A/N: Thanks for all the reviews and follows. You're all too kind to me! :') Almost there to 100.. Wow! Y'know how I said the chapters will be lighter now since the two Nadeshiko sisters are no longer fighting? Well, I guess I lied a little.. This is some serious stuff I wrote today. Hope you all enjoy! Don't forget to tell me what you think and leave a review.
In a Fruits Basket - Chapter 19: Rotting Fruits
Recap:
The truth of it is... when Mai was talking, I realized whenever I was going through hardships in my life here, there was always a head of orange beside me, there for me, awkwardly trying to comfort me. I was never really alone.
...
Maybe that orange head of hair really was too bright that it blinded my eyes.
It was drizzling a bit on our way back home. Yuki and Kyo pulled out their umbrellas while Mai shared hers with me.
"Thanks," I smiled.
"Yeah, can't have you sick, can we?" she replied. I was almost as tall as her now, but she still had the same habit of resting her elbow on my shoulder. "Why didn't you bring an umbrella?" she asked.
I shrugged. "I like the rain. I just really like water in general."
"Weird," Kyo grumbled. "What's so good about the damn rain?"
Yuki sighed, sending the cat a look, "Just ignore him, Miss Nadeshiko. Kyo gets worn out easily on days like this. He's a little out of it."
"Heh, I see!" Mai snickered, "Poor kitty cat's afraid of a little lightning?"
"Shut up," Kyo growled back, "you... bitch..." His voice began to falter.
"Don't call her that, you stupid cat," Yuki warned him.
Mai gritted her teeth, then exhaled slowly. She let out a loud laugh, "Alright, I guess I'll let it pass just this once. He's in a bad mood, let him call me whatever he wants!" She petted Kyo's head causing him to fume but he was too weak to move or stop her.
"I can't let him call you such foul names, seeing how he's always in a bad mood," the rat added.
"Like you're one to talk!" Kyo exploded at him, stomping his foot. The puddle he landed in splashed my ankles. "You shut up, too, you damn..." His shoulders hunched over and his eyelids fluttered. He managed to finish, "You damn rat."
Mai snorted, then hid behind Yuki's shoulder in case Kyo noticed how he was her little entertainment.
"Geez, this is annoying," he huffed.
"Take it easy, Kyo," I pleaded, getting impatient with everyone's teasing. I began, feeling my heart beat a little faster, "Well, if you're not feeling okay then how about I hold your umbrella for you? I mean, I'm sharing one with Mai. She can always hold her own and I can hold yours! My hands are free so -"
"Seriously?"
Crap, I was rambling...
"Um," I replied, "pretty much."
He looked at me with a confused expression then turned away. "Are you crazy? You think I'm so tired that I want to walk around looking like a sissy with a girl like you holding my umbrella for me?"
"Yes?" My reply sounded more like a question.
He snapped, "That's a stupid idea."
"A girl... a girl like me?" I asked.
"First of all, you're too short to hold it up for me," he answered.
I felt my face flush in embarrassment. "Oh, right. Sorry."
"You two are pretty lively even in this weather," Mai chortled. "C'mon, kids, we better head home now. Yuki and I have somewhere to go later."
"Then why don't you guys just go on ahead with your date? Kyo and I will just go home together," I replied.
"D-date?" Mai gasped and her face turned red, "No, no, I just want to make sure you make it home alright!"
"It's fine, Mai," Yuki smiled warmly, "it really is date. Unless it embarrasses you..."
"Not at all! Sorry about that!" Mai quickly told Yuki, waving her hands.
"So it is a date," I smirked.
"Well, no- I mean," she stammered, "my gosh, let's just go already!" She grabbed Yuki's hand and pulled him along.
"Mai!" he exclaimed.
She mumbled, "Shut up and keep walking."
"Mai, the umbrella!" I gasped, as the rain drops fell on me. I threw my backpack over my head to protect me.
She called back, "Keep up with me then!"
"Miss Nadeshiko, don't worry about that stupid cat!" Yuki also added.
I sighed in irritation, then turned to Kyo. My face burned. "May I share an umbrella with you?"
