Sorry for the long wait, I was debating on whether or not to do this or not. But my writing group had a challenge and I figured that was the perfect excuse to write this up. It took far longer than usual because of my work schedule and other rl things.

But it's here, excuse the fluffy cheese.

You could imagine my surprise when I came down the stairs one morning to see Rosa chatting with Aunt Rieka.

"Dear, how come you didn't tell me you had an outing today?" she asked me.

"Because I don't?"

"You forgot about our spa day already?" Rosa asked.

To be honest, I did a little. Not because I didn't think she wouldn't go through with it. But it's been a while since then and things have calmed down. But there she was in my dining room.

"You're collecting on that now?"

"Of course Mir. There's a special promotion going on and I figured why not. Now go get dressed."

I nodded quietly as I headed back up the stairs to my room. Getting my routines out of the way I got dressed in something simple. I don't think Rosa would get on me about my clothing choice today. I was brushing my hair from the braid I had it in before I heard a knock on my door.

"It's open."

I heard the door open and close. From my side view I could see that it was Rosa who came into my room. I figured she would know how to get to my room by now.

"Just give me a few minutes and I'll be ready." I said.

Rosa got closer until she was behind me. I blushed as she was putting her fingers through my hair. Just like when we were getting ready for that event. It's weird that I'm blushing so much over my best friend. But I guess I'm still not completely comfortable around girls.

"You're nervous." she said.

"Not really. Not entirely, just that it's so sudden."

"You worry too much about it. Just enjoy what it is."

That made me feel a little better. That was until I got outside. Waiting in the front yard was Leigh and Lysander. The confusion was clear on my face. I thought it was going to be a day for Rosa and I.

"You're not telling me something." I immediately said to her.

"See...thing is that the promotion is that couples get half off. So this was the only way for me to pay for the both of us."

"I could have paid for my time."

"No!" she immediately exclaimed, "No, this is mainly for you. I don't feel right if you had to pay."

"But..." I reasoned, "I don't feel right that Lys got dragged into this."

"It's not a problem." he spoke, "When Rosa told me why she wanted to do this, I wanted to help."

My face turned a little red at hearing that. I sometimes don't understand why they help me so much. At any rate, the four of us took a quick train ride to a building in one of the deeper parts of the city. It wasn't a place I could see a lot of my schoolmates. That which I'm grateful for. Maybe some time away from the usual faces I see from school could help relax me too. Lysander and I sat at the reception area while Rosalya and Leigh got the business part of the day out of the way. Even though I'm a lot more comfortable around him, it was a bit difficult to get a conversation going.

"You seem better than what Rosa said."

I looked at him and nodded. It had been some time since the situation with Nathaniel had settled down. Eventually the student body found out what happened. I would get glances from the others because of my involvement. Sometimes it made me feel uneasy. I never liked being the center of attention. But Rosalya had fulfilled her promise to help me out.

"Yeah," I finally answered, "I'm slowly getting over it. Nathaniel and I still talk. Just as friends though."

"I'm glad," he said, "what you did wasn't easy. You've been through a lot because of it as well. Looking stressed doesn't suit you."

I blushed at his statement. Was I really that readable? It hit me just how much Lysander notices things. Before I could ask about it Rosalya and Leigh came back with getting our appointments set up. It was going to start out with a group workout session before the "couples" are paired off to do their own thing. To be honest, I was looking forward to the workout session. I hadn't done as much as I usually did because of helping Nathaniel and the stress from the aftereffects. So this was much needed.

Rosa linked her arms with mines as the two of us headed into the women's locker room. It was mostly silent as we got changed into exercise clothing. I just was putting on my tank before I felt her poke me in the ribs.

"Hmm?"

"You look better already." she said.

"Lys said the same thing." I noted.

At that her eyes sparkled. I don't know why. It was a good thing right? Though this whole day had something there. I can't quite put my finger on it.

"You didn't choose this couple promotion day did you Rosa? It's was the only free day right?"

"Maybe."

