Get You Back When Back
(Kazuko's POV)
*Tohru blew on her hands to warm them up. We were walking back home from shopping with Saki, Ichiro, & Arisa. Christmas had come and gone, so New Year's was just around the corner*
Arisa: Man, it's freezing.
Saki: I can't believe how much has changed this year.
Tohru: I know what you mean.
Ichiro: Yeah. It feels like a whirlwind.
Kazuko:*in his mind* If feels like just yesterday that Tohru and I were living in that tiny tent in the woods.
Arisa: Tohru, Kazuko, hanging out at your Grandpa's place for New Year's?
Tohru: Well, that's what we were planning to do. But it turns out he and the family are going to Hawaii.
Ichiro: Seriously?
Kazuko: Apparently, they had some remodeling money left over.
Arisa: Tch. Do they think they're too good to watch New Year's specials on TV like the rest of us?
Saki: Does that mean you'll be staying at Shigure's house instead then?
Tohru: Um . . . We're still working up the courage to ask him.
Ichiro: Hold up. So you two have no idea where you're actually gonna be during the holiday?
Kazuko: Nope. Not a clue.
Arisa: Then just come there my place. It's small, but we'll fit. I promise it won't be boring at least.
Saki: You're more than welcome at my home too, of course.
*I blushed at the thought of that. I started to imagine me & Saki spending New Year's together, just the two of us, but Ichiro snapped me out of it*
Ichiro: Or you guys can come to me place. It's pretty small too, but I know my Mom would just love having you guys over.
*It's true. His Mom adored both of us. Especially, Tohru. Since she only has a boy, she treats Tohru like her own daughter every time we come over. But, as usual, Tohru had to be a saint & refuse their offer*
Tohru: Oh no! I wouldn't dream of imposing on the three of you for the entire winter break.
Arisa: If you're not down with staying at one of our houses, we could always grab your tent and take a little New Year's trip.
Saki: Oh yes. Starting by camping out in nature does have a certain appeal to it.
Ichiro: Watching the stars, roasting marshmallows, and watching first sunrise together. It'll be awesome.
Tohru: We'll be fine. Spend some quality time with your families over the break. *they didn't look convinced & neither did I. probably seeing that, she started running ahead* Oh, it's late! It's gonna be getting dark soon! We should hurry up and get home!
*She ran down some stairs*
Saki: I sense great agitation.
Kazuko, Ichiro, & Arisa: Hm?
Saki: In her waves.
(Fruits Basket - Opening Theme - Again)
(Kazuko's POV)
*The next day, we were all cleaning the house for New Year's. Kyo & Yuki were fixing the doors*
Kyo: Why do we even have to bother replacing these stupid things? No one's gonna care about a tiny hole or two.
Yuki: Shut up and work. It's you're fault their beaten up in the first place.
Kyo: Why are we related? *Tohru was cleaning the deck & singing as she worked. I was cleaning the kitchen* You're really having that much fun cleaning the deck?
Tohru: Yep! I love tidying up the house for New Year's with all of you! It's like a dream!
*She went for another wipe. I rolled my eyes at my sister's cheerfulness. I'm glad that she's happy, but sometimes I worry she's trying too hard to be happy*
(Yuki's POV)
*I watched Miss Honda & Kazuko, both smiling as they cleaned the house*
Yuki:*in his mind* I honestly don't think the Honda Twins experience the world the same way that other people do. They accepted that we change into animals like it was no big deal. Miss Honda even seemed excited about it. And her life, along with her brother's, have been much harder than most high schoolers their age. Yet, they're always smiling, acting like everything's fine. We've lived together for four months and I still don't fully understand them.
(Kazuko's POV)
*Shigure came into the room, carrying piles of books*
Shigure: Oof, my poor back. Why do books have to be so heavy? I hate that I have to get rid of these. I'll just get yelled at if I ship them to the Main House though.
*Tohru went up to him. I immediately knew what she was going to do*
Tohru: Hey, Shigure?
Shigure: Hm?
Tohru: Uh . . . I know it's terrible for me to ask this when you've done so much. The thing is, our Grandfather contacted us and it's seems the families going to Hawaii for the holiday. So . . . Would it possibly be okay if Kazuko and I stayed here in your house for New Year's?
Shigure: Hm. Of course, but is that really what you want to do?
*That night, after we made dinner, which was hot pot, we overheard an argument from the living room*
Kyo & Yuki:*off-screen* I'm staying too!
