Author's Note: So as to the color of Tohru's eyes - they seem to be brown in the manga, and blue in the anime. Anyone care to explain that? Confused...

Baby Steps 2

Conversation

Kyo stretched out on the roof of the house early the next morning. Humming lightly under his breath, he watched the sun peek over the horizon. It had been some time since he had been able to do that. Usually he was too tired to even bother. The tiles felt pleasantly chill beneath his bare feet as the first rays began to warm his body. He heard someone climbing the ladder to his hideaway, and turned, expecting Tohru.

The gray head of Yuki appeared. He paused, then pulled himself the rest of the way up and sat stiffly next to his cousin. He wore a pair of slacks and one of his old silk shirts. Kyo eyed him warily.

Yuki kept his eyes on the rising sun.

Kyo answered.

So, you aren't going to challenge me?

That was a long time ago. Kyo wiggled his toes. There's no real reason anymore.

What about Tohru?

Kyo bit the inside of his lip. What about her?

You aren't upset that we're getting married?

It was her choice.

Yuki's amethyst eyes narrowed. But I'm sure our rivalry hasn't vanished overnight.

Kyo shrugged. It's been two years. Things change.

That they do. And at the same time, things remain the same. I know that you must have some problem with this wedding, but I want you to know that if you hurt Tohru's feelings in any way, I'll not hold back anything in getting retribution.

For a long moment, the ex-cat stared at his old nemesis. Still as pretty as ever, the morning light danced along the silvery-gray strands of hair hanging in his face. Yet, Kyo noticed a few lines in his flawless face. They were smile lines creasing the skin at the corners of his eyes and his mouth, barely visible except to one who had long known the deliberate blankness the rat had hidden behind. Lines Tohru had given him. Kyo looked away.

I don't think Tohru is one to go back on something as important as marriage. Even if I still felt the same way, I would never sink that low.

Well, you used to attack me when I was still asleep.

Kyo blinked. Yuki gave him a tiny smile. They spent the next hour watching the beginning of a new day in companionable silence. The cheery voice of Tohru floated up from below.

Yuki? Yuki where are you? I have to go in to town and do a last fitting for the dress.

Scrambling to his feet, Yuki darted down the ladder. Kyo smiled at the complete control the simple Tohru had over their lives. He followed a moment later.

No, you can't come silly! The groom isn't supposed to see the bride in the dress till the wedding!

Tohru, do we have to follow all those traditions?

Kyo heard her hesitate as he entered his bedroom via the window. They were standing in the hallway outside his door. Hana said that if we're doing a Western style wedding, we ought to do it one hundred percent.

Yuki sounded dangerously close to pouting. Hana isn't the one getting married.

Tohru laughed and Kyo heard the distinct sound of a kiss. It won't be long. But I have to check on the cake and the flowers. Did you know that some people start planning a year in advance? I thought it would be easy to do in a month, but the waiting lists can take forever! She descended the stairs. Be back soon!

Kyo pulled on a black t-shirt and changed his workout pants for a pair of jeans. Grabbing a dark green jacket, he took the stairs three at a time and caught her at the door.

Hey, can I go?

She paused, one shoe still in her hand. Sure! You haven't seen anything yet.

To his surprise, she walked around to the back of the house. In a new shed she pulled out a small motorized scooter. Tossing him a helmet, she turned the key and kicked up the brace.

Come on Kyo!

Slowly he put on the head gear and winced internally at the thought of sitting so close behind her. To cover his reluctance, he asked,

When did you get the scooter?

Yuki bought it for me. My new job is further away, plus it doesn't take so long. It's fun to ride! She waited till he put his arm cautiously around her waist before taking off. The wind tossed her conversation back to him. Of course I had to get a license. The testing wasn't hard, but I kept remembering the car crash that killed Mom. Yuki helped me get over my fear of the road.

I bet he did. The wind flung Tohru's long hair in his face but he didn't complain. She obediently gave the appropriate arm signals and stopped at each intersection. When someone in a taxi whistled at the two of them, Kyo glared back. Tohru only waved.

At the dress shop, Hana and Uo were waiting. Neither had changed much, still the strangely protective and intimidating friends who greeted Kyo with a nod and sharp,

Well look what the cat dragged in!

I see no one around here has been trying to rise above themselves. He darted back. Hana only curled her upper lip and said,

You don't set very high standards yourself.

Tohru stepped in the middle, being the peacemaker. Now Hana, Kyo has been busy at college. He's even their marital art's champion!

The ex-gangster smirked. What do you think they'd say if I told them that I used to slap you around with a mop?

Kyo glanced around at the masses of white lace and sparkling beads. Well, you wouldn't be in one of these places anytime soon.

Hana rolled her eyes and took Tohru by the arm. Come on Tohru. They've been waiting for you in there. Something to do with the train hanging properly.

Uo watched the blond haired woman push a nervous brunette through the curtained dressing room door. Turning to Kyo, her black eyes scanned him carefully.

I'm picking up interesting waves from you. You seem to be in conflict.

Kyo smiled toothily, which seemed to startle her. It's a big event.

She didn't answer. Kyo occupied himself by examining the other dresses on display. Again he began humming under his breath until Tohru's giggle broke his musings.

Kyo, I didn't know you liked to sing.

He turned and stared transfixed at the vision she made. The long sleeves came gracefully to an end low on her shoulders. The dip at her chest showed the slightest hint of cleavage, hidden by a delicate fan of lace. The entire dress was covered with tiny flowers, not roses, but some kindred. From her narrow waist, the material fell in smooth waves which swept away to the gathering of train in the back. There were no sparkling gems or beads, but she did not need them. Her blue eyes laughed at him as she slowly turned.

So what do you think?

Kyo swallowed audibly. I - uh, it's beautiful!

A blush exploded on her face. Well, I can't really do it justice, but I'm glad you like it. I can't wait to see Yuki's face.

He'd probably transform, if he were still cursed. I know I would. Kyo took a firm grip on his leaping pulse and bowed gallantly. You most definitely look like a princess now, Tohru.

She laughed and curtsied in return. And you will be my knight, presenting me to my prince.

She didn't notice his wince, but Uo's eyebrow lifted. She walked over to Tohru and gently began pulling back her hair.

We must decide on your makeup and hair style soon. You cannot simply let it hang down, nor would it be suitable for you to wear only ribbons like you usually do.

Tohru smiled, Oh I don't care! Ribbons are fine with me. She glanced at the clock on the wall. Oh dear! I have to meet the florist in fifteen minutes!

She vanished in a swish of white and reappeared moments later, hair mussed and ribbons askew. Thank you, Hana and Uo! Remember, one week before the wedding we have rehearsal. We may have to have a second, so keep that in mind too.

Hana waved her off as Kyo picked up their helmets. We know, you've told us a hundred times already.

Outside the shop, Kyo tucked her helmet under his arm as Tohru got on the scooter. She held out her hand.

Kyo, I need my helmet.

He reached up and straightened her crooked hair ribbon. You might want to look a little sharper than that.

Her eyes opened wide. Oh, do I look bad? I didn't check the mirror when I changed.

He smiled, giving a lock a tug after he straightened the other bow. You look fine.

She sighed in relief. Thank goodness. What would I have done without you, Kyo?

He couldn't answer, only handed her the helmet and sat behind her once more, her hair brushing gently against his face. He could resist shifting his arm around her waist, pulling her a little closer.

Author's note:
Sooo, perhaps things will get a little more intense next time - however, I have three midterms around the corner. School bites!!!