Chapter 16

AN: Please leave me reviews! Thank a bunches! Hehe…

Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket or any of its character, but I love Kyo to death! hugs

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

I hit the snooze button and decided to go back to sleep. Unfortunately, before I was able to do so, Popcorn jumped onto the bed and started to lick me. I finally gave in and got up.

"You win Popcorn," I said sleepily.

Popcorn barked once before Mrs. Hamasaki came running into the room with my uniform and breakfast.

"Tohru, get up quickly! A handsome young man is waiting for you downstairs," she said.

"A handsome young man?" I repeated in a confused tone.

"Yes. He said his name is Yuki," she explained.

Suddenly I remembered that Yuki and I were supposed to go to school together today. I ran into the bathroom as quickly as possible and then came out within five minutes. I then ran over and grabbed my uniform. I took about two bites of my breakfast and ran out of the room. Popcorn ran out with me, leaving Mrs. Hamasaki behind slowly following us.

"Sorry Mrs. Hamasaki! I have to go. Bye!" I yelled as I ran down the stairs.

I was jogging down the stairs when I accidentally tripped and fell off the stairs. I flew into the air and landed on top of Yuki. I turned red. I got up quickly embarrassed. He too got up quickly.

"I'm so sorry Prince Yuki! I am very sorry! I really didn't mean to---" I paused when I noticed that Yuki was smiling at me.

"No need to apologize Miss Honda. I understand," he said.

I blushed. Popcorn came running down the stairs a minute or so afterward. He stopped between Yuki and me. Yuki kneeled down and petted him.

"Hello there Popcorn, have you been good to Miss Honda?" he asked Popcorn.

Popcorn barked twice as he wagged his tail rapidly.

"He's a great dog and a great listener too," I said.

Yuki looked up at me with a surprised expression on his face and then back down at Popcorn. "So I see Miss Honda have been telling you her secrets," he said to Popcorn.

I blushed. Yuki laughed. I blushed a deeper red. Yuki got up and held out his hand with his palm facing upward. I looked at it confused. Yuki noticed that I was confused, but all he did was look at his hand and then at me. He smiled sweetly. I then held out my hand and placed it in his open palm. He immediately closed his hand and held mine tightly. He smiled.

"Let's go now Miss Honda," he said.

We left the house as Popcorn and Mrs. Hamasaki watched from the door. Once the car drove off, I noticed that it wasn't headed to school. I became scared and nervous.

"Prince Yuki," I called.

"Yes Miss Honda?" he answered.

"Where are we going?" I asked concerned.

"It's a surprise," he answered with a reassuring smile.

"But then we'll be skipping school. I don't think it's such a good idea to skip school," I said.

"It's ok Miss Honda. I've already turned in notes for out absences yesterday," he said.

My eyes widened. "You what?" I said in disbelief.

Yuki laughed slightly. "Don't worry Miss Honda. I promise you it'll be worth it," he said.

I sighed a bit nervously. I was excited to know where he was taking me, but I was also afraid. I sat quietly in the car beside Yuki for the rest of the ride. The car drove out of the city and into the country side. When the car finally stopped, Yuki opened the door and led me out of the car. The first thing I saw was the beautiful blue lake. We were on a hill that over looked a gigantic and clear lake. Behind us, there was a huge house with a balcony that too over looked the lake. It was beautiful, that place. It was truly amazing. The lake was surrounded by miles of beaches and these beaches were surrounded by a dense forest. As I admired the magnificent view, Yuki and the chauffeur talked. When I turned my attention back to Yuki the chauffeur was already in the car. He drove off down the hill and out of site.

"Prince Yuki, where are we?" I asked.

"We are at my home," he answered simply.

"Your home? But I thought that you live in a…well, I guess I thought that a wealthy person like you would live in a---" I was interrupted.

"A mansion?" he finished for me, "I do, but this is my home away from home. Besides, don't you think that this place is a lot more calming than the city?"

"Yes, it's great!" I said excitedly.

"Good," he said softly.

"Hm?" I replied confused.

"Come with my Miss Honda, there's something that I want to show you," Yuki said as he guided me to the house.

