Chapter 15

AN: Hello everyone! I do not own Fruits Basket or any of its characters. This chapter starts two months later. Tohru will talk about this a little, so don't worry. Anyways, please leave reviews! And I think that's it, so thank you!

Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Baskets or any of its characters. However I would love to have Kyo! He's so cute!

About two months later…

It has been two months now. Yuki and I have been pretend dating for the past two months. We've been pretending for so long, it became a known fact around the school. Of course, the fan club girls continuously tried to wreck our "relationship", but it never worked. We were practically glued together and no one could separate us. Hana and Uo still refused to believe that I cheated on Kyo and ended up with the "Prince Yuki." They said that they know that I wouldn't do anything like that. Momiji has grown up a little too, but he's still acts like a kid sometimes. He recently made a new friend. Momo and Hiro had visited me one day and Momiji came over too. Momo and Momiji got along very well and became friends since. I thought that this friendship was a great thing, but Hiro seems to be annoyed by it. Anyways, I talked to Haru and Rin every once in awhile, but I never talked to Kyo again. Haru said that he's still not over the whole thing and Rin said that he still has feelings for me, but I told them that I can't do anything about it now. It was just too late. Hiro, Rin, and Haru have been living with Kyo, by the way, for the past two months and they said that they'll be living there for awhile. The most important event now is the formal coming up in just a week. Two months ago, I was asked to it by both Kyo and Yuki, but I highly doubt that I will go with Kyo now. I guess as Yuki's pretend girlfriend, I should go with him, but I don't know if he has forgotten about it. It will be weird if I had to ask him about it. Oh, and Master and I haven't spoken since the day he told me that I won't have anymore buyers for awhile. I guess he felt that there's no point in seeing me if it wasn't about "business."

Anyways, today was Saturday. It was a beautiful day, clear skies and a warm breeze flowed in the air. Yuki called me this morning to invite me on a trip to the beach. Originally, he had intended only for us to go, but I asked if I could bring a friend who loved the beach. And Yuki being the nice guy that he is, agreed with it. I invited Momiji. However, when I invited him, he was with Momo and Hiro, so I invited them too. Yuki didn't mind. In fact, he seemed pretty happy to have them go with us. So Yuki, Momo, Hiro, Momiji, and I went to the beach together. I decided to bring Popcorn too.

Momiji and Momo were building a sand castle and Hiro were watching them in annoyance. Yuki, Popcorn, and I were playing catch with a stick. Oh by the way, Popcorn has grown quite a bit since the time I got him. He's gotten bigger. Anyways I threw the stick and Popcorn went running after it. After he retrieved it he ran back toward us. On the way, he ran over Momiji and Momo's sand castle and turned it into a sand mountain. Momo was disappointed, but Momiji just laughed. Yuki and I laughed too. Popcorn stopped there and licked Momo. Momo smiled again. Hiro was angry. He was covered in sand. Anyways, Momiji and Momo ended up playing with Popcorn in the water while Yuki and I watched from a distance.

"Are you having fun Miss Honda?" Yuki asked.

"Yes!" I answered cheerfully.

There was an awkward silence before Yuki spoke again.

"Miss Honda, I have something to ask you," he said.

"Yes?" I replied.

"Would you give me the pleasure of taking you to the formal next Saturday?" he asked unexpectedly.

"Oh!" I said surprised, "Of course! I'll love to go with you!"

I AM SO HAPPY! Yuki didn't forget. He asked me! Now I don't have to go alone anymore! Yes! I was very happy and excited, but I didn't want to look like an idiot in front of Yuki, so I pretended to be as calm as possible.

He smiled happily. "I'm looking forward to it," he said, "I'm a little thirsty, how about you Miss Honda?"

"Oh, yes, I am too," I answered.

"I'll go get us something to drink then," he said as he got up.

"Thank you," I said.

He turned around and smiled. He walked up some stairs and disappeared behind some bushes. I checked to see if he was gone. When he was, I jumped up in joy.

"YES! HE ASKED ME! HE REMEMBERED TO ASK ME! I'M SO HAPPY!" I yelled loudly and happily as I jumped up and down.

I was still yelling happily when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I stopped afraid because I think I knew who it was. I turned around slowly to find Yuki behind me. No! I was afraid that it'll be him. He smiled.

