Chapter 2- Long to Love You
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Tohru laughed as excited stage-hands greeted and congratulated her. Her cheeks were flushed at the adrenaline rush after her concert and Tomoyo rushed forward to embrace her warmly.
"Omedetou (Congratulations) Tohru-san," whispered Tomoyo as she embraced her friend. A tall, blond-haired man followed after her, his brown eyes glittering in the same expression of good nature and humor. Tohru looked over Tomoyo's shoulder to see a grown-up Momiji, smiling at her.
Tohru's jaw dropped as she gazed up at a very tall Momiji.
"Momiji-kun..." she said faintly, feeling disoriented at having to look up at someone who has always been shorter than her in the past. Images flew in her mind, Momiji's treat in the hot-springs, the warm comfort he provided when she first found out about Yuki's true feelings for her the day she decided to leave.
Momiji gave cocky grin and winked at her. "So many changes, right Tohru-- I mean, Heaven?" greeted Momiji as he extended a hand.
Instead of answering, Tohru gave him a warm hug. "You've grown up so much Momiji," she whispered before she stepped back and added mischievously, "You better take good care of Madison." She accepted a towel from her Uncle and made quick introductions before Tomoyo suddenly suggested, "Heaven, why don't we go have a late dinner? I'm sure you're quite hungry."
Tetsuya smiled and said, "Go ahead and eat something Heaven. I've eaten my dinner while you were performing. I'm sure you young people have a lot to catch up on."
Tohru gave her uncle an inscrutable look and shrugged. "Oh, all right." She smiled at Tomoyo and Momiji as she followed after them thinking // As long I never have to face Sohma Yuki, I won't mind a reunion with Momiji. //
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"This is a beautiful hotel Momiji," Tohru said as she and Tomoyo sat down on a poolside table. People were dressed in semi-formal attire and despite the late hour, sat eating and talking quietly. White lotus and colored lanterns decorated the pool's lighted water and a pianist sat on an elevated platform nearby, playing relaxing tunes. The singer's chair was empty.
The ambiance was romantic and sophisticated and the headwaiter immediately poured wine the moment they sat down. Tohru took a sip of her wine and smiled in delight. "Your white wine is magnificent."
Tomoyo laughed as she wryly informed Momiji, "Heaven picked up one bad habit in England. She learned to love wine and alcohol because of England's frigid winters. Not to mention all those celebrations after a grand production."
Tohru winked at Momiji. "I'm old enough to pursue my own vices. Although I can't recall drinking any form of alcohol back here in Japan," said Tohru, her voice sounding thoughtful as she drained her wine glass. She sat back and listened idly to the soft strains of piano music while Tomoyo and Momiji chatted amicably about business and mutual acquaintances.
The two sensed her lethargy and Momiji suddenly said, "Hey Tohru, maybe you can sing for us later?"
Tohru looked surprised as Tomoyo shrugged her slender shoulders. "Why don't you ask Tomoyo to sing instead?" asked Tohru dryly as she picked up her second glass of wine.
Tomoyo smiled and said, "I already agreed to sing Heaven. In fact, I'm heading over to there right now."
Feeling a little light-headed Tohru agreed and suggested, "I'd gladly sing Madison, if you'll sing my favorite song, 'I'd Still Say Yes'."
Tomoyo paused as she considered. "Hmmmm, that's one of my favorite RnB songs. I certainly hope the pianist knows the chords," said Tomoyo as she stood up and walked over to the podium. Everybody clapped in surprise and delight when Tomoyo took the microphone and leaned down to whisper the song she wanted to sing. She walked over and sat down on the stool, smiling at her audience.
"Konbawa minna-san! Tonight, I want to dedicate this English song to my friend Heaven, who has just gotten back from England. Tohru, I know you like this song so much. So here it is, I'd Still Say Yes," said Tomoyo as everyone began to whisper excitedly. Tomoyo paused and looked down, waiting for pianist to begin.
Momiji turned to face Tohru. "One of your favorite songs is 'I'd Still Say Yes'?" asked Momiji softly as Tohru watched Tomoyo who was already singing with a dreamy expression.
Tohru glanced at Momiji and replied, "I don't know why but the moment I heard that song, I knew that it will be one of the songs that will always touch my heart." Tomoyo was in the refrain of the song and her voice was gaining more power with each lyrics.
And even if I thought we'd drift apart
I wouldn't even think twice
if I wanted love back again
Tohru began to hum as she closed her eyes, listening to the chorus of Tomoyo's song. The song seemed to echo her innermost desire, the desire to love despite not being loved in return.
