Written by Miyu, Vampire Princess

AUTHOR'S NOTE:
AU to the furuba universe...well only a little I think. I wish I could say when the idea for this came to me. All I do know is that it's going to take me an eternity to write the whole piece. *sigh* This story focuses on an original character and is told from her point of view.  The intrigue continues....

Chapter 5 - In the Name of Love

School started the same as it did every day since my first. I'd arrive at the front of the school with Tohru, Yuki and Kyo. We'd greet Hana-chan and Uo-chan. There would be some brief conversation - and the untimely interruption of the Yuki Fan Club - then we would head off to homeroom. Momiji would walk with me as far as the stairs. There I'd meet up with Chidori and Sakura, say my good-bye to Momiji then head to class.

No Haru.

Classes would drag by. Math no longer confused me, thanks to Yuki. History felt like a fairy tale. English was boring; despite all the help I was giving to my fellow classmates. Reading felt like the only thing we did in Literature. Even Shakespeare made me sleepy...and I like Shakespeare. Phys ed...well, I felt little motivation for physical activities while my mind was running a mile a minute. Lunch was as social as I got, keeping track of the latest gossip was never hard with Chidori around.

But still no Haru.

As the final bell rang, I made my way into the hallway. I melted into the crowd, moving with the flow towards the lockers. After changing into my shoes, I met up with Tohru. She smiled her usual happy smile at me - I don't think I've ever seen this girl sad yet - and arm in arm we walked to the gate to meet Kyo and Momiji. Yuki would've joined us, but he was busy with his duties as Student Body president. The cultural festival was fast approaching, and there was much to be done. Even our class was debating what we should do.

And I haven't seen or heard from Haru in over four weeks.

When I asked Momiji, his face got this curious look and he answered, "I'm not sure." He'd seen Haru at the Honke. He knew Haru was all right, or at least he didn't appear beaten or injured in any way. The comments seemed a little odd to me, but I didn't question it. At least he was okay. But something was going on, Momiji said, because Haru just didn't seem like his usual self. White or black.

There had been little talk about what had happened that night after I left Chidori's house. Tohru barely mentioned it and Shigure didn't ask any more questions. I wouldn't answer them anyway. Yuki had started to give me weird looks to match Kyo's, but neither one said a word on the subject...if they knew anything at all.

Life was slowly returning to normal - as normal as it gets for us Sohma folk. I'd tried several times to get in touch with Haru. From sending notes home with Momiji, to calling his room. But my letters went unanswered and none of my calls were returned.

I needed to talk to him. To see him. I needed to reassure him - and myself - that what happened wasn't bad. Well, all right it WAS bad, but it wasn't the worst that could've happened. We needed to talk. This crush I had developed was trying to become something more, even in his absence.

But...I also came to realize that I knew so little about him.

How do you get to know someone who's avoiding you?

Dinner at home went the same as always. Actually it was slightly more upbeat. We had an unexpected visitor. A whirlwind you might say.

"AH! Konban wa minna-san! Gure-san, where is she? I want to meet her!"

My uncle laughed. "She's standing right behind you, Aya."

Ayame Sohma - the snake - had stopped by for a visit. He's the oddest man I've ever met, and I'm not just saying that because of his white hair and pure golden eyes.

"Sou ka!" Ayame bowed dramatically before me, only reinforcing my surprise. One minute I'm on the bottom step, the next I'm being whisked away into the living. All the while Ayame made his introduction.

"Konban wa, Sei-chan! Ayame desu! You must be so excited to finally meet me. I'm absolutely thrilled to meet you!" All I could do was nod as he continued, "Gure-san's niece! I can't believe it."

He held me at arm's length by my shoulders. His eyes grazed over me several times from head to toe. "Funny, you don't look a thing alike." He smiled broadly. It seemed impossible with the gigantic grin already in place. "You're even more beautiful! KAWAII!"

For a moment I thought for sure he was going to hug me. My body tensed as he moved closer. I closed my eyes and held my breath...but the hug I was expecting never came. Instead, he moved around me so we were both facing Shigure.

"I think she looks like her mother. Don't you agree, Gure-san?"

"Actually, I do see a bit of my brother in her."

"You do?"

"Hai. In her eyes."

