Disclaimers: I own nothing.
A/N: AHH!! I am so incredibly sorry for not updating sooner! I must kill myself!! _. So. here I am, 27 days later, updating. Sorry! I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint you guys, I re- wrote it twice ^_^ So here it is. Enjoy and SORRY!!!
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October molded pleasantly into the season of autumn. Entering the first day, it seemed as if the wind had quickened, heightening the decrease in temperature. Tohru sat outside of the hotel, pen and paper in hand, gazing out into the clear blue sky. Taking a deep breath, she wrote down her last line, folding up the paper neatly. Mounting her bike steadily, she cruised down the road, the wind tugging on her hair. After reaching the familiar cabin by the ocean, she elegantly marched towards a small mailbox. Shoving the letter in, she quickly clambered onto her bike, leaving the house in the background. "It's all over now. . ." she thought, as the wind guided her back to her home.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou hurriedly stepped out of his house, cursing under his breath. Leaping onto his bike, he tossed himself out of the driveway, pedaling as fast as possible. Soon, he was forced to step on the brakes, noticing the full mailbox. Cursing once again, he wrenched the thing open and crumpled the mail in his hand, only to find that there was one single letter. No postage, nothing. He looked at the writing. Eyes widening, he hurriedly ripped the envelope open, his nerves calming. Kyou quietly got off his bike, resting on his feet as he read.
For Kyou-kun. . .
I don't know what it means to write a letter like this, Kyou-kun. I've never done it before.
But. . . nii-san,
I wanted you to know that my life has also been brightened by you.
By even staying in a distance close enough to see you from time to time brings me so much happiness.
And I have to tell you. . . I never want to go away.
No matter what.
And also, I'll always be your trusting, caring, sister.
And. . . Hmm. It's funny, putting this all in a letter, it all seems so right, when it really isn't.
Kyou-kun. . .
I love you.
In a meaning deeper than family.
And this is what makes me happy.
Love, Tohru.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tohru skipped down the street, holding a bag of groceries tightly in her arms, the wind swaying through her hair. Suddenly, she felt herself weaken, as she lost strength in her legs. Her steps faltering, she let her feet slip under her, when a strong arm caught her, pulling her back onto firm ground. Tohru bowed instinctively. "Arigatou gozai-" Then her eyes widened in surprise.
Kyou brushed his hair in one, fluid movement, as his crimson eyes sparked in irritation. "Dammit, you klutz, are you still that weak?"
Tohru's smile brightened. "Kyou-kun! It's been a while, ne?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The two joked and giggled, progressing down the street playfully, just like old friends. Soon, they passed by a small photo booth to witness two small children playing around the booth, the girl tugging at her brother's arms.
"Nii-san! Nii-san! Let's take a picture, please?" She whined.
"I don't want to! Why would I take one with you?" Refused the boy.
Tohru laughed at the adorable antics of the small children. Kyou sighed. "It's not funny. Damn brat, just take a damn picture with her."
Tohru eyed her brother carefully, then suddenly clung to his arm. "Nii-san! Nii-san! Let's take a picture, please?"
Kyou jumped back, then caught onto her act. He replied, smiling, "No! I don't want to! Why would I take one with you?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The two stepped into the booth, as Kyou punched in a couple of yens into the old machine. Tohru kept giggling at the funny voice that issued from the speakers. When the time for the snapshot came, Kyou tried his hardest to not smile, until Tohru poked him, that is. A little ticklish, his lips curved up into a boyish grin as the computer started to print the picture. Giving Tohru a noogie, Kyou led her out of the booth, as the two younger children stepped in.
"Ara? Kyou-kun, is this really you?" Tohru snatched the picture away from the cat. "Hmm. . . strange, this is way too handsome to be your picture."
"What?" Kyou growled, making Tohru laugh. She took out her pinky. "Promise, don't throw this away, ne?"
Kyou did, their hands locking for a split second. He took out his wallet as he motioned to stick the sticker in, when Tohru snatched it away from him. She frowned. "Kyou-kun, why don't you have a picture of Kagura-san on here?"
Kyou flinched, taking back his wallet. "Mind your own business, onigiri."
Tohru pouted. "Stick that in there when you have a picture of her, okay?"
Kyou nodded hesitantly. Tohru pulled out her own wallet. Kyou also took it. "Where's that Kuso nezumi in this thing?"
Tohru shrugged. "Ara? I thought I took one with him! Maa, I'll just have to wait until I take one with him then!"
The two laughed, rather unemotionally. Kyou stuck the sticker in her wallet anyway. "Just put it in there, damn you. It doesn't mean anything."
Tohru laughed. "You're right. Nothing more than a sister-brotherly game, ne, Kyou-kun?"
Tohru skipped away, clutching her wallet and bag of groceries. Kyou followed, feeling a little torn, but happy nevertheless.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Mmm! Oishii! Kyou-kun, you really are a good cook! I should come every night and have dinner with you!"
Kyou eyed his fiancé wearily. "Dammit, Kagura, keep the squealing down, would you?"
Kagura laughed, picking up her and Kyou's dishes. Kyou got up as well. "I'll take you home."
Dumping the used cutlery into the sink, Kagura turned towards the cat. "Can't I stay a little longer, Kyou-kun? Yun-chan and Tohru-chan seem to always be dating until late at night."
Kyou looked up at her, the new news surprising him.
"You know, they just recently started going out together. Ah~ those were the days. . ."
He nodded. It had been a little over a week since Tohru left. It wasn't surprising that he had been missing out on these things.
"Ah! Kyou-kun!" Kagura said, snapping Kyou out of his reverie, "Okaa-san keeps asking me when we're going to get married. When should we?"
Kyou froze, staring at her. "Marriage?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Yuki was totally engrossed into his painting, as Tohru busily wrote something in her notebook. He looked up at his busy angel, questioning her latest statement.
"To live with plants or dogs? Is that your dream, Honda-san?"
Tohru nodded. "Or, goldfish are nice, too."
Yuki shook his head. "I love plants as well, but I don't know about animals. You know, it makes me feel a little strange, seeing as how I transform into one as well."
Tohru laughed. Scribbling something down into her notebook, she looked into her receipt. A wrinkle crossed her forehead as she sighed. Placing the little slip of paper onto her page, she continued to stare.
Yuki heard Tohru's silent complaint. Stepping away from his painting , he approached her side. "What are you doing?" Surprised, Tohru quickly slapped the notebook shut, surprising Yuki equally. "Iie, nothing important, Yuki- kun."
Yuki's eyes dimmed. "Money troubles?" then with a moment of hesitation, he added, "maybe I could-"
He was immediately stopped by a hand over his mouth. "Please. . . don't."
Tohru turned to look at him, about to apologize, when suddenly, the mouse took her hand, kissing it lightly. Tohru gasped, as Yuki took her hand in a strong grip, his purple eyes growing sincere. He leaned over, his head tilting, inches away from her lips. . .
Tohru stood up a split second before they came in contact. Bowing low, she apologized softly. "Gomenasai, Yuki-kun, I . . . I can't . . ."
Yuki stood up as well, blushing from head to toe. "Ah, no, it should be me who's sorry, Honda-san."
Tohru bowed again, another stream of apologies coming from her mouth. She rushed into the kitchen to gather up some coffee. Yuki tapped himself lightly on the head. "Why. . . don't be a pervert. . ." as he returned to Tohru's notebook. As he was about to flip it open, his hand hit something else, Tohru's wallet opening on the floor. Yuki picked it up, scolding himself for his actions, until he noticed a picture stuck to the skin of Tohru's wallet. Kyou, a boyish grin painted on his face, Tohru beside him, smiling widely. A pang of jealousy stabbed him as he continued to stare at the merry moment. Something burst inside him.
"Honda-san," he said.
Tohru looked out from the kitchen. "Hai?"
"Will you. . ." he continued, looking up into her blue eyes, "Will you marry me?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tohru rushed out of the warm shelters of the hotel, drawing her cardigan tighter around her body. The weather really had changed with the new season. Looking around for somewhere to sit, her eyes landed on a phone booth. "Well, I guess once couldn't hurt. . ." she thought, progressing towards it.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou looked at the clock. 10:14. Sighing, he stretched from his perch, slowly packing away all his art equipment, staring once again into his masterpiece. Smiling, he touched the canvas fondly. Kyou made his way to his desk, sorting all his books littered over his messy workplace. His eyes landed on his cellphone. "Well, just once. . ." he thought, as he flipped the lid open. Suddenly, his bell rang through the room, causing Kyou to curse in surprise. He answered, a little irritated, until he heard a familiar voice. "Tohru! Where are you?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou ran with all his might towards the hotel, leaving the ocean behind. Panting, he saw her sitting calmly in a bench, facing away from him. Smirking, he walked slowly upto her, changing his voice tone. "May I sit here?"
