The rest of the Zodiac stared as the three came out of the bedroom.
The rest of the family had long since gone home to wait for news, leaving
the inner circle in peace. Tohru was ghostly pale, and the two boys were in
a rage. All three were twisting a ring on their left hand with varying
degrees of ferocity. They disappeared into the garden. Hatori came out a
few minutes later looking completely shocked. He looked around. "Where did
they go?" he asked.
"They went outside." Said Momiji. "I don't know about you, but I'm not going out there! I thought Kyo was gonna kill someone!"
"He just might, before all is said and done." Said Hatori grimly. "I don't know how, but Akito bonded them together."
"What do you mean, bonded?" asked Kagura.
"I mean, in essence, they're married." Said Hatori, rubbing his forehead
"MARRIED!" Everyone exploded. There was a stunned silence.
"Is that even legal?" Haru asked, looking deadpan.
"Is that even possible?" Hiro asked, looking just as deadpan.
"Is it possible for someone to turn into an animal when they're hugged?" Shigure shot back. "I don't understand! You mean, they're all married to each other?"
"No. From what Akito told me, the rings on their fingers bond them to the person the ring is in sync with. Yuki and Kyo's are tuned to Tohru, and Tohru's two rings are linked to Yuki and Kyo."
"So Yuki and Kyo don't have a link?" Asked Ayame.
"No. Akito said something about how that would defeat the purpose, as they'd more than likely end up killing each other."
"He thinks they won't now?" Haru asked. He looked out to where the 'newlyweds' had retreated, shaking his head. "They'll be dead before the week's up." A sudden loud alarm made Hatori pale and dash towards the bedroom. The alarm abruptly cut off, leaving an ominous silence.
Hatori came back out, eyes downcast. He looked up at the rest of the family. "I declare the Head of Family Sohma dead. May his memory live on in our hearts and minds forever." He said. "And may the next head be as successful."
"Only not as psychotic." Said Hiro. Everyone glared, but secretly agreed with him.
* * *
"These rings have to come off eventually!" Said Kyo, twisting his furiously. It would go around and around on his finger easily enough, but it wouldn't go up past his knuckle.
"I don't know what this means, but I'm willing to bet we won't like it." Said Yuki. He looked over at Tohru, who was still in shock. She kept looking from her hand, to theirs, her face steadily crumpling.
Finally, it happened. "I'm sorry." She said, a few slow tears running down her face. "He did this because of me."
"How do you figure that?" Asked Kyo. "I think it was Akito being a sadistic bastard, like he always has been!"
"He did this because of me!" Tohru repeated. "He said."
"And you were actually listening to what AKITO says?" Kyo asked, eyes wide. "Are you nuts?"
"Miss Honda, there was only one thing you should have listened to when Akito was talking today." Yuki said, taking hold of her chin and turning her to face him. "He was truthful when he said he only did things to suit himself. He didn't do this because of you. He did this because in his own warped mind, it made sense."
"What could he gain by.marrying us?"
"As I said, he was insane. There's no telling what he thought it would do."
"But, what if we can't get the rings off?" Tohru asked.
"First we need to find out what they mean." Said Yuki. "It could be that it's just a temporary thing." Tohru buried her face in her hands. Yuki sighed and put an arm around her shoulders. Tohru let out a sob and leaned more fully against him. Kyo put his arm around her waist, for lack of anywhere better, and scooted in closer to Tohru's side, so she was securely sandwiched between them, providing her a solid support while she cried. "No use crying about it! He could have just been lying about it, like he lies about everything else!" said Kyo, running a hand through his hair, wincing when the gems caught the red strands, jerking a few of them out by the roots.
"Yuki! Kyo! Tohru! Are you out here?" They heard a voice calling. It was Kagura. She came around a large tree and saw them sitting on a bench, holding Tohru between them. Her gaze met Kyo's for a moment, then looked down at Tohru. Her eyes grew sad. If what Hatori said was true, she had lost Kyo. But if she had to loose him, then there was no one she'd rather loose him to. "Hatori said for you to come back to the house. Akito just died."