"You stupid girl! Don't worry about me." He snapped, "Didn't I already tell you -"
"You'll hold it. It is yours, after all," I stated.
He scowled - not directly at me, but I knew it was meant to be at me - before he replied. "F-fine," he muttered. I said a soft apology as I ducked my head under the umbrella and walked beside him. "You don't gotta apologize," he grumbled. "Let's just go."
I paused. "Are you going to be okay?"
He replied, still scowling, "Look, just forget it. I'll be fine once the weather clears up."
"You sure? I can't really cook you anything to make you feel better and Mai's going out," I noted.
"Give it a rest, will you?"
My heart hammered against my ribs. "Oh, okay. I'm... worried, is all." In the corner of my eye I saw Kyo look at me and smile a bit. My eyebrows shot up and I quickly turned to face him. "You okay?"
He jumped back a bit in surprise. He spluttered out, "D-Didn't I say to drop the topic already?"
"It's not that..." I murmured, smiling.
He wrinkled his nose and furrowed his bright orange eyebrows. "Arya, you're weird."
"Thanks," I grinned, "but you said that already."
"That's a... compliment?" he asked, mumbling.
"Sure it is!"
"No, it's not."
I nodded, then poked him. "Hey! I heard you."
He gently punched the top of my head in response. He scoffed, "Whatever."
The rain drops were more gentle as we continued to walk. There were no people in sight, and Yuki and Mai were already ahead of us.
"Everyone's going everywhere today," I sighed.
"Yeah, so what?" he questioned. His grip on the umbrella was too weak, causing it to sway and some droplets to hit my face. I grabbed the handle to steady it. "I got it, thanks," he said quietly.
"So anyway," I began, releasing the handle, "what are we suppose to do? Stay with Shigure until Mai and Yuki come back?"
"Who cares if they're gone? We've done that before, haven't we?"
"Yeah, but you made me cry," I teased. "Remember? When they went to Ayame's shop and we were stuck at home."
I remembered it. I remembered how he yelled at me for making him read a poem. Apparently he took the poem the wrong way and got offended by it. It was all a misunderstanding, but we got over it.
I remembered how our friendship grew stronger on that day. That day, I learned more about his feelings. I remembered how he would try to cheer me up, saying that I could call him an idiot.
And I did, but not until I got to hug him and transform him into a cat.
His face flushed. "Yeah... I was stupid, I get it. You don't have to bring it up again."
I resisted the urge to smile at the memory. "Sorry."
"Nah," he shrugged, his shoulder brushing up against mine, "forget it." There was an awkward silence as we continued walking. I nervously looked around at the wet pavement and cars that drove by while twiddling my thumbs. Finally, he spoke up, "So then, Arya, do you think we could-?"
"Kyo! Arya!" a voice hollered.
Our heads snapped forward and we both realized we were home. The rain stopped falling, too.
"Mai!" I waved. "Yuki! Hi, sorry we took long."
What was he going to say to me? Think we could - what? Go out as well... maybe?
I fought back the blush dusting my cheeks.
Yuki nodded his head at me then shot a look of annoyance at Kyo. "Someone's here for you."
We all exchanged glances then heard a voice sing, "Kyo!" A small girl with her legs crossed and hands folded behind her back stood at the front door, beaming. Kyo's jaw tightened, his eyes drooping in disappointment.
"Hooray, you're here!" Kagura cooed, extending her thin hands at him, waiting for an embrace, "Welcome back, Kyo my love!"
Instinctively, he slammed his hands on the door and quickly slid it shut before they could make contact. I gently placed my hand on my forehead and closed my eyes. Everyone knew where this was heading.
"You're stupid," Mai sighed, shaking her head at Kyo.
Yuki leaned into her ear and muttered, "It won't hold her for long, that for sure."
The boar grunted on the other side. "Kyo, I can't open the door!"
"Ugh, damn!" He lied, "I can't either! It must be stuck or something -"
Paper shreds flew in the air as a fist punched through it. A cold glare was seen through the hole it left.
"Open it," Kagura growled.
