*Muse Tunes: "She" by Louie Says, "AM180" by Grandaddy, "Reality" by DYAN, "A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall" by Bob Dylan

*Author's Note: Thanks to the fantastic people that took the time to fave/follow and comment on the last chapter. You're all rockstars in my books.

I had a ton of fun with this chapter. I hope you guys enjoy it! Oh, and as per usual, I do not own Fruits Basket.

Chapter 10 - Stay Gold Ponyboy

Soma Summer Extravaganza – Day 2

The next day dawned bright and sunny, perfect for any and all outdoor activities. Sot it was no surprise that the whole crew (aside from Shigure and Ayame who apparently had their own plans) decided to spend the day down by the lake.

Isuzu was lounging on a blanket in the grass at a distance from the others when Tohru plopped down beside her. The older girl barely acknowledged her as she lazily flipped through the pages of a glossy magazine.

"Beautiful day, isn't it?" Tohru began, trying to sound nonchalant but failing miserably.

"If you have something to say just say it," Isuzu replied flatly, not bothering to look up.

Tohru squared her shoulders, took a deep breath and launched into a rambling, disjointed speech that eventually translated into part explanation, part apology. Isuzu looked up at her in surprise and then burst into riotous laughter.

"Relax, Tohru. So you saw my tits and Haru's ass, big deal."

"But—"

"Seriously. If you haven't noticed, Haru and I are extremely comfortable with our own bodies. Being caught en flagrante by you and tangerine dream over there is hardly the end of the world. Besides, you two looked way more traumatized...which is kinda funny considering what you were doing when you burst in on us in the first place—"

"Eh—"

"Can't say I see the attraction but I kind of get it, you and him," Isuzu interjected, eyeing her shrewdly. "How long have you and cat boy been screwing?"

"I-I never said that we—!"

"Please, you had your hand on his package. And he was into it. Call me crazy but it didn't exactly look like the first time, kitten," Isuzu said with a saucy wink.

Tohru turned bright red. She knew it was true but wasn't ready to admit it. Letting it slip to Uo and Hana about giving her virginity to Kyo had been one thing. Discussing the intimate details with Rin felt like something else entirely.

"That doesn't necessarily mean we've..." Tohru continued to argue weakly.

"Doesn't exactly mean that you haven't either. Maybe I'm reading too much into it but Kyo doesn't strike me as the type to let just anyone touch his junk. Kagura tried it once and he completely spazzed. I swear he must've jumped twenty feet in the air! Screamed like a little girl too," Isuzu replied with a knowing smirk.

"What?" Tohru squeaked, her face suddenly draining of all color.

"Breathe Tohru. That was a hundred years ago. I wasn't trying to imply anything, pretty much the opposite."

Tohru let out a long breath and colored all over again at the telling overreaction. Glancing at the raven-haired beauty beside her, she reminded herself there was a matter they still needed to discuss before she could end this excruciatingly awkward conversation. She licked her suddenly parched lips and opened and closed her mouth a few times before she managed to try again.

"Say, theoretically, that Kyo and I were together..." she began.

"Look, I get it. You're boning each other every chance you get but you can't be open about it because: Akito. Right?"

"It's not like that, I love him!"

"Shh, keep your voice down! Unless you want everyone to know what we're talking about?" Isuzu hissed, grabbing her arm.

"Oh, right. Sorry!" Tohru replied in a stage whisper, and then in a low voice, "I love him, Isuzu. It's not just the physical stuff, although that's really nice. He's important to me."

"Then hear me when I say it's a legit fear. Don't ever forget it, not even for a second. Akito would destroy you both if he knew."

"But why?"

"The Zodiac belong to him. As far as Akito's concerned that's reason enough."

"But that doesn't make any sense!"

"What in this life ever does?" Isuzu snapped irritably and then sighed at the expression on Tohru's face. "I'm not saying break up with him or anything. Trust me, it won't help. Just…be on your guard, and for God's sake pay more attention to your surroundings! You don't have anything to worry about from me or Haru but don't trust anyone else. Especially Kagura."

