You Two Look Like You're Having Fun
(Kazuko's POV)
Kazuko:*off-screen* It's now April. Which meant spring was in the air. And it also means that me, Tohru, Saki, Ichiro, Arisa, Kyo, and Yuki were now in our second year of high school.
*I stood in our new classroom with Tohru, Ichiro, Saki, Kyo, & Arisa*
Tohru: Aw, the first years were adorable! Even if some of them look totally lost.
Kazuko: You two really should have come to the Entrance Ceremony.
Arisa & Kyo: Hard pass./Sounds horrible.
Arisa: I'm already suffering through this hay fever. Put me in a loud cramped room and I'd be in hell.
Kyo: Stop complaining and take some meds.
Arisa: They don't work for me. Maybe all those drugs in my rebellious youth were a mistake.
Kyo: What drugs are you talking about?
Ichiro: I don't think you want to know, dude.
Arisa: I'm surprised the Prince isn't with you guys.
Tohru: Well, everyone on the ceremony committee is really busy today.
Ichiro: Man, sounds like a rough life. Plus, I get he's getting attacked by a mob of love-struck first years by now.
Arisa: I wouldn't be surprised if the Prince ends up Student Council President this year. The current one should focus on his own issues.
Kazuko: No kidding.
*I've always found him annoying & self-centered. Just then, Tohru & I saw a black car pull up in front of the school. A chauffeur opened the backdoor someone dressed all in black started to step out. Suddenly, Arisa sneezed. Tohru handed her a handkerchief*
Tohru: Here. Take this.
Arisa: Thanks.
Tohru: Of course.
*We looked back up & th car was still there, but closed*
(Fruits Basket - Opening Theme - Again)
(Kazuko's POV)
*Tohru & I stared at the car until Saki's (beautiful) voice snapped us out of it*
Saki: Tohru. Kazuko. I picked up some waves from the adult area that felt like they might belong to Shigure.
Kazuko: Oh yeah. He's here. There are two new Sohmas who are entering the school as first years.
(Flashback - This morning)
Shigure: I adore Haru and Momiji. It's like they're my younger brothers. Clearly, I'll have to be there. I'd never be to forgive myself if I missed their glorious school debut. *the four of us just stared at him* What? Why those suspicious looks? I'm appalled. Surely you don't think I'm going simply to ogle high school girls in their natural habitat. Besides, I am an artist. It's my job to observe the beauty this world offers.
(Present Time)
Saki: Idiot.
Ichiro: Hold on a sec. You're saying more Sohmas go here now?
Tohru: That's right. Two boys. You met one of them at the Cultural Festival.
Arisa: Kyoun, bring the newbies here.
Saki: Yes, go. Let's see them.
Kyo: Why do I have to? *he pointed at me & Tohru* Just send those two instead. Tohru's already planning to say hi I bet.
Tohru: Well, yeah. I am.
*Suddenly, a dark aura surrounded Saki as she touched his shoulder*
Saki: Yes, but why should we trouble our dear friends with such menial errands when you can play fetch for us instead.
Kyo: I'm not a dog!
Ichiro: Move it, Carrots.
Kazuko: Guys, lay off him. It's fine. We wanted to welcome them to school when we got some free time anyway. But you can still join us, if you're not busy.
Kyo: What a pain. Now I have to see those two idiots in the outside world and at school.
*Tohru smiled her bright smile*
Tohru: Maybe the change of scenery will make you get along a lot better. This could be a good thing. *he caved & the three of us left the room* See you later!
Kazuko: Bye.
(Third-Person POV)
Arisa: Crazy how hard it is for him to say no to her these days.
Saki: It's entertaining.
Ichiro: Definitely a riot.
(Kazuko's POV)
*Kyo & I stood outside Class 1-D, talking to two first year girls, who were blushing as they looked at us*
Kyo: Have you met a pair of guys named Sohma? A little blonde kid and one with white hair?
Girl: Oh, yes! They're in our class.
Kazuko: Can you go get them for us?
Girl: Sure!
