"I'm sure they wouldn't mind if I wore one of the outfits they bought me for my trip.." Tohru mumbled to herself, sorting through the small dresser in the closet. Fresh out of the shower, she couldn't remember the last time she felt this refreshed.

Kyo wanted to take her somewhere, though the only hint he gave her was to dress warm. She chose some black leggings and a beautiful knee length white dress with lacy accents. It reminded her of snow and Christmas. She added a pair of black boots and a dusty blue cashmere scarf to cover the low heart neckline.

Heading back into the bathroom, she added the finishing touches to her hair, pinning it out of her face with a silver hairpin with a fanciful swirl on it. Finally, she grabbed a pair of white gloves and her black wool coat and headed out of the bedroom.

Having been ready for some time now, Kyo was putting his wallet into the back pocket of his black jeans. He was wearing an extremely soft looking, white v-neck sweater with a black scarf draped loosely around his neck.

Hearing the light clicking of her boots on the hardwood, his eyes wandered to her legs, then slowly climbed her body. Absolutely beautiful. Realizing she was now staring at him staring at her, he turned away, his face getting hot with embarrassment.

"That's a cute outfit.." he murmured. "I've never seen it before." He grabbed the keys from the hook by the door.

"Is it too much?" She asked nervously, fiddling with the hem of her skirt. "I'm not used to wearing expensive clothes like this. I probably look pretty silly, dont I?"

"Don't be stupid. You look fine." Kyo paused before raking his hand through his hair. Why did he always sound like such an ass? "I wasn't trying to insult you. I just-"

"Don't worry Kyo," she giggled. "I know what you meant." He turned to see her smiling warmly back at him.

Of course. After all this time, he didn't need to explain himself to her. He smiled a shy smile in return, reaching for her hand.

It was a cold day, but the air had a whimsical energy. Countless couples walked the cobblestone path hand in hand, gazing at the beautiful lights that had been strung in between and around the shops. Unlike many of the other couples, who never seemed to stop talking, Kyo and Tohru walked in a peaceful silence, enjoying each others company.

Tohru's mind began to wander. She would never experience this level of peace with the other Sohmas. Momiji would be frantically dragging her around to all of the shops, while Yuki would be trying for pleasant and polite conversation. She laughed at the thought.

"What's so funny?" Kyo cocked his head curiously. She laughed once more, covering her mouth with the back of her hand.

"I was just imagining how different it would be if I were here with Momiji or Yuki."

Kyo came to a sudden stop, confused by her profession. Was she really imagining being here with those two? Why?

"Kyo! They have hot chocolate! Can we get some?" Tohru pointed excitedly at the cafe to their right. Seemingly oblivious to Kyo's hesitation, she grabbed his sleeve, gently pulling him into the cafe.

"Two hot chocolates, please! Oh, and one with extra cream! And sprinkles!" Her face lit up with excitement. Kyo watched her. Maybe he was boring to be around. Momiji would certainly be able to match her energy.

As they sipped their cocoa, he tried to read her expression. Sure, she seemed happy. But it could be the sprinkles. The thought depressed him.

Instinctively, he reached over to wipe the cream from the corner of her mouth. Blushing, she stared back at him with wide eyes. He licked his finger, looking down in contemplation.

Was he being selfish for wanting to propose so soon? What if she finds out that shes better off with one of the others? Momiji was eagerly awaiting her, and though Yuki was with someone else, Kyo had no doubt that he would jump at the opportunity. Damn bastards.

Noticing Kyo's fists clenching on the table, Tohru lightly touched his arm.

"Kyo?" Her soft voice grabbed his attention. "Is something wrong?" Her voice dripped with concern. Loosening his hands, he shook his head.

"No, nothing." Taking the last sip of his hot chocolate, he stood to leave, waiting patiently as she quickly stumbled out of her chair.

They once again walked in silence, but, much to Tohru's dismay, it no longer seemed peaceful. Something was clearly bothering Kyo, but he didn't always respond well to a direct approach. Deciding he would tell her when he was ready, Tohru tried her best to ignore the change in atmosphere.

