Sorry for the excruciatingly long wait. I have my hands full with this fanfic and another FB fanfic that I plan on uploading soon. And frankly, I had writer's block for a few days. I could've finished this chapter weeks ago, but it wouldn't be the finished product that it is today. This chapter is twice as long as the second chapter. I'm really proud of this chapter, so I hope you all enjoy.

Chapter Three: Unspoken Feelings

For many years of his life, Kyo had thought he knew what anger had felt like. He thought he felt anger towards the world; he hated that everyone expected that damn rat to beat him at everything. He had thought he felt anger towards Akito; Akito plagued his mind more than anyone or anything should. And, Kyo had thought he had felt anger towards everyone in the Zodiac; damn them for making him an outcast. But nothing… nothing compared to what he felt at this very moment.

He had finally tasted the bitter taste of anger.

He felt his entire body grow hot, and he clenched his fists. Damn it… this couldn't be happening! This had to be a nightmare… that damn rat, and Tohru, looked so damn happy…

He couldn't take this… he had to get away…

Not wasting another moment, he ran from the table and ran into his room, making sure to slam the door behind him.

Tohru flinched when she heard the door slam, worry instantly filling every inch of her body. Why had Kyo reacted the way he did? All Yuki had done was ask Tohru to a dance… and besides, didn't Kyo himself say he didn't want to go?

Tohru looked over at Yuki and saw a slight gleam of triumph on the boy's face. This confused Tohru even more. She wasn't sure whether or not Yuki looked happy because Tohru had accepted his offer, or because Kyo had been so upset over the entire situation. She could feel anxiety start to well up inside of her, and she looked towards the direction of Kyo's room.

"Maybe I should go talk to him…" She mumbled, unaware of how upset she sounded.

"Don't bother, Miss Honda. That stupid cat's not worth you worrying over him."

Tohru continued to look towards the direction of Kyo's room, and then after a moment, quickly finished the last of her soup and collected all of the plates, leaving only Shigure and Yuki behind at the table.

Shigure sighed. "Well Yuki, I hope you're proud of yourself. I have a feeling that it won't be very pleasant in this house from now until the dance. I just hope you know what you've gotten yourself into."

Yuki nodded, and replied, "I knew exactly what I was doing." And with that, the silver-haired Prince got up, leaving a very delighted and excited dog behind.

Kyo lay on his bed, closing his eyes as tightly as he could. He liked the darkness… he could escape from everything for a little while. But as soon as he closed his eyes, visions of her kept dancing around in his head. Her radiant smile, her big, beautiful eyes, her angelic voice, the way she blushed whenever he was around…

Damn it! Suddenly, his face felt really hot and really cold at the same time… he pressed his hand against his cheek and gasped as the realization hit him. He was… crying?! Since when did he cry? He quickly got up and dashed toward his mirror. Sure enough, tears were falling down his cheeks, and his face was red with remorse. He wiped the tears away from his eyes, trying to keep whatever was left of his pride. He was still in shock… he couldn't believe he was really crying. He couldn't even count how many times he had cried in his entire life on his hand… and he was crying now; for a girl? He felt worthless…

But then again, it wasn't just a girl. It was Tohru. The girl who had saved him countless times, had chosen the rat over him.

Kyo had always seen the way Tohru looked at Yuki… he'd always seen them flirt and talk. But he never really thought Tohru liked the rat… not really. He always tried to block them out, always tried to convince himself that all they were was friends. But the instant Kyo saw Tohru accept Yuki's offer… it was so different actually seeing the two of them in a romantic light…the realization of their love for one another killed him inside. It felt like a thousand little needles had punctured his torn and battered heart. "It hurt like hell…" he thought bitterly.

A knock on the door startled Kyo and he involuntarily jumped.

"Go away." He said out of habit.

"Um… Kyo? I-It's Tohru. Can you please open up?"

Kyo panicked… damn… he was crying, and Tohru was the last person he wanted to see when he was like this. Not knowing how to react, he said the only thing he could think of.

"Uh… in a second…"

He ran over to his mirror, wiped away the last of his tears, and quickly opened the door.

There Tohru stood, the beautiful, innocent angel that he had grown to love. The beautiful, innocent angel that he so desperately wanted… and the beautiful, innocent angel who didn't want him back…

"Um… Hi, Kyo!" Tohru said awkwardly, not knowing how to start their conversation. The truth was, Tohru had never been inside Kyo's room that often, unless it was to clean it when he wasn't there. But adding the element of Kyo's presence made everything that much more uncomfortable.

