The next morning, Tohru, Kyo, Yuki, and Shigure were sitting in the living room. The teens wore their school uniform, Shigure in his usual kimono. Rave came walking down the stairs and appeared in the living room, Tohru smiled at the dark-haired Sohma. The brunette frowned seeing the exhausted expression, Rave wore as she took a seat between Yuki and Kyo.
"Did you know that Kyo said he wanted to walk Tohru home yesterday? Kyo is a such big pervert." Shigure grinned slyly, glazing at the orange-haired teenager. Which only got him a glare in return, Rave sighed under her breath.
"Why must you twist things! There won't be a second time!" The Cat snapped at the Dog who snickered, Tohru turned to Kyo.
"Okay, I am glad that you enjoy my cooking, do you like it?" The female Honda asked, with a tilt of her head.
"Eh! Ah…" The question threw the Cat for a loop, he stared at the brunette while blinking a few times before he noticed Yuki was staring at him. Kyo immediately turned to the Rat, Rave ignored it, while continuing to eat.
"What!?" Kyo hissed, glaring at Yuki who continued to look at the Cat. Tohru blinked in confusion, wondering about what is happening, she just asked Kyo a question.
"Nothing."
"Stop staring at me!"
"I'm just looking, idiot."
"Don't stare at me for no reason!"
"Is it not good?"
"It's bad!" Rave reached out and slapped the back of Kyo's head, he turned to her with a glare which was returned by a neutral expression. The Cat shallowed and turned his glance to the table, avoiding Rave's eyes.
"It's delicious, Tohru. Don't mind Kyo." Tohru beamed, turning to the black-haired girl. Rave smiled softly in return, glancing at the brunette.
"Thank you, Rave."
A bit later, Rave was holding her school bag, waiting at the door for Tohru, Kyo, and Yuki.
"Kyo, get moving or we will be late." She called out, lifting her wrist to check the clock on her wristwatch.
"Coming, coming, there is no need to shout." Kyo groaned, walking down the stairs, stopping next to her. Yuki and Tohru appeared from the kitchen, the three of them holding their school bags.
"Let's go, Tohru." Yuki walked out the front door first, followed by Tohru, leaving Kyo and Rave to walk behind them.
"Sure!"
At school, Hanajima and Uotani were waiting for Tohru and Rave. Sakura stood with them, the three were talking with each other. Sakura noticed the group first, she immediately waved at them.
"Rave! Tohru!"
"Hey," Rave mumbled as they neared the other girls, Kyo growled while looking to the side.
"What's up with Carrot top? He is looking a bit more grumpy." Uotani smirked slightly, placing her hands on her hips. Tohru started fidgeting with her hands, Yuki smiled as Sakura started to talk with him. Hanajima and Rave shared a board expression, while Kyo murmured something under his breath.
"Eh um…"
"Yuki got him riled up, and he tried to start a fight," Rave told Uotani as the Yankee turned to the black-haired Sohma, a bit surprised before her smirk widened.
"Well, did he win?"
"He wishes, I smacked the back of his head." Kyo turned and hissed at Rave who ignored the Cat, Uotani laughed.
"Good girl, keeping those boys of yours, in line."
"Thanks, come on Sakura." Rave started walking towards the front entrance, Sakura waved at the first-year students while walking backward.
"See ya at lunch!"
"Yes!" Tohru beamed while waving back at Sakura, Hanajima smiled softly as she looked at one of her best friends.
"Tohru, always so formal."
"That's our girl." Uotani grinned at her best friends, Tohru blushed as the tall blonde wrapped her arms around the brunette's neck.
"If we don't want to be late for class then we need to get going." Yuki pointed out, as he turned to walk into the school building. The others followed after the silver-haired Sohma, Kyo placed his hands on the back of his head.
"Sure." Uotani sighed, having let Tohru go.
"Since Fall is here, so let's play 'Rich man, Poor man'" Tohru beamed, holding a pack of playing cards in her hand. Hanajima and Uotani stood on either side of the brunette.
"How does Fall have anything to do with the game?" Kyo looked confused, staring up at the female Honda.
"For us, it's very popular!" Tohru continued with a smile when suddenly she was hugged from behind. Tohru squeaked loudly, Uotani blinked as she looked at the short-haired ginger before shrugging her shoulders. "Did anyone say 'Rich man, Poor man'?!"
