I must admit I was a bit surprised to find myself sleeping on a comfy couch with a soft blanket over me. I had woken up and I had just remembered that I had been welcomed into this home by some kind people...Yuki, Tohru, and Shigure. I was glad that I had remembered their names. They had told me that I could stay and sleep on the couch, considering that the guest room was a bit of a mess at the moment. Then everyone went off to bed. I smiled to myself, thinking about how kind they were... But that smile quickly faded as I remembered the other resident in this house...Kyo...

What an asshole.. I thought angrily.

What time is it anyway? I thought curiously as I turned to a clock on the wall of the living room.

It was 2:30 AM on the dot. I yawned and sat up on the couch, my vision still a bit blurry from sleeping. Tohru had told me to make myself at home, so I guess I had access to the fridge, right? My stomach answered the question for me as I felt it growl. I got up and practically sleepwalked over to the refrigerator.

I reached for the handle and as I pulled the door open, I felt the crisp cool air send goose bumps down my back. I grabbed for the soda that I saw in a bottle and decided to have a small sip...a bad and sort of gross habit, I know...but it's not like anyone would see me anyway.

Just as I felt the first drop of soda reach the tip of my tongue, I felt the bottle being tugged from my grasp. I gasped and was surprised to see...Kyo there...standing there staring at me menacingly.

"Hey! I was drinking that!" I slurred tiredly.

"And what the hell do you think you're doing just drinking it like that! With your mouth all over it...that's just disgusting!" He stated.

I was definitely not in the mood for arguing at this time of day, I could've punched the little moron and walked away, but no...for some reason I choked up. I couldn't think of a retort or anything mean to say back...so I just placed the milk down on the counter and turned to go back to bed. I wouldn't ever have to see him again anyway after tomorrow.

Damn birds...go away...stop...CHIRPING...

Before I knew it, it was daylight and I guess the birds outside made sure I was up. I sat up on the couch and yawned. I glanced over at the window, where light from the sun was flooding in. It looked like a pleasant day.

"Good morning sunshine!" Said a cheery voice.

I jumped at the noise and turned to see one of the family members I met last night.

I smiled at him and stood up to say good morning.

"Good morning...um...Shigure, was it?"

"Yes!" He exclaimed, looking pleased at the fact that I actually managed to remember his name.

He just kept smiling to the point where it got annoying. It got sort of awkward and I stopped smiling. I wished he would too.

"Oh! Would you like some breakfast, Miss Chen?" He said hurriedly.

He must've finally noticed the awkward silence...

I just needed a place to stay over night..I honestly just wanted to be on my way, but I knew I was hungry and I couldn't deny it.

"Sure!" I sounded more fake than I meant to be...but I don't really think that Shigure noticed anyway.

Breakfast was served and I have to say, it was better than what mother ever made. At her house I was lucky to get leftovers from a week ago..

"Sleep well, Miss Chen?" The boy across the table asked.

"Yes...Yuki." I remembered his name too. I guess I was doing pretty good so far.

Why does he look so familiar? I thought as I took a closer look at Yuki.

My train of thought was lost once Shigure decided to speak up again.

"Oh I'm so sorry about the guest room, really! But I'm sorry to say that no one visits us much...so therefore it's--"

"No. It's fine..." I cut him off, sort of angry that he made me lose my concentration.

"Sorry, Miss Chen."

"Stop calling me that!" I commanded.

Everyone stopped eating and looked over at me.

Damn you unsuspected outbursts...

"I mean...please...just call me Keiko." I said, putting my head down to hide my embarrassed face.

Everyone (but Kyo that is...) just smiled and nodded, then continued eating. Tohru started a conversation with Yuki about what to do during the weekend. I had almost forgotten it was Saturday until they brought it up.

I suddenly realized something though...as Tohru and Yuki were in a conversation, Shigure reading some novel, and Kyo glaring at Yuki out of the corner of his eye...I realized that...I didn't belong here. I didn't belong with these people...these kind, caring people..I am a burden. A burden on everyone..even myself.

These people...they all have some kind of connection...almost like they grew up together or something... I thought. This brought back evil memories of my childhood...after my father died..I stopped eating my breakfast and I bit my lip.

Friends...that's what they all are...friends. Friends that...I don't have. I don't need friends! They can't even be considered my...friends...no...not at all. Far from it actually..