"I forgot my wallet," he said looking at it on the table.

I grabbed it and handed it to him. I blushed. My face must have been really red because I felt it burning. Yuki started to walk away as I sank back into my chair slowly dying of embarrassment. Then Yuki came back.

"Did you forget something else?" I asked.

"Yes, I forgot this," he answered. He pecked me on my left cheek and then smiled. "You're adorable when you're happy Miss 'I'm so happy'."

I blushed. I was even redder now. He walked away. He heard it all. How can I face him now? I was so embarrassed. I can't believe he saw me! I should go be a flamingo and bury my head in the sand! At least that way I can hide in shame peacefully.

Luckily, we left the beach a little early. We left around 2 and got home around 3. Momiji took Momo home and of course Hiro went with her. After Yuki dropped me off, he left.

At home…

When I got home, the first thing I did was took a shower. A maid had given Popcorn a bath too. When I came out, I found Mrs. Hamasaki on my bed petting Popcorn. She lifted her head to look at me.

"Yes Mrs. Hamasaki?" I asked.

"You're master said that he wants to see you," she said.

I was used to this line by now but this news came so unexpectedly that I was a little shocked. I went into that same dark room for the first time in two months. I knew what he was going to tell me. He was going to tell me that I've got a buyer. I was afraid to know who it was, but I figured it must have been Mister Kyo since it was him for the past year. I entered the room quietly.

"Kisa, have you missed me?" he asked almost immediately after I entered the room.

"Why have you summoned me?" I asked impatiently.

"Fine. If you really want to know so badly, I might as well tell you now to get it over with," he said, "You have a buyer. What's his name? Hm, I forgot. It seems like that Kyo has found some new fun elsewhere. He's given up on you Kisa."

I didn't reply to this. I kept quiet. My silence angered Master. He slapped me.

"Talk to me!" he demanded.

I kept quiet. I guess I was being stubborn about the whole thing because I was angry. I was angry at Master, but mostly at Mister Kyo. It felt like he has abandoned me like everyone else did before him. Master slapped me again.

"I said talk to me!" he repeated.

I was silent. He then grabbed my chin with his index finger and thumb. His nails dug into my skin. I felt a sting that burned more and more as seconds went by. He pulled my face upward and then let go by throwing it back downward.

"Do what you please. You are to leave to see this buyer immediately," he said still angry.

I turned around and left. Mr. Hamasaki had a car ready outside. He drove me to a place just outside of the busy city. The car stopped at a gigantic traditional Japanese estate. For the first time, I was not blindfolded. A man at the door escorted me into the estate. He brought me to a huge open room. It was decorated with traditional Japanese furniture and ornaments. In the middle of the room, there was a table surrounded by red cushions. The room had an opening that led to a patio that overlooked an elegant outdoor garden. By the opening there was a small fountain of water where two white birds perched. The room was traditionally elegant. The escort left the room soon after and I was left there all alone. I walked out to the patio and stood there smelling the beautiful scent of the variety of flowers. I could hear the birds singing and I could feel the wind hugging my body. My mind was peaceful and quiet. I had forgotten about why I was there until I heard a familiar voice.

"Miss Honda," it called.

I turned around surprised by the fact that this buyer of mine knew my real name. I was even more surprised when I saw who it was. It was…Akito. I stood there paralyzed by shock. Akito noticed this and came over to revive me. He guided me to the table in the middle of the room and sat me down on one side, while he sat across from me on the other.

"Miss Honda, please don't be surprised," he said.

"Akito? How did you know about me and----" I paused.

Akito knew what I wanted to ask him. "Simple. I know your master," he answered.

"Really?" I replied in disbelief.

"Yes, I've known him for three years now. I've also known about you for a long time," he told me.

"Then why did you wait until now to confront me?" I asked.

"I guess you can say that I was waiting for the perfect time, but that is not why I brought you here to my home this evening," he answered.

"Why did you bring me here then?" I asked.

"I simply wanted some company tonight. You know, someone to waste time away with," he answered.

"What do you want to do with me?" I asked afraid to hear what I thought that he would say.

"It's going to be a long night. It you'll excuse me, I would like to change into something a little more comfortable," he said as he got up.

"Go ahead. Please, don't mind me," I replied.

