****DISCLAMER: I don't own Fruit Basket nor any of its characters. Sara Fujima and other characters not original from furuba, are obviously mine.
This fic centers mostly around Hatori, Shigure, Haru, and Momiji, -exactly in that level of importance. The rest of the Sohma and Tohru make small appearances. If you feel it is rushed all I can say to that is "Sorry. I'm busy with university classes, so I try to keep my fics as short as possible." If there are any mistakes with the names, I was typing too fast. Mistakes with the nicknames: they are so many that I sometimes get confused. Anyways…I hope you like the story. Thank you for reading and please review. I'd like to know your opinions whether they are constructive or destructive. In other words, flames are accepted, so fire away.
Shihori.
~*~*~*~
Hatori inhaled deeply the fresh, salty air, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. It had been long since the last time he came to the Sohma's beach house. He walked barefoot on the pearl white sands, holding a pair of sandals on one hand, and a bag on the other. It was early so the sun hadn't heated up the sand yet. –Shigure might be right. The ocean breeze might do us all well. - He thought as he neared the shore where the foamed waves ended.
He dropped the bag on the sand and sat down, slipping the white, unbuttoned shirt off his shoulders setting it next to the bag. Then he took out a snorkel, a mask, and a pair of rubber shoes along with a white towel. It had been a while since he last snorkeled and had been looking forward to doing it without any bothersome company, a.k.a. Shigure and Ayame.
-I'm so glad I was able to sneak away from the house without those two noticing. Looking up, his green eyes set upon the aquamarine waters and that's when he saw her for first time, -a woman rose out of the water pulling off the snorkel and mask off her head as she walked back to the shore. She wore a strapless one piece, electric blue swimsuit, black rubber shoes, and her long dark hair was plastered to her chest over her right shoulder. –Who is she? He wondered not taking his eyes away from the woman who obviously had noticed his presence and was walking towards him now. –And why is she here? Doesn't she know this is private property?
"Good morning." She said as she smiled brightly at him. "I haven't seen you around before so you might not know." She untied the ponytail over her shoulder. "This is a private beach. The caretaker is very moody and shoots any stranger he finds along the beach." She giggled and walked past him. "If you appreciate your life at all you should leave."
Hatori blinked, not knowing what to answer to her words for a second. He turned around planning to tell the stranger that she was the one invading private property but his eyes fell upon her curved, long, and tanned legs, making his train of thought go off the rails. Immediately he turned his face away, a light blush creeping on his cheeks. He sighed, feeling his face slightly hotter than before. Then he decided to put on the rubber shoes, taking the mask and snorkel as he stood up and walked towards the water. –Good thing Shigure and Ayame aren't here; otherwise I wouldn't hear the end of it. He thought as he walked father away from the shore in the chest high waters.
Deceiving Bonds: Chapter 1"Mou…you're so mean Tori-san!" Ayame whined while Hatori kept his eyes set on the book in front of him. "How could you leave us behind? You know Gure-san and I like snorkeling too! We could have had so much fun together!"
"We could have searched for lovely mermaids like in old times!" Shigure said in a dream like tone.
"Why would you search for ocean princesses if you have me Gure-san!" Ayame said in a feigned hurt tone.
"Don't start you two idiots!" Kyou growled from the balcony where he was sitting at the wood floor. "It's too early for you to turn my stomach upside down!"
"What could be taking them so long?" Yuki asked, looking up the stairs that led to the bedrooms.
"I'm starving!" Hiro cried out, jumping off the balcony's railing. "I'll go get them." He announced as he stomped towards the stairs, but Haru grabbed him by the neck of his shirt holding him back.
"Women are women." He muttered, showing no expression on his face. "They'll come down when they're ready."
"If it wouldn't have been for that damn Akito, we would have arrived early yesterday afternoon instead of the middle of the night." Kyou grumbled from his corner.
"We're ready!" Kagura announced as she climbed down the stairs followed by Kisa, Momiji, and Tohru.
"Sorry we took so long." Tohru apologized in behalf of all of them. "Are you sure you don't want me to cook? I truly don't mind."
"We're on vacations Honda-san." Yuki said smiling down at her. "You don't have to do any of those chores here."
"Yes Tohru-kun! We are all here to relax from our daily routines." Shigure floated to her side and placed his hands on her shoulders which were practically bare except for the thin straps of her pink dress, pretending to give them a massage, ignoring Yuki's and Kyou's glares. "So you must relax as well."
