Japan

Kishi
Kishi nodded as Ichirou talked, agreeing with most everything he was saying. But not the Keiko part. Though the idea of being her friend and NOT hating each other was nice, he couldn't imagine her around him and not giving him dirty looks. It was, again, something he was just used to as normal. Even though he was talking about being screwed up, Ichirou seemed to be very cheerful about the topic. Though, he was about almost anything if in the right mood.

Ichirou paid the bill, and yelled something about going to the gym before dragging Kishi away. Kishi swatted at his hand, not very happy about being dragged. "Ichirou," he whined, but went silent after he let go and warmed up the car. Kishi opened the door and got in, waiting for it to heat up so he wouldn't be so cold.

"I agree, summer needs to hurry it's lazy ass up," Kishi stated, a mock serious expression on his face. "But seriously, why is it so cold?!"

Ichirou Sohma

"It's winter and snowy. Beautiful yes, fun to be in, not really." Ichirou still had plenty of time to kill before work, so takingba more fun route wasn't completely offf limits. Speeding around corners and flying down the streets was all fun and games, that is, until Ichirou saw a familiar head of blue hair outside a coffee shop he often went to. Ichirou whipped into tye parking lot and pulled up next to him. "Ryuu!! We are going to the gym to beat the snot outta each other. Wanna come?" Ryuu, the snake, was one of Ichirou's good friends, much like Kishi. "You can watch or join in, doesn't matter to me."

Ryuu
Ryuu was just leaving the coffee shop (at request of the manager. Seriously, who thought people could be so rude) only to be shouted at. "MY GOODNESS who the hell is yelling- Oh, hello Ichirou. Kitty," Ryuu said, starting off yelling but switching to normal when he saw who was yelling at him. "Beating snot out of each other...? How could I saw no?" Ryuu replied, grinning. He waved and started walking to his own car. "I'll meet you there!"
Kishi
Kishi stared as Ichirou invited the blue haired snake to come with them to the gym. Guess he really wasn't kidding about trying to get him to hang out with more people. Upon hearing Ryuu call him Kitty, Kishi rolled his eyes and crossed his arm. He's happily punch him in the face for that one. Though he didn't not like Ryuu. He was one of the few animals that wasn't mean to him. Or at least accepted his existence.

Ichirou Sohma

"MY GOODNESS who the hell is yelling- Oh, hello Ichirou. Kitty," Ryuu said, starting off yelling but switching to normal when he saw who was yelling at him. "Beating snot out of each other...? How could I say no?" Ryuu replied, grinning. He waved and started walking to his own car. "I'll meet you there!"

Ichirou sped off again, soon after arriving at the gym. “If you want’ you can borrow some of my gym clothes. I have a ton of clean ones in my trunk,” Ichirou said, getting out in a hurry. After grabbing his gym bag out of the trunk, he made his way over to the gym entrance. He was greeted at the door by a few people leaving that he knew. “Hey guys! Guess I’m not the only one crazy enough to come here when it’s freezing.”

“Not at all, but I guess we are the only ones. There is barely anyone in there.”

“Good, I’m coming here with my cousins. Boxing time!” Ichirou punched his fist, to look tough and walked past them. “Bye guys! Come on Kishi!”

Kishi
Kishi looked at the guys coming out of the gym who Ichirou greeted with minor interest. Going to the gym wasn't something he did really, so he knew no one. Usually, he didn't like the people in gyms. These people looked..okay...
“Bye guys! Come on Kishi!” Kishi followed, giving Ichirou a questioning look. Boxing? Shrugging, he looked behind them briefly to see Ryuu pull up and get out of his car, following them in. With Kishi's luck, they'd probably both team up on him. Maybe not though.
Looking around, Kishi felt the need to speak, which was odd for him. "I've never been hear before," he finally said, earning a snicker from Ryuu who was a few steps behind them. Kishi turned to glare, causing Ryuu to grin and come closer to poke Kishi's forehead.
"Poor kitty, you'd think I'd stepped on you're tail with the look you're giving me," Ryuu said, trying, and failing, to pout like he was the one hurt. Kishi rolled his eyes and quickened his pace a bit to get away from Ryuu's lack of personal space, but ended up running into Ichirou's back.
"Shit.." he muttered, stumbling back a good few feet. Maybe fighting wasn't such a good idea, considering he couldn't seem to even be steady on his feet and know where he was going.

