Fruits Basket: The Bear's Story

by gametaken

What if the cat wasn't the only one left out of the Zodiac? What if there was another? Enter the bear, who was too lazy to get up and race so she slept in.

4. Fruits Basket: The Bear's Story ch4

Fruits Basket: The Bear's Story

Chapter 4

By gametaken

Disclaimer: (place disclaimer here)

Author's Note: Here's a review of the last chapter.

Mitsuki's mysterious visitor turns out to be Akito at another attempt to discourage her teaching. Hatori brought the dreaded news and the two, Suki and Ha'ri, had their loving brother-sister conversation involving the painful fact that Suki will never be able to bear a child, curse or no curse. But, on the slightly lighter note, the Prince Yuki Fan Club finally got their meeting with the new art/mythology teacher, Ms Sohma, and they are officially freaked out by the fact that she's even remotely related to their beloved Prince.

Now, let's begin the 4th chapter, shall we?

It was Friday afternoon when Tohru and Yuki decided to go to the grocery store, much to Kyo's dismay. (Suki forced Kyo to stay home because she can't stand to have her beloved kitty cat nephew away from her.)

Suki, Shigure, and Kyo were sitting in the living room around the table playing a game of Monopoly. Mitsuki was winning.

"MUHAHAHAHA! I just bought Board Walk! IN YOUR FACE KYO-KUN! Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to be rude! Let Auntie Suki-chan give you a hug, Kyo-kun!"

"NO! GET AWAY! I DON'T NEED A HU-GURK!"

It was too late. Mitsuki had her arms around him in a bone crushing hug as she nuzzled him. "Aww, no need to be shy, little kitty! Bears are cuddly and sweet! Don't you remember that bear that took care of the baby kitten?"

"THAT WAS A GORILLA! I'M NOT A BABY, NOW LET ME GO, WOMAN!"

There was a simple poke to Mitsuki's side from Shigure and she let go of Kyo, giggling with a cute chibi face. "Oh, Shigure-kun! Don't poke me there, you know it tickles!"

"But, Suki-chan, it's the only way to get you to release someone from your death grip-I mean bear hug," Shigure said sweetly, a chibi face on his visage as well. "Besides, it's fun to poke you there!"

"It's fun to poke her WHERE!" asked the always protective Hatori as he stood darkly over the dog.

"Hatori! How good to see you," Shigure said, trying to worm his way out of Hatori's glare.

"Ha'ri-sempai, don't be so tough on Shigure-kun," said Mitsuki, moving to sit by Shigure's side with a sweet smile on her face. "You know we only like to joke, and besides, everyone knows my side is my ticklish spot! Well, you, Shigure-kun, and Ayame-kun do anyway. It's no secret!"

Hatori looked down at his sister caringly, then over at Shigure with a warning glare. "Watch yourself, Shigure; don't get too frisky with Mitsuki."

Shigure laughed nervously. "Of course not, Hatori! Don't be silly! Ha-ha-ha. . . . ! Ehh . . ."

There was a knock on the door as Ayame poked his pampered head out from behind it. "Oh, Shigure! I came to visit along with Hatori when I heard that my dear Mitsuki-chan was here! How are you Suki-chan? Are you eating well? Oh, what am I saying, you always eat well considering the fact that you never stop! Ho-ho-ho-ho!" There was a false smile of laughter on his face, although the tone of his voice was slightly insulting.

"Oh, Ayame-kun! I'm doing fine! Of course I'm doing well! How about you? Have you tried on any new women's clothing or are you still going with the drag queen affect? It looks so good on you! Ho-ho-ho-ho!" There was the same expression and tone with Mitsuki as there was with Ayame.

"Oh, dear Suki-chan, maybe you should keep that adorable mouth of yours shut because, by the looks of things, you could afford to get a new wardrobe! Or are you still borrowing everyone else's clothes like a little leech? Ho-ho-ho-ho!"

"Oh, Ayame-kun, you were always the smart-ass, weren't you? Speaking of borrowing, you still haven't returned the mascara I lent you! Or are you still hoping it'll make you look cuter? Ho-ho-ho-ho!"

"Dear, dear Suki-chan! If you wanted it back, all you had to do was say so! By all means necessary, I'd say you need it the most! Ho-ho-ho-ho!"

Mitsuki was now on her feet as the two stood each other down, fists clenched and veins popping up above their heads with forced smiles on their faces.

"Now, now, Ayame-kun, when are you going to get a hair cut? I dare say the 70's are over so the hippie fad is over so the hair should go with it! Ho-ho-ho-ho!"

