Disclaimer: I don't own Fruits Basket
Hello hello I hope you all missed me. I'm so excited to be starting Love Snare II. I'm sorry that I don't have a more original title, but at least you can all find the story very easily. In this story, I'm going to try really hard to fall back into the characters natural personalities. I got a lot of flames about how I didn't follow the character personalities that well. Looking back on the first few chapters I did make Yuki seem rather evil, but no more, I'm going to try really hard!
In Love Snare one we worked up to the climax of Tohru being adopted and Kyo's confession of his love to her (vise versa). In Love Snare II Tohru and Kyo's will and love will be put to the test. New loves and old will come in, and the forces of evil (cough Akito) will do everything to rip them apart. New characters I plan on adding would be Kagura, maybe Rin, and Kyo's old master Kazuma. (I think that's how you spell it right?)
If you haven't read Love Snare I, I encourage you to do so. There's a lot that has happened and many references are going to be made to those events. But if you don't, here's some stuff you need to know, like alterations within my fanfic.
Uo and Hana-chan live together in one apartment. Haru owns and rides a motorcycle. Yuki isn't called Sohma-kun, actually, I don't use formalities like that much at all. Shigure officially adopted Tohru. So technically all the Sohmas are cousins by law. Haru, Momiji, Kyo, and Yuki along with Tohru are all in the same grade and are all now becoming Juniors. Also, Tohru has never met Rin, The Rooster, Rikku, Kagura, or Kazuma yet in my story. There are probably some other things I left out, but I can't think of them at the moment. Oh right, I said that Tohru and Kyoko were in the car crash together, now that I know is TERRIBLY wrong so we can all forget I ever said it alright? But what I did say, was that Kyoko died on her birthday, it has to do with visiting her grave and stuff.
Well, here we go! Love Snare II
Chapter 1 The New Beginning
Tohru and Kyo walked into the house soaking wet to the sound of breakfast plates and chopsticks being dropped as the rest of the Sohma family ran from the dinning room to the front door.
"Oh Tohru..." Shigure let out a sigh seeing how soaked she was. Kyo was tucked away neatly in her arms, his clothes wrapped around him for protection. Her bag was beside her at the door and her head was bowed as she shook.
"I'm so sorry Shigure-san, I'm so sorry for ever considering to leave like I did. I wanted to do what was right for my band, they deserved it. And...and Akito-san said that if I...I'm sorry..."
"Tohru! Tohru, it's okay my precious flower," His hands grabbed her shoulders and she lifted her head up, "I'm just so happy you've come home. Even if you had chosen to go with your band, I still would have loved you. This was your decision."
My name is Tohru Honda. Right now I'm a sophomore in highschool, but the school year is just about over. A little over a year ago, my mother was killed in a car accident on her birthday. My father died when I was young, so I had no real guardian. I didn't want to trouble my friends Uo and Hana, so I lived in a tent within the forest. I didn't know that was part of Sohma property, and eventually I ended up living with them. This year along, I became reacquainted with my old band Clarity, which had been part of my life since I was a child. As my bond for the Sohmas grew so did the popularity and success of Clarity.
Clarity was offered to go on tour around Japan and make a cd, the contract itself would expect me to be absent from school and my normal life until my senior year, and even then I would probably never return to the lifestyle I once had. My only real dream was to be adopted by Shigure and be a real part of the family I had learned to love. Akito forced me into picking Clarity over the Sohmas. I found that my heart told me to stay where I wanted, and not what was right for my friends. So here I am now. It's nice to be home.
Tohru stared up into his soft eyes and a small sigh escaped her lips, "Thank you..." Haru came up behind her and draped a towel across her shoulders.
"Why is Kyo-kun a cat?" Momiji asked as he stared at Kyo suspiciously.
"You know how he hates the rain, it drains him so the curse made him change forms."
"Poor Kyo," Momiji pouted. "Tohru, Yuki had to make breakfast this morning and he didn't burn it!"
