The Sunshine of My Life.

A/N: This is my first Fruits Basket story, so please be gentle. I have only read the first book, and many other stories online. Enjoy, and please read and review!

~*~

“Kyo-kun? Is something wrong?” Tohru asked quietly, as she watched him stalk through the kitchen after slamming the door.

“I’m fine. Just leave me alone!” He snapped at the girl, as he walked out into the rest of the house.

Tohru sighed, and returned to starting lunch for everyone. She just didn’t understand why he didn’t like her. Maybe she said something to him that offended him. She may just have to ask him. She sighed again silently. She knew that she just wouldn’t have the courage to ask him something like that.

“Honda-san?” Yuki said quietly as he walked in from the hallway, followed by Shigure.

Tohru turned, and smiled. “Yes Sohma-kun, Shigure-san?”

“Well, Tohru-kun,” started Shigure. “Yuki and I have to go to the main house for the next two days. Akito-san called a meeting, and we have to go. Will you be alright here, alone with Kyo-kun?”

Tohru’s smile never wavered. “With Kyo-kun? No, there will be no problem. Is he not going to the meeting as well?”

“Kyo-kun was not invited. That is why he stomped through here just before we came in.” Shigure explained.

“Oh.” She said, a slight blush coming over her cheeks. “There will be no problem staying here with him. Do you have time for lunch before you leave?” Tohru questioned.

“No, unfortunately we don’t, Honda-san. We must leave immediately.” Yuki replied.

“Do you need help getting things together?” Tohru asked.

“No, we are already packed, and loaded into Shigure’s car. We just came in to tell you that we are leaving so you don’t prepare too much for the meals.” Yuki said.

“Alright, so I’ll come wave as you leave.” Tohru stated.

“You don’t have to, Honda-san” Yuki said quietly.

Shigure placed his hand on Yuki’s shoulder. “I would greatly appreciate it if you would Tohru-kun.” He said quietly.

Tohru beamed, and followed behind the two Sohma men. She watched from the doorway as they got into Shigure’s car.

“Come home safe!” Tohru yelled at them as they started to drive off. “Come home safe.” She whispered to herself, as a single tear trekked down her cheek.

Tohru took a deep breath to calm herself, and turned back into the house. Well, she thought, I guess it’s just Kyo and me now. I wonder if he wants lunch?

She went into the kitchen to prepare tuna fish sandwiches, and a pot of tea. When she was waving to Shigure-san and Sohma-kun, she felt a slight chill in the air. It might rain tonight, she thought. I’m glad that Yuki has covered his garden for the weekend because there was a threat of a mild rainstorm.

Tohru covered the sandwiches and placed them in the fridge, and left the pot of tea on the stove to keep warm. “I’ll just go see if Kyo-kun wants some lunch.” She said quietly to herself.

As Tohru was traveling up the stairs to check if he was on the roof, she had a thought about his behavior towards her. Could he like her? Is that why he was always snapping at her and yelling at her, because he didn’t know how to express himself to her?

Tohru blinked at the thought. No, he couldn’t have feelings for her in that way! She denied, as she shook her head. I love him, not only because he is the cat from the zodiac, but because he is Kyo. I love him for himself.

Tohru grimaced, as she started to climb the ladder to the roof. I hope that Kagura doesn’t find out my true feelings, I don’t think I could survive the result.

“Kyo-kun, are you up here?” She called softly, incase he was asleep or thinking.

“Yah, I’m here. What do you want? He questioned irritably.

“Umm, I w-was wondering if you would like some lunch, Kyo-kun?” Tohru stuttered in response. “B-But if you’re not hungry right now,”

“I’m coming.” He interrupted her, as he got up and started to walk towards where she was still perched on the ladder. He stopped in front of her, raising one eyebrow.

“Oh!” Tohru squeaked, realizing that she was in his way. She started to climb down, only to realize that Kyo had jumped down to the landing, and was waiting for her to come down.

Tohru was almost down when her foot slipped in the rail, and she gasped as she felt herself falling. Her abrupt movement was quickly halted when a strong pair of hands grabbed her waist, and lowered her to the floor.

“You really suck, you know that? Can’t even climb down a ladder. Now come on,” he said as he released her. “Lets have lunch.” He finished as he turned and walked away.

Tohru took a steadying breath before she decided to follow Kyo. She could still feel the imprint of his hands from where he had grabbed her to stop her falling. She had best try to keep her feelings to herself more while it was just the two of them here for the next few days.

When Tohru got down to the dining room, Kyo was already sitting at the table. But what surprised her was that the sandwiches and teapot was already on the table, as well as cups for the two of them.

“Kyo-kun, you didn’t have to get everything out. I would have done it for us.” Tohru admonished.

Kyo had a slight blush on his cheeks. “Well, don’t just stand there. Come sit so we can eat.” He grumbled.

As she sat down to eat she noticed that Kyo seemed to be more on edge than normal. “Kyo-kun?” She said quietly.

“Yah?” he answered warily.

“Is something the matter? You seem to be on edge, or as if you were waiting for something to happen. If you don’t want to tell me, that is fine. I was just wondering.” She questioned.

“What makes you think that something is wrong?” He hedged. “Nothing’s wrong.”

