A/N: Hey readers! ...So I'm on Summer Break! *fistpumps* XP Hopefully I'll get a few more reviews!


In a Fruits Basket - Chapter 17: Relationships

Recap:

What are you doing? Move, Arya!

He was nearly there, our faces only inches apart. I closed my eyes.

Speak your mind!

Suddenly, a voice from behind scolded, "What are you doing? Come back here, you stupid cat!" Then the world came back to regular speed, but my heart was pounding at a faster rate.


The sound of that voice snapped me back to reality. Riku's arms were around my waist now. I shot my eyes open and pressed my hands against his chest. I breathed and pushed him away from me. "S-stop." I turned my head away, then looked around.

Where did that voice come from?

My jaw dropped as I saw Kyo in the middle of the sidewalk, frozen, with his hand extended towards me as if he was about to run into us. Behind him was Yuki, also frozen, about to grab him in a head lock.

"You guys?" I gasped out and took a step back from Riku. "What are you doing here?"

"Miss Nadeshiko!" Yuki exclaimed, putting his arms down and wore a nervous smile. "What a coincidence! We were just running errands, isn't that right, Kyo?"

"Uh, yeah. We needed to buy more milk," Kyo added.

I raised an eyebrow. "Mai and I bought milk two days ago."

"Yeah, I drank it all," Kyo said quickly.

I put my hands on my hips. "No, seriously, why are you here?"

I heard Riku mutter something. It sounded a bit like, "I knew it."

I sighed, "I- I'm sorry, Riku." No, not Ku-kun anymore. "I have to go."

"No, I'm sorry, too. I'll see you later, Arya," he replied gently, his face flushed.

"Um..." I began, biting my lips nervously. I wrapped my arms around him for a quick hug. "Bye."

He held on a bit longer. "Yeah. Bye." His voice was gentle, but I could hear the sadness he was trying to conceal.

"Um, Yuki, can I talk to you?" I began, walking over to him.

"Sure."

Then, it took only a moment when I heard Riku say to Kyo, "Looks like I lost." Yuki and I both turned to see what they were talking about.

"What the hell do you mean by that?" Kyo questioned.

"It's obvious..." Riku met eyes with me for a second, then looked back at Kyo, "I can't make her as happy as you Sohmas can."

"Riku -" I choked out.

Suddenly, Kyo grabbed him by the collar, clenching his teeth. "You better shut up, Yamamoto. You're the one who she hugged -"

"Go on," Riku said staring him in the eyes, "I guess I deserve it. I was being too forceful with Arya."

"Stop it, Kyo!" I snapped and tore him away from Riku. I exhaled, feeling my face burn in embarrassment. "Okay, we've got some explaining to do," I mumbled to Yuki and Kyo, as I rushed to them, grabbing their wrists and began to walk back home.

I looked back at Riku one last time. I gave him a sad smile, as if to apologize once more. He simply nodded, like he forgave me. He understood now. The Sohmas were a big part of my life here, and he couldn't change it.


"Just what the hell did you think you were doing?" I questioned the two as we made our way into a super market. They said they were running errands and yet they didn't even bring any money. "You liars! I can tell when you're lying to me!"

"If you knew we were lying, then why'd you still bring us to the grocery market?" Kyo demanded.

I pulled out a few coins. "I'm just going to buy some gum, while you guys explain to me why you were spying on Riku and I!"

Yuki smiled sadly, "Forgive us, Miss Nadeshiko, we didn't mean for it to affect you like this."

"Yeah... well, it did," I frowned.

"If the stupid cat hadn't come out of his hiding place..." Yuki began, glaring at Kyo.

Kyo fumed. "Hey! You didn't even move at all! You know how Arya just lets people do whatever they want with her! Didn't you see the look on Yamamoto's face? Who else was gonna stop 'em?" He gritted his teeth. "Tch!"

"Either way, it was both of your faults! I'm glad I saw you guys, or else who knows how long you would've been there!" I exclaimed and didn't notice the cashier staring at the three of us bickering. After I paid, I popped a piece of mint gum in my mouth.

Yuki placed a hand on my shoulder. "Okay, we're sorry. We were just worried about you."

"Y'mean you! I just came 'cause you would've screwed up," Kyo snapped as we walked out the door.

The rat muttered, "Says the one who actually screwed up and got Miss Nadeshiko upset with us."

