Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket, and I take no credit for any of these characters.
Yuki was up bright and early for possibly the first time in his life. He had come home late the evening before, after having spent the day with his brother. He never would have thought it possible, but Ayame actually had a thing or two worth hearing, in between the constant self-absorbed ego-encrusted babble. Yuki tugged off his pajamas and pulled on some proper clothes. He glanced with an uncertain smile at the box sitting on his desktop. It was a simple, yellow box with a ribon tied around it. He picked it up and looked at it for a moment. I guess tonight is as good as ever. He sighed inwardly, not quite sure whether or not he was ready... But Yuki quickly put the thought out of his mind, raked a hand through his hair, and composed himself before going downstairs.
"Goodmorning, Honda-san." Yuki smiled at her.
"Yuki-kun!" Tohru was surprised to see him awake so early. "Is everything alright?" She asked, giving him a concerned look. In all her years of knowing Yuki, she had never seen him so conscious after just waking up. She stepped closer to him, trying to make sure he was really awake and not sleep-walking.
Yuki laughed and put a hand on her shoulder. "I'm fine. I didn't want to miss a moment of this day with you." Ayame's voice sounded in his head 'Tell her how special she is to you, even if she isn't!' Of course, he didn't have to worry about the latter part of that sentence. Tohru was the most important person in his life right now. Tohru blushed furiously, the signal of a job well done on Yuki's part. "Do you need any help preparing breakfast?" He asked sweetly.
Tohru nodded dreamily. "Um, well, yes if you wouldn't mind. If you could set the table, I would appreciate it." She said, not quite sure what had gotten into Yuki. He had been so distant from her recently. Tohru was not one to argue a good thing, though, so she happily welcomed the help.
Yuki took great care in setting the dishes perfectly. So far, so good! He thought to himself.
"And what are you supposed to be doing?" Kyo stood over the table, his arms crossed, a sarcastic smirk playing across his face. "Taking home-ec from Tohru?"
"You might muster up some manners and offer to help sometime." Yuki shot back coolly. Kyo's face flushed with a mixture of anger and humility. "Stupid cat." He added, not really as an insult, but as a statement of fact.
"You bastard! Don't try to pretend that you're any better than me!" Kyo howled, swinging a fist at Yuki. Yuki blocked easily and spun around, bringing a swift kick as defeat to Kyo, who was now lying halfway between the kitchen and dining room. "Ugh, you weren't even trying!" Kyo said, springing to his feet. There was hardly a bruise where he had been kicked, and no blood at all.
"Because you're not worth the time." Yuki stated matter-of-factly, returning to the kitchen.
Shigure popped his head out of his office. "Is everything alright in there? Kyo, you're not causing any trouble are you?"
Kyo's head fell. Why is it always me? Well... I guess it was me, actually... He shook his head and walked back outside, trying to ignore the beating his pride had taken.
"Breakfast is ready," Tohru's friendly voice sang out as she filled the empty dishes. Almost as if the table was a magnet, all three men filed into the room, taking their places.
"Oooh, Tohru-chan, it all looks so good!" Shigure took his seat and sniffed the delightful aroma of a well-cooked meal. Of all the good things that Tohru had brought to the household, Shigure still found her cooking to be the best.
"Itadakimasu," All four said in unison, as they began their breakfast.
"Are you four still going out this afternoon?" Shigure asked in between bites.
Tohru nodded. "Yes! We're just waiting on Kagura, and then we'll be ready to go." She smiled happily. It had been so long since all four of them had gotten together to do anything. This was bound to be a memorable day. Mother, Tohru thought happily. I wish you could feel what I'm feeling! I'm so happy to have such wonderful friends! She smiled outwardly, almost giddy with anticipation. No one would have guessed that Yuki was feeling the same way. He smiled an unnoticed smile across the table at Tohru.
Two orange ears shot up from the top of Kyo's orange hair. The furniture around them rumbled and shook. "Here it comes!" He growled, bracing himself for impact.
"Kyooooo-kuuun!" Kagura's all-too-sweet voice filled the silence and she came bursting through the door. Kyo sat rigid as she threw herself at him. He couldn't very well fight her, and he had gotten used to these 'love-attacks' as Shigure had taken to calling them.
