The Story

HOW DID THEY MEET?

Characters:
D = Daniel
H = Haruka
S = Stanley
R = Rebecca
M = Maria
E = Elena
LO = Landowner

--A Surprise for Daniel--
Life is full of coincidences and a bitch sometimes, and Daniel Kobayashi felt this on his own skin. One day as he came home from work and couldn't believe his eyes, his apartment burned down due unknown circumstances. He stood there, frozen and cursed himself for not having and insurance, because something like that would never happen. Well destiny wrote story in a different way. While he stood there looking at the smoking building, the owner of the apartment started talking to Daniel. He said, that the reason for the fire was maybe arson, he has no insurance and so there is no chance to get some sort of refund and even has to pay for the repairs, it was really unfair. There he was, with almost empty pockets and nowhere to stay anymore, it couldn't be worse and in top of that he still awaits his sallary for this month and doesn't has much money in his wallet.
When he was about to leave the scene and older looking white haired guy got his attention, he never saw him before, but he stood there and looked at the burning building. As Daniel passed him he started talking: "They almost got me..." Daniel didn't know what the old man was talking about, he also made a quite insane impression as he talked a lot of nonsense in between and tried to talk to Daniel wisely about life, Daniel shook his head and moved on, but the man sticked to him, he tried to shake him off, but no chance... He introduced himself as Stanley Gibs and told Daniel that he is homeless too and that you need a friend in such bad times, he acted like Daniel is one of his close friends he just meet after a long time and Daniel felt very uncomfortable with the situation, he wanted to get rid of him as soon as possible.. "You look like you need some help, i can feel it! And when this happens my fatherly instincts kick in.." The man insisted that they stay together, It seemed like Stanley thought he can play the father role, even though they just met, well he's a bit insane. It came to the point where Daniel was so pissed about his talking and the fact that he just didn't leave him alone, that he yelled at him to piss off and tried to punch him, but Stanley predicted every move from Daniel and managed to get him into a strangehold. He said, that he should cut this hot-headed behavior and start looking forward, with a friend it's much easier. Stanley released Daniel from the stranglehold and he looked at Stanley angrily as he pointed his finger to the sky like he is lecturing him "Believe me, you'll need some help
Daniel beared with Stanley, as he told him about his buisness and how he became homeless and told him that he shouldn't refuse help in such bad times. Daniel sighed and carried him along, even though he didn't want to, but whatever he tried Stanley didn't go away, like a sticky ball you just can't get off.

--A day in the Park--
As they walked through a park they suddenly walked pass a black haired girl, she seemed a bit older than Daniel. "I feel misfortune is following you!" she yelled after him, but Daniel ignored her "Shall i paint a caricature of your soul?" As he turns around something comes flying at him, he dodges and it crashes on the ground, there was a liquid in there which smells very strange. Stanley looks very surprised, sets on a grin and starts laughing. Daniel couldn't even react and she was gone already. Seemed like in hot summers crazy people like her are very common, the heat changes the temper. Not thinking about more Daniel and Stanley walked along. Daniel was really annoyed by Stanley and planned to abbandon him in the night when he was sleeping, so he could get rid of this pest of a man, as it seemed to the only pissible way, but things didn't went excactly as Daniel planed it.. In the evening they looked for a place to sleep and searched in the nearby park, Daniel bought 2 sleeping bags with his last money to at least have something for the night, which doesn't cost much. Stanley went to sleep, but Daniel couldn't sleep, too many thoughts were still rushing to his head. Before it was completely dark, he suddenly recogniced that there were some sort of construct hidden behind the bushes a few 100 metres away, it was made out of old carton boxes. It looked like some sort of hideout. "Who could hide here?"Daniel was curious and examined the carton construction and he was surprised what he saw. There were girl clothes in teen size inside and school utensils, but suddenly a sound came from the darkness inside the cartonbuildung. Daniel was a bit frightened and so was the girl who was obviously living here. He couldn't look fast enough and a small sillouette dissapeared into the darkness through the back entrance of the cartonhome. Daniel yelled after the girl, but no response, he continued to look around, it was very dark already and he couldn't see a damn thing. He talked in hope she can hear him, he said that he doesn't want to hurt anyone and that he is homeless too. Daniel waited, but there was no response, then he decided to walk away. This girl must have had her own problems and if someone doesn't want help you shouldn't force it., but suddenly she appeared and shouted to Daniel that he should wait, Daniel was surprised and turned around. Suddenly a small fragile figure stepped in the diffuse light of the streetlight. D: "Who are you and what are you doing here? A young girl like you shouldn't be alone in a park at night!" R: "I-I-I'm Ree-becca.... I.. I.. just have no where to go.. i lost everything.. and i'm pretty good at building these carton houses". They talked about the sitatuation and then suddenly Stanley appeared behind Daniel with an serious look on his face, he recognized what was going on here. He looked at the girl, who was a bit afraid, but didn't ran away for some reason.. S: "It's dangerous for a girl at your age here! I don't allow that you wander around alone!!" He told her that with his finger raised. "You are coming with us from now on, you won't be alone anymore" Daniel looked at Stanley with a questionable thought, he wanted to stay alone in the first place and now the group has another member, he really didn't like it, but couldn't leave this young girl here alone too, so he was kinda forced to take her in... Rebecca hesitated a little but then walked towards the two. Stanley looked at her and said that she should pack her belongings together and she doesn't have to fear lonelyness anymore... A slight smile appeared on Rebecca's face and Stanley grabed her should and said "Friendships are important, people who need help need to stick together!" Rebecca only noded her head with a happy face, but couldn't say a word. With those words they went to sleep, but Daniel couldn't sleep and thought about the situation and where this could lead him to....
The next day when they woke up, Daniel talked to Rebecca and asked her out how she came into this situation, but she didn't want to tell him everything. She just said that she ran away from home due problems with her parents and Daniel saw a few parellels between the two of them, as he had troubles with his parents too, the same fate and brotherly feelings started to raise, but Daniel shuts them down, he was afraid when this happens.
They lived together on the streets for 3 days already, a friendship was formed between the three of them, even though Daniel was always a bit grumpy he didn't really reject them he beared with them. Rebecca always smiled and brightened up the mood with her enthusiasm, she was completely carefree and Stanley was always joking around, trying to lighten up the cloudy mood Daniel always had, they cared for him and he didn't really like it...
This evening they walked through the city and Stanley did some buisness while Daniel and Rebecca waited for him, he came back with a pile of money and he said that this will be enough for the next 2 weeks for us. They didn't question where he had the money from, he was quite mysterious sometimes..

--Damsel in distress--
When they walked along to their sleeping place in the park in the evening they crossed a bridge and suddenly saw a woman with red hair on the edge of the bridge. Daniel doesn't care much about other people, but if someone needed help his inner good side showed up and he can't resist it, a natural human reaction. He ran towards the woman, she looked quite young.
M: "Don't come any closer!!" She yelled. Rebecca put her hand over her mouth and was a bit frightened and Stanley just looked at the scene, shook his head while looking down. Daniel started talking to her D: "Hey, hey! Calm down, you don't really want to jump or are you?" M: "But my life is worthless, he took everything from me.... and he will find me.... and probably kill me.... so it's best to end the misery..." Daniel realized that someone must have used her and took all her money. She started crying D: "Hey stop crying, that doesn't help you at all. Anyways, if you really wanted to kill yourself, you would've jumped already, right?" M: "You are so rude!" She cried even more, Stanley adjusted his glasses and dashed to Daniel with inhuman speed and wispered something in his ear. S: "I would not challenge her my Daniel-son, she seems to be quite fragile...." D: "Shut up Stanley, that's psychology and stop calling me son!" Stanley shook his head again and backed off and continued watching the scene. Daniel turned to the woman again D: "What now, are going to jump?" M: "Don't challenge me, i'm really going to jump!" Stanley coughs in the background.. Daniel's psychology failed, but there seemed to be only one way. D: "Hey look, we also have our troubles, but that doesn't mean that you should kill yourself to run away from the problem, that's actually a terrible solution" M: "But my life is worthless!!" She seemed to not listen D: "Hey.. you can talk to me about your problems, you can come with us we will protect you!" She thought about it and it seemed that this changed her mind, finally she calmed down D: "Ok you calmed down, now take a deep breath and set your legs inside the bridge..." Daniel was successful, she started climbing over and right when she lifted her left leg she suddenly slipped, Daniel's eyes widen and adrenline shoots through his body, he jumped forward as fast as he could barely grab her by her skirt which fortuantely could hold her. She started fidgeting around like a helpless fish D: "HOLD STILL damnit and Stanley get the hell over here and give me a hand!" They both grabed her and used all their strength to pull her over the railing. Finally on the safe side she started crying again.. Stanley stepped forward once again, adjusted his glasses and started talking: S: "You must not fear anything anymore, we are your protectors now, you are now safe!! You are coming with us we take care of you!" Stanley said it straight out Daniel looked at Stanley with a questionable gaze. S: "What? She obviously needs help, so we offer help, we are already quite good at helping each other out in our situation!" Daniel couldn't say anything against it even though the situation grew out of control and simply not how he intended it, but he innerly admitted that this woman needs help. Daniel looked at her, she was still shaky and had tears in her eyes and started talking D: "Soo, now that you are safe... what's your name?" M: "Maria...." D: "And you won't kill yourself anymore" M: "......but my life is worthl...." D: "NO! Don't start again, be happy that we were here to save you! Listen.... i work at the local highclass restaurant, you can visit me there and talk about this at least.... How does that sound Maria?" M: "You would listen to my problems...?" D: "Maybe...." M: "Really?" D: "No..." M: "Awww you are terrible, Daniel...." She started crying again. D:"Arr stop it already!" M: "Don't be so rude, i have a fragile soul you know..?" D: "Alright, i'm sorry! I will listen to your problems, i promise! OK?" Maria's face suddenly brightens up and Daniel is quite surprised by her reaction.. M: "So you will take care of me...??" Stanley started laughing mischievously and thrusted his elbow into Daniels side a few times as sign of encouragment, Rebecca also gave her 2 cents R: "You are going to marry now?" Clearly ment funny but Maria also smiled at Daniel like she was taking it dead serious, quite naivé and maybe an act of desperation D: "Bah! stop talking nonsense guys, we just met.... that's just ridiculous! You give me a headache!! Maria... you visit me at my workplace, if you want and we'll talk about this casually alright?" M: "Thanks.... and i'm sorry for causing you trouble, so sorry" D: "You don't have to apologize, it's alright...." M: "So it's really no problem when we talk about it?" D: "I told you i'll do it... see it as favor" Maria laughs and clings into Daniels arms, Daniel is quite uncomfortable with this and sends her an evil gaze M: "I'm sorry.... Did i make a mistake?" Maria asked a bit confused. D: "We just met and you cling into my arms like i'm your husband, that's a no-go! We barely know each other, so cut it!" M: "I'm always a bit inconsiderate, so i often make mistakes, i'm sorry....." D: "*sigh* Well it's ok, now let's get moving and don't want to stay here forever!" Maria laughs and Rebecca happly yelled R: "Happy End yipeee!" They start walking and Maria continues the conversation with Daniel.. M: "So you 3 are close friends..?" Without waiting and in the knowledge Daniel will surely say something mean, Stanley said it straight out with an loud laugh: S: "YES, we are best friends, you don't have to worry anymore!" Daniel looked at Stanley angrily, about to fight him again and he playfully went into fighting position and set on his maniac grin, but Daniel sighed and turned away from him, seemed he was tired and didn't want to waste more energy, this situation drained him pretty good, so he left it as it is...
On the way the group got to know each other a bit better, it went surprisingly well and everyone seemed to come along each other pretty good. Maria and Rebecca instantly found the same wavelength like Mother and daughter and Stanley was still the insane joker with sudden serious mentality, which swaps instantly to joking and extreme sarcasm and the other way round around again, which turned Daniel crazy and he was always about to jump on Stanley and fight with him. Everytime he did this, Stanley grinned and went into his fighting position, prepeared for a fight, but Daniel didn't want to waste his already drained energy so he needed to bear with him unfortunately. Maria occasionaly tries flirting with Daniel, but he doesn't really like that and Maria starts crying a little bit when he rejects her, but 5 minutes later she seemed to forget about it and tries it again, she has a special mindset.. Daniel couldn't abandon them, but his life codex denied him to get close to them, he just beared with them and realized that this group is not that bad after all, it served the purpose quite good.