I have to get out of here... I thought, starting to rise from the table.

"Where are you going, Keiko!" Tohru exclaimed with genuine worry as I darted from the table.

"I-I have to leave!" I said quickly as I continued running toward the living room to grab my little suitcase and jacket.

I made a quick dash for the door, just hoping they wouldn't bother me or question me further. I didn't need them...them and their perfect little family...I didn't need anyone.

Just as I made a grab for the door handle, I felt a strong grasp on my shoulder which made me stop cold.

Yuki...

"Please, Keiko, what's wrong?" He asked, still not letting go of my shoulder.

"N-Nothing at all! I just have to leave!" I exclaimed, still trying to escape his grasp. I tried to break away from him but he was surprisingly strong, despite his body frame.

"Just let me go, dammit!" I yelled, yanking myself out of his grip.

At this point, everyone was staring at me with a mixture of what looked like curiosity, pity, and fear. I hated that look they were giving me. Tohru looked like she was about to cry, and Yuki had his hand on her shoulder while Shigure stood behind them both with his head turned to one side. I looked for Kyo but I didn't see him...not like I cared or anything. I just wished they'd stop staring at me...all the attention was getting me uncomfortable. Now that I was free, and not being held back by anyone, I could easily run away from all of them...so why didn't I?

"Listen..." I spoke up, I figured that if I saw anyone acting the way I was, then I would be freaked out too. "...I just...I can't...I don't belong here! I don't belong with you all and your... perfect family! So...I'm just going to leave..so BYE!" I said, balling up my fists as I walked away.

For some reason, I felt angry. I don't know why, I mean, those people never did anything to me. All they did was provide me with a place to stay for a night, that's all. I was storming away at a rapid pace until I got far away from the house. I suddenly felt bad for what I did. I swear...sometimes my emotions nearly drove me crazy.

I found a comfortable spot on the ground, right next to a large tree that provided shade. I looked over and discovered that I could still see the house through some trees...well...as long as they didn't see me, I didn't care.

I shut my eyes, to think things over a bit. I soon realized that I shouldn't have done that...it just led to negative thoughts flooding my mind. I thought about awful things...how I was abused over the years...how hard it was for me to fit in anywhere...how hard it was for me to communicate with people without losing my temper...and how I didn't have any friends. Come to think of it...I've never had a friend...when my dad died...I was so young. My only friend was my dad at the time. Then...after he passed, I just felt like giving up on the world...why bother when all you care about disappears? I have felt like committing suicide before, but I always held back. I had reason for it though...my father may be gone, but his words still stuck to me...Reach for the sky...he always said that. To never give up, just reach...just...reach...

At this point, I had opened my eyes and I looked up at the sky. I glared at it and turned to my side, shutting my eyes. I needed to clear my head...so I did. Or...I tried..

"Hey you!" Came a harsh voice.

I was taken by surprise of the sudden presence so my eyes popped open and I immediately stood up. But I didn't see anyone...

"Up here, smart one!" The voice said sarcastically.

I looked up, it seemed as if the voice was coming from the trees, and well it was. Standing there on a high-up branch was Kyo, looking down at me with an expression of annoyance.

"How did you get up there?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Never mind that...I saw you run from Shigure's house. Did that damn Yuki get on your nerves or something?" He asked, climbing onto a lower branch so that he was right above my head. "If so, I don't blame you...I'd do the same if I could...run away, I mean..." His expression softened, and he leaned against the trunk of the tree, shoving his hands into his coat pockets.

You know how he pissed me off last night? Well, I got over it at that moment...actually, I didn't, but still...he was all the company I had and I didn't need another enemy. Plus, he was the only one to talk to at the moment...even if he did have...issues.

"No...it's not that at all...why? You don't like Yuki? If you don't like it then why don't you just leave?" I said looking at the ground, I slid back down so that I was sitting with my legs stretched out, my back leaning on the tree.

"Because I can't! Don't you think I would've already if I was able to!" He snapped, pounding his fist on the branch.

"Why not? It's not like anyone's controlling you.." I replied calmly.

"Akito...he rules all of the Sohma family, even me." He said, a look of anger spreading across his face. "I can't leave because of him...making me live in that house with Shigure and that damn rat--Yuki, I mean." He said, his face flushing a little bit. He looked down and mumbled something under his breath that I didn't quite catch, but I ignored it. I was sort of glad that Kyo started going off on a tangent, making him forget that I never really answered his question...I didn't feel like explaining.

