Pretear Fan Fiction ❯ Field Full of Daisies ❯ Happy Birthday ( Chapter 13 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Field Full of Daisies- Happy Birthday

Kagura ran a tired hand over her face before daring to join her sister, friend, and adoptive mother downstairs around a well lit Christmas tree. So far? This holiday sucked. And it was most likely going to get worse. As soon as she rounded the corner to the dining room, she found an addition to the group. This, she didn't need but was too stressed to need to worry about him now. “What are you doing here Tetsu?”

He looked confused. “It's Christmas. Aren't I supposed to be spending it with my girlfriend.” He hugged Himeno's shoulders and grinned at how red she turned.

“No. You should be spending it in a church with your own family, perv.”

“Kagura!” Himeno frowned at her sister as she dragged her feet to the tree area. Before Himeno could open her mouth to argue, she shoved a gift under her nose.

“Open.”

Himeno shook it around and a small smile crept up on her face. The box was pretty big. She ripped the wrapping off , opened the large box, and inside…was a slightly smaller box. Himeno was a little confused but opened the next box and inside…was a smaller box. Now Himeno was getting aggravated. “Kagura-“

“Stop being impatient.”

Himeno frowned further before opening the next box, and the next, and the next until finally there was a much, MUCH smaller box. Himeno didn't seem too happy about it. “This better be good.”

“Christmas isn't about the presents you heathen. Now open it, Hime.”

The tulip flicked open the last box and was, at most, speechless. “This is…how'd you get it?” Inside was a small gold ring with a red ruby colored stone on it. It was…her mothers.

“No biggie. I been keepin' it in that duffle bag for a while. Before, I used to stash it at Ma-…a friend's house. Mom said give it to you on you 16th birthday but it would have gotten stolen back at the ADOC so I'm giving it to you n---“

Kagura got pumeled to the floor by a sniffling Himeno. “Thank you Onee-chan! This is the best gift ever!”

“Stop crying and get off me. I want my present.” Himeno wiped her face and blushed out of embarrassment.

Everyone exchanged gifts for a while, before Mannen's father came in. “Sorry to disturb you girls…and, um, guy…but we're already eating breakfast and my sister-in-law says these hungry people aren't going to wait.”

Himeno and Yayoi, not bothering to change out of their baggy pj's, slipped on some shoes and head for the door. Himeno dragging Tetsu along and telling him it would be alright. Sanma stopped in the doorway when she noticed Kagura still sitting there, picking at a small box. “K-Kag-“

“I'm not hungry. Go ahead.”

“…Something wrong?”

Kagura flinched. She noticed now, every time Sanma didn't stutter. She was either really concerned or really serious. Maybe both. “Nope. I'm fine.” The frizzy haired woman was hesitant to leave, but shut the door behind her, figuring she'd bring some food over instead. How these girls were growing on her. Even the rude one. She had to have been the one she was most concerned about. When she adopted the two, Kagura came with a file thicker than any of the other children's. Psychiatric incarceration, drug abuse, under the influence, underage tattoos, underage smoking, assault, anger management, violent temper, non-cooperative, attempted suicide, the list just ran on and on. Once she got there, she ran into her friend's mother.

“Sara? I saw those other two girls. Where's the rude one? We're ready to sit down and eat. Just like that ruffian to keep everybody waiting.”

“She said she wasn't hungry.”

The old woman stared at Sanma as if she didn't quite process what she said. “She doesn't want to eat. As in she doesn't want to eat the food we slaved over? That rude little-“ She slapped her hands together a few times before grabbing her coat and darting off to the house next door. Sanma walked over to the dining room table since it was the only table that could hold so many people and sat.

“Where's Kagura?” Himeno asked. Sanma stared down at her hands.

“She said she wasn't hungry.”

Himeno frowned and glanced over at Sasame who made an uncommon snort. Even Hayate was a little surprised. Since when did his brother…snort. “What'd you do?” Himeno's tone held more venom than usual.

He glared in her direction, not holding back the fact that he was angry about being toyed with. “I didn't do anything. Kagura did everything…or it's probably better to say everyone.”

Himeno looked confused for a moment, then narrowed her gaze at him again. “What do you meam?”

He sighed and waved her off, indicating he wasn't going to talk about it. “Ask her,” Mawata shrugged. Himeno looked at Mawata now, as if just realizing she was there.

And for once, Himeno took a moment away from her usually polite demeanor and usued what Kagura rubbed off on her. “I don't believe I was speaking with you so do me a favor and mind your business. Least I put yours out for everyone to here.”

Mawata held in her surprise and glared back at Himeno and Sasame, no matter how curious on what Himeno meant, stayed out of it. “So sad how little you know your own sister.”

“This coming from a person who doesn't know her at all. Shouldn't you be off having breakfast with your own family.”

“This coming from the daughter of a washed up novelist who's at my house right now.” Himeno froze, eyes wide. “My mother brought him home with her so he wouldn't have to spend Christmas alone and I, personally, couldn't stand being in the same building with the man.”

Himeno gripped onto the ends of the table until her knuckles turned white and Hayate could tell Mawata crossed the line. “Stop it,” Sasame cut in. “Just stop arguing over nothing.”

Tetsu grabbed Himeno's hand and grinned to calm her down. It worked for the most part but she was no less angry. Hayate's teeth were grinding together now but he kept his mouth shut. The sound of groans and complains of people ready to eat was cut off by an even louder sound. “I SAID I WASN'T HUNGRY! LET GO HAG! I'll hit you back!”

