A/N: Yay! My last chapter for a few days. I'm going on a trip for three days, and I probably won't be on to write for a while after that. Send me lots of reviews to make me smile when I get back! Haha. Oh, I can't wait for the next chapter! It's going to be sooo cute 'n' awkward.

Disclaimer: The only thing that belongs to me is the plot and teenage angst. Heh.

YAY! More awesome, awesome, splendidly happy reviews! YAY! You guys just…wow. You make me day. 'Nough said. Thank you all soooo much! This story has a bit more fluff. Heh.

What Can Come of Cooking

A light knock at Tohru's door awoke her from her daze. She shook her head slightly, unclouding her vision.

"Yes?" she asked sleepily, rubbing at her eyes wearily.

"Tohru-kun?" It was Shigure. "You're sleeping awfully late. Are you all right?" His voice was muffled through the door, but Tohru could hear his concern. She glanced at her clock. It read eleven twenty-six in the morning. Tohru's thoughts processed slowly.

"I'm okay," she answered finally. "I'll be down…soon." Tohru let her head drop back onto her pillow. She didn't, in fact, want to go down at all. Yuki would be there. Angry, judging, and hurt Yuki. And all because of Tohru. True, she had woken up early. Around six o'clock. But she had just been lying in her bed in a daze the whole entire time.

She heard Shigure's footsteps fade away. Tohru realized she had no intention of going downstairs. He would probably be back to check on her. Thank goodness it was Sunday. She didn't necessarily have to wake up.

With agonizingly slow movements, Tohru turned over so she faced the wall. "Let me sleep…" she muttered into the air.

Ten minutes later, when Tohru realized she wasn't going to sleep again, there was another knock on the door.

"I'm getting up!" she lied, obvious by the fact her voice was muffled by the pillow.

"Open up," said the person on the other side of the door. "Your door is locked, so I can't come in and force you to wake up."
"Kyooo-kuuun," Tohru moaned. "Please, please let me sleep."

"You never sleep in this late. I doubt you're tired, Tohru."

"No…I am."
"No you're not," Kyo barked. Then his voice grew quiet. "It's because of that damn rat, isn't it?"

Tohru's silent reply was enough to get a big sigh from the other side of the door.

"I don't want to wreck Shigure's house again," came Kyo's testy reply. Tohru gave a big sigh as well, and then a groan as she sat up. On shaky, sleepy legs, Tohru hobbled over to her door and slowly flicked the lock. She tottered back to bed when Kyo walked in, turning back to make sure the door was open enough so Shigure didn't get suspicious, and Yuki didn't blow a fuse and beat something up.

"Tohru," he began, but Tohru cut him off with a shake of her head.

"Kyo-kun, I don't want you to worry about me."

"Well I don't care what you want, I'm going to anyway," he replied sternly, walking over and sitting on the floor by her bed. Tohru grabbed her quilt and pulled it closer to her for comfort. Kyo looked up at her from his position on the floor. "You know that hiding isn't going to fix anything."

Tohru bit her bottom lip. She knew. "I know," she said. "But that doesn't mean it'll be any easier…" She sighed heavily. Kyo looked annoyed, but his expression changed when he realized just how badly this was affecting Tohru.

"It's times like these I hate being the cat," Kyo growled. "I can't even hug you."

Tohru giggled. "It's okay, don't worry."

Kyo stood up off of the floor and sat beside Tohru on her bed. He rested his arms on his thighs, head bent low as if he were thinking. Tohru continued to hug the quilt and worry. She knew she would have to go down sooner or later…

A pat on her arm made her snap out of her thoughts. She looked over to see Kyo looking at her curiously. "You really don't want to go down there?" She could hear the mixture of hurt and confusion in his voice, and it pained her to hear it.

"Kyo-kun, it's only because he's mad at me. I'm scared. When he came to the dojo yesterday…"

Kyo made a noise that sounded like a grunt of dislike. "See? He's just trying to get your attention. Thinks that even if you're scared of him, at least you're acknowledging him. Stupid rat logic."

Tohru could only frown slightly. "I don't think so…I think he's actually…actually hurt."

