2 2 - Tohru's Morning

Tohru closed the door quietly behind her. Her partner, Kyo, had just left for work, leaving her to enjoy her day. It was rare the brunette had a day-off whilst holding down three different jobs, but often this day would be filled with chores. Tohru peered into the wooden cupboards, noticing how bare its contents were, she grabbed a notepad from the fridge. Thankful it was magnetic and easy to locate whenever an important note needed to be made.

She began jotting down the essentials; bread, cereal, and jam were amongst other items on the list. Tohru checked the fridge, remembering Kyo mentioning the sparse ingredients when he had finished the last of the milk earlier that morning. The brunette ripped the list from the notepad before placing it back on the fridge for next time. She would be lost if she had misplaced it. Tohru gathered up some reusable shopping bags from under the sink unit, stuffing them all into one canvas tote. She picked up her handbag, checking for her purse, adding the list inside and placed inside the tote. She had collected everything she needed for her trip to the supermarket. Tohru was ready to leave the house when she realized, she had forgotten something. She looked down at her appearance, a silk robe barely covering her body. She grimaced, only she could forget something so simple. She hurried to the bedroom, picking out a simple sundress, featuring sunflowers embroidered on the hem, from the wardrobe. Tohru took a second to glance upon her appearance in the free-standing mirror. She twisted and turned, checking herself at every angle. She frowned. Something was missing. She placed a straw sunhat, that had a yellow ribbon tied to it, on top of her brunette locks and smiled.

"This will do," Tohru nodded at her reflection. Besides, it was only going to be a quick trip to the supermarket, it wasn't like she was going to a fashion show. She skipped back down to the kitchen, pulling the canvas tote over her shoulder, marching to the front door to collect her keys from the hook. She was greeted by the beautiful sunlight as she opened the door, she beamed back, hurrying out the door. Tohru was just about to take her first step into the cool air when she remembered, she needed to lock the front door, "Honestly, Kyo would laugh at my behaviour this morning," she grumbled under her breath, knowing full well her partner would have spent the rest of the day teasing her about it. She sighed, taking her first steps into the cool spring breeze.

Tohru walked into her garden that dressed the front of the house. Two hedges ran parallel along the white painted fence, the peach roses had finally begun to bloom. She smiled, continuing to walk down the stone path, the garden was beginning to look beautiful this year. All the hard work from last spring had paid off. When the couple had bought the house at auction, the garden was in rough shape, looking severely neglected. That was until Tohru came along with the botanical skills she had built upon since her lesson with Yuki Sohma (Kyo's cousin) back in high school. She was proud of what she had accomplished so far in the garden, however, she believed there was still more work to be done. As and when she had the time, of course.

Tohru exited her garden via a small wooden gate in the fence, locking it behind her. She continued walking up to the top of the street, popping into the little bakery on the corner. The brunette looked around the little shop, taking a peek inside the display case.

"Oh, hello Miss Honda," the baker's son appeared to serve, "I wasn't expecting you today. What can I get for you?" he asked.

"Oh," the brunette looked up from the display case surprised, "Hello Hisoka. How are you?" she smiled at the teenage boy. She glanced back to the glass case, finally deciding on her purchase.

"I'm well thank you," Hisoka replied, prepping himself for her order. He pulled on a pair of clear plastic gloves, and placed a logo branded box on the counter, "How are you and Kyo?"

"Very well thank you," Tohru said smiling, "Could I take a couple of your rock cakes?" she asked softly, knowing they were Kyo's favourite, particularly from this bakery. She pointed a finger at the class, "Oh, what's this one?" she asked after a pink sponged cake, decorated with white butter icing and strawberries.

"This?" Hisoka asked, pointing at the cake in question, "This is something my mother made. I believe she called it a strawberry shortcake. Would you like a slice or a full cake?" he inquired.

"Sounds beautiful. Could I take a full cake please?" the brunette asked, her mouth beginning to water. The baker nodded picking up the cake and placed it into a small box. He tied the box with string and moved it to one side. Hisoka produced another box, placing four rock cakes inside the box. Tohru looked a little confused and was about to ask before Hisoka cut in to explain.

"Don't worry, it's one the house," the baker winked at his colleague, "Now is there anything else?" He placed his hands on the counter, awaiting further instruction.