"Uh, hey Sakura, want to join?"
"Sure thing!"
"I don't want to play the game! Just go get Yuki for these things!" Kyo snapped, Tohru and Uotani turned to the orange-haired teenager.
"Yuki isn't here." The female Honda muttered softly, Uotani leaned a bit forward with a smirk.
"Are you that afraid of a little competition, are you even a man!?" Kyo let out a low growl as he turned to the Yankee with a glare, the tall blonde returned the glare with one of her own.
"What the hell are you talking about?!"
"Never mind that I was just going to say that you're a wussy. And here I thought that I could make some easy money on you." Uotani mocked placing her hands on her hips, Kyo hissed as he sat up a bit straighter. "Don't go crying when you lose the game, I accept your challenge!" Rave passed the windows of the classroom to the hallway, stopping when she noticed the girls and some of their classmates gathering around Kyo's table. A tiny smile tugged on her lips for a moment before she went into the classroom. It has always been like that, with people being drawn to him. While he acts like he doesn't care about others and would rather be left alone, it's the opposite actually. He cares more about those around him even though he doesn't like showing it, the sight of Kyo growling at Uotani kept the small smile on the older black-haired Sohma's lips.
"The one who loses will take the cleaning for the other players."
"Next time, let's ask Yuki. But where did he go?"
"Yuki will be right back." Rave hummed as Tohru squeaked, turning her head and stared up at the raven-haired Sohma. Kyo looked at Rave from the corner of his eye, holding the cards close to his chest.
"Rave!?"
"Revolution!" Kyo smirked, Rave was leaning against the back of his chair with her hip.
"What kind of dirty trick are you using, Carrot!?" Uotani slammed her foot against the edge of the table in frustration, glaring at the Cat. Hanajima's eyes were on Kyo and Rave, their waves moved gently together. Rave leaned a bit closer, as she pointed at his cards. The orange-haired student turned to the black-haired Sohma, with a snarl but soft eyes.
"I can't believe this!" Sakura yelled, pointing a finger at Kyo with narrowing eyes.
"I'm just following the rules!"
"'Revolution' makes the strong cards weak," Tohru murmured, trying to defuse the argument between the blonde, the Cat, and the ginger who was glaring at each other.
"Secret technique, Anti Revolution!" Hanajima showed her trump card with a neutral expression, Rave snickered at the orange-haired Sohma.
"You got sucked, Carrot!" Uotani grinned, looking snugged while pressing her foot against the table again.
"Hehehe, Kyo sucked." Sakura wore a sly expression and a somehow evil grin, the ginger completely happy that Kyo isn't winning.
"Good job, Hana-chan."
"Yeah, it's over, hehe," Uotani smirked with a laugh, Rave rested a hand over Kyo's shoulder with a small smirk.
"Shut up, this is just the start!" The Cat snapped, with a hiss.
"You better up your game if you want to win, Kyo." The older Sohma snorted, Kyo immediately turned to her and glare slightly.
"Shut it! I don't see you playing!"
"Next time I will." Rave hummed, making Tohru beam. The brunette feeling overjoyed that Rave would play with them next time, Hanajima glanced over the top of her cards at Kyo and Rave's hand that rested on his shoulder. Hanajima hummed as she turned her eyes to the blonde, Uotani was shouting at the Orange-haired Sohma while Sakura laughed at the scene.
"That will be fun!"
It was after the last class, tables and chairs were stacked on one side of the classroom. Kyo was groaning under his breath as he swept some dust away with a broom, Yuki and Tohru were talking with each other while Rave was leaning against a table near Kyo.
"'Rich man, poor man', I only know the rules but I have never played before."
"Uo-chan taught me the rules a while ago, you should join in the next time." Tohru smiled, looking at Yuki.
"Well, it seems like he became a poor man." The silver-haired Sohma glanced at Kyo from the corner of his eye, Rave's phone made a noise. The black-haired Sohma pulled out her phone, reading the text. "Hey, Tohru, you have work right?"
"Yes!"
"Yuki, if you don't mind, then please walk her home. I would myself but I have to stop by the Main Estate today." Rave mentioned as she answered the text, before glancing at him.
"Sure, see you at home."
