Hello :) This is the sequel to 'No Woman No Cry'

This story contains spoilers for the Fruits Basket Manga

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Book 2 - Stir It Up

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And so the God wrote many, many invitations.

He sent them out into the sky, letting the wind take them out into the world.

And so it came to pass that twelve animals went to see The God.

After that first occasion, the thirteen animals and the God would have a feast every night that the moon shone bright.

They sang, danced, and laughed.

For the first time in his long lonely life, the God was boisterous and laughed in merriment. He never wanted these good to end.

The moon quietly watched over these parties that were hosted by the Divine and attended by Beasts. All was well.

However... one night

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I felt someone lightly pat my hair, telling me to wake up, bringing me out of the strange dream. The images quickly disappearing before I could grasp what I was looking at. I had the dream before, and every time it happened, I felt like something warm and comforting was wrapping around me, but the feeling would change to a constricting feeling by the end of the dream. I could never remember it but knew it was the same dream...

Choking me.

"It's late, do you want the maids to set up a futon for you?" Akito asked, and I was still a little out of it. I didn't realize how tired I was, my body felt like it weighed a thousand pounds. I remembered laying down my head on the table, just to rest for a moment, but I must have fallen asleep.

"Thanks, Akito, but I really should head home..." I rubbed my eyes, trying to wake myself up a bit more. I had dropped by Akito's because she wanted to have dinner together, she even had the cooks made one of my favourites, omurice with spicy ketchup. It was good, but my appetite just wasn't there. I ate what I could as to not be rude or to put Akito in a foul mood.

This whole week I felt like I had been just... not really here. It was slightly understandable, the last week had just been a whirlwind of emotions. Between discovering a new side of Kyo, Dadaji returning from his business trip and Zuzu's accident. Zuzu had fallen from a second-story window at the main house and had some broken bones along with an open wound on her back. She was covered in bandages and was in so much pain.

It's been a few days since Isuzu's been in the hospital. The only thing I could do was try to keep her company until the nurses kicked me out. I planned on going back soon, maybe not tomorrow but probably on Sunday. Hang out, try to cheer her up.

And bring her some decent food... maybe I'll bring her some mango lassi and some trashy magazines.

"...Do you plan on baking any of that.. sweet ball stuff any time soon?" Akito asked me, bringing me out of my head as I made sure I had all my things. She was slightly blushing as she looked to the side, and I could only giggle at the description.

"The next time I'm at the store, I'll pick up some shredded coconut." I offered, and I could see a small smile. At least Akito seemed to be doing well.

" Have a good sleep, thanks for dinner." I picked up my school bag from the floor and waved goodbye while sliding open the door.

As I walked through the main house, I came to a large open window. I gripped the sill and looked down. A two-story fall, I couldn't imagine how scary it would be to fall from here. I bit the inside of my cheek, thinking back on that night, a feeling of guilt settling in my heart.

That night... Zuzu had just been at my house, everyone was fine..

I wish I had insisted that she stayed over... then maybe this wouldn't have happened...

I had dropped by the hospital multiple times this week and tried to put on a brave face, but...

Spending all this time in the hospital was bringing back memories, some bad and some good. The only person who hated the hospital more than me was Zuzu, who had various escape attempts throughout the years.

I had only made one escape, and I had gotten pretty far before Hatori found me and wheeled me back...

No, I didn't love the hospital, but if spending time there helped my friend in any way, then I would camp out there. Except that would probably annoy her more than help her.

But there was something odd about my dear friend this past week. She was clearly keeping something from me, but I couldn't figure out what it was or why she was doing so. Did she not trust me? Or was it something else.

I felt powerless to really do anything because it wasn't like I could interrogate her or something. She was stuck in bed, covered in bandages from head to toe, and it would be cruel to push her to talk about something she doesn't want to.

It wasn't like she was an overly talkative person in the first place, but she had become so quiet, and it wasn't like when Kisa had locked up her words. It was different, though I couldn't really explain why.

Zuzu's been so quiet... she must be traumatized... I wish there was something more I could do

A small hand latched onto my elbow, bringing me out of my daydream. I let out a little gasp and looked down to see large dark brown eyes.

"Hiro? Hey, what are you doing here?" I questioned the young boy, and he had already started dragging me from the window and towards the entrance.

" Me? What were you doing daydreaming by that window?!" He scolded me, not happy at all.

Well...Hiro was the one who had found Zuzu... poor guy... Me standing there must make him nervous...

"Sorry, just tired, I guess..." I admitted as I smiled down at him as he led me down the stairs by my wrist, clearly not in the mood to just stand around.

"Tch."

"So, what brings you to the main house?" I asked, waving goodbye to the workers of the house as we moved through the foyer.

" Tetsuo-Ojisan said you were here..."

" Did you need me for something?" I was slipping on my shoes, and Hiro tied up his boots.

"No."

" Did you need Akito for something?"

"No." I could see his little fist curling but couldn't understand why Hiro could be sarcastic, but he didn't necessarily lose his temper over small things.

"Then why-"

"I just wanted to walk you home! Geez, do I need to be interrogated all the time?!" He nearly barked at me, his face glowing red. Out of anger or embarrassment, I was wasn't sure.

"Awww, you're so sweet, Hiro! I feel so lucky." I gushed, feeling touched that I had someone like Hiro to try and keep an eye on me. Even if he had a funny way of trying to communicate.

Hiro was only a kid in elementary school, but he tried to act strong, and sometimes it made him come off as a brat, but there was a huge heart beneath his attitude.

He groaned but still let me pat his hair, and I even snuck a little kiss to his cheek. Now he was blushing red due to embarrassment, that much I was sure off.

"Have you had a chance to visit Zuzu yet?" I inquired as I took his hand in mine and swung it while he walked along.

" ...I was thinking, maybe tomorrow." He muttered, not sounding 100% committed and you didn't blame him, the hospital was a scary place. But Zuzu was close with Hiro and seeing his face might cheer her up.

" She'll be happy to see you! Oh, do you mind dropping off something for me, I went by today, and I'm sure she needs a break from my face, but I wanted to lend her a book." I asked for the favour, and he groaned and complained but agreed none the less.

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Hiro waited at the living room table, sipping some chilled chai that Marley had poured for him. The Elder of the house was playing a game of solitaire as he watched a sumo match on the television. Hiro didn't see the appeal, but he kind of enjoyed watching Tetsuo make a snide comment at the T.V now and then.

Gimli, who figured himself to be the guardian of the household, was sitting in the corner, staring at the boy while his tail swished back and forth. He was visibly unhappy about the guest but had at least stopped hissing.

"Here it is, sorry to make you wait Hiro." Marley rushed into the room, carrying a small object.

" Maybe if you actually kept your room organized, then you'd be able to find something.." Tetsuo mumbled as he completed his card game.

Marley only laughed and agreed with him, but Hiro knew that she most likely wouldn't change her ways any time soon. Though Marley did promise to tidy up her room.

Her Grandfather didn't push her, Marley did keep the rest of the house clean and tidy, it was only her room that was sometimes left in disarray, and he figured that that's what she must be comfortable with.

"Do you want me to walk you home?" Marley gave Hiro a small smile, and he rolled his eyes.

"Then what was the point of me walking you home if you walk me home?" Hiro pointed out with smirk while crossing his arms at the girl, being a smart ass, but Marley didn't really care all that much.

"Ah, true."

"Idiot.." The young Zodiac member scoffed.

"Watch it, lamb-chop." Snapped Tetsuo, who sent the boy a warning glare.

"Dadaji." Marley shook her head at her grandfather's tone as she walked Hiro to the door, reminding him to text her when he gets home.

"Have a good night, Hiro. Tell your parents, I say hello." Marley said as he slipped on his boots.

"Oh, Mom wants you to come over for dinner soon. Are you free Wednesday?" Hiro acted as if he wasn't excited, but he enjoyed spending time with the older girl, and whenever Marley came over, she always tried to make something special.

Marley nodded and told the boy she had dance after school but would head over after, and waved at him as he walked away.

The girl was already trying to think of what she could bring as a dessert. There had been some sweet looking raspberries at the market, maybe she could make a nice raspberry cream crumble.

"What do you guys think?" She asked the portrait of her parents, slightly adjusting the frame and wiping a little dust off the counter.

