I'm Home Again
By: Akeryou-sama
Chapter 2

Note: this story sucks, I know. Anyways, three or four more chapters left after this one, maybe more.

Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket.

Home

Recap: Tohru's been threatened with death if she ever has anything to do with the Sohma's ever again. Akito's dead and Hatori's been named Akito's successor. Tohru's finally realized she'll die one way or another. She flew to Japan and met up with Uo and Hana. What's to happen when she goes to Shigure's house?

After unpacking her things and eating, the three friends left their house and headed up to Shigure, Yuki, and Kyo's house.

Uo slid the shoji door opened and poked her head inside.

"Hey! Shigure? You here?" She called inside and heard a faint response, "we've brought a visitor."

Shigure's footsteps sounded the same as they did in Tohru's memories. She smiled as Uo and Hana led her inside.

"Uo, Hana, what a pleasant surprise. What are you doing here?" Shigure said and glanced at the clock, "The guys should be getting home in a half hour."

"We brought a visitor who missed you guys," Uo said and Tohru stepped out from behind the two girls.

"Tohru?" Shigure said and laughed, "Pinch me, I must be dreaming! You look the same as you did four years ago! What brings you back here?"

"I've come home," Tohru whispered and smiled at him, "I should explain the whole story to you."

Shigure nodded and they sat down. It took Tohru fifteen minutes to explain everything to him. He listened contently, asking questions here and there, which Tohru happily answered.

"So, Akito threatened you with death if you had anything more to do with us then?" Shigure summed it all up with a few words.

I knew she was harsh, but that's just… Shigure thought as he listened to Tohru.

"Yes. It was after I told her we hadn't found anything," Tohru said and smiled.

"And she threw you across the room, like… normal?" Shigure repeated her exact words.

I can't believe I loved… that woman… Shigure thought and let out and scowled inwardly, how could she?

"Yes," Tohru replied and frowned slightly.

"And you still cannot find it in your heart to blame her for your heartache?" Shigure finished as she nodded, "Well… I guess it's good to say that she can't harm you. She's dead."

"I know. And you guys also found a way to lock the animal away. A medallion," Tohru said and smiled, "Seems you guys accomplished more than I could."

"We also lost progress, but regained some," Shigure added, "Most of the Zodiac members you had touched with your love, acceptance, and care drew back into themselves, until they met Hana and Uo. They regained some of the lost progress, but not much."

"I see," Tohru said and smiled.

"Yuki, Kyo, and Haru should be getting here any minute," Shigure said and smiled, "I'm sure you want to deal with them one at a time. Yuki will go straight to the vegetable garden before coming to the house. Kyo will go straight to the roof. Haru will probably come in here and sit."

"Thank you, Shigure. I think I'll go down to Yuki's secret base," Tohru said, smiling before standing, slipping on her shoes and leaving for the garden.

It didn't take her long before she got to the patch of vegetables and strawberries. She found a small stump that was shaded by a larger cherry tree and sat on it. It wasn't long before Yuki walked into the small clearing.

She watched him intently as he watered the vegetables and checked them. She stood up quietly and walked over to him, making sure to not make a noise. She smiling as she looked at the strawberries and voice her thoughts.

"The strawberries are looking good, Yuki," She said and watched as he spun around, startled.

"Miss… Miss Honda?" Yuki stuttered and Tohru nodded, smiling as tears formed in her eyes.

"Yes, Yuki, I'm here. I'm home," She said and launched herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

"You're back," Yuki whispered and tightened his hold on her, placing a small kiss on the top of her head, "I'm glad you're back."

"Me too, Yuki. Me too!" She sobbed into his chest.

Once he had gotten her to calm down, she explained what happened to him and he nodded. When she told him how Akito treated her, he was angry until she smiled at him and told him it was okay. He did the same this as Shigure had, asking questions here and there; ironically they had been the same questions.

"Tohru?" Yuki asked and Tohru looked up at him, surprised, "I'm glad you're back. I missed you a lot."

"I missed you a lot too, Yuki," Tohru said and smiled at him.

He said my name. It sounds so wonderful when he says my name. Tohru thought as she smiled at him.

"We should head back to the house," He said and she nodded, "Kyo and Haru will be glad to see you."

"Right," Tohru said and smiled at Yuki, wrapping an arm around his waist, "Come on Yuki!"

Yuki shyly placed an arm around her shoulders and they walked back to the house, chatting away.

It turns out that Shigure was wrong about where Kyo and Haru would be. Kyo hadn't gone straight to the roof, he went inside and Haru had gone straight home.

As Yuki and Tohru entered the house, Kyo, from his appearance, had just sat down from taking a shower and was being mugged by Uo.

