Hey guys, I really like how this chappy ended, so enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Furuba. You know the rest.

Shougayaki – grilled pork with ginger

Chirashi-Zushi - a 'type of sushi', made in japan, that consists of sushi rice, raw tuna and dried seaweed.

Dai Hin Min - a Japanese card game for three or more players played with a 52-card pack. The point of the game is to be the first person to have no cards by playing stronger cards than the person before.

Chapter 4 – Zodiac Blues

Cloudy eyes opened slowly as the contradicting feeling of numbness made its way into her restrained body. She could only make out the foggy silhouettes of two people as she felt herself slipping over the edge once more.

The moment she saw him…

She realized that everything they put her through…the pain, the lies, the abuse…

It would all be worth it if he only knew her name…

If he only knew her name…

"Are you awake, Nakoruru-san?"

Leaning forward, she froze at the site of Haru's worried face hovering over her. She didn't have enough time to contain her blush as a pale hand lightly rested on her aching forehead. Sighing in comfort, she closed her heliotrope orbs as the feeling of cool metal pressing against her burning skin lulled her into a soothing spell.

Delicately grabbing her chin, Haru tilted her head in bewilderment as he observed her soft, feminine features. He watched her appearance change from bright red to burgundy as his fingers unconsciously lingered on the bandage that was placed on her left cheek, the one his darling Yuki had inquired about earlier.

Oblivious, he wondered how one person could turn 5 shades of red in a matter of a few seconds.

"I think she has a fever, Hatori-kun. Her whole face is shaded in scarlet."

Snapping from her reverie at the sound of the older man's name, Nakoruru feverishly tried to get out of the petite bed as she weakly fought the hands that detained her. Speechless from his initial shock, Haru willingly steadied her as she kneeled down in front of the widely confused doctor and bowed in absolute respect. Olive eyes looked on in modesty as the eccentrically appraised Doctor ran his fingers through his dark hair.

"I'm honored to finally meet you, Hatori-sama. I've heard so much about you."

Struggling to stand after being graciously commanded to do so, the total look of admiration didn't go unnoticed as she explained to the puzzled people that Momiji always took the time to mention how great of a man Hatori Sohma was.

Holding Momiji's opinion in high regard, Nakoruru once again bowed her head in appreciation of the benevolent Doctor's selfless actions. He kindheartedly gave Momiji a place to call home when his family had abandoned him, too ashamed to look at him. She was told that Hatori had saved Momiji, something they would both be in complete gratitude for eternally.

"Ah, Momiji-kun does tend to exaggerate a bit. I didn't save him, I'm only human." He answered, humbly.

"Is Violet-san awake?" Shyly peeking her head around the corner, the redheaded girl took a nervous step forward into the room as she hunched her shoulders at the site of the stranger who had compassionately saved her.

Her smiling face was rimmed with crimson, bandages everywhere. And from what she knew, there was more damage done to her frail backside.

And it was all her fault.

"Oh Key-chan! I'm so glad you're okay! I was so worried that you were hurt –You're not hurt are you?" Taken aback, the young girl lowered her head in guilt as Nakoruru worriedly scanned her tiny frame, completely forgetting about her own injuries. Nakoruru ignored the smoldering sensation in her back as she wrapped her arms protectively around Kisa, shocking the inhabitants of the now silent room. Crying, Kisa buried her head into the raven's neck as she continued to hold her. Grey eyes softened considerably at the scene that unfolded in front of him.

He understood perfectly why Momiji was completely infatuated with her. That Kokiri really was a sweet girl.

"Are you crying because of me? I'm okay, honey, don't cry. This is nothing – I'm used to the pain. You're so cute, you know that?" Nakoruru affectionately ran her fingers through short golden hair as she fondly squeezed the stammering child. She couldn't help but feel an odd attraction towards her. Sure, she was a complete stranger who she hadn't known even existed until a few hours ago, but there was still that desire to shield her from all that wanted hurt her. Those bandits, the world…It was all the same.

Kisa Sohma was a raw reminder of what she used to be.

