Wow, a Fruits basket story! I haven't done this in a while! Let's insert disclaimer here!
And this takes place in an AU of the anime, where Tohru has to leave the Sohma's and has her memory erased.
III
"Huh?"
Uo stared at the book that caught her was nothing special about the book, it had a dark cover like the rest of the books on display, but the cover had a riceball, a cat and a rat on the front. She picked up the book and studied the front. Something about this compelled her. "Sohma Shigure, eh?" she grinned, flipping the book over and reading the back.
A beautiful young maiden, heartstriken by the death of her young mother, takes refuge with two young men. With their help, she overcomes her past, and finds love in the boys, and herself.
Uo raise an eyebrow. "What the hell?"
"Oh! I see you have picked up Sohma- san's newest book! This is fresh from the publishers! I just got the shipment in this morning!" an elderly lady peered up at her, eyes creased in smile.
"Uh…actually I'm looking for a something-for a friend- for her birthday. And this just-"
"It's a beautiful novel. Don't let the outside fool you. I have read it myself, and it is quite moving. I'm sure your friend will love it."
"Are you just trying to sell me the book?"
The elderly woman laughed, "There is that." The woman walked away.
Uo flipped open the book "This is way too familiar." she growled. If that son of a bitch was profiting off Tohru, he was going to have hell to pay.
Four years ago Tohru had started living with Shigure in that house, two and a half years ago, Yuki pulled her over at school, saying Tohru no longer remembered living with the Sohma's and was living with her grandfather, like she should have been. He also asked her to tell Hana, so neither of them would bring up himself, or any of the other Sohmas, since it wouldn't be good for Tohru if they did. Hana, of course, understood, damn electric signals.
After that, Tohru would smile like normal, but…her eyes just weren't at bright as they had been. Uo thought Tohru was where she belonged, in that house. She never questioned what happened, even without electric signals, she knew it was painful to Yuki and Kyou.
Uo scanned the dedication, page, mouth slacking before snapping the book shut, and heading to the counter, where the elderly woman stood there, smiling.
III
"Happy Birthday Tohru!" Uo and Hana cheered, sitting in front of Kyoko's grave.
"Wow guys! Thank you so much! I really appreciate all that you did this for me! It was all too much! I don't deserve all this!"
"Nonsense Tohru." Hana spoke, sipping some tea, with a smile on her face, "You deserve all this."
"And more!" Uo cheered. "Now, open your presents!"
"Presents! Oh no! This is too much!"
"Just take it." Uo shoved the small package into her hands.
"Thank-thank you." She gently unwrapped it. "A book! Thank you Uo! I'll read it front to back!" she smiled brightly.
"Can you-can you just read the dedication page? I think…I think you'd like it." Uo mumbled.
Tohru smiled, flipping to the front page. "To my own precious flower, this book is dedicated. She entered our lives and touched our hearts in a way words can't describe. Although she's gone now, I'll never forget her, and neither will the rest of us. We can't know where she is today, but I hope she's safe." Tohru smiled sadly, a tear rolling down her cheek. "I don't know why, but I'm crying!"
Uo smiled.