Disclaimer stuff: I dont own Furuba(Fruits Basket), as much as I would love to, I dont. Etc. Etc. So dont try and sue me! You wont get anything anyway. ^.^
-*-*-*-*-*-*-*| Chapter 1....
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The snow fell lighter by miday, mere flurrys in comparison to the hard rush that hit earlier in the morning. The city streets remained slightly clear thanks to the constant traffic, but the walkways were covered by a thin layer of snow along with the trees lining the sidewalk. They sparkled; the beautiful snow crystals shinning, illuminated by the lights strung along stores' windows. Every other tree was decorated with holly rested between red ribbons, some even had small ornaments hanging still. And even though they were barren and thin, the decorations seemed to bring them to life. Shinning in an almost overly decorated way were the larger buildings; the tall department stores which were covered in dozens of strings of light. They could of course afford to use more electricity, it benifited them of course. More of a advertisment then genuine wishing of Christmas cheer.
Tohru walked with her head down, eying the footprints left by others, going and coming in frantic shopping. Now and then she lifted her head to look around at the decorations catching her eyes. She'd noticed as she went further into town that they increased in number and design. Instead of mere yellow plastic ornaments, were glass ones with cystal snow designs on the face that sparkled at everyone that passed. Tohru loved this time of the year most, it was perfect for so many reasons, too many to name at times. She just couldnt understand why the others wouldnt want to celebrate it in the same way she did. What could be so wrong with it? She stopped infront of a store and remembered what they had said earlier in the week.
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"So what would everyone like for Christmas?" Tohru took her eyes away from her work to glance at the blank faces staring back at her. She blinked confused and held up the origami Christmas tree she had cut. "Christmas?..." she repeated, providing a visual aid as if she were talking to children.
"Who cares?" Kyou snorted out first then shoved another chip into his mouth. Haru glared over at Kyou and snatched the bag away, reclaiming it, Causing Kyou to then turn to glare him down, with an expression that asked 'What are you doing here anyway?'
"Well we never really thought about that." Yuki stated softly. Shigure merly sipped at his tea and remained quiet on the situation.
"You dont celebrate it?" Tohru asked instantly. She got the same blank stares, then in a perfect motion they all shook their heads slowly. "No?" Tohru asked. They all nodded.
Without really thinking of it much she asked another question, determined to dig deeper into this situation. "No gift giving or party? Why not?"
Kyou sat up and stared over at her ready to speak, but Haru spat out the words before he could. "Why would we?"
"Because thats how things work on Christmas. Everyone exchanges gifts, we have a party in celebration, a large dinner complete with egg nog.. carols, smiles, mistletoe."
Kyou arched an eyebrow slightly without anyone noticing.
Tohru let her gaze move to each person in the room and rest there for a while and slowly the obvious all became clear. Of course they wouldnt have a Christmas... it was sad really. Everyone just sat silent looking at Tohru who silently stared back. Suddenly she began to snip away at another piece of paper quickly, then stood up and held out a string of paper people holding hands.
"Well we're having a Christmas this year!" she let the paper fall to the ground and walked off leaving them alone in the room.
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She had planned on getting a present for everyone, but the biggest problem came when deciding on what exactly to get. With a quick tug on her coat, Tohru turned and continued on her way, glancing into the stores she passed. It was hard considering all the different personalities everyone had. She knew of course Yuki would like what present she got him, but no matter what it was, he would like it. She let out a soft sigh and watched a cloud of smoke poof out of her mouth as she did, spreading out into the cold winter air. Shigure might like a nice book, but then he already had so many.. she didnt want to get him something he already had... or even wrote. A stationary kit set in a stores window caught Tohru's attention, she wouldnt mind a gift like that for christmas. Momiji would possibly also like something like that. She stared at it until her breath created clouded marks on the glass, her drool would most definetly freeze if she stayed any longer.. she walked on. Kyou would be the hardest to shop for, she wanted to be sure he would like his present, and not attempt to return it when she wasnt looking. Haru as well might attempt something like this.
Some time had gone by since she first set out for the shopping trip, and still all that was accomplished were possible gifts for herself. "A first Christmas must be a special one." Tohru reminded herself. Maybe thats what her problem was, she was so set on perfection, that it was impossible to settle, or compromise. As long as she had been out she still didnt catch a glimpse of anyone she noticed. The others said they would atleast try to go out and shopping that morning.
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Yuki stood by the door pulling his coat on over his thick sweater, zipping it up halfway.
"Wait! Im coming as well Sohma-kun!" Tohru called out and ran toward the door, and tugging on her coat quickly. "Oh? would you ike for me to go with you Tohru-san?"