Tohru shrugged slightly. “I don’t know,” She said as she picked up her sandwich, noting that he was almost done his. “You just seem to be uneasy, or uncomfortable.” She looked up at him. “Does being here, alone with me bother you, Kyo-kun? If it bothers you that much, I could go to Uo-chan’s until the others get back.” She said earnestly.

“N-no, it’s not that!” Kyo protested. “I-it’s just … Ugh! Forget it! I’m going to go lay down for a while. Thanks for lunch.” He finished quietly as he got up from the table.

“A-alright, Kyo-kun. What would you like for dinner?” Tohru asked him before he left the dining room.

Kyo looked back at her. He gave a half-smile. “What ever you decide will be great.” He blushed slightly, and walked away.

Tohru sighed as she finished her meal, and proceeded to clean up. Well, maybe we’ll have steamed rice and chicken. She grinned to herself, but no leeks!

She continued to smile as she cleaned the kitchen and living areas. Well, now what shall I do? She wondered. Maybe I’ll have a nice cup of tea on the porch. But I’ll need a wrap, she thought as she prepared the tea. Once it was ready, Tohru headed upstairs to get her sweater, and put on a pair of pants. While she was there, she grabbed her knitting. She was knitting a scarf for each of the boys as a gift. She had already finished Yuki’s yellow one, and Shigure’s blue one, so she was starting on Kyo’s orange one. She was hoping that they would like her gift.

As she was passing Kyo’s room, she thought that she heard him muttering, but she passed on by, deciding not to bother him since he seemed to be in a bad mood earlier.

Tohru made herself comfortable on the porch, the pot of tea in a carafe not far from her reach, her feet tucked up underneath her as she started on Kyo’s scarf. She was really good at knitting, so she allowed for her mind to wander as she worked quickly.

What could she do to get Kyo out of his bad mood? Maybe bake him a cake, or a pie? Or some strawberry tarts. Kyo really seemed to like them when she had baked them before. And, Tohru was fairly certain that she still had some berries left over from then.

Tohru looked down at her knitting, just noticing that she was almost done the scarf. Had she really been outside that long? She looked up at the sky, noticing that there were some rather nasty clouds starting to roll in, and the nice light breeze had picked up and got more chilly.

Tohru sighed as she picked up her tea and carafe, realizing that she had drank all her tea. She would just have to make more. As she turned to walk into the house, strong arms came out to stop her progress into the chest that had appeared right in front of her.

“Oh! Kyo-kun! You startled me!” Tohru said breathlessly. “I’m about to go start dinner. Would you like a cup of tea before dinner?” She rambled.

“Sure.” Kyo said as he released her. He blushed a bit. “Would you mind if I sat in the kitchen and watched you work?”

Tohru was a little surprised. Kyo was in a bad mood earlier, but his nap seems to have made him feel better. She decided that she would get his help in making the tarts for desert. She gave a small smile. “Sure, you can come into the kitchen, but I think that I am going to need some help for a special treat. Will you help me, Kyo-kun?” She finished softly.

Kyo frowned a little. “Are you sure that you want my help? You might be better off just having me watch rather than help. I might screw up what ever it is.” He said, sounding uncertain.

Tohru’s smile got a little bigger. “Yes, I would like your help Kyo-kun. Unless you really don’t want to help me.” She started to frown.

Kyo looked at the girl standing before him. She is so beautiful, and she doesn’t even know that she has me practically eating out of her hand. “I’ll help you, but it will be your fault if it doesn’t turn out because I warned you.”

Tohru’s smile got really big. “Just let me put this stuff away, and we will get right to work.”

“Alright.” Kyo agreed as he let her pass him to go inside the house. He had been waiting for a day when Shigure and Rat-boy would leave the house so he could have Tohru all to himself without competing with them for her attention.

He had admitted to himself earlier, when he had gone to lie down, that he had feelings for Tohru. Hell, he figured that he might even love her. He also figured that for him to actually decide if it was love that he had to spend time alone with her. That’s what he is going to do for the time that the others were gone.

“Alright. Are you ready to help me?” Tohru said as she practically skipped down the stairs. She was finally getting to spend some time alone with Kyo! She had been secretly hoping that they could spend time together. Now here was the opportunity.

She led the way to the kitchen. Kyo followed. Tohru walked straight to the cupboard that held the cooking bowl, measuring cups, and all the different baking dishes. She pulled down the things that they would need and set them on the counter.

“Now Kyo-kun, when was the last time that you made tarts?” Tohru questioned innocently.

Kyo hesitated, and blushed a little. “I … um … I haven’t made tarts before.” He confessed.

Tohru glanced at the blushing boy. She wanted to apologize for making him uncomfortable, but she knew that would make him feel worse. “Hm … well, everyone learns something new everyday. How ‘bout we look at this as that thing for you? I’m sure that there is something new that I will learn today too. I might even learn it from you, so that could be something like a trade. Sound good Kyo-kun? I teach you how to make tarts, and you teach me something.” She finished.

Kyo thought for a moment. “Yah, that sounds like a fair trade. But what could I show you how to do? There is nothing that I can do that you can’t.”

“I’m sure that you will find something, Kyo-kun. But for now, how about we get to making these tarts.” Tohru reassured him as she started to gather the ingredients together.

“Sure.” He mumbled, as he stared at what Tohru was doing. “Um … what are you doing there?”

