A/N: Welcome to chapter 6 of One Becomes Two! As always a huge shout out to my friend who helped me on this chapter! This chapter was a struggle to write. Also I would like to say that I'm cross uploading this on AO3 under the name of Skelebros. That one is the most current and has all the chapters so far this account is 4 chapters behind at the moment. I plan to catch this account up eventually it's just going to take a little while. Anyway on with the chapter!
The Next Night
I was walking home from my job my feet and body aching with tiredness and I was ready to be home already, wanting nothing more than to just collapse and fall asleep on my futon. I had just entered the forest when the hairs on the back of my neck stood straight up, the feeling of eyes with malicious intent on me. I stopped and looked around, straining my senses to help figure out where the feeling was coming from. I felt panic flow through my veins as I slowly turned on the spot; my eyes swept across the surrounding trees. The dark shadows made it easy for someone to hide in; however, the feeling of being watched intensified, rooting me in place. I braced myself when I got the sense the watcher was about to pounce, but I heard a familiar howl. The feeling of malicious eyes vanished and I released a breath I wasn't aware of holding.
Alpha! I see her! Can we say hello? I heard one of the dogs yapped happily from somewhere behind me, shrouded by the trees and bushes.
If she's alone it should be fine. Replied the Alpha Female, I turned as the bushes rustled and a female dog with chocolate brown fur and a white patch of fur in the shape of a heart on her chest came barreling at me. I had just enough time to brace myself against getting knocked over as she jumped up and put her paws on my shoulders licking at my face excitedly.
Glad you're safe! We found your den buried in the mud a couple days ago. We were going to dig it out but when we went back someone else had done it already! I turned my face away so that she couldn't lick the inside of my mouth before replying.
"Lotta, down please!" I ordered and she quickly obeyed. I straightened my shirt as I took in the others that were present. There were 4 in total, 3 of whom I have given names. My eyes caught sight of the large black Alpha Female stationed by the tree line. She's the only one who turned down every name I've tried to give her - I mean, what's wrong with "Blackie," "Smokey," or "Lady?" "Are you guys alright? Did any of you get hurt during the land slide?"
We're fine. It missed our den. We moved for the night just in case; we moved back earlier today. But how did you escape pup? And what happened to your mate? She silently communicated with me and I moved to the edge of the path and sat down, with an exhausted sigh. The dogs pushed up next to me; Lotta pressing in on my left and her mate, Dot, a black male with white flecks, on my right. The other was a light brown male, who I named Apollo, pressed against my back. Based on how they're acting, it's like they think I'm dying or something. The Alpha Female moved from her position to sit between my outstretched legs, watching me intently.
That's good to hear. As for how I escaped, things happened before the landslide occurred. First, My FRIEND and the males that live in the house within the woods found out about my secret. I had to deal with that when the landslide happened. I've been staying at the house with them since them. Second, the younger male, Yuki, was the one who dug up our stuff from the mud. I communicated to the Alpha Female as her amber eyes bored into my own. A new question popped into my head. Do you talk to Shigure, the older guy? He said that he can talk to dogs too.
Yes, I talk to him sometimes not as often as you. He messes around too much. I can promise you I didn't tell him about you. I always keep my promises. She assured me with a dip of her head while maintaining eye contact with me.
I know, you're very reliable like a shadow almost. Hey! That could be a name for you! Shadow Walker, Shadow for short? What do you think? I smiled as I came up with the name and she tilted her head with a thoughtful look in her eyes.
Hmmmm, I suppose that name is fitting. I am good at night hunting with my black pelt. I shook my head; as always, she's looking at the practical side of things.
"I'm glad I finally have a name for you." I shifted slightly feeling uncomfortably hot under with the others pressed against me. "Hey everyone, I finally found a name for your leader! Her name's going to be Shadow Walker, Shadow for short from now on." The other 3 peeled themselves away from me to gather around Shadow. I sighed in relief when the cool air hit my skin.
You finally let her give you a name! Apollo yipped excitedly, giving her a lick on the cheek.
It fits you Alpha! Can I call you Shadow too? Dot asked, dancing around the others joyfully.
Can we all call you Shadow? I can't wait to tell the others! Lotta said excitedly dancing around with her mate. They all swarmed around Shadow while licking her as she chided them, happiness evident in her eyes. I watched in amusement and content deciding to sit for a while longer. The group had just settled down when their heads perked up to stare deeper into the woods, almost at the same time I felt the strong push of Kyo's presence.
