Authors Notes: The characters in this particular chapter are going to be
extremely OOC, because it has been so long since I've actually seen the
series that I've forgotten what their personalities were like.
Nevertheless, I do know that Kyou is supposed to be hotheaded, and White
Haru is supposed to be mellow. Am I right? Ah well. Hehe...keep in mind
that Kyou is supposed to be extremely depressed in this story, so he's
going to be even more OOC then anyone else.
Disclaimers: Whatever I stated in the prologue.
~**Response to reviews at the bottom. ^_^
~~Chapter One:
The night air was cold, but he didn't care. Being up here was a thousand times better then being down there, where Tohru was. Tohru. An unbidden image of her smiling face suddenly flashed through his mind, and he squeezed his eyes shut in pain.
Oh Gods, it was tearing him apart.
Kyou released a ragged breath and drew his knees up against his chest. Why did he always have to lose to Yuki? Was it the nature of his curse that held him back, or was it something more? Maybe Akito was right. Maybe he really was a useless baka neko that deserved to be locked up for the rest of his life.
Suddenly he felt more alone then ever before. Tohru had been his only chance for love and happiness. He'd loved her in secret for the past three years, hoping that one day she would understand and return his feelings.
He was a coward, never daring to tell her how he felt, and in the end Yuki had beaten him to it. Yuki had more courage then he did.
Kyou looked up as the first drops of rain slipped from the stormy gray clouds and pattered noisily to the rooftop. Immediately his senses flared and began urging him to seek shelter, but he refused to budge. The discomfort of rain was nothing compared to the aching, hollow pain he now received from just looking at Tohru.
Against his wishes, he suddenly thought of the scene at dinner only a few hours ago. Tohru had sat next to her betrothed, lovingly snatching the choicest chunks of meat and vegetables from the platters and placing them delicately into Yuki's bowl. She doted upon his every need, refilling his rice, refilling his tea, and sometimes even feeding him with her own chopsticks.
After a few moments, Kyou refused to look at them anymore. Not only did it make him lose his appetite, he was afraid his cracked barriers would come crashing down and he would do something extremely regrettable.
Kyou absent-mindedly rubbed the goose bumps that had formed on his arms. If he couldn't have Tohru, he would do everything in his power to make sure she never learned of what he felt for her. Knowing would only upset her, and that was the last thing he wanted to do.
His silence would be his gift to her before he left.
"Hatsuharu-kun...anou, Kyou-kun's been on the roof for a long time. I would go up and see him, but..." She looked over to her fiancée who smiled at her from the couch. "But I want to spend some time with Yuki." She finished off honestly. "Do you think you can go in my place?"
Haru looked genuinely surprised at the request, but nodded anyway. "Of course." He answered in his usual smooth, almost monotone voice. "Dinner was great by the way. You are an excellent cook." Tohru blushed lightly and handed him a small Japanese style platter piled high with rice cakes. "Could you please also bring these up with you? I noticed Kyou-kun didn't eat very much at dinner today..." Her pretty face drooped a little. "So I made these for him. You can have some too if you wish."
Haru nodded and took the plate.
When he arrived on the roof, he was startled to see Kyou huddled in a small ball with knees drawn against chest, and head bowed. The older Sohma was wearing a thin black shirt and grass-stained khaki pants, both of which were completely soaked with water. Yet despite the fact that he was shivering fairly violently, Kyou made no other movement.
With his forehead furrowing in concern, Haru flicked open his umbrella and slowly made his way over to where the other was sitting. Making sure to make some noise so that Kyou would know he was there, Haru gingerly sat down next to him on the slippery roof.
For several long minutes, there was no sound but for the heavy pattering of rain as it landed on hard, unyielding surfaces. Haru slowly eased the umbrella over so that it protected Kyou as well.
"You know, it's not healthy to be sitting out in the rain like this." He finally pointed out logically.
Kyou didn't move.
Tilting his head to the side, Haru studied the other boy for a long hard moment before turning his gaze back towards the woods. "When I used to have problems, I would always talk to someone about them. After that, I'd feel better. Have you ever thought about doing the same thing?" He asked softly.
