The Trouble Is

[wannabeeliza]

snazzy-licious *word of the day* =)

[Sayoky]

zOMFG!!!!!!!What is Hao doing there??That jerk.....no wonder Ren hates Yukihiro now....he has a darn good reason do do it! >.<

[Gus]

Hmm...

...a purple shirt, eh? The 'rock star' effect seems to be spreading... *shot*

[wannabeeliza]

dun DUN DUNNNA!!:

[kfttjdb]

Thank you wannabeeliza. I like it! And Gus, no the rock star thing is not spreading, the shirt isn't his.

[kfttjdb]

Yay I get to double post!!! *cough*

Okay, I'm going to apologize in advance; this chapter is not short (and the next one is even longer *dodges a brick*) but people, it was necessary:

Chapter 9:
A Disturbing Confrontation

Tamao was reading a book in the sitting room when she was startled by the banging from the front door. She ran to it, concerned that maybe Yoh or Horo had been injured from their walk.

“Oh, hello Yukihiro. What a lovely surpri-” Tamao started as Yukihiro stormed through the door past her.

“Where is Ren?” Yukihiro asked angrily. Tamao looked at her with anxiety. “Hi, Tamao. Where is Ren.” She said with the exact same tone.

“Well, I don’t exactly know,” Tamao started again, attempting to give a place to start.

“REN!” Yukihiro yelled, interrupting her. Tamao gasped. She had never seen Yukihiro angry before. “Ren! Get in here NOW!”

“What’s going on down here?” Anna asked as she came down the stairs. Tamao looked at her with fearful eyes.

“She’s upset.” Tamao mouthed the words to Anna, not wanting to set Yukihiro off further.

“Where is Ren, Anna?” Yukihiro asked, her voice becoming more aggressive.

“I don’t know. You seem very upset. Sit down. Let me pour you some tea.” Anna said worriedly.

“No. What I need is for Ren to get down here.” Yukihiro replied through clenched teeth.

“I can see where this is going,” Anna said sadly, “I’ll look for him for you, but you need to stay here and calm down. I’ll be back.” Anna smiled weakly and went back up the stairs. Tamao watched Anna leave and panic set in. Don’t leave me down here with her!! She thought to herself.

---

“So now he’s loosing sleep and acting like a jerk about it.” Pirika said, irritated.

“He’s just looking out for you. What do you want him to do, pretend like he doesn’t care?” Ren asked.

They were sitting on the floor in the middle of Pirika’s bedroom. Pirika sat directly in front of him and crossed her legs.

“I want him to use his head. It’s like he doesn’t trust me. He acts like Lyserg is this ‘strange man’ that we all know nothing about. He loved him before we became friends,” Pirika sighed in aggravation.

“That was before Lyserg noticed you existed. You have to remember, it’s his job to be over protective. Just be grateful he notices things happening in your life.” Ren stared at her for a moment and smiled. He enjoyed Pirika’s company. The short-sleeved pink collared shirt and black pants she wore amused him. She looked like a pop singer. His mind wandered to past conversations they had in her room. She made him feel comfortable. She made him feel safe.

“It doesn’t bother him that we’ve become friends, Ren.” Pirika said, breaking his daydream, “and we spend much more time together than Lyserg and I do.” Pirika crawled behind him and wrapped her arms around his own.

“Yes, but I don’t blush every time you enter the same room I’m in, and I definitely don’t look at you the way he does,” Ren replied.

“I hope we can get past this,” Pirika said, ignoring Ren’s comment, “I don’t want him to be mad at me, but I want him to trust my judgment. How was the lake, by the way? You got back earlier than I expected.”

Ren quickly frowned. “I don’t want to talk about that.” He said.

“What happened? Did you two fight again?” she asked.

“That part of my life is done. I don’t want to discuss it.” Ren said, holding one of her hands. Pirika laid her head on his shoulder and sighed.

“You mean we won’t see her again? Like it’s over?” she asked dreadfully. She sat in front of him again this time holding both of his hands.

“Yukihiro will not be coming here anymore. Let’s change the subject,” Ren said, squeezing one of her hands slightly. They were abruptly startled by Pirika’s door bursting open.

“Ren, I need you downstairs,” Anna said anxiously.