He smiled and disappeared behind a slide door. I waited for about five minutes. Finally Akito returned. He now had a loose red and white kimono type outfit on. He looked so different. I stared at him.

"Is something wrong Miss Honda?" he asked.

"You look so…so different," I answered.

"Yes. I suppose I do. Would you like some tea or anything to eat perhaps?" he offered politely.

"Oh, no thank you," I answered.

"So where were we?" he asked.

"You were just about to tell me what you wanted me to do with you," I reminded him.

"Yes, I have something very important to ask you," he said.

"You have something to ask me?" I repeated confused because this was not what I had expected.

"Yes. Miss Honda, if I assumed correctly, you would be going to the formal with Yuki correct?" he asked.

"Well, I intend to go with him. Is there something wrong?" I asked.

"No, of course not, I was just going to ask you to the formal myself," he answered.

My eyes widen from surprise. "Me? Why me?" I asked uncontrollably.

"Simple, there's something very important that I'm supposed to tell you that night and I figured that it would be more convenient if you were my date," he said.

"I'm flattered that you chose me over all of the other girls at school, but I've promised Prince Yuki already and I---" I paused when Akito suddenly grabbed my right hand.

"Miss Honda, there is something that might change your mind," he said.

I didn't reply to this. Instead, Akito slowly pulled my hand to his chest. He lightly pulled the collar of his kimono off his shoulder to reveal bandages wrapped around his chest. I was a little surprised by this. Then he pulled my hand to his chest and slowly ran it downward on top of the bandages. To my surprise, I felt a bump under those bandages. I jerked my hand back and looked at Akito with widened eyes. He pulled his collar back to how it originally was.

"You're…you're…" I struggled to say before I was interrupted.

"A woman?" Akito finished for me, "Yes, Miss Honda, I am a woman. This world is filled with many surprises."

"Akito, does anyone know?" I asked suddenly.

"No. Well, not at school anyway," she answered casually.

"Does Kyo know?" I asked.

"No, he doesn't. Miss Honda, you are the first to know. I trust that you'll keep my secret," she said.

"Of course! This is really none of my business, Akito. Why did you decide to tell me?" I asked seeing no relevance.

"How would you know whether it does or does not Miss Honda?" she asked.

She was right. I don't know. I didn't say anything back.

"This world is filled with secrets Miss Honda," she continued, "You have yours and I have mine, but we are not the only people in this world with secrets. I can tell you today that even those dearest to you are hiding things from you. The ones that you've grown to trust and love have tricked you Miss Honda. You should've experience this once before haven't you?"

What was Akito talking about? The dearest people to me? Did she mean Kyo and Yuki? Anyways, I didn't reply.

"Hm? Have you forgotten that little incident you had while you were at Kyo's house?" she asked.

I was surprised. "How did you know?" I asked immediately.

"I know a lot of things Miss Honda. So you see, I have many answers that you can have if you're willing to allow me to have the pleasure of taking you to the formal next Saturday," she said.

I thought about this for a moment. I really wanted to know what this was all about, but I also really wanted to go to the formal with Yuki. Eventually, I decided that I wanted to know the truth more, so I said that I'll go with Akito.

"Fine, I'll go with you, but how am I suppose to tell Yuki?" I asked.

"Oh, don't worry, I'll call him. In fact, I'll do so right now," she said as she got up, "Excuse me for a second Miss Honda."

Akito got up and disappeared behind the slide door again. When she was gone, I sat there thinking. What was going on? Who was Akito? Suddenly, it felt like everything and everyone were strangers to me. It felt like I didn't know anyone anymore. Akito was right. Everyone does have their own secrets and when the end comes, you might find out that the people you've known for years are complete strangers to you. You might think that you know who they are but you might find out something different. Just like how before I came here today, Akito was just another handsome male classmate of mine. Now, he was not only a she, but a she that obviously knows many things about me. To add to this, she's now my formal date. How unexpected and ironic is this?

Anyways, Akito returned with a smile on her face. She sat down across from me.

"He was fine with the idea. In fact, it didn't seem to bother him at all so you won't have to worry Miss Honda," she said once she had sat completely down.

"Are you sure?" I asked suspiciously in disbelief.

"Yes," she answered simply.