"Hello, Kagura-chan!" Tohru called from the doorway. Kagura looked up from Kyo, and waved to her dear friend. Tohru pranced over to Kagura, pulling her into a loving hug. "I'm glad you could come so early! This gives us more time to spend at the fair." She helped Kyo up, as he straightened out his now-crinkled clothes.
"Is Yuki-kun coming too?" She asked, looking around for any sign of the mouse.
Tohru nodded. "He'll be along soon. He said he had forgotten something. Oh! Shigure-san, I almost forgot, would you happen to have a camera?" Tohru asked. She had hoped that, if nothing else, she could get a disposable camera to capture the wonderful events that were about to ensue. Shigure nodded.
"Kyo-kun. You know where it is in my office. Why don't you run and get it for Tohru-chan." Kyo had darted out of the room before Shigure had the chance to finish his sentence.
Before long, the group was on their way. They had flagged a taxi to take them to the fairgrounds. The cab begun slowing down and ahead of them, rollercoasters loomed high above their heads, ferris wheels spinning slowly. There were rows of midway games, full of chance and skill.
"Oh!" Tohru could only manage a squeal of excitement as the cab stopped. Kagura handed the man some money and thanked him as the group filed out of the taxi. "Since you bought the ride," Tohru said firmly, holding Kagura's hand, "I'll pay for our food."
Yuki took Tohru's hand and led her to the ticket booths. "I'll pay your admission then." He smiled sweetly. Tohru smiled, a gentle blush tinging her cheeks. Kagura wrapped her arm around Kyo's and followed him to the booth as well. Both Kyo and Yuki covered entries and all four were admitted full passes for every ride.
"Where shall we go first?" Yuki asked, taking in the vast fairground. There was so much to choose from! He looked from ride to ride, happy to see that the lines were still fairly short.
"Why don't we go on some rides first, while we still have our strength. We can play games later." Kagura decided. They all took off towards the mountains of rides. There were boats and rocket ships, spinning wheels and all kinds of fun.
Kyo stopped abruptly in front of the coaster. "This one first," He stated with a tone daring anyone to try to argue. Tohru and Kagura looked up, unsure if they were up to the task.
"I'm not sure if I can take the excitement of this one..." Tohru said, feeling a flutter of vertigo, as her eyes scaled higher and higher up the rollercoaster ramps. The cars raced furiously down the tracks and she found herself getting dizzy just watching.
"If you need, Honda-san," Yuki put an arm around her and smiled tenderly, "I will sit beside you the whole time." Kyo just rolled his eyes.
Tohru nodded, feeling a little better. The line was short, so it took no time at all getting into the cars. The heavy, padded steel clamps fell down over their heads. Yuki helped Tohru strap herself in, and then did his own. Kagura and Kyo sat in the car ahead of them.
There was a heavy jerk as the car started, and Tohru's hand shot out to grab Yuki's. He gave her's a gentle, reassuring squeeze. The cars climbed higher and Kagura was glomping onto Kyo's arm.
"Here we go!" She called. The car paused momentarily at the very top of the first peak. Yuki took a deep breath and held onto Tohru's hand. The momentum of the drop was incredible and everyone was slammed back into their seat. Screams rang out all around them, except for Yuki and Kyo. Neither one dared to make a noise, both knowing that the other would not let them live it down. For Yuki, it was strange hearing Tohru scream around every twist and turn. She was gripping his hand furiously, her knuckles turned white. Her hair blew wildly in the wind and Yuki tried hard not to notice the sting of each brown lock hitting him in the face.
"Oh no!" Tohru yelped from beside him. He turned to face forward and saw a long, dark tunnel that seemed to go on forever. Without a moment to spare, they weer plunged into darkness. Tohru's fist had given up on Yuki's hand and taken up his whole left arm, no that he minded. She screeched again, her scream coinciding perfectly with Kagura's. Kyo sat rigid in his seat. Yuki was glad that he was behind Kyo, so that he could keep checking on Tohru without Kyo thinking he was getting nervous.
Finally, the ride slowed to a halt. Tohru breathed a heavy sigh of relief when Yuki undid her harness. She stood up with a wobble. "Are you alright, Honda-san?" He asked, taking her arm to balance her. She just nodded, her face pale and eyes wide. Yuki stifled a laugh and helped her off of the platform.
