Disclaimer: I don't own Fruits Basket

Chapter 16 - Risks

Kureno, Rin, and Tohru, returned to Shigure's home around nine o'clock at night. Tohru insisted the two come in, and she gave them each a dish of homemade gelatin, which thanks to Haru, Tohru knew Rin loved. It was a little nerve racking having the two guests at the table; Kyo, Momiji, Haru, and Yuki all giving them the evil eye. Shigure was calm as usual, at the head of the table, happily accepting the tea Tohru gave him.

"Ah, thank you my precious flower. Every day you manage to spoil me," he cooed lightly, taking a sip of his green tea. His beautiful eyes glowed with mischievous behavior which made Tohru fluster just slightly.

After serving everyone their tea, Tohru folded her legs and sat down beside Kyo, who put an arm around her protectively. His dark amber eyes had a hint of concern for his Tohru, who sat beside him sighing. Her eyes were down, her genki nature was still apparent, but lessened slightly. Her head found comfort against his shoulder, and he rubbed her arm gently.

"Where did you three go today?" Momiji asked energetically. Although he did not like Kureno, he had no reason to dislike Rin. Spoon in right hand, waving around as he chuckled and continued to eat.

"Just out to lunch, we had a nice talk," Kureno responded cooly, his facial expression limited. He sat across the table from Shigure, all too aware of his elder cousin's stare. "We then returned to Rin's apartment, then back to the city to return Tohru here. She then invited us inside."

Rin and Haru were having some issues, both Yuki and Tohru noticed this. One would stare at the other, and the minute the other looked up, the original would look away. The two were playing a game of tag, in a sorts. Yuki, who sat across from Tohru, was watching the onigiri's facial expression. She was tired, but thinking about something.

Tohru stood, Kyo's eyebrows perking slightly. "Lets go outside and watch the stars!"

Everyone had a sweat-drop. "Whatever for?" Yuki asked with befuddlement, trying not to cough on his gelatin

She rubbed the back of her head, smiling, "Hehe, well, why not? It's summer, isn't it? The sky is supposed to be clear." Turning to Kyo, she held out her hand, "Will you, please?"

Blush on his cheeks, he took her hand for everyone to see, "Keh, I'm the stargazer here, not you. You some expert now?" Kyo smiled though, following her out the door.

Yuki and Momiji reluctantly followed. Momiji stopped at the door, turning back to see Haru still sitting there, the little blonde pouted, "Haru, aren't you coming?"

"I am, go on without me," Haru replied, rubbing his eyes with his thumb and index finger. Haru heard the door slide shut. Opening his eyes, he looked at Rin, Shigure, and Kureno. "I don't know what you three are up to, or even if your in cahoots with each other. But I have to say this," he rose slowly, "Do not use Tohru like she's a martyr. She's just an ordinary girl."

The door shut once more, and the three eldest opened their eyes. Shigure cleared his throat, "Well, he sure isn't what the typical ox seems to be. He's already onto us, isn't he?"

"Shigure, she's falling apart," Rin snapped, running her left hand down the length of her long ebony hair. "Can you not see that? Her drive to make us happy is ripping her to shreds! How can you possibly break our curse if she dies?"

Shigure smirked, tufting a piece of his black hair, "Well, that's your problem Rin, not mine. You wished to involve my daughter in your little scheme. If you kill her, just know I'll kill you too." Shigure bowed to both of them and stood, "Now if you excuse me, my daughter wanted to watch the stars with me. Enjoy the gelatin."

Everyone was outside in the backyard on the back porch, the very first place Shigure had met Tohru. She was sitting with Kyo, his head in her lap, her legs dangling over the edge. Momiji was also beside her, her arm around him, holding him dear like a brother. Haru and Yuki were both leaned up against a pole that supported the house. When she heard him, her eyes sparkled, "Ah, Shigure! Where are the others?"

"They're just chatting with each other for a while, completely transfixed by my daughters gelatin," he grinned sheepishly, touching her head with a fond tone. "Is your kitty asleep?"

