Chapter 10 – Valentine's Chocolates

When she woke up, Shigure and Yuki were in the TV room watching TV.

"Good morning Mina," Yuki smiled weakly.

"Hi!" She smiled and looked around the room, "Where's my brother?"

Shigure pointed his finger upwards – signaling the roof, "That's where I think he is, anyway…"

Mina shrugged and checked the roof – no Kyo. Mina knocked on Kyo's bedroom wall since the door was open, "Brother?" She walked into the room and found no one there.

She went into the kitchen and saw Tohru and Kyo. Tohru was making food, and Kyo was nibbling on codfish.

Forgetting all about her brother, she called, "Tohru. Can I help you make breakfast?"

"Why, sure." Tohru smiled and Mina walked up to her and she started to help Tohru wrap seaweed around rice balls.

"What are you making?" Kyo asked Tohru.

"My special rice balls. Made with ingredients everyone likes. You take a rice ball and stuff a secret ingredient inside. But, don't worry Kyo. We're making other things as well."

Mina noticed that they both had their school uniforms on so she raced upstairs to get hers.

Tohru had her part-time job so Mina walked home alone. When she got home, Shigure was flipping through the TV guide and Kyo and Yuki were with him.

"Did I really stay at school that late?" She asked to herself.

"Hey, Mina. There's a Monster Movie Madness Marathon on tonight, better known as quadruple M! Nothing but horror movies until four in the morning! How 'bout it?" Shigure asked as he waved the remote around in the air.

"I'd say you're as childish as ever…" Kyo mumbled.

"Kyo's right, for once, we have school tomorrow Shigure. Try to be a little more responsible?" Yuki scorned him.

Mina ran upstairs and Yuki said, "I'll take that as a no."

When she came back, she had on her pajamas, her stuffed horse and a popcorn pack, "Let's get this party started!" She yelled.

Everybody landed a sweat drop, even Shigure.

"What's with the getup?" Kyo asked.

Ignoring him, Mina suggested that since Tohru wasn't there, they could invite somebody else over instead, "I know! How about Haru and Momiji? We'll make it a sleep over."

"Good idea Mina! Why don't we call them?" Shigure said.

"There is no way in hell that little brat Momiji's coming over here! Every time he opens his mouth I just wanna—"

Before Kyo could finish, Mina ran into the hall with her address book. She ran back in about five minutes.

"It's ready, they're walking over here. I'll go walk with them."

"Um, Mina? Are you really going to walk to Sohma estate in that attire?" Yuki asked, looking at her pajamas.

Mina, Momiji, and Hatsuharu were walking to Shigure's house. Of course, they both packed a suit case since they'd be spending the night. Haru phoned Momiji, he packed his things and met Haru at his house, and they then walked to the front of Sohma gates.

"Thanks for inviting us over Mina." Momiji said contently as they were walking.

"No problem." Mina smiled, "I just thought it'd be more fun with you two there."

"Yeah thanks." Haru said to her.

"Well, knowing Shigure, we'll have to be careful as he'll try to scare us tonight…" Mina trailed off. She looked up into the sky.

"I believe that," Hatsuharu said.

Everybody arrived at the house and Shigure had ordered take out. The monster movie madness marathon started at 6 and so they started without Tohru, since she returned home at 11.

Everyone was sitting on the couch, under the same blanket. From left to right sat Shigure, Kyo, Mina, Haru, Yuki and Momiji. The marathon contained videos like boogey men, demons, etc. On every scary part, Mina would either clutch Kyo or Haru on impulse.

"Do ya gotta sit so close to her?" Kyo yelled to Hatsuharu.

"Brother, leave him alone! I'm trying to watch the movie." Mina yelled.

The MMMM had just started, and it was already 6:46 p.m. They heard a 'ding' from the kitchen and Momiji shouted, "I'll get the popcorn!" while everybody shushed him while he got up. Momiji returned with the popcorn a couple of minutes later.