"Have fun with the cleaning, Kyo." Rave called out while walking out of the classroom with a wave, Kyo turned towards her with a hiss."Shut up! Next time I will win!"
"Please let me help you."
"No! A loss is a loss! But I will win next time. And of course, I'll win over you too." Kyo pointed at Yuki with a glare.
"You always say that, don't you ever get tired of it?" The silver-haired Sohma huffed.
"No! Winning against you is my goal!"
"You're always bothering me about it, it is just annoying."
"I hate your stupid attitude!"
"I hate your short-sighted thinking process!"
"Please stop arguing…." Tohru tried to beg the cousins, waving her hands looking nervous.
"You good for nothing idiot! I'll knock you out! Wake up! Cold-Blooded Rat!" Kyo snapped, glaring at Yuki as he held the bloom in one hand.
"Umm Kyo?" Tohru turned to the orange-haired Cat.
"Whenever I see you, I get just so agitated." Yuki punched Kyo, causing Kyo to fall on his ass. The Rat glanced down at the Cat with a snarl before he turned around and left the classroom.
"Uh, um Yuki?" The brunette looked after Yuki, concerned about the silver-haired Sohma.
"Annoying! Why can't I just win!?" Kyo sat up, resting an elbow on his knee. He stared blindly into the air, Tohru glanced down at the Cat, blinking.
"Kyo, you didn't bite your tongue did you?"
"I'm not stupid! Leave! Just leave me alone! … Ah no, I didn't mean it like that. Every time I just get beaten up?" The orange-haired Sohma patted the dust of his pants off, turning his back to the brunette.
"Eh?"
"It was nothing important, anyway just go to work or something! Ow, he sure didn't hold back today. Might be, because he isn't feeling well?"
"Kyo…"
"Oh, Lady Rave!" Rave barely spared one of the maids, a glance as she walked through the halls of the Main house. The raven-haired Sohma wore a black shirt and torn leggings with a pair of black heeled boots, her hair was tied up in a messy bun. Her school bag rested on her left shoulder, the young maid followed after Rave.
"I'm here to see Akito."
"Of course, just a moment, my Lady." Kazane, the elderly Head Maid appeared in one of the doorways. The Head Maid waved of the young maid who bowed deeply and left.
"Lady Rave, Master Akito have waiting for you. It has been too long since last time, my Lady."
"Don't try to guilt-trip me, Kazane. I have been busy with school, homework and you know other things. Now if you don't mind, Akito is waiting." Rave didn't even look at Kazane, as they came to a stop near Akito's room.
"Lady Rave, you have no place here." The elder Maid glared at the raven-haired Sohma, Rave finally looked at the elderly Maid before turning back to the door.
"And did you think that I care for your opinion, this is my Family." The door slide opened and Rave stepped inside, closing the door behind her leaving Kazane in the hallway. How long does this have to be the same, when will everything change? Rave had to ask herself, while she shields a cough in her hand. If things don't change in this generation then she-
"Oh Rave, it has been too long." Akito turned around and stared at Rave, from the round window in the room. His voice pulled her away from her tormenting thoughts, the long raven-haired Sohma looked at the Head of the Family.
"Hello, Akito."
"Always so formal, relax a little. Now tell why you hadn't visited me before now." Akito smiled, holding out a hand towards Rave.
"I have been busy, between going to school, having homework, and the rest." Rave walked closer to Akito.
"Even so, you should have visited!" Akito snapped in anger before laughing, Rave closed her eyes for a moment.
"I know."
"I have missed you. You should visit more, it will be fun." Akito pulled the hair tie out of Rave's hair and ran a hand through the long strands, holding her close.
"I have missed you as well, Akito."
"So tell me everything, that you have been doing since last time."
"Of course."
"I will see you soon, Akito." Rave stood up and pulled her hair over her shoulder, quickly waving locks of hair into a braid.
"I hope so, indeed, Rave." Akito stared at the eighteen-year-old woman, who nodded as she grabbed her bag.
"Goodbye."
"Bye."
"So you better visit soon, Lady Rave." Kazane walked beside the raven-haired, they passed through the hallways fast.
"Don't tell me what to do, Kazane. I will be back sometime later this week, see you then." Rave got into a car, closing the door. The engine started and drove off, leaving Kazane at the main entrance. The black-haired Sohma stared out the window, watching as the scenery passed by. Her legs were crossed at the knee, her arms rested loosely on top. She let out a deep sigh, closing her eyes for a brief moment before turning her gaze to the phone in her hand.
