.

.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

.

.

When did it begin...

When did I start searching you out...

Looking your way just to catch the light of your smile...

Wanting to be the reason for that smile...

When did I start thinking such Idiotic things like that?

Why does it hurt so much to think...

That there could be a future where your presence could disappear from my life...

.

.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

.

.

Monotone rings filled Marley's ears as she waited for someone to pick up, feeling slightly anxious as she had woken up to new messages from Isuzu or Kagura about Isuzu. The worried teen had a few people she could call, and if they didn't answer, she was ready to head home to make sure her friend was safe.

The phone rang a few more times while Marley held her breath.

"Moshi Moshi." A bubbly voice picked up.

"Ah, Kagura!"

"Marley-Chan?" The college girl was surprised to be getting a call, especially since she knew Marley and many of the Zodiac members were at the summer house.

"I tried texting you, but you never texted back." Marley had gotten worried and even had trouble sleeping, waking up at random points to check her phone for any texts from Isuzu or Kagura. Due to the poor sleep, she had ended up sleeping in a bit.

"I dropped my phone and broke it." Kagura giggled, and Marley had a feeling that wasn't the case at all; she could just picture the temperamental boar breaking her phone in the middle of a tantrum.

"Is Isuzu home?" Marley asked, trying not to sound too worried as to not alert Kagura.

"She got in this morning..." At this, Marley felt a wave of relief wash over her, and she was grateful that at least Isuzu was back at the Estate.

"Do you need to talk to her? I think she's sleeping, though." Kagura asked, and Marley said that it was okay and that she would text Isuzu later when she was up. Isuzu was such a secretive person and wondered if she didn't want others knowing that she had been at the beach resort.

Kagura didn't seem too suspicious and dropped the subject when Marley asked her how the Estate was and if there was anything new. The two girls talked for a but before Kagura got called away, and Marley wished her a good day.

"You too. And tell Kyo-Kun I love him!" Kagura then hung up the phone, and Marley stared down at the ended call screen.

As she looked out, she noticed Kyo running up the path. She noticed that he always seemed to up early for a run and was slightly mystified how he didn't run with music. Marley went back into the room as Kisa was getting ready to go downstairs.

.

"Everything alright, Onee-Chan?" Kisa asked as she noticed a bit of a faraway look in the usually cheerful teenager. Marley tilted her head and said she was fine before asking Kisa why she thought something was wrong.

"You looked worried on the phone... and when you stopped talking, you looked a little sad when you were staring at it." Kisa pointed on while she played with the hem of her light blue dress.

"Ah, yes, everything's fine. I was just checking in on a friend. Now come one, let's help Tohru with breakfast." Marley took her hand, and Kisa nodded, excited to have breakfast and help her big sisters.

As they walked down the hallway, they ended up coming across Kyo, who looked like he was on his way to shower.

"Good Morning Kyo." Marley greeted, and he nodded his head, mumbling a 'mornin" to her.

"Go... Good morning.." Kisa said shyly as her hand slightly clutched on Marley's large T-Shirt.

"Still shy, huh, Munchkin?" Kyo sighed, and Marley just shrugged

"It's the quiet ones you gotta be wary of, don't you know? You never know when they're going to strike!" Marley swiftly picked up Kisa making her squeak and break into laughter with Marley as she was tickled a bit.

"You just getting up?" Kyo gestured to Marley's pj's, and she blushed a little before letting out an embarrassed giggle and put Kisa back down on the ground.

"Yeah, kept looking at my phone all night and paid for it. How was your run?" The white-blonde was feeling almost a little guilty oversleeping in, hoping she didn't pay for missing her morning jog or morning stretch.

A day of rest now and then should be fine...and I can always do some light stretching a little after breakfast.

"S'fine, too damn hot, though, and it's not even 9." Kyo complained as he rolled his neck a bit, stretching it out. Marley agreed that it certainly was pretty hot considering how early it was but mentioned that a dip in the ocean would help. Kyo rolled his eyes and insisted that there was no way he was going in the water.

"Oh... Kagura says hi." Marley couldn't find it in herself to relay the whole message but had to at least extend the greeting.

"Is she here?" Kyo seemed to jump out of his skin as he looked around, and Marley was a little surprised over the reaction and quickly told him that she was just on the phone with Kagura.

"You were ready to straight-up run away." Marley commented, and Kyo ran a hand through his hair, still looking a little on edge.

"She's crazy. She's always clinging to me and talking about how much she loves and marriage." Kyo groaned, and Marley wasn't sure how to react.

There was a mixed feeling in her chest. Marley felt sad for Kagura because even though she was undoubtedly eccentric, Marley believed she really did care for Kyo and... she felt almost sorry for Kagura over Kyo's reaction to her. Marley also couldn't help but wonder...

Would Kyo treat me like that if-

Marley felt a little tug and looked down to see Kisa's bright eyes trying to send her a message.

"Ah, we should go help Tohru with breakfast. See you down there." Marley passed Kyo with a small smile on her face and let Kisa lead her on by the hand.

Kyo wondered about the slightly apprehensive look in Marley's eyes when Kagura was brought up.

What are you hiding?

Kyo tried not to feel annoyed over it, figuring it was none of his business, but as he got ready to shower, he couldn't help but wonder what it was.

Why wasn't your smile reaching your eyes? And why does it piss me off?

.

.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

.

.

Breakfast flew by, and once again, the Zodiac members, except for Kyo, all left for the annex. The summer trip to the beach resort was coming to an end soon, and while Marley had made some wonderful memories, she was not expecting all the separation.

She took a deep breath and went deeper into her stretch, hoping that it would make her feel a little better.

"Marley-Chan, got a minute?" A voice surprised Marley as she opened her eyes and looked up to see an almost mischievous smile on the Dog of the Zodiac.

"Shigure? Welcome back." Marley asked as she practically jumped up from her stretching pose on the carpet, looking around Shigure's figure to see if the rest had returned too.

"Not here for long, I forgot something...Kyo-Kun." Shigure called out to the boy who had just been relaxing on the couch.

"Huh?" The orange-haired teen didn't even open his eyes. He was just hoping Shigure would leave him alone.

"Akito-San asked me to bring you to the annex. Sorry, I'll be taking him today." The adult didn't seem all that sorry, but the news was certainly a surprise to the teens.

