A/N: Gomen, minna, that this chapter is so short. See, I felt that this is all I have to say for this chapter so to add on to it until it reaches my usual number of pages will turn it into just low-class chatter. After all, the important thing is to get the story out (no matter how long/short), number of pages don't count, right people?

Don't feel sad though that the story is coming soon to it's end. Know why? 'Coz the third arc will come out soon! Yay! ^^ The third arc will take place after the Akuma arc.

Also, please take the time to read the new YnM fic called "Fallen Sakura" by nabbie. I know, I know, I'm plugging a friend but I think it's worth it! Her fic is very poetic in nature. Kinda like the antithesis of mine. . . hey, I can be poetic too ya know. . .It's just that studying quantity surveying in the day and writing stories at night tends to kill my poetic tendencies. Hell, sometimes I find myself writing my stories in report-style. . .  *sweatdrop* yare yare. . .

Oh yeah, does anyone have any ideas on how to destroy the world?

Nabbie: Thanks for plugging my fics! *hugs*

Shaynie: Please, feel free to gush. I love gushings!

Lil Yaoi Kitten: As I've said above, we'll see more of Kyo and Taka soon! Don't worry, ne?

Literary Eagle, Sakusha:. . . . . . . .is that all you guys wait for? Lemons???!!! *grins* actually, I'm waiting for the lemon too. . . .hohoho! Like Sakusha says; it's a new form of torture anyway; non-lemons. ^^

Warning: None

Disclaimer: As usual

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CHAPTER 9: We Dream

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"It's disgusting you know."

Kyo turned in his chair to give Hikaru a bright smile. "What is?"

"You. That's what. You're disgusting me," Hikaru huffed and flipped her ponytail back. She crossed her legs, a foot tapping the floor impatiently and glared at the still smiling Kyo. All around them, their classmates were laughing and chatting together, taking advantage of the spare time before their teacher came in. Kyo and Hikaru were in a little island of calm amidst the high-spiritedness and Hikaru scooted her chair closer to Kyo's desk, so as not to be overheard by anyone.

"You're really disgusting me," she grumbled as Kyo appeared unfazed by her rather cruel announcement.

He quirked an eyebrow. "Ne, ne, Hikki. What did I do to deserve your wrath and disgust?"

"It's that incessant high you've been on, that's what," she poked Kyo's arm in emphasis. "You've been smiling and acting all loony like the cat that got the cream."

"I do, don't I?" Kyo grinned. "I've been trying to stop but it's hard."

True enough, the three weeks that passed ever since his and Takashi's 'confrontation' under the sakura were blissful ones. There was a warm glow inside of him that was a heady sensation, intensified every time he was with the sensei. The only thing to mar the whole affair was that they couldn't touch each other in public. THAT was simply painful. He had been tempted to throw a tantrum (his chibi side can get quite dominant at times) when Takashi had regretfully pointed out that they couldn't touch each other like this (. . .at the time they were having this discussion, he had discovered that the sensei was quite sensitive when he touched him around the waist. . . .) in public, else they'd be getting more than just raised eyebrows.

So for that, Kyo too, was thankful that the infirmary can be locked from the inside.

She rolled her eyes. "Jeez, I've seen younger virgins who've had their first night get all crazy, but you're really overdoing it."

He really had to stop blushing like this. Ever since he'd been with the sensei, it's been getting out of control. Hikki was obviously about to say more but the blush that stained his cheeks stopped her. "Why on earth are you blushing?" she asked, frowning.

Kyo coughed into an upraised hand and mumbled something incoherent.

"Eh?"

Kyo caught hold of her sleeve and dragged her close, whispering in her ear. "We haven't done it yet!"

It took her several moments to process that. Several more to understand it. And several more to absorb the shock. When it all finally sank in though, she reacted as any other best friend would.

She jumped to her feet and yelled, "It's been 3 weeks AND YOU STILL HAVEN'T SLEPT TOGETHER???!!!"

I am going to kill her, Kyo thought to himself.

The total silence of stunned amazement of the entire class that she got at her yell was more effective than say, having Kyo dressed up in a hula skirt and dancing the Macarena. He meanwhile, was alternating between turning from an interesting shade of red to deathly white. Jumping to his feet, he clapped a hand across her still gaping mouth (rather late, don't you think, considering that she already said it? But hey, it's the thought that counts) and laughed nervously.

