Chapter 16: Inside The Mind

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He was small and pale. There was a little patch of dark hair upon his head. Four pairs of young eyes watched from behind the doctor. The doctor held the baby towards the mother. The four watched as the mother brought the baby close to her. Nothing, no changes. The four looked at each other. The eldest one walked over to the bed and looked at the mother. The doctor put his hand on the thirteen year old's head. The other three children, all twelve years of age, walked over to their friend.

"Whats his name?" asked the eldest, his black eyes looking at the baby. The doctor ruffled the child's abnormal red hair with bluish gray highlights gently. The mother looked over the the four children and smiled.

"His name, Isamu," began the mother, looking at the thirteen year old, then going down the line, "Ryu, Kisho, and Masa is..." She looked at her son and gave a little smile. "Haruko."

Haruko... The four knew that the name that was given to the child was the name of their new God... The child that will die a short lived life for he was born two months prematurely and didn't transform in the arms of his mother. There was stipulation at this in the beginning, but it was soon determined by the doctor that he was quite sick. At that moment, Ryu was destined to look after this child, the God, as all the dragons were destined to do. As Ryu watched the child, sleeping soundly in his crib, he knew that the rest of his life wouldn't be as peaceful as it was.

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"Haruko, you be careful with that," said a female voice, walking over to a young Haruko. The four year old looked up at her, his eyes glaring.

"What did you say?" he asked, his voice cold.

"Its alright," said a young boy, around the age of eleven. He smiled up at the mother from his sitting position in front of the young God.

"Are you sure Keiji? I don't want him to hurt himself..." said the mother, her eyes a little worried. Keiji smiled.

"Don't worry, he's fine." The mother looked at her son, then went back to the kitchen to finish preparing the sandwiches for lunch. Haruko looked at Keiji.

"I didn't need 'elp." said the young one, going back to poking at his toys. Keiji gave a little smile, trying not to let him get to him.

Footsteps raced down the hall, and the door flew open. Kisho stood there, his silver hair cascading over his shoulders. Haruko looked at Kisho, his eyes deeply curious.

"What's going on?" called Haruko's mother, looking out from the kitchen.

"Sakura... is... having her child!" cried Kisho, gasping for air. Haruko stood up immediately. She was early... two months early... so that must mean..

"Lets go," said Haruko, his little hands clenched. He wanted to see what form the baby would take...

-0-

Haruko sat outside the room with patiently. He was sitting on Isamu's lap, his arms around the young man's body. His eyes were closed, deep in thought. What animal... what animal could he be... He couldn't be the sheep or tiger... they were still alive. It must have been someone who died about two years prior to the pregnant state.. for it takes a couple years before the curse falls on another helpless soul...

"I'm nervous," said Kisho, his hands playing with the tips of his long hair. Haruko opened his eyes and looked at Kisho. That hair...

"Cut it," said Haruko. Kisho looked at him, his eyes confused.

"Who... what?" he asked.

"You Kisho... Cut your hair..." Haruko said, his eyes closing again. Ryu and Masa looked at each other. Kisho let go of his hair... Cut it...

"It will be done tomorrow..." whispered Kisho, leaning against the wall for support. Cut it... his hair was his pride and joy... And now... Kisho turned away from the group. He couldn't been seen crying... crying because of a little demand. Masa was about to get up to comfort him, but Ryu held him down.

A small child ran down the hall, his black hair sailing behind him. He came to a stop and looked at the others.

"Hows... hows..." he gasped, indeed out of breath.

"Your sister is fine Seiko..." said Masa, a small smile upon his face. "Just going through contractions," Seiko fell to the floor, exhausted. His nanny hadn't woken him up from his nap until then, and he was devastated to find him no one had woke him up. There were loud cries from the room and everyone looked at the door. It got louder and louder... and finally...

"AHHHHHH!"

Seiko ran towards the door and looked at it. There were several cries, the sound of things smashing. Seiko jumped up and down. He wanted in. The rest of the teenagers looked towards the door. Haruko's eyes opened and looked at the door. It finally opened and Seiko walked inside.

"Sakura!" he cried. He stopped in his tracks. His sister was on the ground, huddled in a ball. He ran towards her.

