Caged Ch 6

Nightmare, Beach, Secret Revealed

A/N: DISCLAIMER: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho or its characters! Just my OC's.

Last Chapter: After having a very long night being teased the the Amano's and what not, they get to bed...eventually...to go to school the next day.

Please enjoy...

"Katsune, wake up." A distant voice called. "G-good…morning…" I said sleepily. "Geese, we're going to be late!" Mi yelled, "Hurry up, we need to go!" She yelled again. "What, it's already this late!?" I yelled jumping out of bed. I got dressed, brushed my hair and teeth, grabbed a piece of toast and ran out the door. I slammed the classroom door open causing everyone to look over to me. I was so exhausted however, that I didn't even notice. Instead I just collapsed on the floor panting.

I slowly walked over to my desk. I sat down and got lost deep in my thoughts. 'I had that dream again, I hate it.' I thought. "Hey Katsune?" I gave no response. 'Why does my father have to haunt me, even now?' "Katsune….KATSUNE!" A voice yelled. "W-what, oh sorry Kaho." I said looking up to the girl calling my name. "Geese, I called you about 500 times!" She said slightly irritated, but there was more worry in her voice. "S-sorry, I guess I'm just tired, there has been a lot on my mind lately." I frowned. "Oh like what?" She asked now curious, just then Mitsuki walked over. "I bet I know what, or rather, who." She smirked. "Who, you don't mean…Katsune likes a boy?" Kaho asked excitedly. "W-what, of course not why would I, I don't like anyone!" I yelled. "Ha, could've fooled me! I have one name for you Kitty, Shu-i-chi~!" She smirked. "W-w-what, n-no! What's wrong with you!?" I yelled. "I've been thinking about that damn dream I keep having, geese!" I screamed again. Mitsuki's look suddenly grew serious.

"You had that dream again?" She asked. I frowned, and nodded slowly. "He still haunts me, why won't he just go away?" I frowned. Kaho looked at Mitsuki, then me, and then back to Mitsuki. "Who?" She asked feeling a little left out. "Hmm, it's not really my place to say. I'm sure Katsune will tell you when she's ready." She frowned. Kaho nodded in response. "Well anyways, you two probably don't know but, science and PE switch off activities every day, so today we will be doing something for PE." She smiled. "Really, what are we doing today then?" I asked suddenly forgetting my worries. "I think today we are playing volleyball." She smirked. "Okay class, it's time to head to the gym." The teacher announced. We all walked to the gym. "Hey Katsune, Mitsuki, Kaho!" Daisuke called out to us while waving. Standing next to him was Shuichi and Daichi. "Hi Daisuke!" Mi called out as we walked over to the threesome. "Hi Shuichi." I smiled. "Hello Katsune." He smiled back. I felt two smirks, 'Kaho and Mi-ki without a doubt.' I thought.

"So what exactly are we doing today?" I asked him. "We are playing volleyball in teams of 6, the three of us already decided to be a part of a team, do you girls want to join us?" He asked with a hopeful smile. "Sure, how bout you Mi-ki, Kaho?" I asked them. They both just nodded.

.

. Later in class…

.

"Pass it here Shuichi!" I yelled. The ball was sent towards me very high up, 'A spike, okay here goes!' I thought, with a high bound, I cut through the air heading up towards the ball, and with my most powerful hit spiked it down into their side of the court. "Kyaaaa!" I screamed as I hit it with amazing spin towards the ground. It landed right in front of a girl, "EEEEEP, H-HOLY CRAP KATSUNE ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME!?" She yelled. The spot where it had landed was still smoking. "Sorry, but I play to win." I smirked. "Remind me to never piss her off." Kaho said to Mitsuki, "Yeah and remind me to never go against her in sports." She panicked. Ignoring the two baka's comments, I walked over to Shuichi. "Nice pass!" I said cheerfully. "Nice spike." He smirked back at me. I raised a hand for a high five. "OOOOOH, those two are getting along really well." Kaho teased, causing me to falter. "Oh not just really well, that's an understatement, you would think they were a couple." She played along.

I was now fuming, with clenched teeth and fists. I slowly turned around, "How about I spike your heads!?" I screamed blushing. "S-spare us please!" They yelled in unison. I started chasing them around the court. As I was chasing them I realized a good way to embarrass Mi-ki. "Hey Mi-ki, did you…" I started laughing uncontrollably. "D-did you forget to wear…." I again laughed. "Did you forget to wear deodorant?" I asked. A crimson blush formed on her face. "W-what I was sure I put some on!" She said as she started smelling just to check. I was by this point clenching my stomach and rolling on the floor laughing, some tears had also escaped me as I had my laughing fit. "Kat-su-neeeeeeeee!" She roared. "S-spare me p-please!" I begged getting up and running for it. As I was running around I noticed Kaho laughing as well. I glanced over to the spot the boys were standing expecting to see them looking un-amused and most likely rolling their eyes, however… 'He's smiling, they all are.' I thought to myself shocked as I saw all three smiling, or in Daichi's case grinning madly. I soon found myself panting collapsed on the floor as was Mitsuki.

