ᔕTᖇᗩᑎGE ᗪIᗩᖇY 3

[Xura]

Raku: O-oh, I see.
His part of a frown quickly became a forced grin.
Raku: Well, we're happy to have her here.
Koda looked away. I sat down on his left, and elbowed him in the side. He whispered to me.
Koda: What was that for?
Me: Play nice.
Amy sat to my left, and after a few minutes, Tsugumi came and sat in front of us. I noticed that Zack had managed to keep an unreadable expression throughout this whole ordeal, it was perplexing to say the least.
Amy: So, Zack. I hear you're in charge of the triad now. How's all that going for you?
She flipped casually through her menu options, barely glancing up to get a read on him. Zack straightened himself and began to adjust the cuff links he wore.
Zack: Very smoothly. It's a new position, and granted that I still have some things to learn, but I've really got it down. ... And how about your occupation in working with the Stryker family? I've heard a few rumors, but I hadn't exactly gotten the whole story.
There was challenging glint in his eyes as he glared at us from across the table. You'd have thought Amy hadn't even noticed.
Amy: Oh, that old job? That didn't work out. Isn't that right, Xura?
I nodded.
Amy: We both decided that we wanted to start working solo, so we resigned and did just that.
He seemed unsatisfied.
Zack: Ah, I see.
Raku: So Zack, pardoning the interruptions earlier, did you see any possible suitors today? Someone that may have specifically stuck out to you?
At the question, Zack sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
Zack: ... Maybe.
He glanced at me, I redirected my gaze down to the menu.
Zack: To be honest, I'm not sure yet, but it'll all get sorted out soon.
Next to him, his mother raised an eyebrow.
Tsugumi: Interesting choice of words.
Zack scowled.

A waiter came by and took our orders. Everyone had ordered something particularly expensive and unique, while I on the other hand, ordered a basket of chicken tenders. To say the least, the older Himoriji's weren't impressed.
But what can I say? I'm not going to order some expensive snails that'll taste disgusting when I can just as easily order a cheap delectable basket of fried food. I regret nothing.

Tsugumi: Interesting choice, Xura.
Zack: Yes, very... American.
His gaze fell on me. I knew at once what he was trying to do. I didn't want to play his game, but I couldn't help myself when I let out a chuckle.
I could feel the stinging glares of Amy, Tsugumi, and Koda fall on me. I felt the nerves returning. Zack smirked.
I needed to turn this around.
Me: For those of you who don't know, when I was in Japan, Zack would tease me all the time about my "American-ness"-
I leaned over close to Koda, putting one hand on his neck, and the other on his chest.
Me: It's nice to have had those kind of memories before I marry Koda, I think it brings us closer as a family.
I kissed Koda's cheek, he brushed a hand through my hair.
Zack bit his lip, while Amy shifted in her seat.
Raku: Well put, Xura. I couldn't agree more. I'm glad to hear that family is just as important to you as it is to us.
Koda: Ah, well, that's my fiancée.
He pecked a light kiss on my forehead, and adjusted the way he was seated so that I might rest on him.
Suddenly, Zack leaned forward, causing the silverware on the table to rumble.
Zack: So, do tell, how did my brother-
He spoke the words like they were poison on his lips.
Zack: -propose to you?
I felt everyone on my side of the table immediately tense up. Amy struggled to give me an encouraging glance, but she ended up redirecting her gaze elsewhere in the restaurant.
Me: Well, it was actually rather romantic. Koda had led me to all our favorite places on a scavenger hunt! When I had reached the last clue he left me, he was there with me. He unfolded it and read it aloud.
I touched Koda's hand in indication I was tagging myself out. He immediately understood.
Koda: She was shocked when-when...
His eyes briefly drifted to Amy.
Koda: -when I got on my knee and proposed.
Me: It was honestly the most exciting moment I've ever experienced! I didn't even hesitate to give him a big kiss and a definite yes!
He nodded.
Tsugumi: Ah, yes. Young lovers, very sweet.
She smirked.
Tsugumi: Koda had told me when he had proposed last week, but I thought it best for him to keep it quiet until now. A bit unfortunate that it was announced so... unbecomingly.
Raku nodded.
Zack: What about when you two first-
Raku: That's enough, son.
Raku said this in a tone I had never heard him use with Zack. It was fair to say everyone at the table was pretty surprised.
Raku: I'm sure Koda and Xura just want to relax after everything that happened today. I'm proud of them, after all.
Koda gently squeezed my hand, his eyes brightening. Amy watched us as though we were strangers.
Koda: Thanks, Dad.
He gave a half-smile and nodded.
Next, the food came. They were all given big plates with tiny portions, while I received a huge basket of chicken tenders and fries. They glanced down at their plates and back at mine with a look of disappointment.
Me: Honey, do you want a fry?
Koda: O-oh. Sure.
I took one and popped it in his mouth. A smidge of ketchup had splashed on his cheek. I chuckled, then dipped a cloth in water and wiped it off.
Amy crumpled the napkin in her hand and took a bite off her plate. Zack stared out the window.

Soon, the meal was over and we began to disperse. We all had split into groups with some casual small talk before getting to the door. But before leaving, Amy tapped my shoulder.
Amy: Hey Xura, can you take a cab to the hotel?
She handed me a crumpled hundred dollar bill.
Me: Aren't you coming with me?
Amy: Yeah, but there's something I gotta do. I'll catch up with you later.
Me: Oh. Is it an errand? I don't mind-
Amy: It's kinda something I have to do on my own.
Me: Oh, okay. Meet you at the hotel, I guess.
She nodded and I left the building.

That was weird.


