Author's Note- Aaahh nooo... SCHOOL STARTED AGAIN! Well, more like college lol. I'm so miserable now orz. It's actually not that bad but... I'm still miserable LOL wah. Also, you know what I just realized? I tend to write more when I'm busy rather than when I'm free. HA! Go figure. I also tend to write a lot more when it's horribly late at night and no living thing in its right mind would be awake, but I guess it's better that way because nobody is around to bother me. Then again that's sort of a double-edged sword in that I get too tired to proofread and just upload the chapter without properly editing and whatnot. EH.

Well anyways, I'll shut up about me and move on to more fic-related things. New characters are introduced this chapter, yaaah! Some of you already predicted who it would be and all I have to say is WHY ARE YOU GUYS SO SMART lol. Ruining the surprise... no I'm kidding haha. Things also take an "interesting" turn (well, at least I think it's interesting, then again I'm a crazy person who talks to herself SOBSOB) so all in all I hope you guys enjoy! -showers everyone with so much loves- By the way, do you guys actually read author's notes? I find that most of the time I skip over most of them especially if they're super long (LIKE THIS ONE orz) LOL waah horrible person I know. Ok on with the update.

The rain fell in smooth torrents down the window as Rin watched it from her chair, a mug of steaming hot tea nearby. She had prepared it herself for once: the several bandages she sported on her right hand giving testimony to that fact. Usually Len boiled the water for her, but ever since she resolved to do things herself several days ago asking him was out of the question… although she probably should have known that the pot would be hot and that she'd need to protect her hand with a towel.

It disgusted her slightly how dependent she had become on him, how basically useless she was by herself. For crying out loud, she could barely boil water.

And Len was probably feeling a bit lost himself. When he had stumbled upon an already awake Rin two weeks ago, he had been very surprised, even more so when she brushed past him and started preparing her own breakfast, which consisted of a meager repast of cereal and milk. She even did her homework and chores without asking him for any help whatsoever, at which point he confronted and examined her for fever or delusion.

"What's wrong with you?" Len stood and spread his arms in front of Rin, blocking her passage through the hall.

"Wrong with me?" Rin stopped in her tracks, "What do you mean? There's nothing wrong… You're in the way, Len."

But he stayed firm, "No. Are you feeling alright? You've been so quiet. It… it feels kind of like you're avoiding me." He looked down, embarrassed.

"Avoiding you?" she raised a brow in interest, "How can I? We live in the same house."

Len shook his head, "Even though we live together it's like you're not even there anymore! You've been waking up by yourself instead of waiting for me, and then you sneak off somewhere... even at school! And usually you ask for my help when doing chores or homework and you've done neither. Heck, you won't even look me in the eye when we talk!"

And just like he said, Rin averted her gaze, "W-What, do you think I'm supposed to be like a baby or something? I have to wait for you to do everything for me? Dad said I needed to learn to be independent so now I'm trying to be, but you just won't leave me alone! Can't I have my space?"

A sudden, dark emotion flashed across Len's eyes.

Rin felt her breath catch in her throat. Had she said too much? "S-Sorry..." She rubbed her arm unsurely, "Well… Nothing's wrong."

"Did... Did I do something? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you," when she said nothing, Len stepped up and tentatively placed his hands on her shoulders, "Please Rin, tell me so I can fix it right away! I don't want you to be mad at me…"

Rin was slightly taken aback at the hint of desperation in his voice and the earnestness of his eyes. "I… I told you it was nothing Len! Everything's fine. Stop worrying, ok? I just wanted to start doing some things by myself, that's all." And with that she wriggled out of his grasp before brushing past him and continuing down the hall.

Len continued to stand in the abandoned hallway, staring rooted at the spot Rin had been standing only moments before. Slowly, he lowered his hands and slumped against the wall.

The antique grandfather clock in the living room struck seven times, indicating to Rin that it was about time to head out. By now the rain had began to let up, allowing her to hear exactly how quiet the vast estate really was. Her ears perked to the sound of shuffling in the hallway. Len was probably looking for her again, which actually was a surprisingly difficult task even for the Vocaloid. The Kagamine mansion was a massively large estate, equipped with more lounging areas, kitchens, and other facilities than a simple family of three would ever need. Thus, to avoid Len every morning all Rin had to do was switch up the rooms she used.

Very quietly she slipped out the room and to the hallway, taking a series of detours and shortcuts, making sure Len was nowhere in sight. It wasn't really as if Rin was trying to avoid Len because she didn't want to see his face… she just couldn't trust herself to. Every time she saw him grinning at her with that stupid, goofy face of his it made her forget why she was even angry with him in the first place, and how could she distance herself if she constantly wanted to be close to him?

"Rin!"

And there he was, right on cue. The one thing Rin never managed to do was leave the house without Len knowing. Somehow, no matter what he was doing before, he'd always appear rushing down the hall or at her side before she even had the chance to put her shoes on.

"There you are," Len huffed as she settled down beside her, "Where were you? Did you have breakfast yet? H-Hey wait up!"

