A/N: Sorry for the long wait. Just want to thank again all the readers and for the reviews! BlackShadow98, thanks for reviewing and giving me some pointers. :) This is where everything starts to happen, so yes, it will be VERY LONG!
In a Fruits Basket - Chapter 4: The Secret
Recap:
"I thought how you transform is pretty cool."
He frowned, "Cool? What do you know about the curse?"
A lot. "I know enough." I answered.
...
"Since when did we have extra uniforms?" I heard Yuki say.
"I gave her your extra uniforms! Isn't that what she wanted?" Shigure asked innocently.
I heard Yuki sigh, "Idiot."
"Arya!" Arisa cried, sticking her tongue out in disgust when she saw me. "Aw, look at you! What happened?"
I replied nervously, "Nothing! I'm alright! Nothing happened this morning!"
"What?" she demanded, confused, "No, hon, look at you're clothes!" I sighed in relief. "Come on, let's go get you some clean clothes." She smiled.
"I think I may have some extras, actually," I said, getting my bags.
"If you want we can use the dry cleaners," Arisa added.
"No it's fine." I said. I pulled out a black uniform and tie. It was the boy's uniform! I gasped, "Wh-what?!"
"Extra uniforms, huh?" Arisa sighed.
"I - I guess I packed the wrong one!" I cried. Shigure!
"Okay, we're cleaning your uniform. Just wear that one until we're done." She said.
I slipped on Yuki's uniform. For the whole morning, I walked down the halls wearing it and my short hair was not helping. I heard some snickers and giggles as I walked into class.
"Miss Nadeshiko, is there a reason you're dressed up as a boy?" My teacher asked, smacking his ruler on my desk.
"I - I'm sorry, sir!" I said, looking down, "I had no extra uniforms, so I had to borrow and this was the only one I could -"
"Arya!" My sister walked into my classroom.
"Eh?" I gasped.
"Uo wanted me to give this to you," she said and passed me my clothes.
"Sorry for barging in," she struck a smile at my teacher. "I didn't want my little sister to break any school rules, so I got here as fast as I could."
"Thank you," I mouthed out to Mai. She just nodded.
"I'll just be heading back to my class. Good day." She bowed at my teacher, then left the room.
"Well," my teacher replied, "Just don't let this happen again, Arya. Now go get yourself changed."
"Thank you." I smiled nervously. I got my things and went to the washroom.
Arisa was leaning against the wall outside. "So? I hope you didn't get in trouble."
"Luckily, no," I replied. "But this whole morning, all I've gotten was stares and smirks."
"Really? Who? Give me the names and I'll -"
"No, it's alright, really. It's fine if I looked like a boy just this once. It's not like it's a daily thing." I smiled.
"It's not like you looked bad in it. I think you'd make a cute boy," she joked, ruffling my hair.
I giggled, "Thanks! And thanks for washing my clothes."
"But seriously, Arya, how'd you end up with the boy's uniform?" she asked.
"UH!" I froze. "I guess I-" I bit my lip. "The dry cleaners near my house must've gotten it mixed up."
"So how'd you get so dirty?" she questioned.
"I tripped on my way here!" I lied, then got an idea. "See?" I pointed at my bandaged ankle. "My ankle's pretty messed up as well."
"Oh, hope you get better then." She smiled, then waved as she walked back to her class.
I quickly changed back into my uniform. As I got out, the halls were completely empty, except for one person, standing by the windows. "Yuki!" I gasped.
"Miss Nadeshiko, I'd like to apologize about this morning." He sighed.
"It's okay, it was just this once!" I smiled, "And the boy's uniform was actually very comfy!" I wanted to slap myself. What am I saying? Comfy?! He must think I'm weird.
"Wait, you mean about finding out your secret?" I asked. He stayed silent. "I didn't tell anyone, if that's what you're wondering! Don't worry, you can trust me!"
He slammed his hands against the wall, enclosing me. "It's alright, I believe you. It's just... We still might have to erase your memory," he breathed.
"My memory?" I felt the blood rush to my cheeks.
"It won't harm you," he replied.
"How- how do you know that?" I asked.
He looked up, gazing into my eyes. "How? Because I've seen it before." He paused, then looked away, "And I don't want it happening to you, but I can't go against Akito's decision. That's why I'm sorry."
