Chapter 5: Healing Old Wounds

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Six Months Later

Kisa laughed hard as Momiji and Hiro argued over who was the better big brother. Hiro insisted that because Hinata announced him the "awesomest ni-san in the entire world" he was the winner. Momiji stated because Kisa-nee had declared him her brother he was the best.

Kisa smiled, her brother and her best friend were really going at it. It was funny to watch.

"My little sister loves more than yours," Momiji insisted.

"Please, Kisa felt sorry for you. You're a grown man obsessed with bunnies. Life will only go downhill for you," Hiro stated matter-of-factly.

"Sheepy, you have no idea the love a big brother has for his sister."

"Rabbit-obsessed-freak, you have no idea the extent of love I feel for my sister. And who told you you could call me Sheepy?"

"I heard Rin say it."

"Rin's the only one who can call me that, you bunny-loving nerd."

"Well Sheepy if it bothers you that much."

Rin laughed on the sidelines as Hiro went chasing after Momiji. It was common knowledge that something was brewing between the horse and the ram but no one could figure out what. Shigure declared it was brother-sister but Hiro had just looked at him like he was insane.

Kisa and Rin had spent a lot of time at the clinic talking about their mutual issues.

"I just didn't want to live in this insanity anymore," Rin said. "The asylums offered me a place to cut out the people who hurt me. I didn't have to have visitors I didn't want. It made me safe. It was a world in my control."

"That's how I felt about the bulimia. It gave me something to be good. I was better at it than those girls and people were telling me I was pretty. I felt good but it's not healthy," Kisa replied.

"Then let's make a pact," Rin announced. "If we ever feel like we need to do something that drastic again we talk to each other about it."

"Agreed."

They became like sisters and Kisa enjoyed having someone who didn't judge her. Her mother had been quite judgmental and Kisa still wasn't speaking to the older woman. Their relationship was damaged and Hari had suggested they go to therapy. Kisa was slightly shocked when her mother agreed to the arrangement but didn't back out. Therapy here they come.

Tohru and Kyo were whispering sweet nothings under a tree. Kisa watched them gaze at each other like there was nothing else in the world. It was so romantic and Kisa was a romantic. She appreciated such things and felt slightly envious. She still wasn't in any relationship and had a series of unresolved feelings for a specific person. It had been brewing for years and only in the last six months had she realized that she had been falling in love. Of course you don't tell that to someone who thinks of you as their little sister.

Tohru had visited her at least once a week and had always brought Kyo. The cat and the riceball invited her out. They took on picnics and walks. They talked with her and Kyo even taught her a few karate moves. He suggested she come to the dojo and take lessons. Kisa had quickly agreed and was learn faster than Kyo had anticipated. Kisa could honestly say that she felt comfortable around Kyo. She had told that her ni-san and seen Yuki's gentle face become horrified.

"It's just because he's knows I'm better than him," Kyo had declared after watching the scene play out.

Tohru just shook her head at their antics too used to the two cousins to interfere anymore.

The times in the clinic that were the most rowdy were when the trio would visit. They were sitting a under a tree now each with their significant others talking but in the clinic they were madmen. Sometimes Kisa wondered if Hari was certifiable for hanging out with Aya and Shigure.

"So Kisa-chan let's have a fashion show," Ayame announced.

He always brought mounds of costumes with him when he came. He was going to brighten up the drab hospital and give it Aya-star power.

"Oh let's," Shigure clapped his hands. "We'll dress you up all cute like and parade you around."

"And have all the other patients think you two are nuts. Sounds fun," Hatori said dryly.

"Tori, it's a great idea!"

"Ha-san is so mean."

Of course while she was in the clinic the biggest changes in Sohma family happened. Four of her cousins had gotten married. Kagura of all people had announced Shigure was her soul mate. Kisa had been mortified. Kagura and Shigure? Was the world loosing it? But the boar and the dog were happy together. A little too happy considering Shigure was running his hands up Kagura's legs.

The other couple had been Kureno and Akito. Kisa hadn't been too surprised. Everyone knew the former goddess had missed her rooster.

"Life is too short," Akito had told Kisa during a visit. "Not to tell a person you love them."

Ritsu was still studying and happily coming home to Japan for Kisa's Welcome Home Party. He had hugged her and babbled apologies but Kisa had only smiled.

All of her cousins had visited her regularly but no one visited more than Yuki and Haru. Yuki came ever other day and Haru came everyday. Kisa couldn't stop feeling grateful to the two of them for finding her. She knew now that if they hadn't discovered her she would most likely be dead or have severe health problems.

Yuki was gazing at Machi adoringly. The two were planning on getting married but Kisa had a feeling Tohru and Kyo might beat them to the altar.

She just watched the scenes of happiness play out completely oblivious to someone approaching her. Instantly she was pulled to a very familiar chest.

"Having fun?"

His question was soft barely above a whisper.

"Yes, but I missed you. You're late," she answered before facing the bright grey eyes.

"I had to do something first and I got lost."

"You always get lost."

He laughed softly. "It took a while to get it too."

He handed her the tiger lilies which had a necklace wrapped around. The gem was a topaz with amber and black streaked through it.

She gasped slightly.

"I wanted to get you something special. I know you didn't want anything but—"

Kisa moved quickly pressing her lips to his in a rush of warmth. "Arigato," she said before getting up embarrassed. She guessed it was a start. At least now he knew she didn't think of him as a brother.

Haru smiled. The kiss had been thank you enough.

THE END