I slinked back downstairs after my shower. I heard loud voices coming from the living room. I stopped at the doorway and admired the tender scene.

They all had surrounded Kyo, at respectable distance of course. Uo seemed to be teasing him and was ruffling his hair. Tohru was crying and Yuki was watching fondly. Our eyes temporarily met when he glanced up. I offered a small smile. I went to leave them to their little moment when Tohru called out to me. I caught her when she almost tackled me into a hug, her tears rapidly soaking my shirt.

''You were right! He came back, I'm so happy'' I chuckled, patting her head.

''Didn't I tell you'' I said softly and she pulled away with a 'mhm' and a bright smile on her face.

''So Kitty, what did you make for breakfast? I'm ready to be impressed'' I teased and grinned as the cat visibly bristled at the nickname.

''Don't call me that!'' He shouted, cat ears appearing on his head.

-Fruits Basket-

I made a round of the cupboards and fridge to see what was missing, we did have one more mouth to feed now so some shopping had to be made. I wrote everything down on a small piece of paper, since I couldn't remember everything we needed by heart and I was most likely to forget everything half way in my shopping.

''You sure you don't want me to go with you?'' Tohru asked for the umpteenth time. I rolled my eyes good naturedly.

''it's my turn to get the groceries and yes I'm sure I can carry them myself, don't you worry'' I patted her head for good measure then pocketed the list.

''I'll be off now'' I announced loudly as I made my way to the front door.

''Oh wait for us, we were just about to leave too'' Uo said as she peeked her blond head out of the living room. I slid on my shoes and waited for the girls.

''It's good to have you back Orange Top'' Uo said sincerely, gently knocking Kyo on the chin with her knuckles. I heard him mumble something and look away.

''Have a safe trip back'' Tohru said as she was hugged by her two friends. I felt a pang of envy in my heart at the sight. To say me and the mane 6 used to be this close knitted. I looked away, opening the door to step out.

''I won't be long'' I called to Tohru and the three of us were off. We walked in silence until Uo spoke up.

''You know, Tohru admires you a lot'' The blond spoke up as she looked at me, running a hand through her hair to push back her bangs.

''Uh?'' I tilted my head curiously.

''She talks about you a lot and she sees you as a big sister'' At one point we just stopped walking. I looked at the ex-Yankee in surprise. Tohru admired me?

''I'm actually glad she has an older female role model in her life, she often tells us how you remind her of Kyoko with your wise sayings and all. We just wanted to thank for being there for her'' She…she saw me as a role model? How could I even influence her? I didn't do anything special, the only thing I did so far was have break downs and a huge emotional baggage. I actually felt bad every time they had to comfort me. I noticed Hana's eyes boring into the side of my head.

''Oh there we are girls'' I announced as we reached the super market, trying to smooth over the tense atmosphere.

''I hope I'll see you soon, I'll make sure to have Tohru deliver you some cookies as soon as I make some'' I promised and Uo made a pained noise.

''Oh please don't'' she begged but I knew in her tone of voice that she wasn't serious. I giggled as I walked into the store.

-Fruits Basket-

They all sat at the table with some tea, waiting for Harmony to come back

'' so…Whats up with this Harmony chick?'' Kyo asked tentatively as everyone paused.

''She arrived here kind of like our dear Tohru did, sick and homeless'' He held back a flinch at the way Yuki glared at him after that.

'' She wasn't that sick after all, but does have a dark mark on her chest that she mostly keeps concealed, she wouldn't talk to us about it'' Shigure continued, tucking his hands into his sleeves.

''And it not up to us to be nosy and push her to tell us'' Yuki retorted, eyeing his dark haired cousin. Kyo caught Tohru looking down at her cup pensively, her fingers gently rubbing its side.

'' Harmony became…like a big sister to me, even if she hasn't been with us for long,'' She started with a small smile''Always watching out for us, bringing me my lunch at school when I forget to bring it,'' She giggled at the memory of the young woman coming to their school and chasing off Yuki's fan club. '' she obviously has a big emotional baggage but all the little things she does for us, we can't help but give them back to her, even if she thinks she doesn't deserve it''

Kyo looked up at that in surprise.