"Ah! You may be right."

"What is HE doing here?"

Everyone turned to look at Yuki. He was standing at the bottom of the stairs, with the same dumbfounded look I was certain I was wearing. I looked from Yuki to Ayame to Shigure and then back at Ayame.

"Yuki!" Ayame exclaimed. "Are you happy to see your older brother? What am I saying? Of course you are!"

"Wha--?" Yuki was once again stunned. He blinked quickly, then looked at me concerned. "Are you all right, Sierra-san?"

"Ah!" I was startled for a moment. I hadn't realized I'd been staring at Ayame. For one, he was pretty...yes, pretty...for a man. Secondly, I hadn't known he was Yuki's brother. Not very shocking considering they did look like siblings.

"I'm fine," I reassured him as soon as I came back to my senses.

Tohru chose that moment to appear from the kitchen. "Ayame-san, when did you arrive?" she said with wide eyes. Her look of surprise quickly turned into a broad smile. "Will you stay for dinner?"

"Iie, onegai," Yuki muttered under his breath.

"But of course, Tohru-kun! Of course," came the over excited reply.

We sat down to yet another wonderfully prepared meal. Ayame talked whimsically through the meal with Shigure commenting loudly and egging him on. Tohru simply wore a smile on her face while Yuki, Kyo and I tried to pay little or no attention to the conversation. It was a pointless one at that...at least for me. For some reason it sounded like the grown-ups were hitting on each other. Now I'm no expert or anything, but that was just plain sick.

"You know nothing could ever dull my love for you Gure-san!"

"Our love will last forever, Aya!"

Everyone sweatdropped...or at least would've if we were in a cartoon. Instead, Kyo nearly choked on his food. I had to pat him on the back pretty hard to help him stop. Yuki paled, while Tohru sat oblivious.

"So Aya, what new outfits have you designed lately? I haven't been to your shop in ages," Shigure commented.

"Ayame-san owns his own clothing shop," Tohru whispered to me.

"Honto ni?" My question was a bit louder than I had intended, and I got looks from both Kyo and Yuki. "What kind of clothing?"

"It's...difficult to explain." Yuki's smile was clearly strained.

"It's better if you don't know," Kyo added with a frown.

"What's all the whispering about?" Ayame asked. "Are you keeping secrets from your own brother, Yuki? I'm hurt!"

"Iie, Ayame-san," I interjected. "I was...curious about your shop...is all."

"Ah! My shop! You simply must come to see it," he said with sparkles in his eyes. No joke. They sparkled. "I have the perfect outfit for you too!"

"Now way," Yuki and Kyo yelled in unison.

Ayame pouted, shrinking back into his spot at the table. "But she could help me with my western fashions."

"No!"

Ayme looked to my uncle for help. "Gure-san?"

But Shigure shook his head. "I think they might be correct, Aya. She is my niece after all. How about I come to your shop instead? Tomorrow afternoon. We can have lunch and you can show me all the wonderful designs you've come up with for winter."

"Gure-san, you are the best!"

Shigure beamed proudly. "I know."

Yuki looked stunned. "Did he just--?"

"--do something responsible?" Kyo finished, also stunned.

You know, I think he did. Kami help us all!

Tohru and I just looked at each other and shrugged.

The next two days followed as the past few weeks. School seemed to be getting more boring and still no word from Haru. I was about ready to give up. Even Chidori and Sakura were encouraging me to forget about the whole thing - I'd told them that Haru and I had had a fight. If he wasn't man enough to face me, they said, that was his problem.

You know, they were right.

But I just couldn't forget about him. And I wasn't just worried that he was angry with me, but that something else could be seriously wrong. What if Akito was keeping him at the Honke? What if something truly horrible happened to him?

"Yo."

I looked up, startled as I was walking towards the front gate of the school. The final bell had rung and I was walking home by myself today. I hadn't expected someone to meet me at the gate.

Let alone that person is Haru.

My heart stopped for a split second. I opened my mouth ready to say something, but no sound came out. I snapped my mouth shut, unable to think of something to say. So instead I nodded in acknowledgement. How lame.

Haru tilted his head, "You walking home by yourself?"

