Chapter 18: Graduation
Erin was in bed under about 10 blankets. Maybe if she hid he wouldn't find her. She knew it was late. Everyone was probably asleep by now. That's usually when he came. She looked over at Henry.
"Maybe he won't find us in here." She whispered to him.
She knew he wouldn't answer her, him being a toy and all. But she still talked to him. She needed a friend.
It was her first day of middle school tomorrow. Maybe he wanted her to sleep.
Maybe if she fell asleep he wouldn't wake her.
Maybe she could run away.
Maybe she could put on more pajamas to keep her safe.
Maybe she could put something in front of the door.
Maybe she could hide in Jirou's room.
She sat huddled under the blankets feeling sick.
She heard the door open and she peeked out of the blankets to see him standing over her bed.
"Um.. I don't feel so good. Can I just go to bed? Please?" She whined.
"You can go to bed after." He said flatly.
Erin started to cry. "Please don't!"
"Stop!" Erin yelled sitting up quickly. She was Sweating and shaking. She looked around. Where was she? She turned on the light to see her room at Shigure's.
It was a dream. Just a dream. Just a dream.
Her stomach was turning. She hadn't had a vivid nightmare like that in a while. It felt like she was really back there.
Suddenly she felt sick and ran to the bathroom, where she dry heaved in the sink.
After, she shakily took a sip of water and rinsed off her face.
"Shit." She swore, taking a breath. She had to sleep, her graduation was tomorrow.
She went back to her room and laid on her bed.
She looked at her clock. It was 2 in the morning. She grabbed her phone and called Hatori. She didn't know if he would answer or not.
"Are you okay?" He said on the other line, not even trying to hide the worry in his voice.
"Yeah I'm sorry to wake you... I just wanted to hear your voice." She said sadly, wiping a tear from her face.
"What happened?" He asked sternly.
"Just a bad dream. I'm sorry, I should go." She started.
"Erin."
"Yeah?" She sniffed.
"It's over. He won't ever hurt you again. You're safe, I promise." He said gently.
Erin took a deep breath.
"Okay."
"Get some sleep. You have a big day ahead of you." He said.
"I know I'm sorry." She sighed.
"I love you." He said.
"I love you too." She said hanging up.
She laid back down. Still feeling uneasy. She got up and locked the door then dove under her blankets.
She sighed and closed her eyes. Hopefully sleep could find her.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Erin finished curling her hair. She looked at herself. She was wearing the white lace dress And ribbons.
She didn't get much sleep after her dream so she was exhausted.
She hoped she could get through this day easily. She grabbed the necklace Hatori gave her and fiddled with the diamond.
Why is she starting to have dreams like this again? It seems in the week or two since her and Hatori were together, her dreams had gotten worse. She seemed to be having them every night. And of course there was the unspeakable dreams where Hatori was the one attacking her.
She tried to block those out as much as possible.
She was confused. It's not like she had any regrets about what had happened. She was happy. It was nice to experience what it was supposed to be like. So why the nightmares? Why can't she just be happy for once?
She took a deep breathe and tried to forget about her dreams and walked downstairs, to see Shigure in a suit.
"Now don't tell me you dressed up on my behalf." Erin laughed.
He smiled. "Well it's a special day after all. Besides if I don't dress nice I think Hatori will kill me." He laughed.
"I'm assuming you know?" She asked.
He nodded. "It's kind of obvious, to me at least."
Erin deflated. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry. Now I've known Hatori for a long time. I've never seen him as happy as he is now. I'm glad he has you." Shigure said simply.
Erin smiled as she heard someone run in.
"Congraduation!" Momiji yelled excited, diving to hug her. Kyo caught him just in time. "Hold it lover boy. Nobody wants a bunny running around."
"Aw but Erin doesn't mind! And I'm so happy!" Momiji said sadly.
"Momiji, please settle down." Hatori said sternly entering the kitchen.
"I'm sorry Hari. I wouldn't want you to get jealous of me hugging her." Momiji laughed.
Erin and Hatori's cheeks turned pink and Shigure laughed.
Erin noticed Momiji was wearing nice clothes and so was Kyo.
Then Tohru and Yuki came down also in nice clothes.
"Are we all ready?" Tohru said happily.
Erin raised her eyebrows in surprise. "You're all going? But why? I mean I'm sure you have much more important things to do than just my graduation."
"Don't be silly we wouldn't miss this! This is exciting!" Tohru said happily.
"Yeah, and we're proud of you Erin!" Momiji said happily.