"Tohru," Kyo said sternly, forcing her to look up at his face. He looked back down at her, his forehead creased with worry. Or was it frustration? "What you said to him yesterday was true. Remember? 'If you can't accept my apology, you won't be able to accept the truth.' Exactly. Listen to your own words. If he's too stupid to realize you won't suddenly collapse into his arms, let him mope and whine and get over it. Locking yourself up and avoiding him isn't going to make him any damned happier. He'll probably just be even sulkier. So just get come downstairs, have some breakfast, and let Yuki suck it up."

Tohru sighed heavily. Kyo's logic, Kyo's words made perfect sense. So why was she so reluctant? "…Okay," she said finally. "I can…I'll try."
Kyo patted the top of her head. "Good, good. I'll wait outside, okay?"

"Y-You're going to come down with me?" Tohru asked curiously. Kyo gave a shrug, but his red face told that he was embarrassed.

"Well, I guess, you know. Don't want him attacking you on the way down." Kyo stood up and walked out of the room, closing the door behind him. Tohru smiled.

"I think," she said softly, standing up and walking to her closet, "I think I'll wear his sweater today. It's a cold day out, anyway. Yes…his sweater it is."

Tohru stepped out of her door to see Kyo leaning against the opposite hall wall. He straightened up when he saw her, and she saw a small grin reach his lips.

"My sweater, eh?" he asked quietly, reaching out to tug on the zipper. Tohru giggled.

"Yea. It's cold today, don't you think?"

Kyo only nodded, still fiddling with the zipper. Tohru looked up at him.

"Ah, Kyo-kun?"

He leaned down suddenly and quietly, so quietly Tohru wasn't expecting it, and kissed her on the lips. Tohru was shocked, but immediately melted into the kiss.

"Tooohru-kuuun! I'm hungry! Are you out of bed ye—OH MY GOODNESS! Tohru-kun! Kyo-kun! Oh my, oh my, oh MY!" Shigure was on them in two seconds flat. Kyo had pounced back so suddenly at his voice, leaning against the hall wall for support, his face beet red. Tohru had been startled as well, and was now looking at her shoes with a glowing face. What would he do? Kick her out? He might see that it'd be too dangerous, having them in the same house. She was so embarrassed!

"Tsk, tsk, tsk! I was hoping you would tell me when this happened!" Shigure gave a dramatic sigh and slumped against the hall wall.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Kyo growled, his face obviously angry. Tohru stood to the side, anxiously biting her bottom lip.

"Um…"

"Kyo-kun! It was obvious this was bound to happen! Well, it was you or Yuki-kun, you know, but I really was hoping you would tell me when soap opera unfolded." Shigure heaved another sigh, causing Kyo to roll his eyes. "Now I'm going to be bored."

"C'mon Tohru," he said, grabbing her by the elbow and dragging her past Shigure.

"Um—Um—sorry!" Tohru called, feeling stupid and slow as she tagged along behind Kyo. Shigure only gave a little wave, grinning from ear to ear. Tohru felt her stomach slowly unknot. Maybe…Maybe Shigure didn't mind!

"Stupid damn dog," Kyo muttered darkly, wrenching his hand from Tohru's elbow. He accidentally did at such a force Tohru stumbled as he let go of her.

"Wha—Tohru? You okay?" He turned around immediately at the little gasp she had let out.

"Oh…um…yes, I'm fine." Tohru forced a smile at him. Kyo looked at her silently for a few minutes before speaking.

"I doubt he's going to kick you out."
Tohru heaved a big sigh. Kyo always knew what she was thinking! "I hope so," she said with a small smile. She had Kyo on her side. If Shigure just kept quiet…

As if reading her thoughts, Kyo sighed as he began to descend the stairs. "I just hope he keeps his damn mouth shut."
"Um—me too," Tohru mumbled as she slowly walked down the staircase.

"Kyo-kun, Kyo-kun, he's right there," Tohru whispered harshly, hiding behind the half slid back door to the kitchen. Yuki was in the kitchen at the counter, making some kind of drink. Kyo patted her shoulder a little too hard to be a loving gesture.

"Oh, calm down, Tohru. It's not like he's going to blow up or anything. And I'll be there anyway."

"That means you'll fight!" Tohru said, her voice shrill. Kyo rolled his eyes and bopped her head.

"Just go in."

"But—But—"

Before she could react, Kyo had put both his hands on her shoulders and shoved her through the door with such force she stumbled her first few steps in. Yuki didn't look away from his drink. Kyo walked in behind Tohru calmly, headed towards the fridge.

