I shouldn't be writing a horror story of any kind. But I couldn't resist.

XP

Fed up

Present day

"Yuui, please. It doesn't have to be this way."

Grumbling, Yuui zipped up his remaining luggage as he sling his messenger bag over his shoulder. "Frankly brother, I don't see any other option. It's either getting out or losing my mind." He looked away. "And I rather keep my mind."

His twin and older brother Fai cling onto the bathrobe he was wearing. It was early morning as the sun just barely rising from the horizon. "But you're my brother." Fai argued softly. "I know that I'm not the best sibling in the world but you have to understand that I would never do anything to make you feel neglected."

"I know that…." Yuui replied softly. "And if it was just the two of us then this wouldn't be an issue." He then sighed. "However, we both have to realize that…things are not the same as it was years ago. We're not kids anymore, brother." He sadly smiled. "And you already have someone else to be by your side now."

The third person in question was behind the door of the shared bedroom; the ear pressing lightly on the door; listening.

"Kuro-sama is everything I have ever wanted." Fai nodded slowly. "I had my heart broken almost as many times as you had. He makes me feel special, precious and like I was the only one for him." He then lowered his head. "But…you're my brother; my one and only twin. I can't….I don't want you to go."

"It's not like I'm leaving Japan." Yuui felt his own heart strings being pulled. "I'm just going to find another place to stay. That's all. It'll have to be near the academy and somewhat close to the city. And I'll still see you."

"But it won't be the same." Fai cried as he went up and hugged Yuui. "Please Yuui, won't you stay? Please…."

Touching the arms that held him, Yuui almost reconsidered. But he had to think rationally. He liked Kurogane as a best friend and he had brother who he loved very dearly. But between their pure but odd romance, he was feeling like a third wheel.

And he rather not be in the same place as them if it was going to be this way.

"Brother," Yuui slowly pulled away. "We're grown up. We have to think about what's going to happen to the rest of our lives. You're moving on and I need to. What happened in Italy was a setback. I should have come to you when you first sent me that letter but I waited too long and now look at us. Even being this close….it's not the same….and unless I move out; it'll continue to be less of that…."

Holding his hands together, Fai started to tear up. "But…" He thought for a second and soon realized that what Yuui said was true. They may still live under the same roof but with his boyfriend around, they didn't feel like brothers; just like roommates. And not the friendly kind. Gulping, he nodded. "I-I see your point. I love you Yuui but…I guess I have been with Kuro-sama a lot. He's…He's different…and I admire that. But you're family…"

"All the more reason to go." Smiling sadly at Fai, Yuui chuckled. "Don't worry, brother. It won't be the last time we see each other and we will always have the academy."

"You're right." Fai nodded. "I'll miss seeing you every morning and evening though here."

"True." Yuui nodded as he got all his stuff. "Well, I'll see you later." He gave Fai a peck on the cheek. "Goodbye."

"Bye, Yuui." Fai returned the peck and gave him a small hug. "Be safe, okay?"

"Sure." Yuui nodded. "Bye Kurogane! Take care of my brother! Just because I won't be around doesn't be I won't be watching you~!"

The twins giggled as they heard a yelp and a thump in the bedroom. They knew Kurogane was listening in.

Saying farewell, Yuui walked out of the place with determination. He still had the key but he won't be coming back as much.

Seeing the door close in front of him, Fai sighed with some sadness. "Even when he's right, he just gets hurt more…" He closed his eyes. "I wish he had someone in his life like I do. I want him to be happy…."

It was scary; watching the world go by.

Always moving, almost changing.

And here he sat.

Stuck as the way he always was.

He never asked for this.

Living the way he was.

But he had to adapt.

Learn new things.

Take some skills.

And be ready.

Ready for the moment.

When it happens once again.

Only this time, he won't fail.

Leaning on the wall next to a newsstand, Yuui was reading the papers. He was looking into the section for roommates somewhere in or a bit out of the city. So far there was very little and far in between. He had the money for it but the roommates that listed their housing either demanded too much or didn't have enough rules or requirements. Sighing, he folded the paper in half.

"This is what happens when I rush into things." Yuui groaned as the sound of a TV in the newsstand was humming. "I should have looked for a place first before jumping the gun. But I don't want to go back to brother just after I left. How awkward would that be?" He thought that maybe for the time being he can stay with Yuuko or a hotel. But it would only be a matter of time before he would get a bit antsy.

He can't go back. He had to move on.

"Hey there!"

