Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ You turned him into a cat! ❯ Part 2 ( Chapter 2 )
[ A - All Readers ]
By: Kimmiko16 
Part 2 of 2 (finished)
Anime/Manga: Fruits Basket Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Comedy | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 01.18.2007 | Pages: 8 | Words: 10.1K | Visits: 208 | Status: Completed
Part 2 of 2 (finished)
Anime/Manga: Fruits Basket Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Comedy | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 01.18.2007 | Pages: 8 | Words: 10.1K | Visits: 208 | Status: Completed
A month had passed since Akasha and Kimmiko had found out about the curse and promptly accepted it. Akito had decided that they could both keep their memories of the Zodiac and life went back to what very few might call normal. Akasha and Kyo became closer as did Kimmiko and Haru. No one outside the circle of four friends knew about their relationships, it wasn't a secret they just didn't make a show of it. Shigure and his perverted mind suspected it, but said nothing letting them have their fun.
School was as boring as ever and Yuki still harbored an intense dislike for Kimmiko that she mirrored. Yuki who was oblivious to Akasha and Kyo's relationship had been trying to spend more time with her to Kyo's annoyance. Kimmiko pointed this out to Akasha who could do nothing about it since she didn't want to hurt the rat’s feelings. To Kimmiko's confusion Akasha didn't actually 'hate' Yuki like she did; she just didn't like him as a person. Haru had been watching the interactions between the rat and the cat and had started to share Kimmiko's feelings for the rodent.
Haru and Kyo had stopped fighting altogether and had become something that closely resembled friends, but Kyo was still to stubborn to admit it and Haru didn't care what people thought of their friendship. The both the girls' disappointment Kyo didn't change again and they had never gotten to see Haru's second form, though neither girl had tried to make them transform or that would have probably changed.
The girls had met Ayame and to everyone's surprise Kimmiko actually got along with him, she just said she got along with him because she couldn't stand Yuki. Ayame liked Akasha right away and had even offered to make her 'a dress fitting for a princess such as herself' she laughed him off at the time, but he had surprised her by actually making one.
Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that people who have the most live the longest!
"Oh my god!" Akasha said stopping to point when she saw Kimmiko. Kimmiko looked up and blinked slowly.
"What?" She asked eyebrows knitting together in confusion.
"You're wearing a skirt! You never wear skirts, is something wrong? Are you sick? Wait! Are you trying to impress Haru?" Akasha asked slyly, Kimmiko snickered shaking her head.
"Nothings wrong, I'm not sick and I don't try and impress anyone."
"Oh!" Akasha paused for a moment and turned back to Kimmiko. "So why are you wearing a skirt?" She asked again looking at the black and red mini skirt that she was wearing over black leggings.
"It adds to the gothic look." Kimmiko admitted making Akasha laugh and shake her head.
"Always for the dramatic aren't you?" Kimmiko stuck her tongue out making Akasha snicker again.
"Not really, I like the clothes, they're comfortable and they allow me to laugh shallow minded people." She tapped her lip in thought looking at Akasha quietly. "You know I always have some extra clothes if you want to try out 'the look'."
"I'll have to think about that." Akasha said amid laughter. Kimmiko stopped; they were at their destination, Shigure's house. She turned to grin at Akasha before picking up a small stone and throwing it gently at Kyo's window. It hit its mark and moments later Kyo was looking down at them.
"Hi Kyo," Kimmiko said waving up at the annoyed frown. "Can you come out and play?" He raised an eyebrow as Akasha started to laugh again.
"Kimmi, use the door like a normal person!" Kyo said in his usual annoyed voice. "And yes I can come and play, Haru is over and Shigure wanted to talk to you." Kyo finished the long (for him) speech.
"Wanted to talk to whom?" Akasha asked clearing it up.
"Kimmi, he said he had a book she might want to read."
"Really?" Kimmiko asked stepping forward.
"Yeah, but I think it's just his smut." Kyo said disgustedly, Kimmiko made an amused sound in the back of her throat.
"Alright then," She said saluting Kyo and making him shake his head. "Let’s go 'Kasha!" They walked forward and knocked on the wooden door, having to wait just a few seconds before Shigure answered the door clothed in his usual gray kimono.
"Ahh, it’s the loveable Goth and her beautiful sidekick!" Both the girls grinned as they followed the dog into the house.
"Yeah, but I'm more of the sidekick material. See the hero gets to pick who gets saved and me... well I'd let the people save their own lazy butts, but if I only had to follow a hero then I'd be much better off."
"Actually you'd make a great villain; you sure have the look down." Yuki said softly, Kimmiko turned to meet the cold violet eyes.
"Such compliments rat boy! You know what my first order of business would be after I gained control of the world?" When Yuki didn't answer she continued. "The first thing I'd do is... have Ayame make me a fitting wardrobe!" Yuki eyes narrowed to slits and he walked away, Kimmiko laughed manically for effect making Akasha laugh beside her, Shigure hid a chuckle with a cough.
"Is that seriously the first thing you'd do?" Kyo asked walking slowly down the stairs a disbelieving frown gracing his handsome face. Kimmiko couldn't help but start laughing again.
"Nope, the first thing I'd do is establish ground rules for my reign. You know sort of like what's acceptable and what is not, make the world into a dictatorship and crown myself the Empress of the world."
"Then she'd buy stock in the most gothic store she could find." Kimmiko turned to grin at Haru.
"My dear Haru... I own the world I don't have to buy stock in anything. I'll just snap my fingers." Kimmiko made a show of snapping her fingers before she turned back to Shigure. "You had a book for me?" At the mention of a novel the dog perked up and he started to get animated again.
"Oh yes! It's my newest novel, I though that you might want to read it?" Kimmiko nodded and smiled.
"If it’s a book I'm there! Plus I had something I wanted to ask you." Turning back to Akasha she grinned. “Be back in a few!" Following Shigure she disappeared into Shigure's office.
"Not that I'm not happy to see you, but what are you doing here?" Kyo asked sitting across for Akasha on the couch as Haru sat in a seat to the side of the room.
"Hmm, no reason really." She said slowly. "We just missed you guys and decided to come over."
"In other words you were bored?" Haru asked humor tinting his voice.
"No I was perfectly happy day dreaming about kitty cats, but Kimmiko was restless and couldn't get any work done on her writing. So since my suggestions couldn't help we decided that Shigure might have some advice. So I tagged along to come see you and I bet Kimmi's happy since Haru is over."
"How is your writing going 'Kasha?" Kyo asked softly making her grin again.
"It's going great! I just finished a project I've been working on and I have an idea for a new one."
"You write Miss Akasha?" Yuki's soft voice asked form the doorway, Akasha looked up and nodded meeting soft purple eyes; she wondered why he looked at her kindly when he seemed to hate Kimmiko almost as much as he hated Kyo.
"Yeah and what's it to you, ya damned rat?" Kyo asked glaring at Yuki.
"I wasn't talking to you, you stupid cat!" Akasha frowned and Kyo stood up angrily.
"You won't be calling me stupid after I mar that pretty face of yours." Yuki's eyes narrowed to slits as his frown deepened.
"I'd like to see you try!" Yuki said with a sneer in Kyo's direction. Haru watched as Kyo reached his limit and charged at Yuki who effortlessly caught Kyo's fist and twisted it behind his back. Yuki pushed Kyo forwards and he stumbled and fell turning over he glared at Yuki and tried to stand when he was stopped by a swift kick to the ribs. "You stupid cat! I can't wait for the day they lock you up for good!" Akasha bit back a hurt gasp as she watched Kyo's odd range of emotions. Haru growled angrily and stood up crossing the room swiftly to stand in front of Yuki. Yuki looked up just in time to see the fist that slammed into his jaw; he fell backwards against the wall surprise registered across his face.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Haru asked anger lacing his voice as he once again stalked forward grabbing Yuki's shirt and pinning him to the wall.
"You’re Black." Yuki stated calmly though there was a small note of fear that made his voice quaver.
"Bingo! The pretty boy got it!" Yuki brought his hands up trying to pry Haru's grip of his shirt, Haru snarled pushing Yuki harder against the wall. He let out a small whimper of pain as his hands fell to his sides again. "Give me one good reason Princess Yuki why I shouldn't hurt you." Yuki visibly swallowed but said nothing. "Don't just stand there looking like a retard! Maybe they should call you the stupid one instead of me!"
"H-Haru?" Kimmiko asked form the doorway her surprised eyes scanning the room. She took in Kyo still lying on the ground looking up in disbelief at Haru, who had Yuki pinned against the wall; Akasha knelt next to Kyo also watching the scene unfold. Haru turned slowly to meet her eyes making her blink in confusion.
"Hello Kimmi," Haru said letting go of Yuki and letting him slide to the floor, Kimmiko watched Yuki for a second before returning her gaze to Haru. "So nice of you to join us."
"Haru what's going on?" She demanded as he stopped in front of her.
"Just having some fun is all." He said lazily putting a hand against the wall on either side of her head effectively pinning her to the wall without touching her.
"Leave her alone!" Kimmiko looked over Haru's shoulder at Kyo who stood up holding his side like it pained him Akasha laid a hand on his arm letting him lean on her for a moment to catch his breath.
"Why should I kitten?" He asked cocking his head at Kyo yet making no move to free her. "I thought she was mine." Kyo glared at Haru and turned to Kimmiko.
"This isn't Haru," He admitted breathlessly.
"Of course I am!" Kyo ignored him and continued talking to Kimmiko.
"It's his second personality, his Black personality." Kimmiko raised an eyebrow and turned back to Haru searching his charcoal eyes for something.
"It's alright Kyo," She said softly humor evident in her voice. "He won't hurt me."
"Yeah, not unless she wants me to." Haru agreed turning back to Kimmiko and pressing his lips against hers. Kimmiko was confused as the kiss went form hungry to unsure before Haru pulled away quickly looking confused, the confusion turned to fear and guilt as he put two and two together coming to a conclusion as to how he ended up in this position. Slowly he let his arms drop to his sides he turned his head away. "I didn't hurt you did I?" He asked softly backing away from her. Kimmiko frowned and reached out grapping his jacket and stopping him, he looked up surprised to see annoyed green eyes glaring at him.
"Hatsaharu Sohma! I accept you as a cow and you back away like a coward when I find you have a second personality?! Sit down and explain this to me, because frankly I'm confused as hell." Haru's eyes widened in surprise before he allowed a very small smile to break his tight lipped frown. Kimmiko sighed and looked around the room at the various people, Shigure had made an appearance and was watching wide eyed, Yuki had slunk out of the room while she was distracted and Akasha and Kyo were still watching them, Akasha looked as confused as she felt and Kyo looked cautious and annoyed. Kimmiko started laughing making the group look at her like she had gone crazy.
"Kimmi, are you alright?" Akasha asked softly, Kimmiko held a hand up before Akasha could offer her assistance.
"Yes, I'm fine! I just found something funny is all." Kimmiko grinned at Akasha making her raise an eyebrow. "You want to be a vet, right? Well I thought it was funny that you’re tending to a hurt Cat." Kyo scowled making Akasha laugh.
"That is not funny!" Kyo insisted his glare intensifying; Akasha stopped laughing but kept her happy grin.
"Sorry Kyo," She said before turning back to Haru. "So you going to tell me what happened or what?"
