Hey, minna! TomboyTrouble, back from the dead! Well, never really dead to begin with. Just a long hiatus because of my job and school. I'll stop using that excuse now. As promised from my announcements, here's the new chapter for MAB. New things are coming. Winter is coming... Mwah ha hah! I'd like to dedicate this chapter to @Aldo02novem. Yeah, I see you! I really appreciate the understanding and support of what I'm going through, so thanks, dude. You all rock! Also, just for fun, to know if you guys are actually reading this, I want you to comment on what you're thankful for. It can be something silly or sincere. I'm thankful for all of my beautiful readers, and that I got a new (but not much of an upgrade) phone after breaking my previous one. *cries* With that said, go ahead and read the new chapter. Who knows when the next one will come up. Until next time, stay awesome, and Happy Thanksgiving! Trouble out.

When Killua and Gon returned home, we told them everything. We initially considered not telling them because we didn't want to worry them, but we needed a way to contact the Hunter Society to help out Dax's situation. With what little knowledge and contact we had with the Hunter organization, we didn't know what to do but to explain everything to them. As soon as we told them that we got kidnapped, they smothered us with concern, which was a bit overbearing, but it still felt nice to be loved. The girls and I assured them that we were fine, thanks to Shiki. However, the only one who wasn't fine was Shiki. Killua was furious about what she did; how she killed every single Chimera Ant in cold blood. He scolded Shiki that what she did was unethical. They fought in a different room, but we were able to hear Killua yell, and only Killua. The whole argument was one-sided as Shiki just stood there like a statue and took all of it.

The boys did eventually got help from their Hunter friends to get Dax settled in a safe place where other chimera ants would take care of him. Until they arrived, he stayed at Lizz's house. Her parents did not mind and showed him their utmost hospitality. Surprisingly, they were actually pleased to need someone so much like their daughter. We learned that he couldn't actually talk, and he was very shy, but after a while, we enjoyed his company. Lizz took care of him like he was a little brother. After three days, the Hunters had to take him away and we had to say our goodbyes.

After tying my brown locks into a ponytail, I pulled my pink sweater out of its hanger and started heading down stairs. Mom was sitting on the couch, sipping on freshly brewed coffee while watching the news. I opened the fridge to pour a glass of milk and grabbed the last blueberry muffin from the fridge.

"Good morning, Yuki," my mom greeted without turning away from her stories.

"Morning mom," I replied, biting my muffin and drinking my milk, the cold milk helping me chew and swallow faster. I didn't even had the luxury to sit down, for I was already somewhat running late.

When news commenced on a commercial break, mom turned her head and eyed the sweater slung over my arm. "Is that all you're wearing? Go pick something thicker."

I sipped on more milk and swallowed. "Mom, it's okay. It's not that cold."

She raised an eyebrow. "Uh, yes it is. It's nearly forty degrees outside, and the weather man said that we should be expecting snow some time tomorrow."

Snow? This early? Well, it was true that winter has begun, but has the season already arrived that soon? Man, time flies. "Okay, fine," I gave. I munched down on what remained of the muffin, brushing the crumbs off my fingers, and hurried upstairs while still chewing.

I carelessly tossed my pink sweater on my bed and pulled my brown trench coat out of my closet. Suddenly, I heard fast footsteps coming up stairs, coming closer to my room. "Yuki!" Rin yelled. I turned to my door to see him panting, his hand leaning against the door frame.

"What's up, bro?" I asked nonchalantly, curious about what got him stirred this early in the morning.

He sucked in some air before showing me a clear plastic wrap, small crumbs sprinkling on my carpet floor. "You ate my muffin, didn't you?!" he accused.

"It was my breakfast," I simply stated.

"Well, it was supposed to be my snack for lunch!" he whined as he crumpled the trash in his hand.

"Well if you wanted to save it, you should've put your name on it," I retorted, pulling my arms through the sleeves of my coat. I didn't have time to deal with his first world problems. Then again, I was the one who ate his muffin, but it was nothing to make a big fuss over. I looked at my candy cane striped scarf and thought maybe I should wear a cute scarf as well.

