Come On And Stir It Up (I wanna say)
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An ebony-haired guest in the living room went unnoticed until Marley passed by and nearly dropped the cup of tea when dark eyes met Marley's own amethyst eyes.
"We need to talk."
"Zuzu!" Marley was down and next to her friend, so excited to see her that she automatically went to hug her; but the Horse of the Zodiac grabbed Marley's shoulders and stared her dead straight in the eye before letting her head hang.
Marley waited in silence but she couldn't help but take a moment to look over Isuzu. She didn't look well. Her skin was pale and her hair didn't have its usual shine.
"Zuzu...how are you feeling?" Marley tried to ask but as soon as she said something, Isuzu's dark brown eyes glared at her.
"How did you find out?!" She demanded and Marley felt confused.
"I- excuse me?"
"About Akito and what he did-" Isuzu couldn't even finish her sentence. Tears were welling up in her eyes from the memory of falling from the window, the pain she felt, and the feeling of being trapped. Marley reached over and grabbed her hand, almost shocked that Isuzu didn't pull away.
The two sat there for a moment; Isuzu holding Marley's hand for dear life as she took a deep breath. Trying to get past her trauma while her friend simply waited. Squeezing her hand to let her know she was there.
"It doesn't matter who told me." Marley had been over this. It didn't matter who said it, all that mattered was that she knew. Marley knew that if she told anyone it was Shigure, there was a chance of them getting into some sort of fight.
This family didn't need any more violence. Marley wanted to end that, not add to it.
"Bullshit!" Isuzu ripped her hand away from Marley and stood up. Isuzu wanted to know but Marley simply shook her head. Not giving in to Isuzu's powerful glare.
"And I know why you lied to me about how you fell out the window. You were just trying to protect me." Marley spoke calmly, softly and it only managed to piss Isuzu off more.
"Shut UP!" Isuzu kicked the table and it flew across the room, her temper taking over, and Marley flinched at the sound. Marley took a deep breath, trying to find the words.
"I'm sorry... that I hurt you by being friends with Akito... I'm sorry that I was such a fool.." It was frustrating and Marley felt immense guilt for being so blind.
"This has nothing to do with you! Stop interfering already!" The black-haired beauty was shaking as she stood over Marley's figure. Marley felt herself getting frustrated and stood up herself. Easily meeting the Horse of the Zodiac eye to eye; even when she was in heels.
"No! It involves people I care about so why would you think I would just walk away! Why are you against me trying to help?" Marley stayed strong; trying to keep her voice level but she felt herself shaking. She just wanted to be there for her loved ones.
"Look what happened to you, you're not capable of helping yourself so why do you think you could do anything to help us?!" Isuzu screamed across at Marley and it made her take a sharp breath in.
Words that hit like knives and they're weren't completely untrue. So far Marley has only felt that she had made things worse for the family by having them worry about her.
If Marley pushed back more against Akito, would Akito then hurt the Zodiac members?
She had thought about this a lot the last few days. Thinking about what could be the best action.
Cause Marley might be somewhat safe from Akito's tantrums and could possibly push back but that didn't mean she wouldn't just turn around and hurt others.
Isuzu had stomped out of the house and Tetsuo walked in to see the living room in shambles while Marley tried to clean up the broken glass.
So, what does one do? How can I help my friends?
"Mama... you said Isuzu reminded yourself of a younger you... what would you tell her? How can I help Isuzu?" Marley spoke, Hindi naturally slipping from her lips as she imagined hanging with her mother during an aerial silks lesson.
But no one answered. No one was there.
Swinging back and forth in the blue hammock would normally be enough to put her at ease but she still felt on edge.
And a little alone.
"Marley-San? Aren't you going to be late for school?" A woman's voice called out and made Marley nearly jump out of her skin.
Okay someone was there but not the one Marley was hoping for.
"Ish!" Marley panicked as she tried to move out of the silks but she had twisted herself up more than she realized. When she tried to step down on to the floor her other foot was still caught up and she ended up tumbling to the mat.
"Pfft..are..are you okay Marley-San?" The woman tried not laugh but she couldn't help but let a few chuckles out over the usually graceful foreigner doing a face plant.
"I'm fine. Just a little embarrassed." Marley nervously laughed while the woman gave her a hand up off the floor.
"It has been a while since you've been by. Busy summer? You certainly looked like you got a lot of sun." She made some quick small talk as the two walked to the change room.
"Yeah, and I just find myself not having enough time for silks. But for some reason I woke up this morning and I just felt the need to be in the air." Marley smiled at the gymnast and wished her a good day after she quickly changed into her school uniform and hurried off.
It had been a while since she practiced her aerial silks. She honestly couldn't do much tricks or anything since whenever she tried to pull her weight, her right arm would feel a sharp pain from the cut that was still trying to heal. Instead, Marley had relaxed and made a little hammock out of the silk fabric.
What Marley really needed was a talk with her mother and this felt as close as she could come to. There was something about practicing silks that made her feel closer to her mother and she had used her morning practice to imagine what advice she would give.
Marley hoped that her homeroom teacher would be in a decent mood or prayed that she could make it to class in time. Kaibara High was two stops away on the train and Marley had to squeeze her way onto the train, apologizing as she bumped into others who were also on their way to work or school.
Sliding open the door to the classroom Marley felt relieved when she saw Mayu-Sensei hadn't shown up yet.
"Morning Marley-Chan!" Tohru called out and Marley waved back but was stopped by other classmates before she could make it to her desk.
She was greeted by many students from her class wishing her a good morning and asking how her vacation was, commenting on how much sun as she gotten, and comparing their arms to hers as if to drive home the point how dark she was.
"Oi, back off. She doesn't need you creeps pawing at her first thing in the morning." Kyo hissed and everyone seemed to whine at him for being a grump while Marley just let out a small sigh of relief and telling Kyo a small thank you.
"Kyo! Good morn- What happened to your head?!" There was a bright red mark in the middle of Kyo's forehead.
"You have a matching one too." Kyo pointed out and Marley raised her hand to head to feel.
"Oh.. I kind of fell head first on the floor this morning.." The girl blushed, remembering the embarrassing moment. Kyo laughed, pointing out that he figured she would be a least be a little more graceful.
"Uo wacked him for getting taller over the summer." A classmate snickered and it was like a lightbulb went off over Uo's head.
"Oh wait! Let's see now that Marley's finally here!" Uo ordered the two to stand up straight and made them stand in front of one another.
Orange met amethyst as the two teenagers took each other in. Not only had Kyo gotten taller, but he seemed to have broader shoulders and his face just seemed more mature.
The top of Marley's head now came to Kyo's nose and Marley could have sworn that they were the same height near the beginning of summer.
"She's right! Congratulations Kyo-Kun! You've grown so much." Tohru clapped, a bright sunshine smile on her face. Marley came back to her senses and stepped away from Kyo to give him some room.
"You say it like you're my parent or something... AND DO YOU ALL TRACK MY HEIGHT BY COMPARING ME TO MARLEY?!" Kyo yelled at his classmates and they simply shrugged as he continued to spazz out.
Well. Kyo might have looked more mature but there was definitely still some 'boyish charm'.
"Well... It is the easiest way to confirm." Hana simply stated like it was obvious as she brushed Tohru's hair before putting in Tohru's signature ribbons.
"Boys are lucky bastards; they grow like weeds." Uo groaned and Marley couldn't help but laugh a little.
"Well, they just normally hit their growth spurts later than girls, that's all. And you're already pretty tall Uo." Marley tried to console but the ex-gangster merely glared at her.
"I don't wanna hear that from you! You're already plenty tall! My goal is 5'11!" Uo declared as she grabbed Marley by the shoulders, asking her to give her some of her height.
"You and those damn antelope legs! GIVE ME SOME!" Marley was being shaken like a maraca and Tohru had to intervene and help the dizzy girl back to her feet.
"Looks like you haven't gotten any more feminine during the break. You might as well renounce womanhood." Kyo teased Uo and Marley simply took her seat and made herself comfortable. Waiting for the daily back and forth to start.
Here we go.
"Hmph. Fine that's not a bad idea. Since I can't even get one guy to look my way." Uo grimaced as she ran a hand through her yellow locks.
Marley was not expecting that. She had thought that Uo would have had a comeback but instead she seemed defeated.