"Sakura!" he asked, shaking her shoulders. Her eyes were wide with fright. Sakura was shaking.

"That... thing..." she choked, tears coming from her eyes. "It came.. from.. inside of me..." she whimpered. Seiko looked around. His eyes were wide. There it was... a little brown monster with fiery red eyes...

Haruko walked into the room and he quickly covered his nose. A smell... it was horrible... It smelt like rotten bodies and death. He felt like gagging. His eyes looked around and stopped on a small brown creature. That... thing must be... The body began to change and a tiny baby laid curled up on the bed, crying, his face turning almost as red as the orange hair upon his head. Haruko looked up at the teenager standing over him.

"Get the juzu beads," he said. Isamu looked down at him and then at the child. He backed up and ran from the room. Seiko stood there, rubbing the arm of his sister, cursing under his breath. Haruko looked at Seiko.

"Let go of her," he said. Seiko turned to Haruko, his eyes red.

"What?" he asked. Haruko didn't break eye contact.

"Let... her... go," he said. Seiko held tight onto his sister's arm and then... He sat down, away from his scared sister. Sakura looked at Seiko.

"S.. Seiko?" she asked softly. "Why... why are you here... your... your mom doesn't want you around me.. remember... Don't upset your mo... mother... or.. or your father..." she said, shaking. The statement hit Seiko. He remembered.. she... she didn't remember he was her brother... that her parents were his parents... His eyes filled up with tears and looked at the small baby. His eyes glared at it. First she didn't have a brother and now.. she was cursed with..

"The cat..." said Haruko softly. He walked over to Sakura, putting a hand upon her shoulder. "What is the baby's name?" he asked. Sakura looked at him.

"I... I don't know... and... I don't care!" she cried, holding Haruko's small hand. Darien ran into the room, pulling off his tie.

"What... did I miss?" he asked. He looked down and saw Sakura on the floor. He ran towards her and hugged onto her. "Sweetie.. What happened..." he asked.

"That thing... came from my body..." she whispered. "Name it... I don't care what his name is..." she whispered.

"Its a boy?" he asked, his eyes lighting up. She nodded. "You know the name we picked for the boy... it was suppose to be... Natsu..." he said softly. Haruko looked at the foolish dad. He didn't know... he didn't know that he had been cursed with the cat. Thinking of that... made Haruko smile a little on the inside.

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It wasn't long after that Haruko was in the lap of Ryu Sohma, his eyes watching a tired female try to give birth to yet another child. One month, one month had went by since the birth of the cat, and now it was time for another. Haruko's deep eyes watched the sight in front of him. It was two months.. two months early and thoughts began to run through his head. Was this one bound to be cursed as well? Be cursed with an animal and he be the one to rule the new born?

"Push Ai, push sweetheart," pleaded Jiro, holding his wife's hand. A doctor was positioned at the end of the bed, his hands under the covers.

"I see a head," he said. Ai pushed, screams admitting from her mouth. Her hand gripped Jiro's hand hard, squeezing it. Soon there was a high pitched scream of an infant. The doctor smiled and examined the baby. He wiped the little thing off and handed it to the exhausted mother. Ai held the baby close to her. Nothing. Haruko settled back down into the lap of Ryu. The child wasn't part of the zodiac... Haruko began to wonder. Why... she was born two months prematurely. All zodiac members are born like that... They had only had one baby be born two months ahead of him, and that child died within the week. Haruko pouted some. He didn't feel like going to a funeral. He watched as Jiro took the baby into his arms and there was a little poof. Haruko shot off from Ryu's lap and ran towards Jiro. He grabbed his pants leg and tugged on it. Jiro looked down at Haruko. Haruko jumped a bit and noticed a little gray bundle in his arms. Haruko's eyes went wide as he saw that the animal in the young man's arms was a rat. The rat... was female. Haruko stood still as he watched the little rat. The rat could not be a girl! It was against the rules of the zodiac... a female cannot trick a male, no matter how smart they are. Haruko's eyes narrowed. How was he suppose to control a female... Why must the rat be female. He closed his eyes. Why... why. Poof! Haruko tugged on Jiro's pants again.

