Disclaimer: I don't own Fruits Basket.
P.S. Just in case anyone didn't read Love Snare 1, Sensei Honda isn't related to Tohru in any way, shape, or form. At the time I was thinking about it, and then decided not to. So the name stuck.
Chapter 5
Kyo arrived at Tohru's job at eleven o'clock sharp, waiting to pick her up like he promised. He leaned against the building outside, looking at his watch while he waited. He ended up waiting until a quarter to eleven when Tohru finally came outside. She was waving goodbye to her friends inside and smiled when she saw Kyo, "Hey Kyoཀ"
"Where the hell have you been? I've been waiting since eleven and it's nearly midnight?" Kyo asked, gripping his fist in his frustration.
Tohru looked down at the ground, "I'm sorry, some of the older ladies needed help moving some storage boxes so I volunteered. I'm sorry that you had to wait so long."
Kyo unclenched his fist and sighed, "It's okay. Lets go home, you're probably hungry."
Tohru shook her head and waved her hands, "You don't have to worry about me; I'm just fine."
"Tohru you haven't been home since breakfast, you need to eat or you'll get sick," Kyo lectured as he took her hand.
Tohru smiled as he led her home holding her hand. Kyo's sure changed a lot this year. I remember the days when he fought with Yuki almost every five minutes. He's become a lot gentler now and he doesn't get angry nearly as often. He's more social too, I'm glad.
Kyo opened up the front door to their house and walked inside. Together they walked into the kitchen and Tohru made some instant soup for the both of them. They ate silently at the table and by twelve thirty they were both on their way to bed.
Kyo always walked with her to her bedroom. She slid open the door and stepped inside, turning around to look at him. He had his back turned and he was already heading back towards his room, "Kyo?"
Kyo turned and looked at her, he was about to ask her what she wanted but she stole his lips as she stood on the tips of her toes and kissed him. He closed his eyes and returned her endearment, the warm feeling of ardent and longing run through him until finally they separated. Their faces were identical with thin lines of blush on their faces.
Kyo smiled lightly, blush still clinging to his face, "On that good note, I think I'm gonna go to bed."
"Goodnight Kyo," She whispered gently trying to hold in an innocent giggle.
Kyo smiled again and rubbed the top of her hair, "Goodnight Tohru," with that he walked down the hallway and disappeared into his room.
Everyone slept well that night, even Haru, for some reason it seemed the demons of their minds allowed them to enjoy their well-earned sleep. Tohru woke up early as usual, speeding through making breakfast and setting it on a warming pad so she could finish the homework she hadn't managed to do last night.
When the boys came into the kitchen they found Tohru scribbling through her notes at the kitchen counter. They were surprised she wasn't wearing a hole through her papers she was working so hard.
"TorTor you should calm down and eat with us," Momiji begged as he tugged on her shirt sleeve.
"That's alright Momiji," Tohru managed to get out as she flipped a page of her book, "I ate while I was making breakfast. I need to get this done it's due first period today and it's part of our preparation for the finals," Tohru added as she flipped another page of the book.
"Now now my precious Flower I'm sure fifteen minutes at the table with your family will not be the end of the world," Shigure lectured as he took his daughter by the shoulders and sat her down next to him.
Tohru bowed her head reluctantly and managed to pick at her rice, her mind still whirling with the things she had to do today, "So Ayame is picking Yuki and I up after school right Shigure?"
"That's right Flower, he's so excited he couldn't tell me enough about it on the phone," Shigure grinned as he stuffed a shrimp into his mouth. Tohru pulled out a planner and started scribbling stuff. Shigure looked at her puzzled, his chopsticks still in his mouth, "What's that for Tohru?"
"Well we've got finals coming up next week and I'm trying to plan everything out. I'm working a double shift at work tonight so I'm not going to have a lot of time. We're going to come home from Ayame's at five right, that's what Yuki told me. Then I've got to get home and make dinner for everyone and try to get some homework in before six. Then I'm off to work from six to eleven. Then I'll come home and finish off my homework."
"I do hope you scheduled in some time for eating and relaxing right dear?" Shigure told her gently, "We wouldn't want our Flower to wilt."
