chapter 4
A resounding groan echoed off the walls as Kyo shifted in his bed for the hundredth time that night. He glared at the red digits on his night stand. It was just past one in the morning. He'd been restless all day and could barely function. He would have blamed it on the rain if there had been any, but he knew the reason he was awake at this hour. Something was wrong with Tohru, and it was putting him on edge. The worst part was when he approached her she claimed everything was fine with a forced grin. It was lie. He even swallowed his pride and asked the rat what was wrong with her, but he said everything was fine. Another lie. He may not seem all that bright or socially adept, but he could tell they were lying. It was glaringly obvious.
The first thing that set him on edge was the way Tohru entered the house far too early from work. At first Kyo assumed her scatter brained self forgot something important. However, as he descended the stairs he abruptly stopped at the base. Yuki had entered looking shaken before he shifted to glare at him and brushed quickly past without another word to his room. He almost went to chase after him for being so rude, but Tohru's voice distracted him.
"Yes." she whispered into the phone. "I understand the notice is short and I apologize for any inconvenience, but I'm unable to come back to work." Her voice was strained. "I'm thankful for having had the opportunity to work for such a wonderful company." He strained to listen as she shuffled around and lowered her voice.
It sounded like she'd quit her job. The thought had frozen him in place. Tohru loved working. Tohru loved being financially independent. He knew she wouldn't just quit unless she had a good reason, or something really bad happened. As the night went on it began to look more like the latter.
Dinner was riddled with stiff postures and uncomfortable silences. Kyo couldn't shake the way his body sent blaring alarm bells off in his head. His natural instinct was to run away, but he forced himself to stay. He pushed his food around on his plate.
"I apologize for the food. I accidentally overcooked the fish." Tohru muttered apologetically.
"It's far better than anything Yuki has ever cooked for us." Shigure assured the girl with a teasing smirk aimed at Yuki.
He watched as Tohru tried to stumble through apologies for dinner not being as good as usual and how she promised to do better tomorrow. He felt so useless as he continued to watch her during dinner. He noticed how her eyes wouldn't look up from her plate and how she swirled her chopsticks around and pushed her food about her plate. He frowned realizing she wasn't eating again.
"Miss Honda? Are you feeling alright?" Yuki asked hesitantly apparently noticing her lack of eating as well.
"Oh Uh I'm just not feeling well. I think I should go to bed actually." she replied looking to her side away from them.
"Of course please take of yourself."
That was the last he'd seen her for the rest of the evening. He groaned in frustration and rolled over on his side facing the wall. A timid rhythm of knocks sounded through the dark jolting Kyo from his brooding. He knew it was Tohru before he opened the door. Her knock was easily distinguished from everyone else in the house, and besides that he could almost feel her presence behind the door. He was however, surprised to see her at this hour with tear tracks streaked down her cheeks.
"What happened?" he anxiously appraised her features, and eyes darting around the darkness of the hallway.
"I-I'm..." she stuttered barely audible through fresh tears as she buried her face in her trembling hands. His heart thudded in his chest.
"Come on spit it out. What's going on?"
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have come." she muttered as she turned on heel to go back to her room.
Kyo clasped a hand gently around her wrist to keep her from leaving. She had something to say and he wanted to hear it. He knew his tone of voice made him seem angry even though he was more worried than anything else. He watched as she turned slowly back to face him. Her eyes blown wide with fear. It caused his gut to clench uncomfortably. His thoughts flashed to the probably healed bruise on her shoulder. He clenched his jaw tight.
"Come on." he whispered mindful of the others sleeping down the hall and tugged her into his room shutting the door behind them. He reluctantly let go of her wrist and waited for her to answer his question, but she stayed eerily silent head down.
Kyo heaved a sigh looking at her tearful face. He definitely wasn't qualified to help her and it pissed him off to no end because that was all he wanted to do. He wanted to stay by her side always. He wanted to help her. He wanted to protect her. He wanted her smile directed at him. He knew it was selfish to think like this when Tohru had already given him so much. She accepted him when no one else could. She accepted every part of him earnestly. He could never pay her back for all the kindness she'd shown him, but he would try anyway.
"Was it another dream?" he asked breaking the silence between them.
Tohru gave a small nod in confirmation keeping her gaze directed at her feet. He glanced to his clock it was just after two. He directed his attention back to Tohru. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't familiar with nightmares. He spent years dreaming of being beaten and belittled. He had a feeling she'd dreamed of whoever it was who hurt her.
"Do you want to talk about?" he asked hesitantly. He wasn't sure he was allowed to ask her these things, but he wanted to protect her as best as he could.
"I'm scared." she whispered and Kyo found himself moving before his brain could catch up. He grabbed her hand. The warmth of her palm on his sent his stomach into flutters. He ignored it. He almost thought she might get upset or pull away from him, but instead she dropped her forehead onto his shoulder. He tensed at first worried she would accidentally cause him to transform, but she kept enough distance between them.
