Disclaimers: I own nothing.
A/N: Thanks for all the great support! Your reviews are like. . . huge bursts of energy!!!!! WAI! Please continue to send in the reviews! ^.^
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Kyou and Tohru danced with the wind as the two squeezed their hands together, clinging onto each other for support. Tohru skipped onto a dry log, holding her hands out in the air, balancing as a small smile drifted towards her rosy lips. Kyou caught her as she fell, transforming for the second time that day. They both laughed into the wind.
The ocean brought back so many pleasant memories. He and Tohru had always gone on outings on her birthday to the ocean, along with his parents. They had swam on the shores, made sand castles, and taken many pictures. Then they would illuminate the dark night sky with fireworks, Shards of light flamed through the sky, piercing the serenity. Everything had been so much fun and carefree, every year, every moment. . . today was no different, except for everything.
Kyou picked up a large stick. Tohru looked at him. He began to trace contours along the delicate lines of the sand. The ocean breeze cruised through fiery strands, making Kyou's shirt flicker in the wind, revealing a part of his chest through his loose uniform. His hair played around his happy red eyes as he paced around the sand, the stick trailing behind. Tohru paced curiously around the water, looking back at her hard-working brother. She tilted her head to one side, letting her hair fall from her ponytail. It hung loosely, full of life once again, the sun weaving through her strands lovingly.
"Ne, Kyou-kun, what are you doing?" She questioned, singing into the breeze.
"Just wait and see, you impatient brat," Kyou barked back, as he continued his tracing.
Tohru smiled as she turned around once again, facing the waves. She let happiness flood in. She was spending the last of her birthday, with her favourite and only brother, out in her favourite ocean, sharing her last favourite memories.
Then it struck her again. . . the last of her memories. . . they would be moving soon.
Her eyes saddened, but she dared not to let Kyou see them. I don't want him to become sad. . .
"Oi! Oinigiri!" Kyou called, making Tohru cock her head backwards. "Look!"
Tohru gasped in surprise. Kyou had drawn Tohru's face on the sand, the particles smoothed out, resembling every bit of her - her shining face, her pale skin, her honey-brown eyes that shined brilliantly with the sun. . . she stood up to get a closer look at her brother's amazing work of art.
Kyou smiled cockily. Holding the stick in one hand, Kyou rushed over to Tohru's side. "This ocean. . . you always smiled here."
Tohru looked up at her brother. "Nii-san. . ."
Kyou moved swiftly again, starting new curves. He drew a small cat, beside the glowing face, staring. . . holding on. He drew a paw on Tohru's small face, framing her angelic pale skin. "And me. . . I'll always be with you."
Tohru started to cry. She knew she shouldn't. She knew it was wrong. But she couldn't help it. Her brother was way too sweet. He rejoined his sister at her side. "We'll always be together. . . forever and ever. Don't cry, Tohru. . . smile."
Tohru clutched onto Kyou's rough hands, stroking it as if it was her pet. "Kyou-kun . . . Kyou-kun . . . I love you. . . "
Kyou bit back his tears. He placed his other hand on Tohru's arm. He dragged her to the shoreline, letting her sit down and relieve her of her weariness. "I said don't cry."
Tohru almost immediately stopped. She beamed at her brother. Moments passed in silence, as the sun crept down the horizon, red and gold and orange filling the sky. Purple clouds mingled in the fading light, the dying radiance casting slight glances at the two figures sitting near the water. . . sorrow, loneliness slipping away, as Tohru leaned on her brother's sturdy shoulders.
"Kyou-kun," Tohru whispered, breaking the peace, "Can I ask you something?"
"Huh?" Kyou whispered back. The sun was hanging loosely at its last rays near the clouds. . . darkness was falling.
"What do you want to be in your next life?"
"Next life, huh," Kyou said, going into his thinking mode. "I. . . don't really know. Back to what I am now, I guess."
Kyou shrugged, and looked at his imoto. "You?"
"Me?" Tohru replied, lifting her head off her brother's shoulders. The waves crashed beneath her feet as Tohru let the words slip. . . "I want to be a tree."
"A tree?" Kyou said, puzzled.
"Yup." Tohru responded, dreamily. "that way. . . I'll never be split up again. That way, once my roots are in place, no one can take me away. . . that way, I'll always be with the people I love. . . no one can take me away."
Kyou turned grim. Tohru . . . she wanted to come back. He wanted her to return. They both knew it was impossible. But still. . . "Tohru. . ."
She slowly turned her tear-filled gaze towards the cat. "Kyou-kun . . you're leaving for America soon, right?"
Kyou flinched. America. . . that's right. He let a slight nod weigh his head down, as he placed two hands onto his knees, hiding his upset face.
Tohru smiled painfully. So it was true. . . she would lose them. Forever with the clouds the plane would drift by. . . the land they would stand on would be different, the lives with forgotten memories. . . it was too hard to imagine now. . . a pain she never wanted to experience, but now she knew that she couldn't possibly defy it. Fate had its cruel fingers latched onto her neck. . . and it was slowly twisting her flesh into shreds. "So desu ne. . ." she managed to say.
Kyou looked up. He moved closer to his sister, and took her hand in his. Her small hand, damp with worry, he now possessed within his own palms, caressing it with his rough fingers. "Tohru. . . I don't want to leave."
She smiled tenderly in return. "I understand the situation perfectly, Kyou- kun. Daijoubu. . . I'm okay. We'll meet again, one day. . . as long as we never say goodbye. . . we'll see each other again. And we'll remember, right? Then when we do. . . we can be friends again. And then. . . never let go. . ."
Kyou repeated what she had said. "Never let go. . ."
"In America. . . you'll never forget me, ne? Promise me, Kyou-kun . . . please don't forget me," Tohru pleaded. "And, Kyou-kun. . . promise me you'll be happy. . . always, don't let me be the source of your sadness. Promsie me, Kyou-kun.."
Kyou clenched his fists. "Tohru . . . I can't be happy without you."
Tohru looked at her brother. "EH? Kyou-kun. . . You can't. . . just promise me. . ." she begged, tears falling onto the sand.
He squeezed her hand tightly. He couldn't bear to see her cry. She was never a source of sadness. . . he was the one that put her through so much. He leaned over and placed his forehead onto hers. This was a general term of affection that he used, not very often, not even for her. . . but this way, he could reassure her in a warm way, which did not involve transformation. "Alright. . . you win. I promise."
Tohru continued to cry, but managed to breathe a thank-you in midsentence.