"Rosa!" I exclaimed, "Don't tell me you're trying to set me up with Lys? I like being alone for now. And Nathaniel..."

"Come on Mir." she said, "You don't have to keep yourself like that. It's just a little fun. Keep that up and you'll miss out on great opportunities."

I sighed. She was right. Maybe I was over thinking things. I sighed again. I probably wasn't showing my appreciation at the lengths she was going to make me feel better. I smiled while shaking my head.

"You're right. I'm sorry. You're doing so much for me and I'm whining about it."

She eased into a smile. The two of us left the room to get the session out of the way. It was your run of the mill workout session. Something they offered for all types of people. I was used to it from my years running in track at my old schools. But it did give me time to think about other things. Really just reflect on everything that has happened in the past few weeks. There were many times in which I had wanted to reach out to Nathaniel. Even though we patched up. I wanted to respect the whole being separate thing.

"Mir?" asked Lysander.

His voice startled me out of my thoughts. I had noticed the quizzical look on his face, meaning he must have been trying to get my attention for a while. I shook my head to dispel any worry. I hadn't realized it until then, but he's really concerned for me. Just like with Deborah.

"Is it time to split up?"

"After we get cleaned up."

I looked around and saw that Rosalya and Leigh were already gone. I guess I had been out of it for quite a while. I quickly took off to the showers to get myself cleaned up. When I got out, I noticed there was a robe. And right beside that was a small white bikini. I looked at the fabric for a moment. It wasn't obscene. But there was less cloth than the charms bikini I bought. And that took a while for me to accept buying. I sighed as I put the cloth on. It felt so tight against my skin.

Were they always supposed to fit like this?

I placed the robe over it before walking out to the room. Lysander was already sitting on one of the benches. His back was turned to me. But my arrival had alerted him to my presence. He turned to me and I could tell that his face turned a bit of color at seeing me. I looked down and it just sunk in that I was wearing a robe with a little bikini underneath. We couldn't comment on it for the masseuses came in.

And that meant taking off my robe.

Other that the fact that I was about to disrobe in general. But it was going to do it in front of Lysander. Any guy really would make me feel flustered, but Lysander was just so proper that it brings an extra sense of awkwardness. I sighed to myself. I was really only delaying the inevitable. I shrugged off the robe before laying down on the table. I turned to him, seeing him blush before turning away from me. He took his robe off too. My eyes widened at his back. It was the first time I was seeing his tattoo.

It really was amazing, just like Rosa said.

I let out a groan as warm slicked hands touched my back. The masseuse was delayed enough I guess. It was odd having someone's hands touching your skin. But it wasn't unpleasant. Especially since they seem to know what they were doing. I groaned and shuddered at my back feeling relaxed. I hadn't felt the muscles so loose in a long time.

"You must have went through something to be this tense." they said.

They had no ideal.

Once they got down to my legs, I couldn't help the sounds coming out now. I'd like to think that my legs are the strongest part of my body. So of course they would be the most tense. I must be so embarrassing groaning and moaning at the treatment. But it felt good. It seemed like a long time, but they were finished and left the two of us to our devices. I got out of the table.

At least, tried to.

My legs hadn't gotten back their strength from the massage and felt like jelly. I would have fell to the ground if it wasn't for Lysander catching me.

"Here let me."

He picked me up bridal style earning a squeak out of me. I was amazed he picked me up so effortlessly. Like it wasn't his first time.

"You've done this before."

He didn't say anything as he led me out of the room. It was a silent walk through the halls. I had started to notice that the brisk pace of his walk was cooling me down. Even more so when there was so much bare skin of mines.

So, I may or may not have moved closer into his chest to get warmer.

And that may or may not have stopped him in his tracks.

"Are you okay Mir?" Lysander asked.

I nodded. I was fine really. Other than my body feeling a bit too relaxed. We walked into a room before he set me down on one of the benches. I gave a nod in ever present silence was creeping in again. Which normally I would have welcomed. But today was different.

"So," I began, "How has your performances gone? It's been so long since I've seen you perform in public."