"What?!" The two teens seem to be in sync, and Kyo jumped up from his spot on the couch in surprise. Shigure was a little amused and smirked a little.

"What the hell is-" Kyo didn't get to finish as glittering purple eyes were in his face, looking at him with excitement.

"This is wonderful. Kyo, you get to join the others." Marley had grasped Kyo's hands in hers, gripping them softly as her eyes stared into his.

"I'm so happy for you. You'll get to be together." Marley's joy was genuine, and her eyes were shining bright. Kyo looked down at their hands, and even though he thought that he probably should be happy, he got summoned.

He didn't want to leave.

But Marley was so happy for him, and he had to go. So, he slipped his hands from hers and gave a soft pull to a loose hair that had escaped her braid, watching it uncurl and let go letting it bounce and return to its soft curl.

"Be good...wait for me to get back." Kyo's voice made Marley's stomach do backflips, but she only smiled and nodded.

"Of course. Safe travels." Marley walked the two to the front door to see them off.

"I'm just walking up the road... would hardly call it travelling." Kyo sighed, but his smile was unmistakable, feeling a warmth in his chest over the way she chirped 'of course' and smiled so kindly.

"She's so happy for you." Shigure teased.

"You can shut up. Nothing good will come of it anyway." Kyo scoffed, the chip on his shoulder showing.

"Oooh, so scary." The adult was enjoying teasing the boy as they continued down the path. Kyo only looked back and saw Marley smiling from the patio, giving a little wave, and Kyo nodded back, hoping that whatever this was wouldn't take too long.

Marley was already looking around the house to share the news with her friend, who knew would be just as happy over Kyo being invited by Akito to the annex.

"Tohru!" Marley found her upstairs in their shared room, looking through a bag.

"Huh!" Tohru nearly jumped out of her skin, surprised by Marley's sudden outburst.

"Kyo got invited!" The white-blonde gushed, and Tohru dropped the clothes she was holding in her hands.

"What?!"

"Akito summoned Kyo to join the others." Marley explained, and Tohru's eyes lit up as she rushed over to Marley to share her excitement.

"Thats wonderful!" Tohru expressed, and Marley rapidly nodded her head.

"Oh my god, that's what I said." The girls then giggled a bit.

"I hope they're having a good time!" Marley had been hoping that Akito would invite Kyo. While she wishes it had been sooner, she was happy it happened at all.

"Maybe even a banquet."

Both girls were just overwhelmingly happy for their friend and hoped that all the Zodiacs were enjoying themselves.

.

.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

.

.

Kyo was made to wait in another room at the annex, still being kept separate from everyone. Time seemed to move slowly, and it felt like some sort of sick power move.

Why summon me just to make me wait... this is bullshit.

The boy was ready to storm out and just head back, but Marley's smile over how he had been summoned kept him there. He couldn't go back and tell her he just sat in a room till he left.

So he waited... until finally Shigure came and collected him, telling the Cat that God was ready to see him.

"What? What's this about? Don't tell me Akito... summoned Kyo?" Yuki asked as he watched Shigure and Kyo walk down the hall towards him.

"That's exactly it. Kyo-Kun, Akito-San is in the inner chamber. Go on it."

As Kyo passed Yuki, he was not afraid to repeat himself.

"I'll warn you again. Don't be an idiot and lose your temper in front of Akito." Yuki scolded, and Kyo's temper flared as he wound up to throw a punch at his rival.

"SHUT UP, YOU SON OF A-!" Kyo roared and swung, stopping his fist only a fraction away from Yuki's face.

The two had a staredown, and Kyo finally broke it and threw his fist at the wall instead before storming down the hallway.

"... You should have tussled with him like normal."

"Please... Enough. Both he and I should accept... that this is just the way we're made."

"In the end... that's all we are." A small smile graced Yuki's lips as he gazed down at the hardwood floor.

Down the hall, Kyo slid open the door to the inner chamber where Akito was residing.

There God was, sitting by an open window.

"Welcome... it's been a long time since we've spoken face to face..." A soft voice called out to Kyo, but there was no warmth in it, and Kyo found himself hovering in the doorway, not wanting to enter the room.

"It's alright. Come in...my pathetic monster."

.

.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

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.

Just as Marley and Tohru had set out to do, the trio had made an impressive fortress of a sandcastle, complete with a moat. Miguel had even wandered off a brought back few hermit crabs to live in the castle.

Marley and Tohru cooed and awed as Miguel jokingly named the one with a lightly tinted purple shell Marley and the white and yellow crab Tohru. There was something charming and wholesome about the girls working so seriously on the castle and discussing whether the hermit crabs enjoyed it or not.

"I saw what looked like an abandoned food shack down the way." Miguel said as he sat back down on the blanket, letting the girls do the little details on the sandcastle.

"Yeah, this beach used to be really popular years ago apparently, now it's quieted down."

"That s too bad. The beach could use like a burger shack or something."

The two English speakers then got into a fast-paced conversation, and Tohru felt her head spinning. It wasn't until her name was called that she finally understood a word. Or at least she thought she understood.

"Tohru, Have you ever had taco's?" Miguel asked, and the brunette's mind immediately went to octopus and then wondered if Miguel had meant takoyaki.

"Tako? Like takoyaki?" Tohru pictured the little fried dough balls filled with octopus pieces and topped with delicious okonomiyaki sauce and bonito flakes.

"No um, it's like...a wrap and then filling inside, and there's like a bunch of different kinds... it's kind of like a sushi roll." Marley tried to explain, but if anything, she made Tohru more confused, and Miguel laughed at the cute look of confusion on Tohru's face.

"They use to have that great taco truck around the corner from your apartment complex." Miguel turned to Marley, and she nodded her head as she began to remember the bright yellow truck that she and Miguel would get late-night tacos when Marley was getting back late from ballet.

"Soooo good. They had this one with the jalapeno crème and the roasted cauliflower." Marley gushed while Miguel made a grimace as he was not a fan of the vegetarian options, and a part of him pitied Marley for not having the chorizo or the steak taco that was his favourite.

"It sounds amazing." Tohru honestly had no idea what the two were talking about, but it certainly sounded delicious.

