Here we are. I won't keep you here long, I'll talk about stuff at the bottom and what not.

I disclaim everything but Kim and a few others.


Kim stood in front of her mirror at her apartment, looking at her reflection. The stitched in her stomach were out, and all that was left was yet another scar on her body. She looks in her own eyes, trying not to focus on her thoughts.

She was finally one hundred percent safe from him… from them. It was bittersweet. She lets go of her shirt, letting it fall over her stomach. She looks down, her blood running cold. For a few seconds, all she saw on her hands was blood. She tries to wipe it away on her shirt, but it wasn't coming off. She blinks, seeing her normal, bloodless hands.

Safety, yes… but at what cost?

She looks in her own eyes, "This is nothing to feel bad about," she says to her reflection. "His blood is on his own hands, it's his fault. You had no other choice." In her icy eyes, she sees doubt, "It was either him, or you… he did unspeakable things to you. He deserved worse."

She looks down at her own hands, seeing no blood, just her own small, dainty fingers. She nods, turning and walking to her closet. She was going over to Kyoya's today, so he had to get dressed in something other than pajamas. It was getting colder and colder by the day, so she ended up wearing a black tank top with silver swirls under cashmere hooded sweater, which had nothing to keep it closed. She wore dark blue jeans and some converse. She decided against make up and put her shoulder length hair into a pony tail. Right now her hair was normal, wanting it to be her pale blonde for once. Around her neck was her necklace, where it belongs.

Once she was done, she takes a Pepsi, and Kim walks out her apartment and into the elevator. Walking quickly, she gets into her car and cranks it up, sparing no time to wait for the heater to warm before she starts to back up. Her radio was off, for once. She just didn't feel like listening to music. She hasn't really, since what happened.

After a bit, she pulls into the Ootori drive way, sitting there with her head against the wheel. "It'll be fine," She tells herself, "It'll be ok."

She looks up, taking a deep breath, she grabs her soda and runs quickly inside the house. The second she gets into the house the arms of Fuyumi hug her close.

"Hey," Kim says, giving her a small smile.

"It's good to see you," She says, pulling her into the kitchen. "Mom made some hot chocolate."

"Would you like some," She asks.

"That would be nice," Kim says, smiling at the cook who starts to prepare it for her.

"Kyoya is running a few errands," Mrs. Ootori says as Kim slides into the seat in front of her.

"Oh, ok," She says. The cook sets a cup of hot chocolate in front of her, "Thank you."

He nods, leaving a bag of mini marshmallows with her.

"Are you…ok?" Fuyumi asks.

"Fuyumi," Mrs. Ootori says, "You don't just ask!"

"Not really," Kim says, looking at her cup as she takes a handful of marshmallows, and sprinkling them on top. "I just… it hurts to think about... to talk about. But I'll be ok." She takes a spoon, stirring her drink, "I mean… the memories will hurt forever. Even old scars hurt sometimes... perhaps not physically, but emotionally. But I'll overcome this."

"Oh," Fuyumi says, nodding.

"Kyoya asked you both not to bring it up, didn't he?"

"Technically…" Fuyumi says.

"Yes," Mrs. Ootori says, "He did. We just had to know if you're alright, dear."

"I'd like to know if I am too," She says, taking a sip.

"You know where here for you," The elder Ootori says, "We always will be."

"I know," She says, taking a drink.

Then, thankfully, Fuyumi changed the subject about the upcoming holiday season. Her and her husband were planning on having a Christmas Eve party and she wanted Kim to be there. Kim agrees, saying it would be a nice change of pace. Talks of holiday gifts and things of such nature continue for a few hours or so.

Kim yawns, "Um… would it be ok if I sleep here?"

"Of course," She says smiling at her.

Kim stands, "Thanks for the hot chocolate." She turns, leaving the room and going up the stairs. She quickly finds Kyoya's room, closing the door behind her. It didn't take her long to take off her shoes and sweater. She gets under the covers, not pulling them to her as she lays there. There's a faint aroma of mint on the covers and pillow. She closes her eyes, some tears coming from them.

Some things can never be forgotten, and what has happened will certainly be one of those.

An hour later, Kyoya walks into his house, going into the kitchen and handing his mother the package she had him get for her.

"Thanks," She says, looking for something to open it with. She finds a knife, slicing open the tape and opening the box. "Do you think Kim will wear this for the Christmas party?"

His mother pulls out a very red and very sparkly dress that reaches the floor. She held it up to Kim's height is, a smile on her face.

"I'm sure she would," Kyoya says. Kim could never reject things like this from his mom. It always made Kim feel like she's taking advantage of her, but she just can't say no when she sees Mrs. Ootori's face.

His mother smiles, "Good, I already have shoes for her and everything!"

"You know how she feels about you doing this, right," Kyoya asks, sitting next to his sister, who was smiling at the two of them.

"Yes, I do," She says, "But red is just her color, I couldn't help it!"