"So this...Akito...is he a bad person or something?" I asked, my curiosity sparking.

"Well--"

"KYOOOO! QUIT SULKING AND COME INSIDE! WE HAVE HOUSE DAMAGE ISSUES TO DISCUSS!" Came a shout from the house. I peeked through the bushes and saw that it was Shigure, still dressed in his traditional garb that he wore to breakfast.

Kyo clenched his fists in frustration. "Yeah, yeah...I'm coming..." He said, shoving his hands in his pockets. He looked over at me and his expression turned to serious again. "All you need to know about Akito is...if you ever run into him (which I don't think will happen), just walk away. Just don't get involved in his bull-crap--"

"--KYO! WHERE ARE YOU! GET OVER HERE, I MEAN IT!" Shouted Shigure, apparently getting tired of waiting.

"I'M COMING, DAMMIT!" Shouted Kyo. He then jumped from the branch in the tree, landing with a soft thud. "Just avoid anyone named Akito at all costs...wait...do you even have a place to stay?" He asked.

"Yes." I lied.

At that he ran off toward the house, where Shigure was patiently waiting to ridicule him.

Maybe Kyo isn't such an inconsiderate jerk after all... I thought, still sitting under the large tree. I was actually surprised that I carried on a conversation with him without arguing. And that Akito he was talking about...interesting. But that's none of my business, I'll never see these people again anyway so it really doesn't matter I guess...

I shut my eyes and relaxed under the tree once more.

The next thing I knew, it was freezing cold outside...I slowly opened my eyes to see that it was night-time. I stood up and zipped my jacket up, hoping to get a bit warmer.

Oh no! I fell asleep! I was supposed to find a motel or someplace to live in, DAMN! Now I have to build a shelter or something for the night...great. On top of that I haven't showered in almost two days...ick. I thought worriedly as I shivered. I was overwhelmed on what to do next, so I just stood there shivering.

"About time you woke up..." Said a voice.

I jumped at the sound and turned around, looking for someone. "Who said that! And where the hell are you at!" I commanded, starting to get a little worried.

A shadow appeared from behind the tree I was standing next to, I stepped backward a few paces. "What the hell do you want...I-I have a weapon!" I stuttered.

The shadowed figure laughed. He then came closer so I could see him better, he had long black hair...sort of like Shigure's...but this hair covered his eyes so I couldn't really study his face. And his skin was sort of pale and sick looking...and his voice...well..it was creepy.

"Don't be scared...I just want to help...I saw you sleeping here and thought it rude to awaken you, so I just waited." He calmly explained. "It looks like you could use a place to stay." He said with a smile on his face.

I was sort of shocked that he actually knew that...how could he know that? Who was this guy? And what was he doing out here in the dark?

"No--I--not really..I'm...fine." I said as I picked up my suitcase and turned away. I started to walk faster, feeling a bit nervous. This guy was giving off some pretty creepy vibes...

I walked until I thought I was a safe distance away. I could no longer see Kyo, Yuki, Shigure, and Tohru's house anymore. I had walked farther into the woods surrounding the area. I looked over my shoulder, and was relieved to see that that creepy guy didn't follow me.

Thank goodness...

I breathed a sigh of relief as I set my suitcase back down on the ground and looked up at the night sky. It was getting pretty cold and I regretted falling asleep and not finding a place to live by myself.

Well I guess I can just--

Too bad my thoughts never quite finished, first I found myself looking at the sky, and then my thought process seemed to crash to an end as I saw a flash of light, then...blackness...

Hey there! Thanks for reading part 2! I know it was long, but I'm sorry! All of this had to happen in this chapter for things to work out. And don't worry, the romance will kick in eventually. I just like a story plot before we get into the mushy-gushy stuff...so just don't panic that things haven't happened between Keiko+Kyo yet!

I would like to give thanks to the following people for messaging me with wonderful comments!

-slipknot4349
-C e l e s t r i a l - G o d d e s s
-mura-chan
-funniful
-fallenangel456

I love you all! And thanks for reading! If you have any questions about what happened, or something you don't understand in the story, or just popping in to leave me a nice comment, feel free to message me! Tune in for the next chapter!