"I would've found out sooner or later! I'm upset because you don't think I can handle things on my own!" I said, stopping their upcoming argument.

"But the thing was you couldn't when you were with Yamamoto," Kyo scolded me.

I pursed my lips in anger, narrowing my eyes, then sighed. He was right. I put my hands up and stepped between them. "Alright, I forgive you guys." I then smiled faintly. "I'm glad you care so much... and if it weren't for you two, I might've ended up kissing Riku when I didn't want to." I groaned, "Gosh, so much is going on in one day."

Kyo pointed a finger at Yuki. "Ya see? I told you! If I didn't run out she would've been in even deeper shit than right now!"

"Just forget it, you stupid cat. What's important is that we made the right decision in picking up Miss Nadeshiko," Yuki replied coolly.

I continued to chew my gum, as I ran a hand through my dark hair. "And what does Shigure and Mai have to do with this?" I brought up, tilting my head to the side. "I actually wouldn't be surprised if they showed up instead of you two, or at least put you guys up to this."

"Um, no, actually," he began, "Mai went out shopping and Shigure was busy with work."

"So how'd you find out about Riku and I?" I questioned.

The Sohma boys hesitated. "Momiji," they said together.

My mouth hung open so long my gum almost fell out. "Ah. Makes sense."

We continued to walk home. Yuki walked ahead for some reason, not looking back. He was probably embarrassed. Kyo and I were closely walking behind him.

"Hey," Kyo said softly.

"What?"

"Just tell us if that bastard Yamamoto tries anything funny with you again, alright?" he ordered.

"It was a harmless kiss, Kyo," I reminded him.

He shot back, "It was harmless but you didn't want it and you still didn't say anything about it."

"But I didn't kiss him," I countered.

He retorted, "Yeah, 'cause I stepped in."

I frowned and my head hung low. "Sorry."

"Just don't be an idiot next time," he said sternly.

"Uh, thanks," I uttered quickly, "I promise I'll speak my mind more."

"Yeah, I'd like to see that," he grumbled.

There was a few moments of silence, until Yuki spoke up. "So, Miss Nadeshiko, you never saw Riku Yamamoto that way?"

"He's just a friend," I answered, feeling my face heat up.

"That's what I thought," Kyo said gruffly, "but he's all clingy around you."

"Hey, he's still my friend, y'know," I warned him.

"Whatever."

I paused. "But, you know that he'd never replace you guys, right?"

They both paused, too. Kyo mumbled, "You're... you're better off with him, though. With someone normal."

I scoffed. "Don't think like that. You guys are normal, too! And besides, I like spending time with you... Everything's fun with the Sohmas."

They both gave me a slightly sad look. Almost pained by the words I used. The rest of the way home was silent.


I didn't want to seem nosy like how Kyo and Yuki were with Riku and I, but I kept finding myself secretly watching Yuki and Mai together.

I must be insane.

I was sitting by the door to the kitchen, chewing on a piece of my Pocky, pretending to mind my own business. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Yuki's arm reaching over Mai. I casually and carefully turned my head so I can get a clear view of them.

Was he...?

"Yuki, stop it! You're adding too much salt," Mai scolded, slapping the shaker out of his hand. "Anymore and the porridge will taste bad."

"That's bad luck... if you spill salt, I mean," Yuki noted, sweeping it off the counter and on to his hand. He brushed it off his hands into the trash.

"You adding too much salt is already bad luck," she replied, her eyes glued on the pot, as she slowly stirred it and threw in pieces of chopped chicken and green onions.

"Sorry," Yuki murmured, gazing at her as she continued to stir the pot.

Mai's focus was still on the food she was preparing. She replied, "Kyo was right. You really are a bad cook." She laughed lightly.

His face softened, his lips gently pressed together in a small smile. "Maybe you can teach me?"

"I doubt it," she said simply, pouting.

"Oh."

I wanted to let out a laugh. How blind my sister was. An ice princess, too!


It was never Mai who was late for school. It was always me because of my bad habit of sleeping in and leaving things until the last minute. This morning was a first.

"Hey!" I hollered, "Mai-Mai! We're gonna be late for school!"

"Stop calling me that, dammit!" she yelled from inside the house.

Yuki, Kyo and I sighed. The cat growled, "If she's taking too long, let's just leave without her!"

"I agree," I said.

Yuki shrugged. "Do what you want, but it's rude to leave without her."