"Thank you, Violet-neechan." Kisa words formed into a whisper as she lifted her head off of Nakoruru's shoulder, feeling a sudden weight being lifted off of her soul. Nakoruru dimly tapped Kisa's forehead with her own as she stared in the eyes of insecurities, regret, and misery. Every Sohma she had encountered so far had these uncertain feelings hanging over their heads. She could relate; those same clouds of grey provided shelter for her insecurities. But she had learned to overcome them when she extracted her anxiety and turned it into confidence. She wanted the Sohmas to do the same.

One step at a time. If Kisa couldn't hold on long enough to overcome her darkest shadows, she would draw on her own strength to hold on for her. It was the least she could do after her beloved German companion breathed the will of life into her. After reassuring her with a golden smile, Kisa ran into the loving arms of her grieving mother.

"Miss, it's not much but I'm forever grateful to you." Looking up, Nakoruru stared strangely at the hand that was extended towards her. She shook her head as she respectfully closed the hand that held money that didn't belong to her. Instead, Nakoruru slowly stood and courteously bowed her head in the direction of the stunned older woman. Being cautious, Haru stood behind her and braced her.

"I didn't do it for the money. I helped her because it was the right thing to do. I couldn't stand by, watching a beautiful child get hurt because I was too selfish to care." She said, in release.

"My mother…she died that way…protecting me. I wanted to at least do the same for someone in need." She whispered the last part softly as a look of fulfillment clouded her impassive face. She'd never before been able to express herself to anyone. Befriending the lighthearted blond boy had done her some good, she noted as she bent down to Kisa's level, not wanting to intimidate the girl who was in low spirits.

"Key-chan, if you ever feel like can't hold on…hold on for me, okay?" Giving a firm nod, Nakoruru once again hugged the timid girl lovingly as the people behind her shared a look of content.

"Come on, sweetheart, I'll walk you home."

And after countless hours of simply wandering around in confusion as he concluded that he should follow her directions from then on, Haru came to the quick realization that Nakoruru Kokiri...

She was a celestial shell of what he hoped Kisa Sohma would grow up to be.

I kept calling, waiting.

But no one ever came.

Tomorrow was the day. The day she would be further introduced to the exciting people that made up the Sohma clan. A bit nervous, Nakoruru wandered around aimlessly in resentment of her agreement with Yuki. After becoming aware of their quite evident scheming, she was quite positive that he would be there. She marveled at the fact that Momiji and Yuki even had the time to team up against her, considering the fact that they both had school duties to attend to.

This explained why she was currently at a loss of how to react upon seeing Hatsuharu again. The first few impressions proved to be disastrous, so who was to say this meeting wouldn't be the same? She couldn't handle being in the same house as him, let alone the same room. And for hours, at that. Fate was never on her side, she concluded.

At least the other day had ended on good terms. In fact, it had ended so well that he deemed her, the princess of absolute darkness and destruction, a sweetheart.

A sweetheart!

She closed her eyes as she tried to come up with a reasonable argument of why she should go, not that Momiji or Yuki weren't good company. A definite plus was that she would hopefully get to see Kisa, that little angel, again…

...That was the only good thing she could come up with as she bowed her head in defeat. Hopefully, Momiji would take pity on her and keep her occupied enough so as to not notice her own blush that would be sure to follow if she was seated next to Haru. Slapping her head, she just knew they would seat her next to him.

Sighing, she awaited the catastrophe that was sure to come.

"Hey you." Breaking out of her daze, Nakoruru turned in the direction of the voice she was almost positive she heard. After looking behind her and finding no one but a tremendously appealing young boy, she continued on said desolate path.

"Yeah, clueless girl with the depressing hair. You're her, aren't you?" Turning again, Nakoruru bit down a retort as she watched the little boy who looked to be about twelve take overconfident steps in her direction. Golden-brown hair, brown eyes, his striking features reminded her of someone she couldn't put her finger on. The name was on the tip of her tongue as the look on his attentive face made it quite obvious that he was full of himself. Either that or he was using the tough act as a façade, which would've been pretty clever for a little kid.

"Who?"