Rin turned and sighed as the vocaloid hurried to pull his loafers on, "I have class duty this morning, Len, and if I don't hurry I'm going to be late."

"Right!" the boy nodded and picked up his things.

Together they left the house, Rin a little ways ahead of a very confused Len. As they passed by a pond, Rin glanced at their reflection and couldn't help but smirk a little bit. She looked just like a mama duck leading along her awkward little duckling, who in this case was Len. Out of the corner of her eye she saw him stumble on a raised crack in the pavement and tried her best to suppress another smirk. The way he was stumbling along tailing her was just so adorable...

"No!" the young girl suddenly stopped and shook her head vigorously. She wasn't supposed to think such thoughts anymore!

"Ow! Rin?" Len didn't have enough time to react to her abrupt halt and accidentally bumped into her backside.

"S-Sorry," she said, shaking herself from such thoughts before continuing on the path. A moment later she heard Len shuffle along also, no doubt more confused than he already was.

She frowned and looked up at the sky. Was she being too mean to him? Brushing him off so casually like that… It wasn't like she was trying to make it seem that way, but hey, maybe a little unintentional hatred would help get her point across…? No, that was terrible, absolutely terrible! But… if she didn't, then how long would this charade have to go on for? Exactly what was she trying to do again?

"Rin?"

"Huh?" for the second time that day, she stopped in her tracks and turned around to face the boy who had called her.

Len quirked an eyebrow at her and pointed at the sheltered bench behind them, "You know, the bus stop is over here?"

"Oh!" Rin couldn't help but blush with embarrassment, "Right…" she went and joined her vocaloid in standing under the bench's battered but still functional covering. There seemed to be an unusually large amount of people waiting for the bus today, which was pretty explainable since the price of gasoline had risen in the past few months. People were more and more encouraged to use public transportation, which was good for the environment but bad for Rin. She frowned at the thought of having to be squeezed in the middle of a heaving, sweaty mass of bodies, and with this many people it'd be nothing less than a stampede trying to find a good spot.

Rin felt a prickling sensation along the back of her neck and shuddered. She felt as if she was being watched by something not too friendly. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a flash of teal. Miku? Rin quickly whirled around, only to be met face to face with a middle-aged businessman leering at her from behind one of the posts.

"H-How gross!" she squealed indignantly and instinctively moved closer to Len.

"What's the matter?" the slightly taller teen looked down at his "sister" and subconsciously wound an arm protectively about her shoulders.

"That creepy guy was looking at me," she hissed and peeked out from over his arm.

Len frowned and drew her closer, "Just don't pay attention to him."

Rin nodded and squeaked again when she realized she had been clutching tightly onto Len's shirt, "Sorry," she muttered before brusquely separating herself from him. At the same time she could have sworn a slightly saddened expression had flashed across his face.

"It's ok," he said, "But the bus is almost here. Get ready to find a good spot."

And just as he finished his sentence, the automobile slowed to a creaky stop before them. Rin frowned as she looked through the windows. Looks like almost all the seats were taken. Beside her, several women clutching satchel upon satchel of groceries slowly pushed towards the edge of the sidewalk, all eager to grab a decent seat on the bus, their feet no doubt aching from fighting one another in the early morning market.

As soon as the bus doors wheezed open, it was every man for himself. Somehow Rin had managed to worm her way into a rather nice spot in the corner next to a window, and although it was a standing spot (all the seats had been taken) she didn't mind. She had lost track of Len but that was alright. She'd meet up with him at school anyways.

To say the bus was crowded was an understatement. The thing was practically crammed to the brim with bodies, all squished together uncomfortably in one another's body heat. With so many people on one bus Rin couldn't help but wonder how exactly the poor thing could even move, but her musing was cut short when she felt a hand fluttering at her skirt. Instantly, her entire being stiffened as she saw from the reflection on the window that the man who had been leering at her earlier was slowly inching closer to her. Mortified, Rin looked about wildly for any safe space she could squeeze in to, away from his lecherous grasp. She tried to look for a familiar mop of golden hair when she felt a calloused hand stroke the back of her thigh, just under where her skirt ended.

Rin's entire face reddened with anger. T-That perverted bastard! Just as she turned to slap him in the face, his other hand caught Rin's wrist and pulled her even closer to him. "My, you're a feisty little cutie," he sneered, eyes drifting down to her budding chest. Her eyes widened in horror. Since they were in the back corner of the bus, nobody took notice of their actions.

"N-NO!" she attempted to scream before he clasped his hand over her mouth, "Len-!"

The man suddenly cried out in pain as his hand was yanked backwards. Several of the bus's passengers turned around to see what the commotion was about and saw a blonde, teenage boy twisting a man's arm behind his back and another blonde girl huddled in the corner of the bus. With his other arm, the boy pulled the girl to his side.

"Sorry sir," Len narrowed his eyes dangerously at the man, "But aren't you too old to be doing things like this?"