"The inappropriately aged guy never came back?" Marley asked, not even realizing she had said it out loud and Kyo let out a snicker.
"Pfft."
"Marley-Chan, sympathize with her. That's the look of a woman in love." Hana mentioned and Marley looked at Uo and swore she could see waves of anger coming off of her.
"...is it?" She questioned as Uo let out threats to the man and mentioned throwing a single punch that would go through him the next time she saw him.
"The next time I see him, I'll kick his ass! Before he can even get a single word, I'll channel all my strength into a single punch that goes right through him…."
"Though, I do feel for her. Pining can be a pain." Marley sighed before looking back up at Uo and seeing the hurt that was in her eyes over this man who had seemed to disappear.
Marley thought of her own heart and the part of it that admired Kyo more with each passing day and found that she thought of him more and more.
But she didn't imagine he would ever feel the same way about her. She was happy just staying by his side as a friend and hoped that the crush she had would pass and leave her in peace.
But for now... she was stuck with this small tug of yearning.
"Yes... I think she's in a lot of pain..." Tohru added as she looked over at her dear friend, wondering what could be done to help. Marley hummed and she did sympathize that Uo's feelings were hurt but a small part was also relieved that the older male had kept his distance.
If anything, that made Marley respect the mystery man a little.
Just a little.
"Yeah, right. Like she's the type to be moonin' over some guy." Kyo scoffed, not believing it for a minute and before Marley could say anything, Hana interjected.
"Oh.. how strange that someone like you would say that.." Hana eyed him and Kyo felt the spotlight.
"Wha...? What's that supposed to mean...?" He asked skeptically, uncertain of what she could be talking about but also panicked that she knew what he was trying to hide.
"Heh." Hana simply let out the small laugh before returning to Tohru's hair, ignoring the panicked Kyo and just enjoying the chaotic waves.
"Did you...DID YOU JUST READ MY MIND?! AND WHAT WAS THAT CHUCKLE FOR!?" Kyo panicked but Hana ignored him and he continued to fret as Marley slightly tipped her head to the side and observed.
Poor Kyo is such an easy target for their teasing... but I wonder what he's worried about Hana knowing-
"Alright, Summer break is over, Sit down! It's time for attendance." Mayu-Sensei popped into the class and commanded the room as everyone took their seats and wished her good morning.
The rest of the day went by quickly and Marley had to turn down the offer to go bowling with her classmates. She would have some tutoring later with Naomi Sohma; who she was sure was ready to scold her for not practicing her kanji or not having her dates right for Japanese history.
Oh well, she means well. Even if she wears her annoyance clearly on her face.
…...what if she threatens to take my eyebrows again...
A shiver went up Marleys spine when she imagined Naomi shaving off her eyebrows while laughing maniacally. She was so caught up in her worry for her eyebrows she didn't notice her classmate walking off towards the Sohma compound as well.
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Tohru Honda stood in front of an unfamiliar house and looked down again at the address she had written down. It seemed like the right place and the girl hoped she wasn't too late as she had gotten a little turned around.
Her nerves seemed to be all over the place but she took a deep breath and cheered herself on before pressing the doorbell. A young man answered the door and Tohru already panicked that she had bothered the wrong household.
"Welcome. You must be Tohru-San. It's nice to meet you. I'm Kunimitsu, Kazuma-Dono's assistant. We spoke over the phone." The polite man greeted her and invited her in.
"Ah, yes. I'm Tohru Honda, it's very nice to meet you. I apologize to you, Kunimitsu-San, for being such a bother." She bowed as she introduced herself.
"Ahaha! Not at all. I hope you found the place alright." He insisted as he guided Tohru into the house and to Kazuma who was waiting in the living room. The two bowed to each other as they greeted one another and Kunimitsu left them to their meeting.
"I must apologize to you for being out when you called." Kazuma apologized as he gestured for Tohru to take a seat. The two hadn't seen one another since he visited Shigure's house and revealed Kyo's true form. While the two hadn't spoken much, Tohru felt she could trust him. He looked a little different with him having cut off his long hair, but he still looked handsome and even bore some resemblance to Kyo with his shorter hair.
"Oh, no, no! I wouldn't have called if I'd known you were on a trip." Tohru fretted, worried that she had caused the karate teacher trouble.
"Please don't worry about it. That was just a brief excursion. I visited a friend who lives faraway as well as my grandfather's grave." He explained as he sat down himself.
"The Sohma family grave is far from here?" It seemed odd to her that Kazuma would have to travel so far to visit a grave but he simply shook his head.
"Oh...no. There is more than one Sohma family grave but my grandfather wasn't allowed to be buried in any of them since he was cursed with the Cat spirit."
With that little information, Tohru felt like Kazuma would be her best choice in getting some answers. She didn't feel right asking the Zodiac members. Marley seemed to have a lot on her plate and while Tetsuo Sohma seemed to know a lot, he was just too intimidating for Tohru.
"That's why it's so far away but I think it's probably better this way. In the end...my grandfather was finally able to go 'outside'." A sad smile graced Kazuma's lips and Tohru was reminded as to why she was here.
She needed answers.
"But... Kyo-Kun is alive and living on the 'outside' and yet... he's going to be confined... can that really be true?" Tohru's voice felt shaky because even saying those words seemed insane. Kazuma could see the turmoil in the young woman's brown eyes and wished she had never come to know the truth.
"Shishou-San. Do you know... do you know about the curse? Do you know of a way to break it? Akito-San said that Yuki-Kun and the others will all return to the Sohma compound. The members of the Zodiac will live together and never leave again. And that Kyo-Kun would be locked away." How could this be happening? how could people treat others like this?
"Akito-San said he was.. The God of the Zodiac." Tohru could still feel how thick the air had felt in that moment at the beach, Akito's presence and the words that left his lips were still fresh.
"Don't butt in."
"Stop trying to destroy our happiness."
"If the future Akito-San talked about is true and it's because of the curse; then I want to break the curse. It may be arrogant of me to think I can do anything... and here I am asking for your help... but I just couldn't ask the members of the Zodiac about it so directly and Marley-San appears to be going through enough..."
"If you know anything about the curse.. please tell me." Tohru bowed her head towards the floor, hoping for anything to go on.
"Why do you feel the need to beg me? Why do you feel compelled to do this?" Kazuma asked, his brow lightly furrowed as he looked down upon the bowing girl.
"Shishou-San?" Tohru asked as she slightly lifted her head to look at him.
"I'm going to be honest with you. Regarding the curse and a way to break it.. I can't say anything definite. But.. as for Kyo being locked up.. and the members of the Zodiac being forced to live in the Sohma compound... that is a possible future." It was a hard truth to admit but it was all he had to offer the girl; he had no real answers concerning breaking the curse but he could offer up some hope.
"Of course.. I intend to put up a fight to prevent that from becoming a reality and I do know of another that wishes to prevent it as well."
"But the sad thing is.. The members of the Zodiac don't possess the strong will needed to defy Akito."
"Strong will?"
"Because they all harbor intense feelings toward Akito." The Zodiac members couldn't simply just walk away from Akito.
"Tohru-San, I have never been afraid of Akito. He's like a little boy and all he knows how to do is shout and cry hysterically. He's a fragile and unstable child." Kazuma
It was hard to think of Akito as fragile when she thought of the power he seemed to have on the Zodiac members.
Not just the Zodiac members...
Tohru recalled the state Akito put Marley in at the summer house. The heartbroken look in her eyes, her bruised forehead, and bandaged forearm. It was hard to see such a strong and optimistic girl seem so lost.
"However, Akito is special to the members of the Zodiac. He's like a God to them. Someone to be feared and respected. Whether they're weak or strong. From him words of rejection that would be mere talk coming from anyone else's mouth...are so emotionally wounding that it feels like they're being torn apart." Kazuma explained while Tohru hung on to every word.
"It's hard for someone on the outside to understand what's between them and Akito. They're in a 'world' all their own. A 'world' just for them. They're connected by the blood that courses through their veins. It's a bond of blood." He calmly explained and Tohru latched onto the word 'bond'.
"That 'bond' is the curse?" Tohru asked, thinking of her precious bonds and wondered how such a thing could become a curse.