"She's making us late, though!" I argued.

"So? You've made us late before!" Kyo countered.

"Whose side are you on?" I demanded, crossing my arms over my chest.

Suddenly, Mai ran out of the house, a piece of toast hanging from her mouth, quickly sliding the door behind her.

"Comung!" she exclaimed, "Wugong a eengay!"

"What?" The three of us asked for her to repeat herself.

She rolled her eyes and shook her head. Then she burst into a sprint, her toast miraculously still in one piece hanging from her mouth. The three of us shrugged. She'd have to tell us what she said later. The only thing to do was keep up with her so we won't be late either.


"I said," Mai began, swallowing her toast, "'Come on, we're gonna be late'."

"Oh!" We replied, bobbing our heads. "That makes sense."


"Hey," Riku said quietly, as he passed me in the hall.

"Hi," I smiled sweetly, waving. He smiled back and went to his class. I sighed. Our friendship hasn't been the same since.

Arisa chortled, "Oh Arya, you heart breaker."

My face began to grow hot. "H-Hey, d-don't say that!"

She placed a hand on my head, ruffling my hair. "Aw, okay, I'm sorry. Look at you, all pink in the face. Aw..."

"Arisa, you know I don't like Riku in a romantic way," I commented, mumbling. I looked over at my other friend. She was silent.

"What's up, Saki?" I asked, inching closer. She had that distant look in her eyes. I mean, she always does, but something seemed different about it.

"Seriously Hana, what's gotten into you?" Arisa mused, waving a hand over her face.

Saki continued staring into space. Then I realized who was taking up that space: The President of the Yuki Fanclub, Motoko Minagawa and her group.

"Operation: get rid of Mai Nadeshiko is a go!" she said a bit too loudly, raising a hand in the air. "Keep this a secret. We must be discreet in order to protect our beloved Prince Yuki from her evil clutches. I plan to confront her -"

"No!" Her minions gasped, "Not with her horrible witch of a sister Arya and her friends protecting her all the time..."

I fumed. Witch? That's it-!

"Don't worry, I'll make sure she's alone this time. I actually went out of my way to observe her when she's without our Prince Yuki," she stated, "and what a waste of time it was! Still, I'm sure it will work this time -"

"For a secret and discreet operation," Arisa began, shooting them a look, her eyes like daggers, "you're pretty damn loud."

All the girls jerked back, almost jumping out of their skin. "You! Don't think you can scare us off, Yankee-" one of the others shot back, pointing a trembling finger at her.

Saki slowly strode in, the air around her almost chilling. "Then what else will?" she inquired, tilting her head ever so slowly. The next thing we knew, they ran so fast they left a trail of dust where they stood.

"Thanks again," I sighed.

"Man," Arisa scoffed, running a hand through her hair, "those damn girls won't leave you alone. It pisses the hell out of me!" She pulled me into a tight hug. "Now they're going for Mai, right? She's been awfully close with the Prince."

Saki nodded. "Yes, she's been spending a lot of time with him. Those girls have been watching them secretly."

I could feel goosebumps appear. Arisa and I exclaimed, releasing each other and facing her, "That's a crime!"

Saki sighed slowly. "No one in society seems to understand stalking someone is a bad thing. They'd like it to see as an observation. What fools."

"Then why didn't you tell us sooner?" I asked, still freaking out. Those fangirls were insane.

Who the hell spies on Mai and Yuki? Well, I mean, I do that, but they know I'm there, so I wouldn't consider it spying...

"Arya, do us a favour and watch over your sister some more." Arisa ordered, "I mean, I know you guys argue a lot, but you have to put that aside!"

"Mai can take care of herself," I huffed. "I don't want to 'watch over her'."

"It's not just that, Arya," Saki added. "It's also for the safety of that Motoko girl and her friends."

"Yeah, Mai will kick their asses then get suspended," Arisa agreed, nodding her head, but then rubbed her chin. "Although, I wouldn't mind seeing the girls get knocked on their big ugly noses..." She mused, smirking.


I crept up behind a tree outside the school at the end of the day. I saw this coming. Motoko was going to "confront" Mai today. I guess I really am an expert on spying and eavesdropping. I hated it.

Oh well, I'll put it to good use.

"Look at you..." Motoko began gently, walking towards Mai who was about to head home, "Walking alone, are you, Mai Nadeshiko?"

