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"First Date"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl

Mild language is present.

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   "Aww geeze, this is going to be a total disaster!"

   Tucked away in the shadows of a side street in the city of Ashwood, Zenith stared into a piece of shattered glass with a pained expression.  It was cracked, and he could barely make out his face as it was reflected numerous times between each fracture.  Something about how he looked bothered him, and yet, he had not the means to fix it.

   He was only sixteen years old, and with his identical twin brother, he had grown up alone, on the streets, homeless, drifting from town to town, without ever knowing if they had a real family.  Despite everything they had endured, somehow they had survived, and though they were barely hanging on from day to day, that thirst for life had not faded.

   So when the day came that a homeless girl they knew began to look a little different in his eyes, Zenith could only think of one thing to do.

   Ask her out on a date.

   But of course, over the days that passed between that fateful decision and the night of the all-important date, any sort of scenarios of things that could go wrong began to haunt Zenith whether he was asleep or awake.  He had nightmares of him spilling a drink on her; there were instances of him being slapped after saying the wrong thing; he had horrific visions of tripping and falling into a puddle of mud, only to listen to her laugh her ass off at him as she walked away, not even offering him a hand up to his feet.

   She was a friendly girl, but a bad girl, one as tough as both Zenith and Nadir were.  She wasn't an innocent little girl who would make allowances for all of the stupid things he would do.  She'd point them out and grind him for it, chewing him up and spiting him out.  The alliance they had would be over.

   And that above all of the other horrors scared Zenith the most.  Halo hung around the guys, allowing them to stay in her home back in Starshine Town that she fixed up in an abandoned warehouse at night, and this comforted Zenith to a great degree.  He knew what would happen to young girls who were homeless with no one to protect them.  They were kidnapped by people to be used for sexual abuse, and became prisoners, never to be seen again.

   If he ruined this date, Halo probably wouldn't want anything to do with Zenith and Nadir again, kicking them out so they would be on their own again.  It wasn't this that worried him.  Nadir and Zenith, now older, were perfectly able to survive this cruel world.  Halo too had the skills, there was no doubt she could survive.

   But when night fell, things changed, and an even greater nightmare rooted itself deeply in Zenith's mind.

   Halo was growing up.  She had gotten her period, her breasts were blossoming bold and beautiful; her skin and fur were soft and healthy.  She had reached the start of sexual maturity, and though there were still a few years left before she officially became a woman, she was already a devastating beauty.

   She was a prime target for any of the scum of this seemingly beautiful city and anywhere she went; any asshole with a dirty thought in his mind could see Halo and feel those thoughts turn into ambition.  He simply couldn't wrestle her into position fast enough, before tearing her clothes off, and ripping off his pants, stealing her innocence forever.

   "NO!"

   Zenith opened his eyes, he could see Nadir reclining against the wall, reading a newspaper that had floated into their little alley.

   "Umm, Z?  Are you okay?  It's not too late to tell Halo you need another night," Nadir explained.

   "No!" Zenith cried again, looking to him.  He quickly looked back to the broken mirror and made one last check of his hair.  "If things go well tonight, Halo will want to keep us around, and if they go bad, she'll never let us stay with her again.  If she refuses to keep us around, who knows what might happen to her!"

   Zenith turned and grabbed his shoes, desperately trying to pull the first one on his foot.

   Nadir glanced around the side of the paper and rolled his eyes with a sigh.  "Wrong foot Zenith."

   Pulling the shoe back, Zenith realized his mistake, and quickly put it on the correct foot, doing the same with the other, before jumping to his feet.

   "Hey bro?" Nadir asked, "If all this is about is wanting to protect Halo, then just tell her the truth.  Then, whether or not the romance works out, the friendship will remain, and everything will be alright!"

   Zenith paused, relaxing a little, the most amount he had since this entire frenzied panic had gotten its start, turning around to face Nadir.  A small smile was on his face, and as he shrugged, he shook his head.  "Yeah, it's about protecting her, and making sure we're always friends of course Nadir," he started, as he turned away ready to leave again, "But, tonight, means so much more.  She's much more than just a friend to me.  Whenever I look at her…I just, I want to tell her I love her.  This is the perfect town; the perfect place to take her out on a special evening, just the two of us.  Everything has to go well, it just has to.  I don't care if I make a total fool of myself, I'm not letting her go tonight without telling her how I feel. I have to.  If I don't…I don't know how I'll make it, even if I'll always have you.  See you later Nadir."

   Without another word, Zenith took off for the center of town, where he and Halo had promised to meet, just as the sun began to set over the city. Nadir stared off at him in his wake, shaking his head and chuckling softly to himself once his twin brother was out of site.  He turned his attention back to the newspaper he was reading and said, "Well gee, thanks Zenith.  I'm glad I'll always have you too…you screw-up."

   Zenith ran out of the side streets, stopping once he reached the main drag of the downtown area.  The sidewalks were busy with tourists and locals enjoying the beautiful afternoon in their picturesque city.

   This wasn't where he, Nadir, and Halo were from.  Life had gotten hectic in Starshine Town, where they met and grew up.  Together they felt they were old enough to handle a journey, and so they came to Ashwood, the closest town to the big city that they could reach.  They barely had any money, and ever since Zenith had suggested spending an afternoon and evening alone with Halo, she had given the boys some what of a cold shoulder, only promising to meet Zenith by a giant obelisk in the center of town,  which acted as a memorial to a war hero.

   It worried Zenith a little.  Over the years he and Nadir had expressed the need to protect her from the slime and filth of the streets that might try to hurt her, taking advantage of her when she was alone.  Though it started off with them trying to act tough and more grown up than the young boys that they were, it ended up spawning a friendship between the twins and the magenta colored cat.

   It had lasted for seven years.

   And now Zenith wondered if he had ruined it all by finding her cute, and wanting a moment with her away from Nadir, a moment that was more than would normally be had between them.

   He sat down, wandering over to a fountain that was nothing but a large pool of water with no edges, allowing for the water to cascade to the ground below in a circular waterfall.  It created its own microclimate, and in the warm summer evening air, it was quite a soothing place to be.

   Zenith closed his eyes and rubbed his temples, one with each hand, two fingers rotating in a massaging motion.  "Zenith, you idiot," he mumbled to himself, "You start to find Halo attractive, so you decide to blow everything you've got for a chance to be with her.  Can't the friendship be enough?"

   A sigh escaped him.  He lowered both of his hands, letting them fall to his lap as he opened his eyes and threw his gaze skyward.  "No, at this point, it can't be, not until I know for sure that that's all it can be.  As long as the possibility exists that…she could love me too…," he murmured, his voice fading into a whisper as he lowered his eyes again.

   Closing his eyes once more, all he could think of was her.

   Why couldn't he fast forward to the perfect ending?  Would be able to reach it any other way?

   Another sigh.
   It would never work.

   "Gee you sigh a lot, don't you?"

   "What?" Zenith opened his eyes and bid his bent head and shoulders to rise.  Halo was standing in front of him.  He could tell right away that something was different.

   And it wasn't the way she addressed him.

   Awhile back, she and the twins had gotten their hair done, achieving new styles that reflected the images they had of themselves. Zenith had kept it simple, retaining his style of dress, opting for a simple hair cut so the naturally brown ends curled in towards his neck right at the shoulder.  Nadir and Halo were a different story.

   Nadir was the identical twin that wanted the most to achieve his own identity, and so he did the most changing, outwardly more than anything.  He had his hair done in layers, allowing the layers closest in to be dyed brown and tipped red, and he kept dying the new hair that grew brown, while he cut the outer layers regularly.  The brown hair was now long, styled in four locks, still tipped in red.  While Zenith kept simple brown bangs, Nadir's were feathered, the tips dyed red again.  He even went as far as to pierce his left ear after falling in love with the look of a silver hoop.