This time, Kyou lifted his head to look at him with tired eyes tinged with disbelief. "And who would I talk to?" He replied hoarsely. "Who would actually want to listen to me, much less try to understand? You? Hatori? Shigure or Yuki?" He spat out the last name like it was poison on his tongue.
Haru swallowed hard, unsure of how to reply. The hopeless anguish in Kyou's amber eyes struck a chord deep within him, and suddenly his chest began to ache. "I would." He offered gently. "I'll listen to you if it will help."
Kyou shook his head and laughed, an eerie, hollow sound that nearly made Haru shiver in its wrongness. Twisting his lips into a bitter grin, he uncurled his arms from around his legs, allowing them to stretch out before him.
"Tell me, *Hatsu*-haru-*kun*, what the hell is it that you really want from me?! Why act like you care when I know you don't?"
Kyou closed his eyes. "I hardly even know you except for the fact that you're infatuated with trying to beat me up. You don't know me. You don't know a thing about me, so just leave." Haru looked away, feeling his cheeks flush with shame. Kyou was right. What in the world was he trying to do? Make friends with him? Akito would practically disown him if he did.
Everyone knew that Kyou was the outcast. He was the Cat, and also a sick, repulsive monster. He was a hotheaded baka, noisy, obnoxious, rude, and completely unfit to be part of the Jyunnishi.
And yet...who was Kyou really? Like everyone else, Haru had grown up listening to gossip and rumors without finding out if they were true or not. Right now, seeing Kyou try to cope with his pain for the first time didn't match any description he'd ever heard before. Maybe...just maybe, those rumors were wrong.
Licking his dry lips, Haru retrained his gaze on Kyou, who was now lying down on the slick rooftop with both arms pillowing his head. Those accusing, pained eyes were closed, and the younger Sohma wondered if he had actually fallen asleep in the rain.
With a soft sigh, Haru slowly picked up one of the rice cakes Tohru had made and bit into it without much gusto. There was sweet red bean paste hidden inside, but the sugary taste felt strangely inappropriate in his mouth. Nevertheless, he forced himself to swallow it.
As he took another bite of the cake, his wandering eyes trailed over the lax body beside him, and he suddenly remembered the feel of the Cat's protruding ribs from earlier that day. Haru frowned and began studying Kyou's human form.
He was surprised to note that Kyou was actually quite thin, much thinner then he recalled during their last brawl, which was over five months ago. On top of that, it was also obvious that the older Sohma hadn't cared much about his health and nutrition during the past few weeks.
For one thing, his cheekbones had become more prominent because of weight- loss and most likely stress. Haru hadn't failed to notice that Kyou's eyes now seemed larger in his pinched, pale face. Dark half crescent moons stained the area underneath each eye, emphasizing the lack of rest or sleep. Wrist and elbow bones, as well as ribs, collar bones, and hip-bones now jutted out in an almost sickly manner; evidence that he was practically starving himself.
Shoulders that used to be strong now looked narrow and bony. It was apparent everywhere that the clothing Kyou wore was too loose and baggy on his now slender frame.
The more Haru looked, the more he couldn't tear his gaze away. Gods, how come he hadn't noticed before? This person wasn't Kyou anymore, only a pale shadow that was slowly fading away.
At that moment, Haru suddenly wanted to help Kyou more then anything. It just wasn't right to see someone suffering so much and do nothing about it. There was no doubt in his mind that he would bring Akito's fury upon them both if their self-proclaimed 'leader' ever got wind of what he was thinking, but Haru was willing to take the risk. He was going to save Kyou, even if the neko didn't want to be saved.
The only question was...how?
Kyou blinked and looked up to see Haru still sitting next to him. The younger Sohma had a far away look in his golden brown eyes, but that wasn't what caught his attention. Lying between them was a plateful of rice cakes. Tohru's special rice cakes, if he wasn't mistaken.
