Disclaimer: I don't own fruits basket or its characters. I do own Rika and anything change etc.
Can't wait to see reactions =D Chapter 21(next one) will reveal everything (Even though this one hints at it hard.)
Rika, Kisa and Tohru were sitting in front of the TV watching an anime while Yuk sat at the table.
"I guess even bad guys can have problems, I never thought of it like that." Tohru said. Kisa nodded.
"I'd say the people with real problems are the ones who produce this anime." Yuki said.
"Ah, good morning." Shigure said, standing in the doorway, stretching.
"Good evening is more like it." Yuki said as Shigure walked over. "I think your sleep cycles a bit off."
"No, it's perfectly normal, such is the life of the creative mind." He pushed against his back with a groan. "Ah and who is this, such a cute little girl." Shigure put a hand on Kisa's head, kneeling in front of her. "would you like grandpa Shigure to give you some candy."
"Oh stop it, the way you say that it makes you sound like a dirty old man." Yuki said.
"Ah, I see Yuki's being cold as usual."
"And as usual you're being an idiot."
"So, what are we watching?" Shigure asked.
"An anime." Kisa said. "I've never seen it but all the kids at school seem to like it so I borrowed it."
"Ah, and how are things going at school?" Shigure asked.
"Huh?" Kisa smiled with a small giggle. "Oh it's okay."
"I love you so much." Tohru said hugging Kisa. Rika laughed.
"And it shows." Shigure said.
After school Rika met up with Tohru and they made their way to work. When they got there Tohru checked her watch.
"Oh we're early; I guess I didn't need to be in such a rush. Oh well we can just take our time in the locker room." Something in the air caught Rika's eye and she caught it. The two looked at the little brown boot. "Where did that come from?" Rika shrugged.
"Hey!" The two looked over to see a blond boy sitting on the wall. "You there, give me that." Rika raised an eyebrow and tossed it to him. He moved out of the way and it hit the wall before falling to the ground. "Pick that up." He said. Rika narrowed her eyes. "Come on pick it up."
"Oh right." Tohru said picking it up.
"Toh-" Rika sighed as Tohru held it up to the boy.
"Here you go." The boy smiled for a second.
"What are ya stupid or somethin'? Why'd you do that?" Tohru looked shocked and confused. "Don't you have a mind of your own or do you always do what people tell you? What if I told you to roll on the ground, would you do that? Or how about if I told you to jump off a bridge?"
"No uh-"
"Ya know you'll never get anywhere unless you learn how to think for yourself. Well as long as you picked it up, hurry up and give it back, what are you tryin' a do, steal it?"
"Uh oh no of course not." Tohru went to hold it back up to him when Rika took it. Tohru looked at her confused and the boy watched her. She tossed the boot on the ground below the boy.
"Hey, I came all this way to meet you; you could at least say thank you or something, not throw my stuff on the ground." He said hopping down. He picked up his boot.
"Oh, but I-"
"Come on, do complete strangers come to meet you every day? Put it together, I think by now it should be pretty easy to guess who I am." It took Tohru a second but soon she was smiling excited. "Not too quick are you. Really, everyone talks about you like you're somethin' special. I don't see what's the big deal." He put his boot on the ground and put it on. "Ya don't seem that great to me. You're pretty dull." He bent over to tie his laces. "Ah this was dumb, a total waste of time. Now you at least gotta treat me to a meal. What's the problem, you want me to get somethin' good outta this don't ya? Take me out to eat."
"Oh um- we were just on our way to work. And I don't really have that much money with me."
"Yeah? Let's see your wallet." The kid reached over and tried to take her bag.
"That's it." Rika grabbed the bag and held it up. "Listen kid, I don't care what you are let along who you are. You're not special, sure you turn into a sheep," She added quietly making him looked at her in shock and confusion. "but as a person you're no better than me or Tohru. Quit actin' like a spoiled brat." The boy glared up at her then looked slightly surprised. Suddenly he stomped on her foot, making her drop Tohru's bag and grab her foot. "You little!"
"Man what a cheap looking bag."
"Wait please." Tohru said.
