Disclaimers: I own nada.
A/N: Thanks to all who reviewed! So much support. . . I'm going to cry. ^_^ Thank you to Illia Sadri for the advice with Yuki's mother. I will take that into account in my next fic, which I have already started. ^^;;;
Just for the info, this fic will NOT be a Yukiru. But I put it in my summary because there are quite a few elements that suggest this pairing. My mind will not change. This is going to remain a Kyoru until the end. ^_^
But I have recently started another fic, based on winter, and this is a Yukiru. I will post it as soon as I finish editing it. It's called "Winter's Sonata", and it is yet another parody of an amazing Korean show.
So, without further blabbery, here is the next chapter! ^_^ Enjoy!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The way she smiled, the way her hands moved across the rays of the sun, the way her eyes twinkled to a special moment, the way her cheeks flushed in the heat, the way her hair always managed to get entangled with the falling leaves. . . everything about this girl made Yuki's heart shiver. Shiver while the wall crumbled, shiver as a new flower began to bloom deep within his soul, as the icy interior began to melt under the warm pressure.
Three days had passed since his coming to Japan. Kagura still lay at the hospital, arm damaged under the heavy weight of the truck. Yuki sighed. His best friend's engagement had been ruined, and to both Kyou and Kagura, it was disappointing news. Even though the miniscule ring lay peacefully intertwined within her long fingers, the fact that the future bride had been crushed under a truck totally destroyed the mood. Also due to the fact that today was Kyou's birthday.
Yuki gloated as he watched the golf ball flutter into the hole. Tohru jumped with glee, her pigtails bounding off of her slender shoulders. She applauded Yuki's performance, all the while screaming, "You're wonderful, Yuki-kun!"
Yes, Yuki-kun. Something about her calling him by his first name made his bones tingle, in pleasure, and in appreciation. This was the first time he had allowed anyone to call him by his first name, outside of the family. Over the course of three days, the bond between the two had bloated to a near maximum, and Tohru had become an important friend. Possibly more, but that was only in the eyes of the prince.
Yuki continued to stare at the girl, her blue eyes shimmering with joy as she rushed to pick up the ball. Her long, slender neck lay bare, and this automatically brought thoughts to Yuki's mind. Diamond? Ruby? No. . . something as blue as the sea. Yeah, that would suit perfectly. Then he snapped back into reality. What was happening to me? It had only been two full days, yet he found himself falling for her already. This was too sudden. He would be hurt. Bashed, bruised from past experiences, he wouldn't let himself be taken over by this girl.
But something about that smile made him feel safe. Her welcoming eyes, homely aura, it made him want to draw nearer, and share every heartbeat with her. Every living second. He just wanted to be by her side, as a companion, as a friend.
As the one she truly loved.
"Yuki-kun!" Tohru called, "It's 1:23! You'll be late for your lunch meeting!"
"Hmm? Ah. . .Un." Yuki replied, snapping away from his daze. "Arigatou, Honda-san. Meet me back out here around. . . 2:30."
"Hai!" Tohru chorused, as she skipped away, the heavy golf backpack slung over her small back. Yuki couldn't help but notice the struggle of strength beneath the sunny smile. He marched towards her in long strides, taking her free hand into his pale one.
Tohru looked up. "Eh? Yuki-kun?"
Yuki smiled one of his rare ones, burning colour into Tohru's cheeks. "Let me help you with that, Honda-san."
"Ara? Ah, no, Yuki-kun, I can. . . ah. . ." Tohru resisted, but to no avail. Yuki had already carelessly taken the bag and had, with great agility, begun marching with it, slung across his shoulders. All the while, not letting Tohru's hand go.
Tohru felt herself withdraw from the magical moment she experienced seconds ago, and a delicate smile was painted. She had finally been able to reach out to him, and give him her love. Now, the icy behaviour and the fake politeness had mostly melted away, leaving a composed yet friendly, shy but daring and a princey but brotherly Yuki. He had even offered her a hand of friendship, by allowing himself to be called by his first name. All in a matter of a few days. She clung onto his hand for support, as she thanked the heavens for giving her such a wonderful figure.
Yuki blushed as he felt Tohru squeeze his hand. Even though the backpack was a considerable amount of weight, he didn't mind. Because she was there. Holding him for comfort and sureness. She was the one person he had opened up to, to trust, and the one person he wanted to be with. He had never experienced this before. Now he was caught in her web, like a fly in a spider's, except he wanted to be there. He realized that now, that he wanted to be with her. In such short time he had grown fond of her, and had learned to be friends with someone. Had learned the meaning of welcoming and home. He was tripping, steadily, and slowly, for her. Tripping, maybe already tripped. He could feel his ankle deep within the mud of "love". But he didn't mind. Out of the corner of his purple eyes, he saw her there, the sunlight emitting off of her figures, making her brilliant existence even more so.
