::{Curious Regret}::

"What are you thinking about?" Keiji said, cocking his head at the small girl. She had closed her sketchbook and was now staring into space, twirling her hair absently. Ami jumped slightly, and shrugged,
"Nothing really, Keiji..."
"Hmm" Keiji said, unconvinced. He closed his book, The Little Prince, and put it on his lap. Ami smiled,
"Are you reading that again?" she teased
Keiji nodded
"It's my favorite." he said simply. It was the truth. The book had been the last thing his mother ever gave him, claiming to be her favorite story. That alone made him love it.

Ami opened her sketchbook again. She rubbed her middle finger across the page, blending the colours together and staining it a deep orange-y red. Keiji couldn't help watching her. Ami always got so interested in her art, so lost in her own world, it was hard not to be fascinated. He wished she would show him her sketchbook, but it was no use. The one she was drawing in currently was her private book. She never showed it to anyone. Ever.

Ami glanced up, as though she'd felt his eyes on her.
"What?" she said, blankly. Keiji felt himself flush lightly. He quickly opened his book, though he still watched her from the corners of his eyes, waiting for her to start drawing again.

Instead, Ami closed the book, and began organizing her supplies. Keiji sighed, again wishing she would show him the content. Ami carefully laid the book and tools her art trunk, taking care to arrange everything just so.

The trunk was an old wooden thing they'd found in one of the many storage rooms. They'd been exploring one stormy day several years ago, when they discovered it. The trunk was covered in dust, and probably well over 75 years old. Ami had fallen in love with it though. Keiji didn't really understand why, but whatever. She seemed content.

She begged to let her keep it, and spend several days going through the content (old letters, photographs, some moth-eaten clothing, zodiac figurines(that she gave to him)), and painting it. He studied the pictures on the side, a starry sky with a rainbow shooting through it, the Zodiac drawn as Anthros, and a forest amongst other things. The pictures only brought back thoughts of the forbidden sketch book though.

"Keij, I'm going to take a shower, Kay?" Ami said. Keiji nodded, not bothering to correct the nickname she insisted on calling him She dashed out of their shared room, grinning brightly. As soon as Ami disappeared, Keiji sucked in his breath. He had to know what was in that sketchbook!

Keiji stood and strode to the trunk. He pulled up the lid, and saw the various supplies stacked neatly. In one corner were her sketchbooks. Keiji glanced around guiltily and pulled out the private one.

He sat, cross legged on the floor and opened it. On the inside cover a drawing of a dog looked out at him saying "Property if Ami Sohma."
A girl with curly messy hair, Keiji recognized it as a chibi-fied Ami, stood next to the dog saying
"If you're not Ami, please put this book away!"
Keiji ignored the drawing, and turned the page.

On it a drawing of a girl dancing with skeletons looked out into the distance. The girl was happy and carefree looking, but the skeletons weren't. Some of them looked empty, others pained, some angry or tired. Others just looked sad. A title was written in the upper left corner Corruption. For a moment Keiji was startled at the sheer darkness of the art. He shook it off, and turned the page.

This was of a volcano. Ash plumed from the top, grey against the clear blue sky. Sketched into the ash were faces. They looked tortured, and were screaming. Written in Ami's scrawling print was the word pain across the bottom. Keiji quickly flipped the page - the faces were to real looking for his taste!

The new picture was a sketch of a child sitting hunched over in a forest, staring out at Keiji. Her eyes were scared and wild looking. Keiji tore his eyes away from the girl, and looked around her. It seemed normal enough, but when he looked closer he noticed small things. Up in the treetops snakes curled branches, rearing up as if about to strike. The shadows that fell on the ground seemed sinister, one even appeared to be a silhouette holding a knife and about to strike. It sent chills down his back. Who knew Ami could be so dark?

