Chapter 18: Realization

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The cool air of Winter spread across the land, sending everything into hibernation. A slim blanket of white covered the land, giving it a serene glow and feeling. Smoke rose from chimneys as many people baked for the upcoming New Year. At the Sohma house, everything was busy as usual. Many people walked in and out of the Main House, streamers and decorations in their hands. Inside, it was warm and inviting; soft music played in the background and there was a dull roar of talking and an occasional loud laugh, but mostly calm.

Masa walked into the Main House, his hands hidden within the pockets of his winter coat. His cheeks were a rosy red, his nose glowing. He smiled as his eyes traveled the almost finished Main House. The banquet that year was going to be magnificent. Two people made their way towards Masa, and he smiled. It was Ryu and Kisho. The high school group was together again.

"Happy holidays!" cried Kisho, a smile upon his face. His hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail and his golden eyes danced with delight. Masa smiled, pulling his hands out of his pockets.

"Happy holidays Ki," he said. "How has everyone been?" Kisho smiled, clapping his hands together.

"Well, I have been doing quite well myself, and so has Ryu. Isamu... he's been acting real strange since the other day. He's been quite mopey." explained Kisho, a somewhat sad look coming over is face. He pointed to the wall where Isamu was hanging up paper lanterns. "You can see him over there. His face he puts on it quite good, but his shaky hands and sluggish features gives him away." explained Kisho. Masa examined Isamu. Kisho was right. He could tell that something must be wrong. He watched as Isamu tried to hang a lantern, but it seemed to shake. Masa squinted a bit, and noticed a little look of upset and heartache in his eyes.

"Has he been seeing anyone... like... female?" asked Masa, cocking and eyebrow. Kisho shook his head.

"No.. not from what I've seen," explained Kisho. "He went and talked with Haruko one day and since then, he's been very far out of it," explained Kisho. "But on the other hand, Seiko has been seeming quite positive lately. He talked with Haruko the same day and has been quite cheerful," Masa raised an eyebrow. Seiko was happy, but being cheerful after speaking with Haruko didn't seem to make any sense to him...

"Oh, and also, Keiji has been freaking out lately because of his dance. It is quite funny," finished Kisho, a smile upon his face. "I hope that I've given a good follow up!" chirped Kisho.

"Yes, thank you," said Masa.

"Now, how has it been there in the woods? Are you eating alright?" asked Kisho, an exaggerated sorrowful look upon his features. Masa smiled.

"Yes, Kisho, I've been eating quite well. If you excuse me, I think I'm going to visit some of the... other zodiac, yes?" commented Masa. He loved Kisho, loved him like a brother, but he sometimes talk a bit to much, even for the faithful dog. Kisho smiled.

"Okay, well it was good seeing you! Don't be a stranger and come by more often, it is such a boar without you," said Kisho, giving Masa a hug. Masa laughed a bit, retuning the hug. He walked away and his eyes began to search the area. An arm grabbed his wrist and he turned around. Ryu stood there, his eyes content. Masa cocked an eyebrow.

"Hello to you too Ryu, what's up?"he asked. Ryu let go of Masa's wrist and gave a little sigh.

"Haruko wants to see you." Ryu said, softly so no one else could hear. Masa's eyes turned cold.

"Now?" he asked, a little curiosity in his serious voice.

"Yes." Ryu replied. He walked away, his eyes turning a bit brighter. Masa looked at the ground. What must Haruko want with him now, so close to the banquet?

The room was dark, and Masa took in a deep breath. The smell of burnt candles and spice filled the air as he stood by the door. He slid it shut, his hand still upon its handle as he stood there. Haruko laid sprawled out on his bed, his hand tracing little figures on the ground. There was a soft humming coming from the God. Masa gave a little cough and could see the head of Haruko look up. A smile was upon the God's face, Masa couldn't see it, but it was there.

"Masa..." said the voice softly. Masa stepped forward.

"Yes Haruko?" asked Masa softly. Haruko grabbed Masa's hand and held it in his hand, his head leaning against Masa's hand.