"I wonder if there's any good Mexican places..." Miguel brought out his phone and tried typing into a search bar, but it seemed to end in disappointment. She wondered if he was feeling homesick since she was sure Japan was so different from America and wanted to make it better. Tohru hated seeing that frown and tried to think of a way to fix it.

"Probably not around here... there might be a few places in the city but nothing like back in Vegas." Marley had tried one or two 'Mexican fusion' places, and while it wasn't bad or anything, it indeed hadn't tasted authentic.

"Maybe we could make some 'tacos.' Do you know how they're made?" Tohru asked, curious of what they would taste like.

Marley remembered something she had seen on YouTube recently and an idea popped into her head as the three sat there.

"Tohru, your brilliant!" The white-blonde looked like a light bulb and gone off

"I-I am?"

"Let's open one!" Marley announced, and both Miguel and Tohru looked at Marley a little confused, but she was already on her feet, slipping on her shorts and heading back to the house, telling the other two to come along.

Marley carried the large beach bag over her shoulder, flipping through her phone. They hadn't been able to make all the memories together like she had maybe thought initially but wanted to make the most out of the trip.

And a part of her had wanted to try something she had seen and couldn't wait to welcome home everyone with the surprise. She was missing them but looked forward to everyone's smiles when they came back.

.

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.-.-.-.-.-.-.

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.

"The bet you made with me...about whether you could beat Yuki? Admit it, it's impossible, isn't it?" Akito smugly asked, but Kyo remained silent, standing in the middle of the room and staring back at Akito. Dark eyes watched, and God's mind was brought back to Marley and just couldn't understand what she saw in the Cat of the Zodiac.

The most cursed of the Zodiac... a monster

"He's out of your league, right? You can't beat him?" Akito teased the Cat, enjoying the look of frustration on his face. Akito needed to put him in place and make him realize he had no chance and that he was foolish to think so.

"You'll never be able to beat him... Didn't I tell you? From the very beginning, the Cat has never been able to beat the Rat. It how you were made." Dark eyes watched as Kyo clenched his fist.

My fate...

"To the end of your days, you shall never beat Yuki. You were made like that from the start. Its destiny is carved out from those who are possessed by the spirits of the Zodiac. That fate is in your blood." God smirked, and Kyo felt like a fool for having faith in the bet, the bet that could have saved him from his cursed fate.

My curse...

"I told you that before, remember?" Kyo was brought back to when he returned from the mountains last fall, and he and Akito spoke. He had taken Akito by his collar and vowed to prove him wrong.

"Wrong! That fate...screw it!" Kyo proclaimed, determined to prove everyone wrong.

"I'll crush it!" He needed to.

"I SWEAR I'LL BEAT YUKI! I'LL BEAT HIM... I'LL WIN!" The Orange-haired teen was yelling at the top of his lungs as if the louder he was, his words would become more real.

"Then... Shall we make a bet out of it? If you can truly beat Yuki by the time you graduate..." God offered the choice, and Kyo felt himself freeze as he waited for Akito to continue.

"I'll stop calling you a monster. I'll even let you become part of the Zodiac." It was almost too good to be true, and he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"But...if you can't beat him... Then you'll be imprisoned until the day you die." Akito's smile was twisted and ugly even, and Kyo's fingers let go of his collar, stepping back, the weight of those words staying with him.

"It looks like... I'm going to win that bet.." Akito smiled, and Kyo wanted to punch that smug look off their face.

"You don't get to just decide that! I still got time... You don't... know what's gonna happen!" Kyo argued, and Akito ripped the wind chime down, cradling it in his hand.

"...Which one of us... Doesn't know what is going to happen...?" Akito mused as he looked at the wind chime, his irritation growing. God couldn't understand why everyone seemed to be so defiant. Kyo went to speak again, but Akito threw the wind chime, and it hit the boy's cheek, the bells of the wind chime ringing as they made contact with Kyo's cheek before falling to the floor.

"Why can't you understand?" How is it possible? Have you forgotten?" Akito rose from the window sill, the kimono slipping on one shoulder as they walked across the tatami mat to Kyo.

"How it is you so deluded? You do remember... don't you? That you're a monster. And that your mother died... Because you're a monster." Akito's words slipped out so easily as if they weren't words of hurt that felt like a stab to Kyo's gut.

"Wha...Th..that ain't" Kyo tried to defend himself, but he was shaking because he carried that guilt with him.

"It is true." Akito walked closer, and Kyo wanted to run, but he couldn't.

"No... It's no my fault." The Cat

"You murdered your own mother." Akito's hand gripped Kyo's wrist, and he recoiled from the touch, but Akito easily held on.

"Stop it! STOP IT! DON'T TOUCH ME!" Kyo hissed and tried to rip his arm away, but Akito simply glared, and his voice dropped, a warning to Kyo.

"You don't give me orders." And Kyo stilled in Akito's grip. It felt he was being strangled like chains were wrapping around him. Trapping him.

"I feel so sorry for her...she gave birth to a monster in human clothing yet bravely protected it..raised it...but in the end she died, unable to endure it any longer. And now, her own son doesn't mourn her death." Akito's voice was soft, but again... there was no warmth.

The image of Kyo's birth father entered his mind, his hateful eyes.

"Kyo..do you know..how your mother felt?"

"That was no accident. It was suicide. She killed herself! And it's your fault!"

Nightmares of his mother walking away from him into a bright light where young Kyo could not follow, only able to hold out his hand and beg her to come back.

"Do you have any idea how hard you made it for her? Can a monster like you even understand that?!" The adult yelled at the young boy, who could only clench their small fist and glared at the ground.

Just like he was doing now... it has been so many years, but Kyo felt like he was still stuck in that same place.

"You should have died instead. No matter how you look at it...everyone would have been happier if you'd never been born." Akito's words were not far at all from the words Kyo had told himself.

I killed her...I...

The image of a woman's body bathed in blood on the pavement crossed Kyo's mind.

"STOP IT!" Kyo's voice was strained as he wasn't even telling Akito to stop.

He was begging.

"...stop it.. Enough... stop it... Please" Kyo honestly didn't know how much more he could take as he faltered to his knees, and Akito just stared, a small smile as those cold eyes looked down on the Cat.

"I've been thinking...I wonder if she knows...Would she speak so fondly if she knew what you had done?" Akito contemplated, and there was only one 'her' that appeared in Kyo's mind.

