Yuki was my First Love

(Fruits Basket - Opening Theme - Again)

(Kazuko's POV)

*It's been a few weeks since New Year's. Winter break was over and a new term had started at school. Today, I was at the supermarket with Tohru. We were at the checkout, paying for our groceries. Once the cashier had finished, we each took half of the groceries. But when we got outside . . .*

Tohru: Thanks for waiting.

Kyo: I'm sick of your smug face! Let's take this outside!

Yuki: We're already outside, you idiot.

*I sighed. These two were at it again*

Kazuko: Uh, hello.

*Yuki turned to us*

Yuki: Thank you for doing the shopping, Miss Honda, Kazuko. *he took some bags from her* Here.

Tohru: There's a lot. Sorry. I guess I went a little overboard with the groceries.

Yuki: It's no trouble. Why don't you try making yourself useful for once, dumb cat?

Kyo: Watch who you're calling dumb! Gimme those, I'll carry both of them!

*I sigh again. A lot of things have changed lately, but these two still fight like cats & dogs. I know Tohru's New Year's wish this year was for them to start getting along better. But something tells me that's not going to happen. They were still fighting as we walked home from the store*

Kyo: I still don't understand why I have to waste my time running an errand with you of all people.

Yuki: You could've stayed home.

Kyo: You should've stayed home!

Yuki: Will you do us all a favor and just shut up already?

Kyo: Heh. *he dropped the bags he was holding & got in a fighting position* If you want me stop talking, you're gonna have to make me, pretty boy!

Kazuko: Guys. This really isn't the time or place for -

*Suddenly, Yuki shoved a bunch of chives into Kyo's mouth & he fell to his knees. I rolled my eyes. What a Drama Queen*

Tohru: Poor thing. Are you going to be okay?

Yuki: That should keep him quiet for a while a least.

*He suddenly let out a cough. That got my attention*

Kazuko: Are you okay?

Yuki: I'm fine.

*That night, Shigure came into the dining room with a towel over his head as me, Tohru, & Yuki were watching TV*

Shigure: All done. Who wants the next turn? Yuki, bath time.

Yuki: I'll skip it today.

*Just then, Shigure went into drama mode*

Shigure: No bath!? How disgusting! You dirty boy!

*Yuki looked ready to throw him off the roof*

Yuki: I think I have a cold, that's why.

*That got Tohru's & my attention. I immediately put my hand to his forehead & one to mine*

Kazuko: Hmm . . . You do feel a little warm.

Shigure: The quicker you can treat a cold, the sooner you'll feel better. *he went to the cabinet* Now, let's see if I can find you some medicine.

Tohru: You should probably stay home from school tomorrow. Just to be on the safe side.

Yuki: No, it's all right. I'm sure I'll be fine.

Kazuko: But we're supposed to be running the marathon tomorrow. You'll only make yourself worse.

*Shigure found the medicine*

Shigure: Oh, running in this chilly weather. That's sounds like torture. These old bones couldn't handle it.

*Suddenly, Kyo came in. Looking more fired up than usual*

Kyo: Hold on a second. Did you say . . . Marathon?

Tohru: Y - Yes. Didn't you know about it?

Kyo: As in . . . A race?

Kazuko: Oh, boy. Here we go.

*I knew where this was going*

Kyo: A race run in groups. Which means . . . It's a competition!

Kazuko:*in his mind* I knew it.

Shigure: I'm freezing just looking at you, Kyo. Put on a sweater.

*Kyo ignored him & just kept ranting*

Kyo: All right! Tomorrow you'll see just how much faster I am than you!

Tohru: No, but Sohma has a cold. He can't run tomorrow.

*But Kyo didn't seem to care*

Kyo: A cold? You're gonna bail on the race cause you got the sniffles!?

Kazuko:*in his mind* This isn't going to end well.

Kyo: It's on! You better not back down!

Shigure: Seriously, don't overdo it. If your body gets too weak from this cold, you're going to transform. And I really doubt you want that.

Yuki: I know.

*I saw sister's worried face, which matched my feelings. I prayed to whatever God was listening that we all get through tomorrow without an incident*

*The next day, we were all at school. I was wearing my blue tracksuit (look up "Kazuko - Gym Clothes" by "SwanGirl24" on "DeviantArt"), same as everyone else.

