Hi, I'm back!! Blue Topaz Dragon, I'm still waiting for your update! Anyway, my tests are over, I'm in 4th place! Which means not grounded, and able to type. Hope no one minds me giving myself a cookie…

Disclaimer: I don't own DC,

Chapter13

Agasa Hakase came downstairs, carrying a green suitcase and a shoulder bag.

Ai stood, rummaging through her purse. "Here. I've found your passport, and here's your plane ticket…"

"Thanks, Ai-kun." They stared at each other for almost a full minute, not knowing what to say. They both know that, when the professor returned from America, Ai wouldn't be there.

"Hakase… thanks, for everything, I really…" Ai's voice faltered. Hakase had trusted her from the beginning, believed in her. He was the closest she ever had to having a parent. To have someone to take care of her, to remind her to bring an extra jacket, to nag all the time about her not getting enough rest, to feel at home. She couldn't find words enough to let him know how much it all means to her.

"I know." There's no need for words. Hakase could tell how much she cared.

"Watch your cholesterol, and blood pressure, okay? And no fast food…" she said, fighting to keep her voice calm.

"Ai-kun…" Agasa Hakase sobbed pulling her into a hug. He knew that she's afraid of disappearing, and that she's trying not to let him worry about her.

"We've always known this would happen. We promised not to cry, remember?" Ai said lightly, patting the professor's back even as her own eyes watered.

Time flew pass before they had the time to cherish it. It seemed to be just yesterday when Ai first came to live here, when she told him of her past (or future) and explained what she must do, what must happen.

It's too fast; he wasn't prepared to lose his almost adoptive daughter, can't even picture life going on after she's gone.

"I'll still have Neechan, I'll be okay…" Ai said reassuringly.

Someone knocked. "Agasa-san?" It was the FBI agents accompanying Hakase to the airport.

"Well, I have to go." The professor said, wiping his eyes.

Ai nodded, a sad smile on her face. "Bye."

She watched the car drive away; standing there even after it was out of sight. It was then when her mask slipped and she allowed herself to cry.

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sorry about the slow updates!! Reviews do speed things up!