Notes:
Still only own Michiko and Kishi, but this is a longer chapter for you. :)
Have a great day!
Tali
Chapter 6 - Retribution
Haru, Michiko, Kyou, and Yuki made it a habit to meet at the dojo two or three times per week to spar and have dinner afterwards. Michiko would spar with Haru or Kyou, but Yuki would not spar with her for fear of injuring her accidentally. She didn't understand why he was so adamant about it but she knew she would be able to wear him down eventually. Just because she got hit one time when Haru distracted her didn't mean he would hurt her without question. She enjoyed the time sparring with Kyou and Haru because they were powerful and talented opponents and they helped keep her skills sharp.
Haru enjoyed the time spent with his girl and his closest friend. He was able to chat with Yuki to his heart's content while Kyou and Michiko sparred and threw mostly good-natured insults at each other. He had even come to enjoy the neko's wit, though he was unlikely to admit that any time soon. He also enjoyed the opportunity to watch them fight so he could look for weaknesses to exploit. He made note of the few things he learned about Kyou – mostly that he got sloppy when he got angry and let his guard drop on his left side every so often. Michiko, for her level, had no weaknesses that he could detect. It was very puzzling because she did not fight as if she were at the top level but her defense was perfect in every way. No matter what he or Kyou threw at her she was able to evade it or turn it against them. She didn't deal a lot of damage but could use your moves against you effectively.
Kyou enjoyed sparring with Michiko and did his best to ignore Yuki as much as possible. He and Haru had developed something of a working relationship. They both liked spending time with Michiko so he mostly held his tongue and dealt with the ushi. He was a bit suspicious of his motives for a relationship with Michiko but as long as she was happy and the ushi was treating her right, he had no reason to complain.
Michiko and Haru looked up as they heard footsteps and saw Yuki enter the room.
"Where's Kyou?" she asked curiously. He had missed their last session and hadn't arrived yet for this one.
Yuki shrugged carelessly, "I haven't seen him for a few days, maybe a week. When did you last spar?"
Michiko's eyes narrowed as she demanded, "And you aren't worried in the least bit?"
"No." he replied.
"Why not?"
"It's just Kyou." he replied as Haru winced. He at least knew that was the wrong answer.
"That is just shameful, Yuki-san. I am very disappointed in you." she spat before she swept out of the room. Yuki looked at Haru in confusion.
"She's sort of adopted him. We should probably follow her." he replied as he moved out the door. Haru glanced both ways down the street and realized she was already out of sight. He sighed. "Or not. I wonder where I should wait?" he muttered.
Yuki stepped up next to him, "I'll wait with you. I should apologize for upsetting her."
Haru smiled wryly, "You would be safer apologizing for so completely disregarding his well being."
"Do you think so?"
"Yes. If you apologize for upsetting her, she might just punch you." Haru replied as he led the way back inside the dojo.
----------
Michiko apparated a short distance from the dojo and shook her wand out of the holster to cast a tracking spell on Kyou. She cast an obscuring charm on herself before following the trace. She followed it through the trees for quite some time before she came to a brick wall. She studied it for a moment before climbing over it and finding herself in a small but exclusive looking neighborhood. She scanned around briefly before continuing to follow the trace. There was no one about but she still moved as stealthily as possible.
A few moments later she came to a stop outside of a small house with bamboo across the glassless windowpanes. She peeked inside and saw a nicely furnished apartment shrouded in shadows. Michiko redid the trace spell and it landed in a shadowy corner of the room. There was fitful movement on the floor as the spell sparkled out of existence and she realized Kyou was curled up in the shadows and rocking slowly. She circled to the door and unlocked it before hurrying inside and over to his side.
"Kyou-kun? Are you all right?" she asked gently as she tried to pull him against her chest. He fought her off and moved away with a sound of pained distress. She touched his arm, "Kyou-kun? What's wrong? Please talk to me."
He curled tighter into himself so Michiko sat by his back and very gently ran her hands in soothing patterns through his hair and down his back. Eventually his breathing evened out and she carefully released him before casting a feather light charm and gathering him up. She glanced around the apartment one last time before letting herself out and locking the door behind her. She obscured them both and hurried home. Once there, she turned up the lights and deposited him on the couch.
Her eyes darkened as she saw bruising on his face and arms and she healed it immediately, upset to see such a thing on her friend. She ran a series of diagnostic spells on him and saw he had bruised and cracked ribs, sprained wrist, and there was something wrong with his right ankle. On further inspection she realized tendon had been severed – several days ago from the look of it. Angry now, she removed the bandage that was in place and inspected it. It was very neatly stitched but she didn't like that he had such a serious injury. She dug through her books and found the best spell to heal it. He would have to take it easy for a while but it would be all right much sooner. What on earth happened? Was he kidnapped? Why didn't they report him missing? She huffed when she realized she didn't have any bone strengthener and taped his ribs instead. Once his wrist was spelled she sat back without internal comment, afraid she would explode with the anger simmering just under the surface. She could feel it trying to crawl out but clamped down on it mercilessly.
