There was once a curse that tied a family to one another against their will. Thirteen animals and one immortal soul reborn, time and time again, into mere mortal humans. A curse that inflicted the Sohma clan for generations, though no one understood why.
Of the Fourteen, the one born from the immortal soul was chosen to be their God, to govern the thirteen other souls who’d inherited the souls of the Zodiac. In their past lives, they took on the forms of animals, but as the story is told, only twelve Zodiac animals exist.
But what of the Cat who was left out of the Zodiac?
One day their God invited all thirteen Zodiac animals to a glorious banquet, unaware that this would be the start of their fates intertwining. On the eve of the banquet, the Rat decided to play a cruel trick on the Cat, by informing the Cat that the banquet would be the day after tomorrow instead. The Cat thanked the Rat and went on his merry way.
The next day the twelve animals of the Zodiac marched on to the banquet, with the Rat riding the Cow at the front of the parade, leaving the poor Cat to wonder why he was the only one left behind.
Although centuries have passed since the first banquet, those reborn souls continued to meet every New Year. The shackles of their invisible chains forcing them into submission to their God. That was until one girl messed with the natural order, releasing those tortured souls from their chains and allowing them the freedom to live their life as they chose.
Three years had passed since the curse inflicting the Sohma clan was broken. Those fourteen souls were released from their eternal bond, allowing them to shape their own fate. As their chosen God, Akito Sohma informed the Zodiac their New Year celebrations had come to a close. The Sohma clan were not restricted to celebrate in the main estate with their so-called God but with their newfound loved ones and to make new memories. There were those within the Sohma family who continued the tradition, but Akito refused to be present at any celebrations, even when an invitation was extended.
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Akito and Shigure were beginning their life anew, without the curse hanging like a noose around their throats. As were most of the Sohma clan who’d been inflicted with the curse. Which is why when Kyo Sohma received a curious invitation from the mailman that morning, with identical ones addressed to his cousins Shigure, Yuki, and his girlfriend Tohru Honda, he started to worry. While he recognised the handwriting from the cursive script of jet-black ink on crisp ivory paper, he couldn’t place who it’d belonged to. It was clear from design and texture no expense had been spared from the sender.
Kyo sat on the engawa, and held the letter up into the morning light when he heard footsteps approaching him from behind.
‘Ah, I see that you’ve received Akito’s invitation,’ he recognised the voice belonging to his cousin Shigure. ‘I trust there was one sent for Yuki, Miss Honda and myself?’
‘So it is from her?’ Kyo asked, his tone held venom. After the years of torment Akito had subjected him too, three years was hardly enough time to forgive. ‘Did you know about this?’
Shigure laughed nervously, ‘Now, Kyo-Kun, let’s not jump to conclusions.’
His carefree attitude raised Kyo’s heckles. He glared at his cousin, balling his fists into his cargo trousers so he wouldn’t give into his anger.
‘Good morning, Shigure-San. Morning Kyo.’
The Cat relaxed the second he heard her voice and uncurled his fists as he turned to see Tohru Honda with a smile on her lips. Her apron was tied around her waist and her hands laden with the breakfast crockery.
‘Oh, Tohru-Kun. Good morning,’ Shigure replied, his words sweet like honey. ‘This was delivered for you earlier. It seems we’ve all received one.’ He added, handing Tohru her own ivory envelope sealed with a wax seal stamped with the Sohma clan insignia.
‘I see,’ Tohru said, looking a little crestfallen. She’d recognised the handwriting the second she laid her tree-bark orbs on the envelope, before stuffing it into her apron pocket. ‘Can we talk more about it after breakfast?’
Shigure gave a nod to confirm and replied, ‘Certainly. I hope Yuki won’t be much longer, I fear I might wither away if I don’t get to taste Tohru-Kun’s food soon.’
Kyo hauled himself off the engawa and slipped his envelope into his pocket before he joined his cousin at the table. He didn’t want to think about the possibility of the curse returning, he wanted to move past his resentment and focus on the future. He glanced at Tohru as she began serving breakfast. She was his future. Without Tohru stumbling into the lives of the Sohma clan, the curse would’ve never been broken. He didn’t know how she’d accomplished it, but he’d forever be indebted to her.
Yuki arrived just as the bowls were shared amongst their found family. He took his spot beside Shigure and accepted the meal he was offered.