"Look who I found out at my secret base," Yuki said, smiling as he looked down at Tohru, who smiled up at him, "A little birdie who decided to fly south."

Kyo looked up, his jaw dropping. Tohru grinned at him and laughed at his reaction.

"What the hell is going on here!" Kyo shouted, backing away from Uo and jumping to his feet.

"Well, I went out to Yuki's secret base to wait for him and when I found him I-" Tohru smiled brightly as she talked before she was cut off.

"That's not what I meant. Quit creeping me out with all that smiling shit," Kyo said and sat back down, slightly edgy.

"Listen to her story, you damn cat," Yuki said and Tohru shook her head.

At least they haven't changed much in looks, personality, or references to one another. She thought as she and Yuki sat down.

She explained what happened to Kyo who, like the other two asked questions and she answered them. He asked the same exact questions they had and she mentally shook her head at the feeling of Déjà vu.

Without a word, Kyo stood up and left the room. They all heard the opening and slamming shut of the front door. Tohru winced slightly and laughed nervously.

"Maybe I should handle Haru now… or no?" She said, laughing slightly, "Then again… he might go black Haru on us."

"Haru… will be dealt with in time. He was the only Sohma who didn't get moody. His progress stayed the same. He really hasn't change a bit," Hana said and smiled, "Sometimes, he went black when Akito was mentioned, but not very often."

"We could thank you, Hana, for that," Shigure said, knowingly causing her to flush slightly.

"I have no idea what you are talking about," Hana said and glared at Shigure before calmly looking at the others, "It's come to my attention that Haru is hungry and it is almost time for dinner to be started."

True to Hana's word, it was almost time for dinner, being 5:30. The three girls stood up, bowing.

"It would be fine for you two to come with," Hana said before leaving, the others trailing after.

"Are you going to need help with dinner, Hana? I'd be happy to cook," Tohru said, smiling, "It'd be nice to cook a large meal rather than living off of can beef ravioli, tofu, and bagged salad."

She cringed at the thought of her late night meals and lunches, "How I managed to live off that is beyond me."

"I would love to have your help in the kitchen, Tohru," Hana said and smiled warmly.

"Great! So, what are we cooking?" Tohru said excitedly.

"I was thinking miso soup, tofu, stewed leeks, and codfish," Hana replied and Tohru beamed before frowning and laughing.

"Kyo is going to be upset," Tohru said and smiled, "He's going to think we're trying to kill him."

"Yes… I know this. I force him to eat them, with little words," Hana said and smiled, "Yuki helps sometimes."

"That's great!" Tohru said, smiling happily before sweat dropping and adding, "I think…"

"At least we have codfish to make up for it, right?" Uo said and smiled.

"Kagura is supposed to me coming tomorrow. Kureno should be coming too visit too," Shigure stated and smiled, "Oh and Yuki?"

"Yes?" Yuki said and looked at Shigure.

"Ayame will be coming too," He said and ducked Yuki's fist, "I didn't tell him! It was Kureno! Not me! Spare me!"

"Don't talk to me," Yuki said in a dangerously angry voice.

The three girls laughed slightly as they reached the other Sohma house. They entered it and Uo called out to Haru.

"Hatsuharu! We're home," Uo called out as they slid off their shoes.

Haru's footsteps were heard as they walked into the Kitchen. Yuki and Shigure entered the other room, meeting up with Haru. Uo entered the room shortly after the other two, holding a tea kettle and some cups on a serving tray, with a deck of cards in her back pocket.

"Will you prepare the codfish? I must make a quick telephone call," Hana said and smiled at Tohru, "You do know how he likes his codfish."

"Right," Tohru said, smiling brightly as Hana left the room.

Hana walked out into the hall and picked up the phone. She dialed a number and waited for someone to answer the phone.

"Hello?"

"Kyo, go get some tofu."

"Why the hell do I have to go get the tofu? Why don't you make that damn Yuki go do it!"

"Because he is casually talking with Uo, Shigure, and Haru. Now go get the tofu before I …...$&…... you with electric waves."

Hana heard a satisfying gulp followed by a hurried click of the phone. She entered the kitchen as Tohru placed the codfish into the oven. The two girls began to make the miso soup and the stewed leeks.

Soon, Kagura and Kureno had joined them telling them Ayame would be late. Yuki joined Hana and Tohru in the kitchen to help what little he could. Kureno and Uo had left for a walk, promising to be back shortly.

By the time the food was finished, Kyo had gotten there, with the tofu, grumbling about mad physic women. Tohru laughed as she helped Hana bring the food and dishes in. She brought in some tea as well. Kureno and Uo returned from their walk shortly after the food was set on the table.

"Tohru, you're back for good, I hope," Kagura said and smiled, "I missed seeing you."