"The one who was stupid enough to get involved when she could've been killed. I mean, what idiot sacrifices their life for a complete stranger - You're obviously a fan of that Tohru girl." Kyou Sohma! His appearance reminded her of her often brass, but secretly charming schoolmate Kyou Sohma. But that was as far as the resemblance went, she decided, as she surveyed the vulgar boy who arrogantly tipped his nose to her. Kyou was usually rude with reason; this little boy didn't know her at all!

Giving him a blank stare, she started to walk away from him, ignoring his cries of frustration.

"H-hey, I'm not done! Don't you walk away from me! Gosh, I swear you're worse than that dim-witted girl."

"Are you a Sohma-?"

"And to think," Cutting her off rudely, he continued to vent his frustration on her for the simple fact that he could, "I was actually going to say - oh never mind. Apologize to the likes of you? I'd rather die." Stopping, she turned around to make eye contact with the lad who crossed his arms, furious as he stared at the ground under his feet. Twisting herself around, she stood in front of him as she snickered at how adorable his temper tantrum was.

"Aw, you're blushing. How cute - You're obviously a fan of Key-chan."

Smirking, Nakoruru ruffled his hair in mock jest as he snarled at being teased by the likes of her. How dare she ridicule him just because he seemed to be younger than her was the only comeback he could come up with as she began to stride away from him, hands in pocket.

"By the way, because of your insolence, I never caught you're name."

"That's because I never offered it." Oh she was good. Way more convinced than Tohru Honda. Smiling again, Nakoruru purposely bumped into the fuming boy as she continued on her route to the market. She had a few things she needed to pick up before her event filled day was over. Not caring if he came along or not, Nakoruru strolled at her own pace as she mentally reread the list of groceries that was needed for her homemade sushi.

"I heard from Momiji that you know our secret. Am I right?"

"Yeah, but it doesn't bother me at all. Miji-niichan has always been there for me even when I didn't want him to be, so it's only right that I do the same. Besides, he's such a cute bunny!" Shrugging it off, Nakoruru smiled effortlessly as she gazed longingly at the clear blue sky. That was enough dialogue for the boy as he studied her cheerful face. Purple eyes lit up as she sincerely danced around in a circle at the joy of being trusted. Perhaps she was in denial? Throwing a nod in her direction, he was truly convinced.

Maybe Momiji's plan would be a success after all. Nakoruru seemed to be just what his cousin Haru needed to cure his broken heart. She was a bit like Tohru, only less ditsy and more melancholy. He admired her for not putting on too much of a façade like the rest of his Sohma relatives did. He could tell that her cheerfulness was genuine.

His cousin Rin, on the other hand, was different than before. She had changed. The only reason that came to mind was her obsession of breaking the mold that the curse formed for them. Her infatuation for finding the truth had gone too far. That was how she lost Haru. He felt bad for Rin of course, they were close after all, but he couldn't help but feel this unexplainable enticement towards the mysterious woman who didn't seem bothered by their curse at all. In fact, he could tell by her posture and the expression on her that she didn't once look down on them or their situation. And when he looked into her violet eyes, it wasn't pity he saw outlining them, but complete understanding. Ignoring her apparent attempt at a hug as she threw her head up in mock grief, he deemed her worthy enough of knowing their secret.

"Kokiri. It's Nakoruru Kokiri. But for you, it's Nayru-chan." He stared blankly as he wondered what the bizarre teen was talking about. Nayru who? The eerie smirk on her face didn't help him at all as he paused in his steps, still confused. Stopping completely, his mocha colored eyes widened in disbelief as he realized what she was referring to. Her name – her stupid, stupid name! She answered a question that he had asked her about 10 minutes ago! Scowling at her nerve, he turned his back to her in frustration. She was way too blatant for comfort.

He scoffed in irritation as she patted his head in ridicule. They really wouldmake a great, somewhat annoying couple. He wouldn't help her get Haru, though. No, he decided that she would have to work for it, just like everyone else. He wouldn't be that generous. Twisting his face around, he didn't bother masking the look of pure disgust on his face as the shameless young woman tried to lazily throw her arm around his shoulder. Who did this girl think she was?

The person in question pretended to be oblivious to his annoyance as she tried to regain her train of thought after unintentionally bursting out in laughter at the adorable look of nausea that coated his face. She wondered if he would exchange blows with her if she told him how cute he looked at moment. He could probably only take her in moderation.