"I did put my name on it!" He opened wide the shrinkwrap, revealing his name written in black sharpie marker.

"Oh, you did? Heh, sorry, Rin." I guess I was in such a hurry and had so much in my mind that I didn't even see it. I turned back to my scarf and decided to go with the combined accessory.

"Not cool, sis! A man's snack is something that should not be messed with. There are some lines that you shouldn't cross!" He almost seemed close to crying, but not convincing enough to earn my full pitty.

As I walked passed him, I ruffled his hair a bit. "I have to go, Rin. See ya later!" I said as I wrapped my scarf around my neck while watching my footing down the steps.

"You owe me a new muffin!" he lastly said as I reached the bottom of the steps.

"Fine, I'll buy you a new one later!" When I opened the door, a burst of cool wind hit me in the face, as if someone splashed a bucket of it at me, causing goosebumps on my skin. "Whoa! It really is cold." I tugged my scarf over my mouth so that it could at least keep my cheeks warm. The neighborhood was water washed with grey, clouds too thick for the sun to penetrate. The branches of every tree in sight laid bare and exposed with all their dead leaves scattered on the lawns. I shivered, digging my hands in my pockets. "Oh, wait!" I had completely forgotten something.

I turned around and pulled out my house key. In my haste, I missed the keyhole a couple of times, jabbing the doorknob until I finally slid the tool inside the slot. With a hard jiggle, I opened the door and ran up stairs. "Muffin?" Rin turned his head toward me. I ignored him as I ran to my room.

I went to my desk and picked up my charm bracelet.

"By the way, I almost forgot to give you this," I said as I handed Killua his bracelet.

He blinked and looked at it with surprise. "A gift... for me?" He pointed to himself, as if it wasn't obvious. I was feeling too nervous to admire how cute he looked.

"Yeah, of course. I saw it at the market during our field trip, and thought I should get a matching pair for the both of us." I raised my arm and pulled down its sleeve to reveal his matching counterpart.

He raised an eyebrow. "So this is like a matching couples thing?" He then started laughing.

I immediately blushed in embarrassment. I knew he would think it was lame and childish. I stared at the ground and sheepishly scratched the back of my head. "Of course, you don't have to wear it if you don't-"

"Thanks, Yuki." I looked to see him already putting on the bracelet. He turned his wrist over and under, looking at the accessory in amusement. "It's better than getting a new knife and encyclopedia for my birthday. It doesn't actually look that bad." He smiled.

I gave a light giggle. "Come on, be honest. Are you sure it's okay? It doesn't even look too bad?"

Killua then gave me a smirk. "If you don't believe me, then I'll wear it every day. It'll be a reminder of how much you mean to me."

My mouth gaped with no words coming out. What he said was so sweet. I wanted to respond to that with something as equally sincere, but my mind was so jumbled up that I couldn't find anything clever or as sweet to say. Oh no, I could feel my cheeks heating up again. Killua noticed this because he started laughing again.

I turned away and covered my face with one hand. "D-don't laugh. A-and don't say such things without filter." I couldn't believe I was stuttering. Pathetic that I was too busy feeling embarrassed than feeling happy that Killua accepted my gift.

"I was expecting a 'you're welcome,' but I guess that works too." He looked at his bracelet again and twiddled with the lock charm. "This is the best early Christmas gift anyone has given me. Thanks, Yuki." I stole a peek to see Killua sincerely smiling at me.

I played with my charm bracelet around my wrist as I walked toward the train station. Was it really an early Christmas gift? It still seemed too early for Christmas. Well, what mattered was that Killua accepted the gift with gladness. I guess I don't have to worry about that anymore.

When I reached the station, the train was already there. I picked up the pace and started jogging, my scarf getting a little shaken down. I could see white fog puffing out of my mouth every time I huffed. I made it through the doors four seconds before it closed, and the train was set in motion.

"Made it on time for the train today, I see," someone said, tapping me lightly on the shoulder. I turned to my left to see a boy wearing my school's uniform and a smile. He had messy black hair with blue highlights, bangs nearly draping over his round reading glasses.

