Oh, it really is a good thing I broke this chapter into two, I can't believe how long it's gotten, but I wanted the date itself to be only one chapter. I hope this makes up for the slight delay, I would have had it published yesterday, but it was my birthday and I was somewhat busy. XD
Now, a quick reminder,

Anime based.

Het, (male/female) Shounen-ai, (male/male)

Thank you, to everyone who has reviewed, added to story alerts, and added to favorites.

Please review! I appreciate hearing what I'm doing right or wrong. Please continue to read and enjoy!

Rating will stay T.

Also, a shout out to SkyChasingDreamer, not because she has anything to do with this story, but because she's awesome. 3

Disclaimer: Obviously, I do not own Fruits Basket, nor do I claim such, or make any profit off of this. How could I?


Once safely out of sight from the house, Yuki's arm was released letting blood flow into his hand once more. Yuki sighed, although Kagura remained quiet. When they were almost to the road, Kagura suddenly stopped walking, almost causing Yuki to run into her. Inwardly, Yuki wondered if she was preparing to fly into a panic and race back the the house to molest her darling Kyo. Or worse, fly into a panic on me.

With a cry of frustration, Kagura kicked a tree that was too close. She kicked it several more times, sending bark flying off the innocent bystander with every kick. She then folded her arms against the abused tree and leaned on it. Her poise faintly reminded Yuki of a child counting while playing hide-and-seek. He felt a wave of pity, and he approached her hesitantly. "Kagura..."

"I'll be OK, Yun-chan... let's find something fun to do, OK?" She slowly pushed herself away from the tree and started for the road again. Yuki caught up to her and watched her silently through his bangs. She got his gaze, and gave him an almost embarrassed smile. "Yun-chan, I didn't exactly get a chance to plan today out," she giggled nervously, "so... do you have any ideas?"

Yuki blanched. I just told everyone at home I'd be gone about six hours because Kagura asked me for the whole day, saying she'd come at about noon. I thought she had something planned... now I have six hours to kill? He sighed, resigned. There was nothing that could be done now about that now, like Honda-san says, might as well make the best of it.

"Well, let's continue heading into town, and maybe we'll come up with something as we walk?"

"Alright, hm..." Her eyebrows pinched together in thought, and her lips formed a pout. While his feelings for Kagura weren't romantic at all, he would admit that she could be rather cute when she wasn't violent. I wonder if Kyo's ever seen this side of Kagura? I wouldn't think so, because she's always been too... excited, around him. "Oh! I know, I passed a carnival on the way here, what about that?"

"Is it, it's not crowded, is it?" He felt guilty asking, she had been so excited, but she should know as well as he did that crowded areas were essentially off-limits to the cursed.

Her expression sobered, and she answered quietly, "It... didn't look very crowded, but maybe it's not such a good idea. We can at least look, though?"

"Yes, we'll at least look." What else is around there...? "There's a Chinese place, if you don't mind stopping to eat before we do anything else, I don't know about you, but I haven't eaten lunch yet." As if to accentuate his words, his stomach let out an angry growl.

"That's fine, Yun-chan!" Kagura giggled, "and maybe later we can see a movie?"

"Sure." It's not like we don't have plenty of time.

Even after Chinese and a disappointing teen-romance movie, Yuki was still short two hours. He found spending time with Kagura wasn't all that bad, although he learned after the first time it wasn't wise to bring up Kyo and any interaction Kyo had with Honda-san. It hadn't been on purpose, he had been telling a story, and in retelling the idiot's words to Honda-san had made Kagura jealous. That wasn't a scene he wanted to replay ever, he had nearly had to pull her off the table, but even worse, after she had this hurt look that had just finally faded.

It bothered him slightly, though, because shouldn't he have been irritated by the exchange, if Kyo had been flirting with Honda-san? Shouldn't I have noticed? I didn't think of it before, but now that Kagura mentions it, I know she's right. That idiot probably didn't even do it on purpose. ...but why didn't it bother me?

"Yun-chan, do you suppose we could check out the carnival now?" Kagura tilted her babyish face to the side, and looked at him hopefully.

"Okay, but if it looks crowded, we leave OK? ...Do you like carnivals Kagura?" I hate... being like this. Not being able to do normal things without getting so nervous.

"Of course, Yun-chan! We'll leave if they're busy. And yes, I do... but you know, with how things are... I don't get to go very often."

