Disclaimer;

This story has no rights to any other person, company, or business but the writer Faith Callaway and that's me! :D

Please ignore the crossover between FFII and Fruitsbasket, I will have that fixed soon.

Dedication: my little darling sister Annie: D

XXX

"Where's Ikeda-san?" I asked when I put the grocery bags on the kitchen counter.

This is the second time I've been in the Ikeda household. I felt a warm feeling when I was here the first time; it's returning.

"Okaa-san said she was bringing Nori to the doctor's but I thought I would see them when I got back…" I had forgotten that her little sister was sick. I hope she's feeling better at least.

"Reita-kun, will you be staying for dinner?"

Dinner…? Truthfully I'm not very hungry and what would her mother think when she walks through the door to see me here alone with her daughter… Better safe than sorry, "I shouldn't."

Disappointment came clear across her face. Man… "But I guess dinner wouldn't hurt. Only on one condition though."

"Eh?" Cute confused expression of hers…

"I'll cook dinner this time." I don't like to be waited on and taken care of. It's one of the reasons why I left home in the first place.

Besides I kind of felt guilty that she did all the cooking the first time and I didn't help.

But she protests like I knew she would, "You're a guest Reita-kun. I really don't mind cooking."

That's obvious, "I know." I smirked confidently, "But it just so happens, I don't mind either. Unless… You're afraid that just because I'm a man, I can't cook."

"No, no Reita-kun." Ikeda hurriedly reassures me, "I just thought that you should just relax."

That's thoughtful but cooking has always been a good stress reliever of mine and since today was full of stress… I came to the part of the counter that had knife set on it and took one out to start spinning it, playing with it with my fingers. "I think you should take a rest and let me handle everything. Don't worry I got it."

The stereotype that men can't cook or don't like to cook should be banned, at least in my life. I took off my leather jacket, rings, and chains to set them somewhere so I can start. Cooking with them on is a burden.

Tonight wasn't as cold as the last few nights so I didn't think twice about wearing a muscle shirt. I certainly didn't know that I was going to run into Ikeda and have dinner with her. Now I actually regret not having an actual t-shirt on.

I'm not concerned of me being uncomfortable, it's just Ikeda. It's plain to see that she's the type of girl to be diffident to a show of skin.

But she hasn't said anything so I'll play along.

Skillfully I start to cut the vegetables and meat into stalks and strips I can use to cook. The way I'm working with my hands lightened my stress.

I could sense Ikeda watching me in shock, "Don't look so surprised." I told her while still shaping a stalk of celery to my liking. "I've been cooking since I was really young."

"Oh… Did Nishimura-san teach you? Your skills are like a professional chef Reita-kun."

That's almost an insult. Like I need to learn anything from that clueless woman. "She taught me nothing."

"Oh…" She can probably feel my resentment towards my mother. It wasn't intentional to show it but one can say that it's larger than life. I tried to evade the subject by taking a bowl of chopped vegetables to the sink to wash them.

"Reita-kun? You have something on your back. I'll get it." The girl pointed out my tattoo as she walked to my side at the sink and tried to wipe it off with her sleeve. I forgot that my tank top showed some of it.

I'm pretty sure you can't wipe off permanent ink. I look at her with amusement because of her cute actions, "That's my tattoo. I doubt that you can get rid of it by using your sleeve."

"Your tattoo?"

It's almost as if she doesn't believe me. I dry my hands on a towel and show it to her but now it's a surprised that I have one at my age. I get that from most people.

Even Kaito and the others were stunned when they found out. It's not a big tattoo or that it's something ridiculous like some cartoon picture.

A couple years back, I chose the word 'fighting' in the English Language and had it written in ancient cursive permanently on my left shoulder wing.

One word that explains my entire life.

Always fighting.

"F-Figh-Fighting…" She reads it out loud

"Mhm." I simply hum and bring the bowl back to the counter.

"That must have hurt Reita-kun." For a girl and some weakling; perhaps..

It didn't matter to me though, "Not really. I have a high tolerance in pain."

She next cautiously asked something I was hoping she wouldn't bring up, "Didn't your Otou-san and Okaa-san get mad because of it though?"

Talking about parents and families has never been an easy subject for me to talk about. If it was anyone else, I'd ignored them but since I'd put her though enough today…

I may as well endure it, "Even if they are, I could care less."

