A/N: Welcome to chapter 9! As always a big thank you to my friend for her dedication to editing this chapter! Without further ado please enjoy the chapter!

That Afternoon

Once we got home, Tohru announced she had something to tell everyone. I could see the three guys' confusion as we settled around the coffee table in the living room. Tohru and I sat across from Yuki and Shigure while Kyo sat at the end of the table. My friend took a deep breath before launching into her explanation.

"During lunch today, I got a phone call from my grandpa. He said the house renovations are done and that I could move back in with him and his daughter's family this weekend." Everyone was silent for a few moments as the information sank in.

"If you're going back to your grandpa's house, what about you Liisa-san? Are you moving too?" Shigure asked after the silence dragged for a minute.

"If you want me to leave too, I'll find somewhere else to stay. But only Tohru is moving back in with her grandpa," I clenched my hands under the table.

"No, you misunderstood me. I simply asked if you're moving out as well now that Tohru-san isn't going to live here anymore." He waved his hand in front of his face with a slight smile. "I'm not going to throw you out if you have nowhere else to go."

"Thank you so much! I didn't know how to bring that up," I pressed my palms together in front of my chest and gave a slight bow in gratitude.

"Of course, the same deal as before applies you're just doing it solo now." His smile was accompanied with a twinkle in his eyes.

"Don't make it weird, dirty dog." Yuki clipped then smacked the back of the dog's head. The impact of the blow moved his head forward; the adult pouted while he rubbed the sore spot as he straightened up. Tohru covered her mouth in an attempt to smother her giggles.

"This is nothing to laugh about! I'm being abused over here!" he whined and I started laughing too.

"It's not abuse if it's because you're being a weird old man." Yuki deadpanned.

"That's even worse for you, Yuki! I could file a case of elder abuse against you."

"Who could you find that would take you seriously after talking to you for more than five minutes?" The dog scandalously gasped while placing a hand on his chest at the rats accusation.

"How could you say that?! I can be serious for more than five minutes!" he exclaimed. Both Tohru and I were in laughing fits at this point.

"Riiiiiggghhhhtttt, you keep telling yourself that." The adult said nothing but stuck his tongue out at the rat when the latter faced us again. "I hope this old man didn't make you change your mind about staying, Liisa-san."

"Not at all; I love watching you two banter back and forth. It just means that you guys are close." The rats face looked uncomfortable.

"I can assure you that's not the truth."

"From my position, that's how it seems." I chuckled as Shigure slung an arm around Yuki's neck. He tried to shrug off the offending arm.

"Oh, don't be like that! I've known you you're whole life" The adult chuckled when the rat threw his arm off, scooted away, and didn't look at any of us. As amusing as it is to watch their antics, we had work soon. I checked my watch and saw that we needed to get ready lest we'd be late.

"Tohru, we need to get ready for work." I announced as I got up; my friend followed suit.

"I'll see you guys later! Dinner's in the refrigerator; it just needs to be heated up!" She told them as we left the room. We walked a few steps down the hall when I remembered something so I ducked my head back into the room.

"I work late tonight so don't wait up for me! Bye" I informed them before I forgot.

"Alright just be safe! There's a lot of weirdos hanging around here lately." the adult warned.

"I will!" I went back into the hallway then both us went upstairs to our room.

At Work

Once I arrived at work, I clocked in for my shift then went to the kitchen to prepare the food the cooks will use. I started peeling the potatoes since that takes the longest amount of time. I worked in silence until I was halfway through the pile when I noticed one of the cooks approach me.

"Hello Shawn, what's up? Do you need some of these potatoes?" I looked at the brunette cook, he shook his head.

"No, I was sent to tell you that Mr. Kota wants to see you in his office." he was fidgeting with the hem of his apron.

"Oh, I wonder what he could want." I thought aloud as I stood up and stripped off the gloves I'd been wearing.

Is he going to fire me for missing shifts because of my concussion? But I had a doctor's note and Hattori called to let him know that I would be out.