"Yeah." Haru said quietly as everyone took their seats that had been vacated. He explained about the origins of his second half, that anger would trigger it and usually a well placed head shot would end it, usually happily given by either Yuki or Kyo. He went on to explain that since he and Kyo had become at least civil to one another they had not gotten into any fights to trigger his Black personality.
"So why didn't you tell us this sooner?" Akasha asked curiously after Haru's explanation.
"It was never an issue before," He said quietly picking absently at his pants. "Having multiple personalities isn't exactly something you bring up at the dinner table." Akasha nudged Kimmiko's foot making her look up.
"Interesting," She mumbled.
"What is?" Akasha asked cocking her head curiously
"How time flies when you're having fun." Akasha blinked a couple of times not getting whether it was sarcasm or a bad reaction to the split personality, or perhaps honesty. Apparently Haru wasn't sure either since he lapsed once again into silence and a frown.
"Umm, Kimmi... I don't understand."
"Huh?" Kimmiko asked looking up again. "Oh, well its just we have been here longer than planned and I needed to finish my homework 'cause I was too lazy to do it on Friday." Four sets of unbelieving eyes turned to look at Kimmiko. "What?" She asked softly frowning in annoyance.
"Haru just explained that he has a separate personality and you're sitting here talking about homework?!" Kimmiko blinked and nodded. "Don't you have anything to say about it?" Akasha asked in exasperation, her wide gray eyes staring at her friend like she was nuts.
"Umm, sorry? What do you want me to say?" She asked frowning in thought. "Haru has MPD, Haru turns into a cow... ox. Why would I have a problem with a Black personality if I don't have a problem with that? It's been proven that he won't hurt me." A small blush stained her cheeks for a moment making Haru wonder what he did, he shrugged it off quickly, he would ask Kyo later. "And if he gets to angry we can just glomp him."
"You're right." Akasha admitted thoughtfully.
"Now I really do have to go, do you want me to walk you home?" Akasha shook her head slowly.
"No, I'll stay here for a bit longer."
"Alright. Later Kyo, good-bye Haru I will see you at school tomorrow." Haru nodded but stood up and walked her to the door anyways.
"Kimmi." Kimmiko stopped and turned to face him.
"Don't start!" She said with a sigh letting him stop a few inches in front of her before looking up and him and smiling softly. "This isn't an excuse to leave, I do wish I could stay longer and I would ask you to walk me home, but I wouldn't want to get you lost. Now, I will see you later, Okay?" Kimmiko stood on her tip toes and kissed him on the cheek. "Good night Mr. Moo!"
School was as boring as ever and Yuki still harbored an intense dislike for Kimmiko that she mirrored. Yuki who was oblivious to Akasha and Kyo's relationship had been trying to spend more time with her to Kyo's annoyance. Kimmiko pointed this out to Akasha who could do nothing about it since she didn't want to hurt the rat’s feelings. To Kimmiko's confusion Akasha didn't actually 'hate' Yuki like she did; she just didn't like him as a person. Haru had been watching the interactions between the rat and the cat and had started to share Kimmiko's feelings for the rodent.
Haru and Kyo had stopped fighting altogether and had become something that closely resembled friends, but Kyo was still to stubborn to admit it and Haru didn't care what people thought of their friendship. The both the girls' disappointment Kyo didn't change again and they had never gotten to see Haru's second form, though neither girl had tried to make them transform or that would have probably changed.
The girls had met Ayame and to everyone's surprise Kimmiko actually got along with him, she just said she got along with him because she couldn't stand Yuki. Ayame liked Akasha right away and had even offered to make her 'a dress fitting for a princess such as herself' she laughed him off at the time, but he had surprised her by actually making one.
"Oh my god!" Akasha said stopping to point when she saw Kimmiko. Kimmiko looked up and blinked slowly.
"What?" She asked eyebrows knitting together in confusion.
"You're wearing a skirt! You never wear skirts, is something wrong? Are you sick? Wait! Are you trying to impress Haru?" Akasha asked slyly, Kimmiko snickered shaking her head.
"Nothings wrong, I'm not sick and I don't try and impress anyone."
"Oh!" Akasha paused for a moment and turned back to Kimmiko. "So why are you wearing a skirt?" She asked again looking at the black and red mini skirt that she was wearing over black leggings.
"It adds to the gothic look." Kimmiko admitted making Akasha laugh and shake her head.
"Always for the dramatic aren't you?" Kimmiko stuck her tongue out making Akasha snicker again.
"Not really, I like the clothes, they're comfortable and they allow me to laugh shallow minded people." She tapped her lip in thought looking at Akasha quietly. "You know I always have some extra clothes if you want to try out 'the look'."
"I'll have to think about that." Akasha said amid laughter. Kimmiko stopped; they were at their destination, Shigure's house. She turned to grin at Akasha before picking up a small stone and throwing it gently at Kyo's window. It hit its mark and moments later Kyo was looking down at them.
"Hi Kyo," Kimmiko said waving up at the annoyed frown. "Can you come out and play?" He raised an eyebrow as Akasha started to laugh again.
"Kimmi, use the door like a normal person!" Kyo said in his usual annoyed voice. "And yes I can come and play, Haru is over and Shigure wanted to talk to you." Kyo finished the long (for him) speech.
"Wanted to talk to whom?" Akasha asked clearing it up.
"Kimmi, he said he had a book she might want to read."
"Really?" Kimmiko asked stepping forward.
"Yeah, but I think it's just his smut." Kyo said disgustedly, Kimmiko made an amused sound in the back of her throat.
"Alright then," She said saluting Kyo and making him shake his head. "Let’s go 'Kasha!" They walked forward and knocked on the wooden door, having to wait just a few seconds before Shigure answered the door clothed in his usual gray kimono.
"Ahh, it’s the loveable Goth and her beautiful sidekick!" Both the girls grinned as they followed the dog into the house.
"Yeah, but I'm more of the sidekick material. See the hero gets to pick who gets saved and me... well I'd let the people save their own lazy butts, but if I only had to follow a hero then I'd be much better off."
"Actually you'd make a great villain; you sure have the look down." Yuki said softly, Kimmiko turned to meet the cold violet eyes.
"Such compliments rat boy! You know what my first order of business would be after I gained control of the world?" When Yuki didn't answer she continued. "The first thing I'd do is... have Ayame make me a fitting wardrobe!" Yuki eyes narrowed to slits and he walked away, Kimmiko laughed manically for effect making Akasha laugh beside her, Shigure hid a chuckle with a cough.
"Is that seriously the first thing you'd do?" Kyo asked walking slowly down the stairs a disbelieving frown gracing his handsome face. Kimmiko couldn't help but start laughing again.
"Nope, the first thing I'd do is establish ground rules for my reign. You know sort of like what's acceptable and what is not, make the world into a dictatorship and crown myself the Empress of the world."
"Then she'd buy stock in the most gothic store she could find." Kimmiko turned to grin at Haru.
"My dear Haru... I own the world I don't have to buy stock in anything. I'll just snap my fingers." Kimmiko made a show of snapping her fingers before she turned back to Shigure. "You had a book for me?" At the mention of a novel the dog perked up and he started to get animated again.
"Oh yes! It's my newest novel, I though that you might want to read it?" Kimmiko nodded and smiled.
"If it’s a book I'm there! Plus I had something I wanted to ask you." Turning back to Akasha she grinned. “Be back in a few!" Following Shigure she disappeared into Shigure's office.
"Not that I'm not happy to see you, but what are you doing here?" Kyo asked sitting across for Akasha on the couch as Haru sat in a seat to the side of the room.
"Hmm, no reason really." She said slowly. "We just missed you guys and decided to come over."
"In other words you were bored?" Haru asked humor tinting his voice.
"No I was perfectly happy day dreaming about kitty cats, but Kimmiko was restless and couldn't get any work done on her writing. So since my suggestions couldn't help we decided that Shigure might have some advice. So I tagged along to come see you and I bet Kimmi's happy since Haru is over."
"How is your writing going 'Kasha?" Kyo asked softly making her grin again.
"It's going great! I just finished a project I've been working on and I have an idea for a new one."
"You write Miss Akasha?" Yuki's soft voice asked form the doorway, Akasha looked up and nodded meeting soft purple eyes; she wondered why he looked at her kindly when he seemed to hate Kimmiko almost as much as he hated Kyo.
"Yeah and what's it to you, ya damned rat?" Kyo asked glaring at Yuki.
"I wasn't talking to you, you stupid cat!" Akasha frowned and Kyo stood up angrily.
"You won't be calling me stupid after I mar that pretty face of yours." Yuki's eyes narrowed to slits as his frown deepened.
"I'd like to see you try!" Yuki said with a sneer in Kyo's direction. Haru watched as Kyo reached his limit and charged at Yuki who effortlessly caught Kyo's fist and twisted it behind his back. Yuki pushed Kyo forwards and he stumbled and fell turning over he glared at Yuki and tried to stand when he was stopped by a swift kick to the ribs. "You stupid cat! I can't wait for the day they lock you up for good!" Akasha bit back a hurt gasp as she watched Kyo's odd range of emotions. Haru growled angrily and stood up crossing the room swiftly to stand in front of Yuki. Yuki looked up just in time to see the fist that slammed into his jaw; he fell backwards against the wall surprise registered across his face.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Haru asked anger lacing his voice as he once again stalked forward grabbing Yuki's shirt and pinning him to the wall.
"You’re Black." Yuki stated calmly though there was a small note of fear that made his voice quaver.
"Bingo! The pretty boy got it!" Yuki brought his hands up trying to pry Haru's grip of his shirt, Haru snarled pushing Yuki harder against the wall. He let out a small whimper of pain as his hands fell to his sides again. "Give me one good reason Princess Yuki why I shouldn't hurt you." Yuki visibly swallowed but said nothing. "Don't just stand there looking like a retard! Maybe they should call you the stupid one instead of me!"
"H-Haru?" Kimmiko asked form the doorway her surprised eyes scanning the room. She took in Kyo still lying on the ground looking up in disbelief at Haru, who had Yuki pinned against the wall; Akasha knelt next to Kyo also watching the scene unfold. Haru turned slowly to meet her eyes making her blink in confusion.
"Hello Kimmi," Haru said letting go of Yuki and letting him slide to the floor, Kimmiko watched Yuki for a second before returning her gaze to Haru. "So nice of you to join us."
"Haru what's going on?" She demanded as he stopped in front of her.
"Just having some fun is all." He said lazily putting a hand against the wall on either side of her head effectively pinning her to the wall without touching her.
"Leave her alone!" Kimmiko looked over Haru's shoulder at Kyo who stood up holding his side like it pained him Akasha laid a hand on his arm letting him lean on her for a moment to catch his breath.
"Why should I kitten?" He asked cocking his head at Kyo yet making no move to free her. "I thought she was mine." Kyo glared at Haru and turned to Kimmiko.
"This isn't Haru," He admitted breathlessly.
"Of course I am!" Kyo ignored him and continued talking to Kimmiko.
"It's his second personality, his Black personality." Kimmiko raised an eyebrow and turned back to Haru searching his charcoal eyes for something.
"It's alright Kyo," She said softly humor evident in her voice. "He won't hurt me."
