Disclaimer/
Author‘s Note: If I owned Fruits Basket I would not be spending time
writing fan fiction based on it. This is a labor of love that I am not
profiting from and the only thing I'm getting out of it is joy of writing. The
only thing I claim in this fiction is a new main character introduced here;
Keiko Yamada. Keiko is an original character of my very own creation and is
mine and mine alone.
Eye
of the Storm
Chapter
1
The
New Girl
“Hello,
my name is Honda Tohru. For a couple of years I’ve been living with the
Sohma family. Though I never regretted moving in with them it does get kind of
lonely being the only girl in the home. Second, there is the matter of
accidentally colliding into one of them and turning them into an animal from
the Chinese zodiac legend. It sounds farfetched, I know but the three people I
live with; Yuki, Shigure, and Kyou are all cursed with the vengeful spirits of
the rat, dog, and cat. If someone of the opposite gender hugs them, or in my
case bumps into one of them, they transform.
Well,
as I was saying it can get little lonely being the only girl here. Sometimes
their female relatives stop by but I find myself wishing that there was someone
else here with me. It sounds pretty selfish of me to want more than the great
home and new family I’ve come to care about so much, so I keep this to
myself. I don’t even tell my best friends Uo and Hana how I feel. They
shouldn’t have to worry about me because truthfully overall I’m
happy living here.
~*~
Monday morning, the sky is
clear and the sun is shining bright. Tohru stands out on the second floor ledge
of Shigure’s house looking up at the clear morning sky with a smile.
“Tohrukun, your going to
be late for your on the first day of your last year in high school.”
Shigure calls out from the downstairs. Tohru gasps looking at her watch and
runs downs the stairs.
“I’m so sorry.”
She says bowing to Yuki and Kyou.
“It’s okay.”
Yuki says with smile.”
“Yeah, don’t worry
about it, we have plenty of time to get to school.” Kyou added. Tohru
just smiled and went out the door with her two companions.
When they got to the building
they were greeted by Hatsuharu and Momiji, two of Kyou and Yuki’s
relatives. Hatsuharu and Momiji too are cursed with animal spirits. Momiji
turns into a bunny and Hatsuharu turns into an ox (cow). In addition to being
cursed the ox’s spirit Hatsuharu developed a split personality at a very
young age. The two personalities are so different they are like night and day
and the Sohma family has come to refer to the two personalities as black Haru
and white Haru.
“Hey,
Yuki! Kyou!” Momiji shouted waving to his two cousins in his usual cheery
manner. “Hi, Tohru!” He said with a huge smile once the trio
reached them.
“Hi
Yuki.” Hatsuharu said with a straight face practically floating over to
greet him. Even though he really wanted to hug Yuki instead he just rested his
hand on his shoulder. Yuki was a bit annoyed by Hatsuharu’s greeting, but
said nothing and allowed his cousin to continue to stand with his hand resting
on his shoulder, not wanting to invoke the dissension of black Haru so early in
the morning.
“What
the Hell!?” Kyou exclaimed seeing Momiji yet again dressed in a
girl’s school uniform. Though Momiji wasn‘t wearing a skirt it was
still obvious he was wearing the standard uniform for female students.
“Do you plan to go through high school dressed like that?”
“I’ll
wear the boy’s uniform next year, but for now this uniform still looks
good on me.” Momiji said in his defense.
“I
don’t see anything wrong with it.” Hatsuharu added.
“You
wouldn’t.” Yuki thought eyeing the usual three to four necklaces
Hatsuharu seemed to wear each day without fail.
“And
you, still with those things dangling from your neck.” Kyou continued
getting worked up even more.
“I
like them.” Hatsuharu said defensively.
“Kyou,
let’s just leave them be.” Yuki said trying to calm the situation
before it turned ugly.
“Who
asked you, ya damn rat!” Kyou spat, his orange hair standing on end.
“Don’t
cause a scene outside the school, you stupid cat.” Yuki said in what
could be perceived as a calm tone, but the look on his face said otherwise.
“I’ll
cause a scene alright, by pounding your face into the pavement!” Kyou
yelled rolling up his sleeves. “Let’s go!”
“Don’t
be ridiculous, you stupid cat. You couldn’t beat me in a million
years.”
