Stir It Up - Book 2-

by Paper-Chain-Queen

Marley feels like the luckiest girl in the world, she has beautiful friends & family, Summer vacation is around the corner, plus her favourite dance studio finally got A/C. But surprises pop up & she wonders about the true nature of the curse & starts digging in. However, someone takes it upon themselves to show the outsider her place. How many more secrets could the Sohma's hide?

6. And Stir It Up

(Warning: This chapter contains mentions of suicide)

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"This is unusual, not only am I visited by our princess Marley-Chan but the faint-hearted Ritchan as well." Shigure smiled at the two guests, and Marley softly laughed while Ritsu fidgeted nervously, looking at the tabletop instead of Shigure.

"It's good to see you again, Shigure." Marley smiled though even Shigure could tell something felt a little off, perhaps tired from school or maybe just not feeling all that.

"I-I know, I'm sorry um... I was a terrible burden upon Marley-San and Tohru-San out front." Ritsu apologized.

"Not at all, it wasn't your fault the bag broke." Marley insisted, already somewhat familiar with Ritsu's ways, not like it was a secret or anything on the Sohma Estate, plus Kagura had told her a few stories about her friend.

"I'm thrilled to meet you, Ritchan-San!" Tohru gushed as she brought in tea on a tray and served everyone before settling in herself.

"But what brings you here out of the blue?" Shigure directed his question at Ritsu, with Marley he wasn't so surprised about as she was close with the teenagers of his household.

"Wh-what? I'm- I'm sorry. Am I imposing?!" Ritsu panicked his nerves on end.

"Yep."

Marley's jaw dropped at Shigure's answer, and poor Ritsu was already trying to race away. Screaming oh how sorry he was.

"I'm kidding. Kidding, it was just a joke." Shigure teased as he held onto the sleeve of Ritsu's kimono, keeping him from running away.

"Um... perhaps we shouldn't play with Ritsu's feelings like that..." Marley thought out loud, subtly scolding Shigure without even noticing.

"Huh..." Shigure tilted his head as if he didn't know what she was talking about.

"Just a thought." Marley shrugged, and Shigure couldn't help be a little amused. Ritsu was able to calm down enough to sit back down and have some tea.

"You'll be going out into the world soon. So, you need to get it together." Shigure pointed out, hoping that Ritsu would take his message to heart.

"You're right... I'm sorry." Ritsu put his head back down, a look of shame on his face and Marley felt her heart go out him, wishing she could find the right words.

"So... Why did you come today?" Shigure asked, resting his chin on his fan.

"W-well actually... um... I'd heard that most of the members of the Zodiac had met Tohru-San... and my mother said I should go introduce myself too... she also mentioned Marley-San, but Tohru-San seemed less intimidating..." Ritsu admitted, and Marley felt like she had been hit by a brick.

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"EH? I'm intimidating?" Marley's jaw dropped, and Shigure burst out laughing while the poor foreigner looked like her soul had left her body.

"NO! I'M SORRY! I didn't mean to-" Ritsu panicked, feeling awful that he had insulted someone.

"Is it my height?" Marley asked the table, and before they could answer, Marley kept asking question after question, genuinely wondering what made her intimidating.

"Or my eyes?! The kids used to say they were big like fish eyes! Am I scary?"

Shigure just watched as everyone but him panicked one way or the other, Ritsu was apologizing, and Tohru was trying to insist that there was nothing scary about Marley.

"Wait a minute. Ritsu, haven't you already met each other?" Shigure asked, making the madness stop.

"Ah, yes, at the banquet. But we didn't really get a chance to talk..." Marley tilted her head as she thought back to that night. There had been so much happening, and Akito did end up glued to Marley's side for most of the night.

"Right, Akito was sure to make sure you didn't wander far." Shigure pointed out. It was strange, Shigure was smiling at her, but Marley got the feeling that he wasn't happy about that night.

"... ah, but yes! Ritsu, I promise I'm not as scary as I appear." Marley smiled at Ritsu, hoping that they could be friends.

"No one called you scary..." Shigure pointed out.

"Ah, I almost forgot... This is just a token of my gratitude..." Ritsu turned to the pile of books he had by his side.

"What, what is it? You brought me a present?!" Shigure got excited at the idea of free stuff, like a child on Christmas.

"Yes, although they fell on the ground outside." Ritsu sighed, feeling bad over the accident.

"I was going to buy you fresh fruit, but I don't know what kind you like... so I brought you books about fruit instead..."

"..." Shigure stared down at the stack, a blank look on his face.

"What? What? I'm sorry, was I wrong?! Maybe you don't want them?" Ritsu panicked, the silence killing him.

"no-" Shigure simply put, but Marley interrupted him.

"Ah, actually! It's good that you brought books because had you dropped fruit outside, it would have possibly ruined them. It was fate that you bought books instead." Marley pointed out, looking on the bright side, and Tohru nodded her head vigorously.

"... It's alright. Please, be honest. You can tell me that I'm not worthy of visiting this house." Ritsu insisted, not wanting anyone to lie just to protect his feelings.

"That's not true." Shigure was actually pleased to add new books to his collection.

"That's right. I really wanted to meet you, Ritchan-San. So, I'm delighted and touched that you came here to meet me." Tohru insisted, giving Ritsu a determined look and reaching his heart, feeling the warmth radiating from the kind girl.

"Thank you so much..." Ritsu softly said, a sincere, gentle smile gracing his lips that made him beautiful.

"I see you still take after your mother the way you panic so easily." Shigure sighed as he fanned himself.

"Ummm... The last two zodiac members I haven't met are the horse and the rooster... so they're both male, right? Since your one of the three girls." Tohru put together, and the other three froze in their actions.

" Actuall-" Marley was about to let it slip as her best friend was actually the Horse of the Zodiac and was only going to point out that Isuzu was a girl, but Shigure interrupted her.

"Tohru-Kun! You don't have to stay in your uniform all day, do you? Why don't you change into casual clothes?"

"Ah, right. I'll be right back." Tohru got up and left, her footsteps leading up the stairs.

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"You too, Ritchan... isn't it time to move on from long-sleeved kimonos?" Shigure suggested, and Ritsu's expression fell.

"Yes, I know... I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry. It's what makes you comfortable, right?" Marley smiled; she really didn't see the problem, but Marley wondered if there was a deeper reason why Ritsu wore the kimonos. They were beautiful, but it seemed like such a hassle to wear. Marley had been dressed in a kimono a few times, and it took forever to get in and out of.

Plus, I think I would die wearing one in this heat...

"Not that I really care... but do you wear that at college too?" Shigure asked, already knowing the answer.

"Yes... I'm sorry."

"... Are you saying that I shouldn't!? Shigure-Niisaaan!"

"umm, I imagine it's quite a lot of trouble to dress in a kimono for class... and I would think one would get more attention, especially since you're so beautiful." Ritsu covered his face, a blatant red blush over Marley's compliment.

"You'll be a working adult soon, ya 'know." Shigure sighed, not really enjoying Marley's input as he felt it was not helping.

"Yes, I'm sorry..."

"Don't you feel you should toughen up?"

"Y-yes, of course! I want to have more confidence in myself. And one day, I hope to be overflowing with confidence, like Aya-Niisan."

"Ah, that's impossible." Shigure shook his head.

"Why? Is it an unreachable dream?" Ritsu panicked, and Marley started giggling, trying to picture Ritsu's with Ayame's confidence just... she couldn't do it.

"Marley-San?! You too?"

"No, it's not that. Ayame is just... really in a league of his own." The girl explained as she thought of the comically confident Snake of the Zodiac.

"Yes, Aya's self-confidence is far beyond human levels." Shigure agreed with the white-blonde teen.

"But I believe in you and that you'll find your own confidence soon. It won't look like Ayame's, but it'll be as beautiful and bright as you are, I'm sure of it." Marley cheered him on, and Ritsu looked like he was ready to pass out.

"Ah, Marley-Chan, careful, you might break him." Shigure teased, and Ritsu shook his head vigorously.

"I'm sorry... I guess I'm having trouble imagining it..."

"You apologize too quickly, Ritchan." Shigure mused.

"Sorry."

"See, you did it again." The novelist sang, and Ritsu had to bite his lip to keep himself from apologizing again.

"Let's do this: As the first step to a better you, you are now banned from reflexively apologizing."

"Umm... I don't think that helps... especially if it's a reflex." Marley said softly under breath, trying to think hard about what could help the jumpy Zodiac member.

"You'll cheer on Ritchan as well, won't you, Marley-Chan?" Shigure asked, and Marley nearly jumped up and gave Ritsu a giant smile, really hoping to help in any way that she could.

"Of course, maybe we could even work on some meditation or something. It helped me a lot when I get nervous." Marley suggested.

Ritsu felt touched that he met so many kind-hearted people that wanted to help him.

"I will take on the challenge!" Ritsu proclaimed, clenching his fist, trying to seem brave.

"I'm home." A familiar voice called out.