The two departed shortly after, a small moon high in the night sky, shedding its luminescence on the two. A shadowy wave of good bye, a glance towards the stars and a sparkly, pale tear sliding down her cheeks. . . in a little while, much more than a couple of steps would separate the two. But, somehow, they both knew. No matter what, in heart and mind, they would always be together.
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"Kyou. You're late."
Miyako saw her son yank his shoes off as he purposely avoided his parents. He hadn't even said "tadaima" before clambering up the stairs. She turned her eyes back to the dishes. There was plenty of reason for Kyou to hate them.
When the time for dinner came, Kyou didn't come down. Miyako had tried to get to her son's door, but her knocking, coaxing had no effect on the hard and cold lock on her hot-headed son. He had climbed up to the roof, underneath the stars, escaping his wretched house. But he couldn't run away, no matter how much he wanted to. He had nowhere to run to.
His dad had yelled at him to come down and have his food. He wasn't hungry. Too much of bad emotions had he swallowed to eat any more. His parents were fools. How could they leave Tohru and run away that way?
Kyou witnessed a full moon rising high in the pitch-black sky. How long had he been up there? Kyou awoke with a start. He had been sleeping. He heard a slight grumbling in his stomach. He was still a little hungry. Sighing, he turned his head to make his way down into the kitchen. He would not apologize. Nothing would happen.
"Kyou."
The orange-head almost screamed when he saw and heard a man at his side. It was his father. "Ottou-san!"
"Don't run away, Kyou."
Kyou stayed put. He wanted to run, far away from this disgusting man that let his own daughter go through so much unwanted pain. But he was scared. Scared of his father. . . the one that had threatened him. . . his cold finger feeling his beads. . .
"Kyou." Kazuma called to his son's back. "We need to talk."
"Yeah." Kyou agreed. "Why don't you want Tohru back?"
"Because she isn't our daughter. She was at one point. . . but it's proven that she is not, now. Even though fifteen years have passed with her. . . from now on, we will pass most of our lives with Rin. It can be mended. We can live a better life."
"LIE!" Kyou screeched, anger and frustration bubbling. He turned his fiery gaze towards his father. "I HATE YOU! How could you think that way? Don't you even miss her!? Do you know what she's going through!? How much pain and sadness!?"
"Yes." Kazuma responded. "How could I not miss her? She shares a part of me too, Kyou. But I suggest it is put to rest. . . we have shared much joy together, but through this hard time, if we just left each other alone, it will heal much faster. This is for the benefit of both of you. I'm sure Tohru wants this, too."
Kyou found himself dumbfounded. What was his father saying? Was he the same man that had lifted both Kyou and Tohru onto his shoulders, comforting them when they fell, smiling at them, giving them candy, taking them out on walks. . . had the devil taken over his father?
"But you know it isn't." Kyou spat. "You know she doesn't want this, and you know this too damn well.. that's why you're running away. You can't make the right decision because you're scared. . . damn you all. . . why can't you just see clearly!?"
Kazuma sighed. "We're leaving for America tomorrow, Kyou."
The neko flinched in disbelief. Tomorrow? "WHAT IN HELL!?" He growled.
"Your things are packed, in case you didn't notice." Kazuma said, coolly. "The furniture will be staying here. . . we'll return after your education is over."
"What is wrong with you. . . all of you. . . WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!?!?!!?" Kyou retorted, mad rage entering the child. "YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO HER! SHE'S MY SISTER! SHE'S YOUR DAUGHTER!"
"RIN is your sister and my daughter, Kyou," Kazuma corrected, dangerously. "Tohru once was. . . and I know my daughter well enough to realize that she doesn't want you leaping about this crazily about something like this!"
Kyou vigorously shook his head. "never. . . NEVER!"
He was about to leap off, when Kazuma took hold of Kyou's left wrist. "I'm warning you, Sohma Kyou," he hissed, "Obey."
Kyou was terrified. What was he to do? He knew he should go after Tohru. But his nerve failed him. The thought of his bracelet being removed. . . "Let me go," he winced, even though horrible images flooded through his mind, he still found the urge to see Tohru. "Let me go."
"I'll handcuff you to your door if I have to." Kazuma warned.
"LET ME GO!!!" Kyou screamed, as his father dragged him down the roof, into his room. He locked the window, and took out a pair of handcuffs. "I am a police. I hold authority over you." Kazuma whispered, as he handcuffed Kyou to a nearby pole, situated among other health equipments that Kyou used.
"YOU CAN'T DO THIS. . ." Kyou hissed, tears streaming down his cheeks in anger, agony and frustration. "YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME!!!"
Kazuma sighed as he stepped out the door. "I'm sorry son." He said, as he shut the door. "It's all for the best."
"NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!"
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Morning fell onto the skies once again. Tohru skipped out of her house, school bag dangling at her side, her blue ribbons back, along with her smile. She had spent a very pleasant birthday with her brother, and today, her mother had packed her some beef, along with vegetable and rice for her lunch, as a late birthday surprise.
She quickly ran down the road, eager to get to school. She was wearing the watch that Kyou-kun had given to her for her birthday. Amidst the chaos that happened yesterday, Kyou had still managed to scavenge the watch and give it back to her. She was eager to see her brother again, and show him how happy she was, wearing the watch that he had given her. She wanted him to remember her as a happy, smiley Tohru, the one he was so used to, and the one she so willingly gave.
When she took her seat among her classmates that morning, everyone looked gloomier than usual. They glared at Tohru when she sat down, in an inexplicably happy mood. I wonder why everyone is so sad today? She thought, as she opened up her textbook to last night's work.
Yukari sensei stepped into the room, and Tohru performed the usual greetings that class president was responsible of. The teacher took out the attendance and began to go down the list.
"Seiichi Hasegawa, Sohma Rin. . ." Yukari sensei trailed off. "Sohma Rin? Is she absent today?"
Everyone turned to find Rin's empty desk. Strange, Tohru thought, I wonder what's wrong with Rin?
The teacher clapped her hands. "Yada yada. . . my apologies. I was informed that the Sohma family has left for America today. Yes. . . America! Isn't that exciting?"
A bolt of lightening hit Tohru on the head. America? Today? But. . .
"Clumsy fool."
"Don't call me kitty, you onigiri!"
"I can carry you. . . I guess you're not THAT fat, yet."
"You klutz. . . here. Hold on to me."
"Oi, don't cry. . ."
"Smile for me, Tohru. . ."
"We'll always be together. . ."
"I can't be happy without you, Tohru."