" Raspberry crumble? Or maybe I should make coconut ladoo? Akito was asking, and I could get two birds with one stone?" Her parents were just smiling as she imagined what they might say.

"Both it is, you can never have too many desserts, especially in this family." Marley reasoned and wished her parents' portrait good night.

Marley returned to the living room and took a seat on the floor pillow, casually watching the Sumo match, but Tetsuo kept glancing at his granddaughter. He had barely seen her this past week and could tell that she was tired.

Gimli finally walked from the far corner and crawled into her lap, pawing at Marley's hand till the girl gave him the attention he wanted. She cooed at the cat, calling him a fluffy boy as she scratched his back, his orange and white fur sticking to her clothes.

With it getting warmer out, her large fluffy cat was slightly shedding his winter bulk. Her grandfather had joked that they could create a whole new cat with all the fur that Gimli was shedding. Marley let out a giggle, but Tetsuo couldn't help but notice that it felt a bit forced.

Tetsuo looked at Marley's slightly sullen face as she let out a large sigh. Hoping he could at least cheer her up a little bit, he decided to make a small proposal.

" Tomorrow's a Saturday, how about we take a small day trip?" He asked as he watched her reaction from his seat as he laid down a card.

"Oh, I don-"

"You can't spend all your time at the hospital. You need some fresh countryside air. I have to go pay a cousin a visit, it's Sohma business. He runs a farm with his -" He explained, but at the mention of a farm, he could see her eyes light up.

"A farm?" She interrupted him, sitting up in her seat and giving him her undivided attention, the sumo match forgotten.

"What do they have? Do they have fruits? What kind? Oh! And do they have chickens? Or maybe come cute cows?" Marley raved and asked question after question, a certain brightness in her eyes.

Tetsuo chuckled and nodded his head to her questions, he had a feeling that she would jump at the chance to go to a farm.

" We could pick up some stuff to bring back, some fresh jams and whatnot. I'm sure Isuzu would appreciate some gifts." Tetsuo could tell that Marley was getting more excited the more he talked about it. He wasn't thrilled about going to the farm because he knew the owner, and he could talk and talk and talk, but if it made Marley happy, then he would stand it for a day. The more he thought about it...Half a day.

The girl seemed to be thinking about something, and it was as if a light bulb went off in her mind.

"Do you mind if I invite someone?" The girl asked, a sincere smile visible on her face, her earlier, slight, weariness gone.

"... depends.." Tetsuo grumbled, hoping that it wasn't the Rabbit, Momiji was a nice kid but was way too affectionate. And Marley knew better than to put him and Akito in the same space. He supposed he could live with Marley bringing Kyo... although he still wanted to have an inevitable talk with the boy.

Tetsuo looked to Marley's neck, the bandages were now gone, but there was a very slight cut against her dark skin. It likely wouldn't scar, but it didn't change the fact that something had happened to her while he was on the other side of the world.

He hoped that would be the only time she got in the middle of anything concerning the ugliness of the cursed family. His granddaughter had been through enough in her young life, and he wanted her to enjoy her youth.

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The morning sun filtered the Sohma household, and everything seemed to be at peace. There was no fighting, only the sound of the T.V as Kyo flipped through the channels and Tohru washing dishes from breakfast in the kitchen.

"Greetings, mon ami!" The boisterous Ayame opened the living room door with gusto, a bright beaming smile on his face as he greeted the household. The peaceful morning air was gone.

"Aya! Bonjour!" Shigure was happy to see his friend, even if some in the household were not fans.

"Ayame-San, it's nice to see you." The kind brunette greeted him, genuinely enjoying his presence, even though his loud personality could be a lot to take.

" Beautiful Tohru! Always a pleasure! I'll need some tea right away!" Ayame sat down and patted the table.

"She's not your servant!" Kyo yelled from his spot, already getting up and heading into the kitchen. He wished he could be anywhere but here, maybe he head to the dojo for some training.

"Aya, what brings you here?" Shigure asked as he folded his newspaper and placed it down on the table, giving the silver-haired Zodiac member his full attention.

" I'm so glad you asked, I'm here to deepen my brotherly bond. Where is my beautiful baby brother?" Ayame's gold eyes looked around the room, hoping to catch sight of Yuki.

"Yuki's on a date." Shigure gave Ayame a cheeky smile, and the Snake widened his eyes, wanting to hear all the details.

"What? Do my ears deceive me, who is the lucky girl?" He inquired, hungry for more information.

"The exotic Marley-Chan, who knew Yuki was into foreigners." Shigure teased, enjoying the surprising turn in events and hoping for a particular reaction.

"WHAT?!"

There it was, and Shigure couldn't stop the knowing smirk that appeared on his face.

Kyo gripped the milk carton in his hand so hard that it burst, milk dripping everywhere, and Tohru quickly jumped in with a rag to clean up.

"Awww don't be jealous, Kyo-Kyo," Shigure told his cousin, but his smile gave away his true intentions.

"Yes, don't be jealous, Kyonkichi." Ayame joined in on tormenting the Cat, it was all in good fun.

"WHO SAID ANYTHING ABOUT BEING JEALOUS! STOP MAKING FUN OF ME!" Kyo hissed at the adults, his hair standing on end, and the men laughed while Tohru picked up the forgotten milk carton and placed it in the trash.

"Ahh, young love." Shigure teased, unable to stop himself, it was just too entertaining.

"SHUT UP SHITHEAD! I'M OUTTA HERE!" The temperamental teen shouted as he was out the door and slamming it behind him, shaking the entire house with its force.

"My, my, everyone is so lively around here. Very, well. I shall wait for my dear baby brother's return. I can hardly wait to hear the details." Ayame made himself comfortable, sitting at the table as if there was a crown on his head.

"Who says we have to wait?" Shigure wiggled his eyebrows and got up from the table, fanning himself as he opened the door to his mess of a room.

"Just have to find that number... eh... where did I write it down?"

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" Yuki! Look at the size of this watermelon!" Marley laughed, her large eyes lighting up in marvel of the large fruit.

Marley was down on her knees, wrapping her arms around an oversized watermelon in awe and smiling at Yuki. She reminded him of an excited child, especially in her blue overalls and pink crew-neck T-shirt, her long hair in braided pigtails and a straw sunhat resting on her head.

The boy was also impressed with its size and wondered how it tasted. Yuki knelt down, knocked on the watermelon and listened, noting that it wasn't ripe yet.

"It doesn't sound right." He concluded.

"Oh! You can tell if a watermelon's ready?" Marley practically had stars in her eyes, she could tell if certain fruits and vegetables were good, but when it came to squashes or melons, she was utterly lost.

"That's so cool! Let's go look for the perfect watermelon." Marley encouraged as she dragged him around, asking his opinion about various different fruits.

"Oh, what's that game where the people smash watermelons? That fat one would be an easy target!" She gushed over the fruit, speaking so quickly that her accent was starting to come up, excitement bubbling around her.

"I was looking up summer activities, and I found all these videos of people like, spinning around and then trying to hit the watermelon like a pi?ata! It looks like so much fun, we should do it." She continued and honestly, Yuki had no idea what she was talking about. He didn't even know what a pinata was.

" I've never done it before... it sounds kind of... silly?" He questioned as he stood up and put his hands on his hips.

"I know! That's why I wanna try it, and it'll be so much fun playing it with everyone." Marley already imagined what it would be like to play with Kyo, Momiji, Isuzu, and everyone. She bet Kyo's martial arts training could give him an upper hand and smash it in one go.

The girl's joy was a bit infectious, and Yuki let his guard down smiling along with the girl, he was now looking forward to the 'watermelon smashing game.' This summer would be a good one, he was already spending more time outside.

Yuki knelt down to check another watermelon, analyzing and tapping on it.

"This is a really good one." He noted.

"Do you think it's okay if we take it?" She asked as she came over to check out the one Yuki had picked. The boy shrugged his shoulders and Marley looked around for a worker. She found one and began waving and was about to walk over to him, but the farmworker instead started rushing over to them.

"Excuse me? You're Tetsuo-Sama's granddaughter, yes?" He asked as he approached, a nervous smile on his face.

Marley nodded and introduced herself and asked for his name, a bright smile on her face causing the worker who could only be a few years older than them to blush. The young man introduced himself.

" Teruki Sohma... it's nice to meet you." He stared down at the watermelon that Yuki was touching and raised his eyebrow.

