A/N: I'm glad readers enjoyed the previous chapter! I loved some of your reactions. While reading the reviews, I couldn't stop smiling :P I thank you for that! I'm sorry I kept some of you waiting... But hey, it's great to be back! Here's the next chapter! Thank you again for being so patient with me, I am so grateful.

In a Fruits Basket - Chapter 13: Healing Hearts

Recap:

"These mistakes, these memories, and all those feelings, good or bad, you should keep, so you'll learn to understand each other better. And when you do find yourself arguing again, just meet half way, y'know?"

...

Yuki paused... He gave me a small smile, "I love you."

I blinked in surprise. I was breathing heavily, feeling the cold rain beat down on us. If it weren't for the sound of rain hitting the sidewalk, the area would've been completely silent. Not one car drove by.

"Miss Nadeshiko, it's because I love you... I love you."

He does? I choked out, "Y-you do?" I took a step back, pulling away from his warm grasp. I wanted to stay there, just wrapped in his arms, but I needed to stay calm.

He replied quietly, "Yes."

"Yuki -"

"Does it sound weird coming from me?" he questioned, already looking worried.

I gasped. Shoot, no, I don't want him to hate me! I protested, "No, not at all!" I leaned in towards him.

"It's just, I've never really felt what it was like to be cared for by someone outside of the Sohmas... But even with the Sohmas, I didn't receive that much love." He began, looked at me, and took my hand, "Out of all people, it was you. You accepted me so quickly, even after learning about the curse."

I felt my face turn a scarlet red. He went on before I could speak, or lean in any closer. "You filled the hole in my heart, Miss Nadeshiko, the one my family could never fill. You were always there for me, unlike my older brother, or mother. If that truck hit you... If something happened to you, I- I wouldn't know what to do."

That's when it felt like my heart dropped to my stomach. Older brother. Mother. Family.

"Oh." I quietly said and took a step back again. "Thank you, Yuki."

He tilted his head to the side curiously. "Is... there something wrong, Miss Nadeshiko?"

"Nothing's wrong," I said quickly, turning away, trying to force the tears back. Before he realized what was happening, I swiped them away with my hand. I swallowed, then took a deep breath before I faced him again. I managed a smile - my sweetest, widest, smile. "I love you too, Yuki." I said it. I finally said it, but why is the weight on my chest still there?

He let out a sigh of relief. "Now," he placed a hand on my shoulder, "what are we going to tell your sister?"

"What do you mean?"

"We can't just return home with our clothes soaked like nothing happened," he chuckled.

I nodded my head, "Oh, that. We'll just explain what happened. It's not like she'll be mad. You saved me, after all." Be strong, Arya. Don't cry in front of him. Don't cry!

He scratched the back of his neck. "Well, she might think I'm irresponsible, or she might argue with you. I don't want that to happen."

"I won't let it happen, Yuki."

We stared at each other for a bit. I didn't know what to say anymore. I couldn't say anything to him anymore. I didn't want to, anyway. Suddenly, a teenager dressed in a black top ran by, carrying a bundle in his arms.

"Hatsuharu?" I called out, noticing the white hair.

The boy stopped, then turned around. He grinned, "Hey."

I shook my head. "What are you doing out here? You don't even have a jacket, or an umbrella."

"And you're all wet," Yuki added.

"As are you," Haru replied.

I used the driest part of my sleeve and began to dab his forehead. "So what are you doing out here?"

"Finding her," he answered, lowering his arms to my level. He adjusted the cloth he held, revealing a small tiger, peacefully sleeping. Kisa!

"Wow!" I raised my eyebrows in amazement. "She's really cute."

"This is Kisa Sohma," Haru stated, "the tiger of the Zodiac."

"Wow!" I exclaimed again, petting her. "Hi, my name's Arya Na- AH!" I gasped, feeling her warm, moist mouth going over my hand.

Then she bit down - hard. I let out small screams, then muffled them with my free hand. I tried pulling away, but it just made my hand scrape against her teeth. They dug deeper into my skin. The crimson tears slid down my fingers.

I quickly turned my head. "H-Hatsuharu! Do something!" He simply nodded. My jaw dropped. "How can you be so calm?"