"Yes, Motoko. And you? Heading home? We've got a lot of homework assigned from Sensei," Mai answered coolly, shuffling her feet.

You could almost see the relief washing over the girl's face in response. Motoko adjusted the dark blue ribbons in her light brown hair, nodding slightly. I remember warning Mai about her a while back when I found out she stayed back a year, but it seemed like they knew each other. I realized that they were probably in the same class. It was Motoko's last year here, too.

Motoko's fist clenched and she bit her lip, trembling.

"Is there something you wish to talk about, Motoko?" Mai asked softly. "You don't look okay."

Then the Yuki fangirl burst out, "You know what I want to talk about!"

Mai narrowed her eyes at the girl. "Hm?"

"Don't talk to me like that! You- You prince stealer!" Motoko snapped, "You know. You know how I feel!"

"Seriously, just go on with it," Mai sighed.

"Don't think so high of yourself just because you spend time with Yuki." She replied, "Do you... do you love him as much as I do?"

Mai's face flushed a bright pink. "Wait, wait. What?" she choked out.

Motoko smirked. "And everyone says he's got eyes for you. You're nothing more than a wannabe. You cling to him. You even stayed back a year just so you can be with him, am I right?" She thought she was getting somewhere.

"I stayed back because of my sister." Mai crossed her arms under her chest. "Motoko, I know all about your thing for Yuki, and I may be one of his friends, but to insult me like that? What the hell did I ever do to you? I'm always nice to you -"

"That's just an act for Prince Yuki! You're selfish, keeping him away from us." Motoko shot back, "Stay away from him!"

Her patience was growing thin now. "Listen, Minagawa," she began, teeth clenched, "your love for Yuki is nothing more than a strange obsession over someone you find good looking."

"It's more than that, Nadeshiko!"

"Do you even talk to him? Do you really know him?" she questioned.

"His everything is my everything."

"But you don't know everything."

"I love him!"

My sister rolled her eyes. "Then let him do what he wants, if you really do! If you love him, don't keep him all to yourself! That never leads to a good relationship. He's got a life he wants to live, y'know. You're the one who's selfish." She sighed. "Please, I'd like to put this behind us. You've been holding this against me since the start of the school year. I'm not even dating him."

Motoko growled, "But out of all people, how do you make him smile so genuinely? He never... he wasn't like that!"

Mai's face turned a scarlet red. She shook her head. "Motoko, don't let your jealousy get the best of you -"

"Just tell me! Do you love him as much as I do? Do you love Yuki?" she demanded, huffing.

"I -" she began, and looked away. Her eyes told me she did. The smallest hint of a gleam in her eyes whenever Motoko brought up how Yuki was always around Mai, and just the name itself. Yuki. Yuki.

"I don't," she said, "no, I don't love -" Then a small gasp cut her off. Her eyes widened and I thought I could see tears start to form.

Where was she looking off to?

The two girls looked in the direction towards the doors, where a thin, dark haired male stood, his eyes staring back blankly.

"Y-Yuki...?" Mai whispered. She spoke a bit louder. "Yuki, how long were you there?"

"Sorry, was I... was I interrupting something?" he asked softy, but I could tell he heard everything. His face was a beet red, his eyes covered by his hair.

Mai's face flushed more and she hid behind her hands. "I -" she choked out, "I have to go."

She began to run, but Yuki looked up and rushed to her, taking her arm. "Mai! Just hold on a sec-"

"Let me go, you idiot!" she snapped and jerked her arm away. Motoko's jaw dropped in shock. She just called Yuki an idiot. I saw tears brim slightly in my sister's eyes. She shook her head over and over, her bottom lip between her teeth. "St-Stop it, leave me alone!"

She finally ran away and I almost chased after her, when Motoko spoke up.

"Y-Yuki..." she began, "uh - um, what was that all about? I mean, why did Mai scream at you like that? That was so mean of her."

Yuki smiled sadly at her and I thought she was going to swoon right in front of him. "Mai's just like that. She gets embarrassed easily, I think. That's how she deals with it."

"T-True," Motoko stuttered, nervously flicking her hair over her shoulder. "But to insult you like that, Yuki? How rude!" She blushed. "But, well, I mean, Mai can be nice when she wants to, but I wouldn't take it out on others."

"Are you always like this, Miss Minagawa?" Yuki asked gently, still staring off to where Mai had disappeared.

Run after her. Run after her, dammit! Yuki!

