I really learned a lot

Really learned a lot

Love is like a flame,

It burns you when it’s hot

Love hurts

-Love Hurts “Nazareth”

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Friday night was supposed to be one of the best nights of my life. However, it turned out to be anything but. At my house, all hell was breaking loose.

"Get out! GET OUT!"

"Sir, I can explain..."

"I don't want any explanations from you! I don't ever want to see you again! Do you understand?!”

"No, Dad..."

"Kari, go to your room! You, get out of here!"

"But you don't..." I started to say but felt somebody put their hand on my shoulder.

"Come on, Kari." My brother Tai wrapped his arm around me and led me back to my room. I could hear my dad still yelling and then I heard him slam the front door. I collapsed on the bed and began to sob. It wasn't fair.

I guess I should start from the beginning. It began when Tai started to have a little trouble in chemistry so Izzy Izumi offered to help him out. At first, it didn't seem like a big deal. Izzy-kun has always been a good friend of ours so naturally my brother accepted his little offer. He needed all the help he could get and Izzy was the person who could give it.

Every afternoon, Izzy dropped by to teach Tai about solubility and acid-base chemistry. Sometimes, he'd stay over for dinner. I would be in the room while Izzy helped Tai out, studying at the same time. We'd talk sometimes during the breaks. And I as I talked with him more and more, I felt something come over me. I don't know why...but I felt funny around Izzy. I felt as though something crawled up my back and slid down my front. We couldn't stand to look at each other anymore. Or at least I couldn’t look at him because of that feeling. The more I thought about him, the stronger the feeling became. I didn’t know what it was till it hit me one day. I was in love.

I don't know why anyone wouldn't love Koushiro Izumi. His wild reddish brown hair isn't quite as wild anymore but I like it all the same. Those Oreo colored eyes were filled with intelligence and compassion. Just the way he talks, all that extensive vocabulary, I love it. Izzy may be older but I liked him. I had liked him a lot. Now I loved him.

Anyway the more I saw Izzy the more I adored him. I spent more time in Tai's room, just listening to everything he said. I didn't want to fall in love but I just couldn't keep the charade up any longer. I finally confronted Izzy and told him how I truly felt.

Naturally, he was surprised. I felt terrible but what else could I do? I didn't want to keep it under wraps for the rest of my life. Izzy-kun understood and confessed to me his biggest secret: he was in love with me. I asked him why and he couldn't answer. That was the first time Koushiro Izumi didn't have an answer for a question. I loved him even more after that.

We shared our first kiss tonight. It was sweet and firm, just like Izzy was. After the studying, the three of us went out for ice cream. Tai left early with some other friends but Izzy assured him that I'd get home in time. I swear that was all that I wanted to happen! But wouldn't you know it, tonight was the night the Teenage Wolves were playing close to our house. Naturally, the streets were jam- packed. I assume every girl was trying to get to the concert in time. They probably wanted a lock of Matt Ishida's hair or something. (As if he'd give it to them!) So Izzy and I were stuck for a long time. He turned on the radio and we sat in the car, listening to music and waiting for the traffic to clear. Time was going by so fast and I got so tired. That was when Izzy kissed me. I don't think I'll ever forget that despite my fatigue. I ultimately fell asleep and didn't wake up 'til my parents found us. They were banging on the door and yelling at us. I was leaning on Izzy and he had his arms wrapped around me. As it turned out, we were there for an hour and half. Growing worried, they came looking for us and thus, the result.

"Kari, I know Izzy didn't do anything to you." Tai was saying as soon as the whole fiasco was over. I let him come in so we could take about that situation. Right now, my brother was the only one I wanted to see. "He's not that type."

"I'm sorry, Tai. I...I didn't mean it..."

"I know that too." Tai said quietly. "I also know how much Izzy means to you."

"I'll never see him again!" I wailed. I haven’t wailed since I was eight but I couldn’t help it. The thought of never being near Izzy was unbearable.

"Yes, you will!” Tai exclaimed. “Izzy won't keep anything in his way. Not even Mom and Dad."