Coach: Be sure to warm up those muscles, people!

*Tohru & I went over to Yuki everyone was swooning over him, as usual*

Girl #1: I just can't stop looking.

Girl #2: Yeah . . .

Girl #3: Is there any sight more beautiful than that?

Girls: Yuki's bare legs shining in the sun!

*I rolled my eyes as we stepped up to him*

Kazuko: Are you really sure you wanna do this?

Tohru: Yeah, you didn't eat very much breakfast this morning. Maybe you shouldn't run.

Yuki: No. It's fine. I'll make it through somehow. Besides, if I don't compete, I'll never hear the end of it. *nearby, Kyo was fired up & raring to go* Oh, hey. I don't think I've seen Uotani or Tokoyami today.

Kazuko: I think they're both skipping. But Saki should be here.

*Suddenly, one of the Stalker Club appeared & grabbed Tohru by her arm*

Minami: Hey! Honda! You and Yuki are looking awfully buddy-buddy over here!

*Then another member grabbed her by her other arm*

Mai: The girl's race is about to start! Better get moving!

Minami: Let's go! We wouldn't want to miss out now, would we!?

*They were just about to drag her towards the starting line, I grabbed them both by their heads. They both turned back to me & flinched*

Kazuko: Hey! Let go of my sister before I break your fingers! *they let go of Tohru & ran towards the track, screaming* You okay, Tohru?

*She looked a little dizzy*

Tohru: I . . . I'm okay . . .

Kazuko: Alright. Head over to the track. I'll meet you there later.

Tohru: Kay . . .

*She went to the track & met up with Saki. Just then, I noticed the Stalker Club girls going ridgid. I smirked. Saki must've used her wave powers on them. Then the couch the blew the whistle & the girls started to run. But Saki only took two steps before she pulled her "I can't run anymore" act & collapsed. I laughed. She should get an award for that performance*

Coach: The boys are next! Everybody ready!? *I stayed close to Yuki & Kyo, to keep an eyes on them* On your marks. Get set.

*As soon as he fired a shot, Kyo & Yuki took off at lightning speed*

Kyo: Hope you're hungry, cause you're gonna eat my dust!

Yuki: Shut up and run.

Kyo: And don't even think about holding back!

Hiroshi: It's not a sprint. Geeze. Slow down.

Yusuke: I know right. I can't even see them anymore.

Kyo: I'm gonna beat you!

*I sigh & ran ahead of the other boys to catch up with them & make sure they don't hurt themselves*

*I stayed a few paces behind them as they ran. By now, Kyo had taken off his shoes*

Kyo: Well rat! Are you giving you're all!?

Yuki: I told you to be quiet.

*He let out a cough, which gave Kyo a chance to get ahead. Just then, I saw a boy who looked a year younger than us with white with black roots, peach skin, & brown eyes tying a string to a pole, then, as Kyo passed him, he pulled the rope, making him trip & fall on his face*

Hatsuharu: Got one.

*Tohru ran up to him, freaking out*

Tohru: Oh no! Are you okay!? That was a really bad fall!

*Yuki & I stopped*

Yuki: Hey. What happened?

*Kyo got up*

Kyo: What in the hell was that for!?

Hatsuharu: Figured it the only way I'd get you to stop.

Kyo: Haru?

Yuki: So it's your turn now. Everyone's coming to visit. Don't you have school?

Hatsuharu: I set out from home on Sunday and wound up in a neighborhood I didn't recognize. Something, three days passed. It's a mystery.

Kazuko: No, you just got lost.

*We all saw the group of boys coming towards us*

Tohru: Um . . . Maybe we should find somewhere else to talk.

Yuki: Agreed.

Kazuko: Good idea.

*We all went under a nearby bridge*

Yuki: Miss Honda. Kazuko. This is Hatsuharu Sohma. He's a third year junior high student, so one year younger than us. Haru, this is Tohru and Kazuko Honda.

Hatsuharu: Oh, that's who you are. *he bowed to us* Nice to meet you.

*Tohru started bowing frantically, while I just bowed*

Tohru: Oh, it's my pleasure!

Kazuko: Nice to meet you. *in his mind* Wow. He's really polite and mature for someone his age.

