a/n: make it count, play it straight, don't look back, don't hesitate WHEN YOU GO BIG TIME*

[In Shades of Grey]

The sun hit Naomi's eyes, but what woke her up wasn't the light: it was Veronica, pushing her off bed.

Naomi grunted as she fell on her side, "You're the worst."

Veronica pulled the covers over her eyes, "Draw the curtains," She whined.

"Nao, what's going on?" asked a higher pitched voice.

Asuna.

Naomi let out a nervous laugh, "I brought a friend over."

Asuna frowned, "Well... we have class today." She looked away from Naomi, she seemed... upset.

"I thought today was a free day." Naomi said.

Asuna ripped the blankets off herself, "Yes, you're not always right about everything." She grabbed her uniform and walked out of the room.

Naomi blinked in surprise, she had never lashed out at her like that.

"I thought you said she was nice." Veronica spoke up.

"She is," Naomi got up from the floor and grabbed her own uniform as she headed out room, "Stay here."

It didn't take long for Naomi to reach Asuna.

"Hey, wait!" She grabbed Asuna's wrist, "I know you're upset... Just let me explain."

Asuna roughly pulled away from Naomi, "So you could feed me another lie or tell me another half-truth!"

Naomi opened her mouth to say something only to be interrupted, "I thought, 'Whatever it is she's hiding, she'll tell me when she's ready.' I told myself, 'Even if she doesn't, it's not any of my business.' But you know what?" Asuna took in a shaky breath, "It is my business. I cover for you all the time while your doing... God know what, and I am done!" Asuna had tears rimming her eyes, "You either tell me the truth or you don't talk to me ever again."

Naomi stood there stunned, weighing out her options: I could tell her the truth. No, that's a bad idea or I can - I can - Yes, I'll do that.

Naomi nodded and laughed, "So now, you want to play tough girl?" She crossed her arms, "Trying to shake me down?" Naomi let herself slip back down into old habits. "You're spineless, a coward, Asuna."

She saw her cower, This is a necessary evil.

"The only thing you know how to do is to sit idly by and watch. You do nothing when it counts." Naomi sneered.

Asuna's mouth quiver, "I'll tell the headmaster."

"Spoken like a true good girl who always follows the rules." Naomi took a step closer to Asuna, "I don't follow the rules. I make them." Her eyes were cold and devoid of any mercy, "Ask Veronica, she'll tell you what I'm capable of."

Naomi spun on her heel and slammed the door behind her.

She didn't deserve that.

You went easy on her, you've said worse.

"Nao?" Veronica asked softly.

Naomi began to change, "We need to leave before anyone else wakes up."

Veronica got out of bed and grabbed her clothes on top of the drawer.

I'm a terrible person.

Naomi slipped on her uniform with ease and turned her head towards Veronica, "Ready?"

I can't believe I said that. Maybe I should apologize? No, as if she'd forgive me after what I said.

Veronica slipped on her shoes, "Yeah." Veronica grabbed her shoulder, "Hey, did you fix things with Asuna?"

Naomi's heart clenched as she fixed the rose cuffs on her uniform jacket, "No, I threatened her."

I don't deserve a friend like her anyway.

"Damn girl, she's your roommate." Veronica said.

"Yeah, well, she got a little too familiar." Naomi shot back.

Veronica knew better than to push Naomi.

I probably made her cry.

They made their way out of the Sun dorms only to find, Zero sitting at the end of the steps.

He gave them a lazy look as he stood up.

Veronica linked her arms with Naomi, "I didn't get a good look at him last night but I thought you said he was ugly." She whispered, "He's a snack."

Naomi shot her a sharp look, "Shut up."

"If he saw me half-naked I wouldn't mind."

"Veronica!" Naomi gaped.

She giggled, "I'm just saying."

Naomi didn't want to know how flushed she looked at the moment.

"Let's just go." Naomi grumbled as she tried to hide her burning cheeks.

Veronica energetically waved at Zero, "I didn't properly introduce myself last night," She extended her hand towards Zero, "Veronica Tamez."

Zero,who had his hands in his pockets, merely nodded, "Zero Kiryu."

Veronica pouted but continued, "Naomi told me there were prefects at this school," she pointed the white sash, "I'm guessing you're one of them?"

"Yes," Zero said.

Did he hear her talking to me just a little while ago? God, that would be so embarrassing.

Veronica tried to continue the conversation as they walked only to receive blunt one liners, while Naomi's thoughts were running amok.

She was whispering, though. Odds are he didn't hear anything.

Naomi breathed out as Asuna came rushing back into her mind, I could've lied, I didn't have to insult her. Now, Haruto's probably going to bite my head off. It doesn't matter, I can handle him. Naomi winced, The same way I handled, Asuna. So much for changing into a better person.

Veronica wrapped her arm around Naomi's shoulder, "Stop spacing out!" She laughed.

Of course, she can. She hasn't made terrible decision after terrible decision.

"I'm just thinking." Naomi said.

"That's dangerous," She giggled.

Naomi scoffed and shoved Veronica in a playful manner, "At least, I think before I act." She joked.

Veronica leaned against her side dramatically, "Not all of us can have your restraint."

"I wouldn't call it that," Naomi said.

I didn't show restraint on, Asuna...

Yes, you did. You could've done worse.

She was rationalizing again, she missed the times when she would say those dreadful things and not bat an eye.

No guilt.

No shame.

Veronica got off her side, "Well, this is my stop."

Naomi's eyes widen when they stopped at the gate, "What, no! I'll walk you all the way."

Zero grabbed her arm, "No, you're not."

Naomi glared at Zero, but Veronica spoke up; "Okay... It's fine, Nao. I know the way."

With that, Veronica winked at the duo and took her leave.

Naomi ripped her arm from his grip, "What was that for?!"

He ignored her, "You need to head to class."

"Are you going to escort me to class, too?" Naomi straighten her jacket.

Zero shoved his hands into his pockets, "If that's what it takes." And he did just that.

Something about his company was comforting to Naomi. He didn't talk, he didn't move to touch her, he just fell in step with her. Zero didn't speed up or slow down... He just walked quitely besides her.

Once, they arrived the students began to whisper.

"Since when are they friends?" One girl asked.

"I don't know, but it makes sense that they're friends." The other answered.

"Maybe they're dating?" A boy said, "Naomi is pretty."

Zero shot them a piercing glare. It was enough for them to cower and hush each other.

Naomi grabbed the doorknob that heads into the classroom but before she went inside, she lifted her head and said:

"Sorry, for kicking you in the leg yesterday." Naomi smiled, "And I'm sorry, for judging you for, well, you know."

Zero nodded, "It's fine." He leaned in, "Head to your dorms without any detours tonight, will you?"

Naomi snickered, "No promises."

Maybe, I'm not friendless.

a/n:It only took nineteen chapters for them to become friendly*