"I heard that, you damn dog," Kyo grumbled, the frown melting from his face only when Tohru began to stroke his cheek. Her feather-light caresses were so calming, he felt at ease. "And don't make another stupid perverted joke, I'm too tired to kill you now."

Shigure chuckled lightly, watching Kyo open his eyes and tilt them slightly towards the stars. The Inu stood beside Haru and Yuki, arms tucked inside his kimono. "Tohru, these stars are indeed a beauty this evening."

Fingers continued to caress her lover's cheek, "I know, aren't they? I'm happy, they said it might rain today or tomorrow, I was little concerned. Somehow I think I sleep a little better when the stars are out. Mother used to tell me the stars were the souls of the dearly departed, and that they'd watch over us." Shigure could hear the slight melancholy in her voice when she spoke of her mother, but then it quickly changed to her genki nature as she continued. "When we went to the hot springs last year, there was a huge thunderstorm. That was a funny day; Kyo, Yuki, and myself got lost in a maze. I was such a scardey cat, I was terrified of the storm. I was such a goof, but I saw why Kyo hated the rain." Tohru chuckled lightly when she heard a 'Keh' from Kyo below.

"Tohru, would you like to do something with the whole family tomorrow?" Shigure suggested slowly, eyes on the back of his surrogate daughter's head. "We haven't all been together in quite a while, it seems like we're all always coming and going."

"Really, Shigure?" her voice moved up an octave. "That would be great!" Her surrogate father nodded his head slowly and she squeaked with joy, Kyo clenching his ears with the pain. "Now where to go," she rubbed her chin slowly thinking of a location.

"Tokyo Tower," Kyo mumbled from her lap.

"Eh? The tower? Whatever for, Cat?" Yuki asked with slight curiosity. Although being a native to Japan Yuki had only visited the tower a handful of times. Momiji was already starting to ramble off a number of facts he knew about the tower.

Haru chuckled, resting his hands behind his head. "You can see the stars from the tower better than anywhere else in the city. Pussy cat loves his stars."

"Would you two shut—"

"I think it would be a great idea!" Tohru beamed, cutting Kyo off.

Shigure clapped his hands together and grinned, "Well then it is decided; tomorrow the Sohmas will take a little trip to Tokyo Tower and enjoy the city! For now though, I think you should all relax while I tend to our guests." He saw Tohru about to protest, "Tohru, dear, just relax. I'm sure I can handle it."

Her father left to tend to the others and Tohru continued to run her fingers along her Kyo's cheek. Amber orbs watched her, and the distant haze that overtook her eyes. The stroke became robotic, her mind clearly not with the Sohma boys anymore. Haru and Yuki took up their seats on the porch a few feet away from Kyo, Momiji, and Tohru.

"Have you noticed Haru, how much of a family just those three have become?" Yuki asked quietly, a feeling of, slight forlorn in his voice. "Momiji sees her like a mother, Kyo as a lover. I'm...envious, I suppose." Yuki was unfortunate, and did not have a strong bond with either of his own parents.

Haru smiled sympathetically, and rubbed Yuki's shoulder. "I'm envious too, but I don't mind being a brother or cousin in the scheme of things. Shigure's place is the only place I feel at home, wherever she is. I just worry, for her and them you know. For all of us." Haru shifted and looked out into the forest, sighing slightly. "I've contacted Rin, Yuki. She has something planned, something to break the cures. I think she wants one last shot, and will die trying. I've contacted Ritsu, and warned the little kids. I need you to talk to your brother."

This caught his attention, Yuki turned to look Haru in the eyes. "Contact my brother? Haru, what's going on?"

Haru closed his eyes and leaned against the pole, folding his legs over the other. "Yuki, I think the end if coming for us."

The end. The end of the zodiac curse. Yuki and the others had been waiting their whole lives for that idea. The concept of being in a woman's arms, lover or mother, being able to embrace without fear. Being able to, be free, from God's horrid leash. But now it horrified him, because, because...she came along. Tohru. From the beginning, he had been so happy an outsider had learned the secret. Tohru had taught him to believe, to love, she had taught them all so much. But now...