‘Good morning, Sohma-San.’ Tohru’s smile was infectious. It was impossible to feel unwelcome in her presence. She lit up the room just by existing in the space, with her gentle personality soothing the souls around her.
After giving thanks, the household ate their meal while discussing the upcoming arrival of Spring. The season of new beginnings was just over a month away, just after New Year celebrations. Even though three years had passed since the Sohma clan curse was broken, no one spoke of the old New Year tradition, or shared their celebration plans with one another. That was the way all members of the Sohma clan agreed would be best, to allow each of them the right to shape their own destinies. That was before the four of them received their envelopes.
Shigure slid the remaining one over to Yuki.
‘What’s this?’ the Rat asked, smoothing the ivory paper between his thumb and index.
Tohru, Kyo and Shigure all produced their own envelopes, identical to the one Yuki held in his hand. A silence washed over the family, each of them staring at the cursive script inking the paper.
‘Okay, out with it.’ Kyo said, slamming his fist down on the table and directing his anger towards Shigure.
Tohru almost jumped out of her skin at the shift in her partner’s tone. Kyo realised his mistake and placed his hand over hers, giving her a gentle squeeze.
Kyo cleared his throat, regaining his calm before he added, ‘Shigure said these are invitations sent from Akito.’ He held the envelope up for everyone to see.
Yuki furrowed his brow, ‘Invitations to what exactly?’ he asked.
Shigure felt everyone's eyes on him, yet he didn’t meet anyone’s gaze. ‘Before you cast any judgement, I ask that you listen to what I have to say.’ His tone was stern, a side of himself he rarely let slip. ‘Our curse might have broken three years ago, and some of us may still hold resentment for the ill-treatment they suffered under Akito’s rule. Please know she is truly sorry for her actions but she wishes to atone for her mistakes. She’d like to foster new relationships within the family. I can only hope you will consider attending.’
He took his own envelope in his hand and slipped it inside his kimono. Shigure didn’t need a reminder of Akito’s plan, he’d played his part as promised. He hoped the others would follow suit. ‘Thank you for the food,’ Shigure added, then excused himself from the table to return to his office with a yunomi of green tea in hand.
‘Ominous as always,’ Yuki said quietly. ‘I’m afraid I must take my leave as well. I have a prior engagement with Machi. We can discuss this later if you’d prefer?’ He pocketed the envelope. ‘Thank you again for the food, Miss Honda.’ He added, bowing his head.
‘It was my pleasure, Sohma-San.’ Tohru called after him in her usual bubbly tone. ‘Take care, and please tell Machi I said hello.’
‘I’ll be sure to tell her.’
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Tohru slumped back into her cushion, fiddling with the hem of her apron. ‘Do you think something bad has happened-’ she could barely finish her sentence before her eyes were filled with tears.
‘It’s okay, Onigiri,’ Kyo cooed softly, using her pet name to comfort her. He wrapped his arms around her slender frame. ‘I promise you, everything is fine.’
Tohru rested her head onto his shoulder, ‘How can you be sure?’ she asked.
Kyo wiped her tears away gently, before he lifted her chin until their eyes met. ‘Call it animal instinct,’ he said with a smile on his lips. ‘If you like, we could always find out together?’
‘But that wouldn’t be fair on Sohma-San.’
The Cat groaned, ‘Forget him. The Rat can consider it payback for a crime in a past life.’
Tohru giggled at his theatrics, knowing full well he was referring to the old Zodiac tale. She considered his words, knowing she’d make herself ill with worry if she didn’t have answers. Tohru took her envelope in hand and broke the wax seal on the back. Inside was a single piece of card, decorated with thirteen animals in gold leaf foiling. She recognised them as the members of the Zodiac, which had included the cat.
‘It’s just as Shigure said,’ Tohru announced, sounding almost breathless.
Kyo peered over her shoulder and asked, ‘Would you mind reading it to me?’
She hummed, agreeing to his request. ‘Akito Sohma requests the pleasure of your company to celebrate the New Year. A banquet will be held at the Sohma estate. Please be advised formal attire is preferred.’
Tohru felt her heart fall into the pit of her stomach. Her worst fears bubbled to the surface. The thought of losing her found family again to the Zodiac curse filled her with dread. She couldn’t let herself think that way, she needed to keep an open mind.
Kyo spotted the change in her demeanour, his brows knitted together. ‘What are you thinking, Onigiri?’ he asked, running his fingers through her hair.