"Oh! We were wondering if we could have this watermelon?" She asked as she patted the fruit in question, and without missing a beat, the worker brought out a knife and swiftly cut the stem, before lifting it up into his arms. Marley took it as a 'yes, they can have the watermelon.'

" Thank you; that's very kind.." Marley gushed as she reached out to try and take the watermelon, but the worker held on tight.

" I can carry it back to your car for you! You two should enjoy your date." The worker was flustered as he stepped back from the two and then started hurrying off, not even giving the two time to explain that it wasn't really a date. More like Marley dragging Yuki on an adventure.

"The house has prepared lunch, you should head back!" The worker offered as he walked off with the watermelon in hand and was out of their sight before Marley could thank him.

" Maybe we can split it at Shigure's, and I'll take half home." Marley offered and smiled at him. Yuki could only nod, a small blush on his face over the idea of the two of them on a date.

Marley noticed his slightly red face and placed the back of her hand to his forehead.

"Mar-Marley-San?" Yuki asked, his face only getting warmer at the gentle action.

"You feel a little warm, here, you should wear this." Marley offered as she took off her straw sun hat.

"Oh, I couldn't possibly-"

"Please, I was only wearing it because it looked cute." Marley insisted as she placed the straw sun hat on Yuki, helping him block out the warm sun a little.

He wasn't used to people taking care of him, outside of Tohru and maybe Haru, and he felt his heart race. Yuki had to remind himself that Marley was just that kind of person.

The two walked to the farmhouse where they could see Tetsuo and the farmer on the porch, waving at the two.

Marley waved back, but a large, stressful noise distracted her, and she looked around to see where it came from.

Her eyes locked onto the horse, running around in a small paddock and throwing its head back while a man in the paddock tried to catch it. The horse turned around till he was facing the man who then scrambled out of the fenced area, narrowly missing being stomped on by the cinnamon-coloured horse.

"Stupid horse! I'm just trying to help you!" Yelled the clearly frustrated man while the horse neighed furiously, and Marley was already heading over to see what was up.

"Marley-San?" Yuki called out, but Marley was already out of hearing distance. He looked back to the porch and saw the farmer and Tetsuo heading his way.

They didn't say anything as they passed Yuki and head in the direction that Marley had, Yuki let out a small sigh and decided to follow, curious how this was all going to work out.

By the time they had walked over, Marley was talking to the man who had been 'dealing' with the unhappy horse.

"That's not a horse, it's a demon in disguise. Kuzon-San took him in because the last owner couldn't handle it, someone thought that he would be happier out in the fields with the cows, but he won't let me lead him." As soon as the man gestured to the horse, the large mammal reached his neck out and tried to take a snap.

"HEY!" The worker yelled at the horse who didn't seem to care, he actually looked quite proud of himself.

"What's his name?" Marley asked as she didn't take her eyes off the horse.

"Doesn't have one yet.. we just been calling him trouble..." The owner of the farm, Kuzon, let out a large sigh as he crossed his arms and shook his head, clearly exhausted by the ordeal already.

Marley had stepped up closer to the fence, and the horse watched her like a hawk.

"Maybe he was abused?" Marley wasn't really asking, it was more like she was thinking out loud as she walked along the fence. Yuki noted how the horse didn't move from its spot, but its large eyes stayed on the white-blonde. Marley stopped at the fence and held out an empty hand. The horse stayed put for a moment, instead of lunging out the horse turned around and walked away.

"Maybe... but that doesn't help me... I don't want to hurt him, I'm just trying to walk him over to the pasture." The worker explained, swiping the back of his neck of sweat with a red handkerchief.

Marley walked back to the group and horse then started to run around the small paddock, neighing and bucking, it's back legs into one of the fence posts.

Marley made some clicking noises and then made a cooing sound to the horse, and it grabbed the horse's attention, making it stop and just stare at her.

"Can I have one of those?" Marley asked Kuzon as she pointed over to a bushel of yellow and red apples.

"Go ahead." He smiled and was looking forward to seeing what the foreigner was going to do.

"Thanks." She grabbed a few, stuffing one into each pocket of her overalls and then one in her hand. The group couldn't even say anything, the girl had opened the gate and slipped in.

"MISS!" The worker called out, but she just put a finger to her lips, asking them to be quiet. Yuki had to admit he was impressed by how easily she was able to control the grown men. She closed the gate behind her and Yuki walked up to the fence.

"Marley-San, are you sure this is a good idea?" He asked in a soft voice, looking back between the girl and the horse. The horse seemed so big and violent to him, and he couldn't understand why Marley would want to put herself in this position.

But a part of Yuki already knew that Marley had no problem putting herself in harm's way if meant helping or protecting another living thing. Whether they be human, horse or even a small rat.

"Please... stop!"

"Umm.. not exactly but I just wanna try." She gave him a reassuring smile and then just walked to the paddock further with an apple in her hand.

As she stood in the soft dirt, the horse watched her, not going near her but also not comfortable, just minding his own business.

"Hello, my names Marley. I'm just going to hang out, don't worry about me." Marley introduced herself to the horse, even throwing in a small bow, which made Yuki smile a bit. She looked ridiculous, but she didn't seem to care.

Marley took a bite of the apple with a loud crunch, the crisp sound clearly had the horse interested, but he didn't venture further.

The girl continued eating the apple and talking to the horse, asking how his day was, what he had for lunch if he enjoyed the rain they had earlier in the week. The boys only watched, making sure Marley didn't do anything stupid.

Well... 'stupider'...

It must have been 20 minutes later, and the worker was getting slightly agitated.

" Well, this is going nowhere..." The worker sighed.

"She grew up on a farm and around lots of animals," Tetsuo mentioned as he rolled one of his shoulders, Yuki was reminded that Marley had spoken of the village she had been born in, a farm in India that her great grandmother had run.

"Oh, interesting, I would never have thought that." The farmer scratched his chin over the information, Yuki had thought the same and would have never known had Marley not mentioned it to him.

"So? Doesn't mean she's an animal whisperer or something." The worker scoffed, clearly done with the situation at hand.

"Hmmm, then what do you make of that?" Tetsuo smirked as he pointed to how the horse was no longer neighing and bucking, just walking around, getting closer and closer to Marley, who had actually started an English song that Yuki vaguely recognized.

Her soft voice and the calming song only making the horse go closer.

Close your eyes, and I'll kiss you
Tomorrow I'll miss you
Remember I'll always be true
And then while I'm away
I'll write home every day
And I'll send all my lovin' to you

Marley held out an empty hand to the horse. Their black snout sniffed it, investigating, still seeming to be alert.

Marley just stayed calm, letting the large horse check her out as she sang softly and took her hand back. She slowly brought out another apple, offering it to the horse, but the creature didn't seem to really know what to do. Sniffing it, feeling it out with its muzzle but not taking it a bite.

"I don't think he knows what an apple is," Marley said, and the worker explained that they had yet to give him one.

Marley wiped the apple on her blue denim overalls and then raised it to her mouth, taking a big bite.

But she didn't chew or swallow it. Instead, she spat out the bite she took into her hand. Yuki felt a little grossed out by the action, a small shudder working its way up to his spine. Dirt and fertilizer he was okay with. Whatever Marley was doing was kind of gross in his book.

She held out her hand to the horse, and the horse sniffed the apple piece and then gently took it from her hand.

After the horse ate the small morsel, he began nodding his head, a soft nickering sound leaving his muzzle.

"It's pretty good, huh?" Marley laughed, and she continued the process, taking a bite, spitting it out and letting the horse eat it.

"She's feeding it as if she's a mama bird." Joked the farmer, laughing at this own joke while Tetsuo slightly shook his head, but Yuki caught what looked like a small smile on his face.

They watched as Marley would walk around the paddock, the large horse following her around, and soon she gave the horse an entire apple. The horse had calmed down and was letting Marley softly pet his neck and head.

"Can we name him Ringo?" Marley asked as she found a sweet spot on the horse's shoulder and used her long nails to give it a good scratch.

"You want to name him 'apple'?" Yuki asked, raising a brow at the strange name, it didn't seem very creative.

"Well... that and after the Beatles drummer, it kind of fits." Marley was barely paying attention to the humans at this point, focusing all her energy on the love-starved horse, playing with the horse's black hair.

"What do you think, Ringo?" The horse rubbed its head against Marley's chest, and she laughed, cooing at the horse and petting his head.