No...she can never know...

"It's almost impressive how deluded she is, even after seeing your true form.." God couldn't even look at the Cat's true form and never imagined touching it.

Kyo's eyes stared into Marley's as she finally found him, she was drenched from the rain, mud all along the bottom of her large skirt, and her eyes frozen in fear as she realized that Kyo was the large creature she had found. Kyo's heart stopped as he feared the worst, and she just stepped forward, still calling his name.

"Much too kind... Any normal person would flee if they saw you in that form, yet Marley clung to you, I heard." Akito was disgusted by the very thought.

"She must really pity you...Or perhaps... she's just a fool." Akito figured, and Kyo couldn't take anyone calling Marley a fool.

Don't talk about her like that.

"It's honestly annoying how kind she is to everyone... it almost seems fake. Is she that desperate for friendship? For love?" Akito pondered, and Kyo could see the disgust in those dark eyes of God, and he couldn't understand.

"How... Can you say that about her?" Kyo finally found his voice as he got up from the floor. He couldn't just sit there and take Akito dragging Marley's name through the mud like that.

"You weren't there. You don't know anything about that night. You weren't born a monster...You don't have..." The night would always stay with Kyo as it had been one of the worst nights of his life, but it had become the night that Kyo realized how much he was fighting for.

The dark and stormy night that Marley had spent tracking him down, how he had pushed her away... and how she had come back, bloody shoulder and all with tears glistening in those determined amethyst eyes.

She was trembling, but she wouldn't leave.

".. the faintest idea of how scared she was that day! So how can you say that about her!" Kyo yelled, every moment of that night playing through his mind.

Her body... Was quivering... Her nails digging into my skin as she held on tight as tears flowed down her cheeks.

Maybe it was desperate... but not in the way Akito meant...

"But she held on! She didn't run away from me-" Kyo needed Akito to listen, but God turned away.

"Ugh, shut up.." Akito hated talking about this and regretted even bringing up Marley as it felt like it had backfired.

"SHE DIDN'T LET GO-" Kyo continued, and Akito covered his ears, his body shaking as he gritted his teeth.

"SHUT UP! SHUT UP! AHHHHH!" God yelled, not wanting to hear anything more but Kyo wouldn't stop.

"SHE HELD ON TO MY ARM-" Kyo stopped when he realized how important that moment was,

Cos' she knew if she let go... I probably... wouldn't return...

She held on...even though she was scared...

"LET GO!" Kyo used his strength to swing his arm with her on it, but Marley just latched on even harder as Kyo tried to shake her loose; her body dragged on the ground as she held on, her nails digging in.

"NO! I WON'T LET GO!" She yelled back and even managed to lift her face and stared at Kyo directly. The determined look in her large amethyst eyes made Kyo pause, tears were rushing down her face, and her body was shaking.

She was clearly terrified, but she only held the tighter and stared at him, as if daring him to try and push her away again.

"Please... stop it... try... don't you understand dammit.." He begged her as he turned away from her intense eyes, and she only tugged harder to his arm to try and make him listen to her.

"Mainu samaj nahi laggi!" She yelled at him, not backing down.

"Mainnu maaf karo... samaj nahi laggi... main.." She started mumbling, but it was something Kyo couldn't understand.

"I'm scared Kyo...right now..but... I'm also relieved... I thought... I thought.. you had gone away... but I found you... I hear your voice. I know it's you, even if... even if your voice is coming from this form I've never seen before... I know you're in there.. and you're alive... I'm so thankful," Marley admitted as she dug her face back into Kyo's arm. He could feel her warm tears through his skin.

"I'm so pathetic... your right... I'm.. just an outsider who doesn't know what's going on or what this means, and it scares me... but not as much as ... not as much as the thought of never seeing you again. So please! Please help me understand..." She begged as she cried into Kyo's skin. The boy could feel her entire body shaking as she held on. Marley was terrified, he could tell, but she wasn't letting Kyo go.

If she had let go... I might not have come back...

It wasn't as if she took all my pain. It ain't like she solved all my problems either. That crap ain't important. The most important thing...

The white-blonde grabbed his arm and pulled him along the sidewalk, wanting to share with him her favourite ramen place, her cheeks still flushed from dancing. It had been the day that he had visited Kyoko's grave with the others and was plagued by guilt, and while Marley didn't prod him much, she knew something was up and was simply...

... there for me

Like a movie made for him, memories of Marley flooded his mind, from her eating her homemade lunch under a tree in the schoolyard as she listened to music, offering him an earbud and patiently answering anything he wanted to know about the song.

Always wanting to share everything she has with those around her...

Some students got the sight of the deserts Marley had made and immediately offered them up to try, looking so happy when they enjoyed them, and Kyo had to take the box away from them before they ate every last one.

Crying over almost anything...

Kyo had to pass Marley a tissue as a sad commercial played on the T.V, and the boy could already see the tears fill her eyes. She tried to turn away and hide, but he simply told her to give up and just cry already.

Her tender heart, her vulnerable heart...

Even when she was clearly exhausted, she would mention she was excited to help Kisa with something having to do with ballet.

Even when Akito had arrived and tried to ruin the summer vacation, Marley was trying to make sure everyone could have a good time. Even if it meant missing out on hanging out with the Zodiac members as she kept Akito occupied basically.

Always worried about everyone else's feelings...What about her?

Kyo would catch the faraway look in her eyes now and then, her face turning to a space where no one stood and looking disappointed. She still looked for them even though she knew they were gone.

She worries she's not enough... that she has to work harder... doesn't she realize she's...

Marley was practicing a dance routine, and she would fall a few times now and then, but she would get back and try again, proving her love and determination for the art, making it look beautiful.

Breathtaking

Why is she always wanting to include me in everything?

Marley was talking about some sort of show that Kyo had never seen but was making all these hand gestures and talking so fast that Kyo would hardly keep up, but she was so excited, and it made him excited.

Marley teaching him how to make sweets she used to make with her grandmother, smiling fondly as she compared the colour of the sweet to his bright hair.

Doesn't she realize... that nothing good can come from hanging out with me?

Marley's smiling face as she stared up at him from the water as he hung out on the rocks.

How excited she got when Kyo told her about the beetle she had found.