   Halo's new style only added to her growing beauty and appeal.  Her hair was naturally streaked with purple, but she added green streaks in her sweeping bangs, and to the feathery locks on the sides of her head, which she kept short, as well of the tips of her hair.  The rest of her hair grew long, regularly pulled back, held on the top of her head, slightly off center, with an accessory that looked like a pointed black crown.  The green dye was meant to match the green eye shadow she wore.

   Once her body started to change, she adopted the wardrobe to match, and only promised to change it again when she felt the need.

  Tonight she looked…different.

   Her outfit was the same, but today, her ponytail was gone, undone so her long hair could hang free, longer than Nadir's brown locks did.  She still wore the eye shadow, but, somehow her face seemed a bit…brighter, somewhat more cheerful.

   Zenith wondered if he looked different, even as he dressed the same as he always did.  He felt kind of silly for not thinking to change it up a bit.

   He jumped up quickly, not at all gracefully.  Halo looked on curiously, one arm crossed, the other bent as she held a hand to her mouth, almost as though she were studying his movements.  Water that came off the fountain had formed a puddle, and Zenith took a few heavy swinging steps to keep his balance, stumbling towards Halo before pulling himself to a stop, terrified of falling on her.

   His eyes closed.  He almost couldn't bring himself to look at her.

   "Hey, if this is only going to rattle you more, maybe we shouldn't…"

   "No!" Zenith cried, opening his eyes.  Halo had lowered both of her arms, and they hung loosely at her sides.  Still she gazed at him curiously.

   She was right.  If this date was only going to drive him into a frenzy, they might as well give up on it now, and just invite Nadir with them to dinner.

   Ugh, I really don't want to be stuck with Nadir forever, even if he is my twin.  I've got to knock this off.

   "Zenith?"

   His breathing slowed back down to normal, exhaled in a soft sigh of relief as the ends of his lips curled.  Opening his eyes he took his next breath, saying, "I'm fine Halo, really.  I just…there's no reason to call it off.  I wanted you to be here, and I'm…glad that you are."

   Halo smiled a little.  "Well that's good, I was starting not to recognize you."

   Zenith grinned, but rolled his eyes as he crossed his arms.  "Speak for yourself."

   She glanced at her sides in turn, able to see her hair in thick waves as it hung at her sides.  Looking back to him, she bent one arm across her chest, holding the elbow with her other hand.  With a small smile, she asked, "You mean my hair?  Is wearing it down really enough to render me unrecognizable?"

   With a chuckle, Zenith replied, "More than my behavior does for me I'd say!"

   "Yeah right," Halo said, crossing her arms.  "I just…I figured I'd try something different…just for tonight."  She appeared agitated, but spoke softly, unable to look him in the eyes.

   Having bent his arms behind his head, Zenith lowered them, his grin weakening a little.  However, he realized he felt much better, and much more relaxed.  It felt like someone was tickling his heart with a feather when Halo said what she did.

   "You mean, just for tonight, or just for tonight?" he asked.

   "What?" Halo asked, looking back to him.

   Zenith looked away, turning back quickly, fearing his cheeks were turning red.  "I mean, what was the emphasis put on?  Are you wearing it down just for one night, or are you wearing it this way because tonight is a special occasion?"

   Then, he saw something he never imagined he would.  Halo's mouth opened a little bit, as though stuck that way when she tried to speak but hadn't prepared what she was going to say.  Her crossed arms slowly came apart, and then, he saw it, even in the dimming light.  Her cheeks were slightly pink; she was blushing, even when her expression was bent in a way that appeared disgusted with such an action.

   He wondered if he had blown it again.

   Her arms quickly crossed again.  "Well, obviously, I have to take my hair down once in awhile."  She looked away from him, almost as though she didn't want him to see her trying to regain her composure.  When she looked back, however, the blushing wasn't gone.  Her breathing was slow and deep, but, somehow she was smiling again.

   "So, what do you think I meant?" she asked.

   The softest of sighs escaped him.  He smiled too.

   "It doesn't matter.  You look…great.  I mean…you always look great, but just…like this…"

   Halo laughed a little, reaching to place her hand on his chest, stopping him from speaking further.  She glanced down, and murmured, "I think I get it Zenith," before looking up to his face and adding, "Thank you."

   Zenith glanced down at her hand.  "Heh, you're welcome, but I don't think you need to thank me for it."

   "Whatever then," Halo replied with a smirk, pulling back.

   "Hey, I was just trying to be nice," Zenith replied.

   "Then take the gratitude and be gracious for it, just like I was gracious for the compliment," Halo retorted.

   She walked around him, heading for the fountain.  He called after her, "You act as though that's the first time I've said something nice to you."

   Halo placed her hands on the rim of the fountain, breathing in the wet air.  She glanced back at him and replied, "You act as though that's the only time I've ever thanked you for it too."

   His reply was cut off when he realized he didn't have a good one.  He watched as she turned back to the water.  All he could think about was how strange all of this was.  Whenever Nadir was around things were different.  Sure, the three teased each other, but, somehow it was like he and Halo couldn't manage it well on their own.  It felt, awkward now, like it was okay, but, it was something they weren't used to.

   And yet, he still couldn't get past one thing.

   How beautiful she was.

   Zenith joined her by the fountain, glancing down at the water, realizing they were both looking down at their reflections.  He stared at hers more than his; somehow this helped relax his thoughts, and yet it didn't allow him to think.

   "So, you feeling alright?" she asked.

   He looked up from the water to see her directly.  She glanced up at him in the same manner, almost shyly.  Part of him sensed this.

   "I'm fine, I've been fine all along."

   She smiled, splashing water at him.  As he recoiled, wailing from the deluge, she laughed and cried, "Yeah right!  Was that just a little dance for me earlier then?"

   Zenith wrung out his hair and pulled at his shirt in short jerks in an attempt to dry it.  Growling a little, he ran back to the fountain and sent a wave at her.  As he watched the water drench her, he shook his head fast, trying to dry his hair further as he cried, "I could have fallen and killed myself and you seem to think it's hilarious!"

   Halo whined, wrapping her arms around her body as she cried.  "Oh Zenith!  You big meanie!  I wear my hair down and look what you do to it!"

   "Oh please, your hair will dry!" he laughed.

   She narrowed her eyes.  "This coming from somebody who was petting his hair gingerly as though it were a cat!"

   "What!?" Zenith cried.

   "You heard me, a cat!" she cried.

   Zenith ran up to her, watching as she tried to dry her hair and clothes.  He gently took her arms, maintaining hold on them as she tried to pull them away out of reflex.  "Wait Halo, listen to what you just said!" he cried.

   "What are you talking about?" she asked.

   He grinned, shaking his head gently before he whispered.  "You said I was petting my hair like it was a cat…but, you are a cat."

   Halo's eyes widened a little.  The blushing came back.  "So…so what?  I was talking about the animal, not the race."

   "I just…thought it was kind of funny."

   "Why?"

   Zenith had closed his eyes without thinking about it.  "I had this mental image of me petting my hair, only, it turned out to be you, and not my hair, even when I knew you were obviously talking about the animal…"

   Are you freaking crazy you idiot?!?!

   He quickly opened his eyes, realizing too late what he had just said.

   He saw a smile curl Halo's lips, a rather seductive one.  Even at the age of sixteen, she was learning to play by the rules of a much older and mature woman.  She pulled away from him, walking on her toes as she strutted away from him slowly.  She wrung her hair out one more time, before stopping where she stood and putting a hand on her hip, looking back at him.

   "So, you're saying you want to pet me, is that it?"

   Oh.  My.  God.