"Thanks for letting me know." I passed by him and hurried off to the very back of the restaurant. I stopped in front of Mr. Kota's office door. I knocked and heard him tell me to enter. I hesitantly opened the door and walked inside.

"Good after noon Mr. Kota, I was told that you wanted to see me." I said, closing the door behind me.

"Yes. I wanted to check on how you're doing after you missed 4 shifts due to your concussion. I would've called your phone before you showed up, but the number on your file isn't working." He shifted some papers around on his desk then pulled out one and handed it to me. I silently took it and glanced at it - the address and phone number belonged to the old apartment.

"I'm feeling fine. I'm fit for work so long as I don't lift heavy things for another week. As for my address and phone numbers, I recently moved but I'll update my information as soon as possible." I handed the form back to him, who nodded his head.

"If you could get the information and fill a new form out on your next shift, that would be great " He stuffed the form back into the pile after sliding it in a manila folder. "That was all that I wanted to say. You can go now." He dismissed me without looking up from what he was doing.

"Thank you, sir, I'll get to it." I left the room and went back to my potatoes. I was surprised to see Shawn still loitering nearby. I saw him turn in my direction when I went to the sink to wash my hands and put on a new pair of gloves.

"Soooo, what did the boss want?" He asked as I settled back down on my little stool and picked up where I left off.

"Nothing much, I moved recently and forgot to update my address on file." I said without breaking my concentration so I don't cut myself.

"Oh, I thought it was going to be something more serious." My irritation rose as I glared up at him.

This guy is always such an annoying busybody.

"Why would you think that?" I took a deep breath as I picked up the next potato.

"Because you missed your shifts the last few days or so; I was starting to think that you got fired or quit or something." He rested his head atop his hand while he watched me work.

"Nope, I had a medical emergency - that's all."

"You got a concussion, right?" I quickly glanced at him.

"Where did you hear that from?" My hands halted in their movements.

"I asked the boss about it. Why? Was that not true?" he stood up straight a smile on his face. His manner was making me uneasy.

"No, you were told correctly. I was just surprised you knew." I watched him closely. He shrugged nonchalantly but before I could respond, I heard something beeping. Shawn pulled out a small timer from his pocket then turned it off.

"Looks like my break's over. As much as I'd love to stay and chat with you, it's time to get back to work." He shot me another smile before he left heading back to the griddle. Alone once again I went back to quietly prepping my potatoes. However, I noticed Shawn kept looking at me while I worked.

After Work on the Way Home

As I walked on the familiar forest path to Shigure's house, today's events weighed on my mind. With Tohru moving to her grandpa's place, the creepy school principal, and how work went, I had the urge to visit the dog pack. I haven't seen or heard from them in a while - I wonder how they're doing. I veered off of the main trail to trek the side-path that lead me to the tent's former land marker. Going around the mound of dirt, I went to the little stream in hopes of seeing them. As I approached, I heard the dogs moving around in the reeds on the other side of the stream. I barked to catch their attention - I didn't wait long before I saw a familiar gray head pop up. The dog's name is Inu a big grey female with a white belly and grey eyes.

Shadow! Your Pup's here! She disappeared into the reeds. A moment later, Shadow's large black form emerged from the foliage, followed by Blaze's pure white form of the same size and Inu's beefy form.

Greetings Pup, what brings you to the stream? She silently communicated to me.

I felt like seeing you guys. It feels like I haven't seen you in a long time. How is everyone? her tail wagged.

If you're willing to come, my sister is fine with visitors seeing her pup. Excitement rose within me. Shadow's sister, Kit, became pregnant when I started living in my tent then gave birth the same week Tohru moved in with me. I didn't want to seem pushy by asking to see the pup, so I waited for the invitation.

