Okay, I'm sorry that this took so long to update. But honestly my inspiration has been up and down for this. So I'm sorry. Here it is now. I hope you all enjoy. Let me know your thoughts. Reviews actually do inspire quicker updates you know. And there is a reason for the chapter title. The way each character mentally addresses people is important in showing their "relationship status." XD

*~*~*~

"She told me she was going to go talk to Akashi-san," Shinko had requested, her dark eyes clouded with worry. "I understand she didn't want me to follow her, but I'm really worried. Ever since he saw her, Akashi-san has been acting weird." She dropped her head, clutching her books to her chest. Her knuckles had turned white from her death grip. "Please, Yoshida-san, just make sure she's okay."

Shinko's request had seemed so simple and almost silly. Akashi was a cold jerk, but Yoshida couldn't see him doing anything as foolish as putting Misaki in danger. That was until he heard her cry echo throughout the hall leading to the secondary gymnasium.

"Sei-kun!"

Yoshida flinched. The scream had not been one of fear, but that didn't change the overall effect of it. If anything, the scream was one of pain, which only made him worry more. The boy took off, not concerned about the rule against running at the moment. The shout was too heart wrenching to ignore.

The distance wasn't far, but Yoshida still couldn't stand how long it took him to get to the final turn into the hallway with the second gym. He had expected to dart straight into the room, but instead he skidded to a halt. He wasn't the only one in the second gym hallway.

Akashi was still there, his forearm against the wall and his other hand forming a fist that was pushing painfully hard against the same wall. His head rested upon his forearm. What made the scene even odder was Akashi's apparent lack of breath and the trembles visibly shaking his body. Yoshida could nearly hear him grinding his teeth together.

In any other situation, Yoshida would have tried to figure out what was going on. With Misaki's scream so fresh in his mind, though, his protective anger took over before logic. Yoshida's hand slipped past Akashi's forearm, grasping the collar of the boy's shirt. Moving before Akashi could even register what was going on, Yoshida flipped him around, used his free hand to grab the other side of Akashi's shirt, and shoved him against the wall.

"What have you done to Misaki?"

Yoshida barely recognized his own voice. It had dropped to a low, sharp tone that even took him off guard. It had been a long time since he felt such a protective anger thrum through him.

Once he began to take in Akashi, though, his shock shifted to him instead. His hetero colored eyes appeared dazed, barely able to focus. There was confusion within their haze, as well as something that Yoshida was sure he was imagining – panicked pain.

"Misaki?" Her name left Akashi's lips slowly, as if he was testing the name himself.

For some reason, hearing her name leave his lips only annoyed Yoshida further. "Yes, Misaki. What did you do to her?"

Rather than answer, Akashi simply glanced past him toward the closed doors. His eyes began to clear right before Yoshida, solidifying once more. His face became blank once more. Yoshida flinched as he realized he was back to the usual Akashi.

"I only showed that girl just where her place is."

Akashi raised his hand, grasping one of the arms pinning him to the wall. Yoshida barely had time to look at it before Akashi's grip suddenly tightened. He grunted as pain spread from the area, and before long it grew to the point Yoshida had to release Akashi.

"You dare touch me?"

Yoshida yelped as rather than let go upon release, Akashi simply gripped harder. Their eyes met as they glared at each other. If anything, this simply peeved Akashi more as he used his grip to twist Yoshida's arm until he had to go down. However, he refused to look away.

"You didn't answer me," Yoshida said through grounded teeth. "What did you do to Misaki?"

Although the anger remained, Akashi flinched. His eyes wavered momentarily before Akashi sighed. "I already told you," he said. "I simply showed her where she should be. Such as I have now showed you – bowing before me." With this said, Akashi flung Yoshida's arm back at him. "Keep that in mind, because next time, I won't be so kind."

Reminding himself he had to get to Misaki, Yoshida did nothing to stop Akashi as he walked away. He also refused to examine the cause of the loud BANG! of a fist against a locker from Akashi's direction. Whatever was going on in the bratty kid's head wasn't his problem.