"Tohru."
She didn't lift her face from his shoulder but he could tell she was listening to him. "Tell me who hurt you."
"I can't." she replied much to his disappointment. He wondered why she wouldn't tell him or anyone. He worried she was somehow being threatened by whoever had hurt her, and it made his gut burn and his skin crawl. He reminded himself he couldn't force her talk. It was becoming more and more clear she may never talk about it, and it stung. He sighed deeply earning a glance from Tohru.
"Tohru, I can protect you from whoever it was."
The moment the words left his mouth he'd known it was a mistake. He watched her shoulders begin to quake harder and he felt her muffled sobs as her whole face pressed into his shoulder. Her hand left his to cradle her own face. All he could do was be there for her as she cried, and cried. It felt like forever he stood there completely still hands hovering near Tohru's back unsure if he should touch her, before she finally lifted herself from his shoulder and gently pushed away before sinking to the floor to sit. He joined her on the floor.
"I-I'm sorry." she mumbled. Her face was still wet and she avoided Kyo's gaze.
"You don't need to apologize."
They sat in a comfortable silence for a while before Kyo finally stood up. He crossed the room to his closet and pulled out a spare blanket and pillow. Tohru's eyes followed his movements. He noticed her confusion as he tossed the blanket and pillow on the floor a few feet from the bed.
"You can take the bed." he spoke boldly although he was glad the dimly lit room hid the pink glow of his cheeks.
"Huh? What?! No, I couldn't possibly sleep here or take your bed from you, that wouldn't be right." she spoke frantically waving her arms about her fears momentarily forgotten as she was caught off guard.
"If you go back to your room alone you'll feel scared again right?" he asked seriously.
"I...well..." she faltered before nodding her head in affirmation. "Is it really okay?" she asked giving in to his offer.
"I wouldn't have suggested it if it wasn't dummy." he responded with a soft smile.
He gently nudged her toward the bed before she could question his offer again. He hoped this would help her feel safe enough to sleep soundly. It wouldn't be a huge help but it was all he could offer right now. He watched as she hesitantly climbed into his bed and snuggled into the covers. Satisfied that she was comfortable he settled down on the floor.
"Thank you for everything." she mumbled sleepily.
"Just get some sleep already." his tone was soft contrary to the harshness of his words.
XXX
The next day Kyo begrudgingly found himself in Yuki's room. After last night he didn't think he could wait for Tohru to tell him what happened. She couldn't even feel safe in her own room at night. That just wasn't okay. He knew it would be better to hear what happened from Tohru, but this was too much. He couldn't watch her faking smiles, or breaking down in tears at night. He didn't know any other way to help her.
"Look, I'm done waiting around are you in or not rat?" Kyo asked brusquely arms crossed in front of his chest.
Yuki thought back to the way Tohru blacked out during her panic the day before and he winced. He really wanted to help her, but invading her privacy or betraying her trust wasn't something he wanted to do. He was conflicted. He thought back to his childhood and the shame it brought him. How would he have felt if Tohru went behind his back to learn his truths? He tried to imagine what Tohru would do in his place. Would Tohru look away while a friend was suffering? No. Tohru would do everything she could to help her friends even when they didn't want help.
"Yes." his tone was even, though he still had his doubts. He wasn't sure his decision was right, but he was at a loss for what to do otherwise.
He couldn't shake the feeling in his gut that Akito had something to do with all of this. He wanted to believe their was no way Akito would hurt someone outside of the Sohma family, but every time he saw Tohru upset his guts twisted. He had to find out. He needed to know.
"Tomorrow we talk to Momiji." Kyo stated before turning to head out the door.
Kyo didn't wait for his response before stomping down the hallway and out the house. The fresh air took some of the anger out his step as he walked his usual path to the dojo. His lips formed a thin line as his thoughts distracted him. The subject of his thoughts was Tohru. It was always Tohru lingering in his thoughts, even before the incident.
He learned that she had in fact quit her job, and that was definitely cause to be concerned. Anyone who knew anything about Tohru knew she was a borderline workaholic. He tried to concentrate on his surroundings but his thoughts kept adding up all the puzzle pieces Tohru had given him.
It came to a surprise when he emerged from his thoughts in front of the dojo he once called home. He felt the tension drop from his shoulders as he entered. The smell of the floor polish was so nostalgic he couldn't help the upward twitch of his lips. It was the only place on this property he loved. His smile was short lived as he was reminded as to why he'd come.
"Kyo, I wasn't expecting you today." Kazuma greeted appraising the teen's expression with an under current of worry in his own expression.
