Written by Miyu, Vampire Princess

AUTHOR'S NOTE:
AU to the furuba universe...more so here than in the first 7 chapters. It's the beginning of Sierra's second year in Japan with her estranged family. Things will get darker, more angsty and...well to tell you everything just wouldn't be right. Please enjoy. Comments always welcome. 

Chapter 8 - Everything Begins Anew

"Now you be good for your uncle."

"It's difficult when he's usually one of the kids too."

"My brother is far from an idiot...most days."

"Dear, that's rude."

"But not too far from the truth, mom."

"Still, you mind your uncle and have a safe trip home."

"Call us when you get there...minding the time difference, of course."

"Of course."

In all honesty, I had never been so glad to leave my parents. My trip to the airport when I was first departing for Japan had been very sad. Now I was anxious. As much as I'd hate to say it, I wanted to be away from my parents. They seemed too overwhelming. Always at my side. Never leaving me alone. The only time I got any peace was when I was with my friends on alone in the bathroom.

We did the usual things I would've expected to do with my parents. Ate out. Went to the movies. Did some office work for dad and helped mom with a few designs. They bought me more clothing and Mom even sprung for a trip to a spa for the two of us. It was pretty cool, even if all mom would talk about is her work and how much she missed dad. Apparently he'd been working longer hours than usual. She was convinced it was a usual spurt, but she was still a little bitter.

Dad, on the other hand, was so frustrated with work that he just didn't want to be around anyone. He took the week off while I was home -- thank the gods -- but he still managed to squeeze in some work from time to time. I caught him on his computer more than once and his cell phone rung like crazy. Finally mom took his cell phone and threw it in the garbage. He got a good lecture from her, but I had already skipped out to meet some friends from my old school.

I called Tohru practically every day. She was very busy in the week I was away. Shigure talked to me the last two days before I left, since Tohru was away at class. I didn't think she had evening classes, but perhaps I was wrong. It was still good to hear from him and know that everything was okay back home.

Home.

Yes, the old house just didn't seem right anymore. It felt empty...like a big void. I was used to being around people, living in closer quarters. Even my old room felt...too large. I really never thought I'd hear myself say that. I always liked my space. I guess living with my uncle, my cousins and Tohru had become a normal thing for me.

Well...there would be two less people in the house when I got home.

I worried about Yuki and Kyo every day. Neither Tohru nor Shigure had any news. Apparently things were going fine. I wasn't convinced, not really, but there was little else they could say. I promised myself I would visit them when I got home, before the new semester started. Besides, Tohru said Momiji had sprouted again. She said I wouldn't recognize him.

My seat in first class was against the window. I stared outside at the blue sky and white clouds until I fell asleep. A stewardess woke me twice to serve me juice and a meal. I only drank half the juice and picked at the strange looking macaroni and cheese before me. Mom had picked the meal, no doubt. Grilled fish and white rice never looked so good.

The flight seemed shorter than I remembered. Must have been the snoozing I did on the way. It's surprising really, because I don't usually fall asleep on airplanes. When the plane went into it's final descent into Narita, I felt refreshed and awake, ready to tackle whatever lie ahead of me.

Too bad I'm not psychic. I would've been better prepared.

Hatori and Ayame met me at the pick-up curb. There was no strange small talk this time. Just lots of smiles and happy greetings.

"How was your trip? The flight must've been so long," Ayame said as we got into the car.

"Not really. I slept through most of it."

"Did you have a good time at home?"

"It was nice to see my folks and all," I admitted. "Got to do some pretty normal things. But...I missed being here."

"I understand your mother's a designer," Ayame said, clasping my hand. He sat in the back seat with me while Hatori drove. "Absolutely fabulous, those designs. Does she have anything new for Spring planned?"

I explained to him the things I helped with, what my mother showed me. We also talked about movies, music and just stuff in general. Ayame's smarter than he looks. Really. Most people will mistake him for an imbecile, but it's just his exuberant nature.

"Are you hungry, Sierra?"

I paused in thought, my stomach answering the question for me. Since I skipped on the in-flight meal, I was starving. I flushed in embarrassment and nodded.

