QoH: *sniff* Honestly, I can't believe I'm makin poor Kiley suffer like this... Tell ya what, I'm kinda toyin with an idea for a sequel to this. It'd be a Kiley/Momo fic, set sometime in the future. Tell me whatcha think, eh? Should I go ahead with it, or scrap it? Kiley's future happiness depends on you! hehe ^_~

Chapter 5: Your Happiness Is Mine

                Momo's questioning voice jerked him out of his reverie, "Kiley?"

                He opened his eyes again and met her worried ones as she nestled against Toji's side, causing yet another white-hot spike of pain to jab itself through his heart, "Yeah?"

                "Are you sure you're feeling ok?" she asked, studying him closely, "Should we call a doctor?"

                "No, really, I'm fine." Kiley shook his head quickly, straightening, "It's just been a long day."

                "Why don't you go home, then?" Toji asked, concerned now that he no longer saw him as a rival for Momo's heart, "You look like you could use some rest," he looked down at Momo snug in his arms, smiled, then gave him an amused look, "I don't think you'd like to land in here next to me."

                Kiley almost considered doing just what he suggested, where he could release his sorrow in private, but then he glanced sideways at Sae, who was glorying in his obvious pain, since she couldn't get to Momo anymore because of him.

                Momo followed his gaze, at last noticing there had been someone else there all along. Her eyes widened in surprise at the sight, "Did you do this, Kiley?"

                "Yep," he attempted a light-hearted grin, but only got as far as 'smug,' "I didn't want the 'Two-Faced Tornado' getting loose and wreaking havoc on an untold number of people's lives yet again. Besides, I wanted her to see that she couldn't mess with you two ever again. But, there wasn't a whole lot to work with," he shrugged, surveying his handiwork, "So, I had to get creative."

                "Would you mind horribly if you let her go?" Momo wondered seriously, then continued when Kiley only blinked at her in shock, "I know. You're thinking I've lost my mind, after all she's done. Really, though, I think we should end this on our own terms," she looked at Toji, who agreed, "I don't think she can hurt us anymore."

                Kiley hesitated, then moved toward Sae, "Only if you're absolutely sure," he stood beside her, then looked back for confirmation. When they nodded, he knelt and cut her loose, leaving her to remove the duct tape on her own. It took a bit of time, since she didn't seem inclined to ripping every hair out her head. Toji and Momo kept trading glances, laughing silently, while Kiley thought a couple of his ribs may have cracked while he tried holding in his mirth.

                Eventually, however, the funny scene did have to end. When it did, she went on a rampage, "How dare you! I'll make sure you pay for this, Okayasu!"

                "Oh, you think so?" Kiley raised an eyebrow as he interlaced his fingers behind his head in a show of complete calm, rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet, "What are you going to do? Sue me? You'd get yourself laughed right out of court if you tried anything to that effect. Honestly, I'm thinking you're getting your 'just deserts,' you little minx."

                Sae looked at the other two, namely Toji, "Do you agree with this?"

                Toji, noticing the distinction, took on the question, a somewhat wounded expression in his eyes, "Unfortunately, I do. You pretended to be my friend. All the while, you were manipulating me, trying to sabotage my relationship with Momo," he hugged his newly-recovered girlfriend tightly, "I'm really sorry about that. I guess it was just my insecurity that let her lead me around by the nose. Can you ever forgive me?"

                Momo smiled up at him, snuggling deeper into his embrace, "Of course. It wasn't really your fault, anyway. She just has that effect on people, somehow. All that stuff's out in the open now, and we've got a stronger relationship because of it."

                Toji laughed as the troublemaker flounced out of the room, fuming. He put his chin on Momo's head, "That's true. I'm just glad we don't have to second guess each other anymore."

                Kiley watched this affectionate interaction between them with an outwardly serene air. Inside was a different story, however. He really thought it a medical miracle he hadn't gone to pieces already, with the tiny explosions taking place in various parts of his anatomy. If he hadn't know better he'd have said that Sae had made a little voodoo doll of him, because they seemed intent on repeating themselves until they'd destroyed him utterly. That's what it feels like, anyway.

