Chapter 17

Yuki's Story

Surprisingly, everything has been going pretty well. We got to the club alittle passed 7:20 and ordered our drinks after being seated. The music was soft jazz. The floor was filled with dancers and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Machi made light banter as we observed our surroundings. The walls were brick and the lighting was pretty dimmed. We told jokes and laughed without care and enjoyed the atmoshere. Her eyes shone beautifully and her hair reflected in the light, making it look like a gold wave whenever she threw her head back in laughter. My has she changed. When cleavage peeked out from her top, a warm blush hit my face. Don't pick up from Shigure damn it! Looking away to the left, our waiter nearing bumbed into my nose coming back with our drinks. Apologizing and paying the bill, we sipped in silence. What should I say? Clearing my throat, Machi began to speak.

"You're probably wondering why I've changed so much, huh?" she brushed her bangs out of her eyes and wore a goofy smile with pride.

"Yeah I've been meaning to ask you about that," thank God too because I'd probably make up some stupid comment about the place and than the whole conversation would be awkward.

"See," she began softly. "After high school, I realized my life was just to please others and I hated it so much. In college, it was much worse for me to cope. I felt my life was wasted and I almost succeeded in killing myself, but a friend came and saved me before really dying. He helped me with my issues and he adviced me for some therapy and I've never felt better. We dated for a while, but we both felt that we should just remain friends. I graduated, getting a degree in teaching and here I am"

"Wow," a whisper came from me. "That must have been hard, but I'm glad you made it through"

"Yeah," her eyes shifted from her drink to mine. All of a sudden, she looked like the most alluring being on this earth. My heart began to race and blood boiled under my cheeks. An image of a kiss being shared gripped my brain.NOOOOO!!! I want Tohru!!! Stop Machi! You're beautiful, it's undeniable, but I want Tohru!!!

"Ummm, could you excuse me a moment?" I was breathless and span my head to search for a restroom.

"No go right on ahead," she smiled innocently and grabbed her bag for something.

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Tohru's Story

For a good hour, clothing and accessories have been tossed my way. I protested politely, saying how I'm ok, I don't need all this, but no one paid mind to whatever came out of my mouth besides, "I'm sorry, but it's very uncomfortable"

Uo-Chan ran through the isles, returning with fashionable garments that were very flashy. Pink silks and yellow cotton embraced my skin with such love, I almost didn't want to take them off, but I knew the corset would cause me to suffocate in no time so I decided to forget all about it. Hana-Chan piled pairs of shoes that she caused a mountain to form in the middle of the dressing room! Silky fabric lined pointed-heels squished my tiny feet, white patent leather platforms were zipped up to my thighs, and than flip flops were scuffling the floor as we raced to find the perfect pair of pantyhose. After all the discussing and trying on, we still couldn't find anything for me to wear!

"I will not give up!" cried Ayame as he posed like a god. "By the power of God, I will find the lovely Tohru-kun a dress fit for a queen! Hell, that will make Kyonkichi want to make love to you on the very floor which you will stand at the restaurant you two will meet in!" A warm redding blush crept on my cheek bones.

"Ayame-san I don't think that will be necessary, but thank you for trying to help my friends will their silly misson of trying to get me with Kyo-kun."

"Silly misson?" he whispered. His eyes were wide as if appalled that the statement came out of my very mouth. "Tohru! This is not a silly misson! This is destiny! You may not remember, but you and Kyonkichi were lovers! You were beautiful together and when tragedy struck to you, it broke his heart completely! He thought this was even worse than you dying! You were the first person to really and truly love him, so when you lost your memory, he was terribly upset! You belong together"

The realization of what he said hit his face hard. He turned around and Mine gave him a warm hug, though he didn't wrap his arms around her. What did he really say? Is this all true? That Kyo-kun and I... loved one another? That we belong together? Tears crepted down my cheeks silently as I gasped for air. Don't cry Tohru! But I want to know... if it's all true!

"Is that true?" I whiped the sprinkled tears off my faces. "That Kyo-kun and I were in loved with another?"

"Yeah," Uo-Chan said somberly as she stepped forward with a dress in hand. "Hell we thought you two were gonna get married since you've been together since second year of high school." To be married? Since high school? What in the world is going on!

"That isn't possible, though! I mean, Kyo-kun would have set me straight about the whole thing! Am I right? Am I?" the floodgates turned on and unstoppable tears dominated my face.

Hana-Chan's black-clothed arm circled around my shoulders as I cried my heart out. "He didn't want to frighten you. He felt that if you were told of your relationship with him in this state, you'd run away from him. So he thought if he could get you to fall in love with him all over again, than you're memory will come back and everything would be ok again"

My tears had stopped at some point in between Hana's speech. That makes perfect sense considering it would be very awkward being told that I love someone who I have no idea is all about! Soon Hana-Chan removed her arms, but I quickly reached out for her hand. Her fingers were ice cold.

