A/N: so yeah... I can't remember how I thought this one up KIDDING it's so unoriginal I feel ashamed. You'll get it. Probably. It's a multi-chaptered fic, featuring none other than our two lovelies...
Not Yuki, howeves. Much as the first few chapters will most likely suggest. Due to how I've only written one and a half chaps. I KNOW this first one is short. I KNOW. I shall...make the others longer. Um...
Yeah! Meet you in my next A/N, filled with wonderful 18th century speakings. Speaking of - it's all right if you totally don't get half of what they say (I'm speaking to you, lovely Americanos - kidding, i love youuu! :D ) and what not. I mean - you should. But...
CIAO! ;)
When she kissed him - much like she was doing now - she felt like she was... Well, she felt happy. Unbelievably so. Her fingertips tingled and he would smile into the kiss, like she was the only one he ever wanted to be with.
"Are you sure this is okay?" she asked quietly, noting the sounds of music drifting away. "They won't be missing us?"
"One more moment, Miss Honda, is all I ask of your presence," he answered just as softly, a glimpse of mischief in his eyes.
"Oh! I never meant it like that. No, Papa is just...quite odd about these matters. He says I shouldn't walk about with boys or else they'll entice me and spoil me for my husband," she confided, grinning a little at the silliness of it all. She knew who she wanted to marry - the boy was right in front of her, his violet eyes gleaming in the light, his silver-grey hair silky in her fingers.
"I do suppose my family may miss me," he agreed. "One last dance?"
She smiled as he lead her out of the enclosed, curtained alcove they'd been in for the past while, and into the large, luxurious ballroom Tohru had previously been circling with several other men. She knew some of them - the exotic Lord Ayame Sohma, the brother of her beloved, and Lord Shigure Sohma, his uncle - but most she did not. She could see her friends, in their long dressed glory, floating about with their own friends. Arisa was gazing up into the eyes of a man whose name Tohru couldn't quite recall - tall, brown-haired, similarly coloured eyes. She was dressed in an exquisite green gown - one Saki and Tohru had helped pick - that drifted to her feet, with a binding waist and bell sleeves.
Saki, of course, was circling quite emotionlessly with another man, with light hair and dark eyes, fair skin. He was strong, it would seem, and quite rogueish, in a way that would completely appeal to Tohru's close friend. Look - it may not seem that Saki was enjoying herself, but the light smile tugging at the edge of her mouth, and the sparkling eyes suggested otherwise.
And, quite possibly, the fact Saki has chosen not to stamp on this man's foot yet, as she may have done with another suitor, and place the blame on a 'slip' or 'a little dazed'. Her friend, too, looked quite beautiful - dressed in all black, which, at first, had startled many gentlemen and women, but they had, hopefully, come to accept Saki's style. The dress had quite a full skirt, and white ribbons adorning the waist and corset of it. Her hair was piled elborately on her head, a few soft waves floating down.
The man she was dancing with tucked the locks behind her ears, not missing a single step.
No wonder Saki was quite so enamoured with this man.
Tohru smiled again at the passing women, her hand resting delicately on her beau's arm - though, she thought to herself, he wasn't quite there yet. The strings drew to a close, the dancers cheering and smiling, bowing or curtseying to their fellow dancers, before drifting off to the edge of the floor.
Tohru could see her papa, talking humouressly with some fellow companions. Just as Tohru passed, they all laughed, and Tohru smiled to herself. Her papa wasn't one of the most wealthiest gentlemen of the town, but he had good connections, and many great friends.
Tohru realised where they were going. The social circle, the young elite: Mr Yuki's friends. She could see the quirky, talkative Mr Kakeru - of course, he had insisted first name. Then the quiet, elegant Miss Machi, who sometimes quaked as if suddenly possesed with fury. Beside her was Lady Kimi, quite the opposite of a gentlewoman - often called a Harpy, a harlot. However, her father's social status was enough to keep such spreading lips sealed, and she remained scot-free. She was, indeed, remarkably pretty, her eyes sparkling. There was also the young Mr Hatsuharu, a cheeky man, whose hand was curled round that of Lady Isuzu's, the beautiful, sharp girl who never said very much.