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"Oh, Yuki-Kun came home at the perfect time. Ritchan, time for your first test!" Shigure announced, ready to sit back and watch the show.

"But... I need to prepare myself emotionally..." Ritsu was already ready to panic, but Marley gave him a determined face and placed a hand over her heart.

"No time like the present! Just take a breath, in and out." Marley demonstrated, and Yuki appeared and peaked into the living room.

"Ritsu? What are you doing here?" Yuki asked, surprised to see the fellow Zodiac member.

"Your right! The likes of me shouldn't be here, should I?!" Ritsu yelled, waving his arms around as he panicked, and Marley leaned closer to him.

"Ritsu... breathe," Marley whispered, holding a hand to her chest and exaggerating her own breath.

"Long time no see Yuki-San, I apologize for intruding." Ritsu tried to take Marley's advice and composed himself.

"I see you haven't changed Ritsu." Yuki sighed, not sure if he was up for this headache.

"Ritchan had to work up a lot of courage to come here... so be nice, Yuki-Kun." Shigure playfully scolded.

"It's not like I was being rude...Anyway, it has been a long time. How have you been, Ritsu?" Yuki asked.

"Thank you for asking... I've been fine. It really has been a long time. You look well, Yuki-San. In fact, you look even more like your brother, Aya-niisan, now." Ritsu told him, and the air went cold, Yuki's eyes had lost any warmth, and he marched passed the group/

"Enjoy your visit here." Yuki coldly said as he passed by, and this sent Ritsu into another panic.

"What? What?! What is it? Did I say something wrong?!"

"Ah, I'm sure it's fine, Ritsu! Yuki... Um still doesn't get along all that well with Ayame. But I'm sure he knows you meant nothing by it! And you're not wrong, they really do look a lot alike. I've done the same thing." Marley admitted, it really was hard to not make the comparison.

"You have?" Ritsu asked.

"Yep. And Yuki's forgiven me... I think..." Now that Marley thought about it, she wondered if Yuki ever forgave her for the comment.

Tohru returned and was now wearing some casual clothes and welcomed Yuki home as he entered the kitchen.

"Yuki-Kun, how is Hatsuharu-San?" Tohru asked, and he seemed a little unsure.

"That's... a good question... in the end, it depends on Haru... He's struggling with a lot of things." Yuki said, thinking back on all that Haru had told him.

"Struggling?" Tohru asked, concerned about the boy but also wondering what Marley-Chan and Hatsuharu-San had spoken about.

"It'll be okay. How's Marely-San?" Yuki asked, peeking back into the living room where Marley seemed to be trying to comfort Ritsu while Shigure laughed about something.

"Oh... Um, she says she's fine... she seemed happy that Ritchan-San showed up..." Tohru looked in as well.

Was Marley struggling too?

"Well, I'm going to go change," Yuki said before disappearing, and Tohru returned to the living room.

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"I'm home." Kyo's voice broke through the house, and Marley didn't think he would come home so quickly; he mentioned the dojo before.

"Well this is a surprise, Kyo is hardly ever home this early. Go on Ritchan, pull yourself together and try again." Shigure gave Ritsu and thumbs-up, and Marley and Tohru cheered Ritsu on.

"What's Ritsu doing here?" Kyo asked as he stepped into the living room. This alone already sent Ritsu into a panic, and Tohru tried to cheer him on.

"Ah, Kyo! What happened to training?" Marley asked, wondering what he was doing home.

"... Didn't feel like it... now, what's Ritsu doing here?" The truth was that Kyo had been halfway there, but he was feeling all fidgety and found himself turning around and heading home instead. He had already called his Shishou and let him know that he wouldn't be in today.

"I-I came to introduce myself to Tohru-San." Ritsu mentioned, trying to stay calm and Yuki came into the living room to relax.

"Um, Kyo-San, I'm glad for you," Ritsu mentioned, and Kyo titled his head, wondering what Ritsu meant by that.

"Huh?"

"You get along with Yuki-San enough now that you can live together." Ritsu smiled and just like that, in something that looked like it had been rehearsed. The Cat and the Rat of the Zodiac both got into poor Ritsu's face and yelled with vigour in perfect unison.

"WE DON'T GET ALONG!"

"I'M SO SORR-" Ritsu apology was cut off by a burst of bright laughter, and all three boys turned to see Marley laughing, holding one hand over her chest and the other waving her face as if to try and stop herself.

"I-I'm sorry. I don't mean to laugh... It- it's not funny... You two... it's just...Ahahahaaha" But Marley still laughed. She really couldn't understand the pure unadulterated dislike between the two, and poor Ritsu being at their wrath was just. It was gold.

I wish I could have got that on camera... poor Ritsu.

Marley's classmates watched as she laughed, to the point of tears appearing in her eyes, and they all seemed to give a sigh of relief. At least she was laughing, and that was a good sign. Kyo and Yuki looked at each other and then out a huff, both glaring at the other before turning away.

"whew. My cheeks hurt... oh, thank you." Tohru had handed Marley a glass of water.

"I had better be on my way..." Ritsu decided, feeling that it would be better if he left before he caused any problems.

"Huh. What?" Tohru asked, wondering why the Zodiac member was so quick in their visit.

"I don't want to overstay my welcome..." Ritsu had felt he had caused enough problems and had already failed Shigure's test of making it through a conversation without saying 'sorry,' and he felt like Marley was laughing at him. It was time to go.

"You're not! Please stay, you just got here! You haven't even finished your tea." Tohru insisted.

"Yes, please stay, Ritsu!" Marley smiled; her cheeks still red from laughing so hard.

Ritsu tried to get up and leave, and Tohru pleaded, hoping that Ritsu would stay. In the 'argument,' Marley's teacup was pushed over and got on Marley's uniform, and the cup crashed to the floor and broke.

Then everything else seemed to fall apart.

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"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Ritsu screamed, the sound echoing off the walls, and one could probably hear him from a mile away.

"All the heinous deeds! To break tableware in someone else's home and stain another person's clothes!" Ritsu screeched

"Ah, it was actually my fault..." Marley tried to mention it, but she wasn't heard.

"What broke this time?" Shigure mumbled, wondering why his house was always the victim of shenanigans.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry for being such a nuisance! I apologize! I apologize to the whole world!" Ritsu panicked as he was about to run off, but Tohru tried to stop them.

"Ritchan-San! Watch where you step!" Tohru pushed Ritsu away from some broken glass.

To save the Zodiac member, Tohru tried to hold Ritsu back, but that led to a loud pop sound going off, and the two figures fell onto Marley and green smoke filling the room.

"Huh... Why? We're both girls... but... You transformed...?" Tohru was utterly lost as she jumped back, trying to put together what had just happened.

"Ritsu! Your adorable." Marley had already picked up the Monkey and was hugging him close. Shigure tried to stifle a laugh over the scene, but a few got out, and Yuki scolded him. The monkey in her arms wanted to panic but was soothed by Marley's petting and soft cooing noises.

"Oh, Ritsu! Get off of her!" Kyo yelled

"I'm SORRY!"

"Marley-Chan is the one holding him hostage. Here, I'll take his place." Shigure opened his arms for Marley to jump into, but this only made Kyo thwack him on the head.

Tohru was still watching, trying to figure out what happened, her head spinning, and she brought her hand up to her head, which revealed blood dripping down the side of her hand.

"Tohru! Your hand!?" Marley pointed out, which caused the Ritsu to jump out of Marley's arms and run around the room, panicking.

"I'M SOOOOORRRRRRRYYYYYYYY!"

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"In short... Ritsu is a man." Yuki finally revealed as he tried to concentrate on wrapping the wound on Tohru's hand.

"But he always dressed like that... You know … like a woman." Yuki explained.

"Oh, really? I was convinced he was a woman." Tohru admitted and turned to her friend.

"Marley-Chan? Did you know?" She asked.

"Umm, kind of." Marley had slipped out of her dirty clothes, sitting in the simple white tank top and black biker shorts she wore underneath her school uniform. Marley noticed that Ritsu was a male but never really made a comment about it. Kagura mentioned that she leant Ritsu clothes when they were kids.

Marley had honestly thought it was cute and could just picture both Kagura and Ritsu as kids, having fun playing dress-up together.

Marley had also been told my Akito, who couldn't understand why Ritsu would do such a thing. Marley defended Ritsu's choices. If something as simple as putting on a kimono made him feel more comfortable, then who was Marley to object. Plus, he looked outstanding in them.

"There... I got it more or less." Yuki finished wrapping, and Marley couldn't help but smile at how gentle he had been Tohru, even using the entire bandage roll to wrap her hand.

"Thank you." The brunette thanked him, holding her bandaged hand to her chest, feeling grateful she was well taken care of.

"Ah, Tohru, we kind of match today." Marley pointed out, bringing in her own bandaged hand that didn't look like it had been wrapped up like a mummy.

"I don't know if that's anything to celebrate..." Yuki sighed, not understanding the foreigner's logic at all.