"I'm home, Where's Yuki and Tohru." Rave pushed off her shoes at the entrance, glancing into the living room, at Shigure. The Dog was reading a newspaper at the table, he wore reading glasses on the bridge of his nose.
"At the garden." Shigure took a sip of sake, still staring at the paper.
"Good, and Kyo?"
"Being miserable in his room." Rave turned around, leaving the hallway with a "Goodnight, Shigure."
"Don't have too much fun," Shigure called out, knowing where the black-haired female would disappear to.
"Don't stay up all night, drinking." She countered, Shigure snorted while listening to her walking up the stairs. Rave went into her room, to leave her school bag near the desk and change into some more comfortable clothing, a tank-top with a sports bra underneath and baggy sweatpants. Before she went back in the hallway and over to Kyo's room, Rave pushed the door open to Kyo's room, sighing when she noticed the Cat laying in a fetus position on the floor. But she understood why it had started raining earlier the afternoon.
"Why are you laying on the floor?" She stepped over to him and grabbed his arm, pulling him into a sitting position.
"Argg, Rave, leave me alone…" He growled slightly at her, as she pulled him up from the floor. He fell slightly against the black-haired Sohma who straightened him.
"God, you are such a pain when it is raining." She murmured under her breath.
"Go away, just leave me alone." Kyo breathed against her bare shoulder, Rave huffed, pulling on his hands.
"Come on, let's get you onto the bed." She pulled the cover back and pushed Kyo to sit on the bed, before gently pressing her palm against his shoulder to get him to lay on the bed. The Cat immediately turned to lay on his side, turning towards the raven-haired Sohma. Rave kneed on the floor beside the bed, brushing locks of orange hair from his eyes as he closed his eyes from the feeling, it felt nice...
"Rave…." The Cat murmured, half back to sleep already.
"See there we go, go back to sleep." She smiled softly, her hand lightly cupping his cheek before she stood up.
"You need sleep too…"
"And I will, soon." Rave leaned slightly in over the orange-haired Sohma, her hands pressed against the cover.
"I do worry about you… you are always looking exhausted lately." Kyo slowly reached up and traced the dark skin under her eye, Rave gently pulled his hand away. He grabbed the fabric of the cover and curled his fingers around it. God with him acting sweet like this, he just- Rave let out a deep sigh. No- she can't think like that, nothing will ever happen. She can't, she needs to keep her distance in regards to the Zodiac. It won't be fair to them, her fate is decided for her just like the Zodiac's is, just like Akito's fate is already decided for him.
"Go to sleep, Kyo."
"Promise me something- just get some rest."
"I promise, goodnight, Kyo." Rave brushed a hand through his hair, wearing a soft smile before she turned around and stepped over to the door. Before the door closed behind Rave, the Cat managed to call out to her. "Night-." Rave leaned against the door with a sigh, she flinched slightly before shaking it off as she went back to her room. Her phone started to ring, Rave went over and answered the call.
"Hatori, do you know how late it is?" Her eyes found a spot in the wooden floorboards, while she listened to the Sohma Doctor.
"I'm sorry but Akito kept me later than expected."
"I know, I know, I promise that I will run by you later this week." Rave snorted as she leaned against the edge of the desk, wrapping an arm over her stomach.
"And you say that you don't have any humor."
"Yeah, yeah. I will, for a check-up like last month." she grabbed a pen and post-it, writing down the date and time for the check-up.
"Yeah, I got it. Goodnight Hatori." Rave placed the cell on the desk beside her thighs, letting out a sigh before crawling under the thick blanket and closing her eyes.
"Is that leek?" Rave yawned as she stepped into the living room, she wore an orange tank-top and black shorts. Tohru was sitting at the low table, beaming largely at the black-haired Sohma.
"Yes! Sauteed leek."
"Well, it smells delicious, Tohru." Rave took a seat on the opposition side of the table of Tohru.
"Thank you!" Kyo came running, a somehow haunted expression on his face when he saw the bow of leek. "Did someone say leek!?"
"And here we go…" Rave sighed, taking a bite of the food.
"I hate, hate, hate leek!" Kyo snapped, glaring at it.