--A possible new home--
It started raining heavily while they were roaming around in the next evening. They found an big house which was labled with "The Cole Residence" and seemed to be uninhabited. They carefully stepped inside and looked around, it looked like an abandoned house from the outside, but someone must live here, as it's furnished, but most rooms are locked. Daniel tried the lightswitches, but it seemed the house didn't have electricity, so he assumed that no one lives there. The four decided to go to sleep tonight and just use this house as shelter for now.
The four stayed there for a few days already and no one came home, everyone followed his daily life, Stanley played father and Daniel was pissed at his stupid jokes and insanity, Rebecca just found it funny and tried to treat Daniel as a brother and she always wanted him to help her with her homework and she also helped Maria with the food preperation, Rebecca really felt comfortable in this athmosphere, she enjoyed the company of the others, it made her feel safe and needed, something which she hadn't in her past. Daniel still felt uncomfortable with the whole situation. During dinner they promised each other that they will come back to this house in the evenings to meet up again everyday, they made this pact, Stanley insisted on it.

--Reunion with an old friend--
Daniel still worked in a first class restaurant, even though he was homeless, but he needed the money or otherwise it would be even worse. At work his brotherly boss André told him that he has to shift workplaces for the next days, he's going to work as host. He lured Daniel into this with a good payment offer, he simply couldn't refuse, even though Daniel didn't like the thought of being host. Well he had no real choice and accepted the offer...
After he arrived there was not much to do surprisingly, until he recognized a young woman sitting across him. He walked up to her and said D: "Hi, my name is Daniel, what can i do for you?" A short silence set in and the woman responded: ?:"Daniel...?" their eyes meet and recognition sets in D: "Haruka is that you? ..and what are you doing in a place like this!!?" he said loudly suddenly all people around started looking at them and Daniel started feeling a bit uncomfortable H: "Sit, sit down Daniel." they look at each other and Daniel asks D: "Wow, i didn't expect to meet you in a place like this.. how long have it been since we saw each other? 4 years?" Old feeling arised and they looked at each other in silence D: "You changed Haruka.." she changed her hairstyle and she looks more mature H: "Well, that can't be helped you know... wanna lecture me now?" D: "No, i won't..." the mood darkened H: "..I'm leaving...." Haruka stood up and was about to leave, but Daniel grabbed her hand and asked her: D: "Hey! Wait, don't run away again, can't we talk for bit at least?" He used to love this girl, some feelings still remained somehow, but it wasn't the same anymore. D: "What are you doing for a living now?" H: "Do i have to really tell you that?" D: "Well it's been so long, i was really worried about you..." H: "....." D: "I was really worried, so what's up?" H: "....Photographer..." D: "Photographer?" H: "..Yes...." D: "Really? And you earn enough money with it?" H: "..It's good money..., but.. why are you working in a place like this?" D: "I didn't really have any choice, i had to do it and why do you come to places like this?" H: "...Well, even i have to go out sometime...." D: "But places like this..., this isn't you at all!" H: "...You are being rude, remember i'm a customer..." D: "Right now you are not really a customer for me, we are talking about everyday things" H: "....Have you been here long?" D: "No, it's my first day" H: "...Here, your tip...." Haruka hands him a banknote. D: "I can't take money from you." H: "...But that's how the system works..." Daniel took the money. D: "I can't believe i'm taking money from you" H: "..Come here, closer.... i want to you to treat me, i'm a customer here after all...." Haruka sat down next to Daniel on the Sofa and softly put her head on his shoulder. Daniel was surprised by this reaction, but he went along with it. D: "Hm i can't do much, if you are that close." H: "....That's fine with me.... i like your scent.." Daniel didn't know what to say and silence kicked in... D: "So, we really broke up..?" he asked the next answer came out surprisingly fast H: "No..we just ended.... the deal..." Silence again, they sat there for a while and then Haruka suddenly took off without saying a word. She didn't even leave some note where to reach her or a phonenumber, she dissapeared again...
Daniel went to the house they found and felt something different, is this now his home? He didn't know... He looked into the living room and Stanley, Maria and Rebecca were already asleep so he quietly went for a free space on the floor and fell asleep.
Next morning Daniel woke up he saw Stanley was already sitting on the table and read his newspaper and Rebecca and Maria prepeared food for them, the 2 were quite careing, but Daniel couldn't shake off his grumpy mood, no matter what. He had this attitude for too long, so it's hard for him to change, while the others happily appreciete the company and the warm atmosphere of shelter...

--A day at work and a surprising visitor--
At work, his boss André came up to him and asked him about his life and how it's going. He always does that, it was his attitide. They talked about Daniel's current situation and how he hates it. He is usually alone and now he has to deal with 3 complete strangers. André told him: "Well you know, people can't live alone! You need someone in your life to take care of, or it's worthless" D: "Well that sounds a bit corny, don't you think? I've been alone for almost my whole life, it's no problem.." A:"Can you safely say that?" D: "I can do this!" A: "I don't think so.." D: "..." The the phone of restaurant rings and André takes the phone, it's a customer. A: "Hey Daniel there is a visit for you, looks like a married woman.." Daniel thought who it can be, then he saw the bright red hair and instantly recognized that this must be Maria. She came here to visit him to talk about her problems... D: "You!" M: "......Yes me..., well you promised that i can talk to you about my problems... i tried to work them out by myself, but i didn't came to a solution..." *silence* D: "Say something!" M: "Please take care of me..." She said it straight out... D: "Well that would be a problem for me.." André brings them some coffee in the meanwhile. A: "Love with a married woman Daniel huh? *blink*" D: "Cut it André you idiot, seriously.." He laughs and walks off again and Daniel turns his head to Maria again and she said: M: "Married woman... hmm who was he talking about?" D: "Well we are two here and he definitely didn't mean me..." M: "Oh... i'm sorry..... you know i'm kind of slow sometimes" D: "Well, don't worry about it" M: "..But... you said you would listen to my problems..." D: "Yes i did" M: "You know Daniel i need someone to rely on, or i'm completely lost" D: "Listen Maria, you need to believe in yourself. Every human has a very strong power in his body, you can do this by yourself... just believe in yourself, you hear me?" M: "I'm not made to be alone, i simply need someone, or i probably die...." D: "As i have seen very clearly.... I know where you are getting with this, but still, that's impossible, we just met under very strange circumstances, we barely know each other. For now you stay with us as long as you want, you'll be safe and we all will take care of you, alright?" M: "...Alright.. that seems fine.." D: "Yes, so don't worry about it anymore and don't ever think about suicide again, ok?" M: "........" D: "Just... forget... about it, do you hear me!?" M: "...Ok...." D: "And now walk away with self-confidence and stay safe please!" M: "I will, thank you very much for your time Daniel" She smiled and walked away and Daniel continued with his duty at the restaurant...

--Unwelcome guests--
At the house they talked about how it would be, if the owner of the house would suddenly come back. All they could do is accept the situation and try to adapt to it. Right in this moment the front door opened and the black haired girl Stanley and Daniel saw in the park a several days ago suddenly stood there and looked at them angrily, while they were eating on the table in the livingroom. Daniel was a bit surprised that she is the owner of this big house. She came out of nowhere and the situation was frozen. E: "Who are you and what are you doing here!!?" she asked in an angry voice. Daniel felt the urge to lead the conversation with her, Rebecca was frightened, Maria and Stanley didn't say a thing, so he started. He told her that they are homeless and were just looking for a place to stay and this house looked abandoned, so it seemed ok, but she looked even angrier. E: "This is my house and i don't want anyone here, especially not random strangers!" she said D: "But we could pay you to stay here, we have money." She set on a grin, almost like an angel and said E: "Get the hell out of here you slimes!". They was no choice and left, they couldn't force her to offer them a home to stay, even though they were willing to pay for it. She seemed to be a troubled nature, hiding something behind her facade and has a behaviour like a little witch. "Beat it already!!" she yelled and everyone quickly left the residence and went back to the park where they always stayed....
Everyone was pretty dissapointed, the girl threw them out like rats. They decided to build a small camp on an empty lot near the house and to slowly think about this all while they eat something. Rebecca took her field cooker out of her backpack and Maria started cooking come canfood with it, it wasn't the best, but enough to get through. Stanley started to talk about the residence where they kicked out and looked at Daniel with a determined gaze. Daniel didn't know what he wanted the Stanley said: S: "You have to follow this girl and use your charm to convince her, that we can stay. A . I felt a strange aura around her, she seemed to be haunted by her past, but i could see a spark of hope in her eyes." D: "How the hell do you know that?" S: "Well, i just know it Daniel-son" D: "Don't call me son!" S: "Hyyaa! I'm sorry, it just slipped out my son" D: "*Grr..* Well we'll see what i can do in the next days..." Maria and Rebecca supported Stanley and said that this house is quite homely and beautiful to live in, so they were looking forward to it...

--A job for Haruka--
The next day when Daniel woke up Maria and Rebecca already prepeared breakfast with the help of Rebecca field cooker, which proofed to be a damn handy tool for this situation. Everyone ate up and then left for work and Maria did the shopping and organisation of the camping place, she is quite slow sometimes and has a strange attitude, but she plays the motherrole pretty good.
Daniel stilled worked at the host club to do André the favor he asked him for, Daniel didn't like the job there, but still he couldn't refuse the payment offer so he went for it. During the day a familiar face came into the club, it was Haruka. Daniel was surprised to see her here again and started a conversation with her D: "You are here again?" H: "...Is something wrong with this...?" D: "I was just wondering why you asked for me, do you come here often?" H: "....Once in a while yes....." D: "What are you doing now? Are you still photographer?" H: "..Different things...." D: "Well i see you don't do regular jobs, so sells are going well?" H: "...Actually... things are pretty bad.." D: "And you come to places like this, it's pretty expensive" H: "Even i can afford to go out sometimes....." Daniel pours some wine into her glass H: "..You will make a good host..." D: "Stop it, i actually hate this job, i do it just for the money" H: "Are you upset?" D: "No, not really" H: "..It looked like it..." D: "You have no idea how i'm feeling at the moment" H: "Oh i think i can, you are so easy to read" D: "Well, that doesn't make me feel good.." H: "I meant it as compliment" D: "Idiot..." H: "Hey Daniel...... i need money..." D: "Let me ask you, why do you crave money so much, is there some sort of dept?" H: "...No, that's not the case......" D: "Then what for do you need the money?" H: "......" D: "Ah i see you won't tell me, just like in that time... You can't trust me enough to tell me?" H: "...It's my own problem...." D: "Usually if someone is your lover you want to know what's up." H: "But we weren't lovers...." Then Daniel flipped his glass with water and spilled it in Haruka's face out of reflex, as he came back to his senses... D: "I'm sorry, i didn't do it on purpose.." He hands her something to wipe of the water and she suddenly said H: "Hey... let's make a deal again" Daniel was reminded of the time at highschool, where life was easy going, no worries and they both had a pretty indecent affair back then, he fancies about it, but he came to the conclusion that some distance between them never hurt.. D: "This time i can't" H: "Do you have a girlfriend?" D: "No, but i have almost no money, that's why i work at a place like this." H: "..So it's not possible for you..." Daniel stayed silent and fills her glass with wine again and Daniel realized that she just came for the money again, that's something which never changed in Haruka, this greed for money. While they were silently drinking their drinks, Daniel remembered the problem with the residence and the blackhaired girl. D: "Hey Haruka, we can't make a deal this time, but i have a job for you..." H: "Oh really... now that's unusual..." D: "Can you help me with it?" H: "Well, let's hear first what it is..." Daniel gave her the name of the residence H: "Yeah i think i can do this..." D: "How much do you want for it?" Haruka told him her price H: "Every additional expenses cost extra.." D: "That's too much, i can't afford this right now." H: "Well hows your lifestyle now?" D: "To be honest, it's terrible..." H: "Well, i'll give you a discount then..." She told him her discount price and seemed ok for Daniel H: "Ok we have a deal!" D: "Thank you"
The next day on the camping side in the park they eat breakfast as usual and while they are at it a mailman comes by.. " Mr. Gibs? Stanley Gibs?" Stanley stand up and walks towards the mailman S: "Yes, that's me, thanks for the letter" The mailman sent them all a questionable gaze and continued with his duty. Stanley silently opened the envelope and looked into it, then his usual silly behavior changed to serious S: "This house is not good, seems like the house is not owned by this girl. We should change our plans" Daniel is surprised D: "How does that come that you changed your plan so quickly? I think we can still work it out" S: "It's not good..." D: "Look Stanley, an old friend helped me with the investigation of this matter, lets first see what shows up in the investigation document" Stanley adjusted his glasses S: "Oh what do we have here, you stopped fighting against your situation and finally adapted to it" D: "Well, it's can't be helped, we don't really have a choice" S: "You make me proud my son" Stanley went into his fighting stance again and Daniel sent him an evil gaze. Rebecca intervened.. R: "Stop, fighting isn't good and doesn't help out situation" Maria laughed and nodded her head. After the tension set down, everyone went after his usual buisness.

