Before I had a moment to interject everyone was at each others throats, and Vicki was about ready to slit Ghetsis' neck. Among the chaos Ghetsis burst out into a sinister laughter that boomed under the arguing. Archie screeched at him with the fury of a roaring tide, his hatred burning through his eyes. The stature of the sailor was always so fun an laid back, even though I knew he had a temper I never seen him so furious. The entire mess was enough to make you cry at night. Even poor Cyrus was beginning to feel increasingly awkward as he scooted away.

Within a few tiny moments we were slung from our peaceful chill to being kicked from the leisure center. A cold breeze collected against us after we finished getting dressed and walked outside. The moment we stepped foot into the car there was an air of silence that couldn't feel more deathly. As always though, I didn't count on it not getting worse since there was always something that proved me wrong. As Giovanni began to drive off with an annoyed sigh. Gazing over at Vicki who had been across from me she shook her head, her dark brown hair still wet sticking to her face.

Ghetsis sat on the side of me near the door of the car, his face one of pure triumph. It was as if he enjoyed causing chaos between everyone, as if it were his sole purpose just to be a huge asshat. Despite this I still forgave him, for god knows what reason I sympathized with him. It was a curse of mine to be over caring, and I enjoyed picking apart those with severe problems. The interest and complete brain complex of one who is an outsider, a complete menace, it reels me in. However everyone has their breaking point, and eventually I feared I wouldn't forgive him. Taking a deep breath I attempted to clear my mind, but in doing so the rest of the car ride remained awkward as all Hell.

******

Sitting at the landing at the end of the staircase I glared towards the hardwood surface below me. It was late at night again, and again my mind couldn't stop racing. Right now though, I needed alone time and if anyone were to take that from me I'd have to kill them. Each fiber in my body pumped with acidic pain, as if I stirred an intense guilt. The shadows around me remained utterly silent, and quiet enough to cause panic. Continuing my self wallowing, and unwinding I began to sing to myself. It almost seemed to calm me down completely, but my mind continued to tinker its own thoughts.

"You're voice is beautiful, I'm surprised you don't use that to your advantage" Cyrus spoke creeping down the staircase like a spider.

I leaped with fear and let out a squeal, "You scared the crap out of me!"

The man shrugged his shoulders while sitting down next to me, "I scare a l0t of people. Also I didn't ask you to stop."

I raised my brow at him in an awkward way, "I'm not singing now that you're here... Why are you still awake anyway?"

"I have a lot to think about, your singing was soothing" He answered blandly.

"So what's on your mind then?" I questioned him more.

Cyrus leaned his arms into his knees, "Still trying to comprehend what to do about the situation, boring things. It's also been too quiet since those two annoying women left."

I giggled at his horrible social skills, obviously that could have been explained much better. Aidee and Michayla left to their home ever since the weird car ride. They promised to come back and visit, especially Michayla who seemed ecstatic about meeting up again. It seemed she took an interest in Cyrus, probably because he was fun to provoke. However she was also fairly intelligent and secretive, so who knew what was going on in that red head's mind.

Cyrus took a moment to lift himself to his feet, his entire body covered in warm clothing. His eyes were bold, and as usual they sported dark lines and bags from utter exhaustion. Gazing down at me he offered a hand as if to be a signal of invitation. It wasn't often you'd get kindness or anything out of him so I simply took his help. Standing under his taller stature I flashed him a polite smile and scampered away to my room. It was always difficult talking to Cyrus, he was a hard shell to crack and didn't seem to get involved in others affairs very often.

Throwing myself back onto the bed I closed my eyes, snuggling underneath the blankets. The warmth invitation of sleep overwhelmed me as I began to slip into a dream. With a foggy mind I drifted off into a deep slumber.

******

"The fish are in!" Archie squealed throwing my door open.

I stretched with an exhausted frame, I was just not ready to face the world today. Opening my eyes I was greeted with the wide white smile that Archie loved to show off. It was almost as if he completely forgotten that he was upset at the kiss, but perhaps he just believed he would win me over anyway. Pushing against the sheets I leaped out of my bed and began to pick out clothes for the day. The Team Aqua leader stopped for a few moments to watch before I shooed him away. I decided that I would wear a nice Gothic black dress today, it was short enough to keep me cool but long enough to be classy.