"Ah but here's something. This notebook's pretty nice, I like the colour. I'll just take this."
"No you can't that's-!" He stood up and dropped her bag, still holding the notebook.
"Oh by the way, I doubt I'll ever see you again so I might as well tell you, I'm Hiro Sohma. Bye. Oh and thanks for such a boring time, it was a blast." He said before running off.
"Wait please! That notebook has my mom's picture in it!" Rika growled, watching the kid disappear, still holding her foot. "Oh no, mom's been kidnapped what am I gunna do?"
"Tohru? Rika?" The two looked up to see Momiji. "Why are you sitting in the middle of the street? You're okay right? You look a little bit lost."
"Momiji."
"And Rika you look in pain." The blond girl nodded with her head down.
Hiro was sitting on a rock looking at the notebook. He found Kyoko's picture.
"This must be your mom, hm she's pretty hot. Well isn't she just the little mama's girl. How boring." Hiro closed the notebook. Just then Kyo walked by and noticed Hiro.
"Huh? Hiro what are ya doin' out here?" Kyo started to walk over.
"Why do I need a permit or somethin'? Do I have ta have a reason to be here, maybe I'm just sittin here cause I want to or is that some kinda crime?"
"I didn't say any'a that I just asked you a simple question.
"And what, just because you asked does that mean I have to answer? Maybe I don't wanna tell you why I'm here."
"Damnit. Ya know for a snot-nosed little kid you sure got a bit mouth."
"Well you're the one who's yelling."
"No now I'm yelling!" Suddenly Tohru called out.
"Hiro," The two looked over to see Tohru and Rika, both out of breath. "Hiro, the notebook, do you have it? Oh hi Kyo."
"Ugh, it's you." Hiro said. "What did you follow me here? How the heck did you find me?" Kyo turned to Hiro.
"Okay, spill it. What did you do?"
"Heh, oh sure so you just accuse me before you even know what's going on? Maybe I'm innocent ever think of that?" HIro sighed. "All I did was take her notebook."
"So you did do something! Give it back right now!"
"Why should I? It's not like a stole it. That stupid girl asked me to take it."
"Who are you callin stupid?" Kyo grabbed Hiro by his shirt. "Brat you better watch yourself before I decide to knock that punk-ass mouth of yours right off your face."
"Kyo!" Tohru said.
"Go ahead I'll just turn you into the police for child abuse." Hiro said.
"Hiro." The four looked over to see Kisa and Momiji. "Hiro, did you really take it? Sissy's notebook."
"Oh it's Kisa, hello." Tohru said. "But what are you doing here?" Hiro sighed and got off the rock.
"Isn't it obvious that dumb rabbit when and got her." Momiji closed one eye and stuck his tongue out with a laugh.
"That's right. Kisa knows all your hiding spots, doesn't she?" Kisa made her way over.
"Hiro, please, you have to give it back. Don't cause any more problems for sissy, it's not nice. Give it back, please?"
"This is stupid." Hiro said. "Here," He threw the notebook at Tohru who caught it once it hit her. "I don't want this dumb thing anyway."
"Hiro!" Kyo said.
"That's mean." Momiji said.
"Oh no, really it's okay-" Tohru said.
"No it's not!" Kyo said.
"Hiro. Are you trying to be mean to sissy on purpose? I don't understand why you're acting this way but it makes me sad
"Sissy, sissy, sissy. That's all I hear. I hate it." Hiro turned his head to look at Kisa. "All you ever talk about are those stupid girls! And the video! You couldn't wait to run off and watch it with them! I let you borrow it because I wanted to watch it with you."
"But you… that's not what you said when you gave it to me. You should've just told me."
"What, do I gotta spell it out for ya every time? Take a hint!"
"Hiro you're not being fair." Momiji said.
"Who asked you, rabbit!
"I mean, I know I wasn't much of a help. I couldn't do anything for you when you were having a hard time at school. But still, Sissy Sissy, they're all you talk about. What about me? I was there. I wanted to help, I did. I was- I was really worried about you too."
"What the hell is goin' on?" Kyo asked after a moment of silence.
"Kyo, pay attention." Momiji said.
