Misao! Misao! It's me, Lacus! I heard what happened. Do you want to talk? Please tell me. I am so worried about you.

-pause-

I won't force you but you don't have to suffer alone. Please trust me. Call me back if you want someone to talk to.

I guess I better go. Take care of yourself!

-clicks-

Misao gazed quietly at her phone as she played the message. She smiled a small smile.

"Lacus," she whispered, emerald eyes fixed on the screen. She could use someone to talk to, but it would not be safe. Not now after she analyzed how she had acted this morning. How could she had been such an idiot? She smiled wryly as she closed her eyes and buried her face in the pillow. She had just managed to focus the attention on herself more than it was necessary.

Letting out a frustrated groan, she quickly dialed Lacus' number.

Lacus, this is Misao. I'm fine.[pause]

It's been a really hectic day and I just want to rest. Perhaps we can meet tomorrow after classes? Just let me know if you can. [pause]

Lacus,...I appreciate your concern and I can't thank you enough.

Bye

[end call]

Standing up from her bed, she quickly threw on a black hoodie, securing her kunais under her clothes and a little bag of 'fireworks', she headed out of the door. She just couldn't stay at her dorm tonight. The walls were closing in or her and she just needed to breathe.

Lacus listened to the message, with a sad look. Misao .

"After classes? Sounds great! Just tell me when and where to meet," she chuckled halfheartedly. "We haven't seen each other in a while."

"Why shouldn't I be concerned? We're friends aren't we?" She clenched her fingers around the phone. "I guess that is all. Come to me anytime."

She hung up slowly and covered her face in her hands.

This can't be happening... this just can't.

Hello, Misao!

I am so excited for the sleepover! Planning is still going on the way. I hope it pushes through.

I know this is going to sound very sudden and strange but could you teach me a little of self-defense?

If you're busy, I completely understand.

*in the background: 'He-llo, Mi-sao! He-llo!"

*giggles* Mister Pink says, Hi!

I have to go to my next class, I hope to see you soon!

Hello again!

Could you help me a bit with the cooking though? I am scared that I might actually blow up the stove this time.

It is not anything you should worry about, Misao. Really! You worry too much. I just want to learn because I want to protect myself too. It isn't fair that others are burdened because of me.

Don't worry, Misao. I know what I am doing.

And listen to Mister Pink!

*in the background: 'Ma-ki-ma-chiiii'*

He can say your last name now! Hahaha...

I'll tell you soon. I am going to be practicing in the theatre soon, so you can come with me. What do you think?

Hi!

I'll be glad to help. Ummm...blow up the stove? Oh boy, you remind me of a friend of mine. Don't worry though, I'm sure we can come up with something edible.

*giggles*

Hmmm...I promise not to worry. I'll trust your judgment. You're not a burden Lacus, but I understand your reasoning. So I'll be happy to teach you.

Tell Mister Pink that I'll visit him soon.

The theatre? Well, sounds fine to me. So let me know when and I'll be there.

Hello, Misao.

Thank you s much for your help. I am not that completely useless in the kitchen, I will feel much more better if you are around.

Thank you, Misao. Hearing that from you makes me feel better. I can't wait to start learning. One last question. Misao, have you noticed any new faces on campus? Such as a girl with amber colored eyes? I have been too busy to notice her.

I will. *giggles* He is learning a lot more words now.

Okay. I going there some time this weekend. If you don't mind watching me practice for a while, we can start there. Is that alright with you?

Hi there Lacus,

Don't worry I'll help you as much as I can. I'll even teach you a few tricks if you want to. Cooking isn't difficult, besides I wasn't that good of a cook in the beginning either.

There's no need to thank me Lacus, besides what are friends for.

Amber eyes? Why? Do I need to keep an eye out? I'll let you know if I see anyone with that color of eyes.

Mister Pink is just so adorable. *chuckles*

*pause* Hmmm...I don't mind watching you, so it's fine with me.

Oh, don't forget to bring comfortable clothes.