"Are you alright, Miss Honda?" Yuki asked, handing her a small handkerchief.
She dabbed her eyes with the square of cloth and handed it back to him with a smile. "Yes, I'm alright now." She said, standing up. She held out her hands unconsciously, waiting for the two boys to take them, then started the long walk back to the house, Kagura leading the way.
* * *
"Akito left a will and a letter, with strict instructions they were to be read immediately upon his death." Said Hatori. The Sohma family lawyer was standing beside him in a black suit. A briefcase sat by the door. There were chairs scattered around the room, with the rest of the Zodiac seated in them. Momiji grinned brightly and scooted over on the couch so Tohru could sit beside him. Yuki sat down next to her, and Kyo pulled a chair closer to keep his hand in Tohru's.
"Shall we begin?" The man asked once everyone was seated. He held up the will first. "It's fairly simple. I shall not read it all to you, but there are really only two bits of pertinent information. One is who is the acting family head, until the next is born. The acting family head is Yuki Sohma."
"Like we didn't see that coming." Said Momiji.
"Upon the birth of the next family head, Yuki is to be able to access the family money to apply for a college anywhere he pleases, all expenses paid." The lawyer continued.
"Congratulations!" Said Ritsu. Yuki nodded at him, smiling slightly.
"The second provision is that Kyo Sohma is to be allowed to attend the New Year's banquets as a full member of the Sohma family inner circle." Said the lawyer, looking puzzled. For all that he was a Sohma, he didn't know about the family curse. Kyo was stunned and sat there, staring at the lawyer. "Tohru Honda is also allowed to attend the banquets."
"OH KYO!" Kagura said, clasping her hands together at her chest. "I always KNEW you'd be allowed to attend someday!" She turned to Tohru and gave her a big hug. "And you can sit next to me, and I'll tell you all about the other banquets! The food is great, and this year it's Hiro's turn to dance, his very first one!"
"And I'm just thrilled you get to see it." Said Hiro, looking anything but.
"And one more thing about the banquet." Said the lawyer. He went to stand behind Hatori and read last bit. "Once Kyo sees how the dance is performed, he will be required to perform one himself."
"WHAT?!" Kyo bellowed, amidst the laughter of the other Zodiac. "NO WAY!"
"Oh calm down Kyo. It's really only a small part of the banquet." Said Shigure, muffing his laughter behind his sleeve. Kyo glared evilly at him.
"That's really all you need to know about this will." Said the lawyer. "The rest is just where his personal possessions go, and how he wishes to be buried." He folded the will and placed it in an envelope, handing it to Hatori. "Now for the letter."
"This ought to be good." Said Haru.
The lawyer rolled his eyes and cleared his throat. "I am afraid that I was ordered to allow Mr. Hatori Sohma to read this, so I must take my leave." He handed the letter to Hatori and bowed, leaving the room.
"Read it while we're still young, Hari." Said Ayame.
"Shut up, Ayame." Said Hatori calmly, pulling his glasses out of his front pocket and slipping them on his face. Shigure let out a wolf whistle, and Hatori rolled his eyes. "That goes for you too, Shigure."
"You never let us have any fun, Hari." Said Shigure, batting his eyes at the stoic doctor. Hatori ignored him and began to read the letter.
Dear Yuki, Kyo, and Tohru I asked that this letter be read aloud so you can have help cursing me. Because by the time you finish this letter, you will be cursing me, make no mistake about that. Your rings are from a book of spells compiled by generation after generation of clan heads. All clan heads have had an interest in magic. I was never quite sure why. Perhaps we were all searching for a way to break the curse. Your ring spell was developed over a century ago, as an aid for arranged marriages. They have many little surprises for you, but I'm only going to tell you about one or two. One is they never come off until the death of the other person. The second is the emotion link. Kyo and Yuki can tell what Tohru is feeling, as she can them. The rings react depending on what that person is feeling. The last one is the monogamy guarantee. The only person you may make love with is the person who's ring you're wearing. No one else, no matter what. Or you loose all ability to have intercourse for the length of three months. Ah, I can see the blushes spreading over your innocent faces now. The other interesting little proviso is something I added in just for you three. I am proud to say I broke new ground with these little treasures. You three are the first to enjoy a three-person bond. As a result of this tinkering, if you do anything, all three of you have to be in the same room. And by anything, I do mean anything. This includes self-gratification. I think I shall let you find out what happens if you don't by yourselves. I must admit, this wasn't intentional, but it turned out perfectly, don't you agree? I'm sure you hate me more now than you ever did before, but I felt this was necessary. To keep pain from Yuki or Kyo, I made the choice. They both get her. Congratulations, gentlemen. Hatori, I trust you to keep them from desecrating my body.
