ug, sorry it took so long. my story: i wrote the chapter, but my computer froze up when i tried to save it. it was WAY better the first time, but i've done my best to remember, so here it is.

kyo-obsessedru2: lol. sorry. thank you!

boomkat: actually, no. i didn't mean that to be a pairing-type thing. oh well, at least, right now they're just friends.

kyo's littlekoneko: thank you!

biawutnow: all will be explained. thank you!

fruitsbasketfan: thank you too!

ok, on with the story!

Haru and Kisa stared blankly.

"What?"

Haru spoke.

"You can stay."

"Uh...What do you mean?"

"Well, my brother and I have certain...supernatural abilities. Lately, since he's been old enough, we've been practicing other branches of magic, and strengthening our own power."

"Go on..."

"After what happened with those fangirls...I grew concerned for Tohru's safety. I asked Megumi to assist me, and we began studying spells and charms that would...protect people. I spoke to him about your situation, and he agreed that this was also a time to use our magic."

Haru looked very interested, and Kisa just looked resigned, like she wouldn't bother being suprised about any more strange events that night.

"So...Like what? Exactly?"

Haru asked.

"I think we'll put up a sort of..shield. It will make you two invisible to others outside of this house. They won't be able to sense your auras, or hear you, or anything. That would be most effective, I think. And it will give you time to think about what you're going to do next."

Haru nodded.

"Alright. Sounds good."

Kisa leaned against him, her eyes drooping.

Haru put his arm around her.

"You can sleep, Kisa."

She nodded slightly.

"Goodnight. And thank you Hana."

"Don't mention it."

And with that, Kisa fell asleep.

Hana and Haru sat in silence for a while, then Hana spoke gently.

"Will she be alright?"

Haru sighed.

"I honestly don't know...this is a lot. And we weren't ready. For Akito. I thought she'd have more time at Shigure's to...I don't know, recover. I wasn't ready for this."

He paused.

"But...given peace, I think she'll be ok. She was so strong tonight...When Akito was speaking to her. She held up so well."

He smiled a little.

"I'm really proud of her. A year ago she wouldn't have been able to take that. She wouldn't have been able to take any of this. But she's grown..."

Hana smiled.

"She is incrediblely strong. And she has you to help her. I think she'll be ok."

She paused, then stood up.

"You should rest."

Walking towards the door, she stopped when she reached the doorway.

"I'll be downstairs if you need anything. You can use my bed. There are more blankets in the closet."

"Thank you so much, Hana."

"Hmm. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

And she exited, closing the door behind her.

Haru stood, carefully picked Kisa up, and carried her to the bed. Once he'd gotten her under the covers, he gentley kissed her on the forhead.

"Goodnight, Kisa."

He whispered.

After that, he got the blankets out of the closet, lay down on the floor next to her, and fell asleep himself.

that last bit felt a little rushed...i dunno. review!