*Muse Tunes: "One Way" by Rose Cousins; "That Kind of Love" by Alison Krauss

*Author's Note: Soooo…I hadn't planned on turning this chapter so quickly. In fact, I had totally intended to take a few days to spend my free time relaxing, maybe do some gaming, watch TV, have a beer and a chat with my bestie…but when the material begs to be written you don't ignore it! So, without further ado, the real notes:

WARNING: This chapter is rated NSFW, though this version has been edited down to more of a steam-light in the attempt to abide to the site guidelines. The full unedited love scene is posted over on A03 (same story title and penname). Conversely if this is really not your thing you can skip down past the second line break to pick up with the post-citrus pillow talk. Still might be too seamy for some though, so fair warning. Oh, and I have written love scenes before but nothing quite this detailed, so fingers crossed? Of course the usual disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket, even remotely…

Lunalemon: Thanks for continuing to share your thoughts, you are awesome! To your point in the comment on the last chapter, my head canon is that yes, Kyo has a great deal of respect for Tohru but he's also in an incredibly vulnerable state at that point so won't/can't claim his territory. Also, I'm so glad you enjoy the imagery! I visualize chapters almost like long-form TV episodes. They are probably way more epic in my head but I do my best to relay what I am seeing to the audience. This is probably why there is a lot of music in my "muse tune" selections that come from tv, movies and video games. :)

CHAPTER 7 – Super Nova

"W-what?"

"Make love to me, Kyo."

"Tohru, do you…I mean are you…"

"Do you not want—"

"Are you crazy? That's not what I…damnit! I just want to make sure that you're…sure. That this isn't just something you're doing…"

…for me. Because I'm broken and bleeding and completely at your mercy, he didn't say.

Tohru blinked a few times and stared at him.

"You're suggesting I'm offering what…pity sex?" She asked.

Now it was Kyo's turn to gape. He had never once heard Tohru talk like this, yet she said it so naturally it was a little unnerving.

"No! Of course not…but we never really even talked about…I mean, I just want this to be right. I want you so much sometimes, and you're so—"

"So help me, if you treat me like a child right now—"

"—perfect. To me, at least," Kyo finished.

"I'm not perfect, Kyo, not even close. I don't want a pedestal, and I'm tired of being spoken to like some naïve little girl who doesn't know what's going on. I know what sex is, and desire."

"I know, I know, that's not what I meant exactly, I'm just not saying it right. I…I'm always fucking things up, and I couldn't take it if I hurt you. Not again."

"You won't. I trust you."

"But I—"

"Please, Kyo…I need you."

Kyo froze at that and really took in Tohru's appearance. Hands clasped in front of her and slightly trembling, she looked exhausted. Worn down by worry that he caused. There was a sort of desperation in her eyes but also a flair of unmistakable lust. His heart sped as he realized that Tohru really did desire him in the same way he wanted her. He licked his lips as his mouth went dry. Suddenly touching her felt imperative to his continued survival on this plain of existence.

"Um…I don't have any condoms."

"It's okay. I'm already on birth control."

"Y-you, what really?" Kyo squeaked in surprise.

"Sure. Mom had me go on it a few months before she, well…anyway. It was partially to regulate my periods and partly because of her own experience, having me as young as she did. She wanted me to have the opportunities she didn't get, but she also told me I was too big-hearted to stay single forever. Mom always said sex was a natural expression of a loving relationship. She wanted me to be prepared, just in case," Tohru explained matter-of-factly.

"That—uh—makes sense, I guess," Kyo stuttered, his heart thundering in his ears now that it started sinking in that this was really happening. "Do you wanna…in here? Or…?"

Tohru took his hand, leading him silently across the hall to her own bedroom. He swallowed thickly when she looked over her shoulder at him and smiled that amazing, slow smile that made everything inside his chest turn into a jumbled mess.

This is really happening, Tohru thought as she closed her bedroom door and took a deep breath in, willing her speeding heart to calm.

It had been one of the longest days she ever had. Being manhandled by a near-complete stranger she'd only been trying to be nice to...getting into a terrible argument with Uo and Hana, who were still upset with her for not telling them about her relationship status...As awful as all of that was, none of it compared to what came after, when Kyo finally opened up to her completely.

She didn't really know how she was supposed to feel about all of it. She supposed she could feel hurt or even angry, but all Tohru could feel at the time was a great sadness, most especially for Kyo who had been carrying so much pain with him all this time. Then, before she could react, he ran from her.