"I'm afraid, Haru," Yuki whispered slowly, watching Kyo remove himself from Tohru's let and help both her and Momiji to their feet.

"I am too----"

"TOHRU HONDA!" The voice was loud and rather pissed off. Uo had just appeared through the clearing, apparently running, cause she was out of breath. She was in jeans and a white tang top. Tohru spun around, looking at Uo, with a puzzled expression. "Don't you be so damn innocent."

The Sohmas did not move from their respected places. Tohru however, walked over to her friend, with a confused smile on her face. "Hi Uo, how are you? Is something the matter?"

Uo clenched her fists, long beautiful blonde hair shaping her face. "Tohru, how could you? How could you hide Kureno from me all this time? Why didn't you tell me he was a Sohma?"

The color drained from Tohru's face. "I...I didn't know...Uo."

"Liar!" The Yankee was trembling, a face that none of the boys recognized. "Hana told me what he did to you! Hana told me all about how you let that man beat you up, and beat Haru, and then you ran off with him. I"m your best friend, why aren't you telling me things anymore? Why didn't you tell him?"

Tohru's chocolate eyes were widening with each moment, watching her best friend become more furious and more upset with each second. "Uo, you don't understand what happened that day. I did something bad, he had every right to punish me and ----"

"No! No! Tohru no one has the right to do that to you! Why do you keep everything a secret, don't you want Kureno and I to be happy?" Uo held Tohru by the shoulders, staring down at her, the height difference so apparent. Her own blonde hair was tickling Tohru's face. "Why?"

Tohru looked away, "Uo...I...I don't know." Silence echoed between them, Uo releasing her shoulders, the apparent rip that just occurred in their friendship was definite. "There are things, I am asked not to say. I know you are my best friend, and he is my uncle in law, but I am just...I couldn't...I would've..."

"Always about you...ain't it Tohru?" Uo chuckled weakly, feeling unnatural tears in her eyes. "It's always about you, and how you want to make everyone else happy. But you're stupid Tohru. You always do whatever anyone asks of you, do you ever once stop to think, that what they ask is wrong?"

Her eyes clenched shut, "I don't...Uo there are just...don't do this. Please don't make me chose between you and them, not again, not again!" Tohru shook her head, trying to drown out the obvious fact that all the Sohmas were watching what was unveiling between the two of them.

I mustn't cry. I mustn't stop trying. No matter the pain I'll go through, I have to do this, for them, for my family. The Sohmas deserve to be free, and Uo deserves all of Kureno. The curse will be broken. Please Uo, you have to give me more time.

Tohru looked up at Uo and frowned, feeling tears fill her eyes, "Trust me!"

"Trust you?" Uo repeated sarcastically. "After this?"

Tohru nodded her head furiously, feeling tears on her face. "Trust me! I'm begging you to trust me. Don't abandon me, please don't! Please don't leave me!" She held her head between her hands, clenching folds of her hair, her body shivering. "It's complicated, I know it is, but please. I have my reason, and I'll be able to tell you soon. If I tell you now bad things will happen! Kami, Uo, trust me!"

The Sohmas whom Tohru abide in, her intimate family, are facing abuse from the other Sohmas. Anyone who associates with her, is hurt. Today I saw...Momiji-san weeping, and Haru take kicks to his side like a mongrel. Uo, Kureno-sama, he hit Tohru too. And in a couple of days, I think that man is coming to take Tohru away.. But Uo, I fear that things, are going to get worse. Revelations are coming, and they are not always welcomed.

"I'm sorry I'm the cause of you tears, your grief, your suffering," Tohru whispered, wrapping her arms around herself. "I brought Clarity suffering. I've brought the Sohmas suffering. Everyone is suffering." She tilted her head to the sky and watched the stars, tears continuing to wash over her face. "I promise, I promise you and Kyoko's grave, there is a reason behind this all! And even if I have to give my life to show you, I will! Uo there's a reason!"

