AN- so I did end up updating today. I still dont own Fruits Baskets.
I present Friday:

Chapter Thirty-Eight

(Kyo's POV)

There was a painful throbbing in my head that seemed to be fogging out any other thought, and I stretched my arms across my sheets lazily—then I felt something nudge against my arm. I slid my eyes open reluctantly, and was greeted by a bundled towel on my sheets.

"The hells that doing on my bed…" I grumbled to myself, feeling my voice scratch out of my throat unpleasantly, reaching to grab the towel—but then my hand met something that felt like course, dry fur instead of the soft towel. I blinked a few times in puzzlement, and then my ears made out a soft rattling sound that was awfully familiar to breathing. I lifted myself up on my side with my elbow and leaned over the towel to inspect it—

"Oh-" I finally remembered what it was doing here when I saw a cat curled up in a ball inside of the towel. Yesterday drifted into my mind—how I had picked her up from the rainy streets and brought her home, falling asleep with her by my side. I made to breathe out a sigh, until I felt a sharp pain clench at my lungs. I gave a choked sound before letting a cough scratch past my throat. My head suddenly started to spin and I groaned before laying back down on my bed. I felt horrible and sickly, like my stomach was filled with gooey gunk.

Something was buzzing inside of my head, and I felt my heavy eyelids droop back shut. My body felt like it was lying on a heater instead of a fluffy bed, but my bones felt ice cold and I shivered at the irksome contrast. I was slowly fading into the sickly state of my body until I heard a tapping at my door.

"Whaat." I groaned, my voice strangled from how swollen my throat felt. I heard the door slide open as the person said my name in question. I looked over and saw Tohru peeking at me uncertainly from the door. I lifted myself up on my elbows and tried to hold back the cough that was building up at the bottom of my tickling throat.

She came in and walked over to me, "How are you feeling, Kyo?" She asked softly as if I were still asleep.

"Fine," I rasped, my voice scratching my throat as I slumped back into my pillows. Tohru reached over to me and placed a hand on my forhead. I watched her expression as she assessed me.

"You're pretty warm, Kyo… I think you might have a cold." She said apologetically. She knelt down at my bedside and looked at me through remorseful eyes, "I'm sorry."

I brushed it off, "S' not your fault, don't matter."

"I'll get you a wet cloth." I heard Tohru lift herself from my floor and her footsteps echoed through my head as she disembarked from my room. I wrinkled my nose at myself. This was definitely no way to spend a morning.

I felt myself drift into a soft darkness, and barely recalled the cold cloth that I felt Tohru place on my forehead until I drifted out of consciousness.

(Yuki's POV)

"Oh no, no, don't worry about me, I'll be fine on my own. You should check up on Kyo." Tohru said, rejecting my offer to escort her to work. The sky was thinly covered with grey clouds, and a fresh scent was drifting through the cooling atmosphere, a promise of rain. Today, though, I had my umbrella dangling limply in between my fingers at my side. I looked at her with apprehensive eyes… but knew she was right. Tohru had told me that Kyo was sick with a cold when she went in to check up on him this morning, and knowing him he was probably running around the forest naked or doing something stupid like that.

"Kyo can live another hour without any supervision." I said despite my elaborate images of him roaring through the trees in his dojo uniform, his nose red and running. "Besides, it looks like it will rain soon. I wouldn't like you to get caught in it, Miss Honda." I said gently.

She gave me an appreciative smile, "Alright. I would like that very much." She took a few steps forward and I followed her lead as we both left the shade of the school's fading shadow.

(Kyo's POV)

"DABBIT, SDOP DOIG DAT!" I regretted yelling instantly when a thick cough tore through my throat. I leaned away from the bathroom sink and covered my mouth in the crease of my elbow and let another sick cough crack out of my throat.

I felt the cat try to escape from underneath my wet grasp and she almost slipped through but I grabbed at her with both of my soapy hands and held her in the equally soapy water, her thin body slipping around my fingers easily.

I was trying to wash the damn thing, but she kept on trying to escape the soapy bath I had made for her in the sink. My hands were slippery from the foamy cleanser, and itchy from all the extra fur that was washing away from her body. She let out a pained meow from my aggressive force, and I just wrinkled my nose at her.

