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Another bright, happy day full of sun-worshipping and frolicking outside awaited. However, today the rainbow Frei and her guardian were going somewhere they could watch the stars in the day time. Try to sound convincing without using too much complex science jargon from her "Discover the Universe" class from university, Natsuki tried to explain how the process worked, so as to coax her charge inside the doors to to the Barton Planetarium. After a long time, she just wanted to sit down, have a cup a coffee, and zone for awhile.

"There's this machine that makes the night sky on the ceiling with lights. It's really..." Natsuki paused, seeing the unconvinced confusion on Sa'ida's face. Exhausted, she almost exhausted every simple word she could possibly think of, and than like a ray of light, sparkling down upon her. Like the sweetest bribe possible, the word dripped off her tongue like honey. "shiny."

"REALLY!?!" the genie beamed, gripping Natchi's arm quickly with a broad smile spreading across her cheeks like the rising sun. Sold. All it took was one of her favorite words. 'Shiny'. Tari was shiny, and she loved Tari. Stained glass was shiny, and she adored that. Perhaps, the planetarium wouldn't be so bad. Letting go of Natchi's arm, she zoomed in a beeline right for the ticket window, forcing Natsuki to hurry in her three inch heels after her.

While Natsuki, dug through her wallet, a swirl of night time and sailor's warning loomed on the other side of the door. Pressing her nose against the glass, she wrestled with urges to fling the door in and zip after the tendrils of onyx and crimson. Rosy lips pursed and she saw her guardian struggling with finding her wallet in her massive purse. Gosh, she was taking so much time! Why couldn't she just travel light like Sa'i did.

"Sorry about that! Thank you so much," Natsuki apologized to the disgruntled ticket agent, finally pocketing her change and shoving the wallet back in her purse. She should have known better than to let Sa'i out of her sights. Beside her there was a vacant space the rainbow raevan previously occupied. Evidence of where she had got off to was simply, the glass door leading into the lobby, flung carelessly open.

The hall echoed with the sounds of school teachers and their students on a field trip, but Sa'i tuned out all the distractions. Quickening her pace, she closed in on the other being like her, but more of her and the person he was speaking to. "Hello! Hello, Hello!" the young Frei giggled melodiously, sparkling brightly in the slats of sunlight, waving her arms excitedly. If there was any question as to who was responsible for the happy girl, it was quickly answered with constant apologies, clicking designer heels, and lots of red orange hair.

"I'm Sa'ida!! I was supposed to wait for..." Sa'ida confided quickly, laughing airily at the older not Frei, pointing over her shoulder at her incoming guardian. The guy looked more like the beautiful Melisande, in the sense that he had parts that she didn't. He was dark and mysterious, and his colors, though beautiful were not light or vivid. Her eyes darted from shiny jewelry to buckles and straps, taking in the feast of color.

Green eyes surveyed him with eagerness, taking in the scents of licorice black and cinnamon red. The new guy's color palette was zesty and spice, just like how Natchi likes her Mexican food. "You smell spicy, but that's a good thing. Natchi says she likes men like she likes her Mexican food: dark, mysterious, and spicy! It's a good thing, I promise!"

"Aphismet! Talk about long time no, no see! You don't look too shabby either, Mister... been working out?" Natsuki panted, slightly out of breath. She winced at Sa'i's proclimation about her preferences in men, remembering that children were prone to embarrassing outbursts. Hearing Aphi's banter always made her smile, there was a reassuring, familiarity that came along with it. Its as if a significant amount of time hadn't passed, but her smile faulted at the mention of Alex's birthday bash and the Halloween Party. Events she and Sa'ida missed due to complications with Natsuki's family.

Trying not to be too obvious in shifting the subject, she pounced on the change of topic to that of her charge. "Rivener looks well.... Sa'ida couldn't even wait five minutes while I paid for the tickets. Care for some coffee and catching up?"

Sa'ida liked how her name sounded, especially when it was when a new to her voice was saying it. The deep rumble of the Sigel's voice sent a chill rippling down her spine, melodic, but in the hypnotic sense. "Natchi's great! A little stressed out, possibly crazy, but that's nothing new. Probably my fault," the young Frei continued, laughing airily again. She spun around, feeling jubilant. A new raevan for her to play with. Though Natchi said that she'd have to be quiet inside the planetarium.

