Chamina: New chappie! Lol Hope the last one wasn't so bad!

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN. All rights and Characters belong to Nastuki Takaya

Chapter 4: Desire Unearthed pt.2

Tohru swirled around to the never-ending beeping noise that resonated in the kitchen, the dishes clanging slightly with her jostled movement. Bright sunlight flitted into the kitchen, making it shine bright, the counters cleaned and wiped down, free of any mess they held earlier in the morning during breakfast. The floors glistened with a shine from the chemicals she used too make sure they were clean and free of any debris dropped. She pressed her finger onto the soft white buttons the machine making one last beep then silencing altogether.

She still had a smile on her face from earlier, Shigure giving a grand show and constantly telling her to call his cellphone if by any chance Yuki did anything wrong to her. Which resulted in the nezumi to threaten the inu, yelling at him to stop upsetting Tohru-san. She had turned confused eyes to Yuki wondering if he would call her chan again, but gladly she saw his small smile directed towards her, which made her blush heavily. After a few more antics from Shigure with his suggestive quotes and murmurs he finally bade them all a nice afternoon running to get ready and practically flying out of the house in a dress shirt and slacks.

Tohru had already gathered the clean items together, her hand pausing as she heard Yuki call out to her, in which she responded kindly, "Hai- Hai Yuki-kun!" She turned to his voice as he entered, her breath being stolen as she glanced him up and down, not afraid to say to her self that he looked very attractive, it did not stop the blush though.

Yuki glanced over her his smile radiant as he walked closer, "Well since Shigure is out of our hair, what say you and I go somewhere nice?" He waited seeing her face scrunch up and go through emotions, nearly making him laugh.

Tohru bit her bottom lip, her eyes looking in his direction but still not focusing. She had wanted to go speak to Kureno, since he had broken his curse and their talks had come to an abrupt end when Akito had caught wind from one of the maids. Tohur sighed out loud, maybe she'd have to resort to leaving small letter to him, then it might work, he had actually offered the idea before when he had called her after the incident with Akito. His voice has been rushed and tensed, but he tried staying cheery for the poor girl. He wanted the family free just as much as Tohru.

She was dragged out of her thinking as pale fingers waved in front of her face causing her to gasp and squeal out loud.

"W-wa a-ano wakearimasen!" She brought the towel she was holding up to her face as a very dark blush ran rampant over her face. "A-ano Yuki-kun, Hai, daijoubu?"

Yuki smile widened, he had made her red again, he brought his hands to her cheek, gracing them and feeling their heat, "I should be asking you that… do you not want to go out with me?"

He chuckled lightly when she whipped her head back and forth, her voice silent as she kept her eyes tightly closed. His eyes lowered to where her lips where, seeing them glistening from her biting and a bit red like sakura petals. How he ached to touch them against his own. he pulled back from her before he dove in. "Well then go get dressed, I'll be waiting for you at the front?"

Tohru nodded fast, sprinting away and up the stairs top the safety of her room. Once there she took in deep gulps of air, trying to calm her beating heart, her hands pressed to somehow stop the erratic beating. "waaa okaa-san, what's happening? This… Why do I want…" She knew what she wanted, she just couldn't voice it, she wasn't completely innocent in that aspect, but she was still naive to it and definitely too shy to implement it.

She widened her eyes, she was talking about it as though it was a right of hers. She shook her head fast again, there was no way… no she was getting too elated off of him, she didn't deserve it she had no right… Though she would admit it hurt a little bit knowing that. Shaking her head again she began glancing around in her closet, trying to pick something out, of course it wouldn't impress Yuki-kun, but she maybe wanted to try a little bit.

Ten or so minutes passed as Yuki paced back and forth, Debating with himself to bring it up at least once today. He wouldn't demand her to tell him her feelings but he at least wanted to know if he had any chance for her. He would have gone on longer if he hand't heard the front door opening and closing making him turn towards her.

Yuki blinked twice. His mouth opening slightly with her name on his lips as his eyes traveled over her.