I then suddenly noticed Kaho was missing. "Hey guys, where is Kaho?" I asked. They all just looked at each other and smiled. "You'll see." They said in unison while smirking. Just then as I gave them a disappointed look the teacher started talking. "Okay everyone, now a student will play a special song for us on the violin." She smiled. Just then the stage curtains opened, and there was Kaho standing in the spotlight holding a violin. "Kaho plays the violin?" I asked. All three nodded. The song she played was absolutely beautiful. But she finished a few minutes after the first bell rang. Realizing I hadn't changed back yet, and well almost no one had I decided to just go to class in my PE clothing. Mitsuki, Daisuke, Shuichi, and I all darted to our next class. "Aaaaah!" We heard a yelp and soon after a crash as Mitsuki tripped and fell flat on her face. "Mitsuki are you okay!?" I asked. She got up and nodded but when she took a step, she cringed in pain. "You hurt your ankle didn't you?" Daisuke asked. She nodded sadly, but he bent down. "Here get on. I'll carry you to class." He smiled confidently. "W-what, no I can't make you do that, just go ahead of me." She blushed, but it went unnoticed by the boys and died down quickly. Daisuke sighed and got up, instead he decided he would carry her like a princess.

"What are you doing?" She asked as he picked her up. "I'm carrying you whether you like it or not." He smirked. A small blush formed on her face as we ran to class. As soon as we set foot in the classroom the bell rang. Shuichi and I quickly ran to our seats. We watched as Daisuke conversed with the teacher and soon left with Mi still in his arms. 'Nurses office I bet.' I thought as I took out my phone. I then texted Mitsuki, "No making out now okay ;)" Is what I sent. I soon got a reply. "Why would I do that!?" I couldn't help but let out a little chuckle, earning me a questioning gaze from Shuichi. I showed him the text I sent then the one I got back. He then also gave out a slight laugh. I started staring out the window, and again got lost in my thoughts. I remembered my issue that drained away my happiness. I didn't know it but I started crying.

Shuichi's Pov…

After she showed me the texts she went back to looking out the window, I soon noticed her shaking. It wasn't hard to see, but she was only shaking slightly, 'I wonder if she's cold.' I thought to myself. 'No something looks wrong.' Then she turned forward and looked down at her desk. I then saw tears fall onto the smooth surface. I reached my hand over and shook her shoulder a little. "Katsune, are you okay?" I whispered. She looked over at me, "Yeah why?" She asked. "Because you're crying." I frowned. She gave me a questioning look and reached a finger to her cheek. She then removed it and saw that she was indeed crying. She gave a momentarily shocked look then frantically wiped away the tears. I continued to stare at her concerned. I then noticed the teacher look over to us. I looked back and she turned and continued the lesson. "Therefore –a+b=24" She stated. I was trying to ask what was wrong, however the only answer I got was "I don't know…" or "Nothing…" I was starting to become very worried.

Just then Mitsuki and Daisuke walked in the room. "Sorry Mrs. Aiana." Daisuke said while having a limping Mitsuki hanging off of him nod in agreement. "It's fine, please take your seats." She smiled. "And Mitsuki…" She said, and then leaned in to whisper, causing her to look over to the crying girl sitting on my left. She then nodded and took her seat along with Daisuke. She started writing something on a piece of paper then handed it to me. "What happened?" I wrote back and handed it to her. "I'm not sure, I tried asking but she wouldn't tell me." I watched as she read it then wrote something else, after a while she handed it back to me. "I might know what's wrong, I just hope she's not thinking about it again, you know her father. Earlier today she was until we started playing volleyball, so it might be on her mind again. She's been having a horrible nightmare for a few years now, she had it again last night so it's been on her mind. :("

I read it and decided to just answer her with a frown. Class didn't pass very quickly, instead it seemed like it would never end. I decided to ask Mitsuki something. "Maybe she should go home for the day?" She again wrote back. "I think I have a better idea, let's go to the principal's office and I'll explain on the way." She then handed it back to me. "Okay…" I reluctantly gave in, but I figured Mitsuki knew her better than I did, so it would be best to go with it. Then she raised her hand. "Yes Mitsuki?"

