Chapter Two
Tohru was speechless. "What?" She managed to get out, taken aback by the strange question, "How would I know?" Rikku's eyes flashed oddly and she started laughing, unable to stop. Tohru backed away, slightly nervous. "No," Rikku snickered, "I guess you wouldn't. No one else does."
"Rikku- are you ok? You're acting a little... strange..." Tohru said gradually. Rikku didn't answer; she just sat still, brown hair blowing gently behind her in the nightly breeze. Tohru tapped her on the shoulder. She still didn't answer. "Rii-san?" Tohru said, slightly louder, shaking the girl's shoulder.
"What!" Rikku asked defensively; turning to face Tohru. Tohru blinked, and smiled, "It's getting cold, and late, we should go inside. Come on." She reached out her hand and helped pull Rikku up, watching the brunette walk inside, slightly cocking her head.
How strange, she almost seemed like a different person just a few minutes ago, the teenager thought, following the other back into the house. Rikku bid everyone a good night, and went to her room.
As usual, Rikku woke up early, at about six in the morning, groggily climbing out of the warm cocoon of blankets, smelling a delicious smell. She brushed her hair quick and walked into the kitchen.
"Morning sleepy head!" Shigure said cheerfully. "What the hell are you wearing? I hope that's not for school," Kyo said, noting her low halter top and short shorts. "Pajamas," She said sleepily, grabbing a plate of food and sitting down.
"I have your uniform... Rikku? Are you alright?" Yuki inquired with concern. Rikku sighed and picked at her food. "I hate mornings," She said finishing her food and clearing her plate. She grabbed the uniform, brushing past Yuki.
She changed quickly and got herself ready. A car's horn sounded outside and Rikku rushed out, bidding farewell to the family. Kyo caught her arm at the door. "I thought you were gonna walk with us," Kyo asked her. Rikku smiled sadly. "I would Kyo, I really would rather anyways," She said as he relaxed his grip, "But I have an appointment you see..."
Kyo frowned and released her sleeve, watching her go. Tohru came up behind him. "Kyo?" She asked gently, "Are you ready?" She took his hand and dragged him outside; Yuki trailing behind, and watched the car pull away.
"So, Rii-san, having any trouble lately?" Hatori asked, "I hope you're still taking your medications. You and I both know what happens if you don't..." Rikku shrugged and leaned back. "Why does it matter, no one's ever gotten hurt," She said quietly.
"You know how Akito feels about it," The family doctor said, "If you change in there, you never know what could happen." Rikku sat up. "Am I the only one here who has a mind of their own? I don't give a damn what Akito thinks, I know what's right and what is good for the family," Rikku said angrily, "He only cares about himself- doesn't he realize what he will be without the curse?"
Hatori gave a sudden stop when they arrived at the main house, mouth in a hard line. He unlocked the doors. Rikku sat back, venting slightly, and then climbed out, but froze when Hatori grabbed her wrist and drew her closer. "I hope that you don't talk to Akito like that," He let go, "For everyone's sake."
Before Rikku could reply, Hatori threw the car into reverse and drove off. She trudged up to the main house and knocked. Kureno answered and smirked. "Welcome back ahou, we're all so glad you came back," He sneered, "Follow me." She glared at him, but followed anyway, until they were at Akito's room. "Bye chicken boy," Rikku mocked and stepped inside.
Akito was looking out his window, watching it start to rain. He turned at the click of the closed door and smiled sinisterly. "How was your little trip? Did you miss me?" He walked closer, almost gliding with his delicate strides. "Of course Akito," Rikku said, face serious, and emotionless.
"Liar!" He growled, lunging forward and grabbing a fistful of her hair, "You tried to escape, but you returned anyway... you were afraid of me." He drew her closer. "How does it feel to be back? Did everyone miss you? Could you see through their fake smiles, the loathing they have for you?"
"That's not true!" Rikku yelled, trying to remove his iron grip, "They all missed me! You're just jealous because you're the one they hate! Even Kureno!" Both were speechless. How could I say that? To Akito? She looked up at Akito, fearful. His expression was shock. Deep shock. His mouth was open, eyes slightly glazed. "Akito- I-I-"
SMACK. Rikku was knocked down by the power of Akito's swift strike. "Don't even say my name you disgusting creature, I never was to set my eyes on your disgusting filth again!" He shouted. Rikku was silent for a moment. "But I know Akito," She whispered smugly, "I know how to rid us of the curse."
Akito stopped eyes wide. His face twitched, "Impossible. There is no way." Rikku stood up and laughed, "But don't you hear it, my dear Akito-san?" She waited patiently, hardly able to hide her grin. "Hear what?" Akito said maliciously. Rikku opened the door, about to walk out, but before doing so, spun around, looking deep into Akito's furious eyes.
"I can't believe it's raining!" Tohru said walking alongside Kyo and Yuki. Kyo was silent and very tired looking. Yuki looked at Kyo in enjoyment; it was funny seeing Kyo hardly able to function. "It looked fine this morning- OH!" Tohru gasped as a speeding car rushed by, drenching Tohru in muddy brown puddle water. "Bastard," Kyo tried to yell. Tohru blinked her eyes, which had begun to moisten, "If I go back now we'll be late... let's keep going."
A little further down, Tohru shivered. Kyo went up to her, wrapping his jacket over her shoulders. "Huh? Oh, Kyo, you'll get cold, her, take it back," Tohru said noticing. "No," Kyo said firmly, "You need it more." Tohru blushed and smiled in thanks. Kyo watched her fondly. Yuki silently watched this display of affection with mixed feelings and wondered what his cousin was doing.
Kureno was surprised. Really surprised. He had eavesdropped the whole meeting with Akito, well, right until Rikku had opened the door. Luckily, she had replied to Akito, giving him enough time to slink back, until she walked out.
Rikku found herself pinned to the wall, shortly after. "Kureno! What is your problem!" Rikku shouted, struggling. "Shhh," He said, "I just was curious about one little thin-" He was cut off, by Rikku pushing him back and running. But Kureno's reflexes were faster and he tackled her to the floor.
"Now, for my question," He said putting all his body weight on her, "How do you break our curse?" Rikku stopped struggling for a moment. "You were listening in! You little bastard!" She hissed. "That's all I want to know, just tell me, and you can go," The rooster said.
"Why didn't Akito tell you? I mean, you two are practically lovers!" Rikku said sweetly. "We are not lovers! And he wouldn't tell me anything like that, believe me, I tried," He said, "You are the only one who knows other then Akito- tell me Rikku! Tell me or I'll-"
"Fine!" Rikku interrupted, "I'll tell you!" Kureno bent his head down and Rikku whispered in it.
Meanwhile, Akito sat in his dark room, watching the occasional flash of lightening, those foreboding words echoing in his head...
Can't you hear it?
The sound of breaking...
A.N: Please tell me what you think and review!