Tohru shook her head and put on her boots. "Thats ok Sohma-kun, I think it would be best if we went different ways. That way we wont see what one is getting the other." she smiled sweetly and watched as Yuki opened the door for her, without her even willing so. She blushed slightly and stared at him before snapping out of it and heading out the door in a slight rush, Yuki following behind her.
They'd headed seperate ways after getting at the end of the Sohma property, Yuki bidding a sweet farewell before he walked off. Shigure would leave an hour after both Yuki and Tohru's depart, without anyone knowing. Kyou would leave some short while after him, heading in the same direction Yuki had went. Possibly that was why Tohru hadent seen anyone..
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Tohru sighed quietly to herself and turned around after staring in the window of yet another store, bumping into someone and stumbling backwards. "G-gomen!" She looked up to see the face of Hatori looking down at her. "Oh, Honda Tohru-san."
"Ah, hello Hatori-sama."
"Doing some shopping I guess?"
Tohru nodded with a smile. "Yes, Christmas shopping-ah! That reminds me, would you like to come to the Sohma house on Christmas?"
Hatori opened his eyes wider and curved his body back somewhat in surprise. "A Christmas party?"
Tohru nodded again, her head was begining to hurt from all the nodding. "Yes, sort of. We're exchanging gifts and... well yes exchanging gifts."
Hatori smiled slightly and cooly rested his hand on his hip. "That sounds interesting... what time?"
"Six."
"Allright.. that sounds fine." He winked slightly and walked by her, patting her head lightly as he did.
Tohru watched as he walked away, surprised that she had run into him. 'What a coincidence...' she thought to herself. She now realized that she would have to invite everyone else in the Sohma family.. she would need a bit of help.
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3 hours after first setting out for shopping Tohru returned to the home, by now her nose was red from all the walking and the abrupt heat from inside the house made it tingle. She took off her coat and boots and walked further into the home, wondering if Yuki had returned and if the others had even left yet. The house seemed empty and she decided to rest in the main room until they returned, possibly she could get a sneak at the presents they bought. The heat now started to iritate her nose, and it was itching instead of tingling.
"Frostbite..." she grumbled to herself. A bowl of snacks on the table caught Tohru's attention and she reached out for it, but a ting in her head distracted her and she suddenly felt tired. "Maybe I'll lay down first.."
She leant on her side then let her body fall completly to the ground. Her head was throbbing and it became clear the pain in her head before wasnt from nodding too much. She was getting a fever. The room started burring and Tohru had to close her eyes to keep everything from spinning.
"Rest.." she commanded herself, but her body was aching and she just couldnt get comfortable, but couldnt move.
Why did she have to stay out for so long? For that long, and didnt get anything in return but a fever.
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Shigure had met up with Hatori outside of a store. He was with Ayame now, and upon seeing Shigure remembered about the Christmas plans Tohru told him of.
"Truly thinking of celebrating Christmas this year?" Hatori asked.
"Im guessing you ran into Tohru today?"
He nodded.
"Well yes. I figure something new cant hurt much, and it would make her pleased."
"You know she plans on having everyone participate.. all of the Jyuunishi."
Shigure nodded this time. "Im sure thats what she has in mind. She hopes to bring everyone closer with this no doubt." He smiled slightly at the thought. She was so caring and giving to them all, so unselfish.
Ayame simply placed a hand to his chin and commented. "It could bring happiness, and sorrow as well you know."
They all remained silent and simply nodded. Surely Tohru hadnt thought of how Akito would feel about all of this, it didnt phase her that such joy between the Jyuunishi could spring anger within him.
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Tohru lay there on the floor for 10 minutes before falling asleep uncomfortably, and another 10 minutes passed before Yuki and Shigure returned home. Yuki was the first by her side, he had walked casually into the livingroom after calling out to see if Tohru was in the room. The two had noticed her boots and coat and knew she must have been home, and became confused when she didnt answer.
"Tohru-san!" Yuki shook Tohru's arms, rolling her onto her back and noticing her red nose.
He felt her warm forehead shortly before moving his hand back, convinced she had a fever. Shigure carried Tohru to her bedroom then rested her in her bed and covered her up.
"Another fever." Shigure said quietly. "There were plenty sick people around town today." Yuki added, tucking Tohru tighter into the covers and patting the icepack on her forehead. Shigure stood up completely and walked out of the room, telling Yuki he would get Tohru a cup of herbal tea.
Once he had left Tohru opened her eyes slowly at the mention of her name, glancing up at Yuki who hadent noticed she was awake until she spoke.
"Sohma-kun.."
Yuki turned to look down at her quickly, leaning closer to her. "Are you ok? You've got a fever, dont move too much."
Smiling sweetly Tohru looked down at Yuki's hand resting on hers.
"Hmm.. this seems familiar. Your always taking care of me when Im sick.. Im such a burden."
"You took care of me as well." Yuki added, his face light and caring.