"Famished."

"Oh! Tori! Let's stop at that restaurant we used to eat at. The one where you used to take Kana all the time."

There's a name I hadn't heard before. "Who's Kana?"

"That's on the other side of town, Ayame. There's another restaurant just down the road here," Hatori argued.

Ayame pouted and slumped in his seat. "But I wanted to take her to Lione's."

"Who's Kana?" I asked again.

Hatori sighed, checking the clock on the dashboard. "I suppose traffic won't be that heavy. We'll go around the center of town to be certain."

"Arigato!" Ayame brightened immediately. "I can finally treat Sei-chan to a delicious, fancy meal."

"Ayame-san? Who's Kana?"

The care seemed to go silent. Not the pleasant quiet one might expect, but a heavy, weighted silence. I suddenly regretted asking.

"Kana was my fiance...several years ago." Hatori's voice sounded very LOUD in the car, but he spoke rather softly.

"Did she...pass away or something?" I asked, somewhat confused by the change in atmosphere.

Ayame answered, "Kana was in a car accident and lost her memory."

"Ah," I felt as if I was in Hatori's car for the first time and once again very out of place.

"Sorry I asked."

I could see Hatori force a smile in the rearview mirror. "It's all right. Really."

The rest of the ride to Lione's was quiet. The meal brought on another change in atmosphere. Ayame was very talkative, describing his latest works, his latest customers. Apparently Mine had taken a small trip to visit family and left him all alone for a week. He invited me to stop by his shop again, maybe help out.

It was nearly dark when we arrived at Shigure's. A whole day had gone by already? Truly amazing. And exhausting. Being around Ayame was very tiring. How did he get so much energy?

Shigure came down the walk as Hatori, Ayame and I exited the car. Hatori helped me with my suitcases and I thanked him politely. Ayame ran to greet Shigure. Literally...he ran. Again with the energy. He hugged Shigure, scolded him for not visiting the shop. Shigure had the courtesy to blush and said he'd stop by for another visit soon.

"How was your trip, Sei-chan?"

"All right, I guess," I said with a smile.

"Did you miss me?"

"Shigure!"

"Of course I missed you." I paused before adding, "I missed Hatori-san and Ayame-san as well."

Shigure pouted, but grabbed one of my smaller bags before leading me to the house. He asked about my parents, about my time at home. There seemed to be so much to tell, but no time to tell it all.

The house was quieter than I remembered. Of course, I should've expected it. No cat and mouse fighting. With a sigh, I lugged my suitcase and bags up the stairs to my room. I flipped the switch to turn on the light and nothing happened. I flipped the switch again. Nothing. As a last resort I moved to where I knew my nightstand was to turn on my lamp.

But nothing was there!

"Ah, I forgot to tell you, your things were moved into Yuki's old room," Shigure said from the hallway. He smiled apologetically. "I thought you might like your own room."

Well why didn't he tell me before? "Okay."

Grabbing my bags and walked out of the room and headed for Yuki's old room. I stood in the hallway for a few seconds before I had the courage to enter the room. There were some happy memories here. Like when Yuki helped me study for my first big exam, or when I'd help him and Tohru with an English assignment. We often shared books and some music CDs. I even remembered the time when Tohru and I surprised him for his birthday. He was so surprised he turned into a mouse on the spot.

But the room wasn't the same as before. As my uncle said, my things had been moved in. I didn't own much, save for clothes, yet there seemed to be a lot of stuff. Most of it was new, I noticed, sitting on the bed. The bed was the same, the dresser, the nightstand and the armoire. But the desk was brand new. It wasn't as beat up as Yuki's had been. And there was a large bookshelf against the far wall. It was full of books, some of which were Yuki's, some mine, but others were also new. My bookbag laid at the base of the bookcase while my school uniform, all cleaned and pressed, hung by the closet.

I missed Yuki. I missed Kyo. I even missed their fighting. It was far too quiet in the house! GAH!