“We’ll
see about that!” Kyou said taking a step foreword.
“Shut
up.” Hatsuharu said finally removing his hand from Yuki’s shoulder
and turning to face Kyou. “Don’t say another word you dumbass
cat.” Tohru’s and Yuki’s faces both went blank, Black Haru
had descended yet again. “You have no right to go challenging Yuki when
you have yet to defeat me.”
“You
filthy little brat,” Kyou yelled. “You talk big but you ain’t
got the power to back it up. What happened to that rematch you promised me
huh?”
“You
ran the hell away with your tail between your legs, remember?” Hatsuharu
retorted.
“Who
ran the hell away?”
“You
did, like the puss you are!”
“That’s
it! I’m gonna kick your ass!” Kyou yelled lunging forward.
“Finally
some action!” Hatsuharu said with a crazed smile on his face as he took a
fighting stance.
“This
is stupid, I’m going to class.” Yuki said turning to Tohru.
“Hondasan, you shouldn’t hang around or you’ll be terribly
late waiting for them to finish.”
“Yeah,
Haru seems really mad at Kyou.” Momiji chimed in while sucking on a
lolly-pop. “But if you want to stay and watch I’ve got plenty of
candy.
“Shouldn’t
someone stop them?” Tohru questioned with a quivering voice.
“Nah,
they’ll work it out. Besides neither one of them has landed a single
punch, see.” Momiji said turning their attention back to the fight. Just
as he said those words Kyou was just about to land the first blow when
Hatsuharu walked way.
“WHAT
THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?!” Kyou yelled.
“I
don’t have time for this right now she’s coming.”
“Who?
What?” Kyou said still in utter disbelief that Hatsuharu walked away from
the fight.
The
group continued to watch as Hatsuharu made his way over to a very attractive
female student that was just coming around the corner toward the school. The
girl had a tan complexion and very long jet black hair that she currently wore
in a ponytail that swayed behind her as she walked. The front of her hair was
cut into bangs that gracefully curved her face, bringing attention to her
flawless skin.
“Hey
sweetheart,” Hatsuharu started still not quite himself, “let me
walk you to class.”
“Um,
if you insist.” The girl agreed with a sweat drop coming down the side of
her head.
“I
don’t believe it.” Yuki uttered under his breath.
“That’s
Yamada Keiko, rumor has it that she just transferred here from a high school in
“Why
are you asking me?” Yuki questioned.
“Cause
you were staring at her.” Momiji replied.
“I
wasn’t staring at her like how you’re implying.”
“Yes,
you were.” Momiji said with a laugh. “Yuki’s got the hots for
the new girl.” Momiji sung.
“Momiji
stop saying things that aren’t true, especially things like that.”
Yuki said obviously agitated.
“Then
why are you blushing?” Momiji asked.
“Because
you’re embarrassing me!” Yuki responded turning away from the
group.
“Wow,
I never seen Yuki blush before.” Tohru thought smiling to
herself. As the group started
walking to class turning around Tohru noticed that Kyou had not budged.
“Aren’t
you coming Kyoukun?” Tohru asked as she watched Kyou stare angrily at
Hatsuharu and Keiko.
“Yeah,
I’m coming. I just want to keep an eye on those two. You know
Haru’s out of control when he gets like this.”
“That’s
so noble of you Kyoukun.” Tohru said with a starry look in her eyes.
“You
know what?” Keiko said just as she and Hatsuharu passed Kyou and Tohru on
the sidewalk. “I really have to go to the restroom so you should go on to
class.” Keiko sweetly suggested.
“I
don’t mind the wait. Instead, how about I just go to the restroom with
you.” Hatsuharu said with a mischievous smile, but before Keiko could
react Kyou punched Hatsuharu down to the ground and in doing so appearing to be
a knight to the rescue in Keiko’s eyes.
“Thank
you.” Keiko said graciously.
“No…
problem…” Kyou said huffing and puffing as he tried to regain his
breath. A second later Tohru was repeatedly bowing to Keiko apologizing on
Hatsuharu’s behalf.
