Lord Cynic: "I really have to find a way to tend to my attention span. Even as I'm preparing to submit this, I'm cooking up a Cardcaptor Sakura one-shot. I'm beginning to realise (actually, I realised over two weeks ago) that I'm far better off writing non-chaptered stories. I can flow all my ideas into one work of abysmal art, and I won't have to risk losing motivation afterwards. I guess that's just the way the ball rolled, this time. Don't worry, though; I won't abandon my other works. If I get a spark of inspiration, I'll be right on track again. However, that said, I'm starting to seriously consider pulling down my Megaman project. I tried and tried, but I'm losing more motivation with each passing day. (gets a sudden shock) Oh good God, I think I'm turning into Shigure Sohma… (eerie silence)

Lord Cynic: (monotone voice) "Disclaimer: See previous chapter." (finally collapses from shock)

One rice ball, two hearts

Self-defence

"Hi-yah!"

"Okay, that was a little better. Let's rest for now."

"Okay!"

Kyo wandered into another room to dry off as Tohru remained in the training room. For a few days now, they'd been making it a secret habit of teaching her self-defence. Ever since she was almost abducted by a weirdo after work, she'd wanted to learn how to protect herself. Thankfully, that time Haru was getting himself lost again, so after a quick transformation to Black by him, Tohru was safe and sound. However, that only proved how vulnerable she was, which led to her and Kyo's current situation.

Tohru sighed with exhaustion before gulping down some bottled water. It was a tough workout just to increase the strength of her punches. Although, she had to admit she was enjoying herself. It was strangely relaxing to force all her worries and fears into perfecting the techniques Kyo was teaching her. Plus, she was able to spend time alone with him, without the possibility of a fight breaking out between him and Yuki. Not that it wasn't okay for her to spend time alone with Yuki; they had the secret base for that. The dojo, on the other hand, was one of the only places Tohru could catch a glimpse of Kyo genuinely enjoying himself. The dojo was the only place he truly smiled, and Tohru was grateful to it for that.

Speaking of the Cat of the Zodiac, he walked back into the training room with a tray of rice balls. Tohru stared up at him quizzically, and he merely grunted and placed the tray on the table. He purposefully averted his gaze to the floor as he plopped onto the floor and spoke.

"Thought you'd be hungry," he muttered simply. "It's not much, not compared to your cooking, but hopefully it'll do."

Tohru's eyes turned to the tray of snacks, then back to Kyo's fringe-shielded face. Even if he couldn't see her, he knew she was smiling the big, spacey grin she usually had. Even more reason to avoid her gaze, lest she see the increasing shade of red spreading across his face.

All the training in the world hadn't prepared him for the feelings the orange-haired boy was developing. For some reason, when he heard that Tohru was nearly abducted, he had a difficult time restraining himself. Thankfully for the house, he'd kept his temper in check, but it still pissed off him. Why, though? Well, naturally, some scumbag trying to take advantage of an innocent girl would tick him off. Kyo at least had morals. But when it was Tohru, he swore he felt like going out there and finishing what Haru started. It was as if some kind of urge to be protective of the chestnut-haired girl took over and threatened to cause a scene. It was nothing he'd ever felt before – but he wasn't sure he wanted to be rid of it.

Therefore, when she pleaded with him to teach her martial arts, he was thrilled and suspicious at the same time. Why not Yuki, he had asked. However, she told him that she knew he, Kyo, was the best man for the job. After all, someone who spent four months in the mountains fighting bears should be able to teach her self-defence, right? He'd sighed to himself, not bothering to correct her, but gladly accepted his role as her martial arts sensei. Besides, it was about time his skills were taken seriously.

Back in present time, however, Kyo listened to Tohru's quiet munching. It was absurd how such a plain and simple biological action soothed him. Was he crazy? Did it matter? Probably not in the long run. Besides, the longer she wasn't in the company of that damn rat, the better. That pretty boy already had most of her time anyway.

"So what did you want to try after you're done eating?" he asked, lifting his head when he was sure the tinge in his cheeks had vanished. Even if it hadn't, he could always say it was from all the training. Damn, why hadn't he thought of that earlier?

"Maybe a few kicks?" Tohru suggested after swallowing a rice ball. "I think I've got the punches down, so I was hoping to learn how to kick, too."

"Sure," Kyo replied, standing up. When Tohru was ready, he took a fighting stance. "Are you ready?"

"Sure!" Tohru answered cheerfully.

For the next half hour, the rice ball and the cat trained together under the watchful eyes of the dojo – and Kazuma Sohma. However, rather than intrude, he simply stood by the entrance to the room and watched with a smile on his face as his 'son' taught his potential daughter-in-law everything he knew.