Yuki glanced at his phone for the umpteenth time. It was disappointing, but he was starting to suspect that Tohru had been busy when he texted and hadn't seen his message. Or perhaps she hadn't even had her phone on her. Whatever the reason, it was mildly upsetting to be waiting on a response and getting nothing.

Normally, Tohru was a prompt texter. She had never subscribed to the 'read and respond later' mentality; Yuki always knew that she'd be responding the second she saw his texts. Even if she had a negative answer, she always shared it right away. So that fact that Yuki had texted her forty minutes ago and was still waiting to hear a 'yes' or 'no' meant that she probably hadn't even seen the messages.

He sighed and drummed his fingertips on the armrest. It had been a gamble, waiting to tell her he was coming until so close to the train's arrival. But without knowing what Tohru and Kyo's plans were for the morning, he wanted to make sure that he wasn't interrupting anything. Or, more importantly, waking Tohru up. She had a bad habit when visiting of overextending herself and then being exhausted in the mornings; although he knew she was perfectly capable of getting up early, Yuki hated the idea of waking her before she was ready.

But if she hadn't seen, then she was either still sleeping, or somehow busy. So there went Yuki's plans for the morning, and he'd have to figure out something new. He frowned, looking sideways at his bag. He'd be staying with Machi for the two nights he was in town, but she was in school right now. So were Haru, and Momiji, and most of the others he'd like to see would be busy with work. He supposed he could stop by the dojo regardless; it was closer to the train station than the rest of the main estate, and it would be nice to say hi to Sensei. And perhaps he could leave his bag there, and learn where Tohru and Kyo were. He could also go visit Ayame and Mine at the shop this morning, but that would mean spending more time on the train.

Also, while he and Ayame had been gradually getting closer, time with Ayame was a little too exhausting to be the first thing he wanted on any vacation.

Yuki was still musing when he felt the train start to slow, then come to a stop. Well, at least the trip had been uneventful. And even if he wasn't sure what to do right away, he was glad he'd come early. He was already looking forward to surprising Machi after school; wouldn't her face be amazing when she saw him there, waiting for her?

He couldn't believe they'd already together been over a year. How happy he'd been, that day when they'd first held hands and walked beside each other. And then being able to hold her and kiss her, that wonderful mad day when the Curse broke. She had been there for him; the one who looked for him. Who waited for him. Who worried for him. Who saw him. Who knew and loved Yuki, not simply a pretty face. Who didn't wonder how she could use him, and what value he could provide her.

Just thinking about Machi was enough to make Yuki smile. It had been hard, being apart from her. But he'd come back to visit as often as he could, staying in her apartment every time. And she'd come to see him, too; he'd been excited to show her around Kyoto, and the university. When she'd decided to apply to KU as well he was ecstatic; he'd hoped she'd consider it, but hadn't wanted to presume. And now, they were only weeks away from actually living together!

Yuki stepped off the train, still caught up in his happy thoughts about Machi. But then an excited voice caught his attention, and he looked up in pleased surprise.

"Yuki! Yuki, over here!"

Tohru was calling him from the edge of the platform, bent over and wheezing with her hands on her knees. She had made it! Barely; the train had been literally pulling in when she was still a block away. But she'd kicked herself into high gear, and made it just in time to see Yuki step off. No one could say she wasn't on time, not today!

Even if she felt slightly like dying.

"Tohru, are you alright?" Yuki hurried over to her, setting down his bag and patting her shoulder as she fought to get back her breath. He couldn't think of the last time he'd seen her so exhausted, not even back in high school PE. Though he was happy she was there, he was slightly worried to see her that way.

"Did you run all the way here, Tohru?"

"Not...all. Just...most." Tohru breathed heavily, trying to make an effort to stand up but being stopped by Yuki's concerned hand.

"No, you just stay as you are catch your breath. The last thing I want you to do is pass out on my account!"

Pass out...that would be exciting, wouldn't it? Tohru tried to laugh, but the effort was too much and she dropped back down again. "I'm sorry...Yuki...I just...need...a... minute."

Well, they could afford a minute. Now that he was reasonably sure Tohru wasn't about to keel over, Yuki could relax, and he could smile. He must not have gotten her response; maybe the signal had been spotty on the train. But he wasn't upset, not when he got to see her after all.

And he was touched, that she'd gone to all the effort of running just to meet his train!

While she caught her breath, Yuki glanced around for a sign of Kyo. He was honestly surprised Kyo wasn't propping her up or making her sit or something; no one had ever taken more care when it came to Tohru's health. But Yuki didn't see him, not so much as a single orange hair.

If Kyo wasn't here, Yuki wasn't going to be disappointed. Yuki liked Kyo much better than he used to, of course. Kyo had stopped being so much of an angry dumbass and actually proved he was capable of maturing, and with that maturity he'd become much less aggravating. And both of them were willing to make an effort, for Tohru's sake. But while they were friendly, there was still no comparison in Yuki's mind; if he was going to spend time with Tohru, he'd infinitely prefer to spend that time with her alone. At least at first.

