One Step Closer [Fruits Basket]

Chapter 19: Love & Acceptance

Natsu's POV (A few days later)

Today the Sohmas boys, my younger twin, and I were walking back home from school like usual, but the only difference from other days was that today was raining.

"I'm glad that your makeup test went well." Yuki said to Tohru.

"Thank you for helping me, Yuki-kun." Tohru smiled. "Hana-chan was able to pass as well."

"Yeah, I guess she did." I smiled before looking up at the sky. "It's coming down pretty hard, huh."

"The weather reports say that it would let up a little in the afternoon." Yuki noted.

"It would be so nice if the rain would stop for us." Tohru chimed in. "It would be even nicer if the skies cleared up and the summer sun came for us!"

"Summer, huh?" Yuki trailed off before looking back at Tohru with a smile. "Do you like summer, Honda-san?"

"Yes! I can work more hours during summer breaks!" Tohru smiled. "Also Natsu-Nee's name also means summer (Natsu, 夏)! Yuki-kun, do you like summer?"

"It's not my favorite." Yuki smiled.

"I see. Kyo-kun, you seem like someone who would like it." Tohru stated as she looked over at Kyo but found him looking all worn out. "Kyo-kun, are you not feeling well? Oh no, did you catch my cold?!"

"Honda-san, don't worry about him." Yuki sighed. "He gets sluggish when it rains. That's what Haru said. How pathetic."

"It's better than how grumpy you are in!" Kyo yelled out before again feeling really exhausted. "Damn this rain..."

"He really does seem tired." I mumbled.

"Kyo-kun, if it's too much, don't overdo it." Tohru stated worriedly. "Oh, I know! If it's hard to hold your umbrella, come under mine."

"A-Are you serious?" Kyo asked, getting all flustered.

"Huh?" Tohru asked.

"Don't huh me!" Kyo scolded. "I-I can't have a girl hold an umbrella for me!"

"I'm sorry!" Tohru cried out. "Then um... this may be bold of me and you might not want to, but if you are in cat form I could carry you home!"

"That's even worse idiot!" Kyo scowled.

"Let's just go. We're wasting too much time." I sighed as Yuki and I walked past the two.

"But..." Tohru trailed off.

"You worry too much about everything! Don't tire me out even more!" Kyo sighed.

"Okay, sorry!" Tohru responded.

I didn't fail to notice the smile on Kyo's face as he looked at Tohru, who was worried about him. When I turned around, I noticed that Yuki was staring at me. I smiled at him and he smiled back. Things between Yuki and I didn't change after my small date with Hatori. Rather, he came over and asked me what I did that day, how the musical show was, and did I enjoyed my time with Hatori. He was really sweet to me and I was glad.

"Of course it stops raining right when we get home!" Kyo grumbled as we walked up to Shigure's house.

"I'm still glad." Tohru giggled.

"I wish it would keep raining. It would be quieter." Yuki muttered quietly.

"Hey, you say something damn rat!" Kyo scowled as he opened the front door of the house.

At that moment, we were met with a surprise. Kagura was here.

"Kyo-kun!" Kagura called out like a heroine from a sappy romantic movie, running towards Kyo. "Welcome home, my Kyo-kun!"