Yoshino turned her head as Kenji came into the classroom, quickly finding his seat beside her own. Her red eyes were curious and, as a small smirk appeared to cross her lips, the Sohma quietly unzipped her own bag and placed her own notepad on her desk in front of her.

Yoshino hadn't counted on Kenji getting so worked up to the point he leaned back too far and knocked himself over, chair and all. A few giggles and chuckles could be heard and, typical of the male, he hopped back up to relieve the tension he was sure to feel. The teacher barked a few quick, angry-sounding words at Kenji before continuing.

Again, how typical of Kenjiko Hima, the class clown.

However, after Kenji's regular display of tomfoolery, the pink-haired young female bent over her desk and half-turned her head to look over at the boy. She considered his actions, past and present, as well as the little she knew of his personality. First hand, at that, so it definitely wasn't much. She didn't socialize very often with others.

He had dark eyes and hair, allowing him to blend in with the other Japanese students like herself rather easily. Although, he was abnormally tall, standing at least six feet tall. Minimum. As for his personality, all Yoshino knew was how problematic the teachers thought of him.

His 'amusing' antics and altogether decision to slack off in most classes had gained him quite the reputation that circulated around the school.

With a sigh, Yoshino considered this strange predicament. Here she was with the very reason her classmate had gotten in trouble, his sketch pad, in her bag beside her. But he was behaving ever so amusingly right now... She bit her lip as she rolled her red eyes, unimpressed that she had to speak to him, the one most likely to crack a joke, to give his book back.

"Kenji," she whispered, her voice quiet enough to not be heard by the teacher but loud enough for the boy beside her to clearly understand. Her pale hands quickly pulled the second bound book from her bag, the one that wasn't hers, and placed it on the desk with her hand hovering over it a moment before she slid it over. "Here."

She didn't bother to explain herself, nor say anything else, as she straightened and began taking notes as thought she'd been doing so all along. She hoped that was the end of it.. Though was curious about his skill and the drawings that were on those sheets of paper. A sigh escaped her as she glanced over at him, trying to be subtle while regretting losing a chance to take a peek at the sketches.

Hmm, maybe if she asked him.. He might let her see? No.. Of course not, she wouldn't dare ask.

With this in mind, Yoshino returned her gaze to the front of the classroom and willed the day to go by faster.

Ichirou Sohma

"I've never been hear before," he finally said, earning a snicker from Ryuu who was a few steps behind them. Kishi turned to glare, causing Ryuu to grin and come closer to poke Kishi's forehead.

"Poor kitty, you'd think I'd stepped on you're tail with the look you're giving me," Ryuu said, trying, and failing, to pout like he was the one hurt. Kishi rolled his eyes and quickened his pace a bit to get away from Ryuu's lack of personal space, but ended up running into Ichirou's back.

"Shit..." he muttered, stumbling back a good few feet.

Ichirou didn't move an inch as Kishi bumped into him. "Aren't cats graceful and stealthy? Come on kid! Let's get ready," he said, leading them into the locker room. "Help yourselves," Ichirou threw his bag on the floor. After grabbing a pair of shorts and a wife beater, he quickly changed. "So who wants to duke it out first?"

Ryuu
Ryuu was still trying not to laugh as Kishi ran into Ichirou. He didn't not like the cat, but damn, he made it so easy to make fun of him. Shaking his head while grinning, Ryuu followed Ichirou to thew locker room. "So who wants to duke it out first?"
Ryuu smirked. "Kitty should. Pay back for running into you, eh?"
The cat folded his arms, fixing Ryuu with a cold look. "You're fault," he muttered.

Kishi
Kishi was annoyed with Ryuu, but not in the way he was usually annoyed with people. Shrugging, he looked over at Ichirou. "Sure, I'll go first," he said. "But I need to borrow gym clothes. Obviously. Since I've never been here I mean," he added, feeling stupid. Shaking it off, he changed into the spare gym clothes and picked at the shirt. It wasn't that it was uncomfortable. It just wasn't comfortable. All well, the thought, looking at the two other guys. Please don't let me get my ass kicked, he prayed silently, though who to, he wasn't sure.