The pain in his aching heart intensified, and Kyou suddenly felt like throwing up.
It was common knowledge that Tohru's rice cakes were one of his few favorite foods. Whenever she knew he was upset, she would quickly whip up a batch of them and bring them to the rooftop where he'd be brooding.
Yet where was she now? The rice cakes were here, but Tohru was not. And the worst thing about it was that Kyou knew why. Ever since that miserable day five months ago, the girl he loved spent every single moment of her time with his archenemy.
Now that all her attention was devoted on Yuki, Kyou was left alone almost all of the time, and with nothing to do. He tried to go to college once, but Akito acted purely out of cruelty and forbade anyone to help him pay the tuition.
Of course that didn't stop him from secretly finding a night job so that he could save up the money and pay for it himself. But colleges were expensive, and the money Kyou earned was far from enough.
To make matters worse, Shigure made it known well in advance that he was going to give his house to Yuki as a wedding present.
After the ceremony, the Dog planned on moving back in with Akito and the others, but Kyou would rather die before he had to do the same. Tohru would undoubtedly beg for him to stay with her, but that notion was just utterly ridiculous and out of the question. Even if Kyou wanted to (and he obviously didn't), Yuki would never agree.
What would be the point of staying anyway? Kyou was by no means masochistic, and he wasn't stupid either. He had known that he would have to leave, so for the past few weeks, he'd taken the liberty to search out a home of his own.
His search was unsuccessful as of yet, but Kyou didn't mind. He had other options, like maybe going to Kazuma, or just living on the streets. His life was pretty much worthless anyway, so the thought of being homeless didn't bother him at all.
Another option was suicide. With each passing day, Kyou found this particular idea more and more enticing. No one would miss him. Hell, they'd probably rejoice if he died. So why not make everyone happy for once in his life?
Two quick slices with something sharp, and it would be his parting gift.
Haru blinked as Kyou suddenly touched him on the shoulder. "I'm going in." The emaciated young man muttered neutrally before turning to go down the ladder. But before he could actually leave, Haru's strong hand closed tightly around his thin wrist and he was held back.
Eyes the color of molten lava suddenly flashed to life dangerously. "Kuso oushi! Don't touch me!" Kyou tried to yank away but was no match for Haru in his pitiful condition. During the year before, Haru had been blessed with a growth spurt and now towered over Kyou by almost a head.
Like the animal he was known for turning into, Haru was very strong even though his slim sleek muscles did not display that fact. Now that he had caught onto Kyou, there was no way the cat could escape his grasp.
Kyou seemed to realize this, and so forced himself to stop struggling. He opted instead to just glare up at the younger Sohma with murder in his other worldly eyes.
"Let go. Now." He gritted out slowly between clenched teeth. Haru shook his head silently, almost regretfully. "I can't. Not until you tell me what's wrong."
Kyou gaped at him in shock, but the shock quickly dissipated and dry humorless laughter spilled out between colorless chapped lips. "You really are a dumb cow, aren't you. Even if there was something wrong with me, you honestly think that I would tell you!? Just how stupid can you get?"
Red anger began to cloud Haru's vision as he listened to Kyou's derogatory comments, but the younger Sohma forced himself to stay in control. Turning Black in this crucial moment would only worsen things. Besides, he had brought those words upon himself. His past relationship with Kyou had been rocky at best, and it was understandable that the neko would be distrustful and suspicious of his sudden concern.
So how could he show him...that he wanted to care?
Tossing away the umbrella, Haru clenched his jaws in determination and suddenly yanked his captive forward so unexpectedly, that Kyou lost his footing on the slippery rooftop and crashed hard against his chest...which incidentally was exactly what the taller young man had in mind.
Kyou was furious. "Baka! Just what do you think you-" The words died in his throat as strong arms wrapped tightly around him, one large hand pressing his head firmly against a broad shoulder. He was trapped! The very thought caused a wild terror to jolt through his suddenly trembling body, but he was too afraid to move. The last time someone had caught him like this...things had happened that Kyou still couldn't bring himself to acknowledge.