"Ah, haha! Hikki! It's just a soap opera! No need to get so excited! Oh my! I promised Nagumo sensei that I'd see him when I'm free! Ha ha! Hikki, why don't you tag along? I need the company!"

Saying so, he dragged the girl through the door and once outside, both of them broke into a dead run.

Inside though, their classmates were still frozen shocked. . . . .

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The days that passed were the ones that really stood out in his memory. If he was to be asked what were the moments he had cherished most in his life, he'd answer; the time he spent with him. With Kyo. The confession they had weeks ago had finally sealed what each had been wanting for a long time. Nights were now never spent apart. Nor the days if they could help it. He had moved in with Kyo not long after, though he still maintained his own apartment for appearance's sake. The thought did cross his mind on whether he was wise to put himself in temptation's way. I mean, spending all that time with the boy he loves yet to never go beyond caressing and kissing? Ask him to do just that with a previous lover and he'd have laughed in your face. That intimacy had played a large part in his life before was undeniable. So what's to say that it won't be so now?

Amazingly enough, it was. He was happy. Yeah, he was happy with just the kisses and caresses. More than happy even; ecstatic was the keyword. The most important thing, the one thing he cannot do without though; is to have Kyo by his side as sleep claimed them. Arms and legs intertwined, bodies pressed close together; this was everything to him.

And tonight was no different from another. They had came home together, made dinner and afterwards, they watched tv together, Kyo lying with his head on his lap. The movie they were watching was stupid in the extreme; something about a magic kingdom and talking fishes. The fish had looked amazingly fake. But neither of them felt like changing the channel. So they watched on, with him running his fingers through Kyo's hair. The boy was simply purring with delight as he did and a grin crossed his face. He wondered if he could sneak in a kiss while he was at it. . . .

"Kyo?" he called softly.

No answer. Looking down, he realized why the purring had stopped. Kyo was fast asleep. A fleeting smile crossed his face. Gently, he moved out from beneath the boy who murmured a protest. Bending down, he scooped the boy into his arms and carried him into the bedroom. The sheets felt cool as he slid himself in beside the still slumbering Kyo. As he drew the covers over them, Kyo, still sleeping, turned and snuggled into his waiting embrace.

Yes.

This was where he belonged.

Happy, he let his contentment carry him off into oblivion.

And they dreamt.

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Dancing flames.

Burning fire.

Twisted, melted steel.

A still, prone body.

Blood red blood.

Burning fire.

Dancing flames.

Rushing wind.

Wooden stake.

Blood red blood red blood.

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Gasping, they awoke with a start.

Long minutes were spent, harsh breathings breaking the stillness of the night. Neither of them said a word as they clung to each other and tried to throw off the shackles of their nightmares. The bedroom had always been their sanctuary together before but its expected haven was broken that night. Broken, they knew without a doubt, by a dream which they shared. They were loath to talk about it. It scared them both. But not speaking won't mean it won't come true.

"Taka?" he whispered, hesitant. Despite the warmth of the blankets, he shivered.

"Kyo. . . . .I had a dream." the sensei's voice was quiet, but a tremble marred his tone. A note of fear marked it.

"So did I," he admitted softly. He nearly couldn't speak with the lump that clogged his throat. They were already lying so close together, arms around each other and their breath mingling. But it felt as though a chasm yawned wide between them. A chasm that threatened to engulf him and Taka both, leaving them in the dark forever.

"I dreamt of fire," Taka whispered.

Kyo closed his eyes and tried to swallow past the lump. "The flames were terrible."

"But you found me."

"Aa. We were together again."

"But. . . ."

Neither of them could say the next words.

The end of the dream had showed them something. Something they were unwilling to face. It had been vague, unclear, but what it meant had struck through.

It was Kyo who said what was playing on both their minds.

He whispered, "We're running out of time."

Even as the night winds rattled the windows, seeming a herald of doom, they hugged each other close, foreheads pressed together and lips brushing lips.

They stayed awake till dawn tainted the sky.

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~to be continued~

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A/N: Some of you may be wondering why they both had the same dream. Ah, it'll be explained in the third arc.

Hehehe! ^^ Seriously. I'll explain in the third arc. But if you're thinking it doesn't make sense that they dreamt the same thing, keep in mind that before this, Kyo and Taka BOTH were having those subconscious premonitions. Remember? You don't??? *glares* Read the chapters before this then! ^^ Ja ne!