Tohru shook her head. "Ah, gomen, someone is coming to-" she said, as she turned to see two laughing crimson eyes. "Kyou-kun!" She said, a smile gracing her lips.
Kyou sat down next to her, busily continuing to catch his breath. Tohru stared at him apologetically. "Gomen-ne, I called you so late."
Kyou shook his head. "I was going to call you too."
Tohru looked up at him. "Ne? Why?"
Kyou fumbled with his hands. "Well. . . I. . ." landing on an excuse, he continued. "I didn't know how to cook stew. . . yeah. . . so yeah. Kagura can't cook either."
Tohru laughed. "You want me to write it down for you? Let me see. . ."
Kyou stopped her. "No. . . um. . . no."
Tohru's eyes shined in curiosity. "Why stew all of a sudden?"
"I have a day off tomorrow, so I was planning to go hiking." He replied. After a short pause, he added, "You. . . dammit. . . do you want to go with me?"
Tohru rested on this question a little while. Sighing, she voiced her concern. "Yuki-kun. . . and Kagura-san. . ."
Kyou sighed as well, the two of them sitting, thinking.
["When should we get married?"]
["Honda-san. . . will you. . . marry me?"]
He shook his head, looking at Tohru again. "Should we go anyways?"
Tohru grinned. After a moment's hesitation, she answered. "This. . . will be the last time, ne? After you get married, we won't ever be able to go."
Kyou nodded.
"And it's only for one day, right? Nothing's wrong with that, right?"
He nodded again. With a smile, he answered. "Right."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou took a deep breath. Picking up his cellphone, he dialed her number slowly. A bright voice answered on the other end. "Oh. . . Kagura, it's me."
After a few gushings from Kagura, Kyou continued. "Well. . . I can't today, because. . . I'm going somewhere. Yeah."
"Really? Where?"
Kyou hesitated. He could tell her the truth, it was okay, after all they were siblings. But. . . "I'm going to see a friend. He. . . came here from Tokyo. Right. So. . . I'll call you when I get back. Alright. Bye."
Kyou hung up, sighing deeply. Why did he lie? He quickly tapped himself on the forehead. "Yeah, a likely story. A friend from Tokyo." He then pulled on his hiking bag and rushed out the door.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Now? Honda-san?" Yuki questioned, wiping sleep from his eyes. "What time is it. . . must you go this early?"
"Hai, Yuki-kun." She replied. "I'm going to see my parents. . . they wanted me there really early, so. . ."
Yuki nodded his approval. He looked at her from the blurriness of his morning eyes. "Get back safely."
With a final bow, she took off in the direction of her bike, her bag slung carelessly over her shoulder.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
As the first rays of morning hit the mountain as Tohru and Kyou progressed upwards on their bikes. Laughing and joking, they climbed through the wonders of nature as the two shared quality time. After a short while, Tohru would get tired, the two of them sitting by the shade and enjoying a healthy conversation, always filled with smiles, laughter, and love. Soon they arrived at their temporary house, and after parking their bikes close to each other's, they set off on a mission to cook some food.
"Ne, Kyou-kun, these carrots are exactly the colour of your hair!" Tohru laughed.
Kyou snatched them away from her, skillfully cutting it up, placing it in the stew. "Stupid onigiri."
As Tohru's giggles subsided, she watched Kyou make stew. Confusion clearly crossed her. "Ne, Kyou-kun, you said you didn't know how to cook stew!"
Looking up from his broth, Kyou blushed at Tohru's comment. "Oops. . .I guess you found out."
"Why did you lie to me?" She said, but not hurt.
"Well, If I told you I called because I missed you, it would have been stupid." Kyou muttered to himself. Soon realizing he had said it out loud, he blushed, trying to reclaim his words. "I mean. . . um. . . aw shit. . ."
Tohru giggled, a burst of happiness surging through her. He missed me. . . he missed me. . .
Suddenly, rain started to pour. She looked at Kyou, who was cringing at the hateful weather. Hurriedly taking the lid to the pot, she claimed it in her hands as she led Kyou towards the shelter. As soon as they reached it, Kyou collapsed onto the floor, tired out from the weather. "Damn it, stupid rain," he cringed, dark memories surrounding him again. Worried, Tohru placed a caring hand on Kyou's shoulder. He looked up into her warm smile. Ignoring his foul mood, he managed to smile back.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kagura entered the small but cozy shelter of her beloved. Humming softly, she cleaned up the mess that was the floor. Chuckling, she made her way over to the kitchen, and prepared a cup of coffee for herself. Suddenly, a knock came at the wooden door. Cocking her head curiously, she ventured over to the entrance, to reveal a sophisticated man with an equally formal smile. She watched as his eyes widened in surprise, while fumbling to close his umbrella. "Kagura? What. . ."
She cocked her head. "I should be asking you the same, Yun-chan." Looking around, she smiled teasingly. "Where'd you abandon Tohru-chan?"
Yuki shook his grey hair slightly while he walked into the house as the older girl willed. "SHE abandoned me, she went somewhere today. Where's Kyou?"
Kagura laughed. "He's not here. He went to have dinner with a friend. You want some dinner? We could use each other's company."
Laughing, the two settled into the snugness of the couch, Kagura quickly preparing another cup of warm coffee. She glanced out the window, listening to the thick raindrops pummel the glass.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou sat peacefully on the floor, finishing his dinner with a bubbly Tohru. He smiled, despite the groggy weather. Night had fallen fast. He should probably start heading down, even though the rain showed no signs of slowing.
Tohru seemed to read his thoughts. "Kyou-kun, shouldn't we be heading down?"
Kyou nodded, reaching for the phone. Dialing a short number, he spoke quickly into the receiver. "Sir, we're the two people staying in the shelter in the mountains. . . yeah. We want to check out now. . ." the cat's expression darkened peculiarly. "Oh . . . damn. . . alright. . . fine."
He dropped the receiver, looking back towards the curious girl. "We can't. . . go back. Too much rain, I guess. The path seems to be blocked."
Tohru avoided his gaze. "Oh. . . so. . ."
"I guess we'll have to spend the night here," Kyou sighed.
"Yeah. . ." Tohru replied.
An awkward silence lingered in the air. It was thankfully interrupted by Tohru. "Ne. . . Kyou-kun, I lied."
Kyou looked up.
"I didn't tell Yuki-kun I was coming here with you today. I don't know why, It just. . ."
Kyou chuckled. "Me too. I lied too. . ."
Tohru stood up, guilt shining in her eyes. "Was. . . was it wrong, Kyou- kun? I feel so bad. . ."
Kyou slowly brought his hand up to Tohru's brown strands, marveling at the softness under his palm. Smirking, he whispered, "I forgive your sin."
Tohru laughed, reaching up her hand to Kyou's mop of orange hair. "I forgive your sin."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Yuki twirled his empty, cold mug between his fingers, Kagura mimicking his gesture. He kept stealing glances at the window. Darkness clearly occupied the world. "It's late."
Kagura nodded. "It is, isn't it?"
Yuki chuckled. "Darn those parents of hers, probably not letting her go because of the rain."
Kagura looked up, shocked. "Her parents? You mean Kyou-kun's? They're in Tokyo right now. . ."
Yuki jerked his head up. "What? That can't be. . ."
He quickly picked up his phone, when a number flashed across the screen. "Yes?" He said into the phone. "Oh, Honda-san, where are you?" Nodding, his face fell, creases of suspicion outlining his face. "Oh. . . they won't let you go. . ."
"Hai. . . I'll have to stay the night here. The rain. . . is too heavy, I suppose."
"Stay the night there. . ." Yuki replied, a little sour. Suddenly, another phone rang beside him, Kagura picking it up with glee. "Kyou-kun? Where are you?"
Suddenly, her face fell as well. "Stay the night there. . ."
The two looked at each other, clearly reading the fear written in both their eyes.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tohru was on her stomach, gazing happily at her brother below her, lying down on a blanket on the floor. "Are you sure I can have the bed, Kyou- kun?" She questioned for the third time. "You're the one that's groggy."
Kyou waved his hand impatiently, gazing into the ceiling. Tohru laughed, and rolled onto her back. When her giggles refused to cease, the orange- head looked up at her in worry. Tohru stared back. "Oh, I'm just laughing because I thought of old days." She replied. "Whenever I got scared from a dream, I used to always go to your room. You'd always give me your bed and sleep on the floor, then in the morning get confused because you forgot what happened the night before."
Kyou smiled wearily. How could he forget? Then he looked up as Tohru started to talk again. "Now I remember everything. . . everything about me, as your silly sister Tohru."
Sighing, she turned on her side, to face Kyou's crimson orbs. "And from now on, I'll. . . I'll stay that way, Kyou-kun."