"Yeah, not unless she wants me to." Haru agreed turning back to Kimmiko and pressing his lips against hers. Kimmiko was confused as the kiss went form hungry to unsure before Haru pulled away quickly looking confused, the confusion turned to fear and guilt as he put two and two together coming to a conclusion as to how he ended up in this position. Slowly he let his arms drop to his sides he turned his head away. "I didn't hurt you did I?" He asked softly backing away from her. Kimmiko frowned and reached out grapping his jacket and stopping him, he looked up surprised to see annoyed green eyes glaring at him.
"Hatsaharu Sohma! I accept you as a cow and you back away like a coward when I find you have a second personality?! Sit down and explain this to me, because frankly I'm confused as hell." Haru's eyes widened in surprise before he allowed a very small smile to break his tight lipped frown. Kimmiko sighed and looked around the room at the various people, Shigure had made an appearance and was watching wide eyed, Yuki had slunk out of the room while she was distracted and Akasha and Kyo were still watching them, Akasha looked as confused as she felt and Kyo looked cautious and annoyed. Kimmiko started laughing making the group look at her like she had gone crazy.
"Kimmi, are you alright?" Akasha asked softly, Kimmiko held a hand up before Akasha could offer her assistance.
"Yes, I'm fine! I just found something funny is all." Kimmiko grinned at Akasha making her raise an eyebrow. "You want to be a vet, right? Well I thought it was funny that you’re tending to a hurt Cat." Kyo scowled making Akasha laugh.
"That is not funny!" Kyo insisted his glare intensifying; Akasha stopped laughing but kept her happy grin.
"Sorry Kyo," She said before turning back to Haru. "So you going to tell me what happened or what?"
"Yeah." Haru said quietly as everyone took their seats that had been vacated. He explained about the origins of his second half, that anger would trigger it and usually a well placed head shot would end it, usually happily given by either Yuki or Kyo. He went on to explain that since he and Kyo had become at least civil to one another they had not gotten into any fights to trigger his Black personality.
"So why didn't you tell us this sooner?" Akasha asked curiously after Haru's explanation.
"It was never an issue before," He said quietly picking absently at his pants. "Having multiple personalities isn't exactly something you bring up at the dinner table." Akasha nudged Kimmiko's foot making her look up.
"Interesting," She mumbled.
"What is?" Akasha asked cocking her head curiously
"How time flies when you're having fun." Akasha blinked a couple of times not getting whether it was sarcasm or a bad reaction to the split personality, or perhaps honesty. Apparently Haru wasn't sure either since he lapsed once again into silence and a frown.
"Umm, Kimmi... I don't understand."
"Huh?" Kimmiko asked looking up again. "Oh, well its just we have been here longer than planned and I needed to finish my homework 'cause I was too lazy to do it on Friday." Four sets of unbelieving eyes turned to look at Kimmiko. "What?" She asked softly frowning in annoyance.
"Haru just explained that he has a separate personality and you're sitting here talking about homework?!" Kimmiko blinked and nodded. "Don't you have anything to say about it?" Akasha asked in exasperation, her wide gray eyes staring at her friend like she was nuts.
"Umm, sorry? What do you want me to say?" She asked frowning in thought. "Haru has MPD, Haru turns into a cow... ox. Why would I have a problem with a Black personality if I don't have a problem with that? It's been proven that he won't hurt me." A small blush stained her cheeks for a moment making Haru wonder what he did, he shrugged it off quickly, he would ask Kyo later. "And if he gets to angry we can just glomp him."
"You're right." Akasha admitted thoughtfully.
"Now I really do have to go, do you want me to walk you home?" Akasha shook her head slowly.
"No, I'll stay here for a bit longer."
"Alright. Later Kyo, good-bye Haru I will see you at school tomorrow." Haru nodded but stood up and walked her to the door anyways.
"Kimmi." Kimmiko stopped and turned to face him.
"Don't start!" She said with a sigh letting him stop a few inches in front of her before looking up and him and smiling softly. "This isn't an excuse to leave, I do wish I could stay longer and I would ask you to walk me home, but I wouldn't want to get you lost. Now, I will see you later, Okay?" Kimmiko stood on her tip toes and kissed him on the cheek. "Good night Mr. Moo!"
"I just wish she would have a reaction to the odd news that this family gives her, she takes things to lightly." Akasha blew her hair out of her eyes as she watched Kimmiko out the living room window. "I mean nothing against you Haru, but it’s not everyday that you learn your boyfriend has a second personality I expected her to at least be a little surprised!"
"She was surprised when he was Black, when she walked in and Haru had Yuki against the wall. She just hides her uncomfort and confusion until she can explain it logically." Akasha nodded at Kyo's understanding of her friend.
"I thought it was a good thing that Kimmi didn't reject Haru." Shigure said thoughtfully, all eyes turned to him making him grin.
"It is a good thing, but it’s just weird how she can accept it so suddenly." Akasha sighed biting her lip in thought. "I don't know... I guess I can see it from her stand point also. Kimmi-Chan is stubborn to a fault; she doesn't show much emotion in front of people without weighting the risks. And she thinks that if she is surprised or hurt easily that she is a weak person, which is kind of hypocritical since she doesn't consider those things a weakness in other people. So even if she is surprised by this whole thing she is going to wait till she is alone to process everything logically. Though you can judge by her initial reaction to something what she will come to in the end." She looked up to see Kyo nodding in agreement, Shigure attention had wandered and he wasn't even in the room any longer, Haru sat frowning at the wall opposite him his eyes thoughtful. Akasha grinned deciding to lighten the mood a bit.
"Like for instance; one day I wanted to see her, but I had to take my dog for a walk so I took him over to her house. Here I thought since she likes to take in injured birds and cats and nurse them back to health 'She wouldn't mind a dog!' You don't know how wrong I was! I walked up to her door and knocked, picked up my dog and waited for the door to be answered. Well Kimmi-Chan answered the door so I held him up exclaiming how cute he was. Kimmi jumped about a foot and moved back closing the door in my face, a few minutes later she called my cell phone to tell me if I wanted to come in the house I had to leave the dog in her backyard."
"Kimmi is afraid of dogs?" Haru asked softly looking at her once again. Akasha smiled and nodded.
"I wouldn't say 'Afraid' she just really doesn't like them. Besides everybody has their faults, Kimmi's is just irrational." Kyo let out a short laugh and Haru smiled, Akasha grinned again happy she lightened the mood a bit. They sat in a comfortable silence for a few moments before there was a knock at the door, they saw Shigure dance down the hallway towards the door and heard his hyper voice welcoming the newcomer.
"Oh, Kyo!" Shigure's voice rang out from the living room doorway. They all looked up to see a tall sliver haired man standing next to the raven haired dog.
"M-master?!" Kyo said quietly his eyes widening in surprise and shock as he quickly stood up.
"Hello Kyo." The silver haired man said with a smile in his direction. "I would like to talk to you for a moment." Kyo frowned but nodded once and walked out of the room following the man.
"That was Kazuma, Kyo's adopted father." Haru explained answering the question before it could be asked. "Shigure, is he here for the reason I think he is?" Shigure looked away from his younger cousin and nodded slowly.
"Yes Haru, I believe he is." Shigure said sadly, Akasha's brow furrowed in confusion.
"What is he here for? Is Kyo alright?"
"Akasha, you love Kyo right?" Shigure inquired looking up at the girl.
"Yes!" She answered without hesitation.
"And you'll love him no matter what, correct?" He asked again.
"Of course!" Akasha frowned again. "Is something wrong with him?"
"No," Shigure smiled at her. “And everything will be just fine if you answered my questions honestly... which I have no doubt that you did." Yet another knock sounded at the door and he excused himself to get it. "My my, I am popular today aren't I?" Shigure's high voice flaunted.
"No!" Kimmiko's stoic voice corrected. "I simply forget the book you gave me."
"Oh?! My masterpiece? How could you forget something like that?"
"Because I think I had a few other things on my mind besides your book." She said a note of irritation in her voice.
"Ahh, yes about that! Haru is still here, did you want to avoid him? If you do I will get the book and bring it to you without telling anyone." Shigure offered, his usually cheerful voice, held a somber note.
"No, why would I want to avoid him?" She asked the irritation in her voice growing. "I'm not heartless you know, I still love him!"
"Everyone is still in the living room. I'll get the book and bring it to you."
"Thank you." Kimmiko's black clad form appeared in the doorway; she met two pairs of twin grins and frowned again. "Why the hell are you two grinning at me like love sick twerps?" Akasha giggled and stood up pulling Kimmiko further into the room and pushing her in the seat next to Haru.
"Your voice carries from the front door." Akasha explained her smile growing wider, Kimmiko's blank look turned into one of red faced embarrassment.
"Oh, right!" She said and turned to Haru. "It was true though!" He smiled and nodded taking her hand.
"I know!"
"Come on you three, you're wanted out back." They all stood up and followed a somber Shigure through the house to the backyard. Kyo was standing there next to Kazuma looking like he wanted to run, even in the darkness there was something that was obvious about his discomfort.
"Ahh, Miss Akasha! Please come over here." Kazuma asked his smile unwavering, Kyo winced like the words had physically pained him. Akasha hesitantly but obediently walked over to them stopping a few feet away.
"Miss Akasha, you love Kyo yes?"
"Yes." She answered for the second time in a less than ten minutes.
"What would you say if he had a second form?"
"Like Haru's?"
"Please don't!" Kyo said softly his eyes full of pain as they seemingly begged his father not to do it.
"Not exactly." He said ignoring the pain of the boy next to him. "Kyo give me your hand!"
"No! Not in front of her!" Kyo objected holding his hand behind his back and slowly backing away from the taller man. "Please not this!" Kazuma reached forward snatching Kyo's hand in an impossibly quick movement.
"I'm sorry Kyo." He said before removing the black and white beads from his wrist quickly before stepping back.
"N-no!" The word uttered from Kyo's mouth seemed abnormally long and loud ending in a feral growl. He dropped to his knees clutching his sides like they were a cause of great pain, an eerie smoke came off his body as he seemed to enlarge in front of their very eyes. Akasha gasped and took a step back as long fangs erupted from his mouth and his skin turned a dark shade of green, his eyes grew larger as his hair disappeared and long ears grew out of his head. His body kept growing ripping the black shirt he had been wearing, he suddenly stopped moving, and he knelt there for a moment his breath coming in growling pants. "Don't look at me!" He cried covering his head with his large arms and shrinking away from Akasha, he stood up still backing away before he turned around and mad a break into the woods.
Akasha stood there with wide eyes unable to make her legs obey her command to move. She almost couldn't believe the scene that she had just witnessed, her Kyo turned into something she could only describe as... a god! A weird green cat god, but still a god. She knew she loved him; did this make a difference in how she felt about him? Did it change anything in their relationship? What would happen now?
"That was Kyo’s True form. Do you still love him?" Akasha shook her head the words jarring her out of her trance. She turned to the silver haired man, throwing him the most evil look she could muster before she turned to Kimmiko who stood there eyes wide and mouth open staring into the woods where Kyo had disappeared.
"Kimmi!" Kimmiko blinked shaking her head to clear it. "Do you know where Kyo went?" Kimmiko looked into Akasha's pleading desperate eyes and then back to the woods.
"He went west, if he doesn't change his course he will come to the lake about a mile away straight through the woods." Akasha nodded gritting her teeth.