"They're going well."

Lysander took a seat beside me, our bare shoulders touching one another. He looked to be in thought about something. Then he turned to me and gave a small smile.

"Really well actually." he continued, "I'd like to think that our sessions had a hand in that."

I meekly nodded. It was a little secret of ours. Lysander found me one day playing on the piano. I don't admit it, but I had been trained to play the piano. Not professionally, but pretty good. At least in his eyes. So every now and then the two of us would hit the music room. He sings while I play. Sometimes it's just songs and others it might be a composition that he created.

Would I say I have a future with music?

Maybe, maybe not.

It was one of those things that Dad nudged me to learn. To make me seem more "proper" I guess. It would seem too much if I had openly shown off this skill of mines. But somehow he found out.

"I'm not really that good." I admitted.

"You underestimate yourself Mir."

I just nodded. I squeaked when I felt his hand on top of mines. I looked at him puzzled by the action. Something felt off. But it wasn't a bad type of off. I looked back down at our hands. It was odd how it seems all the heat was focusing on there. When I looked back up, I noticed he was looking at me. The way his dual-colored eyes looked at me made my face turn red. Then he leaned in, closing the distance. There was a hesitation in his motions. Like he was mentally struggling with something.

And then he kissed me.

Wait. What?

Before my mind could process it, he pulled away. His eyes widening in realization at what just happened. He covered his mouth before quickly leaving the seat. Everything had happened so fast that I couldn't stop him right then. My brain finally processed the last minute. I had to go find him. I stood up and made my way back into the locker room.

I don't think I could talk with him in so little clothing.

A quick change into my regular clothing later, I was wondering around the hallways looking for Lysander. He wasn't in any of the rooms we were in previously. I hope he hadn't left the building in general. It would suck to have this conversation at school. I stopped when I heard some faint singing. I turned to one of the balconies that showed the view of the city.

There he was.

Apparently he had the same ideal as I did in getting dressed. Except that his long coat was draped over his arm. Quietly I took a step outside, to not startle him. He really did have a great singing voice. I was a bit envious to be honest. I took a moment to get my thoughts together before taking a spot beside him. Quickly he stopped at seeing me on the side.

"Ami, I-"

"Don't worry about it." I said.

"But it was inappropriate." he reasoned, "I know what you're going through and now you have this and Castiel to worry about."

"Wait." I noted, "What? Cas? He told you!"

"I am his friend." he said while nodding, "He was confused on what he felt about you and asked me for advice. I just didn't think that he would do that. Well, myself as well."

My face turned red at all of this. How is it that someone plain as me able to catch the attention of so many guys? It's weird. And to think that before I went to Sweet Amoris, I was that person who no one wanted to talk to. I shook my head.

"Oh man, this certainly makes things awkward doesn't it? But don't worry about it. I don't think any less of you or Cas for that matter. Maybe, but I dunno. I just have this feeling I shouldn't worry about things like relationships right now. Just enjoy the time to myself."

"I know. And I'm sorry."

I smiled before starting to laugh. Something had just went through my head and it made me laugh. When I noticed Lysander staring at me laughing I shook it off.

"It's nothing serious. I always had this image that you were above the flirting and all of this. It just reminded me that we are the same age. It's really adorable." I explained.

"M-Mir, that's not helping the situation." he stammered.

My laughs quieted down into silence. I wiped the small tears forming at the corner of my eyes. For a while longer we just stared out at the view. It would have been longer, but my phone ringing broke the silence. I looked at the screen and saw that it was a text message from Aunt Rieka. My mom was at the home and she wanted to see me. I found it a bit odd since I thought Mom left after our talk. I wondered why she would be back. But I suppose I should get home as soon as possible.

"I got to get going." I said, "My mom's back and wants to meet with me."

"Ah. I see. She travels right?"

"Yeah." I answered, "Which makes this even more odd."

"Well you should probably get going then. I'll tell Rosa."

"Thanks Lys, you're a good person."

