Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket.
Can I say I own Kei? Kira? And that whole Clarity band?
Hehe Can I say that I also kidnaped Kyo against his will? I'm probably worse than Kagura .
Chapter 43
Tohru sniffled and cried against his shoulder, her tears staining his blue shirt a darkening midnight hue. Kyo's hand found itself against her back, stroking her gently as he rested his head against the arch of her neck, "Hey...it's okay..."
"I want to protect the Sohmas...I want the Sohmas to be happy. I want Uo and Hana to be happy, I want Kei, Kira, Yue, Li, Sora, I want everyone to be happy," She sniffled weakly.
"Tohru, it's okay to be selfish every once in a while. You can't please everyone..." Kyo managed after a long pause.
"But I hate to see them sad...I hate seeing you sad Kyo..." she whispered.
"Well...all of us hate seeing you sad...you're like the sun...and when you're sad its sort of like a rainy day...and I hate the rain..." Kyo added with a mumble. Tohru giggled and he stroked her hair gently, "I hate seeing you sad Tohru..."
"I'm only sad because you are; you've been so distant from me, from everyone. I'm worried about you, you haven't said anything worth while to me since...since that day..."
"The day Akito betrayed us again..." Kyo finished her sentence, "Damn that bastard," Tohru sighed, her warm breath brushing up against his neck "Tohru?"
"I've missed you...being near you..." she whispered "Kyo what's been bothering you...I want to help you..." she pulled away from him, and looked up into his ruby colored eyes. "Let me help."
"Tohru..." He turned away and stared at the carpeting. "That day...I never...in a million years meant to harm you..."
"I know Kyo..." She whispered quietly.
"I really am a monster..." he finished, angst in his voice.
"That's not true."
"It is Tohru...when I stared down at you, as you protected Yuki, all I could feel was rage. I had the thirst for blood, and it ran through me like crazy. All I wanted was Yuki's body to be covered in his blood, lying lifelessly on the sand," Kyo ran his hand over his face, "I really was going to kill him. It's different then us fighting, I could've done a lot worse to him," his voice shook with his final sentence.
Tohru took his hand and squeezed it tight against her chest, "But you're not a monster Kyo. Every person as a monster locked inside of them, and your's just happens to be more destructive then others. We are all people; its in human nature to hurt, but it's keeping your monster at bay all this time that makes you a good person. My wounds have faded, scars remind, but we all keep living."
Kyo didn't say anything as he watched Tohru speak. She looked so beautiful, her hair down sloping her shoulders. Tohru continued speaking,
"For what around sixteen years, how many times did this monster come out, twice?"
"Yeah..."
"That's amazing Kyo. Sure you get annoyed all the time, but I don't think that's bad, that's just your personality. I know you care about people deep down," She whispered.
"How would you know that?" He asked her surprised, more surprised that the hand she had been squeezing was laced through hers resting on his leg. Had he really done that on his own?
"Because...when I was at the hospital...both times you stayed with me, and you only left when Shigure made you. When you hurt Yuki that night, you cried, you felt horrible. A mean person would never do that," She smiled.
Kyo gazed into her hazel eyes and smiled, his hand caressing the side of her cheek, making both of them turn a pinkish color from blush, "You're the only one in this whole house who cares about me, of course I'd return that favor. Do you remember when I gave you that locket, I told you I wanted to protect you from every harm possible?"
"Of course I remember Kyo," the necklace was around her neck right now, "I think you've done a great job so far," Tohru finished, leaning towards drifting off to sleep.
He wrapped and arm around her waist and comforted her best he could. He opened his mouth to ask her something, but found she already was sleeping. She's probably tired from all this crying. Kyo picked her up bridal style and carried her upstairs to her room. She could do her homework tomorrow morning if she had to. He opened the door to her room and eased her onto the bed. He pulled the covers over her and after that walked out quietly towards his room.
The next morning Tohru woke up in her bed and sat up, "What am I doing here? Last thing I remember I was still with Kyo..." She slipped out of bed, showered, and changed. Tohru walked into the kitchen, bright and early as usual, and was really surprised to find Yuki in the kitchen reading the paper. "Yuki? What are you doing up so early?"
"Oh, good morning Tohru," Yuki smiled gently, "I just found myself up early this morning, I just could not fall back asleep," Yuki explained; watching Tohru as she wandered over to the sink to start washing her hands.
