Weeks: 10
"Don't you think it's time to come back to school, Tohru?" asked Yuki at the dinner table. Tohru's spoon full of soup froze midway to her mouth.
"I-I guess so..."
Two weeks had passed since Tohru and Kyo's suspension. The two were free to go back to school whenever, but had been pushing off their return because they were afraid of the other students' judgments. Yuki had been updating the two about the rumors that he heard during the school day.
"My, er, fan club seems to be calmer and less hostile towards you because they think that Kyo is the father." There was a fleeting look of irritation on the rat's face. "I think it's safe for you to go back."
Tohru smiled and nodded, but her interest was elsewhere. Her eyes were drawn to the cat across from her, who ate slowly and silently.
Why isn't he eating well? Is he sick? Maybe the food I made isn't good... I knew I shouldn't have put so much seasoning! Kyo-kun needs to eat well...
"Is there something on my face?"
Tohru blinked a few times. "Huh?"
Kyo stared at the girl, an eyebrow raised. "You've been staring at me for a while. Is there something you wanna say?"
Yuki threw a suspicious glance at Tohru. She could feel his cold stare.
The uncomfortable brunette nervously laughed. "N-No, nothing. Just you don't seem to be eating very well, that's all."
The cold prince's look of suspicion remained, but he went back to eating his food.
Kyo shrugged. "Okay. If that's all." He picked up some rice with his chopsticks and ate it, chewing more thoroughly than he usually would. He glanced at the rice ball with an are you happy now? expression.
Tohru managed to force a smile, but she was cringing on the inside from her nosiness. The atmosphere was extremely tense and had been for the past two weeks. Spending the day with Kyo, who refused to speak, was a difficult task; Yuki's jealously over the two spending time made it even more difficult. Tohru often ended up torn between the two men in her presence. As soon as she got Kyo to warm up to her, Yuki would become unhappy. As soon as she went to Yuki, Kyo would go back to giving her the silent treatment.
I just can't win...
Keeping the struggles to herself drained her. She wanted to make both sides happy, but it seemed like that was impossible. A few days ago, she had relayed her problem to her boyfriend, but he had only become colder:
"Yuki-kun, I've been feeling a bit stressed recently."
"What's wrong, Tohru?"
"Well, I... just want to make everyone happy. I want to make you happy, Yuki-kun... but at the same time, I want to help Kyo. I feel like I have to choose between you two."
"..."
"Yuki-kun?"
"You don't have to choose. You've already chosen me, haven't you? I just don't think you have to be stressed about this... Forget about that cat. We'll focus only on each other, and Ichigo and Momo."
"Right..."
Despite having been told not to worry, Tohru still felt anxious. She knew Yuki was her boyfriend and that he should come first, but she couldn't help but factor in Kyo as well.
Yuki scooped up a large portion of his rice with his spoon and transferred it to Tohru's bowl.
Tohru stared at Yuki wide-eyed and shook her head vigorously. "You don't have to! Really, I can't even eat the amount I have!"
"Mothers need more nutrition, especially those who are pregnant with twins. You haven't been eating a lot, recently. I'm worried about you."
Kyo watched the couple before him with resentment.
Tohru smiled. "Aha, you don't have to be worried. I'm fine, really... Ichigo and Momo haven't been very demanding for the past few days like they usually are."
Tohru looked at the cat who hastily looked away.
Does Kyo-kun care? Does he still consider Ichigo and Momo as his potential children? He hasn't been asking about them at all. I hope he still cares.
She had been trying very hard to update Kyo on everything happening with the twins. While Yuki was at school, she'd tell Kyo what she was craving that day, or how big the babies should be. Each time, he seemed uninterested, and Tohru's heart would be crushed when he gave his one-word responses.
"I'm still worried," said Yuki. "The fact that your cravings have totally subsided seems a bit unusual. Perhaps you're still stressed about... that?"
Tohru tried her best to smile. "I'm fine," reassured the Onigiri. She grabbed her spoon and stuffed her mouth with rice, forcing herself to chew.
Yuki used his chopsticks to place various sides on her plate. The brunette gave him a thankful nod as she ate her continuously piling amount of food.
Kyo stared at his own plate, picking at the vegetables. She's obviously forcing herself. What's bothering her so much that she can't even eat?
"I'll excuse myself first," said Yuki. He grabbed his empty plate and headed to the kitchen.
Kyo waited until Yuki left the kitchen and stood up to excuse himself as well. He turned to the rice ball before leaving.
"Tohru."
The rice ball looked up, shocked to hear her name come from the cat.
"Y-Yes, Kyo-kun?"
The cat refused to make eye contact as he spoke. "Don't force yourself to eat. You'll get indigestion or something."