--The result of the investigation--
At work Daniel got a visit from Haruka again and they started talking: D: "Hey, you came back." H: "You look good in your worksuit Daniel. You'll make a very good host.." D: "Oh don't start this, you know i hate this job.." Haruka pulled out an envelope H: "I've looked into your request" D: "That's great! Let me take a look" H: "Give me my money..." D: "Hey calm down, let me just take a look first.." Daniel opened the enevelope an looked into the Investigation Report... Her name was Elena Cole, Age: 23, Cole Inc. was listed as company , Daniel recognized the name as it was a very known company. Education: Art student, but dropped out to help with family buisness. Then she ran away... D: "Why?" Daniel asked Haruka in hope she can help him with her cleverness H: "Well.. i can't tell you what her intentions were, but here is what i think...: Cole Inc. is a really big company, which consists of many other companies and she is the daughter... She was engaged of course, with a middle aged guy with criminal background. One of those political marriages, which only serve the purpose to keep the corporation intact." D: "Yeah you often hear about marriages like that..." H: "Then she ran away, because she couldn't bear her situation anymore and her family repudiated her" D: "That's indeed very interresting, you helped me a lot thank you!" Haruka sticks out her arm and Daniel tries to shake her hand as thanks, but Haruka shakes his hand off.... H: "This.." She makes a circle with her fingers and Daniel sticks his finger through, Haruka slaps Daniel and starts tearing up.. H: "Don't play with me like that..." D: "Oh, i'm sorry.." H: "I want to be paid, my fees, banknotes, cash.... to be clear Mo-ney" D: "Alright i got it, but i don't have it now, but i promise you get it ok? You know where you can find me." Haruka's face turned cold and she left, just like that... Daniel got used to her attitude in the past and she didn't change at all, so he didn't care that much about her strange behavior.
On his way home he crossed the Cole Residence again, he fancied about the house, he almost could call this home, a big house was always something Daniel dreamed about and suddenly he could hear a verbal fight inside the lot. He slowly walked closer to the fence and started listening. It was Elena who was talking to a man. They had a heavy fight about the lot, it seemed that she doesn't own the lot of the house and only the house and this caused some troubles. He told her that she has to pay for the land, but Elena didn't listen at all and shouted at him E: "This, is my house" Man: "But, you need to pay for this land, because you don't own it" E: "SHUT UP, this is my house and there is no way someone takes it away from me, did you understand you pig?" After she said that she slammed the door right in front of the man's face Man: "This is NOT over you bitch!" He walks away angrily and Elena opens the door.. E: "Go to hell you asshole, i hope you die painfully!" and she slams the door shut again. The man looked at the door even more angry and started walking away. Daniel was a bit frightened that he had to deal with that woman in order to get a new home in the house, so they have at least roof above their heads...

--Taming the beast 1st try--
On the next morning Daniel it was time for Daniel's plan, he planed to earn the grattitude of Elena Cole in order they can rent the some rooms in the house. Daniel announced: "It's time for my attack!" Stanley adjusted his glasses and said: "What you are going to attack yourself?" "Why should i attack myself, don't be stupid wannabe-dad" "Aw Daniel-son you are so hot-headed, you should cut this attitude, it doesn't suit you" "I warn you Stanley!" Stanley sets on a grin and enters his fighting position again to play with Daniel "Gah, you will never change, will you? *sigh*" Rebecca interrupted their usual fight and said: "Fighting isn't good, you should stop.." "Yes Daniel-son, you should stop, or we will anger the neighbours!" "There are no neighbours you IDIOT!!!" Daniel shouted it out, Rebecca and Maria were a bit frightened "You are always so rude, Daniel...." Maria told him in a whiney voice and in the distance you could see that parents were quickly take their kids by the hand and pulled them away, it seemed they were afraid of the scene. Finally Daniel calmed down and continued... "Anyways, i have something important to tell you. I got some very interesting information about the house and the girl who lives in there... well it's just an idea, but i could use this to our advantage, to earn her gratitiude, so we can rent a few rooms there and finally have a roof over our heads again. You guys like to have a roof above your head yes?" "Yes, i love it!!" Rebecca shouted out in her energetic manner. Stanley's eyes begin to sparkle and he looks surprised. "You are taking responsiblity Daniel-son, i'm proud of you!" "Stop joking Stanley, i need your support on this... with that said Daniel took off and searched for Elena at the park..
There she was, always at the same place at the fountain and waited for customers she can rip-off and frighten with her terrible pictures. Daniel felt that this is going to be not very easy, he took a deep breath and walked towards her... "Hey you..." "Get lost...." The usual crazy behavior... "Do you remember me?" "Erm no, nothing comes to mind..." "Well remember the guy you kicked out of your house?" "Ah now i remember.... you asshat.." "Why are you so rude?" "My grandfather told me i can say whatever i want to people i don't really know and who are idiots" "So your grandfather is the devil?" "Don't dare to talk so bad about my grandfather, you idiot! I will kill your pet for this!" Daniel really is pissed that he had to deal with this crazy woman "Listen.. i didn't come here to fight with you.." "Hm, at least you are honest... and now get the hell outta here!" "I want you to draw a picture of me." "You do...?" "Yes is that a problem?" "I can smell that you came here with evil intend" "Gah what do you want me to do? Fall on my knees and kiss your shoes?" "You are a spineless worm, disgusting..." "And who makes me that way?" Elena looked angry "Alright take a seat here" Elena started drawing without even looking at Daniel, that where her drawing from hell were spawned, only a crazy woman could do this. He started his questions as he planed... "So you live in this house alone?" "Be quiet" "We can talk while you are drawing" "But i can't concentrate" "Do you own that house? Why do you live there alone?" "Why are you so interested in that house, are you going to steal it from me?" "*cough*" "Are you after my assets?" "*cough* *cough*" "Do you have a cold?" "Erm no...." Elena started getting suspicious and Daniel continued "I think you are missunderstanding me" "If that's the case..... it won't work anyways. I don't share my home with anyone else!" Different approach, Daniel tried to tease her a little bit "You hair looks terrible, like you slept wrong and now it's messed" Elena glares at Daniel with her evil gaze "Just shut up!" Suddenly she stopped painting and dissappeared in the park's restroom, a few minutes later she came back with straightened hair and she continued painting without losing a word. Daniel somehow lost his will to talk to her anymore, she is crazy and Daniel seemed to have no chance against her crazy stubbord attitude, an iron will you couldn't break that easy. "The painting is finished." Daniel looked at it and it was frightening , she drew him like a monster again, it didn't look like him at all. A drawing spawned by the crazy mind of this woman. "Well that doesn't look like me at all" Daniel listed all the things he didn't like on the picture and elena said "It's not a protrait you fool, it's satire." "And what are you satirizing?" "Humanity" "So judging by the picture i'm that disgusting..." "Well..." she pointed his finger at Daniel "that how you really are.... and now get outta here, we're done.. here you painting" Elena grinned eviland grabed her stuff and walked away without any further words and left the angry Daniel there behind...
Daniel returned to the camping side and Rebecca welcomes him back with a hug and starts talking with him "Hey Daniel, have you been successful?" "Erm not really, she is really reeelly stubborn, all i got is the knowledge that i'm an evil creature and this picture of me" Daniel showed it to Rebecca, and she opened her eyes and is frightened and then faints. "It's not good...." Daniel mumbled and took a seat at the table where Maria already prepeared some food for them and Stanley was quitely reading his newspaper, like he doesn't care about anything else at the moment. The night broke in and everyone went to sleep..

--Taming the beast 2nd try--
On the next day Daniel has gathered new energy from sleep and breakfast and was ready for his second attempt to convince Elena Before he took off Rebecca turned to Daniel and gave him a filled lunchbox, first he refused it, but Rebecca insisted that he takes it with him. Daniel opened it up and it filled to the top with food and he said: "Well that's a bit much don't you think?" "I'm sorry i thought you like so much..." "A boy in your age needs to eat a lot to get strong, so you should take it" Maria said with a smile Daniel gave her an evil gaze and looked back to Rebecca, who smiled from ear to ear "Haha well, don't worry it's ok, thank you Rebecca" Daniel patted her on her shoulder. He took the yellow lunchbox with a cow on it and took off. It looked really funny, a lunchbox which a kid would carry around. Well Daniel didn't care about it and took off to the park, to meet the evil witch again...
Daniel arrived at the park where Elena always waits for customers, she was eating her lunch there, some cheap canfood of the worst sort "You again...?" Elena said in her cold voice as Daniel approached her "I hope it's no problem." "As long as you pay for the paintings it's fine by me" "Well then let's get started." "Right now? I'm eating you idiot, wait until i'm finished..." Elena starts ignoring him and chomps down her food while staring into the void. Well Daniel also got his lunch this time, in the cute yellow lunchbox with the cow on it. He sat down far away enough from Elena so she couldn't see the fancy lunchbox and maybe make fun of him. He opened up the box and looked into it and Daniel was surprised. There were only delicious things in there, the fact that they didn't have a kitchen Rebecca must've put alot of effort into this meal. Daniel thought about it, and it was maybe the first homemade food which was prepeared for him. He started eating the food and was surprised how good it tasted, despite the fact that it's just cheap food, it tasted really good. *chomp chomp* Daniel looked at Elena from his eye corners and he could see that was staring over at him, but he ignored her again and concetrated on the food. Suddenly Elena stood in front of him, Daniel was a bit frightened, he hurridely tried to hide the lunchbox and she asked "Why are you eating over here" "So are you going to draw me now?" "Well you were eating so close, so i was interested" Elena's eyes stopped on the yellow lunchbox with the cow on it and she starts smirking and Daniel responded "Hey! Don't smirk at me like that!" Daniel continued to eat, turned his back to her and tried the same ignoring tactic as she always play with him. *Stare* elena stares at the food, but Daniel keeps eating *Stare* *Stare* "So what are you staring at the whole time?" "A pretty cute lunch you have here, di you make it by yourself?" "No." "What's that cute lunchbox.. Is it from your girlfriend?" "No, i don't have a girlfriend" "That sandvich looks delicious" "You can have one if you want." "Sorry if made the impression of demanding the food" "But you did!" Elena takes quickly the sandvich without any more words. and wolfs it down quickly. "Oh it's really delicious" Elena keeps eating Daniel's food "I take this one here too" "Hey don't take everything away!" Elena grins and grabs some of the filled Olives and Daniel continues "You have a terrible attitude!" "I get that all the time, everytime i get reminded how bad i am, the jealousy of losers" "Well, to be honest, these people are quite right with that opinion" "You are rude." Daniel hdands her the lunchbox... "Here take it all" Elena eats it all up, like she hasn't had any food in the past few days and when she finished she turned back to Daniel.. "Why don't you leave now?" She grins in her evil way and walks away, Daniel is chanceless against her..
He came back to the camping side and felt completly tired from the conversation. Rebecca runs towards him and asked him how it went, but he told her that he is chanceless against her. He can't talk with people really well and elena seemed to be too difficult to handle for him "Well let me help you!" Rebecca said with enthusiasm "Believe me, you can't help me with THAT witch" "Hum.. it can't be too difficult" "you think you could deal with her?" "I'm pretty sure i can!" Daniel gives her a few examples, of how Elena behaves towards Daniel ansd Rebecca ended up crying "That's terrible, it seems i can't help you on this one, i better do my homework and look that the housework is done" "As i said, you can't handle this.... you failed!" "Waaah!" "Hey stop crying it was just an example, don't take it too seriously." "Is she really that terrible?" "Oh yes, even worse...." "Oh i'll do something else" Rebecca sits down on the park table and starts doing her homework. And another day ended...

