Anime: Fruits Basket

Creator: Natsuya Takashi

Author: Cheshire

"APPLE OF MY EYE"

Chapter Three: Fourteenth Sohma

Silence grew around the group and all eyes had now landed on the mysterious red head, whose body had continued to shake against Uotani's grip, her eyes filling with many emotions at one time that Hana caught. Tohru took a small step toward her, hoping to ask her another question but she pulled from the blonde's arms and sped off into the park. "Aah! Miss Red!" The brunette cried, reaching out for the red head but she was too fast for her to catch. "Ringo!" Momiji shouted, letting his school bag fall from his fingers as he ran after her, tears threatening to fall form his own brown eyes as she chased the red head. Hatsuharu dropped his own school bad and took off after his cousin and the young woman, not saying anything to the brunette as quickly sped by. "Momiji! Haru!" She cried after the two, but her cries were pushed aside when the chase began...

"We should follow them." Uotani said, grabbing Haru's bag while Hana chose to grab onto Momiji's. "Yes, I think we should. That girl's aura changed drastically after seeing those two. I am quite curious to know why." Hana explained And Uo looked down at her hand, clenching it into a fist. "The way her body trembled beneath my fingers... something has to be up. Come on, Tohru. We can catch up." The brunette nodded her head and clutched her hand against her chest before taking off after the Sohma's and the mysterious girl with Uo and Hana at her sides. 'Miss Red... Who are you...?' She thought while thinking back to the terrified look in her eyes...

Ringo ran through the park as fast as she could, she couldn't turn back and face the two males chasing after her. She knew who they were, she knew very well... But she never expected them to find her in such a place, or to even find her at all... "Ringo! Please! Stop!" The blonde shouted at her as he continued to run, tears wanting to slip through her eyes as her heart began to ache against her chest. 'Please... Just stop calling my name...!' She thought as she turned a quick right, disappearing behind a family of trees that caused both males to stop and look around, hoping to spot her before she completely vanished. "Ringo! Ringo!" Momiji called, looking behind a few of the closest trees while taking deep breaths from all the running he had been doing. Hatsuharu also looked behind a few trees and stopped, turning to his left as he started to listen carefully, thinking that he might have heard some deep breaths coming from behind the biggest tree in the group.

He slowly stepped through four trees and leaned his back against the large tree, confirming that deep breaths were coming from the same tree. "Haru, have you found her?" Momiji called and the white haired teen put his finger or his lips, motioning for his cousin to be quiet which the blonde did. Hatsuharu slowly moved to his left and glanced over his shoulder to see that Ringo was leaning against the tree, her chest moving up and down from her harsh breathing. The Cow narrowed his eyes and quickly reached out to the red head when he noticed her ears perk at his movements. His hand tightly gripped onto her upper arm and he slammed her body against the tree, corning her against the bark as she let out a gasp from the force on her back. "Ringo." He started, watching her eyes turn up to his own with fear, not understanding why he would make her feel afraid of him. "Ringo?" He called again, wanting to know why she was feeling fear instead excitement to see him and Momijij again...

"Haru!" Momiji called and with the slight distraction by the blonde, Ringo pushed herself out of Hatsuharu's arms and raced from the tree and past Momiji who was too slow to grab her. "Ringo!" The Cow slammed his hands against the tree and growled, his darker half starting to flicker from within him... Hatsuharu quickly pushed himself off the tree and sped past his cousin, who groaned and started to chase after the two again while Tohru, Uo and Hana starting to catch up. The white haired teen quickened his pace and within moments he was behind Ringo and wrapped his arms around her waist, tackling in into the grass and down a small hill which the two rolled down. "Ringo! Haru!" Momiji shouted in shock as he stopped at the top of hill to see the two had stopped rolling when the ground had leveled itself out. "Ringo...!"

"Haru! Miss Red!" Tohru shouted when she Uo and Hana finally caught up with the three, watching as Momiji slide down the hill and moving over to the fallen duo. Ringo had landed on her back with her arms next to her head and Hatsuharu landed on top of her, his arms pushing himself up and he placed them on both sides of her head, locking her in place as he stared down at her. The red head's eyes shot open when she realized her predicament and tried to push herself from underneath Hatsuharu's arm, causing him to scowl. "Ringo! Why are you running?" He demanded, pushing her back down against the ground as she continued to squirm under him. "Ringo! Stop!" The Cow grabbed onto the red head's chin and forced her to look up at him, her eyes widening as they locked with his dark orbs. His black eyes were full of concern and worry... causing hers to turn glossy with more tears that threatened to fall... "H-Haru...?"

