Woot. New chapter. I found that it's a great idea to take a few moments in study hall, or non-busy classes to actually start writing rough drafts for chapter updates. This way I can go home, have all the thinking done, and have only to type them up! This is good news for you too; more to read.

Tohru's eyes were wide in excitement as she spoke, "But...how?! The curse was bro-" Kyo's hand quickly found her mouth, clamping it shut before she could form the full sentence.

"I don't know...But keep your voice down, will ya?" his whisper was hushed and urgent as he looked around at the people swarming the room; it seemed to be getting busier and busier by the minute. They had moved to a somewhat secluded area, chairs and tables littering the nearly empty corner. There were still people around however.

Once it seemed that she had gathered herself, Kyo let go of her mouth gently, smiling at the flustered girl that sat before him. Tohru shook her head in disbelief. His curse is broken...We haven't spoken a word in three years...yet here he is. Talking to me. She blinked, dumbfounded as she finally grasped the extent of her reactions just moments before. I must be acting like such an idiot...she sighed, embarrassment evident on her very pink face. Kyo only chuckled.

"So. How're you?" his voice was soft, cherishing the moment. He and Tohru had talked all too much back in High School. But three years without hearing her voice, or sharing such conversations had made him cold and sad on the inside. However, this wasn't something he was going to say aloud. "What's the matter?" he whispered, studying the look on the girl's face. She looks...upset.

"Ah...Nothing...But you...You disappear for three years...and now you're asking me how I'm doing?" she looked up from the table, her eyes glassy as she spoke. What's he getting at? Her facial expression must have caught his attention, because he spoke again. Even softer this time.

"I'm...sorry for that. Things were...difficult." he sighed into his hand, orange locks falling into his eyes as he breathed in sharply, before looking around the room once more. "Do you...Want to go somewhere else to talk? It's kinda crowded in here." he gestured to the now unbreathable room as a smile spread across his face. "Who'd have thought, people actually come to these things..." he muttered, mentally thanking Kagura, his former nuisance, for pushing him this far for the millionth time.

Kyo paused, Tohru had grabbed his hand. He slowly came to a stop as he felt her come closer to his back, her grip on his hand tightening. I could get used to this...he sighed, squeezing back and heading for the classroom door. Maybe she doesn't hate me...

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

The wind howled violently, sending leaves in it's wake as they beat a steady rhythm against the window pane. The clouds threatened rain, something Tohru didn't want to walk home in; they had to stop in the cafe once the wind picked up, causing Tohru to cling for dear life on Kyo's arm. She shook her head in embarrassment, I must be such a nuisance. Now that she thought of it, it seemed like she had always been needy through high school as well. Always relying on Yuki or Kyo to save her from a minor threat.

"...ru...Tohruu...Tohru...?" she shook herself from her thoughts, finding Kyo's hands flailing in front of her face in an effort to wake her from her daydreams. He smiled, catching her attention. She loved that smile...

"Ah..Sorry." she breathed, taking the cup from his hands. Maybe coffee will bring me to my senses...she sighed, drinking slowly as she admired Kyo's own delicate posture. He certainly has grown up...She smiled back, placing her cup down with the faintest of noises.

"So...You're going to school then?" Kyo was careful as he spoke, he didn't want to upset her like he had done before. But he still wanted to make conversation...

"Ah. Yes...Culinary school." she sighed into her cup, half dazed at the thought of being alone with him, with nobody else remotely close to their table. She had picked a moderately empty cafe; they were the only ones still present. The thought had occurred to her as she witnessed his flawless smile once more. He must be happy...fake images flashed through her mind. A girlfriend. A job. A social life. It wasn't long before she felt the blood rise to her cheeks, and she immediately attempted to hide the sight by looking at the window, feigning interest in the swirling leaves outside. Nobody ever said he belonged to me; I shouldn't be so flustered...After all, that was almost three years ago. She only hoped that Kyo couldn't hear the thudding in her chest at the moment...

"That's great! You were always a good cook..." Kyo nodded, fantasizing about Tohru's old apron, cooking home made meals every night. "Uh...Er...Besides, leeks that is." he made a disgusted face at the one thing Yuki had always used against him; Leeks. It wasn't long before the thought was chased away with an involuntary shudder. Kyo looked up to see Tohru busying herself with the window. He frowned, feeling bold as he leaned forward. He gently grasped her flushing cheek in his palm, turning her to face him. "Are you alright?" his voice mirrored his concern, as he let go of her reluctantly.

"Y...ye-YES!" Tohru couldn't help but stutter, feeling his warm hands on her face. "It's just that this...is so...weird." smiling, she added, "but in a good way. I miss you...all of you guys..." she looked down then, the familiar butterflies zooming through her stomach. I feel so stupid.

Kyo looked at her through soft eyes, "I missed you too! I mean...I missed you." he admitted, feeling his own heart misbehave. He could've sworn that she had smiled at this, but it faded far too fast for his own liking. He looked at the clock in their awkward stand still, finding how late it had really been; 7:49 pm. "Er...Wow. It's late..." he looked at the window, the rain just starting to fall. And the one day I don't bring the car...He mentally cursed himself before pulling his tan hood up. I hate water...He sighed, looking at Tohru then, "Shigure is expecting me..."

"Shigure? Whatever happened to moving away to train with Shishou? I thought you wanted to teach..." Tohru's voice broke, her feelings hurt. Had he lied about that to get rid of me? Her insecurity broke through her mental process. Maybe he had really lied to her?

"Yea! I did too, actually. But...I was thinking." he reached for his money, placing a tip on the table as Tohru stood with him. "I'm done training. So I'm moving back in to Shigure's house, and from there I'm starting my own dojo." he beamed, pleased with himself. Looking outside once more, he shuddered; the rain was falling harder. "Do you live nearby?"

Tohru was relieved; he didn't lie to her. "Ah, yes. Apartment Complex over that way." she pointed in the general direction, in which Kyo took advantage of before grabbing at her slender hand. She gasped then, Kyo pulling the two of them through the double doors, and into the violent rain.

"Good. I'll walk you there!"

Wow. Another cliff hanger? Sorta...But next chapter should be fun. :) Promise! I want to take a moment to thank everyone who's encouraged me to keep writing. Such people are just plain amazing! I love the comments I get, and I love how you all love my writing! MJ – You're such a sweatheart! You made my horrible day stupendous with that PM and comment about my stories. So thank you so much!

NEXT CHAPTER: Kyo and Tohru proceed to her apartment, where she offers to let him stay awhile longer until the rain let's up. And...What a surprise?! They're alone! Will Kyo make a move?!

As Always – Review And Comment! I need ideas! And some HONEST feedback!

**For those of you reading "Feelings" alongside this, I'm pleased to pronounce that I' currently working on a Chapter Two. Just need to do some Fleshing! Thanks!

~iPoet