That had been the worst part. She had walked stiffly home, telling herself that it would be okay, that he would return home once he got it out of his system. But she couldn't help the feeling that bloomed in her chest as he waited alone, bereft of distraction in the silent, empty house that was usually such a comfort to her. She'd been here before, too many times. Before she knew it the sun had set and panic started settling in. She'd crawled into Kyo's futon in the desperate attempt to hold onto something, anything to keep herself together. The smell of him that clung to his pillow had probably been the only thing between her and mental breakdown while she waited and waited.

Don't go. Please don't go.

And then he was there, standing in the doorway, looking as bone-weary and unsure as she felt. Almost like a child fearful of what kind of punishment he was about to receive. The relief at just seeing him there was so palpable she nearly burst into tears. It was then and there she decided. She needed him, completely. Even if she wasn't entirely sure what that meant she was ready, and had been ready for some time. She couldn't wait anymore.

So here they were…and she had no idea how to get this thing started without it being totally embarrassing and awkward. By the look on Kyo's face, neither did he.

"So, um, where are the others?" he asked as he reached up to scratch the back of his neck nervously.

"Shigure called. He's going to be tied up at the main estate for the rest of the night. Yuki took off for Machi's shortly after hearing that," Tohru replied.

"Then, we're—"

"Completely alone until morning? Yes."

Kyo swallowed hard again and she resisted the urge to giggle at the poleaxed look on his face, no matter how adorable it was. Slowly he moved towards her, hands hesitantly grabbing for her waist to draw her in. Then he was kissing her and everything else ceased to exist.

They'd kissed like this before. Hot and needy and all-consuming like someone had struck a match and lit them both on fire, but somehow it felt different this time. Perhaps because they were both acutely aware of where it was leading. Tohru wished she could pull him in closer but didn't want to chance he would transform now, of all times. Instead she clung to his shirt as he started to maneuver them toward her bed, maintaining their kiss while she moved blindly backward.

Suddenly her feet tangled together and she squeaked and flailed as she fell back onto the bed, bumping her head up against the wall. Kyo followed her down and just barely rolled to the side in time to avoid falling on top of her.

"Are you okay?" he asked, surging forward to check on her, just as she attempted to sit up which resulted in them cracking their heads together painfully. Tohru immediately saw stars.

"Ow, ow, ow!" she yelped at the same time Kyo let out a string of curses that were colorful even for him.

Tohru laid back on the bed and started giggling uncontrollably. She couldn't seem to help herself, despite the pain. A moment passed, then two, and then Kyo started laughing along with her.

"You klutz," he drawled as he sat up and pushed the hair from out of her face. He traced a finger delicately over the red mark on her brow as he assessed the damage. She winced but smiled up at him, eyes sparkling with self-deprecating mirth.

"So? Will I survive?" she asked warmly.

"Hmm, better kiss to make better. You know, just to be safe," he replied, making her giggle once again.

Kyo carefully pressed a kiss to her injured brow, making her sigh in contentment. Their eyes met and then slowly, with great deliberation he dipped his head to claim her lips once again. With very little effort the spark that had started low in the pit of her stomach started growing into a full-blown flame as Kyo moved to her jawline and down the length of her neck. She gasped at the first feel of his tongue against her skin as he placed a searing, open-mouthed kiss to the sensitive spot at the juncture of her neck and collarbone. Immediately her hands ran up into his hair and she could feel him hum against her skin in abject approval, making her toes curl in anticipation. He continued his journey down her collarbone until he reached her bustline where he stopped short and looked up at her in silent question.

In response she pushed him away just long enough to strip her shirt off, quickly followed by her bra. Kyo looked momentarily flabbergasted as he stared at the newly bared flesh, but then quickly shook himself out of it and looked back up into her eyes.

"Can I…?"

"Yes," she replied in a husky voice she barely recognized as her own.

Kyo's eyes widened and then darkened as he looked back down at her breasts with a hunger that made the flame in the pit of her stomach grow more intense. Hesitantly he reached out to run a finger lightly across her ribs, and then ever so gently moved up to cup her right breast. Tohru arched her back up, pushing her breast fully into the palm of his hand. She sighed in pleasure at the feel of his warm, calloused skin against hers and ached for more. Slowly he explored her chest, experimenting first with his hands followed leisurely by his mouth.