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"But why does... Ritchan-San dress like a woman?" Tohru asked, and this is where Shigure stepped back into the living room.

"He says wearing women's clothing makes him feel secure." The adult of the house explained.

"You've noticed how timid Ritchan is, right? Well, dressing like a man makes him feel even more like a shrinking violet."

"Soo... if he dresses like a woman... It's more 'acceptable' to have a smaller presence?" Marley tried to put it all together.

Soooo if Ritsu were to dress like a man... he imagines people want him to be more... 'manly?' but if dresses up like a girl... it's more acceptable for him to be quiet and meek.

"He's certainly a bit of a mystery.." Yuki sighed.

"Is it really so strange? We all do things to make ourselves feel comfortable in our selves or sometimes... Protect ourselves. Maybe it's a smile or a favourite sweater, maybe it's a favourite lip-gloss that makes you feel a little more confident. We're all trying to find ourselves, and sometimes that requires a bit of 'armour' as Mama used to say." Marley told them, and before anyone could comment on what she'd said, an announcement broke their train of thought.

"I'm going for a run!" Kyo yelled to the house as he passed the living room, wearing black track pants and a matching V-neck.

"Um... where is Ritchan-San?" Tohru asked, hoping that he hadn't left yet. She still wanted to talk to him.

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"... I found him..." Kyo called, and everyone went outside to see Ritsu standing on the roof, now wearing male clothing. Looked like something he could have borrowed from Shigure.

Ritsu was standing at the edge of the roof, holding his hands in a prayer position as he stared up at the sky.

"God, Buddha... My sin can never be forgiven..." Ritsu called out to the sky.

"Oh, boy..."Shigure shook his head at the scene, very calm about the situation.

"RITSU!" Marley felt like her heart had dropped down into her stomach, and Tohru fretted right next to her.

"RICCHAN-SAN!? TH-THAT's DANGEROUS!" Tohru frantically yelled.

"When did he get up there?" Yuki asked, not as concerned as the girls.

" Tohru-San... I know that an apology isn't enough... But I'm sorry for causing such a horrible injury..."

"It's not horrible! It's just a minor cut-!"

"and Marley-Chan... I'm sorry about ruining your school uniform... to think I'm responsible for such travesties..."

"It's in the wash! It'll be just fine! It's only clothes!" Marley tried to insist, but Ritsu wasn't hearing the girl's words, he just continued on.

"I also apologize for not being able to tell you that I was really a man... I was just so embarrassed!" Ritsu cried.

"NO! Don't be!" Marley called out, and Tohru pitched in as well.

"You shouldn't be! You don't have to be ashamed of dressing like a woman!"

"You really pull it off! Had it not been for your Adam's apple, I would have never known! "The white-blonde called out, and all three boys on the ground turned to look at her.

"That's how you figured it out?" Kyo asked, raising a brow at Marley.

"Well... I knew a few drag queens, and they tend to be convincing... you learn a few things living in Vegas." Marley nervously laughed; the girl had definitely seen a lot of things. Especially when her mother had to bring her to the club, and she hung out in the dressing room.

"Ah! Why?! Why do I always... cause trouble for everyone me?!" Ritsu cried out, covering his face in his hands.

"No one is angry, so please come down!" Tohru called out.

"I cause problems for everyone!" Ritsu cried, his insecurities and low self-esteem plaguing him.

"Well, you certainly are -" Shigure was cut off by a glare from Marley, and he zipped up right away, feeling strangely intimidated by the large amethyst eyes.

"Why... was I even... Put on this Earth..." These words made Marley's heart freeze, and she tore her eyes away from Shigure and brought them back to Ritsu.

"Just having a zodiac spirit caused people enough trouble. On top of that... I was a crybaby and a coward. I was clumsy in everything I did. My parents were always apologizing because of me." Ritsu confessed, and Marley felt tears in her own eyes.

"Maybe... Maybe someone like me isn't meant to be in this world at all... But I don't even have the guts to ends it. I can't stand myself! I'm utterly useless, and yet I have the extraordinary nerve to stay alive!" Ritsu wailed while Marley actually took a step back, unnoticed by most as they were caught up in Ritsu.

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"I can't- I can't do this anymore!"

"PLEASE! LET ME GO! I CAN'T!"

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"Please... You don't need to have the guts for that!" Tohru called out to Ritsu, and mostly everyone had their eyes on the Brunnett. Except for a pair of blazing orange eyes that watched Marley go quiet and a spooked look in her eyes as she took another step back.

Tohru continued to try and reach Ritsu with her words.

"Maybe we don't know right away... why we were put here. But that just...means we have to have the courage to find it. After all, we're all alive! It's because we're alive that we can cry, worry, or feel joy... There IS a reason you were put on this Earth."

Kyo reached forward and latched his hand over Marley's wrist, who jumped and looked at Kyo's concerned eyes.

"Hey... you alright?" Kyo asked softly as he looked at the scared look in Marley's eyes. The two went completely unnoticed by the others who were wrapped up in Tohru and Ritsu. All Marley could feel was the firm yet gentle grip, keeping her anchored to the earth.

"There's probably no reason someone worthless like me was born." Ritsu insisted, and Marley felt tears burn her eyes, and she used her free hand to cover her face, her own insecurities and fears leaking out.

"You're looking for that reason. Deep down, you're searching desperately searching for that reason. Looking for it on your own!" Tohru thought of her own mother, who had told her time and time again how glad she was to have had her as a daughter.

"I can be cheerful every day because you're here, Tohru."

"Then... Then, I was born to meet you, Mom!"

"If that's true, I'm sure glad."

"I think maybe no one is born already having a reason to be here. Because I think it might be something you need to find and decide for yourself." Tohru put her hands in a slight prayer position, not only saying the words for Ritsu but also herself.

Ritsu's foot slipped, and he slid down the roof towards the ground, causing both Marley and Tohru jumped forward as if they could race ahead and catch him, but fortunately, Ritsu latched onto the gutter, stopping his tumble.

He dangled there for a moment before pulling himself quiet gracefully and sitting on the roof.

"... I twisted my ankle..." Ritsu cried as he held his ankle, and Tohru started fretting. It was a good thing that Hatori was already on his way due to Shigure calling him earlier for Tohru's hand.

"I think my heart jumped out of my chest..." Marley sighed as she let out a massive sigh of relief.

"You really are shameless." Shigure sighed his head over Ritsu, and Marley headed back into the house.

"Hey! Where are you going?" Kyo asked, not trusting that the girl was all there today. Something was wrong.

"I was going to try and help Ritsu down?" Marley pointed up to Ritsu, who was still kneeling on the roof, gingerly holding his ankle.

"Just stay there. I'll get him." Kyo shook his head as he made his way up to a tree and then used it to get up on the roof, getting up there with the grace of a cat. He looked grumpy, but he helped Ritsu, making sure he got safely, and Marley just watched, not going inside until both boys were safely off the roof.

This day is certainly full of unexpected turns...

Marley still had Ritsu's words running through her head, how they broke her heart and brought her back to a dark part of her life.

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Hatori showed up, and after inspected Ritsu's ankle, it turned out he was okay, which was a huge relief. He tried to look at Tohru's wound, but she insisted it was fine. Hatori had shaken his head and complained that he felt like Shigure just enjoyed keeping him busy. Kyo had enough of all the drama and finally got to go on his run.

Marley ended up helping Ritsu back into his Kimono. He insisted it was okay, but Marley wanted him to take it easy with the ankle, and the boys didn't feel all that comfortable with helping a man into women's clothes.

"Maybe I should wear Shigure's clothes..."

"Only if you want, wear what makes you comfortable, and if one day it's male clothes, I would love to go shopping with you. Of course, I love any excuse to go shopping." Marley joked, waiting for Ritsu's next instruction on how to help him with the kimono.

"This is such a beautiful kimono Ritsu, I bet you have a gorgeous collection. Oh! You would lovely in a sari!" Marley gushed; she was already picturing the Sohma in a pistachio green sari she owned that had white embroidery with gold embellishments.

"A sari?" Ritsu asked, unsure of what the excited girl was talking about.

"It's a really pretty skirt and top set from India. Kagura actually mentioned she would love to try some on, you two should both come over and we'll have fun trying a bunch on. You're a bit taller than me, but they should still fit you pretty well." Marley was honestly excited to share some of her beautiful clothes with her friends. They weren't really any opportunities to wear them here in Japan, but she did miss wearing them; they brought her comfort and reminded her of attending events with her mother.

"your too kind." Ritsu said softly as they entered the final steps of getting him back into his floral green kimono.

"No, not at all. I actually... was hoping to talk to you." Marley mentioned as she helped with the yellow ob. Marley wasn't sure how or where to start. So, she decided to just go for it. It wasn't something she was proud of, and she still beats herself up for her moment of weakness. It would always remain a part of her, and maybe it would help Ritsu, so that was enough to make Marley share.