******

I couldn't let Xura know what I was doing. It was stupid. Really stupid. That's why I handed her that cab money and sent her on her way. If she knew what I was up to, she would never let me hear the end of it.
My legs felt like hundred-pound weights as I made my way to the rooftop. In fact, every action leading towards that moment felt debilitating. I could hardly breathe. And oddly, I was hoping that he was feeling the same on his way up.
It didn't take long for the elevator to reach the very top floor. I was a single staircase away from a conversation I wasn't sure I wanted to have.
Well, no turning back. I climbed the stairs, opening the door to a gust of wind so heavy it threatened to send me toppling over.
Halfway across the rooftop stood Koda. It was like a picture out of a story book with the sun setting behind us, his features having been illuminated by the orange-yellow glow of the sky.
Hesitantly I approached him, my heart pounding in my chest. He was staring out at the city skyline, his elbows resting on the black marble ledge of the building. He barely glanced to the side when I came to stand beside him.
"... Thanks for coming," I managed to say after a brief silence.
He shrugged.
"Of course. You said there was something you wanted to talk about?"
I took a deep breath, trying to suppress the feelings beginning to surface.
"I-I... know we haven't seen each other in a while. We both kinda split not knowing what to do or where we'd be headed next. I j-just want to know how you've been, I guess."
He glared at me, eyes narrowed.
"Fine. But if you just called me up here just for a friendly chat, I think I really should get going."
He adjusted his suit sleeves and began to angle himself towards the door. I hesitated and instinctively snatched his arm. His eyes met mine.
"Stay. Just... just let me have this," I pleaded.
His gaze was cold.
"Why should I? You didn't when I needed you."
He shook my hand off and headed for the door.
"Please," I whispered coarsely when we were back to back.
He hesitated.
"Please," I repeated, louder this time. "...I-I know that what I did back then was wrong. I shouldn't have left you like that. I didn't realize the distance I had put between us."

He sighed and slowly retraced his steps back to the ledge.
"Fine."
"Thank you."
We stood in silence with only the relentless howl of the wind filling the noiseless gap.
"If you could go back, would you-" Koda began.
"Don't make me answer that."
He sighed, his gaze traveling to the streets below.
"But," I continued. "I wouldn't have pushed you away like I did."
He looked up at me curiously.
"I panicked. Koda, I wasn't ready to get married. And-and I was worried that if I kept you around.. well, I might've fallen for you so much, I eventually wouldn't have been able to say no. ... I couldn't risk that when I was so close to solving the riddles. They were my obsession."
There was a pause.
"The riddles. ... I haven't heard you mention those in forever."
I half-smiled. He studied me for a moment.
"Okay," he said as he stretched and propped himself against the ledge to face me. "Well, I can't say I'm happy about it, but I accept your explanation. ... However, if you want to make up for it, you'll need to grant me whatever I ask for next."
I gave him a skeptical look.
"What exactly do you have in mind?"
"Well, in exchange for all the hurt you caused me, I think it's only fair that the elusive Amelia Ellington answers any ten questions I have for her with complete and total honesty."
"... This doesn't seem like a fair trade."
He chuckled. "Hey, do you want to fix things or not? I'm giving you an easy way out."
"Can we at least make it five?"
"Nope, it has to be ten."
I sighed. My heart said yes but my head gave a clear no.
"Fine," I agreed at last. "Ask away."
"Were you jealous today?"
"I'm already regretting this," I sighed.
"Answer honestly," he chirped.
I rolled my eyes and redirected my gaze toward the skyline.
"Maybe."
He grinned smugly.
"Have you been thinking about me at all?" He asked, leaning forward.
"... Maybe a little," I grumbled.
"Did you end up solving the riddles?"
"I did."
"And was it worth it, were you able to find what you were looking for?"
"Isn't that technically two questions?"
"No, it counts as one."
I rolled my eyes.
"Fine. And... perhaps not everything I was looking for. I saw him, from a distance."
"Did you meet him?"
"No. He, well... he wasn't the man I thought he'd be. I didn't want to be anywhere near him. But, I did get an answer finally. That was well worth all that trouble."
He gave me a look.
"Well," I conceded, "maybe not all the trouble."
A smile edged up the sides of his lips, he paused and thought carefully about his next question.
"I know you call yourself Amy... but is that your real name?"
I looked away.
"No."
"What is it?"
I tightened a fist as my gaze fell to the busy traffic below.
"... it's- well," I paused for a breath. "My true name is-"
Suddenly, a heavy gust of wind came passed by, pushing me against Koda as I flew forward.
"You okay?" He asked as he caught me.
"Y-yeah. I'm fine. But now you're on your eighth question."
His concerned expression shifted into a smirk.
"Oh you're a sneaky one, aren't you?"
"Yes, and there's your ninth."
He rolled his eyes.
"So I only have one question left. Hm."
He hesitated.
"Want to go out with me?"
I raised an eyebrow.
"I thought you were engaged."
He chuckled.
"Right. Like I could be engaged to any other girl."
I smiled as he pulled me in for a kiss.

[Xura]

So Amy came back to hotel around nine at night. I swear it was the strangest thing. I don't know what she was up to, but she's been giggling all night long. I think this is pretty serious. I mean, this is Amy we're talking about. If she's giggling, the only thing I could think of is that someone is posing as her, or she's officially snapped.
To say the least, I've been cautious.
Me: So.. "Amy", what uh, errands did you run?
She chuckled and sighed sweetly.
Amy: Oh, nothing. Hehe.
See what I mean?
Me: Are you feeling okay?
Her eyes snapped towards me suddenly.
Amy: Of course I am. Why do you ask?
Me: No reason. Just wondering.
I poured some chocopoofs into a bowl and took out the milk from the mini fridge.
Me: So how about that lunch, huh? Were you okay? You seemed kinda distant.
Amy: Did I?
Me: Well, it seemed like you were upset about something as I recall. I realize that we just made up, but I understand if you still want to talk it out.
Amy: Uh-huh.
She leaned over the counter, the same silly grin on her face.
Me: You're not even listening to me, are you?
She blinked a few times to get out her daze.
Amy: What was that?
Me: Oh boy.
I poured the milk into the bowl of chocopuffs, then taking a spoon from the drawer, sat down to eat.
Me: Something is different about you.
I spoke between mouthfuls, pointing my spoon at her to add emphasis.
Amy: Different? Different how?
Me: I don't know.
I glared at her.
Me: You're all... bubbly. Are you sure you're okay? You know you can talk to me if anything happened.
Amy: I told you, I'm perfectly fine.
Me: Uh-huh.
I took another bite of the cereal.
Amy: What? You don't believe me?
Me: Quite frankly, no. I don't. ... Did someone die? Is this some sort of coping mechanism?
Amy: ugh. It's nothing. Go to bed.
And so, I'm left with a mystery.

