Snails Pace

Thus by chance should I stumble upon a way to find you

Chapter Eight

'Kyou's got a girlfriend, Kyou's got a girlfriend!' Shigure sung as he walked down the hallway the next morning. There seemed to be a definite hop in his step; and a permanent smile on his face.

'What are you talking about?' Kyou snapped, coming out of his bedroom with the intention of smacking Shigure square across the jaw. He could hear the Dog's voice ringing through the entire house and would have preferred it if Tohru and Kagura both hadn't heard it.

'Oh… maybe I'm talking about Tohru… or is it Kagura…hmm, no I think it's Tohru! Kyou's wretched and fiery heart of steal is finally beginning to melt! So who would have thought?' Shigure giggled to himself and continued on downstairs.

'If Tohru or Kagura hear your pathetic voice I'm gonna beat you so bad - !'

'Tohru and Kagura have gone out this morning. Tohru thought that they might do some friendly bonding so they're off to do some shopping. She did leave us a most excellent breakfast though; you should really come down and have some.'

Kyou suddenly realized how hungry he was. He reluctantly followed Shigure downstairs and took his place at the table. They both sat in silence – Kyou making sure he didn't lock eyes with Shigure; but he finally gave in to the curiosity and looked up to see what the Sohma was doing. He was smiling, with his head rested neatly on his folded hands.

'What?' Kyou snapped.

Shigure tilted his head slightly and seemed to think about what he was going to say for a moment before responding, 'you know, I think Tohru really needs something to do around here. She'll get bored hanging around for so long. Why don't you take her somewhere nice? You know what she likes, right?'

'NO!'

Shigure simply continued smiling as though he knew the truth behind the matter. Kyou did know what Tohru liked. She liked to act. Especially after watching her perform the monologue the previous day; he had seen the fire that burned within her whenever she took the stage. Although ordinary and polite; she could become anything she wanted when she had an audience. Kyou felt his expression sour; and he excused himself from the table. Perhaps Shigure was right – maybe Tohru would become bored with herself. He decided to do something about it; and as soon as he'd had a shower and dressed, he left the house quickly.

'That's two points for me,' Shigure said in success as he watched the orange haired boy stalk away.

Montgomery Drama Academy was a large theatre within New York. It was shaped like a dome and within each window was a large poster of that years up and coming stage presentations. A large pinnacle rose up from the entrance revolving doors, and displayed across it was a list of rehearsal times and auditions for that coming month. Kyou gritted his teeth and walked inside. It was cool, dark and empty in the foyer save for the woman at the front desk who seemed busy stamping some forms. In truth, he didn't understand why he'd even caught the bus to the Drama Academy; but it was what Tohru was fond of; and he needed to do something.

'Excuse me?' the woman said looking up and beaming at him, 'Are you hear for an interview?'

'No,' Kyou replied, 'I just wanted to; uh… ask you a few questions.' He sounded like a spy.

The woman seemed a little confused, but she put her pen aside, folded her hands and directed all her attention to him. He'd been put on the spotlight.

'Well… I was wondering if you have any courses here of some kind. Productions...uh,' he finally pulled himself together enough to speak. 'Do you have any auditions available that are still open?'

The woman beamed at him then turned to her computer and typed in a few various letters and numbers.

'We have a stage production of Phantom of the Opera and The Hobbit taking place later next year. The auditions for both of these are on Thursday's, this September. If you're interested all you have to do is bring me a portfolio of yourself and I can arrange a time with the directors.'

'The… Hobbit?' Kyou was shocked and amazed. The woman simply nodded, 'is it all right if I come back tomorrow?' he asked. The woman nodded once more; and Kyou ran out of the Academy after taking one of the fliers.

'Oh, our lovely Tohru will be simply delighted with this idea! You really have out done yourself this time Kyou. I never knew you had a heart!' Shigure laughed softly as he was presented with the flyer, 'and if Tohru opts to take this chance then that means she might stay with us for a full year. That means more sweet Tohru flavored lunches and dinners for me!' He seemed almost about to cry.

'You pervert!' Kyou snapped and stole the flyer away from him before he continued raving. It was at that moment they heard the sound of Kagura's laughter and realized the girls were home. Kyou screeched and ran away. Tohru stepped into the hall; wearing a new blouse and skirt she had bought while shopping. There were a few more bags in her arms and Shigure took them kindly.

'Lovely shopping, ladies?' he asked, 'So when's dinner?'

'We had a wonderful time,' Tohru replied, 'and you should ask Kagura when dinner is since she is the one who'll be doing most of the cooking tonight.' Shigure felt the pit of his stomach explode and he hung his head in horror.

'Oh… that's… nice,' was the only comment his intelligent brain could think of; and thankfully, Kagura didn't notice his displeasure.

Indeed it was a discomfort by the time dinner had come. Kagura's shaky performance at catering a meal for Kyou had resulted in over cooked salmon, watery rice balls, mildly charred vegetables and sauces that resembled something unnatural that none of them were particularly fond of looking at let alone putting on their fish. Kyou had been warned though and lectured on the decency of a man, and as such was expected to finish everything on his plate – including the strange sauces. Kagura beamed with pride. In her eyes, the farewell dinner for her beloved before she went home had been a huge success.

'By the way Tohru, Kyou has something for you I think,' Shigure mused as Kagura wandered into the kitchen; vaguely aware of what she was hearing.

'For me?' Tohru asked. Kyou was thankful for the conversation which didn't involve putting food in his mouth and he quickly flicked the flyer across the table. Tohru's eyes seemed to sparkle when she read the contents. 'Oh you really went out of your way to go to Montgomery Drama Academy; you sh-shouldn't have!' she stuttered.

'I thought it would give you something to do while you're here,' Kyou replied stiffly.

'He just wants our precious flower to be happy,' Shigure cooed.

'No! I just want her out of the house!' Kyou snapped back, 'it gives me more time to myself! I spent the last week and a half tracking her down!'

'Can I go in tomorrow, Shigure, please?' Tohru asked, she was itching with excitement. If she could take a place in one of the upcoming productions then she would have a performance to show Yuki Sohma when they finally met; and it could be a present for him since he'd had her hauled across the country just to be by his side.

'I don't see why not,' Shigure replied, 'but of course Kyou will have to go with you,' Shigure shushed the man before he could start screaming, 'after all, the city is a dangerous place and Miss Tohru wouldn't know her way around very well. Any number of kidnappers could attempt to take our sweet princess of the kitchen. You wouldn't want that to happen now, would you Kyou?'

Kyou adopted a rigid defensive stance, but shook his head in agreement with Shigure. Through gritted teeth he managed to hiss, 'I… suppose… not.'

'Thank you so much Kyou. You've made me so happy,' Tohru couldn't contain her excitement. She simply had to show her affection for him. She leaned across the table and kissed him softly on the cheek. So softly she could barely feel his skin against her lips; and so softly that Kyou was still feeling it minutes after she had left to go into the kitchen. He sat frozen near the table, staring at nothing in particular and concentrating on that one tiny feeling that had shot through his body. It was impossible to seem angry with anything in that short fleeting moment.

'How does that feel?' Shigure smiled.

'Like... butterfly wings,' he replied softly.