Nareda! Thanks for inadvertently inspiring me to write a Momira story. And ghostymangarocker, as soon as I find out his/her sex, I'll write an Akito story. Someone care to tell me if Akito's a male or female?

Disclaimer: I don't know what sex Akito is, but I do know I don't own Furuba in any size, shape, or form.

Momiji's smile faded. His head hung above his lap as a defeated sigh fled from his lips. The stretch of land in front of him was bathed in moonlight, but it wasn't without its shadows.

Just like my family has its shadows, he thought. The past of the Sohmas was painful and still fresh with scars from yesterday.

He smiled sadly. Momiji tried not to lament on it. He was happy his mother and sister Momo wished him a happy birthday. Momiji was lucky they even remembered. But the message was stated politely and without the affection a mother and sibling inserted into their voices.

He got many presents as well. The precocious Sohma was glad for that. But if he had one wish, it would be for them to remember him. He wanted to hold his sister and his mother, even if it would be for an instant.

But his mom had no interest in holding her son. When Momiji was born, she cursed his conception. No more harsh words about the rabbit were said, but he would rather be acknowledged by her than not at all.

"How does it feel?" a voice asked softly.

The tawny-eyed boy turned. Kagura emerged from the main house and sat down next to him.

Momiji looked up at the pale planet and the glittering stars. "How does what feel?"

"Turning fifteen! It must be exciting, huh." The woman took his hand and smiled.

"Yep." Momiji summoned a smile. "And I got to eat all the cake I wanted! The party was wonderful! I got everything I wanted for my birthday!"

"Except them."

"What?"

"The love of your mom and sister. You're thinking about them."

"I'm not…"

"You don't have to lie, Momiji."

He let sorrow overtake his sunny features. "I can see them whenever I want. But it has to be secretly. I love Mommy and Momo. I miss them even though I see them. Does that make sense?"

"Of course it does!" She gathered the male in her arms as her body shook with sobs.

He kept his tears behind his eyes. Upsetting Kagura further was the last thing he wanted to do. "Kagura…"

"The love of a sibling and a mother are important to have. I understand." Her fingers conformed to his face. "You can cry, Momiji."

"I…"

"No. You've been everyone's support system too long. You smile and laugh all the time and push sorrow away. I'll be your strength now. Let it all out. Don't hold back, not for me or anyone else."

Momiji bit his lip as tears formulated in his eyes. He buried his face in Kagura's chest as he sobbed. She held him as he cried and shook with sorrow.

So warm, he thought. Are my mother's arms this warm? Does my mother smell like wildflowers? I...I don't know. I wish I did.

When he was finished, he felt lighter than he had ever felt in his entire existence.

"God, that woman," Kagura said hotly. "How can a mother do that to her child? If I had my way..."

"Kagura," he cautioned.

"Sorry. I know. Momiji?"

His head was lifted from her shoulder. "Yes?"

"I have one more gift to give you. Close your eyes."

Her excitement was infectious. Momiji smiled sunnily as he bounced up and down. "Ooh, what is it?"

"It's a surprise."

He pouted. "Okay." He closed his eyes.

Kagura's breath was on his cheek, so he assumed she would give him a quick peck. But she surprised him by flooding his face with kisses. Lastly, her soft lips devoured his own.

His heart shrieked with delight and surprise. My first kiss...

Kagura slid her fingers in his hair and he likewise. Love and joy inundated him in flood-like proportions. His eyes fluttered open when the boar unhooked her mouth from his.

"Happy birthday, Momiji," she whispered. "I'm glad you were born."

For now, the shadows of the past weren't engulfing him. Her words and embrace was his strength. Momiji knew he no longer had to go through this alone.

Momiji grinned. "I'm glad I was born too."

Being there for one another through the tough times, being their strength, is what love is all about.