"Not just leek, right? You also hate onions and miso too, right?" Shigure pointed out.
"Miso as long as it's in soup is fine!"
"I didn't know that, I'm sorry, I will go make something else right now!" Tohru started to get up, wanting to make something else for Kyo.
"Tohru, sit down, please." Rave took another bite, Yuki grabbed Kyo's nose and force-fed the Cat, leek.
"Eat it!"
"Hehehe." Shigure laughed at the sight while Tohru looked shocked and concerned about Kyo.
"Really this early? Why does this have to be my life?" The female Sohma murmured under her breath, the doorbell rang. Tohru murmured under her breath as she stood up.
"Eh? Who could that be? Ah, I'll get the door, coming~ Eh." The brunette left the living room.
"Stop, stop playing games! I said that I won't eat leeks and I meant that I don't eat leeks!" Kyo snapped at the Rat, glaring before taking a seat next to Rave.
"If you are going to complain, then you can leave."
"You don't have to say it, I'll leave!"
"Alright, alright, Yuki, Kyo-" Shigure started to talk, Rave turned her head towards the hallway.
"Hey, wasn't that Kagura's voice right now." Kyo immediately stood up and turned his head fast from side to side, looking for a way out of the house. "I have to get out of here, like right now!"
"Kyo!" Kagura appeared in the doorway to the living room, wearing a dress and backpack. Her gaze immediately landed on the Cat.
"Eh, eh, Ka- Kagura?!"
"Kyo… these four months, where did you go? Why didn't you call me…" Tears gathered in the corners of Kagura's eyes as she stared at Kyo who was standing near the pouch.
"And the waterworks starts." The black-haired student dead-palmed, taking the last bite of leek before standing up with a yawn.
"I really… I wanted to see you!" Kagura hit Kyo, the Cat came flying through the paper door. Tohru blinked, feeling lost over why the strange girl would hit Kyo.
"Not my house." Shigure cried over the destroyed door, as Kagura jumped after the Cat into the backyard.
"Haa! I was really worried!" Kagura kept screaming while the rest of the Sohmas ignored her as she swung Kyo around by his ankle. Rave had disappeared into the kitchen, pulling a box of tea out.
"The paper sliding door has to be changed again, Shigure."
"Why does everyone like to destroy my home…"
"That…" Tohru sweat-dropped, staring at Kagura who now was hitting Kyo while gripping the fabric of his shirt.
"Don't worry that's the way Kagura shows her affection, just like little kids always pick on those who they love."
"Shigure's right, but Kagura is only this way when it comes to Kyo. She is calmer with the others, don't worry Tohru, she will stop in a minute or so." Rave spoke from the kitchen, she was fixing a cup of forest berry tea. Tohru turned towards her, blinking owlishly.
"Is… is that so? But it seems like her personality changed suddenly."
"Whenever she gets excited, she gets like that, especially when Kyo's around. Oh, and she is two years older than Kyo and me." Yuki took a sip of his water, Rave leaned against the door frame. She held the mug with tea in one hand, staring at Kagura and Kyo.
"Kagura is also a part of the Zodiac."
"I knew it! which one is she!"
"Well, you can kinda guess by looking at her."
"Kyo is getting beaten up," Tohru stated, gesturing towards Kagura and the Cat. A phone started ringing, Tohru jumped as Rave sighed while pulling out her cell.
"I'm sorry, but I need to take this." Rave left the room, answering the call. Yuki looked up at the spot where Rave stood. Kagura blinked, stopping a punch as she finally noticed a beaten Kyo.
"Kyo actually got beaten up this badly. Who did this to you!?" The brunette cried, hugging him to her.
"You, you did this!" The Rat and the Dog dead-palmed, Tohru stared blankly at the pair.
"Sorry, because I got so excited after seeing Kyo. I used my strength…" Kagura looked sly as she stared at Tohru and the male Sohmas. The Honda sneezed, feeling the cold from the destroyed door to the yard.
"It's cold."
"Very cold." Shigure agreed with his younger cousin, Kagura looked apologetic.
"Sorry." She murmured under her breath, Rave peeked into the living room. Her gaze landed on Kagura, as she gestured to the destroyed door.
"I hope that you will fix this later, Kagura."
"Of course, I won't leave until I do."
"Great." Shigure dead-palmed while Rave sat down, leaning against the wall.