Hatori closed the book on his hands, setting it on the coffee table along with his reading glasses. "Besides, there is no food in this house. We didn't tell Fujima-san we were coming so he didn't prepare the place for us."
"Fujima-san?" Tohru muttered, looking at Hatori.
"The state's caretaker." Shigure answered with a broad smile on his lips. "You'll meet him soon enough."
"It's a good thing he keeps the house clean though. Otherwise we wouldn't have had a place to sleep at since the hotels here don't admit late customers." Ayame commented flipping his ponytail over his shoulder.
"Well enough chit-chat! Let's get breakfast! I'm famished!" Hiro whined reminding everyone else of why they were gathered in the living room.
Agreeing silently with the family's sheep they all walked out of the house and got into the mini-bus they had brought since the group was fairly large. It was almost mid-day when they finally reached a restaurant and had lunch instead of breakfast. The rest of the afternoon they walked around the town sightseeing since the younger members of the Jyunishi and Tohru hadn't been to this place before. They also bought groceries for the next two weeks they would be spending their summer vacation from school.
°
She pushed the metal bar door closed, and turned to walk up the small paved hill. The sun was already setting, and the skies were tinted in purple, red and orange colors. –I must hurry up. They'll get here anytime. She thought taking a look at her watch, which read 6:40 p.m. in digital numbers. She reached a modest, wood house with a small, rose garden. Bringing the keys out of her skirt's pocket, she opened the front door and looked around. "Grandpa! I'm home!" She announced, leaving her black backpack on the small bureau close to the door.
Slipping off her black moccasins, she walked into the first room to her right. It was small and there was only a square, rosewood table in the center, and a pair of cushions set in opposite sides of the table. There was a scroll hanging from a wall with a phrase written in Japanese characters, and under it a long thing vase with a single rose sat over a small, wood stand. –The kitchen. She stepped back into the narrow hallway and entered the kitchen, which was smaller than the previous room. She sighed. –I guess he's at the main house then.
She went back on her steps, taking the keys from the doorknob and locking the door behind her before walking up the rest of the paved road. Soon the main house came into view, a two stories brick and wood western style house. She walked around it instead of walking through the main door, and went in through the back door, which led into the laundry room. Quickly she made her way through the white and black tiled kitchen, and ran up the short steps that led to the main floor.
"Are you here?" She asked as she cornered the last step and came to the living room's door. A squeak like sound escaped her lips as soon as she saw that there were three other men in the living room along with an old man, her grandfather. "I'm sorry." She quickly apologized and turned around, starting her way back already. –God…
"Come back in here child." Fujima called out from the room.
She sighed heavily and walked back inside. Bowing immediately she said, "I'm truly sorry. I didn't know the owners were home." Her eyes fell upon one of the younger men in the room as she straightened back, recognizing him immediately. A deep blush took over her face and again she bowed, knowing his eyes were on her. "I'm sorry! I didn't know you were a Sohma. I'm sorry I mistook you for an intruder!"
"Ah?" Shigure blinked and looked back at Hatori who had been standing at the French doors that led to the balcony. A foolish grin took over his lips. "So that is why you didn't take us with you! You wanted to have a love-love escapade with the lady here!"
Her jaw dropped and she began waving her hands frantically in front of her. "It's not like that!" She exclaimed, still blushing furiously. "I thought he was an intruder and told him to leave before my grandpa found him."
"Grandpa." Ayame repeated her words and looked at her as a huge smile plastered on his face. "Sara-chan!" He squeaked and jumped towards her, but Hatori stopped him by grabbing the collar of his shirt. Since the weather is so hot there, Ayame had been forced to wear shorts and a shirt like a normal man, and to keep his long, silver hair in a ponytail.
"Can't believe how much you've grown up!" Shigure said checking her out in her work clothes, a grin on his face.
Sara noticed the way he was looking at her, all too common to her, but still made her uncomfortable. She was wearing a thin, white blouse that had a K in orange thread embroidered over her right breast, an orange mini skirt with a sewn on apron, and a headband of the same color on her head keeping her loose hair away from her face. "Ah…I'll leave immediately so I won't be a bother to you." She muttered wrapping her arms around her waist as if to protect herself from Shigure's approving look.
"Eh? No! Why?" was Shigure's quick response followed by a disappointed look.
Sara looked down to her grandpa who was shorter in height than her. "Grandpa always sends me away when anyone of the Sohma family arrives unless they require my services."