The two marched hand in hand towards the hotel, smiling, and arranging small talk. Yuki ignored the stares, the whispers of "Sohma and maid" arranged all over them. He didn't care.
Because, he realized now, he just wanted to be with her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"You can leave now. Just drop by next week and we'll see how your arm's doing." The doctor said to an overjoyed Kagura, who still managed to cling to her lover, despite her injury, cutting off most of his circulation.
"Thank you very much, sir!" Kagura squealed, as she dragged the half dead cat back to her hospital room, where she would pack up.
Kyou brushed his arm, massaging it, trying to get the blood back in it. "Oi, are you sure about this? You sure you don't want to finish up our engagement in Tokyo?"
Kagura smiled. "I'm sure. Besides, I like Osaka better. Plus, today's your birthday! I have a special present for you there, anyway."
Kyou grunted. He was worried about her arm, and about her strange behavior. Had she matured all of a sudden? The old Kagura would have for sure continued the engagement right then and there, and if said otherwise, she would pummel him. But she said she would wait. Kyou smiled. He figured he liked this version of her much better.
Then he started reminiscing. Did his heart belong to Kagura? Did he love her? He figured he did. But he was never sure from the beginning. He adored her as a sister, as a motherly figure, someone he can turn to, someone he wanted to treasure. But. . . even though he didn't mind the idea of getting married to her, he did mind something. But he never knew what, and he couldn't figure it out.
Kagura didn't like where this was going. Kyou seemed to be deep in thought during the two nights, even though his body watched over her, his mind seemed to wander somewhere else. She was scared of losing him, as she almost did countless times in America. He had pushed her away, vigorously, that fateful night when he had transformed. She had screamed at him from afar, caring words, and had even managed to take steps towards him, and bring her fingers onto his dead skin. She had clung on to his arm, begging him to return. And he had. And he had held her, tightly. Warmly.
That was what ultimately brought the two close. And she loved every moment she shared with him, but somehow, he had always been far away. Unreachable, he had been in his own cage, thinking forever. He retaliated in a brash manner, to keep the hidden feeling his own. And this upset her. This would be her final chance to see his heart, and to see where it belonged. By letting him roam free, it was her chance if he was willing to return to her.
Kagura grabbed Kyou's hand tightly in her own. Kyou looked up, and she smiled. He had no choice but to smile back. "Kyou-kun, what do you want to do for your birthday?"
Kyou shrugged. "I don't know. You got any ideas?"
Kagura smiled widely. "I know the perfect place, Kyou-kun! You know, your ocean? Let's go there! I have something to show you!"
Something to show me. . . Kyou thought. There's nothing there, except for the ocean itself. By existing, the blue waters, the clear, grainy sand, and the forceful wind, showed him enough of his past, enough of his memories.
Enough of her.
"Let's go, Kyou-kun!" Kagura whined, pulling him out of the hotel. Kyou obliged, dragging Kagura's luggage behind him.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tohru stood, terrified, against the white wall, as the head of the maid institute paced around her, as her fellow maids looked on. "What have you been doing, you witch, manipulating one of our guests?"
"I. . . I don't understand," Tohru squeaked.
"You were witnessed by almost the entire hotel, you and the Prince, holding hands while he went for his lunch meeting," she barked back.
Tohru tried to explain. "Sempai, we're good friends and he offered to help me, and I took it, and we were just holding hands-"
"JUST holding hands?" the head screeched, "You are a maid! That Sohma boy is an important part of our Hotel industry! If the Master Sohma were to know about this, he would never visit our hotel again! Do you not understand? You are jeopardizing all the maids' situations!"
Tohru shook her head. "It isn't like that! We're just friends! Sempai, I've- "
"You've manipulated the boy's mind, Honda Tohru. The whole hotel is pointing fingers, and no doubt the world will get to the head office. From this moment on, you will be excluded from this institute. We will replace you with Seiichi Hasegawa."
"NO! Please, you can't, I need this money, please, sempai. . ." Tohru begged, crystal tears shredding down her cheeks.
"Get out. And don't come back," the head mistress coldly replied.
Tohru wept on the floor. She felt the cold surface underneath her skin and bare legs, as she felt the others move around, vibrations underneath her finger nails. It isn't fair. How could this happen to her? Moreover, she put her newfound friend and former master in danger. How could this happen?
Tohru slowly got up. She wiped her tears away bravely, and smiled. All will work out for the best, she thought. If I can't get the money by working, I have only one other choice.