The two gigantic front doors opened to reveal a huge, bright, and open room. The room was furnished in a modern but simple way. The first thing that I saw was a huge white piano that was in one corner of the room. It was beautiful. The second thing that I noticed was the roof. The roof above the room was made of glass which allowed us to see the clear sky. To the left of the room, there was a spiral staircase that wrapped loosely around a huge circular fish tank that stretched from the ground to the roof. There must have been at least a hundred different kind of fish that lived in that tank. The stair rails were glass and so was the wall that separated the room from the other room behind it. Yuki guided me pass the first room and into the next one. The second room was similar to the first one except it was smaller. The second room had two walls that were made of glass. One wall was the one that separated the first room from the second. There other one was a wall that allowed us to see the gardens outside. I stood there and stared at the gardens. There was a huge vegetable garden and a flower garden too. Yuki then led me outside.

"So what do you think Miss Honda?" he asked.

"It's amazing Prince Yuki. Did you grow all of this?" I asked in amazement.

"Yes, I guess you can say that gardening is a hobby of mine," Yuki replied with a smile.

"I wish I could grow so many things!" I said happily.

"It's really not that hard," Yuki replied.

I looked down at the ground embarrassed. "Actually, Prince Yuki, everything that I touch dies," I said shamefully.

Yuki laughed. "I'm sure that's not true," he said.

I didn't reply to this.

"Come with me Miss Honda, you can help me plant something new," Yuki said.

We walked over to an empty corner of the vegetable garden. Yuki kneeled down and I did the same beside him.

"What are you planning to plant here Prince Yuki?" I asked curiously.

Yuki turned around and grabbed a few bags of seeds. "Strawberries," he answered.

"Really? I love strawberries!" I said excitedly.

"I thought you might," he replied with a gentle smile.

"Hm? How did you know that I liked strawberries?" I asked.

"Well, I figured it out," he answered as he tore the bags of seeds open.

"How?" I asked.

"It's a secret," he said and handed me a bag of seeds.

"Oh no Prince Yuki, I can't plant these! They will not live," I said frantically.

"I'm sure that they will. Here, let me help you," Yuki said.

He held my two hands between his and slowly poured some seeds into my left palm. Then he grabbed a small gardening shovel and dug a hole. Next, he guided my hands to the hole, where I poured the seeds in.

"There you go," he said as he filled the hole with dirt.

I looked at him and smiled. Yuki is such a sweet guy. He got up and poured some water on the dirt. I too got up.

"Now that that's done, let's go do something else," he said suddenly.

"Hm? What can we do out here?" I asked.

"Lots, Miss Honda. Why don't we go down to the lake for a swim?" he suggested.

"But…I…but I don't have a swimsuit with me," I said nervously.

"Don't worry Miss Honda. I've picked out a suit for you already," he said.

I was surprised. "You have?" I asked.

"Yes, I've placed it in your room," he said.

"My room?" I repeated confused.

"Yes, I had a room prepared for you upstairs," he said.

"But why? I thought that we'll be leaving by tonight," I said.

"My chauffeur will not be back until tomorrow morning," he said.

Suddenly, fear overcame my body. I froze. I'm trapped in a foreign place alone with Prince Yuki and we're going to spend the night together in the same house? How can this be happening? What will he do to me? OH NO! I was obviously very scared because I didn't know what Yuki was planning to do all night. Yuki noticed this and decided to reassure me that everything will be ok.

"Miss Honda, I know that this must be a bit frightening, but I promise that you'll be safe here," he said with a reassuring smile.

"Oh! I wasn't afraid…I mean, I was a little...but of course I trust you…and I…well, I know that you're not a…well….I hope that you're not a…you know….one of those people….I'm sorry if I offended you in anyway…but its just that I'm a girl…and you know…you're a…" I began to blabber.

Before I was able to finish, Yuki had kissed me on the forehead. "I understand. I promise you that everything will be ok. I would never do anything to hurt you," he said.

I blushed. That was completely unexpected. Anyways, Yuki led me back into the house and upstairs. After he escorted me to my room, he left to his. I walked slowly into the room. It was the room with the balcony that overlooked the lake. There was a queen size bed by the opening to the balcony. It was covered with pink silk bedding. I laid down on it; it was so comfortable. A canopy hung over the bed. The canopy had tiny stars that sparkled when light would reflect from them. I was rolling around on the bed when suddenly something shiny caught my eyes. I looked. It was a beautiful gown that was hanging on the wall right beside a mirror above a table. I walked over to it. It was the most beautiful dress I've ever seen. It was a pink tube top dress with layers of lace with glitter detail layered on top of each other. At the waist area, to the left, there was bow that was made of shiny pink material. Its strings hanged from the waist to half way down the dress. Under the lace material, there was a layer that is made of the same material as the bow. I ran my right hand down the top of the dress. It was my dream dress. If only I could wear this to the formal.

