AN: Sorry that took awhile! I was writing my one-shot Please Say That Once More. It's a fic mostly about Tohru and Yuki (not a pairing, sorry Yukiru fans!). Now, here's the next installment of Hold On to Me, Love. This chapter really express the title pretty well. It's shortest of all my chapters, but there is a reason why. Read, Review and Enjoy!

CHAPTER 6

Summer 1998

One last time...

Summertime. My most favorite season of the year, not only because of the summer vacation, but because it during this time when I become older and grow taller. Soon... I could tell her...

"What is this suppose to be?"

"It's suppose to be curry! What did you thought it was?"

"I thought it was miso in its natural state and you didn't prepare it fully..."

WHACK! (Yuki used the spoon he was holding)

"Don't ask me to cook again!"

"Owwie...Your so mean, Yuki-kun!" (Shigure cries anime tears)

Ahaha. Everytime I came over to Sensei's house to see Yuki, they would have an argument what was to be done about their meals. During that time, it's all bad because Yuki was on summer vacation. They have to do takeout again...

"Why you don't have a housekeeper, Sensei?" I asked. That was what these two are accustomed to at the main house. It make sense that neither of them knows how to cook or keep the house neat. The kitchen looked like landfill.

"Our handicap, Ha-kun. It'd be more of a disaster if she seen it." Oh, I forgotten about that. That darn 'handicap'.

"Sou ka (I see)." Yuki came from the kitchen, looking very tired and annoyed. He walked up to me and Sensei with his arms crossed, eyes narrowed.

"Since Haru's here, let's go out and eat," he suggested.

We all left Sensei's place and went to a nearby resturant. After we took our seat and ordered, we talk amongst each other about our plans for summer vacation.

"I am just going to catch up my studies. Nothing much," Yuki said, sipping his tea.

"That's boring, Yuki-kun! You should go outside and experience summer romance!" Sensei with his usual cheery tone and waving his arms with the chopsticks in his right hand.

"What summer romance? I think you've been writing too much of that perverted reading material." Yuki said with annoyance. He picked up his chopsticks and eating his rice with the same expression.Sensei had that sneaky smile creeping up on his face. I knew what he was going to say.

"Yet, you may never know when it might come around...maybe today...tomorrow...ten years...twenty...Don't be so close-minded, Yuki-kun! Your day..."

"Alright! I got the point!" Yuki interrupted and scowled. He put his chopsticks on his plate and looked down with an blank expression. "I am...just not interesting in that right now...I have better things to worry about."

"Don't worry, Yuki. It'll come." I said giving him a content smile. I hope that Yuki too will find somebody who would love him as much as I do. He gave me a crossed look, but didn't say anything.

The next day I went to Kagura-neechan's house to go see her, but she caught up with me on the street lining along the Sohma compound. It was a sticky, hot summer day...a week from my birthday...in the middle of summer vacation. She was leaning against one of the light post lining along the street.

"Hey Haru, what you're up to?" she asked. I took notice what she was wearing. A brown shirt laced in the front and black shorts. I'd say she sure knows how to stay cool.

"I was going to see you. Doing anything today?"

"It's too hot to do anything! If you know a cooler place take me there." A cooler place? Our houses would be cooler places, but that would be boring. Maybe I could take her for ice cream? She likes ice cream.

"Let's go get some ice cream," I suggested. It was the only thing I could think of.

"Alright, let's go."

At the ice cream parlor, we sat inside, underneath the swirling fans above us. While she was devouring a mint-chocolate chip, I had cookies and cream. We didn't talk much because neither of us has anything to say. I watched her looking out of the window with a content look on her face. She turned to me and smiled.

"Thanks for the treat, Haru. It's times like these, when I am the most happiest."

I just gave her a light smile. I was in awe of her words. I should of told her that I was happy too, but I was not completely happy when I couldn't tell her something yet. I hope I could make her even more happier, if I told her how I feel. This time is not right still. I don't feel strong enough to do so yet, although I am tall enough. I need to feel worthy...

"Haru, let's do this more often, okay? I really like being with you."

I think she just confessed something...or didn't she?

"Hai," That's all I could say because I was taken by her words. I reached out for her hand across the table and held it. She looked at me and just smiled. I smiled my most serene smile.

Later on, I took her back to Kagura-neechan's place. We stood in our usual spot at the side of the house, by the tree. She sat at the base of the tree and signal me to join.

"Your birthday is next week, ne? I wanted to give it to you then...but I couldn't wait." She took a necklace off from her neck and put it around mine. "Happy early birthday, Haru."

I look at the necklace she gave to me. It was wooden cross pendant hanging on a leather black cord.

"Thank you," I said as I held the pendant between my fingers and grasp on to it.

"It was mine. I had it since that day you found me. I found it a few days later when I was on my way to one of my many hosipital appointments. I wanted you to have it because I want to show you how grateful I am for you."

Her words were sweetly intoxicating. I wanted it so bad...to inhale that intoxication. I could have...should have...but didn't. I did what I could do...that is...

"I wanted to show you too, that I'm thankful for you," I said. I reached for her shoulders and pull her close into a tight embrace.

"You're too nice, Haru," she said in our embrace. I didn't want to let go. I feared that someday someone is going to take her from me if I don't say or do anything. This was the best thing I could do at that time for her.

"Stay like this...for me...Rin," I said as that fear ebbed into my heart. I stroked her long, smooth dark hair and buried my face into the crevice of her neck. I felt the smoothness of her hair on my face. I held her tighter.

"I will." I felt her fingers stroking through my hair and her head on top of mine. As I held her I felt a sting of tears from my eyes.

"Haru? Are you..." She held me closer to comfort my tears. That was probably the last time I cried.

I knew at that time, that this is the last time we'll hold each other as friends. As family. Next time...what will happen next time between us? I feared that I might scare her away if I told her and our friendship will falter or that she'll find someone before then and leave me behind. I don't want our friendship to end...but I could let her be with anyone else.

Let me be hers...as she will be mine...

AN: We all know what's coming, ne? See ya next chapter!