Author's note: I don't know the ending of the series, but I had this itch to write.

The curse has been broken. All the Soma's have found new ways to enjoy their freedom.

Baby Steps

Kyo Soma shaded his eyes as he walked down the street. A summer breeze played with the open collar of his pale blue button-down shirt. How long had it been since he's been here? After graduating high school, and the breaking of the Zodiac curse, two years had passed before word of the engagement between Yuki and Tohru reached his unsurprised ears. He had left that house of Shigure's following the abandonment of his possessing spirit in an attempt to find a purpose for the rest of his life.

Before Tohru had come, all he had cared about was defeating Yuki and finding a rightful place in the Soma house. Now that had no more reason. Kyo left the entire household behind, this time to find himself. Tohru had smiled and waved her encouragement from the train station as he left.

Now, having taken two years of college, become a champion at martial arts competitions, he was older and wiser. Kyo shifted his duffle bag and let himself smile drily. Older, yes, but not always wiser. The wedding was in a month during the coming fall. Knowing Tohru, she probably would have preferred a spring wedding, but with growing pressure on her to become proper' in the eyes of society and the Soma household, the sooner the better.

Two years he had kept a dark secret. Three years he carried a desperate hope. And now he was here.

The old dirt path had been paved last year. The trees still waited nearby, sheltering and comforting. Kyo's shoes made faint taps on the asphalt. The house came into view, unchanged and unremarkable as usual, but sparking a flood of memories. He paused, his earthy-red eyes taking in the new flower gardens under the windows and the vegetable garden tucked around the corner of the building. He frowned at the telltale green shoots of leeks before entering the foyer.

I'll be right back!

Kyo couldn't move as a slim woman of twenty came bounding out the door. She tripped on a careless shoe and came flying towards him. He dropped his bag and caught her easily. He laughed down at her face scrunched up in anticipation of pain.

It's nice to see that some things never change.

Her eyes shot open, the exact shade of blue he remembered. She flung her arms around him. Kyo, you came!

To his surprise, she didn't shriek or do anything hyperactive. She only buried her face in his shoulder and clung to him like a child. Tentatively, he wrapped his arms around her still-small frame. He whispered into her hair, Are you alright?

She immediately jerked her head back and laughed. Of course I am! I'm just so surprised! And so happy! When we didn't hear anything from you after we sent out the invitations, well, I thought you were mad at us.

Kyo forced a smile. Why would I be mad?

Hello cat-boy.

Yuki stood in the doorway, pointedly looking at the arm his arch-rival had around his fiancé. Kyo let it drop.

Hello, rat-boy. I hope I still have a place here.

For a long tense moment they silently evaluated one another. Finally, Yuki stepped forward and held out his hand. It is good to have you home, Kyo.

Kyo blinked, but kept his surprise carefully hidden as he took the offering of peace. Thank you.

Is that the Lone Tom I hear?

Kyo smirked. Shigure, you mutt. I thought you would have been out of here a long time ago.

The eldest of the group emerged in his typical kimono, glasses perched on the end of his nose. He sighed dramatically, My my, what a handsome young thing you've turned out to be. It's probably a good thing the curse has been broken with all the girls who most likely chase you. I envy your youth, Kyo, be sure to take full advantage of it while you can.

Kyo fought back a blush with a glare. You would know, wouldn't you.

Shigure only smiled innocently.

Tohru broke in with an exclamation. Oh, now that Kyo is here, I had best go buy more tea!

He gently restrained her from putting on her shoes. Don't worry about that on my account, Tohru.

She blinked up at him, But I was going to do that anyway.

He shrugged and dropped his bag on the step. Well then I may as well accompany you.

A faint frown marred Yuki's smooth features, but at a glance from Tohru, it vanished. She smiled, That would be wonderful!

Back on the road, Kyo stole glances at the girl - the woman walking next to him. Nothing had changed about her personality, that was sure. However, physically, she had most definitely matured. Her legs were longer beneath the knee-length skirt which flirted with the late summer breeze. Her figure had filled out, but remained willowy with long fingers, thin wrists, and narrow shoulders.



Kyo started, meeting those bright blue eyes with their complete innocence and blushing outright. Um, you've grown up a lot, Tohru.

Really? Sometimes I don't feel like it. My head still buzzes all the time over things. It's like I've become stuck in high school and being surprised all the time by everything, only, she paused, You're not there anymore.

He watched the placement of his soft leather shoes. He started again at her next question.

So how is college?

It's okay I guess. He smiled, It's a lot of work. But I'm the champion of the college martial arts team.

She clapped her hands. I'm sure you're wonderful! That's amazing!

Keeping my grades up is a challenge. I'm sure you'd do great there.

She tipped her head to the side in thought. I don't know. Of course, now that I'm getting married, I'll never know. But that's okay.

Kyo felt his heart squeeze oddly in his chest at the mention of the wedding. Um, so, how is that going?

Her face lit up. It's wonderful! Of course, we've had to keep Shigure from inviting the entire Soma house to the reception. Basically it will be all our close friends. She stopped in the middle of the road.

He turned and raised an eyebrow.

I was going to ask you something, but wasn't sure how to write it. And then you never responded, so I was afraid that you wouldn't come. And now you're here, so I guess I can ask you, but now I'm not sure -

Kyo laughed lightly. Tohru, you're talking in circles again.

Oh, sorry, She turned a charming shade of pink, before balling her fists at her side in determination. Kyo, would you do me the honor of giving me away at the alter?

I - He stood stunned. Give her away?

She blushed even more, twisting the hem of her skirt in her hands, and ducking her head. I know it's a modern tradition, but, since my parents are both gone, and I don't think Grandpa would be fit to, I thought it might be nice if I asked on of my friends to do it. But Hana and Uo are girls, and usually it's done by a boy, so -

Kyo gently placed his hand on her bowed head. She looked up, I would be honored to give you away.

Her entire being shone with happiness. Really? Oh thank you, Kyo!

The remainder of the errand was made with conversations of the wedding plans. The entire time Kyo ignored the crying in his heart.

Author's note: So I have not watched the entire series, or read all the manga, but I think I know enough to do this little tension-reliever story. College is a pain!
Yes - Yuki and Tohru are getting married.