As my eyes traveled downward, I saw a pair of shoes that matched the dress perfectly. They were open-toed strappie heels that was a glittery pink, just like the dress. I held one heel in each one of my hands and examined them. While I did so, I noticed something else that was on the table in front of me. I set the shoes on the table and sat down on the chair in front of it. There was a silver box that had a huge pink bow tied around it. I gently pulled off the pink bow and opened the box. To my surprise, it was a beautiful silver necklace with pink diamonds. There was a pair of matching earrings too. It was so beautiful! I took the necklace and held it against my neck.

"If only I could wear this to the formal," I thought to myself.

Then Yuki knocked on the door.

"Miss Honda, are you ready?" he asked.

OH NO! I forgot why I was in the room in the first place. I quickly placed the necklace back in the box and closed it. I then placed the shoes back where I found them and examined the room for the swimsuit that Yuki had talked about earlier. I found it hanging on the bed. I snatched it and began to undress.

"Miss Honda, are you alright?" Yuki asked in a concerned tone.

"Yes Prince Yuki, I'm fine. I'll be out there in a second," I said.

"Take your time," he replied, "I'll wait for you downstairs, Miss Honda."

"Ok," I replied as I struggled to get into the suit.

It was a light blue two-piece swimsuit. It was simple, just the way I liked it. There was a matching flower attached to the hanger that the suit was originally on. I tied up my hair into a ponytail and pin the flower into my hair on the right side. I looked at myself in the mirror. The flower really completed the whole outfit. I would've preferred to wear simple suits like this one with one or two accessories as well. Honestly, if I didn't know any better, I would've thought that Yuki and I have known each other for years. He seems to know me so well. Anyways, I grabbed the matching cloth that was on the bed and wrapped it around me. Then I grabbed a towel and exited the room. When I got downstairs, I saw Yuki sitting on the couch reading something.

"Prince Yuki?" I called.

He looked up. "You look great and exactly how I pictured you'll look," he said with a smile, "Do you like it Miss Honda?"

"Yes, I love it! Thank you Prince Yuki," I said.

He smiled. "Shall we go?" he asked.

"Sure," I answered simply.

Yuki and I walked down the hill toward the lake and the beach. Once we got there, Yuki set out a blanket and an umbrella. Then he set everything else that he had on the blanket. I watched him from the side. He then sat down onto the blanket and gestured for me to do the same. I set my towel down onto the blanket and then sat down beside him under the shade of the umbrella.

"The view is amazing!" I said.

"The water is even better. Would you like to go for a swim, Miss Honda?" Yuki asked.

I smiled. "Sure, that sounds fun!" I answered.

Yuki then got up and walked out of the shade of the umbrella. He stepped into the sun and then pulled off the white shirt that he had on to reveal his well built chest. I stared at him stupidly. He turned his head slightly to find me staring at him. I immediately turned my whole body to face the other way. I blushed.

"I'm…I'm so…so sorry…I didn't mean to…to stare. I'm very---" I paused when I felt his hand on my left shoulder.

I turned my head to find him in the shade again. I looked up at him. He smiled.

"Miss Honda, its ok. I don't mind at all," he assured me.

I smiled nervously as I turned the rest of my body back around.

"Shall we go?" he asked.

"Um…sure…but I'm going to need a second," I said.

"Ok, I'll wait for you in the water," Yuki said. Then he turned and walked toward the water.

I watched him head toward the water. Then I caught glimpse of the sun block lotion beside me. Oh no, Prince Yuki had forgotten to put it on. It's dangerous to not have it on! I called to him.

"Prince Yuki!" I called.

He paused and turned around. "Yes Miss Honda?" he replied.

I held up the bottle of lotion and smiled. He smiled back and headed back toward me. When he got back he sat down beside me.

"I almost forgot, thank you Miss Honda," he said. He poured some onto his left palm and began to apply it to his bare upper body.