Tohru looked up and smiled, "Don't worry Shigure, I'm sure I can eat something on my way to work." Tohru looked at her watch as it went off. She got up from her chair and ran to the fridge, pulling out the lunches she had made for the boys and herself. She grabbed her homework and finished up the last few sentences before shoving it into her bag. She ran up to Shigure and kissed his cheek, "Bye Shigure see ya laterཀ" Tohru ran out the door.
Yuki, Momiji, and Kyo just stared at the trail of dust she had left behind her, "She really is working hard. I hope she can keep this up," Yuki announced aloud, concern in his voice.
Kyo rolled his eyes, "Tohru does this all the time, I'm sure she'll be fine."
Momiji hugged Shigure and smiled, "I better go make sure she doesn't run into a tree or plow over some innocent students."
The boys ran after Tohru and found Haru outside with Uo and Hana. Tohru had already escaped inside to talk with one of her teachers. Momiji ran up to Haru and hugged him, "Haru we missed you last night. Did you have fun with Kei-kun?"
Haru grinned, "Yeah, sometimes I just need to get away from the psychopaths and hang out with my other friends. You understand right little guy?" Haru rubbed Momiji's head.
"Yeah yeah I get it, but you missed it Tohru brought us chocolates last night but Yuki ate them allཀ" Momiji teased.
"I certainly did not eat all those candiesཀ" Yuki grumbled, "Momiji was on a sugar rush for hours and there was no Tohru to calm him down."
"Hey, you two aren't overworking our precious Tohru are you?" Uo asked as he grabbed Kyo by the back of his shirt.
"Let go of me you stupid Yankeeཀ She's got two shifts for work tonight that's allཀ" Kyo pulled away.
Uo crossed her arms and looked to Hana, "I sense rushed waves in Tohru. Her emotions are ardent and rapid." Hana spoke gently, "She will need watching over to make sure she maintains good health."
Kyo rubbed the back of his head, "Yeah well, that's what I'm here for."
Uo smirked as she bent down and whispered to Hana, "I'm surprised the stupid carrot top cares so much about her. Then again, that whole thing at the train station Tohru told us about was really sweet."
"Yes, Kyo's waves may seem harsh, but they are only veils for his good ones," Hana giggled as Kyo glared at them in embarrassment.
Yuki managed to sneak by the other Sohmas and Tohru's friends and walked into class. Tohru was already at her desk, notebook open, she looked like she was trying to calculate something. He walked over to her and smiled, "What are you doing Tohru?" He asked gently.
Tohru looked up and smiled, "Oh hello Yuki, I'm just working on my budgeting for the summer vacation. Summer vacation is always expensive, but I need a down payment to continue school here and tuition costs for each month. I want to have enough money to pay up until Christmas, that's why I got my second job."
Yuki smiled, pulling up a chair from another desk, "You always work so hard, why don't you just have Shigure pay for it? You know he'd be more than happy to."
Tohru shook her head, "Oh no I couldn't do that, that would burden him. He already has to pay for you, Kyo, Haru, and Momiji, I couldn't possibly ask him to pay for me too."
"You're his daughter Tohru, we're just his cousins," Yuki added, "He's prime concern is you."
Tohru smiled, "That's okay. Even if you Sohmas are only cousins, you all share a bond that goes far beyond the limits of your bloodline. We're all a family at home, I can't even think of you guys as cousins in law or second cousins in law. I'm sure Shigure doesn't think that way either. Besides, I made a promise to mom to finish school, to me, paying for school is just another part of that promise."
"Well, I'd offer to cook dinner but the other's would yell, I'm not really a good cook," Yuki laughed gently, "I'm just the one who supplies vegetables."
"You're garden produces the best vegetables and fruits in town, I'm sure they're very grateful. It saves money too it's nice that your hobby benefits our family so much," Tohru chirped happily.
"Tohru, what did Sensei say after you came back to school? I mean I know the whole class was expecting to never see you again unless it was on the television. Did he react okay?" Yuki questioned.
Tohru nodded, "I explained to him the situation and he thought it was adorable that I chose my family over fame. He said that what I did is what defines a person. Those sort of situations are what separate true people from selfish ones. He said he was proud."