Michiko carefully brushed his hair away from his face and settled down on the other couch to watch over him until he woke up. She pulled a book from the table and started reading from a random point. She only read a paragraph at a time before her eyes strayed to him again and she wondered what had happened. When he made a soft sound of distress she ran her hand over his head until he quieted. She pondered what could have happened to him and why and the only thing that kept coming to mind was Haru comment about his complicated family and not wanting them to know about her.
A few hours later Kyou stirred and Michiko conjured a glass of milk before his eyes were open. When he sat up she offered it and he drank it down greedily before looking around properly. "How did I get here?" he asked in a much subdued voice, very unlike his usual tone.
"I brought you. Are you all right?"
"Fine. How did you find me?"
"I have my ways. What was that place? Were you kidnapped?"
"No, that's my home."
She blinked. "Oh. Do you want me to walk you back?"
"No, that's fine."
"What happened? Why did you miss sparring and why were you so banged up? How did your ankle get injured?" she asked rapid-fire.
"It's nothing. I told you, I'm fine." he replied as he looked down at his healed ankle in surprise then checked his ribs and wrist. "I feel a lot better. How long have I been here?"
"Not too long. Kyou-kun," she began earnestly, "Please, what happened? Yuki said he hadn't seen you for a few days or a week. You were beat up, unable to walk, and huddled in a corner when I found you."
"I'm fine." he replied repressively as he stood and moved towards the door.
She moved to intercept him and gripped his shoulders firmly. "Kyou-kun, please. I need to know if you are truly all right?" She looked up and gray eyes locked with red in a fierce battle of wills. It lasted far longer than she anticipated but she was determined to win. Several minutes later he finally grimaced and looked away.
"I'm fine. Nothing happened that I didn't expect at some point. Thank you for bringing me here. I should get back to Shigure's house." he replied quietly.
"Are you certain?"
"Yes."
"You're sure you don't want to stay here for the night?"
"I am."
"Very well. I'll see you tomorrow to check on you." she said as she walked him to the door.
He gave her a slight nod before heading out the door. He listened for the click of the locks and headed down the stairs. He spotted a tired looking Haru followed by an equally tired looking Yuki heading up and nodded a greeting.
Haru looked at him in surprise before resting a hand on his arm. "Where have you been, neko?"
"None of your business, ushi."
"Michiko was worried about you. What happened?" Haru probed.
"Akito detained me." he replied shortly.
"Detained? What do you mean detained?" Haru asked while Yuki looked on in stunned surprise.
"I was in the room. Michiko found me and brought me here. I don't know how she did, but I'm glad." he replied as he realized how much better he felt compared to the last several days.
Haru considered this information for a long moment before adding it to the list of puzzling things about his girl. He was going to need some answers soon, but was afraid she would turn the tables and demand a few of her own. It was a tough spot to be in, all things considered. They watched the teen leave in silence before continuing up the stairs. Michiko answered after the first knock and gave Yuki a dirty look as she welcomed them in. The greeting appeared to stick in her throat but she managed to get it out.
Yuki stepped forward, "Sato-san, I'm sorry I wasn't more worried about Kyou. He often disappears for days or weeks at a time and I didn't think anything of it."
She glared at him, "You should always worry when you don't know where one of your family is."
He looked away, properly chastised, "I will ask questions next time."
"Thank you." She turned on Haru but he held his hands up.
"I didn't know he was missing. I don't live there and I don't go to school with him yet." the teen said hurriedly.
"Do you know what might have happened to him?" she asked quietly.
"I'm not sure. Where did you find him?" Haru asked softly, wondering how Kyou had explained where she found him.
She shrugged, "In some fancy neighborhood. He was in a little house with no glass in the windows curled up on the floor and injured."
"What type of injury did he have? He seemed okay going downstairs." Haru replied.
"There was evidence that his ribs had been bruised, his wrist wasn't in very good shape, it looked like he'd gotten quite a beating and the tendon in his right ankle had been injured." she replied slowly, taking care to not lie but not tell the whole truth either. "He also said the place was his home, but I thought he lived at Shigure's house?"
She watched the boys exchange a look that spoke volumes if only you had the code. Sometimes they were just so frustrating.
"He lives at Shigure's now, but technically his home is that little house. How did you get in there anyway?" Yuki asked carefully.
"I climbed the wall. I know you two know something. Tell me."
Haru glanced at Yuki before speaking softly, "Do you remember I told you my family was complicated?"
"Yes."
"This would be one of the complications."
Her chin went up and her eyes narrowed, "I also remember you were very specific to specify they didn't hurt you when I asked. I suppose I should rephrase. Do they hurt anyone under the legal limit of adulthood?"
The boys exchanged a look that was easier to read. Guilty and cornered. Yuki finally spoke, "Sato-san, our family business is private."
Her anger became a palpable thing, "Not where it concerns Kyou." Her gaze shifted to Haru, "Or you, should the situation change." Back to Yuki, "Or any child that is unable to defend themselves. I will not stand for it."
Haru studied her closely. He had a bad feeling that there was more to this than her moral compass. He reached out to touch her hand, "We try to keep the little ones away from the worst of it, but there's really nothing you can do. Our family is well connected and wealthy. Please leave it alone. I really don't want you involved."
