In a Fruits Basket - Chapter 15: Words That Made Me Cry

Recap:

"I'm not like Mai." I paused and bit my lip.

"W-Why can't I be like that?" My voice came out hoarse and weak. The words formed in my mouth so perfectly, but I hesitated. "I... I want to be her."

I want to be Mai.


I admitted it. I've always looked up to Mai. She was the person I always wanted to be. But every time she gets better, she gets harder to reach. She was setting the expectations way too high for me and I couldn't keep up.

And now, I'm feeling at my worst. I've come to the realization that the silly goal I made for myself, wishing for myself to be Mai, was a waste of my energy and efforts.

I let out a weary sigh and continued to eat the soup Kyo prepared for me.

Kyo cleared his throat. "That's a pretty lame reason."

"Huh?" I asked, my eyes twitching.

"You're really sensitive, if that's all you're upset about," he grumbled. "I mean, who cares about that damn rat and his studying? I'm not surprised he wasn't able to help you. And if I were you, I'd let him do all that for nothing! Until he's dead!"

I sweatdropped as if on cue.

He continued, "And one failed test isn't that bad. You're making such a big deal out of it."

"But Mai -"

"Again, who cares? Look at her! She stayed back a year! I think you're even." He shrugged. "If you really want me to, though, I could cook for you and stuff... until you guys sort things out." I nodded. He looked away. "Honestly, you shouldn't worry. Right now, focus on getting better, y'know? That's one thing you gotta work on."

He paused and clenched he fists. "And... just keep in mind that you and Mai are two very different people. Don't try to be like someone you're not. Go back to smiling with your stupid grin and be yourself. You're fine just the way -" He flushed a faint pink and shot me a glare. "What the hell are you smiling about?" he demanded.

"Ah- I'm sorry," I choked out. I didn't even notice I was smiling at him. It was because I felt better already. He was awkward when he spoke and I could tell he was really trying to comfort me. He sucked at doing that. But that's what cheered me up so quickly.

His eyebrows furrowed. "Wait, I mean..." He mumbled, then burst out, "Okay, just eat your food before it gets cold!"

"Okay," I replied, a bit startled, "thank you, Kyo."

"Yeah... so maybe you're not as stupid as you think," he muttered and suddenly his fist met my forehead.

I gasped, "Um. Ow?"

He turned away. "Go to sleep already, stupid girl."


Kyo left the room, gently closing the door behind him. I was in my bed, trying to get some sleep. I still felt a bit weak and dizzy. But it wasn't as bad as before.

I didn't know how long as I was in bed, but I could hear Yuki coming back from his meeting. And Mai was right behind him. I sat up and was prepared to jump out the window.

Okay, maybe not.

My fingers nervously fumbled with the blanket and I already heard footsteps coming up the stairs. The only thing I could do was hide under the covers and face the other way.

"Arya?" Mai's voice asked, walking into the room. I heard her walk closer and felt her place a hand on my back. "What's wrong?"

I pretended I was asleep, snoring softly and shutting my eyes closed.

"All you ever do is sleep." She sighed and placed a hand on my forehead. "Damn... Why are you sick, Arya?"

I ended up coughing. Stupid cough.

"You awake?" Mai asked, jumping back. I nodded weakly. She sighed again. "So you got a fever, huh?" She leaned back and cocked her head to the side when she looked at me, a small smirk gracing her face. "As always, Arya, you put little effort in everything you do, then it comes back to bite you in the ass."

I rolled my eyes. I replied, "Are you here to help me recover, or -?"

She shrugged. "I'm just stating my opinion."

"Your opinion's not needed." I narrowed my dark eyes at her.

"Can't I say what's on my mind?"

"No, 'cause right now, I don't think you have anything nice to say."

"What's that supposed to mean?" she snapped.

I sat up. "It means your voice is getting on my nerves," I said coolly.

She pouted at me and crossed her arms across her chest. "How do you expect to get better with that attitude?"

"Certainly without your help," I mumbled.

She gritted her teeth, as if she was about to rip my head off. "Shut up, you little- you love pissing me off, don't you?"