He casually placed his hand over Kisa's head, then wrapped his fingers over her upper lip, pulling it up. I felt the teeth escape my flesh, revealing new wounds. Kisa's mouth widened just enough for me to get my fingers out. I sighed in relief, massaging my aching hand. I breathed, "I still find her cute."

"Kisa, you apologize to Miss Nadeshiko now," Yuki ordered, his eyebrows knitted.

No reply. The small tiger gazed into the distance. We all sat in the living room, waiting for Kisa to say something. Mai carefully wrapped bandages around my hand.

Yuki snapped, "Kisa!"

"She doesn't speak," Haru said.

"She doesn't?" Mai asked, facing him. I tilted my head to the side, staring at Kisa. She was bullied.

Haru began to explain what happened to her. "And after she stopped talking, she stopped going to school. And then today, she ran away from home." I felt my stomach stir, hearing his words. Poor Kisa. She looked so sad.

Yuki's back faced us. He asked softly, "I don't understand. What happened? Why would she act this way all of a sudden?"

Haru answered, "She was picked on."

Suddenly, Kisa sprang up, sinking her fangs into Haru's arm. He clenched his teeth together, "That hurts." He grew serious. "What is it? Are you angry now? You think I should just mind my own business? Is that it?" His eyes narrowed. "You made this my business. Do you have any idea how worried I was about you? Or your mother? Do you know she's still out there, looking for you?"

"Kisa-" I began, reaching for her. I knew how painful her bites were! I couldn't understand how Haru could stay so serious. "Kisa, maybe-"

She opened her mouth at me, baring her fangs. I flinched, moving back. No sound came out of her. Not even a small growl. Then she jumped off of Haru and scampered outside into the backyard.

"Arya, go get her!" Mai exclaimed, panicking, already wrapping bandages on Haru's bite. I quickly nodded my head, replying, "Right!"

I called out her name, bending over to look under the bushes. Balancing on one knee, I cocked my head to the side. I gasped, "Kisa! I found you!" The tiger jumped in surprise, and swiftly turned around to bite me again. I winced, feeling her teeth dig into the same hand she bit before. "K-Kisa! I'm sorry! Please let go!" I cried, trying to pull away, "Let me talk to you! Let's sort it out! My name's Arya Na-"

"Please come home, Kisa," a soft voice said. A woman with short, dark hair, and solemn eyes crouched down, balancing on her toes.

I looked at the woman in shock. Why can't I ever say my name?! But that didn't matter at the moment. This woman -

"Kisa, Mother's here now," she said. "It's me. What are you doing here?"

I stared at her. She looked nothing like Kisa.

"Why are you always bringing trouble to the people around you?" she questioned, her face staying the same, blank expression. "You made everyone so worried. Are you happy about this?"

The tiger's tiny jaw trembled, but my hand stayed there. I froze, letting her mother's words seep in.

Her voice echoed in my mind. "Why? Why didn't you tell me you were being bullied? Why did you run away from home? Why did you not speak to me?" Kisa's mother clenched her hands into a fist. "I'm getting tired, Kisa. I've had it."

"Maybe," I began softly, "it was because she was afraid- afraid she would disappoint you. She wanted to show you that she was strong, so she didn't tell you about school. But she hid it for so long, she was driven to the point when she couldn't anymore. So she stopped speaking. And today, today she ran away."

I stared at the small tiger, who's jaws and angry expression were a bit relaxed now.

"She grew to hate herself. And what she was afraid of the most was-"

"Nothing's wrong... I love you too, Yuki."

Tears brimmed at my eyes. I let them slide down my cheek. "She was afraid of being hated by someone she loves." I said softly, looking down, "Kisa wanted to be strong and brave. She even smiled a bit before, didn't she? That was the only thing she could do at the moment. She didn't know what to do."

"I love you too, Yuki." Be strong, Arya. Don't cry in front of him. Don't cry! The words I told myself echoed in my head.

"But sometimes..."

Poof!

"Sometimes it's okay to cry, too." My eyes met with the fragile girl, her small hands now massaging mine. She pressed her cheek against the hand she bit, sniffling, as if to say "sorry". "It's okay." I gave her a small smile.

