Cuxie: Okies! We are back! It's an updating day!

KK: YAY!!

Cuxie: I know! We're finally getting to the dance and whatnot! We're soo close!

Kazusa: I'm so glad I got to be a main character.

Cuxie: Yeeah...some ppl are complaining about that.

Kazusa: What? Why?!

Cuxie: Well...it's just that this is supposed to be a KarinxKazune story...and it is!! So this chapter is strictly Karin-related with some Kazusa at the end. Roll out the red chappy!!XD

"No way! Absolutely not!"

"Oh, Kazune-kun! Don't be that way. Kazusa-chan can go to the dance with us now," Karin said.

Kazusa pleaded, "Please Onii-chan! I really want to go! And I already told Jin-kun yes..."

Kazune shook his head and turned away from them, completely ignoring their begging. Nothing in the world would make him approve of his sister going with Kuga. Not under any circumstances. As if Nishikiori weren't bad enough, he thought and groaned, rubbing his temples. "We're not discussing this, Kazusa. You could've gone with any one else. Anyone! But not Kuga."

"But Jin-kun's so nice..." she mumbled, feeling dejected. Karin's heart went out to her friend. She never understood Kazune's problem with Jin-kun.

"Kazune-kun," she said evenly. "Can I talk to you...Alone." she added. He blinked, but nodded. Karin quickly led him out of the room.

They walked into the kitchen. Karin waited until they were out of earshot and promptly smacked Kazune in the head.

"Oi! What's your problem?" he glared at her.

"I can't believe you! The problem's finally solved and you have to go and mess everything up!" she yelled. "Give me one good reason why she can't go with Jin-kun!"

"Because I don't want her getting to close to him! This isn't even about his attitude or ego--which both suck by the way! You know how dangerous it is for her to be with him in public. You of all people should know that!"

Karin crossed her arms stubbornly across her chest. "I doubt Jin-kun would let anything happen to her. And I don't think that would stop Kazusa-chan if she really likes him."

"So she'd put herself in danger for him?!"

"I put myself in danger for you!" Karin yelled, then blushed slightly at her outburst. Kazune stared wide-eyed at her, also blushing. His eyes trailed to her ankle which, as told, had healed just in time for tomorrow. Karin followed his gaze and averted her eyes. She hated making him feel guilty, but she knew it was the only way he'd understand.

He put his arms around her and pulled her into a hug. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

"No, Kazune-kun...it's not--" he let go of her and she frowned.

He turned away from her. "I'll let her go...but if anything happens to her I'm holding Kuga responsible."

The next day:

As the divine(and Himeka) walked to school the next morning, Kazusa chatted happily about the dance. Himeka listened and nodded, offering small opinions whenever the opportunity arose. Karin tried to pay attention but couldn't help but notice Kazune's unsual behaviour.

He hadn't said much since they left the house. But Karin he had stayed close to Karin during the walk. She new something was different. Not in a bad way. She seemed to like the change in atmosphere, she just couldn't pinpoint what had happened or changed.

"What's wrong?" Kazune asked her.

"Nmm," she shook her head. "Nothing. Actually I think something's better."

He cocked his at her curiously, and she couldn't help but think how cute he looked when he was confused. "Really?"

"Yep," she gave him a small smile. "I'm not sure why, but I feel really happy today!"

He smiled back. Not asking anymore questions. They arrived at school a few minutes before the bell. Kazusa and Himeka were still lost in there chatter-bubble. Karin, however, was a bit wary all of a sudden. As they arrived, she felt Kazune-kun tense beside her. She looked over at him and he was looking in all directions. It seemed like he was looking for someone.

It was then she realized that she was more aware of Kazune than usual. The thought made her blush slightly.

"Ohayoooo!" a cheerful voice greeted them as they took their seats. "Kazune-kun. Ladies." Micchi said addressing them. Himeka and Kazusa exchanged somewhat awkward hello's and rushed to their seats. Micchi's eyes appraised her and Kazune. He snickered.

"About time."

Karin blinked at him and Kazune seemed embarrassed. Karin felt his arms slip from around her waist, and she realized he'd been holding her the whole time, since this morning, the whole walk. She watched him go to his seat across the class and suddenly she didn't feel as happy as she had earlier.

Lunch:

The bell rang for lunch. Kazune went over to Karin's desk, waited patiently for her to gather her books, and took them from her.