‘I want to trust Akito means well with her offer. I can only assume every member of the Zodiac received the same invitation, and their newfound partners too if she truly means to make amends,’ Tohru said softly. ‘But I can’t deny that the thought of everyone coming together after so long apart fills me with concern.’
‘What’s the worst that could happen?’
‘I guess we’ll have to wait until the time comes. Speaking of, do you think we should buy new kimonos for the occasion? Celebrate the new beginning?’ Tohru suggested with a smile, as she stood to clear the table.
Kyo followed her movements to help with the cleanup, ‘As long as you allow me to treat you,’ his reply came quick, his smile matching hers. But she shot him a glance just as she disappeared into the kitchen. ‘I’m not taking no for an answer.’ He called after her.
‘I can’t hear you.’ Her laughter echoed in the space between them.
Tohru was already in the kitchen with the faucet running by the time Kyo came in to set the crockery on the side. He wrapped his arms around his partner's waist and rested his head on top of hers.
‘Can you hear me now?’ He whispered in her ears. He ran his fingers down her sides, tickling her gently.
Tohru couldn’t contain her giggles as she arched away from his embrace, ‘Okay. Kyo, please. Stop it, I can hear you fine,’ she said through her laughter. ‘But I’ll only agree to your terms if you stop tickling me.’
Kyo pulled himself away from her and grinned, ‘We can go after we’re finished here, if you like?’ He replied, retrieving a cloth to help dry the crockery.
‘Okay, let’s do that.’
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Together they cleared the kitchen from breakfast, ensuring everything found its home once more. While Kyo took care of another household chore, Tohru prepared a fresh pot of green tea before they left. She placed the steaming pot onto a tray and headed to the office.
‘Shigure-San,’ she called, lightly knocked on the door.
‘Come in.’
Tohru entered Shigure’s office, a room he never allowed her to clean despite it being littered with clutter. He claimed he’d get around to it sometime, but she’d never seen him entertain the notion. Shigure was slumped in his writing chair, twirling a pen in his hand casting his gaze into the garden.
‘I brought you some tea,’ she said, setting the tray beside a stack of papers.
‘Why thank you, Miss Honda. What do I owe the pleasure?’
‘Kyo and I are going to choose our kimonos for New Year celebrations.’
The Dog refilled his yunomi from the steaming pot and smiled knowingly. ‘Can I assume that you’ve both decided to accept the invitation?’
‘If Akito-San truly wishes to make amends, then it feels only right for us to support her.’
Shigure turned to look at her, ‘You know none of this would’ve been possible without your help over the years. Thank you.’
Tohru returned his smile, a warmth spreading in her chest.
‘Onigiri, are you ready to go?’ Kyo’s voice called from the hallway.
Shigure laughed, setting down his yunomi to return to his work, ‘Don’t let me keep you.’
‘We’ll be home before dinner,’ she said, sliding the door closed behind her.
‘I look forward to it.’
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Kyo lent against the door frame, his arms folded across his chest waiting for Tohru to reappear. He’d thrown on his varsity jacket and scarf on, despite how placid the weather appeared, knowing he’d only be scolded for not wrapping up warm during winter.
‘Thank you for waiting.’
He looked up to see Tohru walking towards him. Her hair was no longer tied up in the ponytail she’d styled for breakfast, her tree-bark brown tresses were now tumbled over one shoulder. She came up beside him and slipped on her boots while Kyo fetched her coat.
‘Are we all ready to go?’ she asked, fastening her jacket.
‘Forgetting something?’ Kyo replied, holding up her scarf. He gently wrapped the length around her neck, pulling her closer to him until she felt his breath on her cheek.
Tohru felt her cheeks burn as she looked up at him. Kyo stood a head taller than her, his sienna gaze on her as he tied her scarf.
He kissed the top of her head and said, ‘I think we have everything we need, should we get going?’ He pulled away from their embrace, taking her hand in his.
‘Mhm, let’s go.’ Tohru replied, grabbing her bag from the hook, feeling a little lightheaded from the warmth surging through her body.
They walked hand in hand from their little residence in the woods, and into town taking the same route they used to walk to high school. It was a nice trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the day they graduated and how soon after their life got turned upside down. Little had changed in the last three years. They greeted elderly residents as they passed, and watched the new intake of students running to Kaibara Municipal High school before the bell rang.
