' Kyo. Wake up. Wake up little brother, I have great news.'

' You know I'm not actually waking up right? I'm still dreaming.'

' I know but it always gets your attention. I have some great news. But before I tell you, you have to answer some questions. Truthfully.'

' Ok, go ahead.'

'Are you still afraid of Akito?'

"Hell no. He has no power over me anymore. I don't even want to belong to a family that he does. He's a disgrace.'

' I'm glad you feel that way Kyo. Alright how do you feel about the curse?'

' It's all right I guess. I don't mind being a cat. It's pretty cool. But not having contact with the opposite sex really sucks. And Haru deserves to hold Tohru at least once before Akito sticks his fat, meddling nose in their business. I really want them to be happy. Since I don't have anyone I'm not really concerned, you know? But it must really suck for them. Not being able to do anything. It makes me hate Akito even more.'

'You always put others before you don't you brother. Too bad they are too stupid to notice.'

' Don't say that. It's not their fault. Ok what's this great news?'

' You're free. You are no longer cursed.'

'WHAT!'

'Yea, since you have been doing all these good things you have put the gods in your favor. They now respect you and will do anything they can to honor you. You see you have won their respect and loyalty. Now they decided to repay you by lifting the curse. Off you only. That's the catch. It only works for you.'

' No, I don't care about myself. I want them to lift the curse off Haru. That is the only thing I want. I don't care about myself.'

'I know that. By the way you treat your body you could be missing a limb and you wouldn't care. Are you that self less?'

' It doesn't matter. Let me talk to the gods. Please I need to speak with them.'

'Hello young Kyo. We are the gods of the Sohma family. Your acts of greatness have shown loyalty to the family. You are more deserving of being the god than that disgrace, Akito. Rest assured he will be punished greatly when he leaves this earth. What is it you wish to ask of us, loyal warrior?

' Please, I am truly honored that you approve of me but please lift the curs off Haru.. I don't want him to loose his love because of the curse. He deserves better. Please.'

' Always the selfless on, aren't you, young Kyo. We will be honored to execute your request, along with our original goal. You may also keep your cat form. We have noticed your incredible attachment to it. You may now transform at will. As for your cousin Haru, he may only hug Tohru. No one else. She is the only one the curse will not work on. Now go on and continue what you are going. But be careful. We hate the deal you have made with the god. Akito better not hurt you or he will regret it. '

' Thank you. I will honor you, fair gods of the Sohma family. You have bought much hapiness to me. I will guard my gift well and will try hard to protect the family.'

'We understand your excitement young Kyo, but please be careful, stormy weather lies ahead.'

Kyo woke up with a tingly feeling in his stomach. He wasn't sure if that was one of his paranormal dreams or a real fantasy dream. To dull his inquisitiveness he preformed a series of two tests. One involved hugging Tohru and the other was actually becoming a cat. He thought hard and concentrated and then heard a poof. Everything suddenly looked bigger. This meant he was now a cat. He then concentrated on becoming human again and then poof he was back. He practiced this a couple of times until he had the hang of it. He then put his pants back on and silently made his way to Tohru's room.

"Tohru, wake up."

"Why?"

"I need to see something really quick."

She lifted her head off the pillow and stared at Kyo. He was only wearing his flannel pajama bottoms. She got out of bed and made her way to him.

"Kyo what's wrong?"

"I need to see if they were right."

He walked up to her and embraced her. Nothing happened. He pulled back looked at Tohru again and then hugged her again. This time when he pulled back he steeped away from her and looked at her stunned expression.

"Kyo? What just happened?"

"Well hopefully if everything goes as planed the same thing will happen when you hug Haru."

"But Kyo, nothing happened."

"Exactly. Come on its getting late. Lets go down and make some breakfast. Or do you prefer we go and fetch Haru and share the good news with him?"

"Honestly I want to see if it works with him as well."

Kyo went to his room and put on a big, baggy black t-shirt and walked downstairs. Tohru, also in her pajamas, was waiting for him. Since it was only four in the morning they took the car. When they got to the main house Kyo and Tohru snuck in through the hole in the fence and quietly made their way to Haru's room. Kyo hoisted Tohru in trough the open window and then gracefully slid his way in.

"Haru. Wake up." Tohru walked over to his sleeping form and shook his shoulder.

"Tohru what are you doing here? And is that Kyo?"

Tohru stepped back from the bed as Kyo made his way forward. They waited patiently for Haru to stand up and walk to them. Tohru then stepped forward and wrapped her hands around Haru. Just like with Kyo nothing happened. She stepped back and looked at him. Haru looked from Tohru to Kyo. He knew it must have been his doing. He was always helping them. He walked up to Kyo and hugged him.

"Thank you Kyo. I don't know what I would do without your help."

"Oh stop. Listen come on. We're going back to the house to make breakfast."