Shadow, there's a stranger coming this way! What should we do? Apollo asked, in a low growl.
What we always do. She replied dropping into a crouch with her hackles up and growling in front of me, facing the direction of the "stranger." I quickly stood up to calm them down before Kyo appeared and they maul him.
"Woah guys calm down! That stranger's a friend! He started living at the house with me and my friend the same day as the landslide. In fact, he's part of the reason that we were gone when the landslide hit - he's a friend!" I moved to stand in front of the growling pack while trying to placate them.
Are you sure they are friend? Shadow growled with her hackles still up. I placated to her since she could call off the others.
"Yes, I'm positive. His name's Kyo and he wouldn't hurt any of us, I promise." I could see her thinking it over and, finally, her hackles smoothed out and she sat down. The other 3 noticed this and rushed to imitate her.
If you are sure he is friend, pup, I will stand down but if he does anything suspicious we will not hesitate to jump in. She warned; I nodded my head just as Kyo's footsteps rounded the bend ahead of us on the path.
"Are you… alright?" He asked as I spun around. He had halted a few yards away; his gaze swept over me and the dogs. I saw his body tense up, he looked ready to bolt - to be fair, none of the dogs were smaller than a Doberman pincher.
Come on, cat boy, it's just a few dogs! Don't give them a reason to chase you.
"What are you doing out here? It's the middle of the night. I thought everyone would be sleeping," I ignored his question in favor of asking my own. He eyed the dogs wearily, clearly uncomfortable. "They're not going to hurt you. I told them that you're a friend, just don't make any sudden moves." I chuckled at his incredulous facial expression.
"I'm not scared of dogs! I'm only out here to train because I lost to the stupid rat today, so I figured I'd get stronger. Then I felt your presence nearby and the smell of dogs and thought something was wrong…" He trailed off with his gaze looking to the side; a hand rubbing the back of his neck.
I didn't think he cared about anyone else from what I've observed so far.
"Reeeaaalllyy? Then why don't you say hi? Come on guys, go say hello! I bet he'll give you guys lots of ear scratches," Lotta and Dot eagerly swarmed around Kyo while nudging their heads at his hands and brushing against him. Apollo and Shadow hung back wearily as they watched the duo interact with him.
"What the hell!? Hey! Stop that! The hell was that - a secret command to have them maul me?" My giggles turned into an uncontrollable laughter the more Kyo tried to keep his hands out of reach of the dogs. It lasted until I realized chaos was about to ensue so I stepped closer to him. As I got near, Lotta stood on her hind legs with her front paws resting on his shoulders and sniffed him.
He kind of smells like those two males in the house! She took another sniff. And I can smell you and your mate on him! Did you form a pack with them? She turned her head to look back at me with mischievous eyes.
"Don't take that the wrong way! We're only staying in the same house so, of course, we'd smell like each other!" I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose.
I can already tell where this is headed.
"What the hell're you talking about and get this mutt offa me!" Kyo's angry voice broke my train of thoughts
"Right, you don't understand what they're saying," I reopened my eyes to stare thoughtfully at the ground. "Well, they're wild animals so they have that mindset. They think that you and I are in a pack with Shigure, Yuki, and Tohru. They thought it was weird when me and Tohru were the only ones in the "pack," I did air quotation marks for emphasis, "So they're excited because you three are involved now."
No need to tell him they think Tohru's my mate. To prove my point, Dot approached me and nudged my leg with his nose. I met his gaze.
Don't forget she's your mate. Although I hope you know two females can't have offspring. My cheeks flushed at his words but I didn't break eye contact.
How many times do I have to tell you guys that Tohru's not my mate! I don't have, nor do I want, one at this time! I could feel Kyo's eyes boring into me as I tried to calm my blush.
Then why don't you ask him to be your mate?
"No way! I barely know him!" I embarrassingly exclaimed. I realized my mistake a second later then looked over to where the cat stood with Lotta now on all fours behind him. His arms were crossed and looked more pissed.
"What're they saying? I don't really like being talked about without being able to understand what's being said!" He fumed and I swore I saw cat ears pop out among the spikes of his hair, but it could have been the dark playing tricks on my eyes.
