$1 – 116 yen (American money to Japanese Yen)

Yuki watched the girl standing next to him for a minute. A sweet hum left her mouth; the sweetest, loveliest sound that he had ever heard reached his ears. He followed her gaze to a bird perched on a nearby tree. Yuki smiled to himself figuring out why she was humming. She looked so adorable stepping near the tree only to have the bird fly away. The frown that formed across her face didn't last long at least. Tohru turned around remembering him and making her way back to him embarrassed to have wandered off. He covered his mouth stifling his laughter before he made her feel more embarrassed. She tilted her head to the side a bit confused at this point. Yuki cleared his throat deciding to start a conversation before he made himself seem like a maniac.

"Do you live around here?" Yuki asked her.

"Eh?"

"Your home, is it located around here?" Yuki clarified.

"Oh…. Not really. Why?" Tohru replied with a nervous smile.

She had completely forgotten that she was dressed as a commoner today. Tohru tried to be more alert and on guard, but her intent look only made Yuki feel like laughing again. He hid his smile well with his hand though, this going by completely unnoticed by the on-guard Tohru. Yuki glanced down at her realizing she was about half a foot shorter than him though she seemed around his age. He still wasn't sure why she had a sharp look on her face. Yuki shrugged, simply hoping she wasn't being attentive because she thought he was going to rape her or harass her. That just wasn't an impression he wanted to give to the girl he was allured to. Her concentration began to dwindle away as she started to space out.

"I thought you might want to rest… Are you ill? You shouldn't daze off in the middle of a street. I can take you home if you need," Yuki explained.

Tohru didn't respond. He'd think she was crazy if she told him that her home was the palace of Daichi. Who'd believe that? Only royal people lived there, and she wasn't dressed like one today. Or he could believe her and think she's a maid! That wasn't a pleasing image she wanted him to have. Still, his offer made her happy. It's nice to know there are still some chivalrous people around. Yuki glanced her way, waiting for her to say something. She smiled and changed the subject before she accidentally gave away her status. He didn't seem to notice her awkwardness.

"Do you live around here, Yuki-san?"

"Uh… Not exactly… Let's just say I snuck out," Yuki answered vaguely.

"Oh…"

His situation was similar to hers. Yuki looked ahead not really interested in talking about his life or home. The thing he hated most was the kind of girls who threw themselves at him to become royalty too or just because of his looks. They didn't know a thing about him yet they claimed to be in love with him. In his mind, they were nothing but nuisances, but his kind natured personality kept him from saying anything about that. He didn't want to let her know about his background. She just might be the first person to like him just because he was himself and for no reason related to money and status. His looks weren't something he could hide from her but his title was. It wasn't like he wanted to keep it from her forever, but for now he needed to know if it was possible to love him for something other then the palace.

"Are you in town for any reason?" Yuki asked.

"KYA! I completely forgot! I'm supposed to get my sister a birthday gift!" Tohru cried in a shocked voice.

Tohru's eyes bulged. Because of her outburst, townspeople were beginning to stare at her, but Tohru didn't care. She looked around the streets at the shops anxiously. Her time was almost up; the sun was brightly shining signaling the late morning. How could she let Kisa slip her mind so carelessly like that? Biting her fingernails, Tohru scanned the shops around them for the second time searching for one that might have something for Kisa. She chose a nearby jewelry store to check out. Tohru needed a gift now, and she needed a gift that Kisa would like. It had to be the perfect present! Quickly, she headed towards the store forgetting about Yuki until he spoke to her.

"Is her birthday coming up?"

He walked with her into the nearby store. Yuki pushed the door open for her before following after her. A wind-chime by the door jingled letting the store worker know of their arrival. The jewelry store was quite big. No one but the two of them and the saleslady were in there today. Glass cases lined the walls with a few other shelves. Jewelry made from all sorts of metals with various gems was all neatly encased behind the glass. There was so much to look at, too much; she wasn't sure where to start. Tohru looked around at the shelves and picked up a bracelet examining it briefly. Yuki trailed beside her peering at the bracelet with her.

