Chapter 3- Again

*******************

Bright sunlight streamed through the open window of Tohru's room. The scent of flowers hung heavily in the air. The aroma of brewed coffee wafted down, eliciting only a non-committal grunt from Tohru who lay on the bed, her bandaged ankle propped on a stack of pillows.

"Heaven, here's a cup of coffee. Why don't you take it?" offered Tetsuya as he observed the sullen expression on his niece's face. They were at the Tokyo General Hospital, where Tohru got admitted to have her ankle x-rayed and where she stayed overnight to rest. Silence met his query and he sighed. "All right dearest, what happened last night that made you fall and twist your ankle?" asked Tetsuya as he reclined on a chair beside Tohru's bed.

Gloomily, Tohru took a sip of her coffee, grimacing at the hot temperature. "I saw a rat last evening," muttered Tohru viciously as she reached for a croissant on the table.

An eyebrow lifted as Tetsuya studied his niece. Tohru, ever loving and understanding seemed to hold a deep hatred for anything that can be classified as a mouse. From Mickey Mouse to Stuart Little, Tohru couldn't stand mice! "You have a small performance at Japan's most prestigious club this evening, think you're up to it my dear?" asked Tetsuya.

Tohru cocked her head in thought as she chewed. Thankfully, this is her last performance in Japan. She'll be returning to the safe shores of England in a day or two. She never felt so anxious to return to her second home before but after last evening's trauma, who wouldn't want to run away, tail tucked between the legs? Thinking of tails, Tohru immediately groaned.

"I take it that you won't be performing tonight then?" queried Tetsuya as he reached for his cell phone to cancel Tohru's appearance.

"AW! Uncle, I hate disappointing people! How can I not perform when I have only two shows slated for my whole tour in Japan!" complained Tohru as she sullenly turned to face the window once more. A small movement in the tree in front of the window caught her eyes. There was a slight rustle among the leaves and branches and a small flash. Squinting, Tohru focused her eyes.

A paparazzi!

"Uncle!" shouted Tohru, ducking to avoid the sudden onslaught of camera flashes. She buried her face in her blanket, wincing at the sound of clicks and shouts. There were five paparazzi's hiding in the tree and Tetsuya immediately called for security as he shut the blinders of Tohru's window.

Cursing softly, Tetsuya stroked his niece's covered head. Looks like Heaven will be in front of the tabloids tonight.

*********

'Heaven's Fall: Drunken Night Leads to Accident?' screamed the headline from one particular tabloid that had Tohru's picture in the hospital bed wearing a frown on the front page. Smaller pictures of Tohru from the previous night, one taking a drink and the other falling on the platform decorated the front page as well.

Hatsuharu grimaced as he took the tabloid from Momiji's grip. "This is not good," he said aloud as Momiji only moodily stared out the window. A sniffle from Kisa and furious looks from Kagura and Kyou greeted the solemn assembly of Sohma's in Shigure's house.

"Tohru-kun did grow up beautifully," commented Shigure from out of the blue as he stared dreamily at a photo of Tohru from another magazine. This photo was completely different from the picture in the tabloid and even Shigure felt a twinge of sympathy at the morbid fanaticism of paparazzi and the lack of privacy in Tohru's life as Heaven.

"Be serious Shigure! Tohru might never want to talk to us again after last night," yelled Kyou as Kagura patted his back, trying to soothe him. "Where's Yu-chan by the way?" asked Kagura as she looked around the house.

Momiji sighed as he answered, "I called him up and told him to come here for a family meeting but he just laughed and said that he's too busy. He also added that as the head of the Sohma family, it was his call whether or not to have a family meeting." Momiji grimaced as he remembered the curtness of Yuki's last statement.

"Kuso nezumi!" cursed Kyou as Hatsuharu glowered at him. "Yuki has had two many burdens since Akito died, you can't punish him for being human to succumb to the hardships he's had to go through without someone to back him up," said Haru.

"Demo-- we were here to back him up," protested Kisa as she gripped her damp handkerchief.

Haru glanced briefly at Kisa as he explained, "We were here for him but was it our presence he needed most during those times? I hate to admit it but although we're his family, we never really were his support. He was too independent, even for us. But the one person he could turn to had left, Honda-san was never there to stand by him." There was a touch of anger and resentment in his voice and quickly, Momiji leapt to Tohru's defense.

