Hello everyone! I haven't written a new fic in quite a while. It's in Kai's POV, and it's his perspective on the story from when he first met Saya, focusing mainly on the complicated relationship he has with her. It isn't only the story itself, it fills in other details and doesn't always follow the storyline. It's my first time writing in this style—so please go easy on me-- Sometimes he's describing stuff, but most of the time I try to have him narrating the story as if he were actually talking out loud. I hope you'll enjoy this one. --

Just to be clear, Kai is 16 and Riku is 13 in this chapter--

Secret Confession and Letting Go—

Part One

The Beginning…

I guess I've heard of those stories—those crazy love stories. Mao was always trying to shove them down my throat, sighing about how "romantic" it all was—All I wanted was to get the hell out of there, but she kept shoving them in my face. Stories about how in some fateful day a boy met up with a girl—and then, something just happened, and he fell in love with her. But it never worked out, there was always a catch—some kind of messed up snag that somehow ruined everything. Maybe it would be that the girl didn't notice at all, or some stupid life situation, or there would be some other guy—some competition ready to wreck the whole thing.

Back then, I didn't give a damn about any of that—it was just a bunch of silly crap that was about as fun as a chick flick. And of course Mao made it worse by clinging onto me and saying how she loved it—"Aww, how sweet!" She'd squeal like that over and over. I couldn't understand how a stupid love story could turn a steel-willed girl like her into mush—it just didn't make any sense!

I wasn't all that interested in her anyway. Ever since that stupid accident that made it so I couldn't play in team sports anymore, I just sort of drifted off. I mean, before that I did like her company. I was getting a lot of attention from being the best athlete in Koza High, and I really enjoyed it. Before I knew it, she had latched herself onto me and declared herself my girlfriend, throwing death glares at any other girls who even glanced at me. But I didn't really mind, I just considered it one of the perks of being a star athlete.

But things quickly changed. I found that she was seriously getting on my nerves, so annoying and always wanting her way with everything. Apparently she really cared about me, so I just tried ignoring her after that stupid accident.

But those annoying story books were actually right. Love really is hell, and it's so damn complicated it makes you want to slam your head into something. I didn't find that out for myself until later…

And no, it definitely wasn't with Mao. She stayed a friend, but she really doesn't have to do with this—with that weird, bizarre—amazing thing that happened to me that day.

It wasn't very long after the accident. Dad came home with this girl I'd never seen before—she was maybe, a little younger than me. Her hair was dark and really long—she was all wrapped up in blankets and she looked dazed, sorta half-asleep. Dad brought her in, almost carrying her since she could barely walk, and Riku and I had no idea what to say. We just watched him as he walked her into a spare room and then we looked at each other. What was all this about? Who was she? As soon as Dad walked back in Riku began asking him about the situation politely but I had no time to wait for him. I just blurted out "Mind telling me what the hell is going on?" I guess I never cared about sounding rude.

Dad was used to it though. With his usual cheerful expression, he said that she was a new member of our family, and he had promised a friend of his that he'd take care of her. I was about to ask more questions, but he just waved it off, saying that she was tired and her health wasn't so great right now—so he wanted us to treat her kindly when she'd get cleaned up. Then he'd introduce us.

Riku and I talked a bit, still wondering how that had happened, and why is was so sudden. I wasn't in a good mood anyway from everything that had happened recently, so I wasn't exactly happy about having another sibling. Riku went to cooking and cleaning while I ended up pouting in a corner.

Not too long afterwards, a tall blond-haired woman wearing glasses showed up. I barely remembered that she was a doctor who Dad was familiar with, and threw her a questioning glance. She nodded to us, and when Dad showed up a minute later, she went to see that new girl. She had some supplies in a case with her, I guess it was to give her a check up or something.

Dad would usually talk to Riku and me after school if we were home, but today he was gone in one of those rooms for a few hours. Riku had been sitting and reading on one side of the pub while I just sat there, bored as hell. Normally I would've been gone somewhere, probably hanging out with my friends or something. But I was just too curious about this new girl. Especially if she'd be living with us from now on.

Finally, around 7 PM or so, Dad came out looking a bit tired, but he grinned at us anyway. He said we might not want to use the bathroom for a while, and that he'd have it cleaned up a little later. Not that I cared. Then he told us about the girl's health problems. He said she had anemia and needed blood transfusions regularly, and that she also had amnesia. Right now it was so bad that she couldn't remember much of anything. I wondered what the heck Dad had taken her in for, she sounded like she'd be a handful to take care of. But then Dad was always the caring type.

He quickly reminded us to be polite—then he told Julia, the doctor, to bring her in. Julia helped her in the diner, careful and making sure not to rush. The girl seemed like she could walk a little more on her own now, but she squinted her eyes from the lights in the room. At least she looked more awake now.

When they stopped a couple feet in front of us, I was finally able to get a good look at this girl who had showed up out of nowhere. She was dressed in something decent this time, a T-shirt and a skirt with stockings. Her really long hair had been cut short, now she had a few bangs and it tapered off near her ears. It was jet black, with a trace of indigo to it. Her eyes looked unfocused and confused, she kept looking around as if she wasn't sure where she was. At first I wasn't able to place the color, it was so strange—at first glance it almost looked brown, but actually her eyes were a deep wine color. Something between violet and red. I'd never seen anyone with that weird eye color.