Her lips compressed to a thin line, "I will take action if I find another of you in the same condition as Kyou was tonight."
"He didn't look too bad when we saw him." Yuki argued.
"It's not like he's going to allow you to see his weakness." she snapped. She saw the confusion on their faces. "He doesn't deserve to be someone's plaything." she said tightly.
Haru sighed, "No, he doesn't. We'll keep a closer eye on him from now on. He's a common target."
Her jaw clenched but she nodded slowly. "All right. Thank you."
He smiled a little, "You're welcome." He stepped closer to lean his forehead against hers, "Are we okay?"
She sighed, "Of course we are. You are allowed to have different opinions and we can agree to disagree."
He brushed a kiss across her lips before squeezing her hands. "See you tomorrow?"
"Maybe. I might have to work late again."
He nodded, "Later then." One more kiss and both boys headed out the door and into the night.
----------
Kyou walked home slowly. He didn't want to stress his ankle too much but he really wanted to get back to Shigure's and the quiet of his room. A dark car pulled up alongside him and he froze for a moment before trying to bolt.
"Kyou." came Hatori's voice and he stopped immediately before turning around warily.
"Yeah?"
"You shouldn't be on that ankle. Let me take you to Shigure's so I can make sure you didn't do any damage to it walking around."
He hesitated for a moment more before reluctantly getting into the car. He could always jump for it if it looked like they were heading towards the main house. He rode in silence and let out a quiet sigh of relief when they turned into Shigure's drive. Hatori insisted on helping him up the walkway and Kyou tried to shake him off to no avail. He was still weak from his injuries, though he felt considerably better.
Luckily Shigure was locked in his study and didn't bother them while Hatori looked over Kyou's ankle, wrist, and ribs. Kyou watched the doctor frown deeply at his ankle for several moments while he tried to not think about what Akito had done to it. Not being about to run when he wanted was a horrible experience. He could only be grateful that he had been found when he had. When Hatori's frown only darkened the teen finally asked, "What's wrong with it? It feels better."
"Almost nothing is wrong with it." he replied quietly. "The tissues have healed almost completely. It's very strange, they shouldn't be this far along for a couple weeks yet."
Kyou shrugged it off, "As long as it's okay."
Hatori nodded, "It has healed very well. Make sure you stretch it carefully everyday and take it easy for another week or two but it should be healed completely very soon. Remove your shirt so I can check on your ribs."
Kyou grudgingly pulled his shirt off and glanced down when Hatori's eyebrows moved up slightly. All of his bruises were completely gone. Well, that would explain why he felt so much better. Never one to look a gift horse in the mouth, he shrugged it off while Hatori checked his ribs.
"They are not as recovered as your ankle so take it easy for a while longer. Your wrist has also healed but I would like you to refrain from fighting with your cousins for at least a week so your body has time to heal properly."
"Okay." he muttered. "Are we done here?"
"For now. I'll be back to see you in a week." he said. "No fighting before then."
Kyou nodded irritably before grabbing his shirt and pulling it on as he headed up the stairs and to the quiet of his room. Once there he curled up in a tight ball on his bed and tried to pretend the last week hadn't happened.
----------
A couple weeks later Michiko was taking a walk after a long and difficult day at work. She was paying more attention to the stars than her surroundings and when she walked into someone it took her completely off guard. She looked up to see the face of one of the guys that had been hassling Tohru. Fantastic. I just wanted a nice quiet walk home to clear my mind.. What was his name again? Oh, Li.
"Can I help you, Li?" she asked sarcastically.
The teen smiled. "Long time, no see."
Michiko took a quick look around and saw there were a lot more of them than last time, maybe ten all together. Damn. If they come at me a couple at a time I'll be okay, but all at once won't go so well. She wasn't even sure what time it was or exactly where she was. Stupid! You should have been paying attention. Now you're paying the price for being careless. And leaving your wand at home because what need could you possibly have for it while out on a walk? Idiotic at best. She vowed to never do anything this stupid again as long as she lived.
"I would rather not. Why don't you boys run along home?" she replied.
"When we're done." he said cockily before advancing.
Michiko crouched into a ready position and started strategizing. Five of them closed in on her and she started punching and kicking in every direction as fast as she could. She was a skilled fighter but she was only one person at the end of a long day and there were ten of them tag-teaming each other to keep her busy. She took several hard hits and realized she was in trouble.
----------
Kyou and Yuki were walking towards Tohru's building when the sounds of a fight drifted to their ears. Kyou stopped abruptly when he heard what sounded like Michiko's voice before he took off running in the direction of the sounds. Yuki looked at him in surprise before following.
Their eyes widened at the sight before them. A group of ten boys were in the alley with Michiko. About half were sprawled on the ground and slowly making their way towards their feet, but the ones still fighting had surrounded her. She was giving as good as she got but had clearly taken a beating. She was bleeding from several places on her arms and face. As they ran up to the group someone came up behind her and knocked her down. Both teens jumped into the fray without a second thought and within moments all of them were out cold.
Kyou went over to Michiko and picked her up with Yuki's help. "Let's take her over to Tohru's building. Momiji might still be there and we can clean her up before walking them both home."