Tohru stood up. If she ran now, she could catch up to them. Her final good bye. . . she needed to say it. Ignoring the teacher's screams, the gasps of awe coming from her classmates, Tohru ran out of the classroom, bolted through the hallways and out on to the grounds of Kaibara High School.
"Kyou-kun . . . matte . . . I haven't said goodbye yet. . ."Tohru screamed, hoping her legs would carry her faster.
"Kyou-kun!"
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No matter how hard he tried, Kyou couldn't free his hands. But he had to keep trying. They were now riding along in the car, along the old dusty road. How he wished he could continue to bike there, with Tohru, playing rock paper scissors, apologizing, teasing, forgiving. . . just one last time, to see her smile, to see her greet him, to talk to her. . .
He tried to wrench his hands away from the cuffs. His wrists were torn and bleeding from last night's frail attempts. With Rin in the back seat at his side, his parents in the front, he couldn't escape. He should just give up.
But he never would. . . even though he had no choice.
A sudden force told him to look back out the car window. He swerved around. There, a small dot was racing towards them, just around the curve. . . he could barely make it out. Small, white hands, miniscule legs, a soft blue skirt and blue ribbons billowing with brown hair. . . teary blue eyes, wailing. . .
"Tohru. . ." he whispered.
Kyou kneeled, pressing his hands to the glass. Tears were beginning to swell in his eyes as well. The car was moving away from her. . . but Tohru was drawing nearer. . . his crimson eyes betrayed him as tears began to slide down. "TOHRU!!! TOHRU!!! I'M HERE TOHRU!!! TOHRU!!!" he screamed into the window, banging, hoping she could hear him. "TOHRU!!!"
Tohru continued to run. Her feet were sore, her lungs were begging her to slow down . . .but she couldn't. She could make out a splotch of orange hair on the window. . . and red eyes. . . "KYOU-KUN!! WAIT!!! KYOU-KUN! MATTE!!" She also yelled, outstretching her arm. "KYOU-KUN!"
Miyako saw the teary goodbye. She had no choice but to speed it up. . . it would cause less pain for all of them. "Kazuma. . . let's go faster."
"NO!" Kyou yelled in the rear. "Just let me say goodbye. . . please. . . PLEASE!!" he begged.
But the car persevered. It began to speed up. Tohru was so close. . . Kyou was so near. . . They could see each other in clear view, diamond tears trickling down Tohru's pale cheeks. . . her worn arm outstretched, Kyou's bloody hands continuously clashing with the glass . . . each screaming their sibling's name.
At last, Tohru's stamina ran out. She collapsed onto the cement, her knees tearing, elbows skidding against the hard surface. Kyou's hands slid down the window, as were his tears down his tanned cheeks. Silence enveloped both sides, except for small coughs. . . Tohru and Kyou never broke their eye contact as the car slid out of view around the curve. She stood up. . . Kyou's faint calls echoing in her ear. "Kyou-kun . . ."
Tears began to slide down her cheeks again . . . shedding all her memories with Kyou. They had now left. . . but she should be happy. They would have a happy life without her. Everything would be fine.
She stared into the curve where her life had disappeared. Her life, her hopes, everything. The moments that she had shared, the memories she had experienced, and the brother she had grown to love more than anyone else.
"Kyou-kun . . ." she called. "Kyou-kun . . ."
Only the wind was her response.
Tohru wiped away her tears. "But I'll never say goodbye. . . we'll meet again."
She hesitantly turned her back, the faint whisper of her brother echoing through her.
"Ishouni. . . itsumo."
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//KYOU'S NARRATION// When we got to America, my wrists had been so torn that I needed to go to a hospital and get disinfected. But I knew that I would never forgive myself for letting Tohru go. The pain never left me. The lingering, the sorrow, her smile and her tears. . . they all teared at my heart until there was nothing left. I'll never forget the fateful day when she collapsed underneath the truck. . . how it was me that had eventually split us up. I'll never forgive, OR forget. . . but I will also always treasure the moments I have had with her.
How many autumns need pass, until God will let me see my sister again? The one that had accepted me fully, with wide, open arms, and a smile to surpass any other beauty? How far does the clock need to tick, before I can tell her the things I so wanted to say? How many steps down the road of life do I need to take, before I can once again reach her? Until I can fulfill my promise. . . to see her again, and then, to never let go . . .
Just how many numbers do I need to count. . .
until I can completely rid my mind of that autumn. . . that final farewell. . .?
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//8 years later. . .// A small plane landed near Osaka Airport. After the roaring had stopped, the door slowly opened. Out marched out a very handsome man, lean body, grey hair, and mesmerizing purple eyes. He was wearing an off-white turtleneck, accompanied by a sparklingly clean pair of white pants. He looked around, his hand dug deep into his pocket. The wind cajoled with his hair, and he let a small smile occupy his lips.
"Young master!"
The man sighed in annoyance and looked to his left. There stood an old man in a suit, panting before him. "I'm so glad your flight was safe."
"Not every plane crashes into the atlantic ocean everytime it takes flight," he muttered coolly. "So. Where am I staying?"
"We found a very quiet place for you, Master Yuki. Osaka hotel. The best room there. A full balcony, as you requested." The older man bowed.
"Very well." Yuki turned his cold gaze on the man. "Let's go then."
Yuki stepped into the limousine. He let his servant close the door, and continued to stare out the window. It had been over ten years since his return to his homeland in Japan. Relationships with his father hadn't been the best . . . with him getting remarried and all.
Sighing, Yuki closed his eyes. Things had changed so much since then. After being forced to study Art Engineering, He had met some very strange people. . . and gone through very strange things. Now he was back . . .in the heart of Osaka, where he was born.
Yuki drifted off into a silent sleep. In a few minutes, he was aroused, as they were parked in front of their hotel. All his luggage had already been unloaded, and he stepped into his room. It was pure luxury. Yuki didn't care. "So? What's the name of my new maid?"
"It says that her name is Miss Honda, master." The older man replied, crinkling his eyebrows to read the catalogue. "She is 34, married, has two children, and is currently living in the dormitory here."
"Alright then." Yuki replied, before taking a seat in his couch. "Leave me now. Your duty is fulfilled."
The man bowed and left the room. Yuki picked up the phone. He dialed the maid room. "Moshi-moshi? This is room number 271. I would like to speak to Miss Honda, please."
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A thin girl in a short, tight gray uniform marched up and down the maid room, nervous and giggling. Her brown hair was tied up in a bun, wrapped up in a blue ribbon, and her blue eyes darted around the room nervously.
