Disclaimer: I do not own Fruit Baskets (Tearz) Thank you everyone for all the reviews and PLEASE keep them coming!
Chapter 13 BirthdayThe soccer game the night before had turned out better than one had expected. Kei had finished his tears and regained his normal poise just as the Sohmas arrived. Since there were five players, everyone was fighting over who could be on Tohru's team. Tohru simply jumped at the chance to be goalie, so it would not cause any favoritism. Besides, it was pretty funny to see Haru and Momiji go at it with each other screaming and play intense Rock Paper Scissors to win her on their team.
Tohru, to everyone's surprise, especially herself, wasn't that terrible of a goalie. Sure she let a few slip by her, but for well, Tohru, she was just fine. The game ended in a tie, mostly because Tohru was too exhausted from blocking all those rapid-fire shots. In the end, everyone just walked home feeling a tiny bit lighter, and with brighter smiles. Even Kei was happier, and he waved his goodbyes to everyone and disappeared towards his home. The Sohmas gathered the ball and took a short break, mostly just trying to bring down their heartbeats and relax. The four of them then walked home laughing and tired.
The following morning, Tohru was up as usual, still at those darn early hours. Tohru would scream in frustration in bed. Why can't I sleep longer? Why do the dreams end so early! She bathed and changed, and would usually spend those early hours writing in that tiny book that Shigure has seen. As usual Shigure would wake up about an hour after her, she already having tea ready for the both of them.
"Good morning my flower" Shigure whispered sleepily as he walked into the den.
'Good morning to you too Shigure, today begins another lovely day" Tohru replied happily. Tohru did not even speak of it being her birthday, she said this every morning.
"Another lovely fall day. Everything is changing, and the breeze just smells divine" He replied stretching peacefully. When he finished he sat down on the couch and enjoyed his tea with her. "So how are your writings my young novelist?"
"Oh Shigure, you know I'm not a novelist. But I shall admit, that my writings are happier than they were a week ago. They still hold that, speck of pain, but not at the same level, and more so about different things" She replied quietly staring down at her reflection within the cup.
"Are you still worried about Kyo-kun?" Shigure asked without gazing at her.
"Yes." Tohru responded. She took another sip at her tea, and still continued to stare at her reflection. She couldn't help but worry about him, even if he had yelled at her, it still scared her.
"I wouldn't worry about him if I were you. Cats are very independent and anti-social creatures. He is just fulfilling that part of him."
"I understand that Shigure. But I still am harboring the feelings that something is at great unease with him. It's not Kyo being an idiot; I think he's upset about something. No one else in this house seems to care, so I'm left alone to think about it. It constantly is on my mind." Tohru's hand rubbed at the small wound that still remained on her forehead.
"Tohru, Kyo is a very secretive guy, I believe that you are lucky to have just escaped with that small cut. I mean he could have chopped you to pieces! Its not that we don't care, he's just always been that way. Isolation is almost like a rule in this house with emotions. That's why I write all the time, it's hard to keep it in under lock and key"
"Maybe." She replied softly. Shigure smiled and caressed her cheek, which allowed her to smile gently. He rose from his seat, and left to begin preparations for another workday. Tohru rose herself and cleared away their cups and began to prepare the breakfast meals.
Kyo was upstairs in his bedroom staring at the wall once again. While he had been home yesterday, he had cleaned away the wood scrapes and fixed the somewhat damaged chair. There was still a dent in the closet door, and when Momiji saw it he was really confused by it. Kyo was also able to scrub away Tohru's blood, so it would not upset Momiji was he stared at it.
Kyo lay in his bed apprehensively. It had been a long while sine he had properly spoken Tohru, most likely the last time the two had gone shopping together that day. He remembered so well the tears in Tohru's eyes when she had heard her mother's lullaby. Kyo could almost feel her still in his arms, and he missed her presence so dearly. Every moment, either when he was asleep or awake, he thought of Tohru. Tohru doing this, Tohru doing that, he was uncontrollably obsessed from worry and everything else.