" Well, I've been humiliated..." The worker groaned, rubbing his face.

" Marley's Mother did mention that she had a way with animals, so don't worry too much." Tetsuo clapped the workers back with a harsh pat of his hand, nearly making the young man topple over.

"Here, can you try getting this halter on him?" The worker decided to trust the girl as he handed her a brown leather horse halter.

"Sure. Has he had one before?" Marley asked as she approached the fence and took the halter and lead rope.

"Yeah, but it's just been a hassle getting it on him..." The worker had bruises and bite marks all over his torso and arms to prove just how challenging the horse had been.

Marley walked to where he was standing by the fence and Ringo did not follow. The horse was still wary of the boys. Yuki figured that maybe the horse had been hurt by men, which was why the horse didn't want to come over and why Marley was able to possibly earn its favour. People could be cruel, and Yuki could understand why the horse was acting out.

He still was too afraid to return to the main house and was staying away for as long as he could.

Marley first showed the halter to the horse, letting 'Ringo' sniff it and investigate it before allowing her to slip it over his head and fasten the buckle.

"Oh, Yuki, here hold this," Marley asked as she tossed an apple to him.

"What... what do you want me to do with it?" Yuki asked, catching the apple with two hands.

"Hold it out." She explained as the worker opened the door, and Yuki felt a little worried.

"Just.. stay calm. He's more scared of you then you of him. " Marley assured with sincerity as she hooked a lead rope onto Ringo's halter.

Even though Marley had asked him to stay calm, he felt like his heart was racing. He doubted the horse was more scared of him. Marley led Ringo out of the paddock and gestured for Yuki to hold out his hand while cooing at the horse to keep him calm.

"Lay your hand out flat. And just let him figure you out." Marley instructed, confident in both Ringo and Yuki.

The horse eyed him warily but gave him a sniff and eventually took the apple, his muzzle brushing against Yuki's hand and the juices leaking from his mouth and onto the boy's hand.

Yuki knew now and then that he would stick with fruits and vegetables. Animals were not his thing.

"Horses make apples look like the most delicious things in the world." Marley softly laughed as she patted the horse's neck, calling him a 'good, handsome boy.'

"I'll lead you to the field." The worker said, still shaking his head over the outcome but happy that the horse had calmed down.

He walked about 10 feet ahead while Marley led Ringo with a lead rope, he seemed pretty content, stopping now and then to graze on the grass. Yuki walked alongside her with Tetsuo on his other side.

" Weren't you scared, Marley-San?" Yuki asked, and Tetsuo made a remark about needing to have the 'sense' to be afraid, which made Marley stick her tongue out at him, both laughing at the exchange.

" Well, yes and no. A lot of animals will act out of fear. He was just doing what he thought would protect him. Ringo just needed to see that we were patient enough to give him a chance. Right, cause you are so handsome and such a good boy, yes you are, I love you, yes I do." Marley cooed, again giving the horse kisses and pats which he seemed to enjoy.

Yuki knew that it wasn't just animals that acted out of fear, he knew people to do the same. He also knew people who could hurt others just because they could, but he found himself wondering... Was God afraid of anything?

For a moment, he disappeared into his own head, and he was back in that room, smeared with black paint. Trapped. And the way he tried to protect himself.

Marley's laugh brought him out of his inner world and watched as the horse was sniffing all her pockets in search of more apples and apologized for not having any more.

The farmer opened the latch to the large grass field with brown and white cows. Marley walked Ringo in and unlatched the lead rope, patting him and telling him to have a good time and maybe make a few friends. As if she was a mother seeing her first child off to school.

"See that tree over there?" The farmer pointed to a large tree on top of a small hill at the far end of a grass field.

"My wife put together a small lunch, why don't you two make a picnic of it." He suggested.

"We would love to, thank you so much." Marley gave a bright smile to the farmer, who nodded his head to both Marley and Yuki. Marley asked if Tetsuo would join them, but he said they still had some business to do.

" It's so romantic, sharing food together under a tree during a beautiful day-" The farmer started to explain but was cut off.

" Not. Another. Word." Tetsuo growled and then pointed a finger at Yuki.

"You lay one finger on her young man, and you'll find yourself missing that finger." The intimidating Tetsuo's eyes nearly went black, and Yuki felt himself sweat a bit.

"Yes, Sir." Yuki couldn't help but get a little nervous, Tetsuo's glare was infamous, and the teenager felt like his life might be in actual danger. Marley just rolled her eyes and told her grandfather to be 'nice' to which he just huffed.

.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

.

Isuzu stared out the window, it was a beautiful day outside, and supposedly it was hot out, but she felt like she was freezing in the sterile room.

"Hey." A young boy's voice rang through the room as he lightly knocked on the door sill.

"Hey...what are you doing here?" She asked, slightly looking over to see the youngest of Zodiac members.

"Can't I come and visit." Hiro tried to give her the bouquet his mother had picked out, but Isuzu ignored it and looked out the window.

"How are you feeling?" He asked, trying to start some kind of conversation and cut through the awkward air.

"Like shit, how do you think I'm feeling." The black-haired girl snapped at him. Hiro couldn't even find it in himself to be annoyed at her.

"Marley wanted me to give this to you." Hiro placed down the bouquet on a table and reached into his bag to grab the book with 'A Little Princess' written on the front.

He handed the slightly worn book to Isuzu and was surprised she actually took it from him, handled it with care as she flipped open the front cover.

There was some neat handwriting in English on the first page and a little cartoon purple butterfly.

'To my little princess, to help you with your Japanese, love Bapu.'

She got a small flashback of a time when Marley was lying in bed while Isuzu was doing some sketching by the window. Yuuto had asked how her reading was going, and Marley admitted to not doing it all.

"Please Bapu, can you read it to me, I'm so tired." She asked, weakly gesturing to the book on her nightstand.

" I bought it so you could work on your kanji skills..." Yuuto tried to scold, but he didn't have it in him, he also enjoyed reading out loud, and if his daughter requested it, then it wasn't like he could say no.

"Please... Zuzu really likes the way you read." Marley pointed out as she gestured to the ebony-haired girl, getting her involved.

" Don't drag me into this!" Isuzu ripped a piece of paper out of her sketchbook, molded it into a ball and threw it at the girl in bed, making her slightly laugh.

"You don't like Bapu's reading voice?" She asked, slightly tilting her head.

"I-... I didn't say that..." Marley lightly giggled and the kind father figure laughed at the girls and gave into reading the book, Isuzu even moved closer, carefully laying in the bed beside Marley and continued to sketch while she listened to him read. His calm, soothing voice filling the room.

The makeshift family falling into a comfortable sense of security. It was a simple memory, but one that stayed with Isuzu.

"Tell.. tell her I'll take care of it." She told him, and Hiro had to admit he was surprised how quickly her mood changed with the simple gesture. Isuzu held the book in her hand with such care, Hiro thought that he must be missing something.

"What's with the book?" The young boy asked, curious as to why something so simple seemed to make Isuzu happy.

"... it's none of your business Hiro." She said the content look on her face turning into a glare. Isuzu didn't like letting people see her vulnerable sides, and she didn't need Hiro knowing how sentimental she was over a children's story.

The boy stayed silent and stood there, feeling uncomfortable as he awkwardly swayed back and forth on his heels.

" I found Marley last night, standing by that window..." Hiro voiced, and that got Isuzu's attention, her bandaged face fully faced towards him.

"At the main house?" Hiro nodded at the obvious question. What other window would he be talking about?

"What was she doing at the main house?" She asked, but she already knew the answer, and she didn't like it. Isuzu couldn't understand how Marley could be close with Akito and had never liked their friendship. Now it stressed her out even more. Isuzu was beginning to understand more and more of what Akito was capable of and needed to try and get Marley away from it.

"What do you think? Akito asked her over for dinner... I walked her home. " Hiro said as he crossed his arms and looked to the side. He wouldn't mention how Marley held his hand the entire way or laid a kiss to his cheek.

" Why... why can't we tell her what happened," Hiro asked, he had a sick feeling in his chest over it. They're where things he wanted to tell the girl but felt he couldn't. Marley knew so much about their lives and yet so little.

"You know why Hiro. "

"Maybe Marley can-"

"She CAN'T know Hiro. Even Kisa knows better than to tell Marley what actually happened to her... why don't you. " Isuzu cut of her cousin, not wanting to hear what he had to say.