"Hey, Ienzo. What's up?" I straightened my back to properly face him.

"Oh, I decided to mix things up today and take the train."

"It's not like you to take the train. Are both your parents working today?"

He shrugged. "Nah, I just wanted to try something different today."

When the train reached our destination, we got off and walked to school together. It was a little weird walking to school alone with him for a change. We don't normally talk that much. We mostly know each other through our friends, which was why it felt kind of weird being alone with him for a change. In fact, when was the last time I saw him? It felt like we haven't spoken to each other in forever.

When we entered the front doors, Ienzo began parting away to the other end of the shoe lockers. "Well, I'll catch you later," he waved.

"See ya." I returned the gesture.

As I opened my shoe compartment, a hand immediately slammed it closed. I traced it back to Shiki, who was setting off a displeased look. "What do you want, Shiki?" I lowered my brows. At this point, I don't even greet her properly and just cut to the chase.

"Killua got a new number, didn't he?" she presumed.

"No, why?" I asked, skeptically.

"I've been texting him for days and he hasn't said a word in reply, and I haven't seen him during school at all! What's the point of coming to school if I can't see him?"

I rolled my eyes. "His number is still the same. He must've blocked you."

"Oh, how could he do this to me? How am I supposed to show him how sorry I am?" she opened her palms faced up dramatically, wailing crocodile tears.

"Normally, you should apologize in person. But it has been a week since that incident, and Dax is doing fine now, so I guess it's about time he should let it go."

"Ah, thank you for understanding! This period of no contact with Kil has been unbearable!" she said, pulling my arm down.

"That is if you've learned your lesson, of course," I said as i uncomfortably tried to slide her off my arm.

"Yo!" I turned my head, so happy to see Liz and Alluka arrive with great timing. I didn't think I could tolerate being alone with Shiki for one more second.

Shiki immediately shifted her clingy grasp from my arm to Alluka's. She looked up to her with pleading eyes. "Alluka, please tell me Kil isn't still mad at me."

"Uh, well actually, he woke up in a good mood this morning, so maybe."

"Really?" Shiki' eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope. "Thank goodness! And I thought he wouldn't be my friend anymore."

"Pssh! Please," Lizz protested. "He's probably just smitten because he's going on a date with Yuki today, ain't that right girl?" She winked at me.

I blushed lightly when she said that in front of everyone. "U-uh, well, we're just going to Sweet Mete's Cafe to grab some coffee."

Shiki looked back, throwing me a sharp glare. "Coffee, huh? Well, that better be all that you're doing."

"What else could getting coffee mean?!"

"Did somebody say coffee?"

By some miraculous coincidence, Killua and Gon were heading our direction.

Lizz leaned close to Shiki's ear. "Oh, man. I would not want to be you right now. What's Killua gonna say, that is if he's still gonna talk to you at all?" She pulled back with a snicker as she watch Shiki remain stiff with nervousness. After a week, she finally got what she wanted, but now that he was here, it appeared all her words and common sense had left her.

I was preparing myself for a very awkward situation. "Hey, you two." I waved a hand.

"Heya, guys!" Gon greeted. His brimming smile was the sunrise of our morning. "If you guys are planning on going out for coffee, you can count me out. It's too strong for me. Bleh!"

Killua took notice of Shiki. I expected him to look away, or come up with some excuse to leave, but instead he kept his gaze, and he... smiled.

"Good morning, Shiki," he said.

His soft voice made her relax a little, but a bit confused. She was not the only one. One look around and and everyone stopped talking, focusing their attention on the cat and dog. Not only did he acknowledge her existence, but he actually greeted her with politeness. This was the first that any of us have seen Killua express kindness toward Shiki.

"Oh... good morning Killua," she greeted back. We anticipated on what she would say next and how he would react. They were practically the main show. "Um, did you get my messages?"

"Yeah, I did. Sorry I didn't reply. I wasn't in the best mood, but now I feel better."