Her laughter as he made fun of her 'cat' pancake and then tried to make more.

Why..is that when I close my eyes...

"KYO!" She tried to get mad at him as he sabotaged her win at a racing game, but she just laughed and promised to get him back next time.

"Kyo.." She said his name softly as she thanked him for helping her clean the dishes, her eye's dazzling in the afternoon light.

Tears started to spill from Kyo's eyes as it all became so clear.

I love you...

I love all that you are

I love you so much.

.

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.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

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.

Marley had been at work setting up and had even fashioned up a sign on a large piece of blank cardboard she had found along with some paints. The storage room had been like a treasure trove, she had found some pretty interesting things, and there was one thing in particular that she wanted to ask Shigure and Hatori about.

"Hopefully, they'll be able to come to the house..." Marley spoke aloud to herself and made a mental note to text them and invite them over for dinner.

Hopefully, everyone will come home, and we can enjoy this together.

The optimistic teen carried light blue lawn furniture from the storage room to the backyard, setting up a few tables and chairs. She even found some mason jars and placed one on each table along with a few flowers she had picked from the garden.

"I wonder if I could find some tea lights... that would be perfect," Marley spoke to herself as she tried to think of how to make it better.

She had sent Miguel and Tohru into the town to pick up groceries so they could cook up some Mexican food. Marley figured they would make a good team as Miguel had a good eye for what ingredients they would need, and Tohru would communicate since Miguel's Japanese was still pretty limited. But Marley admitted he had picked up the language pretty well.

Another reason Marley sent them off was maybe the slightest bit of meddling. Did sending them on an errand alone count as a date?

"Does... sending them on an errand date count as mischief?" She asked herself, thinking of how Kyo told her

I hope Kyo is having a good time with everyone...

What if they got back late... what if they didn't even like it...

Marley shook her head, telling herself to remain positive and thought some music would help bring her mood back up and make the project a bit more fun. She hooked up her phone through the Bluetooth and scrolled through her playlists.

"I haven't heard this one in a while..." Marley talked to the air as her hand automatically drifted to her locket and gave it a soft squeeze before letting go and lightly pressing on the Stevie Nicks tune.

The girl smiled and clicked on the song, and even just hearing the first few notes made her smile broaden, and her body reacted to the melody, swaying and twirling to the upbeat classic that her parents use to blast.

Just like the white winged dove

Sings a song

Sounds like she's singing

Ooh baby, ooh, said ooh

Just like the white winged dove

Sings a song

Sounds like she's singing

Said ooh baby, ooh, said ooh

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Tohru watched the coastline as she sat on the bus. It was a gorgeous sight, but she had other things on her mind. The week had been filled with surprises. She had been able to meet the Horse of the Zodiac, Isuzu, and wondered who the remaining Rooster could be.

But another thought was still plaguing her.

The image of Marley and Miguel standing in the dim light of the kitchen, his large warms wrapping around her as she seemed to melt into his embrace.

Marley had been the one to send her and Miguel on the grocery trip, almost eagerly pushing them out of the house and telling them to have a good time.

Which they did. Miguel had tried his best to speak with the locals, even agreeing to let them take pictures of him since they got excited over a foreigner. The kind boy had even convinced her to let him buy her ice cream, and it was the most delicious ice cream she had ever had.

It was a great day.

But Tohru still thought about Marley and Miguel and even worried that maybe Migue would have rather been there with the white-blonde.

It was like... that same painful squeeze Tohru had felt last night.

"You alright? Want me to take those?" Miguel asked as he referred to the bag of groceries on Tohru's lap.

"I'm fine. You already have two bags. I can take care of this one." Tohru insisted, and Miguel shrugged as he leaned back into the bus seat.

"I hope we got enough groceries. Marley-Chan really seemed excited; makes me special just by being involved." Tohru admitted, thinking of the look in Marley's eyes as she tried to explain her idea and wrote down a bunch of stuff on a paper before asking Tohru and Miguel to go into town.

Tohru swore she could see a slightly mischievous smile on her lips as Marley insisted that it be Tohru and Miguel go into town, but the brunette wondered if maybe she just imagined things.

"She has that effect. We just have to make sure she lets us help." Miguel knew that Marley tended to try and do things herself when it came to cooking. It was honestly surprising to see Tohru and Marley cooking together in the kitchen.

"She's really excited, though! I bet whatever it is, it'll be lots of fun." Tohru smiled at Miguel, and he nodded.

The bus came to a stop, and an older woman got on the bus. Tohru was ready to give up her seat, but Miguel was quicker and quickly offered his bus seat to the senior.

It was very sweet hearing his simple Japanese, and the older woman was impressed that a foreigner so far from the city could speak it and complimented him. He just waved it off and mentioned he had a long way to go and had an excellent teacher helping him out as he sent a wink to Tohru.

"What a handsome boy. You two make a cute couple." The elderly woman teased, and it immediately had Tohru's face bright red.

"Wha-I-I-I." Her eyes travelled up to Miguel, who was standing there, absently looking through his phone.

"Oh, and all the fresh groceries, are you having a banquet?" The granny eyed the supermarket bag that the two teenagers were carrying.

"Ah, yes. I'm going to learn how to make 'taco's." And Tohru excitedly explained all she had been told, and the granny nodded as the polite girl happily spoke about Marley's plan and that they were making food that her two friends from America enjoyed.

"My husband was from overseas, and I remember when I tried to learn his favourite meal that his mother used to make him as a child. I'm sure it tasted nothing like his mother made it, but he always had the biggest smile on his face and made me fall back in love with him all over again." The old woman let out a dreamy sigh, and Tohru felt her heart warm over such a sentiment.

Tohru peeked up at Miguel, who was staring over at some kids who were staring at him. They seemed to be in a staring contest of some kind, and Miguel stuck his tongue out, and the kids giggled. Miguel appeared intimidating; he was indeed a teddy bear at heart, and Tohru enjoyed seeing it come to light. Her heart beating a little faster when Miguel looked over and caught her staring a winked at her.

"Ah, to be young." The elderly woman sighed as she caught the interaction and was wishing the best to the two teenagers.

"Eh?" Tohru asked, wondering what she had meant, but the woman shook her head and told her to just ignore it.

