Hello Readers, I hope you enjoyed Chapter 12... I appreciate the reviews its good to know the story is acceptable...feel free to share your thoughts. Well our little trooper Kirino seems to have had a lot thrust upon her. Just what will she do now I wonder? I wouldn't mind a few reviews to know what your readers thoughts are...might give me some insight...Thanks -DjTenki

Well our little trooper Kirino seems to have had a lot thrust upon her in just one day. You know though one day is all it takes to get a new perspective on life... Just what will she do now I wonder? Its always interesting what a new day brings, there is always the chance for discovery...sometimes to your benefit...sometimes to your detriment.. We will just have to see where Kirino goes with all this...and what about our wing-man? Well looks like life's been having its way with him...too...

legal jargon:

I do not own Oriemo or any characters related to light novels, manga, or anime...but I love the story so here we are...

Chapter 13: One Models Loneliness..Leads To The Exchange of One Life Puzzle For Another...

Kirino:

Well this is just great I try to go to sleep and my eyes wont close.. it's dark in my room but not totally that bright moon plays shadows across my wall as I lay here still awake. I look over at my clock and it says two thirty...swell...just great I am going to be so tired at school tomorrow... Who could blame me though..first I find out that...that ...that Baka Kyousuke is gone.. that thought alone tried hard to overwhelm me... I still can't figure out why he left, but I plan to get to the bottom of that before I go to find him...then mom and dad tell me that I am thier step child! Yeah my would has pretty much been turned upside down.. I look over in the moonlight at my real fathers face smiling back at me and real mom as well.. I could feel my chest throb even as I thought about it and I could feel tears welling back up in my eyes...but no no I wont let this beat me!

I rolled over onto my side with my octo pillow held tightly and looked out the window at the moon and stars they helped a little bit.. I guess now that I know all these secrets... I wondered though who else knew all of this I mean mom, dad, grandpa grandma, uncle Kole and aunt Yuki... geez all this time they all knew and had been fooling me my whole life. The thought of that made me want to punch them all..and there it was I wasn't so sad I mean yeah its sad my parents are gone I wish I could have gotten to know them..but that part of me felt sort of distant.

What I felt right now was anger... I guess you could say that I was mad because the one person who could help me through this had vanished.. and right when I found out that we could be together! I felt like I was building a sand castle only to have the waves of life keep washing it away...grrr why does fate always work against me? I sighed into my pillow, well one thing is for sure I'm going to try and hide how sad I feel right now.. It wouldn't do to have my friends suspecting something was wrong with me... I'd have to hold it together until I could go get baka wherever he was and force him to come home...

I started to hatch a plan in my head there were three things I was going to do, first I was going to make dad tell me exactly what happened during that meeting he, mom and Kyousuke had and what he knows about the reason he left... Second I was going to try and keep up with track..but work..hmmm work would be hard.. I didn't feel like smiling at all now.. I feel so lonely since that baka wasn't behind this wall... I just couldn't help it I started crying into octo... sniff sniff... There there Kirino its going to work out it just has to work out, to think I spent all day running around that stupid building looking for Kyousuke and he wasn't there at all.

That stupid sempai telling me...wait a second... Akagi... oh that stupid Akagi I can't believe I forgot all about him...well I guess I can sort of see why I forgot about him.. One thing was for sure as I laid here in bed, my head was becoming clearer, I could tell the shock of it all was beginning to wear off and now that I was thinking clearer, the third thing I was going to do was find Akagi and wring his neck until he either choked to death or tells me exactly what he knows about my brother and his disappearance..and why he lied to me...

I looked over at the clock three thirty a.m... yeah of the three things I had to do before I went to look for my brother that third one meant the most... I just knew that if anyone saw Kyousuke or knew where he went it would be his best friend... so I'll just have to corner Akagi and get to the bottom of this but...I think hes trying to avoid me...why? Yeah I mean normally I'd see him everywhere...I mean its wasn't like I was watching or ah stalking Kyousoke but a girl has to sort of keep an eye on her property right? Thinking about causing Akagi harm was making me feel a little better heh...but finally I could tell I am getting sleepy so look out Akagi..because tomorrow I am goin...to..find...zzzzzzzzzz...

Akagi:

Well I had made it home none to suspiciously... my mom and dad as usual just asked me how the day went from the kitchen.. I responded "fine" but as I made my way down the hall my sisters door flashed open...oh my sister Sena...geez what can I say the ever vigilant hawk siggggghhhh.. It was the usual twenty questions. where did you go after school? who were you with? what have you been up to? blah blah blah... I provided the usual answers but for some reason she was more chatty than usual..she asked me the one question I wasn't expecting.. "Hey Oni-chan where was your friend today Kyousuke-Sempai?" I cocked my head and narrowed my eyes.. where is this coming from I wonder?