"Thank y—"
The cat left before she could finish, taking long strides to the kitchen. Tohru sat at the table alone.
"I guess I'll clean up, too," said Tohru to no one in particular.
She brought her half-empty plate to the kitchen sink. She turned on the faucet and ran water over each plate.
Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her lower abdomen. The plate in her hand shattered onto the floor.
The rice ball grabbed the counter for support, her other hand clutching her belly. Sweat formed along her forehead.
This pain... it must be from eating too quickly... Ow, but it hurts so much.
Soon, the pain went away.
"Tohru!"
Having heard the noise, the grey-haired prince came to the brunette's rescue.
"Ah, Yuki-kun." She used the counter to stand back up.
"Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?"
Tohru smiled. "I'm alright. I just dropped a plate." I can't worry him even more by telling him I'm having indigestion problems.
Yuki exhaled a sigh of relief. "I'll clean this up. You should go rest."
The prince ran his fingers along one of Tohru's ribbons. Tohru blushed.
"Thank you, Yuki-kun... I'll be in my room."
When Tohru entered her room, she saw her window open and a dark silhouette loomed in the corner. She froze at the sight of the dark figure.
"Wh-who's there?"
The figure came closer.
"Kya!" screamed Tohru. Her scream was quickly muffled by a warm hand over her lips.
Mom, help me! Knowing she had to escape from the attacker's grip, the rice ball used all of her strength to punch the attacker square in the jaw, a technique she had picked up a year ago from one of Kyo's lessons.
"Oof!" The attacker released the brunette, falling to the floor.
The brunette ran towards the door and switched on the light, revealing Shigure lying on the floor, clutching his jaw.
"Shigure-san!" Tohru rushed to his aid. "I'm so sorry!"
The dog covered her mouth with his hand again.
"Shh! If you're loud, I'll be caught by those two ruthless monsters," whispered Shigure. He signaled her towards the door.
Tohru nodded and closed the door. She returned to her spot next to Shigure and helped him up off of the floor. The two sat down on her pink bed.
"You've been away for so long," said Tohru, unable to hide her disappointment in him.
"I know. I'm sorry," apologized the dog zodiac, his guilt obvious. His gaze rested on Tohru's abdomen. "So, you really are pregnant..."
Tohru blushed, using her arms to try to hide herself. "That's a bit embarrassing, Shigure-san."
Shigure laughed. "I'm sorry! You're too cute when you blush!"
The brunette smiled. "If you don't mind me asking, where have you been this whole time?"
"Well, first I had to go to a peaceful place to write my novels, since I knew Yuki and Kyo wouldn't let me write in peace. Then, I had to deal with some matters regarding Akito."
Tohru flinched upon hearing the name of the zodiac god.
The dog zodiac sighed and pet the rice ball. "I'm really sorry, Tohru. I put you in danger. I don't really have the right to ask for your forgiveness."
The rice ball lit up. "It's alright, Shigure-san. I'm safe. I don't blame you at all."
"You're too kind, my flower."
Meanwhile, on the outside of the door, the cat and rat stood cross-armed, waiting for the right moment to burst in and beat the dog senseless.
"Can we do it now?" whispered Kyo. Yuki shook his head.
"Not yet. Just wait."
Inside, the dog's ears perked up.
"Well, Tohru, it was nice seeing you again! I just came by to drop off some money. I know you guys have been struggling. This amount should last you around two years or so."
"Wait! Where are you going that it'll take two years?"
"Ehehe... Away from those two savages who are outside the door."
Shigure put his hands on Tohru's windowsill and hoisted himself up.
The door swung open.
"WAIT RIGHT THERE!" yelled the enraged orange cat.
"Eep!" yelped Shigure, scrambling to get out of the room. His clothes got caught on a nail. "DAMMIT!"
Yuki and Kyo pounced on the 29 year old.
Tohru watched in horror as the two boys took turns beating the poor novelist.
"Tohru, please cover your eyes," said Yuki, his face more vicious than Tohru had ever seen before.
"Shigure-san didn't do anything wrong! Please stop!"
"Yeah... listen... to... Tohru," begged the dog in between punches.
"How dare you freakin' leave us to basically die? Don't you know how much we've suffered?"
"How can you come back after what you did to Tohru?"
The beating lasted a good thirty minutes. After his thorough beating, Shigure sat on the bed next to Tohru, who tended to his bruises.
"I deserved that," admitted the dog, wincing as Tohru applied bandages.
Kyo sat on the floor with his arms crossed, back straight. His eyes were closed as if he were meditating. "Hell yeah you did."
"So... anything new happen?"
The two boys glared at Shigure, who gave a nervous chuckle.
"Tohru, my flower, why don't you explain everything that's happened since these two won't cooperate?"