She looked back at the three of them, and couldn't keep from thinking that they were all very handsome, including the one with long hair and delicate looking face features. "I won't leave if you do require my services."
"Of course we do!" Shigure beamed at her. "I know of a pair of things you could help me with!"
"I meant house chores." Sara pointed out, guessing what he meant. –Perv….
Shigure laughed half-heartedly. "I meant so too!"
Hatori sighed and decided to take control of the situation. "We really don't need anything of help with the house chores, but you don't need to leave the state. You may stay."
"But Ha-san…" Shigure whined, ignoring Hatori's glare.
"Ah…alright." Sara nodded, looking somewhat disappointed. "But anything you need, just ask me. Grandpa hasn't been feeling all too well in the last months so I try to help him as much as I can."
"Sara that really won't be necessary." Fujima seemed displeased with that comment, but decided to talk it later with her. "Aren't you working tonight?"
"I'm late!" She cried out looking at her watch. "I'll make you dinner before leaving so don't worry! They can wait."
"I'll cook. You just hurry and get ready, and don't come back too late." Fujima smiled at her. "And have fun."
"Always do." Sara leaned over and kissed his forehead. She turned to the mabudachi trio and bowed lightly. "Thank you again for letting me stay. Have a good night." Not expecting a reply she hurried out of the living room.
"Are you sure about letting her stay Hatori-san?" Fujima looked at him seriously.
"Akito didn't come with us this time, so there is no need for her to leave." Hatori answered nonchalantly as he sat down on the couch, taking his book and eyeglasses from the table.
"How come other has required her house keeping services?" Ayame asked, looking strangely serious as he talked to the old man.
"Members of the family who don't know her or don't remember her see her only as my granddaughter, in other words, a maid." Fujima pointed out in a somewhat disgusted tone, but then sighed. "Sara is a kind girl and she'd do anything to help me out."
"She's grown to become a very fine woman." Shigure smiled warmly, no pervert tone implied on his words. "I'm glad."
"Why don't you stay over and have dinner with us Fujima-san?" Ayame offered, "We're ordering take out since our precious bride is out with my cute brother and the others."
"There are more than you three." Fujima said, not quite asking or stating.
"Yes." Shigure nodded as he took a seat on a wicker chair. "All of them Jyunishi except for Tohru-kun who is the most recent addition to the family."
"So, which restaurant would you recommend Fujima-san?" Ayame asked, taking the cordless phone from its base.
"The K." Fujima answered, "The number is in the phone booklet next to the phone. There are other restaurant phones there and of some 24hrs stores and pharmacies." He turned around and began walking out. "Thank you for the offer, but I prefer to eat alone. The car key's are in the left drawer to the sink in the kitchen. If you need anything, use the intercom. I'll come immediately. Good night."
"Wait Fujima-san!" Shigure ran up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I insist you stay with us for dinner. That way you could tell us more about Sara-chan."
Fujima looked up to him, with a hard look on his brown eyes surrounded by wrinkles. "If you wish to know more about her, I suggest you talk to her Sohma-san." He looked away and climbed down the stairs. "Good night."
Shigure's features turned serious as he stared at the old man's back until he disappeared.
"Are you regretting coming here Shigure?" Hatori asked, looking at his cousin at the door, still holding the book in front of him.
Shigure turned his face to him and smiled brightly. "Not at all."
"She seems to be happy." Ayame commented with a smile, still holding the phone on his hands but he had sat down on the polished wood floor. "Isn't that a relief Tori-san?"
Hatori didn't answer and just turned his eyes back to the book, staring at the letters but not reading them.
°
"I have the feeling you're upset with me." Sara said as she stepped into the living-dining room.
Fujima took a sip of his tea and then spoke, "I've told you many times not to mention to the masters my illness. I could get fired and at my age it is impossible to find a job."
"At your age, you've saved up enough money to buy your own little house in the town near the sea and stop working grandpa." Sara muttered as she put around her neck a black silk choker with a Celt like cross pendant. She sighed at the nasty look the old man gave her. "I mean it in the good way Grandpa. You've served them well all your life. You should take care of yourself now. Your heart isn't as strong as it used to be."
"I know that better than anyone child, but the day I stop, it shall be forever." He said stubbornly and took another bite of his grilled fish.
Sara sighed, kneeling next to him and kissing his forehead. "As you wish old man." She stood up. "Just remember you're all the family I have, and I still need you."