*They went into the classroom. Apparently, Tohru, being the scatterbrain that she is, didn't even know where Haru & Momiji's classroom was, so Kyo & I had to ask someone. Suddenly, we heard two voices across the hall*
Boy #1: Dude, check her out. Pretty cute.
Boy #2: Definitely.
Boy #1: Looks like she might be a bit of an airhead, though.
*We looked where they were looking & saw that they were staring at Tohru, who had a spaced out look on her face*
Boy #2: Yeah, maybe. But that's fine by me. Girls who think they're still smart can be a pain sometimes.
Boy #1: Heh, fair enough.
Boy #2: Let's go introduce ourselves.
*Hearing that, Kyo slammed his fist on the wall above Tohru's head. The two boys flinched & then he turned to them with a glare. Then they ran away, screaming. I sighed in relief*
Kyo: Damn scumbags. *he lightly hit my sister on the head* This is what happens when you space out.
Tohru: Um, yeah. Sure . . .
Kazuko: He's right. You should be more aware of your surroundings when you're alone.
Kyo: Yeah. Otherwise losers like that might take advantage of you.
*She stood at attention*
Tohru: Right. Got it!
*I chuckled. My sister the goofball*
Kyo: When you're alone, not now. Whenever Kazuko or I'm with you, you can space out all you want and we'll make sure you're okay. *she went back to her spaced out look* I didn't mean that in a weird way, okay!?
Tohru: Hm? Weird like how?
*He looked surprised & then blushed*
Kyo: Liked you'd take it the wrong way. Of course not.
*I chuckled again. I'm starting to sense a little something blooming between these two & that's fine by me. Just then, we heard a voice
Momiji:*off-screen* Hallo! *we looked to the right & saw Momiji running towards us. he was wearing a blue hat, the top half of the girl's uniform, & black shorts* It's me, Tohru!
Tohru: Hi, Momiji!
Kazuko: How are you doing?
*Kyo looked too shocked to speak. Tohru & I had already seen him during the Entrance Ceremony, so we weren't surprised*
Tohru: Aw, it's so good to see you -
*Suddenly, Kyo hit him on the head, making him fall to the floor. They he grabbed his collar & shook him*
Kyo: Are you crazy!?
Kazuko: Kyo, calm down!
Kyo: What am I supposed to do!? Look at what he's wearing!
*Then Haru came up to us, wearing the boy's uniform & a lot of piercings & jewelry*
Hatsuharu: Yo.
Tohru: Hatsuharu.
*Kyo looked annoyed at all the jewelry around his neck*
Momiji:*crying* Kyo, why do you got to be such a meanie!?
Kyo: Look around! You do realize that you're wearing a girl's uniform, right!? *he pointed at Haru* Even this wannabe playboy put on the right jacket!
Hatsuharu:*sigh* If he likes it, then what's the problem?
Momiji: Isn't so cute!?
Tohru: Yeah. It really suits you.
Kazuko: I guess it does. But I hope you realize that you won't be able to get away with this forever.
Kyo: How am I in the wrong here?
*Then Yuki came towards us from up some stairs behind us. Haru came up to him with arms spread wide*
Yuki: Seriously? I can't believe that's what you're wearing, Momiji. *Haru grabbed on to his jacket* And you. No better.
Tohru: Oh good. Does this mean you're done with your committee work?
Yuki: No, not yet. I just came to check on these two while making the rounds.
Momiji: Hey, ya. Did they tell you? Earlier, before school, I got warned not to mess around. After all, of I crash into a girl, I might change in front of them. So instead I'm going to play it cool while I'm here!
Kyo: This is you playing it cool, dressed like that!?
?:*off-screen* Your dubiousness is justified, Kyo Sohma of Class 2-D!
