Chapter 14

AN: Hey everyone! Chapter 14! Yes! The story is starting toward its climax…hehe…then again I might throw in another twist…hehe…just to prolong the wait…hehe…anyways, I do not own Fruits Basket or any of its characters…Although I would love to own Kyo ;)… hehe… Oh yeah, my mentor person, LadyYuina, asked me if I had forgotten about the formal that Tohru was asked to by both Princes. I've answered her already, but to everyone else that is wondering; I didn't forget. It has only been a week or so and the dance is 2 months away. So yeah. I will get to that in chapter 15….I promise. If you want to know who she'll be going with, I guess you'll have to wait… hehe… Whelps, here's Chapter 14. Enjoy! Oh and please leave reviews! Thank you!

I woke up very early this morning. I only slept for four hours last night. I couldn't stop thinking about him. This guy has suddenly become my all. He's become the center of my life and it began to revolve around him. Even my dream for those four hours was about him. What have I done? What have I done to myself? I'm such an idiot. I looked out the window to my left from my bed. It was open. I felt the cold morning breeze outside. The sky was still dark. I glanced down at my alarm clock beside me. It was 5:02 am. I got up and walked over to the window. I sat down on the floor by the window. I rested my arms on its edge and then my head on top of my folded arms. I looked outside. The streets were quiet and empty. I looked up at the sky and watched it until the sun rose. I watched as it slowly brought light to the whole city, shining through every window and hugging every building's east sides. It was a beautiful sight. Suddenly I felt a touch. I turned around it was Kyo. He sat behind me. He wrapped his arms around my waist and rested he head on my right shoulder. He too admired the sunrise's beauty. I turned my head and our faces touched. He smiled and kissed my right cheek gently. I smiled.

"BEEP, BEEP, BEEP!" went my alarm clock suddenly.

Immediately, I snapped out of my thoughts. Then I realized that it was all a hallucination. I had imagined the whole thing. Kyo was never there. In a way, my mind tricked me, but it might have been trying to tell me something. He wasn't really there, but my heart really wanted him to be there. That feeling was like nothing I've felt before. I missed Kyo.

"Tohru, dear, time to wake---" Mrs. Hamasaki yelled as she entered the room.

She paused once she noticed that I was already up. I got up off the floor and walked back over to my bed. I sat down.

"Oh, you're already up. This is a first. Well then, go freshen up dear. I'll make your bed and have your breakfast ready when you're done. Run along now," she said as she gabbed one of my pillows.

I smiled. "Good morning Mrs. Hamasaki," I said right afterward.

"Oh yes, good morning Tohru dear. Now go," she insisted.

I got up and went into the bathroom. When I returned, Mrs. Hamasaki had set out my breakfast on the table. She was ironing my uniform while I ate. There was an awkward silence.

"Mrs. Hamasaki, is something wrong?" I asked concerned because she normally would have a lot to say.

She paused and set the iron on the ironing board. Then she walked over to me and sat in front of me across the table. I paused from eating and gave her my full attention because this seemed important.

"Tohru, dear, you've changed so much in just a few days," she said.

"I have? I mean is that bad?" I asked nervously.

"No no, you've grown up so much. This boy has changed you. Tohru dear, are you in love?" she asked.

"I…I---" I paused and looked down at my food, "Yes."

"Then why do you seem so depressed, dear?" she asked.

"I did something terribly wrong. Now he hates me," I said.

"Oh, now now dear, you don't know that," she tried to comfort me.

"I do know Mrs. Hamasaki. I hurt him. He hates me, but I guess it doesn't matter anymore," I replied.

Mrs. Hamasaki looked at me with sadden eyes. "Oh dear, you can cry if you want to," she said.

"No, I'm fine. I have nothing to cry about, it's for my own good," I said.

"Oh? Well then, hurry up and finish your breakfast. You don't want to be late," Mrs. Hamasaki said as she heading back to the ironing board.

I finished my breakfast and got dress. Afterward, Mr. Hamasaki took me to school like always. After I waved goodbye to Mr. Hamasaki, I went into campus. I noticed that everyone was staring at me. This made me nervous. The news about Kyo and my break up must have spread. I began to walk quickly. Then I heard a familiar voice.

"Miss Honda!" it called.

I turned around. However, I only saw a group of girls. I continued to walk toward the school building.

"Miss Honda!" it called again.

I turned around again. This time I caught a glimpse of Yuki's face and his silver hair right before it was shoved back into the crowd of girls.

"Prince Yuki?" I called.

"Yes, Miss Honda. Good morning," he replied as he pushed through the crowd.

He ran up to me. He smiled at me once he reached me and I smiled back. When the girls saw us together they all walked away. (But I don't know why)

"Are you ok?" I asked concerned.

