A/N: This fic is rated M for a reason. You have been warned.
Title: Bleed for me?

Author: Micahskitty

Summary: Tohru is crying for help through cutting. Who will hear her silent plea's? Or has she already gone over the edge?

Pairing(s): Tohru&&Hatsuharu. P

Began: June 9th, 2006-- 6:32 A.M.

This was meant to be a simple OneShot but developed into an actual story that'll be about three to four chapters long, depending. Keep in mind the rating. Also, I do not own Fruits Basket (Must to my dismay, and I'm sure Kyo is grateful for that. Imagine all the things I'd do to him... Leather, my friends, leather.) And I do not own the song "Cut" by Plumb or "Colorblind" by Counting Crows. I am however, stuck on the Cruel Intentions soundtrack. And I PROMISE that I will update my other stories. . . . . One day.

It was amazing how quickly all the troubles dissolved as if escaping through that one slashed wound. The crimson sanguine that pooled at the self-inflicted mark across the milky white skin, the first snow sprinkled with blood. Hiding the safety pin under the bed and rising to her feet she moved to exit the room. The cut was safely concealed under the long sleeve of her sweater. Exiting the house with her usual companion, not a single glance was given out of curiousity. Though it was summer and the females normally wore the short-sleeved shirts, she chose the long ones. Such unusual behavior, yet it went unnoticed. A silent cry that was stifled by the screams of others.

I'm tired of feeling so numb
Relief exists I find it when
I am cut

Tohru Honda slipped her slender hand away from that of Yuki's, fearing the wrath of the fan club should they see the sight of the two friends. In the mornings as they arrived to school, they were usually confronted by the flock of females much to the dismay of them both. This morning was different, for at the gate awaited a different character. It looked as if he was posing, his lean form leaning against the metal poles behind him. The collar of his shirt, always left open to reveal the numerous accesories, billowed slightly in the gentle breeze. That hair of his, the multi-colored strands that attracted the attention of male and female alike, swayed in the direction of the wind. He wasn't facing them, head turned to the side to observe something in the distance. His gaze was soon turned away from whatever it was that called his attention previously, as he finally heard Yuki and Tohru's approach.

"Hatsuharu-san!" Squealed an eccentric Tohru as she came to a stop before the ox.

Yuki remained hesitant, quietly asking, "Is something wrong, Haru?"

Shaking his head, Haru pushed himself off the pole to step towards Tohru. "Not at all, Yuki. Visiting, I guess you could say." The brunette tilted her head to the side, staring quizically up at Haru who had moved closer to her side. Normally, when both Yuki and Tohru were present, Haru would scamper towards his first love; Yuki. Those hazel eyes of his met Tohru's own before moving down the line of her petite body. "Checking things out."

Heaving a sigh and refraining from hitting Haru, Yuki further probed. "Any reason you decided to meet us before school?" The rat was becoming agitated, watching as Haru took in Tohru's form.

"Yes, actually." Haru replied nonchantly, looking towards Yuki now while Tohru patiently smiled staring between the two. "I needed to talk Tohru."

"M-me?" Tohru stammered, having been brought into the conversation at the mention of her name. "Did I do something to offend Haru-san?"

Chuckling, Haru's hand caught Tohru's chin and lifted it upwards so they met each other's gaze. "We just need to talk. I'll walk you to class." Releasing his hold on her and shoving his hands in the pockets of his navy blue pants, he asked Yuki. "Alright with you, Princey?"

Yuki's eyes rolled upwards, as he shrugged. Bowing to Tohru, he spoke directly towards the female. "I've got Student Council things to tend to. I'll be at your locker to walk you to class, if that's alright with you, Honda-san?"

Turning a red-tinged face towards Yuki, Tohru nodded, affirming his query and sending him on his way. Smiling once more as she turned to Haru, she questioned, "Is it about Akito-san?"

For a moment Haru forgot exactly why he wanted to speak with Tohru. His eyes roamed over her once more, and he found himself mesmerized. It had been weeks since him and Rin had parted ways and there was something about the petite brunette. Perhaps it was those eyes that gazed adoringly up at him though she was fully aware of what he was; of what he'd become. Or maybe it was those lips, pink and inviting as she nibbled on the lower one, awaiting Haru's reply. It could even be those gentle curves hidden beneath her uniform-- Ah, yes, that's what he wanted to talk to her about.

Haru's hand engulfed Tohru's smaller one as he led her away from the school. "School is not a place to discuss this." The usual protests came from Tohru, but they fell on deaf ears as Haru continued to tug her along until they reached the local park. "Swing or slide?"

Sparing a longing glance towards the direction school was, the girl murmured a low, "Swing." Only to be tugged towards the empty swings. Haru sat patiently on the right one, his necklaces jingling as he did so. Tohru, finding no way to avoid this, took a seat in the swing next to him. Her slender legs gently swaying back and forth to get the swing started.

"You wanted to talk to me, Haru-san?" Piped up Tohru as she went a bit higher.