"Its almost time..." Haruko whispered. Masa stiffened a bit.

"T... time?" he asked. He felt Haruko nod against his head and Masa shut his eyes. "When..."

"When the time is right..." Haruko said gently, a little laugh getting caught in his throat. Masa turned his eyes up toward the ceiling. Why... why must it happen soon?

"Go Fish!" cried Ran, smiling at her brother Udo. The New Years was upon them, and Udo, Ran and Miki were relaxing from their cleaning to play a nice game of Go Fish. Udo grumbled, and picked up a car from the deck. Ran looked at Miki and raised her eyebrow.

"Hm... do you have.. any tens?" asked Ran. Miki smiled and handed over her ten. Ran looked at Udo as she set her pairs down. "Got any fives?"

"Go Fish." Ran picked up a card from the deck and sighed. Miki glanced between Udo and Ran. She looked at Ran.

"Have any eights?" Ran's nose twitched. She slowly took the card she had just picked up and gave it to Miki. Miki smiled and slapped her cards onto the table.

"I win!" she cooed, laying down the pair of eights. Ran shook her head.

"Third game in a row." she said, a small smile upon her face.

"Great game Miki! Well played," cooed Udo, a stupid grin upon his face. Ran slapped her brother upside the head.

"Don't be a suck up you twit," she said. Udo rubbed his head.

"I am not," he pouted, dropping his cards to the table. Miki gave a laugh and smiled. Her smile faded as she scrunched her nose.

"What is that cat up to?" she asked. Ran gave a shrug.

"He's probably up on the roof, he was there when we started playing cards," explained Ran, picking up the cards and putting them back into the box. Miki nodded but something inside of her seemed... upset... Something is up with him... I wonder what it is...

A cool rush of air flowed over the already cold body up on the roof. Natsu closed his eyes and sighed.

Orange

Natsu sprung up from his laying position.

Gray... cold

Natsu looked around. Lately he had been getting flashes of something just out of nowhere... usually they were blurs of oranges and grays then a feeling of coldness usually swept over him, even when he was snug in his bed. He had been getting a bad feeling in his stomach for a while now, and he didn't understand why. He laid back down upon the roof and closed his eyes again.

Warm... body...

Natsu opened his eyes again.

"Damnit.." he muttered. It was his other reoccurring feeling. The feeling of having a female body pressed against his... unfortunately it was Miki's body. He rubbed his forehead. He didn't understand why the day in the elevator would never leave his mind.. it was almost a month later and it still wouldn't leave him. He pounded his fist against the roof and growled softly. He felt like he was going through puberty all over again. He heard a door shut and he peered over the edge of the roof. Masa looked a little ruffled as he looked at the house. He watched as the dog straightened out his collar of his shirt and walked into the house. Natsu slumped down against the roof and grumbled. He didn't want to get ready for the banquet... not at all.

"How are the decorations going?" asked Miki, sitting at the table with a teacup in her hand. Masa gave a little smile.

"They are going alright... Keiji is freaking out about his dance though," said Masa, eating a few marshmallows that were in a bowl on the table. Miki gave a small giggle.

"The dance..." she said softly. Ran gave a small cough and smiled at the two zodiac members.

"I think me and my brother need to be off.. its getting dark. Thank you for having us over," explained Ran, bowing slightly. Miki swatted at Ran.

"Oh stop it, you know you are always welcomed," she said, a grin upon her face. Ran returned the smile and grabbed her brother by the ear.

"Lets go," she said, and pulled her brother out of the house, so he wouldn't try to prolong the exit by trying to hug or do something to Miki.

"Ran, let go of my ear!" cried Udo, once they got outside. Ran shoved his head away from her and he turned around to face her, his hand rubbing his head. "Why did you do that?"

"Why do you keep sucking up to Miki?" Ran asked, her hands upon her hips. Udo raised an eyebrow.

"Sucking up? Whatever do you mean my sweet sister?" he asked, standing straight up.

"Oh come on, you know what I mean." she spat, glaring at Udo. Udo's eyes began to shift and then he gave out a small sigh.

