A Break in the Clouds
Rainy Day
A brunette girl woke with a start, her eyes momentarily blinking, until they adjusted to the lighting of a familiar place- her bedroom. Wondering what'd stirred her from sleep, an answering clap of thunder made her nearly jump out of her skin. Breath hitching, she knew she'd pinpointed the culprit; a natural and inexorable alarm clock. Tucking her covers to her chin in fright, she soon noticed a slight tremoring in the cloth she held. Searching for the source of this, her eyes came to settle on the wall directly across from her. The drapes on the opposite side of the bedroom had separated, wildly blowing as a draft swarmed in around her. Her ears picked up the distinct pattering of rain, thudding against the outside of the house in near violent lines.
Hair blowing in tendrils, the breeze helped clear up yet another mystery; Last night, she'd forgotten to lock the window back. Habitually, her and Kyo would sit on top of the roof, talking and, although Kyo would never admit it out loud, memorizing the overhead stars. Just like they always had at 'Gure-san's.
She sighed at her forgetfullness. Lifting herself from the warm nest of covers, a sudden chorusing of lightening slitting the morning sky in half, followed by the ear-splitting crash of thunder, made her jerk, nearly face first, onto the ground. Laughing, and holding on the rail of the bed for dear life, she decided that thunderstorms utterly mortified her. After gaining back lost composure, she walked to the other side of the bedroom to close the cause for her early morning disturbance. Making sure the window met gently with the windowsill, she saw to it that it was locked, before attempting to crawl back into bed.
As she approached the queen sized bed, she spared a look at the clock on the bedside table, which blinked 12:54. Picking her cell phone up off of the edge of the table, she saw that it was nearly 6. Sluggishly fixing the time, she let out a generous yawn. Wiping sleep from her eyes, she looked across the stretch of sheets, at her fiancé Kyo, who'd ordinarily have shot out of bed by now.
When Tohru looked at him, it was as though her eyes reflected all of the love in the world. The orange tresses she loved so much lay beautifully atop a coral colored pillow top, a few stray strands tickling his closed eyelids. Inhaling softly, his serene breathing signaled to her what the rest of his body couldn't; he was dreaming. Tohru smiled at his resting form,comforted by the thought that he was immersed in pleasant happenings, just behind his pretty eyelids.
It was incredibly unusual for her to see him like this- Tension-free, face and body slack, gray wife beater hitched up, so that she could take in the beginnings of his muscled, flat stomach… He was definitely more focused than she'd ever be. So, what exactly did Kyo dream of? What was going through his mind? Before she could ponder this further, one of her previous observations sank in, and a fine blush fanned out across her cheeks. How could she be allowed to gaze upon such... beauty?
Waking before him was awfully odd... Because more than often, she woke up to his voice coaxing her from sleep.
Suddenly she understood why seeing this new side of Kyo shocked her. She'd never really seen him out of his environment, fully engulfed in his own thoughts, mindless to everything around him. So, understandably, regret filled her; She didn't want to be the one that disturbed his resting form, especially when he looked so yummy.
Reluctantly, she reached across the span of sheets. She knew that the coming of rain, coupled with his hatred of sleeping in past 6, would cause him immense irritation. So she decided, then, despite his unperturbed features, to fix the latter choice, and, as always, remain sensitive to the former. Although he no longer embodied a vengeful spirit, the cat's likes and dislikes were still a part of him.
With great remorse, she brushed her fingers through his hair, tickling his scalp, brushing through the gorgeous wisps with awe. Fingers delighting in the soft texture of tresses of orange, she waited for him to come to. Why didn't the thunder and lightening wake him up like it had me?
When he didn't stir, her calm voice began its attempt of coaxing him awake, much like she was used to in the mornings.
"Kyo… Kyo?" She called, each word punctuated with a gentle push to his shoulder.
Still, he remained unmoving, breathing soft, and even. Leaning down, poised lips soon brushed against his closed eyelids and shortly, his breathing lost its smooth edge. A lazy grin forming across his lips, he blinked up at her…
"Good morning Kyo!" She said, returning his grin with a smile. "How are you today?"