Kyo:*off-screen* I haven't been back in four months! So why should I break the streak just 'cause a new year is starting up?
Yuki:*off-screen* If I show up for the banquet now, what was the point of me leaving?
Shigure:*off-screen* Yeah. At least make an appearance or else your going to upset -
Kyo & Yuki:*off-screen* No, I'm not going!
Shigure:*off-screen* This is gonna be a pain.
*We both came in with vegetables & more meat*
Tohru: Are you okay?
Kazuko: What's going on? It sounds like everyone should unhappy about something, but we don't know what.
*Suddenly, Shigure started crying crocodile tears*
Shigure: Listen to how unreasonable they're being. These fools are refusing to go to the main house for New Year's and I'm sure I'll be yelled at!
Kyo: Stop whining like a toddler. Don't you have any sense of self respect?
Tohru: But why aren't you going home? Momiji told us that New Year's is, like a really important holiday for the Sohmas.
Shigure: You're right about that. It's the biggest event of the year for our family. The whole entire clan gathers together for the celebration. And the most significant part is the exclusive Zodiac Banquet. It is quite the affair I assure you. A few years back, Yuki graced is with a dance that was the personification of beauty.
Kazuko: Wow. Sounds nice.
Tohru: Wow. I wish I had the chance to see him perform.
*Suddenly, Yuki threw three radishes at Shigure's face*
Yuki: When will you learn to keep your mouth shut?
Shigure: One day.
Kazuko: This banquet sounds nice. Sounds like the one mentioned in the old story.
Kyo: You have no idea how right you are. *we both turned to him in confusion* Cats don't get to go, so I've got nothing to do with the banquet.
Tohru: That's super sad! Why not?
Shigure: It's a long standing tradition that no little kitties can attend. Which means we keep close to the spirit of the old story at least.
Kazuko:*in his mind* Geeze. Why do that? It's just a story.
Tohru: How awful.
Kyo: I'm the one who can't go. Why are you so sad about it? Besides, the banquet isn't why I decided not to visit the main house.
Shigure: Oh, no. It's because poor Kagura would likely smother him with adoration.
Kyo: Shut up!
Yuki: There are other reasons. If we did return, we'd be expected to stay until January 3rd. *Tohru & I both looked at him* In that case, you two would be all alone in this house the whole time.
Kazuko: Thanks for your concern, but we'll be okay.
Tohru: Yes. If it's such a big holiday for your family, you should absolutely go and have fune with them. It'll be your first time visiting your parents in a while, right? I'm sure they look forward to seeing you. You don't wanna disappoint them. *she stood up* Don't worry about us. We'll take good care of the house while you're away. I'll clean and water the plants . . . And water the . . . Oh no! I left the bath water running!
*She ran out of the room in a panic*
Shigure: You've totally set my mind at ease, Tohru.
*I sighed*
Kazuko: Anyway, you don't have to worry so much. I'll take care of her. Since it's an important tradition, you don't want to miss out. Plus, you never know, it could be fun.
*All three of them were quiet for a minute*
Yuki: Fine then.
Kyo: Well, I guess that settles it.
Yuki: I'll go.
Kyo: Have to after that speech.
*I smiled. I knew they were thinking about Tohru. Neither of us will ever see our parents again, no matter how much we want to. A cloud of gloom hung over both of them*
Yuki: Guess I can learn to put up with Akito. If I must.
Kyo: I can handle Kagura in small doses. If I must.
*I sweat dropped. I knew they were only doing this for Tohru's sake, but that's okay with me*
*That evening, the guys were ready to go*
Tohru: All set? Make sure you don't lose each other in the crowds.
Shigure: We'll be fine. The streets will be empty. Most people are watching TV.
Yuki: Make sure you lock up. You should check the windows too.
Kazuko: Relax. We got this. Now get going.
Tohru: See you when you get back.
*With that, the guys took off*
Shigure: Have a happy New Year.
Kazuko: You guys too!
*We waved them goodbye as they left. Yuki paused for a moment & then closed the door. Once they were gone, Tohru went upstairs to get Mom and Dad's pictures while I got some mochi from the kitchen. Once everything was set, we sat down at the table in silence as we watched the New Year's specials on the TV. Just then, I noticed tears in Tohru's eyes*
Kazuko: You know, it's not too late. We can still go to Arisa, Ichiro, or Saki's house for the holiday. I'm sure any of them will understand.