"I don't have definite proof.. but I do believe that the Zodiac bond and curse are one in the same." Kazuma had never really talked about this as no one seemed to want to and it made him realize how little he knew. Tohru thought about what Kazuma had told her, searching her thoughts.
A 'bond' is supposed to be something sacred...
Flashes of long orange hair and familiar brown eyes flashed before Tohru's eyes along with a cheesy smile. The sacred bond Tohru shared with her Mother was something she held on to tightly.
Would breaking the curse be breaking that special and sacred bond?
"I can't give up..something..there must be something I can do. I want to believe that." Tohru was determined even if she still felt like she had nowhere to go, she would keep moving forward to learn more and hopefully do something right.
Kazuma asked if Tohru had told Kyo that she knew about the plan to imprison him and she quickly shook her head. The Karate master only nodded, not sure if he should be relieved or not.
"How is he doing?" He asked
"Kyo-Kun is-" Tohru realized that she hadn't really seen much of him and when she had, he seemed to be on the quieter side. He'd barely bickered with Yuki and just had a faraway look on his face.
But Tohru didn't want to make Kazuma worry unnecessarily after already feeling like she had inconvenienced him. So she decided to mention that Kyo had seemed to grow taller over the summer break, a bright smile on her face, and it seemed to convince Kazuma that everything was fine.
"If the question is.. what you can do, perhaps the answer is to keep on smiling. Because when you smile, it seems like the world is just that little bit nicer. Just keep being yourself, no matter what. I think that's the most important thing." Kazuma told her and Tohru couldn't help but feel a little defeated. She couldn't see how just being herself would ever be enough.
"I think I'm gonna be sick, what shoujo manga did I get stuck in." A gruff voice broke through and Tohru nearly jumped and looked up to the new guest.
Tetsuo Sohma stood there in the now open doorway donning a deep gray kimono. Tohru noticed his silver-gray hair had gotten a bit longer; almost making him appear more intimidating somehow. Kunimitsu peeking over the elder's shoulder, an apologetic look on his face for the interruption.
"I'm getting lots of visitors today it seems." Kazuma smiled up at the elder and welcomed him to sit down.
"Ah Tetsuo-San! Hello! It's so nice to see you." Tohru greeted as she stood up and bowed frantically. He simply waved her off and told her relax.
"Tohru-San, you look like you got in a fight? Did you have to fight off Miguel the other night?" Tetsuo asked as he knelt down on the ground before grumbling about his old body.
"Wha- No, no. Not at all! He was a gentleman." Tohru insisted before thanking him for lending Miguel the summer yukata.
"Kazuma.. have you not even made tea for the young lady?" Tetsuo judged the lack of refreshments.
"Ah you're completely right, let me just-"
"Here, I made some." Kazuma assistant came in with a tray and served out the tea for Kazuma and his guests.
"May I ask the reason for the sudden visit?
"Naomi-San is basically drilling etiquette lessons into Marley and I couldn't listen to the same correction for the 100th time. Needed a smoke." Tetsuo grumbled while making himself comfortable.
"Etiquette lessons?" Tohru asked, curious as to why Marley would need such a thing as she was already a polite person.
"Yes, unfortunately she needs to learn to socialize with all the pompous, stuck up, heads stuck up their ass-"
Kazuma let out a bit of a laugh, the elder was certainly in a mood today but the Karate teacher found it amusing.
"I'm sure she'll have them all charmed in no time. Marley-Chan certainly has a way with people." Kazuma encouraged, confident in the young woman's kind spirit and the natural pull she seemed to have.
"All this warm-hearted, hallmark writing is started to rub off on me... I would hate to think about her thinking she needs to change to fit in better. As long as she stays true to herself, that's all that matters." While Tetsuo knew that Marley might have to learn some new things, he hoped that none of that truly changed who she was.
"That goes for you as well Tohru-San." Tetsuo called to the teenager, and she sat up straighter as she answered him.
"Hai!"
"Stay true to yourself, even with what the world throws at you. Because for those kids you are truly a gift." Tetsuo patted her head and Tohru was reminded of when she was a child and her own grandfather would pat her head when she had visited.
"Such soft words." Kazuma cooed, not even in a teasing way but Tetsuo took offense to it. The glare Kazuma received from the elder was anything but soft. Tohru was still in a blissful shock about the kind words and grandfatherly pat to her head from the important man.
Tohru stayed for some tea before taking her leave but not before thanking the Sohma men again for their advice.
"May I ask what she was doing here?" Tetsuo asked as he found it strange that Tohru Honda would seek out Kazuma.
"She wondered if I knew of a way to break the curse and asked if it was true about Kyo's confinement." Kazuma felt bad that he couldn't have told her more but there was much mystery behind the curse and he wouldn't even know where to start looking.
"So Tohru knows.." Tetsuo got up and went to sit on the porch as he brought out a cigarette, lighting it up and taking a deep breath. Savoring the nicotine that he had been craving but forbidden from smoking since it upset Marley.
So he snuck one in every once a while which was another excuse for him being here. Normally he would escape to Hatori's office, but he seemed to be out for the afternoon.
"Does Marley know about Kyo?" Kazuma asked as he stared at the white puffy cloud that the Sohma elder made.
"No. I have a feeling if she knew.. well we would know." Tetsuo could just picture the horror in Marley's eyes that that Sohmas would do such a thing and had already done so to generations of Cats.
Kazuma let out a small sigh of relief, feeling a little better that Marley didn't know and doubted that she would find out anytime soon. There was still time to stop it from ever happening.
To be honest. I wish Tohru-San didn't know about Kyo's confinement. But at least Marley-San doesn't know.
"It is pitiful.. don't you think."
Kazuma could remember his grandmother who had married his grandfather out of pity and he never wanted that for Kyo. He deserved someone who loved him for him.
"Will you tell her?" Kazuma asked, silently praying that Marley could stay in the dark for a little longer. It might sound cruel to keep such a secret from her but there was a reason and a kindness behind it. If anything, Kazuma would tell Kyo to spend more time with Marley. Hoping that the time Kyo spends with her would become his new strength and a new bond would form.
"No. Besides I don't want to tell her til' we absolutely have to and I'm sure the boy would rather have it that way as well. But she has been asking a few more questions about the curse. She's been reading this one old book, the way her eyes move across the page... she's certainly determined." Tetsuo was slightly proud; happy that she wasn't so easily defeated when he said that he didn't know of a way to break the curse. Marley had simply taken it in stride and stated that she would figure out.
It might have sounded arrogant but Tetsuo could see she still had doubts. Despite that it was evident she would see it through.
"I hope she doesn't take on too much. She is still so young."
"Marley is tough. She'll be fine." Tetsuo simply waved it off, having absolute faith in his granddaughter. Kazuma still worried and wanted to say something more but was interrupted.
Some commotion was heard and the two turned to see the door being slid open, a curtain of dark hair and large dark eyes stared into the room.
"you're quite popular today Kazuma." Tetsuo commented before taking another puff.
"It seems so. It's good to see you Isuzu." Kazuma smiled at the black-haired girl.
"... I saw that girl leave. Why did she come? Did something happen?" Isuzu glared as she stepped further into the room; standing tall and trying to be intimidating.
"She came to ask me the same question you did." Kazuma was hardly bothered by the Horse's rude entrance.
How do I break the curse?
"I won't let her.. I won't let her interfere." Isuzu sneered as she clenched her fist.
"That's hardly the way to make friends Isuzu-Chan." Tetsuo sighed, wondering what had caused this new attitude from the Horse of the Zodiac. She had always been on the standoffish side but her surly attitude seemed to have increased ten-fold lately. It was hard to watch his granddaughter try to reach out only for Isuzu to push her away.
"I don't need anybody." Her voice left no room for discussion, stomping away and slamming the door shut.
"Everyone needs somebody." Tetsuo stated; taking another puff before putting out his cigarette into the ash tray that Kunimitsu provided for him.
"You certainly have become wise Tetsuo-Sama." Kazuma couldn't help but tease a little
"I'm leaving."
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A soft wind passed through shoulder length brown hair and large eyes watched her target from the doorway. Kyo stood in the backyard of the dojo, filling a bucket with water. As he waited for it to fill, he glanced at his prayer beads.