Katsune's Pov…

I noticed Mitsuki and Shuichi passing notes. I just decided to ignore it though. After a while they had finally stopped, so I decided to try and concentrate on the lesson, even though tears were pouring down my face uncontrollably. "Yes Mitsuki?" I heard the teacher call. "Sensei, a few friends and I need to go speak with the Principal." She frowned. "Okay, let me know if you'll be leaving." She nodded. "Okay thanks!" She then stood up along with Shuichi and Daisuke, and then started to shake my arm. "Come on, I know something is wrong." She smiled. I decided to stand up and go along with it. She walked with Shuichi, and was whispering about something, obviously forgetting my sensitive ears. "Okay so I was thinking we could all take the rest of the day off, and go to the pool!" She said excitedly. "Why?" He asked. "To get her mind off things." She smirked. "Besides don't you want to see her in a swimsuit." She remarked slyly. "What, why would I?" He stated back a little nervously. "Well I'm sure she would want to see you shirtless." She again grinned evilly. A blush started to form on my face.

I tried to stay calm so they didn't notice I was listening, and decided that I would fake cry, although I was actually shaking from containing my anger towards the girl. The two of them just walked in silence afterwords, I could tell Mitsuki was very pleased, and Shuichi was most likely feeling a bit awkward after the embarrassing statement she just made. Lost deep in my thoughts I walked right past the Principal's office. "Uh, Katsune…where are you going, the Principal's office is right here." Mitsuki mused. I turned around, "O-oh…" I frowned. I then started to walk towards them as she knocked on the door. "Come on in." We heard a very cheerful voice. "Excuse us, but we have a bit of a problem." Mitsuki said while entering. "What's wrong?" The principal frowned. "Well you see Katsune here, is having bad memories, so we were wondering if we could all take the rest of the day off, to comfort her." She pleaded. "All of you? Isn't that a bit much?" She asked. "No, trust me it's barely enough." She convinced. "Well alright, you four may go early, I will let your teacher's know so go on and pack up." She smiled. "Thank you so much." We all said in unison.

"Okay so I have an idea, let's all go to the pool!" She said cheerfully as we left the building. "Me and Katsune will go look for swimsuits, since I outgrew mine and Katsune here is too shy to have one." I gave her a glare. "Okay where should we meet?" Daisuke asked. "Let's meet at our house." She smiled. "Shuichi should know where it is, so you two can head over there now, we'll be over in a bit." She stated while dragging me along. "H-hey I'm not even going to be swimming, why would I need a swimsuit?" I frowned. "To look cute for your boyfriend." She smirked. "I have a boyfriend?" I asked looking shocked. "Shuichi duh, who else?" She commented with a devious grin. "Uh, what drugs have you been on?" I asked concerned. "H-how did you find out?!" She teased. I just rolled my eyes and decided to go with whatever she picked for me as long as it didn't show too much. "How about this one?" She asked. "Uh…how about a green or red one." I asked her since those were my two favorite colors. "Oh how about this one then?!" She asked excitedly as she pulled out a green and red laced two piece. "Well I guess…" I frowned, I was hoping to at least get away with a one piece but I guess not. "I'll look for a cover up while you look for your swimsuit." I tried to escape with at least that. "Okay but make sure it's cute!" She smirked.

Luckily I found one I loved. It was green with a very detailed picture of a beautiful fox. Mitsuki bought a deep blue colored swimsuit with a light blue cover up that had a jellyfish on it. "Okay I guess we are ready then." She said satisfied. We arrived at the house and saw those two standing outside. "AH I FORGOT IT WAS LOCKED!" I yelled. "I'm so so so so so sorry!" I freaked out. "Don't worry about it." Daisuke smirked. "B-but I, oh I hope you didn't have to stand here to long!" I panicked. "It's okay Katsune, we didn't wait that long." Shuichi said in a soothing voice. I nodded slowly and tried opening the door. My hands were shaking and I couldn't seem to get it open. When I finally did I forgot to lift my feet and tripped over the step. I started to fall and decided to brace myself for the impact, but just then Shuichi grabbed my waist. "Are you okay?" He asked hugging me closer. We were so close, way, way, way to close. "Y-yeah…thanks." I said nervously. We didn't notice but Mitsuki had grabbed some towels and such while I almost fell to my death. "Okay let's go!" She smiled. "Yeah…" I frowned. "Mitsuki…do I really have to wear it?" I complained. "Of course you do! Come on it's cute don't worry about it!" She was obviously having way too much fun. "Fine…" I sighed.

After getting changed in the house, we had left, and I couldn't help but sigh every few seconds. I noticed Shuichi give me a worried look, and I decided to just shake my hands in denial. The rest of the way to the pool was just walking in awkward silence, except for Mitsuki who just kept on going on and on about how tons of boys would hit on me because of my swimsuit. I just sighed and rolled my eyes at her. I could tell, there was something eerie about her, she seemed…mischievous. "I wonder what she has planned…" I mumbled to myself, I noticed Shuichi's eyes shift over to me for a half second, but quickly revert back to looking where he was going. 'Did he actually just hear me? Geese is he a freaking ninja or something, is there nothing he can't do? Well maybe he didn't, it was pretty quiet. But then why did he look over at me!' I thought confused. "Katsu-" Smack, too late. I walked right into the door because I was so lost in my thoughts. "Ow…" I frowned as I rubbed my aching nose. "Are you okay Katsune?" Shuichi asked concerned. Mitsuki on the other hand was just laughing so hard she was holding her stomach. I shot her a glare then averted my attention back to Shuichi as he got uncomfortably close. "U-umm…" I said awkwardly as a blush crept towards my cheeks.