Laughing it off, she gleefully deemed herself a hypocrite as she pondered on whether she would bring just sushi or make something more. Yuki had oh so shrewdly mentioned to her that Haru enjoyed eating Shougayaki during the warm weather. It was spring now, so would it be alright if she made that for him?

If she couldn't beat those cunning little schemers, Nakoruru decided that she would make their preparation much easier. The content girl could only hope that Haru was so busy eating that he wouldn't notice Momiji's not-so-subtle hints, as weird as that sounded.

She was certain that her hoping would be in vain. Or maybe she was secretly enjoying the idea of seeing Hatsuharu again a bit too much? Just the thought of being near him gave the blushing girl butterflies. Looking at her as if she were insane, the sixth grader who was a bit tall for his age rubbed his temple in frustration. He should've known that anyone Momiji thought dearly of would have to be dealt with in complete restraint.

Stepping alongside her, he began to talk to her about trivial things, such as 'idiots who were dense enough to have the audacity to think that they were better than everyone else when really they were nothing but losers who had better learn their place quickly before they were taught unforgettable lessons' and so on. Although the reference was clearly made towards her, she did nothing but chuckle at how childish and adorable he was, to which he didn't take a liking to for obvious reasons. She concurred that he seemed to be a bit misjudged because of every harsh word uttered, not one involved his dear cousin Kisa. She never once thought of him as odd for eccentrically adoring his cousin; it wasn't any of her business.

She not only learned that his name was Hiro Sohma, but that he seemed to enjoy talking about Kisa. It didn't come as a shock when she learned that his zodiac animal was the year of the Sheep, something she just knewthey had in common without having to ask him for indept details. Headstrong, but romantic at heart; he pretty much fit the legend to a point. Pleasantly disregarding his heatedly added comment that stated that she had better keep her mouth shut about anything concerning Kisa, Nakoruru rested her arm around his shoulders after he dejectedly gave up slapping it away.

Taking the time to observe the misunderstood boy, she noticed his short, fair hair that was slightly darker than Kisa's was neatly combed as stunning brown eyes looked straight ahead. She knew he was well aware of her constant staring, which took her to the question of why he hadn't commanded her to stop. His confidence was a definite façade, she resolved, as she examined the way his chocolate eyes lowered as he talked about his concern for Kisa's well-being. She truly felt for him; kids shouldn't have to deal with such a vast, overbearing pain. After watching him for a minute longer, the raven came to the conclusion that each Sohma most likely had their own striking features that made their character unique. As a random thought, she discussed the possibility of dying her hair a golden-brown color to make him respect her authority, to which he disdainfully sneered at.

What kind of twisted logic was that, anyway?

And at that same moment that she decided that meeting the Sohma clan wouldn't be as much of a tragedy as she originally thought it would be, he resulted that not all high school girls were completely useless.

Except for a few bad apples, of course.

"I'm…sorry how things turned out. I never meant to hurt you, Haru."

"Don't be. The break-up was long overdue, don't you think?" Nodding, the dark haired woman mournfully looked away, trying to focus on anything but him. The truth was that she still cared for him, but was far too gone to stay.

"But that doesn't mean we can't be friends, right?" Grabbing Rin's chin, grey eyes reassured her that there was no bad blood left between them. Time had passed, and they had moved on.

"I guess not."

"Good, because I want you to meet someone."

"Is everything set, Yuki-kun?"

"Yes, everything's going according to plan. In fact, the guest of honor should be here soon." Snickering to themselves, Yuki and Momiji shared a look of fulfillment as they watched Haru daze off. Yuki was almost positive that the Eurasian sweetheart would bring homemade batches of food, which would score major points from his awfully relaxed cousin. Turning his attention to the kitchen, he ran over to Tohru, who seemed to be struggling with carrying the dinnerware. Offering her a charming smile, Yuki began to help her set up the table. Placing the chopsticks and plate settings parallel to one another, Yuki hid his self-assured smile as the sound of a bell ringing echoed throughout the halls.

"Haru, could you get that for me?"

