Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket, Natsuki Takaya does.

Hey everyone! I'm so sorry for such a late update! Between being busy and being tired, I got too lazy to write, but don't worry, I will finish this story.

Thanks for all the great reviews from Enamoured, Aria's star, Grrl N, Keepoath, Fdiw, Jade Cerise, Sailor J-chan aka Luna Weasley, Stacey, DigiChar, Ash, ShadowD07, Inuyasha-xcgirl, Autumn Neko, Hatorisandharuslove06, Heartillyangel, 3xThreat, Inu-Yuki lover100, Silveryuki06, Trinity, Skye, Absh and Nightwriter4991094.

Hopefully I still have readers reading this story and again, sorry for such a late update. Also, thanks for scolding me to get my butt in gear!

Chapter 10

After a chaotic moment of trying to find a place to hide, everyone stared at the wide open door in mute silence in a mixture of horror, fear and in some cases, amusement. But in each and every mind, the same thought was running through their head. Who in the world was it?

Tohru had scooted herself into the back corner and wearily watched the object of everyone's interest move a step into the classroom. If she hadn't been so frightened, she would have gave a small chuckle when she noticed everyone else shrank back every time the person stepped in.

The person or whatever you wanted to call it, was dressed head to toe in armor. Yes, armor with the works. The shiny metal seemed to glare at everyone in the classroom and if that didn't scare people bad enough, the huge wicked sword sure did.

Long and sharp, the blade looked to be quite real and the handle held some sort of purple gem in the middle. Oh yes, the sword alone could make the biggest guy pee in his pants and at that moment, the blade was pointed right at the frozen teacher at the front of the class and the person mumbled, "On this day, I shall rescue the poor damsel from boredom of school work and whisk her away to a day of leisure and fun. Do you accept the request or is a challenge of swords required?"

The teacher coughed to clear his throat and asked, "Which lady am I to sacrifice or should I pick for you, sir?"

"Well, I do have a lady in mind, but it would be gracious of me to ask her first." The person said, then raised a hand to lift up the helmet from his face and girly sighs were heard when they met a pair of mischievous lavender eyes and a slightly crooked smile.

Yuki lowered his sword and with his helmet under his arm, he glanced around the room for the girl he wanted to seek then slowly made his way to the back. He shyly smiled at his brown-haired goddess then ran a metal hand through his hair, mussing it slightly to give him a tousled bedroom look. He seemed totally oblivious to the effects he was creating in the female population.

He knelt down on one knee and gently captured Tohru's smaller hand, but before he could utter one word, he heard Miss Uotani say loudly, "See, I told you he was going to propose and look, he's even her knight in shining armor; come to take her away in the sunset. Wait, where is his horse? He can't drive yet, can he? That's going to be a problem, but don't worry; we'll work through it."

Tohru felt the blood rush to her face in embarrassment and excitement. Yes, she was admitting she felt touched Yuki had sought her out in his unique outfit, but he looked so sexy and breathtaking in the knight's armor she almost wished he would pick her up and carry her away to their own world.

Of course she knew that was impossible since she knew most likely he would transform into a mouse once he did lift her and she would squash him to death. Okay, that thought definitely pulled her out of her fantasy. She looked down into the depth of his dazzling eyes and felt herself falling. Falling where? She didn't know, but one thing for certain; she wanted to stay lost in his eyes and if she ever came back, she wanted it to be with him.

Yes, she, Tohru Honda desperately wanted something for herself. If she was selfish or uncaring; she would have demanded his love or even his affection, but she wasn't. Her rational part knew how much he valued his freedom, and she understood that, but the part of her that longed to be loved and accepted wanted his love and protection in return.

Being his one and only would have been perfect, but being his friend was more important to her because she knew she would never make him chose between the two since she had a feeling it would be her that would be losing in the end.

As of now, she had no choice to chose from, he needed her as a friend and nothing else. She wouldn't take the chance to lose him all together. God, if people had the chance to hear her thoughts, they would no doubt think she was the most selfish person. That's why she had to summon her willpower and make sure it would never slip out what was in her heart.