"Would you like to see her Haruko?" asked Jiro to the small child. Haruko nodded. Jiro knelt down and Haruko looked at the small child. There slept a beautiful baby girl with light gray hair. He stared at the little girl. "Haruko... meet the rat... Miki," whispered Jiro, smiling at the little boy. Miki... Miki was a beautiful name for a rat. Haruko gently touched the sleeping baby, his eyes content with the figure before him. Maybe... maybe he could grab her heart... to keep the curse going.

Haruko watched as Ryu held the tiny baby. He began to wonder. Will she be rebelious like her previous souls, or would being a woman make her break the tradition of all the rats before her? Haruko pushed that to the side of his mind. That was stupid to think of. She would rebel, all the rats rebelled. He saw a certain look in Ryu's eyes. He could feel Ryu was thinking something... something he knew he shouldn't be thinking. He watched as Ryu turned the baby back over to Jiro, commenting on how beautiful she was. Poof. Haruko stared up at Ryu. He must ask him later what he was thinking. Haruko gave a small yawn and closed his eyes but quickly opened them. He couldn't fall asleep.. couldn't... Haruko gripped Ryu's and Kisho's hands. Haruko stood between the two.

"We must go... leave the two parents alone with their newborn child..." said Haruko softly. The three turned around and headed towards the door to exit the small room.

Haruko noticed Seiko standing there, near Masa.

"Did you tell him Masa?" asked Haruko softly, trying to hold back the small yawn he wanted to let go of. Masa nodded. "Good.."

"It's time for bed Haruko... your body isn't used to staying up this late. I'm surprised that you are still awake," Ryu said to the four year old. Haruko gave a small yawn, admitting his defeat. Ryu picked up the small child and held him close. Haruko wrapped his arms around Ryu's neck and closed his eyes. Soon, he was sound asleep.

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The room was dark, the room cool.

"Please... I think it would do him some good," said the voice, it quivering with fright. What would he say? Would he agree? Would he let him take the boy to school. A body moved in front of him, his eyes glaring into the requesters.

"I don't see why the cat should be educated..." said Haruko, his eyes squinting. "But... if he doesn't lose himself and doesn't get hugged or lose his bracelet... Then yes.. he may go to preschool..." Isamu looked surprised... He had agreed to let him take Natsu to preschool.

"Thank you so much..." he whispered, bowing before the young child. He got up from his spot and made his way out of the room. Haruko gave a soft cough and brought the covers up to his chin. The cat... going to preschool. He would be quite cautious... He knew that... He must find a way to trick the cat into getting hugged... Somehow..

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"Why hello Haruko," said Jiro the next morning. Jiro held onto Miki's small hand, herself bundled in a thin jacket and plaid skirt. Her purple eyes fell into the pools of deep color that rested on Haruko's face. Haruko smiled as he looked at Miki. Her. He looked up from his sitting position on the pourch and nodded towards Jiro.

"Good morning Jiro," he said. His eyes turned to Miki. "Miki." Miki got close to her father's leg, trying to advert her eyes from the young God. Haruko smiled. She was shy... so like the rat... and shy around the God as well.

"Jiro.. I have a question for you." said Haruko, getting up from the porch. Jiro looked at the young God and blinked.

"Sure, what would you like to ask?" Haruko smiled as he looked up at Jiro.

"Have you ever thought of letting Miki go to... preschool?" Jiro thought for a second.

"I never really thought of it.. didn't think that she would need to go..." explained Jiro, looking up at the blue sky to try to figure out the reason.

"I think she should go... It will help her try to be... social," explained Haruko, picking his words carefully. Jiro looked at the young God, his eyes surprised.

"Never thought of it like that... I think that would be a good idea. So we have your permission to let her attend a preschool then?" asked Jiro. Haruko gave a nod, a sly smile upon his lips.

"Of course..." Jiro smiled and looked down at Miki.

"You hear that sweetheart, you are going to go to preschool," Miki looked up at her father then at Haruko. She stayed close to him, not sure what to say. Jiro looked at Haruko and gave a small smile. "I will tell my wife about this. Have a nice day Haruko." Haruko watched as the two soon disappeared behind a house. He took his seat back on the porch, his eyes looking towards the sky. His plan was put into play... now to see if it would be followed through.