"He--" Karin was about to protest when she realized he meant to carry them for her. He balanced them easily with his own in one arm. His other arm slipped back around her waist as they walked and she felt an unusual sense of safety and comfort. Now that she was conscious of it she was surprised at how natural it felt.

The others were already getting their lunches when the two reached the cafeteria. Kazune set their books down at their usual table.

"You didn't have to do that," Karin said.

He shrugged, "Yeah, well I don't have to keep you in the house either but I do because I want to." He smirked and ushered her towards the lunchline.

She rolled her green eyes and stared at him. "Why?"

He looked at her, "Well you do cook and clean sometimes. So it only seems fair--"

"Noo!" she shook her head. "I mean why are you doing all...this?" Her voice lowered to nearly a whisper. "You seem different today...."

He frowned, "Bad different? You don't like it?"

"I-I didn't say that!" she said hurriedly and sighed. "I guess, you just seem worried about something, but you're being nicer than usual. I-I don't understand. Why?"

"Because...I've been making your life harder and I'm just now realizing it. I'm not going to do that anymore," he averted his gaze.

"Making my life harder? What are you talking about?"

"Those girls."

"Oh Kazune-kun! I told you--"

He interrupted, "Don't make excuses for me Karin. I know it's my fault. So I figure the only way to keep the away is to avoid you completely..."

Karin frowned at the idea.

"Or stay close to you. To make sure nothing happens," he added. "So I picked the better of the two options. I'll make sure nothing happens to you again."

She stared at him. "That..."

He looked back at her. "What?"

Suddenly, Karin flung herself at him, throwing her arms around his neck.

"Whoa! Karin?!" His eyes widened and he looked around and notice that nearly everyone was staring at them. He blushed slightly, tentively putting his arms around her. "Karin?"

She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling and brimming with tears. "That's so sweet!"

In a very secluded location...:

"Why are we hiding under the staircase?" Hitomi asked, flipping her long brown hair irritably. The other Kazune-Z members were gathered in a tight circle underneath the first-floor staircase(so much for secluded, but whatever.:P).

"What do you mean 'why'?!" Atsune, the president, whispered harshly. Making the others flinch. "We're going to discuss my plan! We need to deal with that little bug Hanazono-san at once! I haven't been able to look at Kujyou-kun without seeing that annoying little knat clinging to his side. Did you see that little slut throw herself at him in the cafeteria?! She might as well print 'DESPERATE' on her uniform in big red letters!" she ranted angrily.

Ine looked at her doubtfully. "Um, it looked more like Kujyou-kun was purposely staying close to her."

"Don't be ridiculous!" Atsune snapped. "Why would he do that?"

Hitomi huffed impatiently, "Well what are we going to do about it anyway? You remember what happened the last time we told Hanazono-san to back off. And we can't catch her alone anyway."

"Yeah," Utae added. "You said you had some kind of plan," she shook out her short, boyish hair.

"Oh yes. My plan..." Atsune took out a folded peice of paper and began to fill the girls in on her idea. Hitomi and Utae were becoming excited about it. But Ine still seemed doubtful.

Over the course of several years, her devotion and adoration of Kujyou and decreased--not that she let it show. She faked it for the sake of the other members. Knowing that if she told any of them about her feelings it would not only end her membership but her friendship as well. She didn't have any other friends, and if keeping the ones she had meant faking her love for Kujyou, she'd do it.

Ine was somewhat grateful that Kujyo returned none of their feelings. She seemed to be the only one who noticed that there was no way in the world that he'd fall in love with all four of them. And even if he fell in love with just one of them, the others would be to jealous to take it. Who knew what they'd do?

As she came from out under the staircase she was ran into Kazusa who had been coming down the stairs. "Oh! H-Hi Kazusa-chan! It's so nice to see you!" she said overally cheerfully. She could only pray the blonde hadn't heard any of Atsune's plans. "What are you doing here?"

"I went to pick up some work to help me catch up. Sensei suggested it," she replied simply. "You?"

"Huh?" Ine blinked.

"What are you doing here?" Kazusa asked innocently.

Ine fumbled with her hands. "I, um...uh...." she looked at a nonexistent watch on her wrist. "Would you look at the time! I've got to go!" With that lame excuse at hand she raced away down the hall.

Kazusa watched soundlessly, her eyes widening, one thought racing through her mind.

I've got to tell Karin-chan!

Cuxie: Done!

Karin: That was...interesting.

Cuxie: I'd love to do my usual chat but I'm on a time-limit! R&R!! Later chikadees!