Chapter 16: Clumsy Little heart

"Hey Spikes, were you thinking about trying college this year?" Kitty asked, relaxing in her inflatable raft.

"I wouldn't even know what to major in." Spikes responded before jumping into the pool, splashing Kitty on her way down.

"What about you?"

Kitty glared at her, reaching her hand into the water, and splashing Spikes.

"I don't know, and I honestly don't want to bother since I don't have an idea."

Kitty yawned, stretching before rolling over to face Spikes.

"Besides it's not like I don't have enough money to support us without college educations."

"Haven't classes already started anyways?" Spikes added in, raising an eyebrow at Kitty.

"I mean it is the middle of September."

"I guess they have..." Kitty pretended to sigh with defeat before smiling at Spikes.

"Looks like we have to wait until next year!"

Spikes and Kitty both laughed until their ribs began to hurt.

"Are you two really that lazy?" Takado's voice interrupted their moment of happiness.

Kitty lifted herself up slightly, glaring at Takado.

"It's not lazy. It's called there's no point in going if neither of us have a goal for it."

"You're not even one to talk, Brother." Spikes laughed, swimming over to where he stood outside the pool.

"You were such a slacker in school."

"Spikes told me you even dropped out." Kitty retorted.

"So back off."

Takado glared at her, opening his mouth to speak but was quickly distracted by Spikes splashing water at him.

Takado jumped in the water, almost on top of Spikes. She laughed as she dodged him, splashing him again as he chased after her.

"I should open a bar." Spikes said quietly, once Takado had stopped chasing her around the pool.

"We should totally open a bar!" Kitty cheered, turning over so quickly she nearly fell off of her raft.

"I said I Should open a bar, Kitty." Spikes frowned at her best friend.

"You could be the investor."

"Yeah like that wasn't obvious." Kitty glared at Spikes, turning back over.

"Where else could you get the money from?"

"Why don't you open an art gallery?" Spikes suggested.

"That sounds really stuck up and boring."

"Isn't that why it's perfect for you, Princess?" Takado retorted.

"Maybe I'll get into couples counseling." Kitty joked, splashing at Spikes.

"I feel like you and Xander have given me more than enough experience."

Spikes glare at Kitty, splashing her in return. Kitty hissed loudly, splashing Spikes in return.

"Get out of the pool if you don't want to get wet." Spikes laughed as she swam away. Hoping her brother hadn't noticed what Kitty had said.

"It's my pool and I can do what I want." Kitty hissed, her eyes briefly meeting Takado's. She quickly stuck her hand in the water and moved away from him.

"Maybe you should try something with singing?" Spikes suggested. She swam up to Kitty, resting her arms on the raft.

"You have a beautiful voice."

Takado's ear perked, glancing at the girls as Kitty's face flushed red.

"No I don't." Kitty denied it, keeping her eyes off of her best friend.

"Besides considering I technically own a record company. It'd basically be cheating."

"Why not just leave it at that then?" Takado commented, annoyed by the girls' conversation.

"That's so boring though." Kitty whined loudly. Spikes rolled her eyes and swam away.

"You can't have everything Kitty. You have to grow up and make a decision eventually."

Kitty felt her blood turn ice cold as she lay quietly on the raft, unable to move, barely able to think.

Her heart raced as she thought back to when Takado had said it to her. 

To when anyone had really.

"I have to go." Kitty muttered quietly. She slipped off the the raft quietly and swam to the pool's edge.

"Kitty what's wrong?" Spikes called out, trailing after her until she climbed out.

"Did I say something wrong?" Spikes wondered out loud, surprised when she didn't receive an obnoxious response from her brother.

Takado's eyes were on Kitty as she dried off and stepped inside. He wondered what had set her off, and more importantly why should he care.

"Tako are you even listening to me?" Spikes barked.

"Don't call me that, Carissa. It's bad enough the cat does." Takado groaned, finally taking his eyes off of Kitty's retreating figure.

...

"Hey so I've been thinking-"

"Well that's dangerous." Xander cut off Spikes as he sat down on her bed.

It had been a few days since Spikes had jokingly brought up the idea of starting a bar, but the more she thought about it the more she wanted to do it.

"Can you not be an ass, Xander? Spikes sighed, debating on not talking to him after all.

"I was thinking about seriously opening a bar."

"Really?" Xander scoffed, rolling his eyes.

"That might just be the stupidest idea you've ever had."

"How so?" Spikes attempted to keep herself from growling at her so-called boyfriend.

"Do you have any idea how difficult it is to run a business? How much it would cost?"

"Money isn't exactly a problem. Kitty has more than enough." Spikes retorted, a smirk forming on her lips.

"I know it'll be difficult, especially give my age, but I think I'm up for the challenge."

"Don't you understand that's part of the problem? No one is going to take you seriously at eighteen." Xander continued to ramble on despite Spikes's discontentment.

"All of Kitty's money is useless if no one is willing to listen to you."

"Maybe not at first, but if I work hard and prove what this means to me I think people will take me seriously."

"You don't have any sort of plan, Spikes." Xander growled, pinching at the bridge of his nose.

"I know you can do this, but you need classes and training. You can't act like a child and just expect your best friend to fund your nonsense."

"Why is it that even your compliments are offensive? Can't you be a real boyfriend for once and just support me?" Spikes snapped at him. She sighed heavily, she could feel tears form in her eyes but she wasn't going to let them fall.

Not in front of him.

"Just because I'm your boyfriend does not mean I'm going to support your stupid decisions." Xander stood from the bed, walking over to her.

"At least think this through before you cost your best friend thousands of dollars for nothing."

"Why do you even care what it costs her?" Spikes barked, stepping back from him.

"You've just using it as an excuse to put me down. You've never cared about what's she spent money on until now."

"I'm just being realistic. You need to stop over reacting." Xander groaned, taking a step back.

"I've supported your decision that aren't stupid."

"What about when I wanted to try to graduate high school early? You didn't support that."

"Your life has been fucking weird enough. Excuse me for thinking one normal experience would help you." Xander barked back at her.

"And if I'd supported that, you never would have met the cat and look around at the life she's given you. Do you think you could have done this on your own?"

"That isn't fair Xander..."

"No, you're right. I should have encouraged you. Maybe if you hadn't met that damn cat we wouldn't be having all these issues."

"Are you seriously trying to blame our problems on my best friend right now?" Spikes snarled at Xander.

"You spend every goddamn second with her. It's like you're in love with her, not me.

And that was before she brought your zombie brother back from the dead." Xander glared at her, a scowl etched onto his face as he moved to walk past her.

"Now your hero worship of her has only gotten ten times worse."

"Did you ever think I like spending time with her because she actually enjoys my company?" Spikes screamed at him, silently preying her brother wasn't home.

"You only ever want to be around me if we're having sex lately!"

"Goddamnit Carissa you're impossible." Xander groaned, turning away from her.

"We're supposed to be in a fucking mature, responsible and honest relationship but you don't want any of that unless it's convenient for you."

"You can be mature without always putting me down and being a jackass. 

Don't you dare start on that 'honesty' crap either because I don't believe that you're honest with me for a single second." 

"I'm not dealing with this." Xander sighed. He didn't acknowledge Spikes as he walked past her, making his way for the door.

"What's wrong Xander? Don't have anything to say?" Spikes barked, hoping to egg him on. Hoping some honesty would slip through the cracks while he was angry.

"Whatever." He grumbled as he slipped out of her room.

"Are you even listening to me?" Spikes screamed. She chased after him, grabbing the sleeve of his jacket only to have him violently yank his arm from her grasp.

"I'm listening."

"It sure doesn't seem like it." Spikes barked, taking a step back from him.

"Okay."

"Will you actually fucking say something?"

"Maybe."

"Why the hell am I even with you?" Spikes muttered under her breath. She crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at her boyfriend.

"Fuck if I know." Xander growled before taking the stairs two at a time.