She laid her head on my lap, crying. I took off my jacket, and wrapped it around her bare body. I extended my arms out, and she didn't hesitate to throw herself on me. She cried into my shirt, clinging onto me. I hugged her back, and felt her chest against mine. Her heart was racing.

I stroked her honey-coloured hair and picked her up. I expected her to be a bit lighter, but I was strong enough to carry her to my room. Being so small, I was able to give her one of my long sleeved nightgowns that actually fit her. She sat with me, wiping away the last of her tears. None of us said a word. Then, she fell asleep, resting on my lap.

"Miss Nadeshiko, is Kisa with you?" Yuki asked, as he peeked into my room. My heart almost skipped a beat. I thought I'd break down right in front of him if I spoke. I just nodded. He walked in quietly, and sat beside me. "She fell asleep, huh?"

My voice was barely a whisper, barely audible. "Yeah." I bit my lip, squeezing my eyes shut.

"She doesn't want to leave your side at all! Aren't you tired?" he asked in a whisper. I could tell from his voice he was smiling.

I shook my head. Suddenly, he rested his head on my shoulder. The second his head made contact with my shoulder, I was overwhelmed with shivers that felt like electric shocks. My heart almost leaped out of my chest. I gasped a little, as my eyes shot open.

"Sorry," he said softly, "can I stay like this for a bit?"

It hurt to be so close to him. I stayed silent, listening to the soft snores from Kisa as she slept on my lap. Both of these Sohmas felt accepted because of me and trusted me the most right now. But, one of them, the one I loved, was causing me great pain. He didn't know he was. So I couldn't tell him.

My eyes dropped to Kisa. Maybe she will heal my heart, the way I did to her.

Three days passed and Kisa was still at Shigure's house, living with us. Mai loved having her over so much, she even went out to buy Kisa new clothes so she wouldn't have to borrow mine. Since Mai did the cooking though, she thought it would be too dangerous for Kisa, so Kisa was always with me - even when I had to use the bathroom.

She patiently waited outside the door. I felt pressured not to take long, so I always found myself rushing when I was in the washroom or when I took showers. And she hasn't left my side since.

There was more laundry to do today, so Kisa decided to help out.

"Okay, Kisa, like this," I explained, folding one of Kyo's shirts into a smal bundle. "Put the sleeves back first, then fold it across the middle." She did as instructed, her small fingers fumbling. I smiled, and ruffled her hair. "Good job, Kisa!"

Mai walked towards us, saying, "How's the laundry going?" Her gaze fell to Kisa's hands, which were folding shirts. "Arya, you're not making little Kisa do all the work, are you?"

"I am not," I mumbled, sighing, "and you're not funny, Mai."

Mai wrapped a protective arm around Kisa's head. "The poor thing!" Mai cried, then released her. "Kisa, I got you a new skirt!" She pulled out behind her a pale blue skirt that went to her knees. It was light, and had a thin layer of lace over it. "I was out shopping and when I saw this, I thought it would look great with that white shirt you wore before," Mai explained, grinning. She crouched down to Kisa's height.

Kisa smiled and nodded her head in agreement.

"Wanna try it on?" Mai asked sweetly. She always had a soft spot for young kids.

Kisa glanced over her shoulder to look at me. I waved my hand, and told her, "It's okay, Kisa. I'm fine here. I'll look at your skirt when you try it on." She took my hand and brought me along anyway. Kyo met up with us while we were walking down the halls of the house, towards my room.

"What's going on?" he asked.

I replied, "Mai wants Kisa to try on some clothes."

He waved his hand. "I'm out." He turned the corner to his room.

Mai brought Kisa inside our bedroom and told her to try on the outfit she suggested before. I noticed that Mai uses her like a dress up doll. But who couldn't resist the urge to throw cute dresses and bows over her? Kisa's adorable!

I patiently waited outside the door for her to get changed. Kyo poked his head out of his room. "Kisa's been following you everywhere," he muttered.

I grinned, "I know."

"And you don't find it annoying?"

"Well -"

Kisa emerged from the room. She slowly pushed the door open, causing the door to creak, making us look in her direction. She was dressed in a white buttoned up shirt, that was tucked into her pastel blue skirt. She smiled shyly and Mai exclaimed, "I knew it would look good on you, Kisa!" She gently patted Kisa's jaw.