Swallowing down a choke of near despair, Kyou squeezed his eyes shut and willed himself to stop shaking. Dignity. He needed to keep his dignity in front of Haru, no matter what the stupid idiot was planning to do with him.
Warm breath ghosted over his ear, and suddenly Haru's chin was pressed against the side of his forehead. "Kyou...I just want to understand you. I just want to help. Please let me help." Came the soft whisper.
Realization flooded over him like a wave, and he snapped his eyes open in shock. No, he wasn't trapped...he was being held. He was being held for the first time in what seemed like forever, and it wasn't Tohru. It was...it was...
Haru tried not to wince as Kyou suddenly struggled out of his arms and immediately punched him hard across the face. Thunder rumbled off in the distance and it began to rain even harder, but Haru didn't care. His attention was completely focused on the small, drenched form standing a few feet away from him.
Kyou's reddish-orange head was bowed, and both hands were fisted at his sides. He was breathing hard, as if he'd just finished running a marathon...but Haru knew the real reason behind it. Kyou was furious. No scratch that, he was super furious, and trying really hard to contain that fury before it could explode and consume him.
After what seemed like an eternity, Kyou finally raised his head and cold, freezing amber eyes bore deeply into Haru's own golden brown orbs. Those chapped lips parted again, and he began to speak in an uncharacteristically calm, icy voice. "I don't know what game you're playing at, but you've gone too far. From this moment on, I don't want anything to do with you."
With that said, Haru could only watch in defeat as Kyou turned around and left.
When he was alone, Haru imitated Kyou's earlier action and flopped down on the slick rooftop. He closed his tired eyes, allowing the soothing raindrops to fall upon his face. His left cheekbone throbbed where Kyou had punched him, and he knew without a doubt that it would swell up and bruise by tomorrow.
Though Kyou looked frail, his punches were definitely not. Haru would have to remember that the next time he decided to talk to the neko. Contrary to what Kyou thought, this was far from over. Tonight's disaster was something Haru was going to blame on himself.
It was common knowledge that Kyou didn't like to be touched, even by Tohru. He would have to think before he acted next time...and yes, there would be a next time. Haru wasn't known for giving up.
Reaching to his left, Haru blindly fumbled around for the plate of rice balls that lay nearby. His fingers only landed on a soggy, sticky mass, and he snorted dryly. Perhaps Honda Tohru's cooking skills weren't as good as he thought. If her rice balls fell apart just because they got a bit wet, then it showed that she hadn't taken the time to shape them correctly.
Picking up the plate, Haru flung it off the rooftop with relish. He understood some of it now. If the horribly made rice balls were any indication, Tohru apparently wasn't paying enough attention, or spending enough time with Kyou.
To put it bluntly, Kyou was probably lonely.
Haru smiled. He would just have to remedy that.
Oushi: The Japanese word for Ox, methinks.
To...
*Mizuko: Thanks for being my first reviewer!
**Fem Scorpio, **Keitsu Han'ei, **Different Perception, **Gemin16, **Random Rockstar, **Caer, **Nora D, **Tayuri: Ah, it's great to know that there are more people out there who also like Haru, and Haru/Kyou. I loved your comments, and I'll be happy if you review this chapter too! *Hugs to all*
**Triste: Thanks for the nice, long review. You're the starter of the Haru/Kyou-ness on FF.Net, am I right? You are a genius then! I absolutely adore your 'Somewhere in Between' story! When are you going to update?! I'm itching to read more! **Ewen: In response to your first question...we'll just have to see, now don't we... And no, you're not disgustingly wrong, I'm just disgustingly obvious (I think). Ah well. **lucifer morningstar: Yeah, I really wish that there were more stories with this pairing out there as well...thanks for the nice comments! **Ruby Tears: Hm...lemon or lime scenes? None are planned at the moment, but we'll see... **Lady Geuna: I love Black Haru also! But...not as much as I like White Haru. Yup, Kyou is really saad, but I kind of like him that way. *grins*
To Everyone Reading This: Hey all, why not start writing your own Haru/Kyou fanfics!? There really are too few of them out there...and it seems that a ton of people really like reading them...so...yeah...^_^!