The new one was of a girl looking into a mirror. Her eyes were totally empty, staring out at him from the mirror. Her expression looked false and painted on. The reflection repeated itself endlessly. Keiji searched her eyes for a few minutes, looking for something in them. Anything. But they were blank and unfocused. The word empty was written on her forehead.

He flipped to the one she was working on. It was a girl on one side, a man and a women on the other. Both Man and Woman were faceless. They were surrounded by flames, their clothing charred and burned. The man and woman were both reaching hand toward the girl, and she extended one towards the couple. Their hands were only inches from each other, but they could reach no farther. Each group had chains keeping them from advancing. Written across the top was {memories}.

Keiji studied the girl. Everything about her looked sad, desolate - her tattered clothing, pained eyes, streaming with tears, tangled hair - everything. Except her mouth. She was smiling. But the smile looked strange somehow, false. Keiji was struck by how breathtaking it was.

"Um, doesn't that say private?" Ami said suddenly. Keiji jumped and looked up. The girl was right behind him, wearing pajamas, a towel draped over her head. She glared down at him, looking angrier then he'd ever seen her before.
"Oh, you're done," Keiji said coolly, "Did you enjoy your shower?"

Ami continued to glare at him. She grabbed the book and pried it from him, briefly looking down at the picture he was looking at. Ami put the book away and sat on the trunk.
"Well?" she said, her voice quiet, but angrier then she had ever been before,
"Did you not notice the private label on it? Did you not remember me telling you that book is mine, and mine alone?"

Keiji rolled his eyes, trying to hide how ashamed he felt for betraying her trust. Not that it should matter, but the sketchbook was the only thing she'd asked him not to touch. The only thing that was hers, and hers alone.
"It's no big deal Ami," he said, "It's just art."
Ami's eyes narrowed slightly, and she twitched an eyebrow.
"Just art?" she said, her voice hardly louder then a whisper, she chuckled softly, then fell silent and stared at him for several minutes.

"Keiji," she said, finally, "I'm leaving now."
She stood, opened the trunk and took her sketchbook. She walked toward the door, and paused looking at him.
"I'll come back tomorrow for my other belongings."

Keiji smiled cruelly,
"Where are you going to go?" he asked, quirking an eyebrow. Who did she think she was, walking out on him? Ami shrugged,
"I figure I'll stay with Natsumi until I can find a job and an apartment." she answered,
"I'm never living here again." she gestured around her, and slipped out of the room.

Keiji watched her go without moving. Fine. If she wanted to be like that, fine. It was just some dumb art anyway! What's the big deal if he looks at it? If she wanted to move out he'd let her! May she be very happy wherever she goes. Keiji didn't care what happened to her now. As far as he was concerned they no longer were related! Just like he and Natsumi! Let her die on the streets for all he cared!

Keiji sighed, unconvinced by his lie. Who was he kidding? He loved that crazy kid to much to not care! Besides, he didn't want it to be like Natsumi. Abandoning Natsu-Chan was the worst mistake he'd ever made - Not that he'd ever admit it! A man has his pride! Keiji ran his fingers through hair, and tugged on the two long strands Ami always insisted he have.

Well, that was that. He was now hated by all of the zodiac. It was his fault though, and he knew it. That just made the hurt worse though, as a sudden deep loneliness fell over him. Keiji blinked back the tears that were threatening to fall. He refused to cry! Gods don't cry! he reminded himself, ever

He stood, and walked over to his bed, burrowing into it. It seemed strangely empty without Ami. Keiji looked around their room. Most everything in it belonged to him, but he could see hints of Ami in it. The line hanging from one corner to another with paintings hanging from it to dry, the drawings pinned to the wall, the books on technique were obvious signs. More subtle hints included the handful of candle holders, there because Ami thought they looked cool, empty because she was hated fire.

Ami had been terrified of fire ever since she and her parents had been in one when she was two. Everything in her house was destroyed. Ami's father had drug his daughter from the flames. He'd left her in the care of a neighbor who was watching with horror as the house burned.

