Love Stained Tears

Chapter 1

Hiya! This is my first story I've published, but the second one I've written. Funny how things turn out...lol

Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Fruits Basket. But if I did...

Questions Waiting to be Asked

February 14. Tohru circled the date on her zodiac- animal calendar. Two more weeks until the dance. I can't wait Okaa-San! Thought Tohru excitedly, as she stood up and stretched. She made her way out of her room, and down the stairs into the kitchen to make breakfast. She saw Kyo standing in the refrigerator, chugging milk out of its carton.

"Oh! Good morning Kyo-Kun!" Said Tohru cheerfully. " Did you sleep well?"

"I thought I told you to drop the –Kun part, didn't I?" Asked Kyo annoyed. He wiped the milk that dribbled down his cheek with the back of his hand.

"Oh! Yes! You did! I completely forgot all about it!" As Tohru babbled apologies, Kyo smiled a secret, loving smile only reserved for her. That's so like her. I can't do it. Not now at least. Kyo thought, the smile fading from his face as he as a sleepy Yuki wandered into the kitchen.

"Is that Richan-San?" asked Yuki thickly.

"No, it's just Tohru," answered Kyo. He suddenly realized he didn't use an honorific after her name. But did I ever? It would be strange to start now. Kyo contemplated with himself. She never seemed to mind, and it doesn't look like she minds now. Kyo heaved a sigh. " Tohru, it's okay. I forgive you. Just please calm down. Here, I'll even help you with breakfast." He started putting ingredients in the rice cooker.

"Ahhh… The joy of young love," recited Shigure, drawn into the kitchen from the entire ruckus "But Kyo-Kun, do try to refrain from hitting on girls so early in the morning."

"I wasn't…" started Kyo, blushing crimson.

"Like you don't, you hypocrite. Leave Honda-San alone," said Yuki annoyed at his cousin's perverted comment.

After breakfast, Yuki went to school, even though it was a Saturday. When Shigure asked him if he knew it was the weekend, Yuki replied that he had a student council meeting to plan the dance.

"Now, now! No kissing behind the desk!" Teased Shigure. Kyo smacked the baka-inu's head.

"Shut up you perverted dog!" shouted Kyo.

"No! Don't fight! Please," pleaded Tohru, her eyes overflowing with concern and worry. Kyo closed his eyes to calm down.

"Don't worry," he said trying to sooth the frantic Tohru. "I'll be around." He turned and left the kitchen. By around, Kyo meant the roof, where he attempted to hide away from his reality. I can't do it. She'll say no. She likes that stupid rat better. I have no chance with her. Thought Kyo depressed.

Down at the table Shigure was thinking over ways to smooth the whole fiasco over. His eyes enlightened upon Tohru, his peacekeeper.

"Tohru-kun, would you be my peace keeper and try to diffuse Kyo-Kun?" Asked Shigure meekly, his fingers crossed under the table.

"I'll try my best," said Tohru, in her most determined voice. Kyo heard the ladder creak beside him. She's coming to say she chose Yuki. Thought Kyo, and turned his back to the ladder. Silence. Then he felt a small, warm hand on his shoulder. He twitched. Tohru removed her hand. Here it comes. She'll tell me now. Thought Kyo, and braced himself for the bad news.

"Kyo-Kun? Are you okay?" Tohru asked the orange-haired boy as she knelt beside himself. She lightly put a hand on his arm. Kyo blushed a pale red. If Tohru noticed, she didn't show it.

"Yeah," Kyo mumbled. "I'm fine. Don't waste your worry on me. I don't deserve it. I'm a monster."

"No you aren't!" Tohru said meaningfully. "You remember what I said to you that night. It was the truth, and it still is now. I care about you. I want to worry about you." She does care. Maybe I have a chance. Wait that damn rat probably already asked her to the dance. She just doesn't want to tell me.

" Um…Kyo-Kun," Tohru started." Um... I was wondering if you..."

"No. I understand. It's okay. Really," said Kyo, not looking at her. That's it. He did ask her, and she said yes. "You don't have to tell me." He put his head in his arms and curled up into a protective feline-like ball. Tohru, taking the hint, hint said softly, "I guess I should go do some cleaning." She left the roof.