Because I'd still say yes to you again
My darling for you, I'd do it all again
Yes, I'd still say yes to you again
My darling for you, I'd do it over and over again...
"Still the martyr," murmured Momiji softly as he watched the flickering emotions in Tohru's expressive blue eyes. Although the naivete and vulnerability was gone, the capacity for the selfless love she always gave was still apparent in her eyes. He looked behind him when he sensed a familiar aura. Momiji's lips widened in smile and he smiled even wider when Tohru stood up to sing when Tomoyo began to introduce her friend.
"May I now present, my friend Heaven!" exclaimed Tomoyo as she handed the microphone to a slightly tipsy Heaven. In front of everyone, Heaven stripped off her white blazer to reveal a white, back-less top. Her long brown hair shimmered as she tossed it over her shoulder, looking like a sultry siren as she sat down on the stool.
With a graceful flick of her wrist, she removed the microphone from the stand and let the cords trail at her feet. Comfortable and at ease in front of an audience, she exuded confidence and grace and the mesmerizing aura of an international artist which she is.
"Well, goodness... I don't know what to sing, this all came up at a rather short notice," said Heaven, giving a full-bodied laugh that entranced her audience further and made Yuki catch his breath. She was so different from the Honda Tohru he knew before and her self-confident, sultry beauty sent desire pounding through his veins, desire and an emotion he couldn't identify.
"Well, I suppose you wouldn't if I song another American song? I rather got used to singing in English and my Japanese songs are rather new and limited," began Tohru as she leaned down and whispered the song she wanted to perform. The pianist shook his head, not recognizing the song she wanted to sing. Tohru pouted and looked at her audience. "Ano... it appears that the pianist doesn't know the song I want to sing," she said sadly as she shook her head.
A tall, dark-haired man stood up and walked over. He swaggered over to the piano and experimentally ran deft hands over the keys. His dark bangs fell over his eyes, concealing his face partly.
"He looks quite familiar..." said Tomoyo, squinting as she tried to get a closer look at the guy who stood up.
The man straightened his back and gave a small smile. "I think I can be of service Ms. Heaven," he drawled as his face was fully revealed.
"Touya-san!" gasped Tomoyo from nearby, drawing Touya and Tohru's attention to their table. Touya looked at Tomoyo and winked. "It was a nice song Tomoyo-chan, its my turn to shine this time," he said as he sat down at the piano bench and looked up at Tohru who was seated above him. "What song do you want me to play?" asked Touya confidently as he looked back at his table where somebody was seated.
Tohru gazed at him speculatively for a minute before she smiled warmly. "All right, Mr. Touya, I hope you know this new song." She leaned down and whispered the song title and Touya's left eyebrow rose in surprise before he smiled. He took a deep breath and began to play the opening chords of the song.
A quiet melody began to play, melancholic and stirring. After a few seconds, Tomoyo gasped in their table, recognizing the acoustic version of the song. It was Brandy's song "Come A Little Bit Closer." Tohru took a hidden breath and began to sing.
I know that it's late and maybe I shouldn't be so into you
It's just that tonight I am so taken, I've fallen for you
When I look in your eyes I can see
A million possibilities
And I know you'll be leaving me soon
But tonight
As Tohru sang through the refrain, people were captivated by Heaven. Some couples stood up and began to sway to the song. Momiji stood up and offered a hand to Tomoyo who stepped into his arms as they danced to Tohru's song. A small group of people who just entered the hotel's poolside restaurant froze in their tracks staring at Tohru who was exuding an indescribable aura of star-confidence and a heavenly grace.
CHORUS
Come a little bit closer
Let me hold you baby
I will be good to you
And we can try
To forget tomorrow
And make it last forever tonight
Momiji and Tomoyo who were dancing closely swayed to the left side and Momiji caught a glimpse of a particular group from Heaven's captivated audience. A grin grew on his lips. Tomoyo noticed his shoulders shaking in mirth and murmured, "What's up Momiji-kun?"
Momiji leaned down closer and whispered in Tomoyo's ear, "Family." He danced so that Tomoyo could look over his shoulder. Tomoyo's eyes widened in recognition and she worriedly looked at Heaven who was so caught up in her song that she never noticed who was in her audience.
So if you must go
Know that I'll be missing you, wishing you closer
So let's make the most of these
Moments together, we'll never forget
And it's breaking my heart 'cause I know
That tomorrow you'll be miles away
And I catch myself wanting so much more
Tonight
Heaven's voice gained power and emotion as she sang the chorus once more. Touya who was playing the piano played with the same passion and intensity Heaven radiated, lifting their audience to greater heights.