Daisies looked around and wondered where yimmie went off to but eventually shrugged it off. He growled waiting for Nani to finish talking. He had a feeling it wouldn't matter anyway. His eyes narrowed at the perv before growling. "You Nani Ateryu sit down!" He yelled to them before lookimg at the menu. He wasn't going to leave anytime soon.

"I want to drink something maybe even get something to eat already" he sighed and closed his eyes. His elbow went on the table and his chin rested in his hand. "Rei" he whispered to himself before looking at suzume. "What are you anyway. Some stalker. Why where you in front of the Sohma house hmm?" He thought she was pretty cute. Just not as cute as rei.

Nani didn't seem to be getting through to anyone at the cafe, the manager was not willing to listen and Daisuke was getting angry shouting at Nani to sit down.

Checking her watch she realised the time, if she wanted to make it back home in time to help Taiga with the house she was going to have to leave for the market.

'Ateryu are you staying? I'm going to head off, this coffee break has turned into a lot more than a short break... I'll catch you later Daisuke, I really need to get shopping feel free to pop round later.'

With that Nani left the cafe into the winter sun. She pulled a small white wool hat from her bag and placed it onto her pink hair, she also pulled out her purse. The cafe was only a few doors up from the market, she could smell fresh fish as soon as she entered. She got the usual fish, meat and cleaning products and took the items to the till.

((Small time skip here to the shrine))

Nani entered the shrine
' Hello Taiga... I have the shopping' she yelled before placing the food and product on the kitchen floor.




Kenji tried to focus but he couldn't. School was not his forte and he had lost his drawing book. He kept looking into the back of peoples head and staring endlessly. He could see people whispering infront of him, mainly boys trying to grab Keiko Sohma's attention. The same as always....

He placed his head onto the desk and brushed his hand through his dark hair. How had he managed to lose his book, it was the only precious thing in his life other than Simone and his Grandmother.

His mind began to drift until he heard a whisper
here...

It was Yoshino Sohma, a pink haired girl who was rather pretty handing over his sketch book. He took it without hesitation, grinning like an idiot to show how much he appreciated what she had just done. He opened it to the last sketch in his book, it was a rough drawing which he ripped out and write 'Thank-you' on the bottom of handing it to the girl next to him.

'Are you passing notes Kenji.... stop disturbing people and get out of my class'
Crap... he had been caught out, again making a fool of himself.
He stood up and left the class.

Rei felt her eyes water and her heart break a little bit, it was hard to bite back the tears but she wouldn’t cry until she was out of the café. She wouldn’t let people see her cry. She felt like her knees where weak and her stomach was turning. How was she supped to support her mother now? She couldn’t stand it any more, halfway through the café she started running to the door, with her hand over her mouth to stop the sobs.

Koko watched Rei break down and wanted to go after her, but one of them had to keep their job today because the rent had to be paid. She sighed and looked around trying to think if something to do. She spotted the boy that had got her fired and felt herself get angry. Good intentions or not this was his fault. She clenched her teeth and walked over with her tablet.
“Can I take your order?....Never mind actually, why don’t you take mine. You just got Rei fired. She is out there somewhere crying and hurt, and you’re just going to sit her, you insensitive selfish jerk! Do something!” She hissed with fury, then she turned on her heel and walked away.

Ichirou Sohma

Ryuu smirked. "Kitty should. Pay back for running into you, eh?"

The cat folded his arms, fixing Ryuu with a cold look. "You're fault," he muttered. "Sure, I'll go first," he said. "But I need to borrow gym clothes. Obviously. Since I've never been here I mean," he added, feeling stupid. Shaking it off, he changed into the spare gym clothes and picked at the shirt.

Ichirou grabbed Kishi’s hands, wrapping them up before putting them in some boxing gloves. After doing his own, he showed the pair to where the ring was. It was a rather nice ring for such a normal gym. But all that aside, it was fighting time. “You ready, Kishi? Let it all out cause I know it’s there!” Ichirou stood defensively with his gloves in front of his face. He was waiting to start for when Kishi made the first move. “You’re next pretty boy,” he shouted to Ryuu.