Kyo blushed, not wanting to make eye contact with her. Damn it! Why was she here? It was clear to him that she wanted to be with that damn rat… why did she feel the need to pester him now? The damage had already been done.

"…Hey…" He said, continuing to avoid her gaze.

"Can I… come in?" Tohru said hesitantly, not sure how the orange-haired cat would react. Much to Tohru's surprise, Kyo nodded and motioned her to proceed into his room. Normally, Tohru would have felt like she was in a lot of danger being in a room with a teenage boy, but with Kyo she felt… safe.

Kyo closed the door behind her, and Tohru wondered where the two would sit or stand during their conversation. Her question was quickly answered when Kyo chose to lean against his door. She sat at the edge of his bed.

"Whattaya want?" He asked, still not making any eye contact with her whatsoever. Out of habit, he crossed his arms.

Tohru had never noticed before how bothered she felt that Kyo wasn't being friendly to her. Not that the cursed cat was ever really friendly to her; but he had been much more open than he had been right now. And he hasn't been this mean to her in a long time… so now; it bothered her a lot more because they had gotten closer. And the fact that he could still be mean to her from time to time… it made her feel sad. At least… that's what she was trying to tell herself…

"Is something bothering you, Kyo?" She said quietly, as if waiting for a bomb to explode.

"No." He scoffed. "Why would she care if something was bothering me?" He thought bitterly.

Tohru frowned. "Well… It's just, a-as soon as Yuki asked me to the dance, you ran off, so I thought - "

"So? I just didn't want to see that damn rat anymore… he makes me sick!" Kyo didn't realize how loud he was until he saw Tohru flinch. He sighed. Why was he putting on a façade? He knew he could be open with Tohru… or could he?

"Look… I just… don't think you should go to the dance with that damn rat."

Tohru looked at him, shock radiating from her wide eyes.

"Why not?"

"Because!" Kyo yelled, but then immediately quieted down. Damn… why was he being so loud? The next thing he said was barely a whisper. "I think you deserve to go with someone better…"

Tohru couldn't help but smile at Kyo's comment, not because she was conceited, but because she was honestly flattered. Kyo had given her a compliment?

She waved her arms. "N-no! Yuki's a great person! How could I possibly deserve to go with someone better? I-I mean, he's kind, and smart, and funny, and good-looking, and - "

"Alright, alright! Enough about that damn rat." Kyo's temper was rising exponentially. The thing that made it worse was that he didn't know why he kept getting angrier. Was he really that jealous of that damn rat… or did it bother him that Tohru was saying all of those things?

"Y'know what? Forget it! If you want to go to the dance with that damn rat, fine. I'm not gonna stop you. Just… leave me alone."

Tohru practically felt tears ready to burst from her eyes. She didn't understand… what was wrong with Kyo? Why was he so angry? It was obviously something she had done… She couldn't take it anymore. The tears fell in angry rivers down her face.

"Wha-?" Kyo said, confused out of his mind. Why was she so upset? Didn't she want to go with Yuki? Without another word, Tohru ran out of Kyo's room, covering her eyes.

"Wait!" Kyo called after her, but it was too late. Tohru had already run to her room and shut the door behind her.

Yuki, who had witnessed and heard the entire scene, was in absolute shock. This wasn't going how he thought it was going to go at all… it was a disaster. Maybe the dog was right… maybe Yuki didn't know what he was getting himself into. He cursed himself… not only did he not want Tohru to get the wrong idea and think that he liked her, he didn't want her to feel so much pain. He sighed, having no idea what to do now…

That is, until Kyo walked out of his room.

He looked at Yuki, with more jealousy and rage in his eyes than Yuki had ever seen Kyo give him.

"Why are you just standing there, you damn rat?"

Yuki hesitated. Damn… he never thought of a good excuse to why he was standing there because he never thought he'd get caught.

"Uh… I was just walking to my room. What'd you do to Miss Honda?" He yelled, his tone completely changing from calm and quiet to angry and demanding. Yuki was proud of himself. He was doing a great job of acting like he didn't know what was going on.

Kyo shrugged. "I don't know! One minute she was fine, going on and on about how great you were," Kyo said bitterly, "and then the next she started crying. I have no idea why…"

Yuki narrowed his eyes. "Did you say anything to offend her?"

Kyo shook his head. "No…" But he didn't sound too convinced.

It was then Yuki got an idea. "Why don't you go apologize?"

Kyo growled. "Damn it, shut up! You don't tell me what to do…" He walked past Yuki, towards the direction of Tohru's room. Yuki smiled, hoping that this situation would get better. He walked to his room, and was about to open his door when –

"Ohhh, brother!"

Yuki froze. It couldn't be who he thought it was… could it?