Lethargically, he raised himself from the bed. When his body allowed him to sit up, he leaned towards her, until he felt the familiar weight of her lips. His lips had barely brushed hers, and still the effect was the same; Tohru was left breathless and stunned. Self-consciously she returned his kiss, fearful that the boiling hot skin of her face had betrayed her. Naturally, her worst fears were confirmed, because when he pulled back, he wore a blush to battle her own.
She gulped in embarrassment as her heart continued its hopeless stuttering in her chest.
"I'm… good this morning." Kyo's reply finally came, sounding as though the wind had been knocked out of him.
Nodding in his general direction, Tohru fought to form complete sentences.
All that coherently escaped her lips was, "Uh, I'm… g-glad!".
Deeply sighing, he pressed his forehead to hers. Staring dead on into her warm brown eyes, he declared, "You're hopeless."
The blush, since then having dulled, burned back to life, causing another round of awkward blushing for the young couple.
"Quit… that." He pleaded, lifting the chin that'd conveniently found a resting spot on his chest.
"S-sorry." She managed to voice, downcast eyes not daring to look into his.
"You're doing it again…" He reminded her.
Just then another clap of thunder rumbled outside.
"So it's going to be one of those days..." He said more to himself than anyone else.
Yes, she stilled blushed when Kyo looked at her, but, for Tohru, it was impossible not to. His orange eyes burned with all of the love in the world when he looked at her. And to him, her senseless worry, and reserved demeanor were all things he very much adored. She was honest and simple- a single, dainty flower, completing him, making everyday inescapably precious. Moreover, to him, she was everything- his life, his very reason for existing. And besides, although Kyo would only ever admit it to himself, he thought her blushing was cute.
And Tohru loved him wholly, unyieldingly so. She loved it when she woke to his scent on the air, his arm snared around her waist, warm body spooning hers from behind as though even under the spell of sleep, he was somehow protecting her. Little things, like that, added to her boundless love of him.
The scent of him when he was fresh from the shower- a mix of soap, shampoo and an enticing fragrance unique to him- it intoxicated her. She'd tried to describe it to her herself, countless times, but there were no words for it. Although, while trying to place a name on it, the word delicious had simultaneously crossed her mind. Still it seemed too general of a term to describe it. And anyway, the thought of telling Kyo he smelled delicious was downright embarrassing.
Soon the blush that flooded her cheeks disappeared, and she allowed her eyes to leap to his. Eying her intently, he was soon marveling at the bright smile that widened her lips.
Kissing her forehead he said, "That's better."
The smell of bacon sifted through the house, as Tohru, flipping a pan full of it, prepared breakfast. Regardless to the wet weather outside, Kyo would be off to the dojo soon, and she didn't want him to venture out on an empty stomach.
Spatula in hand, she marveled at the man drinking milk straight from the carton, just in her line of sight from the stove. Out of habit, more than anything, he left the refrigerator door wide open while he drank. She smiled at his casualness. Eyes locking onto hers, he pulled the milk carton from his lips, denting the cardboard back, so he could return it to its position in the fridge. Completely unbeknownst to him, a rather unmistakable smear lined the top of his lip. Laughing, Tohru turned to the paper towel holder next to her, on the counter, to tear off a sheet.
"What is it?" He asked, confusion dominating his face.
Watching the beautiful girl walk towards him he couldn't do anything but smile back. A relaxed grin replaced a confused frown. If whatever it was made her beam like that, he could live with it. He'd do anything to put that look on her face.
Stopping just in front of him she said, "Let me get that."
Kyo, still confused as to why she needed a paper towel, became a statue. The hand holding the tissue did the same, as it hovered in midair. She could tell by the expression he wore, that he was embarrassed. Wrapping his warm hand around hers he amended, "I'll get it." Dropping the paper towel into his upturned hand, he smiled after the last traces of milk had disappeared.
"Better?" He asked, a serious look coming across his face.
She nodded, her eyes flitting to the stove of cooking bacon, oblivious to the fact that he was leaning in towards her.
"No." He corrected, turning her chin so she faced him. "It still... gets better."
Confused as to what he meant, her eyes returned to his. Just as she drew breath to speak, a gasp, instead, fell from her lips. He'd trapped her hips with his hands, and had her pushed up against the nearest strip of counter.
"K- Kyo?" She questioned, looking up at him with apparent confusion.
Leaning down until their lips were only centimeters apart he asked, "Yeah?"