“I wish you would! Now you're going to eat! You're going to have fun! And you're GOING to--- get your hands off of me! That's it!”

“OW! That cane fuckin' hurts! Gimmie that!”

“YOU LET GO!”

The people listened at the sound of thumping and confrontation rumbled the walls before Kagura was dragged into the dining room by the ear. Kagura stopped shouting but didn't stomp trying to get their grandmother to let go. “Mother, if the girl doesn't want to eat-“

“Silence. And you. What's you name?”

Mawata looked confused for a moment. “M-Mawata-“

“Get up. You're in this ruffian's seat.”

Mawata looked a little shocked and confused again but Sasame's grandfather cut them off. “Just do as she says. We don't want her getting too excited with you in the crossfire Miss Mawata,” he said with a slight chuckle. Mawata hesitated for a moment, but sttod and sat at the empty seat a bit farther away, between Goh and Mannen's mothers. Kagura was shoved into the seat, then glowered at when she tried getting back up. Finally, with a rather frustrated sigh, she stayed seated. Sasame felt highly uncomfortable and kept his sadness to himself. Glancing over just momentarily, he had to do a double take when he noticed what she was wearing. Over that tattooed, bandless arm he had grown so accustomed to seeing her wearing, he saw the gift he'd given her on her wrist. The bracelet he'd dropped in her house and left to be forgotten. But as quickly as he'd seen it, it was gone when she shoved her hands into her pockets. She noticed him staring? And why the hell was she wearing it? It only made him more confused and a little more angry with her for being so damn confusing. When you like someone, it's not supposed to be this damn hard…dammit. I wish she never would have moved here…Food was served and Sasame tried his best to ignore the girl sitting beside him. But for some reason, why did he feel like she was glaring at him. He glanced over again and whipped his eyes back to his food. I guess it's because she IS. What the hell does she have to be angry about! It wasn't as loud as usual, but still pretty loud among the adults. Kagura hadn't touched her food and his grandmother was definitely glaring at the girl for it. Mawata was quiet the entire time. Sparing Sasame a glance and a smile every few moments. It made him red in the face for reasons other than anger. He remembered some of the conversation he'd overheard. “…using mySasame for your own amusement.” “MySasame?” “Just tell me why you did it!…I hate you!” “If he'll believe you, then you can have him.” And he'd remembered her staying there in his room with him even when he told her to go away. Just…a really good friend right? He looked at her again. She didn't notice at first, but when she looked up from her food, her face reddened just slightly and she smiled at him. He smiled back politely and looked back down at his food. “MySasame?” MySasame? He found that becoming more his question than Kagura's. Surely, someone who was just your friend wouldn't word a reference to another friend like that. No, he had a feeling that she didn't think that way at all about him. The reason she hated Kagura so much. And she had been out for his well-being earlier. Was he the only person blind to this, and if so, how long? Sasame looked back up at her, and instead of another awkward glance between the two, Kagura stood so fast from her chair it fell over. She leaned over and picked it up before scooting it back under the table.

“My apologies. I am not feeling well. I will go.” She walked away from the table and Himeno was about to get up. She must have read minds because she immediately halted the action. “Don't.”

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What I wouldn't do for a drink right now. She groaned at the thought. How long had it been since she had a drink? Drug? Just a buzz if it would make the headache go away. Even if just for a while. Upon entering her room, feeling mentally ill in having to sit through watching Sasame constantly look at…at…her. She had immediately grabbed something, anything, to distract her. And how long ago had it been since Yayoi first handed her this book. It may still have reminded her of him but for now, it was as close to a distraction as she'd get. Never really reading the book straight through but flipping to random pages. How, she hated to admit, this book, their family story, had actually kept her interest in moments she wasn't distracted. It reminded her of when she'd been in the ADOC. Grab a book from a bin of donated literature from the library while watching Himeno play around with two orphan friends of hers or color pictures she'd thought from her imagination. `First Aid' `Learning a second language: English' `Advanced Study of the World of Biology' `Martial Arts' A lot of things along those lines. Never had she bothered with something from the imagination. And she'd gotten in trouble a good number of times when she came across one of her fathers books and proceeded in ripping it to shreds. Girls tended to be disappointed because those were their favorites. Now here she was, reading something she usually wouldn't be caught dead reading, and finding herself interested again.

It was dark. The moon shone in through the balcony window and, as if the moon was a bright as the sun, it kept her awake. The orb hanging in the sky in great contrast to the vast deep blue, and yet bringing out the small shine of every star out tonight. It was, in a way, reassuring. Nothing so horrid as he dying tonight could happen under a sky and moon as beautiful as this. Not to him. Not when she was waiting for him. “He will come back. Or I will bring him from the grave and kill him again myself, with my own hands, I swear it.” She slumped over the railing, eyes glazed over. How sure was she really? If this was your first time seeing this sky, you never would have know how long it rained earlier. She found herself feeling foolish that she had worried over him catching a cold. “Stupid…” she muttered to herself. “I hate it. I hate waiting here not doing anything. I should be out there too. Stupid baka…” The stupid baka was he, the man she was waiting for. The one who had said she not go. And this time, the vase full of daisies picked from her favorite place was no comfort. “I wonder,” she questioned the moon itself, “would you fool me with your beauty into thinking a dead man lives?”