                He couldn't stand it anymore. If he stayed, he'd surely let something slip, and he didn't want to risk Momo figuring out what was going on. I have to get out of here. Kiley looked to the door, then back at the two, "Hey, you know, I think I'll follow that bit of advice you gave me earlier," he smiled vaguely as they remembered he was still there, "I'm beat, so I think I'm going to take off now. Maybe I'll hit the sack and sleep the clock around." They smiled and said their thanks, which he barely heard, and he was free.

                Free. Walking as fast as he could through the hospital halls without attracting an unwanted amount of attention, Kiley wondered if he'd ever felt less so than he did now. Sure, he was out of her presence, but his heart was still with Momo, getting it's helpless little self stamped on by her unwary foot. Even if I could, though, I wouldn't want to snatch it back. She'll always have it, for better or worse. I only wish...

                A soft, warm breeze caressed his face. For a split second, Kiley imagined it was Momo, so he lifted his bowed head, hope flickering in his eyes. In the next moment, despite the fact he knew what it really was, the disappointment hit hard when he remembered it was only the wind. Looking around, he realized he'd made his way to the side door the hospital while he was wandering around inside his own tortured heart. He lifted a hand to his cheek when he noticed that parts of it were slightly colder than the rest. He scrubbed his face and felt like kicking himself for crying, but really didn't have the energy to even attempt it. I seriously hope nobody saw this. If it got back to her somehow...

                Kiley shuddered at the possible consequences of that. He never wanted to see Momo look at with pity, as she'd surely do if she found out the the real reason for what he'd done. Despite the desperate tuggings of his heart, he kept walking, head bowed once more as he stubbornly refused to look back.

                As he crossed the street, he tilted his head to the emerging stars, maveling how the churning sky seemed to mirror his current mood.The turbulent, rolling mass of clouds battling for control of the heavens was much like the hopelessness threatening to overwhelm him. Kiley fought down another surge of it, wondering if his entire life would be like this. Probably. All I know is that, while I'll always love her, she deserves to be with someone she loves back. Though I may not be the guy's biggest fan, and as much as I hate to admit it, he and Momo do make a good pair, in a way. Innocence deserves innocence. I'm not quite sure whether it's innocence or just plain density on Toji's part, not that it matters...

                Halfway home, it began to rain, each drop feeeling as large as a water bomb. Kiley didn't speed up his pace in the least, not caring if he got yelled at when he got there. "Which I probably will," he muttered dully to himself, "It'd be just my luck, not to mention putting the finishing touchs on this officially Ultra-Crummy day."

                Fortunately, though, nobody was home when he arrived. Digging his key out of his pocket, he unlocked the door and stepped into the darkened living room. He hung his school bag on one of the hooks by the door and kicked his shoes off under it. He debated on whether or not to stay downstairs, or go up to his room. While his room usually had more privacy, getting there would be something of a challenge. Sighing, he finally decided on making the trek upstairs, since he didn't want to deal with his family right then, if he could possibly avoid it.

                Kiley locked his door and sat on the edge of his bed, not knowing what to do with himself. For a lack of anything better, he let his body fall backward, soaked clothes and all. Staring up at the barely visible ceiling, he wondered if visiting hours were over by now. She must be on cloud nine right about now. Even if nothing else went right today, I'm glad I could help her. A vision of Momo filled his imagination, a breath of summer in his midwinter heart. She was running happily toward him, her arms outstretched, reaching for him. He shook his head, reminded of an old saying, "That way lies madness."

                He rolled on his side, the coolness of the blanket brushing against his wet, feverish face. A vaguely remembered song whispered through his mind as he lay there. Most it didn't really fit his particular situation, but a couple of lines did. Kiley closed his eyes and sang them to himself in a low, broken voice, "I know I must go on. Although I hurt, I must be strong..." Not feeling strong at all, he, at last, let the tears fall without restraint.

QoH: *blinks* Wow. I didn't know I could write such depressing stuff...... ^_~ Don't worry. It's not over just yet. Kiley's gonna have a surprise visitor soon.... Any guesses as to who it'll be? hehe A cookie (in the flavor your choice) and mentions of your fanfics in the next chapter for the 1st correct guess! Or maybe I'll just mention everybody who requests.... lol :D