"R-rivener's colors are quite delicious to me. They smell like nice boy perfume. Like on TV. Yes, yes, Natchi said we could see the stars now instead of waiting for tonight. She said the magic word... ''shiny." the bright raevan's eyes sparkled like jewels at the mention of her magic word. Small cocoa brown hands took Rivener's arm, not exactly linking them, but simply holding onto him.

"Sounds like a plan. I think if I go into the auditorium now, I am going to pass out and start snoring," Natsuki laughed, slowly regaining her momentum. With Rivener watching over Sa'ida, Natsuki could enjoy a nice, relaxing cup of coffee. She thought back to how Rivener took care of Roux in what felt like ages ago. Though he broke some of her house rules, he did do a good job, so she wasn't opposed to the idea of him taking her inside.

"Have fun, kids! She's a handful, Aphi, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Keeps me on my toes, ya know... and I'll only agree to it, if you and Rivener stop by the cafe some time for dessert. My treat." She laced her arm around the crook of her arm, giving the man a soft smile. There wasn't any deeper motive in the action, other than the kindness of friendship. The last thing she needed was a misunderstanding with one of the most understanding guys she knew.

Sa'i's voice echoed off the walls musically, as she bid her owner adieu for the time being. "Keep her outta trouble, Mister Man. She doesn't like it." She laughed again, turning wide green eyes to the scorpion beside her.

Green eyes widened in excitement as Rivener mentioned familiarity with Natsuki. She nodded emphatically about the redhead's stress levels. Things certainly were the same since Shuura vanished. "I hope she will be a good friend for... Mister Man, your guardian. Because of me and the shop, she doesn't get out much lately."

Like a child in a candy store, she gazed the swarm of human children around them. Some would stare and whisper to their friends, while others pointed. Naturally the pair of raevans stood out from all the other "ordinary children". However, the petite Frei felt like an Arabian Princess preparing to stroll through a moonlight garden with a mysterious man shrouded in the colors of the night. Heads turned a bit, as the genie craned her neck slightly, like the girls on the Top Model program she watched religiously. She wanted to be a Queen of this magical night during the daytime, even if just for a day. Her eyes sparkled in the dim lighting outside the auditorium, when her escort reassured her of the sight they were about to behold.

"Everywhere?! Really?! I like the sound of this place. I love the sun, but I like to watch the stars at night, too. Sometimes I sit on the roof of the house. Natchi doesn't know. She might have kittens if she saw me sitting up there," Sa'ida continued whispering softly, becoming quite self-conscious of the other children staring at the striking couple. Rivener talked a lot, just like her which made her happy. Her thoughts drifted to Varun who loved words, but spoke so very slowly. Like sand dancing on the desert winds, their conversation flowed freely, putting the chatty Frei's mind at ease. Feeling the kids close in around them, she hovered closer to Rivener. Though she loved people, something about the crowd made her feel claustophobic as if being trapped in a bottle.

The more Rivener talked, the easier she felt. Turning a sun-kissed face up to him, she smiled brightly. "I watch lots of stuff on Natchi's chick flick channels. Stuff on fashion, design, do-it-yourself home makeovers, gardening, and art. Anything with colors! Though I saw a show on about the ...Aro...Aruura.. Boraa... those Northern Lights thingies. The dancing colors in the night sky. So pretty like a rainbow without the sunlight. Like me." She stuck her tongue out cutely, having tongue tied herself. Wrinkling her nose, she quickly rebounded. "How about you? Oh! Oh! Oh! Pick the best seats, Rivener, since you're the pro and all!"

Giving Aphismet a bright smile, it was momentarily broken by a yawn. "Oh my! Aphismet, I promise, it's not the company. We had to get up extra early to beat the traffic this morning." the cafe manager reassured her colleague, patting his arm gently. She leaned on his shoulder and pretended to snore for a moment. Most of the times they met, it was at events and gatherings where everyone and their mothers appeared. Though Chloe was a long time friend, Natsuki was unconcerned that she was hanging out with her cherished friend's ex-boyfriend. She wasn't interested in Aphismet, though the culinary geniuses did look quite cozy together.

"Mr. Delaran, I reassure you. If you have enough of my baked goods, you'll be either a) be setting up shop next door, b) driving up on your days off or c) making excuses to drop by. You know that as well as I do. Lest you not forget my Famous Lady Lumps from a few summers ago, Mr. Judge," she winked at him playfully. Though her friend was a chef, their areas of expertise were quite different, so there was merely professional respect for her associate. She raised a brow at the cashier, who seemed quite interested in their conversation. Admittedly, what she just said was laced with double entendres, but she didn't care. Aphismet was simply a joy to be around, and tease.