Tohru was certain she'd spotted the other younger Sohma a while ago - surely they couldn't have left? Although, at the tender age of merely thirteen, maybe it should be expected: after all, Lady Kisa would have to get her sleep to prepare for the next day, and Mr Hiro was the type who made quite an impression.
Tohru's thoughts wandered to the other Sohmas she had met - most of them she'd known, if only through Mr Yuki... Lord Hatori, a stoic, but kind, man, who'd recently had to deal with the death of his beloved. It had, apparently, been of some tradgedy to him, however he had remained quiet in most situations. There was also Mr Ritsu - quite a panicked young man who barely managed to keep his composure when put under pressure.. There was also Mr Momiji - she'd seen him dancing, quite buoyantly, a while ago, with a pretty young gentlewoman.
That was all - no. Of course, there was Lady Akito. There were several whispers surrounding the woman, such as her slightly masculine face, or her lack of chest. Other things spoke harsh words upon her family, such as the mentality of her mother, or her relationship with other...men. Such men, or man, were never specified - Tohru chose not to listen so far. However, the elusive woman was nowhere to be seen at the ball - she must have retired early, or not attended at all.
And that was all she knew. The Sohma family had quite the high status - most likely the highest in the small town, very reknowned indeed.
Tohru realised Mr Yuki had taken his place in the circle, leading Tohru into it as well. He was laughing politely at something, Mr Kakeru gesturing enthusiasticly with his hands.
Tohru spied Saki out of the corner of her eye, talking quietly with the man she had been dancing with. Arisa was also speaking with her partner, her face rather pink.
"...and then, she said, 'But it was none of my business!' and they all laughed! But see, it was quite her business - pardon my saying, she has quite one of the biggest mouths in town!" Mr Kakeru was saying, with quite some conviction, smiling.
"Now, now," Lady Kimi said, also grinning. "She is only one of the biggest and best gossips in town. My, not even yesterday was she talking about the size and shape of none other than Lady Motoko's bonnet!"
"And you often speak about Lady Motoko's bonnet?" Mr Kakeru asked in reply.
"No, not even! It is such a tradgedy! She does own quite some of the silliest bonnets in the whole of the town!" Lady Kimi said, laughing slightly.
"And yet I am unmoved," Mr Hatsuharu said dryly. Then almost everyone laughed - it seemed Mr Hatsuharu was quite good company. "What about you, Rin?"
Many people also spoke of My Hatsuharu as quite the rake - Tohru could see why, in the way he callously spoke his friend's name.
"Her bonnets are, indeed, not to my taste," Lady Isuzu said quietly. "Not that I particularly care."
"Miss Machi, then - do you have nothing to say about the absurdity of Lady Motoko's bonnets? Surely they are peculiar, even to you!" Lady Kimi insisted, clearly not realising the slight snub of which she adressed Miss Machi with.
"I find her bonnets - the yellow one, in particular - are quite troublesome," Machi answered in her gentle voice.
"Ooh, Miss Machi! She's wearing that one tonight!" Lady Kimi giggled, her stare turning to Lady Motoko - who was fast approaching, clad in a pale pink dress - and, indeed, yellow bonnet - her arm resting on none other than Mr Naohito's hand, accompanied by a good clean blush - they'd clearly just been dancing.
"My, Miss Honda! Why, I never expected to see you here!" Lady Motoko exclaimed, squirming her way into the circle. "Why, you've been monopolizing dear Mr Yuki all night!"
"Ah, Lady Motoko, I was merely-" Tohru didn't get a chance to finish her sentence, however.
"Why, I think they must be playing a waltz! Who may take me for a turn?" Mady Motoko offered, staring quite blantantly at Mr Yuki.