Yuki nodded, "I think he's right. Hopefully I'll be able to prove myself to everyone as well."
"Yuki you don't have to prove anything to anyone," Tohru told him gently, "The point of living is just to be the best you can be on your own standards. Your family will always love you no matter what."
Yuki smiled and stroked the top of her head before leaving his chair and walking over to his seat, taking it just in time for the first school bell to ring. The rest of the students came trudging in, all locked in conversations. Kyo took his seat to the right of Tohru and touched her hand before turning forward to listen to the Sensei.
"Alright class listen upཀ As of today you have one week before your first final, I know you've all been working very hard. Don't worry about them so much, I know they are important but sophomore year finals aren't what the colleges will be basing your applications on," The Sensei smiled as his students snickered and giggled, "Alright anyway, because my brain has gone to mush cramming and prepping you all, we're watching a movie today," The whole class roared with joy, "I also encourage you to start buying your tickets for the end of the year dance, we stationed it after all your finals so you can party your hearts out."
Sensei Honda started up and when the lights dimmed Kyo scooted his chair over next to Tohru's. He leaned over and whispered to her, "I know you're going with the Rat after school to his brothers, so can I walk you to work tonight?" There was a sweat mark on the side of his head as he tried not to become embarrassed again.
Tohru smiled, "Sure Kyo. We'll leave together right after I make dinner okay?"
"Yeah...sure," Kyo tried not to smile and then turned back to the movie. Under her desk Kyo's hand grabbed hers and they remained joined for the entire film.
Haru watched Kyo and Tohru from the other side of the room, ignoring the film completely as he rested his chin on his desk. Something about their gentleness with each other annoyed Haru, and he turned his head over on the desk and sighed. Momiji turned around and poked Haru on the head, a lollipop hanging in his mouth, "What's the matter Haru? Did you not sleep well again last night?"
"I slept fine, its just, nothing. I dunno I think I'm just crazy," Haru sighed.
"Don't fret Haru, I'm sure Tohru will make you an extra special supper tonight to try and make you feel better. She's worried about you so don't worry Haru." Momiji grinned as he waved around his lollipop.
"I think that's what worries me the most," Haru grumbled lightly.
Momiji's eyes widened with surprise, "Eh? You're upset because Tohru's worrying about you? Haru, Tohru is like our sister its her job, kinda..."
Haru sighed, "She goes about worrying and stuff while she has a lot to do. You notice she's working twice as hard, studying not nearly enough, and going to Ayame's instead of studying? She's going to work herself too hard."
Momiji laughed as he took another lick of his lollipop, "If you ask me, it seems like you're doing more worrying for her than she is for you. Relax Haru-chan, Tohru has always been able to pull through in the end."
Haru ran his hand through his hair again and sighed, "I can't help it. I just know something's going to happen to push her over the edge."
The day ended without much more excitement, and Tohru pecked Kyo on the cheek before walking off with Yuki to the parking lot. Momiji and Haru teased Kyo the whole walk home because he couldn't stop smiling or blushing. Yuki stood in the parking lot and looked down at his watch, "Of all things at least Ayame could be on time."
Tohru smiled, "Don't worry Yuki, I'm sure something just held him up."
"YUKI MY DARLING BROTHER!" Yuki was strangled into a hug by Ayame until Yuki him over the head. Ayame teared but smiled, "It's nice to see you too my dear brother," He turned to Tohru and took her hand, "Ah little Tohru you become more beautiful by the day, just imagine the marvel you will be when you try on my wardrobe."
Tohru giggled and smiled, "I'm rather honored that you'd pick me to try on something of yours. Shigure tells me you're the best designer in the whole town."
Ayame ran a hand through his long silver hair, "Ah yes this is true, but enough about me let's get you to the shop! Away!" He grabbed Tohru and Yuki's hands, threw them in the car, and then took off town the road laughing the whole time.
When they finally stopped in front of the shop both Yuki and Tohru let out sighs of relief, Ayame was a terrifying driver. He pulled open the door for Tohru and dragged her inside, Yuki following behind with fumes coming out of his head.
Mine, his assistant, came out from a storage room and smiled, "Oh is this the darling Tohru I've heard so much about!" She ran up and grabbed Tohru's hands, "You're adorable!"
