Disclaimers: I own nothing.
A/N: This chapter is pretty disappointing. . . I apologize for my horrible writing!! Thank you so much for the tons of reviews. . . made me supah happy. ^_^ Please feel welcome to flame this chapter. It really is a failure (
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Kagura stood up triumphantly, dusting her hands. "That's it, Yun-chan! That's all of it."
Yuki quickly shifted his eyes around his art equipment, then smiled broadly at Kagura. "Thanks, Kagura. This really is it."
He traced his fingers over the dusty equipment. Kagura smiled widely. "It's a great thing you're starting art again. After I finish my painting, and Kyou-kun does, we can add Yun-chan's as well to our entry products for the upcoming competition!"
Yuki nodded. He then basked in the days when he was free to paint, to draw his heart. Then he had switched to art engineering.
Kagura looked at him with an evil eye. "I know why you've decided to start again, Yun-chan!"
Yuki looked up, puzzled. "What?"
"You're going to paint Tohru-chan, you hopeless romantic!"
Yuki blushed deeply at this remark, losing his composure once again. He looked away from the smiling boar, suddenly interested in his feet. But he smiled nevertheless. Imagining Tohru, sitting elegantly, occupying one of his canvases. . . he was happy just thinking about it.
"Have you confessed to her yet?"
Yuki shook his head. "I have to do it soon, preferably today." He got up, in a motion to prepare coffee. "Sorry I made you come all the way down here. . . just for my equipment. The least I can do is treat you to some coffee."
Kagura laughed. "Why, you gentle prince! Kyou-kun would never offer me a drink. He's too busy trying to chase me away. And plus, I came here because Kyou-kun said he needed to talk to me. This is the first time he's ever needed me."
Yuki brushed off Kagura's sad comment. "What are you saying? That baka neko's needed you all the time."
Kagura smiled weakly. "But he's never loved me."
Yuki sighed. "Kagura. . ."
"It's okay." She said. "I knew all the time. But I also think. . . that while we live together, we can confide in each other, then maybe, a fragment of love will sprout. . . then maybe we could be happy."
Yuki smirked into his coffee. "I never knew you were so patient."
She laughed hollowly. "I live this way. . . I tell myself this, kind of like taking drugs. But when the drug effects wear away. . . I feel so alone. . ."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Kyou-kun?"
Silence answered the small girl as she stepped inside, a plastic bag full of Kyou's favourite foods clenched in her hand. Placing it delicately on the table, she looked around. His cabin was actually quite clean. She smiled. Tohru was doing a good job of taking care of him.
Then her eyes turned to two ceramic cups lined on the table. A riceball, and a small, orange cat with burning crimson eyes. Her gray eyes widened in shock. They were tied together. An invisible ribbon, a bond, between the cups. . . below that was a small sketchbook. Shakingly, she turned the pages. Apples, trees. . . then. . . a small girl, a hint of sadness shining in her eyes. Then she realized. . .
Taken over by shock, she dropped onto a nearby couch, Kyou's words over the phone, ringing in her head.
"I. . . have to tell you something. Should I go over to Tokyo tomorrow?"
"Iie, Kyou-kun. I'll go. . . I have to give something to Yun-chan, anyway."
A small creak sounded with a light snap of a door. Kyou bustled in, a heavy bundle of books slung over his shoulder. He threw off his coat, and started to walk towards the kitchen. Along the way, he noticed a patch of brown hair protruding from the couches. It couldn't be Tohru. . .
"Kagura?"
He walked over to the couch, and sat down, facing her. She immediately turned her grey eyes away from him. He felt something in him sting. "Did I make you wait? Today's morning class kind of dragged on."
Kagura nodded slowly. Kyou swallowed hard, taking in two large gulps of air. He looked at his fiancé. "I. . . have to tell you something, Kagura."
"I have to tell you something too, Kyou-kun." She retorted, taking Kyou by full surprise. "Let's get married."
Kyou stared, long and hard at her, as she continued, her feelings pouring out of her. "Let's get married, Kyou-kun. I hate this. . . constantly moving from here and Tokyo. Honestly, I'm angry. You hid everything from me. . . about moving back here from America before our engagement, about Tohru-chan. And on top of that, you decided to live with her. . . I can't stand it anymore. . . Kyou-kun. . ."
Kyou couldn't look at the older girl anymore. "I. . . can't, Kagura."
"Why not? Why not, Kyou-kun? It was planned, wasn't it? It was. . . it was planned. . ." Kagura wailed, her sobs coming out subtly.
Kyou couldn't answer.
"Kyou-kun, look at me. . . look at me. . ."
He turned his eyes slightly.
"Don't. . . don't you love me? Ne? Kyou-kun?" She said, desperation echoing through her words.
Kyou bowed his head. "I thought. . . if I tried hard enough . . . I could. . ."
Kagura felt her heart shatter. . . Kyou had held it too tightly. . . she felt the pieces melt away, searing all other organs of her body as the hot liquid oozed its way out of her system. She had lost.
"I wanted to tell you. . . before this got any farther. Because I like you. . . I like you as my sister, someone I can run to. I adore you like my own mother. I don't want to hurt you. . ."
Kagura shook her head violently, grabbing her cat knapsack and standing up abruptly, her hair falling down to her eyes, shielding the grey waterfalls. "I'm not going to listen. I won't listen. . . not to those words. . ."
She marched to the door, Kyou tagging along behind her. She stopped abruptly at the knob, piercing Kyou with a pain filled gaze. "I'm not going to lose you, Kyou-kun . . ." With that, she turned the handle. "I'll call you."
Kyou heard the door shut dangerously loudly in front of his eyes. He punched it with all his might. He didn't want things to turn out this way. . . he really didn't want to hurt her. But he knew he had to. . . because he knew that all of the little love he had in the first place for her, had now run off to someone else.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tohru knocked brightly on Yuki's door. She was greeted by happy azure eyes. "Come in, Honda-san."
Tohru did as she was told, bowing respectfully to the Sohma. "Hai, what did you need me for, Yuki-kun?"
Yuki shifted his eyes nervously. "Er. . . mm. . . could you sit down, Honda- san?"
Puzzled, Tohru did as she was told. She couldn't help but stand up and shriek in shock when Yuki kneeled before her, his head bent low, hands resting on the arms of her chair. "Yuki-kun! Yuki-kun! What are you doing? Please get up! Yuki-kun!"
"Honda-san!" Yuki replied, rather loudly but decisively. Tohru immediately hushed. "I've. . . been trying to tell you this. . . but it's something I've experienced for the first time. Whenever I see you . . . I feel overwhelming happiness. When you smile at me. . . I feel as if I'm about to burst. And when you show your kindness. . . I feel my wall melt, and something stir in the bottom of my heart."
He lifted his head upto a stunned Tohru, his silver hair gleaming in the sunlight. "Honda-san. . . I think. . . I think I . . . love you."
Tohru gasped, her blue eyes widening in shock and pain. Sohma Yuki, soon to be master of the hotel, in love. . . with her? It made no sense. . . and she felt her heart ache. . . she wanted to love him back, she wanted to comfort the once ice-cold man. . . but her heart didn't belong to him. It. . . it didn't belong. . .
She stood up, tears gathering in her eyes as she witnessed the agony in Yuki's purple globes. "G. . . gomenasai. . . I. . . I can't. . ." and with that, she took off, hand covering her lips. Yuki kneeled that way, staring at the cushion that Tohru had occupied moments ago. He let his heart crumble. A stray tear slid onto the white floor, causing Yuki to laugh hollowly. "I. . . I'm crying. . . crying. . . Honda-san. . . I even cry for you. . ."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tohru rushed outside, the colourful leaves comforting her slightly. Her tears had stopped, but the shock and distress which she was experiencing didn't seem to let up. She let her hand dangle at her side, thinking about Yuki's words. Love. . . her. . . this couldn't. . . not now. . . not. . .
Suddenly the tears threatened to choke her again. Why did she have to hurt him? He had gone through enough pain. Why did she have to? Above all people?
She walked weakly across the field of her workplace. She was surprised to see another pair of feet enter her vision. She looked up to see a teary, weary Kagura in front of her, face pale, eyes murky. She gasped. "Kagura- san!!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The wind ruffled the two women's skirts as it carried a couple of fallen leaves across the ground. Kagura sighed deeply. "I fought with Kyou-kun."
Tohru looked at her, wide-eyed. Kagura stared at the younger girl desperately. "Please help me, Tohru-chan. . . the only person that can help me now is you. . ."
She grasped Tohru's hands tightly in her own. "Please. . . If it comes to you, Kyou-kun will do anything. . . because you're his. . ." taking a gulp, "you're his sister."
Tohru looked up, realization hitting her. "Because. . . because I'm his sister. . ."
Kagura nodded feverishly. "Please help me. . . when I was dating Kyou-kun, I knew I was of no use to Kyou-kun, my possessiveness would just hurt him. . . but now, I know . . . I'm nothing without him. Tohru-chan. . . onegai. . .I need him . . . I'm so sorry. . ."
Tohru shook her head, closing her eyes, afraid that tears would flow again. "Please. . . please don't be sorry. . . don't be sorry. . ."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tohru tiredly rode back to her and Kyou's home. Sighing deeply, she thought about what Kagura had said to her earlier. Because she's his sister. That's why he cared for her so much. Because. . . they were siblings. That's why Kyou held her back yesterday. That's why he held her hand that way. Because he loved her. . . as a sister. She smiled sadly to herself. How foolish she was, to think . . . to think it was more than that. To think such a dreadful thing. . .
