NOTE TO READERS: The characters contained in this story are highly fictional and does not relate to any real life person in any way or form. If you or any other person happens to draw any connections from the characters in this fictional story to ones you know, understand that the characters are not imitated from your life; it is pure coincidence. I repeat these characters are FICTIONAL.

NOTE FROM AUTHOR: I was inspire to write this story after reading a little of Fruits Basket (the part) about the two most adoring characters, Hatori Sohma and Mayuko Shiraki (in my opinion). This is dedicated to them.In addition, I must be frank, this is a Tohru-free fanfic...she is consider invalid so you won't find a Yuki-Kyo-Tohru love triangle here. (Go read or watch themanga/anime if you wish to see them)Any other original Fruits Basket characters might pop up.

DISCLAIMER I do NOT own any Fruits Basket characters however I do own this fanfic story. The storyline belongs to my brain! Yay! I finally own a story:)

Short Summary: Mayuko have always had a crush on Hatori, they were teenage friends but a misunderstanding tore them apart 10 years later, Hatori needs her; can she push behind all the emotions of betrayal, loss and deception and begin afresh?

In this story Mayuko have some flash back of her childhood life; it won't go in chronicle order so it might be confusing. I apologize for any inconvenience you may have in understanding the storyline.

Chapter One:

Mayuko didn't even know why she agreed to come to this stupid reunion with her friend anyways. She never enjoyed meeting the people she used to know 10 years ago; not that she hated them or anything. Some things that she preferred to keep in the past. However, she will give credit to the group that decorated the hotel; it was nicely supplied with beautifully edible food, which she completely enjoys. Out in the yard stood a magnificent small fountain of what looked like a water nymph standing above a man-constructed pond with swimming coy fishes. As she approached the pond all the coy fishes quickly swam off, she thought of how peacefully they were yet ever so lonely. The fishes lived in an environment locked away from freedom, she stared blankly at them and it made her wonder about her own life. 'How my life has changed since then…'

"Mayuko…!" Kaoru called from the huge glass entrance to the yard, "Mayuko, what are you doing out there. Hurry up and come inside. Quick, you'll never guess who's here."

Mayuko sigh and slowly walked towards the door feeling like an old lady. 'This better be good' Mayuko thought.

When she reached the door Kaoru anxiously yanked her inside, "Come 'on, this way"

She dragged her into a room full of vibrant laughter.

Mayuko looked at Kaoru in shock and she nodded, "Yes, the Sohma boys," she whisper, a whisper that sent shivers down Mayuko's spine. She was so confident that the Sohma boys would never come; they didn't come to the Five Year Reunion Class of '95.

Mayuko wanted to turn the opposite direction but she noticed Kaoru's firm grip on her arm. Kaoru squealed like it was 10 years ago, "this is gonna be fun!"

Mayuko cannot think about fun right now, actually she can't even think. She can only hear her heart beating loudly inside her chest. She didn't know why she was so nervous to see the Sohma boys after all these years; she didn't have an excuse to be but she was.

Mayuko and Kaoru entered the circle that's when she caught a glimpse of Ayame. He looked like he did then except he'd grown out his hair and he doesn't wear blouses anymore. Tonight he had on a bright purple long Chinese style jacket that brought out the color of his light eyes. Next to him was a beautiful girl with dark hair and very round glasses. She wore a collared black dress and seemed overly kind.

"Who is that beautiful brunette sitting by Ayame, " Mayuko heard some man next to her asked.

"Oh her? I heard that she is his fashion assistant and girlfriend." This time a woman responded

"What? Girlfriend, you say? I would never have thought!"

"Why not? She's gorgeous. You know you're attracted to her." The woman accused.

"I am not." He denied falsely. They trail off in a silent low argument and that's when Mayuko stop listening. She directed her attention to Ayame.

"I must announce that Shigure nor Hatori will not be present tonight so I would like to apologize on their behalf for their inexcusable absences. Though, if we're lucky my two cousins will arrive later tomorrow morning," he said all too arrogantly as always. Years haven't battered his personality much; he was still the same proud little boy who acted like a prince. But one way or another, he's a good man. Mayuko has never seen him done anyone wrong. He was too busy back in the day, that he never had time to be mean.

Mayuko sighed; she got bored and walked away. This was always the Sohma boy; the life in the center of attention and they all enjoy every bit of it. She can't say she didn't give them a little of her attention every once in a while back then. Actually, she hate to admit but she gave a lot of her attention to one Sohma boy in particular who thankfully wasn't here tonight.