As he lay in bed he grew hot in his pants and he rolled over abruptly trying to close his eyes. Still yet again, he was an unnerved insomniac. Kyo struggled to keep him under control, but most efforts futile. He stormed off to the bathroom and shut the door behind him. He quickly tore off his clothes while the tub ran, and leapt in soon after. Kyo laid there in the condensed steam and warmth until he could no longer control himself. He began to coax and rub himself, letting low moans as he began to cum.
As he let out another moan, the door slowly screeched open. He lay there still, confused by who would be entering. Kyo prayed that it was someone just passing through, thanking god that he had pushed the curtains close. But, from his view, he could see the shadow. He watched, in horror, as the hand reached out and pulled the curtain aside. He closed his eyes quickly, but then felt someone enter the tub with him. He peeked his eyes open to see the bare Tohru.
"Tohru? What the hell are you doing?" He asked in disbelief.
"Relieving you of your pain," She whispered seductively as she leaned over and kissed his lips roughly. Kyo was still in shock, but could feel Tohru's teeth nibble at his lower lip, and he began to feel himself going numb. Her hand slid everywhere, until it found a most satisfying position as she began to rub him.
"Tohru..." He moaned feeling himself relax as she slid atop him as she kissed his lips once more. Her tongue entered his mouth and began to search, and he too was brought out of hiding. His hands slid around her waist as she rested against him. Her kisses were fierce, but so delicious, he scarcely breathed, afraid to lose her.
"Tohru..." He called once more, and he felt her lips leave his slowly. Kyo opened his eyes, looking at her. She was so beautiful, water dripping from her bare self. She smiled gently, and from behind her back she pulled out something, and he grew tense seeing a sharp dagger. "What the hell are you doing?" He asked now frightened
"Relieving you of your pain of course' She replied wickedly. She raised the dagger high, and abruptly thrust it down to his chest.
"NO" Kyo sat up abruptly in the tub, panting as he looked around. A dream? It was just a dream? He looked around, holding his chest. He sighed miserably, it was a dream, and he must have fallen asleep. Kyo looked towards the door, which was not in his view, hearing pounding at the door.
'YOU STUPID CAT GET UP! You've been in there forever!" the familiar Rat screamed.
"Shut the hell up I'll be out in a minute you rat!" He hollered back. Kyo could hear an agitated sigh, and Kyo could smile, knowing it was back to reality. He changed and cleaned quickly, leaving the bathroom with a towel rubbing his hair.
'About time idiot" Yuki growled.
"Shut Up" His simple reply as he walked down the stairs.
He entered the kitchen quietly, not even bothering to look at Tohru. Tohru remained at the stove, and frowned sadly to herself. Mornings have been like this lately, and she longed to hear him say something, anything, call her squirt, whatever he wanted.
Kyo shook his head miserably. He still felt out of it and he decided he wouldn't be going to school today. Tohru set a platter of food before him, but did not linger near him long, quickly shuffling back to her place at the stove.
Kyo left his spot from the table, grabbed his coat, and headed out for his walk. No way in hell he'd be going to school, but he didn't just want to sit there with that stupid girl. Yuki entered the kitchen next, yawning, but not sad like he used to be.
'Good morning Miss Honda" He replied bowing to her.
'You don't need to be so formal Yuki, its just me" she replied with a grin as she returned his bow.
"I cannot help it. Such an angel deserves to be treated with great respect" He replied flashing another Hollywood grin. He took his seat, and Tohru served his food as well. Tohru stood beside him for a moment, watching him sample her food again, "Another marvelous meal" he grinned.
"Thanks" Tohru replied gently. Yuki slid over, so he sat on half the seat, and patted the emptier portion, and she sat down with him sharing the seat. "How are you doing lately Tohru? You seem to be going through a lot"
"Oh I'm great Yuki! Everything's well, going through a lot? Whatever would you mean?" She asked innocently.
"Innocent Tohru." He replied with a chuckle as he fed her a forkful of her own food. Tohru nipped at it gently and he smiled again "See, you're food is wonderful!"
"Tastes just like eggs if you ask me" She replied, which caused Yuki to throw his head back and laugh. He nestled himself against her happily, and the two ended up sharing his breakfast. Tohru had never seen Yuki smile the way he did. It was like seeing the real Yuki. Better then the usual one, it reminded her of the day at the garden.