Her father had plunged back in to try and find his wife. He never came back out. Though Ami had no visible scars, she was harmed none the less. Though she'd once admitted to Keiji she couldn't remember her parents faces, she remembered watching her house collapse on itself. Ever since, even a lit match made her nervous. Campfires were enough to make her cry! Her lungs were still scarred from the intense heat, and the ash she'd breathed in.

Other things about the room were Ami too. Like the DnD books (version 3.5 of course) stacked on the shelf. The half finished sewing project spread carefully on the desk.

Keiji rolled over in his bed. What had he done? The person he was closest to, the only one who'd ever seen him breakdown, the only person who really knew him. Gone. Keiji blinked again, trying very hard not to cry. It was no use. The tears fell anyway.

He pulled a pillow over his head, and sobbed softly.
"Keiji?" Ami's soft voice startled him, and he sat up. She was standing at the foot of the bed, twirling a strand of hair around her finger.
"Are you OK Keij?" she said, sounding concerned.
"Ami," he said desperately, "Ami, I'm sorry I looked in your sketchbook. I'm sorry I called your art just art."

He stared at the girl, waiting for her reaction. Ami sighed deeply,
"Keiji," she said, "I would still like to move out. Live by myself."
Keiji's mouth opened, but he said nothing. He couldn't find the words to say. Ami continued nervously,
"I've been thinking about it for a while, I think my leaving would be a good thing."

Keiji could tell by looking at her she had her mind made up. He nodded his consent, and collapsed onto his pillows, sleepiness suddenly hitting hard. Ami climbed up next to him, and snuggled in.
"Ami?" Keiji said quietly, "Why did you come back?"

Ami stirred next to him,
"I" she began, then paused, "I didn't want to leave during a fight. It felt wrong."
"Why?"
"I don't know! It just did!"
"But why?" Keiji insisted softly. He felt Ami move around more until she got right next to him, and wrapped her arms around his torso.
"Because," she said softly next to his ear, "I love you to damn much!"

Keiji wrapped his arms around her, and nuzzled his nose deep in her soft hair. He was silent for several moments. The girl relaxed, drifting off to sleep.
"I love you too Ami."
---
a/n: Gosh, when I was writing that last part it felt like a romance, haha! For some reason though, I think the idea of Ami and Keiji together in totally cute! Or at least, Keiji having had a crush on her at some point!

By the way, the way I figure it is Keiji's not all bad. He at least tries sometimes.

That's for Telling

The Kegar house has a story so infamous everyone from around here knows it. See, about 8 years ago a family by the name of Kegar moved into the house. The Kegar’s were a family of 5. There was the dad, Clark, who worked in the salmon cannery by the docks, the mom, Susan, who was a crucial part of the neighborhood ladies society, two kids, Danny who was my age, 8, and Lilly, who was 10. A normal enough family, right? You haven’t heard about the last member yet.

His name was Carey Kegar. Carey was in his twenties, and never was mentioned. Most people didn't know he existed. Carey was Clark and Susan’s oldest son. Danny mentioned him to me once, but only briefly.
“Carey used to like ice cream sandwiches that way.” Danny had said pointing to where I had spread peanut butter over the top before biting into the creamy goodness.
“Who’s Carey?” I asked
“He’s my brother.” Danny said simply, “At least he used to be, before he got disowned...” Danny trailed off, looking dejected. I was about to ask what disowned was when Lilly ran over.
“You idiot!” she said in hushed tones to her brother, “Mom and Dad say we’re not supposed to talk about Carey!”
Danny’s eyes widened slightly, remembering his parents rule.
“Don’t tell!” He whispered, and refused to talk anymore about it.