"But Kyo is at fault too, disappearing for four months and not calling me."
"Well, why did I have to call you!?" The Cat snapped, glaring at Kagura.
"Because we will get married in the future."
"When was that decided!?"
"You have a fiancee!?" Tohru looked shocked, Kyo flinched. The Cat didn't like that, no he doesn't have a fiancee. The one he wants isn't Kagura, his gaze landed on Rave for a split second before looking over the garden. What the rest of the Zodiac don't know about Kagura, is that she is observed when it comes to those she cares about. The short-haired brunette noticed Kyo's glance landing on Rave for a second before he tore his gaze away from the long black-haired Sohma. Kagura sighed, before she smiled in understanding, while she knows that Kyo cares for Rave, she can't help holding hope for Kyo, and the day when he will finally notice her in the same way he notices Rave. She might be naive but she can't help it, after all, Kyo was her first friend outside the Zodiac.
"Well, that's great, there is finally a girl who likes you." Yuki sighed.
"Congratulations."
"Good for you."
"You are all a bunch of Idiots!" The Cat snapped, glaring at the others.
"When we were younger, you said you wanted me to marry you!"
"You threatened me!" Kyo shouted, Kagura stood up, staring at the orange-haired Sohma.
"Why are you like this? when members of the Zodiac marry, isn't that for the best? to be able to understand the pain of being possessed, also as one of the Zodiac. We can hug each other without changing, it is the same with Yuki, see." Kagura hugged Kyo first before hugging the Rat, Tohru blinked, being surprised and shocked.
"Really how?"
"We don't know the reason for why that is, and there are two other girls in the Zodiac. It is the same for them as well, hugging a male member of the Zodiac won't change them." Rave murmured, the long-haired brunette turned to the black-haired woman.
"There are two more girls in the Zodiac! Rave, are you one of the Zodiacs too?!" Tohru beamed, standing in front of Rave. She looked up at the female Honda, before glancing to the side.
"No, I'm not."
"Do you want to know what year they are?" The Dog changed the topic, placing his chin in his palm.
"Hmmm, No! Wait! I want to guess what year they are. Let me think about this, slowly, this is exciting!" Tohru looked excited, staring at Shigure.
"Well, that seems to be more interesting." Shigure agreed.
"Let's back to the topic? Anyway, if one of the Zodiacs marries an 'outsider', someone from outside the family or the inner circle, of the opposite sex. Usually, the marriage won't end happily, so right, Shigure, Rave!?" Kagura turned to Shigure and Rave.
"There might be some other problems, in the society. It's inconvenient for us to work. The most important is that whenever we hug, we will change. That's really an annoyance, also se-"
"Dirty." Yuki slammed a book onto Shigure's head while Rave glared slightly at the older male.
"Pervert."
"Say it clearly now, do you like me or not!?" Kagura stood over Kyo who was sitting on the pouch, crossed legs.
"Eh!?"
"I love you, I love you the most in the world. I love you the most in the universe, I want to cook for you every day, even if you have an affair, I'll pretend that you weren't thinking straight at the moment. I'll forgive you, when I think about it, who else is there to love you more than I, there's only me." Rave sighed, her eyes locked on the Cat and Kagura for a moment. Kyo looked horrified, staring up at Kagura.
"Looks like Kyo is a weakling under pressure, Tohru likes Kyo as well." Shigure grinned slightly, taking a glance at Rave from the corner of his eye.
"How can it be, my rival! But I won't lose, the power of my love is capable of overcoming any obstacles!" Immediately Kagura stood in front of the other brunette.
"Eh? That's…" Tohru blinked, surprised and not knowing how to answer the question.
"Tohru, what do you like about Kyo!? I love all of him! Love all of him! It doesn't matter if it's good or bad, I accept all of it. Even his true form-" Rave held a hand over Kagura's mouth, Kyo had stood up glaring at Kagura. Tohru blinked in shock and surprise over how fast Rave had moved.
"Kagura, that's enough. Kyo, go for a walk." Rave's eyes turned to the Cat for only a second, Kyo stared at her for a moment in silence before turning around to leave the house. Kagura turned to the Cat, calling out to him "Kyo-"
"Spar with me, Kagura." Rave grabbed the back of Kagura's dress, pulling the girl with her.
