Alrighty, so I know this is not a totally original concept, you know the whole "memories for freedom" thing, but I do hope it's enjoyable to read! When it comes down to it, I'm just in it for the TohruxKyo! =) Please, feel free to review and critique.
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As the summer evening gave way to night, Tohru felt her anxiety fade to utter exhaustion. After cleaning away the remnants of dinner, she sleepily pulled herself up the stairs, into her room, and into her night clothes with every intention of crawling under the covers and immediately succumbing to sleep. However, Tohru's troubled mind would not allow for that yet.
She watched the subtle twinkling of the stars from her window and decided to venture onto the roof so she could think. Besides, the ominous but still weak breeze in the air promised for storms later. She should enjoy the clear night as much was possible under the circumstances.
Tohru climbed cautiously up the ladder and pushed up onto the already cool roof tiles. She scooted carefully over to the center and hugged her legs up so she could rest her chin on her knees. The light wind gently blew her dark hair around her face. In one short week, Tohru's memories would be wiped away in exchange for Kyo to be able to live a free life. Although she felt it was the right thing to do, Tohru's heart still ached from the idea of leaving the Sohma's. Oh Mom, she thought. Am I doing the right thing? There's still so much I want to do. So much I want to say. What do I do? She closed her eyes tightly to prevent the building tears from falling.
Suddenly, however, she became aware of a presence near her. She turned to look, already knowing who it was, to see Kyo sitting beside her. He had a knack for creeping up, cat-like, without a sound and always surprising her. He sat comfortably close to her, looking out into the dark night as Tohru was. She took a second to admire the soft waving of his hair in the wind and the feeling of easy comfort that radiated from him. After a second, he turned to look at her. A brief moment of silence passed, and then,
"Hey..." Kyo spoke softly.
Oh please don't. Please don't ask me anything. Please.
"It's a nice night, huh?" He finished.
Tohru blinked. He never failed to surprised her.
"Yes, it is." She replied. "I was...just trying to enjoy it before the rain." Tohru looked towards the still clear sky.
"Tohru," Kyo began again, "You know I'm here right? You know, if you need anything. I'll always be here to help."
She paused.
"Yes, I know." I feel the same. That's why I have to do this. "Thank you, Kyo." Tohru smiled softly.
Although he didn't seem completely satisfied with her answer, he spoke no more and leaned back on his hands, tilting his head to the sky. She mirrored him and watched the night sky with him silently. Suddenly, she felt warmth on her hand and looked down to realize he had placed his hand on top of hers. His hand did not grab hers, it only laid there soft and warm. She watched him slowly turn his head down to look at her again as her pulse quickened.
"You said...you said that time, when I changed forms, that you wanted to be together forever. That you wanted to be there for me and beside me forever." He stated. "I need you to know that I feel the same. I want to be able to support you forever."
Right then and there, Tohru Honda's heart broke. Forever. She could feel her eyes fill with tears again and quickly looked down. She tried to make sure her voice wouldn't shake as she spoke.
"Yes. Forever. No matter what the circumstances. Even if I see you as a stranger. I know that I will always be able to count on you, Kyo. Don't worry about that." She replied.
He broke into a smile. She couldn't help but do the same, although she was crying on the inside. I can't believe I'm doing this to him. Leaving him. No matter what I do, he will hurt. But I have to. It's better this way.
In that moment, Tohru resolved to use the little time she had left to distance herself from Kyo as much as she could. She knew that as much as she didn't want to, it would be easier for him. Deciding this, Tohru gently moved her hand away from underneath his.
"Well, I think it's time I went to bed! I'm so tired! And those clouds are getting awfully close. Goodnight, Kyo!" She announced in her best cheery voice, and scampered down the ladder.
Kyo sat awhile longer in the silence. He leaned over and examined the hand he had placed on Tohru's, then watched her go inside. He closed his eyes and sighed. Although he had hoped for an explanation from her about her strange behavior earlier, he felt she understood she could talk to him when she wanted. Kyo was startled to hear a low rumble thunder and instantly became aware of how the quickly the wind was picking up. He watched the racing clouds come towards him for a moment and gracefully dropped from the roof. He certainly didn't want to get caught in the rain.
