Disclaimer: I told myself after "Eon Blue Apocalypse" I wouldn't do this again. But what can I say... I missed Kyo and Yuki. This Au and will be much longer than Eon.

Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket.

Breathless
Chapter One: Take The Fight From Me

It was raining. The same cold, heartless rain that Kyo Sohma knew all too well. It was strong and enduring, leaving a sea of burning pricks as it descended upon his naked skin. It was the type of rain that made one surrender all hope. Kyo was more likely to drown in despair before water ever graced his lungs. Corpulent, dark clouds hung cheerlessly over the boy, as well as the world around him. There seemed to be no indication of light in the future of his path. It was the type of rain that joy could not blossom in no matter how much it was nurtured.

It was the type of rain that made you want to kill yourself.

Kyo's entire life seemed to be plagued with this undefinable rain. From birth it appeared as if he had been cursed by some unnamed enraged deity. Now sixteen years of age, the unfortunate red-head wondered how much more he could withstand. His skin was waterlogged and the storm was becoming too much for him to fight. His whole existence had been a losing battle guiding him to this moment.

He was completely worn, weary of a life more unkind than he deserved. Unloved and enslaved, Kyo sought freedom in the world outside his natural home. It was not until reaching this coveted space that he discovered just how far the bars of his cage stretched. He could run, but he could not escape his lineage. He despised his name, his face, as well as his very existence. The only way to rid himself of his tainted blood was to stop it cold within his veins.

Rain pounded around his slender form as he drifted aimlessly down the lifeless street. He could see the dim flicker of lights through the windows of numerous cozy apartments. He found himself suddenly angry with life for not giving him a true home, for never showing him warmth, for abandoning him in this god-forsaken rain.

His narrow rust colored eyes followed the fluid as it collided with the earth and drained down the sloping asphalt. Every now and again a vehicle would drive by and he found himself entranced by the passing headlights.

Maybe he should do it. Maybe he should end it altogether.

Sighing, he stretched himself out unto the street. Hopefully the wheels would crush his skull and grant him a swift death. If all he received from the action were a few disfiguring injuries, Kyo was going to be pissed.

He gave the sky one final glance before he awaited the roaring wheels. Above him lay an endless terrain that mimicked smoke. His lips puckered into a distasteful frown. Even his heaven was doomed and grey.

As the veil dropped over his cat-like eyes, a stern voice pushed through his thoughts.

"If you're going to kill yourself, don't do it on my doorstep."

Kyo's eyes opened to find a young boy standing in front of an apartment door. He was shielded beneath a wide black umbrella, held by his left hand, while his right arm secured the bag of groceries pressed against his chest. He had a smooth, pale, pristine face framed by long dust colored tresses. His eyes were two deep, round orbs, a synthesis of metallic grey and enchanting violet.

"Afraid you'll have to clean it up?" Kyo groaned, refusing to budge from his sucidal position.

"No, that's not my concern at all," the boy muttered, twirling the stem of his umbrella counter-clockwise.

"Then what is it?" Kyo rose to a forward slump.

"It's just not a good way to start the morning," the boy replied simply, "dead bodies and all."

"Sorry for the inconvenience," Kyo shuddered as he swayed to his feet.

It really was getting cold. How long had been out here? Two hours maybe three? He could feel his vision haze as the ground swirled out from beneath his feet. The boy's stared detachedly as Kyo collapsed back unto the pavement.

"That would be the hypothermia setting in," he called to the unconscious boy.

Exhaling, he reluctantly retreated from the shelter of his umbrella and set down his bag. It seemed he would have to care for the boy. Hoisting Kyo limply over his shoulder, the slate haired stranger carried him inside the small, apartment. Ever since he saw him sprawled across the street, he new this strange boy would become a problem for him.