AN: I'm so sorry for the delaaaay~! Please, I hope you enjoy this chapter... According to Word it's 13 pages long. ;; So much to stick into one chapter. There are also about...4 song references or so in here. Can you catch them all? Some are very obvious...The first person who does...maybe I'll give them a cameo of some sort? Who knows...Anyways, as always, thanks for everyone who is enjoying this so far! Keep reviewing, it helps me to keep going. OH, and thanks to Kazearashi for translating SKELETON LIFE.


I regain consciousness in Master's bed. Weakness still courses through my body. I lift myself up partly, staring down at a pillow. My mind is still half out of it. It takes me a moment to sit up completely.

I don't notice that I'm in a different outfit right away. My school uniform has been replaced with an elegant dark green dress- A dress Master Len made for me a few months before I took up school again. My mind wanders back for a second, back to the night he gave it to me. I silently blush. My eyes then crawl to the edge of the bed. There my uniform sits, perfectly folded, its sailor-styled collar literally drenched in blood. I avert my gaze.

I sit in complete silence. My mind suddenly comes alive, remembering what had happened. I dwell on the thoughts. What I did…Many people would call it idiotic. I regret nothing.

I look around again. My eyes soon find Master Len- he's sitting in a chair facing the opposite direction. But I can still make out that his face is in his hands.

'…Master.'

Somehow, I manage to crawl to the edge of the bed and stand up. My body trembles slightly, my strength returning very slowly. The floor is made of wood, and is cold on my - now bare - feet. I use the bed to steady myself as I walk towards him. My speed decreases once I run out of bed to lean on. The dress just barely touches the floor.

I unsteadily walk to the chair. Master doesn't move- his only sign of life is his chest, rising and falling. I stand right in front of him. All of a sudden…My eyes become inundated with water. The tears quietly spill over. I collapse to my knees, the dress cushioning the impact, if only slightly. I softly smile as I rest my head on his knees. My eyes continue to run, even closed.

"…I'm so happy…That you're okay, Master."

"I'm so sorry…" He removes his hands, placing one on my head.

"Could you at least tell me why…?"

"…For you."

I open my eyes and look up. Master looks away.

"…Me?"

"I've caused- …I feel horrible for how much I've affected your life…"

"But…I told you already, that…I love everything you've done for me."

"Rin-"

"If you never found me in that alley on that day…I don't know where I'd be right now, I don't even know if I'd be alive…"

Silence. I put my head back down and blush.

"…Rin…My Doll…"

"Yes, Master?"

"…Do you really love me?"

My eyes dilate. I look back up quickly, my face completely red. The tears cease. He smiles at me gently, removing his hand from my hair.

'…I guess…I should come clean…'

"Yes, you should."

I twitch. It was embarrassing when he read my thoughts like that. I look to the side.

"…Y-Yeah…I love you. I have… for a while."

"…Heh."

Master prepares to stand up. I remove myself from his legs, scooting back. But just as soon as he gets up, he sits back down on the floor in front of me. I look at him, slightly confused, and lean my head to the side.

"Master? Is there something you-"

My words are cut off by his lips meeting mine. He wraps his arms around me, pulling me closer. I don't resist. The embrace and kiss make me feel like I'm melting…Pure bliss.

It seems to go on forever, but even as he breaks away, it feels much too short. His hold on me eases up. I feel a strand of saliva still dripping from my mouth, as if craving for more. I let out what could only be described as a very short and quiet moan. My face turns red again.

He smiles, his hand rising up and caressing my cheek gently. I lean into it. My eyes gaze down, my heartbeat rising slightly.

"…My love…" He whispers. I smile, tears threatening to stain my face again.

"Don't…ever do anything stupid like that again…"

"If that makes you happy."

"It does."

I lean forward, my form falling into his lap. He gently hugs me. We stay like this for a moment.

"…Hey."

"Yes, Master?"

"How about…Next Saturday night, we do something out in town?"

"Eh, are you sure?"

"Yeah…"

"That…sounds nice."

Another period of silence.

"Master Len…I think I want to stay here with you this Sunday, if that's okay. I don't have school, so…"

"…Ah…eh…"

"Hmm, Master is something wrong?"