"Fine. Just fucking leave when things get rough. You always pull this shit." Spikes shouted as she ran to the stair case.

"I'm just stepping out for a smoke. Calm the fuck down." Xander rolled his eyes at her from the top of the staircase.

"Whatever, just fucking leave." Spikes kicked at the bottom step.

"Why don't you call up one of your whores? I'm not stupid Xander. I know the signs."

Spikes continued screaming for another minute but Xander had been long gone. Whether he actually left the house or not she didn't know.

She did know she couldn't hold in her feelings anymore.

Spikes turned on her heel and marched straight for Kitty's bedroom.

"I'll have you know you are interrupting a very important episode of Doctor Who." Kitty announced as her bedroom door swung open. She stood up, walking to her best friend.

Spikes threw her arms around the cat and began openly weeping on her shoulder.

"Another bad one?"

Spikes nodded briskly, her hold on the cat tightening. Her body shook as tears fell from her eyes, Kitty stood patiently running her hand through Spikes's hair. She waited patiently for the dog to calm enough to talk.

"Takado isn't home, is he?" Spikes sniffed, pulling away from the cat. She stepped around Kitty, falling onto the sofa.

"I don't want to deal with him on top of this right now."

Kitty smiled softly and shook her head before sitting down in her bean bag.

"No, I think he went out for groceries."

"How much of it did you hear this time?" Spikes asked, leaning over and resting her forehead against her knees.

"Not much actually." Kitty smiled. She picked up the remote and turned off the T.V.

"I turned up the volume when the yelling started."

"How long were you arguing for this time?"

"Not long." Spikes muttered.

"This one just escalated quickly."

Kitty reached over, resting a hand on Spikes's knee as the canine was his by a fresh wave of tears.

More than anything Kitty wanted Spikes to let go of Xander. Let go of the ghost of what was, and realize she deserved so much better.

"I'm just so sick of the constant fighting." Spikes whimpered, wiping the tears from her eyed.

"I want a real relationship. I want to know I'm loved. I want to know my partner is faithful. I hate feeling so paranoid all the time."

"It'll get better Spikes." Kitty offered encouragingly.

"It takes time, but it will get better."

"You don't know that though Kitty." Spikes looked helplessly into her best friend's eyes.

"What if we break up?"

"Then that's what was meant to happen." Kitty sighed, running a hand through her hair.

"And just because it's meant to happen, doesn't mean it will be easy. But I really believe that if you were meant to be together, you will be."

"It's so easy for you to say." Spikes muttered almost bitterly.

"You're not in love with anyone. From the way you've talked about David it sounds like you've never been in love."

Kitty hesitated, swallowing the lump in her throat.

"That doesn't mean I can't sympathize though." Kitty forced herself to speak though her voice cracked.

"What I'm trying to say is eventually either your relationship will get better.

Or it will end and you'll be better."

Spikes stood from the couch, pulling her best friend into a hug. Kitty smiled and squeezed Spikes tightly.

"Hey why don't you distract yourself with some research on how to get your bar started?" Kitty grinned as a small smile formed on Spikes's lips.

"I saved a couple of tabs on my computer about it. You remember the password right?"

"Yeah. Thanks for looking in to it by the way. Your support means so much to me." Spikes smiled briefly before releasing the cat and trotting to the desk where Kitty's laptop sat.

"It's pretty luck Takado wasn't home right?" Kitty chuckled, hoping to make light of the situation.

"He'd probably freak out right? He seems like the protective type."

"Yeah. Actually speaking of which please don't mention this to Takado." Spikes looked up at Kitty, frowning slightly.

"If Takado knew he'd probably kill Xander."

"Spikes people say that all the time." Kitty laughed, rolling her eyes as she let herself fall back onto the couch.

"You shouldn't take that so seriously."

"No, Kitty. Takado means it." The serious tone of Spikes's voice catching the cat's attention.

"My brother has killed people before, Kitty. And I don't doubt that he'd do it again."

...

"Alright Spikes, you are not the proud owner of a name, and a building! How does it feel?" Kitty cheered latching onto her best friend's arm.

"It feels like we still have a long way to go. I still have to take care of licensing, furnishing, hiring people, prepping everything. I feel so overwhelemed and-"

"Do you ever just shut up and enjoy the little moments?" Kitty glared at Spikes, swatting her arm gently.

"We did enough for today. Give it a rest Spikes."

"I guess you're right." Spikes smiled softly at Kitty, still running through a list of what she needed to do in her head.

Spikes reached out, pulling Kitty into a brief but warm hug.

"Thank you, for this. For everything. Your support means the world to me."

"You're my best friend Spikes. I'll always do whatever I can for you."

"Katherine?"

Kitty's eyes widened with surprise as she turned to face the man who'd spoken. 

Spikes threw a confused glance at Kitty before she took off running towards the green haired man.

"Uncle Nick!" Kitty squealed as she leapt into his arms.

"Hey Kitty-Kat." He laughed as he spun her around before setting her back on the ground.

"What are you doing in Bridgeport?" Kitty squeaked, bouncing on her heels.

"You didn't call me to let me know."

"Just had some business to deal with for your father's company. I was planning on calling you later tonight."

"Kitty who is this?" Spikes asked as she stepped closer to the two.

"Oh this is my dad's best friend, Nicolas Ashton. Also known as the person who's name sake I used to cover mine and my non-biological uncle." Kitty explained so quickly Spikes wasn't sure she caught it all.

"Uncle Nick this is my best friend Spikes that moved in with me a while back."

"It's an honor to finally meet you." Nicolas smiled, reaching out for her hand.

Spikes's shoulders relaxed as she stepped forward to shake his hand.

"I'd say to you as well, but this is the first I've ever heard of you." Spikes chuckled, raising an eyebrow at Kitty.

"I'm not supposed to let people know of our connection just in case." Kitty shrugged casually. Spikes caught the glimmer of pain in her eyes before Kitty forced out a smile up at her uncle.

"So how long are you going to be in town for?"

"About two more days. I gotta get home to the wife and kids soon."

"Can we meet for dinner tomorrow maybe?" Kitty asked sweetly.

"I kinda want to get home and out of these stupid heels."

"Of course." Nicolas smiled at Kitty, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

"Text me the details, Kid. Love you."

"Love you too Uncle Nick." Kitty hugged him back before returning to Spikes's side.

"It was nice meeting you." Spikes waved over her shoulder as she began to walk away.

"You too." Nicolas grinned at her.

"Feel free to join us at dinner if you'd like, Spikes. Your brother is welcome as well."

Spikes smiled and nodded, but sighed as she turned around.

"I highly doubt Takado would want to join us."

"Good, cause I don't want him with us." Kitty spat, her pace quickening.

"You know sometimes I wish you two would learn to get along." Spikes frowned.

"Yeah, Like that'll ever happen."

...

Kitty left the two siblings in her dust as she raced up the steps to the restaurant, once again leaping into Nicolas's arms.

Nicolas sighed softly, spinning her once again as he'd done before.

Kitty bounced backwards gesturing towards Takado.

"Uncle Nick this is Tako, Spikes's stupid brother." Kitty smiled sweetly, masking the venom in her words.

"Tako, this is Nicolas."

"It's nice to meet you Takado." Nicolas reached out his hand to Takado as he hand with spikes.

He chuckled lightly as Takado hesitated, watching his hand for a moment before returning the gesture.

"You too."

"It's good to see you again Nicolas." Spikes smiled and him.

"You too Spikes." Nicolas grinned before Kitty pulled at his attention.

"I don't trust him, Carissa." Takado whispered harshly as Kitty and Nicolas stepped away.

"He smells like a snake."

"Takado you're being paranoid." Spikes sighed heavily.

"He's known Kitty her entire life. I'm sure he's trust worthy."

"You say that as if I care about anything involving the cat."