The next day was completely exhausting. Someone knocked on our door at eight in the morning. We opened it to find a server cart with a dish and a folded piece of paper that read "Xura & Amelia". We unfolded the paper to find a note from Tsugumi. It had an address and a time stamp for 9:00am.
Amy and I let out a collective groan, and upon further inspection of the cart, discovered two dresses with a pair of high heels and earrings to match.
Amy: Did it have to be a dress?
Me: I'm beginning to think this would just be easier if I married Zack.
Amy: Yeah. Please do that, I don't know how much more of this I can take.
We changed, did our hair, then hopped in a cab to the address Tsugumi left us.
Me: Do you know what this place is? I've never heard of it before.
Amy: Faux restau. It's a restaurant.
Me: oh. So are we getting breakfast?
As if on cue, my stomach growled.
Amy: I would hope so.
The taxi pulled over in front of the brightly lit restaurant. We handed him a wad of cash, then headed inside. I can't even tell you how much posh laughter and weird accents I heard in this place. I feel rich and important, even though I'm pretty much poor- especially since Amy handles the finances, which since most of my work has been paid for through a secure server, has been transferred to a bank account in Switzerland.
Tsugumi waved us over. She was sitting with Zack, Raku, Koda, and someone who I didn't recongnize. I sat next to Koda, and Amy sat beside Zack.
Tsugumi: You're late.
Amy: We were caught in traffic.
Tsugumi: I don't appreciate excuses.
Amy: It's not excuse.
She let out an exasperated huff.
Tsugumi: Very well. Koda, introduce your guest.
She's even more venomous in the morning.
Koda: R-right. Amy, Xura, this is Spade- my best man.
Spade sat across from me. He had poofy black hair, icy blue eyes, and a tattoo of a spade on his wrist.
Spade: Hey. How are you?
He grinned. His teeth were almost blindingly white.
Me: H-hi.
Amy glared at me. I cleared my throat and tucked my hair behind my ear.
Spade: So, this is the girl you're marrying?
He had an almost playful glint in his eyes, looking at Koda.
Koda: Yeah. We started dating almost a year ago.
Zack rolled his eyes. Koda put his arm around me and pulled me closer to him.
Spade: She's pretty.
I blushed.
Me: Aw, not that pretty.
Spade: Are you kidding? You're a catch. I'd say Koda lucked out with you.
A series of uneasy glares was shared around the table. I chuckled.
Me: You're too kind.
The waiter came by and took our orders. Again, the himoriji's ordered something fancy and expensive.
Me: I'll take the Raspberry and Chocolate chip Pancakes.
Spade: Ohhh... That sounds good. Hey, do you mind if we split that? I mean, unless you want all those pancakes. Which then, I completely understand.
Me: No, no, we can split it.
Umm... I don't share food. Yet here I was, saying this anyway. What was up with me?
Waiter: Okay! I'll be back soon with your orders.
She walked away.
Raku: So, Xura, Koda, I have a bit of a surprise for you.
Me: Oh?
Raku: I made a few calls this morning and I've booked you a venue for the engagement party this Thursday.
Koda: W-wow Dad, that's great.
So this is really happening, huh?
Raku: It was Zack in the end who reccomended it.
Zack: Ah, yes. I wanted to make sure it was big enough to accommodate your whole family, and whomever they might want to bring.
He smirked. I gave him a narrowed glance. He knows what went on, I'm sure of it, and he's hoping that I might be desperate enough to depend on him to protect me from my family.
Me: That's really nice of you two, I'm truly looking forward to this party. You've all made this crazy transition a lot easier.
Koda: Yes, being engaged was so new for us. We never expected this much support.
We smiled at each other and shared a kiss. After that, Amy had a conversation with Tsugumi about today's schedule, while Zack and Raku discussed some important triad stuff.
Spade: So, Xura, tell me about yourself. What do you do?
Me: Well, it's kinda a unique field. I specialize in, uh.. taking expensive things that don't belong to me.
Spade: Ah. So you're a thief?
Me: Yeah, guess you could say that.
I twisted a ringlet of my hair around my finger.
Me: What about you?
Spade: Same here, actually.
Koda: Spade here is a pretty renown thief. We've been friends since we were just kids.
He chuckled.
Spade: Yeah, Our parents used to bring us along on business trips just so we could hang out together.
Me: Aw, that's kinda cute.
Spade: Yeah, I guess so.
He grinned and leaned back in his chair.
Spade: How long have you known Amy?
Me: Maybe three years. Geez. That's a hard question, it feels a like a lot longer than that.
He laughed.
Spade: Yeah, it's always like that with her.
Me: Oh? You know her?
Spade: We've run into each other a couple times during some jobs.
Koda: Oh yeah. I forgot about that. Spade used to tell me how frustrated he'd get with Amy.
I laughed.
Me: Me everyday though.
Amy must have overheard, since she jabbed me in the side.
Then, came food. Spade and I split plates. Everything was absolutely delicious, and when it was all over we let out a satisfied sigh.
Me: That was good.
Spade: Agreed. Smart choice with those pancakes.
I chuckled.
Me: I'm glad you liked it. I don't share food often.
Spade: Guess I'm special then.
He winked at me and grinned. I felt Koda kick him from under the table. I turned to Tsugumi.
Me: What's next?
Tsugumi: Well, we should probably pick up a dress for Thursday. We'll also need to get our nails done, send out invitations, choose a menu, and decide what themes we want. We only have two days before the party, after all.
Zack: You need a dress? I might be able to help with that.
Koda, Amy, and Tsugumi exchanged uneasy glances.
Me: Oh? ... uh, what do you have in mind?
Zack: Well, since I didn't have enough time to chose a suitor yesterday, due to uh... unexpected circumstances, we've rescheduled it to today. They'll all be modeling new and different dresses, maybe you'll find one you like.
Raku: That sounds like a great idea!
Me: Will Koda be coming too?
Zack: Koda? Oh. I'd have thought you wouldn't want your fiancé to see what dress you'll be wearing.
Raku: Ah, you make a great point. I'm sure Koda won't mind. Right, Koda?
Koda: R-right.
I turned to face him. He mouthed "you'll be fine". I rolled my eyes at him.
Me: O-oh, I guess that makes sense. Is my maid of honor invited?
Raku: I don't think she can go. Tsugumi mentioned there was invitations that needed to be sent out, I'm sure she needs all the help she can get.
Tsugumi gave a forced smile.
Tsugumi: Thanks honey.
Raku: You're welcome, dear.
Amy let out a groan. Tsugumi elbowed her.
Koda: I guess Spade and I will go get tailored.
Spade raised an eyebrow.
Me: Have fun, you two.
Spade: Oh, we will.
I smirked.

