Welcome Back ;;(Ky, Jins, Gala)

[*]

As if I havn't missed enough school these past few months, but most of that has been in the form of quick lessons and tutors whenever I could get a chance. Between the training of the pregames and taking part in them, I've missed quite a bit. Even when I had to be out for my surgery on my arm, it has set me back even further. Luckily, I learn quick and deal with it that way. Today, is unlike any other for some reason, though. I can't quite place my finger on it, but something just feels off. Maybe it's the fact that I've not heard from Matthew in so long and after getting back together with him, it's just tearing me up inside again. The only good thing going on right now is the fact that Gala is still here. Plans to meet up at lunch time is the only thing keeping me going from the mental capacity that I can take right now. A well needed break is most desireable.

I stand infront of my locker and stare at the books for a good few moments before I come to a realization that I've left my last period books at home with all the homework still stuffed in the book. "Damnit..." I mutter under my breath and releive myself of the two books in my bag with my only good arm I have, while the other is being wrapped in a brace and held upward in a sling. I mentally curse as the book on the bottom slips from my fingers and I quickly push the book in my hand into the locker then turn to bend down and get my other book, but there's already someone reaching down to grab it for me.

"Thanks... I'm having the worst..." My words are cut off the moment the dark haired guy leans all the way up and my heart stops cold at his recognizable face. "Jins?"

He glares at me with a sort of sweet, softness, but his eyes hold a specific kind of malice in his iris's that just shock me. How long has it been? How long has he been away that I've not had to deal with him? I hold my hand out for the book and take my eyes off his and look down to the book.

"Thank you." I say, a little bit of an uneasy tone in my voice and he picks up on it almost immediately with a sly chuckle. He doesn't hand the book to me at all. In fact, he presses it up against his own body as if he's going to take it with him.

"Thank you? Is that all I get? What about a 'I've missed you', my Kyanite? I know I've missed you?" He says and then brings the book outward for me to take, but shoves it back to him once again. "Say it for me. Say you've missed me."

"Jins... just leave me alone. Please. I've not got the time to deal with you today." I tell him quickly and reach for the book, but he doesn't refuse me the book this time. He gives it to me and looks to my arm. He steps closer, throwing his hand onto my neck, squeezing tightly around my shoulder that holds the brace. A small amount of pain shoots through my neck and my eyes now glare at him with the intensity. He brings his face close to my ear and his lips brush up against me.

"You've got nothing but time. You have no guy to protect you this time. Sorry, but I don't die that easily. Not until I get what I want and you know I want you." He moves back from me, releasing my neck of his grip as he slams my locker closed and turns away from me. It takes a few moments to catch my breath and the sight of him disappearing into the next hallway before some girl comes up to me, and places a hand on my back.

"Are you okay? Kyanite? What did he do?" The redhaired girl looks at me concerned, but I move away from her touch and turn to her with a simple fake smile.

"I'm fine! Thanks. I gotta meet someone." I tell her and take off to the lunch room. The one person I need right now is Gala, whereever she may be. The moment I walk into the room, the noise is atrocious. Instead of a beaming smile, I'm forced to put on fake smile, with furrowed brows. Then, I catch a glimpse of her sitting at a table with her tray with only two other people sitting at the table. I make my way to the table and lay my backpack down and the book on the table before greeting her.

"Gala. How are you?"

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Gala Thomas
Age: Thirteen 3/4
District: Two

Lately things have been very lonely for the little career. With everyone in the process of healing and dealing with their older lives, she was stuck at home. That wouldn't even be so bad if all of her sisters weren't so angry with her. For once she found something that made her Gala; not one of the youngest, or a Thomas Daughter, or an identical trapeze twin. Fighting, even if she did lose, gave her something. All of the good qualities were given to Gwen while they shared a womb for a few months, all but one. Somehow the young wannabe pulled off breaks against big careers. So victory wasn't given to her, but she may be the youngest deadly career out there. If only her sisters would understand that. Instead it's all dirty looks and lectures whenever they spot her.

