Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Princess in Waiting ❯ Chapter 4 ( Chapter 4 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Kawaiilyn: Yawns I'm alive! I have survived my AP Test, (it was hard too,) my two newspaper stories met deadline and are now published, but since I missed the deadline to sign up for the SAT's, I won't be taking them this year…oh well…that's just TOO bad. ;) Thank you's and blow-kisses to all of my loyal readers (and newbies) for reviewing my fic.

Individual thanks are in order for reviewers.

To Maddy: Ummm…I'm torn between telling you something and something else…something critically important to your viewpoint. I think I won't tell you. I won't be a spoiler. Anyways, thanks for reviewing, and I'm glad that someone found comedy in my fic…even though I didn't try to make it funny…which means your weird…you know what…YOU'RE just creepy…I'm just kidding. ;)

To sesshylover: Ah…I love sesshoumouru too! not sure if I spelt his name right. Again, like I've told so many others, I'm not sure on if I'm going to end it as a yukiru or kyoru. But thanks for the review and input anyways! …um…what's a pita-ten?

To Black Winged Angel Sami: I just realized now that I've been spelling your name wrong in all of my responses! I'M SO SORRY! (rit-chan moment). All this time…why didn't you say anything to me! I can't believe I'm so blind. Sorry about that. Anyways, thanks for the review. Do you really write for your school paper too? Has it won any awards? What's the paper's name:D I'm just curious.

To animaeGuRl: Um…thanks for the review and I am trying. You really have no idea what it's like to be a junior at a school with such high expectations for its students. Not to mention that this specific student is preparing for her post-high school life, is writing for her school paper, working on AP homework, keeping on top of 3 different clubs, and still maintaining what is left of her social life…so yeah, I'm trying to update quickly, it's just not at the top of my to-do list.

To riceball: Thanks for the review. I'm kind of like you. I normally don't review other writers' works unless their stories are REALLY good. I haven't found a lot of those yet. But your review is greatly appreciated.

To fdiw: Thanks for the review. I'm trying to update as quickly as possible. Read my response to animaeGuRl's review. I don't feel like typing all of that again. Does fdiw stand for something? I'm just curious…you don't have to answer if you don't want to.

To Miranda: Thank you uber much for reviewing my fic on the site! You have no idea how happy I am to have another reviewer for that site. Thanks for the compliments too…is my fic really the best you've ever read? I feel so grateful.

Oh, and my fic has had more than 100 hits on the site! I'm so happy! You'd think that those people would have the decency to rate, if not review, my fic.

Hope everyone likes this chapter! o hee hee…it's a piggie…see?

Chapter 4

By Kawaiilyn

Due to confusion on the difference between character's thoughts and the actual storyline, I will now be using single quotes (`') to speak the thoughts of the characters. Sorry for the confusion.

Tohru rushed to her mirror again.

`This one is too bright!' she thought. She ran to her closet. She tore through her wardrobe. After grabbing five more different dresses, she ran back out to her mirror and began placing each outfit in front of her as she worriedly gazed at her reflection. `Ugh…these aren't good either!' she thought exasperatedly.

“Ahh!” squealed a voice from behind Tohru, “Princess Tohru, what are you doing?” questioned her servant.

Tohru spun around with a raised eyebrow. She was surprised at the state of her room. Dresses and shoes lay scattered on the floor, pants and shirts dangled from every jutting corner and object in her room. Her closet was partially buried in gowns and accessories.

`Did I do all of this?' thought Tohru.

“Was there something that you were looking for Princess?” asked the servant as her initial surprise wore off.

“I'm going to the Rat Kingdom's Harvest Festival,” said Tohru, “what would you suggest that I wear?”

o o o o o o o

“Make sure the most appealing vegetables can be seen from the front entrance,” ordered Yuki to his servants. “And those apples…could someone please arrange them? Oh, and the leeks should look garden fresh…spray some water on them…”

“What is my son doing amongst the servants?” asked the king of the Rat Kingdom to his advisor. “Surely he isn't helping them prepare for the Harvest Festival?”

“What can I say your majesty,” replied a steely voice, “he always has been a little disappointing…leave him be. I'd advise you to not confront your son about his shortcomings until after the festival is over. We wouldn't want to jeopardize our plans.”

“You're right,” said the king, “I'll take your advice, it would not be wise for me to take action against my pitiable son just yet; thank you for your guidance Akito…you'll be rewarded immensely in due time.”

