Hey everybody! Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas for me, it midnight by the way and wooo! Well I'll just say that I this chapter is gonna have a lot of grammar mistakes and such. I re-read it but I kinda only had five minutes to go over it. So I'm sorry if it's any inconvenience. I'll fix it later, I'm just glad I got it in on Christmas. Well enjoy, sorry.

Disclaimer: I do not own Fruit Baskets

Yuki gazed at his garden, his only place of sanctuary now that she was gone. His fingers were numb from the bitter cold but still he worked diligently. Unfortunately, all the vegetables and fruit had withered away except for the strawberries. Yuki couldn't help but tend to the crimson fruits that she adored so.

"I love strawberries!"

They wouldn't be ready until late spring or early summer so he strived to keep them from the icy grasp of winter until then. He sighed while wiping away the beads of sweat from his forehead. His eyes fell across the spot where she would usually sit, somehow always managing to bring a smile to his face.

"What can we pick in May?"

"Hm…well, carrots…turnips…leeks…and strawberries."

"Yay! Finally! I can't wait!"

"Yeah…I can't either," he whispered. He ran a hand through his silky gray hair and stood up, walking towards the place where she would always be. Waiting, smiling, welcoming whoever entered with her kindness. He opened the screen door and was greeted with shouts and bickering.

"Home sweet home," he mumbled sarcastically.

"What do you mean he's staying here?" Kyo yelled with clenched fists.

"Now, now, Kyo. Momiji, really has no choice. Akito said he must stay here," Shigure removed his reading glasses and rubbed his sore eyes. He would kill for a smoke right now.

"But dammit! Why in HER room!" Kyo roared with as much conviction as he could muster.

"Because, Kisa is also staying here while her mother is away. Now, usually she would sleep with Tohru but she's not here so Kisa gets her own room." Shigure stated flatly, he wasn't in the mood for Kyo's drama.

"Actually…I don't want to sleep in Tohru-kun's room," Momiji murmured from the corner of the room.

Shigure began to laugh in disbelief, "you're all acting as if she's dead or something!"

"Well how do we know she's not? You haven't told us anything since she left!" Kyo hissed at him while knocking off the papers from Shigure's desk. The room grew quiet as all eyes were on Shigure who lit a cigarette calmly.

"Well, perhaps, you should go visit her at the main house and solve that burning question that's been plaguing our minds, hm?" Shigure smirked, wickedness flashing in his ebony eyes.

Kyo's eyes widened in anger and he felt himself crack, "you're so full of yourself! Just because you think you're so smart and can get away with everything! You're a bastard! A dirty mutt that begs for scraps! You wouldn't even be here if you hadn't manipulated everybody and wasn't Akito's bitch!"

Shigure stood quickly, "Kyo-"

"Just shut up! I don't want to see your face again!" Kyo screeched, kicking the door open and running off.

Momiji cringed and looked away sadly from the hurtful comments. Yuki stared sternly at Shigure who seemed numb with emotions.

"You know Shigure," Yuki paused, "you can be really cruel sometimes."

He sat back down and sighed, " He made me angry."

Yuki rested his chin in his hand and shook his head in annoyance. "You know he would go if he could. I'm actually surprised he hasn't by now, stupid neko."

"Me too," Momiji added.

"What's all the yelling about?" A voice like the coo of a dove asked.

The men turned to see a drowsy light-orange haired little girl look at them inquiringly.

"Nothing cute girls should be worried about Kisa-chan," Shigure smiled as she crawled onto his lap.

"Where's Onee-chan?" The girl known as Kisa whimpered slightly. Her mother had brought her early in the morning while she had been asleep. The instincts of when a child first awakes into an uncomfortable reality of not being in the safeguard of their loved ones seemed to be apparent as she whimpered a bit more.

"I'm sorry to say Kisa-chan, but Tohru-kun is staying at the Main House," Shigure said as he pet her gently. This seemed to snap her out her stupor as she gave him a fretful look.

"Did Onee-chan do something wrong?" Kisa whispered.

"No, Akito-san just wants her to stay there for a little while. She'll be back soon," he lied, ignoring the disapproving looks from Momiji and Yuki. Kisa remained silent, her demeanor poignant.

Shigure frowned as he felt sympathy tug at his heart. " I'm going to go the Main House today. Would you like to go see your Onee-chan with me?"

Kisa gasped and smiled, "yes!"

He laughed while setting her on his shoulder, "off we go to see our princess!"

"I…" Yuki began, making Shigure turn, "…I would like to go as well…to see Honda-san." Everyone but Shigure seemed stunned by his words, he only answered by smirking slyly.

------

Hatori rubbed his head, feeling a migraine coming on. There was a knock and he grumbled slightly about how everyone seemed to fancy causing him pain. He was more than surprised to find Tohru at his doorstep holding a steaming pot of tea.

"You've been working so hard lately. I thought perhaps you could use some tea," Tohru said quickly before sneezing.

"Why you are too kind Tohru-san, please come in," he said stepping to the side. Tohru put the teapot down gently. She squeaked suddenly as she felt something on her back.