Yuki's shirt was unbuttoned half way down and his tie was untied. His hair was a mess too. He looked like a huge walking mess. I couldn't help but laugh.

"Hm? What's so funny Miss Honda?" he asked confused.

"You look like you were attacked by a monster," I said now giggling.

"Well, those fan club girls can be quite monstrous at times," joked Yuki.

I laughed a bit and stepped forward. I helped him re-button his shirt and retied his tie. Then I smiled as I admired my work.

"There. All fixed," I said gladly.

"Thank you Miss Honda. I am not very good with tie tying. I always have the servants do it for me," he said as he looked at his perfectly tied tie.

"That's what I'm here for," I said somewhat sarcastically.

We both began to laugh. Then I caught a glimpse of orange. I looked. It was Kyo. He was with Haru and Rin. Haru and Rin slightly nodded at me with a smile while Kyo just stared at us. He saw the whole thing. Yuki turned around to see what I was looking at. Kyo looked at Yuki and then back at me. Within seconds he walked off ignoring us. I guess the sadness in me showed because Yuki immediately tried to make things better.

He grabbed my hand and we both ran to the front doors of the school building, pass Haru, Rin, and Kyo. As we passed them, I caught their eyes following us. It followed us until we went inside. Yuki and I were standing inside when Kyo entered with Haru and Rin. Immediately Yuki grabbed my hands, one in each of his, again.

"I'll see you during lunch ok?" he asked.

"Um…sure," I answered confused.

He smiled and then leaned in and kissed me on my right cheek. I blushed a deep pink.

"Come on now. I'll walk you to class," he said.

Yuki was such a gentleman. I turned to follow him as I turned to look back at Kyo who was watching us go. Then I felt a tug. Yuki had grabbed onto my right hand. I turned my head back around. Before we left I overheard some things that Kyo, Rin, and Haru had sad.

"Wow, he's good," Haru said.

"He's such a gentleman," Rin said.

"Whatever," Kyo said angrily before he stormed off.

Yuki walked me all the way to my first period. Because of this, the "Prince Yuki Fan Club" girls glared at me the whole day.

Lunchtime…

"RIIIIINNNNNGGGG!" went the bell. It was lunch time.

Miss Ritsu Sohma excused our class. Everyone ran out of the classroom. I was the last one out. By the time I left the classroom, everyone was already gone. The hallways were deserted. I was exhausted by lunchtime. My lack of sleep last night got to me. I wandered the hallways aimlessly and droozily. Suddenly, the hallways twisted and turned. Eventually, I lost my balance and fell to the ground. I tried to get up, but my legs were strength-less. I continued to struggle, but nothing worked. I gave up and just sat on the ground with my body leaned against the wall. As I sat in the hallway, I remembered how every time when I'm in a helpless situation Kyo would always be there.

"Kyo," I said softly to myself.

I lifted my head to examine the halls hoping that someone might come along to help me. Everything was blurry, but I caught a glimpse of an orange spot attached to a blurry black figure. I focused my eyes. The orange spot attached to the black figure turned out to be Kyo. He stood about 20ft. away from me. He looked at me with a concerned expression on his face. I grabbed onto the window's edge that was just above me head. I tried to pull myself up, but it didn't work. I was half way up but I fell back to the ground. Kyo came running toward me immediately, but he stopped half way and looked at something behind me. I turned my head to see what he was looking at. It was Yuki. He was coming toward me as well. Yuki eventually reached me and helped me up. He held my left hand in his left hand and wrapped his right arm around my waist.

"Miss Honda, are you alright?" he asked concerned.

"Yes, I think so," I answered.

"Good. Let's get you out of here," he said.

Then he slowly guided me down the hall pass Kyo. Kyo didn't say a word. He didn't even look at us when we passed him. He stood still and silent like a statue almost. By the time we reached the end of the hallway, Haru and Rin ran passed us.

"Kyo! There you are," Haru said loudly.

Kyo turned around to face him. He has his two hands in each of his pockets. Haru and Rin stopped right in front of him and began to say something that I didn't catch. I turned my head to find Kyo looking past Haru and Rin and straight at me. Yuki gave me a little tug and I turned back around. I followed Yuki outside where we sat down on a bench.

"Prince Yuki," I said, "Why did you---" I paused because I was too embarrassed to finish.

"Since that fool already thinks that we're together, I figured why not play along with it," he answered casually.

"So you're pretending to be my---" I couldn't say the next word.

"Boyfriend?" he said in a questioning tone, "Well, I'm intending to unless you really want me to be your real boyfriend. I wouldn't mind."

His smile told me that he was joking. I smiled back.