She stepped through the white door, and closed it shut quietly. Looking up near the window, she gasped. A blood stain was marked on the wall. Rushing towards the living room, she saw a bloodstained hand, leading upto crimson eyes. "Kyou-kun!" She screamed, rushing to her brother's injury. "What happened? Why are you hurt like this? Kyou-kun!"
Kyou looked up at her, as she panicked around the room, searching for a first aid kit. She nearly flew back, a gauze and sterilizers in her hand. Her soft touch brought waves of happiness surge through the cat's body as she dabbed at his wound. Even though it stung, after she blew lightly on them, the pain would subside. Carefully wrapping the gauze around his knuckles, carefully securing it on. She looked into his ruby eyes that had not left her for an instant. She felt colour rise to her cheeks as she looked away. Kyou muttered a small thanks, before returning to his thoughts.
Tohru stole a sideway glance at her 'brother'. Then she felt the need to ask. "Kyou-kun, did you fight with Kagura-san?"
Kyou flinched. Then he slowly nodded.
"W-why?" she croaked.
Kyou turned towards her, with burning pupils. "Because. . . because I love someone else."
Tohru stood up abruptly, tears staining her cheeks again. "How could you do that to her? Do you know what state she's in? She's. . . she loves you so dearly, Kyou-kun. . . Don't hurt her, you have to be happy with her. . . You have to. . ."
Kyou stood up as well. "Tohru. . . what. . ."
She looked at him, her blue eyes pleading. "Kyou-kun, please be happy with her. . . please. . . so I could believe. . . that you. . . that you. . ."
Covering her mouth, Tohru dashed away from the house, towards the hotel. Kyou was dumbfounded. What had just happened? He had made Tohru cry again. But this time he wasn't sure what had happened. Cursing, he flopped back onto the couch, his head throbbing painfully. What had he done?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Yuki stared longingly out of his balcony, still dazed from the rejection. He chuckled dangerously. He loved her. . . and he had told her. . . but she had said she couldn't. . . love him back.
He breathed in the cold night air, closing his eyes muddled with pain. How could he have let her go? He should have begged for her love, he knew he couldn't live without her anymore. He didn't want to be just friends. He wanted to be with her, sharing everything he possibly could with the one woman he truly loved.
Yuki was snapped out of his thoughts by a rapid knock on his door. It can't be. . . he thought, as he quickly walked over, wrenching it open. There, in front of him, stood Tohru, panting as if she had run a couple of hours. Yuki couldn't contain his surprise, happiness, and curiosity. "Honda- san!!!"
"Yuki-kun. . ." Tohru wheezed, looking up into his eyes, her own stained with tears. "It. . . it hurts so much. . . love hurts so much. . . I know how you feel. . . I'm so sorry. . ."
Yuki swallowed hard. What was going on?
"I. . . I don't love you. . ." she continued, "but I can try. I can try, Yuki-kun. . . trying will help overcome this pain. I. . . if you're still willing, take me. . . I'll be by your side. . . gomenasai, Yuki-kun. . . this is all I can do. . ."
Yuki stepped forward towards her, pressing her shoulder to his forehead. "Arigatou, Honda-san. . . thank you. . . for even being willing to try. I'll. . . I'll help you. I'll ease your pains and I'll bring you happiness. . . I'll protect you. . ."
With that, he took a package out of his pockets, and drew out a small necklace. Tohru gasped as he drew it around her neck, letting it dangle by her collarbones. The ocean blue stone shined magnificently in the soft eerie night. "Because. . . because this was the colour of the eyes I've grown to love so much." He said, before he smiled down at her. "Honda-san, whoever is hurting you right now, I promise I won't repeat what he has done. I promise I'll make you happy."
Tohru wept uncontrollably, even though she knew how much it would upset Yuki. The sounds of her agonizing sobs were carried through the wind, disturbing Kyou in his restless sleep.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dawn came quickly as Kyou sat up in bed, pondering last night's events. What Tohru had said before she dashed out. . . so she could believe. . . believe what?
He marched out to the front porch, the ocean scent lingering in the early morning air. He was upset that Tohru had not yet come back. He was also worried sick.
Suddenly, his head jerked around to see a pair of headlights enter the driveway. "Tohru?" He shouted, before his heart plummeted to the way bottom. Kagura stepped out of her car, smiling sadly. Kyou also smiled weakly. He watched the girl walk up to him, and turn her eyes away from his disappointed gaze.
"Were you expecting someone?" Kagura asked softly.
Kyou decided not to answer. "How are you?" he whispered.
"How do you think?" Kagura spat.
Kyou felt the need to apologize. "I'm . . . I'm. . ."
"Don't say you're sorry. . . I don't want to hear it." Kagura said, looking a little more than upset. Then she realized the hurt and pain in Kyou's features. Sighing, she brightened her tone. "If you're really sorry, can you go somewhere with me?"
Kyou stepped into his car, following curtly after Kagura.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Coffee?"
Kyou stood still, silent and watchful. He stared at the art equipment littered aimlessly over the room, a shabby excuse for a bed, and a cute stuffed animal of an orange cat sitting on a small drawer. Someone must have moved quickly in here, he thought, looking at the many boxes around the hall.
Kagura quietly led him to a small couch, as she sat, sipping her coffee. "It's my apartment. I moved here last night. I still have to bring a couple of more furniture from Tokyo, but it's about settled in."
Kyou stared at her. "Kagura. . ."
"I know, Kyou-kun, that you don't love me, you've never loved me. . . but still, I like being with you. I know that letting you go will be a lot better for me. I know. . . I'm not stupid."
"I haven't told you something, Kagura." Kyou growled, his voice raspy. "I. . . I love someone else."
Kagura's eyes widened in shock, quick to fill with tears. "Why are you being so cruel to me, Kyou-kun? Are you trying to make me stop? Because I won't, Kyou-kun. . . I love you too much. . . I can't. . ."
Kyou continued to stare at the floor.
"The person you love. . ." Kagura continued, weeping, "Does she love you back?"
Kyou froze, as stiff as a board.
"If I leave you, can you get married to her? Can you be with her?"
Kyou thought about this, landing on the conclusion that he couldn't. His heart sinking further, he stared into Kagura's wide, gray eyes. "Kagura. . . that person. . . she's -"
Ding, dong!
Kyou jumped in surprise as Kagura slowly got up. "That must be Yun-chan and Tohru-chan. I invited them for breakfast. She slept at his hotel's dormitory with her friend last night." Kagura whispered, before walking to the door. Kyou was still stunned at what he had heard. Tohru? And Yuki?
"This place is nice, Kagura!" came Yuki's voice from the doorway.
Kagura giggled. "Thanks, Yun-chan. Breakfast is about ready, you can go take a seat in the living room."
Kyou's burning glance landed instantaneously on the two walking in. Tohru's blue eyes widened in shock, as she witnessed Kyou's eyes literally penetrate through her. He stood up to progress towards her, but Yuki, oblivious to their guest, shuffled her hand into his, squeezing tightly. Kyou stopped and stared. Tohru couldn't look at him. And Yuki, finally noticing his best friend, felt uneasy at the deathly glare he was imposing on him and Tohru. Kyou stood up and marched towards her roughly, taking her other hand. He dragged her out, Tohru following hopelessly. Yuki stared, as the door slammed, Kagura sinking to the floor.
Kyou quickly pushed the down button on the elevator, all the while clinging to Tohru's hand. As soon as the two reached the comfort of the cool morning air, he let her go, continuing to stare at his shoes.
Tohru tried to smile. She succeeded, unconvincingly. "Kyou-kun." She called.
No reply.
"Gomen, for rushing out on you that way last night." She said. "Kyou-kun and Kagura-san. . . you two are so perfect for each other. The sudden jealousy I felt when I saw you and Kagura-san together. . . I wanted to be happy too. It's unfair, ne? If my brother gets to be happy, and I stay miserable."
Giggling, she continued. "Yuki-kun. . . he's a really nice person. He says he loves me. . . and he's sincere about it. I've never had anyone love me that much. . . it's been so long since I've felt love. . ."
Kyou-kun turned his ruby eyes towards her. "Please. . . be happy for me, ne? The way I am for you and Kagura-san?"
Kyou shook his head vigorously. "Dammit, Tohru. . . I can't. I can't. . ."
Kyou brought his hand up to brush the tears sliding down her cheeks. Tohru, scared, upset and confused, stepped back. "Why?" she whispered, flinching at the desperate tone of her voice. Kyou continued to step towards her. Clutching her hand, he fiercely pulled her into his car, driving away from the apartment building. Tohru was confused. "What are you doing, Kyou-kun? Yuki-kun and Kagura-san are still waiting inside!"
Kyou gave no reply. He quickly parked into their house, pulling Tohru out of the car behind him, Tohru resisting Kyou's sudden, strange actions. She was pulled to the front of their cabin, Kyou's crimson eyes gazing madly into her own blue ones. "Tohru. . . let's not lie to each other. I hate lying to you."
She looked up, a mixture of emotions bubbling within her.
"Let's be honest. . . if we don't, we're all going to be miserable later on. . . that nezumi, you, me, even Kagura."
Tohru took a deep breath, preparing for what Kyou was about to say.
"You don't love him. . . do you?"
Tohru froze.
