A/N1: I am not going to retell the entire manga. A chapter notation and brief description will place the scene in its proper location in the story. To reiterate: this is based on the manga, not the anime.

A/N2: To my Itakiss readers—I have not deserted the fandom. I've just wanted to write a Fruits Basket story for a while.

A/N3: And, of course, I don't own Fruits Basket.

While it may seem small, the ripple effects of small things is extraordinary. Matt Bevin

The Pebble Drops

[Chapter 2. The day after Tohru was found in the woods by Shigure and Yuki, Yuki explains that she might have to have her memory erased.]

"I'm sorry I got you involved in the Sohma family problems." Yuki turned to walk away, his eyes sad.

Lose my memory? Forget about Sohma-kun and Kyo-san and Sohma-san? Tohru was also concerned about the accuracy of this 'memory-erasing' process. What if she lost some of her beloved memories of her mother? No! She shook her head vigorously. She could never forget her, of that she was certain! But Sohma-kun… She couldn't let him leave like this! She chased down the school hallway after him and tripped as she neared, unconsciously grasping him around the waist. Pouf!

"I'm so sorry!" Tohru beat her head against the wall in remorse. "It wasn't on purpose! I promise I didn't mean to! I am such an idiot!"

Rat Yuki sighed. "That's all right. No one saw." Luckily.

Tohru sniffed. "Thank you for worrying about me. That makes me really happy."

He stared at her and blinked. He, the 'freak', according to Akito, had made someone happy?

"But I'll be fine. It's no problem." She bent down close so she could be certain he would see her sincerity. "If I found out a secret so important that the head of the family has to be informed, then I can't blame you. So please," she gulped, "do whatever gives you the most peace of mind, Sohma-kun. Just promise me—if that happens—that you'll make friends with me again. Okay?"

The shock of the request sent a ripple through Yuki's tiny body, and he suddenly felt the transformation begin. His corporeal expansion knocked Tohru backwards, and she immediately squeaked and spun around. Yuki pulled on his clothes as quickly as possible, explaining, "The time it takes to change back is random. It's safe now, Honda-san."

"Sohma-kun, your tie is crooked," she pointed out, her cheeks still holding remnants of a blush.

"Huh?" He looked down. Sure enough, without that idiot Shigure here to take care of it (one of the dog's few useful traits), he had mangled it. "Yeah, I'm bad with this sort of thing."

Tohru giggled. "That's very unexpected of you. Leave it to me so your immaculate image doesn't get destroyed."

To his astonishment, she approached and began adjusting the tie before giving up and starting over, her fingers lightly touching his neck as she did so. "Honda-san," he asked hesitantly, his mind returning to Akito's jeers, "this situation doesn't make you feel sick?"

The question flew unobstructedly over Tohru's head. "No, I feel fine today!"

It didn't even phase her? "Want to...walk home together after school?"

"Sure," she replied, blissfully oblivious of the fact that more than half the school population would have cut off their right arm for that very invitation.

"Thank you." He thought there should be a better way to convey his appreciation for the fact that she didn't treat him like a monster. He had to stifle a small laugh that she took it the wrong way.

"No problem!" she assured him. "I'm great at tying ties!"