"Haru helped..he actually did most."
"You still helped.."
Tohru sighed quietly, realizing she wouldnt get far in this. "Well.. none the less, I need to get well and quick. I havent even started shopping- AH! I mean... I did.. or.."
Yuki blinked and stared down at Tohru confused, until she tried to get up. He gently pressed her back down, causing a soft oof to escape her throat.
He stared down at her with soft eyes. "Is Christmas that important to you Honda-san?" Tohru turned her head slightly, looking down at the ground.
"I just wanted to share it with you all.."
"But if its too much trouble that it causes you to get sick-"
"Its not!" She sat upright and turned her attention back to Yuki, startling him some. "...... Honest its not.. It really is fun, and I thought you would enjoy it.. but...."
"Thank you Honda-san. If it is so important to you, it must be worth doing."
Tohru smile wide, giving Yuki a sappy teary eyed look. "Thank you Sohma-kun!" She reached out to hug him but quickly halted and instead rested her arms on her lap. "Im sure that I will have enough time to finish my shopping and decorating once Im better."
"We could decorate for you Honda-san." Yuki exclaimed. "No its no problem, Ill have time to Sohma-kun." Yuki shook his head slowly and stood as Shigure entered the room. "I insist."
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"Do what?" Kyou asked, arms crossed and eyes glaring at both Yuki and Shigure. "Decorate the house." Yuki repeated for the 10th time. "Honda-san is sick, and cant do it at the moment. But it would mean alot to her if we decorated the house while she recovered."
"Did she ask you to do it?" Kyou asked quickly.
"No b-"
"Then why do it anyway?!" Kyou interupted rudely, a harsh tone in his voice. He had just returned from what he called "a brisk walk" but what was indead a shopping trip. As soon as he had intered the house Shigure approached him with the request and a box of decorations he picked up. Possibly the abrupt demand for work out of him, that created the anger and frustration.
"Because it would please Honda-san. She wants for us to be happy this Christmas." Yuki stated calmly.
"How would you know what she wants?!" Kyou snapped.
"Your just trying to make excuses to lie around doing nothing!" Yuki yelled back.
Kyou stomped closer, his eyes gleaming in anger, face screwed up in frustration and yelled back. "Shut the hell up!"
Shigure sighed, shrugging his shoulders and looking away. Saying anything to the two would do little to no good whatsoever. Kyou was now in Yuki's face, both hands clentched and ready to attack.
Yuki didnt back down, and instead yelled back with more anger than before. "Do you ever think of anyone but yourself Kyou! Even now your as selfish as ever!!"
"Thats it!" Kyou snarled, raising a hand and ready to punch.
"Stop!!" A yell from the doorway halted the assult and caught the attention of the three men. Tohru walked into the room slowly, now dressed in a winter pair of pajamas. "I-Im sorry." she whispered, barely loud enough for them to hear. They reacted by staring wide eyed at her in surprise, neither of them understanding what the appology was for.
"Christmas really wasnt a good idea. All its doing is making you all fight more.. Im sorry."
Shigure stepped forward, waving his hands and trying to disperse Tohru's assumptions and fears. "Its ok really, we're not upset." He turned back to face Yuki and Kyou, both still locked in their positions. "Right guys?" They both nodded quickly.
"No your not.." Tohru hung her head, stray hairs from her ponytail falling down to frame her face.
All three now stared at her, more stunned then before. She seemed extremly serious this time, and didnt easily agree with whatever they told her. "Kyou-kun is mad, and I bothered him with wanting decorations. Im just being a bother."
Kyou let go of Yuki's shirt and quickly walked beside Tohru. "Its no problem! I like decorations, really!" he sputtered out the words quickly, afraid she would start to cry.
Tohru remained silent.
"Ill gladly do it Tohru.." he said quietly, hoping Yuki or Shigure wouldnt hear it as clearly.
"Really?" Tohru asked, equally as silent.
"For you, of course.." Kyou said again, louder than before.
Tohru now lifted her head and stared up at Kyou with a slight blush in her cheeks. "Really?!" Kyou stepped back surprised then shook his head quickly. "Y-yeah well.. dont think too much into it." He added, turning and walking away from everyone to hide his own blush.
Tohru cheered, then stumbled forward onto Shigure instantly turning him into a dog. Yuki blinked and stared down at the two, Kyou turned his head slightly then slapped his forehead. "Gomen Shigure-kun!" Tohru sat upright, relieving the gray dog of her weight and scratched her head lightly. Shigure simply gave a sly smirk-as much of one as a dog can do-on his face and licked Tohru's cheek lightly. The action of course causing Tohru to blush and Yuki and Kyou to flash him deadly glares. Maybe decorating wouldnt be as easy as Tohru would have thought, not with only these three to work.