"Well I hope you got enough sleep Yuki, you don't want to over-exert yourself in school. I know you have a lot of student government meetings you need to be at," Tohru began to chop up some vegetables for the morning omelette.
"Yeah, we're working really hard for the White Day Festival. Everyone's really excited to hear you and your band to," Yuki added.
Tohru stopped chopping and ended up slicing part of her finger. Yuki had noticed that, and Tohru simply wrapped it in a towel, "Clumsy me..." she didn't mention anything about the band.
"Are you alright Tohru?" Yuki rose and walked over to her.
"Me? Oh yeah I'm fine, just daydreaming again hehehe," Tohru totally avoided the subject of her band. Still Tohru bit her lip, because she knew that written on the board write beside them was the things to do list, and one of them was to pack.
"Just be more careful next time Tohru alright?" He told her gently.
"No problem! Now sit, your breakfast is nearly ready!" Yuki did as he was told as Shigure walked into the room.
"Oh good morning my Flower! Please give me plenty to eat, I have a busy day today!" Shigure announced hitting his book against his chest with a grin.
"What are you up to today Shigure?" Tohru asked curiously as she flipped some eggs in her pan.
"Well tomorrow is Valentine's Day, I figured I'd go and buy some chocolates!" Shigure smiled as he took his seat.
"Are you going to get one for your producer?" Tohru questioned again as she slid food in front of him too.
"Mihi?" (Pardon my spelling I really couldn't remember how) Shigure scratched his chin, "Maybe I should."
"After all that torture you put that poor woman through I think she deserves a million dollars," Haru added walking into the kitchen with Momiji.
"Hey now that wasn't very nice," Shigure protested with his fork in his mouth.
"Well neither are you, you old perv," Kyo added as trudged in. Kyo sat down and grabbed Shigure's plate and started munching on it with Shigure's spoon, not fork.
Shigure opened his mouth to protest, but he caught sight of Tohru who was smiling with tears in her eyes. She wanted to scream for joy, or thank Kyo, or something by she was afraid she'd send him away again. Finally, after two torturing months, he was back downstairs. It didn't seem like much, but it meant the world to Tohru.
Yuki glared at Kyo, Kyo sitting beside him most unintentionally. Tohru went back to the stove and finished cooking Shigure's breakfast in time for her to grab a cup of orange juice.
"YAY Kyo's downstairs for once, he's not a grumpy head!" Momiji exclaimed jumping onto Kyo's back as Kyo had risen to drop his dishes off in the sink.
"Ah you annoying little bunny!" Kyo growled nearly falling back from the surprise, "I never was a grumpy head you baka!"
"Weee!" Momiji laughed and clung to Kyo's shoulders as he spun around trying to grab Momiji.
The others simply laughed, in all the commotion Tohru tugged on Shigure's kimono sleeve, "What is it Flower?"
"I can I talk to you...in your office please?" She asked gently.
"Well sure Flower," Shigure turned to watch the boys who were still squabbling, "They'll be okay a few minutes without us," Shigure took her hand and pulled her into his office. Shigure managed to sit down on his desk, somehow in all the messy papers that were scattered across it, "Now what's troubling you Tohru?"
Tohru adverted her gaze to the floor, "Well...last night I went to see my band as you know, and they had that announcement. Ummm it seems, a scout saw us perform, and wants us to go to Hiroshima tomorrow to talk about a possible record deal..."
"Well that's amazing Flower! A day in the city away from school and my little girl's gonna be famous! We should celebrate!"
"Well I'm going to have to miss all of school and Valentine's day. I've already missed three days of school this year, from the days I was attacked and stuff. I promised mom I wouldn't miss any!" Tohru answered in dismay, "Plus, Kyo's finally come out of his room, if I leave now he might just go right back to isolation! I also...have to talk to Akito." Tohur's last sentence caused her to avert her gaze.
Shigure rested his hands on her shoulders, "Tohru look at me okay?"
This was serious, since he hardly ever called her Tohru now over Flower. Tohru looked up at him hesitantly, "I don't want you anywhere near Akito ever again. If you see how willing he was to cause Kyo that pain he wouldn't hesitate to do the same to you! He could have your memories erased the minute you least expect it!"
"I'm not going to let him win," Tohru answered back, staring up into his eyes, "I'm going to protect the Sohmas. I might have failed Kyo, but I managed with Yuki."