“Are you that hopeless or do you not listen when I say if you're here waiting, I will come back.” Before she could turn in surprise damp arms constricted around her waist. While she was so absorbed in her own world, Sasame had slipped into her dwelling, up the stairs, and into her bedroom, closing the door behind him. She looked more celestial than real. Standing out on the balcony in the night like a rose growing by the moon's light. Beautiful, was his first thought. How easily he had fallen in love with her. But she was like a bitter-sweet pain in his heart. She, indeed, loved him back, but was reluctant about it. Every princess had abandoned their lonely homes to live with their knight, love, trust, and so much more being their only union. As for she and I, she slept here, in her own home, while I went home every night to a lonely bed. And never, had I disrespected that decision, but how long could I keep it up? Every night, leaving her untouched, the scar, curse, of love and lust haunting me in my thoughts and sleep. To the point when I rarely got sleep. She shivered. Obviously, he had gotten caught in the night's earlier rain.

“What are you doing up here?” she asked, hiding the smile she had when she was happy to see him back. Though, she doubted he wouldn't sense it was still there. He squeezed her a little harder and nuzzled his cold cheek against the nape of her neck.

“You didn't think I'd show my return to you from the bottom of this balcony, did you?” he whispered. A mischievous little smirk spread on his face when he felt her shiver again. “You cold?”

“I believe that would be your fault. You're wet. Do you want me to get sick?”

“Well I'm wet. And if I'm going to catch a cold, then you should too.”

“And who's going to take care of you? Did you think about that?”

“The forseeing elder maybe?”

She shuddered at the thought. “Kami no. My ear hurts every time I'm around that woman.”

“If you weren't so loose with your tongue around her-“

“I'll say whatever the hell I want to the hag,” she cut in, not liking how so many had asked her to just be polite to the witch. When was she ever polite? …Besides to Himeno anyway.

Sasame chuckled at her stubborn behavior, not aware of the fact the she'd stop breathing when he did. “That attitude won't bring anything but misfortune to you.”

“Yeah I know what you mean. You won't seem to go away.”

He laughed a little louder. “No. I won't. Never. Face it. You're stuck with me.”

Kagura laughed and straightened up off the railing. “Well, since you are back and seem to be fine, no cold for the moment, I'm going to go to sleep. And you have to go,” she turned around and smiled. “Night Sasame.” She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and he loathed the contact. She was telling him to go home…again. He was quick to grab her chin and turned her toward him before she could walk past. She wasn't kicking him out again. He didn't think he'd survive another night alone without her. He constricted the other arm around her waist, pulling her to him. Then flat out stating his most nagging thought.

“I'm not leaving.” He closed his mouth over hers before she could protest. Slipping his tongue into her already open mouth, and angling her to the way he wanted. His grip tightened around her. Fingers working a mile a minute, trying to untie the knot holding up her night robes. “Kami,” he muttered, attacking her throat with open mouthed kisses when the knot finally came undone. “Don't ever ask me to leave again.”

Kagura snapped the book closed and threw it across the room, wiping a tired, shaking hand over her face. She hated the feeling she got after reading that book. Like she was there. The pictures in her mind more like memories than imagery. And the burning. Kami… It was like the knight was laying his hands on she herself. Even after the book was closed and thrown, the feeling stayed. The images stayed. Wet clothes tossed aside like nothing. The feeling of hard flesh and satin beneath her fingers. Foreign, and yet familiar sounds of groaning and moaning. The burn of hands traveling over her being. And the feeling in her abdomen. Kami. Kagura mouthed off a few swears before jogging down the stairs and snatching last holiday's bottle of wine out of the fridge. Sanma wasn't a drinker so Kagura was sure it would still be in the back of the fridge. She popped the cork open into the trashcan and drank straight from the bottle. She hated it. Hated that feeling. A feeling she once felt was vile and disgusting due to her encounter with Maki, Sasame had managed to turn into something addictive and intoxicating. And she wanted it to stop. Drown myself in this until I can't feel anythinganymore. I don't wantto feel anything anymore.

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“Something wrong?” Tetsu asked. Himeno shook from her thoughts and smiled at Tetsu.

“Nothing.” She was FAR from telling the truth. Truth was, she was worried out of her mind. Himeno barely got any sleep between nightmares and worrying about Kagura. Her door was locked shut last night and she didn't answer when Himeno knocked. And what bothered her more was when she went down stairs to eat herself to sleep, she noticed something that had been there for quite a while was missing. The wine. And it scared her. She didn't want to jump to conclusions but if Kagura was…drinking again…

“You worried about your sister?” He draped an arm over her shoulders and all she could do was nod.

“That's why I love being around you. You care about others more than yourself.”

Himeno blushed. “…I love being around you.” “I don't know.”

“Don't be modest,” he snickered before planting a light kiss on her cheek. Then snickered again at how red her face got. They were out in public. And Himeno didn't much like `PA'. “Your sister's going to be fine. I'll even take you back after you finish eating. Just talk to her. I'm sure it's nothing.”

Himeno looked down at her untouched burger and smiled. “Alright…thanks. Really.”

Tetsu smirked. “It's no problem. Really.”

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Kagura had just dressed after a well needed shower. She'd woken up that morning with amild headache. It was always harder to get drunk when she was angry, and in the end, she ended up downing the entire bottle. She was thankful no one saw her throw it out in the trash but she had to wonder…would Sanma miss it? I guess it's a little too late to worry about that right? Himeno waved off to someone and closed the door. I guess she got back from her date with Tetsu. Himeno turned around and seemed to be surprised for a moment before smiling.

“Hi Onee-chan! When did you get up?”

“While ago,” Kagura replied before dragging her feet into the kitchen. She yanked a burrito out of the freezer and stuck it in the microwave. “Have fun?”