"You don't love Yuki, do you?"
Tohru's strength faultered, as tears slid down her cheeks.
"You love someone else, don't you?"
Tohru looked into her brother's determined eyes, unable to say anything. Just then, a large van piled into their driveway. The two both looked at the strange new car. Kyou started to become worried as the strange new car parked dangerously close to his own. A woman in her early fifties and an equally old man stepped out, talking merrily to each other. The driver went straight to the trunks, pulling out all the luggage.
Kyou's jaw fell in surprise, Tohru gasping, covering her mouth to stifle her sobs. The two elderly people stepped towards the house, the woman smiling widely. "Kyou!" She said, happily. She turned her eyes to his side, and her eyes widened, her smile faultering. The brown, golden hair, the blue eyes and the small, white hands. "T. . . Tohru?" She said, as her husband joined her side, equally surprised, his dark gray hair billowing in the wind. "Tohru? Tohru? Is it really Tohru?"
". . . Kaa-san. . ." Tohru whispered, before her former mother drew her into her arms, squeezing her tightly. "Tohru. . . Tohru. . . my Tohru. . ."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou sat next to his father in the living room, as Tohru and his mother shared a decent conversation in his own room. His father remained silent, as Kyou continued to do the same. Kazuma lifted his head up and smiled, sad, and drew out a long sigh.
"She's beautiful." He said.
Kyou nodded.
"So, she works at a hotel?"
He nodded again.
"That's. . . that's great. . ." Kazuma said, before drawing out another sigh. "Leaving to America. . . it was a decision I'd regret for the rest of my life. . . we should have never left her. . . Tohru. . . I'm so happy she grew up, still the bright, angelic Tohru. . ."
Kyou paid no further attention to his father's ramblings. All he could pay attention to was the soft crying noises issuing from his room.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Kaa-san, please don't cry. . ." Tohru pleaded, handing her another tissue.
Miyako dabbed at her eyes again, staring into her daughter's welcoming eyes. "Tohru. . . you've grown. . . a lot."
Tohru smiled, holding her mother's hand close.
Miyako's eyes started to water again. "What do I do, Tohru? I can't cry. . .if I cry, your face gets all blurry. . . I should stop crying. . . but Tohru. . ."
Tohru felt her eyes get stingy. As she held her mother's hand, she felt the warmth and the comfort that she thought she had lost years ago flood back.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Miyako stepped out of Kyou's room, hand in hand with Tohru. Kazuma and Kyou stood up, both smiling. The women also smiled back.
Kazuma clapped his hands in the air. "Well, now that we've all united, let's have a party!" He said, in a very fatherly way. "Kyou, go call Rin and Kagura. They're both here, right? Oh, and Yuki. Ha, I haven't seen that boy in a while. Come on! Let's celebrate!"
Laughing, the four sprang into action. Tohru left to set up the cutlery, while Kyou walked over to the phone. Miyako lightly touched her son's arm. He turned from dialing, and looked at his mother. "Kyou. . . my son. . . Can I talk to you?"
He found himself sitting on the couch again, this time, facing his mother.
"Kyou, you love Tohru, don't you?"
Kyou felt something bite a chunk out of him. What did his mother just say?
"You still love her and treasure her as a sister, right?"
Kyou sighed in relief. But something bitter also took its place in him. He knew he loved her, and god, he treasured her beyond anything else, but he also knew it wasn't in the way his mother hoped it was.
"When you two were born. . . I always hoped that forever and ever, you two would remain the most friendly and close siblings in the world. The way you cared for Tohru brought tears to my eyes. . . Kyou, we can never abandon Tohru. Promise me. . . promise me you'll always be there for her, caring for her as your sister, please? Promise me. . ."
Kyou knew the answer he had to say. He had to abandon it. . . he had to abandon the feeling he felt for Tohru now. It would all be okay. . . this way, he could always be with Tohru. He drew in a steady breath. "H. . . hai. . . I will. . . I will. . ."
Tohru turned her head away, quick to hide her tears. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but she couldn't help it. She turned into the kitchen again, her heart breaking under a heavy weight. Sister, brother. . . he'll protect me as a family. . . isn't that good enough? But why do I keep. . . wanting more?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Rin's black car quickly pulled into the already over-filled driveway. Hopping briskly out of her car, she bounded in, happiness whisking her off her feet. The thought of seeing her parents again made her shiver with glee.
She literally kicked the door open to face her father. "Ottou-san!" she cried, running upto him, careful not to transform right then and there. Her father laughed, as he held his daughter's hands tightly. "You should have told me you were coming, Ttou-san," she scolded, "I could have gone to the airport, you know."
Kazuma laughed. "That far? I wouldn't want my Rin to do such a tedious thing. Besides, you should be more than busy with your new work."
Giggling, Rin turned quickly to her mother, coming out of the kitchen. "Kaa- san!" She cried, jumping into her mother's arms. Miyako weakly hugged the horse, before slightly pushing her away. A little confused, Rin started to babble. "Mah, what's all this food for?"
"Well, since we've all met now, your father decided to hold a so-called party." She replied.
Rin jumped in happiness. "Yay! I was just getting hungry too! This is great, kaa-san!"
Miyako nodded, and shot Rin a painful look. "Anou. . . Rin. . ." she said, as her daughter's sharp black eyes focused on her again. "Why didn't you tell us you met Tohru again?"
Rin's smile flew away as her mother stopped talking. At that moment, Tohru bustled in, Kyou just a couple of paces behind her. Gasping, Tohru looked at Rin, who shot her a deathly glare. Her blue eyes widened as Rin stomped out of the house. "Rin! Anou. . . Matte!" She cried, as she chased after her, Kyou following shortly.
Outside, Rin turned to her car, about to leave. Tohru chased after her, clutching her arm. "Rin, don't go, you just got here, what-"
A cold, harsh slap landed squarely on Tohru's delicate cheek. Surprised, and upset, Tohru's grip on Rin's arm loosened. Kyou ran up to Tohru, and stared at her in horror. "Tohru. . ." he then looked at Rin. "Dammit, Rin! What the hell did you just do!?"
Rin shot her brother an icy glance as she piled into her car, driving away. Just then, another car took her place as Yuki hurriedly ran out, having witnessed the whole scene. "Honda-san! Are you alright? Here, let me see. . ."
Kyou reluctantly left the mouse to tend to Tohru while he faced Kagura uncertainly. She gave him a frail smile. Kyou had no choice but to smile back. Still, his eyes kept drifting back towards the sad, blue eyes of Tohru. He nodded to Kagura once, and took Tohru's hand. He then led her off into the ocean, leaving Yuki and Kagura alone, shocked, all over again.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Rin haulted to a stop in the middle of a deserted patch of land. Tears cascading down her cheeks, she slammed her fists into the steering wheel. "Why . . . why. . . why!?" she screamed, flailing all limbs of her body onto her car. "Why. . . why. . . I'm their daughter. . . why. . . why does Tohru get all the princess treatment still? I deserve it! I DO! I'M SOHMA RIN!!!"
She continued to weep uncontrollably, shaking in realization of defeat. Suddenly, her black locks shook violently as Rin shook her head vigorously. "No. . . she won't win. . . I can't let her win. . . I've worked too hard for this. . ."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tohru stood with the wind against her back, staring at Kyou who was facing the ocean directly. He had let go of her hand, and was now shoving his own roughly into his pockets.
"Tohru. . ." he started, "Sorry. . . for my actions this morning."
Tohru smiled sweetly. "Iie, it's alright, Kyou-kun."
He turned his eyes towards her. "I've been thinking. About how. . . my life seemed so much better with you in it. . ."
Tohru nodded, looking away from her brother's fiery stare.
"Let's. . . let's stay this way. . ." Kyou said, his voice breaking. "Forever. . . as. . . as. . . sister and brother."
Tohru nodded painfully once again, Kyou continuing for a split second more before his voice completely shut down. "That way. . . we can't betray or sadden anyone. . . but still stay together. . ."
Tohru smiled, turning around to face their ocean together with her brother. The two of them remained, by their ocean full of memories, as the waves continued to crash onto the sand.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
It was evening. Yuki ventured into his hotel room, and loosening his tie, threw his jacket onto his couch. He searched around in his fridge for a bottle of beer, and when he succeeded, headed over to his bed. He looked up to see an orange-haired boy sitting, staring at him. Yuki found himself to be not at all surprised. Kyou smirked. "Oi, kuso nezumi, feel like pouring me a glass too?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou drained his third glass and looked at his friend beside him. Yuki sipped his glass as the wind soared through his silver hair. "This balcony's the best place to drink." He commented.
Kyou chuckled. "Sorry," he muttered. "Crap, I seem to be saying a lot of that word now. . ."
Yuki looked at him. "for what?"
"For taking your girlfriend on little walks today." He muttered. Kyou poured himself another glass, swishing it around in his cup.
Yuki laughed. "Doesn't matter. Now that you mention it, baka neko, it did seem like as if you had feelings for her or something today."
Kyou smirked. Drinking heartily again, he looked up at the mouse. "Do you like her that much?"
Yuki nodded drowsily. "She's the one light in my life."
Kyou pounded his fist on the balcony ledge. "Oi. Don't get all poetic on me. I hate it."
Yuki chuckled again.
"If you want to go out with her, you have to know a couple of things."
Yuki eyed him curiously. "Like what?"