The two inched closer, looking like they were going to rip the other's hair out.

"I never was with the hippie fad, dear Mitsuki-chan! You should know better since you went along with those other hippies when they burned their bras! Ho-ho-ho-ho!"

"I don't think I was old enough to start wearing one, but I think you were there with them, weren't you Ayame-kun? You were the one burning your grandmother's double D cup! Ho-ho-ho-ho!"

"Ahem!" interrupted Hatori, standing calmly aside as the two chucked insults at the other. "Sorry to intrude on your conversation but it's getting to the point where it's becoming TMI, too much information."

"Yes, I think I agree with Hatori," said Shigure as he sipped his tea.

Kyo only watched in shock and slight disgust as the two battle axes stared the other down. "Uhh . . ."

"Oh, look! I think you've freaked Kyo out," Shigure said with a smile. "Suki-chan, he needs your comforting!"

Kyo turned to Shigure in anger. "WHY'D YA HAVE TO GO AND SAY THAT? AGH!"

Mitsuki was embracing Kyo in another hug as she nuzzled him sweetly. "Oh, I'm sorry, Kyo-kun! I didn't want my dear nephew to see that! Give Auntie Suki-chan a hug, now! All sins will be forgiven!"

"SHIGURE, I'LL KILL YOU, I SWEAR IT! AGH-AGHHHH!"

"Oh, my, I think I'll have to give my chiropractor a call. Hatori!"

Hatori sighed and rubbed his temples. Ayame stood back and laughed lightly at the scene.

Tohru and Yuki returned from the grocery store and looked in wonder at the scene they were facing. Hatori was working the kinks out of Kyo's back, who was lying in agony on the floor, and Shigure and Ayame were having a weird conversation as Mitsuki looked in anticipation as Hatori tried to mend Kyo's back. (No doubt she was wondering when she would be able to give Kyo another bear hug.)

"Umm," said Yuki. "Do I even want to ask?"

Mitsuki's face cheered and she ran to Yuki to give him a hug. "YUKI-KUN! Auntie Suki-chan missed you so-ooo much! Give us a hug!"

Yuki dropped the bag he carried and made to run but Mitsuki caught him before he could scoot off to hide under the porch or something.

Hatori sighed and shook his head. "Now I'll have to tend to Yuki. Shigure, go get her."

Shigure placed his tea down, stood up, and walked over to Mitsuki, who was practically wringing the life out of Yuki. He was so calm the way he raised a finger and poked Mitsuki's side.

She let go of Yuki, who fell in a heap on the floor, and she giggled in a cute way and the chibi expression was back on her face. (I wanna draw a picture of that. It'll be funny.)

Shigure dragged Yuki over to Hatori and dropped him at his side. Mitsuki followed him anxiously like a child watching a master at work.

Hatori finished with Kyo, who crawled away into a corner, hissing at Mitsuki, who was trying to coax him out of the corner.

"Come on, Kyo-kun! I won't give you another bear hug!"

"Lies! I know better than to believe that!"

"Aww! Hatori-sempai, Kyo won't let me give him a hug," she whined.

"Mitsuki, leave him alone," Hatori said sternly.

"Aww, but I don't wanna!"

"Mitsuki! Leave him alone and come here!" Hatori pointed to Mitsuki, then to the spot next to him.

She pouted and scooted over to sit next to her brother. "You're no fun," she said.

Hatori finished with Yuki and the group sat around the table as Tohru served tea.

"So, Ayame, Hatori, what brings you two here?" Tohru asked them.

"I needed to talk with Mitsuki," Hatori said. "Ayame tagged along to see everyone, though."

"You need to talk to me?" asked Mitsuki. "What about?"

"It's about yesterday. What did you and Akito discuss at school?"

Kyo, Yuki, and Tohru looked in serious shock at Hatori.

"Akito!" exclaimed Yuki, who nearly dropped his tea. "He came to our school?"

"When?" added Kyo, clenching his fist.

Hatori sighed and looked to Mitsuki. "You didn't tell them? You see, Mitsuki, it's times like this when you should tell them about the news before I get here so that I don't have to deal with it."

"Oops," Suki said falsely as she sipped her tea.

Yuki turned to Shigure and Ayame. "You two knew about this?"

Shigure and Ayame sighed and nodded.

"There's hardly a time when I don't know what goes on in the Main House or a time when I don't tell Shigure about it," Ayame said with a smile.