He began to walk away.
"Yuki," I called out. He looked over his shoulder. He tried to escape from my grasp but I gave his arm a gentle squeeze.
"Don't be sorry," I said. "I understand. If you need to keep it a secret, then it's fine." I remembered what Tohru said. I tried to keep my voice steady. "You can erase my memory, but afterwards, promise you'll still be my friend."
He looked at me in surprise.
"I- I don't want to forget about you, and... I think it's pretty cool how you guys transform," I added.
"You... You don't mind? It doesn't bother you?" he asked.
I could feel his gaze on me, his eyes watching the concentration on my face as I tried to find the right words.
"I've seen worse," I simply answered. I already understood what he had to go through, even though the closest thing I came to was reading about them. It seemed really different actually being in the story. I smiled, "I guess I should be going now."
"Miss Nadeshiko," he began, "So, can I walk you back to class?"
"Sure!" I blushed. We began to walk, our shoulders brushing up against each other.
"Thank you," he said softly.
"I should be thanking you, Yuki!" I grinned.
When we got home, we found Mai sitting in the living room, with the television on. It only took a few seconds for me to realize that she was asleep. From the back, you would've been convinced she was still watching T.V. I switched the T.V off and sighed. I quickly got a blanket and put it on her. I tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.
"You two are really close sisters," Yuki said quietly.
"Yes, but we argue a lot." I laughed softly.
"How old is she again?"
"She's two years older than us." I replied, "Why? She doesn't act like it, does she?"
He whispered, "You look the same age as her, sometimes."
I got up and looked at him. "Why, because I look old or she looks young?"
"No, not old in a bad way, Miss Nadeshiko. Your expressions are more mature," he answered politely.
"Ah," I said, and brushed my hair with my fingers. "Blue and green hair isn't mature."
He laughed quietly, "Orange isn't mature."
I just nodded, not really sure on how to reply. He was obviously talking about Kyo.
"Yuki, I apologize about my sister. If we're going to work here, she shouldn't be sleeping on the job." I sighed.
"It's fine, she should rest." He smiled.
"Well, I'm here. Is there anything you want me to do? How about a snack? Do you want me to prepare something?" I offered, walking into the kitchen. He followed me.
"Or maybe I can -" I choked on the sudden stench that filled my nose. Their kitchen was a mess! "Okay, forget I said that. I'll start cleaning up first!" I said, pinching my nose.
"Thank you, Miss Nadeshiko. Oh, and by the way, I'm going to be out for a bit. I'll be back soon," he said and patted my shoulder.
"Wait, where's Shigure?" I asked.
"Probably in his office, writing. I think he's going with Kyo somewhere soon, though," he said. "I'll see you in about an hour."
I heard him shut the door as he left. I looked around, then sighed. I took out some rubber gloves then started to clean. I first ran the dishwasher, then organized all the clean cabinets. As I cleaned more, I watched how it began to look more like a kitchen. I was putting all the garbage outside for the truck, but then I found a rice cooker. I gave a confused look, pursing my lips.
"Why'd they throw this out?" I said to myself.
I brought it back inside then washed it until it shined. While I'm at it... I should make some rice! I didn't usually cook, but I gave it a try. I began to scoop the grains of rice into the rice cooker. I switched it on. The rice cooker let out a beep, then began to hum. It was working properly! Since everything was off the floor and in the right place, I used my spare time to dust and polish.
Mai woke up, rubbing her eyes. "My gosh, it's so clean here. And do I smell... lemon?"
I laughed, scratching the back of my head, "Took you a while to wake up, and yes, it's lemon." I pointed at the rice cooker. "Can you believe they threw this out?"
"Wow." She laughed as well. She playfully kicked me. "Let me help you now." She began to cook, chopping up corn, potatoes and carrots. She flung them into a boiling pot. "This is easy!" She smiled to herself, stirring the pot.
I wiped the sink, tables, and windows clean. It sparkled as the sunlight shined through. I wiped the sweat off my forehead. I've been working for about an hour! Which reminds me...
I heard the door open, then close, as Yuki stepped in and gasped, "I thought I walked into the wrong house."
Mai giggled, "I see you've got some groceries." She pointed at the basket he had full of leeks and cabagges.
