"Here, Lenka-Chan," Len said as he took the basket of flowers from Lenka's hands, "I'll take those for you."

Lenka mumbled a thanks as she watched the boy who claimed to be her brother leave the room. "You're still not convinced that's Rinto, are you?" Miku, who was standing on a stool as she dusted the upper shelves, asked as she observed the blonde's manner.

"There's no way that's my brother," Lenka answered. "No possible way."

"Lenka-Chan," Miku began.

"No," Lenka interrupted, "don't 'Lenka-Chan' me. I'm not crazy, Miku-Chan. I know that's not my brother."

"What makes you say that so confidently?" Miku couldn't help but ask.

Furrowing her eyebrows in frustration at the girl's question, Lenka answered, "Because his eyes are different."

It was enough to nearly make Miku fall off her stool. "W-what?" stumbled out of her mouth.

"You heard me," Lenka glared at Miku. "His eyes are different. Rinto's eyes were gray; this boy's are cerulean. Please tell me you're not just now noticing."

Truth was, Miku was just now noticing how Len's eyes were more cerulean than gray these days. As a matter of fact, ever since she found him out Len's eyes didn't appear gray as much as they used to. It was as if Len was losing the ability to hide his true eye color.

"Maybe it's this summer lighting?" Miku lamely suggested as she stepped off the stool.

"You know that's not Rinto," Lenka said with confidence. "You know that's not my brother - your fiancé - and yet you're letting him live with you and marry you? What kind of a person are you?"

"Lenka-Chan, please," Miku tried to plead with the girl, "I loved Rinto. Truly I did, and what had befallen on him was something I never would have wanted to happen."

"So you admit that's not Rinto." It was a fact, not a question.

Nodding, Miku replied, "He's someone very dear to me. A childhood friend, so to speak. I can't say I have forgotten Rinto, but I also can't say I hate this man. I love him, Lenka-Chan. I know that sounds awful given that Rinto hadn't died only a year ago, but I can't find it in my heart to hate the one who did what he could to make me happy again."

Lenka stared dumbstruck at Miku. "How do I not know you're making a mistake?" she asks.

"What would you have done if you were in my shoes?" Miku asked. "Or . . . ," Miku trailed off, unsure if she wanted to test those waters. Deciding she had nothing to lose, Miku asked, "What if you could be with Rei?"

Lenka nearly stumbled backwards with Miku's sudden question. "This has nothing to do with Rei," she said, her face turning ash white.

"Yet the situation is similar," Miku replied. "You and Rei were in love, but you two could never be together."

"Are you saying . . . ?" Lenka couldn't bring herself to finish her question. Miku only nodded as an answer. Lenka collapsed onto the floor as she brought a hand to her chest. "Do you . . . Do you think he knows Rei? Do you think there's a way to find Rei again?"

"I don't know," Miku answered, "but please understand that this situation is as surprising to me as it was to you when you learned of Rei's true nature."

Stifling a sob, Lenka said, "Of all the people I told, only you and Rinto didn't think I was crazy. You two didn't say I was insane because I claimed to have fallen in love with a Bakeneko."

"Well look who's the insane one now," Miku said in an attempt at humor. "The only difference is Rei was discovered and forced to flee."

"Leaving me the promise of finding me again one day," Lenka whispered.

"Lenka-Chan," Len called as he walked into the room, "do you want a drink?" Seeing the blonde curled up on the floor he asked, "Lenka-Chan, are you okay?"

Mustering a smile, Lenka answered, "I'm fine, Rinto. I'm fine."

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"You heard our entire conversation?" Miku asked in surprise after Lenka had left.

"I'm a Bakeneko, Miku," Len answered. "I can hear conversations across the street."

"I don't know how I feel about that," Miku shook her head.

"So what's the story of this Rei guy?" Len curiously asked as he helped Miku with the dishes.

"Long story short," Miku began, "Lenka-Chan meet this boy and feel in love with him. He revealed his true nature to her because he believed it didn't matter. However, Lenka-Chan's fiancé - who was betrothed to her as Rinto was to me - discovered them and told the whole village about Lenka-Chan's affair. Their entire family left because of the judgment they were receiving. They thought she had gone mad. I moved here shortly after because regardless I still wanted to marry Rinto."

"Do you still wish you could marry him now?" Len asked as he tried and failed to hide the hurt in his voice.

"That's what I don't understand," Miku answered. "As much as I loved him once, I have to let him go. Rinto would want me to be happy, and I'm sure he would hate me if I turned down the one person who never ceases to make me smile." Looking at Len she said, "I love you. You know that, right?"

