Thank you for all of your responses and reviews so far and I sorry it took me so long to update. I kept changing stuff.
Oh, I should get this out of the way 'cuz I completely forgot to do this last time.
clears throat I have not now nor will I ever own Fruits Basket, despite my greatest wishes that I did in fact own Hatsuharu sighs in dispair
One other thing, my deepest apologizes if this bares a similarity, slight or strong, to anything else you've read or written. I swear I read too much for my own good sometimes…
Anyway, on with the story!!
While things were progressing on the job front for Tohru, things were starting to deteriorate on the social front. Since she began working, Ou had begun her next modeling gig, so more often than not, she rarely saw her friends. And since they all kept different hours, Tohru generally went home to an empty apartment.
And because of the popularity of the men's magazine shoot they did, Tohru was becoming more and more recognized. As a result, it became increasingly difficult for her to get to and from work or go on simple errands without being approached or followed occasionally. One day, while Tohru was food shopping with Kagura after work, it almost got a little ugly. On their way to Shigure's, they came across a drunk who didn't quite get the hint that they didn't want him to follow them home until Kagura let him have it.
The young women were rehashing the incident when the boys came in for dinner.
"Can you believe that guy?"
"I'm just glad everyone's okay."
"Thank goodness I was with you."
"Indeed. This reminds me of something I was supposed to ask Kyo…Now's as good a time as any, considering…"
"It just sickens me to think of what he might had done if…"
"What he might have done to whom?"
"Yeah, and ask me what?"
The women jumped and managed to stifle their screams to squeaks as Kyo and Yuki approached them quietly from behind.
"Oh! You scared us!" Tohru managed, while her hair still stood on end.
"Our apologies, Tohru. Now—
"Now back to our questions. Who is 'he'-"
"What did 'he' almost do-"
"And do you need to ask me?"
The cat and the rat, since the curse broke, had become a more formidable together than they were when they fought each other.
"…" Tohru struggled with her words at being questioned about it before she could come up with a more 'sugar-coated' version of what happened. Regardless of everything that changed with everybody, especially Kyo's temper, she knew all that would be out the window if and when he heard the truth.
Before she could decide what to do, Kagura decided to tell them for her.
"Some drunken creep tried to follow us home to make sure we were 'safe' in exchange for Tohru giving him a 'physical examination.'
For those of you who have read the manga or especially those who've watched the anime--- 'member when Kyo almost lost it after they figured out what Tohru had done for them on Valentine's Day? It was a lot like that except this time his temper won…
"HE SAID WHAT!?!?!?!"
The sonic boom of Kyo's explosion almost managed to cover the very audible sound of his and Yuki's temper snapping like tree in a tornado.
"What else did he say?" Yuki asked in an unusually quiet voice, even for him, his head down.
"Nothing import---" Tohru started to say, trying pitifully to do damage control.
Yuki's head snapped up, lightning fast, to reveal eyes that held something beyond hatred and pure rage. Those same eyes all but pinned the girls to the wall and daring them to not give him the answers he wanted while only hinting at the dire consequences if they did anything less. If they could have been able to look away from Yuki, they would have seen an almost identical look in Kyo's eyes.
"What…did…he…say…" Yuki repeated, almost at the end of his patience.
Even Kagura was hesitant before she replied. "H-he…he…didn't really say anything thing else after that... We turned around and to keep walking… B-b-but, then he came up from behind us and tried to grab Tohru…and that's when I hit him, for ripping Tohru's uniform---" Kagura let out a small unintelligible sound as Yuki punched a hole into the fridge.
Both girls were doing the unprecedented: cowering in fear of Yuki and his temper. All of this went down before Kyo vision could go completely red. Upon catching sight of the girls in their present condition, Kyo took advantage of his new found understanding with Yuki and quietly got him to remove his hand from the now busted fridge and go outside without another word.
The girls could do little more than slump to the floor after the guys left.
Kyo was hard put with what to do with Yuki this angry. He didn't dare try to spar with him to help Yuki to calm down: it was far too dangerous, even Kyo could see that. They couldn't do like they both wanted to do, hunt that drunken rat bastard down, they would both end up in jail for attempted first degree murder, if they (and the jerk in question) were lucky. Finally, his mind settled on going to see his 'Dad', Shisou. But before they could do that, he had to check on the girls.
Kyo put Yuki a safe distance away and gave him the job of knocking down three trees without actually touching them. Kyo then set off for the house. When he entered the kitchen, he found the girls trying to deal with the food from the fridge before it went bad. They stopped when he came in the kitchen.
Kyo's mystically, but just barely restrained anger still showed through.
"We're going. Shisou's. Lock the doors. That damn dog'll…be here soon enough."
He started to leave but turned back around.
"We want your work schedule by tomorrow."