"Yuki's burden was never Tohru's fault! She had her own life to live and Yuki would never care for her the way she deserves to be loved back then and even now," exclaimed Momiji.

The room fell in silence. Shigure looked up and asked, his voice cheerfully bland, "By any chance, were you invited to Club Joie? I heard that Heaven will be performing for the Minister there as well." In his hand he held up 2 tickets for the formal affair.

A crash sounded inside his house as all the Jyuunishi's pummeled Shigure to get a ticket.

********

"Yuki-sama, an invitation arrived from Club Joie and the Minister of Trade for you to attend his birthday celebration," informed Keia Tatsuhiko, Yuki's secretary.

Yuki looked at the invitation briefly and went back to analyzing the figures on his computer. "Is it necessary to attend?" asked Yuki briefly as he quickly typed something on the keyboard.

"It said RSVP and there's a note at the bottom from the Minister. It said 'Sohma-kun, hope to see you tonight, bring your girlfriend if you like'. I think you have to attend it sir," said Keia, secretly delighted. Although Yuki had a lot of female callers, he never took their calls and seemed to be interested in nobody in particular. This is her chance!

"Darn that old goat," muttered Yuki. He knew that the newly elected Minister seemed to like him... although it was in a completely suspicious way. He sighed as he gave in. "All right, inform the club that I'll attend. Get a gift for the Minister. Is there anything else I should know about?"

"Hai! You should have a date! And--- oh that's right, Heaven, the international artist will sing for the birthday tonight! Isn't it exciting? I would love to see her!" said Keia, dropping a not too subtle hint.

Yuki froze in mid-type. "Heaven?" he echoed. // But I don't ever want to see her! She left me behind... and she completely lived her life-- without me // He clenched his fists. "On second thought Tatsuhiko-san, I won't go. Have the gift sent instead."

"Demo--" began Keia, tears welling up in her eyes.

The private line began to ring and quickly, Yuki swiveled his chair back to answer it. "Hai," said Yuki as he stared out his office's view. A frown quickly grew on his face as he listened. "What Hatori-san? You heard from your friend, the Minister's doctor that he wants to give me a position as the Vice-Minister of Trade? That tonight he plans to announce it?"

Yuki's jaw dropped. A career in politics! And he wasn't even 27 years old!

"Now Yuki-kun, out of courtesy, I have to advise you to accept this invitation, it would really reflect on our family's reputation if you are not there at the Minister's birthday," finished Hatori.

Yuki's mouth tightened in a grim line. He was cornered once again-- the mantle of leadership he wore constricting and robbing him of his choices. He was aware of Hatori waiting for his answer on the other side of the line, and he answered shortly, "Fine."

He placed the phone back on the receiver and faced his anxious secretary. "Miss Tatsuhiko, I'm pretty sure you won't say no to being my escort for this evening's activities," he said sardonically as a huge, luminous smile broke on his secretary's face.

************

"A hot young Japanese designer will dress you up in his latest spring collection tonight my dear," informed Tetsuya as he pushed away the stacks of magazine tabloids on his niece's table in the dressing room given by the club. Heaven, with her right foot lightly wrapped in bandages gazed at the tabloids her Uncle pushed with ill-concealed contempt. She was in ordinary attire, her hair not yet styled as they waited for the designer who was contracted to work with Heaven tonight.

Distracted, Heaven began to unwind the bandages from her ankle. She met Tetsuya's worried gaze with a calm look. "It doesn't look good onstage Uncle, to have bandages around my foot," she explained, wincing inwardly when she pressed against her tender injury. "What's the name of the designer again Uncle?" asked Tohru.

"Hmmm," said Tetsuya as he took out the card in his jacket pocket. "It says here, 'Aya'. No surname my dear," said Tetsuya cheerfully. Before agreeing to the contract, Tetsuya had looked into the reputation of this designer. It was said that Aya, who was not yet even forty, has taken the lead in Japan's fashion and had built a popular standard of design for his quirky and yet sophisticated creations.

An exuberant knock sounded on the door. It was followed by a muffled voice, booming out what seems to be Tohru's latest single. The door opened with a crash and smoke blurred the tall figure standing straight in the doorway, singing. Tohru's eyes widened as she recognized the voice.

