Strangers on the Bus

- Words Like "I Love You" -

By: Lil' Amethyst Angel

Karen slowed as she neared the classroom. She wasn't sure if she knew what she wanted to say or even if she should be saying it. She would usually say with something like this, it wasn't her place to interfere, but in this case it was. Yuzuriha was her responsibility. Karen brushed away any lingering uncertainty as she entered the math classroom.

"Mr. Kusanagi?"

Kusanagi turned away from the blackboard. "Ms. Kasumi, how may I help you?"

"I wanted to talk to you concerning a student of yours," she said, closing the door.

Kusanagi sighed and put the chalk down. "I'm assuming this is about Yuzuriha?"

"Yes. Last night she confided in me concerning some of the recent situations that have taken place between you two. She said you were dating for a period of time?"

"Yes." Kusanagi would not deny it.

"How," Karen felt her anger rising, "How can you justify it, leading her on like that?"

Kusanagi ran a hand over his eyes tiredly. "I didn't mean to. I just cared about her so much, more than I should have, and she seemed to hold the same feelings towards me. I was weak and I gave in, I'm not proud of it. I should have never agreed to date her; I know that. That's why I ended things yesterday. I couldn't let it continue, knowing this was just going to end up hurting her in the long run."

At his obvious distress and care for Yuzuriha, Karen calmed slightly. "I don't agree with what you did, but I am glad you ended things. You are her teacher. You're supposed to be someone safe, someone she can trust. I know you were not trying to take advantage of her, but you were. She's a teenager with a crush. She is not emotionally mature enough to handle a real relationship or realize the full consequences that a relationship such as this could bring. Having said that, I want to ask that you do not restart your relationship with her, at least, not until she is older."

Kusanagi looked away ashamedly. "I won't. I know I handled things badly. I won't make the same mistakes again."

"Thank you," Karen said softly. "It's just…I need to look after her. She's like a daughter to me, all of those kids are. I love them very much and I need to protect them." She didn't need to specify who she spoke of.

"I know. I'm glad Yuzuriha has someone as caring as yourself to look out for her."

Karen smiled. "I should start getting ready for first period." Kusanagi nods as she exited the room.

Karen was halfway down the hallway when Yuuto caught up to her.

"Why Karen, you are looking just lovely today." Yuuto's smooth voice greeted. Karen raised an eyebrow.

"As are you." Karen replied with laughter in her voice.

"I'm sure you're in a rush, but I wanted to ask if you would be so kind as to join me for lunch this Sunday?"

"It would be my pleasure." Karen smiled at the man beside her.

Yuzuriha stood a few feet away from her math class. School would start soon and she had wanted to talk to Kusanagi before his first class began, yet she just couldn't bring herself to take those last few steps. She was embarrassed over her juvenile actions and terrified of further rejection. She wanted to run far, far away, but she knew the longer she waited to talk things over with Kusanagi the harder it would be. She took a deep, calming breath and took the painful steps through the doorway.

"Mr. Kusanagi?" Yuzuriha's strangled voice barely carried through the silent room.

Kusanagi's head snapped over to where she stood and he wore an expression of shock. "Yuzuriha! Come in, please."

The young girl shifted uncomfortably and closed the door quietly behind herself. Standing in front of the larger man she felt much younger than she actually was.

"I wanted to apologize for yesterday. I shouldn't have kissed you. I talked to Sorata and he understands that I was the one to blame for…what he walked in on. Yesterday, I was just so- I just couldn't understand why and- Do you not like me anymore? Have your feelings changed?"

"No," he whispered. "No, Yuzuriha, my feelings haven't changed. I didn't mean to hurt you, but we couldn't be together any longer. I couldn't live with myself if we did. Do you understand?"

"I…yes, I think I do understand. And even though I might not agree with everything you say, I should at least be able to respect it. I'm sorry for making things difficult yesterday. I won't push you anymore, but I want you to know that my feelings won't change. And, I was hoping, if we both still feel this way after I graduate that we could try to start a relationship then?"

"I care for you very much, Yuzuriha. It's for that reason that I could never ask you to wait for me."

"I want to wait. I will." Yuzuriha said determinedly, before backtracking, "I'm not saying you have to wait for me, though. I just mean, if you still have feelings for me in a few years, then maybe we can try again."