"…Well…You were…Kind of passed out through Sunday already…It's Sunday night. Actually, really early Monday morning, I guess…"

"…Eh?!"


The next passing days are spent in my own little world of happiness. After what feels like a short week, Saturday finally returns. I hum happily as I sweep the classroom. Miku picks up on it as she stands by the window clapping erasers.

"Hey…you've been super happy this week. I take it things are going well for you and….your boyfriend…"

"Yes, very well~" Could Master and I be considered boyfriend and girlfriend? Possibly. But at the moment, I couldn't care less. I do a quick spin as I put away the broom. Luka walks in, and immediately gives me a strange smile.

"Well, look who's still all positive." She smirks.

"Yes~"

"Hey, by the way, you did great in Chorus today. That song you sung, 'Kosmos, Cosmos', it sounded nice. I think Ms. Prima is really impressed by your singing talent."

"Thanks, Luka!" I smile. Luka laughs, Miku blushes. "So, are you ready to go? I think we're finished here…"

"Yeah, ready Miku?"

"Y-Yeah…" Miku stutters slightly, her face still red. I look over at her as she puts away the chalkboard erasers.

"Hey, Miku, are you okay?"

"Fine, fine…Let's get going."

Miku and I grab our bags and head for the door. We talk about our day as we walk, Miku oddly not saying much. I start to feel a tiny bit worried about her. The final bell rings just as we reach our lockers. Our mouths continue to ramble as we get the last of our stuff.

"So Rin~ you off to see your boyfriend?" Luka giggles slightly.

"A bit later…I have to stop back home first." I blush. My thoughts go to Master, wondering what we would do. Luka pats me on the back.

"Okay. Miku and I plan on going out tonight anyway, right, Miku?"

"Yeah, yeah. We're going shopping~!" Her mood seems to pick up, hearing the plans mentioned. My feeling of worry fades.

"I hope you two have fun then. I'm going to go ahead, if that's fine."

"Sure, see you Rin!"

I pick up a bit of speed, heading to my apartment to change.


Night had finally fallen. The town is still quite alive though- Many people still cover the streets. I rock back and forth on my heels as I wait on the corner.

'This was the place Master said to wait for him…right?'

I curse my memory silently and then look down at my watch. 6:59 PM. He would be here soon. If this was the place I was supposed to meet him. I sigh, looking down at my shoes. For the special occasion, I wore a short yellow dress without straps, covered by a white jacket, and then slip-on shoes. As for jewelry, I had on a locket Master had given to me when we first met, and a few bracelets Miku and Luka had given me. A big white ribbon adorned my hair. I felt quite proud of the outfit, hoping Master would be pleased.

'Now where is Master…?'

"…Rin? Rin, is that you?" I turn my head to see both Luka and Miku rushing towards me.

"E-eh?! Miku, Luka, what are you doing out here?"

"Well, I told you we were going shopping." Luka raised some bags that were hanging from her arms. "We aren't even half way through yet, though…"

Luka had her hair down, a low-cut shirt showing off her bust. She was also wearing a brown skirt that fell to her ankles, matching sandals on her feet. Miku on the other hand had her hair up in her trademark twin tails. They were tied with black and white ribbons, which complimented her short white dress with its black lace bottom. She had black knee socks on as well, with black dress shoes. Only a single bag was in her hand.

"Nice outfit, Rin."

"Ah, thanks Luka."

"So, Rin…What are you doing here?" Miku questions. Her face seems slightly pink. I look off.

"Ah, well…I'm waiting for someone."

"Oh, who is it~?" Luka chimes in.

"I'm waiting for-"

"She would be waiting for me."

Someone from behind grabs my arm. I turn around to see Master Len…at least, I think. Well, whoever grabbed me is wearing a short sleeved shirt, yellow, with a white star on the sleeve. A pair of old jeans and sneakers covers his lower half. His short hair is pulled into a stubby ponytail with a rubber band. His eyes are a cool shade of…blue?

"Ma-"

His finger comes up and rests on my lips.

'While we're in public, just call me Len…'

He removes his finger.

"…Len…"

This was definitely him. But he looks pretty different… I don't get much of a chance to ponder on it though. Both Miku and Luka jump in. The two girls grab my arms and pull me away.

"Uhm, Len, right? Excuse us."