"I'm only going cause our class made all the paper flowers. I didn't put in all the work for nothing." Kyo grumbled.
"So it's settled. Let's go!" Shigure said happily.
Erin teared up. She never thought- never dreamed so many people would care about her like this. She looked at Hatori and he smiled at her.
She wiped her eyes and nodded. "Okay, lets go!"
As they all walked outside Hatori lightly grabbed her wrist and looked her over. "Are you okay? Last night." He started.
"Oh, it's nothing I'm alright." She said trying placate him.
He nodded but still watched her, like she was going to say more.
"You worry too much. You're gonna get wrinkles." Erin laughed giving him a nudge and headed to the car.
Hatori frowned slightly. He didn't worry too much. Everyone just gave him so much to worry about.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
"I can't do this. There's gonna be way too many people. I'll definitely trip and look like a complete idiot." Erin babbled and paced. They were in their classroom waiting for the ceremony to begin.
"Come on you'll be fine." Kai said trying to console her. "We should just be celebrating the fact that we're actually graduating. Especially me." She said matter of factly.
Two girls happily walked past them. "I'm telling you he was the most attractive man I've ever seen."
Kai shot Erin a look. 'Is Hatori here?' She mouthed.
Erin sighed and nodded. Kai was still obsessed with him.
"Sorry ladies, he's taken." Kai said shrugging.
Erin's eyes widened and she hit Kai's arm. But Kai continued.
"What do you mean Kai? You didn't even see him." The one girl said, clearly annoyed.
"Lemme guess, tall, wearing a suit, black hair long bangs on one side, beautiful eyes?" Kai said crossing her arms.
The girls looked at each other. "Okay, so maybe you did see him. How do you know he's taken?"
Kai laughed. "Cause he's Hatori. Erin's boyfriend." She said pointing to Erin who was trying to walk away from this conversation.
The two girls broke out in laughter. "Funny joke Kai! How stupid do you think we are. Like we'd believe an ugly girl like Erin could get a man like that." They laughed.
Erin twitched. How can they say that right in front of her. She felt her anger rising.
"It's not a joke." She said quietly.
The girls laughed more. "Look she does talk to someone besides Kai. What a loser."
Erin clenched her fists. She wasn't going to take this kind of bullshit from people anymore. She was tired of it.
"I said it wasn't a joke!" She yelled pushing the one girl down to the ground. Hard.
Everyone gasped and stared at her. Erin's eyes widened. She couldn't believe she actually did that.
"You bitch! How dare you touch me!" She yelled.
That's when Mayu-sensei walked in. She raised a brow, looking at Erin. "What's going on?"
"She just pushed me!" The girl said angrily.
"Yeah but they asked for it!" Kai yelled. "They we're making fun of her!"
Erin was getting overwhelmed at all the yelling.
"Both of you stop. Right now. It's graduation. Please. Just separate. I don't wanna prevent anyone from graduating because of a petty fight." Mayu-sensei said.
"Erin come with me." Mayu said ushering her out.
Erin hung her head and walked out with her.
"I'm sorry Sensei, I don't know what came over me. Please let me graduate." She said bowing low.
Mayu laughed. "Don't worry I heard the whole thing. You're not in trouble. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
"Oh. Yeah.. I'm fine." Erin said quietly looking down.
"Alright. Well no more pushing. Let's get through the rest of the day peacefully, okay?" Mayu said smiling.
Erin nodded and went back to the classroom.
Mayu smiled. Erin was sweet. She couldn't believe the nerve of some girls. Luckily she was there and not another teacher. She would look after her. She made Hatori happy. She had too. For him.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
The ceremony went off without a hitch. Luckily Erin didn't trip in front of everyone, and she finally got her diploma.
She couldn't believe school was actually done. She did it. She couldn't believe she actually passed.
After the ceremony everyone crowded the auditorium to meet their families.
Erin knew Hatori and them wouldn't be by the large crowd. She exited the auditorium and saw them standing waiting for her.
"Erin! You did amazing!" Tohru and Momiji exclaimed running towards her. Tohru pulled her into a hug and she smiled.
"Yeah I didn't trip, so that's a relief." She said happily as Tohru released her from the hug. The three of them chatted excitedly when Erin felt a hand on her shoulder.
She looked behind her to see Hatori. He seemed happy, Erin smiled wide.
"Congratulations, I'm proud of you." He said giving her shoulder a squeeze.
"Ah Hari you guys are so cute!" Momiji said happily. Erin's face flushed. Hatori gave Momiji a look and he giggled.