   It was his turn to blush as he was immediately flustered.  Waving his hands back and forth he stammered, "Halo, I wasn't trying to suggest anything, seriously!  I just, I should have kept my mouth shut."

   Halo tilted her head to one side, rolling her eyes as she grinned, keeping that same flirty look on her face as her eyes sparkled.  "Are you sure?  You sounded pretty set on the idea."

   Holy crap.

   Zenith swallowed hard.  She was beautiful yes.  Sexy?  Yes!  Was this the only thing he liked about her?  No.  Was this all he'd ever want out of a relationship?  Hell no.

   That's what it sounded like though, all for letting one sensual thought force itself from the recesses of his mind out into the open like an ill timed and placed burp.

   He closed his eyes again, as tightly as possible.  He shook his head as he spoke.  "Halo, please, I didn't mean to say that.  I mean, yes, I had the thought but…that's not all there is, I swear.  Don't get that idea."

   Halo was just teasing Zenith. He had already made it clear that he thought she was beautiful, and that meant in all descriptions, from cute, to beautiful, to sexy.  However, she could see that clearly rattled him, not because he didn't stand behind what he felt fully, but because he feared she would think that was all he cared about, when clearly, it wasn't.  And so he stood now with his eyes shut tight, possibly even trembling, hoping he hadn't blown it.

   She was beginning to see a different side of Zenith, one he kept hidden, or perhaps was just overshadowed by all the rest of him in any other occasion.  This meant a lot to him, and apparently, the stakes placed on the outcome couldn't be any higher.

   That meant, she held the highest of places in his heart, a place that only his twin brother Nadir could hope to touch, the one person he cared about besides her.  This meant quite a bit, considering the twins came from the same pregnancy, the same egg, the same start.  Halo had reached a place of esteem higher than that.  Not a small feat by any means.

   Perhaps it was time to stop teasing him.

   Of course, she would have followed through with his desire anyway.

   The gentlest look her face had ever shown was painted by her eyes and smile.  She walked over to Zenith slowly, watching as he remained unmoving, his face shadowed with distress, almost as though he waited for her reply to shatter him like the bullets from a firing squad.

   Poor Zenith.  He worried too much, clearly.  Nadir wasn't the only one who thought so.

   When she got to him, she stopped, and looked down at his hands.  She reached for the right one, balled up in a tight fist like its opposite.  He flinched a little, but gradually relaxed as he felt her uncurl his fingers, one by one, patting his hand as she did so.

   "You're way too tense you know.  I was only joking.  I didn't mean to scare you."

   "No Halo, that's not it I swear!"

   "Shh," Halo replied without looking up.  She took one of her hands and held a finger to his lips to ensure he didn't speak.  He could only look down to where she stroked the fur on his hand and wrist.  "I understand Z, really, I know you don't think I do, but I do.  I'd have to be pretty stupid to not get it, and really…" She paused to look up at him, waiting for him to do the same.  "I think it's very sweet.  There are a lot of girls like me that aren't lucky enough to have a handsome guy like you looking after them.  Even more, you've got someone else to do all the dirty work while we have all the fun."

   Zenith laughed suddenly, feeling much better.  Poor Nadir.  He was always the butt of the jokes it seemed.  Too often they teamed up against him, only to stop when they realized his mood was nothing but pure frustration.

   But Halo, was she actually grateful for him?

   "Halo, I…I'm just trying to look after you, but, somehow I don't think you need someone there to do that," Zenith replied.  Their eyes met again, and Zenith shook his head, looking away.  "You're strong, the strongest person I know.  There's probably nothing you couldn't take down, but, sometimes I can't escape the idea of something bad happening to you.  I just…"  He looked back.  "I want you to know that even if you think you don't need me, I want to be there just incase something does happen, because if something happened to you I…," again his eyes drifted away, "I don't know what I'd do anymore," he whispered softly.

   Her heart raced, sending a burning sensation though her body; a good burn, fired by tingles and tickles.  Her hold on Zenith's hand almost failed, but somehow her hand remained suspended under his, barely hanging on.  She wondered why she felt this way, a way she hadn't felt before.  Just when she thought she was the one to speak the deepest feeling, Zenith had come back over the top with something seeded with much greater devotion.

   A girl who grew up not knowing love from a mother, father, or anyone, found a brand new side to her heart opening up that night.

   But I…I don't know love.

   Perhaps Zenith did.  Halo was convinced the twins had had loving parents at one time in their lives, and were victims of parents taken away too soon.  They also had each other.  Never once had they been alone in their lives.  From the womb to their sixteen year old selves, they had never known a moment apart.  The twins loved each other.  Zenith knew what love was, even if he was just getting acquainted with the kind of love one feels for another person, a soul mate.

   Halo didn't know love.  She had opened up after spending time growing up with the boys.  She felt alive, and while she and the guys were mostly indifferent to other people, they felt joy in their close circle, something she would have never felt on her own.  Perhaps…Zenith's heart trying to reach out to hers, was helping her understand what she was feeling.

   She understood how she felt, by understanding how he felt.

   Her eyes had drifted to the ground.  As she gained back awareness, she sent whatever strength she had to her hand, gripping his tightly.  "Zenith?" she asked.

   He looked back at her.  "Yes?"

   She looked up at him, the ends of her lips barely curled, almost as though they only fought to do show in order to indicate that she was alright.  "Do you…do you think we could walk a little?"

   Slightly confused by how all of this was playing out, he was comforted by her smile.

   At least she hasn't run away yet.

   He smiled and said, "Sure, come on."

   But Halo started walking first, leading the way to make sure he didn't let go of her hand.  He laughed a little as he caught up with her pace.  The sky was now dark and filled with stars, with plenty of people strolling through downtown together.  Somehow the two got to talking, Halo starting a new conversation when she pointed out how beautiful the town was, much more so than Starshine Town.  Zenith's words of devotion seemed forgotten, at least by him, for the fact that Halo was still with him was enough to help him relax.  Nothing he had said had ruined their relationship, and so nothing would for the time being.

   It was quite different for Halo.  The two got a bite to eat at a double decker bus that had been converted into a café.  After that, they walked some more, laughing and talking the entire way.  However, as they made their way to an ice cream parlor for dessert, Halo gradually got quiet, listening to Zenith talk, telling whatever story came to mind.  She would laugh a little and speak a few words in reply, but opted to give most of her attention to her thoughts.

   They got ice cream, and ate it as they walked back towards the center of town, where the memorial and fountain were.  Sometimes when she looked at him, the audio faded, and all she could hear was silence.  Things seemed to slow down so she could look over every inch of him as they walked.  He didn't seem to notice her acting strangely, but even if he had, she probably wouldn't have recognized it.

   He was the same Zenith she had always known.  Why was she so fixated on finding a difference?  What made her feel different about him?  How did she know this was love if she had never felt love before?

   It isn't hate, and it's more than just liking someone.  Maybe, that means it's love.

   She only hoped she was right.  She didn't want to hurt Zenith's feelings.

   If it turns out not to be love, it'll just kill him.  I think it's love.  I—I hope it is.

    For his sake.

   Back in the center of town, the two were sitting on a bench, finishing the last of their ice cream in silence.  Zenith sat his cup and spoon down and gazed up at the sky.  "Heh, I love looking as high as I can.  My name means the highest point in the sky.  I guess that means I'm looking at myself.  When Nadir looks at the sunset, it's like he's looking at himself, since his name is another word for the horizon.  Maybe, maybe you're right about our parents after all.  Who else would have put such thought into our names?  I just…I hope they loved us."

   Halo was quiet, having swallowed the last of her cone already.  "They did Zenith," she murmured softly, "They did.  Even if they didn't, you'll always have Nadir."