"Len…" Rin breathed a sigh of relief and held onto his shirt. He smiled and gently placed an arm securely about her waist.

"Tch," the man winced and retreated from Len's grip, "Stupid punk." As he moved to the opposite corner of the bus, many passengers shot him dirty looks and stayed as far away as possible. Rin stuck her tongue out and blew a raspberry at him.

"Are you alright?" Len studied her wrist for any signs of bruising.

Rin blushed slightly, "Yeah," Len's body was pressed flush against her backside, one arm still secured about her waist for support, "Thanks." Len nodded and turned to look out the window, leaving Rin alone with her thoughts. She could feel her cheeks getting redder with each passing moment. Len was so close to her… she could practically feel his warm breath fanning the back of her neck, the firm features of his abdomen molding to her back… She wanted to stay like this: just her and her vocaloid- no Miku, no Neru, no anyone to take him away from her.

Exactly when did she start falling in love with Len? Perhaps it was so gradual she never even really noticed until someone threatened to take him away. They always said that one would never know how important something was until it was gone. But then again, did she even know what love was? She was only 14, almost 15, and had barely any interaction with any members of the opposite sex aside from Len, Kaito, her father, and Professor Gakupo; so could the feelings she had for Len really be love? Or was it something else? Some possessiveness spawned from an inner fear of being alone?

A cold feeling washed over her. Was she afraid of losing Len not because she actually loved him, but because she was afraid of being alone? If so, then she didn't deserve him at all.

"Hey," a gentle voice muttered in her ear, "You look troubled. Everything alright?"

Rin tilted her head upwards and caught sight of Len leaning over her, a soft expression on his face. Instantly, she felt that weird, fluttery feeling rise from the pit of her stomach. "Nn," Rin nodded and turned away, embarrassed by their proximity, but Len continued to smile and rest his chin on her shoulder.

"Don't worry too much," he whispered, "I'll always be around to make sure nobody tries anything weird like that guy just now, ok?"

Rin just stared at the floor, bangs hiding her expression. "Always…?"

"Yeah, always."

Neither Kagamine said anything after that. Maybe, Rin thought as she relaxed into his embrace, just for now she'd let herself believe his words.

"That filthy bastard!" Meiko smacked a fist against her palm, "And you just let him get away? I would have smashed his face in and then some!"

Kaito placed a hand on the brunette's shoulder in a frail attempt to calm her but nodded nonetheless, "Although I usually don't agree with using violence, public molestation is a highly reproachful act and Rin shouldn't have been subject to such mistreatment."

"Yeah, should have given him the old one two!" Meiko pumped a fist in the air to emphasize her point.

Rin had just finished recounting the morning's events to her friends and was now following silently along, a slight smirk on her lips. She was imagining in her mind how the scene would have played out if they had been there and giggled.

Len rubbed the back of his head sheepishly at his friends' suggestions, "I didn't really want to cause any more trouble than there already was."

"You definitely could have taken him on, eh Len?" Meiko nudged the younger boy in the ribs, "A nasty old guy like that wouldn't have stood a chance against you!"

"W-Well, like I said, I wouldn't have wanted to-"

"Oh, there's the bell," Kaito said as that familiar yet dreaded tune chimed through the halls.

Meiko sighed, "Well, catch you guys later!"

The four friends said their goodbyes and went their separate ways: Meiko and Kaito heading upstairs to the junior classrooms and Rin and Len going lower to their own homerooms. As the students filed into their seats, Rin settled into her spot by the window. She really liked her seat, mostly because it offered a different form of entertainment if she ever got bored of listening to the teacher. Down below, kids from 1st period P.E. were getting ready and doing their morning stretches. A little ways down the track Rin could see Kei-sensei getting ready with his whistle. Grimacing, she wondered what form of punishment he would execute for them today. All in all, everything seemed relatively normal. The same faces, the same routine...

"Is this English 1 with Miss Ann?"

Rin looked up at the unfamiliar voice.

There, standing in the doorway was a tall, slender youth with finely sculpted features. He had slightly disheveled teal-hair that was tied back in a long, low ponytail by means of a red and black band. His face was smooth and unblemished yet defined at the same time. He looked to be about the same build as Len, if not a few centimeters taller. But what struck Rin the most were his piercing, emerald eyes. So many emotions seemed to range behind the mysterious irises, drawing curious onlookers closer and closer... Wait, teal hair? Green eyes?

"Mikuo...?"

All eyes turned to the new speaker, who in this case was Miku Hatsune. Rin noted that her skin had suddenly become incredibly pale.

"Yes, this is the right class," Miss Ann said as she eyed the foreign student, "Are you a new transfer?"

"Yes," the boy smiled and bowed lightly, "My name is Mikuo Hatsune. I just transferred here from Tokyo."

"Mikuo Hatsune?" another boy piped up, "No way, are you related to Hatsune Miku-chan over there?"

Mikuo nodded and widened his smile, "Yes, I'm her younger brother. Well, younger twin brother to be more precise."