"Um, Why Kagura?"

"She says she's over Kyo, but I wonder."

"You don't believe she is?"

"I think she's convinced herself she is, but that's not exactly the same thing is it? Kagura is a sweet girl most of the time but she can't contain that temper of hers. If she figures out you two are an item, there's no telling what she would do. Like I said: be careful. No more drive-by humping, no matter how sexy you think his delts are."

"I understand. Thank you, Isuzu!"

"Thank me by returning the favor. Haru and I aren't a thing, got it?"

"Yes, I totally do!"

"Good. One last thing, kitten…no offense but you two look like you're still riding with training wheels. When you're ready to kick things up to the next level, hit me up. I'll take you shopping."

"Shopping? For what?"

Isuzu just grinned.

Kyo, in the meantime, spent the better part of an hour pretending he wasn't more or less miserable sitting alone on a grassy mound as far from the water and his annoying cousins as he could possibly get. Most of the guys had chosen to either fish or to swim with the girls, and Tohru was busy chatting with Rin which left him once again as the odd man out. Not that it bothered him much. He was used to it.

"So, you and Honda, huh?" Haru said without preamble as he dropped down next to him from out of nowhere.

It had been more a statement than a question. Kyo's hackles rose.

"I thought you said it was none of your business," he growled.

"It wasn't until you made it my business," Haru retorted.

"Is that supposed to be a threat?"

"Not unless you make it one."

"Stop talking in circles, you damn nut-job! Tell me what you want or get the fuck out."

"Fine, geez grouchy," Haru replied, with his hands up in surrender.

"Just spit it out," Kyo huffed irritably.

"I'm not about the shit hitting the fan. Me and Rin...you and Honda...I don't think any of us wants to find out what happens if Akito finds out. I had to be sure we're on the same page. Are we?"

"Same page same sentence. Happy?"

"Ecstatic," Haru replied with a wide smile. "Now that's out of the way...have you two done it yet?"

"You've got to be kidding me…"

"I mean, I'd hate to think I got in the way of some hot virginal sex. Were you about to get your cherry popped, cuz?"

"There was no cherries involved, dumb ass! Who talks like that anyway?"

"No need to be so irritable."

"You exhaust me," Kyo sighed, putting his head in his hand.

"You still technically haven't answered my question," Haru ventured.

"What do you care?"

"You did literally catch me with my pants down. I didn't want to think I stole Honda from you with my manifold charms," Haru replied with a toothy grin.

"Don't you mean scarred her for life?" Kyo shot back. "Stay away from her you creep, she's taken, and I mean really taken."

"Right on, man," Haru replied with a generous slap to the back that made Kyo glare at him. "Seriously, I'm happy for you, Kyo," he added with sincerity. "Honda too."

"Um. Thanks, I guess," Kyo muttered, rubbing his neck.

"Okay, later," Haru said as he stood to leave.

"Wait! Haru..."

"Yeah?"

"Last night...when we…"

"Yes? Before I'm old, kittycat."

"I just...damnit! I want to know what you were doing to Rin when we…err…interrupted," Kyo replied in a rush, his face turning bright red.

Haru froze, blinking at him in surprise.

"You really don't know?" He asked.

"If I knew would I be asking?" Kyo snapped. A wide smile spread across Haru's face.

"Stay gold Ponyboy," he replied with a pat on his head before walking off.

If it was possible Kyo's face grew even redder.

"What the hell does that mean? Haru, wait. Come back here! Haru!"

"Hey, dumb cat."

Kyo bristled at the sound of Yuki's voice even before he saw him approach from his periphery.

"What?" He snapped, eyes daring him to start something.

"You know that attitude is exactly why you got your ass kicked yesterday," Yuki replied evenly.

"I didn't get my ass kicked! The brat just got a lucky hit in."

"Uh-huh."

"Screw you rat boy! You weren't even there so don't even act like you know what you're talking about."

"Fine. I could really care less anyway."