He sighed, and noded politely. "Lady Motoko, may I request this dance?"
"Why, I would!"
Mr Yuki offered Lady Motoko his arm, extracting his other from Tohru's light grip, and, as the lady turned, he gave a brief grimace to the group before entering the dance.
Mr Naohito took Mr Yuki's place.
"Ah, Mr Nao! Enjoyed your dance with none other than our bonnet-wearing Lady Motoko?" Kakeru asked spiritedly.
"I-I was just dancing with her!" Mr Naohito protested, to no avail.
"Methinks thou like the lady," Mr Hatsuharu concluded, much to Mr Naohito's chagrin.
"Haru, one does not speak such things to the public," Miss Isuzu reprimanded lightly - her tone of voice, however, and slight smile suggested she was rather enjoying watching the whole conversation.
"What do you think, Miss Tohru? Does Mr Naohito like the good young Lady Motoko or not?" Mr Hatsuharu questioned.
Tohru smiled warmly. "Why, I have no way of knowing, unless the partial blush on Mr Naohito's face is any indicator that he may like Lady Motoko, then... I am quite sure there is a possibility," Tohru said, smiling.
Of course, truth shown through in each of Tohru's words, and Mr Naohito sighed in defeat.
"The lady is very much to my liking," he confessed, "and so very handsome. However, she seems increasingly partial to Mr Yuki, I'm merely concerned..."
"No!" Lady Kimi gasped. "Does he not like our dear Miss Tohru?"
Mr Kakeru nodded. "That is so, is it not? I heard he was thinking of breaking with her father!"
Lady Kimi nudged Mr Kakeru's ribs.
"Mr Kakeru," Haru reprimanded, "one does not speak these things in such company!" He turned his gaze to Tohru. "However, I have heard Yuki is very partial indeed to you."
Tohru blushed. "He could never - I am but a speck in his life!"
Lady Isuzu shook her head, her long locks swinging. "But no, he speaks about you often to Uncle Shigure and Uncle Hatori - he says you have the most grace any woman has ever posessed, and the handsomest smile. He speaks very warmly of you."
Lady Kimi gaped. "You are more than friends, are you not?"
Miss Machi decided to speak. "I did observe you and Mr Yuki entering the side-room only fifteen minutes ago - however, it took you five minutes to leave. Pray tell, what could two close confidantes be discussing for five whole minutes of a dance?"
Well, for someone as quiet as dear Miss Machi, she certainly observed much.
"We were only..." Tohru may have finished with talking, but that would be lying - Tohru could never lie. She was terrible at such a practise. They had kissed, if only for a moment. They had kissed, and Tohru couldn't stop thinking about it.
"Mr Yuki may possibly entertain some liking for me, but...I am of such a low status, and he high, it may never work," Tohru sighed despairingly.
"No worries, Miss Tohru," Mr Hatsuharu said kindly. "I'm sure Yuki knows what he is doing - he's very sincere." A wicked smile, now, was born on Mr Hatsuharu's face. "My, with a good heart and a good foot, I'm certain he could entertain your will."
Tohru flushed at the perverted tones such words could take on.
"My, Mr Hatsuharu, you must never speak so in company of the adults!" Tohru said, beaming, however - it was nice to feel so immersed in the highest young social circle.
"Such words!" Mr Kakeru laughed. "I am shocked none of these gentlewoman haven't blushed to the core of their being!"
"Mr Kakeru, this sort of talk I must put up with almost every day," Lady Isuzu contradicted.
"I must listen to Mr Kakeru almost every second day - his language I am quite used to," Miss Machi sighed.
Everyone laughed, and then Arisa arrived. She squeezed in next to Tohru, who instantly made more room for her friend.
"You would never believe," she began with, panting slightly. "Is Lady Motoko not in the most silliest bonnet there has ever been? I'm sure it clashes terribly with her dress - why, it must!"