Kyou smiled, recalling the habits of him and his sister. "First off. . . hmm. . . Tohru . . . she smiles to hide her sadness or anger."
Yuki laughed. "Yeah, I found that out on my own."
Kyou ignored this and continued. "And when she sleeps. . . she always sticks to the wall. . . like a damn slug or something."
Yuki snorted into his cup.
"And. . . ever since she was young. . . her hair. . . it was so long. . . she never liked cutting it. She never forgot to say 'Ittadakimasu' before meals. . . She loved to pretend that. . . that I was god. . . and forgive my sins." With this, he laughed hollowly. "She couldn't do any goddam sport. When she first learned how to ride a bike, she got crushed under a truck. And when she's in pain. . . she always bites her lower lip. Two mini wrinkles crease her nose if she's really hurting to death." Sad memories brought pain to gnaw at Kyou's heart again. Yuki continued to stare, the amusing moments dragging out into awkward speeches by Kyou. He witnessed the cat's eyes start to water.
Kyou looked up from his cup and saw Yuki stare at him. "Oi. . . stop doing that. Dammit."
Yuki smirked and looked away. After a moment of silence, Kyou slammed his fist into the ledge again. "Shit. How could I forget."
Yuki looked back at him.
"Tohru, can ONLY, no matter what, ONLY play the rock in the game rock, paper, scissors." Kyou proclaimed triumphantly. Images of the two riding along, side by side, performing their rituals, playing hide-and-seek, laughing together. . . Kyou suddenly collapsed onto the balcony floor, Yuki calling his name in surprise. Kyou laughed hollowly, writhing in pain on the floor. "Got that, Kuso nezumi!? They're all important, you rat . . . you'd better make her happy. . . goddammit. . . if you don't. . . I swear I'll kill you. . . I'll kill you. . ."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Wait, one second~" Tohru whined, pulling her hands together and twisting it. Yuki laughed. He assumed this was one of the many things Tohru did with Kyou since childhood. Smiling, she turned back to Yuki. "Alright, I can win this!" She declared, happily. Yuki laughed. "Rock, paper, SCISSORS!" they both shouted, Tohru's rock quickly shot down by Yuki's paper. Tohru cringed. "Ara? How could I lose? This is not fair. . . this is so unfair. . ." she murmured, before Yuki's nose was only inches away from hers. Tohru gasped in surprise. "Remember our deal? I win, you give me a kiss." Tohru backed away. Yuki smiled at her jokingly. "Come on, a deal's a deal." Tohru laughed.
At that moment, Kyou walked in, witnessing painfully the happy moments they were sharing. Tohru shot Yuki a seemingly evil stare, and said, "Yuki-kun, something's definitely wrong. Let's do it again!" She shouted, preparing to shoot a victory rock. Yuki laughed, this time letting her win with scissors. She jumped for joy and clapped her hands gleefully. Kyou smiled woefully. He progressed away from them, letting Tohru's laughter ring in his ears. As Kyou disappeared from Tohru's vision, she instantaneously calmed down, a peaceful sadness taking over. Yuki stared at her strangely. Tohru snapped out of her misery and smiled at Yuki. "Yuki-kun, this is fun. Let's do it again, ne?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Kagura."
The boar turned around to face Kyou. He noticed she had bags underneath her eyes, her skin had lost its energetic radiance, and he knew, it was all his fault. He was suddenly relieved to see Kagura beam up at him. He took a couple of steps towards her. "Hey."
Kagura wiped her tears of appreciation. "Kyou-kun. . . I was so happy you called. . . I thought I was the only one doing the calling now."
Kyou nodded. "Kagura. . ."
She stared up at him.
"G. . . gomen."
She looked down again. "What's wrong? If it's about. . ."
Kyou shook his head. "No. . . um. . . dammit. . . I'll. . . I'll call often from now on."
Kagura jerked her head upto his level. Her gray eyes started to water. "Kyou. . . kun?"
"I'll be . . . the first to call."
Kagura latched onto the cat's hand. "Is it done? Have you . . . have you decided on me?"
Kyou shakingly nodded. "I. . . sorry. . . I broke your heart. . . I'll. . . ah dammit, I'll try harder. . . I'll try harder to love you. . . even though, this shitty me. . . can only try. . ."
Kagura threw her arms around the cat, wailing happily into his ear. "It's okay. It's completely okay. Kyou-kun. . . thank you so much for returning to me. . . I don't care if you don't love me. . . just staying with me is the most wonderful gift. . . oh Kyou-kun. . ."
After hesitating, Kyou wrapped one of his arms around Kagura, patting her on the back. He tried to ignore the sinking feeling, the urge to return. . . but it was growing harder by the second. But he knew he had to hold on. Because it was impossible to go back to her. . . after all, they were siblings.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kagura, followed by Kyou, walked back out to the hotel halls, where Tohru was still spending her lunch break with Yuki, playing a never-ending game of rock, paper scissors. Tohru quickly noticed the way Kagura held onto Kyou's arm. She quickly flashed a smile to satisfy the crowd. "Yuki-kun, I'll go to the café downstairs and get everyone something to drink." She noiselessly made her way to the elevator, Kagura skipping behind her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"So how did it go?" She asked the boar as Kagura approached her.
"It was alright. . . Kyou-kun decided to return to me." Kagura caroled, happy. "Arigatou, Tohru-chan. If it weren't for you. . ."
Tohru shook her head. "Iie, Kyou-kun always loved you, Kagura-san. I knew he would go back."
Kagura beamed at this. They continued to wait in line to be served coffee.
"Ah, Kagura-san," Tohru started, "Could you. . . tell Kyou-kun that I'll be moving out?"
Kagura was surprised. "Why, Tohru-chan?"
"Because. . ." Tohru said, groping for the right words, "Because. . . well, I feel uncomfortable there. Like I'm a huge burden to Kyou-kun. I have to return to my mother, you know. . . I've left her for a while."
Kagura nodded understandingly. "I understand, but Tohru-chan, make sure you visit once in a while, okay?"
Tohru nodded as she received her coffee. "Hai! Let's go, they must be waiting for us."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"What? Really?"
"Hai, Tohru-chan said she'll be packing tonight."
Kyou felt angry all of a sudden, even though he shouldn't. She was still going to leave. . . even after he had held her back that way.
"Honda-san, why don't you stay at the dormitory in the hotel?" Yuki suggested. "That way, I'd be able to keep an eye on you, keep you safe."
Tohru blushed at this, and Kagura laughed. "Yuki, you can be so romantic sometimes." Shooting a glance at Kyou, she continued, "Kyou-kun, learn from him!"
Kyou nodded stupidly, not having quite realized what had just happened.
Tohru looked at her watch. "Well, I better be going now. . . my break is almost over. Yuki-kun, Kagura-san. . . and, Kyou-kun. I'll see you at home!"
And with that, Tohru bounded off, leaving the rest of them smiling after her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Kyou-kun, remember your promise! It's your turn to call me now." Kagura chirped.
Kyou nodded, as she planted a kiss on his cheek. He backed away, stunned. "What the hell was that, woman!?" He yelled.
"Well, Kyou-kun, I just missed you so much!" Kagura said, before taking her place by the steering wheel again. "Take care!"
And with that, her car disappeared from Kyou's vision. Sighing, his strength drained, he trodded into his cabin, dreading to see the emptiness now that Tohru would leave.
His dread turned to despair as Tohru greeted him at the door. "Kyou-kun, I'm glad you're back!" She said, smiling. "I was just about to leave. . . I was hoping to see you again before I did."
Kyou nodded, unable to say anything back. He followed her out the door, back to where he had been seconds ago. The bag which he had clutched a few nights before hung tightly around Tohru's fingers.
"Well, I'll be going, Kyou-kun," Tohru said, a hint of sadness in her voice. "I just dropped by to see if I missed anything. I just finished collecting my things at home. . . I'm moving in to the dormitory at the hotel."
Kyou nodded.
"Can I visit often? Can I, Kyou-kun?" She questioned.
Kyou nodded again.
Smiling, Tohru stretched out her hand. "Let's shake hands, Kyou-kun!"
Kyou felt his heart break. He knew what this meant. . . it was her way of saying goodbye. Goodbye, goodbye, as in a means of separation, for a very long time.
His hand trembling, he took it, pulling away from her warmth quickly. He stroked his fingers through his hair swiftly. "Dammit, doesn't the dorm close by now?"
Tohru glanced at her watch. "You're right. I'd better go, nii-san."
Something gnawed him again.
Before Tohru turned her back on him, Kyou called out to her again. "Tohru. . ."
"Kyou-kun," she replied, looking up at him, "Be nice to Kagura-san. . . be happy. I'll be with Yuki-kun, I can be happy. Promise me, ne? Be happy with Kagura-san. . ."
Kyou swallowed. "Tohru. . ."
"We. . ." Tohru said, cutting off Kyou again, "We. . .we're returning to brother and sister, right? We're siblings. . . forever, right?"
Tohru smiled awkwardly, before spinning away from him, just as her tears started to fall. Kyou couldn't hold her back like before. . . all he could do was watch her go. Tohru's walk grew faster, soon breaking into a run. Tears leaving a trail of newfound happy memories behind her. Kyou gazed at Tohru's back, watching her leave.
Some distance away from Kyou's cabin stood a gray haired young man, his eyes detailing confusion and puzzlement. He fixed his gaze to the young girl running away, and back to the boy that just sent her. What was going on? Why did they seem so connected?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
R&R Please!