"I... First one home gets to skip chores!" shouted Udo, dashing off. Ran blinked quickly and put her hands upon her hips.

"Hey! NO FAIR!" she shouted, running after Udo. "You are a cheater!"

The time began to tick by and Masa walked back and forth at the foot of the stairs. He looked up at the clock and walked more.

"Miki! Natsu! Hurry up!" he called, stopping. Miki rushed down, trying to pull on her coat. She stopped on the last step and stepped down, zipping up her coat. She tossed her hair and shoved her hands into her coat pockets.

"Ready! Where is the cat?" she asked, her eyes looking around. Masa looked over Miki's shoulder.

"Natsu! You don't want us to be late for the banquet do you!" he shouted.

"Shut up." came a soft voice. Miki turned around, cocking an eyebrow. He looked tired, like it was raining outside... but it wasn't. Natsu looked at Masa. "Why must I go?"

"It is your duty as a Sohma," said Masa, crossing his arms.

"Duty... Sohma.. yeah." mumbled Natsu. He felt like something was going to happen tonight, something that was going to change his view on everything for a long time to come. He pulled his hood over his head and followed the dog and mouse out of the house.

"Miki!" shouted a voice. Akina came rushing up to the ground, jumping onto Miki. Miki laughed, hugging Akina. Even though Akina was sixteen, a year younger than her, she was still tiny.

"Hey Akina," said Miki, rubbing Akina's head. Akina smiled and latched onto Natsu.

"Natsuuuu!" she cooed. A soft laugh came from behind Miki and she turned around. Takai stood there, smiling.

"Full of energy isn't she?" he asked. Miki nodded, a smile upon her face.

"Hey Takai," she said. He walked towards her and embraced her into a hug.

"Hey.." he said. Miki wrinkled her brow. The tone of Takai's voice was different, it was a lot more soothing than usual. She looked up at him and he smiled at her.

"How are you?" he asked, not letting her go.

"I'm good," she said, a small smile upon her face.

"Natsuuu!" Miki turned her attention over to Natsu and Akina. Natsu was walking away from the group, Akina sitting on the ground.

"What is wrong with him?" asked Miki. Takai watched Natsu stomp away.

"Dunno..." he said.

During the banquet, the role was the thing that took the longest and seemed to take up more than half the festive day. Natsu sat at his spot in the lineup, his eyes staring out into space. Since the time on the roof he felt funny... he felt... upset.

Orange... Gray... Cold...

Natsu rubbed his eyes as the person next to him spoke. Natsu slowly rose and spoke, "Natsu Sohma..." and sat back down. As he took his seat, he felt eyes upon him. A chill ran down his back as he thought about this feeling. Eyes... where were they coming from? He looked up and his eyes scanned the room. There... His stomach began to tighten as the deep eyes of the person staring at him kept eye contact. It was Haruko... What did he want...

Natsu made his way through the sea of people. The zodiac members were splitting from the rest of the people and he was making his way outside, above the spot of the zodiac banquet, where he always spent the New Year. He felt a hand grab him and he whirled around. Haruko stood there, his eyes gazing into his.

"Follow me." Haruko spoke, and pulled Natsu off.

The hallway was quiet and Haruko came to a halt. He turned to Natsu and looked at him. Natsu yanked his arm away from the God and glared at him.

"What the hell do you want?" he spat.

"It's time..." Natsu felt as if his heart stopped beating.

"... What..." he said softly, trying to figure out if he heard right or not. A smile crept upon Haruko's face.

"You heard me, I didn't stutter..." Natsu locked eyes with Haruko. The smile upon Haruko's face widen.

"... Why so soon? When?" asked Natsu, trying to keep calm.

"Why so soon? No reason... I just... feel like it should be done... And when? In the near future, I promise you... before school is out shall you be mine..." whispered Haruko. Natsu's legs began to shake. He clenched his fist.

"You.. bastar..." but he wasn't able to finish as he felt a force against his stomach. He bent over and fell to his knee's, gasping for air.