Kyo recalled the number of times he’d been caught out by the same bell, and the mornings he’d have to spend running track before he was allowed to rejoin his classmates. Although he was glad to see the back of High school, he reminded himself that if he’d never attended Kaibara Municipal, he wouldn’t be as close to Tohru as he was now, and for that he was thankful. He interlocked his fingers with hers, guiding her to a nearby crossing.
Minutes later, the couple found themselves in the town centre, which was seemingly busier than usual for a weekday.
‘Where did you want to go first?’ Kyo asked. He was still not used to feeling comfortable in a crowd, after his years spent as the cursed Sohma outcast but having his partner by his side calmed his nerves. He squeezed her hand a little tighter.
Tohru glanced around the square with a puzzled expression, ‘I was looking for Ayame’s boutique. Wasn’t it around here?’
Kyo grimaced, remembering their last trip where he was forced to watch his cousin play the role of Prince, while his girlfriend played the Princess. ‘I didn’t think he designed kimonos.’ His words were sour on his tongue making him regret them immediately. ‘What I meant was… actually doesn’t matter. If you want to, we can go look?’
Tohru clapped her hands together, edging closer to her partner as her pupils dilated. ‘Can we please?’ she said, a grin plastered on her lips. ‘He might be willing to make an exception, or he might even take a commission.’
Kyo groaned. His wallet was going to hurt after this trip, but it was worth it to see his girl smile. ‘I guess it doesn’t hurt to ask.’ He pointed to a side street in the distance, ‘I think it’s over that way. Come on.’
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Tohru had a little skip in her step as they ventured into the outskirts of town, until they found ‘Ayame’ the boutique named after the flamboyant designer himself.
A rich ruby sign with gold script greeted them. Several mannequins were positioned in the window, showcasing the latest designs.
Kyo stared at them in horror, questioning why he agreed to bring his partner here in the first place. Sure, the outfits would look cute on her, but for his eyes only. He turned around to try and talk Tohru out of it, but she was already inside before he got a chance. The Cat sighed, swallowing his pride and followed her inside.
The shop bell rang as he stepped into the boutique, catching sight of Tohru beside the counter. The assistant, Mime Kuramae smiled, dressed in one of the designs he’d seen in the window. A Lolita-style dress with a frilly apron and ribbons in her braids.
‘It’s so wonderful to see you,’ she said, bowing her head to Tohru. ‘I’ll just call for Ayame. He’ll be delighted to see you.’
A minute later, the ruby curtain whipped open, revealing the man himself. Ayame Sohma, wearing a Chinese-styled jacket with golden fastenings. His long silver hair cascaded down his back, mirroring his movements.
‘Is that the darling Tohru-Kun I see?’ His words glided off his tongue like a verse in song. He looked up, locked eyes with Kyo and smirked. ‘And my, Kyon-Kichi as well. Now this is a treat.’
Kyo glared at him, resisting the temptation to give into the cat instinct hissing inside of him. He despised the nickname and had done ever since they were children. He’d hoped once the curse broke, the nicknames might have stopped but he reminded himself that old habits were difficult to break.
‘Don’t tell me,’ the elder cousin said, resting his hand under his chin. ‘You’re here because you received an invitation from the Head of the family too. Mime and I were invited as a couple, it seems. An odd request don’t you think?’
Tohru shook her head to disagree. ‘If Akito-San truly wishes to make amends, it stands to reason why those outside of the Sohma clan have been invited.’ She replied, speaking her thoughts aloud. ‘We’ve made the decision to attend. Actually, we were wondering if you had anything suitable for us to wear for the celebration?’
Ayame chose not to press his client any further on her decision and switched back to his salesman persona. ‘Well my dear, you’ve certainly come to the right place. Could I interest you in our new line of hime-styled gowns?’ He asked, taking Tohru by the hand, spinning her around the boutique, showcasing his designs. ‘Or perhaps I could interest you in something inspired by the West?’ He gestured to a smaller selection of sleek dresses with elegant drapery that felt more suited for black-tie events.
Kyo stepped forward, prying his partner away from his cousin. ‘Actually-’
Ayame grabbed the Cat instead, guiding him to the Men’s section. ‘I think you’d look charming in this piece, don’t you Kyon-Kichi?’ He held a Prince costume up to his cousin.