"For you my love, anything." Yuki hid the sudden urge to roll his eyes as he watched his bold cousin stroll towards the main entrance. His constant flirting never bored him, it seemed, as he blew an air kiss in Yuki's direction. Yuki exasperatingly ignored Haru as he furiously tried to hide the blush that was creeping onto his pale cheeks.

Opening the door, the expression on Haru's face was lined with boredom as he politely bowed to the guest. He offered to take the seemingly heavy bags, to which the stranger declined in a sweet, feminine, and familiar voice. Finally looking up, Haru's grey eyes curved in excitement as he noticed who the young woman standing in front of him was.

"Aren't you going to greet me properly, sweetheart?" Her face mirroring disorientation, the woman hastily bowed in embarrassment. His smirk grew into a grin as he watched her frantically apologize for her rudeness. Considerately stopping her, he stepped aside as he happily welcomed the blushing teen. Grabbing her pale hand, he lightly dragged the stunned girl past the doorway as they strolled past the countless faces that were coated with confusion and amusement. Nakoruru threw Momiji a look of anxiety as Haru sat on the floor in the dining area, gently pulling her down with him.

"You remind me of cherry blossoms. Your face is always pink." Momiji and Yuki laughed in unison as Haru flirtatiously touched the pale spot on her cheeks that were now tinged with pink.

"Yeah, Kiri-chan, why is your face pink? It looks like you're blushing. Hm, I wonder why," Nakoruru's purple eyes widened in horror as Momiji 'innocently' questioned her in mock confusion. She covered her face with both hands in embarrassment as Hiro decided to walk by at that very moment. Crossing her fingers, she anxiously waited for the rash young boy to notice her. He was her great escape, she decided, as he tiredly rested his brown eyes on her. After a few more seconds of meaningless staring, Hiro jumped up and pointed his index finger at her accusingly.

"You! My eyes must be deceiving me. Who, in their right mind, invited you here?" He spat with venom as he began to advance towards the grateful girl who promptly stood at the chance to move away from her bold company.

"Well, besides pure evil, I see a little enthusiasm in your eyes. You want me here, don't you baby." Hiro didn't have enough time to understand what she was implying as he felt moist lips on his left cheek. Gasping at her boldness, Nakoruru sassily winked at the stunned boy who was frozen in place as she calmly strode towards the kitchen to help Tohru prepare dinner.

"Hiro, I didn't know you had a thing for older woman." Gaping at the blank expression on Haru's smug face as he gave him a thumbs up sign, the irate child stomped menacingly towards the bathroom to burn the repulsive germs that 'brainless pedophile' left behind.

"Is there anything I can help you with, Tohru-san? I made Chirashi-Zushi and Shougayaki." Nakoruru beamed good-naturedly as Tohru gushed to Momiji at how sweet she was. Taking the heavy platter from Tohru's quivering hands, Nakoruru amicably bowed on her way out of the kitchen as Hatori and Shigure walked in.

Grinning to himself at the view, Shigure watched in delight as the unsuspecting visitor bent down to place the tray onto the low table. Recognizing what was going on, Yuki protectively stepped in front of Nakoruru as he shook his head in disgrace at Shigure's inexcusable behavior.

"So that's the girl who knows the secret about our curse? She's kind of cute, in a jailbait sort of way of course." Shaking his head, Shigure smiled innocently at the disapproving look that formed on Hatori's face. It wasn't his fault that high school girls came in all different shapes and sizes, he thought to himself as he mentally jumped in glee at the sight of a wooden container in which he was certain held sushi.

"How comforting. You know that's quite illegal, yet it doesn't seem to trouble you at all." His words that were dripping with sarcasm fell on deaf ears as Shigure was currently busy with trying to get the container of homemade sushi that the guest prepared open. It was sealed air-tight, he realized, as the tips of his fingers turned red from his impatient struggling. Pouting, he carried the box to Hatori in hopes of finally getting it open. He began to whine as the blank look on Hatori's face did nothing to comfort him. As he was greeted with a firm no, Shigure hung his head low in defeat. Hatori wrinkled his nose in disgust; that horrendous pout didn't suit him at all.

"You're spoiled."

