"Hey, Shishou-you wouldn't believe who I bumped into today!"
Kazuma blinked at Kyo in surprise as he hung on to someone who was around the corner. This someone tried to get away but Kyo had a good grip on whoever it was.
"Uh, okay, Kyo. I'll bite." Kazuma told his "son" with a weak smile. "Who did you bump into today?" Kyo pulled a black haired girl with stunning purple eyes into view. Kazuma was shocked and surprised at first then a smile split his face. "Wow, Kyo. I had no idea you had caught yourself a girlfriend."
The girl and Kyo blushed and pointed at each other. Then it clicked.
"SHISHOU!" They yelled at him in unison. "WE'RE NOT DATING!"
Kazuma was absolutely surprised at that reaction. He noticed the silver chain around the girl's neck as she glared at him.
"Oh, Hotaru-chan! It's been too long." Kazuma smiled as the pair calmed down. "You've really grown up into a beautiful young lady. I didn't recognize you at first."
Hotaru blushed and looked down. She bowed in respect. "Thank you, Shishou."
0-0
"So, to what do I owe this happy reunion?" The martial arts teacher asked as they sat in the tearoom just the three of them. Hotaru and Kyo looked at each other then Hotaru looked down at her lap. "Alright, I know that look. What did you do now, young lady?"
"I didn't do anything." Hotaru mumbled clenching her hands in her lap. "It's just that…"
Kyo knew this was hard for her. "She's been living with her friends recently because…"
"Oh, I see." Kazuma had a feeling that's what happened. "So, which one of your fellows lost their-?"
"That's not it!" Hotaru slammed her hands on the table, getting on her knees. She realized she had lost her temper and settled back down next to Kyo. "Forgive my outburst, Shishou."
Kazuma knew that subject was sore for Hotaru. "So, tell me what happened."
"Well, there was this one lady and a slight problem with her…after that, Setsuna had to go back…to her old job…so that left me with Haruka an' Michiru." Hotaru explained in a soft voice. "And then they got this call from Europe…an' so I was left here…I lived with Minako for a couple months until she left for a shoot in Los Angeles. Makoto took me in until she went to France and I stayed at Ami's except she had to go to Germany."
"Who were you living with after that?" Kazuma asked, sipping his tea.
"The 3 Lights until they went on tour…Mamoru and Usagi are busy with Usa and Chibi Chibi and the rest of Usagi's family so I was just in the way there…" Hotaru answered softly. "…since about last week, I've been at the Hikawa Shrine with Rei and Yuichiro…"
"It sounds like this has been going on for a year, if not more." Their Shishou commented gazing at Hotaru who hadn't looked up. "How long have they been gone, Hotaru-chan?"
"…2 and a half…" Her reply was so soft that Kyo had trouble hearing her. He looked at her in shock, surprise, anger and worry. "…but I've been okay with it…I mean, its no different than when my father first brought me here…when Haruka, Michiru and Setsuna still thought I was…going to be what I used to be…I'm supposed to be alone…that's the circumstances for my birth, right? It's not like it's any different-"
SPLASH!
"I will not have you talking like that under this roof." Kazuma said with ice cold seriousness, his teacup still poised from his movement. Hotaru and Kyo both were now soaked in his tea. She looked up at him. "Go upstairs and get a bath-both of you. You're staying here tonight. I'll send someone to prepare your old room. Go, you'll have changes of clothes when you get out."
"Why'd I get soaked too?" Kyo half demanded.
Kazuma set his teacup down on the table. "Because you were going to say what she couldn't. It's just like when you were children. Now, do as I say. I am still your Shishou."
Yes, Shishou." The pair bowed politely before standing. Kazuma waited for them to leave the tearoom before letting out a sigh.
I have a feeling that Hotaru's hiding something from Kyo and Kyo's hiding something from Hotaru. Have the years really made these two kindred spirits grow apart so much?