Fujima stared at her back as she walked out of the living room and smiled tenderly. "You're my dearest child." He whispered, before continuing his meal. The phone began ringing and he made aside his chopsticks to go pick it up.
"I'll get it!" Sara announced as she ran back and grabbed the phone from the bureau in front of the living room's entrance. "Sohma state." She said answering the call. "Ah! Hisashi-kun. Yes, please wait a moment. ---Oh! They're there? Please tell them to wait a minute or two. Thank you." She pressed a button, then the number 1, and waited to be answered. "Yes, Sohma-san," She addressed the person who answered as Sohma-san since she didn't know her names much less recognized their voices. "Your take-out order is here. –Ah…you're welcome." She hung up and ran back the way she had come. Soon she appeared with a small black leather backpack. "Remember to take your pills." She said leaning on the door's frame. "Don't stay up late."
"Go now. It's getting late." Fujima answered without looking back at her.
"Good night grandpa." Sara said with a smile, and went to the entrance. She sat on the floor, slipping her right foot into the knee high black boot, and then the left. Jumping on her feet she grabbed her keys from the bureau and exited her home. She had changed her waitress uniform for a denim skirt, about three fingers above her knees in length, and with low waste which left her belly button exposed, and a white, down shoulder, blouse with blue flower embroidery and an A cut over her belly. Her hair was pulled up in a bun held by two chopstick pins with dangling white pearls at the end.
"Good evening Fujima-sensei!" The young deliveryman greeted her with a wide smile at the door. "You're singing today?"
"Yes." Sara smiled at him and then noticed the K on his uniform. "Congrats on getting the job."
"Thank you miss, but it is a pity I have to work night shift! I wanted to go to the live house and watch you perform tonight!" He said in a disappointed tone.
"The summer has just started. I'm sure you'll be able to go one of these days." Sara smiled brightly at him. "But don't forget your other responsibilities. There is a lot of school work to do."
"Sara! Hurry up! We're going to be late!" called out a man from a mini-van parked not far from the gate.
She signaled him to wait a just another second. "Can't leave until someone comes for that food." She said to the delivery kid with a smile.
"Then you may leave Fujima-san." He said looking behind her. "There she comes."
Sara looked back and saw Ayame walking down, now wearing a white Chinese-styled robe since the temperature had gone down. She chuckled, "I fear that's a he Hisashi-kun." She opened the smaller gate and walked out. "See you soon." She smiled and jogged towards the mini-van.
"Ah! Hello! Sorry I took so long!" Ayame exclaimed as he neared the gate. His eyes diverted to the mini-van as Sara pulled the sliding door closed, and then driver pulled back into the road. "Where is she going?" He wondered out loud.
"To the Mermaid live house." Hisashi answered, startling Ayame who just laughed, noticing he had spoken his thoughts out loud. "Here's the bill." The kid handed him a piece of paper and proceeded to take out the bags from the motorcycle's carry-box.
"Here you go." Ayame said as he handed him the money. "Keep the change." He said as he grabbed the two, long bags. He turned around, but then came up with an idea. "Ne…kid, that live house…it is were bands play right?"
"Yes." Hisashi nodded as he sat down on the motorcycle grabbing the helmet. "Fujima-sensei sings there." He sighed dreamily. "She has the most beautiful voice."
Ayame grinned knowing he'd have something to do tonight after all instead of following Yuki around. "Thank you!" He chirped and literally hopped back to the house.
Back in the house, he set the bags on the dining table and called out, "The food is here! Everyone come down!"
Soon the whole group was sitting around the table, eating dinner. Kyou and Yuki got into an argument once again, and Tohru tried to settle them down, once again. Kagura went into her scary mood, making Kyou stop arguing. Momiji made a comment about Kyou, which angered him and hit the rabbit on the head, making him cry. It was a pretty normal family dinner, except for one thing: Ayame and Shigure were sharing little giggles and speaking in a secretive tone. Hatori could tell that those two were planning something, but he truly didn't mind while it didn't get him involved.
"That was good!" Shigure exclaimed as he placed his chopsticks aside having finished his meal. "Well let's go Aya! I'll drive!"
"Where are you going?" Yuki asked, having his curiosity piqued by Shigure's sudden announcement.
"Do you even know how to drive?" Kyou pointed out.
Shigure grinned and nodded. "Of course I do!" He stood up and tapped Hatori's head, making him stop his hand on the way of grabbing his cup of tea. "Hurry up Ha-san! Aya and I will be ready in a minute!" With that Shigure and Ayame dashed out of the dining room.