"Eh? Really? You must be super smart then! As expected, your sister is a freaking genius too."

"No," Mikuo laughed, "I assure you, we couldn't possibly compare..."

"Liar! You're probably being modest!"

"Say, if you're her younger brother why were you in Tokyo?"

"That? Oh, well even though we're twins we were living with separate guardians because our parents split up."

"Alright, that's enough for now," Miss Ann clapped her hands to get everyone's attention, "You can get to know each other later on. Mikuo, if you could take that seat over there by the window, please, so that I may begin the lesson. Thank you."

The teacher was once again interrupted by a chair being scraped back against the floor. Miku stood over her desk, shoulders visibly shaking. "Miss Ann, I don't feel so well, may I be excused?"

"My, you certainly look pale. Did you have something weird for breakfast?"

"I-It would seem so..."

She nodded, "You may go, but be careful on your way there."

"Poor Miku... She's probably in shock from seeing her brother again after so long."

"That's so sad! I feel for her!"

Len glanced worriedly after his friend as she rushed through the door, stumbling slightly as she passed Mikuo. Len didn't miss the brief smirk that crossed the boy's face.

"Miss Ann," Len raised a hand, "May I accompany her?"

"You know I don't like when students miss my lessons," she looked at him skeptically from above her glasses, "But seeing as how ill Miss Hatsune is I'll agree to it this one time."

"Thank you," Len bowed and quickly ran out the room after his classmate. He found her slumped against a wall with a hand over her mouth, "Hey, Miku, take it easy."

The girl looked up when she felt a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Len...?"

He flashed a pearly-white grin at her and helped her to her feet, "I was worried about you so I asked Miss Ann to let me accompany you to the nurse. Is that ok?"

Miku's expression softened, "Yeah, thanks."

"No problem!" Len offered her his arm, which she took, and together they headed towards the nurse's office. For the most part their walk was completely silent, but Len couldn't help but voice what had been on his mind, "So..." he began, his voice barely above a whisper, "I know this is a very personal question, but that kid back there... is he the brother you told me about that one time? The one that couldn't be trusted?"

A pause passed between them.

"...Yes," Miku whispered, "That's him."

Len frowned, "What's he doing here?"

"I don't know..." Miku bit her lip and gripped his arm tighter, "But the one thing I can tell you is that it definitely isn't good."

"Miku Hatsune's brother?"

Rin nodded and leaned back in her chair, "Yup, I didn't believe it either, but there's no doubt about it. I just hope he doesn't act like her." Currently they were sitting in their world history class with Miss Ann. Rin had her earlier for English and homeroom, which she thought was unfair, having to suffer the same teacher twice in one day.

"That's interesting," Teto said as she placed a finger to her lips. Even though they were the same grade level, Teto and Rin were in different classes so she hadn't had a chance to meet the rumored second-Miku yet.

Suddenly Rin's chair slammed against the floor again as she pulled her friend in closer, "That's him!"

Teto's eyes grew wide as the classroom door slid open to reveal the aforementioned youth. Just as Rin said, he did look an awful lot like Miku, except something about him seemed a lot darker, much more mysterious than his sister.

"Oh, you're in this class too, Mikuo?" Miss Ann exclaimed, "How wonderful! Let's see… hm, it seems the only open seat we have is in the back row behind Miss Kagamine over there. It's a window seat. Miss Kagamine, could you please raise your hand?"

"Hai-" Rin was about to say when that sudden, familiar prickling sensation from earlier today once again ran down her neck- the same sensation that she was being watched. She froze and looked about feverishly, searching for the source of her paranoia.

"Something the matter, Miss Kagamine?" Miss Ann raised a brow at the somewhat frantic looking girl. The rest of the class turned to observe the girl as well.

"N-No," Rin gently shook her head and resettled into her seat, "S-Sorry Miss Ann."

The teacher nodded, but Rin couldn't stop shaking. Just now, she could have sworn it was Mikuo who had been staring so intently at her. But when she looked back up at him, he casually strolled over to his seat and sat down, not a single trace of an intimidating aura to be found.

"Anyways, like I was saying, there will be a group project for this unit," Miss Ann continued, "You will work with an assigned partner that I will choose for you- that means there will be absolutely no switching of partners. After I announce the names you are welcome to go and discuss with your partner for the remainder of the period. Now, starting off: Teto!"

"Yes?"

"You will be paired with… Ted."

The two redheads glanced at each other and blushed almost as dark as their matching hair colors. It was no secret that the two had enormous crushes on one another.

"Rin, you will be partnered with… Mikuo!"

Instantly, Rin felt the envy of several of her female classmates digging into her spine. W-What? Her, with Mikuo? No way; she wanted nothing to do with either Hatsune sibling. Plus, Rin already got enough crap for being near Len and Kaito, who were apparently the star heartthrobs of both grade levels. "Miss Ann, can I-"

"I said there would be absolutely no changing of partners, Rin Kagamine."

She frowned. How did she know? Guess there really was no helping it. Mustering up most of her courage, Rin sighed and attempted to smile, "Hi, I guess we're going to be partners for this assignment."

