Hey, this is one of the shorter chappies, it's also the second to last. One more left. Oh, notes for people.

kyo-obsessedru2: I don't think there will be any other fanfics I do on animes besides FB because it's one of the only animes I watch. FB, AzuManga Daioh, and recently I've been starting to get into Last Exile. Those are my only anime loves.

Shii-chanchick: I actually never said this story would end Kyoru. I put it under Kyo/Tohru because they are the main characters. I just said that I thought most Kyoru lovers would enjoy this story as well, even though it doesn't end Kyoru. :)

Chapter 19

"What?" Uo shouted as she and Hana stared at Tohru, Kyo, and Yuki. Tohru had just announced the shocking news that she and Kyo were related, not only related but half brother and sister.

"I sensed some strange waves connecting the two of you," Hana said. "I must admit, I never thought you two were siblings."

"It was quite a shock to all of us," Yuki agreed. The two suddenly noticed that Yuki and Tohru's hands were intertwined.

"What else happened over the break?" Uo asked. Tohru suddenly noticed where their eyes were staring and pulled her hand away, blushing furiously.

"Well, uh-" she stuttered as Uo began to grin.

"I knew it, I knew the prince would capture your heart," she chuckled as Yuki began to blush as well.

The two knelt in front of Akito on the floor. Tohru was shaking slightly and Yuki held her hand reassuringly. They had just told Akito of their desire to be married. Graduation was last week and they had finally decided that they were ready. Katsuya had now moved into a house much closer to Shigure's since Tohru wanted him to be closer and Kyo was slowly beginning to accept their father. The idea of his daughter being married right after they had been reunited was a little hard for him to grasp but Yuki seemed like an acceptable mate to him. Kyo was also starting to get used to the idea. He still hated Yuki his hatred would never completely disappear, they had been enemies too long, but he wanted Tohru to be happy and he could see how much she loved Yuki. His fear was that she was going to be hurt by Akito just as Kana was in her relationship with Hatori. This was what consumed the minds of the entire family, actually.

"Your marriage is permitted," Akito said softly without turning to face them.

"W-what?" Yuki breathed.

"Your marriage is permitted," Akito repeated. There was no emotion in his voice at all. "You may go, Yuki. Miss Tohru, I wish to speak with you alone." Yuki and Tohru looked at each other confusedly as Yuki squeezed her hand and then exited the room. Akito turned around to face her then, tears streaming down his face. She was utterly surprised and shocked.

"Akito?" she questioned.

"Thank you, Tohru," he said.

"For what?" she asked confusedly.

"For giving me hope. You words a few months ago have spoken to me. I am alive, and no matter when I die I don't have to live the life I do have dreading the end. My family doesn't have to live in fear of me any longer. Tell them for me, Tohru; tell them that they're free. Your marriage is to be the symbol of hope even though we are still cursed," he said. Tohru took the man's trembling hand in hers gently.

"I'll tell them, Akito," she promised. "I'll tell them."