Author's Note (29.04.2010): Sorry for the long hiatus, everyone! For the last few months, I've been busy completing my first and most cherished fandom, Escaflowne. If you're interested, you should check out my old account, eunc, and read "Memory of Yesterday" or "Expression." But for those who aren't, that's all right. I'm back, albeit in a foreign country on exchange.

I'm seriously considering on discontinuing this story or "One Cat's Dream," or maybe even both. If readers would do me a favor and tell me their opinions on these thoughts, it would be greatly appreciated. I'm trying to figure out of this piece is actually worthwhile for me or for anyone, so feedback in any forms (rants, flames, raves, criticisms, emails, reviews, etc.) would be very helpful.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Secrets Secrets Are No Fun II
Secret V: Feelings

Quietly Kurama sat in the shadows of the tree's branches, watching the large clouds cloak the moon and stars to create pure night. He tried to maintain control over his feelings, reminding himself that losing it never brought good results. In this situation he needed Youko's cold logic but Syuuichi's ability to be reasoned with; only that way would he get all of the answers he needed and wanted tonight. When the crimson-haired Detective heard a small rustle above him, he knew his guest had finally arrived. Without even an icebreaker, he immediately demanded, "What are Bara and Kaou doing in the Human World?"

Sweat rolled down the side of Kon's face when he heard the iciness in the other fox's voice. As he tried finding a comfortable seat in the tree, he answered, "Truthfully, I have no idea what Bara-sama is doing here—other than to make your life a living hell until she finds Botan-pi's robes and boots her sister back to the Heavenly Glade."

A straight and honest answer, Kurama thought with some satisfaction. "And your master?"

Kon shrugged. "I'm not really all too sure about Kaou-sama either. He probably simply wants to be with Botan-pi, especially since she's been separated from him for so long." As he fiddled with the leaves in the tree, testing which one fitted on his forehead the best, he said as an afterthought, "After five hundred years being without her, he misses her."

Afraid to ask but needing to know the answer, Kurama questioned carefully, "And what exactly was the nature of their relationship before Botan ran from the wedding?"

"Don't regret that you've asked this question," the red fox smiled as he pocketed five large green leaves. Tucking his arms behind his head, he began cheerily, "While she still lived in the Heavenly Glade, whatever Botan-pi did it was to impress and please Kaou-sama. Being the Prince's future bride, she wanted to be the most perfect Heavenly Maiden for him. And whatever Kaou-sama did, he did it all for Botan-pi's happiness. Whenever he went to war for Spirit World, he killed no one so he could honestly answer her upon his return to the Glade—that was that two-hundred year period of peace and nonviolence in Spirit World."

Kurama nodded in understanding, remembering that particular piece of history. Undoubtedly he was impressed that such an era of prosperity and harmony resulted from Botan's innocent whim and Prince Kaou's fidelity to her. "Yeah, those days really were special," Kon nodded smugly with his arms crossed. "If Botan-pi wanted to spend more time with Kaou-sama, then he would drop everything else he had to do to stay with her as long as she wanted. One time, despite a royal decree for him to go out into battle, Kaou-sama remained by Botan-pi's bed-side for four days when she was sick. The Emperor was a little disappointed, but he didn't do anything because he knew it was Botan-pi that had asked Kaou-sama to stay with her. As I've told you before, Kaou-sama has never told Botan-pi no."

He sounds perfect—a man any woman would dare hope to dream of. "So…why then didn't she marry him?"

For a moment Kon silenced, carefully considering his next words. Kurama needs to understand exactly how they feel about each other...but he also needs to realize his own place in all of this. "Botan-pi didn't want her life forever dictated for her, as if she were a doll and not some sentient being. She left Kaou-sama without saying goodbye because she knew that she wouldn't be able to leave otherwise."

"Otherwise?"

"Even if she has this desire to be her own person, she can't reject Kaou-sama either. She could never muster the will to hurt him in any way," the red fox informed honestly. "Their relationship is reciprocal. One look from Kaou-sama and Botan-pi would have just stayed put."

"So she does love him," Kurama growled in jealousy. He slammed a fist against a branch, causing a number of leaves to shower down to the ground. "She'll marry him eventually, but on her own terms."