“Don't mention it your highness,” replied Akito as his steely gaze rested on Yuki. `The only reward I need is already mine…even if he isn't aware of it,' thought Akito as he visualized Yuki asleep from the other night.

o o o o o o o

“Halt!” shouted the guard, “Stranger what business do you have here at the 13th Kingdom?”

The hooded figure approached the kingdom's gates. He responded in a raspy, dry voice. “I'm a returning citizen of this very kingdom. After being abroad for years traveling the Land of Caidoz, I grew homesick and am yearning to see my old friends and family again. I am nothing more than an old man who wishes to see his homeland before he dies.” finished the hooded figure. He removed his hood to reveal an aged complexion, silver-white hair, and the best feeble smile he could muster as the guard closely inspected him. After the inspection, the guard smiled.

“Welcome to the 13th Kingdom sir, I hope your time here will be full of purpose until you pass away into the other life.” Smiled the guard as he allowed the old man to pass through the kingdom gates.

“Thank you young sir,” replied the old man as he replaced his hood and continued down the path into the 13th Kingdom. As soon as the old man was out of ear-shot and he turned around the corner…the old man's voice drastically changed.

“Stupid,” smirked the old man. As he kept walking, his bent back and feeble walk changed into broad, strong shoulders and a quickened step. His face began to take on more youthful traits, and his silver-white hair began to fade into a bright orange.

`Now all I have to do is keep my hair hidden away while I'm here,' thought Kyo as he threw away the ragged clothes of the “old man” and pulled his hood back on, `and hunt for Tohru and see if she still remembers me,' he concluded as he briskly walked in the direction of the castle.

o o o o o o o

“Your majesty, you look absolutely stunning!” piped the servant excitedly to Tohru.

“You think so?” asked Tohru. “You think it's too much? I don't want to make anyone feel inferior to me because of my outfit. I want everyone to be comfortable. Are you sure it's not much?” she asked worriedly as she turned to her servant again.

“If I may be bold,” began the servant, “I'd say that you're underdressed…for a princess anyways.”

“I prefer it to be that way,” responded Tohru, “I don't want Prin—I mean Yuki to think that I'm implying anything by wearing anything extravagant.”

“At least wear some jewelry,” begged the servant. “Some of the kingdom's jewels…to show you are of higher status than the common lady; how about a tiara? A tiara would be perfect…and maybe earrings that are made out of a hundred diamonds? That would be good too!” said the servant.

“I'm going to be robbed if I wear all of that,” laughed Tohru. “Fine, if you really want me to wear something…I'll just wear a necklace.”

“And a bracelet…a bracelet will complete the outfit,” added the servant.

“Fine,” chuckled Tohru, “And a bracelet.”

Knock, Knock.

The servant answered the door while Tohru headed for her vanity. As she hunted through her jewelry, she spotted an old box in the corner of her drawer. Drawn to it, she grabbed and opened it. In it, an attractive bracelet shone back at her. With its silver shine, bangle-like finish, and the most intricate character at the center of it, she decided to wear it. Upon closer inspection, she realized that the character was in fact…a kitten…with the slightest hint of an orange hue to it.

Tohru gasped as she remembered where it came from.

Flashback - o piggie? o

“Tohru! Hurry up!” growled a familiar voice. “You have to be home by dark, remember?”

“I'm coming!” yelped a panicked Tohru. “Wait for me Kyo!”

As they turned around a corner, Tohru slipped on the wet concrete and tumbled down.

“Ahh! Kyo, I'm hurt!” cried Tohru.

Kyo turned around. “What happened?” he panicked with unease.

“I fell on the slippery floor…my ankle hurts really bad,” whimpered Tohru, “I'm sorry Kyo, it's all my fault.” Tohru was fighting back her tears…but her eyes were brimming faster by the minute.

Can't standing to see Tohru cry, Kyo bent down. “It's not your fault…I…shouldn't have asked you to hurry up in the beginning. I'm the one who should be saying sorry.” He said as he looked away, not wanting to meet Tohru's eyes.

Tohru looked up at him; then began laughing.

Kyo looked back at her surprised. “Oy, what are you laughing for?”

“You looked so serious,” laughed Tohru, “It's funny seeing you act serious and sad at the same time…they don't fit you!” she giggled.

Kyo shook his head. `What am I going to do with her?' he thought. `She's so silly.' He unconsciously smiled.

“What are you smiling for?” asked Tohru.

Kyo caught himself. “No—nothing!” he exclaimed. “Come on, I'll give you a piggy back ride if you can't walk…we have to get you home now.”

