Disclaimer: I own nothing sadly, oh well. Here's Chapter 4, and thanks for all the lovely reviews!
Chapter 4 Envious Eyes"Yes Kyo...." Tohru replied sleepily, as he exited the room, she turned back over and fell into a deep slumber. Tohru couldn't help but smile; Kyo was usually such a rough guy, and here he is taking care of me? But at the same time, it was Sensei who forced him, she probably meant nothing to him at all.
Tohru closed her eyes once more, but remembered what he had said earlier "you have her pretty eyes" with that, she did fall asleep, and had many happy dreams.
Kyo closed Tohru's door, and for a moment he leaned against it. Talking to her was so awkward, god he just couldn't understand why, and, why was he so concerned, he usually didn't give anyone a second glance.
Kyo shuffled down the stairs, his posture slightly slumped. He looked around the house, and it felt somewhat vacant without Tohru working or cleaning with that usual perky smile. Kyo opened the fridge and pulled out a carton of milk. He drank it straight from the carton, and remembered how much the damn Rat hated it when he did that. Kyo could only laugh and nearly choke on the milk as he chugged it, and placed it back in the fridge.
He squatted down and looked at the three levels of food....I What do you give a sick person? Usually, when one of the Sohma's was sick, we didn't do anything about it, cause we all hate each other. Somewhere in the back of his head a little lightbulb went on telling him something.
"Uhh I think I"m supposed to make her soup right?" Kyo looked around in the fridge and found all the stuff he needed, even though he despises making soup. He put it up on the counter, and tried to think of what Tohru would do....and he got...nothing.
He let out a long agitated sigh, and began to chop the vegetables. It was about ten o'clock now. The rest of the family wouldn't be home until 3, Kyo wasn't sure if he could stand the silence.
After a few pathetic attempts, Kyo finally made a decent tasting soup.
"AHA SUCCESS MAUAHHAHAH" only Kyo would think it were a worthy accomplishment to make an soup. Kyo did his own little victory dance, which was pretty hilarious after he fell over slipping on a carrot that he dropped. Kyo quickly stood up, brushing himself off, like nothing happened.
The Cat then emptied the soup into a nice looking bowl, and poured some tea for her to drink. The cat tried to set it up as neatly as possible, trying to follow what he had learned from a far about Tohru.
Kyo walked up the stairs very carefully, balancing the tray of foods. When he got to the door, he stuck out his foot sliding it open.
"Tohru? Are you awake squirt?" He asked entering the room. He looked to her bed and found her still asleep. He put the tray of food on the top of her dresser and stared at her mother's picture. Truthfully Kyo did not know as much about Tohru as he thought he did. It was like, her past was a whole other world.
He sat down on the edge of her bed, and found himself running his hand through her hair. She smiled softly, and he wasn't sure if Tohru was awake. "Tohru?" He whispered softly, why was he whispering?
Tohru was obviously asleep, because in that moment she somehow managed to hug him and then there was a "POP" that ended the silence.
Kyo looked down at himself, seeing he was a cat.
OH no. No way in HELL I was just turned into a cat by a sleeping girl! GOD DAMNIT
Even as a cat Kyo mumbled and growled to himself, and stared at the clock, at least it was noon. He had time to change back before the Mouse could see him. But Kyo suddenly found himself very tired.
Ya know...no one will be home for a while.
Kyo walked over to her pillow, where the covers met the edge of it, and curled up into a ball. It took him a while to find a good place for him to be comfortable, but he found his amber cat eyes fall upon Tohru again, who's facial expression was somewhat sad, even though she was dreaming, but, there were tears falling down her face. Tohru? He walked over and nuzzled his face against hers purring slightly, and then licked the side of her cheek. Tohru didn't respond, so he just burrowed himself underneath the blankets and ended up falling asleep.
Meanwhile...back at school
"I can't stand this waiting! Won't the freaking day end already!" Ou replied impatiently
"It'll be over soon enough, then we'll all visit TohruTohru" Momiji replied happily.
Yuki was in the corner being fought over by his Prowlers, and in a dust cloud you can only see his hand sticking out screaming for help "HELP MEE" The rest of the group cracked up, and no one seemed to notice that Haru was gone.