"Kyoooooo-kun! Ohhhh I've missed you so much!" A high-pitched voice broke through the quiet and Kyo felt a force knock into his back.
"I just saw you the other day..." Kyo could have sworn it wasn't that long ago that he saw her but it felt like anytime spent away from the Boar was never enough.
"That was a long time ago! Why do you always leave the dojo so early?" Kagura whined, hanging off of him, not giving a thought to his personal space.
Nothing new.
"Kyo-kun! Are you listening to me? Where's my souvenir from the vacation home?" The Boar of the Zodiac asked as she held out her hand to him and a confused look crossed his face.
"What? I didn't get you anything. What kind of souvenir do you expect from a vacation home?"
"YOU'RE TERRIBLE! IS THAT ANYWAY TO TREAT YOUR GIRLFRIEND?!" Kagura raged as she took Kyo's collar into her hands and shook him.
"Kagura.."
"WHERE'S THE LOVE?! KYO-KUN YOU NEVER SHOW ME THE LOOOOOOOOOOVE!" Kagura whined as she thrashed.
"Kagura.." Kyo placed a gentle hand to Kagura's head and the girl finally stopped, shocked at the gesture. She looked up into his orange eyes and she could see it. The end was near.
But she wasn't ready to let go.
"We need to talk. You and me. There's somethin' I gotta make clear. I-" Kyo's voice was so serious and Kagura could see it in his eyes. She had to think quick.
"Let's go on a date!" Kagura interrupted Kyo, determined to make whatever they had last just a little bit longer.
"Huh?" Kyo raised a brow at the girl, wondering if he had heard her right.
"Let's go on a date, Kyo-Kun!" Kagura's eyes stared Kyo down, her mind moving a mile a minute to try and eke out what little time she had left with him.
"If we go on a date, I'll listen to you. And if you won't take me anywhere then I won't listen!" She gave him the ultimatum and Kyo couldn't understand.
"Wait a second. What the hell? W-" The orange-haired boy tried to shake off the idea. He knew what he had to say and wanted to get it out.
"I MEAN IT! I'll never listen to you!" She glared and Kyo just stared as she wrapped her arms around him and Kyo's arms stayed by his sides.
"...please. Just for a little longer...let me bug you." She whispered into his chest, so softly that Kyo barely caught it. The late summer wind swept through the yard, ruffling a few fallen leaves and Kyo could only nod. He would give in to one more request.
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"Have a good weekend Marley-Senpai!" A girl waved at her enthusiastically and Marley politely smiled back.
"You too!" Marley waved at the underclassmen that she vaguely recognized as they walked out of the locker area. She had almost forgotten it was Friday already. The week had gone by so quickly as she was kept busy with not only her own hobbies and schoolwork, but also her grandfather had Marley taking on a few more lessons to do with the Sohma family and its history.
But at least I get a break from school on the weekends.
"Did you even know who that was." Kyo asked as he shoved his school shoes in his locker and he stared at her while she slightly shook her head. Marley stuck out like a sore thumb at the school and despite it being 2 terms since she enrolled, she still gained a lot of attention.
It was good attention for the most part. She was well liked as she was friendly and always willing to lend a hand to others. The only ones who would show open disgust was the Yuki fan club manners and Kyo already knew they had no taste.
Marley didn't care for them much either
"Marleyyy! Can I walk you to your dance class?" Momiji had jumped out of nowhere and latched himself to Marley's hand while jumping up and down. With their height difference, Marley looked like she was walking her little brother from elementary school.
"Of course! Haru walking home alone?" Marley asked as she swung her hand that was holding Momiji's. Kyo just rolled his eyes at the two, muttering that Momiji was acting like a child.
The Bunny explained that Haru had left at lunch, choosing to skip his afternoon classes.
"So, any exciting plans for the weekend?" Marley asked Kyo as they walked off the school property together.
"Got an errand to run..." Kyo certainly sound less than enthused, a tired look on his face and Marley worried about what kind of errand would cause such a reaction.
"Is everything.. okay?" Her words were tentative, not knowing if she should pry and ask if he needed help with the errand.
"Just something I gotta do. What about you?" Kyo seemed to not want to talk about the 'errand'. He didn't want Marley getting the wrong idea or anything.
"Marley and I are going on a date!" Momiji proudly stated, his chest puffed out a little before giving a cheesy smile to Kyo.
"The hell?!" The look on Kyo's face was priceless and Marley lifted her hand to shut Kyo's slack-open jaw. She had to stop herself from asking if 'Cat got your tongue.'
"Momiji is taking me to a concert tomorrow. Vivaldi and the four seasons. And we even have dinner reservations." Marley was honored to be invited to something that Momiji was so excited about and looked forward to the evening.
Even though classical music always made her want to do ballet exercises.
"Never heard of it." Kyo shrugged but he was glad that Marley looked so excited; if maybe a little jealous that Momiji was able to take Marley places like concerts and dinners.
"You're so uncultured Kyo-Kun." Momiji teased before Kyo grabbed him and brought him in for a noogie.
"Maybe I can send you some classical music, you might really like it." Marley knew that Kyo was pretty sheltered when it came to music as he never seemed to know any of the music she listened too.
It was always fun, though, listening with him and learning what he liked and didn't like.
Momiji escaped Kyo's hold and laughed as he skipped while he crossed the road ahead of Marley and Kyo. The walk sign changed and the two had to wait for the light to change.
"Momiji wants to be a violinist when he grows up." Marley revealed, knowing that Momiji's eyes would be glued to the violinists in the orchestra and dreaming off the day that he might grace the stage.
"Really? Didn't know the rabbit even played." Kyo readjusted his bag as Momiji waved at the two from across the street and Marley laughed; waving back.
"Hmm, he works really hard. But he still hasn't let me hear him play yet." The white-blonde slightly pouted and Kyo couldn't help but chuckle at the look.
"I bet he's just waiting to find the right song or something." Kyo encouraged, knowing that Momiji loved Marley and would do his best to impress her.
"Or maybe he sucks." Kyo joked and Marley's eyes nearly popped out of her head, appalled Kyo would say such a thing.
"Well then I'll wait...though... I do hope its soon." Marley smiled as she looked up at the blue sky, already looking forward to the day she would get hear Momiji play. Kyo looked over and let a small smile sneak onto his lips, basking in her warmth.
While he was at times a little jealous about how close the two seemed to be. Kyo was glad that Momiji and Marley were so close. He knew that the Momiji was a good kid and good friend, not that he would ever admit that out loud.
"But Momiji did teach me a song!" Marley declared as she remembered the cute little song that the Rabbit of the Zodiac sang to her. The crosswalk sign changed and Marley started to sing as they crossed the street.
"In the mountain at sunset
Shine, Shine, Momiji
The frogs and the lizards
Hello
The koi and-"
"What the hell is that?" Kyo tried to look annoyed but his heart was slamming against his chest as Marley looked downright adorable as she sang the silly song.
"it's Momiji's song! He made it up, isn't it cute." Marley giggled, loving the cute little song even though it made little sense.
"Of course he'd come up with something so annoying." Kyo rolled his eyes but Marley could see the slightest twinge of a smile and knew there was no true venom behind those words.
"Awww. That's because you're not singing along. Momiji and I can teach you the words." Marley offered already knowing the response she would get.
"No way."
Momiji heard the song once they crossed the street and sang along with Marley as she began the song again. Marley did a little spin; smiling wide up at her orange-haired friend. Kyo reached out and grabbed Marley's cheeks and made her look up at him, asking why she felt the need to torture him so.
"You're driving me crazy." Kyo told her, his hands cradling her face, careful not to be too rough.
"Sorry, sometimes the look on your face when you're being a grump is too cute." As soon as those words left Marley's lips, she felt her cheeks burn and she jumped away to try and hide them. She was too caught up in herself that she hadn't realized that Kyo's face was brighter than her own red face.
"Um... okay bye. See you later! Have a good weekend." Marley made her escape, walking fast to the crossroads towards her dance studio while grabbing Momiji's hand to pull him along. Kyo covered his face with his hand, wondering when his heart would stop trying to jump out of his chest.
Momiji looked up at Marley, her cheeks still red as she muttered in a language he couldn't understand. His curious brown eyes looked back at Kyo and then up at Marley and small smile fell upon the young blonde boy's lips. It wasn't an overly toothy smile, just a small gentle smile.