"Put me down. I can walk just fine." Michiko demanded.
They set her on her feet and let her waver for a few moments before picking her back up and walking towards Tohru's building. "Whatever."
"I don't want Tohru to panic." she said quietly.
"Deal with it." he replied.
"Thank you both for finishing them off. Ten was a bit much for me. Especially at the end of a long day."
"Still think you're not gonna bruise?" Kyou asked.
She sighed. "I can hope. Right now I want about a dozen ice packs and a bottle of aspirin. How long until Haru knows what happened?"
"I'll call him tonight. He'll be angry otherwise and I don't want to fight with him if I can avoid it. If his phone is dead, you'll have until school starts tomorrow." Yuki replied quietly.
"Charming." she said with as much sarcasm as she could muster.
"How did they manage to catch you?" Kyou asked curiously.
She slumped, "I wasn't paying any attention at all to where I was or where I was going. I was looking at the stars and trying to clear my head. By the time I ran into the leader – literally – the others had surrounded me."
"That was stupid." Kyou pointed out.
"Yes, it was. I was lucky you two came along when you did or things would have been much worse."
"Michiko!" came Tohru's and Momiji's voices. They had been standing outside the building waiting for the two boys to pick her up.
"What happened?" Momiji asked.
"I was careless. It's fine. I just need a box of bandages if you have one to spare." Michiko explained softly.
"Come on. I'll take you to the first aid station." Momiji said.
Kyou and Yuki set her carefully on her feet before the group followed Momiji. Yuki went last as he had pulled out his phone and called the police to report the incident. He spoke with them for several minutes before hanging up and walking over to the group. Tohru was cleaning the cuts on Michiko's face and Momiji was working on the ones on her arms. Michiko's bloody shirt was in a ragged pile on the floor and she was sitting in her camisole with a towel wrapped around her torso. Kyou was glaring around the room angrily when his glanced landed on Yuki.
"Did you call him yet?" he asked.
Yuki shook his head and pulled out his phone again. He dialed the number but it went straight to voice mail. "It's dead."
"He's gonna be pissed if he doesn't find out until tomorrow." Kyou pointed out.
"Who?" Momiji asked as he looked up from bandaging a deep cut that probably needed stitches.
"Haru." Kyou replied.
"Call his house number and tell him to bring Hatori. A couple of these cuts should have stitches." the blond told them.
Yuki nodded briefly and dialed the house number. It was answered after two rings.
"Haru. Please get Hatori and bring him to the building Tohru works in. Michiko was hurt and needs stitches. We're with her and she's fine, but she should see a doctor . . . . She's fine, don't worry. We're with her and won't leave until you get here . . . See you in a few minutes." He clicked off and looked at the others. "They should be here in about ten minutes if Haru's panic is anything to go by."
"Panic? Didn't you tell him I was fine? I don't need Hatori to come all the way out here. I've had worse and lived through it."
"Sato-san, we would all feel better if Hatori had a look at you." Yuki replied.
She looked at the concerned faces of the others before relenting. "Very well."
They finished bandaging the last of the cuts and Tohru went and got her a blanket to keep her warm. Reaction had finally set in and she was trembling lightly. Tohru and Kyou sat on either side of her while Momiji sat on the floor at her feet and Yuki went out to the front to wait for the other two. They didn't speak much but Tohru rubbed circles on her back to help keep her calm.
Sometime later they all looked up as they hear raised voices in the hallway outside the door.
"Get out of the way, Yuki." came Haru's voice. There were murmurs that must have been Yuki's and Hatori's voices trying to calm him down. "I'll calm down once I've seen her. Now move or I'll move you."
Michiko stood up slowly and walked over to the door before Haru broke it down. She opened it in time to hear Yuki's explanation for stopping him.
"She looks worse than she feels right now. Please calm down or she'll get upset when she sees you."
Haru saw the door open and looked over at her. His eyes got very large before getting very narrow. He brushed Yuki and Hatori out of the way and reached out to touch her cheek gently. "How are you?"
She smiled a little as she leaned into the touch, "I've been better. You?" She was the only one who noticed his eyes were flickering between black and grey, but were mostly black.
"What happened?" he asked quietly as he picked her up carefully and walked her back over to the others.
"I wasn't paying attention when I should have been. I won't make that mistake again."
"Damn right. I'll be walking you home from now on."
"That's not necessary. I won't wander around aimlessly in the middle of the night alone again."
"Rough day?" he asked.
She shrugged, "I thought so at the time."
He sat down with her in his lap and looked at Hatori expectantly.
"You expect me to treat her while she sits on you?" he asked with the lightest hint of sarcasm in his voice.
"Yes." Haru answered simply.
Hatori shook his head. "Michiko-san, please sit facing forward so I can get to both of your arms."
He watched her carefully as she shifted slowly on Haru's lap without touching his chest. Interesting. He undid the bandages that decorated her arms and narrowed his eyes at the damage before giving Haru a look to silence him.
"Did one of them have a knife?" he asked.
"Yeah. He'd be the one whose head got caught between my boot and the wall, so I'd say we're about even."
"Why didn't you run?" he asked.