"Hmm," Tohru pondered, glancing over the glass display case once again, "Perhaps, one taiyaki to go please." She pointed a small fish-shaped waffle filled with chocolate cream, "That's everything." She smiled handed him one of her reusable shopping bags.

"Certainly," he smiled, wrapping the fish in a printed tissue paper before handing it to his customer, "The total is two thousand yen please," he replied, placing the tote she had handed him. Tohru dug into her purse and produce the exact change needed to pay for the items.

"Thank you," Hisoka continued, taking the money and placing it inside the old-fashioned till.

"Say Hisoka, would you mind if I collected these a little later, please? I must nip to the supermarket and would hate for the shortcake to be ruined," Tohru asked politely.

"Of course, I'll put them out back for you," he smiled, handing her the taiyaki.

"Thank you," the brunette replied taking hold of the wrapped fish, "See you soon." She gave him a little wave before walking out of the bakery and leaving him in peace to serve other customers. She continued to follow the road round the left and up a small hill before she reached her local supermarket. Tohru gathered up a large plastic trolley, pushing a one-hundred-yen coin into the catch to release it from the pack. She placed her reusable bags on the trolley hook before wheeling it into the supermarket.

Tohru was greeted by a flash of cold air, a chill running down her spine. While it was refreshing to receive it was a little shock that made her jump. She rummaged in the tote for her purse, a baby pink leather wallet with a plum-flavored onigiri on the front. She removed the small slip of paper before returning the purse to her canvas tote. Tohru glanced at the notepaper, a detailed list of everything she needed. She pressed on, down the fridge aisle gathering up the items from her list. Tohru had just turned down the produce aisle when she heard a familiar voice.

"Kyoko Sohma get back here!" she heard the voice bellow. The brunette turned to see her high school friend Arisa chasing a chubby-faced toddler, her auburn hair tied into pigtails with a yellow ribbon.

"Auntie Tohru," the toddler wailed running towards Tohru with her tiny arms outstretched. She could help but to bend down to the little girl's level and wrap her into a big hug.

"Hello little one," the brunette said smiling at the girl, "It's nice of you to say hello, but you shouldn't run away from your mother." She warned. Arisa joined the pair, her face red with both anger and panic.

"Don't run off like that!" the blonde yankee continue to yell, but a little quieter than before. Tohru waved a hand at her old friend, "Hello Tohru." The mother sighed; she knew her how much her daughter loved her friend.

"Morning Ou-chan," Tohru greeted her friend, returning to her feet, "Oh, my apologies. I keep forgetting its Sohma-san now." She bowed her head in respect.

Arisa let out a laugh, "Man, you don't need to be so formal you know." The brunette laughed along with her whilst the toddler looked up at both women confused. She never really understood what grown-ups said.

Tohru smiled her goofy smile, "Once I'm finished here, would the pair of you like to join me for a cup of tea and cake?" she asked.

Kyoko's ears pricked up, "Cake, please. Please Mummy," she tugged at her mother's long pleated skirt with a tiny fist.

Arisa scratched the back of her head, "I can't really say no now you've promised her cake," she said, letting out a hearty laugh, "We'd both love to, thank you Tohru." She smiled at her best friend. The toddler at her side began to jump on the spot with excitement. The little girl could never resist a piece of cake.

The three of them continued their shopping trip together with Kyoko now riding inside the brunette's trolley. Her mother was glad she was somewhere safe whilst the two women gathered the items from their shopping lists. Together they carried the bags from the market and back down the little hill towards the bakery.

"I've got to nip inside quick," Tohru turned to her friend, "I've got to pick up an order I left here earlier." She explained. Arisa nodded, waiting outside the bakery whilst her friend quickly darted in. Tohru had only been gone a couple of minutes before returning to the party. The three of them continued walking down the road towards Tohru's house. As they approached the gate, Kyoko ran a little ahead, something catching her brown-dyed eyes.

"Look, Mummy, pretty," she squeaked pointing her chubby fingers at the newly bloomed roses. Her eyes were fixed upon them, "Pretty, just like Mummy." Arisa felt her cheeks begin to flush red. Both she and her friend begun to giggle.

"Children say the sweetest things," Tohru turned to her friend.