"Flower, why don't you sit down for a little bit. Yuki, can you go get our poor Tohru some tea?" Shigure asked looking to Yuki with pleading eyes. Yuki nodded and scurried out of the room.
Tohru sank onto the couch and sighed as her hand stroked the top of Kyo's head. Kyo was still awake, but he didn't really want to explain the encounter and confession the two of them had just gone through. Shigure sat down beside her, running his hand through the strands of her wet hair and smiled, "I'm so glad you've come home."
"It's nice to be home," Tohru told him happily as she closed her eyes.
"Here Tohru, drink this, we wouldn't want you getting sick," Yuki announced as he stood in front of her with tea. He smiled lightly, concluding what had happened, he was happy for them, at the same time that was only a blanket for the heartache he was feeling.
Tohru took the cup gently and sipped at it, "Oh I'm sorry! I should go get breakfast ready!" Tohru stood up suddenly, realizing she hadn't left breakfast that morning because she had left so early for the train station.
"That's okay Tor-Tor, Yuki made breakfast!" Momiji announced again as he plopped down on the couch opposite side of Tohru and Shigure.
"Ey? Really?" Tohru looked over to Yuki with amazement. Yuki simply blushed and rubbed at his nose. "Wow, thank you Yuki. I'm sorry I didn't make it, I'll be sure to make a special breakfast for everyone tomorrow."
There was a sudden cloud of smoke and Tohru screamed and covered her eyes. Kyo managed to grab the towel of Tohru's shoulders and make himself decent. He stood in the center of the room, embarrassed, but yawning as if he had just woken up from a nap.
"Well, it seems our little kitty has finally awoken," Shigure teased with a grin.
Kyo turned and glared, "Hey shut the hell up, you know how the rain makes me!"
"Yes, we all know how it makes you more irritable than usual," Yuki mumbled under his breath.
"What was that rat?" Kyo shouted turning to Yuki.
"Uhh guys..." Tohru stood up in-between them, "Let's not fight alright. It's still kinda early in the morning and I..." Tohru covered her mouth and yawned, flustering, "Oh I'm sorry that was very rude of me."
"Tohru...why don't you go rest for today?" Haru suggested wrapping his arm around her shoulder, "I don't think anyone would object here. You deserve a day off, with how hard you work to keep us in line."
"But..but I still have to make breakfast, and before you know it lunch will be here!" Tohru protested.
"Hey, they invented take-out for a reason," Haru smiled as he rubbed the top of her head, "You don't have to sleep all day, but you should rest before you catch your death. Get out of these wet clothes and sleep."
Tohru nodded and smiled, "Maybe just a little sleep. Don't blow up the house or anything right?"
"Of course," Haru smiled, "I'll keep Momiji occupied with something."
Tohru nodded and disappeared upstairs. Kyo, who was still in just a towel, wandered over to the stairs to go to his own room.
"Oh Kyo, going up into our precious flower's room with nothing but a towel?" Shigure joked covering his mouth with a hand gesturing sarcastic laughter.
Kyo turned around, "What the hell you pervert! I'd like some pants if that isn't so much to ask! Gahh!" He ran his hand through his hair like his head hurt.
"Temptation comes knocking you naughty boy," Shigure laughed again until Yuki hit him over the head. Shigure just grinned and shrugged, returning to a semi-adult mode. "Maybe you should rest too Kyo, you wouldn't want to get sick either. You'd worry Tohru."
Kyo growled and disappeared up the stairs. He threw on some dry clothes and stopped as he reached Tohru's door. He slid it open gently and peaked his head inside. Tohru was already cuddled up in her bed asleep, a small content smile etched on her face. He smiled, this is the girl I always want to be with forever and then shut the door. He wandered downstairs and laid down on a couch until he too fell asleep. That's how the day went, and no one really asked them what had happened. But Tohru did blush when she thought about it up in her room.
The Next Day
Tohru was downstairs flipping some fried vegetables in a frying pan, humming to music. Shigure entered the kitchen next, a grin on his face to see his 'daughter' at her proper place back in the house, "Good morning Tohru."