"That really is cute..." I admitted and hugged the small girl tightly.

Kyo grumbled and went back to his room. Kisa smiled again. Maybe if she spoke, she would be laughing.

How cute would her laughter be? Cute... cute... That word is overused. But it fits Kisa so well!

"Aw, Kisa!" I said, resting my chin on the top of her head. I rarely did that to anyone. I was pretty short, so it was usually the other way around for me. Kisa felt like a younger sister.

"Mai, I don't mean to sound rude, but shouldn't you be back in the kitchen?" Kyo asked, poking his head out once more.

A weird glint flashed before her eyes, as she snapped her head back at him. "Typical men!" Mai yelled at him.

Kyo snapped back, "Dammit, woman, I said that I didn't mean to sound rude! Didn't you leave the stove on, idiot?"

Mai's eyes widened, as she blushed in embarrassment. "Y-yeah, I did." She rushed to the kitchen.

I rolled my eyes, then felt Kisa twitch under my embrace. She was silently giggling. I held her even closer, laughing.

"So what do you want for lunch, Kisa?" I asked. She stayed silent, moving her head around, and gesturing her hands. Her mouth moved, but no words came. "Oh, Kisa..." I trailed off, feeling bad. I forgot she didn't speak.

"Oh, come on." Kyo said coldly, "It's not that hard. Can't you even say what you wanna eat?"

"Kyo!" I pouted. Kisa gazed into space, not reacting. I let go of her, and spun her around so she was facing me. I said playfully, "How about we let fate decide?"

Kyo raised an eyebrow. "Fate?"

"Was I talking to you, Kyo?" I teased, then sang, "Ta-da!" I pulled out a sheet of paper, with a drawn ladder that had pathways, leading to different choices. "Choose a starting point, Kisa."

Then Yuki walked in, finding the three of us crowded in the hallway over a sheet of paper. He asked, "What's this?"

I opened my mouth to speak, but closed it, turning away. My heart tugged a bit, hitting my ribs at an incredible speed.

Kyo grumbled, answering for me, "Letting fate decide."

"Yeah." I mouthed it out.

Kisa pointed at the start at the far left. I planted my index finger there, and traced along the lines and pathways until I found myself at the bottom of the page. I lifted it, and saw our answer: Leek Omelettes.

I snickered and quickly turned to see Kyo's reaction.

"Did you do that on purpose?" muttered Kyo. Yeah, for Kisa! "Are you trying to kill me?" He twitched in anger.

"Heh, sorry," I chuckled softly to him. I faced the tiger and grinned, "So? Do you want this?" She quickly nodded, and pulled at my shirt. "Perfect. I'll go tell Mai."

I walked towards the kitchen, and as expected, I felt the presence of a small girl following me, only inches apart. When I passed Yuki, I casually walked by and avoided eye contact. That's how it's been for the past three days.

Lunch was over and Kisa silently finished up the rest of her food. I took her plate and passed it to Mai, who was setting up the dishwasher. I helped out, with Kisa patiently waiting beside us.

"Are you okay, Arya?" asked Mai, tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear. "You seem quiet, especially around Yuki."

"Oh," I replied plainly, "I don't really notice it."

Mai smiled, "Is it because he saved you from that truck? Is there romantic tension?"

"No!" I exclaimed, my face flushing. My eyes burned, as I felt the tears come in.

She shrugged. "Okay, sorry! If you have anything you wanna tell me, though, you can tell me."

"Okay," I told her, but said nothing else. I walked out of the kitchen, with Kisa following me.

As I was entering the living room, Yuki called out, "Oh, there you are, Miss Nadeshiko!" Kisa tugged on the belt loop of my pants, then pointed to the direction where Yuki was standing. My eyes must have looked so lifeless. "Would you like to go to the secret base?" Yuki asked.

I'd love to. I hesitated, then opened my mouth, but no sound came out. I nervously wrapped an arm around Kisa, as an excuse.

He added, slightly confused, "She can come, too."

"Uh, Yuki! Hatsuharu's on the phone," Shigure called from the other room.

Yuki gave me a concerned look. "I'll be right back."

