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Sasha jumped when Rin grew more animated, paling at the snarl. She wasn't sure what to do, she wasn't sure why Rin was acting so upset - she only knew that she had to say something - anything - to make the situation better.

This had gotten really confusing really fast.

The way Rin was talking, Sasha didn't think that she was worried about Jerry breaking hearts. The way Rin was talking? It sounded like she wanted to lay everything out on the table, just to clear the air.

And Sasha was okay with that. It wasn't like with Candace - Sasha didn't feel the need to get all.. bristly and pointed.

"Rin.. look, okay? I mean. It's okay if you like Jerry. I mean.. like-like. I understand. Um. I just.. I don't know." Sasha pressed her lips together, a determined gleam in her eyes.

"I've.. never felt this way. About a boy, I mean. Jerry.. he means a lot to me and it's all confusing and butterflies, but."

She lifted her chin and narrowed her eyes just slightly.

"I don't want to have to.. to fight with you. Over Jerry." He's mine.

Nona was a quiet, wildly amused presence in her mind.

Shh, Nona. This is serious.

Nona's laughter grew louder. Sasha sighed.

Sasha relaxed, her mouth lifting at the corner.

"Then.. I don't understand why you.. why you're upset? When we talked in the cafeteria, you.. I felt like you made a good point, and now I'm confused again. And.. yes, he.. he has his issues but I really think he's... I think Jerry is... well. Past all those issues, Rin, I think he's wonderful."

She was blushing again.

"And.. why would you fight Jerry? I mean."

Sasha picked up the rag and set to cleaning again, staring intently at the same spot she'd been tackling for the past few moments. A slight wrinkle formed between her eyebrows.

"Did he do something to you? I can talk to him, I mean, if he did."

This was getting way too frickin' confusing.

Ever since Sasha had gotten her head thumped, Nona had fallen into a silent sort of ever-present entity that offered advice when it was needed, a soothing song when the world came crumbling down, even a gentle warning when warranted. On the whole, the weapon had become more encouraging, less demanding. It seemed to work well for the pair, and Nona had only offered advice when she felt it absolutely necessary. They were coming into their own strength together, as one.

And then sometimes... Nona just couldn't help herself.

<Oh, little dove. She is so adorable, is she not?>

Nona, this is serious. I'm really confused.

<Does she have to spell it out for you, sweet bird?>

Spell what out, Nona? I'm.. what am I missing? I mean... I told her twice that I care about her, and like. Maybe she's still not feeling herself.

Nona fell silent with an amused noise, eager anticipation.

"I think you're all of those things too, Rin. Really, I do, and like. I don't think it's weird or creepy. And uh. We can act on .. on it if you want. Like, uh. I don't know, we could play cards sometime.. and I have crayons and stuff, after the dorms are cleaned out, of course, but. I mean. And now we're going to hopefully be in the same division and spending more time together, so we can like. Work together, like you said!"

Sasha offered a hesitant smile. It suddenly dawned on her.

"And.. you don't have to worry. Even if Jerry and I are .. well, you know - I'll still make time for you, Rin. You're my friend. I wouldn't just forget. About you, I mean."

Nona burst into laughter.

Sasha froze.

"..nothing more?"

<Oh, my darling.>

Sasha waited.

Very quietly.

"Me?!"

She sounded incredulous.

Sasha felt like she was going to pass out.

"But.. me?! Why? I thought.. we're.. but you're my friend!"

Should she be flattered? Angry? Sasha didn't know how to feel.

Suddenly things were confusing again. Why did this keep happening?