"How are you with long distance running?"
"Not bad," Kimmiko smirked looking into determined gray eyes. "But if there was a cause I'd be pretty damn good!"
"Great!" Akasha grinned and looked towards the woods. "Sure you're not going to get me lost?"
"Positive!"
"Then let’s go!" They both nodded in silent communication and Kimmiko walked up to stand next to Akasha.
"Alright, but whoever this bastard is he better be back when we return! Nobody hurts my friends!" The silver haired man looked at the two girls with confusion and something resembling relief. Akasha shot him another withering look and Kimmiko made a slicing motion across her throat before winking in an unpleasant manner and returning to Akasha's side.
"Ready?" Akasha asked.
"Yep!" Kimmiko answered. "You take the lead, I'll watch the tracks incase he’s not going where I think."
"Right lets go!" The girls took off at a pace no less frantic than Kyo’s, disappearing into the woods without looking back.
The ground was slightly damp with pools of rain water left over from the night before, it was a good thing because it made Kyo’s tracks easy to follow, but a bad thing since it made running even harder for the two girls. They dodged trees and jumped over roots narrowly avoiding falling into puddles of cold water. The girls were able to see the path illuminated by the silver light of the full moon above them as they ran deeper into the woods. The trees seemed to want to protect Kyo as much as he wanted to escape, their nimble branches stuck out just like demonic hands attempting to halt the progress of the odd pair.
“How much farther?” Akasha asked her voice quiet as she kept most of the air for her lungs.
“We are almost there. Just another few-“ Kimmiko’s voice dropped as they broke out into a clearing. Looking around they were at the small lake. Akasha spotted a figure sitting atop a small rock, the figure resembled the newest form they had come to witness, the figure that his father had called his true form. She walked further onto the beach going slowly so she didn’t make Kyo run off again.
“Go away!” Kyo’s familiar voice demanded softly.
“No!” Akasha refused crossing her arms over her chest. “Kyo look at me!”
“Why?” He asked his voice taking on an angry tone. “Do you want to reject me to my face? Try and be polite about it? Do you want to laugh at my weakness? Do you want to look upon my demonic face again, just to have your suspicions confirmed so you can vomit from the horror?” Akasha cringed the sadness and anger of his voice cutting her deep. “Why do you want to see this ugly face? Why? WHY?” Kyo demanded spinning around his arm raised, Akasha eyes widened his fist was going to hit her and she had no time to move. She shut her eyes tightly but no blow came, cracking an eye open she saw Kyo looking to the side of her his eyes wide in surprise.
“Kyo, calm down!” Kimmiko demanded in a voice that was much different than her usual emotionless tone, this order almost sounded pained. Akasha turned to see that Kimmiko held Kyo’s fist in her hand, a confused frown on her face as she turned to meet Akasha’s eyes a small smile appeared on her face. “Some people don’t need to find themselves before they admit that they love you!” Akasha nodded capturing Kyo’s attention, his once ruby eyes turned to fix on her and she smiled into their violet depths.
“She’s right Kyo!” Akasha said walking forward making Kyo take a step back his fist dropping out of Kimmiko’s grasp. “Kyo just because you… you turn into this doesn’t mean I love you any less! I love you Kyo!” She admitted a tear rolling down her cheek as she took another step forward and he took a matching step back. “Kyo, you’re not ugly, you aren’t demonic! I would never laugh at you. And vomit? I’ve never felt more at peace then when you are around! Just because you look different on the outside doesn’t mean you changed on the inside!”
“You’re right! I’m the same demon on the inside! You are seeing me for who I truly am!” Kyo hissed his eyes turning angry again.
“Who said you were a demon inside? Your family? The same family that can’t see such a wonderful thing standing in front of them, instead they turn away from him calling him a monster!” Kyo flinched but forced the anger back into his eyes.
“They see the real me!”
“No Kyo!” Akasha said forcefully stomping her foot and balling her hands into fists. “I see the real you! The real you who wakes up an hour early just to walk me to school! The person who gives his lunch to the stray cats around the school. I see the man that has hidden feelings that only very few can touch!” Akasha stepped forward one more time and Kyo stood rooted to the spot staring down at the fierce girl before him. “Kyo the real monster is the family that doesn’t accept you!”
“Akasha…” Kyo whispered his hands falling uselessly to his sides.
“Kyo, please… I love you!” Akasha said again another tear creating a wet path down her cheek. Kyo hung his head his green skin fading back to the peach tone she was used to as he once again shrank in size. He fell to his knees and Akasha rushed to his side.
“Akasha,” He said quietly into her ear. “I love you too.” Akasha smiled as Kyo wrapped his arms around her. For a moment she had the hug she had wanted for so long, until he once again turned into the orange cat she had fallen in love with. Exhausted he fell into her lap breathing peacefully in his earned slumber. Akasha carefully picked him up cradling him in her arms she gave him a look full of compassion and absently patted his small orange head. He sighed in his sleep and pressed closer to her chest. Akasha looked up when Kimmiko placed a hand on her shoulder.
“I think we should go now.” Kimmiko said softly smiling down at her friend. She got a happy smile back in return as she stood up.
“Yes we probably should.” Akasha agreed with a nod. They found the path where they had come out not long ago and started walking back side by side. Kimmiko kept her thoughts to herself as she watched Akasha carry Kyo protectively in the crook of her arm shielding him form the cold wind that had gone unnoticed before. Silently they walked the path they had not long ago run, the slow pace allowed them to better avoid the puddles and stick to the sides that held less mud. A comfortable silence was interrupted by Akasha’s soft voice.
“Kimmi?” Akasha started keeping her eyes partially on the path and partially on the sleeping cat.
“Hmm?”
“That man… Kyo’s father-“
“That bastard was Kyo’s father?” Kimmiko asked confused.
“Yes.” She nodded forgetting for a moment that she had not been there for Haru’s explanation. “Why would he do something like this to Kyo?” Kimmiko shifted her gaze from the path in front of her to the orange ball of fur before she met Akasha’s eyes and looked away again.
“I don’t know.” She admitted after thinking it over for a few moments. “The Sohma family defies all logic, maybe the head of the family told him to do it.”
“That’s what I was thinking.” Akasha said quietly. “Do you think they hate Kyo that much that they would do something like that?”
“Hate is a powerful thing,” Kimmiko said sadly. “Maybe it was a test.”
“A test?” She repeated. “Possibly, that would explain why I was asked if I loved Kyo repeatedly in such a weird manner.” Akasha paused again. “But why would they test us… me at the expense of Kyo? If I wasn’t able to handle the new information, what would it have done to Kyo? I know he puts up a tough front, but something like that could have broken him.” Her eyes watered and she blinked to keep back the tears.
“I also don’t know the answer to that question. I would say loyalty, but he should be loyal to his son first and then the head of the family second… if the head should even be that high on his list.” Kimmiko bit her lip frowning at the ground in thought. “I think he might have thought that he was doing this for Kyo’s own good… that logic is pretty screwed up, but it’s the only thing I can come up with.”
“Kimmi?”
“Yes?”
“What do we do now? I have seen the worse of Kyo… will he still want me to be near him?” Kimmiko’s mouth twitched up in a half smile as she finally looked up to meet Akasha’s eyes.
“I think you’re going to be one of the people that he wants nearest him.” She replied sincerely. “Kyo’s just a bit… scared? Embarrassed? Right now, he will need some time for sure, but I doubt he wants you faraway from him.” Kimmiko looked away and through the trees to Shigure’s house that was now visible. “Yep, he’ll want you around alright!” They broke out into the moonlit clearing in back of Shigure’s house, Shigure, Haru and Kazuma were all standing where they were when the girls had left them. Relief flooded all of their faces when they saw that Akasha held Kyo, Kimmiko grinned at Haru before turning to Akasha quickly. “Do you like the silver haired man?” Kimmiko asked for Akasha’s opinion since Akasha had a great sense of character.
“No, not really.”
“Do you like him less than Yuki?
“Yes, a lot less! I would hit him for what he did to Kyo if I wasn’t holding said cat.”
“Huh, why don’t you take Kyo to his room and cover him up so he doesn’t get sick.”
“Ok!” Akasha said hesitantly the tone of Kimmiko’s voice said she was up to no good, she walked up the steps into the house and disappeared from view when she closed the door. Kimmiko walked up to Kazuma and looked into his eyes for a moment.
“I have something for you.” Kazuma frowned in confusion at Kimmiko’s odd choice of words.
“What?”
“This.” Kimmiko held out her fist limply and opened it in front of Kazuma’s face.
“There is nothing there.” He said confusion tinting his voice.
“Exactly!” Kimmiko muttered bringing her hidden fist forward and punching him hard in the stomach. Kazuma grunted and fell to his knees. “Hn, at least you have the sense to be guilty. I know I never would have successfully landed that punch unless you allowed it.” She looked down at him, his head was lowered against his chest eyes staring vacantly at the ground. “You should remember where your loyalties lie. Kyo isn’t something you cam gamble with, his heart is as fragile as glass and you could have done irreparable damage with that stunt!” Kimmiko clenched her teeth and shook her head walking past the unresponsive man to come to a rest in front of Haru.
“Hey.” He said cautiously, Kimmiko lifted her troubled face to smile at him.
“Hey yourself.” Haru raised his eyebrow but said nothing as she walked past him taking his hand and pulling him into the house after her. When they came to the kitchen she dropped his hand and leaned against the table.
“Kimmi!” Kimmiko had two seconds to look up before Akasha launched herself into her arms. She hesitantly wrapped her arms around the girl returning her hug.
“Kyo’s okay!” She said happily pulling away and doing a little spin in the middle of the floor.
“Oh?”
“Yeah, he didn’t transform back or anything, but he was mumbling something about ‘damn rat’s’. So he has to be fine!”
“That’s great Akasha,” Kimmiko said with a real smile. “I’m glad he’s doing well.” Akasha grinned again and looked up at the ceiling, probably imagining Kyo asleep safely in his bed.
“Me too!” Akasha said with a small nod. “Me too!”
"She was surprised when he was Black, when she walked in and Haru had Yuki against the wall. She just hides her uncomfort and confusion until she can explain it logically." Akasha nodded at Kyo's understanding of her friend.
"I thought it was a good thing that Kimmi didn't reject Haru." Shigure said thoughtfully, all eyes turned to him making him grin.
"It is a good thing, but it’s just weird how she can accept it so suddenly." Akasha sighed biting her lip in thought. "I don't know... I guess I can see it from her stand point also. Kimmi-Chan is stubborn to a fault; she doesn't show much emotion in front of people without weighting the risks. And she thinks that if she is surprised or hurt easily that she is a weak person, which is kind of hypocritical since she doesn't consider those things a weakness in other people. So even if she is surprised by this whole thing she is going to wait till she is alone to process everything logically. Though you can judge by her initial reaction to something what she will come to in the end." She looked up to see Kyo nodding in agreement, Shigure attention had wandered and he wasn't even in the room any longer, Haru sat frowning at the wall opposite him his eyes thoughtful. Akasha grinned deciding to lighten the mood a bit.