He could see something unfolding bit by bit and wondered what the future held for girl who he treasured.
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.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
.
.
"We need to talk." Kyo's voice had been so steady.
The truth is there's something I have to tell him too.
I realized it that day.
The real reason I first called out to Kyo-Kun.
The original reason I fell in love with him...
Nervous fingers played with the edge of a handkerchief as she waited for her date to arrive.. It was freshly pressed and the delicate stitching was still intact. Marley had taken good care of it and washed it with care before she returned it to Kagura.
"It's very beautiful Kagura, thank you for letting me borrow it. You should show it to Kyo! I bet he would be flattered over the cute orange cats." Marley had smiled at Kagura and even threw her a wink as if to say 'I'm cheering you on'.
Her warm smile almost pissed Kagura off because even though she knew Marley wasn't mocking her, it felt like a kick to her heart.
Kagura gritted her teeth a little, the true realization starting to hit her that this would be the last time that she could spend time with him like this.
Bright orange hair out of the corner of Kagura's eyes stopped her train of thought and she jumped up from her spot and yelled out his name The excitement over seeing Kyo distracting her from the sad feeling deep in her heart.
"Kyo-Kuuun! Kyo-kun, over here!" Kagura gleefully called him over, her loud voice and excited antics drew the attention of others around the station.
"I'm here!" Kagura waved him down as he was approaching.
"No need to tell the whole neighborhood..." Kyo sighed as he approached.
"Kyo-kun, I'm impressed! You came, and right on time! Although I got here half an hour earlier. Are you impressed?!" She leaned forward as she stared up at him.
"Huh? Yeah...pretty admirable I guess." He mumbled unenthusiastically but Kagura didn't feel defeated yet.
"You're too darn depressing! This is a date, so let's be cheerful!" She needed to make the most of this day.
"You're way too upbeat." Kyo just seemed completely uninterested and Kagura was hit with another wave of sadness as she was reminded.
Kyo didn't want to be here.
...who am I kidding?
He only agreed to this.. because I twisted his arm more or less.
"So? Where should we go? You got a place in mind?" Kyo asked, wanting to get a move on.
"Yeah, kind of.. I thought maybe we could start by seeing a movie but you're not that interested...are you?"
"..Not really." The last time Kyo had been in a movie theater was valentine's day when he had been guilted into going on a double date and they ended up watching an anime movie.
"You're still not big on TV? If you watch now, no one will get angry you know?"
"Nah, it's not that.." Unknown to Kagura, Kyo's mind had wandered to sitting on the tatami mat in Marley's living room. Watching movies on the large screen as her bright eyes would dart back and forth between what was happening on screen and him, eagerly wanting to point something out.
Kagura was perplexed at the calm look on Kyo's face and wondered what was going through his head.
He didn't yell at me. Even though normally he'd be like 'IT'S NONE OF YOUR DAMN BUSINESS!' until just recently..
But...that's right.
Kyo-Kun wasn't always...a short-tempered grump.
Kagura thought of that young boy she had found drawing pictures of eggs in the dirt. How he ran from her when she asked if he was the cat.
He had feared his mother getting angry with him for talking to others and Kagura had to explain that she was part of the Zodiac too while she held onto his ankle to keep him from running away.
The Cat didn't have any friends. He was all alone. He wasn't even allowed to watch TV because his mother told him it was full of 'bad stuff'.
So, she offered to play with him and promised to always be by his side.
Kyo-Kun... I'm awful... aren't I...
"Well, shall we go?" Kagura offered and Kyo raised a brow.
"Go... like I said- go where?" Kyo asked and Kagura just winked and led the way. The path was familiar and Kyo soon recognized the area as they got closer. He stopped in his tracks when they came to a small flight of stairs.
"Kagura.." Kyo called to her, trying to figure out what her reason was for bringing him here.
"Ah.. you figured out where we're headed?" Kagura asked as she smiled shyly over at him.
"Yeah." Kyo looked less than excited
"A place from our past." Kagura stated as she climbed up the steps.
"Here we are!" Kagura spread her arms out as she walked out on the green grass, a lush park that overlooked the neighborhood with a few kids that were playing amongst themselves.
"Kids still play here. I wonder if they're Sohma kids from the outside.."
"There's nothing here but we still managed to sneak out of the compound often to come here and play." There wasn't a lot places that Kyo was able to go and the two had to be careful not to get caught by disapproving adults.
"Kyo-Kun, you may not want to get too close to it but the Sohma compound is right over there." Kagura pointed and Kyo's orange eyes glanced over to the closed off neighborhood. He had only been to one house in the Sohma compound. One that he had 'snuck' into on a pretty regular basis. He could see the house nestled in a corner of its own, the familiar roof and balcony where some stylish patio furniture sat along with a drying rack.
"Here.. is where I first saw your true form Kyo-Kun." Kagura reminisced and Kyo could remember that moment like it was yesterday. Even though he wished he could forget it.
The young Kagura had wanted to try on the bracelet she always saw Kyo wearing. The boy tried to keep it on, pulling back and wanting to run.
You didn't want to do it but I forced you.
"After that.. Your mother let you out of the house less and less, right Kyo-Kun. And you started to avoid me. You built a distance between us. But it wasn't really you..." She had known that for a long time that it hadn't actually been Kyo who had pulled away after the incident.
I'm the one who built that distance.
"Kyo-Kun.. I felt miserable about being born, possessed by a spirit." Kagura admitted as she sat down on a large pile of pipes.
"When I was little, my parents would often fight over me. And every time I saw Mama crying alone.. it tore me up inside. I hated myself so much. I felt so insecure..." That twisted feeling in her heart was bubbling up even now just thinking about it.
"But then I was really happy the day I met you. You made me feel... okay about myself. Because I knew..." Those ugly thoughts rearing their head once more. That ugly, twisted part of herself which she hated.
"That as bad as I had it, my sorrows were nothing... compared to the cat." The Boar stated, her pity for the Cat now out in the open.
Compared to this boy who drew fried eggs in the dirt all by himself.
I didn't feel so worthless.
I didn't feel sorry for myself anymore. People didn't hate me... at least, not compared to you.
"That's right.. I felt normal around you. That's why was with you... all that time. I was looking down on you, Kyo-Kun." Kagura admitted.
I'm a terrible person, aren't I?
I'm the absolute worst.
On that day when I ran away from you.. I was terrified- but also disgusted with myself.
I found myself utterly revolting. I hated what happened next. I wanted you to forget it ever happened.
I dreamed of becoming a 'pure' version of myself who could accept 'Kyo-Kun the monster'.
Not realizing that line of thinking was just as vile...
"I thought If I could fall in love with you.. If I could get close to you again.. If you would fall in love with me... Then the 'me' who ran away, the 'scumbag me', would probably disappear like she'd never been there." If she could smile and hold him close then that meant she could erase that ugly part of herself.
It was a love based on purely selfish reasoning.
I realized everything when I saw her run after you
And it was cemented even more when I saw her come back with you in her arms
Not once had I ever thought about your pain, Kyo-Kun. I was always..
Yes. In the end... I only ever thought about myself.
I never thought about your feelings, Kyo-Kun, even though you'd been rejected.
I was always chasing after you for my own sake.
Even though you must have been broken hearted after being abandoned.
"I'm sorry... I'm sorry, Kyo-Kun. I'm sorry..." She wanted her words to reach him, her feelings of remorse just seemed to be radiating out of her and Kyo couldn't help but feel the slightest bit of pity.
"You don't have to go to all this trouble, sayin' stuff that'll just hurt you." Kyo finally spoke, he had heard enough and he didn't want Kagura to carry this guilt with her.
"Kagura.. I'm not and I never was in love with you. I'll never fall in love with you. That's all I was wanted to say. You looking down on me and all that... I don't care." Kyo honestly did not care as he wasn't concerned with how Kagura or the other Zodiacs treated him. He had wasted too much time already on useless connections.
"There's nothing to apologize for." He promised.
"Maybe... but I wanted to tell you.. my own little confession. And I'm glad I did. AHHHHH! It feels like a weight off my chest! When I feel refreshed like this, I get hungry for some reason." Kagura stood up and stretched up towards the sky, exaggerating the relief she felt.