Uo smirked weakly, "When did you get so brave Kiddo? When did you grow up so fast?"

"When she died!" Tohru screamed, holding her arms and clenching them, leaving bruises on her own flesh, "I had to Uo, I had to! I know you love him, and I know he loves you! Give me a chance to put things right!"

"I can't do this much longer...I can't keep fighting when I have to watch them suffer. Mother, why does doing what is right cost me so much? Help me...mom...

Uo's eyes softened, even if she was hurt, Tohru was still her best friend. She sighed, stuffing her hands in her pockets. "I don't know if I want to trust you anymore. You tell me you're still Kyoko's girl, yet your life is all about these men, and how they all abuse in some sort of way. What Kureno did to you was wrong, but I still love him Tohru, I always will." She backed away into the forest, taking off in a sprint. Tohru started after her, but Haru grabbed her by the arms.

"Let me go!" Tohru screamed, struggling against his grasp, wanting to be with her friend. "Let me go Haru, please let me go!"

Haru winced, feeling the pain that was running through her, "Tohru, I can't. You need to stay here."

Tohru slumped to her knees, feeling new sobs break out in her voice. No one could stand to see her this way. Kyo felt his heart breaking. He walked over to her slowly, kneeling down beside her, watching her smash a weak fist into the earth. "...Tohru?"

Tohru's head was bowed so far it touched her knees, arms at her sides. Her voice was in such a small whisper, she was clearly talking to herself. "I will break the curse...I will free the Sohmas...I will go back to Clarity...I will save Uo from her depression...Kureno and Uo will be together. I will break the curse...I will free the Sohmas...I won't let them go away...I won't be alone again."

It was the only evening she had ever gone to bed early. It was the only night the door had been locked up tight. Even Kyo knew not to enter that place. He was propped up against the wall, head on his knee, when he heard footsteps.

"You're out here," Rin called out weakly, seeing the boy who meant the world to Tohru. Kyo only let out a small 'keh' in response, and went back to his silent contemplation. With a small dish of gelatin in her free hand, the other rested on her hip. "I hate her, you know. I hated her so much because she loves everyone. She brings suffering to herself. That's exaclty what she's doing. I warned her, if Akito or Hatori come across her ever again, she will surely lose her memories of be killed, or both. But she refuses to part from you, cursed beast."

"This is why she never should have loved us," Kyo spat bitterly. He ran his hand through his orange hair and sighed. "We are cursed people! I knew it from the start, but I couldn't help loving her. She was the only one who ever cared about me."

"Kagura did, you know," Rin retaliated, waving a spoon in the air. "Would've been so much safer for all of us if you had just loved her. Still...without Tohru, we'd never be freed." Her eyes found the door, she could tell Tohru as sleeping, most likely mentally exhausted. Rin sat down beside Kyo.

Kyo lifted his head and glared. "Rin, why are you here? You don't like her, there must be some benefit on your end for coming to see us, for seeing Tohru, for returning Tohru."

Rin's eyes softened in the darkness of the hallway, illuminating the paleness on her face. It was quite possible Rin was ill, Kyo decided. She took a bite of gelatin and sighed. "Whether you care or not, I've always hated the suffering this family goes through. We are bound like the animals we are cursed to be, loyal to a god that's sick and malicious. I want to be freed, I want everyone to be freed." She lowered her head quietly, "I want...Haru to be freed."

Haru. Hadn't Haru been hanging out with Tohru's psychic friend Hana? "Do you, still love Haru?"

"I dare not use the word," Rin countered quietly. "Think of it Kyo, what has happened anytime any of us have professed loves for someone? Akito has hurt them, driven us apart, he will try and do the same to the two of you. He hurt Haru, Kisa, Kana...it's only a matter of time. He's driving Tohru insane."

Kyo sighed and folded his knees to his chest. "I have my doubts, if we are worth this sacrifice, Rin-sama. What makes you think, it'll be worth it?"