"Like for instance; one day I wanted to see her, but I had to take my dog for a walk so I took him over to her house. Here I thought since she likes to take in injured birds and cats and nurse them back to health 'She wouldn't mind a dog!' You don't know how wrong I was! I walked up to her door and knocked, picked up my dog and waited for the door to be answered. Well Kimmi-Chan answered the door so I held him up exclaiming how cute he was. Kimmi jumped about a foot and moved back closing the door in my face, a few minutes later she called my cell phone to tell me if I wanted to come in the house I had to leave the dog in her backyard."
"Kimmi is afraid of dogs?" Haru asked softly looking at her once again. Akasha smiled and nodded.
"I wouldn't say 'Afraid' she just really doesn't like them. Besides everybody has their faults, Kimmi's is just irrational." Kyo let out a short laugh and Haru smiled, Akasha grinned again happy she lightened the mood a bit. They sat in a comfortable silence for a few moments before there was a knock at the door, they saw Shigure dance down the hallway towards the door and heard his hyper voice welcoming the newcomer.
"Oh, Kyo!" Shigure's voice rang out from the living room doorway. They all looked up to see a tall sliver haired man standing next to the raven haired dog.
"M-master?!" Kyo said quietly his eyes widening in surprise and shock as he quickly stood up.
"Hello Kyo." The silver haired man said with a smile in his direction. "I would like to talk to you for a moment." Kyo frowned but nodded once and walked out of the room following the man.
"That was Kazuma, Kyo's adopted father." Haru explained answering the question before it could be asked. "Shigure, is he here for the reason I think he is?" Shigure looked away from his younger cousin and nodded slowly.
"Yes Haru, I believe he is." Shigure said sadly, Akasha's brow furrowed in confusion.
"What is he here for? Is Kyo alright?"
"Akasha, you love Kyo right?" Shigure inquired looking up at the girl.
"Yes!" She answered without hesitation.
"And you'll love him no matter what, correct?" He asked again.
"Of course!" Akasha frowned again. "Is something wrong with him?"
"No," Shigure smiled at her. “And everything will be just fine if you answered my questions honestly... which I have no doubt that you did." Yet another knock sounded at the door and he excused himself to get it. "My my, I am popular today aren't I?" Shigure's high voice flaunted.
"No!" Kimmiko's stoic voice corrected. "I simply forget the book you gave me."
"Oh?! My masterpiece? How could you forget something like that?"
"Because I think I had a few other things on my mind besides your book." She said a note of irritation in her voice.
"Ahh, yes about that! Haru is still here, did you want to avoid him? If you do I will get the book and bring it to you without telling anyone." Shigure offered, his usually cheerful voice, held a somber note.
"No, why would I want to avoid him?" She asked the irritation in her voice growing. "I'm not heartless you know, I still love him!"
"Everyone is still in the living room. I'll get the book and bring it to you."
"Thank you." Kimmiko's black clad form appeared in the doorway; she met two pairs of twin grins and frowned again. "Why the hell are you two grinning at me like love sick twerps?" Akasha giggled and stood up pulling Kimmiko further into the room and pushing her in the seat next to Haru.
"Your voice carries from the front door." Akasha explained her smile growing wider, Kimmiko's blank look turned into one of red faced embarrassment.
"Oh, right!" She said and turned to Haru. "It was true though!" He smiled and nodded taking her hand.
"I know!"
"Come on you three, you're wanted out back." They all stood up and followed a somber Shigure through the house to the backyard. Kyo was standing there next to Kazuma looking like he wanted to run, even in the darkness there was something that was obvious about his discomfort.
"Ahh, Miss Akasha! Please come over here." Kazuma asked his smile unwavering, Kyo winced like the words had physically pained him. Akasha hesitantly but obediently walked over to them stopping a few feet away.
"Miss Akasha, you love Kyo yes?"
"Yes." She answered for the second time in a less than ten minutes.
"What would you say if he had a second form?"
"Like Haru's?"
"Please don't!" Kyo said softly his eyes full of pain as they seemingly begged his father not to do it.
"Not exactly." He said ignoring the pain of the boy next to him. "Kyo give me your hand!"
"No! Not in front of her!" Kyo objected holding his hand behind his back and slowly backing away from the taller man. "Please not this!" Kazuma reached forward snatching Kyo's hand in an impossibly quick movement.
"I'm sorry Kyo." He said before removing the black and white beads from his wrist quickly before stepping back.
"N-no!" The word uttered from Kyo's mouth seemed abnormally long and loud ending in a feral growl. He dropped to his knees clutching his sides like they were a cause of great pain, an eerie smoke came off his body as he seemed to enlarge in front of their very eyes. Akasha gasped and took a step back as long fangs erupted from his mouth and his skin turned a dark shade of green, his eyes grew larger as his hair disappeared and long ears grew out of his head. His body kept growing ripping the black shirt he had been wearing, he suddenly stopped moving, and he knelt there for a moment his breath coming in growling pants. "Don't look at me!" He cried covering his head with his large arms and shrinking away from Akasha, he stood up still backing away before he turned around and mad a break into the woods.
Akasha stood there with wide eyes unable to make her legs obey her command to move. She almost couldn't believe the scene that she had just witnessed, her Kyo turned into something she could only describe as... a god! A weird green cat god, but still a god. She knew she loved him; did this make a difference in how she felt about him? Did it change anything in their relationship? What would happen now?
"That was Kyo’s True form. Do you still love him?" Akasha shook her head the words jarring her out of her trance. She turned to the silver haired man, throwing him the most evil look she could muster before she turned to Kimmiko who stood there eyes wide and mouth open staring into the woods where Kyo had disappeared.
"Kimmi!" Kimmiko blinked shaking her head to clear it. "Do you know where Kyo went?" Kimmiko looked into Akasha's pleading desperate eyes and then back to the woods.
"He went west, if he doesn't change his course he will come to the lake about a mile away straight through the woods." Akasha nodded gritting her teeth.
"How are you with long distance running?"
"Not bad," Kimmiko smirked looking into determined gray eyes. "But if there was a cause I'd be pretty damn good!"
"Great!" Akasha grinned and looked towards the woods. "Sure you're not going to get me lost?"
"Positive!"
"Then let’s go!" They both nodded in silent communication and Kimmiko walked up to stand next to Akasha.
"Alright, but whoever this bastard is he better be back when we return! Nobody hurts my friends!" The silver haired man looked at the two girls with confusion and something resembling relief. Akasha shot him another withering look and Kimmiko made a slicing motion across her throat before winking in an unpleasant manner and returning to Akasha's side.
"Ready?" Akasha asked.
"Yep!" Kimmiko answered. "You take the lead, I'll watch the tracks incase he’s not going where I think."
"Right lets go!" The girls took off at a pace no less frantic than Kyo’s, disappearing into the woods without looking back.
The ground was slightly damp with pools of rain water left over from the night before, it was a good thing because it made Kyo’s tracks easy to follow, but a bad thing since it made running even harder for the two girls. They dodged trees and jumped over roots narrowly avoiding falling into puddles of cold water. The girls were able to see the path illuminated by the silver light of the full moon above them as they ran deeper into the woods. The trees seemed to want to protect Kyo as much as he wanted to escape, their nimble branches stuck out just like demonic hands attempting to halt the progress of the odd pair.
“How much farther?” Akasha asked her voice quiet as she kept most of the air for her lungs.
“We are almost there. Just another few-“ Kimmiko’s voice dropped as they broke out into a clearing. Looking around they were at the small lake. Akasha spotted a figure sitting atop a small rock, the figure resembled the newest form they had come to witness, the figure that his father had called his true form. She walked further onto the beach going slowly so she didn’t make Kyo run off again.
“Go away!” Kyo’s familiar voice demanded softly.
“No!” Akasha refused crossing her arms over her chest. “Kyo look at me!”
“Why?” He asked his voice taking on an angry tone. “Do you want to reject me to my face? Try and be polite about it? Do you want to laugh at my weakness? Do you want to look upon my demonic face again, just to have your suspicions confirmed so you can vomit from the horror?” Akasha cringed the sadness and anger of his voice cutting her deep. “Why do you want to see this ugly face? Why? WHY?” Kyo demanded spinning around his arm raised, Akasha eyes widened his fist was going to hit her and she had no time to move. She shut her eyes tightly but no blow came, cracking an eye open she saw Kyo looking to the side of her his eyes wide in surprise.
“Kyo, calm down!” Kimmiko demanded in a voice that was much different than her usual emotionless tone, this order almost sounded pained. Akasha turned to see that Kimmiko held Kyo’s fist in her hand, a confused frown on her face as she turned to meet Akasha’s eyes a small smile appeared on her face. “Some people don’t need to find themselves before they admit that they love you!” Akasha nodded capturing Kyo’s attention, his once ruby eyes turned to fix on her and she smiled into their violet depths.
“She’s right Kyo!” Akasha said walking forward making Kyo take a step back his fist dropping out of Kimmiko’s grasp. “Kyo just because you… you turn into this doesn’t mean I love you any less! I love you Kyo!” She admitted a tear rolling down her cheek as she took another step forward and he took a matching step back. “Kyo, you’re not ugly, you aren’t demonic! I would never laugh at you. And vomit? I’ve never felt more at peace then when you are around! Just because you look different on the outside doesn’t mean you changed on the inside!”
“You’re right! I’m the same demon on the inside! You are seeing me for who I truly am!” Kyo hissed his eyes turning angry again.
“Who said you were a demon inside? Your family? The same family that can’t see such a wonderful thing standing in front of them, instead they turn away from him calling him a monster!” Kyo flinched but forced the anger back into his eyes.
“They see the real me!”
“No Kyo!” Akasha said forcefully stomping her foot and balling her hands into fists. “I see the real you! The real you who wakes up an hour early just to walk me to school! The person who gives his lunch to the stray cats around the school. I see the man that has hidden feelings that only very few can touch!” Akasha stepped forward one more time and Kyo stood rooted to the spot staring down at the fierce girl before him. “Kyo the real monster is the family that doesn’t accept you!”
“Akasha…” Kyo whispered his hands falling uselessly to his sides.
“Kyo, please… I love you!” Akasha said again another tear creating a wet path down her cheek. Kyo hung his head his green skin fading back to the peach tone she was used to as he once again shrank in size. He fell to his knees and Akasha rushed to his side.
“Akasha,” He said quietly into her ear. “I love you too.” Akasha smiled as Kyo wrapped his arms around her. For a moment she had the hug she had wanted for so long, until he once again turned into the orange cat she had fallen in love with. Exhausted he fell into her lap breathing peacefully in his earned slumber. Akasha carefully picked him up cradling him in her arms she gave him a look full of compassion and absently patted his small orange head. He sighed in his sleep and pressed closer to her chest. Akasha looked up when Kimmiko placed a hand on her shoulder.
“I think we should go now.” Kimmiko said softly smiling down at her friend. She got a happy smile back in return as she stood up.
“Yes we probably should.” Akasha agreed with a nod. They found the path where they had come out not long ago and started walking back side by side. Kimmiko kept her thoughts to herself as she watched Akasha carry Kyo protectively in the crook of her arm shielding him form the cold wind that had gone unnoticed before. Silently they walked the path they had not long ago run, the slow pace allowed them to better avoid the puddles and stick to the sides that held less mud. A comfortable silence was interrupted by Akasha’s soft voice.
“Kimmi?” Akasha started keeping her eyes partially on the path and partially on the sleeping cat.
“Hmm?”
