(Chapter Ten: First Date)

When Tohru and Yuki arrived home Kyo rushed toward the door. One look at Yuki's cheek and Kyo didn't have many questions. Instead Yuki went to his room, and Tohru walked into the kitchen. Still Kyo was a bit worried so he asked her.

"How did he get the bruise Tohru?" he asked as he leaned against the wall with her back to him.

"He stopped him from hitting me" she replied not turning around.

"What?" Kyo lowered his hands, which had been behind his head, "Hitting you?"

"Akito was upset because I wouldn't tell him if you felt the same way that I did about you. I told him that if he really wanted to know, he should ask you. So he got angry."

"So this whole visit, was just to find out how I feel about you? Because he couldn't find out from me? Damn it! I should have known better than to let you go."

"I'm really okay Kyo" she replied, "If Yuki hadn't stepped in, I would be the one with the bruise across my cheek."

"I guess that's true."

"I better take this up to him" she picked up the first aid kit, "So we can disinfect."

"I'll do it" Kyo reached for it.

"Huh?"

"You just finish what you were doing. I'll take it to him."

"Okay" she nodded a bit confused but handed him the kit just the same.

(Next Scene)

Kyo knocked on the door of Yuki's bedroom.

"It's open Miss Honda!" Yuki called as Kyo stepped in, "Kyo what are you doing here?"

"I brought you the first aid kit" Kyo walked over to him, "Here" he shoved into his outstretched palm.

"Why did you bring this up?" Yuki asked.

"Because Tohru is making dinner right now" Kyo retorted walking towards the door.

"Is that all?"

"Well what did you expect you damn rat!" Kyo shouted opening the door.

Yuki just shrugged his shoulders angrily but noticed that Kyo's shoulders had untightened and had dropped. He also wasn't moving.

"What's the matter?"

"Thank you" Kyo said softly.

"I'm sorry."

"I said thank you" Kyo replied through gritted teeth as he turned around, "For protecting Tohru."

"I couldn't do anything less."

"I'm not saying thank you for just her. But for me too."

"For you?"

"Don't get used to it!" Kyo replied angrily slamming the door.

Yuki sighed, smiled, and looked down at the kit in front of him.

"Don't worry stupid cat," he thought, "I won't."

(Next Scene)

That evening as Kyo sat on the roof he glanced up at the moon, and a picture of Tohru came into his mind. He sat up abruptly and scratched the back of his head. Then he climbed down the roof and walked toward the sitting room, where Yuki and Tohru were talking.

"You really should consider it Yuki" Tohru replied, "Now that you told each other how you felt, you should go on a first date."

"I've been thinking about that myself" Yuki nodded, "I was thinking about asking her this week."

"That's a good idea" Tohru smiled as Kyo walked back around the side of the house, listening.

"Miss Honda, you haven't been on your first date yet have you?"

"Well no. Kyo and I wanted to take it a little slow."

"But how long do you think it should take you?"

"I don't know" she shook her head, "But I know when it happens" she held her hands together proudly, "That it will be wonderful."

"A first date huh?" Kyo thought as they walked into the kitchen to wash the dishes, "Well why not? After all we've been together for five weeks now. I'm gonna do it" he said to himself determined, "I'm gonna ask Tohru to go on our first date."

(Next Scene)

The next day at school Yuki walked with Machi to the Student Council office to have lunch together.

"Machi."

"Hmm?" she looked at him as they sat down.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Well I was wondering, if you're not doing anything Saturday, would you like to go out with me."

"You mean like a date?" she said surprised.

"Well yea" he replied, "That's kind of what I meant."

"Well sure" she nodded, "That sounds like fun."

"Great! Then I'll pick you up Saturday."

"You'll pick her up Saturday for what?" Kakeru asked coming into the room.

"Uh" Yuki said embarrassed.

"Don't you worry about that big brother" Machi replied, "If we tell you it will be all over school."