Rising to his feet on the branch, Kon chuckled lightly, "I wouldn't be so negative. Don't count yourself out so early in the game."

Miffed, Kurama narrowed his green eyes and inquired, "Exactly whose team are you on?"

Grinning like the fox he was, Kon said before he left, "Botan-pi's."

Effortlessly striding like a professional model down the hallways, a sky-haired girl turned every head she passed by. And behind her, a flurry of words and whispers surge behind her.

"Ah, it's her!"

"You don't mean HER?"

"Yeah, remember that girl?"

"You mean—"

"Kaito-kun was dating her then, right?"

"She transferred here for Minamino."

"That makes sense."

"They must really be in love!"

Hearing all of the rumors swirling around her, Bara did not know whether to feel smug or disgusted. She felt relieved to know that everyone believed her to be Syuuichi's "one true love" and that she was giving Kurama a difficult time with his advances towards Botan. However, the Spirit World princess hated the fact that Botan had built such a reputation in the first place, everyone thinking that Syuuichi and Botan were "meant to be." Only one man belonged in Botan's life, and he certainly was not a former demon criminal living in Human World!

Bara was determined to set the record straight for these stupid humans and get her sister married to the right man. And if that meant Bara had to "date" her sister's lover and break Botan's amnesic heart, so be it. I'm sorry, Botan, but this is for your own good. There isn't anyone else better for you than Kaou 'nii-sama. I'm only doing this because I love you and I know that he's what's best for you.

With these thoughts in mind, the lovely girl strode down the hall without looking where she went. Therefore she made a small sound of surprise when she collided into another body. However, before she fell to the ground, two strong hands grabbed her arm and back and held her steady. "You should watch where you're going, Tennyo-san."

Knowing that other students were watching, Bara fought back a look of disgust and bit back any nasty remarks that she had. Instead, she smiled awkwardly and said shakily, "Ah, Syuuichi-kun. I'm so sorry." Her hands held onto his arms for support as she straightened her posture, forcing their two bodies close together.

"It's fine," Syuuichi replied almost indifferently.

Bara shot him a saccharine smile. I need you to fall for me, fox. I need your to forget your silly infatuation on my sister and move on to someone else. She doesn't need you here to confuse her about what she truly wants, what she really needs.

"Ne, Syuuichi-kun, why don't we walk to class together?" she suggested brightly. "Or...do you have something else that you need to get done?"

Having no valid excuse to reject her offer without damaging his image, Kurama returned Bara's sweet smile and agreed to go with her. And just as the maiden calculated, when she and the famous Minamino entered the classroom together, everyone was buzzing about it. Bara almost felt guilty when she saw a grimace flash across Kurama's face. He was no idiot; he knew that thanks to his classmates Botan would hear this latest bit about him and Bara growing ever closer.

Idiot. You wouldn't feel like that at all if you would just change your heart.

As she sat through classes and watched Syuuichi effortlessly take notes and pretend to pay attention, Bara sighed with a frown. Even if you never budge from your stupid crush, at least do something stupid. If I can't convince you that you're not actually in love with Botan, then I'll have to make her believe it. You two can't be together. So don't make me do something cruel to you...

When the bell rang, signaling break, Bara rose from her seat to customarily ask Syuuichi for class notes since she was "such a terrible note-taker and didn't understand parts of the lesson." Not wanting other girls to think that he would just lend out his notes, Syuuichi would then opt for explaining what he could during break so that Bara would not be lost for class. Even though he did not like the sky-haired girl very much, she still was Botan's older sister; and Kurama loathed to think that he would ever mistreat anyone Botan cared about, especially those related to her: his main reason to conceding to help.

That would then result with the two of them sitting beside each other, talking closely as the young man explained everything. The crowd that observed them would then whisper as they watched Syuuichi and Bara conversing like long-time friends.

"Don't you think the atmosphere around them is too good?"

"If they haven't started dating, they will be soon."

"Why don't they start dating now?"

"I heard that Bara-san just broke up with her boyfriend back in her hometown—something about him being too needy and possessive. And even though it's a good thing, it wouldn't look to good for her to suddenly start dating again."