"Oh, I didn't buy these," he said.
She stared back at the pot. "Oh, well, I hope you're hungry. I prepared some food."
The rice cooker went off. Yuki gasped once more. "Since when did we-?"
I laughed, "I found it in the trash. Don't worry, I washed it."
He smiled a bit, "You two are really amazing."
"Thanks," we both replied. I blushed.
We set the plates down on the table then got the rice. We carefully scooped it up then put it on each plate. After, we spread the thick soup over it. The steam rose and wafted into the air. I inhaled. It smelt delicious.
"Go on, don't be shy, Yuki!" My sister smiled, "Try it and tell me if you like it!"
Yuki gave her a look of surprise, then shrugged his shoulders. He picked up his plate, took his chopsticks, then ate a bite. His eyes lit up. "Wow, this is fantastic."
"Really?" she asked, her eyes shining with curiosity.
"Yes, it's perfect." He smiled.
"Where are Shigure and Kyo?" I questioned, "We wouldn't want their food to get cold."
"Shigure told me he'd be home by lunch," Yuki said. "I'm not sure what's holding them up."
"Oh, yeah, Yuki, where did you get the vegetables anyway?" Mai asked, as she took a bite of her food.
"Ah, yes, I was actually out at my secret base." He answered.
"Secret base?" she asked.
"Yes, if you'd like, I could bring you two there some time." He said.
"Cool!" she exclaimed. "That'll be fun!"
SLAM! The door swung open. Mai and I yelped. Kyo stormed in. I haven't seen him since he ran off.
"Kyo! Just listen to me!" Shigure yelled.
"I don't wanna hear it, you think it's fun jerking me around like that!" he yelled back, stomping in.
Shigure followed him, dressed in a suit, with a serious look on his face. He actually looked... good.
"Now hold on, it wasn't- Okay, it was a little bit fun, but that's not why I did it, it was for your own good!" Shigure snapped, "And don't forget, it was Akito's decision!"
"Shut up, I don't give a damn about Akito!" Kyo shouted.
"Hi, we were looking for you. Are you hungry?" I asked sweetly.
"Shut up!" he snapped and slammed the door.
"Kyo! Don't take this out on the girls, and use the front door next time, and take off your shoes!" Shigure called out.
Mai clapped her hands together. "Wow, what an entrance!"
Shigure smirked. "Oh, lunch is ready."
"So what happened, Shigure? What's up with cat boy?" Mai asked, eating a spoonful of rice.
"Oh, him? He just needs to let off some steam. He's mad that I made him take an entrance exam." Shigure sat and began to pile more food on his plate.
"For what?" Yuki asked.
"Yes, well, up to this day, Kyo is now officially the newest student in your school," he replied.
"Wait, where's he going to stay?" I asked.
"Uh, euh, well, with us."
Yuki choked on his food and stood up, throwing his chopsticks on the table. "Don't you take a single bite. Get out!" he hissed.
Shigure chuckled nervously, sweat dropping. "I had a feeling you'd be upset."
I sighed, then continued eating.
"Yuki?" Mai asked, "Aren't you worried about Kyo making a scene? Or causing a fight? What'll happen then?" She smirked a bit, "Gonna whoop his ass in front of everyone now?"
Yuki smirked as well, then wiped his mouth with a napkin. "If it's necessary."
Shigure added, "Kyo's pulled a little vanishing act on us. Just went and disappeared for four months." He rested his head on his palm. "He was on a mountain top, training."
"Seriously?" I asked, sipping my tea.
"Let me guess, he's been meditating under waterfalls and fighting bears?" Yuki asked sarcastically.
I couldn't help but giggle a bit. Yuki looked back at me in surprise.
"Sorry," I mouthed out. He shook his head as if to say, "It's alright", then continued eating.
"The point is, Kyo really wants to beat Yuki," Shigure finished. He stood up and stretched.
"Well, thank you for the wonderful meal, girls." He smiled, then walked into the kitchen.
We heard him yell behind the door, "It's so clean! And do I smell lemon?"
"Kyo, wake up!" I knocked on his door. "Wake up! Time for school!"
"Go away!" He growled from inside.
I kicked his door this time. "It's time to get up! Get up!"
