Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket, Natsuki Takaya does.

Hello everyone! After a long, long, long, hiatus I'm finally back. I can't tell you how sorry I am for being gone for so long, and I won't make excuses. I just hope I have still have readers out there that are willing to see this through the end with me.

Thank you to all the reviewers that encouraged me to continue with the story. I can't express how much it means to me that readers are enjoying it. Now I won't bore you anymore; and here's a long awaited chapter.

Chapter 15

Day 4

"I really hate to say this since you are Tohru's prince, but what are you and what have you done to the ice prince?" Hana asked with a hint of amusement in her voice when Yuki just happened to stop by their small group. She would never voice it out but she liked this Yuki better than the silent cold prince. Yes, Tohru really had worked her magic on him just as he had on her. Her instincts were right; they would make a great couple once they got over their obstacles. And they would have her to help them along the way. She was going to enjoy this.

"This was just lying around the house, and I decided this would be a good time as any to put it on. Oh yeah...Tohru, I have something to ask you," Yuki started as he walked near her, grinning when he heard her laugh. He stepped closer and leaned his face inches away from her blushing one. If he knew her like he thought he did, she was probably thinking of their kiss last night. God knows how many times that had played in his head last night and this morning.

Tohru blushed, seeing how close his face was to hers and couldn't help but think of the gentle kiss they had shared last night with his soft lips, and hot breath. Wow, just thinking of it was making her feel a little hot under the collar, and it wasn't helping her seeing his gorgeous face so early in the morning. He really knew how to make her head spin, and her heart go crazy. Although to be honest, she really didn't know how to act in front of the guy she recently just kissed. She didn't want to be all gooey in case he had already forgotten about it.

Natural, just act natural she told herself and quickly swallowed before she answered him. Yeah, it would be embarrassing if her voice sounded all weird when she talked to him.

Man, looking at him, did his eyelashes grow longer overnight? Oh my, did his eyes always sparkle this bright of purple? Geez, did his chin look so rock solid last night? What in the world happened from last night to this morning? He looked...he looked so darn hot it was starting to give her fantasies just standing here. Something was wrong with her, there had to be. She never had an urge to touch a guy's chin, but looking at that hard angular shape, she just wanted to run her finger down it and test the texture. Up and down, it would feel hard and smooth; yes, actually how this felt. Wait...surprisingly her imagination was feeling quite real, a little too real.

Oh mother help me, it felt real because it was real. Like an idiot, she was standing by Hana and Uo and feeling up Yuki's jaw. Go ahead earth, open up and swallow me whole. Don't leave anything behind, she commanded, calling herself different names she could come up with for acting like a pervert.

She dropped her hands, and let out a small laugh at the silent group. "Whoops, Yuki had a small smudge that I wanted to wipe off. There you go, all gone; now what was that you wanted to ask me?" she acted as if nothing was out of the ordinary, hoping they would let her get away with it. Of course with Hana and Uo, it was a lost cause.

"I don't know if it's just me, but I seem to detect our Tohru is a little friendlier to the prince than usual. What do you think, Hana?" asked Uo as she crossed her arms in front of her and waited for an answer. Yes, there seemed to be a different atmosphere around the two that seemed to say it was just the two of them in their own little world. Don't get her wrong, she wanted Tohru to get together with the person that could make her happy, but if the prince went further than necessary at this early stage of their relationship, he was going to have the time of his life meeting his maker. Count on it.

"I think you're right, Arisa. I sense flowers in their vision, and Tohru doing the slow motion walk in his eyes. That blush is quite becoming of her this early in the morning, don't you agree Yuki?" Hana asked, turning her serious gaze over at the blushing prince. They were more alike than they knew. They were going to have so many good-looking children. Maybe she could negotiate with the both of them, and settle for seven nieces and nephews. Seven was a lucky number.

Yuki felt like a deer caught in headlights. How was he supposed to answer them? He couldn't come out and say, why yes, something did happen. I kissed her to the point I lost all sense, and I wouldn't mind doing it again. Can I have your blessing to maul your best friend?

Oh yeah, he could imagine his painful demise before his funeral, that was if they gave him a funeral. What to say, what should I say? With a faint blush still on his cheeks, he looked at both of them, and opened his mouth to answer but was saved by the bell. "Oh look, the warning bell. We should go in before we're late," he breathed a sign of relief and waited until they were both a couple of feet away before grabbing Tohru's hand to tug her in the opposite direction. "You guys go on ahead, I have to ask Miss Honda a quick question," he threw over his shoulder, not waiting for an answer as he pulled them behind the school.