'Hai," my voice finally came around. "Tohru is busy with some club or other. Kyo has cleaning duty and Momiji...." I paused. "I have no clue what Momiji's doing. Yuki has Student Council."

"Maybe you should become more involved too," Haru suggested.

"Maybe," I replied. I had thought of signing up for a number of school activities, but I couldn't make up my mind. Tennis sounded very good. As did archery. "What are you doing here," I asked, finally getting myself back on topic. "I thought Momiji was bringing your assignments home for you."

"He is," Haru answered calmly. "I came to see you."

A bitter part of me wanted to laugh. Yeah, right. "Oh," was all that came out of me despite the angry and hurtful things I could've said.

"Do you mind?"

I sighed, wanting to retort with something like 'well you could've done this sooner' or 'why should I let you walk me home', but my ultimate answer was, "Iie."

"Good."

I took those few remaining steps towards him and the school gate with my heart pounding in my ears. I consciously kept my eyes off of him as I passed. I tried to keep the feeling of his presence out of my head as he started walking beside me. But his continued silence after nearly a block caused me to stop and look up at him.

"Are you angry with me?" The words came out quickly. I needed to know how he felt. I needed to talk to him.

He paused, looking down at me curiously. "Shouldn't that be my question?"

I sighed, turned and continued to walk. "I'm not mad at you."

"You should be."

"But I'm not. Now answer my question."

"I'm mad at myself."

His answer caused me to pause again. This time I looked at him curiously. "I can understand that and all, but why?"

He blinked. "Why am I mad at myself?"

I dropped my book bag and put my hands on my hips. I could feel my face heat up with my anger. I didn't want a shouting match but I was ready for one. Black Haru or not. "Why have you been avoiding me like the plague?"

"I haven't been avoiding you," he answered simply.

"Yeah, right." There. I'd finally said it.

"Things have been...weird lately."

Okay, now I'm confused. "Weird how? Is something going on at the main house?"

He nodded, picking up the book bag I'd dropped in a huff. Then he started walking again. I followed.

"Is everything all right? Do you want to talk about it?" I asked hurriedly as I trailed after him.

"No, everything's not all right. And yes, I want to talk," he looked around then shook his head. "But not right here. When we get to Shigure-sensei's."

"All right."

It was an uncomfortable silence that hung between us as we walked. So I made small talk with him about things that were going on at school. It seemed to make him relax, and it was soothing for me as well. I even brought up joining either the tennis or archery clubs. Haru thought I'd be good at both, but he recommended the archery club. Apparently, a few of the girls in Yuki's fan club were part of the tennis team.

"Why don't you join any clubs?"

He shrugged. "Not my style."

"What is your style, then?"

"Can you honestly see me playing sports?"

"Sure, why not?"

He chuckled, but his expression seemed bent, sarcastic. "I'm not into sports."

We turned onto the path that led to Shigure's house. I reached for my book bag but he switched hands, keeping it away from me. "Are you holding my book bag hostage?"

He looked at me and smiled - really smiled - at me. "Maybe."

"Why?"

"Is Shigure home?"

As we approached the house, I noticed that it appeared empty. Checking the front door as we stepped onto the porch, I found it locked. "I guess not. He went to visit Ayame's shop today. Perhaps he's still there."

"You've met Ayame?" Haru sounded surprised.

"Hai," I answered, unlocking the door and ushering him inside, grabbing my book bag in the process. He put up little struggle to hand it over, and I sat it on the floor by the dining room table as I headed for the stairs. I turned on the lower step to say "I'll be back down in a minute", but nothing came out as I noticed Haru was right behind me.

"I'm going to change my clothes," I told him, blinking rapidly in my surprise.

He stopped just shy of running into me, then nodded. "I need to use the bathroom."

"Oh."

"Yeah."

"I'll meet you in the living room then."

"Okay."

I felt a huge blush rise to my cheek as I hurried up the stairs and into the room I shared with Tohru. I only hoped that he hadn't noticed it. Kami! I was supposed to be angry with this guy! Why the hell was I acting all fangirlish?

I changed into a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt my mother had sent me from home. It was stylish in the States even if it made me stand out in Japan. I was comfortable, and that's all that really mattered.