"L-Like what?" She stammered again.

"Nothing."

"Was it annoying you?" She gasped, extending a hand, "I- I'm so sorry-"

Yuki paused. "No, the way you're nervous... it's kind of cute." He smiled slightly again.

No, he wasn't talking about her. He was talking about Mai.

Motoko's blush deepened. "I -"

"Well, I have to go now," Yuki said. "I'll see you soon, Miss Minagawa?"

"Sure! Of course, Yuki!"

"But first..." He paused, clenching his fists. He exhaled. "Could you apologize to Mai?"

"Ah -" she began, but Yuki was already running in Mai's direction. I decided to chase after him too. He was so focused on finding Mai, he didn't notice me behind him until I called his name.

"Oh, Miss Nadeshiko," he began, frowning a bit.

"Why?" I said, my voice hoarse, catching my breath.

"Pardon?"

"Why didn't you just run after her?" I demanded, "Motoko would've been fine alone!"

Yuki's violet eyes widened. "So you saw..." I huffed, looking away. He went on. "I don't know anymore."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

He replied, sticking his hands into his pockets. "Your sister. This is the second time I've had to chase her."

"Who cares?" I exclaimed and pushed him forward. He stumbled around, eyes even wider. I sighed slowly. "Sorry."

He adjusted his shirt. "I don't think your sister likes me. She keeps pushing me away from her," he answered, "I don't want to make her even more upset than she really is."

"No, please," I said, almost begging. I grabbed his sleeve. "Please."

He shook his head and smiled sadly. "Miss Nadeshiko, I'm not sure what you want me to do, but I don't think there's really anything I can do anyway."

I grabbed his arm, pulled it close to me, and rested my head on his shoulder. We walked back to the house.

"Mai," I hissed under my breath, "you idiot."

If there was nothing he could do, then I knew that Mai had to do something about it instead. I just had to get her to do that.


We arrived home to Shigure and Kyo silent in the house. Shigure was reading, the sound of the pages flipping slowly. Kyo was practicing his martial arts, sending swift fists at the air. Neither of them spoke.

I cleared my throat. "Where's Mai?"

"Upstairs in her room, probably," Shigure mumbled behind his book.

Kyo added, "Sulking, maybe?"

Yuki's eyes fell to the floor. "Let her do what she wants." He stayed in the kitchen, and sat down.

"What did you do now, huh, you damn rat?" Kyo demanded, walking in with a towel around his neck. Yuki's teeth clenched. "Upset Mai again? Didn't I see this already? When she ran out of the house after her friends came over?"

"Kyo," I warned sternly.

His maroon eyes pierced mine. "She's your sister, Arya. How can you not be mad that rat boy's always upsetting her -"

"Shut up, you stupid cat!" Yuki snarled.

From my point of view, it looked like Yuki just ran past him. No, he did more than that in those few seconds. Kyo was flat on his back, groaning in pain. He clutched his jaw.

Yuki huffed. "I can't even stand to look at you." He stormed off, fist balled up, knuckles white.

I sighed. I rushed over to Kyo's side, helping him up carefully. "You good?" We sat down on the porch.

"Yeah, whatever," he grumbled.

I took the towel he had around his neck and gently dabbed his sweaty temple, then his jaw. "Yuki's strong. I warned you, didn't I? Don't tick him off like that. He's gone through a lot today." I got some ice and placed it on his bruised lip. He shuddered.

"Like what?" he asked, gritting his teeth, trying to ignore the pain.

I carefully stroked the ice across the bruise, narrowing my eyes at it. Yuki punched him and his nail most likely cut him. I mumbled, "Mai issues."

He hissed, grabbing my wrist suddenly. "Okay, stop it already."

"Does it hurt?" I asked softly. He nodded curtly and pushed me away. He stood and headed back inside. I frowned slightly, looking away. "I can call Hatori."

He snapped, "I'm not that weak! I'm fine." He probably wasn't in the mood to talk to me. He just got beaten by Yuki again. "Arya?"

"Y-Yes?"

"Thanks, for uh - the ice and stuff," he said quietly.

I nodded and smiled, "No problem. I'm glad you're alright." Okay, one problem out of the way, better go to Mai!

Out of the corner of my eye, I thought I saw Kyo smile a bit.


"Mai," I cooed, walking in, "what's wrong?"

She faced me with puffy eyes and quivering lips. She choked out my name. "A-Arya."

