AN: The long awaited end of chapter/next chapter... apology's at the bottom... along with explanation... HERE YOU GO! (don't hurt me... please review...)

(the end that I forgot to type of) Chapter Sixteen-

"I'm sure Yuki appreciates it, Tohru."

She smiled, "I love you, Kyou."

He returned the smile, "As do I," (AN: Fluff!)

-

The Nezumi (AN: Rat) blinked, hoping his irises would adjust to the light.

One problem with that- there wasn't any light to adjust to.

Yuki gathered his bearings, and sat up. "Where a-" he began to ponder aloud.

"You are caged, as you should be, damned one."

He looked for the voice's keeper. "Who are you?" The Nezumi could almost see a grin in the darkness.

"You know me well, Yuki. I believe you last addressed me as 'bastard'..."

Yuki racked his worn brain.

"Akito! Where in seven hells am I!"

"Yuki... you knew that the Neko (AN: Cat), the damned one, was to be caged upon graduation, yes?"

"Yes..."

The Nezumi winced as rolled paper was thrown at him. The imaginary grin in the darkness returned. "Congrats,"

-End Chapter 16

Chapter Seventeen- Plans

Smiling as she gazed into the sunset from atop the roof, Tohru leaned onto Kyou and sighed.

"It's so peaceful... I love this time of day." she said happily.

Kyou nearly mimed her smile and dazed look, "but tomorrow is the last night I'll let you on the roof. You and I both know that it's dangerous up here."

The Onigiri grinned and patted her stomach thoughtfully, "Have to stay safe for the baby!"

"You'd better!"

She snuggled into his chest, "I still can't believe we're out of high school..."

The former Neko grinned thoughtfully, "I still can't believe I'm not in a cage," he continued, "I also still can't believe you can embrace me. that the Nezumi's gone, or that you love me at all..."

"How couldn't I?"

There was a pause, though far from awkward, as they embraced. A moment later, they broke away.

"I still need to tell Grandpa..."

"Okay, then... how about we go to your family's house this weekend?"

"Sounds great to me!" neither of the two seemed to be able to stop smiling.

-

"Ha'ri-san... Is Shigure being... odd, to you...?"

Hatori turned to face the Hebi (AN: Snake), putting down a medical chart he'd been studying at his desk. "So you've noticed it, too. He's been especially disrespectful, lately."

"Quite. He cast aside grief over my caged brother a day or so ago, ingored Kisa when she drew him a picture, and cursed at Haru when he showed up without warning..."

"So you found out about Yuki?"

The Hebi nodded solemnly, "And he, Shigure, didn't tell me about that either! I seriously can't believe he's being such an ass, Ha'ri; to things we care about! We've known him since we were born!"

Hatori sighed. "My thoughts exactly. However, the decision to intervien or leave him to his devices arises..."

With firmness, Ayame stood up, "I will not stand for this! Action must be taken! Devine intervention!"

The Tatsu (AN: Dragon) smiled and shook his head, turning back to the chart and silently agreeing with his cousin, antics and all.

-

The Nezumi's eyes were accustomed to the light (or lack thereof) by now, and in his dark chamber, he sat and ate his minimal meal quietly, cursing himself.

He was a teenager, he should have researched this sort of thing long ago... That he could do something like that to a girl he cared for dearly, without realizing it...

Yuki glanced up suddenly at the sound of distant footsteps outside of his cage.

He was becoming anxious over visits, as Akito still seemed to deem him "favorite".

Joy.

The Nezumi sighed, wondering how Kyou and Tohru were getting along...

He cried softly.

AN: I'd like to say that I'm SO SORRY for not updating sooner... I had so much time these past two weeks, but World of Warcraft ate me... I don't have any other chapters typed up yet, so it'll be a day or so at least... but I will try, I WILL, to update soon for you! Seriously! I mean it! Also, you'll see how Yuki knew what he did soon... not sure which chapter, but I did explain it... somewhere... I don't have my bonus chapter with me... so since I'm out of town, I still can't send it out... I will once again say SORRY! -pulls a Ritsu-