*Tohru just shook her head & started to cry. I wrapped my arms around her. I knew this was going to be a long lonely New Years*
(Third-Person POV)
*Yuki, Kyo, & Shigure were climbing up a flight of stairs, on their way to the Main House*
Kyo: You know, a few nights ago, she left her bedroom window wide open.
Yuki & Shigure: Are you a peeping Tom now?
Kyo: Oh, come on. Get real. I saw it from the yard.
Yuki: She could really stand to be more observant. She fell down the stairs yesterday too.
Tohru: She's the kinda girl who'd run into a brick wall. Definitely the type who'd die choking on her New Year's mochi. Well, if Kazuko wasn't always there to look after her.
Yuki: True. He is a bit more trustworthy than she is.
Shigure:*sigh* That's enough. You sound like a couple of new parents fretting over their child.
Yuki & Kyo: Huh?
Shigure: Look. I get it. You're worried about Tohru, but it was your decision to come to the estate.
Kyo: What're you talking about!? I'm not worried! She's just fine!
Yuki: This is ridiculous. Keep walking.
*They both started to walk ahead*
Shigure: Oh, come to think of it . . . The morning paper said something about burglaries in our area. They haven't caught the culprit yet.
*That made both of them freeze in their tracks*
Kyo:*in his mind* Crap. She's such a space cadet. If Kazuko wasn't there, she might invite the burglar in!
Yuki:*in his mind* She'll probably even bring him a pillow to sit on, serve him tea, and ask him for his life story.
*Now they were really worried*
Shigure:*in his mind* I like this game. *out loud* Hey, come on. Get a grip, kay. If you stand around in the street like that -
*Suddenly, Saki appeared behind him, wearing a black cloak over a black dress*
Saki: You could be killed.
*Shigure jumped away from her in fear*
Shigure: Oh, hi. I did not see you there.
Kyo:*in his mind* Does she always have to make a dramatic entrance?
Yuki:*in his mind* Where does one even buy a cloak like that?
Shigure: Fancy meeting you on the road. We're on our way home to spend time with the rest of the family.
Saki: I see. So they'll be utterly alone this year. Even though they have each other now, they've always spent the New Year's Holiday with their Mother. Arisa, Ichiro, and I all offered to spend the break with them. But Tohru just smiled at smile of hers and told us it was important to be with our families. And Kazuko, being the loyal brother that he is, went along with her request. Who's looking out for them, though? Think about it. All the New Year's specials. All the performers. They're basically the exact same every year, which must bring back memories. How will they feel this time, seeing them without their Mother?
Yuki:*in his mind* What must they have felt as they watched us leave them behind.
Saki: I wonder . . . Are they really okay with how this turned out? Will they end up being happy or not?
Kyo:*in his mind* Did we abandon them? How must they feel right now?
*Suddenly, the two boys started to run in the opposite direction, but crashed into each other*
Shigure: What are you buffoons doing?
Kyo:*to Yuki* Just go to the banquet! Your precious Akito misses you!
Yuki: And what about you? You'll break your precious Kagura's heart.
*They started walking back to the stairs*
Kyo: Screw you! You can take that insane girl for all care!
Yuki: And you can have Akito!
Kyo: I'll pass!
Shigure: Wait. Are you kidding me? Where are you off to now?
Yuki & Kyo: I'm going home!
Kyo:*to Yuki* Really? You too? Your dinner's waiting.
Yuki: Shut up. I don't care about the banquet.
Kyo: Yeah, yeah!
*Soon, they were gone. Shigure turned to Saki*
Shigure: Oh, I get it. You planned this. That whole speech was just to trick them into going back for the twins.
Saki: It wasn't a trick. Not like you're thinking. My only desire was to do something nice for them and nothing more. *she turned to walk away* I wish you good waves in the New Year.
*Soon, she was gone too*
Shigure: She's a clever one. I'm starting to see what Kazuko sees in her.
*The two boys were now running down the street*
Yuki:*in his mind* We've lived together for 4 months. And I still don't fully understand her.
Kyo:*in his mind* I missed it. I couldn't see the truth. Because she always seemed she's so carefree or like he has everything under control.
Yuki:*in his mind* She gives an earnest smile to even the smallest things. And Kazuko is always keeping us all together.
Kyo:*in his mind* Yeah. They're constantly smiling.
Yuki:*in his mind* And they always say what you want to hear most.