I was nervous about going back downstairs. I didn't realize it at the time, but the extra time I spent remaking my bed and rearranging the trinkets on my nightstand kept me in my room for an extra ten minutes. Why was I nervous? I wanted to talk to him. Was I really afraid of being alone with him? As long as Black Haru didn't make an appearance, I'd be fine. Right?

My heart was pounding in my ears again when I made my way down the stairs. Still no sign of my uncle or the others. I let out a sigh as I saw Haru sitting on the couch and my breath caught. Kami but he was breathtaking in his black jeans and white button-down shirt. He wore the same studded collar I remembered from that night. And the same bracelets. Yes, bracelets. I had to shake my head and force my body to move into the living room.

"You look comfortable," he commented when he saw me.

"I feel comfortable," I answered. "You know, I envy Tohru. I mean, I like wearing skirts, but I just can't do it all the time. This is more...me."

"How American," Haru replied.

I leaned over and punched his shoulder as I took a seat next to him on the couch. "So, what have you been up to for the past few weeks?"

Haru leaned back, his head dropping to rest on the back of the couch. He closed his eyes and for a minute I thought he may have fallen asleep. But then he sucked in a huge breath and let it out slowly. "Are you sure you're okay with what happened?"

"I'm fine," I told him.

He opened his eyes and turned his head to look at me. "What if it happens again? You didn't put up much of a fight the first time."

Heat immediately rushed to my face. "Yes, well...." How was I supposed to explain this without giving anything away. "I'm not exactly...proud...of that," came the answer. It was partially the truth. Part of me wanted to fight back. Probably a bigger part than I'm willing to admit.

"You should've fought back."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry, just...don't." He looked away and closed his eyes again.

I could feel tears in my eyes, threatening to fall. Kami please don't let me cry. There was nothing to cry about, was there? Then why? Why did I feel as if I just lost my best friend?

"Okay, okay," I acquiesced quickly to avoid a rush of sudden tears. I wiped at my eyes with the back of my hand. "Look, despite what's happened, I still consider you a friend. You can feel tragic all you want, but it's not going to stop me from caring." I paused there, catching the breath I'd just spent on my miniature rant. I leaned back into my seat and looked at him almost pleadingly. "So...just tell me what's up? Why have you been missing from school?"

His eyes opened and his head seemed to turn in slow motion. There was a moment of silence as he processed my words, at least that's what I assumed he was doing. Then, a small smile spread across his lips. Not that strangely horrifying smile of Black Haru, but the sweet, friendly smile of White Haru.

I really liked that smile.

"You really want to know?" After I nodded, he sat up, leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees. "I've been, trying to help a friend. A relative actually. She's been...very sick."

"Oh," is all I came say.

"Why don't you come by the Honke Friday after school? Momiji can show you where I'm at...and you could meet her," he suggested. He stood up and stretched his arms over his head. "I think the two of you might actually get along."

"Actually?" What was that supposed to mean?

Haru chuckled. "Rin doesn't get along with too many people. Once you get to know her, you'll understand."

"Oh. All right." I didn't have any plans for Friday night. Hopefully, neither would the others. But, should I tell them I'm going or make up an excuse? And what would happen if Akito knew I was there? Was I really welcome at the main house?

"I'll let Momiji know. He'll be happy to have someone to walk home with," Haru said. With a wave of his hand he started moving towards the dining room.

"You're leaving all ready?" This took me by surprise. By far there was still a lot we could talk about. There was still a lot I WANTED to talk about. Hurriedly I got up from the couch and followed him out onto the porch. He was already starting on the path back to the main house when I reached the railing. "Chotto matte!"

"Oy! Sei-chan, who are you yelling at?"

It was Kyo. He was walking down the main path with a curious Tohru behind him. From their current position they couldn't see Haru walking in the opposite direction. I watched him walk into the woods. He turned around at the edge, giving me a small salute, before turning and disappearing into the thick.

"Oy." Kyo's fist made contact with the top of my head. Not hard, mind you, just little friendly thump. "Daijoubu desu ka?"

"Hai," I replied, swatting at the hand that punched my head.

"I'm going to start dinner," Tohru replied.

"Oh wait," I told her, turning from the porch railing. "I'll help."

Kyo groaned. "Great. Some weird American cuisine."