"Sdop cobplaidig, if your gobba be so dab stubborb theb deal with id!" I scrubbed my hand along her body more gently and felt her body tense. I felt my nose begin to run and I lifted my shoulder and turned my face, trying to rub off some of the snot on the sleeve of my torn t-shirt. After I wiped most of the gunk on the fabric, I sniffed to try and keep my nose from leaking anymore.

"Guh, you suck." My voice was thick and swollen from my clogged nose and I felt my head spin once more. After the dizzy haze passed and everything came back into a general focus I noticed that I had still managed to keep her in my grip. I decided that I had cleaned her as much as I probably could, and lifted her body from the water, droplets of water cascading to the floor as she mewled and twisted her flexible body until I held her against my body, soaking my shirt so it stuck to the skin of my chest.

She fidgeted reluctantly and I tightened my hold on her as I reached over and stuck my fingers into the warm, foamy water and pulled at the plug that was stuffing the drain in the sink. I watched as a small whirlpool formed in the water and spun around a mesmerizing swirl until all that was left was the bubbles and fur clinging to the side of the sink. I turned on the water once more and pulled the cat from my chest and held her in the sink underneath the water. She clung to the sides of the sink, trying to get out from under the warm current, but I held her there and splashed the water over her drenched body until the foam washed from her wet fur.

I turned off the tap before reaching for the towel railing with my soapy hand, tugging a towel from it, wrapping her in it securely and pulling her back against my chest. I dried her off gently, rubbing the towel against her soaking fur. She trembled from the bath I had submitted her too, and I turned away from the sink and walked out of the bathroom.

I wandered down the hall; my head buzzing and a sickening pressure building up inside the bridge of my nose. I was able to walk down the stairs without any trouble, but by the time I reached the bottom my head was spinning again and a cough was tickling at my throat.

I groaned through my chest as I walked over to the refrigerator. I bent down and shook the cat from the towel until she scampered down onto the floor, her paws patting against the linoleum. I dropped the empty towel and pulled the refrigerator door open before lifting the milk carton from its place on the railing. I shut the fridge with my foot and knelt down to one of the cabinets under the sink, the cat rubbing affectionately against my thigh.

I pulled out a small bowl, trying to sniff back the leakage from my nose, and I tipped the carton of milk over the edge, hearing it splash against it's boarders as I filled it half way. I scooted the bowl across the floor and pushed the cat away from my leg suggestively. I walked back over to the fridge, tugged the door open, and placed the milk back inside. I heard the slight splatter of the cat's tongue lapping up the milk, and I wiped off my still soapy hand on my ripped sweat pants before slipping it into my pocket and pulling out a tissue.

I held it to my nose, closed my mouth, and blew into the tissue, feeling gunk flow freely through my nostrils and gushing onto the thin fabric. I wiped my nose once more before walking over to the disposal basket and ditching the soggy tissue inside of it. I pulled out another and repeated the procedure until I could breathe through my nose once more, trying to shake my head clear of it's buzzing pain.

After disposing the last tissue, I wandered back over to the cat, which was still greedily lapping at the bowl of milk. I bent down on the balls of my feet, rested my elbows on my thighs, and took in her appearance. She was looking better since I bathed her—granted, there were a lot of bald patches along her body, but at least she wasn't moulting or anything. There were a few places where wounds were visible on her smooth skin, but they had healed fast and now there was nothing more I could do that would be useful for her.

The sleep we had together had really regenerated her, She had definitely gotten her energy back—but I had noticed that she had a problem with her left leg, since she limped every time she walked. Hopefully that would clear up soon, because there was nothing I could do for it as far as I knew.

It wasn't like I was a damn vet or anything.

I heard the front door slide open, but I ignored it until the footsteps padded into the kitchen.

"Are you trying to stay sick?" an exasperated voice critiqued.

I glanced over my shoulder and watched as Yuki leaned against the wall with a stern look.

"Tsh, no." I said in an obvious tone, "A stupid cold isn't gonna keep me in bed all day." My voice was a bit clearer and I was able to pronounce my words correctly since I had cleared my nose a few seconds ago.

I pulled my attention back to the cat when I heard an appreciative purr rumble from her small body. I was really glad that she was doing better; the sooner she was functional the sooner she could leave. I didn't feel like taking care of her for much longer, it was a bit annoying having the damn thing following me around everywhere, so dependent on me.