"Ayame-san!" she screeched, nearly falling off her chair. A grinning, smug-looking Ayame stood, in his trademark outfit of a long, red Chinese tunic over silk white pants. A crescent pendant on a long gold chain decorated his outfit. Both his ears were pierced and his hair was as long as ever. He looked beautiful.

"Ohohohohohoho! Hisashiburi ne Tohru-san! My, you look more like a princess now that you did before! Where is your prince pray tell?" boomed Ayame, his sentences coming so fast that both Tetsuya and Tohru were cross-eyed, not understanding his words.

Minnie followed in after him, dragging two racks filled to bursting with clothes and gowns and accessories. She was still wearing her maid's outfit. Her glasses glinted as she smiled at Tohru. "Konnichi wa!"

"I knew it wasn't a mistake to agree to this contract! Your heavenly beauty would show off my genius creations to such an advantage! Your mysterious dark hair is beautiful although not as magnificent as mine and your matchless blue eyes are so different from my gorgeous amber colored eyes," raved Ayame with his laughter breaking in after each word.

Sweat-drops decorated Heaven and Tetsuya's face. Tohru managed to get a hold of herself and said firmly, "Yes, it's been a long time Ayame-san. But I would really prefer it if you call me Heaven, it is my name now after all." Heaven gave Ayame what she hoped was a sweetly gracious smile.

Ayame seemed taken aback at first before he shook his head and good-naturedly agreed. "Yoshi!" His enthusiasm returned quickly, having very few subjects who could bring out the nature and beauty of his designs. Instinctively, he knew that Heaven would suit any of his creations to perfection. He considered a red sheath dress and a silver halter dress. He remembered the only instruction given to him before he could sign the contract. Heaven always has to wear something white.

"Hmmmmmmm. Aren't you tired of white yet, Heaven?" asked Ayame as he pulled out several white dresses. He desperately wanted to dress Heaven either in blue or black. He knew that the singer could pull off his most sophisticated creations with ease and even add more grace. The velvet black dress was a floor-length creation with a deep, diamond-encrusted V-neckline and was wickedly backless. Images of an innocent seductress flashed through his mind as he imagined Heaven wearing it. On the other hand, his ice-blue satin tube dress with full, flowing skirts hinted of such nobility that only a princess could pull it off. Ayame waited anxiously for Heaven's answer.

Tohru hesitated. "Well, people might be disappointed if they see me wearing any color other than white tonight," she said gazing at Ayame's lovely creations. She was drawn to the sensuality of the black dress and the sophistication of the ice-blue gown. She frowned at the white satin sheath dress that Ayame was holding out to her. It was beautiful certainly but the thought of wearing white in her dark mood...

She looked up, meeting Ayame's placid gaze with a glint in her eye. "Ayame-san, I think I would rather wear the black dress tonight," stated Tohru while her Uncle looked mildly surprised but not taken aback.

An ecstatic expression crossed Ayame's face as his eyes glittered with stars. "YATTA!" He hurriedly took the black dress off the rack and handed it over to Tohru. Tohru went behind a dressing screen and as Tohru was putting on the dress, Ayame was rummaging in his suitcase, selecting the necessary accessories and trying to imagine what Heaven's hairstyle should be like.

"--now Heaven-san, wear this pearl and diamond drop earrings and matching choker, I think the perfume Cool Waters would be perfect for you tonight plus your hair should be fixed up in a knot--" began Ayame.

*****

Tomoyo grinned as she sat with her legs tucked sideways, looking at Momiji's collection of photos.

"I can't believe you wore the girl's uniform in form of shorts when you were in Junior High," said Tomoyo laughing as Momiji who was cooking in the kitchen of his penthouse answered back, "Well, I liked to be unique!"

Tomoyo was inside Momiji's high-rise penthouse for dinner as he cooked for the both of them. She was dressed very casually and she was relaxing as she rifled through the pictures. She found a photo of Momiji with Tohru and Yuki and from the looks of it...

"Momiji-kun?"

"What?" asked Momiji as he entered the living room, wearing a yellow apron, in his hand two steaming plates. He beckoned Tomoyo to follow him to the dining room but Tomoyo merely took hold of his wrist and tugged him down to sit beside her.