"Should we help him?" Hana asked dully
"NOPE" Shouted everyone else, they all laughed again and continued on with their meals.
Haru was already outside, he enjoyed it more outside, away from the confined area of the many losers he had to deal with. Haru leaned up against his favorite tree, and slumped down against its trunk.
He ran his hand through his stiff white hair and stared up at the clouds. Kei had long since abandoned him to hang out with a more social group of people, and Haru didn't honestly mind.
The sky seemed so endless, without anything to confine you to hold you back. Haru closed his eyes once more, thinking about Tohru.
Damn it, why is this girl always running through my stupid head. I seriously need to get a hobby. But, Tohru didn't look sick, something really did look wrong with her, something that frightened her. Tohru was usually alone, maybe someone from her past was after her. What if someone was coming to take her away? Technically, she was an orphan, and she did not legally belong to the Sohma household. Fuck what if that was it! What if someone's going to take her away?
Haru instantly sat up, worried. Whoa, Haru was worried? Since when? What the hell oh well. Haru quickened his pace as he began the walk home. He had completely forgotten about everyone who was back in the cafeteria. He had to see and make sure for himself.
Kyo opened his eyes slowly, and felt his hands around Tohru's waist. Hold on, HANDS on WAIST? What the hell is going on? Wait a minute.... if he had hands...then that meant....Kyo looked down, to find himself naked again. He must have popped back to normal a while ago. But for some reason, Tohru's face was still calmly resting on his bare chest. Her top shirt button was undone, and her hair was so silky and everywhere, when usually she had it up for school.
Kyo stared down at the sleeping girl, and he could not help but smile fondly. He knew that the rest of the family would be arriving soon, but he didn't want to leave. Why did he want to be with her? Why did he feel so calm around her?
Kyo shook her gently, and slowly her eyes opened. She looked up at him perplexed, but he could only smile again.
"Hey, good morning shrimp"
"Kyo-kun?" Tohru asked sleepily, she was practically still in her dreams.
"I'm glad you're feeling better" Without even realizing what he had done, he took Tohru into his arms and embraced her tightly. Tohru's eyes widened with shock, but she could not find the words to say anything. She too would have embraced him back, but knowing of the curse, she did not. "You really scared me Tohru...." he whispered in her ear.
"I'm apologize Kyo. I did not mean to trouble you" She replied innocently.
Kyo raised his head and looked at her with a laugh "You are too selfless" Together, they both sat up in the bed and Tohru was still sleepily lingering against his chest. Kyo blushed frantically, and he wondered why she had not screamed, finding him in her bed.
"Kyo?"
"Yeah squirt?"
"Why are you in my bed?" Damnit...I was so close to not having to answer that.
"I came into your room earlier with your food, but you were sleeping. So I sat on the edge of the bed, and you hugged me, I guess you were really dreaming. So I turned into a cat again, and then I guess I was waiting to turn back, and I fell asleep with you....I'm sorry." Kyo replied rubbing the back of his head embarrassed
"Oh Kyo don't worry so much, I'm sorry I turned you into a cat"
"It's alright. I didn't mind it that much...."Tohru instantly looked away blushing trying to cover her face under the covers
"Tohru?"
"Yes Kyo?" She asked questionably, but as she did, she felt Kyo's lips touch her forehead. It was as if time stood still for that one long moment. His lips were so warm, so endearing against her, and she could do nothing but sit there awestricken. Time soon began its normal flow, and his lips left her forehead as he looked down at her smiling.
"I want you to get better Tohru. I'll always protect you when you need me" With that he ruffled her hair smiling and slowly got out of bed.
He found his jeans and slowly zipped them up. Kyo couldn't find his shirt, but it frankly didn't matter. When Kyo had his back to her, Tohru could not help but stare at him. He was indeed very handsome, and strong for that, but she said nothing nor made a motion to speak at all.
I want you to get better Tohru. I'll always protect you when you need me
"Tohru, you're soup is on your mantel. I hope you like it, I'm not really a great chef"
"That's fine Kyo, I'm sure you did great"
"Yeah."
With that Kyo exited the room without saying any more. Tohru wondered if what had happened meant anything to either of them, especially, she wondered if it meant anything to Kyo. She took the food down from the mantel, and smiled seeing the soup. "Instant" she replied giggling, but it was one of the best meals she ever had.