"I...Wanted to end my life." The statement made Ritsu freeze, and he turned his gray eyes onto Marley, wondering if he had heard her right. It was such a straight to the point statement, and it came from someone who was usually so optimistic and usually seen with a smile on their face.

To the timid Zodiac Member, Marley seemed like such a confident young woman, even just by seeing her interact with the members of the Zodiac at the new year's banquet down to how she had no problem standing up to Akito. Marley seemed to command any room she walked into without fail and stood tall, spreading her laugh wherever she went.

Why would someone like that ever ask for death?

"I was stuck in the hospital, and my parents had passed away. I felt guilty for their passing. I had told myself that if I had never been born... then they would have lived better lives... they would have still been alive if I hadn't been brought into this world... I was a mistake, to begin with, and I got it into my head that... I needed to be gone." The teenager knew that she wasn't a burden in her mind, but her heart still worried that she was, and it really became worse when she got sick, and then it broke her when her parents passed away while travelling while Marley herself was stuck in a hospital bed.

The weeks following the accident that took her parents' life were a painful blur. Marley suffered multiple heart failures and had to be sedated to be kept calm. But it was when the news had truly settled had Marley's health truly began to decline.

She hadn't even been able to go to the funeral.

"I had... all these dreams... of what I wanted in life. And it felt like they had all been ripped from me, things I had looked forward too, gone. The people I wanted to make proud and share my life...gone... I was powerless and... a burden to all those around me... That's how it felt." Marley confessed as she took a seat on the floor, and Ritsu followed. The white-blonde told

"DNR?" Ritsu asked

"I guess in Japan it's actually DNAR...It stands for 'Do not attempt resuscitation'...if I had another heart failure... I wanted them to stop trying to bring me back." Marley explained, remembering talking it over with her doctor, who said that she wasn't old enough to make those decisions on her own.

"As you could imagine, that didn't go well." Marley could remember the heartbroken look in Hatori and Tetsuo's eyes when she had brought it, but she was so tired and caught up in her pain that she kept pushing for it. This led to yelling and Tetsuo being led out by the nurses, and he didn't visit for a few days.

Hatori leaned against the wall in the hall as he continued to listen to Marley and Ritsu's talk. He had come up to ask Marley something but stopped himself when he heard Marley's voice utter the word 'DNR.' He could remember it well as it was a sight that would never him. The hollow look in her eyes, the shallow breathes and how even her voice was so quiet. The Sohma's had truly felt at a loss with how to help the girl who was grieving, they weren't the warmest family around, and Hatori had failed at protecting his loved one before.

While Marley did fear a lot of things but that suffocating sensation, like her chest, was being squeezed and not being able to take in a breath. Clawing for breath with relief. It was her living nightmare. Every time it happened, she was reminded of when she was a child, and she had nearly drowned in the river by her great grandmother's house.

Every time her heart failed, she was stuck in that murky water, her chest squeezing tight and unable to breathe. Marley couldn't do it anymore, or at least that's how it felt, she wasn't even sure why she was fighting to so hard to stay alive anymore. She had even gone as far as to write goodbye letters to the few people in her life.

"I really didn't think I mattered to anyone anymore, I was so tired and in pain. There were days when I had to be hooked to a machine just to help me breathe. I was just... I couldn't do it anymore, at least that's what I felt..." Marley thought back to last spring and could remember her hospital room down to the last detail. The thin white curtains, the purple vase that had fresh flowers replaced every week. The green chair in the corner, the painting of a waterfall on the far wall and the constant rhythmic beeping of the machines around her.

.

Marley reached out for the main switch, it was late at night, and she had memorized all the nurse's shifts and knew that it was now or never. If Marley could somehow turn everything off, then no would notice her passing. By the time they realized... It would be too late.

She had made her apologies to any god who was listening, but she wasn't strong enough. She couldn't. She wouldn't cause anyone any more harm.

Marley Bakshi was done ruining the lives of the people she loved.

Just as Marley had reached out for the wall plug, she was practically tackled back into her bed, large dark brown eyes looking down at her. Furious.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR DOING?!" Isuzu roared at her, holding her down by her shoulders and Marley was too shocked. The last thing she was expecting was the black-haired girl past visiting hours. Apparently, her friend was as good as sneaking into the hospital as she was sneaking out.

"I just -" Marley couldn't even get a word out because Isuzu was yelling at her again.

"NO! YOU DON'T GET TOO!" The girl yelled at her, her big brown eyes glaring but filling with tears.

"I can't- I can't do this anymore!" Marley tried to plead with her, her shaking hands trying to grip Isuzu's arms, but she was so weak.

"PLEASE! LET ME GO! I CAN'T!" Marley begged, wishing that her friend hadn't shown up so that she could have gone through with her plan.

"What?! You want to die!" Isuzu yelled, ignoring the rush of footsteps, it was hard for the staff to ignore the noise.

"No!" Marley yelled; she didn't want to die, but she was in too much pain to keep going. Why was she still fighting so hard, for what? The chances of her might as well be a one in a million chance.

"Then what?!" Isuzu asked, her blood boiling, she couldn't believe that Marley would do such a thing.

"I can't live like this anymore!" Marley screamed, the machine connected to her heart was going off, and a nurse finally rushed in and pulled Isuzu off who had finally gone silent. Another nurse brought out an oxygen mask and tried to make Marley take deep breathes, but she was able to shove the mask away and continued talking.

"All I've caused is- pain... For every-one around me. I've ruined their lives-and I just... I can't do it. I want you all to be- happy and not be stuck here watching me -die slowly. If I'm going to die, then let it happen already." Marley struggled to get out the words, but the room heard them, clear as day.

Isuzu's pushed the nurse away that was keeping her away from Maley and rushed forward again, her skin felt like it was on fire and tears burned her eyes. The black-haired girl wrapped her arms around Marley, as if she let go than Marley would slip away.

"How- how can you ever think like that? I know. - that they're gone, but they would want you to live! They loved you and—So do I! I love you!" Isuzu cried as she hid her face in Marley's neck. The stubborn, temperamental teen wasn't typically one for such sentiment, but this was different, Marley was family. Not by blood but by love. And she was in pain.

"And I'll never forgive you if you give up..please! Please stay with me! PLEASE TRY! YOU HAVE TO!" Isuzu wailed, and Marley cried with her, returning the hug and tearfully apologizing for troubling her so. From that point forward, Marley promised to keep her head up and try her hardest to keep going.

.

"I had a friend knock some sense into me. And I promised that I would hold on." Marley smiled at the thought of her dear friend. They had shared everything; it was as if they had been together their whole lives. Isuzu was the sister that Marley never had, and Marley was so grateful to have her.

As she thought back on how much Isuzu had been there for her, Marley was sure that whatever Isuzu had shared with Haru about Marley's past wasn't told with ill intention. Marley was sure that Haru had twisted some of Isuzu's words in anger, and she would need to confront him about it. Marley wouldn't bother Isuzu with it.

It had been the heartbroken part of Haru that had most likely taken what he heard and twisted into a weapon to use. As people did when they were hurt.

"She said that just because they're not here... I was still alive. And that I was here with people who loved me. Who needed me alive as I need them." Marley fidgeted with her locket, smiling down at it before turning her gaze to Ritsu, who was listening intently to every word.

"I need to believe... That everything happens for a reason. And even though I may not know my reason right now... I want to make the most of the gift I've been given. There are dreams that I've had to give up... but that just means new dreams, and perhaps there's a person looking for me just as I am looking for them." Marley let go of the locket and moved her hands to cover her heart.

The white-blond girl felt her strong heartbeat drumming though her body, keeping her alive and able to keep moving forward. Even if it was hard sometimes.

"There are still times I feel guilty... I get … low sometimes, and I wish there had been a world where maybe that they were still here, even if it meant that I couldn't be. But I take a deep breath. Remind myself of the people I love. And I want to be here for them. I want to live for them. And for all the memories we'll make together in the future. the lives we'll live together." Marley felt so grateful and blessed to have found such a family and hoped that even though her parents were gone, she would make them proud by paying forward all the love they had given her.

"That would be nice... I wonder if someone like me... can find a reason. I hope I can find one someday..." Ritsu tried to imagine what that would feel like, to truly find a reason to keep going, to stubbornly live on.

"And I know... that someday... You'll be the person who wants to be with you the most. You are so worthy of love, Ritsu. I can see it." Marley reached forward and grasped onto Ritsu's hand, squeezing them gently, Ritsu never thought he could feel such support through such a simple touch.

"You have people who love and care for you. Kagura speaks of you, and I know she treasures your friendship and your mother... her eyes were filled with love when she mentioned you. One day... you'll be able to walk forward and walk with confidence. It's in you. And it's beautiful, I can't wait till the day that you can see it too." Marley coaxed him.

Ritsu couldn't even respond as small tears filled his eyes, and his heart felt like it was going to burst, he cursed himself for waiting so long to properly introduce himself to Marley and Tohru whose warmth was gentle yet powerful all in one.