"It's today," Tohru replied setting the bracelet back down.

"Do you always get presents for her last minute?"

"Yes. I'm afraid she'll accidentally find my gift. I want it to be a surprise so I get it right before the party," Tohru answered.

"I see…"

Yuki just stood there gazing at her and observing her glance over pieces of jewelry. Tohru looked up at him nervously. She didn't want to make him feel like he had to stay; there wasn't much to do in a jewelry store, and she didn't want him getting bored. He stared at her, as each second passed his head filled with another question he was dying to ask her. There was a lot he wanted to learn about her, a lot he needed to know about her. His head was swarming with hundreds of questions, most pf them he would probably not get the chance to ask. She was obviously busy, and he didn't want to distract her yet he couldn't bring himself to leave. It was a coincidence that he had even met her, and with the number of times he was able to leave his palace, he wasn't sure when he would see her again.

"You don't have to stay with me. You can go back to what you were doing before! I'm fine really!" Tohru told Yuki.

"I wasn't doing much earlier but if I'm bothering you I can go," Yuki said nonchalantly.

"Oh no! You're not a bother at all!" Tohru exclaimed.

Yuki smiled watching Tohru look at a small gold ring in a glass case. Why was he relieved that she didn't mind him being there with her? He didn't feel like letting her separate from him just yet though. He needed to know more about this Tohru. Tohru bit her lip to restrain herself from blushing. Yuki was looking at her so intently; she was getting embarrassed. Trying to focus on the ring, she eyed the tag looking at the price. It read '11600 yen'. Tohru continued to inspect the ring, considering the look and weight compared to the price. With a shrug, she moved down the aisle running her eyes across the selection of jewelry. The saleslady behind the counter stared at the two of them suspiciously. She set down the magazine she was flipping through and made her way over to them.

"Do you need any help?" She offered in a false sounding cheerful voice.

"No thank you…" Yuki kindly declined for Tohru.

It was no surprise that the lady looked at them like they were robbers. After all, the way they were dressed now, anybody would think they were just some stupid kids trying to get a little more money. The saleslady pushed these thoughts aside and forced a smile across her lips eyeing the two of them like they were a couple. They both peered back at her completely oblivious to her assumptions about them. She directed both of their attentions to the case of rings in the glass section in front of her. Placing her finger on top of the counter, she beamed and glanced up at them. Tohru kneeled down on the floor to get a better look at the rings. She appeared a bit confused when she saw the diamonds; diamonds were for a man to give a girl, not for a gift between sisters.

"Well… the engagement rings are over here…" the saleslady continued.

"Enga- Engagement rings?" Yuki and Tohru choked out.

Tohru nearly fell over when she heard that. They exchanged startled glances. Both a little taken aback, blushes spread across their faces darkly. The lady observed this with interest, always in a pursuit to make a sale. Yuki and Tohru looked away from each other, the two of them equally embarrassed. Secretly they were both glad to know they appeared to be lovers. The lady pushed her glasses up growing nervous about her mistake of the two. She usually wasn't wrong in these types of situations, but there did seem to be some sort of spark between Yuki and Tohru that made the lady think they were in love, and Tohru had been looking at a ring earlier.

"OH! I'm sorry! You two must be here to get wedding rings, my mistake!"

"Ah….. I'm afraid not…."

"Coupling rings?"

"Not that either…."

With each guess the lady made, their cheeks seemed to get darker and darker. Tohru stared at the rings timidly, unable to look up at Yuki. The rings really were beautiful; there were gold bands, silver bands encrusted with diamonds surrounded by other colorful gems. One stuck out to her in particular, the ring was made out of white gold, and a diamond sat in the center in the shape of a heart with tiny diamonds surrounding it. She partially did wish the two of them were here to get wedding rings instead of a gift for her sister. Placing her hands on the glass she eyed the beautiful ring one last time before clearing things up with the lady.

"I'm here to get a gift for my little sister…" Tohru said.