"Hell, could you shut up?" he said, and opened the door. His orange hair was messy and covered his eyes.
"You're not even in your uniform!" I said and passed him one.
"Whatever!" he told me.
I flicked his forehead which brushed his hair to the side. "See? I'm wearing one too." I smiled. "We already ate breakfast, now we're just waiting for you."
"Damn, it's seven in the morning and you guys are already ready for school?"
"Yup! Now come on!" I sang and skipped downstairs.
"Stupid girl," he mumbled.
"Now listen you two," Mai said sternly, pointing at Yuki and Kyo, "I don't want to hear any fights going on today. I don't want any fights at all!"
"Yes, Mai." Yuki nodded.
Kyo looked away, pouting.
"Kyo," Mai said.
"What?" he snapped.
"Have a good first day, okay?" she said nicely. She waved at all of us, then went to her class.
I looked at Kyo. "Do you want me to show you our class?" I asked. He didn't even acknowledge me. I snapped my fingers in his face. "Kyo, don't be rude." I said softly, then looked at his neck. "Hey... No tie?"
He shrugged. "It's uncomfortable. Plus, only nerds where ties to school." He shot Yuki a look.
"So, you're not a nerd?" I asked.
"What do you think?" he said rather loudly.
I winced a bit. He was so harsh! "Just don't attract too much attention and you'll be fine," I said.
He scoffed, "Yeah, okay."
Yuki and I exchanged looks. Kyo grabbed a seat and was immediately surrounded by girls. The room was filled with chatter.
"Hey, is he really Yuki's cousin?" Arisa asked, walking up to me.
"Yes, he is!" I answered.
"Strange," Saki said. "His electric signals are exactly the same as Yuki's. I don't know, but it's something about them that's almost inhuman."
"Why would you say that?" I asked nervously.
Arisa laughed, "Hana, that's just rude."
Kyo was at the edge of his seat.
"Ugh! I can't take it anymore! Leave me alone!" he yelled desperately.
He looked around and for that split second, made eye contact with me. My eyes were filled with concern. I was about to say something, but he already turned away. He pushed open the window, and jumped out. Everyone gasped. Surprisingly, Kyo landed safely on his feet, then ran off. The room fell silent, then burst into chatter again.
Arisa laughed, "That was hysterical! He looked like a cat trying to get out of a bath!"
Yuki and I sighed. He touched my shoulder and whispered, "I'm going to go check on him."
I didn't know whether or not to follow him. I reached out for him, but then pulled away. Nevermind, this is between him and Kyo. I bit my lip. But then again... I ran outside to where Yuki and Kyo were. They were already arguing. Kyo grabbed the collar of Yuki's shirt. I knew it.
"Stop!" I said, pulling Yuki away from Kyo's grasp, remembering not to accidentally hug them.
Kyo shot me a glare. "What are you doing?"
"Trying to keep you and Yuki from getting in trouble!" I explained, "Now's not the best time, Kyo!"
"Damn, butt out of this!" He gritted his teeth.
I sighed, "Kyo, really, it's not good to attract attention!"
"Shut up."
"What?"
"Stop saying my name," he snapped.
"Would you prefer it if I called you 'stupid cat'?" I argued. His temper reminded me of someone... And I couldn't stand it.
"Stop acting like you know me so well! You don't!" he burst out.
"I know enough."
"That's all you ever say!"
"I do know enough!" I said firmly, "I know enough to tell you that fighting Yuki right now isn't worth it."
"You sound like-" He grunted, "You sound like damn Yuki!"
"Is that bad? Maybe Yuki's correct," I replied.
"Shut up!"
Tohru never talked back at Kyo. I was wondering how I could be changing the story. I relaxed a bit. "Okay, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I meant to say that what I was telling you was correct."
"What the hell?"
"I just should've realized. It's between you and Yuki. I just didn't want you to get in trouble on your first day, okay?" I said. "I won't get myself involved anymore."
Yuki reached out to me. I moved back a bit. "I don't want to become your enemy Kyo, so I'm sorry."
I began to walk back to my class, wondering how Kyo must have been feeling. Yeah, I didn't make him transform like Tohru did, but I did something worse. I argued back. I said sorry though, so it couldn't have been that bad.