He nodded, biting back the burning feeling in his throat. Tohru turned her eyes away from the red, haunting ones. "I think it's better this way, as siblings. That way, we'll be siblings until death."
He nodded again. "Yeah. Until death."
Another silence lingered, Tohru breaking it again. She sighed. "Somehow, I don't like the idea as much anymore. . ."
Kyou resisted the feelings swelling inside of him. Instead, he changed the subject. "What would death be like? Would it be cold?" He turned his head towards Tohru's profile. "If I die before you, who'd take care of you. . .?"
Surprised at this new tender move, she turned desperately towards the cat. "No, Kyou-kun, you can't die before me. I need to die before you."
Kyou shook his head. "What the hell are you saying? Do you think I can live without you?"
Tohru shook her head even more. "Promise me, Kyou-kun. You can't die before me. I don't want to lose you again, once was enough to prove the pain. . ."
Giving into Tohru's sincerity, Kyou nodded. "Alright. . . but, when that happens, I'll be by your side, holding your hand. I'll never send you alone."
Tohru smiled gratefully, flopping back onto her pillow. The two sighed contentedly, drifting off into sleep.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Yuki paced up and down the room, vigorously moving his feet. Kagura sat on the couch, staring off into space. The air was heavy and a dangerous mood clung to the air. Yuki swerved around, staring at Kagura with hurt eyes. Kagura did the same. "How long have you known?" They both echoed, turning their heads around in shame.
"It's been a long while, actually." Kagura chuckled hollowly. "It. . . it hurt."
Yuki snorted, quickly losing his composure, anger taking over. "Yeah, no duh."
"Do you. . . Yun-chan, do you believe in fate?" Kagura voiced quietly.
Yuki shook his head. "No. I only believe in myself."
Kagura looked towards her companion, a little shocked at his behaviour. "I never did either. . . until now. Somehow. . . the two of them. . . they seem to be, tied."
Yuki stared at her, confusion, sorrow, realization and denial buried into a pair of purple crystals.
"Don't you think. . . we're trying to defy destiny? We're blocking fate's path. . . it'll hurt both of us, maybe. . . if we just. . . let go of them. . . Tohru-chan, Kyou-kun. . . maybe we should. . ."
Yuki suddenly snatched his jacket from the couch. He refused to look at Kagura. "I don't care. . . my fate is to love Honda-san, and that I'll do. I'll only follow what I want, I don't care for this destiny stuff." He shot Kagura a side glance. "Don't grow weak. Get that baka neko back, Kagura. . . live happily with him. You deserve the happiness." Without another word, Yuki stormed out of the house, leaving Kagura alone to soak in her tears, rivaling the speed of the rain pouring outside.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou walked in to his home to find the place perfectly clean. Surprised, he whirled around to see a quite calm and collected Kagura, preparing something on the table. Swallowing hard, he walked up to her, throwing his hiking equipment on the floor to get her attention. The boar turned around, trying her hardest to avoid his eyes. "K. . . Kyou-kun! Welcome back!" She cried. "You must've had a long trip. . . did you go hiking with your friend?"
Gulping that he had been stupid enough to throw that right in front of her, he nodded. She smiled, continuously avoiding his gaze. "There's. . . breakfast on the table. I'll. . . I'll be back."
With that, she marched off, leaving Kyou dumbfounded, full of guilt and confusion. What had gone on?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Come in."
Tohru stepped in, having fully changed into her maid uniform. She bowed, flashing Yuki a smile. "Ohayo, Yuki-kun, gomenasai, I couldn't call you early in the morning, I thought it was too early, and well, the head maid gave me too much to do. . . So, here I am!"
Yuki nodded, not looking at her. A little perplexed, but glad that he had forgiven her, Tohru started to clean with a merry bounce to her steps. Yuki turned his head slightly to witness the busy form of Tohru, cleaning his apartment. She looked so peaceful, so settled, so. . . content. Destiny? Fate? Was that it? Were those the factors that kept binding the two together? But what about him? What about me? I love her. I don't want to lose her. Nothing can take her away. . . nothing. . .
Without realizing what he was doing, Yuki walked slowly over to Tohru. Casting a slight shadow over her bright figure, which caused her to look up into his desperate eyes. Worry and curiosity occupied her ocean blue globes as she was forced to stare into the endless depths. "Yu. . . yuki-kun? What's-"
Her sentence was muffled by Yuki's blouse as she was pulled into a hot embrace. A cloud of smoke covered the couple as a small grey rat sat on her shoulder, weeping into her forest of hair. Tohru, removing herself from the daze and a mop of Yuki's clothes, brought two fingers in comfort to the animal crying on her shoulder. "Don't leave me. . . Honda-san. . . don't leave me. . ." Tohru's eyes widened in surprise and anguish. The mouse desperately clutched her fingers. "Marry me. . . please Honda-san. Don't leave me alone. . ."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Rin literally flew to the café on the lobby. She zoomed with incredible speed, eventually crash landing on top of the person that had invited her to lunch. After being gruffly pushed off, she flicked her hair over her shoulders, revealing a stunning necklace. Her lunch date frowned. She smiled. "Sempai, I'm going to try everything to impress you on this date. I am so glad you've decided to take me back!"
Yuki groaned inwardly. However, keeping his cool, he replied gingerly, "For the last time, Rin. It isn't a date, I just had something to tell you."
Shaking off the hurtful comment, Rin approached the sandwiches. "Which one, sempai? You always take the tuna, how about trying something different? Ahh. . . hmm, balony sounds good. . ."
"Rin," Yuki declared decisively, causing the horse's eyes to flicker in suspicion as she turned to face him. "I'm getting married to Honda-san. She still hasn't agreed but I assure you, I will persuade her."
Her blood froze in her veins, as the somewhat bottled emotions against her rival Tohru burst free, the glass shattering, the sound echoing painfully across her barren heart, slicing through the cold. Her pale face looked up into the amethyst eyes of the silver-haired beauty. She was speechless. The state of shock was overcome as rage took its place. Stomping her foot hard onto the marble floor, she screamed. She screamed, her own hands covering her ears, tousling her hair forcefully. But no sound escaped her throat. She knew she was screaming. She could hear the screeches of pain, of need, of betrayal. . . but all she did was gape, her mouth forming unheard noises. Yuki stared at her, with absolutely no emotion, not even pity. Her eyes clouded, forming mini waterfalls of tears down her cheeks, she stared into Yuki's eyes. "You. . . you're. . . what?"
"I'm getting married, Rin." He replied, shortly. "To Honda-san."
"What, that lowly bitch?" Rin chuckled, causing Yuki's eyes to harden. "What's she ever done for you, sempai? What about me? How can you do this to me? You can't do this to me. . ."
"Why can't I?" Yuki replied in an ice-prince tone. "Look, Rin. We were never involved in any relationship to start with. You were my best friend's sister, and I was your sempai. I'm hoping it will stay that way."
Unable to say anything more, Rin resorted to the only other method she knew to get her message across - violence. And it landed, hard and square on Yuki's cheek. Quickly removing her hand, and cursing inaudibly, she made her grand exit, earning stares and points from the audience. Rin shoved the cold expression of Yuki to the back of her head. Only one thing occupied her mind at that point - Honda Tohru. That bitch. I'll never lose. Anything but this. I have to prevent it. Wiping her stray tears, she charged into her car, driving away at full force. The black gleamed in the sun, reflecting images of the sky. Rin skidded to a halt in front of the Oceanside cabin. Knocking down the door, she greeted an empty house. Suddenly, she felt lonely. No one to receive comfort from, not even her own brother. . . she felt that the world had deserted her. Everything was gone. Insanity drove her to wreck, to destroy. She marched to her brother's desk. A family picture. With her in it, she thought, calming down slightly. But a closer look told her something else. There was everyone there, except for the one person that should have been - her. She screamed. Throwing her whole body onto the picture, she cracked the thing without effort. Swiping the desk with an angry hand movement, she scattered all of Kyou's sketches, paintings, paper. She could see nothing. Rage obscured her vision. Why. . . why. . . why??? Why did she have to be the one that was to be left behind all the time? SHE was the real Sohma, not that filthy Honda Tohru! Why. . . Why. . . WHY!?!?
After exhausting her devastation, Rin collapsed to the floor, breathing heavily. Her hand grasped onto something. Staring down at her pitch black nails, coated with a bit of blood from her previous thrash, she read the writing. Her eyes widened. The envelope was cream coloured, no postage, no return address. Only her brother's name littered the paper. She recognized the writing instantaneously.
Honda Tohru.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyoko swept the ground outside of her store, sighing at the mess. She suddenly saw a ghostly figure slinking hesitantly towards her. Turning her head around, she saw a girl, tears shimmering on her cheeks, her long, silky black hair growing tangled with the wind, her knuckles white. As soon as she saw the unforgettable black depth held in her pained eyes, she realized who she was facing. "Rin. . . Rin?" Kyoko whispered, unable to believe that she had come back. "Rin?"
