A/N: Today has been one of the hardest days I have had to face of late. But, I would just like to begin this by sending out a deep, heartfelt thank you to all of those who offered their comfort and support to me through their loving reviews.
Kon13
The most beautiful of lies
Fandom Angst
rose123579
Adri-Swan
Newborn Hope
Queen Ore-sama (who requested a follow-up to my cat's story)
SweeLiars
And a Guest Reviewer who I could not thank through PM.
And a thank you to those of you who read and supported me through the sidelines. All of your love, prayers, and support have meant the world to me.
It didn't take long after that for things to go down hill. The moment Seren had returned to Shigure's home with Tohru, things had turned for the worse. The steroid treatments Hatori had given to alleviate Seren's symptoms faded the moment the small creature had left his care.
Hatori had tried to explain exactly what was wrong with the poor cat. Apparently there were several forms of leukemia...and through painful tests, Hatori had managed to determine that Seren had not fallen ill to the feline leukemia virus. It had been cancer the precious bundle had created all on his own.
One more thing lending to his uniqueness. Just one more thing pointing to the fact that he was special.
It also gave Tohru hope.
Apparently this form of leukemia had a higher chance of successful treatment through chemotherapy. ...but not by much... And then... Then Hatori had to explain to Tohru exactly what her options were.
She could put Seren through chemotherapy treatment. But the treatments would be long. twenty-eight to thirty weeks. And it would cause Seren an immense amount of discomfort and anguish. Hatori wasn't even sure if the treatments would work in the end. And even if they did...Hatori told her that she would only have another year with the small creature. Maybe a year and a half. That was the best to expect.
The second option Tohru was faced with was making Seren comfortable through steroid treatments. Mask the pain and symptoms of the cancer eating away his body until he was ready to go. Best she could hope for with this. Three months. Three.
It only took one day for Tohru to make her decision. Seren became so weak, so quickly, that she feared he would never survive the harsh chemotherapy. So with a heavy heart she decided to make him as comfortable as possible. And give him as much love as she was allowed in the short amount of time she was blessed with.
Little did she know exactly how short that time would be...
Hatori had told her that she should see some improvements within a day or two of the steroid injection. Tohru was so hopeful. Watching. Waiting. Willing Seren to move and eat. Drink. Become a small portion of the light he had become in her world.
But Seren only got worse.
Weaker.
Thinner.
To the point he couldn't even walk anymore. Spending most of his time in Shigure's bathroom, curled on the bathmat.
And then he began to scream again.
He cried in pain.
He cried for the contact he could no longer seek out...crying for the love to come to him. Comfort him.
It happened all so suddenly. It was too soon. Tohru wasn't ready to say goodbye. She wasn't ready... And it became so painfully clear that there was only one option left, the thought alone sending pangs of anguish through Tohru's very soul.
But it had to be done.
Shigure offered to drive to the main estate. To take Seren to go see Hatori one last time. Though there had been many a joke made about Shigure's lack of driving and questionable ownership of a license, no one laughed when he stepped up.
Kyo insisted on going with them, Yuki automatically jumping in, though he had never seemed to change his particular feeling towards felines in general. And the three sat in silence in the back of Shigure's car, Tohru in the middle cradling the crying cat. Kyo and Yuki even held their tongues, staving off their perpetual squabbling as they sat on either side of their beloved Tohru.
Seren's pleas were the only sound filling the car. Nothing else.
When Hatori saw the small, dilapidated little creature with the entourage of whoa...he knew. One look into those sad, assure eyes, and Hatori felt a small pang of regret. Another little life he couldn't help. Another life he was helpless to save.
So much for being a doctor...
Tohru sat beside herself in grief as Hatori claimed the little husk of pain. She cried, despite herself. But...she wasn't alone. Feeling the warmth of her tears streaking along her cheeks, both of Tohru's small hands were claimed by the strong, silent boys on either side of her. And from behind came a gentle hand to rest on her shoulder. Firm in the strength that it lent to her.
Seren had been family.
And that family member had been lost to her...
But this loss was met with the love and strength of Seren's family. Of Tohru's family... Of the ones who had welcomed them both with open arms and loving hearts.
Yuki had even dedicated a special spot of his secret garden for Seren. Immediately. Without hesitation. And Kyo had confiscated one of the boy's garden shovels to dig the small hole. Yuki only gave mild protest, but allowed the orange-haired boy to offer this service to their Tohru. For her Seren.
And then the three stood in silence...
This would always be Seren's home. Right here with his family. Always.
The End