"Prince Yuki, you sound like Mr. Shigure," I said.

He laughed. I did too. Then I remembered that I had made lunch for us today.

"Prince Yuki, I made lunch for both of us today. Well, actually I made lunch for everyone, but since Uo, Hana, and Momiji aren't here today, I'll share everything with you," I said cheerfully.

I began to take out all of the lunchboxes and set them on the bench space between us. Yuki looked at them in an admiring way which was odd.

"They look delicious. You're quite talented with this Miss Honda," Yuki said.

"Me? No, I don't think so. Mrs. Hamasaki, my housekeeper, is a lot better," I replied.

"I'm sure she's great too," he said and smiled.

I smiled back as I handed him a pair of chopsticks. He seemed to have trouble choosing so I picked out a piece of fish for him.

"Here, try this," I suggested.

He looked at it for a second and then bit it from my chopsticks.

"Delicious!" he said.

Afterward, we continuously feed each other back and forth. I had to admit, it was fun. Yuki is a great person. I've always thought that he was…well, boring, because of his shy and quiet personality. Today, I discovered a new side to him. A side that no one has ever discovered before; I discovered his caring, outgoing, and funny side. As lunchtime went by, Yuki and I got to know each other better and better. I found out that Yuki's parents were away and that he has been staying with his widow aunt for awhile now. He said that he works for his aunt, but whenever I would ask him what he does, he wouldn't answer me. So I didn't bother to ask him again.

After school…

I went home to find the house empty. I walked upstairs to my room. I changed. Then I sat by the same window that I was at this morning. Its funny how just this morning I was missing Kyo and now I'm pretend dating Yuki. I found out today after school that everyone had heard about the picture incident and had assumed that Yuki and I were now together now. Every girl in school wanted to be me at this moment. They say that I have the heart of Prince Kyo and I have Prince Yuki's heart and body by my side. They all said that I was lucky, but of course the fan club girls didn't think that I was fortunate enough to have them both. I, however, felt differently about the whole thing. I wish I've never met either of them. That way, my life could go on just as it normally does. If only I can turn back time. Maybe this is what people meant when they say that some people are bind together by destiny. Maybe it was meant to happen this way.

Anyways, as I became lost in my thoughts, Mrs. Hamasaki came in.

"Tohru? Are you in here dear?" she called in through that door.

"Yes, Mrs. Hamasaki. I'm over here," I answered.

"Oh! Tohru, your master wishes to speak to you. He says that it's important and he wants you to go see him right away," she said.

"Thank you Mrs. Hamasaki. I'll go right now," I said as I got up.

As I headed to the dark room, an uneasy feeling developed in me. I guess after that incident seeing Master again would be awkward. However, he was still my master and I still had to do as told. I entered the dark room.

"Kisa, I'm glad you came," he said almost immediately.

"I am to do as told and not question my master's orders," I replied.

"I'm glad you still feel that way," he said.

"You said that you had something important to tell me?" I reminded him about my purpose there.

"Yes. You will have no more buyers until further notice," he said casually.

"What?" I replied confused. "What changed your mind?"

"I felt that you needed a break. Besides, I'm pretty sure that that stupid Kyo can live without you for a few nights," he said, "In fact, I think I'm saving him some money."

I didn't reply to this.

"You may go now. Leave before I change my mind," he said.

I did as told. I left. I had originally planned to go back to my room, but I decided to go for a walk. I walked around the neighborhood by myself. I passed by a park and decided to rest there for a little bit. I sat on a bench that overlooked a huge pond. Suddenly I felt something brushing against my legs. I looked down. It was an adorable (but dirty) little puppy. I got off the bench and kneeled down beside it. It licked my hand. It was so cute. It turned over and I rubbed its belly. It seemed to enjoy it.

"I see you like animals, Miss Honda," I heard a voice from behind me say suddenly.

I turned and looked up. It was Yuki. He kneeled down beside me and petted the puppy.

"Prince Yuki, what are you doing here?" I asked surprised to see him.

"I was walking my dog," he said.

"Your dog?" I asked confused because I didn't see a dog. "Where is it?"

"You're petting him," he answered looking down at the puppy.

"Oh! This is your puppy?" I asked.

"Yes. His name is Popcorn," he answered.

"Popcorn? Why Popcorn?" I asked curiously.

"I guess it's because of his golden brown coat," he answered.

I looked down at the dark brown and black dog. His coat didn't look golden brown to me. It looked more like a dirty brown.

"But its fur isn't golden brown," I said.

"Oh, he's just dirty. He jumped into the pond a moment ago when I wasn't paying attention," Yuki explained, "So why are you here?"

"I was taking a walk to clear my head a little," I told him.