"Reita-kun did you move here to get away from them?" Curiosity killed the cat… She should take it as an advice…

I look up to her big endearing eyes. "Precisely."

Ugh those eyes…

"Why?"

These questions should irritate me but it doesn't and I know it's not just because of her appealing eyes.

I laugh shortly to lighten up my mood and the atmosphere so she'd be more at ease, "Not everyone has a relationship like you and your mother does. Family is the last on my list."

It really is. I'd care about school work or my clothes more than I do about them. It might appear heartless because of it but that is who I am.

She looked at me with her eyes a little sullen now.

Great one of those looks. . "That's sad Reita-kun."

It's not a heartbreaking story or a depressing matter, "No it isn't, I like this life."

Ikeda pressed on for more boring facts, "You are pretty independent Reita-kun but don't you miss them…?"

Damn this girl…

It's not like I can lie to her, "Only when I'm bored."

She tilts her head to the side a little, looking at me weirdly, "When you're bored?"

I bent down onto the counter closer to her like I was going to share a secret, "When I'm bored and have nothing to do, that's when unnecessary thoughts creep into my head. Even when I'm on a walk it's there."

Like how you were tonight.

"If you miss them Reita-kun, why don't you call them? I'm sure they miss you. If I could talk to my Otou-san, I would."

"Why don't you?"

Her face eluded from me almost sullenly, "Otou-san passed away when I was little.."

What am I suppose to say to that… Normally, if I see this sort of dilemma on television I would change the channel because it bored me. If it happens in real life, I can't say it would matter to me.

I cough weirdly, "I'm sorry."

That's the best its gets..

"It's was a long time ago." The optimism in her shines, "I'll see him one day."

I should speak words of encouragement or comfort but I told her the truth, "I wish I can tell you something like, 'he's with you' or 'no matter what he's there,' but I don't really care about family to believe that. My family and I don't even consider each other family."

Knowing that she's big on family, I thought she would judge me or criticize me in some way like Kaito and Kitai does but she didn't. Instead she grins calmly, "Well if you want to be around a family sometime, you're welcomed here anytime."

Why does she care so much… We just met, it's not like we're childhood friends or family… I don't understand why she's being like this… One would need a reason to treat someone with such warmth and serenity.

For example, my friends and I grew up together and have each others back because we're brothers who owe each other.

What's her excuse…?

Heh.

Maybe there are genuine good people in this world…

Welcome into her family at anytime…

I'll have to remember that.

"Reita-kun?"

I'm taking too much time thinking about idiotic thoughts… I glance at her to reply, "You should get the table set, I'll be almost done."

"Okay.." Ikeda got out the plates and bowls needed then left the kitchen.

I quickened my cooking but finished it thoroughly. A dish should never be simply rushed or else it shouldn't be eaten. I put each dish on the counter before Ikeda came back in. It seems like I did a better job tonight than any other night.

Well… I'm cooking for others than myself so it should be different and better. I never thought I would like cooking for others but it…has it's on unique satisfaction.

The girl came back in and was taken back to the plates I prepared.

Must she be this surprised?

She graciously commented though, "Everything looks great Reita-kun."

"Naturally."

When we set it on the dining room table; her mother coincidently came home.

"Okaa-san?" Ruriko called out to make sure.

Ikeda-san came into the dining room. My fears of Ikeda-san suspecting something inappropriately untrue was wrong. She didn't appear furious or skeptical but she was already greeting me like a mother would greet a son.

I bowed to her in respect, "Konbanwa Ikeda-san."

"It's so nice to have you here Reita-kun. Please make yourself at home." Her generosity and kindness is like no other.

"Reita-kun cooked dinner Okaa-san." Ruriko informed her.

Ikeda-san caught the sight of the dining table and her reaction was the same as her eldest daughter, "Wow, this is fantastic work Reita-kun. You have outdone yourself."

Compliment taken but overly praised… "Arigato Ikeda-san."

The little kid moved in her mother's arms uncomfortably. I detect a hint of blush on her cheeks and easily seen shyness.

Ikeda-san gave her some aide, "Oh Reita-san, I believe we have someone who wants to say hi." Her eye glance down to the small girl teasingly, "Come on Nori, say hi to Reita-niisan."

"Hi little one." I smiled but it just made her more timid.

Nori nervously dug her face in Ikeda-san shoulder.