Her skin was kind of pale, and she was slim, she looked small and delicate—it was strange, like if I were to move suddenly, she might break. You could almost say she was shapely, but it wasn't obvious—it was…kind of nice. The only striking feature I found other than her eyes was her mouth…such a nice shape, her lips looked plump and soft, and red—

I think by then I had completely forgotten that this girl was supposed to be my sister from now on. A very loud voice found its way into my head and started barking at me until I finally realized how wrong my thoughts had been a second ago—I looked away and took a deep breath to stop my mind from wandering again. I also wondered how the hell I'd seen all that in several seconds. I hadn't even noticed that the doctor had already left. What the heck was wrong with me?

"Riku, Kai, I want you to meet your new sister—her name is Saya Otonashi. I hope you'll welcome her warmly, she'll be staying for a while," Dad added the last part with a chuckle.

'Saya Otonashi…hmm, Saya…that name seems to fit her…' My mind managed to go on another vacation for a second, but I harshly snapped myself out of it. What does that mean—how am I supposed to know what would fit with her? I don't even know her!

Riku put his hand up in a friendly gesture, greeting her with a smile. She looked at him, a curious expression on her face.

"Saya, this is Riku," Dad said to her, in a softer tone. Saya turned to him slowly, then looked back at Riku, and slowly repeated the name.

"…Ri…ku." It was as if she had almost forgotten how to speak. I felt kind of sorry for her. Then a twinge of guilt ran through me somewhere, for thinking about her body when she was in that state.

Riku seemed kind of shy and embarrassed. He'd noticed her condition, too, and tried to keep smiling, although now it was more nervous. He looked a little relieved when Saya decided to look at me a few moments later.

"And this is Kai," Dad continued, still grinning at Riku's expression.

Saya's expression was different when she looked at me. Her eyes widened and for a while she just stared, like she was almost shocked. I felt kind of awkward. At first I wondered if she'd somehow found out about those crazy thoughts that went through my head, but obviously no one knew about that except me. But she looked fascinated, just watching me. It was like she'd never seen a teenage guy before.

Finally, a tiny smile appeared on her face, and she slowly moved her hand.

"K-…Kai." Then her hand found its way to my hair. For a second I wondered what she was about to do, when she grabbed one of my bangs and pulled. And I mean really yanked.

"OWW!!" I almost fell over, a sharp pain shooting through my nerves for a second. I hadn't seen that coming. That girl really had a strong grip.

I heard a small burst of giggles, and looked up from where I was kneeling to see her laughing. Not like she'd actually enjoyed hurting me, just silly laughing, like she had no idea it hurt at all. Dad also laughed a little, and Riku just had a bewildered look on his face.

I straightened up and took another glance at her. I'd never seen this strange new girl smile before. It made her look…sweet, innocent even. Now that the pain was gone, I think it had been worth it. I shook my thoughts away but smiled nonetheless. "Okay, guys, I get it. You love pulling my hair out."

They quieted down and Dad turned to Saya. "No, no, that's not the best thing to do, Saya." He continued to beam at all of us. "If you want to show you like them, a pat on the back or a hug is fine." He turned back to Riku and me.

"These two are your brothers now, Saya. Riku is a kind boy, he makes wonderful food and he'll keep you company."

"And Kai will be a good big brother to you. He'll keep you safe and protect you. Isn't that right, Kai?" He threw another cheerful smile in my direction.

"…Yeah, sure I will…" The idea of having a sister didn't sound so bad now. I still wasn't used to her at all, but I think…it wouldn't be so bad. I might learn to like her.

I wasn't sure if Saya understood much of anything Dad had said, but it seemed she was a quick learner. She looked at Riku and me and gave another genuine smile. Then she messed up Riku's hair and sort of hugged me, but almost fell over instead.

I was completely startled when she half-hugged me and grabbed my shoulders to keep from making contact with the floor. I had no clue what to say, I just froze in place.

Finally she pulled herself up so she was standing again, and looked at me while still holding onto me. I was still completely brain-dead as I stared back. Only now a million feelings were racing through me, that same mixed-up craziness I'd been trying to get rid of this whole time. But I couldn't fight it for the moment.

Then she flashed another one of her smiles. She was oblivious, but it didn't change how I felt.

All three of us were surprised with what she said next.

"…H'lo, Brother!"

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I lay awake that night. My eyes just wouldn't close. Everyone seemed happy that Saya was now a part of our family. I was too. But I just couldn't ignore those stupid thoughts. At least not completely. They just kept coming, just when I'd thought it wouldn't come back to bother me again. She was supposed to be my sister! It was wrong to think any other way…but still, I couldn't completely smother those feelings…and I didn't really understand what those feelings were, either…

I had no idea until much later, what it would turn into, and all those problems that would come with it—but somehow, it would still be worthwhile—

--AN: I'll update in around a week! I'll give you hugs and chocolate for a review—I'm glad to be writing a Blood+ fic! There certainly aren't enough out there—

'Till Next Time,

Saffyre Neko