Tohru gave a careful explanation of everything that had happened. Shigure only listened, nodding his head occasionally.
"So... now you and Yuki are a thing, and you and Kyo were suspended from school? Wow, I could've never imagined this." Shigure leaned back onto the bed. "Now that I'm here, you won't have to worry about financial troubles. But, I'll be gone during the night on most days because of my novels. I sure am popular these days! People everywhere are demanding that I make more masterpieces!"
"More like perverted trash," mumbled the cat.
The dog pretended not to hear anything. "When are you two going back to school?"
"I think we should go back starting this coming Monday. We've already missed two weeks. I'm sure we have tons of work to make up," said the brunette.
The cat groaned. "I guess we'll do that."
Yuki smiled. "I missed having you in my class, Tohru. When you come back, I think it'll be best if we act like we aren't dating. It'll be safer for you. There's no telling what those girls might do to you if they found out."
Tohru smiled, feeling a bit uncomfortable. She kept sneaking glances at Kyo, whose face didn't change the slightest from the mention of the couple.
It shouldn't feel so awkward when Yuki-kun mentions us dating... but it does.
"Shouldn't we get a uniform fitted for Tohru? Or at least modify it to maternity clothing," said Shigure, still not used to seeing Tohru's bulging stomach.
"Yeah, let's do that tomorrow," said Yuki. "I'll go with you."
"No, it's fine! I'll do it alone."
Yuki's brows furrowed for a moment, but he nodded in agreement.
Shigure clapped his hands. "Okay, then it's settled. Tohru will go get her uniform fitted tomorrow while us men go shopping!"
Kyo and Yuki turned to Shigure simultaneously. "Shopping for what?"
"The babies' room."
"Eh?" Tohru shook her head. "It's a bit too early, Shigure-san! That can come later."
"No, no. We must be prepared at all times. Plus, I'm bored, so I can pass time decorating."
Tohru sighed, knowing that there was no use in arguing with Shigure. She smiled and thanked him.
"Alright, let's let my flower rest. We've got a busy day ahead of us!"
Tohru woke up in the middle of the night, an excruciating pain in her abdomen.
"Nn... Ow," she mumbled, still half-asleep. She sat up in her bed, massaging her stomach.
This isn't normal. Is there something wrong with Ichigo and Momo?
As fast as the pain came, it went away.
"I'll check it out tomorrow," whispered the rice ball, falling back asleep.
The next day, Tohru and the men went out to the nearest shopping center. Tohru went straight to the uniform fitting shop while Shigure dragged the cat and rat to the baby department.
"C'mon, guys! Let's go shop!" exclaimed Shigure.
Kyo walked far behind Shigure, making sure that other customers didn't realize he was with the lunatic running at full speed ahead toward the cribs.
Yuki went off to the stroller aisle, minding his own business.
The cat wasn't exactly sure where to go and got lost. He ended up in the toy aisle, babysitting a little girl.
"What kind of parent just leave their kid in a store alone?" asked the cat, scratching his head. He wasn't obligated to watch her, but he couldn't leave her be.
"Hey, Mister! Why do you have orange hair? Did your mommy leave you here to play, too?"
Kyo gritted his teeth. "I'm obviously not a child."
The little girl stared at him innocently. "You're handsome."
Kyo blinked. He found himself blushing. So... cute...
The little girl clapped her hands and raised them up, looking at the cat zodiac.
He raised his eyebrows. "What d'you want?"
"Up! Up!"
The girl bounded towards him, her arms outstretched. He backed away as quickly as possible.
"N-No! Stop!"
When the little girl realized that he wasn't going to pick her up, her face turned red. A loud cry echoed throughout the store.
"WAAAAHHHHH! WAAAAAHHH!"
Kyo massaged his temples. "Please, stop crying! I am really sorry. I really cannot pick you up. That'd be bad."
The girl continued to sob. Some shoppers gained interest in the situation and shot disapproving eyes at the cat.
"He should control his child... He's young, but that's no excuse to just stand there," said a customer. Some others nodded in agreement.
He shook his head. "That's not my kid! Not my kid, people!"
"Where's the child's mother? Is he single? I can't blame him for having a hard time."
Kyo sighed. He knelt down to the girl's level.
"I'm really sorry... I want to pick you up, but I can't."
The girl wiped away her tears. "Why?"
"Because..." He thought of an excuse. Oh, what the heck, she's a little kid. "Do you like cats?"
The little girl shook her head. "I'm allergic."
Kyo smirked. Perfect.
"Keep this a secret. If I hug you, I'll turn into a cat."
The little girl gasped and nodded her head solemnly, believing his words without an ounce of doubt. "I won't tell. I promise."
Kyo ruffled her hair.
"Hina-chan! Time to go!"