"Oh! I'm terribly sorry!"

Tohru shook her head slowly clearing her head of her fantasies. No point in dreaming they were together, right? It wasn't like she knew him very well, but already he made her heart race and the butterflies dance around in her stomach. She snuck a glance up at his captivating face, feeling her cheeks light up she went back to focusing on a present for Kisa before he noticed that her eyes had been glued on him. She walked along the aisle with the lady following after her. Neither of them noticed that Yuki was still standing before the engagement rings peering at the ring Tohru was previously looking at. When he realized he was standing by himself he embarrassedly walked over to Tohru wondering why he was even looking at a wedding ring. Tohru brushed her hair back shyly peeking up at him. Did he even like her?

The answer was simple: yes, he did. Maybe he didn't realize it exactly yet but he couldn't take his eyes away from her either. He had stared at her as many times as she had gazed at him. She was the breath of fresh air he had been lacking for so long or something along those lines. Being confined in a palace really wasn't the glamorous life it was made out to be. Neither of them had much time to themselves or any freedom for that matter. Yuki smiled to himself hoping that there was a possibility that they'd see each other more then just this one time. It wasn't likely though seeing as this is the first time Yuki had been allowed to leave the castle in two months. Still, he'd be willing to sneak out of the castle everyday if it meant he'd be able to see her again.

"It's okay… umm… How much are those earrings? They have no price…"

"Those? 232,000 yen. Those are real diamonds," The woman stated fondly.

Tohru took another look at them before turning to Yuki for a second opinion. She kept her finger pointed to the set of gold earrings in a small box within the glass case. Shyly she peered back at Yuki beckoning him to come closer to her to have a look at the piece of jewelry. The lady leaned over the counter a bit hoping Tohru would buy the expensive pair, if she sold it she most definitely would be getting a promotion. Yuki took the few steps need for him to arrive at her side.

"Are these appropriate for a girl who is turning thirteen?" Tohru asked Yuki.

Yuki looked down the glass replying, "Those are lovely."

"I'll take them! They really are pretty!" Tohru agreed reaching into her pocket for money.

She sorted the bills in her hands and handed the lady the amount of money needed to get the earrings. The rest she put back securely into her pocket. There wasn't much left anyways, she hadn't expected to spend so much on Kisa's present. It didn't really matter though; she had more than enough untouched money back at home. Tohru didn't exactly have a reason to spend money, her clothes were made for her by a personal tailor, her food prepared by chefs and she hardly went out. She only used money to buy presents for Haru and Kisa so she had more than enough money to spare.

"Thank you!" the lady smiled as she took the money.

The lady unlocked the glass and wrapped them up, handing the package to Tohru. Tohru happily took the earrings with a polite bow. Yuki and Tohru walked out of the shop together. She looked back and noticed the lady holding up the bills to the light to check if the bills were real. Tohru looked down; it was no shock, she did look like a peasant girl today, but that small gesture hurt her inside, partially because she was so used to being treated with the highest regards and half because it was a little rude. Yuki glanced down at her trying to figure out what made her frown.

"Do you know what time it is?" Tohru asked Yuki deciding not to think about that.

"I think it's almost noon," replied Yuki as he glanced up at the sun.

"WAH! I'm going to be late!!! I have to get home!" cried Tohru.

She bit her nails trying to come up with a solution. It was impossible to make it back in time if she walked back. Even if she ran back, she wouldn't make it; the party was going to start in under half an hour. She still needed to shower and change as well. Yuki observed her for a minute guessing that she had no way of getting home other then her own two legs. He smiled as an idea struck him. Tohru needed a way home, and he had nothing better to do; it all worked out perfectly. Besides, he could get to know her a little better this way. Tohru shifted her weight from one foot to the other, still trying to come up with a solution.

"Come with me," Yuki muttered to her quickly.

