First Chance at Love By Danny Chen Disclaimer: Okay, you know the drill. What doesn?t belong to me belongs to the creators. SM goods are a trademark of Naoko Takeuchi and the rest. Dan No Last Name belongs to me and I own him. We are not related in any way, keep that in mind, if you think this is some kind of self-insertion. No, not in this fanfic. Author?s note: Hey hey, you guys miss me? Probably not. Anyway, here?s a story that will define the meaning of love entirely. The main character is a character of mine created for another story, but I decided to put him in this one because he?s too cool for one piece of writing. His name?s Dan ?The Kid? No Last Name. He is not related to me in any way, in case you?re wondering. It will be enjoyable as well as having its share of conflicts. This fanfic, be advised, has absolutely no SM fighting, and they are always in their civilian forms. Read on? Chapter 1: It was a dark and stormy morning as Dan No Last Name, walked about ten blocks to his high school. It had been cold, clammy and he felt like shit. Dan did not appreciate waking up six in the morning to get on a train that will probably leave without him and walk up six flights of stairs. What?s worse, Dan didn?t finish his homework. ? Stupid school! Why couldn?t you be walking distance so I could at least watch some cartoons before I go?? he muttered to myself. School couldn?t be worse. Dan wasn?t an ordinary kid. He hung out with kids who caused trouble and was the center of mocking between them. For safety, the leader, Will, protected Dan. During the middle of math class he somehow managed to get out of it and go to the principal?s office. ? What?s up?? he asked. The principal cleared his throat and pulled out some papers. Dan stared at them. ? Dan, I see that your grades haven?t been improving since you first came to this high school.? He informed him. ? Don?t worry sir, I have a perfectly logical explanation for it?I?m dumb.? ? Dan, the Board of Ed was concerned not only for your academic failure but your sociological failure as well.? ? Hey, I have friends!? he said. ? What problems do I have?? ? Well, you have been reported stalking a girl, harassing a girl, and mainly all of them involving girls.? The principal narrowed his eyes at Dan. ? There was the case of sending you a grade back, but we found out that there was a foreign exchange program, and that you could go to another school in another country for some time.? His eyes widened. ? Hey, you ain?t shipping me off to some poor country are you?? He shook his head. ? Of course not. The specific country we had in mind was Japan.? ? Ah, Japan! The land of the rising sun! Who?s the sorry person that?s gonna come replace me?? He pulled out some photographs of a blond girl, eating a burger. She had a peculiar hairstyle, two ponytails and ?meatballs? on top. Her hair must have been four feet long! ? Damn, what?s wrong with her?? Dan asked. He looked at another picture.? Whoa! She has some hot friends!? Around her were four other girls, all in Sailor suits. ? Well, she too faces academic failure and must learn to focus. We think that this is a great opportunity to allow a student to experience school life in another country.? Dan thought it over for a minute. ? Ok, I?ll do it.? The scheduled flight was in two days. ? See you Dan, don?t get lost on your way to school.? The leader Will Cruz called out to him as he boarded the plane. ? Shut up you bastard!? Dan shouted back. ? Hey Dan, write back sometimes!? His other friend, Malcolm Jase, said. ? Yeah right.? Dan said. ? Don?t miss me too much.? ? We won?t. It?s not like we care anyway.? Will said. He stuck his finger at them. They bursted out in laughter, and Dan waved them goodbye. ? See ya guys. I?ll let you know how I?m doing.? He got onto the plane. Ten hours or so later he arrived at Tokyo?s airport. Yawning, Dan stretched his hands and walked outside. He wondered who his surrogate parents were going to be. ? Dan No Last Name?? A female voice called out to him. Dan saw a dark-haired girl and a short old man standing with a sign that had his name on it. Chapter 2: Dan got to know his new family. The girl that called out his name was Rei Hino, a Shinto priestess. Her grandfather somewhat disturbed him. ? So Dan, you?re the kid that can?t get your brain in the ?on? position, huh?? he teased. ? Mine got jammed in the ?off? position.? he answered. ? Grandfather!? Rei scolded. ? Be nice to our guest!? ? Um, it?s okay, I?m used to remarks like that.? Dan told her. ? When do we go to school?? Rei shook her head. ? No, you go to a different school than I do. You start tomorrow.? ? That?s too bad.? Dan said, giving her a wink. She blushed a little. ? Well, I guess we should get some sleep. You have to get up at seven thirty to get to the school you?re going to.? Rei told him. His heart stopped temporarily. ? Seven thirty? That?s an hour and a half of extra sleep I get if I were at my old school! I?m gonna like it here.? The following day Rei told Dan that someone was going to come and pick him up and take him to the school. He wondered who that sucker would be. Dan had a habit of talking and talking and annoying a lot of people. ? What?s taking that guy so long? Damn, I used to go to school by myself. Yeah, the good old days.? ? Excuse me, are you Dan?? The most beautiful voice