I nodded and smiled, then let out a sigh of relief as he left the room. I hugged Kisa, muttering, "That was close, huh?" Kisa nodded her head in reply. "Kisa," I began, "I know he's your relative and all, and I don't want to be so rude to him. I'm just really confused right now."

She shrugged her delicate shoulders under my arms.

I went on, sighing, "I guess it's not helping... not talking to him. It's just- it's so painful to speak with him." I wiped my eyes. "I mean, you wouldn't understand, 'cause you weren't there when it happened." I looked at the tiger, who was staring at me with eyes filled with worry. "Long story short, Kisa, my relationship with Yuki is... confusing for me. And I don't want to cry. I don't want to make things worse."

She nodded again and dried my eyes. She pointed at hers, and raised her eyebrows. I could almost hear her voice saying to me, "Sometimes it's okay to cry, too."

"Thanks, Kisa." I smiled, with still a few tears brimmed at my eyes. She smiled back, her adorable, childish face glowing with relief. It made my heart swell! I tackled her with a big hug again. "Oh, you're too cute, Kisa! I love you!"

We had school the next day and I felt so bad leaving Kisa alone at the house.

"Just stay with Shigure. He'll heat up the food I prepared for you, okay? I'll try to come home as soon as possible," Mai said, patting her head. She walked off to school.

Kisa looked at me, as she was wondering where I was going. I sighed, "I have work today and I might be home late. Help Mai around in the house, if you want." I kissed the top of her head. "You'll be okay, Kisa. Kisa is very strong."

The four of us walked to school. It was a regular, sunny day. It was warm, too, and everyone was making the most out of it. I wished it was raining. Yuki and Mai were chatting about some topic... I wasn't sure what it was. I was always tuning out.

I hit my head against Kyo's shoulder as I was walking, staring at the sky.

"Watch it, will you?" He snapped angrily, "You're spacing out again."

I mumbled, "Sorry."

"What's up with you? Ever since Kisa came, you've been acting weird," he said, with the smallest hint of concern.

I answered, shaking my head, "It's not Kisa."

I avoided Yuki again at school today, with my head hung low, textbooks hugged tightly to my chest, as I scurried off to my next class. I didn't say much either. I made sure not to make it noticeable to Saki and Arisa though. They would be too worried about me, and Arisa would probably hurt Yuki, or worse - they'd find out about their secret in the process.

I've already done enough. I don't want to make Yuki hate me. In fact, he does love me. But it wasn't enough. It wasn't the same way I felt about him. Am I selfish?

Time went by slow at the Sohma building where I worked. I finally saved up enough money to pay off my school trip funds, so Mai no longer worked with me.

Momiji hopped towards me, and smiled, "Haru, Yuki and Mai hung out outside the school today! Why weren't you there?"

I paused. "Had homework to catch up on." I lied.

He nodded slowly, but I could tell he wasn't convinced. "Arya, what's the matter? You can tell me."

"I don't feel well," I said simply.

"What happened? Is it Kisa?"

I sighed, "Never. Kisa wouldn't do something like that... Actually, I think she's healing me."

"I hope you heal quickly, then." Momiji smiled.

The conversation was quick. I was a bit glad that he got the hint though, about how I didn't want to get too deep into the subject. Momiji quickly kissed me on the cheek, causing me to blush a bright pink. He stuck out his tongue in a teasing fashion. "Speaking of Kisa... I think you should go home now. I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Yeah. Thank you, Momiji." I went to my locker, changed out of my work uniform, and got my things. I walked back home, with only the street lamp posts as my light source. My bag felt heavier than usual, and my arm grew numb from carrying it.

"Sissy!" a soft, sweet, voice said.

I snapped my head up, searching for the source of the voice. My gaze fell on a small girl, rushing towards me, with a dazzling smile plastered on her adorable face.

"Sissy!" she called out, her voice ringing a high soprano.

I dropped my things in surprise. "K-Kisa," I murmured to myself, gasping. A huge grin grew on my face. "Kisa!" I opened my arms, feeling my heart swell. Kisa ran into my arms, hugging me tightly. I rested my chin on her head. "Your voice!" I whispered, my eyes closed, "Now I want to have so many conversations with you, Kisa!"