--Taming the beast 3rd try--
The next day Daniel had to try it once more, this girl couldn't be that cold, she must have some common sense in her. He approached her on her usual spot at the fountain and she was painting something.. "It's gotten hotter recently.." "......" "Isn't it difficult to do your job in this heat?" "......." Elena ignored him "Well in your house it must be very cool, it looked very homely there. We felt something nostalgic when we were there, it felt like we had a home and it gave us warmth" Elena sighed and Daniel felt she was about to tell him more and cuts her stupid attitude. "Well do you want me to draw you again?" "Yes please" "Then sit down..." as always Elena didn't even look at him while she's drawing "Well is this your house?" "Yes it is" "Oh really... and do you live there alone?" "Yes...." "And are you lonely there?" Elena stops drawing and looks at Daniel "In NO way i'm lonely or feel the need of company!" silence again "Give me the money for the painting and then you can leave" Elena tells him the price and it's a bit more epxensive than usual "Why is it more expensive this time?" "Well i made few additional touches" "Let me see it..." Daniel looked at it and started screaming, it was even worst, he wasn't able to describe the painting, it was pure evil, a cursed picture. Elena smirked "Hey don't laugh at people when they are screaming!" "Well today your dark side was even more visible" "Seems so..." "You can leave now..." Elena started ignoring him again and he had no other choice than leaving and try it the next day.

Again he returned to the camping side in the park completly discouraged, and Rebecca ran to him again. "No success again..?" "No not really, i just got another painting which is even worse than the last..." "Let me see it.." Daniel showed it to her "Eeeek!!! That's very scary, i don't want to look at it!" She was a shocked "I hear strange sounds from your tent at night and there is a cold creepy athmosphere around it" "Strange sounds.... maybe it comes from the picture" "Yeah... it's quite scary" Daniel decided to take a look into the tent and found the first picture from Elena in there. Rebecca said with a frightened voice: "I believe it's cursed...." "It probably is..." "..We should get rid of the pictures...." "Well you are right, i don't like them either... we should burn them." Daniel tried to burn them, but they didn't catch fire somehow "It seems i can't burn them and they're not even wet!" Rebecca put her hands over her mouth, still frightened "Well i just have to tear them apart then..." it was strange, it wasn't even possible to tear it apart "Argh, it seems that these paintings are really cursed, it would be best to burry them then" "NOO! that's the worst thing you can do!" "Why do you think that?" "It would just contain the curse!" Rebecca's imganation took her over, she talked like a silly little girl, but it was quite funny for Daniel "I can also remember i cut my finger and some blood got on it..." "Oh my God" Daniel somehow enjoyed to tease her with scary stuff, because she is quite jumpy about it, so he continued with it and to enjoy himself a little bit..

--Taming the beast 4th try--
On the next day Daniel walked to the park again and tried it once more to convince Elena, it couldn't be so hard. She saw him coming already and knew what awaits her "You sure are persistent.." "Well i just like your paintings." "Is that so..." Elena points to the chair at the fountain with a cold expression on her face and she started painting again in her usual manner. Daniel started talking about the house again carefully "So you own that house?" "Yes, it was in my grandfathers possesion, before i signed the paper... so it's mine" "No one said you don't own it." "There is someone..." "Who is it?" "A persistent old man...." "The land owner maybe?" "...How do you know that..?" Daniel needs to be careful, this was part of the investigation report, so he couldn't really know it "... just a feeling" "Now this landowener tells me to leave and i can't let this slide.." "Then have your grandfather tell him that the owner changed" "He passed away...." Daniel remembered reading about it in the report "Oh i'm sorry..." "I can't forgive you." "What do you want me to do?" "I was kidding." "When your face has this cold expression, i cannot tell what you are thinking." "You gave me the opening, so it's your fault" "What do you mean by opening? Like... that your hair is messed up, because you sleeped bad again?" "Shut up or i'll kill you!" "You are the one who's talking." "You need to learn to shut your mouth. I'm older than you, so it's fine to talk like that.." She seemed the type of person who talks to younger people like she wanted to "So anyways, you are having trouble, because the landowner is after the land?" "I'm not in trouble, or anything.. You sure like to pick on depressing things." There she said it, Daniel seemed to make progress. Took a while, now he tried to be as careful as possible and put on a smile "If that's so, do you want me to help you?" "No thanks" Daniel's mood went down again, she seemed to be more stubborn than he imagined, like a big wall you aren't able to climb up. Seemed all his hard work was for nothing.. "Fuck..." he muttered to himself. Elena threw water at his face "*cough* Hey!" "You are so vulgar" "Yes ma'am" "Don't say that again!!" Elena looks angry "Listen, i just told you i would help you. You did understand that right?" "Yeah..." "It's called kindness, warmth, to care for someone who is in trouble, one of those valueable instagibles." "That's true." "Why are you refusing my help?" "I don't need any help" "Arrrrgh... Why can't you just accept kindness from other people" "Is that what it really is?" "Huh?" "Can you promise that your kindness comes from a pure heart, which is completely, ultimately without fail and full of human compassion?" she took a deep breath "Can .. you.. say.. that!!?" "Well considering this, it's a bit...." "See, i told you so." "Hey hold on!" "I won't wait" "I want to be your strength" *silence* "Don't get me wrong, you drew the portraits of me and everything, i just want to pay you back." "You have an affection for me?" "NO!!" "What..?" "Erm, i mean... yeah hahaha.. you are really..." "I am really....?" "You're really.... someone like you... you are my type, that's what i was thinking hahaha....." Daniel feels impending doom... "So you will accept my feelings for you?" "I can't accept your feelings, but if you want to help me that badly...." "Hehe, yeah.... right..." "......." "What do you say? I won't even expect something in return." "How can you be so kind so someone so easily?" "Well... that's because i like you and that's what you do when you like someone" "I don't believe you... i don't know such affection... not from my parents, not from my brother and sister, or from anyone else" "Elena...." **slap** "That didn't even hurt.." "You need to work on your manners when you talk to older people!" "I might be older than you.." "You are talking back?" "No, but the truth is important" Elena opens her eyes and stares and Daniel with an evil gaze "You are 20 years old and i am 23 years old, so i'm older..." "How did you know?" Elena ignores his question and asked "So... what are you going to do now" It was difficult for Daniel... "Well... i'm sorry" "It's fine.." "What's fine?" "If you really want to help me that badly, i consider to not refuse your help" "So what's it?" "This guy... the landowner... i wished he'd just dissapear..." "Hmm, i can't make him dissapear, i'm not a killer so...." "Payment for todays painting....let's see... you want to help me... well...." She holds her chin while she thinks about it "I lower it back to the normal price" Daniel grabed into his pocket and handed her his last banknote, after this Elena was about to leave "Later.." "I'll visit you at your house" "By the way, what's your name?" "My name is Daniel." "Hm sounds like an intelligent name, i bet you can at least solve easy calculations, like add and subtract..." she grinned while she said that, spitting venom until the last moment "So you are telling me i'm an Idiot? That's what you mean right?" "Good day" she took off and Daniel thought about the situation. He could never feel affection for a person like Elena, but that's what he decided. So he needed to fool this evil witch in order to avoid making her angry and keep the situation stable... Daniel asked himself, what Elena would do, if she finds out that he's just lying, he didn't know it or better he didn't want to know....

--Maria cafeteria incident--
The next day when Daniel went home from work, he took the route through the city and suddenly he saw someone knocking on the window of a café, like the person is in trouble. He looked closer and he saw the bright red hair and there he knew who it was... Maria. This woman always attracted problems, she was a master in this. Daniel wanted to just turn and run away, as Maria only ment problems due her sillyness. She made a face like she is in serious trouble, like she said "Help!" without words. Daniel got it and entered the café hesitantly...
D: "Hey Maria...." M: "....Daniel, i'm so glad you are here!" Daniel sighed and sat down on the table across from her. D: "So Maria, what's up..?" M: "..Money, it's money.." Daniel instantly thought where this is going, money+women could only mean problems he thought so he tried to fool her a little bit, in the meanwhile he ordered a coffee from the waiter D: "I don't have any money." M: "Oh noo... it's over" Maria looked like she was about to faint, Daniel gulped down the coffee in one sip... D: "So.. when you are so poor why do you come to a place like this?" M: "I didn't realize that i forgot my money until i got here... but yes i am poor..." Maria shrinked back into her seat D: "If you can't even enjoy your morning coffee there is something wrong." Maria clasped Daniel's hand with a sad face and he pondered M: "I wanted to talk to you and ask for your advice... but you weren't at the adress you gave me..." D: "Ah.. oh yeah.." M: "Could it be that you tricked me" D: "Erm no that wasn't my intention." Daniel remembered that he gave her the adress of the Cole Residence. D: "Some stuff happened... but anyways there is no reason that you have to ask me in particular." M: "But... i don't have anyone else i can talk to and you promised to listen to me...." Daniel innerly sighed and thought that he has bad luck lately and that he attracts misfortune like a magnet... D: "Don't you have any relatives you can turn to?" M: "Huh..? How did you know....?" D: "Just a guess...." M: "That's why i have no one to turn to" D: "Well you could always try it your own." M: "... I'm not good at that..." Maria made swirls on the table with her finger, like she is very nervous about the situaion. D: "Then why don't you marry someone?" M: "I did." D: "What? You are married?" M: "To be more precise, i was.... it turned out my husband was a marriage fraudster" D: "Alright... don't tell me more.." Daniel knew where this was going and he didn't want to load himself with more misfortune than he already had. D: "So you need money for the coffee?" M: "So you lend it to me...?" D: "How much do you need?" M: "5 Simoleons..." Daniel grabed into his pocket and pulled out a coin and handed it to her and when Maria tried to take the money he closed his hand. Maria made a sad face again.. M: "Why are you always so mean....?" D: "Well, i had to deal many weirdos lately.... and you are one of them!" He threw it straight out at her M: "Aww....." Maria shrinked back and droped her head D: "If there is something i hate, it's sappy relationships. I don't mind to listen to your problems, i promised you i do this for you, but i can't help you with everything. My life is hard enough as it is." Maria shrinked back even more D: "So i give you the money, but i don't lend it to you, i give it to you" Maria's face suddenly brightens up M: "Really..!?" D: "Yeah... i don't want you to feel indepted to me, so i just give it you." M: "That's alright, i'm pretty good at forgetting anyways" Daniel sighed M: "I bet i forget about this really quickly." She said this with a straight face, Daniel wondered about her behavior and looked at her a bit pissed. M: "Aww, don't make such a evil face..." Daniel droped a coin onto the table. D: "Here, it's yours, that's it." M: "Thank you soo much Daniel!" D: "...Just try to not forget your money next time..." M: "I will! Thank you again!!" D: "Later..." With that Daniel left with a very high stresslevel, he lighted a ciggarette and inhalted a deeply and moved on...

--Haruka finds Daniel--
On the next day at the camping side in the park, Rebecca told Daniel that people are watching and she felt a little bit uncomfortable about it. Daniel quickly thought about it, if it's the police it would be very very bad, as they don't like homeless people, obviously. He checked the sorrounding area and saw a pair of eyes hiding behind a pole watching them, while they were eating. D: "Haruka...." He hurried over to her. D: "Haruka! What are you doing here?" H: "You've really fallen..." D: "Leave me alone.." H: "I couldn't find you anywhere.... and now i find you at a refugee camp" D: "I can't help it.. i lost my apartment and until this situation gets straight, it's the only way.. Well.. what do you want?" H: "Money." It came straight out and she put out her hand, seemed like she wanted her money for the investigation she did for Daniel D: "I don't have it right now..." H: "...When will you have it...?" D: "When i get outta this situation here." Haruka sent him a piercing stare H: "Can you do it?" D: "Hell, if i know..." H: "You are really bad with money now... Back then...." D: "Stop! Leave the past out of this.." H: "I don't want to talk about the past either, it touches a nerve..." D: "Did you come here to make fun of me?" Haruka looked away H: "I need money, i really need it...." D: "Look, i'll get you your money as fast as i can, just this month until i get my payment from work." H: "I want that on paper...." Daniel pondered as Haruka pulled out a paper for him to sign it. H: "Bye.." Daniel grabbed her arm. D: "Hey wait! There is something i need you to do, if you want the payment to go smoothly" .....