   He looked back to her, finally seeing how quiet she had gotten.  "Hey…are you alright Halo?"

   The magenta cat shook her head, looking back to him.  She looked stressed, almost as though she were struggling with what she was feeling.  "You know love Zenith.  You…you know what it is when you feel it."  She looked down to her lap.  "Nobody has ever…loved me.  I grew up knowing neither love nor hatred, only indifference.  You two taught me happiness, and from that I learned hatred for those who seek to hurt me.  But…how can I be sure if what I feel for you is love or not?  I—I want it to be."

   Zenith felt his heart sink.  He scooted closer to her, gradually putting an arm around her as he spoke softly in reply.  "Halo, love is…you don't have to put a label on it."

   Halo shook her head, pulling her feet up on to the bench so she could hug her knees.  "No Z, if you want to give your heart to someone, it needs to be someone who really deserves you.  I—I don't want to accept it if I'm not sure I'll do the job."

   "What are you talking about?" Zenith asked.  She rested her head on her knees, turning it away from him, a sad sigh escaping her.  He breathed one of his own, wondering what to do.

   This isn't working.

   "Halo, why don't you try telling me how you feel, and I can tell you whether it's love or not," he asked.

   She didn't look back, but after a few moments he heard her whimper, "Well, earlier when you were so worried about upsetting me, I felt my heart race.  I didn't want you to be upset, and I wanted to comfort you when I thought you were, more than just jabbing Nadir in the shoulder when he's throwing a temper tantrum."

   Zenith chuckled a little.  He rubbed her back and said, "Good, now tell me more."

   Halo felt like her body was going to burst from the nerves and tingles, but she managed to keep speaking, still unwilling to face Zenith.  Now, she was the one worried to death of making a mistake.

   "And earlier, when you said you wanted to look after me, even when you said I was the strongest person you know, I realized that meant that you have deep respect for me, but want to be sure I'm okay.  I mean, we all know even the strongest people have their weak times…I guess…this is one of mine."

   "And I'm here," Zenith offered.

   Halo's head rose slowly, turning so she could face him again.  Her mascara started to run from the tears in her eyes, but she had a brave look on her face, one alive with hope, touched by affection.

   "You are, and you have been," she replied.  "Nadir's been there too, but, somehow…," she looked away again, "…no, not just somehow, I doubt I could ever react to him in this way, even if he ever got up the balls to say something like this."

   Zenith laughed harder that time, while Halo looked back at him, smiling a little, even laughing some.

   As Zenith calmed down, he replied, "Nadir, man, somehow I couldn't see him ever being this sensitive, at least not yet.  Then again, I always thought I was just as indifferent.  I never imagined myself to be one to go weak at the knees for some girl."

   He looked back at her, sighing sweetly as he rubbed her back, "But then again, you're not just some girl, and I guess when you came along, I started to change.  It wasn't right away, but, after awhile, I just knew that I needed you.  Simply having you as a friend wasn't enough.  I wanted more than what you gave to Nadir, and me, just as a friend, but I'm not going to ask for it unless you're willing to give it, nor will I expect it unless I can give it to you in return."

   Halo smiled, trying to dry her eyes.  "What…?  You're not gonna panic about that possibly sounding bad?"

   Zenith paused, but then laughed.  "No…because I think you understand what I mean by now.  You did earlier anyway."

   "You're right…I do understand, that much anyway," Halo murmured.  She sighed again, then added, "You're so sweet Zenith.  Don't get scared.  I do want to stay with you.  I don't want to leave.  I just…I don't think I understand…exactly what this all means.  I've…I've never heard anyone say they love me…ever.  You and Nadir grew up loving each other as brothers, as twins, and I know you had parents who said it too.  You guys can be bad boys, but you have feelings.  Me, all I've known is indifference.  If I say I love you…I just…I don't know."

   His eyes were sad.  He didn't realize what life was like for Halo.  Though they didn't say it much anymore, Zenith could remember telling Nadir he loved him when they were younger, clinging to each other in a cold back alley, two children fighting desperately to stay alive.  Nadir would always say it back.  Love was something they knew.  Halo, she admitted at last that nobody had ever said it to her, not once.

   Living with hatred is one thing.  Living not knowing anything but indifference is another.  It was enough to break his heart.

   He felt his eyes well up with tears as he drew her closer to him.  She looked back, seeing the glassiness in his eyes.  Just as hers were starting to sting from suddenly drying out, she watched him place a finger on her lips to silence her.

   "Halo, I love you," he whispered softly.

   A soft gasp escaped her when Zenith pulled his finger away.  However, he simply replaced it with his lips, leaning in closer until he could press them against hers gently.  He was so close, she could feel some of his tears roll down his face, trying to pass over his lips, brushing by hers before falling to the ground.

   She felt her heart explode.  Everything disappeared.  She felt like she was fading into nothing.  All that kept her tethered there was his kiss.

   Her eyes closed, filling with tears immediately.  His arm was still around her, and she eased forward.  It was almost like instinct took over then.  For the first time, she knew just what to do.

   This is it.  This…is what he's talking about.  He's right.  I do.  I love Zenith.

   When he pulled away, she opened her eyes, only to see his were open too, still filled with tears.  "It's okay if you don't understand Halo.  That won't change how I feel, ever.  Just, promise me you'll never leave me…that's all I ask, just so I know you'll always be okay.  I'll tell you I love you every day, more than once.  I'll make it so you hear it more than Nadir and I ever have.  I promise."

   Her gaze drifted, but only for a moment.  She felt her life slip out of her, and she almost fell into Zenith, coming to rest against him.

   "Halo!" he cried, immediately concerned.

   "This…this is love Zenith?  I…I don't ever want to not know what it feels like, ever again," she whimpered softly.

   He wrapped his arms around her, looking down at her.  "You won't, I promise you.  You should have had someone to love you all of your life.  It isn't fair that you haven't.  I won't let that happen again."

   Halo listened to his heart beat, breathing deeply as she closed her eyes.  "You…you have my heart Z…" she whispered.

   Zenith did his best to fight off a gasp, feeling his heart pump faster when she said this.  "Oh…Halo…"

   She looked up at him, a small smile on her face.  "Take care of it, just like you said you would, and, for whatever it's worth, I'll do the same, for you."

   Zenith grinned, feeling happiness beyond measure.  "It's worth everything to me Halo, trust me.  It's worth everything."

   Halo nodded, and eased herself up, using Zenith for support.  She sniffed, drying her eyes, before whispering, "Everything huh?"  She looked up to the sky and added, "You were already everything to me, now even more so."

   Putting his arm around her again, he nuzzled her gently.  "Don't focus on it too hard.  You'll be okay you know."

   She looked at him.  "I know…and…I love you too…Zenith."

   He smiled, hugging her tightly.  "Hey, come on, Nadir and I got a room at the hotel for tonight.  It cost everything we had saved up, but tonight's a special night."

   He rose to his feet, offering Halo his hand.  As she stood up, she replied, "Aww Z, that's not right!  Don't worry, I'll help out with money now.  When we go back to Starshine Town, we'll have my place…I mean…our place."

   She blushed a little, but Zenith only smiled as they walked hand in hand.  "Now we just have to get a dog house for Nadir."

   Halo immediately laughed.  "Oh Zenith that's not nice!"

   "So what?  He'll get used to it," Zenith replied, grinning and sticking out his tongue.

   Halo smiled.  She quickened her pace to a run, pulling Zenith along behind her.  She felt happier than she ever had in her life.  From the beginning the twins had made a difference in her life, and now one of them had made the greatest difference of them all.  For a girl who didn't know love, he had given her hope, and for the first time, Halo felt she could finally look to the future and smile.

   And that night she had her first taste of it.
   Not only on that first date, but also in her dreams.