*I groaned. The one person in the whole school who I find just as annoying as the Stalker Club was coming this way. We all turned & saw a boy a year older than us with brown hair & wearing glasses & the boy's uniform. Behind him were two girls. One had straight brown hair & the other had black hair in a low ponytail, both wearing glasses & the usual girl's uniform*
Makoto: Your tangerine hair may be a nuisance, but a boy wearing a girl's uniform is unprecedented. Brazen even! Not to mention the length of those shorts! Shameless! The teachers may overlook this travesty, but I will not! That is my duty! For I am Makato Takei, your trusted Student Council President! *he made a ridiculous pose* And to you, I'm the commander of the School Defense Force!
*The two girls behind him clapped*
Hatsuharu: Another idiot appears.
Kazuko: No kidding.
*The President stepped up to him*
Makoto: What gale! This coming from an obvious ruffian! You're practically jangling with jewelry! And don't even get me started on your ludacris bleached hair!
Yuki: Actually President, that is his natural color.
*The President blushed seeing Yuki. I rolled my eyes. Another hopeless loser with an unrequited love*
Makoto: Yuki, greetings. It's a pleasure to see you. But back to the vile matter at hand! This can't be real. The roots are black!
Yuki: Trust me on this one.
Makoto: I am a scholar and his hair defise sense!
Kazuko:*off-screen* I don't really think he'd believe us if we told him he was really a cow. Not like I want to tell him.
*Then the loud mouth turned to Momiji*
Makoto: Now, shall we move on to the little sprite! What's the meaning of your look? Speak up for yourself! *Momiji pointed to himself* Is this some rebellious statement on masculinity? Or is this the sense of self you'd like to present to the world!?
*Momiji looked ready to cry*
Momiji: I just . . . I think this uniform looks much cuter on me . . .
*Tohru & I got in front of him*
Tohru: Um, please sir. Don't too harsh on him.
Kazuko: Yeah, leave him alone.
Makoto: I am not being harsh, just asking questions! I am abiding by common sense as well as the rules of this institution that I am sworn to uphold!
Hatsuharu: Shut up. *I flinched. his voice sounded lower, which could only mean one thing* I thought I had shit on my shoe, but your what I've been smelling.
Makoto: You can't speak to me like -
*He fell on his butt*
Kyo: Whoa, Haru.
Hatsuharu: Why don't I ask you some questions now? You think wearing a tie means you're not a bully or no one's ever been mugged by a guy not wearing jewelry? *he stepped up to the President, who tried to crawl away* That people with one hair color can't murder a man? *he grabbed the President by the collar* Just who the hell do you think you are? God or something? Huh?
Kazuko:*in his mind* It's Dark Haru.
*Then he started shaking the President*
Hatsuharu: What happened!? Where's your righteous fury!? Lost your voice!?
Assistants: President!
Kyo: Stop it, you can tell he's got no fight training!
Hatsuharu: You stay out of this, ya stupid cat!
Kyo: Don't start with me you idiot!
*Haru dropped the President & turned to him. I sighed. This was going to be another fight*
Hatsuharu: What!? Don't act like you're that great! You ran away from our last fight with your tail between your legs!
Kyo: Is your brain broken!? You're the one who called that fight off!
*He pointed to the fainted President*
Hatsuharu: Oh, let me guess? You're on this worm's side? I shouldn't be surprised you think he's right!
Kyo: Both of you are morons!
*Momiji offered me & Tohru each a lollipop*
Momiji: Do you want a lollipop?
*Tohru didn't answer*
Kazuko: Maybe later.
*Haru turned to the President's assistants*
Hatsuharu: Excuse me, ladies.
*The two girls jumped*
Kyo: Don't drag them into this.
Hatsuharu: I wanna know what you think. Take Momiji Sohma over there. *they looked to see Momiji sucking on a lollipop* He looks fine in that uniform, right? Eventually he'll grow up. But let him enjoy himself. He can dress like a man later. Bet he'll be pretty hot.
*The two girls looked lost in a dream world as they imagined it*
Assistants: Yeah . . .
Makoto: Don't let him brainwash you! *he turned back to us* You're unleashing chaos! Why can't you follow the rules!
Hatsuharu: It's a rule of fashion to always wear what looks good on you.