Akito Sohma
P.S. I think I should tell you. The rings magic is permanent, save by counter spell. And I have long since hidden the book. You won't find it.
There was utter silence in the room, save a few, muffled snickers. The three in question were blushing a brilliant red, completely embarrassed.
"So, where are you going for the honeymoon?" Haru asked. He was unconscious a moment later, Kyo and Yuki standing over his prone form, breathing heavily.
"Don't kill him, you two. It's not his fault." Said Shigure, grinning.
"Shut up!" Kyo snapped. "There's gotta be some way to break this!"
"I agree. Miss Honda shouldn't be forced into this family against her will." Said Yuki.
"So if one of you asked her by yourselves, it would have been ok?" Ayame asked, smirking. He landed on the floor beside a still out cold Haru.
Kyo and Yuki pulled Tohru to her feet, all three still red. They disappeared out the door once more, but turned to the left, plainly heading for the front gate and home.
"Enjoy your wedding night! I'll stay at Aya's!" Shigure called, laughter in every word. Surprisingly, Kyo didn't react very badly. He just turned, and making sure Tohru couldn't see, gave him the finger. Then continued on his way.
* * *
Once they go home, the silence was deafening. They sat around the table, cups of steaming tea in front of them, not saying anything to break the awkward silence.
"Well, I'll go make some lunch." Said Tohru finally, standing up. Anything to make some noise. "It's hard to believe it's only.wow, it's only one thirty." She hurried into the kitchen, not meeting their gaze. A clattering of pots and pans, and various other kitchen sounds came from the kitchen moments later. And truth be told, it was much louder than it normally was.
"She's embarrassed." Said Kyo, under the cover of the pots and pans.
"Wouldn't you be?" Asked Yuki. "And why aren't you embarrassed?"
"I'm too pissed." Said Kyo, looking up finally. "She's stuck with us!"
"I know. Stuck in this family and all of its insanity until the day she dies." Said Yuki.
"Not if we can find that book!" Said Kyo. "We have to find it! For.for her sake."
"I doubt we'd even come close. Akito was too devious to leave it where anyone could stumble over it. I'll bet he hid it with magic. Odds are only the clan God can find it."
"So we wait for the next God to be born, then make THEM get it!" Said Kyo.
"Stupid cat, that's how many years in the future?" Said Yuki, looking contemptuous.
"Do you have any better ideas?!" Kyo asked, temper flaring. "I'd love to hear 'em, ya damn rat! I don't see you coming up with anything!"
"Sit down and shut up you stupid cat." Said Yuki. "Before I make you."
"I'd love to see ya try!" Said Kyo, smirking. Yuki stood and Kyo leapt at him, then froze as a pained gasp echoed through the house from the kitchen.
"Miss Honda!" Yuki said, dashing into the kitchen, Kyo right on his tail. "Are you all right?"
Tohru was on her knees, pained tears running down her face. She was clutching her hand. "My.my rings!" she sobbed, holding out her hand. The flesh around the rings was red and swollen, as if it had been burned. "They got really hot!" she said, rubbing her eyes with the back of her other hand.
"Are you ok?" Kyo asked. He pulled her hand closer to them, running a gentle hand over her reddened skin. "Maybe they got too close to the stove?"
"That couldn't be it. I was over here, making the salad." Said Tohru.
"What could have." Yuki trailed off, a look of horror crossing his face. "Are they cool now?" he asked, dreading the answer.