/FLASHBACK /

"Look at the way they hold hands; so happy and carefree," Mayuko thought as Hatori and Kana passed. She must admit that she is envious of Kana; not only because she was Hatori's girlfriend but also because she can make him smile in ways that no other girl can. There wasn't a single girl who didn't wish to be the cause of Hatori Sohma's happiness mainly because he was so hard to please. Every girl was envious of Kana, the only girl who dated a Sohma boy for more than a month. She dated Hatori for almost six months now and seems happier than she was when she was single, which made girls even more envious of her.

But Mayuko wasn't envious because of that. She didn't care how long their relationship lasted, it mattered that Kana had found happiness in the man that she wanted to be with the most. Mayuko wasn't infatuated by him, she doesn't squeal or sigh in glee as he passes her, she doesn't know when his birthday is or what's his favorite snack, she only knew that his presence trigger some feelings deep within her. It angers her that she can't explain what it is and how to deal with it because every time she sees his loneliness she feels so drained and weak inside. Maybe this is the form of infatuation that God has cursed her with or maybe this is her form of explaining what she doesn't know.

"Aren't they just the perfect couple?" Kaoru interfered into her thoughts. "It makes me so jealous to witness the life of perfect couples. Don't they only exist in movies?"

Mayuko smiled then shrugged, "What exist in movies came from reality—only exaggerated."

Kaoru thought for a moment and smiled back, "I think your right, Mayuko. I'm going to live life so beautifully that some director is going to make a movie based on my life! "

"Not if they're going to make one about my life first!" Mayuko ran off to class with Kaoru chasing after her.

As Mayuko quickly took a glace behind her, she slammed right into an open bathroom door. It happened to fast that she didn't realized what had hit her until she looked up and came face to face with three Sohma boys; Ayame, Shigure and Hatori.

Ayame gasped, "Look! Look what you did to the poor girl, Hatori. Shame on you." He came to help her up. Mayuko's head was spinning so intensely that she didn't think twice before taking his hand. All she knew was that she needed to get off the floor and run away from such embarrassment.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to open the door so hard and fast," he took her hand from Ayame's, "here, let me help you to the nurse's office."

Mayuko tried shaking her head no all the while trying to make the spinning stop.

"It's…it's alright" she stuttered, "I…I can…man…mannnage." She stood there waiting for her head to stop acting chaotic.

"Ha! No use in objecting little one. Our responsible cousin here will take care of you…" Shigure smiled friendly while pushing Hatori and Mayuko toward the Nurse's office.

The spinning eased and Mayuko pulled away from Hatori's grip, " You should go to class, I think I can mange from here on."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, the nurse is just around the corner."

He was silent for a while, "alright," he said reluctantly, "watch yourself okay."

Before he turned away he apologized once more.

From the corner of her eyes, she saw Kana waiting for him down the hallway. She knew Kana was there all along, watching what was happening. "Oh, how embarrassing. I am such a fool. Fool, fool fool…BAKA!" Her hand raise to touch the burning left corner of her forehead and felt a huge lump.

Her face scrunched in agony, " why does embarrassment have to hurt so much!"

The nurse applied some awful smelly ointment on her forehead and she had to walk home with a huge Band-Aid on her head. As luck would have it, everyone giggled silently when they saw her ridiculous patch. "I can feel everyone's sympathy." She said to herself sarcastically.

Kaoru came out of nowhere and grasped Mayuko's head in between her hands, "Omigod! (giggles) What happen to you? It seems like some idiot just swung a bat in your face!"

Mayuko pulled away, "Yeah? It certainly feels like it."

"And which idiot is this?"

She looked up at Kaoru, "You don't know him."

Mayuko walked off into the sunset, "I can't even get proper information for all my concerns!" she heard Kaoru yell behind her.

Mayuko rolled her eyes, "yeah right! She just can't wait to rub it in my face," but thinking about it made her smile, if she was Kaoru she would have done much worse and laugh until she had no more tears. The situation was kind of funny and VERY mortifying.

"I hope no one ever brings up this patch again." She grumbled.

Mayuko entered the bookshop and inhaled the scent that she had become so accustomed too; the scent of new and oldbook pages. Shewalked upstairs to the place she called home for as long as she can remember. The door bell rang a couple of times before a petite friendly looking woman opened, "Oh no! What happen! Why do you have a patch on your face!"

A mint aroma filled the house; she knew right away that her aunt was boiling herbs again. Her aunt wasn't feeling so lively these past few days. She was pale in her face; Mayuko can detect shadows around her eyes as if she didn't get enough sleep every night and instead of blinking normallyher eyes flutter ever so exhaustedly.

Mayuko sighed; she hate worrying her aunt, "it's nothing really, "she assured her, "I'm fine; just a little accident that happened in PE class that's all."

