A Change in Routine (Open)

[Tohru Honda]

It was late at night when Tohru woke up to the sound of soft voices. At first she thought it was her imagination, but then she was sure that someone was in another room speaking. It was so dark out, the situation seemed strange. Rubbing her eyes, Tohru got out of bed and followed the noise. She passed the kitchen, and soon realized where the sound was coming from.

Tohru was in Shigure's living room. One thing she really hated was walking around the house as if she owned the place. Usually, she didn't enter a room unless someone else was in it, except for the kitchen. It seemed that it wasn't right to just wander around someone's house, especially when they were lending her a room. After all, she was just a guest, even if she did the cooking and cleaning (which were the only times when she would enter a room without thinking of if it were empty or not). The room was dark, but the TV was turned on. The news reporter on the screen was proclaiming the the launch of the newest cellphone model. Tohru looked away from the screen, not all that interested.

It appeared that no one else was in the room. It wasn't strange, as Shigure--or even Kyo--was very likely to forget to turn the TV off. It just seemed so strange that the TV would be left on so late at night. The last time she had looked at the clock in the kitchen, it was half past 2. Tohru walked over to the TV and carefully turned it off. The room was plunged into darkness, and she wondered how she was going to make it back into the hall without tripping over something. She didn't want to wake anyone up.

But it seemed someone was already awake. At that moment, she heard a soft voice behind her. "I was watching that." Tohru spun around, just as the lights flickered on.

[Hiro]

"I was watching that," Hiro said. He got up rubbing his not tired eyes. He stood firm though he wanted to collaspe back on the couch. "What are you doing up." He said clearing as if she were his age and he was hers. Hiro had decided to stay the night. Since there was no school the next day. And maybe he would get to she kisa. She was always here in her spare time anyways. "Hm? no answer then turn it back on." He snapped but softly. This was later then he usally was up. Hiro flopped back down on the couch. His tan hair falling back in place. His dark eyes scanning the room. He must of fallen asleep earlier. "You would be a terrible theif you know." He said sacrastly. "Your louder then anyone else here." Hiro said. She kinda wasn't but he had awoken hadn't he.

[Tohru Honda]

Tohru nearly knocked over a nearby vase when she saw who had spoken. Of all people, it was Hiro! "Hiro! I-I'm sorry! I didn't realize--it was so late at night, I--" She wasn't sure what to say. She knew that she still wasn't on the best of terms with Hiro, and she had probably just further annoyed him. But the situation was so different from what she normally expected. It was unusual that Hiro would be at Shigure's house, and especially at this time of night.

"Um, if you don't mind me asking," she began meekly, "When did you get here? If I'd known you were coming, I would have made you something to eat--I-I still can, if you're hungry," she added. Even if it was late, she was up already, so there was no harm in it. More than anything, however, she wanted to become friends with Hiro.

The change in routine rocked her a little, but she decided not to further question Hiro. There was little use in it. Obviously, she was overthinking things. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something fishy about the situation...

[Hiro]

Hiro rolled his eyes. Which was probably useless since it was hard to see with out much light. "Ya ya ya I realized you shock easily" He said rolling his eyes yet again. "I dont care what you ask, I have nothing to hide." He said leaning back in the couch. "I got here earlier last night after you went to bed I think" He said crossing his legs. "I'm not hungry it's to early for food." He said. It would make him sick to eat this early. When it was barely light out. Hiro uncrossed his legs and got up. He walked over to the other set of lights and turned them on. "There I can see now." He said turning around and heading back to his spot. It was still warm for him sitting there the whole night.

[Tohru Honda]

Tohru nodded quickly in response to Hiro. The atmosphere was still a very uncomfortable one. Tohru was thinking of taking a seat beside Hiro, but she didn't want to intrude on his personal space. Instead, she decided to take a seat on the floor, a little closer to the TV than he was. There was silence in the room for a moment.

"Um," Tohru began, looking around for a decent conversation starter. Nothing in the room really gave her anything meaningful to say. She thought about asking him what he had been watching, but she figured asking a question like that would just look impertinent. Instead, she decided to mention what was still on her mind.

"Hiro? I'm really sorry about what happened with Kisa, up at the summerhouse. I-I didn't want to make you angry, and I can't believe I was so quick to lose Kisa." She sighed. "You're a wonderful friend, Hiro. You're just what Kisa needs. So if you feel that I'm getting in between the two of you, please don't. I would never try to stop such a wonderful relationship!"

She looked at the floor, trying to think of the best way to say what she wanted to say. There really wasn't a good way. "Erm, I guess what I'm trying to say is..." she took a deep breath. "...I'd really like to be friends with you, Hiro. If you want to be. I'd never force you to like me, but...I really hope that there is some way we can just be friends."