Yuki looked like he was going to jump his brother but Mitsuki interrupted. "Let me explain, Yuki-kun! You see, when Hatori came yesterday, he told me that Akito was coming to Kawaiia High to visit me. Akito was furious that I decided to teach again so he came to discourage me from teaching."

Tohru watched in confused wonder as Mitsuki explained what happened. (Remember, Tohru still doesn't know about Mitsuki's past and how Akito assaulted Suki's past lover, Jin.)

"But, of course," continued Mitsuki, "I didn't listen to him. I think I made him angrier than he was before. Oh, well, he'll just have to deal with it."

"Um, why would Akito try to discourage you from teaching, Mitsuki?" asked Tohru, getting nervous in her seat. "Besides the fact that it's a mixed school with boys and girls."

There was a long pause as all eyes, besides Tohru's, were looking down at their cups or their hands. They were all uncomfortable with the fact that they had no place to say on the matter.

"Miss Honda," began Yuki, but Mitsuki cut him short.

"I suppose it's time you knew, Tohru-chan," Mitsuki said with a sad smile on her face. "I knew the time would come for you to know. I just never expected it to be now."

Tohru was confused and worried for her friend.

"Mitsuki," began Hatori, although he was cut off as well by a shake from Mitsuki's head.

Mitsuki stood up and said to Tohru, "Come on, Tohru, I'll tell you about everything outside. I don't want to bore the others with the same old story again!" She gave an obviously forced laugh as she tried to cheer the mood up. Everyone but Tohru knew she was aching inside for having to tell Tohru, the one person she didn't want to tell, about her pained past.

Tohru got up and walked out side to the porch with Mitsuki, unaware of the story that would plague her conscience. They left the others sitting in silence, diverting their eyes from each other to avoid revealing the worry behind them.

The door closed behind the two women and left the room in a state of depression, silent and unnerved. Then, finally, someone broke the silence.

"It doesn't feel right for Tohru to know this," Shigure said. "It will only make her feel worse."

"You're right," Hatori said. "She shouldn't have to know about our pasts."

Ayame sighed. "I don't know what you two are worried about," he lied. "Sooner or later, it was bound to come out some day."

"I hate to say it," Yuki said, "but, you're right, Ayame." He looked up from his cup and over to the door the two left out of. "I only wonder how she's going to tell her."

Mitsuki had told Tohru all of her pained past and, just like Shigure said, she was feeling low.

"I'm so . . . sorry, Mitsuki," she said, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. "Both you and your brother . . . you've been through so much in your life. So much pain and trouble."

Mitsuki took in a deep breath and fought to hold back the hot tears that swelled behind her eyes. "I didn't want to tell you, Tohru-chan. You didn't need to know, but, sooner or later, I would've had to tell you. Don't feel sorry for me, Tohru-chan. That's the last thing I, or my brother, need. Pity won't change anything. The only thing that will change anything," she said, looking back at Tohru with a sweet smile on her face, "is time." There wasn't sadness behind her smile this time. It was simple and sweet.

Tohru returned the smile with a small one of her own as she wiped the tears from her eyes. "I can never imagine how it must feel," she said. "I lost my mother a few months ago," she said, "so I have a small idea of how much pain losing a loved one can be, but to know that you can never bare a child or love someone without Akito's permission. That's a far greater pain."

Mitsuki looked in a shock at Tohru. "You lost your mother?" she asked. Then she smiled. "You're amazing, Tohru-chan. To keep smiling like you do, to be so polite and happy – it takes a lot of courage and a lot of strength to do that."

"It does?" Tohru asked. "Then, you must be very strong."

That sat there, on the porch, smiling at each other for a moment before Mitsuki stood up. "Come on, Tohru-chan! Let's go shopping!"

"Shopping?" Tohru asked.

Mitsuki nodded. "Uh-huh! I wanna go check out this awesome boutique. I'll tell the others and then we can go, ok?"

She made for the door but Tohru stopped her by saying, "But, I have to make dinner!"

Mitsuki turned around and said, "They know how to use a phone, right?"

Tohru nodded.

"Well, they can order out tonight. We deserve a little shopping trip." She winked with a smirk and reached for the door.

Inside, the men were silent again; worried about Mitsuki and Tohru, about how they were feeling right now.

"This house is going to be a sad house for a while," Shigure said with a sigh.

The others nodded their heads in agreement. Then, the door open with Mitsuki standing with a wide grin on her face.

