Disclaimer: Ido not own Fruits Basket.
Chapter Four : The Open Door
"I want to go outside." Uo stepped back. Tohru was a little better, she was keeping down some food. Her talk with the Mabudachi Trio had helped her state of mind, sharing what happened had relieved a burden from her. She was still sick, but a spark of hope had miraculously ignited. He was going to come out eventually, she said to herself. I need to be happy for him, she thought constantly.
"Sure, Tohru. Come, let's get you dressed. It's a beautiful day outside," said Hana, helping Tohru out of bed. Tohru shrugged off her nightgown and slipped on a dress and a pair of sandals. With help from her two friends, she walked shakily outside. Once used to walking, she took a deep breath and made cautious steps to the backyard. Uo and Hana followed close behind; ready to catch her if she fell. Soon, they came upon a clearing. Uo noticed the rows of neglected fruits and vegetables.
"What is this?" she asked, turning to Tohru. Tohru smiled.
"This is Sohma-kun's secret base. He grows vegetables here. They're all growing well now, even when he doesn't tend them. I'll take care of them now, until he comes out. Then we can do it together. Together." With that, Tohru eased herself slowly to her knees and began examining the plants and pulling weeds. She painstakingly pulled every weed, and whenever Hana or Uo bent to help her, she motioned them back. The two watched Tohru for hours as she fixed up the garden, and fetched water for her from the spicket when asked. When she was finished she stood, brushed off her hands, and bent down to pick a leaf from the strawberry plant. Satisfied, she walked back to the house.
-
Hatsuharu was sitting outside Yuki's door, his head leaning up against it. He had been mumbling mindlessly to Yuki for the last hour.
"Yuki… Please, just let me in for a moment. Everyone's worried about you. I just want to see your face. Please, I won't tell anyone. Let me in, just for a second. Please…"
"H-Haru? Is… is that you?" Haru jolted.
"Yes, Yuki! It's me, Haru! Let me in, please. Just for a second."
"O-okay. I… I need someone to talk to right now. Anyone." The door slid open, and Haru slipped in.
Yuki was disgruntled looking. He wasn't disgusting, he had bathed, but he was skinnier than he used to be and he had huge bags under his eyes. Yuki looked like a lost puppy, shaking in the cold. Haru flung his arms around the rat. Yuki relaxed considerably, allowing himself to be hugged.
"I want Tohru…"
"She's out right now. She and the other two girls took a walk a couple of hours ago. I'm the only one here. It's oddly similar to the other times. You let me in, and then you came out soon after. I really love it when you open up to me, Yuki." Haru brushed a piece of hair from the rat's forehead. Yuki didn't cringe away at Haru's affections, but he didn't respond positively either.
"I love Tohru, so much. But she loves Kyo…" Haru shook his head.
"No, Yuki. She loves both of you equally. I heard her say it herself. I had my ear to the door when she told that to Hatori. Everyone wants you to come out so badly. Even Kyo doesn't like it that you've cooped yourself up. 'It makes him frustrated' he said the other day. But, I think Tohru wants you to come out the most. She's made herself sick, y'know. She's getting better though."
"God… I made her that worried? So worried that she was sick? Noooo…" Tears came to Yuki's eyes, and he leaned his head on Haru's shoulder. "She'll never forgive me now… She'll hate me forever…"
"No! Tohru will always love you and forgive you, no matter what. And so will I. Don't you doubt that, ever." Haru leaned back and took hold of Yuki's shoulders and gave him a light shake. "I want the best for you, and that's Tohru. You've gotta come out."
-
Tohru returned shortly after Yuki let Haru in. She walked carefully up the stairs, motioning for her friends to stay downstairs. Sitting in front of Yuki's door, she knocked softly, then slipped the leaf under the door. She heard a short gasp, and footsteps. The door opened, and Yuki pulled Tohru in, careful not to hug her. Snapping the door shut, he gazed into her eyes and took her hands. Tohru was the first to speak.
"I love you, Yuki." Careful not to embrace, their lips met. They ignored the sound of the door opening as Uo, Hana, and Haru stood in the doorway. All three were smiling broadly, and Hana mumbled something about the cost of the wedding. This earned her an elbow from Uo and a stern whisper from Haru. Uo snickered suddenly, and made a remark that made Tohru blush instantly and Yuki break off the kiss. Tohru stood jerkily, and pulled Yuki to his feet. With a smile, she spoke.
"Would anyone like lunch?"
-
"What!" Akito clenched his fists angrily and glared at Hatori. "What do you mean he's come out? Damn, I thought that he would stay in for at least another two weeks! That Tohru girl is ruining everything! She's probably the one who got him out!" Hatori shook his head.
"No. It was Haru who got him to let her in. Just like all the other times, it was Haru who left the door open."
"Stupid ass."
"No, sir, I believe Haru's the cow."