After unpacking my suitcase, I grabbed a towel and headed for the bathroom. I filled the tub with freakin' hot water and some bath bubbles my mother had packed for me. My skin tingled as I stepped into the hot water. Time ticked by as I soaked, doing my best to forget my cousins, all the good times we had, everything that lie ahead, and just cleared my head. I fell asleep at one point and woke up when the bubbles were gone and the water turned cool.

Wrapped in an oversized towel, I left the bathroom and, on habit, walked into the room I shared with Tohru. It was just her room now. I hit the light switch and again no lights came on. Remembering the strange problem, I walked over to Tohru's nightstand to turn on her lamp.

But the lamp was gone.

I paused, willing myself to be calm. Maybe she moved it somewhere. But where. I stood in the darkness of the room until my eyes began to adjust. It was then that I noticed that the lamp wasn't the only thing missing. The picture of her mother was gone. Her bed wasn't made...there were no sheets or pillows. I felt my way around, just to make sure.

My heart pounded in my chest. Tohru wouldn't just up and leave. I talked her just days before. She was looking forward to her classes. Her new part-time job. There was nothing in her voice or manner that indicated something was wrong.

What was going on?!

Panicked I ran to my room, threw on a nightshirt, and ran down the stairs to my uncle's study. It seemed that he'd heard me, because he was seated facing the door, awaiting my arrival. I stopped in the middle of the room, practically choking for air as I tried to speak.

"Sei-chan, calm down. Let me explain."

"Where's...Tohru? Is she all right? Where are her things?"

Shigure cursed himself for not telling me sooner...or so I hoped. He did swear in any case. I felt like absolute crap. Something had gone on and I wasn't privy to it. I hated being left out of the loop. "Sei-chan, it's all right. Tohru's okay."

"Where are her things?"

Shigure sighed. "They've been moved."

"Where?"

"Tohru...will not be staying here anymore."

"WHAT? Why?!"

"It's for the best," he answered matter-of-factly.

Tears welled up in my eyes. "I don't understand. Did she do something wrong?"

Shigure sighed, shaking his head sadly. "Nothing like that."

"Then...why?"

"Tohru will not be coming back. It's for the best."

"Not...coming back? Why?"

"It wasn't safe for her here, Sei-chan," Shigure said sincerely. It wasn't overly dripping in the emotion. A genuine feeling then? "If you'll just sit down--!"

"After everything she's done for this family...you just...let her go?!"

"Sei-chan, please sit." He raised his hands in a placating manner. "Calm down. Let me explain."

But I didn't so much as stop to breathe, practically advancing on him. "Akito did this, didn't he? He sent her away. And you let him. How could you? She's done so much. And you just--! Did he do something to her? Is he trying to punish Yuki-kun and Kyo-kun?"

The calm smile my uncle wore was fading slowly. Yeah, I was overreacting to a point. But how would you like it if your world were turned upside-down overnight?

"It was for her protection," Shigure answered, his voice grave, unusually deep. "Sit down."

I shook my head. "I want to talk to Akito."

Shigure stood from his chair. Strong hands grasped my upper arms, holding on tightly, almost painfully. He held me at arms length and kneeled in front of me. His eyes held an emotion I had never seen before.

"I don't think that's a good idea."

"You don't think at all, do you?!"

Shigure closed his eyes, his version of a flinch I wagered. I immediately regretted my words. There may have been a hint of truth in what I said, but it was unfair to my uncle. The man cared more than he let on, and he was saddened by the loss of his "precious flower".

I opened my mouth to apologize. A sound escaped my throat, but it never made it into a coherent word. Shigure moved quickly, lifting me off the ground mere inches and practically throwing me.

What happened exactly isn't clear - it's a blur really - but in the end, I found myself sitting in my uncle's chair. His hands were clasped firmly to the arms of the chair, trapping me. I stared up at him like a frightened doe. Afraid to speak. Afraid to move.

"Do NOT provoke Akito," he warned. "I will not tolerate losing anyone else to him. Do you understand?"

Again he surprised me by dropping his knees. His hold on the chair loosened. I leaned forward carefully to look at him. A man defeated. Thoroughly defeated. His head was bowed, his face hidden by shadow and hair. But the shake in his shoulders told me all I needed to know.

