Fruits Basket

Beginnings and Endings

((Author Note: Edited!))

Chapter 43

"Do you think it was wise to let Tohru go off on her own?" Shigure inquired, as he assisted Kyo.

"Of course you ask that when we already let her go." Kyo grabbed the hammer right out of Shigure's hand. "What could happen?"

"So rough, Kyo. I hope you don't treat Tohru like that in bed."

Kyo froze instantly as he felt his face turn bright red.

"How crude," Yuki commented as he stared at Kyo with a disgusted look.

"You stop staring at me like that!" Kyo yelled as he pointed at Yuki. "And you!" Kyo grabbed Shigure by the collar of his shirt since he was trying to creep away. "Stop saying crap like that."

"I was only concerned about are sweet flower," Shigure said with a chuckle. "Besides, we should be concerned, considering how much she has done for us. One would think something would happen to her eventually, being so close to the curse."

Kyo loosened his grip around Shigure's collar until the soft fabric slipped from his fingertips. "Stop worrying. She'll be fine. She's got us after all."

"You mean you," Yuki said as he kept his eyes on his work.

Kyo shook his head. "No…I mean she has all of us."

"Wise words, Kyo." Shigure crossed his arms loosely. "Who would have thought Kyo had a brain after all?"

"What am I? A scarecrow or something?" Kyo growled at Shigure with his hammer raised.

"Let us get back to work," Yuki interrupted as he tapped the side of the house. "After all, Miss Honda is out there working. We should do the same."

"Ah, wise words from the ever thoughtful Yuki." Shigure nodded his head,."I shall write Tohru in my next novel."

"Oh, no you don't!" Kyo and Yuki yelled at the same time.

"I've seen that stuff you write, and it's on the verge of being considered a hent-" Kyo was suddenly interrupted by a nudge from Shigure's elbow.

"But then you can keep Tohru close to you all the time."

"What!" Kyo once again felt like his face was turning red. He wasn't sure if it was from being hot or embarrassed.

"You're both idiots," Yuki said with a sigh.

"Help Shigure?" Hatori repeated Tohru's question as he leaned back in his chair. The cool weather was finally fading away, however Hatori wasn't particular to the warmer weather. "I'll pass."

"What!" Tohru said, a tad surprised by his refusal.

"Hmm…however," Hatori quickly said as he shut his eyes slightly, "if it's you asking for assistance, then I'll gladly accept."

"Oh, um…" Tohru paused a moment. She hated to be a burden on Hatori. He was busy working and he was kind enough to let her see him. "It would really be great if you could help us. I promised I would ask everyone for help."

"I suppose that is as close as I am going to get." Hatori smiled to her slightly. "I'll be there after work."

"Oh! Thank you very much. I promise to make dinner for everyone, so you don't have to worry."

"That's fine. Nothing big," Hatori said as he stood up from his chair. "I'm sure you're asking everyone the same question. Haru and Momiji are still here. As for the others, well, I suspect them to be at their houses. Ayame is at his shop today, though."

Tohru stood up to bow to him. "Thank you very much, Hatori."

Hatori patted her head lightly as he walked out. Tohru watched him leave for a moment before she left to go speak to Haru and Momiji.

Hatori was walking down the walkway until he saw Akito. His body quickly froze as he stared at his thin figure. Hatori wondered if he had come to see what Tohru wanted, or he had come for the simple pleasure of torturing them. Whatever the reason, Hatori was sure it wasn't going to be pleasant.

"What did she want?" Akito asked as his dark eyes peered through from under his hair like two black diamonds.

"She had a question," Hatori replied in a steady voice. He wasn't sure if such a lie would work, but he didn't want to risk Tohru. She had been through enough on their account. "I answered her; that is all."

Akito was silent for a moment as he studied Hatori. He cleared his throat for a brief moment before he began to walk away without another word. Hatori wasn't sure if that was a sign that Akito had accepted his excuse, but at least Tohru was safe from Akito's grasp for now.

"We'll help, we'll help!" Momiji said as he jumped up and down on his bed. "It'll be fun! We can have a party afterwards."

"Sounds like fun. Kyo and Yuki would be surprised." Tohru nodded to herself. "We'll make it a surprise!"

"I love surprises!" Momiji jumped off his bed and onto the floor with Tohru. "Everyone's coming, right?"

"Well, I'm still asking, but I hope so."

"Right! We'll make it the best party yet! I'll buy lots of stuff."

"Er…well, we can keep it simple too."

"Don't worry, Tohru! Leave everything to me."

"Ha, right." Tohru looked over to Haru who was watching the two quietly. "Uh, Haru would you like to come?"

"Yeah," Haru said in a soft voice. "Will you ask her?"

"Her? You mean Rin?" Tohru questioned as Haru nodded his head lightly. "Of course I will."

"I will be there," Haru replied as he gave her thumbs up.

"Party! Party!" Momiji chanted as Tohru laughed lightly. She had only asked three people so far, and now they were planning a party. She could only guess what sorts of surprises she would face when she asked the rest of the zodiac members.