As enjoyable as it was the casual pace was driving Tohru to distraction. She grabbed his head and pulled him into another long kiss, her tongue desperately sparring with his until he pulled back to catch his breath, eyes gleaming back at hers in the low light. He chuckled when she yanked at the hem of his shirt and raised an eyebrow at him.

"Yeah, I guess it's only fair," he murmured as he reached up and quickly divested himself of his shirt.

Tohru's eyes ran over his torso appreciatively, devouring every inch of hard-won muscle wrapped in velvety, golden skin. Hours of intense physical training had sculpted his body into a masterpiece, and she thanked Kazuma and every god there was for bringing her this moment in time. Carefully she reached up and ran her hands across his broad shoulders, over his pecks and down the hard ridges of his abdominal muscles. Kyo seemed both amused and pleased at her exploration, leaning into her touch as much as possible as she moved further and further down his body. Her eyes caught and followed a light dusting of russet-colored hair down until it disappeared below his belt and her hands stopped as she contemplated her next move. She looked up into his eyes, now nearly black with desire, as she tugged at his belt buckle in question. Kyo took a deep breath in and let it out in a huff.

"Let me," he rasped as he stood and quickly shed his pants and his boxers in one move and finally stood before her completely bared to her gaze. Tohru's eyes widened as she took all of him in and her mouth went dry. She'd seen him naked before, of course. Over two years of accidental transformations had made it impossible not to have at least caught a glimpse at some point, but she had tried to be respectful of the Soma's privacy and had always quickly looked away (no matter how tempted she'd been to let her eyes linger). She'd never seen him at length like this, up close and very personal. It was a little intimidating.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his brow scrunching in worry. "We don't have to do this, you know. If you're uncomfortable…"

"I'm good," she replied quickly with what she hoped was a reassuring smile before her expression turned to determination and licked her lips nervously. "Can I…touch you?"

Kyo blushed but he nodded as he moved closer to give her better access. Timidly she reached out to touch him and he let out a soft moan and whispered her name so quietly she almost didn't hear it. Tohru had a thousand thoughts running through her head at once as she repeated the action and was rewarded with such a beautiful sound it sent shivers down her spine. She continued her exploration, gaining confidence with every new gasp from his lips.

"Fuck, Tohru s-stop," he breathed into her hair after a while.

"I'm sorry, was I doing something wrong?" she asked, releasing him immediately.

"What? Hell no, that felt incredible. I just…if you don't stop now, I'm not going to last long enough to…"

"Oh. Oh!" she said, blushing as she suddenly realized what he meant.

Kyo grabbed her chin then and kissed her hard and fast as he guided her back against the sheets.

"You really are something else," he whispered into her ear, his hand trailing down her side and then brushing lightly across the skin just below the hem of her skirt as he nipped playfully at her earlobe. Tohru's breath started coming out in soft gasps at the strange tug that seemed to echo in her abdomen with every nibble he took of her ear. Between his hands and his mouth she was starting to feel overwhelmed, or so she thought until she felt his fingers brush against the most sensitive part of her through her panties.

She moaned loudly and blushed at her involuntary reaction but quickly recovered. Kyo pulled at the material of her skirt and she shimmied quickly out of the remainder of her clothes before she could change her mind.

"Beautiful," he whispered as he stared at her fully nude figure for the first time and Tohru averted her eyes in embarrassment, even if it did make her feel incredibly warm inside. She was pretty sure she was beet red from head to toe.

This time when he touched her, she nearly arched completely off the bed and he cursed in surprise.

"Is that…?"

"There…touch me again right there, Kyo, please," she gasped.

Tohru's hands twisted in the bedsheets as Kyo pleasured her relentlessly, first experimenting and then setting a rhythm that cause her to babble his name over and over again like a benediction. She could hear his own breath coming harshly in her ear and she glanced up to see him watching her with hooded eyes. From the expression on his face he seemed to be enjoying this almost as much as she was and that in itself may have been what had pushed her over the edge. All at once her limbs began to tremble and her vision started to go white at the edges. She cried out as the pressure that had been building in her stomach suddenly exploded and shot through her entire body until she felt like somehow she'd suddenly gone super nova. Kyo's fingers didn't stop moving until the aftershocks receded and she came down enough from the high to look up at him in utter amazement.

"Good?" he asked, eyebrow raised in question.