"Hey Tohru," he began casually. Tohru felt her nerves slowly stretch and tighten at the silent treatment from Yuki. "What are you going to make for breakfast? I haven't eaten yet."

"…Breakfast? Oh! Um…"

"Hey, hey, about pancakes?" Kyo asked brightly. "They were really good that one time I tried them."

Tohru smiled gratefully at him. Cooking would keep her busy. "Okay, I'll make them!"

"Of course you would," a voice muttered from the corner. Tohru looked up from the cupboard where she had been rummaging for a frying pan, startled.

"W-What?" she asked, trying very hard to keep her voice from cracking. Kyo was standing straighter now, glaring at Yuki. He was sitting down in a chair, sipping his drink. Kyo gave a noise of dislike.

"I mean," he began quietly, "you'd make anything Kyo asked, right?"

Tohru gave a big sigh; surprised at the frustration she allowed to escape her. "Yuki-kun, stop acting like this! Please! It's not helping any of us!" Kyo nodded in stern agreement.

Yuki stayed silent.

"Yea, listen to her, you stupid rat! You know how worried she's been? Just because she's not head-over-heels in love with you doesn't mean she doesn't care about you! Stop acting like a spoiled baby!"

Yuki continued to stay silent. Tohru stood up and took a hesitant step over to Yuki. "Yuki? I'm worried. I don't want this to ruin our friendship…"

"I—I know." Yuki's voice came out constricted. Tohru paused in her steps.

"Hmm?"

"I know that…that you still want to be friends. And—I want to as well. But it'll take…a while."

Tohru felt her heart swell with happiness. "I know," she replied softly. "I just don't want you to hate me."

"I don't," Yuki replied shortly. "I hate the stupid cat."

Kyo jumped at Yuki's words. "HEY!" he yelled. "Shut up! I hate you more!"

"Highly doubtful," Yuki answered. Tohru gave a wobbly smile as the two continued to argue. It was the usual picture—Kyo hissing and spitting like a real cat, and Yuki keeping calm and cool, his eyes hidden by his hair.

Turning back to make pancakes, Tohru knew it would take a long time before her and Yuki were normal again. She knew she had hurt him. But…his sadness wouldn't change her feelings. Sorry Yuki-kun, she thought mentally. But I know you'll get over it.

"So," Kyo began as he and Tohru walked to school the next morning. The sun was beginning to shine from behind the clouds. Tohru felt pleasantly warm as the two walked to school. She looked over at him, smiling.

"Yes?"
"I suppose I have to—well—you know…"

Tohru gave him a questioning look. "What do you have to do?" Kyo gave an uncomfortable cough, and Tohru was all the more intrigued. "Do what?" she asked again, tugging on his sleeve.

"Well, you know…"

"No, I don't!" Tohru said, giggling as the two walked down the street. "What am I supposed to know?"

"That since we're, well, you know, I guess I have to ask you out!" Kyo gave a big sigh, hanging his head. Tohru giggled and blushed at his words. The thought hadn't occurred to her yet.

"I suppose you do!"

"Well then…want to do something after school?"

Tohru grinned, her face red. She felt like a little girl at that moment. Kyo looked exceptionally handsome today, which made her all the more muddled. "Um…let's see. Monday? I don't work until the evening. So yes!" she cried happily, grinning up at him. "I'd love to!"

Kyo gave her a small smile. She could see he was just as embarrassed, if not more embarrassed, then she was. "Great," he said almost shyly. Tohru nodded happily.

"Our first date!" she told him. Kyo snorted.

"That sounds really weird."

"How come?"

"Because it's not like we haven't—you know. It's just funny since we've been kind of…together for a while."

Tohru laughed, making Kyo feel more relaxed. "You're right again. Hmm, that is a bit strange. But it doesn't matter!"

She ran ahead suddenly, spinning around to face him as she walked backwards. She hadn't felt this happy in a long time, and Kyo obviously saw that. He was watching her with an amused expression. "What's with all the dancing?" he asked, smirking. Tohru blushed, but continued to smile.

"I'm just happy!" She smiled again, thinking. "So this afternoon, we go on a date!"

"Our first date," Kyo added in, chuckling. Tohru nodded in agreement, feeling an excitement bubble in her chest.

"Our first date," she said in agreement.