he heard in his life echoed in Dan?s ears. ? Yeah, where are you? Let?s go.? he said, not taking a glance at her. ? So, you were the one that came here for Usagi, am I correct?? The girl that escorted Dan was named Ami Mizuno. They had walked inside the school, and had some time before their first class. ? Yeah, but can we like, not be so formal? I?m getting nauseous.? he said. ? What do you mean?? she asked. ? Well, I tend to curse a lot, and I better warn you I hate a lot of people. I don?t work well with some.? Ami didn?t say anything. Dan figured she didn?t know how to respond to that. ? So what?s our first class?? he asked her. ? It?s math.? She said. ? You?ll love the teacher. Haruna sensei is really nice.? ? Math? I suck at math. I can?t even divide fractions!? Dan cried. Ami grabbed him by the arm. ? Don?t worry, if you need help I?ll be there for you. Just relax.? The bell rung. Ami and Dan approached the classroom. They took a seat together. Dan looked around him. There was a strange, nerdy looking kid staring. ? Hey! You must be the new kid! Welcome to Japan! My name?s Gurio Umino!? He rested an arm on Dan?s shoulder. He lowered his eyes there. ? Get your arm off of me before I break it.? He snarled. Gurio yanked it away and faced front. Cool, I scared somebody already and class didn?t start yet Ami just gave him a stern look. ? Dan, be nice! You want to make a good impression, don?t you?? ? He-he touched me! It was a reflex warning!? Dan sputtered. Ami shook her head. ? Apologize to him.? She said to him. ? No.? ? Do it!? Dan grumbled. That kid, Gurio, turned around and waited for the apology ordered by Ami. ? Sorry.? he said with no feeling whatsoever. ? Why, it?s okay. I know how it?s hard for you, being the new kid and all.? He stuck out a hand. I think he wanted me to shake it ? Didn?t I warn you not to do any queer things at me?!? Dan shouted. ? Take off those glasses before I shatter it to pieces.? ? With your face, huh?? Gurio made a big mistake. ? You smart mouth little bastard! I?m about to throw you out the window, through the FUCKIN? GLASS!!!? ? DAN!!!? Ami pulled him down to his seat. Dan tried not to think about that kid anymore. ? Good morning class!? He saw the teacher. She looked too good to be one. ? How old is she? Are you sure that?s our teacher?? Dan asked Ami. ? Today there is a special student with us, he?s come all the way from America, Dan No Last Name.? He got up and waved. ? Hey, what?s up?? Dan looked around. ? Uh?please to meet you all.? The class just stared. ? God, what a bunch of sorry excuses for teenagers.? he muttered. ? Dan, why don?t you come up and tell us a little about yourself.? ? Sure thing Haruna.? He walked up to the front of the room. Dan cleared his throat. ? Hey, my name?s Dan. Any questions?? The class was quiet still. ? Okay?that was interesting. Well, let?s treat Dan with the same respect as everyone else in here.? And a good thing he replaced Usagi Haruna sensei thought. It was lunchtime, and Ami and Dan went outside to eat. ? Hey, isn?t there a cafeteria here?? Dan asked. Ami laughed lightly. ? No, we bring our own food to eat.? She said. He looked at his empty hands. ? Damn, I guess I have to go steal someone else?s lunch?? ? No Dan, I have a lunch here for you!? Ami quickly pulled out a bag of food for him. He looked inside. ? Oh my God, this has got to be the best lunch I will ever eat in school.? Dan looked at the contents. There were two sandwiches, an apple, a bottle of water and a cupcake. ? I had some time this morning, and since there was a foreign exchange student I had to go to school with, not know anything about Japan, I decided I should go prepared.? Ami said. Dan looked at her and smiled. ? Wow, and you made me all this. Thanks Ami.? He said. ? It was no problem. Let?s eat now.? He ate the sandwiches and gulped down lots of water. ? So Dan, what?s America like?? Ami asked, getting into a conversation. He swallowed a chunk of the cupcake and said, ? America is the greatest country I could ever be in. The pollution there acts like sunglasses from the sun.? Ami opened her mouth but said nothing. He picked up the apple and looked for a place to toss it. Dan spotted the nerd that approached him in class. ? Well, well, if it isn?t that bastard that wanted to be my friend.? He hurled the apple. Unfortunately, Dan?s aim is terrible and whatever he throws never hits their target. This was no exception. It flew over him and hit someone else. ? Ouch!? Dan made a scared face. ? Oh my god, I got a girl.? A tall brunette walked over to Ami and him, rubbing her head. She glared at Dan. ? Did you throw this at me?? she asked through her gritted teeth. ? Well?!? He tried to think of something to say before she ripped him apart like a wild animal. ? Uh...AMI!!!? He called out for help. Ami held the girl back while Dan ran for cover. ? Makoto, stop! You don?t want to get in trouble!? ? I?m not the one who?s in trouble! I?m gonna tear his flesh from his bones!? The girl, whom Ami called Makoto, watched Dan. She didn?t let him out of her sight. ? Ami, do you know her?? Dan asked, behind a tree. ? She?s a friend.? Turning back to Makoto, Ami tried to calm her down. ? Makoto, relax, he?s a friend of mine. Let?s just all get along.? Dan came out from his hiding spot and joined the two girls. He sat next to Ami, as far