When the two of them had finished, Tohru took the plate and washed it in the sink just as Momiji and Haru entered the room. She happily served them their breakfast meals too. The two cousins looked like they were still tired.
"What, still tired from last nights game?" Tohru asked sarcastically.
"I'm so sore," Haru groaned rubbing his forehead tiredly. Tohru laughed and stood behind his chair, gently massaging his shoulders. "Mmmm...." He let out a satisfied sigh and Tohru just laughed again. "Is there anything you can't do?" Haru asked again fully loving this massage
"Umm I can't fly last time I checked." She joked. Everyone laughed along with her and after another five minutes she finished up with Haru and began the dishes.
"God Tohru that felt soooo good" Haru sighed gently.
"Next time I'll have to charge you" She joked again from over by the sink. "First one is always free"
Momiji cleared the table, he usually did. He loved helping Tohru, even if it was a pain to do chores. While Tohru washed and rinsed, he would dry the dishes and put them away. It cut the workload and time practically in half for Tohru and she was always so grateful.
"My amazing partner" Tohru cheered as the two of them slapped five as they admired the clean kitchen.
"No problem at all!" Momiji replied grinning.
"Lets go, we don't want to be late" Yuki replied as he stood by the door with Haru. The four took off, and Tohru left a note for Kyo to get better before she locked the door.
Kyo waited in the bushes as the rest of the Sohmas left the house for school and work. He craned his neck around, looking about, making sure everything was clear. He unlocked the house and crept back inside, looking to find Tohru's note on the table.
KyoI know you're staying home, because you weren't in your school uniform. Enjoy the day off and I hope you get well soon. Don't forget to drink orange juice! It'll help you I promise.
TohruKyo smiled softly, holding the note in his hand as he reread if one more time. He folded it neatly, and tucked the note away in his shirt pocket. Kyo had remembered that today was Tohru's birthday, but he hadn't said anything about it. After how much of a bastard he had been around Tohru, he decided he should try to redeem himself by doing something nice.
He walked around the kitchen, basically a lost soul; he was a total crap chef. He opened up some of the cabinets over the sink, and searched about for one of Tohru's recipe books. He skimmed the titles until he found the pastries, and opened it up searching for cakes.
It was like reading Greek for him. . "God Kyo what the fuck were you thinking?" He screamed aloud. But he sighed; he needed to make this up for Tohru. He considered buying the cake, but that'd be to easy, there was no way Kyo was a quitter. He couldn't stand losing.
After an hour of preparations, he skimmed the recipe.
"Okay. Beat together
three eggs, two cups of flower, three of sugar, baking soda...."
Kyo quickly began to crack the eggs, and of course, the first one
was smashed in his hand and he looked down into the bowl to find
eggshells. Without hesitation, he stuck his hand in the bowl and
began to pull out the tiny egg flakes.
Finally after getting the three eggs done, he wandered to the cabinet and pulled out the bag of flour. He began to pour it into the bowl, just to have another giant clump fall out. The powder filled the room, and as it cleared, Kyo's face was plastered with white. He coughed trying to clear the air with his hand and rubbed his eyes. The bowl was filled to the top with his flour, and he growled in frustration. He slowly began to scoop the flour out off the bowl and into the bag. Eventually, he got past the sugar, he didn't mind putting in too much, cause ya know, sugar is sugar! He mixed in the brown sugar, baking soda, oil, and water.
He turned on the blender and mixed his little creation until it actually looked like cake batter. He stuck his finger in it childishly, sampling it. He smiled with success, seeing much to his amazement, it was edible. He did consider however, putting some poison in it. He imagined Yuki taking a bite of it and holding his throat, as he turned green. He'd fall the floor and roll around in agony. Kyo was struck with an evil laugh and rested his hands on his hips. ((When Boys Cook! The horror story))
He greased the baking pan as the oven slowly warmed. He poured his batter very very carefully into the pan and then slid it into the oven. He set the timer for an hour.
((I don't know really how long cakes take to bake)) Kyo looked around, seeing how destroyed the kitchen was. It looked like the garbage heap, like before Tohru arrived.