"Tohru-chan and I are going shopping, ok? So, grab the phone and order a pizza or something. Taa-taa!"

She closed the door and they sat there with blank expressions on their faces.

"Shopping?" Shigure said, dazed.

"You were wrong, Shigure," Hatori said with a sigh. "With Mitsuki, there's never a dull moment."

"They're going shopping!" exclaimed Ayame. "Wait for me, girls! Ayame wants to go shopping, too!"

He got up and ran after the two. The other shook their heads, sweat drops sliding down simultaneously. "Oh, Ayame," they said.

Ayame, Mitsuki, and Tohru walked through the shopping mall, stopping to look at everything in the stores. Mitsuki and Ayame were bugging Tohru to try on every outfit they thought would look cute on her.

"Oh, wear this, Tohru-chan! Pink is so your color!"

"Oh, what about this skirt, Tohru? Look at the adorable little frills!"

"Tohru-chan, try on this shirt! A V-neck line would look so sexy!"

"Oh, Suki-chan's right! It'll drive Kyo and my dear brother mad!"

"Oh, but what about Shigure-kun?"

"Oh, you're right, Suki-chan! Ok, no V-neck line! We don't want Shigure to start acting like a horny little Chihuahua!"

"Oh, look at these shoes! Aren't they darling, Tohru-chan?"

"Oh, this necklace is simply stunning, Tohru! You'll look so glamorous in it!"

"Oh, look at these earrings! They'd go perfectly with that necklace! Oh, are your ears pierced, Tohru-chan?"

"That doesn't matter, Suki-chan! We can always take her to get them pierced!"

Tohru was getting dizzy from all the attention and all the outfits she's tried on. (It'll be easier to make a list of everything she's put on.)

Red satin dress with V-cut neck line

Black blouse with white lace roses on it and boot cut blue jeans

Black hoody with cat ears sewed on top (fake, of course)

Pink skirt with white frills on the hem

Blue wrap skirt with pink blossom patterns

Black, knee high boots

Gold and ruby necklace with dangle earrings

Black beanie cap

Red, button up blouse with blue jeans

Black jacket with a silver chain attaching to a black wallet (Suki's choice.)

Black dress with white frills (Ayame's choice)

Black leather dress with a side slit

Navy blue cashmere sweater

Powder blue silk shirt

Garnet satin skirt

Black stiletto shoes

Black, off the shoulders blouse

Beige bucket hat

Cashmere scarf

Blah, blah, blah . . .

The list went on and on. They finally finished and, after all the outfits Tohru tried on, they bought one: A red, off the shoulders blouse for Tohru. Mitsuki bought a black, spaghetti strap blouse with black lace. Ayame didn't buy anything for himself. He said he was happy just watching.

When they got back to the house, the others had indeed ordered a pizza. Hatori and Ayame said goodbye to Shigure and the others and left. Kyo and Yuki got into another argument and Tohru tried to break them up, unsuccessfully.

Mitsuki was doing the dishes, Shigure drying as she washed.

"So, how was your shopping trip?" he asked as he dried a plate.

"Oh, it was so much fun! Tohru was so picky with what she tried on and after all she tried on, she only bought one!"

"Oh, really?"

"Uh-huh. She got a red, off the shoulders blouse that looks so cute on her."

"What about you and Ayame? Did you get anything?"

"Well, Ayame didn't get anything, but I got a devious little black top. I really like it but if Ha'ri-sempai ever saw me in it, he'd blow his lid! He's such a protective brother, but I find that sweet. It's good to know that I have someone looking out for me."

"You know, Suki," Shigure said, putting the plate away, "Hatori's not the only one who cares about you and loves you. I mean, Ayame, Yuki, Kyo, Tohru, they all care about you, even though Yuki and Kyo act more afraid than caring. The same goes with Haru and Momiji, Kisa and the other Sohma's."

Mitsuki laughed. "I can't say the same for Kagura and Akito."

"Well, yeah, you do have a few feuds."

They laughed at Shigure's little joke as they washed and dried the dishes.

"Well, what about you, Shigure-kun?" Mitsuki asked, looking up at Shigure. "Do you . . . care about me like the others do?"

There was a slight pause, and then Shigure answered. "No." Mitsuki looked in pained shock. "I think," he continued, soothing Mitsuki's worries a bit, "I think . . . I care about you more than the others."

"More?" Mitsuki said curiously as she passed a wet cup to Shigure. "Like a brother?"