"I don't care if you don't, Takado. I trust her judgement." Spikes barked at her brother before smiling at a very confused Kitty.

"Leave if you're so unhappy Takado. I'm going inside."

Takado growled as Spikes pushed past him, excitedly joining in on the conversation Kitty and Nicolas had been having.

He glanced back at his sister's jeep, and at the door. His shoulders slumped slightly as he trailed after his sister.

Kitty, Spikes and Nicolas actively engaged in conversation while Takado mostly sat silently.

He would occasionally speak, and even more rarely crack a smile for a second.

Kitty's mood began to sour as the night wore on, and she grew steadily more quiet. By the time Nicolas has decided to end the night Kitty felt bitter and ready to be home.

Kitty sighed with relied as everyone stood from the table, slowly beginning to make their way towards the door.

She eagerly pushed past Takado, raising a low growl from him but paid it no mind. All she cared about was getting to the door. Getting home.

So much so that she didn't notice a small man in front of her and ran straight into him.

"Get the fuck out of my way!" Kitty hissed, her eyes shifting as pushed the man aside.

"I-I'm sorry I didn't mean to-"

"Just shut up and get away from me!" Kitty spat. 

Kitty turned on her heel, once again aiming for the door. Nicolas grabbed her by the arm, pulling her the rest of the way out."

"What the hell was that Katherine?" Nicolas hissed at Kitty.

She glared at the ground, refusing to meet his golden eyes.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't fucking play stupid with me Katherine." Nicolas grabbed her shoulder, forcing her to face him.

"There was no reason for you to snap like that. What is going on?"

"Nothing!" Kitty snarled with frustration. She could feel tears burning at her eyes. She curled her hands into fists.

"Nothing is wrong, I just want to go home."

"Okay but you don't need to act like Ashlee in order to accomplish that."

Kitty felt her blood run ice cold as she looked up to glare at Nicolas, her eyes still slits.

"I am nothing like that woman."

"You could have fooled me Katherine." Nicolas lowered his voice.

"Your father raised you to be better than that."

"I..." Kitty's body went numb and her eyes fell to the ground.

Spikes's cast a worried glance at her best friend as she stepped outside her brother beside her.

"Go to the car Katherine." Nicolas sighed, turning his attention towards Spikes and Takado.

"I'd like to have a word with your friends in private."

"But I-"

"Now Katherine."

Kitty inhaled sharply before she spun around and ran towards the car. Spikes watched her go, resisting the urge to run after her.

"How long as she been like that?" Nicolas's voice startled Spikes slightly as she turned to look at him.

"I don't know." Spikes admitted.

"I've never seen her snap at someone completely unprovoked before."

Nicolas nodded briefly. He let out a small sigh, running a hand through his hair.

"I know this is a lot to ask, but could you two keep an eye on her." Nicolas glanced to where Kitty had run from them.

"It's difficult to try to take care of my best friend's daughter in another city while I have my own kids to raise."

"Why doesn't he just raise his own damn kid?"

Takado's voice startled Spikes as they turned to stare at him.

"You don't... know?" Nicolas's voice was just above a whisper before he turned to Spikes.

"No one told him?"

Spikes shook her head briefly.

"Kitty never did, and even though she's my best friend I didn't think it was my place."

"Tell me what?" Takado's back straightened, his gaze turning on his sister.

"Why do you think Katherine lives in her own house at such a young age?" Nicolas asked him.

"I don't know." Takado glared at him, annoyed he was being questioned.

"I assumed she threw a temper tantrum and her parents just let her get away with what she wanted."

"I wish." Nicolas sighed.

"Takado... Kitty's parents are gone." Spikes glanced up at her brother.

"Her mother vanished, no one has been able to find her in over two years."

Takado's eyes widened, his chest feeling heavy.

"What about her father?"

"Murdered by hunters." Nicolas leaned back against the railing.

"That kid is completely alone in the world. Her father was murdered and was abandoned by her mother soon after."

Takado glaced between the two before his sight fell on Kitty leaning against his sister's jeep. His eyes softened as she watched her rub her own arms, and what seemed to be fighting back tears.

His chest heavy with something he wasn't sure he'd ever felt before.

Guilt.

Chapter 15: Demons

Spikes stood frozen in place, shaking as she stared with wide eyes at the face she had only seen in her nightmares.

Takado swallowed taking a step towards her, beginning to reach his hand out.

Spikes shook her head back.

A million thoughts raced through her head, all clouded with disbelief.

This couldn't be her brother. 

She'd watched him die. He could not possibly be standing before her.

This couldn't be her brother.

Spikes snarled, lunging at Takado. She slammed into him, throwing him against the wall.

The whole house shook from the force of his fall.

"How the hell did you get my brother's face?" Spikes screamed, forcing back tears. She pushed him back once again.

"What are you a shifter?"

She watched his lips curl into a snarl as he lifted her off the ground and threw her into the bookshelf.

She ignored Kitty's yelling and lunged at him once more only to find herself being thrown across the room again.

After the third try she weakly stood up. She grabbed the book case to balance herself as she watched him step towards her. 

"Are you done?" He barked.

Spikes looked into his eyes, and felt as though she were a child once more.

"Are you done?" Takado grumbled. He rolled his eyes as he lifted Carissa to her feet.

"No." She yipped, slapping his hands away.

"You're never going to beat me." He laughed, patting the small girl's head.

"Quit being so stubborn."

"Shut up! I'll beat you one day, just wait!"

"No!" Spikes growled, kicking his feet out from under him. She quickly got to her feet, placing a foot at his neck.

"I told you I'd beat you!"

Takado's features softened as Spikes finally began to let tears fall from her eyes.

He exhaled slowly, a smirk forming across his lips.

He grabbed her ankle, quickly flipping her onto the ground and pulling her into a headlock.

He held her steady until she stopped fighting his hold.

He loosened his grip on her, lump forming in his throat as their eyes met.

She'd changed so much, grown so much in his absence.

The resemblance she bore to their mother uncanny.

"Carissa..." Takado sighed, rubbing her cheek with his palm.

"I've miss you! I've miss you so much!" Spikes whimpered, falling into his arms.

Takado smiled softly, petting his sister's hair as she cried against his shoulder.

Almost as if they were children once again.

Kitty shuffled anxiously beside Xander and Damon, unsure of what to do as they watched the two siblings.

Xander glanced down at the cat, raising a brow at her fidgeting.

He'd known her long enough to know she didn't handle serious situations too well.

"Why don't you just say something instead of giving yourself a damn anxiety attack?" Xander whispered, his voice annoyed as always.

"Leave me alone okay?" Kitty hissed at him.

"I don't want to ruin this moment for them."

"Okay, well don't you think someone should interrupt their awkwardly long hug before David and Nadine get here?" Xander growled under his breath.

"You're fucking stupid. That's her previously dead brother." Kitty slapped his arm. She crossed her arms, shifting her weight as she glanced back at the siblings.

"They should be here soon so I guess you're right."

Kitty smiled, bending over to look at Damon. "Oh Damon, who's a good boy?"

The dog took a step back, tail between his legs.

"Oh quit worrying. I just want you to go jump on Spikes, okay?"

Damon Barked, his ears perking up before her charged at Spikes, easily knocking her to the ground.

"Damon get off me you overgrown pup!" Spikes laughed, trying to push the dog off of herself as he struggled to continue to lick her face.

"Your dog I take it?" Takado chuckled as he helped pull Damon off of her.

"Yeah, this is my boy Damon." Spikes grinned, wrapping an arm around the dog.

"Damon this is your uncle, say hi."

Damon turned around, barking happily as his tail wagged.

Takado grinned, reaching over to pat the dog's head.

"Not to break this up or anything, it is great seeing my hard work pay off, but we do have a schedule to keep to." Kitty teased as she approached the siblings. She glanced briefly at Takado before focusing her attention on Spikes.