A/N: This chapter is pretty disappointing. . . I apologize for my horrible writing!! Thank you so much for the tons of reviews. . . made me supah happy. ^_^ Please feel welcome to flame this chapter. It really is a failure (
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kagura stood up triumphantly, dusting her hands. "That's it, Yun-chan! That's all of it."
Yuki quickly shifted his eyes around his art equipment, then smiled broadly at Kagura. "Thanks, Kagura. This really is it."
He traced his fingers over the dusty equipment. Kagura smiled widely. "It's a great thing you're starting art again. After I finish my painting, and Kyou-kun does, we can add Yun-chan's as well to our entry products for the upcoming competition!"
Yuki nodded. He then basked in the days when he was free to paint, to draw his heart. Then he had switched to art engineering.
Kagura looked at him with an evil eye. "I know why you've decided to start again, Yun-chan!"
Yuki looked up, puzzled. "What?"
"You're going to paint Tohru-chan, you hopeless romantic!"
Yuki blushed deeply at this remark, losing his composure once again. He looked away from the smiling boar, suddenly interested in his feet. But he smiled nevertheless. Imagining Tohru, sitting elegantly, occupying one of his canvases. . . he was happy just thinking about it.
"Have you confessed to her yet?"
Yuki shook his head. "I have to do it soon, preferably today." He got up, in a motion to prepare coffee. "Sorry I made you come all the way down here. . . just for my equipment. The least I can do is treat you to some coffee."
Kagura laughed. "Why, you gentle prince! Kyou-kun would never offer me a drink. He's too busy trying to chase me away. And plus, I came here because Kyou-kun said he needed to talk to me. This is the first time he's ever needed me."
Yuki brushed off Kagura's sad comment. "What are you saying? That baka neko's needed you all the time."
Kagura smiled weakly. "But he's never loved me."
Yuki sighed. "Kagura. . ."
"It's okay." She said. "I knew all the time. But I also think. . . that while we live together, we can confide in each other, then maybe, a fragment of love will sprout. . . then maybe we could be happy."
Yuki smirked into his coffee. "I never knew you were so patient."
She laughed hollowly. "I live this way. . . I tell myself this, kind of like taking drugs. But when the drug effects wear away. . . I feel so alone. . ."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Kyou-kun?"
Silence answered the small girl as she stepped inside, a plastic bag full of Kyou's favourite foods clenched in her hand. Placing it delicately on the table, she looked around. His cabin was actually quite clean. She smiled. Tohru was doing a good job of taking care of him.
Then her eyes turned to two ceramic cups lined on the table. A riceball, and a small, orange cat with burning crimson eyes. Her gray eyes widened in shock. They were tied together. An invisible ribbon, a bond, between the cups. . . below that was a small sketchbook. Shakingly, she turned the pages. Apples, trees. . . then. . . a small girl, a hint of sadness shining in her eyes. Then she realized. . .
Taken over by shock, she dropped onto a nearby couch, Kyou's words over the phone, ringing in her head.
"I. . . have to tell you something. Should I go over to Tokyo tomorrow?"
"Iie, Kyou-kun. I'll go. . . I have to give something to Yun-chan, anyway."
A small creak sounded with a light snap of a door. Kyou bustled in, a heavy bundle of books slung over his shoulder. He threw off his coat, and started to walk towards the kitchen. Along the way, he noticed a patch of brown hair protruding from the couches. It couldn't be Tohru. . .
"Kagura?"
He walked over to the couch, and sat down, facing her. She immediately turned her grey eyes away from him. He felt something in him sting. "Did I make you wait? Today's morning class kind of dragged on."
Kagura nodded slowly. Kyou swallowed hard, taking in two large gulps of air. He looked at his fiancé. "I. . . have to tell you something, Kagura."
"I have to tell you something too, Kyou-kun." She retorted, taking Kyou by full surprise. "Let's get married."
Kyou stared, long and hard at her, as she continued, her feelings pouring out of her. "Let's get married, Kyou-kun. I hate this. . . constantly moving from here and Tokyo. Honestly, I'm angry. You hid everything from me. . . about moving back here from America before our engagement, about Tohru-chan. And on top of that, you decided to live with her. . . I can't stand it anymore. . . Kyou-kun. . ."
Kyou couldn't look at the older girl anymore. "I. . . can't, Kagura."
"Why not? Why not, Kyou-kun? It was planned, wasn't it? It was. . . it was planned. . ." Kagura wailed, her sobs coming out subtly.
Kyou couldn't answer.
"Kyou-kun, look at me. . . look at me. . ."
He turned his eyes slightly.
"Don't. . . don't you love me? Ne? Kyou-kun?" She said, desperation echoing through her words.
Kyou bowed his head. "I thought. . . if I tried hard enough . . . I could. . ."
Kagura felt her heart shatter. . . Kyou had held it too tightly. . . she felt the pieces melt away, searing all other organs of her body as the hot liquid oozed its way out of her system. She had lost.
"I wanted to tell you. . . before this got any farther. Because I like you. . . I like you as my sister, someone I can run to. I adore you like my own mother. I don't want to hurt you. . ."
Kagura shook her head violently, grabbing her cat knapsack and standing up abruptly, her hair falling down to her eyes, shielding the grey waterfalls. "I'm not going to listen. I won't listen. . . not to those words. . ."
She marched to the door, Kyou tagging along behind her. She stopped abruptly at the knob, piercing Kyou with a pain filled gaze. "I'm not going to lose you, Kyou-kun . . ." With that, she turned the handle. "I'll call you."
Kyou heard the door shut dangerously loudly in front of his eyes. He punched it with all his might. He didn't want things to turn out this way. . . he really didn't want to hurt her. But he knew he had to. . . because he knew that all of the little love he had in the first place for her, had now run off to someone else.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tohru knocked brightly on Yuki's door. She was greeted by happy azure eyes. "Come in, Honda-san."
Tohru did as she was told, bowing respectfully to the Sohma. "Hai, what did you need me for, Yuki-kun?"
Yuki shifted his eyes nervously. "Er. . . mm. . . could you sit down, Honda- san?"
Puzzled, Tohru did as she was told. She couldn't help but stand up and shriek in shock when Yuki kneeled before her, his head bent low, hands resting on the arms of her chair. "Yuki-kun! Yuki-kun! What are you doing? Please get up! Yuki-kun!"
"Honda-san!" Yuki replied, rather loudly but decisively. Tohru immediately hushed. "I've. . . been trying to tell you this. . . but it's something I've experienced for the first time. Whenever I see you . . . I feel overwhelming happiness. When you smile at me. . . I feel as if I'm about to burst. And when you show your kindness. . . I feel my wall melt, and something stir in the bottom of my heart."
He lifted his head upto a stunned Tohru, his silver hair gleaming in the sunlight. "Honda-san. . . I think. . . I think I . . . love you."
Tohru gasped, her blue eyes widening in shock and pain. Sohma Yuki, soon to be master of the hotel, in love. . . with her? It made no sense. . . and she felt her heart ache. . . she wanted to love him back, she wanted to comfort the once ice-cold man. . . but her heart didn't belong to him. It. . . it didn't belong. . .
She stood up, tears gathering in her eyes as she witnessed the agony in Yuki's purple globes. "G. . . gomenasai. . . I. . . I can't. . ." and with that, she took off, hand covering her lips. Yuki kneeled that way, staring at the cushion that Tohru had occupied moments ago. He let his heart crumble. A stray tear slid onto the white floor, causing Yuki to laugh hollowly. "I. . . I'm crying. . . crying. . . Honda-san. . . I even cry for you. . ."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tohru rushed outside, the colourful leaves comforting her slightly. Her tears had stopped, but the shock and distress which she was experiencing didn't seem to let up. She let her hand dangle at her side, thinking about Yuki's words. Love. . . her. . . this couldn't. . . not now. . . not. . .
Suddenly the tears threatened to choke her again. Why did she have to hurt him? He had gone through enough pain. Why did she have to? Above all people?
She walked weakly across the field of her workplace. She was surprised to see another pair of feet enter her vision. She looked up to see a teary, weary Kagura in front of her, face pale, eyes murky. She gasped. "Kagura- san!!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The wind ruffled the two women's skirts as it carried a couple of fallen leaves across the ground. Kagura sighed deeply. "I fought with Kyou-kun."
Tohru looked at her, wide-eyed. Kagura stared at the younger girl desperately. "Please help me, Tohru-chan. . . the only person that can help me now is you. . ."
She grasped Tohru's hands tightly in her own. "Please. . . If it comes to you, Kyou-kun will do anything. . . because you're his. . ." taking a gulp, "you're his sister."
Tohru looked up, realization hitting her. "Because. . . because I'm his sister. . ."
Kagura nodded feverishly. "Please help me. . . when I was dating Kyou-kun, I knew I was of no use to Kyou-kun, my possessiveness would just hurt him. . . but now, I know . . . I'm nothing without him. Tohru-chan. . . onegai. . .I need him . . . I'm so sorry. . ."
Tohru shook her head, closing her eyes, afraid that tears would flow again. "Please. . . please don't be sorry. . . don't be sorry. . ."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tohru tiredly rode back to her and Kyou's home. Sighing deeply, she thought about what Kagura had said to her earlier. Because she's his sister. That's why he cared for her so much. Because. . . they were siblings. That's why Kyou held her back yesterday. That's why he held her hand that way. Because he loved her. . . as a sister. She smiled sadly to herself. How foolish she was, to think . . . to think it was more than that. To think such a dreadful thing. . .