"And I know that you... struggle with keeping calm. You know what really helps me when I get stressed out?" Marley asked, and Ritsu shook his head.

"Dance. Or... Movement in general. We could always try a bunch of stuff and find something for you to turn to. Maybe some yoga, or it could be art or listening to certain music." Marley really wanted to help Ritsu find something that worked for him. A hobby or routine that would help him keep a little grounded, and then maybe one day, he would be calm enough to not... flail as much.

Ritsu was surprised at how a girl who barely knew him was so excited over the thought of wanting to help him, genuinely wanting to take the time to find something that works for him.

.

"I bet you would be killer at yoga, especially after that move on the roof! You looked super cool when you lifted your body back up. You reminded me of an action movie star. So handsome!" Marley gushed, and this caused Ritsu to cover his face to try and cover the red.

"Come on, let's join everyone." Marley insisted as she held out a hand for Ritsu to take. Right outside the room was Hatori.

Hatori gave a rare smile, his deep purple eyes looking fondly at the girl and laid his hand on top of Marley's head. The doctor told Ritsu to give them a moment, and the Monkey of the Zodiac scurried along, leaving Hatori and Marley alone.

"I heard that Haru caused some sort of scene at school," Hatori mentioned, and Marley let out a bit of nervous giggle.

"Ah. Well. Yes, he did." She admitted as it was no use lying about that since she was sure the entire Estate would know by tomorrow. News travelled fast.

"And that you were involved," Hatori said, and Marley shifted her gaze to the floor, a slight feeling of guilt. Perhaps she had made it worse for Hatsuharu.

"Haru... he's going through a tough time, and I tried to help, but I wasn't able to. I'm sorry." The girl apologized, her head hanging low.

"If Haru went dark, there was nothing you could have done. Are you alright?" Hatori asked, and before Marley could attempt to lie, Hatori grabbed the hand that was bandaged.

"That wasn't Haru's fault...I hurt myself." Technically it was true. The wound on her hand was from Marley's own nails.

"Are you alright? We can go home if you want?" Hatori offered, and Marley shook her head.

"Just... a little tired. But I'm sure after some of Tohru's cooking, I'll be just fine." Hatori shook his head but patted Marley tenderly on the head again. While he couldn't be sure what had happened at school, he was confident that the strong-willed white-blonde would be fine.

Hatori decided to stay for dinner, and Tohru and Yuki went into the kitchen while the rest of the Sohma's sat around the table, enjoying some tea when shrill yell broke through the temporary peace and quiet.

.

"TAKOOO-SENSEI!" A shrill voice called out from a distance, and Marley and Ritsu both slightly jumped in their seats as both Hatori and Shigure remained calm.

The loud call was heard again, and Marley tilted her head, wondered what that could be.

"Taco-sensei?" Marley repeated, thinking of that word could mean. The image that came into mind was a teacher wearing a taco suit.

"Marley-Chan! Hurry! Get the door!" Shigure ordered, but the girl was still caught in the images in her head. Right now, it was a teacher wearing a taco suit, teaching a room full of tacos.

No one got up to close the porch door, and a woman came in panting and stared at the three sitting around, a beautiful woman wearing a kimono and a beautiful foreigner scantily clad in just black shorts and a white tank top.

"YOU'RE HOLED UP IN HERE WITH NOT ONE BUT TWO GIRLFRIENDS! YOU FILTHY DOG!" The woman with short grey-haired pointed an accusatory finger at Shigure who fanned himself, a cheeky smile on his face.

"... She's not completely wrong..." Hatori sighed, not disagreeing with the 'filthy dog' comment.

"No! NO, I'm a relative!" Ritsu cried, waving his hands around to deny the allegation.

"Oh, me too!" Marley put her input.

"A relative?! No way I'm not going to believe that lie!" The woman was still shrieking.

"I'm not lying!" Ritsu looked like he was about to cry.

"I guess I don't really look like a Sohma, do I?" Marley joked, fully aware of how much she stood out.

"Well... you are adopted Marley-Chan." Shigure pointed out, which made Marley take a fake gasp.

"When was someone going to tell me?" Marley tried to say in a shocked tone, and Shigure actually spat out the tea he was about to drink and then laughed.

"SENSEIIIII! SENSEIII! THE MANUSCRIPT! Do you have it?!" The woman rushed up to Shigure, who whipped out a thick stack of papers.

"Of course I do! Here."

"Where were you hiding that?" Marley asked as the manuscript seemed to come out of nowhere, but Shigure only winked at her, which caused Hatori to threaten him with neutering.

"Thank you very much! It's done!" The woman cried as she looked over the stack of papers.

"- A-And this is...?" Marley asked, thoroughly confused as to what was happening.

And what is a Taco-Sensei?

" Mitchan-San is Shigure-San's editor," Tohru revealed as she brought out a tray of coffee.

"What?! I apologize for not knowing you're his editor and getting in the way of your work! I'm sooo sorry!" Ritsu panicked, standing up to give a proper bow to Shigure's editor, but the sudden action caused him to bump Tohru's arm, causing her to drop the tray of coffee and... well.

Everything seemed to move in slow motion as black-coffee flew from the teacups, and it splashed onto the table, staining a few pages of Shigure's manuscript.

The woman in the pixie cut let out a death cry as she looked at the damage, trying to 'rub' the coffee out, but then she let out a final screech before passing out.

"Ah, miss editor!" Marley reached out to stop the woman's head from hitting the ground, placing her carefully onto a floor pillow.

"Mitchan-San!" Tohru cried out, concerned for the passed-out woman.

.

"Nooooo!" Ritsu was ready to again go into a full panic, but a certain white-blonde was sure to stop him before he indeed went off the rails again, she didn't want him going back up to the roof.

"Ritsu!" Marley grabbed the panicked Zodiac member's hand, keeping him there.

"Look at me." Marley told him, and Ritsu found himself completely caught in Marley's large amethyst eyes.

"Breath." The white-blonde instructed him, but Ritsu was quick to try and argue.

"But I ruined-"

"Breath." She simply repeated it and took a deep breath with him, taking a large inhale and letting the air escape slowly. She did this a few times with him, and finally, he was able to take a full breath. The other Sohma's watched, afraid if they said something, they would break the calm.

"It's an accident. And we're lucky that Shigure is so talented. He'll be able to whip up those few pages, no problem." Marley smiled, and Shigure couldn't help but smirk a little bit, enjoying the small compliment.

"Feel the ground beneath you. Breathe. Everything is going to be alright." Marley encouraged Ritsu, and he did as he was told.

"..."

The others watched as Marley stood in front of Ritsu, deep breathing in and out together.

"See, now, let's get this cleaned up together." Marley smiled, and while Ritsu felt guilty about what he had done, he nodded his head and helped wipe the damage away, he even got a cold cloth for the editor who was still passed out.

It wasn't long till the editor came to and the first words out of her mouth were-

"The manuscript!"

"I'm rewriting it now." Shigure called to her from his desk, hard at work at re-writing.

"Sensei!" The woman cried, sparkles twinkling around her.

"I'll be finished in about an hour. Get some takoyaki for me, will you?" Shigure ordered his editor, who jumped up, ready to do as she was told.

"On it!" She saluted,

" Ritchan, its dark out, so you go with her." Shigure waved to the zodiac member, getting the two out of the house. It was certainly quiet with them gone. Marley watched Shigure as he worked, thoroughly impressed with how quickly he was recreating his manuscript.

"Ah Marley-Chan, that smile, it must mean you're falling for me. You must have a thing for artists like myself, no?" Shigure teased, he was lucky that at this moment, Hatori had stepped out make a phone call.

"Actually... I was just thinking... that it's too bad Bapu isn't here to read it. I'm sure he would have been very proud." Marley told him, and Shigure paused in his writing. Marley didn't know it, but Shigure really had wanted to share his books with Yuuto. He was the one who pushed him towards it.

"Ah, Marley-Chan, can you grab me some water?" Shigure called to her as he made sure his back was still to her, he didn't want anyone to see him in a vulnerable state, even just a moment. The Dog of the Zodiac used the time she took in the kitchen to shake off the wave of grief.

.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

.

Shigure happily plopped the circular savoury snack into his mouth, a childish grin on his face.

"Um, Sensei. The manuscript?" Mitchan asked, wondering where it was.

"Tohru-Kun, open wide." Shigure teased as he held up a takoyaki ball to the girl who laughed at the novelist's humour nervously.

"Sensei! Hurry up and finish it!" The woman demanded, done with being patient.

"Please, finish it up with takoyaki power!"

"Ahh, so Shigure is Tako-Sensei." Marley realized, and Yuki smiled at her from the other side of the table, it was funny at how caught up she was in the silly nickname.

Marley wondered and asked Yuki what takoyaki power was, he just let out a sigh and told her to ignore the nonsense, but Marley only laughed, thoroughly enjoying the 'nonsense' as Yuki called it.

"There's no such thing as to 'Takoyaki power." Kyo sighed as he looked through the bag that Ritsu had brought back from the takoyaki shop before grabbing some and sitting to Marley's right.