Another girl laughed in the corner. "Aww, come on, Tohru. It can't be that bad. The fact that you got chosen as the great Sohma's personal maid is an immense honour!"
Tohru looked at her friend. "You really think so, Hasegawa?" she said. "But. . . what if he sees me? He'll KNOW I'm not 34. Or married. Or a mother."
"That's why I told you not to send him wrong information!" Hasegawa laughed. "It's not protection. That's just a lie that will be known in a matter of minutes!"
Tohru nervously continued to pace. Being a personal maid for someone, especially the Sohmas, was not her idea of fun. It reminded her of too much pain . . .that everyone thought she had left behind.
Suddenly, a phonecall came. She leaped. Hasegawa got to the phone. "Hai, Osaka Hotel Maid Service Room, how may I help you?" Hasegawa gave a short nod, and passed the phone to her friend. "It's for you. The Sohma."
The girl's heart skipped a beat. "Oh dear," she said, as she reached for the phone. If it was a Sohma, they would know her. All her relatives had heard of her and the crisis that had happened eight years ago! What would happen? What if it was. . . but then. . .
She shakily took the phone. "M-m-moshi moshi?"
"Ah. Miss Honda? This is Yuki Sohma, the man you will serve from today," came a cold voice from the other end.
Yuki? She had never heard of that name before. Somehow it relieved her. "H- hai. What can I do for you?"
"I'd like to see you. . . from your voice, you sound different from your profile." He responded.
She jumped. This man was very good at telling the truth. "But, sir, I don't see guests unless there is work to be done."
"Don't be stubborn. Fine. I'll go there then." With this, the strange man hung up.
The girl placed the receiver back. She waited. Minutes later, a composed, handsome man came into the room. His grey hair dangled by his left eye, partially covering the purple glaze. His back was leaned against the door, a weak smile playing at his lips. "Thirty-four, married, and two children, eh, Miss Honda?"
The girl gulped. She stood up and bowed. "Gomenasai! I didn't mean it! I was just so taken aback by the fact that you were a Sohma and that I had become your maid that I put fake information! Please accept my sincerest apologies!"
Yuki shook his head. "I'll only accept it if you tell me your real identity. Who are you?"
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A figure marched down the gravel path of the outskirts of Tokyo. This part had always been the countryside, the path filled with so many memories for him. His footsteps traced every rock, every grain lying in the path. How he had spent his childhood days here, and how he got ripped out of it. . . as if waking up from a dream.
He had returned sooner than he had expected. Early September's trees had started to grow orange, matching his bright hair. He could witness some yellow, but mostly, it was still light green. He sighed. He sat at the side of the road. He looked towards his old home - he was glad it was still there, undisturbed. He also spotted two rusty bikes . . . a small yellow one and a plain metal one.
The figure jogged up to the metal one, placing his hand along the rims. Touching it brought fond memories. He smiled softly to himself. How he missed it.
He took a seat on the white bench situated on their porch. He crossed his legs and stripped his jacket, willing to feel the cool autumn breeze on his arms. Dressed in a pair of cargo pants and a black t-shirt, the man let his crimson eyes close, dreaming. . . of eight years ago.
Suddenly, his cellphone came to life, playing his song. He read the number. Sighing, he lifted it to his ear. An orange kitty charm dangled from the antenna, and he looked at it fondly before brushing it away. He spoke into his phone. "Kagura."
"Kyou-kun~~~" A whiny voice greeted him on the other end. "How's Japan, Kyou-kun? Is it good to be back? Oh but Kyou-kun I miss you so much!!!!!"
Kyou pulled the phone from his ear. "Oi, Kagura, stop squealing! You'll see me in one damn day!"
"Aww, Kyou-kun, but one day is too long!" Kagura wailed.
Kyou sighed. "So. What are you calling for?"
"To remind you of our engagement, of course!" She sang. "It'll happen as SOON as I get off the plane tomorrow! So be ready!"
Kyou sighed. "Whatever."
"AWW! KYOU-KUN! You are so cute!" Kagura said. "BUT HOW DARE YOU SAY WHATEVER TO SUCH AN IMPORTANT EVENT!?!?"
He was glad that Kagura was not at his side to pummel him to death at that very moment. He waited for her rage to calm. Then he let her launch into conversation. She talked about the moments they had together, how they met. . . he had heard this story a bit too many times. But he was glad. . . Kagura had been very comforting over the past years, and he was glad he had found a friend. She had devoted herself to him, with so much faith had placed all her love into him. . . he could only remember one other person who did that, and somehow, as annoying as his fiancé was, she was much more than a small piece of comfort. What he felt for this girl was unknown even to him . . . he couldn't justify if it was love or not, but the fact that he was becoming engaged to her didn't serve as a problem, so he just shrugged off the uncertainty. Besides. . . she had also accepted him, seven years ago, that one time when his bracelet had been ripped off. . . she had stared. . . then she had coaxed him, too, with the same warm smile. . .
"Ne, ne, Kyou-kun," Kagura continued to talk. "Do you remember what you asked me. . . the first time we dated?"
Kyou sighed. How could he forget. "I asked you what you wanted to be in your next life."
"Well Kyou kun, do you remember my answer too?"
Kyou smiled. "Yeah. A tree."
"YES! KYOU-KUN YOU'RE SUCH A SWEETIE FOR REMEMBERING SUCH THINGS!" Kagura screamed. Kyou flinched. "I love you, Kyou-kun! You're my first love! And therefore, tomorrow, I shall firmly plant my roots into you. Now, no one can split you and me up!"
Kyou sighed. "Yeah. Okay."
Kagura seemed to ponder. "Ne, Kyou-kun. Who's YOUR first love? Huh? Huh? Please tell me~ Oh Kyou-kun~ I won't get mad if it isn't me! I promise!"
Kyou hung onto the thought. First love . . . like the coming and lifting of a silent autumn, replaced by a cold, harsh winter . . . the one thing that he wanted most , the one thing that he wanted to treasure . . . when it had been taken away . . .