The boy was silent, and Isuzu continued on, wanting him to understand, and her patience was running thin. A million things were running through her mind, and a part of her knew what she had to do. She needed to protect the people she loved, and that left her with few choices.

"Hiro. Do you think even if somehow you were able to tell her? What would happen?" And Hiro was silent because he knew what could happen.

While Hiro himself had never received any pain at the hands of Akito, he had now watched as not one, but two people he cared about at the mercy of their God. And he felt like he was at war with self, his own soul and his Zodiac spirit at odds.

He still hadn't been able to look Kisa in the eye since the incident in late spring. He wanted to help her but had been so afraid to make everything worse, and now he wondered if ignoring her had been the wrong way to go.

Was it really the best thing to keep Marley out the loop... the young boy wasn't sure of anything right now. But he supposed that Isuzu was the one who was in the hospital bed, and she should decide whether Marley knows the truth of why or not.

An awkward silence hung over the room, and he could see Isuzu clenching her jaw as if daring him to say another word.

"Feel better soon, Rin..." Hiro muttered and left, wishing he'd hadn't come in the first place. He hadn't made anything any better. If anything, he felt he made everything worse.

The young Zodiac member didn't know what was going in his fellow Zodiac member's head, but he figured she really couldn't do anything while she was trapped in the hospital.

In his haste to get out, with his head turned towards the ground, he didn't even notice his dual haired cousin walking the hospital halls with a vase of pretty red flowers in his hands as he headed to Isuzu's room.

.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.

.

Two teenagers sat on a red picnic blanket under a tree, overlooking a large pasture that the cows of the farm spent the majority of their days. Their lunch had been delicious, their bellies full and were now just enjoying the quiet, tranquil atmosphere that the farm provided.

A few of the cows who were curious about the two strangers were grazing near the bottom of the hill, one calf had come up to investigate, tiring themselves out before laying down in the grass, laying their heavy head on Marley's lap, stopping her from being able to get up.

Not that she was complaining as she hummed and massaged the cute calf's head. A few mice had even joined the party, hanging out around Yuki with one brave mouse nestling themselves in Marley's front overall pocket.

Ringo, the horse, was also enjoying his pasture time, grazing peacefully in the distance.

Marley's phone rang, and she asked Yuki to pick up as she was unable to really move.

Yuki reached out on the blanket and looked at who was calling, and Marley asked him.

"It's Shigure."

"You can answer it, probably just checking in." Marley closed her eyes, and Yuki accepted the call, immediately regretting it the moment a familiar voice burst through the speaker.

"Marley! Our dear Princess! Please tell me that my dear brother has succeeded in stealing your heart! I'll make your wedding outfits glorious -" Marley watched Yuki's face go dark, clicking the phone off before Ayame could say anything more.

"You two still don't get along, huh?" Marley asked, awkwardly laughing, hoping to lighten the mood, but the dark look on Yuki's face stayed in place. Her phone rang again, but she put it on silent, sending back a text apologizing.

"It's not that... " Yuki let out a massive sigh, clearly exhausted over just thinking about his brother.

" I always kind of wondered what it would be like to have a sibling." Marley mentioned as she leaned back and continued petting the cow calf's soft head.

" You do?"

"Hmm, it's too bad because I bet Mama and Bapu would have had beautiful kids." Marley opened the locket that was around her neck, gazing at the photos of her parents.

The boy sometimes forgot that Marley was only a Sohma in name and not by blood, Yuki certainly felt like she fit right in. She was even close with the coldest, cruelest Sohma Yuki knew, but that was a different issue and tried to not hold it against her.

"My Mama had a little brother, though..." The girl revealed as she dropped the locket and instead used her free hand to caress the cow's ear.

"Oh, were they close?" Yuki asked.

"It's...kind of complicated."

" I'm pretty familiar with complicated." Yuki pointed out, and Marley got a look on her face as if saying 'oh right, family curse, very complicated.' Yuki made himself comfortable to listen more.

"You see, Mama was born in Northern India to a smaller village... and she knew her parents were disappointed when they had her because she was a girl and India is a VERY patriarchal society. They still did their best, loved her and raised her, gave her a small education.. but she said she sometimes felt like... a burden. " Marley spoke in a soft voice, a sad look in her eyes as she stared up at the branches of the tree they were sitting under, small streams of sunlight peeking through the leaves.

"Her parents tried for another kid.. and finally... they had a boy. I think Mama said she was 9 or 10 years older than him. And when he was born, she was pulled out of school. Made to help around the house with chores and looking after her new brother." Yuki stayed quiet during Marley's story, curious to what point she was trying to make.

"And they treated her little brother with such attention and love. He was a blessing in their eyes, and they consistently voiced that. Mama said they she knew her parents did love her, and she did love them, but it wasn't the same. And she grew jealous and even when her baby brother reached out for her... she would turn away. " A small frown worked its way on Marley's face.

Marley knew that her Mother's heart had been broken by her parents, and even if it was wrong, she had blamed her baby brother for the treatment she received. Marley remembered her mother saying it was one of her biggest regrets in life.

"She felt by the time she was a teenager, there had been a great rift in her family, her parents and her brother on one side and Mama on the other.. she felt so lonely but didn't know how to bring it up or address. Scared of what they could say. Afraid to make it worse. "

Chandra had been afraid of completely breaking the delicate, fake, peace the household had.

"Then... one day her parents set her up for a meeting, she was only 14 at the time, and they had arranged a marriage for her. They were a traditional family from a small village, so they still had traditional ways ..." It was weird to think of her mother in an arranged marriage, it was so... old school. Marley couldn't imagine herself being told who she would have to marry.

"Mama.. couldn't do it. Didn't want to. Mama told them she wanted to marry for love, and they simply told her to grow up and... she ran." Marley let out a large sigh.

"She ran?" Yuki repeated, in a bit of shock that Marley's mother had done such a thing so young.

"Mama packed a small bag, left a note and ran away. " Her mother hadn't given her all that many details. It had been hard for her to talk about, understandably so.

"That's amazing, I could never." Yuki was in awe, he had barely had the strength to move just outside the walls of the Estate. He liked to think he could run away and never turn back, but he felt like he didn't possess that kind of strength.

"Mama said it was stupid of her, and she put herself in serious danger. But it's what led her where she was, and she couldn't imagine it any other way. But there was something she regretted." Marley pointed out.

"What was that?"

"Reaching out." She simply put, and Yuki slightly tilted his head at the answer.

" When she became a mother and learned of all the worry that a parent has for their child and the more she learned about the world in general.. she could see why her Parents worried like they had... she even understood why they had set her up with someone. It was the way things were, and they wanted what was best for her. They wanted her to be with someone who could take care of her, who was stable and seemed like a good match." Her grandparents' hearts might have been in the right place, but it didn't make it right, especially if her mother hadn't wanted it.

"But she wished she had reached out and talked to her parents rather than run away. She spent most of her life running from them because she was afraid of what they would say. Mama missed them, but she didn't think it was something that could be saved. That there was too large of a rift, too much hurt..." Yuki watched as Marley took a deep breath.

" And then Mama's situation with Dadaji..."

"Forgive me, but what does Tetsuo-Sama have to do with it?" Yuki felt like the mention of the Sohma elder came out of nowhere and couldn't understand what he had to do with Marley's mother reaching out to her parents.

"Oh well... um, back when Mama and Bapu got married, and we came to Japan. Dadaji was.. not happy, to say the least. And this led to a lot of friction between Mama and him, and eventually, it made Bapu furious with him, and they didn't speak for years." She quickly explained, not wanting to get too into it.

"And then you came back to Japan and were able to resolve everything?" Yuki asked, and Marley simply shook her head. Yuki realized how little he knew about her and why she in Japan in the first place.

"No, Dadaji showed up in Las Vegas, at our apartment." She revealed, a smile on her face as she thought of how awkward all of the adults had been while she had just been happy to see her step-grandfather, immediately offering him a seat and asking what he wanted for dinner. She had been in a good mood that day because the hospital let her go home for a few days, and she was happy to be at home.

