Only one left. Iffin you want to request then do so here. (I'll even do pairings I don't like) If not, I get to breathe. :)

Requested by: milkywei
Series: Fruits Basket
Pairings: Kyou/Tohru
Genre: Drama
Title: Solace (408 words)



He likes the roof. They think it's because of the cat, and they're right, but not in the way they'd expect. He likes the open space; the sky is limitless. Nothing like the cell that he's been promised with.

He doesn't know why she comes up. She doesn't have a schedule, so Kyou can't figure it out. Then again, she's a girl, there's a lot he doesn't understand. He assumes it happens because she worries too much. If he misses a meal, he's sure to see her. The second time, it was cold and she didn't stay long. The third time, she brought a blanket.

But lately, there's been no reason, at least none that he can find. They've been talking and laughing. Conversation is easier now, sometimes about school, but it branches from there. There are times, when they talk about normal teenage things. It's not like their lives are so different, just a bit unique.

He looks forward to the conversations, even if he won't admit it, not even to himself. Like, tonight, he's looking at the stars, but he's really watching the ladder. The dishes should be done by now, and there shouldn't have been much homework. Then again, maybe she's downstairs with the rat. Maybe they're busy laughing over television or concentrating on books.

He looks at the stars and pretends that it doesn't matter. Just like him. It's stupid anyway, to get all preoccupied about a girl.

He hears her before he sees her, the ladder scrapes and sways. Automatically, he moves to steady it. She makes her way slowly up, tea cups balanced in one hand. When she is close enough, Kyou reaches out to grab the cups, then her hand to help her up.

"What do you think you're doing," he scolds, "trying to climb a ladder like that?"

As usual, she stammers out an apology and looks berated. "I just thought... it was cold." Tohru turns to leave.

"Don't."

She stops, shocked, and listens for more.

"Don't leave. I'm sorry I yelled."

"I should have been more careful." Tohru shakes her head.

"No, you were trying to do something nice. Just... be more careful next time."

Tohru nods and sits down gingerly next to Kyou. They sip tea and talk. It is comfortable and content. Kyou watches her, every smile, and suddenly the stars don't look as bright and the ground doesn't look quite as confining as it usually does.