"Good morning Shigure!" She began to funnel the food onto a plate and then sauntered over giving it to him. "How is your novel coming Shigure, I'm excited to see it published!"
Shigure laughed, "Well, hopefully it will get published before my editor goes completely crazy. I've actually just finished it last night, that of course being the rough draft. There are still many edits and alterations I have to make."
"That's great!" Tohru smiled, "Edits aren't so bad, I think the hardest part is just thinking up the book to begin with. I could never write something so beautiful as a novel."
Shigure chuckled, "Well I'm glad someone envies my talents, those boys just think I'm wasting my time," he grinned and took a bite of his food, "As usual another magnificent meal from the magnificent flower!"
Tohru blushed and rubbed the back of her head, "I guess it's my apology."
"Whatever for Flower?" Shigure asked troubled.
Tohru tried to stay smiling, "We have gone through so much, and then Akito finally lets you adopt me. The minute those papers are signed, I disappeared to go on tour. That wasn't fair to you, it's one of the reasons I came back. You finally got your wish and it was like I took it away."
Shigure pushed back his food, folded his hands on the table, and looked up at her. "Tohru, it's okay. You don't have to apologize a hundred times. It was a difficult decision, as much as writing is a great talent, so is singing. It could have taken you to amazing new heights. It was your decision and no one else's. I wouldn't have been hurt if you had pursued singing. Heck I'd be at every concert if you had!" Tohru giggled at that remark, "Tohru, you're always going to be my little girl, even if you're a thousand miles away."
Tohru smiled, "I'm so happy to be part of this family," She hugged Shigure and grabbed onto his fur as he licked the side of her face. "Cursed or not, I have a family again."
The alarm on Tohru's watch went off a few minutes later, "Oh my gosh! I gotta go to work Shigure!" She stood up and bowed her head smiling, "I called the manager earlier and told him I still needed the job. I can't wait until the summer, I can work more hours then. See ya!" Tohru grabbed her bag and was out the door just as Shigure changed back.
Yuki was walking out of his bedroom and banged into Kyo. Yuki almost automatically was going to tell the stupid cat to watch out, but he didn't, "Hey."
"Hey," Kyo replied in a grumble.
"There's no chance she can go back now right? It's not like there's another airplane or train ticket waiting for her right?" Yuki asked.
"Nah, even if there was a way back to the band, I think she's here to stay for now," Kyo replied with a shrug, "If she really had wanted to go, if it was her true desire to be famous, she wouldn't of had a doubt in her mind. Just be happy she's here stupid."
"Right," Yuki stared at the floor and then walked back into his room. He really did want to know if Kyo had confessed his love to Tohru, but admitting those words was too much for him at the moment.
Kyo couldn't help but smile a little before he disappeared downstairs for breakfast. Shigure was still at the table, strangely just him and Kyo. Shigure eyed Kyo as he sipped at his coffee, "Plan on telling me the real reason our little flower stayed behind?"
Blush flew to Kyo's face as he shoved some of Tohru's breakfast into his mouth. Kyo could see Shigure was smiling. Kyo just gulped and shrugged his shoulders, "There was a list man. She wanted to be here and be a daughter, she wanted to have a family, she would miss all her friends. She felt like she had an obligation to stay with this family. Said it wasn't really her dream to accomplish anyway."
Kyo looked down at his plate as he recalled her beautiful words the night before. He could still feel blush lingering on his cheeks.
"I knew it would make Akito happy, and I thought you'd be happy too. That's why I decided it would be best if I left," a timid voice called out to him, "You said you wanted me to go, go on the tour 'and realize what a burden you were'. Even though I didn't want to go, I'd leave if it would prove to you how much you and the family meant to me."
Kyo sat up and turned around, seeing Tohru at the top of the stairs, her bag at her side, tears pouring down her face. He was too stunned to say anything.