Every once in a while he would look at me and smile. I too would smile back at him. Then a few minutes later, he began to apply it to his back, but he seemed to be struggling a bit. I grabbed the bottle of lotion and squirted some onto my left palm.

"Here, let me help you Prince Yuki," I said.

"Are you sure Miss Honda? Won't it be a little awkward for you?" he asked concerned.

"No, I'll be ok. Don't worry Prince Yuki. It's the least I can do for you for bringing me here to this magnificent place," I replied with a big smile on my face.

He smiled. I began to apply lotion to his back. I started on the bottom of his back and then slowly made my way up to his shoulders. As I massaged the lotion onto his shoulders, Yuki suddenly grabbed my hands with his. I stopped. He looked up at me and smiled.

"Thank you Miss Honda," he said suddenly.

"Oh…no need to thank me," I replied nervously.

Yuki smiled. "And you Miss Honda? Would you like me to help you?" he asked.

"Oh! If its not any trouble…I mean…if you don't mind," I blabbered nervously.

"Of course not," he said as he rubbed lotion onto my back.

Yuki's touch was gentle and soothing. Anyways, we then walked to the water together. Yuki entered it first. I froze when I felt how cold it was through my feet. Yuki noticed this and came out.

"Is something wrong Miss Honda?" he asked.

"The water is so cold," I answered.

"Don't worry, you'll get use to it once you're in it," he said.

"But---" before I was able to finish, Yuki had picked me up and held my body on top of his two arms.

I wrapped my arms around his neck scared half to death. Yuki smiled at me as I look at the water completely horrified. As we got deeper into the lake, the water raised and eventually it touched my back. It was cold.

"Ah!" I yelled uncontrollably.

"You'll be alright Miss Honda," Yuki assure me.

I relaxed a little as he let go of me and exposed more and more of my body to the water. Eventually my whole body was in the water. It was freezing at first, but eventually I got use to it. Yuki and I spent the whole afternoon there. We swam for about five hours before we finally decided to come out. Afterward, we sat on the beach and talked as we dried up. We sat there for another two hours or so. It was now around six o'clock.

"So are you having fun Miss Honda?" Yuki asked.

"Yes! I'm having a lot of fun, thank you," I answered.

"Do you regret coming here?" he asked.

"No, not at all," I answered with a huge smile.

There was an awkward silence. Then my stomach growled loudly.

"Haha. Miss Honda, are you hungry?" Yuki asked.

I blushed. "Um…" I replied.

"Why don't we get cleaned up and have dinner together?" he suggested.

"That's a great idea!" I said suddenly.

Yuki smiled and helped me up. After we grabbed everything, we started toward the house.

"Miss Honda, I have an outfit for you to wear after you get cleaned up. It should be in your closet. You can wear that instead of your uniform," Yuki said just before we both separated.

I returned to my room and looked in the closet. There was a summer dress with spaghetti straps hanging there, so I grabbed it and went to take a shower. When I came back downstairs, Yuki was in the kitchen. The kitchen was right beside the second room and it too had a glass wall that allowed you to see the garden outside. I walked into the kitchen to find Yuki examining his refrigerator.

"Prince Yuki?" I called.

"Miss Honda!" he said loudly as he turned around.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Well," he said as he stepped aside to reveal an almost empty fridge, "We don't have much that I can make."

I examine the fridge to find more than enough ingredients to make dinner for two. "What do you mean? There's more than enough for the two of us," I said.

"Well, cooking is not something that I'm very good at," Yuki said shamefully, "And I have no idea how to make anything in here."

I giggled. "Oh Prince Yuki, I'm here. I'll make dinner," I said.

"But you're my guest," he said.

"Don't worry, I don't mind," I said as I began to take things out of the fridge, "Do you have any leeks?"

"Yes, I have some in the garden that's ready to be picked," Yuki said.

I smiled. I made dinner that evening and we both enjoyed it over an interesting conversation. After dinner, Yuki and I did the dishes together. While doing the dishes, we continued to talk to each other about random things.

"Miss Honda, I have a surprise for you," Yuki said suddenly.

"A surprise?" I repeated in confusion.

"Yes, do you remember seeing a dress in your room?" he asked.

"Oh yes, that dress is amazing. It's very beautiful. If only I could wear that to the formal, it would be perfect," I answered.

"So you like it?" he said.

"Yes, I love it. Why?" I asked.

"Because, if it's no trouble I would like you wear it tonight for my surprise," he said.