“Yeah. It was nice. Tetsu didn't try anything if that's what you're worried about.”

Kagura snorted. “Like he wasn't thinkin' about it.”

Himeno frowned but decided against commenting on that. The last thing either of them needed was another argument. “You feeling better? I mean… you did say you weren't feeling so good last night. Everyone was a bit worried.” Kagura chuckled, a rather hollow sound, and it made her wince.

“Everyone…right.”

“Wha-…what happened?”

Kagura seemed to stiffen a little. “What do you mean?”

“You know what I mean. You…and Sasame…and even Mawata was spouting off something I didn't understand-“

“Is that all you're worried about?”

Himeno frowned but nodded. “What happened?” she questioned again. “You even locked yourself in your room last night.”

“I locked my door because you're going to be eighteen soon. You have to start learning how to sleep alone in your own bed. And I do mean alone. As for all that other stuff. It's nothing you need to worry about. Nothing but a little misunderstanding at the most. It will get dealt with soon enough.”

“I don't like how you worded that.”

“What do you mean?” Kagura blinked with the most innocent look on her face.

“Every time you say `it will get dealt with, don't worry' something bad happens and I always wish I would have worried.”

“O yeah. Name one time.”

“There was Aunt Moriko.”

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“What's wrong?”

Himeno threw herself at Kagura's feet and gripped onto her pant leg. “Sh-sh-she's he-re.”

Kagura's scowl deepened. “Who? Spit it out will ya.”

“A-Aunt M-Moriko's here again.”

“Aunt who?”

“Moriko. You remember? The one who called you…the devil's child.”

Kagura stiffened again. “O. I remember her. What's she doing here?”

Himeno calmed her crying down to a sniffle. “She wants to adopt me. I heard her talking to Miss D. She wants to take me away from you. I don't want to go with her. She's mean.”

“…You sure you don't want to g-“

“Don't ask me that! I don't want to!”

Kagura sighed. “Fine. I'll deal with it. Just stop crying so damned much.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Don't worry about it.”

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“I don't get it. So what bad came with that?”

“You broke the woman's arm, Kagura. She tried to have you taken to a juvenile facility.”

“She `fell' down the steps. An act of supernatural beings can't be blamed on me. That's what you get when you mess with the devil's child. And it did get dealt with.”

“Kagura.”

“Alright. Name two.”

“…When you said…when you said you'd leave the Saints if I asked.”

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Himeno rolled over on her cot just in time to see Kagura opening the window. “You leaving to be with…them…again.” Kagura froze with one leg outside. Her back was turned and Himeno couldn't see her face, but with the way her back stiffened, she didn't think she needed to. “What's stopping you? Go ahead and go. Have fun.”

“……How long you been awake?”

“Does it matter or do you want me to lie to you?” It was quiet for a long time and Kagura hadn't moved an inch. Himeno sighed and rolled back over so she wouldn't have to see her. “I just…worry about you. What you're doing. What kind of…trouble you'll get into. Whether you'll come back tonight…or the next.”

“……Do you want me to stop?”

Himeno was a little surprised and sat up straight, only to see Kagura still hadn't moved. “What?”

“I'll leave them…the Saints if you want me to. If it worries you that much.”

Himeno didn't really know what to say. If she said no, what if something really did happen to her. But if she said yes…wouldn't that be selfish? “Yes…I want you to stay.”

I rather be selfish than alone with a dead sister.

“…Alright. Then stop worrying about it. I'll deal with it. And I'll come back. Now go to sleep.”

And she slipped out the window, only to return early the next morning nearly dead. Bleeding out, bruised, and her clothes looked torn, almost burned. But, she did come back, didn't she? And it made her cry. The weak little smile she gave. “I told you I'd deal with it…”

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The beeping from the microwave interrupted and Kagura turned her back to get her burrito. “And…I dealt with that, didn't I.” And I'm still dealing with it.

“For as long as I can remember, you never really told me anything. You just kept saying, I'll deal with it or don't worry about it or something like that. I want you to tell me what's bothering you. I want to help. I'm not a baby anymore and I don't like hearing about my sisters problems from other people-“

“I said I'll deal with it. The only problem I have with you is Tetsu and I've made that more than clear right? Any problem I have that has anything to do with you, I'll tell you. But this is one thing that's none of your business. It's nothing.”

“So you don't trust me enough to tell me what's bothering you. Because you don't think that what affects you affects me too? But you have the nerve to tell me what to do and who I should date. I don't need you to make decisions for me.”

“O really now?” She bit into her food and gave her an indulging look as if she didn't care what Himeno had to say, but at the same time offered to listen. The same look an adult gives a child when they've strayed off topic and began babbling on what they did today. It irritated Himeno more.

“I'm not a baby. So I'd appreciate it if you stopped treating me like a child, like your child. And you…drank…didn't you.”

“Do you think I did?”

“The bottle's missing.”

“So I took it?”

“Don't lie to me.”

“What if I did?”

“You promised you'd stop.”

“I never promised. I just did.”

“So whatever's bothering you that much…makes you want to start drinking again? Is that it?”

“Nope.”

“Then what?”

“You're almost 18. I'm almost 18. Soon we'll be finished with school. You'll be off to college. And I won't be looking after you anymore. I think my drinking is my business. Not yours. Get it?”

Himeno shook her head. “You…you hated father for so long because of his drinking. But look at you. You're no different.”

