Yoshhhhh! The response to this one is pretty good. ^.^ I'm proud. Anyone seen the final chapter of Negima? I think it's safe to assume a certain pair *Cough* Setsuna and Konoka *Cough* were happily married in the year 2017 and that the kids in one of the earlier chapters are their children. :3

Can we get a spin-off, Ken? Please...?

You can't just leave us with a picture of a super hot and badass lookin' Setsuna next to Konoka! Ahhhh...but your little Tskuyomi stalker part had me cracking up.

Oh Ken, don't leave us with just that! T.T

Thanks for all the reviews, I won't let you guys down again!

Runaway Baby

Part 2

I managed to get out of the house this morning before Yami woke up, and I literally ran to school. The hours passed by, and now I'm sitting on the bleachers, hoping against the fact that the volleyball team is out here again.

The peanut butter and jelly sandwich I packed is delicious. The strawberries I used were sweet and juicy, and the extra quarters I spent at the store getting were totally worth it.

I open my eyes, which I had no idea were closed, and jump a few feet in the air.

"Hey." Setsuna grins, scooting next to me, amused very much by my reaction to her.

"H-hey, you scared me!" I say, accusingly jabbing my finger in her face, as surprise continues to control my actions.

Her hair is...different today. Not in a bad way...just different. She has her locks combed over to the left side of her head, tied with a black hair tie. A big chunk of her bangs are left out, and I notice for the first time how she has her hair styled. Again, she's wearing her uniform again, and out of the corner of my eye I see Asuna giving the Strikerz' instructions in Setsuna's absence.

Setsuna stares at my finger curiously, and I realize there's a HUGE thing of jelly on it. Blushing, I pull it back, intending to wipe it on my napkin, but Setsuna seems to have other plans.

Her mouth covers my finger, sucking the sweet preserves off, while she gives me this incredibly innocent look. Once she's sure all of the strawberry flavor is gone, she let's her mouth slide off, jerking upwards to separate the trail of saliva connecting us.

Sheepishly, she scratches her head, blushing while saying, "Sorry. I've never had that stuff before, and everything you have looks so good!"

I fold my hand into my lap, not caring that my skirt is getting what's left of Setsuna's saliva on it.

Oh, finger, you are not getting washed for a while, unless I can get her to do that again.

Smiling, I offer her the rest of my sandwich, laughing as she squeals with happiness and takes it from me.

"You've never had one of these?" I ask in disbelief, watching her scarf it down like a starved orphan.

She shakes her head, unable to speak with her mouth full.

"How can you not? Peanut butter and jelly is...the most common lunch here, I swear." I say, watching her flick away the crust in disgust.

Setsuna wipes some pieces of bread from the corner of her mouth, staring down at her shoes, as her eyes darken. "Yeah.." she trails off, sounding far away from here, as her eyes go blank.

"Setsuna...?"

I wonder what's wrong with her. She looks somewhere between mad and upset, but when I look into her eyes, I can't see a thing.

Not one lick of emotion. Just cold darkness.

Snapping out of her little daze, Setsuna coughs, and places a fist on her chest.

Must be the peanut butter stuck to her mouth.

I hand her my can of lemonade, swishing the liquid inside in an inviting fashion, and she gladly takes a large gulp of it.

"Thanks. Man, that stuff is sticky!" she exclaims, checking her mouth for any peanut butter left.

I giggle a little, taking my lemonade back, and I set it on the spot next to me.

"Setsuna? Baby, come down here! I don't want you to get anything from that weirdo." a dark haired boy calls from beside the court, beckoning to Setsuna urgently, as he sends a disgusted look my way.

I twitch a little, my hands balling into tightened fists in my lap, as Setsuna gives me a look of apology, and also surprise directed at my fists.

"Coming, Kotaro." Setsuna yells, smiling at him from our spot on the bleachers, but she turns to me, whispering, "I'm sorry about him. You aren't a weirdo."

