'I'll go make some tea'

'I'LL HELP! I'LL HELP!'

Momiji leapt from his chair and ran after Tohru into the kitchen. They had been playing go fish, but Kyo and Uo were having a fight so the game was on hold. As he walked into the room he saw Tohru struggling to reach a cup from the top shelf. He smiled to himself and walked over her. He gently leant against her as he reached up and took the cup down from the shelf, taking the opportunity to discreetly smell her hair. He fought the urge to kiss her as she turned around, and handed her the small china cup.

'Thank you Momiji'

'You're welcome! I can help a lot better now that I'm tall! So if you ever can't reach something, call me! 'kay?'

'Okay!'

He felt himself glowing at Tohru's praise. Momiji had always loved Tohru. Of course at first it had been a love that a child has for its mother; she always acted as he wished his mama would, worrying about him, letting him help to do chores and smiling affectionately at his hyper-active outbursts. But recently the love had changed. He suspected that he had become more mature since his growth spurt, but it was hard to tell. Whatever the reason, he was finding it harder and harder to be away from Tohru; away from the shining eyes, nervous laugh and smell of strawberry shampoo that had become all to familiar.

He followed her back into the lounge room, where Kyo and Yuki were sulkily awaiting their return. Shigure sat in between them, extravagantly gesturing as he spoke into his mobile.

'Of course Ayame, see you in five minutes!'

This was met with an abundance of complaints from both Kyo and Yuki, and a few worried comments from Tohru about whether or not there would be enough dinner for their guest. Momiji acted his usual joyful self, but secretly wanted to join Kyo and Yuki. It wasn't fair of Shigure to invite Ayame (though he wasn't sure if Ayame thought he needed to be invited) to dinner without asking Tohru first, even if she was sure to say yes. Besides, he wouldn't have Tohru's attention now. She'd be too busy dealing with Ayame's live drama and Yuki's guaranteed tantrum.

With dinner over, everyone was sitting at the table talking. Naturally Ayame overpowered the conversation and managed to pinpoint someone to humiliate. Momiji was surprised to find himself the centre of attention.

'So Momiji, I bet the ladies are just throwing themselves at your feet now, you gorgeous young man!' ranted Ayame.

'Pervert' chorused Yuki and Kyo.

'What a good point! So Momiji who's the lady of your interests? What damsel occupies your dreams? Where is the maiden who has stolen your heart?' oozed Shigure, making an innocent comment suddenly deep and inquisitive.

'Oh, well… err… ummm…' Momiji didn't know what to reply to make this conversation go away. He could feel his face heating up as his cheeks where engulfed in the deep red blush that Ayame and Shigure had triggered.

'My, my! It seems that there is such a female! Well come on, don't keep secrets, tell, tell.' Ayame was leaning forward in his chair, now interested.

'Oh… you see… ummm…'

'Ahhh… love. I take it you haven't told her? Well you must. It is imperative that you do. It will affect your entire life. Especially if she's a big part of your life already. A lifetime of regret is the price you pay for hiding your emotions. And the pain of that far exceeds the pains of rejection.'

Momiji remained silent. Shigure's words had reminded him of why he was such a successful novelist. He was completely correct. Momiji had to tell Tohru of his feelings; a life time of regret was something he was not willing to live with. No, he would risk it, he would pick an appropriate time and declare his love to Tohru.

'Momiji, will you please help me in the kitchen with these dishes?' Tohru said as she stood up, breaking the awkward silence.

''kay!' he said as he followed Tohru, and his destiny…