He breathed a sigh of relief to get away from the firing squad then looked into the face that had taken over his every thought. If he could have predicted the future a week ago, he would have never thought he had the chance to fall in love with someone willing to open her arms, and embrace him with an open heart. Granted she hasn't said she loved him, but being one of her friends was good for now. Well, maybe a little more than a good friend since they did share a kiss between them. Yeah, he definitely wouldn't mind if there was something more. That was if he was normal, and since he wasn't; maybe he didn't have the right to even think of that. She deserved someone that could give her everything and protect her from harm. And he was the last person to do that.

Every waking minute, he was afraid to look over his shoulder just in case the freedom he had would be taken away. Was that really someone that could protect her if he couldn't even protect himself? He hadn't realized he was frowning until a soft hand gently caressed his eyebrows and trailed down to lay on his face. His eyes came into focus and came to view her tender expression.

"Whatever you're thinking, Yuki, just remember you have me to share it with. I have a shoulder you can lean on, and take the advice I often use," Tohru whispered, feeling her heart dip at his frown. That one action spoke to her more than he could ever know. He looked so lonely that she wanted to wrap her arms around him, and promise he would never be lonely again. But she couldn't say that, considering he still seemed to keep her at a distance. Granted, she was closer to him than he had ever let anyone on the outside world be but still, she wouldn't mind being closer to him.

"And that advice would be?" Yuki asked, taking a gentle hold of the ends of a small section of her hair. He said it once and he would gladly repeat it again, he loved how soft and silky her hair felt. He could run his fingers through the strands for hours, and still be entertained.

Tohru smiled and used her two index fingers to touch the corners of his lips to push them up. "As the saying goes, turn that frown upside down," she laughed then smiled up at him as she noticed his eyes brighten up. She really could look into his eyes forever. They were so beautiful and expressive when he wanted them to be. But what captured her the most; was the small hope that sprang up every time he smiled. It was so easy to laugh and smile with him just near.

"Since I'm with you, Miss Honda, it's easy to take that advice to good use. Now I need a favor to ask of you, Miss Honda," Yuki said softly, slightly leaning closer to her. He rested his palms just above her head and leaned closer until his lips barely touched her ear. A fragrance of strawberries teased his senses until he felt the urge just to take a nibble of her delicate ear. Geez, Shigure was right; once a teenage guy's notices a girl, it's hard not to be warped.

Tohru's breath caught in her throat, feeling his light breathing on her ear. She closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of him spread within her. This moment, this exact moment, the urge to stay by him until she took her last breath overwhelmed her to the point she wanted to wrap her arms around him and hold him tight. She wanted him to promise her forever if possible. She wanted to wake up and see his smiling face by hers. She wanted...she wanted...him to have his freedom.

And in order for him to have his freedom, she couldn't demand anything from him. Her mind knew that, she knew that, but her heart was telling her to love him with everything she had and hold him close. No, she had to get a hold of herself. She wasn't going to be selfish and demand such juvenile wants because in the end, she would end up alone if he rejected her. She was better off being his friend than not being anything at all to him. Eventually she would learn to accept that.

She breathed his spicy scent one last time, then looked at him and asked, "What was the favor you wanted to ask?" She unconsciously laid a hand on his arm as she waited for his answer. She could almost dream what his favor would be.

"Miss Honda, my favor-my favor...oh, I can't stop myself anymore. Just this once, let me lose control and ravish your sweet lips," Without an answer, he dramatically dipped her back.

Tohru blushed and put a hand to her cheek. "We shouldn't, Yuki; we're in school. What happens if we get caught?"

"I don't care anymore; I need you like I have never needed anyone before. Please, say yes; I'm begging you. I'll perish if I don't have your lips soon," he sighed just inches from her lips.

"Well...if you put it that way, I'll permit you." She relented, closing her eyes to wait for his lips. And waited...and waited until-

"Miss Honda? Miss Honda, are you okay?" Tohru was snapped out of her fantasy as her name was being called, and if being caught daydreaming wasn't embarrassing enough, smacking him in the cheek with her head sure was. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Yuki! Are you hurt? I'm sorry!" She patted his cheek gently, checking for any injures; not that she really knew what to look for.