“I’m busy.” Ren replied.

“Ren, come downstairs now. It’s very important.” Anna said again before slamming the door.

Ren groaned. “She’s here,” he said.

Pirika put her hands on the sides of his head and gently kissed him on the forehead. “Go talk to her and work this out, Ren.” She smiled and followed him as he reluctantly headed for her door.

Ren and Pirika slowly walked down the stairs and saw Anna standing near the kitchen. When Anna saw them, she walked over to Tamao, who was covering glass items with blankets, and grabbed her hand.

“You two need some privacy,” Anna said austerely. She pulled Tamao with her and motioned for Pirika to follow them.

Yukihiro stood in the middle of the floor motionless, glaring angrily at Ren.

“What are you doing here?” Ren asked coldly. “I thought I made myself clear. When I said I didn’t want to see you ever again, I meant don’t come to my house.” His words were greeted and almost interrupted by the impact her hand made with his face.

He lost his footing for a few seconds but regained it quickly and stared back at her. He was in pain, but he refused to appear affected.

“You will not talk to me that way.” Yukihiro snarled, “And you will not dismiss me.”

“I have nothing to say to you,” Ren said.

“Good because I didn’t come to hear you berate me. You can’t just tell me you’re done and leave. If we were ever friends, we would be able to talk. You had no right to say the things you said to me today.” She began to rant about his behavior and he interrupted.

“You really have some nerve coming here and telling me that I’m wrong. Are you going to tell me Hao’s not at your house right now?” Ren spat.

“This has nothing to do with him, Ren.” Yukihiro raised her voice in annoyance.

“No, this has EVERYTHING to do with him!” Ren yelled.

“Don’t yell at me,” Yukihiro said calmly.

“Why is he there? Just tell me that at least.” Ren said at a slightly lower tone.

“That’s none of your business.” Yukihiro’s eyes narrowed.

“I told you about my past. That was the one thing I opened up to you about, and you just failed to mention all of this time that you know him?” Ren yelled again. “You didn’t think it would bother me to see him at your house? Oh wait. I’ve never seen the inside of your house. Maybe that’s why. What was he doing there?”

“He lives there.” She growled.

Ren was floored. For a few seconds he couldn’t say anything. The shock was quickly substituted with absolute wrath.

“You have betrayed me worse than anyone ever could.” Ren started slowly.

“What?” Yukihiro was angry and annoyed, which proved to be a terrible combination.

“You know that I HATE him! And he LIVES with you?” Ren screamed. “How could we start over? How could we be anything to each other with that kind of lie over our heads? I don’t trust you, and now I know why. You won’t tell me, so I can’t imagine what would possess you to allow that worthless piece of…” he was interrupted. She slapped him again. The pain shot through his entire body and the look on his face showed it. It stunned him.

“Don’t you ever speak that way about Hao again,” she said slowly. Ren looked at her in shock. “I will not allow you to disrespect him in that way.”

Ren struggled to speak, but he only moved his mouth because he was unable to come up with something to say.

“I understand you may be a little upset right now,” she put an extreme amount of emphasis on the word “little”, “but when you finish a sentence like that about Hao that is when I knock all of your teeth out.”

Ren stared at her in disbelief. She did not blink, and she was standing closer to his face. He backed away from her a few steps.

“You need to leave,” he said. “There is no point in this anymore.”

“I have tried everything in my power to make this work and all you do is tear it down. I am so sick of you!” she screamed. “If you want me gone, I’m gone! And another thing, why don’t you stop coming to my house every night and sitting at my doorstep like a stalker!” She pushed him back and turned toward the door.

Ren was deeply offended by the comment. Although it was true, she didn’t have to say it. “That’s why I hate you.” He regretted the words as soon as they spilled out.

She was in the doorway when she heard them and she turned around. Looking at him again, her eyes were filled with tears. She blinked twice then walked away again, slamming the door.

Tamao, Anna, and Pirika reemerged from the hallway beside the stairs. They heard the entire conversation. Ren heard them but did not turn around.

“I do not want to talk about it,” he said despondently. He then walked passed them solemnly and headed upstairs to his bedroom.