"No, not like a brother," he said, pausing in his dish drying. He took a deep breath and said, "I don't know where I'm going with this." He laughed slightly, trying to cover up his embarrassment. 'What am I doing?' he thought. 'I sound like an idiot!'

His laughing stopped and he looked down at his hand. Mitsuki had placed her hand on his and she smiled. "Thank you, Shigure," she said, the honorific gone. "I needed that." She let go of Shigure's hand, the both of them blushing, and returned to her dish washing.

Shigure's face was red, yet there was a kind, caring smile on his face. They finished with the dishes and Shigure, eager to change the topic, said, "Well, we'd better go check and see how Tohru's doing with Yuki and Kyo."

"Yeah, she could need some help," Mitsuki added.

They left the kitchen and walked into the living room, where Tohru was still trying to stop Yuki and Kyo from ripping the other's eyes out. She was standing in between the two of them so that neither of them would strike a blow in fear of hitting Tohru.

"Yuki, Kyo, please stop fighting," she begged.

"TELL THIS DAMN RAT TO QUIT BEING SUCH A BOTHER, THEN!" Kyo stormed.

"The only one who's being a bother is you, you stupid cat!" Yuki stormed back, in his calm, slightly collected voice.

"Oh, my, Yuki-kun! Kyo-kun! Do you two need a hug from Auntie Suki-chan?" Suki said, arms outstretched to the two.

They jumped and ran to get away but Suki lunged forward and grabbed the two in a large hug. (Heads to bosom, of course.)

"MITSUKI! QUIT IT!" Kyo yelled, wiggling his arms and legs in an attempt to break of her grasp without angering her. (It's never wise to get a bear angry. They might maul you.)

"Please, Mitsuki! This really isn't a place where our heads should be," Yuki added, wiggling his limbs as well.

Tohru watched, helplessly, and Shigure was laughing his head off like a little hyena.

"Ah, Suki-chan, maybe it's time to let go, eh? You're suffocating them with your, uh, warm embrace," Shigure said with a laugh.

"Ok," she said in a ditzy voice, followed by a ditzy facial expression. (Kind of like this. )

Yuki and Kyo retreated from Mitsuki to opposite sides of the room, rubbing their heads as if they were covered in sin. Kyo and Yuki made to leave the room but Suki grabbed them by the backs of their shirts.

"Not so fast, boys," she said with a grin.

"WHAT! WHAT'D WE DO!" Kyo exclaimed, struggling to get free.

"Oh, relax, sillies! I'm not going to hug you . . . yet. Just wait here, ok? I want you all to see the cute clothes we got when we went shopping!"

"Your clothes?" Yuki asked.

Suki nodded and turned to Tohru. "C'mon, Tohru-chan! I wanna see how that blouse you got would look like if you had your hair up. I have a cute skirt that would go perfect with it! Oh, if Ayame was here, he'd probably bug you crazy about it. Ok, enough talking, Tohru! Let's go try on our clothes! Gee, sometimes you can get so carried away with your conversations that we get completely off topic! Oh, well, it's not your fault. Wait here boys!"

Tohru looked dazed as Suki shepherded her up the stairs. "Uhh, Mitsuki?"

"Oh, don't worry, Tohru-chan! You'll look so cute in it! I'm sure Kyo-kun will love it!"

There was a silence between Yuki and Kyo when Mitsuki said this. Their eyes were wide in shock and Yuki looked down at Kyo, who had turned his gaze in order to avoid eye contact, with a hateful glare.

Shigure laughed as he sat down and pulled out a cigarette. "Oh, Suki-chan! She can be so enthusiastic sometimes! Granted she can get carried away but, that's just the way the bear is! Head strong and proud." He sighed and looked over at Yuki and Kyo, slightly curious to their odd behavior. "What's with the awkward silence, boys?" he asked.

"It's nothing," Yuki said. "It's just that you're right about Mitsuki, Shigure. Sometimes she can get a little TOO carried away with things."

"Hell, sometimes she can be down right scary," Kyo added.

Shigure laughed and said, "Well, I suppose you're both right. But, to me, Suki-chan is the kind of person whose happiness is infectious and the people around her can't help but to be persuaded by her personality. Although it could possibly be a hazard to one's health."

Kyo and Yuki looked at Shigure with a blank expression.

TT

There was a sound from the stair way as Mitsuki and Tohru came down. They stopped, though, before coming into view and you could hear discussion.

"Aww, c'mon, Tohru-chan! There's no need to be embarrassed! They'll love it!"

"Oh, maybe after you, Mitsuki."