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Haruko walked down the hall, his head full of thoughts. Did anything happen that day... that first day of preschool? The wonders burned in his thought. Isamu had entered the house and did not report to him... He would have to speak with Isamu.. so he didn't pull that again. He heard soft crying and he began to walk towards the sound. He rounded the corner and noticed Miki sitting on the ground, crying. Thoughts began to fill his head as he gave a little smile, but soon replaced it with a look of concern. He couldn't get the details out of her if he had on a happy face, could he? He walked over to her and stood in front of her. He looked down at her.

"Miki..." Miki looked up, her eyes connecting with Haruko's. She let out a small gasp.

"Haruko..." she whispered softly. "What are you doing out of bed? You should be resting..." Haruko leaned over and wiped the tear that began to stream down her cheek. He could feel a gentle shiver from his touch and her face went red. He held back a smile as he began to question her.

"Why are you crying Miki? Did someone... upset you?" he asked, kneeling down next to her. Fresh tears began to admit from her eyes as she began to cry again.

"Yes... that... stupid cat..." she hissed. Haruko listened, and inside he knew what happened. So... it begins at last... He thought.

"Don't worry... that cat will not bother you.. there is no reason for him too. He is a stupid cat... now go on and play with the others.. I will have a talk with that cat," said Haruko, wiping away her tears once more. She sniffed, her face red from embarrassment and from frustration.

"Okay.." she squeaked, getting up and walking away. Haruko got up and smirked... He would have a talk with that cat.

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A sound of bouncing was heard from a nearby room. Haruko made his way past the door and to the next room. He gave a knock, and moments later, a man appeared in the doorway.

"Haruko.." said Darien, his eyes wide with surprise.

"Good evening Darien... I was wondering if you could bring your son to my room in fifteen minutes please... and do not be late.. You also don't have to stick around..." said Haruko, a small smile upon his face. Darien swallowed hard and gave a nod, closing the door. Haruko turned and walked back towards his room... The cat would be punished..

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A sliver of light spilled into the dark room, a figure slowly stepping into the room.

"Hello..." came the soft voice. The door slid shut and Natsu's eyes adjusted to the light change. "Hello..." he called again.

"Hello Natsu..." said the voice. Natsu froze.

"What do you want.." said Natsu, hate filling his voice. Why must the God call upon him... the stupid cat?

"Thank you for visiting... Natsu..." said a voice. Natsu looked around. Haruko walked towards him, past him, then went to the door. He locked it and turned to Natsu.

"Now... You did a very bad thing today," Natsu glared at him.

"It wasn't my fault! It was that stupid Rats fault!" Natsu shouted, anger building up inside of him. Why must everyone blame him for that incident at the preschool? It was Miki's fault too. Suddenly Natsu was on his knee's, a pain running up his back. Haruko held a whip in his hand has he looked at the defeated Natsu.

"Do you really think anyone beside you is to blame? You are the cat... and the cat should be put in his place," said Haruko, raising the whip and whipping the back of Natsu. Natsu let out a cry of pain, tears threatening his eyes.

"Leave me alone!" cried Natsu, his nose starting to run with every hit of the whip on his back. "I didn't do it..." he whimpered. Haruko held his hand to his side after a few minutes, and Natsu laid on the ground, his eyes red and puffy from the crying he did.

"Leave my sights you stupid cat..." growled Haruko. Natsu slowly got to his feet and limped out of the room. Haruko went over to his bed and sat down. He smiled to himself and he pulled the covers up to his chin. The cat would think twice before trying to blame something on someone else while he was there...

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Purple eyes... They were staring at him... staring into his soul. He tried to advert his eyes... it didn't work. He began to breathe hard. Let go of him... let go of him...

Nine year old Haruko sat up. He breathed heavily and rubbed his head. That dream... That silly dream... It was her eyes. He shook his head. He couldn't let her get to him... He slowly got out of his bed, slipped on his slippers, and left the room for a little walk.

Haruko kept his head clear of everything, not wanting to think about anyone... He walked and turned the corner and stopped. Miki was sitting by herself, a distant look upon her face. He leaned against the wall, his body still a little weak due to his sleepiness and the cold he was under.

"Why are you here all alone by yourself... Miki?" he asked. Miki looked up, her purple eyes looking into his deep colored eyes.