“Um,
uh, I’m really sorry about this.” Tohru said not sure how to excuse
Hatsuharu’s unusual behavior. “He usually doesn’t act
like this. He just gets carried away sometimes. I hope you don’t look on
him badly because of this and I’m sure if you give him another
chance-”
“I’m
sorry.” Hatsuharu said getting up off the ground now in his right state
of mind. “Please, forgive my vulgar behavior and allow me to escort you
to class.” Hatsuharu followed up with a low bow in his best attempt to
apologize and save face.
“Um,
that’s quite alright.” Keiko said dashing off.
“She
ran away.” Tohru commented.
“You
mean she was scared the hell off.” Kyou corrected.
“Do
you think I still have a chance with her?” Hatsuharu asked causing a deep
silence to fall over the group.
“I
think I heard the chime, we better get to class.” Tohru said walking away
with Kyou close behind.
At
the end of school Tohru, Yuki, and Kyou were coming out of their last class
together to find a huge crowd standing in the middle of the hall way.
“What’s
going on?” Kyou asked not really expecting to hear a sufficient answer as
to why he could not pass through the hall.
“Let’s
just go around.” Yuki said even though he wanted to go join the crowd.
Though Kyou was annoyed he also had a curious look on his face.
“Yukikun
and Kyoukun look as if they want to see what’s going on, but with
everyone huddled together like that it would be to easy for them to run into a
girl and transform.” Tohru thought. “I’ll go see
what’s going on.” Tohru said cheerful as she trotted off.
After
squeezing her way through the throng of students Tohru could see that at the
center of the crowd was Keiko.
“You
really were in
“Un.”
Keiko answered.
“That’s
so cool!” A female student squealed and the crowd buzzed even more with
questions.
“So,
can you speak French fluently?” Another female student asked.
“Yup,
that’s right and while my family was there I also learned how to speak
English and Spanish.
“Oh,
wow! The student responded. “Could you teach me sometime?”
“Maybe.”
Keiko responded. “Now if you please excuse me.” Keiko said
attempting to walk away, but the crowd followed her straight out the door.
“What
was that all about?” Kyou asked walking up to Tohru who was the only
person left over from the crowd.
“Yamadasan
seems to have become very popular.” Tohru reported.
“Geez,
that must be annoying.” Kyou said looking on as the crowd continued to
follow Keiko.
“I
think it’s nice.” Yuki said with a cheerful tone though he was
feeling a little jealous. “It’s nice that Yamadasan can make so
many friends in the first day at a new school.
“Yes.”
Tohru agreed happily.
“Yeah,
well who cares.” Kyou said walking on leaving Tohru and Yuki dumbfounded.
“You coming or what?” Kyou said looking over his shoulder directing
his question toward Tohru.
“You
don’t like Yamadasan?” Tohru asked.
“What?
It’s not like that!” Kyou said obviously upset by the question.
“I don’t even know her so how can I not like her? Besides all I
mean is that more than likely most of those people could care less about
getting to know her, they’re
just curious because she’s new that’s all.”
“Oh, ok.” Tohru
said understanding Kyou’s explanation for his indifferent comment.
“How about we try to get to know her better then?” Tohru suggested
taking Kyou’s hand. Yuki saw the motion and as innocent as it was he
couldn’t help but feel a the wave of jealousy wash over him.
“That’s
a good idea, Hondasan.” Yuki said perfectly concealing his envy as he
came to Tohru’s side and took her other hand. As the three walked home as
they usually did from school Yuki stared over at Kyou disdainfully. Kyou wasn’t
paying attention, he was too busy hoping that the pace would pick up so they
could get home faster. He honestly had rather not held Tohru’s hand all
the way home; a fraction of that being because of the stares the trio received
from passersby on the street, but mostly because at that moment their hands
seemed to seething with sweat. Despite that fact that this really grossed him
out Kyou continued to hold Tohru’s hand so that he wouldn’t hurt
her feelings.
“Ooh,
a love triangle.” Shigure said as the three approached the porch.
“Uh,
no, it’s not like that!” Tohru said snatching her hands away and
turning beat red.
“Why
would you suddenly go saying something like that!?” Kyou yelled his face
also red.
“Stop
encouraging him, stupid cat.” Yuki said with a composed face.
“You
wanna go?” Kyou said turning his attention to Yuki.