"But as I sat there waiting for the train, I started thinking about all that we've been through. That was when I realized, what was important to me. Clarity had my back before mom died, and even after I moved into your home. But when I did move in, it wasn't them who held me when I cried, nor told me it was okay, or stayed with me at the hospital. It was you Kyo, you were the one who has always been there for me," She left the protection of the overhang into the rain and made her way down the stairs, leaving her bag back up at the top, "That's why I left you all those messages. I was too afraid to say it to your face, because I'm not very good at expressing how I feel. I'm not good at telling people what I want..."
" No matter the pain I went through, no matter how many things people told me to do, Kyo you were the only one who said I could do what I wanted to do. You told me to be selfish, and you didn't mind if I complained or cried. I know we fought a lot. Heck we had enough drama in the house to make a soap opera. You hated that I wanted to go to Akito's, you hated the danger I was willing to put myself in for you and the Sohmas. Yet, even though you were afraid, you let me go. You knew my happiness was more important than my safety, in some twisted way."
"Tohru..." He got up off the bench and stared at her. His orange hair was flat against his head, the rain coming down hard as he stared at her. Her hair was dripping wet too, sticking to her shoulders and her pink shirt and jeans soaked through. She never looked more beautiful in his eyes.
"Record deals are one of a kind and they don't come around that often, but people you fall in love with don't grow on trees either. I realized that too, sitting right there on that bench just like you were," She smiled and pointed to the bench, "I want to stay here, with the Sohmas. That is... if you'll allow me Kyo..." she stopped at the bottom stair and looked up at him, "I know I'm kind of klutzy, I make a lot of mistakes, I put myself in danger and sometimes I don't think straight, I hum when I'm happy, and cry a lot when I'm sad...and..."
"...None of that matters," Kyo whispered softly as he approached her slowly, "...I keep my emotions locked up inside of me. I avoid thinking about things that don't make sense. I deny my truest feelings because someone else is proving me wrong. I have a foul temper, and I argue a lot...but..." he smiled gently and stroked the side of her face "But as long as I have you, I don't care how imperfect I am..."
Tohru buried her head into his chest and took hold of his hands, "I love you Kyo..."
Kyo kissed the side of her head and took in a breath of her beautiful scent, "I love you too Tohru."
Kyo could feel the blush heighten on his face, and he got up from the table before Shigure could tease him about it. "Where is Tohru anyway?" He asked quietly.
"Oh, Tohru said she had to go to work. With the school year ending, she probably wants to get a jump start on signing up for summer jobs to pay for her tuition."
"Well, if she's your daughter, aren't you just going to pay for it yourself?" Kyo suggested.
"I would, but you know Tohru wouldn't allow it. This is the one promise she made to her mom, I think it's only fair she does it on her own. She knows if she ever gets in a bind, I'll help her."
Kyo smirked, "Who knows, you might not be a total failure at being a guardian after all," With that humble remark, Kyo walked out the back door.
Tohru only had to spend a few hours at work even though she insisted she stayed to work longer. She hung her apron on the rack and gave a wave before walking out the front door. When she turned to the right, heading towards town, she was surprised to see Kyo waiting leaning against the ice cream shop's wall.
"About time, I've been waiting out here for at least an hour," He mumbled.
Tohru smiled and blushed a little looking down at her feet, "Hey Kyo."
"Come on," Kyo pushed himself off the wall and looked down at her as he started to walk down the street.
"Where are we going Kyo?" Tohru asked as she hurried along with him.
A small smile formed on his face, "You'll see."
They walked side by side for a while in silence until Tohru broke it, "Kyo?"
"Hmm?"
Tohru smiled, "Thank you for coming to get me from work today," she smiled even more when Kyo started to blush.
"Don't worry about it," He finally answered. Things were, different, between Tohru and Kyo. Everything they did together seemed to make them blush, even if it was just a smile from the other. They continued their walk in silence again, Kyo glancing at her from time to time, watching her swing her arms as she walked along. "Tohru?"