"I love you too, Miku," Len replied. "With all my heart and soul."

Before Miku could reply, Len clutched the fabric over his heart and fell over, his face showing a pained expression. "Len!" Miku cried as she rushed to his side. "Are you okay? What's wrong?"

"I'm fine, Miku-Chan," he insisted. "I'm fine." Len tried to stand up as a confirmation but doubled over before he could get upright.

"You need to lie down," Miku said as she wrapped Len's arm around her shoulder. "I'm going to call a doctor."

"No!" Len exclaimed. "No doctor. Please, no doctor."

If not for the urgency in Len's voice Miku would have completely ignored him. Instead of calling for a doctor, Miku sat by Len's side and repeatedly placed a cool clothe on his forehead in order to control his rising temperature. Len only continued to grunt in pain and would spasm out now and then. What's wrong with you? Miku worried.

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It was an urgent knock on the door that forced Miku away from Len's side. Opening the door, Miku let out a mild gasp at who she found on the other side. "Lenka-Chan?" she asked. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm not Lenka, you idiot. Does my hair look as long as hers?" the girl answered as she pushed Miku out of the way and forced herself inside. "Where's Len?"

"What-?" Miku asked in total shock. "How do you-?"

"Oh, you're useless!" the girl spat as she began searching the house. "Len!" she called. "Len?!" Stopping at the bedroom, the girl gasped Len's name before rushing to his side. "Len?" she called. "Len, can you hear me?" Len only looked into her eyes. Seeing who it was, Len let out a small smile before squeezing her hand.

"I'm sorry but," Miku began, "who are you?"

"I'm Rin," Rin answered. "I'm Len's sister."

"Len's . . . sister?" Miku quietly said. Len never once mentioned having any family.

"Oh for the love of-" Rin cut herself off. "How stupid are you?"

Fighting back the urge to snap at the girl, Miku carefully said, "How did you know something was wrong with Len? Your appearance was impeccable."

Pressing her lips tightly together, Rin decided telling the truth was the best decision she could make in the situation in front of them. "Len's turning back into a Bakeneko, and he may lose his ability to take on human form again."

The words stuck Miku like a blow to the heart. "He's . . . turning back?"

"I know it's weird finding out he's not who he says he is," Rin began, "but I promise you Len really does love you and he did all of this for you."

"I know," Miku replied.

"You know?" Rin questioned.

"Len told me," Miku nodded.

"He did, didn't he?" Rin looked back at her brother who had passed out moments before. "And you didn't freak out or anything?"

"I was surprised," Miku admitted, "but deep down I knew the entire time he was not who he claimed to be. I fell in love with him, and I forgive him for all he has done."

"You are not who I thought you were," Rin said quietly as she brushed some of her brother's hair out of his face. "I think I now know why Len thought so highly of you."

Miku, who didn't hear what Rin had said, asked, "What do you mean Len's turning back? Can he not keep his form anymore?"

Rin shook her head, not wanting to give the news. "He has spent so much time staying in human form. It's too stressful for our bodies to strain a form that is not our own for this long. He . . . Len might lose the ability to regain this form."

Sitting next to the Bakenekos, Miku took Len's hand and said, "He can't stop being human. He can't. He promised to never leave me. He can't break that promise."

"Believe me," Rin said, "he wouldn't let any of this happen if he any sort of control. I'm quit surprised he didn't even once take his true form. Does he like being human?"

"Maybe," Miku whispered. "My guess is that you don't."

"Your guess is right," Rin smiled despite herself. "I like my true form better, but I can't communicate with you or any human unless I'm in this form."

"Do you want to talk to me?" Miku asked, her eyes widening.

"I need someone to talk to," Rin answered. "It helps ease the nerves."

Miku had to agree. "Would you like for me to get a bed made for you?" she asked.

"Naw," Rin stood up and stretched. "I think I will curl up by that fire and sleep there."

"As a cat?" Miku asked for clarification.

Rin laughed. "Yeah, as a cat. With what's going on with Len right now I don't want to spend too much time as a human. I hope you don't mind."

"I don't mind at all," Miku replied. Grinning, Miku said, "Would you like a feathered pillow and a saucer of milk, too?"

"Can I?" Rin asked, completely oblivious that Miku was kidding.

Deciding against crushing the hope she could see in Rin's eyes, Miku nodded before leaving the room in order to retrieve the items. Perhaps I should scratch the back of her ears and brush out her fur Miku humorously thought.