It was the end of the day and I didn't speak to the two since. I just came back from work. I walked home, wondering how Mai and Yuki were back at home with Kyo. Probably arguing or something. I kicked the rocks near my feet as I walked down the trail. I heard footsteps behind me, following me. I remembered what Tohru did, accidentally hitting Kyo in the face. I just stopped and turned around.
"Who's there?" I asked.
Poof!
Crap! I didn't expect him to be that close to me!
"Kyo! What are you doing here?" I gasped, looking down at the orange cat. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you transform!"
I was about to pick him up and carry him back home, but as I reached out, he scratched my hand. My hand stung from the fresh cut. I pulled back. "Ow! I'm just trying to help!"
"You've done enough! Just stay the hell away from me!" He ran off, still as a cat.
"No, Kyo, wait!" I called after him. I carried his clothes.
Poof!
He hid behind a tree. I walked up to him. "See? Without me, you'd be naked in the woods." No reply. Okay, be a bit nicer, Arya. "Uh, I'm sorry I made you transform. I didn't know you were there. I was surprised, that's all."
I passed him his clothes. He fiercely swiped it out of my hands. He peeked a bit behind the tree. "You're crazy."
"No, I'm kind," I corrected him.
He scoffed, "Seriously, no one would be kind to the cat." He stepped forward, already dressed up.
"I would." I replied, "Why can't I?"
"You wouldn't understand," he said.
I told him sincerely, "I want to."
He gasped, then looked down. "No."
I paused. "Okay."
"That's it?" he asked immediately after.
I wrinkled my nose and replied, "What? What else do you want me to do? Argue back?" He stared back at me in surprise. "Well," I began, "I was going to tell you that I actually always wanted to be year of the cat ever since I was a kid." I waved my hand at him. "But nevermind, I guess I can't be kind to the cat, can I?"
"You're such a wise ass!" he shouted.
I laughed, "I'm just kidding, chill! But what I said before is true."
He looked away. "What are you supposed to be, some year of the cat fanclub? Come on!"
"Hey," I grabbed his hood before he could leave. "Didn't you want me to be nice to you?"
He looked back at me and shrugged my hand away. "Whatever Arya, come on, let's go back."
I stared back at him. I didn't move.
"Eh?" He grunted, "What now?"
"Nothing. It's just... You said my name," I replied.
"So what?" he asked harshly. "You've said mine a bunch of times!"
"So? You've never said my name before," I answered. "And like you said, I can only say your name if I know you well enough."
"I never said that!"
"Well, you sort of did. But anyways, you've said mine, so that just shows... Maybe, we can be friends."
"What the hell?" He gave me a weird look, his eyebrows high. "You're so full of it!"
"Full of what?" I asked, acting stupid. "I hope it's nice."
"Just shut up!"
I laughed, then began to walk home. He looked back at me with curious eyes. That's something you never see everyday. I thought, as Kyo and I walked back home. I didn't want to make it awkward, so I tried to avoid eye contact. Did I just start a friendship with Kyo?
"So, did you manage to pick Arya up after work today?" Shigure asked.
I cut in. "Wait, so you planned this beforehand? Why didn't you tell me? I wouldn't have made you transform if you -"
"Oh, don't tell me! You gave Arya a bit of a scare, Kyo! I wish I saw that. Arya barely gets scared!" Mai sighed.
Shigure laughed, as he sang, "Kyo's a stalker! Kyo's a stalker!"
Kyo yelled, "You are so full of it!"
I shot Kyo a look, then raised my eyebrows. I smirked. Full of what? I thought.
As if Kyo read my mind, he mumbled, "Don't even start, Arya." He pointed his chopsticks at me. "If you want someone to pick you up after work, don't look at me!"
"Okay." I replied.
Kyo continued eating. "Nyeh?" He burst out, "What do you want?" He looked back at Yuki, who was staring at him.
"Nothing." Yuki glared.
"You were staring!"
"No, just looking."
"Well, I guess there's a first time for everything!" Kyo said sarcastically.
"So, Kyo. How was your first day of school?" Mai asked.
"It sucked!" he snapped. He was just blurting out random things.
"Sorry to hear that... So, do you like the food?" she asked sweetly.
He didn't really have time to think. "No, I don't!" he shouted.