Makoto: Unacceptable! You're twisting reality to suit your own desires, which unfair to the rest of the -
Hatsuharu: You just won't quit, do you? Well okay then. What if was Yuki wearing a girl's uniform?
*Now it's was the President's turn to be lost in a dream world*
Makoto: Fine . . .
Yuki: No it's not! *he turned to Haru* End this. Or I am never speaking to you again.
Hatsuharu: Come on. It was rhetorical. Just like your threat.
Makoto: Magnificent . . .
Yuki: Stop picturing it! *I let out a chuckle* Kazuko!
Kazuko: Sorry. But I couldn't resist.
*The President snapped out of it*
Makoto: Please forgive me. I got carried away. You are quite the formidable opponent, Mister Hatsuharu Sohma. But can you prove to me that your hair is without a doubt it's natural color, hmm!?
Hatsuharu: If I have to.
Makoto: This should be rich. Undeniable proof. I highly doubt - *Haru grabbed him by the necktie & pulled him into a nearby boy's restroom* Hey wait! Excuse me! *the door closed & a few seconds later, he screamed. then he came out & took off his glasses, looking shocked* Undeniable proof. I see there is still much to learn of this world.
Kyo: He didn't.
Yuki: He did.
Kazuko: I don't even want to know.
Makoto: Fine! You're the victor on this day! *he ran away with his two assistants behind him, waving their hands* But each of you will feel my retribution next time!
Assistants: See you soon, Momiji!
Hatsuharu: Heh.
Momiji: What was the reason that guy showed up again?
Kazuko: Don't stress about it.
Tohru:*to Haru* Um . . . So how did you prove that that was your real hair color in the bathroom?
*Yuki, Kyo, & I all froze. Haru put his hand on my sister's face*
Hatsuharu: Easy. If you'd like, I'd be happy to show you as well.
Tohru: Uh . . .
Hatsuharu: Don't you worry. No hugging is necessary for us to give into -
*Me, Kyo, & Yuki all hit on the head at once, making him fall to the floor. Then all three of us were panting*
Kyo: Dark is the one guy I can't handle!
Tohru: I'm confused.
Yuki: It's nothing!
Kazuko: Just forget it, Tohru.
*Haru got up, completely back to normal*
Hatsuharu: I feel tired.
Kyo: You're tired? I'm exhausted.
*Suddenly, the bell rang*
Momiji: Hey! There's the bell.
Tohru: Question. Would you be willing to meet some of our friends before you go home today?
Momiji: You really mean it? Ya! Of course I would!
Kazuko: Great. They'll really excited.
Momiji: Oh yeah. I need to talk to Yuki and Kyo. Could you two stay behind? It'll be real quick.
Tohru: Right. Kazuko and I will go on ahead. But we'll see you when school let's out.
Momiji: I'm sorry, Tohru.
Tohru: Oh, it's no problem.
*She & I headed back to class*
Kazuko: See you later.
*We walked down the hallway for a bit*
Tohru:*sigh* That was kind of a lot.
Kazuko: Yeah. Something tells me it's going to get a little more crazy around here from now on.
Tohru: If that's true, Kyo and Yuki are gonna get worn out in no time.
*We both chuckled*
?:*off-screen* You two look like you're having fun.
*We stopped at the voice. We turned to the left & saw a young man wearing right black clothes. I immediately recognized him as the man saw in the car as we left the Sohma Estate. He came up to us & I immediately got in front of Tohru*
Tohru: Ak . . . ito? It's you?
Akito: That's correct. Tohru and Kazuko Honda.
*Tohru got freaked out & bowed to him*
Tohru: I'm very pleased to meet you!
Kazuko:*in his mind* What's he doing here? The same guy that hurt Hatori's eye and now he's right here in front of us. I don't like where this is going.
*Akito smiled a us, but I could tell immediately that it was fake*
Akito: You strike me as quite feminine, gentle too. I'm glad you seem like such a good girl. And most importantly you're also very cute.