"Hey Sena why would you ask me that..besides Kosaka went home sick today I think..." She shrugged, "Well his little sister and her two friends stopped me in the hall asking if I had seen you or him and they looked mad...so what did you do?" she said just a little to accusatory.. I shook my head...great now even Sena is getting in on the act... "Look If his sister was looking for him she should check at home and honestly sis I have no idea why they would be looking for me ok? I'm going to go lay down for a while call me when its dinner time?"

Sena hurmphed and gave me an evil glare but I just waved her off as I went into my room and shut the door. I dropped my bag and frowned at the top drawer of my desk and then went over to my bed and sat down. I started untying my shoes...yeah lots of people leave them at the front door but I never do that...who knows what someone in this house might do to them...anyway I took them off and set them aside as I kept staring at that top drawer..because in it lay the answer's to some if not all of my questions.

I was tempted...yes tempted if only for a second to go get it and read it while I laid down but caution got the better of me for now at least. I knew that after dinner and my homework there would be time enough once everyone was asleep so I myself laid down and I didn't even remember falling off to sleep...man it was a long day..

"Hey...HEY...HEEEEEYYY!" I woke with a jump as I was gently shoved.. "Wha..Hey...alright..I'm up I'm up" as I looked up at my sister Sena with her sly grin in the dark...dark? I sat up quick and my sister jumped back a bit. "Man you were really out of it there, are you ok? I wasn't sure you were going to wake up!" I rubbed my face I had no idea how long I was asleep but obviously it was longer than I wanted and man I felt hungry but first I'd have to deal with Sena.

"Yeah I'm OK Sena I was just more tired than I thought...did mom and dad save me any dinner?" She nodded, "Yeah Mom came up here to get you for dinner but she said your were deep asleep so she saved you a plate after she came back down." well at least I wont starve tonight..thanks mom... I stood up and began to stretch out my arms over my head as Sena retreated from the room but stopped at my door...I cocked my head what was this about?

"Look Oni I'm not really sure whats up with you...but some time you are going to tell me whats really going on, I can tell something is bothering you...goodnight.." and she darted out of my room before I could give a retort...Great...Lets just add that to the list of ongoing trials in my life...not only would I have to deal with Kosaka's family now I would have to deal with my own... I just can't get a break can I?

I yawned and eyed the desk as I finished...yeah it can wait I guess I better get down there and eat something. It took me about an hour to finish eating all the while I thought about the letter in my desk, it had been a long time since I had been so fixateed on something and needless to say of all the people in this house who could figure it out I wasn't to surprised it was Sena who could see through my mask...I've spoiled her to much haven't I.. Just as I finished my food and that thought Sena came into the kitchen eyeing me intently. She made her way over to the fridge and got out a juice box and sat down at the table across from me..

"So Oni how was the food? Did it taste alright?" I nodded narrowing my eyes, I had to try and keep some semblance of annoyance with her.. "Yeah it was fine...did you want something Sena?" I said gruffly...She narrowed her own eyes at me and smirked.. "Well I was just wondering..if what ever is bothering you is related to Kosaka's sister? If so I just wanted to know what it was and see if I could maybe help you out?" she said with a shrug and a smirk as she started drinking her juice box.

I frowned and sat back deep into my kitchen chair...She is just way to observant for a little sister, always worming her way into my business... Well I had a choice here keep her out of it all and that would lead to daily pestering until she wore down my defenses and honestly I was getting enough of that a school already. My other choice fill her in just a little to sate her curiosity and string her along so she would at least let me be...

I leaned in toward her a bit, "OK sis you got me here I don't know much but I'll tell you what I can alright but if I do you can't bother me again until I decide to give you more info alright? That is my condition.." Honestly she sat back in her chair and thought about it...really...really now? I just sat and waited... She smirked yet again and nodded. "Deal but don't make me wait to long or I'll come after you understand?"

This is what I am talking about her trying to dictate terms to me... to me! I just sighed and nodded. "OK here is all I can say...One my buddy Kosaka is not here...and what I mean is not in left...and before you start in NO I have no idea where he went or why." My sisters face went from startled to confused to complacent in all of about one minute...and then she frowned.