The smell of burning bacon thick in the air, she nearly choked, "I think… I think the house is on fi-."
Just then the shrieking of a smoke detector blotted out the rest of her sentence. His grip on her waist weakening, he yelled over the sound, "Damnit! You go and turn that loud ass thing off! I'll put the fire out!"
After the grease fire had been smothered, and the unsalvageable bacon discarded, Kyo grumbled, "This is why I hate rainy days. They always find some way to screw me over!"
"I'm… s-sorry. It was my fault! I should've-" Tohru began, until Kyo interjected.
"No. It's not your fault. It's mine…" He corrected, pissed off at himself even more for making her feel like she had to shoulder the blame.
"Want me to make… some eggs?"
"No. I want you to quit worrying." He said, fingers brushing through her hair.
"Y-yes. I'll try not to." She gulped, embarrassed again.
"You do know that Kagura's planning on taking you out today, right?" He asked inquiringly.
"Yes! We're shopping for wedding dresses."
He smiled when her eyes lit up at the word wedding. He didn't add that Kagura was taking her to Aaya's shop. Wait, what was he thinking? She'd like anyone. It was he who cringed at the thought of her having to go there.
"Yeah. Well… get ready and I'll see you later tonight." Kyo said.
"But what about breakfa-"
"Shishou may be awful at cooking… but I'll risk it… just for today. Consider it compensation for burning the bacon. Just worry about getting you something, all right?"
She smiled.
"Okay. As long as you're sure."
Then her eyes shone with what had to be an idea.
"I could always come over and cook for you and-"
"What about Kagura?" Kyo asked, never missing a beat.
"Oh yeah. Right. Stupid of me…"
He sighed.
"What am I going to do with you?"
His words held more seriousness than he intended and he felt positively horror-stricken when he saw he'd hurt her. Agitation had its way of leading him on days like this.
"Well, uh. Marry you of course." He said, answering his own question, in hopes that she'd forgive him.
She smiled up at him, but there was still a distant sadness reflected in her eyes.
"What's wrong," He asked, becoming the worried party in place of Tohru.
"N-nothing. I just…" She began.
"You just what?"
"I think… I think I'll… miss you today when you're gone. Even more than… u-usual."
She gazed into his fascinating orange eyes with an intensity he knew to be called love.
Getting up from his seat at the table, he got down on his knees just beside her. Putting his head lovingly in her lap, he told her what she already knew, "I love you and will miss you while you're away from me, too. As… always."
Tears pooled in her eyes, and she was glad he couldn't see them. He had a way of panicking when he saw her cry. Wiping at them she patted his head.
"I love you, too."
He could hear sniffling follow her words.
Looking up at her from his position on her lap, he asked, incredulously, "Are you… crying?"
She smiled.
"Mmhmm…"
"Why?"
"I… I think it's because you said you… l-loved me."
Blushing he confirmed, "I do love you. You know that. That still doesn't answer my question."
"I think it's… because I'm h-happy."
His fingers laced with hers, and he raised himself from her side.
"I'm glad."
Just then a loud knock at the door made him spin around.
"Kyo, Tohru? I'm here!" Came a familiarly loud voice, followed by a series of impatient knocks.
"I think… Kagura's here early." He said that last word with mock-horror.
Getting up from her seat, Tohru recalled, "I'm still in my pajamas!"
It was amazing how she seemed to forget everything when she was with Kyo. She forgot to breathe, to shut and lock her and Kyo's bedroom window, to flip the bacon, to dress for her prior obligations before they were literally on her doorstep- wait, she'd completely forgotten about dress shopping with Kagura, too!
The list of offenses were still piling.
Wow… I need to get my head out of the clouds before I really offend someone…
"Can… you get it, please?" Tohru implored.
The mere thought of entertaining Kagura while Tohru got ready was enough to stall his reply.
It came after a dozen more knocks.
"S-sure. Just hurry, okay?" He begged, wondering why rainy days brought him so much misfortune.
What he really wanted to do was hide. But… since she asked him… He'd tolerate her.
Collectively, the couple attended to their respective tasks.
Tohru sorted through her drawers, placing today's outfit on the edge of the bed. Kyo on the other hand, marched to the door, pissed off at the sound of Kagura's incessant knocking.
It was a few minutes before Kyo decided to end the abuse splintering his door frame.