"Uh.."
"Come on, Hiro's jealous of Tohru and Rika. And for a sixth grader that sorta thing can be pretty hard to handle. He needed to vent." Kisa took Hiro's hand.
"I'm sorry Hiro. But next time we'll watch the video together, okay?"
"Kisa loves you so much. I guess he just felt left out." Momiji said.
"I don't know if that should make me feel happy or sad." Tohru said.
"Oh well, what can you do." Kyo still looked confused.
"But you know I do think you should apologize to Sissy."
"She's right Hiro. Tohru and Rika are late to work now because of you
"No I won't forgive him, even if he apologizes." Tohru said. Kyo and Momiji looked at her shocked. "He's gunna have to be punished and that's that."
"Punished? What do you think you can do?" Hiro asked.
"Do it." Rika said. Tohru walked closer.
"I can hug you." She said before hugging him.
"Stupid. How is that a punishment?" Kyo asked. Momiji laughed.
"Hiro's not gunna forget this for a long long time." He said.
"Let's start over okay?" Tohru asked holding Hiro. "It's wonderful to meet you, Hiro." Rika burst out laughing causing Kyo to look at her funny.
"So why does he look to this lord Caca guy if he's so afraid of his. He could just move out and stop being a bad guy if he really wanted to. And what's with that last line, doesn't make any sense."
"Just try to enjoy the anime as it is, Hiro, okay?" Shigure said poking his head in. "Rika, dear?" Rika looked back at him. "Would you come here a moment?"
"Um, sure." She got up and followed Shigure down the hall. "What did you need me for?"
"I just got something in the mail." He said happily.
"And this concerns me why?" He chuckled.
"You'll see." She followed him into his office and he held out an opened envelop. She took it and pulled something out. The minute she saw it she blushed and closed her eyes.
"I knew I should've broken that camera." Shigure chuckled.
"Oh come now, you look adorable. And I got you these." He took something out of his desk and put it on her head. She looked at him with a straight, blank face.
"If you just put cat ears on me I swear-" He started laughing.
"You look so cute." He said with a big grin. Rika sighed and reached up to take them off. "Aw leave them on." Shigure whined.
"Shigure." She closed her eyes and sighed. "Just let me take them o-" She was cut off as Shigure kissed her. Her arms went around his neck as his went around her waist. "Shigure, really?"
"Shh." He shushed before kissing her again. He kept kissing her while moving her back towards his desk.
"Shigu-"
"No no, I said shush." He said with a chuckle, kissing her again.
"Shigure I'm going to trip on the de-SK!" Rika was moved back too far and tripped on the corner of the desk causing the two to fall back. They both let out a grunt as Rika's back hit the floor and Shigure fell on top of her.
"Sorry. I should've listened." Shigure said with a chuckle. Rika giggled with a small smiled and pulled Shigure's head down and kissed him. "I'm forgiven then?" he asked with a smile.
"Just kiss me."
"With pleasure." He said leaning down to capture her lips.
"This is too sweet you think just cause we're young we only this sugary stuff?" Hiro said before taking a bite a cake. "What about taffy, you want our teeth to fall out or somethin'?"
"Oh" Tohru laughed. "I guess I didn't think about that."
"Figures, some people just have no consideration for others."
"Hiro." Kisa said.
"Don't worry Kisa. It's okay." Tohru said.
"It's not okay, be more careful next time." Hiro said.
"Oh right, I defiantly will." Tohru said.
"Hm."
"Hey Hiro!" Kyo said loudly opening the door behind Tohru. "Get it through your skull she's not your maid. Quit bossin' her around. Why do you even come over here if all you're gunna do is complain? If ya don't like it go hang out somewhere else!"
"Oh, what's this? Since when did the cat get to be the boss of this house? I mean what right do you have to come in here yellin' like you own the place? Do you pay the bills or somethin' cause I don't think you do. You can't just go around shoutin' orders if you're not gunna take any responsibility. If ya don't have somethin' ta back it up all you're doing is acting like a whiney little kid."
"You mean like you?! You punk!" Kyo went to move forwards when Shigure grabbed his head. Rika, standing next to Shigure, chuckled slightly.