--Daniel goes to Elena with Haruka--
Once again Daniel went to the Cole Residence, but this time it's different. He got his backup with him, Haruka. She's a troubleshooter and an expert with financial concerns and Daniel thought she would be perfect to set the situation with Elena's problem with the land owner straight so they finally get a place to stay, but she didn't look very happy, she was a bit afraid to be confronted with other people she didn't know.
Haruka looked at Daniel "...I feel uncomfortable with this.... why do i have to do this?" "I explained it you countless times...." Daniel told her in a soft voice "You help me -> i get a place to live -> my life returns to normal -> i can pay my depts" "I understand, but...." The door of house opens and Elena shows up "Come in.." Elena led them inside to the living room and offered them a seat. Elena's acted in her usual cold attitude and didn't treated them as guests. Daniel looked at Haruka and she seemed very uncomfortable with the situation and had a pissed facial expression. E: "So... how you are going to help me?" H: "I'm leaving...." D: "Hey wait!" H: "Don't get me involved in this..." E: "What are you wispering about?" D: "Don't worry... this is Haruka, a good friend of mine, she is an expert in financial problems." E: "Really..." The athmosphere was really tense and Haruka had a hard time dealing with it H: "....." D: "Anyways let's talk about the house.." E: "This was the first house my grandfather lived in when we moved here, he founded Cole Inc., the company grew big and we lived happily after...." Sarcasm was in the air E: "Just kidding" H: "I'm leaving...." Daniel wispered to Haruka again D: "C'mon Haruka i'll lick your shoes or whatever, but i need your help with this.." H: "I don't want you to lick my shoes...." Haruka had troubles with people she didn't know, so she was quite nervous and wanted to run away, as always.. E: "What are you wispering again? .... then my grandfather got married, they had 3 children, those children had children and i was one of them. I wanted to become an artist and came to this house.." H: "Why did you leave home?" E: "...Because i wanted to." H: "Even though you hadn't to worry about money you left?" Elena's eyes narrowed E: "I couldn't care less about money." H: "... And what about the land owner, who wants you out of here?" E: "He indeed wants to.." D: "It seems Elena owns the house and someone else owns the land." D: "So how do things work out in a case like this?" H: "Well.. usually house and land are registered seperately, the owner usually owns both, this case seems to be a bit more complicated... However you get protection as teant, so if you are the registered owner of the house, i very much doubt that you get kicked out" Daniel was surprised by the professionalism of Haruka H: "Do you have a deed for the house?" E: "No, i don't. Is that a problem? D: "What do you mean, you don't have it?" E: "Well,.. to be precise i 'had' it.." D: "What happened?" E: "It bursted into flames on one of my travels" Daniel couldn't believe it D: "What do you think Haruka?" H: "It seems hopeless.. a deed cannot be recreated... but if she is a registered owner, there shouldn't be a problem with her exercising her rights as teant" E: "What do you mean?" H: "Well.. um.. the house is registered in you name, so why don't you try asserting the fact that your right to live here is protected by law?" D: "We better check the registration..." H: "But just a check... if you are not registered, you are an unlawful occupant."
E: "Ahem..." D: "What?" E: "Even if you help me, i'm not going to lend you this house.. i live here you know." Haruka wispered to Daniel H: "Just agree with her, i think it will be fine.." Daniel turned to Elena again D: "Don't worry about this, we'll take care of this." E: ".....Really.." D: "Well, shall we call it a day?" E: "Hold on.... i'll get some tea.." Elena dissapears in the kitchen and Daniel wondered as this is something someone would do in the beginning, but Elena seemed to not have guests very often D: "Thank you Haruka, you helped me alot with this.." H: "It's fine.... i'll just add it to your fees" D: "I thought you would say that." .......

When they left the house is was evening already, the dawn filled the sky with red color... H: "Hey Daniel..." D: "Hm?" H: ...Are you planning to live in this house?" D: "If everything works out that way, yes." H: "..... ...... Are you going to change?" D: "Huh?" Haruka suddenly stops a few metres behind Daniel. With the sunset in her back she gave him a judging look H: "Once again you take a step forward..." D: "What do you mean?" H: "You amaze me Daniel.... you are strong.... unlike me...." Suddenly she turned away with tears in her eyes and ran off, Daniel stood there unable to see why she was crying, the only thing he could do is watch her leave. Haruka seemed to carry some sort of burden with her, but Daniel always kept distance to Haruka, it was the way their relationship worked, it was always connected with money.
Daniel arrived at the camping side and was welcomed by Rebecca... R: "Hey Daniel! Was someone there?" D: "Yeah, kinda... is dinner ready?" R: "Yeah some delicious canfood again" Rebecca laughed and Daniel patted her on her back and they started walking. Daniel thought about the situation... "Am i really going to change..? I don't know...?" R: "What's up Daniel..?" D: "Um nothing..." R: "Let's go home!" Rebecca was always cheerful, like the sun followed her around D: "Home huh..?" Daniel smiled bitterly, they didn't have a real place to go home to..

--Daniel, Haruka and Elena go to the landowner--
Then next day Daniel, Haruka and Elena went directly to the landowner to clear things up... LO: "This land is mine, i bought it to start a buisness... to be honest, i din't expect that someone lives in this abandoned house, ready to assert her residental rights." the landowner had depressed face while he said that. D: "So what kind of inherit did you grandfather give you Elena?" E: "The house." D: "That's it?" Elana nods her head H: "But just giving you the house, when the land is in someone else's name..." LO: "You belong to the Cole family right?" E: "Yes i'm indeed Elena Cole" Elena sends him one of her evil glares and he back off LO: "I see.." H: "Have you contacted the reators?" LO: "I couldn't reach them..." Haruka flicked her hair upwards and held her hand against her forehead, her habit when she had a problem. H: "I think you got screwed..." E: "Screwed..? H: "And what about the house?" E: "I don't understand.." Haruka is pretty bad at conversations H: "How did you inherit it?" E: "I inherited it after the funeral of my grandfather" H: "Did you get along with your relatives..?" E: "...." H: "Hmm, i'm sure there were other benificiaries involved with the inhertiance.." Jun adjusted her glasses and started to explain in a subdued voice. The founder of Cole Inc. died and left behind a large fortune, he had three children and many grandchildren and each one had different expectations... the house became Elena's, but she wasn't given the land, so there were some strings pulled by other family members, it was done to minimize her inhertiance. So they could sell the land the land to another unscrupulous buisness and force Elena to leave. Elena would be left with a house on shaky foudnations, like a castle built on sand. D: "I can't believe you bought this land.." LO: "But the registration was clean, so i thought there would be no problem. Besides i'm no expert with property." H: "Records aren't that reliable... you should've checked" LO: "You are kidding right?" H: "Well, things could be even worse.." Elena is a had an empty face at this moment LO: "I planed to build an apartment on the land, get some rent every month and relax for the rest of my life.." The landowner realized the troubles "What a mess...." E: "What will become of the house?" H: "The house is yours, but the land is owned by him.." LO: "This means...?" H: "this young lady has the right to lease.... she has the right to live there, you can't deny her that." D: "Hmmm.." H: "... But it's not absolute..." LO: "Not absolute?" H: "It's only, if she pays rent..." E: "...that i can live there?" H: "Yes." E: "Then i'll pay." H: "And you?" Haruka looks at the landowner LO: "No, if it's possible i want her to move out" H: "If she pays rent you can't refuse it." LO: "Gah..... Well i was only in it for the money, so.. if she is willing to pay the rent..." E: "I'll pay.... i will pay it" Elena said it straight out, for the first time she was completely sincere..

--A family?--
They went home again, Elena went head front, Daniel and Haruka went side by side behind her. At the camping side Rebecca was already waiting for them with her usual happy face, she waved them as welcome. D: "..Are you finished with the work for today?" R: "Yup, with no problems at all." Stanley showed up S: "Rebecca, that bag looks heavy..." D: "When did *you* get here?" S:"Let me carry that for you.." Daniel felt ignored S: "Hmmm that weight... that must be a stack of porn rags" Stanley always spewed around a strange humour sometimes R: "Porn rags...?" she asked with a very confused face. Daniel punshed Stanley, and he put on an evil grin and gets into his fighting position. As always it escalated into a trial of strength.. D: "Stop saying such things to a young girl!" S: "Har har, It was just a cute joke Daniel-son" D: "...And stop calling me son damnit!" S: "You need to lay off your short-tempered attitude my son." Stanley grined and went into his fighting position once again D: "Just die..." Daniel gave up, there was no hope for Stanley, he is just an insane idiot. Maria also showed up, she carried some shopping bags M: "Hey Daniel i was shopping together with Rebecca today, it would be so great, if we could all go together one day." D: "Yeah..." Maria clinged herself into Daniel's arms and he started staring at her. Stanley let out a mischievously laugh in the background D: "Wait.. what are you doing here?" M: "Yes?" D: " 'Yes' wasn't excactly what i was after." Daniel continued to stare at Maria D: "No, i don't love you." M: "Heheheh... you sure have a lot of friends here. Mind if you become one?" D: "Well, you became.." S: "Mom, what's for dinner?" D: "She's not 'mom' !" M: "I'm not that young is there a problem? D: "That's not what i meant.." S: "You pervert!" D: "Bastard..." S: "Anyways, i'll introduce her once more - we've got a new mother." D: "That's a bit of a stretch" S: "Don't sweat the small stuff." D: "That means we are one more." S: "It's not like we added a hundred people, you know.." D: "Damn right.." Maria pulled on Daniels sleeve M: "Am i a bother..?" D: "Well..." R: "We want Maria, she is a great cook!" S: "We need a mother who cares for us!" D: "Bah do whatever you want, i give up..." then they all followed Elena into her house.