He sighed as he carefully set the plates down and sat down on the white carpet instead, placing his head against the sofa, his hair resting slightly against Tomoyo's leg. "All right Tomoyo, what is it?" asked Momiji as he closed his eyes.

"This!" said Tomoyo thrusting the picture at Momiji who took it and smiled. "Oh this... know what, I used to think before that Yuki was so in love with Tohru..."

Tomoyo grimaced as she said, "Well from what Heaven told me before, Yuki admitted in front of Akito that Tohru meant nothing to him. That hurt her badly... and Yuki never even tried to stop her from leaving."

Momiji stared off in space as he recalled the events that prompted Tohru's departure. Everything happened so fast and although he was there with Tohru when they overheard what Yuki was telling Akito, even now he has his doubts. Yuki could have been saying that to Akito so that Akito will allow him to go to college. On the other hand, Tomoyo was right, Yuki didn't do anything to stop Tohru from leaving. "It's all just so confusing," Momiji said with a sad sigh.

Tomoyo smiled tenderly at the weariness in his tone and softly smoothed Momiji's brow. Momiji smiled and closed his eyes as he asked, "Say, why didn't you go to the Minster of Trade's birthday party? I heard that Tohru will be there as well..."

"Li-kun and Sakura-chan are also there tonight you know... but I didn't feel like dressing up tonight. How about you, why didn't you go?" pointed Tomoyo as an embarrassed flush crept up Momiji's neck.

"I lost to Kagura and Kyou for the extra tickets," he mumbled as he turned his face away.

Tomoyo laughed. "That's all right Momiji at least you have me for company."

"Actually, having you for company tonight upon having lost the tickets is a blessing in disguise," said Momiji as he smiled up at Tomoyo, his hand softly touching her cheek.

*********

Yuki stifled a yawn as cameras flashed at him and his secretary as they walked towards the entrance. His secretary, Tatsuhiko Keia was beautiful enough he supposed... in fact, from the way people turned and stared at them, they made a beautiful couple. He sighed, thinking that by tomorrow, his 'affair' with Ms. Tatsuhiko will be all over the society pages.

Keia Tatsuhiko, was delighted by all the attention she was getting. Her hand tightened on Yuki's elbow as she tried to maintain a serene composure. It was not only Yuki's presence that was so riveting and he wore his formal clothes like his second skin, natural and unaffected. A lock of silver-gray hair fell across his eyes and Keia wanted so badly to smooth it away. She started to reach up but her hand stopped when she saw the expression in his eyes.

His purple eyes, dark and enigmatic seemed so bleak and weary. He wasn't looking at the elegantly dressed people, he wasn't really smiling at the acquaintances he happened to come across... it was as if he wasn't really there and that this place tonight was the last place he wanted to be in.

"Sohma-kun!" called out an elderly gentleman who was surrounded by half a dozen people.

An automatic smile stretched across Yuki's lips and without even looking at his date, he walked over to Japan's Minister of Trade who had called him. Keia walked briskly beside him, trying not to trip on her high heels. As bitter as the knowledge that Yuki didn't want her is, she wouldn't miss this chance to make the elusive CEO fall head over heels in love with her. She knows for sure that Yuki has not been seeing anyone and that with her beauty and devotion, she was sure to win his heart!

Yuki shook the Minister's hand as he greeted the elderly man and began talking about trade and industry. Occasionally, he's sip his glass of champagne and Keia, who was beside him, tried to look interested in the conversation. Finally, the Minister, who never took his eyes off Yuki since Yuki came over noticed Keia.

"-- my Sohma-kun, you have a very beautiful girlfriend! You lucky dog!" exclaimed the Minister, catching the attention of nearby guests.

While Keia blushed and smiled in delight, a pained smile stretched across Yuki's face. "It's nothing like that Minister--" began Yuki as the lights suddenly turned down. He felt Keia press closer against him in the darkness and heard the sharp intake of breath from the Minister. Whispers spread like wild-fire and there was only one name on everyone's lips... Heaven.

The live band on the platform began to play the opening notes of one of Heaven's Japanese singles. The piano and guitar and drums blended smoothly, indicating that the song would be slow but slightly upbeat. A spotlight suddenly focused on the center of the platform, where a vision greeted everyone. Gasps of surprise and awe rang out... the black material of Heaven's dress glimmered and flowed as she sat on a high chair, holding a microphone. Cameras clicked everywhere and Heaven was unperturbed and instead smiled at the breathless audience in the darkness.