"You look okay, I'm glad you weren't injured." He smiled as he backed away from my face. "Y-yeah…thanks?" I asked not sure what I should be saying. Just then a creepy laugh started to arise. I saw Daisuke stare at Mitsuki with a frightened look, as he decided to back away slowly. "Mitsuki, are you okay?" I asked hoping she wasn't plotting to kill someone. Finally having woken out of her…um, creepiness, she looked at me with sparkling eyes, "Yeah let's go!" She said while pointing dramatically towards the door that I had ran into. I glared at the door for a bit, cursed it, and then entered behind everyone else.

I sighed, thought about how I hate swimming, and then sighed again. This process went on for a while. "Are you okay Katsune?" Shuichi asked turning around with a concerned look. "Huh, o-oh yeah…I'm fine." I said. Just then Mitsuki decided to chime in, "You've been sighing this whole time, do you want me to tell them why you don't like swimsuits?" She threatened. I shook my head furiously at the question, 'No one, and I mean NO one, can know why.' I thought nervously. After that I had stopped my sighing. I glanced over at Mitsuki and saw her smirking. I then gave her a small frown and went back to my thoughts of the stupid pool and how I didn't want to be here, in doing so I became completely oblivious to anything, and everything. A while later, or so I assumed, I was brought out of my thoughts at the scene of Mi-ki tripping, and then being caught by Daisuke. I then took note of the light streak of pink across her face, as his got uncomfortably close to hers. I smirked inwardly, for if I had really done so I would be questioned about it, and I didn't want to spill her crush. I then started laughing at the sight of her clumsiness. I took in the whole scene before me, the two lovebirds, as I call them, having their said moment, and the boy standing next to me also laughing at the scene.

One couldn't help it after all, everyone knew the two were crushing on each other except the soon to be couple themselves, and everyone knew Daisuke didn't miss a single moment to make her blush. Not only that but whenever she did, he never missed an opportunity to make her blush even harder. Shuichi and I, being the closest to the two of them, would always laugh the hardest. As soon as Daisuke saw the blush he only leaned in closer, "You should be more careful, Hime-Sama." He said slyly. "After all, what would I do if my Princess ever got hurt?" He asked as he inched so close their noses were almost touching. I blushed, even while I was still laughing, they were so close that I was embarrassed for her. I then heard Shuichi's laughter slowly subside, as did mine. I realized we were going to be here for a while so I found the closest surface to sit on, and claimed the spot for the time being.

I sat on the rock and was stunned by the hard, cold texture hitting against my skin. 'Oh, that's right I'm wearing nothing but a swimsuit and a cover up.' I thought sadly. I then remembered the catastrophe that happened. We were supposed to be at the pool, so where exactly were we? I then looked around taking in my surroundings. 'I didn't see the pool any where'… "Did I daydream the whole time we were there!?" Hmm…no Mi-ki would have splashed me if I was still daydreaming, and there is no sign that my hair is, or was wet from that." I then shot my head up at the sudden feeling of a hand on my bare shoulder. "You were daydreaming the whole time, when we entered we saw how crowded it was and decided against it, I then asked someone if they knew of another place nearby, while those two were having another one of their episodes, although this time Mitsuki was upset we couldn't swim and Daisuke was trying to calm her down. Surprisingly you just stood there the whole time, sometimes Mitsuki even had to grab your hand and drag you along." He explained with a worried look. I then realized, 'something he said earlier in his explanation, or rather the explanation its self…Wait, explanation, did he just read my mind!?' I thought with a shocked look. I shook it off deciding to get back to that later, for all I know I could have actually said that out loud. I instead decided on asking him the first question that came to mind, "You said you asked about another place to swim?" I asked. He nodded understanding what I was getting at. "Well it was strange." He said as he started explaining what had happened when I was having my…uh, issue.

*Flashback*

Shuichi's Pov…

"No, we can't do something else!" Mitsuki shouted. At the moment she and Daisuke were arguing about what to do now since the pool was overflowing with people. And Katsune was still lifeless as ever. In her current state she has been officially nicknamed Kitty, and has almost ran into about, 5 things. "Why can't we just do something else!?" Daisuke shouted. "Because we already got the swimsuits! I know we could wear them tomorrow but then we couldn't do the plan, we are skipping and Shuichi says he would do the homework early so he could skip, but his mom is against it, and not only that but he is too! Attendance is still part of the grade and he is the TOP STUDENT so that's a bad idea! So it's today or it's never and the plan was the whole point!" She moaned. About half way through her speech I had lost interest in it, I got the basics, we needed to swim today, or Mitsuki would probably kill the closest victim.

