I want to take a moment to say something here: it was very difficult for me to get into the mood to write this until just a few days ago. This was not due to a lack of desire to write, but more a general depressed mood I fell into.

I'm sure I don't need to tell anyone that Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragonball among many other works, sadly passed away on March 1st. I've never been one to get emotional when a celebrity passes, but it was different this time. Like many of us here in the West, Dragonball was my first introduction to anime and manga. I didn't have the best childhood, and the daily episode of DBZ on Toonami was one of the only things I actually looked forward to and it was one of the first things my father and I actually managed to bond over.

Say what you will about the problems the writing of Dragonball had, because of course it did, but it was a rock for me in turbulent times and taught me to never give up no matter how hopeless things are. I can honestly say that I would not be the person I am today, would not be here writing this, if not for the influence Akira Toriyama and his work had on me as a child. So thank you Akira Toriyama, for the memories, the bonds and lessons taught. Rest in peace and fly high.

Can We Talk?

Mid-morning of July 27th...

"Are we sure she's even in there?" Natsuo asked as he knocked on his neighbor's apartment door for the fifth time in as many minutes.

Rui, holding a covered plate of food, sighed as she replied, "She'd better be. She made such a fuss about this last night, so I better not have made this for nothing." As she spoke she adjusted her grip on the plate, making sure that the simple covering of foil hadn't loosened to let any of the contents spill out.

"Ah come on, you made a large enough breakfast that portioning some out for her wasn't too much trouble," Natsuo reminded her with a smile.

Rui simply pouted slightly as she lightly elbowed him and muttered, "That's not the point."

After a sixth set of knocking the pair could hear heavy and slow footsteps make their way to the door before it creaked opened with a weary, "What is it...?"along with a single eye of the occupant squinting against the morning light.

"Good morning Kasumi, we brought you that breakfast you asked for," Natsuo greeted with his normal cheer.

"Ah! Not so loud... my head is killing me," Kasumi muttered as she opened the door wider and massaged her temples.

A smug grin forming on her face, Rui spoke in a slightly louder than normal tone, "Kasumi you look like you barely slept! How are you feeling?"

Wincing at the pain, Kasumi answered, "Alright message received Rui... I miiiight have overdone it last night... I feel like shit."

"Oh you 'might have overdone it'?" Rui gave a friendly laugh in response, "Do you remember twirling around lamp posts while singing about food?"

Kasumi's eyes narrowed in thought for a moment before she said with a sigh, "Okay I definitely over did it. Sorry you had to deal with that." She then noticed a scent in the air that made her stomach growl and her eyes lock on to the plate that Rui held before asking, "What's that?"

"So I guess you don't remember begging Rui to bring you breakfast to help with your hangover either?" Natsuo asked teasingly.

"I did that? And you actually made me something?" Kasumi blinked as her eyes drifted from the covered plate back up her friends' faces.

Rui held the plate out to her as she explained, "It wasn't a hassle or anything. I made big breakfast for us so there was plenty to share." She pointedly ignored Natsuo's expression that screamed "that's not what you said a minute ago" as Kasumi took the plate from her.

The near constant grimace of the hangover faded into a grateful smile as Kasumi said, "Even still... thank you. It smells delicious, what is it?"

"Since it's the first weekend we've had free in a bit we decided to make an American style breakfast: eggs, toast, sausages and potatoes. Coincidentally all foods that can help with hangovers too," Natsuo explained, giving Rui a knowing smirk at the suggestion she'd made for breakfast.

Lifting the foil to view the food Kasumi replied, "Definitely a heavier breakfast than I'd normally have, but it sounds like it's just what the doctor ordered. You two on your way out already?"

Nodding, Rui answered, "Yeah, have a few small errands to run before we go to lunch. Will we see you and Fumiya at the festival later?"

"If my headache goes away we'll be there for sure. He should be getting home soon and then I think he's coming over," Kasumi said as she took out a piece of toast and began nibbling on it. She then motioned to the pair as she said, "Don't let me keep you two though, you already went out of your way to give me this, thank you again."