"I'm so sorry, Shigure-san! Here, let me open it for you." Gently taking the container from the sulking, grown man, Nakoruru slid her lean fingers under the inner corners of the lid, taking it off easily. She searched for a clean plate as the suddenly chipper Shigure broke his chopsticks apart in glee. After placing a generous proportion onto his plate, Shigure happily tasted the highly appraised food he'd heard so much about from his cousins. Popping the sushi into his mouth, he closed his eyes in bliss as he chewed sloppily. Slightly tasting the contents, he ceased all movement as the hidden flavor came rushing onto his surprised tongue.

"Marry me."

"W-what-"

"Marry me right now." Grasping her hands, Shigure stood over her as she took a step back in fear. Blushing, Nakoruru hid behind Momiji, who was busy laughing in joy at her obvious discomfort. Trying to stop his advances, Haru protectively stood in front of the thankful girl. He would have to teach her to ignore every rash comment that came out of his not so fearful mouth.

"Don't worry about him, sweetheart, that's just the way he is. Sensei doesn't fear the law much." Haru casually stated as Shigure calmly placed his hand behind his head in faux indignity. She would to learn to get used to his perverse behavior, just like the rest of them had. Dismissing Haru's comment entirely, Shigure tried to feed the hesitant girl a sushi roll as she stared awkwardly, not knowing what to do.

He really didn't learn his lesson at all.

"Yes, I'll apologize on his behalf. He's quite revolting, really." Throwing a book at him, Yuki ignored the fake look of betrayal and hurt that outlined Shigure's face as he adoringly patted Nakoruru's head.

"No, it's fine, really. I'm just not used to this much attention." She hastily spit out, a nervous smile splitting her red face in two.

Appearing out of what seemed to be nowhere, Hiro haughtily stood in front of the tongue-tied woman as he evenly wiped what appeared to be water off of his impassive face. Waiting for him to continue on his course to demolition, Nakoruru coolly glanced at the young boy who looked as if he was about to say something as she awaited what seemed to be a well premeditated comeback in defense of her fanatical behavior from before. Bracing themselves, the inhabitants of the kitchen waited for what was sure to be a crude, unnecessary remark.

"Okay, I've been thinking about this for awhile and at first I thought that if you dyed your hair it would, you know, make you look less gloomy. But now I've decided that you look like lessof a ditz with your dull, natural black hair. We already have a ditz in this group, we don't need another. Isn't that right, stupid girl?" Hiro pointed his slim, pale finger in the direction of Tohru, who was too confused to understand what he was talking about. Nodding quickly, Hiro muttered how easily his point was proven as he didn't even get to make things more interesting. Nakoruru irrelevantly spoke to no one in particular about the rudeness of pointing as Kyou, enraged, abruptly stood from his current position on the floor.

"Hey, you stupid, immature brat! You really need to-"

"That's actually kind of funny, Hiro. Because I always thought that you would lean towards the brighter hair, you know, since it would match Key-chan's hair and all." Silence reigned over the room as Nakoruru turned her attention towards the even more confused brunette. The only form of movement was the slowly decreasing tan hand that Kyou had unconsciously thrown in the air in a fit of anger.

"I'm going to strangle you," Was all Hiro said as he went on a rampage. Laughing it off, Nakoruru ran out of the room, but not before winking at Tohru, who finally understood the hidden meaning of Nakoruru's observation after Yuki tranquilly explained it to her. Tohru smiled in triumph as Yuki visibly slapped his forehead at the foolishness he was forced to come home to. They couldn't even be dealt with in moderation.

"I take back everything decent I said about you! Come here, you stupid woman!"

Despite the situation, Momiji smiled at the sight of Nakoruru genuinely laughing with people she would've most likely detached herself from. She had changed for the better, he said to himself as he thanked whoever was listening for letting her feel at home. Getting tired of the chase, Hiro chose to cross his arms in fury and leer at the girl who mockingly hid behind Haru, both barely containing their glee.

Kyou threw her a nod of acknowledgement as he lazily strolled past her, hands in pocket. After that witty comment, he decided that she was worthy enough of receiving his recognition.

Unlike other unwanted people.

Like Kagura, for example.