I jumped a little from shock. "That dress is for me?" I asked.

"Of course, I had it made just for you," he replied.

"Oh Prince Yuki, you shouldn't have!" I said.

"But I wanted to," he said.

I couldn't say anything back to this. After the dishes I headed upstairs to change into the dress. I slipped it on along with the matching shoes and the jewelry. I also found a huge glittery flower that matches the dress that I didn't notice before. I curled my hair and pinned the right side back with the flower. I examined myself in the mirror. I've never seen myself so beautiful before. I could've never imagined myself like this before. I looked like a princess. I felt like a princess. I gathered up my thoughts and exited the room. As I slowly made my way down the stairs, I heard the piano. I looked down. Yuki was in a tux and he was playing the piano. He then looked up at me as he played and smiled. I smiled back. At that moment, Yuki was so attractive. Once I reached the bottom floor I walked over toward Yuki. He stopped playing and came to me. He then held my hands, on in each of his. He looked at me in the eye.

"Miss Honda, you look great," he said.

I blushed. "Thank you. I really love this dress," I said.

"I had it made for you a few weeks ago. I had originally planned for you to wear it to the formal, but since you can no longer go with me, I decided to have our own little formal," Yuki said.

My eyes widened.

"And I hope that you'll give me the pleasure of being able to do so tonight. Just you and me," he said.

I blushed and looked down at the ground. Suddenly I heard the piano again. I looked. There was a man in a tux playing it.

"Shall we dance?" Yuki asked politely.

I smiled and nodded. Yuki held my right in his left hand and placed his right arm around my waist. I rested my left hand on his shoulder as he guided me. Together we gently moved to the music. As we danced away, I looked up. I could see the moon and the stars through the glass roof. We were dancing under the stars. I then turned my attention back to Yuki. He smiled.

"Miss Honda, you're really beautiful. I wish I could make this moment last forever," he said suddenly.

"Prince…Prince Yuki," I replied softly.

"Remember when I told you that I loved you?" he asked.

"Yes," I answered simply.

"I still do. I had thought that I could change your mind about Kyo, but for the past two months, I noticed things Miss Honda. I know that no matter what I do your heart will always be with Kyo. This is a fact and it will not change no matter how much I would like it to. Even so, I am very happy Miss Honda," Yuki said.

"Why?" I asked softly and guiltily.

"I'm happy because we were able to spend a whole day together," Yuki explained, "And even if you're not with me in the future, my memories from today will always be with me forever."

"Prince Yuki…why? Why are you doing this? Doesn't it hurt?" I asked sadly.

"Honestly Miss Honda, I don't know why. I guess love can make people do unexplainable things," he said.

I paused from the dancing and let go of Yuki. The pianist continued to play. We both stood there silently. Then I began to cry.

"Miss Honda, why are you crying?" Yuki asked concerned.

I didn't answer him. Instead, I wrapped my arms around his neck area. I rested my right cheek on his chest and I sobbed. He then wrapped his arms around my waist and rested his right cheek on my head.

"I'm sorry. I'm so stupid! Why didn't I love you first? Why am I still in love with Kyo when you're the one that truly cares about me? Why am I so stupid?" I cried loudly.

Yuki held me even tighter. "It's ok. Don't cry, I like it better when you're smiling," he whispered.

I looked up at him with my watery eyes while my arms were still around his neck. He looked down at me. Then he wiped away my tears with his thumbs. I looked at him for a few second. Then, I don't know what came over me, but I reached up and kiss him on the lip. We shared a long and passionate kiss. Afterward, I rested my head back onto his chest as we glided to the music.

"I love you…Tohru," Yuki said softly.

"I love you too…Yuki," I replied.

We danced the night away. Yuki held me tightly in his arms as we slowly glided to the music from the piano. Suddenly, I knew that he was a person that I can depend on and he is someone that will love me forever. Being in his arms, I felt special. I closed my eyes as tiny streams of tears ran down my face and onto Yuki's tux. I knew that I have fallen for Yuki. From this day on, Yuki and I were officially bound together forever.Destiny has boundus together.Yuki brushed his fingers through my hair and then lightly rested his head on mine…I know I loved Kyo before, but at this moment…all I loved…all I loved was Yuki…Kyo no longer existed….At this moment, I loved Yuki…only Yuki…