Author's Note: May I just say… In comes the Dynamic Duo! It'll take place a year in the future after Blaire's arrival. After all, I don't think you all want me to drabble on and on about the two's relationship over the course of a whole year and all… Or do you? Anyway, this is for the sake of moving things along. Enjoy… But beware; there is a big bit of sadness in this chapter. You might cry.

Let's start off with the older of the two, I guess… Let's see… Oh. This one's real name is Sarah Kayleigh Caitrone, but is better known as "Sweet Pea" for how much she cares for her sister as well, as we grew to know each other time, the rest of our group. She was like the motherly figure and the strongest-willed members. She was born on December twenty-first; the Winter Solstice, and is now twenty-three years old. She is one of a few females I've ever known to surpass my height, standing at five feet and eight inches tall. Aside from clear and well-tanned Caucasian skin, she's got slightly-dirty but golden blond hair that ripples in waves from the top of her head all the way down to the middle of her back, which, to my delight, is kept down. She always looked better that way than the few times she does put it up… And her eyes. They are a hazel color, but with drops of a faint green hue in it every once in a while to mix things up. To say that it's interesting is to be saying the least. They reminded me of the forests of the park I used to roam when I was that innocent little child in my past.

And then there's Sweet Pea's sister, Raquel Reese Caitrone. Now she was another person, like Blondie, who didn't like her name, and so I modified it, when I met her, into "Rocket". Plus, it rather did compliment her appearance and personality, as I soon found out later on… You see, aside from her pale skin that was almost as white as a sheet compared to her sister and even myself, she possessed such fiery strawberry blond hair that she always had raggedly cut in a tomboy sort of look. Her eyes are of a friendly and loving dark green, though sometimes would shift to a misty gray, as if she were dreaming with her eyes open. She was born on the first day of April; April Fool's Day. I still wonder if there's a real joke to that, for I think it's just a pretty coincidence that she was born on such a day of mockery.

It had been almost a complete since I had joined the House on that week after my now-unluckily fated birthday. I was getting used to everything and everyone as people came and went. I was thankful that it was possible for people to get better after entering this place; it gave me hope that I would be able to leave at some point. We'd both changed since my first day, of course. I'd become confident as I got used to being here, as well as open-minded, more truthful, yet wearily observant and protective of the developing female I now held closely in my heart whom was turning into a mischievous and tough-seeming woman that still held all the same sweetness and loyalty to me. She always liked ending up in the spotlight at the institute as long as it was on her for the right reasons; not for tripping again. Blondie and I were at the theater just having finished our dinner, watching a one of the other group of girls begin to fight when, on that rainy Friday evening, a couple of orderlies practically had to drag in two young women inside. Their hair was matted and soaked from the weather, their skin filled with scattered goose-bumps. Though they had differences in appearance, the general shaping of their figures and the way the taller of the two held tightly onto the shorter definitely took on the connection that they were related, and, most likely, were sisters. I felt pity for their current states, and wanted to fetch a towel or blanket, but I was unable to move with the tense air now in the room. I felt Blondie's hand slowly slide next to mine, feeling her fingers shape perfectly into the gaps between mine as we could only watch the two newcomers… The hand-holding, by now, was a quirk we both shared.

Madam Gorski came out from backstage and, gasped, looking at the two. "Why vasn't I alerted zat we have new patients?"

One of the orderlies spoke up grimly, "Ma'am, we found them outside. They had been dropped off by someone, left there at our doorstep. They came with a letter bearing, I think, the information you need about these kids."

A look of pity flickered upon the therapist's face. She came down, shooing the orderlies away, and had them brought back to the recesses of, probably, her office, making sure to be light and careful about them. They seemed like they've had one hell of a time before getting here. The younger one looked at us, worry in her eyes, and I gave off a weak smile, mouthing silently, "I promise, everything will be okay."

She smiled back at me gratefully before her older sibling looked down at her and began to wipe off the loose drops of water running down her brow.

When they'd left the room, me and Blondie, along with a few other people, went back to our respective dormitories, our footsteps lightly tapping the tiled floors, not a word spoken... It was still a wonder why we were the only ones here still in our dorm of A3. They didn't seem to have good organization skills or something. We closed the door as soon as we arrived and sat at our beds. Blondie was first to pipe up with: "Geez… I hope they'll be okay… I mean, to be abandoned like that by, perhaps, people you love?"

I noted the sadness and worry in her eyes. They were just the same as when she'd told me about how she ended up here, except in the more sympathetic manner. "Yeah. I know what you mean… Hey, did you see the little girl's face? It seemed like she was carrying the burden, while the older girl was just shielding the world from her."