"Oh, fine, I'll go first! But, you're coming right after me, Tohru-chan!" She cleared her throat and said, "Prepare to be amazed by my stunning new outfit! Ta-daa!"

She appeared before the others wearing her new outfit. (Well, the shirt she got.) Her hair was up in the familiar panda buns but she was wearing black gem earrings that dangled. She wore the black tank top she got when they went shopping. It was a spaghetti strap top with black lacing around the hem of the low cut front and the hem. The top was short and stopped just about her belly button, which was pierced. The front was low and showed a little bit of cleavage. (That's what she meant when she said, "I really like it but if Ha'ri-sempai ever saw me in it, he'd blow his lid!") She wore black capri's and black sneakers. She had a black wristband watch on her left wrist and multi colored plastic bracelets on her right. She had a black gem necklace matching her earrings. (At this moment, she's looking dark, devious, and sex-ay!)

"What do ya think?" she asked them.

There was a low whistle from Shigure before he clapped. "Very nice, Mitsuki! I see why you said your brother would blow his top if he saw you in that. Very cute!"

There was a pleased giggle from Mitsuki to Shigure's complement before she turned to Kyo and Yuki. "What do you think, boys? Does Auntie Suki-chan look," she struck a dynamic and all around silly pose, "sex-ay!"

Yuki and Kyo backed away slowly from Mitsuki, being freaked out from her pose.

"You're asking US that!" Kyo exclaimed.

Mitsuki scratched her head and nodded. "Yeah, I suppose you're right." There was a pause as she held a hand to her chin. Her eyes moved from the distance to Yuki and Kyo, back and forth. Then, unexpectedly, she charged the two in a large hug. "OOHH, BUT I KNOW YOU LOVE IT! AUNTIE SUKI-CHAN IS SEX-AY!"

Yuki and Kyo struggled for breath and Shigure simple sat laughing. "Oh, Suki-chan, you're so silly!"

Suki dropped Yuki and Kyo and moved over to sit next to Shigure, her hands on her knees. "Am I really that silly, Shigure-kun? I know I'm a little eccentric but that's ok, right?"

"That's perfectly fine, Suki-chan," Shigure said with an affectionate smile, which Mitsuki returned. "It's cute how silly you act."

There was a pause as the two smiled affectionately at each other, warm thoughts running through their minds which the others couldn't begin to comprehend.

Finally, Yuki broke the silence. "So, uh, what about Miss Honda?"

"Oh," Suki said as she got up. She walked to the stairs and stood before them with a big smile. "Without further adieu, here's Tohru-chan!"

She clapped, along with Shigure, Yuki simply watched with a small smile and Kyo sat with a blank expression. TT

"Uh, Tohru-chan?" Suki said, looking up the stairs. "Tohru-chan! Come down here and show them how cute you look! Don't make me come up there! Tohru-chan! That's it, I'm coming up!"

Suki went up the stairs and, after a moment of pleading, she came back down with Tohru by the hand. Tohru was blushing furiously. Tohru's hair was up in a spiked bun, a completely new look for her (Suki's influence), tied with a red ribbon. She wore the red, of the shoulders blouse and a black wrap skirt that Mitsuki let her use. She wore black sandals as well and a red ribbon for a choker necklace. Black studs were her earrings with a red gem hanging from them.

Suki looked absolutely ecstatic and was popping up around Tohru like a mother hen showing off her chicks. "Oh, isn't she so kawaii? Can you believe this is Tohru-chan? She's so adorable! Look, she's blushing! How cute! Don't just sit there drooling, you two! Say something!"

Yuki and Kyo looked dumbfounded, each tongue tied. Both their faces were red as they couldn't help but stare.

"So, uh, what do you all think?" Tohru asked shyly.

"I think Suki-chan is right, Tohru," Shigure said with a smile. "You look cute!"

"See? See, see, see? Shigure-kun thinks you look cute! Because you ar-rrre!" Mitsuki was bouncing around Tohru with a big smile on her face.

Yuki smiled, being the one to overcome his surprise to give an answer. "You look very nice, Miss Honda. It's a new look for you."

"Yeah, one Mitsuki no doubt had a hand in," Kyo said with a smirk at Mitsuki.

"Oh, Kyo-kun," she said, striking a bashful pose and tone of voice. "But, what do you think, Kyo-kun? Do you think Tohru-chan looks sex-ay? Cuz I sure do! She's hot! Oh, look, she's blushing! Oh, look, Kyo-kun's blushing, too! Ooo, but Yuki-kun looks mad! Don't worry, Tohru-chan! I'm sure Yuki-kun thinks you're hot, too! Oh, look, she's blushing more! Oh, you people and your blushing!"