"Nothing, not for me to meddle, but you'll figure it out soon, dearie."

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In a dark room deep inside the Sohma annex, a teenage boy was coming to a realization that had him lost in these thoughts as his body seemed to be frozen to the spot. A pair of amethyst eyes surrounded by thick lashes was the only thing on his brain, eyes that made his heart race, especially when it was accompanied by the soft smile that only she could give.

When did I start feeling like my name had a special chime to it whenever you called out to me?

"Good morning, Kyo." Marley greeted him as he walked towards his desk that was just behind her's. She was there before anyone else as she completed the last bit of her homework. Kyo told her not to stop procrastinating her homework, and Marley laughed, insisting it the days' fault for being too short.

She's so clueless sometimes...

"Kyo! You're going to get a farmer's tan." Marley pointed out as he continued to wear a T-shirt and even lifted up the sleeve a bit of his shirt to show him. He had rolled his eyes and pointed out she probably was going to have some tan lines too. She tilted her head and then right before Kyo's eyes adjusted her bikini bottoms so she could unashamedly see her tan lines.

"Don't do that here, WEIRDO!" Kyo scolded, his entire face red as his eyes had wandered to her hipbones; even when he covered his eyes, he had to tell himself not to be peak and be a pervert.

"Aww, but I just wanted to see if I had any! Come one, Kyo, who has the worse tan line, me or you?" Marley asked as if it was such an innocent question.

When did I start doing dumb stuff over and over again as long as I knew... it might make you laugh?

Marley was showed him a funny picture she and Tohru had taken using a filter on some sort of phone app, and she seemed so amused with it. The curious foreigner had been looking through funny filters and asked Kyo to take a selfie with her, and Kyo gave in, and now his phone was filled with silly pictures of the two.

It had made her happy.

Kyo's favourite was the cat ear's one, but he would never admit that.

When did I start...loving you so much that I couldn't stand it... Marley...

"Are you crying? Kyo...Why are you crying?" Akito tilted his head as he watched the boy's tears flow down his cheeks.

"Are you upset? Could it be... you in 'love' with Marley?" Akito asked, and Kyo just stayed silent, still in his own head.

"Oh, that would just be... marvellous! The monster in love with the fool." Akito snickered, and Kyo was brought back and glared up at Akito.

"What's that look for? That look in your eyes?" Akito hated it; God should never be looked at like that.

Not with those eyes. Akito hated that look.

"THIS ISN'T MY FAULT! YOU'RE THE ONE WHO'S DELUDED!" Akito yelled as he brought his hand up and slapped Kyo across the cheek.

"SHE'S JUST AN OUTSIDER! SHE SHOULDN'T EVEN BE IN YOUR THOUGHTS! SHE IS NOTHING!" Akito yelled, and Kyo felt the stinging sensation on his other cheek as Akito slapped him again.

"SHE IS NOTHING!" Akito was about to slap Kyo again, but the Cat caught Akito's wrist.

"I don't understand... she always speaks so kindly of you... and yet... You call her a fool...you say she is nothing... do you hate her?" Kyo had to ask as he genuinely didn't understand how Akito and Marley seemed to be so close, and he never wanted to think that Marley was poorly treated behind closed doors.

"You're crazy! What are you thinking? What are..." Kyo gasped as he began to think of the worst. Marley was so eager to help anyone she could, but that could so easily be used against, and Akito certainly seemed the type to take advantage.

"What...are you scheming? To use her... for what though..." Kyo didn't know what to do, but he wanted to take Marley far away. But...he couldn't.

"So quick to make me the villain..." Akito sneered but couldn't deny the hurt feeling at being accused of using Marley. The bronze-skinned foreigner wasn't the one being used. Marley was just someone that made Akito happy, that was all. Akito was simply looking out for the clueless foreigner.

"So which is it!? Are you in love with her or not!?" Akito pushed again, needing to know because if it was true, someone would have to pay as they couldn't let the bond be tarnished.

"I...!"

"If you are, you truly a fool! A monster in love! How can a monster who killed its own mother be in love?! Do you really think you have the right to be in love with anyone?!" Akito yelled, pointing a finger at Kyo.

"Do you think for one moment something like that would be allowed?!" Akito was screaming; the very idea of Kyo and Marley in love and happy made Akito sick. It wasn't how things were supposed to be.

Kyo was frozen as the harsh words were thrown at him.

"What a scandal that would be in the family. Marley's going to have a tough enough time convincing the elders that she truly be a part of the family... but if it was found out that the Cat was in love with her? She'll just be an outsider to the end of her days.." Akito pointed out, and Kyo clenched his fist. He wouldn't do that to her. Not when she was trying hard to become part of the family, and he knew she was trying to make her grandfather proud.

"Marley will most likely have her pick of bachelors as she is an heiress. If you love her, then you are the biggest fool to ever be born." Akito kept twisting the knife, making the boy more hopeless than he already was.

"Can't have a monster like you tainting her future." Akito sneered.

"I'm not in love..with her.." Kyo hissed through his teeth,

"I'm definitely not in love with her! Until the day I die... I'm not gonna fall in love with anyone!" He proclaimed, praying that God would believe the lie.

"... the hell with love."

I hate this.

I won't let her be dragged down with me...

"I suppose... I was jumping to conclusions... but of course. How could you fall in love? For once, you're talking sense. And of course, you're not going to beat Yuki... So a lifetime of imprisonment is a foregone conclusion. But believe me, you're better off that way, right?" Akito felt a wave of relief, and it felt like everything was falling into place. Kyo seemed to falter to his knees, his head looking at the tatami mat.

"You don't want to bring Marley or Kazuma.. Or anyone else involved more than they already are for their sake. Having you out of their lives is the best thing that could happen." It'll be alright. Even though you'll be locked up. I'll come visit you. I'll be by your side. You won't be lonely..." Akito approached Kyo and got down on the floor, slightly playing with Kyo's orange hair.

"Yeah, right... You're just mocking me.." The boy didn't want to hear anymore. Kyo was exhausted, his soul felt like it was being dragged down further into a pit that he couldn't escape.

"..I love you, see? I really do. I love you...Kyo." Akito was smiling down at Kyo, but those dark eyes held no love.