"Um, hi!" I smiled nervously. Mai added, "Kagura, nice to see you again!"
She peeked through the hole she made and smiled back. "The Nadeshiko sisters! How are you?"
Kyo cursed under his breath as he stepped back, "Hell, why is she here?"
"We're good," Mai and I replied as we all walked in, ignoring the fact that once again, Shigure's property was destroyed.
Kagura squealed, "Mai and Yuki are going out?"
Mai and Yuki's faces turned a bright pink. Yuki sighed, "Kagura, can you calm down a little?"
"This is so exciting! First Kyo and I, now Yuki and Mai!"
"We are not going out!" Kyo interjected.
"But poor Arya, what about her?" Shigure questioned, then a smirk formed on his lips. He grabbed my hands and pulled me a little closer. "I guess there's only me left. Come on, my flower, why don't we go out on a date of our own?"
I felt my face flush. "I don't know..."
"Oh Arya, you're too cruel!" He cried, "Playing hard to get, I see! Maybe this will change your mi-"
"Hands off her, damn mutt!" Kyo warned.
"That's no way to treat Miss Nadeshiko," Yuki added. "You're such a pervert. It's disgusting!"
Mai sweatdropped behind them. I took a step away from Shigure and laughed nervously.
"Arya will find someone for sure!" Kagura smiled at me, "Wasn't there that boy who gave you chocolate on Valentine's?"
Not Riku again...
"Riku!" Mai gasped out. "Yeah, they didn't work out."
"Oh," she pouted, "I'm sorry to hear that. Luckily for me, Kyo and I will be together forever!"
Kyo shouted coldly, "No, we won't!"
"Kyo," Kagura whimpered, "why are you so mean?" There was a weird glint in her eye as she picked up the table and yelled, "YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU!"
Shigure quickly ran and gently pushed Kyo into her. His head landed softy on her shoulder. Kagura sighed and instantly calmed down as she cradled his head in her arms, stroking his hair. I felt something spark in my stomach just watching her be so close to him. I twitched slightly.
"Shigure!" Kyo said through clenched teeth.
"Kagura," Shigure went on happily, "I was wondering if you and Kyo could run a little errand for me. Make it a date!"
Before Kagura or Kyo could say anything, Mai glimpsed at me and cut in.
"Y'know what," Mai began, "I don't want Arya to be alone today if you two are going out the same time Yuki and I are. How about we all just go eat out together?"
"Just give us time to change out of our uniforms," I stated.
Kagura nodded. "Sure, go ahead."
Kyo snarled, "We're not going out, dammit!"
Shigure clapped his hands together and beamed, "That sounds wonderful. Then while the two lovebirds go somewhere else romantic -" Mai blushed furiously at that statement. "- Arya, Kyo and Kagura can run that errand for me. Arya, you do have the grocery list, right?"
I nodded.
"Yes, my little plan succeeded! Let's be off now!"
"Not with you," Yuki muttered.
"You're just joking, aren't you?" Shigure chuckled nervously. "A man like me can hang out with you youngsters, right?"
"Old man, to be exact," Kyo muttered under his breath.
Mai laughed and pinched Shigure's face, "You can come."
"But not as Miss Nadeshiko's date," Yuki noted.
"Aw, that's not fair!"
Kyo rolled his eyes. "Quit your whining!"
"So Shigure didn't want to come with us after all," I mumbled as we headed towards the restaurant.
Kyo and Yuki fumed.
"That bastard was just joking with us," Kyo commented.
"How irritating," Yuki agreed.
"But then I'm the odd one out!" I teased.
The two boys looked at me. "Better than with Shigure."
I knew it was going to be an awkward get together when Kagura plopped herself right in between Kyo and I at the restaurant. The both of us exchanged glances then immediately blushed, looking away.
"It's so nice here!" Kagura said brightly, looking around at the delicate lanterns decorating the room.
"Yeah..." Kyo mumbled. I added, "Very."
"Dammit, do you have to be here, Kagura?" Kyo mumbled, but the whole table heard it.
