I'm so sorry for being about three days late…I had a little case of writer's block! It's now the last chapter! I'm pretty happy at the outcome of this story, but I think I could have done better! I would like to thank all of the wonderful people who either read and/or reviewed this story! I appreciate it very much! I make a reference to Tohru's temperature in this chapter, and it's in Celsius. Now, here's the last chapter! Please read and review! Thank you so much!
Disclaimer: I am not the owner of Fruits Basket, nor do I have any association with Natsuki Takaya, Hakusensha publishers, Hana to Yume Magazine, or TOKYOPOP (I wish I did!).
Chapter Five: Memory Regained
It was now around seven o'clock and Tohru sat up in her bed, eating the delicious dinner Kyo had made for her. She had been sound asleep for a few hours and had slept off the majority of her fever. Yuki had come in to see how she was doing, along with Shigure as well. Momiji came over and brought her some games for her to play with him, and they both had a lot of fun. It was like a reenactment of the last time she was sick, and Tohru was extremely grateful for all of the concern everyone had for her being sick. Hatori was expected to arrive at the house anytime soon, causing Tohru to wonder if he was going to speak with her privately about their discussion earlier. Part of her wanted him to, so she could ask if she could mention it to Yuki, but part of her didn't want him to bring up the subject. Tohru just planned to wait and see what would happen.
Kyo sat in her room with her while she ate, just like he did last time. He continuously asked her about what she had remembered, and Tohru was hesitant at first about telling him, but ended up explaining the whole thing. She left out what Hatori told her, for fear of him finding out she had broke her promise. Tohru told Kyo about the children, hugging Yuki, and the large room. What she also didn't tell him was that it was definite she had had her memories erased. She was afraid of what Kyo's reaction would be.
"Was there anyone in the room with you?" Kyo asked her once she finished telling him everything. Tohru paused and took a spoonful of soup. "Eh, um, there was someone…I just don't know who…" Kyo shifted in his spot on the floor and perched an elbow up on his knee. "D'you know what they looked like? It could've been someone in the family…" Kyo had a strange feeling about who this person could have been. If it was the person he was thinking of then that meant…
Tohru put down her spoon on the metal serving try that was resting over her legs. "No...I-I'm sorry. I…I don't remember what he looked like." She began to feel her face sweating up. She didn't like the idea of lying to Kyo at all. "No idea?" Kyo questioned again. Tohru slowly shook her head as she stared at her bedspread. There was an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of her stomach that just wouldn't go away. Kyo stayed silent for a minute, making Tohru think that she had said something wrong. "I'm sorry!" she squeaked as she squeezed her eyes shut. "I said something wrong, didn't I? Oh, I'm so stupid!" Kyo stared at Tohru as he watched her talk on and on about how she must have said the wrong thing. He sighed and slightly chuckled. "You know, you worry too much. You didn't say anything wrong. I was just…Thinking." Tohru blinked. "About what? Is something bothering you?" Kyo paused and shook his head, getting up from off the floor. "It doesn't matter," he said. "Just eat. I'm come back later to get the tray from you." As he started out of the room, Tohru called out for him to stop. Kyo turned around and crossed his arms over his chest. "Yeah?"
"Hatori-san…Did he say exactly when he was coming over?"
"Not that I know of…Shigure just said he was coming over later. Why?"
"Oh, um, I was just wondering! I don't want to be asleep when he comes because I want to make examining me as easy as possible for him!"
Kyo stood in the doorway for a little bit, then walked back into the room and sat on Tohru's bed. "You know, you like pleasing people too much. It gets annoying sometimes." Tohru smiled and ate more of her soup. "This is delicious, Kyo-kun! It's so nice of you to make food for me!" Kyo looked away from Tohru, his cheeks taking up a light pink color. "Yeah, well, if that damn rat made it for you, you'd be in the hospital right now from food poisoning…" Tohru sweat dropped. "And that idiot can't make popcorn on the stove even if he tried," Kyo stated. Who…Yuki-kun? Tohru thought. Little did she know, Kyo was actually referring to Shigure that time.
The two both sat in silence while Tohru continued eating. Kyo ruffled the back of his hair and sighed. He was actually enjoying this little time to Tohru all by himself, even if they both sat without talking. It was better than sitting there with Yuki, who would constantly sweet talk Tohru until Kyo felt like he was going to vomit. Yes, it was comfortable, but Kyo knew it would eventually end once Hatori or someone else came. He didn't know whether he should leave now, or stay until they were interrupted. It seemed that Tohru enjoyed his company, so maybe he would sit there for a little longer.