Later that night, I asked my parents was disowned was, and I got hammered with questions about where I learned that word. After a little while I caved and told them. That next week the Kegar’s came over to dinner, and my dad mentioned the incident.
“So,” my father began cooly after dinner,
“Kalin told us about a sibling of Lilly and Danny’s we haven’t met. His name is...Carey or something.”
Mr. Kegar’s eyes widened slightly, and he looked very angr. Mrs. Kegar paled, putting her hand to her chest.
“Where did you learn about Carey?” Mrs. Kegar asked in a hushed voice.
“Oh, Danny mentioned it to her.” Mom said just as cooly as Dad. Danny glared at me. The Kegar’s stood,
“It’s getting late, we’d better go.” Mr. Kegar said. His voice sounded pinched, and angry. The others stood and one by one left. Danny went last, but before running out the door he punched me, saying “That’s for telling!” The Kegar’s never spoke to us again.

Three months later The Kegar’s stopped showing up to things. After five days of no one seeing them the police got involved. The Kegar’s door was pounded on, and after no answered the police broke down it down. During a search of the house they found all five family members. Dead. Each had been murdered in a gruesome way. Danny had been drowned in the tub. Lilly had been raped brutally, then her throat had been slit. Mrs. Kegar had been suffocated. Mr. Kegar, he had been choked by a noose. Later, words were found carved into Danny.
That’s for telling.

On a father search of the house, a man was discovered hiding in the attic. He had dark blonde, messy hair. A crazy look in his brown eyes. He was handsome though with tanned skin, and a tone body. When the police cornered him he laughed.
“I had to get revenge!” He’d said, “They had to die! After what they did to me!” The man laughed more.
The police dragged him from the house, and he laughed still more. I watched him being taken to the police car. He laughed, and laughed as though he’s heard the funniest joke in the world. Until he saw me.
“Hello little girl,” he’d called, “Come and play with me pretty little girl. I won’t hurt you, I promise. My name’s Carey, pretty little girl, what’s yours?” He practically sang the words. For some reason I was drawn to him. The man, Carey, was fascinating, yet, completely frightening.
“Kalin,” I said, softly, “My name is Kalin.”
Carey cooed, “Such a pretty name little Kalin.” he called, my name sounded different on his lips. Alluring almost. The police shoved him in the car, and slammed the door. I didn’t connect him to the Carey I’d heard about from Danny right then. That night I realised they had to be the same man. I uttered not a word to my parents.

During the next few weeks everyone was glued to their TVs. They had to know more about him. About Carey. We found out, through TV, what we were all asking each other. Carey Kegar was, indeed, Clark and Susan’s eldest. A few years previously Lilly was walking home from a friends when she saw Carey slip into an allyway. Lilly followed him. Carey, in the shadowy depths of the ally was raping a girl. Said girl was, maybe, 12. Lilly was five. The girl was gagged, and tied up. She had cuts from a knife up and down her bosom and torso. Lilly was horrified and watched, frozen, as her brother finished with his victim, and murdered the girl.

Carey saw Lilly then, and told her never to tell, or the same thing would happen to her. She said nothing. Then, something worse happened. Carey started to take Lilly out for a “fun night.” He would make child play witness to his rapes. All the victims had something in common. None of them had hit puberty yet. One day, when Carey could find no victim, he turned to her. “Come here Little-Lilly, let me play with you.” He cooed.

A few years passed, and one day, Danny walked in on Carey raping Lilly in her bedroom. Danny didn’t freeze like his sister had. He ran for their parents. When the Kegar’s discovered what had happened, they called the police. When the police got there though, Carey was gone. He’d left a note pinned to his sister. Pinned with a safety pin, through the skin of her hand. The note read
You’ll regret this.

Lilly denied all of it, and had no memory of what happened. She only knew she wasn’t supposed to talk about him. The Kegar’s moved far away, to the other side of the country, and tried to start over. They stayed hidden, with no phone number, no address listed, praying Carey wouldn’t find them. He did. You know the rest.

---

This is from a story about my OCs Kalin and Matt. It seemed short story-ish, so I'm sharing it. This is probably one of the darkest things I've written.