Including Kyo was a courtesy, not a requirement.

Eventually, Tohru had enough breath back to be able to stand, and she gave Yuki a sheepish smile as she straightened up. "I am so, so sorry Yuki! I just didn't wake up until I got your messages, and then I had to get dressed and find Kyo and figure out if I could make it and I could, but I was cutting it so close and I didn't want to risk missing you and your train! And I thought I'd be fine if I ran...but I guess I don't have as much energy for running these days," she finished with sigh.

Yuki had to laugh, she looked so sincerely apologetic. "You don't have to apologize, Tohru, I should apologize for not giving you enough notice and forcing you to run! It was very kind of you to come to meet me, and I really am glad to see you." He set down his bag, and the two of them exchanged a warm hug. "I can't believe it's already been three months."

"I know, New Year's feels like it was forever ago and like yesterday at the same time!" Tohru reached to take Yuki's bag, but he swooped in and grabbed it away and she protested. "Yuki, I was going to get that for you! You've been on a train all morning, you have to be tired."

"Only two hours, and I'm not the one who just ran a mini-marathon. I doubt Kyo would let me hear the end of it if I let you carry anything right now, you can barely carry yourself." Tohru might be standing up straight, but she was still swaying slightly and Yuki wasn't going to take any chances. "Where is Kyo, anyway? I'd have thought he'd be with you, not that I'm sorry to see just you."

"Oh, Kyo was actually in the middle of a sparring session back at the dojo. He told me to just come by myself, and he'll text after he's done and showered. He is looking forward to seeing you, I know...just not when he's all sweaty."

"Yes, well, I appreciate the courtesy. I've been around Kyo more than enough times when he's sweating, and I don't need to add any more to that list." Yuki smiled down at Tohru, pleased with the confirmation about Kyo. "So, I guess it's just you and me for now, then; it'll be nice to have a chance to catch up, won't it?"

"It will!" Tohru clasped her hands together excitedly and beamed at Yuki. "I can't wait to hear all about how your spring term classes are going, and whether you finally mastered hot pot, and how your tomatoes are doing, and whether or not you'd decided to take that trip during break week...and everything else, too."

Tohru was finally breathing normally, and the two of them had left the station and started down the sidewalk. "Oh, and I saw Machi yesterday, Yuki; she said she was going to be attending university in Kyoto as well, you must be so excited!"

Yuki might have outgrown the need to be 'mothered' all the time, but there were definitely times when he missed this. Her care, her interest, her excitement in what was going on in his life. It didn't matter how insignificant a detail might seem, Tohru had always had a knack for remembering them and asking them later. It had only been in passing at New Year's that he'd talked about his problems making hot pot without getting the seaweed all soggy, yet here she was, wanting to know how he was doing. It was one of the things most precious about her, how she always made everything seem so very important.

"Well, I'll do my best not to disappoint you, Tohru, though maybe not in everything all at once." He smiled at the fact she'd seen Machi, and that was made even sweeter by the fact Machi had actually talked to Tohru about her plans. He knew Machi felt strangely self-conscious around Tohru; Machi knew that Tohru was no rival or obstacle for them, but she was such an important person in Yuki's life that Machi felt an absurd amount of self-imposed pressure to impress. Neither Machi or Yuki cared what Yuki's actual parents thought of her; she hadn't even been introduced to either of them yet. In fact, if they even knew he had a girlfriend, it was not because of Yuki himself. But Tohru...Tohru was someone who deeply perplexed Machi, but she also badly wanted to please.

And she wanted Tohru to like her.

Yuki had explained to her that she had nothing to fear on that account, that the actual difficulty would ever be getting Tohru to dislike her, but it was still a process that would take time. So for her to be so comfortable that she'd talk to Tohru, and tell her plans without Yuki around...that was something that made him incredibly happy.

"Yes, that's right! Machi decided to come to KU as well, so she's going to moving in just a few weeks. We're going to be living in the same city, finally...and actually, in the same apartment, too." Yuki felt like he was making a Big Confession; there had always been expectations on him from his family that he would do things In A Certain Way. All his life, he'd been fighting against those expectations; at first, it was just to get a sense of control in his own life, like choosing to go to Kaibara High instead of the high school chosen for him. But then that fighting had shifted. As he'd learned more about himself and what he wanted in life, he started to fight not just to be contrary, not just to push back against things, but to fight for things. To go against the expectations on his own accord, and to ultimately do what would make him the happiest.

Living with Machi would definitely make him the happiest, and he'd been thrilled when she accepted his suggestion to move in. He could guess what his parents would think, so he simply hadn't told them. Just like he hadn't told them about Machi to start with. But Tohru...he knew Tohru would be happy for them. And even if she hadn't done the same thing herself, moved in with her boyfriend, she would never, never cast judgement.

Her reaction was everything he could have wanted. She squealed excitedly, clapping her hands together, and giving him the biggest smile. "Oh Yuki, that's such great news! I can only imagine how hard it's been for you two to be living in different cities all this time. Living together is such a wonderful thing when it's with someone you really love." Her face took on a starry-eyed expression, and Yuki had to laugh; he knew it wasn't himself and Machi she was thinking of when she made that face.