"Hey, you liked that meatloaf," I told him, shaking a finger at him with the other hand on my hip. "And I didn't hear you complain about the mac and cheese."

"In fact, he ate the whole bowl," Tohru added with a smile.

Kyo sighed, hanging his head. He muttered something under his breath. I looked at Tohru, who was just as confused.

"What were you going to make for dinner, Tohru-kun?"

The girl placed a finger against her cheek, thinking. "I hadn't really decided on anything...."

"Do you still have the shrimp you bought last week?"

Tohru nodded. "Hai. I was hoping to make something special with it, but I'm not sure what."

I practically bounced. "I have an idea."

Kyo groaned again, earning him a punch in the shoulder. He managed to dodge my first punch, but the second hit the mark. He tried to hit me back, but I blocked. He wasn't even trying really. Then he smiled.

"What great culinary masterpiece will Chef Sierra come up with tonight?"

I grabbed Tohru by the arm and dragged her into the house. "Shrimp Creole," I called out so he could hear me.

"Sounds delicious," Tohru said, barely keeping up with me until we got to the kitchen.

I'm sure Kyo muttered something to himself. I'm not sure what and I probably don't even want to know. All I do know is that there was nothing left of the creole and Kyo made no complaints...at least not audibly.

Friday was two days away, and as I went to sleep Wednesday night, I found I was very anxious and excited to be going over to the main house, despite my earlier worries. So excited that I could barely sleep. I ended up sneaking downstairs to call my parents. I didn't want to wake Tohru.

There was nothing new going on at home, although a few of the girls I went to school with stopped by to see how I was. I can just imagine their surprise when father told them I was in Japan. My class knew I was going, and those of importance -- at least in my book -- were given my new address. I'd received several letters and I still needed to reply to two of them. I must've been feeling lazy.

School dragged like a never-ending bad movie on Thursday. Two pop quizzes and a track "test" in phys ed nearly killed me. Then there was the research paper we were assigned in history and the essay, due Monday, from the Literature teacher. I worked like a dog (no pun intended) that night to get most, if not all, of my essay completed. Yuki came to check on me twice and when Tohru came into the room and crawled into bed, it was well after eleven.

Amazingly I was the first one up Friday morning. My nerves had calmed long enough for my exhausted body to sleep, but once my alarm went off I was awake. I beat Kyo into the shower, surprising even him. I was even the first at the table for breakfast.

If I thought Thursday was bad, Friday was worse. Another pop quiz. A short writing assignment in English. Forgetting my lunch. It could probably be called the day from hell. Oh wait...I already had one of those. Is it possible to have another?

But it mattered little. When that final bell rang, I was one of the first people out the door. I wasted no time at my locker and, much to my surprise, Momiji was waiting for me when I arrived at the front gate. I grinned broadly at him, nearly bouncing as I walked.

"Are you ready, Sei-chan?"

"Hai!"

"And where are you two going?" The voice definitely belonged to Kyo, but neither of us could find him. Finally he came into view, jumping down from the branch of a nearby tree.

"Is that where you hid after seventh period, Kyo-kun," Tohru asked as she approached. Yuki followed behind her.

"Yeah, what of it," he asked, crossing his arms over his chest. "And answer my question, where are the two of you going?"

"Home," we replied in unison.

"Sei-chan's going to help me with an English assignment," Momiji stated. "Ne, Sei-chan?"

"Hai," I answered quickly with a nod.

"Are you sure it's all right?" It was Yuki that asked. He looked genuinely concerned.

"Hai," Momiji answered. "Hari knows all about it. And she won't be home late. I promise."

"Well, if you're sure it's okay," Yuki acquiesced with a small smile.

"You can call if something goes wrong," Kyo stated seriously.

"I will," I said, hoping to sound reassuring. My nerves were getting the better of me again. And while their concern was very touching, it was only making me more nervous.

Momiji grabbed my hand and started down the sidewalk. "I'll see you tomorrow," he called to the others. I had just enough time to wave to Tohru and my cousins before turning around and catching up with Momiji.

We talked little on the walk home, although we walked arm in arm. I had to be careful not to move to close. Momiji isn't embarrassed by his transformation, but I didn't want it to happen in public, especially in front of our classmates.