"Hey, I noticed that, too." Blondie's eyes looked downward, a hand propping up her chin while her elbow based upon her lap as she gave it a bit of thought. Slowly, she then said, "Maybe she's carrying a guilty conscience?"

I arched a curious brow, asking, "And what makes you think that?"

Before an answer could even be given the chance to arrive, the door of the dormitory creaked open, and we looked to find that the two girls, now much drier, though still being escorted by Gorski, right before us. Gorski smiled and began to introduce us to the two, "Girls…" She gestured towards the older one first, "Zis is Sarah, and ze other is her little sister, Raquel." She then pointed to me first and said, "Zat's Blaire, and her friend over zere is Belle…" Blondie formed a small pout crossed her face, causing the doctor to correct herself, "I'm sorry. Call her 'Blondie'. She likes zat better."

The little one, Raquel looked up at the doctor and asked, "Can I have a nickname, too? I don't like mine…" Her head burrowed against Sarah's side. She was a bit shy.

Gorski smiled, "Why don't you ask Blaire? She came up with Blondie's."

Raquel looked at me, then at Gorski as she grinned, "Okay!"

Gorski couldn't help but chuckle. I commented quietly to Blondie, "Aw, she looks just as innocent as you did in my eyes on the first day." Blondie blushed, but kicked me gentle just under my knee. I winced, giggling, "Okay, okay… I get it."

Gorski left the room, leaving the four of us to our devices. Raquel went up to me, and I couldn't help but notice that boyish head of red hair come across the room. She looked towards me and said, "You got any suggestions of what to call me?"

I laughed, and then took a moment, a quizzical look on my face. Then, as I got an idea for one, I gave off a roguish smile as I lightly ruffled her hair, asking, "How about… Rocket? You like that one?"

She nodded, "That works! It kind of makes me sound tough."

The newly-named Rocket gave off a laugh, and I couldn't help but glance at Blondie as I said, "Really? That really reminds me of somebody…"

She went over to her sister, who had decided to claim a bed along an adjoining wall, asking, "Are you still going to go by 'Sweet Pea', sis?"

Sarah shushed her sister. It clearly looked like she didn't want to be here. It was going with Blondie's theory. She looked to me, a slightly embarrassed smile there, though there was an attempt of controlling it on her face, "Sorry. My mother calls me that, and it stuck with Raquel- I mean, Rocket."

I mused, "Really? I never had a nickname. Though, I think, my own name's original enough as is… If not that one, then my middle name does the trick: Blaze."

Rocket giggled, "That sounds like a cool name, too."

I chuckled, "It's alright… I prefer 'Blaire' better… 'Blaze' brings back too many memories." My vision dropped, and I realized I seemed a bit embarrassed. I felt Blondie's gaze look to me, but I didn't want to return it. My head was stuck again in those memories, though, at least, it wasn't in my sleep and during a nightmare. This time, it took a more somber tone, now that I was actually thinking back to it.

Rocket and Sarah noticed the change of tone in the room. Sarah stood up, walking over quietly, and sat by my side. Today, I can understand now why she's the strongest of them all, though I didn't know it then… She wrapped her arm around me and let my head lean on her shoulder as I gave off a broken, shuddering sigh. She gave off a most comforting smile as she said, "You guys can call me 'Sweet Pea'. I don't mind it all too much… Plus, Rocket probably will anyway, and I don't want to cause confusion."

Blondie sat at my other side and her hand ghosted over the back of mine. My own hand automatically lifted and our palms met, fingers embracing fingers, my fading calluses against her smooth skin. I managed to pry myself off of Sweet Pea and nodded, though it was a bit absently. I then muttered, "You two should probably go to bed. I just want to go the bathroom for a few minutes." I began to stand up.

Blondie, still holding my hand, added, "I'll go with her. Get some rest, alright? I'm sure you've been through enough without us adding to it…"

My smile was weak as we tip-toed down the hallway to the bathroom. I let go of our grip together and went over to a sink, letting the water run as I got my hands together to gather some of it and splash it on my face. Secretly, I was letting tears run with it, but I didn't want to seem obvious. Blondie looked to me sympathetically as she stood by the door, the side of figure against the wooden frame.