I waved goodbye before leaving out of the spa. I was walking towards the bus stop. My thoughts were occupied with what Mom wanted to see me about. I hadn't done anything bad since she visited so it couldn't be that. Nothing was coming to the school that needed her presence. I really hoped it wasn't because Dad decided something. I sighed a little to myself.

Then I yelped.

Someone had picked me up from behind and brought me to them. I don't like surprises. I was about to elbow them in the temple before I saw a section of blonde hair from my side view.

"N-Nathaniel?" I stammered.

He let me go and I got to turn and face him. It was so weird to see him now. A couple days after our talk he told me that the paperwork finally went through to get him legally independent. I was surprised that his parents let it happen. But he told me that the other option he made left them no choice. But I was glad none the less. I guess that's what he and Cas were talking about that day.

But that wasn't the weird part.

Since then, he's changed. It was a good change. He looked different, older somewhat. It still takes some getting used to not seeing him in anything that isn't a shirt and tie. My mind immediately went back to when I got into bed with him. My face instantly turned red. We don't talk about that. Some silent promise we made. If it went around what happened, we would never hear the end of it. But anyway he was dressed in a dark blue v-neck shirt.

"Quite a coincidence seeing you here Ami."

I nodded. I think it was stuck in his brain to call me by my name.

I didn't mind it, but it was odd since we're not together.

"Yeah, Rosalya took me away for a girl's day thing. But my mom just came into town and wanted to see me."

I could have mentioned Lysander too, but I don't think he would appreciate that. He does get a little...protective of me I think.

"You mind I escort you? There's a store nearby your place I need to go to."

"Yeah, sure." I answered.

It was a little bit awkward to be traveling around with Nathaniel. Considering everything that has happened between the both of us it was a coincidence that the two of us were taking a bus ride together. It was a little bit of small talk, just about school stuff and things like that. It made the bus ride feel a lot shorter than it usually was. We got off at our spot and walked through the park. It was the weekend, so a lot of couples were out and about.

I would be lying if I said I didn't feel envious.

I mean, the perfect day to have a date and I was walking with the guy I arguably love. The problem was we weren't together like that anymore. Fate can be really cruel sometimes.

"You okay Ami?" Nathaniel asked.

I widened my eyes and nodded. He must have saw my face. I'm not going to try and be negative. It's still a bit too soon to be talking of relationships and things like that. I must be easily readable or Nathaniel knew me best for he brought his arm around my shoulders. It was almost like those very couples.

"I had a lot of time to think." he began, "After everything became calm and I settled into my place."

"About what?"

"Everything." he admitted, "About how I wouldn't even be able to do all of this if it wasn't for you."

"And Castiel." I added.

Personal feelings aside, he had to admit that Cas helped out far more than expected.

"...I suppose him as well. But he wouldn't have if you didn't ask him. So ultimately it was still because of you."

I frowned for a moment. These two could possibly be decent friends if they let their grudges die. Even more so since I'm the common link presently here. So I don't get to hear one talking shit about the other. But I guess a small acknowledgment is the most I was going to get out of him.

"Okay, I won't say any more." I relented.

"Anyway, I don't think I can ever repay you for what you've done."

"Don't worry about it." I said, "You're already doing that by living your life as you see fit. Knowing that you're safe is good enough for me."

He smiled, looking at me with that look that always made me blush.

"You're too good to me Ami." he admitted.

"Well we're even. I don't even know why you took an interest in a foul-mouthed, violent, sarcastic lady like me. But I'm glad you did."

He stopped in his walking. When he stopped, I stopped. He turned and gave me a kiss. My eyes widened at the suddenness, but slowly closed to accept it. Now that I had the "opportunity" to be kissed by more than one guy, I can tell that there are differences between each one.

It sounds a bit creepy, but I know.

I don't think I should delve into those differences.

Too soon, I think, he separated. I was blushing like mad. I thought we were just friends now. Well, we were supposed to.

"I'm not giving up on us." he declared, "I know it was me who decided this, but I'm not giving up."