"Of course I'll come! Lead the way." Shadow nodded her head, turned, and disappeared into the reeds; the other two followed suit. I followed as quickly as I could without tripping or getting my clothes dirty. The pack would stop and wait for me a few feet away until I caught up. We eventually encountered a wall of tall wild bushes; the dogs entered through an opening at the bottom of a bush. I got on my hands and knees and crawled in after them - the opening was big enough for me to fit. Once inside, I sat on my knees in awe. I've never been inside any of their dens before; the wide clearing surrounded by the bushes was aesthetically pleasing. While I looked around, more of the pack members peered out from under the bushes. The smell of dog mixed with nature hung heavily in the air, distracting me enough to not react fast enough when two bodies suddenly jumped on me.

You're here! A dog barked above me. It took me a second to recognize the gray and black bodies of Dot and Lotta, respectively.

I should have known these two would jump me.

Are you here to see our grandpups? Lotta enthusiastically yipped while jumping in a circle. They're sleeping right now but we could wake them up.

Kit's had her baby too! You need to see him; he's so cute! Dot happily chimed in, bumping against his mate.

Calm down you two! Don't stress out the new mothers. Blaze kidded, swiping a paw over both of their ears.

Yeah, yeah; you act all mature now but you loved playing with Simba and us when you were a pup. Don't get all high and mighty now you're going to be a father. Lotta playfully bumped him, nearly knocking the younger male over. They were about to continue their shenanigans when I heard a high-pitched squeak come from the bush farthest from the entrance.

Mamma, mamma! I can smell a stranger in our den! I want to see what's going on! I heard a round of amused laughs from the pack.

That's not a stranger out there. They are a human who can understand us. She gave all of us a name…

Do you think she'll give me a name?! The high-pitched voice interrupted excitedly.

Why don't you ask? I'll be there in a moment. Kit replied with a weary voice followed by the sound of crunching leaves. In the next moment, a reddish-brown blur emerged from under the bush, shook its body then ran towards me at full speed.

Hello! Who're you? Mom said you can understand me. You look different than anyone here! You smell funny too. The little pup said in a rush whilst jumping on my lap with excitement. I laughed then patted his head without thinking.

"He's a curious one." I stated to no one in particular. Then I looked him in the eyes to better communicate with him.

Hello, my name is Liisa. I'm friends with your mother and Shadow. His eyes seemed to sparkle once I had introduced myself.

Wow! You can speak into my head! That's so cool! He danced around excitedly with his tail wagging. By now Kit had joined us out in the clearing looking tired but happy as she watched her son bounce around.

"You're going to have to explain to him that not all humans can talk to you." I said to her; she turned her gaze on me.

Like all things, that will come with time. I'm just glad he's healthy; his sibling was not so lucky. Her gaze became dewy and sad.

I'm sorry to hear that Kit, it must have been hard for you. Sadness squeezed my heart. Shadow walked to her and pressed her body against hers.

We will remember the lost ones forever, dear sister. But we must cherish those who lived. I believe everyone will love your pup. Tora's pups love playing with yours that they are now family.

I know, and what about you? Have you told your adoptive pup your news? Kit pulled away and nosed at the black alphas face.

I was going to tell her, I swear. She nudged her sister.

"What do you have to tell me?" I chimed in.

Well, I know I never told you but Blaze and I became mates before the land slide. Shadow started but her sister cut her off, seemingly bursting with the news.

And she's going to have his puppies! Kit looked at her sister, who faintly growled in her throat.

You didn't let me tell her? I thought it would be MY news to share. Shadow teased her sister. I was taken aback by the news.

"You're having puppies?!" A huge smile stretched across my face. The black female made eye contact with me and we started silently communicating.

I'm pretty sure; I felt weird for a few days. I talked to Kit about it. She told me she felt the same way at first. Then she noticed that my scent had changed.

I see. I was going to ask how you knew. I hope everything goes well for you. I broke eye contact when the pup jumped in my lap. I looked down to see him wriggling around.

What're you doing? He asked with big golden eyes.

He's soo cute!

I'm talking to your mom and aunt, but I just had an idea for your name. I telepathically explained. He wagged his tail so fast that his whole body shook.

Really!? You do! What is it? Tell me! Tell me! He wiggled out of my lap and hopped on the spot. I laughed at his antics.