Soon, everyone went their seperate ways, and I was stuck with Zack and his father.
Zack: it's at a place downtown, my dad is already arranging a limo for us.
Me: Oh. A limo. You guys sure travel in style. All the time.
He rolled his eyes.
Zack: It's part of our image.
Me: Of course.
Zack: .... I don't get it, Xura. We used to be friends. What happened?
Me: You changed.
Zack: Changed? I'm still the same person. I still have the same feelings.
Me: About me?
He hesitated.
Zack: Yes, about you.
I sighed.
Me: I'm marrying Koda.
Zack: Alledgedly.
Me: And what makes you think that?
Zack: ... because I know you.
Me: You know me, or you have an unrealistic fantasy?
The limo pulled up.
Raku: Ready to go?
I nodded and followed him into the car along with Zack.

---

We arrived at a beautiful place with ceilings that curved into a bowl-like shape with all of it's mosiac patterns. The space was flat, wide, and open with mirrors on both sides of the walls.
I danced and spun down the red carpet, taking it all in.
Me: Wow, this is... breathtaking.
Zack chuckled and followed me.
Zack: You like it? This place was built about a hundred years ago. With some renovations here and there, of course.
Me: It's wonderful.
His dad caught up with us.
Raku: You know, if you like it this much, you and Koda could get married here.
Zack and I immediately stiffened up.
Me: Oh, I guess so. I'd have to talk with him about it though. We're not sure what time we want to get married, maybe a few months from now.
He shrugged.
Raku: Think about it. You can even take him here after today, show him around. Maybe he'll take a fancy to it.
I nodded.
Me: Will do.
Raku: Okay. If you'll excuse me, I have to work on getting the girls here.
He went off to speak to one of his men by the door, leaving us alone in the building as they went outside to talk.
Zack: You know, you can stop faking it.
Me: Faking what?
He scowled.
Zack: You know exactly what.
Me: I'm not faking anything.
He scoffed.
Me: Do you have to be so infuriating?
Zack: Infuriating? Do you know who you're talking to?
Me: Do you?
We rolled our eyes.
Zack and I: You're different.
I crossed my arms and glared at him.
Me: Look, I don't know what you want from me.
Zack: What I want from you? Are you kidding me?
Me: No, I'm not kidding. I don't know what exactly your expecting. It's not like I'm going to denounce my fiancé-
Zack: His name is Koda
Me: -and leap into your arms. It's just not going to happen. So what do you want from me? Really, I want to know.
He hesitated.
Zack: I want to marry you.
Me: Well, that's sweet, but you're coming on a bit strong there.
He wants to marry me?! Agh! I mean, I knew that, but still! It's like a proposal that's not a proposal, and I almost feel bad saying no.
Zack: W-well, what do you want from me?
Me: I want you to respect me, and my decisions. And until you can do that, I'm gonna have a hard time respecting you.
He hesitated.
Zack: I do respect you.
I scoffed.
Me: Not really. Did you ever ask how I felt while your head was in the clouds?
Zack: Well, no, but-
Me: Or how about when I announced I was engaged? You didn't have to be happy for me, but the least you could do is pretend.
Zack: Well, here, give me a chance to explain-
Me: Not to mention the fact that you are the darned leader of the triad and you didn't even bother to send help while I stuck in a rotting prison for weeks! Some hero you are.
His eyes widened and jaw went slightly agape. There was a momentary silence, and I instantly regretted what I had said.
Me: I-I'm sorry. That was out of line. You weren't responsible-
Before I could even process what was happening, Zack pulled me by the waist and kissed me.