I was silent. I didn't want to say anything just yet. I held no ill will towards him for what he did. Or said to me. Maybe things could have played out differently. And regardless of what happened, I still love him.

But I was trying not to rush back into anything either.

I wanted the both of us to be one-hundred percent sure we wanted to get together again. I gave him a small smile. Which I hoped was enough. I guess so because he didn't say anything more on the subject. We silently walked to the front of my place.

"Thanks." I mumbled, not really sure how to talk to him now.

"It's nothing. I'm serious about what I said." he said.

I gave a nod. Before I could take a step to the house the front door opened. Standing right there was Mom. She noticed Nathaniel and my flustered state. She had a gleam at her eyes.

"Nathaniel right?" she asked.

I noticed that Nathaniel had a slight blush on his face. I'm not surprised. Mom is a pretty woman. He glanced at me before looking back up at Mom.

"I can see where you get your looks from." he admitted.

"Why don't you come in? Ami and Rieka has told me so much about you."

"I don't want to intrude Mrs. Gallade."

"Not at all." she waved away, "It'll do good. Besides it wouldn't hurt if you heard this too."

After a long silence, the two of us walked into the house. Sitting right at the dining room table was Aunt Rieka. The two mugs of tea showed that they were sitting there for quite a while. I was a bit nervous about what was going on. Especially since Mom was here.

I felt a small squeeze on my hand.

I turned to see that Nathaniel had held my hand in support. I smiled at the gesture. It didn't go unnoticed by Mom however.

"Let me first say that you have my thoughts. When Ami told me what happened I was worried. As a parent, it breaks my heart to see any child go through what you did." she said.

"I've decided to leave that to the past." Nathaniel explained, "I'm really grateful to have friends who care. Now I can focus on my future."

Mom nodded. She looked at her cup before looking at me. I wasn't sure if I should liked that look or not.

"I'm glad. We should focus on the future." she noted, "Your father and I had never thought that you'd get so involved in the school, Ami. It worried us a little since at times you were too involved. But this current event made us realize you need to be around us. You're growing up so fast and had to do something like this mostly on your own. We has parents should have taken it from there."

My eyes widened.

She couldn't be thinking-

"Mom!" I suddenly shouted.

I startled everyone with my outburst. My eyes were getting misty. She couldn't be thinking about moving me.

"No Mom!" I shouted again, "I'm not transferring again. I can't! All my friends are here and I love Sweet Amoris. This is my home. You can't take me from my home Mom."

"But Ami-" she started.

"No, I can't do it again..." I muttered, "I can't start over after being here for so long. Even if it means I have to be independent. I just can't Mom. I know Dad wants what's best for me but my gut is telling me to stay here. My heart is telling me to stay."

"Ami has been such a positive influence on the school." Nathaniel added, "She's done so much to help the school and its population. It would be a shame if she were to be transferred after being so settled."

"Are you saying that as the president of the student council? Or you're saying it because you hold feelings for my daughter?" she bluntly asked.

For a moment he was silent. I slowly separated my hand from his. Not as anything ill will, but just because I didn't expect Mom to be so blunt with her questioning. She's straight up asked Nathaniel is his feelings for me more than appreciation for what I did. I stared at her, a little bit mortified that this was going on right now.

"Both." he answered.

For a very long time, there was silence.

Then Mom smiled.

"I'm glad." she finally said, "But the decision is final, Rieka and I already talked it over and agreed."

She dug something out of her jacket and placed it on the table. It was a set of silver keys. I picked them up. There was a smile on her face when she pulled out an identical set.

"Because, it would be really hard to back out of this condo."

Aunt Rieka laughed while Mom kept her smile. I was utterly confused. Wasn't I moving? But she seemed happy about it.

"I'm glad you feel so strongly about this place Ami." Mom said, "Ever since the open house I had thought about this and started setting up. But when you told me what happened...I realized you really needed one of us here to help you. Rieka has been amazing in taking care of you so far, but you needed your father or myself and we just couldn't be there for you."