"Yes, they cooled off when you two came in here." Said Tohru, smiling tremulously.
"I see." Said Yuki. He suddenly reached out and slapped Kyo. Kyo snarled as he rubbed the red mark on his cheek, then pulled back to punch him. Only to freeze at Tohru's pained gasp. "I knew it." Said Yuki, shaking his head. "Damn you, Akito."
"What?" said Kyo, looking up from Tohru's hand.
"It's us. We're the reason she's burned." Said Yuki. "Remember? The letter said the rings react depending on what the person is feeling. They were reacting to our fight, our anger."
"Dammit! Does that mean we can't fight anymore?"
"If we don't want her hurt, yes."
"Fuck!" Said Kyo, sitting down on the floor and crossing his arms with a huff. "NOW what are we supposed to do?"
"We could try getting along." Said Yuki, looking mischievous. He smirked at Kyo's snort. "Or we could try not to fight.physically."
"And how likely do you think that is?" Asked Kyo with a sniff.
"I think the odds are good." Said Yuki, holding up Tohru's still red hand.
Kyo stared at it, guilt flooding him. "Fine." He said, getting up. "I'll be on the roof." He left the room, grumbling under his breath. Yuki and Tohru were left sitting on the floor, staring after the irate redhead.
"Can I help you finish lunch?" Yuki asked to break the silence.
"Um, sure." Said Tohru. "Why don't you.put the rice in bowls? Other than that, and the salad, lunch is ready." She hurriedly finished tearing up the lettuce and chopped the tomatoes and celery.
"It looks delicious." Said Yuki. "What's that?" He asked, pointing to a covered tureen.
"It's something new I'm trying, with seafood." Said Tohru. "It's got shrimp, crab, oysters, and fish. It's supposed to be served cold, so I put it in the fridge before we left for the graduation party last night."
"It sounds delicious." Said Yuki, smiling.
"Kyo! Yuki! Tohru! I'm home! I hope you aren't doing anything naughty in my house!" Sang Shigure from the front door.
Yuki rolled his eyes and Tohru blushed. A yell echoed from the hallway, followed by a thump. Kyo came into the kitchen, a vein popping on his forehead, fist clenched. "Stupid pervert." He muttered.
"They went outside." Said Momiji. "I don't know about you, but I'm not going out there! I thought Kyo was gonna kill someone!"
"He just might, before all is said and done." Said Hatori grimly. "I don't know how, but Akito bonded them together."
"What do you mean, bonded?" asked Kagura.
"I mean, in essence, they're married." Said Hatori, rubbing his forehead
"MARRIED!" Everyone exploded. There was a stunned silence.
"Is that even legal?" Haru asked, looking deadpan.
"Is that even possible?" Hiro asked, looking just as deadpan.
"Is it possible for someone to turn into an animal when they're hugged?" Shigure shot back. "I don't understand! You mean, they're all married to each other?"
"No. From what Akito told me, the rings on their fingers bond them to the person the ring is in sync with. Yuki and Kyo's are tuned to Tohru, and Tohru's two rings are linked to Yuki and Kyo."
"So Yuki and Kyo don't have a link?" Asked Ayame.
"No. Akito said something about how that would defeat the purpose, as they'd more than likely end up killing each other."
"He thinks they won't now?" Haru asked. He looked out to where the 'newlyweds' had retreated, shaking his head. "They'll be dead before the week's up." A sudden loud alarm made Hatori pale and dash towards the bedroom. The alarm abruptly cut off, leaving an ominous silence.
Hatori came back out, eyes downcast. He looked up at the rest of the family. "I declare the Head of Family Sohma dead. May his memory live on in our hearts and minds forever." He said. "And may the next head be as successful."
"Only not as psychotic." Said Hiro. Everyone glared, but secretly agreed with him.
* * *
"These rings have to come off eventually!" Said Kyo, twisting his furiously. It would go around and around on his finger easily enough, but it wouldn't go up past his knuckle.
"I don't know what this means, but I'm willing to bet we won't like it." Said Yuki. He looked over at Tohru, who was still in shock. She kept looking from her hand, to theirs, her face steadily crumpling.