I smirked, "I'm sick. I can't possibly do that at the moment, especially when I always put little effort into what I do, right? That just means you have a very short temper."

"I'll show you temper!" she snarled.

Suddenly, I felt something inside my stomach churn. It felt like a twister was rumbling inside my belly. I clutched my stomach and gagged. Mai flinched and stepped back.

"You okay?"

I shook my head and ran to the bathroom. I felt the vomit rise in my throat. I hunched over and began to throw up my lunch. My lungs burned for air and my throat ached. I coughed and gagged, trying to pull away my hair before it got filthy. I felt two hands pull my hair away from my face. I gasped for breath, feeling my stomach settle down a bit.

"Shit," I murmured, tasting the foul flavour on my palette.

"I'm pretty sure that's vomit," the voice teased. "Better out that end than the other one."

I choked out, "Shut up, Mai." Then I continued to throw up what was left in my stomach.


Hatori slipped the cold, metal of the stethoscope under my shirt and on my skin. I shivered.

"Take a deep breath in," he ordered in his deep voice, pressing it on my bare back. Then he asked me if I could bring my knees up to my chest. I did as I was told and let him take my temperature after.

"So, is she okay? Is she okay?" Momiji asked, jumping up and down. "Be gentle with her!"

"That's right, treat Arya with great care like the beautiful flower she is!" Shigure cooed. "Not like the rough manner you treated me with!"

Kisa was sitting on the bed next to me, her eyebrows knitted with concern. "What's wrong with Sissy?"

"It's just a small stomach infection. Not too contagious," Hatori answered. He tilted his head to the side. "Have you been eating anything out of the ordinary?"

"Just soup," I replied.

"That couldn't have caused it..." he mumbled, then asked, "Have you been stressed out lately? Working too hard?"

"Maybe that's it." I shrugged.

He nodded. "Just rest up and take some medicine. You'll be better in a few days." He searched through his kit and pulled out a small container.

I grimaced. "That's not for a needle, is it?" I held my breath until he gave me an answer.

"If Arya doesn't want a needle, then don't give her one!" Momiji stated.

Shigure cried, "Be careful, Arya, Ha'ri's shots hurt!"

"How?" The two young Sohmas asked.

Shigure smirked and stretched his arms out. "Well, he gave me the biggest needle I had ever seen!" His head hung low. "And he lied to me... He said it wouldn't hurt, but it did!"

I gave an embarrassed smile. "Hatori, do you have anything I could take orally?"

"You can take this orally. But don't consume or drink anything for an hour after, are we clear?" he instructed, as he poured the thick liquid into a small cup.

I nodded and took the cup. I gulped, staring at the shiny fluid. "Um, what flavour is this?"

"There's no specific flavour, other than -"

"Tasting like crap," Mai snickered.

Momiji laughed, "Don't be so mean to your sister, Mai."

Hatori added, "Well, I can assure you, Arya, it will taste better than your vomit."

I smiled nervously. "Great. 'Cause nothing tastes better than throw up," I said with sarcasm, then took a deep breath.

Plugging my nose, I quickly swallowed the medicine. It felt slimy and thick, as the last drops slid down my throat. It left a bitter aftertaste on my tongue. I gagged a bit, causing everyone to flinch. I took deep breaths and sighed. "I'm fine, don't worry," I assured them.

Hatori nodded. "Just rest now."

"How much does Arya owe you?" Mai questioned.

He shook his head and replied with a gentle smile, "Nothing. She just has to get better. I won't mention any names but some people in this house can get worried when she's sick."

"Thank you," I said, bowing my head.

"Call me if you need anything," he said over his shoulder. He packed up his things and slid the door closed as he left the room.

"Grandpa Hatori must've been worried, too," Kisa said softly.

"That's nice to hear." I smiled. She cuddled up beside me.

"Wait, 'grandpa'?" Mai questioned, "If he's a grandpa, then what's Shigure and Ayame?"

"Grandpa Shigure and Grandpa Ayame," Kisa answered gently.

Mai's raised her eyebrows. "What about Yuki and Kyo?"

Kisa replied calmly, "Yuki... and Kyo."