Kyo abruptly stood up and made for the door in a quick pace, head down to hide his expression, which was red and somewhat angry, although over all embarrassed. He opened the door and ran straight in to Hatori.

"Oof! Huh-Hatori?"

Hatori looked down at Kyo, then up and saw what his sister was wearing. "Mitsuki," he said abruptly. "WHAT are you wearing? Do you like running around dressed like you belong in a brothel?"

"Oh, Ha'ri-sempai, you don't need to be so snippy! Besides, compared to women in a brothel, this is modest." She crossed her arms and stuck her tongue out at her brother.

"I'm not being snippy, Mitsuki, I'm only trying to protect you from perverts like Shigure."

"Ouch, you do know that hurt, right?" Shigure said with a knowledgeable finger in the air. (Aha! It's back!)

"It's the truth. These days, a girl dressed like that will pick up unwanted attention."

"I'm not a little girl anymore, Hatori," Mitsuki said. The Honorific was gone, hinting to her serious tone. "So quit treating me like I can't take care of my goddamn self!" Mitsuki was no longer the same, silly woman she always was. There was no hint of play in her voice. It was serious and angry. "If I wanna wear a bikini to the beach, I'll wear a bikini! If I feel like wearing this outfit, I'll wear this outfit! Compared to your constant bothering about what I wear, I'd gladly take the perverts! At least with them I have a chance."

There was an unnerving silence as the two siblings stood the other down. Kyo, who was going to leave, stood, amazed to see Mitsuki talking this way to her brother. Yuki and Tohru were also amazed.

'I never knew Mitsuki could be so . . . serious,' Tohru thought. 'It's so strange to see her act this way.'

Shigure sighed and stood up. "Hatori, I think your sister's right. She's 25! That's not the age of a child. She's a grown woman and should be treated like one." He walked over and stood next to Mitsuki.

Hatori shot a hateful glare at Hatori. "You have no say in this, Shigure," he said coldly. "So, shut-up and stay out of this."

He turned back to Mitsuki, prepared to say something else, but was interrupted by a sharp slap from Mitsuki across the face. He looked down at her, eyes wide with shock at his sister's action. "Mitsuki . . ."

"Don't 'Mitsuki' me, Hatori Sohma," she exclaimed, furious with her brother. The others were equally surprised. Never in her life has Mitsuki ever shown any sign of aggression towards her brother. He was a role model to her. "You have no right to be so rude! You can't – You can't control my life like I was a child anymore! I'm an adult and Shigure's right! If I want to drink, I'll drink. If I decide to smoke, I will. Hell, if I decided to do drugs, far be it for you to stop me!"

"What are you trying to say, Mitsuki?" Hatori asked, also furious with his sister. "You're so naïve sometimes! You still act like a child! You aren't serious enough to commit to something like being an alcoholic! You aren't serious to commit to anything like a serious relationship!"

"Oh, really?" Mitsuki said, hot headed as always. "I'm not serious enough to commit to a serious relationship? For your information, I have a love life! Do you want to know WHO I love, Hatori?"

Hatori crossed his arms and smirked sarcastically. "Who, Mitsuki?"

There was a slight pause as everyone waited with baited breath, including Hatori, although he didn't show it. Tohru fidgeted uncomfortably on the spot, unsure of what to do or what to say. Yuki was on his feet and his fists were clenched as if he knew what she was going to say and someone was going to get hurt.

"I love Shigure, that's who," she said boastfully.

There was a sharp gasp from everyone in the room. Shigure looked in shock at his friend's sister. Hatori looked at Shigure with a new found hate.

"Him?" he asked, with an emphasis on the word. He shook his head. "Don't be foolish, Mitsuki. Shigure's just like you; he's not mature enough to commit to something like this."

Shigure looked sharply at Hatori. "I'm not 'mature' enough, Hatori? Before you go throwing insults, my friend, I suggest you take a long hard look at yourself. You're not too mature, holding your 'baby' sister back from growing up."

"Don't lecture me, Shigure," Hatori said sharply. He turned to Mitsuki and said, "I came to tell you, Mitsuki, that Akito wants you out of this house. So, pack your bags."

Mitsuki's eyes went wide. "I'm . . . leaving?"

"Yes, you are," Hatori replied bluntly.