Description
"First Date"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl

Mild language is present.

-----

   "Aww geeze, this is going to be a total disaster!"

   Tucked away in the shadows of a side street in the city of Ashwood, Zenith stared into a piece of shattered glass with a pained expression.  It was cracked, and he could barely make out his face as it was reflected numerous times between each fracture.  Something about how he looked bothered him, and yet, he had not the means to fix it.

   He was only sixteen years old, and with his identical twin brother, he had grown up alone, on the streets, homeless, drifting from town to town, without ever knowing if they had a real family.  Despite everything they had endured, somehow they had survived, and though they were barely hanging on from day to day, that thirst for life had not faded.

   So when the day came that a homeless girl they knew began to look a little different in his eyes, Zenith could only think of one thing to do.

   Ask her out on a date.

   But of course, over the days that passed between that fateful decision and the night of the all-important date, any sort of scenarios of things that could go wrong began to haunt Zenith whether he was asleep or awake.  He had nightmares of him spilling a drink on her; there were instances of him being slapped after saying the wrong thing; he had horrific visions of tripping and falling into a puddle of mud, only to listen to her laugh her ass off at him as she walked away, not even offering him a hand up to his feet.

   She was a friendly girl, but a bad girl, one as tough as both Zenith and Nadir were.  She wasn't an innocent little girl who would make allowances for all of the stupid things he would do.  She'd point them out and grind him for it, chewing him up and spiting him out.  The alliance they had would be over.

   And that above all of the other horrors scared Zenith the most.  Halo hung around the guys, allowing them to stay in her home back in Starshine Town that she fixed up in an abandoned warehouse at night, and this comforted Zenith to a great degree.  He knew what would happen to young girls who were homeless with no one to protect them.  They were kidnapped by people to be used for sexual abuse, and became prisoners, never to be seen again.

   If he ruined this date, Halo probably wouldn't want anything to do with Zenith and Nadir again, kicking them out so they would be on their own again.  It wasn't this that worried him.  Nadir and Zenith, now older, were perfectly able to survive this cruel world.  Halo too had the skills, there was no doubt she could survive.

   But when night fell, things changed, and an even greater nightmare rooted itself deeply in Zenith's mind.

   Halo was growing up.  She had gotten her period, her breasts were blossoming bold and beautiful; her skin and fur were soft and healthy.  She had reached the start of sexual maturity, and though there were still a few years left before she officially became a woman, she was already a devastating beauty.

   She was a prime target for any of the scum of this seemingly beautiful city and anywhere she went; any asshole with a dirty thought in his mind could see Halo and feel those thoughts turn into ambition.  He simply couldn't wrestle her into position fast enough, before tearing her clothes off, and ripping off his pants, stealing her innocence forever.

   "NO!"

   Zenith opened his eyes, he could see Nadir reclining against the wall, reading a newspaper that had floated into their little alley.

   "Umm, Z?  Are you okay?  It's not too late to tell Halo you need another night," Nadir explained.

   "No!" Zenith cried again, looking to him.  He quickly looked back to the broken mirror and made one last check of his hair.  "If things go well tonight, Halo will want to keep us around, and if they go bad, she'll never let us stay with her again.  If she refuses to keep us around, who knows what might happen to her!"

   Zenith turned and grabbed his shoes, desperately trying to pull the first one on his foot.

   Nadir glanced around the side of the paper and rolled his eyes with a sigh.  "Wrong foot Zenith."

   Pulling the shoe back, Zenith realized his mistake, and quickly put it on the correct foot, doing the same with the other, before jumping to his feet.

   "Hey bro?" Nadir asked, "If all this is about is wanting to protect Halo, then just tell her the truth.  Then, whether or not the romance works out, the friendship will remain, and everything will be alright!"

   Zenith paused, relaxing a little, the most amount he had since this entire frenzied panic had gotten its start, turning around to face Nadir.  A small smile was on his face, and as he shrugged, he shook his head.  "Yeah, it's about protecting her, and making sure we're always friends of course Nadir," he started, as he turned away ready to leave again, "But, tonight, means so much more.  She's much more than just a friend to me.  Whenever I look at her…I just, I want to tell her I love her.  This is the perfect town; the perfect place to take her out on a special evening, just the two of us.  Everything has to go well, it just has to.  I don't care if I make a total fool of myself, I'm not letting her go tonight without telling her how I feel. I have to.  If I don't…I don't know how I'll make it, even if I'll always have you.  See you later Nadir."

   Without another word, Zenith took off for the center of town, where he and Halo had promised to meet, just as the sun began to set over the city. Nadir stared off at him in his wake, shaking his head and chuckling softly to himself once his twin brother was out of site.  He turned his attention back to the newspaper he was reading and said, "Well gee, thanks Zenith.  I'm glad I'll always have you too…you screw-up."

   Zenith ran out of the side streets, stopping once he reached the main drag of the downtown area.  The sidewalks were busy with tourists and locals enjoying the beautiful afternoon in their picturesque city.

   This wasn't where he, Nadir, and Halo were from.  Life had gotten hectic in Starshine Town, where they met and grew up.  Together they felt they were old enough to handle a journey, and so they came to Ashwood, the closest town to the big city that they could reach.  They barely had any money, and ever since Zenith had suggested spending an afternoon and evening alone with Halo, she had given the boys some what of a cold shoulder, only promising to meet Zenith by a giant obelisk in the center of town,  which acted as a memorial to a war hero.

   It worried Zenith a little.  Over the years he and Nadir had expressed the need to protect her from the slime and filth of the streets that might try to hurt her, taking advantage of her when she was alone.  Though it started off with them trying to act tough and more grown up than the young boys that they were, it ended up spawning a friendship between the twins and the magenta colored cat.

   It had lasted for seven years.

   And now Zenith wondered if he had ruined it all by finding her cute, and wanting a moment with her away from Nadir, a moment that was more than would normally be had between them.

   He sat down, wandering over to a fountain that was nothing but a large pool of water with no edges, allowing for the water to cascade to the ground below in a circular waterfall.  It created its own microclimate, and in the warm summer evening air, it was quite a soothing place to be.

   Zenith closed his eyes and rubbed his temples, one with each hand, two fingers rotating in a massaging motion.  "Zenith, you idiot," he mumbled to himself, "You start to find Halo attractive, so you decide to blow everything you've got for a chance to be with her.  Can't the friendship be enough?"

   A sigh escaped him.  He lowered both of his hands, letting them fall to his lap as he opened his eyes and threw his gaze skyward.  "No, at this point, it can't be, not until I know for sure that that's all it can be.  As long as the possibility exists that…she could love me too…," he murmured, his voice fading into a whisper as he lowered his eyes again.

   Closing his eyes once more, all he could think of was her.

   Why couldn't he fast forward to the perfect ending?  Would be able to reach it any other way?

   Another sigh.
   It would never work.

   "Gee you sigh a lot, don't you?"

   "What?" Zenith opened his eyes and bid his bent head and shoulders to rise.  Halo was standing in front of him.  He could tell right away that something was different.

   And it wasn't the way she addressed him.

   Awhile back, she and the twins had gotten their hair done, achieving new styles that reflected the images they had of themselves. Zenith had kept it simple, retaining his style of dress, opting for a simple hair cut so the naturally brown ends curled in towards his neck right at the shoulder.  Nadir and Halo were a different story.

   Nadir was the identical twin that wanted the most to achieve his own identity, and so he did the most changing, outwardly more than anything.  He had his hair done in layers, allowing the layers closest in to be dyed brown and tipped red, and he kept dying the new hair that grew brown, while he cut the outer layers regularly.  The brown hair was now long, styled in four locks, still tipped in red.  While Zenith kept simple brown bangs, Nadir's were feathered, the tips dyed red again.  He even went as far as to pierce his left ear after falling in love with the look of a silver hoop.