as he can get from Makoto. ? So how come I never seen you in school? You new here?? Makoto asked. ? I?m from another country. Good ol? U.S.ofA.? Dan replied. Makoto snickered. ? Americans?? she said to herself. He glared at her. ? What? Are you making fun of my country? That?s why we nuked you twice with A-bombs during the Big War!? he snapped. Makoto clenched her fists. ? You savages! You could compare with Hitler!? she shot back. Dan stood up. ? Yeah, well that?s what you get for bombing Pearl Harbor!!!? Ami broke us up. ? Guys! Stop arguing!? she pleaded. ? Why don?t you two say something constructive to each other?? Dan shrugged. ? I can?t. It?s against my blood to do that.? ? Why? You don?t know how to talk to girls?? Makoto jeered. He looked at her. ? I don?t fight with girls. They think they?re so smart, and they are!? The bell rung and they went to class. After school Ami had to go to a computer class. Dan had a choice to make, join her or go home. Well, I?m not religious so whatever Shinto things Rei had planned for me were going to have to wait Dan decided to go with Ami. ? Are you sure you don?t want to do something more fun? I mean, hanging with me in a computer room all day?? He cut Ami?s sentence. ? Let?s go Ami.? Dan said. ? I might just get lost finding my way back. I?m not a dog or anything, so unless you draw me a map I?ll probably end up in Hawaii or something.? Ami covered up a giggle. They went upstairs in a tall building. ? Wow, this place is clean.? Dan stared at the floors and walls. They entered a room, where Ami sat down by a computer. He took the one next to hers. ? Ok Dan, why don?t you just?? She stared at him as he was already on a paint program and began doodling and drawing on it. ? Cool, look at all the colors!? he exclaimed. Ami left him alone. During the middle of class, Ami noticed that Dan kept giving her glances every five minutes or so. She nervously continued her work while he did his. It wasn?t long before the class was over. Dan saved the work he had done on a disk and shoved it in his pocket. Ami looked up from her computer and smiled. ? Well, that was the most quietest time since I?ve ever been with you today since this morning.? Ami commented. ? Yeah, I don?t talk when I draw. My mouth usually hangs open, heh heh.? They walked down the stairs. ? So, what did you draw?? Ami asked. ? Nothing really. Just doodling around.? He said. Dan didn?t know why, but he usually like to terrorize his female friends, but he guessed Ami was something different. Ami and Dan parted once she got near her house and Dan said goodbye. As he made his way to the shrine, he saw Rei waiting for him at the stairs. She didn?t look too happy. ? Where have you been?? she asked, her hands on her waist. ? You were supposed to come straight home after school!? Dan shrugged. ? Sorry mom. I hope I don?t give you any gray hairs. But I wouldn?t bet on it.? Rei made a noise that scared him, and dragged Dan inside. ? You?re grounding me?!? he cried. ? I?m sorry, but I grew up in a world without rules and I run wild.? ? I don?t care, you already made a bad impression today by coming home late. You have homework to do!? Dan yawned. ? I can do that in school.? Rei grew frustrated. ? There?s a reason why they call it HOME-work!? He laughed. ? Rei, don?t worry. I know how to get my homework done faster. If Ami does it for me, I can have so much time to do whatever chores you want me to do.? Rei pulled him by his ear. ? You are not getting Ami to do your homework! Now go to your room and get to work!? He mumbled something to himself and went to it. Rei shook her head. ? He almost gets into a fight with a kid at school and refuses to do homework. He needs to be caged.? Chapter 3: The following weeks were a breeze, with Ami as his lifesaver. Dan soon got to know her a lot better than he would with the girls at his old school. ? Hey Ami, whacha got there?? He looked at a postcard in Ami?s hand. She had arrived to Rei?s shrine and stayed a couple of minutes before she and Dan went to school. ? Dear Ami Mizuno, I have some great news! I?m coming back on the 16th and I?m bringing you a gift. I?m looking forward to seeing you. I missed you a lot. Ryo.? She read to herself, but Dan could hear what she said. There was a flower attached to it. She seemed a little overwhelmed by it, and just held it by her chest. ? He?s coming back!? she said. ? Who?s coming back?? he asked, not liking this one bit. ? Ryo Urawa! He was in my school a long time ago, but he moved. Now he?s coming back!? ? You must be really attached to him.? Dan said. Ami blushed a little. ? Well, he?s actually a very good friend of mine. I?ah, never mind.? ? Ryo Urawa, huh??? Dan took one good look at the picture Ryo sent of him and his dad. ? You son of a bitch!? Dan pushed him against the fence by the school. ? You?re that bastard Ami was talking about! I think Ami should be sending you flowers when I put you in the hospital!? Ryo tried to get out of his grip. ? Hey! What do you want?! Let me go!? A redhead came by and tried to separate them. ? Hey! What?s going on here?!? Dan saw a crowd had gathered. ? Good, spectators to see me beat the living crap out of you.? Dan said. He took off his shirt. Ryo stood there, leaning against the wall. He was glad he reached him before Ami did. ? You want to hit on my girl, huh? Well