She whispered and he sighed as he gently tightened the grip of her chin as he spoke. "Why, why are you running?" He asked her softly, the hand that held her chin trembling slightly against her skin which surprised her. "Why?" Momiji fell to his knees next to Hatsuharu as he slowly released her chin, pulling back from her face as he let out another deep breath that he had been holding in. Ringo pushed herself up from her elbows and reached forward, gently placing her hand against Haru's cheek, surprising him with her action. "Haru... Momiji..." After a moment, she tugged her hand back from his face and turned around, allowing her back to face the two as she wrapped her arms around herself tightly. "Ringo...?" The two noticed her shoulders starting to tremble and Haru gently brought her into his arms, letting her back lean against his chest as he circled her waist. "Ringo... Why are you avoiding us?" He asked and felt her tense against him, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You... You don't hate me...?"

The red head muttered and both of their eyes widened at her absurd question. "H-hate you?" Momiji repeated in shock, turning over to his cousin who was just as surprised. "Why in the world would we hate you?" He asked her seriously and she let out a heavy breath, tears starting to fall from her eyes as she spoke. "I... I thought..." A sob left her lips and she started to cry within Haru's arms, Momiji's eyes widened as he moved in front of her, placing his hands on her cheeks. "Ssh... Ringo, please don't cry." He whispered, knowing that if she cried he would start to cry as well... feeling two tears falling from the corner of his brown eyes. "Ringo..." The blonde sighed and rested his chin on top of Ringo's head, looking over at his cousin who shut his eyes and looked away from Momiji, tightening his grip on the red head who continued to softly cry...

Tohru's eyes softened sadly at the sight of her two friends comforting the red head and she felt Hana's hand on her shoulder, turning up to face her friend. "Is there anything we can do, Hana...?" The brunette asked her; Hana stood silently and Uotani sighed, leaning her elbow against Tohru's other shoulder as she watched the three at the bottom of the hill. "The only thing we can do is give them some time." She said and Tohru nodded slowly, letting her eyes trail back to the group and watching as Momiji pulled her into his arms, embracing her tightly against him as Haru rubbed circles on her back. 'I wonder what could have happened...?' She thought as she gripped her hand against the material over her heart, curious as to why Ringo had such a strong sense of fear to see them when she did...

"I am so sorry that you had to see me that way..." Ringo apologized for the fifth time to Tohru, Hana and Uo as the group now all sat in an outside cafe in town, her yellow eyes down casted at her strawberry lemonade. "And for making you pay for me..." She muttered and Tohru shook her head again, waving her hand in front of herself. " No, no, please! It's my pleasure!" She said happily with a smile as she sipped her own chilled drink. "It's nice to finally get to talk to you! Instead of running into each other in the park... or me chasing you..." She said with a blush. "I am so sorry about that!" Ringo smiled softly and reached over the table, placing her hand against Tohru's. "It's okay, really is it. I guess if you didn't keep pursuing me... I never would have met you all, or seen these two again." She told her, referring to Haru and Momiji who were sitting on each side of her. "You could have." Haru said, stirring his drink with his straw, staring down at the red head. "You could have come back." The red head sighed and turned to her cousin with a sad expression. "You know I can't do that..."

"Why not?" He snapped at her, his eyes flickering slightly which caused Momiji and Tohru to gasp. "You have a choice!" Momiji then reached over Ringo and pushed back on Haru's chest, glaring at his cousin. "Stop it, Haru! Do not go black here!" He shouted and the white haired teen scoffed, leaning his cheek against his hand and facing away from the group. The table was silent for a few moments before Ringo sighed, pushing her drink away from her. "I shouldn't be here..." She said and started to stand, but was pulled back into her chair by Momiji who narrowed his eyes at her. "No! Do not leave!" He shouted, tightening his grip on her arm when she was back in her chair. "You just got back! It's been almost five years, Ringo!" Tohru and Uo's eyes widened at the blonde's words, Hana's eyebrow quirking up slightly at the new information. "F-five years?" Uo asked, leaning forward on her elbows. "What could you have been doing?" Ringo remained silent and Haru was about to snap at her again, but Hana spoke out first. "If she does not wish to speak of it, she does not have too. She can when she is ready."

Hatsuharu growled at the black haired teen and turned away again, Ringo smiling over at her in thanks, which she responded with a nod. "Either way, Ringo is here and safe. That's all that matters." Momiji said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and leaning his head against her own. "What happened to my girlish little cousin?" She joked and he laughed, flicking her forehead with a grin. "You should have seen me last year." He told her and the group laughed, remembering how the blonde used to wear the girl's uniform with shorts and he shook his head with a chuckle. "I definitely had a growth spurt over the summer break." He said and Ringo smiled. "I guess so. You're finally taller than me!" She said happily and Haru chuckled, turning back to the red head. "Everyone is taller than you." He commented with a smirk and she smacked his shoulder, causing him to laugh. "That isn't true!" She shouted and they all laughed again, the five foot three red head crossing her arms over her chest with a put. "So mean..."

