"Almost ready, Tohru?"

"Roger!"

Now that the boys were gone, Tohru and I decided we should hit downtown. I reached into my little neko-backpack and pulled out a small jar of lip gloss. Tohru peeked into my hands.

"Ooh, is that cherry?" Only Tohru could get so excited about lip gloss.

"Mm-hm! Want some," I offered, holding out the jar.

"Oh no! It's yours, Kagura." I let out an exasperated sigh.

"Hold still, ok?" I opened the jar, dipping a finger into the pale-pink gloss. Tohru stood frozen while I gently covered her lips in the gloss. "There!" I stood back to admire my work. "That's a really cute shade on you. It's perfect!"

"Thank you!" Tohru licked her lips "Yum!" Of course, this caused me to break into giggles.

"You're not supposed to eat it, silly Tohru!" I couldn't help teasing her. She's utterly adorable when she's flustered.

"I can't help it! I'm not used to using this kind of stuff."

"Well keep it, okay? My gift to you. For being such a good friend."

"Oh, Kagura!" I was then happily subjected to one of Tohru's bear-hugs. "Arigato gozaimasu," she whispered.

"It's been such a long time since I've been shopping," Tohru said when we arrived at the department store.

"But you're always working. Don't you ever spend any of your money?" I asked.

"I try to save as much as I can. I can't depend on Shigure and everyone forever."

"What do you mean? Everyone loves having you at the house, especially Shigure. You aren't planning to move out, are you?" She fingered a yellow blouse that was on a nearby hanger.

"Well, nothing right away, but I'm not sure what's going to happen after high school. Everyone's been so kind to me, letting me stay at the house, taking me along on vacations. I don't want to be a burden, so I'm going to save my money and someday I will be independent, just like my mom!" She had the face of determination, but I felt bad for her.

"Tohru, no one thinks of you as a burden. The boys would be totally lost without you. Not only do you keep the house in order, but you make everyone around you happy."

"Kagura…"

"Especially Kyo. Ever since you came into his life, he's changed. I've never seen him so happy-trust me, I think I've tried just about everything. But you make him happy, and I'll always be grateful for that"

"I think Kyo is lucky to have someone like Kagura-chan love him so much," Tohru looked me in the eye, smiling.

"I don't think he feels too lucky," I sighed. "It's like he hates me, sometimes…"

"It's not that. You know Kyo, he's so shy."

"I guess I can be a little intimidating," I admitted.

"I'm sure he'll come around, Kagura. In the mean time, I bet most guys would jump at the chance to go on a date with you," she said cheerily.

"Well, there have been a few who've asked me out, but because of being a Sohma, I know I could never get close to them. I've loved Kyo since we were little and I think we would make a perfect marriage, but lately he just keeps pushing me away."

"Well, I think he should appreciate you more! I really care for Kyo, but you deserve to be loved as much as you love." If there was one thing Tohru was good at, it was cheering someone up.

"Thanks, Tohru."

"Don't mention it!"

We wandered over to the music section where I immediately spotted a display for the new 'Kitsune' album.

"Tohru, look!"

"Hm?" she looked puzzled.

"The new 'Kitsune' album! I totally forgot it was coming out today!"

"Oh. I don't think I've heard of them…" Sometimes Tohru can sure be clueless…

"Well, you will today," I told her picking up one of the dozens of copies. " 'Kitsune' is a girl-pop duo. They're my favorite group. You've really never heard of them?" She shook her head.

"Can we listen to it when we get home?" she asked.

"You bet we will!"

After spending some more time at the department store, I suggested we take a break at the café. Tohru found a table and I offered to get drinks.

"What kind of coffee do you like?" When I asked, she gave an embarrassed little smile.

"I don't know. I've never drank it, except for a couple times tried some of my Mom's." I still didn't get the sheepish grin.

"Do you want something else?"

"No! I want to try it!"

"Okay. Something sweet?" She nodded vigorously.

I came back to the table, drinks in hand.

"Let me know what you think," I told her. She tasted.

"It's delicious!"

"Caramel-mocha," I informed her, proud that I had picked out something she liked. In a moment, her face melted into a melancholy smile. She lowered her eyes. Before I could ask what was wrong, she spoke.

"I really appreciate you hanging out with me, Kagura…"

"What's the matter, Tohru?" Had I hurt her feelings somehow?

"It's just…you're so cool and grown-up. I don't want to be a bother, acting like a kid." She let out a nervous laugh. I was shocked. Something began to well up inside me. I grabbed her hand.

"TOHRU-CHAN! DON'T EVER THINK THAT WAY ABOUT YOURSELF! YOU ARE AN INCREDIBLE GIRL, OK? YOU'RE THE BEST FRIEND THAT I'VE EVER HAD! I LOVE YOU, HONDA TOHRU!"

My heart was racing. Had I really just said that aloud? I was standing up at that point, my eyes still locked on Tohru's gorgeous brown ones. Everyone was staring at us, but that was the least of my concerns. I noticed Tohru's face brighten into a dewy-eyed smile.

"I love you too, Kagura. You're my best friend." She gave my hand a gentle squeeze and I relaxed instantly. "Want to walk for awhile?" I smiled at her suggestion.

"Okay, I could use the fresh air." Feeling bold, after our confessions of love and best-friendship, I grabbed ahold of Tohru's hand. She looked at me and smiled. Is Tohru blushing? No! She couldn't be thinking...but then again,….

I could hear whispers as we left the café, two girls hand in hand. But I didn't care what they thought, I was with Tohru, and that made me happy.