Imaginary World - B-Day fic for Neko!

[Sol]

The bell rang across the school, signaling the end of the day. Mariko looked up from her position at the front of the class and looked at the clock in surprise. “Oh, is it time to go already?” she asked out loud, having lost track of the time. “Alright, see you tomorrow then!” she said amongst the clattering of chairs and the loud murmurs of people talking.

Near the back of a class, a brunette wearing a blue headband sighed as he stood up, stretching. “Man, I'm so glad school's finally over! How boring can it get?” he said while yawning. Netto had nearly fallen asleep during the lecture, and it took all of his willpower to stay awake.

“Oh...I don't know Netto-kun.” came a voice from beside him, “I thought today was pretty nice.”

Netto looked to his side, where a boy no older than he was sitting, packing away his notebooks into his backpack. He was wearing a pair of jeans and a blue plaid button up shirt. He had brown eyes and chestnut brown hair, although it was a bit more combed than Netto's.

Netto rolled his eyes. “Of course you would find school nice, Saito-niisan. You're better at it than I am!” he exclaimed, earning an amused chuckle from his brother.

“Really?” Saito asked as he stood up, starting to walk out of the classroom with Netto, “I'm pretty sure that you would do much better than me if you put your mind to it.” he remarked as they began descending the stairwell.

Netto snorted. “You're just saying that.” he said while sighing, “Really, you're the top of our class Saito-niisan! Don't try and make me feel better by saying stuff like that!” Netto said while looking away.

Saito frowned. “I'm sorry, Netto-kun.” he said, “However, I still think that you would do much better than me if you did put your mind to it.” Netto then stopped and turned around to look at his brother in the face, suddenly smiling.

“I think that's exactly it, Saito-niisan.” he said before turning around to keep walking, “I'm not the thinker you are. I'm more like a hands-on person, you know?” Saito nodded as the two stepped out of the building and started heading towards the gate.

“Maybe you're right...” he muttered as Netto waved to a couple of classmates, “Maybe that's why you a far better operator than me.”

Netto's head suddenly turned so quickly that Saito could have sworn that if he blinked, he would have missed it. “Now you know that's not true. I'm just better than average!” he exclaimed, his tone somewhat harsher than normal.

Saito knew that Netto was lying. “Don't sell your self so short, Netto-kun. You're far better than most of the battlers in Densan.” he said while the two walked out of the gate. It was a well known fact that Netto was known as the prodigy in net-battling. From what Saito gleaned from listening to various adults gossip, Netto was going to possibly be asked to join the Official Net-battlers within a few months.

Saito then frowned. “If you're only better than average, then that means I'm just below mediocre, am I right?” While Saito also liked to net-battle, his skills weren't as refined or sharp as Netto's. He found that Netto could come up with plans and chip combinations in battle on the fly, while he found that his own nervousness held him back. However, he didn't know exactly why Netto didn't want to be known as a great net-battler. That was the only thing that puzzled him.

Netto snorted again. “Saito-niisan, you shouldn't think like that.” he exclaimed while they crossed the street, “Really, you're a good net-battler too! With some work, you can surpass me!” Netto said as they walked around a corner.

Saito suddenly stopped and began to laugh. Netto turned around with a confused expression on his face. “What?” he asked, blinking a few times.

Saito stopped laughing and looked at his brother. “We had this discussion just a few minutes ago, didn't we? And now the tables have turned!” he said before starting to chuckled again. Netto blinked a few more times before he started to laugh too. They continued laughing for a few minutes before settling down. Smiling, Netto turned to his brother.

“Hey, let's go for some ice-cream!” he said. Before Saito could object, Netto took his arm and started to drag him in another direction.

“N-Netto-kun!” he exclaimed, trying to twist his arm out of his brother's grip, “We can't! We need to get home and do our work...!” Netto stopped and turned to look at him, still smiling.

“Saito-niisan, let's just have this afternoon to ourselves. I mean, we have tonight to do our homework, don't we?” he said before continuing to drag Saito in the direction of the ice cream shop, “All you do is work on homework and read! We hardly ever get time to ourselves anymore!”