Yuki, Mai and I sighed, "He just doesn't learn, does he?"
Kagura's grey eyes glistened with tears. "Kyo..."
She shoved her hands on his skull and vigorously spun her fist as she shouted, "I love you more than anything in the world! How can you expect me to pretend like I'm not worried?"
The tables around us were staring. The rest of us sunk back in our seats, embarrassed.
"Oh, you better quit it, Kyo, we're causing a scene," she said, finally calming down. She tucked some hair behind her ear.
Once we got our food, Kyo chewed slowly, leaning away from Kagura. We occasionally looked at each other, his eyes telling me that this was a bad idea. I shrugged back at him as if to apologize. He merely shook his head then continued eating.
Mai and Yuki on the other hand sweatdropped at the two of us. My sister snickered, hiding her grin behind her hand as she pressed her forehead to Yuki's cheek.
When we finished, Yuki ended up paying after having a small debate with Mai. They went some where together while Kyo, Kagura and I went to the market for Shigure.
"What are we getting today? You have the list, right?" Kagura asked nicely.
"Let's see..." I said, putting a finger on my bottom lip, "Some more rice and eggs... Oh, and fish."
"Cod?" Kyo asked in a gruff tone.
"Yeah."
After we bought all our stuff, Kagura suggested that herself and Kyo would hold hands on their way home.
"No way in hell," he grumbled, causing Kagura to whine and people to stare again. I never felt so embarrassed in public.
I sighed in irritation, "Kyo, just hold her hand! You're making a scene again!"
"Fine!" He snapped and stuck his hand out to her, "I'll take your damn hand." He pouted and gave her his "I-don't-give-a-damn" face. She happily stood back up and took it, beaming.
"What about me?" I mused, teasing them and smiling widely. I reached for Kagura's hand and laced my fingers around hers when I realized: they weren't hers.
They were warm and bigger than mine. The skin was a bit rough, but the hold was gentle. I tucked in my chin to see that I was holding Kyo's hand! My face instantly burned up at least fifty degrees. My jaw dropped and I looked back up to meet eyes with Kyo. His mouth opened a little bit to speak, but no sound came out.
"I - uh..." we both choked out.
My heart began to pound, too. I could hear my blood pulsing in my ears, but it wasn't because of Kyo. In the corner of my eye, I saw Kagura gazing at me with longing eyes. Eyes that then gave off the feeling of jealousy.
I quickly released Kyo's hand and stuttered, "S-Sorry, I - I didn't mean - well, I'll just walk on my own and hold the grocery bags."
"What the hell was that?" he demanded as well and jerked his hand even farther away from mine. His face was a bit flushed. "That's enough. Don't think I'll start holding everyone's hand."
Kagura stared at me for a moment and paused. Then she smiled weakly. "'Kay, let's head back."
I didn't want to admit it to myself, but I actually liked the way Kyo held my hand. I didn't want to let go of him, but I was scared of how Kagura would react. She'd kill me for sure.
Although the fact that Kyo's hand wasn't limp in my grasp but was holding mine back caused butterflies in my stomach.
Kyo told me about his master, about how he wouldn't treat him like the other Sohmas did. He took him in and also trained Kyo in the mountains for a few months. The first time he told me that, I think, was the first time I saw him really smile.
"Kyo," a deep, smooth voice said, his name easily rolling off his tongue.
The cat responded quickly, turning his head towards the source of the voice. His body tensed and his eyes went wide.
Kyo gasped, "Master?"
Kyo stared deeply into the eyes of the man. He seemed middle-aged because of his grey hair, but his face had little signs of aging. He was very handsome and had kind, dark eyes. Kagura and Yuki also stared back in surprise.
The grey-haired man smiled gently, "You're looking well, Kyo."
"Who's this?" I heard Mai whisper as she lightly touched my arm.
No doubt about it, it was Kyo's master: Kazuma Sohma.
We were washing the plates and cups after we all had our tea with our guest, Kazuma. I washed and Kagura dried. I had the feeling that she didn't want to talk, or she wasn't in the mood to. The whole kitchen was quiet. The dishes were dripping wet and were starting to pile up as Kagura continued to dry the same plate for the past five minutes. Beside her was a stack of wet dishes I already washed waiting to be dried.