"First love. . ." Kyou whispered, floating into a daze. "That would have to be. . ."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The girl looked up. She had definitely not seen him before. And it seemed to her as if this Sohma knew nothing of her, and her past. She was relieved. She plastered on her most grateful smile. "I'm Tohru." She replied. "Honda Tohru."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Tree." Kyou finalized, the name sounding like sweet candy, and he could almost remember her smiling and laughing again. . . almost. "A tree. . . My onigiri."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * R&R! Onegai!!! ^.^
A/N: Thanks for all the great support! Your reviews are like. . . huge bursts of energy!!!!! WAI! Please continue to send in the reviews! ^.^
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou and Tohru danced with the wind as the two squeezed their hands together, clinging onto each other for support. Tohru skipped onto a dry log, holding her hands out in the air, balancing as a small smile drifted towards her rosy lips. Kyou caught her as she fell, transforming for the second time that day. They both laughed into the wind.
The ocean brought back so many pleasant memories. He and Tohru had always gone on outings on her birthday to the ocean, along with his parents. They had swam on the shores, made sand castles, and taken many pictures. Then they would illuminate the dark night sky with fireworks, Shards of light flamed through the sky, piercing the serenity. Everything had been so much fun and carefree, every year, every moment. . . today was no different, except for everything.
Kyou picked up a large stick. Tohru looked at him. He began to trace contours along the delicate lines of the sand. The ocean breeze cruised through fiery strands, making Kyou's shirt flicker in the wind, revealing a part of his chest through his loose uniform. His hair played around his happy red eyes as he paced around the sand, the stick trailing behind. Tohru paced curiously around the water, looking back at her hard-working brother. She tilted her head to one side, letting her hair fall from her ponytail. It hung loosely, full of life once again, the sun weaving through her strands lovingly.
"Ne, Kyou-kun, what are you doing?" She questioned, singing into the breeze.
"Just wait and see, you impatient brat," Kyou barked back, as he continued his tracing.
Tohru smiled as she turned around once again, facing the waves. She let happiness flood in. She was spending the last of her birthday, with her favourite and only brother, out in her favourite ocean, sharing her last favourite memories.
Then it struck her again. . . the last of her memories. . . they would be moving soon.
Her eyes saddened, but she dared not to let Kyou see them. I don't want him to become sad. . .
"Oi! Oinigiri!" Kyou called, making Tohru cock her head backwards. "Look!"
Tohru gasped in surprise. Kyou had drawn Tohru's face on the sand, the particles smoothed out, resembling every bit of her - her shining face, her pale skin, her honey-brown eyes that shined brilliantly with the sun. . . she stood up to get a closer look at her brother's amazing work of art.
Kyou smiled cockily. Holding the stick in one hand, Kyou rushed over to Tohru's side. "This ocean. . . you always smiled here."
Tohru looked up at her brother. "Nii-san. . ."
Kyou moved swiftly again, starting new curves. He drew a small cat, beside the glowing face, staring. . . holding on. He drew a paw on Tohru's small face, framing her angelic pale skin. "And me. . . I'll always be with you."
Tohru started to cry. She knew she shouldn't. She knew it was wrong. But she couldn't help it. Her brother was way too sweet. He rejoined his sister at her side. "We'll always be together. . . forever and ever. Don't cry, Tohru. . . smile."
Tohru clutched onto Kyou's rough hands, stroking it as if it was her pet. "Kyou-kun . . . Kyou-kun . . . I love you. . . "
Kyou bit back his tears. He placed his other hand on Tohru's arm. He dragged her to the shoreline, letting her sit down and relieve her of her weariness. "I said don't cry."
Tohru almost immediately stopped. She beamed at her brother. Moments passed in silence, as the sun crept down the horizon, red and gold and orange filling the sky. Purple clouds mingled in the fading light, the dying radiance casting slight glances at the two figures sitting near the water. . . sorrow, loneliness slipping away, as Tohru leaned on her brother's sturdy shoulders.
"Kyou-kun," Tohru whispered, breaking the peace, "Can I ask you something?"
"Huh?" Kyou whispered back. The sun was hanging loosely at its last rays near the clouds. . . darkness was falling.
"What do you want to be in your next life?"
"Next life, huh," Kyou said, going into his thinking mode. "I. . . don't really know. Back to what I am now, I guess."
Kyou shrugged, and looked at his imoto. "You?"
"Me?" Tohru replied, lifting her head off her brother's shoulders. The waves crashed beneath her feet as Tohru let the words slip. . . "I want to be a tree."
"A tree?" Kyou said, puzzled.
"Yup." Tohru responded, dreamily. "that way. . . I'll never be split up again. That way, once my roots are in place, no one can take me away. . . that way, I'll always be with the people I love. . . no one can take me away."
Kyou turned grim. Tohru . . . she wanted to come back. He wanted her to return. They both knew it was impossible. But still. . . "Tohru. . ."
She slowly turned her tear-filled gaze towards the cat. "Kyou-kun . . you're leaving for America soon, right?"
Kyou flinched. America. . . that's right. He let a slight nod weigh his head down, as he placed two hands onto his knees, hiding his upset face.
Tohru smiled painfully. So it was true. . . she would lose them. Forever with the clouds the plane would drift by. . . the land they would stand on would be different, the lives with forgotten memories. . . it was too hard to imagine now. . . a pain she never wanted to experience, but now she knew that she couldn't possibly defy it. Fate had its cruel fingers latched onto her neck. . . and it was slowly twisting her flesh into shreds. "So desu ne. . ." she managed to say.
Kyou looked up. He moved closer to his sister, and took her hand in his. Her small hand, damp with worry, he now possessed within his own palms, caressing it with his rough fingers. "Tohru. . . I don't want to leave."
She smiled tenderly in return. "I understand the situation perfectly, Kyou- kun. Daijoubu. . . I'm okay. We'll meet again, one day. . . as long as we never say goodbye. . . we'll see each other again. And we'll remember, right? Then when we do. . . we can be friends again. And then. . . never let go. . ."
Kyou repeated what she had said. "Never let go. . ."
"In America. . . you'll never forget me, ne? Promise me, Kyou-kun . . . please don't forget me," Tohru pleaded. "And, Kyou-kun. . . promise me you'll be happy. . . always, don't let me be the source of your sadness. Promsie me, Kyou-kun.."
Kyou clenched his fists. "Tohru . . . I can't be happy without you."
Tohru looked at her brother. "EH? Kyou-kun. . . You can't. . . just promise me. . ." she begged, tears falling onto the sand.
He squeezed her hand tightly. He couldn't bear to see her cry. She was never a source of sadness. . . he was the one that put her through so much. He leaned over and placed his forehead onto hers. This was a general term of affection that he used, not very often, not even for her. . . but this way, he could reassure her in a warm way, which did not involve transformation. "Alright. . . you win. I promise."
Tohru continued to cry, but managed to breathe a thank-you in midsentence.