"Then why are you over here harassing me?"

"Because you big idiot, you're starting to attract attention, staring at Miss Honda like she's a four course meal. Try to exercise some self-control before you get the both of you in trouble."

"I have self-control!"

"That's clearly evident by the puddle of drool at your feet," Yuki quipped. He smirked when he noticed Kyo's face go red at the accusation. "Honestly, I don't know how you managed to keep your feelings hidden from her for so long. You are the least subtle person I've ever met."

"Yeah, well I don't know how you manage to make everything sound like an insult, but you don't see me pointing it out every chance I get. Was that all?"

"Momiji found something he's says will be fun. Far be it from me if I interrupt your brooding but it might help your case if you participate."

"Wait...are you actually asking me to or is this some sort of substandard attempt to piss me off? I can't tell through the sarcasm."

"Don't take it too much to heart. Momiji would've dragged you over himself but I don't think he's quite ready to let bygones be bygones."

"As if I care what that brat thinks of me!"

"Sure," Yuki drawled with a knowing smirk. "Are you coming or not?"

The others were already waiting for them under a giant tree on the other side of the lake. It took only a glance for Kyo to know right away that he wasn't going to like this.

"Seriously, Momiji. You've got to be kidding. The hell you trying to pull with some crummy old rope?" he said dryly as he glared first at the tree and then at the blonde. A length of worn rope, knotted and faded with age, had been attached to a low branch that stretched over the water.

"It's not just rope, dummy, it's a rope swing," Momiji retorted, sticking out his tongue.

"No. No way. Are you crazy?"

"What? Why not?"

"And here comes the lecture," Yuki muttered with a huff.

"So stupid. Why would anyone want to risk life and limb on that thing? Unless you want to break an arm or a leg or, I don't know, your skull pulling some stupid stunt into shallow water—"

"Man, you really are an old geezer aren't you?" Haru stated, making Kyo grind his teeth.

"Listen here, cow boy—"

"Kind of a ridiculous argument from the guy who deliberately crashed through Shigure's roof," Yuki added.

"That has nothing to do with—"

"Don't be such a coward Kyo," Momiji chimed in.

"I'm not a coward!" Kyo yelled.

"Then prove it," Haru retorted with a smirk. "Man up little kitty and show us what you got!"

"Fine, get out of the way!" Kyo retorted as he marched up to the rope.

"Are you sure it's safe?" he could hear Tohru ask uncertainly from somewhere behind him, but whatever Momiji replied was too low for him to hear.

Too late now, Kyo thought as he took a deep breath, grasped the rope in between his hands and took a running leap before he could change his mind.

At first gravity took over as he swung across the lake but then the world began to shift sideways. For a few precious milliseconds it was as if he was suspended in midair. In that moment he could feel the rush of adrenaline hit him and his reflexives took over. He flung himself forcefully off the rope, flipping through the air like a trapeze artist as he plummeted towards the water below. It was exhilarating...up until the part where he hit the water and then it was just cold and wet and miserable as it always was.

If I have to spend all afternoon in this crap, I'm so going to kill every one of them, he thought as he kicked to the surface. The moment his head breached the surface of the water he heard a voice let out a loud whoop from somewhere above him, followed by a huge splash that drenched him all over again.

"What the hell Haru?" he yelled when the familiar white head popped out of the water.

"Relax, cuz. You know this thing called fun? Try to have it," Haru replied.

"I'll show you fun!" Kyo growled as he put Haru in a headlock.

"Incoming!"

Another giant splash followed as Momiji joined them in the water, and another as Kagura swiftly followed.

"Come on, really?" Kyo moaned as he pushed his sodden hair from out of his eyes.

"Thanks for testing out the rope swing, Kyo!" Momiji called.

"What did you say?" Kyo growled.

"Well, someone had to do it," Haru interjected.

"Tell me you're joking!"

"Okay guys, I'm going to do it!" Tohru called as she grabbed the rope next.