For once she was actually excited to back to the routine of school, especially after figuring out all of this time she's been going to the same school as her only friend Kyanite. As dorky as it seemed being able to have one person to sit with a lunch actually pulls her through the day somehow. She used to explore and find an adventure with Gwen, but even she dislikes her twin right now. Sitting and talking's better then nothing though, especially over being alone. So everyday she waits patiently, and doesn't even grow a bit upset when her older friend's unable to make it.

"Gala. How are you?" Kyanite's voice breaks her from her traveling thoughts over how stupid this place is. They've even warned Gala that her constant absences and poor understand may set her back a grade next year. There's no point in caring though, it's just stupid education. The smarts clearly all went over to Gwen.

"Good." A smile folds across Gala's face as her posture and attitude perks up a little now that she's not alone. It might of not been a true answer a minute ago, but she's able to shift her attitude quite quickly. "You?" She gives back just because she' learned that's the proper reply.

[*]

I'm glad, with as much practice as I've been given, that the meeting with Jins hasn't totally wore away my ability to fake my dislike and fear that comes across when he makes an appearance. Though, after so many months, why now? I could have just hoped that he would have moved to the other end of the district with his peacekeeper father instead of sticking around. Instead, he's still here.

And once again, back in my life.

Shit!

My greeting with Gala goes over so well that she doesn't even notice the furrow in my brows. That's good, because right now, I don't want to have to explain to her that Jin's, whom I've barely told her about, has suddenly reappeared. My only questions is why?

"Good. You?" Her reply to me is very vague and simplistic. Almost makes me feel bad for not really keeping in touch with her except at lunch time and various others, but there's been so much going on right now. What's happening between me and Matt is killing me to be away from him. I can't wait till he gets to come home. Being here without his touch is so lonesome and it's just me and my dad.

"I'm doing alright." I lie, but I look to the lunch line and see the length of it, so I sigh heavily. "Guess I should get in line if I'm going to get any food. I'll be back here in a minute, then I've got something to tell you, Gala."

I'm dreading it already. Telling her that Jins has come back after all this time. I give her a pleasant smile before I check my pocket for my money and walk off.

Seeing Kyanite for the first time in so long, is nice. Her hair still looks so vibrant and beautiful against that face. One that I've come close to so many times and many of those times, I've tasted that sweet skin. Today, is no exception when my lips brushed up against her ear. It's this sense of euphoria that keeps me wanting more from her. If only, she knew I was the only option for her. No one else deserves what I want, but I've learned only once to make myself scarse for a while, but with that guy suddenly gone from her life, it was time to show her that I was right.

This time of day, everyone's at the lunch room. Everyone getting their food and chatting amongst their friends but my newfound quest has been renewed with just that touch of her skin. Kyanite, you will be mine soon enough. Then, I spot her in the crowd at the table in the far corner with some little blond haired girl a few years younger than her. Charity? I muster a devious little grin and notice the girl immediately after that as her friend that was in the pregames she fought in. How pleasing!

Kyanite leaves though not turning back. Guess, it's time to make my move. Running my fingers through my hair, I go straight to the table that Kyanite was at and stare at the little girl with a pleasant smile and begin pointing at her. "Hey! Your... Gala? Right? From the pregames? Hey, I've been meaning to meet up with you one day. How's it going for you since then? I mean, training's been kinda slow, I know. Whose your trainer?"

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

"Alrighty." Gala agrees with a weak grin after Kyanite explains that she's going to go grab lunch before the line gets any longer. The words of having something to tell her doesn't sound good, but at least she knows that it's not going to be as bad at Matthew's disappointing share. It's comforting to know that Kyanite will always be there, she's too kind to ever do anything different. There will alway be one friend for the little career. After Gala's friend gets lost in the crowd of students she brings her light eyes back to her own tray of food.