The two departed shortly after, a small moon high in the night sky, shedding its luminescence on the two. A shadowy wave of good bye, a glance towards the stars and a sparkly, pale tear sliding down her cheeks. . . in a little while, much more than a couple of steps would separate the two. But, somehow, they both knew. No matter what, in heart and mind, they would always be together.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Kyou. You're late."
Miyako saw her son yank his shoes off as he purposely avoided his parents. He hadn't even said "tadaima" before clambering up the stairs. She turned her eyes back to the dishes. There was plenty of reason for Kyou to hate them.
When the time for dinner came, Kyou didn't come down. Miyako had tried to get to her son's door, but her knocking, coaxing had no effect on the hard and cold lock on her hot-headed son. He had climbed up to the roof, underneath the stars, escaping his wretched house. But he couldn't run away, no matter how much he wanted to. He had nowhere to run to.
His dad had yelled at him to come down and have his food. He wasn't hungry. Too much of bad emotions had he swallowed to eat any more. His parents were fools. How could they leave Tohru and run away that way?
Kyou witnessed a full moon rising high in the pitch-black sky. How long had he been up there? Kyou awoke with a start. He had been sleeping. He heard a slight grumbling in his stomach. He was still a little hungry. Sighing, he turned his head to make his way down into the kitchen. He would not apologize. Nothing would happen.
"Kyou."
The orange-head almost screamed when he saw and heard a man at his side. It was his father. "Ottou-san!"
"Don't run away, Kyou."
Kyou stayed put. He wanted to run, far away from this disgusting man that let his own daughter go through so much unwanted pain. But he was scared. Scared of his father. . . the one that had threatened him. . . his cold finger feeling his beads. . .
"Kyou." Kazuma called to his son's back. "We need to talk."
"Yeah." Kyou agreed. "Why don't you want Tohru back?"
"Because she isn't our daughter. She was at one point. . . but it's proven that she is not, now. Even though fifteen years have passed with her. . . from now on, we will pass most of our lives with Rin. It can be mended. We can live a better life."
"LIE!" Kyou screeched, anger and frustration bubbling. He turned his fiery gaze towards his father. "I HATE YOU! How could you think that way? Don't you even miss her!? Do you know what she's going through!? How much pain and sadness!?"
"Yes." Kazuma responded. "How could I not miss her? She shares a part of me too, Kyou. But I suggest it is put to rest. . . we have shared much joy together, but through this hard time, if we just left each other alone, it will heal much faster. This is for the benefit of both of you. I'm sure Tohru wants this, too."
Kyou found himself dumbfounded. What was his father saying? Was he the same man that had lifted both Kyou and Tohru onto his shoulders, comforting them when they fell, smiling at them, giving them candy, taking them out on walks. . . had the devil taken over his father?
"But you know it isn't." Kyou spat. "You know she doesn't want this, and you know this too damn well.. that's why you're running away. You can't make the right decision because you're scared. . . damn you all. . . why can't you just see clearly!?"
Kazuma sighed. "We're leaving for America tomorrow, Kyou."
The neko flinched in disbelief. Tomorrow? "WHAT IN HELL!?" He growled.
"Your things are packed, in case you didn't notice." Kazuma said, coolly. "The furniture will be staying here. . . we'll return after your education is over."
"What is wrong with you. . . all of you. . . WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!?!?!!?" Kyou retorted, mad rage entering the child. "YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO HER! SHE'S MY SISTER! SHE'S YOUR DAUGHTER!"
"RIN is your sister and my daughter, Kyou," Kazuma corrected, dangerously. "Tohru once was. . . and I know my daughter well enough to realize that she doesn't want you leaping about this crazily about something like this!"
Kyou vigorously shook his head. "never. . . NEVER!"
He was about to leap off, when Kazuma took hold of Kyou's left wrist. "I'm warning you, Sohma Kyou," he hissed, "Obey."
Kyou was terrified. What was he to do? He knew he should go after Tohru. But his nerve failed him. The thought of his bracelet being removed. . . "Let me go," he winced, even though horrible images flooded through his mind, he still found the urge to see Tohru. "Let me go."
"I'll handcuff you to your door if I have to." Kazuma warned.
"LET ME GO!!!" Kyou screamed, as his father dragged him down the roof, into his room. He locked the window, and took out a pair of handcuffs. "I am a police. I hold authority over you." Kazuma whispered, as he handcuffed Kyou to a nearby pole, situated among other health equipments that Kyou used.
"YOU CAN'T DO THIS. . ." Kyou hissed, tears streaming down his cheeks in anger, agony and frustration. "YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME!!!"
Kazuma sighed as he stepped out the door. "I'm sorry son." He said, as he shut the door. "It's all for the best."
"NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Morning fell onto the skies once again. Tohru skipped out of her house, school bag dangling at her side, her blue ribbons back, along with her smile. She had spent a very pleasant birthday with her brother, and today, her mother had packed her some beef, along with vegetable and rice for her lunch, as a late birthday surprise.
She quickly ran down the road, eager to get to school. She was wearing the watch that Kyou-kun had given to her for her birthday. Amidst the chaos that happened yesterday, Kyou had still managed to scavenge the watch and give it back to her. She was eager to see her brother again, and show him how happy she was, wearing the watch that he had given her. She wanted him to remember her as a happy, smiley Tohru, the one he was so used to, and the one she so willingly gave.
When she took her seat among her classmates that morning, everyone looked gloomier than usual. They glared at Tohru when she sat down, in an inexplicably happy mood. I wonder why everyone is so sad today? She thought, as she opened up her textbook to last night's work.
Yukari sensei stepped into the room, and Tohru performed the usual greetings that class president was responsible of. The teacher took out the attendance and began to go down the list.
"Seiichi Hasegawa, Sohma Rin. . ." Yukari sensei trailed off. "Sohma Rin? Is she absent today?"
Everyone turned to find Rin's empty desk. Strange, Tohru thought, I wonder what's wrong with Rin?
The teacher clapped her hands. "Yada yada. . . my apologies. I was informed that the Sohma family has left for America today. Yes. . . America! Isn't that exciting?"
A bolt of lightening hit Tohru on the head. America? Today? But. . .
"Clumsy fool."
"Don't call me kitty, you onigiri!"
"I can carry you. . . I guess you're not THAT fat, yet."
"You klutz. . . here. Hold on to me."
"Oi, don't cry. . ."
"Smile for me, Tohru. . ."
"We'll always be together. . ."
"I can't be happy without you, Tohru."