" He wanted to mend things but then went overboard and all of a sudden we were on a plane. I mean... there were still some hurt feelings, but Dadaji was willing to try, and that made Mama want to try as well, so she said that she going to try and reach out to her parents." Marley remembered this moment like it was frozen in time. Her mother had been brushing Marley's hair as she sat in her hospital bed, and her mother asked her that maybe when Marley was healthy again, they could all go back to India together, and Marley could meet her maternal grandparents. Marley remembered looking over her shoulder at her mother and the small, hopeful smile she had on her face. Chandra had really wanted to see her parents again and get to know her little brother and wanted them to meet Marley.

"What happened?" Yuki asked, curious if they had been able to meet up and fix things.

"Well... she passed away before getting the chance." Yuki wished he had kept quiet, feeling like he had ruined what had been a really lovely day with the question.

"We never know what might happen, and if there's any question in your heart, it never hurts to put out your hand out, just to find out." Marley looked over at Yuki with a smile, covering up the hurt in her heart over her mother and all the things she would never be able to do.

Yuki felt a little overwhelmed with the information but could feel his heart opening a bit, and he could understand what she was trying to get across. If Marley's mother was able to forgive Tetsuo and rebuild that bridge with him, then maybe he should try with his own brother. Before, it was too late.

"Ah! Sorry! That was super depressing. I was just trying to maybe give an example, but I feel like I was just rambling. I know Ayame's a lot, and I don't know much about your life, but if you want to give it a chance, I don't think you would regret it... too much. And if it does not turn out how you want.. you always have the people that care about you to turn to." Marley tried to encourage him, and he smiled at her, thanking her for her wisdom, and she just laughed and denied the compliment.

He could see why all the Zodiac members liked her. She was just an overwhelmingly kind person, but her relationship with Akito made him.. uncomfortable. How were they so close and had Marley ever seen THAT part of him?

The unstable part. The cruel part.

The baby calf finally got bored with just laying its head on Marley and left the two teenagers, the calf seemed to try and entice the cinnamon-coloured horse into playing, but Ringo just kept grazing. Marley smiled as the calf gave up on playing and found their mother and bothered her for some milk.

Marley's phone vibrated, and it was a text from 'Dadaji.'

+ Leaving soon, but there are kittens in the blue barn in case you want to check those out, but we are NOT taking any home. +

The young woman giggled over the last bit in the text and let Yuki know the plan, and the two packed up their lunch.

"Um, Marley-San, I think you forget something." Yuki gestured to the front pocket in her overalls, and there was the small mouse who was happily asleep.

"Whoops, that would have been bad. Sorry little cutie, time to wake up." Marley giggled as she gently lowered herself to the ground and tried to entice the mouse out of the pocket. After a few shakes, the mouse woke up and scurried out of the pocket and ran up the tree, joining the other mice that had gathered

"C'mon, let's go check out the barn before we go!" Marley cheered as she grabbed Yuki's hand and pulled him along towards the barn on the property as he held the picnic basket in his free hand.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Kyo rubbed the back of his neck with a towel, taking a small break from training. As he gulped down some freshwater, he heard his phone vibrate against the hardwood and quickly picked it up.

+Message from Marley+

Kyo felt his heart do a little flip, but it was gone when he remembered what she was up to. Marley was out with the damn rat doing god knows what.

He let out a heavy sigh and opened up the message, and that now came with a picture.

+ I made a new friend! +

And the image had Marley smiling at the camera, throwing up a peace sign while what looked like a baby cow kind of chewing on her braid. He couldn't stop himself from smiling and chuckling at the picture.

Simply texting back, telling her to wash her hair.

"What's that smile for?" Kazuma's voice cut through and in his shock he nearly dropped the phone while his face went red over being caught.

"Nothing! I'm smiling at anything!" He denied, and his father-figure simply smiled at him, knowing better but decided not to push it.

"Well, I should let you know. I received a call from Tetsuo-Sama last night." Kazuma revealed as he sat down next to the boy.

"What did he want?" Kyo asked, not upset, just genuinely curious. Kyo himself had been wanting to speak with the elder of the Sohma family. There were things he needed to say.

"He asked for a meeting with me. And you." Kazuma said, watching his student's reaction and was surprised at the thoughtful look on his face.

Kyo let out a sigh. A part of him knew that this was coming but still felt uncertain.

" Are you free tomorrow? early-evening, we can have dinner?" Kazuma offered, ready to try cooking again, and Kyo already knew that he would be the one to be cooking dinner. His foster father meant well, but he wanted to eat food, not burned char.

"Ya, sure." At least he had time to try and figure out what he was going to say.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-..-

"Marley-San?" Yuki asked as they walked along, she looked over at him, giving him her full attention.

"Why... why did you invite me along?" He asked, feeling a little self-conscious over the question. He had been so surprised last night she had called Shigure's house and asked to talk to him. They weren't friends, not close ones, at least. They had only spoken a handful of times and other than offering to let her copy his homework that one time or getting her vegetables from his secret garden, they just didn't know each other.

" Because I thought you would like it." She simply stated as if it were obvious.

"I'm sure lots of people would have enjoyed an invite..."

"Maybe... but I think you're the one who would get the most out of it since you do some farming yourself. You seemed really happy when you were asking the farmer about his edamame." She pointed out, and Yuki couldn't help but blush, embarrassed he had gotten so excited.

"It was cute! It made me happy to see you talk about your interests. I'm sure there aren't a lot of people into farming that you can talk to." She laughed as she said so, remembering her great-grandmother trying to teach her about farming and all of it going in one ear and out the other.

"Well, thank you for inviting me," Yuki said to which Marley just responded with a bright smile and thanked him for coming with her.

The two walked along and soon entered the barn, there were a few animals in stalls. Some pigs and a few goats, a large grey horse, were in enclosures while some chickens were wandering around freely. Marley wasted no time in saying hello to each animal, asking how they're day was and giving them pats and kind words.

"Yuki, look!" Marley was holding a chicken in her hands and was impressed with how calm the brown chicken was. She was turning its body while the head stayed completely still, making her smile and remark how 'cool' it was.

She placed the chicken down and looked around the barn some more.

" Awwww, here they are. Hello." Marley was now near the back of the barn, kneeling by a crate. Yuki could swear he could see little cartoon hearts popping up around her as she cooed at the box.

" Wow, you have such beautiful kitties, good job, Mama." The girl congratulated, and Yuki decided to check it for himself.

He hated cats, but he supposed it wouldn't hurt to see them.

It was a multicoloured cat, mostly white with splotches of orange and brown nursing 4 tiny kittens. They were nothing but little fluffballs. He could feel it. A part of himself was disgusted by them, and the mother was staring at him, watching him. As if she felt his distaste for cats.

"Yuki, you're making her nervous, kneel down on the ground," Marley whispered as she grabbed his pant leg to get his attention.

He didn't say anything, just knelt down on the ground beside Marley, who had simply brought out her phone to snap a few pictures.

Marley talked to the cat, telling her what a wonderful mother she was being and the cat would seem to meow at her between grooming her kittens.

After a few minutes, the cat got up and stretched, putting the black kitten in her mouth and stepping out of the box. The mother cat placed the kitten in Marley's lap. The girl seemed as surprised as Yuki but gently held the small kitten who still hadn't opened its eyes.

"Aww, they must be less than a week old," Marley told Yuki as she carefully held the kitten as it made soft little meows.

Marley thanked the mother cat who meowed and then continued grabbing her kittens and placed them in Marley's lap until the white-blonde beauty had all four resting on her blue overalls.

" You made such beautiful kitties Mama, thank you for letting me meet them," Marley told the Cat who meowed proudly, and Yuki couldn't help but lightly laugh at the scene, but making sure he turned his head and covered his mouth.

" The animals sure seem to gravitate towards you." He mentioned.

" I don't know about that." Marley denied as she smiled down at the kittens in her lap, petting them softly while the mother Cat rubbed herself on Marley's knee.

"Maybe that's why all the zodiac members like you..." He tried to joke, but Marley didn't seem to like the comment.

" I wouldn't say that.." She said softly, gently petting the black kitten.

"Why's that?" he asked.

"Well.. because you guys aren't animals. Your people." She stated, not even taking her attention away from the kittens, but Yuki felt him choke down something. He knew that Marley cared for the Zodiac members but also worried that she thought of them as some sort of freak show and took pity on them for it. But maybe she didn't think of them that way, perhaps she really just genuinely liked them.

"Miss Mama-cat, may I show Yuki your kitties?" Marley asked the cat as if they could understand each other, but Yuki was more concerned about what the girl had asked and was getting ready to refuse.

