It's A Secret

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By: Ryoko

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Track 01:05:00

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"Assault can get even you, a MINOR, locked up for years on end. You know that?"

"Yes sir." He downcast his eyes to the floor, shifting in the chair so he could barely see any human being out of the corner or his eye. This would provide less of a distraction, which would let him focus better, answer all of the questions easily, and thus, get his butt out of this freaky place faster. "Sir…before we begin…can I say something?" he didn't want to look up, the fear of seeing Ashura again was too much on him, and he most certainly didn't want to cause a scene in front of all of these people.

"I don't see why not."

"Thank you." He turned to his left, making direct eye contact with the older gentleman he was speaking with. "I…ever since I met Ashura…I've had a soft spot for her…and I guess I unintentionally forged some kind of…I dunno WHAT to call it…but…a really strong bond with her. I fell in total love with her. And, when anyone or anything threatens something I love or am close to, I tend to get pretty possessive and sometimes even violent. I don't mean to…I just…I just DO. Kind of like a mother and her child…if you can imagine what I mean…anyway, all I really want to tell you is that, I guess…alright, I guess I DID mean to hit him the way I did, but…but it was out of protection! When I saw her as injured and hurt as she was, and then I saw HIM running after her like she was a fugitive…I couldn't HELP but do SOMETHING…so…please…just…whatever you do…please don't let her get any after-effects of this stupid case. I really don't want her to hurt anymore, plus, I don't think she can TAKE another slap from fate's hand."

"I DO understand what you mean. But we can't go lightly on you for acting out of defense. However,"

Did Hatsuharu see right, or did that man actually flash a wink?

"BECAUSE it was out of defense, is why we let you off."

His heart jumped, making him blink several times in surprise.

They're going easy on me…does this mean I really get to go home? Oh please, oh please, oh please… he prayed, looking back at the concrete floor.

"Listen. All three of you." The strange woman, sitting close to Hatori, stood up, addressing the Juunishi and Ashura's parents. "Due to the treatment of this child, we have come to the conclusion that she is to be sent to an orphanage,"

ORPHANAGE! His eyes widened, and his head shot up in fear. No! Don't send her there! NO!

"From the orphanage, she will be sent overseas to America, where a family will possibly take her in. For now, the orphanage in America has already been cleared."

NO! Don't take her away from me! Please! NO!

"As for Hatsuharu Sohma, and Mr. And Mrs. Minamoto: your court appearance is scheduled for September 14th, exactly ONE WEEK from today. Until then, BOTH parties are NOT to come in contact with the child. On the court date, Hatsuharu Sohma, you are to appear at the Center For Youth and Families, down the street from this station, after the appearance in court. The Law will decide the custody of the child. Until that day, Ashura Minamoto will be under Police guardianship. Are there any questions?"

The teenager felt like he was going to be sick. Not only were they taking the girl away from him, but also, there was no chance he'd EVER see her again. They were sending her overseas…he'd NEVER see her AGAIN.

His knees were shaking so badly, that when he stood up to say something, they gave in and he collapsed to the floor, knocking over the chair he'd been sitting in.

"Haru!" Momiji yelped, jumping up and letting the squirming Ashura down. Both of them ran to his side, to check on him.

"Oh god…please…please don't take her away…please!" the oushi whimpered, feeling Ashura's tiny arms wrap around his neck and hug him tightly, tears rolling down her cheeks, as fast as Hatsuharu's were, down his own. Oh, how he wanted to touch her, but was forbidden to hold her, which crushed his heart.

So close…yet so far away…

Ayame and Momiji kneeled beside him, unsure of what to do, while Hatori arose from his seat and made way to the woman.

Don't take her away…

The doctor had said something to her, but the words were blocked out of Hatsuharu's hearing, both by Ashura's crying, and his own pleas.

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Suddenly, Hatori announced something inaudible to Ayame and Momiji, just after the female officer said something else. Without a word, Momiji picked Ashura up and pulled her off of Hatsuharu. The teenager reached out for the girl, but was held back by Ayame, who picked him up and held him firmly against the wall.

"I'm sorry." He whispered to the boy, trying to block out the teenager's screaming as he was forced to watch Momiji hand over the screaming child to one of the officers that had been guarding the door. They disappeared into the bright hallway, as well as Ashura's parents, and the remaining detectives and officers, leaving Ayame and Hatsuharu alone.

"Ashura…" the boy fell completely limp, staring blankly, somewhat in disbelief, at the doorway. "Don't go…please…Ashura…"

"I'm sorry Haru. Forgive me." Ayame whispered again, pulling the younger juunishi into his arms and sinking to the floor. "I'm sorry…I'm sorry…" He was holding back all the tears he could, but wasn't doing a very good job, and just let himself sob profusely onto the boy's shoulder. "Forgive me…"

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I'm sorry Ashura…but don't worry…I promise…you'll see him again. Momiji thought, walking obediently after Hatori to the waiting car. He paused a few moments, wiping his eyes dry once he was outside the station. I promise…you two WILL be reunited. I PROMISE.

Without a word, the blonde slid into the front seat of the car, patiently waiting for Hatori, and for Ayame to bring out Hatsuharu. For the first time in his life…he regretted being as obedient as he was.

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A/N: Waaaa! I cried the whole time I was writing this! Waaaa! I'm sorry that was so sappy! But now it's starting to relate to my OWN life so much…I can't HELP but shed a tear or two! Waaaa! I sowwy! Really! Did you enjoy the sappiness anyway?

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