He grabbed her hand and pulled her into a run with him. She followed him bewildered by his actions. Tohru kept one hand on the bottom of her dress to keep the wind from lifting it and revealing her undergarments beneath. That would be beyond embarrassing. If that happened, she wasn't sure she'd have enough courage to step outside again for at least a year. Not watching where she was going, Tohru tripped over a stone, but Yuki's grip on her hand kept her from making contact with the ground. He didn't stop to let her regain her balance though. Tohru stumbled on while trying her best to keep a look out for rocks and anything else that could make her fall. Yuki glanced down the road for something in particular slowing down slightly.

"Where are we going? This is the opposite direction of my home!" Tohru exclaimed.

Yuki stopped at the corner of a road releasing her hand. Tohru nearly ran into his back, but she was able to stop herself an inch away from him. He paused at a black motorcycle rummaging through the backseat. Tohru stared at him, was he a robber? She watched him pull out a hidden key and stick it in the bike with a grin when it went in smoothly. This was perfect; sometimes he was grateful at how careless his cousin Kyo was. Who in the right mind would keep a key in their motorcycle and leave it alone? Hopefully he wouldn't notice it was gone until after Yuki returned with it.

"Is this okay???" Tohru asked.

"Yeah… It belongs to my cousin. That idiot leaves a spare key here all the time. Don't worry about it. He won't miss it if I borrow it for a little," Yuki reassured her.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, you can't be late, now can you?" Yuki told her with a sweet smile.

Tohru blushed. Why was a guy she just met so willing to help her? He handed her the only helmet that was with the bike. She took it still a little dumbfounded. Yuki got on the motorcycle and looked back at her wondering why she was just standing there. She really was going to be late if she continued at this rate. He balanced the bike with both of his legs outstretched waiting for her. Tohru continued to hold the helmet, cradling it in her hands not sure what he wanted her to do with it.

"Put on your helmet and get on if you don't want to be late," Yuki told her.

She fumbled placing the helmet over her head and tightening the straps. The helmet hung loosely on the top of her head. Slowly she got on behind him and shyly wrapped her arms around his waist. Yuki took a deep breath. It had been a while since he had rode a motorcycle. Calmly he started the engine; it made a loud noise, only softening slightly.

"Aren't you going to wear a helmet???" Tohru asked worriedly.

"There's only one helmet."

"Then you should wear it! You're in front of me and you could get hurt!" Tohru cried as she started to take off the helmet.

Yuki turned around and put his hand on top of her head, stopping her from actually getting it off completely. She peered up at him with her wide brown eyes. He removed his hand embarrassedly. Tohru let her hands drop back down to her side, the helmet slid to the side of her head, loose since she had partially removed the strap. Yuki reached up towards her face, fixing the strap properly for her.

"You're a girl. And I offered you a ride. I wouldn't forgive myself if I let such a pretty girl get hurt," Yuki teased her.

Tohru looked down at her lap, her cheeks flushed. He smiled simply and turned back around; satisfied that he had got her to keep the helmet on. She held onto him tightly as he sped out of there. Yuki drove down the road quickly, hoping that nobody recognized him. The only reaction he got was glares from people bothered by the noise which was better then someone pointing out who he was. He wanted to get away from this place before a cop got mad at him for riding without a helmet.

"Where do you live?"

"Huh?"

"Where do you expect me to take you?"

"Oh! Right! Sorry! Take a left at the end of this road…. And go straight… You can't miss it…" Tohru breathed.

"Should I be telling a stranger where the palace is…? Oh well… I guess most people know where it is anyways…" Tohru thought.

Tohru squirmed behind him. Her hands locked firmly around his waist. She rested her head against his back. He was skinny for a guy. He seemed so fragile and delicate like glass yet so handsome and mysterious. She felt herself leave the seat for a fast moment before she landed again as he sped around the corner. Maybe fragile and delicate weren't the best words to describe him but handsome and mysterious fit him perfectly without a doubt.

"Are you okay back there?" Yuki asked her looking back for a quick second.

"Yeah! I'm fine! Why?" She hollered back over all the noise.

"Because you're holding on so tightly I can hardly breathe," Yuki laughed.