Mikuo crossed his arms over his chest, "Obviously."

Rin's eyebrow twitched. Rude, much? "Um, so…"

"Don't think I want to make friends with you."

The blonde-haired girl was taken aback by his sudden declaration. "E-Excuse me?"

"This is an assignment and you are my partner, nothing more," Mikuo reiterated, seemingly annoyed that he had to clarify his statement, "Wasting time and effort on personal subjects benefits neither party, so I suggest focusing solely on the task at hand rather than useless pursuits."

What the heck was this kid's problem? All she did was say hi, and he practically dissed her right in her face. Holding an urge to snap back at him, Rin grit her teeth and smiled, "That's fine."

"What is your current grade in the class?"

"W-What?" this kid just got weirder and weirder, "Isn't that considered personal information?"

"Average? Below average? Failing?"

Now Rin really wanted to slap him. "HEY! I'm passing, ok! Why does it matter?"

"You're not the type who studies in an organized and timely manner, are you," he frowned, "You probably don't even study if not forced. Usually those who are confident in their scholastic prowess would respond to my question immediately, if not first put off by modesty. You became irritated and hesitant, showing a lack of belief and therefore academic ability, which probably means that doing well on this project would greatly behoove your grade. Unfortunately, if you and I were to study by ourselves and then try to compile the information it would be both inefficient and disastrous. The best alternative then would be for us to study together so that I may concurrently oversee your activities."

All noise in the classroom suddenly ceased as Rin slammed her hands onto Mikuo's desk and glared at him, "Who the hell do you think you are, saying stuff like that? This is your first day and you're already acting like a snooty brat! If the teacher weren't here I would have already slapped you back to first grade to could relearn some proper manners! Sure I might not be the best student but that doesn't give you any right to act all holier-than-thou on me, and if this continues then I guarantee that I'll become exactly the horrible, nightmare of a student you 'presume' me to be, got it?"

"What on earth is going on here?" Miss Ann rose from her desk to survey the scene before her.

Mikuo blinked in mild surprise before bursting out in laughter. Rin as well as everyone else in the class was taken aback at this unexpected turn of events.

"H-Hey," Rin blushed and tried once again to look serious, "What are you laughing at?"

"Very interesting, Rin Kagamine," Mikuo wiped a tear from his eye, "This might be more fun than I expected. Be at the library at 2pm this Saturday; if you're even a minute late I'll deduct points."

"Points?"

"On the grading rubric," he held up the slip of paper and rolled his eyes mockingly again, "There is a spot for each of us to grade one another's performances to ensure 'fairness'. Isn't that right, Miss Ann?"

The teacher looked surprised when the class turned to look at her, "Err, well, yes…"

Mikuo smirked and placed his hands behind his head, "Right, so unless you're otherwise occupied, which I highly doubt you are, I suggest you show up on time, ne Rin-chan?" He ended the statement with one of the most sickeningly sweet and obviously fake smiles Rin had ever seen.

Oh, this brat was seriously asking for it.

"And then he had the audacity to call me Rin-chan! Can you believe that jerk?" Rin huffed as she slammed the door of her locker shut. Currently they were in the girl's locker room getting ready for P.E.

"Maybe that's just his weird way of being friendly?" Kasane Teto shut her locker closed as well and went to walk with her friend to the quad area, where they met and assembled in roll call lines.

"I doubt it," Rin snorted, "Whatever, I just hope I don't have to see his snobby little face for the rest of the day."

"Rin! Teto!"

Both girls looked up to see Kaito and Meiko waving them over. Before Rin could wonder where Len was, she saw him off to the side speaking to Miku about something. Miku had a weird expression on her face, but Rin didn't have the chance to study it for much longer since Len drew her in for a comforting hug. Her expression faltered, but that was to be expected. Len and Miku had been spending more and more time in each other's companies over the past few weeks, and especially since this morning they seemed to be closer than usual.

"Why the long face, squirt?" Meiko grabbed Rin by the collar and pulled her into a headlock.

"Hey! Quit it!" Rin protested and struggled to free herself. Meiko laughed and dodged a blow to the gut before giving the younger girl a noogie.

"That new kid Mikuo transferred into Rin's history class and she doesn't like him one bit," Teto explained.

"Mikuo?" Meiko and Kaito blinked in unison, "Who's that?"

Rin was about to explain that he was the kid who came into their homeroom class this morning when she remembered Meiko and Kaito were upperclassmen. They were in a different class, "Oh, well, apparently he's Hatsune Miku's younger twin brother."

"Sounds a lot like you and Len," Meiko said.

"A new transfer this far into the semester?" Kaito raised a brow in surprise.

Rin nodded and attempted to smooth her omnipresent white ribbon, "Yup, and he's the biggest punk I've ever met. I swear if I see him again…"

"Is that him?"

