Yeah, I know. A month since the last one. OTL I really got to stop dragging on like this. Thankfully, I'm stuck at home, riding out the winter storm that's slapping the East Coast silly so yay free time~!

Also, we're finally up to this point and by this point I mean point A, take a left, go into a circle, and to point B where it was right next to point A the whole time. Ugh. OTL

Anyway, enjoy.

Broken crystal ball

Fear.

The most basic but potent of all emotions.

You're scared.

You're afraid.

You're terrified.

Those thoughts went through the blonde's mind as he saw his roommate staring down at him with inhumane glowing eyes. Eyes that were lacking the deep brown color that he had been pulled into some time ago. With his back pressed up against the wall; the only rational thing to do at the time was to curl up and try to beg for forgiveness. He never felt so scared in his whole life; the only time he felt close it that was when he thought he lost his brother for good when they were kids. But that was then. This was now. No more a child but still feeling ever so alone.

'…Brother….'

Syaoron, undeterred by the tension in the room, started walking further into the cramped area; his eyes still glowing bright in contrast to the seemingly dim-lit room. His hands were uncurling and curling as those footsteps sounded heavy and leaded. His vision seemed to be blurred; clouded with hidden sadness and even more hidden anger. 'He wasn't supposed to find out. He wasn't supposed to see. Now that he saw, he'll be like the rest. He'll run away…run away in terror and….I'll be alone again….' The brunette didn't know what to do. But he sure as hell wasn't in his right mind as he raised a hand up to the cowering blonde; blank and almost emotionless.

"I'm sorry!"

That hand in the air stilled as the blonde's eyes were looking up with tears in them. The glow in the other's eyes dimmed a bit as the brunette was brought a bit back into reality. Now bright brown eyes were looking at the person below.

"I-I'm sorry…." Yuui repeated as he lowered his arms. "I-I didn't mean to intrude…" He bit his lower lip as he sat up. "I never knew….a piece of wallpaper was hanging out so I thought to take it off and then more came off and then the door…I just...and the chill I felt…" He shook his head; trying not to succumb to fear again. "A-Anyway, I just thought it was some poor renovation or something when I walked in….until I saw the blood…."

Both blue and bright brown eyes trailed to the huge spot of crusted red that stained the floor before Syaoron looked back up at the blonde.

"I-I had no idea about this room even existed!" Yuui then shouted; the sight of blood and Syaoron's intense stare getting too much for him. "When I got this picture from that desk, I thought that you just…." The photo in his hand was shaking along with the rest of his body. "I…I may not know much about you but I know that people h-have secrets that t-they rather not show….and…" He gulped. "I-If you don't want me around anymore because of this then just say it. I understand. Just…d-don't hurt me!" He finally got out as he curled back a bit again.

That made the bright glow of the other's eyes went out completely as he looked at the frightened person before him. He blinked as he looked around the room, the hidden anger inside of him was slowing fading for the moment; leaving only the deep sadness that he held onto for years. He heard a small growl and looked back to see the stuffed animal holding the side of the blonde's head; almost as if protecting it. The black beady eyes glaring at him with words he knew will come out even if it was unspoken.

"Don't give into anger. Don't give into despair. You have received this ability for a reason. Use it to your advantage and never let the past influence you in the present. Not many people get a second chance, after all."

Syaoron felt his whole body shake for a moment; remembering those words. He shook his head as he walked forward. The whimpers from the blonde grew louder and louder until his hands grabbed the other's.

Yuui flinched at the touch but after a few seconds of nothing else, he relaxed. He felt the grip tightened for a second before it went lax. Blinking his tears away, he looked up at the brunette who was smiling sadly at him. "…S-Syaoron…?"

"If anyone needed to apologize," The brunette started. "It'll be from me…to you…"

"E-Eh?" Yuui watched as the photo in his hands slipped delicately from him and into the brunette's. He felt a shift to his left and sighed in relief. He nearly forgot about the stuffed dog on his shoulder. He then looked back up at the other. "What do you mean…?" He questioned as the brunette stood up.

"For scaring you and almost hurting you." Syaoron sighed tiredly as he glanced briefly at photo before tucking it away in his pants. "This…isn't really something I would talk to…to anyone really." He looked around the room. "And frankly I almost forgot about it." Well it wasn't a lie but it wasn't the truth either. "You're right about one thing; there some secrets that are better off hidden but…" He glanced at the other sadly before rubbing his head with a lone hand; unsure what else to say anymore.

