I Can't Stop Now

By Any Unborn Child

(Kurogane's POV – post series.)

I don't really have a lot to say about what's happened in my life. My parents are dead because of a rat bastard who has to get everything he wants. So what.

I've replayed that day a lot in my mind. Countless times. Sometimes even when I don't want to, I end up thinking about that day. That damn day.

Sometimes I get nightmares.

Put me on the train; send me back to my home…

I wish that I could have done more for them. My mother. My father. Tomoyo. Shown them my appreciation more.

Not that I was a spoiled brat or anything, but still…

I may still have time with Tomoyo – if I ever go back, that is. I will go back. Someday.

God knows I'd never tell them to their faces, but the kid, Sakura, and Fai have been a huge help. Even the furball has helped. Annoying as it is. It/he/she? I have no freaking idea.

I had to be strong for everyone. In a very strange and weird way, I felt like I was a father to Syaoran and Sakura. The Team Dad. I had to look out for them, and make sure they were Ok. Make sure they were all right.

…Fai…

Hmph.

When I first saw him, all draped in that weird blue and white robe, standing with a staff like a waif – I didn't think much of him. I dismissed him almost immediately. As long as I could get back home, I didn't give a crap about whomever or whatever happened to be standing next to me. I kept this attitude for a while. When starting this past whole thing, by his actions I thought he was a huge idiot. A coward. Someone who wouldn't be able to last ten seconds in battle. He could at least try. Try to fight for his life instead of just handing it over on a silver platter. It was pathetic how he did that.

But over time…

Crap.

He knew a lot more than I thought he did.

He also was one of the strongest people I've ever met.

Especially after Tokyo.

Shit.

That shit was messed up, and Fai was still able to smile the next day. Just as he always did.

He didn't have to smile, given all the bullshit he had to put up with and he still smiled.

That morning, he called me "Kurogane." He used my full name.

He didn't use any of those so-called "cute" nicknames he gave me. Kuro-rin, Kuro-puu…whatever.

That was when I knew something inside him was stronger than anything I could fathom.

He sat, ultimately broken, shattered to pieces, and he still smiled at me.

That smile…

It held something back.

I can't go home now. I can't. There are still things that I have to do here. I still have to help Syaoran, Sakura, the fur ball, and Fai. I still have to help them. I still have to help him.

I can't go back now, Tomoyo.

I can't stop now.

Eventually I will.

Just not now.

Fin