Kusanagi looked into her eyes, saw the hope written so clearly across her face.

"I'll wait for you." Kusanagi said softly, thinking Yuzuriha's blinding smile was worth it.

"Thank you," she spoke sincerely. The student cast a quick look at the clock hanging on the wall. "I guess I should start heading to homeroom. Goodbye, Mr. Kusanagi." With a wave and a smile, Yuzuriha was gone.

Kusanagi flopped into the seat closest to him. He was unsure if she would wait. She was so full of youthful naivety that blinded her to truths she didn't want to accept.

Kusanagi had always defined love as never wanting to let go, but knowing when it is time to let go. 'Maybe, it's not quite time yet. Maybe.' Kusanagi thought to himself.

Kamui sat quietly, absentmindedly chewing on a carrot stick while watching Sorata and Arashi banter. He smiled as Arashi sent a glare at Sorata for a pig-headed comment.

"Well, er, anyway, there's a fair in town this weekend. How about we go on Sunday?" Sorata asked, trying to smooth things over. Arashi smiled her assent. "I can even win you a teddy bear." This caused Arashi to send another glare his way.

"I'm perfectly capable of winning any of those games myself."

"I know, I know. You're a strong, independent, capable woman," Sorata quickly held up his hands in a surrendering motion at the look his girlfriend sent him. "Not mocking." Arashi just rolled her eyes, but Kamui could tell she was struggling to keep a smile from her face. "I was just trying to be romantic," Sorata moaned when she refused to soften.

Kamui snickered. "Maybe you should stop trying."

"I'll have you know I'm a very romantic person," Sorata huffed, affronted. At the snort from his girlfriend, an offended look fell upon his face. "Hey, I'm being double-tea-" The teenager stopped mid-sentence when his eyes fell upon two figures at the back of the cafeteria. Arashi, who was beside him, straightened as well. Kamui turned to see who was standing behind him that garnered such attention. He felt his mouth go dry when he realized who the two students were.

Fuuma and Kotori stood at the back of the cafeteria, talking to a small group of friends. Kamui watched, transfixed, as Kotori leaned over and gave one of the girls in the group a hug. A few seconds later, Kotori had straightened and was looking right at Kamui. She turned back to the group, said a few words, and then began to tug Fuuma in the direction of the table that Kamui, Arashi and Sorata were sitting at. Kamui immediately whipped back around, hoping that maybe the two siblings would just pass him by.

Soon enough, both Fuuma and Kotori were standing at the edge of the table. The raven-haired teenager reluctantly looked up at his old friends through his bangs. Fuuma wore a blank expression and wouldn't look at Kamui, but Kotori's face was adorned with the same gentle smile it always held. Kamui gazed at her- Kotori with the golden hair and the golden smile and the golden heart- and, gods, she had never looked so beautiful. Kamui felt a lump form in his throat. He never thought he would see that smile again, least of all directed at him. He felt the foolish, overwhelming desire to burst into tears.

"May we sit down?" Kotori asked softly.

"Yes, of course, of course!" Sorata exclaimed, as he and Arashi moved down the bench to make room. "How are you, Kotori? We've all missed you, and you too, Fuuma."

Fuuma smiled half-heartedly in reply, while his sister awarded the couple sitting next to her with a large smile and an echo of a laugh. "I'm doing much better, thank you. The doctors say I should be fine. I've had some slight headaches, but besides that, everything is wonderful."

"I'm glad to hear that." Arashi spoke with genuine happiness coloring her voice.

Silence descended over the table for a moment before Kotori spoke again, "Kamui, I was wondering if Fuuma and I could talk to you alone?"

Kamui felt his stomach drop, but nodded his consent anyways. Sorata looked between Kamui and Fuuma uncertainly, but eventually stood along with Arashi.

"We'll be over there," Arashi said, pointing to another table a few meters away.

Kamui began to fidget once his friends, who he has come to think of as protectors, left. He couldn't bring himself to meet either of the pairs of eyes across from him. He was startled when a hand suddenly fell over his. He finally looked up only to find Kotori smiling at him softly, her fingers running over the back of his hand calmingly.

"It's okay." Kotori's voice is full of forgiveness and contentedness and everything Kamui had never again expected to hear. "I forgive you." The words broke something in Kamui, and the tears he had been trying to hold back filled his eyes.