"A triple espresso, caramel macchiato with soy milk. Don't scrimp on the whipped cream either."

Sa'ida was impulsive, and she was comfortable with that. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but there was something that drew her to Rivener's side-- something that negated the darkness. Perhaps it was balance, like ying and yang. Her light to his darkness. His night to her day. What she felt went beyond the simple nature of colors and light. Looking at him, Sa'ida wondered what a scorpion was, and thought if that could be the possible uncertain connection.

"These seats are awesome! Good job!" she whispered softly, noting the chatter in the room dying down as the lights started to dim. She nestled herself deep in the chair, her crystalline wings sinking into the fabric softly behind her. His voice was rich, like the real night sky on a moonless night. She nodded emphatically, returning his dashing wink with a cutesy one of her own. "Your secret's safe with me, Rivener" she whispered with almost breathless awe before turning her own eyes to the ceiling. She rested her small hand on his forearm, pulling her shoulder away from the kid on the other side of her.

Even in the darkness, her broad smile was bright, like the fake stars above them. Her bottom lip being pulled under by her teeth. "Yep! Yep!! Opposites, but good ones. Do you think Aphismet and Natchi would let us go to see the Aurora Borealis? I'm sure it would taste just like I imagine. I can't eat the sweets she makes, but that's how I picture it. So many sweet, sweet flavors. Cold, like ice cream or Baked Alaska! hearing her voice raise above an excited whisper, she covered her mouth and sunk into the chair sheepishly when someone behind them Shhh-ed her. A light flush swept her cheeks like that of a clumsy, lovestruck heroine from one of her cheesy girlie comics.


"Gambino is busy almost year round, as that is where all the snow bird flock to in the winter, spring breakers and college students throughout the spring, families enjoying the summer, and all the off season business in the autumn. I shouldn't complain as business is booming. I just get little time to actually relax," Natsuki discussed, slapping on her business maven hat, analyzing the influx of clientele throughout the year. Ah, how she loved the fresh smell of business analysis first thing in the morning. Admittedly, she was surprised that the older Delaran brother didn't have his own business. "Compared to Durem with the large student populace and Aekea with all the workers, Gambino is an ideal location for fledgling restaurateur businesses. The first year is critical to the success of the business, so you have to pick your battles carefully. I-dee-Gee is tricky as a location because the tourists are particularly critical of the businesses there. Everyone's a critic, so it really forces you to up the ante on your quality of product and service..."

A sheepish grin swept her lips at Aphi's comment on her thoroughly complex and succinct drink order. "It's my own fault really. I'm my own barista at the cafe, so I really know what I want. Perhaps, I am a little bit picky," she chuckled, holding her fingers up to indicate a 'little', but widening them to emphasize 'a lot' instead. Following Aphismet to the table, she set her cup down, pausing to look at the gardens behind the planetarium. Rose bushes filled the garden with beautiful bursts of color, and her thoughts again drifted to Vyn. Knowing how involved Aphismet was in the community, surely he'd received the letter, too. However, no sense of ruining the peaceful morning with such heavy conversation-- not now at least.

"Is money the only thing preventing you from opening a business? From what I hear you have talent, so it would be such a waste if that was the only obstacle keeping you from achieving it," she inquired, placing the ball in her non-date's court. Natsuki didn't know if opening a shop was a priority of Aphimet's or not, but she understood the desire to make and share one's cooking with others. She wouldn't have gone into business if that wasn't the case. Steel gray eyes remained fixed on her friend, as she sipped her coffee slowly.

Rivener was right. The great white north was far, far away, and they were young, too young to travel alone yet. Operative word. Yet. The thought of exotic faraway lands appealed to the young Frei. All she has ever known was Isle de Gambino with the occasional jaunt to Barton or Durem, but something beckoned her much farther away. Sa'ida enjoyed the scorpion's mystical star speak. The stars, too, were far out of reach yet close enough to enjoy.

"I'd like to go there, but only with Rivener. Our own ice cream and tea party. Some day... Wow..." the little girl agreed, following her neighbor's hand. White lights danced on the dome roof, swirling and dancing. So many beautiful lights, but not all of them white. When the sun appeared, so much closer than she'd ever seen it before, she felt its golden warmth warm her entire body. Deep within her, she felt her rune, that of the sun, radiate heat throughout her body. The spectacle above them, no matter how false it was, was triggering something inside her. A rush coursed through her, escalated by Rivener's own enthusiasm. Her petite fingers laced with the scorpion's effortlessly. Naturally. Fitting together like two halves of a ying yang.