Shaking his head, Kyou headed towards his usual spot on the roof as he had the sudden feeling that the brash woman he was constantly hiding from would make her grand appearance. He stared in confusion as his head pulsated when he couldn't shake the feeling of danger off of him.

Crash!

"What the he-"

His words died as he froze in fear and defeat. Standing in front of him, with fists of fury raised as if to strike, was the object of all his headaches.

"Kyou-kun, how could you! You never stick up for me like that!"

"Kagura? Whoa, when did you get here?" He yelled in dread as he ducked from the vicious bear hug that was thrown his way. Kagura had just graciously invited herself in when she witnessed the appalling scene of devotion taking place in front of her.

"My house!"

"Oh, the door was open. Well, at least it was after I kicked it open - but that's not the point! How could you-"

"Kagura-san, it's really nice to meet you. I feel a bit overdressed standing in front of you. Yuki-kun didn't tell me you'd be so beautiful," Nakoruru quickly sputtered in mock humiliation as she humbly bowed to the seething girl in front of her. Although it was humorous how obsessed the strong girl was, she felt sorry for Kyou.

"I like you. Oh, I like you a lot! Call me Gura-chan." Relieved, Kyou let go of the deep breath he was unaware that he was holding as Nakoruru shyly grinned in understanding.

He could only deal with some people with so much self-control.

"Who wants to play Dai Hin Min?" Momiji squealed delightfully as the people folded out of the small kitchen space and into the living room area, content with anything not concerning Shigure's perverseness or Hiro's offensiveness.

"I'll be there in a minute. I just want to clean up a bit." Haru proudly rubbed her shoulders as she coyly hid her face behind her dark side bangs. Squeezing her hand on his way out, Haru decided that he liked this little game of chase he was playing. Hastily twisting her attention away from the quite flirtatious boy, Nakoruru began to pick up the silverware that was littered on the shiny counters and placed them in their respective places. She was so enthralled with her current task that she didn't notice that the older Sohma had stayed behind.

Examining the blissful child, Hatori couldn't help but notice the telling signs of soreness that was sketched on her pale face as her fingers unconsciously rested on her stomach. Being a Doctor, he was almost certain that behind those fingers lied a tragic story of pain, hate, lies, and abuse. Feeling a bit remorseful, he closed his tired olive eyes as he contemplated whether he should mention his suspicions to Momiji. Surely he would have answers?

She knew of their curse. Who's to say that she wouldn't turn on them the minute their backs were shown to her. Momiji had begged and pleaded with him to not erase her memories, assuring him that she was trustworthy. In a different situation, he would have taken his overly joyous cousin's word in an instant. But this was something entirely different. Besides the fact that something about her didn't quite settle with him, he knew that it would all be over once Akito found out. They had already put Tohru in danger, how could they possibly put another into the line of fire? These were innocent lives that they were gambling with. He couldn't go on Momiji's empty comparisons of how dependable she was. He wasn't one to be swayed easily.

And to be frank, he was not convinced.

Breathing out in regret of her ever meeting their cursed beings, the Doctor opened his eyes only to be greeted with a worrisome Nakoruru standing in front of him. Looking down at the steaming, wet towel in her right hand and the glass of water in the other, Hatori gazed at the girl in uncertainty as she spouted a sorrow-filled expression.

"Are you okay, Hatori-sama?" Deeming her act of sympathy genuine, he muttered a word of thanks as he graciously drank the glass of water. He sighed pleasantly as he felt the cool liquid drip down his dry throat, courteously denying the wet towel. Observing her intently, he noticed that she was swiftly twiddling her thumbs as she gazed at the floor under feet, and apparent gesture of insecurity and anxiety.

"Is there something you wanted to say to me?" Catching her off guard, she snapped her head up as she nervously nodded to the quite intimidating elder. Giving her the signal to do so, Nakoruru dropped her hands to her side as she tried to gather up the courage to tear down her barriers of fright and speak openly.