That man. . .
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Yuki hurriedly rushed into his vehicle, a small box in his hand. He stared at it before stepping on the pedal. A white box, neatly tied with a silver ribbon. He smiled. Honda-san would appreciate this. His heart began to throb with anxiety as he imagined her gleeful face, opening the box slowly, then lunging into thanks and speeches of appreciation.
Yuki arrived at the hotel just moments after he had left the jewelry shop. He knew that he would be in trouble for skipping the meeting, but that didn't matter. This new found warmth, the feeling that Tohru had given him, he had to repay her. He lunged into the maid institute, knowing that this was her break time, but found an empty room, occupied only by two maids and the head. However, the room seemed empty anyway, especially since Tohru had gone.
Shuffling the box into his coat pocket, he stepped into the room, composed, much like a prince. Ignoring the jaw drops from the three occupants, he flashed a cold smile. "Is Honda Tohru here?" he asked.
The head of the maid stood up and bowed. "Sohma-sama, Honda Tohru has left this institute a couple of hours ago."
"Oh, I see. When will she be getting back?" Yuki questioned, completely missing the point.
"Sohma-sama, I'm afraid that she will not be returning, as she has left the hotel. She doesn't work here anymore," the head explained.
"Oh, I see. So when will -" Yuki began to say again, until the idea sank into him. His icy glare was removed, replaced by a look of sheer surprise. "What? She left?"
Receiving a nod from the head mistress, Yuki pondered. Left? The hotel? But I haven't. . . why? Why?
He glared at the head mistress. "She can't do that. She. . . she's. . . Where does she live?"
She looked taken aback. "I'm sorry, Sohma-sama, I'm afraid we can't disclose-"
"TELL ME! WHERE DOES SHE LIVE!?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou looked to his right to witness a sleeping Kagura. She was so peaceful when she slept, so different from the energetic, hyper, violent mood she seemed to always be deposited in. He smiled as he noticed the dying rays of the sun play with the contours on her small, shy face.
Other than that one person he kept buried in his heart, Kagura must know him the best. There was the prince, but even though they relied on each other, there was a secret barrier he was never able to pass. Other than the fact that he was the cat and Yuki was the mouse, there was a slight difference in their egos that neither could ever overcome. It could never be pieced. The gap would continue to widen, until it would eventually break them both. But Kagura, from the start, had been so open to him. There was that fact that she was overly obsessed with him, but she had always been there to understand, to accept, to heal.
They were heading towards his ocean. The ocean that he and Tohru had shared. He cringed at the painful memories, the final goodbye, her teary wails and her heavy collapse. He found it to be hard to concentrate on the road ahead of him. But thinking of her always brought happy memories as well, things he knew he could never let go. She had been such a shining star in his life. Such a great person, someone he could always forgive and comfort.
Then she had been wrenched away.
But Kyou didn't want to think about that, not now, while everything was so calm. Not on his birthday. But every single day he woke to the idea that he wanted to see her again, and every night he slept with the unrequited love. The wish that he could see her, mend her broken soul, and stay with her. Forever.
Kyou turned his crimson eyes back onto the road.
Kyou drove into the country road of Osaka, that headed almost directly towards the ocean. He passed the many old shops and stores lining the road delicately. He passed a small shack. His eyes lingered on the building a while. Something about that place was calling him, motioning for him to come. But Kyou shrugged it off. Everything about this city seemed to piece him together. That was why he had looked for Tohru here first. But he hadn't found her.
Sighing, Kyou continued to drive.
A small girl, accompanied by an old man marched by the car. Her brown hair swept against the window.
Kyou didn't look up.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
She let him take her hand, as she felt the old skin touch her delicate flesh. She let him lead her around everywhere. She smiled politely, she responded to his questions. She even let him stroke his fingers through her long, smooth hair. Did she feel good about it? No. She struggled to keep her tears hidden, even though she was never good at it.
But she had no choice but to be with him. She needed the money. Her mother needed the money.
Soon, they had reached the ocean. Her ocean. She couldn't believe that she had visited this place with HIM. She only remembered good things about this ocean. She didn't feel like sharing any pieces. Especially not on Kyou- kun's birthday.
Tohru looked up from her feet to see a man. His purple eyes had hardened, fixating a piercing, accusing, devastated look at her. White fists clenched, his long, slender legs started to carry themselves across the sand, towards her. His grey hair billowed with the harsh ocean wind, as the same breeze flew by Tohru, messing up her hair as well.
"Yuki. . . kun. . ."
He marched over quickly, taking Tohru's free hand.
"You're coming with me."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
He drove like a madman. Traffic lights didn't matter. Pedestrians, stop signs, whatnot, he didn't care. He just needed to find her.