You don't have to treat me with kid gloves. Either way.. I ..knew it wouldn't work.
Deep in her heart, Kagura always knew she could never close that distance that she had created. But she was stubborn and desperate to try.
"Well.. that's it. I'm going home." Kagura went to walk away, repeating to herself that this was the end.
This is goodbye.
"Kagura..."
"Whatever your reasons were for playing with me.. I was happy." Kyo was honest, even though he was never in love with Kagura. He had been so thankful that she had played with him, even if it was for a short while.
"Thank you." He sincerely was thankful for the friendship they had when they were kids. Kagura stared back at him, her heart squeezing at the sight of him standing there. He looked so grown up. At peace almost as the wind blew through his orange hair.
It was a love.. born form my selfishness.
But the way Kyo-Kun would call my name... his awkwardness...
"Kagura-neechan!" A child with bright orange hair and a brighter smile ran for her, pure joy on his face. No one had ever been so happy to see her, no one smiled at her that way.
Somewhere along the line..
"Kyo-chan! Kyo-chan!" Kagura cried as she had the realization that even if it started with ill-intentions, The feelings she had for him had grown into something more than that pity. It bloomed into something beautiful deep in her heart.
It became real.
I honestly was chasing after him for real.
"Kyo-chan.. I love you... I DO LOVE YOU..." Kagura wanted her words to reach him. She needed him to know how she truly did feel. Even if he couldn't return her feelings, he needed to know that she did love him.
Believe me!
Believe me... believe me...
Kyo stayed with Kagura until she stopped crying, her tears dampening his shirt as she held onto him for dear life.
.
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Marley hummed along to music coming from her computer as her eyes stayed concentrated on the needle and thread in her hand. Hemming the pleated skirt had taken more time than she originally thought and what had supposed to have been a small break from her zodiac research had taken up most of her evening.
The day had been filled with chores, homework, and Marley's own little projects since yesterday she had a full evening with Momiji. They had gotten dressed up, went to a nice Thai restaurant that Momiji really liked and the concert had been amazing.
A small tap at the glass made her halt in her movements and she looked at her window to see a small bird tapping at the glass as it looked outside.
"I know you want to go outside but just one last vet visit, just to make sure. You'll be flying free in no time." Marley smiled at the little bird as it hopped around the windowsill.
As if to argue, the small bird flew onto her head, proving that he could indeed fly.
Marley giggled and praised the bird's flight. He chirped and even though she knew he couldn't understand her, it was fun to think he could and his little chirps were saying 'See! I fly just fine.'
A sharp ring tone went off on Marley's desk and Zazu flew back into his cage, hiding from the sound. Marley picked up the phone was surprised to see who was calling.
Shigure House Phone -
"Moshi moshi?" Marley answered, wondering whose voice would come through.
"Marley-Chan! Good evening!" Tohru's excited voice came through and Marley felt a little bit of relief.
"Tohru! Hey, how are you?"
"Would.. would you be interested in coming over for dinner?" Tohru asked and Marley quickly agreed. Tetsuo was out for the evening and the house was so quiet since everyone seemed to already have plans. She said she would be there soon as she carefully started putting away her half-done sewing project next to her Zodiac notes on the desk.
She had been lounging in some jean shorts and simple white tee, so she grabbed an oversized maroon cardigan she had inherited from her father in case it got cooler. Marley was out the door, only rushing back once to make sure Zazu was safe in his cage.
"Whoops." Marley quickly stepped back in her room to grab her silver locket from her nightstand, slipping it over her head with ease.
The walk was quite nice and Marley was soon inside Shigure's house who seemed surprised to see her.
"Marley-Chan, what a pleasant surprise." He grinned down at her and Marley bowed her head a little, thanking him for having her in his house.
"I-uh yes. Tohru Invited me." Marley was a little uncertain when it came to Shigure. It was a conflicting feeling because while she knew it was a good thing she learned about Akito's actions; she was still unsettled with Shigure's attitude towards her.
It felt like he was somehow trying to size her up so Marley made sure to stand up tall.
Marley could tell that the Dog of the Zodiac certainly wasn't her biggest fan but she couldn't figure out why.
And right now, she wasn't feeling up to finding out.
"Ah Tohru-Kun asked if she could invite a friend over for dinner, I just assumed it would be the blonde or the goth friend." Shigure explained.
"Well, um, thank you for having me." Marley was still sitting in the genkan, waiting to be invited inside but Shigure just stood there; staring at her.
"Marley-Chan!" Tohru hopped down the stairs and was quick to invite Marley inside and Shigure walked off to somewhere else in the house.
"Oh, Marley-Chan, I would like to introduce you to someone!" Tohru seemed so excited, hardly noticing the strange interaction between Marley and Shigure.
"Oh, is someone else here?" Marley asked as Tohru latched onto her wrist and brought her upstairs to her room.
"Marley-Chan, this is Chou-Chan and Tenshi-Chan." Tohru gestured to two graceful fish in a tank on her desk.
Butterfly and Angel
"Oh, how cute!" Marley got her face close to the glass so she could get a better look at the fish. Cooing at how pretty they were.
"They're from the summer festival. Miguel-Kun tried so hard to win some." Tohru smiled as she thought of the recent memory, her eyes full of fondness.
"Miguel got them?" Marley asked as she continued to watch the two fish swim around, looking almost like they were dancing through the water, their delicate fins looking like silk.
"Ah no. Actually, I was lucky enough to fish them. I gave them to Miguel-Kun.. but he wouldn't have been able to take them to America so he asked for me to look after them." Tohru explained, her cheeks all flush.
Cute
"We should send him a picture!" Marley decided as she brought out her smart phone and opened up her camera.
"W-would that be okay?" Tohru stuttered as sending a picture seemed so extravagant when Miguel lived on the other side of the world.
"Of course! Here." Marley took a picture, making sure her flash was off to not disturb the fish and then turned the camera towards Tohru.
"And then one with you in it!" Marley snapped a quick shot of Tohru, her face looking a little shocked but still very cute. Marley showed Tohru the picture to get her approval and she frantically asked if Marley would take another one.
"Miguel-Kun is really special." Tohru said as she looked at the small photo she had framed from their date to the summer festival on her dresser.
"He is. I was really lucky to have him in my life." Marley said as she sent off the photos to Miguel along with a little wink emoji saying that his and Tohru's fish children were being well taken care of.
Tohru didn't miss the past tense of the sentence.
"Do.. do you feel like you no longer have him in your life?" Tohru was still having trouble trying to figure out the relationship between the two.
"I-… I know he's still in my life. I still love him very dearly, like family of course. And seeing both Miguel and Gabi was really nice... but it feels weird to be around them sometimes. I kept expecting my parents to jump into the conversations..." Marley admitted. It was like they were part of a past life, Gabi had even called Marley 'Chandra' a few times. So much of her memories of Gabi and Miguel had her parents intertwined with them and sometimes it left her feeling melancholy.
"But seeing him with you was probably one of my favorite memories from this summer." Marley teased the brunette. It was true, it was like Marley was watching a little rom-com whenever she noticed Tohru and Miguel hanging out. All she was really missing was some popcorn.
"Really?!" Tohru's face went a little red but she shook her head. There had been something she had been wanting to ask her friend and she felt this could be a good time.
"Marley-Chan. Who was Miguel to you? I thought perhaps he was... a boyfriend?" She decided to ask and Marley laughed nervously even though she had been wondering if Tohru would ask.
"Ah.. not really. I mean... maybe? It's complicated. He was my best friend. The only true friend that I felt that I had..." Marley's eyes left Tohru's to watch the fish, in her mind she played all of her memories she had with Miguel.
"He told me he was in love with me and I wasn't sure how I felt... I knew that I loved him but I didn't know if I was in love." He had looked so sincere, and Marley feared that if she rejected him, it would hurt him and she didn't want that.
"Then I got some... bad advice from some friends at the ballet studio." Marley grimaced, embarrassed she had listened to them at all.
"You do know that if you reject him, he's gonna ghost you."
"Why not just find out if you feel that way? You've never dated anyone right. Plus, he's super hot."
"So... in fear of losing the friendship I treasured so much. I agreed to date him and it made him so happy that it made everything seem okay." Marley would have done anything to make the people in her life happy, anything that was in her power.
