quiet, only my breathing echoed in the empty hallway.

BAM! BAM!

Reaching the handle, I open the door slowly.

Satoshi stood before me, stance slightly limp, sunglasses messing. His eyes, wide and unblinking, were stained a deep red. His pupils resembled a large drip of ink in a puddle of blood. They weren't human.

He takes a big breath and speaks, voice incredibly raspy. "Dekitta."

I usher him inside without a word and grab a blanket from the closet to replace the coat that should have been keeping him warm in this winter air. Making sure he sits on the couch first, I quickly go to the kitchen to brew some hot tea. His look scared me, how he moved robotically but as tired as an old man. Those eyes! Even with my own closed, their image burned on the back of my eyelids.

I bring him the tea. He accepts the cup but doesn't drink.

"Satoshi-kun, what's wrong?" I ask.

He turns and kisses me. "No '-kun', please."

Satoshi kisses me again and again, as if getting in all he could before I noticed, or disappeared.

"Satoshi," I grab his shoulders. "Please tell me what happened."

He finally takes a sip of tea. "At first, it went to well. I was proud of her, for finally seeing that I wasn't her little boy anymore. She even smiled."

"At first?"

Satoshi's face turns sour. "Oh, how I hate her. She's such a coward. Coward!"

"Tell me," I ask quietly.

"I told her, as bravely as I could, and turned my back to leave. She grabbed my wrist," Satoshi slowly pushes up his sleeve, revealing two deep gashes, "and she forced I on my fangs."

I gingerly take hold of Satoshi's arm. "Why would she…?"

"Her grip was surprisingly strong, forcing my own blood to slide down my throat. I tried to fight, but she tilted my head back, removed my glasses, and whispered. 'You're going to be so sick. So bedridden you'll think you're dying. Immobile and in pain, stuck here with me, and when she comes to your aide, she'll meet me first and last. Now, drink unwillingly my ungrateful son'."

Satoshi's voice slowly faded, leaving him in a trance, and eyes half open.

"What can I do?" I ask. "This sickness…"

"It'll pass," Satoshi says, his worry finally showing through his face. "You see… hybrid blood is an odd thing. My human half can't take the vampire half. When a half-vampire drinks another half-vampire's blood, the vampire half tries to take over, but never wins. It's a pointless struggle."

His breathing quickens and face flushes. He was getting a fever.

"Lie down, lie down," I say, easing him to a lying position on the couch. "You can stay here until it passes."

"Here?"

"Yes, I'll take care of you," I nod.

He closes his eyes and lets out a large breath, as if trying to express relief and thanks.

"Try to relax and sleep. If you need anything, I'll be upstairs," I stand and begin to leave the living room.

"What about tomorrow?" Satoshi asks, obviously tired.

"Ashita ka?" I shrug. "Shirenai…demo, issho ni iku."

Japanese Romanji Translations!

Oyasumi – Good night

Matta ashita – See you tomorrow

Uso – No way/You got to be kidding me!

Chotto Matte – Wait a minute/ hold up

Usotsuki – Liar

Okaa-san – Mother

Kiwotsukete, ne? – Do be careful, okay?

Tsuyoi da…omae no tameni – I'll be strong, for you

Dekitta- It's done/It's finished

Ashita, ka? – Tomorrow, huh?

Shirenai…demo, issho ni iku – I don't know…but, we'll go do it together

Note: Just in case some of you lovely readers aren't aware of this little face, honorifics (or the little –san,-kun,-chan) things after the names are very important in Japan. If you leave an honorific off a person's name, it usually means that the two are very, very close to each other. I know in the beginning chapter or two, Kasumi and Satoshi didn't have any honorifics… that's just a mistake on my part o, sorry… but in some cases, very slim, a name without an honorific signifies a very low bond between people. You know the, 'hey, I know you, but couldn't honestly give a crap about your existance'.