With the last thought running through her mind, Tohru willed a smile, not too big, but not too small either, to her lips and gazed at Yuki with a gentle expression. "Sir Yuki?" she muttered softly, not realizing how tenderly it came out to the ears around her that consisted of Hana, Uo and Yuki. If she had, she would have flushed and stuttered out an apology for her mistake.

Hana's eyes widened at Tohru's unknown soft admission. Of course she had known that Tohru harbored a small crush on the prince, hell, everyone seemed to have a crush on him, but she never realized the teasing she and Arisa had done was very much the truth. She would have never known how much Tohru was in love with the prince if it hadn't been for those two words. Just two simple words revealed a side of Tohru that Hana had never known that was there.

Sure, Tohru spoke of love for her family and friends, but never so tenderly and absently as if she didn't know how much she cared for him. Two words showed Hana how much a genuine true love could run. Putting a hand to her heart, Hana closed her eyes and promised she was going to help them get together with all the power she had. Yes, no one was going to get into the way of her plan, not even herself.

Not realizing her best friend was thinking the same thing, Arisa heard the hidden longing in Tohru's words to the prince. For as long as she had known Tohru, not once had she shown any extreme likes to any guys in school. It just showed how much her caring little friend had grown up. Arisa knew it wasn't because the prince was handsome and mysterious for Tohru to be in love with him, but there was another chemistry working for those two that only they knew about. She was sure Tohru hadn't meant for them to understand the meaning of what she had just done, but since they had been best friends for years; Arisa understood. She understood and approved, not that Tohru needed her approval to be in love with a guy, but nonetheless; she approved.

It couldn't have happened to a better person since Tohru always seemed to be thinking of others than herself, now she wouldn't have to worry about that. She, Arisa Uotani, would care for Tohru and no doubt, Hana would support her. Yes, the prince wasn't going to know what hit him upside the head. Tohru was going to have her happy ending; no one was going to get in the way of it, not even that senior chick, Motoko.

Yuki paused after hearing Tohru's soft whisper to look up and wonder what she was trying to tell him. He searched her deep blue eyes trying to find the answer, yet all he noticed was the softness and compassion. If anyone asked him at the moment why he was making a fool of himself, he would just answer he didn't know. It was true, he had no idea what had compelled him to dress up as a knight or why he was kneeling in front of Tohru, except he knew it would make her happy.

He didn't know how one girl's happiness was his happiness, yet to see her face light up was a pleasure he wanted to experience every day. He had four days left to think of the most outrageous stunts to make himself just a little bit different than the rest of the males in the school. He wanted to stand out and hope she couldn't stop thinking of him after this week was over. Was it bad to want to stay with her, even with his curse?

Then, of course he didn't want to be a burdened and he knew he would be especially how his life was. Could he really put her through the heartache that he knew would come if she accepted him? He would rather sit in the darkest room, locked and caged, if it ever meant she would be placed in danger. To gladly give up his freedom and keep her safe, yet...

He wanted her, but wanting her left her vulnerable to the destruction that awaited if she accepted. There shouldn't even be a choice to think about; it was so obvious what he had to pick, but dammit, he was selfish. How could he give up the only person to make him happy?

Yuki was too busy debating with himself that he hadn't realized his classmates were still watching him to see what he was going to do until he finally noticed the trembling hand that he held. Looking up, he wanted to smack his head for his inconsideration when he took in Tohru's embarrassed red face, but man, what a cute face it was when she blushed. Okay, down to business; he had a lot of work to do. Not to mention, his knees felt like buckling under all the pressure and weight from all the armor.

He grinned and asked, "My fair maiden, I request your presence to spend the day with me. Do you accept?" Then with his free hand, he magically pulled out a wilting yellow daisy from his helmet and gave it to her.

The females in class nearly swooned at the gallant display of chivalry the ice prince displayed, and just a bit of jealousy was running through their minds, wondering why Yuki Sohma had picked the mousy brown-haired girl to show any emotion to. It just wasn't right. Each girl was thinking they had such better qualities than the shy one he had picked.