[Sayoky]

Nuuuuuu!!!!!!!!Is he out of his minds??? This is so not fair....*sniff* i mean...Yukihiro must have a very good reason for Hao leaving with her...why won't he just listen??Ahhh..he made me so angry!!!!!!!

[kfttjdb]

Sayoky please don't be so hard on him. He has a point...

Oh, since i'm here, I'll be posting Chapter 10 either today or tomorrow. (and it's short- I cut some stuff out) Keep reading, I promise there's a point to all of this! *shot*

[KuroiInu]

Squeee! Three more chapters now, huh? *reads*
Heh, to be honest, I predicted the Hao thing... *gomen nasai* Yukihiro... shouldn't hit Ren. TT-TT Ren... should listen. I... should say that this was good. But won't. 'Cuz it's awesome. :3 Yay for Renna-chan's great writing..

[kfttjdb]

Yes, yes, KuroiInu. I spoiled it for you all- do apologize for that. But, it's not over. The following is Chapter 10. Now, before you scroll down; it is long, but trust me, it's not nearly as long as it was (so you should thank me):

Chapter 10:
Regroup

“Why does every one come to me for advice?” Yoh asked, “Just because I’m married doesn’t mean I know everything about life. I’m no therapist.”

“Who else am I going to talk to, Yoh? Every time Ren and I talk like this he yells at me,” Horo replied.

Yoh laughed, “That doesn’t surprise me at all. Okay. Lay it on me.”

They were on their way home from their walk. Yoh knew something was bothering Horo but didn’t want to ask because he knew it would turn into a session.

“Well Lyserg and Pirika have been spend…” Horo started. Yoh interrupted him.

“I knew it. Here’s my advice. Don’t hold on so tight to her. Lyserg’s a good man and he won’t take advantage of her. They’re friends; let them be friends.”

“I don’t like it, Yoh.” Horo frowned.

“Something tells me you’ll never like it. That doesn’t make you right about the situation. You have to trust her or you will push her away.” Yoh pat him on the back.

“I trust her. I don’t trust him.”

“Since when?” Yoh laughed. “We’re talking about Lyserg, here. Now you’re beginning to sound overbearing.”

“I have my reasons, Yoh. You don’t know him like I do,” Horo stared blankly ahead and his pace slowed.

“I am not going to touch that, but it sounds like you should talk to him about your issue.” Yoh looked concerned.

“No way,” Horo replied speeding up again, “That’s out of the question.”

“Well, you should definitely talk to Pirika. You want her to understand where you’re coming from, but she needs to know you trust her,” Yoh caught up with him. They reached the house and stopped on the front porch. “Just go in there and try to find common ground with her,” Yoh said.

Horo opened the door and the two walked inside the house. Tamao was in the sitting room and no one else was downstairs.

“We’re back,” Horo called to her.

“Welcome back,” Tamao said dryly. She did not leave the sitting room, which was unusual behavior for her.

“Hi Tamao,” Yoh called. He waited for her to come in and greet them.

“Hi Yoh,” she called back from the sitting room.

“Well come in here and talk to us!” Horo yelled. Tamao emerged slowly from the sitting room and approached the two of them.

“What’s wrong?” Yoh could tell she was sad. Suddenly she began crying.

“Ren and Yukihiro had a terrible fight and now they hate each other! I just don’t know what to do. It was horrible!” she began sobbing loudly and Yoh embraced her in a comforting hug.

Horo rolled his eyes.

“There’s nothing you can do, Tamao. Don’t worry about it. I’m sure you tried to help them. Where are they now?” Yoh rubbed her back slowly.

Horo groaned.

“Yukihiro left. Ren went upstairs and I’ve been hearing loud noises ever since. Oh, I feel so bad for them!” Tamao buried her head in his neck and sighed.

“Enough already,” Horo said under his breath.

Yoh released her and held her hands. “This will work out, Tamao. Don’t worry. I’ll go find Ren now and see if he’ll talk to me.” He turned and headed up the stairs.

“What are you looking at?” Tamao asked. Horo was staring at her.

“You sure laid that on thick, didn’t you?” he replied.

“What?” she looked puzzled.

“Oh come on! You can’t fool me.” He began mocking her. “’Oh Yoh I’m so scared! Hold me and make the pain go away! Where’s Anna?’” he laughed at his comments.