Yuui rubbed his eyes as he calmed down. "Syaoron….maybe this is too much of me to ask since we're just….uh…but…" He gulped as he sat upright. "What kind of room is this?" It was probably too forward to ask such a question after the two had just been emotionally messed up for a moment back there but the fear he had inside well faded; replacing it with curiosity that he had since he moved in.

The other expected his answer and while he wasn't much in an answering mood, he was slightly impressed that the blonde wasn't running out of the room in terror. Crossing his arms, Syaoron closed his eyes. "….It's my father's."

"What?"

"It's a study room." Syaoron clarified a bit. "His study room. The room would be off limits most of the time but he was lenient if one would go in….as long as they knock…" He looked away. "He would go out traveling for days on end without so much as leaving a note and would come back to hole up here to do go over his research." He placed a finger on his chin; hoping he wasn't giving out too much already.

"Research?" Yuui slowly stood up. "Oh! So he did then sort of thing you're doing." He can only assume as Syaoron's explanation was faintly helpful at best.

"…More or less…" Syaoron left it at that as he chuckled.

"And the blood?"

The chuckle died down as the brunette forced a tight smile. "An accident." He simply stated. "Father never got to cleaning it up and I keep forgetting to replace the carpet. It's expensive nowadays though." He shrugged.

Frowning at the answer, Yuui nodded. "I see…well…I guess carpeting is rather costly." He looked at the other as he patted the stuffed dog on his shoulder. "Even so, that's no reason to hide the room…unless…."

Syaoron saw that look and was relieved to say the next thing that came out of his mouth. "Yeah, he died. He and mother both." He nodded.

"And your brother?" The blonde then asked; seeing the look-alike in the photo.

"….."

"Oh my goodness…." Yuui covered his mouth. "I-I'm sorry…!" Without realizing it, he went up to the brunette and hugged him. He ignored the fact that his shoes were over the thick stain that was the blood as he held the other in his arms.

If there was anything that Syaoron expected from the blonde; getting a hug wasn't really one of them. His face went from passive to steaming red as he found himself hugging back weakly. "I…no, it's fine." It had been a while since his voice was that high, wasn't it? "It'd been a long time ago and I'm okay now…s-so you don't have to worry…" He patted the blonde's back to reassure him. While it wasn't the whole truth; it was enough to distract the blonde from the room and asking questions.

"I know…I know…" Yuui loosened his hold. "It's just that it's always painful when you lose a loved one." He sniffled. "You wouldn't believe the many close calls I had when it came to brother. I was sure I was going to lose him when we were kids."

"Fai, right?" Syaoron asked; recalling seeing the twin a few times and hearing Yuui go on and on about him time and time again.

"Mm…" Yuui nodded. "Brother can be a bit reckless as a kid but I'm glad he has matured…even a bit." He chuckled. "Still though, it must be painful for you even after all this time." He sighed. 'So, I'm sorry if I brought up some awful memories."

"No," Syaoron shook his head as he pulled away from the embrace. "Like I said, it's fine." He saw that the blonde's eyes were on the verge of spilling tears. Hesitantly, he reached up and wiped them away with a lone finger. "And I'm glad that you don't share the same fate as I do." In many ways. "And it's nice that you worry about your brother as I do my own. It means that you care as Fai does for you too."

Blushing at the contact, Yuui made no indication to back off. "Yeah….you're right." He smiled a bit. "Thank you…." He trailed off; not really sure what to thank the other for; considering the brunette did a few things; not killing him would be one of them though.

"There's nothing to thank me for. I-I'm happy to help." Syaoron laughed softly as he dropped his hand. "Oh, I just remembered!" He suddenly stated; fighting whatever blush remained on his face. "There was a package on the front door that was addressed to you so I brought it in. It had a scent of something…sweet?"

"Sweet?" Yuui blinked a few times before his eyes went wide. "Oh my god! I totally forgot to check when it was coming!" He panicked a bit before running past Syaoron and out of the room. "My supplies! They're going to melt if I don't put them in the fridge!" In the process, the stuffed dog was dropped from the other's shoulders as thumps of footsteps soon echoed faintly in the distance.