Sure enough, Ayame ran to his brother's side much to Yuki's astonishment.

"What are you doing here?" Yuki growled. His mood darkened immensely, and his features were now in a frown.

"Well, I heard that my dear brother asked the beautiful, innocent princess Tohru to the dance, and I naturally had to stop by and congratulate him."

Yuki was about to explode. "Damn that Shigure…"

"So, congratulations little brother!" Ayame's eyes sparkled, with a genuine pride. "I hope you treat Tohru with the utmost respect. Living in a house with Shigure so long, I suspect that he has tainted you… which wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing, no not all, but still, Tohru deserves to be treated like a princess."

Yuki was surprised at the seriousness in his older brother's tone, and then frowned.

"And this is coming from the guy who treats Miss Honda like a slave."

Ayame rested his face on his fist, appearing as if to be in great thought. After a moment, he replied.

"I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about, Yuki. Now then, enough chitchat. Don't you want to spend some time with me?"

Yuki turned away. "I'd rather die…" He muttered, and turned away, hoping Ayame wouldn't follow him.

Any sane person would've gotten the hint that Yuki wanted to be left alone, but Ayame wasn't anywhere near normal.

"So little brother, what are you going to wear to the festivities?"

Yuki stopped. He hadn't even thought about all of the minor details of the dance, let alone his attire.

"I don't really know, exactly. I assume that I should just rent a tuxedo from a tuxedo shop in town."

Ayame gasped as if he had just received the biggest shock in his life.

"Honestly Yuki, those shops are dreadful. Their not fit for a Prince like you…" Suddenly, Yuki could've sworn a light bulb appeared on top of his brother's head. "I know!" Ayame exclaimed. "Why don't you come with me to my shop and I'll pick one out for you!"

Ayame had never been more excited, but Yuki had never been more mortified.

"… No thanks… I'd rather rent a tuxedo then wear anything from that shop…"

"Don't be silly," Ayame countered, "It only makes sense that I, Ayame, help my brother out in his desperate hour of need. For I am the only one who knows what color can make your eyes sparkle, and make your aura shine with manliness. Let's go, little brother!" And with that, Ayame grabbed Yuki's hand and led him outside.

Tohru sobbed into her pillow, tears running freely from her cheeks. Kyo's angry words kept repeating in her head, like a broken record that was destined to torment her until this dance was over. She didn't understand… why was Kyo so upset? Its not like Kyo had been planning to ask her to the dance and Yuki had beat him to it… Kyo even said he wasn't going…

And then, the horrible thought struck her.

What if Kyo hadn't planned on going… because he thought she wouldn't go with him?

No… She shook her head. There was no way Kyo wanted to go to the dance with her… it's not like Kyo liked her… and Yuki didn't either, he just thought of her as a friend… right? She frowned. She had never been more confused in her life.

She sat on her bed, feeling her sadness wash away as her thoughts turned to Yuki. She always thought he was attractive… and he was easily the nicest guy she had ever met. She couldn't deny the goose bumps that Yuki gave her every time he smiled…

But… Kyo just made her feel different. He had these amazing, piercing eyes that seemed like they saw right through her. Every time they were together she would just feel right. She had no idea what she felt for Kyo, but whatever it was, it was amazing and horrible all at the same time. What she felt for Kyo was so much different than what she felt for Yuki… what she felt for Kyo felt better, whatever it was.

Almost as if on cue, there was a knock on her door. She gasped as the realization sunk in that it was Kyo.

"Uh… Tohru… can I talk to you?"

Tohru felt her cheeks growing red, and quickly ran to the mirror to wipe away any excess moisture on her face. She quickly opened the door.

She looked up at Kyo, and suddenly all the feelings that she felt moments before came flooding back. She turned away from him. There was no way she could face him now…

Kyo hated this. Damn it! Why was he standing outside of her room? Why had he bothered to do this… why did he care that she was crying? Why was he… so in love with her that he couldn't stand it?

Kyo rubbed his head in annoyance.

"Tohru… I'm sorry."

Tohru looked up, shocked at what the boy had said.

"I'm just… I'm just mad that the damn rat is taking you to the dance. I shouldn't have yelled at you like that. Will… will you forgive me?"

Tohru felt herself blushing. She had never seen Kyo look so gentle and genuinely sorry in her life. She smiled.

"Yes! I forgive you."

Kyo sighed, relieved. He stared into her eyes, noticing just how beautiful they were. Damn she was gorgeous… everything about her was. Moments passed, and then he realized that they had been standing there for a minute staring at each other. Kyo blushed.

"Uh… I'm going now."

