A/N: Enjoy!
I don't own Fruits Basket.
Chapter 21: Dirty Little Secret
Tohru slept on the short flight to Tokyo. Feeling well-rested, she kept her eyes wide open with amazement at how sophisticated and rushed the big city was. The subway station was extremely clean, and the businessmen all seemed like carbon-copies of each other – dark suit, sturdy briefcase, eye-grazing onyx-black fringe that was disheveled after a long day's work. It was past midnight, but the streets were still bustling with life. Plenty of young couples holding hands, sharing food, smiling adoringly at each other. The lofty high-rises and colorful plasma screens contrasted the pushcarts along the streets selling vibrant trinkets and fragrant night snacks. While the city looked futuristic and modern, there were also touches of a rich history if you looked beyond the surface. Tokyo was like an onion. The further you stepped from the main streets, into cramped alleyways and dim-lit side-streets, the more you learned about this worldly city. Tohru put it on her bucket list. Explore Tokyo deeper.
"Tohru, I'm going to get yaki omo (yellow sweet potato). Do you want one?" Shigure asked when his stopped mid-stride in front of one of the pervasive food carts.
Tohru nodded and licked her dry lips. "Can I also get bottled water? I'm parched from the flight over."
While Shigure waited in line, Tohru explored the adjacent food stands. French crepes, takoyaki (fried octopus balls), grilled corn, fried chicken kabobs, taiyaki (griddled sweet cakes)…
The air smelled delicious. A mad scientist's concoction of sweet, fried, and savory. Despite her mind's protest, Tohru's stomach won. She couldn't resist and stood in line for the taiyaki.
"I'll have the 1 adzuki (red bean) and 1 bacon/egg taiyaki." Tohru assumed that Shigure would want the bacon version, since he was such a Western breakfast lover.
When she picked up her order, Shigure approached her from behind. "Looks good." As they swapped snacks, Tohru almost lost her balance on the large pinecone-sized yaki omo. They laughed at her clumsiness.
"Mii-chan booked us a hotel in a prime location. It won't be like our previous trip at the "maid" hotel." Tohru reddened at the thought of their "first night" together in a hotel.
The hotel lobby was very sleek, with water cascading down a slate wall into a small pool behind the counter. Everything else was white, from the seating area, to the chandelier, to the bell-boy's uniform. It was almost blinding.
"Here you go sir. Please take the elevator to your right."
"Thank you."
The room was luxurious. It was white themed as well with subtle accents of black and silver. There were two rooms. The bed and full bath with a balcony. Then there was an obscured glass sliding door separating it from the sofa and desk area and another smaller bathroom.
Tohru hurried into the bathroom as Shigure began to speak. "Mii-chan informed me that there is an after-party tomorrow night. I would be so humbled if you could come with me."
"I-I …" she trailed off, mid-pee.
"Don't worry. Mii-chan contacted a local stylist who will pick out a dress for the occasion and drop it off tomorrow afternoon."
He thought of everything.
"Alright. Thanks. Tell Mii-chan thanks too."
Only Mii-chan doesn't know. No one knows. It's still my little secret. "Now, the two of us need to get some shut-eye. It's going to be a long day."
When Tohru came out of the bathroom, Shigure was already dozing in the middle of the bed. Tohru tried to nudge him over, but he wouldn't budge. Instead, she wrapped the covers tightly around him and made her own bed on the couch.
"Goodnight, Gure-san." She whispered before flipping of the nightstand lamp.
Xxx
The following morning was like clockwork. They were awaken by a morning call at 7 am and were out the door at 8. A discreet taxi was already waiting for them at the roundabout in front of the hotel. A short while later, they arrived at the convention center. Shigure signed them in at 8:30, and handed Tohru a VIP pass. "There, now you look like a genuine fan girl. Now move along, I have my rabid, but loving fans to appease."
Tohru spent her time exploring the other booths and learning about the up and coming genres and talents. There were four zombie apocalypse novels coming out which seemed rather morbid yet quite fascinating. She stored those in the back of her mind.
At noon, there was a delicious buffet service. Shigure was seated with a bunch of other authors, and a few lucky girls, while Tohru was left to find her own place. He didn't seem to notice her pass his table. Tohru found a table with an older woman and initiated conversation. After some pleasantries, Tohru dug into her wakame seaweed salad.
"What are you here for, Etsuko?" Tohru asked.
"Shigure Sohma. I've been a fan since he started. How 'bout you?" The woman replied as she daintily swirled her miso soup.
"Eh, me too. I'm new to his stories though." Tohru was rather shocked the woman was not embarrassed of her love of Shigure Sohma novels. They weren't exactly prose.
"What's your favorite book?" Tohru asked.
"Hmm. I would have to say it's a tie between Frozen Love and Midori's Secret. Well, I also really liked Return to Peach Blossom Hill. Nevermind the other two. Return to Peach Blossom Hill is definitely my favorite. It's a classic love story between well-to-do girl and a poor peasant boy. He was actually the first mainstream author to twist the gender roles. Authors up until then had always written rich, arrogant guy, and poor, wholesome girl. It was before he started writing all his more kinky stuff. That's why I still consider him a romantic."