Daniel went into the living room, pulled out a pollow and sat down. He lighted himself a cigarette and took a deep drag... as the nicotine rushed through his body he felt relaxed. They finally had a roof above their head, it was a very relieving feeling for Daniel as he puffed away on his cigarette. D: "... this was quite a mess, but it looks like things are settling down." S: "Bravo, bravo!" R: "Oh, i'll go cut the watermelon." S: "Oh, you have one?" R: "That's what you carried for me..." S: "Hmm, and i thought it was porn magazines." D: "Jeez... cut the dirty jokes Stanley.." Suddenly there heard a terrible scream from the kitchen D: " *cough* *cough*" Daniel looked to where the screams were coming from, suddenly Rebecca ran into the living room and blood was dripping from her finger. R: "Heheh.. i just cut myself a little bit.." D: "A little...? You're covered in blood" R: "Huh..?" Rebecca looked at her finger R: "What there was this much?? Oh God!!" Maria showed up M: "Oh my, what's wrong? Maria looked at Rebecca's bloody finger. "Oh..." and then she droped like a sack of potatoes, the blood was too much for her. D: "She fainted! But more importantly, Rebecca, give me your hand." R: "Blood transfusion, i need a blood tranfusion, quiiick!" Daniel looked at the cut, it was really deep cut D: "Idiot, be more careful." R: "Sorry! I'm sorry, so sorry, i'll be careful from now on..." D: "Come with me." Daniel got some bandages to patch her up D: "So.. this will do." R: "It huurts!" D: "If it hurts, that means it will heal. I'll cut the watermelon." H: "...This is so noisy" D: "Just hold on." With her legs splayed out, Haruka sticked her tongue out at Daniel.
Elena sipped on her tea and suddenly said "Well... all of you get our of here!" The athmosphere froze up, everyone looked at Elena. S: "Hmph.." E: "I don't want you to get used to living here." M: "We... um.. we don't have anywhere to go.." E: "No place to go?" M: "That's right, it's been a tough time. It's not easy living outdoors.. Even, if you have a tent, there are bugs, right?" Maria was really fired up about it. E: "Oh! now i understand.... Get the hell out of here!" M: "Awww...." Haruka mutters to Elena "Inheritance fees and rent...." This time Elena froze up D: "... Can you afford them?" E: "Inheritance fees...?" D: "Master Haruka explain it to her..." H: "... W-well, once you've registered your inheritance, you've got 10 months to pay inheritance tax to the tax office of your jurisdiction. When you take deduction and the rent into consideration, it comes to about seven or eight thousand simleons." Haruka taped away on her calculator, something she carried with her all the times. she's a woman for whom effort correlates with reward. E: "....." D: "Hey, you don't use every room in this house, do you?" S: "Yeah, if you let us live here, we'd pay our fair share." M: "Yeah and cleaning the whole place must be a lot of work and more than anything, it's got to be lonely." D: "You rent the land from the land owner and we rent some rooms from you. what do you think?" E: "No." D: ".... and it's not like we will stay here forever, if the time comes, we'll all move out." E: "And when is that?" D: "I don't know, every one of us has out own life to live. It's just that we need a place to stay for a while." D: "I apologize for tricking you, but i'm begging you." M: "I'm begging you as well.." R: "Me too!" E: "Kuh..." Elena shrunk back, it seemed her fortress started to crumble. S: "You know what they say - in times of trouble, people should help each other out." E: "It's not like i couldn't pay for it.." H: "You can?" E: "...." As Stanley saw Elena's hesitation, he pushed forward S: "In fact, i have a proposal for you." D: "A proposal?" Stanley crossed the room and stood next to Elena. He put his hand on her shoulder and sent out his loud voice. S: "Let's make a family!" *silence* Then suddenly everyone "... Huuuh?"
S: "Now then i want you to read the plan i have for you." Stanley turned back to the whiteboard and started his presentation. S: "In short, we all have our reasons to be here. Some have nowhere to live - others, no money. Some need a place to escape to, others have no one to rely on, and still others want to start over. Let the six of us, then, work together to further our own interests. Now this..." He pointed on the word interests "...we are now officially a family! Taking this form, would bring us many great efficiencies and rather than the six of us fighting their problems on their own, we fight it together as a team! What's more, it's better for our morale. In other words, this is a type of contract. In consideration for help from others, you agree to help others too. A series of rights and obligations - that is to say, a family." Elena lifted her hand S: "What is it Elena?" E: "This all sounds like a big hassle..." S: "Hmmm, does anyone else has a question? Maria what about you?" M: "Erm.. umm... what should we do, Daniel?" D: "Don't ask me.." S: "And you Rebecca?" R: "Haa... a family, huh ...?" S: "That' right, it's called family, because it involves each of us working towards out mutual benefit." R: "A family..." S: "Rebecca?" R: "I think it would be great!" She got on her feet really quickly "I really think, it's a very good idea!" She was very excited about it "It would be fantastic!!" S: "Oh, you think so? Well.. i thought it was pretty good too. Hahahaha.." With this Stanley was in high spirits R: "It's a really really great plan! I'm all for it!" S: "That' heartening to hear, wouldn't you agree Daniel?" D: "........" R: "I'm sure it will work really well with the six of us!" M: "Hmmm, you could be right. It might be a pretty good idea." R: "Like totally, right?" Rebecca was very happy at this point M: "Yeah there are certainly advantages in working together than working alone." R: "And besides, it'll be fun. When you have a problem, there would be someone who you can talk to." M: "Yes, that's right." S: "See, i've thought about everything, hehehe." D: "....." S: "Haruka, what do you think about it?" H: "Huh..? You're counting me in..? Haruka always was a bystander in this whole thing, but she astonished now. S: "The more the merrier!" H: "I don't have anything to do with this." S: "Daniel will pay you." D: "You old bastard.." H: "I was just here to help him.." S: "Oh, come on now." E: "I'm telling you, this is all a big hassle..." S: "Daniel... let's hear your opinion!" Daniel thought about it carefully, he didn't have anywhere to go, his apartment is gone, for now it was the only thing he could do, even though he prefered to be alone... it was just temporary, but it was a chance he had to take "I agree." M: "Ah..." Maria smiled as though she was happy from the bottom of her heart R: "I'm glad.." Daniel thought, if it was something to really be glad about.. D: "Wait a minute..." Every one stared at him "...i'm not agreeing." S: "Hey, after you said something you can't take it back." D: "Shut up." S: "How dare you tell your father to..." D: "SHUT UP!" Daniel got really riled up M: "Daniel..." D: "What do you mean family.. we here? That's a load of rubbish!" Daniel was filled with anger S: "Just settle down a bit." D: "NO." Daniel moved away from them and Elena and Haruka also took a step back, it was just the others who got excited about it. Daniel looked at the things calmly, he looked back on his old life, the man who lived his whole life alone. D: "To tell you the truth, i'm tired. As an individual, i don't mind helping people out once in a while. However, this is entirely different." Everyone silently looked at Daniel. "Don't you decide who my family is!" The athmosphere grows deadly quiet. Daniel looked around at each one of them. Elena looked down onto the others with her cold eyes. Haruka who just watched silently. Rebecca, ever cheerful. Maria, who could only depend on others and Stanley, who does nothing but stir things up. A family which consists of strangers? D: "I've never even heard of such a sorry-looking family." M: "Daniel..." D: "I don't want to have anything to do with playing house." R: "Ooooh..." D: "That's why i'm against it... and above that it's only a burden for Elena right?" E: "...." Daniel turned his back to them. E: ".... Where are you going?" D: "For helping you out. I'll be staying for the night. that's all." Daniel went out the hallway and leaned against the wall, the cold from the floor and wall helped him to soothe his heightened emotions. He lightened a cigarette and he could hear the other talk about the situation without him....
R: "Daniel is angry..." S: "Hmph, talk about delicate." R: "...It might be because he doesn't like me..." M: "Rebecca, that's not it at all.." R: "No... I'm sure that's the reason.... i see no kindness in his eyes, i can tell... but... i'm not criticizing him, it's all my fault." H: "...Sounds more like you're defending him." R: "Ooh...." S: "Don't worry, he's just awkward." H: "I vote against it.. The reason, i wasn't part of it anyway... Elena, may i stay here as well, just for the night?" E: "Go ahead..." S: "Come to think of it, we haven't heard your opinion yet Elena. How do you think about it? In terms of gain and loss, it's not bad after all." E: "........ ... Let me think it over tonight." S: "May we stay here while you think about it? You're fine with that, right?" E: "I guess it can't be helped.." S: "Thank you." E: "...hmph." Elena walked out in the hallway and looked in Daniel's way. E: "Don't drop ashes on the floor, okay?" Then she went upstairs to her room and Daniel continued to puff his cigarette, it was very relieving for him....

--Something pink...--
After a while Daniel grew sleepy. He looked around and everyone was asleep already. Haruka was lying on the ground with a cigarette butt still in her mouthcorner, she sure lived dangerous. He needed some sleep now and before he went to sleep he wanted to relieve himself before he went to bed and headed for the bathroom. He opened the door and found Rebecca asleep inside... D: "Gaaaah!" R: " Zzzzz.." D: "Don't you give me a 'Zzzzz' !" R: "Huh..?" D: "Wake up" R: "....Daniel?" D: "You picked one hell of a place to sleep." R: "Huh? What? I wonder what's gotten into me?" Rebecca was in a half-asleep daze "Oh, no... I fell asleep, i'm so..." She stood up and something fell down, something known as skirt and Daniel catched something pink between her legs, something known as...... panties (perverts!). Daniel raised his eyes and Rebecca was stunned. D: "Uh..." R: "Eeeek!" Rebecca was frozen R: "Uwaaaaaaaaaaah?!" Rebecca quickly tried to cover her front and stepped back reflexively. The toilet was right behind her and she fell backward. Daniel hurriedly reached out for her wrist to stop her fall, but that was the wrong thing to do, her hand was covering her groin. She flipped backwards onto the toilet and her panties were in plain sight again.... D: "I'm..." R: "Noooooooo!" D: "I-I'm sorry!" Daniel quickly left the bathroom, shut the door behind him and dropped on the floor exhausted.. D: "Why the hell does stuff like this always happen to me...." Daniel felt frustration. A little while later , Rebecca opened the door and came out. R: "... Hi..... I'm sorry that you saw me in such a shameful state.." D: "It's okay." R: "When i sit in the bathroom for a long time, i get sleepy.... I've got no sense of urgency." D: "Let me apologize..." R: "Ah, no, please don't let it bother you." D: "I'll forget about it.. and you should too." R: "O-Okay.." D: "And next time you fall asleep, do it in an appropriate place." R: "Yes, I will." She walked away with slumped shoulders, but then turned her head back to Daniel... R: "By the way, i'm glad." D: "Hmm?" R: "You were so mad, i didn't think you'd talk to me again." D: "I wouldn't do something as childish as that. But... i'm not interested in playing family." R: "....." She twiddled her fingers "Could it be, that i've been offensing you this whole time?" D: "Huh?" R: "... It's me, isn't it? the rwason why you are always in such a bad mood.." D: "What are you talking about..." R: "That's just the feeling i get." D: "This is how i always am." R: "You're a little different with Haruka." D: "But Haruka..." Daniel was at a loss for words. R: "There's nothing special about me, and i know I'm not the type people like, but..." D: "I don't hate you." R: "But you don't like me." D: "Affection.... is that really the issue? It's been less than a month since we first met." R: "B-but..." D: "Describing things in terms of 'like' and 'hate' is weird to begin with. When we met, we were strangers." R: "...." D: "And we are strangers now.. and no matter how many years go by, we'll still be strangers." D: "Fantasizing is just going to end up hurting you, you know..." R: "Huh?" D: "When you invest your emotions in a relationship with someone else - it's tough for you." R: "... I see.... are you speaking from experience?" Daniel lighted up a cigarette D: "... Just go to sleep." R: "O-okay.." Rebecca nodded her head and went back to the living room. D: "Shall i sleep here right in the hallway?" Daniel thought loudly. The living room was crowded and there were no empty rooms in the house, everything was filled with old stuff and cobwebs. The cool night breeze found a way into the house and hit Daniel, he came to the idea that he could climp onto the roof from the second floor balcony, he could sleep there without interruption. Daniel felt excited to sleep on the roof, so we went upstairs and took a look.....