Kyo's head snapped up at that. He recognized that determined voice and his stomach dropped.

"Wait, Tohru…you don't have to—"

"It's okay, Kyo. It'll be great, just wait and see!"

"Don't do it, you're gonna—"

"Here I come!"

With a squeal Tohru closed her eyes and took the leap off the shore, her entire body obviously stiff with dread as she begun to swing. She managed to hold onto the rope most of the way but faltered near the end and awkwardly bellyflopped into the water. Kyo could hear snickering from the others while he shook his head in disbelief, trying desperately to stifle his own laughter. Not one of Tohru's finest moments, he thought, but still too freakin' cute not to crack a smile at. His amusement disappeared completely, however, when time stretched out and she still hadn't surfaced.

"Tohru?" he called tentatively.

Nothing. Not even a bubble cresting the surface in response. Panicked now, he started to turn in circles as he tried to catch sight of her beneath the water.

"Tohru! Tohru! God, please…don't do this to m—AH!"

He nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt hands on his back a split second before Tohru popped up behind him with a splash. Haru and Momiji burst into raucous laughter at his reaction but Kyo was far from amused.

"God damnit Tohru!" he bellowed indignantly.

"I'm sorry, Kyo. I couldn't help myself," she replied, her voice infused with laughter.

"It's not funny! Do you have any idea what you just did to me? God, Tohru, I thought you were…"

Tohru paled as she finally registered the genuine anger on his face and the boys went suddenly silent.

"Kyo…I…"

"You scared the shit out of me!"

"I-I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to upset you," Tohru said meekly.

Kyo let out a long-suffering sigh and met her eyes. It took only one look at that wide-eyed pleading expression on her face for him to completely crumble.

"Just—don't do that again. Okay?"

"Okay," she breathed with relief. "I promise."

Once again, he found himself melting under her gentle gaze and the corner of his mouth lifted in a small affectionate smile. God, he wished he could hold her, if for no other reason than to feel her warmth against him. Even now his heart was still racing from the fear that had threatened to engulf him just a moment ago. Without thinking he reached out. His fingertips just barely brushed against her arm when he noticed her skin start to goosebump at the sensation of his touch. Shit, he thought, swallowing hard. Then something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. He glanced over to see Kagura staring at him.

"What?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

"Nothing," she replied innocently. A little too innocently. Suspicious, Kyo opened his mouth to respond but was cut off instantly by Haru shouting.

"Come on Yun-Yun! Get your ass out here!" he hollered at Yuki, who was still standing on the shore.

"I said don't call me Yun-Yun!" Yuki yelled back, his voice echoing across the water.

Everyone took turns on the rope swing except for Hiro and Rin who both refused to participate no matter how many times they were asked. The boys made it into a competition to see who could pull off the most outrageous tricks. Tohru was amused by their escapades but chose to play it a lot safer when taking her turn. Still, she got a lot better after the first try and in the end, it actually turned out to be a lot of fun. So did the ensuing water fight once the novelty of the swing wore off.

At some point the friendly competition between the guys became a theme for the rest of the afternoon. Rope swing acrobatics turned into freestyle swimming races (Yuki won of course), which somehow graduated into a sparring match that involved Haru and Kyo, a couple of inflatable rubber rafts, boat oars and a keen sense of balance. Later Haru complained that Kyo had an unfair advantage…with his being a cat and all. Kyo said he was just whining like a big baby because he lost.

The rest of the day passed by in a whirl of sunshine, laughter, and pure teenage exuberance. By the time they started walking back to the cabin they were all exhausted yet somehow still in unusually high spirits. It was perhaps the freest any of them had felt in a long time. Maybe that explained why the warm and fuzzy atmosphere lasted through dinner and on into the evening. Just maybe that was how when Tohru suggested they play Rich Man, Poor Man everyone agreed for once. Minor miracles aside it was really one of the first times she recalled seeing so many of the Soma's gathered together without some huge blowout argument disrupting things.

She should've known it wasn't destined to last.