The girl turned her head swiftly away as her former mother approached her, hands shaking. "Rin. . . is it. . . is it really you. . .?"
She nodded, hesitantly returning her mother's strong embrace. She was engulfed by wails coming from the short-haired woman, wails full of anguish, relief, that had been piled up over the past years. She sank to the floor, the harsh autumn breeze ruffling her weak hair, causing Rin to back away from the whip-like strands. She mustered the most friendly smile she possibly could. "M. . . m . . ." Giving up, she resorted to formality. "Honda-sama, It's been a while, ne?"
Kyoko looked up at Rin, pain occupying the fierce globes. She had realized it, the hard way, that Rin held no affections for her. Rin continued. "I've come to ask you a favour, Honda-sama."
"Anything. . . anything. . ." Kyoko managed to say.
Rin smiled softly to herself. She missed me, she thought. All the better. She's my complete slave for the moment. "Tohru, Honda Tohru. . . she should live a better life, shouldn't she? Doesn't she deserve it, Honda-sama?"
Kyoko soon realized what the girl was getting at. She nodded her head weakly, in defeat.
"Honda-sama," Rin whispered convincingly, "What if you let us adopt her? Think of how well she would fare. . . think of all the things that her new life will bring. At this age of twenty two, Tohru so deserves it all. . . isn't it selfish? That you're keeping her like this?"
After a couple more persuasive phrases from Rin, Kyoko gave up her one and only family, Tohru. Rin hopped to her car, laughing victoriously and maliciously. She reached a crumpled, blood-stained envelope from her pocket, opening it, reading the last line over once again.
Kyou-kun, I love you.
In a meaning deeper than family.
And this is what makes me happy. . .
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou drove down the street like a maniac. Having far surpassed the speed limit, Kagura barked at him continuously to slow down. He paid no heed. He just needed to get to his house, his mother had been hysteric. She had desperately wanted him to come. He had to go. Why was he so worried? His mother didn't sound sick, just extremely hectic and excited. He felt that it couldn't be good.
Yuki had the same thoughts flashing through his mind as a clearly worried Tohru sat next to him, chancing many glances out the window. Why had Kyou's parents called them so suddenly? A family matter? Then why did it involve him and Kagura? And Tohru? He looked at the blue eyed beauty. A sinking feeling took place in the pit of his stomach. What if. . . what if they realized. . . he shook the thoughts away. No. They couldn't have. Then they wouldn't have sounded so happy. Everything would be okay.
Two cars arrived at very close intervals, Silver and white gleaming proudly. The driver and companion mounted off quickly, rushing towards the door, not exchanging any words. Tohru stared into her brother's frantic back. She could clearly see the fear, the what-if's, and hopefully-not's wavering about in his thoughts. The four entered the house, to be faced with the Sohma parents, smiling from ear to ear. Clear confusion outlined their faces. A bitter mess of black, silky hair occupied a piece of the couch on the right. However, it became apparent that the sulky girl was indeed very confused as well.
When all had been settled, Miyako reached out her hand across the glass table to a shaking Tohru. She smiled warmly, instantly calming her down. Rin eyed her with jealousy, worry crossing Yuki's face. Kyou looked at his father, who had placed a hand on his shoulder. "We have extremely happy news today," Miyako announced, causing confusion to bloat. "Kyou, my son," she continued, fixing her adoring gaze back to Tohru, "Tohru. . . and, Rin," She added. Miyako brought another hand onto Tohru's pale one. "You'll be fine now. Everything will be alright."
Kagura, unable to hide her curiosity, piped up. "Ne, Miyako-chan, what's all this about?"
Miyako smiled a precious smile. "Everyone, we're adopting Tohru!"
A chilling silence lingered dangerously as soon as the last words fell out of the woman's mouth. Kyou and Tohru gaped at their mother, horror framing their eyes. Yuki looked up stunned, Kagura gasped out loud. Rin bit her lip, surprise, bitterness and anger getting the better of her. They were oblivious to the relationship, then, thought Yuki. If they knew. . . if they knew. . . then everything will be . . .
Rin rose from her seat, shooting daggers at the whole audience, voice trembling with rage, sweat soaking her soft hair. "Do you know what you're saying?" She spat, "Do you? Do you know what kind of relationship these two are in!?"
Following her fingers, Kazuma and Miyako stared in horror as it pointed directly to their son, and soon to be daughter. Tohru gulped in fear, as Kyou avoided his parents' gaze. "You can't. You can't. . . You know why? They love each other. They love each other!!"
Soon the room fell quiet, numb with shock. Kazuma's eyes clearly defined disbelief. "Wha. . . what. . . who . . . who and who?" He looked to his orange-headed son. Kyou avoided his father's gaze.
Miyako was also frozen. "What are you talking about? Rin. . . what are you saying?"
As if Rin had awaited this chance for a lifetime, she slapped a crumpled piece of paper in front of her parents. Kyou and Tohru felt themselves freakishly shudder. That envelope. . . it contained that letter. . .
Sobbing, Rin dashed out of the house, slamming the door forcefully behind her. With trembling hands, Kazuma unfolded the letter. His trembles increased, while the anger mounted. Kyou and Tohru tried desperately to press their fear. Yuki and Kagura looked at each other worriedly. After finishing the last sentence, Miyako began to hyperventilate. Kazuma sprang up from his seat, clutching the cuffs of Kyou's t-shirt. "You. . . you. . ."
Tohru jumped at the two men in an attempt to save her brother. "Iie, Iie Ottou-san. . . it's me, it's me! Blame me. . . it's all my fault. . . it's me that loves him. . . Kyou-kun doesn't. . . please, ottou-san!"
Kazuma fixed his gaze on her. "Tohru . . ."
He let go of Kyou's neck, causing him to fall backwards.
"Kyou-kun!" Tohru cried, watching his body, slightly limp on the couch, stand up to face his infuriated father.
"Is. . . is this true?" Kazuma questioned dangerously, "IS THIS TRUE, SOHMA KYOU!?"
He lifted his rebellious crimson eyes to his father's grey ones. They looked piercingly sure. "Yes." He replied, fists clenched.
Kagura and Yuki rose from their perch instantly. Tohru froze in her stance. Miyako collapsed.
Outside, Rin backed her car out of the garage into the dark night. She chuckled hollowly. Everything had gone to plan. Tohru. . . Honda Tohru. . . she laughed victoriously into the wheel. "Taste the bitterness of defeat, Tohru!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The night's chill aroused goosebumps on Kyou's skin, his messy hair getting ruffled by the autumn wind. He heard soft, hesitant footsteps behind him. He turned instinctively, a saddened Tohru trying her best to smile standing behind him.
"Ne, Kyou-kun. . ." she said, "Why did you say yes? You should've told them no. . ."
Kyou stared into her eyes, emotion filling his face.
She lifted her head. "Ne? Why did you do that?"
"I. . ." he replied, inching towards her. "I. . . didn't want to lie, Tohru."
Tohru gasped, startled. "Kyou-kun. . ."
Silence prevailed as the two awkwardly continued to stare, mesmerized by each other. Soon, Kyou broke the silence softly. "Tohru," he said, "Let's run away."
He held an outstretched hand towards the girl. She looked at it pensively. About to turn away, she lifted her foot but - his eyes. . . those haunting crimson orbs that pleaded with her, those red fireballs that she had never been able to refuse. Suddenly she knew. . . she wanted to do this. It didn't matter how wrong it was. She wanted to do this. . .
She grasped his hand tightly. Kyou smiled. Tohru smiled back in return.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Yuki stepped out into the yard, in hopes of talking Kyou out of this madness. However, an empty chair greeted him. Then he realized. Tohru should at least have been here. Suddenly, it hit him. Turning abruptly on his heel, he rushed out, calling her name. "Honda-san. . . Honda-san. . . HONDA-SAN!!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tohru was breathless as Kyou dragged her hand up the hill towards the bus station. The two laughed like carefree children. A night bus was arriving on the horizon. The two rushed their tired footsteps, to run away, quickly, away from all of this, away from everything, to somewhere the two of them could stay together, forever.
The two clambered quickly onto the bus, dropping a couple of coins into the box. With a jolt of start from the bus, they continued to laugh as they reached the seats in the back. Grinning, they plopped down in the large space, in the empty bus. Kyou sighed contentedly, Tohru mirroring his move. Their eyes met once again. Shyly, they looked away, grinning and blushing like fools.
All the while, their hands remained intertwined, holding on, tightly.
Never, ever letting go.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
WHEW! That was long. SORRY IF I BORED YOU! Sorry if this chapter is a failure, sorry for ever writing!! AHH !! GOMENASAI!!
Hehe. . . well, since you've read it, please R&R! *^^* THANKS A MILLION!!
