Tohru rushed down the cobblestone pathway, retracing the steps she had just traveled with Kyo.

Just a little longer. At least make it to the car.

She pleaded with herself, not wanting to collapse in front of everyone. She had already made one spectical of herself tonight, she didn't want to make another. She ignored the concerned whispers from nearby couples as she wiped her nose on the back of her glove.

With her head down, she found herself approaching the car. Once inside, she quickly adjusted the seat to accommodate her short legs. The car smelled like Kyo.

No, don't break yet. Make it home.

She knew if she cried now, she wouldn't be able to drive safely. Kyo would be upset if he knew she was risking her safety. She shook her head at the thought. Kyo.

No! Not yet!

Determined, she put the car in drive.

Stepping inside their home, her stomach began to grumble. Her mind immediately went to Kyo.

Has he eaten? Probably not.

As much as she tried to fight her hunger, it was relentless. Surrendering, she decided that she would wait to cry until after she had eaten.

Opening the fridge, she spotted the leftovers that Kyo had made for her. A delicious tonkatsu over rice and drizzled with a homemade sauce. She warmed the meal, salivating as the aroma filled the kitchen. She couldn't wait to eat it, craving emotional release. She scarfed down the scolding dish, her tongue numb to the taste. Once her stomach was quieted, she stared at the wall.

Should she call someone? But who would she call? Her mind jumped to Kyo's harsh words.

'Not your damn cousins!'

She couldn't call Yuki. Or Momiji. Actually, Kyo probably wouldn't feel comfortable with her calling any of the Sohmas.

Okay. How about her high school friends? A bad feeling crept through her. No. She didn't want them to speak ill of Kyo.

She hadn't felt this alone in a long time.

She picked up her phone, dialing Shigure.

"Hello, Tohru." Shigure's voice was soothing.

"Hi." She struggled to find her voice.

"Is something wrong, my dear?" He seemed concerned.

"Kyo." Was all she could get out.

"Kyo? Did something happen to Kyo?" He pressed. After a beat he asked, "Did you get in a fight?"

Feeling like a dam had broken, tears began to flow from her eyes.

"Shh, there there, Tohru. Where are you? Do you need me?"

Tohru shook her head, slowing her sobs to speak.

"No, I'm fine. Kyo needs you. I'm sure he feels lonely. I'm sure he's still there." She slowly began to regain her composure. Amazed at her selfless plea, Shigure remained silent for a moment.

"Okay, where is he?"

She quickly described where she had left him, repeatedly apologizing after every sentence.

"Hush now, sweetheart. I'll take care of Kyo. You need to take care of yourself. Please, don't spend the night alone." He urged, gently.

"I won't." She lied. "Please, let me know when you've found him."

"Of course. Fear not, sweet girl. He's a strong man. He did train in the mountains after all."

Shigure's humor succeeded at making her smile, if only for a moment.

"Thank you, Shigure." She hung up, taking a deep breath.

She wouldn't be completely alone tonight. After preparing some tea, she headed into the living room where her mothers shrine sat. Kneeling, she poured two glasses of tea, setting one on the table, and one on the floor beside her.

She suddenly felt a rush of comfort flow through her. She was with her mom. With her mom, she could say anything. She could be angry or sad or frustrated. She smiled at the thought.

But what about Kyo?

Shigure said he would take care of him, but..

Tohru picked up her phone again. She had Kazuma saved as an emergency contact for Kyo. The phone rang twice before Kazuma's surprised voice answered on the other end.

"Tohru? Is Kyo okay?"

Feeling much more put together than her talk with Shigure, she spoke calmly.

"I don't think he is. We.. we got in a fight. Kazuma.. I said some pretty terrible things. I'm worried about him." She admitted sadly.

"I see. Where is he now?"

Checking the clock against Shigure's text, she responded.

"He should be at Shigure's by now." After a brief silence she continued. "I'm sorry for bothering you too, but.. well, I just dont think he is willing to talk to anyone there. And.. I think he really needs someone to talk to. He needs a friend..." she paused, looking at the photograph of her mom. "..as well..."

Kazuma's deep voice soothed her.

"I understand, Tohru. It's no bother. In fact, I'm glad you called me. Kyo has a hard time processing emotions like normal people, which I'm sure you are well aware of. Sometimes he is just his own worst enemy." He sighed before continuing gently.

"Also, you needn't be ashamed, Tohru. All couples fight. It's how you make up that matters."

Tohru smiled sadly at his words. Making up after what she'd said? The thought seemed unlikely. Still, she bid him farewell and took a long sip of her tea.

At least she could be sure that he was taken care of.

Looking once again at her mom's smiling face, Tohru's shoulders collapsed, hugging her knees as she sobbed into her legs.

"Oh mom, I don't know what to do! I said terrible things to him. I acted so childishly. I even slapped someone! How could he possibly want to be with someone like me?"

Her countenance fell, as she imagined the pain she must've caused him. She said she would never leave him, but she did. She left him alone in that alley. And for what? Because he wanted to clean his shirt with some random woman? It's not like he was doing anything with her. It's not like.. he kissed her.

Her hands flew to her mouth. She remembered how hard Kyo had tried to comfort and reassure her when she found out about the kiss. How he held her close until she stopped crying. He had done nothing wrong with that woman. Yet she pushed him away when he needed her most.

When he needed her reassurance and love, she walked away.

Why?

Because of her pride? Because she didnt want him to think less of her? Because she wanted to be perfect in his eyes?

Her hand grasped her hair tightly. Painfully.

"Mom, he needs to see. He needs to see that I'm not perfect. He needs to see that I'm jealous and angry and frustrated and sad! He needs to see me like you see me! If he doesnt.." her strangled sobs echoed in the empty house. "If he doesnt.." She couldn't bring herself to say it.

If he doesn't, things won't work out...

'No matter what.'

His words echoed in her mind.

She picked up her mom's photo with shaky and uncertain hands, cradling it against her chest as she repeated the phrase.

"No matter what."

And her sobbing continued into the night.