“I’m getting the ingredients together to make the tarts. First we will mix the stuff for the crust, than we will get the stuff for the filling.” She explained as she started to mix the dry ingredients. She handed him the bowl. “Here, mix these things together than add those wet ingredients to it. I’ll start getting the filling together.” She said as she turned around to do so.

“Um … are you sure you are willing to leave me alone with this?” Kyo said nervously.

Tohru giggled at him. “Don’t worry Kyo-kun. I’m certain that you can handle mixing the crust together, as well as cutting them and baking them. Then filling them once baked.”

“I’m going to do all of that?” Kyo said incredulously.

“Yes Kyo-kun. You will be doing all of that, and I will be here to show you what to do as you do it.” Tohru stated.

“I don’t know …” Kyo started to protest.

“You can do this Kyo-kun.” She stated quietly. “Unless you have changed your mind about helping me? Have you?”

“No. I haven’t.” Kyo took in a deep breath. “Alright. I’ve finished mixing this together. Now what?”

Tohru smiled.

~*~

“Wow. Those tarts were really good Kyo-kun! They were the perfect desert for dinner.” Tohru complimented the now completely full boy sitting in front of her.

Kyo had eaten almost half of the strawberry tarts after their meal of rice and chicken. He had left her to make the evening meal after he had made the tarts, stating that he knew that there was no way he could help her with that. Tohru has accepted what he had said, glad that they had at least spent some time together over the time that the others weren’t here. She hugged the memory to herself, knowing that once the others come back, things would most likely return to the way they were.

She sighed as she got up, gathering the dishes to wash. She wished that they could spend more time together.

“Here. Let me help you.” Kyo said awkwardly, as he picked up his dishes and followed her to the kitchen.

“No. It’s all right Kyo-kun. You don’t have to help with the dishes. You should just relax after you eat. Why don’t you go relax in the living room, and I’ll bring you some tea?” Tohru said.

“No.” He said determinedly. “I helped to make a mess of the kitchen, I’ll help to clean it. Now how about I finish clearing the table, and you start putting water in the sink.”

Tohru was a little taken aback at his determination, but smiled at the fact that they would be spending more time together.

After they had finished the dishes, they both went to relax in the living room and have some tea and more tarts.

Kyo had been thinking about what he could show Tohru how to do. He had more fun than he thought that he would making those tarts. There were a few moments while they were baking, when he just wanted to lean over to her and smell her scent. It always comforted him when she was around.

Maybe he didn’t have to show her how to do something, but maybe he could show her something that he hadn’t shown anyone else. Something that helped to calm him when she wasn’t here after he and Rat-boy fought sometimes.

He smirked. Yah, he would show her that. With that decided, he thought that he should go to bed, and send Tohru there too as she had dozed off on the couch. He smiled a little at the picture she made. She was sitting, well slumped now, on the couch. She had been reading a book, sitting in the corner with a light blanket draped over her legs.

He didn’t really want to wake her up. He pulled the blanket away from her legs, and took her book from her hands. He very carefully picked her up, making sure that she didn’t touch his chest in any way, and walked up the stairs. He didn’t want to transform and drop her to the floor, very rudely waking her.

He very carefully placed her on her bed, pulling her blanket over she sleeping form. He pulled back as she snuggled into her pillows. She looked so peaceful lying there. He couldn’t resist, so he leaned over her and placed a kiss on her forehead. She sighed and snuggled deeper into her pillows. He left her there, and went back downstairs to clean up then go to bed himself.

~*~

It was mid-morning by the time Kyo decided to get up. He knew without going downstairs, that Tohru was up, she had been for a while. He was wondering how to approach her about going where he wanted to go to show her what he decided to show her. It was a fair distance and they would have to leave by mid afternoon or so to get there on time.

He sighed. He would figure something out.

Tohru sighed as she was cleaning up the kitchen. She had just finished making snickerdoodle cookies. She had gotten the recipe from Hana-chan, who had gotten it from a distant cousin who lived in Canada. She hoped that Kyo liked them. They were a basic cookie rolled in cinnamon and sugar, and tasted really good with tea.

She was just sitting down to have a few cookies and a pot of tea when Kyo came down. She blushed a little when she remembered that she had fallen asleep on the couch, but woke up in her bed. She assumed that Kyo had put her in her bed.

She noticed that Kyo was blushing a little. “Thank you for taking me to bed Kyo-kun.” She whispered.

“It wasn’t a problem.” Kyo mumbled, his blush becoming more prominent. “There is somewhere I want to take you tonight. But we have to leave by mid afternoon to get there on time. Would you like to go?” He finished, his face very red.

Tohru was a little stunned at everything he had just blurted out. She really wanted to go with him today. She was excited at the prospect of going out.

“I take your silence as a no.” Kyo said as he turned to walk away.

“No!” Tohru said, as she reached for his arm to stop him. “I was just thinking that it would be nice to go out today. The weather is nice. So, yes Kyo-kun, I would like to go out with you this evening. Thank you.” She said politely.

“Should I pack us a dinner picnic?” Tohru asked.

“Yah. That would be great.” Kyo responded, excited that she had said yes. “Could you be ready by say 3:00?”

“Yes, I can have our picnic ready and be ready myself by then. Would you like to try one of these cookies Kyo-kun?” Tohru asked as she held the plate out to him.

Kyo eyed the cookies. They did smell good, and didn’t look that bad. He noticed that she had a cup of tea. “I’ll have some, if I could join you at the table with a cup of tea.” He said.

