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Chapter 25: The Future of Two, the Future of All

"Tohru," I say, startled, not having expected her to appear.  I look to Hatori and am surprised to see him smiling slightly as he looks to her.

"Even though I don't remember what you just described, I want to thank you, Hatori-san, for believing."

"I should be the one thanking you, without those words from you, I would have quietly accepted the fate of the Sohmas."

Hatori looks away to the trees once more before he takes a last smoke and disposes of the cigarette.  That complete, he quietly moves back inside.  Just the two of us remaining on the porch, my reflections return to the words spoken indoors.  The current state of events will, obviously, deserve an explanation.  But, what to say?  Although I am overjoyed to be with her as we are, a thought that has come to the surface of my mind much recently returns, would Tohru be willing to…

"Yuki?"

My ponderings disturbed, I look to her and say, "Yes, Tohru?"

She moves so that she is leaning against the railing and then turns to me and says, "I wanted to make sure you were all right, you seemed lost in thought."

I walk so that I am beside her and we look at each other as I answer, "I was thinking of us, Tohru, how we are – and how I would like us to be."

"How I would like us to be," she repeats, quietly.

She blushes slightly and then looks out at her surroundings.

"I was speaking to Kagura-san inside just now.  She is friendly and kind, and devoted to Kyo-san; her love is very strong.  I told her that I thought so and she looked to me and said, 'I can tell, your feelings are the same for Yun-chan, aren't they?'  I was surprised for a moment and she giggled in response.  She then continued, 'I remember when you were in high school, I'd always thought that you and Yun-chan were meant for each other, both calm and generous.  I'm so glad that you found each other again.' She then said, 'I know, Tohru, that your feelings and Yun-chan's will always be as they are.'  When she said that, I thought…"

Unable to resist, I lean forward and kiss her.  She is startled at first, but then returns it, her eyes closed.  After a too brief moment, we move away from each other, she blushing. 

She takes hold of my hand and smiles as she continues, "I thought that what she said was most certainly true, and I hoped that you believed that, too."

"My thoughts and feelings are the same."

She removes her hand from mine and embraces me silently, which I happily return.

"Ah, little brother, I wondered where you were, but I see I had nothing to worry about – indeed, it seems as if though I am intruding on our ouji-sama and hime-sama."

Startled and embarrassed, we quickly break apart.

Flustered, I look angrily at him and say, "Onii-san, what are you doing here?"

He flinches melodramatically as he says, "Oh, so scary, and to your older brother, how brutal you can be, Yuki."

"Don't try to change the subject."

He crosses his arms and says, "I was just doing a favor for Momiji, and look at the thanks I get."

I look towards Tohru, and see that she seems troubled.  She most likely is not used to my brother's nature, and may believe that he is genuinely upset. 

Noting this, I say, "I understand.  We're coming."

He shakes his head yes and replies, "Of course, it wouldn't be a Super Fantastic Sohma Celebration without my little brother and Tohru."

"Yes, yes," I answer.

My sight returns to Tohru as I say, "Would you like to go in now?"

"Ok!" she answers.

Onii-san acknowledges her response by shaking his head before turning and walking away.  When he is a few steps ahead, I lean towards her and whisper, "Shall we tell them?"

She nods her head yes vigorously and smiles.  As we walk inside and move closer to the room where the Sohmas are gathered, I hear and see Momiji doing karaoke while dancing around.  Some of the Sohmas watch while others are talking and eating.  Tohru and I greet them, all of whom are happy to see her.  We approach Momiji last, waiting until he finishes the song that he is performing.

He places the microphone down and says, "Toh-ru, Yuki!"

"Hello, Momiji."

"Hello, Momiji-kun, thank you so much for inviting me."

"Of course, of course, Toh-ru!  Would you like to sing a song?  It's a lot of fun!"  

Making a decision, I answer, "We won't be singing a song, but would you mind if we use the microphone?"

He seems momentarily surprised before he says, "Sure, not a problem," and steps aside.

Understanding my intent, Tohru stands beside me while I being to speak.

"Everyone, could I have your attention please?"

All the Sohmas – even Kyo – look towards Tohru and I and fall silent.

"Thank you.  I'm glad that everyone was able to attend today, thank you for coming.  I hope that you are enjoying yourselves."

Clapping and noises are heard from the crowd, and I wait a few seconds before I continue.

I turn to Tohru slightly and say, "I'm sure we all especially want to thank our special guest for joining us today."

The noise level is even louder than before, and Tohru blushes.

I give her the microphone and she says, "Thank you for including me in this wonderful event.  I'm so happy to share it with you."

"We're glad you're here."

"Of course, you're welcome."

"We're all excited that you're back."

She tears slightly at their kind words but wipes them away as she smiles and returns the microphone to me.

"I sincerely hope that each of you, since the change of fate, has found peace and believe in an opportunity for happiness."

After a few moments of positive response, I continue, "We are all fortunate to have Tohru once again part of our family.  I fully believe that our futures are bright and full of promise.  No longer are we consumed by fear, but have the strength to hope that will sustain us."

I take hold of Tohru's hand as I continue, "I know that, for me, Tohru has been my pillar, and shall continue to be."

Low tone chatter breaks out amongst the group so I say, "Yes, what I say is true.  I am in love with Tohru, and she returns my feelings."

In agreement, Tohru nods her head yes.

There is silence for a short time before Momiji starts to clap, then Onii-san, Kagura, and Haru, then Hatori, Shigure, Kisa, Shishou, Ritsu, Hiro, Rin, and Kureno – and then Kyo.

I take hold of Tohru's other hand and say to her, "Together, let us make our own beginning," before bringing her closer and kissing her.

Author's Notes:

Thanks for reading and reviewing!  I hope that you've enjoyed the story.  I've decided to make a compilation piece that includes all four stories in the arc, and likely a bonus final chapter. ;)  It will be named "To Believe" and should be out soon.  Thanks again for your support!