Tohru felt like she'd said too much, and she quickly shut her mouth. It was two in the morning and she was trying to force Hiro to be friends with her. What a way to start the day!

[Hiro]

"Ya whatever" He said putting his hand in the air and moving it in a shooing motion. "What happened at the summerhouse was there not here" He said. Crossing his legs again. His amber eyes shifting taking in the surroundings. "Ya we can be friends I dont care whatever" He said once again shooing it out of the air. "And kisa and I arent in a relationship." Hiro snapped. He didn't like kisa that way. But why then was his face burning up.

[Tohru Honda]

Tohru blanched. Did Hiro just tell her in a subtle way that he didn't mind being friends? It was almost more than she could hope for. And she was very happy he was forgiving her for the summerhouse incident. As for Kisa--well, she hadn't meant it that way. Although, it seemed Hiro was very protective of her, and right now, his face was a little red. Tohru felt herself turn red also. She hated embarrassing people.

"OK. Thanks, Hiro. I really appreciate it," she beamed, and then returned to looking at the floor. Hiro really was a good person. Being a Sohma was obviously a lot harder than it might seem. Kyo was almost like Hiro, too. Then again, Hiro acted the way he did only in Kisa's interest. Tohru wondered what made Kyo the same way--she figured it had much more to do than being truly admitted into the Sohma household.

Tohru stood up. "Well, I'll let you continue watching TV. I'm glad we were able to talk. Really! And it means a lot to me that you'd consider being friends. Thanks." As she spoke, she headed to the door. All of a sudden, as she was yawning, she tripped over a tatami mat. "Ahh--ahh--aaaahhhh!!" With a crash, Tohru landed--right on Hiro.

((AAAHHHH!!!! For real! What a horrible post!!! I hope I gave you something to work with! Let me know if I didn't, and I'll revise!))

[Hiro]

(It fine)

Hiro shooed away the air again. "Friends is such A meanless simple word." He said. At that second tohru fell on him. Hiro almost srceeked. He shoved her off him and onto the floor. Hiro turned into the sheep he was. "Your more clumsy then ever" He snapped. His animal voice higher then his regular. But in his voice was a small laugh.Finally after a smart place puff of smoke hiro shifted back into his normal self. He got dressed and sat back down. Hiro got up and slipped off his shoes. Which he just realized he had on the whole time

[Tohru Honda]

It had to be the most pathetic thing Tohru had ever done. She was trying so hard to make Hiro feel comfortable, and then she fell on him. Of all the things! Hiro managed to push her off him before he took his sheep form, and Tohru would understand if he was more than annoyed with her.

She looked up at Hiro in his sheep form. He looked so innocent...and fluffy. Tohru shook her head and got back to her feet. "I'm really sorry, Hiro. That wasn't supposed to happen." She was surprised to hear a hint of laughter in Hiro's voice. It was almost like he didn't mind. Covering her face in her hands, Tohru sunk into the nearest seat. Why am I always making such silly mistakes?

Tohru was mentally beating herself up, when all of a sudden she heard a small popping noise and knew Hiro had changed back. Luckily for her, she had her face in her hands. There would be no reason to run away this time. It seemed a reasonable time before she looked up again. Hiro was all dressed. She sighed.

"So, um, before I came along and ruined everything, what were you watching? There hasn't been another earthquake nearby, has there?" As random as the topic was, it was a topic nonetheless. Tohru would give anything to have something decent and interesting to say, but she was tired and her mind was vague of all thought.

[Hiro]

"No there hasn't been any," He said. "It was something about cell phones" Hiro said again. 'I must of fallen asleep for I don't remember anything' Hiro thought. His amber eyes shifting the room. His chest slowly falling and rising. He was starting to fall asleep again. His shaggy tan hair fell to his right side. His head nodded and he awoke quickly. Discomfort ran though his body. He almost jumped in the air. His cheeks reddened but he covered it up quickly.

"Sorry about that" He said sarcastically. Hiro rested his elbow on the couch arm. A rush of coldness ran up his maroon arm sleeve. Hiro shook his arm out. Feeling the blood rush in and warm it. He rested it back on the couch arm. Resting his head in his palm. "So, tohru what awoken you?" He said out of boredom.

Hiro sniffed the air secretly. Something smelt funny. In between a fire smell and a cooking smell. "Is there something outside?" He meant to put that in thought but he said it out loud instead.

Hiro stood up. His shirt and navy jeans falling back in place. He shook his head and sniffed again. He ever so causally walked over to the window. He looked at it. Though his breath fogged the window. He pulled his deep maroon shirt over his hand. Rubbing the window in a circular motion. "I don't see anything, But I smell something odd," Hiro said. He also meant to think that not say that.

