Chapter Three
"Go fuck yourself," Rikku sneered into Kureno's ear, kneeing him in his groin, and running outside. Hatori caught her on the way out. "Whoa, slow down Rii-san, what is it? I was heading inside to get you," He said, concerned. "Nothing, Haa-san," Rikku said quickly.
Kureno got up and swung open the door. "Bye Rikku," He yelled, smirking as she turned, looked at him and spun back around, walking to the car, head down. Bitch, He thought angrily, watching them pull away, you'll tell me... somehow...
She lay back in the car, resting her head against the soft seat, staring out the window. There was a slight drizzle. It had been raining a lot lately. She sat up, wiping the window to see a group of little children giggling and splashing in a puddle. Rikku absentmindedly lifted her hands, pressing against the window slightly.
Suddenly, she jerked back to reality hearing familiar voices. "Loser, watch out, that's a puddle," A voice chastised roughly, but tenderly, "And I really don't want to give you my shoes." A girl giggled. "Kyo-kun, don't worry, I'll be careful," Rikku recognized the forms of Tohru, Kyo, and Yuki striding up the sidewalk.
"Hatori, stop," She commanded, getting out and waving, "You guys want a ride?" Tohru beamed and ran over. "Thank you Rikku!" She said, getting in. Kyo sighed, but nodded. Yuki paused a moment in front of her and smiled. "Yes, this is very gracious of you Rikku," He closed his umbrella and got in.
Rikku ran along to the other seat, next to Hatori. The zodiac dragon sighed as she dripped water all over the leather interior. "What?" Rikku asked innocently. Hatori shook his head and drove back home.
Tohru chatted idly the rest of the drive, mostly with Kyo, Yuki occasionally and sometimes Rikku. The group ran inside, laughing at some dumb joke Kyo had casually mentioned.
"What is all the excitement?" Ayame said with flourish. "Who let you in?" Yuki asked angrily. "Ah, I just came to visit you dear brother- and little Rikku," He bowed and kissed the girl's hand, "Welcome back."
"You disgust me," Yuki sneered to his older brother, grabbing Rikku's arm and dragging her off. "Huh? He always gets so overdramatic," Ayame sighed watching them go. "Must be genetic," Shigure joked, eating a bowl of ramen, "But they are cute together."
"I hate my brother," Yuki said sullenly, sitting on his bed. "Hate is a very strong word," Rikku said thoughtfully, "Maybe to greatly dislike is better." Yuki laughed. "So positive," He got up and dug through his school bag, "But, honestly, he just... irritates me... a lot." Rikku got up and rested her head on his shoulder.
"I know, but he only visits," She said, "I'm only visiting."
"What? I thought you were staying," Yuki said, surprised. Rikku lifted up her head and looked at him, "Just until high school ends, my work here should be done by then." Yuki was silent. Rikku sat on the bed, also quiet. Yuki was the first to speak, "But Rii-san, I-"
"RIKKU!" Tohru's yell interrupted. Rikku got up quickly. "I'm so sorry Yuki, but I promised to help Tohru with dinner," She said apologetically, "We'll talk after dinner, OK?" She left the room, glancing at him before letting the door shut behind her. "Yeah," Yuki whispered sadly, gazing out the window, "after dinner..."
"But you can cook so well! Everyone will be so impressed! Please!" Tohru begged, "Kyo!" Rikku walked past the blushing cat, confused. "Wait- you actually thought Kyo would cook, voluntarily?" She asked Tohru playfully. Tohru blinked innocently, "What?"
Rikku laughed. "You see, Kyo-kun, cooks for no man," She said, then bending to whisper in Tohru's ear, "or his crush." Tohru blushed deep red. "I... I don't know, we're just friends," She looked up, "Right?"
Rikku tied on her apron. "Well, you can be really oblivious sometimes," She said. "I know," Tohru laughed, "But I try." Both jumped back, as Kyo barged in.
"All right all right! I help you make the damn dinner!" He growled, snatching bowls, and random ingredients. Rikku and Tohru looked at one another, and burst out laughing. "What?" Kyo said, annoyed, "What is it?"
Meanwhile...
"So does she really know?" Kureno asked. Akito didn't answer for awhile, but eventually rasped a reply.
"Yes."
"Then we could just-" Kureno was cut off by the dangerously sharp toned reply from the head of the family. "Kureno," Akito said turning around, "It's already begun."
"I love the stars," Rikku sighed, looking up dreamily into the sky, soft breeze, teasing her brunette strands, "I mean, they're up there, free as the wind, and so beautiful." Yuki nodded, quickly looking through a window. Kyo and Tohru were in the kitchen, talking, about... who knew. Ayame had left (much to his relief) and Shigure was off typing on a sudden wave of inspiration.
"I noticed, you're out here almost every night," He murmured. She nodded and slid her hand on his and leaned against him. "What is it you wanted to tell me?" She asked, almost half asleep. Yuki blushed, "Well, we've known each other for a long time and... um..." Rikku sat up and smiled, "Yuki Sohma, do you like me?"
Yuki continued to blush deeper, "Yes." Rikku leaned towards him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her warm lips against his, as his hands rested on her back and cheek. She pulled away and grinned. "I like you too."
A.N: I'd like to THANK YOU ALL SOOOO MUCH for ALL the GREAT REVIEWS! I love reviews, good or bad, it does help, any advice is welcome, and it's great to know what you guys think... also (since this story is almost done) I'd like to ask you readers: What should I do for my next story? Thanks again! More to come in Chapter 4!