"I don't know what I can do," I felt sheepish and the way the words came out felt awkward and I grew confused for they made no sense to me.

"Just try on the dress," Hana-Chan's thumbs stroked my hand and her face grew into a smile. "Let the rest happen with your heart."

"My heart?" I couldn't help but feel small and whisper like a child saying a swear word out loud. "Never-mind. I'll do as you say. Now where's that dress?"
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Yuki's68" value"Yuks, Yoko's, Yugo's, Yak's, Suki's, Yuri's, Yogi's, Yoke's, Yurik's, Yukon's, Yaqui's, Yucks, Yul's, Yikes, Ki's, York's, Yack's, Dukie's, Yaks, Gui's, Yorke's, Yucca's, Auk's, Ski's, Yogis, Yokes, Yuccas, Yuk, Yerkes, Auks, Skis, Yups, Yukky" / Story

God what is my problem! I mean, it's not like I haven't been out with women before! Why in the world is this so different!? I just need to relax and everything will be ok. Making my way from the crowd to the table, I noticed her as if she were a bullet in between my eyes. Her plump lips were being covered with a clear pink lip gloss and her focus was in her little compact. God she's beautiful. A non-embarrassing blush spread through my cheeks as I simply gazed at her while romantic jazz filled the backround like wine in a glass. Walking up to the table, she snapped her compact shut and looked up at me with a cute smile.

"Would you like to dance?" She seemed taken aback as the words fluttered out from my lips.

Nodding her head, she slipped her silky hand into my clumsy palm and we walked towards the floor. The music was light and romantic. Couples swilled around the tiled floor along with the beat of the drummer as Machi's eyes sparkled from the twinkling lights. Her body was pressed against mine snugly and if I didn't know any better, she was smiling at the fact that she could feel through the thin fabric of my pants. Her hands were at my neck as mine were at her waist line, holding her hips gingerly. Sweat trickled down the side of my cheek as I watched her gaze into my eyes. Calm down Yuki, I mean you've danced with pretty women before. She is no different after all. But somehow, she is. Her eyes were like crystal orbs thrown into her skull but fit beautifully. Her lips were full and shined in the passing light as we span around. Machi was very light on her feet surprisingly.

"Isn't this nice?" she whispered softly.

"Yeah," I smiled. I don't know why, but I wanted this to last forever.

She laughed alittle bit and kept up with her smile, showing all her pearly whites. Wow she's really... beautiful.

The music picked up the speed so we started dancing a little crazier. The beat was fun and Machi and I were living it up with spins and dips. She printed that smile on her face until the set was done and clapped her hands with a lot of enthusiasm. Walking back to our seats, we ordered one more set of drinks to go. Grabbing our sodas, we headed for the car and I began to back up out of the parking lot.

"Did you enjoy yourself?" I asked as I searched for a good radio station to listen in on.

"Hmmm," she nodded as she sucked the contents dry.

"That's good, I'm glad," I smiled as soft rock filled the now silent ride home.

Switching lanes, I found the exit and made my bumpy way home on the back roads. The lights in the house were dim. Machi's car shone from the reflection of my headlights. When the light passed over the roof, I saw orange hair sticking up and arms folded under his head. Wonder what he's groaning about . Putting the car in park, I opened my door and stepped out. Hearing a second slam, I turned to find Machi right behind me.

"Thank you so much for this night," she smiled with her teeth gleaming behind her pink lips.

"I'm really glad we did this," I said with sincerity. "It was a lot of fun. We should do this some other time." "Yeah, maybe," she whispered as she stepped a little closer.

My body tensed, knowing what was coming next. Oddly I didn't move. Stop this Yuki!! You want Tohru remember?!!! T-O-H-R-U!!!! Regardless of how many times I told myself to back away, I stood perfectly still, as if petrified at the very thought of stopping our lips from meeting. Her eyes were half-way shut and she was raising higher to meet me. Soon my eyes began to close and gloss met me in the mouth. My arms coiled around her waist and a slight moan rumbled under her throat. Butterflies erupted in my lower stomach and an erection came and wouldn't leave. The kiss dissolved into open mouth and my tongue danced lightly with her's. Her arms crepted up my torso and fingers began to twine together at the nape of my neck. For what seemed like a good ten minutes, we both came up for air.

A small blush and smile imprinted her face while she headed toward her car, waving good-bye. As soon as the car reversed and exited the drive-way, I moaned in frustration.

"What have I done?!" I whispered my plea to the heavens.

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AN: hey sorry it took so long, had lots of writers block. But anyway hope you liked the chapter! Man things seem to be tough for Yuki-boy who has to women to choose from! Well enjoy the rest of the story and please please please review!!!!!!