*Tohru stood up*
Tohru: What!? Oh no! I'm just a normal -
Akito:*laugh* Don't get flustered. I'm just stating th obvious. *then he turned to me* And you, Kazuko Honda. You seem like a strong young man and very protective of your sister. Not to mention quite handsome.
Kazuko: Thanks, I guess.
Akito: Sorry it took me so long to introduce myself. I'm rather shy when it comes to strangers. I hope you're not angry.
Tohru: No. No, of course not.
Akito: That's a relief. So, how about a formal introduction? Nice to meet you. I'm Akito. *he bowed a bit* Head of the family.
Tohru: Yes. Right. *she bowed back* But, please. The pleasure is all mine.
*I also bowed a bit. Just to be polite*
Kazuko: Mine too. It's nice to officially meet you. *in his mind* I know he's just pretending to be polite, but what's his motive for doing this?
Akito: Now that we've met, I'm hoping we'll be able to get along well. Please take care of Yuki and the others.
*Tohru & I were both a little surprised by what he said*
Yuki:*off-screen* Akito!
*We turned to the right & saw Yuki standing at the other end of the hallway, looking scared*
Akito: Ah, Yuki. *he went towards Yuki* I was hoping I'd run into you. My boy. Feels like a lifetime has gone by since I saw you last. Can't believe how grown up you look. You're taller, right?
Yuki: What did you do? What did you say to Miss Honda and Kazuko!?
Akito: Nothing. I was simply paying my respects. *he turned to me & Tohru* Isn't that right, Tohru and Kazuko? Wasn't I just paying my respects?
Tohru: Um . . . Yes, that's right.
Kazuko: That's all that happened, Yuki. Everything's fine.
Akito: But Yuki, now that you're here. There is a question that's been waiting on my mind. *he put a hand on Yuki's face & he got really scared* What would possibly make you slip New Year's with me? Don't you know how that makes me feel? Especially when I've been so generous to you lately. When you do foolish things like that, it really hurts my feelings. I wonder if this means you need a little rededicating. Perhaps some time in your special room is in order. *I could see Yuki shaking like a leaf* You recall those days? Would you like to repeat them? Or do you remember how to be a good boy?
*Tohru was about to rush forward, but I beat her too it by grabbing him by the wrist & getting in front of Yuki. That's when I noticed something odd*
Kazuko:*in his mind* His wrist is unusually small for a man. I know Hatori said he was sickly, but is he eating enough? *I snapped out of my thoughts when I remembered what was going on**out loud* I'm sorry to interrupt, but the three of us really need to get back to class now. Or we'll be in trouble.
Akito: Of course. Forgive me. I suppose I should be getting back to Shigure and company anyway. They're probably worried. Yuki, I hope that you're enjoying your time at this school. *he started to walk away* And remember, *he turned back to us* it would make me happy if you visited.
*Then he left & I sighed in relief. But then I noticed Kyo glaring at Akito from one of the high windows. Akito just smiled & left*
Kazuko:*in his mind* Glad that's over. I don't know what they were talking about, but Yuki looked terrified. And they way he looked at us, it looked like he was threatened by us. I'm starting to get the feeling that he hates me and Tohru. I guess I'll have to keep my guard up even more around him.
Yuki: Miss Honda? Kazuko?
Tohru: Yes?
Yuki: Did Akito really not say anything strange to you before I got here?
Kazuko: No. I promise all we did was say hello to each other.
Yuki: Okay . . .
Kazuko:*in his mind* He still looks a little shaken. We'd better think of something to cheer him up.
*Just then, Tohru ran up to him & smiled*
Tohru: Hey, Yuki! Let's have some fun!
Yuki: Huh?
Tohru: School's out early today, so we've got some free time. And I was talking with Uo-chan and some of the others about hanging out after class. Let's seize the moment and do something exciting together!
*Yuki looked a bit taken a-back. Suddenly, the wind blew, scattering petals all around us*
Kazuko:*in his mind* I guess the most thing right now is helping Yuki forget his fears.
*After school, we all gathered at the tennis courts, only we were getting ready to play a game of badminton*
All: Rock-paper-scissors and these will be your teams!