It was definitely one of Ayame's creations but it tailored to her perfectly; soft hues of pink and cream gleamed in the sun, it wasn't too lacy and had just enough modesty to cover her shoulders and upper legs, the dress a little flawy with the wind. The midsection held with a bow to accentuate her small waist and to flow out with her hips; the upper portion having small pink stitches crosshatched over her breast in a small strawberry print and flourishing into a small bow near her neck below her collarbone. She wore no make up and her hair had his ribbons he had given her as a present, her stockings pure white with dark doll shoes. She looked gorgeous, breathtaking, perfect.

Yuki held out his hand his face bright red as he spoke to her, "You look absolutely beautiful Tohru-chan."

She happily took his hand her fingers feeling cool in his touch, her face a bright red from the compliment, "I-I'm not…o-overdoing it am I Yuki-kun?" She was hesitant, her lips being snagged by her teeth to keep her from squeaking.

Yuki quickly shook his head, "No it's perfect… you're perfect…" He smiled again and began walking with her down the dirt path making sure they didn't step into anything that would dirty his princess onigiri. He was taking her to a small art gallery that had opened in town then out to a small restaurant for lunch, he wanted to treat her and he had the opportune chance of doing just that.

Whilst walking Tohru talked with him and he her, about school, friends, and other things. "Ano, I wonder how Kyo-kun is faring with Shisho-sama…" She tapped her elegant fingers against her chin as they walked through the town heading towards the small brown and green building, the glass panels showing a hint of art. Yuki nearly scoffed, not wanting to upset the girl, "Well, maybe when he gets back he might be able to last a bit longer against me… baka neko…" Tohru giggled, seeing him give a small smirk at her after thinking of the cat. She stopped at the door looking up at it, "I've never seen this before… when'd it come to town?"

Yuki stood in front of her, opening the door and stepping aside for her to enter, "I think within the last few weeks, I just heard about it from Manabe-san." Tohru glanced at him, surprised as she heard him take the other in a kind note, which wasn't usually the case. From her scarce meetings with the vice president she knew he did seem a bit more excited about things and would push it out to others in the surrounding area, usually leaving Yuki tired and a little ruffled to the attention. She smiled to herself, glad he was sort of making friends and becoming comfortable with other students. "Ah he must enjoy art himself?"

Yuki nearly shrugged, "He was going on about it as a very nice… um place for friends to go to…" He left the other portion of what Manabe had said excitedly in his ear before when he caught him looking at Tohru from across the room.

He glanced around his silent acceptance of the art enough to keep Tohru happy, her hand finding his slowly not wanting to get separated. He involuntarily squeezed her hand, though continued looking around, the blush prevalent on his face.

Their time was nice and comfortable, occasionally Tohru would point out an artist she knew or liked in which Yuki would respond with his own thoughts, usually enjoying them as well. The day inched along, both glad they could enjoy each others company and have such a relaxed day. Yuki gently pulled Tohru along telling her their next stop was lunch, in which she gasped, "I-I didn't bring lunch, I-I'm sorry!"

The silver haired male laughed and poked her cheek softly, "Iie Tohru-chan, I'm treating you… I highly doubt you'd enjoy my burnt cuisine so I'm having it made instead." Tohru only blushed, her free hand coming to cover her cheek he poked, she felt a tingling from the last spot he touched, making her close her eyes gently and look down at their feet to avoid looking him in the eyes. Yuki chuckled again pulling her in the direction he wanted to go in. She was being too adorable for her own good.

They arrived slowly but surely at the small restaurant/cafe. It was modest, small white covered tables sparsely moved around the patio area, a small bustle on the inside judging from the murmured voices and laughs from the closed wooden doors. Yuki guided her to a table, pulling a iron chair out for her and then going to his own. he glanced around then back to Tohru, a smile still fresh on his face, "So is it to your liking?"

The girl nodded her own smile bright as she continued looking around at the restaurant, it really did look wonderful, nothing extravagant but she was glad, it was comforting to her. She glanced back at Yuki, "Arigatou Yuki-kun…" Her eyes softened as she placed her hand over his.