Walking up to the toy, Syaoron calmly went down and picked it up. He sighed in relief. "Well, I managed to keep most of it under wraps." He looked at the blue dog. "I'll have to board up the room this time though and buy some new wallpaper or maybe some durable paint."

"What would be the point now, brat?" Ioryogi spoke up with a gruff of disapproval. "The blonde had already seen the room and the stain on the floor. And what about the photo?" The stuffed dog reminded the other as he pointed to the front pocket. "He may be naïve but he isn't stupid. He's sharper then you give him credit for." He sighed as he crossed his arms. "Eventually he'll ask again and he won't take those half-assed answers the next time around."

The brunette figured that would be the case as he lowered his eyes to stare at the ground. "I'm well aware of that." He slowly nodded. "And I know that I have to reveal myself…all of me in time but…just not now." He sighed in defeat. "Not when everything is still on the red zone…so to speak. I'll tell him…explain maybe everything….I promise."

Ioryogi growled in uncertainty. "Hmm….fine." He shook his head. "I know you don't back down on your word, kid but don't blame me if you took too long and the blonde reacts poorly because of this whole…secrecy." He rubbed his head. "The shopkeeper won't be happy about it the choice though even if he can't do anything to change it otherwise."

"He's much kinder then the last one. I will say that." Syaoron smiled softly. "But I'm sure he understands either way. I'm grateful for everything up to this point he has done for me, even if I have to compensate for that help."

"You should be grateful." The dog agreed. "I would have decked your head if you weren't." With a sigh, he nodded. "Now then, let's get the hell out of this room so we can talk more about the other situation."

"Right…." Syaoron solemnly stated as he can see the very room turning and warping before his eyes. "It is…getting too nostalgic in here…."

A mistake has been made.

A slip-up has been noticed.

One with many eyes has seen it.

Now someone else will make their move.

Don't know when.

Don't know how.

But one thing is certain.

Nothing can go back to the way it was once someone figures out what's different.

Not even…..

Elsewhere, days later

"What's wrong, sensei? You look a bit down."

Yuui groaned as he shook his head. "Nothing's wrong. I'm fine, Watanuki."

The student in question frowned as he got a closer look. "Yeah, right. You look anything but fine, Yuui-sensei." He reached out and touched the teacher's forehead. "You don't look sick. Maybe it was a bad idea to go out for lunch today."

"No!" The blonde stood upright. "N-No. I'm getting sick or anything. Besides it'd be pointless if that was the case since you wanted me to enjoy lunch with you….which is weird considering…." He trailed off; unsure if he should say it or not.

"That I'm not joined at the hip with the oaf?" Watanuki finished it for him. "Or that I asked you and not Fai-sensei?"

"The former one, yes."

Watanuki huffed as he crossed his arms. "As much as I hate to admit how close the two of us are, I have my own life just like that jerk does. And besides," He reached over and sipped his glass that was filled with soda. "He's out of town on family matters. His grandma on his dad's side is getting sick." He glanced at his glass sadly. "A shame, really. Hope everything is alright where he is now."

The teacher stared at the expression Watanuki had as he sipped his iced tea. If he didn't know any better, he would say that the way the other was talking just two seconds ago; it would seem that he was the older one and not him. It wasn't odd considering the poor boy's past but still, it was….slightly unnerving.

But he'd be damned if he was going let the moment slip by him.

With a teasing smile, Yuui looked at Watanuki as he pointed. "You miss Doumeki, don't you?"

And just like a fuse in a lightbulb, Watanuki's face went all red as he stuttered and flailed his arms around. "I-I do not!" He argued. "I-I'm just saying that—"

"That you missed Doumeki terribly and you can't wait to see him again so he can be by your side like always." Yuui cut him off with a laugh. "Don't worry, I'm sure he misses you too." He grinned at the glare he received in retaliation. "Calm down, protégé. I'm just lightening the mood. Can't have that frown stick to your face forever."

Huffing, Watanuki leaned back on his chair. "You're almost as bad as Fai-sensei, do you know that?"

"Almost?"

"Yeah," The student grinned. "At least you know when to quit. With Fai-sensei….it's…well…it's like…" He scratched his cheek.

"You don't have to say it." Yuui raised his hands up to stop the other from thinking too much. "But I would refrain from mentioning it to brother as much as possible because well… an angry chemistry teacher isn't exactly a pleasant thing to see."