“Yes,
let’s.” Yuki said loosing his collar and rolling up his sleeves.
“You
asked for it!” Kyou yelled throwing a punch that was blocked and would
have been followed up with a powerful kick, but Kyou managed to block
Yuki’s leg with his arm then grab it, catching Yuki by surprise.
“That
ain’t going to save you this time rat boy.” Kyou said smiling as he
went to punch Yuki with his free hand, but Yuki caught his fist causing Kyou to
fall forward. With Yuki trying to balance on one leg they both fell to the
ground and were rolling in the dirt still punching at each other. The two were
very skilled in the martial arts for their age and such rag-tag fighting was a
rarity caused by them both being caught off guard by the events of their latest
fight, but within seconds the two were off the ground going at it again. Kyou
went for another punch and it was block this time as well and quickly followed
up with a slap and then a kick which sent him flying into the air then falling
to the ground.
“Not
in a million years.” Yuki said walking into the house. Kyou was too
embarrassed to get up and just lied on the ground fuming.
“Looks
like you almost had him, Kyoukun.” Shigure shouted to his younger cousin.
“…but not quite.” Shigure added. At that last comment Kyou
got up and ran off into the woods surrounding their home.
“Shiguresan…”
Tohru said, standing beside him, still in disbelief at how Shigure could be so
cheery in his cruelty.
“Anyways,
Tohrukun, didn’t you have to go to work today.” Shigure said.
Looking
down at her watch Tohru gasps. “Oh, no! I’m going to be
late!” Tohru exclaimed running off so that she could make it to her
part-time job on time.
As
Tohru approached the building were she worked she could see Keiko across the
across the street carrying what appeared to be a giant knapsack. Curious as to
what Keiko was up to Tohru continued staring, but reminded herself as to why
she was running and continued on.
The
next day in P.E. the class was doing track. The girls raced first. Keiko proved
to be the fastest running among all the girls in the school.
“Amazing,
Yamadasan tied with Sohmasan‘s record.” The P.E. teacher said.
Keiko was on the track stretching after her run and as soon as she heard what
the teacher said she ran over to him in the blink of an eye.
“Sensei,
who is Sohmasan?” Keiko asked eagerly.
“That’s
him over there. Sohma Yuki, you and he hold the fastest track time in the
school.” The teacher said gesturing toward his location. Yuki was
standing off by the bleachers just finishing up stretching and was filing onto
the track with the other male students. Keiko caught sight of him and shot a
completive glare at him.
“Excuse
me.” The teacher said going over to
start the boy’s race. Feeling as if he were being watched Yuki
looks about and sees Keiko’s intense stare. Before anyone can notice the
glare she was giving him she smiles and waves. Yuki waves back not knowing what
else to do. Keiko walks away still smiling. The situation leaves Yuki feeling a
little unsteady.
After
the race a good majority of the students clear the scene leaving only a handful
standing around idly chit-chatting instead of rushing to class. Yuki and Tohru
were among the few still left, along with the one of the member’s of the
Sohma Yuki fan club spying on the two. Tohru and Yuki were having a
conversation about the “secret base” when Keiko walked up.
“Sohma
Yuki.” Keiko said in a commanding tone.
“Yes.”
Yuki said curious as to why the girl was addressing him.
“I
challenge you!”
“To
what?” Yuki asked curiously.
“A
race Sohma Yuki. It has to be settled. One of us is the fastest and the only
way to find out who is to race. So, Sohmasan, do you accept my
challenge?”
“I’m
sorry but I-” Yuki started to decline but was cut short.
“Coward!”
Keiko said turning away. “Are you so afraid of being beaten by a woman
that you’d turn down a challenge?”
“No,
I’m just sure you’re much faster than I am-”
“Don’t
try to hide your sarcasm with an innocent tone.” Keiko ordered.
“You’re
right, I’m sorry.”
“Meet
me here after school.” Keiko said flatly and walked away. Tohru was taken
back by Keiko’s appearance.
“She
didn’t even introduce herself…” Tohru said.
After
school Yuki meet Keiko on the track as instructed.
“You
sure took your sweet time.” Keiko said seeming to appear out of nowhere
startling Yuki.