Kyo sighed as he put on an apron and that weird cleaning hat. He decided, he'd better start with the floor, which was coated in a layer of flour, and whatever else had fallen to the floor. His mopping and scrubbing took him about twenty minutes and he wiped the sweat from his forehead. How does Tohru do this EVERY SINGLE DAY?
Kyo moved on to finish wiping down the countertops and all the pots and pans he had used in his little field day within the kitchen. Just as he finished, the timer went off and he rushed to put on some oven mitts and open the over quickly. He looked at his cake, which still looked decent. He pulled it from the oven, and settled it on a cooling rack. On closer inspection, he found that one side was lopsided. Kyo sighed, feeling so defeated. He had worked so hard, and it had to come out crooked.
After tapping his finger against the table waiting for the cake to cool, Kyo was struck with an idea. ((Light bulb flashes)) Kyo roamed the cabinets until he pulled out an industrial size-icing tub. He brought it back over to the counter, where he opened the lid. He knew vanilla was Tohru's favorite and with the most procession and care he slowly began to coat the cake in the icing. It took him a long time, and because the cake was lopsided, he poured the icing on one side so they were even. No one could tell he had done it, and he smiled proudly. He then took out one of those pastry designers that held the icing. On the cake he managed, in a somewhat scribbled two-year-old handwriting he wrote. Happy Birthday Tohru! Around the edges of the cake he poured some rainbow sprinkles, and added the candles around the border. Success at last!
MeanwhileTohru entered the cafeteria happily with the Sohmas, and without looking up was attacked by Hana and Uo. Uo grabbed Tohru in her famous headlock and rubbed her best friends head.
"Hey Tohru! Happy birthday! Congrats on the big 1-7! That means driving, and uhh well just being older!" Uo laughed
"Yes happy birthday indeed Tohru" Hana replied modestly.
Uo let go of Tohru and both girls presented Tohru with gifts.
"Oh guys, you shouldn't have' Tohru replied graciously
"Oh yes we should've! You work yourself so hard and here's a special reward!" Hana replied, surprising herself with her enthusiasm.
Tohru sat down at the table and slowly opened Hana's gift. She didn't really which gift was from whom, so she just neatly unwrapped the blue tissue papered gift. She undid the bow and was careful not to rip the rapping paper too much. Inside Hana's gift was the most beautiful pair of ruby stoned earrings.
"Oh wow! Oh my gosh thank you so much Hana!" Tohru replied hugging her friend. She quickly took out her golden stud earrings out and put the new ones in. She tucked her hair behind her ears, showing off her sparkling new ones.
"Nice choice Hana!" Uo cheered proudly.
Tohru grinned and moved on to Uo's gift. Her gift was wrapped with the Comic section of the newspaper, a tradition she had done since they were all toddlers. Tohru of course, read all the comics and then opened the gift.
Within Uo's gift was a lovely ruby stoned ring. No doubt the matching necklace to the earrings. But Tohru was still ecstatic.
"They are both so beautiful! Thank you both so much!" She squealed hugging her best friends tight.
"Its worth both of our monthly paychecks, so I want to see you wearing those at least three times a week!" Uo ordered sarcastically
"Well do Ma'am!" Tohru screamed back. The three hugged and jumped up and down like three best friends would.
The Sohmas all watched from a far, everyone smiling. Everyone was happy to see Tohru this perky, she deserved this day more then anyone would deserve their birthday. After the three Amigos had settled down, Kei walked over to her rubbing the back of his head embarrassed.
"Umm Tohru...I uh...." Kei stumbled over his words as he pulled out from behind his back a large manila folder with a bow on it. Tohru took it gently smiling as she opened the seal and pulled out some papers.
Tohru flipped over the papers, to discover they were paintings. They were gorgeous. Many were that of Tohru from a far. One was of Tohru sitting, her eyes captivated by a lily as she sat in the school's garden. She wondered how he had gotten that shot. The second photo was one of Tohru singing with her microphone, too another mystery. She was dressed in a scarlet dress, one of the more formal nights at the bar before she had known the Sohmas so well.