"O-oh it was nothing important! They were just being silly." I awkwardly shifted my feet, feeling uncomfortable. I shot Lotta a look but she wasn't paying attention.
"That doesn't answer my question; what did they say exactly?" He took a few steps forward so we were a couple feet apart from each other. I brought my hands in front of my stomach and nervously knotted my fingers together.
"We-well, you know h-how I said that they think like wild animals?" I avoided looking at him instead looking down at my hands. "Well since I became friends with them, they found out I don't have a- a ma- boyfriend or anything. So they've been te-telling me who they think would be good for me a-and they sug-suggested that I as-ask y-you. I told them that I barely know you, though they don't get why that's a problem!" I kept my eyes trained on my hands. Though…maybe I should've looked up because it might've prevented what happened next.
That's because we want you to be happy! And the first step to knowing each other better is to get close and we can help with that! Now Lotta! Dot barked from behind me and before I could register what was going on, I felt two paws push my back. As I fell forward toward Kyo I saw Lotta on all fours over his shoulder right before we collided.
I'm so going to skin those two alive. I thought as 2 puffs of smoke engulfed us and we turned into cats.
"What the hell was that!? This shit is why I hate dogs!" He hissed as soon as the smoke cleared.
"Oh and here I thought it was because you turned into a little pussy cat, you know the natural enemy of dogs," I said innocently with a playful twitch to my ears. Kyo growled at me.
"Say that again and see what'll happen," his fur fluffed up with his indignation. I found teasing Kyo to be immensely fun - I hope this wasn't because Shigure rubbed off on me.
"Aww~ is the little puddy cat angry now?" I teased with a purring laughter. Before he could respond, something picked me up by the scruff of my neck, causing me to yelp. I went limp instinctually holding myself still.
"Hey, put her down! She isn't a real cat, you damn mutt!" Kyo ran over to the dog that had picked me up and was batting at them fruitlessly.
What did he do? What happened Pup? Shadow demanded coming up and nosing me carefully.
"Nothing, this is what happens when I get too close to male members of my own species. It's also the reason that I can talk to you guys," I explained as soon as I recovered from being picked up suddenly. "Put me down, I'm going to turn back into a human soon."
If you are sure put her down, Apollo. Shadow ordered the light brown male holding me; I was lowered to the ground gently. Once my feet touched the ground, I ran over to where my clothes were, dragged them off the side of the path, and hid behind some bushes. I made it in the nick of time because I reverted back to a human. I heard scuffling behind me and assumed that Kyo transformed back as well. I quickly dressed while trying not to flash anyone or anything out there.
"Kyo? Are you descent?" I asked hesitantly my back towards the path to not risk seeing anything.
"Yeah," came his awkward reply. I exited my hiding place and joined him back on the path. The dogs were sitting quietly but leaped up as I came back into view.
We're very sorry! We didn't mean to cause any trouble! Lotta and Dot exclaimed in unison as they approached me and Kyo, who backed up with palms upwards and had a weary expression.
"Uh right, ok just don't jump on me again," he said and I was shocked.
"I thought you couldn't understand them! So how…?" I was confused.
"I can't understand dog language completely. Some of the sounds dogs and cats produce cross over; although I don't think they mean the same things in both languages." he clarified.
"That's really interesting. I wonder if there are other animals that have similar languages," I replied, giving Lotta an absentminded scratch behind the ears. Dot immediately came over and tried pushing his mate out of the way to get his own. I laughed at their antics. "Don't mind these two; they're big trouble makers. It doesn't help that they're mates either. Their pup is also quite the handful as well."
"Mmmm, right," he said quietly while turning away from me. "Anyway it's really late; we should get back to the house."
"You're right, and we have school tomorrow. Bye guys, I'll try to come visit soon!" I gave them all a pat on the head, they dipped their heads briefly in farewell then plunged back into the bushes. Once they were gone, we started to make our way back to the house. It was silent as we walked until my curiosity got the better of me. "Sooo, what parts of the conversation did you understand?"
"Uh, well I understood the apology for the most part, but I think the end was wrong. What I heard them say was 'We didn't want any more tuna'," he rubbed the back of his neck as I burst out with laughter. "The rest was just garbled phrases."
"That's hilarious! What they meant was they didn't mean to cause any trouble." I explained once I stopped laughing.
"It's not that funny." he grumbled as the house came into view. I let out an involuntary yawn at the anticipation of going to sleep.