When he arrived at her small shack, she wasn't there. From her mother's drunken mouth came the words 'ocean'. There was only one ocean around here.
Then he had seen her. With some old crazy businessman. He had dragged Tohru very forcefully, happy to have found her, upset and angry that she had left, and a strong possessive power dawning on him. He had dragged her, up here, around the cliffs of the ocean, her shack just down the hill, where he had stopped.
To see her cry.
"Yuki-kun. . . you can't. . . I can't. . ." she started to say.
"Why are you stuck with a man like him? You deserve so much better, Honda- san!" He screamed.
"Yuki-kun. . . I need the money. He's willing to give it to us if I marry him. He says he loves me, more than anything. Isn't that enough? Isn't being loved enough to sustain you?" Tohru choked, tears streaming down.
Yuki looked down at the girl. Something in his heart ripped. She didn't understand how much she meant to him. She. . . she was sacrificing so much for her mother.
"This. . . this ocean is a special place for me." Tohru continued. "I don't want it to be wrecked. I. . . I want to forget today. . . I'm. . ."
Yuki held her hand. "I'll take you home, Honda-san."
Tohru nodded. "Hai." * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
She saw it. A fleck of orange hair, a shy grin, and the eyes she could never forget. Hard core crimson.
She paused. Yuki was by her side, stopping and waiting for her. She looked towards the white car, cruising by, heading for the ocean.
The ocean?
"Strange. That's Kyou's car." Yuki mumbled.
Tohru swerved around, blue eyes wide, hopeful, surprised. "Kyou? Yuki-kun, is your friend, that recently got engaged. . . is his name Kyou Sohma?"
"Un. Actually, we're more like cousins. Really distant ones." Yuki replied, confused.
Tears began to swell in the girl's eyes again. I found him. . . I found him. . . it's like a hide and seek game got prolonged. How could I be so stupid? Sohma. . . sohma. . . The familiar voice on the phone, the small kitty charm, and the sheepish apology.
She ran after the disappeared car like a straight arrow. Yuki was bewildered. He chased after her, watching her from afar.
"Kyou-kun. . ." Tohru repeated. "Kyou-kun . . . this time, wait for me. . ."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou was shocked. He never knew a place like this existed, out on the outskirts of his ocean. A small cabin, three rooms, a washroom and a kitchen, lay on a small patch of land just above the crashing waves. According to Kagura, it was his now. His home, where he will stay.
Kyou was so overjoyed, he figured he could hug is fiancé. But he decided against it. He never displayed his emotions that way, not ever. He only reserved things like that for her.
"How do you like it, Kyou-kun?" Kagura chimed.
". . . uhn." Was all he could say.
He felt Kagura's hands choke him, as she rushed to give him a huge hug, screaming happy birthday into his ears. After he had wrenched her off of him, the two walked out towards the ocean.
The autumn breeze mingled with Kyou's sweater as the young boy walked around in the sand, absorbed in his childhood memories. Eight years ago. . . the last day that he had been granted with her. The last chance that he had, to tell her how much he cared. The last chance, that he let the autumn breeze take. He had let her go. There was nothing that he was able to do.
He had been useless. He had been so aware of all the pain she was going through, yet he had been powerless to stop it.
"I'm a coward." Kyou whispered.
Picking up a jagged rock, he whipped it out along the clear waters of the blue sea. He watched it land, a small plop marking its new home.
He drank in the salty air. No matter where he moved, no matter where he was, he knew his heart always belonged here.
"Tadaima." Kyou whispered.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tohru ran, as fast as her legs could possibly carry her. The cargo pants, the leather jacket. . . it was so much of her brother. She could see his figure in the distance, even through her eyes clouded with tears.
She was almost there. She knew what she would do.
And this time, she was never letting go.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kagura turned towards the cliff, to see a grey haired man look down at her and Kyou. "Yun-chan?" She thought, puzzled by his sudden appearance. Then she looked back at Kyou. A small girl was inches away from him, her arms in front of her, crying, her hair falling back with the wind.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou looked at the puzzled Kagura. Why is she looking at me that way? Then he heard it. The light footsteps. The pitter patter of tears onto the sand.
Just as soon as he was about to turn around, she crushed into his back, her small hands latching around his broad shoulders, her cheek pressed between his shoulder blades, where she knew it wouldn't hurt. He felt her hot tears soak through his jacket.
"Kyou-kun. . ." she breathed.
Kyou felt bewilderment, happiness, surprise. Tears surged. There was only one person that did this to him.
"Tohru. . ." he said, choking on his own tears. "is. . . is it really Tohru?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
R&R! Onegai!