"Please take a deep breath," he told her while moving his stethoscope a bit, listening to her pulse frequency.

"W-what?" She stuttered but took a deep breath anyway.

He walked in front of her, holding a Popsicle stick in his right hand, "now, open your mouth." She obliged, tasting the odd flavor of dry wood.

"A minor cold," he mumbled before reaching into his pocket. "Take these every three hours after meals to keep the sore throat down," he instructed while handing her the bottle of pills.

"Now open your mouth again, please," he said stoically.

"Wha-ugh!" Tohru gagged as the flavor of cherry and mint burned her throat.

"Sorry, but I had a feeling I would have to use force. You don't seem to be the type who'd like this," he gestured towards the bottle full of red liquid. "It's for sneezing and coughs, now, please-"

"Um, that's okay Hatori-san. I'm fine, really, like you said, it's just a minor cold. I'll be fine," She giggled nervously as he gave her a cynical look.

He sighed wearily and sat down, "I apologize Tohru-san."

"It's quite alright, I'm glad you care so much for my health but I think it would be better for Hatori-san's health if he would just relax," she handed him a cup of tea.

"Yes, you're right," he said, giving her a small smile before taking a sip of his hot beverage.

"That's what I've been telling him, but nooo! He's rather the stubborn ass sometimes, Tohru-chan." Tohru began to turn towards the familiar voice and jerked as she felt something wrap around her waist.

"Kisa-chan!" She gasped while staring into the big orange eyes of Kisa.

"Onee-chan!" she squealed merrily. They held each other while crying waterfalls of tears.

"You're one to talk about being an ass," Hatori said, a vein could be seen popping from his forehead.

"Shigure-san! What brings you here so early in the morning? I would have brought more tea and made breakfast if I had known you were coming," Tohru stammered bashfully.

"I just couldn't wait to see you! Are you not happy I came?" He gave her pout while wrapping his arm along her waist.

"Oh no! I'm thrilled, really!" She blushed furiously. There was a loud smack as Hatori stood behind Shigure who was now on the floor with a giant lump on his head. Tohru yelped slightly and held Kisa who faintly giggled.

Hatori sighed while putting the white fan he used to hit Shigure with away. "Don't you have anything better to do than to cause me grief?"

Shigure stood up as cartoon tears ran down his face, "you're so cruel Hari!" Tohru smiled before turning to Kisa who seemed to be mesmerized with Tohru's face.

"Kisa, what's wrong?" Tohru asked worriedly as Kisa stared at her bottom lip.

"Tohru, are you…did…" she paused not exactly knowing what to say. "Aren't you lonely here?" Shigure and Hatori stopped their bickering to turn to the wide-eyed Tohru with grim expressions.

Tohru gave Kisa a small hug while patting her head, "I'm not anymore." Hatori and Shigure glance at each other solemnly as the two girls embraced. Hatori walked into his side office, gesturing Shigure to follow.

"What exactly are you scheming this time?" Hatori questioned while shutting the screen door.

Shigure sat cross-legged on a leather chair and pulled out a cigar, "must you interrogate me every time I come to visit, Hari?"

Hatori sat in the opposing chair and withdrew a cigar as well, " if I didn't, I wouldn't be able to knock some common sense that you seem to desperately lack." His voice was laced with tediousness as he puffed on the burning cigar.

"Kyo ran off again," Shigure stated while inhaling the addicting herb. Hatori blinked in surprise.

"He hasn't done that for awhile now. What happened, or rather, what did you say to him?" Hatori inquired while putting out the cigar.

Shigure rested his chin in his palm, " I told him to stop whining so much and go see Tohru at the Main House."

"I'm not surprised he ran off," Hatori crossed his arms while giving Shigure one his condemning looks.

"He'll come back. He'll come to see her, he's stubborn like that," Shigure chuckled.

Hatori frowned, "I'm not entirely sure if that's a good thing."

Shigure leaned foreword with a shrug before giving a soft grin , "it would be interesting though. Also, Yuki is here today."

"Really? I didn't see him with you," Hatori said, trying to hide his astonishment.

"He went to go see Haru. I think he is nervous about seeing Tohru-kun."

"Does Akito-san know he's here?"

"No, Yuki didn't come through the main entrance like Kisa and I did. He snuck through the back," he laughed. "I never knew he could jump a fence, it was rather funny."

Hatori rolled his eyes, "are you planning on visiting Akito?"

"Yes, he's probably angry that I haven't visited yet," Shigure sighed while running a hand through his raven hair.

"I'm not so sure, he seems to be spending quite a lot of time with Tohru-san."

Shigure raised an amused eyebrow, "really? Well, I'll be sure to give her my thanks then."

-----

Tohru sighed sadly, she didn't want to leave Kisa or Shigure but she had to start preparing lunch. Her shoulders slumped and she suddenly felt very homesick. Memories of laughter and merriment began to fill her thoughts.

"Honda-san?" A voice called to her, snapping her out her reverie. She turned and there was a crash as the teapot she held pummeled onto the floor.