"You're right."

"But when Syuuichi-san and Bara-san do start dating, it'll be great."

"I'm so jealous!"

Outside of class 3-A, Shuuichi stood silently as he listened to all the upperclassmen gush about his step-brother and the new third-year girl and their apparent "good relationship." Even if he did not know his brother as well as he did, Shuuichi would think that the elder Syuuichi were in love with the pretty girl too. Rarely did Syuuichi allow himself to stay with one girl too long, aware of the jealousy and trouble she would face because of his "favoritism." Therefore, he had always been sparse with his attentions and always made them as inconspicuous as possible. But now Syuuichi would spend everyday in Tennyo Bara's sole company.

She looks a bit like Botan, Shuuichi noticed from his post outside. Maybe that's why 'nii-chan likes her so much? Well, if he's moved on to this senpai, then that means Botan is free for me. As he walked away towards his own class, he could not help but to feel encouraged.

"Ne, Shuuichi-kun, what are you so happy about?" Botan asked as he walked past her towards his desk.

"Eh? Oh, I just saw 'nii-chan with Tennyo-senpai. He looked really happy, so I'm glad he's finally getting closer to the girl he really cares for," the young man grinned. "It's the first time I've seen him spent so much time with a girl in his class." Shuuichi had no reason to feel guilty since nothing he said was a lie.

A barb struck at Botan's heart, but she did not quite understand why. "So all those rumors about Syuuichi-senpai and a girl are referring to Tennyo-san?" Thinking about all of the rumors she had heard in Meiou High about Syuuichi and some mysterious beautiful girl, Tennyo Bara-san seem to fit the bill. The young lady could not help but to feel somewhat disappointed since she had hoped to grow closer to Kurama; but that all seemed impossible now.

While students left the school for their various after-school activities, the sun began its steady descent towards the western horizon. The sky's blue became bolder and more vibrant as it clashed against forming yellows and oranges and pink clouds. A fair-haired teacher took no notice of this beautiful scenery as he walked towards the teacher's office while reading his graded papers. He only stopped in his walk when he noticed someone sitting by the windows. "Botan?"

She looked up into Kaou's handsome face. "Kaou 'nii-chan..."

"What's wrong?" he asked her while reaching out to her gently. He did not fail to notice how Botan leaned towards his touch while closing her eyes. She's trying to forget something. She always does this when she doesn't want to remember something unpleasant.

"Nothing." Tears welled up in her eyes, prompting Kaou into action. He took her hand and dragged her into an empty classroom. Locking the door behind him, he then turned to his student.

"What's happened? You're in tears." He affectionately touched her dark hair, allowing his hand to slide down towards her cheek. As she leaned into his touch again, Botan's hand came up and held Kaou's in place. Wiping away her tears with the pads of his fingers, Kaou observed her with gentle amethyst eyes. His other hand toyed with her hair as a distraction. So different, this black...but as always, anything suits my little flower. Even this bitter sadness..."Is there some way I can help you with your troubles?"

Shaking her had, she whimpered, "I don't know if anyone can do anything."

"At least tell me what the matter is."

His voice...why does my heart settle at the sound of his voice? Somewhat composed, Botan explained shakily, "The boy that I like, it seems that he likes another girl…and apparently, they have a very good relationship. They've been friends for a while, and they're always together. I just realized today that I don't have a chance, especially against that girl."

Kaou narrowed his eyes in annoyance, knowing very well now what troubled Botan. And he also knew that Bara's plan was behind Botan's pains. As a teacher, he wasn't deaf to the news that flew around campus, especially since that was what girls brought up whenever they tried to flirt with him. So Kaou was rather familiar with the rumors surrounding Minamino Syuuichi and Tennyo Bara. "I wouldn't worry about any of that," his deep voice rumbled in the girl's ear in comfort.

"Huh?"

Smiling slightly, the older man assured her, "Perhaps things are not what they seem."

"What do you mean, Kaou 'nii-chan?"