There was a knock on the doorframe and Tohru and Kyo both looked up to see Yuki standing there, watching them both talk. Neither of them knew how long he had been there, but Tohru hoped that he wasn't standing there for the last ten minutes that she and Kyo talked about Tohru's memory. "Yuki-kun," Tohru said with a mouthful of soup. She quickly swallowed it and gestured for him to come in. Kyo grunted as Yuki brought the chair from Tohru's desk to her bed and sat on it, crossing his legs and placing his hands in his lap. He flashed Tohru a nervous smile and brushed his bangs away from his face. Both Tohru and Kyo sensed that there was something wrong.
"I think I'm gonna go," Kyo said as he got up. Not only did he want to be in the same room as Yuki, but he had a feeling that Yuki was going to talk about Tohru's memory of him. Kyo started for the doorway, but was stopped, surprisingly by Yuki. "No Kyo, stay," he said flatly. Kyo looked at Tohru, who gave him a nod, and then leaned against Tohru's desk. Yuki took in a deep breath and scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, um…It's kind of hard to bring this up, but…" Tohru put down her spoon and closed her eyes. It was now, or never. She knew she would be disobeying Hatori's orders, but Hatori was an understanding person, right? He wouldn't yell at her…He never yelled, only sternly stated things. Tohru knew she would be guilty about letting this out. "Yuki-kun," she said quietly. "I know what you're going to say…"
"You do? B-but…I haven't asked you anything yet." Yuki began to sweat drop as he continued to smile nervously. He had no idea what was going on. "I was going to ask you if you wanted to come to Ayame's shop with me again…He keeps calling up and asking me, so I thought I'd go so he would stop." Kyo collapsed onto the floor while Tohru uttered a 'Meep!' They both didn't expect that coming. Kyo sprang up, boiling with rage for no apparent reason. "Why the hell would it be hard to bring that up?!" Yuki sighed in frustration at Kyo's sudden burst of anger. "Stupid cats like you just don't understand," Yuki commented. Tohru smiled tensely at the sight of them at each other's throats, but sighed in relief because Yuki was just inviting her to Ayame's shop. Yet again, it was very peculiar of him to actually want to go there. But Tohru smiled to herself and thought about how wonderful it would be if the rift between Yuki and Ayame would eventually close.
Tohru nodded and smiled. "I'd love to come with you, Yuki-kun! I'm sorry about what I just said…I thought you were talking about something else…!" Yuki returned her smiled and began to rock himself back and forth on the chair. Kyo had calmed down and was now once again leaning on Tohru's desk. Tohru picked up her bowl of soup and began to slurp it, giggling while she did. This caused Kyo's face to turn bright red and Yuki to emit a somewhat 'fake' chuckle. "It was very good Kyo-kun!" Tohru said happily as she placed down her spoon and pushed the tray away from her to show that she was finished. "Thank you so much for making it!" Kyo neared towards her bed and picked up the tray. "Finished?" Tohru nodded. With that, Kyo walked out of the room with the tray in hand and went down the hallway, and then down the stairs. Now Tohru and Yuki were left alone, making this the perfect time for Tohru to talk. But that moment just slipped out of her hands when Shigure appeared at Tohru's doorway, smiles and all.
"Tohru-kun! How are you feeling? Kyo-kun said you were up, but he told me not to bother you!" He came in and stopped before Tohru's bed, giggling. "But I couldn't resist! Making Kyo-kun angry is so much fun!" Yuki closed his eyes in annoyance and sighed as Shigure sat down on the edge of Tohru's bed. "You better not let him catch you in here, or else you'll be dead," he muttered. Shigure clapped his hands together and smiled at Tohru. "So, how are you doing? Haa-san should be here soon…He said that your fever should have gone down a little bit by now." Tohru smiled in return and nodded. "I feel much better! I feel so grateful that everyone is so concerned for me…But please, I'll be alright!" Shigure chuckled and gave her a pat on the head. "We know you will. But if you just listen and sleep, you'll get better even sooner."
"I know," Tohru replied. "But it's just…" Shigure hushed her by gently placing a finger on her lips. "No buts, okay?" Once he took his finger off of her sealed lips, she smiled. "Okay Shigure-san! Thank you so much!" Yuki shifted in his chair, causing it to creak and have Tohru and Shigure turn their attention to him. From downstairs, they all could here Kyo calling, "Hatori's here!" Shigure got up from his spot at the foot of Tohru's bed and excused himself so he could go downstairs and greet Hatori at the door. He left the room, leaving Tohru and Yuki alone once again. Tohru knew that this couldn't be a good time to tell Yuki, for Hatori would be up there any minute to give her an examination. She politely sighed and looked out the window, watching the sun slowly go down. The sky was now orange and pink, with more radiant colors to go along. Birds soared into the distance, and the naked trees blew to the beat of the wind.