After another delicious meal by Tohru, everyone disbanded. Yuki went to check on his winter garden in his secret base, Shigure went to his office to work on his new novel, and Kyo silently padded up to his room. When no one requested Tohru's help, she was at a loss of what to do. Everything was cleaned; she had done that earlier that day. There was no more food to cook as they had just eaten dinner. I guess I'll go talk with Mom. Tohru said with a sigh. But maybe a bath first! She ran happily to the closet to find her fluffy butter-yellow towel with minute crimson strawberries on it. She drew up a hot, steamy bath, and put in a few drops of green tea oil in it to soften her skin and help her think over all of the day's events.

I tried to ask him to the dance mom. Thought Tohru, closing her eyes and soaking in the bathroom. She let the warm water reach deep inside her, trying to heal the small bit of heart she now felt inside. But he said no. I guess he really doesn't like me like I thought he did. Mom, I really care about him! With that, she finished her bath and put on her silk, lavender-colored pajamas and a fluffy rose-colored bathrobe.

She walked through the halls and into her room. She sat at her desk and pulled out a secret box containing some small heart-shaped chocolates, sparkly square-patterned wrapping paper, and some colorful ribbons. She had one for everyone; Kyo, Yuki, Shigure, the other Sohmas, Hana-chan, Uo-chan. I hope everyone likes them. Thought Tohru. She talked to her mother as she worked on wrapping the chocolates. "I don't know what to do mom. I like Kyo-Kun, but I guess he doesn't like me," said Tohru sadly to the picture of Kyoko-San. Kyo, whose room was next to hers, heard her talking. His ears moved foreword to better tune into his voice.

"I really was hoping he would ask me to the dance, but now I know that's not going to happen," she said, unable to escape her perceived reality. Kyo, his curiosity taking over, crept out his window, and on to the balcony outside Tohru's window. I have to do it. I have to ask her now! Thought Kyo making up his mind. He took in a deep breath, blew it out, and took in another one. He was about to ask Tohru when she continued, "Since Kyo-Kun doesn't like me, and maybe Yuki-Kun will go with me."

Kyo couldn't take this anymore. It's now or never! Kyo thought furiously. He knocked on her window. Tohru jumped and whipped around and faced her window.

"Who's there?" She asked shakily. She picked up a rather large textbook and crept over to the window. "H-hello?" She questioned again. When no one answered, she struck out with her book. It was stuck on something. She opened her eyes and saw Kyo had caught the book inches from his face.

"Kyo-Kun! I'm so sorry! I didn't know you were the one at my window. I thought you were a burglar or and animal or something!" Tohru said frantically.

"Is it true?" He asked, interrupting her spew of apologies.

"Pardon?"

"Is it true…what you just said… just before…" said Kyo, looking at the ground. Tohru thought for a moment. "Because I do like you… I…I like you a lot…" Kyo blushed brick red. Tohru's eyes widened.

"Yes. It's true…all of it…" She was blushing the color of a rose. Kyo looked down at her.

"In that case…would…would you go to the dance with me?" Kyo asked her with a bit more optimism than previously felt.

"Yes," Tohru whispered. "I would love to go with you." She gave him a small smile.

Kyo walked over to Tohru. He carefully put his hand under her chin, and tilted her head up to face his. "Thank you my little flower," Said Kyo giving her a wink, and turned to go back to his room.

"Sleep tight, my prince," said Tohru softly and still blushing, even as she finished wrapping her chocolates.

"Well, you were right mom. It is nice to give the benefit of the doubt," said Tohru, smiling to herself, and to her mother's picture. She heard Yuki and Shigure coming up the stairs and into their respective rooms. I wonder if they know… thought Tohru, climbing into her grand western-style bed. "Good night Mom. Good night…Kyo-Kun…Kyo…" whispered Tohru almost silently to herself. My Kyo… thought Tohru, and drifted off into a blissful, romantic, sweet-dreamed sleep.

The next day Tohru, Yuki, and Kyo had school.