"Hey! Your... Gala? Right? From the pregames? Hey, I've been meaning to meet up with you one day. How's it going for you since then? I mean, training's been kinda slow, I know. Whose your trainer?" An unfamiliar voice pulls her away from her young crazy thoughts. Every once in a while someone will come about and give a kind compliment or curious question for Gala. Yeah she didn't even make it to the second round, but apparently being the youngest made an impression.

A faint smile spreads across her innocent face as she looks up to spot someone she'd probably run from. It's not uncommon to come across a scary looking career, this guy has a different look though. The way his eyes pierce through her head as if they're a threat themselves. His stature is just as intimidating as well. Before Gala would probably dart her head down and hope that she disappears, now she's a scar career herself though. If she wants to she'll break this guys shin, or at least she'd like to believe to.

"Yeah..." She answers as her grin turns prideful. "Mat.." She goes off to answer his question, but gets the sad reminder that she's now lacking a trainer. "No one." Her voice drops with disappointment. "Training's going as great as always." A lie escapes though she's very well at pulling them off. Honestly, training's been horrible with no one to teach her. Occasionally Kyanite has a little bit of time, but she's also very busy with her own life. "Who are you?" She questions with a little bit of attitude because though this guy is giving a compliment, it just doesn't feel right.

[*]

The little girl in front of me seems astonished to see me here talking to her. Is there something about me that's putting her off? Don't she talk to a lot of people since the pregames or does she always seem to sit by herself? A loner. Lost in the first round of the pregames. No trainer? I can work with this. Why not? The gears in the back of my mind are working as I let my eyes shift to the lunch line when I try to locate Kyanite, but without noticing her, I figured I got at least a few minutes while she's gone to speak with her little friend.

The smile on her lip doesn't seem to impressive and she looks somewhat uncomfortable with my presense all of a sudden. I grab the chair nearest her and pull it out and turn it backward, allow my legs to crunch up as I prop my chest agaisnt the back of the chair. I jerk my head to the side to ride myself of the long bangs that covered my eyes and wait for her to answer me. "Oh, mind if I sit?"

A little late, but at least I asked. Where are my manners? HEr answer is pleasing to say the least. That she don't have a trainer keeps working it's way into my brain of how to go about this. How to find a way into Kyanite's life a little more with each day even if she may not want it. She don't have a choise. Though, this little girl may just be her undoing. Gala might be able to unlock a part of Kyanite that she's refusing to let me have? Gala is the key.

"Well, I'm curious how you got so far without a trainer. You know? I know the first level is just that, but damn, chick! You totally pawned that Mason guy. No doubt. Who cares if you might not have gotten to level two, but you saw with it did to that other girls face when she went up against that one guy. Just be glad that wasn't you. You still have so much to work with. I wonder if that girl ever healed?" I bring my hand up to touch her face for a moment and bring it back down against the back of the chair. "You know, if you had a proper trainer, you'll be ready for the next pregames, you know? You interested? I've almost reached my last year and training is what I"m thinking of doing after I turn eighteen and would love some good experience before then. How about it, Gala?"

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

For some reason the guy takes a seat right next to Gala. It all very mixed emotions as she gets a bad vibe from this but is enjoying the flow of compliments. So it's rare to get acknowledgement for her tough moves. There's no harm in listening to this guy.... "Sure." She responds with a shrug because she's still a little weary about this guy. In a matter of minutes Kyanite will be back though, and she'll know what to do.

The questions continue as he's clearly curious over how the little career made it so far without having a trainer. This guy talks a lot to because there's no room for Gala to even comment as he keeps going on and on. More compliments about how she kicked Mason's ass. Of course this brings a larger, prouder grin upon her face. Yeah she did. Then he mentions how she may be lucky for not making it to the second round after what happened to Kyanite. Why does he know Gala's name but not Kyanite when she made it further? He brings up what Mark did to her face and even reaches up to trace his finger upon Gala's cheek. Immediately she moves her head out of the way before skin contact even occurs. This guy is strange.