"I-I'm so sorry. Kotori, I'm so sorry. I never meant- I never wanted you hurt, not you or Fuuma. I'm sorry." Kamui broke off, a lump forming in his throat.

Fuuma had been watching the pair and decided now was the time to speak. "I forgive you, as well. I do want to be your friend again, Kamui. You mean a lot to me; you always have."

Kamui sat in shock, not knowing what to do or feel now that he had obtained the absolution he had so craved, but never imagined gaining. He found himself clutching at Kotori's pale hand. She squeezed his hand tightly in return. Fuuma was soon standing and making his way over to sit next to Kamui. The younger teen felt strong arms wrap around him. Falling into the hug, Kamui ignored the stares he knew they would be receiving from fellow students and enjoyed the closeness to Fuuma, enjoyed the connection that had just been reaffirmed with his old friend. Kotori's hand fell away from his and she moved to stand behind the two men, kissing them both on the cheek before taking a seat on the other side of Kamui.

The rest of the week passed uneventfully and Sunday rolled around without much drama taking place.

Karen entered the café, quickly spotting Yuuto and moving towards him.

"Hey there." Karen greeted.

"Well, hello. And how are you on this fine day?" Yuuto's smooth voice warmed Karen.

"Very well, thank you." They did not have time to continue the conversation, as a pretty, young waitress bounced up to the table.

"May I take your order?"

"An ice tea and a garden salad please." Karen requested.

"I'm not quite sure. What would you suggest, miss?" Yuuto sent a dazzling smile at the waitress, leaving her slightly flustered.

"Um, well, the turkey sandwiches here are fantastic."

"That would be lovely, thank you." Yuuto sent her a wink as she hurried away to collect their order.

Yuuto turned back to Karen and fidgeted slightly, before bending down to retrieve something from the bag at his feet. He pulled out a soft, white teddy bear. He quickly handed it to Karen, seemingly calm and collected, though Karen, who knew him well, could tell he was feeling rather unsure and shy (Karen ignored the little voice in her head that said how adorable he was). She graciously took the bear, placing it in her lap carefully, laughing at the overall situation.

"A teddy bear? Really? The great Yuuto, seducer of women, doesn't have a more original trick up his sleeve?" Karen joked.

Yuuto pouted and crossed his arms petulantly. "Hey, I'm trying to woo you here."

"Oh, really?" Karen raised an eyebrow. "Then try not flirting with the waitress."

"I was doing no such thing." Yuuto sounded positively scandalized.

"Mhmm." Karen's tone quite obviously implied she did not believe him at all and Yuuto sighed dramatically. The light-haired woman laughed softly, her voice causing Yuuto's heart to flutter. "Honestly, though, I love it." Karen gently stroked the bear.

"I thought you would," Yuuto said sincerely. "I know how much you like teddy bears."

They spent the rest of their lunch flirting and joking, simply enjoying their time together. As they finished their meal, Yuuto invited Karen to a movie and she happily accepted. They walked to the theatre, which was located near the café. The pair took their seats and awaited the start of the movie.

"You're so lucky I didn't make you see a chick flick." Karen teased.

"Aw, you would never do that to me, you love me too much."

Karen was quiet for a moment, before softly replying, "Perhaps." Yuuto froze for a moment before shifting closer to Karen and grinning like a fool. The spent the next few moments in companionable silence.

As the lights dimmed, Yuuto leaned over and Karen's heart sped up. She felt as if she were a teenager back on her first date. Karen laughed silently, thinking only Yuuto could make her feel like that. Yuuto's lips ghosted over her ear as he whispered, "I know you don't like public displays of affection, so I thought I'd wait until the lights went out." With that said, he moved back slightly before moving forward and kissing her. Karen immediately responded, kissing back, feeling completely at ease. She had never experienced a kiss like this. It was comfortable in a way that could only exist between friends, and beautiful in a way that could only exist between soul mates.

Yuuto jerked a little as an explosion sounded, signaling the opening scene of the movie. Karen laughed into his mouth before placing one last peck upon his lips and pulling back.

"Maybe next time we should see a chick flick." Yuuto muttered, blaming the sudden loud noise for ending the kiss.