“Okay!” sang Tohru.

As Kyo helped her onto his back, he thought of his unconscious smile. `Why did I smile? How does she always have this hold on me? How does she always get me acting so differently?'

As they arrived at the castle, he gently rested her down at their secret entrance.

“Do you think you can make it into your room from here?” asked Kyo worriedly.

“Yes, I can get a servant to assist me…I'll tell them that I tripped down the stairs…I do that all the time.” Smiled Tohru.

“I uh…wanted to give you…something,” muttered Kyo as he looked down. “It was originally for your upcoming birthday…but now it's kind of an apology gift for your sprained ankle. I'm really sorry about that by the way.”

Tohru continued looking at her red-faced friend. “It's okay,” she said, “I know you didn't want me to get hurt.”

“Um…here,” said Kyo as he shoved a tiny box at her, “it is real, so…don't throw it away or anything if you don't like it.” mumbled Kyo as he turned around and began walking away.

End Flashback - o Piggies! o

“Princess?” asked the servant again.

Tohru snapped out of her thoughts.
“Yes?” asked Tohru as she placed the bracelet on her wrist, “what is it?”

“The carriage and escorts are ready to take you to the Rat Kingdom,” said the servant as she dismissed the messenger; she closed the door. “Would you like me to accompany you?” asked the servant.

“No thanks,” replied Tohru, “you could use a break from me…visit your family for the day, I'm sure they would love an extra day with you.” Tohru smiled to her servant.

“Thank you your highness,” bowed the servant, “may God keep you safe and well on your journey.”

“The same goes for you,” said Tohru as she left the room.

o o o o o o o

Yuki hurriedly placed his shirt onto his still damp body. Steam emitted from his forgotten shower as he pulled up his pants. Fumbling with the buttons, he made his way to the mirror. `She'll be here any minute now,' thought Yuki, `and I'm not even ready yet! How could I've been so forgetful? So careless? Ugh…I'm becoming like the citizens of Ox kingdom.' Yuki grabbed a comb, tore it threw his hair, stuffed his feet into his shoes, and stamped them on as he left his room…just as the trumpets sounded the entry of their honorary guest…Princess Tohru.

o o o o o o o

“Your majesty,” said Akito, “the Princess Tohru of the 13th Kingdom has arrived through the Royal City's gates.”

“Thank you Advisor,” said the King. “I'll be sure to greet her in a moment…does my son have enough wit to do the same?”

“I know not your majesty,” replied Akito, “He was working with the servants a short while ago with the preparations. I will find him and remind him of his expected actions. I highly doubt he will have enough time to clean and change beforehand, but at least he will be there to greet her.” Sneered Akito.

“Go then,” dismissed the King, “notify my useless son of his errors…he might learn a lesson from this when he is forced to greet other royalties in filthy rags and dirt.”

“Your will shall be done my lord,” replied Akito as he bowed and departed from the King's side.

o o o o o o o

Tohru looked out of the carriage window at her surroundings. The Rat Kingdom truly was known for its agriculture. In every crack and open space of the kingdom was another exotic plant, another cluster of flowers, another arranged collection of beautiful fruits and vegetables. The Harvest Festival wasn't until tomorrow, but the city looked, and acted as if it were that very day.

`They probably did the decorating ahead of time because they knew that I was coming,' thought Tohru.

As the carriage approached the castle, she could see the townspeople brimming out of either side of its entrance; she spotted the assembled Royal Court of the Rat Kingdom awaiting her. The carriage came to a stop. Trumpets played and her escorts announced her presence. As the door opened, the flooding sunlight momentarily blinded her. A hand came into her sight. As she grasped it, she was gently pulled out of her carriage. As she stood on firm ground, she turned her attention to the owner of the helping hand. She caught her breath. Warm violet eyes and shining gray hair met her gaze…it was Yuki.

“Welcome Princess Tohru of the 13th Kingdom,” said Yuki in a loud and polite voice, “to the annual Harvest Festival of the Rat Kingdom.”

The townspeople began to cheer. The city was full of cheering, laughter, and happy chatter. Yuki led Tohru down the walkway to the Royal Court. As Tohru gazed at her surroundings, she glanced at a pale-skinned man standing next to the king. His black hair and burning eyes made Tohru's skin crawl. `He's looking directly at me with such an intense stare…why?' thought Tohru. Tohru was snapped out of her thoughts as she stood before the King and Queen of the Rat Kingdom.