Saito blinked a few times before sighing and nodding. While he was preoccupied with studying and other work, Netto was kept busy with net-battling and taking jobs from the Official Center. The only time the two really got time to themselves was in school, and even then it was somewhat awkward.

Soon enough, the two arrived at the ice cream shop. While Netto ordered something big, like a double scoop sundae on a cone, Saito only bought himself a single scoop sundae in a cup. The two found someplace to sit down outside before starting to eat their ice cream.

The two just sat there for a while eating their ice cream. Saito was about to take another bite of his before a thought struck him. Putting down his spoon, he looked up at Netto. “Netto-kun...” he muttered.

“Hm?” Netto mumbled around a mouthful of ice cream. Saito chuckled a bit before he decided to get serious. “Please, Netto. Why don't you like to talk about your skill at net-battling?”

Netto paused a bit, looking down at his ice cream cone. He didn't say anything for a few seconds, not looking at his brother. “Please, Netto-kun...just say anything.” Saito said softly.

Sighing, Netto looked up at his brother. “I think...I think it's because I don't like people making me out to be more than I am.” he muttered softly.

Saito sighed. “Netto, no one is making you out to be someone you aren't.”

Netto shook his head. “Yes, they are!” he exclaimed vehemently, surprising Saito, “Already, a lot of people are saying that I'll be one of the top Official Net-battlers one day, if not next year.” he said sullenly. “I don't want them talking about me like that. I just believe I'm like everybody else, and it helps.”

Saito sighed. “I know the feeling.” he remarked as Netto looked at him in surprise, “Just because I'm the top of our class doesn't mean anything in the long run. During breaks, I can always hear teachers gossiping about me, saying that I have great expectations ahead of me.” Saito then sighed. “But they don't seem to think that I don't want those expectations. I mean, what if I want to do something that doesn't have anything to do with school at all one day?”

Netto nodded. “The same here. I love Net-battling, but I don't think I would want it as a career.” he muttered as he took another bite of his ice cream. It was starting to melt, and he didn't want to make a mess on his hands.

“Indeed.” Saito agreed as he finished off his sundae. The two just sat in silence for a while, finishing off their ice cream. Finally, they stood up to head for home. The sun was beginning to set, and the two didn't want to be late getting back home. For a while, they didn't really say anything as they walked along the street heading for their house. Suddenly, Saito stopped.

“Netto-kun.” Saito stated as his brother turned around to face him. “I know that you don't want people making you up to be something you're not. But...” he said before hesitating.

“But what?” Netto asked, somewhat annoyed. He didn't like talking about it.

“You are one of the best net-battlers in Densan. That's a fact.” Saito sated firmly before holding up a hand to quell any protest from his brother, “Despite that...you have to remember that there are those that just praise you for your ability, and those that believe in you because of it. Like me.” he said before smiling.

Netto just stared at his brother in surprise for a few moments before softly smiling. “Thanks...niisan.” he said before walking over and hugging him lightly. “The same could be said about you too, you know.” he murmured in his ear before letting go.

Saito chuckled. “It seems so.” he said. “Nevertheless, try and have a better attitude about it, alright? It worries me when you're like this.”

Netto slightly chuckled before smiling again. “I will.” Both of them started to walk down the street again, this time in a better mood. “But you know this doesn't change anything, right?”

Saito nodded. “Right.” he said with a pleasant expression on his face. Netto then grinned evily.

“And it still doesn't change the fact that you're a dork.” he said before running in front of Saito while sticking out his tounge.

Saito blinked a few times before he started running after the laughing Netto. “N-Netto-niisan! That was mean!” he shouted while he pouted, eventually laughing as well. It was times like this that he missed with his brother, and he cherished every moment he had with him.

...Rockman.

Saito then paused, standing stock still in the middle of the street. He looked around in shock, his eyes wide. “Who's there?!”

...Rockman!

Closing his eyes and clutching at his head, he tried to drown out the voice. “Go away!” he shouted, shaking his head wildly.