Tamao punched him hard in the shoulder. “I don’t appreciate you implying that I’m after Yoh. He and I are friends and I respect him dearly. I love and respect Anna as well and would never do anything that deceptive or tacky to either of them.” She cut her eyes at him and walked back to the sitting room.

“You’re not over it,” Horo said, hoping she heard him.

---

When Yoh reached Ren’s bedroom, Pirika was sitting in front of his door on the floor. She had been crying as well.

“Oh, Yoh! He won’t let me in. He’s been in there for two hours now breaking and throwing things and yelling and screaming at anyone who touches the door. I’m scared for him.” Pirika stood and wiped her eyes.

“Go downstairs and talk to your brother. I’ll try to talk to Ren.” Yoh replied. Pirika obeyed and slowly walked down the hallway.

Yoh leaned against the door and knocked. “Ren, I’m coming in there,” he said. There was no answer. He opened the door and saw the destruction Ren caused. There was broken glass, shredded paper, clothing and other items he didn’t recognize plastering his entire room. After a few seconds he noticed Ren sitting in a far corner with his knees bent staring blankly at the floor.

---

Pirika saw Horo antagonizing Tamao in the sitting room so she darted in the kitchen, hoping he wouldn’t see her.

“Pirika!” he called.

“Yes, Horo? What is it?” Pirika asked, defeated. Horo entered the kitchen and smiled weakly.

“I just wanted you to know that I trust you,” he said.

“What?” she was surprised.

“I know you’re smart and can make the right decisions. I also know that you and Lyserg are friends and I won’t stand in the way of that. If you’re happy, so am I.” Horo looked as if he were in pain, for it took a tremendous amount of it to say those words.

“Really?” Pirika asked excitedly.

“Yeah!” Horo said sarcastically although she didn’t catch it, “Now go call him so you two can go do…what ever it is you do.” He waved her off but she attacked him in a bear hug.

“Thank you, Horo!” she said and ran to her room.

“Please don’t make me regret this,” he said aloud.

---

Hao kicked her bedroom door open. Yukihiro was sitting on the floor curled in a tight ball.

“Stop crying.” He said coldly. She did not look up at him.

“Go away! Leave me alone!” She sobbed.

He approached her slowly and stood over her. She didn’t look but could sense he was close.

“I said go away!” she cried again.

“You know I won’t,” he replied, “I can’t bear to see you cry. You know that.” He sat beside her and ran his fingers through her hair. She knew he wouldn’t leave her there. She knew he would never leave. She gave in.

Yukihiro fell into his arms and began crying hysterically. He sat there, running his fingers up and down her arm, and rested his head on top of hers.

“Do you seriously want to waste all of this energy on a man like Tao?” he asked her softly, “I told you a long time ago you didn’t need any more friends.”

“He said he hates me,” she said abruptly. Yukihiro was hurt by Ren’s statement whether he meant it or not.

“Good. That means he won’t come around anymore.” Hao replied.

She pinched him in the side in protest.

“I’m serious. You know I hate him. He’s too arrogant for his own good. The world would be better off without him.” Hao ranted.

“Don’t say that,” Yukihiro said, “He’s not arrogant, just paranoid. There’s a difference. You should know.”

“It doesn’t matter. I’m the only one you need.” He replied.

“How did he know you were here?” she asked, ignoring him, “We’ve never talked about you.”

“He came by the house. I opened the door to see who was there and went on my way.”

“You slammed the door in his face?” Yukihiro sighed loudly. “Why did you do that?”

“Oh stop it. I did you a favor. I did what you didn’t have the courage to do two years ago.” Hao pulled her hair.

“Ouch! I hate when you do that. You’re going to pull it out. That was so mean! I can’t believe you did that to him! There’s no wonder he’s angry.” She ranted.

“That’s it. I don’t want to talk about it anymore,” Hao said, releasing her and forcing them both to stand up, “From now on, there’s no more talk of Ren in this house, understood?”

“Fine,” she said halfheartedly.

“I mean it. I don’t want to hear his name again.” Hao looked at her with serious eyes and did not blink for a few moments.

“Ren, who?” she said.

“Good. Now where’s my poncho?”

“What?” Yukihiro was caught off guard by this random question.