Kyo: So. You gonna tell us what you're here for.

Hatsuharu: To fight you.

*I sighed. Why was most of the Sohma family we met obsessed with fighting*

Kyo: Huh?

Hatsuharu: I was gonna challenge you and New Year's. But you skipped out. So, I came to you. *he got in a fighting stance* Now let's go.

Kyo: Whoa, hold on! I'm kinda in the middle of an important race here!

Hatsuharu: I traveled three whole days for this.

Kyo: No, you just got lost!

Hatsuharu: Come on. Let's fight.

Kyo: It's not gonna happen. So just go home!

Hatsuharu: No thanks.

Yuki: This won't end well.

Tohru: Why?

Yuki: Hey, Kyo. It might be a good idea to go along with Haru.

Kyo: I said no and I meant it! We're done man, leave.

*Suddenly, Haru jumped up & hit Kyo in the back of the head with a headbutt. That left both me & Tohru speechless*

Yuki: Too late.

*Kyo fell to his head as he held his head in pain*

Dark Haru: I'm not interested in your petty excuses. Now get up! It's time for you to prove that you're a real man, kitty cat! Fight me and die!

*He did a maniacal laugh*

Tohru: Could we skip the dying part!?

*Then Kyo stood up, pissed*

Kyo: Damn brat . . .

*He kicked Haru in the face with a high kick. Tohru freaked out, Yuki just looked bored, & I didn't know what to say or do as we all watched them fight*

Yuki: That's wonderful. He's summoned Dark Haru.

Kazuko: I'm a little of afraid to ask.

Yuki: The guy's usually a space case, but sometimes he'll totally snap. We call that version Dark Haru.

Tohru: Huh. I see. So it's kind of like when Kagura gets a little . . . Violent?

Yuki: No. *suddenly, Haru came up to him & grabbed his chin* Unfortunately, he much creepier.

Dark Haru: Don't just stand over there in the sidelines and watch Yuki. Today is the day that I make you mine.

Yuki: And do what with me.

*Haru ignored him & turned back to Kyo*

Dark Haru: Now stand up, Kyo!

Kyo: I'm already standing up!

*The two of them started fighting again*

Yuki: Miss Honda, Kazuko. You two should go in ahead, this could take a while.

Tohru: I should stay.

Kazuko: Me too. In case this gets out of control.

*The two Fighters locked hands & started pushing against each other*

Dark Haru: Too bad! I thought you had a spin, but I guess you must've lost it at some point!

Kyo: You are seriously messed up when you turn dark, you know that?

Dark Haru: Ouch, that hurts. You better hurry up and fight me. I might decide to make that girl mine too.

Kyo: What the hell's that supposed to mean!?

Dark Haru: We'll spend some time, getting to know each other, doing a little this, a little of that.

Kyo: What're you even saying right now!?

*Hearing that, made me snap. I marched up to Haru & hit him on the head with my elbow, hard. Which made him fall to the ground, unconscious*

Kazuko: That's my sister you're talking about! If I ever hear those words out of your mouth again, I'll break both your arms and legs!

*A little while later, Haru sat up & looked around*

Hatsuharu: What just happened? And why does my head hurt?

*That left us all surprised. Apparently, I just knocked the dark right out of him*

Tohru:*off-screen* Sohma!

*We all turned around & saw Yuki had collapsed. Haru ran up to him & put his jacket around his shoulders with me right behind him*

Hatsuharu: Yuki. An attack? Man, you're really burning up. I'll call the main house and - *Yuki grabbed his shoulder, looking scared* No, you don't wanna do that. Kyo, is it okay is I take a rain check in on our fight?

Kyo: Uh . . . Yeah, sure.

Hatsuharu: I think our best bet is Sensei's house then. We could take a taxi there.

Kazuko: We can't do that. What if he transforms in the car?

Hatsuharu: You're right.

Tohru: Is there some way I can help? Please, I'll do anything.

*Haru looked at her in surprise before smiling*

Hatsuharu: Alright. I think I'll take you up on that. It's a good thing you're cute. *Tohru looked confused* I'm staying if I'm gonna hug someone, I'd prefer it be a cute girl like you.

*Suddenly, before I could stop him, he hugged her*

Tohru:*blushing* Uh! Excuse me, what are you doing!?