"What do you mean, your hard work?" Spikes questioned, glancing between her brother and best friend.

"Did you... did you have something to do with his return?"

"Of course I did, anyways-"

"Do you have any idea how stupid you are?" Spikes growled at the cat, grabbing her by the shoulders.

"Do you have any idea the cost of something like this?"

"Spikes relax." Kitty said gently, moving her hands from her shoulders.

"I met your mom's ghost, and she gave me a 'gift'."

"A gift?" Spikes eyes her suspiciously.

Kitty opened her mouth to speak, to be honest. Her eyes met Takado's briefly, pulling away instantly.

"A gift for you. She gave me the ability to bring your brother back, as an apology for her death." Kitty lied smoothly, grinning at her best friend.

"She said you two needed one another."

Spikes's expression softened as she wrapped her arm's around Kitty. She hesitated briefly before returning the embrace.

"Thank you." Spikes whispered, wiping a few more tears away.

"This is... This is the most amazing thing I ever could have imagined."

Kitty pulled away from Spikes at the sound of the doorbell. She brushed aside a tear from her cheek before trotting to the front door. 

"You both made it with perfect timing!" Kitty grinned, opening the door for Nadine and David to step through.

"Nadine why didn't you bring you fiance?" 

"They... they're not really in town." Nadine responded nervously, hugging Kitty briefly before walking past her towards the living room.

"Still no girlfriend I see?" Kitty tried to tease David, playfully batting at his arm.

"It's not like you're one to talk." David glared at her as he walked past.

Kitty inhaled sharply, her eyes following David as he stepped into the living room. She'd known they weren't on the best of terms, she just hadn't thought it might effect the way they interacted tonight.

"My old art teacher is pretty cute, huh?" Spikes joked with Takado upon introducing Nadine to him just before Kitty entered the room. Takado's face contorted with disgust as Spikes winked at him.

"What? You don't agree?"

"Dude, she's engaged." Kitty cut in, her voice thick with annoyance.

"Oh yeah... Whoops, I just forget since we've never met the mystery man." Spikes laughed.

"Engaged or not, she's a cat. I don't lay with their kind." Takado growled, shaking his head.

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" Kitty hissed, stepping closer to him.

"It means I don't waste my time on feline's." Takado snarled. His eyes met his sister's and he quickly calmed himself for her.

"And what do you mean cat? Nadine isn't... Are you?" Spikes barked, her eyes wide as she looked at their former teacher.

"Carissa, use your nose, she wreaks of feline." Takado sighed heavily.

"And if that's not enough, when was the last time you saw a human with natural crimson red eyes?"

Kitty rolled her eyes, stepping away into the kitchen as everyone else made their way to the living room.

"Kitty." His voice alone me her cringe.

"We need to talk."

"What do you want to talk about?" Kitty hissed through a smile as she turned to face him.

"I want to talk about what happened yesterday, and why the hell that asshole is here." David's glare was ice cold. Kitty took a step back, her eyes on the ground.

"Is he your boyfriend or something?"

"We are not doing this now David." Kitty hissed, her pupils shifting to slits.

"Why? Afraid your boyfriend will get upset?"

"He is not my boyfriend." Kitty rolled her eyes, grumbling under her breath.

"Quit acting like such a high-schooler."

Kitty sighed softly, her eyes drifting to Takado in his seat beside Spikes.

She wasn't even sure they were friends, wasn't sure she'd even want him as a friend.

She groaned loudly, finally tuning in to David's complaining she'd been ignoring.

"David, shut up!" Kitty hissed, grabbing the front of his shirt.

"You are in a house filled with demons, all of whom adore me. So if you want to keep breathing I suggest you put on a smile, say happy birthday and eat some goddamn cake."

David gulped, rubbing his arm once Kitty released him. She turned and continued to make her way into the kitchen and David turned around to join everyone else in the living room.

Spikes sat in between Takado and Xander, laughing as they swapped stories of their childhood. Spikes finally visiting the memories she'd left behind because they'd hurt too much.

"I can't believe you got into a fight with an actual dog." Nadine laughed, nearly choking on the glass of water she'd been drinking.

"The worst part is she lost." Takado grinned, pulling his sister into a headlock and ruffling her hair.

"How could you lose to an actual dog?" Xander laughed. He grunted slightly when she punched his arm, her cheeks burning red.

"I was still just a pup okay?" Spikes responded defensively.

"I just preferred being a dog in those days."

"That must have been adorable to watch you pretend to be a dog as a child." David chuckled, feebly attempting to join the conversation.

The four demons in the room stopped laughing, staring at David as Kitty walked back into the room.

She instantly glared at him, sensing the sudden tension in the room.

"What did the idiot human do now?" Kitty groaned, shaking her head.

"I didn't do anything." David responded defensively. 

"I just said it must have been cute to see Spikes pretend to be a dog."

David looked up at Kitty, trying to imitate a sad puppy's face himself. A smile began to tug at the corner of her lips.

Half because he was stupid, half because at least he was trying to be social.

"Come on guys, give him a break." Kitty chuckled, patting David's head before taking a seat in between David and Takado.

"He doesn't know anything about demons, or sub-types."

"I'm so used to speaking with those like us that I forget how ignorant humans are on the matter." Nadine giggled.

"No offense of course."

"None taken." David laughed, nodding in agreement with her.

"Sub-types?" Spikes questioned, glancing around the group.

Everyone turned to glance at Spikes, her ears turning bright red with embarrassment. 

"Takado did you not teach her?" Nadine questioned, her gaze falling on his own.

"I planned on teaching her when she turned ten, but I... died before that was possible, so no." Takado responded, his own eyes falling to the floor.

"I thought she may have learned over the years, but it wouldn't appear to be the case."

"Maybe you guys can teach both of us." David grinned at Spikes, who smiled reluctantly back at him.

"There's several different sub-types of demons. Elemental demons, succubi, animal demons which is us, and many more." Kitty explained, smiling as she relaxed in her seat.

"Animal types are categorized by the ability to shift into the respective animal as well as carrying similar traits to them.

Example: As a demon I naturally have better sight than a human, but as a cat demon my sight is even better than that of those dogs."

"I'm actually a direwolf, and so is Carissa." Takado rolled his eyes as Kitty gestured to the tree canines on the couch.

"What?!" Spikes barked as she jumped off of the couch. Everyone turned to look at Takado, and he shifted uncomfortably under their gaze.

"Our father and mother were direwolves, this really isn't that big of a deal," Takado shrugged his shoulders, his eyes falling to his feet.

"I thought direwolves went extinct when the sabertooths did during the war 500 years ago," Katherine whispered. Takado looked up at her, surprise coloring his jade eyes.

"They nearly did. Between the war with Sabertooth, and internal struggles between packs..." Takado inhaled deeply, fidgeting with his hands in his lap.

"My father said he searched for 450 years approximately before he found my mother, who was only 150 years old at the time. It's pretty likely that they were the last two, so they were married and now there's Carissa and I."

Spikes stared at her brother, eyes wide as she shook. She sat back down beside him, eyes pleading for him to continue speaking of the family she'd never known.

"It's very likely that Carissa and I are the last two pure direwolves in existence," Takado's voice shook as he spoke. He hung his head, his tawny hair falling over his eyes. Spikes stared at her brother for a moment before turning to look at everyone else preseant.

"I'm... I'm a direwolf," Spikes hestitated as she spoke. She looked down at her hands, turning them over as if somehow the new information hand changed them. She looked back up at Xander, a wild grin on her lips. "That's so fucking cool!"

Xander, Nadine and David began laughing, but Kitty stared at Takado, still hunched over. His shoulders moved slowly with each breath he took. She reached over, barely touching his elbow. His head shot up and his eyes focused in on hers.

'Are you okay?' she mouthed. Takado glared at her, taking a deep breath he turned and began engaging in the conversation as he had before. Kitty sighed softly, rubbing her arm with her hand. Everyone else was speaking too excitedly to notice the exchange between the two, and it almost made her wonder if it had actually happened.