"Leave him alone Kyo."
"Let go! Get your hands off me!"
"He's just going through a rebellious phrase."
"Yeah, so what I don't care what he's goin' through, I don't want him here. Tell him to go somewhere else."
"Sorry Kyo, but I'm afraid it's not as simple as all that. When a zodiac member what's to get close to someone well let's just say Sohma house isn't always the most conduced of environment for relationships." Shigure let go of Kyo's head. Kyo started to crack his neck. "Just try not to let him bother you. Although I realize that might be difficult see as how you're still in a rebellious phase yourself."
"Am not!"
"Yes my point exactly. You need to try a little harder to behave like a responsible adult, like me."
"Like you?" Shigure looked behind him to see Mii. "You call miss your deadlines being a responsible adult?" She asked in a teary voice.
"Oh uh-"
"I found her outside looking like she was about to hang herself." Yuki said walking in.
"Why why why?!" Mii shook Shigure. "Why didn't you finish your pages?!
"Who can say; It's the oddest thing isn't it?"
"Shigure!" Mii cried as Shigure led her away.
"Yes yes I know. I'll get right on it. But in the meantime why don't you go home and take it easy." Shigure and Mii left.
"God I thought they'd never leave, I mean talk about annoying." Hiro said. Rika walked over to the table, as Hiro opened his mouth again, and picked up his plate of cake. "Hey what are you doing."
"Spoiled brats don't get any cake. You can get it back when you stop acting like a two year old." She said before walking into the kitchen. Kyo smirked looking pleased. Hiro frowned.
"Hey go get me some more tea." He said to Tohru.
"What did I just tell you?!" Kyo asked.
"Okay." Tohru said standing. "Be right back." She said walking into the kitchen.
"And you, stop doing everything he says!" Kyo said. Yuki left the room. "Aw jeeze, I'm sick'a arguing with a kid!" Kyo said slamming the door to the kitchen closed.
"Hiro what's wrong?" Kisa asked. "It almost seems like you don't like Sissy or Big Sissy."
"Cause I don't." Kisa gasped slightly.
"Well, I don't understand. Then why did you wanna come here?"
"Because… I know that you like them so much."
"Yes, that's true." Kisa said happily. "Whenever I'm around them they make me feel all warm inside." Hiro swallowed. Tohru opened the door.
"The tea's ready." She walked over and knelt by the table. "Sorry to keep you waiting." Hiro looked up and so did Tohru. He suddenly stood.
"Toilet." He said before leaving the room. Rika, in the kitchen, nudged Kyo.
"What did I say, two-year-old." Kyo chuckled.
"I'm sorry." Kisa said. "Ya know he-he's really very nice once you get to know him."
"I believe it, what with the way you two get along so well." Tohru said.
"For a while I was afraid that Hiro didn't like me at all. When I was in elementary school we used to play together all the time but then when I started middle school things got really awkward between us. All of a sudden he didn't wanna talk to me anymore. And I couldn't figure out why. That's why- That's why I was so surprised. It made me so happy."
"Oh now I understand." Tohru said.
Rika walked into Shigure's office to see him making a paper airplane.
"Shouldn't you be working?" She asked crossing her arms. "You're going to upset Mii even more."
"Don't worry." He said getting up. "Hey, I was just on my way to visit Hatori, would you like to come?"
"Um, okay." Rika said with a nod.
"Great, let's go." He said taking her hand.
"Hey when did you change?" Rika asked, as they walked out of the house, noticing his blue clothes.
"A few minutes ago, after Mii left." He said with a shrug. They walked hand in hand for a few minutes in silence before Shigure looked down at Rika. "Rika, while we're at the estate I don't want you leaving my side, okay?" She looked up at him and nodded.
"Okay." He smiled and gave her hand a little squeeze.
Even when they entered the estate Shigure didn't let go of Rika's hand. While she let Shigure led her to Hatori's she looked around and noticed a shadow in the round window she had seen Akito when she first went there. She looked up at Shigure then back to the window and noticed the shadow was gone. They got to Hatori's front door and Shigure knocked. The door opened.