Mai sweatdropped. There was a knock on the door, causing all of us to turn towards it,

"Oh, hey Yuki," Mai grinned.

"Hello, how's Miss Nadeshiko doing?" he asked softly.

I answered, facing him, "I'm okay."

"Oh!" He gasped, rushing towards me. "I'm sorry I didn't walk home with you... I heard what happened with Yamamoto and that stupid cat."

I felt my face heat up. I tried to comb out my hair with my fingers. "I'm okay," I said again, clearing my throat.

Mai scoffed, "You should have seen her before." I shot her a look. She responded by rolling her eyes, then left the room.

"Is Mai-Mai mad?" Kisa asked, tapping my arm gently.

"I swear she always is." I huffed.

"You'll just make your fever worse." Yuki sighed and sat on the bed next to me. Kisa scooted over to give him space. He smiled a bit. "I made you some more reviews for the re-test. And after I could test you a bit if you want."

I smiled back. "That'll be great. Thank you so much, Yuki."

He leaned in and smirked slightly, "Yamamoto was asking about you, Miss Nadeshiko."

My face flushed at the sound of his name. "Me?" I choked out.

"He wanted to make sure he wasn't interfering or anything," he replied.

"Interfering with what?"

"Us."

I laughed under my breath, "What, he's asking for your blessing, too?"

He chuckled, looking down at the blanket, tracing his fingers along the soft fabric. "I wouldn't be surprised if he did. He spoke so formally."

"You're Yuki Sohma. Of course he's going to." I giggled.

He paused. "But it was rumoured that you and I were dating."

I laughed again. "You're joking."

"I wouldn't joke with you, Miss Nadeshiko."

I pushed him gently. "Then you're no fun!" I teased. Kisa giggled softly.

He grinned, which kind of contradicted his reply. "I'm serious."

I massaged my forehead. "Well, I can believe that. You did kiss me... Twice!"

He shrugged, which was unlike him. But then again, he was always a little different after a fight with Kyo. Kisa switched her attention from me to Yuki, wondering what he was going to say next.

"I get worried about you, Miss Nadeshiko," he simply put it.

"Yeah." I breathed. He stayed silent. My face heated up. "I'm sorry, did I make things awkward? You're looking at me like I'm insane."

"Uh- no, actually, I'm just not used to talking about things like this," he said, blushing a bit.

"I don't mind it." I giggled, "It's not everyday I get to see you like this. And... anyways, personally, I feel like I can talk to you about anything. You're a great friend, Yuki."

He smiled, "Yes, you too. Almost like family." He stood up. "Well, you better get some sleep now. Kisa," he faced the tiger of the zodiac, "are you keeping Miss Nadeshiko company?"

Kisa nodded. I wrapped an arm around her shoulder and watched Yuki leave the room. "Are you feeling better, Sissy?" Kisa mumbled.

"Much better. Thank you, Kisa." I grinned.

She rested her head on my collar bone and slowly closed her eyes. "That's good."

"Like family," I said into Kisa's hair, before I fell asleep.


I finally got over that damn fever after a few days and Yuki helped me study for the math exam again. This time, I passed! I was so happy. But just to be on the safe side, I still have Kyo cooking for me. It was a regular day at school and the four of us just arrived back, a bit tired after the long day.

"Next time, I won't let you defeat me, you damn rat!" Kyo announced, sticking a fist in the air.

Mai and I sweatdropped. "How many times have you said that?" I mumbled.

Kyo and Yuki just finished a fight outside the school and it ended with the usual: Kyo getting a kick right to the jaw.

"Hey, can it, Arya. If you weren't a girl, I'd kick your ass," he warned.

Yuki slammed his palm into Kyo's nose. "You're so rude. Accept the loss already, stupid cat."

Kyo growled, clutching his nose where Yuki hit him. "Wanna go again, asshole?"

Mai tried to break up the fight, sticking her arms out. "You guys never stop! Or will I have to hug you to make you?"

"Yeah, Mai would love that." I smirked.

"Shut up!"