The walk was probably the shortest part of my day. Did we move that fast or was I too preoccupied in my thoughts to notice the front gate from the main road? I was even more surprised to see Hatori standing outside. He was smoking, which couldn't have been a good sign.

It usually wasn't.

"Konnichiwa, Hari," Momiji said with a big smile.

"Konnichiwa," he replied before taking a long drag of his cigarette.

I nodded to my older cousin. "Konnichiwa," I said, mirroring Momiji's smile. I really was happy to be there - happy to see Haru - despite the danger I knew I could be in. I waited for him to say something along the lines of 'she can't go in,' or 'turn back now, this place spells doom.'

Thankfully none of that came. Instead, he nodded in return and offered a small smile. "They're in my office. I had to place Rin on bed rest again."

Momiji's smile suddenly disappeared. "Is she really that bad, Hari?"

Hatori only nodded.

I looked back and forth between them, curious as to what they were talking about. It hardly mattered as Momiji grabbed my hand and pulled me inside. I followed him to Hatori's office. I'd only been there once before, but I knew the way by heart. I had a brief moment of ice-cold fear when we reached the clearing that lead to Hatori's office. I thought for sure that Akito was going to see me, and I had no idea if it was even okay for me to be at the Honke.

"You made it."

"Haru, how's Rin?" Momiji asked as soon as we were inside.

"She's eating right now. I thought it best to give her some space," he replied, motioning for us to sit.

"What exactly is...wrong...with Rin?" I asked hesitantly.

It looked like Momiji wanted to answer, but it was Haru that said, "We're not sure."

I raised my eyebrows. "Not sure."

"Well," Momiji said tentatively. He looked at Haru before looking back at me. "We think she's pregnant."

"Oh, umm." What the hell do I say to that?! "Shouldn't that be a...umm...good thing?"

"Maybe, if she wasn't one of the cursed," Haru answered.

"Rin's one of us," Momiji clarified.

I only nodded, searching my brains for the information Akito had given me. The name didn't sound familiar. Okay...which ones haven't I met yet? There was the boar, the monkey, and the rooster...oh, and the horse...I think. Yes, that's right. Wait a minute, didn't Akito mention that the boar was a female? Or was that the horse? Maybe both? GAH! I couldn't remember.

A small bell sounded and Haru stood from his seat. "Rin's done."

"I'll get it," Momiji replied, jumping from his chair and rushing into the room beyond. I watched him disappear. We could hear his voice as he greeted the person inside. I couldn't make out a response though.

"Are you sure it's okay for me to be here?" The question left my lips before my brain could process the sentence.

Haru smiled and nodded. "Sure, it's okay. It's shouldn't take long. And I think Momiji really does need help with his English homework."

I tried not to look surprised or disappointed. "Oh, okay."

Momiji came out of the room carrying a tray of half-eaten food. He forced a smile at us. "She didn't eat it all."

"At least she's eating," Haru said, ruffling Momiji's hair. The blonde giggled and hurried into another room with the tray. Haru, meantime, grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the room where the mysterious Rin was waiting. "She doesn't bite hard, I promise."

"You'd better keep that promise," I muttered just as we entered the room.

"Rin, you're napping are you?"

"No. Why would I? I think I slept most of the day...if not all of it," a feminine voice replied. It was a bit rough, but definitely the voice of a young girl. Older than me by probably a year or two maybe?

Then I saw her, lying in a small hospital type bed. She looked to be about my age, with long black hair and piercing eyes. She didn't look happy, but she didn't look sad either. She was wearing a standard hospital gown, pale blue. She smiled as she saw Haru, but the smile became a bit more forced when she saw me.

"This is her?" she asked coolly.

"Yep," Haru replied with a nod.

Rin's eyes gave me the once over and I suddenly wished I were wearing my comfy jeans and sweatshirt. I hadn't really given much thought to how I looked in the school uniform before now. I was totally self-conscious, but I kept my wits about me, my chin tilted just slightly into the air.

She gave a huff before saying, "She doesn't look American."

That made me relax just a little. "I get that a lot," I told her.

Her eyes narrowed critically. "You're Japanese isn't bad."

"I learned at an early age. My mother's family is Japanese as well."