"Everyone, I've got a name for your youngest member!" I gained all of their attention when they instantly became silent and eyed me. I scooped up the pup and held him up above my head, "His name will be Romeo." All of the dogs howled in celebration. The pup, however, wiggled in my grasp to get down. Once I put him on the ground, he looked up at me with shining eyes.

I love it! But what's a "Romeo?" I smiled as I locked eyes with him.

Romeo is the name of a human in a story. He went to great ends for the one he loved. I hope you will do the same. He bounced on his paws.

I love it! I would do anything for my mamma! He barked then scampered to his mother's side. She bent down to nose at him. Do you like my name, mamma?

I love it Romeo. I looked at the happy family as Romeo's father, Marley, a brown male with blue eyes, joined the mother and son.

It makes us happy when you give us names; makes us feel closer to you, pup. Shadow sat beside me. I glanced at her but she's staring at her sister's family. I hope when my children are born, you will do the same for them.

"Of course I will! I'm glad you liked the name I've given you, doing it makes me feel closer to you even though I don't live with you guys." I placed a hand atop of her head and she leaned into my touch.

I'm glad. I'll send a dog to get you when it's time. She murmured as I stroked her head. We sat in silence until a huge yawn escaped from me - today's weariness weighed on my shoulders once more. You are tired pup. Go home and sleep. It is late; we should do the same.

"Alright. I'll come visit you guys again soon." I bid them goodbye and crawled my way out of the bush then stood up, brushing off my clothing. A few of the dogs followed me out - Shadow among them.

We'll accompany you back to the stream, pup. She said and the two nodded. Blaze's sister, Missy, a pure white female with blue eyes, flanked Shadow's left while Apollo flanked the right. I nodded my thanks and we set off in silence. By the time we reached the stream, I was having trouble putting one foot in front of the other. Are you alright, pup? Do you need help getting back to your den?

"No, I'll be fine just tired is all." I gave them a soft smile. In truth, I was at my limit my body needed rest and fast.

If you're sure, then good night, pup. Take care. Shadow said then the trio turned and disappeared into the bushes. I continued my trek alone until I got home. By the time I got inside, I had just enough energy to shower and change into pajamas. I collapsed onto my futon that was already prepared for me and allowed sleep to consume me.

That Night

I woke up at the top of the usual staircase. I looked around in the dark hallway, waiting, when I saw something different - a light coming from under one of the many doors. This has never happened before. I cautiously approached the door and tried the knob, but it's locked like usual. I knelt down and tried to look underneath the door but couldn't see anything in the room. The light made me see stars when I straightened up again. However, a shadow appeared under the doorway and moved from side-to-side like it was pacing. I backed away quickly until my body pressed against the opposite wall. The door remained closed and the shadow was still moving.

"H-hello?" I cautiously called out; the shadow stopped moving immediately. I waited with bated breath, worried that this "guest" wasn't friendly. I half-expected the door to open but it didn't. A second later, the shadow resumed its pacing.

Maybe they couldn't hear me? No, they stopped when I called out to them; maybe I can't hear them?

Seeing that nothing's happening, I decided to go through my routine of checking the remaining locked doors. Before I descended the stairs, I glanced back at the door with the light. The shadow was still moving but I digress, then made my way down. With each step I took, questions about what could happen and the state of the other version of me rose until I entered into the brightly lit room. I immediately went to the door without pause or looking for the usual occupant. Not even the sounds of pained moans could deter me.

"Don't look. Don't look. Don't look." I chanted under my breath as her moans grew louder. My eyes focused on the door even when I hastened my pace to pass the spot she'd usually lay. I thought I was careful, but I screamed when a hand grabbed my ankle, causing me to trip and fall on the floor.

"You should know by now that I don't give up easily." she panted, still clutching onto my ankle. I looked at her bruised and bleeding face then kicked her in the nose without thought. I cringed at the sickening crack of her nose breaking - she released my with a screech and recoiled. I scrambled onto my feet and ran to the door, yanked it open, and rushed through.