--A cool night breeze on the roof and a surprising visitor--
D: "Wow.. that's quite a view up here...." Daniel looked around and saw the roofs of the other houses stretched out before him. D: "This house isn't such a bad spot after all and the cool wind helps me to calm down." Daniel sat down on a safe spot and enjoyed the night breeze. He could do this forever. Daniel finally felt relaxed and thought about the family thing they planed... Six people helping each other out and living together under one roof, the gist what it was all about. He could see that it would be quite efficient and what's more they'd save a fair amount of rent, as the rent for the house divided through six members wasn't that high and everyone could reach their goals much more quickly. Men and women of different age living together, it would be best if they would be seen as family. The house they moved in, a perfect camouflage. The father would be Stanley. The mother would be Maria. The eldest daughter would be Elena. The second daughter would be Haruka. The third daughter would be Rebecca. and Daniel would be the son. It was an astounding shift in perspective for Daniel, he felt like he wasn't the focal point of this anymore. If Stanley was really serious about about this all, he'd come after Daniel for sure. But Daniel wasn't quite sure how he should feel about this, playing family... D: "A family now, after all this time.... what nonsense...." Daniel continued to think about it.... Efficiency was a point, but there would be problem when emotions are involved. Stanley wasn't taking that into consideration. It was just a big coincidence that they all found together, it would be nothing more than a homeless shelter and he thought of making a family out of it, a parody of a perfect family.... *clack* *clack* Suddenly Daniel heard someone behind him on the roof, he thought it was Stanley who wanted to talk to him. Without turning around Daniel opened his mouth: "I refuse!" R: " .... Fnyah!?" D: "Oh, it's you, Rebecca... sorry." R: "I-I'm sorry." D: "Don't cry; I thought you were someone else." R: "Oh? Ah? Ah..." Rebecca was stopped in her tracks, shaking. D: "Having trouble sleeping?" R: "...." D: "...." R: "....." D: "..... Say something!" R: " Da-Da-Da-Daniel, d-d-do you have any f-f-family?" D: "... Am i that scary?" R: "I-I-I-I'm fine." D: "Get down; it's dangerous up here." R: "I'd like to talk to you." Rebecca approached Daniel slowly, like a clumsy cat, her steps were unsteady and ever-so dangerous. R: "Not scared. Not scared. Not dangerous. Not dangerous." Furthermore, she walked very slowly, at this rate it would've taken her five minutes to get where Daniel was. D: "...e past." R: "What? What do you mean?" D: "In the past." R: "Pasta?" D: "... Don't you think you're on the wrong track?" R: "Probably.. Your family is into pasta?" D: "Nothing of the sort." D: "I said that i might have had a family, once before." R: "Eh? then, the pasta...?" D: "The hell if i know." R: "You don't know..." D: "I can't remember the first thing about my real parents." R: "...." D: "All i've got is this feeling in my memories that says that i used to be with them..." R: "... I see." D: "But even if it's true, I won't acknowledge it." Rebecca didn't seem to understand. R: "Uh... were you an only child?" D: "Yeah." R: "If that's the case, we're the same." D: "The same in the same sense that all of the many single children are the same, perhaps. Nothing more than belonging in the same category..." R: "Uwah...." D: "I've never known a family, never wanted one and never considered one necessary." R: "... A three-point philosophy, I see....." Rebecca made a terribly sad face. "What do you think about Stanley's proposal?" D: "I think he's an idiot." R: "Awawah....." D: "He's a helpless idiot, and to tell you the truth, the idea is repulsive. Utterly repulsive." R: "So, you're a recluse?" D: ".... I think you've got the wrong idea." R: "But i think it's a very good idea... it's a family, you know? Isn't it just dandy?" D: "Starting with the word..." R: "Huh?" D: "Come on, we all a family?" R: "Uh... yes." Rebecca gave a noncommittal nod, she didn't understand at all. D: "You know, it all seems like when a couple tries to prevent unwanted..." R: "Oh?" D: "Anyway, it's stupid." R: "Were you going to say something more?" D: "I just don't like the idea f us all getting together to lick each other's wounds... a person i meant to live by himself." R: "Is that really true?" D: " That's what i think." R: "That must be hard" D: " Hard or not, that's how i has to be." Daniel replied a little childishly. R: "It's tough, being alone. And there's nothing to strive for." D: "It's not a question of difficulty, it's just the way things are. Animals do the same." R: " ... But families are important..... A father's trustworthiness and a mother's kindness - I've never has these things, but helping brothers and sisters out, getting some allowance from a grandmother... I don't think any of those things are bad! ... And even if you live alone, if there comes a time when you absolutely need help, your family will help you.... And at times like those, it would make you really happy." It would? Daniel thought about it D: "You're a silly girl, that's why you think that way." R: "Even adults have family, right? They become fathers and mothers...." D: "And families split up as well." R: "W-Well, it's true that happens at times." D: "Breaking up is fine for a man and his wife, but what about the children? How will they survive without their parents? Who will they rely on?" R: "...." D: "Rebecca, you ought to know the answer to that." R: "Oh, did you just call me Rebecca?" D: "Huh?" R: "Up until now, all you've called me i 'you'. " D: "Well..." R: "That's a step up." Rebecca put her thumb up. "From now on, please call me Rebecca." D: "No, i won't." R: "Ooooh...." D: "What's the point in us getting all friendly up here on the roof?" R: "Oh, up on the roof? Oh, oh..." Rebecca seemed to realize how high up she was. "Oh, no!!" Rebecca started shaking. D: "H-hey." R: "I, I'm fine. I'll make it somehow, somehow...." D: "You look pretty wobbly to me..." R: "Forget about that; let's talk! Right now, we all really need a family! It's an undeniable truth!" D: ".... Are you a missionary or something?" R: "Please understand!" D: "Stop being ridiculous!" R: "No, i understand." D: "What?" R: "Daniel, you're a lonely person. I can tell just looking at your back." D: "...There you go, pushing on all by yourself." R: "To tell you the truth, I felt I couldn't go on living by myself anymore, forever wandering." D: "And why are you by yourself anyway?" R: "I wasn't alone to begin with. I had a family too." D: "Did you run away or something?" R: "Yes, i did leave my home, but...." She let out a careless laugh. D: "And you're saying you're not a runaway?" R: "No, I'm not. My home..... was no longer a place where I could live, so i had no choice but to leave." D: "A place where you couldn't live?" R: "Ahaha... well, I didn't exactly want to become a ward of the state." D: "...And that's why you ran away?" R: "Yes" D: "In that case, look. You've come to the same conclusion as me." R: "Oh?" D: "When you have an irresponsible family, sometimes people have to take matters into their own hands." R: "... But a family is...." D: "Sorry." Daniel interrupted her as she was about to continue speaking... D: "I just don't see what's so important about a family.. Before I even knew what a family was I was already living on my own." R: "... *sniffle* ..." Rebecca's eyes teared up. D: "Go back. It's the middle of the night, and it'll mess up your school day." R: "I don't have school tomorrow." D: "Children should sleep when it's bedtime." R: "Oooh...." D: "Like i said, complete strangers can't just suddenly become family. Just give up." R: "But strangers get married to each other and become a family." D: "And they split up as well." R: "Well, that's true but..." D: "Breaking up is fine for a man and his wife, but what about the children? How will they survive without their parents? Who will they rely on?" R: "......" D: "Well, how about it?" R: "We're right back where we started!" D: "That's because you were trying to fit it all in a pretty little package." R: "I want your help." D: "I refuse." R: "Oooh! .. Wa, wait a minute, I'll be right over." She stood on wobbly legs D: "Forget it." R: "Not scared, not scared. Just stopping for a bit. Just stopping for a bit." She mumbled under her breath as she inched her way towards Daniel. She was swaggering and swaying dangerously all over the place. D: "Hey, hey..." R: "J-just a little more." Just a little more and she was going to fall off. D: "Be careful." R: "Um, please catch me." D: "What?" R: "When i try to stop, it feels like i'm slipping." D: "Stop now!" R: "No... this is my chance... it's so warm and peaceful... everyone is so nice... it's such a warm feeling..." And at that moment, Rebecca lost her footing....

--Rebecca shows her feelings--
R: "Ah!?" D: "Idiot!" Rebecca started to fall. Daniel jumped for her and he could barely grab her hand before she fell off. It was a miracle. D: "Phew..." R: "It's lonely being al by yourself! I want all of us to be together! No one can live by themselves!" D: "Let's talk after we get you up!" R: "I think the proposal of we all being a family is simply wonderful!!" She was flailing all over the place. D: "Don't struggle!!" R: "Please, please, pleaaaaaaase cooperate with us!!!" D: "Stop moving!!" R: "I'll stop, if you'll help us." D: "Now you're going to force me!?" Rebecca swung around like a pendulum and Daniel's shoulder began to crackle. D: "Ouch, ouch, ouch...." R: "I don't want to be alone... I don't want that... it's just too difficult. I need help, I've no choice but to fall!!" D: "Rebecca...." R: "Fishing for leftovers, being given funny looks at school , losing my friends, coming home without anyone to welcome me back, leaving without anyone to say goodbye to... I'm sick of it all!! And that's why if you're not going help, please let go of my hand." D: "We're two stories up, you know." R: "That's okay; I'll just fall and die." D: "You think you'd die from a two-story fall? Idiot! All you'd do is get hurt and make more trouble for us!" Haruka showed up and yelled up to Daniel H: "Daniel, what's happening!?" Daniel could hear everyone's voices from below, out in the garden, it seemed everyone woke up. M: "Rebecca!!!" S: "Elena, Wake up quickly!" That's right; Elena was sleeping on the second floor, she was the closest person to Daniel and Rebecca. D: "Hey, Elena!" S: "Hey, Elena!" She didn't wake up. D: "... You crazy quack artist lady, just die!" E: "... Why don't you die!" The window opened and Elena sticked her head out and let Daniel have it. She was pretty quick E: "Zzz...." Then she went back to sleep again. D: "Wake up!!" M: "Elena! Please help Rebecca!" E: "Is there a particular reason why it would be necessary for me to do that? No, there isn't... mmmnya." D: "Don't talk back in your sleep!" Haruka rushed into the house R: "Daniel." D: "What?" Rebecca talked softly, so only Daniel could hear her. Are those tears? R: "... Please.. help me..." Daniel asked himself what she was asking him to help her with. To keep her from falling off the roof? ...No... And if that was the case... Why was she asking Daniel for help? What did she expect him to do? Daniel was scared. Scared of Rebecca, or rather of something she is carrying inside her. D: "I.... I don't believe in families." R: "That's all right... If you'll just join us, it would be enough.. But without you, this family won't work." D: "And that's why you need me?" R: "Yes.. And besides that, I think you have the power to draw people together." D: "... I don't have anything like that." Daniel's wrists started to feel numb. Haruka needed to hurry up. E: "Yes, you are completely powerless.... mmn...." D: "Just go back to bed, you cold-blooded bitch!" S: "Daniel, hold on until Haruka gets there. It'll only take an hour." D: "Like hell it will!" M: "Don't fall off; we can't have you die now." Rebecca looked at Daniel with a face full of desperation R: "Daniel.... please...." D: "What?" R: "The family..." D: "......" R: "Please become the big brother to all of us." D: "You're an idiot." R: "Yes...." D: "A real idiot." R: "Yes." D: "You'll be let down in the end." R: "But! But you're holding onto my hand now, Daniel." D: " ... It just happened." H: "Daniel!!" Haruka came out on the balcony, she easily climbed up onto the roof. D: "Pull Rebecca to you from there. Can you do it?" H: "I'll try...." R: "But promise me." D: "You're still talking about that?" R: "Please say you'll help us." D: "Well, if it comes down to this..." Daniel felt a little change inside him D: "... Whatever happens, happens!" Daniel wasn't sure if he was agreeing or refusing. He didn't know. R: "Aha..." But it made Rebecca smile. H: "Reach out and grab my hand!" Haruka grabbed Rebecca's outstretched hand. At the same time, Daniel slided over towards the balcony. Before long, Rebecca was back on the balcony. H: "You too, Daniel." D: "Thanks."

--Rebecca is safe --
Daniel finally got down on the balcony as well. D: "I... I'm exhausted... critically exhausted." H: ".... What were you doing?" D: "Thanks, Haruka." H: "No problem.... I'll just add it to your bill." D: "... How much?" H:" As much as your life is worth." D: "That's steep!" H: "I'd like to know what you think you're worth." D: "Well...." Daniel felt a embarressed by Haruka. "Still, there's not much I can do if you charge me more than i can pay." H: "40 Simoleons will do." D: "My life is worth 40 Simoleons, huh?" Haruka tapped Daniel on the head. H: "Idiot." D: "What's that for?" H: "It's a free tip." D: "Ahh, much appreciated." H: "This family might not be so bad." D: "Huh?" Daniel couldn't keep up with her. H: "It might be good for you too, Daniel." D: "What do you mean? ... Are you going along with it?" H: "Well, I think it'll happen. After all, you're going to...." Haruka kept the rest of the sentence to herself. Daniel shrugged his shoulder and looked to see how Rebecca is doing, nestled in Haruka's lap. D: "Are you hurt anywhere?" She didn't answer. "Hey...?" H: "She fell asleep." D: "What the hell?" H: "... If you look carefully, you can see that expression of hope on here face.... I'm losing to her." D: "Really....?" Haruka stared at Daniel with a supsicious look. H: "Things might not be so easy for you with a cute little sister like her." D: "It's nothing to me." H: "To tell you the truth, I overheard your conversation. That's what happened n the end, right?" D: "Well..." H: "Here, you can have her back." D: "She's not mine." But still, Haruka handed Rebecca over to Daniel and walked downstairs. D: "What is she talking about?" Rebecca happily talked in her sleep, cradled in Daniel's arms. R: "My Brother..." Daniel felt as though a huge, heavy wedge had been driven into his heart. D: "I'm not your brother." R: " Zzz...." She sounded asleep. D: "Augh..." ...

Daniel looked up into the sky, what a night. He started thinking about the situation seriously. Was she really planning on putting all her faith in someone as cold as him? It's was idiotic for him. D: "But... I'm probably an idiot as well. Stanley, who came up this plan in the first place; Maria, who tried to commit suicide; and the tightwad Haruka... they're all idiots. Six idiots. I don't know what's going to happen when we all come together...... But it can't possibly be worse than the way things are now, right? It's kind of sad, how i'm sitting here trying to sort things out like this... But this is the best i can do right now..... You'd better not come complaining to me later, Rebecca.." R: "Zzzz...." ...