Of all people, Doctor Gorski showed up behind Blondie. She gave off a politely surprised look, then noticed me. She quietly called me out, telling Blondie to go back to bed. I felt suspicion creep towards me as I walked out to where the therapist waited. She looked at me up and down before asking, "Are you alrigh', dear?" I simply nodded, and she went on: "Listen… I think zat you are ready to leave here. You are the best-recovered patient I've ever had, Blaire, and I think you deserve it."

I genuinely was shocked, my eyes widening. "B-but… I don't want to leave anymore. What about Blondie? And Sweet Pea, and Rocket? Those sisters just arrived and everything, and, suddenly, I'm leaving?" I was a bit angry at her that she would decide to put something like this on my shoulders, especially on such a bad moment.

"I'm sorry. But I really do think you'll be just fine now… But, if you're so willing to return…" A glint could be seen come through her eyes, past those glasses of hers as she spoke slowly but clearly, "I vas told by your grandfather that you vere studying to be a psychologist. Zere's zis loophole, you see. During your senior year in college, instead of attending any classes, you can train with a certified doctor. Whether zey are citizen or not has never been included…"

She knew about my wants to be a psychologist. And she knew how I could come back? I, on an impulse, hugged her. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

"It's no problem, really. You can come here and be a nurse. I'll even put you with group A-3, if you'd like zat… Plus, I wouldn't mind having a personal assistant who can understand my terminology against all the other staff." She returned my gesture, a chuckle escaping her lips. "I know you still will have to be gone for a year before you can come back… But it's better than two."

I let go, shaking my head, "It's better than not coming back at all… Did you already speak about this to Grandpa?"

She nodded, "He's coming here before breakfast. Seven in the morning. I want to meet you before the gate so we can head out together and I will hand you off."

Something blocked the way of me gulping as I gasped, "S-so soon? Oh, no…"

Gorski looked understanding. "I know. But he said he won't be available any other time after that. He says his schedule has been busy recently."

I nodded slowly, "I understand…"

I awoke at about six in the morning, slipping silently from my covers before arranging them. I saw, at the foot of my bed, that I was left with a paper, pen, and envelope. I had to hand it to the doctor; she understood my pain for this process. I spent the time writing a well-thought out letter filled with my heartfelt regards to my three companions, signed with a simple but sweet 'I love you', meant more especially for Blondie, though it was shared respectfully to Rocket and Sweet Pea as well. I may have only known the other two so shortly, but that didn't mean they were to be left out… I folded the paper and slipped it into the envelope, slipping the tab inside instead of actually sealing it. From there, I went over to Blondie. She looked angelic laying there, a gentle smile ghosting her lips. Unlike me, she always has good dreams, though I never knew what they were of. I managed to slip the letter under one of her hands before weaving a few fingers through her hair to stroke some of the ebony locks from her face. Tenderly, I left a kiss on her closest cheek, whispering, "I promise I'll be back in a year, to this very day. You can bet on it."

"Blaire?"

I almost jumped, though I kept myself controlled as I slipped from being near Blondie. Turning, I found that it was Sweet Pea. I couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. If it had been Rocket, I would've almost cried to see her expression if I would be forced to tell her that I'm leaving.

Sweet Pea's eyes looked at me in an understanding manner as she spoke softly, "You're leaving, aren't you?"

I looked down and away. "Doctor Gorski told me last night in the bathroom… I'm sorry." I went towards her, a pitiful excuse of a smile on my face now.

She just answered simply, "It's okay. I'm glad for you."

I looked towards Rocket and Blondie. Then, turning back to Sweet Pea, I said, "Hey. I just ask one thing from you… Please look out for the both of them. I'm going to go back to school, but, in a year, I'll be here again as an intern to Gorski… She promises that I'll be with you guys again, but as a nurse instead of a patient."

For the first time, I saw a real smile on Sweet Pea's face. "That's great. I'm sure Blondie will understand then, in due time."

I looked back towards her a bit longingly. All those feelings left unsaid. All those motions and actions that could've let to a lot of things, just dropping dead in the dust. My affections, gone in the wind. I added quietly, "Show her that I love her, will you?"

Sweet Pea's brows twitched, but she agreed. "I will. Take care of yourself, okay? We don't want to hear your plans fail."

I chuckled as deftly as I could, shaking my head. "I absolutely won't fail."

"Good. Because I don't want to break that to them."

I gave a side-hug to her before getting up. "Thanks, Sweet Pea. See you on the other side of things." With that, I left. It would be hard not being here, even if only for a short year. To not see Blondie's face every day, alone, would be a disappointment.

Author's Note: Okay. This seriously made me cry, I don't know about you guys… Blaire, no! … Well, reviews are loved very much.