(Flashback)
Tohru: This may sound strange, but you're kindness reminds me of a candle. It can light up the darkness.
Tohru: I do have one thing to ask you. If we forget you, please befriend us again.
Kazuko: Yeah. I'd like that too.
(Kyo's Flashback)
Tohru: I have always loved the Zodiac cat! I'm confusing you. What I mean is . . . I want us to be friends!
Kazuko: You're a bit weird, but a good guy. I hope we can be friends.
Kazuko: Not everyone expects you to be like Yuki. We're all special in our way. And we each have our own gifts and talents. It's what we do with those gifts that makes us stand out from everyone else.
Tohru: So, trust me when I say, I can see it. Plain as day. You have plum right there on your back.
(Present Time)
Yuki:*in his mind* Why didn't I see it?
Kyo:*in his mind* Why couldn't I see it?
(Flashback)
Tohru: Sohma, Kyo, Shigure. I wanted all of us to stay together. Learning about each other. I wanted it so much!
Kazuko: I wanted that too. I wanted to stay and become better friends with Yuki and Kyo. Learn more about their family and make new memories with them.
(Present Time)
Kyo:*in his mind* There's no way she's fine. Even with Kazuko there, she doesn't want to be alone.
Yuki:*in his mind* I should've known she wouldn't want her and Kazuko to be by themselves.
(Flashback)
Tohru: I want to go home . . . Even if it is selfish. That's what I want . . . To be with all of you . . .
(Present Time)
Yuki:*in his mind* I want to go home.
Kyo:*in his mind* I wanna go home.
Yuki:*in his mind* I want to go home.
Kyo:*in his mind* I wanna go home.
Yuki & Kyo:*in their minds* I want to go home! *they made it back to the house & burst in through the side door* Right now!
(Kazuko's POV)
*I immediately looked up when I heard the sliding door slam open. I as even more shocked to see Yuki & Kyo standing in front of us, looking exhausted*
Kazuko: Oh my gosh! You two scared us!
Tohru: What happened? What are you doing back? *Yuki came up to us, reached out his hand, wiped a tear from Tohru's eye* No, don't worry! I can explain! Oh, I was cutting onion! Yeah! That's it! Um, yeah. You know and it's that time of year where . . . Well, you can't just help but be moved by the songs people sing and all of the happy people that are on TV and stuff . . .
*I sighed. I knew they weren't going to buy any of that. Just then, they both collapsed*
Kazuko: Hey, are guys okay?
*They were both quiet*
Tohru: Um . . . Hello?
Yuki: We're okay. Just excited . . . to watch the first sunrise.
Kyo: Yeah . . . That's right. But I want to eat New Year's noodles first.
*They looked up at us, satisfied*
Yuki & Kyo: We're home.
*I smiled & let out a laugh*
Kazuko: Man, you guys are a riot. Sit tight. I'll get you some water. *I started to leave, but then I stopped & turned back to them* Oh, and welcome home.
Tohru: Welcome home, you two.
*Later, we were all sitting at the table, eating noodles & mochi while watching TV. Yuki & Kyo were keeping an extra close eye on Tohru*
Tohru: What's wrong? Why are you looking at me that way?
Kyo: I need you to eat slower.
Tohru: Hm? But I'm pretty sure I'm eating at a normal rate of speed.
Yuki: Mochi is best when you take time to savor it. Just make sure you're chewing it well.
Yuki: You too? What's up with you guys?
Kazuko:*in his mind* They just don't want to choke, that's all.
*Suddenly, the phone started ringing*
Tohru: Oh, that's weird. Who's calling so late? *she got up to go answer it & I followed her. she answered it* Hello? May I ask who's calling?
Arisa:*off-screen* Hey, Tohru. It's me.
Tohru: Uo-chan. Why are you calling so late? Is everything okay? Wait! Please don't tell me you ended up choking on your mochi?
*I let out a chuckle at that*
Arisa:*off-screen* Yeah, no. That's something only you would do. Also, how could I call you if I were choking? That doesn't make sense.
Tohru: You've got a good point. So what's the matter then?
Arisa:*off-screen* Nothing. I'm just saying hi. I was worried you and Kazuko might be feeling a little lonely or something.
Tohru: You called to check in on us?
Arisa:*off-screen* Well, yeah. Hanajima was saying stuff about your waves being agitated or whatever. *just then, I heard the sound of a can opening in the background* Nu-uh! Drop it right now, Pops! Our deal was you got one beer in honor of the holiday!