"You are being a bad pussy cat... See you soon..." Haruko whispered, running his hand through the red strands of hair on top of Natsu's head. He began to walk away, giving a slight tug on the cat's hair. Natsu looked at the ground, his hands resting upon the ground. Why.. why must it be so soon? He closed his eyes, holding back the tears. Soon... soon..

"Lets go Miki," said Masa, standing outside, his eyes looking up at the sky. It was the third and he looked back at Miki. Miki grinned and looked at Takai who was standing next to her.

"Gotta go," she said, giving him a hug. He hugged her back, holding his grip on her. He took a deep breath and pulled away from her. Miki gave a small little smile but caught something out of the corner of her eye. It was Natsu, walking with his head cast down. She stared at him as he walked by. What was wrong with him? Takai watched Miki follow Natsu and his shoulders slumped.

"Hey.. I'll see you later," he said, letting her go. Miki wrinkled her eyebrow and looked up at Takai. Now he was... acting weird.

"... Okay." she said, and she rushed after Natsu and Masa.

They walked in silence. The further they walked, the more curious Miki got. Why was Natsu staying so quiet, he wasn't even trying to avoid her as he usually did. Something happened at the banquet... and she wasn't sure what.

"Why are you so damn quiet?" she spat, her gaze set upon Natsu. Natsu looked at her and looked away. She pushed her lips together, upset. "Stop being stupid, cat, and tell me what is wrong!" Nothing. She clenched her fists, but on the inside she began to worry. He wouldn't even call her a damn rat. Something was wrong. She glanced at the sky. It wasn't overcast... then why...

The three of them walked into the house close to bedtime for the two students. Masa bid the two good nights and went to his study/bedroom. Miki sat in her room for a few seconds as she changed into her pajamas. She walked out of her room to head towards the bathroom but some light caught her eye. She noticed the door to Natsu's bedroom was opened a sliver. She crept towards the door and peaked into the room. She noticed Natsu, dressed in pajama pants, slamming his head upon his pillow. There was a soft sound of whimpers. She watched as he did one last pound to the pillow, his body tensing up. She watched him as he breathed heavily. She backed away from the door slowly and headed towards the bathroom. So many questions ran through her mind, and nothing made sense to her at all. She leaned against the wall on the outside of the bathroom and she stayed there. She wanted to turn back and try to comfort him. She shook her head. No... she couldn't comfort him.. he messed up her life... Yet... at that moment.. she felt like she had screwed up his life more...

Months passed, the night of the banquet not fully escaping either Miki's or Natsu's mind. The day was bright, and the trees were in bloom. Udo, Ran and Natsu sat under the same tree they always ate under. They ate in silence. Ran glanced at Natsu, still eating in silence. Something had happened to him at that banquet... she noticed how he never retaliated against Miki now.

"Why the hell are you in such a freakin bad mood?" That was what Ran was going to say, but she didn't get to due to a person running up towards the group. Miki stood there, her chest heaving up and down heavily.

"Guess... what..." said Miki.

"What?" asked Udo.

"Masa just announced a trip to one of the Lakes the Sohmas own!" exclaimed Miki. Ran smiled.

"Oooh! Have fun sweetheart. You must take a lot of pictures. I've never been to a lake.. I wonder how they are..." rambled Ran, smiling as she daydreamed.

"Well, you soon will know how they are. Me, you, Udo and Natsu are going along with Masa!" said Miki, a big smile upon her face.

"Sweet!" said Udo, a goofy smile upon his face.

"Are you serious!" exclaimed Ran, her eyes brightening.

"Yes! I asked Masa and he didn't say no so you can come!" Miki cooed. Ran let out a squeal and jumped up. She began to jump up and down with Miki, both admitting loud squeals of happiness. Natsu sat there, his eyes cast down. He heard the news, but it didn't make him happy... The end of the school year was approaching... and fast...

A/N: I'm sooooo sorry it took so long to get this chapter out. I got extremly busy and this chapter would not come to me. I told myself I would finish it this week and I did! 2 chapters left! Watch out for the next chapter, Time. I hope you enjoyed this chapter!