I floated through the darkness with labored breaths as the adrenaline started to wear off. As I calmed down, my consciousness awakened. I opened my eyes to see the dim light of dawn filer into the room. I smelled a strong familiar scent - one that doesn't belong to Tohru. I quickly turned my head to the side and saw Yuki sleeping next to me.

I slept walked into his room again. My face flushed as I carefully slipped out of his bed and made my way out of his room. I spared a glance at him to ensure he's still asleep before completely leaving his space.

"Liisa, what were you doing in Sohma-san's room?" I nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard a sudden voice. I quickly turned in the direction of the voice with my heart in my throat.

"Tohru! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" I whispered-yelled so that I don't disturb those still asleep. "I'll tell you downstairs." I lead the way until we entered the kitchen; she closed the door and faced me.

"Soooo, what were you doing in Sohma-san's room?" she asked then clapped a hand over her mouth. "Could it be that you two are secret lovers?"

"WHAT! Nonononono! I slept walked last night and that's where I ended up. It happened on the first night we were here too." I waved my hands in a dismissive gesture while blushing.

"Then how come you're blushing so much?" she hummed a teasing tune followed by a giggle while I sputtered nonsensically. "I'm just teasing you. I thought it'd be related with your sleepwalking habits. You used to sleepwalk in the tent and I'd call your name and tell you to come back."

That's news to me. I follow instructions while I'm sleepwalking?

"That's a little freaky I have no memory of any of those times." I went to the cabinet to take out the pans then the breakfast ingredients from the fridge.

"Honestly, I was surprised when it first happened at the apartment." I paused in what I was doing then stared at my friend, who moved to start prepping dinner for tonight. She does that so she can get dinner done before going to work.

"How long have you done this?" I was shocked, why has no one told me about this?

"Since you and your mom moved in with us. You would get up and start messing with things in our room so I couldn't sleep. I tried waking you up, but that didn't work so I asked Auntie about it. She said to tell you "go back to bed" when that happens. She said it worked without fail ever since you could walk."

"My own mother was the one who taught you that?"

"I assumed that you knew about it. The way I understood it I thought she told you about it… but I guess not." she resumed her prep work. I continued staring at her with my thoughts flying through my mind.

That's something I should've been aware of. I know I sleepwalk, but I didn't know that I could follow orders in my sleep! What if someone asked me to do something I wouldn't usually do? Would I have done it since I wasn't conscious? What else has she not told me?

"No, I wasn't aware until just now. I'm glad I know now though." I shrugged then resumed cooking.

"Let's hope there's nothing else we don't know,"

"Yeah, I really hope so," Before we could say anything else, I heard movement from upstairs. "Sounds like someone's up, let's hurry and get this done." My friend nodded and we both worked in silence as more sounds came from upstairs.

The Next Day At School, During Lunch

We sat in a quiet corner of the school yard, underneath a large tree to enjoy our lunches. Tohru just finished re-telling Uo and Hana about her relatives officially moving into her grandpa's house this weekend.

"I thought they moved in a long time ago." Uo stated upon hearing the news; Hana nodded beside her.

"Ah, well, my grandpa wanted to expand the space before they moved in, so they had to wait until the renovations were done." Tohru fumbled with her explanation. Hana, given her keen sense, narrowed her eyes.

"Where have you been staying while it was in progress?" She asked. Tohru looked lost - she's not one to lie so I jumped in to help her out.

"She's been staying with me at my Main House. We shared the room they gave me." I hated myself for how easy it was to tell a lie.

"Why didn't you tell us you needed somewhere to stay? We would've totally allowed you to stay at our places!" Uo exclaimed in a gruff tone.

"Well… I didn't want to burden you guys more than necessary, but Liisa found out I didn't have anywhere to stay and…she talked to her Head of House to let me temporarily live with her. I'm sorry for not telling you earlier." Tohru twiddled with her thumbs with a guilty expression.