At about 11, Yuki was preparing to walk Tohru home. When he left, they were still watching the movie. Truth be told, when Momiji was scared, he cuddled up to Yuki and hid his eyes behind Yuki's arm. Seeing that Momiji was scared, she made Haru and Momiji trade places so she and Momiji could cuddle with each other whenever they both were scared. This made Kyo feel a little better. Just to be funny, Shigure cuddled up to Kyo playfully. Kyo was going to pound him if Mina wasn't there to cool him off. When Yuki and Tohru were back, Tohru immediately went to her room to change into her pajamas like Mina. When she came back, she sat in between Momiji and Haru.

The MMMM was over and everybody was going to bed. Mina wanted to sleep with her brother because she was still afraid from all the movies they watched. Yuki offered to sleep in the same room as Tohru because she was also afraid, but, she refused and said she would be alright. However, Momiji whined because he wanted to sleep with Tohru and she said yes. So, Yuki and Haru slept in the same room.

At some time during the night, Shigure tried to scare everyone with sound effects and putting a white sheet over himself. It worked with Tohru and Momiji. All Yuki said was, "Get out!" and slammed the door on him. Mina was so scared that she jumped on her brother while Kyo yelled, "Get the hell out of here!" So Shigure gave up.

The next morning, Mina woke up and found her brother by her side. She kissed his cheek and set out to find out someone. She later found out that Hatsuharu and Momiji left early to unpack before school started.

She went into her own room and plopped down on her own bed. She began to look around her room. She turned to her left and there was a miniature table, on it were her alarm clock and a picture frame. Inside the picture frame was the picture that Shigure had given her the first day she came here and the picture that Haru took of them both when they first met. She turned to her right and saw her small desk with her computer used for school and research and e-mail. And then a drawer for clothes and on top of it was a comb, ribbons, yen and also some personal items like a picture of Kasumi and Ichiro and a picture of she and Makono. She sighed and got ready for school, it was already February and she couldn't help but think of Valentine's Day.

Kanako and Mina were sitting next to each other at lunch and they wouldn't let anybody sit next to them.

"Kanako, you know you want to! Come on, what have you got to lose?" Mina asked her.

"Well… I dunno. What if he turns me down?" Kanako asked while taking a bite of her lunch.

"Don't worry, he's a mature guy. He won't make fun of you and tell other people and he would still be your friend."

"What do you think they're talking about?" Uo asked out loud.

"Who knows?" Makono answered.

"Maybe they're talking which boy they're going to give chocolates to?" Tohru suggested.

Instantly, Kyo's eyes widened. He spit out the food that he was chewing, "I'm going to find out!" Kyo stood up quickly.

"No! Let them talk, we shouldn't butt in." Hana stopped him.

"You've convinced me." Kanako said from the other side of the lunch room. "I'll give Momiji some chocolates!"

"Cool! That's so great, I'm rooting for you."

"Wait…" Kanako said slyly, "I'll give Momiji some, if you give Hatsuharu some, I know you like him."
Mina turned red in the face and said, "How do you know?"

"It's so obvious, Mina! The question is, how could I not know?"

Mina looked at her food and looked up at Kanako, "Okay, you have a deal."

The bell rang, signaling for everyone to go back to class.

"We should get back to class," Kanako looked at the clock and stood up and stood up with her lunch tray in her hands.

While they were walking back to class, Mina said, "You know Kanako? We need to get out picture taken together."

Kanako looked at her and smiled, "That'd be great."

Tohru and Mina were at the store buying Valentine's chocolates. They both agreed to split up since Tohru was buying everyday chocolates like last year. She wanted Mina's chocolate surprise to be a surprise. Mina was examining chocolate gifts, something that Hatsuharu would like.

It's not that important, only chocolates, then why do I feel like it all comes down to this? She stopped and stared at the ground, But, what if other girls give him chocolates? And he rejects me because he likes me as a friend? Well, I've got to try!

As she went down the aisle, she found chocolates that were cow-shaped and, in the center of the cow, lay raspberry filling.

How cute? I have to get these for him! She grabbed a box and looked for some bows to go on the box.

Maybe a nice little bag? Mink asked herself Yeah! She smiled to herself and headed for aisle nine.