"Mhm" he grinned mischievously with his arms crossed, "If I promise not to tell will you tell me?"

"Nope" she shook her head, "Not even."

"Oh come on Machi" he whined as she walked out the door, "Yun Yun, you'll tell me right?"

"Uh what ever she says," Yuki said.

"Oh man. It's bad enough that I can't say anything about you two around here. Now this."

"You'll just have to survive."

"Okay" Kakeru nodded, "But if you guys get another juicy secret I'll have no choice but to tell."

(Next Scene)

Kyo walked out of the schoolyard on his own that afternoon. Momiji was escorting Tohru to work, and Yuki had student council work to do, so Kyo was on his own. He sighed as he walked downtown. He knew what he wanted to do for the date, but he needed something else. Something really special. As he was looking in the windows he spotted something, and smiled.

"That's perfect" he replied dashing in.

That evening he asked if Yuki could go pick up Tohru up from work, saying there was something he had to do. Yuki was curious about Kyo's weird behavior but ignored it and went to get her just the same. Tohru was surprised to see him there when she exited the building.

"Yuki? What are you doing here?"

"Kyo had something to do, so he asked if I could come and get you. You ready Miss Honda?"

"Uh huh" she nodded, "Still" she thought, "I wonder what was so important that kept Kyo away from here.

When they arrived home Tohru spotted Kyo standing in the backyard with his arms behind his back. Yuki watched him as he walked into the kitchen. He looked like he was doing some sort of act on his own. He kept holding out his hand and then putting it back. Tohru walked outside thoroughly confused at this point.

"Kyo?"

"Tohru?"

"What are you doing out here?"

"Oh I was preparing myself."

"Preparing yourself? For what?"

"Well" Kyo replied as Yuki and Shigure from his study both listened in, "Tohru, I think it's time that you and I went on our first date" he held up a small flower.

"Oh Kyo it's beautiful" she took the flower into her hand, "Our first date?"

"Mhm" he nodded, "This Saturday."

"That sounds like a great idea."

"Good. I thought you'd like the idea."

"I do" she nodded happily, "I really do."

(Next Scene)

It seemed to the four teens that Saturday couldn't come any faster. Tohru had informed Uo and Hana about the date and they had offered to help her get ready. Yuki was done making the preparations for his date, as was Kyo. At the moment, it was Friday afternoon and Kyo was at the dojo checking out all the supplies.

"I think that's everything" Kyo stood up and crossed his arms.

"I hope you didn't spend too much on anything Kyo" Kazuma replied from behind him.

"Oh no not at all. We're not going anyplace fancy. I have a special place that I'm taking her. A place she told me about actually."

"Oh that's wonderful Kyo."

"In fact the only thing I spent a lot on was this" he pulled a small velvet box out of his right pocket.

"That's not what I think it is?" Kazuma raised an eyebrow.

"No" Kyo shook his head, "You're way ahead of me Master" he showed him, "This is just a first step. I'm not really ready for that sort of thing yet."

"Wise decision. So you all set?"

"Yep" Kyo nodded, "All I have to worry about now is the actual date."

(Next Scene)

Finally Saturday arrived. Kyo was mainly at the dojo because he was picking Tohru up at the front door, just like a real date. At six thirty Tohru began to get ready, Uo and Hana trying to find the best outfit for her while she took a bath.

"I don't know about that one" Uo replied, "This one might be better. Can you believe it that they are going on their first date tonight?"

"Yes" Hana nodded, "I never thought it would happen."

"What do you mean Hana?"

"His electric waves are still very dark. Something really troubles me about the both of them."

"But Tohru's happy."

"I know. And that's what worries me. How long can she stay that way? How long will she be happy?"

"I think you're dwelling on it too much" Uo said as Tohru came into, "Hey Tohru, perfect timing."

Tohru grinned.

"I had my bath. And now I am ready to get dressed."