Tohru felt like she had suddenly awoke. Kyo's eyes had always mesmerized her, but it was never like that before. As she looked at him walking away, she had an irresistible urge to follow him.

"Kyo… wait!" She called after him, and then realized how irrational she was being.

He turned around, having no idea what she was going to say.

She looked at him, awkwardly. "Um… where are you going?"

Kyo hesitated. "The roof I guess."

"Can I go with you?"

Kyo smiled. "Sure."

Tohru felt relieved and happy all at the same time, and Kyo held her hand all of the way there.

"Sorry for the short notice, Hari. But as soon as I found out that my brother didn't have any attire for the school dance, I knew I had to come to his rescue and help him out."

Hatori sighed, and rubbed his temples in annoyance. He was used to driving his friends around everywhere, being the only one out of three that had a license.

"I'll drive you anywhere just as long as you don't call me for a whole month."

Ayame pouted. "But Hari! Who else am I going to call? Who else would I tell my entire day to and actually listen?"

"Call Shigure. I'm sure he's not busy, except the occasion of lying around and doing nothing."

Yuki was in the back seat, completely surprised at how the two were interacting. He had never really seen his brother interact with anyone else, and he was surprised to see the playful banter the two friends were exchanging. It made Yuki suddenly think of Kakeru. He wondered if Kakeru was going to take his girlfriend to the dance. Yuki had never met her, and was interested to see the type of girl who could put up with someone as eccentric as Kakeru. His thoughts suddenly shifted to Machi. Who was she going to the dance with? Was she even going? He doubted it. She didn't seem the type to go to school functions that had an enormous number of people in it. He grinned. She reminded him so much of himself. His thoughts ended abruptly when the car stopped. They had finally reached Ayame's shop.

Yuki got out of the car as fast as he could. He wanted this experience to end as soon as possible, and found himself practically running to the entrance. He stopped when he realized that the two men behind him weren't moving. Hatori was standing next to his car, and it appeared that Ayame was talking to him.

Hatori leaned against his car, taking out a cigarette and lighting it before Ayame said anything. Ayame gave him a confused look.

"Hari, what are you doing?"

Hatori looked at his friend as if he was the dumbest person on earth.

"Smoking. What does it look like I'm doing."

Ayame laughed. "I know that Hari… but why are you just standing out here? Aren't you going into my - "

"Surely you can't expect me to step one foot into that place."

Ayame grinned. "But Hari, you haven't been in my shop in ages! Maybe you'll find something that you like this time! Mine and I have just designed a whole new line of costumes for doctors and nurses, and I'm sure you'll find them to your liking."

Hatori growled to himself, and hastily threw his cigarette on the floor, stepping on it a little too hard to make sure the embers died out. He threw Yuki a look, and Yuki immediately knew that Hatori didn't want to go in any more than Yuki did. At least it gave Yuki a little more courage knowing that he wasn't alone in his hastiness… after all, the last time he came here, Tohru had been thrilled to be there, whereas, after two minutes of being in there, Yuki never wanted to go there again. Nonetheless, here he was, afraid to see what his brother would think 'fitting' for Yuki to wear to the dance…

"Oh, Mine!" Ayame called, "We have guests!"

"Really, boss? Who is it?" As if on cue, and completely out of nowhere, Mine stepped out in what appeared to be a nurse outfit. Her face lit up, and a huge grin spread on her lips.

"Oh, wow! Hi, Hatori! It's been a long time since you've visited the shop!"

"Yes, and I would like to keep it that way." Hatori murmured, and Yuki was pretty sure that he was the only one who heard him.

"And, Hi Yuki! I didn't expect I would see you so soon!" Mine smiled at him, and waved.

"Well of coarse he would come to see me. After all, I knew he loved this shop and my creations after he came to visit last time, what with his reaction after seeing Tohru in that dress, and I knew it wouldn't be long before he came to visit again." Ayame said boastfully.

Yuki slapped his forehead with his hand, wanting nothing more than to choke his older brother. Damn it, he didn't even want to be here… and by the looks of Hatori's face, it didn't seem like Hatori wanted to be in here either. Yuki cringed at the thought of what horrors Hatori had had to face in this shop…

"Now then, shall we get started?" Ayame said dramatically.

"Yes!" Mine said, rubbing her hands together in an excited fashion.

"Must you two always answer the other one after one of you has said something?" Hatori asked, clearly annoyed. Yuki was surprised at how well Hatori knew Mine and Ayame's habits. Maybe Hatori had been in the shop more than once. It amazed Yuki that he didn't know, and it amazed him even more that he wanted to know.

