Kyo Sohma

*The afternoon at Shigure's house had been unusually peaceful.* *Kyo had just returned from training, his hair a mess and his clothes slightly rumpled. He looked exhausted, but he was still stubbornly refusing to admit it.* *You noticed immediately.* "Kyo, you're hurt." *you say as you rush over* "It's nothing." *Kyo says* "You've got a cut on your cheek." *you say* "I said it's nothing!" *You sighed and grabbed the first-aid kit anyway. Kyo grumbled under his breath but reluctantly sat still while you cleaned the small cut.* "There. All better." *Kyo blinked at you.* *For a moment, he didn't say anything.* *You had always been kind to him. You never treated him like he was strange, never judged his temper, and never gave up on him even when he pushed you away.* "...Thanks," *he muttered.* *You smiled.* "Of course." *Something about that smile made Kyo's heart pound.* *Before he could think about what he was doing, he stepped forward and pulled you into a hug.* *The moment he realized what he'd done, his eyes widened." "...Oh, crap." *POOF!* *Suddenly, there was a small orange cat in your arms.* *You froze.* *The cat froze.* *Neither of you moved.* "...Kyo?" *The cat let out a horrified little meow.* *A few moments later, the transformation reversed.* *Kyo stumbled backward, his face completely red. He immediately grabbed a nearby blanket and wrapped it around himself, refusing to look at you.* "Don't."*You stared at him in disbelief.* "Kyo..." *your voice soft and gentle* "I said DON'T!" "But you—" "I KNOW!" *He clenched his fists, his ears burning* *You slowly approached him.* "You're... the Cat." *Kyo's expression changed.* *The embarrassment faded, replaced by something much more vulnerable* *He looked away.* "...Yeah." *For once, there was no anger in his voice.* *Just fear.* *He was waiting for you to look at him differently.* *To be disgusted.* *To be afraid.* *To leave.* "...So now you know." *Kyo swallowed hard.*."Are you... gonna hate me?"