Tohru blushed furiously, "Oh um thank you. Ummm..." She looked to Ayame for help, wondering who the woman was pulling her towards a fitting room."
"Tohru this is my dear assistant Mine!" Ayame exclaimed, "Mine why don't you get her measurements and we can start putting her in some dresses."
Mine nodded and took Tohru into the back. Ayame turned and looked at Yuki who was sitting down on his couch, "Now my brother, you aren't really regretting coming are you?"
Yuki growled, "I"m very close to it."
"But Yuki, you get to see your darling Tohru all dressed up," Ayame cooed sitting down next to him.
Yuki sighed, "She isn't mine Ayame."
Ayame gasped, "Oh Yuki...I really didn't know..." He looked away, "I'm sorry, this must be so hard for you then. I only meant to bring you here so we could talk, I used her as my lure. Is she the cat's then?"
Yuki nodded quietly, "There was something in him that she needed, something I couldn't provide, even if I still love her."
Ayame wrapped an arm around Yuki, "My darling brother, I know we aren't that close, mostly my fault, but I do understand a little of what you're going through. I too have been rejected by someone I loved. It's a painful experience, but someone does come along to replace the pain."
"No one will ever be as important or special as her. She made me feel needed, important, like I was actually worth while Ayame. She still does..."
Ayame rubbed his brother's back and looked up as Mine came back outside, "Ayame sir Tohru's all ready. I put her in 'The Dress' that you made yesterday."
"The dress? You put her in that one?" Ayame gasped, "Splendid, send her on out!"
Mine went into the back, where hushed conversations could be heard until Tohru literally came flying out from behind the curtain. Mine was behind her grinning, obviously having to push her to get her to come out. Tohru was wearing a green gown that flowed all the way to the floor where just the tips of her shoes could be seen. Her hair was braided with green ribbons as well and Tohru looked down at her hands that were folded in front of her dress and blushed.
Ayame stood up and grinned, "You look amazing Tohru! Shigure is one to exaggerate but he surely has a right to brag about his beautiful daughter."
Tohru's blush intensified as she tried to look up at him, "Oh ummm thank you."
Yuki stared at Tohru in awe of her beauty. He reminded himself that Tohru was no longer open for his flirtatious comments he had wanted to preach and simply smiled instead, "I agree, you look great Tohru. You should wear something like that to our school dance after finals."
"Why don't you keep the dress?" Ayame decided patting Tohru's shoulders.
Tohru looked up at him and gasped, blush deepening on her cheeks, "No I couldn't do that! This is something you worked so hard on you should sell it to someone who is more worthy than me!"
"Nonsense Tohru! As a gift from one Sohma to the next, consider it my welcoming gift into the family," He told her gently patting the top of her head, "Shigure really lucked out when he found you."
Tohru blushed again, "Oh thank you, that's very nice of you to say, but I think I was the one who lucked out. Not only did I get a new father, but I got a whole new family jam-packed with nice people."
Ayame convinced Tohru to try on a few more dresses, each one different styles, from strap-less to evening gowns, from short cut to flowing ones. Yuki couldn't help but marvel at her beauty, and felt guilty for it still. Even if Yuki wasn't fond of Kyo, Kyo still had a right to love and be loved back by someone. It just seemed different, maybe because they all lived together.
Tohru was pulling her shirt over her head when her watch began to beep. "Oh no! I'm going to be late!" Tohru threw on her shirt and other clothes and jumped out of the changing room running to the door to get her shoes on, "I'm sorry for leaving like this but I've got to get home and make dinner and do my homework before work."
"When do you have work darling?" Mine asked gently.
"In an hour and I still have to study for our finals!" Tohru told her desperately as she slid on her shoes. She turned and bowed to Ayame and Mine, "It was so nice to meet you all and I'm sorry for this hasty exit. Yuki are you coming?"
"I think I'll stay here and talk with Ayame a little longer, don't worry about me," he smiled gently, "Just save me some supper."
Tohru nodded, waved, then ran out the door. As she ran down the street she noticed storm clouds brewing overhead and prayed to Kami it would hold out until she got home. Kyo was on the roof and sat up when he saw Tohru coming down the path towards home. Her school bag was swinging at her side and she looked a little flustered. "Hey Airhead!"