The third painting was one of the two of them on the soccer field. Her arms were cradled around Kei, but since the painting was black and white, and the faces were covered and disguised by the loose hair, no one could've known but them. The forth and final painting, was the only one in color. This painting was one of Tohru's full body profiles; one would guess she was leaping off of a building and her flying. The back round was painted as a starry night, and Tohru had two beautiful white wings on her back.
Kei had depicted her as a lovely angel, soaring off into the night sky, and she looked up to him speechless. He looked at her nervously, and bit his lip waiting.
"Kei...they're so beautiful" She replied gently. Kei let out a sigh of relief, and she stood up and hugged him gently. Embracing him so lightly and fondly. "Thank you Kei" No one had ever given her such a beautiful treasure, one that couldn't be bought at a store. It was just, a different sort of gift, maybe even, his goodbye gift.
"Thank you Tohru..." He whispered to her gently hugging her tightly. The two let go gently, and Tohru sat back down looking at Kei's amazing paintings. She knew, the moment she got them home she would have these framed.
Haru, Momiji, and Yuki smiled happily. They'd have their turn, they just had to wait for this school day to end.
A few hours later....
Kyo had been successful in decorating the entire kitchen. Streamers were draped across the ceiling, and he had even managed to find some balloons, but nothing thankfully looked over the top or like a four year olds birthday party.
Kyo looked at clock, and noted that the rest of the group would be home soon. Kyo had decided to order in some food, because there was just not enough time to cook a meal with Kyo's lack of skill. He ordered a plentiful amount of culinary and Japanese foods, especially sushi rolls for Tohru. He had placed the food on the table, still keeping them warm.
He darted up the stairs, and quickly changed into his favorite black sweatshirt, and green cargo pants. He looked in the mirror and fixed his hair, and dabbed on a little cologne. Kyo had finished just time to have Shigure open the front door.
"Am I on time?" Shigure asked grinning.
"Yeah I just finished everything" Kyo replied
Shigure looked around the kitchen and let out a whistle "Man, you're guilty conscience is a beautiful thing" He replied drooling at all the foot."Shut up, and don't eat anything. Everyone else will be home soon," Kyo growled.
"I'll go change" Shigure waved his hand and left his briefcase by the door. He re-appeared wearing a traditional kimono just in time to have the front door reopen.
"We're home!" Shouted out the boys from the front of the house.
"I just need to go frame this paintings" Tohru replied quickly dashing upstairs to her room, which worked to everyone's favors.
"Quick, you all go change and get your gear. We're all set" Shigure replied. The boys all hastily ran up the stairs. Haru changed into a white button down shirt and some jeans, Momiji in a somewhat decent T-shirt and grayish off black pants. Yuki came downstairs in a more formal gray sweater with two black stripes and black jeans.
Everyone stood in the kitchen, and Kyo walked over to the stairs.
"Hey Tohru?" He called
"Yes Kyo?" She called back from her room somewhat surprised to hear Kyo's voice
"Can you come downstairs for a moment please?" He asked
"Alright' everyone grew silent, listening to the sound of her opening and shutting her door and daintily walking down the stairs. "Is there something wrong Kyo?"
"No. In fact I'm great. That orange juice helped. But here, I've got something to show you" Kyo replied gently, taking her hand.
"Okay..." Tohru replied suspiciously.
The two walked into the kitchen, and Tohru squinted in the dark until Kyo slid over to the wall and flipped on the switch.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOHRU!" everyone screamed. Tohru jumped back and screamed, and then began to laugh. She looked over to Kyo who was beaming
"Did you do this?" She asked
"You bet. Nothing too great for our favorite Squirt" he replied still grinning.
Tohru ran back over to him and stood up on her toes and kissed his cheek, which made Kyo blush so bad "I'd hug you, but you know" She replied laughing. "You look like a cherry," She added cutely teasing Kyo's blushing.
Everyone guided her over to the table.
"LETS EAT" Screamed Momiji and Shigure together, who both instantly began to gobble up the food? Yuki and Haru ate quietly, and Tohru ate daintily, but still was asking questions to Kyo.