“Sure. I’ll get you a cup.” Tohru said. As she placed the plate of cookies on the table and turned to get Kyo a cup for his tea, he gripped her arm and placed her back in her chair.

“I’ll get it. You just sit and relax.” Kyo said as he released her arm and got his cup himself.

So, they had their tea and cookies then went their separate ways for the rest of the morning. Tohru made salmon sandwiches, lemon tea, and packed some of the strawberry tarts from yesterday. As well as almost two-dozen of the snickerdoodle cookies. She noticed that Kyo really enjoyed those this morning as he had eaten almost all of the cookies that she made this morning. So she made several more batches.

“Are you ready yet?” Kyo called up the stairs.

“I’m coming now, Kyo-kun.” Tohru called, as she raced down the stairs.

Kyo was breathless as he watched her coming down the stairs. She was wearing tan cargos, and a dark t-shirt. She had a light sweater on her arm, for if it got chilly later. She looked so happy, like she couldn’t wait to go out with him. Maybe he could consider the idea of dating her. Nah! She wouldn’t want to go out with someone like him.

“I’m ready Kyo-kun. Are you going to tell me where we are going?” Tohru questioned, interrupting his train of thought.

He smiled secretly. “No. I’m not going to tell you. But I will show you when we get there.” He said.

“Alright.” Tohru said. As she bent to pick up the picnic bag, Kyo took it from her.

“This is too heavy for you to carry how far we are going, so I’ll carry it.” He grunted as he picked up the bag. “What do you have in here anyway? Pots and pans?” Kyo teased as he helped her out of the house, and locked the door behind them.

They walked for nearly 2 hours into the forest that surrounds the house. Kyo had to help Tohru over some logs and fallen trees by holding her hand several times. He liked the feel of her hand in his, so after helping her over the last small ravine, he didn’t let go of her hand.

Tohru noticed this. She was enjoying the feel of his callused hand holding hers in a firm grip. She was grateful that he was holding her hand because she kept tripping over roots and with him holding her hand, she seemed to avoid those roots and branches that wanted to trip her up. She was starting to wonder when they were going to get to where they were going when Kyo pushed through some heavy foliage and led her to a small plateau.

“This is where we will be having dinner. Is that alright?” Kyo questioned.

“This place is beautiful Kyo.” Tohru breathed. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

The plateau looked out to a small lake that was surrounded by tall trees and beautiful flowers. It was absolutely breathtaking. The grass was so green. The sun was shinning off the water making it sparkle. There were birds singing in the trees, insects chirping. It was a very calming place.

“You haven’t seen the best part. But that won’t be for another hour or so. So how ‘bout we have some of the meal that you made for us?” Kyo responded.

“Alright. I brought along a blanket to lie on the ground. Will you help me by spreading it out?” Tohru asked shyly.

“Sure.” He responded, as he reached into the bag and pulled out said blanket and spread it over the most even patch of ground. Tohru picked up the bag and set it on the edge of the blanket, then took off her shoes as she sat down.

Kyo sat down opposite her and helped her take everything out of the bag. His mouth watered at the smell of the salmon sandwiches, strawberry tarts, those cookies from this morning, and two jugs of lemon tea.

They sat in silence while they ate, just listening to nature. It was a very peaceful place. When they had finished all they could, they packed the rest up back into the bag, and sat back, side by side with teas in their hands, staring at the lake.

“Kyo-kun?” Tohru said.

“Yes.” He responded.

“Thank you for bringing me here. This place must be very special to you. Thank you for sharing it with me.” She said, turning to look at him.

Kyo turned to look at her, noticing how close they were. “The best has yet to come.” He said. He grasped her chin and turned her to face where the sun was starting it’s decent. “Watch this.” He said as he released her chin, turning to look himself.

Tohru gasped at what she was watching. As the sun was setting, it turned all the treetops a bright orange, and the lake sparkled with the reflection of the sky, which was bright yellow where the sun was setting, and slowly turned a redish-orangeish color the farther away from the setting sun you looked.

It took Tohru’s breath away again. She gasped and started to tear up at the simple beauty that was in front of her, not noticing that her tears were running down her face.

Kyo turned to look at her reaction to the sunset and started to panic. Why was she crying? Didn’t she like it? So he asked her.

“Tohru, why are you crying? Don’t you like the view? We can leave if it upsets you.” He said as he started to get up.

Tohru grabbed his hand and held him in place as she continued to stare at the sun setting. Kyo was really starting to get worried. She didn’t say anything, just kept holding his hand between the two of hers. Tohru didn’t say anything until the sun had completely set, then she turned to Kyo, tears still shimmering on her lashes and down her cheeks.

“Kyo-kun,” She breathed. “That was absolutely beautiful. I am so very happy and so very thankful that you brought me here. Thank you so much Kyo-kun.” She said and she leaned towards him.

Kyo didn’t move as her lips lightly brushed his. As she was about to pull away he grasped her face between his hands and held her in place. This was too good of an opportunity to pass up. He gently eased her face back to his, keeping his eyes open and on hers, watching her reaction.

Tohru didn’t believe that she was so bold as to kiss Kyo. And now he was leaning down to kiss her again. She just stared at him, waiting for the touch of his lips on hers again. She heard him whisper something. She frowned slightly to show she didn’t hear what he had said.