Everyone looked at Hatori expecting a reaction from him. The Jyunishi's dragon sighed and stood up. "If you go out of the house don't go too far, and don't stay out too late. Kagura you're in charge." He said giving his orders for the night to the younger ones.
"Yes Hatori-niisan!" Kagura said effusively, looking serious about her responsibility.
"Where are you going Hatori-niisan?" asked Kisa, the youngest girl in the group.
Hatori sighed heavily as he walked towards the door. "That's what I'd like to know."
–Those idiots always have to come up with something.
°
The Mabudachi trio climbed down the narrow stairs that led to the underground live house. The lights were slightly dim, soft music played, and it wasn't too crowded. There were several small, round tables distributed around the place and each of them had a lit red candle in the middle. At the deepest end of the room there was a stage dimly lit by blue spotlights and to the left corner closer to the entrance was the bar. The place's walls were painted in a medium hue blue evoking the sea, decorated with fishing nets, mermaid figures, and shells.
"Ah…" Ayame looked around. He was wearing a dark blue robe with Chinese neck and gold buttons "So this is what a live house near the sea looks like. It's very…"
"Looks like a fisherman's bar of some sort like those in movies." Shigure pointed out, standing next to Ayame. He had changed his kimono for a pair of beige pants and a dark green shirt.
"What are we doing here?" Hatori asked, looking uninterested at the place. He hadn't changed the black pants and light gray shirt he had worn earlier.
"We came to relax from babysitting of course!" Shigure chirped as he walked towards an empty table at the middle of the place, although he would have preferred a closer seat to the stage but all the front tables were occupied already.
"Yes! We need to have time to ourselves away from the kids." Ayame supported his cousin's statement, taking a seat and looking around as if searching for someone.
Hatori sighed and sat down as well. –I wonder when my babysitting role will end with these two. He thought as he set his eyes on the dancing flame of the candle.
Shigure looked up to the bar and made signals for one of the waitresses there to come. He stopped when the short, brown haired one nodded at him. "We've got to get drunk tonight!" He announced, "Since we don't have that much of an opportunity to hang out the three of us like this back home."
"Really…we should go out more frequently." Ayame smiled, looking at Hatori. "And we must find also some romance for Ha-san! His life has become too dull with so much work and no fun!"
"Don't make decisions for me." The Sohma's private doctor glared at his cousin. "I don't need of a relationship."
"But Ha-san…all men need of some romance! Otherwise, life wouldn't be worth living it." Ayame said with great conviction on his words, and Shigure supported him with effusive nods.
"Good evening." Sara smiled as she stopped at their table. "I didn't know you knew of this place."
Hatori looked up to her surprised to see her there, but then everything seemed to fit all to well into his cousin's plans. They knew she'd be here so they came here and dragged him along knowing that if they told him he would refuse. He felt like leaving right then, but there was no case to it now. "You work here?" He asked, no surprise hinted on his words although he was that she'd work in a place like this.
"Yes." She said with a smile on her lips. "Do you wish anything to drink gentlemen? Any snacks..."
"Beer please." Hatori answered.
"A Bloody Mary for me please Sara-chan." Ayame smiled up to her.
Shigure, who had been smiling foolishly at her, gave her his order. "Beer for me too and some salted peanuts please Sara-chan."
"Please don't call me so casually Sohma-san." She said in a very polite tone and her smile had become less warm. "Only my friends are allowed to call me that way." She said before turning around, "I'll bring your drinks and snack right away." Then she walked back to the bar.
"So mean…" Shigure whined after her and sighed half-heartedly. "I don't remember her being so cold."
"It's just natural." Hatori pointed out as if it was something given already. "To her we are the employers of her grandfather, nothing more, nothing less."
Shigure looked at her, holding a tray on one arm and placing their drinks on it. "I know."
Sara returned with their drinks and placed them on the table in front of them along with paper coasters and a small basket with salted peanuts. "If you need anything else, please ask Erika. She's the short, brown haired one at the bar." She said with a smile again, before turning back to the bar.
"I wonder if she got upset." Ayame muttered, taking a sip of his drink.
"Wouldn't know." Shigure just shrugged, drinking of his beer.
A short while later the music was turned off, and the chattering in the live house – bar stopped. Mostly all costumers had their eyes set on the stage where the silhouettes of some persons could be seen. There was a sound of wood hitting wood in a countdown rhythm.
