Okay….. I'm back….? DON'T HURT ME! I'm sorry… Really, I am…..!

THIS IS THE EDITED VERSION OF YUKI CHAPTER 14!!!!

I was a tad nervous about updating, just because I've been gone for a while, but, better than nothing, eh? Well, I don't know about this chapter at all…. I'm not even going to go off of what I have in the "Yuki" notebook this time. You guys deserve better! I'm also going to work really hard for the next two and a half weeks on this story because I'm on winter Break! NO SCHOOL! Wow…. I just wrote SIX PAGES HERE! Double the length of a normal chapter! I hope you're happy, because I worked all day on this thing!

Ugh…. I've been so busy I really don't know what to do with myself anymore… Anyway, enjoy!


Yuki Chapter Fourteen

As both boys fell into a deep, almost coma-like sleep, their previously jaded expressions relaxed. The two never broke their physical connection, their hands only gripping tighter to each other. Though, around halfway through the night, Kyo had begun showing signs accordant to a nightmare. His strong grip on the fabric of Yuki's shirt lessened, and eventually broke entirely while the rest of his body proceeded to twist and turn.

Kyo was walking down the hall, not towards his own, scornfully quiet room, but for Yuki's normally occupied comforting one. The house was eerily quiet, and to be honest, the Cat-Cursed was a little freaked out. His tanned hand clenched into a light fist and knocked gently on the door. When no response came from the other side, Kyo pushed the door open. All he noticed was the emptiness of the room belonging to his 'unofficial' partner. His heart began to beat faster as he came to realize everyone was gone.

Kyo's eyes slowly slid shut and squeezed together tightly. While in his state of blindness the scene began to distort and remerge together. Sensing a change in the temperature of the air, rouge eyes slid open once more. Everything around him was darker than it should be. He was standing on a cold brick floor, and surrounding him was a wall built of mahogany wood with a bamboo cage surrounding every side. The only place there wasn't a wall was the fourth side of the room. There was nothing outside that way, and the only separation was the bamboo.

The out casted Sohma already knew that there was no use trying to break through the cage. Generations had tried and failed. He turned his back to the outside and slumped against the cages wall. Soon he gave up standing all together and simply fell to the ground. He knew it was hopeless….Everything was over….

Nothing was the same, and Yuki was no longer by his side. Tohru's cheerful smile was no longer there to amuse him. Shigure's perverted antics no longer able to keep his flame of passion burning brightly. No more was his spirit bright. He felt like an empty shell, and he had just arrived in this morbid place….And then it was over.

Just like that, he had awoken to the sound of Yuki's voice, panicked and troubled. "Kyo? Wake up! Are you alright?" The amethyst jewels that were normally dimmed from sleepiness, were wide and fully alert. All they had needed was prompting from a certain source.

"Yuki?" Somehow, Kyo had managed to get the precious name out through the unpredictable gasps of air. "I'm… not in the cage?" Yuki's eyes, still alight with worry, widened at the question.

"In the cage? What do you mean? That was your dream? No, you're not in that awful place! You never will be." Slowly, a tear streaked down the porcelain face of the Rat-cursed. Eventually, it fell and landed on the cheek of the boy beneath him. He had known it was foolish, and absolutely childish to say something like that. To be critical about it, in a way, it was unforgivable. To show any emotion other than hatred and rage to the out-casted Cat of the zodiac, it was a rare thing. This was the first cycle in which all the Zodiac-cursed were present, and along with them had come a new era as well. A time when even the Cat could be accepted, and in some cases cherished. Somehow, the transformation was painful, and yet, if it brought the end of their suffering, it would be worth it.

As a scarlet flush erupted over Kyo's cheeks at Yuki's suddenly protective demeanor, all he could think about was his nightmare. While he was in the "cage" all he had been able to think about was his one regret, which was that he had never officially declared to Yuki how he felt. Just thinking about that had him wish, more than anything, that his entire existence would simply vanish. That had been his only regret, and now seemed like a good time to fix that. "Hey, Yuki? Before you get anymore worked up, can I ask you something?" The sound of the others voice seemed to bring him out of his worried daze.

Gray eyebrows quirked up in speculation and violet depths became curious. "What is it?" Kyo's own face scrunched up in careful consideration. Was this really the time and place to do such a thing? Their relationship would become extremely awkward as well if Yuki said no. All worries, however, went flying out the window when he glanced at said boys face.

'You're the one…' Kyo thought to himself. Sure it sounded cheesy, even he would admit to that, but that didn't stop it from being true. As an automatic response, Kyo reached for Yuki's hand, and grasped it in his own. "Sohma Yuki," He began nervously, "I'll admit I was dreaming of the cage, and it was terrible. The worst place ever and I don't want to go back there! If I have to though, I don't want to leave with any regrets. So…I want to ask you…" The suspense of this crucial moment flickered like a flame that had just received new wood to burn, and slowly, Yuki was beginning to understand the gravity of what was about to be asked. "Will you be my boyfriend?"