A/N: AHH!! I am so incredibly sorry for not updating sooner! I must kill myself!! _. So. here I am, 27 days later, updating. Sorry! I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint you guys, I re- wrote it twice ^_^ So here it is. Enjoy and SORRY!!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
October molded pleasantly into the season of autumn. Entering the first day, it seemed as if the wind had quickened, heightening the decrease in temperature. Tohru sat outside of the hotel, pen and paper in hand, gazing out into the clear blue sky. Taking a deep breath, she wrote down her last line, folding up the paper neatly. Mounting her bike steadily, she cruised down the road, the wind tugging on her hair. After reaching the familiar cabin by the ocean, she elegantly marched towards a small mailbox. Shoving the letter in, she quickly clambered onto her bike, leaving the house in the background. "It's all over now. . ." she thought, as the wind guided her back to her home.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou hurriedly stepped out of his house, cursing under his breath. Leaping onto his bike, he tossed himself out of the driveway, pedaling as fast as possible. Soon, he was forced to step on the brakes, noticing the full mailbox. Cursing once again, he wrenched the thing open and crumpled the mail in his hand, only to find that there was one single letter. No postage, nothing. He looked at the writing. Eyes widening, he hurriedly ripped the envelope open, his nerves calming. Kyou quietly got off his bike, resting on his feet as he read.
For Kyou-kun. . .
I don't know what it means to write a letter like this, Kyou-kun. I've never done it before.
But. . . nii-san,
I wanted you to know that my life has also been brightened by you.
By even staying in a distance close enough to see you from time to time brings me so much happiness.
And I have to tell you. . . I never want to go away.
No matter what.
And also, I'll always be your trusting, caring, sister.
And. . . Hmm. It's funny, putting this all in a letter, it all seems so right, when it really isn't.
Kyou-kun. . .
I love you.
In a meaning deeper than family.
And this is what makes me happy.
Love, Tohru.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tohru skipped down the street, holding a bag of groceries tightly in her arms, the wind swaying through her hair. Suddenly, she felt herself weaken, as she lost strength in her legs. Her steps faltering, she let her feet slip under her, when a strong arm caught her, pulling her back onto firm ground. Tohru bowed instinctively. "Arigatou gozai-" Then her eyes widened in surprise.
Kyou brushed his hair in one, fluid movement, as his crimson eyes sparked in irritation. "Dammit, you klutz, are you still that weak?"
Tohru's smile brightened. "Kyou-kun! It's been a while, ne?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The two joked and giggled, progressing down the street playfully, just like old friends. Soon, they passed by a small photo booth to witness two small children playing around the booth, the girl tugging at her brother's arms.
"Nii-san! Nii-san! Let's take a picture, please?" She whined.
"I don't want to! Why would I take one with you?" Refused the boy.
Tohru laughed at the adorable antics of the small children. Kyou sighed. "It's not funny. Damn brat, just take a damn picture with her."
Tohru eyed her brother carefully, then suddenly clung to his arm. "Nii-san! Nii-san! Let's take a picture, please?"
Kyou jumped back, then caught onto her act. He replied, smiling, "No! I don't want to! Why would I take one with you?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The two stepped into the booth, as Kyou punched in a couple of yens into the old machine. Tohru kept giggling at the funny voice that issued from the speakers. When the time for the snapshot came, Kyou tried his hardest to not smile, until Tohru poked him, that is. A little ticklish, his lips curved up into a boyish grin as the computer started to print the picture. Giving Tohru a noogie, Kyou led her out of the booth, as the two younger children stepped in.
"Ara? Kyou-kun, is this really you?" Tohru snatched the picture away from the cat. "Hmm. . . strange, this is way too handsome to be your picture."
"What?" Kyou growled, making Tohru laugh. She took out her pinky. "Promise, don't throw this away, ne?"
Kyou did, their hands locking for a split second. He took out his wallet as he motioned to stick the sticker in, when Tohru snatched it away from him. She frowned. "Kyou-kun, why don't you have a picture of Kagura-san on here?"
Kyou flinched, taking back his wallet. "Mind your own business, onigiri."
Tohru pouted. "Stick that in there when you have a picture of her, okay?"
Kyou nodded hesitantly. Tohru pulled out her own wallet. Kyou also took it. "Where's that Kuso nezumi in this thing?"
Tohru shrugged. "Ara? I thought I took one with him! Maa, I'll just have to wait until I take one with him then!"
The two laughed, rather unemotionally. Kyou stuck the sticker in her wallet anyway. "Just put it in there, damn you. It doesn't mean anything."
Tohru laughed. "You're right. Nothing more than a sister-brotherly game, ne, Kyou-kun?"
Tohru skipped away, clutching her wallet and bag of groceries. Kyou followed, feeling a little torn, but happy nevertheless.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Mmm! Oishii! Kyou-kun, you really are a good cook! I should come every night and have dinner with you!"
Kyou eyed his fiancé wearily. "Dammit, Kagura, keep the squealing down, would you?"
Kagura laughed, picking up her and Kyou's dishes. Kyou got up as well. "I'll take you home."
Dumping the used cutlery into the sink, Kagura turned towards the cat. "Can't I stay a little longer, Kyou-kun? Yun-chan and Tohru-chan seem to always be dating until late at night."
Kyou looked up at her, the new news surprising him.
"You know, they just recently started going out together. Ah~ those were the days. . ."
He nodded. It had been a little over a week since Tohru left. It wasn't surprising that he had been missing out on these things.
"Ah! Kyou-kun!" Kagura said, snapping Kyou out of his reverie, "Okaa-san keeps asking me when we're going to get married. When should we?"
Kyou froze, staring at her. "Marriage?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Yuki was totally engrossed into his painting, as Tohru busily wrote something in her notebook. He looked up at his busy angel, questioning her latest statement.
"To live with plants or dogs? Is that your dream, Honda-san?"
Tohru nodded. "Or, goldfish are nice, too."
Yuki shook his head. "I love plants as well, but I don't know about animals. You know, it makes me feel a little strange, seeing as how I transform into one as well."
Tohru laughed. Scribbling something down into her notebook, she looked into her receipt. A wrinkle crossed her forehead as she sighed. Placing the little slip of paper onto her page, she continued to stare.
Yuki heard Tohru's silent complaint. Stepping away from his painting , he approached her side. "What are you doing?" Surprised, Tohru quickly slapped the notebook shut, surprising Yuki equally. "Iie, nothing important, Yuki- kun."
Yuki's eyes dimmed. "Money troubles?" then with a moment of hesitation, he added, "maybe I could-"
He was immediately stopped by a hand over his mouth. "Please. . . don't."
Tohru turned to look at him, about to apologize, when suddenly, the mouse took her hand, kissing it lightly. Tohru gasped, as Yuki took her hand in a strong grip, his purple eyes growing sincere. He leaned over, his head tilting, inches away from her lips. . .
Tohru stood up a split second before they came in contact. Bowing low, she apologized softly. "Gomenasai, Yuki-kun, I . . . I can't . . ."
Yuki stood up as well, blushing from head to toe. "Ah, no, it should be me who's sorry, Honda-san."
Tohru bowed again, another stream of apologies coming from her mouth. She rushed into the kitchen to gather up some coffee. Yuki tapped himself lightly on the head. "Why. . . don't be a pervert. . ." as he returned to Tohru's notebook. As he was about to flip it open, his hand hit something else, Tohru's wallet opening on the floor. Yuki picked it up, scolding himself for his actions, until he noticed a picture stuck to the skin of Tohru's wallet. Kyou, a boyish grin painted on his face, Tohru beside him, smiling widely. A pang of jealousy stabbed him as he continued to stare at the merry moment. Something burst inside him.
"Honda-san," he said.
Tohru looked out from the kitchen. "Hai?"
"Will you. . ." he continued, looking up into her blue eyes, "Will you marry me?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tohru rushed out of the warm shelters of the hotel, drawing her cardigan tighter around her body. The weather really had changed with the new season. Looking around for somewhere to sit, her eyes landed on a phone booth. "Well, I guess once couldn't hurt. . ." she thought, progressing towards it.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou looked at the clock. 10:14. Sighing, he stretched from his perch, slowly packing away all his art equipment, staring once again into his masterpiece. Smiling, he touched the canvas fondly. Kyou made his way to his desk, sorting all his books littered over his messy workplace. His eyes landed on his cellphone. "Well, just once. . ." he thought, as he flipped the lid open. Suddenly, his bell rang through the room, causing Kyou to curse in surprise. He answered, a little irritated, until he heard a familiar voice. "Tohru! Where are you?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou ran with all his might towards the hotel, leaving the ocean behind. Panting, he saw her sitting calmly in a bench, facing away from him. Smirking, he walked slowly upto her, changing his voice tone. "May I sit here?"
