Author's Note: I am depressed. So is everyone else in this scene - so why not write it.

Baby Steps 4

Returning

Tohru slowly pulled her shoes off at the door. She had waited for two hours for Kyo to come back to the scooter, but finally had to give up. Dinner was waiting. There were only two other pairs of shoes next to her own, so he had not returned on foot. Frowning, she slid the door open and made her way to the kitchen. Before she made it, a strong arm caught her around the waist.

Tohru, you seem upset.

She pasted a smile on her face before turning to her fiancé. Nothing's wrong.

Yuki's deep violet eyes were slightly clouded. Kyo didn't return with you. Has something happened?

She sighed, knowing that he could read her perfectly. Turning in his arms, she rested her head on his shoulder. His creamy silk shirt felt soothing against her cheek. He - I upset him and I'm not sure if he can forgive me.

She braced herself for his withdrawal, but he only tightened his hold. His naturally soft voice lowered to almost a growl. What did he do?

Tohru shook her head rapidly. It wasn't him. Well, it kinda was, but I should have known how he would feel. I don't know if he'll ever come back.

What did he do?

This time she wrapped her own arms around his chest. He kissed me. He stiffened and stepped back, but she held on. He kissed me, then apologized. I forgave him, and then he left.

That damn cat! He struggled to break away.

Yuki! It was nothing! Leave him alone! When he wouldn't listen, she reached up and forcefully turned his face towards her. He froze as she scolded, You're acting immature, Prince, and you aren't listening to me.

Yuki tried to glare at her, but her fingers had begun stroking through the hair at his temples. His anger quickly melted. Her own frustration faded and she smiled. I'm flattered that you want to go to my rescue, but it isn't needed. I think Kyo is more hurt than either of us. We have each other, but he's feeling very alone.

Yuki pulled her to him abruptly and buried his face in the crook of her neck. By all the spirits, Tohru -

She giggled. I love you too.

Doesn't mean I won't still kill him when he gets back.

Yuki, please don't - for my sake?

Why not?

Because he already knows. I can't feel anything more than friendship for him. She leaned up to kiss him. I have to go fix dinner.

Reluctantly he released her but not before deliberately tugging on one of her hair ribbons so that it came undone. Dodging her swat, he stepped into the living room. Shigure was reading his daily paper and smoking a cigarette. He gave Yuki a raised eyebrow when the silver haired young man sat down.

You do know that paper walls let sound travel.

So? You could always not listen.

I'm a perve, remember?

Yuki only gave him a sharp glare. The once-canine grinned back. But then you don't take much effort in hiding your relationship anymore.

So do you think he deserves what's coming to him?

Shigure blinked and set down his paper. Are you going to do him in even after what your beloved Tohru asked?

Answer the question.

Shigure sighed and blew a smoke ring at the ceiling. Not that it really matters, but I thought the last minute heroic attempt of the cat trying to win the affections of his love to be quite romantic. But it is Kyo we're talking about. And it is your wedding on the line.

Yuki nodded slowly, then stood and walked to the door. Shigure picked his paper back up and spoke from behind it, So you're going then? What do I say to Tohru when she calls you for dinner?

Tell her I'll be back soon. I had to check on the garden.

And when she looks out the window to see you aren't there?

That I'll be back soon.

Shigure sighed. Fine, fine.

Yuki pulled on his shoes and pulled the scooter out from it's shed. Walking down the road a piece to hid the noise of the motor, he drove straight for the old high school.

Kyo had wadded his jacket up to create a pillow. Watching the sky fade from blue, to orange, pink, violet, and then the slow slide into deep indigo. His mind was strangely blank. All he could do was watch the sky and wait for the chill of night. Even at the sound of approaching footsteps, he did not move. Someone was climbing the ladder to his old hideaway on top of the equipment shed.

The last rays of sunlight created a halo around the dominating form of Yuki as he looked down at the motionless form at his feet. Kyo gave him a weak smile.

Go ahead. I deserve every bit.

Yuki's hands were clenched, but his voice was steady. I ought to beat your brains out.

Then why don't you?

Because at the same time, I can't blame you for trying one last time.

Kyo looked away, shamed. She asked you not to. Well go ahead. I won't tell. I'll probably never see her again.

Yuki reached down and grabbed the cat boy by the shirt and hauled him upright. You moron! She asked you to give her away, right? Do you know how much you would hurt her if you simply disappeared?

Red-brown eyes blinked in surprise.

I think I'll hunt you down if you pull a stunt like that.



Yuki let him go and turned his back. We both love Tohru, but the choice was ultimately up to her. Do you respect her choice? Not me - but her decision?

Kyo swallowed hard.

Then I'll forgive you through her. But if you ever do anything to hurt her, then I will do anything and everything to make sure you pay for it.

Kyo felt the corner of his mouth twitch. I'm sure I'd do the same.

Yuki gave him a calculating glance out of the corner of his eye. We agree then?

Standing and brushing off his hands, Kyo offered a handshake. Yuki took it.

For Tohru.

Author's note: I think that's the end folks! Thanks a million!