"Haruko..." she said softly. Haruko began to walk towards her, but his legs began to shake, his head starting to spin. He began to fall forwards. He closed his eyes, waiting for the impact when he felt slender arms catch him, both bodies falling to the ground gently.

"You should be resting..." Miki said softly, looking worriedly at the young boy in her arms. Haruko's stomach felt fluttery. She... was actually being nice to him. She was being genuine.. something he hadn't felt in so long. Haruko smiled a gentle smile.

"I'll be fine," he said. He saw a couple bruises upon her face and pulled back from her. "Miki... what happened to you? Did you get hurt by that cat?" Inside, Haruko felt angry. If the cat touched her, he would have to see him again.. Miki shook her head.

"It's nothing... just a couple bruises... I got into a fight at school..." she explained softly. Haruko lifted his hand and gently cupped the side of her face

"You shouldn't let them pick on you, they don't understand how special you are... no one does... but me," said Haruko, his thumb stroking her cheek gently. Miki grew quiet.

"I... I..." she stuttered. Haruko smiled and kissed her forehead gently. He got up wobbly and looked at her.

"You shouldn't worry about them... just.. be yourself," he explained. "If you excuse me..." he muttered softly. He turned and began to walk back to his room. His head was spinning.. He couldn't figure out why though. Was it because of his encounter with Miki or was it because of his cold? He shook his head... it was his cold of course... his cold...

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Haruko sat in his room, it lowly lit by the lights. A knock was heard and he looked up.

"Come in..." Ryu walked into the room and bowed before Haruko. "What do you want to tell me Ryu?" Ryu gave a soft sigh.

"Its about Miki." Haruko's eyes looked at Ryu.

"What happened to her? Did she get into a fight again? Did she see the cat?" he asked. Ryu shook his head.

"No... She has.. left the Sohma property... She's ran away." Haruko froze. She... ran away..

"So the little rat has decided to leave the burrow... Thank you Ryu, you may be dismissed..." said Haruko as the dragon made his leave. Haruko got up and dimmed the lights. As he sat, a figure appeared in the shadows.

"So... Miki flew the coop huh? Where do you think she scurried too?"

"Where else Masa?" asked Haruko. "Where else does all the little rats go when they leave the nest?"

-0-

Those purple eyes... Purple eyes stared into his soul. He wanted them to let him go but deep down inside, he felt like he had to hold the body the eyes belonged to. To feel her in his arms, to hold her close... To whisper I love you to her...

Haruko sat up from his bed. It had been almost more than a year since Miki had left the Sohma house. The dreams of her would not leave him be... not since she had actually left. He laid back upon his bed and slept for a while until there was a knock upon the door. The door slid open and a person came and sat down next to his bed. Haruko gave a soft grunt.

"Why have you woken me up?" asked Haruko, the sound of sheets rustling filling the dead quiet room.

"I was just checking up on you, you know how I am," responded the other voice.

"Don't make a fool of me Masa," snapped Haruko. "It was more than wanting to be my lapdog, what do you want to tell me. Make it quick..." said the voice, the sheets rustling again as if he was agitated. Masa smiled to himself.

"I was just wondering if you were coming to the company party on Saturday," said Masa. Haruko grumbled.

"Why would I waste my time there? To many people..." said Haruko, laying back down upon his bed. He hated being disturbed while he was having a wonderful dream of locking up the cat. He gave a small grin at the idea.

"Miki will be there." cooed Masa, knowing that would swing the young God's opinion. Haruko sat up. Miki? Miki was going to be there.

"Fine... I'll go..." said Haruko. Masa grinned. He knew that would do it.

"Your tuxedo is already ready so you don't have to worry about anything until tomorrow." explained Masa. Haruko laid back down, pulling the covers up to him.

"Go now," said Haruko, turning his back to Masa. Masa slowly got up and headed towards the door. Haruko waited until he heard the door open and shut before he began to think to himself. It had felt like forever since he had seen that fire-headed rat. Maybe... maybe he could talk her back into the family. He hoped also that by seeing her, these dreams would leave him alone...