"Just like we're always telling Liisa, you can always come to us with your problems and troubles. We're friends; we can rely on each other no matter what. We stick together." Though Hana's words were meant to be comforting, guilt was instilled at the fresh lies we just told.

"Thanks, you guys are the best." Tohru said with a big smile.

Damn, this girl can lie pretty well. If I wasn't in on it, I would've been convinced.

"Of course we are. Someone's gotta look out for you two trouble-magnets!" Uo slung an arm around my shoulders in a side hug with a shit eating grin on her face.

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?!" I pulled away from her. "We do not attract trouble!" I didn't like the way that Uo and Hana exchanged exasperated looks.

"Come on, you only think that because we're always there to bail you out. Like when the Prince Yuki Fan club corned you both, who saved you?" the blonde pointed a finger between us.

"…You did." We answered together; she nodded and continued.

"And on Valentine's Day, who helps you, Liisa, deflect all the guys who try to give you confession letters?"

"…You do."

"And Tohru, who helps you out when you space out in class or when we're walking around?" Hana chimed in.

"…You do." she said with a slight laugh. Now that they've said it out loud, they do help us get out of a lot of tough situations.

"And what about in the 8th grade when…" Uo started but I cut her off.

"Ok ok! We get it! You guys keep us from making complete fools of ourselves! It's very clear when you spell it all out like that." I rolled my eyes then added with a grin, "Thanks for all you do though."

"It seemed as though you two needed the reminder." Uo said just as a gaggle of girls came past us.

"Where do you think he went?" one of them asked.

"I think I saw him go inside. I thought I saw a flash of orange near the doors." Another responded.

"He plays hard to get but we'll get him eventually." The girl in the lead said. "Come on girls, he can't hide forever!" We watched the girls move on; Uo and Hana making disapproving noises.

"What is it with girls and being obsessed with those two Sohma boys?" Uo asked as the group of girls entered the building.

"I don't know but there's something different about them. They both have a different electric pulse than anyone else." She turned to me. "Although they both have similar aspects to yours, Liisa, which is the strongest and strangest one I've ever encountered. Do you think you might be secretly related to them?"

If only I could tell you.

"No, I don't think so. I'd never heard of the Sohma's until Yuki-san was in our class." I deflected as usual.

"If you're sure. I'm just stating what I feel with the electric pulse." She shrugged and I retrained my urge to look at Tohru. Hana's ability to feel electric pulses always made me nervous; not because I was afraid of it, but because she might figure out my secret.

"Yep! I'm very sure! Now, let's hurry and clean up or we'll be late getting back to class!" I changed the subject and started gathering my things.

"Yes, yes. We wouldn't want to be late to our afternoon classes." Tohru chimed in, helping me clean up. The other two followed at a slower pace. We finished cleaning then went back to class.

The Next Day - Saturday

"Do you have everything?" I asked as I looked around our room for the thousandth time. Tohru was busy zipping up two bags filled with clothes.

"I think so. If not, you know where my grandfather lives so you could bring it by." She said standing up. I went over and picked up one of her bags.

"I'll walk with you to your grandfathers house." A sad smile appeared on her face.

"Thank you." We carried her luggage to the front door before going to the living room so she could say goodbye to everyone. Yuki and Shigure sat at the coffee table and Kyo sat on the wooden porch with the side-door open.

"I'm heading out now. Thank you for taking care of me and continuing to take care of Liisa." she had a big smile on her face but I could tell it was forced.

"We should be the ones thanking you for taking care of us! You better not be a stranger and try to visit often!" Shigure cheerfully returned her smile.

"Of course!" she responded. "Right! I almost forgot!" She dug in her pockets and pulled out a slip of paper. She placed it on the table, "This is my grandfather's address. I want you guys to have it just in case." She paused then added with a softer tone, "Even though I'm not living here anymore, I'll keep your secrets safe." I scanned the guy's reaction given how silent they were: the rat and dog had unreadable expressions while I couldn't clearly see the cat's face.