"Oh, it's fine now." Shiki was washed over with relief, able to form a smile now.

I supposed Killua had forgiven her, which I guess was fine, but there was still something strangely off character about him. For a whole week he had been ignoring her- in fact, he has despised her since childhood- and now he has turned over a new leaf? Shouldn't there be more to talk about, like maybe he should scrim her before accepting her apology? Maybe I was reading too into this. Maybe he just doesn't was to do it in front of his friends and he'll talk with her later.

"Good morning, friends." Appearing from behind Gon and Killua, Ienzo slid his hands over each of their shoulders in a familiar manner. "I hope you all did your homework."

Killua sighed and rolled his eyes. "Don't tell me you forgot yours again. Seriously, for a smart kid, you can be very lazy sometimes."

Ienzo gave a light chuckle. "I'm not lazy. I just tend to be... forgetful." He fixed his glasses on the notch of his nose with his forefingers. "I don't ask to copy answers. I simply need to know the questions so that I can get as much done before the assignment is due."

Oh, yeah. Now I remember why we don't hang out that often. Ienzo goes to the same class as Killua and Gon. He's the smartest student in the classroom, but for some reason forgets his homework at home, so he sometimes turn to Gon or Killua for help. He is a nice and friendly guy once you get to know him, but can also be weird. He has this odd habit of expressing too much physical contact toward others without realizing it. I'm not sure if he's aware of how uncomfortable he makes his friends feel when he makes contact with them. A handshake we wouldn't mind, but there's a certain barrier where he passes someone's personal space. It's almost as if with every meeting, he feels the need to touch us. Well, he's never done anything too wrong like a sexual assault. I guess that was just how he was raised in his house or something.

His hands were still resting where he left them. Killua grew annoyed and silently removed it from his shoulder, stepping away to my side.

"No problem, dude. You can borrow my copy," Gon generously offered. Lizz shook her head, probably thinking that he shouldn't let Ienzo have his way so easily. He really should take his own responsibility instead of relying on nice people like Gon. Ienzo took his hand back so that Gon could sling his satchel around to salvage his homework.

"Thanks, Gon. I can always count on you." He patted him on the back and held on to his shoulder. Again? Seriously, doesn't this guy know about personal space? What is he, a vampire who sucks the life force out of humans by simply touching them?

Gon pulled a wrinkled sheet of paper out of a notebook bundled with other disorganized papers shoved inside. Ienzo detached himself from Gon and gladly took the copy.

"Thanks, Gon. I'll be sure to hand it back during lunch." With a final look back, he walked away, heading to class.

"Man, that guy gives me the creeps," Liz shuddered.

"At least he's a nice guy," Alluka commented.

"Eh, I think he should find some new friends," Killua added. "I feel like he only talks to us just to mooch off of our homework."

"Well, he wouldn't technically be cheating if he doesn't copy our answers," Gon defended.

"What do you think, shi-" I turned to my right to now realize that Shiki had disappeared for who knew how long. Her exit didn't even make a single sound. "What the-where did she go?!"

"I don't know," Alluka shrugged. "She's a ninja."

"She left as soon as Ienzo walked in," Lizz explained. "Haven't you guys noticed? She always seem to disappear whenever he shows up, like she's running away from him."

"You think she doesn't like him?"

Liz threw her hands up to the raised question. "Who knows? I wouldn't be surprised. That guy is a weirdo, and Shiki's just being Shiki." The five minute bell rang, breaking our conversation. "Whoops. Looks like we stayed here too long. We'll catch you guys at lunch period."

"Okay, see you guys there," Gon replied.

As we started heading our separate ways, I almost forgot to remind Killua. "Hey, Killua." He paused and looked back at me. "Don't forget about tonight."

He stared at me for about three seconds, then smiled and nodded. "Right, I won't. See you later, beautiful."

He called me beautiful. That made me giggle with delight.