*Suddenly, there was a puff of smoke*

Kyo: Ask permission first, you jerk.

*Tohru let go & she fell on her backside*

Hatsuharu:*off-screen* It'll be easier on Yuki if I carry him this way. You'll have to keep holding on to me so I don't turn back.

*When the smoke cleared, a cow was in his place*

*We put Yuki on Haru's back & he carried him all the way back to Shigure's house. When we got there, Shigure tried to hold back a laugh. Haru started pulling on his sleeve with his mouth*

Shigure: Well, you boys certainly know how to make a grand entrance.

Kyo: Keep laughing and I'll punch you next.

Shigure: I bet you attracted quite a crowd on the way here.

*He laughed*

Kazuko: Yeah, a group of kids.

*Shigure took Yuki upstairs & put him in bed*

Shigure:*whispering* He's fast asleep. This attack wasn't a bad one. He has a fever, but he'll be fine.

Tohru: Oh, thank goodness.

Kazuko: That's a relief.

Shigure: Sorry you two got dragged into this. We've got it now. You can go back to school.

Tohru: No, I'll stay here and watch him! Going to school is important, but not at the cost of abandoning someone sick. And, well . . . Cold's can be dangerous. They shouldn't be taken lightly. If our Mom were here, I know that she'd agree.

Kazuko: Yeah. She'd understand if we skipped this one time.

Shigure: Alright then. *he got up & started heading for the door* You four stay. I'll go to the school and retrieve your things.

Tohru: Hm? You don't have to do that, really.

Shigure: Don't worry about it. It's nothing. Kyo, you let the good doctor know what's going on.

*He left the room*

Kyo: What!? Why Shou I have to call him!?

*Suddenly, I heard a familiar explosion & quickly covered Tohru's eyes*

Hatsuharu: I'll do it. *he headed towards the door, naked* Where's the phone again?

Kyo: Don't just wander around naked, you creep!

Kazuko: Put some clothes on!

Shigure:*off-screen* Kay, kids, I'm off! *Tohru & I both looked out the window & opened it**on-screen* Take care good care of Yuki.

Tohru: Don't worry! We will!

Kazuko: Thanks for doing this.

*Even though, I knew what he really wanted was to ogle at the female students*

*After Kyo lent him some clothes, Hatsuharu called Hatori. Tohru stayed with Yuki*

Hatsuharu: I got it. Thank you.

*He hung up the phone*

Kyo: Well, what did Hatori say?

Hatsuharu: He chewed me out for some reason. It's a mystery.

Kazuko: Maybe because you suddenly disappeared for three days without warning.

Kyo: So, what now? Rat boy seems to be doing better. You wanna go finish the fight?

Hatsuharu: Nah. Why bother? There would be no point. I forgot how strong you were Kyo.

*Kyo stood up, looking angry*

Kyo: You're kidding me here! You can't put me through all that and just randomly decide you're done! *he put Haru in a headlock* When the heck did you stop being Dark Haru anyway!?

Hatsuharu: Owie.

Kazuko: Maybe when I hit him on the head with my elbow.

*Kyo stopped & let go of him*

Kyo: Oh, yeah.

*Tohru came down the stairs behind me*

Tohru: You mean you're changed back into being Light Haru?

Hatsuharu: Uh . . . Yes.

Kazuko:*in his mind* It's amazing how much he can change in an instant.

Hatsuharu: How's Yuki?

Tohru: He's still sleeping. I was going to get an ice pack for him.

*Haru turned to Kyo*

Hatsuharu: No attacking in his sleep.

Kyo: Yeah, obviously. I'm gonna win against him and I'll prove that I can do it fair and square. *he headed for the front door* This is lame. I'm going back to school.

Tohru: Bye.

Kazuko: See ya later.

*We went to the kitchen & Tohru put some water in a ice pack*

Hatsuharu: Those two? They get into fist fights fights every day?

Tohru: Not really.

Kazuko: They mostly just argue and yell at each other.

Hatsuharu: Oh yeah. Sounds like they're getting along a lot better lately.

*Tohru was a little surprised to hear that*

Tohru: That's . . . Better?

Kazuko: Well, it's better than them punching each other all the time.

