Later, after Kyo had fallen asleep, Mei left the roof and went into the kitchen to find Tohru preparing dinner.

"Oh, hello Mei."

"Tohru." Mei said, smiling at her "You know... I've been meaning to talk to you."

"What about?"

"Um... well... I just wanted to say... thank you."

"What for?"

"Well." Mei said "For taking care of my boys... of my family... they're really the closest thing I've ever had to a close to non-dysfunctional family. And before I left... they were nothing like they were when I came back. So... you had to do something... to change them... bring them together."

"Oh... I didn't...I"

"Don't be so modest." Mei said "You did something... so thank you."

Tohru nodded.

"Mei?"

"Huh?"

"Before you got here... where were you?"

"All of no where and somewhere in between."

"Huh?"

"Everywhere I wanted to be. I just let the wind carry me. I slept when I wanted to. Ate when I needed to. I was totally and completely free. Most days I'd wake up in some new city, some new town and... have no idea where I was or how I got there... but it was fun. Being completely on my own, it soothed me. But then I start to worry... to wonder... about my family... so I come back here... and there they are... so different. I've never seen them so peaceful around each other... not even when I was staying here... before Kyo left..." Mei sighed and smiled "You tell them sweet lies Tohru."

"Hm? What do you mean?"

"You lie to their faces... give them hope and posibility. I used to do the same thing. Tell them the most wonderful thing I could think of... and just watch their faces light up with the hope of a brighter tomorrow. Of a world that they can be happy in. That they can touch, reach their fingers into and grab. And they would smile... and I would... knowing full well that I'm just making this up... yet feeling comfortable enough to just contiue to lie to them... up until I can't take it any more, so I leave again."

"Can't take what Mei-chan?"

"Well... I've never been much for crowds or groups. I've always enjoyed being a loner... being alone and by myself... I've never much cared for family or friends... and being around it for too long... it makes my heart hurt."

"Why?"

Mei shrugged.

"Because... with Yuki and Kyo... and even Shigure... I see wounds that I can't heal... that I can't kiss and make better... and I long to so badly... that I'll make myself sick with worry and pain. Unlike me, not one of the zodiac has become completely excepting of their forms... and it grieves them... but not me. I just don't care. And in them... I see feelings that I should have myself... and yet... I'm too cold to even feel sorry for myself."

"But you shouldn't!"

Mei looked up at Tohru.

"Mom always said that... you should never feel sorry for yourself... we're not all born perfect... or even close... so you shouldn't feel sorry for yourself because you see things in others that you don't have..."

Mei nodded.

"I guess you're right. But still... I've been here long enough... it's about time..."

And with that, she stood and left.

Kyo knocked on Mei's door. It was the night of the dance, he had on his tux and was shaking nervously.

"Hm?"

"Mei?"

"Oh... I'll be right down... give me a minuet."

Kyo sighed, but none the less walked away from the door.

Inside, Mei adjusted her dress, and pushed her small travel bag under her bed. She stood and walked downstairs. Haru and Kyo greeted her, both smiling warmly. She hugged Haru tightly.

"You look good." She said, taking his arm "You too." She said, taking Kyo's

The two led her to their waiting limo, with Yuki and Tohru inside.

The dance moved by rather quickly. It was fun, Mei and Haru and Kyo danced a lot, up until Mei was extremely tired with really sore feet. She sat down, and eventually Kyo joined her.

"Having fun?" He asked

Mei nodded.

"Of course." She said, smiling

Kyo then kissed her. And then touched her cheek.

"Mei? I just wanted you to know... that I would be sad... if you disappeared again."

Mei's eyes widened.

"I don't want you to go ever again." He continued "I'd really miss you."

Mei smiled and winked.

"Don't talk like that." She said "You'll make the mood all somber. And besides, I'd miss you too."

"Wanna dance again?"

Mei shook her head.

"Oh no. My feet are numb. I'm going to sit the next few out. Why don't you go dance with Uo? Or Hana?"

"You don't mind?"

"No, but if your hands go south of the waist I'll break them."

Kyo laughed. Mei didn't. She was extremely serious.

"Oh." Kyo said, standing and walking away

Mei sighed and smiled.

"Yeah..." She muttered "I've been here long enough."

And with that, she stood and walked out of the school.

About ten minuets later, Kyo was tired and went to find Mei, who wasn't sitting where she was last. He turned to Haru, who had been busying himself with other girls.

"Haru, you seen Mei?"

"No." He said "Not recently no... well... actually, I saw her walking out, maybe to the bathroom or something?"

Kyo sighed.

"Oh... okay..."

But then Mei's words played in his head: How would you feel if I disappeared again?

He bolted from the building.

At Shigure's house, Mei changed from her lovely dress and into her usual leather skirt and boots. She hung up the dress, a note tape to it:

Thank you Aya-nii,

I had a lovely time in it

Your little princess,

Mei-Chan

She sighed and pulled her travel bag from under her bed and plopped it down.

"What am I forgetting?" She muttered "Oh yeah..."

She pulled out another piece of paper and scribbled down yet another note:

Dear Kyo,

Don't be sad! I had a blast while I was here and I'll keep having one when I get back, you just have to be patient. Be good and sweet and junk like that. Thank you for everything. But I've been here long enough and it's time for me to go. You know me, always gotta keep moving. Maybe I'll take ya with me next time.

Love you always,

Mei

Mei smiled at the note.

"Good enough." She muttered, walking into his room and setting it down on his bed "I'd better get going."

And she did. She picked up her bag and walked to the bus station.

Kyo bolted into the house. It was empty. He ran up to Mei's room.

"MEI! MEI?"

No answer. He ran to his room, stripping off his tux. Then he found the note on the bed. He read it and sighed.

"No, you can't leave. Not yet."

He set it back down, changed his clothes and took off running again.

Mei boarded her bus, leaned her head back, and fell asleep as it drove off.