Kagura pushed away from the kitchen counter and brushed past Himeno toward the stairs. “You still don't get it. Even after I just explained it to you. Even after you just said it for yourself. When dad drank, we were kids. We needed him and he ignored us by drowning himself in beer. You just said you weren't a baby anymore. You said you don't need me. I guess I no longer have you as an…obligation…so I can drink as much as I want.” She walked up the stairs, only faltering in step when Himeno whispered again.

“Obligation huh, Onee-chan…Kagura.”

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“Is everything alright Kagura? Why are you looking so sad?”

The woman lifted the small child into her lap and leaned back on her elbows. The yard was green and full of flowers. The sound of Himeno and Kaoru's laughter was faint but there. He'd always lift them up like planes and run around with them in the yard. Kagura tugged at a strand of loose red hair before saying anything. “Why…are you out of bed? You're sick aren't you?”

She got up off her elbows and hugged the little girl. “Does it make you sad that…I want to spend my time with my favorite daughters and my favorite husband?”

“But your heart-“

“So how much do you know exactly? Listening in on grown up talks, eh?”

Kagura shrank a little. “I didn't mean to.”

“You know…you're quite perceptive for someone your age. I…need you to promise mommy something.”

“Hmm? What?”

“You know I'm sick. Someday, I'm not saying soon, I'm going to…fall asleep.”

“Fall asleep?”

She squeezed Kagura a little tighter. “Yes. Sleep. And I won't be able to wake back up.”

“But Himeno got sick once and-“

“That's different honey. I'm not going to wake up. And, they're going to put me in this really nice bed with, white satin and cotton and a hand-sown pillow and lots of flowers. Roses, tulips, and daisies maybe. And they're going to put me in a place where I can sleep forever, a place where you and your sister and father can always visit me. I may not be able to talk back to you, but I'll hear you. And when that happens…I want you to watch after you sister. When your father can't. After all, you are the older sister.”

“Nuh-uh. We're twins.”

“You came first. Three whole minutes older.”

“Really.”

“Yeah kid. So you going to promise mommy or not.”

“Hmm…alright. It couldn't hurt. After all, daddy's going to be there to help so it won't be hard.”

Her mother laughed. “The way you talk little one. It's too easy to forget how old you are.”

“I am a big girl.”

“I know. You're my big girl.”

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How long had it been? One day? Two? No…it had been days since Kagura had spoken to anybody. The occasional nod or grunt to Sanma. Even Ayanami had tried striking up a conversation and Kagura just nodded in agreement to whatever the woman had said and went out of the house. Tetsu had been coming by a little two often and Kagura had to constantly keep herself busy just so she wouldn't comment on it. She'd noticed Mawata's car parked outside the Ayanami's home next door many times as well. It was loud and bright in that home. Looking out the window at it. It made Kagura feel…alone. And she hated it. She'd gotten too attached to those people. But, above all else, she had one more problem. A bigger problem. Hell, he's the one that caused her current problem. Maki. Indeed, he was a problem. How could she even think about anything else when she knew he was out there looking for her address? I'm going to have a tumor with all this stress…my life SUUUUCKS. She flopped back down on her bed and glanced over at the calendar. December 30th…30th…thiiiiiiiiirty-eth. Wasn't she supposed to remember something today. Oh that's right. Sasame's…birthday…damn…I need another drink. Kagura swung her legs off the bed and dug in her duffle bag full of swords and other questionable material until she found it. Her old fake I.D. She smirked. Psy had gotten it for her. How long had she been twenty-two? Two years maybe? Good times. Though…she wasn't always her best. Puking in toilets while Berserk held her hair back. Stumbling and high while Psy took her home.

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“Damn Kagura. No more for you.”

“What for?”

“Don't give me that. You're too high right now.”

Kagura propped her feet up on the coffee table and cocked an eyebrow at Psy. “There's such a thing as…too…high?”

“I didn't think there would be until you stopped passing it.” Psy snatched the joint from the redhead and laughed. “I'm getting kinda hungry again.”

“We already ate Maki outta house and home. What else ya gonna shove in yer mouth?”

“Dunno.”

True…the two were high…and they were in Maki's condo. His house smelled since neither one bother to open the balcony window, and his fridge lied open and empty. “Didn't want to stick around here when he got home but I guess I have to. You're too high to take me back.”

“Oh. Then I guess I should tell you something.”

“What.”

“The weed…”

“Uh-huh.”

“It ain't mine.”

“…I thought you said it was…”

“I lied…I found it in Maki's room,” Psy laughed. “And the bag's empty. We're screwed.”

Kagura couldn't help but laugh too. “When I get my reflexes back in check, I'm going to hit you.”

“Yeah, well, just say you took it.”

“Hell no!”

“Oh, Kagi! You know Maki can't stay angry at his perfect little angel for long. He'll hate me forEVER!"

Kagura's face lit up red and she snorted at her friend. "Hardly. He'll put me on grunt work for weeks."

"Pleeeeeease. I promise I won't try tattooing you anymore."

Kagura grew silent and considered the offer.
I guess...It's worth it."

The sound of rattling keys and the door opening halted their conversation. Maki walked in, obiously tired from the job he'd just finished. But his tired expression soo changed to that of shock, than intense irritation. Borderline anger. Maybe it was anger. The two froze for a while. "Y-You know we're like brother and sister. You love me like family right?"

He still didn't say anything. Kagura tried shrugging off her nervousness with a snort and a wave. "Don't look so pissed. So what if we smoked all your stuff and made ourselves at home. I told Psy you wouldn't mind."

He shot her an incredulous look before narrowing his gaze again. "Both of you...car...now..."