The electric guitar began playing together with the electric keyboard and the drums, as well as the bass, starting the first song's melody. The lights on the stage brightened up, revealing the five-member band at the stage. At the drums there is a lady, blonde with tanned skin dressed, with her eyes closed, leading the melody. The bass is played by a short, brunette girl, dressed in a long black skirt and orange spaghetti strap top. On the keyboard stood a rather young looking man of short, black hair and stylish appearance. His fingers seemed to caress the keys with the flow of the music. Playing the electric guitar was a tall man, dressed in a simple white t-shirt and black jeans, and his brown hair was pulled back on a ponytail. Finally at the front stood Sara, holding the microphone, still on its base, as the first words of the lyrics flowed smoothly out of her lips.
"Just one thing doesn't change, that dream I painted. How did I appear as I am now in my young eyes back then?" She began. Her black tresses had been left free and cascaded on her shoulders, framing her tanned face, and her eyes seemed to glow brighter as the ballad picked up a faster rhythm. "Hey, look up at it, it's such a vast night sky. So that soon…so that you understand you will shine at your best soon. So hurry! Look for the full moon."
Hatori watched as she took the microphone off the stand and began dancing at the songs' beat. The glow on her face and the smoothness of her voice seemed to have captivated even him in just a pair of minutes. His annoyance at being brought to that place had suddenly vanished with only watching her with such bright aura around her. A smile tugged on his lips, -her smile having a contagious effect on him.
"Let's sing a song! Tonight I want to believe there are never ending burning thoughts. More and more! More and more and more I want to scream this song, this dream will never end." Sara's enthusiasm grew with the audience's response, -the ones at the tables were clapping, playing the beat on the tables with their fingers, or singing along with her. The younger ones and some couples had stood up and gathered closer to the stage.
"Let's sing a song!" The girl at the bass and the man with the guitar sang along with Sara. "Repeat and repeat."
Sara extended her left arm towards their audience, holding the microphone with the right hand as she finished the song. "This is the song for u." As the melody ended the audience clapped and she bowed her head lightly. "Thank you everyone! Welcome once again to Mermaid's. Today it is love request night and we'll play your favorite love songs which you've deposited on our fish bowl." She looked at the guitarist who walked up to her bringing a glass fish bowl filled with paper strips. "Let's see who's love confession will be the lucky one tonight." She said into the microphone while putting her hand in the bowl to fetch a strip.
Bringing one out she read it out loud with a wide smile on her face. "This one is dedicated to Mayuki from Kenta. Dearest by Hamasaki Ayumi." She looked up to a table to the left where this couple was sitting at. She knew them well since they were about the same age and had gone to the same high school as her.
The keyboardist began playing the melody, the others followed when it was their turn. Then Sara began singing, closing her eyes as she felt moved by the depth of the song's words. "It would be nice if we could put away and throw out everything except what really mattered, but reality is just cruel. In such times, I see you laughing whenever I close my eyes."
"I had forgotten how beautiful her voice is." Ayame commented, keeping his sight on the stage, which was surrounded by dancing couples. "Truly an angel's voice. Don't you agree Ha-san?"
"She does look happy." He said, not answering the snake's question. In this tone there was a hint of relief.
"Makes you wonder if she would have been able to find happiness even if she wouldn't have stayed here." Ayame muttered, speaking his thoughts out loud.
"He would have broken her sooner or later." Shigure said, staring seriously at her. "Staying here was the best that could have happened to her. Seeing her like this..." He said more to himself. "Makes you feel less guilty."
A new song had begun, probably one of Ayame's favorites since he had stood up from his seat and stepped closer to the stage, but far enough of any female who could accidentally bump on to him. Hatori looked at Shigure leaning on the table with his head rested on his hand. "There is no such thing as less guilty." His right hand closed into a tight fist. "What was your purpose of coming here Shigure?"
Shigure looked back at him with a sly grin on his lips. "To have fun of course."
"I meant, coming to this beach villa specifically. We could have gone to any other." Hatori's eyes were stern while trying to figure out his cousin's motives. "Why did we have to come to here?"
"Here, where she lives you mean." Shigure looked back at the stage, smiling at the sight of her dancing around as she sang an upbeat song. "I sincerely believed she would have left this place by now. I like this place and I thought the kids would enjoy it very much." Looking back at Hatori he chuckled at his serious face. "Relax a bit Ha-san and enjoy the few gifts life gives us."
