A/N: This doesn't count as a chapter and you don't have to read it if you don't want to. This is just filler and I was bored. :P This takes places back in Chapter 8, Vivid, when Yuki and Kyo are walking (more like running!) back to Shigure's house.
In a Fruits Basket - Bonus: What Were They Thinking?
Kyo and Yuki were already walking, with their hands balled up into a fist, their mind racing.
What now? What should I do? Yuki thought, staring at the road.
What if they need us? Arya told me about their traditions... Maybe two's not enough. Kyo thought, trying to get ahead of Yuki.
Mai's face, her smiling face, suddenly flushed and changed for that split second before she slammed the door. I couldn't even see her.
"Well, it's alright! I've got Mai!" Arya's voice echoed in Kyo's mind. Was she lying? Yes, she has Mai, but where's her mother? It's their first year without her.
Maybe... Yuki trailed off, not even caring where he was walking off to.
Maybe... Kyo's pulse was racing now.
I should be there. It was strange, for two very different boys, the cat and the rat, to have the exact thoughts at that moment.
"Um, wait a minute, where are you going, exactly?" Shigure called out to them.
The two teens paused for a moment, then turned around and said in unison, "I'm going home!" They started to walk quickly, but just the thought of the two sisters made them burst into a sprint.
They were smiling. Smiling so much. Why didn't I realize it sooner? Yuki thought, just imagining their faces.
They're so happy all the time. Kyo remembered all the times Arya smiled.
I've seen them argue before. I know what sets them off. The image of Arya frowning flashed in Yuki's mind. He hated the sight of her pouting face.
I can tell when they're upset. Kyo's mind was racing, as he felt the cold wind blow against him. It didn't stop him from running.
But her smile... Yuki remembered Mai's uncertain smile as they left the house that evening.
Her smile... Kyo stared into space. "So, what do you guys do? Do you watch the sun rise? Stay up 'til dawn? Have a countdown? Make a wish?" He couldn't shake her voice away. "We usually eat noodles and New Year's cakes while playing board games... It's narrowed its way down to two, though. But we have you guys, now, yeah?"
Kyo squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, then opened them again, watching the trees that zoomed past him as he ran.
"Well, it's alright! I've got Mai!" Her voice repeated in his head, over and over. Her words struck him, making him want to run even faster.
Her smile always covers up her emotions. When you see her smile, you'd think she was as happy as ever. When maybe, she was sad on the inside. Before... was her smile fake? Kyo panted. His feet were heavy, and slammed against the dirt.
How was she feeling, when we left? Yuki started to have trouble breathing. He forced the cold air into his lungs. Just thinking of Mai's face before she shut the door, made his heart drop to his stomach. I hate seeing them upset. Yuki clutched onto his chest as he ran.
I just want to hear her laugh, when the sun starts to rise. Kyo couldn't think straight now. He squinted his eyes. The house was only a few feet away.
I want to see her smile. They both thought. Because that smile she wore before...
They were only inches away now. Kyo reached for the door and swung it open with incredible force. He didn't mean to, but he couldn't help himself. Mai and Arya gasped, their faces faintly pink, with tears welling up in their eyes.
Mai quickly wiped her glistening brown eyes, but Arya just sat, frozen in shock. Tears slid down her cheeks.
Don't cry. Yuki reached for her and caught the tear. I can't believe I made you cry. He faced Mai and stared into her eyes. I wish I was there to comfort you.
No words escaped his lips.
Kyo looked back, surprised, and concerned. This is the second time I've seen Arya cry.
"Miss Nadeshiko, Mai, we need to watch the sun rise." Yuki tried to control his voice. Thank goodness. We came here just in time.
Kyo added, "And we'll eat soba noodles." He gazed into Arya's deep brown eyes and thought about what she said to him before.
"We usually eat noodles and New Year's cakes while playing board games. Y'know, four player games."
He looked around and counted everyone. There's enough. Kyo panted, "Then play board games until dawn."
The two boys stared into the sisters' eyes before falling to the floor.
"Oh..." Mai mumbled. "Thank you." The corner of her lips curled.
It sent Yuki's heart racing.
After the torturing game of Brain Teaser, Kyo stepped outside with Arya for a bit. She was standing with her hands together, her shoulders hunched. Kyo thought she actually looked pretty... cute. Pretty cute. Nothing more!
She was a bit short for her age, whereas Mai was average height. Kyo always found himself towering over Arya. He looked at her outfit. It was very different than what she usually wore. She was always laidback, always wearing what ever was comfortable for her. This time, she actually wore something fitted on her. But, she still kept the loose shirt and went bare feet.
She looked nice, but he couldn't tell her that. Not after he made a fool of himself and accidentally said, "I'm okay here with you."
She was already leaving. He started to panic. He inhaled, then called out her name.
"Yes?" she replied sweetly, and turned around.
Now or never. "You look..." Kyo began. You actually look pretty. Not saying you aren't pretty, you just look prettier than usual. "You look okay." Was all he could say to her.
As the sun was beginning to rise, Arya, Mai, Yuki and Kyo made their wishes. After a small arguement between the sisters and between Yuki and Kyo, everything seemed peaceful. The four teens took the time to relax, reflect on their year, and just stare at the beautiful view.
Suddenly, a light laugh cut through the silence. It was like soft bells, chiming. It turned out to be Arya.
Everyone looked at her and smiled back. Maybe she didn't realize it, but she was blushing a bright pink. Kyo couldn't help but stare at her, in wonder and surprise.
"I just want to hear her laugh, when the sun starts to rise." The thoughts he had before came back to him.
He wasn't sure whether to smile back at her. It would just seem awkward coming from him. It wasn't like Kyo to smile that much. But it was like Arya to laugh like that, to make her positive energy so contagious. Usually, he'd find this weird and annoying. But tonight, he didn't care.
Kyo found himself looking at her with a weird expression, which caused her to giggle a bit more. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, then turned to look at the sun once more.
Yuki and Kyo did the same. Yuki rested his head on his hand and watched the vibrant sky. He gave Mai a small smile and just like he expected, and wanted, she smiled back at him. The truth of it is...
Kyo's eyes wandered back to Arya. He shook it off and quickly went back to looking at the sky. Maybe all I really wanted...
Was to spend New Year's together... With her.