"Yes, you two do make a good couple. How bout a photo?" Shigure said happily snapping a picture of them.
"Heh, I probably don't look good enough for a photo." Erin mumbled.
"Here it is!" Shigure exclaimed handing her the photo. "What?! That fast!?" Erin exclaimed. She thought it took a while to print a picture.
She looked at the black picture. "There's nothing here." She said sadly.
"You need to shake it." Hatori said taking the photo and shaking it for her.
"Erin, you've never done a Polaroid before?" Momiji giggled.
Erin shook her head. The biggest technological devices she had was her phone and her Walkman tape player. Although she did always want the cd version.
Momiji laughed. "You're like Kyo. When their class did Cinderella he didn't know what a CD was. Shigure told him it was a national broadcast." He said laughing and Shigure laughed as well at the memory.
"Oh you two shut it. Like I'm supposed to know every little thing." Kyo said crossing his arms.
"Oh I remember that. That was...something." Erin said recalling the odd performance. "You guys have that on video?" She laughed.
They all nodded. "Well I know what I'm watching tonight." Erin said matter of factly.
"Oh come on! That dumb play will haunt me forever." Kyo complained.
"At least you're weren't forced to be the fairy god mother." Yuki sighed.
"Well I don't know about you guys but I'm starving. Let's go out to eat to celebrate!" Shigure said happily.
They all agreed happily and started walking away. Hatori grabbed her hand gently and she looked at him.
"I really am proud of you." He smiled handing her the photo.
She looked down and to her surprise saw a picture where there was none before. The two of them together smiling. She would treasure it forever.
"You ready?" He asked extending his hand. She took his hand and nodded.
As he led her out to join everyone someone called out her name.
"Erin!" The voice called.
"Yeah wait up!" Another voice called.
Erin froze. Of course she knew the voices. She turned around to see her cousin Mitsuki running towards her and basically jump on her to hug her.
"I haven't seen you in so long! I was so worried." Mitsuki cried. Cried? Was she crying? She must be, Erin could feel the wetness on her shoulder. Erin glanced over her shoulder to see Mitsuki's twin Jirou.
"Long time no see, Erin." He said patting her head.
As Mitsuki finally released her, Erin could see the tear streaks on her face. Mitsuki held her face in her hands and retied the ribbon in her hair.
"What are you guys doing here?" Erin questioned. She hadn't seen them since she left home. Not like she talked to them much. Erin made it a habit to distance herself from her entire family.
Mitsuki and Jirou were twins and her aunt and uncle's pride and joy. When Erin was younger they were all close. But by the time everything started going on, Erin shut them out and distanced herself from everyone.
They both had dark hair like hers but they both had bright blue eyes instead of brown. Which Erin was always jealous of. She got her dads brown eyes.
Erin was confused as to why they were here. They graduated 2 years ago. Then a sickening thought flooded her brain that almost made her pass out.
"Is- is he?" She started quietly.
"No. Of course not. We came ourselves." Jirou said looking away. He looked angry. She deflated slightly. Was he mad at her?
"Erin, we came to see you graduate. And we um.. wanted to talk to you ourselves. We were hoping we could take you to get something to eat maybe?" Mitsuki started avoiding her eye contact.
Erin blinked and suddenly remember Hatori and everyone else. She looked back at Hatori. He was watching the three of them and patiently waiting.
"I'll be right back." Erin says while running back to Hatori.
He looks down at her and suddenly she's nervous. She takes a breath and looks up at him. "I'm gonna go with them. If that's okay. I need to talk to them." She said flatly.
Hatori looked over at her cousins. He didn't want her to go with them. He wanted to take her away from them and take her to celebrate her graduation.
But, he knew those were selfish thoughts. Erin didn't have much family as it is. He couldn't keep her from the family she did have left.
"Alright. Go with them. I'll explain the situation to everyone." He said flatly.
She nodded and went to go back to them, Hatori grabbed her wrist. She looked back at him surprised. He gave her her shoulders a squeeze as he tried to think of something to say.
He didn't like that she was going. What if she ran into him? He wouldn't be able to protect her like he promised. He ran his hands down her arms and brought his hands back to his sides.
"If you run into any trouble, call me. I will come get you immediately, okay?" He said sternly but Erin could hear the slight worry in his voice.
She nodded. "I'll be alright." She said running back towards them.
Hatori watched as she ran back towards them. He could see her cousins staring at him. He didn't blame them. He did make quite a scene at their house.
God, he hoped she'd be okay.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Erin sat in a ramen shop with her cousins unsure of what to say to them.