An hour later the band was off stage and most of the persons were gone. Only the people who had come to get drunk were left. Sara and her friends were gathered around the bar having a drink while chatting and laughing at some silly joke by the bartender.
"I have to stay and close the bar." The guitar player muttered close to her head as he leaned over her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. "The old man was tired and left earlier."
"The business comes first." Sara smiled up at him and nodded. "It's alright." She looked at the keyboardist who was sitting nearby with his arm over the bassist's shoulders. "Say Rei, Takago, can you give me a ride home?"
Takago looked down at his girlfriend and raised his left eyebrow. Rei looked back at her apologetically, smiling. "We're heading to Yuzuha's party. Sorry…"
"Ara…that's the opposite side. Don't worry, I'll walk back home" Sara muttered, slipping off the round bar seat. "Yami-chan, are you staying?"
The drummer shook her head as she went behind the bar. "No. You'll walk with me?" She asked as she bent over and then brought out Sara's leather bag, and her own backpack.
"Sure." Sara grabbed her bag, turning to the guitarist. "So I'll see you on Thursday then."
"I'll be there like always." He smiled at her; leaning over and giving her a light kiss on the lips. "Be careful."
"I will." She smiled and stepped away from the bar. "See you all next Tuesday." She said as she walked away from the bar waving at them.
"Good night everyone." Yami waved back at them as she walked next to Sara towards the stairs.
"Night!" called out the others at the bar.
Ayame looked after them and then turned at Shigure. "Shouldn't we head out too?"
"Are you stalking her?" Hatori asked in an annoyed tone. "Really…you two have to get better hobbies."
Shigure chuckled and nodded affirmatively, earning a bored sigh from Hatori.
°
"See you around Sara-chan." Yami waved back at her as she climbed the stairs that led into an apartment building.
"Good night Yami-chan!" Sara chirped back and continued walking down the sidewalk. She pulled her hair behind her ears, which was being blown playfully by the soft night breeze. There was no one in the streets at those hours and the town seemed very peaceful.
A black Mercedes pulled closer to the sidewalk and stopped next to her. "Sara-chan!" Ayame chirped out, as he stepped out of the car.
"Ah! Sohma-san." Sara looked surprised as he pranced closer to her. The front window slid down revealing Hatori at the driver's seat, and Shigure waving at her from the seat next to the doctor.
"You're going home aren't you?" Ayame asked smiling brightly at her, and grabbed her hand when she nodded. "Then you'll come with us."
"Wait! I-" She began to make an excuse but he wouldn't let her.
"No buts!" Ayame said vehemently as he pushed her into the car's back seat. "It's silly that we let you walk all the way home when you can come with us." He slipped in and closed the door, tapping Hatori's shoulder. "We can go now Tori-san!"
Hatori pulled back into the empty streets without a word, just keeping his eyes on the space in front of him. "Ah…Sohma-san," Sara began, looking at Hatori. "Should you be driving? I mean, you were drinking and-"
"Don't worry. Only had one beer. I'm fine." He said in a reassuring tone, not looking back at her.
"Ah…" She leaned back on the beige leather seat, and then noticed the looks of Ayame and Shigure on her, both wearing silly smiles. –I must be more quick and effusive on my negatives. She made mental note, getting crept out by their looks.
"Haven't you thought of becoming a pro-singer or a model Sara-chan?" Ayame asked excitedly with hearts around him. "I simply loved your voice and you are so beautiful that you could become a top model easily!"
Sara sweat dropped, smiling sheepishly. "No I haven't. I just sing as a hobby and I've never been interested on modeling."
He grabbed her hands and stared at her with star in his eyes. "Would you be my model?"
"Eh?" She blinked her almond shaped, gray eyes.
"You see...I'm a tailor." Ayame explained as he released her hands, going into his sparkles-around-him mode. "I am dedicated to build dreams for otoko no romansu! And your beauty has just inspired me. That is why…" He turned back at her holding her left hand between his, his eyes suddenly seductive. "You must be mine."
Sara smiled, before giving him her cold response. "Not in this life." That sent Ayame sulking to his corner, muttering about how beautiful it could have been.
"Eehh….first time I see him give up so easily." Shigure muttered, looking down at Ayame. He was kneeling on his seat looking back at them all the time. He turned is eyes to her and smiled. "So…Fujima-san, isn't it?" He remembered her making it clear that she didn't like strangers being too casual with the way they addressed her.