Tohru stood up. If she ran now, she could catch up to them. Her final good bye. . . she needed to say it. Ignoring the teacher's screams, the gasps of awe coming from her classmates, Tohru ran out of the classroom, bolted through the hallways and out on to the grounds of Kaibara High School.
"Kyou-kun . . . matte . . . I haven't said goodbye yet. . ."Tohru screamed, hoping her legs would carry her faster.
"Kyou-kun!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
No matter how hard he tried, Kyou couldn't free his hands. But he had to keep trying. They were now riding along in the car, along the old dusty road. How he wished he could continue to bike there, with Tohru, playing rock paper scissors, apologizing, teasing, forgiving. . . just one last time, to see her smile, to see her greet him, to talk to her. . .
He tried to wrench his hands away from the cuffs. His wrists were torn and bleeding from last night's frail attempts. With Rin in the back seat at his side, his parents in the front, he couldn't escape. He should just give up.
But he never would. . . even though he had no choice.
A sudden force told him to look back out the car window. He swerved around. There, a small dot was racing towards them, just around the curve. . . he could barely make it out. Small, white hands, miniscule legs, a soft blue skirt and blue ribbons billowing with brown hair. . . teary blue eyes, wailing. . .
"Tohru. . ." he whispered.
Kyou kneeled, pressing his hands to the glass. Tears were beginning to swell in his eyes as well. The car was moving away from her. . . but Tohru was drawing nearer. . . his crimson eyes betrayed him as tears began to slide down. "TOHRU!!! TOHRU!!! I'M HERE TOHRU!!! TOHRU!!!" he screamed into the window, banging, hoping she could hear him. "TOHRU!!!"
Tohru continued to run. Her feet were sore, her lungs were begging her to slow down . . .but she couldn't. She could make out a splotch of orange hair on the window. . . and red eyes. . . "KYOU-KUN!! WAIT!!! KYOU-KUN! MATTE!!" She also yelled, outstretching her arm. "KYOU-KUN!"
Miyako saw the teary goodbye. She had no choice but to speed it up. . . it would cause less pain for all of them. "Kazuma. . . let's go faster."
"NO!" Kyou yelled in the rear. "Just let me say goodbye. . . please. . . PLEASE!!" he begged.
But the car persevered. It began to speed up. Tohru was so close. . . Kyou was so near. . . They could see each other in clear view, diamond tears trickling down Tohru's pale cheeks. . . her worn arm outstretched, Kyou's bloody hands continuously clashing with the glass . . . each screaming their sibling's name.
At last, Tohru's stamina ran out. She collapsed onto the cement, her knees tearing, elbows skidding against the hard surface. Kyou's hands slid down the window, as were his tears down his tanned cheeks. Silence enveloped both sides, except for small coughs. . . Tohru and Kyou never broke their eye contact as the car slid out of view around the curve. She stood up. . . Kyou's faint calls echoing in her ear. "Kyou-kun . . ."
Tears began to slide down her cheeks again . . . shedding all her memories with Kyou. They had now left. . . but she should be happy. They would have a happy life without her. Everything would be fine.
She stared into the curve where her life had disappeared. Her life, her hopes, everything. The moments that she had shared, the memories she had experienced, and the brother she had grown to love more than anyone else.
"Kyou-kun . . ." she called. "Kyou-kun . . ."
Only the wind was her response.
Tohru wiped away her tears. "But I'll never say goodbye. . . we'll meet again."
She hesitantly turned her back, the faint whisper of her brother echoing through her.
"Ishouni. . . itsumo."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
//KYOU'S NARRATION// When we got to America, my wrists had been so torn that I needed to go to a hospital and get disinfected. But I knew that I would never forgive myself for letting Tohru go. The pain never left me. The lingering, the sorrow, her smile and her tears. . . they all teared at my heart until there was nothing left. I'll never forget the fateful day when she collapsed underneath the truck. . . how it was me that had eventually split us up. I'll never forgive, OR forget. . . but I will also always treasure the moments I have had with her.
How many autumns need pass, until God will let me see my sister again? The one that had accepted me fully, with wide, open arms, and a smile to surpass any other beauty? How far does the clock need to tick, before I can tell her the things I so wanted to say? How many steps down the road of life do I need to take, before I can once again reach her? Until I can fulfill my promise. . . to see her again, and then, to never let go . . .
Just how many numbers do I need to count. . .
until I can completely rid my mind of that autumn. . . that final farewell. . .?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
//8 years later. . .// A small plane landed near Osaka Airport. After the roaring had stopped, the door slowly opened. Out marched out a very handsome man, lean body, grey hair, and mesmerizing purple eyes. He was wearing an off-white turtleneck, accompanied by a sparklingly clean pair of white pants. He looked around, his hand dug deep into his pocket. The wind cajoled with his hair, and he let a small smile occupy his lips.
"Young master!"
The man sighed in annoyance and looked to his left. There stood an old man in a suit, panting before him. "I'm so glad your flight was safe."
"Not every plane crashes into the atlantic ocean everytime it takes flight," he muttered coolly. "So. Where am I staying?"
"We found a very quiet place for you, Master Yuki. Osaka hotel. The best room there. A full balcony, as you requested." The older man bowed.
"Very well." Yuki turned his cold gaze on the man. "Let's go then."
Yuki stepped into the limousine. He let his servant close the door, and continued to stare out the window. It had been over ten years since his return to his homeland in Japan. Relationships with his father hadn't been the best . . . with him getting remarried and all.
Sighing, Yuki closed his eyes. Things had changed so much since then. After being forced to study Art Engineering, He had met some very strange people. . . and gone through very strange things. Now he was back . . .in the heart of Osaka, where he was born.
Yuki drifted off into a silent sleep. In a few minutes, he was aroused, as they were parked in front of their hotel. All his luggage had already been unloaded, and he stepped into his room. It was pure luxury. Yuki didn't care. "So? What's the name of my new maid?"
"It says that her name is Miss Honda, master." The older man replied, crinkling his eyebrows to read the catalogue. "She is 34, married, has two children, and is currently living in the dormitory here."
"Alright then." Yuki replied, before taking a seat in his couch. "Leave me now. Your duty is fulfilled."
The man bowed and left the room. Yuki picked up the phone. He dialed the maid room. "Moshi-moshi? This is room number 271. I would like to speak to Miss Honda, please."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A thin girl in a short, tight gray uniform marched up and down the maid room, nervous and giggling. Her brown hair was tied up in a bun, wrapped up in a blue ribbon, and her blue eyes darted around the room nervously.