When Yoshida entered the room, he once more felt the urge to chase after Akashi and slam him into the lockers. Feeling the pain in his arm reminded him exactly why he couldn't do that though. Regardless, his hatred toward the boy only grew.

Misaki was on the ground and curled into a little ball. Her fingers appeared to be digging into her leg and she had her face buried in her legs. Upon hearing the door open, she looked up. Her eyes were wide, a mixture of fear and pain mixing with the few tears that escaped.

"Yoshida-san?" Her voice was low – nearly a whisper. If not for the silence of the gym, his name would have been lost.

He nodded before walking toward her. "Hey, Kiyoshi-chan," Yoshida said in a gentle voice as he approached her. Crouching down beside her, he offered a small smile. "Shinko-chan wanted me to check on you."

After a moment of studying him, Misaki attempted to smile, but she failed. "Suki-chan does have pretty good intuition I guess." Her gaze dropped. At least the tears had come to an end. However, she bit her lip surprisingly hard. "It would seem now I have lost him, too..." As her words trailed away, it seemed so did her mind.

Yoshida mentally flinched, but he refused to let Misaki knew he had any idea of what she meant. "How about we get out of here?" he offered, extending a hand as he rose to his full height. "We can go get ice cream or something. That's always a nice treat, right?" Maybe it was a lame attempt, but he didn't want her dwelling on whatever had just happened.

Although it was evidently numb, Misaki nodded. She took his hand and attempted to get up. When she did, though, she winced, stumbling onto one leg. "It seems I hurt myself when I fell."

Humming in thought, Yoshida finally decided to just turn around and crouch slightly. "Hop on my back then," he instructed. "I'll just give you a ride for a bit."

Rather than argue, Misaki simply climbed on. Yoshida couldn't tell if she was just too out of it to be stubborn or if she saw logic in the situation. Either way, a moment later he felt her weight on his back. With a bit of effort, he stood straight up once more and began walking.

"Thank you." Misaki's face rested against his shoulder, muffling her voice.

Yoshida closed his eyes for a moment, taking the time to adjust to the additional body. "It's the least I can do." After what all you've been through, he mentally added, visualizing another boy's face next to a younger Misaki.

Anger once more sparked toward Akashi. She had finally escaped the pain. And now he'd dragged her right back into it.

*~*~*~

Going to school the next day felt strange. The day prior felt like such a dream. From the moment she walked into the gym to when Yoshida dropped her off after ice cream. How could it be real? The Sei-kun she knew was gone. And Yoshida – she didn't know how to explain him. He still seemed so familiar, and he had been extremely patient and kind, possibly just being an overly friendly boy.

Which Misaki probably needed because she hadn't been able to go to Teppei to talk to him. He had gone to physical therapy before she had had time to see him. It was probably because of Yoshida she was even able to be there that day. Whatever they had talked about was a blur to her, but he'd been good at getting her to smile.

She had to reassure Sukisaka multiple times that she was okay as they approached the school. It had been intriguing explaining to her just what had happened in the gym.

"What are you going to do during class?" Sukisaka asked as they walked away from the train station. She fiddled with the book in her hands, though it appeared to just be an attempt to avert the worried glances she kept sending Misaki.

A smile pulled at Misaki's lips even as a small pit formed in her stomach. She wasn't even entirely sure how she would react. No matter how many times she tried to grasp at her emotions toward the situation, she failed. All she knew was that she had come to some sort of terms with everything.

Rather than voice all of this, though, Misaki said, "I'll be fine. Now I know he's not who I thought he was. Just gotta move on."

Sukisaka sent Misaki a dubious look, but she didn't have the chance to say anything. Another person had been waiting for them at the school entrance, and upon seeing them, he peeled away from the walls and walked over to join them.

"Hey, Shinko-chan. Hey, Kiyoshi," Yoshida greeted.