"Yes, I'm back for good. I'm sorry for not saying hi the few times I can here to visit. It's just…" Tohru stopped before jumping into a complete explanation about what had happened, again.

"I was angry at her for that, you know. Akito… I heard every word said," Haru said as he stopped eating and closed his eyes.

"Hatsuharu?" Hana said and looked at him, "This is why you weren't affected by Tohru's disappearance, but every time Akito was mentioned, you went black, correct?"

"Yes. I was so angry at her. Akito did one thing that made us all suffer more than anything. Tohru healed each one of us Zodiac members," Haru said and Tohru blushed, before bowing her head, "I wanted more than anything to shred Akito into pieces, but I knew that would accomplish nothing."

"You heard everything?" Tohru whispered and frowned.

"Yes, everything," Haru said and Tohru's eyes widened.

"I… excuse me for a minute. I do not feel well," Tohru whispered and stood up, clenching and unclenching her fists at her sides before leaving the room.

She slid on her shoes and walked out of the house. In a mad dash to reach her mother's comfort at her grave, Tohru watched in her mind as the whole meeting unfurled in her mind.

Tohru knelt, head bent facing the front of a room in the Sohma family main house. Akito lay outside, on the deck with the shoji door opened.

"Akito," Tohru began and paused, "We've yet to find a cure. I'm sorry."

"You still think you can find a cure, you foolish girl," Akito said stood up, silently, "You think that because you're not cursed, you can find the cure that the Sohma family has yet to find after centuries of searching?"

"No—" Tohru was cut off as Akito grabbed a handful of her hair causing her to cry out.

"You think you're better than us. Is that it?" She yelled as she shook her, "Answer me!"

"N-no," Tohru replied, "I just want to help. I won't ever give up. I want to-AH!" She cried out as Akito gave a tug on her hair, "I want to help my family!"

"Your family," Akito sneered, dragging her to her feet, "Is that what they are? You are no Sohma. You are a filthy wretch. You are forbidden to come back here. If you do, you will face death. You are to never see your… family again."

"You're afraid. I know what you feel, Akito. You're frightened that you'll lose you're hold on Yuki. You're frightened that I'll heal him and he'll stand up against you. You're afraid that you'll have no say in the family because of me. You're afraid," Tohru said loud enough for Akito to hear, before raising her voice, "I know what you did to MY Yuki! I know what you did! You abused him. Mentally and physically. You're afraid that because I love him, I'll heal him and he won't be afraid of you. You're afraid that he loves me. You're a coward. That's all you are. A coward.

"And what's worse is that you know sending me away will hurt him more than anything. You know it," Tohru said angrily, "I hate you for everything you've done to cause pain for the Zodiac members and Yuki! You're just a bully. A coward hiding behind your power and control. Too afraid to step out and deal with the problem at hand."

Her words angered Akito. Tohru was thrown from her sight and landed in a heap at the other end of the room. She slowly stood up, wiping a trail of blood from her broken open lip. Tohru bowed to her and turned, facing the door.

"I want you out of here. I want you gone. Get out. NOW!" Akito yelled at Tohru.

"So be it. But remember, Akito. It is you who is destined to die for the curse. It is you who holds the curse. It is you who bears this curse. And it was I who tried to help," Tohru said softly and walked silently out of the room, not looking back.

Tohru had reached her mothers grave, and thrown herself upon the stone marker. She cried. She cried for everything-everyone.

--

Back at Sohma house

--

"I'll go after her," Haru said and stood up, "I'll return with Tohru later. Finish eating. We'll be back late. Where would she be?"

"Check her mother's grave, Haru. She goes there for comfort," Uo said and watched as Haru left with an umbrella in hand.

--

Back at Kyoko's grave with Tohru

--

"Oh mom!" She sobbed, "I lied… I lied to them. I lied about everything, and Hatsuharu knows."

The sky had darkened with gray clouds. The sun shined no longer, the birds sang no more. The cemetery was desolate and dark. Cold rain sprinkled from the sky like angel tears.

"Tohru! Tohru!" Someone was calling her named.

She ignored it and sobbed harder, not caring about the rain pelting her body. She heard heavy footsteps and water splashes. Someone knelt down next to her and pulled her to them.

"Tohru, it's okay. It's Haru," She recognized his voice now, and grabbed his shirt in her fists, "I knew for a long time that you were in love with Yuki. He's quite admirable. He's worthy for you're love, Tohru."

Haru and sat on the wet cement and pulled Tohru into his lap, letting her cry into his shirt. He murmured soothing words to her and held her like a brother would his little sister.

"She was a coward. Akito hid behind her power and ability to control people. She didn't do anything about the curse," Haru said and smiled, "She wanted you out because you knew the truth. She would have done anything to keep the truth secret. You're admittance to loving Yuki was what further fueled her anger.

