Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket in any way.
CHAPTER 11
"Tohru," Hatori said seriously, "you must choose what to do now. Akito may be, and probably will be, very upset that his plan did not follow through. It may be fatal."
Tohru almost laughed. "Fatal"; just last month she had almost died. Seems like Tohru had found a knack of getting herself into a bit of trouble lately. But, no matter how much trouble Tohru could ever get in, she would never leave her dear Sohma's.
"I'm staying." She said firmly.
The thirteen smiled. They knew that nothing could stop her, but there was a tense and monotonous month where anything could happen.
"Are you sure?" Shigure said and twelve onlookers glared at him. Of course she was sure! She's had chance after chance to leave, yet she had always stayed; always. Why would she change her mind now? She wouldn't, would she?
"Of course I'm sure!" Tohru exclaimed, smiling determinedly.
He watched her clean the couch. He stood in the shadows as she washed the dishes. He glowered whenever she talked to any other male; part of the zodiac or not. He lived for her smiles, her laughs; her soul. He was the ray of sunshine that he needed during this dark time of his. Two more months and it was gone, whatever it was. One more week, and everything he had fought so hard to win would be stripped away from him. His new life, so shallow and secure; safe, would be taken away, as if he had never been there in the first place. All that would be left is a few fading memories and a broken girl, but Kyo didn't know that. He doesn't know of the countless replays of old conversations running through her head. "We're just friends. How could anybody love somebody with so many faults? Somebody with so many lies." "Who could ever love the cat? Who could ever love this hideous creature trapped underneath my skin?" He could. She could.
Half stolen glances during the day were okay, classes in mid-afternoon were highlights for the two. Everybody else could sense it. They're attraction had been growing more intense for ages. But Tohru, sweet naïve little Tohru could never see that. And even if Kyo could, he would never believe it. After one suicide and countless people abandoning him, Kyo doesn't understand the definition of "love", for he had never felt it. And he sometimes believes that he never will.
"Kyo-kun, will you come into my study?" Shigure asked coming in from the porch.
Kyo put down his pencil and abandoned his homework, following the dog into his office. Shigure sat down behind his desk and Kyo sat opposite him, on a comfortable reclining chair. Shigure took off his glasses and rubbed his temples. Kyo waiting impatiently, trying to decide whether this was worth his time at all.
"Have you told her?" Shigure asked quietly. Kyo was caught off guard, but he knew exactly what Shigure was talking about.
"No. And I don't plan to." He was suddenly hot. Really hot. This office was stifling dammit! What did that stupid dog do in here all day? Crack open a window for Christ's sake!
Shigure looked at Kyo with concern in his eyes. "I don't know if you understand what I'm asking you. You don't have to tell her of your plan if you don't wish to, but let me tell you, she'll find out one way or another. Secrets do not stay secrets that long in this family Kyo, I thought you knew that." He paused. "No, no. I'm talking about that certain feeling that's been developing deep inside of you lately."
Kyo looked stricken. He can't be that easy to read! Can he...?
Shigure laughed. "Kyo, my dear boy, everybody knows! Why do you think Kagura hasn't been around breaking my walls recently? Even Yuki knows. Thick the boy may be, but not blind. Honestly."
Kyo shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "You don't have to take my advice Kyo, heaven knows you haven't once since we've met. But, just listen. One week. You have one week left, and I know you've been thinking about it; it's plastered all over your face. Let her know. Sooner than later. Because if you don't, it'll break her. And nobody will be here for her to help mend the pieces."
Tell her. Tell her, Kyo. Be a big boy. Spill your feelings out like you can put them into words, and if you can't, try. Try as hard as you can, because she's worth it.
But she deserves so much more than me. Like they've been saying, a week and I'm gone. That's it; gone. Why put her through anything like that? I'd rather spend my last few days with her happily (although brooding and pleading inside) than have her completely repulsed by me. It's better this way. Because Tohru doesn't deserve anymore pain, and if I can stifle it, if only for a little while, than I'm going to do the best I can. Because she's worth it. Because she deserves more than the world has to offer.
"Morning, Kyo! You're up awfully early. Would you like some breakfast? I'm getting ready to prepare it now." Tohru's voice collided with Kyo's inner thoughts.
He smiled and said, "No thanks, I'm fine. How are you feeling?"
Tohru's face split into a huge grin. "I'm a lot better. I remember so much now, old memories." She paused. "Old feelings." She blushed and turned her head so Kyo couldn't see her red face. He caught it though, the heat seemed to be emanating from her and sent shock waves through the whole kitchen.
Probably that dam Yuki, he thought sullenly.
There was something different about this "new Tohru". She seemed much more laid back, much more at home. Back before the incident, she treaded so lightly, as if walking on eggshells, careful not to break or crack any. Now, she walks as if she owns the world, and it's so stunning. Her new confidence radiated about so much that it was hard not to look at her.
"Hey Kyo," she said suddenly, "what were you and Shigure talking about last night? You were awfully quiet once you got out of his study."
Kyo blushed crimson and Tohru looked stricken, "Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you upset!"
Kyo laughed and said, "It's okay. If the timing's right, you may find out soon."
Kyo's insides squirmed. Why did I say that? He thought as he inwardly kicked himself. How am I going to tell her?
He didn't know what he was more scared of. Losing Tohru when he was still allowed into the outside world, or not confessing his feelings and living in "what-if's". They both hurt, and unknowingly, they both hurt more than one person.
"Okay." She said brightly. "Well, today's a half day because there's a teacher's convention, so I was wondering if I could come watch you at the dojo?" She finished the sentence so quietly; as if she said it any louder he would have been mad.
He tried hard to conceal a blush and said, "Yeah. That would be cool. Afterwards, maybe we could do something else...?" He too, finished a bit hesitantly. He was taking a leap that he didn't know if he should take.
"Yes! I'd love to! That would be really nice!"
Not the response I would have expected... he thought, but inside his stomach was turning about so much he was grateful that he didn't eat any breakfast.
"What's this?" came a familiar mocking voice from the door, "Going on a date now are we?"
Standing in the doorway were Shigure and Yuki. Shigure looked mighty pleased with himself, as if he had just conquered hate. Yuki on the other hand, glowered and didn't look anybody in the eyes.
Tohru blushed and said, "N-no! We're just going to spend the afternoon together!"
Shigure smiled and playfully poked Kyo in the back. "Sounds like a date to me!"
Tohru blushed further and busied herself with the breakfast. Shigure made sure her back was turned when he looked at Kyo and shot him a look obviously saying, "This is your chance."
Kyo knew, but he wasn't ready for another rejection. He didn't think he could handle one more person fearing him. And if Tohru was that person, he would break. And there's not much left for him after that.