As the two approached the carnival, Yuki noticed both with some relief and irritation that there were not many people around. Kagura noticed this immediately, and took his hand and skipped forward through the gates, almost not stopping long enough to let her and his hands be stamped.

"I'll pay for mine, Yun-chan." Yuki would have protested had they actually been dating, but they weren't, and he wanted to leave those lines that kept that obvious. Besides, he had bought lunch.

After making it through the gate, Yuki looked around him in wonder. It was nearing sunset, and the warmly painted sky served as a pretty backdrop for the lighted tents and stands. There weren't many rides, only a Ferris wheel and some smaller rides for children. He hadn't been to anything like this since he was ten, and he was trying to remember what had been fun. He was finally brought back to earth by Kagura waving her hand in front of him, and he allowed her to lead the way.

The next hour and a half were spent watching small side-shows, waiting in line, playing arcade games, and eating more carnival food than it's healthy to eat in a lifetime. By the time they were ready to go home, the sun had sank behind the trees in the distance, and Yuki decided that perhaps, perhaps, carnivals aren't too terrible. I wonder... what it would be like to be here with someone I did like? I don't think that's possible... not even a date, just to be able to... He brushed his hair away from his forehead as if brushing away unwanted thoughts.

As they were leaving they passed a stand that caught Kagura's eye. If you were able to toss a ring around a yellow bottle in the midst of a sea of green bottles, you were able to choose a small prize. Several yellow bottles were scattered throughout the sea, fairly close to the edges, in the center was a single blue bottle. Kagura stared at the game for a long minute, before turning hopefully to Yuki. "Do you mind, Yun-chan? I won't be long."

Yuki suppressed a sigh, he had been walking for most of the day, and he was ready to go home. Kagura was almost as bad to the cat when it came to things like this, she wouldn't leave until she won. She was already carrying a bag of goldfish and a huge bag of cotton candy. But... she doesn't have much money left, she shouldn't be able to play more than twice, that's twenty rings. It shouldn't take her long to throw twenty, right? "Alright... but this is the last game, agreed?"

"Oh! Yes, I won't be long, here, will you hold these for a minute?" Kagura pushed the cotton candy and fish into his arms, and took off for the stand. He followed more slowly, trying to straighten out his new baggage. At least she didn't want to go on the Ferris wheel again.

Kagura ran up to the stand, where a suspicious looking old man who gave her a disconcerting smile and a girl their age were waiting to sell rings. As Yuki neared the stand, he jolted to a stop. He knew that girl. She, she's one of those girls! Those girls who follow me around at school all the time! Sure enough, a true fan, the golden Y embellished in a crimson circle was on the lapel of her shirt. ...They actually wear those out of school, too?

He backed to stand under a tree a safe distance away where he could assess the situation more fully. I know I'm bound to run into them once in a while outside of school, but why now? With Kagura with me? Have I turned her down before? I can't remember! But if I have turned her down, that means I've told her I don't date. And now here I am, with my what? Yuki eyed Kagura, silently wishing her for her to hurry. It wasn't that he was particularly worried about this girl, but he would have felt bad if she thought he lied to her. Of course, he wasn't really in the mood to have anyone throw them self at him, either.

Kagura growled in frustration, she only had three rings left. She glared at the blue bottle, silently willing it to comply. She raised her hand, and gave the ring a toss. Three bottles off. It was stupid to get so upset over a game, she knew, but she really wanted the prize. Two rings left. Where was Yun-chan?

Yuki sat under his tree, watching Kagura with relief, she only had three rings left, and he hadn't been noticed. He watched as she tossed her next ring, it looks like she's getting frustrated, that toss had too much power. Kagura turned and seemed to be looking for something. He cautiously raised his hand, and she spotted him and trotted over. "Yun-chan, please, will you try with these two?"

Why, why me? "Really?" Please say no, please say it's OK so we can go home.

"Yes, please, I know Yun-chan is very good at things like this, and... I really want to win."

Inwardly cursing his inability to refuse pleading, Yuki got up, and took the rings once he had handed Kagura her items back. He approached the stand, staying as far away from the girl as possible, what is her name again? Was it... Kinoshita-san? She's reading, she hasn't looked up once. Maybe it'll be OK. He took the ring in hand, and exhaled slowly, what does she want from this game, anyway? He glanced over to make sure he hadn't been noticed yet, when a flash of orange caught his eye. At the top of the wall of prizes, a single large orange cat was hanging amongst some pandas. Oh... well, that would be it.