*We all held out our hands to show which teams we were on. I held our rock, same as Saki, which made my heart skip a beat. Ichiro also held out rock, so he was on our team*
Kyo: How'd I get roped in? And my badminton?
Ichrio: Real men complain when they're asked to play sports.
Arisa: Yeah, you're not who's gotta play the game wearing a mask.
Kyo: No one's making you play!
Yuki: I don't really know why we're in groups. Or the rules.
Ichiro: Easy. Just do whatever you want.
Yuki: Uh.
Saki: There are no rules required for badminton. You serve with every ounce of strength and then you return with every ounce of strength. Let's put it this way, the first one to collapse loses.
Hatsuharu: I like this. It's simple.
Kyo: That sounds too easy!
Arisa; Oh shut up already. Get make sure you protect your side of the court.
Yuki: That's it?
*Me, Saki, Ichrio, Kyo, & Haru got on one side & Tohru, Arisa, Yuki, & Momiji got on the other side*
Arisa: This is our game, Prince. Time to take out Carrots over there.
Kyo: You think you're so tough!
*Tohru turned to Yuki*
Tohru: What do you say? Shall we?
*Yuki looked surprised by her question*
All: Ready go!
*The badminton was sent flying into the air*
(Third-Person POV)
*Back at the main house, Shigure & Hatori were sitting on the porch, talking*
Shigure: So, Tohru is ugly. Or at least someone thinks so.
(Flashback)
*In the car ride on the way back to the Estate, Akito put his too cents in*
Akito: She's absurdly ugly. So plain. She seems stupid too. I've nothing to fear from a pathetic girl like that. On the other hand, her brother seems smarter than her and better looking. I find it hard believe that they're related. Before long, Yuki will come crawling back, begging forgiveness. After all, the boy is still afraid of me. And that proves he can't forget about me. Doesn't it?
(Present Time)
Shigure: He was there so long. Locked in that dark room. Akito put him through so much torture.
(Flashback)
*He remembered when Yuki begged him for help*
Yuki: Get me out. Please get me out.
(Present Time)
Shigure: I guess something like that's hard to forget.
Hatori: Yes, but Akito doesn't understand. Just as there are people who inflict pain, there are those who try to soothe that pain. In themselves and others alike. That gives people courage in nothing else.
Shigure: And aside from that, Tohru is adorable. Honestly, it's impossible not to love her.
Hatori: That sounds criminal, coming from you.
(Yuki's POV)
*I joined Miss Honda, Kazuko, their friends, Hatsuharu, Momiji, & Kyo as we played our game together*
Yuki:*off-screen* I yearned for so much. I wanted so many things. Parents who would hug me. A home I'd want to return to. A place where everyone smiled. To be someone people wouldn't leave behind. Warmth. A warm life. A warm person. They exist. They're real.
(Kazuko's POV)
*In the end, Saki won the game because she was the only one still standing. The rest of us were panting like crazy to catch our breath*
Saki: The sun is setting already? I guess time really does fly when you're having fun. See you tomorrow, Tohru. Kazuko. Until then.
*She left with Arisa & Ichiro behind her. I was so exhausted, I couldn't even wave my hand goodbye*
Kyo: How come we're dying and she's okay?
Hatsuharu: Well, we should head home too. *he turned to Yuki* I was worried at first, but Yuki seems fine. To me at least. *he turned back to me & Tohru* Thank you for everything.
*Tohru & I both looked at Yuki*
Kazuko:*in his mind* Mom . . . Dad . . . Tohru and I met the head of the Sohma family today. Completely unexpectedly. There's something about him that makes me uncomfortable. I get the feeling that doesn't like me or Tohru. Though I do wonder if he's a member of the Zodiac and which animal? But if he does intend to cause harm to Tohru, I promise I will protect her.
Yuki: I guess we can't stay here. It's getting pretty late. Shall we?
*Tohru & I smiled*
Tohru & Kazuko: Yes!
Kazuko:*in his mind* But after all the fun I had today, I don't feel worried about him at all.