After they were both done with shopping, they met up.

"How'd it go?" Mina asked, "You didn't go crazy and use all your money like last time did you? My brother told me about last years Valentine's Day."

Tohru have a little laugh, "No. I saved up this time. While I was at the store, I decided to go grocery shopping."

"Cool. So, we got everything we needed?" Mina asked, looking at the grocery bags, "Can I help you carry anything?"

"Sure. Here you go." Tohru handed her a bag that had leeks protruding from it.

When they got home, Mina offered to put away the groceries so Tohru could hide the chocolates.

"Thanks," Tohru thanked her as she rushed inside with the chocolates hidden under her coat.

She left Mina with all the groceries in the kitchen. While she was putting away the carton of milk, she looked at the clock that read 9:30 p.m. Thank goodness Tohru didn't have to work tonight! After a couple of minutes, Kyo rushed in.

"Where's Tohru? You didn't leave her at the store, did you?"

Mina eyed him, "How about hello sis, I love you?"

He went over to her and kissed her on the cheek and said, "Hello sis, I love you where's Tohru?" He said quickly without pausing.

"Somewhere, don't worry lover boy. She's in no danger…"

Kyo turned red and ran out. Mina giggled to herself. "What an ape…" She knew Kyo was in love with Tohru, but he didn't do anything about it. Would their love falter?

She was lost in thought about it when Yuki came in, "You know Mina, it'd be better if the milk stayed in the fridge instead of the pantry…" He took the milk off the pantry shelf and into the dairy compartment of the refrigerator.

Mina blushed, "Oh, sorry…"

He looked over at Mina with concern, "Is there something wrong Mina? You seem distracted… Mina, Mina, Mina?!"

Mina's head snapped back in Yuki's direction, "I'm sorry!"

Oh boy, what if Tohru and my brother never get together? She thought, her eyes glittering looking out the window again.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Yuki walked up to her and turned her head towards him.

"Yeah, it's just Valentine's Day and all…"

Yuki smiled gently, "Who are you going to give chocolates to?"

Mina looked up at him, "You."

Yuki's eyes widened, "Uh, I—" He suddenly transformed into a rat because his face was all red from blushing.

Mina cut him off laughing while she picked him up with her hands cupped together, "Silly, I'm just kidding! But, if I do tell you who will you promise not to tell anyone, especially my brother?"

Yuki nodded, "Okay."

"Haru"

"Really?" He smiled.

"Yeah, it's kind of embarrassing…"

"Why? He's a nice guy, don't worry about Kyo. He pretty much hates everyone."

Not Tohru… She looked out the window again.

"Try to come back to the real world Mina."

"Okay."

The next morning, Mina was very careful not to leave Haru's chocolates at home. Best of all, Valentine's Day was on a Friday. She went into the kitchen and saw that Kyo was rather fidgety today. He knew Kagura was going to visit him today, but Mina urged him to stay.

When they got to school, they agreed that Kanako would go first. She approached Momiji, who was with nobody at the moment – perfect time to give him the chocolates.

She handed him the chocolates and said, "Here," She blushed as he took them.

He smiled, "Thanks Kanako! It's real nice of you to think of me."

"Mhmm." She walked back to Mina who watched the whole thing, "Ha! Your turn, no turning back."

They both walked through the hall and spotted Hatsuharu talking to Yuki.

"Okay… goooo!" Kanako pushed Mina so hard, she almost ran into the two.

She gave Yuki a look and he smiled and walked off.

She smiled, "Hi, Haru."

"Hi Mina, how are you?"

"Oh, I'm fine! You should've seen Kyo last night, he was—"

"Ahem!" Kanako cleared her throat, telling her to wrap it up.

"Oh," Mina looked down at the gift, "um, Haru?"

"Huh? What is it?"

"Uh, I-I…" Suddenly, Yuki's voice popped into her head, He's a nice guy. "I got you some chocolates!" She smiled and handed him the chocolates she had been hiding behind her back.

"Thank you Mina." He took them and once he did, she ran back to Kanako and they both ran out of sight.