*I let out another chuckle. Her Dad is always trying to sneak a beer when she's not looking*
Mr. Uotani:*off-screen* Oh yeah. I must've lost count.
Arisa:*off-screen* Don't play dumb with me! Trash the can! Geeze, hopeless geezer.
Tohru: You know. I truly am a lucky girl.
Arisa:*off-screen* Don't cry, stupid. I gotta go, but have a good New Year's.
Tohru: Thanks. And the same to you and your family.
*She hung up. Just then, as we were leaving, the phone rang again*
Kazuko: I'll get it this time. *I answered it* Hello?
Ichiro:*off-screen* Yo, it's me.
Kazuko: Oh, hey Ichiro. What's up?
(Third-Person POV)
*He was leaning against the wall of his apartment while talking on the phone with his best friend*
Ichiro: Just calling to check in. Saki was saying some weird stuff about Tohru's waves being agitated or something. Just wanted to make sure you weren't the same or whatever.
*A woman with short brown hair framing her face, pale skin, sharp pale indigo eyes eyes, & wearing a pink shirt with a long, pale blue skirt and brown heels (look up "Tsukikage Haruna" on "Pretty Cure Wiki") was sitting in front of TV, watching the specials & eating mochi*
Haruna: Ichiro, hurry up! You're missing it!
Ichiro: I'll be right there, Mom! *he turned back to the phone* I gotta go. Call me if something goes wrong, kay? Happy New Year.
(Kazuko's POV)
Kazuko: You too. Talk to you later. Bye.
*I hung up & we both went back to the table*
Tohru: That was Uo-chan and Toko-kun calling. They were just checking in cause they were worried us for some reason.
Yuki: Oh, I see.
Kyo: But that's nice, isn't it?
Kazuko: Of course.
Yuki: Speaking of your friends. We saw Hanajima earlier on our way to the Sohma Estate.
Tohru: What a coincidence.
Yuki: Indeed. She was really concerned about you too, Miss Honda, Kazuko.
*Hearing that made me blush. I was happy she was worried about me*
Tohru: That's very kind of her.
Kazuko:*in his mind* Saki, I'll definitely make sure you're my first phone call of the New Year.
*I could tell Tohru was thinking the same thing I was*
(Third-Person POV)
*Meanwhile, at the Hanajima household, everyone was watching the TV. Saki seemed to have heard their thoughts*
Saki: I'll be waiting.
(Kazuko's POV)
Tohru: So, um . . . Are you sure it's going to be okay for you to miss the big banquet? I promise, I'm glad you're here with us. But I don't wanna to get anyone in trouble.
Yuki: No. It's fine. We'll drop by and wish them a happy New Year at some point. *I sensed a little uncertainty in his voice. soon, we were all done with our mochi* Thank you for cooking.
Kazuko: Of course. It was nothing.
Tohru: Right.
*We cleared the table & started to head into the kitchen*
Yuki: Right about now, the banquet should be in full swing.
(Third-Person POV)
Kyo:*in his mind* I wonder how mad Kagura is.
Yuki:*in his mind* Akito must be furious. But . . .
Kyo:*in his mind* But . . .
*They both looked towards the kitchen, watching the twins clean the dishes, especially Tohru*
(Kazuko's POV)
*We all bundled up & went up to the roof to watch the first sunrise of the New Year*
Tohru: It's so much colder on the roof.
Yuki: Here. *he offered her his hand* Please be careful.
Tohru: I will be. Thank you for giving me a hand. *she took it & he helped her up. the sun was coming up just as they got on the roof* Look, you guys! The sun's coming up! Perfect. Made it. *she turned to us* So, are you ready? You only get one chance for a New Year's wish. I've already got mine figured out.
Kazuko: Me too.
Tohru: Hey, Kyo. Sohma. I just wanna say Happy New Year. I'm looking forward to the next one with you.
Kazuko: Me too. And thanks for being here with us.
Yuki: The feeling is mutual.
Kyo: Uh, yeah. Same. *he was quiet for a minute & then he started shouting* THIS IS THE YEAR I'M GONNA BEAT THAT DAMN RAT!
Yuki: Uh . . . Sure. Good luck with that.
*I laughed*
Kazuko:*in his mind* I want to spend this next year getting to know the Sohma family and making more memories with them and my sister. It's going to be a great New Year.