She shrugged. "I didn't have an opportunity. By the time I realized what was happening I was surrounded and decided it would be better to stand my ground than exhaust myself trying to get away."
"How many were there?" he asked quietly.
"Ten." replied Kyou.
Hatori didn't let any of his surprise show on his face. He had heard that the girl was on par with Haru and Kyou for sparring but he hadn't appreciated how good she was or that she was so tough. He returned his attention to the various cuts on her arms and several of them needed either stitches or bandages to keep them together to heal.
"I'll be as neat as I can but, but you'll probably end up with a couple of scars."
She quirked a brow at him, "I'll add them to my collection."
"Collection?" he asked with a tinge of concern.
She glanced at the others in the room before returning her gaze to his. "I learned to use guan dao."
"Everybody out." he ordered firmly.
They all knew better than to argue and made their way out the door.
"Haru, you too." he said.
"He's fine. I was going to tell him anyway." she said quietly. "How did you know?"
"You're not as good a liar as you think. Please explain."
"I do know how to use guan dao." she muttered before she sighed and looked him in the eye. "Please be discreet."
"Of course." he replied, insulted.
"Look at my arms, what do you see?"
Hatori's eyes widened slightly as he saw the extent of the damage. Haru couldn't see her arms but saw Hatori's reaction and turned her so he could see. He took in the faint lines of crisscrossing scars and clenched his jaw. Not now. Stay in control. There's nothing you can do about this now. Control, control, control. Suddenly he felt her forehead against his and opened eyes he hadn't realized he'd closed.
"Why didn't you show me before?" he whispered.
"There was no reason to show them to you. I was going to tell you eventually, but I don't like thinking about it."
"How many?"
She was a long time in answering. "73."
"Are these from him?" Haru asked, thinking back to the day they met and remembering her saying her and her father had a rocky relationship. Now he understood while she always wore long sleeves.
"Yes."
He sighed before kissing her forehead softly, "Let's get these taken care of."
She nodded and he helped her shift around until she was facing Hatori again.
"Who is he?" Hatori asked quietly as he began sewing tiny stitches on the worst of the cuts.
"My father."
"And this is the reason you're on your own at such a young age."
"Yes."
He gave her a slight smile. "At least you were smart about it."
She shrugged, "I want to do more than survive."
----------
"I'm not going home tonight, Hatori. She shouldn't be alone." Haru argued.
"You can't spend the night alone with her, Haru. It's not appropriate." Hatori replied evenly, vaguely irritated to be having this conversation yet again.
"He won't be alone with her." Kyou interrupted. The two looked over at him.
"The three of us are coming too. Yuki already called Shigure and let him know."
"Very well. Keep an eye on her and call me if there's a problem. Are the police finished with everyone?"
"Yes, Hatori. I just spoke with the officer and gave him all of our contact information in case they think of any additional questions." Yuki replied.
"Thank you for sitting with me while they questioned me, Sohma-sensei." Michiko said to the older man.
He brushed it off. "As your doctor I had to make sure they didn't undo my hard work. Are you sure you're fine to walk home?"
"Yes. And even if I find I'm not, I'm only a few blocks away and these strapping young men should be able to carry me the rest of the way." she said with a small smile.
"Good night then." he said to the group of teens.
A chorus of good nights answered him as he left with Momiji, whose father had agreed to let him stay until Hatori left.
Haru turned to Michiko and linked hands with Yuki to scoop her up. "You're not walking home. Don't bother arguing." he said as they headed out the door with the others right behind him.
She looked into Haru's eyes, "Are you still black?"
Yuki, Kyou, and Tohru looked over in surprise.
"Maybe . . . Probably . . . It's a matter of degree" he replied.
"I'm sorry to have upset you." she offered.
"Yeah, I'm sure you went for a walk tonight hoping to get the shit kicked out of you."
"Haru-san!" Tohru said in surprise.
"He's right. She's being stupid." Kyou added his two cents.
"Don't pay any attention to them, Sato-san. They're just worried about you." Yuki said in a gentle voice.
She huffed, "I know. I keep telling them I'm fine but they won't listen to me."
"It might have something to do with the seventy-four stitches Hatori gave you." he replied softly.
She looked at him in surprise, "How did you know how many?" He flicked a pointed glance at Haru. "Of course. Well it's not like I've never had stitches before."
"Have you ever had more than seventy-four at once?" Tohru asked curiously.
Michiko cringed slightly, "Once." Haru's grip tightened slightly but he said nothing.
"What the hell did you do?" Kyou asked angrily. He couldn't believe she was taking this so casually when she had been so worried about Tohru for nearly the same thing.
"I had a rough childhood." she replied flatly.
Yuki studied her for a moment before quietly asking, "How rough?"
"Rough enough that seventy-four stitches don't bother me." She paused before continuing softly, "And I could have put them in myself had Hatori not been available to do so."
The three Sohmas and Tohru fell silent as they considered that. Surprisingly, it was Yuki that spoke, "I'm sorry."
Michiko looked into his eyes and saw understanding there. She placed her hand on his arm. "Right back at you." she said softly.
"We're here." Kyou said as he tugged open the main door to the building.