The easy solution for that is going to a different pool, the only problem is none of us know of a place around. I then decided to ask someone else if they knew of a pool nearby. So I went up to the Life Guard who seemed to be taking a break, it took everything in me to not cringe at what she had on. "Excuse me, would you happen to know of a place close by we could swim at, it's a bit crowded here." She then took a sip of Gatorade and smiled. "Yeah, there is a beach within walking distance, south from here. Although if you're looking for a swimming pool, I don't know of any close by. But we aren't usually this busy, you should come by when it's less crowded." At that I sighed inwardly, "Yes I'll try, I was going to come tomorrow, but it turns out I'm too busy, maybe some other time." I said heading back over to where the couple was in peace waiting for the news, be it good, or bad. I then explained everything she said about the beach, and showed them the childish map she gave us. "So is a beach fine or does it have to be a pool?" Daisuke asked. "A beach is fine…" We then left with her skipping happily ahead, "C'mon hurry up!" She yelled back at us. I then sighed realizing that I would have to get the daydreaming girl to walk, so I grabbed her hand and pulled her along. "A beach is even better!" She smirked.
*End Flashback*

"So we are going to a beach?" She asked with a slight frown. I nodded, "there's just one thing I'm concerned about…" I said with a thoughtful look. She tilted her head in curiosity, so I continued. "While we were walking Daisuke said 'You just signed your death sentence, and Kitty's too.' What do you think he meant?" I asked the puzzled girl.

Katsune's Pov…

"Hmm…honestly, I don't know. Oh~, wait a minute I might actually have an idea of what he could have meant." She paused, looking at Shuichi. He raised an eyebrow so she continued. "Well earlier I heard you two talking in the hallway." At that moment we both remembered the obnoxious comments made by her, 'Don't you want to see her in a swimsuit?' and 'Fine but I bet she wants to see you shirtless!' There was a long pause and chills went up my spine. "Wait a minute, you don't think that this so called 'plan' they keep mentioning has anything to do with what she said before do you?" I asked trying to put the pieces together. "Well, on another note," I said remembering how he 'read' my mind. "Did you read my mind, or was I talking out loud earlier?" I asked innocently. "I can do a lot of things, but reading minds has never been one of those." He smiled. "You were talking out loud." He said getting up. "We should probably go now, the beach isn't too far ahead." He said holding out a hand. "Yes, we wouldn't want to make Mi-ki upset or she might kill us all." I smiled while taking his hand, I decided to try and just stay in this world until we got there.

Just then Mitsuki came over, "Oh, you two seem to be getting along nicely, you should feel special Shuichi." She smirked before continuing, "After all Katsune usually hates every boy she meets, how could she not." She said sadly. "Oh well let's get going…oh and Kitty, Shuichi." She paused a small smirk forming on her face before continuing, "You should just hold hands the whole way there." We both then realized we were still holding hands because of the distraction. I tried to let go but for some reason, my body wasn't responding to my will. I then had a sad look on my face. Mi-ki realized and acted fast. "After all you seem to enjoy it, plus it will keep away all the annoying girls who stop us every five seconds to flirt with him. You're just too perfect for your own good Shuichi." She complained. My face was now as red as a beat, "MITSUKI, THAT'S BULL CRAP!" I screamed. "Oh, is that so Kitty? Then tell me, why are you still holding his hand?" She asked her smirk growing even bigger. "THAT-" But I was cut off as I started to trip, ready to fall flat on my face like an idiot I closed my eyes tightly.

However, much to my surprise I was pulled in the opposite direction. My eyes shot open at the sudden jerk on my arm, it didn't hurt I just wasn't expecting it. My body then turned and I started falling in the opposite direction I was before. I then closed my eyes again and was ready for impact with my dear old friend the ground. However when I felt myself stop falling, and I hit into a much softer surface I opened my eyes, just my luck I fell on top of Shuichi. I instantly got up, "Geese Katsune, walk much?" Mitsuki asked, I suddenly found the ground-who hates me-much more interesting. "I'm so sorry Shuichi!" I panicked, "It's okay it's not your fault, are you hurt?" Worry clouded his eyes. "No, I'm alright. Thank you, Shuichi." I dared to look into his eyes. The worry that filled them was replace with a glow.