"From now on... you need to be a good boy with the little time you have left on the 'outside.'" Akito wrapped their arms around the Cat for a few moments before releasing him. Cat didn't need to be told twice, not bothering to talk to anyone else as he left the annex in haste.

The boy walked along the road, the waves of the water filling the air.

All I do... Is hurt people.

Why didn't Mom just kill me?

She should've murdered me.

Why am I... still alive?

Even now, as if I deserve to

Kyo walked to the beach, but it was empty; only the sandcastle and footprints in the sand remained. The late afternoon glow making the ocean look almost gold. It was beautiful, but it wasn't what the boy was looking for.

"Marley?" Kyo's voice felt almost weak, like even saying her name seemed wrong at this point, but it had become the only word he wanted to say.

...why am I still looking for her? Even when I know... it's hopeless

"...Kyo.. wait. Don't step on that poor thing." Kazuma warned him as they walked up a mountain path after training

"What's the point of protectin' one little flower?" Kyo asked as he looked down at the lonely white flower.

"Where do I get off.. stayin' alive because of other people's sacrifices... Other people's lives? Stealing the most precious things of all... TRAMPLIN' ON OTHER PEOPLE!" Kyo yelled at the ground, frustrated with the lot he had been given in life and frustrated with himself/

"And yet... you are still alive... Because you haven't given up hope completely, no? Because you know that not everyone in this wide world will reject you." Kazuma pointed out, and Kyo just seemed to growl.

"I don't. I don't know that, and I don't got no hope either." Kyo glared at the dirt, his fists clenched at his sides.

"You do." Kazuma told him.

"I DON'T!" Kyo yelled and, in his anger, brought his foot down on the small flower and whispering out once more...

"... I don't."

"Even if... You don't have hope right now. I promise it will come to you again. Just as how no matter if you struggle or try to ignore it, you will be assailed by despair once more." Kazuma looked at him sadly, but Kyo didn't see it. He was just looking at the flower beneath his foot.

"By that same token... You will also be visited by hope. Hope will always bloom. Again, and again." Kazuma said before walking up the path alone, leaving Kyo and the flower. The boy lifted his foot and lowered down to the ground, his fingers lightly touching the flower that was just trying to survive on the mountain.

Even after Kyo had trampled it... it seemed like it was still trying to stand back up... and it was still...

Beautiful.

A passing butterfly thought so as well and even landed on the small flower right in front of Kyo, unbothered by his presence.

The boy started walking up the path towards the summer home. The walk became faster and faster, and soon he was running up the forest path, the blur of trees around him as his heart raced. Everything became so clear.

I'm sorry, Shishou. I did understand. I was only pretending that I didn't.

The truth is I knew it.

I knew it all along.

Just as there is rejection in this world... there are people who will reach out to you.

The strange woman gave him a gentle close-lipped smile, and Kyo couldn't help but notice how large and pretty her big brown eyes were.

She reached for his little land and took it in hers. Kyo was entranced by her deep skin tone, he had had never seen anything like it, and her hand seemed to be covered in strange, intricate drawings. And his curious side came out.

"What's on your hand?" He asked as he grabbed her hand with both of his, inspecting her hand and then she laughed, and he blushed, immediately letting go and looked to the side. He assumed Kazuma repeated what he had asked, and she made a sound of acknowledgement.

"Henna." She answered.

"Hen-na?" He repeated the word.

His Shishou explained who the woman was and who she was in relation to the Sohma family, and mentioned how she had a little girl and that he should come and visit because she hoped the two would be friends.

"My little Titali." The woman showed him a picture of a girl his age with long, almost white hair and a cheeky smile. Kyo wondered if they could be friends... if she would smile like at him in real life.

The word confused the boy, and the woman wasn't sure what the Japanese word was for it, so she drew a badly drawn butterfly.

"Don't wait too long now." She patted his head, and he shyly nodded, a small blush on his cheeks over the affectionate gesture while the older woman continued talking with his Shishou while Kyo wondered what the little girl would be like... his curiosity taking hold of him.

He did try to meet her...

A young Kyo snuck around the Estate til he found the house with the wisteria tree. He stood outside the front door, his little hand ready to knock, but nerves were starting to take over. The sound of muffled music filled his ears, and the curious young boy snuck around the side of the house, wanting to know.

He didn't understand, but the melody was pleasant and uplifting.

Orange eyes widened as he caught the shine of sunshine reflecting off platinum hair. A whirlwind of hair in a light purple overall danced around the room, holding onto the hands of a beautiful woman with deep skin and black hair.

He couldn't understand what they were saying as the young girl about his age called to someone, and a tall man in a grey suit came in and picked her up with ease.

The three were so happy, and Kyo tried to get a closer look. But large purple eyes got his gaze for an instant, and he ran away until he was around the corner, and he leaned against the wall to catch his breath, his little heart hammering his chest.

It bloomed right in front of me, and it kept blooming.

Kyo had wanted to meet her. To be her friend.

But they looked so happy, and Kyo had felt awkward about interrupting. He didn't want to disturb the precious happiness they seemed to have together.

But he also wanted to be closer to the light.

He promised himself next time, he would try to cross that barrier. He wouldn't wait too long. Because he wanted to know her.

He waited too long

The family of three had left the country, and Kyo had been saddened about never being able to make that last step. But he had thought of them and hoped for their happiness.

As they had looked like a kind family filled with love.

Then... she returned, except her loving parents were gone now and had left their precious daughter behind.

But she still carried on and opened her heart to those around her.

The daughter with the glittering amethyst eyes he could get lost in until the end of time, and just the sound of her laughter would make his chest warm.

Gently blooming into something precious.

I need to see you

Kyo reached the house and came to a halting stop as he heard saw a twirling Marley, dancing and jumping to the rock English rock song, her hair wildly flowing around her and sliding around on the hardwood floor.

I need you

It was all so clear, all this time.

I love you

"Marley." He said it softly at first, just wanting to say it, and it hadn't caught her attention yet. Kyo walked closer, stepping onto the porch and standing in the open doorway.

She was in a world of her own, her eyes still closed as she sang along to the chorus.

My precious...

"Marley," Kyo called out again, and Marley heard it this time and nearly jumped out of her skin as she opened her eyes, and the amethyst eyes Kyo loved stared straight into his. She turned completely red and ran a hand through her messy hair to try and put herself a little back together.