"What else can you guys do?" David chimed in. Kitty smiled briefly at his enthusiasm.

"Aside from shifting to our given animal states, most demons also have some sort of ability, gift, affinity or whatever else you might prefer to call it." Nadine smiled, opening her palm.

David, Spikes and Kitty gasped as a small flame appeared in her hand.

"For example, I can create and manipulate fire."

"That's so cool." David commented. Kitty and Spikes both trying to hide their excitement.

"What can you do?" Spikes asked, turning to her brother. Her grin so wide it almost made him uncomfortable.

"I don't have anything that cool." Takado responded, almost hesitantly.

"I have energy manipulation, which means I can copy a persons energy or aura, mask my own or those around me. It's a nice defensive ability."

"What do you mean defensive?" David asked, his face stern as he met Takado's eyes.

"My ability helps me hide from hunters or other demons, whereas an ability like Nadine's is better for attacking."

Kitty's stomach lurched at the brief mention of hunters. Takado's eyes instantly found her, watching her as she calmed herself outside of anyone else's notice.

"No more learning!" Kitty cheered, hoping to escape Takado's gaze.

"We have a cake to eat and a birthday to celebrate!"

"Alright, alright." Xander groaned, standing from the couch as Kitty stood, bouncing around the group. Takado's eyes narrowed, unsure of what to make of her reactions. He sighed, returning his attention to his younger sister.

They stepped into the dinning room, everyone gathered around Spikes who was forced to sit at the head of the table. 

Kitty brought in the cake, excitedly encouraging everyone to sing happy birthday.

"Make a wish!" Kitty called out, smiling down at Spikes's beet read face.

"Call me cliche, but there's really nothing more I could wish for." Spikes smiled. She looked up at her brother, Kitty and Xander. She reached up, wiping a tear from her eye.

"I've had the most amazing birthday imaginable. But I can think of something so I can eat this cake."

Everyone laughed as Spikes paused for another moment before blowing out the candles and everyone cheered, Kitty throwing her arms around her before they all sat down to eat cake.

Spikes smiled more than she had in years, for once truly enjoying her birthday.

... 

Kitty sighed, dropping the plates into the sink while everyone else had retreated into the living room once again.

She was surprised to find Takado staring at the coffee machine with confusion as she turned around.

She inhaled deeply before walking up to him, lightly touching his arm.

"What do you want, Princess?" Takado growled, turning to face her.

"I wanted to thank you for being civil and even nice to me today. I didn't expect it after the last time we spoke." Kitty kept her voice down. She smiled weakly at Takado, fidgeting with her hands.

"I'm not going to ruin my sister's birthday." He responded curtly, moving to turn back around.

"And I want to apologize for my outburst yesterday." Takado paused, once again turning to look at her. 

"I was angry, but what I did was completely out of line and I'm really sorry. I hope you can forgive me, and maybe we can be friends?"

Takado smiled sweetly down at her. Kitty shoulder's relaxed slightly just before his smile turned cruel.

"Friends? Seriously? Do you really think any apology you give me will ever make up for you threatening to keep my sister from me?" Takado began to laugh as he stepped toward Kitty. 

She stepped back, running into the kitchen's island. He leaned over her, his face inches from hers.

"If you ever try to take her from me again and I will have you begging for death. I will leave you completely alone, you will have nothing and no one, do you understand me?"

Kitty nodded briefly, struggling against the tears that were forming in her eyes.

"Good." He scoffed, straightening himself.

"Time for you to grow up, and leave me the fuck alone."

Kitty watched him step out of the kitchen, her legs giving out from beneath her once he'd left her sight.

Her heart was racing and tears still threatened to fall from her eyes.

She hadn't realized how deeply she'd hurt him, how deeply she'd likely hurt many others before him.

He'd frightened her, that was inescapable. But what scared her even more, was he was right.

It was time to grow up. 

Chapter 14: Second Star On The Right

Kitty wept openly once she'd made her decision.

She would never see her father again, but Spikes would finally have some semblance of a family.

Spikes need her brother more than Kitty needed her father.

It was still hard for Kitty to forced herself to turn away.

"I'm sorry Daddy." Kitty whimpered through her tears as she stood up. 

Once more she gently ran her hands across the cool stone.

"Goodbye."

Her stomach was in knots as she stepped away. It was harder than she'd realized to walk away while she held the power to bring him with her.

But she continued to walk, force herself to stick to the decision she'd made.

Kitty had walked a few feet away when new tears sprung from her eyes.

She turned once more to glance back at her father's grave, blurred from her tears.

"I love you Daddy. Don't ever forget that okay?" Kitty called out through her tears, waiting a few moments longer before she turned and ran away from his grave, unable to hear the voice of a man long gone.

"I love you too Sweetheart," Curtis whispered sadly as he watched his little girl walk away.

She'd never know he watched her closely, she's never know she hadn't needed to travel so far to speak to him.

"You raised her well during your lifetime, Curtis." Her voice carried softly through the wind.

"Of course I did." He murmured, watching Kitty leave his sight before turning to face Demonia.

"Are you cross with me?" Her tone was almost sarcastic in its playfulness

"Why her Demonia? She's just a kid and you've given her such a heavy burden to bear." Curtis's voice began to rise as he spoke.

"You didn't even warn her of the repercussions this supposed gift of yours might have."

"Your daughter is a lot stronger than you give her credit for."

"It's not about her strength. Why did you do this?"

"Katherine has a very important choice to make." Demonia responded, hanging her head slightly.

"And what choice is that?" Curtis crossed his arms over his chest, his rusty eyes never leaving her amethyst ones.

"The choice between her past, and her future."

...

"So now that I'm here, what the hell am I supposed to do?" Kitty groaned, throwing her arms up to the air.

"Demonia said something about harnessing the soul... except she never told me how to."

She ran a hand through her ebony hair, pulling her phone out to scour the internet for ideas.

She'd already exhausted all her television related resources, and she was not a single step closer to bringing Takado back from the grave.

She threw her phone onto the ground when it was incapable of giving her any new information.

She bit down on her lip to the point of drawing blood. She was at a complete loss.

She'd begun to wonder if Demonia had lied to her, if this whole thing had just ended up being a stupid joke that only she would be stupid enough to fall for.

"A little help would be nice here, Takado." Kitty hissed, kicking his tombstone from frustration.

Kitty closed her eyes and tried to focus on what it was she wanted to achieve.

Maybe it was more simple than she was making it.

She ignored the warm breeze that blew past her, and the rustling of near by plants.

She just needed to keep her eyes closed and stay focused.

Kitty groaned loudly as a coyote's howl interrupted her thoughts. 

Her eyes flew open before she sighed, resting her head against her knee.

For a moment she contemplated going home.

That it had all been an elaborate prank after all.

Kitty winced as a reflection of light bounced off of her bracelet into her eye.

Kitty sighed, ignoring it until she realized she was alone at night in a cemetery.

Kitty turned her head, eyes wide at the sight of a small glowing orb a few feet away, hovering just above the ground.

She was breathless. Her eyes fixed on the small light, disbelief written clearly on her face.

She couldn't help but wonder if something she'd done had worked, or if she had merely been hallucinating.

She didn't even know what the ball of light might possibly be.

Her breath caught in her throat.

"Takado?" 

Her voice was just above a whisper but the light bobbed in response.

Cautiously she reached her hand out, flinching as it ebbed closer to her.

She inhaled deeply and reached her hand out once more, staying perfectly still as the light seemed to settle into her hand.

She pulled her hand in close, examining the light with awe.

It was weightless, the only confirmation Kitty had that there was something in her hand at all was the slight heat that radiated from it.

"I hope you know I have no idea what I'm doing, and I'm sorry if you come out... messed up." Kitty chuckled nervously.