Yuki laughed at how cute she looked, she really was someone different. "For that Miss Honda, you have to agree to my favor," he murmured, softly caressing her cheek with a hand. Hey, a touch for a touch; it was only right.

"Okay, to make up for that; I agree to your bidding."

With a mischievous grin, he lowered his lips to ear and whispered his request. Ten minutes later, he grinned as they walked, hand in hand, down the corridor of their school to their classroom and met with laughter as they walked in. "Yuki, how did I end up like this if I'm the master?" Tohru whispered through the side of her mouth, listening to their classmates hoot and holler.

"You two are late, but with those costumes I'll let it pass. I must admit, your thought was put nicely together. It's not everyday I get to see a wiener like you, "their teacher praised as he laughed at the two of them.

"Thank you; it was all Miss Honda's wonderful idea." Yuki grinned, bowing to his waist. It would have been elegant if he hadn't hit the teacher with his butt of his costume.

Tohru couldn't help laughing as she watched Yuki try to help the teacher up but it seemed to do more harm than good. "Yuki, I think we should take our seats." She grabbed his hand and tugged him over their desks with her cheeks burning at all the jokes that were beginning to sprout.

"I knew he had a good physique, but his buns are looking mighty firm…" a guy sitting next to Yuki's joked.

"I wouldn't mind taking a bite of that to see how juicy it really is," A girl in the back yelled.

"If I take a sip of her, what flavor do you think will I get?" Back and forth it went until Tohru hid her face in the back of Yuki's costume. It was embarrassing, yet the atmosphere was easy and comfortable.

Yuki felt the slight pressure on his back and knew Tohru was the cause. He grinned as he looked around, and opened his mouth to speak. "Now, my fellow classmates; I know how envious everyone must be since I look so compatible with Miss Honda, but it's not often you see what a perfect match like us can be. And for those that want to know, the flavor for today is cherry coke. Sweet, yet a little bit tart; just how I like it," he finished, attempting to sit but found out he couldn't fit so he ended up taking her hand and sitting in the back of the classroom. He looked over at her and smiled. He was rewarded with a smile back at him, and couldn't believe he had said all that in front of others; and instead of looking disdainfully at him, the guys had laughed and the girls had squealed.

Yes, he was content sitting next to her being the matched couple; the hotdog and his coke.

"Um...Yuki...I...ah...need help getting up...I...this is so embarrassing..." A red-faced Tohru murmured, holding out her hand as normally as possible considering her current position at the moment. Somehow she had tipped over during class, and for the life of her; she couldn't sit back up. If that wasn't mortifying enough, as she was trying to right herself, all she kept on doing had been rolling back and forth until she just lay there blinking up at Yuki; whom had gracefully stood up as if he was in his normal school uniform. Why was it every time she was near this seemingly perfect prince, she made a complete and utter fool of herself. Somewhere or sometime she had stepped on the wrong side of the Gods, in order to be in these kinds of predicaments.

But then again, there were always pros to these situations she thought as she felt his hand slip over hers and gently help her up. Gosh, he really knew how to make a girl feel dizzy with all his chivalry that was rare in males nowadays. Feeling a rush of heat spread through her cheeks as she glanced into his face, Tohru soon forgot her embarrassment, and not to mention the rest of the class, as she felt wrapped up in the warmth of his soft smile. She would give almost anything to entwine her arms around his neck, and lean her head on his chest just to see how safe it felt to have the man she loved hold her with his inner strength. Just thinking about the idea, Tohru felt a sensation of various emotions spread through her to the point she wanted nothing more than to tell him every little secret she held in her heart.

How does one calm one self when it is presented with such a delectable morsel that tempts even the saintly of saints? Tohru wondered as she lost herself gazing into the morsel's expressive eyes. She knew she was getting more deranged by the second if she was starting to think of him as food she wanted to gobble up. She really was starting to wonder where her sanity was going. She didn't know it was good being in love or something to be pitied if everyone thought like her. If they did, she wouldn't be surprised if people came to school with bite marks. Heaven help them all if they did.

Caught up in the moment, she framed his face with her hands, and moved to stroke his cheeks and his nose with her thumbs. She loved the feel of him under her hands as she traced his flawless cheeks and perfectly molded nose. She memorized the bone structure, every little detail as if this was the last time she would be able to touch him. She didn't ever want to forget one single touch or glance they shared. This was her precious memories she wanted of him, and all of them; the good and the bad, were perfect.