"…No problem…?" He stares, confused.

Once out of earshot, the two let go of me. They stare at me with wide eyes. I take a step back.

"So, this is him, right? Your boyfriend?" Luka asks quickly.

"Uh…yeah…"

"Oh my God, Rin! He's adorable! Where did you meet him, tell me he has a brother, a cousin, ANYTHING~!"

"So that's the guy you've been seeing…?" Miku isn't as enthusiastic as Luka.

"Y-yeah…"

"You are SO lucky, Rin! I'd give anything for a cute man like him!" Luka begins jumping up and down. Miku looks away.

"Ah, Miku…"

"Okay you two! Lets not keep that cutie waiting~"

Luka starts to drag Miku and me back to where Ma-…Len waits. He's smiling.

'…He heard every word, didn't he…?'

'Yes I did~'

I sigh.

"So, the name's Len, right? I'm Luka, and this is Miku."

"H-hello, Len…"

"Ah, I've heard a little bit about you both from Rin. It's nice to meet you both." He bows. I blush. Luka giggles.

"Hee, such a gentleman…So, what are you two lovebirds planning on doing tonight?"

"Well, we didn't really have much of a plan…We can join you two, if it isn't too much of a hassle."

"Oh, are you sure?"

I try to get a word in. "Well, actually-"

"If you insist…I can't say no!" Luka cuts me off. I roll my eyes. Len smirks. "We're gonna hit one more store before grabbing something for dinner, if you wanna come."

"Sounds like fun." Len replies. Miku still has yet to say anything else. She seems to be caught off guard when Luka grabs her by the arm and drags her.

"Well, let's get going!"

The two girls walk off, not looking back. I groan and cover my eyes, slightly embarrassed. Len grabs my hand and squeezes it. I look over to him.

"L-Len…" I whisper.

"Yes, My Doll?"

"Are you sure this is okay?"

"Don't worry about it, alright?" He kisses my cheek. "Now, let's go catch up with them."

"Ah, Len…"

"Hmm?"

"…You look so different…"

Len smiles, one of his fangs showing. I give him a small smile back, and stare at his eyes.

"…And how did you change your eye color?"

"Very simple, I'm wearing contacts."

"…Should I ask where you got them…?"

"Not really."

"Okay then."

We walk hand in hand to catch up with Luka and Miku.


(Miku's POV)

I don't like Len. I don't like him at all.

I switch between watching him and Rin. Luka was bombarding him with questions. Rin's adorable face was glowing pink with every word.

"So, Len, what's your full name, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Len Shion." He smiles. That stupid smile. Something about it makes me mad inside.

"Nice, nice…How old are you?"

"14."

Rin's hand goes up to cover her mouth. It looks like she's trying to hide a smile. Was he lying about his age? Suspicion begins to build. I tune out his and Luka's conversation. My gaze wanders from the group. I stare at myself as we walk by a window display. Behind my reflection, I see Rin smiling happily. I blush.

Ever since I met Rin…Let's just say that I've never had feelings like that for another girl. There's just…something about her. I recall the first time we met- seeing her on the rooftop of the school, singing softly. My heart had skipped a beat. But now it hurts. Part of me is glad to see her so happy. But another side of me was mad that she had found that happiness with someone else. I grit my teeth at the thought.

It takes us about five minutes to walk to a nearby department store. My mind drifts away from my unrequited love as clothes make their way into my line of vision. Shopping was one of my favorite pastimes. It also hits me- this could be a chance to get Rin away from Len for a while. I smile as we walk in, my mind plotting.

"Hey, Rin!" I jump in front of her and her so-called boyfriend. I grab her arm, pulling her further into the store. "C'mon, there are some bathing suits I wanted to show you."

"Eh? But Miku, we're just now going into spring…"

"Summer will be here before you know it!"

Rin waves to Len. I pull harder.


"Hey, Luka…what do you think of this one?" I walk out of the changing room, sporting a white one-piece bathing suit. There is a black outline of a cat on the bottom. I twirl around in front of a mirror.

"I think it suits you perfectly!" Luka claps. I look over to Len, who is sitting in a nearby chair. He looks a bit bored. This makes me happy.

"You really think? Maybe I should try a two-piece…" I pause. "…Oh, speaking of two-pieces….Rin, are you done yet?"

