Cuxie: I'm back with this story after...months. I'm not sure if starting it was a good idea anymore, but I never turn my back on a story! EVER!! So I'm sticking to it!

Himeka: Even if no one reviews?

Cuxie: Even if!

Himeka: Wow...so brave.

Cuxie: ROLL CHAPPY!!!

The months progressed as it had since that first night. Kazune-san would come to my room late almost every night and leave me with a fresh wound to take care of in the morning. Sometimes it was merely threats. He seemed to find something wrong with everything I did. Everytime Karin-chan asked me, "What's wrong?" he zeroed in on me. As if it were my fault I was no longer happy-go-lucky Himeka.

And sometimes it had nothing to do with Karin-chan. Sometimes it had to do with my chores, what I made for dinner...I was slowly being turned into a slave. A tool used to cook and clean so his darling Karin didn't have to lift a finger. God I hate this! Part of me wanted to blame Karin-chan for my misery. I wanted to blame her for always being so concerned for me. For not seeing what he was doing to me. For being happy while I wasn't.

But I knew that wasn't fair. It's not her fault.

It's his.

It's his fault for making me this way. Turning my life into a lie. I couldn't tell anyone, that much was obvious. And it wasn't likely they'd believe me anyway. Anyone who knows Kazune-san knows how he's spent a majority of his life protecting me from every possible threat. No one else seemed to notice how he'd changed. Hell! I didn't even really notice until it was too late. Now it was clear he planned to spend the rest of his life making Karin-chan the happiest person alive, regardless of what that meant for anyone else.

Anyone like me.

The door opened and there he stood.

Still dressed from his earlier date with Karin-chan. It was only about 9 o'clock, but he probably wanted to get this over with while Karin-chan was in the shower and couldn't hear if I chose to scream. Not that I would because screaming would only make things worse. And it was clear no one was coming to my rescue.

He closed and locked the door behind him. Not looking me in the eyes. I was glad for that. I could plainly see how much I disgusted him. How much he wished he could be rid of me and not have to give an explanation to anyone.

How much he wished I'd just disappear.

"It's almost time," He said.

I nodded. "I know." And I did. Micchi would be coming to stay with us for awhile since his place was being re-modeled/furnished.

"Tomorrow."

I nodded again and he finally looked at me. He seemed to be silently threatening me. I knew exactly why this was so important to him. He knew as well as I did how good Micchi was at reading people. If either of us sent off the wrong vibes Micchi would notice.

That's why tomorrow was so important to me as well. Micchi was the only hope I had of being able to escape. He knew when Kazune-san was lying to him, unlike Karin-chan, and he wouldn't let it slide. I just had to subtly give him hints as to what was going on.

In a safe way of course. As important as tomorrow was, it was also extremely dangerous. If I did anything that made Micchi question Kazune first instead of me then I'd be doomed. I could only hope Kazune-san wouldn't do anything with our guest in the house.

Kazune-san was still glaring at me, as if trying to pierce through my soul with just his eyes. "If you do anything, anything at all to make him suspicious...."

"I-I won't! I swear. I'll be good," I said desparately.

"For your sake you'd better hope so. And I want you to be extra careful around Karin this month. I don't want her even the slightest bit upset or you will regret it. Do you understand?"

"I do." Karin's birthday was coming up. Naturally, this would be the worst time for me to screw up. He'd kill me. And I'm not sure if I mean that literally or not. I wouldn't put anything past him at this point. I'd have to be just as stealthy about this one as well.

Karin's party was going to be big. HUGE. That much was assured. Lots of people would be there. Lots of witnesses. I had a plan for this one too in case I couldn't get through to Micchi. I had to pray that one of these plans would work. They were my two chances at hope...and also my two chances to die.

"Tomorrow I want all your chores done early. By 7AM and breakfast by 8. The house had better be spotless when we bring Nishikiori back."

"Uhnn..." Somehow I'd have to scrub and wax the floors, clean the kitchen, the bedrooms, the parlour, and the bathrooms, get the guest room ready, weed and water the garden, wash the windows, get the mail, vacuum, and do the laundry by 7AM sharp.

So I guess sleeping's out of the question.

"What was that?!" he grabbed me by me wrist and yanked me up to a standing position. I squeaked as his hand squeezed me too tight. "Answer me when I'm talking to you!" He growled, tightening his grip and I thought I heard a snapping sound in my wrist. I squirmed and started to cry.

"S-Stop! I-I-I'll do it! I'll do anything! Just please...s-stop..." I begged. He glowered at me for a few seconds before releasing me all together. I staggered and he knocked be back. I fell to the floor, my head hitting the metal bedpost.

"And don't wake Karin up." Of course.

"I-I won't."

"Kazune-kuuun!!" Karin called. "Where are you?"

He opened the door, "Just saying 'Good night' to Himeka." He glared over his shoulder at me before leaving, slamming the door slightly behind him.

Good night to you too, cousin. I thought bitterly. I tried to stand. Turning over I grabbed at the bedpost, and yelped. My wrist hurt like Hell and as I liffted my head, a sharp shooting pain went through it. Using my other hand to support my weight, I tried standing more successfully this time. I leaned against my bed feeling dizzy. The room was spinning and I was starting to see double.

My knees shook violently and finally I slumped to the floor. Black spots creeping into my vision. I looked helplessly down at my wrist, which was limp and throbbing. As I closed my eyes and let myself disappear into the darkness I could only pray that it wasn't broken.

I'd need it to complete my chores tomorrow.

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The world around me was dark. Disappearing was just a dream that never came true.

Cuxie: Sooo...this chapter was meant to be mild. Not sure how well that worked out.

Himeka: Is my wrist broken?!

Kazune: Why doesn't anyone stop me?!

Karin: Where did we go for our date?

Cuxie: Seriosuly! Ppl! Enough! NEwayz, R&R if you want! I don't blame you if you don't.