After Rat left that night everything felt like it was dragging on. I was so anxious for tomorrow. After he left I went back to sleep for a couple hours. When I woke up Sunday afternoon I spent the whole day thinking about what happened. I laid in my bed for hours last night thinking about Rat. I glanced at my alarm clock next to me and sighed loudly. Soon but not soon enough. How could he sleep at a time like this?

Eventually I fell asleep, but I still tossed and turned. I missed Rat.

I woke up to my alarm screaming. I slapped at the device blindly. "Ugh…" I hit the snooze button and blinked myself awake. Tired, I smiled and my excitement from the night before returned. I got to see Rat today.

I sat up and pushed myself off my bed. I never thought I'd be this excited about a Monday before. I liked school, but sometimes it was tiring. Especially when all I wanted to do lately was see Rat. I never thought someone could make me care about them as intensely as I feel about Rat. I cheerily walked out of my room to the bathroom. I stopped in my tracks as I realized something. What did this make Rat and I? Are we still only friends? We never established anything… I shrugged. I'll ask him today. I started the shower and peeled off my clothes. I showered quickly, I wanted this day to go by faster. I jumped out of the shower, toweling off and pulling on a pair of black jeans and a light turquoise sweater over a white dress shirt. I looked at myself in the mirror and smiled. I ruffled my hair, enjoying the softness of it after a shower. Now that my Foster Father wasn't here, I could take as many as I wanted! I watched my smile spread across my face.

It's been nearly a month since he disappeared. The last time I saw him was about three weeks ago I believe…

Tap tap

I only faintly heard it but I whipped my head around in a panic. Did I just jinx him coming home? Or maybe I just imagined that sound…

Tap! Tap!

It was louder this time so I knew I wasn't imagining it. I stepped out of the bathroom and creeped back into my room. I glanced around then something caught my eye. I looked out the window and saw a bright smile behind it. The sun only outlined some of his features. I walked closer and Rat's face became more and more clear. He waved happily in greeting. I pressed my palms against the glass and slid the window open.

I grinned back at him. "What are you doing here?"

"I said tomorrow, didn't I?" Rat smirked. "Now come outside."

I shook my head. "I have school."

"Skip it. You're smart enough." Rat leaned on the windowsill and stared up at me with dull eyes.

I put my hands on my hips. I knew it was best for me to go to school, but just the thought of being with Rat made me want to change my mind. How can he be so good at persuading me without even trying? I thought to myself, weighing the pros and cons until I heard a loud groan come from my window.

"Ugh, hurry up Shion. I actually had plans for us today."

Plans? My curiosity piqued. "... Oh yeah? Like what?"

"Come with me and I'll show you."

"... Fine." I caved. Rat grinned up at me and started making his way down the siding of the house. I sighed and closed the window. I wonder if I should start locking it. I smiled to myself and walked back to the mirror in the bathroom. I gave myself one last look and flicked off the light switch. I bounded down the stairs and out the door to meet Rat. It was hard to hide how anxious I was to see him. He made me smile with every thought.

We walked down the sidewalk together for a little while, making small talk as always. Suddenly I felt Rat grab onto my hand and squeeze it, tight. I glanced over and noticed his head was turned away from me. His ears were red, and his hand was soft and warm. I smiled and stared up at the stars. We walked all around town that night, hand in hand.

I decided I liked Rat's "plans" for us.