Konnichawa, minna-san! Here's the first chapter! This is based on scenes from the manga. I probably changed the wording from those scenes a little, since I don't have translations. However, it's manga-related. If you don't want to be spoiled of who is Haru's sweetie, than don't read. I bet everyone knows who she is by now, especially if you already read my poems! Enjoy! I don't own Fruits Baskets.

CHAPTER 1

Winter 1992

She's always crying...

Seven-years ago, life was simple...well simple for a juunnishi. My black side still got me in trouble at school, but not as much. A few years back, I was near expulsion until Shihan and my parents explained to the principal that I am doing something about it. Martial arts was suppose to help me but that didn't work. Then, I met Yuki. He was by the window gazing the view in front of him. When I came face to face with him for the first time outside of the New Years celebration, I went all out on him in black mode. I told him how much I hated the rat and it's the rat's fault that I was laughed at and being called "stupid". All he said was, "Is it true? Are you really stupid?"

"No, I am not stupid," I replied with anger still at bound.

He gave me a serene smile and said, "I understand."

It was that moment when I felt released and relieved. Yuki has eased my anger and pain...

Also, it was the first time I fell in love...

In late November, seven-years ago, the day of the encounter which will forever change me, started in the dojo with Shihan and Kyo. I remembered after Kyo beat me in another round of sparring and ends it there. I furious with him and demanded another round.

"No way, we're suppose to end it there," Kyo said keeping his cool. He's like a little teacher.

"Just one more Kyo! Come on!" I felt that same surge of annoyance arising in me. Why won't that cat just fight!

"Shishou said we are only to do a certain amount, Haru. Don't overexert yourself!" He was starting to get irritated. I could see the angry marks showing. That's it go all out!

"Let's go."

"No! It not my..."

BAM! I smacked Kyo from behind as he was baka neko woke up the other side of me...my Black side. "Why are you running away, koneko-chan?"

"ARRGH! Darn it! Why do you always go black when I don't fight?"

"Don't ask questions! Just fight! Let's go!" I was in my fighting stance ready to kick some kitty butt.

"You know I'll just kick your butt like I always do! Since you ask for it...I'll teach you a lesson you never forget, you bratty cow!" Kyo yelled as he turned around and get into fighting stance. As I head for him, I felt like I am floating...floating? Kyo stopped and looked up. His eyes widened.

"Session is over for today, you two," said Shihan holding me with two hands under my arms. "Kyo was right, Hatsuharu, there is no sparring or fighting after your session."

"But...we were just..." I tried to explain myself. Kyo had his arms crossed and gave me his usual annoyed expression. He just left mumbling something to himself.

"It's alright. Change out of your GI and I'll take you home."

"Yes, Shihan," I moaned in disappointment. I was mad that our fight was interrupted. Me and Kyo never had a straight round of fighting without interruption...someday I'll beat him to a bloody pulp!

After I changed, I went to the pavilion of the dojo, to put my shoes on. While I put my shoes on, I was mumbling to myself how I almost had a clean fight with the cat. Shihan sat next to me. He slipped on his shoes and gave me a friendly look.

"Marital arts is just not fighting. Its learning to control yourself. That you have to keep practicing, Hatsuharu."

"Hai, Shihan. I'll do my best," I said as completely revert back to my normal self.

"I'm glad to hear that. Let's go." He got up and called out to Kyo, "I am leaving now, Kyo, I'll come back soon."

"Okay, don't be late, Shishou,"

"Heh. Okay, Kyo."

The day was normal like any other day. Me and Shihan walk along the stone walls which encloses the Honke. Then, Shihan stopped to talk to some of his student who are on their way home. My mind was not on the walk, but how I am going to beat Kyo. I didn't realized that Shihan stopped. I went little further and stopped. There she was...Rin, kneeling on the sidewalk, with her head hanging close to the ground. I walked up to her.

"Oi, Daijabou desu ka? (Are you okay?) Don't go anywhere. I'll get help. Shihan...Shihan..."

I ran back to where Shihan was chatting and kept on calling for him.

"What's wrong, Hatsuharu?"

"Follow me." I lead him back to her. She has collapsed. Shihan carried her carefully with her body supported on his arms. He was careful not to hold her too close or she'll transform.

During that time I didn't know her that well. I see her now and then at the main house during new years and a few times when we're very little. Although we were not close, we were friendly with one another.

We took her to the hospital and the doctor said something about hidden bruising. I didn't understand exactly, but bruising was all I needed to know. She was beaten by someone...but who? She woke up while I waited outside her room. From the outside, I heard Shihan explaining to her that he's Kyo's adoptive father and the master of the Sohma dojo. However, this doesn't calm her nerves. She started panicking about going home and that she's going to be in trouble. I came in to see what's going on. Behind me, was a woman who said something I wish Rin didn't have to hear...

"It's alright. Don't bother coming home... we don't know how to love you anymore..." Then, the doctor came and told that woman to come and talk with him. I was shocked...and yet...more angry.

Boku no Kami-sama! (My God!) How could someone say that! I saw Rin's face with fear written all over it. Her eyes widen. She tried to reach for that woman but that woman left with the doctor. Those hand that tried to reach, gave up. She put them over her eyes and wept softly. As I watch the scene in front of me, I felt her pain burying inside of me. What is she suppose to do? What could she do? Then, I snapped...

"How could you say something like that! What is she suppose to do now! What are us kids suppose to do when our parents say that! How would you feel if someone said that to you!"

Shihan tried to keep me calm, but I can't help it. No one could leave after saying those things! "APOLOGISE! APOLOGISE TO RIN! HEY! APOLOGISE TO HER!" That woman left with no explanation or apology! Don't tell me that was her...her mother...

"Haru...Haru...Thank...you," She said to me as she kneel on the hospital bed, crying.

I just look at her from the side of my teary eyes. I never seen anything like this in front of my eyes. To be left alone...without a place to call home...Her pain has become mine. From that day on, I promised to myself that Rin wouldn't be alone anymore. She will not cry any more...

AN: Awww... Haru is such a sweetie pie! If you see CH 79 of Rin's flashbacks that's a good visual of what a sweetie he is. Alright, read and review! See ya next chapter!