A/N: Thanks to all who reviewed! So much support. . . I'm going to cry. ^_^ Thank you to Illia Sadri for the advice with Yuki's mother. I will take that into account in my next fic, which I have already started. ^^;;;
Just for the info, this fic will NOT be a Yukiru. But I put it in my summary because there are quite a few elements that suggest this pairing. My mind will not change. This is going to remain a Kyoru until the end. ^_^
But I have recently started another fic, based on winter, and this is a Yukiru. I will post it as soon as I finish editing it. It's called "Winter's Sonata", and it is yet another parody of an amazing Korean show.
So, without further blabbery, here is the next chapter! ^_^ Enjoy!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The way she smiled, the way her hands moved across the rays of the sun, the way her eyes twinkled to a special moment, the way her cheeks flushed in the heat, the way her hair always managed to get entangled with the falling leaves. . . everything about this girl made Yuki's heart shiver. Shiver while the wall crumbled, shiver as a new flower began to bloom deep within his soul, as the icy interior began to melt under the warm pressure.
Three days had passed since his coming to Japan. Kagura still lay at the hospital, arm damaged under the heavy weight of the truck. Yuki sighed. His best friend's engagement had been ruined, and to both Kyou and Kagura, it was disappointing news. Even though the miniscule ring lay peacefully intertwined within her long fingers, the fact that the future bride had been crushed under a truck totally destroyed the mood. Also due to the fact that today was Kyou's birthday.
Yuki gloated as he watched the golf ball flutter into the hole. Tohru jumped with glee, her pigtails bounding off of her slender shoulders. She applauded Yuki's performance, all the while screaming, "You're wonderful, Yuki-kun!"
Yes, Yuki-kun. Something about her calling him by his first name made his bones tingle, in pleasure, and in appreciation. This was the first time he had allowed anyone to call him by his first name, outside of the family. Over the course of three days, the bond between the two had bloated to a near maximum, and Tohru had become an important friend. Possibly more, but that was only in the eyes of the prince.
Yuki continued to stare at the girl, her blue eyes shimmering with joy as she rushed to pick up the ball. Her long, slender neck lay bare, and this automatically brought thoughts to Yuki's mind. Diamond? Ruby? No. . . something as blue as the sea. Yeah, that would suit perfectly. Then he snapped back into reality. What was happening to me? It had only been two full days, yet he found himself falling for her already. This was too sudden. He would be hurt. Bashed, bruised from past experiences, he wouldn't let himself be taken over by this girl.
But something about that smile made him feel safe. Her welcoming eyes, homely aura, it made him want to draw nearer, and share every heartbeat with her. Every living second. He just wanted to be by her side, as a companion, as a friend.
As the one she truly loved.
"Yuki-kun!" Tohru called, "It's 1:23! You'll be late for your lunch meeting!"
"Hmm? Ah. . .Un." Yuki replied, snapping away from his daze. "Arigatou, Honda-san. Meet me back out here around. . . 2:30."
"Hai!" Tohru chorused, as she skipped away, the heavy golf backpack slung over her small back. Yuki couldn't help but notice the struggle of strength beneath the sunny smile. He marched towards her in long strides, taking her free hand into his pale one.
Tohru looked up. "Eh? Yuki-kun?"
Yuki smiled one of his rare ones, burning colour into Tohru's cheeks. "Let me help you with that, Honda-san."
"Ara? Ah, no, Yuki-kun, I can. . . ah. . ." Tohru resisted, but to no avail. Yuki had already carelessly taken the bag and had, with great agility, begun marching with it, slung across his shoulders. All the while, not letting Tohru's hand go.
Tohru felt herself withdraw from the magical moment she experienced seconds ago, and a delicate smile was painted. She had finally been able to reach out to him, and give him her love. Now, the icy behaviour and the fake politeness had mostly melted away, leaving a composed yet friendly, shy but daring and a princey but brotherly Yuki. He had even offered her a hand of friendship, by allowing himself to be called by his first name. All in a matter of a few days. She clung onto his hand for support, as she thanked the heavens for giving her such a wonderful figure.
Yuki blushed as he felt Tohru squeeze his hand. Even though the backpack was a considerable amount of weight, he didn't mind. Because she was there. Holding him for comfort and sureness. She was the one person he had opened up to, to trust, and the one person he wanted to be with. He had never experienced this before. Now he was caught in her web, like a fly in a spider's, except he wanted to be there. He realized that now, that he wanted to be with her. In such short time he had grown fond of her, and had learned to be friends with someone. Had learned the meaning of welcoming and home. He was tripping, steadily, and slowly, for her. Tripping, maybe already tripped. He could feel his ankle deep within the mud of "love". But he didn't mind. Out of the corner of his purple eyes, he saw her there, the sunlight emitting off of her figures, making her brilliant existence even more so.