Another girl laughed in the corner. "Aww, come on, Tohru. It can't be that bad. The fact that you got chosen as the great Sohma's personal maid is an immense honour!"
Tohru looked at her friend. "You really think so, Hasegawa?" she said. "But. . . what if he sees me? He'll KNOW I'm not 34. Or married. Or a mother."
"That's why I told you not to send him wrong information!" Hasegawa laughed. "It's not protection. That's just a lie that will be known in a matter of minutes!"
Tohru nervously continued to pace. Being a personal maid for someone, especially the Sohmas, was not her idea of fun. It reminded her of too much pain . . .that everyone thought she had left behind.
Suddenly, a phonecall came. She leaped. Hasegawa got to the phone. "Hai, Osaka Hotel Maid Service Room, how may I help you?" Hasegawa gave a short nod, and passed the phone to her friend. "It's for you. The Sohma."
The girl's heart skipped a beat. "Oh dear," she said, as she reached for the phone. If it was a Sohma, they would know her. All her relatives had heard of her and the crisis that had happened eight years ago! What would happen? What if it was. . . but then. . .
She shakily took the phone. "M-m-moshi moshi?"
"Ah. Miss Honda? This is Yuki Sohma, the man you will serve from today," came a cold voice from the other end.
Yuki? She had never heard of that name before. Somehow it relieved her. "H- hai. What can I do for you?"
"I'd like to see you. . . from your voice, you sound different from your profile." He responded.
She jumped. This man was very good at telling the truth. "But, sir, I don't see guests unless there is work to be done."
"Don't be stubborn. Fine. I'll go there then." With this, the strange man hung up.
The girl placed the receiver back. She waited. Minutes later, a composed, handsome man came into the room. His grey hair dangled by his left eye, partially covering the purple glaze. His back was leaned against the door, a weak smile playing at his lips. "Thirty-four, married, and two children, eh, Miss Honda?"
The girl gulped. She stood up and bowed. "Gomenasai! I didn't mean it! I was just so taken aback by the fact that you were a Sohma and that I had become your maid that I put fake information! Please accept my sincerest apologies!"
Yuki shook his head. "I'll only accept it if you tell me your real identity. Who are you?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A figure marched down the gravel path of the outskirts of Tokyo. This part had always been the countryside, the path filled with so many memories for him. His footsteps traced every rock, every grain lying in the path. How he had spent his childhood days here, and how he got ripped out of it. . . as if waking up from a dream.
He had returned sooner than he had expected. Early September's trees had started to grow orange, matching his bright hair. He could witness some yellow, but mostly, it was still light green. He sighed. He sat at the side of the road. He looked towards his old home - he was glad it was still there, undisturbed. He also spotted two rusty bikes . . . a small yellow one and a plain metal one.
The figure jogged up to the metal one, placing his hand along the rims. Touching it brought fond memories. He smiled softly to himself. How he missed it.
He took a seat on the white bench situated on their porch. He crossed his legs and stripped his jacket, willing to feel the cool autumn breeze on his arms. Dressed in a pair of cargo pants and a black t-shirt, the man let his crimson eyes close, dreaming. . . of eight years ago.
Suddenly, his cellphone came to life, playing his song. He read the number. Sighing, he lifted it to his ear. An orange kitty charm dangled from the antenna, and he looked at it fondly before brushing it away. He spoke into his phone. "Kagura."
"Kyou-kun~~~" A whiny voice greeted him on the other end. "How's Japan, Kyou-kun? Is it good to be back? Oh but Kyou-kun I miss you so much!!!!!"
Kyou pulled the phone from his ear. "Oi, Kagura, stop squealing! You'll see me in one damn day!"
"Aww, Kyou-kun, but one day is too long!" Kagura wailed.
Kyou sighed. "So. What are you calling for?"
"To remind you of our engagement, of course!" She sang. "It'll happen as SOON as I get off the plane tomorrow! So be ready!"
Kyou sighed. "Whatever."
"AWW! KYOU-KUN! You are so cute!" Kagura said. "BUT HOW DARE YOU SAY WHATEVER TO SUCH AN IMPORTANT EVENT!?!?"
He was glad that Kagura was not at his side to pummel him to death at that very moment. He waited for her rage to calm. Then he let her launch into conversation. She talked about the moments they had together, how they met. . . he had heard this story a bit too many times. But he was glad. . . Kagura had been very comforting over the past years, and he was glad he had found a friend. She had devoted herself to him, with so much faith had placed all her love into him. . . he could only remember one other person who did that, and somehow, as annoying as his fiancé was, she was much more than a small piece of comfort. What he felt for this girl was unknown even to him . . . he couldn't justify if it was love or not, but the fact that he was becoming engaged to her didn't serve as a problem, so he just shrugged off the uncertainty. Besides. . . she had also accepted him, seven years ago, that one time when his bracelet had been ripped off. . . she had stared. . . then she had coaxed him, too, with the same warm smile. . .
"Ne, ne, Kyou-kun," Kagura continued to talk. "Do you remember what you asked me. . . the first time we dated?"
Kyou sighed. How could he forget. "I asked you what you wanted to be in your next life."
"Well Kyou kun, do you remember my answer too?"
Kyou smiled. "Yeah. A tree."
"YES! KYOU-KUN YOU'RE SUCH A SWEETIE FOR REMEMBERING SUCH THINGS!" Kagura screamed. Kyou flinched. "I love you, Kyou-kun! You're my first love! And therefore, tomorrow, I shall firmly plant my roots into you. Now, no one can split you and me up!"
Kyou sighed. "Yeah. Okay."
Kagura seemed to ponder. "Ne, Kyou-kun. Who's YOUR first love? Huh? Huh? Please tell me~ Oh Kyou-kun~ I won't get mad if it isn't me! I promise!"
Kyou hung onto the thought. First love . . . like the coming and lifting of a silent autumn, replaced by a cold, harsh winter . . . the one thing that he wanted most , the one thing that he wanted to treasure . . . when it had been taken away . . .
"First love. . ." Kyou whispered, floating into a daze. "That would have to be. . ."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The girl looked up. She had definitely not seen him before. And it seemed to her as if this Sohma knew nothing of her, and her past. She was relieved. She plastered on her most grateful smile. "I'm Tohru." She replied. "Honda Tohru."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Tree." Kyou finalized, the name sounding like sweet candy, and he could almost remember her smiling and laughing again. . . almost. "A tree. . . My onigiri."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * R&R! Onegai!!! ^.^