They talked slightly about their lives and about Erin graduating.
The small talk was nice but Erin wanted to know what they want to talk to her about.
"So what did you wanna talk about?" Erin asked finishing her ramen.
Her cousins gave each other a look.
"It's about what happened the other week. With Hatori-san." Mitsuki started.
Erin's breathing hitched. She really didn't know all the details of the night and what Hatori did. All she knew his hand was hurt and he got her things.
"I apologize. I shouldn't have told him anything. He sometimes gets a little over protective with me." Erin said bowing her head slightly.
Jirou clenches his fist. "You're apologizing? That's rich." He grumbled.
"Jirou, you promised you wouldn't get upset." Mitsuki said grabbing his arm.
Erin swallowed hard. He was that mad? Hatori was right she shouldn't have come. She could text Hatori right now. She knew he would rush over here. But for some reason she was to nervous to move.
"I am upset Suki! For years that asshole was doing that to her and.. and I had no idea!" He said clearly flustered.
Erin was confused. They weren't mad at her? The confusion must've read plainly on her face, because Mitsuki grabbed her hand.
"Erin, you don't have to apologize. We should be apologizing. We never knew that was happening to you. It wasn't until..." tears sprung from her eyes but she kept going. "Until I heard him admit it."
"Yeah well our father is just lucky I wasn't there. I would've beaten him to a pulp along with Hatori-san." Jirou said resting his head on the table.
Erin didn't know what to say. It seemed she was always at fault. She didn't know what to do when it was the other way around.
"I- I don't understand..." She started. She guessed it made sense they felt this way. But still.
"When Suki told me I was in denial- at first anyway." Jirou said unable to keep eye contact with her.
"All I could think about was the memory you came into my room one night. It was late and you were terrified. You were shaking and asked me for help. Then my father came in and took you back to your room." Jirou said a tear silently falling down his face.
Erin remembered that. It was summer break. She was only what, 12? Maybe 13? Mitsuki was at summer camp and Jirou hurt his ankle playing sports so he couldn't go. And Erin would never have the luxury of going away for a summer.
Going and hiding in Jirou's room was just one of her many 'ideas' to get away from him.
Before he could get to her room she ran to his room and shut the door behind her.
"Erin?" Jirou asked rubbing his eyes and turning on a light. His eyes widened slightly at her terrified state. She was visibly shaking. Erin didn't talk to him much so her coming in here was surprising.
"Please help me, I'm scared." She cried while climbing into his bed and hiding under the covers and hiding against his back. He was only 15 but Jirou was much bigger than Erin was, so she hid behind him easily.
Jirou wasn't sure what to do about his cousin's odd behavior. Why is she so freaked out? He could feel her trembling. Maybe a bad dream?
"Erin it's okay-" he started but then his dad walked into his room. He didn't look happy.
"Erin don't wake up Jirou. It's rude. Go back to your room." He said sternly and Jirou could feel the trembling increase.
He was used to his parents talking to Erin in a pretty shitty way. But it was kind of expected. She was always misbehaving and lashing out. However, he couldn't shake the feeling that something bad was going on.
"Dad, it's fine. I don't care. I'm not sleeping anyway. Erin can hang with me for a bit." Jirou said.
"No. It's time to go to bed. Now. Let's go Erin." He said sternly. Erin slowly and shakily left his bed and walked out.
She never came back to his room again, and seemed to avoid him more after it. Jirou didn't think to far into it, but it still bothered him.
So when Suki told him what happened... what had been going on.. what he admitted to, he didn't want to believe it.
Of course he didn't want to believe it. But then everything started to piece together. And the reason she came to his room all those years ago finally made sense.
He looked at her now, sitting across from him at the ramen shop. She looked much better than the last time he saw her on her birthday.
Things had been getting worse with her it seemed leading up to her birthday. She had stopped eating and ditching school all the time. His mom was so frustrated and always complained about it.
Of course he was so busy with his college work he paid no attention to it. He was selfish. It wasn't until she ran off and never came back that he realized he shouldn't have been so selfish.
His family never called the police. His father refused to. Saying it was no use. She was of age.
He would never have guessed a few months later some guy would show up and beat his father up and bring all of it up again. Suki and himself honestly thought they would never hear from her again.
But here she is. Healthy, happy, and doing much better. She had gained the weight she had lost from not eating back, and even started going to school again. This Hatori Sohma she's been with is taking good care of her.