"Do you understand, Sei-chan? Don't provoke him. Onegai."

He was crying.

Instinctively my arms wrapped around his neck and shoulders, hugging him. His hands let go of the chair to cling to me, his body slumping to the ground. It was a brief moment of comfort for both of us. Tears fell from my eyes as smoke enveloped us. When it was gone, I was left hugging a large, black dog.

"Promise me," he said between his tears. "Promise me you won't talk to Akito about this. He must never know. Promise me, Sierra."

If I wasn't upset, I may have noticed the fact that he used my first name right away. My full first name. Not a nickname. "I promise," I answered without really thinking.

I let my tears consume me while questions ran rampant through my head. What the hell was going on here? Was Tohru all right? Would I ever see her again? What wasn't my uncle telling me? What wasn't Akito supposed to know?

As much as I wanted to hate him for not telling me sooner. As much as I wanted to yell and scream at him for not telling me where Tohru was. As much as I wanted to do anything else...all I could do was hold the crying dog in my arms and cry along with him.

I was visited by many of the Sohma over the next few days. Or rather, many of the Sohma came to visit US. My uncle and I. He was having a difficult time adjusting to Tohru's absence. The house was quickly going to pot and I did my best to keep up with chores as the jyuunishi came to see us.

Momiji and Haru were first. Despite all the strength of will I had exercised the night before with my uncle, I broke down and cried in front of them. Momiji, saddened by Tohru's disappearance although not quite shocked, cried with me. Haru made a few unseemly comments about Akito doing something, about Hatori erasing her memories, and about Shigure not telling anyone what was going on. He was very much on the verge of turning "black". My head snapped up as his words sunk in.

"What do you mean, 'erase her memories'? Can he DO that?!"

"It's a gift even Hatori can't explain," Momiji tried to console me. "But Akito uses it whenever he gets the chance."

"Son of a bitch!" Haru's fist flew outward and slammed into the wall between the counter and the cupboard in the kitchen. He was only letting out his frustration. Hell, he was letting it out for the both of us. "He had no right!"

I flinched as the wall cracked, as I heard my uncle shout. Haru just snickered and leaned against the countertop, arms crossed over his chest.

"But why would her memories be erased?" I asked. "She already knew about the family curse."

"Akito doesn't need a reason," Black Haru said bitterly. You could see the transformation clearly now. Gods but he was frightening. "He can make one up."

"As much as I'd like to disagree...." Momiji said with a frown. "Haru's right."

"Did you know about this already Momiji?" I said, almost accusingly.

He sighed, bowing his head. He looked very sad...and very guilty. I think he'd actually grown taller in the week I was away. And cuter. He opened his mouth to apologize, but it was Haru that spoke in his defense.

"Rumors fly around the main house all the time." Haru walked over and joined us on the floor by the kitchen bar. He still looked angry, but some of his "blackness" had faded. "We heard yesterday that Tohru was going on a trip." He nodded to Momiji. "We thought it was for school. Now we know better."

"I'm sorry," I said, breaking out into fresh tears. "I wasn't really trying to accuse you of anything. It's just...I miss Tohru and I want to make sure she's all right."

Momiji forced himself to smile reassuringly as he took my hands in his. "So do we. And I'm sure she's all right. Tohru is a survivor. She can adapt well."

"She's probably as sad as the rest of us," Haru added. "But that won't stop her. She'll keep going."

"You really think so?" Tohru was strong. I'd seen it for myself. And living with my uncle and my cousins was no easy task. Perhaps I was making a mountain out of a molehill, but I was protective that way. I wanted to know NOW that she was safe. Not later.

Haru's smile was somewhat crooked, a sign that his "black" side was still hanging around. Our eyes locked and he told me, "I believe in Tohru. She can do anything she puts her mind to. Just like you."

You always had faith in me, Haru-kun. I just wish I had that faith in myself.

I could've used it in abundance the day Hatori showed up to take me to the main house. Akito had requested my presence for the noon meal and a cup of tea. Shigure seemed as nervous as I was when I walked out the door behind Hatori. His smile was genuine, but the uncertainty in his eyes did nothing for my rising blood pressure. I took a few deep breaths as we walked to Hatori's car and tried to remain calm even after we pulled into the driveway connected to the main house.