Tohru skidded to a stop, nearly tripping and looked up the roof, "Hey Kyo!" her teal eyes instantly lit up seeing him.
He slid off the roof and jumped down beside her, kissing her cheek as he took her hand, "You look tired, did you run home?"
Tohru nodded, "Uh huh, Yuki wanted to stay with Ayame longer or Aya probably would have driven us home," She tugged his hand and pulled him inside, "Lets go, I've got to get dinner going so I can do my homework."
Kyo sighed and followed her, "You should slow down before you exhaust yourself."
"I'm fine Kyo," She smiled at him sweetly, the smile that always made him want to melt, "What would you like for dinner?"
"Whatever you want to cook is fine, anything's better than the food we used to eat. Honestly, I can't even remember those days before you came along," he pulled out a chair and sat down at the table.
"TorTor!" Momiji flew into the kitchen like a plane, "Haru went out for a ride on his bike, he said to save him something to eat."
Tohru looked out the window, "Oh dear, I hope the rain doesn't start while he's out, it can be dangerous riding like that. He might get into an accident." Tohru left her spoon the stew she was making and lost herself in a stare. It had been raining that day too.
Kyo looked at her sympathetically, and Momiji walked over to her and hugged her waist, a cloud of smoke disorienting Tohru so she clumsily caught Momiji just before he fell into her pot of stew. "I'm sorry TorTor, but I know you were thinking about your mom."
Tohru smiled and put Momiji on the counter next to her, "Don't worry Momiji, just because I remember, doesn't mean it's painful. I have happy memories of my mom." Tohru stirred the stew and then put the lid on it, "Okay, this needs to simmer for a little while, while it does I'm going to go get my books and try to get some homework done."
Tohru ran off and Kyo listened to the sound of her light feet on the stairs and he sighed, "She's going to crash, I can feel it. She works way to hard and now the finals are coming up."
Momiji's ears perked and wiggled as he turned around and looked at Kyo, "Kyo you worry too much. You should just ask her out already, then she'd probably be less stressed."
Kyo glared and blushed at the same time, "What the hell does that have anything to do with her working too much?"
Momiji didn't have time to answer when Tohru came back in with her arms full of books. Momiji hopped from the counter and disappeared with his clothes into the other room, just in time for his traditional pop. He came back in clothed and sat down next to Tohru watching her work as fast as she could. Social studies and science were a breeze for her, but she stared down at her English homework and sighed, "There's no way I can get this essay done."
Kyo stood behind her and looked down at the paper, "Eh, you're staring the essay for the final? That isn't due for at least a week, you don't have to worry about this one," he picked it up and looked at it, "Something in your life that has changed you in the last year. Tohru that's such an easy breeze for you, you came here with us. Plain and simple."
Tohru looked up at him, "But there's so much about this year that changed my life; my mother dying, living in the tent, finding the Sohmas, being adopted, the tour, you, Akito, the pains. It's a lot harder than you could imagine."
Kyo smiled gently and stroked the side of her face, "Airhead, just work on your other homework then." He looked over to the clock, "Now look, we only have fifteen minutes to get you over to work."
"I'm coming with you!" Momiji pipped, "I want to talk with daddy!"
Tohru smiled and packed up her stuff, "Okay Momiji. Lets get going, and we'll bring umbrellas in case it rains." She picked up two umbrellas and handed one to Momiji and another to Kyo.
The trio stepped out the back door and Tohru began to whistle as they walked along the path towards town. Kyo held the umbrella over the two of them, and with his other hand brought Tohru as close to him as he could without the curse's affect. Tohru looked tired, but she kept her eyes on the road and Kyo sighed, leaning down to blow warm air on her ear, "You need to relax."
Tohru laughed, "I'm going to be just fine. Just some simple work, then a shower, then bed. I'll wake up early and do the homework tomorrow when I'm more relaxed." They walked together in silence after that, enjoying each other's company as Momiji sang a weird song that neither of them really paid attention to. When they got to the building Kyo kissed the top of her head and told her he'd pick her up later.