The two marched hand in hand towards the hotel, smiling, and arranging small talk. Yuki ignored the stares, the whispers of "Sohma and maid" arranged all over them. He didn't care.
Because, he realized now, he just wanted to be with her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"You can leave now. Just drop by next week and we'll see how your arm's doing." The doctor said to an overjoyed Kagura, who still managed to cling to her lover, despite her injury, cutting off most of his circulation.
"Thank you very much, sir!" Kagura squealed, as she dragged the half dead cat back to her hospital room, where she would pack up.
Kyou brushed his arm, massaging it, trying to get the blood back in it. "Oi, are you sure about this? You sure you don't want to finish up our engagement in Tokyo?"
Kagura smiled. "I'm sure. Besides, I like Osaka better. Plus, today's your birthday! I have a special present for you there, anyway."
Kyou grunted. He was worried about her arm, and about her strange behavior. Had she matured all of a sudden? The old Kagura would have for sure continued the engagement right then and there, and if said otherwise, she would pummel him. But she said she would wait. Kyou smiled. He figured he liked this version of her much better.
Then he started reminiscing. Did his heart belong to Kagura? Did he love her? He figured he did. But he was never sure from the beginning. He adored her as a sister, as a motherly figure, someone he can turn to, someone he wanted to treasure. But. . . even though he didn't mind the idea of getting married to her, he did mind something. But he never knew what, and he couldn't figure it out.
Kagura didn't like where this was going. Kyou seemed to be deep in thought during the two nights, even though his body watched over her, his mind seemed to wander somewhere else. She was scared of losing him, as she almost did countless times in America. He had pushed her away, vigorously, that fateful night when he had transformed. She had screamed at him from afar, caring words, and had even managed to take steps towards him, and bring her fingers onto his dead skin. She had clung on to his arm, begging him to return. And he had. And he had held her, tightly. Warmly.
That was what ultimately brought the two close. And she loved every moment she shared with him, but somehow, he had always been far away. Unreachable, he had been in his own cage, thinking forever. He retaliated in a brash manner, to keep the hidden feeling his own. And this upset her. This would be her final chance to see his heart, and to see where it belonged. By letting him roam free, it was her chance if he was willing to return to her.
Kagura grabbed Kyou's hand tightly in her own. Kyou looked up, and she smiled. He had no choice but to smile back. "Kyou-kun, what do you want to do for your birthday?"
Kyou shrugged. "I don't know. You got any ideas?"
Kagura smiled widely. "I know the perfect place, Kyou-kun! You know, your ocean? Let's go there! I have something to show you!"
Something to show me. . . Kyou thought. There's nothing there, except for the ocean itself. By existing, the blue waters, the clear, grainy sand, and the forceful wind, showed him enough of his past, enough of his memories.
Enough of her.
"Let's go, Kyou-kun!" Kagura whined, pulling him out of the hotel. Kyou obliged, dragging Kagura's luggage behind him.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tohru stood, terrified, against the white wall, as the head of the maid institute paced around her, as her fellow maids looked on. "What have you been doing, you witch, manipulating one of our guests?"
"I. . . I don't understand," Tohru squeaked.
"You were witnessed by almost the entire hotel, you and the Prince, holding hands while he went for his lunch meeting," she barked back.
Tohru tried to explain. "Sempai, we're good friends and he offered to help me, and I took it, and we were just holding hands-"
"JUST holding hands?" the head screeched, "You are a maid! That Sohma boy is an important part of our Hotel industry! If the Master Sohma were to know about this, he would never visit our hotel again! Do you not understand? You are jeopardizing all the maids' situations!"
Tohru shook her head. "It isn't like that! We're just friends! Sempai, I've- "
"You've manipulated the boy's mind, Honda Tohru. The whole hotel is pointing fingers, and no doubt the world will get to the head office. From this moment on, you will be excluded from this institute. We will replace you with Seiichi Hasegawa."
"NO! Please, you can't, I need this money, please, sempai. . ." Tohru begged, crystal tears shredding down her cheeks.
"Get out. And don't come back," the head mistress coldly replied.
Tohru wept on the floor. She felt the cold surface underneath her skin and bare legs, as she felt the others move around, vibrations underneath her finger nails. It isn't fair. How could this happen to her? Moreover, she put her newfound friend and former master in danger. How could this happen?
Tohru slowly got up. She wiped her tears away bravely, and smiled. All will work out for the best, she thought. If I can't get the money by working, I have only one other choice.
That man. . .