I look up at her, vision clouded with anger, but her eyes melt all the wrath boiling under my skin.

I'm so sorry about all of this, they whisper, staring into mine with the purest of feelings.

Reluctantly, Setsuna jumps up, running towards Kotaro and jumping into his arms. They share a quick kiss, and my heart twists into knots.

"What were you doing?" Kotaro says, his voice echoing up to my ears, as I try not to look interested.

Setsuna swings in his arms, glancing up at me, mumbling, "Having lunch with a friend."

Kotaro doesn't hear the last part, otherwise he probably would have went insane. "You forgot your lunch didn't you? Don't get the weird-population-of-this-school's hopes up when you're just using them!" he chuckles, pulling Setsuna away with him, as they walk towards the practicing team.

"Right.." Setsuna laughs, sounding a little stiff, as she twists her head around so Kotaro can't see what's she's doing.

Her mouth forms silent words, and even though I'm not good at reading lips, I know she's saying:

You aren't weird. Please, ignore him. I like you!

Even though I'm 200 percent positive those are her words, I can't help but fall and drown into Kotaro's.

Maybe she is using me.

I really don't think I can stop liking her though.

I'll be her little puppet, she can pull my strings and make me dance for all I care.

I don't see Setsuna for the rest of the week. It's Saturday today, and also Setsuna and Kotaro's anniversary, but I try to ignore that fact.

Yami's gone on a business, but he didn't leave without saying good-bye his own special way.

Once again, my eye is painted purple, and the other one is perfectly fine.

I feel stupid, crying my eyes out sitting on the kitchen counter, and the man is halfway to Ohio by now. I should be rejoicing, but I can't knowing he's going to be back in this house Monday, stinking it up with his trashy cigarettes and beer cans.

I quickly hunt for my keys to the house, pull on a jacket, and I leave the house. Yami would kill me if he were here right now, but he's not, so I don't give a hoot right now. I already know where I'm going, Milton park.

I go there often when I'm upset or feel like crying since no one is ever there. There's a place up quite a ways that's a cleared out and covered with gravel. The area is outlined with grass, and sometimes I see deer up here, but rarely since there are railroad tracks cutting through.

I'm walking through the grass, watching my rainbow colored toenails cut through the foliage, and I look up.

There's a car parked up here, but it's dark, and the car's lights aren't on. From what I can see, it's a muscle car, an older one I think, but I'm not sure because cars were never my thing.

I slowly creep up, nervously hoping it isn't a couple trying to go all the way up here.

I feel stupid to admit this, but I didn't notice the figure sitting on the hood with their back to me until I was a few feet away.

Feeling even stupider, I awkwardly tapped on the rear fender, startling the figure enough to make them fly off of the hood and take a defensive fighting position.

I stumble back, lowering my hands calmly, murmuring, "Whoa, whoa. Cool it, tiger."

I really don't need another black eye right now or any other injury at that thought.

The person that tried to knock my lights out lowers their fists, and I notice for the first time there's a hood covering their face.

"Konoka Konoe?" the person asks, looking down at me with a curious expression.

Well, from what I can assume the figure is looking at me curiously. I can't place the voice right now, due to the headache pounding in my ears, but I'm sure I've heard it before.

"Mhm." I mumble, suddenly feeling edgy about this person before me.

The hooded person sniffles, and pulls the hood down, revealing a teary eyed Setsuna Sakurazaki.

"What's up, Kono-chan? Fancy meeting you here." she laughs, despite the fact she's aware I can see how puffy and red her eyes are. Self consciously, she rubs one of her sleeves under her eye, trying to get them to dry faster.

I feel bad for her right now. Really, I do. Especially the fact that she, a popular, is crying in front of me, a nerd. More importantly, I'm worried about her in general. She should never have to cry. Never.

"What's wrong?"

It comes out before I can stop it, and I already know my hands are clamped tightly over my mouth.

No "Hi, Setsuna."? Nothing? Yami must have knocked me upside the head one too many times.