"Yeah, no kidding." Watanuki had his share of witnessing such a sight; however rare that it was. "Speaking of Fai-sensei, how are you two lately?" He asked. "I…probably shouldn't know about the situation but Yuuko-sensei let one slip when I gave her some tea to drink…."

Chuckling, Yuui waved it off. "It's fine. I'm just surprised that it hasn't spread throughout the academy." He leaned back as the waitress placed down their orders. He had a grilled chicken sandwich with fries while Watanuki had salmon fillet with a side of salad and a baked potato. As he nibbled on a fry, he shrugged. "It's going great. We've really been coming close; just like we were as children." He then lowered his eyes. "Although…"

"Hmm?"

"Maybe it's just me but…." Yuui played with the half-eaten fry on his plate. "Brother seemed to be off for some reason."

"Off?" Watanuki's tone had what was called surprise but in his eyes; there wasn't a hint of it. "Off how? Did something bad happen between….?"

"Oh no!" Yuui shook his head. "His and Kurogane's relationship has been going well as usual. But I…kind of wished that would have been the case. Maybe then it would have given me a definite clue as to what's going on…" He then looked up at Watanuki with a sheepish smile. "Oh, but you probably don't want to hear it though-"

"I have listened to Yuuko-sensei's constant whining, Doumeki's lack of words and Himawari going on and on about her own stuff….not that it's not interesting to hear." He blushed a bit. "So just go on and talk to me about it. You've done a lot of listening when people have their problems so I think it's time you deserve someone to lend their ear to you for a change."

Yuui's eyes seem to sparkle as he felt his own face heat up. Coughing, he gave the other a small smile. "Ah, yes…I suppose you're right." It's not like he didn't want someone to listen to him. But he thought that with everyone's daily problems, he thought it'd be best to just set it aside and work it out on his own. Of course, brother wouldn't hear of it as did Kurogane or Yuuko and then there was…

….Syaoron.

Shaking his head, the blonde tried his best to keep his mind on track. Ever since that day, the brunette had been very distant from him; more so then normal. He may not know a lot about him but he knew an uncomfortable person when he saw one. The room must be doing more harm to the other then he thought. But that photo he saw, it was old, legit old as he can recall. It wasn't one of those fake photos that make it look like it was ancient in a way. It was real…so real that he can't help but wonder.

Was Syaoron hiding something more then just that dreadful room?

And did it involve that photo somehow?

Unknown to the blonde, Watanuki was watching his expression change from one to another; clearly in thought. His right eye was shifting colors; on the verge of changing into golden brown. But a comment stopped him from doing anything else. It was loud and clear yet no one else had heard it. Sighing, he tapped his fork on the table. "Yuui-sensei?"

"Hmm?" Yuui looked up and blushed; noticing that he was indeed getting off track. "Oh dear, sorry. My mind was elsewhere for a second." He had no idea what to do now but he probably will get a clue later on. "Um...w-what were we talking about again?"

With a cryptic smile that was unbecoming of Watanuki and yet so familiar, he leaned forward. "You were talking about how off Fai-sensei was. So come on, out with it." He joked a bit. "How off was he lately?"

Blood

So much blood

Red

That lovely red

Staining the prudent gray and green

The sidewalk and on the grass.

It wasn't as thrilling as the first time around

But it certainly won't be the last

For one certain person was the target

But another one will fall before then

"So another one was lost…." A soft mature voice rang out as there was a slight creak on the bed. "How awful that an innocent crossed paths with that being."

"Well that's what they get for not listening to their elders about walking alone at night." A gruff voice replied.

"You don't mean that. You're just as saddened by this as I am."

"….Maybe I am. But that doesn't change a damn thing and you know it."

"Blunt as ever, I see."

"You make it sound like this is new to you, Kobato."

A soft giggle escaped those soft lips as the young woman made herself comfortable on Syaoron's bed. She had a certain glow on her but it was hardly noticeable. At least to those who have closed their eyes to the world. With her long light brown hair spilling onto the soft furniture and her slim pale legs crossed, she laid on her side as she was watching the young man in question slumber but not in peace. "No, it's not. But it doesn't make it any less surprising since…it has been a while."