Yuki saw Tohru staring out the window and began to look outside also. He admired the way the sky looked just as much as Tohru did. "Doesn't it look nice?" he asked her. Tohru turned to Yuki, taking her gaze away from the scene. "Yes! I love watching the sunset from here in my room! It's so beautiful…" As she her voice faded out she began looking out the window again. Both Yuki and herself found that they were doing this for about ten minutes, turning to smile at each other every minute or so. A thought crossed Yuki's mind as to why Hatori hadn't come up yet, but he assumed that he was talking to Shigure about something. Maybe what Tohru should do for the remainder of the night? He didn't bother to think about it. He just sat there so he could endure this wonderful moment while it lasted.
They both were interrupted by a knock at Tohru's door. Both of them turned their heads to see Hatori standing there with his medical bag. "Oh, hello Hatori-san!" Tohru greeted cheerfully. "Hello Hatori," Yuki said. Hatori nodded as his own greeting and walked to Tohru's bed. He cleared his throat. "If you would excuse us Yuki, I'd like to check Honda-kun for a minute…If you don't mind." Yuki nodded and got up, starting towards the door. "Alright, I'll be right back Honda-san." Tohru nodded and smiled as she watched Yuki walk out. Hatori shut the door behind him and went back to Tohru's bed. Tohru pushed the covers off and sat up so it would be easier for Hatori to examine her. The examination was going to be the same as last time, so Tohru rolled up her sleeves, ready for the injection Hatori would give her. He opened up his medical bag and took out the shot, preparing it without a word. He took out a little packet of wipes, opened it, and dabbed the spot on Tohru's arm where the injection would be taken place with one of them. Then he quickly injected her with the shot and took out medical tape and a cotton ball so the spot would be covered. Tohru was a bit surprised by Hatori's silence. Normally, he would have told her that the shot wouldn't hurt, or he would ask her how she felt. But this time he was a little too quiet.
"Hatori-san?" Tohru said as he threw out the shot and the packet of wipes. He nodded as if to let her know she had his attention. "Please don't mind me asking, but is something the matter?" Hatori took out his stethoscope and placed it around his neck, ready to examine Tohru's heart rate and breathing. He put the two plastic earpieces of the stethoscope into his ears, and placed the chest piece above Tohru's heart. "Don't worry about me," he said dryly. "Inhale." Tohru obeyed Hatori's order and slowly inhaled, then exhaled when he told her to. Then he brought his hand, along with the chest piece of the stethoscope, under the back of her nightshirt. The chill chest piece sent bolts of coldness all around Tohru's body as Hatori told her to cough. She tried not to arc her body in the other direction so the freezing cold chest piece wouldn't touch her skin, but she failed at that attempt. "I'm sorry!" she shrieked. "It's just really cold…I'll try not to do that again!" Hatori didn't reply, for he only continued to tell Tohru to cough and breathe. When that examination part was finished, he put the stethoscope back in his bag and took out a thermometer. Tohru opened her mouth and let Hatori slip the thermometer in her mouth to take her temperature. After three minutes, Hatori withdrew it from her mouth and held it up to the light so he could read what her temperature was. "It's fine now. I don't know what it was before, but it's thirty-seven degrees now," Hatori stated as he put the thermometer back into its little glass case and into his medical bag. "But just because your temperature is normal, doesn't mean you can go about your daily routine. Just rest for tonight, in case your fever acts up again. I think it was caused by a state of shock." Tohru knew what state of shock Hatori was referring to.
"Yuki-kun," Tohru said unconsciously. "Is it okay for him to know?"