"Is this why you stayed home?" She asked before eating a sushi roll
"Yup. I worked on it all day." He replied proudly as he ate a dumpling "I figure I owe you"
"Owe me? Why?" She asked puzzled.
'Tohru face it, I haven't been the nicest guy lately, or ever. Especially how I hurt you yesterday. I never meant to hurt you Tohru honest. I just, got a lot going on right now." He replied quietly
"I know you're sorry silly. I'm just happy you're feeling better" She replied sweetly.
Kyo could just never understand Tohru. No matter what happened to her, no matter what you did to her, she could always come back to forgive you and smile. The meal continued on while Tohru and Kyo had a nice conversation. Tohru was always smiling; she was so happy that Kyo was back to normal. The meal was great. Shigure and Momiji had bloated stomachs by the time they were done.
"Not a famous Tohru meal, but definitely a great one" Shigure replied happily.
"Hope you can still eat more" Kyo replied rising from his seat
"Of course we can eat more!" Momiji replied sitting up eagerly.
Kyo disappeared into the back room, where the freezer was kept, with all the "special" foods for important occasions. He came back in, proudly holding his cake that had eighteen little candles glowing atop it.
'Happy birthday monster" He replied grinning as he slid the cake in front of Tohru.
"Make a wish kiddo" Shigure replied happily. Tohru closed her eyes and blew out the candles. I wish that I could stay with the Sohmas forever. Everyone applauded and clapped, and Tohru had the honor of cutting the first slice.
She cut the cake evenly, even on her birthday serving the cake to everyone and finally herself.
"Hey Kyo, why is this cake stuffed with icing on one side?" Haru asked curiously as he ate a mouthful of icing.
"Uhh hehe it sort of deflated when it finished backing" Kyo replied embarrassed.
'Nice job Kitty" Yuki replied laughing.
"It happens to the best of us," Tohru replied happily as she patted Kyo's hand.
As everyone ate cake, Momiji was the first to slide his gift in front of her. She opened it cheerfully, and revealed a very lovely pair of turquoise barrettes, and a box of churros. ((Remember in chapter 5?)) Tohru looked to him, seeing the churros, and the two both laughed. Everyone else was confused, but Tohru didn't say anything, it was their own special secret.
Haru was the second to give Tohru his gift. Tohru opened his gift, and inside found two more of the Wishing Stars. Upon one was written Hope, and on the other was Freedom. Tohru looked to Haru gently, finding the more deeper meaning within both the stars and, from her pocket she pulled out her Clarity star. She smiled at him gently, and he nodded to her happily.
Yuki was the next up. Inside a lovely rapped box, was first, a bag of strawberry seeds. It was a reminder of their time in the garden. She seemed to have a special memory with each of them. Beneath the seeds was a beautiful black wavy dress.
"I got one of our cousins to design it. He's amazing with fabrics" Yuki replied proudly. She held up the dress against herself, and smiled.
"It'll look beautiful on you" Shigure replied approvingly.
She sat back down and smiled again. "Thank you, you three for your lovely gifts"
"Hey now lets not forget mine" Shigure replied standing up. From his trench coat pocket, he pulled out large manila envelope. It reminded Tohru of the paintings that were still upstairs in her room, and she looked at it carefully.
"What is it?" She asked
"Just open it and see" He replied as she undid the tie. She pulled out many paper documents. "I don't want you to feel like a permanent guest, when you're so clearly an important part of this family. Tohru these last two months have been the best this family has ever seen. You took out broken family and made us into something. I don't care if you're a blood Sohma, or if you don't have a curse. I don't care what Akito says." He replied and Tohru looked up to him with tears building in her eyes "I want you to be part of this family, for real, I want to be your legal guardian, and maybe work up to being your father" He replied gently, his eyes gently gazing at her.
Everyone looked to Shigure stunned; no one had ever predicted this.
"Oh gosh Shigure, I don't know what to say" Tohru stuttered tearing.
"Won't you say yes?" He asked pleadingly.
"It would be...delightful to have you as a father. But...Kyoko..." She looked out the window thinking of her mother, who had only died just so recently, and she held her hand to her heart feeling that pain.