“That man… Kyo’s father-“
“That bastard was Kyo’s father?” Kimmiko asked confused.
“Yes.” She nodded forgetting for a moment that she had not been there for Haru’s explanation. “Why would he do something like this to Kyo?” Kimmiko shifted her gaze from the path in front of her to the orange ball of fur before she met Akasha’s eyes and looked away again.
“I don’t know.” She admitted after thinking it over for a few moments. “The Sohma family defies all logic, maybe the head of the family told him to do it.”
“That’s what I was thinking.” Akasha said quietly. “Do you think they hate Kyo that much that they would do something like that?”
“Hate is a powerful thing,” Kimmiko said sadly. “Maybe it was a test.”
“A test?” She repeated. “Possibly, that would explain why I was asked if I loved Kyo repeatedly in such a weird manner.” Akasha paused again. “But why would they test us… me at the expense of Kyo? If I wasn’t able to handle the new information, what would it have done to Kyo? I know he puts up a tough front, but something like that could have broken him.” Her eyes watered and she blinked to keep back the tears.
“I also don’t know the answer to that question. I would say loyalty, but he should be loyal to his son first and then the head of the family second… if the head should even be that high on his list.” Kimmiko bit her lip frowning at the ground in thought. “I think he might have thought that he was doing this for Kyo’s own good… that logic is pretty screwed up, but it’s the only thing I can come up with.”
“Kimmi?”
“Yes?”
“What do we do now? I have seen the worse of Kyo… will he still want me to be near him?” Kimmiko’s mouth twitched up in a half smile as she finally looked up to meet Akasha’s eyes.
“I think you’re going to be one of the people that he wants nearest him.” She replied sincerely. “Kyo’s just a bit… scared? Embarrassed? Right now, he will need some time for sure, but I doubt he wants you faraway from him.” Kimmiko looked away and through the trees to Shigure’s house that was now visible. “Yep, he’ll want you around alright!” They broke out into the moonlit clearing in back of Shigure’s house, Shigure, Haru and Kazuma were all standing where they were when the girls had left them. Relief flooded all of their faces when they saw that Akasha held Kyo, Kimmiko grinned at Haru before turning to Akasha quickly. “Do you like the silver haired man?” Kimmiko asked for Akasha’s opinion since Akasha had a great sense of character.
“No, not really.”
“Do you like him less than Yuki?
“Yes, a lot less! I would hit him for what he did to Kyo if I wasn’t holding said cat.”
“Huh, why don’t you take Kyo to his room and cover him up so he doesn’t get sick.”
“Ok!” Akasha said hesitantly the tone of Kimmiko’s voice said she was up to no good, she walked up the steps into the house and disappeared from view when she closed the door. Kimmiko walked up to Kazuma and looked into his eyes for a moment.
“I have something for you.” Kazuma frowned in confusion at Kimmiko’s odd choice of words.
“What?”
“This.” Kimmiko held out her fist limply and opened it in front of Kazuma’s face.
“There is nothing there.” He said confusion tinting his voice.
“Exactly!” Kimmiko muttered bringing her hidden fist forward and punching him hard in the stomach. Kazuma grunted and fell to his knees. “Hn, at least you have the sense to be guilty. I know I never would have successfully landed that punch unless you allowed it.” She looked down at him, his head was lowered against his chest eyes staring vacantly at the ground. “You should remember where your loyalties lie. Kyo isn’t something you cam gamble with, his heart is as fragile as glass and you could have done irreparable damage with that stunt!” Kimmiko clenched her teeth and shook her head walking past the unresponsive man to come to a rest in front of Haru.
“Hey.” He said cautiously, Kimmiko lifted her troubled face to smile at him.
“Hey yourself.” Haru raised his eyebrow but said nothing as she walked past him taking his hand and pulling him into the house after her. When they came to the kitchen she dropped his hand and leaned against the table.
“Kimmi!” Kimmiko had two seconds to look up before Akasha launched herself into her arms. She hesitantly wrapped her arms around the girl returning her hug.
“Kyo’s okay!” She said happily pulling away and doing a little spin in the middle of the floor.
“Oh?”
“Yeah, he didn’t transform back or anything, but he was mumbling something about ‘damn rat’s’. So he has to be fine!”
“That’s great Akasha,” Kimmiko said with a real smile. “I’m glad he’s doing well.” Akasha grinned again and looked up at the ceiling, probably imagining Kyo asleep safely in his bed.
“Me too!” Akasha said with a small nod. “Me too!”
Akasha walked next to Kyo as they slowly made their way through the woods. Kyo reached out and picked up Akasha’s hand, she smiled moving so that she was able to walk closer to him. Akasha sighed as the memory of chasing Kyo through the woods struck her suddenly, she didn’t know where it had come from. It had been two weeks since that day and no one had talked about it. The surrounding few days had been a bit weird for everyone, since both Kyo and Haru’s deep dark secrets had been exposed, but every thing had been smoothed out and gone back to what the only Sohma family could call normal. Yuki still hated Kyo and Kyo just wanted Yuki to leave him alone. Haru had apologized for going Black on Yuki, but he also told Yuki that he wasn’t sorry for what he had said… just what he had done. Kyo had actually admitted that Haru was one of his friends and they usually spent their free time together when Akasha and Kimmiko were not to be found –which wasn’t often-
Akasha did her best to avoid Yuki, but was civil when she did have to be around him. Kimmiko would pointedly ignore him after hearing what he had said about Kyo. Haru shared Akasha’s view on Yuki and Kyo did his best to ignore the rat, Shigure was happy that the two girls didn’t mind the odd stuff that had been revealed to them and stuck around. Akasha got along well with Tohru and would occasionally help her in the kitchen, she even found out for sure that Yuki and Tohru were dating, though everyone suspected it.
Kagura had made an appearance and with quite a bit of damage accepted that Kyo was with Akasha now.
Kyo thought it was funny that Kimmiko was scared of dogs and decided to scare her with a stray dog he had found, she didn’t find it as funny as he did and proceeded to swear at him in three different languages earning her the spot above Black Haru for creative swearing. Akasha swore she went on for three minutes and didn’t repeat any words, well not in the same language.
“What are you smiling about?” Kyo asked irritably.
“Nothing!” Akasha replied grinning up at him, he raised his eyebrow but said nothing as they came out in front of Shigure’s house. They walked up and Kyo opened the door letting Akasha step in before he closed it behind them. Together they walked into the living room to find Haru sitting patiently on the couch.
“What are you doing here?” Kyo asked in his usual manner of getting straight to the point. Haru looked up with an amused smile and shook his head.
“Shigure asked me to come over.”
“Where is he?” Kyo questioned noticing the quite of the house.
“At the main house with Yuki.”
“Oh.” Kyo paused and blinked in surprise. “So why does he want you to wait for him when he is not here?” Haru opened his mouth but shut it quickly with a frown.
“I don’t know!” He answered after a moment of thoughtful silence, Kyo just snorted and rolled his eyes.
“How long are they going to be gone?”
“I don’t know.”
“Where is Kimmi?” Akasha asked following Kyo over to the couch.
“Uhh… I don’t know that either.” Haru relied sheepishly. “I know that Shigure wanted her over here to, but she said she had something else to do and she would come later.”
“Oh,” Akasha smiled at Haru and leaned back against the couch. “How long have they been gone?” Haru frowned in thought and glanced at the clock.
“Almost an hour… I think.” He said making Kyo roll his eyes again.
“Haaaruuu, were back!” Shigure’s loud voice interrupted as he stretched Haru’s name six syllables. “Have Kyo and Akasha come home yet?”
“Yes, they are in here with me.” Haru relied much quieter than Shigure had been, but still loud enough to be heard.
“Oh, good!” He said appearing in the doorway. Yuki stepped up behind him looking half angry and half scared. A man resembling Yuki with raven hair came up behind both men and cleared his throat.
“A-Akito-San.” Haru said jumping to his feet, it suddenly clicked why Shigure wanted him to stay. A cold pang of fear erupted in his stomach, why was he here? He wanted both Akasha and Kimmiko, was he going to erase their memories?
“Relax Haru,” Akito said pleasantly. “This is only a social visit, I wanted to meet the girls I hear so much about.” Akito looked over to Kyo how was standing protectively in front of Akasha, a tiny smile broke onto his face and he shook his head. “Step aside Kyo, I won’t hurt her.” Kyo’s jaw visibly clenched and he took two steps to the side still standing defensively. Akasha blinked up at the young man looking at her, everything she had heard about him made his seem older than the teenager sizing her up. Akasha gritted her teeth and stood up slowly.
“Nice to meet you Akito-Sama.” Akasha said with a small bow. Akito’s mouth twitched up in an almost unnoticeable smile as he looked her over.
“So you’re the one who saw Kyo’s true form and accepted it, you do know that form is a monster right?” Akasha saw Kyo tense up out of the corner of her eye, but she only smiled pleasantly up at him.
“I guess some might call it that.” She said slowly, Akito cocked his head and moved forward.
“And what would you call it?” He asked as pleasantly as her smile.
“Cute!” She replied without hesitation. Akito looked at her for a moment before he laughed softly.
“You are a very peculiar girl aren’t you?” He said shaking his head again. “But if ‘cute’ is the word you wish to describe him with, then by all means do so.” Akasha tilted her head confusion showing in her eyes though she held her tongue. “Tell me, where is the second girl… this Kimmiko?” He asked his gaze finding Haru again.
“She will be here, but she had something to do before she came.” Haru said uneasily under the older mans gaze.
“What?”
“I didn’t ask her.” Haru replied confused as to why he should have.
“Hmm,” Akito turned back to Akasha and sat down in a chair close to the door. “Akasha, how long have you known Kyo?”
“A little more than three months.”
“What do you plan to do after school?”
“I’m planning on becoming a veterinarian.” Akasha answered honestly, while trying to figure the reasoning behind his questions.
“What would you do if I had Hatori remove your memories?” Akasha paused in surprise for a moment before glaring at the Sohma in front of her.
“I wouldn’t let you have them!” She said forcefully.
Yuki walked in holding a black tank top, he stopped when he saw Akito was sitting in the room and paused for a second deciding whether to leave the room again of stay.
“Put that down! It’s Akasha’s shirt.” Yuki glared at Kyo who had spoken to him and stepped forward once.
“No its not!” Yuki said with an irritated glare.
“Yes it is! She left it here the night it rained!” Kyo insisted angrily matching Yuki’s glare though he made no move to take it further than a verbal spar.
“Actually Yuki, Kyo is correct. I left that here and I forgot to bring it back home again.” Yuki blinked in surprise at actually finding himself wrong over something so trivial. Akito smiled as he looked between the two boys.
“Yuki,” He said capturing the rat’s attention. “Do you admit that Kyo won that fight?” His head tilted ever so slightly in obvious mockery of the boy. Yuki’s jaw twitched as he saw Akito trying to embarrass him, standing up straighter he moved his frown into a neutral tight lipped line.
“Yes, Kyo won that fight.” Yuki said hesitantly making Akito grin again.