Shigure shook his head, "You protected Kyo, you helped him change back to normal, there might've been bloodshed, but you've done more for us than you can compensate for. But still, he's a bad man! We thought he was changing, but he betrayed us, Tohru he'll do that again! Promise me; Promise me you won't go near him!"
Tohru sighed, "I promise...dad..."
Shigure smiled hearing dad, and released her shoulders, "As for missing school, I think Sensei would understand your absence if it meant your chance at a record deal! These are once in a lifetime opportunities. Also, I'm sure Kyo won't go back to his room after one day..."
"Are you sure? Can you all manage without me for a day?" Tohru looked up at him concerned.
"Yes Flower, I'm sure one of the boys can use a microwave."
"I hate leaving on Valentine's Day," Tohru mumbled.
"Don't worry dear, if you want to give us gifts, leave them for us when you go early. The thought and love is still all the same," He smiled and caressed the side of her cheek fondly. "After school you pack up your things and then you and me can go and get some chocolates alright?"
"Okay Shigure!" Tohru smiled. She was happy to do some 'father-daughter time' with Shigure. The sound of a dish smashing caused both of them to jump and Tohru ran back out into the kitchen. Someone's breakfast was on the ground along with Kyo and Momiji who were wearing it. "Oh dear!"
"Sorry TorTor, I made Kyo loose his balance, his breakfast hit the dish," Momiji pouted sadly.
Yuki began picking up the plate grumbling about stupid animals. Tohru walked over to the two of them with a clean dish towel, starting with Momiji she started wiping the egg from him, "It's okay, accidents happen after all. Just be more careful, you could've hit your head or the side of the table. Silly boys, I know you're all innocent ruffians." Momiji laughed as she wiped his face with the towel, making faces as she went along with it.
Tohru shifted over to Kyo, his face stolid as she ran the rag up the side of his cheek. His eyes found the bandage on the tip of her finger, but remained taciturn. She started to wipe around the edge of his eye she decided to speak, "Thank you...for coming down to eat with us..." She whispered quietly.
"Yeah...whatever..." Kyo looked down, he wasn't sure what he was feeling inside of him; he wanted to blush, scream, and cry all at the same time right into her arms. Tohru finished Kyo's face, irresolute on what to say she simply smiled and got up. She held out a hand to him to help him up. Kyo was surprised with the gesture, but took her hand lightly and allowed her to hoist him up. Her hand was warm, just like the last time, but he let go of it quickly and shoved his hands in his pockets trying to hold onto her warmth.
"Well lets go everyone, you don't all want to be late for school!" Shigure announced. The five grabbed their bags and hustled out the door.
On the way walking, it was Tohru in the middle of Kyo and Yuki, picture perfect as usual for Tohru. Momiji bounced around and Haru tried to keep him under control. Momiji was the one who asked her all the questions: "Tohru, what are you doing for Valentine's day tomorrow huh?"
She laughed and ran her hand through her soft brown hair, "I'm going to Hiroshima."
"Are we going?" Momiji pipped bouncing around "Do you have some elaborate gift for us?"
Tohru giggled, "No, I have to go with Kira and the band."
Yuki's ears picked up on Kira, "Whatever for Tohru?" He questioned uneasily.
Tohru turned to him with a smile, "There's a chance my band can get a record deal. Tomorrow we're going to talk to the manager."
Yuki's eyes widened, "Well this is a surprise."
"Well nothing's definite yet! I'm hopeful though, this is the break the boys have been waiting for. If we become famous then we don't have to worry about money."
"Well money isn't everything..." Yuki interjected.
"Oh I know it isn't, but it can pay for everyone's college tuition, and the remainder of my high school tuition. Not to mention they all don't come from rich families, it would go home too, to help out their brothers and sisters. I would have enough to pay for every door you or the other's broke at Shigure's house," She grinned.
Kyo laughed at that, thinking about all the doors he'd broken fighting with such a stupid loser.
"Have fun in Hiroshima Tohru, and don't forget to tell us anything," Haru finished.
After School
Tohru wandered into the house, her bag and shoes left by the door. She ran into her room and put on some fun jeans and a t-shirt and wandered downstairs. "Shigure?"
Shigure popped his head out of his office, his glasses still on from his work, "OH you're home Tohru! We should get going then yes?" He disappeared into his office and then reappeared without the glasses smiling. He held out an arm to Tohru, "Shall we go daughter?"
"Yes we shall!" Tohru smiled linking arms with him.