I massaged my temple. "Why are you upset? All you did was give Motoko a taste of her own medicine!"

"It's not that," she murmured, gazing somewhere blankly.

"Then what is it?"

"I - I keep messing up in front of Yuki," she answered. "I don't think I can face him again."

I sighed. That's what Yuki said about her before. "Who cares?"

"I do."

"Mai -"

"It would be best... if you talked to him. I know you're the only one who can actually cheer him up and all -"

I slammed the side of my fist against the wall. She snapped her face in my direction, eyes wide. "You really are stupid!" I yelled at her.

"What?"

I furrowed my eyebrows. "Blind too! How could you say that?"

"Say what?"

"What do you mean I'm the 'only one'?" I demanded, "You don't even realize what you can do?" I've had enough.

"I don't understand, Arya!" she said back, standing up. She shot me an icy stare. "I - I can't do what you can! If I were like you, if I were you, then maybe I'd be talking to Yuki right now! If I were you..." Her voice fell and she grunted in frustration. She burst out, "Can't you see that I want to be you?"

My jaw dropped in shock. She exclaimed, "How you get things you want with no problems, how you get along with others because of how sweet you are! That's your job, isn't it? To take care of Yuki and Kyo!"

No. You're wrong.

"All this time... I just wanted to be you!" She twitched, her shoulders tense.

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into the palms of my hand. "Shut up!" I shouted, closing my eyes tightly, trying to contain the tears that tried to fall.

You're so blind, Mai. Don't you see the way I act around you? How I always get mad at you? I want to be you. I envied you and you acted like it was no big deal. That's why I always argued with you.

"Shut up!" I said again, opening my eyes. A few tears slid down my face when I rushed over to her, slamming my hands against her wrists, pushing her backwards. She hit the wall and gasped out as the impact knocked the air out of her. I shook her vigorously under my grip. "Shut up!"

I looked her in the eyes, blinking a few times to let the tears go. "That... was me!" My head fell and hung low, as the tears slid off the bridge of my nose. They splashed on the bedroom floor.

I couldn't look at her. The expression on her face was taunting me. Pure shock. She had no idea. She had no idea how much...

"I wanted to be you!" I burst out. My grip on her relaxed, as my hands slipped off her. "You didn't even know how much I idolized you. How long I compared myself to you and tried to reach the expectations you've been setting."

"Arya..." she choked out, "I'm -"

"So if there are things..." I began, more hot, angry tears streaming down my face, "that only I can do, then there are also things that only you can do! It wouldn't be the same if I were with Yuki!"

I stepped away from her, then finally met her gaze again.

"It was you who's been cheering him up! There are some things that only you can do, too! Don't make him any more upset than he is because of your constant rejection! I can't make him as happy as you can, Mai!"

I had trouble breathing. All my words kept coming out.

"You don't even realize it; the way he looks at you... That's why I'm angry! You don't realize that it's not me! You're the only one who can cheer him up right now!" The tension was suffocating me. My throat burned and no tears came anymore. "So why are you just standing here?" I demanded, stomping my foot.

Suddenly, she threw herself at me, hugging me tightly. "I'm so sorry, Arya. All those times I argued or hurt your feelings... I'm sorry." She began to cry on my shoulder, sniffling. Her arms twitched around me. "I didn't even know how bad of a sister I was."

I'm sorry.

I gasped softly, limp in her arms. "I... I was also a bad sister," I choked out. "I am, too. Mai, I'm sorry, too!" I felt more tears come. I hugged her back, holding her close. "Don't let me get in the way."

I'm sorry.

"Y-Yeah," she breathed.

I managed a small smile, saying between sobs, "Now get out of here, idiot." She sniffed, releasing me and heading for the door. She faced me, wiping her eyes.

"Little pest," she shot back, smiling a bit. She quietly exited the room, closing the door behind her.

I'm sorry.


A/N: What are your thoughts on Mai and Arya finally apologizing and making up as sisters? I based it off of how Yuki and Kyo sort of made up too in the manga :) I felt a huge weight get off my chest knowing the story will be lighter and less chaotic now. Less writing about arguments now too, huh? Leave a review and let me know how I'm doing! Thanks for reading!

Special thanks to Death's Inevitable Kiss for the small inspiration on Hana's dialogue about what stalking is in an anime XP Your review made my day and I had to use it!

Until the next chapter...!