*****Please review! I love to hear what people think!!!
Disclaimers: Whatever I stated in the prologue.
~**Response to reviews at the bottom. ^_^
~~Chapter One:
The night air was cold, but he didn't care. Being up here was a thousand times better then being down there, where Tohru was. Tohru. An unbidden image of her smiling face suddenly flashed through his mind, and he squeezed his eyes shut in pain.
Oh Gods, it was tearing him apart.
Kyou released a ragged breath and drew his knees up against his chest. Why did he always have to lose to Yuki? Was it the nature of his curse that held him back, or was it something more? Maybe Akito was right. Maybe he really was a useless baka neko that deserved to be locked up for the rest of his life.
Suddenly he felt more alone then ever before. Tohru had been his only chance for love and happiness. He'd loved her in secret for the past three years, hoping that one day she would understand and return his feelings.
He was a coward, never daring to tell her how he felt, and in the end Yuki had beaten him to it. Yuki had more courage then he did.
Kyou looked up as the first drops of rain slipped from the stormy gray clouds and pattered noisily to the rooftop. Immediately his senses flared and began urging him to seek shelter, but he refused to budge. The discomfort of rain was nothing compared to the aching, hollow pain he now received from just looking at Tohru.
Against his wishes, he suddenly thought of the scene at dinner only a few hours ago. Tohru had sat next to her betrothed, lovingly snatching the choicest chunks of meat and vegetables from the platters and placing them delicately into Yuki's bowl. She doted upon his every need, refilling his rice, refilling his tea, and sometimes even feeding him with her own chopsticks.
After a few moments, Kyou refused to look at them anymore. Not only did it make him lose his appetite, he was afraid his cracked barriers would come crashing down and he would do something extremely regrettable.
Kyou absent-mindedly rubbed the goose bumps that had formed on his arms. If he couldn't have Tohru, he would do everything in his power to make sure she never learned of what he felt for her. Knowing would only upset her, and that was the last thing he wanted to do.
His silence would be his gift to her before he left.
"Hatsuharu-kun...anou, Kyou-kun's been on the roof for a long time. I would go up and see him, but..." She looked over to her fiancée who smiled at her from the couch. "But I want to spend some time with Yuki." She finished off honestly. "Do you think you can go in my place?"
Haru looked genuinely surprised at the request, but nodded anyway. "Of course." He answered in his usual smooth, almost monotone voice. "Dinner was great by the way. You are an excellent cook." Tohru blushed lightly and handed him a small Japanese style platter piled high with rice cakes. "Could you please also bring these up with you? I noticed Kyou-kun didn't eat very much at dinner today..." Her pretty face drooped a little. "So I made these for him. You can have some too if you wish."
Haru nodded and took the plate.
When he arrived on the roof, he was startled to see Kyou huddled in a small ball with knees drawn against chest, and head bowed. The older Sohma was wearing a thin black shirt and grass-stained khaki pants, both of which were completely soaked with water. Yet despite the fact that he was shivering fairly violently, Kyou made no other movement.
With his forehead furrowing in concern, Haru flicked open his umbrella and slowly made his way over to where the other was sitting. Making sure to make some noise so that Kyou would know he was there, Haru gingerly sat down next to him on the slippery roof.
For several long minutes, there was no sound but for the heavy pattering of rain as it landed on hard, unyielding surfaces. Haru slowly eased the umbrella over so that it protected Kyou as well.
"You know, it's not healthy to be sitting out in the rain like this." He finally pointed out logically.
Kyou didn't move.
Tilting his head to the side, Haru studied the other boy for a long hard moment before turning his gaze back towards the woods. "When I used to have problems, I would always talk to someone about them. After that, I'd feel better. Have you ever thought about doing the same thing?" He asked softly.