“Princess Tohru of the esteemed 13th Kingdom,” began the Queen, “It is a great honor and blessing to have your presence amongst us during the Harvest Festival. May your stay be full of delight and pleasure…your accommodations have already been prepared. Please, make yourself at home,” the Queen smiled.

“I too am quite honored of your presence here in my kingdom,” said the King, “I hope you feel welcome during your stay; if you need anything, then feel free to ask my…son to see to it that your every need is met. Don't worry about disturbing him…he really has nothing more important to do.” Said the King with a smile.

Tohru confusedly glanced between the King and Yuki. Yuki's expressionless cool gaze was staring straight ahead into space, while the King's full attention was purposely on her.

“Thank you for your warm greetings,” replied Tohru as she bowed and curtsied, “I'm sure I will feel at home during my stay here at the Rat Kingdom, and I'm quite certain that Prince Yuki will help me in feeling comfortable to the best of his ability. Your son is very well-mannered and extremely helpful, you have raised him well,” smiled Tohru.

The King wore a shocked and puzzled expression. The Queen had one quite similar to his. Even Yuki looked at Tohru with a startled expression. An awkward silence followed.

Yuki cleared his throat.

“Well, allow me to escort you to your room,” said Yuki to Tohru, “then, I shall give you a tour of the beautiful Rat Kingdom.”

Tohru was led away with Yuki. After they were out of earshot, the King stormed into his throne room.

“ADVISOR!” yelled the King.

“Yes your highness,” replied Akito calmly as he entered the room.

“Would you kindly explain to me what the hell is going on?” sneered the King. “Why was Yuki presentable and on time? You said he was busy with the servants acting like one! You said he wouldn't have enough time to clean and change, even if he remembered! You said the 13th Kingdom is the richest of all the kingdoms in the Land of Caidoz, yet I'm met with a princess who is dressed as a lowly Lady of the Royal Court…or an aristocrat…or even a common peasant who chanced upon a little extra money! Why is she not abashed by my son's faults? Why does she not turn him away the moment she realized how weak he is? Most importantly…why does she actually seem to like him?” yelled the King as his breathing rapidly came in and out in ragged gasps.

Akito simply looked up at the King…completely unfazed.

“Well your majesty…” began Akito.

o o o o o o o

“Your kingdom is truly beautiful,” said Tohru as she admired a cherry blossom tree that Yuki had taken her to. “This tree is gorgeous…it must be over 100 years old!” she exclaimed.

“Yes, it is,” replied Yuki. “Legend has it that the very first ruler of the Rat Kingdom, the creator of this magnificent kingdom, came to this very tree to propose to his loved one. Nowadays, this tree has become a frequently visited spot for couples.”

“Oh, is…is that so?” replied a beet red Tohru. “That's so…sweet.”

“Come, there is still much to show you before night comes,” said Yuki as he led her away from the tree and into the city.

o o o o o o o

“What do you mean she's not here?” yelled an annoyed Kyo. “She's the princess of the kingdom…where else would she be?”

“Calm down sir,” said the old man, “She is out visiting the Rat Kingdom's Royal City…she is creating a pact of peace with them…according to the aristocrats anyways; but rumor has it that she fancies the Prince of the Rat Kingdom, and is, in fact, visiting his kingdom to see him…and his parents.

“WHAT?” yelled an astonished Kyo. “You mean she's going to marry him?”

“Please lower your voice sir or I will have to ask you to leave,” said the old man again. Kyo settled down and took his seat again.

`This innkeeper is full of information, but I don't know how trustworthy his sources are,' thought Kyo.

“I never said that she was going to marry him,” began the innkeeper, “but come on…it makes sense right? If she marries him, we'll have a very…solid peace pact with the Rat Kingdom…as solid as it gets, really. Why do you want to know all of this anyways?” The innkeeper scrutinized this newcomer intently as he watched his fall with a deep sigh.

“I'm a returning citizen who has been traveling abroad for far too long,” said Kyo slowly as he gazed straight ahead into space. “I was looking for something that never existed, wasting my time, wasting my funds…everything. I've just arrived and was wondering on how things have changed around here…apparently…she's changed a lot,” he whispered.

`She?' thought the innkeeper.

o o o o o o o

“Thank you for taking me on a wonderful tour of your kingdom Prince Yuki,” said Tohru as she bowed and curtsied to him in front of her room's door.

“Please…it's Yuki in private.” Said Yuki as he stared into her warm blue eyes.

“Oh…right,” blushed Tohru, “I forgot, I'm sorry Pr—er, I mean…Yuki.”