"Yeah, I came to talk to you actually." he spoke uncharacteristically quiet. Kazuma motioned for Kyo to follow him into the sitting room to allow more privacy for their conversation. People were always coming in and out of the dojo. Kyo followed without complaint and took a seat across from Kazuma.
"Are you alright? Did something happen?" Kazuma spoke evenly concealing his growing worry.
"No, I'm fine."
Kazuma waited patiently for Kyo to gather his thoughts and manage his emotions. He knew his son had difficulties expressing his emotions in front of others, and he had no doubt whatever Kyo had to say wasn't pleasant if he came here unannounced to talk.
"Can you hire Tohru part time? She really wants to work, but she can't go back to her old job."
Kazuma observed the grave look on Kyo's face and knew whatever was going on was serious. He had no problems hiring Tohru. She was optimistic, bright, and hardworking. All Kyo had to do was ask and he would have hired her, but the way he asked spoke volumes about the situation.
"You know what I could use a part timer around here to help with the young ones." he mused putting Kyo at ease. He knew it was hard for Kyo to ask for favors, and that in itself was another clue that something bad had happened to Tohru at her last job.
"Thanks master."
Kazuma leaned forward and ruffled the teens hair despite his over exaggerated protests. He knew Kyo actually liked having his hair ruffled even if he put on such a show pretending he hated it. So he didn't let it stop him from showing his affection for the boy.
"Have Tohru contact me with a day she's available to meet to discuss the position."
"I will." he smiled genuinely for the first time since they started talking.
Kazuma spent the remainder of Kyo's visit trying to lighten the serious mood and he liked to think he'd been able to lift Kyo's spirits. After an hour passed Kazuma reluctantly sent Kyo home before it got dark. It was unnecessary because Kyo could take care of himself, but he would always worry about him regardless. It was a parent's duty to worry after all.
XXX
Yuki silently watched Tohru as the three of them walked to school. If he didn't know any better he'd think everything was normal. Except that it wasn't normal for Tohru's shoulders to be tensed or the way her brows furrowed slightly. Even her smile was a tiny bit off, a little less bright. He contemplated breaking the silence between the three, but he wondered what he could even say to lift the mood.
He glanced at Kyo momentarily taking in the deep scowl he wore. It was almost his normal grumpy face, but it was more prominent than usual. He knew the idiot was worried about Tohru too. They'd tried talking to Momiji the past two days with zero luck. Yuki even took a trip to the estate to see him, but he was told the younger boy wasn't home. It was all very odd. Usually Momiji couldn't wait to see any of them. He's never avoided them before. His stomach churned a bit at what that might mean. He and Kyo intended to speak with Momiji before class. It was likely the reason Kyo seemed so angry.
"Tohru!"
Yuki was dragged out of his thoughts as Uotani and Hanajima approached and possessively grabbed Tohru.
"We'll be stealing her now. You guys had her all break." Hanajima pouted as she pulled Tohru forward walking towards school.
"Uh- bye guys catch you later!" she called over her shoulder as Uotani grabbed her other arm hauling her off towards homeroom.
Yuki felt warmth in his chest as her friends pulled her along. He knew she was in good hands, and they would know how to lift her mood in a way that he and Kyo couldn't. He just wanted to see her to smile for real again.
"Let's go find the damn brat." Kyo muttered as he brushed past Yuki.
It took longer than anticipated to find Momiji and if Yuki didn't know better he'd think they were being avoided by upbeat blonde. He watched as Momiji noticed him and Kyo lingering in his classroom doorway. He skipped over to them as he normally would, but there was something unsettling about the way his shoulders tensed. Yuki wondered if maybe Momiji really had been intentionally avoiding the two.
"Yuki! Kyo! Isn't it nice to be back at school?" he greeted with a smile, but it faded as he looked around as if searching for something or someone. "Hey...where's Tohru?" he asked hesitantly. His face washed over with concern that didn't go unnoticed by Yuki.
"Her friends dragged her off earlier." Kyo huffed crossing his arms across his chest.
"Oh, good." he forced a smile.
"Actually, we wanted to talk to you in private." Yuki stated as he shot a warning glare in Kyo's direction to keep his mouth shut.
"I actually don't have time right now..." he answered awfully fast edging away from the two.
"Lunchtime, on the roof." Kyo growled before stomping off without waiting for any confirmation from the two.
Yuki spent most of his morning half listening to his teacher drone on about the upcoming school events, and exam dates, and curriculum for this semester. The other half of his attention lingered on Tohru. He watched the way she sat at her desk. She almost looked like she was paying attention, but something about the far off look in her eyes hinted otherwise. He couldn't stop replaying her panic attack in his mind as he waited for lunch.
Yuki glanced back to Kyo whose eyes burned straight into the back of Tohru's head. If he didn't know any better he'd think the cat was pissed off at Tohru, but he did know better. Kyo was worried. He sighed feeling hopeless. There was nothing to do but wait for lunch and hope Momiji could help them in some way. Anything Momiji could tell them would be helpful.