"I guess not, but we both should get some sleep before school tomorrow," I conceded taking out the key Shigure gave me earlier to unlock the front door. Kyo hung back a bit and as I opened the door; I turned to him. "You're still going to train, aren't you? If you deprive yourself of sleep, you're not going to be able to wake up on time tomorrow for school." My hands rested on my hips.
"I don't want to go anyway, school isn't my thing," he murmured as his head turned to the side. I sighed in exasperation.
"You haven't even gone one day at my school. I bet you'll like it or at least can come to like it. Being alone all the time isn't good for anyone even if you say that you're used to it. Give it a try and maybe you'll make some friends who aren't your family it's fun trust me," I said gently, just wanting to help him out. It's clear to me that he doesn't like interacting with others; when he does, he's harsh and short-tempered. His head remained turned away but he started trembling.
"Fine! I'll go but if anything happens, it's all yours and that dumb dogs fault," he stomped past me and I couldn't help giving a chuckle.
"Ok, now be quiet or you'll wake the whole house," I whispered to him and he moved quietly through the entrance hall. I shut the door and locked it behind me. After that, we both went upstairs to our separate rooms where I quickly got ready for bed and slid into my futon. As I closed my eyes and was on the verge of sleep, I heard the muffled sound of a window opening and something thumping to the ground outside. As I wondered about this, I felt Kyo's presence fade away as I slid into sleep.
The next thing I knew, I was in the same nightmare as yesterday. As always, I stood at the top of some stairs with long hallways on either side of me. Remembering what the Other Me said last time I was here, I hesitated before going down the stairs. I admired the woodwork and what-not as best as I could given the gloominess surrounding the top of the stairs. This place felt oddly familiar like I've seen it in the real world, yet I can't put a finger on where. I puzzled over this for a few moments while I checked the doors; they were all locked. I eyed the stairs wearily not really wanting to go down, but I also couldn't stay here any longer if I wanted to end the dream. I stood at the top of the stairs and took a few deep breaths before starting my descent to the square of light at the bottom. The closer I got, my anxiety rose as last encounter's events flashed in my mind.
What if I have to fight her again? I don't think I could get lucky twice.
I halted on the stairs. My breathing became shallow and quick; my chest tight.
I think I'll just turn around and head back up the stairs.
I turned back around and took a few steps upwards when I bumped into an invisible force in front of me. The force knocked me off balance and I instinctually put a foot out to catch myself, but there was nothing there. My hands clawed at the smooth walls lining the stairs, desperately trying to find purchase as I fell. I gasped when the wind was knocked out of me; hot pain shot up my spin when my back slammed into the hard edges of the steps. My body tumbled down the stairs, unable to stop myself from hissing in pain while my limps banged against each step. After what felt like forever, I landed on the floor in the brightly lit room. I laid there for a second, collecting myself as the pain caught up with me and I instinctually curled into a ball and squeezed my eyes shut.
I wonder how long I can stay here? Maybe I can just rest here for a while and wake up in my futon. As I laid there I became aware of a slow shuffling noise interspersed with hisses of pain. I uncurled myself and opened my eyes looking around for the source and saw the Other Me dragging herself towards the door.
Well, shit. I can get no breaks, huh.
Groaning, I rolled myself onto my stomach. Not trusting myself to stand I started to crawl after her, gritting my teeth against the pain in my back and extremities. It was painfully slow going for the both of us, but I was delighted when I noticed that I was gaining on her. The Other Me dragged one of her legs from behind at an awkward angle - my guess was it got broken when got beaten up. As I crawled nearer, she looked over her shoulder with a cold determination in her dark blue eyes.
I'm going through that door, Bitch, this is nothing. Her voice resonated in my head as she turned back to the door and picked up her pace slightly. I stayed silent, focusing only on getting ahead of her to reach the door. I ensured not to get too close to her as I passed by her. It felt like the room stretched for miles until I was within reach of the door. My breath short, sweat dripped from my face, but I looked over my shoulder to see the Other Me far behind me - she glared at me with a burning hatred.
It'll be me going through that door one of these days just remember that, you Bastard's bitch. Even when she's far behind, her voice seemed to have growled loudly in my ears. I faced the door and reached up to grasp the knob - I turned it until the door opened. I immediately let go in favor of pushing it wider. I crawled forward a little until my body floated in the darkness once more. I closed in my eyes but it doesn't help with the lingering pain throughout my body. So my irritation is justified when I felt a hand shake my shoulder to rouse me awake.