"Oh! I have a great idea!" Tohru said after thanking the waiter who brought out their desserts that were ordered. "Why don't you come over to Shigure's house? I'm sure he would love to see you! Yuki and Kyo too!" She said happily and at the sound of both their names, Ringo's eyes widened and she let her spoon drop to the table, everyone's eyes back on her. "Miss Red?" Tohru started with worry and noticed that Ringo started to shake her head at the brunette. "N-no! I can't see Yuki or Kyo!" Momiji and Haru both started down at her strangely and noticed that her shoulders had started to tremble again. "I can't! I can't see them!" The two could see tears forming in the corners of her eyes and they sighed, not thinking it was the right time to pry her for answers. "Okay, no Yuki or Kyo." Momiji said, kissing the top of her head and pulling her gently against him. "The two are busy right now anyway, we can go see Shigure okay? He would love to see you." The red head nodded and grabbed her spoon, eating a tiny bite of her ice cream. Haru narrowed his eyes over at his blonde cousin and dug into his own dessert, the rest of the table staring silently as they ate their own.

"Shigure! I'm home! And I brought company!" Tohru shouted happily as she slipped off her shoes. the others doing the same. "Uo and Hana are over with Momiji and Haru!" She shouted again as she placed her school bag next to the door, the others following her lead. "Ah, Tohru! My darling flower, welcome back!" Shigure called from his office down the hall. "Give me a few moments! I shall be out quickly!" He told her and she smiled. "Shall I make some snacks?" She asked as she begin to tie her hair into a ponytail, Momiji and Haru leading the group to the living room while she moved into the kitchen to start on a few rice balls. "Ah yes! That would be wonderful! Ah, thank you dear Tohru!" Haru rolled his eyes at his older cousin and turned back to see Ringo was still standing at the doorway, unsure of what to do. "Ringo, come here." The red head looked up and saw him reaching his hand out to her, Momiji smiling from his cousin's side. Ringo smiled softly and took Haru's hand, letting him pull her over into the hall but jumped when she heard a door quickly sliding open.

"Ah, high school girls! Where are you my dears-?" He started to sing but his sentence was cut short when he felt pressure being placed against his head in a hit. The black haired man groaned and his dark eyes turned to find the perpetrator but stopped when he stopped a small red head with yellow eyes standing in his hall. "Ringo?" He whispered and she pulled her hand from Haru's turning away and gripping onto the skin of her left arm. "Ringo? Is that you?" She nodded slowly and heard his footsteps closing in on her; she shut her eyes tightly thinking that he would be upset with her but gasped when he felt his arms circle around her body as she was pulled against his chest. "I'm not dreaming this time, right?" He asked and she let out a small chuckle, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I certainly hope not." He chuckled against her hair and released her, gently placing his hand on her cheek. "You've grown into such a beautiful young woman." He told her and she shook her head, gently hitting him on the shoulder. "Oh come on, Shigure. We all know I'm not." She said and the Dog sighed, pulling his hand back from her cheek and placing it on her shoulder. "Always the modest one, my dear."

"Rice balls are done!" Tohru's voice shouted as she stepped into the living room, a big smile on her face and a large pile of rice balls. "I think I overdid it a bit though..." She admitted sheepishly but Shigure only laughed, the four moving into the living room to where Tohru, Hana and Uo all stood. "Your cooking is never too much." He told her with a smile as he grabbed two rice balls from the plate and winked at the brunette, leaving the teens in peace as he returned to his study. 'I should probably give Hatori and Aya a call, they would love to here that she is doing well.' He thought as he took a bite of one rice ball, sighing contently at the delicious snack. When the older man was out of the room, Haru reached out again and grabbed onto Ringo's hand, letting her sit once again between Momiji and himself on the couch. "So tell us, Ringo." Hana started as Tohru set the plate of rice balls on the table. "How do you know the Sohmas?"

"O-oh...! Well, I'm their cousin."