The small orb turned over in her hand and a smile found it's way across her lips despite herself.

"Here goes nothing."

Kitty release the orb and watched with awe as it floated to the tombstone and then began to sink into the ground.

Kitty squirmed backwards, unsure of whatever may happen next.

Her heart raced for excitement, and fear that filled her as soon as the the orb of light ceased illuminating the small potion of the graveyard.

The sense of peace she usually felt at Takado's grave was gone and replaced my dread, but she stayed still.

She waited for whatever would happen next.

She didn't wait long when a hand emerged from the ground, clawing at the surface and struggling to pull the rest of the body up with it.

Kitty sat perfectly still as she watched Takado pull himself out of the ground, unsure if she should help him or not.

He was on his hands and knees panting and coughing as though he were trying to expel dust from his lungs.

Kitty covered her mouth to supress a small laugh as she stayed still and watched.

Kitty continued to sit in silence until his breathing began to even out.

"Takado?" Her voice was a hoarse whisper.

Instantly his head shot up and his jade eyes locked onto her sapphire ones.

They stayed silent.

Takado trying to catch his breath, and Kitty trying to decide what to say.

Takado refused to break eye contact, even when Kitty backed away slightly.

"How do you know my name?" He coughed, his voice dry and raspy.

"I know your sister, Carissa." Kitty inhaled deeply, trying to slow her racing heart.

"Where's my sister?" Takado snarled. His eyes narrowed, and teeth bared as he straightened himself.

"She's at my house." Kitty responded cautiously. 

"She lives with me."

"Why the fuck is she living with you? Who are you? You wreak of feline."

Kitty sighed, sitting up straight.

"My name is Katherine, you can call me Kitty. Spikes has been living with me for the last year and a half. I'm a cat demon."

Kitty frowned as his face contorted with disgust at her mention of being a cat.

"That's not possible. Carissa was with me just yesterday, and I certainly don't remember living with a cat for a year of our lives."

"I need to ask you something." Kitty said gently, waiting for him to nod slightly before continuing.

"What do you remember?"

"I... I remember getting hurt." Takado's voice rose just above a whisper. He lifted his hand to his chest, his fingertips ghosting over where he'd sworn he'd been badly injured.

"I remember seeing Carissa... She was scared, I was trying to tell her... not to cry."

Takado reared back away from Kitty, glaring at her.

Surprised with himself for actually talking to her.

"What does it matter to you? You don't know me, and clearly not my sister either." He barked. He attempted to stand but quickly found his legs not strong enough to hold his weight yet.

"I have a lot of explaining to do then." Kitty said softly, reaching out to touch his hand.

Takado growled, retracting his hand away from her grasp.

"Please just hear me out? You've missed a lot."

Much to his own surprise, Takado relented and agreed to hear the cat out.

...

"How do you expect me to believe that I've been dead for nine years?" Takado rolled his eyes. His voice was thick with sarcasm. 

"No." Kitty admitted.

"It's a lot to take in, I don't expect you to believe it, but it's true.

Your sister is turning eighteen and your mother is the person who gave me the ability to bring you back."

Takado leaned back against the tombstone, taking a moment to think.

To breathe.

The cat seemed sincere enough, but he wasn't one to trust.

"Why did you bring me back? Was there no other option that would benefit you more?" 

Kitty's eyes widened before dropping to her lap.

Her thoughts filled with her father's undisturbed grave in Starlight Shores.

"No." Kitty lied smoothly.

"Demonia specified that this would only work for you."

Takado nodded curtly. 

Her story was a difficult one to believe.

He couldn't imagine having been dead to suddenly return.

"So what is it you want from me?"

"I want you to wait a week before you reunite with your sister." Kitty grinned and inched closer to him.

"And why would I do that?" Takado growled.

"Because her birthday is in a week and I'd love to make it special for her." Kitty's smile only grew as she explained.

Takado chuckled, smiling for only a second.

It was almost amusing how simplistic the cat was.

"I've already made hotel arrangements for you. I'll meet with you everyday so we can plan out her very small surprise party."

"Alright." Takado sighed as he stood from the ground.

"You mean you'll do it?" Kitty beamed with excitement as she stood with him.

"I don't have much of a choice if I want to see me sister again do I?" Takado glared at Kitty, crossing his arms over his chest.

Kitty took a step back biting down on her lip.

"I can take you to see her now if you really want. I just want to try to do something special for her birthday."

Takado's shoulders relaxed. He reached up, scratching his head for a moment.

"No longer than a week though, do you understand?"

Kitty smiled again and Takado smiled briefly in response, listening to her rant about all the preparations for Spikes's Birthday.

"I know you still aren't sure if you believe me or not." Kitty spoke as she rummaged through her pocket.

Kitty quickly pulled out her phone and went through her photos to find a good picture of herself with Spikes.

"Here." Kitty announced as she turned her phone around, placing it in Takado's hands.

"What is this?"

"It's a picture of me and Spike- Carissa, I mean." Kitty quickly corrected herself.

Takado glanced at the image, for a moment thinking nothing of it until he was the contrasting golden and amethyst eyes.

His face softened as he lifted his hand.

His fingertips gently brushed against the phone's surface.

"That's her. You were telling the truth."

Kitty frowned, unable to read his tone of voice as he spoke.

"Come on. Let's get you to the hotel." Kitty smiled at him, taking her phone from his hand.

Kitty walked quickly, anxious to put space between herself and the cemetery.

Takado followed behind her quietly, wondering if there was more to the cat than she was letting on.

...

Kitty sighed softly as she trailed behind Spikes throughout the library.

Typically it was Spikes trying to keep up with Kitty, but the cat had too much on her mind as it was to really think about books.

It has already been four days since Kitty had assisted in Takado's resurrection.

They'd made progress on planning for Spikes birthday, though Kitty felt the urge to strangle him at times.

Spikes paused in the middle of the aisle, resting her hand on the bookshelf as she turned to face Kitty.

"Okay what is going on with you?" Spikes whispered harshly.

Kitty peered at Spikes through her hair, biting the inside of her cheek as she tried to think of what to say.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Kitty responded flatly. She turned around and pretended to be reading book titles.

"I am pretty tired I guess, but nothing else."

"It's not just today though Kitty." Spikes sighed, dropping her hand to her side.

She took a step closer to Kitty.

"It's like the last four days you've been really out of it, and you keep vanishing in the middle of the day."

"Have I? I didn't even notice." Kitty turned to smile at Spikes, before returning her attention to the books before her.

Spikes lightly hit the top of Kitty's head with one of the books in her hand, smiling gently at her.

"Are you sure you're alright?"

"Spikes I promise I'm fine." Kitty laughed. She took a step past Spikes, trying to think of how to best distract the dog.

"Other than having a best friend who doesn't like Star Wars."

"Will you just let it go Kitty?" Spikes groaned and followed behind her.

Kitty smirked as Spikes continued to complain.

She hadn't expected the distraction to work quite that well, but it was better for her that it did.

"Anyways we should probably head home, it's almost 1:30."

"Is it already?" Kitty sighed, glancing at the phone on her clock.

"I'll meet you at the house later okay?"

"Vanishing on me again? Just like I said you've been doing." Spikes frowned and leaned against one of the book shelves.

"It's a doctor's appointment Spikes. I'm hardly disappearing." Kitty smiled and avoided eye contact.

"Fine. Stay safe." Spikes sighed as Kitty began to walk off.

"You'll tell me what you're actually up to one of these days, won't you?"

Kitty hesitated before turning the corning.

She briefly met Spikes's eyes, and vanished.

...

"Kitty?"

She groaned the moment she heard his voice. She was already late and irritable from the high chance of rain.

David was not going to help any of that.

"Hey Kitty." David lightly tapped on her arm.

Kitty spun to face him, taking a few steps back before acknowledging his presence.

"Oh David... I didn't see you there."