Together the two of them walked down the street together, Tohru laughing as Shigure told another story about how he spent the day running away from his editor. "Oh Shigure, that poor why do you torture her?"
"I wouldn't call it torture, it's all fun because in the end I already have a chapter ready," Shigure insisted waving a finger.
"Shigure, what is your newest novel about? You've been working on it for almost two years, you usually have one of your less than appropriate books out," Tohru questioned tugging on his sleeve.
Shigure chuckled and looked into a candy-shop window, "It's taking so long because I cannot find the best words for the ending, the ending is the most important part. There can be errors along the way, as long as the final outcome is at its prime."
"Shigure that still doesn't answer my question!" She rolled her eyes definitely "Can't you give me a little hint?"
Shigure poked her nose and smiled, "I'll give you one and only one hint Tohru. My story is about a young girl with a colossal heart, in the end someone is going to take it away from her, but in the best way possible."
Tohru's eyes went all shimmering, "Oh how cute! It's a love story! I hope the girl finds the right boy!"
"I'm sure yo...I'm sure she will heheeh I'm sure she'll find the right guy, I mean after all, I'm the one writing it!"Shigure chuckled quickly and pulled her inside the chocolate store.
Tohru skimmed the isles with him, everything looked scrumptious! "Shigure what should I get everyone?" She asked eagerly as she picked up a sample.
"Well, how many do you need?" He asked her as he nibbled on his own.
"Let's see; there's Kyo, Yuki, Momiji, Haru, and you just for our house. Then I need some for Uo and Hana. Then I'd like to send some over to Hatori, Kisa, and Hiro," Tohru was counting on her fingers, "That makes nine in total. Oh wait, then I need some for Yue, Li, Kira, and Sora. Oh and Kei too, oh and I bet your producer would want some, and maybe even Ginta at the bar," Tohru whimpered "Oh dear, I've run out of fingers!"
"That makes...sixteen at the max Tohru, can you afford all that?" He raised an eyebrow with suspicion. Shigure knew that Tohru always paid for her school education above everything, and he wouldn't want her to not be able to pay because of a few chocolates.
"It's fine, I even paid next month's tuition just in case I spent all my money. Since I work two jobs now and have the band, I actually have a little side cash with me. Most of it goes right to bank, well, ninety-eight percent of it does. But there's still enough for me, don't worry Shigure,"
Tohru grinned as she turned down another isle.
"Alright...if you're sure..." Shigure didn't completely buy it, but he knew that Tohru had been working really hard, so for now he'd let it slide.
Tohru ended up finding some very adorable chocolate roses, each one white with one dot of red in the middle. They were a fair price, and each were gift wrapped. She hoped everyone would like them. Tohru smiled as she paid for them with Shigure, but she wished more than anything she'd be with them tomorrow on Valentine's day. One of the gifts wasn't wrapped, the lady sadly had run out of paper, and as a consolation Tohru got another one free, she didn't mind, Shigure was sort of annoyed but Tohru's smiling face with more candy made him laugh.
The father-daughter pair returned home in the early evening. She quickly scampered to her room, depositing the chocolates there, and then went into the kitchen to make dinner. Kyo was up in his room, but Momiji insisted it was because he was doing his homework. Haru came into the kitchen as Tohru's dinner started to simmer,
"Hey Tohru," Haru smiled gently.
"Oh hey!" Tohru greeted happily. Haru grabbed an apron and stood beside her pealing some extra potatoes. "Do you ready for your plans for tomorrow?"
"I am actually," She began stirring the curry slowly, "I've got everything packed and ready...well almost I mean...:"
"That's a shame, I'm sure Yuki wanted to be with you on Valentine's day, even if he has to wait until White Day before he can give you his gift."
Tohru blushed furiously and continued stirring, "Well, I'd rather be here with the family, but this is a once in a lifetime offer that we need to take. They really want this, I can't hold them back. Besides, I got you all something anyway."
Haru stroked the top of her head and smiled, "Well I'm glad to see all these wonderful things happening to you, you're finally getting the joy you truly deserve."
"Thanks Haru," She smiled sweetly, "I hope you get everything you deserve and more."
"You know, when you become famous, there's a chance we might not be able to see each other a lot anymore. You'll always be on tour and stuff," His voice seemed sad now but he smiled, trying to cheer her up, "But I'm glad to have been able to know you, you're the sweetest girl I've ever met. Even if you aren't my blood, you're so very important to me."