Then the bickering started, as we walked the rest of the way home. Mai did most of the talking - er, yelling, to be exact. I was fed up. I didn't want to waste my energy on arguing. I simply muttered one-word answers to her.

The sound of a familiar voice calling out to Yuki interrupted us when we came through the door.

"Dear Yuki! It is I, your wonderful, older brother! You will no longer feel lonely, for my loving presence will instantly shatter those negative feelings clouding your heart! I will always support you like all big brothers should -"

"Dammit, we just got here." Kyo said through clenched teeth, "So shut the hell up, Ayame!"

Ayame, dressed in a traditional red kimono, strutted up to us, flipping his silver hair over his shoulder. He let out a loud chuckle. "My, my, girls," he began with a smile, "you're even prettier the last time I saw you."

"Thanks," we replied. He always showered us with compliments. I started wondering if he actually meant it all the time.

He placed a finger on his bottom lip, "Mai, is your face naturally beaming a soft pink like that? And Arya, you changed your hair!"

"Yeah, they did that crap." Kyo rolled his eyes, walked passed the snake, and went into the house.

"When did you come here?" Yuki demanded to his brother.

He responded, lifting his eyebrows, "You missed your dear brother, didn't you, Yuki?" A smile graced his lips, as he threw his hands in the air. "How wonderful! I can already feel the gap being filled by the love and bond we share as brothers!"

Yuki sighed, "Forget I asked. Shut up. Please."


"So why did you come?" Yuki hissed, standing by the door of the living room.

"I have graced you all with my presence to invite you to my shop!" his brother answered, pulling out cards. It was decorated with a dark background, and a single, blooming rose in the centre. It read, "Ayame's Clothing Shop." "My business has gotten so popular that I just had to let you visit and see it!" he added, beaming.

I smiled, "It must be fantastic."

Mai nodded in agreement. "I'd love to see it."

Ayame replied, "There are plenty of cards to go around." He let all the cards slide out of his hand, and that's when I noticed how many he had. "Here's one for you, Yuki." He flicked his wrist and flung it towards his brother.

Yuki swiftly caught it with his two fingers and flipped it over so he could read it.

"I..." Yuki said gently. He hesitated. "I think I'd like to take a look at this shop of yours."

"What?" Ayame questioned, quickly turning to face him with wide eyes.

"I want to see your shop..." he answered quietly, "if it really is as good as you say."

After hearing that, the silver-haired Sohma bolted out of the room, and practically proclaimed to the world about the words his brother told him, with of course, some twists he added here and there.

"Wow, Yuki, that's a first!" Mai smiled at him.

Yuki had a nervous, half-smile on his face, suddenly starting to regret what he decided.


"Mai?" the dark-haired teen asked softly, "I'd like you to come with me."

"Eh?" She gasped out, her face flushing a little. She smiled, "Of course! I'd love to come, Yuki."

I felt myself being pushed even farther and farther away from Yuki, like a strong gust of wind was holding me back. It didn't hurt me, it just kept me from moving.

Mai faced me. "Arya? Is it okay - I mean, do you want to come with us? Or you don't mind it if you stay with Kyo?"

For once, she sounded a bit concerned. But then again, she just trapped me and put me on the spot. My mind was racing as I tried to make a quick decision.

"Miss Nadeshiko, you may come if you want to as well," Yuki spoke up.

If I say "no", that means Mai will go alone with Yuki - and who knows what might happen without me there, since Mai doesn't know the story. If I were to go, maybe it wouldn't be as chaotic. But Kyo... He might feel left behind, or lonely.

I bit my lip, then sighed, "No, I'll just stay here."

"You sure?"

"Positive." I simply replied.


The next day, the two left for Ayame's shop. Kyo and I were stuck watching television. It was the least awkward thing to do.

"So," I began, clearing my throat, "do you want to do something?"

"Like what?" Kyo asked harshly.

"I don't know." I shrugged.

"If you don't know," he snapped, "then don't suggest anything!"

"Sorry," I grumbled. Now I kind wished I went with Yuki and Mai. Five minutes felt like an eternity. "This is boring!" I whined out loud.

"Then why don't you go hang out with your boyfriend, Yamamoto?" he teased.