"I was smoother than you!" Kanako turned to Mina.

"What? All you said was 'Here.' That's it! At least I actually talked to him!"

"You were stuttering!"

"You only said one thing."

"Two things, mhmm also!"

"That doesn't count!"
They stopped running when Haru was out of sight. Both girls put their hands on their knees and started to pant.

"Think we're far enough now?" Kanako looked at her.

Mina looked down the hall, "Yeah. What are we doing? We're going to see them again, so why are we trying to hide? Besides, what if they don't reject us? There's a bright side for you." Mina winked and stood up.

She looked out the window. Something caught her attention, she looked out saw Kagura. She raced outside, almost leaving Kanako in the dust.

"Kagura!" Mina raced out to her and gave a big hug.

Kagura hugged her back, "Mina, it's nice to see you. Have you seen Kyo around?"

Mina smiled slyly, "Yeah, c'mon. I'll show you where he is."

Nearby, Yuki and Tohru were watching from a window.

"I don't think Kyo's going to be very happy with Mina." Tohru said.

"He's not," Yuki answered.

Kagura, Mina and Kanako went straight to Kyo. When they got to him, as you guess, he wasn't very happy.

"Damn it! She's here! Why'd you lead her to me?" Kyo pointed to Mina.

Mina grabbed Kyo's collar shirt and pulled him to her, "Because she loves you and you need to spend more time with your fiancée!"

"Wha—My fiancée?"

"Yes! Don't play dumb with me. Kagura told me about the engagement. You guys never told me you got engaged behind my back at the playground!" Mina started to shake him, "Don't try to hide it!"

"What the hell are you talking about??"
"YOU KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!"

Yuki, Tohru, Hana and Uo stepped inside the classroom.

See all of this, Uo said, "Wow, sibling fight."

"Yes, you never thought they would fight like this, it's strange." Hana answered.

"My bets on Mina, she kicks ass!" Uo smiled evilly.

Tohru smiled, I wonder what Kyo will do if Kagura tires to feed him chocolates again… Oh! She held out two little boxes, "Here!" She handed them to Uo and Hana.

"Luckily, we were prepared this time." Uo said. She looked at Hana who nodded. They each got out a little box and handed them to Tohru.

"Here, take them. You deserve it." Hana said.

Tohru started to freak out, "Oh no, no! I couldn't! I'm just glad you two are always there for me."

"No kid, just take 'em. We'd be sad if you didn't'." Uo said.

"Okay," Tohru hesitantly took them, It's nice of them to get me some chocolates…

By this time, Mina had gotten Kyo to go on a walk with Kagura. Kyo swore he wasn't going back to school today and that this was enough torture for one day.

When Yuki, Tohru and Mina returned home, they saw a bruised and bloodied up Kyo lying unconscious on the porch.

"BROTHER!!" Mina rushed up to him.

"Kyo!" Tohru ran up to him also.

Yuki frowned, "This was done by Kagura, I suppose."

Hearing Mina scream, Shigure ran out of the house. Taking one glance at Kyo and the girl's around him, he explained that after their walk, they came home. Kagura wanted Kyo to eat her chocolate. He ate it but by that time, Kyo was out cold on the front porch.

"Don't worry. Kyo will recover in a few minutes. This isn't the first time it's happened."

"You stood there and watch my brother get beat up? Why didn't you help?" Mina screamed at Shigure.

"I don't like to get involved between them. Besides, Kagura's scary when she's mad!"

When Kyo recovered, Tohru gave everybody chocolates. Then, everybody went to the Sohma estate to give every one else chocolates. Also, it gave Mina and every one else time to catch up.

While she was giving out chocolates, Mina just sat near the window and stared out it. Everyone in the zodiac was there but she didn't feel like starting a conversation.

It was getting late so everybody left. Yuki's watch read 8: 32 p.m. It was going to be a little peaceful night, besides the fact that Kyo was still a little mad at Mina. But, he was learning self control at any rate. They still kissed goodnight, it seemed like Kyo was calming down by hour.