The blonde yankee nodded and replied, "I think she gets that from her father." She placed a hand softly on her daughter's auburn head. Tohru opened the little wooden gate and allowed Kyoko to lead the group. She bundled herself through into the garden, as fast as her little chubby legs could carry her. Her brown eyes spotted the newly installed birdbath, a smile widened on her face.

"Look at the birdies, Mummy," the toddler called to her mother, pointing at a couple of blackbirds gazing by the water. The birds began to chirp loudly, dipping their beaks into the cool water. Kyoko took a seat on the soft grass and continued to watch the two little bird groom themselves. Her mother and Tohru let her be whilst they put the shopping away in the kitchen.

"Kyoko," she heard her mother calling, "Would you like some cake?" The toddler's ears pricked up, she never could say no to cake, especially considering it was a rare treat she only received at Aunty Tohru's house. She scrambled up onto her little chubby legs and bundling through the front door. The grown-ups had left it ajar to keep an eye on the tyke.

Tohru was standing at the kitchen counter cutting three smaller cubes from strawberry shortcake. She placed each slice on its own plate, remembering to place the toddlers on a child-proof version. Kyoko climbed up onto her mother's lap, she was sitting at the dining table with a mug of tea cupped in her hands. The brunette bought the plates over to the table, handing the toddler a rabbit-shaped dish.

"Oh wow," cried the little girl with glee, "Look, Mummy, it's a bunny." The grown-ups smiled at her, as she happily munched on her pink cake. Kyoko let out soft munching noises, clearly enjoying her treat. Tohru took her seat next to her friend before taking a sip of her tea.

"How are things with you and Kureno-san?" she asked, scooping a piece of sponge onto her folk. She took the bite; the taste was divine, a soft and sweet texture.

Arisa finished her mouthful of cake before replying, "Everything is good. Just got our hands full now," she smiled looking down at her daughter.

"I can only imagine," Tohru replied, taking another sip of her hot beverage.

"So," the blonde yankee cleared her throat, "When are you and Kyo going tie the knot and get married? After all, it's customary for the girl who caught the bride's bouquet to marry next." The brunette felt her cheeks flushing red with embarrassment. She pushed the question to one side, nervously sipping at her mug.

"We haven't really discussed it," she finally answered, "Not fully anyway. There's a little comment about little footsteps, here and there but we both agree it would be better after the renovations are complete." The pair had been fixed on this decision for a couple of months now, while it wasn't ideal, neither of them was keen to have a child hurt.

Kyoko had finished the piece of cake she was given, "Can I play now?" she asked the grown-up. They both nodded. Arisa helped her daughter off her lap and watched her run off to the living room, knowing full well Tohru was equipped with a box of toys whenever she came over.

"I guess that is fair," the mother replied, sipping her tea, "But that could take a while." She didn't want to turn her friend off the idea, but she knew the difficulties the couple was having to get everything for the house in order.

"It could, but that's okay. I don't mind waiting," Tohru said, her smile fading, "Kyo and I are a team no matter what." She cupped her mug in her hands.

Arisa smiled, "That's good to hear. I'm glad the guy has finally grown up," she began to laugh, remembering how stubborn he was back in high school, "Kureno tells me Kazuma is really impressed with his work down at the dojo. He's considering letting Kyo take over for him."

Tohru looked confused, "What do you mean?" she asked.

"Kazuma wants Kyo to run the dojo, full-time."

"Kyo would love that. He even said so the morning, he enjoys teaching the children. I think it would be really good for him."

"Yeah, that's what Kureno told me. The kid is good at what he does," Arisa said tapping the side of her nose, "But this stays between us." Tohru nodded, it could be heresy, but she believed it could be the best thing for her partner. It might even sway him to come around the idea of children within the house. It might give him the extra push to finish the renovations if he received a pay increase. The old friends said at Tohru's small dining table, happily catching up, paying close attention to the little toddler in the next room.

Maybe, Tohru thought to herself, something good will happen soon, at least, that's what she hoped. She gazed at the little girl playing with a small selection of toys she had bought, specifically for when she came over to play. She watched her little chubby face giggle as she played with the ponies, making each of them tea and cake as she had earlier. Tohru really hoped one day she could have her own child. She just hoped Kyo felt the same.