He saw him at the graduation, the way he was with her and smiled at her. He wanted to walk up to him and introduce himself and thank him. For doing what he couldn't. But he just stared at him. He couldn't swallow his pride and tell him.
He sighed. "Look Erin. We came to see you today to apologize. Both of us. We understand if you never want to talk to us again." Jirou said bowing his head.
Erin looked at him. Jirou and her were so close when they were younger. And now.. they were torn apart. If things were different and none of that happened.. she could've been happy. Had a family and real siblings.
But there was no use thinking about that now. For better or worse this was her life. And Jirou and Mitsuki punishing themselves wasn't changing anything.
Erin reaches across the table and grabbed Jirou's hand and smiled.
"It's okay. There's nothing you two have to apologize for. If anything I should apologize for shutting you guys out. I should've told you guys. And I'm sorry for running away. It wasn't you guys it was him..." she started before getting anxious at mentioning him.
"It's okay, you'll never see him again." Mitsuki assured.
"Yeah. Mom left him. Well more like she kicked him out. Shortly after everything went down and she found out the truth." Jirou said.
"She told us to tell you she's sorry. She understands she made a lot of mistakes. But she said she's glad you're happy." Mitsuki said.
Erin contemplated her Aunt. She was never close with her. And she was rather cold. But if she's realized what had been going on.. maybe she could change? She didn't know if she could.
"Look what we're saying is, that things are going to be different from now on. And you can count on us." Jirou said determined.
"Yes! We want to be here for you!" Mitsuki said happily.
Erin didn't expect to start crying. She was just so overwhelmed with emotions. She couldn't believe they would care this much about her.
After everything she just thought her family would've been angry at her. Or thought she was lying.
Mitsuki pulled her into a hug. "I'm so sorry Erin." She said. Erin nodded and hugged her back. Finally believing it was all over.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
The three of them were waiting outside the ramen shop for Hatori to come pick Erin up. The sun was setting now and the whole sky was a golden and pink color.
"Erin you'll have to come visit us soon." Mitsuki said happily.
"Yeah it's almost summer soon and mom is thinking about getting passes for the pool. You should come." Jirou said with a smile.
Erin slightly shuddered at the idea of swimming, but she could probably get Hatori to teach her more.
Erin nodded just as Hatori's car pulled up. He got out swiftly and walked up to the group of them. He glanced over Erin and then looked at her cousins.
"Oh Hatori, this is Mitsuki and Jirou. My cousins." Erin said suddenly worried Hatori would be rude to them. Not that he'd mean too, he can just come off kind of cold.
Hatori smiled at them and bowed his head slightly. "Nice to meet you officially." He said politely.
They made small talk for a bit and after Hatori looked at Erin. "Ready to go?" He asked.
Erin nodded.
"Oh lemme give you my new number!" Mitsuki said walking up to her.
Hatori watched them as they talked, when he heard someone clear their throat behind him. He turned to see Jirou standing there with his arms crossed. He stared at his feet.
"Look. I wanted to tell you this before. But I didn't. I.. I wanted to thank you, for doing what I couldn't. For helping her... and putting that asshole in his place." He said quietly.
Hatori smiled slightly. "Don't blame yourself. She likes to keep things from people she cares about. And, now you have plenty of time to make up for it." He said resting a hand on his shoulder.
Jirou laughed and ran his hand through his hair. "Yeah I guess I do."
"Alight Erin, lets get going." Hatori said opening the car door.
After saying goodbye and getting in the car they headed back to Shigure's house.
Erin yawned and rubbed her eyes. She was exhausted.
"So? Was it nice?" Hatori asked looking at her up and down once more.
She nodded and then a tear rolled down her cheek as he parked the car in front of the stairs leading up to Shigure's house.
"What happened?" Hatori said handing her a handkerchief.
"It's all my fault. I made a mistake." She said quietly.
Hatori raised a brow at her. "What do you mean?" He asked confused.
"I shut them out. I pushed them away. If I just told them.. someone what was happening maybe my life could've been so different. I feel like a complete idiot." She said covering her face.
He chewed on his words for a moment, unsure of what to say to her. He sighed and kissed her forehead. "It's alright. You did what you could. You were young and didn't know. Things will be different now. I promise." He said.
Erin nodded and rubbed her eyes once more before getting out of the car. As they climbed the stairs, Erin was lost in thought until looked back at Hatori.
"It was all worth it though." She said plainly and Hatori caught up to her. "How so?" He asked.
"It all led me to you." She said simply giving him a sad smile.
Hatori ran a hand through his hair and laughed slightly while glancing at the setting sun.