"Uh, Kagura?" I whispered, a bit concerned.
"Y-Yes?" She gasped, rather dazed. She jerked her head up and gave me a small smile. "Oh, sorry. I'm tuning out, aren't I?" She began to dry the rest of the dishes, just realizing they were there.
I tilted my head to the side and pursed my lips. "Kagura, you don't seem like yourself. Is everything okay?"
"Yeah," she said, but she hasn't made eye contact with me since we left the restaurant.
I extended a hand and offered, "Do you need help with drying? All the plates are washed already."
"No, I don't, thanks," she muttered.
"Okay, but if you need help, just tell me." I placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Thank you, Arya."
"But I might as well keep you company, right?" I gave her a sweet smile. "So, this master of Kyo, he must be really excited to see everyone! He seems like such a nice man."
I could tell from the moment we introduced ourselves with the usual bow and "it's nice to finally meet you".
"He is," she smiled weakly. There was nothing genuine about her expression.
"Kagura, are you sure you're alright?" I brought up the topic once more. "Please, you can tell me. I'm not being nosy, or anything, am I?"
"No, you're not," she answered simply, staring out the window in front of her.
"Then what's up?"
She shook her head, her brown hair covering her face like a curtain.
"I'm not stupid, Kagura, I can tell you're not feeling well." I pouted. "Come on, how about we go out if the weather gets better? We can shop a little, or -"
"You are," she murmured.
"Hm?" I wondered curiously.
She turned to face me and her intense grey eyes met mine. "You are stupid!" She smashed the plate she was holding onto the sink, cracking the edge. "You don't even notice the way he looks at you! How can you not care? You're not right for him!"
I flinched in fear. "Kagura?"
"No, stay away from me," she hissed, pointing her finger at me.
I took a step towards her, gently pushing her hand away. "Just tell me what's wrong -"
"Kyo..." she mumbled, her bangs falling over her eyes as she looked away.
My body began to tremble uncontrollably. I asked nervously, "What about him?"
"Stay away from Kyo!" The boar cried, suddenly flailing punches at me.
"Kagura!" I yelled. I was only able to block some hits before my arms gave out and she was able to land one on my cheek. I was knocked back, falling on my hip. I groaned and clutched where her fist met with my jaw. "Why..."
"Shut up!" Kagura commanded, "Leave my Kyo alone! I - I don't want to lose to you! I don't want to lose to someone who barely even knows Kyo and loves him the way that I do!"
"Kagura," I pleaded, "listen to yourself! What's gotten into you?"
My vision became a blur from tears as her hand whipped across my face. I felt my face sting and I knew it was swollen. Everything happened so fast. I began to cry in shock and I wanted to slap her back, but I had no strength to.
"Don't see him anymore," she ordered coldly.
I choked out my words. "It would never work out," my throat burned, and my voice rose, "so what the hell is wrong if I'm with him?!" She tried for another slap. I caught her hand and looked straight at her eyes. My heart was pounding. "Kagura, please," I begged.
Nothing scared me more right now. The murderous look in her eyes sent tremors down my spine. She struggled as she tried to pull away. She grunted and clenched her teeth.
"Stop," she cried, "let me go!" Angry tears dribbled down her flushed face. "Let me go!"
Mai burst into the kitchen, her brown eyes wide in shock. She demanded, "What the hell's going on?"
I turned to see her, but Kagura took the opportunity to hit me again.
"Arya!" Mai called in a scared tone as she watched me slam on the floor in pain. My face was burning hot and my body ached when I tried to get back up. She caressed my face and said in a loud voice, "Arya... Are you okay? Arya? M-My gosh!"
"Mai, get away from her!" Kagura shouted and pushed her.
Mai turned to the boar and glared. "You get away from my sister!" she commanded. She lunged towards Kagura and held her back. She thrashed around as she tried to escape Mai's grip.
"Get Yuki!" Mai shouted, "Yuki, help me!