"You shouldn't assume anything until you directly hear it from the one you like. And even then, he might be lying to himself about his feelings. But really, don't think your feelings are hopeless. They just might be returned if you're constant." Yes, even constancy is a form of love. I'm sure that Kurama would come to appreciate your unwavering love.

A heavy weight lifted from her heart, Botan felt that she could breathe easy again. Her spirit felt incredibly light and full of confidence and courage. Embracing the taller man around his neck, Botan thanked quietly, "I'm glad that you're always here for me, Kaou 'nii-chan. I don't know what I would do without you."

Savoring her happiness, he gently squeezed his arms around her back and smiled slightly, "It's nothing, especially for my cute fiancée."

"Eh?" The young lady pulled back suddenly to look Kaou in the eye.

"Ah, I didn't tell you."

Botan shook her dainty head. "Are we engaged?"

"We were betrothed since you were born. But don't concern yourself with that." He brushed his knuckles against her soft cheek. "Right now, just pursue the one you feel for most."

"But—"

"You can't marry someone, Botan, if there's someone else nestled in your heart." When he saw her identical amethyst eyes sadden in guilt, Kaou quickly and warmly assured her, "Don't worry about me. I'm always here, waiting for you. That will never change."

In regards to you, my feelings will never falter.

Feeling his utmost sincerity, Botan opened Kaou's hand and pressed it against her cheek. Closing her eyes and basking in his touch's warmth, she smiled sweetly and murmured, "Thank you."

They stood silently together as the sun disappeared behind the horizon.

"So that's it," a girl whispered to her friends as she ducked back down from the window. Quietly she and her friends snuck away from the classroom. As they scurried away, they were a storm of gasps and exclamations.

"They weren't dating…"

"They're engaged."

"That's why she's always so clingy to him!"

"He's taken."

"She doesn't deserve him!"

"It makes sense."

"He came right after she did."

"A teacher and a student..."

"I can't believe it!"

But the rest of Meiou High could, to a certain degree. Within the day, rumors had spread throughout the school that a teacher and a student were in a love affair; there were suggestions that they had already become passionate lovers; some rumors claimed that they were to be married as soon as the student graduated. Undoubtedly, when Kurama heard them, he angrily already knew who they referred to.

That day, for the sake of the school population, Yuu Kaito redirected all questions towards the redhead and allowed Minamino some peace.

"Hoshino-san, can we have a moment?"

The young lady looked up from her studying to see girls from her year and older girls standing in a group looking down at her. "Eh?"

It was the end of school, and Botan had decided to spend just a little more time studying for English: her first class tomorrow. After everything Kaou had done for her, especially cheering her on with another love while being her fiancé, Botan figured she should at least be a start student in his class. Perhaps then she could decrease the large debt she had with him. However, apparently these girls wouldn't give Botan that chance.

"Follow us, Hoshino-san."

Sensing their malicious intent and their refusal to let her be, Botan collected her belongings and schoolbag and turned to face her friends and told them with a grin, "I'll see you guys tomorrow." The girls of class 1-C nodded and helplessly watched their friend be led away to slaughter. Kotori and Naoko took action and left the classroom to find someone to rescue Botan.

Wordlessly Botan followed the gang of girls outside behind the sports equipment shed. Once they were safely hidden by it, they shoved Botan to the wall. "Stay away from Koutaishi-sensei!" the leader shouted.

"Eh?"

"You heard us, bitch," a third-year snapped while snatching Botan's bag from her hands. The older girl hit the younger one with it. "Don't make us warn you again."

"We've see you and the way that you act with him," another spat. She unzipped Botan's bag and flipped it upside down, emptying it completely of its contents. "You're only a first-year. You have no chance in hell with him, so stop pretending like you do!" She proceeded to step on the notebooks and texts with her dirty shoes.

"I think that there's a misunderstanding," Botan feebly attempted to explain.

The leader slapped Botan across the face. The jet-haired girl felt fire scorch her cheeks and tears wet her eyes. "There's no misunderstanding how you held onto him that afternoon!" the gang leader snarled. "You slut."

"What?"

"Don't act innocent! We saw you embrace Koutaishi-sensei!"