And with that he left.
Some time later, Shigure came home to a busted fridge (which he mourned) and an unusually largefeastfor three people (which promptly ended his mourning). In the process of stuffing his face, he noted how quiet the girls were and who was also absent. He briefly entertained the idea of trying to get them to talk but it was obvious that it would not be happening today. So he made all kinds of noise about how good the food was while Tohru and Kagura could do little more than murmur their responses.
After dinner, while Kagura was cleaning up, Shigure saw Tohru head for the phone upstairs. He quietly stood at the bottom of the stairs to listen to her call.
"Hello…um, could I leave a message for Kyo?...he's not there yet, I know…um, could you tell him…eight to six, so…seven fifteen and six twenty?... He'll know what that means….Arigato."
Tohru left for Kagura's room while the pondered the cryptic message.
The message was given to Shisou, who would naturally see Kyo first. Shisou had little time to ponder what would bring his son back to the dojo before the boys arrived. Upon seeing their faces, Shisou promptly lead them back outside, to his rock garden. He brought Yuki to a rock pile and quietly gave his assent for Yuki to let go. Kyo he brought to a large boulder and stepped back. He watched his son try, for a couple minutes, to focus himself before he finally sent his fist flying, breaking the boulder into several pieces.
Kyo stayed as he was, his fist still making where the boulder used be, breathing heavily for several moments. Then he began to flex his hand as he straightened, just barely noting that there was a bruise and a few scrapes on his knuckles. He was forcing himself to take deep breathes as Yuki began to wind down himself. It was easy to chart Yuki rage: as he went along, the breaks he made in the rocks went from straight to jagged and back as he began to calm down.
Both men turned towards Shisou.
"Arigato," they said, adding a bow.
Shisou led them back inside for tea. Shisou found out the reason for their agitation while drinking the tea Kyo made when after Shisou burned the first pot. The cryptic message now made a little more sense as Shisou thought about it. Thinking of it, he relayed the message to Kyo and Yuki.
When Yuki gave Kyo a questioning look, the cat simply replied, "I take her in, you bring her back." The question left Yuki's face as he nodded his consent and understanding.
"Dad, we should go. I have an early—busy morning tomorrow."
"As do I. Arigato, Shisou." Yuki said with another bow.
"Think nothing of it, Yuki," Shisou replied with a small smile. "Please be sure to come back and see me again," he added as he placed his hand on Yuki head, not quite a pat on the head, but comforting all the same.
"Thanks, Dad," Kyo said quietly, placing a hand on Shisou's shoulder as Yuki headed towards the door.
"Any time, son. See you tomorrow," Shisou said as they made their way back to Shigure's from the dojo.
When they arrived back at Shigure's, they found the house quiet and clean. In the kitchen they found a note:
Dear Yuki and Kyon-Kyon---
The girls left some food for you in the oven. After you're done stuffing your faces with my food, you can remove my poor, defenseless refrigerator to outside. Fear not, I've taken the liberty of paying for the costs of replacing it and the food from your accounts.
Kyo crumpled the note with a snort and threw it away as Yuki pulled their dinners from the oven.
For once, they were too consumed by their thoughts to enjoy Tohru's food. They couldn't really enjoy it. It was hard to enjoy food with a very busted and empty fridge staring at you. So they forced down what they could and regretfully threw out the rest, then went to bed.
Over the next several weeks, this was the routine: in the morning, Tohru and Kyo would walk together in the morning and just talk about virtually everything. She'd talk about her job or what was happening with Arisa and Hana. He'd tell her about his students and his occasional dates. Sometimes they'd have lunch with Shisou if Kyo was working at the dojo or have a quick lesson in self-defense. In the evening, Yuki would wait for Tohru in the waiting room or outside the clinic when she got off. More often than not, they talked and window-shopped. There little to no more incidents, especially since the boys spent the first few days giving every guy who glanced at Tohru the death glare.
After awhile, Hatori began to notice how often he saw Yuki around the clinic or saw Tohru lingering briefly before she left in the evening. So, he had the front desk nurse call him the next time Yuki came in before Tohru was due to clock out. Hatori escorted Yuki back to his office and closed the door, promising it would only be a few minutes.
"So, why are you hanging around here so much?" the doctor asked.
"I'm just waiting for Tohru."
"You've been doing that a lot lately."
"I've done it before."
"Yes, and Momiji says you always waited for her outside."
"…" Yuki cursed the rabbit for talking so much.
"What happened?"
"Nothing. I'm simply doing a favor for a friend."
The rat was obviously lying. There was something. Something that put an almost worried or concerned expression on his face until Tohru clocked out every day. So he simply pulled out a long needle, and uncapped it.
"What. Happened. Yuki?"