"Okay. We think this one is the best" she held up the dress that Mine had made for her recently.

"You're right it is. I haven't even worn this one yet" she took the dress from her gently, "Thanks Hana. Uo."

"Don't mention it Tohru" Hana replied with a smile and then turned her head slightly, "I think I'm gonna cry."

"Huh?"

"Don't worry about her Tohru" Uo steered her to the bed, "You just get ready."

(Next Scene)

Meanwhile Yuki was arriving at Machi's just as the sun was beginning to set. He rang the doorbell and Machi answered.

"Hi Yuki" she smiled coming out.

"Oh Machi you look great" he smiled back.

"I hope it's not too overdressed?"

"Oh no not at all. It's perfect. I thought we'd go to dinner and then maybe catch a movie."

"Isn't that a bit much?"

"No" he shook his head.

"You two have fun now" Kakeru appeared behind her.

"Oh no" Yuki put his hand to his forehead.

"I'm sorry Yuki I had to tell him" Machi replied frustrated, "He wouldn't stop bugging me."

"It's okay Yuki" Kakeru grinned, "But can I talk to you for a second?"

"Sure" Yuki nodded, "I'll be right back" they walked over to the sidewalk, "What is Kakeru?"

"I was just wondering. You plan on treating my sister well tonight? You're not going to make her pay for her own meal, are you?"

"Um I had no intention of doing that. That wouldn't make me a gentleman. Besides you're the one who goes dutch with his girlfriends. I don't want to follow you're example."

"Oh yea right" Kakeru grinned sheepishly, "Well off you go! You two have fun! Not too late now!"

"Oh Kakeru! Knock it off!" Machi replied.

"Shall we go?" Yuki offered her his arm.

"Yes let's. And leave the distraction behind" she took his arm, "By the way what did he talk to you about?" she asked as they walked.

"Oh nothing. Just wanted to make sure I was going to treat you well is all."

"Kakeru what nonsense" she thought with a smile on her face.

(Next Scene)

Kyo walked up to Shigure's door and knocked a couple of times. He was dressed in his best dressed up top and pants. Tohru answered the door and he literally almost fell over when he saw her.

"Wow" he replied with the flowers in his hand, "You look, wow!"

"Thanks Kyo" she beamed, "You look good too."

"Hey there Orange top!" Uo waved from behind her where Hana was also standing.

"What are you two doing here?" he asked grumpily.

"Just helping Tohru off" Uo replied, "Now you two have fun and don't stay out too late."

"What are you, her mother? Oh here" he handed Tohru the flowers, "These are for you."

"Thank you Kyo, they're beautiful" she smelt them, "Hana, Uo. Will you put these in water for me?"

"Sure Tohru" Hana took the flowers.

"Well we had better get going" Kyo took Tohru's hand.

"Have a good time!" Uo waved as they left, "And remember not too late Kyo!"

"Yea. Yea. Yea" he mumbled.

"I love teasing him" she grinned, "Hana what's the matter?" she said when she saw her face as she held onto the flowers.

"She's growing up so fast isn't she Arisa. Our little Tohru is not so little any more is she?"

"Oh brother. You make us sound like an old married couple" she took the flowers from her, "We had better put these in some water."

Hana stared at the door, then she sighed and followed Uo into the kitchen.

"So where are we going tonight Kyo?" Tohru asked as he led the way.

"You'll see" he smiled remembering an earlier conversation before they had told each other how they felt.

(Flashback)

"What is this place?" Kyo asked.

"Isn't it beautiful. My mom used to take me here all the time. She said to me that this was the very spot where my father proposed to her under a moonlit sky."

"You're kind of a romantic aren't you?" Kyo frowned.

Tohru giggled nervously as she drank the scent in from the blossoms on the tree above her.

(Back)

"We're getting closer to the spot" Kyo replied, "So I'm going to have to ask you to close your eyes."

"Really? I'll fall."