"Sissy," she said back in a cute whisper and cupped my face in her smooth hands, pulling me closer. She muttered in my ear, "It's your turn to speak."

"Pardon?" I asked, confused. Her words didn't sound like hers - they sounded wise, even. I looked up, and my heart nearly skipped a beat.

Yuki was standing in front of me. "Miss Nadeshiko." He greeted me with a weak smile. He must have walked Kisa here.

"It's your turn to speak."

"Y-Yuki," I said softly, his name easily rolling off my tongue. I smiled, my heart beating very quickly.

"Miss Nadeshiko?" He hasn't heard my voice in a while.

"Yuki!" I exclaimed.

"Yes?" he asked, chuckling a bit at the name game we were playing.

"Do... do you still want me to come to your secret base? If that's okay? I'd love to see it again," I said nervously.

He smiled warmly, "Sure."

I raised a suspicious eyebrow. "Were you with Kisa when you crossed the street?"

He laughed gently, "Yes, I was. Now come on, let's go home."

With Kisa in the middle, we all walked back, hand in hand. The sky was dark, with only the moon the visible thing in the sky. Yuki and I exchanged looks and smiled at each other, the moonlight shining on his pale face.

I was glad it wasn't raining.

Kisa and I were there for each other and we gave each other strength to speak again. When she left the house to go back to school, I sort of missed having her follow me around the house, but that was selfish of me.

I had trouble getting up this morning again. Luckily for me, it was the weekend. I stirred in my sleep, tossing and turning in attempt to get comfortable and fall back asleep, when I heard the phone ring. I let out a tired groan, and shifted over, hiding under my sheets.

I heard Mai pick it up. "Hello?" She answered rather loudly. I moaned, burying my face in my pillow. She went on, exclaiming, "Reina? Sango?"

I tried to ignore her voice and go back to sleep. I smacked my lips and laid on my side. My eyelids grew heavy. Just when I thought sleep was going to take over, Mai spoke again, "Yeah, how are you? Heh, I'm fine, really!"

My eyes shot open. I groaned, as I rolled off the bed, and stomped downstairs towards her. Mai continued her conversation, "Oh! Really? How'd you-? Uhuh... Well, um- no! Not a problem. Really, it's no trouble at all!"

"Quiet down!" I hissed at her, scratching the back of my neck.

Mai shot a look at me, then went back to the phone, biting her nails. "Sure, if that's the only time you're here, then of course."

I raised an eyebrow in confusion. I remember those names... Sango and Reina, huh? Those were the friends she made at high school. But she stayed back a year so they must be at college or university. What are they planning?

Mai nodded her head, giggling nervously. "Hah! Yeah, okay, see you... Okay. Hah! Bye!" She hung up and exhaled.

"What was that all about?" I questioned.

She smiled nervously and sweat dropped. "Funny story. Uh- m-my friends, Reina and Sango -"

"Yeah? What about them?"

"They're coming over to the house in a few hours and they're sleeping over."

The timing couldn't get any worse. Right when Mai finished her sentence, the rest of the household decided to enter the room.

"What?" the Sohma boys and I cried together.

"Yeah, so funny, Mai!" I added sarcastically.

She put her hands up in front of her face in defense. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! That's the only time they could get off school, and they're really worried about me and -"

"The last time we had outsiders sleep over, we almost exposed the Sohma secret!" Kyo snapped.

Yuki sighed, "You stupid cat, quit shouting this early."

"Yeah," I agreed, massaging my temples.

"Early?" Mai and Kyo gasped, "It's eleven in the morning!"

"Morning!" I repeated, emphasizing the word.

"But anyways," Yuki said, "Mai, you can't just make decisions like this without consulting us."

"I know -" she began.

Kyo cut in. "And at least we knew that Yankee and Wave Girl! We don't know your friends!"

Shigure took the opportunity to step in. "Yes, and uh- what kind of girls are your friends, Mai?"

She answered, "Sango is really girly and she's shy. Reina's very clumsy but she's very smart! They're great friends. Once you get to know them, I know you'll see why! They won't be any trouble, I promise!"

