Disclaimer: I don't own Fruits Basket

A/N: Sorry I kind of put this on hold for a while! But new chapter at last!

Silk sheets slid about as a silver-haired boy shifted. Dark eyelashes fluttered open to reveal eyes of a dark violet shade. Yuki awoke and sat up, looking drowsily around the room.

Yuki's bed sat at the center of the enormous bedroom. A large table containing a computer and a pile of book and papers stood in one corner. Otherwise, the room was plain and empty. He slid out of his bed full of silk sheets and silk pillows and stepped onto the soft, creamy white carpet that covered the floor. He stepped up to the tall doors that led into his balcony and touched the glass, gazing into the sky. Although the rain had slowed to a drizzle, the sky was still as dark and the ground still wet. He sighed and took his uniform, which was folded in a neat pile on his chair, and stepped into the large marble bathroom. He switched on the shining gold knob, causing the shower to spray hot water into the spotless white bathtub. He sleepily stripped off his clothes and stepped into the shower, sighing again.

It was another day in the life of the wealthy "prince". A life that so many would do anything for was just the one Yuki wanted to escape. It was not the life he chose, just the one he was born int. What purpose did he serve?

These were his thoughts as he dressed, straightening his tie and looking in the mirror. It was still a little crooked. He walked into his room and a chill confronted him. He ignored it and looked out the window at the side of his balcony's entrance. His fingers trailed along the fabric of his curtains as he gazed longingly at the ocean waves that lapped the beach that was so plainly in sight from the Baker mansion. His face took on a painful expression. Oh what he'd give to be free… free from this curse. His eyes closed as he tuned away from the window. There was no time for such thoughts. He would be late for breakfast.

Yuki descended the wide marble staircase that led into the entrance hall. His shoes echoed through the silence of the empty house as he turned into the dining hall.

Yuki took his seat at the head of the long, empty mahogany table. Servants, two of which stood at the corners of the room in case he needed assistance, had already laid his food neatly on his play. He stole a glance to the other end of the table and his eyes locked onto those of his older counterpart.

"Good morning, Yuki." The icy voice echoed through the hall.

"Good morning, Akito." Yuki replied to his brother.

After giving each other empty stares for a moment, the two turned back to their breakfast. The clinking of the eating utensils were the only sounds in the room.

Since their father had left them as soon as Akito had become old enough to take over the school, and their mother had died giving birth to Yuki, the two of them only had each other to turn to. When they were young, Akito and Yuki had spent many happy times together, playing at the beach—their only escape from their life. When their father left, though Akito had hardened, and whatever warmth and love they had for each other had evaporated. Only a cold, empty rift remained, and the bond they had once shared seemed impossible to renew.

Yet it was all they had. Without each other, they would be…alone.

Every morning, with the conclusion of breakfast, they went their separate ways, Akito taking the limo to the school, as opposed to Yuki, who preferred to walk.

Today, Akito paused before he entered the car. "You're sure you don't want a ride?" When Yuki shook his head, Akito shrugged and took his seat in the car. "Suit yourself.

Yuki took off early that morning, walking onto the path dazed. He listened to the splashing of his steps and the splattering of the rain. The pattering of the drops on the black umbrella was hypnotizing. Before he knew it, Yuki was standing at he gate of the girls' dormitories.

He walked through the doorway to come face-to-face with Machi. He smiled. "Good morning. Just the person I was looking for." He looked down at her empty hands. "This is your only umbrella, isn't it?"

Machi nodded.

"Well, it's settled then!" Yuki took her hand and led her outside, opening the umbrella over them. "We're sharing the umbrella."

Machi turned red. Great… She knew this would happen. Hesitantly, she scooted under the umbrella with him. A tingling sensation filled her every time their arms brushed, sending heat surging through hers.

English came around, with which came new seating assignments. Coincidentally, Yuki an Machi ended up sitting across from each other, partners for a project.

After a short discussion, the two were working individually, Yuki flipping through their book quietly. They were at two desks at the corner of the classroom by the windows, seeming far away from the rest of the class. Machi scribbled things onto a piece of paper, listening to the crisp sound of pages turning. There was a long silence lacking page turning. Machi looked up at Yuki. His hair covered his eyes as he leaned over the desk and laid his head to rest on Machi's shoulder, his hair stroking her cheek and his fingers brushing hers lightly.

"Y-Yuki…?" Machi turned ten shades of red. "What…?" Her only answer was a long silence, filled only by slow breaths. Machi looked at Yuki through he corner of her eye. His eys were closed, face relaxed, and breathing even. He's asleep… Machi thought, bewildered. Wow, he must have been really tired… Machi looked sympathetically at Yuki's peaceful face. She looked around nervously but thankfully nobody had noticed anything. She slowly lifted her hand to gently stroke his hair out of his face.

Tears dripped from her eyes. How could I… fall in love with him…? He's the only one who's ever noticed me… the only one who has ever seen me…how could I not fall in love with him? She squeezed her hands into tight fists and cried silently.

"You're worthless!"

Her eyes snapped open. No…I…I don't deserve to be with him… She bit her lip until it bled, drops of red falling along with the salty tears. How did I fall so deep into everything I fear?

Yuki stirred and awakened, straightening. "Sorry, I… I'm tired… I guess I dozed off." He laughed slightly, but quickly stopped when he looked into her face, his eyes filling with concern. "What's wrong?"

"I… I bit my lip… and it hurt so bad, I…" Machi quickly wiped her eyes, trying to cover them with a story.

Yuki reached into his bag and pulled out a tissue, handing it to her with a small smile. "You're a bad liar, you know that?"

Machi blushed.

"It's okay… we all have our secrets, right?" Yuki patted her head and turned back to his book.

Yeah… secrets…the world really does have too many of those…
A man lifted the chin of a woman so she looked into his face. The woman tried hard to avoid his gaze.

"So…" he said quietly, smirking. "How long do you plan on keeping your true identity from everyone?"

"As long as I have to." The woman replied, finally looking into his eyes.

He laughed. "You and your family hid such… sinister secrets…"

Whew. End of fourth chapter. Enjoy.