"Yuki, hold out your hands." She instructed, not even clued in to the idea that touching cats was the last thing Yuki wanted to do.

"I don't think-"

"This one's grey is just like your hair, and he is very handsome." Marley lifted a small grey and white kitten from her lap and gently placed it into Yuki's hand.

He knew he hated cats, he always had. They were stupid. And Ugly and-

The small kitten meowed weakly and prodded his little, pink nose. It was so small and fit in the palm of his hand. Yuki subconsciously brought his other hand and lightly patted the top of the kitten's head, and he could feel it purring.

The kitten was vulnerable and helpless.

Marley took a few more pictures and even snuck a few of Yuki with the grey kitten. The mother cat meowed a bit, and the two placed the kittens back carefully into the crate padded with hay and blankets.

Maybe cats weren't... awful

"Ah, this is where you two are." Tetsuo walked into the barn, and Marley asked him how the meeting had gone, and he just groaned, telling them to get into the car before the farmer made them stay for dinner.

.

.-.-.-.-.-

.

"I'm home," Yuki called out as he slipped off his shoes at the door. It was a long day, and now Yuki was unsure how well he knew anyone, mostly due to what he had witnessed in the long car ride home. Yuki still can't find it in himself to believe that during some American rap/pop song he had never heard, Marley had been able to sing along and then have the intimidating Tetsuo-Sama rap a verse. Yuki wasn't sure if he'd ever see the Sohma Elder the same way ever again.

"Welcome back. And you brought back... a watermelon?" Shigure noted the fruit in Yuki's hands, and then Marley popped up behind Yuki, calling out a hello to everyone.

"There's also some fresh strawberry jam and marmalade that the farm gifted us." Marley carried in a small case and placed it on the table.

"My dear baby brother, how was your date? Have you become a man?" Ayame raved, and Yuki's mood seemed to drop through the floor again, it was tempting to throw the watermelon right at his big brother's head, but that would be a waste of a good watermelon.

" Marley-Chan! It's good to see you! " Tohru greeted the white-blonde, and she happily gave her a hug and commented that Tohru looked cute in her outfit, which made Tohru blush and told Marley that she also looked adorable in hers. The brunette also asked if Marley wanted to stay for dinner.

" I'd love to, but I'm just popping in quickly and Dadaji's waiting in the car." She explained, both girls slightly disappointed that she couldn't stay.

"Marley-San, do you need help with cutting this in half?" Yuki asked as he gestured to watermelon but was still glaring at his brother.

"Ah, no I'll be fine, thank you." Honestly, Marley wasn't sure she wanted Yuki to handle a knife with that look in his eyes.

"Hey," Kyo called, and before Yuki could even blink, Marley was gone and flocked to Kyo, eagerly taking out her phone and began showing Kyo pictures and telling him about the day. From looking at giant watermelon to meeting the kittens. Yuki noted how the slightly irritated look on Kyo's face faded and transformed into a .. Yuki couldn't quite put his finger on it, but it was weird and he didn't like it.

Kyo pulled on the strap of her overalls, making a comment about what she was wearing, and she then pointed out his own fashion choices, and he just tugged on her braid, making her laugh, the two acted like they were the only ones in the hallway.

Marley showed him something while she talked enthusiastically, and he said something which made her slightly pout, and he looked like he was about to laugh, but he sensed Yuki watching. He looked over, and the two rivals locked eyes and Kyo gave him a glare before leading Marley away by grabbing onto one of her braids and the two disappeared from his sight, but he could still hear Marley speaking in an excited tone as she talked about the day.

Cats are plain stupid, and that is that.

The grey-haired boy went into the kitchen and placed the watermelon in the sink. He thought about cutting it in half himself, but the task looked slightly daunting, and he was sure he would mess it up. House or kitchen work was not his forte.

"Are you looking for something, Yuki-Kun?" Tohru asked as she walked into the kitchen, doing the last preparations for dinner.

"I just... needed to cut this in half but-"

"I can do it." Yuki then watched as Tohru picked up a huge knife and seamlessly cut the watermelon in half.

"What me to cut it into slices?" She asked as she held up the knife.

"Ah no, thank you, is there some way for Marley-san to take half of it home?" he asked, uncertain where they kept containers or anything.

"Of course, it looks like a delicious watermelon! Gets me excited for summer." Tohru gushed as she looked through a drawer.

"Have.. have you ever played some sort of watermelon smashing game?" He asked, curious if Tohru knew anything about it.

"Oh, yes! Mom and I used to play, it was so much fun. Why do you ask?" Her eyes lighting up with the mention of her mother and their memories together.

"Marley mentioned it.. she wanted to play."

"Oh! Maybe we could all play it together! That would be amazing." Yuki smiled at Tohru's enthusiasm and agreed, it would be fun, and he was sure Marley would agree to everyone playing together. Even if it still sounded silly in Yuki's mind.

Tohru wrapped up the watermelon in a clear wrap a few times and brought it out to Marley, who thanked her and started heading out the door.

Marley and Yuki locked eyes, and the girl then gestured to Ayame, who had his back to her. She mouthed something, and Yuki was almost sure about what she was saying, something along the lines of 'ask him.'

She wished everyone a good night and left the house.

It wasn't till after dinner that Yuki asked about Ayame's shop and maybe visiting it. His older brother was so excited that it made Yuki slightly regret asking in the first place but then remembered the soft look on Marley's face as they had sat on the hilltop, under the tree.

"We never know what might happen, and if there's any question in your heart, it never hurts to put out your hand, just to find out. And if it does not turn out how you want.. you always have the people that care about you to turn to."

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.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

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The lazy Sunday afternoon sun streamed through the open hospital window, a small breeze making the curtain flutter. I had arrived at the hospital a little before lunch with slices of freshly cut watermelon to share with Zuzu, but they lay forgotten on the bedside table as I laid on the cramped hospital bed.

"Marley-Chan... visiting hours are over." A soft, high pitched voice called out, and I slightly turned to see Nurse Mika in the doorway.

" Oh, thank you, Mika." We were quiet as to not bother Zuzu as I carefully got out of bed, making sure not to touch any of her injuries.

Our visits had mostly consisted of watching movies on the laptop and me catching her up on daily life happening around the estate. But today was different.

Earlier when I walked in, it was clear she had been crying, her eyes red and swollen. When I had asked if she was okay, she had just started wailing, and no matter what I asked, Zuzu would not say what she was crying about, and I just held her as she let it all out. Eventually falling asleep while I petted her hair.

I wish there was something more I could do. Haru had told me he had tried to visit, but she was always sleeping when he came by. I'm sure he would be able to cheer her up.

Haru said he would bring fresh flowers. Hopefully, she's awake next time he visits.

"Sweet dreams Zuzu. Feel better soon." I whispered softly and laid a small kiss to the top of her head. Her eyes fluttered slightly but stayed sleeping.

"I'll walk you out." The nurse said quietly as she opened the door for me.

"Thanks, Mika."

"Sooooooo, wanna hear something juicy?" A twinkle in her eyes over the very thought of gossiping.

"You really should be careful Mika, one day you could get in trouble or hurt someone's feelings," I warned her as we walked the familiar bright and sterile hallways.

A few of the nurses at the desk noticed me and smiled as they waved. I wished them a good day as Mika, and I disappeared behind a corner.

"Hmmm, does that mean you don't want to hear?" She teases, raising an eyebrow.

"... go ahead." I gave in, not being able to resist a juicy tidbit.

I listened as Mika went on about hospital gossip, how an intern was supposedly sleeping with a famous heart surgeon only to gain favour. Still, Mika believed it was more complicated than that and thinks the intern is now pregnant due to a bit of weight gain. Mika had no actual proof but proceeded to say that the two would have cute kids none the less.

I waved goodbye to Mika, who promised to hide some of the 'good' pudding aside for Isuzu, and I thanked her as I walked away, heading to the dance studio, still wondering what my friend had been so distraught over.

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.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

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Marley had come home to a bit of a funny sight.

Ayame was sitting at her living room table with Hatori and was somehow forcing Kyo to look through a photo album of some sort. She was used to Hatori being there, and Ayame would sometimes be there, but it was odd to see Kyo there without her inviting him. But she was happy that he was comfortable with coming over, especially with how nervous he had been in the beginning with sneaking into the inside of the Sohma Estate.