She stepped through the white door, and closed it shut quietly. Looking up near the window, she gasped. A blood stain was marked on the wall. Rushing towards the living room, she saw a bloodstained hand, leading upto crimson eyes. "Kyou-kun!" She screamed, rushing to her brother's injury. "What happened? Why are you hurt like this? Kyou-kun!"
Kyou looked up at her, as she panicked around the room, searching for a first aid kit. She nearly flew back, a gauze and sterilizers in her hand. Her soft touch brought waves of happiness surge through the cat's body as she dabbed at his wound. Even though it stung, after she blew lightly on them, the pain would subside. Carefully wrapping the gauze around his knuckles, carefully securing it on. She looked into his ruby eyes that had not left her for an instant. She felt colour rise to her cheeks as she looked away. Kyou muttered a small thanks, before returning to his thoughts.
Tohru stole a sideway glance at her 'brother'. Then she felt the need to ask. "Kyou-kun, did you fight with Kagura-san?"
Kyou flinched. Then he slowly nodded.
"W-why?" she croaked.
Kyou turned towards her, with burning pupils. "Because. . . because I love someone else."
Tohru stood up abruptly, tears staining her cheeks again. "How could you do that to her? Do you know what state she's in? She's. . . she loves you so dearly, Kyou-kun. . . Don't hurt her, you have to be happy with her. . . You have to. . ."
Kyou stood up as well. "Tohru. . . what. . ."
She looked at him, her blue eyes pleading. "Kyou-kun, please be happy with her. . . please. . . so I could believe. . . that you. . . that you. . ."
Covering her mouth, Tohru dashed away from the house, towards the hotel. Kyou was dumbfounded. What had just happened? He had made Tohru cry again. But this time he wasn't sure what had happened. Cursing, he flopped back onto the couch, his head throbbing painfully. What had he done?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Yuki stared longingly out of his balcony, still dazed from the rejection. He chuckled dangerously. He loved her. . . and he had told her. . . but she had said she couldn't. . . love him back.
He breathed in the cold night air, closing his eyes muddled with pain. How could he have let her go? He should have begged for her love, he knew he couldn't live without her anymore. He didn't want to be just friends. He wanted to be with her, sharing everything he possibly could with the one woman he truly loved.
Yuki was snapped out of his thoughts by a rapid knock on his door. It can't be. . . he thought, as he quickly walked over, wrenching it open. There, in front of him, stood Tohru, panting as if she had run a couple of hours. Yuki couldn't contain his surprise, happiness, and curiosity. "Honda- san!!!"
"Yuki-kun. . ." Tohru wheezed, looking up into his eyes, her own stained with tears. "It. . . it hurts so much. . . love hurts so much. . . I know how you feel. . . I'm so sorry. . ."
Yuki swallowed hard. What was going on?
"I. . . I don't love you. . ." she continued, "but I can try. I can try, Yuki-kun. . . trying will help overcome this pain. I. . . if you're still willing, take me. . . I'll be by your side. . . gomenasai, Yuki-kun. . . this is all I can do. . ."
Yuki stepped forward towards her, pressing her shoulder to his forehead. "Arigatou, Honda-san. . . thank you. . . for even being willing to try. I'll. . . I'll help you. I'll ease your pains and I'll bring you happiness. . . I'll protect you. . ."
With that, he took a package out of his pockets, and drew out a small necklace. Tohru gasped as he drew it around her neck, letting it dangle by her collarbones. The ocean blue stone shined magnificently in the soft eerie night. "Because. . . because this was the colour of the eyes I've grown to love so much." He said, before he smiled down at her. "Honda-san, whoever is hurting you right now, I promise I won't repeat what he has done. I promise I'll make you happy."
Tohru wept uncontrollably, even though she knew how much it would upset Yuki. The sounds of her agonizing sobs were carried through the wind, disturbing Kyou in his restless sleep.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dawn came quickly as Kyou sat up in bed, pondering last night's events. What Tohru had said before she dashed out. . . so she could believe. . . believe what?
He marched out to the front porch, the ocean scent lingering in the early morning air. He was upset that Tohru had not yet come back. He was also worried sick.
Suddenly, his head jerked around to see a pair of headlights enter the driveway. "Tohru?" He shouted, before his heart plummeted to the way bottom. Kagura stepped out of her car, smiling sadly. Kyou also smiled weakly. He watched the girl walk up to him, and turn her eyes away from his disappointed gaze.
"Were you expecting someone?" Kagura asked softly.
Kyou decided not to answer. "How are you?" he whispered.
"How do you think?" Kagura spat.
Kyou felt the need to apologize. "I'm . . . I'm. . ."
"Don't say you're sorry. . . I don't want to hear it." Kagura said, looking a little more than upset. Then she realized the hurt and pain in Kyou's features. Sighing, she brightened her tone. "If you're really sorry, can you go somewhere with me?"
Kyou stepped into his car, following curtly after Kagura.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Coffee?"
Kyou stood still, silent and watchful. He stared at the art equipment littered aimlessly over the room, a shabby excuse for a bed, and a cute stuffed animal of an orange cat sitting on a small drawer. Someone must have moved quickly in here, he thought, looking at the many boxes around the hall.
Kagura quietly led him to a small couch, as she sat, sipping her coffee. "It's my apartment. I moved here last night. I still have to bring a couple of more furniture from Tokyo, but it's about settled in."
Kyou stared at her. "Kagura. . ."
"I know, Kyou-kun, that you don't love me, you've never loved me. . . but still, I like being with you. I know that letting you go will be a lot better for me. I know. . . I'm not stupid."
"I haven't told you something, Kagura." Kyou growled, his voice raspy. "I. . . I love someone else."
Kagura's eyes widened in shock, quick to fill with tears. "Why are you being so cruel to me, Kyou-kun? Are you trying to make me stop? Because I won't, Kyou-kun. . . I love you too much. . . I can't. . ."
Kyou continued to stare at the floor.
"The person you love. . ." Kagura continued, weeping, "Does she love you back?"
Kyou froze, as stiff as a board.
"If I leave you, can you get married to her? Can you be with her?"
Kyou thought about this, landing on the conclusion that he couldn't. His heart sinking further, he stared into Kagura's wide, gray eyes. "Kagura. . . that person. . . she's -"
Ding, dong!
Kyou jumped in surprise as Kagura slowly got up. "That must be Yun-chan and Tohru-chan. I invited them for breakfast. She slept at his hotel's dormitory with her friend last night." Kagura whispered, before walking to the door. Kyou was still stunned at what he had heard. Tohru? And Yuki?
"This place is nice, Kagura!" came Yuki's voice from the doorway.
Kagura giggled. "Thanks, Yun-chan. Breakfast is about ready, you can go take a seat in the living room."
Kyou's burning glance landed instantaneously on the two walking in. Tohru's blue eyes widened in shock, as she witnessed Kyou's eyes literally penetrate through her. He stood up to progress towards her, but Yuki, oblivious to their guest, shuffled her hand into his, squeezing tightly. Kyou stopped and stared. Tohru couldn't look at him. And Yuki, finally noticing his best friend, felt uneasy at the deathly glare he was imposing on him and Tohru. Kyou stood up and marched towards her roughly, taking her other hand. He dragged her out, Tohru following hopelessly. Yuki stared, as the door slammed, Kagura sinking to the floor.
Kyou quickly pushed the down button on the elevator, all the while clinging to Tohru's hand. As soon as the two reached the comfort of the cool morning air, he let her go, continuing to stare at his shoes.
Tohru tried to smile. She succeeded, unconvincingly. "Kyou-kun." She called.
No reply.
"Gomen, for rushing out on you that way last night." She said. "Kyou-kun and Kagura-san. . . you two are so perfect for each other. The sudden jealousy I felt when I saw you and Kagura-san together. . . I wanted to be happy too. It's unfair, ne? If my brother gets to be happy, and I stay miserable."
Giggling, she continued. "Yuki-kun. . . he's a really nice person. He says he loves me. . . and he's sincere about it. I've never had anyone love me that much. . . it's been so long since I've felt love. . ."
Kyou-kun turned his ruby eyes towards her. "Please. . . be happy for me, ne? The way I am for you and Kagura-san?"
Kyou shook his head vigorously. "Dammit, Tohru. . . I can't. I can't. . ."
Kyou brought his hand up to brush the tears sliding down her cheeks. Tohru, scared, upset and confused, stepped back. "Why?" she whispered, flinching at the desperate tone of her voice. Kyou continued to step towards her. Clutching her hand, he fiercely pulled her into his car, driving away from the apartment building. Tohru was confused. "What are you doing, Kyou-kun? Yuki-kun and Kagura-san are still waiting inside!"
Kyou gave no reply. He quickly parked into their house, pulling Tohru out of the car behind him, Tohru resisting Kyou's sudden, strange actions. She was pulled to the front of their cabin, Kyou's crimson eyes gazing madly into her own blue ones. "Tohru. . . let's not lie to each other. I hate lying to you."
She looked up, a mixture of emotions bubbling within her.
"Let's be honest. . . if we don't, we're all going to be miserable later on. . . that nezumi, you, me, even Kagura."
Tohru took a deep breath, preparing for what Kyou was about to say.
"You don't love him. . . do you?"
Tohru froze.
"You don't love Yuki, do you?"