"Sara-san is ok." She said as she wrapped her arms around her back.
"I believe we haven't really introduced ourselves." Shigure muttered, thinking back to earlier that day. "That's Ayame." He said looking at the sulking snake. "Stone face here is Hatori." And pointed at himself. "I'm Shigure."
"Nice to meet you." She said in a respectful tone. They were still the masters of the state even if they were being so casual around her. –I know my place.
"So tell us Sara-san…" Shigure began, smiling at her all the time. "If you're not a model or anything of the kind, what do you dedicate yourself to?"
"Why are you interested in knowing?" Sara asked, unconsciously being rude, since she didn't trust people that easily.
Shigure chuckled, taken by surprise by her response. "Curiosity. You see, seeing you makes me nostalgic. I don't think you remember, but we knew you from before."
Hatori glared at Shigure but didn't say a word. –What the hell are you doing Shigure?
Sara stared at his face intently and then replied. "I don't think we have. Your face doesn't seem familiar to me."
Shigure hid his disappointment behind a smile. "Well we met long time ago and we didn't get to spend much time together, so it's normal that you don't remember."
Sara smiled, giving in a bit. "I'm a high school teacher, but during summer I work at K's and in Mermaids'."
"Teacher…" Shigure looked at her with interest. "What course do you teach?"
"History." She answered with a smile. "Always loved history."
-I know. He thought before speaking again. "I'm a writer. A novelist." He then pointed at Hatori. "Ha-san here is a doctor."
Sara blinked her eyes, staring at the back of Hatori's head. "Oh really?" She smiled. "That's a beautiful profession."
Hatori was taken by surprise, a small smile tugging on his lips. "So is teaching." He said.
"It is." Sara nodded, her face brightening. "I like the challenge each student represents, a challenge to make them interested in the knowledge you posses and wish to share. It is very satisfying when the ask about the class and show you their interest in what you're teaching them, but it is even more satisfying to become someone they trust."
"You must be very loved among your students." Shigure commented, noticing the way her face seemed to glow as she spoke about her profession. "Someone who speaks that way of their job, can only be in love with it."
"I am." Sara said with a proud tone in her words. "And I'm sure my students love me just like I love them. I mean…who wouldn't love their big sister?" She chuckled. "Sometimes it seems I'm more like a big sister to them than their teacher, but that only makes this job more rewarding."
The car stopped at the gate, which Hatori opened with the remote control and drove into the state, soon stopping in front of the small house.
"Thank you for bringing me home." Sara said smiling at them, as she opened her door. "Have a good night."
"Sara-san." Ayame called out smiling at her using a more formal address now. "Thanks to you for such a fun night. I speak for all three of us."
"Thanks to you." She smiled brightly at them stepping out of the car, and closing the door before walking around it. She waved back at them as she walked up the stone walk towards the door.
Hatori drove away once she was safely inside the house. "Again…your purpose was to have some fun?" He asked Shigure as he pulled into the villa's garage.
"Of course." Shigure insisted with a smile as he stepped out of the front seat.
"Ne ne…Tori-san!" Ayame hugged Hatori's arm. "It's kind of chilly tonight. Can I sleep on your bed tonight?"
Hatori threw him a nasty glare. "Not in this life." He said pulling his arm free and walking into the house through the garage door, which led into the kitchen.
"You're so mean Tori-san!" Ayame whined behind him. "You're my doctor! You should be concerned of my health! I'm such a fragile snake!" He continued to whine as they climbed up the stairs. "I promise not to slither around!"
"Don't worry Aya-chan!" Shigure chirped behind him. "You may stay in my bedroom."
"Ah! Gure-san! It has been so long!" Ayame squealed as he wrapped his arms around Shigure's neck.
Shigure flashed a sexy smile to the silver haired man, and held his hand with his own to his chest. "I promise to be gentle."
"Ah Gure-san!" Ayame sighed with a dreamy tone.
Their reverie was interrupted by the sound of a door closing. Hatori had gone into his room without even bidding them goodnight. They grinned at this, letting go of each other immediately. "Night!" Ayame chirped and pranced into his own bedroom, closing the door behind him.
Shigure walked into his and went directly to the French window after locking the door closed. He leaned on the sill looking out with a serious expression on his countenance. He could see the roof of the small house from there. "Sa-chan…" He whispered, a smile tugging at a corner of his lips.
***Hate it? Like it? Love it? Whichever is your pick, please review. :) -Shihori.