Out of All people

Written By: RedFireHead41

"We're home!"

Tohru's cheerful voice caused Shigure's head to pop out from behind his office door, a happy smile on his face. "Ah, welcome home you two. How was school?"

Tohru slipped off her shoes upon the lower step before answering.

"It was great! Momiji and Hatsaharu came by to visit us during third period, so it was really exciting!"

"Is that so?" Shigure inquired. Kyou slipped off his shoes in silence, not even acknowledging anyone or anything that was said as they arrived. He dropped his bag next to the wall and headed straight for a certain someone's room. Tohru watched his retreating back stop at Yuki's door before he entered quietly. She sighed in thought, completely forgetting the older Sohma still looking out from his office.

"So, my dear Tohru, did anything else happen at school today?"

The young girl nearly squeaked from the question. She looked back towards Shigure with a startled smile. "U-um, n-no, not other then Momji and Hatsaharu's visit!"

Shigure's eyes narrowed as he smiled kindly. "I see. Well then, that's good to hear." With that, his head disappeared back into his office and the sound of paper-shuffling echoed through the halls. Tohru walked up the stairs quietly, schoolbag in hand, and stopped at the top. Her head shifted to her right as she peered down at Yuki's closed door. It was quiet from what she could tell, and no voices of her two friend's could be heard.

I hope everything's okay…she thought worriedly. Taking a strong, determined breath of reassurance, she walked forward and opened her bedroom door, stepping inside and closing it behind her. They're fine! They're talking things out with their voices and not fists! Be happy Tohru! Be happy!

When the door opened, Yuki didn't even notice.

Kyou walked in as he slid the door closed before turning to look at his lover still in bed. Instantly, he felt startled to see the panicked, fragile look fixed on Yuki's face. Kyou never moved an inch, only looked at him. The rat hadn't even twitched when he closed the door. Now, he could see him shaking slightly with his fingers tightly clasped together and his head downcast towards his lap. His light-colored bangs shielding his two most precious eyes.

What happened?

Kyou took a step forward. "Yuki?" he called softly, his eyes still taking in the sight of his lover. Yuki's head slowly lifted, revealing the rat's panicked expression dissolve somewhat into relief at the sight of Kyou standing in his doorway. A small smile tugged at the corners of Yuki's mouth as he tried to hide the fear lurking throughout his body.

"Kyou…" he said much softly and quiet, "H-how was school?" His shaking starting to increase, and he was struggling to suppress the annoying matter.

Kyou ignored the question and quickly darted over to Yuki's bedside, taking the lighter body into his arms. Yuki, surprised, flinched from his wounds, but still relaxed at the familiar touch. He buried his nose into Kyou's neck and sighed. Kyou…

The cat pulled his lover close to his chest, careful not to cause him further pain. He couldn't understand himself. He was hugging Yuki without even saying a word. Something was wrong, or something was bothering him and all Kyou wanted was for that feeling to go away. Kyou wanted to banish whatever was causing his love's torment. Most likely Akito which Kyou cursed at. All he could think of was too…hug him. Cradle him if need be. For some reason, he felt that this was what Yuki wanted. He needed to sooth his body before saying anything.

The day he went through wasn't horrible, but without Yuki around it was almost like a torment to the orangehead. School didn't seem right without the rat around. Of course, he still had Tohru there along with her annoying friends, but Yuki was more important to him than anything. He felt uneasy while he was there and constantly thought of Yuki. What was he doing, was he in pain, or sad, or hurt. Kyou was practically going to kill himself during lunch because the stress was so overwhelming. Uo said some jokes to him for that.

But now, having Yuki in his arms, Kyou was beginning to feel relieved. Somewhat that is because now he was worried if Yuki was alright. He wanted to come home to see Yuki with that new cheerful smile just for him; not the scene he saw with him looking so torn and broken.

He released his hold on Yuki's body and brought their foreheads together. Deep purple eyes met orange, both holding their love in one stare. Kyou touched his fingers to Yuki's pale cheek and tenderly kissed the boy's forehead.

"What's wrong, Yuki?"