“I
had a student council meeting.” Yuki said solemnly while trying to figure
out a way to get Keiko to like him. He never encountered anyone accept for Kyou
that seemed to take such a disliking to him. In retrospect it was an oddity
that a girl in particular would seem to take such a disliking toward Yuki. If
it wasn’t his attractive appearance it was his warming personality, so to
say, that won them over.
“Even
so I’m not the only one you’ve kept waiting.” Keiko said
pointing over her should with her thumb towards the bleachers where the three
remaining Sohma Yuki fan club members were hiding, the lens of their camcorder
glinted in the light of the setting sun. “Well, let’s get this over
with before it gets dark out.” Keiko said turning on her heals toward the
bleachers. “Hey you!” She yelled causing the girls to jump out
their hiding spot.
“How
did you know we here?” Their current president asked still shaking.
“Your
vibes…” Keiko stated with a mischievous smile. “We need
someone to keep time.” Keiko said walking over to Member No.1 and handing
her the stop watch. “You better not pull anything sneaky.” Keiko
said before releasing the watch.
“Yes,
ma’am.” The girl said earnestly though she was scared that if she
did Keiko would do something to her.
“Are
you ready?” Keiko asked Yuki once she returned to the track.
“Yes.”
Yuki answered.
“Don’t
you dare think of holding back just because I’m a girl.” Keiko said
taking position beside Yuki on the track. “It wouldn’t be a fair
race if we both didn’t do our best.” Keiko said and for a second
there was a break in her tough girl facade, but only for second. “You
don’t give it your best that only proves how frightened you are to be
beaten by girl even when giving it all you have. If you hold back on me
you’ll be lower than coward, you’d be a rat.” Keiko said
lighting a fire inside Yuki.
“Ready,
set, go!” Member No.1 shouted triggering the stop watch. At go the two
took off tearing around the track at top speed. The terms of the race were to
go twenty laps and who ever made to the finish line first would be the winner.
At the beginning Keiko and Yuki were head to head, but as the race went one
Yuki fell behind a few paces. By the nineteenth lap Yuki had falling terribly
behind and the fan club girls where biting their nails hoping he’d
somehow catch up and beat Keiko, but instead he collapsed on the field. Just
before getting to the finish line Keiko came to sudden stop and ran across the
track to Yuki who was laying on the ground.
“Sohmasan,
Sohmasan, answer me. Are you ok?” Keiko called showing genuine concern as
she checked his pulse and held the back of her hand over her hand over his nose
and mouth. “He’s not breathing!” Keiko thought then
quickly turned him on his back and tilted his head up.
“YUKI!!!!”
The fan club girl shrieked running over to him.
“Don’t
just stand there squawking call an ambulance!” Keiko yelled at the
frantic group of girls then turned her attention back to the unconscious Yuki.
Placing one hand under his chin and closing his nose with the other Keiko took
a deep breath and exhaled into Yuki’s mouth. The frantic fan club girls
regained their composer only to stand staring with their mouths wide open as
Keiko performed CPR on their beloved prince. Keiko went through the process
five more times before Yuki came to gasping.
“Thank
God.” Keiko exhaled sitting back on her knees until she noticed the fan
club girls were still there gawking. Standing up Keiko marched over to them
angrily. “Why are all three of you still here? One of you should have
went to call for an ambulance instead of standing here staring like a bunch of
idiots. Some fan club you are. You three can’t even do the simplest
things to save your prince. You losers make me sick.” Keiko said walking
back over to Yuki who was too busy coughing to notice what was going on only a
few yards away.
“Are
you ok?” Keiko asked kneeling down beside Yuki.
“Yes..,
I’m… fine.” Yuki answered between coughs, his heart
pounding.
“Relax,
take it easy.” Keiko coached. Turning to the fan club girls she gave them
an angry glare.
“We’re
going to call an ambulance right away.” The vice president said.
“Don’t…!”
Yuki said still struggling to breath. “I’m fine.”
“Are
you sure?” The girl asked.
“Yes,
Yamadasan saved me.” Yuki said with a smile finally able to breath. The
three girls turned white and ran away heart broken.
“Thank
you.” Yuki said to Keiko.
“No
problem.” Keiko assured flashing the victory sign.