Yuki sighed, covering his face with his hands. Shigure nodded his head, stroking his chin. "Much better than Arya's friends, I will admit that. University girls... not high school, but close enough." He mumbled to himself. He stuck a hand into the air and announced, "I say we have them over!"

Kyo's fist sent him flying. "You damn pervert!" he yelled, his face twitching.

Yuki went on, "Mai, what will happen when they arrive? The don't know us, so won't they be shocked to see you living with us?"

I agreed. "Yeah, and we'll have to keep them entertained. They are our guests, after all. We can't just throw down a deck of cards like before."

Shigure finally came back, adjusting his robe. "I volunteer to entertain the girls!" He giggled, straightening his back, only to be knocked out by Kyo again.

"Bastard," Kyo grumbled, then faced us again. "If they do come, I don't want to talk to 'em."

"That's not being a good host," Yuki muttered.

"Shut up!" Kyo waved a finger at him, "These are Mai's friends, not mine, you damn rat!"

"But they're coming because they found out I'm living with the Sohmas. They wanted to see if it was true. Plus, they miss me... They went off to university without me, and I want to see them again. I might not get a chance like this in a really long time." She explained softly, looking down. "Please?" She begged in a gentle tone.

Yuki and Kyo looked at her, in defeat, and sighed together. "Fine."

"Aw, you guys are the best." She grinned, wrapping her arms around their shoulders and brought them close.

"Uh-!" Kyo choked out, a shocked expression on his face.

Poof!

He snapped in his cat form, making everyone look down at his level, "You better not do that when they come, stupid!"

Mai blushed, covering her mouth that was in an "o" shape. "Sorry, I guess I forgot..."

"Okay, okay, everyone! Prepare the house for Mai's guests!" Shigure exclaimed, clapping his hands together.

Yuki and I sweatdropped. "Someone's excited," I mumbled.

Shigure continued giggling like a school girl, flicking his wrist to open one of his paper fans. He fanned himself, covering the little, mischievous smirk he had on his face.

Mai sighed, wiping the sweat off her brow, as she mopped the kitchen floor, and scrubbed the sinks. I started by cleaning our bedroom, preparing it for her friends by laying out some mattresses and blankets.

"Need any help?" Yuki asked, peeking in.

I smiled, "I just finished. But thank you."

He walked in, a confused, and worried look etched on his handsome features. "What... what are Mai's friends like?"

I shrugged. "I haven't seen them in a while." I've never met them!

He just nodded his head. "They should be arriving soon." He froze at the door, and faced me. "Oh, and Mai says she wants you to wear something nicer."

I cocked my head to the side. I had on a simple maroon shirt and khaki pants. I frowned, "Is what I'm wearing right now not nice?"

It was his turn to shrug. "Mai's orders. Not mine."

"Someone's a pushover!" I teased in a sing-song voice. He didn't reply, so I smirked, "I'm just kidding, don't worry."

He smiled, then left the room, closing the door behind him. I took that time to get changed. I slipped on something that wasn't the most comfortable, but would please Mai's liking. I squeezed in olive green coloured jeggings and a grey sweater that had a yellow heart in the middle. I walked around, trying to get used to the tight clothing. I looked in the mirror to fix my hair. My eyes hid behind my bangs. My hair grew to shoulder length, too.

I should get a haircut, I thought, sweeping my long bangs to the side, and pinning them. Finally, I came downstairs, and saw Mai still cleaning.

"Hey," I told her. "Hey!"

"Mm?" She responded, not turning to face me. She continued scrubbing the sink.

"You know they're coming soon," I stated.

"Shit," she mumbled and dropped all her equipment, causing it to clatter on the floor. She rushed upstairs without another word, the last glimpse I saw of her was her long, caramel coloured hair.

There was a knock on the door. Instantly, Mai's eyes lit up and she sprinted towards the entrance. I've honestly never seen her run that fast.

Kyo and Yuki came out of their rooms, and followed her towards the door to greet them. Both of them had a nervous look on their face. Mai grabbed the handle to the door. She took a deep breath, then pulled it to the side.

Kyo, Yuki and I exchanged glances. "Just act natural, and stay beside me," I instructed.

That was the only thing I could say, really, before our guests walked in, and we had to introduce ourselves.