"Where's Shigure?" I heard Yuki ask. I reached over and stroked the cat's clean, soft and still damp fur leisurely and she arched her back into my hand.

"The hell would I know." I scratched her behind her ear, hearing a purr rumble from her chest,"Is it still raining?"

"Yeah."

"Dammit." I felt another cough tickle at the back of my throat and I covered my free hand over my mouth as I let it crack out of my throat. I heard Yuki sigh behind me.

"Go to bed, Beka Neko." Yuki walked across the kitchen and I sneered at him before watching him climb the steps. I'll go to bed when I'm damn ready.

I felt my head give a dizzy spin once more and I braced a hand against the floor to keep myself from falling onto it. Even though I had a pretty long sleep, I still felt so damn tired...

(Yuki's POV)

I placed my homework on my desk and sat down in my chair with a sigh. I only had a few more pages left, and then I would be finished. I put my elbow on my desk and pinched the bridge of my nose in exasperation. I knew that stupid cat wasn't going to let his body regenerate; he's only going to make his cold even worse the way he's dealing with it… so maybe I was wrong, he did need supervision.

Why is it always me putting effort into keeping him in line?

I heard another faint cough come from downstairs and I rolled my eyes. If he wants to be stupid and make his cold worse, that was his problem, not mine... but I still couldn't help but feel like I should be involved.

I pushed him out of my mind and focused on the homework I had at hand. Next week was exams, and I felt more nervous then ever over them. I've lately had a terribly time trying to get a hold on my concentration, my mind keeps slipping to other things.

I picked up my pencil and flipped my textbook open.

Through the next couple of hours my mind was filled with war, politics, numbers, elaborate names, and the sound of my pencil scratching against paper. It was only a few minutes after I had gotten halfway through when I heard Kyo's voice rage from downstairs.

Frowning in disapproval, I set down my pencil and lifted myself from my seat. I tugged at the collar of my shirt before opening my door, closing it behind me, and making my way down the hall. There was definitely something going on down there, it seemed like we had visitors due to the unfamiliar voices sounding from the kitchen.

I stepped down the stairs and entered a familiar scenario.

"Kyo's siiiiiiiick!" Momiji sang, clinging onto Kyo's shirt.

Kyo shoved his forearm across his nose and pulled away from Momiji's grasp, leaning up against the counter, "GO AWAY!" His voice was hoarse in his throat, and he shoved a fist against his mouth as a rough cough escaped him.

"Hello Yuki!"

I looked over to see Tohru at the other side of the kitchen. I gave her a smile, "Hello, Miss Honda, how was work?"

"It went well!" She smiled at me, "Momiji and Haru came to pick me up and walk me home!"

"Haru?" I didn't see him-

I caught movement from the corner of my eye and I turned to see Haru approaching me solemnly before placing a hand on my shoulder and inspecting me.

I blinked under his intense gaze as he used his other hand to tilt my face left and right until he finally spoke in contemplating approval, "Hm. doesn't look like he got you sick."

"Hello, Haru." I replied blanky, knowing better then to think he'd make his presence known casually.

"SDOP TOUCHIG BE!" Kyo barked sickly, stumbling away from Momiji who gave a cheerful laugh at his expense.

"Momiji, is there a reason why you're here?" I asked carefully, Haru leaving my side while slipping his hands inside his pockets.

"Oh yes!" Momiji latched onto Kyo's shirt again and leaned back, turning his face over to me, "its Friday remember! We came to pick you up to go to the Hotsprings! Shigure already left earlier on with Ayame—and they took Hiro, Kisa, and Kagura since they had the full day off!"

At least I knew where Shigure had gotten to now, wouldn't have to worry about him sneaking around.

"But Kyo's siiiiiick!" Momiji swung around on Kyo's shirt. "So you have to stay here!"

"TO HELL IF I CARE!" Kyo's voice sounded thick in his throat as he tried pushing Momiji away from him with no success.

I watched as Haru wandered over to Tohru, where he slung an arm leisurely over her shoulder, "What do you say I help you pack, Tohru?" his voice was silky, and his grin insisting.

Tohru's face instantly went crimson red and she began to stutter impressively until Momiji bounded to her from Kyo, "I want to help Tohru pack!" He grabbed onto Tohru's hand and leaned towards her with a smile, "You'll let me help, right Tohru?"

