It's a Secret

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By: Ryoko

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Track 01:00:00

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They stayed together the whole night- Hatsuharu and Ashura- closer than ever. The oushi wouldn't let her out of his sight, almost as if she'd disappear if he did. Yuki continued to sleep on the floor in front of the TV, while Kyou sat beside him flipping through the channels.

He couldn't take his eyes off of her- off of those bruises and cuts.

His mind was racing with thoughts; the thought that stuck out most in his mind was this: what was he going to do now?

Her father would definitely come after her again. And he could very well go to the police too . . . he could charge the boy for a number of felonies. He knew what the teenager looked like, where he lived. God, all they DIDN'T know about him was his shoe size. (Maybe they even knew THAT too, for crying out loud!)

The thought of running away crossed his mind- but no- he'd only be caught eventually.

And even if the police DID catch him . . . he always had Ashura to back him up. One look at her and they wouldn't HESITATE to throw both of her parents in prison. He'd still be arrested, and have to face prosecution and the whole nine yards, but at least the girl would be safe.

Basically, the only issue to him was the custody of the girl.

He decided it would be best if he just stayed put. He wouldn't want to cause any more of a burden to anyone else except those already involved.

There was no denying it. As soon as dawn came, fate would unleash it's wrath and let the fury of the penal system, of Japan, take over.

After tonight, he may never see this child again.

But no matter how hard he had to fight and resist to keep her, he would do it at any cost.

After all, this was the light in the darkness for him- his little secret.

***

He was wasted. That was for sure.

Shaking his head a little to focus his vision, he opened his eyes to the bright sunlight shinning in through the open door.

Even though it was autumn, it was still mostly warm on occasion. Today was such a day.

Ashura groaned, looking up at Hatsuharu with questioning eyes.

"It'll be okay." He smiled truly. "I promise. I really won't let anyone hurt you again. You're going to stay with me from now on."

"What about HIM?"

"What about 'im? Hey, it's alright. He won't bother you again." The teenager combed his fingers through her dirty silver locks.

He looked over toward the TV, finding Kyou asleep at last. Yuki appeared in the doorway the moment Hatsuharu turned back.

"Morning." The nezumi whispered.

Haru nodded.

"Either of you hungry?" He knelt in front of the two on the floor. "I can make you something. I mean . . . it won't be the best, but I'll TRY." He smiled brightly.

Ashura's eyes glimmered with need, hearing the mention of food being OFFERED to her. This was the very first time this had ever happened to her, but probably not the last.

The younger juunishi shook his head. "Just get the little one something. She really must need it by now."

"Of course." He mentally jotted down the order. "And Hatsuharu . . . Momiji called earlier this morning . . . "

"He DID?!"

"Shh!" Yuki held up a hand to quiet the other, glancing back to make sure he hadn't woken the neko up. "Yes. He did."

"What'd he want?"

"He said . . . that Akito knows . . . about Ashura. He doesn't mind that much; in fact, he seems a little relieved that it's only a child. But then again . . . " his violet eyes downcast to the floor. "He's also aware of the trouble we're going through . . . "

In truth, Hatsuharu knew what Yuki REALLY meant to say: 'He also knows of the problems the child is causing us . . . and you'.

"What about Hatori?"

"I don't think he knows that she's back here . . . but anyway, I just wanted to tell you that Momiji is on his way here . . . he may be bringing another family member with him . . . I'm not sure who though . . . "

"Hatori?"

"I'm quite sure he wouldn't do something like that . . . he's not THAT dense." He stifled a chuckle at his own remark. "I'll go get Ashura something to eat. You sure you don't want anything?"

"Yeah."

"'Kay. Be right back." He disappeared from the room, leaving Hatsuharu to thought.

"So big boss-guy finally knows, eh? Oh well, I should've expected Hatori to screw up . . . he's not very good at keeping things secret . . . "

"Will I have to go?"

The teenager looked down to his chest where the girl was half sleeping.

"No. I won't let you. Don't you worry. No matter what anyone throws at me, I'll overcome it. Just for you." He smiled sympathetically again. "But right now, how 'bout we get you cleaned up?"

"Umm . . . okay . . . " she whispered, a little hesitant.

Slowly, the boy picked himself up off of the floor, feeling the full bunt, of the night before, coming back to him. He could still move fine though, thankfully.

***

"Sorry we really don't have any clothes you can fit into . . . but Tohru was kind enough to lend you some of her clothes to wear for now, until we can get you some proper ones." He held up a rather long, white, button up shirt. "Now, as soon as she gets up here, she'll bring you into the bathroom and help you get washed up, 'kay?"

"Why can't you help me?" her eyes were wide with hesitation.

"Umm . . . " he blushed and tried hard to think of a good excuse. "Well . . . boys just don't . . . with girls . . . I'm a boy . . . so . . . " Man, was he hesitating more than ever. 'C'mon Haru. Get it together.' He yelled mentally at himself.

"Girls and boys just aren't allowed to do that. If he COULD he WOULD. But unfortunately, he can't, because a girl is around." the older girl interrupted from the doorway.

Tohru to the rescue once again!

***

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