Afterwards, the two women explored the rows and rows inside that large conference hall. When Etsuko got in line to get her book signed by Shigure, Tohru made an excuse to use the bathroom and meet up with her later. Tohru did not want to be seen lurking around Shigure's table. She was sure he didn't need the distraction.
"I'm tired and I'm going to head back to my hotel to get some much-needed sleep. I woke up at 4 am to catch the train here. Hopefully I'll see you tomorrow, Tohru. It was a pleasure meeting you, dear."
"Likewise."
The rest of Tohru's time was spent exploring every booth.
"Hello everyone. Today's event will end at 5. Please gather your belongings and proceed to the exit by 4:45. Have a pleasant evening. Tomorrow's festivities start up again at 9. There are 6 remaining VIP tickets. A line for these tickets will open tomorrow at 8 am."
Xxx
Tohru saw a long sheath on the couch and knew her dress had arrived. Next to it there was a shorter garment bag which she assumed to be Shigure's. She withheld herself from taking a peek at his outfit. She wanted to be surprised at the party. Heart thumping wildly, Tohru unzipped her garment bag to see a first sliver of turquoise. When she finally unveiled the whole gown, she let out a little gasp. It was beautiful, even lying flat on the sofa. Next she opened the shoe box to find a pair of killer nude heels. The last time she had wore heels was to the Abyss and they were platforms borrowed from Miyako. These weren't platform.
Uhhh…Tohru wasn't so sure…
But she also didn't want to disappoint, even at the expense of tripping and falling flat on her nose. Ouch! She thought.
Tohru immediately took it into the small bathroom to change. She was alone, but as giggly as a schoolgirl. She'd never been the dress-up type, opting for plain, comfortable clothes. But this occasion brought it out in her.
Luckily she brought her minimal supply of makeup, mascara, eyeliner and lipstick. Having never really used them, nor practiced, it took her several attempts to get it just right and not look gaudy or cheap. She used Maki Horikita, her favorite actress, as her inspiration.
When she came out, she noticed that the other garment bag was open and the suit gone.
"Shigure?"
No response.
Shigure must have come by and dressed already.
Xxx
With time to spare, Tohru paced around in front of the television frantically. Afraid to wrinkle or damage the gown, she stayed standing until finally it was 7.
When Tohru entered the room, all eyes were on her. She didn't notice though, as she raked over the room looking for Shigure. She caught him in a throng of people who seemed captivated by what he had to say. He was gesturing animatedly before pausing to stare back it her. Completely in awe. But it was a quick reaction. A hesitation in his actions. He didn't linger long, causing Tohru to worry her bottom lip.
But he noticed. He was quite taken with his little flower all dressed up. The dress looked like it had been intentionally picked so as to not attract attention to her. Like a trash bag to cover her body. But in fact it did quite the opposite. It was a sweetheart neckline turquoise silk gown with sheer silk from the top of the sweetheart neckline to her neck. It was very protective. The surprise was her back. It was a completely sheer panel all the way down to her waist. Her hair was swept up into a messy bun and she wore no accessories. She excluded an ethereal elegance. But all Shigure wanted to do was ravish her. Mine.
He kept his watch over her all night. She stood quiet and unassumingly by the snack bar, her back facing him, talking to the young waiter. She seemed quite at ease, but he could tell from the little things that she was nervous in these crowds, the way she wrung her hands, nodded too eagerly. And all he wanted to do was to stand by her side. To show everyone who he came with. To show that she was claimed for. Mine. He had to resist leaving his chatty companions to sweep her up into his arms and carry her into their bed and making passionate love to her until nether one of them could move. Mii-chan had forcibly reminded him to mingle with everyone to ensure that he would not be forgotten. Remind them that he was still the King of Kink.
And to not show that he was taken.
Whoever you wanted to so eagerly bring along to Tokyo, don't let them know you're with her! There will be serious backlash from your fans. They would eat her alive. You remember before…
They know you as the playboy writer. Don't jeopardize all that you've worked for!
Shigure hid a smirk after seeing Tohru scarfing down large piece of tempura in a fleeting moment of solitude.
"Hello Gure-san. Long time no see." Whispered a seductive low voice near his ear. He turned his head enough to see a beautiful face. She hadn't changed at all, her willowy figure and delicate pixie features. She had cut her hair to shoulder length, and it grazed the top of her ruffled neckline. Getting his full attention, she continued, "I didn't see you circulating all the popular events this year. We didn't get to 'meet up' like we usually do."
Hanako Izumi was a famous editor. Most in the literary circuit knew her personally or knew of her reputation as straightforward with her opinions and a near perfect success rate. Any book that passed through her hands was literary gold. The few that she had selected from the ever-growing sludge pile always turned up on the bestseller's list. And she was as beautiful as she was successful. Men loved her for her beauty, wit, and independence. Yet somehow, she only had eyes for Shigure. Despite never being in a public relationship together, they definitely had a physical relationship. Any time they met, they always ended up tangled in bed sheets in some plush hotel room. He had liked her. She took what he gave. Which depending on his mood usually wasn't enough for most women.