"I know. That's why I walked over." He grinned at her, rocking on his heels.

"So what are you doing here?"

"Nothing, just picking up food and going home." Kitty forced a smile back.

"It was nice to see you, but I really have to go."

"I'll come with you." David offered, he quickly caught up to her as she tried to walk away.

He smiled as he tried to slip his hand into hers as they made their way to the doors.

"Don't touch me!" Kitty hissed. She snapped her hand out of David's much larger ones.

For a moment she stood still, listening to her heart race before she ran out the door.

"Kitty what's wrong?" David called out as he chased after her.

"Nothing. I just want to go home and rest." Kitty sighed, hoping the lie was convincing.

"I just need some time to myself right now."

"Are you mad at me?" 

Kitty groaned, turning around to glare at David. His face easily resembled a wounded puppy.

"I'm starting to be."

"What did I do? Can I make it up to you?" David stepped closer, reaching for her hands once more.

"I told you not to touch me!"

She was definitely going to be late.

...

"Why the fuck are you at a hotel?"

His voice both surprised, and infuriated her. She groaned as she turned around.

"What are you my stalker now? Did you not get the hint that I don't want to fucking be near you right now?"

"I'm just trying to understand what the hell is wrong with you right now." David responded.

He walked over to her, staring down at her as though he were some form of concerned parent.

"Nothing is wrong with me, okay? Just please go home." Kitty sighed.

She was already thirty minutes late after fighting with him outside the restaurant and now she would be even later.

"Not until you tell me why you're here." David crossed his arms and leaned against a nearby wall.

"It's none of your business, David."

"You'd better believe it's my business." David shouted, pushing himself off of the wall and stepping closer to her.

"I care about your safety, and randomly going to a hotel hardly seems like safe behavior."

"And you think just because you care about me entitles you to know every detail of my life?" Kitty hissed, her pupils quickly changing to slits.

"That's not what I said Kitty, calm down." David spoke more quietly, but continued to step towards Kitty.

"No, but that's what you're acting like."

Kitty pushed back on his shoulders when he got too close.

"Go home, David."

Takado growled, leaned against the elevator wall with his foot tapping impatiently on the floor.

He didn't care that the cat was over an hour late.

The only reason he was bothering to leave to look for her was because she was the only known link to his sister.

The cat herself didn't matter.

That's what he kept telling himself as the elevator continued its slow descent.

"I'm you best friend. I'm just trying to look out for you." David began to plead with her.

"Actually Spikes is my best friend." Kitty retorted harshly, turning away from his.

David's shoulders slumped, and pain swelled in his hazel eyes.

She'd hurt him, and she didn't care at all.

"No. You're just saying that because you're upset." David took a step back, talking to himself more than he was to Kitty.

"You say things to hurt people when you're upset even if it's not true."

"Are you really that stupid?" Takado could hear Kitty almost laugh as he exited the elevator.

He took a step back, eyes wide as he stared at her in disbelief.

He'd argued with her plenty of times in their short time together, but he'd never seen her like this.

Then his eyes fell on the target of her assault and he could feel his blood boil.

"No. You didn't mean it. You can't mean it." David began to shout.

"We're always been best friends. Ever since we were kids we've been best friends."

"You are nothing to me." Kitty hissed, taking another step towards David.

"Now get out."

"No! No I'm not leaving you!" David shouted, grabbing her hands and pulling her towards himself.

"Don't fucking touch me." Kitty shouted as she struggled to pull her hands out of his grip.

"No. No I'm not letting go until you listen to me-"

David was abruptly cut off by Takado lifting him by his throat and throwing him into a nearby wall.

Kitty stood motionless, staring at Takado with disbelief.

The room was silent outside her breath and the low growl in Takado's throat.

Kitty sighed with relief as David's breathing joined the room's sounds.

Kitty sidestepped Takado to look at David.

He held a hand gingerly to his throat while the other hand helped steady himself where he sat on the floor.

His eyes burned like fire as he glared up at Takado.

"You keep your fucking hands off of her, do you understand me?" Takado snarled, his eyes beginning to glow.

"And just who the hell are you?" David turned his glare briefly to Kitty before returning it to Takado.

David struggled to stand and face the man that stood between himself and Kitty.

The man that had to be at least 6'9" and had just thrown him into the wall.

The man whose sheer presence seemed to have calmed Kitty.

"Someone you don't want to mess with." Takado continued to snarl, taking a step closer to Kitty, blocking David's view of her.

"So I suggest you turn around and go home."

"Kitty, what is this?" David asked, wondering if the brute before him would even let her respond.

"Just go home David." Came her quite sigh.

"Kitty please-"

"You heard her. Now get lost." Takado took a step closer to David, and he took three back.

Takado may not care for the cat, but he would never tolerate a man putting his hands on a woman.

That's how he rationalized it.

"David please just go." Kitty stepped out from behind Takado.

Her voice wasn't pleading or angry like it had been before.

Her voice was warning him.

"I'm not leaving you here alone with this-"

"David, I promise you I am perfectly safe. You are not." Kitty's voice grew quieter.

"Please."

"Kitty I can't... I can't just leave you here." David glared at the man who was acting almost like Kitty's guard dog.

"I'm not leaving without you."

"Then I guess you're leaving in a body bag." Takado grinned, taking another step closer to David.

"Takado!" Kitty grabbed his arm, halting his steps towards David.

"Don't please. Let me take care of this."

Takado paused, glancing down at her.

His shoulder relaxed slightly as his eyes met her sapphire gaze.

"Fine." Takado relented, taking a step back. He turned his gaze to David.

"He lays another finger on you though and he dies."

Kitty nodded. She quickly walked around Takado and up to David.

"This is Spikes's brother, Takado. A bunch of magic demon stuff happened and he's not dead anymore so I've been meeting with him to prepare for Spikes's birthday." Kitty explained quietly and quickly.

"He may not like me much, but he's not going to hurt me. If for no other reason than I'm his only link to Spikes right now, okay?"

"Kitty, I don't like this." David sighed, reaching out towards her arm.

He stopped at the sound of Takado's growling coming from behind Kitty.

"It doesn't matter how you feel David. You cannot do anything about it." Kitty responded.

"Go home. I'll see you at Spikes's party tomorrow, and we can talk more then if you insist, okay?"

David hesitantly nodded and turned to leave.

Pausing only to glare at Takado before he stepped out of the hotel.

Kitty sighed with relief, turning to glare at Takado as he chuckled.

"Is something about this funny to you?" Kitty snapped at him.

"What?"

"Nevermind, let's just go upstairs, okay?" Kitty hissed, pushing past him as she made her way to the elevator.

Takado rolled his eyes and followed Kitty into the elevator.

He ignored her as she yammered on about her appreciation for his help, and something about not being so violent.

Takado was grateful to her of course for restoring his life, but he'd grown impatient with the cat.

As soon as he was reunited with his sister he planned on getting her away from the feline.

He hated other demons, and none more than cats.

Takado's mind continued to wander as he followed Kitty down the hall and into the suite he'd been staying in.

Continued to ignore the ramblings coming from the feline's lips.

Those delicate, perfectly shaped lips...

Takado quickly growled and shook his head, banishing the thought from his mind.

However it hadn't escaped Kitty's notice.

"What the hell is your problem?" Kitty hissed as she spun on her heel and glared up at him.

Takado stayed silent, his eyes never leaving her hers.

He smirked slightly as her cheeks flushed.

Cute.

That didn't change that she couldn't be trusted as far as she could be thrown.

Takado almost laughed.

He actually could probably throw the small cat pretty far.

"Your constant chatter is my problem." Takado chuckled in an effort to conceal a growl.

"Seriously do you ever shut up?"

"Excuse you?" Kitty hissed, taking a step toward him.

"This may come as a surprise to you, Princess. But not everyone wants to listen to everything you have to say, or bend over backwards to please you."