"Kyanite's healing perfectly." Gala spats because she's more protective over her only two friends then ever herself. "But you're right I did beat up Mason." She attempts to return to that subject because she's unable to deny it feels good to hear how well she did. "And Matthew trained me before..." Maybe she shouldn't of mentioned that part but it simply slipped out. After all it's his training that got her to the point of being able to get so far.

The oddest suggestion comes from the guy who has to yet to even introduce himself. He wants to train Gala. At first she's ready to turn it down, but closes her mouth to consider the offer. This guy's very intimidating even though he doesn't hold that scary built that other careers have, that may be useful. More importantly being trained by someone else may pull Matthew around to training her again. Very, very tempting. "I can give you a try." She says with a sort of cocky attitude. "One session, then maybe." What's the harm in seeing what this guy has anyways?

[*]

I hardly give her any time to speak in between my excited questions and statements. Flattering words to build her up and become comfortable with me is key. One doesn't just trust a stranger out of nowhere and hopefully, with enough compliments and offerings to help, maybe this naive kid who thought she could win the pregames at thirteen will just be able to take the bait I'm laying out so clearly for her. Only a matter of time, Kyanite. You will have to come to me. I do my best to portray a happy, interested person in her strengths of fighting. Even when I mention Kyanite as 'that girl', I can tell even more that she is her friend. Though, one try to touch her face sends her these vibes that she doesn't like and her body language screams at me to stay away.

Alright. Test your boundaries. Test your limits. Found those. Now, that only proves to me more, that she will be the key. How to drag her further, though? I've not got much time now.

"Kyanite's healing perfectly. But you're right I did beat up Mason." There we go. Gloat about it. Get confident with my compliments. Everything seems to be working well. She's easy to take a compliment and speaking up for a friend. Do I know how to pick em, or what?

"Kyanite! Thank you! I swear, I couldn't remember her name to save my life, and you said MAtthew? Dunham is his last name, right? Oh boy! Did you have your hands full. ARe you even sure that he was teaching you right? I mean, really putting forth an effort, cause you are clearly more talented then you let on. Maybe he was holding you back, you think? What happened? He dropped you after you lost? That's no way to treat someone like you. Damn."

Then she takes the bait. One session. I'm one step in the door at this point and I put my fist out for her to bump, but I use it to hit myself in the forehead first. "I'm so dumb. The name's Liam. So, what? This friday at the gym? Maybe seven pm? I've gotta work at the quarry until six thirty, but I usually do some light training afterwards to destress. Mind meeting me there, then? Or what time obligations do you have?" One again, I put my fist out for her to hit with her own.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

So this guy has been keeping up with the pregames, interesting. As easy, and fearless as Gala is she decides to not shoo him away. There's been nothing been lectures and sadness going through her life, a little ego boost is harmless. Now she even knows that this guy has been following of them and seems very pleased when he's reminded of Kyanite's name. Something in common, an admiration for the older female. A smile returns to Gala's face as he saves himself from buying himself a hole. If he likes Ky then he must be a decent guy. It's ruined when he begins dissing Matthew though.

Man can this guy really talk a lot. It's as if he's on speed or something because even after a question his words keep rolling. A slight nod and small prideful grin comes to Gala as he asks about her old trainer's last name. Yup, Matthew Dunham, that guy that got second place! Even if he's not proud himself she really is. Then he goes on about how he must of been a handful, and that he might of even been hiding back some of the young career's talents. Another compliments mixed in as he shares that she must have some more potential within her. The diss over Matthew's too much to have her distracted by another stupid compliment though. She only grows even more upset when he mentions that he dropped her due to her lose...

No, of course that's not why Matthew left her as a trainer. It couldn't be. It was because he left the program and couldn't train her due to that... If she did better in the pregames would that of changed his mind though? Maybe if she really proved herself she would of been worth him sticking around to just train her... Instead he went off to the peacekeeper academy without even saying goodbye. Instead Gala had to receive the news from Kyanite. Her young mind goes off as she predicts the worse and her expression saddens.