"Let's go!" Kagura pulled herself free from Rave's grip, jumping into the yard.
"Eh wait-"
"Leave them, Tohru."
Kagura threw the first punch, going after Rave's torso. The black-haired Sohma blocked the punch with a kick.
"Really! sorry, Kagura." A while later, Rave's cell started ringing. The girl growled before going inside for the phone, Kagura moved to stand. Rave had thrown her onto her back, "Arh! come on!"
"Yes, this is Rave Sohma and who am I speaking with." Rave's voice fainted as she walked up the stairs, Yuki sighed under his breath.
"Again? That's the twice in an hour."
"Well, you know how it is, they come to her with whatever these days." Shigure turned a page in the newspaper, resting his chin in his hand.
"Unfortunate yes, but it's like she can't catch a break." The Rat sipped his tea with a concerned expression.
"She seems more tired, it worries me." Kagura took a seat on the pouch, looking over the yard.
"Well, that's true. Hatori mentioned that they have placed more responsibility onto her lately."
"But can she handle it?" Kagura mentioned, looking over her shoulder at Shigure and Yuki.
"Um, what are you talking about?" Tohru blinked at the three Sohmas, wondering about what they are talking about.
"Nothing serious, don't worry about it, Tohru."
"Ah, okay." Tohru nodded.
"Rave can take it, Kagura." Yuki glanced at Kagura from the corner of his eye.
"Wait just a moment- don't cut me off. Hatori, you know that I don't like being interrupted. Do they actually need me at the Estate? I see, send a car then. Bye Hatori." Rave's voice got more clear as she stepped into the kitchen, moving around. Her shoulders were tense as she ended the call, she placed her free hand on her hip before turning around.
"I'm sorry but I am needed at the Estate, I might be able to get back before dinner. If not, please save a plate." Rave told those in the living room before going upstairs, most likely to her room.
Ten minutes later, Rave came back down. She appeared in the doorway to the living room, wearing a black dress shirt with a dark red tie and black pants. Along with a pair of dark gray shoes, her hair was up in a bun.
"Wow, Rave, you look amazing." Kagura beamed up at Rave, the formal-looking Sohma fixed her rings and necklace.
"Where are you going?" Tohru smiled at the black-haired Sohma.
"The main Estate, thanks Kagura." Yuki stood up, leaving the room before coming back. The Rat stared at Rave, "Rave, the car's here."
"See you later, and Kagura, please don't destroy the home completely." Rave left the living room with Kagura calling out after her "Sure thing, see you."
"Miss Rave." The driver held the door open for her, Rave sat down in the back seat. Letting Micheal close the door before he went to the driver's seat.
"Hey, Michael, been a while." Rave crossed her legs at the knee, resting her arms loosely on top.
"Yes, it has. I must apologize for disrupting your weekend but Mr. Hatori wants you there."
"It's fine, Micheal. I just want this over with, so I can relax." She turned to stare out at the car window with a sigh, playing with her necklace. It was a silver chain with a simple ring, with closed eyes. She allowed a memory to come to mind, laughter echoed in her mind.
Small life update: A lot have been going on in my family, which is why I haven't posted a new chapter in a while. My grandfather and someone I see as a pseudo grant-grandmother was and still is the hospital. My grandfather got home around two- three weeks ago and is doing better, while my pseudo grant-grandmother isn't home yet. But they both is being taken good care of, I might post a chapter for 'The Alchemist and The Ishvalen' soon but I don't know yet so we'll see.
Thoughts on the chapter:
Kyo and Rave hold some type of affection for each other but they won't act on it, for a long time. (Since this is a slow burn) regards to say there will be some fluff between the two throughout this story and the next. And some people can see the affection between Kyo and Rave, some won't say anything about it while others might. (Who knows)
Kazane, the Head maid who has been by Akito's side since he was born. She doesn't like Rave at all as she believes that the girl holds no place in the family. (She can't be more wrong) Rave is deeply respected in the family, by the Elders and the Zodiac members. Which to Kazane is wrong as to her; It's Akito who is more deserving of the respect than Rave is.
Tohru finally met Kagura for the first time, and she can't wait for the next Kagura visit as Tohru already adores Kagura.
Take care and stay safe, everyone :)
Next time on Rainbow
"I don't care. Hey! I was using that!"
"Argg!"