"I don't want to hurt Mom and Dad either." I mumbled softly, my lips quivering. "I'm sorry, Tai."

"You don't need to apologize to me. I don't know what to do now..."

"I want to see Izzy!" I sobbed, starting up a ruckus again. I didn’t want to be loud but the whole thing was overwhelming. "I want to be with him!"

"Shhhh! Kari, don't scream!” Tai hissed, grabbing me by my shoulders and making me face him. “Listen, I will find a way to bring Izzy to you. I'll tell him how you feel."

"He'll never speak to me again." I murmured. “Not after what Dad said.”

"It'll get better. Love will find a way if I don't." Tai promised. “And you’ve got to realize Dad was being protective. If Izzy weren’t my friend, I’d freak out too from seeing you with another guy. And he’ll get over it as well. Trust me.”

"Thank you." I whispered. Tai may not be as bright as Izzy but he knows what to say and do to make me feel better. That’s good enough for me.

But I miss Izzy already. I know he won't be welcome in our house again regardless what Tai says. I think my parents are relieved that we didn't do anything in that car but they're still furious. I've been grounded from everything. I'm just sitting at my desk, contemplating. Why did this go wrong? Whose fault was it? Was the band's fault for playing that night? Was it my brother's for leaving me with Izzy? Was it the traffic? Was it my parents? Was it Izzy's fault for kissing me? Or was it mine for falling asleep and falling in love?

"Go to bed, Kari." My brother said, putting an end to our discussion. "We'll sort this out tomorrow."

Numb to the bone, I nod and go into the bathroom to change. It's been the longest night for me and I don't know if I can sleep.

* * *

"Izzy..."

"Yeah, Kari?"

Oh no! Why am I dreaming this moment again?

"Izzy, I don't know how to say this in an easy way...I guess I'll have to be harsh."

"What's wrong, Kari?"

No! I don't want to hear this! This is what caused trouble for us in the first place!

"I...I love you."

Oh dear God! Stop it! I have to stop this!

"Kari..."

"I love you!"

I wait to hear Izzy say the same words but suddenly I'm surrounded by all other voices, authoritative voices. In short, my parents.

"Get away from my daughter!"

"GET OUT OF HER LIFE!"

No! NO! I could see Izzy turning pale, then running away. I hear myself call after him but my shouts are drowned out by my parents. I want to chase him and bring him back but my feet are glued to the ground. All the while, the screaming continues.

"We never want to see you and Kari together again!!!!!"

"We never want to see you period!"

Mama! Daddy! NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! Don't do this to me!!!!!!!!

* * *

"Don't!" I woke up with a start. That was the worst dream I ever had. I get down from my bunk and look at my brother. He's still asleep and snoring. Oh good, I didn’t wake him up. I know he didn’t want me to worry about this anymore.

Taking a sip of water from the glass, I pace around a bit. I need to calm down before I can go back to sleep. But how can I do that? I love Izzy like anything but my parents won’t let us get together anymore. Still, the fire inside my heart is burning. I want to see him. No, I have to see him.

I have to see Izzy again. Somehow, someway, I need to see him tomorrow. I won’t be at ease till I do.

* * *

I went over to the Izumi's the next day, lying to my parents unfortunately. I told them I had to pick up some homework from Davis (I don't think Davis himself would know what the homework was). Mrs. Izumi greeted me and, unlike my folks, she understood a little better. She led me into Izzy's room. He was working on the computer but pushed away from it when he saw me. I threw my arms around him and kissed him. This time, it had more passion and flair. Izzy pulled away from me for a minute.

"Kari…" He began. "I missed you."

"You're telling me! I can't stop thinking of you all night." I pulled him closer and hugged him tighter.

"You're not mad?" He asked with a whisper.

"No. You didn't do anything and you're not the type to do such things. It was at a bad time in a bad place." I admitted. “I’m really sorry.”

"Don’t be. Have you spoken to your parents?"

I shook my head. "No. I don't know what to say."

"Maybe if you explain things, they'll understand."

"You tried and they didn't listen."

"I'm not their child, you are. You should try..."