"What a relief," her aunt came closer to examine her forehead. "Tell me if you need anything okay."

She nodded, "I just want to get some rest right now and I'm not really hungry so have dinner without me."

She went to her bedroom and locked the door.

Kana's figure appeared in her thoughts and she saw Hatori walking towards her. For some reason, it was right then that she realize that Hatori's happiness can never truly belong to her. She noticed how Hatori was willing to let go of any other distraction for Kana. He wasn't just happy when he's with her, he was happy to do anything for her. It was a mutual happiness that they gave each other, a happiness that can't be shared with another and knowing this made her sad. Desires always make one sad—if only she didn't want what she knew she couldn't have then maybe she would be all right…but she deeply wanted to feel happiness with Hatori—genuine happiness. It was the happiness that she wanted in her life or sometime in her life.

/END of FLASHBACK/

"Excuse me miss," Mayuko felt someone pulling on her blouse.

It was a little girl, her eyes were big round orbs and her hair is a fine orange color; she had on a bright yellow satin dress and black buckle shoes. She looked adorable but a little gloomy even so her eyes seem to lit up with pure joy.

" Yes?" She looks confusedly down at the girl.

She pointed up to the ceiling, "Can you get that for me," Mayuko looked at the Smiley face balloon with a short string swaying slowly above her.

"Sure." Mayuko handed her the balloon, "here, I have an idea; give me your hand."

The girl looked puzzled, a little uncertain, "it's alright, I'm just going to tie the balloon to your hand," Mayuko tied the string around her small hands, "there. Now it won't fly away anymore."

She smiled meekly," thank you miss."

Mayuko returned the smile, "My name is Shiraki Mayuko. What's yours?

"Kisa."

"Kisa? Where are your parents?"

The girl shrugged in reply, "My parents live very far away. I came here with my uncle."

"Where is your uncle? You know you shouldn't be wondering around by yourself."

She nodded, "uncle told me to stay here. He's looking for someone very important."

Mayuko glimpse around, "We should make use of your time Kisa-chan. Have you been to the yard?" The little girl shook her head, "good, there is something very beautiful that I would like to show you, do you want to see it?" She gave an enthusiastic nod.

She quickly withdrew and Mayuko sense her suspicions, "don't worry, the yard is fenced by high walls I can't take you any further. We'll be quick, I promise."

Mayuko took a hold of Kisa's hand; she didn't want people to think she had Kidnapper's Intent. She'll be quick and be back before her uncle even realizes the girl's short absence.

"Okay." Hand in hand they walked out to the fountain with the water nymph.

Mayuko watch Kisa's eye widen in surprise when she spotted a coy fish in the water.

"Onii, this is very pretty. I like it very much. I want to show uncle; I know he'll like it." The girl looks very pretty when she's relieved. Kisa's appearance is so familiar but she couldn't determine the familiarity.

"You're uncle likes coy fishes?"

"Uh-huh. He likes water, lakes, rivers and oceans. He said water is the source of his life and it makes him happy. "

"Kisa," Mayuko patted her on the head, "Water is the source of everyone's life."

"Can I show my uncle?"

"Sure."

She smiled, her eyes glittered in delight, "I know he'll like it."

"Do you like it?" Kisa nodded, "What's your uncle's name, I might know him."

Before Kisa had the chance to answer Kaoru called for Mayuko from inside—again.

"Well, it seems like I have to get going. I'll see you around I hope."

"Hai."

Mayuko walked up to the door, "why are you always out there? You ditched me for some stranger little girl?" Kaoru questioned.

"Her name is Kisa. She's very cute."

"Oh, so I'm not cute enough for you now huh?" Mayuko ignored her.

Kaoru caught Mayuko's attention when she said, "oh yeah, I just remember I think someone's looking for you," she pointed to the table at the far corner.

Mayuko's eyes followed in that direction and she stared right into a pair of eyes she could not forget—distant mysterious eyes.

She definitely caught his attention because as soon as she looked his way he slowly stood up waiting for her to join him. He has added a few more inches into his height, which made him seem leaner than he did back then. Mayuko noticed the length of his hair; longer than it use to be and so dark it cast a blue hue in the light. Then there were his eyes, eyes so reserved yet intense that made her look away with doubt and inferiority, eyes that they were nearly impossible for her to disregard. He had devious eyes of a wolf that seems to watch her every move ever so narrowly. As she approached him, she felt herself go almost numb. She was shivering inside and all her nerves seemed to be alive. Mayuko wasn't even sure if she could have a proper conversation with him at the very moment. She inhaled deeply hoping that it would take some of her anxiety away so she'll sound original.