The question was soft and concerned. The cat was very perceptive, but Yuki didn't really hide his emotions that well. He sighed and lowered his eyes back to his lap. What should he tell him? Akito will be coming over tonight, so he would find out either way. Telling him now wouldn't be so bad, but still, he was worried how Kyou would react to the information.

Yuki chuckled quietly to himself. He'll probably kidnap me and run away, that's what.

"Yuki?" came his soft call.

Said-boy laid his forehead upon Kyou's shoulder. His shaking wasn't so noticeable at the moment, and Kyou's body against his was soothing him. Tonight's fear was still dwelling in his mind though, and the shaking would remain there. Yuki cursed himself for showing so much weakness. He's been so weak for the past week.

But who could place any blame for what has happened to him.

Yuki heard Kyou's light growl of impatience as he called his name again. Sighing, Yuki rested his head below the cat's right ear and began softly.

"Shigure told me something today…"

Curious of course, Kyou asked in a hurry, "What did he say? He didn't do anything perverted to you did he? I swear I'll kick that stupid mutt's ass if he did."

Yuki shook his head against his lover's neck and chuckled, "No, Kyou, he didn't. He only came in here once and that was to give me some food and some," Yuki hesitated. Better say it now, otherwise the cat would demand it out of him eventually. "And some…news for tonight."

Kyou's eyebrow raised. "What about tonight?"

Yuki could feel his shaking rise again. No, he can't tell him! If he knew and stayed until Akito arrived who knows what will happen! Yuki shifted uncomfortably as thoughts of what tonight would be like plagued his mind. Knowing Akito so…closely and dangerously, he would hurt Kyou if it came to it. He had no mercy when it came to outsiders, and especially Kyou because he was the Sohma outcast.

He was the cat.

Oh god, what would happen?

"Yuki, what did Shigure say?" asked Kyou again as he noted Yuki's tone of silence and shifting, "Is that what's bothering you?"

Yuki pulled up quickly and looked at Kyou with half a smile.

"No, it isn't what's bothering me. He just told me that Shishou called for you while you were at school. He asked if you could come to the dojo tonight to have dinner with him."

He lied.

…it is the only way to save him.

Kyou's eyes beamed at the mention of Shishou's name. "He did? Really?! I haven't seen him for awhile, I wonder what he's up too."

Yuki continued to smile and said, "Yes, Shigure said you could go if you would like."

"Why do I need that damn dog's permission?" Kyou snarled towards the floor. Yuki chuckled quietly, his eyes lowering once more. This time, Kyou's excitement didn't notice the pained relief spreading through Yuki's eyes before he hid them. He just held up his fist and continued to babble on about more training and why Shishou would call him for dinner instead of saying he wants him to come over to practice more on his skills. Yuki smiled inwardly. He would continue protect Kyou.

He would not let Akito hurt him.

"I'll protect you…always…"

"You'll be mine forever. You're my toy…"

Yuki cringed slightly, but quickly brushed it off. He placed his hand over Kyou's, getting the cat's attention back, and smiled brightly up at him. Kyou looked at him quietly for a moment before smiling back. For some reason, that smile scared him. It was there yes, but it wasn't true. It was not the smile that Yuki held for him. Still, with Yuki looking so happy, Kyou ignored the thought and pulled his lover into a gentle, excited kiss. He held Yuki's lower body against his own while the rat leaned his forearms gently against his chest. Yuki's head craned back as the orangehead deepened their kiss. He felt so warm and loved. Kyou soon left his lips and gently placed soft kisses along the side of his neck, emitting quiet gasps from the rat's mouth. Feeling pleased, Kyou latched onto the crook of Yuki's neck and began to suckle the skin fiercely. That's when the rat noticed and cried out, "N-no! K-you don't-"

The cat stopped his work quickly and looked up into his lover's eyes with worry.