Daisuke looked at the one yelling at her. "Fired?" He saw rei run out and quickly went after her. No. How did this happen. Why would they fire her it wasn't her fault at all. Dammit he messed up bad.

"Rei!" It didn't take him long to catch her. Grabbing her wrist stopping her.

"I'm so sorry rei. I didn't mean to get you fired I was just upset at what that perv did. I'll rough up the manager. I'll get your job back."

Looking into her eyes as a blush formed over his cheeks. "Maybe you can get a new job. I know another cafe but...it's well...." His hand went behind her head rubbing it gently. "It's one of those cosplay cafe. You know were all the girls wear those se...cute.. maid outfits. You're cute enough I'm sure they'd hire you" he smiled some hoping it would cheer her up.

"Since you have the day off...I...I..could take you out....make up for it...though I did promise ateruy a drink too. So she might want to tag along "

He was very frustrated that he was so nervous talking to her. He had always liked rei. Since they where little. But it was one of the things yami didn't like. At the moment he didn't care. He'd take whatever punishment was given. Just to make sure she was smiling again like she was suppose to.

Torako, engrossed in his composition, hardly noticed the commotion around him. What did snap him back to reality was the fact that he'd been sitting there for much longer than he should've just for two cups of hot chocolate. Getting up, he tucked his notebook and pencil into his jacket pocket just as the owner came hurrying over with two cups of coffee.

"Here you go, sir. I apologize for the wait, but one of our waitresses was causing trouble."

Torako raised an eyebrow at the owner. "She may have caused a single accident or whatever happened, but at least she always gets my order right, idiot." he'd been a regular at the cafe for some time and he almost always ordered the same thing, so it bothered him that his order was brought to him incorrectly.
"I'm leaving. It's not worth my time to come to a cafe run by an idiot that fired one of his most competent workers." sticking his hands into his pockets, he turned and headed outside.

After wandering for a few minutes, he stumbled upon the waitress girl, her name was Rei if he remembered correctly, and one of the boys that had been in the cafe when he'd first arrived.

"Yo. If you need a job, I can probably hook you up with one at the gym I work at. It would probably just be running errands, but the people are nice, at least. He pulled his music composition notebook and pencil out of his pocket, flipped through to the back page, and wrote down his phone number and name on it before tearing out the page.
"Here. Call this number if you're interested." pulling out his phone to check the time, he cursed quietly to himself. "Ah, if I don't hurry up and make my stop by the shrine now I'll be late getting back for lunch."

Handing the page to Rei, he waved as he tucked his notebook and pencil into his pocket and took off at a jog in the direction of the shrine. As he ran, it vaguely occurred to him that he hadn't even introduced himself to the girl, but he half-hoped she'd remember him from his daily trips to the cafe. Truthfully, he couldn't think of a viable reason as to why he'd given the girl his number and offered her a job. It wasn't like the gym needed a new employee; they were doing fine with everyone they had already. Shaking his head, he chuckled. It was a little late to be thinking about all that.

Within a couple minutes, he'd arrived at the shrine to find the white-haired caretaker, Taiga, finishing up clearing the steps of ice and snow.

"Good afternoon, Taiga! Sorry I'm late, but there was a commotion at the cafe, so I also seem to have no hot chocolate. Is there anything I can help you with today?" he grinned. He usually came by earlier in the day with hot chocolate and helped out around the shrine. It wasn't that he enjoyed cleaning, but the presence of the friendly caretaker was pleasant.



Taiga shivered. His nose had long gone numb from the cold as he worked to clear the steps, leading up to the shrine, of snow and ice. He couldn't help but grin, though, as a familiar face popped into view.

"Little Tiger!" he teased the younger boy with the literal meaning of his name, as he often did. "Don't worry about it, I understand perfectly. You don't always have to come help out if you don't want to, though. You should know that."

"It's no problem! You know I enjoy visiting." Torako grinned back.

"Ah, let's see. If you're feeling daring today, one of the trees is starting to block the Torii gate. I was hoping to get it cleared up before Nani got back, but I don't think I'll have enough time to do it myself." looking back up, Taiga wasn't surprised to see that Torako was already gone in search of the tree clippers.