Kitty stood in stunned silence for a moment, trying to understand Takado's outburst.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" Kitty shouted, her pupils once again shifting to slits.

"What makes you think you can talk to me like that after everything I've done for you and your sister."

"Get the fuck over it, Princess." Takado barked.

He wasn't one to deal with her type.

She was spoiled, privileged, and acted as if the world owed her something.

She'd never known what it was like to suffer. To starve, to be afraid for your life, to lose the people you love.

She'd known none of it.

"I'm not asking you to be over backwards for me." Kitty stomped her foot on the ground, fists clenched at her sides.

"I just want to get along with you, but you go out of your way to be an ass to me! You'd think you would be a little nicer given I brought you back from the dead."

"Too fucking bad. You chose to bring me back, now you get to deal with the repercussions of it." Takado growled, taking a step towards her.

"I didn't ask for this so don't try to hold it over my head. Grow up instead of being such a stuck up little bitch."

Takado nearly fell against the wall, blinking in shock staring at Kitty who stood over him, breathing heavily from the shot she'd taken to his jaw.

He lifted his hand to where she'd hit him in the jaw, surprised by the force she'd put behind it and certain it would hurt him later.

"So that's how you wanna play?" Takado snarled, getting up on his feet.

He spat some blood from his mouth as he cracked his knuckles.

He didn't believe in hitting women.

Unless they could handle their own, and to his surprise, Kitty could.

"You'd better be ready to fight me after a swing like that." Takado almost laughed as he started to swing for Kitty's face.

"Lay a finger on me, and you will never see your sister again." Kitty hissed darkly, taking a step closer to Takado.

Takado's fist stopped an inch from her face.

Her words hit harder than the strike to his jaw.

He snarled swinging his fist around into the wall, his fist easily going through it.

For a moment he stood motionless, breathing with his fist still in the wall.

All he could think was he needed to reach his sister, and get rid of the cat standing in the way.

He pulled his fist out, pulling debris with it.

"I don't know what my sister sees in a person like you." Takado snarled.

He walked past her, making his way to the suite's bedroom.

He'd been annoyed by the cat before, but now.

Now if she crossed him again he might just kill her.

Kitty watched him walk away, her eyes still slits until she heard the bedroom door slam shut.

Finally realizing what it was she'd said.

Kitty sunk to the ground, desperately wiping away at the tears that fell from her eyes.

She hadn't mean it.

She would never keep Takado from Spikes, no matter what he did to her.

She was more ashamed of herself than she had been in a long time.

She knew she had to make this right, but she didn't know how to.

Takado had proven he was not an easy person to please.

Kitty rubbed at her eyes once again before standing from her seat on the ground.

She couldn't go home upset, or Spikes would be out for blood.

Kitty chuckled at the thought of Spikes finding her brother that way.

Kitty sighed and pulled her wallet out of her pocket.

She quickly placed a hundred dollars on the coffee table before walking up to the bedroom door of the suite.

She knocked on it lightly, sighing when there was no response.

"Look I don't expect you to talk to me, but please listen." Kitty spoke quietly. "I left a hundred dollars for you on the coffee table so you can get a hair cut and take a taxi to my house tomorrow."

Kitty turned to walk away, but paused for a moment.

She looked back at the door, wishing Takado would say something.

"I'm really sorry about what I said... I didn't mean it." Kitty whispered before walking down the hall and out the door.

...

"I'm not sure I trust you being home alone." Spikes's eyes narrowed as she stared at Kitty.

"What's the worst Jinx and I could possibly do Spikes?" Kitty chuckled nervously, gesturing toward her cat.

"We did live alone for six months before you moved in, remember?"

"Yeah, but I'm not convinced you actually gave up on the birthday thing." Spikes took a step closer to Kitty, attempting to look into her eyes.

"Honestly Spikes. I already know you don't want to do anything, and I already gave you your present." Kitty responded, rolling her eyes.

"Besides who's going to help me set up? Jinx? I couldn't do all that alone."

Spikes opened her mouth to speak, only to finder herself interrupted by Xander.

"Come on Spikes, it's already noon and her majesty clearly wants some alone time." He smiled briefly, wrapping his arm around Spikes's waist.

"Let's go okay?"

He began to pull her towards the door, but Spikes kept looking back at Kitty.

Finally she sighed, relenting as she whistled for Damon so that they could leave.

"Have fun!" Kitty cheered, instantly regretting it when Spikes eyed her suspiciously.

Spikes pulled away from Xander. She walked over and hugged Kitty briefly before letting her go.

"Please don't do anything too crazy." Spikes sighed as she walked back to Xander's side.

"We should be back around five. I'll see you then."

"You worry too much. What's the worst two cats can do?" Kitty grinned as Spikes, Xander and Damon walked outside.

Kitty ran to the window, watching them pile into the car and held her breath until they were out of sight.

She sighed with relief when a yellow taxi came down the road ten minutes later.

Takado walked up to the door, frowning as Kitty ran to open it for him.

"Thank goodness you got here when you did, Tako!" Kitty exclaimed closing the door as he stepped inside.

He stayed silent as he took in the size of the place Kitty called home.

"Spikes only just left fifteen minutes ago and I was really worried you'd get here before she left." Kitty explained as she twirled with excitement.

"So you ready to get everything set up for your sister's birthday?"

"I guess." He responded quietly.

"You know..." Kitty hesitated as she stepped into the living room.

"You're actually kind of handsome when you're cleaned up."

Kitty smiled and vanished behind the door.

Takado blinked and followed after her, wondering what the slight warmth in his cheeks was.

...

"We're over an hour earlier than we said we'd be, don't you think we should have called?" Xander groaned as he stepped out of the car.

"I don't see why." Spikes said, almost grinning. 

"Unless of course, she were trying to do something to surprise me an hour from now."

Xander sighed, shoving his hands into his pockets as he waited for Spikes to let Damon out of the care.

Damon bounced alongside Spikes and Xander, chewing on his new toy as they walked.

Both Xander and Spikes jumped slightly when Damon suddenly began to growl.

"Damon?" Spikes turned around, surprised to find her dog growling as he sniffed the air. 

"What's wrong?" Xander asked as he continued to walk to the door.

"I don't know yet." Spikes said softly.

She leaned over Damon, about to stroke his head when he started snarling and ran for the front door.

"Damon!" Spikes called out after him. 

She stood frozen in place, unsure of how to respond to her dog's out burst.

"Spikes, what is happening?" Xander asked, grabbing her arm.

"I honestly don't know-" She paused as soon as it caught her attention.

There was someone else in the house, someone whose scent she couldn't recognize.

"Goddamnit." Spikes growled and ran after Damon, leaving Xander to catch up.

"You realize she's going to hate this right?" Takado raised an eyebrow at Kitty as he glanced at all the decor in the room. 

"You realize she's going to be too distracted by you to care right?" Kitty grinned as she put up another balloon stand.

"Carissa has never been one for this kind of stuff."

"I've lived with her for two years. You really think I don't know that?" Kitty sighed dramatically.

"I think this is fun, and this time she'll let me get away with it because the only thing she is going to care about is you."

Kitty's grin was quickly wiped away by the sound of very loud, very angry barking.

Damon quickly made his way into the living room after clawing at the living room door for a few seconds. 

He ran straight to Takado, snarling and ready to bite if Takado moved at all.

"Kitty!" Kitty groaned at the sound of Spikes calling for her.

Takado tried to step forward, but found himself blocked by Damon nipping at his ankles.

"Kitty! Damon and I could smell someone else's scent and are ok-" Spikes burst through the door, falling silent as he eyes landed on him. 

All the adrenaline and protective rage drained from her body in an instant.

It wasn't possible. She shook her head, taking a step backward.

Takado was dead.

He couldn't possibly be standing next to Kitty looking almost exactly as he had nine years ago.

Could he?

"Well shit..." Kitty muttered under her breath.