"Y-Yuki-kun?" She whispered as she gazed into his violet eyes. He walked towards her, his lavender orbs holding something she couldn't quite place. He stopped in front of her and stared at her for a long time.

He then let out a chuckle and smiled softly, " sorry for startling you."

She blushed and noticed the shattered teapot, "oh! It's alright." She gulped while picking up the cracked pieces. He bent down to help her, not taking his eyes off her. She looked away, feeling embarrassed that she didn't have anything better to say, which caused her to chew on her lip nervously. For some reason she felt that they hadn't seen each other for years.

Her eyes widened as she realized that he was at the Main House. Yuki, the person who despised this place and did whatever to avoid seeing him was here.

"What brings you here Yuki-kun?" She asked, trying to steady her trembling voice.

He continued to pick up the porcelain pieces, "I came to see you." He then gave her a stern look, "Honda-san, has Akito hurt you in any way?" He scanned her face for bruises, but saw nothing and he let out a relieved sigh.

"N-n-no, Akito-san has been very hospitable these past days, " Tohru stuttered, hoping he wouldn't notice her twitching hands She was relieved that he hadn't noticed the wound on her lip, but then again she was known for the habit of chewing at her lips until they were sore. He doubted that Akito would be friendly but said nothing. He didn't really want to talk about Akito. He whipped his head up as he heard her laugh.

"I'm glad you came," she said, not sure why she was laughing but it helped break the uncomfortable air that seemed to have settled upon them. He smiled, how he missed that laugh, missed her smile, and missed the way her eyes would light up when she was happy.

"Me too."

----

The sound of shattering glass caused Akito to sit up from his restless slumber. He panted heavily. He felt light-headed and his fever seemed to have gotten worse. He crawled off the bed and staggered towards the window. He rested his head on the windowpane, the cool glass feeling good against his warm forehead. He gazed lazily from the window towards the small square with the big pearl fountain and stone benches. Two figures caught his attention as they stared at each other. It was Tohru and…Yuki. Akito's eyes widened, Yuki was here. He was here but yet he was talking to her. Akito sneered as he heard their laughter. She was laughing with him? How dare she even speak to him? Even look at him? Akito placed his frail hand on the glass so it gave the illusion that he held the two figures between his thumb and index finger. He growled as he dragged his nail across the glass, erupting a shrill scream from it. There was a flutter of clothes and he was gone, leaving only the glass scar where he once rested.

-----

"How's Kyo?" Tohru asked while standing up after she had finished picking up the broken teapot.

"He's," Yuki paused, not sure ff he should tell her what had happened this morning. "He's the stupid neko he'll always be," Yuki frowned but gave her a small smile.

Tohru laughed nervously, not sure if what he said was a good thing. She stopped her laughter as she felt something warm on her shoulder. She stared at Yuki who had placed his delicate hand upon her shoulder.

"Tohru…there is something I need to tell you. I-" he was interrupted by a loud smack and a scream as his back hit the cement. His top lip stung and he felt it split open, tasting his own blood. Yuki looked up to see a seething Akito roar at him.

"HOW DARE YOU? HOW DARE YOU TOUCH HER? YOU FILTHY RAT, HOW DARE YOU?" Akito screamed, his pupils dilated and full of hatred.

"Akito-sa-" Tohru began as she placed a hand on his shoulder.

"DON'T TOUCH ME!" He yelled at her, holding his hand in the air, ready to strike her. He felt something grab his wrist and whipped around to find Yuki wheezing as he held him. Akito sneered and pushed him away causing Yuki to fall back again with a thud and stare fearfully at Akito.

"HOW DARE YOU COME HERE AND DISRESPECT ME!" He howled as he felt arms wrap around his waist.

"Akito! Calm down!" Shigure yelled as held firmly onto him. He had saw Akito attack Yuki as he made his way towards Akito's room and ran over quickly.

He only ignored him and continued to lunge at Yuki, "YOU FILTHY RAT! CONNIVING RODENT! YOU CAN'T BREAK THE CURSE! IT'S YOUR FAULT IF SHE GETS HURT! IT'S EVERYONE'S FAULT!"

"AKITO!" Shigure yelled once more, feeling his grip on him slip. Akito wrenched himself free of Shigure's hold and swiped at Yuki with his sharp nails. Akito panted, staring at the floor as he felt warm liquid on his fingertips. He looked up and what he saw next made him inhale sharply.

There laid Yuki in his zodiac form. He had apparently fainted and was being cradled in Tohru's arms. Blood dripped down her back, her blouse torn, reveling four jagged wounds. Her creamy skin was now stained, making it turn a reddish pink. She breathed heavily as she turned to look over her shoulder at him. Her cheeks were red and tears streamed down her face. Shigure eyes widened with shock and pity as he stared at the bleeding Tohru.

"Please, don't blame him. It was my fault; he wouldn't have come here if it weren't for me. Don't blame him…" she trailed breaking into a sob.

Akito frowned, his bangs shading his eyes. "It's everyone's fault," he whispered before walking back into the house.

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Poor Tohru. Well until next time. Happy holidays and happy reading! Now I'm going to go open my presents and spike the eggnog! WEEEE!