   Halo's new style only added to her growing beauty and appeal.  Her hair was naturally streaked with purple, but she added green streaks in her sweeping bangs, and to the feathery locks on the sides of her head, which she kept short, as well of the tips of her hair.  The rest of her hair grew long, regularly pulled back, held on the top of her head, slightly off center, with an accessory that looked like a pointed black crown.  The green dye was meant to match the green eye shadow she wore.

   Once her body started to change, she adopted the wardrobe to match, and only promised to change it again when she felt the need.

  Tonight she looked…different.

   Her outfit was the same, but today, her ponytail was gone, undone so her long hair could hang free, longer than Nadir's brown locks did.  She still wore the eye shadow, but, somehow her face seemed a bit…brighter, somewhat more cheerful.

   Zenith wondered if he looked different, even as he dressed the same as he always did.  He felt kind of silly for not thinking to change it up a bit.

   He jumped up quickly, not at all gracefully.  Halo looked on curiously, one arm crossed, the other bent as she held a hand to her mouth, almost as though she were studying his movements.  Water that came off the fountain had formed a puddle, and Zenith took a few heavy swinging steps to keep his balance, stumbling towards Halo before pulling himself to a stop, terrified of falling on her.

   His eyes closed.  He almost couldn't bring himself to look at her.

   "Hey, if this is only going to rattle you more, maybe we shouldn't…"

   "No!" Zenith cried, opening his eyes.  Halo had lowered both of her arms, and they hung loosely at her sides.  Still she gazed at him curiously.

   She was right.  If this date was only going to drive him into a frenzy, they might as well give up on it now, and just invite Nadir with them to dinner.

   Ugh, I really don't want to be stuck with Nadir forever, even if he is my twin.  I've got to knock this off.

   "Zenith?"

   His breathing slowed back down to normal, exhaled in a soft sigh of relief as the ends of his lips curled.  Opening his eyes he took his next breath, saying, "I'm fine Halo, really.  I just…there's no reason to call it off.  I wanted you to be here, and I'm…glad that you are."

   Halo smiled a little.  "Well that's good, I was starting not to recognize you."

   Zenith grinned, but rolled his eyes as he crossed his arms.  "Speak for yourself."

   She glanced at her sides in turn, able to see her hair in thick waves as it hung at her sides.  Looking back to him, she bent one arm across her chest, holding the elbow with her other hand.  With a small smile, she asked, "You mean my hair?  Is wearing it down really enough to render me unrecognizable?"

   With a chuckle, Zenith replied, "More than my behavior does for me I'd say!"

   "Yeah right," Halo said, crossing her arms.  "I just…I figured I'd try something different…just for tonight."  She appeared agitated, but spoke softly, unable to look him in the eyes.

   Having bent his arms behind his head, Zenith lowered them, his grin weakening a little.  However, he realized he felt much better, and much more relaxed.  It felt like someone was tickling his heart with a feather when Halo said what she did.

   "You mean, just for tonight, or just for tonight?" he asked.

   "What?" Halo asked, looking back to him.

   Zenith looked away, turning back quickly, fearing his cheeks were turning red.  "I mean, what was the emphasis put on?  Are you wearing it down just for one night, or are you wearing it this way because tonight is a special occasion?"

   Then, he saw something he never imagined he would.  Halo's mouth opened a little bit, as though stuck that way when she tried to speak but hadn't prepared what she was going to say.  Her crossed arms slowly came apart, and then, he saw it, even in the dimming light.  Her cheeks were slightly pink; she was blushing, even when her expression was bent in a way that appeared disgusted with such an action.

   He wondered if he had blown it again.

   Her arms quickly crossed again.  "Well, obviously, I have to take my hair down once in awhile."  She looked away from him, almost as though she didn't want him to see her trying to regain her composure.  When she looked back, however, the blushing wasn't gone.  Her breathing was slow and deep, but, somehow she was smiling again.

   "So, what do you think I meant?" she asked.

   The softest of sighs escaped him.  He smiled too.

   "It doesn't matter.  You look…great.  I mean…you always look great, but just…like this…"

   Halo laughed a little, reaching to place her hand on his chest, stopping him from speaking further.  She glanced down, and murmured, "I think I get it Zenith," before looking up to his face and adding, "Thank you."

   Zenith glanced down at her hand.  "Heh, you're welcome, but I don't think you need to thank me for it."

   "Whatever then," Halo replied with a smirk, pulling back.

   "Hey, I was just trying to be nice," Zenith replied.

   "Then take the gratitude and be gracious for it, just like I was gracious for the compliment," Halo retorted.

   She walked around him, heading for the fountain.  He called after her, "You act as though that's the first time I've said something nice to you."

   Halo placed her hands on the rim of the fountain, breathing in the wet air.  She glanced back at him and replied, "You act as though that's the only time I've ever thanked you for it too."

   His reply was cut off when he realized he didn't have a good one.  He watched as she turned back to the water.  All he could think about was how strange all of this was.  Whenever Nadir was around things were different.  Sure, the three teased each other, but, somehow it was like he and Halo couldn't manage it well on their own.  It felt, awkward now, like it was okay, but, it was something they weren't used to.

   And yet, he still couldn't get past one thing.

   How beautiful she was.

   Zenith joined her by the fountain, glancing down at the water, realizing they were both looking down at their reflections.  He stared at hers more than his; somehow this helped relax his thoughts, and yet it didn't allow him to think.

   "So, you feeling alright?" she asked.

   He looked up from the water to see her directly.  She glanced up at him in the same manner, almost shyly.  Part of him sensed this.

   "I'm fine, I've been fine all along."

   She smiled, splashing water at him.  As he recoiled, wailing from the deluge, she laughed and cried, "Yeah right!  Was that just a little dance for me earlier then?"

   Zenith wrung out his hair and pulled at his shirt in short jerks in an attempt to dry it.  Growling a little, he ran back to the fountain and sent a wave at her.  As he watched the water drench her, he shook his head fast, trying to dry his hair further as he cried, "I could have fallen and killed myself and you seem to think it's hilarious!"

   Halo whined, wrapping her arms around her body as she cried.  "Oh Zenith!  You big meanie!  I wear my hair down and look what you do to it!"

   "Oh please, your hair will dry!" he laughed.

   She narrowed her eyes.  "This coming from somebody who was petting his hair gingerly as though it were a cat!"

   "What!?" Zenith cried.

   "You heard me, a cat!" she cried.

   Zenith ran up to her, watching as she tried to dry her hair and clothes.  He gently took her arms, maintaining hold on them as she tried to pull them away out of reflex.  "Wait Halo, listen to what you just said!" he cried.

   "What are you talking about?" she asked.

   He grinned, shaking his head gently before he whispered.  "You said I was petting my hair like it was a cat…but, you are a cat."

   Halo's eyes widened a little.  The blushing came back.  "So…so what?  I was talking about the animal, not the race."

   "I just…thought it was kind of funny."

   "Why?"

   Zenith had closed his eyes without thinking about it.  "I had this mental image of me petting my hair, only, it turned out to be you, and not my hair, even when I knew you were obviously talking about the animal…"

   Are you freaking crazy you idiot?!?!

   He quickly opened his eyes, realizing too late what he had just said.

   He saw a smile curl Halo's lips, a rather seductive one.  Even at the age of sixteen, she was learning to play by the rules of a much older and mature woman.  She pulled away from him, walking on her toes as she strutted away from him slowly.  She wrung her hair out one more time, before stopping where she stood and putting a hand on her hip, looking back at him.

   "So, you're saying you want to pet me, is that it?"

   Oh.  My.  God.