Kyo didn't even wait for a relpy. He grabbed Haru's hand and led him to the window. All three of the climbed out the window and noiselessly made their way to Kyo's car. When they got back it was already 4:30. Kyo and Tohru proceeded to make breakfast while Haru just watched. Since it was Sunday Kyo didn't have to go to work. By the time everything was finished it was already seven. Since Kyo and Tohru weren't rushing everything took forever. When Shigure stumbled into the kitchen Haru, Kyo and Tohru were already finishing their portions. All three of them were smiling like Christmas had come again. Just as Yuki was coming in the phone began to ring. Shigure went to pick it up and then looked questioningly at Kyo.

"Kyo, it's doctor Chang. He says your lab work just came in."

Kyo got up quickly and ran to the phone. He snatched it from Shigure and began to speak into it rapidly and saying some words Shigure didn't understand. Tohru looked at Haru. Yuki sat at the table and watched the ordeal. Suddenly Tohru and Haru began whispering.

"He got lab work done?" asked Haru.

"It must be because of what happened with Akito", replied Tohru.

Yuki was trying hard not to listen but then he heard the word Akito. Both Haru and Tohru seemed really worried so something must be up. Tohur was telling Haru how Kyo only talked Chinese with Dr. Chang when something was wrong.

"Kyo the results came back. Everything seems to be in order. You do seem to have some complications with the way your ribs are healing. Due to the repeated injury they don't have time to heal properly. "

"I don't understand. Is it serious?"

"Yes and no. You have been healing nicely but I just want to be sure. Your x-ray showed that two ribs in particular aren't healing as well as the others. If you don't come it could lead to serious complications. I don't have to describe them because you know them well enough. I will be expecting you."

Kyo hung up the phone and sat back down. He was a bit pale and didn't hear Haru and Tohru call to him.

"KYO!" Tohru shouted.

"Oh, what? Sorry did you say something Tohru. Oh listen I have to go. I'll be back later."

He got up put his jacket on and walked out. He was in a daze as he got to the hospital. His friends greeted him and he just smiled back. He really had to talk to Dr. Chang. When he entered the office Dr. Chang just smiled at him and led him to a room. This got gotten the attention of all the nurses. Why would Kyo be in an examination room unless something was wrong? Dr. Chang asked Kyo to take off his shirt so he can examine him better. Kyo had various small cuts on his chest and arms. He also had a bruise on his right side the size of a dinner plate. He winced slightly when the doctor touched it. Dr. Chang proceeded to examine him and then gave him some medicine for the pain. Since his hell shift was finished Dr. Chang ordered Kyo to take a vacation. He had to heal and working prevented him form doing that. Kyo put his shirt back on and waited for the doctor to write out his prescription. The doctor then walked him to the reception desk so he can tell Mina about his vacation. Once he was finished with that he was handed the slip of paper with the prescription and walked out. Everyone then rushed to Mina to ask her what was wrong. She told them that Kyo had taken a three-week vacation. She also told them how Dr. Chang had written him out a prescription. They were all confused and worried. Kyo drove home stopping only at the pharmacy to pick up his medicine for his headaches and the painkiller for his ribs. When he got home everyone was on the couch waiting for him.

"Where were you?" said Shigure in a pissed off voice.

"Why the fuck do you care. Must I tell you everything? All your going to do is go and tell Akito anyway. And if you don't the rat is sure to tell him. Do I have really have no privacy or is it everyone else too?"

Kyo POV

I ran upstairs as fast as my injured body could take me. Tohru had been really great about me eating more. She even packed me lunch at work. Ever since the hell shift ended I had been getting more sleep but I still took on extra shifts. I needed the money. Ok, I didn't but I was planning on surprising Tohru and Haru with a vacation to Hong Kong and Shigure and Hatori with a trip to Tokyo. I had finally raised enough money to pay for everything. I had it in and envelope in my desk. I heard them coming after me. I smiled to them and asked them to close the door.

"Kyo what did Dr. Chang want? Are you ok?"

"Just peachy. Listen I have something for you guys."

Tohru and Haru looked at each other. Kyo had done enough. What more could he do for them.

"What is it Kyo?"

I handed Haru a thick white envelope and stepped back so I could see their reactions. Haru opened it and found two plane tickets to Hong Kong, Then he found a list of places and confirmation numbers. He looked at Tohru who had her mouth open.

"What is this Kyo?" he asked a little shocked, fearing he knew exactly what it was.

"It's your all expense paid vacation to Hong Kong. Everything is there. You guys leave tonight."

Tohru snapped out of her shocked state first. She began screaming and jumping up and down. She ran to meand embraced me.

"Oh thank you, thank you."

Haru then shook my hand and began thanking me.

"Oh come on guys, its nothing really. After all you guys have done for me, how else can I thank you.I cant wait to see Shigure's expression when he open's his envelope."

"Oh come on. I want to see his face too." The three of us walked downstairs, me clutching another white envelope.

When we got to Shigure's study Haru and Tohru waited in the doorway. I walked up to Shigure.

"Shigure I have something for you."

He turned to me with a questioning look. I handed him the envelope and waited for him to open it. When he did his eyes got really big and his moth dropped in shock.

"Oh my, Kyo what is this?"

"I swear you guys are blind. It's an all expense paid trip to Tokyo. You and Hatori leave tonight."