"Yeah Kyo?" She looked over at him smiling.
"Are you okay, I mean..." he let out a small sigh of hesitation, "I know you chose to stay cause you wanted to, but you don't have any like doubts or regrets and stuff right?"
Tohru shook her head, "Nope. The band will understand, I know they will. I don't know what would've happened to me if I had left. I want to be the with the Sohmas, I want to be with you. You make me feel safe."
Kyo smiled and then looked ahead, "Hey, we're here."
Tohru looked around at the wooden dojo in front of them, "Hey, what's this place Kyo?"
"This is Kazuma's dojo. I figured, I dunno I'd show it to you," Kyo was feeling sorta stupid, now that he had dragged her across town just to see his Sensei's dojo.
"This is his dojo?" Tohru's eyes widened, "This is so amazing! I remember him from the photograph in your room. Is he here Kyo, can I meet him?"
Kyo nodded, "Yup. Since sensei is such a great guy, he'd get along with a kindhearted girl like you. Who knows, maybe he can knock some sense into you too. Come on, let's go inside."
He took her hand and dragged her inside after they had removed their shoes. He turned down a corner just in time to see Kazuma walk out of another room. His smile was kind, aged from his many years of teaching just like his gray ponytail. "Welcome back Kyo."
Tohru watched as the two held a gaze for a moment, Kyo released her hand to give him a complete and formal bow and Kazuma returned it. "Sensei, it's good to see you again."
Kazuma smiled and laughed, "It's always a pleasure to see you," he spotted Tohru hiding behind Kyo, "But it seems you've brought company with you today Kyo. Who is this girl?"
Tohru blushed and let out a small 'eep' as she left the shelter of Kyo's body, "Umm hello, I'm Tohru, Tohru Honda-Sohma."
"Sohma?" Kazuma looked from Tohru to Kyo with a baffled face.
"Shigure gained rights to adopt Tohru. Now she's under Shigure's guardianship and a cousin-in law to the rest of us I suppose," Kyo shrugged.
Kazuma looked back to Tohru, "So you are the young Tohru that I've heard so much about. Most of my students are very fond of you," His smile made Tohru blush, he seemed genuine and happy.
"Umm...students?" Tohru titled her head to the side with a smile, "Who are your students Mr. Kazuma."
"Please, just call me Kazuma," He took Tohru by the hand and smiled leading her down the hall, Kyo following close behind, "Well first off one of my students you know is Kyo. I trained him since he was young. I also trained Yuki-chan, Haru-chan, and Kagura-san."
Tohru turned to Kyo, "I know Haru and Yuki but..." Kyo had suddenly stopped short in the hallway. "Who's Kagura-san Kyo?"
Kazuma chuckled, "Kagura is one of the zodiac members. She's also..."
"KYOOOO!" A high-pitched voice called out and with one swift motion a figure pounced on Kyo and had him on the ground. Tohru let a sweat drop fly past her face as she looked over on the ground at the girl who was hugging Kyo, "OH Kyo I'm so glad you've come back, I"ve missed you so much!"
Kazuma cleared his throat, "This, is Kagura, she is the boar for the zodiac. Kagura, show some decency and stand up this minute. You're in the presence of company."
Kagura looked at Kazuma and blushed and stood up, bowing her head to Tohru, "Gomen, my name is Kagura, who are you?" Her brown hair covering and falling past her face as she bowed.
"Oh well...my name is..."
"None of your business!" Kyo growled as he dusted himself off, "You wonder why the hell I don't come back here gees." He limped over to Tohru and sighed, "Meet Kagura..."
"Oh Kyo...why do you have to be so mean?" Kagura sniffled as tears hit the floor, "Can't you see how much I LOVE YOU!" She screamed as she hit him across the face with a punch, sending him flying into a wall.
Kazuma shook his head as the color drained from Tohru's face, "Kagura has been this way for as long as any of us remember. Believe it our not she's a college student, earning a degree in teaching. She's fixed on the idea of her and Kyo getting married."