"I would never subject you to that. I love you too much, remember?" Karen smiled, settling into Yuuto's arms.

It was a gorgeous Sunday evening. The sun was just sinking into the sky and colors danced and mingled above. In a clearing of the park, two figures sat comfortably. Kamui leaned against the tree, legs splayed out before him.

"It's so great to spend time with them again. I never realized how much I missed them." Kamui was almost glowing, Subaru thought. The young teenager had spent the morning with Kotori and Fuuma, laughing about old times and getting to know each other once more. Subaru had never seen his lover so truly happy. "I don't think I can let go of them now." Kamui said, somewhat sadly. Subaru frowned.

"Why would you have to let go of them?"

"I'm dangerous," Kamui whispered. He didn't want to scare Subaru off, but he didn't want to lie to him either. "Before I moved here, I beat up these guys that were attacking my friend. They happened to be part of a gang and apparently, they can hold a grudge. They know that I'm here. Just by knowing me, Fuuma and Kotori's lives are in danger. Your life is in danger." Kamui choked out the words, scared of what would follow, scared that Subaru would leave him.

Subaru was shocked and worried to say the least, but he had no intention of leaving, as he knew Kamui thought he would. "Kamui, I'm not going to leave you." Subaru spoke firmly, staring into the other's eyes. "I- I really care for you. Very much. I'm glad you told me."

"But Subaru, you could be in danger right now, just by being here with me. I don't want anyone, especially not you, to get hurt because of me. I'm sorry I didn't tell you this sooner. You had a right to know." Kamui said guiltily. He had never really allowed himself to consider the danger he was putting Subaru in, he had always just pushed it to the back of his mind.

"Kamui, it's okay. I understand why you didn't say anything and you didn't have any obligation to, anyway. We're still getting to know each other, to know each other's demons. Believe me, I'm far from perfect, and there's still a lot about myself and my past I have to tell you. Don't put so much blame on yourself when you've done nothing wrong." Subaru's words had an immediate affect on Kamui, soothing him.

"Thank you, Subaru." Kamui said in a hushed tone.

"Kamui Shirou."

A deep voice broke through the isolated world Subaru and Kamui had created with each other. Subaru tensed at the voice, recognizing it immediately. He slowly turned around to see Subaru leaning against a tree, cigarette between his fingers and gun pointed straight at his lover. Kamui, likewise, had frozen at the sight of the gun.

"Seishirou?" Subaru didn't understand. Seishirou hadn't cared when he had left, he hadn't tried to stop him. Why was he here, pointing a weapon at his lover?

"My sweet Subaru, you have the most unfortunate luck." Seishirou's tone was almost sad. "It's nothing personal. I've been hired to take out one Kamui Shirou."

Kamui paled, knowing Nezumi was the one responsible for this. He looked at Subaru, who seemed to know the man ('the assassin, the murderer,' his mind corrected).

Seishirou dragged his attention to Kamui. "You seem to have angered quite a few people. Whatever did you do to upset Nezumi so?" Kamui didn't speak or move, his suspicions confirmed. Kamui looked back at Subaru, guilt flooding him. Now, Subaru would be hurt because of him. How could he have let himself get attached? How could he claim to care for someone and put them in such danger?

"Don't, Seishirou." All three were surprised to hear Subaru's statement come out as more of a demand than plea. Seishirou solemnly regarded his former lover, before seemingly coming to a decision and dropping his cigarette to the ground before taking out a second gun.

"The only way Kamui will live is if you stop me." Seishiour said calmly, walking over to Subaru and handing him the weapon. Subaru grabbed onto the gun, but didn't make any movements to use it. What was going on? Was it some kind of trick? Subaru held the gun limply in his hands.

Seishirou's gun was still pointed at Kamui. He took aim and looked at Subaru once more.

"Stop me."

Subaru looked at Kamui's confused, terrified face. Kamui stared back at him. He didn't understand what was happening. This man was putting his own life in danger, giving Subaru a gun…But Subaru couldn't shoot someone. Kamui didn't want to die, but he didn't want Subaru to shoot anyone. He didn't want Subaru to get in trouble, to have that on his conscience, to hurt himself in order to protect Kamui.