Ayame smiled, in an unusually serious way. "Well, it's obvious to everyone that Mine is practically my second. We always say things in unison, and even finish each other's sentences at times." He hesitated, and his eyes glazed over. "And frankly, I couldn't imagine running this shop without her." He beamed at Mine, who was blushing furiously.

Yuki couldn't believe what he was seeing. His brother… was actually being serious for once? Yuki looked over at Hatori, and even more shocking than his brother's behavior, was the fact that a small smile tugged at Hatori's lips. Apparently, Yuki guessed, Hatori was smiling because of Ayame's behavior towards Mine. It was like someone had just told a joke, and only Hatori had fully understood it, leaving Yuki in the dark. Thankfully, Ayame ushered Yuki into the dressing rooms, leaving the awkward moment behind.

"Wait here little brother! I know you'll miss me terribly, but I will just be looking for the perfect outfit for you."

Yuki once again slapped his forehead. "Just… go away." He muttered, absolutely hating the position he found himself in. How exactly was he here? It felt like moments ago he was at Shigure's house, trying to piece Kyo and Tohru's broken relationship back together. He wondered how it was going. Knowing how they felt towards each other, Yuki guessed that they had probably made up by now. Yuki smiled. "As long as Miss Honda is happy…" He thought to himself once again.

"Okay, Yuki! I've picked out the most beautiful of my creations, just for you! I want you to try all of them on, and I'll decide which one suits you the best."

Yuki sighed. "Honestly brother… I would like it better if you just gave me one to try on. If we do things your way, we'll be here all night."

Ayame hesitated, and then nodded in agreement. "Perhaps you're right." Yuki sighed in relief. "Alright then…" Ayame scrutinized all of his 'costumes', and selected one from the outfits in his hand. "I guess this one will do." Yuki stared at it, not knowing for sure if there was something unusual about it or not.

"Well, don't just stand there, little brother. Try it on!" Ayame shoved Yuki in the dressing room, and Yuki reluctantly took his clothes off. He knew he had no choice and had to try on Ayame's… costume, so he did just that. With a deep breath and without even looking at himself, he stepped out.

Immediately Ayame and Mine gasped, and Mine then started clapping. Ayame smiled.

"See? I told you I'd know what's best for you." He rushed Yuki to the nearest mirror. "See for yourself."

Yuki inhaled and exhaled, and then bravely looked into the mirror. Surprisingly, it wasn't bad. The tuxedo itself was black, but the vest and tie was a color Yuki didn't recognize, but it went perfect with his hair and eye color. Yuki felt a twinge of guilt… this whole time he had expected to be embarrassed by what his older brother might pick for him, but in all reality, Yuki couldn't have found a better tuxedo for himself.

Mine once again clapped, and Ayame smiled proudly.

"So, what do you think brother? Are you now going to shower me with praise? Are you going to rave about how talented your brother is and - "

"Thanks."

Ayame abruptly stopped talking, shock penetrating his eyes.

"What… did you say?"

What Yuki said next was barely audible, and he had a very solemn and serious tone.

"Thank you… brother."

Ayame quickly ran to Hatori's side, happiness plastered onto his face.

"Hari, did you hear that? Yuki said thank you! And he called me his brother!"

Hatori nodded. "Yes, I know. I was right next to you."

"But still, Hari. You clearly didn't see his face. I never saw him look at me with such admiration and genuine like… I believe I'm his role model now!"

Yuki sighed. "The only thing you'll ever be to me is a freak." He muttered.

Ayame grinned, confidence filling every line on his face.

"That's not true, Yuki! We're brothers, and even that's something you can't deny!"

"Watch me."

Hatori and Mine watched the battle, and knew it wasn't going to be the last one in this on-going war.

"I don't think… Ayame gets it. He just doesn't know when to stop."

Mine grinned. "Well, it's better that they're speaking than being quiet, right?" She looked over at Hatori, hope sparkling in her eyes.

Hatori couldn't help but feel the overpowering waves of faith and happiness in her eyes. He suppressed a grin.

"Yes, I suppose it is."

Hatori thought it was ironic that the very thing that Mine had said was the very thing she didn't do. If only she would tell Ayame what was really in her heart… then maybe they both wouldn't have a hint of sadness in their eyes whenever they smiled.

The two walked after the two brothers, following them to Hatori's car, both with unspoken thoughts in their minds and hearts.

That was… oddly strange. I guess this chapter turned out to be more of a AyamexMine chapter than anything else. My apologies. Anyway, will Kyo do something about the dance now that he and Tohru are on good terms again? What will happen in the infamous dance? Until next chapter! The next chapter is the last one, by the way.