"So, my dearest brother," Ayame drawled with a little smirk from behind his cards. "Your last summer break is nearing its end. Before you know it you'll be back at school, the seasons will change and boom! It'll be the big day before you know it."

"Err…big day?" Yuki repeated slowly.

"Graduation of course! You know…the glorious, age-old tradition of letting go of the last vestiges of childhood via pomp and circumstance and scholastic achievement? The flowing robes…soaring emotions…moving speeches to inspire the masses…My heart is all aflutter just thinking about it!" Ayame replied enthusiastically.

"Uh-huh…" Yuki responded dryly, quickly returning his gaze back to his card hand.

"It is pretty hard to believe you three will be graduating in just a handful of months," Shigure added with a dramatic sigh. "Why it almost feels like yesterday that Kyo was crashing through my roof, only to get completely, embarrassingly pummeled by our dear Yuki—"

"Hey, watch it mut," Kyo snapped.

"—and then of course my little flower came to stay, gracing us all with her cheery smiles, delicious cooking, and truly magnificent collection of miniskirts—"

"Shigure," Yuki growled in warning.

"What?"

"Fascinating as princess Tohru's wardrobe is, we were talking about Yuki's precious future. Have you decided what universities you're going to apply to yet, brother?" Ayame continued.

"I think I've narrowed it down," Yuki said.

"So, you finally decided what you're going to study, huh?" Haru asked curiously.

"Uh…no. Not yet technically…"

"No shame in that little brother. There's still plenty of time to decide," Ayame added with a pat on Yuki's head.

"Don't patronize me," Yuki snapped, and then smirked as he threw his cards down on the coffee table. "Revolution."

"Seriously? Shit move, rat!" Kyo said.

"As if you haven't played that hand a hundred times yourself. Stop pouting and take your turn," Yuki shot back with an eye roll.

"Shut up!" Kyo yelled…and then muttered, "Pass," as he slumped dejectedly in his seat.

"Don't be sad, Kyo. You'll do better next time!" Tohru proclaimed.

"I think it's so exciting you guys are graduating this year. I wish I was too! Tohru, you're still planning on getting a job straight away, right?" Momiji asked.

"Yes, that's right!" she replied cheerfully.

"Do you know what kind you're looking for? Maybe I can ask Papa—"

"No! Um, that's very sweet Momiji but I really haven't decided what direction I'd like to pursue yet…and I would sort of like to find something on my own merit," Tohru replied meekly.

"And you will," Kyo replied, gazing down at her with a confidence that took her breath away.

"Of course she will, stupid cat," Yuki muttered, but Tohru was no longer paying attention.

With so many people gathered in one space there'd been limited seating options to select from. Fact was there were more people than chairs, so Tohru did what she always did and chose a spot on the floor instead. Unsurprisingly she still ended up next to Kyo who was sitting on the couch; close enough that if she leaned ever so slightly to her right her shoulder would brush against his leg. Apart of her realized this was selfish. This need to always be physically close to him, but it was like she couldn't help herself. With the way he was looking at her now the impulse to touch him was too great to ignore. As unobtrusively as possible she reached out to gently squeeze his calf in what she hoped was a silent gesture of appreciation for his faith in her. When he smiled down at her she could feel her cheeks flush in response.

Unfortunately, the gesture had not gone as unnoticed as Tohru hoped.

"I guess your options will be kind of limited then, Tohru. What, without help, or a higher education or actual experience, huh?" Kagura said nonchalantly, interrupting the moment.

"Kagura!" Momiji cried in indignation.

"What?"

"No, she's right," Tohru said quietly, ducking her head to hide her expression.

"No, she's not!" Kyo snapped as he shot a warning glance across the room at Kagura. "Tohru, don't listen to her. You work harder than anyone I've ever met. You can do whatever you want. Don't let anyone tell you differently."

"You're one to talk!" Kagura snapped back at him. "You have no future at all…unless you plan on taking college classes from your cell. Though I highly doubt the cat's room has Wi-Fi."