''Tohru's right, I see the pain in her eyes when she thinks we're not looking, she thinks she has to battle her inner demons by herself.'' Yuki said quietly, his own eyes riveted on his cup.

''Reminds me of someone'' Shigure commented calmly, Kyo could feel his eyes bore into the side of his head. The woman seemed so lively, acting playful with them, smiling all the time. Who could've of guessed that her mind was in shambles, thoughts distorted with doubt and maybe self-hatred.

'' I hope that one day,'' Tohru began'' She'll let us do things for her, that she will open her heart fully to us and that she realizes that she has a beautiful plum on her back.'' Tohru smiled her eyes on Kyo. It was their own inside joke. He remembered that day perfectly. The two others males looked on in confusion.

''A plum?'' They both questioned. Tohru giggled even harder as Kyo blushed.

''Stop giggling like an idiot!'' Kyo cried. Man it was good to be home.

-Fruits Basket-

I was at loss, I felt like baking yet again but what? I had been standing in front of the flour for 5 minutes now and I still had no ideas.

''Seems like I'll just forget it for this time'' I pouted to myself. I jumped when I felt someone touch my arm. I turned quickly took in the sight of the man that had his hand up in the air. The one that had touched me. He dropped his hand, his passive grey eyes regarding me apprehensively. Who was this dude? He had white hair but he seemed to have a black under tone. He wore a long coat and was mostly wearing black.

''Can I, help you?'' I asked tentatively, holding onto my basket tightly.

''I've seen you before''He suddenly said, his voice holding a deep, pleasant tone. My brows furrowed in confusion. I definitely didn't remember him, if I ever saw that guy…

''Uh Ok?'' I said turning to walk away but he gently grasped my sleeve. I felt myself bristle. Oh hell no that I was going to be harassed while I did my god damn groceries.

''I saw you at the main house'' He said calmly as I eyed him wearily. I could see some people stopping to watch us. The main house... ooooh that house. The Devil's den. Then the guy must be…

'I'm Haru Sohma, you must be Harmony' He introduced and I felt myself relax. Oh I was so stupid; Tohru had already told me about him. He was part of the zodiac as well but she didn't tell me which, she wanted me to guess, silly Tohru.

''Oh yes, Tohru's schoolmate and Yuki and Kyo's cousin'' I said, slowly catching on. I felt silly about being so forgetful sometimes. He nodded, yet not letting go of my sleeve.

''What are you doing here?'' I asked as I tried to come up with a good recipe of cake. Maybe I could try angel cake? Or maybe lava cake, I haven't tried that one yet.

''I got lost…'' He said simply. I turned to look at him. For someone who was lost, he didn't seem worried about it; he had the most neutral expression I had ever seen. He reminded me of Maud.

''Where were you heading'' I asked as I picked out the ingredients for the lava cake.

''Shigure's house'' He answered as I grabbed a package of chocolate chips. He eyed each item in confusion.

''Well you're in luck, that's where I'm going'' I said smiling, slowly making my way to the cash register. He still grasped my sleeve like a child. I didn't feel like asking why, so I just let him keep a hold of me while we went over the items. People eyed us weirdly but sincerely I couldn't care less.

He kept on grasping my sleeve until we exited the store where he let go.

'' here let me carry some of them for you'' He said, taking a few bags from hands, completely ignoring my protests.

-Fruits Basket-

'I'm back! I've brought a visitor!' I called as I stepped inside, toeing off my shoes.

'' Welcome back! Oh hello Haru!'' Tohru's ever faithful response resounded in the hall as she peeked her head out of the living room.

''Lo'' Haru greeted casually, nodding his head.

'This nice gentleman here helped me carry my bags, even though I insisted he didn't' I said as we made our way to the kitchen with our bags.