Tohru grabbed Momiji's hand and pulled him upstairs. Momiji talked with his father and Tohru spent her usual shift mopping the floors and dusting everywhere. The old ladies would fawn over how hard working she was. At a quarter to ten one of the women grabbed Tohru and took her away from her cleaning, "A young man with snowy white hair is here to see you."
Tohru's eyes widened when she saw Haru-chan standing in the lobby, "Hey, the storm kicked up and you know how Kyo gets with rain. He tried really hard to get over here, but he kind of froze half way in that weird way Kyo does."
Tohru smiled, "Well thank you for coming to get me, I'll just go finish up and clock out." She skipped off happily and Momiji went and talked with Haru until she was ready to go.
When Tohru returned she noticed sweat on Haru's face, she had originally mistaken it for rainwater but she pouted and placed her hand on his forehead, "Haru you're burning up. Oh now I feel horrible, you came out in the rain to get me."
Haru ran a hand through his snowy hair, "Don't worry Tohru, I'm fine."
"I'm the only one who gets to say that and get away with it," Tohru told him calmly, "Lets get home so we can keep that fever down," She turned to Momiji, "Momiji?"
"Yes TorTor?" He bounced happily.
"Why don't you go say goodbye to your dad and then phone Hatori for me. We'll take the elevator and wait for you in the lobby alright?"
"Yes ma'am!" He pipped, skipping off into his father's conference room.
Tohru snatched Haru's wrist and pulled him to the elevator. They both walked inside and waited quietly in th elevator. Tohru was the first to break the silence, "So...how have you been sleeping lately?"
Haru sighed, "I didn't dream last night, it was nice. It was just this blank lifeless dream, I've never felt so relaxed."
"That's great Haru!"
Tohru was interrupted by the sound of lightning and thunder outside which made Tohru shriek. "I'm sorry Haru...I just don't like..." There was another loud boom and she shrieked again, "Thunder..."
Haru smiled gently, "It's okay Tohru...I don't..." Haru suddenly felt the small elevator jump and both of them were pushed down to the floor. The lights went off and then his vision completely went dark.
When Tohru and Haru had fallen he had fallen into her lap, thankfully he hadn't transformed but now Tohru didn't know what to do. The elevator had stopped and Haru was unconscious. She leaned over and pushed the emergency button, but there was no response at the other end of the line. "The power's dead..." She realized biting her lip. She pulled out her cell phone and tried to get a signal. There was still no response. Tohru considered opening up the doors to find out where they are, but she had a feeling they were stuck between floors.
Tohru looked down at Haru and covered her eyes, "Oh no this is all my fault; Haru-chan is sick and now we're both trapped in an elevator. I've got to get Haru better, and Kyo too. I still have all my homework as well." Tohru continued to cover her eyes and cried lightly. Being trapped was not her favorite feeling.
Kyo jumped when the television suddenly clicked off, "Hell the power's gone out," he said groggily.
Just then Yuki came in the front door, Tohru's dress neatly covered in plastic wrap, "You baka-neko the powers gone out. Where are Haru, Tohru, and Momiji?"
"Haru went to get Tohru for me, I'm screwed in the rain. Momiji went with Tohru to work earlier."
Yuki wandered over to the phone and picked it up, "The power's out," He pulled out his cell phone, "I can't even get service."
Hatori was the next one to walk through the front door, both the Rat and the Cat confused to see him, "Momiji called me. He told me Haru was sick and to meet him, Tohru, and Haru back here at the house. The power is out all over town."
"Maybe they're on their way back now," Yuki voiced optimistically.
Kyo felt a knot in his stomach, "Haru took his bike too. I bet Tohru won't let him ride on it, since her mom got in an accident and all in this sort of weather. They're probably walking the bike home, and if Haru's sick. Shit." Kyo jumped up from the couch and walked to the door.
"Where are you going?" Hatori asked calmly.
"To go get Tohru of course. There's no way Momiji or Tohru are strong enough to carry Haru even with combined strength." he was pulling on a cap and a jacket.
"Let me drive you, I don't want the guilt of knowing I let a cat out in the rain."
Kyo nodded and together he and Hatori drove off towards the building. The feeling in Kyo's stomach intensifying as he looked around the dark town, "I don't like this...I don't like it at all."