In which Gumi snoops around, and there is chaos.

Everyone settled down and went back to where they were. All the teens went to sit around the coffee table in the living room and chat, like every morning.

"Soooo? Tell us the story! How'd it happen?" SeeU asked, eager to know the details. As Miki retold the story to everyone, Gumi watched Neru and studied her intently. Neru was still upside down on the couch beside Len, texting as always. She'd giggle at one text, pout at another, and blush at the next. And still no one else had their phones out. Unless she's texting one of the older Vocaloids… Gumi got up, since she had already heard Miki's story, and walked over to the dining room, where the adults were eating their breakfast. She walked all around the table, trying to be inconspicuous as she looked around at everyone's hands, trying to see if anyone was using their phone. As she got to the end of the table, where Luka was spoon-feeding eggs to Haku, Gumi gave up. Neru wasn't texting anyone in the house. It could be an UTAU… Gumi thought, looking to the slightly smaller mansion across the street. After breakfast I'll go talk to Teto. Maybe she'll give me some answers.

Gumi walked back over to the group just as Miki was finishing the story.

".. and then he asked me if I would be his girlfriend and, of course, I said yes!" Miki said, giving Piko a little kiss on the cheek, to which he blushed.

"Aww, how cute! You two are a perfect match, although I never would have thought of it myself!" gushed Rion.

"See? I told you, man, if you just went for it, she'd say yes! And what did she do? She said yes!" Len told Piko, thumping him on the back.

"That's how he got me…" Rin sighed dreamily, and Len started kissing her again.

"You have a room for a reason, you know." Neru griped.

"SO! Change of subject: Miku, your Google Chrome commercial was amazing!" said Sonika.

"I wanted to be in it nya!" Iroha whined.

"Me too! I wanted to too!" Yuki shouted from the corner. "Wait… what are we talking about?"

"Yeah, why does Miku get to do all the cool stuff?" Gacha added.

"Hey, hey!" Miki said, "Yuki, Gacha, Iroha, I've told you: due to circumstances beyond our control – "

" – like being a kiss up – " Neru muttered.

" – Miku is now the face of Vocaloid and we have to accept that." Miki finished.

"Well put, Miki." Miku said smugly.

"Besides, being less popular means you have more time to do whatever you want." Lily winked.

"I'm sure it would be best being an Officially Recognized Derivative though, right Neru? You don't have to sing at all! What do you do in your free time?" Gumi asked, phrasing her words carefully.

"None of your beeswax." Neru replied without looking up from her phone.

"EEEEEEEEK!" someone shrieked from the dining room, and everyone turned to see Sweet Ann climbing up on the table.

"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!" shouted Kiyoteru, as three little creatures ran/slithered out from under the table. Tako Luka and Hachune Miku (who was carrying Larval Rin) were being chased by Shiteyan'yo, causing a commotion. No one had any time to react because they were headed straight for the living room, which was a dead end. Without even thinking, Piko lashed out his tail and wrapped it around one of Shiteyan'yo's ankles, tripping the creature. Tako Luka and Hachune ran cowering to the corner, hiding behind Yuki and Gacha.

"Whoa! Good catch Piko!" Oliver said, as he and Iroha got up to grab the monster.

"Meiko! Where do we put it nya?" Iroha shouted, holding Shiteyan'yo by one of its ankles.

"Put it in Kaito's room." Meiko said dismissively.

"Hey!" Kaito protested through a mouth full of ice cream. "That's not fair!"

"I don't give a shit!" Meiko snapped at him.

There was a moment of silence, before Luka took over and said, "There's a shed out back, lock her in there." Oliver and Iroha left, but not before Miki noticed the way her little sister stared at the boy, and smiled.

Kiyoteru helped Sweet Ann off the table and she immediately ran to the ladies' room to 'freshen up'. The strange turn of events seemed to signify the end of breakfast, and everyone left to get ready for the day's activities. Gumi thought that would be a good opportunity to talk to Miki about the investigation.

Not wanting to interrupt Miki's conversation with Piko, Gumi asked politely, "Could I borrow her for a minute?" He nodded, and before Miki could ask any questions Gumi had pulled her out of her chair and around the corner.

"Gumi, what's – "

"Neru is texting someone all the time. Whoever it is, she has a crush on, if not more. And, isn't a Vocaloid." Gumi explained.

"Ooh, fun!" Miki said excitedly. "What's your plan?"

"Well, first I was going to go talk to Teto. Then maybe ask around here to see if anyone knows anything."

"What if it's a genderbend?"

"Oh, good point! I'll check there too. Just be ready to help in case I need you."

"Got it." Miki winked. "Oh! And before I forget, Iroha definitely has a crush on Oliver."

"Awww!" cooed Miku, startling Gumi and Miki.

"How long have you been standing there!" hissed Miki.

"The whole time." Miku said simply. "But I'll let you guys handle the Neru thing, she hates me and if I get involved I'd only make it worse. Can I help with Iroha and Oliver?"

"Sure, I guess." Gumi shrugged. "We'll need all the help we can get!"

"Yay!" Miku clapped gleefully. "Now I have recording session in an hour so you two work on the Neru thing until I get back and then we can help Iroha!" and with that she flounced off.

"Miki?" Piko asked, poking his head around the corner.

"In a minute!" she winked. "Gotta go. Good luck! And tell Teto I say hi. I haven't seen her in a while…" Miki gave Gumi a hug, then grabbed Piko's hand and tugged him upstairs. Gumi laughed. They're too cute. Then her face turned serious as she walked out the door to talk to Teto. Time to get started.

In the next chapter: Gumi talks to Teto! *jazz hands*