Breathless, she watched as the images grew and changed. After the sun, constellations began to pattern themselves across the dome, faint lines linking star after star together like a giant dot-to-dot book. The glint of gold in her eyes paled and turned white, like the beams of light shooting out from the projector. Mysterious, unfamiliar names appeared one after the other. Many in a language she didn't understand. Her lips mouthed the words, trying to pronounce the difficult words. Holding up her free hand, she extended her pointer finger and tried tracing the lines between the stars in the air, paying no heed to the soft jangling of her bracelets.

Then a single shooting star streaked across the 'sky'. "Make a wish..." Sa'ida whispered, her eyes diamond white as if in a trance, unaware of what she'd said.


"Well, Asphismet, I'm not going to pressure you. You concerns are all valid ones, and do demand certain consideration," Natsuki said, between sips of her coffee. Putting her coffee down, she reached across the table and put a hand on his arm. Leveling her gaze with his, she smiled sincerely. "However, if you ever do consider opening your own place, where ever that may be, I know this savvy business woman, who would consider it a worthwhile investmet, both in you and your family's future,"

Isikoro and Eiry... another pair of faces she hadn't forgotten. Her own social faux pas with Isi also recoiled in her mind, sending a flush of color in her cheeks. At least Aphismet was blushing as well, so she wasn't alone."How are Isi and Eiry? I trust they are well? Dinner sounds fantastic, perhaps we could invite some others, and a little dinner party out of it. I haven't seen Alex or Chloe in ages..." Natsuki thought fondly of her gal pals, but again, she's lost touch with just about everyone. Sipping her coffee again, she'd realized she drained the cup dry. "The show's going to let out soon. Fancy a walk in the garden, or would you rather wait until 'the kids' get back." she chuckled light, as both she and Aphi were far to young to be parents to such 'advanced' children.

Feeling Rivener's hand over her eyes and his gentle cooing in her ear soothed her. Heavy lashes blinked beneath his hand shaking several wayward tears from her eyes. For a moment, her chest felt tight, as if her heart was ready to leap out of her, and then... it was over. Like watching a video in reverse, she reverted back to normal, the trance broken. Turning her head to the side, she touched his hand, pressing it to her damp cheek. When she opened her eyes again, they were their normal, lush oasis green.

"Yes, why wouldn't I be? Such a beautiful place, this is," she replied, completely unaware of the fleeting moments prior to Rivener's wish. Sa'ida rested her head on his shoulder, feeling a bit tired. The soothing vibe of the planetarium, filled her to the brim with ease and peace. She smiled softly at the Sigel beside her, before looking at the ceiling again.

Natsuki filed Aphismet's decline to her offer away for the time being. She respected his choice, as he would naturally know what is best for himself, as Aphismet was a grown man. "Oh, so Isi is working for the lab these days? That's good. It'll help keep him out of trouble," Natsuki said trying to mask her enthusiasm and minor jealous.

She missed seeing Dr. Kyou and Dr. Tsu, each for totally different reasons. After the lab blew up, she helped for a while until Chloe's kidnapping. Though she didn't want to admit it, but it was a driving factor in her stepping away from the lab."I-I-I'm glad that people pitched in to help Kyou and Tsu. I still feel guilty about backing out on them, but I wasn't the same after... after Chloe disappeared. That man broke into my house, and I just shut down. People started to talk, and I couldn't handle it. Even when Kyou, who had been so wonderful to me, had his accident, I couldn't do anything..."

There. She said it. For the longest time, she wanted to tell someone, anyone the reason why she'd backed away, but she was afraid of judgment. Very few people understood the severity of the situation with Chloe, but Natsuki believed beyond a shadow of a doubt that if anyone could listen to her confession, it would be Aphismet. She clutched her empty cup tightly in her hands. Though tears misted in the corners of her eyes, Natsuki resolved not to cry. Not with all these people around, and not in front of Aphismet. "...and now Chloe's back, but I haven't heard from her. Shuura's gone. Vyn's with someone else. Julian's missing, and Gage..." She couldn't say it, but when she leveled her eye's with Aphismet's one tear streaked down her porcelain cheek.