--The next day on the family table--
When Daniel woke up, everyone was gathered around the table. M: "Here are your scambled eggs, Honey." S: "Yeah." E: ".... chomp chomp" She was busy eating, not talking at all. R: "Uh, how about you Haruka?" H: "No Thanks." Haruka was by herself, eating her nutrient bar. R: "But...." H: "I'm not very good at eating, what other cook." R: "Really?" E: "......" (Still busy eating). What a scene. Daniel was sure his expression looks absolutely wretched. Haruka looked up at him and slightly shrugged her shoulders, it seemed Haruka was having trouble with the athmosphere too. S: "Daniel, what are you doing standing there? Sit down." As Stanley made his offer, Daniel as enveloped by a powerful auro of 'family'. D: "....." S: "What are you doing?" D: I feel suffocated." Daniel clawed wildly at the air with his hands. E: "....." (Still busy eating) Elena was eating at the same table, but there was a powerful barrier deployed all around her. At a glance, it looked like an ordinary family morning, but in reality it totally wasn't. R: "Oh, there's a place open over here." Rebecca made room for Daniel. D: "...." Daniel sat down without saying a word. Rebecca was on his left and Haruka on his right. As he looked around, Rebecca's eyes and Daniel's met... R: "Hahaha." Daniel thought what's funny.. M: "Mhhhh this sandvich looks delicious!" R: "Daniel, you'll have some too, right?" D: "Yeah." Rebecca handed him a sandvich and a cup of coffee. As Daniel looked at the scene, he thought about the whole family thing again. Did he end up going along with it after all? It sure wasn't a dream. D: "Hey, Stanley." S: "Hmm?" D: "I've been thinking about this for a while now." S: "Oh..." Stanley threw his newspaper aside and looked at Daniel. "Let's hear it." Everyone stopped eating and looked at Daniel. D: " .... I'll fall for your little scheme." The smirk that crossed his face didn't escape Daniel's notice. D: "Just this once!" S: "That's fine." Daniel thought that would've gotten to him, but he just shrugged his shoulders. D: "However, this is simply communal living, okay?" S: "That's right. Each of us will help each other with their problems. That's why we decided to make this family." D: "You won't push me for more?" S: "Nope." Daniel has little choice but to believe him. D: "All right." Everyone still looked at Daniel. D: " ... I'll take some of the scrambled eggs, if there's any left." R: "Here you are, Daniel." Rebecca handed handed him a plate and it fell on his leg. D: "Augh..." It was hot. "Augh, augh..." S: "Are you a walrus or something?" D: "That's right!" R: "Please pardon me!" D: "That's what you say when you open someone's door! .... Damn it, what a waste." R: "It slipped out of my hand...." D: "Sheesh." Yesterdays incident, and now this... her goofs reached deadly proportions and Daniel had the feeling he'll be bearing the brunt of that lethal aura. He felt worn out.
E: "Thank you for the meal." Elena slapped her cutlery down. She was sitting there gobbling it down, and her plate was empty. She poured herself some tea, quietly sipped it and let out a soft sigh. E: "After thinking about it last night...." Everyone turned to Elena. Her decision.. but with these circumstances, she couldn't say much except 'yes'. Elena might not have much practical, but she was certainly not stupid. They waited for her words with bated breath. E: "Well, could you all leave?" ................ All at once: "... Huuh? " E: "What I'm saying is please leave." S: "That's not what we talked about!" E: "Talked about?" S: "After thinking about it all night, you should have said you'd open wide and take in this family love of mine for all it's worth!!" E: "You're quite a pushy one." S: "Mmmph, flattery, is it?! You've really caught your old man out on this one! Hahaha!" D: "Are you an idiot?" S: "You said you'd go along with it!" E: "I don't remember that." Elena's tone was cold. E: "My secretary did that." "Does she think she's some politician or something? Daniel thought.. D: "She sure is as scheming as one." E: "You're fired." D: "I don't work for you!" M: "I used to be a secretary." E: "So basically, it's her fault." M: "Huh?" ..... E: "Just hurry up and get out of here." R: "No, no way...." Elena was completely serious and looked in her usual grumpy face. S: "Hmph, is that any way to look at your father?!!" E: "Getting angry won't get you anywhere." Stanley played like he was whining. S: "Ohhhh, Elena...." E: "Crying won't help you, either." S: "Hahahahahahahaha!!!" D: "... What are you laughing for?" S: "Bwahahahahahahahahaaaaaaannnn!" He was actually crying. D: ".... You're an idiot." Stanley continued to play whiny.. S: "Nwaaaaaaaan!" R: "Daniel, you sure are good at following up with a -tsukkomi- !" M: "I'm sure he's good at looking after others." R: " Like totally!" "Quiet over there, in the peanut gallery" Daniel thought. D: "Besides all that, hold on Elena. What is your reason?" E: "My reason?" D: "I spent a lot of time on this. The least you could do is give me a reason I can agree with." Elena thought about it.. E: "Hmmm..... I really don't know... for some reason you just piss me off." D: "What the hell is that !!!" Daniel said very loudly. E: "Last night, I think i had a dream about you making fun of me." D: " ... Talk about a vague reason." S: "It's just your imagination." E: "You think so?" S: "There's no doubt about it; it's just your imagination." E: "But is that really the case?" For some reason, elena took out her portable stereo and put it down. E: "I expect the truth will be revealed when i play back all of your conversations last night, which I've recoreded onto this tape." D: ".... Bwuho!?" Daniel spit out some of his food he was eating. E: "That's dirty." D: "Nowhere near as dirty as what you're doing!" E: "This is what you call 'intelligence'. While I was asleep, I recorded everything you said. It's all right here." Elena hit the play button. Tape:" *hiss* ... ... ... ...... *hiss* ... ...... ..... ... .... . .. .. *hiss* ... ... .. *howl* .... . ... . ... ... . . *hiss* .... ." D: "....Hey." E: "What?" D: "Did you literally tape everything last night?" E: "Of course. As I've told you before, nothing gets by Cole Elena." D: "We can't very well listen to all eight hours of it now." E: "Shut up, be quiet." D: "Ughh...." She was totally nuts. Super nuts. Then Elena calmly put her stereo away. E: "Anyways, i like my peace and quiet. I want all of you out of here immeatiately." H: "J-just how do you plan to pay for the house's upkeep??" Haruka was backing away from her. D: "That's right; did you find a way to pay for it?" S: "Yeah, have you?!!" Stanley was a bit upset. D: "What are you, a bystander?! Just how much do you have, anyway?" Daniel threw this question out to her. E: "......" She pulled out her wallet and looked inside. Then, looking upwards, she proudly announced her findings. E: "2 Simoleons...... Is there a problem with that?" D: "You bet there is! That's called totally broke! Geeze, I had no idea that's the shape you were in!" Elena had no plan whatsoever. M: "What's more, you'll get thrown out if you can't pay the rent, Elena." E: "......" D: "Elena, you really need to compromise." S: "With all of us pitching in, you can pay it with ease!" R: "Elena, um.... well..... I..... uh..... could sleep out in the hallway. so...." Elena closed her eyes as if she was meditating.... and then.... E: " .... Well, I'm somewhat unsatisfied, but i concede." "Good! -House: obtained- I've got to admit, I'm happy Whatever it might not be, it is certainly a house. With any luck, things will start getting better now." Daniel thought. That simple logic showed his petty side, but his hopes rised. R: "Let's hang up a name plate." S: "Yeah, that's a good idea." S: "The eldest son is Daniel, the eldest daughter is Elena, the second oldest is Haruka,...." H: "...Huh?" Haruka sent him a piercing glare. S: "Haruka, you're no longer an outsider." H: "An outsider...." S: "Do you really think you are?" H: "Eh...?" S: "Truthfully, aren't you longing for companionship?" H: "...Hey" Haruka let out a sigh. "I already told you no thanks...." D: "Come on, give it a try." H: "Daniel...." she said with a slightly angry voice. D: "Don't give me that look."
H: "....You traitor..... and you still owe me...." She was trembling as their gazes meet, but her words were sharp. D: "I'll pay you, for sure." H: "Oh.... But i get nothing out of it." S: "You can cut down on your rent." H: "....It's pretty cheap right now...." S: "But your current place is a lot smaller than this, right? There's a bath here. Do you have one in the cheap place you're living in?" H: "Well, no it doesn't...." S: "Besides, having you here would mean less problems for us, too." H: "I'm not your troubleshooter." D: "Oh, but isn't that what you do?" H: ".... A troubleshooter." Haruka said this as she slightly blushed. D: "Financially, I think it's perfect here. We can all help to pay for the electricity and food. In the long run, being a family is fairly economical." H: "Hey!" Haruka pulled Daniel out into the hallway. D: "What?" H: "This is no good for me." He said in slightly concerned tone, but she confided in Daniel. D: "You can make your own decision." H: "Tell them no for me." D: "Why me?" H: "....." She had a really hard time with this. Daniel wondered why.... D: "Hey, why don't you stay here?" H: "...... ... Are you telling me that you want me to stay?" D: "That's an interesting way of interepreting it. You know I already know your personality." H: "Shut up, idiot." She said in a slightly pissed voice. Daniel thought, if she wanted to be together with him again, but he couldn't bring himself to ask her that, she'd probably feel hurt. The Haruka he knew up until now would deny it. Daniel realized, there was only one way to get out of this, but it wouldn't be quite fair... but he decided to play his hand. D: "Do you want to sign another contract?" H: "Eh?" She asked surprised D: " .... I guess it would be a contract among realtives." H: "With me?" D: "This time, i would be hiring you. The conditions would entail having you live with us for a while and when I leave here, the contract ends. As for the price, well you can decide. Just don't make it a daily rate." H: "......." Haruka stared at Daniel, suddenly she slumped her head against Daniel's chest. H: "Daniel, you're an idiot." D: "What do you mean by that?" H: "How much do you have right now?" D: "50 Simoleons." H: "... That's enough" She said with a happy face and took the money out of his wallet. "Consider it a deal. I'll go choose my room." D: "O-okay...." That was quite easy for Daniel. then Rebecca showed up. R: "Haruka is only really nice to you, isn't she, Daniel." D: ".... Were you listening?" And all of a sudden Stanley and Maria also showed up. S: "It seems there was something between the two of you in the past." M: "Wow, what kind of thing?" Stanley adjusted his glasses and said "With a man and a woman, well, I'm sure there were a wide variety of options." M: "Wow.... this is a bit of a shock." R: "What are you talking about?" S: "In some ways, there is nothing more fun." he said with a laugh on his face, Maria blushed slightly. M: "After all, it's a favorite gossip topic." The scene was too much for Daniel and he shouted "Everyone, just.. shup..up!" ...

--Seal the deal--
And so, after various tribulations, they started living together. The rent is paid to the land owner through Elena. The amount each of them paid, was based on age and other considerations. Rent was 1175 Simoleons per month. Stanley paid 250. Daniel paid 250 + 50 for Haruka's contract so it was 300. Elana paid 250. Haruka paid 250. Rebecca paid 125. Maria was free of charge, because she did all the housework and the cooking, it was fair and everyone agreed with it. And of course they had to chip in for food and essentials. All things together it was actually cheaper for Daniel, than his old apartment, but he also had to pay for the rebuilding, so it was still a bit tough for him. But still he had a quite good earning at his job at the restaurant, so he was okay with it. He managed to recover pretty nicely from where he was before, he just needed to get rid of the rebuilding dept, then there would be not much to worry about..
S: "I've been defeated. My buisness failed, and i'm being pursued. I need warmth - the comforting warmth of a family's kindness.... is there anything else one could wish for?"
D: "....Me, there's nothing special to say. If i can live, that's fine with me. I lost my apartment, and i'm just happy I can live here."
E: "If we can keep this house going, I have no objections. But there are a lot of things I'm not happy about."
H: " ... Well, I was drawn into this...."
R: "I'm satisfied just to have a roof over my head. I look forward to living with you all!"
M: "...If i don't have people around me I'm a nervous wreck, so.... thank you."

S: "Good, let's have a toast to out family!" All at once: "Cheers!." D: "...Cheers" S: "That's too quiet; once more!" D: ".... This isn't kindergarten, you know." S: "Orders from the head of the family are absolute!" D: "You just want to boss everyone around." S: "Hmph, what are you talking about! I'm only doing what i think is best for our family!" D: "Don't yell in my ear!!" S: "Cheers! Viva family!" D: "Keep it up, you dumbass." H: "....." M: "Th-this looks like a lot of fun, right?" D: "Shut up... hey cheers." Daniel casually raised his glass....

*Clink* seven glasses clinked together. The sound marked the beginning of their virtual family. To help each other out, they planed to deceive the world as a pretend family. A family for mutual benefit. Will they, who had been forced by their circumstances to participate in this family, truly be able to find happiness...?


To be Continued......
in your neighbourhood




Final words:
I will probably continue the story with one of the storyarcs i had in mind, but for now it's up to YOU to decide how they deal with the situation they are in, if Daniel changes his attitude, or if elena ever becomes a nice girl with common sense, etc... I planed right from the start to make this story open ended, but who knows and hand the challenge to the simmers who download the family. Hope you enjoyed reading and happy simming!