Tohru: I guess so.

Hatsuharu: He's right. Their vibes have changed a little and they're not as uptight anymore. Not sure what's different now. *he turned to me & Tohru* Although, maybe it has something to do with you two.

Kazuko: Us?

*Tohru jumped back & started freaking out*

Tohru: It's not us! I don't know what we could've done to change this between them!

*We all started up the stairs to Yuki's room with the ice pack*

Hatsuharu: It's not like I've been watching you, so I could be wrong. But as long as things are changing for the better, that's good. Especially for Yuki.

Tohru & Kazuko: Huh?

Hatsuharu: He was my first love. *that made both of us freeze & Tohru drop the ice pack* I like Kyo. But Yuki's special. To me anyway.

Tohru: He's special?

Hatsuharu: Yeah, although I did hate him back when we were little.

Kazuko: Why?

Hatsuharu: Because he's the rat. *he took the ice pack from Tohru* In the folk tale, remember? The rat rode up to the banquet on the back of the ox. I resented him so much for that. The adults all laughed and said the rat used the ox so he could get to the banquet first. And he was only able to because the ox was an idiot. *he put the ice pack under Yuki's head* Of course it felt like they were laughing at me and calling me an idiot. So I got really down on myself and l blamed it on the rat. I was always on edge. Losing my temper at the drop of a hat. That's when it came out. The dark personality. Pur my parents through hell. I took up martial arts, hoping it would help somehow. But the baggage I carried was still there. I enjoyed my training, but it didn't stop people from making fun of me. Then one day, I came across Yuki. We never actually spoke to each other before. I completely snapped. Unleashed all my pent up rage on him. *he told up how Yuki asked him if he really was an idiot & how he said no. And how Yuki agreed with him. that was when his first love began* After that, I didn't lose my temper as much. I'd been bottle that up for so long. But Yuki helped me to say it. And by doing that, he set my heart free. I was stunned. He was totally different from the Yuki I'd imagined. I was like the others. I decided he was the dirty rat without bothering to get to know him. I'm glad I ran into him that day. Otherwise, I would probably still hate him. And that, would be stupid.

*The more I listened to his story, the more I felt my blood boil. Those people were insulting him, just because of a stupid story! I was beginning to really hate the folk tale*

Tohru: That was a wonderful story.

Hatsuharu: You know, I noticed something earlier. You were standing there next to Yuki and he was smiling so softly. He never used to smile like that when he was living with the main family. But with you, he did. So I thought you might have something to do with the difference in him.

*She started blushing*

Tohru: No! Like I said before, I really don't don't think Kazuko and I have done anything that would change anybody!

Hatsuharu: Okay then. A test.

*He leaned close to her ear & started whispering*

Tohru:*whispering* Really? Are you sure that's a good idea?

*Yuki woke up*

Kazuko: Well, good morning, Sleeping Beauty.

Yuki: You're here, Miss Honda, Kazuko.

Tohru: Yes, I'm so glad you're wake.

*He sat up*

Yuki: I transformed!

Kazuko: Whoa! Easy, dude. Don't push yourself.

Yuki: Hold on. How did I get home?

Tohru: Simple. Hatsuharu transformed so he could carry you.

Yuki: Oh. Thanks, Haru.

Hatsuharu: Hm. I told them how much I love you. I just thought you should know.

Yuki:*annoyed* Why would you tell them something ridiculous like that? What if they take you seriously?

Hatsuharu: I am serious.

Tohru: And besides, I think it's a really sweet story. Don't you, Yuki?

Kazuko: Especially the part when you two met for the first time.

Yuki: Come now. You don't -

*Suddenly, he blushed & transformed. Tohru started crying*

Tohru: Hatsuharu, I think it's safe to say I failed the test.

*Apparently, Haru suggested that she call him by his real name to test how much he's changed. I elbowed Haru, who was smiling. I think we can both agree that she passed with flying colors*

Kazuko:*in his mind* And that was how the day of the marathon ended. Mostly without anything going wrong.

*That evening, Kyo & Shigure both came home with colds, transforming. Luckily, Hatori was also there because of Yuki*

Hatsuharu: Well, what do you expect when you play poker outside all day.

*Tohru & I made a lot of soup for dinner that night*