With those few words, both hearts began to quicken their pace, and a blotchy flush made its arrival. "A-ah…! Me… And you?" Yuki stuttered helplessly. Of all the things the Cat could have asked! Why this question? Why now? Yet, in his heart, Yuki knew there was one answer he wouldn't regret himself. It scared him, but for the boy with the fiery passion, he would risk it. If it was only to keep his passions burning brightly. At the moment, that was all that mattered. "Kyo," Yuki began again, "I accept!"

Unknown Scene

"You knew it would turn out badly?" The first man asked, his face half hidden by his hair. The other man nodded solemnly, in a mournful fashion.

"Yes. I knew perfectly well. I just didn't want both of us to face that regret. I feared it, and so did he. It must have taken so much courage to admit that to me, and he did it." A small smile graced the delicate features, though anyone could plainly see in his eyes, he had suffered far beyond his years.

"You really have grown, Yuki," The mysterious man said thoughtfully.

A curious look had crossed Yuki's features; the shadows under his eyes made him seem almost apologetic. "So have you, Hatori." Hatori nodded his approval, but soon criticized the statement. "This isn't about me Yuki, this is about you. We both know your body will soon wear out, and you will die if you can't move on." Yuki smiled again, but it too seemed weary, as the Rat felt tired so easily at his young age. "Now, don't say things like that! You suffered too didn't you? This damned curse, we all died from it in some way."

The one eyed glare of the doctor, searing its way into Yuki's skin, and settling, just the thought produced shivers. His stony gaze soon softened though, as his head bobbed in agreement. "That may be so, but this is your time to talk, it is not mine to be taking." The only response the doctor received was an even set stare; the glow that reflected off the amethyst jewels seemed to be merely evaluating the man in front of him.

"You're helping him too, right?" The tone in Yuki's voice was pained, and Hatori was able to tell that the words had to be forced out. The boy that sat in front of him, slowly withering away, was still scared for the one he had loved. No, still loved. If only he was here to see his face, to look upon what he had done to a boy who once had some hope. 'It's all just a dream,' Yuki had to keep telling himself. He needed this small form of comfort. He knew Hatori's words were true, and he was dying. The affects of his recklessness, they caused him excruciating aches and pains every day, but that still didn't help him to stomach the food he was given.

When no response to his question came though, his head fell into his hands, as his silver hair covered his face. "It's not because I don't want to. He won't allow it. I can tell he's in pain too, but he wants to persevere for you. He believes he'll get out someday, so he's staying alive on his own. Just so he can meet you again," The Dragon paused for a moment to evaluate Yuki. He was crying, and his hands were getting wetter from the continued fall of the salty droplets. He didn't fail to notice one fall through his fingers and splatter messily on the carpeted floor. "If you die, all his efforts will be in vain." The words struck Yuki like a lead bullet. Tears ceased as anger flowed through him.

"Never say those words again! You have no idea what I'm going through…" Hatori shut his eyes in a temporary reprieve to gather his thoughts.

"Your right, I don't know," Hatori whispered, eyes still lightly shut. "Will you tell me the rest?" A short but pressuring silence engulfed the room.

"Yeah, I will. I think the moment I accepted Kyo's offer, as amazing as it was, seemed to be the last morning we didn't spend worrying."

Yuki and Kyo's Story

As the day progressed, Kyo became more nervous about the mornings events. Then he thought about the previous night. Everything, all the worries, and the heart breaking pain came back. He wanted to ask Yuki how he knew. Even though he had every confidence in Yuki's loyalty, it was himself he wasn't sure about. His brain kept telling him, don't fear his answer, yet he kept telling himself, I can't help it. Strange thoughts popped into his head, images of Yuki glaring at him, or walking to Akito. It was a good thing he was alone, because he started to cry.

Yuki exited the bathroom, and started to head towards Kyo's room. He was beginning to spend more time in there than his own room. Shigure was finding no end to the perverse jokes he could make about the two. When he was just outside the door, about to enter, he heard Kyo on the other side. He heard sobbing, and a small strangled whisper of his name. He stopped dead in his tracks, and turned around. He didn't take any steps forward or backward, he just stood there. Kyo was crying? Yuki had never even seen the Cat shed a tear before, and he suspected that is pride had something to do with that, but this moment had shattered all he had ever known about the boy on the other side of that door.

Yuki's presence on the other side of the door was still unknown to Kyo, as he continued to sob, but getting louder instead of quieter. "Yuki! Don't…. Don't leave me…" When this begging reached Yuki's ears, he decided something had to be done about this. Though, he really wasn't sure if he should walk in on the Cat during this supposed to be private moment. Though another heart wrenching sob was all it took to send his reservation flying out the window. The door slammed open, and Kyo's head shot up out of his hands as it also slammed shut. "Yuki!" He gasped in shock, as he had though the mouse was still in the shower. Yuki said nothing as he crossed the room in a few quick strides, and opened his arms to engulf the red-head in front of him.