Finally, it happened. "I'm sorry." She said, a few slow tears running down her face. "He did this because of me."
"How do you figure that?" Asked Kyo. "I think it was Akito being a sadistic bastard, like he always has been!"
"He did this because of me!" Tohru repeated. "He said."
"And you were actually listening to what AKITO says?" Kyo asked, eyes wide. "Are you nuts?"
"Miss Honda, there was only one thing you should have listened to when Akito was talking today." Yuki said, taking hold of her chin and turning her to face him. "He was truthful when he said he only did things to suit himself. He didn't do this because of you. He did this because in his own warped mind, it made sense."
"What could he gain by.marrying us?"
"As I said, he was insane. There's no telling what he thought it would do."
"But, what if we can't get the rings off?" Tohru asked.
"First we need to find out what they mean." Said Yuki. "It could be that it's just a temporary thing." Tohru buried her face in her hands. Yuki sighed and put an arm around her shoulders. Tohru let out a sob and leaned more fully against him. Kyo put his arm around her waist, for lack of anywhere better, and scooted in closer to Tohru's side, so she was securely sandwiched between them, providing her a solid support while she cried. "No use crying about it! He could have just been lying about it, like he lies about everything else!" said Kyo, running a hand through his hair, wincing when the gems caught the red strands, jerking a few of them out by the roots.
"Yuki! Kyo! Tohru! Are you out here?" They heard a voice calling. It was Kagura. She came around a large tree and saw them sitting on a bench, holding Tohru between them. Her gaze met Kyo's for a moment, then looked down at Tohru. Her eyes grew sad. If what Hatori said was true, she had lost Kyo. But if she had to loose him, then there was no one she'd rather loose him to. "Hatori said for you to come back to the house. Akito just died."
"Are you alright, Miss Honda?" Yuki asked, handing her a small handkerchief.
She dabbed her eyes with the square of cloth and handed it back to him with a smile. "Yes, I'm alright now." She said, standing up. She held out her hands unconsciously, waiting for the two boys to take them, then started the long walk back to the house, Kagura leading the way.
* * *
"Akito left a will and a letter, with strict instructions they were to be read immediately upon his death." Said Hatori. The Sohma family lawyer was standing beside him in a black suit. A briefcase sat by the door. There were chairs scattered around the room, with the rest of the Zodiac seated in them. Momiji grinned brightly and scooted over on the couch so Tohru could sit beside him. Yuki sat down next to her, and Kyo pulled a chair closer to keep his hand in Tohru's.
"Shall we begin?" The man asked once everyone was seated. He held up the will first. "It's fairly simple. I shall not read it all to you, but there are really only two bits of pertinent information. One is who is the acting family head, until the next is born. The acting family head is Yuki Sohma."
"Like we didn't see that coming." Said Momiji.
"Upon the birth of the next family head, Yuki is to be able to access the family money to apply for a college anywhere he pleases, all expenses paid." The lawyer continued.
"Congratulations!" Said Ritsu. Yuki nodded at him, smiling slightly.
"The second provision is that Kyo Sohma is to be allowed to attend the New Year's banquets as a full member of the Sohma family inner circle." Said the lawyer, looking puzzled. For all that he was a Sohma, he didn't know about the family curse. Kyo was stunned and sat there, staring at the lawyer. "Tohru Honda is also allowed to attend the banquets."
"OH KYO!" Kagura said, clasping her hands together at her chest. "I always KNEW you'd be allowed to attend someday!" She turned to Tohru and gave her a big hug. "And you can sit next to me, and I'll tell you all about the other banquets! The food is great, and this year it's Hiro's turn to dance, his very first one!"
"And I'm just thrilled you get to see it." Said Hiro, looking anything but.
"And one more thing about the banquet." Said the lawyer. He went to stand behind Hatori and read last bit. "Once Kyo sees how the dance is performed, he will be required to perform one himself."
"WHAT?!" Kyo bellowed, amidst the laughter of the other Zodiac. "NO WAY!"