Rin would have spit out her water had she been drinking any. Glancing in the direction Kaito was pointing to, Rin saw the new bane of her existence heading towards the roll call lines. "No way, he's in our P.E. period too." Several girls began whispering excitedly, wondering aloud if he would be just as athletic or "hot" as Len while working out.

"Not this again," Rin groaned.

"Alright kids," Kei-sensei yelled as he blew his oh-so-hated whistle, "Get in line and listen up! Since it was raining earlier this morning the field is all wet so we can't use that, so instead we'll be playing volleyball inside the gym. Ok now, 10 laps around the quad area for warm-up! Go!"

As usual, Kei-sensei's murderous "warm-up" routine commenced, with Len and Miku swiftly taking the lead; however, today they were joined by a third figure. Several girls nearly tripped over themselves while gaping at Mikuo. His pace was so fluid and agile; it looked almost as if he was flying with the way his feet were barely touching the ground. And just like Len and Miku, he completed every activity without even breaking a sweat.

"Oh look at him, he looks so cool like that!"

"Eee! Do you see those muscles on his arm?"

"I still think Len is cuter."

"No way! He's so five minutes ago; Mikuo's my new idol!"

"Well, well," Kei-sensei laughed as he clapped a hand on Mikuo's back, "I'm impressed, new kid. You said you were Miku's little brother?"

"Yes sir." the teal-haired boy smiled and bowed.

"Amazing athletic genes your family has got there. What I wouldn't do to have some like that," wiping the grin off his face, Kei-sensei turned to blow his whistle at the rest of the class, who was still struggling on their 7th lap. "Hurry up all of you! The longer you take, the less time you have to change at the end of the period!"

Rin wheezed and clung desperately to Teto's arm as they finished up the rest of their exercises. Even though they had been in school for a good month or so, Rin doubted she would ever get used to Kei-sensei's horrific warm-ups. Once everyone had finally caught their breath, they were organized into teams, and "luckily" for Rin she got to be paired up with Mikuo again. What was it, like the third time this day?

"Why, Kami-sama?" Rin prayed to the heavens above, "Why do you do this to me?"

"Oi, heads up!"

"Watch out, Rin!"

"Wah!"

Too absorbed in her own thoughts, Rin didn't notice that that game had already started. The ball came spiraling straight towards her, full force.

"RIN!" Len had heard her scream and whirled around, but she was two courts over. Nonetheless he dove under the net and scrambled to knock the ball out of the way.

In a last-ditch effort to defend herself Rin quickly shut her eyes and raised her arms, reluctantly awaiting impact. It never came, however. Slowly cracking an eye open, Rin saw Mikuo standing over her, holding the ball that would have hit her square in the face. That jerk saved her? For some reason, a hint of pink crept into her cheeks.

"Are you alright?" Len breathed as he reached the two of them. He glanced at Mikuo for a second and then stiffened, "Err… thanks for helping her."

"No problem," Mikuo smiled at Len. But instead of smiling back, Len eyed him distrustfully.

"I'm fine, Len," Rin said as she dusted herself off, "You should go back to your team now."

"But-"

"Just go, Len."

If he were a dog, Len would have drooped his ears and gone back with his tail between his legs, or at least that was the mental image Rin pictured as he left the court. She couldn't help the wave of guilt that washed over her.

"You should really pay attention more, Kagamine," Mikuo jeered, a gallant smirk across his features, "If not in class then at least during situations where the risk of your brain damage worsening is significantly increased."

"I never asked for your help, thank you very much!" Rin huffed indignantly, "And if you hadn't stepped in the way I would have caught it anyways!"

"Yeah, with your face. I'd like my history partner to at least still be tolerable looking, but then again staring at someone with a permanent volleyball imprint would also be pretty amusing."

Rin's jaw dropped. "Y-You punk!" she yelled before launching herself at him.

"AGH!"

"Rin Kagamine! Five laps for misuse of the equipment!"

"Geez, did you really have to give him a bloody nose?"

"He was asking for it!"

Meiko shook her head at the younger girl but laughed nonetheless. School had just ended a few minutes ago and both girls were retrieving their shoes.

"So how're things with you and Len?"

Rin tripped over an invisible step on the ground, "What are you talking about? Everything's normal as always."

"You can't lie to me, Rinny-poo. I know something's up. Besides, a week ago you called me asking for ways to avoid him, remember?"

"Oh, right…"

"So?" the brunette hooked an arm around her friend's neck, "What's up?"

"I don't really know, Meiko," Rin fiddled anxiously with the hem of her skirt, "I think I might be… I mean, I'm not sure, but… d-do we really have to talk about this?"

"You might feel something stronger for Len?"

"Wha…?" turquoise eyes widened, "How did you know? I mean, not that I'm agreeing with you or any-"

"It's alright. I think you're just a little confused right now, squirt," Meiko grinned and winked, "After all, he's basically the only boy you've known for pretty much these past 5 years, so it's pretty natural you'd be a little jealous, especially since your hormones and stuff are maturing now."

"I'm not jealous!"

Meiko laughed again and released the younger girl. "You know the first step to getting out of denial is accepting that you're in denial, right?"