ROCKMAN!

Saito then opened his eyes, everything turning white around him.

---

“What...?” Rockman mumbled as he shook out of his stupor. What happened...?

“Rockman!” Netto nearly yelled into his PET as he sat at his desk. Rockman looked up into the face of his worried operator.

“Netto-kun!” he exclaimed, surprised. “What's going on?”

Netto then frowned. “I should be asking you that. School let out almost ten minutes ago, and you haven't responded to me for almost half the day. Are you alright?”

“I'm fine.” The blue navi stated as he shook his head to clear it. “It's just...” he mumbled before stopping.

“What was that?” Netto asked. Rockman shook his head.

“Nothing Netto-kun...nothing.” he said while smiling. Netto still looked worried.

“Should I take you to see papa? You haven't been acting normal today at all.” he muttered before standing up and finally leaving the classroom.

“I told you before, Netto-kun, I'm fine.” Netto then looked back at his navi and nodded.

“I'll take your word for it then.” the brunette said as he exited the school. “So, what should we do today?”

Rockman then chuckled. “How about getting home and doing your homework?” he asked. Netto groaned.

“We can do that later! How about we find Dekao and net-battle him?” Netto suggested as he walked past the gate. Rockman shook his head and smiled again.

“How about some ice cream?” he ventured? Netto looked down at him with a puzzled expression on his face.

“Ice cream? What for?” he asked, somewhat confused. Normally, Rockman would be badgering him to go do his homework before doing anything else. “Are you sure you're alright?”

Rockman chuckled again. “Yes, of course I'm alright. I'm just saying you should just have some before you do your homework. Maybe it would help you concentrate better.”

Netto shrugged. “Maybe...but what the heck? Let's contact Meiru and the others!” he said while smiling. Rockman nodded as he prepared to send out e-mails to everybody.

A bit later, Netto, Meiru, Dekao, and Yaito were sitting around a table eating ice cream. They were all chatting idly, with Netto and Dekao arguing about something about Net-battling while Meiru and Yaito merely laughed. Netto was grinning away as he talked, happy to be with his friends.

Rockman sadly smiled as he remembered his day-dream. He might not be able to be there with Netto as his brother, but he was there now, in the form of Rockman.EXE, as his protector. He wouldn't have it any other way.

However... Rockman thought as he gazed at the laughing Netto, It's my imaginary world...As long as I can just dream of being there with my brother, then that is enough.

Maybe one day, his imaginary world would become reality. However, he was content in the present, just as long as he was with Netto.

---

Happy Birthday, Neko! *pops some streamers*
_________________


<3 Planty~
Art in icon done by Raburabbit.

[Sol]

The bell rang across the school, signaling the end of the day. Mariko looked up from her position at the front of the class and looked at the clock in surprise. “Oh, is it time to go already?” she asked out loud, having lost track of the time. “Alright, see you tomorrow then!” she said amongst the clattering of chairs and the loud murmurs of people talking.

Near the back of a class, a brunette wearing a blue headband sighed as he stood up, stretching. “Man, I'm so glad school's finally over! How boring can it get?” he said while yawning. Netto had nearly fallen asleep during the lecture, and it took all of his willpower to stay awake.

“Oh...I don't know Netto-kun.” came a voice from beside him, “I thought today was pretty nice.”

Netto looked to his side, where a boy no older than he was sitting, packing away his notebooks into his backpack. He was wearing a pair of jeans and a blue plaid button up shirt. He had brown eyes and chestnut brown hair, although it was a bit more combed than Netto's.

Netto rolled his eyes. “Of course you would find school nice, Saito-niisan. You're better at it than I am!” he exclaimed, earning an amused chuckle from his brother.

“Really?” Saito asked as he stood up, starting to walk out of the classroom with Netto, “I'm pretty sure that you would do much better than me if you put your mind to it.” he remarked as they began descending the stairwell.

Netto snorted. “You're just saying that.” he said while sighing, “Really, you're the top of our class Saito-niisan! Don't try and make me feel better by saying stuff like that!” Netto said while looking away.

