Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket, and I do not claim that the characters are IC at all times within the story. Flames may be shot right back at the senders; causing their computers to explode…do you really want to risk that? Constructive criticism please!

A/N: This chapter focuses more on the relationships of the other characters and how they are affected by Kyou and Kagura's bold move.

Chapter 16: Risky Love

Hatsuharu was tired of the constant cold shoulder from Rin. Ever since she'd broken up with him she'd been avoiding him, and treating him in an icy manner should their paths cross. But the cow knew that Isuzu loved him, she had to. Somewhere deep inside she cared. Why was she treating him like this?

Gentle grey eyes shifted to the sky, rain clouds had formed there since that morning. His orange haired cousin raced across his mind. Kagura had been so persistent in her pursuit of Kyou, and finally the cat had caved. Perhaps Haru merely needed to show the same persistence in his efforts to win back Rin. When his gaze returned from its examination of the clouds, he noticed dark, distant eyes on him. The horse was casting a sad look in his direction.

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Dark eyes focused on the pensive face, ears studded with piercings, hair a distinct two toned hue. Isuzu blinked and looked away, Haru's grey eyes having suddenly met her own. She couldn't let him know she still cared…it was for his own good. They couldn't be together. None of the Souma's could be allowed to love until the curse was broken. Kyou and Kagura were idiots, running off. They would be found, and punished.

But, what if they weren't? What if they somehow managed to escape? She shot a sideways glance towards Haru once again. Was it a risk worth taking? Was it possible, even slightly, that running away with her beloved would save them both? She shook her head clear of the foolish thoughts. Fleeing the family would lead not to salvation, but to misery.

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Akito had drifted off to sleep with the help of the medications Hatori had prescribed. The doctor looked at the dozing family head. In his sleep the man looked so peaceful, so frail. It was hard to imagine him hurting anyone. But Akito was viciously jealous. The memory of Tohru's visit to the main house was still all too vivid. The poor innocent girl had been tossed about by her hair, all for attempting to make Akito feel loved, accepted. She had already helped so many of the Souma's, Hatori included.

His eyes, hardened from years as the gateway to a frozen heart, slid shut. Tohru bore a remarkable resemblance to Kana, it was true. Both of them viewed the world with the same child-like innocence. The doctor sighed softly, opening his gaze, watching the rain through the window.

In a manner of speaking, the whole situation could have been prevented by the dragon. If he had placed more insistence on Tohru's leaving, then Kagura would never have become jealous and run away to begin with. But he had allowed the warm glow of Tohru's optimistic attitude, and her uncanny resemblance to Kana, melt his frozen heart.

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Violet hues scanned the cloudy sky. Hopefully Kyou and Kagura had covered enough ground the night before. Yuki leaned against a tree, he had ventured far enough into the woods that he was now out of view. Rain coated his pale face, running down his cheeks, gathering into large droplets at his chin before dropping to the ground. The rat knew the negative effect the rain had on the cat. Kyou and Kagura would likely not cover nearly as much ground in this weather. True, Kagura could carry the orange haired boy, but even the boar had only so much stamina.

Yuki's grey hair clung against his face. His hand slid into his pocket, gently rolling the blue thread he had found into a ball between two off his slender fingers. The cat was stupid for attacking Akito, for running away. But perhaps Kyou had the right idea. Perhaps it was time to stand against the head…the god of the zodiac.

If Kyou and Kagura got safely away, then there might be hope for the rest of the Soumas. Hope for Haru and Rin, for Kisa and Hiro, for himself and…

The rat had made up his mind. He glanced over his shoulder to be certain he wasn't being watched, and then took off into the woods. He would have to find Kagura and Kyou on his own. He would have to help them. Yuki knew he couldn't live his whole life in fear of Akito, of his mother. He had his own life, his own dreams, and helping the stupid cat may be the only way to start to make his dreams come true.

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A song, sung softly in German, came drifting through the halls of Shigure's home. Momiji had insisted upon doing the dishes, and any other chores he could find, so that Tohru could get some rest. He closed his eyes as he sang happily to himself. He was worried about Kyou and Kagura, true, but he had to act strong, for Tohru. He wanted her to be happy, not worried.

He finished scrubbing the last dish and set it aside before walking back to the living room where Tohru was once more sitting by the window. A slight frown formed upon Momiji's face. He hated to see Tohru unhappy, he wanted always for her to smile.

He bounced over to the brunette, forcing a smile upon his face, "Tohruuuu! I finished all the dishes!"

As she turned to face him, he spotted the gleam of tears as they coursed her way down her cheeks. His smile faltered as he blinked wide eyed at the girl, "Tohru! Nein! No tears!"

A small hand reached out to wipe away the shining trails of water. He wanted to see her smile…her beautiful smile.

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"Tohru! Nein! No tears!" Momiji scolded gently as Tohru sniffled, turning to face him. Her heart was tight in her chest. The sky had turned a mournful grey, and water fell from the sky.

"Momiji…" She sniffled once more, wiping at her eyes, "I'm sorry…I k-know I shouldn't…but…" She shouldn't be crying in front of Momiji, if he could smile through this…when Kyou and Kagura were his cousins, she should too, "You know how Kyou is when it rains…this is going to slow them down! What if they get caught?"

The sunny haired boy shook his head, "They won't. Kagura can carry Kyou!"

Tohru smiled faintly, nodding, "You're right…"

Momiji was such a sweet young boy. She was so lucky to have a friend like him to cheer her up, and ease her mind.

A/N: And that's the end of another chapter. I hope you liked it, no Kyou/Kagura in this one, but they don't have to be i