"So today when those three girls stopped me and asked if I had seen Kosaka or you it was because of this? Then that means what? She doesn't know he left town?" I nodded and Sena's mouth dropped open as she just stared at me... "SO I take it they couldn't find you because you were what? Hiding from them?" I nodded yet again as I smirked myself. Sena frowned at me, "Oooooh that is not good Oni, I know Kirino-chan really well and she isn't one to forget something like this..she will come for you I am sure of it." she said nodding and looking proud of herself for it.

Yeah I was almost sure of that same thing myself. I made a concerned face face, "Look Sena I know that's what is going to Happen, but I would like you to play dumb please and let it happen on its own, you have to promise to keep what I have told you quiet OK?" She smiled and nodded. "I'll do it for you Oni, plus it will be so much more fun to see Kirino-chan strangle you once she does find you...oh what fun that will be HA!"

I get no respect...I tell ya.. I humrphed at her and waved her giggling self off as I got up from the table and went back up to my room. Sena just remained at the table drinking her juice box and reading a magazine she brought...She was right though.. Kosaka had told me on numerous occasions not to make Kirino mad that her dad and grandfather had worked with her growing up and had taught her some martial arts so she could protect herself if need be... I was almost certain that if she had spent any time training with her dad or even Kyousuke she might be a handful to deal with..

The thing was I had never once seen her do any martial arts...anywhere... so I had my doubts about her skill level...but still I couldn't underestimate her..or it might just be my undoing.. I went back into my room and put on my loose fitting sleep wear. Once that was done I laid back down and set my phone alarm for two a.m. and set it on my chest and covered up. I figured by then everyone would be asleep including that nosey sister of mine and I could read my letter in peace.

Sure enough no sooner had I closed my eyes then I felt my alarm going off on my chest to wake me up. I sat up on the bed for quite a few rubbing my face awake and yawned...yep way to damn early to be awake. Finally though I had the much needed peace and quiet to read the letter that Kyousuke left me. I got up walked over and opened the drawer.. there they were both my letter...and the one for Kosaka's sister.. I had forgotten about that letter, I knew there would be a time when she would need to read it..but I'm not a psych doctor..I mean how was I supposed to know when that would be? I frowned at her letter and for dismissed it.

I picked up my letter and headed over to the window, since the evening was so nice opened it up quietly and slipped out onto the roof. Ah what a nice warm breeze tonight.. Yep the kind of clear night with a big bright moon to read by. I gently peeled backk the envelope lid and opened it up and took the letter out. I opened it up and was surprised to see that it was not hastily written at all. It seemed Kosaka had written this well before his sudden departure I guess...I began to read...

Akagi-

Well it seems that the time has come whenever this is for me to explain why I left to my best friend.. I know I took off just out of the blue like I did and it wouldn't be right for me to just leave you in the dark like that, after-all you have been there for me through thick and thin man...Let me begin by saying that I almost reconsidered my choice and stayed...but the way I was feeling toward mom and dad wouldn't have been good for anyone. What I need to tell you will probably shock the hell out of you as it did myself.

There are two things you need to know Akagi and there related to the conversation that we had on the train on our way to the school tournament. You know how we discussed my feeling toward Kirino and the advice that you gave to me? Well I took it to heart and was going to try really hard to just be the brother that Kirino needed me to be. encouraging...but at an arms length.. I thought that really was the right thing to do...you were right.

What I hadn't expected was what my parents told me on the day I left it pretty much change my whole way of thinking about what we had talked about...and how I felt..or could feel about Kirino. Yeah I bet your more confused now than ever so I go Akagi.

One My dad told me that Kirino is not my real sister.. Yeah you read it right. NOT MY REAL SISTER yeah blew me away to Akagi, I guess they brought her home when I was two and she was a baby. Why I cant remember any of this still pisses me off...but Dad told me she was the daughter of his partner from work and that her mother passed when she gave birth and her real dad died in a police action situation... yeah terrible. So there there it is the truth..

My mind was just a whirl at that point in the conversation but it gets even better.. Dad then told me he promised his old partner not only would he take care of Kirino as his own daughter but that her real dad asked my dad to make Kirino my WIFE, and then mom speaks up and not only agreed to it but believed I had real feeling for Kirino the whole time...I mean seriously she ended up being right but to think they made all these life choices without really consulting me...! What in the hell man...I mean first I felt all that stuff and tried hard to bury it..and then just about the time I come to terms about it all after talking to you...I'm told this...