"Going to try for your girlfriend, ay Sonny?" The old man spoke in a cracked voice, the amused smile still not leaving. Rip-off artist.

Yuki gave a polite smile and nod, he was afraid speaking would attract unwanted attention. He turned and looked at Kagura, and she gave him a somewhat sad smile. Well, why not? He took the ring and aimed, swinging his arm out fully once without letting go, and then again, releasing the ring. With a sharp clanging sound the ring caught the nose of the blue bottle, dancing in circles around it as it slide down.

He turned to select his prize from the old man who was staring at the blue bottle in shock.

"W-we have a... winner?" Yuki frowned, the way the man had said made it sound like a question. "Well... I guess you get to pick a prize, don't you? What'll it be?"

"The orange cat, at the top." He spoke softly, hoping to keep his voice low enough so he wouldn't be heard.

"Right! Minami-kun, get the orange cat down for this lovely gentleman and his lady friend!" Oh...

Minami finally looked up, looking completely bored, which changed instantly when she looked at the "lovely gentleman". Her eyes widened, and she sat still in shock. Yuki offered her a weak smile before looking away quickly. The old man waited, and when a still shocked Minami made no move to get the cat, climbed up the ladder and brought it down himself, muttering about lazy children. He handed the cat to Yuki who turned and handed it to Kagura, taking the fish from her. Kagura dropped the cotton candy, but while still clinging to that cat, threw her arms around him. "Oh, Yun-chan, thank you!"

Yuki was suddenly aware of a sharp chill forming in the air, that seemed to be coming from a certain classmate's aura.

"Y-you're welcome, I'm ready to go home, shall we go?" Now, now, now. Please, now. He didn't wait for an answer, taking Kagura's arm he began to lead her away, not bothering with the now spoilt candy left on the ground.

"Alright! We'll go home now, I'll call mom, would you like to-"

"P-PRINCE YUKI!" Yuki froze involuntarily, just move! Just keep going! Pretend you didn't hear her!

"Y-es?" He broke in mid-word, Why... if only... I don't even know. He slowly turned to face his... classmate, wearing a polite smile, while trying to still communicate that he was eager to go, both to Kagura and Kinoshita-san. Kagura was glancing back and forth between him and Kinoshita in confusion, probably wondering about that ridiculous nickname.

Minami didn't miss a beat, well, at least not when it came to girls touching her 'Prince' Yuki. She was aware with every fiber of her being that the strange girl was STILL touching Yuki, on the arm, and even a little on his side. How dare she? She glared at the impostor for a moment, before turning to address her prince sweetly.

"Oh," and the 'oh' came out sounding like a dreamy 'hnohhh', "P-Prince Yuki, it's such a surprise to see you here! And who is your... y-your... and who is this?" Uh-oh.

"Oh!" Kagura, oblivious to the the death wishes the girl had for her, answered sweetly before Yuki had a chance to say anything, "I'm an old friend of Yun-chan's!" Minami's eye visibly twitched. Yuki backed away warily. Kagura was oblivious, and continued, "Are you a friend of Yun-chan's?" Again, Minami's eye twitched.

"H-HOW DARE YOU! What makes you think you have a right to call the Great Prince Yuki by such a familiar name?!" She took several steps towards Kagura, and then as if remembering 'the Great Prince Yuki's' presence, stopped, still a few steps out of striking distance.

"Oh?" Now Kagura was truly confused, she looked at Yuki, as if to ask what was wrong, but Yuki was too horrified at the 'great' that had been added onto 'Prince' to respond. "Well," Kagura answered simply, "I guess I've just seen so much of Yuki that I think I ought to be able to call him 'Yun-chan'! It's been very nice meeting you, but we really should be going now!"

"Wh-wha-a..." Minami trailed off, the look on her face wasn't one Yuki cared to try to decipher.

"I, Kagura is right, Kinoshita-san, it's been very nice seeing you again though, have a good evening." Cringing, Yuki turned and forced himself not to grab Kagura and run, or just run, leaving Kagura behind. Yuki took Kagura's arm again, politely, knowing by experience that if he didn't leave now he'd be there for several hours, and Kinoshita-san made him nervous. She always gets too close, and even though she can't right now... For Yuki's peace of mind, it's a good thing he didn't look back.

