A/N: The last chapter! I'm gonna cry! …Not really. Sorry it took so long. I had to look up something for this one, and it took me forever to find it. Let's not ramble, and get on with it, ne?

"Is dinner almost ready?"

I turn towards the doorway, seeing Shishou's head popping out. "Be patient! You want it to taste good, or taste like crap?"

He smiles stupidly and steps away.

Geez! Such a weirdo parent! I go back to cutting the fish as I mumble to myself.

"Oh! I almost forgot!" I hear him exclaim from the living room. He walks in shortly after, waving a white envelope in the air. "You got a letter today!"

I slam the knife down and grip the counter tightly. "You remember this now?" I ask through gritted teeth.

"Oh, calm down, Kyou. It's from Akari, so why don't you take a break and open it?" He puts it on the counter next to my hand, then walks out again.

I glance at it. Sighing, I go to the sink and wash my hands, then dry them off with a towel. I think this is the ninth letter I've gotten from him. After opening it, I skim the first few lines and smile. He always does that, giving me an overview so I know what to expect. He doesn't want me to "get surprised," but, either way, it doesn't matter.

He's so weird.

When will he quit going after that? I don't care about having some stupid girlfriend!

Me? I'm doing great! Exciting, as always. Still making big bucks, too! (Well, in the States it's big bucks.) I got a really freaky patient this past week. Almost exactly like you! All the same insecurity problems, the whole deal with feeling "worthless" (even though you're not really like that now, since you told me so), even has the same attitude as you. She's younger than you by three years, though. And she looks nothing like you, either…which is a good thing since she's a girl and all. Real cutey. /eheheh/ Is that wrong? Thinking my patient is cute?

Yes…yes, it is.

Anyway, I'm not single. I found a real sweet girl named Michelle who works by where I live. It's this really cute flower shop, and she's the owner! We've been going out for two months now, and everything's great!

Oh, this is the funny part. I told her about you and Shihan. When I said your name, she got all wide-eyed, then started laughing. Her little brother wants to be called that! Confused? Let me explain. He's a little younger than you, and he loves this manga/anime called Samurai Deeper Kyou. Kyou's the "coolest anime character ever." (That's what he says. /shrug/ ) His real name is Bryan. He was so psyched when I told him I have a friend named Kyou. (I met the kid shortly after she told me about him.) He was so excited that I'm Japanese cuz he's really into anime and the Japanese culture. He said he wants to learn how to use a sword like a samurai. I told him, one day, maybe he'll get to meet you.

Funny stuff, right?

Oh, and I hope the little psycho hasn't been bothering you.

Strangely enough, he hasn't. I think he just got completely sick of me or something.

Wow…okay. This letter was certainly different. At least he's enjoying himself. I still can't believe he's been gone for a little over a year. I still remember the time when he told me he was moving to America. I was surprised, then angry, then sad. He said he always wanted to live in New York. He felt he could have better/different career experiences there. I had no clue what that meant, but then he said that Americans have different sorts of problems than Japanese do. Plus, he wanted to improve his English. Me, I hate English, so I looked at him as if he had three heads.

The day he actually left was the worst. But I didn't cry or anything! Shishou thought I would, but I told him I wasn't a girl. Now, me and Akari write back and forth since the phone bill would go through the roof if we called each other. And I don't have a computer, so that's not an option.

"Um…the soup's boiling over."

I snap out of it and see Shishou staring at the pot on the stove, not doing a single thing. My eyes widen, and I immediately turn the flame off. "You could've at least done that instead of just standing there like an idiot!"

"Now, now. Be nice. Besides, don't you remember? You told me not to touch anything that had to do with cooking. Knowing me, I could have turned the flame up if I tried."

I move the pot to another burner, then get a sponge to clean the stove off. "Alright! I get it!"

"So…what'd he have to say this time?"

"He's doing fine. He has a girlfriend, and he's happy," I say exasperatingly as I wipe down the sides of the pot.

"You're too stressed, Kyou."

"I am not!"

He just stares at me, then says, "Exactly my point. Whenever you deny something by yelling, I know you're lying. You're too easy to figure out, Kyou. Anyway, just relax. Is there anything bothering you?"