Tohru shook her head. "Ah, gomen, someone is coming to-" she said, as she turned to see two laughing crimson eyes. "Kyou-kun!" She said, a smile gracing her lips.
Kyou sat down next to her, busily continuing to catch his breath. Tohru stared at him apologetically. "Gomen-ne, I called you so late."
Kyou shook his head. "I was going to call you too."
Tohru looked up at him. "Ne? Why?"
Kyou fumbled with his hands. "Well. . . I. . ." landing on an excuse, he continued. "I didn't know how to cook stew. . . yeah. . . so yeah. Kagura can't cook either."
Tohru laughed. "You want me to write it down for you? Let me see. . ."
Kyou stopped her. "No. . . um. . . no."
Tohru's eyes shined in curiosity. "Why stew all of a sudden?"
"I have a day off tomorrow, so I was planning to go hiking." He replied. After a short pause, he added, "You. . . dammit. . . do you want to go with me?"
Tohru rested on this question a little while. Sighing, she voiced her concern. "Yuki-kun. . . and Kagura-san. . ."
Kyou sighed as well, the two of them sitting, thinking.
["When should we get married?"]
["Honda-san. . . will you. . . marry me?"]
He shook his head, looking at Tohru again. "Should we go anyways?"
Tohru grinned. After a moment's hesitation, she answered. "This. . . will be the last time, ne? After you get married, we won't ever be able to go."
Kyou nodded.
"And it's only for one day, right? Nothing's wrong with that, right?"
He nodded again. With a smile, he answered. "Right."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou took a deep breath. Picking up his cellphone, he dialed her number slowly. A bright voice answered on the other end. "Oh. . . Kagura, it's me."
After a few gushings from Kagura, Kyou continued. "Well. . . I can't today, because. . . I'm going somewhere. Yeah."
"Really? Where?"
Kyou hesitated. He could tell her the truth, it was okay, after all they were siblings. But. . . "I'm going to see a friend. He. . . came here from Tokyo. Right. So. . . I'll call you when I get back. Alright. Bye."
Kyou hung up, sighing deeply. Why did he lie? He quickly tapped himself on the forehead. "Yeah, a likely story. A friend from Tokyo." He then pulled on his hiking bag and rushed out the door.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Now? Honda-san?" Yuki questioned, wiping sleep from his eyes. "What time is it. . . must you go this early?"
"Hai, Yuki-kun." She replied. "I'm going to see my parents. . . they wanted me there really early, so. . ."
Yuki nodded his approval. He looked at her from the blurriness of his morning eyes. "Get back safely."
With a final bow, she took off in the direction of her bike, her bag slung carelessly over her shoulder.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
As the first rays of morning hit the mountain as Tohru and Kyou progressed upwards on their bikes. Laughing and joking, they climbed through the wonders of nature as the two shared quality time. After a short while, Tohru would get tired, the two of them sitting by the shade and enjoying a healthy conversation, always filled with smiles, laughter, and love. Soon they arrived at their temporary house, and after parking their bikes close to each other's, they set off on a mission to cook some food.
"Ne, Kyou-kun, these carrots are exactly the colour of your hair!" Tohru laughed.
Kyou snatched them away from her, skillfully cutting it up, placing it in the stew. "Stupid onigiri."
As Tohru's giggles subsided, she watched Kyou make stew. Confusion clearly crossed her. "Ne, Kyou-kun, you said you didn't know how to cook stew!"
Looking up from his broth, Kyou blushed at Tohru's comment. "Oops. . .I guess you found out."
"Why did you lie to me?" She said, but not hurt.
"Well, If I told you I called because I missed you, it would have been stupid." Kyou muttered to himself. Soon realizing he had said it out loud, he blushed, trying to reclaim his words. "I mean. . . um. . . aw shit. . ."
Tohru giggled, a burst of happiness surging through her. He missed me. . . he missed me. . .
Suddenly, rain started to pour. She looked at Kyou, who was cringing at the hateful weather. Hurriedly taking the lid to the pot, she claimed it in her hands as she led Kyou towards the shelter. As soon as they reached it, Kyou collapsed onto the floor, tired out from the weather. "Damn it, stupid rain," he cringed, dark memories surrounding him again. Worried, Tohru placed a caring hand on Kyou's shoulder. He looked up into her warm smile. Ignoring his foul mood, he managed to smile back.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kagura entered the small but cozy shelter of her beloved. Humming softly, she cleaned up the mess that was the floor. Chuckling, she made her way over to the kitchen, and prepared a cup of coffee for herself. Suddenly, a knock came at the wooden door. Cocking her head curiously, she ventured over to the entrance, to reveal a sophisticated man with an equally formal smile. She watched as his eyes widened in surprise, while fumbling to close his umbrella. "Kagura? What. . ."
She cocked her head. "I should be asking you the same, Yun-chan." Looking around, she smiled teasingly. "Where'd you abandon Tohru-chan?"
Yuki shook his grey hair slightly while he walked into the house as the older girl willed. "SHE abandoned me, she went somewhere today. Where's Kyou?"
Kagura laughed. "He's not here. He went to have dinner with a friend. You want some dinner? We could use each other's company."
Laughing, the two settled into the snugness of the couch, Kagura quickly preparing another cup of warm coffee. She glanced out the window, listening to the thick raindrops pummel the glass.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou sat peacefully on the floor, finishing his dinner with a bubbly Tohru. He smiled, despite the groggy weather. Night had fallen fast. He should probably start heading down, even though the rain showed no signs of slowing.
Tohru seemed to read his thoughts. "Kyou-kun, shouldn't we be heading down?"
Kyou nodded, reaching for the phone. Dialing a short number, he spoke quickly into the receiver. "Sir, we're the two people staying in the shelter in the mountains. . . yeah. We want to check out now. . ." the cat's expression darkened peculiarly. "Oh . . . damn. . . alright. . . fine."
He dropped the receiver, looking back towards the curious girl. "We can't. . . go back. Too much rain, I guess. The path seems to be blocked."
Tohru avoided his gaze. "Oh. . . so. . ."
"I guess we'll have to spend the night here," Kyou sighed.
"Yeah. . ." Tohru replied.
An awkward silence lingered in the air. It was thankfully interrupted by Tohru. "Ne. . . Kyou-kun, I lied."
Kyou looked up.
"I didn't tell Yuki-kun I was coming here with you today. I don't know why, It just. . ."
Kyou chuckled. "Me too. I lied too. . ."
Tohru stood up, guilt shining in her eyes. "Was. . . was it wrong, Kyou- kun? I feel so bad. . ."
Kyou slowly brought his hand up to Tohru's brown strands, marveling at the softness under his palm. Smirking, he whispered, "I forgive your sin."
Tohru laughed, reaching up her hand to Kyou's mop of orange hair. "I forgive your sin."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Yuki twirled his empty, cold mug between his fingers, Kagura mimicking his gesture. He kept stealing glances at the window. Darkness clearly occupied the world. "It's late."
Kagura nodded. "It is, isn't it?"
Yuki chuckled. "Darn those parents of hers, probably not letting her go because of the rain."
Kagura looked up, shocked. "Her parents? You mean Kyou-kun's? They're in Tokyo right now. . ."
Yuki jerked his head up. "What? That can't be. . ."
He quickly picked up his phone, when a number flashed across the screen. "Yes?" He said into the phone. "Oh, Honda-san, where are you?" Nodding, his face fell, creases of suspicion outlining his face. "Oh. . . they won't let you go. . ."
"Hai. . . I'll have to stay the night here. The rain. . . is too heavy, I suppose."
"Stay the night there. . ." Yuki replied, a little sour. Suddenly, another phone rang beside him, Kagura picking it up with glee. "Kyou-kun? Where are you?"
Suddenly, her face fell as well. "Stay the night there. . ."
The two looked at each other, clearly reading the fear written in both their eyes.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tohru was on her stomach, gazing happily at her brother below her, lying down on a blanket on the floor. "Are you sure I can have the bed, Kyou- kun?" She questioned for the third time. "You're the one that's groggy."
Kyou waved his hand impatiently, gazing into the ceiling. Tohru laughed, and rolled onto her back. When her giggles refused to cease, the orange- head looked up at her in worry. Tohru stared back. "Oh, I'm just laughing because I thought of old days." She replied. "Whenever I got scared from a dream, I used to always go to your room. You'd always give me your bed and sleep on the floor, then in the morning get confused because you forgot what happened the night before."
Kyou smiled wearily. How could he forget? Then he looked up as Tohru started to talk again. "Now I remember everything. . . everything about me, as your silly sister Tohru."
Sighing, she turned on her side, to face Kyou's crimson orbs. "And from now on, I'll. . . I'll stay that way, Kyou-kun."
He nodded, biting back the burning feeling in his throat. Tohru turned her eyes away from the red, haunting ones. "I think it's better this way, as siblings. That way, we'll be siblings until death."