"Oh calm down Kyo. It's really only a small part of the banquet." Said Shigure, muffing his laughter behind his sleeve. Kyo glared evilly at him.
"That's really all you need to know about this will." Said the lawyer. "The rest is just where his personal possessions go, and how he wishes to be buried." He folded the will and placed it in an envelope, handing it to Hatori. "Now for the letter."
"This ought to be good." Said Haru.
The lawyer rolled his eyes and cleared his throat. "I am afraid that I was ordered to allow Mr. Hatori Sohma to read this, so I must take my leave." He handed the letter to Hatori and bowed, leaving the room.
"Read it while we're still young, Hari." Said Ayame.
"Shut up, Ayame." Said Hatori calmly, pulling his glasses out of his front pocket and slipping them on his face. Shigure let out a wolf whistle, and Hatori rolled his eyes. "That goes for you too, Shigure."
"You never let us have any fun, Hari." Said Shigure, batting his eyes at the stoic doctor. Hatori ignored him and began to read the letter.
Dear Yuki, Kyo, and Tohru I asked that this letter be read aloud so you can have help cursing me. Because by the time you finish this letter, you will be cursing me, make no mistake about that. Your rings are from a book of spells compiled by generation after generation of clan heads. All clan heads have had an interest in magic. I was never quite sure why. Perhaps we were all searching for a way to break the curse. Your ring spell was developed over a century ago, as an aid for arranged marriages. They have many little surprises for you, but I'm only going to tell you about one or two. One is they never come off until the death of the other person. The second is the emotion link. Kyo and Yuki can tell what Tohru is feeling, as she can them. The rings react depending on what that person is feeling. The last one is the monogamy guarantee. The only person you may make love with is the person who's ring you're wearing. No one else, no matter what. Or you loose all ability to have intercourse for the length of three months. Ah, I can see the blushes spreading over your innocent faces now. The other interesting little proviso is something I added in just for you three. I am proud to say I broke new ground with these little treasures. You three are the first to enjoy a three-person bond. As a result of this tinkering, if you do anything, all three of you have to be in the same room. And by anything, I do mean anything. This includes self-gratification. I think I shall let you find out what happens if you don't by yourselves. I must admit, this wasn't intentional, but it turned out perfectly, don't you agree? I'm sure you hate me more now than you ever did before, but I felt this was necessary. To keep pain from Yuki or Kyo, I made the choice. They both get her. Congratulations, gentlemen. Hatori, I trust you to keep them from desecrating my body.
Akito Sohma
P.S. I think I should tell you. The rings magic is permanent, save by counter spell. And I have long since hidden the book. You won't find it.
There was utter silence in the room, save a few, muffled snickers. The three in question were blushing a brilliant red, completely embarrassed.
"So, where are you going for the honeymoon?" Haru asked. He was unconscious a moment later, Kyo and Yuki standing over his prone form, breathing heavily.
"Don't kill him, you two. It's not his fault." Said Shigure, grinning.
"Shut up!" Kyo snapped. "There's gotta be some way to break this!"
"I agree. Miss Honda shouldn't be forced into this family against her will." Said Yuki.
"So if one of you asked her by yourselves, it would have been ok?" Ayame asked, smirking. He landed on the floor beside a still out cold Haru.
Kyo and Yuki pulled Tohru to her feet, all three still red. They disappeared out the door once more, but turned to the left, plainly heading for the front gate and home.
"Enjoy your wedding night! I'll stay at Aya's!" Shigure called, laughter in every word. Surprisingly, Kyo didn't react very badly. He just turned, and making sure Tohru couldn't see, gave him the finger. Then continued on his way.
* * *
Once they go home, the silence was deafening. They sat around the table, cups of steaming tea in front of them, not saying anything to break the awkward silence.
"Well, I'll go make some lunch." Said Tohru finally, standing up. Anything to make some noise. "It's hard to believe it's only.wow, it's only one thirty." She hurried into the kitchen, not meeting their gaze. A clattering of pots and pans, and various other kitchen sounds came from the kitchen moments later. And truth be told, it was much louder than it normally was.