"Yeah, but it's fun picturing Shigure throwing out power beams of takoyaki balls." Marley joked while Kyo rolled his eyes as he tried not to smile.

"That's right, Sensei!"Shigure's editor tried to 'cheer' him on.

"Become a takoyaki warrior and zoom through-" Ritsu chimed in, it was as if the two were on the same wave-length. It was strange, but Marley could swear that the two came back from their walk... slightly different.

Maybe they had become friends?

Marley couldn't help but smile at the thought.

"Just kidding. It was a joke. I'm already done." Shigure revealed, passing the finished product to his editor.

"Sensei! Thank you so much." Tears of joy streamed down the woman's face as she held the manila envelope to her chest.

"Should you really be thanking him for doing his job." Hatori sighed, enjoying his own portion of takoyaki. It smelt delicious, but Marley sadly couldn't partake.

"Isn't that great. Mitchan-san?" Ritsu told her, happy that she had the manuscript.

" Ritchan-San, thank you very much!"

"Oh no, it was my fault, to begin with..."

"Um... If it's okay with you, will you be my friend?" The editor asked, and Marley latched onto Kyo's arm, excited to see whatever was happening in front of her.

"Huh? Are you sure you want to be my friend?" Ritsu asked as he stared down at his lap.

"Yes, please! Please teach me how to wear a kimono some time. I want to learn how to be more feminine like you, Ritchan-san." The editor pleaded.

.

"Mitchan, Mitchan. Ritchan's a boy." Shigure revealed, loving the shocked look on his editor's face, what could he say, he enjoyed all the drama.

"I'm sorry, I thought you were a girl!" The editor bowed vigorously, and Ritsu did the same.

"I'm sorry! I apologize that my clothes are confusing!"

"No, no, It's just that you're so beautiful, so I thought..."

"Beautiful? You're too kind! I'm sorry I made you need to be kind!"

"I apologize for judging based on your appearance."

Tohru looked over the scene of Ritsu and Mitsuru and then looked over to Marley and Kyo, who seemed to be conversing over something. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, and Tohru couldn't help but smile.

"They're certainly 'two peas in a pod' as they say." Marley giggled, happy that Ritsu had seemed to find a new friend, someone who was just as 'energetic' as he was.

"Oi, here." Kyo passed her a tray of takoyaki, hot steam rising from the platter.

"Oh, thank you, but I can't-" Marley was ready to turn down the food, but Kyo placed it in her hands anyway.

"There's no meat in this one," Kyo explained as he turned to his own plate, poking a few holes in the doughy balls.

Unknown to Marley, Kyo had run into Ritsu and Mitsuru on his run back and learned that they were running to grab takoyaki for everyone. Kyo had told them to get a vegetarian option if they had it.

But that was a secret.

"Thank you, it smells delicious!" Marley was beaming, so excited to partake with everyone in the takoyaki.

"Are you... feeling better?" Kyo asked the girl. He had been thinking about that moment in the classroom all day. His body was filled with rage when he saw Haru caging Marley in like that, his hands were all over her and Marley had been shaking. Kyo had wished he had been able to get some good hits on the brat.

Kyo had hoped that Marley could have a calm afternoon and trusted Tohru to look after, but it seemed fate was against him and today had been wilder at Shigure's house than they usually are.

"Huh?" The girl asked, wondering what he meant. But the way his orange eyes stares her down, she figured out what he was asking. Marley wanted to say that she was fine, but she knew that he would call out her lie. Feeling her shoulders sag a bit and she let out a breath.

"I'm... I guess... Haru reminded me...I need to try and reach out and fix a mistake I made..." Marley confessed that just as she had to Ritsu to take a breath and clean up the mess, she would have to do the same.

"A mistake?" Kyo asked, but Marley had already popped a takoyaki ball in her mouth, and her entire face went red, steam practically coming out of her ears.

"IDIOT! IT's still too hot, spit it out!" Kyo scolded her, but Marley shook her head and just swallowed instead, most likely burning her esophagus as she gulped down the ball.

"... delicious..." Marley coughed, slightly embarrassed over what happened as Kyo shook his head and handed her a glass of water.

"... What am I gonna do with you." Kyo sighed, and Marley apologized again before saying it really was tasty, despite her burnt mouth.

The night continued on, and Marley finally got her school uniform back, and soon Hatori was ushering Marley out the door and into his car to head back to the estate. As Marley settled into bed, she made sure to send a few texts to Isuzu, wishing her a good sleep and would drop by with some breakfast in the morning.

Marley stared up at the ceiling of her bedroom as Gimli relaxed on her chest, purring as she scratched behind his ears. The white-blonde took a deep breath before getting out her phone once more, slightly wincing at the bright screen as she typed in a number she knew by heart and sent a simple message that carried a lot of weight.

+ I know that we haven't spoken in a while, but I hope you're doing well 3 +

Maybe one day, Marley would be able to properly apologize to him.

.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

.

The July sun shined down on Kaibara High, many of the students enjoying it during their lunch hour.

"Ritchan is a lot of fun, isn't he!? Always full of energy! A powerful personality!" Momiji cheered as he, Tohru and Yuki all enjoyed lunch on the school roof.

"Yes! And he's so beautiful!" Tohru agreed, last night had ended up being lots of fun, despite all the drama.

"I could do without all that energy... huh that reminds me. Where's Haru?" Yuki asked as he didn't see his dual haired cousin around all day.

"He's off today. But don't worry. He'll be back tomorrow for sure." Momiji told him. Yuki figured Haru's freak out would at least earn him a day or two of suspension.

"But anyway... Tohru, what happened to your hand?" Momiji asked, gingerly holding Tohru's bandaged hand in his.

"It happened when Ritsu was freaking out..." Yuki sighed.

"N-no, um, I was just clumsy... but it's all right. Just a scratch." Tohru explained, not wanting anyone to worry.

"Really? For sure? You're bandaged up like a mummy! It's like a whole roll of bandages is wrapped around your hand!" Momiji inspected the work, and Yuki cringed a bit as he had been the one wrap up Tohru's cut.

"Ritchan flails around when he panics... but he's a nice guy." Momiji defended Ritsu, and Tohru agreed, remembering all the fun everyone had last night.

"How's Marley-Chan? She left for an errand early this morning, so we couldn't walk to school together." Momiji asked the classmates, and Tohru was quick to answer.

" Marley-Chan is using the break to study with a few classmates... we do have our exams before the summer break..." Tohru told him, she thought maybe that she probably should have joined, but it looked like a lot of people were already going to the girl for help with their English and didn't want to add to it.

"Let's go buy her a drink and deliver it to her!" Momiji cheered and was already off in his mission, determined to check on his friend, dragging Tohru along while Yuki stayed behind. He looked over the school campus and thought about his cousin.

Yuki wanted to know how he was doing, but doing that meant facing a fear that Yuki had been delaying for a long time.

Perhaps it was finally time to visit the Sohma Estate. Yuki would do it, only for the sake of his friend.

.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

.

A knock on Haru window made the boy pause the battle game he was holding. He put down his controller and walked over to his closed blinds, opening and met with a familiar face. Hatsuharu opened up the window and made room for Yuki to step in.

"Woah, shocking... Yuki's doppelganger... mystery." Haru watched as the boy snuck in through his bedroom window. He must have been really desperate to avoid anyone knowing he was there.

"No, it's me." Yuki shook his head, exhausted from sneaking around the Sohma Estate to make it to Haru's house.

"But... This is the Sohma compound." Haru pointed out, still shocked that the grey-haired boy had shown up.

"Yes, well. I guess it was time..." Yuki admitted, still nervously looking behind him and then closing the window.

"Peace, come one Yuki, peace sign." Haru brought out his smartphone and snapped a selfie with Yuki, throwing up a peace sign.

"Why are you doing this?!" Yuki glared at Haru as he snapped the photo.

"To celebrate your visit here after all this time... and that you did it for me." Haru shrugged before sitting back down and making sure he saved his video game. The room was strewn with magazines, snacks were on Haru's table, and the bed was not made.

It almost looked like Haru was starting summer vacation early.

"I thought you would be reflecting and repenting..." Yuki thought it was starting to look a bit like his room.

"I am reflecting and repenting."

"Anyway. I'm glad you seem well." Yuki admitted as he took a seat on the bed and smiled at Haru.

"I'm fine. But I am a little tired after gaming for five hours straight." The stoic boy sat back down on his couch, and Yuki checked out the game screen. It looked like Haru had included Yuki and Kyo in his video game party.

"Were you... Able to see Rin?" Yuki asked, to which Haru shook his head as he leaned back.

"I'm not ready... To give up just yet. I think Rin is underestimating how much I love her. I'll do whatever I can, short of breaking the law."

"Good to hear... well then, good luck." Yuki had seen that Haru was doing well and decided it was time to sneak back out.

"Actually... there is something I need to take care of before..." Haru mentioned as he looked up at Yuki.