“That was all it took.” He said smugly making Yuki frown again. “Akasha, please hug Yuki for me.” Yuki paled standing as stiff as a board as he tried to figure out Akito’s game. Kyo glared at the rat in an attempt to set him on fire before Akasha could touch him, he wasn’t jealous or anything, he just didn’t want his girl to touch the damned rat. Well that’s what he told himself. Akasha hesitated for a moment before standing up and walking over to stand in front of Yuki. She didn’t really want to hug him, but she also didn’t see a way out of it without making Akito angry and she had heard it wasn’t a very good thing to incur his wrath.
She slowly lifted her arms and wrapped them around the boy. Yuki made no move to stop her or to return her affections, however controlled they were. Akasha waited a few seconds for the loud pop and strategically placed pink smoke to appear, she pulled back when neither happened, but he remained the same pale boy he had been moments ago. Turning to face Akito she was given an arrogant smirk.
“I… why… what?” Akasha paused collecting her thoughts. “Why didn’t he transform?” She finally asked looking to the families head.
“Simple,” He said smirking. “Kyo won a fight! No one said it had to be a physical beating.”
“The curse is broken?” Akito nodded. “It’s not a fluke?” Akito shook his head now wearing an amused grin. “And it works for the entire Zodiac? Anyone can hug them?”
“Yes and yes.” He couldn’t help but give a small smile. Akasha grinned back and ran across the room flinging herself in Kyo’s arms. Kyo wrapped her tightly against his chest savoring the first hug, to him it was almost sweeter than the first kiss. Akasha pressed her forehead into the crook of his neck and breathed deeply as he held her tightly, she had loved her relationship with Kyo when there was only careful touching, but this simple act of hugging was perfect. Akasha pulled away with a quick grin at Kyo she walked over to stand in front of Akito.
“I’m sorry.” Akito furrowed his brow at Akasha’s odd statement.
“What fo-“ Akasha caught him in mid sentence as she carefully wrapped her arms around his thin frame. A shocked Akito was speechless as Akasha pulled away and returned to her spot ext to Kyo, this time she wrapped an arm around his waist, the chest to chest contact not making his transform again made Akasha’s smile grow if possible wider.
“I can’t believe it was that easy!” Shigure exclaimed slumping against the wall and covering his face with a weary hand.
“Sometimes the answer is staring you right in the face.” Akito replied with a smirk. Shigure let out a small whine at the sheer simplicity of the situation. Akasha and Kyo once again took their seats this time sitting as close as was possible without actually making use of a lap.
Thirty minutes passed in a comfortable silence, A clueless Tohru brought in tea and small snacks, Akito sat watching everyone with an eagle eye making all of them uncomfortable though none of them dared to show it.
Akasha could tell Kyo was as uncomfortable as she was just by the feel of his tense leg against her own, if she looked at his face she wouldn’t have guessed that he was at unease since he wore a stone mask. Akasha bit the inside of her lip in thought, Akito seemed to be making an effort to at least be civil towards everyone. Shigure had told her about what Tohru had said to him after she had found out about Kyo’s true form, Akasha wondered if that was what had affected him. Or maybe Hatori had put him on new medication and they had a happy side effect. Whatever the cause of it, she was glad. Looking up at Akito she saw he was looking past her and out the window, his eyebrow was raised and he looked between confusion and humor.
“Is that Kimmiko?” He asked softly, tilting his head towards the window to indicate what he was talking about. Akasha looked out the window for a moment before turning back to Akito and nodding.
“Yes, it is.” He made a thoughtful sound in the back of his throat and leaned back in his chair. “Hatsaharu, open the door and show her your lack of abilities.” Haru nodded and stood up a faint smile on his face.
Kimmiko raised a hand to knock when the door was opened quickly from the other side, she jumped back quickly in surprise and sighed in relief when she saw it was Haru.
“Damnit Haru! Don’t do tha-“ Kimmiko was cut off when Haru ignored her and scooped her up into a hug. “Haru get the hell off of me, you’ll trans… form.” She blinked in surprise when nothing happened and he stayed the same Haru she was used to. Pushing back she stepped away from him and looked him over, he was grinning like he held a secret and was proud that she hadn’t figured it out yet, but other than that nothing was wrong. Haru shook his head and pulled her into the house closing the door behind them they stopped in the hall.
“Haru…” Kimmiko started slowly. “What… umm how?” She stopped and closed her mouth speechlessly, surprised for the third time in one minute. Haru grinned and chuckled Kimmiko shrugged and threw her arms around Haru’s neck he laughed again and squeezed her back. “I didn’t know I liked hugging until I missed it.” Kimmiko said quietly, Haru grinned and pushed he gently away, taking her hand he led her to the living room. She looked around recognizing everyone except for one young man.
She raised an eyebrow, he resembled Yuki who was standing as far away from the man as possible with a half cautious half scared look on his face. The only person Haru mentioned him being scared of was…
“Akito-San?” She asked hesitantly. The man in question gave a smirk before inclining his head.
“Correct, Miss Kimmiko.”
“Oh,” She said walking forward a few steps before bowing politely. “Then it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
“Would you believe me if I said the pleasure was mine?” He asked with something akin to humor in his voice. Kimmiko raised an eyebrow and glanced at Akasha who only shrugged.
“Probably.” She said with an indifferent shrug.
“And what would you say if I told you I was here to erase your memories?” He asked a smile forming on his pale lips. Kimmiko frowned but said nothing as she studied his face.
“I would say that you were lying.” She said finally earning another amused smirk.
“And why would you say that?” Kimmiko blew her hair out of her eyes getting tired of the questions and fast.
“Because your mouth twitched.” Akito’s brows rose minutely.
“Pardon me?” Kimmiko sighed and cocked a hip.
“When a person lies the left side of their mouth will twitch. It can only be seen for a moment, but it is a clear indicator whether the person is telling the truth or not.”
“And if I did try and take your memories?” Kimmiko frowned and crossed her arms over her chest.
“I wouldn’t let you have them!” She said narrowing her eyes. Akito paused for a moment before laughing.
“You two will do!” He said catching his breath. “You both are allowed to keep you memories, there is no reason to take them any longer since the curse had been broken.” Akito looked at Yuki before smiling again and standing up as a car pulled into Shigure’s driveway. He walked out of the room his robes swirling dramatically around him, they heard the front door open and close before seeing the head climb into the car and disappear as they drove away.
“The curse is broken?” Kimmiko repeated her confused frown making Shigure laugh.
“That’s what happens when you’re late!” He said with a grin.
“Kimmi,” Akasha said capturing the blonde’s attention. “The curse is broken! Because Kyo won a fight against Yuki.” Akasha smiled proudly as Kimmiko deduced what had happened since Akasha had a simple way of explaining complicated things in one sentence, so it was just a matter of filling in the blanks.
“Huh,” Kimmiko turned to Kyo with a smile. “Nice job Kitten!” Kyo growled and made a fist.
“Don’t call me that!” Kimmiko cocked her head.
“Sorry!” Kimmiko winked at Akasha. “Still has the cats temper though!”
“I do not!” Kyo argued stomping his foot in exasperation.
“Kyo.” Akasha laid her hand on his arm making him look down at her his temper instantly calming down. Kimmiko grinned watching her friends, such a simple act, but she was the only one who could do it and get that effect. Kyo sighed and sat down on the couch spreading his legs Akasha took the open spot allowing Kyo to wrap his arms around her waist.
Kimmiko jumped when two arms were wrapped around her stomach Haru smiled setting his chin on her shoulder. Akasha looked at them and laughed.
“You jumped!” Akasha started snickering and even Kyo snorted in amusement.
“So?”
“So! Haru’s lucky you didn’t knock him upside the head!” Akasha pointed out with a shake of the head.
“Why’s that?” Haru asked not moving from his new found position.
“I just have a thing about people touching me,” Kimmiko said airily. “We all have our faults!”
“Yeah, you just have more than most!” Akasha said making Kimmiko stick out her tongue. Akasha copied the gesture and both girls started laughing.
“So… what next?” Kimmiko asked curiously.
“I don’t know.” Akasha said thoughtfully. “All’s well that ends well! Right?”
“Did this end well?” Kimmiko asked leaning into Haru. Kyo tightened his hold on Akasha and grinned.
“Of course!” Akasha said a bright grin lighting her face. “But when something ends, something else begins!”
“So?” Kimmiko said an eyebrow raised waiting for more.
“So… here’s to a happy beginning!” Akasha smiled making Kimmiko chuckle.
“A happy Beginning!” They repeated together raising pretend glasses in a mock salute.
Akasha did her best to avoid Yuki, but was civil when she did have to be around him. Kimmiko would pointedly ignore him after hearing what he had said about Kyo. Haru shared Akasha’s view on Yuki and Kyo did his best to ignore the rat, Shigure was happy that the two girls didn’t mind the odd stuff that had been revealed to them and stuck around. Akasha got along well with Tohru and would occasionally help her in the kitchen, she even found out for sure that Yuki and Tohru were dating, though everyone suspected it.
Kagura had made an appearance and with quite a bit of damage accepted that Kyo was with Akasha now.
Kyo thought it was funny that Kimmiko was scared of dogs and decided to scare her with a stray dog he had found, she didn’t find it as funny as he did and proceeded to swear at him in three different languages earning her the spot above Black Haru for creative swearing. Akasha swore she went on for three minutes and didn’t repeat any words, well not in the same language.
“What are you smiling about?” Kyo asked irritably.
“Nothing!” Akasha replied grinning up at him, he raised his eyebrow but said nothing as they came out in front of Shigure’s house. They walked up and Kyo opened the door letting Akasha step in before he closed it behind them. Together they walked into the living room to find Haru sitting patiently on the couch.
“What are you doing here?” Kyo asked in his usual manner of getting straight to the point. Haru looked up with an amused smile and shook his head.
“Shigure asked me to come over.”
“Where is he?” Kyo questioned noticing the quite of the house.
“At the main house with Yuki.”
“Oh.” Kyo paused and blinked in surprise. “So why does he want you to wait for him when he is not here?” Haru opened his mouth but shut it quickly with a frown.
“I don’t know!” He answered after a moment of thoughtful silence, Kyo just snorted and rolled his eyes.
“How long are they going to be gone?”
“I don’t know.”
“Where is Kimmi?” Akasha asked following Kyo over to the couch.
“Uhh… I don’t know that either.” Haru relied sheepishly. “I know that Shigure wanted her over here to, but she said she had something else to do and she would come later.”
“Oh,” Akasha smiled at Haru and leaned back against the couch. “How long have they been gone?” Haru frowned in thought and glanced at the clock.
“Almost an hour… I think.” He said making Kyo roll his eyes again.
“Haaaruuu, were back!” Shigure’s loud voice interrupted as he stretched Haru’s name six syllables. “Have Kyo and Akasha come home yet?”
“Yes, they are in here with me.” Haru relied much quieter than Shigure had been, but still loud enough to be heard.
“Oh, good!” He said appearing in the doorway. Yuki stepped up behind him looking half angry and half scared. A man resembling Yuki with raven hair came up behind both men and cleared his throat.
“A-Akito-San.” Haru said jumping to his feet, it suddenly clicked why Shigure wanted him to stay. A cold pang of fear erupted in his stomach, why was he here? He wanted both Akasha and Kimmiko, was he going to erase their memories?