He nodded again. "Yeah. Until death."
Another silence lingered, Tohru breaking it again. She sighed. "Somehow, I don't like the idea as much anymore. . ."
Kyou resisted the feelings swelling inside of him. Instead, he changed the subject. "What would death be like? Would it be cold?" He turned his head towards Tohru's profile. "If I die before you, who'd take care of you. . .?"
Surprised at this new tender move, she turned desperately towards the cat. "No, Kyou-kun, you can't die before me. I need to die before you."
Kyou shook his head. "What the hell are you saying? Do you think I can live without you?"
Tohru shook her head even more. "Promise me, Kyou-kun. You can't die before me. I don't want to lose you again, once was enough to prove the pain. . ."
Giving into Tohru's sincerity, Kyou nodded. "Alright. . . but, when that happens, I'll be by your side, holding your hand. I'll never send you alone."
Tohru smiled gratefully, flopping back onto her pillow. The two sighed contentedly, drifting off into sleep.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Yuki paced up and down the room, vigorously moving his feet. Kagura sat on the couch, staring off into space. The air was heavy and a dangerous mood clung to the air. Yuki swerved around, staring at Kagura with hurt eyes. Kagura did the same. "How long have you known?" They both echoed, turning their heads around in shame.
"It's been a long while, actually." Kagura chuckled hollowly. "It. . . it hurt."
Yuki snorted, quickly losing his composure, anger taking over. "Yeah, no duh."
"Do you. . . Yun-chan, do you believe in fate?" Kagura voiced quietly.
Yuki shook his head. "No. I only believe in myself."
Kagura looked towards her companion, a little shocked at his behaviour. "I never did either. . . until now. Somehow. . . the two of them. . . they seem to be, tied."
Yuki stared at her, confusion, sorrow, realization and denial buried into a pair of purple crystals.
"Don't you think. . . we're trying to defy destiny? We're blocking fate's path. . . it'll hurt both of us, maybe. . . if we just. . . let go of them. . . Tohru-chan, Kyou-kun. . . maybe we should. . ."
Yuki suddenly snatched his jacket from the couch. He refused to look at Kagura. "I don't care. . . my fate is to love Honda-san, and that I'll do. I'll only follow what I want, I don't care for this destiny stuff." He shot Kagura a side glance. "Don't grow weak. Get that baka neko back, Kagura. . . live happily with him. You deserve the happiness." Without another word, Yuki stormed out of the house, leaving Kagura alone to soak in her tears, rivaling the speed of the rain pouring outside.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou walked in to his home to find the place perfectly clean. Surprised, he whirled around to see a quite calm and collected Kagura, preparing something on the table. Swallowing hard, he walked up to her, throwing his hiking equipment on the floor to get her attention. The boar turned around, trying her hardest to avoid his eyes. "K. . . Kyou-kun! Welcome back!" She cried. "You must've had a long trip. . . did you go hiking with your friend?"
Gulping that he had been stupid enough to throw that right in front of her, he nodded. She smiled, continuously avoiding his gaze. "There's. . . breakfast on the table. I'll. . . I'll be back."
With that, she marched off, leaving Kyou dumbfounded, full of guilt and confusion. What had gone on?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Come in."
Tohru stepped in, having fully changed into her maid uniform. She bowed, flashing Yuki a smile. "Ohayo, Yuki-kun, gomenasai, I couldn't call you early in the morning, I thought it was too early, and well, the head maid gave me too much to do. . . So, here I am!"
Yuki nodded, not looking at her. A little perplexed, but glad that he had forgiven her, Tohru started to clean with a merry bounce to her steps. Yuki turned his head slightly to witness the busy form of Tohru, cleaning his apartment. She looked so peaceful, so settled, so. . . content. Destiny? Fate? Was that it? Were those the factors that kept binding the two together? But what about him? What about me? I love her. I don't want to lose her. Nothing can take her away. . . nothing. . .
Without realizing what he was doing, Yuki walked slowly over to Tohru. Casting a slight shadow over her bright figure, which caused her to look up into his desperate eyes. Worry and curiosity occupied her ocean blue globes as she was forced to stare into the endless depths. "Yu. . . yuki-kun? What's-"
Her sentence was muffled by Yuki's blouse as she was pulled into a hot embrace. A cloud of smoke covered the couple as a small grey rat sat on her shoulder, weeping into her forest of hair. Tohru, removing herself from the daze and a mop of Yuki's clothes, brought two fingers in comfort to the animal crying on her shoulder. "Don't leave me. . . Honda-san. . . don't leave me. . ." Tohru's eyes widened in surprise and anguish. The mouse desperately clutched her fingers. "Marry me. . . please Honda-san. Don't leave me alone. . ."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Rin literally flew to the café on the lobby. She zoomed with incredible speed, eventually crash landing on top of the person that had invited her to lunch. After being gruffly pushed off, she flicked her hair over her shoulders, revealing a stunning necklace. Her lunch date frowned. She smiled. "Sempai, I'm going to try everything to impress you on this date. I am so glad you've decided to take me back!"
Yuki groaned inwardly. However, keeping his cool, he replied gingerly, "For the last time, Rin. It isn't a date, I just had something to tell you."
Shaking off the hurtful comment, Rin approached the sandwiches. "Which one, sempai? You always take the tuna, how about trying something different? Ahh. . . hmm, balony sounds good. . ."
"Rin," Yuki declared decisively, causing the horse's eyes to flicker in suspicion as she turned to face him. "I'm getting married to Honda-san. She still hasn't agreed but I assure you, I will persuade her."
Her blood froze in her veins, as the somewhat bottled emotions against her rival Tohru burst free, the glass shattering, the sound echoing painfully across her barren heart, slicing through the cold. Her pale face looked up into the amethyst eyes of the silver-haired beauty. She was speechless. The state of shock was overcome as rage took its place. Stomping her foot hard onto the marble floor, she screamed. She screamed, her own hands covering her ears, tousling her hair forcefully. But no sound escaped her throat. She knew she was screaming. She could hear the screeches of pain, of need, of betrayal. . . but all she did was gape, her mouth forming unheard noises. Yuki stared at her, with absolutely no emotion, not even pity. Her eyes clouded, forming mini waterfalls of tears down her cheeks, she stared into Yuki's eyes. "You. . . you're. . . what?"
"I'm getting married, Rin." He replied, shortly. "To Honda-san."
"What, that lowly bitch?" Rin chuckled, causing Yuki's eyes to harden. "What's she ever done for you, sempai? What about me? How can you do this to me? You can't do this to me. . ."
"Why can't I?" Yuki replied in an ice-prince tone. "Look, Rin. We were never involved in any relationship to start with. You were my best friend's sister, and I was your sempai. I'm hoping it will stay that way."
Unable to say anything more, Rin resorted to the only other method she knew to get her message across - violence. And it landed, hard and square on Yuki's cheek. Quickly removing her hand, and cursing inaudibly, she made her grand exit, earning stares and points from the audience. Rin shoved the cold expression of Yuki to the back of her head. Only one thing occupied her mind at that point - Honda Tohru. That bitch. I'll never lose. Anything but this. I have to prevent it. Wiping her stray tears, she charged into her car, driving away at full force. The black gleamed in the sun, reflecting images of the sky. Rin skidded to a halt in front of the Oceanside cabin. Knocking down the door, she greeted an empty house. Suddenly, she felt lonely. No one to receive comfort from, not even her own brother. . . she felt that the world had deserted her. Everything was gone. Insanity drove her to wreck, to destroy. She marched to her brother's desk. A family picture. With her in it, she thought, calming down slightly. But a closer look told her something else. There was everyone there, except for the one person that should have been - her. She screamed. Throwing her whole body onto the picture, she cracked the thing without effort. Swiping the desk with an angry hand movement, she scattered all of Kyou's sketches, paintings, paper. She could see nothing. Rage obscured her vision. Why. . . why. . . why??? Why did she have to be the one that was to be left behind all the time? SHE was the real Sohma, not that filthy Honda Tohru! Why. . . Why. . . WHY!?!?
After exhausting her devastation, Rin collapsed to the floor, breathing heavily. Her hand grasped onto something. Staring down at her pitch black nails, coated with a bit of blood from her previous thrash, she read the writing. Her eyes widened. The envelope was cream coloured, no postage, no return address. Only her brother's name littered the paper. She recognized the writing instantaneously.
Honda Tohru.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyoko swept the ground outside of her store, sighing at the mess. She suddenly saw a ghostly figure slinking hesitantly towards her. Turning her head around, she saw a girl, tears shimmering on her cheeks, her long, silky black hair growing tangled with the wind, her knuckles white. As soon as she saw the unforgettable black depth held in her pained eyes, she realized who she was facing. "Rin. . . Rin?" Kyoko whispered, unable to believe that she had come back. "Rin?"