He hugged me and then ran to the phone. I asked my self why I had done this many times. One reason was because everybody else was already on vacation. And the second was that I needed some time alone. You ask why I'm not worried about Yuki? Well considering the fact that he hates me, I don't think he will jump at the opportunity to hang out with me. I thanked the gods that Akito was on vacation. I have no idea where the hell he went but I was glad. It was late so I just said my goodbyes and went to bed. The next morning when I woke up I found the house empty, except for Yuki who was still sleeping. I went downstairs and found a note from Tohru and Shigure. They told me to take care of myself and watch after Yuki. I smiled and threw the note away. I made breakfast, ate some and then left.

One Week Later

Yuki woke up and went downstairs. On the kitchen counter was breakfast along with a note. Yuki picked it up and read it.

Dear Yuki

Breakfast is on the counter. There is some bacon in the microwave if you want some. I'll be back around three to make dinner. Take care and try not to burn the house down.

Yuki POV

He didn't sign the note. He never did. I sighed and began eating. I loved the way Kyo cooked. I was the complete opposite of the way Tohru cooked. Kyo's style of cooking was more robust. He used more spices and his food was stronger in flavor. I sat there enjoying the taste that reminded me so much of him. I always wondered where he went. I was worried. I had grown unnaturally concerned about him. I began to see him in a different light. He didn't call me names or make fun off me in any way. I noticed things about him that I wish I didn't. Like how he had grown thin or how he bit his lip when he wanted to do something but knew he shouldn't. And I hated the fact that he was never there. He came home when I was sleeping and I knew he was trying to avoid me. I wondered if it was because he thought I hated him. Maybe he wanted to avoid any conflict between us. Honestly I wasn't sure I wanted to see him. I might do something I regret. I mean I am human right. And Kyo happens to be very attractive. I think I had this change of heart that night when he told me he didn't care. When he slammed me into the wall. What surprised me was how gentle he had been. I was expecting him to slam me hard but he didn't. I also was surprised when he dropped me. All I did was touch his hand. If I thought about it he seemed to flinch whenever someone touched him. I couldn't believe how good he was at hiding things. He always came home when I was sleeping. It had become a habit for me to take a short afternoon nap. I tried staying awake but fell asleep anyway. Today I made a resolution to follow him tomorrow. I was going to follow him to see where he went. I finished breakfast and washed my plate. I went upstairs and proceeded to do study. I feel asleep before even realizing it.

Kyo POV

It was about three when I got home. Every day I left home and went to the dojo to practice. I was alone and could focus on things. Not only that but I had been getting stronger. I took my shoes off and went upstairs to check on Yuki. I walked into his room and put a blanket over him. I walked out and went to make dinner. Just as I was finished setting up Yuki's plate the phone rang.

"Hello, Sohma residents. How may I help you?"

"Hello, my name is officer Yamakazi. I wish to speak to Mr. Sohma Kyo."

"Hello officer. It's been years. What can I do for you?"

"Kyo? I have some news. Tetsu's body has been found."

"WHAT!!"

"Calm down, man. Yeah. He was in a car accident earlier this morning. He was found across the street from the cemetery. Isn't today the three year anniversary of Aya's death?"

"Yeah it is. I'm going to the cemetery right now. Thanks Yamakazi. I'll see you around"

Damn it. I took the nearest object and threw it. What had that fuck off been doing at the cemetery? I cleaned up the mess and then left.

Yuki POV

Kyo had been talking to police officer? He had woken up when the phone rang. He walked downstairs and saw Kyo pick up. When he hung up he picked up a vase and threw it at the wall. He then stormed out of the house. He has been acting strange today. He was more depressed then normal. I made my mind up to wait for him today. I knew he came home late but I had every intention to wait up. I ate my dinner and then washed my plate. I then went and popped a movie in the VCR. It was going to be a long afternoon.

Kyo POV

When I got to the cemetery I greeted the guard at the gate. He smiled at me and then let me in. I parked the car and walked to my sister's grave. I sat down on the grass and put down the bouquet of purple lilacs. They were her favorite. I then began telling her about everything I couldn't talk about in my dreams. I knew she was listening. I then told her of my love for Yuki. If she had been here would have laughed at me. Three years ago all I could talk about was how much he annoyed me. She told me that if in a couple of years I didn't realize my love for him she would beat the information out of me. I guess she was right. I then told her about the discovery of Tetsu's body. I cried a bit and then said good-bye. It was always hard for me to come. Every anniversary I celebrated reminded me how long I had been living without her. I was surprised to see that five hours had passed. Since I had gotten here at five it must be ten. When I got home I heated up a tray of leftovers and ate. I then walked into the living room to find Yuki sleeping and the TV turned on. I shut off the TV and placed a blanket over him. I then walked up the stairs to my room. I began taking off my clothes when I hard something behind me.

Yuki POV

I woke up when I felt the blanket over me. I then saw Kyo go up the stairs to his room. I followed him and when I stepped inside he was about to take off his dress shirt. When he heard me he turned around and tried to do up the buttons of his shirt.