"Jealous?" The girls all turned around in surprise at the new voice. Shuuichi, while leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, smirked at the group. "You know, girls are uglier when they bully someone out of jealousy—especially when they're too much of cowards to confront a person by herself." Pushing off the wall and walking towards them slowly, his eyes darkened while saying, "So what makes you think that you ugly girls had a chance with Sensei anyway?"

"You shut up!"

"Yeah, what do you know?"

"I know you guys are making me sick." Holding up a first while standing by Botan, Shuuichi glowered, "I also know that I'm nothing like my 'nii-chan, so I'm not afraid to hit girls that piss me off. Shut up and get out of here."

Unable to retreat without a final word, the leader spat, "This isn't over, Hoshino." With that, the girls dispersed and disappeared towards their own classes.

Her bangs covering the top half of her face, Botan mumbled, "Thank you for helping me, Shuuichi-chan. I was in a lot of trouble back there."

"It's nothing," he blushed. He helped her collect her things off the ground and salvage whatever they could. Together they wiped the dirt off of her books and put them back into her bag, which Shuuichi dusted off against the wall for her. Once finished with that, he took Botan's schoolbag from her and swung it over his shoulder. "Here, I'll carry it."

Quietly she said, "Thanks."

Seeing the reddening mark on her face, Shuuichi then took Botan's hand and led her back towards the school. "Clubs aren't over yet, so the infirmary is still open. Let's put something on that before it gets worse." They silently entered the school clinic, where Shuuichi had Botan sit down on a stool while he looked for some antiseptic, cotton balls, and a cool press. When he came back with the needed the supplies, he sat across from Botan and gently began treating her swollen cheek. After a minute, he finally rallied enough courage to inquire, "Why were those girls bullying you about Koutaishi-sensei anyway?"

"Ah...apparently there are rumors going around school that Koutaishi-sensei and I are involved." Botan had collected herself just enough to smile as she spoke. She almost felt like the cheery girl Shuuichi recognized. "Senpai were curious about how true they all were."

Shuuichi frowned. Of course any girl the subject of those rumors would become target to bullying; a number of girls, especially third-years, had a large crush on the attractive English teacher. Shuuichi's mood did not brighten one bit at the additional thoughts of Botan and Koutaishi-sensei being in those rumors together or that Koutaishi-sensei was the reason for Botan being bullied. "Well, they're baseless anyway, so you shouldn't pay them any mind," he huffed while applying the cool press on Botan's cheek.

The young lady said nothing, which caused uneasiness to come over Shuuichi.

"They are, aren't they?"

"Not...not exactly."

"What do you mean?"

"Koutaishi-sensei and I...I mean Kaou 'nii-chan and I are childhood acquaintances," Botan blushed. She had no idea why she felt shy sharing this with Shuuichi, as if she and Kaou had something to hide. But there was something very intimate about her relationship with the older man that she didn't want others intruding upon. "We grew up together, so he's known me all my life."

"Oh, I see." There seemed to be more that should be said, but Shuuichi decided against pushing for it. If Botan felt uncomfortable telling him, he had no right to make her say anything about it.

"Kaou 'nii-chan just asks me how I'm doing and sees if I need help with anything. He tells me that I shouldn't push myself with memories since I made myself forget them for a reason. He just supports me whenever he finds time."

"Isn't it natural for childhood friends to be concerned for each other?" Shuuichi wanted to cut off his own tongue, it slowly ruining any chances he had with Botan. Why, when he wanted her to fall in love with him, was he encouraging her towards some other man? However, her feelings mattered first...right? If you loved someone, you wanted them to be happy foremost, right? "Just ignore what other people say about you and him. Whatever relationship you two have is only your business. If you get bothered like that again, just tell me or 'nii-chan."

"Thanks, Shuuichi-chan."

Leaning against the wall right outside of the infirmary, Kurama frowned at the turn of events. He had been settling some matters as a student council member when Botan's friend Kotori had run in and told him that Botan had been led away by a gang of girls. By the time he had found her location, Shuuichi had already dealt with the girls and had taken Botan to the infirmary.

Kurama cursed himself.