"O-oh, I couldn't ask for you to h-help-"

Haru smiled at her, "You didn't ask, did you?" and without another sensible sentence from Tohru, she was dragged up the stairs by the two. Haru seemed to be quite all right with having Momiji wander after him like that, they always seemed to be together.

A cough rang through the air, taking me out of my thoughts. I looked over to see Kyo leaning his back against the counter and shove his face in his elbow as he let out another stream of coughs.

"Did you take some cold medicine?" I asked plainly, almost positive he didn't, and walked over to the medicine cabinet without waiting for an answer. I saw Kyo shake his head between coughs and I opened the cabinet, pulled out the cardboard package, and walked over to him.

"So stop being stupid and take some." I placed it on the counter beside him and looked down at the cat that was curled up in the corner. I was impressed that it had been able to hide from Momiji-- if he had found her, a lot of love would be flying through the air.

A cracking sound erupted suddenly, soon followed by a faint scream. I turned from Kyo and made my way back up the stairs, the noises coming from Tohru's room growing louder until I had reached her opened room. I stood in the doorway and saw Tohru sitting on the bed with a bewildered expression on her face and a rabbit in her arms with Haru lying down beside her.

"I think Miss Honda would get more done without you two." I suggested. Haru pushed himself up on his elbows and looked over to me.

"Have you finished packing, Yuki?" Haru inquired suspiciously.

I shifted in the doorway, "I'm not packing."

Tohru snapped out of her trance, "What? Yuki, aren't you coming?"

I shook my head and saw Momiji snuggle up close under her chin.

Tohru opened her mouth-- "But you must come! Is it your homework? I can help! I know I'm not very good, but I can try my best-"

"I'm going to stay with Kyo."

Haru grinned and lay back down on the bed while comprehension dawned on Tohru's face.

"But he's fine!" Momiji decided to join in. "Come on, you must come!"

"I'm not really excited to see the outcome of leaving Kyo sick in this house for the weekend." I said lightly, "Besides, I do have some homework I should catch up with. Tohru, please go and enjoy yourself, nothing would make me happier."

She looked at me with sad eyes, but then Haru reached up and tugged at her ponytail. She looked over to him with a slight blush as he spoke, "C'mon, leave those losers here. Let's go have fun."

Another soft crack rang through the air and smoke engulfed Tohru, and when it faded there was a naked Momiji standing in front of her with a finger pointed in resolve to the roof, "YES! Let's go have FUN!"

Haru lifted his leg and shoved at Momiji's chest, sending him falling to the floor, "Get some clothes on."

Tohru was hiding her face in her hands as Momiji sang cheerfully while slipping back into his clothing.

(Kyo's POV)

I heard a cracking sound as Yuki placed the cold medicine beside me. I watched as he turned from me and only averted my eyes when he disappeared up the stairs. I grumbled to myself moodily and turned around, reaching up to the glass cabinet. Once I had a cup in my hands I turned on the tap, not caring what temperature it was, and filled the glass. My head started to spin again and I let out a few coughs before I felt the water wash over my fingers. I took my overflowing glass out from under the water, turned off the tap and took a pill from the cardboard package.

I popped the tablet onto my tongue and tipped the glass of water to my lips. The water was unpleasantly warm as it seeped into my mouth, and I felt the pill slip down my throat smoothly as I swallowed. Sticking out my tongue at the powdery after taste, I spilt the water down the drain before setting the glass inside the sink. I put a hand to my heated forehead, feeling dizzy, and I took a step towards the cat that was curled up in the corner conspicuously.

I bent down and lifted her flexable, soft body from the ground, and tucked her in my arms as I turned and made my way out of the kitchen. The walk upstairs was almost painful, my thoughts wavering at the unpleasant heat in my head. I let another cough scratch from my throat as I absent-mindedly opened my door and shut it behind me. I trudged over to my bed and let the cat slip from my arms before collapsing on top of my sheets.

My head buzzed painfully as the spinning began to subside. I sniffed again before curling up in my sheets, and with the voices down the hall hazing through my mind, I fell out of consciousness once more…

-End-

AN- I dont know about any of you, but I would be quite interested to see the outcome of leaving a sick Kyo alone in my house for the weekend.
thanks you for reading
Please !Review! any suggestions, critique, comments, pointless rambling, and opinions are much accepted, and appreciated.
we'll see when I post the next chapter...