Why... I don't understand what those girls like about me so much, I'm... I'm not like that. I'm not... nice. Yuki had let go of Kagura's arm, and they continued onward in silence. He could see Kagura turning every so often look like she wanted to ask him something, but she had yet to do it. When Kagura finally did speak, Yuki got the feeling that it wasn't what she really wanted to know.

"Yun-chan... I don't need all these fish, do you think Tohru-chan would like some? I could take them home and set them up and bring them over on our next date." Kagura didn't notice the way Yuki flinched when she said, "next date".

"That's fine, Kagura, I'm sure Honda-san would love some." I am sure... she loves taking care of little things.

"Oh, I'm glad, I'm afraid I got a little bit caught up in the game, but I'm glad you think she'd like them, ask OK? OH! And Yun-chan, don't forget to let me know how Kyo-kun acts! You have to tell me if he does or says ANYTHING! ESPECIALLY if it's related to today!"

Poor Yuki, however, was still caught on how Kyo acts?

Kagura's mother came and picked Kagura up from outside the carnival gates, and although she offered Yuki a ride to Shigure's, he politely but adamantly declined. He wanted some peace before he was back at Shigure's, you never know what state that house will be in when you return to it, and I really just don't feel like dealing with that idiot cat now. Sighing, he wondered what he was in for.

By the time he made it back to Shigure's house, all traces of day were gone, and the moon had risen. Exhausted, and silently praying the cat was on the roof, Yuki quietly slipped into the house, to be met immediently by Tohru.

"Eh? Oh! Yuki-kun is home from his date with Kagura-san! Ah," she paused, "Did Yuki-kun have fun? Oh, not that I'm trying to be nosy! I just thought it was polite to ask, and I was hoping Yuki-kun had fun because dates should be fun, and Yuki-kun ought to make time to do fun things more often, although I had no idea that Yuki-kun and Kagura-san were-"

"It was alright, Honda-san." He gave her a somewhat tired smile. I don't want to lie, but how do I answer this? It wasn't a real date? I'm exhausted? I'm insane for agreeing to try to make the cat like Kagura? Upon seeing the somewhat disappointed look that came over Tohru's face, he amended with, "It was fine, Honda-san, I'm just a little tired. We went to lunch, and then we saw a movie," which I'd never watch again, "and we went to a carnival."

"Oh!" Tohru's face brightened, and Yuki felt a bit better, "That sounds like fun! If Yuki-kun would like, he and Kagura-san could have lunch here next time, I'd make a special lunch, and I'm sure Shigure-san and Kyo-kun wouldn't mind!" Well, she wasn't sure about Kyo bring OK with it, but maybe he would be since Kagura wouldn't be hurting him. Not that she wanted Yuki to get hurt!

Yuki, however, was completely horrified by the idea of having a date with Kagura in the house. If they were to stay at the house, they'd have to actually play the part of a couple, and Yuki's mind instantly flashed to exactly how that might go.

The group sat around the table, Kyo glowering and giving Yuki and Kagura odd glances, Tohru pleasantly oblivious, determined to play the good host, and Shigure giggling and slipping increasingly vulgar innuendos into every statement. Kagura threw her arms around Yuki, and squeezed him tightly, declaring her love! When this didn't get a reaction from Kyo, other than another odd look, she began to declare her love more... profusely.

"I think I'll go to bed now, Honda-san, I'm really very tired."

"OK, Yuki-kun, I'm glad you had some fun!" She smiled, "goodnight, and sweet dreams, Yuki-kun."

"Goodnight, Honda-san." Yuki went upstairs, ignoring Shigure's perverted smirk on the way. It was lucky for Kyo that he had chosen to lay out on the roof. It wasn't until Yuki collapsed on his bed after taking a shower that he remembered he had school the next day. Groaning, he tangled himself in his sheets, unable to fall asleep.

I have... thirteen more days, and whatever things Kagura can come up with in that time. I don't know, if Kyo doesn't do what Kagura wants... I wonder how it'll go. He felt the odd urge to laugh, seeing as he wouldn't just be a bystander. I don't know why, but... somehow pretending to be with someone... it's lonely. I wish... silly things are what I wish, I guess. Well, at least back at school I won't have to deal with Shigure acting odd. I think he knows something, although I'm not quite sure how he would. I'll see Momiji, and Haru... I miss Haru. He buried his face into his pillows, and with that thought, finally fell into a fair sleep.