AN: I am SO sorry! I didn't make the update day... sigh... And the only reason I managed to update is because I am "sick" today (err... I was sick at seven in the morning, but feel perfectly normal, now... hehe...). It's because I didn't feel like going to grab my journal (where the story it) on Friday morning, thinking that I'd do it after school, and then I forgot, and then, well, I couldn't find any time to type up the chapter! le sigh... Anyway, I'm nearly halfway done writing chapter twenty-five, and I might get around to typing up twenty-four today (so taht I don't have to worry about it). So yay. Also, I still don't know quite how to end it. Suggestions? I can't give away anything, but some general idea would be nice. Also, to someone who keeps nagging me about it, I may not find a way to fit the Isuzu bit in, but if I can't, it'll make it's way into the sequel. Really. (reallymaybe, lol) On with the overdue chapter!

Chapter Twenty-Three- Misunderstanding

'Hmm...' thought Tohru, setting down her box. The room she stood in was totally empty, only the carpet and toilet of the adjoined bathroom were there. 'This'll take some work.'

She opened the bow, removing her mother's picture, and placing it on the floor. "Are you proud of me, or disappointed? I've gotten myself into such a mess, Mom... But, I'm with Kyou... things will get better... right?"

"Talking to yourself?" joked the former Neko from the doorway.

The Onigiri whipped around, blushing, not having expected Kyou to overhear, "No..." she paused, "Um, I was just... speculating... that's all! It's nothing, really!"

The former Neko smiled knowingly, "It's alright. I know it's bleak. We'll get through this, somehow." he moved in and embraced the crying teen (AN: she started crying all Tohru-like), "We'll make your mother proud. Don't worry."

She sniffed, "What are we going to do when the baby gets here? It's only a few months away..." she pulled out of the hug and, much to Kyou's surprise, stood determined as she shouted, "We have to go baby shopping!"

Kyou groaned. This was one hell of an ordeal.

-

"No, Akito! Stay the hell away from them!"

"Did I hurt the Nezu-" he paused to smile wickedly, "excuse me, damned one's feelings?" he chuckled, "Good. I'll be sure to stop by later, Yuki."

"No..." she Nezumi whispered, reaching out of the cage at the God in desperation, "Don't hurt her..."

"Her?"

Yuki's eyes widened.

"Is that Honda-bitch here?"

If possible, Akito's wicked grin grew wider tenfold.

"Well then, I'll be sure to pay her a visit... I didn't get to hit her hard enough, last time..." she stalked off in good spirits.

The Nezumi slumped to the ground, defeated.

"Damn it... she's going to be hurt for my sake again..." he felt even less like eating, and pushed his untouched food into a corner.

-

"Are we ready?" Tohru picked up the gift basket she'd prepared earlier and looked at Kyou expectantly.

He shrugged, not having anything to take.

The Onigiri looked down, suddenly saddened by returning memories (AN: mood swings are an easy cover up, really), "...you know the way, right...?"

The former Neko nodded solemnly, and opened the door for her.

As they turned the corner, somebody else came around the opposite corner. The figure opened their door, called their names in vain, and sat outside, frustrated.

This turn of events was just what Yuki hoped- nay, prayed- for.

AN: Huzzah! Oh, and... "big" things will happen a bit after this. Just a forewarning/foreshadow/spoiler. Hohoho! Review and I will be compelled to finally get around to transferring the bonus chapter that I've been ranting about onto my posting computer!

Reviewing brain make bigger get!