Haru slid off his swing and stood with ease. Standing there he stretched, arms raised high above his head as he moved his waist to the side, letting only a satisfied sigh when he heard the popping of bones and joints. Silently he moved behind Tohru, a single hand pushing her when she came near-by. Moments went by and both sat in silence. It wasn't uncomfortable, far from it. Tohru was enjoying the swing, occasionally squealing as she went just a bit higher than the last time. Hatsuharu didn't mind his task of pushing her, a blush on his pale cheeks at the contact made and the need to make her squeal in joy. Thoughts raced through his mind, but he immediatly squashed them. Dammit. Down boy. He scolded himself.

Tohru cleared her throat, curious as to what Haru needed to tell her. Surely it must be something important as he took her away from school to discuss it. Before she could question what was on her companies mind, he moved before her. Each hand took a chain of the swing and brought Tohru to a halt. In doing so, personal space was becoming an issue. Haru's stoic face remained mere inches from the panicked demeanor of Tohru.

"Oh! I'm sorry! I didn't realize you wanted me to stop." An immediate apology causing Haru to frown. He hated people apologizing for something so pointless.

Haru shook his head, sending that white hair moving through the hair and the metal of his necklace's charms to glint in the sun's rays. "No need for apology, Tohru." As he spoke his hand moved towards her sleeve-clad arm, gripping the limb a bit harder than nessecary. Involuntary, Tohru gasped at the sudden contact but soon began attempting to wiggle her arm from his grasp. Should she keep it there, Haru would know. He'd know her secret.

Seeing her squirms only caused the ox to worry more, knowing that her movements were confirming his suspicions. He did the only thing he could think of to settle her down; he kissed her. A gentle, soft brush of lips but it did the job none the less. The brief lip-lock caused her to freeze, blushing madly as she replayed the scene in her mind. Her first kiss was with Hatsuharu! She wasn't sure if she was flattered by it, hurt that he stole it, or longing for another, nor did she have long to dwell on her thoughts for Haru had finished his task. He had rolled her sleeve upwards and revealed the silky expanse of her forearm. Scattered amongst the flesh were several scabbed slash marks, some jagged while others were a thin line.

"It's...n-n-not what it looks like," A perplexed Tohru stammered as Haru tightened his grip on her arm.

"I knew as much."

The brunette could only stare. How could Haru figure out her secret when he only saw in her in the school's corridors? Even Yuki and Kyo were oblivous to her actions though they were done under that very same roof! Tears slipped from the closed lids of the female as her head was hung in shame, Haru holding tight to her hand.

I may seem crazy
Or painfully shy
And these scars wouldn't be so hidden
If you would just look me in the eye

Nethier Tohru nor Haru were sure of how to react to the thoughts circling their minds. One was angered, disturbed and royally pissed while the other was ashamed, disgusted and slowly slipping into depression. More tears fell from her eyes but they slowed as Haru caused another reaction; a shiver accompanied by a gasp. His mouth was bent to the scars littering her arm, gentle lips pressing soft kisses to each and every one. As his lips left her flesh, the hand holding that arm loosened as he traced his slender fingers up and down her arms.

Crouched now, at her level to stare in her eyes he could only ask softly, "Why?"

Shame, or possibly some other emotion caused Tohru to turn away, swallowing back the response that creeped up her throat. Dare she reveal the truth that she had managed to conceal from all the others? Should she really tell him the reasoning behind her madness? Inhaling a deep breath, she could only shake her head hoping that motion sufficed for an answer.

Swiftly, his hand rose to meet her cheek, the pad of his calloused thumb removing the traces of tears on her flushed face. "I understand." His face then moved to the side of her own, cheek pressing to her own; flesh against flesh. Into her ear he whispered, "Another day and I'll reveal my own scars of the private battle." Moving to an erect position he offered her his hand, which she accepted after wiping her sniffling nose.

"Haru-san?" Tohru started, which he abruptly cut off with a, "Haru-kun."

Smiling inwardly as she wiped at her face Tohru added, "Thank you."

At this, Haru sighed, causing him to look older than apperances percieved. "Tohru... There's no need to thank me. We haven't even started." His sentance was met with a confused glance.

"Started what?"

For what seemed like forever, Haru stared at her with those impassive eyes. Remarkably, though he remained stoic, Tohru could see the tears glistening in his gaze. "Your healing."

The mention of her mistakes made her cringe. Aware she needed help, Tohru couldn't help but feel low. For Haru's aid she was grateful, but the fact she required help of this sort because of her own actions pained her.

"Are you going to tell them?" Tohru asked, voice low and soft and threatening to break if he confirmed her suspicions.

"No," Haru blinked, "Why would I? That's for you to tell them when you feel it's time." A burden was removed from her shoulders at that, causing her to bow to Haru.

"Thank y-"

"Don't."

He sounded harsh, causing more tears to spill from the already swollen eyes of the female. "S-sorry."

Haru's face fell as he realized how harsh he sounded, a gentle smile came over him as he lifted the girl's chin. "Look, I'm here for you because I want to be, and I don't want thanks for this. I only want you better, alright?"