She gave the once over again. "I would never know you're Shigure's niece...except for your eyes. You really look nothing like him."

"Is that good or bad," I asked. The way she stated it made me wonder.

She shrugged. "Good, I guess."

I relaxed a little bit more. "Good it is."

Haru seemed very happy that we were getting along. He was practically beaming when he finally got around to introductions. "Rin, this is Sierra. Sei, this is Rin."

"Pleased to meet you," I said with a small smile.

Rin only nodded. "Sei?"

"My nickname," I told her. "The first person who ever used it was my uncle." I grinned sheepishly. "Apparently, it stuck."

"I'm going to leave you two to get better acquainted," Haru said. He waved to us turning to leave. "I'm going to help Momiji. I'll be back shortly."

"Could you bring me a soda or something," Rin asked. "I'm tired of drinking water."

Haru nodded, smiling and waving again before exiting the room. I watched him go with what I know now to be a silly grin on my face. My eyes followed him to the door and I sighed when he disappeared.

"You can come closer, you know," Rin said. "I don't bite."

I practically jumped as she said this. Embarrassed by my inattention - and the way I had been eyeing Haru - I walked closer to the bed, sitting in a small chair beside it. I kept my head bowed until I was firmly seated.

Rin's smirk was trying to be a knowing smile. "You like him, don't you?"

There was no vehemence, no anger in her voice, but the question still startled me. "Well, yeah I like him." Just how much could I tell her? "He's a nice guy."

She nodded. "Until his other half shows up."

"Black Haru? I...guess...." I replied with a shrug. The events of the night he attacked me ran through my mind and I barely suppressed the shiver that ran down my spine.

"You've seen both sides, haven't you?"

"Hai."

"He hurt you."

I blinked, surprised she knew. Had he told her what happened? Had she guessed? "He didn't mean--"

"He probably did," Rin interrupted me.

I was suddenly jealous by the fact that she seemed to know him so well. I was curious too. "Has he ever hurt you?"

Rin smiled wryly. "Depends on what kind of an answer you want."

"An honest one," I said seriously, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Ha! You are more like Shigure than I gave you credit for," she said, her smile softening. She leaned back in bed, her head resting on the pillow. "He...has. In good and bad ways."

Good and bad? I knew there were such things as good pain and bad pain...but that didn't explain anything. I tried to comprehend, but failed. "I'm afraid I don't understand."

She shook her head, smiling somewhat...sadly. "You don't have to. All you have to understand is that I love him, and that I would do anything to protect him."

I think I may have stopped breathing involuntarily. It was like I was dumped in a haze and couldn't find my way out. "You...you're pregnant. Aren't you?"

It was her turn to be surprised finally. The look was gone as soon as it appeared though. "I am," she replied quietly, her eyes narrowing. "How did you--?"

"Momiji and Haru were speculating in the waiting room while you were eating," I told her.

"You can't tell them the truth," she told me, her voice hurt and a bit angry. "They can't know...not yet."

Again, I didn't understand. "Look, they should know. Especially if...." I trailed off there coming to a brief realization. If she was so determined to keep this quiet...was the baby Haru's? My heart sunk into the pit of my stomach.

Rin's eyes widened. "You can't tell him anything," she nearly screamed. "So help me if he finds out--!"

"It won't be from me," I whispered back, hoping to calm her down. Her face had turned a bright red and I was afraid I'd have to call Hatori inside. Surprising her, and myself, I poured her a glass of water. I'd meant it, and I repeated it to reinforce it in my mind as well as hers. "He won't hear it from me. I promise."

She took the glass of water, looking me over with narrowed eyes. "Arigato," she said, although I'm not sure if it was for my promise or for the glass of water.

"May I ask though...why...." I really wasn't sure how to phrase my question. "Why is it so important to keep it a secret? The others...they seem helpful enough."

"I said before, I'd do anything to protect him," she replied, sipping at the water. " I mean it. This is for his protection...any my child's."

I still didn't understand, but I guess it mattered little. Rin wanted to protect Haru. Haru wanted to protect Rin...otherwise he'd never have missed school for four weeks straight. He must really care for her.

Really love her.