Knowing he would make good on the threat, Yuki gave up and told him what had happened. At one point, Yuki thought he saw something flash in the dragon's eyes, but he couldn't be sure.
Little did the rat know, he had been right. That little flash had been Hatori's rarely seen anger making an all too brief appearance. It honestly angered him to hear how Tohru had been getting harassed, especially by that drunk. His hand actually wanted to make a fist.
He remained quiet while Yuki spoke, only asking if Tohru had been hurt in any way. Yuki assured him she had not.
As Yuki was making to leave, Hatori spoke up.
"I'd like to speak to Tohru after her shift, so if it's all the same to you, I'll drive her home."
Yuki's eyebrow made an almost imperceptible movement before he nodded his assent.
As Yuki walked out, Hatori went out to find Tohru. He almost ran right into her when made to turn a corner.
"Oh! I'm sorry Hatori, I almost ran you over."
"That's quite all right. Tohru, may I have a word with you in my office before you go?"
"Um, sure," she answered, not sure what he could want to talk to her about.
They walked back to his office and Hatori closed the door behind them as Tohru took a seat in front of his desk.
When Hatori sat down, he realized he had begun to not so much calm down, so much as regain control of his temper, such as it was. Now that his mind was a little clearer, he felt a little awkward and unsure as to how to approach this topic, something he wasn't accustomed to. After a moment, he decided to take the indirect approach.
"How are things?"
"Hm? Oh, they're fine." Tohru began to relax, he just wanted to talk. "We haven't really chatted in a while. How are things with you?"
"About the same. Weren't you trying to find an apartment several weeks ago? How is that going?"
"Oh, not very good. I was trying to find a roommate and an apartment."
"A roommate? Why?"
"Oh, because I've basically always lived with someone…and living alone is a far cry from living with Shigure."
"Very true. So why not live with your friends?"
"They're too busy. I remember what it like, doing what they do. They'll be gone so much, I may as well be living alone anyway."
"So are you going to continue to stay with Shigure?"
"Hopefully not too much longer. But it's difficult to find a decent place that's safe enough by Yuki and Kyo's standards."
"Their opinions may not be the best right, considering how mad they still are about that drunken pervert."
"I know but…" Tohru slowed to a stop as her eyes got big. "How do you know about that?"
"I spoke with Yuki earlier. I had been noticing that he came around a lot lately, so I asked him about it. I assume Kyo is responsible for getting you here in the morning since Yuki is not a morning person in the least."
"Yes, he is and no, Yuki's not."
"How long has this been going on?"
"They've been walking me to and from work for about…"
"No, I mean long how had you been getting harassed? Yuki mentioned that you had been getting bothered by people for a while before the incident with the drunk."
"Oh…um, right after I started working for you. That's when that magazine released those photos."
"Photos?"
"Yes. I mean, I knew there was a possibility that there would be a reaction, but I was almost used to it because Ou-Chan got recognized all the time. I didn't think it would be this big a deal."
"What are you talking about?"
"Oh, I did a photo shoot with Ou-Chan and Hana-chan. The magazine wanted to get some formal shots of us."
"I see…"
"So, that's making it a little harder finding a place to live that won't expose me to those…perverts." Tohru gave a little shiver. "I'd really like to avoid that as much as possible, but…"
"…"Hatori said nothing, trying to figure out why this was starting to bug him so much.
"Besides, Yuki and Kyo can't walk with me everywhere and they can't do it forever--"
"Then how about you live with me?"
Silence reigned supreme after Hatori spoke. Though he had spoken in the same modulated voice he always used, he may as well have yelled the suggestion. Tohru looked very confused and Hatori appeared to be surprised at himself. They were wondering the same thing: where did THAT come from?
Finally Tohru managed to speak, "What…?"
Hatori scrambled to find the logic behind his words and remain calm.
"For starters, you'd be living on the compound, which is pervert-free, with the exception of visits from Ayame and Shigure. That also means you're walking distance from the clinic, so there's no need to worry about riding public transportation. In addition, you'll have your own space without being alone."
"My own space?"
"The additions I had put in since Momiji more or less lived with me."
"What about rent and grocery?"
Hatori stopped and thought about it for a moment. IF this was actually going to happen, he couldn't bring himself to charge her rent, not after everything she did for the Sohmas. As for the groceries…he was quite sure Ramen noodles and coffee don't count in Tohru's world. He inwardly flinched, knowing she was going to let him have when she saw the inside of his cabinets.
"If you take care of the groceries, I'll consider it rent."
