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Disclaimer: I don't own Fruba or any of the characters. I just like to play around with them (and I DO mean play)

Chapter 2:

"Mph..." Torhu grumbled as her eyes fluttered open. The sun cascaded in through the window and momentarily blinded her. She attempted to sit up, but found herself constrained. What's going on? Her eyes adjusted to the sunlight and she realized what held her firm--it was the handsome Yuki.

"Ah..uh...Yuki?" She stammered, blushing furiously. He shifted his body next to her and tightened his grip around her waist. Torhu just lay there, awed at his serene face. "Yuki?" He responded by opening his eyes slightly. They snapped open and his cheeks turned a deep shade of crimson.

He rose too abruptly and began apologizing for being in her futon. He smiled, "I don't know what came over me, really. I've just never been able to be so close to a girl before, that wasn't a Sohma. Plus, you were really cold last night." His disheveled hair framed his face picturesquely.

"It's okay, really!" Tohru blushed and bowed. I haven't been embraced by anyone since mama died. Being naturally Torhu, she said, "So, what would you like for breakfast?"

Yuki was taken aback, and confessed that he liked miso soup.

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"That was a wonderful breakfast, Miss Tohru." Yuki set down his chopsticks and gazed outside the open shoji doors. Quietly, he rose and fluttered to the opening. Crack! the sound of knuckles echoed in the quiet room.

"Ha, didn't think I'd find you home now, ya damn Rat!" Another tall, well proportioned man stood next to Yuki. "I'm so gonna beat your ass today!"

"Ah yes, the stupid Cat. You really don't have any manners. Didn't you see that I had company?" Yuki turned to face Tohru. The orange haired man looked down at the short table. A tinge of pink came to his cheeks. "This is Miss Tohru Honda--The One," explained Yuki.

"Uh, very nice to meet you. Are you part of the Zodiac too?" Torhu smiled gaily. The Cat turned his back on her.

"Yeah, so what of it? Who cares if you're the One. I came here to beat that damn Yuki!" His fists clenched and his back arched. "Say your prayers--" Smack. Bang...thud. The Cat hit the ground in an identifiable heap.

"Forgive Kyo, he'd rather fight with Yuki than carry on a conversation with such a lovely young lady." The man smiled lecherously. He was taller than the other two and appeared to be older. "My name is Shigure, and that's Kyo." The heap began moving and slowly stood.

"I'm so pleased to meet you, My name is To--"

"Miss Tohru Honda. Yes, we've been waiting for you," Shigure said, cutting her off. Shigure sidled close to her and kneeled. "Now, how old are you, my dear?"

"Uh..." Torhu started.

"Leave her alone, you pervert!" Yuki and Kyo said in concert. Stunned, they both blushed. Yuki continued, "Why are you here, Shigure?"

"Well, just like Kyo here, I wanted to see the chosen one for myself." Tohru fidgeted with her kimono. Why am I getting so much attention? Everything is happening so fast. "I also suggest you take her to see Akito soon. You wouldn't want to make him angry, Yuki." Torhu looked into Yuki's eyes. A sense of fear and pain crossed her mind as she looked into his violet orbs. Yuki nodded. "Well, I must get back to my writing...you know how my fans want more!" Shigure laughed to himself and scooted out the front door. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Tohru!" he called as he shut the door.

"I'm leaving...I'm going to my master's place tonight. I'm gonna beat you soon, ya damn Rat, so don't go anywhere!" Kyo walked stiff spined out the door, slamming it in a huff.

Yuki sighed. "I apologize for all of that. Your presence here has created an uproar." He really is like a prince, Tohru mused. She cleared the table and began filling the sink with stream water. Who is Akito? Is he like the head of the household? A warm hand slid around the front of her waist. Wha-?

(What Yuki was doing/thinking simultaneously)

Yuki couldn't take having such a lovely girl alone in his house. That damn Shigure, always the pervert. But, she is very easy on the eyes. He blushed, and decided it ought to be now. Who knows what Akito might do to her if I take her to the main house. Painful memories came cascading into Yuki's musings. He shuddered. I've been waiting for her for so long. I just want someone to touch me, without inflicting pain. Taking purposeful strides, he entered the "kitchen" and began pulling Torhu into a powerful embrace. She didn't resist me, he thought. A tear began in the corner of his eye.

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It's been an entire week since I turned up here. Who knew I'd be living in 9th century Japan with an attractive man...a member of the Zodiac, no less. During that week, Torhu began to learn about the Sohma curse. But more importantly, she was able to learn more about the mysterious Yuki. He smiles, but I just feel like there is a battle raging in his body.

"Tohru." She glanced up from her thoughts. She was sitting on the porch, wrapped in Heian Period garb. To keep from drawing too much attention to herself, she started wearing her hair in a loose bun. "Would you like to help me tend the garden?" Yuki offered. I hope I didn't scare her with my affections. He was pleased when the look on her face expressed utter delight.

They headed outside to the front garden and began pulling weeds. "So, what's it like in your era?" Torhu momentarily stopped pulling weeds to look at Yuki. His cheeks were slightly flushed.

"Well, it's quite different, actually. We only wear these clothes during weddings and special occasions," she smiled. "We also have things like paved roads and toilets that actually flush!" Yuki looked at her bewildered. Oh right, he wouldn't know what indoor plumbing is. "Hehe, it's just really different--but I like it here. It's so quiet." Torhu held a bunch of weeds to her chest and gazed starry-eyed into the distance. Yuki took in her sight, so fresh and invigorating. He moved back to his work, trying to concentrate, so as not to pull out the vegetables.

"I think that looks good," replied Yuki, admiring their work. Torhu stood too quickly and got lightheaded. I...think I got up too fast. She began tumbling back down to the earth, but her rear never collided with it. Instead, she found herself straddling above Yuki.

"Oh, are you okay? I...I'm sorry I'm so clumsy!" she stuttered and blushed. She looked at Yuki. The look her gave was alluring.

He twisted his fingers in the hairs that escaped her bun. "You really are lovely, Miss Honda." Her cheeks were ablaze as she could feel his warm breath on her lips. Oh...he's so... His lips connected with hers before she registered him leaning up to her. The kiss was simply beautiful--and chaste. "Please, stay with me," Yuki pleaded, twining his fingers even more. His fingertips brushed her cheek and she blushed like a true maiden. Tohru was speechless. I will stay here...so long as I can break your curse. All of you deserve a simple life. She sniffled and looked down at him. His grey tresses sprawled out in a halo. Torhu resisted the urge to touch his sleek face.

"I will break your curse, Yuki." Torhu stood and looked down at the Prince. I don't want you to live in fear or with pain, Yuki. He stood and brushed the dirt from his haori. I want you to be happy...

A/N: okay, more teasers. I just want to get the introductions established. It won't take this long later to get into the story characters. From this point on, I will assume that Torhu has met the other Zodiac members (Hatori, Momiji, Kisa, Hiro, Haru, Ayame, Ritsu). These are the only characters I know so far from reading the manga and watching the anime (up to vol. 7).

I'm keeping the sexy stuff simple for now...if you want more, let me know what pairings you guys want soon. Otherwise, I'll just pick my favorites

Please review if you want ch 3 posted soon. Any other suggestions are welcome! Thanks for those who reviewed (my first story didn't do so hot :P)