I flushed an angry red. "He is not my boyfriend!"

"He sure acts like it, sending you love poems and crap."

"He doesn't! And I don't fall for love poems, either!"

"Take a joke, woman!"

My eyes lit up, and I stood up, clicking the television off.

"Hey! What the hell do you think you're doing?" Kyo hollered, when he realized he was staring at a black screen.

I crouched over towards him and smiled, "I have an idea!"

"Yeah? What?"

I lifted a finger. "Here's something I actually read!"

"That's gotta be the lamest idea e-" He let out a yelp, as I took his arm, and pulled him up on his feet.

"Come on! I think you'll like it, too!" I exclaimed. I brought him to my room and pulled out a sheet of paper from my desk. It was crumpled at the edges from being there so long. "Read it," I commanded.

He groaned, "Seriously?"

"Yeah." I grinned, passing it to him. He rolled his auburn eyes at me, then scanned the page. I whacked his arm. "Read it out loud, dumbass!" I teased.

He yelled, "Don't call me a 'dumbass', dumbass!"

I raised my hands in defence. "I'm just joking, sorry, Kyo!"

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"One single candle." He read:

Sitting on top is a wisp of fire. Small, but bright amongst the darkness. Slowly consuming the one that holds him. In agony, the candle cries out, burning, melting, rotting, until it is nothing more. Wondering, why its flame has betrayed him. And so, without a host, the flame dies as well, leaving the world in complete shadows."

He finished and looked at me in a weird way. "What the hell did I just read? You emo or something?"

"Of course not!" I said, smiling, "I was hoping you'd figure out the message. I found it in the library. Up to now, I'm still trying to find the meaning."

"That's a waste of time," he put it simply.

I crossed my arms over my chest. "Well, what do you think it's about?"

"First you make me read this crap, now you're having me think about it?"

"It's not crap." I replied, sighing impatiently, "It's poetry."

He mimicked the tone I used. "It's stupid."

"Come on, I just wanna know what you think of the poem! It's not that hard!" I complained.

"What are you, my english teacher? Stop telling me to think, dammit!" He shoved the poem back into my hands.

I narrowed my eyes. "Do you not think, Kyo? Is your orange head just an empty, hollow shell, filled with air?" I retorted, placing the bait.

"No! I'm not stupid!"

"Then prove it," I replied, smirking.

He growled, "Gimme that damn poem!" He totally fell for the bait. He calmed down a bit, and paused, his eyes quickly switching from one sentence to the other.

"Okay..." he began, "the candle is a person, maybe- uh-" His face flushed and he scratched the back of his head. "And the fire is a problem he has. Like, throughout his miserable life, that problem is the only thing he really worries about."

I nodded my head, gesturing him to keep going. He shook his head and managed an awkward smile. "I can't do this."

I waved my hands frantically. "No, no! Keep going!"

He rolled his eyes and continued. His jaw clenched tightly every time he paused to think, like he was really trying. His teeth clicked together as he pronounced every word clearly. It was a different side of Kyo. I've never seen him that calm before.

He cleared his throat. "So, uh- the 'fire', his problem, continues to beat at him from the inside, consuming him..."

"That makes sense," I agreed, nodding my head a bit.

He leaned back a little. "But this damn poem makes it sound like it's a good thing, so I don't think 'problem' is the best word to use."

"Burden?" I suggested.

"That's still pretty bad." He shrugged. "Okay, burden. So the burden he carries almost seems like a good thing, but it just gets worse, and he ends up dying with it still on him. But without him, the burden can't be carried, so the fire spreads and finds another to consume."

"Now that you think about it, I don't think the poem said anything about the fire spreading," I mumbled to myself.

Kyo's face flushed and he gritted his teeth, his fists tightly balled up. "I'm going," he suddenly said and stood up.

I followed him. "Where are you going?"

"Away from that bullshit," he said coldly and was already heading for the door.

"Wait, Kyo, if you could just tell me what's wrong... If I did anything wrong to make you upset -"

"Like hell I'd tell you, Arya," he shouted and slammed the door behind him, leaving me alone and confused.