Saito frowned. “I'm sorry, Netto-kun.” he said, “However, I still think that you would do much better than me if you did put your mind to it.” Netto then stopped and turned around to look at his brother in the face, suddenly smiling.

“I think that's exactly it, Saito-niisan.” he said before turning around to keep walking, “I'm not the thinker you are. I'm more like a hands-on person, you know?” Saito nodded as the two stepped out of the building and started heading towards the gate.

“Maybe you're right...” he muttered as Netto waved to a couple of classmates, “Maybe that's why you a far better operator than me.”

Netto's head suddenly turned so quickly that Saito could have sworn that if he blinked, he would have missed it. “Now you know that's not true. I'm just better than average!” he exclaimed, his tone somewhat harsher than normal.

Saito knew that Netto was lying. “Don't sell your self so short, Netto-kun. You're far better than most of the battlers in Densan.” he said while the two walked out of the gate. It was a well known fact that Netto was known as the prodigy in net-battling. From what Saito gleaned from listening to various adults gossip, Netto was going to possibly be asked to join the Official Net-battlers within a few months.

Saito then frowned. “If you're only better than average, then that means I'm just below mediocre, am I right?” While Saito also liked to net-battle, his skills weren't as refined or sharp as Netto's. He found that Netto could come up with plans and chip combinations in battle on the fly, while he found that his own nervousness held him back. However, he didn't know exactly why Netto didn't want to be known as a great net-battler. That was the only thing that puzzled him.

Netto snorted again. “Saito-niisan, you shouldn't think like that.” he exclaimed while they crossed the street, “Really, you're a good net-battler too! With some work, you can surpass me!” Netto said as they walked around a corner.

Saito suddenly stopped and began to laugh. Netto turned around with a confused expression on his face. “What?” he asked, blinking a few times.

Saito stopped laughing and looked at his brother. “We had this discussion just a few minutes ago, didn't we? And now the tables have turned!” he said before starting to chuckled again. Netto blinked a few more times before he started to laugh too. They continued laughing for a few minutes before settling down. Smiling, Netto turned to his brother.

“Hey, let's go for some ice-cream!” he said. Before Saito could object, Netto took his arm and started to drag him in another direction.

“N-Netto-kun!” he exclaimed, trying to twist his arm out of his brother's grip, “We can't! We need to get home and do our work...!” Netto stopped and turned to look at him, still smiling.

“Saito-niisan, let's just have this afternoon to ourselves. I mean, we have tonight to do our homework, don't we?” he said before continuing to drag Saito in the direction of the ice cream shop, “All you do is work on homework and read! We hardly ever get time to ourselves anymore!”

Saito blinked a few times before sighing and nodding. While he was preoccupied with studying and other work, Netto was kept busy with net-battling and taking jobs from the Official Center. The only time the two really got time to themselves was in school, and even then it was somewhat awkward.

Soon enough, the two arrived at the ice cream shop. While Netto ordered something big, like a double scoop sundae on a cone, Saito only bought himself a single scoop sundae in a cup. The two found someplace to sit down outside before starting to eat their ice cream.

The two just sat there for a while eating their ice cream. Saito was about to take another bite of his before a thought struck him. Putting down his spoon, he looked up at Netto. “Netto-kun...” he muttered.

“Hm?” Netto mumbled around a mouthful of ice cream. Saito chuckled a bit before he decided to get serious. “Please, Netto. Why don't you like to talk about your skill at net-battling?”

Netto paused a bit, looking down at his ice cream cone. He didn't say anything for a few seconds, not looking at his brother. “Please, Netto-kun...just say anything.” Saito said softly.

Sighing, Netto looked up at his brother. “I think...I think it's because I don't like people making me out to be more than I am.” he muttered softly.

Saito sighed. “Netto, no one is making you out to be someone you aren't.”

Netto shook his head. “Yes, they are!” he exclaimed vehemently, surprising Saito, “Already, a lot of people are saying that I'll be one of the top Official Net-battlers one day, if not next year.” he said sullenly. “I don't want them talking about me like that. I just believe I'm like everybody else, and it helps.”