   It was his turn to blush as he was immediately flustered.  Waving his hands back and forth he stammered, "Halo, I wasn't trying to suggest anything, seriously!  I just, I should have kept my mouth shut."

   Halo tilted her head to one side, rolling her eyes as she grinned, keeping that same flirty look on her face as her eyes sparkled.  "Are you sure?  You sounded pretty set on the idea."

   Holy crap.

   Zenith swallowed hard.  She was beautiful yes.  Sexy?  Yes!  Was this the only thing he liked about her?  No.  Was this all he'd ever want out of a relationship?  Hell no.

   That's what it sounded like though, all for letting one sensual thought force itself from the recesses of his mind out into the open like an ill timed and placed burp.

   He closed his eyes again, as tightly as possible.  He shook his head as he spoke.  "Halo, please, I didn't mean to say that.  I mean, yes, I had the thought but…that's not all there is, I swear.  Don't get that idea."

   Halo was just teasing Zenith. He had already made it clear that he thought she was beautiful, and that meant in all descriptions, from cute, to beautiful, to sexy.  However, she could see that clearly rattled him, not because he didn't stand behind what he felt fully, but because he feared she would think that was all he cared about, when clearly, it wasn't.  And so he stood now with his eyes shut tight, possibly even trembling, hoping he hadn't blown it.

   She was beginning to see a different side of Zenith, one he kept hidden, or perhaps was just overshadowed by all the rest of him in any other occasion.  This meant a lot to him, and apparently, the stakes placed on the outcome couldn't be any higher.

   That meant, she held the highest of places in his heart, a place that only his twin brother Nadir could hope to touch, the one person he cared about besides her.  This meant quite a bit, considering the twins came from the same pregnancy, the same egg, the same start.  Halo had reached a place of esteem higher than that.  Not a small feat by any means.

   Perhaps it was time to stop teasing him.

   Of course, she would have followed through with his desire anyway.

   The gentlest look her face had ever shown was painted by her eyes and smile.  She walked over to Zenith slowly, watching as he remained unmoving, his face shadowed with distress, almost as though he waited for her reply to shatter him like the bullets from a firing squad.

   Poor Zenith.  He worried too much, clearly.  Nadir wasn't the only one who thought so.

   When she got to him, she stopped, and looked down at his hands.  She reached for the right one, balled up in a tight fist like its opposite.  He flinched a little, but gradually relaxed as he felt her uncurl his fingers, one by one, patting his hand as she did so.

   "You're way too tense you know.  I was only joking.  I didn't mean to scare you."

   "No Halo, that's not it I swear!"

   "Shh," Halo replied without looking up.  She took one of her hands and held a finger to his lips to ensure he didn't speak.  He could only look down to where she stroked the fur on his hand and wrist.  "I understand Z, really, I know you don't think I do, but I do.  I'd have to be pretty stupid to not get it, and really…" She paused to look up at him, waiting for him to do the same.  "I think it's very sweet.  There are a lot of girls like me that aren't lucky enough to have a handsome guy like you looking after them.  Even more, you've got someone else to do all the dirty work while we have all the fun."

   Zenith laughed suddenly, feeling much better.  Poor Nadir.  He was always the butt of the jokes it seemed.  Too often they teamed up against him, only to stop when they realized his mood was nothing but pure frustration.

   But Halo, was she actually grateful for him?

   "Halo, I…I'm just trying to look after you, but, somehow I don't think you need someone there to do that," Zenith replied.  Their eyes met again, and Zenith shook his head, looking away.  "You're strong, the strongest person I know.  There's probably nothing you couldn't take down, but, sometimes I can't escape the idea of something bad happening to you.  I just…"  He looked back.  "I want you to know that even if you think you don't need me, I want to be there just incase something does happen, because if something happened to you I…," again his eyes drifted away, "I don't know what I'd do anymore," he whispered softly.

   Her heart raced, sending a burning sensation though her body; a good burn, fired by tingles and tickles.  Her hold on Zenith's hand almost failed, but somehow her hand remained suspended under his, barely hanging on.  She wondered why she felt this way, a way she hadn't felt before.  Just when she thought she was the one to speak the deepest feeling, Zenith had come back over the top with something seeded with much greater devotion.

   A girl who grew up not knowing love from a mother, father, or anyone, found a brand new side to her heart opening up that night.

   But I…I don't know love.

   Perhaps Zenith did.  Halo was convinced the twins had had loving parents at one time in their lives, and were victims of parents taken away too soon.  They also had each other.  Never once had they been alone in their lives.  From the womb to their sixteen year old selves, they had never known a moment apart.  The twins loved each other.  Zenith knew what love was, even if he was just getting acquainted with the kind of love one feels for another person, a soul mate.

   Halo didn't know love.  She had opened up after spending time growing up with the boys.  She felt alive, and while she and the guys were mostly indifferent to other people, they felt joy in their close circle, something she would have never felt on her own.  Perhaps…Zenith's heart trying to reach out to hers, was helping her understand what she was feeling.

   She understood how she felt, by understanding how he felt.

   Her eyes had drifted to the ground.  As she gained back awareness, she sent whatever strength she had to her hand, gripping his tightly.  "Zenith?" she asked.

   He looked back at her.  "Yes?"

   She looked up at him, the ends of her lips barely curled, almost as though they only fought to do show in order to indicate that she was alright.  "Do you…do you think we could walk a little?"

   Slightly confused by how all of this was playing out, he was comforted by her smile.

   At least she hasn't run away yet.

   He smiled and said, "Sure, come on."

   But Halo started walking first, leading the way to make sure he didn't let go of her hand.  He laughed a little as he caught up with her pace.  The sky was now dark and filled with stars, with plenty of people strolling through downtown together.  Somehow the two got to talking, Halo starting a new conversation when she pointed out how beautiful the town was, much more so than Starshine Town.  Zenith's words of devotion seemed forgotten, at least by him, for the fact that Halo was still with him was enough to help him relax.  Nothing he had said had ruined their relationship, and so nothing would for the time being.

   It was quite different for Halo.  The two got a bite to eat at a double decker bus that had been converted into a café.  After that, they walked some more, laughing and talking the entire way.  However, as they made their way to an ice cream parlor for dessert, Halo gradually got quiet, listening to Zenith talk, telling whatever story came to mind.  She would laugh a little and speak a few words in reply, but opted to give most of her attention to her thoughts.

   They got ice cream, and ate it as they walked back towards the center of town, where the memorial and fountain were.  Sometimes when she looked at him, the audio faded, and all she could hear was silence.  Things seemed to slow down so she could look over every inch of him as they walked.  He didn't seem to notice her acting strangely, but even if he had, she probably wouldn't have recognized it.

   He was the same Zenith she had always known.  Why was she so fixated on finding a difference?  What made her feel different about him?  How did she know this was love if she had never felt love before?

   It isn't hate, and it's more than just liking someone.  Maybe, that means it's love.

   She only hoped she was right.  She didn't want to hurt Zenith's feelings.

   If it turns out not to be love, it'll just kill him.  I think it's love.  I—I hope it is.

    For his sake.

   Back in the center of town, the two were sitting on a bench, finishing the last of their ice cream in silence.  Zenith sat his cup and spoon down and gazed up at the sky.  "Heh, I love looking as high as I can.  My name means the highest point in the sky.  I guess that means I'm looking at myself.  When Nadir looks at the sunset, it's like he's looking at himself, since his name is another word for the horizon.  Maybe, maybe you're right about our parents after all.  Who else would have put such thought into our names?  I just…I hope they loved us."

   Halo was quiet, having swallowed the last of her cone already.  "They did Zenith," she murmured softly, "They did.  Even if they didn't, you'll always have Nadir."