"I'll lead you" he held out his hand, "Just give me your hand."

"Okay" she nodded closing her eyes and placing her palm in his.

Kyo led her through the woods and up a small hill. Finally they were standing under a tree.

"Okay" he said, "You can open your eyes now."

Tohru opened them and gasped putting a hand to her mouth in surprise. In the center, under the tree was a large blanket. There were two candlesticks in the middle, that hadn't been lit yet, and they were two sets of dinnerware on each side.

"Do you know where you are?" he smiled.

"Kyo this is wonderful" she almost cried, "I can't believe you remembered."

"I never forgot anything you said" he replied sweetly.

"But still, you did this all for me?"

"Of course I did" he took her hand, "Come on let's sit down" he led her to the blanket and they both sat down.

He took out a lighter and lit the candles.

"I hope that you don't mind that it's take-out? I'm not that good of a cook," he said pulling the lid off his meal.

"It's perfect" Tohru smiled looking at him lovingly, "Everything is just so, perfect."

He smiled back and they began to eat their meals, beneath the moonlit sky.

(Next Scene)

Meanwhile in the city, Yuki and Machi had just been seated at their table. Machi removed her coat and then picked up her menu.

"Order anything you like Machi" Yuki replied, "Money is no option."

"Are you sure? I mean this place is pretty expensive."

"I'm sure. Don't worry about it. This is a date right?" he smiled.

"Thanks" she smiled back and began to peruse her menu, "This is almost too good to be true," she thought to herself.

From across the way someone watched them. She had spotted them when they had entered in. And now sitting with her date, she abruptly stood up and told her date that she was running to the ladies room. She walked over to the pay phone, put in her phone card and dialed a number fast.

"Minami, it's Motoko. We need to talk. Can I meet you and the girls somewhere tomorrow?"

(Next Scene)

As Tohru finished her meal Kyo watched her. He reached into his pocket and felt the box. Then he pulled his hand out and looked directly at her.

"That was so good Kyo" she replied with another smile wiping her face.

"Thanks. But that's not all. There's more."

"More? I don't deserve any more."

"Believe me you do" he walked over and took her hand, "Tohru, since I've met you, every day has been so happy for me. I haven't felt this way most of my life and I can't imagine what it would have been like if you hadn't come into it, if we never met."

"I feel the same way" she nodded.

"So I have something for you" he reached into his pocket and pulled out the box, placing it into her palm.

Tohru stared at the box surprised and a little confused.

"Kyo, what is this?" she asked.

"Open it" he urged her.

She hesitated at first, but then with a sigh she opened it. She stared at the object in the box.

"It's beautiful" she replied, "But what's it for?"

Kyo smiled and took the object out of the box.

"This is a promise ring Tohru" he explained, "A promise ring symbolizes our love for one another. Our commitment to try and be together as long as we can."

"A promise ring? Kyo I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything" he placed it on her left ring finger, "This is a symbol of my devotion to you. It's my way of telling you that I will always be there for you. No matter what."

"But what about" she started to say.

"We won't think about it" he stopped her, "That's not now. Every moment with you is precious to me. I don't won't to waste them, on something that may or may not happen."

"You're right. I love it Kyo. It's so beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as you" he stroked her face gently and she smiled, falling into his arms in a tight embrace.

As the moon rose higher, if you were walking in that particular spot, you could see two people deeply in love with one another, showing it by kissing, quite passionately if I do say so myself.

(Till Next Time)

Authors Note: Okay folks! I'm tired. That was a really long chapter for you. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Oh and I know I said you would find out how Hatori's date turned out in this book, but the chapter became to long, so you will find out in the next book! That's it until Thursday! See you in Book Ten!

Next Book: Book Ten: Zodiac Curse the Movie

Uncle Kentaro is back and so is Tom Quincy with his new script. What happens when Tohru is asked to play the lead role in the movie, and her real life is too much like the fake one she is being a part of? Find out next time!