A/N: First off, I apologize for the brevity of the chapters. I just find that it's easier for me to update faster if each chapter isn't dripping with too much heavy scenes at a time. I'd really like to take this story by chapter and really see where the innocence of Aoi's little crush could take me to. More of going with the flow, if you will. :) Oh, and thank you thank you for the reviews! I do really appreciate them. Please tell me what you think, or feel free to suggest things. It makes my day to know that I'm not sucking lol.

Natsume

When she went upstairs to change and came down wearing a pink skirt and a frilly top, I assumed it was out of anxiety since she's not used to being around much people. It was when her eyes beamed at his entry, and darkened at the person he brought along that I started getting suspicious.

Suddenly. Reluctantly. I'm sitting at the head of the lunch table, looking at the scene before me, and at one point realize – with a daunting certainty – that my sister likes Ruka.

"Aoi."

She's staring at Ruka, watching like a hawk as he responds to something Sumire was telling him. "Yes, nii-chan?" she says, her face tilting my way but her eyes glued to their subject. My hand tightens involuntarily around my spoon.

"Aoi," I say again.

This time she is forced to tear her gaze away to look at me, brows furrowed in irritation. "Nii-chan?" Her red eyes lock with mine, and she blushes, realizing that she was caught in the act. Aoi tries to laugh it off, causing everyone's attention to fall on her. "Umm umm umm, I'll get the watermelons! Right, watermelons." Mikan, I can't help but think. My smile comes despite myself.

"Watermelons during summer. It's been a while since we've had any, huh Natsume?" Ruka says, smiling at the thought.

"Ten years ago, before we even came to the Academy." I recall an embarrassed looking eight-year-old Ruka coming over to our old house, four bodyguards flanking him on all sides. 'I'm sorry, Natsume, Aoi. It's not that I feel unsafe around your family, but mother insists.'

"It's perfect, then! Just like the old days," Aoi says, clapping her hands together excitedly. "I'll bring them out right now." She stands and makes her way to the backyard where she and Dad grew fruits and vegetables.

"I'll help you with that, Aoi-chan," Sumire volunteers, catching up with Aoi.

I'm surprised to register hostility coming from Aoi at the other woman's suggestion. Jealousy, maybe. Nevertheless, she smiles at Sumire. "Thank you!" I watch my sister leave and feel the urge to stretch her skirt and make them longer. The sight of her long, thin legs is unnerving me. I turn to Ruka and see that he's also looking at her.

"One of these days I'm going to shred that skirt," I comment.

Ruka laughs at the thought. "I don't doubt that you will."

"And tear up anyone who tries looking at her in that way." I gauge his face for any sign of interest.

"Call me up when you do. I'd gladly join you on that mission." He tilts his head to the side, his smile fading. "I owe that girl our friendship, I suppose. If she didn't tell you that I was another Alice all those years ago, would you have rescued me from those kidnappers?"

I shrug. "Aoi was more excited by the thought of another Alice than I was."

"She was always friendlier too," he jokes. "I still remember that one time she kicked my bodyguard 'cause he wouldn't let me climb go on the roof with you two."

I remember that day. Aoi had wanted to show Ruka the stars from our rooftop, the way we always did at night, but Ruka was never allowed to stay too late away from home. The euphoric memory instantly bubbles up my anger. If everything had gone smoothly, if Persona hadn't messed with our lives, if Aoi wasn't… I unclench my hand and realize I've bent my spoon to an awkward angle.

I feel Ruka's fist on my jawline, and he lightly punches me out of my reverie. "She's here now." He smiles reassuringly, reading my thoughts. "She's growing up to be a beautiful lady, and she's going to keep smiling for a very very long time."

"She's my only sister," I say.

"Same goes for me," he says.

Our eyes connect and I know that if anything, anything, happens to Aoi, I can trust Ruka to be on my side.