"What are you saying Mom?"

"I'm saying is that I already set up my business to be run without me having to go on so many trips. Rieka has been helping me find a nice place and I found a condo that isn't too far from the school."

My eyes lit up at what she was telling me. I looked at Nathaniel and he seemed to be smiling at my news as well. I can't believe it. But wanted Mom to say it.

"So it's official?" I asked.

"I still have to do some paperwork for the school to get the address changed over. But yes, officially Sweet Amoris is our home now."

I went over to Mom to give her a hug. I was truly happy at the news. I wouldn't have to worry about moving any more. A phone ringing broke the moment. Mom answered it and after a few minutes she hung up.

"The paperwork is ready so Rieka and I need to get going. I left the directions to the place on the stand. Go by it when you have the chance to see how you want things set up."

I gave a nod as she and Aunt Rieka left the house. That just left Nathaniel and me alone. I couldn't help the smile plastered on my face. It was still sinking in. I had a town to call my home. Nathaniel just smiled alongside me. He pressed his forehead against mines while putting his hands over top of mines. Normally, I would blush or something like that. But I was so happy about staying here that I didn't mind it as much.

Though it is making it difficult to keep up this "just friends" thing we decided.

"I'm happy for you." he whispered.

"I am too."

I did eventually move away from him after a few minutes of being like that. I looked outside of the window.

"It feels nice. As far back as I could remember I've always been moving. The longest I've ever stayed at one place was probably when I was born until I was about five or six. And then I would stay a couple years here, move, a couple years there, move. It's not a very stable life."

"Is that why you were like that in the beginning?"

I nodded. I was mixed about him remembering how I used to be before getting with him. I mean I was friendly, but never really in for any relationship beyond that.

"But I have a home now. I have a constant place to go to."

After some small talk, Nathaniel left to get his errand out of the way. I didn't go to see my new place yet. I wanted to wait until I got to see with my mom to experience it together. But that night I realized that I needed to talk to Lysander. Looking back, I left pretty abruptly. I wanted to make it clear that what happened at the spa wasn't a big deal.

The next day, during a free period I walked into the music room. I didn't see him in there. But eventually he'll come. So I sat at the piano and played. It was one of his compositions that I liked. I had figured if something was troubling him he would be in the room.

He didn't disappoint.

"Mir?" he asked.

"Hey Lys." I responded back.

He walked over to sit beside me on the piano bench, like usual. Well sometimes he would rest his arms on the top. And others he would leaning by the window or teacher's desk. But most of the time he would sit beside me.

"So everything with your mother turned out alright?"

"Yep." I nodded, "Turns out she's going to stay in Sweet Amoris. So I'll be moving with her in the coming days."

We both grinned at the news. I kept my playing up, eventually he would sing along. It was a pretty familiar scene. The last notes lingered in the air for a moment before falling away to silence. My hands rested on the keys.

"I'm okay with what happened yesterday." I told him.

"Mir I-" he started.

"No really, I'm fine with it." I repeated, "It wasn't inappropriate at all. Though it's amusing that you like me. I didn't think you would in that way."

"I...don't know, to be honest." he admitted, "There are times like this where it's fine. But then there are others in which I feel differently. But I know what's constant is that I like to hang out with you. Like this I mean."

"I do too. I would be sincerely worried if you didn't."

He blushed before easing into a smile. He may not have figured out how he feels in regards to me. But I'm glad it won't stop these meetings. I quite enjoy them.

"So we'll put it behind us for now?" I asked.

"Sure. Though it might be best that this stays between us."

"Of course, can you image if Rosa found out?"

For a pretty long time Lysander was silent.

"I can." he sighed, "And she would completely misinterpret it."

"She has our best interests at heart." I reasoned,"...but yeah she would completely read it as more than what it is."

And done~! The challenge was to write 5k of kind stuff. So I did. I think I did it right. *shrugs* I was going to go more detailed into the spa but I didn't like it so I scrapped it. But hey more Lysander love.