"Angotfer won?" Uo shouted in surprise, her mouth full of a rice ball she had bitten into. Ringo only giggled and nodded, grabbing one for herself. "Yes... There are quite a few of us." The blonde scoffed and swallowed her food with a grin. "That's for sure. I thought Carrot top and the Prince had a big family, but didn't think it was this big." The red head started at with confusion until Hana filled her in on the names. "Those are nicknames for Yuki and Kyo." She explained and Ringo nodded in understanding, wanting to ask a question of her own. "I'm sorry to pry, Tohru... But how did you end up living with Shigure?" The brunette only gasped at her question. "Oh, I'm sorry! I never mentioned that I lived here! Sorry for the confusion!" She said before smiling. "My mother passed away almost two years ago, I was living in a tent of his property and was invited to live here with him, Yuki and Kyo, and for rent I would cook and clean."

"I'm sorry about your mother." Ringo started and Tohru giggled, grabbing a rice ball for herself to eat. "Oh, it's okay! As long as I keep her close to my heart than we will always be together." Uo and Hana smiled at their best friend and hugged her close as the brunette giggled at the embrace. "That is a wonderful way to think about it."Ringo told her with a smile and Hana finished her rice ball, wiping her mouth with a napkin before she spoke again. "Well, I believe it is time for Arisa and I to take our leave." She said, grabbing a second rice ball before standing up. "Thank you for having us." The older blonde also stood and stretched before grinning down at ringo. "Hopefully we'll see each other again, Red." She said with a wink and ringo smiled, nodding back at her.

The two women left the house and once the door was shut, the brunette slammed her hands against the table which shocked the trio of cousins. "I am so sorry but I have been so curious on why everyone can hug you and don't transform! Are you part of the Zodiac?" She asked with excitement and Ringo's eyes shot open at the question, looking over at Tohru in shock. "W-what...?"

"Are you part of the Zodiac? I know they can only hug the opposite sex if they are too! So I was curious!" She explained happily, completely oblivious to the shock that was plastered on Ringo's face. "You know?" She started softly. "You know of our curse?" She asked and Tohru nodded, the red head sighing heavily at the information. "How did that happened?" She asked while turning over to her cousins who both answered in unison. "Kyo." The red head sat silently, staring up into Tohru's wide and curious blue eyes that were itching for answers to her question. "I think that is for another time." Ringo told her smiling softly which caused Tohru's happiness to droop. "It's a long story, another time?" The red head started, hoping that she would smile again and the brunette finally did with a nod. "Oh, of course! I'm sorry I just blurted that out! Uo and Hana don't know so I had to be patient and wait till we were alone!"

"You're friends don't know?" She asked in surprise. "Of course not! I found out by accident and no matter how close I am with them, I could never tell them this secret! It isn't my secret to tell!" Momiji and Hatsuharu both smiled at her words and Ringo could only sit in her spot in shock. "W-whoa... Thank you." She said softly and the brunette gasped. "Oh dear! No! Don't thank me!" She said with a bow. "Tohru, stop bowing so much." Haru told her as he put another rice ball in his mouth. "It ifnt neffifary." Momiji rolled his eyes and laughed at his cousin, grabbing a rice ball of his own. "Don't talk with your mouth full. He said 'it isn't necessary', Tohru." The blonde explained noticing the confusion on the brunette's face. "So who have you met, Tohru? Out of the Zodiac?" Ringo asked in curiosity, the brunette happy to answer. "Oh! I've met everyone!" She said and Ringo's eyes widened with surprise. "Oh wow, everyone? I guess you have realized our strange our family really is."

"I still think Ayame takes the cake." Haru muttered, causing Ringo to hit his arm. "Hey! It's true! He designs woman's dresses for a job!" He shouted and her yellow eyes grew at his words, a sad smile appearing on her lips as she looked down at the table. "He finally got to open his shop...? I'm so proud of him! I wish I could have been there to see it happen... I missed a lot, huh?" She asked her cousins and Momiji put his arm back around her shoulders. "But you are here now." He said with a smile. "It's all in the past now." Ringo tried to smile at his words, but a voice echoed in the back of her mind, letting a small frown grow instead. 'Nothing will ever stay in the past... it haunts... No matter how much you wish for it to stop.' With a small sigh that thankfully went unnoticed, Tohru was the first to speak up again. "Miss Red! Would you like to watch a movie with us?" She asked cheerfully. "Momiji and Haru were originally coming over tonight to watch this new movie with me! It seems a little scary though... I'd love to have another girl with me! Please say you'll stay? For a little while longer?"