The room went completely still at Kagura's words. Several long seconds passed as everyone waited for Kyo to erupt in affronted outrage, but it never happened. A muscle ticked in his jaw as he slowly stood, wordlessly staring at Kagura.

"Right," he eventually ground out, expression hardening into something impenetrable as he stalked out of the room. Without a word Tohru jumped up and followed him. Everyone else turned to look back at Kagura.

"What?" she snapped irritably.

"Why did you say that?" Yuki asked in disbelief.

"It's true isn't it? Besides, it's time Tohru knew," Kagura huffed, crossing her arms defensively.

"She already knows," Momiji replied softly.

"What? But…when? How?"

"Akito told her. Last summer."

"A-Akito?" Kagura repeated, face paling.

"That's what Akito was saying to her that night?" Haru asked in shock.

"Amongst other things, yes," Momiji confirmed.

"That doesn't excuse what you did though, Kagura," Yuki continued. "We all know what's going to happen. That doesn't mean you have to rub it in."

"Why are you defending him?" Kagura shot back angrily.

Yuki opened his mouth and shut it again as he dropped back in his seat.

"I don't know," he murmured.

Tohru found him out on the patio, leaning against the railing, staring up at the night sky. She couldn't see his expression but the tension was plain in the way he stood. Back stiff. Head bowed. Shoulders scrunched to his ears. It made her heart ache.

"I'm okay, Tohru," he said without turning around.

"Are you?" she asked softly as she padded up from behind him.

"Yeah," Kyo replied. When she just stared up at him in expectation he sighed. "I mean it. That wasn't anything I haven't heard before. It just hit me the wrong way, okay?"

"Because it was Kagura?"

"No," he said, and then, "Maybe. I think mostly it reminded me how little time there is left."

Tohru flinched and tightened her grip on his arm until he looked down at her and smiled a soft, sad smile.

"I'm sorry. I wish things were different. For both of us," he said, placing his hand over hers and squeezing it.

"Kyo…if I ask you something will you promise not to get mad?" she asked.

"You know, I never understood the point of that question. You're basically telling the person in advanced you're about to piss them off. It's right up there with saying 'with all due respect' before disagreeing with someone. It's basically 'screw you' in fancier terms."

"Right. Sorry! I'll, uh, just—"

"I'm kidding Tohru. Ask me anything."

"I, um, just wanted to know…have you ever thought about it? I mean…what you would do if you had the freedom to choose what you wanted for your future?"

"Tohru."

"You don't have to answer if it bothers you!"

"Of course I've thought about it. It's just…isn't this sort of a depressing topic?" Kyo asked in a strained voice.

"Maybe a little but I want to know. I need to. Tell me what you dream about, Kyo."

"You're lucky I like you," he grumbled, and then "I guess I'd want to run my own dojo. That's probably not very surprising,"

"You wouldn't want to take over Kazuma's?"

"Maybe one day, but not right away. I'd want to get out of here for a while first. Make my own way somewhere else."

"Where would you go?"

"The coast, or the mountains maybe. Somewhere far away from the Somas."

"Oh."

"Tohru, I didn't mean somewhere far away from you. Just my stupid family. I'd take you with me if you wanted. Build you a house somewhere nice."

"Me?" Tohru squeaked, her eyes going wide with surprise. Kyo chuckled.

"Yes, you dummy. Who else?" he replied, rapping his knuckles affectionately against her head.

"Okay, but do you actually know how to do that?" Tohru asked hesitantly.

"'Course not. I can learn though, right?"

"Sure! But…wouldn't it be easier just to buy one?"

"Well yeah, but where's the fun in that? This way I can make it whatever you want. Something cozy, but with room to grow, with a big kitchen and a lot of natural light—"

"Ooh, and maybe a porch swing?" Tohru asked excitedly.

"A what?"

"A porch swing. You know, like what they have in all of those American movies? Where the characters always have deep, meaningful conversations and sip on lemonade?"

"The heck kind of movies you've been watching Tohru?" Kyo asked, nonplussed.