"Hari!" Shigure said happily. The door shut. Shigure frowned. He knocked again and pulled Rika to stand in front of him. The door opened and Hatori looked even more annoyed then he saw Rika who smiled slightly.
"Hi Tori." She said with a small wave. Hatori sighed and looked at Shigure who was grinning.
"I brought Rika." Hatori opened the door wider and let them in.
"How are you Tori?" Rika asked walking next to him as he walked back to where he had been working.
"I'm well."
"That's good." She said with a smile. He opened the door to his study and motioned for Rika to go in first. She walked in and before Hatori could follow Shigure followed.
"Why thank you Hari." Hatori rolled his eyes and walked into the room before closing the door behind him. He walked over to his desk and sat down. Rika walked over and stood next to him.
"Whacha working on?" She asked tilting her head.
"Uh Rika-" Shigure said raising a hand. "Maybe you shouldn't bother Hari."
"Huh? Oh, I'm sorry Tor-"
"It's fine." Hatori said cutting her off. "I'm just filling some things out."
"Oh." She said. He paused in writing something and looked up at her. She looked at him and smiled.
"Would you like something to drink?" He asked. She shook her head.
"I'm good."
"Hari, I would like some tea." Shigure said with a smile. Hatori shot him a look.
"I could make it." Rika said. "Where's the kitchen?"
"You don't have to-"
"It's okay, I don't mind." She said.
"I'll show her." Shigure said walking over.
"Shigure-" Hatori started to say but was cut off when Shigure led Rika from the room. He came back a few minutes later and sat by the door to the outside. He took out a cigarette.
Rika stood in the kitchen by the stove, waiting for the water to boil. She looked around a bit bored and noticed some pictures on the walls. Rika walked over and looked at them. There were a few of Shigure, Hatori and Ayame when they were in school and a few other family photos. Rika smiled at the photos and started to walk around the kitchen in boredom. Suddenly her long sweater caught on a drawer and pulled it open. She gasped out of surprise and turned around. She looked down and was about to close the drawer when something caught her eye. She stopped and reached into the drawer to pull something out. Her mouth fell open as she looked at the picture in her hand. It was taken somewhere on the Sohma estate where two people stood side by side. The first was a boy around 19 and Rika could easily tell it was Hatori from the hair and facial expression alone. The person next to him was a girl, a lot shorter than he was suggesting she was much younger. Unlike Hatori she was smiling with one eye open and was holding up two fingers with one hand and had another hand on Hatori's back. From the one open eye Rika could see the girl's eyes were light blue. Her hair was very short and was the same blond as Rika's maybe a bit darker. Hatori was wearing a button up shirt and tan pants while the girl wore a tank top and shorts. Rika looked down and saw the girl was wearing flipflops too. She looked closer and saw a beaded anklet on her left ankle. Rika's eyes widened and she looked down at her own ankle and saw the same anklet, the beads faded in colour.
"I suppose Hiro didn't know." Hatori said. "He had no idea the possible consequences of telling Akito how he felt." Hatori leaned back in his chair. "And as a result…"
"Unfortunate." Shigure said. "I can't say it's surprising, after all Akito doesn't generally approve of anything that happens outside of his knowledge, now does he…" Hatori turned his chair towards Shigure.
"After that Hiro tried to have as little to do with Kisa as possible." Hatori crossed his arms. "And during that time the other kids at school started picking on her." Shigure took the cigarette out of his mouth. He blew out the smoke.
"Well I guess that explains why he didn't do anything. He couldn't very well help her if he was afraid to get close to her. And after he'd already caused her to be hurt once. I suppose I can understand how he might feel that way." Shigure snuffed out the cigarette in the ashtray in front of him, there were already two in it.
"Yes. He blames himself for what happened but I think he's still too young to know how to deal with those feelings."
"And so, he vents his anger on Tohru. Which I have to say is quite a shame." The door opened and Rika came in with a try of tea. The two men looked at her as she walked in. She walked over to Hatori and put a cup down on his desk.
"I-I didn't know if you wanted any s-so I made you some just in case." She said before walking over to Shigure. She placed the tray on the ground by him.