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The room was buzzing with people and loud music. Haruko growled to himself, the noise giving him an extreme headache... He was here for one reason and one reason only. Miki. He began to walk around, his eyes glancing around. Girls watched him and giggled at him. He ignored their stupid vocals. They wouldn't go near him if they knew what he'd do to them if they made him angry... Finally he saw her and he began to walk towards her. He gently grabbed her wrist and she twirled around. Her eyes went wide and he gave a gentle smile. It was her...

"Hello Miki, would you care for a dance?" he asked. Miki gulped. It was Haruko.

"Well.. uh, I uh," she stammered. Haruko smiled and pulled her to him, his hands setting upon her waist. She involuntarily wrapped her arms around his neck and the two began to slowly dance. He could tell that she was thinking in her head, she went quiet and began to make soft noises she did when she was young when she was thinking. He took a big breath, the smell of her scented shampoo and hair spray. He was happy that he had her so near him... He realized that she was staring at him and smiled.

"I've really miss you... Miki," he said softly and slowly, the words lingering in Miki's ears. "It just hasn't been the same without you," Miki gave a hesitated smile.

"It's... been interesting," she admitted. Haruko pushed back a strand of hair that was hanging in her face, his finger gently brushing her cheek. Her body seemed to stiffen under the touch. Haruko gave a small frown. What was wrong with her... she never stiffen at his touch before... she was always so happy to see him... Now... she seemed sick to see him. He felt hurt, but he had to keep on going with what he wanted.

"I want you to come back," Haruko said. Miki shook her head.

"I don't believe I can do that... I already have to much that I don't want to give up..." she replied. Haruko smiled and laid his head upon her shoulder. He gave a soft whisper.

"In due time..." Right as he put his head upon her shoulder, he felt a tap upon his shoulder. He looked up, his eyes meeting the red eyes of Natsu. He glared at him.

"What do you want?" asked Haruko, his voice going from sweet to harsh.

"Can..." began Natsu, his hands in fists. "Can I cut in?" he finally spat out. Haruko gave a little grin.

"You want to dance with the Rat? How very.. unlike a cat," Haruko said, his eyes glaring at Natsu.

"P... please..." muttered Natsu, his face red. Haruko felt something... something inside of him that made him extremely angry... The cat... was different some how..

"You shouldn't argue with me cat..." Haruko growled.

"Haruko," came a pleasing voice. Haruko looked up and saw Ryu standing there. "It's time to go home, it is almost time for your medications and for your rest," said the doctor, his eyes looking at Haruko. Haruko looked at Miki and smiled. He removed his hands from her waist and pulled away.

"Until next time," he said. Haruko began to walk away and turned back. "Dance with her you cat... or did you just do that to anger me?" asked Haruko. He watched as Natsu put his hands upon Miki. His eyes harden as he noticed how she eased up under his touch... That shouldn't happen...

-0-

On the ride home, Haruko sat curled up next to the window of the limousine. He was happy that he got to see the Rat again... How beautiful she was... but that cat... the cat had ruined everything for him. He clinched his fist. She became eased under his touch while she stiffened under his. Why... why must she play with him like that... She was so gentle so him.. so caring... loving... and now she was distant and cold... Why must women play with men's hearts like that? He closed his eyes, holding back his emotions. That cat always ruined everything... and could ruin the curse as well... He would not let the cat or the rat ruin the curse.. it would stay how it was.. it would not be broken... not under his watch... The time would come soon... time for the cat to say goodbye to freedom... and say hello to captivity...

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A/N: This was a very long chapter.. I know.. I was very close to scraping it as well.. but I felt that Haruko needed to be fleshed out more.. I just didn't feel I had developed his character enough... I know this breaks the flow, but there will be no more breaking the flow chapters... I hope... lol I'm happy to see some new readers. With the story being all mapped out, I have had to scrap some ideas, ideas of Miki liking Seiko and him turning her down, a Takai, Miki and Natsu triangle... Miki actually going out with Haruko... stuff like that... I've always changed chapters, like the next one. It was going to.. well I'll tell you when I get to it on how it originally was... and I've also changed the ending some as well, so it isn't as dark as it was going to be.. :) I hope you enjoy this chapter.. the next one will take a while, due to me being in college now. I need to get back to my homework, but I HAD to finish this chapter! Lol. Hope to see you in the next chapter Babysitting