“You did all of the laundry a few days ago so it should have turned up. I’ve looked all over this house and I can’t find it.” Hao frowned.

Yukihiro laughed in amusement. He smiled at her.

“Well it’s good to see you smile again,” he said.

“Yes. Thank you,” she replied. He stared at her for a few seconds.

“Seriously, where is it?”

---

“Tell me what happened, Ren.” Yoh said to him. He did not respond. Yoh walked closer to him, carefully stepping over the debris. “Ren talk to me.” He tried again.

“She’s not coming back,” Ren said gloomily. He did not look at Yoh.

“What happened, Ren? Tamao said you had a fight?” Yoh sat in front of him on the floor.

“It was more than a fight, Yoh. I found out I was right about her all along.” He suddenly glared at Yoh angrily. “I don’t know why I listened to you in the first place.”

“Are you trying to tell me that this is my fault, Ren,” Yoh frowned.

“I didn’t say that. I can’t trust her. She betrayed me. Just like I knew she would. And you said I was paranoid.” Ren stared at the floor again.

“What did she do?”

“It’s not what she did, it’s what she didn’t do,” Ren started.

“Oh, this should be good.” Yoh said under his breath.

“All this time she didn’t tell me. She didn’t even mention it,” Ren said, biting his bottom lip.

“What are you talking about? Just tell me.” Yoh grew impatient.

“Hao lives with her.” Ren’s eyes glowed with hatred.

“And you had a fight because of that?” Yoh asked.

Ren looked at him in annoyance. “It’s a big deal, Yoh; do not trivialize this.”

“Okay, so she didn’t tell you. That’s not a good reason to just call it quits,” Yoh said.

“I can’t believe you’re taking her side!” Ren screamed. “It doesn’t bother you in the least that HAO lives with her?”

Yoh sat and stared at the floor for a few seconds. “No, not really.” He replied.

Ren released a loud sigh. “I don’t even know why I’m surprised by that,” he said. “Here’s a news bulletin for you, Yoh; it should bother you! She kept this from me. For two years she’s been lying to me. How can you just act like it’s nothing?”

“I don’t think you’re being fair,” Yoh said, “You say she kept this from you, but it’s not like you two know everything about each other. You didn’t tell her the entire first year about that terrible crush you had on Pirika.”

“I have NEVER had a crush on Pirika,” Ren growled.

“Whatever,” Yoh rolled his eyes, “The point is you both have secrets. For some reason, she didn’t feel the need to tell you this. Maybe she didn’t think it was any of your business. You should talk to her again and try to work this out.”

“There’s no working this out, Yoh.” Ren sighed. “I won’t see her again.”

“I don’t know why you keep doing this Ren. You need to be honest with yourself and figure out why you keep pushing her away. Then go talk to her again.” Yoh stood up and kicked him in the leg. “I’m not going to keep bailing you out.” He sighed, thinking Ren heard absolutely nothing he said then slowly made his trek across the debris and out of Ren’s room.


If you wish to stone me, I don't mind. I just have to request that you choose ones that do not have sharp edges. Thanks.

[Sayoky]

*sniff* this was amazing....whooo...who's jealous of Pirika and Lyserg huh? ^_~

[KuroiInu]

*Throws a big, pointy stone at... Hao!* >.<
Poor, poor Ren-sama... *hugs him*

Very emotional chapter. Did anyone else think 'I have a darkness in my heart' during the Ren-ness?

[kfttjdb]

Sayoky: Horo is not exactly "jealous" of Lyserg and Pirika, but he has issues with Lyserg and doesn't like the idea of him spending so much time with his sister.

KuroiInu: You're paying attention.

Thank you so much for continuing to read. This chapter was very important because if you hadn't read it, 11 and 12 would have made absolutely no sense. (Did I say 11 and 12? Don't worry, the end is near...)

[Sayoky]

I can barely wait for the next chapter.....I hope things clear out between Ren and Yukihiro! And I hope that Horo falls in love with Tamao ^,^ that would be cool!!

[KuroiInu]

kfttjdb said:

KuroiInu: You're paying attention.

What do you mean? Did I notice something important that the others didn't? The Kokoro no Yami comment? The emotional-ness? Ag! What was it...

And what do you mean 'the end is coming soon'? *weeps*