Heaven sang the first part, her voice melancholy, not high. Despite the simplicity of the song, she managed to infuse so much emotion in it that everyone was captivated. Keia had completely forgotten Yuki as she stared at Heaven, her mouth hanging open. Yuki watched Heaven, with a pained expression in his eyes that the darkness could not conceal.

Disclaimers: This song is the second ending theme of Gensomaden Saiyuki. It was sung by Shimokawa Mikuni and it's title is ALONE. I do not own this... and for the record, neither does Fruits Basket. ^_^

Romaji Lyrics

English Translation

kawaita kaze ga fuku machi wa kogoete-iru ikutsu no kisetsu ga sotto oto mo naku sugisatta no darou

A dry breeze is blowing The city is getting cold I wonder how many seasons have passed Without even a sound?

Heaven paused, as she prepared for the second part nearing the chorus of the song. The place was starkly quiet and despite the rank and prestige of her guests, everyone was in awe.

yukikau hito wa mina omoi nimotsu seotte tooku ni yureru kagerou no naka ni ashita wo mitsukeru

All of the people coming and going Bear heavy burdens, Searching for tomorrow Within the heat haze wavering in the distance.

kono te wo koboreochiru suna no you na kanjou ano toki mune ni sasatta kotoba ga fui ni uzuku kedo

Feelings like sand Falling through my hands... Back then, the words that pierced my heart Suddenly started to throb with pain, but...

She took a deep breath before singing the chorus, her voice only an octave higher. The song Alone was so personal to her and the mellow richness of her voice and the emotions she could channel shone brightly, taking the song to a level where no ordinary singers except maybe for Tomoyo could have done. As Heaven sang, her head was turning in time to the beat, her eyes half-closed.

hatenai yoru wo kazoe nagara jibun no kakera sagashite-ita ushinau hodo ni kono omoi ga tashika ni natte'ku ima nara kitto aruite yukeru doko made mo

I've searched for pieces of myself, Counting the endless nights all the while. These feelings are becoming so certain I almost lose myself. Right now, without fail, I will walk forward, however far.

Heaven's voice trailed at the last word and she looked up to sing the refrain, her voice mellow once more.

doushite kono sora wa konna ni hiroi no darou sakende mite mo koe ni naranakute namida ga afureta

I wonder, why is the sky So vast? Even though I tried to yell, my voice didn't come And the tears poured out.

jiyuu ni kaze kitte tori-tachi wa doko e yuku no? sugoshita jikan no you ni onaji basho ni modorenai

I wonder where the birds are flying off to, As they freely slice through the wind? One can't return to the same place As it once was in days gone by.

Her voice picked up again, stirring the emotions of her audience at the lyrics and the sincerity in her voice. Emotions overflowed so tangibly that Keia felt goosebumps rising over skin. Accidentally, she caught a glimpse of Yuki's face and her brows furrowed at the barely concealed emotions on his face. Heaven's voice rose passionately as she sang the last few lines, her other hand rising.

Kono mama yume wo akiramete mo takanaru kodou osae kirenai itsuka wa kitto chikadzukitai ano kumo no takasa [1] mou ichido kokoro ni tsubasa hiroge tabidatou

Even if I give up my dream like this, I won't suppress my soaring heartbeat. Someday, I want to reach As high as the clouds. [1] I'll spread wide the wings in my heart and journey once again

kanarazu tadoritsukeru hazu

I will reach it, without fail.

hatenai yoru wo kazoe nagara jibun no kakera sagashite-ita ushinau hodo ni kono omoi ga tashika ni natte'ku ima nara kitto aruite yukeru doko made mo

I've searched for pieces of myself, Counting the endless nights all the while. These feelings are becoming so certain I almost lose myself. Right now, without fail, I will walk forward, however far.

Heaven's voice softly faded with the last word and she sighed as she smiled at the audience. The host, who was rendered speechless by her performance broke into a booming speech upon Ayame's sharp kick to his shin.