After Miku had left, Rin took Len's hand in both of hers and said, "I have no idea why I didn't consider being a pet before. I hope you don't mind your sister's staying with you two for a few weeks. Maybe months." Poking Len's cheek, Rin said, "Please be okay, Len. You can't lose your ability to take on human form. I now see why you love her so much, and I know hurting her is the last thing you would want to happen. Please be okay, Len. Please."

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Rin woke with the sun. Stretching on the fluffy pillow and soft blanket Miku had gotten for her, Rin looked over to find Miku lying next to the still unconscious Len, her hand in his. The sight was enough for Rin to feel for the two. Miku would be losing someone she loved for a second time, and Len would believe he had broken his promise. Rin shook her cat head. If only there was something I could do to help.

A sound from the outside brought Rin's attention to the window. Sitting on the window sill was a gray tabby with piercing gold eyes. Nero. Rin ran towards an open window and jumped towards the outside.

"What are you doing here?" Rin growled.

"I thought I would check up on you," Nero said matter-of-factly. "Do you know what I went through trying to find you? You could at least be a bit more polite, House Cat."

"I'm not a house cat!" Rin snarled. "And I don't need you checking up on me, either."

"So everything went well?" the tabby cat asked with a flick of his tail.

"Well, uh," Rin answered, "no." Looking down sheepishly, Rin said, "I was too late. My brother is being forced back into his Bakeneko form."

"Oh. I'm sorry," Nero replied, unsure of what to say.

"It's okay," Rin began walking back towards the house. "It's not as if he's never going to turn into a human again, right?"

"There's no guarantee either way," Nero scratched his ear. "Just a matter of luck, I suppose."

Rin let out a huge sigh. "Well unless we get lucky then might as well consider everything a lost cause."

"So you're just going to give up?" Nero asked.

"What else am I supposed to do?" Rin countered.

"I'm sorry," Nero apologized as he looked away.

"It's okay," Rin sighed. "What's done is done. All that's left to do is hope for the best." With that the black cat made her way back to the house.

"If you ever need anyone," Nero called, "you know where to find me."

Against her own will, Rin smiled. "I might just do that."

"See ya, House Cat," Nero said before scurrying off.

"Tch!" Rin smirked as she watched his retreating figure. "What an idiot."

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"Thanks for the new kimono," Rin, now in human form, said as she tied the ribbon of the kimono Miku gave her to wear.

"Don't mention it," Miku replied. "The one you were wearing was getting a little worn so I couldn't see why not give you a new one."

Rin said nothing as she sat next to Miku, who was still by Len's side. "I wish he would wake up soon," Miku whispered. "I'm getting worried."

"I'm going to slap him awake if he doesn't come to soon," Rin said as she folded her arms. Standing, Rin said, "I'm going for a walk."

"Okay," Miku replied. Turning her attention to the boy in front of her, Miku whispered, "Please wake up, Len. Please. I need you."

As if hearing her words, Len's eyes fluttered open. Len looked into Miku's eyes and smiled lovingly at her. "Miku-Chan," he said quietly.

"Len!" Miku exclaimed as she threw herself on top of him. "I was so worried," she silently sobbed into his chest.

"I'm sorry I worried you," Len said as he tried to sit up and rub Miku's back. "I'm better now."

"Don't lie to me," Miku said. Meeting Len in the eyes she said, "Rin, your sister, told me that you're turning back into a Bakeneko. It's a forced change, and you might never take on human form again."

Len looked disbelieving as he gaped at Miku. "No way," he said so quietly that Miku almost didn't catch it. "I can't . . . I can't change back. I would have to leave you if I do."

"No you wouldn't," Miku insisted. "You can stay with me. There's still a chance you can resume human form again one day, so please don't leave me. Stay by my side like you promised."

"You love a cat, Miku," Len said. "You wouldn't want me while I'm covered in fur and walk on four legs. I would become nothing more than a pet to you. I . . . I don't want that."

"Cat, human - it doesn't matter," Miku stated. "I love you for who you are on the inside. Your outer form means nothing to me. I will always love you regardless of what form you took."

"Miku-Chan," Len said in a hushed voice as he reached out and wiped the tears from Miku's face. "I love you with all my heart, Miku-Chan. That's a promise that will never be broken. I love you."

"I love you too," Miku responded.