Kyo noticed that she didn’t hear his question, so he smirked a little, and asked again. “May I kiss you, Tohru?” He whispered.

“Yes.” She breathed, as his lips came down on hers.

That sat there for some time, just kissing and gently touching each other’s heads, shoulders and arms. Soon Kyo noticed that Tohru was shivering from the cold, and not just his caresses. He pulled back and gazed down at the girl he had just made out with for the past hour. Even though it was dark, he could see that her cheeks were flushed, and her breathing was slightly erratic. He smiled to himself. He had done this to her, he felt a surge of pride. She was beautiful before, but now, with her lips swollen from his kisses, and her hair in slight disarray from his hands, she was absolutely breathtaking.

Kyo kissed her nose, and leaned back, pulling his hands from her hair. Tohru groaned as he pulled away. She didn’t want for him to stop, but she was starting to feel the cold now that he had pulled his warmth away. She shivered and looked up at Kyo. She didn’t know what to say to him.

Kyo smiled and got up, than held out his hand to her to help her up. She placed her hand in his and allowed him to help her to her feet. She looked up at him and smiled. She released his hand to put back on her shoes. Kyo looked for his, and when he noticed that she had hers on, he gathered up the blanket and folded it and placed it into the bag. Once he had the bag on his back he turned back to Tohru, noticing that she hadn’t moved after putting her shoes back on. He held out her sweater to her to help her put it on. She walked up to him, staring into his eyes, than turned and slid her arms into the sleeves. Once her sweater was on, Kyo turned her around to face him, his hands on her shoulders. He leaned down once more and kissed her again, real quick. Then he grabbed her hand, and proceeded to walk them back to the house, taking their time.

It was almost midnight by the time the made it back to the house. On the way, they didn’t say a word to each other. Kyo did stop every now and then to kiss her again and again. She didn’t protest once. She just wished that there was some way that she could hold him close to her without him transforming. But she really enjoyed his kisses. They left her breathless and lightheaded.

Once they were in sight of the house, Kyo stopped again. But he didn’t turn to kiss Tohru this time. He just stared at the house. Things were different now. He wanted to spend more time alone with Tohru, with out that stupid Rat-boy getting in the way. But he knew that he would have to be subtle about his attention to her. If he expressed too much interest, Shigure would never let him hear the end of it, and if he didn’t pay her any attention like he usually did, she would most likely think that she had done something wrong and blame herself. So, he figured that he would have to explain to her his feelings and see what she felt about him. He only hoped that she liked him in return.

Tohru glanced up at Kyo when he stopped and stared at the house. She figured that he was worried about how they would act around the others. She sighed quietly. It was time that they sat down and talked about what to do. She tugged on Kyo’s hand, pulling him towards the house. He followed her as she led him to the house. He unlocked the door and ushered her in the house.

Tohru turned to Kyo and placed her hand on his bicep. “Kyo, I think we need to talk. How about we both get changed into warmer clothes, and we have some tea in the living room?”

Kyo looked down into her face. “Yah. That sounds like a good idea. But first,” he finished as he reached for her shoulders, bending down to kiss her once again. When he released her, they were both breathless. Tohru had gripped his biceps when he had pulled her closer to him, but not close enough that he would transform. She loosened her grip on his arms slowly, needing the stability.

“I’ll meet you down here in 10 minutes, ’K?” Kyo said.

Tohru just nodded at him. Kyo smirked as he gently pushed her towards the stairs. She slowly made her way up to her room to change. As she got into her pajamas, she started thinking about what had happened today. Her kissing Kyo was an unexpected treat. Never mind that he had kissed her back, and seemed to enjoy it. She could only hope that he wanted to continue their new relationship. She wasn’t stupid. She knew that it would be hard with the others around. She sighed. There was no use just sitting here wondering what was to happen to them. She had best go down and talk with Kyo.

Once she got downstairs, she noticed that Kyo was still upstairs changing. So she went into the kitchen to make a pot of tea for them to help warm them both up. She was humming to herself when two strong arms came out and trapped her against the counter. She eeped, and would have backed up into Kyo except he used one of his hands to quickly spin her round before she touched his chest, and pressed her to the counter.

Kyo smirked when he noticed that Tohru was a little disoriented from him spinning her around. He lowered his face to the juncture of her neck and shoulder and inhaled her scent. He felt Tohru shiver in response, as her hands came up to grip his biceps.

“K-Kyo? What are you doing?” She stuttered breathlessly.

“Relaxing.” He stated matter-of-factly.

The teakettle that was on the stove behind Kyo, started to whistle, startling Tohru. She blinked up at Kyo who had pulled his face away at the sound of the kettle. She than ducked under his arm and went to stop the annoying sound. She gave a little sigh as she lifted the kettle and poured the hot water into the teapot. She was feeling tingly from where Kyo had smelt her neck. She was also a little breathless from his spinning her around. She was really enjoying the attention that she was getting from Kyo. She just wondered how long it would last. Tohru sighed again as she picked up the teapot, and turned to find that Kyo had already grabbed the cups for them and was waiting for her to go ahead of him to the living room.

After they had settled themselves, both sitting on the floor in front of the couch, neither one knew how to really start the conversation. Neither wanted to be the first to express their feelings first. Finally Kyo couldn’t take not touching her or saying anything any more, so he reached for her hand, and brought it to his lips for a kiss.