I was disappointed to hear this. It felt like Yuki too had abandoned me. I looked down at the table disappointedly. Akito noticed.

"No need to be disappointed Miss Honda," Akito said, "Well; I've accomplished what I need to do tonight so why don't you head home."

I looked up at her.

"I'll go get my car to take you home," she got up and walked toward the slide door.

Akito pulled it back lightly and poked her head out of the door. Almost instantly, a man in a suit came in.

"Come along now Miss Honda, let's get you home," Akito said.

She came along with me all the way home. I have to admit, it felt really awkward. When we got to my house, Akito exited the car first and then escorted me out. I smiled and she smiled back.

"I'll see you tomorrow then Miss Honda," Akito said.

"Of course," I answered, "Good bye Akito."

"Good bye Miss Honda," she replied.

Akito re-entered the car and it drove off. I walked into the front gate. On the way, I caught a glimpse of what turned out to be a dark figure behind that same window where I saw it the last time. It was Master. He disappeared once I reached the front doors.

When I got home, Mrs. Hamasaki said that I had a phone call from a person named Yuki. I called him back immediately. An excited feeling overcame me, but I don't why. I just knew that it was there. Fortunately, Yuki answered.

"Hello, Miss Honda?" he answered.

"Yes, hello, Prince Yuki, my housekeeper said that you called so I decided to call you back," I said, "I hope you're not busy."

"Of course not Miss Honda," he answered.

"Good. Did you have something to tell me?" I asked him hoping to remind him about why he called me.

"Oh yes. Akito called me to tell me that you've decided to go to the formal with him. Is something wrong?" he asked.

"No," I answered simply.

"I see. I was just worried because you seemed to have changed your mind so suddenly," he said.

"Yeah, well, things happened. I'm sorry Prince Yuki," I said.

"Don't be Miss Honda. I understand. Although, it might be harder to explain to the people at school once they realize that I'm not going with you," he said in a joking tone.

"Why?" I asked suddenly curious.

"Well, wouldn't you find it odd if a boyfriend is going to the formal with someone other than his girlfriend?" he asked.

"Well, yes, but we're not really together," I reminded him.

"I know, but the school doesn't know this now do they?" he said.

"Oh yeah, I forgot," I said suddenly feeling like a complete idiot.

"Very well then Miss Honda, I'll see you tomorrow," he said.

"Ok," I answered.

"Oh, I'll come get you tomorrow morning ok?" he asked suddenly.

"Oh, sure, if it's no trouble," I answered.

"Of course not," he replied.

"Ok then, I'll see you tomorrow morning," I said, "Good night Prince Yuki."

"Good night Miss Honda," he replied.

We both hanged up. Afterward, I returned to my room to find Popcorn on my bed and the TV on. An unfamiliar anime series was on. It was some anime about a swordsman and a loud girl with long black hair. They were in love. I sat down beside Popcorn and watched it with him. (Yes, this is weird, my dog is watching TV. He can be a little human like at times I guess.) During this episode, the swordsman purposed to her. He was so romantic. I cried suddenly as I began to think about Kyo. Popcorn immediately jumped off the bed and over to my desk and grabbed the tissue box on it. He brought it over to me. I smiled at him. He barked once loudly. I wiped away my tears and petted him on the head. He then jumped back onto the bed.

"Oh, Popcorn, you are such a smart dog," I said.

He licked me and barked again.

"I love you," I said and wrapped my arms around him.

He wagged his tail.

"I'm so confused right now, Popcorn. Can I tell you something?" I asked. (Yes, I'm talking to my dog. This is really weird, but oh wells, I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who does this.)

He barked once again as he wagged his tail rapidly.

"I have so many things going on at once, that I don't know what to do first," I said.

Popcorn laid down beside me with his head rested on my lap. He's being such a great listener.

"I love Kyo, but he lied to me. I accidentally overheard his conversation with Haru and they were talking about me. They knew about me and who I really am. I didn't know what to do, but I know that I couldn't stand being with a person that lies to me. Then some fan club girls took a picture of a time when Prince Yuki was confessing to me about his love for me. He kissed me and they got a picture of us kissing. They showed it to Kyo. I could've denied it and told him the truth. He would've believed me too, but I didn't. I decided that that was the best way to break up with him. That way he'll hate me and lose his love for me," I confessed.