Before he knew it the lunch bell chimed and Kyo was already out of the classroom. Yuki made an excuse and left after him quickly, running through the halls. Some class representative he was, he frowned hoping no one noticed.
"Slow down! Are you trying to cause a scene?!" Yuki hissed as he caught up.
"I don't care about any of that!" he shot back with seriousness Yuki had never seen in his eyes before. Yuki assumed Kyo already knew something that he didn't given how worked up he already was. This might not have been the best idea. He sighed, it was too late now.
They of course made it to the roof before Momiji did, which caused Kyo to start his agitated pacing back and forth. Yuki ignored the pacing. He knew there was no stopping him now.
"I swear I will kick that little rabbit's ass if he doesn't get here in the next-" The squeaking of the roof metal door abruptly ended Kyo's ranting. They both watched as the golden haired child steps through looking unusually timid with Hatsuharu trailing behind.
"About time." Kyo grumbled.
"Don't mind him Momiji." Yuki tried to lighten the mood some. He didn't like the stiff set to the younger boy's shoulders or the worry in his eyes. He wanted answers, but he also didn't want to upset Momiji. He knew the boy was close to Tohru, and this was likely going to be upsetting for him.
"Ugh! What's he doing here?" Kyo whined gesturing toward Hatsuharu.
"You wanna go? I'll beat you this time."Haru retorted with a smirk.
"I ain't got time for a fight today, but just know I'd win anyway."
"Momiji." Yuki spoke loud and firmly to gain his attention, paying no mind to the other's bickering back and forth. "I wanted to ask you about something important."
The bickering behind him stopped and Kyo's glare settled on the two speaking ignoring Hatsuharu. Momiji shrank under the gazes set on him.
Yuki tried and failed several times to ask the question he'd been waiting all morning to ask. He could feel the darkness creeping back, and he was scared. Scared of what he might hear. He was a coward.
No, he left the darkness behind him, and it was Tohru that guided him out. He could do this. It was a simple question.
"How did Miss Honda really get hurt?"
Momiji's face scrunched up and his head shook from side to side. He couldn't speak. He promised her. She asked him to please bare this secret for her, and he wouldn't let down, never. Never ever. He wouldn't do it.
"It's not for me to say. I promised her." Momiji cried.
"I don't care what you promised! You're gonna tell us! Now spill!" Kyo yelled gripping the shorter boys shirt collar.
"Hey! He said he can't tell you back the hell off!" Hatsuharu yelled, knocking Kyo's hand off Momiji and forcing himself between the two.
"Stupid cat shut up! This isn't helping! You're making this worse as usual." his sharp words aimed directly at Kyo's pride.
"What's this all about anyway? Why you picking a fight with Momiji all of a sudden?"
"Something...something bad happened to Tohru, and he knows but he won't say!" Kyo finished pointing a finger at Momiji before storming off through the door and slamming it shut as hard as he could.
"What a mess." Yuki sighs in exasperation. He should have expected as much with how tightly Kyo had been wound this morning waiting.
"I'm really sorry I can't tell you anything." Momiji apologized sincerely.
The bell chimed signaling the end of lunch. Kyo was long gone and Momiji ran off ahead. If Yuki didn't know better he'd think the rabbit was running away, but he's pretty certain Momiji ran off to apologize to Kyo too.
"This seems serious, give me the highlights of it."
"During spring break someone hurt Miss Honda badly. Her and Hattori claimed she fell at work. Hattori claimed Momiji saw her fall, but it's a lie. Someone intentionally hurt her, and she won't tell us who."
"You suspect Akito, don't you?" Haru's cold eyes carefully scanned Yuki's expression.
"I do." he responded guiltily. It was his fault if Akito hurt her after all.
"Akito certainly is capable of hurting people, but would she really hurt someone who isn't a Sohma?" Haru asked.
"I want to think she wouldn't, but you know as well I the type of person she. Akito is filled with venom, she hurts everyone she touches." Yuki answered cooly.
"Man, this is such a mess, and I don't really want to get involved either." Haru paused to let out a drawn out sigh before he continued. "I could never leave you be when you look so sad and worried like that." Haru flicked Yuki's forehead.
"Haru...you..."
"Listen, I'm doing this for you, and if I do this you can't tell Kyo. He's too impulsive he'll get me caught and I've got my own problems to take care of and I can't do that locked away by Akito. Understand?" Haru leveled Yuki with an intense stare, until the other nodded in agreement.
"What are you planning?"
"I'm going to look into what happened to Tohru. I'll check out the estate and see if I hear any gossip or anything connected Akito."
"Thank you Haru."
"Come on you should probably be setting a better example don't you think class prez?" he teased before they both headed back to classes a little late.