"He just left the career program..." Gala still explains though her voice has become hushed and her appetite's completely gone. Even the desire to protest back on how wonderful of a trainer Matthew is has vanished. Somehow she feels more defeated then when she lost. Well at least now she can experiment with new trainers. Hell, she doesn't even need to settle. She can jump around from trainer to trainer while sticking around Kyanite for the most part. That way she'll learn everything. The need to play the happy little girl returns and she brings out the fake expression of being happy.

Liam finally introduces himself, and of course doesn't stop there as he begins making plans on their first training session. Man this guy is awfully eager. Maybe this will be good though. "I don't have any." Gala answers about having a time restrictions, as if she's going to start actually listening to her sisters. "That sounds great." She agrees and even accepts the awkward knuckle bump as a deal breaker.

[*]

"Left the career program, is that right? Well, I guess him not being able to train you, I've gotten wrong. My apologies, Gala. I hope I didn't offend you. You know, sometimes, the best experience you can get is from different trainers. No one trainer is like another. EAch one holds one great skill. Another holds a good method. You'll prosper from expanding your training regiments, I'm sure." I realize at this moment, that her voice has became quiet and I question my step to diss Matthew, but she has no clue that I let my own hatred toward him come through. He did try to kill me once, afterall. With the last few months to heal up after that cross bow shot right into my stomach, I had to lay low for a while. Guess it worked to my beneifit. I've never seen Kya so upset seeing me. That look in her eyes was so invigorating to see. What was it? Nerves? Fear? Hate?

Then we seal the deal with a fist bump that she actually gives back to me, and with that amound of skin contact, I begin to set my plans into motion. Surely, it won't take long, but any length of time is worth waiting for Kyanite.

"That sounds great." I give her a head nod and a bright smile, pushing my fingers through my hair again and look to the line to see Kyanite has almost made it through and to the end where she needs to pay for the food, so my time is clearly up.

"Can't wait. I swear, Gala, your doing me a real favor, you know that? Every great trainer starts out somewhere. Hopefully, you'll be able to make a name for me. I really appriciate it, G!" I get up from the chair and look over to the cash register to stare at Kyanite for a moment then up to the clock that rests on the wall. "Dangit. Sorry, G. Gotta get out of here. I've got a tutoring session with this girl in my history class. She keeps telling that if you don't brush up on your history, you're doomed to repeat it. I guess, that's good advice for anyone. I hope that Kyanite don't participate in the pregames again, I'd hate to see that happen to her again. Anyways, tell Kyanite if you ever see her, that Liam said Hey. Alright?"

I give her a subtle nod and push the chair back into the table the right way and turn away from the table and start walking through the doors of the lunchroom. "Gotcha."

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

There's this odd way that Liam's just trying too hard to be liked. Maybe Gala's just not used to kind people around her aside from the occasional Kyanite and Matthew. And even sometime they're not the most pleasant. Instead of retaliating it back as a trick she decides to simply take it as someone trying to be nice. How he nearly reads her mind as he talks about the benefits of learning from several trainers is crazy, and in a weird sort of a way comforting. A small grin shares her approval towards his words. At least he's not trying to be her trainer, he just wants to show her a few things. Sounds good to her.

So it's now official that there's going to be one training session from this guy Liam. He goes on about how he's grateful that Gala's willing to take him on, that she can possibly make a name for him. It's difficult to not take the confidence that's handed out to her. "Sure." She replies though the nickname G that Kyanite sometimes uses is a little weird. All in all this guy doesn't appear completely right, but she'll keep her eye on him.

A second later he's upon his feet in a sudden hurry. Before dashing he off blabbers on a little longer about hoping that Kyanite doesn't participate in the pregames again, and to tell her that Liam says hi. What an odd egg. "Will do." Gala says as her goodbye, not quite sure what else to add. The entire conversation just felt so strange. And like he's gone.