This time, Kyou lifted his head to look at him with tired eyes tinged with disbelief. "And who would I talk to?" He replied hoarsely. "Who would actually want to listen to me, much less try to understand? You? Hatori? Shigure or Yuki?" He spat out the last name like it was poison on his tongue.
Haru swallowed hard, unsure of how to reply. The hopeless anguish in Kyou's amber eyes struck a chord deep within him, and suddenly his chest began to ache. "I would." He offered gently. "I'll listen to you if it will help."
Kyou shook his head and laughed, an eerie, hollow sound that nearly made Haru shiver in its wrongness. Twisting his lips into a bitter grin, he uncurled his arms from around his legs, allowing them to stretch out before him.
"Tell me, *Hatsu*-haru-*kun*, what the hell is it that you really want from me?! Why act like you care when I know you don't?"
Kyou closed his eyes. "I hardly even know you except for the fact that you're infatuated with trying to beat me up. You don't know me. You don't know a thing about me, so just leave." Haru looked away, feeling his cheeks flush with shame. Kyou was right. What in the world was he trying to do? Make friends with him? Akito would practically disown him if he did.
Everyone knew that Kyou was the outcast. He was the Cat, and also a sick, repulsive monster. He was a hotheaded baka, noisy, obnoxious, rude, and completely unfit to be part of the Jyunnishi.
And yet...who was Kyou really? Like everyone else, Haru had grown up listening to gossip and rumors without finding out if they were true or not. Right now, seeing Kyou try to cope with his pain for the first time didn't match any description he'd ever heard before. Maybe...just maybe, those rumors were wrong.
Licking his dry lips, Haru retrained his gaze on Kyou, who was now lying down on the slick rooftop with both arms pillowing his head. Those accusing, pained eyes were closed, and the younger Sohma wondered if he had actually fallen asleep in the rain.
With a soft sigh, Haru slowly picked up one of the rice cakes Tohru had made and bit into it without much gusto. There was sweet red bean paste hidden inside, but the sugary taste felt strangely inappropriate in his mouth. Nevertheless, he forced himself to swallow it.
As he took another bite of the cake, his wandering eyes trailed over the lax body beside him, and he suddenly remembered the feel of the Cat's protruding ribs from earlier that day. Haru frowned and began studying Kyou's human form.
He was surprised to note that Kyou was actually quite thin, much thinner then he recalled during their last brawl, which was over five months ago. On top of that, it was also obvious that the older Sohma hadn't cared much about his health and nutrition during the past few weeks.
For one thing, his cheekbones had become more prominent because of weight- loss and most likely stress. Haru hadn't failed to notice that Kyou's eyes now seemed larger in his pinched, pale face. Dark half crescent moons stained the area underneath each eye, emphasizing the lack of rest or sleep. Wrist and elbow bones, as well as ribs, collar bones, and hip-bones now jutted out in an almost sickly manner; evidence that he was practically starving himself.
Shoulders that used to be strong now looked narrow and bony. It was apparent everywhere that the clothing Kyou wore was too loose and baggy on his now slender frame.
The more Haru looked, the more he couldn't tear his gaze away. Gods, how come he hadn't noticed before? This person wasn't Kyou anymore, only a pale shadow that was slowly fading away.
At that moment, Haru suddenly wanted to help Kyou more then anything. It just wasn't right to see someone suffering so much and do nothing about it. There was no doubt in his mind that he would bring Akito's fury upon them both if their self-proclaimed 'leader' ever got wind of what he was thinking, but Haru was willing to take the risk. He was going to save Kyou, even if the neko didn't want to be saved.
The only question was...how?
Kyou blinked and looked up to see Haru still sitting next to him. The younger Sohma had a far away look in his golden brown eyes, but that wasn't what caught his attention. Lying between them was a plateful of rice cakes. Tohru's special rice cakes, if he wasn't mistaken.
The pain in his aching heart intensified, and Kyou suddenly felt like throwing up.
It was common knowledge that Tohru's rice cakes were one of his few favorite foods. Whenever she knew he was upset, she would quickly whip up a batch of them and bring them to the rooftop where he'd be brooding.