"Why are you so happy today? If possible, you seem more contented and bouncier than usual," stated Arisa. "Do you have a hot date or something after school?" She gave a sly grin.

"Our little Tohru-Chan is all grown up…" said Hana forlornly. She hugged a cherry colored Tohru.

"I'm right aren't I?" Said Arisa teasingly.

"No! No! It's just…it's around the holidays and…" Tohru tried.

"So you have a crush is that right?" Inquired Arisa. "If he's a creep, he's gonna get it! Ya hear!" Tohru gave a nervous laugh.

"Do you have a crush Arisa?" asked Hana.

" Well, there was that guy at the convenience store…" admitted Arisa. " But I don't think he goes to our school."

"I wonder how many girls are gonna ask the Prince," Arisa wondered, watching a group of fan club girls stalk their beloved Prince Yuki.

"Poor Yuki-Kun." Sympathized Tohru. "He always is getting attacked by those girls."

"Do you want me to take care of them?" Offered Hana, as a couple strands of hair on the top of her head stood straight up.

"No! Please don't hurt them Hana-Chan!" Tohru half-yelled.

"Are you jealous?" You want to go to the dance with him is it?" Arisa teased once more.

"No. I…I found someone else…to go with me to the dance." Tohru said looking down.

"Are you serious!" Yelled Arisa in shocked.

"Yes…" said Tohru hesitantly. She pulled out her lunch of sausage octopuses, dried squid strips, rice, and some sweet dumplings. There was enough for two people, since she usually shared with Kyo, since Yuki was most likely in a student council meeting during his lunch. Arisa started laughing as Kyo wandered into the small clearing in the three girls were occupying. I was their usual spot; surrounded by trees, kept, well-trimmed lawn, with the tennis courts nearby, but it was still somewhat secretive and secluded. Today, Tohru had brought a picnic blanket along with her so she and her friends didn't have to sit in the thin sheet of snow, which now covered the ground.

"I still fail to see what is so funny, Arisa," said Hana staring blankly at her. Arisa was laughing so hard there were tears in her eyes. Wiping them, she said,

"Wouldn't it be funny if her mystery man was Orange-top!" Kyo's ears flicked back. If that Yankee finds out, she'll never let me live it down! Thought Kyo, pretending to occupy himself with a miniscule group of birds that were fluttering and flying about nearby. "Yo! Orange-top!" Called Arisa. "Come over here for a second!"

"Yes," requested Hana. "Come over here."

"And what if I don't want to," asked Kyo, annoyed, but he still came over.

"Do you know who Tohru-Chan's mystery man is?" Demanded Arisa, her curiosity reaching max.

Kyo glanced at Tohru. She held his gaze with a slightly pleading look in her eyes.

"No idea," said Kyo, turning back to Hana and Arisa. When Tohru gave a plate with some of the lunch from the box and offered it to him, he took it eagerly, looking like he had never eaten before. That finished, he said, "Besides, who cares anyway?"

"Are you kidding me!" Arisa shrieked. "I care!"

"As do I," said Hana in an afterthought.

"Hey!" Said Arisa as a sudden inspiration over took her. "Tomorrow's a half-day, right?"

"Yes, Uo-Chan," answered Tohru, piping up in the embarrassing conversation. "Did you want to do something special?"

"Yes. Why don't we all go out to eat?" Suggested Uo. "Then you can tell us all about your man!" The bell rang.

"I guess we better be getting back to class now," said Tohru, putting the lunch box back into her school bag. She hesitated, but didn't follow her friends.

"Tohru-Chan!" Called Uo. "Are you coming?"

"I'll catch up to you guys!" Tohru promised, giving a small wave.

"But…" Uo began.

"Let her be Arisa," said Hana softly. She wants to be alone. Hana then escorted U back to the school building. Tohru turned and faced Kyo.

"So they don't know, huh?" Questioned Kyo.

"No, I haven't told them." Answered Tohru. Will you tell anyone?"

Kyo smiled. "I won't if you don't want me to." Tohru grabbed Kyo's hand and they walked that way together until they could see students in the near distance.