The girl turned her head swiftly away as her former mother approached her, hands shaking. "Rin. . . is it. . . is it really you. . .?"
She nodded, hesitantly returning her mother's strong embrace. She was engulfed by wails coming from the short-haired woman, wails full of anguish, relief, that had been piled up over the past years. She sank to the floor, the harsh autumn breeze ruffling her weak hair, causing Rin to back away from the whip-like strands. She mustered the most friendly smile she possibly could. "M. . . m . . ." Giving up, she resorted to formality. "Honda-sama, It's been a while, ne?"
Kyoko looked up at Rin, pain occupying the fierce globes. She had realized it, the hard way, that Rin held no affections for her. Rin continued. "I've come to ask you a favour, Honda-sama."
"Anything. . . anything. . ." Kyoko managed to say.
Rin smiled softly to herself. She missed me, she thought. All the better. She's my complete slave for the moment. "Tohru, Honda Tohru. . . she should live a better life, shouldn't she? Doesn't she deserve it, Honda-sama?"
Kyoko soon realized what the girl was getting at. She nodded her head weakly, in defeat.
"Honda-sama," Rin whispered convincingly, "What if you let us adopt her? Think of how well she would fare. . . think of all the things that her new life will bring. At this age of twenty two, Tohru so deserves it all. . . isn't it selfish? That you're keeping her like this?"
After a couple more persuasive phrases from Rin, Kyoko gave up her one and only family, Tohru. Rin hopped to her car, laughing victoriously and maliciously. She reached a crumpled, blood-stained envelope from her pocket, opening it, reading the last line over once again.
Kyou-kun, I love you.
In a meaning deeper than family.
And this is what makes me happy. . .
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou drove down the street like a maniac. Having far surpassed the speed limit, Kagura barked at him continuously to slow down. He paid no heed. He just needed to get to his house, his mother had been hysteric. She had desperately wanted him to come. He had to go. Why was he so worried? His mother didn't sound sick, just extremely hectic and excited. He felt that it couldn't be good.
Yuki had the same thoughts flashing through his mind as a clearly worried Tohru sat next to him, chancing many glances out the window. Why had Kyou's parents called them so suddenly? A family matter? Then why did it involve him and Kagura? And Tohru? He looked at the blue eyed beauty. A sinking feeling took place in the pit of his stomach. What if. . . what if they realized. . . he shook the thoughts away. No. They couldn't have. Then they wouldn't have sounded so happy. Everything would be okay.
Two cars arrived at very close intervals, Silver and white gleaming proudly. The driver and companion mounted off quickly, rushing towards the door, not exchanging any words. Tohru stared into her brother's frantic back. She could clearly see the fear, the what-if's, and hopefully-not's wavering about in his thoughts. The four entered the house, to be faced with the Sohma parents, smiling from ear to ear. Clear confusion outlined their faces. A bitter mess of black, silky hair occupied a piece of the couch on the right. However, it became apparent that the sulky girl was indeed very confused as well.
When all had been settled, Miyako reached out her hand across the glass table to a shaking Tohru. She smiled warmly, instantly calming her down. Rin eyed her with jealousy, worry crossing Yuki's face. Kyou looked at his father, who had placed a hand on his shoulder. "We have extremely happy news today," Miyako announced, causing confusion to bloat. "Kyou, my son," she continued, fixing her adoring gaze back to Tohru, "Tohru. . . and, Rin," She added. Miyako brought another hand onto Tohru's pale one. "You'll be fine now. Everything will be alright."
Kagura, unable to hide her curiosity, piped up. "Ne, Miyako-chan, what's all this about?"
Miyako smiled a precious smile. "Everyone, we're adopting Tohru!"
A chilling silence lingered dangerously as soon as the last words fell out of the woman's mouth. Kyou and Tohru gaped at their mother, horror framing their eyes. Yuki looked up stunned, Kagura gasped out loud. Rin bit her lip, surprise, bitterness and anger getting the better of her. They were oblivious to the relationship, then, thought Yuki. If they knew. . . if they knew. . . then everything will be . . .
Rin rose from her seat, shooting daggers at the whole audience, voice trembling with rage, sweat soaking her soft hair. "Do you know what you're saying?" She spat, "Do you? Do you know what kind of relationship these two are in!?"
Following her fingers, Kazuma and Miyako stared in horror as it pointed directly to their son, and soon to be daughter. Tohru gulped in fear, as Kyou avoided his parents' gaze. "You can't. You can't. . . You know why? They love each other. They love each other!!"
Soon the room fell quiet, numb with shock. Kazuma's eyes clearly defined disbelief. "Wha. . . what. . . who . . . who and who?" He looked to his orange-headed son. Kyou avoided his father's gaze.
Miyako was also frozen. "What are you talking about? Rin. . . what are you saying?"
As if Rin had awaited this chance for a lifetime, she slapped a crumpled piece of paper in front of her parents. Kyou and Tohru felt themselves freakishly shudder. That envelope. . . it contained that letter. . .
Sobbing, Rin dashed out of the house, slamming the door forcefully behind her. With trembling hands, Kazuma unfolded the letter. His trembles increased, while the anger mounted. Kyou and Tohru tried desperately to press their fear. Yuki and Kagura looked at each other worriedly. After finishing the last sentence, Miyako began to hyperventilate. Kazuma sprang up from his seat, clutching the cuffs of Kyou's t-shirt. "You. . . you. . ."
Tohru jumped at the two men in an attempt to save her brother. "Iie, Iie Ottou-san. . . it's me, it's me! Blame me. . . it's all my fault. . . it's me that loves him. . . Kyou-kun doesn't. . . please, ottou-san!"
Kazuma fixed his gaze on her. "Tohru . . ."
He let go of Kyou's neck, causing him to fall backwards.
"Kyou-kun!" Tohru cried, watching his body, slightly limp on the couch, stand up to face his infuriated father.
"Is. . . is this true?" Kazuma questioned dangerously, "IS THIS TRUE, SOHMA KYOU!?"
He lifted his rebellious crimson eyes to his father's grey ones. They looked piercingly sure. "Yes." He replied, fists clenched.
Kagura and Yuki rose from their perch instantly. Tohru froze in her stance. Miyako collapsed.
Outside, Rin backed her car out of the garage into the dark night. She chuckled hollowly. Everything had gone to plan. Tohru. . . Honda Tohru. . . she laughed victoriously into the wheel. "Taste the bitterness of defeat, Tohru!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The night's chill aroused goosebumps on Kyou's skin, his messy hair getting ruffled by the autumn wind. He heard soft, hesitant footsteps behind him. He turned instinctively, a saddened Tohru trying her best to smile standing behind him.
"Ne, Kyou-kun. . ." she said, "Why did you say yes? You should've told them no. . ."
Kyou stared into her eyes, emotion filling his face.
She lifted her head. "Ne? Why did you do that?"
"I. . ." he replied, inching towards her. "I. . . didn't want to lie, Tohru."
Tohru gasped, startled. "Kyou-kun. . ."
Silence prevailed as the two awkwardly continued to stare, mesmerized by each other. Soon, Kyou broke the silence softly. "Tohru," he said, "Let's run away."
He held an outstretched hand towards the girl. She looked at it pensively. About to turn away, she lifted her foot but - his eyes. . . those haunting crimson orbs that pleaded with her, those red fireballs that she had never been able to refuse. Suddenly she knew. . . she wanted to do this. It didn't matter how wrong it was. She wanted to do this. . .
She grasped his hand tightly. Kyou smiled. Tohru smiled back in return.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Yuki stepped out into the yard, in hopes of talking Kyou out of this madness. However, an empty chair greeted him. Then he realized. Tohru should at least have been here. Suddenly, it hit him. Turning abruptly on his heel, he rushed out, calling her name. "Honda-san. . . Honda-san. . . HONDA-SAN!!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tohru was breathless as Kyou dragged her hand up the hill towards the bus station. The two laughed like carefree children. A night bus was arriving on the horizon. The two rushed their tired footsteps, to run away, quickly, away from all of this, away from everything, to somewhere the two of them could stay together, forever.
The two clambered quickly onto the bus, dropping a couple of coins into the box. With a jolt of start from the bus, they continued to laugh as they reached the seats in the back. Grinning, they plopped down in the large space, in the empty bus. Kyou sighed contentedly, Tohru mirroring his move. Their eyes met once again. Shyly, they looked away, grinning and blushing like fools.
All the while, their hands remained intertwined, holding on, tightly.
Never, ever letting go.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
WHEW! That was long. SORRY IF I BORED YOU! Sorry if this chapter is a failure, sorry for ever writing!! AHH !! GOMENASAI!!
Hehe. . . well, since you've read it, please R&R! *^^* THANKS A MILLION!!