Saito sighed. “I know the feeling.” he remarked as Netto looked at him in surprise, “Just because I'm the top of our class doesn't mean anything in the long run. During breaks, I can always hear teachers gossiping about me, saying that I have great expectations ahead of me.” Saito then sighed. “But they don't seem to think that I don't want those expectations. I mean, what if I want to do something that doesn't have anything to do with school at all one day?”

Netto nodded. “The same here. I love Net-battling, but I don't think I would want it as a career.” he muttered as he took another bite of his ice cream. It was starting to melt, and he didn't want to make a mess on his hands.

“Indeed.” Saito agreed as he finished off his sundae. The two just sat in silence for a while, finishing off their ice cream. Finally, they stood up to head for home. The sun was beginning to set, and the two didn't want to be late getting back home. For a while, they didn't really say anything as they walked along the street heading for their house. Suddenly, Saito stopped.

“Netto-kun.” Saito stated as his brother turned around to face him. “I know that you don't want people making you up to be something you're not. But...” he said before hesitating.

“But what?” Netto asked, somewhat annoyed. He didn't like talking about it.

“You are one of the best net-battlers in Densan. That's a fact.” Saito sated firmly before holding up a hand to quell any protest from his brother, “Despite that...you have to remember that there are those that just praise you for your ability, and those that believe in you because of it. Like me.” he said before smiling.

Netto just stared at his brother in surprise for a few moments before softly smiling. “Thanks...niisan.” he said before walking over and hugging him lightly. “The same could be said about you too, you know.” he murmured in his ear before letting go.

Saito chuckled. “It seems so.” he said. “Nevertheless, try and have a better attitude about it, alright? It worries me when you're like this.”

Netto slightly chuckled before smiling again. “I will.” Both of them started to walk down the street again, this time in a better mood. “But you know this doesn't change anything, right?”

Saito nodded. “Right.” he said with a pleasant expression on his face. Netto then grinned evily.

“And it still doesn't change the fact that you're a dork.” he said before running in front of Saito while sticking out his tounge.

Saito blinked a few times before he started running after the laughing Netto. “N-Netto-niisan! That was mean!” he shouted while he pouted, eventually laughing as well. It was times like this that he missed with his brother, and he cherished every moment he had with him.

...Rockman.

Saito then paused, standing stock still in the middle of the street. He looked around in shock, his eyes wide. “Who's there?!”

...Rockman!

Closing his eyes and clutching at his head, he tried to drown out the voice. “Go away!” he shouted, shaking his head wildly.

ROCKMAN!

Saito then opened his eyes, everything turning white around him.

---

“What...?” Rockman mumbled as he shook out of his stupor. What happened...?

“Rockman!” Netto nearly yelled into his PET as he sat at his desk. Rockman looked up into the face of his worried operator.

“Netto-kun!” he exclaimed, surprised. “What's going on?”

Netto then frowned. “I should be asking you that. School let out almost ten minutes ago, and you haven't responded to me for almost half the day. Are you alright?”

“I'm fine.” The blue navi stated as he shook his head to clear it. “It's just...” he mumbled before stopping.

“What was that?” Netto asked. Rockman shook his head.

“Nothing Netto-kun...nothing.” he said while smiling. Netto still looked worried.

“Should I take you to see papa? You haven't been acting normal today at all.” he muttered before standing up and finally leaving the classroom.

“I told you before, Netto-kun, I'm fine.” Netto then looked back at his navi and nodded.

“I'll take your word for it then.” the brunette said as he exited the school. “So, what should we do today?”

Rockman then chuckled. “How about getting home and doing your homework?” he asked. Netto groaned.

“We can do that later! How about we find Dekao and net-battle him?” Netto suggested as he walked past the gate. Rockman shook his head and smiled again.

“How about some ice cream?” he ventured? Netto looked down at him with a puzzled expression on his face.