"Let me walk up the stairs. It's too narrow to carry me." she said. Michiko dug in her pocket and pulled out her key. "Come in and be welcome." she said quietly.
Haru swung her carefully up in his arms so she was away from his chest and took her into her room. He set her gently on the bed and sat down next to her. "Can you really put in your own stitches?"
"I learned to take care of myself at a young age. I'm a pretty quick healer but still needed more than bandages at times." she replied quietly.
"I hope you realize I'll probably put your father into a hospital if I ever meet him."
She smiled wryly, "Get in line."
He traced a finger curiously down a scar in a space between bandages near her elbow. Michiko pulled away and drew her arms into her sides so he persisted. "Michiko-chan?"
She looked away as she pulled a soft robe over her shoulders and arms and twisted her fingers together, "They're ugly. You shouldn't touch them."
The teen pulled her close and pressed a kiss to her forehead, "You're beautiful. Every inch of you."
She kept her face turned away, "Only to you."
"That's all that matters." he responded as he gently untangled her fingers and brought her hands to his face so he could brush his lips against them. She relaxed a little and finally gave him a shy smile.
"Stay put." he ordered before going back into the living room to fetch Tohru. "Tohru-san, would you please help her change into her pajamas and then make sure she behaves?"
"Of course, Hatsuharu-san." she replied before hurrying out of the room.
Haru glanced at the other two, "I'm going to make tea."
Yuki followed him into the kitchen and watched him pick out the chamomile without even looking. "You spend a lot of time here, don't you?"
Haru glanced back at him, "Yeah. I do."
"How long have you been seeing each other?" he asked curiously.
"About six months, I think."
"So, it's serious then?" Yuki asked as he watched Haru gather cups and put them on a tray.
Haru stilled before looking up at Yuki. "Yes. Why?"
"Have you told him yet?"
His face closed off, "No. And I have no intention of doing so."
Yuki reached out and placed a hand on his arm, "I understand. We won't say anything, but we might have to worry about Hatori."
"I'll worry about it later. For now, I just want to make sure she's okay."
Yuki took the tray from Haru, "Why don't you let her sit in the living room with us then? We can watch a movie together and she'll probably fall asleep before the end."
Haru smiled at him before resting his head on Yuki's shoulder for a moment and letting out a deep breath. "Thanks."
Yuki rested his cheek on Haru's head for a moment before nudging him out of the room, "Go get Michiko. I can hear her talking back to Miss Honda from here."
Haru smiled, "As long as she's complaining she can't be feeling too badly, right?"
Yuki followed him out of the kitchen and placed the tea tray on the coffee table in the living room. "Kyou, would you please find the remotes for the television? We're going to watch a movie until she falls asleep."
Kyou gave him a weird look before turning and hunting for the remotes. He found them sitting on top of the entertainment center a few minutes later. "Who keeps the remote on top of the television?"
"I do, or I'll lose it." came Michiko's annoyed voice as Haru carried her carefully down the hall and settled her on one of the couches. "I said I can walk." she said huffily as he turned to pour her a cup of tea.
"Whatever. What do you want to watch? And it better not be some dumb girly movie either." Kyou said.
"Kyou-kun." Yuki and Tohru chided together.
He glared at both of them before curling up on the other couch.
"Why don't you pick one, Yuki-san?" Michiko asked.
At Haru's and Tohru's nods he turned and looked over the movies on the rack. "I can see Haru's influence in your collection, Sato-san." he said with a chuckle. There were more old black and white American horror movies than any other genre.
"Haru got me started. I had a couple movies but when we started having movie night I started buying the ones I liked." she replied.
He plucked one off the shelf that he knew Haru liked and suspected Tohru would enjoy. "How about this one?"
Enthusiastic nods from Haru and Michiko, indifference from the neko, and a happy smile from Tohru decided the vote. He dropped it into the DVD player while Tohru got Kyou to make room for her on the couch he was curled up on. Yuki took the chair and started the movie.
About half way through the movie he glanced around the quiet room to see Kyou and Tohru were leaning on each other, sound asleep, and Michiko was curled against Haru, who was also asleep. She looked over at him and smiled.
"Looks like we're surrounded by sleeping beauties." she whispered.
Yuki returned the smile, "I believe the idea was that the movie would put you to sleep, Sato-san."
She gave a small shrug. "My mind is too busy berating me for carelessness for me to fall asleep. I've found I have to let her rant until she's done before I even try." Her stomach growled, reminding her that she missed dinner and she glanced ruefully at Haru, "What do you suppose my chances of getting off this couch without waking him are?"
Yuki studied Haru and saw that he was breathing deeply and evenly. Their conversation had not made him so much as twitch. "He's out. You could probably jump on the couch and he wouldn't notice."
"Perfect. I'm starving." she said as she started to gently wiggle her way out of his grasp. It took a couple of minutes but finally she stood up and stretched carefully before heading to the kitchen, "Are you hungry?"
"If it's no trouble." he replied.
"Follow me." She placed a silencing charm on the room before Yuki caught up with her.