"Stop me." Seishirou prompted. Subaru shakily raised the gun and pointed it at Seishirou. Seishirou smiled. Subaru couldn't bring himself to shoot, even when Seishirou wore that smile he so loathed. Seishirou observed the hesitation and cocked his gun.

"Stop me."

Seishirou was about to pull the trigger when he felt a fiery pain in his chest. He looked down to see crimson seeping out of the wound. He raised his head and looked at Subaru almost proudly. No one spoke. Suddenly, Seishirou crumpled to the ground. Kamui's gaze was locked on his lover, shocked and unsure. Subaru didn't look at Kamui, focused on the older man. Seishirou's blood began to soak the ground beneath him, gathering around him drop by drop.

"What have I done?" Subaru's voice cracked.

"What you had to." Seishirou's voice was raspy, fading. Subaru rushed over to his side, kneeling down, taking the older man's head into his lap. He held one hand over the gaping wound, knowing it was futile. Seishirou lifted one arm, lightly caressing his face. "Ah, Subaru, this world has been so cruel to you. You look so sad, just like Hokuto did. She loved so much, Subaru." Subaru flinched at the mention of his sister.

"Why- why did you change so much?" Subaru had been wanting an answer to this question for so long.

"I never changed, Subaru. You just saw a different part of me. I was never a good person. Hokuto knew that and that's why she wanted you to leave me. Her dying wish was for me not to leave you. I asked her why; I told her I was bad for you. She said she knew that, but you had to realize it on your own or else you would just end up being hurt more. So I agreed to her wish. I didn't leave you, but I tried to get you to leave. You never did. You can be so naïve sometimes, Subaru."

The confession caused Subaru to jerk back. Seishirou had started hitting him to get him to leave…because of his sister? No, he wouldn't blame Hokuto. Subaru and Seishirou were the only ones to blame for the violence that they had allowed to take over their relationship.

Kamui stood off to the side, transfixed by the scene. This was Subaru's ex-lover? This was the one who had hurt him.

A tear dripped down Subaru's face. Seishirou wiped it away.

"I didn't think you would have any tears left for me." Seishirou commented idly. Subaru bit his lip. The tears were for himself as well as Seishirou.

Seishirou coughed, blood dribbling down his chin. He leaned closer to Subaru, whispering something Kamui couldn't hear in Subaru's ear. All Kamui knew was that it made Subaru cry even harder.

Seishirou fell back, his head flopping back into Subaru's lap. He didn't move again. Subaru remained where he was, hot tears burning his cheeks.

Kamui, unsure of what to do, took his cellphone out, but didn't dial.

Subaru looked up, finally acknowledging Kamui. "Call the police. I won't run. And I won't let you get into trouble over this."

Kamui shakily dialed the number and gave their location to the operator. He then hung up, remaining in his spot and silently watching the remnants of love die away.

It wasn't long before police were carefully, but quickly, invading the little clearing. Two rushed over to Subaru, dragging him to his feet and handcuffing him, while another handcuffed Kamui. The two young men were ushered away from the gruesome scene and into a police car.

The next few hours are a jumble of accusations and statements and officers and lawyers.

Kamui exited the police station, with a sense of lethargy. The teenager didn't remember half of what he had said and isn't sure what happened had really happened at all.

"Kamui?" Karen's voice interrupted his thoughts. She tried to guide him towards her car, but he stilled.

"I don't want to leave Subaru. I can't leave without him." He couldn't understand why his voice sounded so young, so lost.

"Subaru isn't going to be leaving for a long while yet, Kamui. He's making a deal with the prosecution, remember? They need his statements and to work out the conditions of the deal."

"But…it was self-defense. He was protecting himself and saving me!" Kamui looked forlornly back at the station. "They won't put him in jail will they? They said they wouldn't; they weren't lying were they?"

"No," Karen had tears in her eyes; Kamui wanted to ask her why, but he thought that may make it worse. "They won't put him jail. I don't really understand the legal stuff, but I do know that they agree it was self-defense. They don't blame Subaru for saving you or himself. And, thanks to your statements, as well as his, they may be able to catch Nezumi. It will all get better." The words wouldn't have been comforting coming from anyone else, but they had the same effect as a mother's words, calming him and embracing him.

"Okay," he whispered. "Okay."