Unknown to Marley, Kyo was thinking how stunning she was, in every way. He had wished he could take a picture and carry it with him when he would no longer be allowed small moments like this.

"Kyo! I was just-" Her embarrassment washed away when her eyes locked onto a red mark on his cheek.

"Your face! What happened?!" She rushed forward and automatically brought her hand up, but he caught it in his, closing his fingers around hers.

"Just got into a fight with Akito." Kyo shrugged it off as it was nothing, too caught up in how Marley's soft hands felt against his skin.

He now wanted to hold every precious moment.

"A FIGHT?!" Marley looked even more worried now, and Kyo hoped that she wouldn't ask Akito about it. She started talking really fast and looked like she was about to storm off and talk with Akito herself, but Kyo's gentle grip kept her there.

"Don't worry. It's over now." He shrugged, but Marley didn't look convinced, her large eyes staring deep into his like she was trying to solve a puzzle, a small pout on her pink lips that Kyo couldn't help but wonder how it would feel to kiss those lips.

Not that it would ever happen.

It's truly over now

"..Are you okay?" She asked, staring him down.

"It's fine... I just feel bad for you cause you were happy for me... but I really don't care whether I get invited or not... In fact. You could say I've never cared less." There was something different about Kyo, he seemed... lighter somehow, and it made Marley wonder what had happened between him and Akito.

"So, what's this?" Kyo nodded to the setup, and Marley hurried to try and hide the sign she had made.

"WAIT! It's not ready! It was supposed to be a surprise for you all when you got back." Marley tried to put her hands over Kyo's eyes and lead him away, but Kyo knew how to hold his ground, and Marley was unable to push him away.

"Well, I'm back now. Come on, let me see." Kyo stared Marley down, and the girl blushed as she tried to block the sign from his sight, but after a few moments, she finally gave in.

Kyo picked up the sign and felt slightly baffled.

'Taco-Sensei' was written in English, and then there was a picture of a black dog with rectangular glasses in a taco suit. He had seen this drawing before; it was one of Marley's doodles from class.

"I thought I told you to be good. This seems like mischief to me." Kyo teased, and Marley laughed as her cheeks burned a bit.

"It's for our pop-up Taco Shop!" Marley explained as she held up another piece of cardboard that looked like a menu except all the prices said 'FREE.' If Kyo counted this as mischievous, then Marley wasn't going to tell him that she sent Tohru and Miguel on the errand alone for the two to get some alone time.

Marley excitedly explained the plan, her accent showing up strong the faster she spoke. From how they would have items on the menu, and the Sohma's would have to step up to the window to order what they wanted and then wait for it to be served. It was already starting to look like a little outdoor restaurant, and Marley just mentioned that a few last things needed to be done and even had some matching aprons for 'the staff.'

"Are Miguel and Tohru helping?" Kyo didn't see them around, but he figured that Tohru wouldn't let Marley do something like this on her own.

"They went to the supermarket to grab ingredients." Marley smiled and suggested that they should be getting back soon as she had received a text a little ago that they were on the bus heading back. She was so excited, Kyo felt his love only growing, and the choice seemed simple.

All the time I have left...

…..Is yours to have

"Count me in." Kyo simply said, taking off his hoodie and throwing it on the couch, leaving him in a simple black v neck.

"Huh?" Marley was a little confused, wondering what he meant.

"I'll help. Can't have you running things by yourself." Kyo smirked, which caused Marley's stomach to do little flips with the way Kyo was looking at her.

"Are you sure? I don't mind doing it on my own, you can just relax or something. I'm sure you're tired." Marley didn't want Kyo to be bothered with her little project, but he shook his head.

"Just tell me what you need." Kyo's words struck something in Marley, like a bolt of electricity had shot through her. But Marley had no time to really think about it as Kyo was staring at her, waiting for an answer.

I love you

I was hoping that we could be together forever somehow, somewhere, but...

But not anymore

"Let's finish setting up the tables. And when Tohru and Miguel are back, we'll get started on the cooking. We'll need to taste test things before serving it to the costumers, of course." Marley pointed out as she put her hair up in a high pony-tail, a sign that it was time to get down to business.

"Weirdo... they're not customers, they're freeloaders." Kyo laughed, amazed at how she threw herself into projects like this. He just knew that everyone would be over the moon when they got back and how happy Marley would be when everyone was back and enjoying the evening together.

She truly did love them and wanted to make them happy.

It almost made Kyo a little jealous to think of how much time they would get to have with her, but... they made her happy too, and that was all that mattered.

"Do...do you think Shigure will be insulted by my doodle," Marley asked as they worked together to think of where to display it, and Kyo looked back down at the drawing.

"It'll probably flatter him if anything, will probably say something weird about it..." Kyo sighed as he could already picture the Dog making some sort of perverted comment. The boy then picked up the large piece and headed back into the house with it.

"Let's get rid of it." Kyo was kind of jesting, but Marley's reaction was priceless as her eyes widened in panic, and she quickly followed him.

"KYO! NO!" Marley laughed, and as she tried to catch up with him, but her socks slipped on the hardwood, and before she could fall, Kyo reached out and steadied her easily, his hand gently squeezing hers.

"Not very graceful for a ballerina... what am I going to do with you." Kyo teased, but his eyes were still kind, and Marley's cheeks flushed a little, embarrassed over nearly falling, but Kyo was grateful for every moment that his fingers could touch her skin. To just be in her presence, he would treasure it all.

I don't want to make her mine or anything like that

Not anymore

So please at least let me be with her during the time I have left.

I wanna be with her until that moment...

Until the very end.

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Notes: Can't think of many notes XD

oh except for the idea of Marley setting up a makeshift little taco restaurant for fun comes from a Jenna Marbles video where she did a little burger shop type thing from her house window. I thought it was so cute and I could see Marley really wanting to try it.

Song:

Edge Of Seventeen - Stevie Nicks

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WOW

Kyo finally had his realization... and it's beautiful and sad all in one

and I'm just... I just want them to be together already honestly lol

The beach arc is almost at its end, the next chapter is gonna be something else and I hope I get it done by the end of year XD

Thank you to those who left reviews, I really do love reading them and it reminds me that there are peeps out there enjoying Marley's story.

Happy Holidays to everyone