''I got lost…'' He explained as Tohru sweat dropped.

''Oh hello Haru'' Yuki said calmly as he appeared in the kitchen's doorway, most likely coming to help put away the groceries. Haru seemed to zone out and went to cling to Yuki's shirt with his fist. I raised a questioning eyebrow at Tohru who was only smiling. I shook my head; people were weird in this family.

''Are you staying over for dinner Haru?'' I questioned as I wrote Kyo's name on one of the milk cartons I had bought with a sharpie, if he was to drink from it, he would have his own. I put both milk cartons into the fridge. I kept all the ingredients for the lava cake on the counter while I put the other things away in the cupboards.

''Sure, I did come all the way here'' He said, trailing after Yuki as the teen went to the living room.

''Can I help you with anything?'' Tohru asked meekly.

''Nope out! Out scoot!,'' I said, trying to chase her out as she protested. ''But I feel so useless let me help you'' She insisted, her wide eyes looking at me. Oh no not the puppy eyes.

''Nope out' I ordered, threatening her with a wooden spoon. She squeaked as I slapped her butt with it and went to join the boys.

-Fruits Basket-

Tohru sat down at the table with the boys with a slight pout. Yuki smiled, trying not to laugh at the display, it wasn't rare to see Harmony chase Tohru out of the kitchen. To make things easier on the teen, Harmony had taken half of her chores and they often took turns for cooking and when it was Harmony's turn, she often chased Tohru out, much to the girl's dismay.

''I've heard…some good and bad things about her'' Haru finally spoke up, leaning on the table, supporting himself with his elbow. His eyes were riveted to the busy female in the kitchen as she seemed to be in her own world, deeply concentrated on her task. Yuki's eyes snapped to the dual haired teen. The cow leaned his chin on his hand.

''Is it true that she can break the curse?'' He questioned, his eyes meeting Yuki's. They knew that the woman was trying so hard. If she wasn't with them or baking, she was either with Shigure or writing things down in a notebook on the back porch, pencil holding up her short hair. In those times, balls of paper would surround her; she would often rip out pages, ball them up then throw them over her shoulder. Her frustration was clear. Yuki didn't know what she was writing in there, but he never pried, it wasn't any of his business.

''I'm sure she will be able to'' Tohru chirped enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling, holding a deep admiration for the woman already. Yuki kind of did also.

Haru hummed in response, his expression unreadable. He did seem thoughtful maybe even skeptical about the whole thing. They had dreamed of this day for years now, even when they had the slightest clue of how they could end all this, it evaded them, only leaving misery behind. Each time…they believed less and less, finally accepting the fact that this curse would stick to them forever.

''Oy what's the gloomy atmosphere about?''Harmony called from the doorway, holding up a tray of tea. They all snapped out of it, startled by the woman's loud voice. She was all dirty, as always. She had chocolate on her cheeks; she probably had flour in her hair. Her hands and arms were also covered and her apron did very little to protect her from her own clumsiness.

''Eeeehhh! Harmony you're all dirty!'' Tohru exclaimed, standing up with a napkin and cleaned the older woman's face with it. She didn't resist, letting Tohru have her motherly moment. She shook out her hair, some flour falling out and fell like snow upon her shoulders.

''Don't you know how to bake properly? Looks like a 5 year old came in here'' He heard Kyo grouch from the kitchen.

'Oy don't insult me or no lava cake for you 'Harmony threatened as she turned, Tohru gently plucking the tray from her hand and went to set it on the coffee table.

''Tch, like I care'' Kyo retorted. Harmony seemed to take Kyo's attitude in stride, far less affected by it then Tohru would be. Her on the other hand seemed to make playful jabs at him.

''Now whose the 5 year old sour puss' Harmony remarked' need a widdle nappy time kitty?'' He heard her say. There was no sarcasm, no mean under tone, just another playful jab.

''Hey! Don't talk to me like I'm 5 damn it!''Kyo hissed as the dual haired woman blew a childish raspberry at him.