I have news for you. Ami?s my girl and I?m part of a gang of tough guys!!!? Dan waited for a response. Ryo only looked stunned. Gurio and the redhead girl, Naru, watched on. Ami was nowhere in sight. She must have been on the other side of the yard eating lunch. ? What?s the matter?? Dan asked. ? Don?t let me kick your ass that easily. I expect something from the guy that wants to move in on Ami.? ? I?m not moving in on her!? Ryo spat at him. ? I don?t know who you are, but Ami and I both love each other!? He cracked his knuckles. ? Love? You think you and Ami are that serious? I?ll break your neck!? Ami noticed a large number of people running past her. She turned and heard cheering and yelling. ? What?s going on there?? Ami put her bag down and rushed over to the scene. ? You fuckin bitch!!!? Dan cried. Ryo was on the ground, blood dripping from his nose and mouth. Makoto had Dan in a headlock and thrust him against a tree. ? You wanna pick on somebody?! Pick on me!!!? she snarled. Dan grabbed her hands and slowly twisted them around. He now had her in his advantage. ? You should mind your own business! Now I?m gonna have to start hurting girls now!!!? ? DAN!!!? Ami?s voice got his attention. Dan?s grip on Makoto weakened and she punched him directly on his nose. He blacked out. ?Ryo!? Ami ran over to him, but by then Haruna sensei got to the fight and took Ryo to the nurse. Makoto and Dan were taken to the principal?s office. Ami shook her head in disbelief. Already, trouble began to brew. ? I can?t believe you two.? The principal said. ? You people know the rules. I?m going to have to suspend you two for a week.? Dan said nothing. Makoto did the same. ? I?m going to have to inform your parents about this, Mr. No Last Name.? He said. ? Don?t call me that.? He told the principal. He didn?t take his eyes off of Dan. ? You could have changed. I guess a week will teach you some discipline.? He returned his stare. ? Whatever. Just let me go now.? Rei was getting personal on Dan that afternoon. ? I cannot believe you!!! I can?t believe you actually got into a fight! And with Ryo Urawa!? Rei kicked him. ? Don?t you know that she?s in love with him?! You had to go and fight him!? He rubbed the bandage on his nose. ? I guess Ami should have warned him about me. Now you?re friend Makoto, she shouldn?t have interfered.? ? She stopped you from hurting him any more!? Rei hollered. ? What is your problem?!? He sighed and defended himself. ? When I like a girl, I don?t like other people liking her. So, I have to get rid of him.? ? You?re crazy.? Rei said. ? I?m only eliminating the competition.? he said. ? I still can?t believe you.? she muttered, looking away from Dan. He said nothing. After a while, Rei turned back to him and looked him in the eye. ? You like Ami?? she asked. ? Not biting my head off anymore?? he asked. ? Just answer the question.? Rei said. ? Yeah, I like her. What?s your point?? Rei crossed her arms. ? You should have told me. I?m one of her best friends. I could have given you advice.? ? I don?t need advice.? he said. ? I do things my way.? ? Well, your ?way? just got you suspended for a week and now Ami?s never speaking to you again!? ? I?ll settle this whole matter.? Dan told Rei. ? Just get her over here.? ? Excuse me?? Rei choked. ? Did I hear right? You want Ami to come over here even thought she?s angry at you?? ? I can handle her! Just do it!? he demanded. Rei picked up the phone and dialed her number. Rei finally convinced Ami to come over. ? By the way, I?m not taking any part in this, so you handle this yourself.? Rei walked away. Dan watched as Rei left. Usually, at a time like this, Dan had his friends there to help him out?friends from America. They would always help him settle events like this. Wait, no they won?t. Dan thought. Dan mumbled to himself, ? Before I do anything I should at least make some friends here. For the first time in my life I am actually alone. Ami was the only friend I had made since I first arrived here. Maybe it had been my fault. Well, I have one chance of fixing up this problem.? Several minutes later, Ami arrived at the door, and Rei ungratefully let her in. ? Hope he doesn?t get to you.? Rei told her friend. Ami nodded. Rei left both of them alone. ? You had something to say to me?? Ami asked. Dan had flashbacks of incidents like this happening. Girl after girl he had to apologize for something he did to them, or taking the blame for his friends? mistakes. ? Ami, I?m?well, I guess I?m sorry for what I did.? ? You should be apologizing to Ryo.? Ami said to me. ? You hurt him physically and without any emotion at all other than hate. I thought you were my friend. I never imagined that you would fight someone.? Dan tried to ignore that, but he couldn?t. ? Dammit Ami, do you know why I fought Ryo?! It made me feel good! I was always made fun of and now I had the chance to fight someone and settle all my anger that I store up!? Ami?s shocked expression showed that Dan was making things even worse. ? You hit Ryo to make yourself feel good?! Didn?t you ever think how I might have reacted to this?! Especially after you hurt someone I really love!? There goes that word again. Dan sighed. ? Ami, I know that I shouldn?t hit a person because it only makes me look stupider, but you don?t know how hard it is for a person like