The stuffed dog on the window sill had his stubby arms crossed as he huffed. "Then you need to get your head checked out Dobato. Wouldn't want that pissy boyfriend worry about you even more." He could never understand how beings like Kobato and another named Kohaku would want to hang around humans so much. They were far better then them on a spiritual level and they are in a sense immortal. Well it was true for Kohaku, a ditzy but lovable angel but for the young woman Kobato….

Well….the term for her really was blurry and it was partly the reason he was stuck in his pathetic form. But moving on.

Smiling at the other, Kobato traced a finger down Syaoron's cheek; worried. "Fujimoto is a very nice guy who only wants the best for me. Very cute and sweet too. Always making me breakfast, making sure I get to the academy on time….leaving me small notes in my lunches—"

"Someone gag me with a spoon." Ioryogi blushed as he growled a bit. "Yeah, I get it. He's fine and you're happy. That's fine. Other then his anger issues, he's okay." He heard the other laugh softly as he watched the young woman tend to the being on the bed. Irony was indeed despicable. But the laughter died down as he raised an eyebrow. "This doesn't look good for him, does it?"

Lifting her head to view the toy, she shook her head. "It's not terrible but it worse then okay. I never seen him so…tired before." She cupped the side of the young man's face. "I know that we barely have the chance to talk as he's rather busy but it this….rather unsettling." She frowned for a moment. "Did something happen while I was gone?"

Ioryogi sighed. "Well-" He flinched before looking out from the window. A tall slim person was walking by the house. The figure looked strange yet familiar. It must have felt the toy's eyes as it looked up and smiled. The dog didn't like that smile. It was cold, calculating and….down right dangerous. But he sat still as the figure chuckled and went on their way. Sighing as the figure was gone from his vision, the dog turned back at Kobato who was holding Syaoron in her arms like a mother would for a child.

"Let's just say," The stuffed toy started slowly. "Shit's finally starting to hit the fan."

Time can be cruel

Time can be unkind

Time can only go forward

Rarely does it rewind

But if you wish hard enough

If you really want it to be

One day it will happen again

And hopefully you will be with me

"Renovations?" Yuui asked as he took a sip of tea.

With a nod, Yuuko started eating some of those doughnut balls that she bought from a local grocery store. She can feel the stare of concern from the blonde as they both know that it was Watanuki who makes food for the chairman and Kurogane, the gym teacher serves tea.

And yet, neither of them was at the academy lately.

"As you very well know, the academy has been open and running for about half a century and as such, certain things often get rusty or no longer functioning." The woman continued as she took another bite. "Because of numerous complaints from both students and teachers along with a couple recent injuries from the janitor; I finally put my foot down and called for some help to fix the building up. However, that means that there may be some class cancellations or even the whole school closing for a day or two."

"So in short," Yuui sighed. "We may get that unexpected break either way." He agreed with the chairman that the school did need some fixing up. At the same time though, there was a sense of dread in his stomach. "So…what happens now?"

The woman smiled as she pushed the box towards the blonde; offering to share. "Since some classrooms are including in the renovations; I had to make certain decisions on the behalf of the school to prevent too many students missing too many days from it." She then pointed to the chef. "Therefore, I'm sorry to say that your classes as of now and until further notice are cancelled."

The choking sound that came from the blonde was almost course and tight as the chewed up doughnut ball was almost stuck to his throat. Swallowing before coughing a bit into his hand, Yuui had to look up and blinked. "I-I'm sorry?"

"You heard right." Yuuko confirmed as she sighed. "As well as your cooking classes go, it's only an elective and as such not very necessary for their grades and if they miss too much then they can just take it again. Rest assured that you're not the only one taking the hit for the others. The art department and the woodshop had to cut their classes. Even Kamui was more than relieved to get some time off."

Well that would explain why he was more at the hip with his twin Subaru lately. Yuui nodded as he sadly sighed. "So the cancellations are there so the other teachers can use the classrooms if their own are getting fix, right?"

"You hit the nail on the head, dear Yuui." Yuuko smiled. "But don't fret about it. You're still getting paid for the unexpected vacation. Might as well use the time to do something else worth while. Like painting, going out with friends or…finishing up from paperwork~?"

The blonde blinked at the chairman before sighing. Should have known it would have led up to that. He leaned out a hand. "How much this time, sensei?"

"Oh, you're so helpful when needed my sweet~!" Yuuko giggled as she took out a very thick folder and placed it on the table. "Not as much as last time. But I do expect it to be done before the end of the month. I don't care if he says yes and you two hit it off; even then I want it done."