"She's embarrassed." Said Kyo, under the cover of the pots and pans.
"Wouldn't you be?" Asked Yuki. "And why aren't you embarrassed?"
"I'm too pissed." Said Kyo, looking up finally. "She's stuck with us!"
"I know. Stuck in this family and all of its insanity until the day she dies." Said Yuki.
"Not if we can find that book!" Said Kyo. "We have to find it! For.for her sake."
"I doubt we'd even come close. Akito was too devious to leave it where anyone could stumble over it. I'll bet he hid it with magic. Odds are only the clan God can find it."
"So we wait for the next God to be born, then make THEM get it!" Said Kyo.
"Stupid cat, that's how many years in the future?" Said Yuki, looking contemptuous.
"Do you have any better ideas?!" Kyo asked, temper flaring. "I'd love to hear 'em, ya damn rat! I don't see you coming up with anything!"
"Sit down and shut up you stupid cat." Said Yuki. "Before I make you."
"I'd love to see ya try!" Said Kyo, smirking. Yuki stood and Kyo leapt at him, then froze as a pained gasp echoed through the house from the kitchen.
"Miss Honda!" Yuki said, dashing into the kitchen, Kyo right on his tail. "Are you all right?"
Tohru was on her knees, pained tears running down her face. She was clutching her hand. "My.my rings!" she sobbed, holding out her hand. The flesh around the rings was red and swollen, as if it had been burned. "They got really hot!" she said, rubbing her eyes with the back of her other hand.
"Are you ok?" Kyo asked. He pulled her hand closer to them, running a gentle hand over her reddened skin. "Maybe they got too close to the stove?"
"That couldn't be it. I was over here, making the salad." Said Tohru.
"What could have." Yuki trailed off, a look of horror crossing his face. "Are they cool now?" he asked, dreading the answer.
"Yes, they cooled off when you two came in here." Said Tohru, smiling tremulously.
"I see." Said Yuki. He suddenly reached out and slapped Kyo. Kyo snarled as he rubbed the red mark on his cheek, then pulled back to punch him. Only to freeze at Tohru's pained gasp. "I knew it." Said Yuki, shaking his head. "Damn you, Akito."
"What?" said Kyo, looking up from Tohru's hand.
"It's us. We're the reason she's burned." Said Yuki. "Remember? The letter said the rings react depending on what the person is feeling. They were reacting to our fight, our anger."
"Dammit! Does that mean we can't fight anymore?"
"If we don't want her hurt, yes."
"Fuck!" Said Kyo, sitting down on the floor and crossing his arms with a huff. "NOW what are we supposed to do?"
"We could try getting along." Said Yuki, looking mischievous. He smirked at Kyo's snort. "Or we could try not to fight.physically."
"And how likely do you think that is?" Asked Kyo with a sniff.
"I think the odds are good." Said Yuki, holding up Tohru's still red hand.
Kyo stared at it, guilt flooding him. "Fine." He said, getting up. "I'll be on the roof." He left the room, grumbling under his breath. Yuki and Tohru were left sitting on the floor, staring after the irate redhead.
"Can I help you finish lunch?" Yuki asked to break the silence.
"Um, sure." Said Tohru. "Why don't you.put the rice in bowls? Other than that, and the salad, lunch is ready." She hurriedly finished tearing up the lettuce and chopped the tomatoes and celery.
"It looks delicious." Said Yuki. "What's that?" He asked, pointing to a covered tureen.
"It's something new I'm trying, with seafood." Said Tohru. "It's got shrimp, crab, oysters, and fish. It's supposed to be served cold, so I put it in the fridge before we left for the graduation party last night."
"It sounds delicious." Said Yuki, smiling.
"Kyo! Yuki! Tohru! I'm home! I hope you aren't doing anything naughty in my house!" Sang Shigure from the front door.
Yuki rolled his eyes and Tohru blushed. A yell echoed from the hallway, followed by a thump. Kyo came into the kitchen, a vein popping on his forehead, fist clenched. "Stupid pervert." He muttered.