Disclaimer: While this particular fanfic belongs to me, neither Fruits Basket, nor its cast of characters belong to me.

A/N: It's the return of Kyo! Yay! Anyway, I can't believe how long this story has gone. I didn't expect it to be this long (and it's not over yet) but I'm happy that it has gotten this long and kept readers. So a big thanks again to everyone who is continuing to read. It really means a lot. And for those who thought Tohru was dead, sorry, I had to make that chapter end like that. But I wouldn't kill off Tohru. That would be too mean to Kyo.

Roses of Glass Chapter 21

Shigure hung up the phone and turned around to find Kyo balancing on his crutches in the doorway behind him. By the look on Kyo's face, he had heard the last part of Shigure's half of the conversation. Shigure walked over to the younger boy, "That was Hatori. There was apparently a little accident today. It seems Tohru took a bit of a fall from a ladder. Hari says she'll be okay; she's just going to be sore for a few days. Oh, and her hair apparently got caught in one of the joints of the ladder and had to be cut to get her free. But, as I said, she's okay and she's on her way home now. But she might be a bit upset about the whole thing."

Shigure watched the reactions that crossed Kyo's face at each sentence and knew Tohru had been right to try to keep the truth from him, at least until after the curse was lifted. Hatori had told Shigure what really happened, but he had also, at Tohru's request, provided the cover story to tell Kyo. Judging by how upset the false story made him, if Kyo had known the truth, it was probable that he would try something rash like running off with Tohru the second she got home. That sort of reaction would not have solved anything. In fact, it likely would have made things worse. It was, indeed, a good idea that Kyo be kept in the dark for now. He could be told when they succeeded in lifting the curse; he would have to be told then, if Tohru was left with a scar. But in order for the curse to be lifted, Kyo must remain relatively calm for now, and that meant keeping the truth from him.

Kyo, still upset and worried, was waiting just inside the door when Tohru and Yuki arrived at the house. He hobbled over to Tohru and asked, "Are you okay? Hatori called Shigure and said you fell off a ladder. Did you get hurt?'

"I'm really sore, but I'll be okay. Hatori's coming over tomorrow to check up on me. He said he wanted to take a look at your ankle then, too," Tohru replied, taking off her coat, hat, and scarf.

With these outer garments removed, Kyo got his first glance at Tohru's new haircut. It was shorter than he had been expecting. It didn't look bad, but it was definitely a shock, "Did they have to cut that much off?"

Tohru touched her hair, "Do you not like it? I'm sorry. There was nothing I could do about it. They had to cut it really short."

Kyo cursed himself, "I didn't mean it like that. I think it looks nice. I was just kind of surprised, that's all."

"I'm glad you don't hat it," Tohru managed a small smile, but then winced as the pain in her back briefly intensified.

"Why don't you go lay down on the couch," suggested Kyo, "You look like you're really hurting. Yuki and I can take care of things. I can cook tonight, even if I am still on crutches. I don't have to move around too much in order to cook. You get some rest. After dinner, we can watch a movie or something."

Tohru was about to protest but Kyo gave her a look that told her not to argue so she smiled and thanked him before moving slowly into the other room. Kyo watched her leave, wanting to put his fist through the wall, but refraining from actually doing so. It was almost worse when he had no one to blame for the incident. If someone had been at fault for what happened to Tohru, he would at least be able to vent some anger by fighting that person.

Yuki notice the tension in Kyo's shoulders as he watched Tohru leave. He knew exactly what Kyo was thinking. He wondered if Kyo would actually try to take on Akito, if he were to find out what had really happened. Of all the Sohmas, Kyo seemed the most likely to try something like that, but he had his fears as well. Not to mention, he might be more reluctant if he considered how it might affect Tohru; not that Kyo was known for seriously thinking things through before he acted. Hopefully, it wouldn't matter either way for much longer. If they were successful in breaking the curse, much of Akito's power would be lost.

Later that night, after Kyo had prepared dinner, which Tohru had come to the table to eat despite Kyo's protestations, Kyo and Tohru sat watching a movie.

"I'd rather be up on the roof right now," Kyo remarked, then, catching himself, he added, "I mean, this is nice. I want to spend time with you. I just meant, I'm more comfortable up there. And I meant you could be there, too."

Tohru couldn't help but give him a smile, "I knew what you meant. I like sitting up on the roof with you. But I don't think either of us is really in any shape to go up there now. Besides, it's really cold out. I think it's colder than usual for this time of year."

Kyo nodded, "Yeah, I guess you're right."

After that, they returned to their movie. Neither one saw the end of the film. When Shigure came in a little while later, he found Tohru asleep on the sofa and Kyo sleeping sitting up on the floor with his head resting on the sofa next to Tohru's. Shigure smiled, snuck over to turn off the TV, and turned off the light on his way out.

"Now that really is just about one of the cutest things I've ever seen," Shigure commented, then thought to himself of all the ways he could potentially tease Kyo about the situation. Shaking his head, he decided, "No, maybe I can let just this one go. After all, I think maybe those two have been through enough in the past week. Once New Year's is over, then I can really tease them."

Tohru awoke awhile later. It took her a moment to realize where she was. Once she was oriented, she was somewhat surprised to not the presence of another person. She glanced down and in the dim light she saw Kyo still sleeping with his head resting next to her. Then she realized that since the lights and television were off, someone must have walked in and seen them like this. Looking back at Kyo, she gave a soft smile and decided it didn't matter. She leaned over and kissed the top of Kyo's head before laying back down and returning to her slumber.