"Oh, are we disturbing your walk?" he asked.

"No. I'm happy that I bumped into you," I replied and I really was for some odd reason.

Yuki and I sat on the bench. Popcorn hopped up onto my lap. I pet him as Yuki and I talked about random things. Then a couple of girls from our school passed by.

"Isn't Prince Yuki and that Tohru Honda together?" asked one girl with long black hair.

"Yes. That's what they all say, but they don't seem like a couple to me," answered another girl with curly blonde hair beside her.

Yuki too heard them, but he ignored them. They stood at a far distance and looked over at us every once in awhile. Suddenly Yuki grabbed my hand. I looked at him surprised and he smiled back at me.

"We might as well make it believable," he said cheerfully.

I smiled back, not knowing what else I can do. The girls saw this, but they didn't seem to believe us. Yuki noticed this too.

"Miss Honda," he called suddenly.

I turned my head and focused my attention on Yuki now. He smiled and pulled me close to him by my hand. Then he kissed me on my lips. I blushed a deep pink. His kiss was different from Kyo's. His was soft and gentle, while Kyo's was…well, strong and forceful. I guess. The girls then stormed off angrily. Yuki and I both laughed. Popcorn then climbed on to my chest as he licked my chin.

"He seems to like you Miss Honda," Yuki said.

I smiled. "I guess so. I think I like him too. He's adorable," I said.

"Then why don't you keep him," Yuki said.

"But I can't just take him. He's your dog," I said.

"But you're not taking him. I'm giving him to you as a gift," he said, "Please, I insist."

"But I…I can't. It just doesn't feel right," I replied.

"Why not? Isn't it normal for a boyfriend to give his girlfriend gifts?" he asked.

"Um, I think so. But---" Yuki interrupted me before I was able to finish.

"Then he is my first gift to you," he said and smiled.

Yuki's smile was so attractive and soothing. His kindness and quiet personality made him even more irresistible. He is every girl's ideal boyfriend. He was sweet, considerate, kind, smart, gentle, and handsome. Yuki is really a prince. Now I understand why all of those girls at school liked Yuki. When I think about it, I really feel that Yuki deserved a girl that was perfect like he was. Yuki was now playing with Popcorn who had hopped over onto his lap. I watched him as he played with Popcorn. Yuki is really such a great person. I watched him for a little while until I felt a grip on my right hand. I looked down at it. Yuki was still holding onto my hand. I looked up at him.

"What's wrong Miss Honda?" he asked.

"Oh nothing. I was just thinking about something," I said.

"What were you thinking about?" he asked.

"Yuki, you're a really great person," I said.

He blushed a little. "If you were to ask me, I wouldn't say that I'm all that great," he said.

"You really are and I think that you deserve the most perfect girl. And I hope that you'll find her someday," I said cheerfully.

"But I already have found her," he said really softly.

"Huh?" I replied confused.

"Never mind," he said.

I shrugged and turned my attention to the sunset right in front of us. All three of us admired its beauty. We watched as it slowly began to sink into the city's buildings and ended the day.

"Come on now, I should get you home," Yuki said just before dark.

"Ok," I answered happily.

I grabbed Popcorn and held him in between my arms and chest. Yuki and I walked along the streets together as we continued to get to know each other more. Yuki walked me all the way home. Before I left to go inside he kissed me again. He lightly pecked me on my right cheek. I blushed. Then he looked down at Popcorn in my arms.

"You be good to Miss Honda," he said to it.

Popcorn barked happily as he wagged his tail. We both smiled. After I went into the front gate, I saw Yuki's car stop out front. I waved bye as it drove off. I went back into the house. The first thing that I did was gave Popcorn a bath. To my surprise, the dirty brown color did come off. The dark coat gave way for a shiny golden brown coat underneath. Popcorn looked even more adorable in his golden brown form. After I dried him, set him on my bed. He curled up on one of my pillows and looked at me. I glanced at the clock; it was already 9:56pm. I decided to go to sleep a little earlier today. I changed into my night gown and tucked myself into bed. Popcorn dug under the sheets and then stuck his head out of the top. He laid right beside me. Popcorn reminded me of Yuki; he was cute, lovable, and smart. The more I thought about Yuki the more I liked him. He is truly a great person. I am so fortunate to be able to be with him everyday. With Yuki, my life is filled with different surprises each day. Yuki is just so unpredictable. I began to understand a little about why Kyo and Yuki didn't get along. They are complete opposites. Anyways, I'm just glad to have been able to get to know Yuki a little better.

"Good night Popcorn!" I said.

Popcorn gave me a soft bark in return and fell asleep. I too fell asleep as I became lost in my thoughts about both Yuki and Kyo…