'His eyes are stunning, like a beautiful sea of jade, I guess I never noticed how vibrant they were before. They're just glowing with happiness, like the sun exists within them. Shuichi, I think I understand now. You get your motivation, kindness, and strength from your will to protect those close to you, like friends, and family.' Stunning was not just a figure of speech, my eyes were lost in his, and my body, frozen. Unknown to me, Mitsuki and Daisuke were whispering to each other. "They definitely have a nice mood going on." Mitsuki started. "She is so whipped." Daisuke responded, agreeing with the statement. "Definitely but I wanna go to the beach now..." A short moment of silence fell over them again. "Hey Katsune, if your done staring at your boyfriend we would like to go to the beach now." Daisuke taunted. This successfully woke her out of her daze, "Boyfriend? Are you delusional!?" She screamed. "Well that's up for debate..." Rolling her eyes in response they continued on their way to the beach.

A few seconds after they started walking some extremely slutty girls were walking the opposite direction-meaning they were coming towards us. "Why aren't you two holding hands? I don't want to be stopped by those two." Mitsuki complained. My sensitive ears picked up what they were talking about, "Hey he's cute, lets go take him." The girl said, and a nodding motion could be seen from the other one. "Wow they actually do want to flirt with you..." I said with a rather amused look on my face. "You can hear them?" Daisuke asked surprised. "Uh yeah, I've always had sensitive hearing." I replied, "but even if I did hold hands with him that wouldn't be enough, they would just try harder to get him. And although I seriously doubt they'll succeed, it's going to be a while before we get rid of them." I said trying to avoid the touch, last time I couldn't even let go, for whatever reason. In a desperate action Shuichi took my hand, I looked up at him with curious eyes. "If just holding hands won't work then this might, I'm sorry if it bothers you." And with that he gave my arm a slight tug, and with my clumsiness I stumbled into his grasp. "Just play along." He whispered, while putting his hand on my waist.

The feeling was scary to be honest, I felt so vulnerable. However I trusted Shuichi and decided to play along, I rested my head on his shoulder, and stepped closer so that the side of my body was against the side of his. More awkwardness...but there was nothing I could do about it, a relaxed look washed over my face. I was determined to convince them he was taken, the sudden contact of our bodies together probably wasn't expected by him either considering he flinched slightly. The girls passed by and I gave them the most hateful glare in existence. (A/N: or so she thought, she hasn't met Hiei yet...*shiver*)

We waited till they were out of sight and continued on to the beach. "You can be pretty damn seductive Shuichi." Mitsuki said with amusement. "On another note, is she going to be okay?" He asked with concern, looking down at the red mass on the ground. Katsune, now red as a beat, was sitting on the ground muttering in-audible things, and shaking. "Uh..." Mitsuki started, "I think so, I've always know she had her uh... "boy problem," I just didn't know how it affected her when something like that happened." She said with worry. "Yeah and it doesn't help that she's practically half naked, you know being that she's only in a swimsuit and cover up." Daisuke decided to make things worse. The words of the three were indeed heard by her, but that sentence actually stuck. "Half naked...I forgot again! I HATE SWIMSUITS!"

When she was finished panicking they finally made it to the beach, it only took them half the day. Just kidding it was shorter than you think, about a few hours. The place was beautiful, the white sand sparkled with joy, and the ocean gleamed with excitement. "The sand here is soft..." I took note as I walked through it to the spot I would be sitting. "This is a great place, screw the pool I'm never going there again." Mitsuki beamed, her child-like personality was something I enjoyed about her. Her ability to be serious when it was needed, I loved even more so. Although her mischievous behavior could be a bit scary at times, she was one of the best friends I ever had. Then a saddened look graced my face for a split second, until I heard an obnoxious yell that was all to familiar. "HEY IS THAT YOU KATSUNE!?" I looked over to the owner of such a voice. "Oh perfect..." A horrified look washed over me. I nervously waved.

"Hi Keiko, Botan." I waved ignoring the brat who dares speak my name. "Hey Katsune, what's up?" The cheerful bluenett said. "Yeah long time no see." Keiko added. "Hey you can't just ignore me!" I looked over to the boy standing on my right. Horror possessed me again. "I don't want to talk to you Yusuke, you scare me." And with that I turned to Kuwabara. "Hi Kuwabara." I smiled. "Hi, it's been a while." He said returning the gesture. Yusuke continued to growl, growing angrier by the second. "Hi Yusuke." I laughed. Teasing him was always so fun, even if he was very fluent with his revenge. It was like a constant war of insults, irritating statements, and irksome actions between us. I never got bored around delinquents.

"Hi Ku-..." He started but looking over to the red head. It seemed as though he suddenly remembered something. He cleared his throat, "I mean uh, hi Shuichi." A nervous laughter came from him. I quirked up a Tuscan-red eyebrow, but decided to leave it alone. "Wow, so why are you like half naked." Yusuke asked me trying to change the subject. It seemed like he was trying to hide something from me, but I just shrugged it off. "Well I got the feeling that if I didn't comply to Mitsuki's wishes I wouldn't be alive for very long." I stated, looking towards the girl who was now splashing about in the water. And at that very moment she called to us, "hey come on, we came here to swim so get out here!" Keiko, Botan, and Yusuke had no problem with that and ran out to meet up with her.