I didn't need to hear him say it to know that it's true. Haru was a caring person, and very protective of those he cared about. I know he didn't want to hurt me that night. And I know he was probably afraid he couldn't protect me. That's why he made certain I was okay with what happened that night.

That...and he was probably trying to figure out how I felt about him. The fact that I didn't really fight back should've been his biggest clue. And I think I would've told him if he'd stayed at Shigure's long enough on Wednesday night. But now...now I'm glad he didn't. I'm glad I haven't told him. It hurts, but I'm glad.

"Sei? Daijoubu desu ka?"

I blinked, unaware of the unshed tears in my eyes. I started, wiping away the tears and offering her an apologetic smile. "I'm fine. Actually, I should probably get going. Do you want me to find Haru? I'm sure he didn't go far--"

I was even more startled when she reached out and grabbed my hand, squeezing it tightly. She looked me in the eye and for a moment I thought she was going to apologize for breaking my heart. Well, it wasn't her fault...not really....

"Take care of him."

"Nani?"

"Take care of Haru...for me."

I had no idea what she was asking, but I didn't have a chance to ask. Haru entered the room then...carrying Rin's can of soda. What impeccable timing! He told me it was getting late.

How long had I been there? One look out the window told me it was dark. That didn't help much.

I only nodded in response and squeezed Rin's hand before walking towards the door. Momiji and Hatori were both sitting in the waiting room. They both looked up as I entered.

"Are you ready to go, Sei-chan?" Momiji asked.

I smiled. "Hai. Umm...what about your English homework?"

"You can help me tomorrow," he replied with a wink.

My smile grew. "All right."

The walk home was much quieter than the walk to the Honke. I found myself even more nervous and more anxious than before. I kept trying to figure out what Rin meant by 'take care of Haru.' Did she think something was going to happen? To her? To HIM? By the time we reached Shigure's my head was pounding and I still had no clear answers.

Tohru had put the leftovers in the refrigerator and rushed to heat them when I entered. It wasn't necessary, I wanted to tell her. I wasn't very hungry. But the smell was tempting and I just couldn't say no to Tohru. My stomach enjoyed it at any rate, then I excused myself to go up to my room.

Not long after I had curled up with a book, a knock sounded on the door. I told them to enter and was surprised to see Yuki as the door closed with a light CLICK.

"Ah!" I said, smiling over the textbook I wasn't really reading. "Konbanwa, Yuki-kun."

"Konbanwa," he replied, returning my smile. "How did Momiji's English homework go?"

"All right," I replied, feeling somewhat guilty for the lie. "We didn't get through it all though. He may come over tomorrow to finish it."

"Sou ka," Yuki said with a small nod. "So everything was all right at the Main House?"

I nodded. "Hai."

"Did you have a chance to talk to Haru?"

I paused, wondering if I should tell another lie. This was Yuki I was talking to. I thought of him as a big brother. "Yes," I answered truthfully. "He's doing all right, but he's been busy taking care of...a friend."

Yuki's smile acknowledged his understanding. "I know Rin has been sick lately. I'm happy they're getting along now."

I sat my textbook in my lap, curiously looking at my older cousin. "'Getting along...now'?"

He nodded again. "Haru and Rin have this on-again, off-again relationship. Lately it's been very strained, and I know it's hard on Haru. I'm glad things are going well."

"Oh," I replied, forcing my smile to stay put. "And how are things going for you, Yuki-kun? I know you've been very busy lately."

He gladly told me about all the problems he'd been running into with the Student Council, the preparations for the Cultural Festival, and the gruesome amount of homework his teachers had been assigning. I think he was happy to get some of his problems off his chest and I was glad to help. He seemed more relaxed...and more tired...when he excused himself around eleven.

Tohru entered shortly after and we said our goodnights to each other.

I fell into an uneasy sleep...not too unlike the night after Akito told me the family secret. There seemed to be too many secrets in this family. Were they all bad? Were some of them good? Was this the way it had to be? I was confused beyond confused. What was I going to learn about next?

And why did Rin want me to take care of Haru?

So many questions and no answers. Hell, I was still debating whether or not I should tell Haru how I felt about him. Did I even really know?! How was I supposed to act around him in school on Monday? Would he even BE in school?

Well, I had the weekend to figure it all out.


~TO BE CONTINUED~