Disclaimer: I only claim Kage-kun as mine.

Japanese to Know:

Baka - Idiot
Baka Hokage - Stupid Hokage
Nande - Why (you should all know this by now)
Doushite - Why (a lot politer (if that's a word) than 'nande')
Wakatta - I know

Chapter 14

Death and Deceit

Kureno wiped the snow from a lonely bench and sat down. It was cold, but he didn't care. His mind was trying to grasp reason. Trying to figure out why Hokage would do such a reckless thing. That boy owed nothing to him. If anything, the Wolf should hate him for being free. But he didn't. Why?

"Perhaps," the man murmured, "it is because he is the Wolf that he needs no reason. Because he has no real ties with the Juunishi, he needs no compensation for pains we cause. He isn't afraid to die."

"Kureno."

He looked up. Seeing Arisa, he jumped to his feet and backed away.

"How've you been?" she asked, shifting her bag.

"Well enough. And you?"

"Getting by." The Yankee smiled sadly and looked to the starry sky.

Kureno looked at the snow-covered ground. "I caused you pain, didn't I?"

Uotani turned back to him. "It hurt at first, yes. But I'm fine now." She changed the subject, "Who isn't afraid to die?"

He closed his eyes. "A crimson-eyed boy I know."

"Kage-kun?"

His eyes darted to her face. "You know him?"

"We go to the same school. He can be a bit cocky, but he's a good guy. Sorta reminds me of Kyon-kyon. And yet, he also reminds me of Yuki." She smiled. "He's like you, too."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because it's true. Secretive and handsome, like you." She looked at the stars again. "But I think you're wrong."

"About what?"

"Him not being afraid to die. I think Kage-kun is terrified of death. But I also think that he'd die if it would make a big difference. A good difference."

Kureno stared at the ground once more, tears burning in his eyes. He understood now why Hokage had sworn that he'd live on. Why he had sworn that he wouldn't be weak. The Wolf was waiting for the time when his death would be needed. All of the Wolves. Perhaps this was when the Curse would fail. Hokage was simply waiting for the time to be right.

"Kureno?"

"Baka!" he yelled, tensing. "Baka Hokage! What's going through that thick skull of yours? You can't change history simply because you will it!"

"What're you talking about? What's Kage-kun going to do?"

He shook his head and looked up at her. "It would do you well to simply forget about it. He's made up his mind and no one can stop him. Not even his brother can alter his mind."

"Kage-kun has a brother?"

"Shigure."

"That perverted novelist is his brother? No wonder he can't talk Kage-kun out of it."

"Don't take Shigure lightly. He's a master of deception and lies. If it were any other person, he'd be able to convince them, but not Hokage. Hokage knows Shigure too well and isn't one to be thrown off track."

Uotani studied Kureno carefully. "What exactly is he planning on doing?"

"I told you to forget about it. In fact, forget you ever met Hokage." He turned to leave.

"Nande?"

Kureno stopped. "Because he'll only break your heart." And then he walked into the night.

"So, Kiniiri, will you accompany me to the party?" Akito inquired delicately as if Hokage had a choice.

"If it is what you will," the Wolf answered dully.

"Do try to be more lively."

"I'm not your toy."

Akito touched his face softly. "Don't be silly. Of course you are. Come, we must greet the others." She led the way into a crowded room. Everyone in that room was a Sohma. And they all stared at Hokage with curious, judging eyes.

The Wolf stared at the floor with glassy eyes as he sat in the shadows. Akito sat relatively near him. Soon, the other Juunishi gathered close enough to see their faces. Hokage tried to avoid them all.

He listened to their laughter, wanting it to last forever. Every now and then, he'd glance up at Yuki, only to find him staring right back.

And then he saw Kureno.

"Doushite—?" He stood abruptly, catching everyone's attention. Wide eyes stared over their heads at the man.

"Kiniiri?" Akito said, starting to get up.

Hokage ignored her and left the room the back way. He navigated easily through the halls and outside. There he was met by the man he was looking for.

"Why did you come back, Kureno-san?" he growled.

"I don't want you to die for them," the man stated bluntly.

"What I do with my life is none of your business! If I intend to die, I'm going to die!"

Kureno sighed. "Wakatta."

"Then why did you come back?"

"To tell you that if you die, you'll hurt people."

"I'm the Wolf; none of you really care what happens to me."

He shook his head. "You've touched others' lives. People at school and others that you had never previously known."

"They'll forget. The pain will disappear." He stared at Kureno. "Please, leave and don't come back."

"Hokage—"

"At least for New Year's. There has to be somewhere you want to be. I smell a woman on you. Go to her."

The man stepped back a bit.

Hokage turned and walked away. "Don't let me find you here again for the next two days!" he called back. He opened the door to go back into the building. On the other side stood Shigure.

"Kage-kun," the Dog began, "you can go right now; just run into the night and never look back."

"Nii-san, you know I can't. Who knows what Akito will do to Yuki-kun and Kureno-san if I go back on my deal. I'm not like you, Nii-san. I won't abandon them."

"I didn't—"

"You said so yourself when you said, 'I'm the lowest'! You said that Akito had become irritable. But that shouldn't have mattered! You gave up to save yourself pain! They call the Dog loyal, but what would they say if they found out he's really a coward?"

"Kage-kun—"

"Just forget it," Hokage snapped irritably. "Nothing you say can make it better. Your words are poison. The Dog is a devious fox in disguise." He pushed Shigure aside and hurried back to Akito.

The Dog sighed, breath becoming a visible cloud. "It's a shame that he's right," he smiled, closing his eyes. "Every word was the truth. And I don't regret any of it."