I gently brushed my hand through Popcorn's beautiful and shiny golden brown coat.

"And I was successful. He hasn't talked to me since. Then Prince Yuki and I pretended to be together to fool everyone, including Kyo. It was a great plan, except as I got to know Yuki, I find him more and more irresistible. And as he becomes more and more irresistible, I began to miss Kyo more. I couldn't help it. Yuki's irresistibility reminded me of Kyo's. I love everything about Kyo and everything about Yuki. With Kyo, I feel protected and safe, but with Yuki, I feel like…well, like a princess. He really knows how to make a girl feel special," I continued.

Popcorn barked once.

"You agree too don't you? Prince Yuki is really nice, but my heart is with Kyo. Now, I'm pretending to be together with Prince Yuki and I've broken Kyo's heart. Every fan club girl hates me. They all probably either want me dead or shipped to a deserted island somewhere---Well, there are those "Akito Fan Club" girls, and they probably don't hate me, at least not yet anyway. After the formal, they'll probably hate me too. Popcorn, I went to see Akito today and you can not guess what happened today," I continued.

Popcorn lifted his ears a little. I figured he was trying to be more attentive so I continued.

"Today, Akito told me that she was a woman! Well, actually she showed me that she was a woman but it's almost the same thing. I was so surprised! She said that she knew a lot of things about me and I think she is the one with all of the answers to my problems. But she said that she'll only tell me---" I paused once Popcorn got up suddenly.

Popcorn suddenly sat up surprising me. He looked at the door. I ignored this and continued.

"She said that she'll tell me everything if I would go to the formal with her. This sounds weird huh Popcorn? I'm going to the formal with a woman. Prince Yuki asked me before and I said yes to him first, but I changed my mind. I really wanted to go with Prince Yuki because I know that he would make that night unforgettable, but I have to go with Akito. She's my last hope. I don't know how I'm going to face Prince Yuki tomorrow. Popcorn you should know him pretty well. Tell me what I should do," I said.

Popcorn then got up and stood on all four legs. He looked toward the door and barked loudly.

"What is it?" I asked.

Suddenly a huge thump noise came from outside. I ran to the door and jerked it open. By the time I got outside, I saw a figure run and turned into a hall. I also saw Mrs. Hamasaki frozen down the hall. I ran after that figure, but I lost it after a couple of turns. I head back to my room to find Mrs. Hamasaki walking toward me down the hallway.

"Mrs. Hamasaki are you alright? Did you see that person?" I asked.

"N…No, dear I didn't" she said nervously.

"But you were only about twenty feet from it," I said.

"Yes, but I'm getting old and my eyes are wasting away; I can't see as well anymore," she said.

"Oh," I said. I didn't believe her. She was obviously hiding something.

"Its late dear, you should go to sleep," she insisted.

"Yes, Mrs. Hamasaki. Good night," I replied.

"Good night dear," she replied.

I walked back into the room to find Popcorn still standing on my bed. The TV was still on and the anime was still on. It was another episode now. The swordsman was fighting a group of guys now. When I got to the bed, Popcorn sat down and wagged his tail. I petted him and tucked myself into the sheets. Popcorn crawled under the sheets beside me. We both watched the anime until we fell asleep.

"Kill me now or you'll regret it," said a guy that was wounded on the ground.

"I won't kill you," the swordsman said.

"If you don't kill me today, I'll keep coming back for you until I kill you!" yelled the wounded guy.

"My sword doesn't kill, it only protects," the swordsman said as he turned to walk away.

"You'll regret it!" the wounded guy yelled at the swordsman.

"I believe that I won't, but you will if you come for me after today, that I do," he said and disappeared into the darkness.

"BATTOSAI!" yelled the wounded man angrily.

The swordsman was greeted by that loud girl with long black hair. They greeted each other with a smile. He grabbed her hand and dragged her away. This reminded me a little of when Kyo use to grab me by my hand. I use to think that it was rude and scary, but now, I missed it. I missed how he used to tease me. I missed how he used to kiss me unexpectedly. I missed how he used to become annoyed by my stupidity. I missed how he used protect me from anyone that tried to hurt me. I missed how he used to hold me in his arms and told me that he loved me…I missed all of those things…But what I missed most…what I missed most was…Kyo…I missed Kyo….