Her mother urged on playfully, "Come on shy girl, say hi."

The child showed her face and quietly said, "Konbanwa, R-Reita-niisan."

She looks so tiny but delightful, "Can I pick you up?" I think I remember how to hold a kid…

Before I could object just to be safe, Nori nodded and leaned towards me for me to take her. When I did, I was surprised. She practically weighed nothing, "You're much smaller and lighter than I suspected little one."

XXX

After I helped Ikeda-san with the washing and drying of the dishes, I waited in the hallway for Nori. I'd promised that I'd tuck her into bed for the night.

It's hard to say no to the adorable rugrat. As I waited in the hall way, I looked at the pictures hanging on the wall. They were similar like the ones set in the living room.

After a moment or two the bathroom door opened and Ruriko came out she held Nori.

Dressed in her pajamas and ready for bed. I walked to them and held out my hands to pick her up, "All right let's do this."

It's such a nice pretty room for a child. The walls were painted an orange pink and it was filled with stuffed dolls like that cat looking one that every girl should like. Some name of H-Hello Kitty, I think?

I placed her on the bed and brought the blankets over her, "Goodnight little one." She tiredly waved goodbye to me with her tiny hand.

I was halfway through the room when I hear her small voice say, "Reita-niisan? Are you and Ruri-neechan going to become boyfriend and girlfriend?"

What a funny kid. What does she know about boyfriends and girlfriends. "I don't think so. Now go to sleep so you can get better."

Ruriko met me outside of the bedroom when I turned off the lights and closed the door.

Judging from her embarrassed face, she must have heard what her little sister said, "I'm sorry about Nori Reita-kun but…kids."

"It's fine, I didn't mind."

She changes the subject rather quickly, "I'll walk you out Reita-kun."

It's still early tonight. Time goes by fast… "I'll see you tomorrow." I bid her farewell for now so I won't keep her out here in the night breeze for long.

"Good night Reita-kun. Thanks for dinner."

Again with the 'thank yous' but this time, I believe it's my turn, "No… Thank you."

Thank you for…

I actually don't know yet…

I'll figure it out later.

There's plenty of time…

Just as I leave her and started heading home, my cell phone rings when I turned around the block.

Why would Kaito being calling now?

I flipped open my phone, "Hey Kaito, what's up."

"Reita can you come by Tokyo Drinks, uh something happened to Raiden." His voice sounds unsure and vital.

"I'm on my way." I snapped my phone shut and turned in the direction for Raiden's beverage place.

Why do I get the feeling that it's my fault that he's in whatever trouble he's in… If he does something to himself because of me, I'm going to do worse to him for having tainted my new found clear conscience.

When I got there, the lights were all turned off except for one hanging over the counter. The place was empty except for Kaito and them.

He and Kitai were standing over the slumped over Raiden.

Sigh… "What happened now?" I asked when I walked to the bar.

Kitai cringed at thinking back on the situation, "He went on a date and… Called his date Ruri…"

"HE WHAT."

Kaito and Kitai gestured for me to calm down so that he could finish, "She walked out on him but not before pouring a whole cup of smoothie on him."

No wonder I smelled a passion fruit scent coming from him but he deserved it. What nitwit goes on a date with a girl and calls her by the wrong name.

I eyed the two rhetorically, "You called me to come help the idiot after that happens. How much of my time do you want to waste?"

"Who can blame him, he really likes Ruri." Kaito tried to talk some sense into me but it's not doing much in fact its starting to get me tense up.

"Don't give me your peace making choir boy lecture Kaito. He really likes Ruri? You actually think that or are you turning into him?"

Kaito took that to an offensive, "People can change Reita."

"Not everyone in this world is a good person like you think they are and yet you're defending that sly and siding with him over me. You better think twice." I was nearing dangerously to him but Kitai held me back.

"Reita, trust me I know what you mean but calm down. He's our friend and he's drunk, let's just get him home and we'll talk about this later." Kitai reasonably explained a solution.

Kitai. . . You put up a good argument. "Fine, let's get the prick home." I took one of Raiden's arms to lift him from the seat but he drunkenly pulled away unexpectedly.

The womanizer swayed as he stood up from his seat to confront me, "I don't need your help, you backstabbing traitor."

He really isn't helping his cause. His swaying back and fourth looked like a bottle that's about to tip over, I tried to catch one of his arms to keep him steady, "You're drunk you prick."

