Disclaimer: Don't own anything

Warnings: Characters may be slightly out of character, but it's all part of the story

: Chapter 1:

It had been months since the teenager had taken off and now as he approaches the familiar house he feels ill. He had left shortly after he graduated and he had run off with a gorgeous guy he had met only a month before the ceremony. His eyes absorb the girl while she hangs up the laundry and briefly he smiles even though she wouldn't see it. With a heavy sigh, he makes his appearance.

"Oh my," the girl gasps happily before rushing forward and nearly hugging him, but he holds out his good arm stopping her. "Are you aright," she asks in concern glancing at his bandaged arm. Quietly he nods, a month ago he had stopped trusting his voice, and guiltfully6 he looks away. "Well, come in and say hi to the others. Haru lives here now, he's in your old room," she says looking down sadly and quickly he follows her inside where his makeshift family sits.

Shigure looks at him in surprise forgetting the perverted comment he was in the middle of making then a slow smile forms on the dog's face. No one speaks and in this light he knows their critical eyes can spot each fading bruise on his face. "Sit, eat, and talk," the dog finally says and gratefully he drops his weary body to the floor beside the multi-tonal hair boy. "Where have you been," the teen asks and dumbly he blinks at him before shrugging. Truthfully he wasn't entirely sure where he had been, only that his instincts had led him here. "Here you go. I know it's not much, but I didn't know you'd be stopping by," the girl says placing a nearly full plate of food into his mouth before he stops himself and glances at the food in shame. "Is it not good? I'm sorry, I could fix you something else if you'd like," Tohru says reaching for his plate and shaking his head he scrambles to his feet. "Silt down and eat, baka neko," the slate haired boy says and quickly he obeys. He cringes when Shigure raises his eyebrows in shock and brokenly he croaks, "I don't deserve food."

His voice had sounded foreign to his ears and he looks around worriedly. Last time he had used his voice the man had hit him. Would they hurt me? He seemed to think so, maybe he's right. 'Everyone hates you, your so disgusting. Only I love you.' He stands up and runs out of the house escaping their prying eyes. His aching legs give out on him and he crashes to his knees with a howl.

His eyes flutter open and groggily he stares at the familiar room. "Hey," the teen sitting next to him says calmly and with confused crimson's he looks the slender boy over. "What happened to you," the boy adds and quickly he sits up trying to find his discarded shirt. "Kyo, you can talk to me. I did see those marks on your back and the bruises on your chest. I had to take your shirt off in order to clean the gash in your arm," Haru says gently while he lovingly brushes his red hair back and adoringly he smiles down at him causing his heart to beat a little faster. "Even if you don't want to tell anyone else at least tell me," the boy pleads and leans forward so his head rests on the pillow next to his. "What do you want," he demands hoarsely despite the fact he trusts the youth. "This," the teen whispers before slipping onto the bed and pressing his lips against his own.

Breathlessly he stares at the younger boy knowing that his old self would have blown up, but he had liked the gentle treatment. "It took me until you ran off to realize that I loved you, and I tried to find you but it was like you disappeared. I want to protect you from whoever it is that has hurt you," Haru whispers then he gently caresses the marks on his chest. "Stop," Kyo mummers and he pulls away form Haru with a frustrated groan. "Kitten, I just want to help you and love you," Haru says then kisses Kyo's cheek. "Give me a chance, kitten," Haru urges in his placid tone reassuring the red head with gentle touches over his shoulders. "I…what if he comes back," Kyo asks getting use to his voice and unconsciously he licks his lips nervously. "Please," Haru begs while his hands wander down to the cat's hips. "Fine, but if you get hurt then don't complain to me," he says and lets Haru pull their bodies together.