me to avoid it when I?m already in a gang. But when I met you and I loved you, I knew that I couldn?t lose you. Ryo was my problem, and now I see that I didn?t solve it. I only made it worse.? Dan took in a breath and let Ami react to this. She still waited for more. ? You are the only girl I know that actually became my friend. I guess I should just make some more friends of my own when I get back to school.? Ami sat down on a chair. Dan leaned against the wall. ? Dan, what is the real reason why you did this?? Ami asked him. His mouth dropped. ? You don?t believe me?!? he cried out. Ami shook her head. ? You said that you apologized for what you did, but you never told me why you did it. You only said it made you feel good. Why?? ? I told you that it makes me feel good because people always get on my case! I?? ? But Ryo wasn?t on your case. He never did anything to you. Your own personal problems never involved me or Makoto or Ryo. So you had no reason to fight.? Ami picked herself up and made her way towards the door. ? Ami, where are you going?? he asked. She turned around to him. ? Dan, I?m only going to tell you one thing.? She said. ? You are a smart person. Just focus on that one point.? She left. He stared after her as she walked down those steps, her body disappearing from his sight. ? Well, scratch one girl from my life.? He said to himself. ? Don?t you have any remorse?!? Rei yelled at Dan. ? Were you born without a heart? What is wrong with you?!? ? First of all, you shouldn?t have been listening in on our conversation. Second, once I get back to school, I will apologize to Ami for real this time, whatever she told me to do.? Dan snapped at Rei. ? Dan, if you want some good advice, Ami likes letters. She likes to read.? Rei told him. ? You two can?t communicate good by talking. You need to write her an apology letter.? ? I can?t write.? he protested. ? I can?t even read my own handwriting!? Rei rolled her eyes. ? Come on, this is the only thing that will actually work with Ami. Also, you have to write FROM YOUR HEART!? Dan kicked the table. ? From my heart?! I don?t know how to do that!? ? That?s why you shouldn?t have done this in the first place, but if you had any common sense, you would know that Ami isn?t any of those slut girls in your school!? Rei?s words had an impact on him. ? Damn you Rei, you had to make me see the right way, didn?t you?! Well, I might as well stop my mindless flirting and actually tell Ryo that he can have Ami since them two look like they were made for each other.? Dan sat down and took a pen. Rei watched as he worked. A week passed, and Rei introduced Dan to another friend of hers. He stared with pure awe as to how Rei didn?t introduce her to him sooner. ? Hi, my name is Minako Aino. You were the troublemaker that I heard about?? she asked. ? Uh, yes and no?mainly yes.? he said. Dan could tell he had gotten onto her good side, since Minako let out a little giggle. ? So how long have you been here?? Minako asked. ? I don?t know. I?m guessing about a month already.? He and Minako chatted for a while, and they shared some laughs. Rei peered at them from a distance. ? He?s gotten along well with her, why does he make so much trouble with Ami?? Chapter 4: Dan woke up the next day really early. Pretending that he had finished my homework the night before, he took his books and tried to read the assignment with his eyes half closed. ? If Megumi has twenty Bish?Bishujou Sailor Senshi manga and she divides them between her friends Akiko and? what the hell kind of problems are these?? Dan closed the book and got dressed. Trying not to wake anyone, he crept towards the door, but to his surprise, Rei was already up and she saw him with his books. ? Where do you think you?re going?? she asked suspiciously. Dan rolled his eyes. ? Listen, I?m gonna go to Ami?s house and drop off this letter to her. I wrote my own last night and I wanna get to school by myself so she won?t have to talk to me on the way.? He placed the letter on the desk, to show that he wasn?t lying. Rei put her hands on her hips. ? I feel a strange presence in this letter. I think I?ll double check it before it?s safe to give.? Dan tried to reach for it but she was already reading it. ? Dear Ami, I am sorry for what I did. If I can remember exactly what I did wrong, I would write it in this letter but for now I have to write in twenty-size font. I hope you can read my handwriting. Sign, Dan.? The priestess looked up at him with burning eyes and crumpled that letter. ? So were there any grammar errors or spelling mistakes?? Dan asked. ? What the heck was that?! Ami?s gonna kick your sorry butt for this trash!!!? she shouted. ? Quiet! You might wake up the old guy!? he warned her. Rei grabbed her head in frustration. ? You imbecile! You stupid?.stupid?.oh!!!? She turned around. Dan smiled. ? Hey, this is just like school back in the U.S.? he said. Rei slapped him across his face. ? What the?? ? Give her the letter that you wrote before that piece of junk I just read. At least she?ll know you have the capacity to write like a normal human being!? Dan made a loud sigh and took the original letter from the trash. He rewrote it and waited for Ami to come by. It felt like and hour but she arrived. Wearing the usual sailor uniform, she said hello to Rei and waited for Dan to exit the