"What's wrong? Yuki, what is it? Did I hurt you?" His questions were so caring, Yuki couldn't help but feel the happiness cover his sudden worry. His orange eyes were wide with concern and slight fear. Slowly, Yuki placed his fingers over the spot that was pre-occupied by Kyou's lips and whispered with kindness, "No..you didn't. I'm sorry…"

"Wha-why would you say sorry?!" Kyou asked with confusion. "If I did something wrong then I should be the one to apologize!"

Yuki shook his head. "No, you didn't hurt me Kyou. But this…" He pulled back his fingers to reveal an almost invisible bruise forming on his neck. "You can't…do this. If Akito were to find out, he would suspect someone. And...and he would…he would..." Yuki lowered his eyes again as the horrible memories surfaced of how Akito almost found out. Any marks made upon him would surely not go unnoticed.

Realization finally dawned upon the cat and quickly he apologized. "I'm sorry Yuki, I-I lost myself. I shouldn't have gotten carried away! I didn't mean too-gah I'm such an idiot!"

Yuki saw the shame in his orange eyes and instantly felt some pity. He took Kyou's callused hand in his own and kissed the middle knuckle sweetly. Kyou looked at him somewhat oddly, but it dissolved back into an affectioned one. "It is alright," Yuki said tenderly, "You didn't know…" He looked at his lover with affection and held the firmer hand carefully in his lap. "You should start heading out for Shishou's soon. He is expecting you. I'll make Shigure call to tell him you're on your way."

Kyou began to stroke the back of the boy's hand and nodded.

"Sure, but…aren't you going to miss me?"

The question was not one Yuki was expecting, but yes, it was one he was hoping to hear. Though this whole 'going to Shishou's event' was a lie, Yuki couldn't help but feel happy to hear a question like that coming from a person like Kyou.

With a smile, he nodded. "Of course I will, but that's not really the point. Just go stupid cat, Shishou would like to see you."

Kyou snarled playfully, "Fine rat boy if that's what you want." He stood causing Yuki to release his hand. "I'll come bring you something before I head out. Do you want something?"

"Some miso, please," he answered quietly.

Kyou made a disgusted look and asked, "Can I have Tohru cook it and bring it in then? That stuff is disgusting. I mean, how can you eat leaks?! The crap tastes like shit!"

Yuki sighed and closed his eyes in annoyance. "Just go tell Tohru to make the food stupid cat."

Kyou glared at him. "Che, fine!" With that, Kyou stomped out of the room muttering something about leaks and how disgusting they really were.

He didn't even notice a certain dog standing silently by the edge of the door.

"Kureno…"

The brown-haired man kneeled silently before head of the family and bowed his head. Akito was leaning against one of the open doorframes again; a little red flower dangling from his fingertips.

"Why don't you come with me tonight to see my dear Yuki…I'm sure we could have some fun."

Kureno said nothing as the Sohma head slowly rose and walked over to him. The younger man kneeled down and took hold of the rooster's chin, forcing him to look up into his black eyes. Kureno showed no emotion except for what appeared as obedience and that was what Akito expected. Better yet, it was what he wanted.

Akito smiled with excitement.

"Now only to get my precious Yuki to be as obedient as you…my lovely Kureno. He is so fragile right now he could break at any minute. And I will want to make sure he does indeed, break..."

They say there's no such place as paradise.

Even if you'd search to the ends of the earth, there's nothing there…

No matter how far you walk, it's always the same road.

It just goes on and on…

But in spite of that,

Why am I so driven to find it?

I hear someone's voice…calling to me…

A/N: Well, I bet a lot of you really are annoyed by my late update. My apoligies, for it seems my dad doesn't want to turn our internet back on. I've been living without it ever since the end of November. IT SUX! I've only gotten online at my friend's house and that is for at most ten minutes. So, I hope you all can understand my lateness. I typed this chapter at my dad's girlfriend's house and it is currently 1:20 at night, so please be thankful. I edited it as best I could too!

I had some trouble on what to do with the Akito situation. I defiantly wanted Yuki to protect Kyou somehow, and I came up with this. Hopefully I can update sooner than this last time, but if it takes long please don't hate me.

Review! I LUV reviews!

FireHead

And late Happy Holidays to all! Hope you had a great one!