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Himeno entered the house after another outing with Tetsu. What the gentleman. He's so...so...perfect...would that be saying too much? But still, she couldn't help but feel a little wierd. She and Kagura weren't speaking. That didn't mean she wasn't worried, but she was still angry at her. Who the hell does she think she is? Calling me an obligationlike I asked her to take care of me. She had only popped in momentarily anyway. To let Sanma know that she was going next door with the Ayanamis for Sasame's birthday. Then later, Tetsu was coming by again to take her to a winter break house party. She'd never been to one. Apparently, somebody's parents decided to leave their oh so irresponsible child home alone. No matter how much she hated it, Kagura's harsh warning circled her mind. How many times had she told her about how horrible house parties could be? "Drunk idiots, high morons, and just plain stupid people picking fights and breaking everything 'smashable' in sight. Stupid girls drink stuff out in the open like the 'punch' or whatever the hell else they have in a bowl out in the open. It's smarter to bring your own drink if you get thirsty. Never set it down, and if you take your eyes off it for a second, DON'T drink it. Oh god and sometimes your own date is the WORST. They're usually the ones to slip you a drug. And never go in a quiet secluded area with him, or ANYONE. That's why if I ever caught you at a house party, I'd sever your head from the rest of you because it's OBVIOUSLY empty." Himeno narrowed her gaze at no direction in particular. Why did her sister always have to be so negative...so...cynical? She named all the bad, but none of the good. The happy people, the dancing, loud music. It was going to be so much fun whether Kagura approved or not. She wasn't stupid enough to do something like those things Kagura said. I'm not stupid...Besides Tetsu's sweet. He'd never do something like that. It's not like I just met him or anything. Himeno spotted Sanma rumagging through the coat closet. For Sasame's gift no doubt. "Hey Sanma," Himeno greeted with the widest smile she could summon. Just because she wasn't in a perfect mood didn't mean she had to bring down everyone else's. She had to be happy around Sasame right. Everyone's been walking on eggshells around him lately. Whatever Kagura must have done pissed him off. Then again, Kagura doesn't function well with others. Screws a lot things up. Can't really blame him can you? Sanma popped out of the closet with her wrapped gift in hand, smiling in her all to fidgety way.

"Hello H-Himeno."

"...Kagura still hasn't come down today?"

"Hmm? O-Oh. She left j-just a little while ago. Said she'd b-be back l-later."

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"Hey cuz. Ya look like hell."

Sasame starred daggers at Goh. "Your snoring didn't help. Sounded like an animal feeding under my bed."

"It couldn't have been that bad-"

"It was." Sasame sighed. Sure, Goh's snoring was a problem, but he really didn't want to go to sleep. Not with the dream he knew he was going to have. But, what bothered him a little, was when he finally fell asleep out of pure exhaustion, he didn't really dream anything. It was wierd...like he'd just fallen asleep and woken up two seconds later with the entire night over with.

"Ah, cheer up!" Goh smiled, slapping Sasame on the back. "It'd your birthday. And look what I found." Sasame looked down a the wrinkled flyer in his cousin's hand. "This is my gift to you."

"A house party. One that you're not even throwing at your own house no doubt. I swear. Your brilliance astounds me every time I see you Goh."

"It's me trying to get your mood back up. We're going to have a great time cuz. And we won't have to worry about cleaning anything up after it's over and done with."

"I don't think-"

"Ah, don't be such a stick in the mud. You're going and you're going to have a great time."

Sasame sighed, seeing no way out of it, and slipped into the living room only to bump into Shin. "Why are you sitting in the middle of the floor?"

"Your house is boring. Where's the park? I wanna go."

"It's my birthday and you want me to take you to the park and watch you play?"

"Cuz I want to. Oh! Can Kagura-nee and Himeno-nee take me? When are they coming?"

Sasame winced just a little. "I think Himeno said she was stopping by in a little while."

"Kagura-nee coming with her?"

"...dunno." Sasame walked back out of the living room to avoid anymore of the curious tot's questions. Would she come? Pfft! What am I thinking. She'd show up if grandma dragged her over kicking and screaming. Which he knew she was about to do. The front door swung open and in came his grandmother along with Himeno and Sanma. He smiled in greeting and his neighbors smiled back. His grandmother, however, looked a little irritated and he knew it had to be because of the missing person. "Something the matter?" He hated asking but wouldn't it seem a little wierd to the old woman if he didn't after all, he was her favorite grandson...when no one else was around.

"She's just a little disappointed-"

"-the ruffian wasn't there! She specifically left, knowing I'd come and get her. How dare she skip out on my nephew's birthday. How rude! When she gets home---"

"It's no big deal. Come on. I think lunch is ready." He watched them walk off into the dining room and sighed. He should be relieved right? Yes, that's what this feeling was. Relief. And a little happiness that he wasn't going to have to feel that awkwardness and stress that seemed to accompany her presence now. Or was it just plain regret and anger? He'd seen her the other day. She was on the porch and it had to be really late out becausee he'd been woken up around twelve to take the garbage cans to the end of the driveway. He'd forgotten them earlier. She was sitting on the wooden banister looking out at something he couldn't see or didn't want to see. Maybe it wasn't there. She'd glanced at him for what felt like hours. Not really like she was looking at him, but like she was looking through him. He just frowned at her and went back inside. Didn't sleep well after that either. He lingered in the hall long enough to catch Mawata's entrance. She had a bright smile on her face with a fairly small box in her hand. "Oh? That for me?" He was quick to brush off his negative thoughts. After all, Mawata had been with him the entire time right? And hadn't complained either. That's what he needed right now. Someone totally opposite of the woman who made him cringe at the sound of her name. Had he wasted all that time when Mawata was right there? But..she didn't like him like that. She was just a really good childhood friend and that's less than he could really ask of her.