Kuwabara asked if I was coming, and I shook my head viciously. "You never have been one for swimming have you?" He asked, although he knew the answer well enough. I looked down and traced a pattern in the sand. Kuwabara took it as a yes and left to join up with the others. Shuichi and I were left alone. "Would you like me to stay with you?" He asked, and I could tell he was hopeful. I didn't know if he was hoping I would say yes or no though, "that's alright, you don't have to. Unless you want to." I sighed at how idiotic I sounded, "in short, you can do what you want, I don't mind either way." I looked up at him and smiled. He kindly returned the action, "then I guess I'll stay." And my heart warmed a little, 'having a guy friend is much more pleasant than I thought it would be.' I found a vacant spot on the sand and spread a towel over it, so the sand wouldn't cut through my sensitive skin. Shuichi joined me in a matter of seconds, and I started to stare off into space. But it was short lived, and honestly I was glad that was so.

"Katsune if you don't mind me asking, why don't you like swimming?" A curious look stirred in his eyes, it almost made me want to tell him. I hesitated, 'should I tell him? What if he laughs at me though...' I decided to tell him half of the reason. "When I was seven years old, my father beat me. His abusive behavior started on the night of my birthday." I paused a moment, "do you believe in demons Shuichi?" I waited for his answer, there was no hesitation. "Yes." A small saddened smile appeared on my face, "that night my was laying in my bed, sleep couldn't find me so I listened to the sound of the night. I heard my parents talking, our rooms were connected together. 'I have something to tell you.' That's what I heard my mother say, she continued shortly after so I assumed he nodded. 'I'm a demon...' there was a pause, and it was as though I could sense his fear. There was a slap, and a crash shortly after, he smacked her into the wall. Later when it was winter, he was drunk. His behavior kept worsening as time passed, and he soon snapped. He broke the bottle against a table, it was as sharp as any other weapon I had ever seen. He punched me hit me and cut me relentlessly. Until finally, I could no longer stand, blood was pouring tainting the pure white snow. I've had the scars ever since. I hate swimsuits because of them, and so I've never worn one and as result I don't even know how to swim." As the last words fell from my mouth I slapped a hand over it. 'Damn! I slipped, now he probably thinks I'm a loser.' I slowly let my hand drop, I dared to look over to him.

A look appeared on his face that I had never seen before. Anger... tons of anger and hate. He looked dark, and I wondered why. Then, it hit me, "Shuichi?" I asked 'Is it because of my father he's so upset?' I wondered. "I don't care what happened, no one ever has an excuse to do something so horrible." I stared at him, tears filled my eyes. 'I've decided, I don't care what anyone says. I'm taking off the cover up.' And so I did as I thought, revealing my torn up skin. Immediately people commented, although it wasn't what I was expecting. "That poor girl, what do you think happened to her." One whispered, "I'm not sure, but it was painful. I hope she'll be alright." Another responded, and the comments kept going as such. Shuichi put his hand on mine, it was comforting and I didn't pull away. The scars across my stomach and chest were nothing compared to the ones on my back. Thick lines ran down my back the starting points in a circular form, no doubt from a broken bottle. "I will find your father, and I will make him pay for what he did to you." He said, and his voice was dark. I felt important for the first time, like someone actually cared.

The gang walked up, "so I guess the cat's out of the bag huh?" Mitsuki asked, a sorrowful tone indeed. "Is this why you don't like swimming?" Yusuke asked, and I was ready to be abandoned once again. "Did you know about this Mi-ki?" Daisuke asked, she nodded. "Katsune told me, although I've never actually seen her scars. It's truly horrible, that someone could be so cruel as to do this to his own daughter. A constant reminder of the hell she went through." Tears started streaming down my face. "You can leave, I understand." And I looked down. "We aren't leaving you idiot." Mitsuki said. I looked up, giving them all a questioning gaze. "Yeah, this only gives us another reason to stay." Botan said and Keiko nodded in agreement. "Your our friend why would we leave?" Yusuke asked. Everyone nodded, and again I felt somewhat special. "Come on lets go, you can join us in the water now." Daisuke said. I nodded, "I'll be there in a moment." I said, wanting to take everything in before I went and splashed around. I smiled, I was truly happy. They all agreed, and left me to myself.