She almost begged and the red head giggled, nodding her head which caused the brunette to cheer and clap her hands. How could you she say no to such a sweet girl? "I think it would be fun, it's been a while since I've sat down and watched a movie." She admitted and Tohru smiled. "Oh, it'll be great! I should grab drinks and make some popcorn too! Give me just a moment!" Tohru quickly hurried into the kitchen with the empty rice ball tray and Haru glanced down at his female cousin. "So, how do you like Tohru?" He asked and she shook her head from her thoughts, looking at the door the brunette just moved into. "She's... she's wonderful." She said truthfully and Momiji grinned, happy with her answer. "We all think so too. She can be a little spacey at times, but she can always bring a smile to our faces, no matter the situation. Kinda like a little guardian angel for us Zodiacs."

"If it had to be someone not in the family... I'm glad it was her."

"Even Akito approved of her keeping her memories, although he doesn't seem to like her at all." Haru said, leaning against his palm. "But Akito works in mysterious ways." The sound of Akito's name sent shivers down Ringo's spine and fear to envelop her thoughts as she thought about the past; but she quickly pushed it away and smiled up at her cousins. "I... I really did miss you both." The two sighed happily and smiled at her, wrapping their arms around her in comfort. "We missed you too." The moment only lasted for a few seconds, for Tohru hurried back into the room with the popcorn and some glasses of ice tea, Hatsuharu popping in the movie and no one hearing Shigure dialing a number out in the hallway.

Hatori's phone rung once again in his office as he lit a cigarette, his eyes leaving the sunset outside of his window. He grabbed the phone from it's hook and set it against his ear as he leaned against his windowsill. "Doctor Sohma speaking." He answered and a loud voice was heard in return. "Hariii!" The Dragon heavily sighed at Shigure's voice and was about to hang up the phone, but the Dog quickly cried out to stop him.. "No, no! Don't hang up the phone! It's important!" The dark green haired man pulled the phone back to his ear and blew out some smoke from his lips. "You always say that and it turns out to be nothing important at all." He explained but Shigure wouldn't have it. "I'm telling the truth this time! Promise!' Hatori sighed again and took the cigarette from his mouth, looking out into the yard of the Main House. "I'm listening."

"It seems that our darling Tohru was not mistaken, Ring has definitely returned." He said and Hatori's eyes widened, placing his cigarette in his astray. "Are you sure?" He asked and Shigure laughed on his end of the call, leaning against the wall next to the table where the phone rested. "I am sure, sure as day since our sweet flower is sitting in my living room watching a movie with Tohru, Momiji and Hatsuharu. It's quite shocking that she truly has returned." Hatori stood silently in his office and glanced over at his office bed where she slept the night before, shutting his eyes with a sigh and placing the cigarette back in his mouth. "Does she seem well?" He questioned, already knowing her condition but didn't want to let Shigure find out he had already known of her return. "She looks healthy on the outside, not positive on the inside to be honest. Although, she has been smiling and Tohru seems to adore her."

The doctor smiled at the thought of her quickly befriending Tohru and decided to ask. "Will she be staying with you tonight? Or shall I fetch her?" The Dog was silent for a moment before responding. "I don't know if she will stay with me tonight, I would love her too, but... Bringing her to the Main House might not be the best idea." He said and Hatori knew what his friend had been getting at. "Akito will sooner or later find out, Shigure. He always knows." Shigure could only sigh. "I know and that is what worries me." Hatori nodded and set his cigarette back in the astray, brushing his bangs from his eyes. "Call me when yo know what her choice is for the night. I might drop by for a visit if she does choose to stay." He said and could hear Shigure chuckle on the other end. "You'll be the first person to know, Hari."

"Good. I'll speak with you later, Shigure." The two said their good byes and the Dragon hung up the phone and sighed, crossing his arms over his chest as he glanced back out at the sun that was now falling behind the mountains. 'As long as she is safe, that is what truly matters.' He thought as he prepared to make himself a cup of tea, but heard a voice from outside his door. "Master Hatori." She called and he sighed, looking over at the door. "Yes, what is it?" He questioned and she continued. "Master Akito wishes to see you, he says it is urgent." The older man froze up quickly at her words, but groaned softly and ran his hand through his hair. "I shall be out in a moment. Thank you." He heard her feet echoing down the hall and he cursed under his breath, not expecting to be called so quickly. 'Please do not let him know...'

End of 'Chapter Three: 'Fourteenth Sohma'

Next... 'Chapter Four: 'Banquet's Thief'

Ta-da! Here we are! Chapter three is now out and about! First off, I would love to thank my four reviewers for their comments about the story! You all make me want to continue with this story and it means so much! So thank you Avi W. Lovegood, 1 Hell of a Monster, Snowy123456789, and Crimson Mutilation! You four are the best! Thank you again for your kind words and I hope that you enjoyed this chapter!

8/20 - This chapter has been rewritten for I noticed a few grammar mistakes and I wanted to make it better! Hope you enjoyed!