   He looked back to her, finally seeing how quiet she had gotten.  "Hey…are you alright Halo?"

   The magenta cat shook her head, looking back to him.  She looked stressed, almost as though she were struggling with what she was feeling.  "You know love Zenith.  You…you know what it is when you feel it."  She looked down to her lap.  "Nobody has ever…loved me.  I grew up knowing neither love nor hatred, only indifference.  You two taught me happiness, and from that I learned hatred for those who seek to hurt me.  But…how can I be sure if what I feel for you is love or not?  I—I want it to be."

   Zenith felt his heart sink.  He scooted closer to her, gradually putting an arm around her as he spoke softly in reply.  "Halo, love is…you don't have to put a label on it."

   Halo shook her head, pulling her feet up on to the bench so she could hug her knees.  "No Z, if you want to give your heart to someone, it needs to be someone who really deserves you.  I—I don't want to accept it if I'm not sure I'll do the job."

   "What are you talking about?" Zenith asked.  She rested her head on her knees, turning it away from him, a sad sigh escaping her.  He breathed one of his own, wondering what to do.

   This isn't working.

   "Halo, why don't you try telling me how you feel, and I can tell you whether it's love or not," he asked.

   She didn't look back, but after a few moments he heard her whimper, "Well, earlier when you were so worried about upsetting me, I felt my heart race.  I didn't want you to be upset, and I wanted to comfort you when I thought you were, more than just jabbing Nadir in the shoulder when he's throwing a temper tantrum."

   Zenith chuckled a little.  He rubbed her back and said, "Good, now tell me more."

   Halo felt like her body was going to burst from the nerves and tingles, but she managed to keep speaking, still unwilling to face Zenith.  Now, she was the one worried to death of making a mistake.

   "And earlier, when you said you wanted to look after me, even when you said I was the strongest person you know, I realized that meant that you have deep respect for me, but want to be sure I'm okay.  I mean, we all know even the strongest people have their weak times…I guess…this is one of mine."

   "And I'm here," Zenith offered.

   Halo's head rose slowly, turning so she could face him again.  Her mascara started to run from the tears in her eyes, but she had a brave look on her face, one alive with hope, touched by affection.

   "You are, and you have been," she replied.  "Nadir's been there too, but, somehow…," she looked away again, "…no, not just somehow, I doubt I could ever react to him in this way, even if he ever got up the balls to say something like this."

   Zenith laughed harder that time, while Halo looked back at him, smiling a little, even laughing some.

   As Zenith calmed down, he replied, "Nadir, man, somehow I couldn't see him ever being this sensitive, at least not yet.  Then again, I always thought I was just as indifferent.  I never imagined myself to be one to go weak at the knees for some girl."

   He looked back at her, sighing sweetly as he rubbed her back, "But then again, you're not just some girl, and I guess when you came along, I started to change.  It wasn't right away, but, after awhile, I just knew that I needed you.  Simply having you as a friend wasn't enough.  I wanted more than what you gave to Nadir, and me, just as a friend, but I'm not going to ask for it unless you're willing to give it, nor will I expect it unless I can give it to you in return."

   Halo smiled, trying to dry her eyes.  "What…?  You're not gonna panic about that possibly sounding bad?"

   Zenith paused, but then laughed.  "No…because I think you understand what I mean by now.  You did earlier anyway."

   "You're right…I do understand, that much anyway," Halo murmured.  She sighed again, then added, "You're so sweet Zenith.  Don't get scared.  I do want to stay with you.  I don't want to leave.  I just…I don't think I understand…exactly what this all means.  I've…I've never heard anyone say they love me…ever.  You and Nadir grew up loving each other as brothers, as twins, and I know you had parents who said it too.  You guys can be bad boys, but you have feelings.  Me, all I've known is indifference.  If I say I love you…I just…I don't know."

   His eyes were sad.  He didn't realize what life was like for Halo.  Though they didn't say it much anymore, Zenith could remember telling Nadir he loved him when they were younger, clinging to each other in a cold back alley, two children fighting desperately to stay alive.  Nadir would always say it back.  Love was something they knew.  Halo, she admitted at last that nobody had ever said it to her, not once.

   Living with hatred is one thing.  Living not knowing anything but indifference is another.  It was enough to break his heart.

   He felt his eyes well up with tears as he drew her closer to him.  She looked back, seeing the glassiness in his eyes.  Just as hers were starting to sting from suddenly drying out, she watched him place a finger on her lips to silence her.

   "Halo, I love you," he whispered softly.

   A soft gasp escaped her when Zenith pulled his finger away.  However, he simply replaced it with his lips, leaning in closer until he could press them against hers gently.  He was so close, she could feel some of his tears roll down his face, trying to pass over his lips, brushing by hers before falling to the ground.

   She felt her heart explode.  Everything disappeared.  She felt like she was fading into nothing.  All that kept her tethered there was his kiss.

   Her eyes closed, filling with tears immediately.  His arm was still around her, and she eased forward.  It was almost like instinct took over then.  For the first time, she knew just what to do.

   This is it.  This…is what he's talking about.  He's right.  I do.  I love Zenith.

   When he pulled away, she opened her eyes, only to see his were open too, still filled with tears.  "It's okay if you don't understand Halo.  That won't change how I feel, ever.  Just, promise me you'll never leave me…that's all I ask, just so I know you'll always be okay.  I'll tell you I love you every day, more than once.  I'll make it so you hear it more than Nadir and I ever have.  I promise."

   Her gaze drifted, but only for a moment.  She felt her life slip out of her, and she almost fell into Zenith, coming to rest against him.

   "Halo!" he cried, immediately concerned.

   "This…this is love Zenith?  I…I don't ever want to not know what it feels like, ever again," she whimpered softly.

   He wrapped his arms around her, looking down at her.  "You won't, I promise you.  You should have had someone to love you all of your life.  It isn't fair that you haven't.  I won't let that happen again."

   Halo listened to his heart beat, breathing deeply as she closed her eyes.  "You…you have my heart Z…" she whispered.

   Zenith did his best to fight off a gasp, feeling his heart pump faster when she said this.  "Oh…Halo…"

   She looked up at him, a small smile on her face.  "Take care of it, just like you said you would, and, for whatever it's worth, I'll do the same, for you."

   Zenith grinned, feeling happiness beyond measure.  "It's worth everything to me Halo, trust me.  It's worth everything."

   Halo nodded, and eased herself up, using Zenith for support.  She sniffed, drying her eyes, before whispering, "Everything huh?"  She looked up to the sky and added, "You were already everything to me, now even more so."

   Putting his arm around her again, he nuzzled her gently.  "Don't focus on it too hard.  You'll be okay you know."

   She looked at him.  "I know…and…I love you too…Zenith."

   He smiled, hugging her tightly.  "Hey, come on, Nadir and I got a room at the hotel for tonight.  It cost everything we had saved up, but tonight's a special night."

   He rose to his feet, offering Halo his hand.  As she stood up, she replied, "Aww Z, that's not right!  Don't worry, I'll help out with money now.  When we go back to Starshine Town, we'll have my place…I mean…our place."

   She blushed a little, but Zenith only smiled as they walked hand in hand.  "Now we just have to get a dog house for Nadir."

   Halo immediately laughed.  "Oh Zenith that's not nice!"

   "So what?  He'll get used to it," Zenith replied, grinning and sticking out his tongue.

   Halo smiled.  She quickened her pace to a run, pulling Zenith along behind her.  She felt happier than she ever had in her life.  From the beginning the twins had made a difference in her life, and now one of them had made the greatest difference of them all.  For a girl who didn't know love, he had given her hope, and for the first time, Halo felt she could finally look to the future and smile.

   And that night she had her first taste of it.
   Not only on that first date, but also in her dreams.