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Ben's Note of Sheer Awesome: Alright guys, it's time… for some news. It could be good or bad, depending on how you look at it. I decided to ditch the prompt sheet. Shocking, yes, but it was steering me in a direction I simply didn't want to go. I decided to plan out a few arcs ahead of time to add to the fic and changed the order so that I can write this story the way I see fit. I have a few more dark arcs, but I'll warn you when they come.

Counting it up, I have about twelve arcs left. These are just collections of prompts that go together. I think that'll close up a little of the confusion. This current arc will end about prompt thirty-five. For realsies, I need that long. But hey, it's all cool. So long as I end it ok, no problem, right?

Also, HI KCL! Kitty cheers up a bit in this chapter, so no worries. Also, I think it'd be ok to say Merry Christmas starting the thirteenth. It's twelve days away from Christmas, so I think it fits.

Also, I'm thinking of doing a 12 Days of EAH shipping fic. Any ships you'd suggest for that? (Before you ask KCL, Kittystair is totes going to be in it.)

Prompt 28: Best Friend

It was weird Kitty's best friend was someone she only met a week before.

Kitty was currently in the library playing a game of chess with Hunter Huntsman. Over the week, Kitty and Hunter had just been chatting and getting acquainted. After the first few days, Maddie had decided to simply disappear once Kitty was comfortable talking with Hunter. Kitty didn't mind, since she knew Hunter was trustworthy enough to keep her occupied before Cupid swung by.

Hunter had recently taught her the correct way to play chess. Kitty knew the Wonderland way, of course, but she found the actual logical way a way to distract herself about her emotions and feelings. She had a goal to beat Hunter, who was still undefeated. Kitty thought she had him this time, only for Hunter to put her in check.

"Oh, come on! I could have sworn I had you!" she grumbled.

Hunter simply chuckled. "Sorry, but I'm a pro at this," he said. "You can't beat someone who's been playing forever."

Kitty had to admit he was right, but she still pouted at him. "Ok, yeah, sure, but give a kitty some slack," she purred sadly.

Hunter gave her a reassuring smile. "You're getting better," he said. "One day, you'll manage to beat me."

Kitty smiled, but she realized Hunter had meant his first sentence in more ways than one. Sure, she was getting better at chess. But he also must have noticed that she was returning more to who she was before her suicide attempt. She was talking more, able to smile, and laugh about mistakes.

"Well, I think that's about enough for today," Hunter said, snapping Kitty from her thoughts. She looked behind her to see Cupid was waiting for her with a smile. Kitty made a split second decision and held up a finger. Cupid noticed and nodded in understanding.

"Hey Hunter?" Kitty asked. Hunter looked at her and gestured for her to continue. "I just wanted to say… thank you."

Hunter raised an eyebrow. "For what?"

"Well… about a month ago… I…" she started then choked. She hadn't thought about what she had done. She didn't let herself. But… she trusted Hunter. He could help. Couldn't he? "I almost committed suicide."

Something about those words triggered something inside Kitty. She admitted it. She told someone about the wrong she had done. It was more of a relief to Kitty than anything else.

Hunter looked at her and nodded. He seemed to understand her behavior from a week ago and before that, so Kitty guessed this wasn't a shock to him in the slightest. She continued, "I've been having trouble… coping. I almost made a mistake, and I almost hurt everyone who cared about me. I… I couldn't face my mistake. It still haunts me, even now, when things are better."

"And yet… something about our friendship has helped me realize that it's ok," she said. "I'm still upset that I almost ruined my life. I still regret ever even coming close to killing myself. But… you care a lot. You didn't even know what was bothering me, but you still wanted to help me through it. You're like… the brother I never had."

"I know I can work through it now. I figured if I had to start somewhere… why not with my best friend?"

Hunter gave Kitty a smile. "Thanks for telling me," he said. "And I'm honored to be your best friend. If you need to talk about something, come find me. I'm here to listen about anything. Consider me your big bro."

Kitty gave him a giggle. "I already do," she said, standing up. "I better go. Cupid's been waiting for me for a while."

Before Kitty could leave though, Hunter stood up. "Hang on. I have one question for you," he said. Kitty nodded, confirming that he was good to ask her. "How are things with you an Alistair?"

Kitty tensed up. Alistair. The one she almost abandoned. The one she hurt. She knew he was there for her and that he always would be. But sometimes, when he didn't know she was looking, she could see the hurt in his eyes. How tired he was. It took Kitty to realize that Alistair had seemed to age before her. And it was her fault.

"We've… had it… rough, the past few weeks," Kitty said. "I don't… think we're the same as… before."

Hunter gave her a gentle smile. "We normally change after traumatic events," he said. "But Kitty… have you tried consoling with him? He's your boyfriend, and I know you two think the world of each other. Maybe I'm here to be the brother you need. And I'm honored. But while you can work out some of how you feel with me… I think you should talk about it with Alistair too. Let him know you still love him, even though you made a mistake. Let him know you care."

Kitty blinked and gave him a smile. Hunter really was her best friend. Alistair was her boyfriend… but as a brother, Hunter went right below him. "Thanks," she said.

Hunter gave her a smile. "Anytime Kitty. You might want to wipe off the tears before you get to Cupid. Might get the wrong idea." Kitty had realized she was even crying. She wiped the tears away, waved at Hunter and went to see Cupid.

"Have a nice chat?" Cupid asked as Kitty approached. Kitty gave her a smile and a nod. They walked a little ways before Kitty stopped.

"Hey, I know it's early and not our normal routine… but can I go see Alistair?" she said. "Something Hunter said… I'd like to talk to him about it as soon as possible. Do you know where he is?"

Cupid seemed to think for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, I think so," she said. "I don't mind a detour. I think he mentioned being at Headmaster Grimm's office, so we can head that way and see if we can find him."

Kitty nodded and let Cupid take the lead. However, something lingered in the back of her head. Why is Alistair talking to Headmaster Grimm?

BN: And I will answer that question next chapter! Kitty's starting to open up again, and I think that Hunter is doing great at his job as brother. I kind of wanted to point that out in this chapter. You guys here me rant about my best friend time to time, she's the most amazing girl I know. We see each other a lot as siblings, since we both care about the others well being. I kind of wanted bring that in effect in this story. Kitty doesn't need a boyfriend to help her through her troubles all the time. Sometimes, just a friend who you consider a sibling can help just as much.

I'm making some good progress on this fic. I might actually have it done before summer rolls around. Kind of shocking, but since I'm posting every day, I think it's an ok goal for me right now. (And the endless sequels that come after this one.)

Like? Hate? Meh? Let me know via review! Or don't! Either works!