"You're welcome Kasumi, feel better!" Natsuo said as they turned to leave, Rui giving her a nod and wave in farewell as Kasumi slunk back into her apartment to recover. As they approached the station Natsuo asked Rui, "So what's the errand you need to run, need any help?"

Shaking her head Rui smiled as she answered, "No it's okay. I just need to pick up my yukata from the shop. It was a last minute decision to get a new one, I'm just glad they were able to finish it in time."

"A new yukata?" Natsuo asked with surprise, "Did something happen to your old one?"

Rui took a moment before she responded, "No it's fine, it's just... Well that was the first festival I'd gone to since I was a kid so I didn't have my own. The one I wore that time was a hand me down from Hina-nee... so I wanted to get one of my own. Besides, while I appreciate her giving me one of hers the colors weren't exactly a good fit for me."

"I see," Natsuo said after a moment as they entered the station. Though she hadn't said it directly he could see that it was important to her, so he gave her a wide smile as he added, "I'm sure it'll look beautiful on you. I'm looking forward to it."

Returning the smile and giving him a playful poke to the cheek Rui replied, "You'd better be. It took me hours decide on it."

A moment passed before Natsuo asked, "So what colors is it?"

"You'll have to wait for the festival to see it. I want your reaction to be genuine," Rui teased, sticking her tongue out slightly, receiving the expected pout in return which caused her smile to grow even wider.

Meanwhile – Outside the Rehab Facility...

Exiting the large building into the bright summer sun Misaki shielded her eyes as she fished around her bag, muttering to herself, "Did I leave them in my room? No I'm sure they're in here..."

As she continued walking and searching a female voice asked from nearby, "What are you looking for?"

"My sunglasses, it's so bright out this morning," Misaki replied automatically, not registering whose voice she'd heard.

A small laugh sounded as the woman said, "Misaki I think they're on your head."

Pausing to bring her hand up Misaki sighed as she indeed found her sunglasses perched atop her head. As she brought them down to cover her eyes she realized who was there as she turned and asked, "And just where have you been Hina? Boss and I have been trying to get in touch with you."

Stepping out from the shade of the tree she'd been standing under, Hina answered, "I'm sorry. After what happened... what I realized... I needed more time. Before that I had been staying just outside of town, but I've been traveling all over the last couple months."

Misaki simply stared at her and gave a curt, "Everyone's been worried sick about you. Especially Natsuo and Rui-chan."

Frowning in response Hina said, "I know... I'll apologize to everyone soon. I'm done running, I'm back now."

A moment passed before Misaki spoke again as she started walking, "Well come on then. I have to get to the festival grounds to help Boss set up our stall. We can talk on the way."

Hina quickly made to follow, but took a moment to decide what to say. She eventually settled on a question and asked, "How have they been doing since what happened?"

"Natsuo was pretty withdrawn for a while afterwards. Nobody but Rui-chan saw much of him outside of him going to classes for a few weeks, but having her here really helped him. You can tell it's still on his mind it you look close enough, but it's been pushed to edges now. Rui-chan has been working hard both at your dad's restaurant and getting Natsuo back into his normal routine," Misaki explained calmly, with a sad smile. She knew from what Kobayashi had told her that Rui showing up is what caused Hina to have her realization, she knew what she was saying was going to dig at Hina but she wasn't going to sugar coat things. She knew that what her friend needed from her was honesty.

Hina's eyes had widened almost imperceptibly as she asked, "Rui didn't go back to New York? But what about her training?"

"Of course she didn't. She decided that being here with Natsuo was more important than the fast track finishing the training would put her on. She's working as a station chef at your dad's restaurant while she improves her skills to climb higher," Misaki replied with a smile, proud of her new friend's determination.

Hina was quiet for a moment before she said, "It sounds like you and Rui have gotten close, I'm glad. How did the cooking contest go?"

With a sigh Misaki answered, "We haven't had it yet. We've been waiting for you to get back, it was agreed that both you and Natsuo would be the judges remember?"

"Yeah... I remember," Hina responded after a moment, a small smile on her face.