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Yuki hurriedly rushed into his vehicle, a small box in his hand. He stared at it before stepping on the pedal. A white box, neatly tied with a silver ribbon. He smiled. Honda-san would appreciate this. His heart began to throb with anxiety as he imagined her gleeful face, opening the box slowly, then lunging into thanks and speeches of appreciation.
Yuki arrived at the hotel just moments after he had left the jewelry shop. He knew that he would be in trouble for skipping the meeting, but that didn't matter. This new found warmth, the feeling that Tohru had given him, he had to repay her. He lunged into the maid institute, knowing that this was her break time, but found an empty room, occupied only by two maids and the head. However, the room seemed empty anyway, especially since Tohru had gone.
Shuffling the box into his coat pocket, he stepped into the room, composed, much like a prince. Ignoring the jaw drops from the three occupants, he flashed a cold smile. "Is Honda Tohru here?" he asked.
The head of the maid stood up and bowed. "Sohma-sama, Honda Tohru has left this institute a couple of hours ago."
"Oh, I see. When will she be getting back?" Yuki questioned, completely missing the point.
"Sohma-sama, I'm afraid that she will not be returning, as she has left the hotel. She doesn't work here anymore," the head explained.
"Oh, I see. So when will -" Yuki began to say again, until the idea sank into him. His icy glare was removed, replaced by a look of sheer surprise. "What? She left?"
Receiving a nod from the head mistress, Yuki pondered. Left? The hotel? But I haven't. . . why? Why?
He glared at the head mistress. "She can't do that. She. . . she's. . . Where does she live?"
She looked taken aback. "I'm sorry, Sohma-sama, I'm afraid we can't disclose-"
"TELL ME! WHERE DOES SHE LIVE!?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou looked to his right to witness a sleeping Kagura. She was so peaceful when she slept, so different from the energetic, hyper, violent mood she seemed to always be deposited in. He smiled as he noticed the dying rays of the sun play with the contours on her small, shy face.
Other than that one person he kept buried in his heart, Kagura must know him the best. There was the prince, but even though they relied on each other, there was a secret barrier he was never able to pass. Other than the fact that he was the cat and Yuki was the mouse, there was a slight difference in their egos that neither could ever overcome. It could never be pieced. The gap would continue to widen, until it would eventually break them both. But Kagura, from the start, had been so open to him. There was that fact that she was overly obsessed with him, but she had always been there to understand, to accept, to heal.
They were heading towards his ocean. The ocean that he and Tohru had shared. He cringed at the painful memories, the final goodbye, her teary wails and her heavy collapse. He found it to be hard to concentrate on the road ahead of him. But thinking of her always brought happy memories as well, things he knew he could never let go. She had been such a shining star in his life. Such a great person, someone he could always forgive and comfort.
Then she had been wrenched away.
But Kyou didn't want to think about that, not now, while everything was so calm. Not on his birthday. But every single day he woke to the idea that he wanted to see her again, and every night he slept with the unrequited love. The wish that he could see her, mend her broken soul, and stay with her. Forever.
Kyou turned his crimson eyes back onto the road.
Kyou drove into the country road of Osaka, that headed almost directly towards the ocean. He passed the many old shops and stores lining the road delicately. He passed a small shack. His eyes lingered on the building a while. Something about that place was calling him, motioning for him to come. But Kyou shrugged it off. Everything about this city seemed to piece him together. That was why he had looked for Tohru here first. But he hadn't found her.
Sighing, Kyou continued to drive.
A small girl, accompanied by an old man marched by the car. Her brown hair swept against the window.
Kyou didn't look up.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
She let him take her hand, as she felt the old skin touch her delicate flesh. She let him lead her around everywhere. She smiled politely, she responded to his questions. She even let him stroke his fingers through her long, smooth hair. Did she feel good about it? No. She struggled to keep her tears hidden, even though she was never good at it.
But she had no choice but to be with him. She needed the money. Her mother needed the money.
Soon, they had reached the ocean. Her ocean. She couldn't believe that she had visited this place with HIM. She only remembered good things about this ocean. She didn't feel like sharing any pieces. Especially not on Kyou- kun's birthday.
Tohru looked up from her feet to see a man. His purple eyes had hardened, fixating a piercing, accusing, devastated look at her. White fists clenched, his long, slender legs started to carry themselves across the sand, towards her. His grey hair billowed with the harsh ocean wind, as the same breeze flew by Tohru, messing up her hair as well.
"Yuki. . . kun. . ."
He marched over quickly, taking Tohru's free hand.
"You're coming with me."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
He drove like a madman. Traffic lights didn't matter. Pedestrians, stop signs, whatnot, he didn't care. He just needed to find her.