Yuki didn't respond. He continued staring into her eyes.

“Um,” began Tohru, “I'm looking forward to tomorrow's fest—”

Yuki closed the gap between them in a passionate kiss. His arms wrapped around tightly around her waist as he moved himself closer to her. Her back met the door of her room. He continued to kiss her.

`This is so new to me,' thought Tohru. `I've never kissed a guy before…I hope I'm not bad at this.' She thought as his hand began to pull her closer to him, while the other ran through her hair.

Yuki pulled away for air. He stared down into her eyes as she was catching her breath.

`I really don't know what to do,' panicked Tohru. `I thought for sure that I would've passed out if we hadn't stopped kissing for air. This is really fast.'

Tohru looked up into Yuki's warm violet eyes. They were so sincere. So trustworthy. So…vulnerable.

“Again, thank you for the great date…I mean day…I mean time,” said Tohru as she hurriedly opened her door and stepped in. “Good night and sleep well Yuki.” She said as she closed and locked her door.

Yuki stared at the door…at the place where Tohru was standing just a minute ago. Comprehension dawned on him and his face fell. `She doesn't like me,' thought Yuki. `I was too forward. Too stupid. Too inconsiderate. Too impolite. Too unthinking. Too rash. Too much…in love.'

Yuki's face contorted as he thought about his last reflection. `Love?' he pondered. He walked to his room.

`Is it really love?' He eased into his prepared bath.

`Is that what love is?' He placed his robe on and climbed into bed.

`Do I really love her?' His eyes became heavy as his final thoughts passed through his mind. `I think I do…'

While Yuki departed into his confusing dreams, Akito approached his bedside once again.

“I see you're enjoying the company of our honored guest,” whispered Akito to the sleeping form. “I even witnessed you wishing her `good night' in front of her door. I never knew you could be so passionate. You've surprised me today. Your father almost had my neck thanks to you and your little girlfriend. I hope you had a good time today…because the future won't be so…bright,” he whispered. He leaned down and stole another kiss from Yuki. As he tore himself away from the prince's lips, he spoke again. “I hope you remember that you are mine,” he whispered as he turned to leave. “You know that better than anyone else,” he said as he opened the door, “and soon, your little girlfriend will know too…in fact, she'll know firsthand soon enough.” He said as he closed the door and left the slumbering Yuki to his dreams.

Kawaiilyn: Good gosh that was a long chapter! I hope you liked it! Did Yuki seem slightly OOC during the kiss? I think he was…I'm sorry. I'll try harder to keep him in character…but if you liked it like that…and liked the fact that he got the first kiss with Tohru (all you Yukiru lovers)…then…let me know in your reviews!

I'd just like to say that my school newspaper took 3rd place in the Best of Show competition in Nationals! I'm like ecstatic. If you really want to stalk me, my school paper is called the Jagwire (named after our school mascot, jaguars) and has a high standard of excellence. Seriously, we have like the hardest working students on the journalism staff…they stay after school until as late as midnight working on the paper during deadline week…we're that dedicated.

The 8th book of Furuba came out! Haru and his sexy self was on the cover! I must admit, I was slightly disappointed in book 7 simply because it was mostly about Arisa. I don't hate her or anything…I'm just looking for some kyo/tohru or yuki/tohru action. Not much of that since book 6…which was totally dominated with kyo/tohru. (Heck yes sucka!) But now that book 8 has come out, it's leaning towards kyo/tohru with yuki being uber jealous. Ahh…the love triangle finally gets interesting. I can't wait for June! Book 9 comes out!

OMG! Star Wars came out! All of my friends saw it like…at midnight the day before it came out…I hate them all. I don't get to see it for a couple more weeks. My dad is like, the biggest fan, but he doesn't want to go until “there aren't so many crowds”. He's been watching and re-watching the trailers on the internet for months! Now that it's out, he's going to wait even longer? I don't understand parents…I really don't. oO

Next chapter: The Harvest Festival begins! Akito is plotting to “claim” what is “his”. And the moment my beloved Kyoru readers have been waiting before…Kyo finally meets Tohru. Catch it all in the fifth chapter of the Princess in Waiting!

Again, it might take me a while to update, I can't make any promises, but…if I get a lot of reviews, I'll update the fic uber fast…just for you guys. But that's only if I get a lot of reviews…I didn't get many reviews for chapter 3, so I'm hoping that chapter 4 will do better. o tee hee…it's a piggie!