"I'M NOT COMING OUT."

I twitch. Len and Luka stare.

"It can't be that bad, come on…"

"N-No Miku…I'm embarrassed…."

I look at Luka, a bit disappointed. I then turn to Len.

…For a second…I thought…I saw his eyes flash red…

I rub my eyes and look again. They're blue now.

'…What the…?'

Rin all of a sudden walks out, her arms covering as much as they could. I take a good look at her. Her beautiful thin form covered barely by a dark red bikini that Len had chosen for her. I cover my nose, expecting blood to gush out. My face turns deep red.

"R-Rin! You…you look…you look-"

"My sweet Rin, you look amazing~" Len jumps up from the chair and walks over to her. I'm still in too much shock to move.

"Wow, Rin, so lucky…you look great in that." Luka claps again. I'm still stuck in place. My legs start feeling weak. Len puts his arms around Rin, who is now covering her face. She puts her hands down, her face being met by Len's. They kiss. What felt like eternity was only a second. My embarrassment is replaced by jealousy. Luka squeals like a fangirl.

"Hey, do you like it?"

"W-Well…If you do, Len…"

"Should I get it for you then?"

"Eh…y-yeah…"

I stomp back into the changing room.


I pull out my cell phone to check the time. It's 9:39 PM as we leave the store. Luka has added several more bags to her arms. I bought the bathing suit, and that's it. Len was holding the bag with the bikini he had bought for Rin, his free arm around her waist. I put my phone away as Luka starts talking again.

"Well, it's getting late, time to grab some food and head home."

"Sounds good…" I quietly reply. Luka turns to Rin and Len.

"So, anything you two lovebirds would prefer?"

"I…don't plan on eating just yet…" He looks to Rin. She turns red. I raise my eyebrow.

"…I-I don't have a taste for anything, really, so you choose, Luka…" Rin stutters slightly.

"I know a little café on the next block; we'll go there, okay?"

We all agree and head where Luka leads. It isn't too long before we find ourselves seated and eating…Well, most of us. Len doesn't get anything. He stares at Rin the entire time. It scares me a bit. But I try to tune it out and eat my salad. Once we're all through, Luka orders some chocolates.

When they arrive, Luka grabs a few and goes to town. I pick one up and look to Rin. Len is whispering things into her ear. I hold my breath for a few seconds before speaking up. I try to use the sweetest voice as possible.

"Hey, Rin~" She and Len turn to look at me. I wave the piece of dark delight. "You want one?"

"Ah, I guess just one would be alright…" I was glad she accepted. Rin usually doesn't eat too many sweet things. I smile and giggle. I reach my hand over the table to give it to her.

Len grabs my arm half way across. He whispers excuse me as he plucks the sweet from my hand.

"Eh…" I stare at him, confused and silently fuming. Luka looks over, her mouth covered in chocolate. He turns to face Rin. She looks equally confused. Len softly pushes the piece of chocolate against her lips. Her eyes lower slightly as she opens her mouth. I feel my face turn red as he lets it fall in, his finger still in between her lips as they close. I swear that I hear a moan.

I also think I hear the string of a harp snapping in two.

I stare down into my lap, trembling a bit.

"How was it?"

"D-delicious…"

"Aw, you two are so cute together~"

I try my hardest to ignore their voices. My head manages to look to the side. I see a few people setting up a stage for karaoke.

'…Wait…'

I quickly turn to my bag, digging deep into it. The other three ignore me, talking about something else. I continue to dig until…

'…YES! I have it with me.'

I pull out a CD. I look at it under the table and smile.

'This might be my last chance to get Rin away from him tonight…'

I put the CD on the table and stand up. Everyone's eyes are on me.

"Rin!" I call her name with a scheming grin on my face. She looks back at me, caught off guard a bit. "You. Me. Karaoke. NOW." I point to the stage. Rin blushes.

"E-Eh? Sing? I don't know…"

"C'mon, it'll be fun!" I move away from my chair and bounce over to where she's sitting. I grab her by the arm. "Please~?"

"I…I guess it wouldn't hurt…" The second she says that, I jerk her from her chair to the stage.