Shaking his head, Taiga chuckled to himself as he finally finished up the steps. Jogging back up to the shrine, he set to work cleaning up the temizuya; making sure the water and water ladles were all clean, as well as the temizuya itself. That didn't take long, so he moved on to the Haiden and began cleaning the flooring in there.

Despite being in a different section of the shrine, he heard Nani's call loud and clear. Putting away his cleaning supplies, he headed out of the Haiden and back around to the living quarters tucked behind the Honden. Stepping inside, he took off his shoes and headed into the kitchen.

"Welcome back! I'm almost done with the cleaning, so I'll get started on lunch shortly." he smiled and bowed slightly, more out of habit than anything else. He'd always felt that women ought to be treated with more respect than his fellow men, so he tended to be a little more formal with them. Nani, even though she resided at the shrine with him, was no exception.

Ateryu raised her eyebrow at Daisuke and the whole commotion. Giving a soft smile at his persistence to express his hidden feelings for Rei, the ox stood to get some coffee. Nani was leaving to do her shopping and then go to the shrine, so Ateryu would have her coffee and meet her there.

After placing the order several things happened at once. Rei's boss yelled at her again and fired her, which was totally unfair. After that a friend who worked with her had some angry words to Daisuke and he ran out looking guilty, probably to go speak to his crush. The guy who was sitting at the counter also rushed out after speaking some harsh words to the owner of the cafe and Ateryu swore she had seen him somewhere. She blinked and let out a breath at everything before grabbing her coffee and taking a large gulp. The group had gone their separate ways, Yimme had gone to school after Rei fell and Nani had already left to do her shopping. There was no one interesting her to watch so Ateryu decided to leave as well. Waving and sending a friendly and apologetic smile to Rei's friend she walked through the door.

Daisuke, Rei and the guy from the counter were all outside chatting and she nodded to them, not wanting to interrupt but decided to offer some form of explanation. After the guy handed Rei something she walked over.

"Hey, Dai, I'm going to go catch up with Nani ok? You and Rei have fun, we'll all get together for a catch-up some other time. Rei sorry for how things turned out.....but don't worry I know something will work out. They always do I guess." She wasn't sure what else to say so she headed off. The morning had been certainly interesting but she was looking forward to having a few hours of quiet at the shrine.

The walk was peaceful and quiet as she sipped her coffee. It wasn't at all how she liked it...but coffee was coffee she supposed. She walked past a gym that had some people boxing and she nearly didn't give a second look. But the people in it looked familiar.... Was it... yes it was. There was Kishi, Ryuu and she figured it must have been Ichirou. Ateryu was about to wave a hello but they seemed very into their activities. With a smile she finished her coffee and kept walking.

Figuring she wouldn't be able to find her friend if she looked int he shopping area Ateryu decided to head straight for the shrine. It was a quiet walk and she took her time, stretching every now and then when her arms felt a bit stingy from the cold. Why was it so cold in these parts? She couldn't decide if she liked it or not...

Coming up to the shrine she could see people were already getting busy with chores and things. Maybe Taiga would have something to do for her. There was also the guy from the cafe...which would explain why he looked so familiar. She walked up to Taiga.

"Mornin', bit cold out today Taiga. Has Nani returned from shopping yet?" She wasn't trying to sound rude, she was blunt and hopefully the other Sohmas were used to it by now.

Yoshino immediately felt guilt course through her body as Kenji obeyed the teacher, leaving the class so as to avoid disrupting it once more. The pink haired girl watched him go with reserved red eyes before she sighed and quietly packed her notepad, glancing to the teacher as the door shut.

"Takahiro-sensei?" The Sohma murmured softly, her pale skin tone making this act easier for her as she cleared her throat. "I don't feel very well..." Truthfully, she felt nauseous. Yoshino had never been one to handle the feeling of guilt very well and it was, quite literally, making her feel horrible inside. Takahiro-sensei, after a few moments, nodded and motioned to the girl to leave. "Go see the nurse or call someone to come get you," she muttered before turning back to her notes and continuing the lesson.