shrine. ? Dan, come back home after school. No excuses.? Rei reminded him. ? Yes, mom.? he mumbled. Ami and Dan made their way to school. He took in a deep breath and waited for a good moment to make his move. Halfway there, Dan decided it was time. ? Um?Ami?? he said. She turned to him. ? Yes?? she asked timidly. Dan reached into his pocket and fumbled inside there looking for the letter. Alas, his hands grasped it. ? Here. I think you should read this?you know?before I try to start more trouble in school.? They both stopped. Ami eyed him curiously and unfolded the letter. Her eyes darted left to right. ? Dear Ami, I know that my actions cannot be changed, and that the pain will heal gradually, but whatever I can do in the future to make up my past with you I will be more than grateful to. Just don?t let me see Ryo ever again or else I will have to punch him harder than I did before?? Ami crumpled up the piece of paper and glared at him. ? Did you write this as an apology letter or a threat?!? Dan wasn?t about to let her scream on him that easily. ? Listen Ami, Rei tried to make me write a letter from my heart to address this entire matter. I faked what I wrote before just to get her off my back. The truth is, I can?t change the kind of person I am. In reality I will always get angry at every guy I see you with and pretending I don?t care ain?t gonna make me any good of a person.? Ami killed her angry look and actually listened to him. ? What are you saying?? ? Ami, If I hate Ryo, and he hates me?then you hate me as well. I don?t think we can be friends until either Ryo or me get kicked from your love life. Since I?m gonna be leaving here in about five more months, then I guess I?m gonna be the one.? Ami shook her head. ? Dan, I never said I hated you. I just didn?t like it when you got into that fight with Ryo and trying to say that I was your girl. That?s not how love works.? He laughed. ? There?s that word again. I?m telling you Ami, if I can?t even learn simple math or reasoning, I ain?t gonna learn love.? The girl brushed her hair back. ? Hey, listen, I?m not the one to help you out on that. But I?m pretty sure one of my friends can help you with this particular problem.? Chapter 5: So there it was. Makoto, Minako, Rei, Ami and Dan sat in the Shrine talking. He listened to their pointers. ? Okay Dan, let?s start with the basics.? Minako said. ? A girl likes guys that look like a million bucks. Get your dress code up to date!? Dan gave her a look. ? Hey! With these uniforms they give me, I can?t exactly change it now, can I?? ? You don?t even wear the uniforms!? Rei snapped. ? Damn right!? he said. Ami interrupted. ? Well, I think a girl likes a guy for who he is.? ? Ami, think of useful things. I mean, this is Dan we?re talking?? he glared at Rei for that comment. She stuck her tongue out at him. ? If you want my opinion?? Makoto looked at him. ? Dan?s attitude is his main problem.? ? Explain.? he demanded. ? For starters, you hate every guy you see, you swear when it?s not necessary, and you fight a lot.? She didn?t forget about the punch she laid on him. ? Even my ex-boyfriends were more considerate.? Dan made a face. ? For a person who has that many ex- boyfriends, you should start taking your own advice.? Makoto threw her hands up in the air. ? That?s it! I?m not helping that kid anymore! He?s gonna die!? Minako, Rei and Ami held her back. Dan stood up. ? I?m going to my room.? He said. Ami let go of Makoto and tried to stop Dan from leaving. ? Dan! Wait! Don?t do this now!? she threw herself in front of him. ? Ami, you don?t like me, so why don?t you just let me go. You?re jolly friends over there don?t seem to help me out much so just let me go now.? he said. Ami grasped his hand, which caused Dan to flinch a bit. ? Dan, I KNOW you can be a gentlemen. If you really want a relationship with a girl, you should listen to us.? Dan took his hands away from her. ? Ami, I want to be more than friends with you, but since that can?t happen, I?ll just stop tiring myself out.? He went past her and closed the door to his room. Ami stood there for a moment, and then made her way back to the other girls. ? Well, that sure didn?t go well.? Minako finally said. Ami glumly sat beside Rei. ? Ami, you okay?? Rei asked, putting a hand on her shoulder. Ami shook her head. ? He?s not a bad guy, he?s just been influenced the wrong way. Why won?t he let us help him?? Makoto snorted. ? He?s just stubborn. He thinks he?s some kind of tough guy who pushes people around but he?s just a wimp.? ? Makoto!? Ami said. ? I agree that Dan isn?t perfect but it?s not like he should be shot on sight! Why don?t you just forget about the bad things and actually be friends with him?? ? Because I know that he?s trouble!? Makoto leaned against the wall. ? If Ami doesn?t go with Ryo, then he?s just gonna beat the next guy that comes along!? Ami flashed her an angry look. ? Dan is not an animal. He can learn, but that?s only if we all help him.? Rei also added, ? He?s not socially deprived, he just needs some time.? Minako looked at her watch and tried thought for a very long time. ? If he came here in September, and it?s January now, then he has?uh?four more moths left till June!? ? Five.? Rei corrected. ? I was close this time!? she beamed. Rei only shook her head. ? Okay.? Makoto said. ? I?ll go and