Other people in the café clap as I bow. I smile, quite proud of myself. I had preformed World Is Mine, a song I had written around the time I met Rin. I put the microphone back on its stand, and walked over to the CD player. Rin nervously walks over as well.

"You were great Miku…"

"Thanks! Good luck."

"Ah, but I'm not sure what to sing…"

"I have the background music to SKELETON LIFE if that's fine. I really liked the beat of it."

Her cute face turns red at the compliment. She looks over to where Len and Luka are sitting, then back to me.

"I guess so…"

"You'll do fine. You have an amazing voice, Rin."

"Thanks."

We both fumble with the CD player, trying to find the right track. Once we do, I go back to sit down. Rin heads over to the microphone. I sit back down with Luka… Len's gone.

"Hey, Luka…where did Len go?"

"Probably to the restroom or something."

"You didn't pay attention to where he went?"

"Nope. Hey, I ordered more chocolate, you want some?"

Rin looks over to us and frowns slightly. Part of me feels bad about it…but I'm also happy that he wouldn't see her perform. I wave, mouthing to her to not worry about it. She gives me a soft smile, and picks up the microphone. The lights dim. Rin closes her eyes as the soft music starts. A few seconds in, the soft beat is replaced by a loud orchestra of sounds. I cross my arms and blush as Rin's voice flows through the café.

"uki aga ru aoi sekai de

In this floating blue world

gin no hako iki majiu hashi nagame
Gazing at the bridge with silver boxes going back and forth


you ga noboru kowaku mo ureshi i
Sun rising up, frightening and happy

demo sukoshi nemuku nattekita
But I'm getting a little bit sleepy…"


Rin's eyes lower and then close. Mine widen. Len…is right behind her. He's smiling.

"betotsuku ashi no ura ga shibire teru
The sticky sole of my foot is numb


nanimo kanji nakunaru sono mae nimou ichido
Before, I couldn't feel anything, once again…"

Her eyes open again. His eyes close. But he makes his presence known. Len grabs Rin's hand, joining her in singing. She looks up, surprised. My jaw almost hits the floor. He sings along with the first and third line of the chorus.

"oshie teyo nami no norikata wo
Teach me, how to ride the wave


boku niha inu kakiga seiippai
Dog paddle is the best that I can do


oshie teyo ikitsugi noshikata

Teach me, how to breathe

sotto tewatasa reta shuno o keru
The snorkel that you handed over gently…"

Rin smiles and blushes, she and Len swaying softly to the music.

"yume ha same nishi karano asa
Fading away dream, morning from the west


hoshi ga waku sakasa mano sora nimo
Into the upside-down sky full of stars


you ga shizumu sumiyaka ni shizuka ni
Sun sets, fast and quiet


munashi sato heion no hajimari
Emptiness and tranquility starts…"

Len closes his eyes, his arms tightly around her thin waist. Rin continues to look up at him, as if singing for him. My chest starts hurting.

"kyou motada tsuitachi no ura wo utsu
Today as well, hitting the only back of one day


kedarui hyoushi niha imi ha nai soredemo
There is no meaning in languid tempo, but still…"

His eyes open, her eyes close. Their voices mesh together again. I mentally give up.


"oshie teyo sora no tobi houwo
Teach me, how to fly in the sky


bokuha tasu kumi kagami komudake
I can only step back and crouch down


oshie teyo sono hane batakikata
Teach me, how to flap my wings


ryoute wo hiroge te tameshi temiruyo

I will try to spread both hands…"

The song begins to slowly play out. People stand and clap. The two bow. I'm lost in my own little world. Luka revives me, though.

"ACK. I didn't realize how late it was! We need to get ready to go, NOW!"


(Rin's POV)

Master Len insisted on carrying me back. I cling to his back, blushing.

"…Hey, Len…"

"Yeah?"

"Heheh….I'm sorry about those two."

"Don't worry about it too much….it was…interesting. And by the way… You can go back to calling me Master again…"

"…Yes, Master."

We reach the house. Master puts me down.

"Maybe…Next Saturday night we can do something alone."

"…Okay." I giggle as he kisses my cheek. "And…Master…that was nice to sing with you…"

"Well, if I read your mind right, you wrote that because of me…."

"Yeah…" I look away as we walk in. He smirks.

"Enough about that…I'm starving~"