"Which is?"

"I need to go apologize to Marley..." Haru admitted. He had been thinking about his friend, and while he was ashamed of what he had said, he needed to tell her that and apologize for hurting her.

"What... What did you say to her?" Yuki asked, truly curious about what happened between the two, but Haru was sure not to mention any sensitive details. It wasn't his to tell. At all.

"I …. I brought up something and said something I didn't mean... I only did it to hurt her...and if your able to get the strength to come here... then that gives me the strength to go see her." Haru decided, getting up from the couch and opening up his bedroom window. He doubted his mother would let him just walk out the front door without a fuss.

"Well, I should get going and let you do that." Yuki was itching to get out of here before someone spotted him.

"Come with me." Haru asked.

"I-"

"It will make me feel better." Haru was honest, he wanted some support as a part of him was afraid that Marley would be upset when he showed up, not that he would blame her.

"... fine..." Yuki did want to be there for his friend, even if it meant sneaking around the Sohma Estate.

"Come on, I know where she is," Haru said, opening up his window and sneaking out, he didn't want to deal with his parents.

.

The two made their way across the compound together, Yuki was still stressed about being spotted by the wrong people, but he was also curious.

They came to the recreational studio; the only time Yuki had even been inside was when practicing for his new year's dance, and that had been a few years ago.

"She and Kisa are working on some stuff together..."

Yuki peeked inside the window in the door, and there was Marley and Kisa dancing, almost in sync, but Kisa would stumble through the moves now and then. Marley would smile and encourage her, fixing something only if she asked.

The white-blonde had her hair in two stylish braids and was wearing short, light grey shorts with a yellow tank top, and Kisa wore black leggings and a loose light blue t-shirt.

Marley showed the young girl something, creating a sort of wave motion with her arms and then again with her whole body. There was an enthusiastic smile on her face, and Kisa nodded vigorously, a determined look in her eyes and Marley walked over to the stereo system and pressed a few buttons.

The two girls stood in the middle of the room as music played, and then the two started, both stepping forward on the same beat.

I've been staring at the edge of the water

'Long as I can remember, never really knowing why

I wish I could be the perfect daughter

But I come back to the water, no matter how hard I try

Every turn I take, every trail I track

Every path I make, every road leads back

To the place I know, where I can not go, where I long to be

The girls stood in front of another and Marley leaned down a bit to rest her forehead against Kisa's, swaying in the moment and then the music picked up, and the girls continued, more confident and precision in their moves. Yuki wasn't sure what the song meant, but it felt uplifting.

See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me

And no one knows, how far it goes

If the wind in my sail on the sea stays behind me

One day I'll know, if I go there's just no telling how far I'll go

They finished and Marley wrapped Kisa up in a hug, picking her up and swinging, both girls laughing. Kisa caught the boy's eyes and whispered in Marley's ear. The dancer put Kisa down and looked over at the boys, her laugh gone when she noticed Hatsuharu.

" Kisa, how about you get your stuff together, I'll meet you outside." Marley told her before grabbing her own bag and going out the door, telling the boys hello as she slipped on an oversized grey cardigan.

"Can we talk?" Haru asked, and Marley nodded while he led her a little away, Yuki could only watch.

"Are Onii-Chana and Onee-San fighting?" Kisa asked Yuki, her eyes looking concerned.

"No, I think it was only a little bit of a misunderstanding." Yuki smiled down at Kisa, hoping she didn't worry too much about them.

The two watched from afar as Marley and Haru talked, well it looked more like Haru was doing a lot of talking, and Marley listened. She was holding her hands in front of her, fidgeting with something as Haru spoke to her, she would nod now and then. It felt like forever passed until Haru took a deep bow, and Marley sprung forward, shaking her hands as if to stop him from bowing to her. They seemed to be finished, and the two walked over to Yuki and Kisa.

"Would you like to come over Yuki? A neighbour gave us this basket of fresh pears, and they look delicious."Marley invited, and Kisa rushed forward and grabbed Marley's hand.

"I don't know." Yuki looked around, still on the lookout for any familiar faces.

"Please, I would love it if you came by," Marley asked, and Yuki found it near impossible to say no, and so all four headed towards the inner part of the estate. The two girls leading the way while the boys followed behind.

"So, how did it go?" Yuki asked, and Haru gave him a nod, making Yuki feel that it had gone well at least.

"She said that she forgives me... Marley actually came up with an idea on how to make it up to her. Say's she was gonna take a page out Tohru's book..." Haru chuckled a bit as it was hard not to laugh at the look on Marley's face when she got the idea, it was as if she had solved some great mystery.

They were about to reach the inner part of the estate when a blur of red came running onto the path.

"NEE-CHAN!" The red blur bulldozed into Marley's legs, clenching onto her grey cardigan. Not that the blur was still Yuki could see it was a little girl no older than 5, her light brown hair in pigtails and wearing a red t-shirt and pink shorts.

"Oh! Koko, what's wrong." Marley got down and rubbed the small girls' shoulder as she cried into one hand. Without using words, the little girl showed Marley what looked like a plushie, but it appeared to be ripped.

"Oh, no! Girfy-San."Marley's amethyst's eyes widened as she took the plushie, and as she inspected it, Yuki was able to see that it was a giraffe, but the neck was hanging on by a few strings.

"The- dumb boys—said—he was-ugly! And they tried to take him—awayyyyy." The little girl cried, and Marley cooed, Kisa also spoke to the little girl, she was still timid, but she was trying to be braver, and it was easier when there was someone in need.

"Can-Can you make him better?" The little girl asked, nervous for her plushie friend.

"Of course! I'll have him all bandaged up, but he'll have to stay with me overnight. Is that okay." Marley told the little girl, and she nodded while sniffling.

"Now, give him a little kiss, I'm sure it will make him feel better." The little girl gently took the giraffe plushie back and hugged it before giving it a kiss.

"Okay, Girfy-San, be good for Nee-Chan." Little Koko told the plushie for handing him back to Marley, who held him close to her chest, promising to take good care of the safari animal.

"Don't worry, Marley-Oneechan will make him better," Kisa said softly, and the little girl sniffled, feeling a bit better.

"Now, get home safely, and I'll drop him off tomorrow," Marley promised and sent the little girl off as Marley held the giraffe plushie carefully in her arms.

"You know that child?" Yuki asked, wondering how familiar Marley was with the Sohma members who weren't the Zodiac.

"Mhhm, she's the daughter of a cook in the main kitchen," Marley explained as they walked, also examining the giraffe neck, hoping she had a close enough thread colour to make the fix less obvious.

"Will you be able to fix it?" To Yuki, the plushie seemed to be very old and had seen better days, clearly. It seemed almost silly to try and fix something that was already so broken.

"Should be easy, plus she loves this little guy, and it'll be worth seeing her happy face when I mend him up. Girfy-San just needs some tender loving care and some mending." Marley smiled, and Yuki felt his heart skip a bit.

"Alright, Marley, let's do this." and Haru started removed some pieces of jewelry and actually removed his shirt and pants, leaving him only in a few necklaces and his underwear. Completely shameless.

"What-" Yuki's jaw dropped and was about to interject, but Marley's squeal of excitement stopped him. The boy felt incredibly lost, wondering what these two were up to.

"...Now, come on." Haru opened his arms wide to Marley, who got a massive smile on her face, and she leapt forward, laughing all the way as the smoke appeared and in Haru's spot was an adorable black and white cow.

Yuki swore he could see little cartoon hearts and was reminded how happy Marley was at the farm with the cows, cooing over how cute they were.

"...I guess Onee-Chan had never seen Onii-Chan's Zodiac form." Kisa said softly to Yuki, a small smile on her face as she watched the two. Marley was practically cuddling Haru's cow face to her chest, rubbing behind his ears affectionately. Yuki rolled his eyes but decided that it was harmless enough, plus Marley looked delighted.

.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

.

The sun was finally beginning to set, but Marley is still sitting there, Haru's head in her lap in the garden, one of Marley's arms was around him to keep him in his Zodiac form. Haru's enjoying the attention and Yuki felt couldn't help but smile as the two reconciled. And maybe a small part of him was envious at the gentle care Marley was giving the Cow.

Marley and Haru weren't the only ones in the garden, Kisa was sitting next to Marley, and even Hiro showed up. Yuki had chosen to sit close by but on a large boulder in the garden rather than the ground.

"Are you ever going to let go?" Hiro asked, glaring at the scene.

"Awww Hiro, would you like a hug?" Marley wasn't even teasing, if Hiro wanted a hug, she would gladly hold him, and the young boy went red, mumbling incoherently as Kisa giggled. Yuki wondered if most days were like this around here.

"Excuse me. I'll be right back." Yuki got up and went into the house to use the washroom. This was certainly not how he imagined his afternoon going.

Marley's long hair was in two braids, and when she turned a certain way to say something to Kisa, Yuki spotted a white scar on the back of her neck, a deep contrast to her brown skin. Yuki remembered she had spoken about it once, it was during the car ride to the lake house, and she was brushing out her lengthy hair, calling it a hassle.