He pulled himself out of the surprisingly comfortable chair and followed her into the kitchen where she was already pulling things quietly off the shelves and humming softly. Yuki leaned against the counter where he was out of the way and watched as she quickly put together several sandwiches. She brought the plate over and set it on the counter next to him before carefully taking a seat on the counter and sitting cross-legged next to it. She snagged a sandwich and wolfed it down.
"Hungry?" he teased as he began eating his first sandwich.
"Starving. I haven't eaten since lunch." She grabbed another sandwich and it was gone in moments. She looked over at him and could tell he wanted to ask something but didn't want to pry.
"Yuki, you saved my butt tonight. That makes us friends in my book. Ask anything you want. If you don't need to know the answer I'll let you know with no hard feelings."
He took a moment to organize his thoughts, "How can you be so happy all of the time if you've had such a difficult life?"
She shrugged, "I'm not really sure. When it was at its worst I thought it had torn me in two, but then I got out of the house and it started to get better. Everyday for a long time I had to remind myself that I was free and the only thing holding me back was me. After a while, I was able to relax and enjoy simple things. Cleaning the house or doing my schoolwork without the worry in the back of my mind of him coming after me for some manufactured excuse. It will get better, Yuki-san."
He stared at his sandwich thoughtfully. "I hope so. I saw him a couple weeks ago and suddenly it was just like it had always been. I felt like I had never left. It terrified me, but it also made me angry that he could do that to me."
"Then you're already halfway there."
"What do you mean?"
"If you are angry with him for making you feel less than you are, then you'll be willing to defend yourself when or if the time comes. You like the life you have and if you're angry you'll be more willing to defend it." she replied.
"So, you don't think him being able to terrify me is a sign of backwards progress?" he asked quietly.
"No, I don't. I was utterly petrified when I went to my parents to have the paperwork to make me an adult signed. I hadn't seen them in three years and I was still half convinced as soon as they opened the door he'd try to drag me back into that life. It was the hardest thing I had ever done but I knew if I didn't, I'd never be free. I don't know how I would feel if I was to see him again, but I would like to think I'm finally strong enough to stand up to him."
Yuki looked at her in surprise, "You don't think you're strong?"
"Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. I think I've gotten stronger since I started seeing Haru. He's helped me remember that what I want is worth fighting for." She reached over and touched his arm, "It's okay to rely on other's strength when your own is flagging, Yuki-san."
"It's not right to rely on others for everything. The only person you can really depend on is yourself." he replied.
"It's true that you need to rely on yourself, but no one can make it through this life alone. We're not made that way. We can survive alone, but to live you need to let others into your life." She moved the now empty plate to her other side and scooted over until she could put an arm around his shoulders and run her hand over his hair. "Thank you."
He automatically tensed at the contact but when she continued to hold on he relaxed fractionally. "For what?"
She rested her cheek on his hair, much as he had done with Haru earlier that evening. "For being my friend. Haru was the first, did you know? I'd never had a friend before and now I'm blessed with so many of them."
He smiled slightly, "We're the ones that are blessed. You and Tohru are more than we deserve."
"Stop beating yourself up for things that were out of your control, Yuki-san. That will keep you chained more surely than placing yourself under his care again. You didn't ask for what happened to you and you are not to blame for it."
He exhaled slowly and relaxed into the half embrace. "It helps to hear that from someone outside the family." he told her quietly.
"Have you told Tohru?" she asked curiously, certain the other girl would agree.
"No. She's so kind and cheerful. I can't bring that kind of darkness into her life."
"Thinking like that does her a great disservice, you know. She's strong enough to listen and help you. Don't underestimate her."
"Thank you." Yuki said a few moments later as he straightened up. "I'm sorry to have burdened you when you're supposed to be recovering."
Michiko watched his usual mask fall into place and reached out to rest a hand on his arm. "Don't be silly, Yuki-san. Helping a friend is never a burden and you don't need to hide behind your mask when you're with me, okay? Just be yourself."
He relented slightly and gave her a small smile. "Are you ready to go to sleep now?"
She cocked a brow at him, "Are you?"
He bowed, "Point taken, Sato-san. Let's both get some sleep."
She led the way out of the kitchen, discreetly cancelling the charm on the way. She went over to the other couch and draped a blanket over Kyou and Tohru, who had curled into each other.
"They've got it bad." she said softly.
Yuki studied the pair in front of him, "They do, even if he won't admit it and she doesn't realize it."
"They will in time." she replied as she pulled a blanket off the back of Yuki's chair and handed it to him. He smiled his thanks and watched as she pulled the blanket off the back of the couch Haru was now sprawled on and nudged him until she could climb on in front of him. She spread the blanket over them and settled down to sleep. Once her breathing evened out as well, Yuki allowed himself to sleep.
----------
"Make sure you text me if you go anywhere and when you get back. I want to know you're all right." Haru said to Michiko as he leaned over to kiss her good-bye.
"I will. I might go to the store today to pick up a few things later, but I haven't decided yet." she responded with a soft smile.
"Make sure you let me know if you do. I want to know where you are." he replied with a final squeeze of her hands before following the others out of her apartment. He made sure the door was locked and then headed down the stairs and towards his destination. Akira was joining the small group in the entrance area at the foot of the stairs and he smiled lightly at her before heading out.
