I will find a way

The words safe repeated in his head and he recalled what Arata called him about two days ago. For the last two days, he has been racking his brains from an answer and even asked for advice from doctors. But, since he didn't have much information to go on.

"Arata told me about your heart." Toh mumbled as he ran his fingers across her back.

He needs to know more.

"Ah." Sumire said knowingly.

"How long?"

"For the past year, I sensed something was wrong. When I was still dating San, I told him about it. We did get it checked out but nothing was wrong.

It's not something a normal doctor can detect. Then is it because she is a hanyou? Would taking her to a specialist be better?

"I'm fine Toh."

"You're not. I'll find a way."

He needs to find a way to make it stop. Her unusual heart beat, mayne there is something more to it. If she encountered the lord at some point in herlife- but even then.

His head feels like a mess. Ever since Sumire confirmed that she was a hanyou the other day, he has been unable to get any sleep. He spent all night re-checking the information on her background check. The records all looked fine to him.

She is the sole survivor of the Ibuki family, has been living on her own since the accident. Has been working towards her debut for a few years now, formerly belonged to

His thoughts break off when she placed a soft kiss on his cheeks and then paused at his lips. She only debated for a few extra seconds. Unlike her earlier hesitation, this time was different.

"Sumire." Toh said her name softly.

"I'll stay here for awhile. Do you mind?"

"How long?"

"I'll go whenever you'd like me to."

'Never.' Toh kept those words to himself. He doesn't want to sound overly possessive, that would only frighten her.

"Don't go." Sumire said softly.

"Okay."' And she kissed him again.

This time more passionately, it actually surprises him. She's never taken the initiative like this before.

Then he sees it, more closely this time. The weight of the sadness, and grief in her eyes.

"You're good at kissing." Toh mumbled, breaking their lips apart briefly.

"I am?"

"Mmm, did he teach you?"

Sumire sighed. "I suppose he was good for something."

"I can teach you more."

He sees her flinch for a moment.

Of course she isn't ready. Just taking the initiative to kiss him more passionately must have taken a lot out of her.

"I can wait however." Toh added.

Sumire sighed in relief. "I hope you don't get the wrong idea. I'm just not used to touches of affection, and you've shown me Toh that you want more than just my body."

"Indeed."

He'd made it clear that he wants to win her heart too. He doesn't mind waiting, with her curious nature. It won't be long before she personally asks him for something again. He just has to be patient about it.

"Why don't we continue kissing?" Toh suggested.

"On the bed?"

"On the counter, here against the couch, on that table-" Toh purred at the thought. Having her spread on that table like his personal meal sounded very appealing.

"I like the last one."

He chuckled. She really does understand him. Toh picks her up and sprawls her on the kitchen table, and pressed his lips against hers.

Sumire ran her fingers through his hair.

Toh decided the first time she did it, that he liked it very much.

Perhaps she noticed, since she would do so without fail.

"Toh, people at school are talking." Sumire mumbled.

"About?"

"About us, our relationship."

Although they had been doing a good job, sneaking around. He knew that somebody would eventually notice. It takes just one person to notice for it to become a huge rumor.

"Does it bother you?" Toh asked.

"I don't want you getting in trouble."

"I'll dangle my birth certificate in front of the education board for you if you want, and even get grandma to testify."

Something tells him she already knew that he was aware. So, it's not like revealing the news

"Isn't that-"

"It's no trouble at all."

Actually he would be glad to do it, if it means showing off that she was his.

"I'm yours." Sumire mumbled like he understood his thoughts. "For now anyway."

Of course she has to add that.

"I'll let you know that I enjoy kissing."

"You do?"

"It's the only act of affection that won't make me flinch."

Right, he noticed that too.

"I may damage your lips."

Sumire laughed. "A bit too late for that."

___________

Monday 5th April

He did damage her lips, and she walked around normally not bothering to conceal it. His gaze fell on Sumire who was walking ahead of him. Today, he insisted that he would take her directly to the school gate.

Although she didn't sustain that many wounds, he was still worried. More importantly that clouded look in her eyes. Maybe he should have suggested her taking an extra day off. Toh shakes his head, her attendance is already poor enough.

As he walked her up the hill to her school, he paused.

"Are we still going out for dinner?" Toh asked.

It was his birthday tonight, his real birthday.

While this would be his first year celebrating his real birthday. Toh was looking forward to spending it, knowing that she would be there. At least he just naturally assumed that they would be together. He nervously looked towards the girl.

'I never saw the need to spend my birthdays with one person before.'

Grandma would hold large scale celebrations for him on his fake birthday.

"Of course!" Seeing her enthusiastic and bright expression, Toh leaned over and kissed her deeply.

"Uh--I didn't mean to interrupt. Good morning Ki." A familiar voice said.

Tsueno Mamoru.

Sumire beamed happily. "Good morning, ah-" She rushed over and

"You look pale! I'm taking you to the infirmary."

"I'm fine Ki." Mamoru said with a smile.

"But---" Sumire didn't seem convinced.

"Your attending class today?" Mamoru asked.

"Mm I feel better."

Toh decided to leave then seeing how concerned she was about getting Tsueno to the infirmary. To his surprise, Sumire tugged on his shirt stopping him from leaving.

"I'll miss you." Sumire mumbled.

She's become a bit more honest.

"How about I see you at lunch?" Toh suggested.

"Ah where?" Sumire wondered.

"I'll sneak in."

Sumire laughed. "Alright."

*Unedited*