Hey! I'm back!

Okay, this is my first attempt at a Fruits Basket fanfic. Alright, so I know for one, that Kyo is going to be somewhat out of character. I'm playing up on the fact that I don't really believe Kyo hates Yuki, so much as he doesn't think he can beat him without that motivation.

Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy and I hope this is worth your time reading!!!

Summery: After many hundred tries, Kyo finally beats Yuki. He's finally going to be accepted into the Zodiac! But is the cost worth the price when Yuki is jepordized for the cause?

Once again: this is showing the friendship between Yuki and Kyo that's never shown because it's locked away. And Tohru will be badly written: I'm just not good at writing people like her!

Hope you like it! Please, review with what you think!!!

DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything except the ideas.

Year of the Cat

"Today's the day, ya damn rat!" Kyo Sohma cried, lunging for said boy, Yuki Sohma. The gray haired boy dodged, swiftly spinning behind his cat-like opponent. A smooth kick to the head knocked Kyo for a loop, but he was soon back on his feet. "Come on, are ya losin' your touch? I didn't even feel it!"

Tohru just sighed, continuing to cook the morning meal. Those two… she thought. Ever since they'd started their last year of high school, the fights were far from fewer or less violent. In fact, they couldn't go too long without at least a verbal fight.

But this fight was different… How, you ask?

Because, for once, Kyo had the upper hand.

The cat dove under the rat, stood fast, and wrapped his arm tightly around the rat's throat. Yuki retaliated, elbowing his nemesis in the belly. The two then continued exchanging blows: a left, a right, high kick, another punch.

Then, through the somewhat quiet yard- there were a few "HYA"'s and "AAARGH!!"'s- a loud cry erupted.

Shigure peeked out of his study, ready to see how far Kyo had flown this time; his mouth dropped in awe.

Tohru rushed to the yard. Kyo stood, tensed and ready for the rat to stand back up, tensed and ready to continue the fight. But Yuki didn't compose himself; he didn't even stir. Finally, it sunk into the crimson-eyed boy:

"I won." he mumbled.

Tohru rushed past, thinking nothing of it. So what? she thought. He won… though that is far and few…

An enthusiastic grin played across Kyo's features. "I WON!" He rushed over to Shigure. "Hey, dog, you saw it, right? You saw me win?"

The novelist nodded, still shocked from the victory. "Would you be willin' to swear that I won? To anyone?"

"Yes, yes, but maybe you really should see if-"

"THEN IT'S SETTLED!" Kyo sprinted off in the opposite direction, the smile shining brightly on his face.

Tohru helped Yuki sit up. The dark-eyed boy rubbed the newly formed bump on his head in amazment. "Damn," he murmured. "he really beat me."

"Are you alright?" Tohru questioned, worriedly.

Yuki smiled kindly. "Yes- all I've hurt is my stature. But I wonder where… Kyo's run off to…"

"I concur." Shigure claimed, approaching the two. Tohru shot him a wondering look. "Why? Doesn't he always run off like this?" She'd seen it enough that she'd have thought it would be: he always ran away after a fight; he was just hiding… though he really had no reason to hide now…

"I'd have thought he'd stick around to gloat, at the least." Yuki and Shigure both announced.

"Oh well," Shigure voiced. "It was bound to happen sometime." The writer waltzed back to his room to continue his work and Tohru ambled back to the kitchen.

Where could that cat have gone to? Yuki wondered, looking off after the young man. Finally, the boy stood and followed the brunette back into the house.

Kyo rushed through the maze of buildings, heading as fast as he could for the main house. "I've got to hurry." he whispered to himself. Finally, he thought. I've proved my worth- I've beaten the rat. Now… He smirked at the thought. I can take my place as a true member of the Zodiac. He promised. The cat won't be worthless anymore!!!

He tore open the paper door to the house.

A small white bird fluttered away through the open door, though the owner's finger still hung in a way that made you think the bird was still perched.

"Well, well, well," Akito cooed, not even attempting to hide the malice in his voice. "Look- a lost kitten. I wonder what it wants."

Kyo grinned wildly. "To take my place in the Zodiac."

Akito turned, a brow arched in confusion. "You've-?"

"I done it." the cat shouted. "I beat Yuki- the rat."

Akito sat a moment, letting the news sink in. "Huh," he mumbled. "I suppose that is our agreement…"

The raven haired boy stood and walked to a small pedestal. "Later, you and Yuki must visit me. The arrangements will be completed by then for your… initiation." Kyo smiled brightly.

This isn't just a dream.

It's real. I've won.

I'm not worthless anymore.

With that, the boy nodded and began the long trek back to Shigure's. Yuki won't be happy about having to visit Akito… he thought. But at least now… I can tell him why I've been so angry towards him all this time- why I never helped him… Maybe he can forgive…

He could see the front door by this time. And I can explain why he has to come. It's a good cause, right? Tohru… You no longer need a fan club, huh?

Kyo burst through the doorway and into the dining room, panting heavily.

Tohru turned in surprise. "Oh, Kyo! You're back!" But he paid no heed, just turned to where Yuki sat, glaring. "Yu…ki…" he breathed.

"What, stupid cat?"

Kyo opened his mouth to retort, but held his tongue. "I need you to come with me this aftanoon. It's important."

Shigure looked up from his meal, casting a questioning gaze toward the cat.

"And why would I help you?" Yuki shot back. Kyo glared. Maybe this would be harder than he thought. "Look, just please?"

Everyone's eyes widened at his uncharacteristic behavior. Did he just… Yuki thought. Did he just say 'please'?

Shigure's eyes narrowed. It must be… he thought.

He smiled brightly. "Yuki, just humor him. He probably just wants to gloat!" Every head whipped to look at the giggling Shigure.

Tohru nodded. "Maybe he's right. As rude as it sounds," she whispered. "he doesn't want his house torn up when you two get into another fight!"

Yuki sighed. "Fine."

Kyo grinned once more. "Good."

So what do you guys think? Good? Bad? Ugly?

Please, I really want to know what you think! First attempt!

Thanks for reading!!!

----Hikari----