Yet where was she now? The rice cakes were here, but Tohru was not. And the worst thing about it was that Kyou knew why. Ever since that miserable day five months ago, the girl he loved spent every single moment of her time with his archenemy.
Now that all her attention was devoted on Yuki, Kyou was left alone almost all of the time, and with nothing to do. He tried to go to college once, but Akito acted purely out of cruelty and forbade anyone to help him pay the tuition.
Of course that didn't stop him from secretly finding a night job so that he could save up the money and pay for it himself. But colleges were expensive, and the money Kyou earned was far from enough.
To make matters worse, Shigure made it known well in advance that he was going to give his house to Yuki as a wedding present.
After the ceremony, the Dog planned on moving back in with Akito and the others, but Kyou would rather die before he had to do the same. Tohru would undoubtedly beg for him to stay with her, but that notion was just utterly ridiculous and out of the question. Even if Kyou wanted to (and he obviously didn't), Yuki would never agree.
What would be the point of staying anyway? Kyou was by no means masochistic, and he wasn't stupid either. He had known that he would have to leave, so for the past few weeks, he'd taken the liberty to search out a home of his own.
His search was unsuccessful as of yet, but Kyou didn't mind. He had other options, like maybe going to Kazuma, or just living on the streets. His life was pretty much worthless anyway, so the thought of being homeless didn't bother him at all.
Another option was suicide. With each passing day, Kyou found this particular idea more and more enticing. No one would miss him. Hell, they'd probably rejoice if he died. So why not make everyone happy for once in his life?
Two quick slices with something sharp, and it would be his parting gift.
Haru blinked as Kyou suddenly touched him on the shoulder. "I'm going in." The emaciated young man muttered neutrally before turning to go down the ladder. But before he could actually leave, Haru's strong hand closed tightly around his thin wrist and he was held back.
Eyes the color of molten lava suddenly flashed to life dangerously. "Kuso oushi! Don't touch me!" Kyou tried to yank away but was no match for Haru in his pitiful condition. During the year before, Haru had been blessed with a growth spurt and now towered over Kyou by almost a head.
Like the animal he was known for turning into, Haru was very strong even though his slim sleek muscles did not display that fact. Now that he had caught onto Kyou, there was no way the cat could escape his grasp.
Kyou seemed to realize this, and so forced himself to stop struggling. He opted instead to just glare up at the younger Sohma with murder in his other worldly eyes.
"Let go. Now." He gritted out slowly between clenched teeth. Haru shook his head silently, almost regretfully. "I can't. Not until you tell me what's wrong."
Kyou gaped at him in shock, but the shock quickly dissipated and dry humorless laughter spilled out between colorless chapped lips. "You really are a dumb cow, aren't you. Even if there was something wrong with me, you honestly think that I would tell you!? Just how stupid can you get?"
Red anger began to cloud Haru's vision as he listened to Kyou's derogatory comments, but the younger Sohma forced himself to stay in control. Turning Black in this crucial moment would only worsen things. Besides, he had brought those words upon himself. His past relationship with Kyou had been rocky at best, and it was understandable that the neko would be distrustful and suspicious of his sudden concern.
So how could he show him...that he wanted to care?
Tossing away the umbrella, Haru clenched his jaws in determination and suddenly yanked his captive forward so unexpectedly, that Kyou lost his footing on the slippery rooftop and crashed hard against his chest...which incidentally was exactly what the taller young man had in mind.
Kyou was furious. "Baka! Just what do you think you-" The words died in his throat as strong arms wrapped tightly around him, one large hand pressing his head firmly against a broad shoulder. He was trapped! The very thought caused a wild terror to jolt through his suddenly trembling body, but he was too afraid to move. The last time someone had caught him like this...things had happened that Kyou still couldn't bring himself to acknowledge.
Swallowing down a choke of near despair, Kyou squeezed his eyes shut and willed himself to stop shaking. Dignity. He needed to keep his dignity in front of Haru, no matter what the stupid idiot was planning to do with him.