After
taking a shower Keiko waited for Yuki outside the boy’s locker room.
“Yamadasan!”
Yuki said surprised to see her standing there.
“What?
Did you think I was so heartless that I won’t stick around to make sure
you were ok?” Keiko asked dejectedly. Yuki couldn’t say a word
because the truth is he didn’t expect her to stay. “Normally I
would never ask a guy this, but you don’t mind if I walk you home do
you?”
“You
don’t need to worry about me, Yamadasan. Thanks to you I’m
fine.” Yuki said then turned to walk away.
“Oh
no you don’t.” Keiko said running in front of him to block his
path.
“You
can’t just pass out like that in the middle of a race, stop breathing,
then say that you’re fine. Even if you are alright now do you know that
people usually still see a doctor afterward? On top of that most people
don’t make it even if someone does CPR on them? Honestly it’s a
miracle that you’re still alive.”
“Yes,
I am in your debt.” Yuki said bowing.
“If
that’s the case you can pay me back by allowing me to walk you
home.” Keiko said cleverly.
“Ok.”
Yuki agreed.
On
the way home he couldn’t help but think about what Shigure would say when
he arrived accompanied by Keiko.
As
the two approached the house. They stopped in mid stride.
“What?”
Keiko said. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to everyone?”
Yuki only nodded and opened the door.
“Welcome
back, Yuki!” Ayame greeted in his usually loud manner. Yuki was
dumbfounded to see his older brother in his home all of a sudden.
“Oh,
well who is this lovely young lady?” Shigure asked catching sight of
Keiko.
“Lovely
indeed.” Ayame said shooting her a lecherous glace.
“Is
she your girlfriend?” Shigure asked.
“Shame
on you cheating on Tohru.” Ayame said pretending to be appalled.
“I’m
not his girlfriend.” Keiko said. “Why is that just because
I’m a girl and happen to be with a boy, why would you think I’m his
girlfriend. What if I were a boy, then what?”
“Well..-”
Shigure started to comment but was cut off by a sudden outburst from Yuki.
“Don’t
say another word!” Yuki yelled fuming with anger.
“So
what do we owe the pleasure?” Ayame asked Keiko leaning dangerously close
to her face.
“Get
away from her!” Yuki said punching him.
“Oh
my, what jealousy.” Ayame said laughing.
“Yes,
do tell us why you’re here won’t you?” Shigure asked.
“Well
actually I came home with Sohmasan because he passed out on the track.”
“What!?”
Tohru said excitedly suddenly appearing. “Are you hurt? Are you
ok?” She franticly asked feeling his forehead for signs of a fever.
“No,
Yamadasan took care of it.” Yuki answered.
“Took
care of it?” Kyou asked popping onto the scene.
“Well
when he passed out Sohmasan wasn’t breathing so I had to give him
CPR.” Keiko answered.
“Keiko
our angel of life.” Shigure said fluttering around.
“So
what was it like, Yuki?” Ayame asked.
“What
do you mean?” Yuki asked with an uneasy feeling.
“What
was like to feel the warmth of a woman’s lips pressed against your
own?” Ayame rephrased. If no one knew any better they would have sworn
Yuki had been shot, he doubled back nearly falling on his backside.
“It
wasn’t like that!” He yelled standing up straight.
“Today
will be the day of Yuki’s first kiss!” Ayami shouted.
“What
are you talking about!?” Yuki said fuming.
“Yes,
yes, a celebration!” Shigure said locking arms with Ayame and dancing
around.
Knowing
his family something like that would happen. Yuki stopped walking and put his
hand to his forehead as he felt a sudden surge of pain shoot through it.
“Huh?
What are you doing?” Keiko said noticing that Yuki was no longer beside
her. “Are you ok?” She asked turning around and seeing him holding
his head.
“It’s
nothing.” Yuki replied, becoming embarrassed at what he was thinking.
“What
are you really ok?” Keiko asked taking a closer look at his face and
noticed that he was blushing.
“Really,
it’s nothing.” Yuki insisted.
“Then
why is your face all red?” Keiko asked leaning closer.
“It’s
nothing.” Yuki repeated looking away.
“What
was going through that brain of yours?” Keiko asked. “You’re
a little pervert aren’t you?”