"Uh-huh," was all she could manage, which made him chuckle with deeply masculine pride. A shiver ran up her spine at the sound, reminding her they weren't quite done yet.

Kyo's expression returned to the lustful longing she'd glimpsed before as he slowly stroked his hands across her stomach and over her hips. She could feel his need pressing against her thigh and she knew it was time.

"You ready?" he asked in a husky voice.

Tohru smiled and nodded at him in silent agreement. Her heart started racing double-time as he shifted around so his hips aligned with hers. Before she knew it he was hovering over her, arms braced on either side to keep their chests apart. He stared down at her with such abject need she was tempted to pull him down to her, curse or no curse, but abstained (if just barely). As a precaution she twisted her hands into the sheets again and sucked in a long breath in anticipation.

"You'll tell me if I'm hurting you?" he asked one final time, searching her eyes.

"Yes, Kyo. Please…" she said and then gasped as she felt him press forward.

It didn't hurt exactly but felt strange at first. Once he was there, she let her breath go and let herself just feel. Finally. He was inside her. She could hardly believe it. This stubborn, kind, intelligent, amazing man was filling her to the brim, and she blinked back tears at how incredible it felt to be so close to him, even if they could not fully embrace.

Kyo's face was twisted in deep concentration, his arms felt like steel beside her as he was obviously fighting for some kind of control. Tohru smiled and reached up to gently brush the hair out of his eyes, gaining his attention.

"You can move now," she breathed, giving him what she thought was a look of encouragement. He nodded and moaned deep in his throat as he moved cautiously at first, the look on his face one of pure and utter bliss.

"Shit…I'm not going to last—" he gasped into her ear.

"It's okay. You can let go, Kyo…please. Let yourself go," she said as her hands moved up his abdomen, over his shoulders and down his broad back.

For once she wanted more than anything to see Kyo come undone, to lose all control and just let himself feel without the barriers he always kept up around him like a shield. Her touch seemed to be the final, unspoken permission he needed. As she watched him quickly unravel, something primitive rose up inside of her, hot and fast. She cried out in surprised ecstasy when she lost herself once again as he rode out his own release.

Exhausted, Kyo collapsed to the bed beside her and for a few long moments they both just laid beside each other catching their breaths. After awhile Kyo curled toward her and she could feel his face press into her neck. She thought at first he was simply being affectionate but then she noticed his shoulders begin to move and felt moisture on her skin just as the first quiet sob escaped his lips. Her heart twisted painfully at the sound. Without a word she reached up and stroked his hair while he cried, letting her own tears stream silently down her face.

Sometime later the couple shared the closest thing to cuddling they could manage in the rare, perfectly peaceful bubble they found themselves in. Still both fully naked in Tohru's bed, they lay facing each other, bodies parted only by about a foot or so.

Kyo was tracing a semi-circular path across Tohru's jawline, up her cheek, around her ear and into her hair; then back down to start the pattern all over again. The light touch of his large, calloused hand felt heavenly against her skin, simultaneously providing her with comfort and giving her goosebumps.

Tohru couldn't help but love the look of lazy satisfaction on Kyo's face as she in turn ran her fingertips up and down his spine, occasionally diverting over his shoulder blades and ribs. Eyes hooded and mouth slightly ajar, he looked very feline-like to the point that she was half tempted to scratch behind his ears to see if he might start purring. She giggled to herself at the thought which of course caught his attention.

"What?" he asked.

"Oh, nothing. I'm just happy," she replied. It was true enough, she thought, snuggling blissfully into his touch and quickly kissing the palm of his hand. Kyo smiled softly back at her as his eyes wandered across her face in total adoration.

"Hey Tohru?"

"Mmm?"

"I wanted to thank you…for tonight."

"You don't need to thank me, Kyo. Quite the opposite. After all, I'm the one who threw herself at you," she replied.

"I wouldn't say that. You might have started it but it's not like you had to twist my arm," he replied, voiced laced with amusement for a fleeting moment before his face fell into a more serious expression. "What I mean to say is…for as long as I can remember I was told the cat didn't get to have things like lover or intimacy, or even friendship…that I was a monster that didn't deserve them. I've gone my whole life believing that was true. I never thought I would ever get the chance to experience any of it for myself. So, thank you. For giving me all of that and more."

"Oh, Kyo," Tohru gasped as tears gathered in her eyes once again. He sighed and chuckled as his thumb wiped the tears away.