I fell to my knees. It all happened so suddenly. It took me a while for my brain to register what had happened. But it didn't take me long to know what to do. I stood up and followed him. Something was up and he was in pain. It's just us two, other than Shigure. I'm the only one he can talk to right now.

And I wanted to talk to him. I care about Kyo's feelings, too, just not Yuki's! But Yuki only saw me as a little sister. Who would've thought, Yuki, the prince, would fall for someone like my sister, who argues like the cat! Yuki and I are so much alike, too. But I can't control his life, it's been already controlled enough by Akito. I don't want to be like that...

I slapped myself. What the hell was I thinking? Kyo! I knew he was at the roof. As I climbed, I began to think more about what could've possibly made him snap like that.

"I can't do this."

His smile... I don't think I've seen him that happy around me before, without shouting at me, or getting angry seconds after. It was like he enjoyed my company for once.

"Away from that bullshit."

He must really hate poetry... "Kyo?" I called out softly.

"Nyeh?"

"Could we talk?" I asked gently.

He rolled over on his side. He grumbled, "No."

"Please?"

"What?"

I crawled next to him and sat beside him. "Please, tell me how you feel!" I twirled my thumbs nervously. "If- if I did anything to upset you, or offend you, I'm sorry."

"Yeah, well, whatever."

"I'm sorry, really," I said truthfully and for some odd reason, a single tear slid down my cheek.

He groaned, "Why are you crying?"

"Am not," I said, blushing. But I let the tear slide. "I guess, I just didn't want you to leave me there. It was kinda scary how you suddenly snapped." I covered my face in embarrassment. "I'm sorry."

"Quit saying that," he said, but surprisingly, he used a softer tone. "I made you cry. I'm sor- You can call me an idiot."

I smiled faintly. "Please, just tell me what was wrong," I insisted.

He rolled his eyes. "You nosy girl."

"It will make me stop crying!" I wailed.

He flinched and jerked back. "Okay, okay, dammit!" He sighed. "That poem... it uh- it kinda reminded me of my curse, y'know? Like all my problems and worries, shoved back in my face. I didn't like it, okay?"

I slowly looked up and met my eyes with his. "Kyo, if that was it then -"

"What?"

I smiled sweetly, "Then why didn't you tell me? It's okay to tell others how you feel." He grunted in response. I hesitated. "Are you mad because... you want to be a part of the zodiac? Is that the only thing on your mind?"

He hissed, not looking at me, "Shut up."

"I- I didn't mean it like that."

"So what do you mean?" he demanded.

"I mean, you shouldn't care." I answered nervously, "You should be happy."

"Being the cat?" He scoffed.

"No. Being Kyo." I smiled. I remembered the conversation I had with Yuki a while ago. How Kyo was easily accepted. "You may not know this, but you're accepted by many people, more than the zodiac members themselves," I added.

"But I want to be accepted as a zodiac!" he retorted.

"Well -"

"No, I want to be a part of the zodiac, not just some freak who so happens to also have the curse!"

"Let me finish!" I snapped. "You're accepted by tons of people and that's what even a zodiac member wants - envies, even! And you have it!"

"But that's the thing!" He yelled at me, "I'm cursed, so I'll never truly be accepted by outsiders, and I'm the cat, so I'll never be let into the zodiac!" His eyes lost its bright colour, as his head hung low. "I'm just... alone."

"Your desire to be a part of the zodiac... is just an illusion. That's what the cat wants, but is it what you want? You, Kyo?"

"Yes, because I am the cat!" He exclaimed, running his hands through his hair. "My gosh, where the hell are you going with this?"

"You're not listening Kyo!" I sighed, "What I'm saying is, you're so lucky. Rather than seeing yourself as alone, see yourself as a bridge between both worlds! It's all about perspective, right? You know the zodiac members, even if you're not really considered one, and you're accepted by outsiders - like me." I grinned. "That's not because you're the cat, it's because you're Kyo! Don't let the curse hold you back. Don't let it make you feel like you're not special, because Kyo is... very special." I smiled at him, hoping to cheer him up like he did to me before.

"That's... stupid." He said simply.