Before Len could reply, he suddenly grunted as he was thrown to the ground. He rolled around as if his heart was being torn from his chest. "LEN!" Miku screamed. Shaking him, Miku begged, "Speak to me, Len. Say something, anything."

Meeting Miku's face, Len tried to speak. However, all the boy could get out was "Nya!"

Miku gasped and brought her hands to her mouth. "Len!" she said in her breath.

Len tried to speak, but all that could comes out of his mouth were cat sounds. Seemingly embarrassed, Len turned away from Miku and hid his face.

"Hey," Miku placed a hand on his shoulder, "don't be that way. I don't care if you can't talk. Okay? Take a deep breath, Len. Everything is going to be okay." Biting his lip to the point of drawing blood, Len tore himself away from Miku and began running towards the door. "Len!" Miku called after him.

Len threw open the door, but instead of making a break for it like he thought he was going to do he was instead met by Rin standing on the front porch.

"No fair," Rin pouted. "Why can every Bakeneko have cat ears in human form but me?"

With Rin's question Len brought his hands to the top of his head and was surprised to find furry cat ears resting on the top of his head. Len back away with horror before he tried to run out the back door.

"Len!" Miku caught him by the arm. Wrapping her arms around him, Miku pressed Len against her body and sobbed, "Don't leave me, Len. Please don't. I want you here with me, regardless of your form."

Wrapping his arms around Miku, Len buried his face into her shoulder and cried. Rin bite her lip as she decided then was a bad time to mention Len had a tail now.

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Len spent the day with Miku and fell asleep in her arms. When he awoke he was ashamed to find that he was a cat again. "Len." Following the voice who had called him, Len looked into Miku's eyes. Her arms were still stretched out in the position they were in when they fell asleep, while Len was still in his human form. Not giving Miku any chance to say anything, Len bolted from her arms and ran out the open window.

"Len!" Miku called after him as she ran towards the door. Not knowing what else to say, Miku called out, "Thank you." That made Len stop. "Thank you for everything," Miku continued. "I will always love you. Please . . . visit me again sometime." Len appeared to have nodded as a reply before running away again. Miku leaned against the door farm and let out a huge sigh.

"He'll be back."

Miku nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard the voice. "Rin, you scared me."

"Sorry," Rin apologized. "But believe me, Len will be back."

"You say that so confidently why?" Miku asked more out of honest curiosity than out of doubts for Rin.

"He loves you," Rin answered. "I can see in his face how much Len loves you. He will be back, it will be sooner than you think."

"Why would it be sooner than I think?" Miku asked, actually needing Rin to explain herself.

Grinning, Rin answered, "Did you see his tail at all when he first got it back? There was a split at the top of his tail. Len's tail is beginning to split."

"That's a good thing?"

Rin inwardly rolled her eyes at Miku's lack of knowledge. "Nekomatas can take on human form and keep that form for as long as they live. When Len's tail splits he will again be able to take on human form, and when he does he will be coming back for you."

"I see," Miku quietly replied. Looking at the blonde, Miku asked, "So what are you going to do now?"

Rin let a massive smirk make her demeanor. "I think I'm going to hang with my new best friend for a while. Drink milk from a saucer, sleep on a feathered pillow - I think the life of a house cat isn't as bad as I originally thought."

Smiling, Miku said, "You're more than welcome to stay, and your little friend is allowed to stop by any time he wants."

"What?!" Rin exclaimed, a blush decorating her face.

"I saw you two earlier," Miku winked.

Pressing her lips together, Rin stormed inside and said, "I expect a saucer of milk before bed. Do not disturb me for the rest of the night."

Miku shook her head at the girl's dramatics. Looking up at the full moon, Miku said, "Come back to me, Len. I know we will be together again, and this time it will be forever. I love you, and I know we will see each other soon."

Watching from a distance, Len answered unheard, "I will, Miku-Chan, I will. I have always loved you, and I will never stop loving you." Len lied down and watched Miku from inside her house. "Wait for me, and I promise I will never leave you alone again."

Author's Note: Even over 3,700 words I feel as if this chapter was a let down because of how short - and slightly rushed - it seems. This totally didn't end with the bang I was so hoping for. . . .

Okay, so I found a way to keep the ending happy while still being true to the song: Len's becoming a Nekomata! Yeah, the story's pretty open ended, but that leaves you, the reader, the power to imagine how they were reunited and how their relationship went on from there. Please don't be upset with me for not writing the ending you most probably were hoping for, but there is a guarantee the two shall get together again one day. I hope that itself is a happy enough ending.

-Ray