Yuui looked up and saw a very tall, possibly taller than Kurogane with white hair; some of it braided or tied back, smiling at him. He blinked. "Uh…hello…" He wasn't one to be peeved by random strangers. But that particular one was….in his honest opinion, odd.

"Sorry for the scare." The man chuckled. "I couldn't help but notice you, what with you looking down on your luck." He held out a hand. "Name's Sakura. Nice to meet you."

"….." Yuui took the hand and shook it. "S-Sakura? But I thought that's a name for a female." His thoughts went back to one of his students with light brown hair and a smile that could brighten even the darkest of days.

"You'd be surprised." Sakura chuckled as he took his hand back. "And what's your name?"

"Y-Yuui." The blonde bowed his head a bit. "So, what beings you to this neck of the woods, S-Sakura?"

"Ah, well." Sakura rubbed the back of his neck. "Me and my partner, Tachibana just moved into the city." He smiled. "We're getting our daughter into a good middle school here."

"Oh that's nice." Yuui smiled. "Well, when your girl is old enough, you should have her enrolled to the Horitsuba academy. I can put in a good word with my boss if you like." He loved the school and wanted others to have a good time in the last years of school and getting a decent education.

"Wow, you would?" Sakura's grin went wide with gratefulness. "So you work there then?"

"Cooking teacher." Yuui nodded. "I'm still a bit new but I'm getting used to being a teacher quickly." He chuckled. "The students are decent, the hours are great and….you're never bored." He chose those words carefully. He didn't want to give Sakura the wrong impression of the school before his own child even entered the place.

"Oh~" The man nodded. "I'll take your word for it. My partner and I needed to find another school after junior high anyway." He then saw Yuui's luggage. "So, you're going on vacation then?"

"Hmm?" Yuui then remembered what he was doing here in the first place. "Oh um…not really." He looked away. "I uh….I don't have a place to live anymore."

Seeing the dejected look on Yuui's face, Sakura frowned. "Oh man. Did you get kicked out?"

"Oh no!" Yuui shook his head. "It's nothing like that." He chuckled on the bitter side. "It's just….things weren't working out for me so I left…." His voice got a bit low. "I couldn't take it anymore so I split…that's all."

"Uh-huh." Sakura somehow didn't believe what Yuui had said but he just met the guy so prying may not be a good thing to do right now. "So have you find a place to stay yet?"

"So far no." Yuui shrugged. "I just got out and there isn't anything good in the papers." He rubbed his arm. "Maybe I'll just stay at a hotel for the time being until I can find something concrete." He sighed.

Frowning deeply, Sakura felt a bit sorry for the man. He would invite Yuui to stay with him but his small family just got into the city and had to settle in. Plus Tachibana was in no mood for guests. While Sakura was used to that, he rather not send another poor soul to the hospital.

Suddenly, Sakura felt the whole scenery around him morph into black. There was only him in the vast void. He sighed. Just when he was making a new friend. He turned his head to see a younger person handing him a folded slip of paper. Taking it, Sakura glanced at the supposed spirit and was given a nod. He nodded back as he watched the younger person calmly walk away.

The vast black seeped back and Sakura was back with Yuui who neither noticed the change or the spirit that went in or out. But for a split second, he thought he saw the man shiver for a bit. Gripping the paper, he opened it and glanced at it. With eyes widening, he slowly had a smile on his face. "You know…I think I may have an solution for your problem."

Blinking, Yuui shook his head before glancing at the man with hopeful eyes. "You do?"

"Yep." Sakura handed him a slip of paper. "Just got it from a local deli store down the street. Sounds like this dude's desperate for a roomie."

Taking the paper, Yuui opened it and peered into its contents. "Hmm…"

Wanted: Roommate

-Great location; just minutes away from the city.

-Wide space with two floors plus attic.

-Utensils and others already included.

-Separate bathrooms, shared kitchen, decent size backyard.

-Must be of legal age.

-Pay only half the monthly rent.

-Must show up if interested.

Looking at the address below, Yuui made a noise of acknowledgement. "Ah, well I haven't been to this area before; must be on the other side of the city." He did a double take. "The whole other side…of the city." He moved the paper a bit to see if there was a home phone number or an email address but those two bits of contacting weren't there. "So….that's why it listed 'must show up if interested'." Yuui muttered.

"Either the house isn't up to speed in technology or whoever that sent out the flyers forgot and added that at the last second." Sakura stated; trying to be helpful.