Tohru laughed lightly and rested her head against his shoulder and smiled, "Well I'm happy to know you too.
Valentine's Day Morning
Tohru woke up earlier then the morning doves. She was really excited but nervous all at the same time. It felt strange, waking up a Friday morning and not having to put on her school uniform. Tohru hadn't been exactly sure what to wear; the scout had only seen her in costume, but when she called Kira about it he told her not to worry. After ripping apart her closet Tohru found a blue turtle neck and just wore jeans.
She cooked breakfast early too, apologizing it would be cold by the time everyone woke up. Tohru had a small backpack with her, pens, cell phone, note pad, camera, picture of mom, picture of Sohmas, and some money because she promised to get a souvenir for Momiji. By a quarter to six all the boys, Kyo the exception, were downstairs to say goodbye.
"We tried to wake him up Tohru," Momiji whispered, "But he was like threatening to kill me in his sleep! I didn't want to risk it"
Tohru smiled and rubbed his head, causing his hat to cover over his eyes and he laughed forcing it back up, "You tried Momiji, that's all that matters."
The sound of a car honking outside made Tohru run to the door. She opened it to see a familiar car waiting outside for her. She waved quickly, Shigure was on his way out towards the car. "Oh I forgot something upstairs!" Tohru realized suddenly, "Tell them I'll be right there okay?" She quickly sprinted up the stairs.
Shigure wandered over to the car, Yue had already gotten out, "Hello Mr. Sohma, well, I'm figuring you're Mr. Sohma since judging by this crowd of people you're the oldest. Tohru's told us all a lot about you and your family," He held out his hand to shake, "It's an honor to meet you sir."
Shigure took Yue's hand and smiled as he shook it, "I believe the pleasure is all mine. I've only seen you from my seat in the audience, it's nice to meet the almost famous band that Tohru is so fond of. You're Yue, I remember all the pictures she has of you guys," Simaltaneously the two of them released their hands just in time to have Tohru run outside, "Are you ready to go darling?"
"I sure am Shigure!" Tohru smiled gently. She stood up on the tips of her toes and kissed his cheek gently, "I'll be home early tomorrow morning, so you don't have to stay up waiting for me, I want you all to get some well deserved rest."
"I think I'll stay up and wait for you anyway, you can't expect anything less of me can you?" Shigure grinned lightly. Tohru smiled and he pecked her cheek, "You be safe Tohru, we're only a call away, and sweetie...follow your heart," the last bit was whispered in her ear and she smiled.
"Well keep her safe, don't you worry, she's kin to use too!" Yue grinned pounding his fist against his heart as a reference.
Tohru turned around and gave one last wave to the boys, "I'll be home soon; there are leftovers and frozen meals in the fridge, and please don't destroy the house while I'm gone. Tell Kyo sorry I didn't say bye to him, tell him not to be mad. I'll call you all later!"
Tohru was almost dragged into the van, and she plopped down next to Kira and Li. While they drove to the station Tohru told them the usual, what was going on at school, the performance, everyone that was considered idol chit chat. Everyone paid for their tickets and jumped onto the train.
((A/N: I'm not exactly sure where Tohru lives right now, it's never really talked about in the books or the show, if it was I missed it. I'm just going to say they live in Tokyo and are taking a train ride to Hiroshima somehow. If its geographically incorrect, or Hiroshima is actually on another island sorry!))
Tohru waited by the loading station as the boys insisted to buy her ticket. Kira had decided to wait with her, and he smiled down at her watching her. Her eyes were glowing, she followed every person who walked by, almost like she was analyzing them or something. He wrapped his arms around her from behind and rested his head on her shoulder, "Can you believe it? We're going to get a deal! It's like a dream right Tohru?"
Tohru smiled down to the ground, "Yes, it's very hard to believe. I never thought we'd get noticed in a small town like ours. It seems like everyone asks that question, the Sohmas couldn't stop the questions it was amazing."
Kira squeezed her gently, "You know we have you to thank? I know our band is good, but we'd never be that great without your voice or lyrics. You're the whole reason we're here."
Tohru shook her head and closed her eyes, "That's not true. You are all so vital to the band, a song is just a poem if it has no beat. Don't...devalue your talents."