Ever since I was fourteen, he's been like that. He'd ask me if there was something I'd like to talk about, and, if there was, we'd sit and I'd spill my guts. Afterwards, I'd feel much better, and Shishou would do his best to help me. But, right now, there's nothing wrong. I just get frustrated easily. Thing is, sometimes I take it out on him. Then I start getting mad at myself. It's one vicious cycle. But I don't feel like a "burden" to him anymore, so at least I'm not too hard on myself.

"Are you sure?" He sounds genuinely concerned.

I sigh and stop what I'm doing. "Yes, really, I'm fine. Dinner will be done in about twenty minutes."

"Alright."

At the table, we're quiet, simply eating. I like these moments just as much as when we're talking…talking about things that don't get on my nerves, that is. Silence is considered to be awkward, but I don't mind it. Nothing's wrong, so this silence is pleasant. Is that weird? I don't really know. I have no clue what a normal father/son relationship is like. Then again, what's "normal"?

I've always been told that our relationship is weird. Akari's said that, some of Shishou's students have said that, even Haru's said it. I don't mind people saying that, just as long as it's meant in a good way. I've had enough of everyone talking bad about him because he took me in, so I don't need them talking about how our relationship is "abnormal". If it's thought as weird, then I don't mind it. Just don't get in my face about it.

"Isn't Subame-san coming back to Japan tomorrow?" he asks out of the blue.

"Hmm?" That caught me off guard. "Yeah, all the way from China. I wonder what it's like over there. She said she wasn't allowed to write, so I have no idea how she's been doing. At least she was able to send that letter saying she'd be visiting and where I should meet her."

"And that's all is said. How strange."

I shrug. "Her dad's an asshole."

He smiles nervously. "I really do give up on your language."

"Ahhh," I say with a wave of my hand. "I'm just an angry kid by nature."

"Well, anyway, it'll be nice to see her again, right?"

I think for a minute while I finish chewing. The last time I saw her was about eight months ago. She told me quickly that she was to move to China because of her dad's business. Our goodbyes lasted for no more than a minute since her dad was being a bastard again. She was in tears, and I felt really bad for her. So, I gave her shoulders a light squeeze, then patted her on the head, wishing her a safe trip.

Back to reality, I reply, "Yeah, it will."

"KYOU-SAN!" She runs up to me.

"Whoa!" I jump out of the way. That was too close.

"Oh, I forgot! I'm sorry!"

I told her after the first few times she tried to hug me that I get funny about that. "It's okay. So how are you?"

We're standing outside her old apartment building. It was one of the few places that we both knew. But it's nice to be back here again. I mean, I don't come here at all anymore because Akari's gone, too.

She smiles. "I'm good. China is so pretty! I'm even pretty good at speaking their language. Nihao!"

"What's that mean?"

"Hello!"

"Is that the only word you know?" I ask dryly.

"No, silly! I can carry a short conversation, but I'm not gonna show off."

I dull my eyes. "That'll be a first."

"Hey!" she says, laughing. "Anyway…how're you doing?"

"Fine."

"Still getting into fights a lot?"

"Ah, not as much, but yeah. Sometimes my friends talk me out of it."

"Then you have good friends."

I shrug.

We go quiet. What else is there to say? I'm not gonna bring up her dad. Maybe I should ask her how her school is going and all that stuff. Then I notice her outfit. It's actually kinda pretty. It looks like some Chinese dress.

"You like?" she asks, spinning around. "I thought red and gold suits me. It was the only thing my dad would buy for me. Everything I want, I have to use my own money now. Oh, that's right! I got a job in a fish market! I go there after school."

Fish? How does that always manage to come up?

"And school is good. I've already made a few friends. They call me Mai-Ling. It's like a nickname or something."

"Well, I'm glad you're fitting in. Though, the language barrier has to get annoying."

She puts her finger on her chin in thought. "Hmm, not really. My friends help me out. Plus, I take Mandarin classes. It's easy to learn a new language when you're surrounded by it."

"I guess that makes sense."

"Yeah…I can't stay long. My dad will get mad."

"Well, it was good to see you again…even though you're still an annoying brat," I tease.