"U-um well, that doesn't matter, never mind!" Tohru stuttered, flushing a pretty shade of pink. "What about you, Kyo? Surly there's something you'd want for yourself. Like a room for you to train in or I know! Like an office or a den or something. A masculine space for you to do, err, guy things."

"Are you asking if I want a man cave?"

"Maybe?"

Kyo stared at her then laughed.

"Sure, Tohru. A combo training-room-man-cave might be nice. You know what I would really want though?"

"Mmm?"

"A sky light above our bed so I could make love to you every night under the stars."

"Really?" Tohru sniffled wetly.

"We don't have to if you don't like the idea. I thought—"

"It's perfect. I just wish it could be real," she said sadly as she quickly wiped a tear from her cheek and leaned her head against his shoulder.

Kyo sighed and kissed the top of her head.

"Me too, Tohru. Me too," he replied gruffly, doing his best to hide how very much her words affected him.

Momiji let his head fall back against the wall he was hiding behind. He didn't know what he expected to hear when he followed Tohru out here, but it wasn't this. Maybe he should have.

He'd long suspected Kyo's feelings (the cat was not as sly as he thought he was) but as far as he knew they'd gone unconfessed. Until tonight. The words themselves might not have been said but the overheard conversation between Kyo and Tohru had made it painfully clear that what lay between them was both mutual and profound. There was a vulnerability there, and a trust in each other that only came with the kind of intimacy that went beyond surface-level. It was raw and powerful and so freaking sad, knowing it for what it was, and how it would end.

How can they stand it? Momiji thought, feeling the agony tear at his chest just imagining himself in Kyo's place, or Tohru's, knowing what he did now. It was a testament to how strong they both were to see their playful banter in the face of crushing reality. Anyone else would be wallowing in despair.

It was impressive and bittersweet at the same time because it was the final nail in the coffin for Momiji's quiet hopes.

Strangely, it didn't bother him as much as he thought it would. In fact, it made him feel sort of protective. Momiji clenched his fists as a sudden resolve settled over him. He didn't know what he could do, but right there and then made himself a promise. He would find a way to help them somehow, someway. Because his love for his cousin and his most precious friend far outweighed the subsequent heartbreak.

Soma Summer Extravaganza – Day 3

The pitter patter of rain woke Kyo up just before dawn. With a groan he rolled over and stared up at the ceiling for a while as he tried to regain his equilibrium. As per usual, the weather was making him feel like crap.

Bracing himself he got up and threw on a t-shirt before quietly padding down the hall to the bathroom. Half of him would've preferred to stay in bed, but no matter how run down he felt his body still told him to get up with the sun. A few minutes later he headed back down the hallway and made his way down the stairs to the kitchen.

"Guten morgen!" called an annoyingly cheerful voice.

"Gah! What the hell Momiji! You shouldn't sneak up on people like that," Kyo shouted.

"It's not sneaking when you're sitting out in the open," Momiji replied innocently. "Maybe you should be more observant, Kyo."

"Whatever," he grumbled as he opened the fridge and took out the carton of milk. "What are you doing up so early anyway?"

"I wanted to talk to you. Apologize actually."

"What, why?" Kyo asked, confused.

"Because I owe you that much…after hitting you. Oh, don't look so surprised, I know when to own up to my mistakes."

"Okay," Kyo replied slowly as he sat down across the table from the blonde and eyed him speculatively. "So then why'd you do it? I mean, I know why but..."

"Not my brightest moment," he agreed. "I shouldn't have picked a fight with you in the first place. I saw the look on Tohru's face when you and Kagura...I thought you were hurting her and I just lost it. Thank you by the way. You could've destroyed me but you didn't."

"Yeah? Suppose I had?" Kyo countered.

"Then maybe I would've learned my lesson a lot sooner."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"That I shouldn't have interfered in something I didn't actually understand."

Kyo opened his mouth and closed it, not really sure what to say to that. Momiji just smiled at him.