Mai and Kyo both froze, their jaws dropped. Mai turned her head and pouted. "Hmph, then starve."
Kyo looked down at his meal, and started to eat again. I stared awkwardly at everyone. "The food's good, Mai. How was school?"
She rested her head on her palm. "It was hard. I got a ton of assignments." She stood up and put her plates away. "I'll be upstairs studying." She went up to our room.
"Yuki?" I asked.
"Mm?" He responded.
"Maybe, could you-?" I began, then stopped. "Nevermind." I couldn't ask him that! If I did, I'll sound desperate!
The next day of school came and Kyo finally decided to hang out with us today. He even played cards with Arisa and Saki! I was glad to see him socializing. At the end of the day, I couldn't help but feel happy. Like I accomplished something. But, there was an empty feeling in me, like I was missing something.
Maybe it's because I was walking back home alone. I thought, as I crossed the street. I actually enjoyed walking home with Kyo. He's so fun to tease! I sighed. Work sure was hard today. My eyes lit up and I suddenly felt my heart lift.
"Yuki?" I called out.
There he was, standing there, leaning against the pole.
"Miss Nadeshiko! How are you?" he asked.
"I'm doing fine, thanks. What are you doing here?" I said.
"I wanted to pick you up today." He smiled.
I was going to faint! He wanted to pick me up! He actually wanted to! I didn't need to ask him!
"Oh, really?" I tried to act casual. I secretly blushed. "Thanks. I'm so happy!"
"So how was work?" he asked.
We were almost on our way home.
"Exhausting!" I sighed.
I suddenly felt a hand on my back. Since when did Yuki have three arms!?
"Hey lovebirds! Get off the streets!" The man yelled as he shoved me into Yuki.
Before I could react, I slammed into Yuki. I looked down at Yuki in his Zodiac form.
"A-are you alright? I'm sorry!" I cried. Oh my gosh! That guy called us "lovebirds"!
"Don't be. I'm the cursed one." He sighed.
I carried Yuki, cradling him in my arms, then folded his clothes and put them in my bag.
"I'm sorry," he said softly, "I was supposed to walk you home."
"Oh no, it's fine! Just knowing you came here for me makes me really happy." For me. He came for me! I couldn't get that thought out of my head.
"Yes." He spoke softly.
"Yuki, do you have something on your mind? You can tell me," I said politely. I lifted him up and set him down to walk beside me. I smiled, "You can trust me."
I couldn't tell from his cute, little rat face if he was smiling or not.
"For years," He began, "living in the Sohma house felt like living in a cage. Akito always wanted to keep me away from, well, everyone, as much as he could." I cringed a bit at the name. He went on, "What I wanted was to live a normal life, with normal people. I wanted to move in with Shigure and enroll in a school."
"I'm glad you decided to do that. Otherwise, I would've never met you." I grinned a bit.
"I feel the same," he replied. "I wondered why he let me go at first, but then I soon found out. I could leave the house, but leaving the cage... that wasn't so easy. I'm still a Sohma, and no matter how much I might want to, that's something I can never change." He stared deeply at the road. "I'll always be different - I know that. What scares me is, if I get too close to someone, they might realize it too."
"I wouldn't say that," I replied.
"Have you seen Kyo?" he asked. He began to tell me about how Kyo was so outgoing with whoever he was with - normal, or cursed.
I stared at the sky, remembering the conversation I had with Kyo.
"Well, Yuki, you and Kyo are different," I stated.
"What, because he's the cat?" He sighed. "And because of what he is, Kyo can never be accepted in the Zodiac, but isn't it better if he can be accepted by normal people because of who he is? That's exactly what I've always wanted." He looked away. "I guess that's why I get so mad when I see him because he can't see what he has. He's blinded by the foolish desire to be part of the very same family I've spent my whole life trying to run away from."
He sure is chatty today. But, I'm glad, out of all the people he can talk to, he chose me. I'm glad he can let out his feelings.
"Yuki," I replied, "I don't care, cursed or not, people will learn to or already do accept you. Don't compare yourself to anyone. We all have our quirks, our likes and dislikes. Differences, opinions, stuff like that. It's just what makes you, you. Having a curse shouldn't change who you are."