***

For punctualness, I made sure I arrived to the Sweet Mete's Cafe five minutes early. I was standing outside, my gloved hands snuggled in my trench coat's pockets and my neck warmly hugged inside my scarf. Although I knew I wouldn't be out here long, I wanted to look seasonally cute for our date. It has been so long since the two of us actually went on a date, not since I was grounded and what happened when we were kidnapped by Chimera Ants. Those events made our last date feel like ages ago. Nothing like forgetting all that over a sip of warm coffee and pastries.

The restaurant was dimly lit inside. As customers walked in and out of the bell-ringing door, I would periodically feel the toasty warm air escape from the inside. I would also catch a whiff of brewed coffee beans. I checked my phone. It was exactly meeting time. As expected, Killua didn't show up on time, but he should come around soon.

Forty-five minutes have passed, and he still didn't show up. At this point, I have already sent him three text messages and a voice mail. What was taking him so long? Did he have train problems? Did something come up? Surely, he would let me know if he was going to be late or be detained. I decided to put more faith in him and wait just a little bit longer.

Time moved on. The bell rang and the door opened, just like the previous times. I then hear quick footsteps on the pavement sidewalk approaching. "I am so sorry I was late!" I turned around with excitement, only for that hopeful feeling to be shot down. A man wearing a hat and black coat, whom I did not recognize. He ran passed me a stopped in front of a woman wearing a purple scarf with matching ear muffs. Her expression showed surprise and relief when she was confronted with the man who was desperately out of breath. "My mother was having problems with..." he began explaining himself as they both entered the cafe. They must be a couple. She had probably been waiting for him for quite a while and was about to throw in the towel until he arrived at the very last second before he was too late. He was lucky that he didn't miss her, and she was lucky to have a guy who would run for her, even though an emergency came up. He could have canceled, but he chose to try his best to make it back to her... and he did. I wondered, would Killua come if I wait a little bit longer?

When the sky turned a dark plum purple, the street headlights illuminated a penetrating yellow. The air got colder. When that door swung open, producing that ring I grew too accustomed to, I watch that same couple from earlier walk out of the cafe with their arms linked. I sighed, puffing out a cloud of my own tired breath. The tip of my nose was tingling from the prolonged exposure to cold air. I pulled my scarf over my face to keep it warm. My body shivered as the nightly chill settled in, touching me everywhere. The cafe would be closing soon. I checked my phone and Killua still had not replied to any of my messages. I dialed my phone to call Alluka. It rang a couple of times before she picked up.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Alluka. Is Killua there?"

"Mm, let me check. I've been in my room the whole day studying. Give me a sec." The line was quiet for a brief moment before she spoke again. "Yeah, he's here. Why?" I felt a yank in my heart. I should feel relief that nothing bad happened to him, but now the feeling of anger, sadness and confusion were overbearing. What was he doing at home this entire time? Didn't he say he wouldn't forget? "Yuki-chan, what's the matter? Didn't you two just had a date?"

I hung up.

My hopes of him coming crumbled. He had either stood me up, or forgotten about our date completely. He wouldn't dare rain check on our date deliberately without telling me, so the only logical explanation was that he had forgotten. How could he forget? We planned this a week ago and he seemed really excited to go out with just the two of us. If something came up, surely he would have been considerate enough to tell me. With a deeper sigh, I finally moved from my spot and pulled the door handle, causing the bell to ring for me for a change.

***

When I walked through the front door, Rin was on the couch, watching his cartoon show, right on schedule. "Hey. How was your date?" he asked with his eyes still plastered to the screen, too invested in his own entertainment rather than to take interest in my own business. I didn't care that he didn't care, because I would rather not talk about it.

I shut the door and dropped the keys in the dish bowl on the table. As I crossed the couch, I dropped a small baggie with a freshly baked blueberry muffin inside. Rin peaked inside the bag. "Awesome! Thanks, sis!"

"Yeah, don't mention it," I murmured in a sour tone that I didn't think he noticed, for I was already halfway up the staircase. Without thinking, I slammed my door and went straight for bed, wanting to just spend the remaining hours of my day wallowing in self pity, with only my bed as my comforter. I was so absorbed in my own sad bubble that I didn't even notice the snow falling outside.