"Go away… just five more minutes," My voice slurred with sleep as I raised a hand to wave off whoever was shaking me.
"Liisa-san, you need to wake up. We need to know how hurt you are," A soft voice caused my eyes to snap open. I'm on my back, looking up at the worried faces of Tohru and Yuki.
"What happened? How did I get here?" I asked, trying to push myself up off the floor even as my body protested and head pounded. Tohru and Yuki held me down each with a hand on my shoulders.
"Don't move till we get someone to look at you. Shigure's calling the Sohma family doctor," Tohru explained with unshed tears in her eyes.
"As for what happened, I was woken up by noises outside my door. When I went to investigate I opened my door in time to see you bump into the wall of the stair well and lose your balance. I tried to grab you before you fell but I missed. When I got down, you were sleeping like nothing happened. I've been trying to wake you up for a while now," Yuki explained with worry clear on his face. My thoughts were slow to comprehend what I had been told.
I bumped into a wall? That must have been the hard thing I walked into in my dream. So when I fell down the stairs in my dream, I did in real life as well so that proves a theory of mine. I should've woken up from the impact of falling in real life, but I only woke up after going through the door. That means I can't wake up unless I go through that door.
Tohru and Yuki were still looking down at me with worried looks. My friend was gently stroking my hair away from my face. "Where are you hurt?" she asked softly and I wiggled in place, taking stock of my injuries.
"My whole body feels bruised and battered to be honest, but the worst of it is in my legs and my head is pounding," I told them; my muscles shaking slightly with fatigue and tiredness. My head started to feel fuzzy and all I really wanted to do was close my eyes and go to sleep.
"Liisa stay awake! You can't go to sleep!" Tohru's worried voice pounded on the inside of my skull as I felt her shake my shoulder gently. I groaned as I reopened my eyes with more irritation.
"Just wake me up when the doctor gets here. I need some sleep," I whined, trying to shrug off both of their hands and get comfortable on the floor.
"You can sleep once the doctor checks you over; please stay awake until then," she re-stated, holding my shoulder firmly against the floor while Yuki silently did the same with my other shoulder. I don't know how long we stayed like that, but eventually I heard a set of footsteps coming down the hall and I felt the strong pull of Shigure's presence coming towards us
"I got through to Hatori. He should be here in about 45 minutes. How's she doing?" His voice asked from above me.
"I'm right here you know," I told him trying to turn to face him even with Yuki and Tohru holding me down.
"Oh good, you're finally awake! We were worried when you wouldn't wake up!" he responded, I couldn't see him from my position on the floor. "Anyway, Hatori told me that if you woke up to keep you still. He's most worried about you having an injury to your neck or spine, so just bear with us for a while alright?"
"I don't have a choice with these two holding me down," I sighed. My headache pulsed painfully to remind me it was there. Maybe I should listen to them - there could be something wrong. This is very humiliating, and it got even worse as I felt the strong pushing sensation of Kyo's presence moving towards us.
"What's going on? Why are you guys being so noisy? It's too early for that," he complained sleepily as he came down the stairs. His footsteps stopped as he got to the bottom of the stairs I tried to look towards him but Tohru put her other hand on my forehead to keep my face turned towards the ceiling. "What the hell are you guys doing?" I brought my left arm up to rub my temple as his loud voice grated on my skull, Yuki released my shoulder and stood facing the cat.
"Liisa-san fell down the stairs. We're keeping her still until Hatori can come and look at her, in case she injured her head and spine," He said with a cold tone. I felt Tohru's hands tense on my right shoulder and forehead. I glanced at her to see she was watching the two boys. "Tell me, Kyo, why did you show up just now when the rest of us came down immediately after hearing Liisa-san fall down?" My eyes slid back-and-forth between the two. The cat directed his gaze downwards with hands clenched into tight fits at his sides. Despite the pounding headache, I racked my brain to figure out something.
"Oh, you trained late last night right?" I blurted my hand halting in its rubbing my eyes only on Kyo. I vaguely registered movements in my peripheral vision as I stared at the cat. "You went back out last night after I ran into you in the forest, didn't you?"