“No
I’m not!” Yuki said becoming indignant.
“Yeah,
I don’t think so either, but I kind of almost rather that than you being
embarrassed that you are being walked home by a girl.” Keiko said with a
smile. “Look, no one knows I’m walking home with you because
I’m worried besides you so relax.”
“You’re
right.” Yuki said calming down. “One more thing.”
“Yeah?”
“Could
you not tell anyone about what happen this evening?”
“Are
you sure that’s the best idea?” Keiko questioned.
“Please,
you can’t say a word to anyone.” Yuki said becoming unnecessarily
aggressive with Keiko who slapped him for suddenly grabbing her by the shoulders.
The slap seemed to echo in the air and the sound frightened a flock of birds in
a nearby tree who took to the air as the sound resonated.
“I’m
sorry.” Yuki apologized lowing his head after a short pause which was
used to recover from the sudden blow to his face. “I just don’t
want anyone to find out that I lost consciousness on the field today.”
Yuki said calming down. So, please keep this a secret.
“Well,
if you feel that strongly about it, I won’t tell anyone.” Keiko
agreed relenting to Yuki’s request. “If I didn’t know
better I’d say you were afraid of doctors Sohma Yukisan, but I can tell
by the look in your eyes that it’s something more, much more.” Keiko
thought before addressing Yuki once more. “You know I can only speak for
myself. What about those fan club girls?”
“Fan
club girls?”
“The
three girls that were on the field with us. Don’t tell me you have no
idea what I’m talking about!” Keiko said in disbelief.
“You’re the only boy in school that as his own fan club. I’ve
only been there a couple of days and know this. Don’t tell me you
honestly had no clue.”
“Actually…”
“Oh
grief, you’re hopeless. Have you taken a look in the mirror lately? Why
else would practically every girl in school be drooling over you?”
“Drooling?
Are you serious?”
“Playing
the nice guy does help but mainly they’re after you because of your
looks.”
“I
really had no idea.”
“He,
he. Yeah right.” Keiko said grinning. “Anyway, get a move
on.” Keiko said walking behind Yuki and pushing him. “It’s
bad enough I have to walk home alone, but if you don’t get moving
I’ll be doing it in the dark.”
“Right,
let’s get going then.” Yuki said picking up the pace. A short time
went by before Yuki spoke again. “Yamadasan-”
“Ugh!
Don’t call me “Yamada” or “san” it’s
annoying. Just call me Keikochan.
“But
I don’t want to seem too familiar.” Yuki said slightly blushing.
“Oh
get over it. People used to call me that all the time.” Keiko said
sounding a little sad for a second. “Anyway, something tells me
we’re going to be spending a lot of time together from now on so get
“familiar”.” Keiko said with a small smile. Yuki looked away
still blushing. Normally he wouldn’t behave as he was presently, but for
some reason Keiko’s presence somehow invoked him to show how he was
really feeling, which normally he kept hidden. Even from his family he kept
certain feelings bottled up inside and even though Yuki has just met Yamada
Keiko she threatened to bring all those feelings to the forefront and at that
moment his feelings were those of a boy slightly giddy that such a beautiful
girl was paying him so much attention.
“Keikochan.”
“Yeah?”
“It’s
already kind of dark and I’d feel terrible if you walked home alone.
After all you’ve done for me. I’m sure one of my cousins will be
happy to take you home.” Yuki said before really thinking about the words
that came out of his mouth. He could see it now. He’d probably have to
rough Kyou up before he agreed to escort Keiko to her home and Shigure would be
too eager to do so.
“Oh,
that’s very nice of you, Yukisan.” Not really accustomed to being
called by his first name Yuki paused making a slight gasping sound.
“Don’t
over react. Is there a problem with me calling you by your name?”
“No,
I’m just not used to it.” Yuki said blushing once again now feeling
embarrassed because he himself felt he may have over reacted.
“Ah,
I see, you don’t have many friends do you?”
“How
did you…?”
“It’s
a shame really. The most popular guy in the whole school and not to have any
friends.”
“I
have friends…” Yuki said now feeling inadequate.”