"Hello, Hatori-kun. It's been awhile, how are you?" She greeted politely in her professional tone.

"No need for formal greeting," he replied, " I came here for one reason only, I don't care about meeting the people I used to know ten years ago and catching up on lost times. I deliberately came here to see you." 'I feel the same—Nani! What did he say?'

"Wh…What?" For a brief second Mayuko felt as light as air. 'This must be a dream. Hatori is here to see me? No, no…I must be out of my mind. It must be a professional issue'. But Mayuko couldn't stop herself from feeling like the one guy she had a crush on for the longest time has just asked her out on a date. As quick as it happen, she pull herself back to reality, to the reality where Hatori is no more than a friend.

"You…you came here to see me?"

"Yes you're popular nowadays among adults."

"Popular?"

Hatori nodded, "yes, I hear about your fame everywhere in magazines, newspaper, TV and a billboard once."

"You're talking about my teaching career?"

"Absolutely. You're the best, according to everyone."

She blushed despite her efforts not to, "I'm not. By next month everyone would have forgotten Shiraki Mayuko, I'm sure."

He still hasn't detected her burning cheeks even though he stared straight at her. It's because the girl he ever noticed wasn't her, the one squirming under his glaze right now. "I doubt your name will disappear that soon."

Mayuko chuckle awkwardly, "you misjudge the public, Hatori-san."

He lifted an eyebrow at her disagreement, "Do I now?"

"Yes, people will know of me today, some will tomorrow and then hardly anyone would the week after," Mayuko took a deep breath in order to gather her thoughts, "But what is it about my career that you seek?"

"I would like to hire you—full time teacher and part time tutor." Mayuko stared at him, lost in speech. "I don't expect an immediate response, give it a few days."

She didn't know what to say, she didn't know if she could allow herself to work for him. Had he forgotten all that's happened? Did he really put it all behind him? Mayuko didn't know if she could say the same about herself. When she thinks about it, really think about it, she can't say she has forgotten.

"I don't know, Hatori-san, I'm still in the middle of tutoring a few students for the Students Learning Center."

"Oh really? I heard that it was over for the season and that the government might even eliminate the organization that's running it due to federal funding. Is that not correct?"

She took a deep breath, "Actually you're right about that. But to be honest, I'm not open to full schedules such as your offer because I am expected to do community work as a part of my training." she thought up of countless excuses if he was to be more persistent.

"I absolutely understand, but please do put some thought into it," and with that he stalked off, "I'll be waiting for your answer."

Mayuko looked behind her, she thought she made it clear that she will not consider it.

When Kaoru came up and asked what the conversation was all about, Mayuko told her.

"Mayuko, why not? What is your problem? You haven't any plans until next fall anyways. Since you've started this home schooling job, you've been so picky about your next employer," Kaoru noted.

"Well, I am one of the best teachers, shouldn't I be picky?"

"Oh stop your reasoning, you're awful. I think it's a good opportunity."

"A good opportunity for what?" she automatically knew Kaoru's ideas, " To get with him?" Mayuko can see the answer in Kaoru's eyes.

"You're crazy!" Mayuko has been so busy with her career that she hasn't had a serious relationship in a long time.

"Mayuko, if you quit being so stubborn maybe you'll find someone." And by 'someone' Kaoru meant Hatori.

"Someone, huh? Kaoru, I let the past slip a long time ago. I don't need someone in my life right now that's why I can't accept his offer. I'm sure I'll find a better candidate to hire me," Mayuko explain calmly.

"What if you don't? Are you going to be unemployed for the year and lose your title?"

Mayuko gave her a sly grin, "you care about me too much. Worry about yourself a little, would you?"

In return Kaoru looked offended, "oh, you should be the one to talk."

"Don't worry, I'll be fine."

"Hey, hey where are you going? Ditching me again?"

Mayuko walked out to the yard. She liked it there because there were less people outside. She glanced at the fountain and Kisa was still there staring into the pond hypnotized. Her hands reached into the pond, farther and farther until her little hands couldn't go any further as she watched this Mayuko quicken her pace, afraid that something might happen.

SPLASH! Kisa fell face down into the three feet pond.

"KISA!"

A/N: Hiya! How was it? First off, I must apologize for any use of wrong Japanese honorifics/language...I do not speak Japanese so I wrote this as I understood it from watching all the anime...so please excuse any common mistakes...feel free to correct me. I would really appreciate that...

About the story, I personally think that I made everything happen too fast. I'm very anxious to go on with the story. /Reminder >Plz leave the author a review. Thanx/

Adream3r