It reminded Kyo of the performance from High school where he had been forced to play the Prince and Tohru was his Princess. He’d already fallen head over heels for her back then, which made their on stage authentic for the roles.
‘Cut it out,’ Kyo snapped through gritted teeth. He shrugged his cousin’s hand off his shoulder, trying to keep his cool in front of Tohru, despite Ayame testing his patience. ‘We came for traditional kimonos, not fancy costumes.’
Ayame laughed, returning the garment to the rail. ‘I suppose that would be more appropriate for a family celebration,’ he said, a little crestfallen. ‘I was looking forward to having fun playing dress-up with Tohru again. Some other time perhaps, darling.’
‘I would love that,’ Tohru replied, almost bursting with excitement.
‘Mime, would you be a dear and show Tohru-Kun our selection please?’
His assistant bowed, ‘Of course, Ayame-San,’ she said, gesturing towards the left side of the boutique. ‘If you would like to follow me, our collection is quite small. All of our available designs are on this rail, and we can tailor them to fit. Please let me know if there’s anything you wish to try on.’
Tohru was allowed to browse each of the designs at her leisure. A few of which caught her eye. She stuck to a colour she knew complimented her complexion, sakura blossom pink, giving three options to work with. One featured a mix of white, black and red blooms, another was decorated in bright yellow sunflowers, and the final kimono was printed with sakura blossoms in varying shades of pink.
‘Would you like to try these?’
‘Yes please, though I’d like to get Kyo’s opinion on them too.’
Mime smiled knowingly as she removed the kimonos from the rails, ‘Of course. If you’d like to make yourself comfortable in the fitting rooms, I’ll just bring these through.’
Tohru slipped behind the curtain, removing her various layers of clothing and set them on the shelf. She heard a knock outside before the kimonos were passed through. She put them on the rail and selected the sunflower first. Once she’d slipped the kimono on, she pulled the curtain aside allowing the assistant to help her with the obi band, before adding a matching corsage in her hair.
Mime stepped back to admire her work, ‘That colour works beautiful on you. You’ve got an incredible eye,’ she almost squealed with delight. ‘Let’s show the others.’
When the ladies returned, Ayame had successfully forced Kyo into multiple designs before they settled on the light tan kimono with ginkgo leaves printed on the sleeves and hem.
Tohru beamed when she laid eyes on him, ‘Kyo, you look so cute.’
Normally Kyo would’ve hated hearing the word, but on her lips it felt right. He caught sight of his partner, the pink of her kimono complimented her dark hair while the sunflowers matched her smile perfectly, like sunshine in a bottle. ‘Wow,’ he said, unable to keep his eyes off her. ‘You look… wow.’
‘Do you like it?’ Tohru asked, her cheeks flushed pink. She turned back to Mime and added ‘Perhaps I should try one of the others, just to be sure.’
They disappeared for a moment, leaving the men waiting in silence. When Tohru returned she wore another pink kimono, printed with a contrasting palette of blooms. Once again, Kyo struggled to stop himself from staring, yet was unable to speak.
‘This is a little different than what I’d usually pick,’ Tohru said. ‘Don’t you like it? Is it a little too much for the occasion?’
Ayame laughed and replied, ‘My dear, there is no such thing as too much. A true beauty deserves to be noticed. Wouldn’t you agree, Kyon-Kichi?’ He nudged his cousin, who in turn glared back at him.
‘I’ll just try the last one,’ Tohru said. She returned a few minutes later wearing a kimono that made her look like the living embodiment of a sakura blossom tree. She twirled on the spot, checking every angle. ‘Kyo, which one do you like best?’
‘All of them are great,’ he replied, feeling the heat in his cheeks. ‘You could wear anything and I’d say the same. It should be your decision, which one do you like best?’
Tohru fidgeted on the spot, ‘I think they’re all lovely, I’m struggling to pick just one.’
Ayame frowned, ‘Only one? I think not, here at Ayame’s we make dreams come too, so Kyon-Kichi, the lady will have whatever she desires. Mime, the darling Tohru-Kun will take all three, with accessories to match. Would you be a dear and package them for me?’ He announced. ‘Now, as we’re practically family, it’d be rude for me to not add a little discount.’
Kyo sighed, ‘Alright, fine. We’ll take those three and the one I’m wearing. What do I owe you?’ He said, producing his wallet.
Tohru shook her head, ‘I know you said it was your treat, but that’s too much even with Ayame’s discount.’