His voice was so soothing, calming to the irate nerves of Tohru as she nodded and attempted to cease the tears once more. "Haru-kun?"

The teenager tilted his head to the side, awaiting Tohru's question. "C-could... Would you mind if... we went back to your house? I don't think I should go to school like this." Her hands motioned towards her face, the flush of her pale cheeks, those red, swollen eyes, and that nose that wouldn't stop sniffling.

Being a male, and being a teenager, Haru's thoughts immediatly went to perverse, thinking of her suggestion as an invite to have his way with her. It took a few deep breathes and ragged exhales, plus a mental scolding for him to leave those thoughts behind. Tohru was merely a friend in need, so why did he feel the need to have his way with her against the swing's pole? Was it just hormones? Or did it have something to do with that irregular heartbeat of his when he glanced towards her?

"Sure." Was all Haru could say, blinking rapidly as her hand slidden into his own as if it belonged there. On the way there, Tohru's slender fingers became intwined with the slender digits of Haru, an intimate gesture she hadn't shared with Kyo or Yuki. The action caused them both to blush, though they didn't dwell on the reasoning.

xxxx

The walls were a simple egg-white but hardly visible beneath all the posters that adorned the walls. The lightbulb didn't illuminate a dull yellow as normal bulbs did, but instead it was reddish glow. Never one to disrupt the unwritten rules of teenagers, Hatsuharu's room was a clustered mess of magazines, (Ranging from comics, and those types of 'zines.), clean and dirty clothes scattered about, various shoes missing their mate and occasionally one could find one of Haru's many accesories. Those weren't a joy to find, especially when barefooted.

It had been two weeks since Tohru's secret was revealed to Haru, and every day since then, she was in his room. It was in secret, their meetings. Tohru had yet to reveal her problem to the other Sohma members, and she felt terrible for it but she simply was not ready to enclose such a private matter with those who weren't able to notice her tedious behaviors and so forth.

More than anything, Tohru enjoyed the company that Haru provided. The conversations were crazy, fitting the both of them perfectly. During the middle of a serious conversation, either one would suddenly change topics to something like cheese, or the price of tea in America. Haru had taughe the technology-challenged Tohru how to play games on his Playstation and X-box. Sometimes, the brunette would fall asleep on his bed and he would sit at her side and just watch.

Around him, Tohru felt at ease. Never did she feel like there was something to apologize for. Here, in his room, she could wear sleve-less shirts suitable for the weather this time of year and not have to feel ashamed. There were no new marks on her flesh, no new slices amongst her arm, all thanks to the male who was intensly staring at his television transfixed on beating some boss that looked like an ape on crack.

Tohru's face became scrunched in concentration, she decided to repay him, but how? How could she ever return the favor that he gave her? An idea came to her, but just thinking of it caused her stomach to tie in knots and her face to redden considerably.

Stutter, shook, and uptight.
Pull me out from inside.
I am ready, I am ready, I am...
Fine.

On her hands and knees she moved towards him, his attentions solely fixated on that game, so in tune with it he didn't notice the creeping Tohru. Rising on her knees, mouth hovered above the back of his neck, she paused. Breathing stopped. Time seemed to come to a halt, as slowly, ever so slowly she moved towards the slightly tanned flesh bared at the top of his shirt. Lightly her lips brushed against the muscles found within, and boldly, her tongue ventured foward to trace a thn line down the bone leading to his back.

The start button was pressed immediatly, Haru stiffening at the sudden interaction. Opting to remain neutral for the moment, he let Tohru continue. Across his neck little kisses rained down, while her tiny hands went to the hem of his wife-beater, tugging on it. The two had ventured further than this, but Haru was always the one to initate it, and feeling little Tohru start something turned him on.

"Tohru," His voice was hoarse yet firm, "Be careful what you start."

Not heeding his words, Tohru continued with her actions- enjoying herself and this newfound confidence. Nipping at him, a soft noise fell from her lips.

Turning quickly, his hands captured hers and pinned her to a spare bit visible carpet her legs folded and trapped under her weight. Moving in, with his hands pinning her over her own head, he nipped at the tip of her nose. "Mm," Haru teetered on a thin line between his "black" side, and the usual. "Strawberries." From her nose his mouth trailed downards, seizing her mouth with his own.

I am covered in skin.
No one gets to come in.
Pull me out from inside.
I am folded, and un-folded, and--
Unfolding... I am... Colorblind.
Coffee black and egg white.
Pull me out from inside.
I am ready, I am ready, I am ready
I am. . .'fine'.

Keeping her hands trapped above her, her head locked between her elbows he allowed his other hand to move down her side and grab the bottom of her shirt. Her own hands struggled to be free, yearning to roam over the taut muscles beneath his flesh. The bottom of her shirt was just passing her stomach when they were interrupted by a knock on his door, soon followed by the intrusion of someone.

Yuki Sohma.

Who stood there, shocked at the sight before him...