.

"Why not cut it." Asked Kyo as he looked over at the white-blond beauty.

"I guess it's just what I'm used to.. All the women in my family had long hair, it was against their religion to cut it. Mama would have been horrified if I cut it. It was cut ONCE accidentally when I was around 8" Marley shook her head at the memory.

"Accidently?" Piped in Shigure.

"Well, there were these really mean kids, and I guess I got in their way, they were threatening to torture an animal with a knife." Explained Marley as she started brushing the hair on the other side of her head.

"That's awful!" Cried Tohru, remember her own troubles with cruel kids.

"They cut out a few chunks and ended up nicking me slightly instead." Sighed Marley as she turned her back to Tohru slightly and moved her hair so that Tohru could see a 2-inch white scar on the back of her neck, curving to the left of her neck.

"Mama was pissed." Sighed Marley as she turned back around and moved her hair into a middle part and started working with the hair on the right side, starting at the top of head she began to braid.

" I remember hearing about this, your family left the Estate the following day." interjected Hatori.

Marley slightly turned her head and smiled in Yuki's direction and waving, the white scare gone from his view.

.

"Ah... It's been a while since you've been here, Yuki-Kun." Tetsuo greeted, his voice startling Yuki as he hadn't noticed the elder come in.

"Tetsuo-Sama... hello." The grey-haired boy greeted the elder. It was true, it had been 10 years since the Rat of the Zodiac had been at Tetsuo's home, the elder figured maybe he had been avoiding it due to unfortunate circumstances.

"Look, you're not the only stray she ever brought home." Tetsuo grumbled as he put a few seeds for little Zazu, who was hopping around the bottom of his cage, one of his wings still bandaged up.

"I'm sure other strays have caused less trouble..." Yuki said softly, a small feeling of guilt settling in his chest.

" I'm not sure about that..." Tetsuo sighed, his house had certainly seen some things since Marley started living there, but he wouldn't change a single thing about his now very lively household.

" Does she-" Yuki was about to ask.

"Okay... enough is enough, maybe we should get started on dinner perhaps?" Tetsuo called out, having enough of his granddaughter cuddling the boy, even if he was in his zodiac form.

"Ah, yes, sorry! I was going to try and make omelet rice, I think I can figure out the trick to it..." Marley gently let go of Hatsuharu and jumped up, a determined look in her eyes. She had watched a few videos about how to properly flip the Japanese style omelet and was sure tonight would be the night she got it right.

Kisa tugged on Marley's shirt, and she leaned down to hear what she had to say.

"Can... can we watch 'Moana' after?" She shyly asked, and Marley said that it was a great idea, a perfect movie for the evening.

"And then we can show Dadaji what we worked on in the studio!" Marley cheered, and Kisa blushed as she fidgeted with her shirt.

"If... if that's okay," Kisa said, still nervous about dancing in front of others, but this was house was a safe place for her to do it, and maybe one day she could be brave enough to perform on stage.

"Of course, little one." Tetsuo patted Kisa's head, who blushed over the elder's soft touch.

"Ah, Tetsuo-Sama has turned into a softie," Haru said while still in his cow form, and Tetsuo threw him a glare.

"You're lucky I'm not in the mood for steak, boy." The elder threatened, but everyone in the house knew it was nothing but words.

Marley jumped, and Kisa followed, asking if she could help to which Marley told her she would appreciate it. Hiro asked if he could join, and Marley said she felt so happy to have two helpers in the kitchen.

Hatsuharu eventually turned back and got dressed, asking the elder if he could stay for dinner.

"Hardly ever bothered to ask before..." Tetsuo was suspicious about the boy's actions but decided that he was too tired to actually deal with it.

"Yuki-Kun, I assume you'll be staying as well." Tetsuo sighed, used to how full his home had become, it was now odd if only he and Marley were settling down for dinner. Everyone else seemed too comfortable with the intimidating elder, but Yuki still felt a little unsure.

"Ah well-" A laugh in the kitchen cut him off, and he looked passed the elder into the kitchen and Marley seemed to be laughing at something with Kisa while Hiro went red. This home was undoubtedly different from the rest of the estate. Yuki felt like he could breathe the air here, and he was sure it was because of a certain someone.

"If... that's alright." Yuki awkwardly stood there, still unsure of where his place was in this house where everyone else seemed so comfortable.

"A Yuki is having dinner at the estate... a miracle." Haru brought out his phone again and took another photo.

.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

.

The boy groaned and was still trying to figure out way out of this. He opened up his phone, and his green eyes looked at the unopened text from an overseas number, wishing him well. He had received it the other day, and it had been driving him wild.

He didn't need contact information; he had a feeling he already knew who it was.

"What the fuck Marley... why?" He threw the phone onto the unmade bed and through his head into his hands. He missed her and was pissed at all at once. But more than anything, he was mad at himself.

"Hey!" His bedroom door was slammed open, and the teenager didn't even need to look to know who it was. The loud, upbeat music his sister had been listening to now bleeding it his space.

"Have you even started packing yet? And Look at this room, it's a mess." A woman in her mid-twenties stood there, hands on her hips as she scolded the lazy teen.

"Get out! It's none of your business... why do I have to go in the first place?" He complained into his hands, slightly muffling his words, but she understood him.

"Miguel Ángel Hernández Flores... You think I'm gonna leave you here... alone... for a month? Uh, huh, no way." His sister had brought out his full name, which meant that she meant business. She had to travel to teach a few workshops for good money and do a few performances, she wasn't going to let her baby brother ruin this opportunity.

"Besides, aren't you excited to see Marley? I swear you've been such a bummer since she left-" His older sister scolded.

"Cállate!" Miguel snapped at this sister, this got him a sandal to his head.

"Look, you're coming, and that's final. I have no idea what happened between you two but considered this an opportunity." The beautiful woman fiercely glared at her stubborn brother, having enough of his attitude.

Miguel ignored his older sister, and even though he was turned away, he could sense her shaking his head.

"Look. You're coming with, whether you like it or not. Now can you at least get started on packing." And with that, the woman closed the door. The teenager pulled out his phone again, but this time opened up his photo album, his shaggy brown hair hiding his green eyes.

Marley was in full stage makeup, her white-blonde hair up in a tight bun and was still in a beautiful white and pink ballet outfit. She held a small bouquet of white roses as he wrapped an arm around her, both smiling at the camera lens. Well, Marley was smiling, he had more of a smirk on his face. It had been the last performance he had seen of her though he hadn't known that at the time.

"Just... tell me what I did wrong..." He asked the photo, wishing he could go back to a simpler time. He was afraid to see her again, fearful about how she would react.

He looked into those amethyst eyes that had always managed to make him feel safe and hoped that that hadn't changed.

.

.

( Little Bonus Scene that somehow made it in XD)

The next day at school, Kyo noticed Marley talking with Haru and Yuki, all seemed fine, but Kyo still didn't like it. Marley waved goodbye to the Sohma boys before rushing off somewhere. Kyo decided to go over, still wanting to give Haru a piece of his mind.

"You better watch yourself around her. " Kyo glared at the 1st-year boy, and Yuki let out a sigh, knowing that this wasn't going to go well at all. For anyone.

"Don't worry Kyo, I made it up by cuddling with Marley for a few hours." Haru actually didn't mean anything dirty, but Kyo's jaw dropped open.

Yuki told Haru that wasn't a good idea while Kyo screamed incoherently.

"I'm sure if you asked nicely, Marley would do the same to you, she gives wonderful head massages." Haru offered, a blank stare on his face. He was really was just telling the truth, but Kyo grabbed the boy by his collar and began shaking him violently.

Marley heard that Kyo and Haru had to sit in detention that afternoon for fighting in the hall. Yuki insisted both boys were idiots and not to worry about it.

.

.

.

Notes:

Song: How Far I'll Go – Disney's Moana ( picturing Kyle Hanagami's Choreo.)

Takoyaki – ball-shaped Japanese snack, made from a wheat-based batter and cooked in a special molded pan. Typically filled with octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger and green onions but there are various fillings.

DNR - A do-not-resuscitate order, also known as no code or allow natural death, is a legal order, written or oral depending on the country, indicating that a person does not want to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation if that person's heart stops beating.

Special Message:

If you are having suicidal thoughts then please do not manage it on your own, seek out a phone-line, a doctor or friend/family member. You are not alone and there are people out there who want to help. Sending out lots of love to all those who need it 3

Peachie here!

Thank you so much waiting and thank you for reading.

A LOT happened in this chapter and I'm trying not to feel the pressure from the show, their timeline is really taking me for a ride LOL but wow I can't wait to finally get to summer vacation and get these folks to the beach house.

A huge thank you to those who left reviews, ya'll really keep me going and keep me invested in writing this story. Which again... why did I do this to myself XD just kidding, I'm having lots of fun writing it, despite all the work.

Cheers!