‘I want to treat you, Onigiri,’ the Cat cooed softly, stroking the back of her hand with his fingertips. ‘Please let me.’
Tohru hesitated, a wave of guilt washed over her. She didn’t feel she deserved the kindness she’d been shown by the Sohma clan over the years, but she allowed herself to give into the generosity just this once. She’d find a way to repay them somehow. ‘Only if you’re sure that’s okay.’ She replied.
‘Thank you.’ Kyo’s smile was the weight that pushed her fears to one side.
Ayame clapped his hands together, ‘Splendid, let me ring that up for you.’ He tapped several keys on the till until the numbers made his cousin’s eyes water.
Mime bowed, offering two bags to the couple. ‘Thank you for your custom.’
‘It’s been a pleasure, Tohru-Kun.’ Ayame took her hand in his, ‘Please don’t leave it too long till your next visit. As for you Kyon-Kichi, take care of this little beauty for me.’
The cousins parted ways after their goodbyes, knowing it wouldn’t be long before they were reunited, as the grand Sohma banquet was a fortnight away.
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‘So where to now?’ Kyo asked, hoping she would suggest heading home now his arms were laden with shopping.
‘Actually, I was planning to buy some New Year gifts for the family,’ Tohru replied. ‘The store is just around the corner, could we stop there on the way home?’
The Cat groaned, ‘You don’t need to do that, you know.’
‘I know, but I would like to.’
‘Alright, where are we heading?' Kyo sighed, he’d no choice but to agree. He knew once Tohru had made up her mind there was no changing it. He slipped his hand into hers and allowed her to lead, but he hadn’t expected her choice of destination. ‘The jewellers?’
‘I saw some little trinkets I thought might make perfect gifts,’ Tohru said with a smile.
Would you mind waiting outside?’
Kyo furrowed his brow, ‘Why, is there something you’re hiding?’
‘Ah, it’s nothing like that. I just wanted them to be a surprise.’
He patted the top of her head gently, ‘I’m only teasing. You go take care of whatever you need to, I’ll wait here till you’re back.’
Tohru slipped inside the jewellers, heading straight to the counter. She peered into the glass displays until she located the trinkets she was after. A set of Zodiac pins shaped like the animals themselves, but just like the Sohma curse, the cat was missing from the collection. ‘Excuse me,’ she called out to one of the assistants sheepishly.
‘Hello, welcome to Niwaka. How may I help you?’
‘I’d like to purchase this set please. Oh, would it be possible to wrap them individually?’ she asked, producing her purse. ‘I don’t suppose you have a cat pin, with a similar design?’
‘Allow me to check this for you, I won’t be a moment.’
The store assistant opened a cupboard behind the counter, she scanned the shelves until she came across a lone box in the corner. She examined the contents before closing the cupboard and returning to her customer.
‘You’re in luck, Miss. It appears we have one item that matches the description.’ She said, showcasing the pin that was a near perfect match to the twelve Zodiac. ‘Would you like me to add this to your purchase?’
Tohru beamed with delight, ‘It’s perfect. Yes, I’ll take all thirteen please.’
‘Wonderful, allow me to ring that up for you,’ the assistant replied. ‘Are they for a special occasion, Miss?’ She gently wrapped the individual boxes in coloured tissue paper and placed them into a gift bag. ‘If you could enter your card, I will now take the payment.’
‘They’re New Year gifts for my family.’ Tohru said, handing over her card.
‘Quite a big family you have?’ She asked, adding the receipt into the bag.
Tohru smiled and said, ‘Yes. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you.’
‘You’re welcome, I hope you have a lovely day.’
When Tohru stepped back out onto the street, she noticed Kyo grimacing at the ground curling themselves around his legs. A clowder of stray cats clung to him like he was their God. Tohru couldn’t help but giggle at the sight.
‘Somethings never change,’ she called out, giving her partner a wave.
Kyo looked up at her, a frown still on his lips. ‘I’ve told them to clear off but that just summoned more of them.’ He said, sighing. ‘Anyway, did you manage to get what you wanted?’ He bent down to scratch a ginger tabby behind the ear.
‘Mhm, I just hope everyone likes them.’
‘Ready to head home?’ Kyo asked, offering Tohru his hand which she took without hesitation and smiled up at him.
‘There’s no place I’d rather be.’
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