CHAPTER FOUR: Truth

Friday, after school:

I'm going to go for it. I asked her out at school, sixth period. She just gave me that smile, that's in-between a grin and a really smile, the one that means she's secretly pleased. Were meeting at a coffee shop, but I don't want to stay there, I want to find a place to be alone with her.

The date is tomorrow, and I'm already anxious. I can't write anymore, I need to go to the roof and think; I just hope that damn cat doesn't bother me.

Saturday night:

Once again, I'll start from the beginning.

Our date. We went to a coffee shop, and, thank god, didn't see anyone we knew. I held her hand kissed her across the table, and basically acted like anyone else on a date. It was everything I wanted, well, except for the whole secret telling thing that was going to happen after our date.

She really looked happy, but different from the Ouo at school. Her smile was different, more loving I guess. I love her so much, it's pathetic, what other excuse do I have to classify her smiles?

Then we left the shop and I took her somewhere where we could be alone. I knew it was time.

We went to the woods by my house. It was just before sunset and the forest looked beautiful. We didn't really talk, just walked, and held hands. I never wanted it to end, but I knew I had to tell her.

What if she hated me? What if she loved me? What if she told someone? This was all running through my head at break-neck speed. Then I decided to find out.

"Ouo?" I said quietly.

"Yah Kyon?" she replied, leaning her head on my shoulder, sending shivers up my spine.

"I need to tell you something. Something that might make you hate, or fear, me."

"Kyo," she laughed, "All I can do is love you, nothing else, no madder what you say."

"I have a curse." I blurted

She pulled away to look me in the eye, "What do you mean by 'a curse'?"

"You'll never believe this, but, when ever I'm hugged by a girl, I kind of turn into a cat. I know! It sounds crazy but its true."

"Kyo…" Ouo said, looking confused, "I don't understand. What do you mean?"

"I'll show you!" I finally hugged her. I had been dying to all day, and then I did. I transformed of course.

She looked very surprised. I guess I would have been too.

"See! You don't love me now, do you?" I spat. I couldn't stand the look she was giving me. The look showed sadness, confusion, and clearly said, 'who are you?'

"Kyo!" she called out, but it was to late. I ran. I know, pathetic, but what the hell was I supposed to do. No way could she love me after that. Now I've been home for an hour, and it's getting kind of late. But I want to see her. I have to see her. I'm going to her house, to see for myself if she really loved me.

Saturday, (technically Sunday), after midnight:

What the hell happened to me? I used to be alone, and I was happy. For a long time I blamed Tohru for making me sad, but now I don't know. Sure, she chose that rat over me, and I hated it.

But I managed. Then I fell in love. Really in love, not like my unrequited crush on Tohru. I guess Arisa Ouotani has made me a weak man.

I stood outside her apartment. I wanted to knock, but what was I supposed to say? Or worse, what if her mom answered? But I couldn't chicken out now. I knocked.

The door swung open.

"Kyo?" It was her, of course.

"Ouo, I'm sorry." I couldn't think of what else to say.

"About what? Running out on me during our first date? Or not telling me about the curse?"

"Both. But I need to know how you feel."

"Kyo, I don't even know anymore. I care about you, like I always have."

I couldn't help myself. I reached out and cupped her cheek in my hand, then leaned in to kiss her.

Surprisingly, she let me. She even laid her head on my shoulder.

"I'm sorry. I wanted to tell you, but there are some serious consequences."

"Who cares about the consequences!" Ouo said, sounding like herself again, "All that matters is that you're here now, and that I know the truth."

"Not for long. There's this… person, who would have it that we were never happy. None of us zodiac animals. She has ways of making sure were never happy."

"Look, whoever she is, she's not taking me from you, I promise." Ouo said, sealing the promise with a kiss.

I pulled away from her; I really wanted her to understand it all. I owed her the truth about Akito.

"The one cursed with the Dragon can erase memory. He could make it so that you forgot you were ever in love with me. That's why I need you to promise never to tell anyone you know about me."

"I promise… but… Tohru knows, doesn't she? She has been living with you three for quiet some time."

"Tohru knows. I think Akito hasn't erased her memory because she doesn't see her as a threat, but she would definitely see you as one."

"Now that that's all sorted out, would you like to come inside?" Ouo asked. Only then did I realize that we still stood out in the hallway. Ouo and I both laughed, then I went inside.

I spent a good two hours, talking, kissing, and laughing, at Ouo's house. I only realized how late it was when Ouo pointed out that it was midnight. She laughed and said, I might as well stay the whole night, its not like I could do anything dishonorable.

But it's not like I could really do that, even if Ouo's mom worked the graveyard shift down at the super mart. I mean, what would Shigure say if he knew I spent the whole night at a girl's house?

I would never hear the end of it.

End Of Chapter