She studies me carefully, and I suddenly feel very self-conscious of the bruise under my eye.

Combing her hair with her long, delicate fingers, Setsuna sits on the hood of her car, and she pats the empty space next to her.

And just like that, my heart starts pounding like crazy. I'm afraid to look her in the eyes, because there's a chance, regardless of how small, that she could see how I'm feeling inside. Hesitantly, I walk to her side and lift myself onto the hood.

We sit in silence, staring off into the moon over the trees parallel to the railroad tracks her car is facing. Our hands are only centimeters apart, and oh boy, I have never felt the urge to let my hands slip into her's and use the old "I have tourettes." excuse.

But I'm afraid she'll give me some disgusted look and drive off, leaving me here alone. So, I don't, and I'm alright being as close to her as I am right now.

Speaking of which, I wonder what kind of car this is. Like I said, I'm pretty sure this is an older car. You don't really see these body types anymore, just small, compact ugly ones. I'm lifting my legs to get a clearer view of the grill, maybe that will give me an idea of the maker.

"It's a Camaro RS. Nineteen-sixty-eight. Chevy." Setsuna informs me, still looking at the moon above us.

The name clicks right away, now that she's said it. You see, Yami has this little fixation with cars. He used to own one when we first moved here, but he got rid of it. I'm not really sure why though, he was in love with it.

"Oh wow," I murmur, feeling along the hood. It doesn't feel old at all. "I can tell you've taken good care of it."

Setsuna blushes, and it's really cute, because her face is glowing pink, just like a sakura blossom.

I giggle a little, and she smiles and looks down at her shoes, which I just noticed were a pair of doodle covered converses (I think I can even see one of those old route 66 signs), and I smile a little brighter.

I must have forgotten about the pain in my eye by now, before it's no more than a distant memory, until it gets brought up later.

"Thank you. So, if I tell you what's going on in my amazing life, will you tell me about that..?" Setsuna asks, nodding her head towards my face.

I lick my lips and look down. There has to be a catch, I know there is. Why would someone like her care about me? She probably got dared into doing this. Once I tell her, I'll get made fun of, and then-

I jump a little when her hand gently cups the side of my face, but she follows me, fingertips resting on my temple, as she stares deeply into my eyes with what could only be concern.

Trust me.

I shiver a little at the emotion conveyed in the depth of those eyes. They're brown, no, caramel. I know, a change from black to that light of a color? It's weird, but it works for her.

My hearts being slow, but fast at the same time. It's like a seductive beat, pulsing in this strange way that's sending these weird tingling sensations all over.

I want to tell her everything. I feel, and assume (which can be very bad for me in the future, let me tell you..), she's the type of girl that's cooler than winter to others, but deep down inside, she cares.

"Kono-"

"I wish I could tell you," I choke out, interrupting her and instantly regretting it, but my mouth is already going, and I can't stop it. "B-but, I don't think I can.." I breathe unsteadily, desperately trying not to cry in front of her.

Before I can even blink, I'm wrapped up in her hoodie, her arms wrapped tightly around my frame, while her fingers work therapeutic circles into my back. "I'm sorry," Setsuna murmurs softly, sadness leaking through in large quantities, "I'll be here for you if you ever want to talk about it, okay? And, if you want, I'll still tell you about my day."

All I did was feebly nod my head against her chest, closing my eyes, as I drink in her scent. It's an odd mixture of leather and her perfume, but it's so intoxicating. I breathing it in over and over again, but I feel like I won't ever get enough of this.

She laughs at me, and I blush a little, but I don't stop my actions.

"Kotaro broke up with me." Setsuna states, no sadness, no pain. She just says it plain and simple, and just by her voice, I know her face is stoic.

And the words click. Kotaro broke up with her. Today. Wow, one heck of an anniversary gift.

It feels bad to say this, but deep in my heart, I'm overjoyed to hear this. Finally, she'll get a chance to be with the right person.