"You big crybaby," he murmured affectionately. When she only cried harder his face fell. "Hey, I was only joking. Come on, what's going on? Talk to me."

"I-It's just…I love you so much a-and…I can't seem to h-help it's…been a long…day," she choked out. "With that guy, and then Uo and Hana, and then—"

"What about Uo and Hana?"

"They're angry at me."

"What, why? Because of us?"

"They're mad I kept it from them all this time. A-and because they don't understand why we have to keep it a secret. I can't explain without telling the truth and I can't tell the truth because, well…"

"Yeah, I get it," he muttered.

"I d-don't know what to say to them. What if they n-never talk to me again?" Tohru said as she sobbed harder.

"Tohru that's impossible. Those girls love you. If they 're angry at anybody it's probably me, "he said with conviction. "Let me handle this. It's my fault, so let them take it out on me."

"I can't l-let you do that."

"Bullshit. Besides, I'm used to being hated. I can manage a couple of more people on the 'Kyo sucks' bandwagon."

If anything that made her cry harder, but eventually Kyo managed to get her to stop and to even promise to let him talk to the girls in the morning.

"Geez, you really are the biggest crybaby I've ever met," he whispered into her hair as they both drifted off into blissful slumber.

"Good morning, I'm home!" Shigure called as he walked through the door and sat at the table just in time for breakfast. Kyo and Yuki were already seated, eating silently as usual. Both glanced up at Shigure but otherwise did not react to their older cousin's return.

"Good morning, Shigure! How was your evening?" Tohru called as she sat a plate heaped with food in front of him.

"It was no night in Shangri La, but it was pleasant enough I suppose," he replied.

"Eh?" Tohru said, blinking at him in confusion.

"Never you mind," Shigure replied as he leaned his chin on one of his hands and smiled perversely at her. "And how about you, sweet Tohru? Did anything arise last night I should know about?"

Kyo dropped his chopsticks, making Yuki shoot him a strange look.

"Uh, no! Nothing of note happened. Just a normal night," Tohru replied.

"You sure? No crazy soman parties? Ritual sacrifices? Swingin' bacchanalians?"

"Eh?"

"Shigure," Yuki warned.

"And the boys behaved themselves? Teenage boys, after all, can be beastly animals. Especially Kyo," Shigure continued.

"Hey, watch it dog," Kyo snapped.

"I know he has a tendency to leave the milk out and hack up hairballs in your favorite shoes, but he really isn't as bad as he seems."

"I'll kill you," Kyo growled.

"Really Shigure! Everything was fine," Tohru said.

"You didn't miss anything so drop it, you perv," Yuki interjected.

"Yuki, you wound me!" Shigure cried in faux horror.

"I'll wound you if you don't shut the hell up!" Kyo growled.

"Now, now Kyo. There's not need for violence," Shigure replied.

"You started it you old hack! Go write a book or something," Kyo retorted.

"Oh, that reminds me Shigure! Mit-chan stopped by yesterday afternoon looking for you. She said she'll be back today to collect the manuscript you owe her," Tohru interjected.

Shigure blinked up at her and then suddenly jumped to his feet.

"Goodness, is that the time? I forgot I have an errand I need to run this morning. I'll see you kids later, have fun at school, bye!" he called as he made a hasty retreat.

"Brilliant Tohru," Kyo said as he pulled her down for a sweet kiss. Tohru giggled and kissed him back.

Yuki rolled his eyes.

"Miss Honda, you should eat something. We need to leave soon if we're going to make it on time," Yuki said.

"Right!" Tohru chirped as she plopped down with her plate and started hastily shoveling food in her mouth.

"Slow down, dummy, or you'll choke," Kyo said as he absentmindedly started rubbing circles across her thigh.

Yuki scrutinized the couple across from him and narrowed his eyes as he took in the small touches and intimate glances that passed between them. He wasn't even sure if they realized they were doing it but obviously something significant had changed. He didn't event want to think about what that something was, knowing the two of them had been alone all night, but one thing was for sure: if they wanted to keep their secret relationship…well, secret…he was going to have to remind them to at least try not to act like a lovestruck couple when in public. Because apparently keeping their hands off each other was not something they were capable of.

An opportunity came sooner than he thought it would in the surprising form of Kyo leaving ahead of them for school.

"It's been a long time since it's just been the two of us, huh Yuki?" Tohru commented as they started walking.

"I was just thinking the same thing," he replied.