Trailing down the staircase I saw the group bustling around getting ready to leave. I guess we are going to make a day trip out of this then. The fish that Archie ordered for his tank were sent to a local pet store, so everyone was coming to help. Regardless of the excitement I could feel a pit grow in my stomach, what would they think of the other animals? The thought of getting kicked out of another store made me sigh with annoyance, it must be difficult trying to be normal I suppose.

Not wanting to eat this morning I strolled into the next room over, the living room. Inside I was surprised to see both Colress and Vicki hanging out with violins in their arms. They noticed me enter but continued to go about their business, Vicki's astounding playing made Colress feel obviously awkward. The way he acted around her also seemed to be odd, every tiny mistake he made with a string he blushed and apologized. I always adored the way Colress went about things but this was absolutely priceless. I backed out of the room with a greasy grin painted across my face. This in which Archie had appeared right behind me and yet again I screamed loudly.

"Why does everyone sneak around good god!" I hissed while taking deep breaths.

He laughed and picked me up in his arms with ease, "Yer' just too easy to scare!"

Squirming in his grip I attempted to get away, "I'm not, you people are just tall, and stuff..."

"Awe, yer' so cute!" Archie chuckled hugging me way too hard.

Not being able to breath I squealed, "I can't breath!"

"Oh, sorry... Don't know my own strength!" He claimed gently putting me back down.

Regaining my breath I threw him a weak smile from being nearly crushed to death. Why was it people assumed that squeezing something they found adorable was a good idea? It was terribly painful, and I hated it every time because I was the shortest and looked the youngest. The crew began to gather around the door and I followed as well, everyone always towering over me. Even my own best friend Vicki, was a whole inch taller.

Piling into the car I noticed that this time Maxie took the liberty of driving this time. It was suspicious to me, because I wondered when all of them found the time to get legal licenses, if they were even legal. The car was once again silent and there was an aggressive air between Ghetsis and Archie, as if they had an internal war going on. Even Maxie, and N seemed to have their own passive aggressiveness, but with them it was a ton more subtle. If we let them, Ghetsis, and Archie would probably have an all out brawl until the death.

In only moments we arrived at the pet store located in a quaint shopping square accompanied by a few other stores. As we entered I saw Giovanni's eyes dart directly to the rescue section where the cats were. Knowing that he had a soft spot for cats, I wondered what he might do, he would probably act absolutely cool as if he didn't care at all. However life was full of surprises.

"CATS!" He screeched running over to the adorable cats and kittens.

Cyrus scoffed at his excitement, "I never seen a man with such a bizarre weakness."

As he spoke Colress had already trailed off to look at an adorable rescue puppy. It was a malamute mix with beautiful yellow eyes, it seemed extremely tame. At that moment Archie had also disappeared to pick up his fish, which of course was what he would do. Maxie was drawn to an extremely adorable pure white ferret that tried to nip at him. In the first time in forever as it played, I saw a smile creep across the red haired male's face. Lysandre was absolutely charmed by what seemed to be a very colorful gecko in a cage, its spastic nature memorizing. Vicki followed N closely and then I was left with Ghetsis and Cyrus awkwardly standing as everyone dispersed.

"How pathetic" Ghetsis hissed watching them play with the animals.

Just as he spoke an African Grey Parrot repeated his words in a cage behind him, "How pathetic!"

Turning around he smiled as it climbed to the edge of the cage, "I really like this bird!"

The clever bird unlatched the cage door and climbed to meet Ghetsis at an eye level. It cocked his head examining him up and down excitedly. Ghetsis almost sold by this fantastically intelligent creature put out his arm to allow the parrot to perch. It immediately took to him and climbed closely to get a look at his face. I observed him with a light giggle while Cyrus decided to trail off as well, he indeed loving an adorably intelligent rat that paced around quietly.

"I see you found a friend?" I asked Ghetsis as he smiled at the parrot.

Blushing out of embarrassment he denied it, "I assure you I am simply examining this animal!"

"This is going to be rather entertaining..." I mumbled under my breath with a wide smile.

******
END CHAPTER

Authors Note: Hey guys! I'm back to writing and I'm sorry about the short chapter but I'm back to my regular schedule. You guys are so great, every time I read your reviews I smile. Some days I get really suicidal because I suffer from depression but it really cheers me up! I hope you enjoy this chapter I put a lot of heart into it! I really wanted to show more going on between everyone, I'm sure you'll catch all the hints. As always thanks so much for reading!