"Sometimes I just- "
"Yuki, you're part of Student Council! You're the best looki- I mean, the nicest boy in our school! I can't say you aren't accepted. So many people like you," I added. "And does the curse play any kind of part in this? No!"
He replied, "That isn't everything about me, Miss Nadeshiko. They only accept me because I'm nice. I only act nice because I want them to accept me and I'm worried they won't accept me if they found out what I really am. See? It's just an act. I'm just... selfish."
His words. The way he acts kind so he can be accepted... It reminds me a lot of myself. How I would act at school, anyway. I would always be careful not to get in trouble, so the other students wouldn't tease me about it.
I shook my head. "You're not selfish, Yuki. You're just unsure." My voice hushed. "Hey, can I tell you something?" He looked at me with curious eyes. "Even with your curse, I think you're still pretty lucky to be out here. Heck, you stood up against Akito! Even with your curse, that didn't stop you from being the best... Now look at how many girls love you!" Yeah, and I'm one of them! I added, "And it's not just because you're nice. It's because you have such a determined, strong, air to you. You're so clever and charming. You have so much hope."
"Hope?" he asked.
"Mhmm." I smiled. "Hope. I could never be so determined to keep going like you, Yuki. It's really admirable. That's something you're not pretending to be, is it?" I searched his face for an answer. "No, it's not. There's so much more to you than just a curse." I answered for him. I grinned a bit, "Just be yourself, you'll be fine."
It began to rain. At first a few droplets, then minutes later, it started to pour- hard!
Poof!
Yuki transformed in the middle of the road. Luckily, no one was around. I quickly passed him his clothes. "Get dressed." I ordered, "I don't want you getting sick."
"Miss Nadeshiko?" Yuki said, as we ran back home. "Can I bring you somewhere?" he asked.
My heart was racing, not just because we were running so much. "Um, okay."
"I'd like to bring you to my secret base!" he said with a grin on his face.
I tried not to act disappointed. His secret base? That's where he plants his vegetables and stuff! But I wasn't supposed to know that.
"Secret base?" I asked, pretending to be thrilled. I hated lying to him. "What's there?"
"I'll show you," he replied. "Maybe, you can help."
"Help?"
The rain got harsher when we arrived. His secret base was deep in the woods, just behind the house, surrounded by think trees and bushes.
"Wow, this is cool!" I said, spitting out some rain water.
"You don't mind lending me a hand?" he asked, pulling out a long cover. "I need to protect my plants from the harsh weather." He was having trouble spreading it over, his fingers fumbling.
"Oh, here," I said, helping him. I carefully began to adjust the cover. Suddenly, a strong gust of wind pushed the sheet into my face. I couldn't see! "Yuki!" I cried.
I felt his hand lift the cover off of me. My face was soaked! He laughed a bit. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, thanks."
Our fingers brushed against each other as we fixed the cover.
"You're really good at this, Miss Nadeshiko," he praised me.
The clouds cleared up and the rain stopped. The sun beamed down on us. Yuki and I were sitting on the front porch, soaking up what was left of the sun after a long day. I stretched my arms.
"I have to admit, Yuki," I began, biting my lip. "You and I are a lot alike."
He raised an eyebrow. "Oh, how so?"
"Even though I don't know you that much yet, I think you remind me of myself. I too can be a bit afraid of being rejected or misunderstood by my peers. I even compare myself a lot to a certain someone... That's why I'm always trying to stay out of trouble at school, whether it's breaking up fights or just being nice to everyone. Sound familiar?"
He nodded.
"Yeah, and when you told me how you really felt, well, I could relate to it. I could understand what you had to deal with." I leaned back.
"I see where you're going with this," he replied.
I looked at him, and gave him a small smile. "Yuki, I just want you to keep in mind that the Sohmas aren't so different from us. You don't have to feel so isolated or unaccepted. You shouldn't let that curse get in the way of what you want to do in your life."
He leaned in and gave me a light kiss on my forehead. It wasn't as passionate, but it was the kind you'd give to a younger sibling. But still, I couldn't help but blink in surprise. I blushed even more. My heart pounded against my ribs, my pulse throbbing in my ears.
"Thank you, Miss Nadeshiko." Yuki smiled, eyes closed, his head slightly tilted.
I liked that smile. There was a gentle, caring feeling to it. I've never seen him smile like that.