Hatori stopped rummaging through his bag and stared at the bedroom floor. He sighed. "No, I don't think he should know just yet. I'm not sure how he would react to it, knowing that you had your memories erased. It could hurt him like it did when it happened, or he may just brush it off. It crossed my mind after I dropped you off earlier today. Then I came to the conclusion that he doesn't need to know. No one has really brought it up recently, so I don't think there's any need to bring it up now." Tohru watched as he closed his bag and picked it up off her bed. "Are you sure?" she asked. "Yuki-kun told me about it when I first started living here…Maybe it will make him feel better to know that my memory was regained!" Hatori pondered at what she said, but then shook his head. "That may be a possibility, but we can't take that chance right now." The light in Tohru' face dimmed a bit, for she really wanted Yuki to know. She felt their bond could grow stronger, like she felt with Kyo. If there was some way…
Tohru felt her eyes watering up. Her smile slowly drooped to a frown, and the tears began to fall from her eyes. She tried to hold them back, and she tried not to sob, but she felt a lump form in her throat. She coughed, and then unintentionally started to sob. Hatori took immediate notice to this and handed her the box of tissues that sat on her night table. "You don't have to cry about this, Honda-kun. I'm sorry, but I don't feel it's right for him to know." Tohru nodded and took a tissue from the box Hatori held. She quietly blew her nose and dabbed her eyes. "I understand. I just thought…I thought our friendship could grow stronger if he knew we were friends when we were little. Just like with Kyo-kun…" Tohru stopped once she realized what had just slipped out. She promised Kyo that no one in the family would know, and she just blew her promise. Hatori nodded as if he hadn't heard what she said. "I see…What do you think his reaction would be if you did tell him?" Tohru looked up at him as a little spring of hope bounced in her stomach. "I…I would tell him exactly what I told you…Would that be too much?" Hatori shook his head. "No, that would be fine." He sat down on the chair Yuki had brought by the side of Tohru's bed. "Do you understand though, that telling Yuki can be risky?" She nodded and pulled the covers towards her so that they stopped before her chin. Hatori rubbed the back of his head. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, just like Tohru did when he was examining her. "You can tell him then," he told her. "If you are up to it, it's your decision. If you have any problems, let me know."
Tohru beamed at him. She was so happy that she could tell Yuki now! "Thank you so much, Hatori-san! But if you really don't want me to, I…" Hatori got up and shook his head. "No, that's alright. I understand that you would like him to know. I'll send him back in if you'd like." Hatori gathered his bag and smiled Tohru like he did earlier in the car, and she returned it with a glowing smile of her own. "Get well soon," he said as he stepped out of the room and headed for the stairs. Tohru waved as she watched him leave, and then she pressed her head into her soft pillow.
How should I tell him? Tohru thought to herself. She thought of ways she could play it out in her head, to make like she wasn't throwing the topic at him. Tohru suggested that maybe once Yuki came into the room, she could bring up the matter of the children from when he was little. Then she thought that she should just play it by ear to see what happened. That doesn't sound like a bad idea!
A few minutes passed, and Yuki still hadn't come up. Tohru wondered if maybe Hatori didn't tell him, or if he was simply just talking with Shigure about something. It was until another few minutes that Tohru heard footsteps coming toward her bedroom. She craned her neck to try and see who it was, but got an answer once Yuki came in. He waved and laughed, making Tohru laugh also. She sat up once again and pushed a lock of brown hair behind her ear. Yuki sat in the chair by her bed and smiled, as if he didn't know what to say. They both sat in silence before Tohru began to address him with what she wanted to say. "Yuki-kun," she started. "There's something I need to tell you." Yuki looked up at her and slowly nodded reassuringly. "Sure Honda-san…You can tell me anything." Tohru swallowed and got ready for whatever laid ahead.
"You know how…H-how your friends' memories got erased when you were younger?" Yuki nodded, unsure of what Tohru was talking about. "Well…It's kind of hard for me to say this...But…" She paused, looking Yuki straight in the eye. Her small, child-like voice echoed in her head. "I really like you…I'm happy we can become friends!" "Oh Yuki-kun," she said as she held back sobs. "I'm so sorry!" Tohru began to cry once again, leaving Yuki bewildered, but surprised that she was crying. "Honda-san?! What's the matter? Did something happen?" Tohru shook her head and took a tissue from the tissue box, blowing her nose and running the tissue over her eyes several times to dry them. "I'm so sorry I hugged you! I didn't know you would transform! Because of me, your friends' memories had to be erased!" Yuki's mouth slightly dropped open. Honda-san…Does she mean…?! She was the little girl? But wait…How come she never told me sooner? He watched as Tohru cried and wiped her face free of salty tears. Then he remembered something; 'All of their memories were erased…'
"Honda-san…Did you have your…Memories erased?" When Tohru didn't answer, but continued sobbing, Yuki came to the conclusion that she did. At first, he didn't know what to do, or even what to say. Then he put a hand on her shoulder and quietly hushed her with coaxing words. "Don't worry, there's nothing to be upset about," he told her. "How all of the sudden did you remember?" Tohru hiccupped and blew her nose before speaking. "I don't....I-I don't know. Hatori-san said that I regained my memory back! He said that it doesn't happen to everyone, but he said that we were all fortunate that I recognized what went on…He said that if someone who didn't know about the curse had remembered seeing a little boy transform into a rat, they could began traumatized, or go into a state of shock."
Yuki nodded, for he understood exactly what Tohru was talking about.