"I'm sure we've already mentioned such a topic," Mr Kakeru smiled.
"What? You were discussing Lady Motoko? So rude!" Mr Naohito looked rather shocked.
"But of course! Do tell - don't you think the bonnet is a little poncous for such an occasion?" Mr Kakeru asked.
"But... It may be a little over the top, I suppose," Mr Naohito admitted.
"Well, fret not," Arisa said, waving it away with her hand. "Lord Kureno only just danced with me! Why - he kissed my hand and bid me quite close goodbye!"
"Oh, Arisa! Is that not wonderful?" Tohru enthused, knowing how important this man must be to her friend, to get her into such a happy state.
"Kureno?" Mr Hatsuharu repeated. "I'm sure I've heard such a name..."
"He's one of them who lives with the head of family - with Lady Akito. Do you not remember?" Lady Isuzu asked.
"Ah, but of course." Mr Hatsuharu nodded.
"I possessed the most curious feelings," Arisa confided. "Never have I felt so wonderful!"
"Well, be happy - for there is a dance not three nights away!" Lady Kimi reminded everyone happily.
"Ah yes! But I need such a dress to fit for the occasion!" Tohru worried.
"Oh, Saki and I shall help you, don't fret," Arisa replied calmly, grinning.
Loud cheering could be heard, and Tohru's heart soared. "The last dance!" she exclaimed. "Quick, we must pair up!"
Mr Kakeru grinned at Lady Kimi. "My, may I take this final dance?" he asked, grinning.
"Why, of course!" she replied, laughingly.
"Rin," Haru said, his voice deep, "I must have this chance - the dance?" Rin nodded, smiling, as they walked elegantly towards the floor.
Mr Naohito shrugged. "Miss Tohru, a dance?" he asked.
Tohru smiled. "That would be welcome!" she replied happily - Mr Naohito was, indeed, quite a nice boy.
She then realised Mr Yuki hurrying towards her. He looked to her questioningly, and she inclined her head to Mr Naohito, then glanced pointedly at Miss Machi. He seemed to understand, and she could then hear him ask Miss Machi for a dance.
Mr Naohito and Tohru shared some quiet talk as they circled the floor. Tohru couldn't help but feel that much more plain when Lady Isuzu swooped passed her, Mr Hatsuharu, leading her along, or feel clumsy when Miss Machi and Mr Yuki twirled by, never missing a step. Even when they passed Lady Kimi and Mr Kakeru, who were utterly joyous - very kind, and maybe a little silly too. But that only added to their appeal.
Tohru caught Saki watching, from a seat on her own, smiling a little - the stranger must have made her happy, indeed. Tohru swirled by, and smiled at her friend.
She couldn't deny how this was, indeed, a wonderful night - no better reason to smile. To think - in not three nights, everyone would be smiling and dancing and maybe Mr Yuki would kiss her again.
That would be lovely.
After the dance, Tohru left with her papa. He had said something about needing a clear head for tomorrow - negotiating with some people, he had said, merely a few hours he'd be away. Tohru had nodded - she was rather used to this. That night, however, she went to sleep with danicng memories of kisses, of circling the ball room, of smiling faces...
She was only too excited for three nights' time.
A/N: And I say that because I am delicious...
yes! So, was that intense of not? :P I know, it's all a bit 18th century - darlings, it's meant to be :D AU, there's no curse. Did I mention that? Most likely... Still struggling for a title for this whole thing...
OH YEAH! And about the the rude language and what not from 'Mr Hatsuharu' (did all those Mr's and Lady's and Miss' annoy you? :P) was, according to my Much Ado About Nothing - Shakespeare - glossary, is that 'foot' is a bible euphamism (did I spell that right?) for le trouser snake and what not. HOWEVS: 'will' can also mean lust and such. SO.
yeah. just in case you didn't get that line :3 any questions, darlings, and you can just ask me. Because you love me. Obviously...
:3
I LOVE YOU ALL! :D who knows why. :D