"Rika, are you alright? You look a bit lost." Shigure asked with a frown.
"I-I'm okay." She said putting a cup beside Shigure. She noticed the ashtray and the three cigarettes. "Shigure." She said in a scolding voice.
"Heheh. You caught me." He said with a sheepish smile. Rika sighed picking up the tray. She walked over to Hatori.
"Um… Hatori?" He looked up at her and frowned seeing her expression.
"What's wrong?" He asked turning to face her.
"Could I talk to you for a minute… um, in the kitchen?" She asked looking down. He nodded getting up. Shigure watched them left the room concerned. The two walked into the kitchen and Rika put the tray down. She turned to face Hatori who looked at her curiously. "Um… okay I wasn't snooping around or anything- I was walking and my sweater pulled open a drawer- it got caught-"
"What's wrong?"
"I-I found a photo and I was wondering who was in it. I-I mean I know one of the people is you but… I wanna know who the girl is. You don't have to tell me." She added quickly. "I was just curious."
"What picture?" He asked. She walked to the drawer and pulled it out before handing it to him. He stiffened and stared at it like he hadn't seen it in a long time.
"T-Tori?" He cleared his throat and handed it back.
"I um… I can't remember." He said
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Quite sure." He said as Rika put the photo back.
"… Hatori… have we met before?"
"Why would you ask that?"
"That girl… she looks like me."
"It's merely a coincidence."
"Where did you find the panda you got me for my birthday?"
"I.. I found it." He said with a shrug.
"Where?"
"At a little shop-"
"That's a lie."
"Excuse me?"
"Tori…" Rika chuckled halfheartedly. "That bear was mine. F-from when I was a kid. It has the same rips, the same stitches. That bear is the one I lost seven- eight years ago."
"Rika-"
"Where did you find it?" Hatori opened his mouth but she kept talking. "Why do you have a picture of us from seven-eight years ago? Why did you call me Ri in response to me calling you Tori? Why can I hug the members of the zodiac? Why did you kiss-?" Hatori put his hand on her upper arms.
"Stop." He said.
"No, you said there was something you couldn't tell me. Well tell me."
"Rik-"
"Tell me!" She pleaded. "Please Tori."
"I can't." He stressed.
"Why not?"
"I-" He sighed. "Rika I can't tell you."
"Tori, please, I'm begging you just tell me. I won't tell anyone." Hatori put his hands on her cheeks and held her face. He let out a breath, closing his eyes, and put his forehead against hers.
"I can't tell you." He said quietly. "I wish I could I really do but-"
"Tori." Rika said just as quiet. "Without telling me names or specifics can you tell me why?"
"It might… put you in danger."
"H-How?"
"I ca-"
"Can't tell me I know. Tori I don't care please just tell me. I won't stop asking."
"Rika…" He opened his eyes and looked into hers. He sighed. He pulled his head away from hers. "I'll tell you but not today." Rika frowned. "Come by after school tomorrow."
"Do you promise to tell me?" He nodded.
"I promise."
"Pinky swear?" She held up her pinky. Hatori smiled with a small chuckle. He nodded and hooked his pinky with hers. She smiled and kisses his cheek quickly. He blinked and chuckled before standing straight.
"Better get back before Shigure starts to worry." Rika giggled and nodded.
Rika and Tohru were walking towards the school gates after school the next day when they spotted Hiro and Kisa in the middle school uniforms.
"Hiro? Kisa?"
"You don't have to work today right?" Hiro asked. "Soo, take us somewhere fun."
"Wow so the two of you came here on your way home just to see us?" Tohru asked.
"That's right, we came and we're tired of standing around so hurry up and take us somewhere before we get even more bored." Hiro said.
"Uh okay. Where would you like to go?" Tohru asked.
"What? Can't you even decide one simple thing by yourself? Don't you know something's fun or not? Don't you have opinions? Do you think you can just sit back and let other people do all your thinking for you? Oh yeah, what a wonderful way to live your life."
"I'm sorry."
"Huh. A playground?" Hiro asked as the four stood outside an empty playground.