Yuki felt the breath he tried to inhale, freeze in his throat when he felt Tohru's hand touch his face. He had found amusement watching her try to sit up, although not in a bad way. He was thinking more in the lines of how utterly cute she looked rolling back and forth, and when she asked him for help, he was more than happy to help. As if he could say no. She didn't seem to realize how much damage she could do to him if she figured out he was willing to give him self to her. If only he could come out, and say it to the rest of the world. If only he had enough guts to stand up for what he wanted to believe in.

But at this very second, the ifs and what not flew out the window as he felt her delicate hands move over his skin; branding him with her touch. The hands that had cared for him these past few days, the hands that cooled his fevered face yesterday, the hands that were so close to his mouth to the point he just had to move his head an inch to nip her finger if he wanted to. How could a simple touch muddle his reasonable thoughts, and turn them into some sort of sensual fantasy? It was all Shigure's fault for turning him into a pervert that looked at Tohru as if she was a piece of cheese he wanted to devour. Be it cheese or the most perfect goddess, he knew no one could ever take the title away from her. Of course, if he was known as the ice prince; she would be the ice princess. Not that she was cold, but quite the opposite; it was just a connection to himself. He was about return her favor when he sudden felt the impact of the floor, not that it hurt since his buns cushioned him, but nonetheless; he felt as if he weighed a ton. What in the hell ruined his time with Tohru? And once he found out who it was; heads were going to roll.

"What's with this lovey-dovey atmosphere between the two of you? I don't think it's fair if it's just her, I want some cuddle time too," a basketball player named Touya said as he pretended to play with Yuki's hair.

"No-no, it's only fair if it's me. I'm known as the loveliest out of all of you," pouted Raven Beauty, I mean Yuu as he tried to elbow the huge guy away from the helpless one on the floor.

"I really don't think that something you should brag about if you're a guy," Uo commented, crossing her arms as she watched the display going on. Obviously she wasn't the only one that had noticed the change in their prince.

Yuki attempted to untangled his body away from the guys, but couldn't since his costume prevented him from any movement. So he tried the only source he could think of that would scatter the guys in a hurry. "Miss Hana, I hope I can call upon you since you did welcome me into the group; can you help me out?" he asked, looking up hopefully.

"Give me one reason I should help you out this situation? And it better be a good one, or I refuse." Hana calmly raised an eyebrow, and waited for an answer.

Without blinking an eye, Yuki answered, "They want cuddle time, meaning they want to take me away from Miss Honda; and that would hurt her."

"I understand." With those two words, she turned her eyes to the two that were starting to fidget nervously on the floor, but before she could open her mouth, the two shot up and were gone in an instant.

Yuki lifted himself to a half-sitting half-leaning position and whistled. "I applaud you, Miss Hana. Not even a word and you had those guys running for their lives. Is that learned or does it come naturally?" he asked.

"It's natural for Hana, although I know she would never hurt anyone," Tohru volunteered the information, hugging Hana from the side. She knew Hana always had the best intentions for everyone around her. That's what made her a best friend.

"Yeah, Hana would never short circuit anyone," laughed Uo as she tugged on the straw that came from Tohru's head. Tohru's innocence was always refreshing in such a cynical world. Uo smiled fondly at her close friends. Through thick and thin, those two would be behind her no matter how much she screwed up. It was nice to have people to lean on once in awhile.

Tohru smiled happily at her circle of friends then walked over to where Yuki casually lay, and offered a hand. She helped him up, keeping a hold of his warm hand. She gave it a little squeeze after feeling the slight pressure from him, and looked over to give him a smile. She realized she had smiled more in the last four days than she had in such a long time. It felt good to have a smile come naturally than forcing one out to pretend she was fine.

Her bond with her friends was a kind that never could break, and the bond with Yuki was almost a healing to her inner self. He truly was a special person to be around. Tohru laughed, and tried to tug them out the door; well as much as her costume would allow. She really needed to get out of this outfit without having anymore incidents that would cost more of her dignity.

"Embarrassing as this may sound, but I had a fun time today." Tohru made a comment after studying the silent Yuki. They were walking home after school since he didn't have a meeting today. He seemed a bit worried, and hadn't really said anything after that mishap in the classroom. Was he angry that she had touched him? Tohru wanted to ask, but a part of her didn't want him to push her away if she intruded in his thoughts.

She mentally scolded herself for casually touching when she knew how he felt about being touched. She really had to think about his situation than what she enjoyed doing. To her, one small touch anchored her to the world she was slowly slipping away from.