Agreeing with the taller man on some level, Yuui folded the paper and stuck it into his pocket. "Well, any chance is better than none. So I'll take a risk and see it after getting some breakfast." He smiled. What a lucky break.

"Cool!" Sakura then patted Yuui on the bed. "Hey, well if you need anything installed like a computer, some phones or a TV, I'm your guy." He grinned happily.

Laughing, Yuui nodded before the two exchange numbers and email in case the blonde does need some installing. As young as he looked, he's not much a computer whiz and Saya; the computer Ed teacher is always busy what with that husband of hers. Creep.

Another morning, another day to remind him,

Of what was lost and what was still there.

Nowadays, he can't venture out as much.

Too much of a risk if anyone would see him.

Anyone related to the people he used to know.

But that wouldn't stop him from going to the living room window.

Pressing a hand on the glass.

His eyes filled with nostalgia.

And a heart clouded with sadness.

Suddenly, he looked up.

Someone's coming.

With a closer look….

No….

It can't be…

It worked.

It really worked.

He smiled slightly before backing up from the window.

Wouldn't want to scare this newcomer.

Though….there wasn't really much about the newcomer,

That isn't new…yet.

It was a bit of a walk what with his luggage but Yuui made it. The city on a vertical side wasn't long so what the paper said about it just minutes away from the city was true which he was thankful for. However, just because there was one good thing about the area doesn't always mean it'll all be good.

With the paper in one hand, Yuui glanced up at the house where the address was. "Well, it never said it was an apartment. Not really sure why I was surprised." He was looking up at some old-fashioned but very western house with neutral paint with white lining. It had a porch with a bench swing and a big yard, front and possibly around the back too. He looked side to side and saw that the closest neighbor he'll see was almost half a block away from the house. He smiled slightly. "Must be an inherited house."

Putting the paper into his pocket, Yuui gathered his luggage and walked up to the house. Mindful of the tiny stair case and though the porch, he glanced at the side of the door and rang the doorbell. The bell was as normal as normal can be. He waited for a few seconds before the door opened to reveal;

A young man.

Yuui had to take a step back in shock. He thought it would be some guy in his late twenties or early thirties but this person…as good looking as he is, he doesn't any older then…sixteen?

"Hello." The young man smiled at Yuui. "May I help you?"

The blonde took a good look at the young man before him. Short brown hair, brown eyes to match, a seemingly good disposition, and was wearing slightly different attire. He must be foreign as well. Blinking, he cleared his throat. "Yes, um…" He got the paper out. "I was told by a…new friend that this house was looking for a roommate and well I have no place to stay for the moment so I thought I should check it out."

"Roommate?" The young man's eyes then widened. "Oh yeah! Roommate! Of course." He nodded. "Uh, yes. I'm the one who sent out those flyers." He rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish smile. "Sorry, I almost forgot about it. I was so busy with everything around here and all that it almost slipped my mind."

"No worries." Yuui smiled. "I was just informed about this." He handed the young man the paper. "Although, if you don't mind; I would like a tour of the house to see for myself."

"Yeah, sure." The young man stepped aside. "Come on, make yourself at home."

"Thank you." Yuui nodded as he got his luggage and went inside.

The young man chuckled a little at the older man before looking outside. His face for an instant went dark as his eyes had a glowing feature to it. Deciding that it was safe for now, he closed the door. Unaware that there was someone in the shadows not too far from the house was watching them.

With the door closed behind him, the young man went back to smiling. "So…what's your name?" He asked. "Just so I don't have to call you guy or something."

Yuui turned and laughed a bit. "Oh dear, where are my manners?" He held out a hand. "Yuui, Yuui Fluorite. And yours?"

Taking Yuui's hand, the young man's smile brightened as he shook it. "Nice to meet you, Yuui. Name's Syaoron; Syaoron Li." His eyes held some recognition for the blonde but the person in question hadn't notice.

"Li, huh?" Yuui took his hand back after they greeted properly. "So I'm guessing you're not born here."

Chuckling, Syaoron shrugged. "I could say the same to you. It's not every day that you see a very light skin, blonde person in the streets of Japan." He took the wheel suitcase out of Yuui's hands. "Here, I'll help you with this."

"That's very kind of you, thank you." Yuui nodded. "And correct. I have lived in Japan for a bit but wasn't born here." The two went into the living room which in Yuui's opinion was very humble and quaint.

"Yup, this is the sit—I mean living room." Syaoron started with a smile. "It has a couple of plush chairs, a couch and a small table. I've been meaning to get a television for a while now." He chuckled. "But those things are expensive nowadays."