"She and Shigure were once in love, if not still. When Kureno broke the blood bond, Akito felt a sense of loss and begged him to stay by her side. This brought about them having sex. Shigure was angered and slept with Ren, Akito's mother. The two got further and further from each other. Because of the loss of her love, Akito can't stand anyone else being happy with someone they love. Hence the treatment of Hatori and Kana and Hiro and Kisa," Tohru's tears had subsided, leaving her to hiccupping and slight hyperventilation.

"I never knew," Tohru whispered as she wiped the water from her face.

"It's late. We're soaked. We should get home," Haru said, helping Tohru stand before stand himself.

"Yes. We'll catch a cold if we're not careful," Tohru said and smiled.

I think Hatsuharu and I just bonded further. Tohru thought with a small smile.

"Do you feel better?" Haru said once they got started on the way home.

"Yes," She nodded and laughed, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause you so much trouble. I just didn't want anyone to know that I love him."

"It's easy for me to figure out people. I'm observant. Once I think I know someone by observing them, I'll see if I really know it's true," Haru said smiling slightly, "I guess I was right about you. You are a good, carefree, independent person who doesn't like to burden people, puts other people before herself and loves Yuki. But, I've also noticed that you don't like to accept help from other people. Could that be because you don't want to come to rely on them like you had you're mother and father, and then have them die or leave you?"

"How did you…" Tohru whispered and looked at him.

He hit the nail head on with the hammer. Tohru thought, her eyes widening before lowering.

"Yes. It's true," She said and smiled, "You really are good at that, you know."

"Yes. Yes I do," Haru said and smiled, "But, if you hurt Yuki, I will hate you forever."

His demeanor had changed, leaving Tohru to sidestep away and sweat drop.

"Hatsuharu, by any chance, have you gone black Haru on me whilst I was looking?" She asked and he shook his head.

"No. I'm just protective of Yuki is all," Haru replied and Tohru sighed in relief as she fell into step next to him.

"I see. I won't hurt him, I promise," She said and smiled, "If I do, it's unintentional. I wouldn't want to harm anyone intentionally!"

"Looks like we're back," Haru said and smirked slightly as he hugged Tohru, "Just know I'll be here for you if you need me."

"You don't have to be! I'm such a burden! No, no, no, no!" Tohru protested before Haru glared at her, "Okay! As long as it's no trouble! I wouldn't want to be a burden!"

"You're no burden, Tohru Honda," Haru said and she smiled.

"Thank you, Haru," She said and he nodded.

"Anytime. Come on. It's still sprinkling and it's rather cold," Haru said and smiled at her as he folded the umbrella up and they walked into the house.

"Tohru! You're back! Are you okay? Our poor little Tohru!" Hana and Uo jumped in at the same time, asking her a bunch of questions while ushering her off to the bathroom to shower and get into clean, dry clothes.

Haru went and got dried off before returning to were Shigure and Ayame sat. Yuki and Kyo had been drug off to the other Sohma house by Kagura so Ayame wouldn't bother them. Kureno had left shortly after saying he needed to return to the main house.

"Why did she get so upset when you told her you had seen the whole thing?" Shigure said and Haru smiled wryly before telling him in a hushed tone.

"And that's what happened," Haru finished and glowered slightly.

"She is in love with him then?" Shigure asked to no one in particular, rather bemused, "I knew she'd end up falling in love with one of them sooner or later. It's no wonder why Akito was so furious at the New Years celebration that year. She had wrote her telling her that she was in love with Yuki."

Ayame squealed and smiled happily, "Gure! Their love is far greater than our own is!"

"Aya! I will love you ten times more now!" Shigure said and Haru hit them both upside the head.

"Will you two shut up?" Haru said and glared at them, "You're annoying me."

"That wasn't very nice, Hatsuharu," Tohru said and laughed, "I was enjoying the show."

"Tohru," Ayame exclaimed once he seen her, "How are you? You're looking marvelous as always!"

"Hello to you too Ayame," She said and laughed before looking around, "Did you scare Yuki away?"

"And Kyon-Kyon," Uo said as she descended the stairs behind Tohru, "Kagura took them up to the other house so they wouldn't destroy this house by beating Ayame to hell and back."

"I see," Tohru said with laughter evident in her voice causing Ayame to face fault.

"They all hate me! No one loves me!" Ayame fake cried.

"Evil!" Shigure said and hugged Ayame, "I love you Aya."

"Yes, I know that," Ayame said and quit fake crying.

Tohru sat on the ground, cross legged as she talked with the others. They all soon departed for bed or to home. Ayame and Shigure went to the other house.

It's been a long, eventful day. She thought as she crawled in bed, falling asleep almost instantly.

Hope you liked! Review with atleast some criticism!