talk with him. But if he acts like a jerk I?m going to have to?? ? Makoto?? Rei and Ami stared her down. She went to his room. ? Dan! You in there?? Makoto pulled the sliding door slightly open. ? It?s me, Makoto.? ? Get lost, bitch.? Dan shot at her. She clenched her fists and was about to barge in there, but she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. ? Dan, if it?s okay with you, can I come in and talk with you? I promise I won?t be mean.? She told him. ? Right. You?re probably worried that I might do something stupid like tie you up and toss you out the window, don?t you?? ? Dan! I just want to talk! I?m not going to insult you any further, okay? Can?t you understand that?!? Makoto crossed her arms and waited. The door opened completely and Dan allowed her entry. He sat on his bed and she sat down against the wall. ? What do you want to talk about?? But before Makoto could answer, he spoke again. ? Wait! If it?s anything to do with girls I don?t want to hear about it.? ? You can?t keep telling yourself that you can?t get a girlfriend just because you couldn?t have Ami! If you just try harder and not be an ass all the time-!? ? Can?t you go one second without saying anything about me?! You said yourself that you wouldn?t?? Makoto got up and slapped him hard across the face. ? You don?t get it, do you?! I?m not making fun of you! I?m actually trying to help you, and you have no chance at anything with a messed up attitude and a hit list for all of Ami?s male friends!? Dan shot up and kicked the bed. He tossed his books at the wall and cursed loudly. ? The only girl who hasn?t run away from me and she?s already taken! It isn?t fair, even for me!? Makoto loosened her hand and slowly walked over to him. ? Nothing is ever fair, Dan. But if you want to win a girl?s heart, you have to try, not steal. You can find someone tomorrow and I?ll help you at it.? Dan turned around. ? I don?t know if I want to anymore.? ? Just try. I promise, you?ll find someone else other than Ami that you can be happy with.? Makoto smiled. Dan blinked, and then smiled too. ? I?ll give it a shot then.? Ami, Rei and Minako suddenly heard silence. ? You think she killed him?? Minako looked around for an answer. ? They?ve stopped screaming at each other.? Rei said. ? It may be a good sign, or a bad one.? Ami saw Makoto and Dan step out and when they saw that Makoto wasn?t holding him in a headlock, everything seemed to be okay. ? Well, I think I cured him.? Makoto declared. Dan chuckled. ? That?s great!? Minako said, but then grew confused. ? What was wrong with him anyway?? Dan laughed. ? Minako, Minako.? Minako laughed with him. It all seemed to go well now, after Dan realized his wrongs and decided to start over fresh, but not all stories can go the path you choose, can it? What will happen now? Something outrageous? Something surprising? Dan waited for tomorrow to see how his future would treat him before he returned to America. Chapter 6: The next morning seemed to compliment his amazing change yesterday. The day was clear, the sun shone and the birds sang. Dan walked out and inhaled, taking in the scent of the flowered around him, he waited for Ami to show up. Even after all the months he had been going to the school, he still couldn?t get there by himself. ? Good morning Dan!? Ami greeted, giving a small wave. Dan waved back. ? Hey Ami. How are you?? ? I?m fine. Ready for school?? she asked. Dan smiled. ? Probably not. But let?s get going.? Things had gotten much better. Ami had often helped Dan with his problems in math and other various subjects. He even had affection for one of the girls in the math class, which was one of his main reasons for getting there early. After exchanging small conversations, he became friends with her. Her name was Omore Sasaki Ami was surprised as to how nice he had been towards her. Dan spent the next four and a half months becoming a good person, and he even bought Omore a small locket. The last days seemed to have sped by quickly, and before Dan knew it he was going to go back tomorrow. ? So, what are you going to do before you go back?? Ami asked. Dan and Ami had sat together at an ice cream parlor, talking. ? I don?t know. I?ve been seeing Omore for quite a while, but once I go back, I?m gonna have to say goodbye to you all. I can?t ever do things like this again.? He said. Ami frowned. ? Dan, we can always write. You can?t forget about us even after all that?s happened.? He shrugged. ? I don?t know, I have a pretty bad memory.? Ami giggled. ? I can see why Minako thinks you?re so funny.? Dan grinned. ? I?m gonna miss her too. Hey, since I leave tomorrow, you think I can have some time to myself? I?d like to do some things before our ultimate good byes.? He grimaced once he said ?ultimate good byes?. ? Sure.? Ami said. Dan held her hand and smiled happily. ? Oh, can you give this to Omore? It?s a note I wrote her. She won?t make it with you guys to the airport, so I decided to say goodbye like that.? Ami took the letter from him and put it in her purse. ? I?ll make sure to do so.? Dan and Ami talked for some time more, and soon left the parlor. It was night. Everything was silent, and the moon shone brightly. Dan carefully crept outside the shrine and not waking up Rei or her grandfather, he picked up his bags and ran down the stairs. The ravens