"Sierra-san?"

"H-hai?"

"Try not to be so nervous," Hatori said as we walked onto the grounds of the Honke.

"It's easier said than done," I replied with a wan smile. "Akito doesn't normally command people's presence, does he?"

"Outside of the jyuunishi, it's rare," Hatori admitted, looking somewhat confused himself.

"Ano...?"

"Nani?"

"Do you think...maybe...this has something to do with Tohru's disappearance?"

Hatori hummed thoughtfully as we turned a corner and onto the path that led to Akito's rooms. "It's possible," he said, although not quite convinced. "He did seem quite...happy...when he told me to fetch you."

"Happy's good right?"

The doctor only nodded. "But I'll be close by, just in case."

"Arigato," I said as we stopped in front of Akito's door. I looked at Hatori who nodded again. With a sigh, I lifted my hand to knock.

CRASH!

Instead of knocking, my hand went to the door handle. The crash from inside had been loud and there had been a cry of alarm. Hatori must've been thinking the same thing. His hand covered mine and forced me to open to the door. We practically stepped through the doorway together.

I had to cover my mouth to keep from screaming. The crash had been a priceless Ming Dynasty vase. At least it looked priceless; it could've been a fake. And it might have been a modern piece too; I'm no art critic. Heavy porcelain laid strewn all over the hardwood floor. Akito stood above the mess, staring at his right hand. It was red. Blood. He was seriously bleeding. My eyes closed to keep me from vomiting.

I felt rather than saw Hatori rush to Akito's side. He called out to the other man, who gave no verbal reply. It was then I felt something brush against me, hurrying past me. It was quick, whoever it was obviously scared. I looked up quickly, but found nothing, save for a glimpse of gray-silver hair.

Could it be?

I turned on my heel to walk back out into the hall to try and get a better look. But the cold tone of Akito's voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Do NOT go after him!"

I managed not to jump out of fear, but I didn't dare turn to face him. "H-hai."

"Sei-chan, come sit by me."

My head turned before the rest of me. I could see Hatori kneeling beside a now seated Akito. He was sitting in a small grouping of pillows in the middle of the floor. Hatori had torn a pillowcase to use as wrapping for Akito's injured hand. The dull white was turning a dark red, but the seriousness of the injury was covered.

Hatori didn't look up as I walked, albeit slowly, towards Akito. The younger man smiled at me. At least, I think it was a smile. With his good hand he gestured towards the empty pillows on his left, opposite the doctor. I didn't wait for him to tell me to sit, adjusting the pillow beneath me in such a manner so I could sit without my skirt showing too much of anything.

"Are you hurt badly?" His injury looked painful.

"It's just a scratch," he answered nonchalantly. "Are you hungry?"

I nodded, not trusting my voice.

"Good, good. Hatori, can you tell the maid we're ready for our meal on your way out?"

The doctor nodded gravely. He spared a small glance for me, standing. He was being dismissed and I found it rather rude. But Akito was Akito and Hatori had promised he'd be close by just in case.

"How was your trip to America? Did you have a good time?"

I nodded again, clearing my throat. "I had a wonderful time. It was...different...being there after spending nearly a full year here, but it was nice to see my folks and all."

A maid walked in with a tray of tea. She sat it down beside us, not making any eye contact with Akito or myself. With a deep bow, she stood and exited the room.

"Would you like some tea," I asked somewhat nervously. I wasn't accustomed to serving tea, although I had had some practice.

"Yes, yes." Akito's smile was disconcerting. I think he was trying to be sincere, but seriously falling short. He stared down at his hand, wiggling his fingers tentatively.

"That looked like an expensive vase," I commented. The silence was too deafening.

"It will be replaced," he replied, somewhat irritably. "Everything in here can be replaced."

"Were you...angry with someone?"

"I was angry at myself."

That was not the answer I had expected. I had to pause from pouring my own cup of tea so as not to spill it. "You shouldn't be too hard on yourself. It's not good for your health."