[Xura]

August 7th, 2004

I still remember the day.
It was a late-summer morning when the sun still felt good and my troubles had been lost on me. I had woken up from the best sleep I would have in years. A yawn, a stretch, and I pulled myself up with my legs dangling off the bedside.
An oval-shaped mirror, the rim covered in scratch-and-sniff stickers, reflected the image of a cheery, ignorant, eight-year old girl.
I lugged myself from the bed and did a wobbly walk to my oak dresser. I didn't care much about the clothes I chose that morning. Considering I wasn't planning on going anywhere today, it wouldn't matter. I threw on a long-sleeved, navy-blue shirt and a pair of loose, gray sweatpants.
I glanced in the mirror a second time and picked up a brush. I was thankful I had showered the night before, so I wouldn't have to take time to do it this morning. After brushing the knots out, I had set the brush down and walked into the bathroom connected to my room.
On the counter that day, lay an unopened pink toothbrush with a white sticky note reading:

"I bought you a new toothbrush, sweetheart. I had to leave extra early today but I'll be back by tonight. Greg will come over to watch you until then.
I love you so much,
Mom"

It made me smile. I took the note and stuck it on the mirror, along with all the other silly stickers and letters I had gotten from my mom. I then opened the toothbrush and began brushing my teeth like any other day.
After a good rinse and spit, I turned the bathroom light off and left the room.
The hallway was adorned with plenty of light and pictures. My favorite picture on that wall was the one right beside my room.
It was my mom and I, we had both dressed up that day to get professional pictures taken. She was wearing the prettiest white sundress, with a silver bracelet, and her favorite pair of earrings. Her straight brunette hair reached down to her waist, and her beautiful blue eyes just sparkled. She was so pretty. I was sat on her lap, wearing a cute little pink polka-dot dress. My hair was light blonde and wavy, and my eyes were just a shade darker than hers.
It was definitely the best picture we had together, and I stopped to admire it for about a second or two, until I continued down the stairs.
On the couch sat a young man in his twenties, working diligently on his laptop. His structured face shape, plain chestnut eyes, and side-swept brunette hair was all too familiar to me.
"Hi, Greg," I called out, as I jumped two steps at a time down the staircase.
He looked up and smiled at me as I reached the floor.
"Hey, Squirt! Did you have a good sleep?"
"Eh, it was okay," I replied, while I seated myself in the dark leather recliner across from him.
"Well, glad to hear it. Okay isn't good, but it's still pretty good."
I giggled.
"How does that make any sense?"
He grinned and shrugged.
"I'm not sure. But just trust me, alright?"
I nodded, still giggling.
"You're so silly," I cooed.
He stood up and ran over to tickle me.
"No, you're silly!"
"Stop that!" I laughed.
After a few more tickles, he took a moment to stretch. My stomach growled.
"I'm hungry."
"Okay, Amelia-bedeilia. What do you want for lunch?"
I didn't even have to think about it.
"Chicken fingers!"
"Always the chicken fingers with you, huh?" He chuckled. "Alright, come on."
I jumped eagerly off the recliner, and followed him into the kitchen.
If I was to describe that kitchen in two words, it would have been- Small and Cramped. Mom always talked about her dreams to expand it, even though I never saw any flaws with it. I didn't see much flaws in anything back in those days.
Greg was too tall for the ceiling in there, so he had to hunch to walk through it. He looked awfully ridiculous pressed against the wall like that.
I watched as he opened the freezer, and pulled out an orange plastic bag with the "Nosyt: Chicken nuggets" label on it. He took out an oven tray and placed the chicken strips one-by-one on it.
"So, Amy, I kinda wanted to ask you something."
I tilted my head.
"Ask me something?"
He scratched the back of his head.
"Um.. Yeah. Hold on."
He popped the tray into the oven, sealed the Noyst bag, and threw it back into the freezer. Then, he messed with a few of the oven's settings and glanced back at me.
"Okay. Um.. Let's go back to the living room, alright?"
I nodded and skipped back over to the chair I was sitting in. He sat on the floor next to me, this was a bit unusual.
"What's wrong?" I asked, giving him a look of genuine concern. Greg, after all, was like an older brother to me.
"Nothing's wrong," he assured with a smile.
"So then, what's up?"
He hesitated.
"Amy, I want to ask your mom something. It's something very important, and I want your permission before I do."
"What do you want to ask her? ... If it means that much, I can just ask for you."
He chuckled.
"No, you can't ask it for me. Actually, it'd be better if you could keep it a secret for a little bit. Okay?"
"... Okay."
"Pinkie promise?"
I stuck out my pinky and locked it with his.
"Pinkie promise," I repeated. "Now are you gonna tell me, or what?"
He laughed.
"Alright, alright. I.. I'd like to ask your mom to marry me. ... If that's alright with you, of course."
I paused to soak in what he had just said. But once I had processed it as fully as an eight-year-old could, my eyes lit up at the idea.
I never had a dad, young and naive as I was, I figured if Greg married my mom, he could be my dad. That, and I can't help but remember how much mom enjoyed Greg's company.
"But again, if it's not, no problem. I'll just-"
"That sounds like a great idea!" I exclaimed jumping into his lap. He didn't see me coming, so I completely toppled him over.
He let out a groan of pain that quickly became a cheerful laugh.
"I'm so glad you think so. When should I ask her?"
"Tonight!"
"Tonight? .. I don't know..."
"Oh, come on. Please! I really want to see her face when you ask her!"
He smiled, unsure for a moment.
"Alright. I'll do it."
"Yay!"
"Do you want to see the ring?"
I nodded, and from his pocket, he pulled out a black box.
"You keep the ring in there?" I asked, eyes wide.
He nodded, giving me a patient smile as he opened the box slowly and carefully.
The ring was very simple, a band with a diamond in the middle. Yet somehow, it's simplicity was what made it beautiful. I knew instantly my mom would love it.
"Well, what do you think?" Greg asked eagerly.
"It's gorgeous!" I exclaimed.
"R-really? I wasn't sure if it was too little, or-or-"
"It's perfect," I assured him with a smile.
His shoulders seemed to ease and he let out a sigh of relief.
"I'm glad to hear it."
I giggled.
"Don't look so worried. She's gonna say yes."
His cheeks flushed a vibrant red.
"T-Thanks, Amy."
"You're welcome. Are my chicken fingers done yet?"
Greg perked up at this.
"Oh! I almost forgot!"He exclaimed as he raced into the kitchen, accidently bonking his forehead on the ceiling in his path.
I giggled again and bounded after him.