"I'm not in- oh... You can't trick me!"

Meiko smirked and stretched her arms towards the ceiling, "Tell you what, kid, why don't you start letting yourself fall in love?"

"H-Huh?" Did Meiko, over-protective older sister Meiko, just say what Rin thought she said?

"Yup, you heard me. Try and get a boyfriend, and then compare your feelings from there," she stated again, "If what you feel for Len really is stemmed from a fear of being alone, then when you get a boyfriend those anxieties should go away, right? Since he'd be giving you the same sense of security you get from Len… But if you still constantly think only of Len even with a boyfriend, then you'll know."

Rin struggled to find the proper words.

"Well... what if… what if it turns out I really do love Len but he doesn't love me back?"

At this Meiko stopped and sighed. Rin could have sworn Meiko had a sad look on her face just now, "Then what can you do except move on? Even if he doesn't love you at least you'll have the closure of knowing what your true feelings were, and you can always still be there whenever he needs you."

Something told Rin that her friend was speaking from personal experience. "Meiko…?"

"What're we doing just standing here? The guys are waiting for us!"

Rin squeaked when Meiko yanked her by the arm and hurried down the steps. At the bottom, they saw a familiar azure-haired boy sprawled out on the floor next to a beautiful, blonde girl who Rin had never seen before.

"I'm so sorry! I-I didn't mean to bump into you!" Kaito sputtered, a vivid crimson splayed over his cheeks, "Let me help you with that! Ack!"

The girl sweat dropped at his actions and began picking up nearby papers and books. "It's ok, Kaito. I'm alright, really."

"S-Sorry again, Lily! Please forgive me!"

"Lily?" Rin asked. Who was that? And also, why was Kaito so flustered? She had never seen him so nervous before.

"Lily's a new girl who moved here last year," Meiko explained. Rin was stunned at how quiet the usually brash brunette was. Looking up, she noticed that Meiko had her head down, bangs shadowing her face.

"You can stop apologizing now," Lily quirked an eyebrow at the boy and slowly pried herself from his presence, "Just relax. I'll see you around, k?" She flashed him a smile before departing.

"Bye! Sorry aga-ERR, I mean, sorry for apologizing! Ack! Man, I'm such an idiot..."

"Geez Kaito, could you be any more obvious?"

"M-Meiko!" the blue-haired teen looked up to see his childhood friend looking down at him, hands on her hips and foot tapping impatiently. "I was just- she, err, we bumped into each other! Well it was more my fault, but-!"

"Yeah, yeah, you don't need to explain anything," Meiko sighed and hoisted him to his feet, "How're you supposed to make Lily think you're cool if you keep acting like that? Pull yourself together, man!"

Oh. Rin understood now.

"Even if he doesn't love you at least you'll have the closure of knowing what your true feelings were, and you can always still be there whenever he needs you."

Rin bit her lip and cast her gaze downwards. She had no idea that was how things were between them. She had always somewhat presumed that there was an unspoken attraction between the two, but not once did she think Kaito would have been interested in someone else, especially since he had Meiko waiting for him. Maybe this is what she meant by falling in love with someone else?"

"You even got your scarf dirty," Meiko huffed as she brushed the long strip of cloth.

"Heh, sorry Meiko. What would I do without you?"

At that, Meiko blushed and looked away, "I-Idiot! Try harder next time!"

Rin's heart fell. To be able to encourage him to love someone else and then still have enough courage to remain by his side... Meiko was really something.

"Rin! Sorry, I got caught up with club activities," Len called as he ran to meet them, "Hope you weren't waiting long?"

For a minute, the blonde haired girl said nothing and studied Len with an unreadable expression. "No," she shook her head and smiled, "Let's go home now."

Len grinned and followed along.

As they bid goodbye to their two older friends and left the school gates, the conversation with Meiko kept playing over and over in Rin's head. Her suggestion seemed reasonable, but Rin still felt apprehensive about trying it. Why? She didn't really know. Maybe she was afraid of rejection, or maybe she was afraid of herself...?

Well, one thing was for certain: whatever the outcome, Rin hoped she could still remain as strong as Meiko.

The streets were almost all but empty as vendors began closing their stands for the day and pedestrians scurried to return to the safety of their homes before night fell. By day, the streets of Crypton were vibrant and teeming with life; by night, however, the city took on a completely difference facade. Instead, it became a haven for the depraved. Criminals, peddlers of a different sort, and all sorts of beings who dared not bare their face to the light of day revealed themselves during the night.

An elderly vendor had just finished locking the door of his shop when he spotted a boy walking alone, hands in his pockets and teal-haired head directed at the ground. The vendor squinted and scratched his head. He recognized the uniform the boy wore as the one belonging to the nearby high school, but not once during his fifty-some-odd years of living in Crypton did he ever see such a youth before. Perhaps the boy was new to town and unaware of the dangers night posed.