"You were suppose to be one of my best friends you." His speech started to slur, "Ruri wouldddd never like an ingrate like you. She likes me! She waaannttss meee!"

His non-sober behavior was pissing me off. "Act like a man Raiden." Immature son of a…

"I am a man! What are you, huh? Huh!" He heavily pushed me back, it seem to do more damage to him than it did to me. Kitai and Kaito tried to hold him back but he lunged forward from them.

"Raiden, you stupid jerk, you're drunk. Snap out of it Ishida!" Kitai shouted.

Kaito yelled too, "Wake up man!"

He didn't wake up instead he shoved Kitai and Kaito to the side. I rolled my eyes when he started to try to throw punches.

The retard…

This is getting boring. In one swift movement, I decked him across the face so he can sober up and also partly because he was acting like an idiot.

He fell back straight to the ground into an unconscious state, sprawled on the floor.

Sigh… when is he going to grow up.

Kitai tried to hold back his chuckled, "At least that's one way of doing it."

"Come on let's get him out of here." We lifted him on his feet and dragged him out of the establishment and into the street.

People who passed by us were looking at us strangely but in this city, they should understand that men get drunk; even women do too.

Thankfully, his parents are on a trip and his sisters are married and have a home of their home or else it would have caused some trouble when we entered his house through a house key.

We finally tossed him on his bed and felt like a huge weight was lifted off of us. "He's so heavy." Kaito complained.

I agree… Kaito stretched his arms, "Yeah, I didn't think he would weight this much."

"My job is done, You guys take care of him. I'm going to head out." I sighed.

What a day…

I'm exhausted mentally and physically..

XXX

Kitai and Kaito were standing in front of the school like the other students were on most mornings. The other one wasn't with them, it's for the best that he isn't here actually.

"Hey Reita." They both said when they saw me walking to them.

"Morning." I pretended to look for Raiden, "Where's the drunk?"

Kaito shrugged, "Don't know, I haven't seen him yet."

"He'll probably be late because of a hangover." Kitai reminded which is perhaps the most likely reason. "But you're a little late today Reita; usually you're here before us."

"I didn't get much sleep last night but better late than never right?"

"What kept you up Reita?" Kaito questioned with concern in his voice.

As much I hate to admit, I was thinking about Ikeda and Raiden but I wasn't going to admit that to them, "Some stuff."

He shrugged it off and let it go just in time for the bell to ring to get to our first hour classes but before we separated he had to make sure, "Hey Reita, we're still on for the gym after school today right?"

I'm not really in the mood but sure, "Yeah."

When I got home last night, I was thinking about what Kaito had said; about how people can change.

Has Raiden really changed, all because he met Ikeda. I find that absolute bull but then again she managed to change some of me in certain ways. Why not for Raiden too…?

Should I really give them a chance to start a relationship like Kaito thinks I should?

Frankly, it isn't my decision but he makes it seem like I'm the one standing in the way of beginning.

He is a good friend to us but a lousy boyfriend. Once a prick, always a prick.

I can't risk it for Ikeda.

It might appear selfish of me but its for her own good.

People can change Reita.

Damn it Kaito, get out of my head. .

I kept on debating over this topic as I walked to my first hour and continued on debating when I found my seat and waited for the bell to ring.

What changed my attention was Ikeda rushing in an exact second before the bell rings. She was early yesterday; I would think she'd kicked the habit of being late.

When she got seated in her seat in the back, I turned around and laughed quietly. I was just thinking about how people will never change.

She laughed at herself and it made my day to see her cheerfulness still shine.

The first lesson started with a history of wars in Japan which I have read and learned about before so it was second nature to me. I focused anyways to take up time.

It's like this on most days. Sensei always teaches or goes over stuff that I have learned before on my own time and my own self interest.

I take notes and listen anyway but most of time I'm bored. It's quite accurate to say that I have a natural thirst for knowledge and is willing to learn about anything.

It's either that or be like Raiden or Kaito.

They both are pretty mediocre on their academics but nothing well over the top or slightly about average. I remember having to tutor them a couple of times back in grade school too.

Kitai on the other hand is a well rounded scholar, kind of like me. The only difference is that he goes beyond books and actually researches it personally until his brains explode.

But even if they do terrible in school or didn't try at all, it would be all right for them. Well at least financially. They're all trust fund babies.