The chicken fingers were okay; Luckily, he had reached them in the nick of time.
He sat across from me, on his laptop once again, while I ate the chicken fingers at the dining room table.
"What time is mom coming home?" I asked, my question muffled by delectable packaged flavor.
He glanced at the clock.
"About an hour or so."
"Oh, okay."
We sat in silence for a short time.
"What does mom do again?"
He paused his computer work for a moment and sat in thought.
"She's a secret agent," he said after a moment's thought.
I laughed and took a bite of one of the chicken fingers.
"No she isn't!" I exclaimed with delight.
"Ah, maybe you're right," he chuckled.
"Of course I'm right. I'm always right."
"Oh yes, definitely."
He grinned.
"Eat your chicken fingers."
"Alright, alright."

After about thirty minutes of eating with occasional banter, I retreated to the couch to watch TV until mom would come home. I sat there watching Kim Possible for nearly an hour and a half until Greg walked in and turned the TV off.
"Hey, the office just called, it looks like your mom is gonna be a little late. How about we go to the park?"
I grinned and hopped off the couch.
"Sounds fun!"

We took a few snacks, and of course, Greg's laptop, and loaded into his car. He didn't have any air conditioning, so we rolled down the windows as we drove to the park in the next town.
"Are you ever gonna get your AC fixed?" I asked between a bite of goldfish.
"Are you going to pay for it?"
"Of course I will! When I become a rich bajillianaire someday!"
He laughed.
"Of course, I should've known."
He pulled into a parking space and unlocked the car. I quickly scrambled out as fast as I could, and ran to the monkey bars.
"Hey! Be careful!" Greg called as he scrambled to catch up.
"I will!" I replied absentmindedly as I plummeted face-first into wood chips.
"Are you okay?!" He shouted, running over with his laptop.
"I-I'm fine."
My cheeks stung with overwhelming pain. He squated down and looked me over.
"No you're not, there's a big scratch running down the side of your cheek. Does it hurt?"
"N-no."
"It's okay to cry if you need to, Amy.
"I don't need to cry."
"Are you sure?"
I paused, then burst into tears. He picked me up and hugged me.
"Come on, we'll go to the store and pick up a first-aid kit."
He set me down and took my hand. I wiped my tears on my shirt.
"Will we come back?"
"Of course we will, now come on."
After a trip to the store, we picked up a medkit and stuck a bandage on my cheek. Then, we came back to the park.
"Okay, now, actually be careful."
"Okay. What time is it?"
He glanced at his watch.
"It's about four thirty. We should go back in about two hours."
"Okay."

So we did just that. I played with park friends and had a blast, and at about six fifty, we returned home. Unfortunately, we had just come back to the same empty house we had left. But it's not like we weren't used to that. I wasn't sure what kind of work my mom did, but she was usually gone for longer than she said she'd be.
"How about we play a few board games?" Greg suggested, already walking to the game closet.
Soon, we played candy land, chutes and ladders, rumi, and about half of a monopoly game until it was one in the morning.
"Gee, it's getting late, huh?" Greg pointed out through a yawn. "You might have to get to bed soon."
"Awww," I moaned. "I really wanted to see you propose to mom."
"Yeah, I know. Maybe tomorrow, huh?"
"Alright, alright."
Just as he was about to usher me up the stairs, the doorbell rang.
"Oh! It's mom! It's mom!"
I ran to the door and opened it excitedly.
"Mom! I-"
At the door stood a man in a long beige trenchcoat. He had gray-black hair covered by a matching beige fedora.
"You're not mom," I said, taking a step back. Greg was immediately at my side, he put a hand on my shoulder.
"C-Chief!" Greg exclaimed. "W-what are you doing here? And so late at night. Where's Meredith?"
The cheif lightly brushed his mustache.
"That's actually what I came to talk to you about."
He glanced at me.
"Do you mind speaking outside?"
"S-sure," stuttered Greg. "I'll be right back, Amelia."
Greg walked out the door. I immediately ran to the window to try and see if I could gather any information about what they might be saying. Unfortunately, it was too dark to see a thing.
After about an hour, Greg walked back in. He had on a somber expression and carried the unfamiliar feeling of pure sorrow.
"G-Greg? What's wrong?"
He knelt down beside me and put his hands on my shoulders.
"A-Amy... Mom's not coming home tonight."
A tear slipped down his cheek.
"W-what do you mean? It's okay. She'll be home tomorrow, right?"
"I-I'm so sorry...I-"
I watched as an endless stream of tears tumbled down his cheeks.

I will never forget the way he cried.

"Sorry? F-for what?"
"Amy, your m-mom is... She's.. She's dead. She isn't coming home."
"D-dead?"
My eyes welled with tears.
"Y-you're lying! What do you mean dead?"
"I mean, she's dead. She isn't coming back."
"No! You're a liar! Get away from me!" I bawled, frantically trying to twist away from his hold.
"Amy, I'm not lying!" He screamed. I became quiet, Greg never screamed at me before.
I hesitated as my own tears began to fall. I cried into his shoulder and he cried into mine.
We spent the night like that. Crying. Greg kept trying to explain it to me over and over again, yet somehow, coming up short. We were both so sad, so broken. We didn't know what we thought. Maybe if we cried more, some miracle would happen and she'd walk though that door. But in the end, all our crying changed nothing.

She was dead.