[Momiji Sohma]

Momiji clattered up the steps, wheezing from his long run. He flung open the screen door and dashed into the living room. "Hiro-san! Tohru-san! Do you smell that outside? I think somethings burning! I smelled it from my house and I ran here as fast as I could to warn you!" He stood there panting in his pink footed pajamas with his jacket zipped up and his stocking cap jammed on over his bed head. "Should we tell the others, or just go check it out ourselves?" He pointed to the door, where his blue rain boots were lying in a pile.

[Hiro]

"Hello Momiji." Hiro said stiffly. 'Great now the crazy bunnys here' Hiro thought. Sighing outloud. "I don't know what it is but it does smell like fire," He said shifting uncomforablty. 'First I get woken up, then theres a fire great' Hiro thought. Hiro wearing what he had worn the day before looked unpleasted. Her maroon shirt was not tucked in. And his socks were almost falling off. Hiro's jeans were the only thing still looking okay. "I say we go ourselfs. If the lazy arses are not up and smelling smoke let them burn" Hiro said annoyed. He walked over to his boots which were by the couch. He slipped them on not even waiting for the others. And walked out the screen door.

[Tohru Honda]

Tohru watched and listened to Hiro patiently, feeling that every word mattered. Being a good listener was something she was known for, and right now, as she was already awake, she found it as easy and joyful to do as in the normal hours of the day. As he was talking however, Hiro began dozing off. Tohru watched, concerned.

"Sorry about that" He said sarcastically.

"Oh, don't worry about it!" Tohru shook her head. "If you're tired, you can have my room. I'm not all that sleepy anymore. I could just stay in here on the couch if need be!" She wasn't expecting Hiro to continue talking to her, but he did. It was almost a relief of sorts, though she was still concerned that he get some rest.

"So, tohru what awoken you?" He said out of boredom.

Tohru thought about this for the moment. She had thought it was the TV that woke her up, but then again, the voices had been really soft, and it was sort of difficult to hear from her room. Nothing was truly discernable. "I...I don't know. I thought I heard the TV, but it was so soft, it doesn't make sense that that was what I heard."

Still trying to collaborate all her thoughts, Tohru almost missed Hiro's next comment.

"Is there something outside?"

Tohru looked up quickly. Someone outside? Hiro had walked over to the nearest window and examined the space outside Shigure's house.

"I don't see anything, But I smell something odd," Hiro said.

Tohru wasn't sure if Hiro was speaking to her, but as she was the only other person in the room, she decided to answer. She sniffed the air, smelling something faintly like smoke. For some reason, her sense of smell wasn't as strong at this hour of the night. She scrunched up her forehead, walking over to the window also to figure out what was going on. Maybe a forest fire, she wondered.

At that moment, someone came clattering into the house. Tohru spun around and struggled to hold back a scream. The sudden movement was more than shocking. It took a few moments for Tohru to realize who had joined her and Hiro, but when she heard the voice, she was more than glad.

"Momiji! You ran all the way from your house? You must be freezing!" Tohru took off her bathrobe and wrapped it around Momiji's shoulders. She appreciated greatly that Momiji cared enough to warn them, but he shouldn't have gotten out of his bed at so late a night and run all the way to Shigure's household! "Yes, Hiro and I were just wondering what that smell was. But..." She bit her lip. "I don't know if we should go out alone. Maybe we should wake Shigure..." Then, as an afterthought, "--Uh, no, I couldn't possibly wake Shigure! Not after he was kind enough to let me stay here!"

"I say we go ourselfs. If the lazy arses are not up and smelling smoke let them burn" Hiro said annoyed.

Tohru didn't know how to respond to this, so instead she ended up blinking a few times before finally reacting. "Uh, well, we can't let him go by himself! So let's follow!" She grabbed Momiji's arm and tiptoed out the door, wishing she had thought to put on slippers before going outside. The ground was coarse and cold beneath her feet. She shivered, looking around for the potential source of the smell.

"I-I don't know...which way?" Her voice was a whisper as she looked left and right, not seeing any sign of what they were looking for.

((Hope that's good enough! I was going to write more, but I don't know what you want to be the cause of the smoke, so I didn't want to continue without your approval! ^_^ Oh, and wonderful to have you, Momiji!))

[Momiji Sohma]

OOC: Thanks! Glad to be a part of this :3


"Momiji! You ran all the way from your house? You must be freezing!" Tohru took off her bathrobe and wrapped it around Momiji's shoulders. Momiji nodded appriciatively and snuggled under the soft robe.

Uh, well, we can't let him go by himself! So let's follow!" Tohru exlaimed. She grabbed his arm and together they ran outside the door. Momiji closed the screen door behind him, and then jogged to keep up with the others.