"So what?! It was my choice!" he spat bumping into Yuki's shoulder as he passed, heading for the kitchen. I closed my eyes crushing the urge to laugh as I found Kyo's harsh words didn't anger me. All I had was the image of a kitten with its fur all fluffed up thinking it was tuff in my mind.
"Don't mind him. He's always been a grouch in the morning," Shigure piped up as he settled down in Yuki's vacant spot. "You two can go and get ready for school. I'll make sure the patient stays still." I lowered my left hand back to my side with a sigh as Yuki left to go up the stairs .
Not if I strangle my care taker first.
"Are you sure? I could stay home if you need me to," Tohru offered as she sat back, removing her hands from my shoulder and forehead.
"NO! I mean, no, you don't need to do that! I'll be fine. I know how important school is to you so don't miss it on account of me!" I jumped in quickly, having to restrain myself from sitting up. She didn't look convinced at my hurried answer.
"Alright I'll stay as long as I can at the very least," she said before standing up and heading into the kitchen after Kyo. Now, I was alone with Shigure. It felt weird just lying on the floor so I brought my hands to rest on my stomach twisting my fingers together.
"I was wondering, you mentioned a guy named Hatori earlier - what's he like?" That name sounds familiar to me but I don't know how or why.
"Hatori's the main Sohma Family doctor. He usually takes care of Akito since his health isn't the best, which is why he stays at the Main House. He and I are the same age so we grew up together. He's very dependable and level-headed to a fault. Oh! And he's one of the zodiacs."
"Oh, really? Were you guys really close?"
"Yep! Even though we don't see each other very often, we're still really close."
"I find it hard to believe that someone who's as serious as you say he is would be willing to be friends with someone who's almost never serious," I teased though I'm getting tired from laying on the floor.
"It's probably because we've known each other our whole lives." He huffed small laugh. Before I could respond, I felt a new presence wash over me; it was a gentle pull like being drawn into a warm hug. Shigure seemed to feel it too because he turned towards the front door.
"Seems like he's here," he checked his watch as he got up. "He got here fast. Stay there, I'll go let him in."
"I'm not going anywhere in a hurry," I assured him as he headed down the hall towards the front door just as there was a knock.
"I'll get it!" Shigure called to the others. There was a thump of footsteps coming down the stairs, and Yuki came into my field of vision.
"Are you heading out to school?" I asked him as he passed me.
"Yeah, I want to get some stuff done before school starts. Feel better soon, I'll see you after school's over." He scurried away into the kitchen, I didn't get the chance to dwell on his strange actions when a strong smell of antiseptic with a woody-undertone wafted into my nose.
"We haven't moved her since she fell. She's been conscious and talking since she woke up," I heard Shigure summarize as two sets of footsteps headed my way. I remained still when they came into my field of view. The man standing beside Shigure was tall with black hair covering one of his eyes. The longer I stared at him , the sense of comfort and safety got stronger. Familiarity was a rising inkling as well.
Have I met him before? But I didn't know any Sohma's until recently so maybe I met him at the hospital? But Shigure said that he's specifically the Sohma family's doctor so where's this feeling coming from?
"Hello Liisa-san, it's nice to meet you. I'm Hatori Sohma…though I wished we met under different circumstances." His gentle greeting triggered something to click in my memory - I've definitely met this man before but where and when?
"Uh, hello, it's nice to meet you too," My brain continued to dig through my memory archives.
"Well, let's get started. I doubt that laying on the floor is very comfortable." He said, kneeling down and opening the doctors bag he brought. He then went through the usual paces: looking in my eyes with a light, asking all sorts of questions, and checking me over thoroughly. During all of this, Tohru and Kyo came and went with their things for school. Finally, he sat back and allowed me to sit up fully. I started to stretch out my aching muscles. "I don't think you have any injuries to your spine or neck. I do know you have a minor concussion." He informed me as he packed away his medical supplies. "Would you care to explain what happened?" I paused in my stretching, knowing this question was going to come up.
"I have a habit of sleepwalking. Last night, I left my room and from what Yuki-san said is that I walked into the wall and fell down the stairs." I fiddled with my bracelet as I explained. I saw his uncovered eye flicker down at it then quickly upwards.
"I see. There's not much to do about sleepwalking so maybe you can lock the door?" He suggested as he stood up. "For now, someone'll need to keep an eye on you for the next few days to ensure your symptoms don't worsen. "I suggest you don't go to school today so that you can rest. If you have work, give me their numbers and I'll make a few calls."