“Tohru,” He started nervously. “I … um … I really care for you a lot, and um … I would really like for us to explore these … feelings that I have towards you. I would really like to know … um … how do you feel about me?” He finished.

Tohru looked at the blushing and nervous boy in front of her. Should she tell him her true feelings? She really wanted to have a relationship with him. “Kyo-kun,” She said quietly. “I really care for you too. Um … Kyo … I … um … I love you.” She stated staring right into his eyes. “I love you, not just because of my childhood fascination with you in the zodiac. But because you are you, Kyo-kun. And I would really like to explore those feelings that you have with you,” She bent her head some and peeked at him through her eyelashes. “Maybe we could even have a relationship of sorts. Do you like that idea, Kyo-kun?” She finished quietly.

Kyo stared at her, stunned at all that she had just said. She loved him? For himself? Not just because of the zodiac? He could feel some sort of emotion rising within him. He didn’t feel this emotion often, so it seemed almost foreign. But he recognized it as happiness. He was very happy that she had not only accepted him as he was, but also for whom he was. He wanted to crush her to him, but couldn’t because of the curse. Wait, he had an idea.

He leaned forward and kissed Tohru on her lips, lingering abit. When he pulled back he shifted her so she was farther from the couch, no longer leaning on it. He got up and grabbed a pillow from the couch than settled himself behind her, the pillow between his chest and her back. He then wrapped his arms around her, carefully keeping the pillow between them to stop his transformation.

Tohru sighed. She finally got to feel his arms around her and it was heavenly. “Kyo.” She sighed as she leaned carefully back into him.

Kyo nuzzled his face into the juncture of her neck and shoulder, breathing in her scent. “Tohru,” he rumbled. “I love you.”

Tohru sighed at his words and angled her head to the side, giving him better access to her neck. “I love you too, Kyo.”

They sat there like that for so long that they both fell asleep. The day before had taken its toll out on both of them. Tohru had snuggled into his chest, resting her head back on his shoulder. Kyo had tightened his hold on her, his head resting on her shoulder. Neither one of them heard the car approach nor the doors close. They also never heard the three people come into the house than stop and stare at the two of them in the living room.

A throat cleared, startling the two in the living room. Kyo was the first to wake up completely. He scowled over at the doorway, noticing the three people standing there staring at them.

Kyo gently nudged Tohru awake. She smiled slightly, and looked in the same direction that he was. She stifled a gasp, and tried to scramble up, but Kyo held onto her hand as she pushed away from him, keeping contact between them.

“Oh! Sohma-kun, Shigure-san! We weren’t expecting you back so soon. Did you have a nice trip?” Tohru babbled, embarrassed at being caught where she was. She was expecting to tell the others, but she wasn’t expecting for them to walk in on her and Kyo still in their first real embrace.

“We came back a little early so you could meet Akito-san.” Shigure explained with a half smirk/leer. “But it seems although our timing is a little off. Wouldn’t you agree, Yuki-kun?” He asked, looking at Yuki.

Yuki was staring at Tohru and Kyo’s linked hands, as Kyo refused to allow Tohru to let go, he even gripped her hand tighter at Yuki’s look, and glared at him.

“Yes, unfortunate timing.” Yuki agreed quietly. He gestured to the third man standing between himself and Shigure. “Tohru, I would like for you to meet Akito Sohma. He is the head of our family. Akito-san, I would like to introduce to you Tohru Honda, our housemate and friend.” He finished the introduction gesturing back to Tohru.

Tohru stepped forward, dragging Kyo, as he refused to let go of her hand still, and she bowed low. “It is my pleasure to meet you Akito Sohma. Thank you for allowing me to live here with Shigure-san, Sohma-kun, and Kyo-kun.” She said bowing low again.

“The pleasure is mine, Tohru-san.” Akito responded. “How are you, Kyo? Still getting into fights with Yuki?” He asked, shifting his attention to the young man.

Kyo shifted his feet a little, avoiding the question. “I’m doing alright.” He replied.

Tohru gasped. “Where are my manners? Akito-san, would you care to come in and I shall make tea for all of us?”

Akito smiled. “Thank you, Tohru-san. Yes, I would like to sit and share some tea with you and everyone here. I have heard many good things about your cooking. I don’t suppose you have anything baked here that we could snack on?”

Tohru smiled widely. “Yes. I do have some tarts left from Kyo-kun’s and my baking the other day. Would you like to try some?” Tohru asked.

“Kyo baked?!” Shigure exclaimed, surprised. Yuki looked surprised as well. He knew that Tohru usually refused help in the kitchen. He looked at the man in question. Kyo had an embarrassed flush on his cheeks, but he was looking proudly back.

“Yes, I helped Tohru bake the tarts.” He said a little defensively.

“They are really good.” Tohru exclaimed. “Let me go make the tea and get the tarts.” She offered. As she went to pull her hand from Kyo’s, she could feel his reluctance to release her, so she gave his hand a little squeeze before she went to the kitchen to prepare tea and tarts.

“Shall we?” Akito asked, gesturing to the dining area.

Everyone went in and sat, waiting for Tohru to return. But Akito had a little business he needed to take care of. “So,” He started, gazing at all the other men at the table. “Tohru is a really nice girl, she obviously cares for all of you, correct?” He asked.

“Yes, she takes care of us.” Yuki replied first.