"Uh-huh, it'll be fun." Tohru said.
"Now listen, why would you even think to take us some place so boring. Haven't you ever heard of an amusement park or a movie or things like that."
"Oh, it's just that I don't have much money right now." Tohru said.
"Um, but I really like it here." Kisa said.
"You're forgiven." Hiro said to Tohru, looking away.
"Thank goodness. Huh?" Tohru looked over and saw an ice cream truck. "Oh it's a cream vendor. Would you two like to have one?"
"Kisa, want one?" Hiro asked. She nodded. "I'll take chocolate."
"Kay, and Kisa what would you like?" Tohru asked.
"Um, strawberry, oh no wait…"
"Is there something else you'd like?"
"Uh-huh, banana chocolate?"
"Well that sounds delicious too. I'll get both and we'll share." Kisa nodded happily. "Rika, do you want anything."
"Nah I'm good." Rika said shaking her head.
Tohru walked over to the truck.
"Excuse me." Tohru said to the lady in the truck. "I'd like a chocolate, strawberry and a banana chocolate."
"Sure." Suddenly Hiro lightly kicked Tohru's leg. She freaked out with a yelp.
"Hiro you scared me!" She said from the ground.
"I'm gunna pay for Kisa's and as long as I'm at it, I'll go ahead and pay for myself but I'm not payin' for you. You buy your own."
"Okay."
"Now stand up straight you look like an idiot down there."
"Right." She said popping up. They stood in front of the truck window.
"I don't get it. There's nothin' special about you and you don't have magic powers so how could a dumb girl like you do what I couldn't. Why doesn't everyone say you and Rika are so great, huh? Is it because you can really solve anyone's problems for them? Can you really make anyone's troubles disappear? Can you really save anyone?"
"W-well no, I mean… not at all."
"And if you think I'm gunna go for that pretend modest stuff you can forget it."
"Right…"
"Why is it… Why do I have to act like… such a child?" Hiro asked quietly, looking down, after a minute.
"Hiro you're amazing." Tohru said after a moment. Hiro looked up at her.
"Ya know I wasn't really askin' for your opinion and if you think flattery gunna work on me don't even bother, it won't."
"I mean it, really." She said with a smile. "It's scary when you realize you're still a child and when you think about all the things you still can't do my mom said it's the kind of thing a lot of people are too afraid to admit. She said it takes a lot of courage for someone to admit something like that to themselves. But you know there are still a lot of things you can do. One day you're gunna grow up and be a valiant prince who can always protect Kisa, I know you will, cause you have a lot of courage in you. And with enough courage all the limitations you think you have, they won't be limitations for long."
"So, let's see if I got this straight, what you're saying is right now I'm nothing like a prince?"
"Oh uh-uh-"
"Well… I suppose that's true."
"Here you go." The vendor said putting the three treats down.
"Oh thanks." Tohru said taking out her wallet. Hiro slapped her hands lightly.
"Hold it. I guess that little speech was enough to earn you somethin' so this one's on me. Just don't get used to it.
Hiro walked over to Kisa, who was sitting on a bench next to Rika, holding the two treats. He handed Kisa her treat then just stood there.
"Hiro, what is it?" Kisa asked. "You're smiling, did something happen?"
"Hiro, you forgot your change." Tohru called.
Kisa was standing in front of Tohru and Rika.
"I know Hiro's been the one to ask lately but I can't expect him to lead me by the hand forever I'll never get anywhere if I don't learn how to speak up for myself more often. So I was wondering, I thought maybe this Sunday… um, if you don't' mind, can you and me and Hiro all do something together?" Kisa asked closing her eyes. "Please?"
"Sure it sounds fun." Tohru said. Rika looked over and saw Hiro fuming a few feet away. She walked over.
"Just deal with it, kid, you're stuck with us." He glared and pouted. Rika ruffled his hair.
"Hey!" Rika walked back over to Tohru.
"Hey Tohru, I gotta be somewhere, I'll see you later."
"Oh okay, see you later."
Next one has nothing from any episode. It's its own chapter with flashback and such. And I might not do the next episode because it's another Yuki fan club one.