"I pity her," Rin mumbled, finishing the gelatin. "People who know what it's like to be alone cannot help but love everyone. Because of that, they suffer. They do everything in their abilities to make sure others are alright." She looked up at the ceiling, "I heard through Kureno that Tohru's been having dreams about the days that are to come. I'm not sure why I'm telling you, you cursed animal, but someone is going to die. Watch over her."

The Following Morning

"Good morning everyone!" Tohru cheered, already busy in the kitchen. No one could tell when she'd woken up, but apparently she'd packed everyone lunches for their trip to Tokyo Tower. Apron tied around her waist, and three pots on the stove each frying different things. "Breakfast is already on the table for you."

Rin and Kureno had spent the night downstairs, and were surprised they hadn't been awaken by the festivities that had taken place in that kitchen. It was like a banquet! Fresh noodles had been broiled for everyone, sashimi, rice balls, oden, everything anyone could imagine. There was a tea kettle for Shigure at the front of the table, everyone else had orange juice, milk, and additional cups if they wanted tea as well. Kyo even found on his dish she had fried salmon in crumbs for him, one of his absolute favorites.

Taking a bite, he thought slowly. The orange head had decided he would protect her, and wondered if going to Tokyo Tower was safe for them. It seemed that Rin and Kureno would be accompanying them. Momiji wasn't worried, except that Tohru was going to be able to smile again.

The phone rang and Tohru sprang to it. "Hello, Sohma Residence."

"It's me, Kira."

Tohru tensed, Yuki had noticed it because he could see her from where he sat. Haru and Rin were busy playing the stare and run game. She twirled the cord with her hand, "Good morning, Kira. How are you?"

"Tohru...what's happening?"

She pouted, and pulled the phone into the other room, and sat down on the couch. " What do you mean, Kira?"

"I know you too well for this. What's wrong with you? Something is happening. Yue said you came to visit us, and returned the key, but he also said you were in some sort of trouble. Tohru, I'm worried for you."

"Kira..." This was a boy she knew so well. She loved him like her fellow Sohmas. Clenching the phone she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. "I am in trouble, I am. But I won't get you involved in this."

She heard a sigh, "Tohru, I want to help you! I—"

"You can't. Please. Your life would be put in danger..." she whispered softly.

"Is someone threatening you?"

"I've got to go, Kira. My family is going to Tokyo Tower today, and I left food on the stove," she told him quietly, rising from the couch.

"Will you call me later?"

There was a pause of hesitation, and she sighed, "Yes. I'll call you Kira. I promise. When I get home tonight." Beep—beep—beep

She came back into the kitchen and hung up the phone, then silently returned to her cooking. It was a little awkward till Tohru let out a squeak, "Oh no!" She realized she had left the rice in the cooker for too long, now it was stuck together like one enormous rice ball.

Everyone laughed, and she sat down with the new food. Everyone at happily, but it was Shigure who inquired about the telephone. "Flower, who was that?"

Tilting her head to the right she smiled, "Just Kira. He wanted to see how I was doing, but I told him we had to eat so we could get an early start on our trip today." She took a piece of sashimi and smiled while holding her chopsticks, "I promised I'd call him when we got back."

Kureno, Rin, and Shigure all exchanged worried glances. The adults always seemed to know more than they let on. Tohru only ate a few bites, then ran upstairs to change into something more appropriate for the summer journey. Rin excused herself from the table to sit outside on the swing on the front porch, Haru's swing, though she didn't know that. She stared up at the sky and braided a strand of her hair, "Only a matter of time."

"...Rin?"

She turned her head, half-expecting Haru. Instead, she found little Momiji looking at her, his arms behind his back, looking nervous. "What's up, Kid?"