"Thank you. I take it this is an invitation to come visit you at your grandpa's sometime then." the adult said his smile still in place. "Take care on your way home!"

"Of course! Thank you!" She bowed her head as a final departing gesture before she left the room.

"I'm going to help her carry her things to her grandpa's. I'll be back later." I told them before following her out.

"Ok! See you later! Take care on your way back!" the adult called back as we headed for the front door. Once we were outside, I noticed Tohru's smile fell.

"What's up?" I asked as we started up the path to the main road.

"I didn't expect to like it here as much as I did despite it being short-lived." She suddenly looked up at me, "Not that living with my grandpa would be bad or anything! It's just so lively and more fun here! The Sohma's are an interesting bunch and fun to be around."

"It's not like you'll never see them again. You'll see Yuki-san and Kyo-san at school and you better come visit at the house sometimes. I don't know if I could survive being alone with those three every day." I assured her as we exited the forest.

"I know, I know." She sighed. "But it won't be the same as before." She brightened. "Maybe we can invite Kyo-kun and Sohma-san to eat with us at lunch sometime!"

"That's the spirit!" I encouraged her. We walked the rest of the way in a comfortable silence. "It's been a while since I've seen him. I wonder if he'll remember me?" I asked at Tohru knocked on the door. After a moment, I heard the lock slide back and the door opened.

"Oh, Kyoko! And you brought Sakura with you! Come in, come in." Tohru's grandpa greeted us and ushered us inside. My heart warmed at the mention of our mother's names even though he misaddressed us.

"Dad, that's Tohru and her friend, not Kyoko and Sakura!" A harsh looking woman called from farther inside. He just laughed and showed us where to leave the bags. He left us alone in the room and I set the bag I was carrying down. I didn't like the tone that lady had when addressing her father - it reminded me a bit of my family which is not a good sign. I didn't want to speak ill of someone I've just met so I ignored it.

"Do you want any help with unpacking?" I asked as my friend started unzipping her bags and pulling stuff out.

"No, I can do it. I just want to get out… here it is." she pulled out her mother's photo from between some folded clothes and set it on the dresser. Once it was set up, she got to her feet and turned to me.

"Well, I guess this would be goodbye again." she said with an awkward flap of her arms. I felt a lump rise in my throat.

"Yeah, I don't want to impose on your family. I'll see you at school." I pulled her into a tight hug. The truth was that I didn't want to see her go again but if her family wants her, then who am I to get in the way of that? I'm not part of her family anymore - that died with our mothers.

We broke apart at a knock on the bedroom door. Tohru went over and opened it; her grandpa was back with a smile on his face. "Sakura, are you staying for dinner?" he asked me. It was a tempting offer but I still had a lot to get done back at the house.

"Thank you for the offer, but I have to get back to the house. There're people counting on me there." I said with a smile. I didn't bother to correct him miscalling my name.

"Ok, some other time then. You're welcome here anytime. Kyoko always talks so much about you." He turned sideways and beckoned us out of the room, "If you're not staying, then let us walk you to the door." I followed the duo to the front door; Tohru held it open for me.

"Thank you for helping carry my things back here, Liisa." she said as I passed her.

"Anytime! After all, what are friends for?" I forced a smile onto my face. We would have lingered a while longer at the door if someone hadn't called for Tohru from farther inside the house.

"I guess I'll see you at school on Monday. Goodbye Liisa."

I held onto the fake smile until she closed the door, leaving me alone on the front step. My shoulders sagged as I turned away and began the lonely trek back to Shigure's house. With each step, sadness weighed down my being. I let the tears fall because it justified the feeling of losing a family member for the third time.

By the time I reached the forest, I wiped away the tears and forced myself to stop crying.

At least I'm not totally alone this time.

I took a deep breath before pushing the front door open.

"I'm home." I called quietly to the silent house. For the rest of the day, the mood was somber - no one spoke much. It felt like there was a gaping hole where Tohru used to be.

I hope she's having a good time at her grandpa's.

I turned in early but had trouble getting to sleep in the quiet and empty room.