She smiles sadly. "Yeah, it was good seeing you, too…even though you're still a grumpy teenager." She looks down, then up again after a few seconds, a hint of desire in her eyes. "I'd give you a hug, but…"

I put my hand on her head. "How do you say 'bye' in Mandarin?"

"Zai jian." -1-

"Zai jian then."

She looks like she's having a hard time keeping her tears in. I can tell she wants to let it go. "I'll probably never see you again… Goodbye." Then she slowly walks off down the street.

She's right. I don't think we'll ever see each other again. Too bad our meeting was so short.

"Come on! You're weak!"

"Shut up, stupid kitten!"

He goes to punch me in the face, but I dodge and punch him instead, sending him flying backwards. "You're too cocky when you go Black. It's annoying."

"Hnn. Ow…" And he's back! "Kyou, that was too hard."

"Get over it, Haru," I say as reluctantly I help him up. He's too stupid.

"Well…that just means I have to train harder. You're getting too strong, Kyou."

I dull my eyes at him. "You're so weird." I swear I'll never get used to his split personality.

For a while now, we've been more like rivals than friends. That's okay, though. We still joke around every now and then, but not like when we were kids. Haru's too attached to that damn Yuki anyway. Now that's a whole different story…which I'm not gonna get into.

"I'll see you later," he says as he walks out of the dojo.

"Yeah, later."

About a few minutes after, Shishou walks in. "Hatsuharu already left, I see."

"Yeah, and he went Black again. He's really gotta stop that."

"Well, that's just the way he is."

"Yeah, I know."

"Anyway, are you done practicing?"

"Un."

"Alright. I ordered take-out since I don't want you cooking tonight. You need to take a break."

"Fine."

"WHAT?" I jump out of my seat in anger and surprise. "WHY?"

"Calm down, Kyou. As I said, it will only be for four months."

"But—"

"You will stay with Shigure-kun during that time."

My eyes go wide. "WHAT? LIVE WITH THAT FREAK?"

"Don't call him that," he says with a sigh.

I clench my fists. "There's…no way…no way I'll—"

"Well, you have no choice. I'm sorry, but that's the arrangement." Then he gets up and heads toward the hallway.

"HEY!"

"Kyou!" he says sharply, turning to me.

I press my lips together tightly, holding in a would-be outburst. If I say any more, I know he'll get really pissed.

I watch him walk away, then I sit back down with a huff. Crossing my arms, I start mumbling to myself about how stupid and unfair this is. Eventually, I stand up and march to his room. I have to know something. The second I step in, I yell, "Just tell me why I can't come along!"

"Kyou…some things must be done by oneself and oneself alone. Plus, you need new experiences, and—"

"I can have 'new experiences' with where you're going, too!"

"Kyou! Enough is enough! You're going to have to get over it!" He turns away from me, then says quietly, "I'm sorry. Just…please, Kyou. You'll be fine. You'll even have someone to practice with 24/7."

I raise an eyebrow. "Huh? What's that supposed to mean?"

"I mean…Yuki is living there, too."

"You've gotta be kidding me!" Wait, this could be a good thing. The "bet"… If I beat him…

If I beat him… I could learn his weakness if I'm around him a lot. "Alright, fine. I'll go live with the freak and the rat for four months."

He walks up to me, smiling. Putting a hand on my shoulder, he says, "Thank you."

I smile sadly back at him. It'll be the first time away from him for so long. I'll be fine. It'll just feel weird. It'll feel weird not having someone who's so understanding and caring around. I'll be sad for a while, lonely even. I admit it. Even though four months isn't all that long, I'll still miss him. He's…my father…and…I love him. I'm not trying to get all mushy and weird. It's just… You never realize how good you have it until you lose it. Granted, I'm not losing him, but it does feel like it.

"I won't be leaving for another week, anyway. You have time to prepare yourself."

"Dear god… Then this will be a week of dread," I say as I pull my hands down my face, my eyes looking upwards.

He laughs. "It won't be that bad, Kyou."

"Oh, yes it will."

The week went by pretty quickly. Really, it was just like any other week. Thing is, now I feel like I should've done something different. Something like change my attitude, not get into that stupid fight at school—even though it was a really small one—and maybe cook something different from the usual thing. Oh, well. There's no point in looking to past when there's nothing you can do to change it. It only wastes time in the present.