"Nuh-uh. You have to wait until you're by yourself to open it. It's a little embarrassing."

"Great. Make me more curious," he sulked before joining everyone else in the dining room. Maybe this wuld turn out to be a pretty good birthday...

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"You're twenty-two huh?" The store clerk looked her up and down. She frowned at him with irritation written all over her face. This would have been a lot easier had there not been a line of Kogo High students behind her she recognized, all ready to purchase bottles and kegs even, of sake. From the whispers she overheard, there was apparently going to be a party in the area.

"Look. I don't got all day because a bunch of bratts decided they were going to get loaded today. Ring up my fucking beer, my damn cigarettes, and give me the bag. Or should I just go somewhere else?"

He complied, still a little suspicious. She little less than snatched the bag from him before leaving. As if the walk out here hadn't been annoying enough. And running into Kyoko without her bastard behind her. She was relieved and pissed at the same time. That encounter had been short. After overhearing that she and Maki were going to this party that everyone seemed to be obssessed with, Kyoko went out of her way to show off her brand new car to Kagura, who had been walking to the store. After telling Kyoko off, specifically mentioning why Kagura would be in shape after the winter for the swimming team and how FAT Kyoko would be for sitting on her rear, she'd been left alone. The red head decided to cut home through the huge Kogo national park to avoid taking a road route home. Kami if she got caught with a bag full of sake and smokes. Maybe I should drink some out here. No one ever comes through here to often. It's always so...quiet...woa... Kagura had been halted when she noticed something. More like a vast kind of something. She approached it on the thin cobble stone path, reading the sign that was there.

Kogo National Landmark. Flower Field of Daisies. May walk in field as long a you:

-Don't run

-Don't litter

-Don't pick the flowers

Or anything else that would ruin the natural state of the Daisy Field. Enjoy your stay in the most relaxing place Kogo has to offer. Landmark's historic date not recorded.

It was pretty fricken big. Daisies as far as the eye could see and she could make out a small tree somewhere in the middle of it. It was empty too. Not a tourist in sight. Then again, this wasn't exactly ourist season. The land was coated with tons of snow, with daisy heads popping out from the white fluff. How the flowers were still alive, she'd never know. After about a five minute walk, more like power walk, she made it. And she plopped down right in the snow, under the tree, pulling her hat further over her ears and securing each glove. This was some place wasn't it?Just like the daisies in the vase in that damn story. This was wierd, but she couldn't exactly bring herself to leave. This place had a calming feel to it. One she hadn't really had before. And no matter how stupid she looked out there at this snowy and cold time a year, it was better than going home. And it kept her sake cold. Couldn't argue with that. She dug in the plastic bag and brought out a bottle of sake, along with her keys. On it was a bottle jack she usually used on tha caps of Himeno's glass bottled sodas. Indeed, the drink was cold, and swallowing it only made her a little colder. And she'd feel really stupid...if she'd cared. Nope, this plae was a little more calming than she initially thought. Guess I won't be coming home so soon after all...

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Kaoru sat in the living room, hand supporting his head as he drifted off into a world of thought that pained him so. His girls. Well...they weren't really his anymore. He could only mandate visits from them for so long. Until they were eighteen and in complete independant care. Himeno seemed to love their visits so much, but Kagura was another story. She'd count their time down on her fingers if she could. All of this agony because of his mistake. He ignored the only loved being he had left just because one was taken away from him. And his wife. How many times was she rolling over in her grave by now. Just the shocked of seeing them the way they wee was enough. His two little girls, women in the blink of an eye. Literally. He'd missed their entire lives practically. How could he not understand why Kagura held such a...a...hate...for him. She hated him. His little girl hated him. And he couldn't blame her. And, everytime he'd thought about his coma, the dream, of a beautiful woman, humming to him a song in a velvet voice each morning was his most prominant memory. That had called for him to awake. Drained the pain of the loss of his wife away and left him wanting to wake to see the siren. And his firt vision when he came to? A bunch of doctors and a beautiful nurse. One who hummed when she busied herself taking care of him. And spent over time with him every day. Telling him of how she named her two daughters after characters in his book Sister Princess. Or how she used to love reading his novels in her younger years. They'd gotten along so well. So when he'd found out she was Natsuke Kogo, naturally he was stunned. She'd even taken it in her heart to invite her home with him when he was all alone for the holidays. And helped him with his physical therapy sessions. He was gaining a lot of the muscel strength he'd lost in his legs during the coma but still had to use crutches when he walked.

"I know. You must be thinking of your daughters?"

He sighed and smiled for her benefit. "I'm fine. I thank you for your hospitality Kogo-san."

"How many times have I told you it's just Natsuke. You make me sound like an old woman," she giggled. "And to be honest, the damage has been done. The only place to go from here is up. Himeno already adores you. And I'm sure, somewhere deep down, Kagura wants her daddy back too. She'll just take a little more time to cope with it. That's all."

"...yeah. You're probably right..."

"I know what would make you feel better. The left over Christmas roast. I'll have it heated up for you."

"For me. You know I'd rather do that cooking thing myself."

"You continue to amaze me. But I must insist. A guest cook? Nonsense," The two laughed. Whenever in a damp mood, just and two seconds with nurse Natsuke to feel better.

