Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket, and I take no credit for any of these characters.
Tohru produced from the box a long golden chain. Her eyes sparkled as she examined the flat, golden pendant that swung from necklace: a strawberry. She turned it over and there were words that she couldn't read, the characters swooping dreamily in small groups and she recognized the lettering from her English class in High School. She looked quizically up at Yuki. He took the necklace and carefully draped it around her neck. He leaned close to look at the clasp and Tohru shivered at the feeling of his hot breath on her neck. She leaned back ever-so slightly, feeling his fingers brush across her skin as he locked the necklace.
"Tohru-kun," He began, his nervousness gone. What he had to say was from the heart, and for so long he had wanted her to know. "For as long as I've known you, you've been the best friend a person could ask for. So kind and sweet and always putting others before yourself. I've always admired you for that. But what's more is that even through the curse, through our family troubles, even through Akito, you've been there by my side." He paused to take a breath. He reached around in front of her, lifting the necklace and turning the strawberry over. Tohru's fingers traced the foreign letters. "It says 'Love Will Come Through'. And it has, Tohru. You have always come through for us.. for me." A tear rolled down her cheek and Yuki quickly wiped it away. "I'll understand if you don't feel the same way, but I had to let you know. I've wanted to tell you for so long, but I couldn't find the words." His eyes searched her face for any kind of answer, but the only emotions he found were the tears sliding down her cheeks.
Now Yuki was unsure. She was usually so expressive, not really one to hold back. He gazed around, trying to think of what to say. It was such an akward feeling. It was dark now and the stars glittered in the blue-black sky. Lights from the city lit up the sky on the horizon. The evening breeze was warm and comforting. Yuki couldn't figure out what had gone wrong... Perhaps she just didn't love him. Perhaps what he'd thought they shared all these years was really just one-sided affection. He had done everything Ayame suggested and it still didn't help. I should have expected this. Yuki cried angrily in his head. It's just not meant to be.
"Yuki," Tohru started, her voice cracking cutely. She couldn't think of any response. She couldn't find an answer that could explain how she felt at that moment. The boy whom she had been best friends with, now the man whom she had fallen in love with. She had lived with him so long, but always as a friend. Tohru had never told anyone what she truly wanted; to be in Yuki's arms. To love him the way that no one else had. Without a moment's hesitation, Tohru through her arms around him, stealing a kiss before he poofed into a blushing mouse. The tiny rodent curled up in her arms, nuzzling close to her body. She quickly wiped her tears with the back of her sleeve and brought the mouse up to her face. "I want to always be here for you, Yuki. I love you." She placed a small kiss on the cold, pink nose. "So much."
With a glance around, she noticed that the ride was nearly over. Tohru picked up all of Yuki's clothes, hiding them behind her bunny, and kept an arm wrapped around the mouse, to keep him from transforming at an akward moment. Yuki hadn't said anything, but that was ok with Tohru. They had all the time in the world to say what they had stored inside all these years. There was a lump in her throat as she got off the ride.
Shigure sat with Ayame on the front steps of his house. "So tell me everything that happened!" Ayame had to strain to keep his voice down. He had decided to come visit Yuki to see how his advice had helped, but so far, Yuki hadn't graced the morning with his consciousness. Neither had Tohru, for that matter.
Shigure smiled slyly. "Well, to be honest, I wasn't awake when they came home. But, I do know that Torhu hasn't been in her room all night... not to mention some laughing and a few poofing sounds coming from Yuki's bedroom." Shigure sat back, happy that after all this long while, the two had finally gotten together. He had his doubts for a while, as it seemed Kyo might have held Tohru's interest. But now it all seemed to work out.
Ayame laughed smugly. "Ah, my little brother is finally a man! I can't wait to hear Yuki praise me for helping him to attain this night. He'll come to me with proud tears in his eyes, his hands clasped over his heart, crying to me happily in thanks for all of my wisdom." Ayame smiled and looked off dreamily, imagining in his head how wonderful it would be for Yuki to kneel in front of him, bowing in respectful awe of his older brother.
Yuki's eyes fluttered open in the glow of the morning sun. He began to stretch, but felt Tohru's weight on him, and held still. With a free hand, he covered his mouth in a yawn. Last night... he thought, a smile coming to play on his lips. It was wonderful. He sighed happily and hugged Tohru closer.
Her scent was comforting and in the warmth of the morning, it felt like paradise. Yuki was happy to watch Tohru sleep. Her breaths were small and she sighed from time to time. He kissed the top of her head, happy to finally have that freedom. The night before had been so monumental and so much had happened. Kyo had taken Kagura home, which gave Yuki and Tohru plenty of time together. They had gone for a walk in the woods where Tohru used to live, recalling how they met. He had noticed how Tohru would pick up and play with the necklace, working the strawberry between her fingers. Around one, they had decided to head home for the night. Yuki recalled kissing Tohru goodnight at her bedroom door and starting down the hall when she popped out of her room with a blanket in one hand and a pillow in the other. Together, they had sat on his balcony all night and into the morning talking and laughing. Occasionaly she'd hug him tight and kiss him. He had never enjoyed turning into a mouse so much.
Tohru stirred and brought Yuki out of his thoughts. She blinked in the bright light and nuzzled Yuki's shoulder where she had fallen asleep. Her arm wrapped around his and she hugged him gently.
"Good morning, Tohru." Yuki said softly, not wanting this wonderful night to finally come to a close. He stroked her hair, pushing it back behind her ear. Tohru moaned quietly underneath Yuki's touch. This is what I've been missing all this time! Yuki thought, happy to at last have Tohru to himself.
Tohru leaned up and kissed Yuki, a gentle blush coloring his features. "Good morning, Yuki-kun." She replied with a sweet smile. Tohru sat upright, stretching and pulling the blanket with her. She looked Yuki up and down. His white shirt had been unbuttoned and hung open, displaying his lythe figure. His hair was dishevelled, but at the moment, it was the most beautiful she had ever seen him. He gave her a sideways smile and she leaned over to kiss his cheek. "I'll go start breakfast." She stated simply and got up to leave the room.
Yuki pushed the hair out of his face and watched her go. Love will come through He remembered his brother saying the day before. He hadn't understood the English words then, but now they made all the sense in the world. She's here, with me. She loves me! Yuki had to take a few breaths to calm down. He buttoned his shirt and stood up to face the world, with a new view of his future. One with Tohru.
Ok, there it is. I hope this isn't too disappointing an end for you all, I know you read long and hard to get to it. It's short, but to the point. I'll leave it to your imaginations what might or might not have happened between Yuki and Tohru. wink I want to explain that the Title was inspired by a song of the same name by the group Travis. I didn't really intend for it to have any place in this fic, but the story rather wrote itself. The song is worth a listen if you find the time Thank you all for your wonderful, encouraging reviews. I was going to stop after chapter two, but you all kept me going - Thank you! Do please let me know what you think. I would love to hear from you, good or bad.