Tohru thought about it. On the one hand, it would be kind of awkward and vaguely inappropriate to live with her boss. That kind of thing would open them both up to unkind and wildly untrue gossip. On the other hand, she had known him for years. She hadn't even known Yuki before she had moved in with him and Shigure. She knew now how lucky she was that Shigure was a perv with at least some self-control and an ounce of morals. Hatori was several steps up from the writer, that much was certain. Plus, she had always been rather curious about the dragon doctor. She had learned some things from working with him but her curiosity was as yet unsatisfied.
"Okay."
"Okay?"
"If the offer is still on the table, I would be honored to be your roommate."
Hatori was surprised that she took him up on his offer…and maybe even a little pleased about it, too.
Wait---where the hell did that come from? I have no reason to be pleased. I made a sensible offer of shelter and she sensibly accepted. The fact that she's attract---that I don't regard her the way that I once did is of no relevance or consequence.
"Very well. Would you like to retrieve the rest of your things from Shigure's tonight?", Hatori asked as they both rose to go.
"That would just fine, right after we go home so I can yell at you about living on ramen and coffee."
Hatori could nothing but sigh as he locked up the clinic.
After received his well deserved lumps for malnutrition (the ramen noodle packs were covered in dust), they (Tohru) decided a trip to the grocery store was in order before the day was over.
As they pulled up to Shigure's house, Hatori's stomach gave a sizable rumble. Tohru laughed a little and said, "We'll make this quick, so you can be properly fed."
Upon their entrance, they could see the house was rather lively. Shigure was bothering Kyo about the television, which in turn, bothered Yuki who was in the middle of a complicated equation. Back in the kitchen, clanks and clatters could be heard as Kagura prepared to make dinner.
"Hello, everyone," Tohru said as they made their way in.
"Ah, Tohru, you made it in. Thank you Hatori," Yuki replied as he tried to ignore the chaos the dog was creating.
"Kagura?" Tohru called.
"Oh, hi Tohru," Kagura answered as she walked to the kitchen door.
"Would it be too much trouble to ask you to help me up stairs? I have some things I need to move and I don't want to spend a lot time doing that."
"Sure, I haven't really started dinner anyway."
"What are you up to?" Kyo asked.
"Oh, um…" Tohru stalled knowing the reaction sure to come. "I'm packing up my things and moving tonight."
There was about two or three seconds of silence and stillness as Tohru's words were absorbed.
Then the great team of cat and rat went to work.
"What the hell do you mean, moving!?!"
"How could you have found a place so fast?"
"And where the hell IS this place?"
"I thought you were going to tell us before you signed a lease."
"We were SUPPOSED to CHECK THE PLACE OUT first BEFORE you signed!!!"
"Are you sure it's a safe neighborhood?"
"Are you quite finished?" Hatori interjected before Kyo could shout again.
"Um, Kyo calm down, it's okay really."
"THE HELL IT IS!!!"
"No, really it is. I'm moving in with Hatori."
Everyone grew quiet once more, as Kyo, Yuki, Kagura and Shigure stood shell-shocked. Then their eyes traveled to Tohru, then Hatori. Then the younger adults' eyes narrowed as they focused their accusing eyes on the dog.
Shigure cringed under the intensity of their stare. He replied nervously, "I can assure you, I had absolutely nothing to do with this in any capacity."
Before he could be called a liar, Hatori broke in.
"He's telling the truth."
"How did…this happen?" Yuki inquired as curiosity took over.
I'll give you the short version as I believe Tohru wanted to keep this brief. After I spoke with you, I spoke with Tohru. During the course of the conversation, she expressed some concerns over her living situation. I offered a sensible and convenient solution. She accepted."
While a little thought confirmed that it was sensible and convenient, it didn't answer the big question: Why did he do that?
As the question hung unasked and unanswered in the air, Tohru grabbed Kagura and went upstairs to pack. While the girls were gone, Hatori spoke up once more.
"While Tohru's gone, I'd like to say one thing to you two," addressing Yuki and Kyo. "Even though she won't need you to escort her to the clinic, I imagine she'd still like you to come to the clinic and see her. Just as she'd never ask you to take time out of your schedules to visit her, she'd never tell you how hurt she'd be if you stopped coming. Understood?"
Upon hearing the girls make their way back downstairs, the boys quietly nodded their assent. When they hit the bottom of the stairs, all the guys (minus the writer---what, him do manual labor? Are ya crazy?!?!) grabbed Tohru's things and placed them in the back of Hatori's car.
Tohru gave everyone a hug as she and Hatori made to leave. "Arigato to you all for letting me stay here," she said with a bow. With that, they left to embark on a new adventure, as roommates.
Okay that's the second chapter.
And yeah, as some of may have noticed, I'm ignoring a couple things from the actual storyline, like the whole Kyo/Tohru thing. And keeping Momiji in high school when he should very well be in university. I know, I know. Maybe I'll keep to the original storyline in another fic.
Keep reviewing and I'll try and update this just as soon as I can.