But here we are, finally parting ways. Me, off to the weirdo's house. Him, off to god knows where.

"I'll see you in four months. Don't get into too much trouble, alright?" Shishou says.

"Yeah, I know. I'll try not to, but I can't make any promises."

"Which means you'll be a hell raiser," he says bluntly.

I dull my eyes. "That's the first time you called me that. Finally telling me what you really think of me, huh?"

He laughs, then I start to as well.

"See you later."

"See ya later," I say as I give him a quick wave.

Yeah, I'll be just fine.

The only thing I won't be fine about is having to walk for twenty minutes to get to the freaking house!

And, as I had thought, it took me about fifteen to twenty minutes to get here. There it is…the freak's house. I take a deep breath, then start walking again. Who am I gonna see first? I'm sure the damn rat wasn't too happy about this arrangement either, so he's probably in a bad mood. The henjin will probably just tease me and act like his freakish self.

"Kyou-kun! There you are!" Shigure says as walks out of the house, smiling like an idiot. "Kazuma-dono called a whole ago. I almost thought you got eaten."

I drop my bag and stare at him, not in the least bit thrilled about having to deal with this already. "Just what are you talking about, freak?"

"Hey! Kyou-kun, that's mean!" It looks like he's pretending to be hurt. "I'm not calling you names, so don't call me names!"

"Whatever."

"Anyway, there are wolves out there, you know. I'm sure they think neko are tasty."

I give him a weird look, taking a step back. "You sicko!"

He just smiles at me and says, "Well, come in! Yuki-kun's somewhere around here."

I pick up my bag and slowly walk to the house…the house from hell.

After I step inside, Shigure says, "I haven't seen you in a while. How have you been?"

"No way. You're acting normal?" I say sarcastically.

"Kyou-kuuun—"

I swing the bag at his head, causing him to fall over. Then he just lays there like a lump. After a few seconds pass, he starts rolling on the floor, moaning in agony.

I roll my eyes and yell at him to shut up.

Suddenly, he springs up and grins widely, shoving his face in mine. Then I fall, startled by him getting so close. Maybe he got that from Akito. Actually…it should be the other way around since he's older than him.

"See? I can make you fall without even touching you. It's my own special move." He throws his fist into the air, still grinning, with his other hand on his hip. "I call it the 'suddenly-put-my-face-in-yours-so-you-get-surprised-and-fall-over' move!"

I stare at him, mouth open. He's so… "You're an idiot, a complete moron."

He only smiles wider and turns his fist into the 'v' for 'victory' sign.

Wow, I can tell I'll never have a boring day here.

"What are you doing this time, Shigure?"

My ears prick up. (A/N: You gotta imagine the cat ears. I'm not gonna have him say "My cat ears prick up.") It's him! I quickly get off the floor and glare at him, getting ready to fight.

"You're here already?" His tone is one of boredom.

"Yeah, damn rat. How about you welcome me with a fight to the death!"

He looks at me strangely, then shrugs. "Anything to shut you up."

Without warning, he runs at me and stops short about a foot away from me. The next thing I know, I feel the air knocked out of me, and I crash though the shoji door. Damn, that hurts like hell! Not only do I feel like I'm gonna throw up, but my back and my head are killing me! What the hell happened? I didn't even see him hit me! How could he have gotten that much better?

"Happy now, stupid rat?"

I struggle to stand, but end up falling back down. It felt like he held nothing back.

"Need help?" Shigure calls out.

"No!" Then I finally get to my feet, only to find that the kuso nezumi is already gone. "Damn him!"

"You shouldn't take him so lightly, Kyou-kun."

"Yeah…I guess."

There definitely won't be a dull moment in this house.

I just wonder what other "new experiences" are in store for me…

Oh, and I give credit to Shadow and her site, Shadow's Fruba Translation Pages, for the flashback of the "bet". It was from her translation of chapter 62.

/sigh/ Anyway…it's the end. I feel so sad. And we all know what those "new experiences" ended up being. /smiles/

You people are the best! I never could have continued without your wonderful support!

Mina-san gokigenyou!