"TO hell with getting married to this monster!" Kyo screamed from the cloud of smoke the two fighters were causing.
"Oh Kyo you're so mean!" Kagura cried again and again Kyo went flying, this time landing at Tohru's feet.
"Kyo!" Tohru got down on her knees and started to look him over, which made Kagura stop her punch just before Tohru's head. "Kyo are you okay?" Tohru started checking out his eyes and his face, "Do you need ice Kyo?"
"What is she...doing?" Kagura asked quietly as she took a step back.
"Kazuma do you have ice and bandages for Kyo?" Tohru asked quickly and Kazuma nodded walking off. Tohru looked down at Kyo and then up at Kagura, "Kagura, can you please, if it's not too much trouble, not fight with Kyo?"
"Who are you to tell me what to do, he's my love!" Kagura yelled.
"Gomen, but, fighting doesn't solve anything but only continues an endless cycle of hate." She stood up and helped Kyo to his feet, "I'm sure the two of you can just talk it out first okay?"
Kagura growled, "Kyo, who is this woman?"
Kyo winced and stood up fully, wrapping his arm Tohru's shoulder. "This is Tohru, my girlfriend."
Tohru watched the color drain from Kagura's face, her eyes suddenly downcast towards the floor, "Oh, so you're the famous Tohru I've heard so much about. You're all Kisa and Hiro talk about when they visit. They're just starting to be trained."
Kazuma rested a hand on Kagura's shoulder, "Kagura is my new assistant instructor when it comes to Kisa and Hiro. It's a great way for her to channel her endless energy when she's not at her classes."
Tohru smiled, "That's very sweet of you Kagura, I'm sure Kisa and Hiro are very fond of you. You do so much to help children, Kazuma told me you want to be a teacher!"
Kagura tried to smile as she remained staring at the floor, "Yeah, I've always loved kids, I've always dreamed of getting married and having a few myself but..." She clenched her fist as she rose her head again and forced out a smile, "But that doesn't matter right now, maybe it's time I finally get to know the infamous Tohru Honda."
Kazuma pat Kagura's back, "She's actually a Sohma now."
Kagura spun around, "What? A Sohma? Don't tell me she married Kyo? Who let them go and do that?"
"No no no," Tohru waved her arms in front of herself, "Shigure-san adopted me and I'm now his legal daughter, you see," Tohru looked down at the floor, "My father died when I was extremely young, I can't even remember his face, and last year, my mother died in a car accident. I became really fond of the Sohmas as I lived with them so for my birthday, Shigure said he'd adopt me."
"How the heck did a stupid girl like you get Akito to allow this?" Kagura scowled.
"Hey shut up!" Kyo barked, "Tohru worked her ass off to get Akito to say yes. She had to live with the man for two weeks and because of it she ended up in the hospital! Tohru deserves to live with us and we all want her to live with us. Don't you call her stupid Kagura!"
Tohru tugged on Kyo's shirt, "Don't yell Kyo," She whispered gently, "There's nothing to be mad about."
"Are you nuts! She has no right to call you stupid!" Kyo barked trying to attack Kagura as Tohru held him back.
"Not everyone in the world is going to be your best friend. Mom told me as long as you yourself are a good person it doesn't matter what other's think," Tohru persisted as she held him back, her hands forcing themselves against his chest, "I'm already adopted, so nothing can make me unhappy, and...I have you now..." her last few words were low and Kyo looked down at her and stopped. She smiled and he cuffed her cheek and looked over her shoulder at Kagura.
Kagura was too much in denial, staring back at the floor as Kyo lashed out at her and defended this air head of a girl, "How could this have happened? How could he have fallen for her..."
"Hey Kazuma, how about you and Kagura come over to the estate for dinner? I'm sure the others will be very happy to see you!"
Kagura couldn't hear Kyo and Tohru branching off into a conversation with Kazuma as she fell farther into the shadows of the hallway. "This can't be real...I won't allow it."