"Mom," Kyoya says, looking at her with a sad smile on his face, "Buying her things won't make it go away any faster. If it worked that way, I would have already done it."

Her smile falters, "I know… I'm just trying to treat her as I normally do."

Fuyumi nods, "We both are, to show her that what happened changes nothing between us or how we think of her."

Kyoya nods. He remains quiet as he watched his sister and mom talk out the shoes as well.

"These were 900 American dollars," She says, a smile on her face.

"Mom," Kyoya says, "That's 68,661 yen."

"Was it," She asks, "Well, I hope she likes them!"

Kyoya just sighs, knowing that there's no way to stop them.

"Are YOU ok," Fuyumi asks, looking at him with worry.

"I'm not sure," He says, looking out the window.

"She'll be fine."

"I know," He says, "You just didn't see her. She was so scared and then, she snapped…"

"Are you afraid of her?"

"No," He says, "Afraid for her."

He stands, "I'm going to go to bed."

"Good night," the two females say, returning to talking about the dress.

Kyoya gets into his room, going into his bathroom. It didn't take long for him to shower and get ready to sleep, because he was exhausted. He looks up, seeing the sleeping form of Kim in his bed.

A small smile graces his face as he walks over, pulling the covers over her.

"Kyoya," She asks, her eyes barely open.

"It's ok," He says, "just go back to sleep."

"Only if you're here," she says.

He walks around to the other side of the bed, lying next to her. He pulls her into his arms, giving her a kiss on the forehead. "It'll be ok."

"Will it," She asks, looking at him.

"Yes," He says, "It will."

She snuggles closer to him, for the first time in a while, goes asleep without nightmares.

TT

Kim looks at herself in the mirror once Mrs. Ootori was done. She just stares at herself. The red dress was beautiful. It showed off a lot of her back, which she wasn't exactly too thrilled about. Actually, it shows off all of her back. It tied behind her neck, thankful it wasn't strapless or else it would never stay on. It hand those 'invisable' bands that she puts her arms though that were her 'sleeves' that kept it from showing off too much of her sides. It was tight around her hips and waist, which shows off her figure, which is another thing was wasn't exactly excited about. The heels made her just four inches smaller than Kyoya, which would make it easier for them to dance if they so choose. Her hair was down, but with waves which made it look like a blonde waterfall. In her ears were ruby earrings that she was borrowing from Fuyumi. She had on her necklace with the rings, it will never leave her neck again. Her eyes had light silver on the lid and as eyeliner, just to make her eyes shine. Her eyes didn't look sad, they look happy. She smiles to herself, today is a happy occasion… she should be happy.

Kim looks in her eyes once again, "You will be happy."

She then stands straight, keeping her shoulders back and her eyes still looking into hers. For the first time, she looked at herself and she thought and felt… well, sexy… in a ridiculous sort of way.

She hears the door open, she turns, seeing Kyoya there. "Hello," She says, a smile on her face.

"You look stunning," He says, walking over.

Her face blushes, looking down she says, "I feel ridiculous."

"Really?"

"Yes," she says. His eyes look at her, knowing she wasn't saying something. "In a weird sexy sort of way."

"That's what I thought," He says, holding out his arms. "Don't worry, you're beautiful."

"Don't you mean ridiculously sexy?"

"No, I mean beautiful."

Kim smiles, walking towards the door. She stops making him stop with her. She looks up at him. "I… I don't know…" she says.

"It'll be ok," He says, taking her face in his hands. "Everyone there knows you, no one is going to hurt you ever again."

She nods, closing her eyes. "I'm just… scared, I guess."

He rests his forehead on hers, "It'll be fine, I promise."

"I love you, Kyo," she whispers.

"I love you too," He says, capturing her lips with his.

A few minutes later, they were walking into the ball room, ready to face not only the people, but their future as well.

The End


This is bittersweet. Bitter because my first fanfiction is ending. My baby. -sniffles-

Thank you all who have reviewed! I have two very special thank yous. To IthinkIthinktoomuch, for being my first reviewer ever. That made my entire week when I saw your review. And to Aurora-16, for not only being my most constant reviewer, but for every kind word and cyber snack and drink. You are the best!

Now, for the good stuff.

Squeal?

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YES!

Though, I'm not sure how to go about it. Should it be a full on story, or just a series of one shots? One shots that don't go in chronological order, but you get to see some fun sides and some good times of Kim. So, I'll leave on my page a poll for you all to post. I'll give it about a week or so.

So, their story is not over, just this chapter in it. You will get to see Kim and Kyoya again and see how their lives end up and what color Kim dyes her hair next. Happier times are ahead. I don't think I could ever harm Kim again after what I put her though in this. And, lets be honest here, that ending up there without a squeal would have been, without a better word, shit.

So, chio, and go vote on the poll! :) I love you all and you all hold a dear place in my heart. After all, without readers, there would be no point in me writing this at all.

- Bunnyninja