As he said that to me, I shakily rose to my feet while leaning against the wall for support. I closed my eyes tight to stop the hall from spinning. "Yeah, ok. Just give me a second to gather my bearings." I didn't have the strength or brain power to argue with him anyways.
"Should we take her upstairs so she can rest in her room?" I heard Shigure ask.
"I suggest she rests in the living room, where it's more accessible to keep an eye on her, and that she doesn't use the stairs." Hatori responded.
"You know, I'm right here guys," I'm tired of people talking about things like I'm not there.
"Then what do you want to do?" Shigure asked me and I opened my eyes to find that the hall was no longer spinning, but I didn't trust myself to move from the wall without falling.
"Maybe the living room wouldn't be such a bad idea," I grudgingly conceded then took a tentative step forward with a hand on the wall. Immediately, I felt someone's hand grasp my elbow.
"Here, let me assist you. Shigure, go get the futon and be quick," The other man ordered as I shuffled along the wall towards the living room. I didn't protest against the help, but I'm not willing to admit aloud that Hatori's assistance kept me steady when I moved away from the wall. I sat on the floor next to the coffee table; moments later, Shigure came back with my futon. Both men set it up before Hatori helped me get settled. His scent and presence still nagged the back of my mind. I then told him the phone numbers for work and school, which he scribbled down on paper.
"I need to get back to Akito at the Main House but call me if anything changes. I'll come back any time. "Also, tell Yuki that he needs to do his checkup. I'm aware that he avoided me today, but he can't hide forever." He said to the dog as he made his way to the door. Before he could leave, I called out to him.
"Hatori? May I ask you something?" He paused at the door but didn't turn around.
"Of course, what is it?" He asked visibly shifting his weight.
"Have- have I met you before? It's just that your presence, voice, and scent are so familiar but I can't remember where I've encountered them before," I watched him closely - his hand tightened slightly on the doorframe where it rested. It was quiet for a moment before he answered.
"No, we've never met before," Then he left.
I think he just lied to me. No matter; I'll remember where I've met him before on my own then.
"I'll be right back. I'm just going to see him out and then grab some things from my office," Without letting me answer, the dog scurried out of the room and left me alone with my thoughts. I stared at the ceiling as I dug through my memories to remember where I've met Hatori before. A moment passed when a hazy image of a dimly lit room with Hatori's soft murmurs float in the air. Just as I tried to focus more on the details of the room, I could feel it slipping out my grasp. My body flinched and the image completely disappeared when something slammed onto the table. I looked over to see the dog brought his typewriter.
"What's that for?" I asked curiously as he as he inserted paper into the paper table. He peered at me over the top of the typewriter.
"That's right! I never told you what I do for a living!" he smacked a palm on his forehead. "I'm a novelist. I have a deadline coming up so I figured while I babysit you, I could work on my story." he explained then stood up and opened the sliding door to the outside. "You don't mind if I have this open, do you? I like to smell the outdoors while I write and it's a really nice day today,"
"No not at all," I replied as a soft breeze came in and played across my face. The breeze smelled warm like summer, which I remembered was just around the corner. My eyelids grew heavy until my eyes were closed; the sound of Shigure's steady typing lulled me into slumber.
Later
I'm slowly roused awake to the murmurs of voices. Eventually, I could make out what's being said.
"If you know you'll regret it, don't yell at her in the first place. You're hopeless," I recognized Shigure's voice by the time I opened my eyes. It was comfortably warm in the room and as I slowly looked around, I caught sight of Kyo lying on the wooden porch outside of the living room with his back towards me. It seemed both parties didn't know that I had woken up. I stayed silent as Kyo spoke.
"It'll never happen, I… I'm not suited to be around other people. I would be better off alone," I heard the rustling of papers from the table as I took in what the cat had said.
"For example, you're capable of breaking this table in half and can control the strength your punches. No doubt as a result of you fighting against bears." Humor is evident in the dog's speech. Suddenly, the cat flipped over an annoyed expression on his face.
"I didn't fight with bears," He spat through clenched teeth. He made eye contact with me and I watched him turn red. "How long have you been awake?"
"Not very long but, um… I agree with Shigure. You belong with other people. Like last night, you were able to talk to me for the most part just fine." I responded, shifting to sit up and finding that I felt better than I did earlier. His face turned a darker shade of red and he turned his back to me again.