Out of the corner of his eye, Kyo noticed several young men, some with women of their own, stealing lustful glances at Tohru. Those assholes! Can't they see she's with somebody?

Just then, he felt something hit his chest. Looking down, he saw a woman, right around their age, provocatively dressed and rubbing her head.

"I'm so sorry, sir." She bowed, eyeing Tohru subtly.

"Oh, no. I wasn't watching where I was going." He said dryly. He bowed slightly, taking a step foward before she grabbed his sleeve. Her eyelashes were fluttering as she spoke.

"I'm sorry, but it looks like I got some of my lipstick on your shirt. Please, let me help you clean it up." Looking down, he indeed saw a bright shade of red on his white sweater.

Tohru watched the woman with darkening eyes. What a stupid trick. She looked back at Kyo, turning away when his eyes met hers. She didn't want him to see how petty she was being.

The womans grip tightened as she stepped closer to him. "We had better get it out quickly or it will stain."

Kyo looked once again at Tohru for help, but her back was turned. Did she really not care if he went with this woman? Looking dejected, he nodded.

"Yea, I guess you're right."

The woman's face lit up, clearly pleased at the prey she caught. Just then...

SMACK!

The woman stared in shock at Tohru, whose arm was still raised after delivering a painful slap to her hand.

"Ow! What the hell!" The woman snarled. Tohru pulled Kyo close, glaring at the woman with searing eyes.

"I'll be the one to help him clean up, thank you." Her voice was cold, startling Kyo.

"And who the hell are you? His sister or something?" The woman scoffed, lifting her nose in the air.

"I'm not even going to entertain you with an answer." Tohru growled, grabbing Kyo's wrist forcefully and stomping in the opposite direction.

The woman shouted after her like a harpy, but she didn't care. She had never been so angry before. Her nails dug into Kyo's skin, making him wince.

Meanwhile, Kyo watched her in utter surprise, slightly afraid to speak. He couldn't tell who she was angry at, but she seemed pissed. He stumbled after her, trying not to trip. Eventually, she turned into an alley. Slowing her pace, he could see her trembling.

"Tohru.."

She stopped, jerking her hand away from Kyo.

"Did you really want to go with that woman?" Tohru asked in an icy whisper. Kyo blinked in shock.

"What? Are you mad at me?" He asked incredulously.

She was the one thinking about other men all evening! How could she be mad over something that wasn't even his fault!

"Did you find her attractive?" Her second question made him even more angry.

"Are you serious?" He grabbed her shoulder, turning her to face him, but she pushed him off, trying to hide her tear stained face. She felt so stupid, but for some reason, she couldn't back down. The image of that disgusting woman fueled her rage.

"Hey, at least I was only thinking about you on our date! Not your damn cousins!"

Shocked, she looked up at his bitter eyes. Angry tears began to overflow in her eyes, as she tore her gaze away. The frustration was more than she could take.

"You're such an idiot!" She screamed, with her fists clenched to her sides.

Her hands flew to her mouth as soon as the words left it. Suddenly, she was drowning in guilt. She couldn't bare the idea of seeing Kyo's face after her outburst. She couldn't see him hurt. Hating her. Keeping her eyes closed, she took a deep breath.

"Please, go."

Kyo's heart dropped at her words. Was this it? She didn't want him anymore? His mouth was dry, making his words sound raspy.

"You want me to go?" He asked, begging her internally to say no. Instead, to his horror, she nodded silently, wrapping her arms around herself.

As he took two steps toward her, she flinched. With a furrowed brow, he held the keys over her shoulder. She took them quietly, then turned to leave the alley.

As she turned, he caught a glimpse of an expression he had never seen her make before. It was a look of pain and sorrow, but also cold determination and anger.

Once she rounded the corner, Kyo slumped to the ground, unable to process what had happened. This was the only time they had ever truly fought, and he was at an utter loss.

Suddenly, all of his fears and insecurities were swallowing him up again, and for the first time since the curse was lifted, he felt like an ugly beast.