"Hello?" Marley called out as she stood in the doorway.

"Ahh, the princess makes her return to the castle! Buena sera Bellissima Principessa." Ayame proclaimed and taking her hand in his and placing a kiss on it, making her laugh, and Kyo yelled something she couldn't make out. Ayame started to tease Kyo as he sat back down on the floor, and Marley just shook her head and squeezed the orange-haired boy's shoulder to try and calm him down.

"Buena sera Ayame, Hatori, Kyo. It's nice to see you again... Oh! How was the visit." Marley immediately got on her knees and held Ayame's hands in her as eyes widened in anticipation. She had been thinking about Yuki and Ayame earlier and had said a little prayer, hoping it went well because she knew that Ayame had a kind heart and hoped Yuki could give him a chance.

Today had been the day that Ayame got to show off his store to Yuki, and Marley knew it was a big step for the two. Ayame was a little shocked at how excited Marley was for him but quickly shook it off and returned to his usual self.

"It went wonderfully, of course, he was amazed over how beautiful my store was. Why I just know it won't be long till he asks for an 'Ayame Original!' " Ayame proclaimed, very proud and happy over how the day had gone. He and Yuki also had a heart to heart talk, but that was just for him, no else needed to know.

"Of course, anyone would be lucky to have one." Marley agreed, knowing that the man's skills were not a joke and would one day commission him for a dress or perhaps another bodysuit.

"Oh, and speaking of my amazing skills. Taa -Daa!" Ayame stood up and grabbed the hanger of a clothed item hanging off the ledge of the door and unzipped the bag to reveal something Marley held dear.

" You mended it!" Marley jumped to her feet to take the hanger holding her pale gold lehenga and choli. It was clean, and the rips and tears were gone. Her hand felt the material and traced the slightly new design on the sleeves.

"A few alterations, I had to say it was an honour to work on something so different from anything I've done before. And I can't believe how heavy it was. You've not got me interested in Traditional Indian fashion, I had my assistant order me a few magazines so I could get a better understanding." Ayame informed her and Marley was looking forward to what the talented seamstress would create and recommended some Bollywood films for him to watch for research.

"Thank you so much. Ayame, I really don't know how I'll repay you." Marley gushed, thrilled that he had been able to save one of her favourite outfits.

" How about tea and a nice evening snack." Ayame patted the table and Kyo wanted to strangle him.

"You pull that shit here too! Don't you have any shame!" Kyo hissed at his bossy cousin who didn't bat an eye at the accusation.

"Aww, Kyonkichi! You're just upset that you didn't get to see Marley in that magnificent garb. Here, I have photo evidence of her ethereal beauty." Ayame proclaimed as he brought out his phone and looked for the picture of Marley wearing it at the party after her showcase event.

"I DON-" Before he could finish the sentence, Ayame's phone was shoved in his face, and there was Marley her pale-gold glittering glory. While he had seen Marley in the traditional outfit, only it was after she had been running in the rain and covered in mud. But seeing the way it was supposed to look, with a small smile on her face. It was something else. She looked like she stepped out of a fairytale, a princess of a faraway land.

The soft gold complimenting her dark skin, the large skirt bejewelled with beads that shines in the photo and her bright eyes lined in a simple dark eyeliner, making them stand out even more.

"Impressive," Hatori muttered, slightly astounded over Kyo's silence as the doctor watched the interaction.

Marley only laughed at the scene, slightly self-conscious how quiet Kyo had gotten, and told them she was going to put away the outfit and then serve tea with some snacks. She also peeked her head into her Dadaji's office to tell him hello.

.-.-.-.-.-.

As she put out cups for everyone, she leaned over the table to check out the photos they were looking at. Even her grandfather had appeared to look through the photo albums.

"Aw, is this you, Dadaji? So handsome." Marley complimented the old photo as she sat down next to Kyo to properly look at the pictures.

"I wish you wouldn't say that with such astonishment..." Tetsuo sighed, and Kyo had to hold back a chuckle.

"Sorry, Dadaji, you're still very handsome!" Marley tried to recover, but he just gave her a soft glare.

"Now it just feels like your saying it to make me feel better... I'm going to take a bath." He mumbled as he walked out, and Ayame showed her another photo album.

" Aww, and Bapu was so cute. It's weird to see him so small.." Marley had only known her Bapu to be this large, towering 6'2 man with broad shoulders, something he must have gotten from his father, but other than that, he must have taken after his mother from his eyes and general face shape.

She had never seen any pictures of her parents as kids, it wasn't even something she thought about. She wondered what her Mama looked like a child. Did her mama take after her grandmother or her grandfather? Something that would probably remain a mystery.

Marley's Bapu was smiling with his front teeth missing, he had to be seven or eight in the photo, and he was throwing up a victory sign while holding a soccer ball. Then another picture of him in what could be a high school uniform as he put his arm around a pretty classmate.

"Ah, I remember, Yuuto-Nii-chan never had any trouble with women. They all seemed to flock to him." Ayame mentioned as Marley looked at the photo.

"Really?" She knew her Bapu was a handsome man, but it was weird to think of him as a ladies man in any way, especially since he was so crazy in love with her Mama.

"Hmmm, plus he was pretty charming, even made some of the old maid's hearts flutter, but when he sang, even the birds stopped to listen." Ayame elaborated.

Marley flipped through the photos in the album, wondering where it had come from. Her Dadaji didn't seem the type to keep such sentimental things. They only family photos in the house were one in his office, her parents' photo and then Marley kept lots of pictures in her room.

There was a photo of a teenage Yuuto, possibly Marley's age, teaching Hatori, who looked to be maybe ten or younger, both holding guitars. Hatori was concentrating hard on the strings while Yuuto watched with a smile. Marley was reminded of the ten or so year difference between her Bapu and older Zodiac members and wondered how they had become so close to begin with.

There was another of Yuuto, but this time he looked to be the late twenties, he had long hair and a bit of scruff on his face, and he was with a teenage Hatori, Ayame and Shigure, playing soccer in a field somewhere.

There were so many pictures of them together, ranging from the group just hanging out to special events such as the boys' first day at school, birthdays or trips to the beach. And for every photo, Ayame had a story to tell which Marley listened to with full attention.

The only thing odd about the pictures was how little her Dadaji was in it. The single photo she found was a graduation photo, and neither Tetsuo or Yuuto were smiling. They were just standing together as her Bapu held a scroll in his hand. Yuuto's mother wasn't present as Marley had been told that she died when Yuuto was young.

Her step-grandmother was a bit of a mystery to her, all she got was little tidbits here and there.

She had seen pictures here and there of Yuuto's mother, and she had been a beautiful woman with long, curly dark hair and soft brown eyes, she had a small nose and lips. She had been told she was the kindest woman to walk the planet with a knack for getting into trouble and the voice of an angel.

Marley flipped to the front of the photo album, curious to other photos were there and came upon a cute picture.

Yuuto's mother was sitting on a ledge of a patio holding a small baby while a middle-school-age Yuuto stood to the side, both were smiling at the camera on what looked like a beautiful day.

"Oh, who's the baby? They're adorable and so tiny." Marley cooed, and Kyo couldn't help but roll his eyes at how in-love she was with some baby she didn't know. Ayame looked over to the photo and started laughing.

"Ah, that's Hatori. "

" Put it away, Ayame," Hatori ordered while trying to take the album from Marley's hands, but she leaned back, keeping it out of the Dragon's hands, her eye's analyzing the photo further.

"Wait... Hatori... but " Marley looked at the photo again. Yuuto's mother was clearly holding Hatori in her arms, which was basically embracing.

"We change form when embraced by the opposite gender."

If Yuuto's mother was holding Hatori then...her step-grandmother was-

"Where did you find that album?" Tetsuo's harsh voice cut through as he looked at Marley was holding. She looked up at him, and he had his arms crossed as he glared over the group sitting in his home.

The room was silent until the elder let out a heavy sigh and asked everyone to leave. Marley felt like her Dadaji was about to have a talk with her, and she would need to make a fresh pot of tea.

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Whew... I'm back... HELLO!

Sorry that took a while, there was a whole issue where I wrote this chapter and my computer crashed and it was a nightmare! But I'm back and looking forward to moving ahead with this story.

Thank you for reading and please don't forget to leave a review and or send me a P.M :) cheers