As they continued to walk another silence fell over them. Misaki, sensing that Hina was having trouble saying whatever it was she wanted to say, spoke up, "Hina, I don't know what you've decided or what you're planning to do... But if you want my opinion: you need to move on."

Startled by the sudden statement Hina asked, "What? What do you mean?"

"I know you're in love with Natsuo, or at the very least you were and that's why you left. If you've already managed to do that then you can ignore what I'm saying, but for everyone's sake you need to let go," Misaki explained as softly as she could.

Hina could only stare for a moment before muttering, "How did you..."

Giving another sigh Misaki replied, "I figured it out the last time you visited me, and Boss confirmed it when I asked him later on. I don't know the full story about what happened between you three: Boss only told me the minimum and I haven't told Natsuo and Rui-chan that I know or asked them for any details. What I do know is that whatever happened between you and him wasn't healthy, and that what he and Rui-chan have is good. I've seen them together these last few months and it's clear as day."

Hina was quiet before she chuckled to herself and saying, "And here I was about to tell you exactly that: that I had those feelings and that's why I had to get away before I did something on impulse. I guess I don't have much of a poker face huh?"

"That's putting it lightly," Misaki answered with her own chuckle before adding, "So what now? You said you were back now, that you're done running. What are you going to do?"

"Well I had a plan for today... but I didn't know Rui was still here, so I need to rethink it," Hina answered cautiously, avoiding eye contact.

"Dammit," Misaki swore under her breath, "Please don't tell me all you've been doing was waiting it out for Rui-chan to go back overseas so you could tell Natsuo about how you feel. Hina listen to me: I've stayed out of this so far out of respect for your privacy, all of you. You're my friend but so are Natsuo and Rui-chan, so if you're telling me you're here to confess to him and win him over then I will warn them," she paused to pull her phone out of her bag, "I'm not going to just stand by and watch that happen."

Shaking her head fiercely Hina replied, "No it's not that it's just... I think what I need is closure. Living in denial and hiding how I feel hasn't helped anyone. I need to be honest with them, I don't think anything else can happen until then. Rui being here is just going to make it a bit more difficult."

Misaki studied her friend's face and body language, and while she was no expert she didn't see anything that immediately indicated she was lying to her. After a tense moment she asked, "Can you promise me you're not going to try and steal him from your sister?"

Hina met her gaze head on and gave a firm nod as she answered, "I promise."

Placing her phone back into her bag Misaki said, "Fine, then I won't say anything to them. My only advice is to wait until later, they had to miss their date night last night so they're making up for it today. Use that time to figure out what you're going to say to them."

"Oh... right. Thank you Misaki. I'm glad I came to talk to you first," Hina said sheepishly, trying not to imagine how poorly things would have gone if she'd interrupted Natsuo and Rui while out on a date.

A smile returning to her face, Misaki responded, "Me too. Topic of conversation withstanding: I've missed you. Once things are settled we need to go out for drinks and catch up."

"I'd like that. First round is on me to make up for everything," Hina said, her smile also returning.

"Just the first round? I think more than that is going to be needed to make up for all the headaches you caused," Misaki teased, laughing at the pleading expression she received in return. Checking the time she added, "I need to get moving though, Boss will be wondering what's taking so long. I'll see you later Hina."

Giving another Hina said, "Yeah, tell Mari-san I'll stop by the stall once the festival starts." Misaki nodded in response as she took off at a quicker pace in order not to miss the next train. As she watched her friend vanish into the crowd near the station Hina mumbled to herself, "Okay... time to figure out what to say to them..."

Late afternoon – Festival grounds...

"So everything's alright?" Natsuo asked as he glanced out over the crowd approaching the shrine that the festival was being held at. He stood dressed in a simple green yukata off to one side of the pathway in order not to block the foot traffic.

Beside him, Fumiya adjusted his own yukata, a dark blue, as he replied, "As good as it can be. Great uncle is getting up there in years so this gave us a scare. He didn't want us to stick around any longer than we needed to and insisted we go home, so we'll see."

"My grandparents were like that: the way they saw it they'd already lived their lives and didn't want us worrying too much about them. From what I've heard your great uncle is tough one though so I'm sure he's got plenty of years still in him," Natsuo commented as he turned back to face his friend.