How is she going to possible explain what just happened to Kyanite? In all truth she's not even sure herself. There's this strange feeling that her older friend's not going to take this news quite well. As much as she puts more trust into her then anyone else, the need to go to this training session conflicts actually telling her. "Hey." She greets Kyanite as she walks to the table with a tray of food a minute later. "I actually received a compliment over the pregames." She shares and decides it's best to leave it at that.

[*]

The line to get food is almost aggrivating and a bit hard to deal with. With so many people, it's hard to make sure that no one bumps into me but sure enough, some guy backs up into me, steps on my toe then leans back into my arm, before I take my good arm to shove him back upright.

"Hey! what it." I murmer to the guy as he turns around to see who he had ran into, and with the facial expression he has, it's only going to be yet another who comments on the battles I've fought. His words though are a jumbled mess of a compliment and insult rolled into one, but I give him a half smile and motion to him to move up as the line goes. When it's my turn to grab the food, I find it most difficult to deal with holding the tray with only one arm, until the girl behind me offers to help and takes both my tray and hers to sit at the top of the counter for the woman behind the food line to place the food on the tray and then back into my hands.

"Thank you, Celia. I appriciate that." I tell the girl, and with a smile she gives me a nod and she returns the words with a 'You're welcome'. It's nice to see some people are good to those that are not able to do much, but it's so visible what my weakness is right now. The whole time, I focus on what I'm going to be telling Gala. What news is going to be given and I'm shaking on the inside. I don't want to have to fight him back because I just simply can't. Never been able to. I honestly can't remember when my life has been more peaceful without him showing up to hurt me. I've gotten spoiled.

It's going to start all over again.

Walking back to the table, I place the tray down and pull out the chair as Gala suddenly come out with something that she's never mentioned before. "A compliment. Ohh! How exciting. What did the the person say? Who was it? Was the person your age or something?" My news can wait until her happy news is over with. Besides, I'd rather not discuss it if I don't have to, but she needs to know, right?

"Was this person cute?" I automatically assume its a guy even though I have no clue if it is or not. For Gala to have a crush sounds awesome.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

It's nice to be the one that's given a compliment for a change. Being the little one is hardly happens, but once Kyanite hears the news she's all for it. The questions roll out on what had happened and Gala's sure that's how a true big sister's suppose to act. They come rolling out similar to how Liam was, but Kyanite's much too different then that dude. Her voice is always calm and sweet, where his entire vibe was all creepy. And her ramble of is nice unlike his. A true smile appears upon her young face as she's more proud over Kyanite's reaction then Liam's actual compliment.

"Just that I kicked Mason's ass." Well that wasn't his exact words but Gala loves using curse words. It's something that's not allowed, which makes it all that more appealing. With a couple of questions to keep track of and the desire to not give out too much information, she loses track of everything she was suppose to answer. It would of happened anyways since Kyanite then asks if this person was cute.

"Eww." Is Gala's automatic response to any sort of question like that. "He was like Matthew's age." She rolls her eyes as if say that's far too old for her. After all that's like big brother age. Plus boy's are just gross anyways. "And kind of creepy looking." She shares a little bit of truth with the assumption that it won't make a difference if she shares a little bit of his appearance.

"Didn't you say you had something to talk about?" Gala brings up with hopes to get off the conversation. She begins digging into her foot because this is usually the time where she grows quiet and listens.

[*]

When I try to ask the questions about the person that had given her a compliment, it seems that it was the wrong thing to ask if he was cute. My assumptions were correct though, making myself grin to the thought that it was a guy who had complimented her. With the 'Ewww' as her answer to it, I can only still assume she's still too young to even deal with liking guys. It'll come one day, Gala. Just wait, little sis. On the topic that was mentioned of him being cute, she also continues to mention that he was creepy looking. That's odd?

"Oh, Gala. I'm sure he was nice. Don't judge a book by their cover. He may be really sweet, you know?" I take the first few bites of the salisbury steak and grimace slightly to the rubber-like meat. For once, I roll my eyes to the dinner laid out in front of me. "Ehh, might as well be called mystery meat."