"If he says…." Yuui trailed off; very confused to what the woman was saying before it clicked and his face went very bright red. "W-Whoa, Yuuko-sensei!" He placed his hands up in defense. "J-Just—what!?" He finally got out after a few seconds of stuttering.

The smile on the woman's face was nothing less of maliciously evil. "Well you've been living with that roomie for quite some time. Don't tell me that you haven't noticed." She teased as she ate more of the small doughnuts.

"…" With his face still red, Yuui was dead silent as he clenched his fists. Those dark red eyes were just piercing him in ways he never thought one can. With a shuddering sigh, he gulped. "W-Was it that obvious?"

"Not to most but nothing gets passed me." Yuuko smirked. "Anyway, I do hope you get the chance to talk to that young man and get an answer. Girls hate it when their crushes don't reply to them right away."

"But…I'm not a girl…."

"Technicalities." The chairman waved it off as she leaned back. "Anyway, with all the time you have now, I don't see why you shouldn't say anything since it is written all over your face and the apparent urge is there…unless…something else has happened…." Her smile was wiped off as she then stared at the blonde.

For a while, neither of them said a word.

Yuui didn't know how to answer that as he tried not to look at the woman before him. It was really like she knew more then she let on. It wasn't anything to new since he had gotten used to her but that certain look she gave….it was like she was trying to hint at something.

Don't tell me that you haven't noticed.

Those blue eyes widened as he started to think. His mind went back to that day he went into that room all of a sudden. He had no clue why it was important but he can't seem to get away from those thoughts. Then the image came behind his eyes. The blood stained floor, the sudden chill, the photo and then….the person who walked into the room.

Chill

Blood

The photo

Him.

Replay

Rewind

Can't ignore.

Can't forget.

His breath hitched a bit as he blinked. "I…don't know what you're talking about…" He finally said as he found himself gripping the front of his shirt. Surely the assumptions he had were just that; assumptions. Then why….why did it feel like he was being lied to? He never pressed anything further and despite the nagging in the back of his mind despite the other's words; he was quite content with the answers.

But were you?

Or did you just wanted to block it out of your mind?

You know what you saw.

You know something else is happening.

And yet here you sit.

Ignorant.

Passive

Pathetic.

Don't you want to know?

Don't you want to find out?

Then what are you waiting for….Yuui?

Gritting his teeth, Yuui suddenly stood up. He didn't know why he just got out of the chair like that but his body was overpowering everything that his mind was screaming at him with. Just now he heard a voice that was not his own but it wasn't as foreign as he would expect. But he had no time to dwell on it as he walked around the table to get his bag.

"What's wrong, Yuui?" Yuuko finally spoke up as she watched with mild interest. "You seem a bit jittery."

"I just remembered something…" Those words seem to be spilling out of Yuui before he can stop it. "Something that is very important and I can't wait another second for. I'm sorry for walking out on you like this but you told me that I have some time now-"

"Paperwork."

"—right, and I just have to get this over with before I do something really stupid." Yuui grabbed the folder from the chairman's hand as he bowed. "Well call me when I can teach my classes again. Thank you." He then rushed out of the room as the bell rang; signaling the end of lunch. If he was paying any form of attention, he would have seen the chairman's smirk gracing her lips.

As the cooking teacher was rushing by, he suddenly bumped into another person hard.

"Whoa, Yuui." Fai smiled as he held his brother upright; preventing the two from falling down. "What's going on? You look like you seen a ghost—"

"Sorry, brother." Yuui panted. "Can't talk right now. Maybe later. I'll call you." He gave his brother a kiss on the cheek as he moved around and walked by the chemistry teacher. "Bye!" He waved without looking back as he practically ran down the hallway.

The lone figure just watched as Yuui was out of sight. Those bright blue eyes darkened greatly as a deep scowl etched those lips. The hands clenched into fists before sounds of angry footsteps echoed the hallway.

A mistake was made.

Darkness into light.

Someone is making a move.

But it won't be at night.

If one isn't careful,

If the other isn't around

Red would be the only color

To see in this lovely town

The sense of dread was so strong that it almost consumed the young man. Even with Kobato's help and comfort, it wouldn't go away. Maybe Ioryogi was right, maybe he should have come clean about everything or at least a lot of it when the blonde was that room. Maybe then the tension between them wouldn't be there in the first place.