"Ha! You and me both. My parents were more worried, but they forget he's not exactly frail. I bet he could take on someone half his age and be fine," Fumiya laughed as he leaned against the tree that stood beside the gate. A moment passed before he asked, "Any sign of them?"

Shaking his head with a chuckle Natsuo answered, "Not yet. I know they asked us to go ahead while they used Kasumi's apartment to get ready, but I didn't think it would take them this long."

"In all honesty it's probably Sumi, she's real particular about her hair for special occasions. I know women's yukata are a bit more complex than men's but I doubt that's the reason," Fumiya replied as he observed how anxious Natsuo looked. He smirked as he said, "You must be really looking forward to seeing Rui in her yukata, been a few years since last time right?"

Sheepishly laughing as he avoided direct eye contact Natsuo answered, "Well I won't deny that... That and she said she got a new one. Didn't want to keep using the spare one that Hina-nee gave her."

"And you haven't seen it yet?" Fumiya asked, genuine intrigue spurred by the extra information.

"Not yet, she wanted it to be a surprise, she only picked it up today before we went to lunch," Natsuo responded, his mind drifting to imagining how she'd look.

A moment passed before Fumiya hesitantly asked, "So... how have things been? Are you still...?"

Seeing Fumiya was uncomfortable with the question, Natsuo jumped in, "Getting there. I still flash back to that night but... it's not as bad as it was. I haven't gotten sick in over a month now."

Smiling an uneasy smile Fumiya sighed, "That's good - I mean not that it's still happening, but that it's getting better." Taking a deep breath he added, "Sorry. It's still a bit weird talking to you about that."

"No need to apologize, it's a weird thing to talk about with anyone if you ask me," Natsuo joked in response, trying to lighten the mood.

He saw Fumiya's gaze shift slightly, but before he could say anything a female voice called from behind him, "What's a weird thing to talk about?"

"Ah you know, guy stuff. You wouldn't wanna hear it Sumi," Fumiya replied, and innocent smile on his face.

Kasumi entered his field of vision as she walked up to Fumiya: most of her hair up in her usual side pony tail though with obvious care put into it in the extra curls and bangs she'd let hang loose. Her yukata was a warm orange with a black obi which called an image of a sunset to Natsuo's mind. As she got to Fumiya she pecked him on the cheek before saying, "Fine then, keep your guy talk a secret. And we'll do the same for our girl talk. Right Rui?"

"That's right. Sorry we're late, Kasumi refused to leave until she got her curls just right," Rui responded from behind Natsuo.

As Natsuo turned around Fumiya's laughter – and Kasumi's sputtering about the hair comment were lost to him when he saw Rui: the yukata she wore was white, not blindingly so, but soothing and calm. A floral pattern similar to the one she wore years ago was threaded into it, the flowers themselves all either a deep blue or magenta in color. In contrast to the white color of the yukata the inner lining, hints of which could be seen around her neck, and the obi were both a deep red. And lastly her hair, which had grown out slightly in the months she'd been home was pinned up with a hair ornament that took the shape of a white flower.

Letting Natsuo's eyes wash over her a few times, Rui spread her arms out, spun around and asked with a smile, "So? How does it look?"

Natsuo didn't hesitate in his reply and blurted, "It's perfect. You're perfect."

Her face reddening slightly at the immediate and unfiltered compliment, Rui lowered her arms as she walked up to him and replied, "Thank you, I'm glad you like it. Like I said, it took me a while to decide on this one."

"Like it? I love it. It definitely suits you more than the one you wore before," Natsuo commented with a smile which grew wider when Rui smiled in return.

They were reminded of their friends' presence when Kasumi spoke, "I agree. She showed me the old one and those colors were just... bleh. Not her at all."

The group chatted for another moment before making their way into the festival proper and while trying to decide what to check out first noticed a large line formed at one of the stalls and headed towards it. As they neared it they noticed several people holding chilled beverages or treats such iced coffee, tea, ice cream and shaved iced of various flavors.