As his arms surrounded Kyo, he buried his head in his neck, as a show of affection. "I'm always here, Kyo. I won't ever leave you, unless you tell me too." Kyo's Ruby eyes widened considerably, as he shoved Yuki to an arm's length away.

"Never say those words again! You have no idea what I'm going through right now." The harshness of the words stabbed at Yuki, but he was still determined to get through to the boy."I want to know! Stop keeping me in the dark about everything, I really hate it."

The small space between Kyo's eyebrows wrinkled as the strange words escaped past Yuki's lips. "Then stop doing the same to me. Tell me how you know about the cage."

Yuki's Recovery

Hatori's hands were linked together as he studied the man across from him. "So, that was your first private interaction since that morning? Quite stressful if you ask me." Yuki's empty gaze scanned Hatori's face, searching for any sign he wasn't taking this seriously. He found no evidence to support his mental accusation. "It was stressful, and I got him to trust me, but not for very long."

Hatori looked again over Yuki, and seemed to notice all too well how exhausted he seemed. "Yuki, I think you've had enough for today. It's already past nine; we've been here for a few hours." Yuki's hair flew into the air along with his head, his face full of fear. His legs automatically carried him to his feet

"No! Not yet! There's more I have to tell you!" Hatori's mouth fell open slightly at the sudden, albeit shaky, determination that flooded the man's eyes.

"Alright. If that's the case, by all means continue."

Yuki and Kyo's Story

Yuki's heart began to beat faster. He didn't know? He had no idea that everyone knew about his death sentence? This was entirely new to the mouse, and he wasn't sure how to handle it. All he knew was, that to gain Kyo's trust, he had to tell him, no matter what the consequences may be. "Okay. I'll tell you, but you have to promise not to go into a rage if I tell you." Yuki knew full well how Kyo's temper was, and didn't want him acting solely on instinct.

"Okay, just tell me."

Kyo was starting to get desperate, the conclusions his mind always made, and they had been haunting him since last night. Yuki took in a breath, and began, "You know how we have the Christmas party every year, right?" Yuki paused, and waiting for a nod, and continued once he got it. "Well, the year Kisa and Hiro turned eight, Akito made an announcement. He said, 'The Cat, who you all know is never allowed to join us, has a certain future I would like to tell you about.' He said you were going to be placed in a room with one wall missing, and a bamboo casing along the inside. It was your 'punishment' for being born the Cat."

Kyo's stare remained neutral, Kyo's gaze never leaving Yuki's, as if he was evaluating the truth in those words. After another minute of this, Kyo breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank God!" Yuki seemed confused as he listened to the happy note in Kyo's voice.

"What do you mean? Were you expecting something worse?" Yuki asked. Kyo smiled at Yuki, who was taken aback by the gesture.

"Yeah, I really was! I thought maybe you asked Akito yourself or something, like you were going to leave me. Stupid, huh?" Yuki chuckled a bit before wrapping Kyo in his arms again.

"Stupid Cat. I would never leave you."

Kyo sighed happily, "Yeah, but I'm your Stupid Cat." Yuki smiled at the affection of the boy in his arms. This was a side of Kyo he didn't get to see very often, but adored when he did.

Then there was a knock at the door. Yuki rose to answer it, but Kyo pushed him down again and whispered, "How strange will it look to him if you answer my door?" Yuki caught on and nodded, then proceeded to shove him towards the door as it was knocked again. Kyo opened the door and found himself face-to-face with Shigure, who was looking slightly morbid. "Yeah? What do you want?" Kyo asked in his usual non caring voice.

"Akito wishes to speak with you in the morning. Hatori will be by around Nine to pick you up."

"What?"

Yuki felt his heart break when he heard these words, and anger flood his veins as Shigure walked away. Though he kept his duty to Kyo and remained silent till he was out of earshot. "Kyo, do you think he knows?" His partner's morbid nod gave him all the answer he needed. The last thing he needed was the Cat's next words.

"I think my 'punishment' has come a little early."

In that moment, the entire world froze, and Yuki's life was plunged once more into darkness. The last thing he recalled was hitting Kyo's bed, and if was remembering correctly, he also heard Kyo's voice calling his name in fear. Akito just had to find a way to ruin everything didn't he? They had just gotten together, and even got closer to each other, if possible. 'I really hate this,' was the last thought Yuki had before his mind went blank. A single word escaped his lips as darkness enveloped him.

"Kyo…"


Intense! I know, there is no way that this isn't a cliffhanger!

I'm sorry for leaving you like this, but six pages? WOOT! Please R&R! I really want some criticism on this chapter! Positive or negative, anything works! P.S. Thanks for putting up with my awful procrastination habits! It means a lot! I really am working hard on the next chapter, and I WILL NOT promise a release date this time... I tend to fail when I do that! ^^;

I hope everyone had an awesome Christmas, or whatever you celebrate! Since my goal of finishing this by Christmas failed, my new goal is Valentines day! Wish me luck!!! ^_^