Even so.

What if his fear of what would happen occurs? What if the blonde would be pushed too far to the edge with lie and dark secrets that he'll run away and never come back? He certainly wouldn't call the other a coward; not when he hadn't ran away the last time despite the position he was in. So he couldn't blame him if the blonde walked out on him because of all of this.

But….where does that leave him; the one who had been waiting after all this time?

Will he drown in darkness again?

Will his heart hardened up to a point that no one can get through?

He honestly didn't know and for the first time after years of thinking, he was scared of the answer.

Now was not the time to think about it. He had to get some cleaning done so Yuui can at least come home to something to smile at. With a dish rag, Syaoron started cleaning the wet but clean dishes to put on the rack to dry. He can feel the intense stare of the stuffed toy as well as the presence of multiple spirits that continued to linger around. For a while, he made sure to keep them at bay when he was around Yuui so the blonde wouldn't get scared again but now it was getting harder and harder to do so.

He was getting tired.

And not the kind that sleep can fix.

"You're pushing yourself too hard." Ioryogi finally spoke up; seeing the other's body swaying back and forth a bit. "Not that I ever thought you were a lazy piece of shit but even for me this is painful to watch. You have to talk to the blonde."

"And what could I possibly say?" Syaoron angrily stated as he turned around at glared at the dog. "Sorry that I've been lying to you about my age all this time. That I'm not only almost a hundred years old but have abilities that would make exorcists cringe and oh! By the way, this isn't the first time we actually met, did you know that?" He threw the dishrag into the sick with a growl. "Sorry but I can't see at any point just sitting down and talking about this with him!"

Undeterred by the sudden bout of rage, Ioryogi shrugged. "I just think anything's better then standing there letting crap just hit you before it even happens. And to be honest…that blonde's worried about you."

The young man's eyes went wide at the dog. "He's….worried about me…?"

"Well that was fuck choice of words I just said but in general, yeah he is." Ioryogi relented. "Like I said before he may be naïve but he isn't stupid. Kid's got a sharp sense despite how airheaded he seems around others. He likes to help, to comfort others. While I think he's too kind for his own good, I can see why you fell in love with him…in the first place…."

For a second Syaoron didn't say a word as he placed a hand on his chest; over where his heart was. He closed his eyes and sighed. "He does have that kind of aura around him. I would be pulled closer to him no matter what I do…but…it was that same bout that kindness that got him to—" His eyes snapped open in alert as he lifted his head.

Ioryogi did the same as he stood up on the table. His mouth slightly agape with fire just wanting to escape. "He's coming….I can sense him…."

"Yeah…..and….someone else….someone…." Syaoron murmured idly before his eyes went wide with fear and worry as did the stuffed toy. "Oh shit, Yuui!"

He should really stop running out of nowhere. While he wasn't old in a sense, his running days were long since over and his age was beginning to haunt him. Not even close to the house, Yuui was then walking slowly through the town. His back was hunched over as his feet were being dragged though the sidewalk.

While it was a pretty stupid thing to do, he didn't regret doing so. He had to get back to the house and confront Syaoron. The nagging in the back of his mind was getting too much and now that he had time; he won't take any excuse the other would have and just get him to talk.

He had been thinking for a bit though. He probably was rushing into something that he probably wasn't ready for. He may not like it or worse; be scared of it. He was never the confronting type ( unless provoked ) so he was somewhat certain that won't get the answers or won't stick around to hear it.

But he wasn't going to run. Not this time.

He liked Syaoron for quite some time; that was a fact. Maybe he should have said something on that day when he found that room but he was scared to say anything else. Syaoron doesn't seem like the type of person to lie but he was the type of person to hide things from others. Syaoron owed him some real answers and he owed him the courage to hear it. He wasn't sure what drawn him to the young man in the first place but he hoped that feeling doesn't go away any time soon.

"Excuse me."

Blinking, Yuui turned around and saw a burly man in a coat and hat in his sight. He smiled politely but tiredly as he bowed a bit. "Um, yes? Is there something wrong?" He couldn't help but feel a slight chill from the man. "Are you new in town by any chance?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact I am." The man stepped closer to him. "Do you by any chance know a guy named Syaoron Li?"