“Ice cream? What for?” he asked, somewhat confused. Normally, Rockman would be badgering him to go do his homework before doing anything else. “Are you sure you're alright?”

Rockman chuckled again. “Yes, of course I'm alright. I'm just saying you should just have some before you do your homework. Maybe it would help you concentrate better.”

Netto shrugged. “Maybe...but what the heck? Let's contact Meiru and the others!” he said while smiling. Rockman nodded as he prepared to send out e-mails to everybody.

A bit later, Netto, Meiru, Dekao, and Yaito were sitting around a table eating ice cream. They were all chatting idly, with Netto and Dekao arguing about something about Net-battling while Meiru and Yaito merely laughed. Netto was grinning away as he talked, happy to be with his friends.

Rockman sadly smiled as he remembered his day-dream. He might not be able to be there with Netto as his brother, but he was there now, in the form of Rockman.EXE, as his protector. He wouldn't have it any other way.

However... Rockman thought as he gazed at the laughing Netto, It's my imaginary world...As long as I can just dream of being there with my brother, then that is enough.

Maybe one day, his imaginary world would become reality. However, he was content in the present, just as long as he was with Netto.

---

Happy Birthday, Neko! *pops some streamers*
_________________


<3 Planty~
Art in icon done by Raburabbit.

[Neko]

;-; I LOVE YOU SOL! *glomp huggles tightly*

You people are so damn good to me. *cries like a baby*
_________________
Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[Sol]

*hugs back*

Don't cry now, I was happy to do this for you! You're a good friend, and good friends deserve something special.

Have a good birthday Neko, and I'll see you in the chan later! \o\~
_________________


<3 Planty~
Art in icon done by Raburabbit.

[Sol]

*hugs back*

Don't cry now, I was happy to do this for you! You're a good friend, and good friends deserve something special.

Have a good birthday Neko, and I'll see you in the chan later! \o\~
_________________


<3 Planty~
Art in icon done by Raburabbit.

[Neko]

You're making me cry harder. Also as for the actual story part:

ZOMG SAITOOOO~

Okay, now that that's out of my system... it's so preeetttyyyy ;-; I love Netto and Saito fics (non romance, there is a difference) ah... you know me too well.
_________________
Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF. All my base are belong to you.

Avatar, credit Yakitate@devart

[Exar_Kun]

Sol, I have to hand it to you, that was just AMAZING!

You feasibly wrote an AU within the confines of Canon, and even had a hook for an eventual multichapter story within.

Again, Excellent job.

[Midnight]

This was...absolutely beautiful. I cannot remember a fic that brought me to tears since Izu's classic Us After This, and this is certainly a fic that has transcended excellence, and rivals the aforementioned fic's exalted position. This is seriously one of the best things I've ever read--and it works out so freaking well. The charcterization was absolutely brilliant, and the sequence of events, though somewhat mundane at first, mushrooms into something rather fantastic with the aid of the sympathy that the reader surely has for Netto.

*wipes a tear away* Major kudos to you there, and I cannot think of any better person to dedicate a fic of this quality to. I'm at a loss for adjectives to use, actually.
_________________
Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3

[Kitty-Chan]

Once again, I am bereft of words. Truly, this is a masterpiece.
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Need more Zero/X, Netto/Rock, Rock/Netto, Forte/Netto, & Blues/Netto. PLEASE!
Ano sa...could someone please make me a Zero/X, Blues/Netto, or Forte/Netto avatar/banner? I would greatly appreciate it...
Thanks for the avatar, Mandi!
People! We need more Blues/Netto & Forte/Netto on the net. Come on; help me out here! *gives everyone her Super-Adorable Irrisistable Sad Kitty Eyes(TM)*

[YaminoMiko]

*Sob* Oh man....that's a good fanfic. *cries harder* OMGSH I need to hold my teddy bear! *runs and grabs teddy bear*
_________________

I wanna sleep, but I don't wanna sleep at the same time. @_@.
Repetition(RnREXE)

[Shizu_Hikari]

Amazing.
_________________
There is always a happy-ending for everyone!
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There is no good reason to hurt somebody.