The previous night it had been established the only purpose of the honorifics on Sukisaka and Yoshida's names was because of Sukisaka's nerves around boys. It had actually been Yoshida's idea to drop the honorifics.

Either knowing this about the boy or not thinking much of it, Sukisaka didn't address the obvious differences in addressing. "Thank you for yesterday, Yoshida-san."

Yoshida shrugged and grinned. "Thank you for your good intuition about that."

"Shouldn't I be the one giving the thanks?" Misaki mused as they headed towards their classes.

The easy banter proved to be a very welcome surprise. It continued the entire time, actually chasing away the unease Misaki had regarding the upcoming meeting. Once she noticed they were at her class, though, she felt it gradually return. It was time for her to find out just what she was feeling. Sadly it had to be the hard way.

Either something about her face gave it away, or he simply sensed it, but Yoshida placed a hand on her shoulder. "You'll be fine," he assured. "Just remember what all we talked about."

Talked about. As in her rambling all her feelings and trying to get them in order. She wasn't entirely sure if the ramblings would help her or just make her anxious to the point of puking. Puking definitely didn't sound fun, but maybe she'd be able to taste her omelet again, and then she could direct it toward the boy who caused all of this as payback.

Mentally shaking herself from her panicked, strange thoughts, Misaki nodded. "I'll be just fine, so you don't have to worry," she said. "Thank you for your concern though, Yoshida."

Giving them both a reassuring smile, Misaki walked into her classroom, her head held high, refusing to acknowledge how each step sparked another bit of panic. Instead she kept her eyes trained on her seat. He was there, though, and she saw that. She simply wanted to ignore it.

Except she couldn't. As much as she wanted to just sit down and ignore her seat neighbor, her eyes flickered upward to meet two different colors irises. Her throat constricted as her fists curled. The little bit of nails she had bit into her palms.

Misaki had expected to feel pain or panic. Neither of these were what caused her reaction, though.

Rather she felt anger boiling within her.

Swallowing it down, she offered a kind enough smile to the red haired male. In her mind, though, she couldn't stop replaying him walking away. They'd been quite good friends, yet he had treated her outright ruthlessly.

"Hello, Akashi-san."

The clipped tone used – as well as the form of addressing – appeared to mildly affect Akashi. His previously bored expression changed as his eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Something else changed. An emotion began to dance within his eyes, but Misaki could not place exactly what it was.

Before she could think too deeply on it, Akashi averted his gaze. "Looks like you finally learned your place," he remarked.

Misaki twitched ever so slightly in annoyance, once more repeating the previous day in her mind. "Or I just learned yours."

Even as she took her seat, Misaki heard Yoshida snicker at the door. She once more smiled at him, feeling it increase ever so much when he returned it.

"She'll definitely be fine," Yoshida decided, nudging Sukisaka forward into the classroom. "Nothing to worry about."

Sukisaka frowned. "I hope you're right," she murmured, feeling something off but unable to place it.

Despite her uneasiness, Sukisaka chose to hope that her friend was, in fact, doing fine and walked over to join her.

*~*~*~

"I'm so sorry! Just give me a second," Misaki called over her shoulder.

She had about fifteen minutes before the train left. Until then she had to hurry back and grab her forgotten book. The lesson they'd been given hadn't exactly been easy. In her completely enthralled state, she'd been a teeny bit forgetful.

Because the two who actually knew her were heading outside, it surprised her when she suddenly heard, "Kiyoshi-chaaaan."

Not only was the voice unfamiliar, but when Misaki turned, she found the owner also unfamiliar. He was a good bit taller than her. Gentle eyes gazed down towards her from behind a few random dark strands hanging in front of his face. Something about him gave her the impression she knew him from somewhere, contradicting her other feeling of not knowing him.

"Hello?" Misaki's greeting came out as a question as she attempted to once more place him.

As he approached her, the boy gave her a mostly friendly grin. There was an edge to it – another something she couldn't quite distinguish. Whatever it was caused her to shift uncomfortably.