"I can understand that." Yuui nodded. He had little use for a TV except the occasional news channel or cooking show. He looked around and saw a few ornaments hanging in the ceiling. "Oh. Are those paper lamps?"

"Yeah." Syaoron's tone was a bit lighter. "These are just a few things that I pick up when I'm traveling around. What I can grab and take with me. Especially those things. Funny. They remind me of home a bit…."

The blonde noticed that the young man trailed off when he said that. "So…you travel?" He asked; feeling a bit bad for bringing it up.

"Hmm?" Syaoron looked over at Yuui and grinned. "Yeah, I guess I do." He pointed to himself. "I'm a journalist; I go where the stories take me. To bring out the truth of whatever needs to be revealed."

"A journalist, wow." Yuui stated as they were leaving the living room. "That must be an exciting life you have. I wish I could travel as much as you do." He then glanced over Syaoron's shoulder. "So I'm guessing that's the kitchen."

"Mm." Syaoron nodded. "It's a bit spacious but I keep it tidy nonetheless. The fridge doesn't have an ice dispenser who you'll have to get ice the old way. And the oven's busted but I'm having a new one in later in the week."

"I can't help but feel that this house has a lot of things that need to be replaced." Yuui lightly joked.

Syaoron snickered. "Yeah, well; it is an old house." He nodded. "I have this house for a while now but every so often I wouldn't be here to take care of it and since I haven't have anything for right now, I plan on doing that."

"That's responsible of you." Yuui smiled. "Uh…how old are you, exactly?"

There was a flash of irritation in those brown eyes before the young man smiled. "About eighteen going on nineteen."

Whoa, that young? Yuui had to backtrack before he spoke again. "My goodness. You're quite an accomplisher. To have such a grand life just barely out of his teens." Compared to the young man, he had only so much going and he was…older than him. That almost made him jealous. "I bet your parents must be so proud though of their child making an impact on the world though."

For a bit, Syaoron didn't say anything. His face was almost blank; void of all emotion. Finally, he settled for a small smile. "Yes, they are….and I'll do anything to repay them for giving me that chance."

That was the millionth lie he had told in his whole life.

Blood.

So much blood.

He felt dirty.

Dirty and tattered.

His body bruised and cut up.

Soon anger arose from him.

A deep anger that he had never felt before.

He didn't want this.

It was cruel.

It was painful.

It was insane.

No one should have to be like this.

Like him.

But that man.

That man was still out there.

He can feel it somehow.

But why?

Why is that?

Was this hell?

Or…

Was it the beginning of something?

Syaoron had eventually shown Yuui the entire house. The stairway, the two bedrooms, the backyard and more. One thing though he avoided showing was the door that led to another hallway that had a room in it. He long since covered and hid it with paint and wallpaper. He had made the mistake of letting the last one see it and was scared off.

But it wasn't the room itself that caused that fear.

"So, now you got the tour of the house." Syaoron concluded as the two sat around the kitchen table. He made Yuui a cup of green tea. It wasn't fancy but guests should be treated fairly. "And like it says on that flyer, you only need to pay half of the rent which is not that much; about…say a hundred dollars a month…"

Yuui almost spat out his tea. "Really? That's just half the rent?" He was expecting more than that. Maybe two or possibly three hundred. The house was spacious in some areas and the location was nearly perfect. So why the low rent?

"Well yeah." Syaoron then sipped his tea. "I have to pay for it too. I mean technically it's my house but the electricity, the water bill and all those boring things are the ones that are needed to be paid for. Plus without some electronics here, it's not like we'd be using a lot anyway right?"

"I suppose." Yuui nodded. While he was still a young person by some standards, he wasn't hooked on the trendy technological things besides his cell phone and laptop and even then he doesn't use it that much so he can understand that.

Taking another sip, Syaoron smiled. "So how about it? Will you be taking the offer?"

"Hmm….." Yuui had to think for a moment. Seeing the house and the young man, there was little that he can complain about or even dislike. Aside from the weird feeling that was lingering for some reason; this was a decent place to stay. Leaning back, Yuui took out his hand. "Consider me your new roommate."

The smile on Syaoron's face was nothing short of glad. Taking the hand, he shook it. "That's great." He then stood up and reached into his pocket. "Here, the spare key to the house." He placed it in front of Yuui. "And I'll be sure to write all the emergency numbers plus a list of who goes grocery shopping weekly."

'That was fast.' Yuui couldn't help but think. But seeing that smile, he also couldn't help but smile back. "Okay. I'll just unpack and we can have some lunch. My treat."