I was confused and angry and happy and just I guess numb... So I decided that I need time.. I don't know how long really I mean I can be with her now...really be with her now and the idea of it scares me a little. I was only able to keep my urges in check because I thought she was my sister...geez man. Sorry to have to spring this on you. please keep it to yourself it you can I would appreciate it...but ah just in case Kirino starts sniffing around try to hold out four or five months before you give her that letter. Ithink by then I will have figured out what to do...

Now where I went after I left you that night... I met a guy a few days before I left that had a work tugboat headed to America. Yep me of all people left on a boat to America. I'm not sure exactly where I'll be when you read this letter but I promise I'll try to avoid killing myself at sea.. I'm hoping I can become a better stronger me so that when I do come home I can be what everyone there needs me to be...whatever that is I have no idea.. I'm pretty sure when I get to the U.S. I try to stay with my uncle Kole hes over there working and the guy tells me his work is in that bay most of the time so I think it might work out..

I appreciate you taking on the task of watching out for Kirino, please understand she is a princess and stubborn and way to spoiled but she can be strong..mentally and physically, but only for so long...if you see she is starting to falter and looks tired or depressed to get her alone and give her the letter I gave you, I wont hold it against you if its sooner than later... I'd say watch out when you do that but I am pretty sure you remember all our talks about Kirino's temper so don't be surprised if you have to defend yourself...and I do mean for real don't pull any punches or you might regret it...See ya in a bit Akagi.

Your Friend in Time

K.

I finished the letter and set it down on the roof under my leg and rested both arms on my bent knees...my mind was racing..I don't even know where to begin.. This might be the biggest thing I have ever found out...period... The fact that all the advice I had given Kosaka up to this point was B.S... not even his real sister...come on its like so afternoon melodrama... I almost couldn't believe it...almost. I sat there and looked up at the full moon letting the letter replay in my mind and took deep breaths I was so nervous and anxious at once that I couldn't get my hands to stop shaking and the goose bumps on my skin to dampen down... I mean if you thought about it..It could be I mean they don't even look like each other at all, and while Kosaka did look just like his dad...Kosaka's sister didn't look a thing like any of them...

what am I supposed to do now?! I mean hell...I just don't know how long I can avoid her... This information was so serious that I wasn't sure I could look Kosaka's sister in the face anymore the same way and give her that carefree smirk I usually did... The knowledge that she was from a different family all together would easily override it and I don't know how I'd look about it..

Then the second part...marriage... I mean an arranged marriage.. It felt like something from the feudal era..I didn't even think that kind of shit went on anymore in this day and age... I mean come on.. not only that but his mom... his mom had called him out on all his stuff... right there in front of his dad...and expected a response on it? I felt like a raving lunatic at this moment...What the hell did they think was going to happen? I frowned deeply at that thought.. I mean I'm not sure if I had been lied to that long that I might not have done the same thing myself..

Who was I kidding there was no way I was brave enough to just take off like that... That letter Kosaka had written shook me to the foundation of my existence. Now not only would I need to avoid Kirino but I'd somehow have to keep an eye on her to make sure she wasn't looking how he said she might.. If it did happen how long would it take? a week? month? three months? All I could do was guess but I would do as Kyousuke had asked and get that letter to her when it was really needed. Oh I bet she is so pissed right now... It made me wonder if she even knew any of this yet?

I mean Kosaka never mentioned if they were going to tell her..they have to tell her right? I mean there going to tell her...I hope... Great another crap sandwich to add to my already more complicated life. What if they hadn't told her? What if that letter I had was going to be the first time she ever found out? What would Kosaka's parents do to me if I was the one to reveal that to her? Oh my god...my hands started to shake again...Calm down...breath...breath...in...out.. Well this was going to be one of the rougher times in my life, and one thing was for sure when Kosaka got back I was going to kick the ass out of him for this... I just wonder Kosaka am I your best friend or not because you just dropped a bomb on my whole life...

I'd say after I spent about an hour and a half sitting out there I finally found myself starting to cope with all the information I had just gained...to much information I had gained. I was now sure that Kosaka probably had made a good decision, and that even though this was going to be way more of a hassle than I deserved I'd do what I could to keep his destination a secret.. even if it meant pain... suffering...possibly jail time? Man the life of a wing-man is rough..It always seems I exchange one puzzle in life for another... I sighed deeply took one more look at the large glowing moon as I folded the letter up and got up to go back inside to sleep...Sleep yeah I'd definitely need as much of that as I could get... It looked like thing were about to start getting really rough for me..but it also made me wonder, just how rough is it out there for you Kosaka...?