"That's what they tell me." He sighed, almost inaudibly. I only caught it because of the catch of his chest, the irregularity of his breathing. "But it matters little."

"It should matter a lot," I said forcefully.

He snickered. "You are the only one who thinks so."

"I doubt that," I said, placing his cup just inches from his knee. It would be easier to reach with his good hand.

"I know that," he said angrily, practically spitting out he words.

I took a deep breath, readying myself for the yelling and cursing that never came. Strange, that even now, after an injury...after everything this past year...that I still did not see the violent miscreant my cousins so warned me about. I did not doubt that Akito was evil. The power seemed to pour from every part of his being. His soul was black no doubt, with a matching lump for a heart. But it was difficult to believe, sitting so close to him, seeing him as he is.

I sipped my tea and watched as Akito carefully drank his. "May I venture a question as to how your week was?"

That strange smile returned to his face. "I'm afraid it was very unexciting. Tell me, what did you do while you were at home?"

I told him about the plane rise home, the patch of turbulence that only our plane seemed to find as it crossed the Pacific Ocean. I described my parent's house, my room and all the fun meals we had there. I told him what I knew of my father's business and my mother's designs. I explained the movies my friends and I went to see during the day and the parties we snuck into at night. I told him I was sad to leave my family again, but I just couldn't wait to come home.

"And how did it feel to come home to an empty house?"

The question caught me off guard. Empty house? Did that mean that he knew Tohru was missing? My eyes widened and I sucked in a breath, evaluating what I should say. Shigure had made me promise not to say a word about Tohru. Actually, if I really thought about it, maybe he just meant 'empty' as in Yuki and Kyo being gone.

"It was certainly...a change," I said, picking my words carefully. "And it will take some getting used to."

I was grateful when the maid returned, entering with a tray of food. She did not leave right away either. Kneeling beside us, she stayed long enough to serve the first portions. With another low bow, and without any eye contact, she left us alone.

Akito readjusted himself so that he was sitting on both knees now. Again with the weird smile, he clapped his hands together and said, "Let's eat. Itedakimasu!"

I mirrored his actions, smiling slightly and started in on my meal. I was still a bit nervous using chopsticks, but my first year had served well. I managed to eat the beef and vegetables easily. Even the rice took little effort...until I reached the bottom of the bowl. How does one spear a single grain of rice with a chopstick?

"You eat well with chopsticks," Akito commented. "But you still need practice."

I said nothing, proud of my own accomplishments, even if he didn't know about them. "Would you like some more rice?"

"Hai."

Our meal was eaten in 90% silence. Akito did occasionally ask me about my mother, my father and just general questions about school and my friends. Were they well? Was I looking forward to the new semester? What classes did I excel in? Did I really like it here better than the United States? He also inquired about my favorite foods, my favorite color, my favorite type of flower and my favorite type of animal. It was like he needed to know everything about me.

Strange. Didn't he already know everything about me?

And like a fool, I gave honest answers to all his questions. At the time, I had no reason to suspect foul play of any sort. And he seemed genuinely happy about my answers. Perhaps he did know everything and was only confirming what he knew.

"You still wear the necklace I gave you for your birthday," he commented out of the blue.

"H-hai," I answered. "It's very pretty. Should I not be wearing it?"

His smile, for a brief instant became a very satisfied grin. Then it returned to normal...if you want to call it normal. "The fish is delicious, isn't it?"

He was avoiding my question. Great. Fine. I already had a ton of other things to think about.

"Hai."

Then he changed the subject altogether. "Is this any different than what Tohru-kun would cook?"

I shrugged, then shook my head. A smile tugged at the corners of mouth at the memory of the first time I helped Tohru cook a meal. "Not really."

"I wonder what she'll cook Shigure-san for dinner tonight."

I swallowed heavily and averted my eyes to my plate. Quickly I stuffed the remains of my meal into my mouth and forced a smile. "I'm sure she'll think of something delicious."

His smile was bland, his eyes alight in something akin to mischief. "I hope so too." Akito stretched when he finished, standing from the pillows. "I think now I would like to take a nap."