"I wish you took an easier path to get here." He said looking back at her smiling.
Erin smiled back and held his hands. "I wish I could hug you." She said sadly, wishing to feel his arms around her.
"Me too." Was all he said as he held her hand and guided her up the steps.
"Erin! You're back! You're back!" Momiji called.
"I got the DVD of the play! We're gonna watch it come join us!" Tohru said happily.
"Oh boy! I can't wait!" Erin said happily sitting down by the tv.
"Oh come on don't you people have anything better to watch than this crap?" Kyo grumbled.
"Come on it's fun to see prince Kyo." Erin laughed.
They all watched and joked and goofed around. Hatori watched Erin carefully and was glad to see her mood had improved.
He watched her yawn and how she struggled to keep her eyes open while watching. She must be exhausted.
"Come on Erin you should go to bed." He deadpanned. He knew she probably didn't sleep much the previous night.
"Awww" they all said, turning off the tv. "Ha'ri you're so dull." Momiji whined.
Hatori pretended not to hear him as they all shuffled to their rooms.
"I'm going to sleepover!" Momiji said happily.
"That sounds great! Let me set up a bed for you!" Tohru said happily.
"It's not great go home!" Kyo grumbled.
As everyone went upstairs shigure smirked at Hatori. "I'm assuming you'll stay as well? I can set you up a bed but I'm assuming you'll just stay in Erin's room." He giggled.
Hatori gave him a look and shigure raised his hands. "Alright, alright I won't say anything. I'll just head to bed." He said excising himself.
Hatori rolled his eyes. He was insufferable.
Hatori sat at the table craving a cigarette. He didn't bring any with him. It would've at least given him something to do.
He waited till everyone was settled, before going upstairs to Erin's room.
As he entered he saw her stacking up a multitude of blankets on her bed.
"Does it get cold in here?" He asked shutting the door behind him.
She jumped slightly at the sound of his voice, and turned to face him.
"Oh, yeah I guess." She said crossing her arms. "Are you leaving?" She asked sadly.
"Well Momiji decided to stay the night so, I thought I'd stay over as well. So I just wanted to let you know I'll be downstairs if you need me." He said curtly.
Erin grabbed his hand. "But I always need you." She said quietly. He smiled.
"Get in bed. Maybe I can help ward off those bad dreams." He said as she got under the blankets.
"Do you really need this many blankets? You're going to overheat." He said matter of factly.
"I guess if you're gonna be here I won't need them." She said taking off three of them. Hatori was confused. What did she mean by that?
He turned off the light and covered her up. He sat down beside her and rubbed her back.
"Do you get bad dreams often?" He asked.
She shrugged not wanting to tell him the truth.
He laid down next to her. "Well you sleep. I'll be here." He said plainly.
She cuddled his arm. "Hey Hatori?" She asked looking up at him.
He looked down at her.
"Thank you. For everything." She said giving him a kiss.
He smiled back at her. He thought about how much she has done for him. How she so quickly melted the ice he had built up. How she showed him that there still hope in his life. How she cried for him and wanted to stay with him, even though he was cursed.
"I should be thanking you." He said matter of factly.
"What? No.. I haven't done anything special. If anything I'm probably just a hassle." She laughed. "But even so, you're always there for me and you gave me a home. I can't thank you enough." She smiled and Hatori kissed her nose.
"You're welcome. Now go to sleep I know you're tired." He said covering her back up.
She nodded and closed her eyes. She quickly fell asleep feeling safe and protected with Hatori there.
She was safe. She was home.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Akito sat in her room rubbing her head. She was exhausted and irritated.
Her head hurt. She felt sick.
"Hatori. Call Hatori." She said to no one in particular.
The maid left the room for a moment and then returned.
"Hatori-San isn't in, Akito-sama" the maid said timidly.
"What? Where is he?" Akito snapped. What could he possibly be doing? He lived to serve her. He shouldn't be doing anything but taking care of her.
"He's at Shigure's house. Something about a graduation." The maid said.
Akito balled her fist in anger. She knew he was with that worthless bitch. The one he bought to his house and paraded around with. How stupid did he think she was?
"Kureno." She said and he walked towards her. "Don't you think it's time I introduced myself to Hatori's new friend?" She asked.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Alright here's chapter 18!!! And with that we are one step closer to the end!!
I'm glad I'm able to get these chapters out pretty quickly. I guess when the anime is releasing new episodes I get more inspiration lol. Anyway hope you enjoyed, see you in the next one!! Love you guys!