When he arrived at her small shack, she wasn't there. From her mother's drunken mouth came the words 'ocean'. There was only one ocean around here.
Then he had seen her. With some old crazy businessman. He had dragged Tohru very forcefully, happy to have found her, upset and angry that she had left, and a strong possessive power dawning on him. He had dragged her, up here, around the cliffs of the ocean, her shack just down the hill, where he had stopped.
To see her cry.
"Yuki-kun. . . you can't. . . I can't. . ." she started to say.
"Why are you stuck with a man like him? You deserve so much better, Honda- san!" He screamed.
"Yuki-kun. . . I need the money. He's willing to give it to us if I marry him. He says he loves me, more than anything. Isn't that enough? Isn't being loved enough to sustain you?" Tohru choked, tears streaming down.
Yuki looked down at the girl. Something in his heart ripped. She didn't understand how much she meant to him. She. . . she was sacrificing so much for her mother.
"This. . . this ocean is a special place for me." Tohru continued. "I don't want it to be wrecked. I. . . I want to forget today. . . I'm. . ."
Yuki held her hand. "I'll take you home, Honda-san."
Tohru nodded. "Hai." * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
She saw it. A fleck of orange hair, a shy grin, and the eyes she could never forget. Hard core crimson.
She paused. Yuki was by her side, stopping and waiting for her. She looked towards the white car, cruising by, heading for the ocean.
The ocean?
"Strange. That's Kyou's car." Yuki mumbled.
Tohru swerved around, blue eyes wide, hopeful, surprised. "Kyou? Yuki-kun, is your friend, that recently got engaged. . . is his name Kyou Sohma?"
"Un. Actually, we're more like cousins. Really distant ones." Yuki replied, confused.
Tears began to swell in the girl's eyes again. I found him. . . I found him. . . it's like a hide and seek game got prolonged. How could I be so stupid? Sohma. . . sohma. . . The familiar voice on the phone, the small kitty charm, and the sheepish apology.
She ran after the disappeared car like a straight arrow. Yuki was bewildered. He chased after her, watching her from afar.
"Kyou-kun. . ." Tohru repeated. "Kyou-kun . . . this time, wait for me. . ."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou was shocked. He never knew a place like this existed, out on the outskirts of his ocean. A small cabin, three rooms, a washroom and a kitchen, lay on a small patch of land just above the crashing waves. According to Kagura, it was his now. His home, where he will stay.
Kyou was so overjoyed, he figured he could hug is fiancé. But he decided against it. He never displayed his emotions that way, not ever. He only reserved things like that for her.
"How do you like it, Kyou-kun?" Kagura chimed.
". . . uhn." Was all he could say.
He felt Kagura's hands choke him, as she rushed to give him a huge hug, screaming happy birthday into his ears. After he had wrenched her off of him, the two walked out towards the ocean.
The autumn breeze mingled with Kyou's sweater as the young boy walked around in the sand, absorbed in his childhood memories. Eight years ago. . . the last day that he had been granted with her. The last chance that he had, to tell her how much he cared. The last chance, that he let the autumn breeze take. He had let her go. There was nothing that he was able to do.
He had been useless. He had been so aware of all the pain she was going through, yet he had been powerless to stop it.
"I'm a coward." Kyou whispered.
Picking up a jagged rock, he whipped it out along the clear waters of the blue sea. He watched it land, a small plop marking its new home.
He drank in the salty air. No matter where he moved, no matter where he was, he knew his heart always belonged here.
"Tadaima." Kyou whispered.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tohru ran, as fast as her legs could possibly carry her. The cargo pants, the leather jacket. . . it was so much of her brother. She could see his figure in the distance, even through her eyes clouded with tears.
She was almost there. She knew what she would do.
And this time, she was never letting go.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kagura turned towards the cliff, to see a grey haired man look down at her and Kyou. "Yun-chan?" She thought, puzzled by his sudden appearance. Then she looked back at Kyou. A small girl was inches away from him, her arms in front of her, crying, her hair falling back with the wind.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou looked at the puzzled Kagura. Why is she looking at me that way? Then he heard it. The light footsteps. The pitter patter of tears onto the sand.
Just as soon as he was about to turn around, she crushed into his back, her small hands latching around his broad shoulders, her cheek pressed between his shoulder blades, where she knew it wouldn't hurt. He felt her hot tears soak through his jacket.
"Kyou-kun. . ." she breathed.
Kyou felt bewilderment, happiness, surprise. Tears surged. There was only one person that did this to him.
"Tohru. . ." he said, choking on his own tears. "is. . . is it really Tohru?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
R&R! Onegai!