"Say, kid, you best be getting home now. These streets-" the vendor suddenly found himself at a loss for words when the boy glanced up at him. His eyes... they were so cold, as if trying to pierce directly into one's soul.

Mikuo smiled brightly at the elderly man, "I'm sorry sir, I was just on my way home. You don't need to worry about me."

"A-Ah..." the man gave a shaky nod as Mikuo bowed and continued down the street. Once he was out of earshot the man leaned against his booth and clutched at his heart. What was that deadly aura he felt just now? Exactly who was that boy, and why was his gaze so dark? Deciding not to think on it any longer, the man quickly pulled down his hat and shuffled down the street.

Mikuo, on the other hand, paid the older man's warning no attention as he continued on his path. He was intending to head home, but not at he moment, for he could sense that he was being followed, and there was no way that he'd let whoever was following him know where he lived. A few carefully calculated turns later and his suspicions were confirmed.

He stopped in the middle of a secluded alley, "There's no use in trying to be discreet," Mikuo announced to the darkness, "I know you're there, Miku."

Instantly, a shadow from above leapt down before him, lengthy teal pigtails trailing behind her like ribbons. With all the grace of a cat, she slowly lifted herself and met her brother's dark gaze with a piercing one of her own. Not a trace of good intention was present on her face.

"Well, well," Mikuo smirked Isn't this nice? Two siblings reunited after such an extended separation?"

Miku refused to extend the same hospitality. Her viridian eyes narrowed dangerously at him, "Cut the bull crap, Mikuo. You were the one who left us. Why are you here?"

"I have my reasons."

Scarcely had the words left his lips did a blade come speeding straight towards his skull. Mikuo's grin widened as he deftly caught the weapon between his index and middle fingers. Before him Miku stood in a battle stance, teeth bared and fingers dancing readily about a holster tied to her leg and concealed by the right side of her skirt.

"I told you to cut the bull crap. What are you planning?"

"I can't want to be close to my family again?" Mikuo frowned and threw the weapon back at his sister, who caught it with the same agility, "Or, well, what's left of it at least. Speaking of which, how is Haku doing?"

"Answer my question!"

This time more than one blade came flying at him. The boy expertly dodged each knife save for one, which barely grazed the skin of his cheek and sliced off a few strands of hair.

"Tch," Mikuo frowned, "Why are you getting so riled up for, dear sister? And, if you really must have an answer," he said as he bent to pick up the fallen weapons, "I think you already know why I'm here."

Miku's eyes widened. "Y-You... Stay away from the Kagamines!"

Mikuo's grin only continued to widen, "Bingo."

Immediately, Miku rushed forward, fist poised and ready to strike. Mikuo rolled out of the way at the last moment, allowing her fist to connect with the hard earth and leave a decent-sized crater in its wake. Recovering quickly from the aftershock, the older girl whirled around with a roundhouse kick which Mikuo managed to avoid with a jump. Miku used this opportunity to reach into the holster on her right leg and withdraw a gun.

Mikuo growled. Something told him that wasn't a regular gun. And right on cue, Miku fired, barely giving him time to dodge it. Mikuo's eyes narrowed as long, electric sparks instead of bullets were released from the barrel. "A taser gun, eh?"

Miku fired a second time; this time successfully hitting her target. Mikuo hissed as a surge of electric shocks ripped through his body and caused his nerves to go haywire. Miku watched as her brother fell to the ground in a crumpled heap, growling and hissing in pain.

"I don't know what you're planning," she said as she stepped towards him, gun still poised just in case he decided to try anything, "But now Haku and I are trying to atone for father's mistakes, and I swear, if you so much as lay a finger on them I-AGH!"

She was suddenly cut short when she found herself pinned to the alley wall by the very same blades she had thrown at Mikuo earlier. She grit her teeth. He had hid them and was waiting for the opportune moment to catch her off guard!

"You'll do what, kill me? Tch," Mikuo scoffed as he stood and began walking in the opposite direction, "First off, it'll take more than a measly taser gun to bring me down. And second, that fool you consider our father deserved to get himself caught and thrown in prison... but I, on the other hand, won't repeat the same mistakes."

"C-Come back here! Mikuo!" Miku struggled against her restraints, growing more frustrated with each passing second.

"Haku will probably come looking for you in a few hours," Mikuo nonchalantly waved a hand behind him, "And she'll set you free then. But... word of warning to you two: if you come at me again, I also will not hesitate to take action against either should you two interfere with my plans... Next time, I will show no mercy. Keep that in mind."

"MIKUO!" Miku screamed at his retreating figure, but the boy was already gone.

Super duper long chapter, woo! I feel like I'm making Rin too mean... poor Len. But things'll get better soon, I promise! Also, for some odd reason, I have this irrational love for Mikuo ;u;. He's just so irresistibly adorable! Except here I kind of made him into a deceptive little bastard... but he's still a cutie pie! Don't you agree? WHAT. AGREE WITH ME NOW. I DEMANDS IT Dx! AND A REVIEW TOO! No lol jk ;u;… well, not about the review part hehe.