''Go sit with your widdle friend now Kyo'' She teased as he huffily stepped into the living room, doing his best to ignore her. He plopped down on the porch, his back to them. Yuki rubbed his forehead. It sure did get suddenly noisy in here…

''Kyo…Your back'' Haru commented and the cat turned around, finally noticing the dual haired male.

''Yeah, what of it…'' He said, turning back around. Haru allowed a small smile to break his neutral façade; a fleeting look of relief was directed the cat's way. Tohru served up the tea happily, their hands brushing as she handed him his cup. She blushed and looked away. Yuki chuckled softly, before reaching to grasp her hand when she finally set the tea kettle down. Her blush came back full force, dusting her cheeks so beautifully. Yuki felt eyes boring into him and he looked up, his eyes meeting Kyo's briefly before the cat's eyes darted to their joined hands. He huffed and looked away. They felt the tension rise off the cat in waves, making things suddenly even more awkward then they already were.

'' yay! I found some cookies from 2 days ago in the pantry, they'll go well with the tea,'' The woman cheered, proudly holding a plate full of cookies.'' I could of sworn there was more but I think there's a little mouse going around in here stealing them'' She winked at Yuki who blushed, looking away. Her pastries were his weakness…

''Well I always see Yuki sneak in here and leave with a few of them'' Shigure said, suddenly making an appearance. The rat blushed even harder'' Shigure'' He mumbled in embarrassment.

''What? You're not the only one with a weak resolve when it comes to our dear Harmony's baking''

Did he mention that she made puns about them? He knew that it was all in good fun though. She giggled setting the plate on the table and Haru eyed them in interest. He reached out and took one, biting into it tentatively. Harmony looked on eagerly. She loved getting feedbacks, positive or negative.

''Hmm'' Haru hummed, no real expressions appearing on his face. Harmony kept her emerald gaze on the cow as he ate the entire cookie. He then turned to the dual haired woman.

''Marry me'' He said calmly.

''Eeeehhh!'' Everyone exclaimed.

-Fruits Basket-

I blushed and let out a nervous laugh as I rubbed the back of my head.

''Aw shucks sugar cube you can't be serious'' I giggled shyly. Man in this family all held a certain charm didn't they. Haru grabbed my hand.

''Oh but I am'' He said perfectly calm, his face serious.

''Leave her be you perverted cow!'' Kyo shouted, hitting the male behind the head, startling me. Wait, cow? Ooooh I had a nagging suspicion that he would be the cow, if his hair gave anything away.

''You didn't have to hit him though…'' I commented weakly, eyeing the still form in front of me, he didn't hit him that hard did he? He then began to shake. Oh my, was he alright?

''Umm Haru? You alright?'' I questioned, reaching to touch the teen's shoulder but Yuki pulled me back.

''you better take your distances Miss Harmony, you won't like what happens next…'' Yuki trailed off as the dual haired teen stood up slowly, a dark aura suddenly appearing around him.

''Oh little stray kitty wants to play uh?' He murmured darkly, his tone of voice taking a mocking turn. What…the hell? Fists went flying before I could blink. Haru was sent flying through the rice paper door, effectively breaking it to pieces.

I gaped in shock, staring as both male yelled at each other.

'Time to take this fight back where we left it kitty cat!' Haru taunted, clearly egging on the pissed cat.

'Don't call me that!' Kyo cried from the porch, cat ears and tail popping up in his annoyance. I looked at everyone and no one made a move to stop the upcoming fight. Tohru did fret about it though, looking on as cat and cow yelled at each other back and forth.

''Whoa whoa whoa! Hey,'' I yelled getting between the two enraged males. ''No fighting! Did you see what you did to the freaking door, geez calm your hormones'' Both of them were breathing heavily, their fists raised, bodies coiled to attack at any moment. I was suddenly hugged from behind.

''Don't worry babe, I'll win the fight just for you' Haru whispered into my ear seductively. His hand slowly ghosted up my stomach to rest on my…

''Oh hell no pervert!'' I cried, pushing him away and slapped him on the cheek swiftly. I heard the group behind me gasp.