"But you didn't love him that way." Tohru's own heart was breaking as she thought how it must have torn Marley apart. She could perfectly understand that fear of losing someone. Of having them leave you behind.
"No." Marley bit the inside of her cheek, embarrassed and ashamed. She had practically played with Miguel's heart, even if that wasn't her intention.
"Things seemed to escalate and I kept waiting to feel the way I was supposed to feel. It got to a point... where he wanted to sleep together and I didn't see the big deal." Thinking back on it, Marley realized just how young and naive she was. So eager to try and learn to love him, willing to do anything if she thought it might help.
I didn't want to be alone...
"If I was going to lose my virginity, I wanted it to be with someone I trusted and knew would take care of me. He was patient, gentle, and nervous as well. But... I finally couldn't do it anymore." Marley slightly choked.
Miguel had taken such good care of her even though he himself was so excited and nervous. Marley remembered how sweet he was.
Which made it even harder when she realized she couldn't do it anymore.
Marley would never forget the look in his eyes when he realized that Marley was trying to force herself through it.
"I started crying... asking him if he was done while he was still hovering over me.. And it clicked for him that I wasn't... interested." She had broken his heart.
"He was so upset and heartbroken. Told me that I had humiliated him and he stormed off and wouldn't speak to me. Then … I got sick and was hospitalized and ….. I thought I would never see him again." Marley remembered being in the hospital, wondering if getting sick was karma for what she had done. For being such a selfish person.
It was the worst thing... I hated myself for it.
"I just... I told myself that I just wanted him to be happy and I would do anything to make him so. But.. I think I was also afraid of being left. That he would just toss me away if I couldn't give him what he wanted. It wasn't fair for me to do that to him.. just because I was afraid." Marley still felt sick thinking about it but took a deep breath to calm herself. What was done was done and now her and Miguel were friends again.
"So it was amazing to see him again and I feel like we are at a good place now. And I got to see him with you and how happy you made him. And I hope he made you happy too." Marley's smile was so full of sincerity that any doubt she had about Marley and Miguel was gone.
"Yes of course he did. Miguel-Kun was... he is such a wonderful person and I am so happy I get to know him. Ano... Marley-Chan?" Tohru looked like she was getting herself ready to ask another serious question.
"Hmm?"
"Can.. can you please help me make an email account?" Tohru asked, bowing her head to Marley who blinked at the gesture; not used to having a friend bow to her.
"Of course! Do you have a computer?" Marley looked around but saw nothing and she knew that Tohru didn't have a smart phone.
Tohru's not the most tech-savvy person but it is surprising that she doesn't even have an e-mail.
"Um. I'm sure Shigure has one. I'm sure he wouldn't mind if we asked." Marley suggested but she honestly didn't really want to ask Shigure anything.
"I could never, it seems like too much." Tohru waved her hands, rejecting the idea so Marley offered up something else.
"Well how about we use of the ones at school tomorrow?"
"Yes, that works perfectly." Tohru was almost embarrassed she hadn't thought of that first but computers where far from her forte. She had completely forgotten about the school computers that were available to students.
"And then you can message Miguel!" Marley had figured out why Tohru wanted to get an email address.
That comment made Tohru turn into a tomato and Marley giggled, her heart warm at the two sending each other messages and maybe even growing their relationship.
"Oh! I should get dinner started." Tohru clapped her hands together, a 'get ready to work' look in her eyes.
"I'll help." Marley offered, looking forward to whatever Tohru had planned.
"You're a guest, I couldn't possibly." Tohru became flustered but Marley simply pushed back.
"Please, I really would love to help. It was fun cooking together at the summer house." Marley used her large amethyst eyes to her advantage, staring Tohru down til' she gave in. Soon the two girls were working together in the kitchen while Yuki would poke his head in now and then. It reminded Marley of a child peeking in on, impatient for dinner to be served.
"Thanks again for inviting me Tohru, I needed a break.. I feel like I've spent most of the day with my nose in a book." Marley helped place some dishes down on the table before taking a seat.
"So much homework already? The new term just started." Shigure tsked, commenting that kids these days had less and less time to be kids.
He wasn't necessarily wrong but Marley could sense he was teasing her somehow.
"Ah, not too much school work really. More like some side research." Marley had been to the library earlier that day to grab some various books.
"Side research?" Shigure raised a brow, curious as to what Marley could be researching. Marley wasn't sure if she should reveal that she had been studying the Zodiac legend or mention the 10 or so different books she had stacked in her room.
"Just some East Asian lores and fairytales. Thought it would be fun to look into." Marley tried to brush it off as it if it was nothing, but something clicked for Shigure. The Dog of the Zodiac hid his smirk behind his fan, wishing Marley luck in her 'research'.
"Is Kyo not coming to dinner?" Marley noticed that the boy was missing from the dinner table.
"He's out-" Tohru stopped when she remembered what Kyo was out doing. He had told her that he was out doing an errand, but Shigure and Yuki had accused him of going on a date with Kagura.
Tohru wondered if maybe she shouldn't say anything more but now she just seemed more suspicious and Marley raised a brow. So someone decided to break the news to Marley.
"He's on a date with Kagura." Shigure spilled and all three looked to see what Marley's reaction would be.
"Oh... That's nice. I hope they're having a good time. I know Kagura's been excited to spend more time with him." Marley nervously laughed and Yuki looked over at Shigure, sending him a glare at him but he simply winked back at him.
The rest of the dinner went along, and Marley ignored the heavy feeling in her chest. Waiting for it pass while asking the others of the household how their lives were. Marley learned that Shigure was in the middle of writing a new suspense novel and Yuki got to meet the rest of the school council and they sounded like a fun bunch.
He didn't seem thrilled about it but it looked like he would try his best to get along with them.
Yuki went into a bit more detail and it begun a discussion about Ayame's time as student council president. Marley wasn't really paying attention. She tried and would nod her head and agree to random things now and then but her mind kept drifting to Kyo and Kagura on their date.
What where they up to? A movie? The park?
Marley shook her head and Tohru asked if everything was alright. Slightly embarrassed for letting her mind wander like that, she just said everything was fine.
The white-blonde helped clean up after dinner and mentioned she still had some stuff to do at home before bed and couldn't stay long.
"Thank you for having me for dinner, it was a nice change of scenery." Marley thanked her hosts as she stood at the doorway.
"At least let Yuki walk you back." Shigure pointed out that it was so dark out and there could be weirdos hanging around.
"Ah, no its fine really. It's not that far." Marley shook her head, not wanting to drag Yuki out for no reason and feeling confident that she would be just fine.
"I don't mind Marley-San, it's no trouble at all." Before Marley could really argue more, Yuki had put on his shoes and was ready to go. So, as she felt too tired to really push back, she accepted and thanked Tohru once more before leaving on Yuki's arm.
She didn't notice the Rat of the Zodiac tense up as she hooked her arm around his. It was just a habit of hers when walking with someone around her height.
It really was a beautiful evening, not a cloud in the night sky and the temperature was perfect. Marley couldn't help but think how it was perfect evening for a date.
"It's a gorgeous night." Yuki attempted to start up a conversation and Marley agreed; thanking him again for walking with her.
"You know... Why don't we go on a date?" Yuki proposed and Marley looked at him with a slight look of shock.
"A date? Prince Yuki asking me on date?" She couldn't help but tease a little as she felt that Yuki was trying to give her a pity date of some sort.
"It's sweet of you, but I don't think I want the Yuki fan club after me."
"You shouldn't worry by the way. Kagura and Kyo. They aren't actually a couple."
"Why would I be worried?" Marley nervously laughed and Yuki seemed to give her the look that said he wasn't buying it. Marley felt silly for being figured out so easily.
"But they did go on a date..." She pointed out and even if the two weren't in a serious relationship, that didn't mean that Kagura still didn't have real feelings for Kyo. Marley felt guilty for even having a crush on the boy Kagura was in love with.
The crush wasn't going away as easily as Marley was hoping.
"Will you... no. I don't think I can tell you." Marley did want to talk to someone but had found it hard to find someone. Isuzu was who she wanted to talk to about it but she had shot down her feelings for Kyo in a heartbeat.
She figured she could talk to Tohru but worried if she would be able to keep a straight face when around Kyo and herself. And what if Tohru told Hana and Uo? They would never let Marley or Kyo hear the end of it.