Haru entered the house quietly, and saw Kyo walking down the stairs shirtless.
"Where's Tohru?" Haru barked angrily
"Don't worry you stinkin Cow. Tohru's upstairs eating some soup I made"
"Why the hell do you want to poison her with your foul food?"
"Would you SHUT UP! She said it was just delicious, now leave her alone and let her sleep...she's really afraid you know? What possibly made her this skittish?"
"Is there any chance an orphanage would come to take her away Cat? I mean, technically she is, and its not like she's a legal person in this household."
"And even if she was...." If she was, then I couldn't....wait what the hell am I thinking?
Kyo shook his head and just ran his hand through his orange hair.
"I don't think that was what bothered her. But now that I think about it, how much do we really know about Tohru anyway?"
"Nothing much really, but Shigure knows the most of out all of us. He was the one who talked to her and convinced her to stay"
"That old pervert dog" Kyo snarled angrily. Haru winced too, thinking about how he had kissed Tohru so freely in public.
"Look, I'm just going to go take a look alright?""Whatever Cow, I can't control you" Kyo barked, still shirtless he walked outside and headed up onto the roof.
He didn't want to be seen when the rest of the brigade showed up. Too much of that shit happy hour.
Haru slipped out of his high school uniform and back into his normal clothes. He sighed straightening his black turtleneck and his jacket. Much better, he ran his hand through his hair. For a moment, he sat outside on the porch looking outside. He seemed to lose himself in his thoughts, praying his damned darker half wouldn't show up.After a good quarter hour, his watched beeped 2:30.
He didn't have much time before the doubled Brady bunch showed up. He snuck upstairs quietly, his feet not squeaking on the old rickety and dusty staircase. He walked down the lonely hallway, staring at all the pictures of his family. Never in one did he seem to smile, except the one of when Tohru first moved in. Everyone was smiling in that shot, even hot headed Kyo. Tohru's head was tipped to a side and her eyes illuminated with a exhilaration.
Haru knocked on Tohru's door and waited to hear a response....after a few moments he called out."Tohru, it's Haru, I just wanted to check up on you"
"Oh, sorry come in Haru," Haru entered slowly, seeing Tohru with her spoon still lingering near her lips. She smiled sweetly as Haru sat down on the floor cross-legged. He stared down, to see the bowl of soup was completely empty. Very surprising she had lived to eat and survive Kyo's meals.
"How are you doing Tohru?""Oh I"m doing so much better Haru. But Kyo won't let me start the house cleaning."
"Well you shouldn't be doing anything. Tohru, you probably didn't realize how shaken up and startled you looked. You were completely entranced, and we had no idea what to do"
"I...never meant for anyone to worry about me. No one should ever worry about me..." Tohru's eyes left Haru's gaze, as she stared at her mother's picture, mostly just avoiding Haru's cold gaze.
"Just take it easy kid. You've already been to hell and back again, you don't need to come close to it again."
"Haru, I'm fine really" Tohru replied smiling
"Sure Tohru, Sure" Haru stood up stiffly, and then walked to the door. He stood in the threshold for a moment, and Tohru stared at him. "Just...be careful Tohru." With that Haru said no more, unsure if he even had wanted to say anymore at all.
Haru then went back outside and took off for a walk into the deep thicket of woods. Tohru should rest, and there was no way in hell he wanted to see all those perky and worried faces. Sometimes, Haru was just as cold and rough as Kyo is. Perkiness was not one of his define characteristics and personalities. Ou, Hana, Momiji, and Yuki entered the house cheerfully."We're home Tohru" they all shouted aloud.
From Tohru's room, Tohru could hear the sound of many shuffling footsteps heading upstairs ungracefully. Tohru tired to clean herself up before they arrived, but within seconds she could hear the turning of the doorknob and she sat up in bed.
"Tohru?" Hana and Ou asked in unease "Can we come in?"
"Of course you can you guys. How was school?" Tohru asked angelically.