"That was fun!" Kagura beamed happily, pushing her mussed hair back into place.
"Perhaps we should rest a moment," Yuki suggested.
Tohru shook her head vehemently. "No, no, I don't want to slow us down." She took a deep breath and put a smile on her face. "That was fun. I'm just not sure I'm--" She was cut off by Kagura's happy squeak.
"Let's go on the tilt-a-whirl next!" Kagura yipped happily. Yuki bit his lip, trying not to snicker at the look of horror on Tohru's face. The seats lifted high into the air, spinning sideways and upside down, and then plunging back down only to start the cycle over.
Kagura and Kyo raced off in the direction of their next ride. Tohru started after them but Yuki took her arm. "If you don't want to go, I'll sit with you while they ride." Yuki whispered close to her ear. His breath was hot on her neck and Tohru fet a tingle down her arm. She turned to face him. His expression was serious. His purple eyes had a look of open sincerity. Tohru nodded. "Let's just sit this one out." He tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear and brought her to a bench. Another tip of Ayame's advice rolled into his mind. 'Keep her needs in mind. Whether they be emotional or physical... Especially if they are physical!' Yuki shook his head and sat down on the hard wood.
"What's the matter? You too scared to brave a little thing like this?" Kyo jabbed at Yuki.
Yuki just rolled his eyes. "I wouldn't leave Honda-san here alone, stupid cat. You two can ride, we'll wait here." Kyo and Kagura got into line and soon disappeared onto the ride. Kagura waved wildly to them as the seat lifted up and began it's dizzying assault on it's passengers.
"Thank you for staying with me, Yuki-kun." Tohru said with a sigh of relief. "I'm sorry to be such a burden." She looked down at her feet.
Yuki put a finger to her chin and lifted her face to his. "I wouldn't be here now if I didn't want to be, Honda-san. I would rather sit next to you then ride a dozen rides." Tohru blushed hard and covered up a small smile. Before long Kyo and Kagura were done with their ride. They both stumbled a bit on their way to the bench.
"Ok, everyone stand still!" Tohru said, pulling Shigure's camera from her bag. She turned to an older woman who had been sitting the next bench over, bowed a few times, handed the camera to the woman and returned to the group. "Ok, smile!" She said proudly. The light flashed, and Tohru thanked the woman, followed by several more bows.
"Now what would you like to do, Tohru-chan?" Kagura asked, taking a seat next to Tohru.
Tohru looked around for something that might be fun.She just wasn't ready to tackle the heavy rides, yet. "What if we.. Go to the haunted house!" She leapt from her seat. She didn't like scary things much, but it was a ride she could probably handle.
All three looked at her in surprise. "You're kidding right?" Kyo asked skeptically. "It's probably not scary, but you're not known for your fear tolerance."
Tohru's face squiggled into a pathetic look. "I just.. I mean. I didn't want to disappoint anyone. I thought it might be fun." She stammered over her words. Kagura lept up and took Tohru's hand in hers, walking with her towards the haunted house.
Ah! How did I let her get away? Yuki huffed with exasperation. Courting a girl was harder than he expected! Ayame tip number three-thousand and seventeen, 'Never give up. Even if she slaps you in the face, calling you a pervert and, in front of everyone, tells you to never come within one hundred meters of her ever again...Don't give up! Unless she has a restraining order...'
"What, aren't you coming?" Kyo tapped a foot in Yuki's direction.
Yuki didn't dignify that question with a reply, but instead, calmly followed the group towards the Haunted house. From inside they could hear screaming and see lights flashing in the window. Well, I may not be by her side through this ride, but somehow I'll get her alone. Just long enough to give her the gift. He toyed momentarily with the box in his coat pocket. Yuki stepped up onto the ramp and scooted into a seat next to Kyo.
To be continued... In chapter 4 I'm sorry this was so long, and not much happened, but I'm building up to it, I promise. It'll get good Thank you all for your wonderful reviews. I'm sorry I couldn't get Tohru's eye color to change, but after looking it up, in the manga, her eyes were brown anyways, so I think I'll just leave it that way. I hope you all enjoyed, or at least got through, this chapter. The next one has some new guests and some more intimacy for Yuki and Tohru, I promise. I just didn't want to keep you all glued here for too long. Please let me know how I'm doing, R&R