Her reaction seemed to amuse him because he chuckled. "It is quite strange to use Kiyoshi for a girl," he mused. "I've only ever thought of your brother when I used that name."

Misaki's eyebrows shot up. "You know my brother?"

"Know of him. I'm another "uncrowned general.'" The boy extended his hand toward her. "My name is Mibuchi Reo."

Misaki shook his hand, the pieces finally clicking together. Most likely she had just barely caught sight of him at the club the day before. If not, it was simply the similar air of strength he gave off like Teppei.

"Kiyoshi Misaki, as I think you know." Misaki attempted to keep the wariness from her voice, but most likely failed. She was too uneasy from not knowing Mibuchi's intentions.

As if sensing her thoughts, the edge to Mibuchi increased. "So, you borrowed our captain for a bit yesterday. How was your chat with Sei-chan?" Mibuchi inquired good-naturedly.

Misaki gulped, her hands unintentionally forming fists at her sides. If everything about the boy before was a picture of ease, why did he unsettle her so greatly? It was almost like going up against a black belt for the first time. There was a strength there one just had no idea where would go. Except with Mibuchi, it was a bit... Quieter? After so many years in karate, she no longer trusted quiet edges.

"I kind of need to hurry so I can catch my train," Misaki informed both in her eagerness to escape and to avoid the question. "I really don't have-"

"Because, you see, ever since I've met Sei-kun, I've never actually seen him act so strange." The smile on Mibuchi's face had grown strained, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly.

He was annoyed, Misaki realized with faint shock.

"I don't know why." The newfound information regarding Akashi was quite confusing. If anyone should be affected by the previous day, it definitely wasn't him. "He seemed perfectly fine when he left me alone in the gym floor."

Oddly the bitterness that made its way into her voice amused Mibuchi. "I take it you aren't on the best of terms with our captain right now then?"

"Of course not," Misaki snorted. "Akashi-san made that one perfectly clear."

A smirk replaced the smile, adding a bit to his irritated expression. "Well, you have a train to catch, so I should get going." Mibuchi turned, waving as he did. "See you soon, Kiyoshi-chan. I have a feeling the weirdness isn't going to end any time soon."

Misaki simply stared after him, unsure of how to react.

Such a strange meeting.

*~*~*~

"Is this your ball?"

"Can I play with you?"

"I bet you I can win!"

"I hope to play with you again, Sei-kun."

"Sorry I'm late," Reo's voice sang through the gym as he strolled in.

Akashi's eyes slid open, following his team-mate as he approached. The captain was detached from the other members, a bit lost in his own world.

Once the dark haired boy stood in front of him, Akashi glared. "Why are you late?"

"I ran into Kiyoshi-chan."

The shorter male flinched. Hearing the name normally wouldn't shock him – except it hadn't been expected. The previous memories threatened to invade once more, though he shoved them away. He'd thought he'd buried all the hindering emotions and memories, but the girl's sudden reappearance had proven him wrong.

He was absolute.

She was weakness.

The two didn't interact. They weren't allowed. It was just how it worked, and he had no problem accepting this.

At least that's what he told himself. That's what he thought he believed even. Until he couldn't crush her. Until her coldness actually unsettled him. Until he first heard the small voice in the back of his head speak.

"Anyone but Misa-chan."

Hearing the voice once more snapped Akashi out of his mental cage once more. Reo had been observing him the entire time, the barest flicker of annoyance in his eyes. He was attempting to hide it, but failing. The other team members were still stretching as they prepared for the club activities.

Shoving away all thoughts of the annoying girl, Akashi strode toward his team. "Prepare or a practice match," he barked, his inward annoyance slipping out.

Misaki was just another obstacle. One way or another, he would overcome her.

*~*~*

So what do you think of Misaki's reaction? Suki's off feeling? How did I do with Reo? What about the little Akashi scene at the end? Guys, I need to know how I did! Tell me!!!!

Love you all :3

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