"I get it now, you and Tohru. Don't worry! I won't say anything. I want to help."

"Help?" Kyo repeated, trying to check the temper he could feel boiling just beneath his skin. "You can't help."

"You don't know that."

"Don't be an idiot! You'd just end up pissing Akito off. He already hates you, what do you think he'd do if you really made him mad? It's not worth it, Momiji. Leave it be."

"But—"

"I said leave it!" He yelled as he pushed himself up and away from the table.

"So you're just giving up?" Momiji asked quietly.

"I thought you'd be happy to have me out of the way."

"Now who's being an idiot, dummkopf!"

"What'd you call me?"

"You love her, right? So why won't you fight for her?"

"I am fighting for her!" Kyo hissed, and then sat back down. Momiji stared at him expectantly which made him scratch the back of his neck nervously. "Look, I know you mean well but I can't stop what's going to happen to me. The only thing I can do is keep her safe by accepting it."

"What? But that can't be right," Momiji replied, confused now.

"Akito made it perfectly clear to me last summer. I walk the line or else, and that was after I told him I didn't love her. Imagine what he would do if he suspected the truth."

"You fight for her life but what about her happiness?" Momiji pressed.

"Tohru's strong. She'll find someone else. Eventually all of this will just be old memories, scattered like dust. Who knows, maybe you'll be the one to help her move on."

"No. It'd be one thing if she chose me over you but this? I don't want to be some sort of consolation prize because she can't have you anymore. I deserve better. So does she."

Kyo looked at Momiji, really looked at him for the first time in longer than he could remember. There were too many emotions swirling around in the blonde's eyes to separate them all but what he could see above all else was sincerity. In that moment Momiji held himself with a maturity well beyond his years. Kyo could respect that.

"Fair enough," he said, standing once again.

"That's it?" Momiji asked in surprise.

"What, did you want me to beat you up or something? I'm not going to force her on you. Besides, Tohru has a mind of her own. She'll do what she wants anyway."

"You're right about that," Momiji replied, eyes sparkling with amusement. "Though now that I think about it, I might have to reconsider her judgement if she's sleeping with you. That's just gross."

"Hey."

"Truer words have never been spoken," a tired voice said behind them.

"You stay out of this you stupid rat!" Kyo growled. Yuki just rolled his eyes and shuffled over to the fridge.

"Don't worry, Kyo. At least Tohru appreciates you for your body."

"Keep talking bunny brat and I will kill you."

"Promises, promises," Momiji giggled and jumped up from the table.

"Hey Momiji, wait."

"Mmm?"

"You're important to Tohru. Strong as she is, she's going to need you after it's all said and done. You'll be there for her, right?"

Momiji's expression shifted several times but eventually he nodded and smiled.

"You can count on it."

The rain continued on relentlessly, making their last day at the lake house unbearably dreary. So, when Shigure got the call to come back to the estate it was an easy decision for all of them to head back a little early.

They packed quickly and with little fanfare. It was agreed that Shigure, Yuki, Kyo and Tohru would drive back in Ayame's car. Kagura, Rin, Kisa and Hiro would ride with Haru. The group took one last poignant moment to take in their surroundings and say goodbye. Then they were pulling out of the driveway and were on their way.

Tohru rested her head against the window as she watched the passing scenery through the pouring rain. It was mesmerizing.

"Are you alright, Tohru?" Kyo asked in a low voice next to her.

"School starts again on Monday," she replied softly.

"It does."

"Everything's going to be different from now on, isn't it?"

"I don't know. Maybe. Does it bother you?"

Kyo felt Tohru's hand slip discreetly into his as she continued to gaze out the window.

"No. Not if you're here," she whispered.

He closed his eyes and leaned his head against the seat, letting the motion of the car and the warmth of her hand lull him to sleep. They stayed that way the entire way home.

*Author's Note: Man, I feel like I'm really showing my age with some of the references in this chapter…or maybe just an overall nerdiness. Either way it was fun so sorry not sorry. Thanks for reading! :)