"Izzy, what do I do? I feel guilty." I interrupted. “I shouldn’t have done that. It’s partially my fault. I seriously feel guilty about this.”

"What? About falling in love?"

"Yeah." I looked down at my feet, my cheeks turning pink.

"You shouldn't be." Izzy smiled. "Love does funny things to people."

"How do I explain this to my parents?" I pouted. “I can’t get them to listen. But I love them too, Izzy. That’s what makes this so hard. How can I tell them something like this?”

"You have to figure that yourself, Kari. Believe it or not, I don't always have the answers." He shrugged. “Sometimes you have to find things on your own.”

"I know." I sighed. But where do I start looking for answers?

* * *
I spent the next couple of weeks thinking about how to bring this up to my parents. Everyday after school, I run into Izzy and spend time with him. Each one ends with us kissing more passionately than the day before and not quite as the kiss we'll have tomorrow. By now, I think the others know what's going on. I feel sorry for TK and Davis. I didn't mean to hurt their feelings. I guess this little relationship I have with Izzy is hurting everyone. But at least they’re good friends and not mad about this. Both of them understand. Now it’s my parent’s turn. After days of contemplation, I had finally decided how to explain everything to Mom and Dad.

"Kari, I think I know how to explain everything to Mom and Dad!" Tai came into my room all excited.

I smiled, grateful for my brother’s help though I didn’t need it. "Thanks, Tai. But I have a plan."

"Mine's is even better." He grinned.

"How so?"

"You have to see it to believe me!"

I shook my head. I was sure it was a good idea but I wanted to try mine out first. I had a feeling it would work. "Thanks but I'll go with mine."

"What's yours?" He asked.

"I'll tell Mom and Dad." I muttered. “I know it’s not elaborate but I think it’ll do.”

Tai, however, didn’t look so certain. "Kari, I know that's what you should do but..."

"I have to try. Izzy told me to."

"Trust me..." He begged.

"Let me try, Tai." I insisted. “Just one try. That’s all I ask.”

Tai sighed. I know he didn’t like this idea at all but he knew I wasn’t going to let my guard down.

"Okay." He stopped pressuring me. "Try talking to them."

I took a deep breath and headed to living room where both my parents were. My mom was slaving over the stove and my dad was sitting in front of the TV. I knew it was now or never.

"Mom? Dad? Can we talk?"

"Sure, honey. Let me check on the vegetables here." My mom said.

"Sit down, sweet pea." My dad patted the cushion next to him. I sat down like he told me. I nervously drummed my fingers, still unsure how I'd bring this up. I caught Tai watching from our room. He looked worried. Not that I blame him.

"What's up, Kari?" My mom asked.

"You know what happened a few days ago, right?"

"Oh, yes. The 'encounter' with that Izumi boy." My dad said, grimacing slightly.

I kept my cool. "Yeah. But the truth is, he didn't do anything to me. I swear! Koushiro Izumi is not that way!"

Both my parents were silent for a while and I was worried what they would say.

"I know, dear." My mom finally answered.

Well, that certainly wasn’t expected. "You do?"

"I've run into Izzy before. I know he'd never harm you in such a way." She told me.

"But why are you keeping me away from him?" I asked quizzically.

"It’s the fear that he'll fall in love with you. You've been seeing each other for a long time. That night in the car was too much." My dad shuddered.

It was their fear that Izzy would fall in love with me? Oh if only they knew! Still, that wasn't the reason I wanted...

"Can I see him still?" I asked hopefully.

"No, Kari. You still have to serve your punishment."

I felt the ground below me slip. I don't think this was going the way I wanted it to. I decided to give it up before I hurt myself. Smiling weakly, I nodded.

"I guess that's it." I tried not to cry.

"You sure?" My dad asked.

"Yeah. Thanks." With that, I hurried out of the room to where Tai was waiting.

“So?” He asked.

I looked up, tears sparkling in my eyes. I think that told him the whole story: it hadn't worked. But at least they didn't think THAT badly of Izzy.

"Can I put my plan into action?" Tai asked, wiping away a tear.

