The days were definitely getting colder. Anya could see little clouds forming with each breath she took. Honestly, the only good thing about cold weather was drinking hot cocoa. And maybe snuggling up with Loidy—seriously his fluffy fur was the best. Being cold sucked. Why was she outside again when staying home made so much more sense?

"…ya? Earth to Anya?"

Anya turned her head to see her best friend waving a hand at her, looking miffed. Oh yea, because her best friend had decided that her wardrobe was outdated and needed immediate adjustment. And no, it couldn't wait.

"Sorry Becky, what were you saying?"

Becky huffed. "I was saying, do you want to head back? It's getting cold, and we still have a bunch of homework to do. You know that old fart will give us that stupid look if we half-ass it again." She scrunched up her face in annoyance. "Seriously though, why does he even have to care so much if we get some questions wrong? Or if we finish stuff the day it's due? It's still done! Even imperial scholars miss stuff sometimes!"

Anya laughed. "Becky, we were literally doing the problem set as he walked in the door! What did you expect? Honestly, I'm surprised we got off with just a short lecture on the elegance of proper time management."

"Well, it was only once! Besides, for all he knew, maybe we had a good reason for not being able to finish it at home. Maybe we had some other pressing responsibilities!"

"You were complaining about the finale of that weird tv show where a basketball player missed a 3 point shot and the Martian death beam destroyed Earth. You were moping about it and refused to do any work" Anya deadpanned. "We went shopping instead, and I missed my anime because of you."

"Not helping. Anyway, shall we leave then? Let's go to your place, it's closer." Becky sent a quick message on her phone before picking up her bags. "Martha said she'll be here to pick us up in 5 minutes. Let's go meet her by the sidewalk".

In her own opinion, Anya demonstrated a great deal of maturity by letting the matter drop. She smiled. As dramatic as Becky could be, the girl was super fun to be around, and she really cared about her friends. Well, friend. Singular. It felt like Becky didn't really care to get close to any of their other classmates. Anya understood though—as a Blackbell, Becky had always been taught to value the best things in life. Thus, when she found someone as damned awesome as Starlight Anya, it was a no-brainer to dismiss others as insignificant.

Heh

"…. Anya, you're making that face again."

"I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about"

xxx

They left the shopping district and drove a short distance away, where they eventually pulled up to the driveway of a small, out-of-the-way house. The car had barely stopped before Becky jumped out of the car with her backpack and quickly made her way to the front door.

Anya sighed and turned towards the kindly attendant driving the car. "Thanks again as always, Martha. How late can she stay today?"

The old lady chuckled. "Master Blackbell has given his permission for Miss Becky to stay the night if she wants; just have her call me if she wants me to come pick her up tonight."

Anya nodded and stepped out of the car with her bags. She shuddered as the chill wind blew against her face. There was definitely a cup of cocoa waiting in the kitchen with her name on it. She looked up when she heard the door open.

"Hi Mrs. Forger, you look lovely as always! We just finished shopping. Can I stay over tonight to do some homework with Anya?"

Yor Forger beamed as she ushered the two teenagers inside. "Of course, we're always happy to have you, Becky! I'll go heat up some water, so go ahead and get comfortable. Did you two have a good time today?"

"Absolutely! We walked all over Main Street and visited all the usual places. There's a bunch of cute outfits on sale now for the fall season." Becky put her school bag on the table and looked around. The Forger house felt like her second home at this point, it was so cozy! Sure, it was a bit small, but it always felt so warm and inviting.

Anya also dropped her bag as she stepped inside and went to sit on the couch. Right on cue, Loidy bounded forward and started whining for attention. Anya happily obliged the excitable puppy. "Yea, it was good! I got a little doggy sweater for Loidy here, and a new winter coat. It was kind of annoying carrying it all around afterwards, but I didn't feel like changing..." She paused—wait a minute. Why didn't she just wear it? That would've solved the problem of both carrying it and being cold! Pfft—well, thank goodness nobody could read her mind.

"Well, that's wonderful! Show it to me later Anya, I'm sure you look super cute in it! Anyways, you girls had perfect timing. I'm just about to go pick up dinner, so I'll be back soon. Go ahead and get comfortable!" Yor grabbed her keys and went to go find her jacket. Soon, the two friends could hear the distinct noise of the car starting up and backing out of the driveway.

Anya yawned. Well, no time like the present, might as well get some work done before Mama comes home with dinner. She turned to look at Becky—and immediately turned away, trying to hide her snickering.

Oh my gosh where—wait how is? Oh! Is my—oh no that's okay….wait no it's not…..?!2#% #$ nah it's okay…ahhhhh

"My dad isn't here right now, he got called in for a few inpatients." Anya fished around her bag, pausing only to give her friend a smirk. "Don't worry, he'll be home by dinner time. Your hair looks fine mostly, although there's a part in the back that's sticking up a bit"

Becky's face flushed in embarrassment as she quickly started flattening the hair on the back of her head. "Anya! I didn't say–whatever do you mean?"

This time, Anya actually laughed. "Why else would you be so extra-excited to come to my place? You come over all the time on the weekdays, but it's the weekends that you really prefer right? Papa's only really free on the weekends after all. Oh also, I lied. Your hair is perfectly fine."

Her friend puffed her cheeks out and pouted. "Am I really that obvious? Sometimes it feels like you can read my mind way too easily…."

*gulp*

"…but I guess that just shows how close we are! Okay yea, I was really hoping to see Dr. Forger! I realize your mom is amazing, but even if I've given up all hope for snagging him for myself, he is living proof that true, fine men do exist. If only more of them tried to be like him! Not like those idiots in our class."

"No way, some of the guys seem to be really into you Becky! Maybe you should give them a chance; after all, you never know until you try right?" Heh

"Anya! Don't make that face! None of them are interesting, they're all annoying! Especially Emile, I've lost count of how many times he's declared his undying love for me. That's just NOT the way to do it. He needs to take a hint already."

Heh

"I'm so going to pour your cocoa down the drain later."