"I know you don't trust me, and you have every right not to, but I would like it if you gave me a chance to prove myself. I would never do anything to hurt-"

"How can you ask for my trust when it's clear that you don't trust yourself? Surely there's something you're hiding from Momiji." Not fooled by this, Nakoruru kept ground firmly as she calmly avoided his blatant attempt at finding answers to whatever plagued him. Although she didn't know him, the guilt she felt at being elusive began to slowly eat away at her conscience as she started to sway from the intensity of her emotions. She stumbled back a few steps as the locked memories of her wicked father came rushing back forcibly. The site in front of Hatori made his blood run cold. He'd never seen someone so…vulnerable.

"Are you alright-"

"Every time," Steadying her, Hatori unwearyingly waited for the troubled girl to continue as she hesitantly paused in mid-sentence, "…every day he comes home in a bad mood and…He takes it out on me. I don't know what I do to make him mad, but sometimes it doesn't even matter and…" Shoulders hunched over, Nakoruru scolded herself internally for chipping off a piece of the wall that she had so desperately tried to protect. But if this was the only way to gain the older man's trust, then it would be worth it in the end. The determined girl was more than willing to sacrifice her happiness for the sake of theirs.

"What makes you think I'm so reliable that you can tell me this in confidence?" His olive eyes softened with pity as he watched her shoulders shake uncontrollably. He didn't have to ask to know who she was referring to – It was written in her unclear eyes. Catching him by surprise, Hatori visibly tensed when Nakoruru lightly touched her forehead to the taller man's chest.

"Because I see the way you care for Momiji, and it makes me feel…safe. If I could have anything, I would want to have a father like you, Hatori-sama." Taking a sharp breath, Hatori soothingly rubbed the detached girl's back in little circles as she tried to control her whimpering.

"Nayru-chan, shouldn't you be heading home soon?"

Troubled, Nakoruru masked her panicking face as she furiously tried to wipe the burning tears that trickled down her cheeks. She hid her look of contempt at the thought of heading back to her wretched chambers as she quietly thanked the confused Yuki for the reminder. Turning her head, she modestly bowed to Hatori in absolute gratitude. Nodding his head in understanding, his impassive expression was back into place as she eagerly waved to each Sohma.

She had unintentionally managed to convince him that she was honorable, all at the price of her own defensive walls breaking down.

"Cherry, you're leaving now?" Everyone turned to stare at Haru, not knowing exactly who or what he was talking about. Looking at Nakoruru, he asked the question again, oblivious to the many faces painted with confusion. Hesitating, she nodded in reply, too embarrassed to talk.

"Let's go out next time, okay sweetheart?" Succeeding in catching her off guard, Haru daringly pulled her by her waist as she stood still in unease. Shades of grey calmed her as she searched for any trace of dishonesty. Finding none, Nakoruru disregarded the all-knowing look expression on both Momiji and Yuki's face as she timidly grasped his forearms. She was grateful for his attempt of a makeshift hug as she slowly eased into his comfort, knowing that he would transform if they went any further. She sighed in relief that his broad shoulders blocked her view of the crafty Sohmas as she breathed in his calming scent of old spice.

Was he always this warm?

Offering to walk her home, Haru missed the look of apprehension that encrusted Nakoruru as he was begrudgingly reminded by Hatori that if he were to get lost on his way back home, there would be no one to go out looking for him. Again. Laughing a bit, Nakoruru assured him that she was fine as she earnestly thanked everyone for their generous hospitality.

Stumbling as she put her shoes on at the main entrance, she modestly blushed when Hatori patted her head in concern. Causing great confusion amongst the crowd that had gathered behind them, Nakoruru deeply thanked Hatori for his kindness as she felt the consoling vibes bouncing off of him. Bowing a final time, Yuki and Haru shared a look of concern when she ran off into the distance.

Sighing, Hatori rubbed his forehead in distress as he watched the disheartening girl leave without the containers she brought.

He was getting way too old for this.

Okay! I ended the chappy there because I wanted to give everything that happens next its own chapter. Sorry if the ending is bleh, I'm not really good at writing affectionate scenes I guess. Man, doesn't she have a lot of nicknames? It's like everyone gives her their own little pet name teehee: Cherry, Kiri-chan, Violet-neechan, Nayru-chan:pI wonder if Hiro will even give her the satisfaction of calling her that:p, etc. 13 ¼ pages! It's like every chapter gets longer than the one before it-awesome! Any who, review babes, review:D