CHORUS
Come a little bit closer
Let me hold you baby
I will be good to you
And we can try
To forget tomorrow
And make it last forever tonight
Heaven prolonged the word 'tonight' and then let her voice slowly fade. She bowed slightly, catching her breath and looked up to meet the delighted gaze of her audience. A few couples who were dancing stood clapping as Touya helped Heaven stand up from her seat. Both of them inclined their heads slightly, meeting the eyes of their audience.
Heaven's eyes suddenly widened when she caught sight of familiar faces. "Kagura-san! Kisa-chan! Hiro-san! Kyou-kun!... and... and Yuki-kun?" gasped Tohru as she stepped forward. There were changes in the faces of the Sohma's of course, changes only time can bring. Kisa has grown up to be a stunningly beautiful young lady and Hiro was tall and equally stunning. Kagura and Kyou looked mature but there was something about the two of them that hinted that they had become more than friends.
Yuki, on the other hand, had grown more handsome, more breathtaking and yet, so aloof and cold-looking. His dark-violet eyes looked glacial even from a distance and cynical and world-weary. He was looking at her in such an unfathomable gaze and Tohru felt her heart rate speeding up as she mustered a calm and sophisticated expression on her face, trying not to show how much seeing him affected her.
As she walked towards the Sohma's, the long cord of the microphone she was still holding got tangled in her legs and flailing her arms, she lost her balance and tripped. "Oh my!" she shrieked as she tumbled. Her shriek got cut in the middle as she fell down on her butt, her ankle twisting slightly.
A man who was seated in a table close to the podium reached her faster than Touya did. "Are you all right Miss?" he asked, his cultured baritone voice tinged with worry.
Tohru, whose eyes were squeezed shut at the humiliation and pain opened her eyes to look up in his face. No, it wasn't Yuki who sat down close to her, she was relieved to find an unfamiliar face, a man with startlingly green eyes. He was so good-looking that Tohru couldn't help but blush at his proximity.
"Hai," she answered with a wince as he assisted her in standing up. Touya and Tomoyo were hovering worriedly over them. Momiji joined them as well, his brown eyes twinkling at a miserable Tohru.
Tohru ignored Momiji as she faced the man who helped her. "Thanks... I'm not usually so clumsy, I guess I had a little too much to drink tonight," said Tohru as she slowly sat down on a chair.
The man grinned easily and looked at the approaching group of people. They looked as if they still had unfinished business with Heaven so he decided to back away when they got here. "No problem, you sang beautifully tonight," he said as he turned his back.
"Wait! What's your name?" asked Tohru, looking a little desperate as she tried to stall the arrival of the Sohma's.
"Watashi wa Kosen, I'm sure we'll meet again," he said over his shoulder as he strolled away. Tomoyo looked at his retreating back with an amused expression on her face. Before Tomoyo could say a word, Tohru was deluged by a group of Sohma's.
"Tohru-san!"
"Tohru!"
"Onechan!"
Wincing, Tohru accepted hugs from Kisa and Kagura. She felt the familiar pressure of Kyou's hand on her shoulder. She felt tears rise in her eyes but she resolutely blinked them away. Gently, she pulled away from the arms that hugged her. She quickly composed her face into an expression of warm civility. She tried not to look at the right side where Yuki stood and instead forced a practiced smile on her face.
"Kisa-san, Kagura-san, Hiro-kun, Kyou-kun, it's been a long time," she greeted, pointedly ignoring Yuki. Up close, it was clear that Yuki is no longer the Prince she had always dreamed he'd be... Sohma Yuki is now obviously a young monarch. An indomitable aura of power surrounded him and although he is as beautiful as he was before, he can no longer be mistaken as a woman.
The rest of the Sohma's exchanged worried glances, taking note of the snubbing Tohru gave Yuki. Yuki crossed his arms over his chest and looked down at Tohru arrogantly from where he stood. He stood back and caught her gaze calmly.
"Hello Honda-san," said Yuki quietly.
Taking a shaky breath, Tohru met Yuki's almost indifferent gaze and answered back just as calmly and politely, "Hello Sohma-kun. Please, just call me Heaven."
And they stared at each other beyond the emotional walls they had built over the years. The distance was too great and the emotions too turbulent.
TBC
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A/N: REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW! Fruits basket, Yuki and Tohru do not belong to me. I just wish they do. ^_^'
Revised last January 19, 2003