Not only had he failed in protecting Botan against bullies, but listening to her explanation for Shuuichi, she had also managed to recall her close relationship with Prince Kaou of Heaven. If Kurama did not proceed carefully, then Botan would regain all of her past memories and activate her robes, ending the game. She would be taken back to Heaven, married to her perfect prince, and forever be kept away and be unreachable to Kurama.

The Spirit Detective's worries multiplied the next day after school. Leaving for his part-time job with Shuuichi and Botan accompanying him, the redhead encountered Bara waiting for him outside the school gate.

Dazzling as ever, she greeted Shuuichi and Botan politely before turning to her main target. "Syuuichi-kun, can I have a moment of your time?"

"I guess," he answered a little cautiously. "I need to be somewhere soon or else I'll be late."

"Oh, it won't take long, I promise." She blushed, but Kurama didn't know if she was acting or being truly sincere. "I just wanted to tell you that I have feelings for you, Syuuichi-kun." And before anyone could blink, she pulled him into a bold kiss.

Botan and Shuuichi blinked in shock. Sensing an oncoming awkward atmosphere, Shuuichi tugged on Botan's arm and led her away. "We'll see you at home, 'nii-chan," the first-year said. "I'll tell your boss as we pass by that you might be a little late." Botan said nothing and did not turn around; she mindlessly followed after Shuuichi.

As he led Botan home, the first-year boy felt guilty and hurt for her. I know that she likes 'nii-chan...and seeing him get confessed to and being kissed probably really hurt her. Lately, she's been getting hurt a lot because of other girls. He mentally growled at his uselessness. Why can't I protect the one I care about?

With Botan and the human boy out of earshot, Bara pushed Kurama away and smirked victoriously. "I think your chances of having my sister fall in love with you just plummeted to the last level of Hell, Mr. Bastard Fox."

Knowing better than to give her a reaction but furious beyond reason, Kurama coldly retorted, "How's your search for Botan's heavenly robes coming? Found any sign of them yet?"

The words hit their mark as fire lit the maiden's light-violet eyes. "Smug bastard, are we?Well, in the end, you'll see that Botan doesn't love you and that she never could. Hopefully for you, you'll realize it before your own heart shatters into a million pieces at their wedding." With her nose pointed in the air, she marched away in a snit.

Needless to say, Kurama was so agitated during work that Manager-san told him to go home early.

"You're scaring our guests. You're giving everyone death glares, and I swear four tables' flowers have wilted because of you." She didn't add how everyone would shiver and squirm in fear and hopelessness whenever the hot redhead walked past in his foul mood. Manager-san ventured to ask, "Did something happen between Star-chan and you?"

Not caring to relive the earlier experience, Kurama simply changed out of his uniform and left the café without answering the question. When he reached home, he saw Botan sitting outside in the garden. Instead of going to the front door, he joined her on the bench.

"Botan-kun."

"Ah, welcome home, Syuuichi-senpai." She started to rise. "I'll go tell Shiori-san that you're back—"

He grabbed her wrist in earnest. "Wait. There's something I want to talk about."

He must have told Tennyo-senpai that he loves her too. And he's going to tell me that I should forget my feelings for him... She mentally slapped herself. No, there's no way that he knows that I like him. Her heart thumped against her chest from her anxiety; she prayed that Syuuichi couldn't feel it through her pulse. "Yes?"

Fool, what are you doing? What can you possibly say to her that would make this situation any better? "Botan, I...I just want you to know that when...when Tennyo-san kissed me, it didn't mean anything. It was one-sided, and none of my feelings were attached to that."

A part of her felt relieved, but she dared not admit that out loud. After all, there was still the possibility that in the end, Syuuichi would fall for the ever-alluring Tennyo Bara. Why wouldn't he? She was beautiful and smart; she already had an established relationship with him; and everyone in the school believed that they were a match made from Heaven. "Syuuichi-senpai, why are you justifying yourself to me? There's nothing for you to defend."

"I just don't want you to misunderstand anything, especially since we live in the same house."

Undoing his grip around her wrist, Botan beamed at Syuuichi in assurance. "Syuuichi-senpai, you having a girlfriend wouldn't change anything between us."

Watching her retreating form, he whispered, "No, Botan, it would change everything."