Warm breath ghosted over his ear, and suddenly Haru's chin was pressed against the side of his forehead. "Kyou...I just want to understand you. I just want to help. Please let me help." Came the soft whisper.
Realization flooded over him like a wave, and he snapped his eyes open in shock. No, he wasn't trapped...he was being held. He was being held for the first time in what seemed like forever, and it wasn't Tohru. It was...it was...
Haru tried not to wince as Kyou suddenly struggled out of his arms and immediately punched him hard across the face. Thunder rumbled off in the distance and it began to rain even harder, but Haru didn't care. His attention was completely focused on the small, drenched form standing a few feet away from him.
Kyou's reddish-orange head was bowed, and both hands were fisted at his sides. He was breathing hard, as if he'd just finished running a marathon...but Haru knew the real reason behind it. Kyou was furious. No scratch that, he was super furious, and trying really hard to contain that fury before it could explode and consume him.
After what seemed like an eternity, Kyou finally raised his head and cold, freezing amber eyes bore deeply into Haru's own golden brown orbs. Those chapped lips parted again, and he began to speak in an uncharacteristically calm, icy voice. "I don't know what game you're playing at, but you've gone too far. From this moment on, I don't want anything to do with you."
With that said, Haru could only watch in defeat as Kyou turned around and left.
When he was alone, Haru imitated Kyou's earlier action and flopped down on the slick rooftop. He closed his tired eyes, allowing the soothing raindrops to fall upon his face. His left cheekbone throbbed where Kyou had punched him, and he knew without a doubt that it would swell up and bruise by tomorrow.
Though Kyou looked frail, his punches were definitely not. Haru would have to remember that the next time he decided to talk to the neko. Contrary to what Kyou thought, this was far from over. Tonight's disaster was something Haru was going to blame on himself.
It was common knowledge that Kyou didn't like to be touched, even by Tohru. He would have to think before he acted next time...and yes, there would be a next time. Haru wasn't known for giving up.
Reaching to his left, Haru blindly fumbled around for the plate of rice balls that lay nearby. His fingers only landed on a soggy, sticky mass, and he snorted dryly. Perhaps Honda Tohru's cooking skills weren't as good as he thought. If her rice balls fell apart just because they got a bit wet, then it showed that she hadn't taken the time to shape them correctly.
Picking up the plate, Haru flung it off the rooftop with relish. He understood some of it now. If the horribly made rice balls were any indication, Tohru apparently wasn't paying enough attention, or spending enough time with Kyou.
To put it bluntly, Kyou was probably lonely.
Haru smiled. He would just have to remedy that.
Oushi: The Japanese word for Ox, methinks.
To...
*Mizuko: Thanks for being my first reviewer!
**Fem Scorpio, **Keitsu Han'ei, **Different Perception, **Gemin16, **Random Rockstar, **Caer, **Nora D, **Tayuri: Ah, it's great to know that there are more people out there who also like Haru, and Haru/Kyou. I loved your comments, and I'll be happy if you review this chapter too! *Hugs to all*
**Triste: Thanks for the nice, long review. You're the starter of the Haru/Kyou-ness on FF.Net, am I right? You are a genius then! I absolutely adore your 'Somewhere in Between' story! When are you going to update?! I'm itching to read more! **Ewen: In response to your first question...we'll just have to see, now don't we... And no, you're not disgustingly wrong, I'm just disgustingly obvious (I think). Ah well. **lucifer morningstar: Yeah, I really wish that there were more stories with this pairing out there as well...thanks for the nice comments! **Ruby Tears: Hm...lemon or lime scenes? None are planned at the moment, but we'll see... **Lady Geuna: I love Black Haru also! But...not as much as I like White Haru. Yup, Kyou is really saad, but I kind of like him that way. *grins*
To Everyone Reading This: Hey all, why not start writing your own Haru/Kyou fanfics!? There really are too few of them out there...and it seems that a ton of people really like reading them...so...yeah...^_^!
*****Please review! I love to hear what people think!!!