He wasn't looking forward to any visit from her.
Opening the front door, he narrowly missed Kagura's fist.
"Hey! The door's open, damnit! You know, you don't have to put a hole in it to get someone's attention! We heard you the first time!"
Kagura looked positively wounded.
"Mean Kyo… I take your soon to be wife out shopping and you repay me by yelling at me!"
"You almost punched me!"
"I didn't mean to! I didn't even see you, honest!"
"Well then get your head out of your-"
"Oh! Hi Tohru! You look nice!" came Kagura's excited voice.
Pulling Tohru into a hug, she said, "I was waiting for someone to open the door and Kyo, here, yelled at me. It must be his time of the-"
"Shutup!"
Tohru, acting as though the two weren't in the midst of argument, asked, "Kagura, would you like to come in?"
The tense atmosphere was suddenly even harder to breathe in. No doubt, having Kagura over for any period of time was putting an even bigger strain on Kyo's mood.
"Of course silly!" Kagura said as though it were obvious.
Kyo still brooding, moved out of the doorway to let Kagura in.
Crossing the threshold of their home, Kagura marveled at the simple elegance of the house.
"This place is nice!"
"Thanks."
Kyo grunted.
"It was until you walked in." he added under his breath.
"I heard that." Kagura's voice warned.
Then they were back to their usual banter.
Tohru's living room, complete with a cream colored sofa, two matching armchairs, and a mahogany bookshelf, was any housewives dream. The carpet was an almost off white, and the mocha colored walls, also her doing, brought out hints of color in everything from the trim of the room, to the light fixtures. Tohru worked as an interior designer and took in a pretty nice sized check. Kyo, too, faired well, working as an instructor alongside Shishou at the dojo.
The room wasn't without TV, although neither of them ever watched it. Cleaned frequently it was by her, but seldom did Tohru have time to use it, what with the wedding planning still going on and her job. From time to time they'd watch a movie, but more than not, one ended up asleep before the end.
Each room of the house had hints of both Tohru and Kyo's tastes. Tohru liked things to be open, and airy. She enjoyed colors that breathed, and carpets and decorations that complimented. She wasn't too fond of knick knacks, preferring lamps, candles, and decorations to highlight the rooms of her house. But Kyo had more practical tastes. He just liked things to be orderly and functional. Tohru tried to incorporate both distinct styles into the house and had done an unbelievably good job of it. Although Kyo would be happy with almost anything she did. She could do whatever she wanted with the place. Typical male. If at all possible, he kept things about as immaculate as Tohru did. You'd never know it by looking, but Kyo was anal about organization. Luckily for him, Tohru was as meticulous as they come.
They'd all pooled in the living room at Tohru's request. She believed that Kyo and Kagura had lost touch. Now that they were all three together, she was starting to regret the kind of 'bonding' her invitation had initiated.
"So. About this dress… Any suggestions, Kyo?" Kagura asked.
"No. Not really…"
"So if she walks down the aisle in a cocktail dress you won't care?"
"I don't exactly know what a cocktail dress is… but since it has the word 'cocktail' in it... Definitely no."
"Then throw some suggestions out there. Who knows what I could bring her back in. We are going to Aay-"
"Shutup! It's supposed to be a surprise!" Kyo hissed.
Then they both exchanged knowing glances.
"Wow. You blew it worse than me. She probably wouldn't have even caught what I said if you hadn't-!"
"Shutup! Damn woman!"
Tohru zipping up her raincoat exclaimed, "Oh. It's fine! I kind of already had that notion in mind."
Doubting that she was that inquisitive, Kyo asked, "How'd you know?"
"Well… Shishou kind of told me about… the tuxedo Aaya's making you. He asked me what color I thought it should be."
So that's why he measured me?! It wasn't for a new hakama! It was for that bastard, Ayame's, enjoyment! Shishou! Kyo silently fumed to himself, fist and teeth clenching.
A/N- All of the ideas for this kind of just flowed from my fingertips. I am proud of the final product! I hope you've enjoyed reading this. Before you go, please remember to feed my addiction, by sending me over a review. Before I forget, in no shape or form do I own Fruits Basket. Although that'd be completely amazing, it's strictly the property of Natsuki Takaya.
Next time: A fun-filled trip to Aaya's shop!