Taking note of the items Natsuo commented, "Well this stall has the right idea, it's been pretty hot the last few days so people are going to jump at the chance for stuff like this."

"Oh... I think I figured out why Boss asked Misaki to help out at the stall instead of me," Fumiya said as they got closer.

Kasumi looked at him curiously as she asked, "What makes you say that?"

Fumiya simply point ahead and slightly up, the stall's sign now close enough to read. Getting up on her toes to see over the people ahead of them, Rui read aloud, "Yuki-Onna's Iced Treats by L'Amant."

The group looked at each other as Natsuo voiced their thoughts, "You don't think...?" He trailed off as they all made the decision to get in line, both to confirm their suspicion and to get something to keep them cool until the sun fully set.

As the line moved forward they caught snippets of conversations around them, all relating to the stall they were steadily approaching:

"That girl is breathtaking!"

"She looks like a real life yuki-onna!"

"Do you think her hair is naturally that color?"

"If she works at the actual cafe I'm going to have to check it out."

"They really went all out on their theme."

When they finally arrived at the front of the line their mouths hung up slightly at the sight of the actual stall: the counter top had been draped in a deep blue cloth which tapered to white at its edges, silver Christmas garlands framed the table, sign and signpost while icicle and snow ornaments hung from it. And the centerpiece of it all was Misaki dressed in a snow white yukata that tapered to an icy blue at the ends of its' sleeves with a matching obi, her long silver hair left unbound to sway in the breeze and to top it all off an icy mist emerged from under the counter, the tell tale sign of dry ice being left out.

Seeing their expressions Misaki giggled to herself before speaking in an ethereal tone, "I've gotten plenty of reactions today, but I have to say you all have had the best one so far. So can I interest you in something to combat this stifling summer heat?"

Kasumi was the first to regain her voice as she blurted out, "Misaki-neesan! You're gorgeous!"

Taken aback by the sudden outburst, Misaki's eyes widened slightly before she broke character and quietly replied, "Why thank you! I have to admit I was hesitant about Boss' idea at first, but I see now I shouldn't doubt his business intuition."

"That's for sure. If there's one thing I've learned is that you should never under estimate that guy," Fumiya commented as he glanced behind Misaki to where Kobayashi was preparing orders with a huge smile.

Noticing that the crowd behind them was getting anxious Natsuo spoke up, "We should put our order in before people get impatient."

After they had put their order in and made to step to the side in order to wait Misaki whispered, "Psst! Rui, can I have a moment?"

Confused, but willing, Rui waved the others ahead as she hung back and asked, "Everything okay Misaki?"

Glancing behind her friend to be sure the others were out of immediate earshot she asked, "So? What does he think of your yukata? You told me about it but you honestly didn't do it justice."

Rui's eyes widened slightly for a brief moment before her face shifted into a bright smile and she quietly answered, "He said it was perfect... that I was perfect."

As Misaki watched her friend's face blush while she beamed with pure joy, she felt her own face shift into a smile as well as she thought, "Yeah, there's nothing to worry about. Even if if Hina were to try and win Natsuo over... that ship has sailed. He only has eyes for Rui-chan." Noticing the next people in line giving confused looks she jumped back into character and added, "Right then. Your refreshments will be along shortly dear patron," she paused before whispering, "I'll catch up with you all for the fireworks."

Nodding in response Rui stepped aside to join the others, they had been joined by Miyabi who had noticed them as she was passing by with her family. She wore a lavender yukata with a darker purple obi and her hair was bound back in a bun. She waited with them while they waited for their order but quickly excused herself to rejoin her family stating she had promised to spend time with them after being busy with finals and Forester work. The group of four stuck together for a bit before the two couples eventually split off from each other to pursue different attractions and not impose on the others.

Later...

As the evening progressed and the sunset approached Rui sat down on an empty bench they'd managed to find on the outer edge of the festival with a sigh. As Natsuo sat beside her he asked, "Getting tired?"

"Not tired really, but my feet are killing me. I always forget how uncomfortable geta can be if you're not used them," Rui whimpered as she leaned back against the bench, thankful to have a moment to rest.