Tohru blushed and accepted the flower, her heart melting just a little more at Yuki's show of playfulness. He was so unbelievable, how could anyone not fall for him? "Um...I would like to accept, but I'm not sure if I can afford to miss school. I would love to, it's just...I..." Tohru began, but having a hard time denying his request since he was too cute in his armor. Didn't he realize how extremely handsome he was looking at her like that? Spending a whole day with him would be absolutely heaven, but she really couldn't miss classes since she knew she would have a hard time catching up in her work. She was behind as it already was, but oh, to have him smile like that all the time; she would do just about anything to keep it there.

Yuki placed a finger on her lips to shush her and nearly hyperventilated himself when he felt her breath on his fingertips. He would never get use to the simple pleasure of touching until that moment. One breath, one little breath, had him envisioning what it would be like to feel her lips close to his lips. Man, when did he become such a pervert?

"No worries, Miss Honda; I figured you would say that and I have it all planned. Our day of leisure will even consist of fun with your ever so intelligent slave, and we shall finish off the day by learning our daily lessons, that I happened to have in advance, by the cherry blossom trees." He sent her another smile and added, "The teachers gave the heads up, just as long as we stayed on school grounds and studied. What can I say? I have connections," he laughed and waited for her answer, hoping it would be the one he wanted to hear.

"Well, when you put it like that; how can I refuse? I gladly accept your request, Sir Yuki," Tohru answered, giddy with happiness. She was going to spend the entire day with Yuki Sohma! Luck was definitely on her side this day, what could possible go wrong?

"Shall we go, fair maiden?" he asked, holding out an arm for her to take.

Tohru shyly nodded and put her hand on the crook of his arm as they slowly walked out of the classroom. She quickly glanced at Uo and Hana and threw them a smile, silently telling them she would see them later. She blushed after watching Hana and Uo give her a thumbs up and a suggestive wink. "I really can't believe the teachers agreed to let us take off from class today. How did you manage such a strenuous task?" she teased him, gently elbowing him in the side.

Don't worry, mom, graduating is one of my most important task I have to do and I will do it. But, if it's alright, I want to help him heal. The rare smile on his face, you should see it mom, it's such a wondrous sight, it lights up his face and makes my heart ache. When he smiles, my palms start to sweat, my knees get weak, my head feels light, and my heart, mom. My heart feels as if could beat out of my chest at any moment. Why am I feeling like this? Is it normal or is something wrong with me? So many questions, yet I can't begin to answer them. All I know, I would do anything to see a smile come more often than not, on his face. I am willing to give it my all for his happiness, and mine as well. Please give me strength to help, and enough to let go when it is time.

"It was easy, I told them if they didn't let us go, I would pierce them through with my sword and love every minute of it. Hey, I'm just kidding," Yuki grinned, reaching up to tip her mouth closed with his finger. He could touch her smooth soft skin for hours, and no, not the touching Shigure was use to. More like running his fingertips up and down and getting to know how she felt on the inside. Yes, he wanted to be the pillar she could depend on if she felt sad or happy, but as long as she knew she could lean on him. Maybe it was a far stretch to think, yet he wanted to think he was strong enough to be there for her. He reached up to gently touch the blue hair ribbon and explained, "I swore on my duty as class representative that we would help anyway possible, if needed be, and set a good example by acing all our test this quarter."

Tohru's mouth dropped to the floor and she started to stutter, "Um...Yuki...I-I-I'm not very good...I-" but stopped when he put a finger to her mouth. Oh, she was in big trouble. Not only was she not very good in school, she was in jeopardy of losing her heart and never seeing it again.

"Don't worry, Miss Honda. If it's okay, I'd like to study with you. I can help you, and you can help me; no matter how long it takes. How does that sound?"

Tohru reached up and held his hand that had been near her lips and gave him a huge smile. She was so very lucky to have so many wonderful friends in her life. "Thank you so much, Yuki! I think you just saved me," she laughed and tugged him over to the cherry blossoms trees.