Shigure walked over to her, and hugged her so gently.
"Kyoko will always be your mother. And your father, whether he died early or not will always be your father. You will always be Tohru Honda, and if you wish to keeps your last name for your mother's honor, I understand that. But I want you to be part of this family, I want you as my daughter."
"Would you really forgive me, for keeping her last name?" She asked wearily
"Of course dear. Tohru, she only died so recently, but I don't want you to feel so far from us. You more than anyone belongs with this family"
"Shigure...." Tohru looked at him and buried her face in his strong arms and started to cry. "I want to be your daughter. I want to be part of this family." She cried softly
"You may be part of a new family, but we will never take away the family you once had. I never want you to forget them, and I will help you to keep her name alive in you. You are the living image of Kyoko." He replied wiping away her tears. "Thank you Tohru" he replied gently.
Tohru didn't care, and she hugged Shigure, within a moment there was a poof. Tohru rapped her arms around Shigure's thick-coated neck, and he only whimpered as a dog and licked her cheek with his soft tongue. Tohru held him a while longer, but then placed his clothes beside him, and turned around, just as he "Poofed" back again.
"Wow, that was a surprise" Momiji replied gently as he ran over to Tohru. "Hey, does that mean we're like cousins, or even brother and sister? I've always wanted a sister!" Momiji replied grabbing her hands and smiling
"I'll be your sister either way, law or blood has nothing to do with it" She replied happily and Momiji grinned too.
"Legally, there are so many complications, but that's not something to discuss tonight. I think, we've all had enough of this excitement for one night." Shigure replied as he stood back up formally as he cleared the table. Everyone helped and Tohru sat down on the couch for a moment.
Tohru was so exhausted, she never thought tonight would be this way. She had not even mentioned it; she was touched, that they would all go out of their way for her.
"Goodnight Tohru, and happy birthday" Haru, Momiji, and Yuki replied each waving as they walked up the stairs.
"Goodnight Tohru" Shigure replied gently as he turned to disappear down his hallway
"Goodnight Dad." She answered him gently. Shigure turned around to face her, with tears in his eyes, he never seemed so happy.
"I will never, get tired of hearing that" Shigure whispered, and he finally turned disappearing down the hallway.
Tohru sat on the couch, wiping away her own tears of joy.
You hear that mom, they really want me, and I know you'd be happy for me.
Tohru was about to drift off to sleep, when she realized she had not seen Kyo since dinner. She walked around the house, and found he was not in his bedroom with Momiji.
Tohru felt a breeze from the backdoor, which was open just ajar. She pulled on a jacket, and walked out into the autumn breeze. She walked to the side of the house, and saw a ladder up against the house. She looked up, and she climbed up it carefully, it moaning slightly under is worn boards.
"Kyo?" She asked as she her head popped up the side of the house.
Kyo, who was lying on his back looking at the stars sat up. "Tohru! What are you doing up here?"
"Well..." She replied trying to keep her balance as she stood on the roof. "I wanted to check up on you"
"Wait there" Kyo replied as he stood up. He easily walked over to her, used to these balancing issues. He took her hand carefully, which made them both blush, and he walked her back over to where he was sitting.
Kyo sat back down after Tohru was okay and he rested his arms on his knees as he looked back up at the full moon.
"I wanted to say thank you Kyo" Tohru whispered, almost afraid to break their silence.
"It's nothing, don't worry" He replied.
"No really, thank you. I've been, really worried about you lately. I'm so relieved to know you're okay again. I missed talking to you, you seemed so, isolated, far away." She replied gently, staring at her hands that were folded in her laps. "I was afraid, that I had done something to anger you. I was afraid, that you hated me."
Kyo turned to her and took her hand squeezing it tight as he gazed into her eyes. Kyo's eyes were stern, but so sincere.
"Tohru, I could never in a million years hate you. You look out for me, even when I am a jackass. You're like my guardian angel, and I'll always be your protector."
"My protector?" She asked calmly
"I know, I can be difficult, but I will always be there for you when you truly need me" He replied gently.
"Okay Kyo." She whispered back as she turned to look at the sky. "You don't get many beautiful nights like this one. But I figure you see nights like this a lot, always being out here."