“Yes,” Shigure agreed enthusiastically. “Our little flower takes very good care of us. She makes sure that we are all fed, and that everything here runs smoothly.” He finished with a grin.

Kyo didn’t say anything. He figured the others basically covered it all. Akito must have agreed, as he continued with his questions.

“So Kyo, have you managed to beat Yuki in a battle yet?” Akito asked innocently, as Tohru walked in.

“You know damn well that I haven’t beaten that damn Rat in a fight yet!” Kyo exploded. “Anything I try and do to beat him doesn’t work!” he finished more quietly, almost defeated.

“Kyo,” Tohru said quietly as she set the tray on the table. “Don’t give in to anything so easily. There is a fighting spirit within you, and I’m sure it doesn’t want for you to give up on your dreams. And I don’t wish to see you give up so easily either. That just isn’t you. So be true to yourself, and nothing you do will ever be worthless. Just think of it as a new learning experience. You just have to learn from your previous mistakes, and create a better plan of action. That’s all.” She stated matter-of-factly as she served the tea. “And if you ever lose faith again, always remember that I have faith in you, Kyo.” She finished quietly, as she sat down next to him and had a sip of her tea.

All through out her speech, she had the attention of all the men, but Akito had kept an eye on the expressions that crossed Kyo and Yuki’s faces. So that’s the way things are, he thought in his head. So the battle is almost won.

Akito looked at Tohru, who was staring into her tea, avoiding everyone’s gaze. He looked at Kyo, so was sitting there, stunned at all that Tohru had said. He looked at Yuki, who also looked stunned.

“So Tohru, I can see that you care for all the men here, but one more than the others, yes?” Akito asked.

“Yes,” Tohru admitted quietly. “While I do care for Shigure-san and Sohma-kun, it is Kyo-kun who holds my heart.”

“And Tohru holds my heart.” Kyo stated.

“Yes that much is obvious.” Akito stated. Than he dropped his bomb. “But did either of you realize that Kyo wasn’t the only one to love Tohru? That Yuki here also loves her?”

Tohru gasped and looked at Yuki. “Is this true, Sohma-kun?”

Yuki glared at Akito, than turned to Tohru and Kyo who were waiting for his answer. “Yes, it is true. I have loved you, Tohru from the moment that I spoke to you when we were in my garden, protecting it from the storm. You are everything that I hope that one day I can be. I only hope that we can still be friends.” He said quietly.

“And Kyo,” Yuki continued, looking at him. “If you hurt her in any way, I will give you the biggest beat-down that you have ever received.” He growled.

“And just what is that supposed to mean, you stupid rat?” Kyo exclaimed.

“It means,” Shigure interrupted. “That Yuki still loves her, but is letting her go. He is backing down from this battle so as not to hurt Tohru’s feelings.”

Akito looked at Yuki. “Is this true? You are backing down from this fight? Will you let the Cat win this battle?” Akito questioned quietly.

“Yes, I am backing down. He has won Tohru’s love. All I ever had was her affection. He wins.” Yuki stated quietly as he rose to leave.

“Yuki-kun!” Tohru said. “Please don’t leave.” She cried as she got up to stop him, she tripped, and out of reflex, Yuki reached to catch her before she fell. She hit his chest, with a solid thunk. But he didn’t transform.

Yuki looked down in confusion at the girl he was holding in his arms. “What is going on here?” He questioned. He looked at Akito. “Why didn’t I transform?”

“More importantly,” Kyo said angrily as he got up. “Why are you still holding my girlfriend?”

Yuki looked down. There was Tohru, still held in his arms. He released her as she pulled away, turning to Kyo. “Now Kyo-kun,” Tohru started, but she tripped again and landed right in Kyo’s arms. He didn’t transform either.

By now Shigure was on his feet and at a complete loss. He looked at Akito who was still sitting down taking everything in that was going on. “Akito, I have a funny feeling that you know what is going on. Why haven’t either of them transformed when Tohru embraced them?” Shigure asked.

Akito sighed. “If you will all sit down, I will explain.”

Yuki resumed his seat. Kyo still had a hold on Tohru. He still couldn’t believe that he was now holding her with no pillow between them. He could feel her heart pounding next to his. He didn’t wish to release her, but he knew that he had to. He had to know why this was suddenly possible. He sighed and slowly released her, but he kept a hold on her hand, he just didn’t wish to let her go yet.

Tohru pulled away from Kyo. She had felt his heart pounding next to hers, and she felt his arms tighten around her just before he released her. They both sat down again, but Kyo wouldn’t let her hand go.

“So, the reason why you two can suddenly hold Tohru and not transform is because the curse has been broken. As long as the Cat and the Rat got along, or tolerated each other, the curse would remain. But, the moment the Cat won a battle or contest against the Rat, the curse would be broken. Now it was unfair of me to use you Tohru for this reason, but all of us in the Sohma family are tired of the bickering between the Cat and the Rat, and it was decided many years ago that if the Cat won anything against the Rat, the curse would be broken. Why do you think the Cat and Rat have been so competitive for years? To break the curse.

“Now before you go and possibly blame these two Tohru, let me tell you that they knew nothing of this competition. It was decided long ago, before any of this generation, heck, it must have been three or four generations ago that this was decided. And the only one to know of it was the “God”, and he or she was not to tell anyone. They were to let the two fight it out. No hints on the fact that there was a way to break the curse, and that it rested on the shoulders of two. This is why I asked Yuki if he was backing down from the fight, allowing Kyo to win. The only battle thus far that Kyo has won against Yuki. And therefore, breaking the curse.” Akito finished. He looked around at the stunned people around him, and chuckled silently to himself.