"We've got the tickets!" Yue beamed waving them happily. Yue picked Tohru up and spun her and literally carried her onto the train. The conductor took the tickets and watched them puzzled, but laughed. Together the five of them squeezed together in two booth like seats that faced each other.
"So tell us Tohru, what do you think your boys are up to?" Sora asked grinning.
Tohru sighed, "You make it sound like I'm their mothers! Honestly, they're probably getting eating breakfast and getting ready for school. They did wake up a whole hour early before they usually did just to see me off."
"Except for Kyo," Kira interjected.
"Yeah, I can't believe he wasn't awake to see you off," Sora added rubbing his chin.
"Oh please I'm sure Kyo was sleeping, he always sleeps late. He sprints into classroom just to make sure he's on time. I don't mind. I know he cares either way, that's what being a family is like. Besides...he's been going through some rough stuff right now. I can't expect a lot from him, it's understandable."
"Still, you think he would at least. I mean Yuki looked like he wanted to snatch you away and hide you forever!" Li teased.
"Can we stop please?" Tohru blushed furiously, "He's just protective. He's always been protective. Yuki thinks...I've done so much for his family, and I've lost so much, that I need to be watched over constantly. It's a sweet gesture, but sometimes it's like he won't even let me live and see the world."
"Well of course not! He wants you all to himself, he's completely in lo–"
Tohru covered her ears, "Enough I'm not listening. I'm not listening, la la la la la la la"
"Guys leave her alone!" Yue protested taking Tohru into his lap removing her hands, "They're done I promise. Us men are fickle things, don't let them bother you."
Tohru turned and stared out the window, "It's not boys...it's just the Sohmas."
Tohru slept against the window in Yue's lap for the rest of the trip, no one seemed to mind. If Shigure hadn't gotten to adopting Tohru first, Yue might have really considered it. But they'd always be close, no matter what.
A few hours later the train came to a halt and everyone got up to stretch for a while. After stretching Clarity called for a taxi and drove to the studio. Tohru took pictures of the scenery and the people as they drove by, she'd use them in her album later for something. They hopped up into an elevator, and reaching the proper floor were escorted to a private room where the CEO of Tokyo Pop Music was waiting.
"Mr. Folds this is the Clarity Band," The curator explained.
Mr. Folds turned around and smiled, "Sit down please, don't stand there after a long trip. I'm happy you've come on such sort notice. I apologize Miss Honda, for taking you out of school. Your band members told me the importance of your education," The group seated themselves quietly after everyone shook his hand, "I've heard a lot about you all. I'm impressed."
"Thank you Mr. Folds," Tohru answered with a smile.
"One of my scouts filmed your performance for me. I'm amazed with the power. Bands can always be strong, but you never see a co-ed band like you have. Usually there's a girl singer, and a band back there for the sound, but you boys sing along with them too, especially you Kira. The duet style music is very intriguing. It's not, a singer and her band, its just a whole band. It gives a better feel to the viewers."
"Well we did all start out as friends and then evolve into a band. It wasn't like we went out and hired a backup band for myself, we all just put the talents together," Tohru explained happily.
Mr. Folds smiled, "You remind me of my daughter," He waved his hand, "But that's off topic. Let's get down to business," He folded his hands together, "Tokyo Pop Music is willing to give you a record deal, including our cd, seal, and one tour. If your profits are worth while we'll give you the opportunity for a second cd."
"If we accept, when do we start working on our cd?" Kira questioned.
"You'll be working on it at the beginning of June. I know Tohru has her testing, but that's what private tutors and teachers are for. That's why we have all this money, to aid you all. I'm this interested that I'm very lenient in helping you," Mr. Folds grinned.
"Wow...this is very generous of you," Tohru added, she was having trouble talking now, "What..what time would our tour start?"
"Depends on how long it takes for you to get the cd out. Sometime next year I suppose, meaning the fall and such," Mr. Folds passed contracts out for everyone to read, "It's all in the text, and I give you my word as a father I don't have tricks. We don't own you or blah blah blah. I just want to hear you sing."
Tohru skimmed the fine print, but had a sinking feeling in her stomach, "How long would we be on tour?"
"Six months, a year, just depends on where you all want to go. If we hit America then it might be longer," Mr. Folds explained again.
Tohru nodded and continued reading, "Do we have to sign these now? I know this sounds childish, but I have to ask my father about this all."
"Oh course it's fine! Goodness I wouldn't let my daughter sign a contract without me there. I just need it by March 22nd. That's exactly one business week after your performance that Yue told me about."