[Xura]

Zack kissed me. It was warm, passionate, and struck me as both hot and cold. But once I realized what was happening, I immediately pushed him away.
Me: Are you crazy?!
Zack: I-I... I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me.
Me: T-this was a mistake. I'm going home. Where's my coat?
He grabbed my wrist suddenly. I paused.
Zack: There was a spark, Xura.
Me: Let me go
I just about growled the words at him as I began to twist my wrist out of his iron grip.
Zack: Xura, listen to me, please.
Me: Why? What else are you going to tell me? That all of a sudden because there was a spark there's some kind of hope for us?
Zack: You felt it too?
I hesitated.
Zack: So you did.
Me: Yeah, I did. It doesn't change anything, Zack. I'm still getting married, and it's not to you.
He let go of my wrist, with something like tears in his eyes.
Zack: Why do you hate me?
Me: I don't hate you.
Zack: It sure feels like it. Do you even know what I go through when I see you kiss him?
I hesitated.
Zack: It rips me apart, Xura. Just understand, please.
I held his gaze for a moment or two before letting out a exasperated sigh.
Me: ... Fine. Listen, I'll stick around for this dress thing. But after that, I'm done. And that means no fancy lunches or dinners today either.
Zack: ... T-thank you.
I sighed.
I could hardly believe I was encouraging this. But that, what I just saw there, was the old Zack. The kinder and more loving one. And the way he pleaded with me, it just touched a nerve. I don't know how else to explain it.
It's still hard to believe though that he would do something so bold as to kiss me. That's just insane! For all he knows, I could really be in a relationship with Koda. And even so, I'm not looking for anyone right now. I promised myself after everything with Jake, that I'd just take a break. ... But then again, there's no use in denying...

There was a spark.

---

The girls lined up, all 49 hardly filling the room. They were all dressed fabulously in sparkling and obviously expensive dresses. Zack took his place at the middle of the room, while Raku stood next to me near the side.
Me: So how does all this work anyway?
Raku: Well, it's a series of rounds. Zack will pick the girls that he is most attracted to, then the second round begins.
Me: The second round?
Raku: Oh, yes. Zack will be given a private session with each of them.
Me: This is almost like a really warped episode of the bachelor.
He chuckled.
Raku: Sort of. Pardon the fact that every girl in this room is from a smaller criminal family.
Me: Is that why there's 49 of them?
He nodded.
Raku: Heh, you almost made fifty when I pushed you into that line. Haha, good times.
Welp, I'm done.
Raku: Sorry to change the subject, but has any dress specifically stuck out to you here?
Me: Hm? Oh.
I glanced at the line of girls from left to right.
Me: Any of them will do, really. I'm not very particular about it.
He chuckled.
Raku: You should really choose. It makes you look more confident if you're going to be in a leader position one day.
Me: I didn't know I was.
He smirked.
Raku: You never know.
What's that supposed to mean?
Me: Okay. Uh.. the one in the middle left. The cobalt blue dress.
Raku: Hm. A good choice, but what about that purple dress?
He pointed to a glittering dark purple dress on the right side.
Me: It's pretty... but I'm not sure if I could pull it off. I don't wear purple that often.
Raku: Don't sell yourself short, there's no doubt purple would look fantastic on you. Especially in that shade.
Me: Hmm... Okay. If you insist.
He grinned then wandered off to a nearby triad member to give them the orders. My attention was soon diverted to Zack as he began to speak.
Zack: Okay. I'm ready to pick.
He read through a list of the girls, calling out 23 of them. The other girls looked disappointed but relieved at the same time, and were thusly escorted away.
Zack: And we shall reconvene tomorrow to begin round two.
Raku looked surprised at this.
Raku: Are you sure? Don't you want a date for Thursday?
The girls began to file out. Zack shook his head.
Zack: No, I'm actually pretty exhausted, dad.
Raku: I won't have my son seen without a date. Sheshiro!
A man ran near us.
Sheshiro: Yes, sir?
Raku: bring the girls back, we're finishing today.
Zack: Dad, I said no.
Sheshiro: On it, sir.
Raku: Nonsense. It's an embarrassment-
Zack: The answer is no!
He immediately turned to sheshiro with a glare.
Zack: and that's an order.
Sheshiro: S-sir?
He glanced at Raku.
Zack: I am in charge! Not my father. It would do the both of you well to remember that.
Raku grit his teeth.
Raku: Don't you forget who made you who are. I gave you all of this.
Zack: And don't you forget that you are nothing now without me. I could get rid of you right now if I wanted to, old man!
Me: I'm just uh.. gonna step back. I.. probably have a place to be.
I began backing away. Their eyes flickered to me, and they both immediately regained their composure.
Zack: My apologies, Xura, father. That got out of hand.
Raku nodded.
Raku: You're right. And I trust your judgement, I just want to make sure that the image of the new triad leader is still a powerful one.
Zack: It will be, Dad. Just trust me.
Raku let out a bit of a sigh.
Raku: How about you two kids go stretch your legs? I think I need some time to myself, all this stress is getting to me.
Zack: Sure thing.
We watched as he walked out of the room, shaking his head a bit before he was out the door. Zack turned to me and hesitated.
Zack: I know you want some space. I get that. But is it too much to at least get some coffee with me?
I sighed and half-smiled at him.
Me: It's fine.
Ughhh. What am I doing? I just said I didn't want this exact thing today, and now here I am.
It was raining when he guided me out the door. He took off his jacket and tried to cover the both of us as we ran to the closest place we could find.
We took refuge in a quaint diner on a street corner- It had an old feel to it. The seats were white leather with blinding teal stripes, the tables were black and misshapen, and the lamps above had a triangular shape. We found a booth by the back, next to the bathroom.
Me: This is the by far the best place you've brought me to this whole week.
I said this as a foul odor followed a man who had just walked out of the bathroom door.
He smirked.
Zack: Only the finest for you.
I rolled my eyes and lifted the menu.
Zack: Man, I can't believe this rain. I thought for sure it was gonna just be cloudy. ... So, what're you gonna get?
Me: I was thinking chicken tenders or something.
He laughed.
Me: What?
Zack: When don't you get those?
Me: Pfft. And how about you? Who eats a salad for lunch all the time?
Zack: Hey! I need to be healthy if I'm going to be the next leader.
Me: And how about living a little? You're at a strange diner with a strange girl in a strange city. Enjoy yourself, eat something terrible for once.
He rolled his eyes.
Zack: I think I'll just play it safe, thanks.
A waitress came by to deliver our drinks. She was balancing both the drinks and multiple plates on two saucers when she came near. But seconds before she reached our table, she slipped on a old napkin that had fallen on the floor. As she fell, the drinks and plates went toppling, in a hurried attempt she fumbled to catch something but was only able to snatch the glass of coke before it hit the floor.
I stood, crouched next her, and offered her a hand.
Me: You okay?
Waitress: Yeah, sorry.
I pulled her up and immediately began to help pick up everything that had dropped.
Waitress: Oh, you don't have to-
Me: It's fine. I get it, I used to waitress too. This isn't even half as bad as the messes I'd make. When I was working there I thought I must've been the clumsiest person alive.
Waitress: ... Thank you.
Me: No problem. Nice catch by the way.
She laughed.
Waitress: Yeah. I'm lucky I caught the glass. I can't imagine having to deal with that mess if it had fallen. ... I'm sorry if I interrupted you. Is that your date?
She nodded to Zack. He did a kind of half-wave back.
Me: Nah, we're just friends.
Waitress: Oh
She leaned in close and whispered.
Waitress: That's too bad, he's really hot.
UGHHHH I KNOW. YOU DONT HAVE TO SAY IT. IS THE UNIVERSE TRYING TO TELL ME SOMETHING?
Me: Welp. I'll make sure to tell him that for you.
We finished picking up and she ran back to the kitchen. I sat back down across from Zack again.
Zack: That was nice of you to help her like that.
Me: It's tough being a waitress sometimes.
He smiled. His eyes, they looked brighter than they did before. And something about the way he was smiling... Did he always look like that?
Zack: Yeah, I can't imagine. You probably think I'm spoiled or something. I guess you wouldn't be wrong, but I'm trying to stay humble.
His hair swung over his eyes, he ran his hand through it, pushing it back. He looked straight out of a L'Oréal commercial.
Me: Yeah... I mean, uh, no I don't think you're um.. spoiled.
He smiled.
Zack: Thanks.
There was a sudden loud clap of thunder, then we fell into silence. There seemed to be something hanging in the air, but I couldn't quite identify it until the words left his lips.
Zack: Xura, I think we need to talk about the kiss.
I let out a breath.
Zack: Listen, I know you probably don't want to talk about it, but I think-
Me: No, we should.
He looked surprised.
Zack: O-oh, okay. Well I, I guess I just wanted to say that I'm sorry I did that. I realize Koda is your fiancé, and I need to respect that.
I stared at him. His eyes were so blue. I've never noticed that about him. How do you get eyes that blue? I mean, I suppose mine are blue, but definitely not that shade. It's like bright and vivid.
Zack: A-and.. I uh.. will try to be nicer about the whole thing. I guess I just look at him like the younger brother he always was. He's growing up now, I should too.
My eyes fell to his arms. He's so fit. Was he always that fit? It looks like he has so much muscle, I wonder how strong he is. Could he lift me? Probably. I bet he could lift a car if he wanted to.
Zack: Xura? Are you paying attention?
Me: Huh?
My eyes snapped back to his.
Me: O-oh, uh, sorry. I zoned out. Yeah, uh, the kiss. It's fine. Don't worry about it, okay?
He looked bewildered.
Zack: Are you feeling alright?
Me: Well, now that you mention it, I am feeling a bit anxious. And I'm kinda stressed about this engagement party. I think my heart is racing, also, I think I might be talking faster.
He pushed my coffee to the side.
Zack: I think you've had well-enough of that.