“A…Akito,” Tohru spoke up. “There is no more curse? Everyone is free? Everyone can now live normal lives? Can touch anyone, hug, kiss?”

Akito smiled at her. “Yes Tohru. Everyone is free of this curse, even Shigure.” He smirked. “Whom I believe is waiting for his turn for a hug from you I believe, just to prove that this curse is indeed broken. Do you wish to test it with him?” He said slyly.

Tohru looked at Shigure, who was giving his best impression of puppy-dog eyes. She sighed. She wanted to know if it was just a fluke with Yuki and Kyo as well. Tohru stood up and was going to walk to Shigure, but Kyo still refused to let her go.

“You think that I am going to let you hug that pervert? I don’t think so!” Kyo said angrily, while glaring at Shigure.

“Don’t you want to know if it was a fluke, or if the curse is indeed broken?” Tohru said. “I don’t want for any of you to be in anymore pain from this thing. There is no one else here to test the theory. Let me go Kyo-kun. Let me find out for you. Please.” She finished quietly.

Kyo looked at her, than looked at Shigure. “No groping, no touching her. She will hug you, not you hug her. Understood?” He glared at Shigure.

Shigure put his hands up in surrender. “No groping.” He agreed with a grin on his face.

Kyo got up to keep an eye on him as Tohru walked over to hug Shigure. She reached around him and gently let her chest touch his. He also didn’t transform. Tohru was so excited she clasped him tighter and squealed.

Kyo growled low in his throat, as Shigure’s arms came around Tohru to keep her from falling to the floor. “Let. Her. Go.” He said quietly, but forcefully.

Shigure’s hands automatically came up and off the bouncing girl. She turned and ran into Yuki’s arms, still squealing. “You’re all free!” She said. Running around to hug them all, even Akito. When she got to Kyo she threw her arms around him and kissed him. Kyo blushed, but held on to her tightly.

“Well, I guess my work here is done.” Akito said, as he got ready to leave.

“Thank you Akito for coming.” Tohru said from Kyo’s arms. He still wouldn’t let her go.

“Yes, thank you Akito for coming and helping in breaking the curse.” Yuki added.

“I did nothing. I was just in the right place at the right time. Now goodbye, and I hope to see all of you at the main house in one week to celebrate the end of this curse.” He said as he turned to leave. “Oh! I also wish for Tohru to attend, gentlemen. Please ensure she shows as well as the rest of you. And dress in your best, this is not going to be a pizza party. Goodbye” And Akito turned and left.

“Well,” Shigure said quietly. “Where do we go from here?”

“I don’t know. But, it will be one heck of a ride, don’t ya think Kyo, Tohru?” Yuki asked.

“Yah. One hell of a ride.” Kyo agreed.

“Indeed.” Agreed Tohru.

Akito popped his head back through the door. “Um … I came here in Shigure’s car. Don’t suppose you could give me a lift home?”

Shigure laughed. Kyo and Tohru snickered, while Yuki shook his head. “I shall accompany you and Shigure to the main house. I wish to start celebrating early with the rest of the Zodiac.” Yuki said

“Sohma-kun,” Tohru said, putting her hand on his arm. “I don’t want for things to change for the worse between us. Please, can we still be friends?”

“Tohru, you will always be my friend. That will never change. I just wish to be the one to tell the other Zodiac members that the curse is broken, and to ensure that all is set for your visit to the main house.” He said.

“Yuki,” Kyo said. “I hope that we too can be friends. To put all this crappy feuding behind us. Agreed?” he finished, putting his hand out to shake.

“Yah. No more feuding.” Yuki agreed, shaking Kyo’s hand.

“Come on slowpoke,” Shigure called from the doorway. “The light is a wasting. Let’s get this party started!”

“Shigure, you idiot. The party is next week, when Tohru arrives. Not once we get there!” Yuki called as he walked to he car. He turned to wave at the couple still standing in the doorway. They did make a cute couple, he thought as he got into the car with Shigure and Akito.

Tohru sighed as she watched Shigure drive away. She felt Kyo’s arms come around her in a tight embrace. “I never got to thank you for breaking the curse.” He rumbled in her ear.

Tohru shivered and turned in Kyo’s arms, putting her own around his neck, thrilling in the fact that she could now do this without him transforming.

“And how do you plan on doing that, hmm?” She questioned.

“Well,” he said as he pulled her back into the house. “I know of this place, it is peaceful, quiet, and beautiful. According to a very reliable source, anyway. And I was thinking an all-day over-night picnic, with a very talented cook creating the meal, and I lug it up for us there. If this is good for you, of course.” He finished.

“Sounds good.” Tohru agreed. “But what will we do until then? It is still mid-afternoon, and I could start the prepping of the meals now …” She trailed off with a grin.

Kyo growled at her. “I have a few ideas, starting with going back to where we were interrupted this morning.” He said, pulling her into the living room.

Tohru giggled. This was going to be a fun relationship. Yah, they would disagree, but they would always work things through, after he cooled down. Kyo pulled her down in front of him, putting her back to his chest, without the pillow between them.

Yah, they would be fine, he thought as he leaned down to kiss her. Just fine.