Disclaimer: Fruits Basket and its characters are the property of their respective owners. This piece is not for profitable purposes.

Chapter 21: Together

I wait at the plaza where we had met two years prior and am reminded of that instance that had changed my life – giving me the hope that I so desperately needed. After a few moments of silent thought, I see her approaching, making her way through a throng of shoppers. As she comes closer, I see that she is wearing a yellow sundress – and the ribbons that I had given her so long ago.

She quickens her pace as she notices me, and, in a short time, she is standing before me.

Blushing slightly, she says, "I'm sorry, I hope that I didn't keep you waiting long – Yuki."

I am at first startled by the absence of the –kun, but am then delighted, as it is an indication of the change in our relationship.

I reciprocate by answering, "It's certainly not a problem, Tohru, I also just recently arrived."

Reassured, she smiles. She steps closer to me and looks at her surroundings.

Her view returns to me as she says, "It's already been two years since you and I were here."

More quietly, she continues, "I acted like everything was normal for you – I had no idea what you were going through."

To her surprise, I move my face closer to hers and say, "What's in the past will remain there, the future is wide open for us."

The anxiety apparent in her face recedes and she smiles at me.

At this, I take hold of her hand and say, "Do you mind if I hold your hand, Tohru?"

"I'd like that very much."

I nod my head and say, "Now that we're here, what would you like to do?"

Her expression becomes momentarily thoughtful before she answers, "I had considered going again to get a smoothie, but I decided that it might be nice to try something new, what do you think?"

"Anything with Tohru would be fine with me."

She smiles and says, "I feel the same."

"While we think about it, Tohru, shall we take a walk?"

"All right," she answers happily.

We continue on silently, passing stores, restaurants, and groups of people. Somewhat anxious at her quiet nature, I wonder if I should speak when I notice her slowing her pace as we approach an open area.

Curious, I say, "Tohru?"

She stops, her head drooped slightly. She tightens her grip on my hand and says, "I know what you said earlier, but I still can't let go of the thought. I can't help but be saddened that all the memories so precious to you allude me, these thoughts for which I long so. It makes me feel as if I am trapped in the shadows, my arms outstretched straining to discover my direction."

Startling her, I let go of her hand and embrace her closely as I answer, "There's no need to fear the darkness. I will always be by your side, going together, hand-in-hand to forever."

She returns the embrace and I can tell she is starting to tear.

I continue, "Even if your memories never return, Tohru is still Tohru, the one whom I have loved for so long and will love for much longer."

"Thank you, Yuki," she says quietly.

We move apart from the embrace and she smiles at me through her tears as I take hold of her hand once more. We continue to walk and, as we approach a store that sells stuffed animals and similar gifts, I decide that I'd like to buy something for her there.

I look to her and say, "Tohru, shall we go in here?"

I point, and she leads us closer so that we are standing before the windows. As I had guessed, her eyes brighten and she looks to me with a smile and nods her head yes. I open the door and wait as she steps inside. I am relieved and glad as I see her move around, look at, pick up, and comment on many items throughout the store. I am surprised when I see in one area a line of stuffed animals of the Juunishi. She sees my attention diverted and looks there herself. She seems hesitant at first, but then takes my hand and we walk to that section.

She traces her hand along all the animals and says, "Hmm, which of these would I associate with Yuki?"

At first taken aback by her question, I realize that I had never told her by which animal I had been possessed. I smile and reach for one of the mice and pick it up and place it on my shoulder. She looks towards me and laughs. Encouraged by her enjoyment, I remove it from my shoulder and place it before her. She readily picks it up with a smile.

"I'll get it for you, Tohru, as a memento of today."

She mimics my movements by placing it on her own shoulder as she answers, "I'd like that very much."

As we walk together to the cashier, I feel an immense gratitude for this day, and all the others that we will share.