Tohru's strength faultered, as tears slid down her cheeks.
"You love someone else, don't you?"
Tohru looked into her brother's determined eyes, unable to say anything. Just then, a large van piled into their driveway. The two both looked at the strange new car. Kyou started to become worried as the strange new car parked dangerously close to his own. A woman in her early fifties and an equally old man stepped out, talking merrily to each other. The driver went straight to the trunks, pulling out all the luggage.
Kyou's jaw fell in surprise, Tohru gasping, covering her mouth to stifle her sobs. The two elderly people stepped towards the house, the woman smiling widely. "Kyou!" She said, happily. She turned her eyes to his side, and her eyes widened, her smile faultering. The brown, golden hair, the blue eyes and the small, white hands. "T. . . Tohru?" She said, as her husband joined her side, equally surprised, his dark gray hair billowing in the wind. "Tohru? Tohru? Is it really Tohru?"
". . . Kaa-san. . ." Tohru whispered, before her former mother drew her into her arms, squeezing her tightly. "Tohru. . . Tohru. . . my Tohru. . ."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou sat next to his father in the living room, as Tohru and his mother shared a decent conversation in his own room. His father remained silent, as Kyou continued to do the same. Kazuma lifted his head up and smiled, sad, and drew out a long sigh.
"She's beautiful." He said.
Kyou nodded.
"So, she works at a hotel?"
He nodded again.
"That's. . . that's great. . ." Kazuma said, before drawing out another sigh. "Leaving to America. . . it was a decision I'd regret for the rest of my life. . . we should have never left her. . . Tohru. . . I'm so happy she grew up, still the bright, angelic Tohru. . ."
Kyou paid no further attention to his father's ramblings. All he could pay attention to was the soft crying noises issuing from his room.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Kaa-san, please don't cry. . ." Tohru pleaded, handing her another tissue.
Miyako dabbed at her eyes again, staring into her daughter's welcoming eyes. "Tohru. . . you've grown. . . a lot."
Tohru smiled, holding her mother's hand close.
Miyako's eyes started to water again. "What do I do, Tohru? I can't cry. . .if I cry, your face gets all blurry. . . I should stop crying. . . but Tohru. . ."
Tohru felt her eyes get stingy. As she held her mother's hand, she felt the warmth and the comfort that she thought she had lost years ago flood back.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Miyako stepped out of Kyou's room, hand in hand with Tohru. Kazuma and Kyou stood up, both smiling. The women also smiled back.
Kazuma clapped his hands in the air. "Well, now that we've all united, let's have a party!" He said, in a very fatherly way. "Kyou, go call Rin and Kagura. They're both here, right? Oh, and Yuki. Ha, I haven't seen that boy in a while. Come on! Let's celebrate!"
Laughing, the four sprang into action. Tohru left to set up the cutlery, while Kyou walked over to the phone. Miyako lightly touched her son's arm. He turned from dialing, and looked at his mother. "Kyou. . . my son. . . Can I talk to you?"
He found himself sitting on the couch again, this time, facing his mother.
"Kyou, you love Tohru, don't you?"
Kyou felt something bite a chunk out of him. What did his mother just say?
"You still love her and treasure her as a sister, right?"
Kyou sighed in relief. But something bitter also took its place in him. He knew he loved her, and god, he treasured her beyond anything else, but he also knew it wasn't in the way his mother hoped it was.
"When you two were born. . . I always hoped that forever and ever, you two would remain the most friendly and close siblings in the world. The way you cared for Tohru brought tears to my eyes. . . Kyou, we can never abandon Tohru. Promise me. . . promise me you'll always be there for her, caring for her as your sister, please? Promise me. . ."
Kyou knew the answer he had to say. He had to abandon it. . . he had to abandon the feeling he felt for Tohru now. It would all be okay. . . this way, he could always be with Tohru. He drew in a steady breath. "H. . . hai. . . I will. . . I will. . ."
Tohru turned her head away, quick to hide her tears. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but she couldn't help it. She turned into the kitchen again, her heart breaking under a heavy weight. Sister, brother. . . he'll protect me as a family. . . isn't that good enough? But why do I keep. . . wanting more?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Rin's black car quickly pulled into the already over-filled driveway. Hopping briskly out of her car, she bounded in, happiness whisking her off her feet. The thought of seeing her parents again made her shiver with glee.
She literally kicked the door open to face her father. "Ottou-san!" she cried, running upto him, careful not to transform right then and there. Her father laughed, as he held his daughter's hands tightly. "You should have told me you were coming, Ttou-san," she scolded, "I could have gone to the airport, you know."
Kazuma laughed. "That far? I wouldn't want my Rin to do such a tedious thing. Besides, you should be more than busy with your new work."
Giggling, Rin turned quickly to her mother, coming out of the kitchen. "Kaa- san!" She cried, jumping into her mother's arms. Miyako weakly hugged the horse, before slightly pushing her away. A little confused, Rin started to babble. "Mah, what's all this food for?"
"Well, since we've all met now, your father decided to hold a so-called party." She replied.
Rin jumped in happiness. "Yay! I was just getting hungry too! This is great, kaa-san!"
Miyako nodded, and shot Rin a painful look. "Anou. . . Rin. . ." she said, as her daughter's sharp black eyes focused on her again. "Why didn't you tell us you met Tohru again?"
Rin's smile flew away as her mother stopped talking. At that moment, Tohru bustled in, Kyou just a couple of paces behind her. Gasping, Tohru looked at Rin, who shot her a deathly glare. Her blue eyes widened as Rin stomped out of the house. "Rin! Anou. . . Matte!" She cried, as she chased after her, Kyou following shortly.
Outside, Rin turned to her car, about to leave. Tohru chased after her, clutching her arm. "Rin, don't go, you just got here, what-"
A cold, harsh slap landed squarely on Tohru's delicate cheek. Surprised, and upset, Tohru's grip on Rin's arm loosened. Kyou ran up to Tohru, and stared at her in horror. "Tohru. . ." he then looked at Rin. "Dammit, Rin! What the hell did you just do!?"
Rin shot her brother an icy glance as she piled into her car, driving away. Just then, another car took her place as Yuki hurriedly ran out, having witnessed the whole scene. "Honda-san! Are you alright? Here, let me see. . ."
Kyou reluctantly left the mouse to tend to Tohru while he faced Kagura uncertainly. She gave him a frail smile. Kyou had no choice but to smile back. Still, his eyes kept drifting back towards the sad, blue eyes of Tohru. He nodded to Kagura once, and took Tohru's hand. He then led her off into the ocean, leaving Yuki and Kagura alone, shocked, all over again.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Rin haulted to a stop in the middle of a deserted patch of land. Tears cascading down her cheeks, she slammed her fists into the steering wheel. "Why . . . why. . . why!?" she screamed, flailing all limbs of her body onto her car. "Why. . . why. . . I'm their daughter. . . why. . . why does Tohru get all the princess treatment still? I deserve it! I DO! I'M SOHMA RIN!!!"
She continued to weep uncontrollably, shaking in realization of defeat. Suddenly, her black locks shook violently as Rin shook her head vigorously. "No. . . she won't win. . . I can't let her win. . . I've worked too hard for this. . ."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tohru stood with the wind against her back, staring at Kyou who was facing the ocean directly. He had let go of her hand, and was now shoving his own roughly into his pockets.
"Tohru. . ." he started, "Sorry. . . for my actions this morning."
Tohru smiled sweetly. "Iie, it's alright, Kyou-kun."
He turned his eyes towards her. "I've been thinking. About how. . . my life seemed so much better with you in it. . ."
Tohru nodded, looking away from her brother's fiery stare.
"Let's. . . let's stay this way. . ." Kyou said, his voice breaking. "Forever. . . as. . . as. . . sister and brother."
Tohru nodded painfully once again, Kyou continuing for a split second more before his voice completely shut down. "That way. . . we can't betray or sadden anyone. . . but still stay together. . ."
Tohru smiled, turning around to face their ocean together with her brother. The two of them remained, by their ocean full of memories, as the waves continued to crash onto the sand.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
It was evening. Yuki ventured into his hotel room, and loosening his tie, threw his jacket onto his couch. He searched around in his fridge for a bottle of beer, and when he succeeded, headed over to his bed. He looked up to see an orange-haired boy sitting, staring at him. Yuki found himself to be not at all surprised. Kyou smirked. "Oi, kuso nezumi, feel like pouring me a glass too?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou drained his third glass and looked at his friend beside him. Yuki sipped his glass as the wind soared through his silver hair. "This balcony's the best place to drink." He commented.
Kyou chuckled. "Sorry," he muttered. "Crap, I seem to be saying a lot of that word now. . ."
Yuki looked at him. "for what?"
"For taking your girlfriend on little walks today." He muttered. Kyou poured himself another glass, swishing it around in his cup.
Yuki laughed. "Doesn't matter. Now that you mention it, baka neko, it did seem like as if you had feelings for her or something today."
Kyou smirked. Drinking heartily again, he looked up at the mouse. "Do you like her that much?"
Yuki nodded drowsily. "She's the one light in my life."
Kyou pounded his fist on the balcony ledge. "Oi. Don't get all poetic on me. I hate it."
Yuki chuckled again.
"If you want to go out with her, you have to know a couple of things."
Yuki eyed him curiously. "Like what?"
Kyou smiled, recalling the habits of him and his sister. "First off. . . hmm. . . Tohru . . . she smiles to hide her sadness or anger."