The little girl turned her head at the sound of her mother. "Okay!"
She gave a wave to Kyo, and he smiled and waved back.
"Bye, Mister Handsome!"
The cat laughed. That was... interesting. Kids are crazy scary.
"A little too young for you, don't you think?" asked Shigure, walking over from the crib aisle.
Kyo scowled. "Shut up, Shigure."
The novelist chuckled. "You handled her well. You kind of looked like a dad. Anyway, pick a few toys from here. I've already picked out two matching cribs! They're adorable. Yuki picked out a twin stroller, too. I'll leave clothes up to Tohru."
Kyo smiled. I guess even I could look like father.
Tohru, with her fitted uniform in a bag, walked to the baby store.
I hope they didn't go too crazy...
"Toooohhruuuuu!" called the dog zodiac, walking out of the store. Behind him was a crew of men, wheeling two large boxes out into the parking lot. Following them were two boys, one pushing a stroller and the other carrying bags and boxes full of toys.
Tohru ran up to Shigure, trying to talk him out of buying all of the stuff.
"Shigure-san, I really appreciate this, but—"
"My car's over there! Just wheel it to there, men."
"Please, listen! We don't need—"
"Shhh. Tohru, my flower, all is well. This is all for my nieces or nephews or whatever they are. Oh, and the car seats are being shipped. Sit down in the car while we load these items into it."
It's no use... I'll just sit and return some of this stuff later.
The boys finished loading the car with the strollers and toys. The cribs didn't fit, so a truck carrying the boxes followed them home.
At the house, the men set up the cribs in the spare room. Kyo hung a mobile above each crib, while Yuki organized the toys.
Tohru stood at the doorway, watching everyone work. Although she didn't feel that she needed everything in the room, she was still happy to see it all arranged.
Soon, Tohru was left alone in the room to admire the progress. She ran her fingers over the bars of the cribs.
"Ichigo, this will be your crib. And this one will be Momo's."
The brunette wound up the mobile. A music box version of "Rock-A-Bye Baby" played. She smiled to herself as she imagined a baby sleeping in each crib.
As she daydreamed, the orange-haired boy walked in. He hesitated at first, but decided to stay in the room.
"Hey."
Tohru turned, surprised. "Hi, Kyo-kun."
He put his hand on the crib. "It feels more real now, since we got all this stuff."
The brunette smiled excitedly. "I know! I can't wait to meet them."
Kyo nodded in agreement. The atmosphere became awkward.
Should I tell him how I'm feeling about him and Yuki-kun? Maybe Kyo-kun will understand and help me.
"Kyo-kun, honestly, I've kind of been dealing with a problem."
Kyo furrowed his eyebrows in concern. "Tell me what's wrong."
"I really like spending time with y... Ah!"
Tohru started to sink down to the floor, gasping for air. The pain was stronger than ever before. Kyo threw himself at her side.
"Tohru! Are you okay? What's wrong?"
"Mm... It... hurts..." Tohru's eyes were tightly shut as she tried to fight off the pain. Tears streamed down her face and her lip bled from the strength of her bite.
"Hang in there! I'm gonna call an ambulance."
Sweat stung Tohru's neck and back. She used one of the crib bars to try to prop herself up. When she lifted herself off of the floor, she saw a small pool of blood beneath her.
"B-Blood..." The brunette started to sob. "The babies! This is all my fault."
Kyo came rushing in. "I called an ambulance. Just don't lose consciousness! Tohru, can you hear me? Shit."
Tohru cried hysterically. "Kyo-kun, the babies... Are they going to die? I won't be able to live if they die. They're all I have! Mom, save them, please! God, Buddha, Anyone!"
Kyo felt himself break down as well, but he put on a brave face. "Tohru, calm down! Everything will be okay. You need to calm down!"
"I can't lose them! I can't..." Tohru's vision blurred. Blackness started to engulf her vision.
"Tohru, c'mon stay awake! I'm here with you, stay awake!"
"Kyo-kun," she mumbled, her eyes half closed. "Make sure... to tell them... to save Ichigo and—"
Tohru's eyes closed and her head fell. Kyo caught Tohru's head before it reached the floor.
"This damn ambulance better hurry up!"
Kyo wiped away his tears with one hand, while supporting Tohru's head with his other one.
I can't lose them either... Otherwise, I'll lose you, too.
That's the end of this chapter. BTW, to the reviewer who asked about the whole rice ball name calling thing, I sent you a private message, but you asked the same question again lol. Anyway, thanks for reading! Be sure to keep up with the story by favoriting and following and reviewing! Also, I started a new fic called Fame. Check it out, and favorite/review/follow if it interests you guys. However, I will be putting my main focus on this fic until I finish it. 'Til next time!