'Yeah. I love the night sky it's so endless. Its beauty is captivating, I feel so small when I look at the sky."
"You should feel small. When you look at the sky, it reminds you that you and you're problems aren't so big. It sometimes, makes it easier to look at" She replied weaving her arm through his as she rested her head on his shoulder, he was so warm.
"Tell me something. Do you really want to be Shigure's daughter?"
"I do. I really do Kyo. It's just.... scary" She replied quietly. "My last name is all that I have that keeps me remotely connected to my past. Besides my mom, no one else in my family ever cared about me, and dad died before I could remember him. I love Shigure, and I love everyone in this house so much, and it would be great to have a father. I just don't want to lose, who I used to be" she replied looking to him. Kyo could see the fear that was in her eyes, and he smiled gently.
"You Squirt. No matter what last name you hold on paper, you'll always be yourself on the inside. Forever our Tohru Honda. You mom would want you to be happy. This is your life, and you should be happy. She's proud of you. I know, that you'll never forget who you are. You shouldn't let the past turn you into someone you're not, but you should let it be a part of the person you become"
"Wow Kyo, that was, so beautiful" Tohru replied gazing at him fondly. Kyo just blushed and looked back at the sky
"It's nothing. It's just the truth is all. I'm not a total idiot like that Rat says I am"
Tohru giggled, and Kyo could feel a smile appear at the corners of his lips.
"Thank you Kyo. You've made me feel so much better about this. Today has been, absolutely amazing. What can I do to repay you?"
"Like I told you before Squirt. It's nothing" He replied laughing rubbing her head. "Hey, we've got that trip tomorrow. I think its time we both hit the bed for a little while." He replied getting up on his feet, bent at the knees. He took her hand, and she turned and stared at him for a while.
The two, remained locked at the eyes. Kyo still had her hand as she still sat there on the roof. He quickly blushed and shook his head pulling her up to her feet. "Let's go, it's getting really brisk out here"
Kyo guided Tohru back over the ladder, and allowed her down first. He soon climbed down after her, and found her waiting for him at the bottom. They walked into the house quietly, it now reaching the later hours. They left their shoes by the door, and Kyo took Tohru's jacket and sat it on the coat rack.
They climbed the stairs quietly and they walked to Kyo's room, which was actually right before hers. He slid open the door, and turned to face her in the threshold.
"Oh right your gift' he whispered quietly, "wait right here" he snuck into his room, not waking Momiji and pulled open a dresser drawer. He pulled out a small wrapped gift and gently placed it in her hands.
"Kyo, I thought your gift was just the lovely dinner and stuff" Tohru replied looking up to him surprised.
"Nah, I wanted to get you something nice" He replied, "I'm not stingy like silly Yuki"
"But Kyo..." She replied feeling sorta guilty.
But Kyo only placed his finger to her lips quieting her. He pulled his finger away and smiled. Without really thinking, catching Tohru off guard, he bent over and kissed her on the lips gently. He took a step back into his room, and shut the door smiling.
Tohru stood in the hallway, stunned by Kyo's actions, and then stared down at the gift that was still in her hands. "Goodnight Kyo" She whispered quietly, as she snuck off to her room. She sat down on her bed, and opened it gently.
Inside was the music box she had seen in the store with the old man and Ace. Tohru gasped, and ran her hand over the box's lid. She sat upon her bed, crying gently. She slid into her bed; just before falling asleep she opened the box.
Her mother's melody drifted out of it gently, and she smiled as she listened to its beautiful tinkering sound. Tohru's eyes grew heavy, and she fell asleep just as the song stopped its chiming, and the winder began its final turn.
Kyo lay happily in his bed, still feeling Tohru's lips, and listened to the sound of the music box only a wall away.
"Happy Birthday Tohru, Happy birthday"
Author's NoteGod this was a long one. I'm so happy with it! Every gift had its own special significance to it, and I love how Kyo actually cooked without burning down the house. This chapter was mostly for Kyo and Tohru, I had to make the two make up after Kyo was a meanie head! Tomorrow is the camping trip!
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