"Uh…yes, I do." Yuui took a step back without knowing. "Why do you ask?"

There was something shining in the sunlight behind the man as he took a step closer. "I'm an old friend of his." He continued. "And I just wanted to give him something while I'm here. A gift, I would say."

"O-Oh, a gift." Yuui nodded with a smile. "Maybe I can give it to him for you .What is it?"

Just then a big knife came into view as the man quickly stepped forward to the blonde. "Your bloody corpse."

Yuui didn't have time to react as he saw the knife. His body still as his eyes went wide. He had to move, he had to get away from the man but his legs wouldn't let him. He was stuck and he was going to die. He watched in slow motion his life passing through his eyes as the knife sank into flesh; earning a slight squishy sound to it.

Only….the knife never hit the blonde's body.

Both him and the man were surprised to see another person enter the fight. But the short brown hair was unmistakable and as the third person lifted the head; so were those brown eyes.

The man stepped back as the knife was stuck inside the body.

"S-Syaoron….?" Yuui managed to say; both scared and worried for the other.

The young man in question glared at the man before him as his arms were wide out; as if to shield Yuui. He gritted his teeth. "That prudent scent, that chilling presence…I knew…I knew it was you…" He chuckled tiredly. "You just never know when to quit, do you?"

The man growled as he clenched his hands into fists. "Neither do you. How long do you intend to keep this up, being?"

"Until my real last dying breath." Syaoron answered; his tone blank but with a hint of anger. "And I won't go down without a fight this time around. I promise you that."

"Then you better be prepared this time." Another knife came out as the man started running towards the two. "Because I won't hold back!" Before he can even get close to the brunette, he suddenly step back as he landed on his rear.

Black shadows come from below the young man as they peeled off the sidewalk and hover in mid air towards the man. Snarling with teeth and malicious eyes it stared back at the intruder; waiting to strike.

"You can't do anything." Syaoron stated with the slightest of smirks. "Not here and not now. I know who you really are but you can't show it to me. You may be powerful but your form's still weak. You can't do a thing without it crumbling within you."

With a snarl, the man got up and pointed at Syaoron with the knife. "Mark my words! I will get that item from you and soon….real soon, I'll make sure you won't stand in my way anymore!" And with that, the man ran away from them.

Sighing, Syaoron dropped his arms. "God….and I thought human were annoying." He heard a plop and a shuddering gasp as he turned around. "Uh…Yuui?"

"W-W-What?" Yuui can only get out. It all happened way too fast. The near-death, the shadows, the conversation. He didn't know where to start.

"Hey…" Syaoron knelled down in front of the blonde. "Yuui, are you alright?" He can see how scared the other was and he tried to calm him down. "That man…he didn't hurt you, did he?" He wanted to reach out but he rather not trigger something bad within the blonde.

As scared as he was, Yuui was somewhat soothed by the soft comforting voice the other had. With his heart beating quickly, he shook his head. "N-No…I'm a-alright…" He blinked before his eyes trailed down to the other's chest. "O-Oh my god, Syaoron!" He reached out and touched the other's chest. "The knife!"

"Hmm?" Syaoron looked down and blinked. "Huh….would you look at that…?" The knife was plunged into his chest; possibly through his heart. It was bleeding but not so much as it had yet to stain his shirt greatly.

"You were careless back there." Just then the familiar blue stuffed toy came around and plopped over Syaoron's shoulder. "Thankfully it was messy shot from him so you got off light."

"You call this light?" Syaoron couldn't help but chuckle. "What dimension are you from? Light's getting a small bruise or a scrape. This is anything but light."

"I call it as I see it, kid." Ioryogi then turned his attention to the blonde. "Ah, he's still conscious."

The brunette went back to the blonde and found that the blonde was gripping his chest; very close to the knife as blue eyes were wide with confusion.

There were a million questions running through Yuui's head but his mouth just wasn't functioning at the moment. He can only sit there and stare at the other and the apparent stuffed toy that was now anything but a toy. With a tighter grip on the other's chest; staining his hand with blood, he gulped. "S-Syaoron…"

"Yes?"

"A-Are you…are you dead….?" Yuui gritted his teeth a bit.

With a sad smile, Syaoron placed a hand over the blonde's; squeezing it as he lowered his head. "That…is a good question, Yuui."

TBC

Freaking finally! OTL