"Are you sure your hand is all right?"

He nodded, yawning. "Hai. It will be fine. Clean this up, would you? And take it with you when you leave."

Okay, so my dismissal hadn't been any better than Hatori's, but I sighed in relief, cleaning up the dishes and cups and setting them all on one tray. It took some muscle to lift the laden tray, but I managed to make to the door and into the hallway without dropping and/or breaking a single thing. Only after I closed the door did the maid reappear. She took the tray from me with a smile...and she looked AT me. We made eye contact for the first time! I smiled in return, grateful for her assistance. I was surprised yet again when she spoke.

"Master Yuki would like to speak with you before you leave," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "He promises to keep it short. It's already getting late." She nodded down the dimly lit hallway. "The second door on your right."

"Arigato," I said, keeping my own voice low. With a bow, I left her to her work and headed to see Yuki. My insides lit up in excitement. I didn't think I'd get to see either him or Kyo on this visit. I stopped in front of his door, straightening myself out. For a brief instant I saw him, as he was leaving Akito's quarters earlier. But I still couldn't be certain it was him.

Not until he opened the door anyway.

"Yuki-kun!" I nearly screamed.

He placed a finger over his lips, ushering me inside his room quickly. The door closed behind us with a quiet SNAP. "Are you hurt, Sei-chan?"

"Iie," I said, looking him over in the better light of his quarters. "But you--!"

"I'm fine."

I huffed. "You don't look fine, Yuki-kun."

And he didn't. There was a large, dark red welt on his left cheek that stood out starkly in contrast to his pale skin. Gods, was he pale. And thin! I mean, Yuki was slender before but he looked like skin and bones to me. Was he not eating? His cheeks were starting to sink inward even if his clothing covered the rest. And what was the dark bruise on the right side of his neck?

"Yuki...kun?"

"How was your trip home, Sei-chan? Did you have a good time?"

All I could do was nod.

Yuki managed a smile, but it was only a ghost of what I remembered it to be. "Things have changed quite a bit haven't they?"

I nodded again. I had a real problem using my voice. I was afraid I'd start yelling. Or crying. I was at a point where I wasn't sure which would come first.

"Is Honda-san...Tohru-kun...is she all right?"

I blinked, uncertain what to say. I felt my head nod without really thinking. "She's fine, Yuki-kun," I lied. Well, perhaps it was the truth, but again, I wasn't certain.

Yuki's smile grew and it only emphasized the fact that his face was shrinking, that he was loosing weight and it was easy to see another, smaller bruise on the right side of his face, near his jaw. "I'm glad." He sighed, sitting on his bed and slumping into a heap. "For a few days I wasn't sure. She hasn't contacted me and I was afraid Akito...." His voice trailed off, his eyes closed, his mouth frowned and he sighed again. "Well, I'm glad she's all right."

A few small steps put me in front of my cousin. Kneeling I grasped his hands in mine. "Yuki-kun...what happened? Why do you look like you've been in a fight?"

"I...upset Akito."

"How?"

"It's a small thing, really. Not worth repeating."

"Yuki-kun!"

He looked up at me briefly. There was a flash of something behind his eyes and his smile returned. "Promise you won't say a word to anyone else?"

"I promise."

Yuki took a deep breath, sitting up straighter. Using our joined hands he pulled me next to him so I sat on the bed too. He released my right hand but kept a strong hold on my left. "I snuck away from the Honke. Well...it wasn't sneaking really, since he wanted me to deliver a message to Shigure-san."

"Akito-san wanted you to deliver a message?"

Yuki nodded. "But apparently I took longer than anticipated. I stayed to talk to Tohru-kun, see, and well...it was a very serious conversation. Shigure-san was in town visiting with his editor and...well we took advantage of the time alone, is all." His smile faded slightly. "Akito was waiting in my room when I returned."

My teeth bit into my bottom lip. "And that...was why Akito-san broke the vase tonight?"

"One of the reasons why." His voice sounded so sad.

Tears started falling from my eyes. "Yuki...."