Yoshino was silent as she grabbed her bag and walked out of the classroom, shooting a glance to the Rat and Rabbit of the Zodiac as she closed the door behind herself. Keiko was the Head of the Sohma family's pet, so to speak, and Yimme was a kind but emotional girl; however, she hoped that both Sohma's wouldn't bring her sudden 'illness' up later.

With this in mind, the pale skinned girl made her way down the hall and out into the chilly weather as she headed toward her favourite tree. It was an old withered sakura tree and rested on the outer parts of the field where many students often had their lunch. Speaking of students... Yoshino could see someone already there and her guess turned out to be right on the mark as she came upon Kenjiko Hima.

He was sitting comfortably against the trunk of the tree, his body hiding from the biting wind that called restlessly. He held his sketchbook in one hand, the other holding a pencil which lightly brushed the page and transformed it from a blank slate to a progressive piece of art.

"May I sit with you?" Yoshino spoke up, her voice filling a soundless break the wind had taken. Without even waiting for the male's response, the female seated herself in a way that was decent and respectable. After all, she had her school uniform on. Stupid skirts.

She tilted her head to watch Kenji's hand fly over the paper but he had stopped and, instead, raised her red-eyed gaze to meet his. "What are you drawing, Hma-san?" The teenager asked softly, her eyes the only part of her expression that appeared even slightly closed off; a typical sight when it came to the Sohma.

Kishi & Ryuu
Kishi kept glaring at Ryuu and almost didn't notice when boxing gloves were being put on him. Looking down at his hands, he felt a little doubtful. He had never boxed. He could throw a punch, but that didn't mean he boxed as a hobby. Ryuu was having the time of his life, watching the obviously unsure cat and the over excited Ichirou. "You're next pretty boy!" Ichirou called at Ryuu, causing him to scoff. He could take Ichirou any day. Ryuu stuck up his nose and folded his arms, but ended up looking back at them in time to see Kishi throw a punch at Ichirou. Ryuu immediately noticed two things, Kishi was holding back, and he was still unsure of himself. Ryuu rolled his eyes. There was no way Kishi would win with that attitude, Ichirou would destroy him.

"Rei!" Rei heard from behind her before someone grabbed her wrist. She swung around ready to be angry but found it was Daisuke.

“Oh…hi” she murmured while whipping her eyes.

"I'm so sorry rei. I didn't mean to get you fired I was just upset at what that perv did. I'll rough up the manager. I'll get your job back."

Rei smiled a little bit and shook her head. He always seemed to jump to violence…but he wanted to protect her, and that mattered to her.

Looking into her eyes as a blush formed over his cheeks. "Maybe you can get a new job. I know another cafe but...it's well...." Rei's eyes lit up at the prospect but became weary when she heard the but.

"It's one of those cosplay cafe. You know were all the girls wear those se...cute.. maid outfits. You're cute enough I'm sure they'd hire you" he smiled some hoping it would cheer her up. Rei turned red but nodded.

“That would be great….” She said with a smile.

"Since you have the day off...I...I..could take you out....make up for it...though I did promise ateruy a drink too. So she might want to tag along "

“I don’t want to intrude on you and Ateruy, go ahead and take her out, ill just--

"Yo. If you need a job, I can probably hook you up with one at the gym I work at. It would probably just be running errands, but the people are nice, at least.” Rei heard from her left. She looked at the man unsure of who he was. He pulled his music composition notebook and pencil out of his pocket, flipped through to the back page, and wrote down his phone number and name on it before tearing out the page.

"Here. Call this number if you're interested." He said before pulling out his phone to check the time, he cursed quietly to himself. "Ah, if I don't hurry up and make my stop by the shrine now I'll be late getting back for lunch."

Handing the page to Rei, he waved as he tucked his notebook and pencil into his pocket and took off at a jog in the direction of the shrine.

Rei looked at it for a second then tucked the note in her pocket.

"Hey, Dai, I'm going to go catch up with Nani ok? You and Rei have fun, we'll all get together for a catch-up some other time. Rei sorry for how things turned out.....but don't worry I know something will work out. They always do I guess." Ateryu said before walking off. Now ie felt bad….she had ruined her friends chance to go out.

“I’m Sorry…..” she murmured as she looked at Daisuke.