"Cool. Later then." Syaoron nodded as he watched Yuui stand up; take the key and walked out of the kitchen. Sitting back down, he sighed tiredly but smiled all the same. He was glad that the blonde decided to stay. He wasn't the first to stay for now but he hoped it would be longer then the last of roommates that he had.

He couldn't afford another bout of loneliness.

Then there was a noise coming from his right side. Syaoron's eyes started to glow as he glanced over and saw some thin dark smoky lines going up the kitchen walls. He frowned. "No, not now." He stated with his voice lowering. "Let the human settle in first. You all need to wait a little longer. This will be different then before and I would kindly appreciate it if you don't wreck havoc now."

The lines soon dissipate quickly as it appeared; leaving Syaoron alone once again.

His eyes went back to brown as he rubbed his head. "I don't know if I can do this any longer. But I'm still needed." He rubbed his eyes. "And I still have a score to settle with him." He growled slightly. "And until then, I'll try to hold out. For everyone's sake, I will…."

'So you found a place? That quickly?'

"I know. I found it a bit odd myself." Yuui had his cell phone on his shoulder, holding it up to his ear. He was unzipping his luggage and taking his clothes out. "And the weirdest part is the rent isn't even that expensive. Of course he explained a few things after but still. And I'm paying half."

'Hmm….that is weird…' Fai's voice rang out with some suspicions. 'And he's about nineteen now? Kind of unusual for a boy his age to have a house like that all alone.'

"Well he said that he was leaving in his house his parents, I guess, gave him more or less but he actually tried to stay for a few years since his stuff as a journalist has been pretty slow or so I've heard." Yuui was putting away his clothes. "But other than that, he's a decent person all around and he was very happy to find a roommate. Must be hard to find someone who would stick to the end."

'Well, decent or not; I'd be careful if I were you…'

"Hmm?" Yuui then had his hand holding the phone. "And why's that?" There was a pause on the other end before….

'If something were to happen to you; how will I explain to Kuro-sama when you have a bun in the oven~?'

"…" Yuui had to blink before blushing. "What are you, five?" He started shouting. "That's not funny and freaking biologically impossible!"

'Oh~? And how do you know?'

"The same way you know about the fifty types of condoms." Yuui stated with a deadpan expression. "It's called the internet."

'Wah~! Just hours after leaving and Yuui's gotten very mean~!'

"I'm hanging up now." Yuui groaned. "Bye." He heard his brother saying 'take care' and 'bye' before he hung up the phone. Looking at the cell, he sadly smiled. "I know you miss me already but still….I have my own life to lead." Wiping his eyes, he didn't want to cry. "Just….have faith in me, okay?"

As he was quietly sobbing, he failed to notice someone was behind the door; glancing sadly at the blonde; wanting to go and comfort him but stayed behind. No need to rile the man up more right now.

There will be plenty of time for that later.

Flying.

He was flying.

Or was he floating?

He didn't care.

It was pleasant.

He couldn't open his eyes

But he knew where he was.

In the sky…

Soaring like a bird.

He had this dream a lot.

And it always ended the same.

Just landing on a soft cloud

And letting the world go by.

Help….

Wait….a voice…

Help….Help….

That's not…his voice.

That can't be….

Please….help….me….

Something was wrong.

This was his dream.

His paradise….

So why-

Help…me….please…

Help me….

Help….

"W-Who are you?"

Help me….

Help….

Help…

Help…

HELP SAVE ME!

Yuui sat up suddenly on his bed with a yell. He whipped his head side to side before he started to calm down. Panting a bit, he rubbed his head; his heart beating hard against his chest. Closing his eyes, he just sat there for a minute before opening them again. "Oh god…what a nightmare…"

Looking around the room; he noticed that he was back in his new-bedroom. He soon remembered that he was having dinner with Syaoron before getting ready and reading as he went to bed. His glasses were on the nightstand.

Chuckling, Yuui shook his head. "So it was a nightmare. Huh, that's the last time I read Dracula before sleeping. For a second there, I was certain that someone was trying to get me." Laughing a bit, the blonde laid back down and pulled the covers over him before turning to his side and falling back asleep.

Not at all noticing that a pair of hand prints was imprinted into the mattress right next to him.

TBC

I know...a bit fast for you, right?

Sorry. It's not like I wanted it to but if I'm ever going to get to the point of the story that I want to be, you got to fill in between point A and B.

But hey, a story's a story right?

Until next time~!