cawed noisily, but Dan paid no attention to them. He ran past the buildings and waited for his moment. Staring in front of him, he saw the lights and closed his eyes. ?NO!!!? Ami buried her face in her hands as she had received the news of what had happened to Dan. ? It?s okay, Ami.? Makoto comforted, looking at the white walls of the hospital. Rei sat quietly, also as devastated as Ami was over the accident. ? Miss Hino?? The nurse came out. ? I have the confirmation of Dan?s status.? Rei walked up to her, but the nurse?s gestures told her the answer. ? I?m sorry.? Ami couldn?t take it. She ran from the others crying. ? Ami!? Minako and Makoto followed after her. Rei and the nurse saw an officer heading up towards them?the same one who had reported the accident. ? Sorry darling.? He said. Rei nodded. ? It?s okay.? ? Miss Hino, do you have any ideas as to why he would have done this? It was a very slim chance he could have survived as he was directly in front of the truck.? He said. ? I-I don?t know.? Rei stammered. ? He was so happy before he was going to leave, b-but I never ima- imagined him to?? Rei suddenly burst into tears. He took her in his arms, and she cried even harder. ? The note you found in his room. It stated that he wanted to be buried in your shrine. Have you came to a decision?? The officer waited for Rei to pull herself together. ? Dan?why does he want to be buried here? What about his family?? He looked at her. ? He doesn?t have any parents or relatives. A runaway orphan. He?s been staying with a friend his entire life and since he requested to be buried here in Japan, then it?s your decision.? Rei thought about Dan, his misunderstood history and knew that she had to fulfill his last wish. The funeral was a heart-breaking event for the four girls. Usagi, who had arrived just that day, decided to join them and pay some respect to Ami?s friend. Omore was also there, crying for Dan as she was the first girlfriend he had ever had. Everyone except for Rei and Ami had left home that day. But Rei knew something before Dan died. She had kept Ami there until they were alone. ? What is it Rei?? Ami wasn?t in the mood for any more surprises, but Rei insisted for her to see what she had. ? Ami.? Rei started, trying to break it to her. ? Dan, he had planned this out. It wasn?t an accident?it was more of suicide.? Ami closed her eyes, but the tears still broke through. ? R-Rei, why must you tell me this now? I can?t bear to hear any more!? Rei held her friend in her arms and tried to stop herself from crying. ? Ami! Listen.? She lifted her head, and saw that Rei was holding something in her hands. ? What is it?? Rei revealed the object in her hands?a standard black floppy disk. ? Dan had this kept for you until his death. He also had a letter for you too.? Ami saw the letter in Rei?s hand, and slowly took it. She unfolded the paper and read it, trying to see clearly through the wet eyes. Dear Ami, I know that the first few months weren?t the best of times. I know I was a pain and a moron at times?but I guess you kind of got used to me. How can I say this?you are the greatest person I have ever met. You?re smart, kind, gentle and you make any miserable loser like me feel like a million points higher. I only wish you the best in your future. My life really stunk, but once you changed it, I didn?t need any more. I?m not greedy. I got a girlfriend, GOOD friends and a second chance at my teen years. That was it for me. So I decided rather than to go back to my hell, I wanted to stay here with you and the Rei and the others. Be sure to check my disk out. Please don?t grieve over my death too much. It took a long time for me to spot a truck, heh heh. Ami read that line again, and knew that Dan still kept a sense of humor before his death. She read on. For Rei, I?m gonna miss your angry voice shouting at me. But being buried in your shrine, I guess I can hear you from beyond the first life. Yeah, you?re a pretty great person. Take good care of the shrine, cuz if you don?t then someone might dig me up and steal my wallet, hahaha. Hope you enjoyed that last joke. For Makoto, sorry for getting on your nerves all the time. If it makes you fell better, you hit me a lot harder than that truck. I?m gonna remember you and that punch forever. But to say something nice here, I just want to add that you?re a nice girl, and you?ll finally settle with one guy who?ll make you happy. Love ya. For Minako, you?re a real doll. Never been happier talking to you and hearing your cute giggle. Oh, there are nine planets and they revolve around the sun in orbits. You know, nine balls circling a big orange thing. Keep that tender smile for me. Ami looked at Rei. ? The other girls were already shown this letter. You might want to check out the disk.? Rei said. She and Ami headed to her house where they saw what was on the disk. ? I don?t believe it.? Ami saw the screen, and saw that Dan had given her the picture he had drawn the first time he was with her. It was a giant heart, and inside it had an arrow with his name on it. Below it there was some writing, but it was too small to read. Ami zoomed in and saw what it said. [A heart for my friend Ami, the coolest girl I?ve been with] So how was this story? Great? It sucked? What? Tell me and add some suggestions if you want to demon_cat@hotmail.com.