“Relax Haru,” Akito said pleasantly. “This is only a social visit, I wanted to meet the girls I hear so much about.” Akito looked over to Kyo how was standing protectively in front of Akasha, a tiny smile broke onto his face and he shook his head. “Step aside Kyo, I won’t hurt her.” Kyo’s jaw visibly clenched and he took two steps to the side still standing defensively. Akasha blinked up at the young man looking at her, everything she had heard about him made his seem older than the teenager sizing her up. Akasha gritted her teeth and stood up slowly.
“Nice to meet you Akito-Sama.” Akasha said with a small bow. Akito’s mouth twitched up in an almost unnoticeable smile as he looked her over.
“So you’re the one who saw Kyo’s true form and accepted it, you do know that form is a monster right?” Akasha saw Kyo tense up out of the corner of her eye, but she only smiled pleasantly up at him.
“I guess some might call it that.” She said slowly, Akito cocked his head and moved forward.
“And what would you call it?” He asked as pleasantly as her smile.
“Cute!” She replied without hesitation. Akito looked at her for a moment before he laughed softly.
“You are a very peculiar girl aren’t you?” He said shaking his head again. “But if ‘cute’ is the word you wish to describe him with, then by all means do so.” Akasha tilted her head confusion showing in her eyes though she held her tongue. “Tell me, where is the second girl… this Kimmiko?” He asked his gaze finding Haru again.
“She will be here, but she had something to do before she came.” Haru said uneasily under the older mans gaze.
“What?”
“I didn’t ask her.” Haru replied confused as to why he should have.
“Hmm,” Akito turned back to Akasha and sat down in a chair close to the door. “Akasha, how long have you known Kyo?”
“A little more than three months.”
“What do you plan to do after school?”
“I’m planning on becoming a veterinarian.” Akasha answered honestly, while trying to figure the reasoning behind his questions.
“What would you do if I had Hatori remove your memories?” Akasha paused in surprise for a moment before glaring at the Sohma in front of her.
“I wouldn’t let you have them!” She said forcefully.
Yuki walked in holding a black tank top, he stopped when he saw Akito was sitting in the room and paused for a second deciding whether to leave the room again of stay.
“Put that down! It’s Akasha’s shirt.” Yuki glared at Kyo who had spoken to him and stepped forward once.
“No its not!” Yuki said with an irritated glare.
“Yes it is! She left it here the night it rained!” Kyo insisted angrily matching Yuki’s glare though he made no move to take it further than a verbal spar.
“Actually Yuki, Kyo is correct. I left that here and I forgot to bring it back home again.” Yuki blinked in surprise at actually finding himself wrong over something so trivial. Akito smiled as he looked between the two boys.
“Yuki,” He said capturing the rat’s attention. “Do you admit that Kyo won that fight?” His head tilted ever so slightly in obvious mockery of the boy. Yuki’s jaw twitched as he saw Akito trying to embarrass him, standing up straighter he moved his frown into a neutral tight lipped line.
“Yes, Kyo won that fight.” Yuki said hesitantly making Akito grin again.
“That was all it took.” He said smugly making Yuki frown again. “Akasha, please hug Yuki for me.” Yuki paled standing as stiff as a board as he tried to figure out Akito’s game. Kyo glared at the rat in an attempt to set him on fire before Akasha could touch him, he wasn’t jealous or anything, he just didn’t want his girl to touch the damned rat. Well that’s what he told himself. Akasha hesitated for a moment before standing up and walking over to stand in front of Yuki. She didn’t really want to hug him, but she also didn’t see a way out of it without making Akito angry and she had heard it wasn’t a very good thing to incur his wrath.
She slowly lifted her arms and wrapped them around the boy. Yuki made no move to stop her or to return her affections, however controlled they were. Akasha waited a few seconds for the loud pop and strategically placed pink smoke to appear, she pulled back when neither happened, but he remained the same pale boy he had been moments ago. Turning to face Akito she was given an arrogant smirk.
“I… why… what?” Akasha paused collecting her thoughts. “Why didn’t he transform?” She finally asked looking to the families head.
“Simple,” He said smirking. “Kyo won a fight! No one said it had to be a physical beating.”
“The curse is broken?” Akito nodded. “It’s not a fluke?” Akito shook his head now wearing an amused grin. “And it works for the entire Zodiac? Anyone can hug them?”
“Yes and yes.” He couldn’t help but give a small smile. Akasha grinned back and ran across the room flinging herself in Kyo’s arms. Kyo wrapped her tightly against his chest savoring the first hug, to him it was almost sweeter than the first kiss. Akasha pressed her forehead into the crook of his neck and breathed deeply as he held her tightly, she had loved her relationship with Kyo when there was only careful touching, but this simple act of hugging was perfect. Akasha pulled away with a quick grin at Kyo she walked over to stand in front of Akito.
“I’m sorry.” Akito furrowed his brow at Akasha’s odd statement.
“What fo-“ Akasha caught him in mid sentence as she carefully wrapped her arms around his thin frame. A shocked Akito was speechless as Akasha pulled away and returned to her spot ext to Kyo, this time she wrapped an arm around his waist, the chest to chest contact not making his transform again made Akasha’s smile grow if possible wider.
“I can’t believe it was that easy!” Shigure exclaimed slumping against the wall and covering his face with a weary hand.
“Sometimes the answer is staring you right in the face.” Akito replied with a smirk. Shigure let out a small whine at the sheer simplicity of the situation. Akasha and Kyo once again took their seats this time sitting as close as was possible without actually making use of a lap.
Thirty minutes passed in a comfortable silence, A clueless Tohru brought in tea and small snacks, Akito sat watching everyone with an eagle eye making all of them uncomfortable though none of them dared to show it.
Akasha could tell Kyo was as uncomfortable as she was just by the feel of his tense leg against her own, if she looked at his face she wouldn’t have guessed that he was at unease since he wore a stone mask. Akasha bit the inside of her lip in thought, Akito seemed to be making an effort to at least be civil towards everyone. Shigure had told her about what Tohru had said to him after she had found out about Kyo’s true form, Akasha wondered if that was what had affected him. Or maybe Hatori had put him on new medication and they had a happy side effect. Whatever the cause of it, she was glad. Looking up at Akito she saw he was looking past her and out the window, his eyebrow was raised and he looked between confusion and humor.
“Is that Kimmiko?” He asked softly, tilting his head towards the window to indicate what he was talking about. Akasha looked out the window for a moment before turning back to Akito and nodding.
“Yes, it is.” He made a thoughtful sound in the back of his throat and leaned back in his chair. “Hatsaharu, open the door and show her your lack of abilities.” Haru nodded and stood up a faint smile on his face.
Kimmiko raised a hand to knock when the door was opened quickly from the other side, she jumped back quickly in surprise and sighed in relief when she saw it was Haru.
“Damnit Haru! Don’t do tha-“ Kimmiko was cut off when Haru ignored her and scooped her up into a hug. “Haru get the hell off of me, you’ll trans… form.” She blinked in surprise when nothing happened and he stayed the same Haru she was used to. Pushing back she stepped away from him and looked him over, he was grinning like he held a secret and was proud that she hadn’t figured it out yet, but other than that nothing was wrong. Haru shook his head and pulled her into the house closing the door behind them they stopped in the hall.
“Haru…” Kimmiko started slowly. “What… umm how?” She stopped and closed her mouth speechlessly, surprised for the third time in one minute. Haru grinned and chuckled Kimmiko shrugged and threw her arms around Haru’s neck he laughed again and squeezed her back. “I didn’t know I liked hugging until I missed it.” Kimmiko said quietly, Haru grinned and pushed he gently away, taking her hand he led her to the living room. She looked around recognizing everyone except for one young man.
She raised an eyebrow, he resembled Yuki who was standing as far away from the man as possible with a half cautious half scared look on his face. The only person Haru mentioned him being scared of was…
“Akito-San?” She asked hesitantly. The man in question gave a smirk before inclining his head.
“Correct, Miss Kimmiko.”
“Oh,” She said walking forward a few steps before bowing politely. “Then it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
“Would you believe me if I said the pleasure was mine?” He asked with something akin to humor in his voice. Kimmiko raised an eyebrow and glanced at Akasha who only shrugged.
“Probably.” She said with an indifferent shrug.
“And what would you say if I told you I was here to erase your memories?” He asked a smile forming on his pale lips. Kimmiko frowned but said nothing as she studied his face.
“I would say that you were lying.” She said finally earning another amused smirk.
“And why would you say that?” Kimmiko blew her hair out of her eyes getting tired of the questions and fast.
“Because your mouth twitched.” Akito’s brows rose minutely.
“Pardon me?” Kimmiko sighed and cocked a hip.
“When a person lies the left side of their mouth will twitch. It can only be seen for a moment, but it is a clear indicator whether the person is telling the truth or not.”
“And if I did try and take your memories?” Kimmiko frowned and crossed her arms over her chest.
“I wouldn’t let you have them!” She said narrowing her eyes. Akito paused for a moment before laughing.
“You two will do!” He said catching his breath. “You both are allowed to keep you memories, there is no reason to take them any longer since the curse had been broken.” Akito looked at Yuki before smiling again and standing up as a car pulled into Shigure’s driveway. He walked out of the room his robes swirling dramatically around him, they heard the front door open and close before seeing the head climb into the car and disappear as they drove away.
“The curse is broken?” Kimmiko repeated her confused frown making Shigure laugh.
“That’s what happens when you’re late!” He said with a grin.
“Kimmi,” Akasha said capturing the blonde’s attention. “The curse is broken! Because Kyo won a fight against Yuki.” Akasha smiled proudly as Kimmiko deduced what had happened since Akasha had a simple way of explaining complicated things in one sentence, so it was just a matter of filling in the blanks.
“Huh,” Kimmiko turned to Kyo with a smile. “Nice job Kitten!” Kyo growled and made a fist.
“Don’t call me that!” Kimmiko cocked her head.
“Sorry!” Kimmiko winked at Akasha. “Still has the cats temper though!”
“I do not!” Kyo argued stomping his foot in exasperation.
“Kyo.” Akasha laid her hand on his arm making him look down at her his temper instantly calming down. Kimmiko grinned watching her friends, such a simple act, but she was the only one who could do it and get that effect. Kyo sighed and sat down on the couch spreading his legs Akasha took the open spot allowing Kyo to wrap his arms around her waist.
Kimmiko jumped when two arms were wrapped around her stomach Haru smiled setting his chin on her shoulder. Akasha looked at them and laughed.
“You jumped!” Akasha started snickering and even Kyo snorted in amusement.
“So?”
“So! Haru’s lucky you didn’t knock him upside the head!” Akasha pointed out with a shake of the head.
“Why’s that?” Haru asked not moving from his new found position.
“I just have a thing about people touching me,” Kimmiko said airily. “We all have our faults!”
“Yeah, you just have more than most!” Akasha said making Kimmiko stick out her tongue. Akasha copied the gesture and both girls started laughing.
“So… what next?” Kimmiko asked curiously.
“I don’t know.” Akasha said thoughtfully. “All’s well that ends well! Right?”
“Did this end well?” Kimmiko asked leaning into Haru. Kyo tightened his hold on Akasha and grinned.
“Of course!” Akasha said a bright grin lighting her face. “But when something ends, something else begins!”
“So?” Kimmiko said an eyebrow raised waiting for more.
“So… here’s to a happy beginning!” Akasha smiled making Kimmiko chuckle.
“A happy Beginning!” They repeated together raising pretend glasses in a mock salute.