"All right ladies and gentlemen, that was Ms. Heaven on a very special performance for our beloved Minister of Trade for his birthday! Let's all give it up for her and her truly fantastic song, Alone."

There was wild cheering and clapping that was quite out of place with the guests as Heaven stepped down from her chair with a huge smile on her face. The lights were up once more and the hall was lit by crystal chandeliers. The Minister had left Yuki's company as he stepped forward to shake Heaven's hand when she got down. "You were enchanting Heaven-san... absolutely amazing! I am so happy you decided to sing for me tonight even after your injury," gushed the Minister as he grasped both of Heaven's hands.

A sweat-drop appeared on Heaven's head as she carefully took her hands away and as she walked slowly, trying not to limp because of swollen ankle. "Hai... arigato," said Tohru with a smile as she walked, escorted closely by the Minister. She felt uncomfortable in his grip and she tried to keep her distance as he led her around, introducing her to some of his guests.

"By the way Ms. Heaven, this is Li Syaoran, the newly elected leader of the Li Clan, a Hong Kong based family who controls several conglomerates in Hong Kong, China and Japan as well. And this is the beautiful Ms. Kinomoto, Japan's premiere actress and model," introduced the Minister as they stopped in front of a beautiful couple. The Minister, who had been ogling her earlier, immediately went over to the hauntingly beautiful young lady whose hand was tucked in Syaoran's elbow.

"Hello Heaven-san," greeted Sakura with a twinkle in her vivid green eyes. Syaoran was frowning as he pulled Sakura away from the Minister and he half-heartedly greeted Tohru, "Good evening."

As always, Tohru stared at the two of them whom she had been acquainted with for quite some time already. She couldn't help but smile back at Sakura who she thinks is the loveliest woman she has ever seen and also at Li, who despite his scowls and penchant for frowns is also drop-dead gorgeous. "I know them already Minister," said Heaven as she laughed along with Sakura.

"Isn't this from that popular show Final Fantasy X, 'Suteki Da Ne'?" asked Heaven as she looked around, her eyes falling on the band who was playing the chords of the popular song. The Minister smiled in pride, "Yes of course! I keep in line with what young people want you know..."

"Heaven-san, you'll have to excuse us," said Sakura as Syaoran was already tugging her away from the Minister and onto the dance floor. She smiled brightly at her friend whose expression was horrified in being left in the company of the lecherous old man. There was a certain expression in Sakura's eyes, it said something like, 'Go ahead, dance with somebody to get away' that made a rueful grin appear on Heaven's face.

"Would you like to--" began the Minister but he was interrupted when an elegant hand stretched out towards Tohru who instinctively took it without having glanced at the face of the stranger.

"I think that this dance is mine," said Yuki smoothly as his hand closed over Tohru's slim hand.

Tohru turned pale and flushed brightly in turns. She said nothing more, she didn't even smile as Yuki gracefully pulled her onto the dance floor and began to dance with her. She was too frozen by the sudden turn of events and overwhelmed by Yuki's presence. She danced stiffly, not looking up at her partner as well.

"You can at least pretend that you're grateful that I rescued you from that lecher," said Yuki tiredly as he glanced down briefly at Tohru's bowed head. He felt a mild spurt of anger, she was clearly too disgusted to touch him, to treat him like a man. His anger was then replaced by an excruciating sense of disappointment and sadness. Akito was right all along, even after all these years and he's become a successful man, Tohru had only felt sorry for him in the past which is why she showed him affection.

Indignation made Tohru look up and meet Yuki's gaze head-on. "Fine, thank you," said Tohru sarcastically, mimicking a crisp British accent. Their eyes locked and clashed, each caught up with images of the present and the misinterpretations of the past. As they were dancing, a lot of people noticed the taut chemistry between the pair and were openly watching them. Some couple even left the floor to gaze at Yuki and Tohru.

"Oh my, I think Tohru-san has found herself a man," said Sakura cheerfully as she and Syaoran spun around gracefully. Syaoran quirked an eyebrow but didn't comment. As they danced, he took a glimpse at the pair and told Sakura, "Know what I think? I think Honda-san and Sohma-kun just found each other... again."

~* TBC

******

Disclaimers: Fruits Basket belongs to Takaya Natsuki. I am only borrowing the characters for a few pages or so because I love them so much. ^_~

Revised last January 19, 2003.