In all truth, I am too though.

That's what I use to pay the rent for my apartment. It's not my mother's trust fund for me but my grandparents. They left me an inheritance before they passed away and I'm thankful for that.

I know for a fact that Raiden's going to inherit the string of stores and bars that his parents own. Kaito and Kitai both have their parent's companies to inherit.

Yeah we're all set.

Unlike Ikeda.

Her father isn't even her and her mother is struggling to make ends meet…

The bell for lunch rings and the lesson is on hold for now until we return. It was about time anyway, my body's getting stiff from sitting too long.

I waited for the classmates to leave before getting up from my seat and walking to the back to Ikeda. "I thought you had defeated your tardiness."

She grins hopefully, "I'll try again tomorrow. I'm sorry Reita-kun; I have to take a test I missed out on."

Oh yeah, she did miss out on at least one if not two, "Good luck." The test isn't hard so I don't know why I'm saying that since I know that she'll do fine on it.

"Fighting right!"

I smile slightly and nodded at the purpose of that.

We walked out of the classroom together but separated in the hall. She went one way I went the other.

Out in front of the school is where I saw Kitai and Kaito again, eating their bentos. "Hey Reita aren't you hungry?" Kitai asked after taking a bite of his Onigiri.

"Not today." I answered while still standing as they were on top of a bench.

Kaito swallowed down his green tea before mentioning, "I guess Raiden must be sick from his hangover."

"Or because of the fat lip Reita gave him." Kitai chuckled for my benefit.

It's not that I feel good about giving him a fat lip but, "He shouldn't have acted like an idiot."

And here come Kaito's good person lecture… I feel like plugging my ears today, "Violence doesn't solve anything Reita. Next time do act so irrational.

He's a long time friend. He's a long time friend. He's a long time friend.

At times like these I really have to remind myself…

"Besides." He starts again and went on, "Don't get into a fight over some girl you just met Reita."

"Tell him that not me."

"Honestly Reita, you're the one that told him that Ruri was single and free then you go changing it. What is he suppose do?"

Sometimes I really have to wonder if Kaito was a girl in his past life… "Well I changed my mind. Like I said Kaito, she's mine. It doesn't matter if it's a stranger or if it's a close brother, no one crosses the line."

"Reita now you're just being unreasona-"

"Hey isn't that her?" Kitai pointed out and I looked.

She was leaving the school. That's odd, there's a half a day of school left.

Where is she going?

I call to her when she was passed the school gate, "Hey Ikeda!"

She stopped and waited. I caught up with her but something's wrong. She's not turning around to greet me with a smile. Her back faced me and she was shaking. "Hey where are you going? I thought you said you were going to take a test?"

Nothing… "Hey, did you hear me?"

What's wrong with her…?

Is she mad at me? "Hey what's wrong?" I jerked her around to look at me and I couldn't believe what I saw.

There was a bruised as big as grape on the side of her forehead and her right cheek had four slashes. They look like nail scratches.

"Y-our… Your face. What happened?"

How dare anyone touch her. . ! !

Anger started to bubble inside me at see this but not anger towards her.

Ikeda shook her head, denying anything negative but I know better. How can nothing be wrong when she's so hurt?

It stung me straight at the heart to see her like this.

She wants to say something but she's not letting herself.

She's in pain, I can see that but she won't share it with me.

I touched the side of her cheeks with the tips of my fingers and even the lightest touch made her wince.

That made me even angrier but now it's on her. She's not telling me anything, "Who did this to you? Tell me!"

"No one Reita-kun!" Tears and held back sobs came and it start to become painful for me to watch.

Stop Lying.

Her eyes closed while she shook her head again, almost like she didn't want me to look at her.

I DON'T CARE.

"Hey, Hey." I try to get her to open her eyes as I softly shook her by the shoulders. "Look at me. Ikeda, look at me…" I don't what to do to help her or how to protect her if she won't talk to me!

"Ow! Let go!" Ikeda tried to push me back to get me to let. It sounded like it really hurt but I barely moved her.

At this point, I didn't care for anything. I pushed her coat and uniform shirt away from her collar bone just enough for me to see the injured skin.

How can this be? I was just with her!

"What happened? Who did this? Tell me!"

Her silent crying turned into resisting sobs as she just shakes her head again.

The more I ask from her, the more it's getting worse b-but what I can I do if she's not talking to me. .!