It often annoyed Nani at how much cleaning Taiga could do within the hour she had left. However, he had been sch a sweet and generous man allowing her to come love with him after all the commotion she caused with the head. So for that she was grateful. Plus he wasn't a bad cook.

' I'm going to make some tea? would you like some. I expect Toushi-san is here? Shall I make him a cup' Nani filled a blue kettle placing in onto the heat ' I got a few things in the market, rice, fish and a whole other bunch of stuff... oh and before I forget Yoshi is home for Lunch....'.

Nani took three glasses out from a small cupboard, she then heard Ateryu shout through and grabbed a fourth. She popped her head around the door and waved Ateryu over also giving a little wave to Toushi.



After being sent out Kenji took out a pair of gloves and put his coat on, he decided to go sit under a Sakura tree, the place he went to draw.

He took out a pen and began to doodle a silly picture of his teacher writing rather obscene words around her head. It wasn't that he disliked the teacher but this was the only way he was able to vent his frustration... and all because he tried to send a note in class. Which he never got to give to Yoshino. Though he still had the sheet tucked in his pocket.

He turned the page and began to re-draw the tiger he had done before but this time he added trees and a stream. He was totally sucked into his own little world when a flash of pink caught his eye.
There she was... the Sohma girl sitting opposite him.

Kenji didn't have very much experience with girls, his cheeks flushed a little before he registered her questioning his art. For some reason without hesitation Kenji handed his whole art book over.
Why did I do that... he sighed in his head.

Now she was going to see pictures of Simone, his Grandmother... random animals and a few funny pictures of people he disliked ... his uncle.

'they are not not good' he mumbled.

"You seem to be fascinated by tigers," the Sohma mused aloud, her red eyed gaze displaying her curiousity as she put her bag down so Kenji could pass his art book to her. She casually flipped through the pages, noting how in-depth the male had gone with the attention to detail. "And they're rather good drawings too," Yoshino added, pausing on one sketch momentarily with an amused expression.

"Who is this?" The girl murmured softly, her eyes soft as she turned the book so Kenji could see what she was talking about. One of her pale fingers pointed to the image that was depicted in bright, cheerful colours. The woman was older but dressed nicely, her hair up and away from her face. Her expression wasn't clearly visible as she was half turned away, seemingly enjoying the sunset in the background.

Putting two and two together, Yoshino mumbled, "Your grandmother, right?" She smiled sweetly as she studied the piece for another moment before gently placing the book back in Kenji's hands, still open. "You shouldn't deny your talent," the pink-haired teenager added, looking over to the male with encouragement. "I mean, not everyone can draw, can they? Take myself, for example. I can't draw."

Yoshino winked at the boy, even though she fully knew she actually couldn't draw. Stick figures and simple geometry didn't count, after all. No, singing was definitely more her forte.

Keiko Sohma

Keiko's eyes flashed from the front to where he cousin was sitting, defying her rule to pay attention. "Takahiro-sensei? I don't feel very well..."

"Go see the nurse or call someone to come get you," the teacher muttered before turning back to her notes and continuing the lesson.

Before Yoshino made her exit, she glanced at Keiko and assumingly the Rabbit, Yimme. Keiko's face was a mask that held a tinged of worry for her slightly younger cousin. If she was truly feeling sick .... then that would be horrible. Keiko knows what it's like to feel sick, so of course she knew it wasn't fun. "Please let her be okay," Keiko uttered before trying her best to return her attention to her teacher. Reading ... yay, Keiko thought to herself. But now is not the time to be like this. I should be grateful for this lesson ...

Ichirou Sohma

Ichirou blocked the punch Kishi had thrown, slightly surprised. "Come on Kitty Kitty. This the best you got? I give you the chance to beat me up and this is what I get?" Ichirou threw a punch back, not hard, then jumped back to avoid anything coming to him. "Just think of all those times I beat you up, before we were friends. Do me a favor and do it to me!"

He had watched the guy give her his number and narrowed his eyes. Daisuke got jealous easy and was happy to see him job off instead of sticking around. "Tsst what a lame reason to give someone their number" his eyes wondered back to Rei thinking about her going with that other guy. His hand went to her shoulder.

