How could you be…?

So I have no reviews...That's ok. I'm adding another chapter because I'm in a weird mood at the moment. So please, leave me a review so I can properly write a better story. And that does include more length.

A/N: I realized I had forgotten Gure-nii in the last chapter so I decided to throw him some lines and introduce characters.

"I'll go with you…" Another man said, stepping outside to show Phoenix the empty house. "Kyou and Thoru moved away early this week. I know where they are so if you'd like to follow me…?" He offered, leading the group's way to a large mansion. "By the way, my name is Shigure."

Phoenix gasped when she saw the large mansion that Shigure had taken her to. This is where Thoru lived?! Words failed the young adult as she stared, suddenly colliding with another boy as she took a step forward. "Ah! Gomen!" She muttered, backing a step away as her train of thought was interrupted by the bump with the boy.

"Ahh…Watch where the hell you're going! For god's sake, you could have killed me!" the boy growled, looking up at the person who had run into him before gasping. She was amazingly pretty for someone so clumsy. "Ah…nevermind…" He apologized, standing up and dusting himself off. "I'm Ichiban. Who are you?" He asked, a gentle smile on his lips.

"Ichigooo!" A girl called, dashing from nearby to latch herself firmly on Ichiban's arm. "Who's this girl and why do you look like you've seen a ghost?" She asked, giving a sharp glare at Phoenix and her mini-entourage of people. "Yuki, Shigure….and Ayame, what a surprise to see two of the legendary Mabudachi Trio here at my Ichiban's home!" She gushed, letting go to stare in awe at Ayame and Shigure.

"I'm Phoenix and if you don't mind, I think I'd like to meet Thoru now. I don't want to waste any more of you're precious time with this girl…" Phoenix muttered, returning the glare to the girl before dragging away the three men who had decided to follow her. The wanted to see Thoru as much as she did, since it had been a few days since she had called to let them know that she was ok and that Kyou was treating her well. 'He's kinda…cute….in the way that a puppy is, I mean…' Phoenix thought, giving a small grin at the added puppy comment.

The three men knocked on the door and shielded Phoenix from sight as best they could, waiting patiently for the door to open for them. It wasn't long before a very pregnant brunette and a red-haired man opened the door for them. "Oh, Thoru and Kyonkichi! Did we interrupt any—" Ayame asked, looking at the couple with mild interest.

"No, Hebi. Thoru was just making lunch. Would you all like to….AAAAH! WHO'S THIS AND WHY IS SHE HIDING BEHIND YOU? SHIGURE, YOU DIDN'T KIDNAP ANOTHER GIRL, DID YOU?!" Kyou blurted, spotting Phoenix and immediately assuming the worst thing about the former inu.

"Kyou! I'm sure she's just visiting…." The woman said softly, brushing away a strand of Phoenix's hair to smile into her striking blue eyes. She immediately knew why Phoenix was there and embraced her in a friendly hug. "You must be Phoenix. Rei-chan called about you. She told me you would be staying for some time until they felt you were more…calm so that way you wouldn't hurt Ananako or yourself anymore." She smiled, ushering the group inside. "Ichiban, please come inside. Torei, let my son go. I'm sure he told you many times that he doesn't want to date you…?" She said, making the girl let Ichiban go to confront his mother.

"I'll have you know that I love Ichiban and even if he doesn't love me I'll have him no matter wh—" Torei began, gasping as Phoenix slapped her hard. "Why'd you do that? I was only saying the truth!" She growled, noticing that dark light in Phoenix's eyes.

"I hit you because it's not right to force your feelings on anyone. Not Ichiban, not Ayame or Shigure, not anyone! It's not fair to your family or to the family of the one you say you care about!" Phoenix growled, turning to go inside. "Thank you for letting me stay with you, Thoru-san." She bowed, stepping inside.

Phoenix's words struck Ichiban hard, having not heard his mother say them earlier to the group. "HOW CAN YOU BE STAYING WITH US?!" He shouted, making his mother jump. "Gomen, kaa-san. How could we keep one more with the baby on the way? Room here is a bit tight…" He muttered, looking at the house and shaking his head. She had chosen to sleep in the room next to his and that would mean problems if he couldn't sleep…

Well, you know the drill! I purposely gave Phoenix an enemy for Ichiban's affection now! The purpose of her choosing the room next to Ichiban's will be revealed in the next chapter or so! R&R and all that! Later! Scout.