It was encouraging, though, to see her still very in love after a year in close quarters.

He was about to respond, when a sparkle from Tohru's clasped hands caught his eye. She'd never been one to wear jewelry in the time he'd known her, so that fact alone naturally drew his attention. But then he realized what he might be looking at, and he smiled even wider. No wonder she was making that face while talking about living together!

But he wasn't going to be too direct, not yet. He wanted to give her the chance to say something herself, and it was also possible she'd simply started wearing jewelry. With her fingers interlaced like that, it was hard to tell exactly what he was even looking at; she might be wearing it on the other hand, or just a different finger. He'd have to wait and see.

But he really doubted it.

Taking a breath, he gave her a smile. "Yes, we're both very excited for her move. We've managed, of course; it's also helped a lot that Kyoto is only a two-hour train ride away. But that's still a long way, when you've gotten used to seeing each other whenever you want." Tohru had dropped her hands again, and Yuki had confirmed the ring was on the left hand. But he still couldn't be sure as to which finger... "I know I don't have to ask you if you recommend living together, Tohru; you and Kyo have always seemed to be very in step with each other, since the very first day of your house-hunting."

Tohru smiled and blushed, looking downward towards the ground. It was so nice to hear Yuki say nice things about Kyo, after all this time! Seeing the two of them slowly becoming friends had been one of the highlights of the past year, and even if they weren't there yet she had confidence they would be. Yuki had been highly critical of Kyo; called him out for things, held him to impossibly high standards. Tohru had felt compelled on more than one occasion to stand up and defend Kyo, sometimes quite aggressively. Yuki had always given Tohru herself too much credit, and Kyo not enough, when it came to their relationship, but maybe, maaaaaybe, that was starting to change.

Tohru herself definitely knew she wasn't the prize everyone always made her out to be. Kyo might be lucky to have her, but not nearly as lucky as she was to have him.

"Thank you, Yuki, that's so sweet of you to say! And you're right, of course; I only have my own experience to draw on, but I think that if you and Machi love each other, and you both really know it, and you have a plan for how you're going to manage, then living together is absolutely wonderful! It's so nice to be able to be around each other all the time, and to have meals together and fall asleep together and-" she broke off, blushing, and looked away with a laugh. "It's just nice in all kinds of ways."

Yuki wasn't going to touch that abandoned statement, not if she paid him. But he could relate completely to all of it; taking a two-hour train ride and coordinating a visit was not nearly on the same level as coming home from class, deciding together to just eat instant noodles in their pajamas, and falling asleep watching a movie.

"Well, I'm glad to hear you recommend it so highly, Tohru; that really helps cement my feeling that we're making the right choice. And if in a year Machi looks half as pleased about it as you seem to be, then I'll be a very happy man." Tohru met Yuki's eyes with a smile, and was happy to see a matching smile on his face. He looked so happy for her, so genuinely happy...

Tohru hoped for Machi and Yuki's sakes that they could be as happy as her and Kyo, but strongly doubted it was possible. There was no one who could be nearly as love as her, or nearly as happy with the hand they'd been dealt. So maybe that 'half as happy' was a realistic goal for them; she'd be thrilled for them, if they could reach it.

Thinking about herself and Kyo filled her with warm fuzzies, and she sighed happily. Without realizing it, Tohru had started looking at her ring, that radiant, gooey smile back on her face. Now Yuki was sure, completely sure, and he was...happy. Yes, he was happy, very happy. He hadn't been sure if Kyo could do it; stick with her, be better for her, genuinely keep her happy. Yuki had wanted Kyo to man up and speak up, because it's what Tohru had wanted and needed. She'd loved Kyo, so very much, and he'd loved her back. That meant Kyo needed to try, to try and justify her love and prove his own. Yuki had hoped they would work out for Tohru's sake, but he'd always held out the smallest bits of skepticism. Kyo might love her, but he was also an idiot.

Could he actually move past all of that and give Tohru the life she deserved?

A year later, Yuki felt he could finally say yes. He might not have believed it initially, but there was no one who could look at Tohru now and think she was dissatisfied, or that she wasn't taken care of. From the crown of her head to the tips of her toes, she was a woman radiating out love and happiness. And if she was that happy, then Yuki could only be happy for her.

Smiling, he reached out and took the hand she was looking at. "Tohru...is there anything you'd maybe like to tell me?"

Tohru had been so caught up in her romantic reverie that Yuki's hand seemed to appear out of nowhere. She blushed again, realizing she'd been spacing out, but Yuki's smile was so warm that the embarrassment lasted only a minute. The ring on her finger was shining, and she looked from Yuki to the ring and back to Yuki before breaking out into a big smile. "Yuki, Kyo and I are engaged!"

The look on her face when she said those words was the personification of pure joy, and Yuki knew in that moment he had nothing more to fear for her. Whatever his flaws, whatever his failings, Kyo had managed to prove himself where it counted: to Tohru.