Another two bites in, Gala brings up my own conversation that I had mentioned needing to talk to her about. I lay the spood down and sit there. My gaze studies the meal then kinda goes off into the distance of the cafeteria where all of the people around us are either chatting it up, playing some sort of game or just simply doing homework. No one even seems to care.

"Member me telling you about Jins? Or mentioning him? I've not seen him in quite a while. I mean, since before the pregames almost three months." I stop and pick the spoon back up and begin swirling the gravy around in the plate around the noodles. I don't want to say it. I don't want to tell her. I feel it's best just to leave it alone and pray for another three months of peace. However, Gala is my friend. If, with his return, he decides to start doing what he did last time, then she just might be in danger as well, or I will be the one needing the help . It's happened before. The longest I've ever spent alone before trying to get home was at least an hour. By that time, the pain had subsided in my stomach long enough for me to get home. I don't want to go through that again.

"He's back... I... had a run in with him in the hallway. He..." I shrug my shoulders a little, but I can still feel his hands on my neck. "... tried to start his shit again." Tried? DID! He already laid his fingers on me within the first five minutes. If only Matthew was here. Maybe, I need to tell him. Call him or something. "I'm scared.... Gala."

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

As soon as Gala reminds Kyanite that she had something to share the mood completely drops. Right before she was the bright big sister as she gave the typical advice to not judge a book by it's cover, that the guy might actually be sweet. The little one takes that into consideration though she knows that Ky would also agree on never trusting a stranger. She'll keep a close eye on him for now. That light air is gone at the mentioning of something the older female was waiting to tell Gala. At least the young age isn't enough to not tell her as the problem's laid out in front of her.

Automatically Gala's able to pull together the pieces as it's clearly something about Jins. Why else would Kyanite bother starting off like this? There's a small pause though as thoughts are collected. It doesn't take long for the little one to figure out that after three months this bully must of returned. That's all that Ky gave about this Jins guy, that he's her bully. The careers that brought the friends together by picking on Gala were also bullies, so she can tell that this must not be good. After a short break she continues with her words again, finally getting straight to the point; He's back.

"What do you mean tried to start shit?" Gala questions with a raised head as if to get into defense mood once again. No one messes with her friends. Apparently it's even as bad as to make Kyanite scared...Gala's big sisters get scared, hell she even gets scared sometimes, but nothing's able to make Ky or Matt scared. It's impossible. "We can tell Matthew." She automatically goes towards him for their safety. "Me and him will kick his ass!"

[*]

"What do you mean tried to start shit?" I opened my big mouth enough that Gala's pleasant moment is suddenly turned upside down thanks to me. I knew I should have kept it to myself. I should have just dealt with it alone like I always used to, but did I do the right thing? I know that Matthew knows of Jins and before, everything kinda just stopped after telling him. Now, with Matthew gone, Jins has suddenly came back. Has he been watching? How does he know when to just.. show up?

"Gala... I don't want Matthew to know. I mean, he's at the PKA right now. I don't want to bother him while he's training and stuff. I don't want to distract him from his life there. His future..." I shrug it off and she immediatley chimes in that she'll kick his ass with Matthew by her side. "I don't doubt you would Gala, but I don't want you to get hurt. Okay? I'm just... I don't know why all of a sudden he'd just show up again. It's made me really uneasy."

With that confession, I let my hand reach up for my shoulder that he had grabed real hard and massage the area gently. I can feel the marks under the skin. The tender areas where his fingers were clamped. It just isn't fair. "If any guy ever hurts you Gala, you don't hesitate to tell me, alright? We're friends. That's what we do. Okay?" I drop my head just a little, and let my fingers linger over the area just a few more seconds before reaching for the spoon again and playing with the food. My appetite just doesn't seem to be there anymore. Instead of butterflies, my stomach just churns with the hated anticipation of what's going on.

"Gala... what are you doing tonight?"