"Today is-was our anniversary." she corrects herself, furrowing her eye brows, as she works harder on my back.

I look up from her chest, snuggling close, because even if it's spring, it's still really cold at night.

"Is that why you were..?" I trail off, wondering why I was asking a question I knew the answer to.

Setsuna nods, her hair falling over her shoulder, as she does so. "I didn't cry because I thought he was the 'one' like all the idiots running about in this country. I cried because...because I-I.." she trails off into something between a chuckle and a sigh.

"Since you didn't tell me about your situation, I'll save mine for another time." Setsuna teases, breaking our hug, as she tilts her face in just the perfect way. Those caramel eyes are slowly reverting back to their dark state, but her face still holds that perfect balance of regalness and beauty. The moon shadows her face, giving her skin a pale glow, and highlighting the model like curves of her face. In this light, her lips are glistening a light pink, looking extremely kissable at the moment.

"Why do you always space out whenever I'm around you?" Setsuna asks, placing her fist on her chin, as she stares at me with fascinated look. She chuckles when I try to formulate a response, and all I seem to do is let flies in my mouth.

"No, it's alright. I'm just curious, what do you think about?" she mumbles, staring deeply into my eyes.

You. I want to say this so badly, but you know us humans and our doubts. I'm at a loss for words, but then I think it's time for payback.

"I'm saving that for another time." I giggle, and I watch her dumb stricken expression break into a broad grin.

"Oh, you're good." she laughs, licking her lips.

I check my phone, and it reads 9 o'clock. I really should be getting home, and even though I'm not far away; I'm getting tired, and the walk home will be murder on me.

Nervously, I slide off of the hood, careful not scratch up her paint job, and I point back the direction I came. "I should really get going right now. It's getting really dark." I explain, barely catching the flash of reluctance on her face.

"Oh," she replies, fumbling in her pocket for keys, "Do you need a ride?"

I shake my head, knowing very well my insides are screaming that I should be saying yes, but I turn around and start my walk home.

"Wait, Kono-chan!"

Startled, but pleasantly surprised, I twist back to meet her sprinting form.

"Eh, my number." she explains, giving me a slip of paper, as she slowly backs towards her car.

I smile radiantly, causing her to smile back. "Feel free to text me, you know, whenever. You seem like a pretty nice girl to have as a friend." Setsuna smiles, swinging her door open, as she waves good bye to me.

Before I know it, I'm at home, giggling as I nurse my eye with some medication. I haven't looked at Setsuna's number, because I know if I do I'll want to call her, and then I'll seem desperate.

I feel like beating up Kotaro all of a sudden. I would probably end up dead after I swung at him, but it would be worth it. Setsuna shouldn't have to feel that pain. Sighing, I give into temptation and unfurl the piece of paper in my pocket.

Setsuna Sakurazaki-

765-914-7642 :)

Nervously, I type the phone number into the digital screen of my phone, and I sit there for a while, wondering what to say. I saved our texts, and this is how it goes:

"Hey Setsuna."

"Konokaaaa ^.^"

"How didja' know it was me? Haha."

"You're the only one who would talk to me so late. Haha."

"Oh. I'm sorry. Am I keeping you up?"

"Nah. I'm keeping myself up. Thinking."

"Ah. That's always fun."

"You wanna come over tomorrow? You seem a little lonesome."

"Uhhhh...yeah. Of course. Where do you...?"

"1405 Kinsey st. Whenever you wanna come is fine. Just ask for me at the door if I'm not there. I'm about to fall asleep over here, and I don't want you to think I'm ignoring you. So, g'night."

"Night. See you tomorrow."

If sugar plums danced in anyone's head that night, it was mine.

Man, good news guys. I drew a little doodle of the first chapter. Link: lespaulstyle. deviantarttt .com/#/d4sghjl

So, I put a hint in this chapter. I won't say as to what, or where, but it is most definitely there. ;)

Let me know what you thought of this one.

Peace~