''Oh babe, I like it when your rough"His voice practically dripping sex. I blushed hard but shook my head.

''Eh I'll show you rough, you wanna fight? Come here," I growled, getting into a fighting stance. "I may not know martial arts but I have my share of battle experience" Haru smirked, letting out a sarcastic laugh. What was with this boy? Yuki was right about me not liking what was coming up next.

"Now now, I don't want to hurt you, I don't want to damage that pretty face of yours' He said, taking slow steps towards me.

"Moo!" I mooed and he froze in place. He narrowed his eyes.

'Watcha just say to me?' He asked, clenching his fists.

'I said, Moo' I repeated, smirking. He took back his battle stance.

'Oh you're on now girly!' he cried lunging towards me. We both butted head. I grunted, this hurts more when I'm human…

' That's enough get ahold of yourself, where did the sweet part of you go!?' I growled, as kept his hands from touching me. My head was starting to hurt; butting head hadn't been a good idea after all. He suddenly retreating, making me fall forward on my knees. I quickly kicked out, landing a hit in his stomach making him double over as he lost his breath

"Harmony!" Tohru cried, moving in to help "No! Stay where you are Tohru, I've got it…handled"I said as I approached the raging bull cautiously. He charged. Oh shit! I barely manage to dodge his flurry of blows. Good thing I was trained, because otherwise, I would have been toasted.

"Ok that's enough" I panted, bracing myself as he charged again. I managed to dodge to the side and get behind him. I grabbed him from behind. I knew exactly what to do to calm the raging bull…

-Flashback-

I remember when I once accompanied AJ to a rodeo tournament. There had been rodeo and pig and cow catching. I had found it a bit weird since well, they were one of us, the cows here could speak and were generally good-natured and really nice.

'Um AJ isn't this wrong?' I had asked, frowning as they seemed to be putting calves in the pen.

' oh don't worry your pretty little head sugar cube, they know what their getting themselves into, it's their job' AJ had reassured, showing how the mother of the little calf seemed to be praising her child.

' Ya can do it my little Timmy, show em ponies what ya can do' she cheered on.

'Wanna go and try it out, here what ya have ta do' AJ whispered the instructions in my ear.

-End Flashback-

The flashback made my heart pinch painfully but I knew what to do.

"Grasp him firmly first, really importan'" I heard AJ's instructions resound in my head. I wrapped my arms around his waist, making sure to hold his arms against his sides. He struggled of course, stomping and grunting.

"Second, throw him off balance" She had instructed. He did that part for me though. He reared his head back and I dodged but lost my balance . I landed on my back with him on top. I grunted as his weight crushed me.

"Then you immobilize him with this rope' She had given me a rope but in this case, the ropes would be my arms and legs. I wrapped my legs around his chest and my arms around his neck and squeeze.

"That's…uh…enough now' I panted as I held him still, my heart pounding in my chest. He stopped struggling and went limp, making me slightly worried.

' Uh? What happened?' Haru asked, blinking slowly as if he had pulled himself out of his rage. I slowly let him go and he sat up, rubbing his head. Did he really have no conscience of what just happened?!

' whaaaa?' I said in disbelief, looking back at the group, who were staring in shock, nobody had moved ever since the beginning of the fight. The three cursed males looked at me in surprise. Tohru seemed amazed and scared at the same time. I plopped back onto my back on the grass with a huff.

'I have a headache' I mumbled.

-Fruits Basket-

"Here, some cookies to bring to Momiji, I heard through the grape vine that he loves them" I said handing a nicely wrapped package full of cookies to Haru. The evening had gone quite smoothly aside from Haru's black side appearance. They had explained Black Haru to me and I found it quite particular but I guess everyone in this family had their own particular little quirks and that, made them endearing in a way. I found that I got along well with cow of the zodiac; he was an easy to talk to person and we had a great time. Shigure after dinner had went back to his office, Kyo went on the roof and I had relented when Yuki and Tohru had offered to do the dishes. I knew it was their little intimate moment so I let them be.