She gasped and loosened her grip ever so slightly. Tohru didn't want to hurt him by squeezing him too hard but she was scared of falling off. Her legs were dangling in the air, too short to reach anything. Trying to remain calm she closed her eyes trying to keep distracted from how fast they were going or how dangerous it seemed. This was her first time on a motorcycle; it was no surprise for her to be panicking on it. Seeing her fear caused Yuki to feel bad for teasing her.

"I was kidding, it's okay," Yuki replied.

He looked down the road at the upcoming palace. His eyes widened out of shock. He hid his surprise well but questions flooded his head. There didn't seem to be anywhere else she could live around here unless she was homeless which he highly doubted because of the amount of money she had been carrying. Yuki began to wonder if she was a maid, but a maid wouldn't have that much money either. She had to be the princess but then why would she be out all alone without any guards? Tohru was like him, sneaking out.

"We're almost there…" Yuki added.

She opened her eyes looking up she saw her home, the overly large castle. Tohru glanced at the side of his face; it showed no signs of shock. One could only wonder why… But she didn't have time for questions. If she didn't get home in time there'd be hell to pay. There was no time for her to explain to him her status either but it didn't appear that hard to figure out.

"Stop at the end of the fence please!" Tohru told him.

He nodded and slowed to a stop where she told him to. Yuki got off the bike and turned around and was about to help her off when he felt her topple off onto him. She screamed as she slipped off and sent him crashing to the floor backwards. Tohru wanted to curse herself for being so clumsy; she already gave him a bad impression of her she didn't want him to think more poorly of her. She was just trying to get off herself so she wouldn't trouble him but it looked like she had just caused him more of a problem. Her face instantly turned a bright red as she pushed herself off of his chest.

"I'M SO SORRY! I fell! Please forgive me!" Tohru cried sitting on top of his chest frantically.

"It's okay… Umm... Are you okay?" He asked her with a blush.

"I'm perfectly fine! But I must have been heavy! Did I hurt you?!" Tohru exclaimed as she jumped off of him quickly.

"No… I'm fine… You're not heavy at all…" he muttered as he shoved himself back up.

Tohru looked down awkwardly. Why did she have to embarrass herself to everyone she had ever met? Yuki looked up at her not realizing her embarrassment. He smiled innocently making her face light up in a bright red color. She didn't know what to say at this point. He had helped her greatly already but all she was doing was causing him pain and making him go out of his way to help her. She hated being such an inconvenience even more than she hated her clumsiness. Yuki honestly didn't mind going around with her though he didn't say this.

"You better go… Its noon," Yuki reminded her.

"Oh! I have to go then! But thank you so much for helping me so much already!" Tohru proclaimed with a bow.

"Don't worry about it. It was fun. You should go. Your little sister is waiting," Yuki replied.

She stalled a bit. Tohru knew she had to get home but her heart didn't seem to want to let her leave just yet. Slowly she bit her lip. It wasn't like she could never see him again. Surly he didn't live too far away. The difficult part would be to find him when she couldn't even leave the palace. This was one of those reasons she hated being a princess, if she was a normal girl then she would most definitely be outside everyday waiting to see him again but she wasn't.

"I'm not sure how yet… But I will repay you for your kindness!" Tohru added before she took a step towards her home.

"You don't have to. I don't need anything. I was glad to help," Yuki responded honestly.

How she wanted to ask him for his address or number or something… But she suddenly felt shyer then usual and decided against it. She didn't even know him that well, he would probably refuse to tell her and call her a stalker or something like that. Then he wouldn't want to meet her again for sure but was it really safe to let chance choose when they saw each other again? Tohru had no other choice, she had to go, all she could do was pray that fate would be nice to her and let her find Yuki soon.

"I have to go. Maybe we'll see each other again! Thank you again!" Tohru said with a smile.

"Maybe…."

"I hope I see her again anyways… But Tohru has to be the princess of Daichi… She and I knowing each other can't be good… But the rivalry between Kaze and Daichi has nothing to do with us… right?" Yuki pondered as he watched her go.