"I have a name you know, it's Momiji! Would you like it if I called you 'Adult' or 'Lady' all the time?" Momiji pouted, sitting down with her on the swing. He got no response to his sarcastic accusation other than a small chuckle. He pulled on her arm, the cold woman looking into innocent's eyes. "Rin, are you okay?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

Momiji swung his tiny legs and smiled, "Well, you always seem to be looking at Haru. But when you look, you seem so sad, like how Hatori seems when he looks at Kana's picture." He watched her eyes widen. "Why don't you talk to Haru?"

"What am I supposed to say?" Rin asked weakly, turning her eyes away from the child.

He beamed, "Talk about anything, Rin! Haru loves talking and listening to people, especially Tohru. He seems rough and gloomy, but he's really nice, I know he is." Momiji laughed and rested his chin in his hands, "Haru always watches out for us, like a big brother."

"Rin! Momiji! Lets get going," Tohru appeared at the doorway, with a grin on her face. She had a picnic basket in her hand that she'd probably leave in the trunk of the car while they traveled. "Kureno's going to drive, since Dad doesn't have a license and all. So if you need anything from the house please get it now.:"

They had to take two cars, of course, Rin drove the other car. In Kureno's car, Shigure, Yuki, Haru, and Momiji. In Rin's car it was Kyo and Tohru. It only took a little while to get to Tokyo, maybe an hour. (A/N: I totally made that up cause I don't know much about travel time). Tohru stared out the window most of the trip, listening to her cd's while Kyo slept and Rin kept driving. Rin would look in the rear-view mirror, and watch how Kyo was content with his head on her shoulder, and arm around her waist. Even when he was unconscious, lost in dreams, he was subconsciously protecting her.

"Worried, girl?" Rin asked calmly, turning off the major highway.

Tohru noticed this turn and sat up abruptly, "What are you doing? Kureno kept going straight, we're no where near Tokyo yet. Rin, what are you doing?"

The doors locked and Rin sighed, pressing down on the gas pedal. "You were a fool for trusting me, Tohru Honda. Now I have you, and the cat, all at my disposal."

Tohru started shaking Kyo as she continued to protest, "But you said you wanted to save us! What about the dragon, and the cure? Why would you tell me any of that if you are doing this?"

"I had to gain your trust, idiot." Rin turned down a street in a grid block system and was making a lot of crazy turns. Tohru hadn't a clue where they were.

Kyo's hands grabbed Rin's neck from around the headrest and squeezed it tight, "Unlock the doors, Rin, or I'll—"

"Or you'll do what, kill me? You think killing me will stop Akito? If you stop me now, Kureno will crash the car he is in, killing the rest of the Sohmas. You'd be leaving Kisa, Hiro, and Hatori all alone. Do you really think those other Sohmas deserve that?"

"Let Kyo go, Rin-chan," a tiny voice squeaked. She couldn't stand to see the two fighting. Her eyes drooped, staring at the floor. "Let Kyo go, and I'll do whatever you want. Please, don't hurt Kyo. Don't let Akito hurt Kyo." Her chocolate eyes were filling with tears as she looked up, an intensity in the onigiri's eyes Rin had not yet seen. "You loved Haru, you should know how I feel! You want to protect the one you love so much cause they don't deserve that pain. Please Rin!"

Rin's breathing was becoming labored, Kyo's hands still squeezing. He was staring at the girl he loved so meticulously, frown on his lips. "I will not leave you here Tohru, don't you damn ask me to do that, you baka! What about me? I love you, I want to protect you!" The orange kitty's stare was filled with so much love and angst, Tohru could barely stand it. "You're the only thing that matters to me, the only thing."

Hearing those words made her heart swell. The young girl couldn't help but throw herself at him in an embrace. The 'Poof' and cloud of smoke followed, nearly blinding Rin if she hadn't pulled down the front window. The rest of the car ride to their destination Kyo lay cradled against Tohru's chest while she cried and told her how much she loved him.

Mom...if you're watching me now...I beg you with all my heart...save Kyo for me.

Author's Notes: I'm going to be wrapping up this story very soon. I'm estimating at the most another 5 chapters. A dramatic conclusion will ensue!