*

We ended up talking for another hour or so until he offered to have someone drive me home. On the car ride to the hotel, I couldn't stop thinking about that lunch. Something about what the waitress said... it's like I saw Zack in a whole new light. He just seemed so-so.. well, sweet, I suppose. And charming, kind, thoughtful-
Wait, I need to stop. This is Zack we're talking about. I mean, sure he's always been a gentleman to me, but I mean.. he's also the triad leader. A-and I'm supposed to be pretending that I'm in a relationship with his brother. AGHHH.
This whole situation is insane.

The driver dropped me off in front of the hotel, I thanked him and then headed straight to my room. Amy was sitting on her bed with her laptop in front of her and an apple in hand.
Amy: Welcome home. How is loverboy and all his new lady friends?
I rolled my eyes and fell gracefully on the bed next to her's.
Me: He's good.
Amy: Oh?
She looked at me suspiciously.
Amy: Did anything happen?
Me: Yup.
Amy: ... yup?
Me: Yup.
She bit her lip.
Amy: Mind sharing?
I rolled over with kind of a sweet sigh.
Me: He kissed me.
Amy: WHY DIDNT YOU LEAD WITH THAT?! When?! What? How did this happen?!
Me: It's really not a big deal.
Amy: Not a big deal?! This is huge! He thinks you're marrying Koda! Xura, this can't be happening.
Me: Yeah, you know, I told him that. But man, it was such a good kiss.
Amy: You're kidding me, right?
Me: I wish I was, Amy. I wish I was.
There was a brief gap of silence.
Amy: .. You... you don't have a crush on him, do you?
I hesitated.
Me: ... I- I don't know yet. This, these feelings, that kiss, it could all mean nothing to me tomorrow. But there was something there, Amy. Something... Something I didn't even feel with Jake.
She sighed.
Amy: Well, lets hope there isn't. Because I don't think I can do any more wedding planning.
I looked over and saw she had glue dust and glitter all over her hands.
Amy: Real or fake, this job is harder than the Carter theft of 09', and considering how that went, that's saying something.
I laughed.
Me: Don't worry, I think these feelings will be gone tomorrow
She gave me a suspicious glance before I rolled over, closed my eyes, and fell asleep.