“Yeah,
I’ve heard a good number of your relatives attend the school as well, but
they don’t count. I mean being friends with one’s relatives is
completely different from making friends outside the family. With relatives a
certain amount of trust is usually given automatically. With other people
you’re kind of taking a leap of faith and that’s why I won’t
tell anyone about what happened today. I want you to trust me Yukisan, because
I want to become friends and I know I barely know you at all, but for some
reason I feel you’re someone that I can trust.” Up until that
moment Keiko had been relentless in keeping up her tough façade, but at
that moment Yuki could see a tremendous break in her usually indifferent
behavior and in that break she seemed like a beautiful, kind hearted, tender
girl.
“What
are you looking at?” Keiko questioned slipping back into her usual mode.
“Sorry.”
Yuki said quickly turning away and hiding his face.
“Oh,
is that your house?” Keiko said seeing Shigure’s house just ahead.
“Yes,
that’s it.” Yuki said regaining his composure.
“Oh,
what a cute little house.” Keiko said as they approached the door.
“Won’t
you come in?” Yuki invited.
“Ok.”
Keiko agreed not wanting to seem rude by turning down the invitation.
“Welcome
back Yukikun, You’re getting in a little later than usual.” Shigure
said when Yuki entered the house. “Oh, and who might this vision of
loveliness be, you’re new girlfriend?” Shigure asked teasingly.
“This
is Yamada Keiko. She’s new at school.”
“Good
move, Yukikun. Claiming the beautiful new girl at your school before anyone
else can.” Shigure said winking and giving Yuki one thumb up.
“Please,
excuse my cousin, Keikochan, he can get a bit carried away sometimes.”
“Huh?
What are you doing here?” Kyou asked entering the room and seeing Keiko
standing in their home.
“Oh,
hi Kyoun-Kyoun. Yukisan invited me.” Keiko said cheerily.
“Hey,
don’t call me that!” Kyou yelled.
“Why
not, Kyoun-Kyoun?” Shigure asked turning his attention to teasing Kyou.
“Everyone
at school calls him that.” Keiko said.
“Is
that so?” Shigure said looking at Kyou as to ask why.
“It
doesn’t matter why everyone calls me that you guys don’t need to
start doing it too!”
“Awe,
I’m sorry.” Keiko apologized. “Is it okay if just call you
Kyouchan then?” She asked with a smile. Kyou took one look at her ready
to object, but once he laid eyes on her his indignation seemed to somewhat
dissolve.
“Fine,
call me whatever you want.” Kyou said. “But don’t you two go
getting any ideas.” He said yelling at Shigure and Yuki then stomped
away.
“He,
he. Well, I better get going now.” Keiko said sliding back into her
shoes.
“What?
Already?” Shigure pouted.
“Maybe,
I’ll stay a little later some other time.” Keiko said motioning to
go outside.
“Keikokun,
you should let Yuki take you home.” Shigure said looking at his younger
cousin.
“Um,
no. That’s ok.” Keiko said abruptly turning around.
“Well,
if you rather not Yuki take you home, I’d be more than glad to.”
Shigure offered.
“Really,
I’m fine.” Keiko said bolting out the door and away from the house.
“Was
it something I said?” Shigure wondered out loud. Yuki could only stare at
him with an annoyed expression on his face.
A
few hours later that night Tohru was walking home from work when she saw what
appeared to be a girl wearing an over sized rain poncho and carrying a giant
knapsack that looked very similar to the one she saw Keiko carrying the day
before. Seeing the girl slink into a dark alleyway Tohru gasped and ran to
catch up to the girl before she lost sight of her.
Coming
around the corner where she saw the girl disappear Tohru could see a dark
figure slumped over in a seated position. Looking up the figure could see Tohru
standing in front of her looking down on her with sympathetic eyes.
“Yamadasan?”
Tohru said shocked to see her classmate out on the street like she was. Keiko
looked up at Tohru with tears streaming down her face and her voice cracked as
she spoke.
“Please
don’t tell anyone.” Keiko requested pleadingly.
~To
Be Continued~
A/N:
Well, that’s the end of the first chapter of one of the many Fruits
Basket fan fictions I plan on posting here. It seems that Yuki escaped
transforming this time around. Can’t really say he’ll be so lucky
next time… I hope you all enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing
it. J