~Kaoru/Ox~

I smiled at Anora-Nee and Arashi-Nii. It was nice hanging out together. Even though we were all cursed, we always broke off in smaller groups. We were never really together. Since I was one of the younger kids I was normally left out too. Arashi was looking around. "So...I wonder what good places there are to eat..." I looked around and my eyes widened when I saw it. A McDonalds! I pointed. "U...um...I've always wanted...to eat there." Arashi nodded. "Sounds good to me. How bout you Anora?" She smiled. "Sure." I felt my smile widen. But I was still a little worried about Shino. After we ordered I pulled out my cell. (Since everyone is allowed out I figured they should all have cells in case of emergencies even the younger kids) Are you ok Nono-Nii?

~Shino/Dog~

Kanayuki had finally fallen asleep. His arms still wrapped around my neck and his fingers tangled in my hair. This had always calmed him down. Ever since I was little. When he would get upset...or if he had an attack he used me as his security devise. And he used it to tie me down. He loved and feared me the most. He said I was always the one most likely to run away. To defy him. He said I was just like Shigure-San. The last dog. I felt my cell vibrate in my pocket and pulled it out. Kanayuki stirred and his arms slipped from my neck. I sighed, and sat up. It was from Kaoru. I'm fine. Don't worry so much.

I got up an headed to the door. I looked back at Kanayuki. He looked so peaceful and I felt that feeling of love whell up again. "If only you could see...." I closed the door and headed back home. Mom was cooking dinner. When she saw me her smile faded. She ran over and hugged me. "Shino!" I sighed. Guess I should have looked at myself before I came home. Aaralyn and Kai chose then to come out of the guest room. Aaealyn's eyes widened. "W..what happened to you?'l I smiled. "Nothin really. Just some bruises."

My mom balled her hands into fists and smacked my chest. "Stop defending him!!" I looked down. "Why do you use yourself as a shield?! There are 13 of you! Why are you always the one to open your mouth?!" I rubbed the back of my head. "Just masochistic I guess." I chucked and headed to the fridge for a drink. "Keep joking Shino...it's all fun until he seriously hurts you. He's just like Akito-San was." I shrugged. "He's not that bad. He hasn't stabbed any of us or blinded one of us or pushed any of us out a window..." She stomped away. I walked over to the stove. "Guess I'll finish this.." I smiled at Aaralyn. "Sorry you had to see that."