Yuki called him back, "Haru, school is this way."
Haru shook his head, "I'm not going to classes this morning."
The teens stopped to look at him. Kyou finally asked, "Then where are you going?"
"I have to take care of something." he answered evasively.
"What?" Tohru asked curiously. "School is very important, Hatsuharu-san."
"So is this. I'll see you later." he replied before taking off.
Kyou glanced back and forth before tilting his head towards Haru, "I'm going to follow him. See you later." He took off at a jog to keep Haru in his sights.
He watched as Haru wandered his way into the warehouse district and wondered what he could possibly be doing there. Only shady characters hung out in this part of town. Kyou watched as a group of people greeted Haru warmly and crept closer so he could hear what was going on.
"—goes by Li, if I remember correctly. They should be pretty banged up today. Mi said she caught one of their head's between her boot and the wall so his bruising should be pretty distinct. He's the guy with the knife, so don't do him any favors. I didn't have a chance to get a better description from my cousins because she was awake." Haru was explaining.
Kyou yelped when someone caught his collar and dragged him towards the group. He looked up and a huge bald guy was glaring down at him.
"Whatcha got there, Nate?" a fiery red-head asked with narrowed eyes.
Haru looked up and met Kyou's eyes in surprise. "That's one of my cousins. He can give you a description of the guys."
Nate immediately let Kyou go, "Well, why didn't you just join the group instead of skulking around the corner?"
Kyou glared at him while Haru made introductions. When he was done, Kyou looked over at his cousin and demanded, "What are you doing with a group of Yankees?"
"They're friends of mine." Haru replied.
"And Kitten. We like her a lot, too. You'll have to bring her back once she's feeling better." Steve added.
"We'll take care of those guys. We'll get Kai on it too. Can you give us a better description of the gang that attacked her, Kyou?" Joey asked.
A malicious smile spread across Kyou's face as he realized what Haru was doing, "Yeah. I can." He proceeded to give them all the details he could recall, which was enough to impress them and Nate was almost certain he knew which gang it was.
The bald man shook his head sadly. "I can't believe I didn't realize it was her they were bitching about a few weeks ago. I'm sorry, Haru. I should have realized that if she was hanging out with you she knew how to take care of herself."
Haru shrugged the apology off, "You had no way of knowing, Nate." He shifted his gaze to Joey, "Do you guys need anything from me? I want to get home and check on her. I'm worried someone might have followed us last night."
Kyou looked at him like he was nuts, "You don't think that's a tad paranoid?"
Haru shrugged, "I'd rather be safe than sorry."
"We'll keep watch until they're taken care of." Joey said quietly. "Steve, you have first shift. Someone will be there in a couple hours. Nate, go find Kai and round up some others so we can track down those guys."
The guys nodded and set off at a quick walk. Haru smiled at Joey, "Thanks, man."
"She's our kitten, too." the leader replied with a grin.
Haru turned to Kyou, "Come on. Let's get to school before Hatori sends out the search squad."
Kyou nodded and said good-bye to Joey before slouching after Haru.
"So, why did you decide to follow me?" Haru asked.
"I was curious where you wanted to go instead of school or Michiko's." Kyou snapped.
"So you were just being nosy?"
The cat shrugged, "So?"
"Why?"
"She's my friend, too." the cat snarled.
Haru shrugged, "Just curious. No need to get angry."
They were quiet, each alone with his own worries, as they walked together across town until Kyou had to head for the high school.
"Don't get lost." Kyou said as he walked away.
Haru frowned at him before glancing around with a sigh as he realized he had no idea how to get to school from there.
----------
Michiko went down to the mailbox and frowned lightly when she felt eyes on her. She glanced around but didn't see anyone so dismissed it as leftover paranoia from last night. She took the stack of mail upstairs and started leafing through it as soon as the door closed behind her. Spotting her bank statement she tore it open and glanced at it to make sure nothing was out of line. She came to a large charge and blinked when she saw how much the down payment had been on whatever Ayame and Mine were making for her. Wow. That better be some outfit. It's going to run me a full two paychecks. Thank goodness I have a little put by or I'd really be in trouble.
Her head snapped up as she realized she should have been at work by now and she hurriedly wrote a note letting Kishi know she wouldn't be in for a couple of days. She sent Haru a message letting him know she had decided to go to the store after all and slipped out of the apartment to head towards the nearest post office. She didn't keep her own owl and hadn't been able to get the letter spell to go as far as she needed to get to work so she had to do it the old fashioned way instead.
The hair on the back of her neck prickled and she knew someone was watching her. Unsure who or why she continued to walk at the same pace and kept to crowded areas until she could duck out of sight and apparate to the post office. Satisfied she had lost her tail she went up to the counter and paid for the post before slipping back out to do her shopping in the all magical area. She figured it was the safest place for her and knew that no one was watching, which made her feel a lot more comfortable.
Once the shopping was done she apparated out to her usual spot and started walking home. A few blocks away she felt eyes on her again but continued to walk sedately with her groceries until she was safely inside. She pondered the watcher and wondered what he or she was after before deciding to let it play out and keep her guard up at all times.