Disclaimer: Did you know that I don't own Furuba?

Japanese to Know:

Hai - Yes
Doumo - Thanks (usually used by males)
Arigatou gozaimasu - Thank you very much
Itterashai - Take care
Nande - Why

Chapter 13

Freedom's Funeral and Birth

Light filtered into Hokage's room, flooding his face. The door opened silently so as not to disturb the sleeping boy, but Hokage felt the change. He lay still as the person sat down beside him.

"Is it time to leave already, Haa-san?" Hokage questioned, slowly opening his eyes.

Hatori looked deep into the boy's eyes. "You still don't sleep well?"

"Could you?" the Wolf questioned bitterly, rolling over.

"I didn't mean—"

"I know what you meant. It's just hard for me."

The doctor nodded sadly, standing. "I know. So, what are you going to wear?"

Hokage sat and pointed to a black, high-necked vest with a zipper up the middle. With that was a pair of black slacks and black socks. Beside those was an open shoe box with black shoes inside.

"If I didn't know better, I would think that you were going to a funeral," Hatori frowned, tightening his tie.

"For me, Haa-san, this is very much like a death sentence. Akito will try to seduce me as always, and who knows what may come of it this time."

"The same thing as always: You'll turn away, she'll get mad, you'll fight back, she'll hurt you, and you'll run away with dangerous wounds. The only thing that may change is you running away. To save Yuki, who knows what you'll endure." He sighed. "I suppose we'll find out. Please change and hurry downstairs." So saying, Hatori left, shutting the door behind him.

The Wolf hung his head and closed his eyes. "Don't be foolish, Hatori. We both know where she'll put me. We both know what I'll endure. What I don't know is whether you all will leave me behind again. I don't know if Shigure will stop being scum long enough to rescue me. Time will tell, I suppose." He looked out the window solemnly. "Time I don't have."

Shaking away the thought with a sigh, Hokage stood and walked to his clothes. His feet were covered in light scars and his arm had a long scab. Pulling off his shirt, he tried to dismiss the long-ago-healed wounds and heavy pendent by covering them again with the vest. He put on his pants and socks, carrying his shoes down to the front.

"Ah, Hokage-kun!" Tohru called, waving him over.

The Wolf looked up and met her bright eyes. Smiling tenderly, he followed her into the kitchen. "Hai?"

She whirled around and held out a crisp black jacket. "I know you don't get sick, but you can still feel the cold. Will you please wear it?"

He took the coat and slipped it on. "Doumo. Are you and Kyo-kun leaving soon?"

"Hai. We're going to lock up the house after you leave and then be on our way." Then she suddenly bowed. "Arigatou gozaimasu."

Hokage faltered a little. "What for?"

"For what you're doing for Yuki-kun and Kureno-san. For giving up your freedom so that they may experience it, even if only a little."

He patted her head gently. "Take care, Tohru-kun." With that, he turned and left.

"Itterashai!" Tohru called after him, waving.

Slipping on his shoes, Hokage held back tears. "I'll be home as soon as I can, Tohru-kun. I swear."

"Hokage, it's time," Hatori said, seeing the boy's pained expression.

The boy nodded and followed the doctor. When out of earshot, he said, "If I die, give her my necklace."

"Don't talk like that!" the man snapped, looking down at the boy.

"Just do as I say!" Hokage snarled, clenching his fists.

Hatori nodded sadly, getting in the car. Hokage followed silently. They drove to the Main House, passing Shigure, Ayame, and Yuki on the way. At the front gate, they waited for the three to get there. When present, they entered together.

"Have fun," the Wolf murmured breaking away. Yuki began to follow. "Where are you going, Yuki? You're friends are the other way."

The Rat stopped. "You're right. I've just gotten so used to it." He grabbed Hokage's arm before he could get too far. "You don't have to do this. Especially not for me."

The boy's crimson eyes stared sadly at Yuki while his mouth smiled. "Yes, I do. You shouldn't try to understand. My bond with Akito is something the Juunishi can never understand. It goes far beyond the simple concept of 'love.' So, please, enjoy this New Year's." He pulled away from the loosened grip and disappeared into the crowd.

"Yuki-kun, once Kage-kun has made up his mind you can't stop him," Ayame sighed, holding the Rat's shoulder. "Let him go. Do as he says. The less you enjoy tonight, the harder he's going to try to make up for what I did."

Yuki hung his head. "He's like Honda-san. Why does he have to feel this way for something that's not his fault?"

"Because he's the exact opposite of me," Shigure sighed.

When Yuki turned around, the Dog was gone and Hatori was staring sadly into the crowd.

Hokage stood dully outside of Akito's room. His crimson eyes, usually like fresh blood, seemed as though they had dried. Though it was cold, he felt nothing, not even the warmth of Tohru's gift. Nothing mattered anymore.

"Hokage, what're you doing here?" Kureno questioned, coming up behind the boy.

The Wolf turned, glanced at the man, and then turned his face to the stars. "I came so that you and Yuki-kun could be free for New Year's."

Kureno stepped onto the platform, stopping abruptly at Hokage's cold glare.

"Don't make these three nights in vain by entering her room," he growled.

"Hokage, I can't—"

"I don't care what you can and can't do! Akito isn't your master anymore! She can stand to suffer a little at your hand!" He closed his eyes tightly. "She won't cry tonight."

The man stared at the determined boy. "I don't belong with them."

"You're just a coward! You don't want to tangle with Shigure. I don't care. I don't care where you go. You're free. Just because you can't fly doesn't mean you can't run."

"I won't." Kureno stepped towards the door.

"If you take one more step, I'll make you run," Hokage growled, tensing and lowering his head.

He stopped and turned back to the Wolf. "Don't you know that with me, your chances of not getting hurt are much higher?"

"I don't want you in there!" the boy snarled, throwing his hand to the side.

"Nande?"

"Because you'll protect her from every little thing that I do!"

The door was ripped open. With a hard face, Akito stared at the two. She reached towards Kureno, but Hokage pushed him away.

"Get the Hell outta here! You no longer belong by god's side! Just go already!" the Wolf barked, tears streaming down his face.

Kureno fell to the snow and stayed there. He stared at the boy's distorted face. "You aren't kidding, are you?"

"No! I want you to run away forever! Get outta her sight, you unholy thing!"

The pretending Rooster stood and backed away slowly. He watched as Akito held Hokage tenderly and protectively as the boy glared with tears in his crimson eyes. When he saw the smile on her face, Kureno turned and ran into the night.

"Please, don't turn back. Please, keep running."