The last few days had been painful. Kamui's friends- his family- had enveloped him in their care. They wouldn't leave him (even when he asked) and, really, he was glad. Subaru had not been arrested or formally charged, but would not come to see Kamui either. He requested solitude and Kamui reluctantly granted it. While Kamui could not understand his lover's actions, he worried about him immensely. Subaru had lost so much and now he was isolating himself. Additionally, there had been the looming threat of Nezumi to face. Finally, though, he had been apprehended the day before. Knowing that Subaru as at least out of danger from Nezumi, took away some of the stress Kamui felt.

Kamui rose from his bed, changing into clean clothes before heading downstairs. As he was passing the front hallway, the doorbell sounded. The teen opened the door, surprised and indescribably happy to see the person on the other side.

"Hi," Subaru spoke somewhat shyly.

"Hi."

Awkward.

"Where have you been lately?" Kamui asked, trying to keep the accumulated fear and anger out of his voice. He stepped back to let the other enter the house.

"I've been visiting my sister."

"Not Seishirou?" Kamui hadn't meant to ask, he really hadn't. He especially hadn't meant to sound so bitter when asking. He would not be jealous of a dead man or a dead relationship. 'It's pathetic', he angrily thought to himself.

"No. Seishirou's been gone for a long time now, long before I killed him," the words were sharp, showing proof of an unhealed wound. "It's time I accepted that. It's time for me to let go of the maybe's and the memories." Kamui nodded, understanding as much as he could.

"They've caught him. Did you know?" Kamui asked abruptly, not bothering to specify who 'he' was.

"Yes. Are you testifying against him at his trial?"

The pair moved into the living room, taking a seat on the sofa, knees and thighs bumping. Subaru's hand found it's way to Kamui's and they entangled their fingers without realizing it, subconsciously grounding each other.

"Yes, I am. The lawyers seem to think it will be an easy case. Apparently they have been building a case against him for a while now."

Subaru shifted, staring into Kamui's eyes intently. "Are you okay?"

Kamui started, surprised by the question. "What do you mean?"

"With everything that's happened, with the trial…with me?"

"Subaru, I love you. Did you know that? I think I've truly fallen in love with you, even in the short time we've been together. What happened…what you did, I'm grateful. You saved me." Kamui's sincerity could easily be felt through his words. Subaru, though, did not like the image Kamui had of him in his mind.

"I'm not a good person, Kamui." The tone was dull.

"You are! Maybe you can't see it, but I can. You're such a good person, such an amazing person, Subaru." The ferocity of the statement startled Subaru and he felt a smile tug at the corners of his mouth.

Kamui suddenly wrapped his arms tightly around Subaru's shoulders. The older man felt the warmth and care (two things he hadn't felt in so long) in the embrace.

"I love you, Kamui. Did you know that?" Subaru whispered, almost mimicking Kamui's words.

The couple eventually pulled away from each other. They at the window opposite them, silently admiring the outside world.

"It's the end of a lot of things." Kamui mused.

"It's the start of a lot of things." Subaru corrected.

After a moment of silence, Kamui turned his gaze back to the other man. "I think everything is going to be okay."

Subaru smiled genuinely. "Yes, I think so too."

The couple were so involved in each other, they didn't notice a figure lean against the doorway until he cleared his throat.

"Ah, Subaru, how nice to see you again." Sorata's smirk was wide and, in Subaru's opinion, purely vicious. "You know, I haven't seen you since I walked in on you and Kamui…You know, I think it's about time you and I had a little talk. You know, brother to boyfriend. That kind of thing." Subaru's eyes widened and he looked to Kamui for help. Kamui just grinned.

"Well, I'll go make snacks and leave you two alone for a while." Kamui said lightly, standing up.

"Kamui!" Subaru's voice was strained, his eyes darting back to Sorata. He gave his lover a pleading look. Kamui just stared back innocently before making his way out of the room.

As Kamui left, he could hear Sorata's voice rumble something about 'good intentions' and he laughed, feeling more free than he had in a long time. His life had changed so much over the last few months. Out of everything that had happened, meeting Subaru was something he was most glad about. And to think, they had started out as just strangers on a bus.

The End.

Author's Note: I apologize for the length of time it took to finish this. I have to say I'm glad it's done (even if it should have been done ages ago). I hope you all enjoyed Strangers on the Bus. Thanks for reading!