"Don't cry, Sei-chan. It's all right. Really it is. As long as Tohru-kun's not hurt. She is okay, you swear?"

I forced a smile to my face and said through my tears, "She's fine, Yuki-kun. I promise."

Dread filled me on the ride home from the main house. I now knew the situation that caused Tohru to move. It had to be Shigure's doing. And he hadn't lied when he'd said it was for her own good. But I felt bad for lying to Yuki, for lying to the one person I considered a big brother. I felt horrible for not being able to talk to the one person who had become my best friend. And I just felt miserable in general, because all this had happened without my knowledge.

But such is life within the Sohma clan.

The light on the porch was the only light I saw when I walked up to the door. I searched in my purse for my keys, grateful I had though to bring them along. Was my uncle asleep? Was he even home? I know he had planned on going to visit Ayame. After a bit of fumbling, I managed to unlock the door and step inside. Headlights blinded me for a moment and I noticed Hatori finally driving away as I closed the door.

"Shigure-otooji?"

There was no answer as I moved from the foyer into the dinning room. A slip of white stood out against the darkness. A note? I picked it up and went into the kitchen. Flicking on the light, I read the note.

"There are some leftover rice balls in the refrigerator if you want them."

It was signed in Shigure's unique scrawl.

My stomach growled. I wasn't sure how I could still be hungry. The meal I'd eaten with Akito wasn't much, but it had been enough. Oh well, a snack wouldn't hurt me. I took two steps before stopping again.

The kitchen was a mess. At least...the countertop, the stovetop and the sink were all a mess. Dear gods, my uncle had tried to cook. Sitting the note on a clean spot on one counter, I checked sink. Apparently whatever my uncle tried to cook took him several good tries. Meanwhile all the bad attempts still sat in the sink. I couldn't help but smile...until my noise caught something offensive. Momentarily I stepped away from the smell just starting to waft from the overburdened metal basket.

I cleaned the dishes in the sink, scrubbed the countertops and stove, took out the garbage and sprayed close to half a can of air freshener. It took some time, but I was proud of my achievement. As a reward, I took two of the remaining five onigiri in the refrigerator and headed up to my room. I paused for only a moment outside of the room I used to share with Tohru. Kami, but I missed her. At least I knew she was all right...or at least better off. Knowing what Akito had done to Yuki made me afraid of what he could've done to Tohru. Tohru was tough, but she'd still blame herself. Yuki would never be able to deal with the hurt of that. And I had lied to him because I couldn't stand to see the hurt on top of the pain Akito had already caused.

Sleep did not come easily. I did my best to think of school. Of Sakura and Chidori who had both written me and looked forward to the start of a new semester. I thought of Momiji and Haru, of all my other cousins. I even did my best to picture myself in a bad dubbing of a Godzilla flick. Still, nothing would help me get to sleep. The room was too empty, even with all my belongings. I'd come to depend on Tohru's presence that much.

Tohru, I miss you. You'll never know just how much.

Sighing, I crawled out of bed and went downstairs. I had thought about watching some TV or maybe reading a book. Instead I walked down the hallway to my uncle's study. I'm not sure why. I knocked. When there was no answer I carefully opened the door.

I had thought he'd be deep in thought at his computer...or at the very least downloading porn. While the computer was on, there was no one sitting in front of it. Where was Shigure? For a moment I thought I was dreaming I was all alone. But a pinch to my shoulder told me this was no dream.

It took a few seconds for me to walk around his desk. And there he was, lying on his futon, fast asleep. At least he looked fast asleep. There was a book covering his eyes...one that I'd actually read, surprisingly enough. Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew". And it was in English. Interesting.

Relief flooded through me and I felt my exhaustion tug at my consciousness. Grabbing a blanket from small pile -- I wish I knew if it were clean or not -- I laid myself on the floor beside my uncle. I went through the motions of "outside thinking" in hopes of forcing myself to sleep. But it took little force for my eyes to close and my body to go into a deep sleep.

Although I still had a really crazy dream that I was in a bad dub of a Godzilla movie. I was one of the singing twins from Mothra's island.

Freaky.

~TO BE CONTINUED~