"Well, that's because I…" he trailed off, letting silence take over the room.
"Do you already have a crush on her? Hmmm Kyo?" the adult teased from the table. I saw Kyo tense but he didn't move to leave.
"No! I just find it easier to talk to you but when it comes to her, it always comes out…wrong," He seemed to hunch in on himself and after a second of consideration, I had an idea on who they were talking about. Before I could open my mouth Shigure jumped in.
"Consider interacting with people a different type of training. You may be a black belt in martial arts, but you're a white belt in how to socialize with other people, who may have different thoughts, feelings, outlooks, and experiences than you. With fighting, it's fairly straightforward - train, test your strengths, and you'll get hurt in the process whether or not you mess up. With people, on the other hand, it's more complex because you don't how they're going to test you, how they'll hurt you in the process, or how they can help you become stronger to overcome obstacles.
"Although, there are people who you may feel more comfortable talking with than others such as Liisa and Tohru. I'm not exactly sure, but I gather that being cursed is a common factor. Whereas with Tohru, it seems to me like you don't have a common ground with her. Maybe that's why you're harsher towards her. So why not use school as a common ground with Tohru while learning how to socialize with people your age? It'll be hard at first, but for the sake of your future - you might even find someone who loves you - I'm sure you can do it.
"That's hard to believe," he said flatly
"But what if it was true?" the adult asked leaning back finally putting his papers down.
"I'm sure you'll find some aspects of what Shigure said to be true. Everyone can have a happy ending if they shape their future by taking actions now." I piped up, not wanting the cat to give up before he tried.
"Tch! Fine, fine. Whatever." Kyo scoffed with a pout, causing me and Shigure to exchange amused looks. "But if anything happens, I'm holding both of you accountable!"
"Deal," We said at the same time that I felt Yuki's presence. The front door opened and a couple moments later he entered the living room alone.
"Welcome home, Yuki, where's Tohru?" Shigure asked, making room for him at the table.
"She went straight to her part-time job. She said that dinner just has to be reheated." He said as he sat down at the table. "She gets off at 11 today so I was thinking of walking her home."
"Good idea! There's been an increase of cases with perverts around here," Shigure responded as he packed up his writing things. I saw movement out of the corner of my eye - Kyo got to his feet.
"L-let me walk with her! I want to apologize," He blurted while avoiding eye contact.
"If that's what you want, it makes no difference to me as long as she gets home fine," Yuki shrugged then pulled out some papers from his bookbag. "Liisa-san, I have the assignments you missed today. If you'd like, I can help you with them."
I didn't realize how tense I was until I released a breath of relief, "Yes, please! I don't want to fall behind!" I slowly sat up and stretched a little before sitting at the table across from him. "Oh!" I gasped then added nonchalantly, "If you see the pack of dogs on your way home with Tohru, don't freak out. They're friendly and they know to keep an eye on her."
I heard Kyo's scoff, "'Friendly,' right. You'd better rein in those crazy dogs one day." With that, I watched him leave the living room.
"What's he talking about?" Yuki asked and I re-told last night's events, Shigure laughed his head off.
After that, the rest of the evening went by nicely. Yuki helped me with my assignments and Shigure, surprisingly, reheated dinner for all of us. I stayed up reading in the living room when Kyo went to pick up Tohru; I wanted to make sure she's alright and to let know how I'm doing. When she came home, she looked exhausted but at least I can tell she's relieved…and why do I get the sense that something else happened between those two on their way home?
A Few Days Later
Since the night that Kyo walked Tohru home, those two seemed to have changed. He seemed to have mellowed out because he doesn't - or he tries not to, at least - yell at her as often as before. He's still got a short-temper and may sound annoyed, but he's not yelling at her as much. Although, she wouldn't tell me what happened that night no matter how much I pester her; her face gets red every time.
A major indicator that their relationship improved was when Tohru called him "Kyo-kun" for the first time. Well, whatever happened, I'm glad things kind of worked out in the end.
Until today…
We were relaxing in the living room after dinner when there was a knock at the door. I stiffened when I felt a strong pulling force - not as strong as Shigure's but stronger than Yuki's.
"I'll get it!" Tohru jumped to her feet and headed out of the room. I slowly rose and followed after her. She opened the front door to reveal a girl, roughly around our age and Tohru's height, with brown shoulder-length hair and brown eyes.