"Sorry for what I said to you earlier by the way, I didn't mean it…" I said in embarrassment, rubbing my arm.

"That surprised me that you were able to speak cow but hey no hard feelings, I wasn't myself, but tell me, how did you know how to immobilize a cow?" He asked curiously as he slid on his coat.

"Rodeo, me and my friend used to go to rodeos together and she once showed me how" I explained, the painful pinch making itself known once again.

"Ah" He answered plainly as he opened the door.

'Oh Haru' I called after him. He paused, turning to look over his shoulder. I handed him a piece of paper. He looked at it in confusion.

"It's my cellphone number, if you ever get lost; call me, no hesitation k?' I said smiling. He eyed it before pocketing it with a small smile. He waved over his shoulder and I shook my head at the passive cow.

-Fruits Basket-

I grunted, once again balling up the piece of paper and threw it over my shoulder. Everyone was asleep, the house becoming eerily quiet. I had felt restless, so instead of rolling around in bed, I went outside to write some notes. I reached for my packet of cigarettes. I know, I know it's bad, I can't even imagine what Tohru would do if she knew. I took one between my lips and lit it with a magical flame. I inhaled deeply, holding it for a few seconds then blew it out through my nose. This curse thing was making my head hurt, but I wanted to try real hard for them. I wouldn't give up just yet. I startled out of my musing, almost dropping my cigarette when my cellphone rang, ringing a happy jingle. I answered it.

"Hello" I said, who could be calling me at this time.

" I'm lost" The person on the other end said simply. I chuckled, putting the cellphone between my ear and shoulder as I gathered my things and cleaned up my mess.

"Where are you now?" I asked, my tone sounding like a scolding mother.

" In town…" That boy had no sense of direction…

" Ok stay where you are, I'm coming" I said then hung up, stubbing my cigarette in the dirt and threw it into the ashtray.

"He's not far from here" The shadow supplied helpfully and I teleported near the supermarket. I looked around, trying to pin point his location. The closer I got, the more I felt his presence. I finally saw him leaning against the wall.

"Haru!' I called, trotting over to him. He looked at me in surprise then at his cellphone.

"I didn't take you long" He commented plainly. I offered a nervous laugh. He looked down "Nice PJ by the way" I jumped and looked down at myself. Oh, I forgot to change, oh well.

"Let's bring you back before your parents get worried" I said, slowly walking towards the Dem…ahem… the Sohma main house.

"I never expected tonight to be this peaceful to be honest" Haru broke the silence after a little while. "Especially after Kyo being back and all, it was like, as if he came to fill in the missing gap that was created when he left" Haru looked thoughtful, his eyes staring right ahead. I never asked why Kyo left, I felt as if it wasn't my business. They would tell me in time, they had their own demons to take care of.

"Tohru really missed him," I said softly, remembering her happy smile on the day Kyo had come back." But I have a nagging suspicious she wasn't the only one" I said softly, looking at Haru. A small smile graced his face.

"You're not wrong, most of us did" Haru admitted, running a hand through his hair. There was a peaceful silence before we finally got to destination, although we stopped at the corner. No way I'd go any closer to that god damn place.

"You going to be ok to get to the door?" I teased with a grin and Haru chuckled genuinely.

"Cheeky, see ya around Harmony" He said, ruffling my hair and walked off with his hands in his pockets. Once he was out of sight, I teleported back to the house. I glanced at my notepad, gently picking it up. I clutched it to my chest. The more zodiac I met, the more I wanted to help them. Those wonderful people deserved happiness and I would give everything for them to have it. I looked up at the moon that was eerily peeking out of the clouds.

"I will do it Luna, I'll break their curse and make them happy" I vowed, holding my notebook to my chest.

Little did I know that the words carried out to a certain kitty cat that was sitting on the roof.