One Step Closer [Fruits Basket]

Chapter 16: Rise Up Again

Natsu's POV

Today Yuki and I went out to do some grocery shopping, but when we were walking back home, it started to rain. So right now we were standing under a shelter, waiting for the rain to stop.

"The rain should stop soon. Let's wait a little longer." Yuki said as he held his hand out in the rain.

"I was getting a little worried we'd be stuck here for a while." I stated.

"Don't worry. We shouldn't have that much longer to wait." Yuki smiled. "Say, it's almost time for final exams."

"Hey, don't forget about the student council elections, Yuki." I smiled at him. "President insists that you be his successor, but... I suppose it's not something you want to do, is it?"

"Yeah..." Yuki sighed. "I don't know what he and others expect of me, but they have got the wrong idea about me. It bothers me. The real me is more..."

"More what?" I asked.

Yuki smiled at me, but I knew it was a fake smile.

"It's nothing. Forget I said anything." Yuki mumbled.

"Yuki, you'll make a great president for the council." I stated. "Everyone loves you. You're really smart and you'd help make the school better. I'm sure of it. Have more confidence in yourself."

Yuki smiled at me and was about to open his mouth when someone else called his name.

"Oh, it's Yuki."

We both turned to see Haru standing in the rain with his jacket in his arms.

"Haru?" I raised an eyebrow as I pulled him over to where Yuki and I stood. "It's raining and you aren't wearing your jacket. Get under here."

"What are you doing in the rain?" Haru asked us.

"What are you doing, Haru?" I asked, pulling out a handkerchief and drying off his hair. "You are soaked."

"Are you lost again?" Yuki asked.

"Looking for something." Haru responded before he removed his jacket from his arms and under his jacket was a baby tiger. "I was looking for this one."

"Wait, is that a tiger cub?" I asked.

"Kisa Sohma, the Tiger spirit." Haru responded. "Her bites hurt."

"She's so cute!" I beamed in excitement when I noticed she opened her eyes. "Hello, it's nice to meet you! I am Natsu Honda."

I slowly reached out my hand to pet her but suddenly she bit my hand. It didn't really hurt, but it was definitely not what I was expecting. I quickly yanked my hand away which was slightly bleeding.

"Natsu-san! Are you okay?" Yuki asked worriedly. "Your hand is bleeding!"

"Y-Yeah." I mumbled in pain before looking back at Kisa. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bother you, Kisa."

After the rain stopped, we made our way back to the house. The weather was all nice and sunny now. I gave Haru a towel to dry off. Tohru and Kyo were nowhere to be seen, but I didn't worry too much about it. Haru was bandaging my hand, while Yuki was trying to get Kisa to apologize. She was still in her Zodiac form, but she sat in the corner with her back to us.

"Oh no, you got bitten." Shigure looked at my hand.

"Y-Yeah. It surprised me." I smiled.

"Kisa, come here and apologize." Yuki said in a stern voice.

"No, it's okay, Yuki." I said. "I am fine, really. There's no need to get upset. She did no harm. I was just startled, and I'm sure she was scared too."