'I'll always be forever abandoned, and although they deny it now, one day they'll do the same. All my life I've been left alone, that is one thing I'm sure will never change. Once I get close enough, they'll leave me. This is my fate.' My eyes were focused on the group splashing around in the water, they looked like they were having fun. She started to tear up, 'I'll never be able to join them, I'll just be left alone, and besides.' She thought placing a hand on her back, 'I was cursed by my father.' The tears started to roll down her cheeks, sparkling. Ironic, such beauty coming from such sadness. "Quit feeling sorry for yourself." A voice said darkly. "Your acting like a child." The source of said voice glared at her, however this did not phase her. A sigh escaped her lips, and the fire apparition, now standing next to her, scowled. She looked over to him, eyes widening for a moment as memories flashed through her mind. "Your name is Hiei right?" She asked. His face was unchanging and silence filled the air around the two. "I'll take that as a yes. Well Hiei..." He was about to protest that she called him by name so casually, until the next set of words lifted from her mouth. "You've told me what I've told myself for my whole life. I know I'm a childish crybaby, I've always told myself to suck it up. However..." She closed her eyes, and Hiei looked same as ever. "I will never change, no matter how hard I try. After all," She looked over to him straight in the eyes, sorrow and hate locked in a deadly gaze. "You can't save the damned." His hateful eyes changed, to I dare say pity. "Do not pity me, this is my fate. I locked away my shattered heart long ago with the thorns of hate, forever caged." He stood up, looking down at her with hate once again. "Hn, who said I pitied you?" And with that he left, she watched his retreating back, and then someone walked in front of him. She never looked away from the spot but when they moved, he was gone.

*Flashback*

I lied there, bleeding, tainting the pure snow with my crimson liquid. I tried to stand, but only managed to move into a sitting position. I was shaking because I was weak, I had lost too much blood. I strained to keep my eyes open, what was my father going to do next? He had a knife in hand, and I lost all hope. 'Today, I'm going to die.' I thought, only a week after my birthday. The knife left his hand, coming towards me fast. I closed my eyes, and then I heard it hit. The sound of it piercing into skin made me flinch, but it was not my skin. I fell to the ground stealing one last glance there stood a boy, the knife sticking in his arm. Losing all strength, my eyes shut and so I just listened. "W-what the?" I heard my father. "You truly are disgusting, trying to kill your own daughter." A voice I assumed was the strangers spoke next. "Now I'll be arrested for killing a kid!" He yelled obviously freaking out. "What makes you think killing your own daughter would be any different?" He asked. And with that the knife was removed. His skin healed in an instant, "Your a demon!?" My father panicked. "Yes fool." And then I fell unconscious. The next thing I remembered was being in a dark cave. I opened my eyes and tried to sit up. "Lay down onna, you need to sleep or you'll die." It was the strangers voice. "W-who are you?" I manged to ask. "Hn, what's it to you?" I paused, "you saved my life, I just wanted to know who you were." I waited for him to answer. "I haven't saved you yet, you could still die any second. Your life is in my hands, but if it's so important to you, my name is Hiei."

*End Flashback*

I decided now would be a good time to join everyone. I started to walk over, slightly hesitant to get in the water. At one point I was talking to Shuichi, and Mitsuki decided it would be a great idea to shove me into him. I easily lost my footing hitting right into him, much to both our surprise. Shuichi, being that he didn't expect it, didn't do much better at staying standing, and so together we fell in the water. *Click* 'I-I'm pretty sure our lips just...' My cheeks were as red as they could get. I noticed a small blush on Shuichi's cheeks as well. 'N-no way!' I thought, 'I knew it, our lips collided!' Correction, now my cheeks were as red as they could get. "S-s-sorry!" I panicked and scooted about 200 feet backwards. "Wow, that's the fastest I've ever seen anyone move through water." Daisuke commented. 'Wait a second, what was that click? Oh hell no, please tell me she didn't." I looked over to Mitsuki who put her phone with the rest of her stuff, a huge smirk plastered on her face. 'I can't believe her! She planned that, she got her phone, pushed me, and took a picture!' I thought, rage and embarrassment filling my entire being.

I ran over to her, trying to get her phone so I could delete the picture. Then I heard a buzzing, from about 7 objects. "Please tell me you didn't just send that to everyone." I said much too hopeful. "I did!" She smiled. Curious as to what the picture even looked like I opened my phone, and if even possible my cheeks were even more red at the sight. I instinctively closed my eyes and held onto him, it looked like I tried to kiss him! My hair was flying back as we fell and his eyes widened at the contact, I wanted to die. "Oh lord kill me now!" I said, a horrified look on my face. I was about to delete the photo until I was robbed of the phone. "You delete this, and I'll send it to your phone, email, anything I can think of hundreds of times. You'll be dead by the time you can delete them all." Mitsuki threatened, and I believed it. So I gave up and kept the picture there. I looked over to Shuichi, his cheeks were just as red as mine when he looked at the picture. "And you wonder why I hate swimming!" I screamed. It was official, I hate beaches.

A/N: Did you like it? I hope it wasn't too bad, I would like to know your opinion if you care to review. Your reviews will help me know where to go with the story, for example if the majority want the relationship to go faster/slower or something like that. Thanks for reading!