Looking down at her feet and noting the slight red marks the geta straps had gradually caused, Natsuo frowned slightly before saying, "We have been walking around non-stop... we can rest here until we need to get a good spot for the fireworks. If you'd like I can give you a massage when we get home."

"I love you," Rui declared simply in response to his offer, her face shifting from discomfort to a small smile.

Not being able to contain his laugh at her response, Natsuo put his arm around her and held her close as he replied, "I love you too. I take it that's a yes?"

Leaning against him with a content sigh she answered, "Of course it is! You think I'd pass that up after walking around in these?"

The two sat in a comfortable silence with each other for a good while, simply enjoying being with each other as they watched the crowd of the festival. As they watched they spotted others a few times: Fumiya and Kasumi making their way through the crowd before they lost sight of them, Misaki drifting through the crowd – her hair and yukata making her stand out as she sought some food and games for herself, Miyabi escorting a young boy who they assumed must be the younger sibling they'd heard of but not met, and even a glimpse their parents enjoying the festivities.

As the sun was entering the final stages of its descent a sudden buzzing noise broke the couple out of their reverie. There was confusion before realization hit Natsuo as he dug his phone out and checked to see who was calling him. As he saw the screen he voiced, "Tougen-sensei...? I wonder why he'd call now."

"Do you think he's okay? Has he shown any worsening or symptoms lately?" Rui asked, concern lacing her voice as she looked up at him.

"I haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary..." he trailed off, clearly not wanting their night to be interrupted, but his own concern won out, "Rui do you mind if I go find somewhere quiet to call him? Just to see if everything's okay?"

Rui fought back her instinctual pout at having their night even slightly intruded on and answered, "Go ahead. I just hope nothing serious has happened. If I have to move for some reason I'll send you a text."

"Thanks Rui, I'll be quick. Then we can go find a spot to watch the fireworks," he responded as he got up and made his way back towards the entrance of the festival grounds.

As Rui watched Natsuo walk off to find somewhere quieter to take the phone call, she couldn't help but smile at how caring he was even if it cut into their time together. For a moment a spark of resentment had flashed but it was quickly drowned out by her adoration for his nature. She almost made to follow after him when a slight vibration from her hand bag caught her attention – among the noise of the festival and her own thoughts she'd not heard her phone's message alert go off. As she fished it out and saw who had messaged her eyes widened in shock.

Hina: I'm out behind the shrine, can you come here? Alone?

She stared for a moment before she quickly typed out a reply:

Rui: I'll be right there. Don't move.

She stood quickly, pausing only to send a message to Natsuo, then started to wade through the crowd as quickly as she could without drawing attention to herself; the sights and sounds of the festival around her blurring and fading as she focused squarely on the main structure of the shrine in the distance. She passed L'Amant's stall completely missing both Kobayashi and Misaki waving at her, walked right by Fumiya and Kasumi oblivious to the laughter of the pair and didn't hear her mother call out to her before she was lost in the crowd. All that mattered was that Hina was there and that she had specifically requested to see her.

Her mind raced with the implications and thoughts about why she was here now, why she wanted to see her alone, and most of all what she would say to her. All of that faded as soon her eyes focused – she was behind the shrine already, in a small wooded area, barely any sound from the festival carried here and none of the lighting. There before her was the familiar sight of her older sister, her long brown hair bound in a bun save for her bangs, dressed in dark pink yukata with green and blue flowers and a blue obi around her waist - the very same one she'd worn when they all attended a festival together. Everything she had wanted to say caught in her throat, and all she get out was, "Hina-nee..."

Hina turned to directly face her younger sister, a solemn smile on her face as she said, "Hey Rui... It's been a while. Can we talk?"

AN: As stated above it was difficult for me to get into the mood to write this chapter and because of that I'm not sure about how it turned out. I knew I was going to end the chapter with Rui and Hina coming face to face but I second guessed everything else as I was writing it.

If you're curious about the yukata Rui is wearing you can Google image search "Rui Tachibana yukata" and you'll find the image I based it off of.

Let me know what you think, feedback is always appreciated!