Tohru giggled, "Thanks sir."
"Now profits, a quarter automatically comes back to my company, to pay back off the tuition or stuff you've borrowed from us. Most of the money goes to little organizations here and there, credit cards, you know its like the profits you make at normal jobs now just in bigger sums. That's also in your contract."
The rest of the day was spent with Mr. Folds, he showed them the whole building and introduced them all to the staff here and there. The building itself was enormous; beautiful glass windows, eighty floors, carpeting, fountains, it was like a hotel for your work except you didn't clean random peoples' beds.
Tohru and Clarity boarded the train around 8 that evening after a lovely dinner with just the band. Tohru's contract sat in her coat pocket as she leaned against Kira, staring out the window at the moon. "What do you think your lazy Kyo is doing right now Tohru?"
She smirked, "Staring at the moon, just like he always does."
Sohma Home- (Meaning Hatori, Kisa, Hiro etc.)
Hatori knocked on the play room where Kisa and Hiro were every Friday, watching movies.
Hiro opened the door and arched an eyebrow "What do you want Hatori? Lonely?"
"Oh Hiro be nice!" Kisa pleaded gently walking up to the door, pausing the movie, "Is something wrong Hatori?"
Hatori gave a small smile, "Not at all, I'm just here to deliver a present from someone."
"A present?" Hiro arched his eyebrow again as Hatori squatted at their level.
"This is from Tohru. She says 'Happy Valentine's Day and sorry I couldn't come see you!'"
"Aww Sissy is so great!" Kisa smiled gently, "Hiro now you have two Valentines!"
"Two?" Hatori raised an eyebrow grinning.
"Yes that's right, one from me, and one from Sissy!" Kisa smiled happily as Hiro blushed.
"Uh yeah, thanks for the delivery, come on Kisa let's see the end!" Hiro shut the door quickly and Hatori let out a soft chuckle.
Valentine's day always made him sad. It reminded him of his past wife, he ran his hand over his bad eye upon reaction. He sighed and trudged to Akito's room and knocked on it, "Master?"
"Enter Hatori."
"Sir, I have a gift from Tohru for you," Hatori stated bowing.
"Stupid girl, just give it here," Akito grumbled from his bed.
Hatori handed it over and took a step back afterwards. Akito fumbled with it, opening it. He found the rose, a black dark chocolate rose with one droplet of white. At the bottom of the box, he pulled out a small note written in curvy black letters and a blood smudge on the edge in a heart. You haven't won, and you never will.
Akito threw the rose to the floor along with the note; why wouldn't this girl give up? Why wouldn't she just die? Those were the thoughts that ran through Akito's mind as his whole body shivered. His eyes were wide, Hatori glanced at the note on the floor, and he smiled again.
Kyo
When Tohru had left Kyo woke up. "Crap I forgot!" he was pulling open the door to his bedroom, a pair of sweat pants and lazy t-shirt still on. He was about to make a full dash downstairs when his big toe tapped into something. "Huh?"
He looked down to find a blue box with a bow on it. He bent down and picked it up, "What the hell is this?" He pulled the string to the bow as he turned and sat back down on his bed. He pulled the ribbon and watched it untie itself and he lifted up the lid. Inside the box was of course, the chocolate rose that Tohru had bought every Sohma, he smirked. "Stupid girl." He was about to take a bite out of it, when he noticed something refracting the light at the bottom. He dug down, not that far for a small box, and pulled out a small pocket sized mirror.
The mirror was indeed very small; it had a golden lined border with vines. Okay what the hell?
Kyo was very confused but still held the mirror in his hand anyway. It must've been important if Tohru had given it to him. It had a cover, so it could be flipped open, and protected from breaking all at the same time.
Yuki ended up screaming at him for missing Tohru, Momiji on the other hand saying that Tohru was sorry that she had missed him. He ended up getting changed and going to school with them, feeling guilty. At the same time, he spent the whole day with the mirror in his pocket, wondering what it meant as he handed Uo, Hana, and Kei their chocolates from Tohru.
Later that night Kyo rested up on the roof and sighed, it had been a long time since he was up here. He had forgotten how good the fresh air felt, and how huge the moon and stars were. He flipped open the mirror and stared at himself in it, seeing his reflection, a cat's, and a monster, flipping it shut almost automatically, "Tohru...what am I supposed to do with a mirror?"