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"So you're all going to that party huh?" Hayate was already sitting on the loft in the backyard, watching Hajime, Shin, and Mannen pummel Goh with snowballs, using the two forts built a while back. Everything seemed so...not right...was the only way to say it. Initially, he'd wanted to go to the party, not to pick up other girls who'd love for him to come but to keep an eye on tulip head. The last girl who'd been left with Tetsu hadn't come to school again in months and then, just plain moved. Or was that the case with the past two? Three? Maybe four girls?And he'd been just about to say he was going but...she looked happy. That dopey grin she'd get everytime he kissed her. He didn't really know if he'd be completely rational when watching her that happy with him there, dancing without a care in the world. And it wouldn't be exactly fair if he'd told her how he felt would it? It would be a load off, but not necessarily fair. He didn't want to stress her with something that was probably just one-sided. Sasame and Goh were going. They'd see if anything happened. Kei had flat out refused to go and Hayate had been a little surprised that Yayoi was going. Probably just because Goh's going...That had to be it. Why else would straight A Yayoi go to a house party that didn't include balloons and streamers?

"Yeah. It'll be fun. You sure you don't want to go?"

Hayate shook his head and forced a smile that edged a bit more on the 'grimace' look. "Nah. Fun for you, a pain for me."

Himeno laughed. "Suit yourself grumpy. But you're missing out."

"Yeah, I'm sure," he replied, tone drippimg in sarcasm. "Just...be careful alright. House parties aren't exactly the safest places. No matter how fun they are."

"Ah, don't worry. I'll be fine. Plus I got Tetsu there to take care of me."

That's the problem. Hayate averted his eyes to the now Goh snowman. It was apparent, the younger cousins won out in this battle. "Yeah..."

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"You don't know where she lives exactly...do you?" Berserk didn't like asking, but felt compelled to. How many times over would Maki kill him if he didn't.

"Nah. I always meet her on the pathway that heads out toward the school. She told me her sister has this crazy attitude thing about letting me pick her up at the house." Tetsu grabbed two bottles of water from the fridge and tossed one to his brother.

"I'm surprised she even lets you pick her up at all."

"Himeno is her own woman. She can do what she wants...to an extent."

"Oh?"

Psy snorted at that. "What the hell are you doing here anyway sideshow freak?" Tetsu grumbled.

"I'll take that as a compliment you womanizing rapist man whore."

Berserk interrupted the less than friendly insults. "She's with me because we have something we need to do in a while. Wanted to visit mom and figured I'd swing by here on the way."

"One of the Saint leaders is a mommas boy. Hate to know what'd happen if others found out."

"Then I guess it's good that you won't---wait...you sound a little too happy today...care to explain why?"

Tetsu grinned and shrugged. "Nothin' really. Just going to a party."

"Oh? What girl's gonna be your victim this time--- o crap! You're going with Kagura's little sister!" Psy jumped up from the couch. "Are you crazy! If you try anything you pervert-"

"You're just askin' to die aren't you, little brother."

"Well apparently her and her sister got into a little argument. So Himeno's coming alone. Well I gotta go. Party actually started a while ago." Tets grabbed his coat and left the house before Psy shouted again.

"You're going to let you're bastard brother just go!"

"And if I call Kagura, he'll be my dead bastard brother. I couldn't do that to my mother. We're family. Now...if someone who weren't family were to let it slip, that would be another thing..."

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Himeno had spent the majority of her hour pacing the room. She hadn't known what to wear to this type of thing so she just put on her regular clothes. A sundress, stockings, and a big coat. Yayoi had been anxious about going herself, but didn't fret too much. She was with Goh after all. Sasame and Mawata were happily chatting away on the sofa. After his birthday party, she'd played with Hajime and Shin for a while before redressing and waiting in the, fairly crowded, Ayanami home. Sasame was driving him and Mawata since there wouldn't be enough room in Tetsu's car. But he certainly didn't want Himeno and Tetsu riding alone. So Goh and Yayoi were going with them. He still couldn't believe Kagura was even letting her go. Or tagging along? Then again, wasn't it good that she wasn't coming. The last thing he needed right now was to see her. Tetsu showed up with a grand smile. Few minutes later, they left.

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Kagura had stumbled down the side-walk, six sake bottles drunk. It was dark as night and Kagura could barely see which house was which. It had taken almost all her will power to get up and leave that field. Will power, and the knowledge that she may freeze to death if she didn't. During the time she sat there, she had time to think. A LOT of time to think…too bad she didn't. It was hard to do that there. It was like, a small voice there soothed her. Thinking will just make you angry…relax…stay…you don't want to think about life…just…relax. Then again, that voice may have been the sake. The porch light was left on for her. Sanma really is a good guardian…I guess…good enough anyway. Kagura opened the door after fumbling with her keys for a while. She could hear the phone ringing inside and assumed Sanma was asleep since it kept ringing. Once Sanma was asleep, she was out cold until her alarm clock went off. Which was pretty strange since the alarm didn't make much sound to begin with. She kicked the door closed with her foot, took off her boots and answered the phone. She had to pause for a while before she said anything. She didn't want whoever it was on the phone to know she was drunk. “H-…Hello?”

There was a pause on the other end for a while and Kagura was two seconds from hanging up when the person finally spoke. “Go get your sister---…..”

Kagura removed the phone from her ear and stared at it for a while. The person had hung up and the voice had sounded slightly familiar. It had been too quick too tell who it was exactly but why would someone call and say that…unless…Shit! Great, one argument and she ended up letting Himeno be alone with Tetsu all night. But she didn't even know where the party was and how would she get a ride anyway?