No, Miss Honda; thank you. I think you can save me. Yuki thought to himself. He smiled tenderly at her as they settled under the trees, but he had forgotten one important fact.

He was still wearing tons of armor and it was getting quite uncomfortable. Would she go for it? he wondered, as a thought came to his head. Well, what would it hurt if he tried? He could just say the armor had weighed him down and it was an accident. Making up his mind, Yuki casually as he could, started to lay down and took the final plunge as he rested his head in her lap. Holy cow, he had done it! With his heart pounding in his chest, he waited to see if she would push him off and start screaming. Okay, so far so good. Was that a good look or bad? he silently asked when he noticed all she seemed to be doing was staring blankly at him.

Tohru felt her breath catch in her throat and didn't know what to do. Heavenly, it felt as if she was floating in the sky, and she didn't want to come down. His head was laying in her lap! Wow, this was her lucky day indeed. Should she act as if nothing was happening or pretend she forgot something in school and stand up? But she didn't want to get up, she wanted to stay like this and pretend, if for a little bit, they were together and having a nice relaxing day. Once, just this one time, she was going to be selfish and hug this moment. With heated cheeks, Tohru looked down and smiled, casually running her fingers through the layers of his gorgeous hair. She softly cleared her throat and asked, "What subject do you think we should start with? Although to warn you ahead of time, it may take awhile for me to understand some subjects."

Yuki stared up and swallowed. He had to do everything in his power not to close his eyes and enjoy the feeling of her hand through his hair. She hadn't decked him and called him a pervert! That counted for something, he silently cheered. She must at least like him a little bit since she didn't freak out. He shyly smiled up at her, and picked up a text book without looking at it and said, "The human anatomy, oh-" he blinked twice, and felt his face go up in flames. Okay, if she didn't he was a pervert before, she had to now. God, he was such a loser.

"Well, interesting subject, but I am willing to learn about anything," she told him cheerfully. She opened the book from his hands, looked at the pictures and, then felt a flush travel to her face. "Um...we...know about that...since you have...one...I mean...not just you...all boys do...oh god...I'm so embarrassed," Tohru raised her hands to bury her face into them. Would there be a day when she could actually talk to him without anything stupid coming out of her mouth?

Yuki burst out laughing, watching how cutely she stuttered, and then gently moved her hands away from her face until she was looking down at him. "Hey, at least you acknowledged I am a guy; Shigure has a way of thinking I'm too feminine to be known as one. Although I do wonder if my slow brother was born as one, have you ever seen a man act like him?" he asked, lightly stroking her hand, not realizing the havoc he was doing to her and whispered out of the blue, "I'm definitely glad you were made into a girl."

"What was that, Yuki?" Tohru asked, sure she had heard him wrong. She had to be dreaming, there's no way Yuki Sohma would ever talk to her like a boy in a crush. No possible way. But if he kept caressing her hand in that manner, she was going to swoon and giggle. Wait, did she giggle? Would he find that cute or obscenely annoying? She didn't want to be annoying.

"Nothing, Miss Honda, nothing. I must have been babbling. How about we study geometry?" he asked, thinking of a safe subject. Yuki wanted to smack himself. If he wasn't careful, he was going to be sprouting love poems in his underwear. But, he knew how it easy it was to tell her how cute she looked all flustered and red or what a beautiful smile she had. She was just that kind of person to be easy complimented. Would he get a blush if he told her what a lovable princess she would make being coupled with a prince from school? Like he could really say that to her without looking like a complete ass. He needed a couple of pointers to help him from being an imbecile.

For the next hour, they studied the wonders of angles and geometrical shapes. After they had finished, Tohru gave a sign of relief, but couldn't help feeling positive about the hour. She had started to grasp the concept of angles even though it had been frustrating. Yuki had been so patient and helpful with all the questions she had asked. She was certain she could pass the test. Ace it, maybe. Pass it, most definitely. Yes, he had been that wonderful.