Tohru gazed over at Shigure talking familiarly to a beautiful brunette and instantly felt a tingle of jealousy. They were standing very close to each other. Her sleek hair cascaded in waves down the side her face and she had a slit in her black dress almost to her pelvis. It showcased her enviable legs. He was famous. It was expected of him to know a lot of beautiful women. She had only hoped none would show up tonight. Her mind was coming up with all the worst-case scenarios. It was so unlike her…
Shigure had barely acknowledged her since she arrived in this large ballroom. Only the faintest nod with a raised eyebrow when she first came in. She was a wallflower, standing numbly by the snack bar chatting with someone close in her age. But the young waiter was busy, and had only a few moments to spare. Tohru felt like it had been hours. Her legs were sore but she didn't want to sit for fear of ruining her silk dress. But asking the hors d'oeuvres server the time, she politely said, "8:30." Meaning that only an hour and a half had passed.
"I've noticed you standing all alone here. Did you come with someone?" Asked a mellifluous voice behind her.
Tohru twirled around haphazardly to see a tall man before her. He had a sparkling smile and cute dimples and looked to be in his mid 20s. His hair was slightly ruffled and he had some scruff, making him look rugged. And very handsome. "Yes."
"Shouldn't he be accompanying you everywhere, to keep such a beautiful girl close?"
Tohru blushed and shock her hair. "He's busy."
The guy smiled pleasantly. "Then let me be your guide tonight."
His hand stretched out to greet hers. "My name is Ryo."
"My name is Tohru, nice to meet you."
"So what do you do?"
"I'm a student."
"So am I. A student of life."
Tohru chuckled lightly at his remark.
"In all seriousness, I am an editor."
"What is your specialty?"
"Non-fiction. Now I know what you're thinking, 'that's the boring stuff'. But there are actually a lot of gems. Real life experiences can be just as interesting as fiction. I mean no magic or dragons, but still pretty damn exciting. It seems like you're new to all this. Let me give you the abbreviated guide to all these people in this room."
Tohru nodded eagerly. "Yes please."
That stately gentleman over there with the rimless glasses is Yosuke Ando. He is a popular mystery-thriller author among older generations. His book My Lovely Vengeance was turned into a movie several years ago. The woman to his left is…"
Tohru listened intently. This world was indeed like a web. Everyone seemed to know each other.
"Do you see that pretty woman in black beside Shigure Sohma? That is Hanako Izumi. Rumor has it that they are an item. I mean it's not official, but whenever they show up together to events, at least pre this year, tabloids always called them out on it. They are the perfect match – smart, beautiful, enigmatic."
Tohru tried to hide the dismay in her eyes by looking down at the floor. She now felt like she wanted to disappear. Suddenly the dress felt wrong on her. All this for nothing. His former flame was back. She was everything he was.
Female version of Shigure Sohma.
"You don't look so good, Tohru. Do you want to go onto the balcony for some air?"
Not sure if she could even say a proper sentence without choking on her words, she followed her companion's long strides to the balcony. He held open the door for her to exit.
Surprisingly there was a small quartet playing peaceful music to the few people on the balcony. The view of magnificent Tokyo lay before them.
"Tokyo in a nutshell," Ryo murmured, absorbing the bright lights beneath them.
Unable to resist sitting down, Tohru finally sat down on the bench. What a relief for her stiff legs!
After looking out to all the high-rises and skyscrapers for twenty minutes and regaining her senses again, Tohru turned to Ryo.
"I'm glad to meet you."
"Me too." He replied. "Would you like to dance? I mean, that is if you are feeling better."
"Yes."
He pulled her to her feet. As soon as they stepped in with the other couples, Ryo lead Tohru. He was a good partner, moving slow enough so that Tohru could catch up and enjoy herself. There were a few missteps but Ryo was very patient and kind. A sweet guy.
Lost in their dance, neither of them noticed the man standing near the dance floor. When the song finally ended, the man cleared his throat beside the dancing couple that was flushed with adrenaline. "Excuse me, may I?"
Xxx
A/N: 1.1.13 - Muwhaha. Good place to stop. Tension brews…
Happy New Year!
LibraryLady08 – thanks!
Kouga's Older Woman – hope you enjoyed!
Eau de toilette – it's like you read my mind! "… Tohru will have to deal with Gure's lifestyle and other things" Yeah, Tohru's definitely feels like she doesn't belong in this life, while Shigure molds into it perfectly. Shigure better make it up to her!
Miaboo011 – this chapter doesn't really resolve the cliffy… but the next chappy will be up soon!
MAX-FANG-FAN – hullo newbie! Good you see that you enjoy the story!
Heidilynn – thank you dear!
Asixua – cool username! Does it mean anything? Thanks for the compliments!
Omnenomnom – I feel honored to have made you cry. (uh, that sounds awkward… haha)
Phenylephrine – So glad you found the story! It's a great feeling that the story got your attention even though you aren't a Shigure/Tohru fan! Thank you dear! What is your favorite pairing?