Chapter 1:
The four ate quietly in the bright dining room of Shigure Sohma's house, all pensive yet at ease after their long day. Tohru had been living with the Sohmas for nearly a year and a half now and felt quite comfortable around the three men that were seated around the table.
The school year was nearly over and right now, Tohru was especially worried about her physics exam which she was to sit in four weeks' time. Although Uo and Hannah were great friends, Tohru found that neither of them were incredibly helpful when it came to studying for exams. But she needed some help; it would be unbearable if she was to break her promise to her mother – she simply must finish high school. Maybe Yuki would give her a hand; he was ever so helpful in these sorts of situations. Tohru was just about to ask Yuki this when Shigure cleared his throat loudly and flicked his dark hair out of his eyes. "Well, thank you for the food Tohru, it was delicious." Kyo and Yuki eyed him warily, "What, am I not allowed to give compliments or something?"
"No." said Kyo bluntly, "not since that time you came to our school and proposed to our homeroom teacher, who, I might add, you hadn't seen in six years."
"Or the time before that when you had your new editor stay the night in your room to 'familiarise yourself' with her." Continued Yuki.
"And don't you think I didn't see what you were really doing when you were helping that woman cross the road three weeks ago." Finished Kyo, "In a nutshell; no, you're not."
Tohru could feel her face going red. She never knew what to do in times like these. Kyo and Yuki were always so quick to defend her but she was never sure if Sigure had good intentions or not. Anyway, this was his house, so she supposed that he could do what he wanted.
"Anyways," continued Shigure, "As I was going to say before I was rudely interrupted," He flung a glare at Kyo in mock offence, "I, your faithful and democratic leader Shigure Sohma, will be going away over the school break."
"Where?" Asked Kyo suspiciously.
"To America for a writer's conference." Said Shigure with an air of self-importance, "My new editor is a bit strict about these things. Said something about improving my skills and widening my understanding of literacy and forming contacts with international writers. Or something to that effect."
"And why do we care?"
"Well, I thought that it might be a nice opportunity for you three to go away somewhere. Like, I've got permission from Akito and stuff. Well, that is, he wouldn't know that Tohru was going too; but what Akito doesn't know won't hurt him!"
Tohru was a little anxious. What was Shigure thinking? How would they organise this? Where exactly did he have in mind? Did he even know how expensive such a trip could be? As if reading her thoughts, Shigure spoke; "I would pay for the air fares of course. And accommodation, depending on where you wanted to stay."
Oh my! Thought Tohru. She had not expected for Shigure to be implying that they go overseas. Surely she could not allow him to pay for all of that? Not to mention that she had never left Japan before – how would they co-ordinate this?
Kyo raised his eyes suspiciously, "Where's the catch?"
"Is none. Pinky promise." Replied Shigure.
"Well why are you suggesting this then?"
"So I can spend all of my money on you wonderful young people. Just kidding! It was Hatori's idea."
"I still don't understand-"
"Kyo," Said Shigure. Suddenly uncharacteristically serious, "I think you know perfectly well why. Now finish your food." Kyo was silent for a while and then went back to his unfinished meal looking sour, yet satisfied with the answer.
Tohru blinked. Had she missed something? Why was Shigure suggesting such an extravagant get away? Had he even given an answer?
Suddenly Yuki spoke up, "Maybe everyone should think about this and then we can talk about it when we are prepared to concern trait a bit more." Tohru nodded her head. That sounded like a good idea. "I'm going to bed." Said Yuki. "Thank you for the dinner Tohru, it was very nice." Yuki left, sliding the door closed behind him.
"I've got some work to do." Said Shigure. "'Night."
Tohru and Kyo were left to sit in silence as Kyo slowly finished his meal. "Do you need a hand washing up?" Kyo asked finally.
"Oh, no tha-"
"I'll wash, you dry."
"Oh, okay."
The two made their way into the kitchen. "Is there anywhere in particular that you have ever wanted to go Kyo-Kun?"
"No, not really. When I was a kid I used to wanna go to the moon but apart from that…I dunno, I 'spose I never really thought about it. I only ever wanted to be with Shishou I guess." Silence. "What about you?"
"Well, I never wanted to go anywhere as exciting as the moon, that's for sure. But, mmm." Tohru blushed. "Well, there is one place I guess…"
"Mmm." Said Kyo, motioning for her to go on.
"When I was a kid I read this book with my mum. It was about a place that my mum always said she wanted to go." Tohru started, "and ever since then," Tohru could hear her voice getting softer and softer, "I have always wanted to go to…" Tohru scarcely breathed out the last word, "Australia."
. . .
"Australia?" Kyo stared at her incredulously, "Really? Why not Paris or Italy or, or Germany or something?"
"I think that Australia would be just as beautiful as any of those places." Said Tohru defensively. "In its own way. A bit like you Kyo-Kun." Tohru wished immediately that she had not said this. Kyo looked as though Tohru had just slapped him in the face and was not sure if he should take it as a compliment or not. "What?" He exclaimed, flabbergasted.
"I-I Mean that you-you're I mean your personality is-is special and unique in-in your own way. Like lots of people are like that too but but…people appreciate that sort of thing too you know. I mean, I-I do. I think that you are very special, kind of like how Australia is special to me because it reminds me of my mum and stuff; you're a bit like that too." Tohru looked at the floor, too embarrassed to meet Kyo's gaze. Kyo sighed and handed Tohru the last plate. "I think that you're special too." He said, "But the really special thing about you is that you're special to lots and lots of people. I'm special to no one."
Tohru was slightly taken aback; had Kyo even listened to what she had just said? "That's not true." She said, "You are special to Shishou and Kagura and-"
"Kagura doesn't count." Said Kyo, sounding slightly agitated.
"Well, your special to me." Kyo stood still for a while, then sighed.
"C'mon. Its late." He turned in the direction of the stairs, "C'mon." He repeated and Tohru followed Kyo upstairs. "Well, goodnight. I'm gonna sit on the roof for a while."
"Okay, goodnight Kyo-Kun."
"Goodnight Tohru."
Tohru closed the door to her room and thought over her conversation with Kyo as she got her Physics books out to do some revision at her study table. It wasn't until long after Tohru had fallen asleep at her desk when the soft pad of Kyo's feet could be heard descending the ladder that led off the rooftop.
. . .