I heard footsteps. He rushed into the room, his face pale. "What happened?" More colour drained from his face when our eyes met. "Miss Nadeshiko!" he exclaimed and reached for me. He froze and faced Kagura. "What did you do?"
She bit her lip and turned away.
"What did you do?" he repeated a bit louder.
Kagura began to cry more, tears flowing out of her grey eyes. She went limp in Mai's arms. She sobbed, "I just love Kyo! Let me see Kyo!"
Mai let out exerted grunts as she tried to to restrain her.
"Stop it!" I threw myself at Kagura. She shouted hurtful words at me, but I still held on, ignoring her fists beating my back. "Just be quiet!"
"Don't tell me what to do! Let go!"
"Shh," I tried to sooth her, "I knew... that something like this would happen. I - I don't want to fight over it. I want us to stay friends!"
"We were never really friends!" Her words were more painful than her punches. "You think you know so much about Kyo? You think you're so nice because you accept him? Do you really, though?"
I winced and tried to endure it, but a few whimpers escaped my mouth.
She exclaimed coldly, "I hate you!"
That's when my grip on her tightened. My hands were clutching on to her back, wrinkling her clothes. I swallowed. "I don't hate you, Kagura."
I heard her gasp in shock. Silence filled the air.
"Stop... being so nice." She began to relax a little. "I'm not apologizing."
"Neither am I. Don't expect me to forgive you anyway. But none of us did anything wrong," I replied.
We both had no control over our feelings for Kyo. Why should we be apologizing?
"I'm sorry for hurting you though," she mumbled, her hands falling on my back.
"Fine," I breathed, "I'll forgive you on that one." It went silent again, the only sound was Mai catching her breath and Kagura's sobbing.
"Please, don't tell Kyo about this," I mumbled.
She replied, "I should be saying that."
"Just don't. It'll... make him feel awkward," I commented.
She paused and took a deep breath. "Let me be. Let me go," she ordered.
Before I could release her, she pushed me away and quickly stood up, scowling at me. Yuki rushed to my side and helped me up to a sitting position. He checked my head for any injuries and had his arms supporting me.
"Kagura," Mai began gently, "why don't you stay in our room for the time being...?"
"Thank you, Mai. I'm sorry I bothered you."
My sister simply nodded. "Rest up, maybe you'll feel better."
"Just as long as she's not going to follow me," Kagura whispered.
"I won't," I told her. I felt all of their eyes on me. Kagura gave me a look with her eyes narrowed and lips forming into a pout. She placed the broken plate on the counter before she spun around to head upstairs. "Hey," I called out before she could leave.
"What is it, Arya?"
"Are we still friends?" I asked.
"We never were," Kagura answered, looking over her shoulder, "but we're still rivals."
"Thanks..." I managed a smile. "I'm fine with that, Kagura."
Yuki gently pressed the ice pack on the corner of my bruised lip. I winced and tried not to pull away.
"I'm, uh, sorry about Kagura," he breathed.
I chortled, "It's fine, this could be covered up by make up."
"Does it hurt?"
"Not anymore. Thanks, Yuki," I smiled, but stretching my lips out hurt a little.
Mai leaned on the door frame, a cold look on her face. "I knew Kagura was violent when it came to Kyo, but I didn't know it would go that far. Hell."
"She must hate me more than ever." I pleaded, "Don't worry about it, Mai." My heart skipped a beat. "Wait, where's -?"
"Kyo?" Mai asked, then answered, "He was speaking upstairs with Kazuma."
"And Shigure?"
"Out. He walked around while the weather was still nice," Yuki assured me.
"But did they hear us?" I demanded.
"No, not really. They wouldn't ask about it anyway," Mai answered.
I sighed in relief and closed my eyes. "I'm emotionally exhausted."
"Arya, I was wondering if you might be so good as to loan me your time this evening," Kazuma began quietly as he walked into the room.
Yuki took my hand as he helped me stand up.
"Oh, Kazuma! Sure, but I heard it's going to rain again," I suggested. "Would you like to stay inside?"