"A bore as usual. Mr. Honda is a nice guy, but we were all too distracted worrying about you"
"Oh hehehe I'm completely fine. I just hope I can catch up on the schoolwork and still have time to clean the house tonight"
"Tohru honestly" Ou complained placing her hands on her hips "You fainted today, the nurse told us, and you still want to be as busy as ever. Its seriously not healthy"
"You need to regain your strength and come back stronger. Focusing your energies on regaining your health" Hana replied quietly.
"I'm fine seriously, I'll be back in school tomorrow" Tohru replied reassuringly
"Only if Shigure says you are fit too" Momiji replied coming in behind them. In his hands was a giant bouquet of white and yellow lilies, which were one of Tohru's favorite types of flower. "Tada!"
He replied placing the bouquet in her hands.
Tohru closed her eyes and buried her face in their beautiful scent. These were her mom's favorite flowers. She looked at Momiji bowing and smiling graciously.
"Oh Momiji where did you get these? They aren't even in season yet!"
"I knew they were your favorite, nothing too great for you TohruTohru"
"Thank you Momiji" Tohru replied, wanting to hug him, but only could laugh remembering the rules. Momiji left, but returned a moment later with a beautiful violet vase with water in it. He gently took all the flowers, and emptied them into the vase. He took one out, and walked back over to Tohru. Tohru was curious to see what he was doing, but he only simply tucked the flower under a loft of her hair and smiled.
"It brings out your smile TohruTohru" he replied grinning.Haru and Ou only exchanged mischievous glances to each other, and Tohru only smiled, innocently not understanding what they possibly could be thinking.
Momiji left the room soon after, replying he had to start his homework. Haru and Ou gave their farewells, for they had to get home soon enough. That left Tohru alone. She sat in her cot for a while, playing with the delicate flower in her hair.
"I'm glad to see you are well Lady Tohru" A voice replied from the threshold.
"Is that you Yuki?" Tohru replied curiously. Yuki only smiled and entered the room in a gracious bow. He smiled showing his exquisite teeth, that somehow seemed to shimmer. ((Like in the movies))
"Are you regaining your strength?"
"I already told everyone I am fine Yuki. But no one seems to believe me. There is so much to tend to in the house, the dishes, dinner, laundry, and I have to catch up with the schoolwork I need" Tohru replied getting out of bed and staring at the flowers and her mother's photograph. Tohru took out a lily, and placed it in front of the picture, as you would put a flower before a person's grave.
"You really miss her don't you?" Yuki replied quietly, now feeling somewhat sad for her.
Tohru looked to Yuki, and to his shock, there were small tears at the edges of her eyes. "More than you could ever imagine" was all Tohru could reply, but she nodded her head and smiled."Tohru...you don't need to act strong and force yourself to be happy" whispered Yuki."I'm fine Yuki really. When I'm busy taking care of everyone else, I don't seem to be as sad as much. I don't have time, to feel sorry for myself, or worry about myself, or waste time crying the days away. It is alright to miss someone you love dearly, but in the end, she is dead, and she will never return. But I'll see her someday. I know I will"
Yuki slowly crept closer to Tohru. Tohru was just as the flower that was embedded in her hair, so frail, and still yet a beautiful blossom. He took Tohru into his arms, and was grateful she did not embrace him back, but only rested her head against his chest.
"Tohru...I wish there was something I could do to ease your pain. I only want malady to be happy and cheery again.""I just need to relax and take it easy. That's what Kyo told me"
"Kyo?" Yuki asked confused, why the hell would that damned tabby cat pay any notice to an angel like Tohru
"Mmm. Kyo even made me soup while I was sleeping. It was so sweet and generous of him. Momiji brought me those flowers, Ou and Hana stopped by earlier, even Haru! Now you came to visit, I'm so lucky. Before I stayed here, it was just myself on my own. It's nice to have so many friends."
Yuki rested his head upon hers...but could not help but growl in silence, that Kyo and Momiji had been such kiss ups. Those losers were probably just trying to fool Tohru into a false concern. And Haru? What the hell is that snake up to? Or should he say Cow.
Yuki's eyes closed to slits with a hint of envy in them. He would win his Princess, no matter who got in the way.
Author's Note
I'm sorry that this chapter might seem a big sketchy, I'm leaving for Maine tomorrow, so I needed to wrap it up. I'll make a killer one next time. And how many guys love Tohru?