"And," Tohru continued. "I'm very sorry…If…If I hadn't hugged you like that, none of this would have happened. You would have made friends with the other children, and even me! It's all my fault!" Yuki chuckled at Tohru's apology. "Honda-san, you shouldn't be sorry. It was an honest mistake! We were children back then. If I would have known better, I would've stopped you! But I didn't…So it's really my fault. You had no idea I was going to transform!" Tohru smiled, but still felt a ping of guiltiness inside. "I know, but I still feel bad!"
"You don't have to feel bad," Yuki reassured her. "Just be happy that we know each other now, and that you regained your memory! Is this what you've so quiet about lately?" Tohru nodded. "A little bit…I've just been so wrapped up in my thoughts…But I'm so glad you understand! I thought that maybe you would be mad at me for causing all of your friends' memories to be erased…" Yuki laughed, surprised to hear her say that. "I'd never be mad at you, Honda-san. I'm rather happy to know that it was such a cute girl who hugged me!"
At his words, Tohru's face turned a crimson shade of red. At the doorway, they could hear someone clearing their throat. Tohru looked over Yuki's head to see Kyo standing there, in face in a grimace-like manner. Tohru smiled and motioned for him to come in. Since Yuki wasn't sure if Kyo knew about all of this or not, he didn't want to talk about it anymore. On the other hand, Tohru was planning to ask Kyo if she could tell Yuki about their encounters with each other when they were younger. Kyo sat down at the foot of Tohru's bed, and the three teens sat and stared around at the walls for the upcoming five minutes.
"Kyo-kun," Tohru said. "What are you, Yuki-kun, and Shigure-san going to eat for dinner?" Kyo scratched the back of his head and shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know…Takeout?" He looked up at Yuki. "Don't expect me to make dinner for you, because that's the last thing in the world I would do!" Yuki closed his eyes and exhaled, as to try and control his temper. "Don't even bother, there's no way I would eat your cooking."
"Oh, so it isn't good enough for you?"
"Let's not fight in Honda-san's room."
"I'm not fighting!"
"You're surely trying to."
Tohru listened as they went back and forth at each other. She made a few attempts to try and stop them, but Kyo's shouting would just drown out her voice. Maybe asking Kyo to tell Yuki about that now isn't such a good idea, she thought as she smiled nervously to herself and sweat dropped. Now she wished she hadn't brought up the matter of dinner.
"I do so now how to make soba noodles! They're practically the easiest thing to make!" Kyo hollered. Yuki spat in disgust, "Stop yelling. You sound like an idiot." Kyo's anger rose and he balled his fist and shook with vengeance. "Just wait 'til I kick your ass one day!" he threatened. "You'll be sorry you ever messed with me!" Yuki smirked. "Don't you ever get tired of saying that?' Tohru held up her hands and shook them nervously. "Please stop fighting!" Shigure then came in the room and attempted to stop Kyo and Yuki's fighting. "You two! You shouldn't be fighting in Tohru-kun's room like this! Haa-san said she needed to sleep, so let her sleep!" Kyo got up and stormed out of Tohru's room, leaving just Yuki and Shigure with Tohru. Yuki got up and brushed off his pants for no particular reason. "I guess you do have a point," he said to Shigure. "Honda-san does need sleep…I'm sorry for fighting like that in front of you," he apologized. "I guess I'll go downstairs, or to my room. I'll come back later to see how you're doing okay?" Tohru nodded and waved to him as he walked out. Now Shigure was left, and he walked to the doorway as well. "Now you get some sleep, okay? I'm sure by tomorrow you'll feel fine. I can't wait to have some of your breakfast tomorrow!" Tohru laughed and waved as Shigure winked and walked out of the room. Tohru sighed, happy and satisfied. It felt so good to get that off her chest.
Tohru looked out the window, once again, at the midnight blue sky. The stars twinkled, as if they were winking at her, and the full white moon lit up the sky. She pressed her head gently into her pillow and drew the covers over her. Yawning, she reached over to her night table and turned the switch on the light, then the room was dark.
Mom…
I learned a lot these past two weeks or so…I learned that I knew Kyo-kun when I was younger…I learned that I also knew Yuki-kun, too. I learned about Dad, and how you were such a loving mother during the time after he died…I'm so grateful that I got to learn all these things about not only myself, but about you, Dad, Yuki-kun, and Kyo-kun. It never really occurred to me that I ever had my memories erased…But I guess things like that are unexpected, right? I love you so much, Mom. Now I just have to plan my future…
The End
I hope you all enjoyed this story! On February first, I will hopefully have my new fan fiction posted! I hope you are all looking forward to it! Until then, have a good day!
-September Whisper