"Thank you so much, Yuki, for being so patient with me. There was even a time I was starting to get upset with myself," Tohru said, stretching her hands up to the sky and gave a content sigh then reached forward to ease the pressure on her back, not realizing her hair and something else had brushed his face. She couldn't understand when he gracefully jumped up with all his armor on, to run behind the school building. "Was it something I said?" she asked to the empty space.

A...br-br...no...it was her...her breast...that brushed against his face, Yuki panted as he glanced around to see if any had seen him transform. Not all had her soft hair touched his face, her...womanly curve...had skimmed his cheek. Oh, he was a pervert, a pervert that enjoyed her touch. What was wrong with him! No, he was not in the same category as Shigure! He shouldn't enjoy things like that, he had to think of something else to balance out his senses.

He had to give Tohru credit though, she was a fast learner once she caught on. It had taken about everything he had to concentrate on their work instead of staring at her as she studied. He wondered if she knew she stuck out her tongue at the corner of her mouth when she was writing or that she bit her bottom lip when she was having a hard time with a question.

There had been so many times he just wanted to blurt out how amazing she looked or how nice her hair was, and the only thing that kept him from saying anything was the fact he didn't want her to look at him as if he was the most stupidest person on earth.

He also knew there was no way a person like her could like him. He had so many faults already, he didn't know how anyone could like him. He'd might as well tattoo, I'm a loser, on his forehead and be done with it. High school could really be the pit sometimes, he sighed. A poof sounded and he was back to being himself, minus the clothes of course.

Yuki decided he didn't want to take the time to get back into the armor and tugged inside to get his school uniform out. After putting on his clothes, he slowly started to wander back to where Tohru sat until he was sidetracked by someone calling his name and looked to notice it was that senior, Motoko something. He forced a smile to his face and tried to listen as she explained the senior class project, wondering why she was telling him since he wasn't a senior. What he wanted to do was get back to Tohru and their spot.

Tohru put down the science book she was currently trying to study and wondered where Yuki had gone off to. She reached up to lightly caress her ribbon, letting her mind wander back to when Yuki had carefully touched it. Could it be possible? Could Yuki actually care for her a little? She dreamily started to smile thinking how nice it would be if Yuki found her a little bit attractive until she finally recognized voices some distance away. She peeked her head from behind the tree she was sitting at, then froze.

There, standing a few meters away, was the president of Yuki's fan club and Yuki. And if that hadn't been bad enough, she was holding his hand and looking very happy.

Tohru quickly scooted back and looked at the tree as if it was burning her. Her hand reached up to place it over where her heart beat painfully in her chest. What was this feeling? It hurt seeing them two together, but there was another feeling in the mix of it. Almost as if...as..if...she wanted to march over there and take a swing at the older girl's nose. The feeling was violent, a feeling she had never felt before. She was Tohru Honda, she never got angry or, what is this feeling! A whirlwind of heat and madness, and...jealously.

Her hand fell numbly down to her side and Tohru stared blankly at her other clenched fist. She was jealous. For the first time in her life, she was actually jealous. What do I do, mom? What do I do to get rid of this feeling? I know it's not good to feel jealous, and I don't like feeling this way. Tell me what to do? she silently begged to her mother. She raised her hand to hide her face, hoping it would fend off the unwanted thought, and didn't see the figure come up to her until she heard the voice.

"It's hard for anyone to surpass a handsome guy like him, it be guy or girl. He must have so many people fawning over him, and for that, it would be easy to cage that wondrous spirit of his in order to protect it from getting tainted. Don't you think?"

The voice sounded so cold and icy it sent shivers down her back, Tohru let her hand slowly drop away to stare at the person. A person that could almost look like Yuki, but darker. Everything about him was dark. The dark purple hair, the narrowed black eyes and black clothes.

She finally knew what it meant when someone called a person sinister. She was staring right at it.

Hope this chapter was up to expectations, and don't worry, the next update will be sooner than this one! Thanks for taking the time to read and review, it's been awesome! Until next chapter, bye!

Starlight Angel