"No no you wouldn't be any inconvenience to me or Ateryu at all. She won't care" once he said that Ateryu came out saying she had to go. That made him even happier. Not that he hated her. He actually had a small crush on her as well. But he had to cheer up rei, he made her lose her job. "Alright see ya. Ill buy you that drink I promised okay?" He waved to her before taking Rei's hand.

They walked down the street pasted the busy market place. Not letting go of her hand until they were in full stride together. "Sorry about losing your job.. I didn't mean to get you fired. Just that perv pissed me off when he tripped you. And then the manager...why the hell would he fire you! You didn't do anything.....and your coworker is a bitch....no offense but she just started yelling at me." Crossing his arms and growled. "She's got a mouth on her"

Daisuke waved to Ateryu before taking Rei's hand.

They walked down the street pasted the busy market place. He didnt let go of her hand until they were in full stride together.

"Sorry about losing your job.. I didn't mean to get you fired. Just that perv pissed me off when he tripped you. And then the manager...why the hell would he fire you! You didn't do anything.....and your coworker is a bitch....no offense but she just started yelling at me." Crossing his arms and growled. "She's got a mouth on her"

Rei frowned then grinned.

"So thats why you came after me....Koko guilt tripped you huh...she does have a mout on her...but isnt that how you like your women Dia-chan?" Rei said with a laugh before her attention was caught by some small Zodiac figurines in the window of a store. She bet down and examined them closely.

"they are beautiful..." She murmured feeling slightly at a loss for the day not only because she had lost her job so she could spend no money but because she knew the truth about the zodiacs....

"All of us are cursed....is there any way to break it? probably not....but that doesnt mean we cant still be happy right?" she murmured mostly talking to herself.

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Youko Sighed as her shift came to an end. She was so tired of dealing with people....she really needed to just take a break....To the gym she would go! She smiled at hte prospect of beating the living hell out of a punching bag....she needed to release some of her pent up rage from the past few days. Rei's loss was just the cherry at the top of the shit cake. She sighed ad packed up her stuff before heading outside. She jumped on her motorcycle and headed in the direction of the gym.

Once there she wrapped her hands and wrists in white tape, changed into a black tank top and short black shorts. She went out barefoot as she felt more free that way. She took a deep breath and bowed to the bag as if it where a real opponent then started...for lack of a better word....wailing on it. She moved with furious persition and acurate strength, with no sighn of stopping any time soon.

Kishi
Kishi glared at Ichirou for the kitty comment, but still didn't throw another punch. He had blocked Ichirou's punch fairly well, but could tell he hadn't tried to hit him hard. He knew for a fact that Ichirou could punch hard, and he hadn't.
"Just think of all those times I beat you up, before we were friends. Do me a favor and do it to me!" Ichirou half yelled at Kishi, but Kishi just kept his eyes fixed on Ichirou and unmoving. Sure, Ichirou had done some bad stuff, but Kishi's idea of pay back would be to claw his face off. But he couldn't do that because one, he was wearing boxing gloves, and two, they were now friends.
After a long sigh, Kishi shrugged and threw another punch, and another.

Ryuu
Ryuu leaned against a wall, watching the two guys fight. Well, it couldn't really be called a fight. It was more Ichirou teasing Kishi and Kishi just unmoving. What's his problem? Ryuu thought, but no sooner than he thought that, Kishi finally attacked Ichirou. Ryuu could tell he could do better, but at least now he was making an effort to hit Ichirou. The thing that bugged Ryuu however, was the fact that the cat's face had gone somewhat blank.
Shaking his head, Ryuu continued to watch. Kitty got some issues, he thought, only because he didn't want to piss off the cat while he already looked like he did.

Ichirou Sohma

After a long sigh, Kishi shrugged and threw another punch, and another. Ichirou blocked the punches, quickly countering, with mostly speed and not strength, with fakes to confuse the Cat before adding in the real punches. Then a somewhat familiar figure caught his eye. It was a girl who came to the gym when he was there sometimes. What was her name, he thought. "Yoko!" he shouted. Ichirou had the ability to keep boxing Kishi and look over at her every now and then. She seemed to be releasing some of her own stress as well. His eyes shot back to Kishi. If she wanted to talk, she would catch his attention.