Yuki breathed a sigh of relief but gulped again about to speak up but was cut off as a waiter walked over, his voice sultry as he was glancing at Tohru. Yuki nearly growled but kept himself straight with a loud 'ahem' making the waiter glance at Yuki and add a small smirk, "Ah yes? What would you like to order-" He turned back to Tohru, his hand grasping hers practically ripping it from Yuki's grasp. "Madam?" Tohru blanched, stuttering as she whimpered out a simple order with a cup of water. the waiter nodded sketching it down and giving her hand a quick kiss, then slowly turning to Yuki with a quick "Order?" Yuki nearly grumbled, but spoke what he wanted a bit authoritative. Glaring hard at the retreating waiter, he let out a huff and looked back at Tohru, but blushed darkly when he saw her staring at him with a small smile and bemused look. "A-ano..nani Tohru-chan?"

She smiled brightly, closing her eyes as she stifled giggles behind her napkin, "M-Matta Yuki-kun… haa.." He couldn't help but smile at her, brushing his hand through his hair, getting his silvery bangs out of his eyesight. He spoke in the waiters stiff voice, "Madam?" resulting in her giggling again. he too laughed, not being able to hold back but both shut their mouthes quickly, lips locking when the waiter came back and handed them their dishes, his face quizzical as h glanced between them both. Shrugging it off he walked away "Enjoy your meal." He spoke it softly, and smiled again in Tohru's direction before walking away.

Tohru hadn't missed that upset look cross over Yuki's features as he again watched the waiter walk away. Tohru of course knew undoubtedly the waiter had sorted of flirted with her, and when Yuki had blanched she felt herself giggle, a part of her wanting to shout he was jealous, but then quieted by her self conscious saying he was only protective. She shook off the hurt feeling and just giggled as he repeated the waiters words in a gruff and stiff voice. Tohru spoke up finally, "Well that was a little weird haha.." Yuki nodded along with her, "Definitely can agree with that."

Both said a quick prayer and began digging in, Tohru saying the food was delicious and Yuki agreeing but commenting not as wonderful as her own. It caused her to blush but thank the male.

After finishing half of his meal, Yuki cleared his throat, looking down at his plate, "A-ano Tohru-chan?" He waited til he heard her offer a noise in his direction, he carried on, steering himself through his halted breathes, "U-um… well… I.. I wanted to know.. if you were…" He stopped, his breath catching in his throat as he forced himself to look up at her face, her soft lashes against the flush of her cheeks, her lips pursed together from opening as her eyebrows drew together waiting for a response. He broke her concentration "I like you… more than a friend."

Her eyes flew open, staring hard at him as she tried hearing anything false in his voice, though couldn't find anything. "Ah.. n-nani?" She blinked a few times, her rose blush becoming a fiery red upon her cheeks and running through her veins to her neck and erupting inside of her. Yuki spoke again, his voice steeled with resolution, "I like you Tohru, I like you more than just a friend." He knew if he had backed down he'd never of spoken up, afraid he'd run away from his feelings, but he couldn't. Not anymore, he cared too much and it was driving him insane.

Tohru nodded, her own lips refusing to move though this is what she wanted, she had been dreaming it, wishing it to happen. She let a deep smile settle on her face as her hand found Yuki's, her small voice opening a wave of relief to flow over the tensed nezumi "Watashi mo…Yuki-kun. Suki desu" The afternoon sun shined down on them, the chatter of birds and people silenced to them as they shared a moment together, looking into each others eyes and then returning to their meal, hands still clasped tightly within each others. Both feeling elated that finally what their feelings were, out in the open, both knowing deep down this was just beginning of a long battle of their hearts that were sadly tied to the Sohma curse.

As they walked home in the late afternoon, slowly contemplating things, Tohru looked ahead, her eyes teeming with courage and excitement, She would find the cure, she'd end this and she'd be happy with the family she loved more than anything else in the world.

She gave a sideways glance at Yuki, the nezumi seemingly at rest with the world, a small goofy grin on his face as he recounted the days events over. Her heart stalled, happiness blooming and the desire to see Yuki as well as the others this happy, even if not for the same reason.