Tohru couldn't take it anymore. "Why? Why does she have to leave?"

Mitsuki sighed and turned to Tohru. "Don't worry, Tohru. I'll still be at school." She paused and turned a cold gaze at her brother. "Tell Akito I'm leaving, but I'm not staying anywhere with you, Hatori. You can leave now. I'll take a bus."

She walked off and up the stairs to pack her bags. Shigure followed quickly, giving one reproachful glance at Hatori as he left. "Mitsuki," Shigure called after her.

He opened the door to Tohru's room, where Mitsuki had been staying, and stopped. Mitsuki sitting on the floor as she shoved her clothes furiously back into her bag.

"Mitsuki," he begged. "Don't be mad at your brother. He's only being protective."

"Stop, Shigure," she said, simultaneously stopping her packing. "Stop covering up for my brother. You don't know what it's like being in his shadow. Constantly, people would look Hatori to hold a responsibility. Our parents always gave the responsibility to him, even when they knew I was old enough to handle it. No, they wanted me to ever remain the baby of the family. Hatori always looked down on me like I wasn't even capable of breathing without his help. I was foolish enough to look up to him most of my life. But, he crossed the line of role model to enemy today. I've had it with his constant babying! I'm twenty-fucking-five years old! I have a damn job and a good pay! I sure as Hell can get my own place without him pestering me! I'm tired of it, Shigure! I'm tired . . ."

She stopped and looked down at her hand. Shigure was holding it, tightly and affectionately. "Did you mean it, Mitsuki?" he asked. "Did you mean it when you said you loved me?"

There was pause as the two looked at the other, unsure of what to do next. There was a whirlwind of thoughts buzzing in her mind at the moment. She didn't know what to say. Something told her yes. "Shigure . . . I did. I don't know if it was because I was so pissed o!"

She was cut off by Shigure's quick kiss. Mitsuki's face was burning red as she looked in shock at Shigure's bold movement. Shigure, as if realizing what he just did, stood up abruptly. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that. I know your brother would kill me if he saw that!"

Mitsuki stood up and looked intently at the man standing before her. She walked forward so the two stood toe to toe. She raised her arms up about his neck in an embrace as she returned his kiss, although this time, it was more passionate and sincere. (Not to mention longer!)

Shigure returned her embrace, arms about her waist. Then, a sharp and angry call broke their spell.

"SHIGURE!"

Hatori stood at the door, along with Tohru, Yuki, and Kyo. He was furious, eyes glaring coldly. Yuki and Kyo looked on at the scene as though they couldn't believe this was happening, which they well couldn't. Tohru smiled. SHE was obviously pleased with this outcome.

"Hatori," Shigure exclaimed, looking in surprise mingled with fear at the bastard son of the dragon.

He walked forward, looking as though he were ready to strike Shigure down, and he was. He raised a fist and made to punch at this betrayer, but Mitsuki stood between them, eyes defiant and daring.

"Move aside, Mitsuki," Hatori demanded. "I have 'business' with Shigure."

"Well, then your business is my business!" Mitsuki exclaimed. "What, are you angry? Are you pissed off? Good! You can be as angry as you wanna be, but that's not going to change what you just saw! It is as it appears, Hatori. I love him and he loves me . . ."

Hatori looked from his sister to Shigure, impaired of the ability to say anything at the moment. He grabbed Mitsuki by the arm and led her out of the house. Mitsuki followed, knowing how her brother was feeling. She passed an aching glance to Shigure, who looked utterly helpless as he stood there.

His love was forbidden, as is the curse of the Sohma family.

To be continued . . .

Author's Note: Here's a preview for the 5th chapter.

Shigure and the others haven't heard a word from Hatori and Mitsuki. Mitsuki hadn't showed up at school to teach and Tohru was beginning to worry. "What if she starts to get sick? It'll be just like when Akito locked her away for so long! Hatori can't do this! It's not right!" Shigure doesn't know what to do. His heart aches for what he can't have, yet he knows what happened is the right thing. Obviously, Hatori isn't on good terms with the relationship between Shigure and Mitsuki, but what about Akito? Shigure, Hatori, and Mitsuki are summoned to the Main House by Akito. Will he approve of this joining, or will he forbid it like he's done with so many others of his family?

TA-DAA! I know it's long, but that's ok! (Thumbs up) I love it! Did you all love it? I sure hope you did! I'll hurry to install chapter 5! But, I won't hurry too much. e.e I have to keep you in suspense. Please send me your reviews!