I think he got what I meant, right? I irked a dark brow. "Do you seriously not like it here? Living with Shigure?"

"Not completely," he replied, "but it sure feels like hell sometimes." He smiled a bit again.

"You can call me an idiot."

"Then," I began, leaning towards him, "let's go through this hell together!" I threw myself at him and gave him a big hug. There was a strangled cry, then a "poof"! Hugging the orange cat close to me, I finished, "Idiot."


After the whole fuss and lecture on why I shouldn't be hugging him, he quickly got dressed once he returned to his human form, and shot me a glare.

I waved it off. "Come on, it's a bit depressing up here. Why don't we go back inside and finish that show you were watching?"

"You really are stupid, Arya," he grumbled.


I had no idea what we were watching, but I watched it anyway. I stared at the screen, my vision a blurry mess, as my eyes grew heavy. I was so tired! I sighed and said aloud, "I'm so tired."

"You're weak, then," he simply stated. I said in a loud whisper, "I am not!"

"All you did was stay home all day and climb on the roof," he argued. "I can tell you're pretty -"

I seemed to drift off to sleep already. Wait, did he just call me pretty? I jolted back up and exclaimed, "I'm what?!"

"Chill, I said, 'you're pretty tired'," he explained, a little confused.

I laid on my side of the couch and let out a yawn. "Right. I guess so."

"Arya?"

His voice was fading. I had fallen asleep!


I woke up, finding Shigure walking down the hall. He smirked at me and whispered, "Finally, one of you are awake! You didn't do anything naughty, did you, my flower?"

"No," I whispered back, feeling my face heat up a thousand degrees.

Then I realized how he said "one of you". That means...

I looked down and saw Kyo asleep by the kotatsu, his head resting on his arm. I stared in surprise. He looked so calm, so at peace. I wondered what he was dreaming about. Milk? Catnip?

His orange hair fell over his shut eyes, his tanned skin a bit lighter than usual. I tilted my head to the side. His face was so interesting for a moment. Then I almost jumped out of my own skin, when I saw one of his eyelids move, and he opened up one of his maroon eyes.

He gave me a one-eyed look. "You gonna stare at me all day, or what?" He then fully opened his eyes.

I felt myself blush. Before I could answer, Mai and Yuki came through the door. Mai had a big smile on her face, while Yuki looked a little more embarrassed.

"Oh, hey guys!" Mai smiled, waving. She placed a hand on her hip. "I leave with you guys staring at a television screen, and I come back hours later and you're still at it!"

Shigure popped his head in, and giggled, "Not really, they did walk around the house and spend some time together."

Kyo stormed up to the dark haired man and grabbed him by the collar, pulling him close. He hissed at him, "Anything else to say, you damn mutt? Wipe that stupid little smirk off your face before I do it for you." He fiercely tossed him aside and went upstairs.

Yuki sighed, "Stupid cat." He reached for me and placed a hand on my shoulder. "He didn't bother you today, did he, Miss Nadeshiko?"

"No, he actually didn't," I assured him, smiling. "How was Ayame?"

Mai stepped in, with a smirk on her face. "Well-" Yuki gently slapped a hand over her mouth, blushing furiously.

"Another day, Miss Nadeshiko," he said nervously, smiling weakly at me.

I tilted my head to the side in confusion. "What did Mai do now?" I wondered aloud. Yuki walked out of the room, leaving me with Mai.

"Oh, well, I made him try on something. Ayame was so happy!" My sister answered.

My jaw dropped. It must have taken her a lot of pleading and begging to make him do that - especially for Ayame.

"Wow," I mumbled, "sounds fun."

She blushed and nodded slightly. "I'll just be in the room."

"Yeah."

I wondered what in the world could've happened while I wasn't there. Surely, she got Ayame and Yuki bonding a bit. I fell onto the couch, putting my feet up. I hugged my knees close to my chest and closed my eyes. Huh, I thought, that's... different.

I expected the nasty sensation of jealousy to hit me straight in the gut, but it never came.


A/N: I still love Yuki XP

Thank you everyone for reading and reviewing and being so patient with my updates! I know I've been really slow...