A/N: Title is borrowed from Meisa Kuroki / Ao no Exorcist's 2nd ending. Tbh it was my source of inspiration for this story.

A guide on how to read this story:

I am trying to update everyday, so sorry but each update will be around this length (min 500 words). Each chapter will contain short scenes (i.e. scene 1-5 in this chapter), and each scene is a peek into one (or two; it will be obvious) character's POV, his/her experience of a particular moment and the accompanying thoughts and emotions. Sometimes they can be unreliable narrators. So one may not be able to project the understanding of one scene into an understanding of the whole story. The scenes will not be in chronological order. They are meant to be puzzle pieces.

I hope you will enjoy this format.

1.

"That's…" disapproval radiated off the Paladin in waves.

"It's necessary," his companion urged, "what if he looks for her and father quarter-blood demons? How will the bond affect his sealed powers? There are too many risks."

They stared at the baby in the bassinet.

"Even then…"

2.

"Oh!" Shiemi's face turned beet red as she laid her eyes on Ryuuji. Her wide eyes darted from her pinky to the boy with wild highlighted hair repeatedly, as though in disbelief. "U-um-"

"Seriously!?" Shima and Konekomaru rose to their feet and gaped at their childhood friend Bon.

"Her string's connected to you?" the bald boy exclaimed in surprise.

"I'm envious!" the pink-haired teen pouted. "Not only you're one of the lucky few who actually get to meet your soul mate, she's such a cute girl too!"

"I-i-idiot!" Bon stuttered, his face was redder than Shiemi's.

Rin blinked at the development that occurred to his new friend, the hope that had been building since he met her at her garden dashed. "So lucky, eh," he murmured under his breath, his eyes couldn't help but glare at his bare pinky resentfully.

Yukio watched his brother from the doorway, and looked down at the red string around his own pinky.

(He was just as doomed.)

3.

"Ne, ne!" Rin tugged at his father's robe and pointed at the television screen. "Why does she have a string around her finger? Why is it linked to the man's finger?"

The priest looked troubled for a moment. "Rin," he crouched down to his foster son's level, "Some of us have a red thread around our pinkies that are only visible to the owner of the pinky. This thread is often called the 'Red String of Fate'. This string connect us to…a person who is very important to us. The other half of our soul." The adult male nudged at the TV with his chin, "it's been popularized as romance in the media, but really, that person doesn't have to be a wife. They can be a friend."

The second statement had flown over Rin's head it seemed, because the young boy was too busy staring at his pinky. He brought his hands close to his eyes and bit his lip in concentration before he sighed, small shoulders slumping forward. "I don't have the string," he sounded dejected. "…Do I not have an important person?"

As soon as Rin spoke, Yukio turned to his brother, the bespectacled boy's expression that of shock.

"Well…" Father Fujimoto looked sad for a moment before a bright grin overtook his face. He ruffled Rin's hair, messing it up. "Not everyone has the string. Some people are born whole! Besides," the curve of his lips was filled with warmth. "You have us! We won't leave you alone," with his long arms, Father Fujimoto grabbed Yukio and enveloped the two boys in a bear group hug.

Rin laughed as he was pressed tightly against the tall man's chest. "I can't breathe!" he giggled, his previous cloudy mood quickly forgotten.

The smaller boy remained pensive.

"Yukio?" the priest noticed something was amiss.

The younger brother shook his head and nuzzled against his family closer.

4.

Later, after Rin discovered his true heritage, he wondered if the reason he didn't have the string was because he didn't have a human soul another person on Assiah could be a mate to.

5.

"Congratulations."

Blood rushed to Shiemi's cheeks again. "T-thank you," she peered at her tutor.

Yukio calmly scribbled some notes on his book before her quiet observation of him went on unnervingly too long. "Your mother must be relieved," he said, to break the awkward silence. "Suguro-kun has strong spiritual powers. The bond would enhance your physical health." He smiled at her, an empty polite expression.

Shiemi smiled sadly to herself. Truthfully, she'd wanted Yuki-chan to be the other end of her string. To keep a tight lid over her wistful thoughts, Shiemi pretended to fuss. "A b-bond-! That's very, very far ahead, Yuki-chan! We may not even…"

"Sou desu ne…" The dragoon laughed. "You're still young; take the time to understand yourselves," he stated a general, meaningless advice.

Shiemi pursed her lips and hesitated. Twice. Eventually she managed to ask her burning question. "How about Yuki-chan's string…"

Something flashed across Yukio's eyes, an expression so cold it…scared Shiemi and made her words trail off.

"I don't have any," eventually, Yukio spoke, his tone flat.

Shiemi knew it was a lie. "Oh," she merely responded.

They didn't say anything for a few seconds, until Yukio tapped his pen at a page before his student. "Shiemi-san, about this practice question…"

The blonde girl quickly welcomed the change in topic. "Ah, this case study…"

Shiemi never once asked Yukio about his soulmate again.

TBC

Review please!

A/N1: I'm not very sure I can write Bon/Shiemi up to your satisfaction, since I'm still trying to explore this pairing. If it feels off, I appreciate feedback.