Yuki laughed. "Yeah, I found that out on my own."
Kyou ignored this and continued. "And when she sleeps. . . she always sticks to the wall. . . like a damn slug or something."
Yuki snorted into his cup.
"And. . . ever since she was young. . . her hair. . . it was so long. . . she never liked cutting it. She never forgot to say 'Ittadakimasu' before meals. . . She loved to pretend that. . . that I was god. . . and forgive my sins." With this, he laughed hollowly. "She couldn't do any goddam sport. When she first learned how to ride a bike, she got crushed under a truck. And when she's in pain. . . she always bites her lower lip. Two mini wrinkles crease her nose if she's really hurting to death." Sad memories brought pain to gnaw at Kyou's heart again. Yuki continued to stare, the amusing moments dragging out into awkward speeches by Kyou. He witnessed the cat's eyes start to water.
Kyou looked up from his cup and saw Yuki stare at him. "Oi. . . stop doing that. Dammit."
Yuki smirked and looked away. After a moment of silence, Kyou slammed his fist into the ledge again. "Shit. How could I forget."
Yuki looked back at him.
"Tohru, can ONLY, no matter what, ONLY play the rock in the game rock, paper, scissors." Kyou proclaimed triumphantly. Images of the two riding along, side by side, performing their rituals, playing hide-and-seek, laughing together. . . Kyou suddenly collapsed onto the balcony floor, Yuki calling his name in surprise. Kyou laughed hollowly, writhing in pain on the floor. "Got that, Kuso nezumi!? They're all important, you rat . . . you'd better make her happy. . . goddammit. . . if you don't. . . I swear I'll kill you. . . I'll kill you. . ."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Wait, one second~" Tohru whined, pulling her hands together and twisting it. Yuki laughed. He assumed this was one of the many things Tohru did with Kyou since childhood. Smiling, she turned back to Yuki. "Alright, I can win this!" She declared, happily. Yuki laughed. "Rock, paper, SCISSORS!" they both shouted, Tohru's rock quickly shot down by Yuki's paper. Tohru cringed. "Ara? How could I lose? This is not fair. . . this is so unfair. . ." she murmured, before Yuki's nose was only inches away from hers. Tohru gasped in surprise. "Remember our deal? I win, you give me a kiss." Tohru backed away. Yuki smiled at her jokingly. "Come on, a deal's a deal." Tohru laughed.
At that moment, Kyou walked in, witnessing painfully the happy moments they were sharing. Tohru shot Yuki a seemingly evil stare, and said, "Yuki-kun, something's definitely wrong. Let's do it again!" She shouted, preparing to shoot a victory rock. Yuki laughed, this time letting her win with scissors. She jumped for joy and clapped her hands gleefully. Kyou smiled woefully. He progressed away from them, letting Tohru's laughter ring in his ears. As Kyou disappeared from Tohru's vision, she instantaneously calmed down, a peaceful sadness taking over. Yuki stared at her strangely. Tohru snapped out of her misery and smiled at Yuki. "Yuki-kun, this is fun. Let's do it again, ne?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Kagura."
The boar turned around to face Kyou. He noticed she had bags underneath her eyes, her skin had lost its energetic radiance, and he knew, it was all his fault. He was suddenly relieved to see Kagura beam up at him. He took a couple of steps towards her. "Hey."
Kagura wiped her tears of appreciation. "Kyou-kun. . . I was so happy you called. . . I thought I was the only one doing the calling now."
Kyou nodded. "Kagura. . ."
She stared up at him.
"G. . . gomen."
She looked down again. "What's wrong? If it's about. . ."
Kyou shook his head. "No. . . um. . . dammit. . . I'll. . . I'll call often from now on."
Kagura jerked her head upto his level. Her gray eyes started to water. "Kyou. . . kun?"
"I'll be . . . the first to call."
Kagura latched onto the cat's hand. "Is it done? Have you . . . have you decided on me?"
Kyou shakingly nodded. "I. . . sorry. . . I broke your heart. . . I'll. . . ah dammit, I'll try harder. . . I'll try harder to love you. . . even though, this shitty me. . . can only try. . ."
Kagura threw her arms around the cat, wailing happily into his ear. "It's okay. It's completely okay. Kyou-kun. . . thank you so much for returning to me. . . I don't care if you don't love me. . . just staying with me is the most wonderful gift. . . oh Kyou-kun. . ."
After hesitating, Kyou wrapped one of his arms around Kagura, patting her on the back. He tried to ignore the sinking feeling, the urge to return. . . but it was growing harder by the second. But he knew he had to hold on. Because it was impossible to go back to her. . . after all, they were siblings.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kagura, followed by Kyou, walked back out to the hotel halls, where Tohru was still spending her lunch break with Yuki, playing a never-ending game of rock, paper scissors. Tohru quickly noticed the way Kagura held onto Kyou's arm. She quickly flashed a smile to satisfy the crowd. "Yuki-kun, I'll go to the café downstairs and get everyone something to drink." She noiselessly made her way to the elevator, Kagura skipping behind her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"So how did it go?" She asked the boar as Kagura approached her.
"It was alright. . . Kyou-kun decided to return to me." Kagura caroled, happy. "Arigatou, Tohru-chan. If it weren't for you. . ."
Tohru shook her head. "Iie, Kyou-kun always loved you, Kagura-san. I knew he would go back."
Kagura beamed at this. They continued to wait in line to be served coffee.
"Ah, Kagura-san," Tohru started, "Could you. . . tell Kyou-kun that I'll be moving out?"
Kagura was surprised. "Why, Tohru-chan?"
"Because. . ." Tohru said, groping for the right words, "Because. . . well, I feel uncomfortable there. Like I'm a huge burden to Kyou-kun. I have to return to my mother, you know. . . I've left her for a while."
Kagura nodded understandingly. "I understand, but Tohru-chan, make sure you visit once in a while, okay?"
Tohru nodded as she received her coffee. "Hai! Let's go, they must be waiting for us."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"What? Really?"
"Hai, Tohru-chan said she'll be packing tonight."
Kyou felt angry all of a sudden, even though he shouldn't. She was still going to leave. . . even after he had held her back that way.
"Honda-san, why don't you stay at the dormitory in the hotel?" Yuki suggested. "That way, I'd be able to keep an eye on you, keep you safe."
Tohru blushed at this, and Kagura laughed. "Yuki, you can be so romantic sometimes." Shooting a glance at Kyou, she continued, "Kyou-kun, learn from him!"
Kyou nodded stupidly, not having quite realized what had just happened.
Tohru looked at her watch. "Well, I better be going now. . . my break is almost over. Yuki-kun, Kagura-san. . . and, Kyou-kun. I'll see you at home!"
And with that, Tohru bounded off, leaving the rest of them smiling after her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Kyou-kun, remember your promise! It's your turn to call me now." Kagura chirped.
Kyou nodded, as she planted a kiss on his cheek. He backed away, stunned. "What the hell was that, woman!?" He yelled.
"Well, Kyou-kun, I just missed you so much!" Kagura said, before taking her place by the steering wheel again. "Take care!"
And with that, her car disappeared from Kyou's vision. Sighing, his strength drained, he trodded into his cabin, dreading to see the emptiness now that Tohru would leave.
His dread turned to despair as Tohru greeted him at the door. "Kyou-kun, I'm glad you're back!" She said, smiling. "I was just about to leave. . . I was hoping to see you again before I did."
Kyou nodded, unable to say anything back. He followed her out the door, back to where he had been seconds ago. The bag which he had clutched a few nights before hung tightly around Tohru's fingers.
"Well, I'll be going, Kyou-kun," Tohru said, a hint of sadness in her voice. "I just dropped by to see if I missed anything. I just finished collecting my things at home. . . I'm moving in to the dormitory at the hotel."
Kyou nodded.
"Can I visit often? Can I, Kyou-kun?" She questioned.
Kyou nodded again.
Smiling, Tohru stretched out her hand. "Let's shake hands, Kyou-kun!"
Kyou felt his heart break. He knew what this meant. . . it was her way of saying goodbye. Goodbye, goodbye, as in a means of separation, for a very long time.
His hand trembling, he took it, pulling away from her warmth quickly. He stroked his fingers through his hair swiftly. "Dammit, doesn't the dorm close by now?"
Tohru glanced at her watch. "You're right. I'd better go, nii-san."
Something gnawed him again.
Before Tohru turned her back on him, Kyou called out to her again. "Tohru. . ."
"Kyou-kun," she replied, looking up at him, "Be nice to Kagura-san. . . be happy. I'll be with Yuki-kun, I can be happy. Promise me, ne? Be happy with Kagura-san. . ."
Kyou swallowed. "Tohru. . ."
"We. . ." Tohru said, cutting off Kyou again, "We. . .we're returning to brother and sister, right? We're siblings. . . forever, right?"
Tohru smiled awkwardly, before spinning away from him, just as her tears started to fall. Kyou couldn't hold her back like before. . . all he could do was watch her go. Tohru's walk grew faster, soon breaking into a run. Tears leaving a trail of newfound happy memories behind her. Kyou gazed at Tohru's back, watching her leave.
Some distance away from Kyou's cabin stood a gray haired young man, his eyes detailing confusion and puzzlement. He fixed his gaze to the young girl running away, and back to the boy that just sent her. What was going on? Why did they seem so connected?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
R&R Please!