"I know that you carry a deep hatred to Kyo. Doesn't feel right to talk about him with you." Just like that Marley's hand began slipping from Yuki's arm and he felt a wave of guilt over the disdain in her words.
The air became awkward around the two as they continued walking along the road to the Sohma estate. Marley stared down at her sneakers as they walked, and Yuki could sense the disappointment. The sigh that came from Marley had sounded so disheartening that even Yuki was surprised about what left his mouth next.
"I won't say anything...unpleasant about Kyo for the rest of this walk. I will be as quiet as-"
"a mouse?" Marley finished and the two laughed before Yuki placed his hand over his heart and bowed his head. He really did look like a prince in this moment.
"I promise." Yuki figured if he could jump off a cliff into the ocean then he could resist talking badly about Kyo for 5 minutes.
"Alright." Marley was still a little skeptical, but she figured it was a step in the right direction. She wrapped her arm around his and the two continued their walk.
"I don't know when it started to be honest. . Just a crush though, nothing serious or anything." Marley
"But it's strange. Just thinking of him and Kagura on a date. This striking pain.. made me almost worry that maybe my heart wasn't working again." Marley tried to joke and her hand hovered right above her surgery scar.
"They aren't really dating. Kagura is just very... forceful." Yuki tried to find the right words, hoping it would make Marley feel a little mor secure.
"Maybe. I've only really caught of glimpse of them together now and then." Marley thought back on the moments she had seen Kagura and Kyo together and it was true that Kyo never looked entirely happy. A part of Marley just assumed that maybe Kyo was just shy and embarrassed.
"I actually first met Kagura when she was crying over Kyo, who had just returned from training in the mountains." Marley had been mowed down by a stampeding Kagura.
"I even cheered her on. Hinting that maybe cooking would be the way into his heart." Marley and Kagura had spent a whole day cooking. Hiro, Kisa and Tetsuo had served as taste testers. Kagura had a lot of natural cooking talent and was fun to be around.
"So that's why Kagura cooked all the food in the household when she visited." It was hard to forget when Kagura had become so heated that she bust a huge hole in the second floor, making Kyo crash into the table full of freshly cooked food.
"I heard about that. When she her heart set on something, she goes all the way." Marley giggled.
"She really does try hard though... and I believe she really does love him. I could see it in the way she told me about him. I was a little jealous as I never really felt that way about anyone. Not romantically at least." Marley admitted.
And now, Marley found herself jealous of Kagura in general as she would have a chance with Kyo that Marley felt she could never have.
The two were never that close but Kagura was still a fun friend who was a great shopping buddy. But Marley could tell that Kagura had seemed to distance herself from Marley in the past few months. She received less texts and they had not gone shopping together since late spring.
She wondered if a part of her was glad that they hadn't seen too much of each other because Marley felt guilty for having feelings for Kyo in the first place; like it was a betrayal.
"I think I still am jealous.. Kagura will understand Kyo in ways I never will. It just.. hurts thinking that I'll always be unable to be there." Marley was clearly disappointed in herself and Yuki couldn't believe that she was this hard on herself.
Things he had never noticed before since he had always seen her as this strong person who seemed confident and had no reason to be jealous of anyone.
"Marley-San-" There were so many things that Yuki wanted to say but it seemed their time had ended.
"We've reached the Estate." Marley announced as she unlinked herself from Yuki.
She was right, and she was already standing at the threshold, the large gates looking intimidating.
"Don't worry. I can make it from here.." She said so with an understanding smile.
He wanted to follow and talk a little longer, it looked like she needed it. But he hadn't prepared himself to walk into the Sohma Estate and found himself frozen at the front gate.
"I used to wonder... why you never came around to the Sohma estate. I tried to invite you over but Hatsuharu said he doubted you would come.." Marley looked at the large doors. To her they meant she was close to home but she could now understand why others would feel different.
Yuki had been one of the abused Zodiac members. Abused by Akito's hands and still suffering because of the curse.
Marley didn't need to know the details. She could see the fear in his eyes. She had seen it at the beach with Akito and she could see it here as he stood in front of the gates.
"I'm sorry that you've experienced so much pain here."
I'm sorry I didn't see it sooner, blinded by my friendship with Akito...
"I hope one day... that you'll be able to come over to my home for a warm cup of tea." Marley's eyes were so inviting and full of warmth, Yuki felt his breath leave his body just for a moment.
Without the fear of being trapped
"Walk home safely, Yuki. I'll see you at school tomorrow. And thank you, for listening." Marley bowed her head and continued in, walking tall as she entered the compound. Yuki wondered if he too would one day walk that tall while in the Sohma compound. If he could just borrow a bit of that strength.
He wished he could cross that threshold and walk Marley all the way. He wished that he could be strong enough to support her. He wished he could make her smile they way-
Yuki shook his head, wanting to give Kyo a piece of his mind for hurting Marley's feelings like this. His own bitter jealousy brewing in his heart.
Maybe Kyo would pick a fight with him soon just so Yuki could send him flying across the yard.
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The door slid open and the Boar of the Zodiac dragged her tired body through the opening, slipping off her shoes and heading to her room. Her mother came to greet her but was startled by the look on her daughter's face.
"Kagura? What's wrong? You look..." The woman tried to fret over her daughter but Kagura simply shook her head.
"It's nothing.. I'm just going to go to bed." Kagura tried to walk past but her mother was adamant and tried to get Kagura to tell her what happened.
"It's obviously not nothing! Your eyes are all puffy.. did something happen? My poor baby.." She tried to console her child but Kagura brushed her off.
"Believe me. I'm no 'poor baby'. I brought this on myself and it was about time for me to face the music." Kagura had a sad smile on her face. She stared at the floor and her mother could only wonder as to what had happened.
"Thanks for worrying about me Mama." She was sincere in her words and Kagura felt lucky to have such a mother, especially since she was a child of the Zodiac and knew that it had been tough. She wished her mother goodnight and escaped to her room.
I'm sorry. I don't need any pity or sympathy.
I don't intend to share these feelings.. with anyone.
Kagura nestled herself at her window and looked out at the starry night, going over the day again and again in her head. Trying to hold on tight to what memories she had that where hers and hers alone.
Her finger played with a pink thread on her custom handkerchief while she watched the wind make the branches of the tree outside her window. She moved her gaze to the cloth with the little orange cats and pink hearts. It was time to say goodbye.
The heartbroken girl sat up properly and slightly grunted as she opened up her window. She held out the hand with the cloth to the wind and told herself to let go.
But she couldn't.
All her memories with Kyo will still with her and even though today's memory hurt, she was still happy how Kyo just let her cry into his chest til' she had calmed down a bit.
Heartbreak, happiness.
These emotions are mine alone.
She brought her hand back inside, the cloth she had made with love still in her hand.
The Kyo-Kun from back then is also mine alone.
Unlike me he didn't apologize. He thanked me.
He stayed with me until I stopped crying.
Kagura nestled back into pillows as she held the cloth to her heart, holding on just a little longer.
Kyo-Kun...
Be mine alone.
At least until the dawn breaks.
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Notes:
Moshi-Moshi:It's how you start a telephone call in Japanese, and it's also used if you think your call has been disconnected. It's basic meaning, therefore, is something like "is someone there?" or "is anyone listening?"
Genkan (玄関) are traditional Japanese entryway areas for a house, apartment, or building, a combination of a porch and a doormat. It is usually located inside the building directly in front of the door. The primary function of genkan is for the removal of shoes before entering the main part of the house or building.
Anyone recognize Momiji's hot spring song from the 1st anime XD i just had to put it in as I was sad the new anime went without it.
Thank you for reading. School has started back up, Marley is taking on more work, Tohru is gonna join the digital age and Kyo is starting to grow up. Kagura has come to terms with her feelings, Yuki is still figuring out his, and Isuzu is on a mission. A lot of stuff is going on.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I'm thankful for your patience.
A HUGE thank you to those who left reviews last chapter. Such a nice warm welcome back after being gone for so long.
Don't forget to leave a review, I love hearing feedback.
also, side note...OMG I can't believe the anime is almost done, even though I don't really watch it. It just feels strange to watch Fruits Basket now and Marley not be present.