"So, how is everything going with Machi? I would still love to meet her sometime. I hear she's in Momiji and Haru's class. They say she's really quiet but nice."

"You asked Haru and Momiji about her?" Yuki asked in surprise.

"Just in a general way since she's on the student council with you and…oh! I wasn't trying to be nosy or anything…well, I guess I kind of was now that I think about it, but I promise I was being really careful about what I said. I would never intentionally draw attention to you two—"

"It's okay, Miss Honda! I trust you. And I'm sorry you haven't met Machi yet. There just hasn't seemed to be a good time for it. I hope that with summer break coming up that will change," Yuki said.

"It's okay, I understand," Tohru replied in her usual cheerful way.

"To answer your question, everything is going very well with Machi. She's…different."

"How so?" Tohru asked curiously. Yuki cocked his head, taking the time think about it.

"Machi doesn't treat me like the untouchable 'prince' the other girls do. I'm just Yuki. She sees me, and somehow always has. It's funny, she can actually be pretty brutal sometimes. She doesn't let me get away with anything, but then she won't stand for anyone else berating me either. It's pretty amazing. She's amazing."

"That's really great, Yuki! I love that you have someone like that in your life now. You deserve to be happy."

"Thanks!" Yuki replied with a grateful smile. "I never thought I'd find someone like her but life is funny like that. I wouldn't have it any other way."

For a time, they walked in comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Yuki considered how he might breach the subject he really wanted to discuss with her (but really, really didn't if he was being honest with himself). He decided there wasn't any great way, took a deep breath, and decided to just wing it.

"So… what about you and Kyo? You seem to have gotten…closer?" he began.

"Um, yeah, we have," she replied softly, smiling to herself. "I know you two don't get along, but he really is wonderful, Yuki. At least to me."

"To you, I would believe it."

"But?"

"Look, I know it's not really my place but after yesterday's events I felt I needed to say something."

"Yesterday's…events…?" Tohru squeaked.

"The fight. Between Kyo and the new transfer?" Yuki continued flatly.

"Oh. Right, that," Tohru replied, immediately releasing her breath in relief.

"Kyo has a reputation for being a hot head so it might not amount to anything. Still, people will talk, and since the fight was over you, they're going to be watching like hawks. You two have been rather…affectionate…lately. If you really want to keep your relationship a secret you might want to consider toning it down a bit. At school, I mean. What you do in your private time is none of my business. So long as he's not pressuring you or something."

Tohru's face turned tomato red and Yuki had to stop himself from groaning out loud. Well, I guess that answers one question, he thought. Not that he knew why he was so uncomfortable about all this when he and Machi had started getting intimate pretty much right away. Still…this was Tohru and it just felt weird.

"Not at all! Kyo's always so sweet, and so respectful of my feelings. He would never do anything like that. Never!"

"Okay, I'm sorry, I believe you! I didn't mean to imply he would force…this wasn't what I had intended to say at all. I know how much he cares for you. It's just, he can sometimes rush ahead without thinking and I just wanted to make sure he was treating you alright." Yuki replied, rambling a lot more than was his usual style. He was pretty sure his face was just as red as hers and he prayed for the end of this awkward conversation.

"He is Yuki. I promise," she said, clasping his hand and squeezing it gently.

"Good, because you deserve someone like that in your life too," Yuki replied, squeezing her hand back.

Tohru beamed up at him and Yuki relaxed. They walked quietly again for a while until Tohru broke the silence once again.

"You know, he doesn't usually," she said.

"Doesn't usually what?" Yuki replied curiously.

"Rush ahead without thinking. He might say things unintentionally when he gets worked up but for the most part Kyo is a lot more measured than he gets credit for. Cautious even when it comes to stuff that really matters."

Yuki's eyebrows went up at this assessment of his hot-blooded cousin. Measured and Cautious were definitely not terms people usually used in reference to the dumb cat…but he could admit that Kyo did seem to act differently around Tohru. Who was he to say that wasn't the real Kyo? He sure was more open with her than anyone else.

"Oh, and for the record…I was the one who seduced him," she added matter-of-factly, stopping Yuki in his tracks, mouth ajar. "Come on Yuki! We're going to be late!" she called over her shoulder when he continued to stand dumbfounded.

*Author's Notes: Woo, can you believe we're at about the halfway point on this story? We still have some ways to go but sh&*'s about to get real soon, so as Samuel L. once said, "hold onto your butts!"