"Go ahead." I said with a shrug. Hopefully, he'd be more successful.

"Good. Go on over to Izzy's place."

"Huh?!" Now what was my brother suggesting?

"You heard me! Go!" He exclaimed, pointing me towards the door.

"But Tai..." I tried to say. Instead, he pushed me forward and almost slammed me into a wall.

"No buts! Go!"

"Oh...okay." I obeyed him and walked out of the room. I have no clue what this plan is. All I know is that I'm scared of the outcome.

* * *

I went to the Izumi's as usual. Once again, I threw my arms around Izzy and kissed him on the cheek.

"I tried." I murmured.

"I have a feeling you did. How'd it go?"

"Well, they know you didn't do anything to me. But they still won't let me see you. They said cause I was punished but I think there's more..."

"I do too."

"Izzy." I said sitting down. "What if they never approve of me with you?"

"I wouldn't mind. Your parents are only thinking of the best for you."

"I know but..."

"Kari, I love you very much. Even if they never let me see you, I'll be fine."

"You would?"

"Yes. Cause I know you can't stop thinking about me."

"You got that right." I smiled sheepishly.

"And I want you to know this: I would never harm you or anyone in your family. It's not in my nature."

"Of course not."

"You still love me?" He wrapped his arms around my waist.

"Yes. I fell in love with you and now I can't get out." I giggled, putting my arms around him.

"I fell in love with you too."

Then we kissed. This was probably the best kiss of all. I knew at that moment it was genuine and all of Izzy's words were true. I'd never doubt him again.

"Kari." I heard someone familiar say. I broke the kiss to see my parents and my heart almost cracked. I knew it. My life is over.

"Mom! Dad! I'm sorry!" I blurted out, standing up and brushing myself off. "I fell in love with Izzy first!"

"No, we're sorry.” My mom said. I didn’t hear her though.

"I didn't mean to. It just happened! We've been doing this for a while...I snuck out to see Izzy only! I can't help it! I love him!" I was on the verge if tears. I knew I was rambling but didn’t care. I was telling the truth.

"Kari, didn't you hear me? I said we're sorry."

"Yes! You're sorry cause I broke your rules." I began to cry.

"No." My dad shook his head and put an arm around me. "That’s not the reason. You see, Tai explained a couple of things to us..."

"Tai?" I perked up and stopped crying.

"Yeah." Tai poked his head through the door. "I thought I'd show Mom and Dad that you cared about Izzy."

"We're so sorry, Kari. We didn't know. We never thought you'd fall in love. But now I see you have." Mom sighed. But this was more like a sigh of relief.

"What are you saying?" I got suspicious.

"After Tai explained everything, we still didn't believe him. So we followed him to the Izumi's and listened to all you said. It turns out that you two really love each other and that Izzy would never hurt you."

"No I wouldn't." Izzy said honestly.

"We were blind to this. I have a feeling that's what you wanted to say tonight." Mom said. "I guess even we can't keep you from falling in love. But you what? It’s okay. We trust Izzy and we trust you."

"You do?” I mumbled.

"What does this mean, Mrs. Kamiya?" Izzy inquired.

Then my mom broke the big news. "This means you and Kari can see each other whenever you want."

"Really?!" I was ecstatic now. My parents would let me see Izzy! In joy, I threw my arms around him and hugged him.

"You can see him whenever you want after two weeks." My dad threw in, grinning wickedly. I didn’t like that grin one bit.

"After two weeks?" I stopped hugging Izzy for one second to understand what he meant.

"You do know you're still grounded for sneaking out, right?"

I sighed. Yes, I should have known that. But at least everything worked the way it should. Love had helped smooth things out after all.

“I love you, Kari.” Izzy whispered in my ear.

“I love you too.” I whispered back. I don’t know if my parents heard that but now I wouldn’t mind if they did. “Always.”

~OWARI~

Authors Notes: Yes, they are all older in this fic and I refrained from using the Japanese such as ‘-chan’, ‘-kun’, etc. Forgive any major OOC-ness and any major grammar errors.

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