A/N: Another update. This might be long, but you love it right? Please read and review! Thanks!

-x-

Bang! Bang!

"Stupid rat, stupid nezumi . . ." I found myself mumbling through clenched teeth. I pounded the iron nails through the wooden planks while I balanced myself on Shigure's old ladder. Just how did I end up in this mess again? Right . . . the damn rat.

-x-

"Oh! Morning, Kyou-kun!"

I looked up at the brunette as I entered the kitchen. I greeted her unenthusiastically and made my way over to the fridge, grabbing out the only carton of milk left. Just as I was bringing the container to my lips, a heavy object nestled itself comfortably on my shoulder. One whiff of the scented Coconut shampoo, brought my senses on high alert.

"Damn rat!" I shouted, pushing myself away from the nezumi. I watched as Yuki blinked at me through his sleep-induced haze and without a word, turned back around and headed towards his room. I glared at the retreating figure,

"Feh, why me?"

It was during breakfast, that all of this chaos started.

"Your senses aren't too sharp in the mornings, huh?" I mocked. Yuki just glared at me and replied airly,

"Not really. I decided to let my guard down because you're of no threat to me."

"Teme!" I slammed my chopsticks on the table.

"Maa . . . Maa . . . No fighting during breakfast. I don't want my hou -" Shigure stated, trying to calm me and Yuki down, but it was no use.

"Let's take this outside right now!"

"Bring it . . ." the rat challenged me. I cracked my knuckles, getting up to a standing position,

"Then let's go - !"

A swift kick to my jaw sent me sprawling. I lay on the veranda, blinking up at the ceiling. In a second, I lept out into the garden, hissing,

"That was a cheap shot, nezumi!"

"But a damage done nonetheless," Yuki replied calmly, loosening his tie. I lunged forward with my right fist raised, not giving the rat time to get ready, but he dodged it easily. I blinked when I felt my arm being latched on and a tug sent me forward, making me unbalanced. The action was enough to give the calm nezumi to end it with a kick to my back. But I knew his pattern of attack and so I anticipated it, leaping up onto the roof with a smug look on my face.

"I see you've improved. But unfortunately . . ." Yuki whispered. I strained to hear what the rat was mumbling to himself. The distraction caused me to lose my focus and in an instant, saw a shadow looming over me. A breath was at my ear,

" . . . It's not good enough, cat."

I turned just as a kick landed on me. I skidded across the roof, tearing my uniform in the process. The Head house wasn't going to like this.

Down below, Shigure was animately crying about his beloved house being torn to shreds and Tohru, as always, worried herself sick.

-x-

" . . . Improved my ass . . ." I grumbled, repairing the broken roof. Just why the hell did Yuki escape punishment and walk away scott-free? His excuse?

"I have student council meeting today," I mimicked childishly.

"Who are you trying to imitate, kitten?"

I jumped at the voice. I looked down at the two figures on the ground and my eye twitched. What was he doing here?

"Shut up, Ox! What are you two doing here anyway?" I shouted.

"I came to give you your assignments that you missed today," answered the cow. Right, I had to skip school to work on this roof. And in the sweltering heat, no less.

"Did . . . Did Yuki tell you to bring it?" I forced myself to ask. I didn't know why the rat's name came out of my mouth, but I think it was because I doubt Haru would do anything for Tohru.

"Yeah," the cow said simply.

"And! I tagged along so that he didn't get lost!" the usagi said with a small laugh.

"I see . . . Just leave it there and you can leave," I replied going back to my work.

"I'm going to say a quick Hello to Shigure!" then the bunny ran inside.

For a few seconds, I thought I was alone until a call of my name startled me once again. I slipped from my step on the ladder and gravity took control of my body. I clenched my eyes instinctively and landed on something soft and hard at the same time.

" . . . Orchid Petals, huh?" (1)

I scrambled away once I realized the predicament I was in, but the thin, strong arms around my torso, kept me locked against the body at my back.

" . . . Aren't I heavy?" I whispered, trying to keep the blush from showing.

"No, just perfect . . ." I heard the Ox mumble and then I felt a light pressure against the back of my head. Did he?

"Did you just kiss my head?" I hissed. A soft but rough chuckle erupted from under me and the tremors from his laugh, resonated throughout my body.

"No, I kissed your hair," the cow responded. I scrunched my eyebrows together,

"Why? Do you have some sick hair fetish or something?" I spat. Another laugh shook both of our bodies and Haru pushed us both into a sitting position, ruffling my orange hair.

"It's soft to the touch; almost like silk. I couldn't help myself."

I felt myself turn red at the words,

"Stupid cow! I'm not some girl, you know! Just take Momiji and go back to the Head house!"

"Okay," the cow complied, getting up from the ground and dusted himself off just as the blonde bunny rushed out of the house,

"I'm done! Oh . . . Kyou . . . Why are you on the ground?"

"None of your business, usagi! Just leave," I stated.

"Okay! Bye Kyou!" Momiji cried and led the Ox out. I sat on the ground and mumbled,

"You could've at least be a gentleman and help me up, stupid cow . . ."

I went back up the ladder and stopped, ruffling my hair and feeling the soft tresses. I blushed,

"Stupid cow and his words . . ."

-x-

(1) "Orchid Petals" is the name of a Suave Shampoo. It smelled so pretty.