Thanks to everyone who gave me reviews. Special thanks to 'candelight' and 'mai sode no shirayuki'.

Well, the second half is now up! Yuki and Tohru may be a bit OOC but that's what a fanfic is all about, right?!

Enjoy!

"When did you get here, Ayame nii-san?" a clearly irritated Yuki questioned.

"Now, now, Yuki! No need to worry, you know I'm always here for you whenever you need me!"

"Who's worried? And I don't need you!" Yuki yelled above Ayame's rambling. "Why are you even here?"

"Why the angry face?" Ayame laughed heartily. "Come! Embrace your brother! We shall hug and connect, and fulfill every young maiden's dream- brotherly love!"

A deep voice interrupted the ridiculous interchange. "It's time for your monthly check-up Yuki, and I brought Ayame with me."

"Why? And can't you call first?"

"I'm sorry," Hatori began, but Ayame cut him off. "No, I'm the one who should be apologizing."

"Why am I not surprised?" Yuki retorted.

"I was over at Hari's house for a visit, when he mentioned that he was coming to see you," Ayame related. "And of course I insisted that I should come along. But I wanted to surprise you, so I begged Hatori not to call, and that's how we wound up here unannounced, at a very good time, might I add. Who were you talking about, Yuki? Which lucky girl has captured your attention?"

"It's Tohru."

"Haru! It's none of his business!" Yuki rebuked.

"Tohru! What a fine choice!" Ayame exclaimed completely ignoring Yuki's comments. "Hmm yes, I knew she was family, from the moment I laid my eyes on her," Ayame nodded with his eyes closed and fingers holding his chin.

"Maybe not. Yuki isn't going to say anything to her about it yet," Haru blurted out plainly. Yuki glared at him like he wanted to kill him. His expression made Haru chuckle but also silenced him at the same time.

"Impossible! You must confess your love for her, under the captivating moonlit sky, and sweep her off her feet, with the amazing charisma that you have inherited from me!"

"Hatori…" Yuki warned in a low menacing tone. Seeing the boy's irritation, Hatori interjected. "Slow down, Ayame. Why don't you go by Shigure and leave Yuki alone for now. I'll rejoin you in five minutes."

Ayame immediately left to "exchange fantasies with Shigure."

Yuki heaved a huge sigh of relief, "What am I going to do with him?"

"Never mind your brother," Hatori advised. "He just likes to hear himself talk. More importantly Yuki, are you planning to inform Tohru of your feelings anytime soon?"

"I don't know, I'll just have to see how things go, and wait for the right time."

"Wise choice," Hatori smiled kindly. "And you don't have to worry about how she would react," he added. He thus received questioning looks from Yuki and Haru. However, Hatori gave no further explanation and simply said, "You're in good condition Yuki, I'm finished now. Hatsuharu, are you coming back to the Sohma's residence with me?"

Haru nodded and after exchanging farewells, he and Hatori made their way out.

Yuki exhaled loudly. Oh, Tohru isn't home as yet. I better wait up for her to make sure she's okay.

……………………………………………………………

Tohru reached home very late, quite worn out after the long day she had. I hope the guys had the leftovers from yesterday.

She entered their home to see Yuki dozing in a sitting position leaning on the wall. Yuki…he fell asleep waiting for me. She ran inside and returned with a thick blanket to cover him. He was still sleeping as she laid him down comfortably.

Shigure was looking on from the shadows. She seems more sure of herself, he mused. It looks like she has made up her mind.

……………………………………………………………

Yuki woke up the next morning to find himself lying downstairs and Haru was sitting nearby. "What am I doing here? Did I-?"

"Sensei said that you fell asleep there and Tohru tucked you in," Haru reported in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Really?" Yuki queried.

"Yes. Hey listen, Sensei is visiting Akito, and I set Kyo up on a date with Kagura…so you know what that means?" Haru teased.

"No…" Yuki replied slowly.

"It means you and Tohru have this place to yourselves for now!" Haru declared.

"What?"

"Yes! It's perfect. She's upstairs right now, so I'll leave you now to do your thing," Haru winked and walked away.

Yuki watched him leave, a tad dismayed at the reason, but he was also half- satisfied and smirked at the idea.

……………………………………………………………

Yuki found Tohru dusting the guest room. He gazed at her, leaning against the door with his arms crossed.

"Good morning Tohru."

"Oh hey Yuki!" the busy girl replied brightly. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, I'm sorry I fell asleep downstairs," Yuki humbly apologized to the lady of the house.

"No, it's no trouble at all."

"Tohru…" Yuki paused, unsure of what exactly to say and how to say it.

"Yes?" Tohru stopped what she was doing and stood up to face Yuki.

"Would you go out with me this afternoon?" Yuki looked intently into Tohru widened eyes.

She flickered a bit and then started, "I—"

But Yuki began speaking at the same time. He felt that he owed her an explanation for his sudden request. "Well, Kyo and Shigure are out and I was thinking that maybe we —"

"It would be my pleasure. I'd love to go out with you," Tohru cut him off and smiled.

……………………………………………………………

Yuki took Tohru to a fancy ice-cream restaurant by a cherry blossom park. Tohru's eyes widened eagerly. She loved ice-cream but she rarely ate it. She can count on one hand, the delightful times she was able to savor the sweet taste.

Yuki laughed at her facial expression, "You can have as many flavors as you like."

After tasting some nine different flavors, Tohru settled on strawberry cheesecake. Yuki ordered chocolate fudge trifle. They strolled in the park, eating their ice-cream, laughing gaily. It was beautiful evening at the park; the cherry blossoms were in full bloom.

Tohru paused, "Thank you very much for this incredible treat, Yuki."

Yuki looked down warmly at the girl he knew who he was in love with.

"I am just returning the favor. You do more for me than you ever know. I want to thank you for everything. Thank you for accepting me, welcoming me, defending me, taking care of me. Most importantly, thank you for giving me hope, and a reason to stay alive," Yuki expressed with all his heart. "I'm in love with you, Tohru. And I want to care for you, be there for you, safeguard you and love you. I love to see you smile and just be happy, and I'd really love to make you even happier. Would you please let me?"

Yuki looked at Tohru with an expression that would make any girl melt. He had the sweetest smile and the sincerest, most charming and loving eyes.

Tohru was speechless. So Yuki said carefully, "Above all, I just want you to be happy, Tohru, and if you don't feel like I do, I would still do everything I can to ensure your happiness… because I love you."

Tohru's heart beat faster. She did not see this coming, and she certainly did not expect to hear those three fateful words! But she knew what she wanted.

"I'm in love with you too, Yuki!" she exclaimed. "And I want to be major part of your life, to be with you and –"

She got no further. That was all that Yuki needed to hear. He stood behind her and held her hands, wrapping his arms around hers, wishing he could properly embrace her. He whispered into her ear, "You ARE my life."

With that, Yuki turned Tohru slightly and kissed her passionately. Seconds later, Tohru's unfinished ice-cream fell from her hands and she looked down, breaking the kiss for a moment. But Yuki held her chin, looking directly into her eyes as their noses touched, and breathed huskily, "I'll get you another one later." He pressed his lips against hers and opened her mouth with his tongue as she responded like he wanted her to.

Then the cheery blossoms fell, as if welcoming the happy, new couple, closing this chapter.

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