He was the median that kept her bound. Her soul cried out for his lost one that he kept hidden away. Something untamed, so powerful in her yearned to be embraced by this strong yet vulnerable guy it made the ache in her body seem so much worse.

The fear of knowing he could be taken away from her side in a split second gnawed at her almost every second of the day. He was such an important part of her life like breathing is essential to living. It just had to be there in order to function. And for her, that was the scariest part that he had become so vital to her. She didn't mean for it to happen, but it did and how was she going to cope if one of her worst nightmares came true?

No, she couldn't think that way because if she did, the moments they would have together would be tainted with fear and uncertainties. She wanted him to enjoy what life had to offer without reserves. She wanted him to know how much she cared for him without being to pushy. She gave a start when his finger brushed her chin. She smiled and blushed when she was caught daydreaming again. She really was a space cadet.

"I also had fun today. Miss Honda….can I ask you something?" Yuki asked with a nervous smile.

Tohru nodded and looked up at him. He could ask her to travel the moon, and she would gladly accept it with a smile. Well, it wouldn't hurt if he wanted to come along for the ride.

"Um…what do you think…of…"Yuki swallowed, "coming with me to my garden?" he finished, chickening out the last second of what he really wanted to say. He really was a moron.

"I would love too. Your garden is really beautiful, and I like to look at what you have in there," Tohru rambled on and on. She had no clue what she was talking about. All she knew was that she felt happy just being with him. Unaware of her actions, she reached over and held his hand as they walked in silence.

"Here, I'll put this down for you to sit on, and then make yourself comfortable. I have a surprise for you," Yuki said as he spread out the blanket from his book bag. He waited until she was situated before he moved over to his garden to prepare his surprise.

With a soft smile, Tohru watched Yuki's back as he did the motions of gathering his supplies. And what a nice back it was as she watched it flex and move. Yeah, she could almost see his defining muscles when his arms lifted whatever he had in his hands. Eyes tracing the top of his shoulders downward, she let out a giggle when they happened to land on a part that just happened to be….well, not his back.

Tohru blushed, and waved when he glanced back at her then returned to whatever he was doing. She flopped on her back to stare up at the sky. Yeah, that would be brilliant if he caught her looking his cute butt. Oh god, she was starting to sound corrupt, drooling over his anatomy. Although it wasn't that hard considering everything on him was just too perfect.

A rabbit….a chicken….oh, look it's a heart, she silently pointed out the cloud shapes. Hey, that one looks like a perfectly shaped male….butt. Tohru clamped a hand over her mouth to stifle a laugh that threatened to escape. Oh, she was becoming so deranged. Who in their right mind was going to help her?

"Miss Honda? Here it is," Yuki said, looking down at the adorable picture she made. She was lying on her back, her glossy hair spread around her with a hand over her mouth, and her face looking a little bit flushed. If they hadn't been outside with him only yards away, he could swear she was….he choked as an image came to mind at what she could have been doing to look like that. He bent over trying to catch his breath. Oh god, if he didn't calm down, he was going to change and he didn't want that to happen.

Think of something, anything to get rid of the image in his hand. Yeah, Shigure actually meeting a deadline, or that orange fur ball taking a bath. Or better yet, his mental brother in a lime-green sundress. Okay, he wanted to calm down, not gag himself to death.

He managed to get his feelings under control when he noticed what he was seeing as he glanced down. Kneeling on her knees with one hand on his arm, and the other one patting his chest; Tohru reminded him of a siren trying to lure him into the dark abyss with her glorious hair falling backwards as she bent her head up to look up at him. If that wasn't bad enough, her ocean eyes enticed him to take the plunge with a smile.

"Miss Honda," he breathed, with no control of his actions; Yuki reached to entangle his hands in her hair, and with gentle care, he tugged her head back a little more to seize her lush lips with his own. He didn't know where his confidence came from or what actually made him do it, but all he knew was the fact that he didn't want it to end. Out of his fifteen years, this was one of the moments he never wanted to forget. The others being when they first met, their time spent together, and their first kiss.

This was truly a perfect moment for the both of them, but as most things in life; it will eventually come to an end, and spiral downward.

Well, here's the end to this chapter. I know Tohru and Yuki are becoming a little out of character, but they just won't listen to me. Sorry if I offended anyone that likes to see them in character to the T. Hopefully this chapter was interesting to read, and see you in the next one. Thanks again for the reviews!

Starlight Angel