Tohru asked which way they should go, and Momiji scanned above the tree line for any smoke. He spotted dark clouds off to the left, and pointing, shouted, "Over there!"
He took off down the trail with Hiro and Tohru right behind them. Sure enough, as they got closer to the smoke, the smell of burning trees grew stronger, and Momiji could hear the ominous crackling of fire.

Momiji threw out an arm and the others stopped behind him. "Wait," he said. "Listen."
The sound of the fire was loud, and smoke was lightly filling the air around them. But when he listened closely, Momiji could hear a voice off in the distance. "Do you hear that?" Momiji whispered, an anxious look on his face. "I hear someone's voice! Maybe someone's in danger!" He turned to face the others, his heart pounding. "We have to do something!"

OOC: This would be a perfect time to have someone else stuck in the fire, where ever it is (like in a house or something I don't know.) But if no one else shows up...we'll have to make something (or someone) up!

[Stella Colette]

((OOC: Hey! It's me, Yuki, usin my OC and saw this thread! Well, hope you don't mind me using Stella as the 'damsel in distress'!! XD))

Stella was alone in a small abandoned home that she used to get away from her parents. Knowing them, they wouldn't even care if she was gone. Stella had also brought along with her Mr. Puffy-Fluffel-Kins, the oversized bird. She smiled with hidden solemn as she watched the bird waddle to and fro, trying to entertain the young girl that was hiding her solemn mood.

"Thanks Mr. Puffy-Fluffel-Kins...but don't worry, I'll be 'normal' again sometime..." She said with a small smile as she picked him up and held him close to her. She then heard a small tiny growl and laughed. "You must be hungry, huh?? Hmm...oh! I know! How about I go find some worms and roast 'em for ya? That sounds yummy right?" She asked with a grin and watched as he ruffled his feathers in a sign that it sounded delicious. Stella nodded and placed him down on the floor.

Before leaving, she petted the bird's head and slid through the crack that was used as a door. The original door was jammed by boulders that were too heavy for Stella to push, even Mr. Puffy-Fluffel-Kins had tried to help but that was no good. So they both made their way through, by a small crack.

Stella had pushed a small boulder to get to fresh dirt. As she removed the boulder, signs of movement beneath the dirt was seen and she quickly pushed her once perfectly clean hands into the moist soft dirt, retrieving a few wriggly worms. She watched as they squirmed in the palm of her now muddy hand and softly smiled. She then walked back towards the small crack of a door and greeted the now excited Mr. Puffy-Fluffel-Kins. She watched as he danced across the floor and jumped trying to retrieve a few worms that dangled frantically through Stella's slightly loose fingers.

She grinned and said, "Hold on, Hold on, just let me get the fire started k?" She asked with a smile and looked around for a place to put the worms, making sure that they wouldn't run away and that the over excited bird wouldn't get them. She shrugged, not finding a suitable spot, and placed the worms in her pocket. She then saw a small pile of sticks that the bird must've retrieved and chuckled. "I see someone tried to help me..." She then put the sticks in a small pile and took two sticks. She rubbed the sticks together trying to start a flicker. She watched as the first and second attempts failed, and so did the third. She sighed and stopped for a bit, wiping a few drops of sweat from her small forehead. She then continued her work and sighed of relief as a small fire started. She now slightly blew on the fire a bit trying to make the fire bigger. She jumped back as the fire grew in front of her face, a heated flicker licking at her face.

She winced terribly and quickly pulled back Mr. Puffy-Fluffel-Kins away from the fire, seeing that it looked dazed as the flames danced. She then sighed and scooted backwards while rubbing her face on her not dirty sleeve. But, she immediately jumped up as a piece of old wood fell down in front of her making the fire grow. She grew wide-eyed and held the bird closely to her while entranced by the wild dancing flames. She blinked, escaping the trance and tried to head towards the crack but noticed as a piece of wood dangled down diagonally, causing it for Stella to not be able to escape.

She now became scared terribly. A fire was dancing behind her while her only way out was closed. Frantically, she pushed the bird out through the crack. She then quickly said, "Go find someone to help me! Ok? There has to be someone near!!" She exclaimed quickly and coughed as smoke tried to enter through her lungs. She stroked his feathers before he could run away in search for others. She had only hoped that it wouldn't be the last time she would stroke his soft feathers.

She turned around to stare at the great fire that grew quickly as broken chips of wood continued to fall and started to dance around her. Scared Stella coughed and yelled, "Help!! Someone!! Please!!" She had hoped that her cries of help weren't drowned by the roars of the flames. 'Please...someone help me...' She thought scared as she held herself and continued to cough.