"If you don't mind, I would prefer if we walked outside," he simply replied.
"Sure, no problem." I nodded, half-convinced. "Of course, Kazuma."
He smiled gently, "Thank you."
As he walked out of the room, Mai gave me a look, her eyes wide and mouth formed into an "o". She scurried towards me and took my hands. She whispered, "What's this about, huh? Maybe he did hear what happened to you and Kagura! Damn, I'm a bit worried! Do you want me to keep an eye on you?"
Yuki commented, "Kazuma isn't that kind of person. He wouldn't harm Miss Nadeshiko in any way, so I wouldn't worry."
"I'll still do it, you know that."
"So... you'll eavesdrop?" I asked.
She smirked, "Pretty much. I'm just looking out for you, right?"
I hugged my sister, which was something I rarely did. She's done so much for me already. She hugged me back.
"Thanks," I said.
She replied with a simple, "Whatever."
Night took over, covering the sky with a dark, starry blanket. No crickets or critters were out since it started to rain again. The air was thick and humid, surrounding the perimeter of Shigure's house.
Kazuma wants to see me in this weather? I wondered, then shrugged.
"Mai, I'm using your umbrella!" I called out.
"'Kay!" she yelled back from somewhere in the house.
As I was walking closer to the front porch where Kazuma was waiting, I could hear two voices. One was calm and smooth while the other was the opposite: gruff and loud over the downpour. The sound of rain almost drowned out their voices, but I knew the voice too well to not notice it.
Before I could turn back, I already ran into them.
Kazuma threw a beaded bracelet to the ground, watching the situation unfold. The beads clattered against the wet concrete. I've seen those beads too many times. I've see it around a teen's tanned wrist all the time.
Amber eyes widened in shock when they saw me. I stared back back in fear. The rain dripped off of his bright hair, as if the water was washing away the colour. The orange hair I wanted to ruffle as I laughed and he managed a small smile. The orange hair that made him the cat.
"Don't look at me!" he shouted. I could hear the fear in his voice. It made my heart drop to my stomach.
It took a while for my brain to register what happened. The smoke... The smoke was heavy and thick. It was so strong and overwhelming as it entered my nose. It reeked of rotting flesh, practically making me choke on the very air I was breathing. Even my eyes stung and watered from the stench.
I could barely see the thing before me as it moaned and gagged in pain. It made me cringe.
Could this really cause my eyes to water? Just by looking at it?
As the smoke finally cleared, I got a good look at the creature. The monster that I wasn't supposed to see.
It had strange, narrow eyes that glowed a deep purple. It's leathery skin were a muddy brown. It was thin and tight, exposing its ribs. And its teeth... Jagged and the size of daggers.
I felt a shiver go down my spine and my stomach churned. I forced myself not to vomit. How cruel would it be to vomit at the very sight of that thing. I just stared back in horror.
That monster... no longer had that orange hair I loved so much, but it was still him.
That's still -
"Kyo?" I choked out.
The beast roared, sending Mai's umbrella into the air. In a blink of an eye, he disappeared into the forest.
I almost forgot where I was when Kazuma spoke up, "And so, you have seen Kyo's other form - the one he has kept hidden from you. It is part of the burden he bears as the cat, but he is also cursed to take this grotesque shape."
That was Kyo.
"Do you find it revolting?" he asked softly. "Is it... frightening to you?"
I shook uncontrollably, my shoulders twitching, my legs wobbly, lips quivering. I couldn't stop myself. My heart was hammering at my rib cage. The rain was beating down on me, rolling off my skin as I continued to tremble in terror.
That was the most movement I could get. I couldn't take a step. I couldn't speak. My throat was tight from the air that burned my lungs. My feet felt heavy and buried in the wet ground. My body just didn't want to move!
How am I supposed to find Kyo if I'm like this? Why am I like this?
I looked at him. I watched him painfully transform in front of me, but I wasn't really looking. Fear clouded my vision and mind. I already knew what was going to happen.
So why...? I wondered, Why can't I gather enough strength to even walk?
Fear.
I'm afraid of Kyo right now. I really am.
