Part Two
Yuki and Kyo entered the tent and saw the family sitting down. Tohru waved them over to where she was sitting. Her Uncle Kintaro sat next to her. Tai was in the front next to Riku and Takao. He waved sarcastically to the two boys.
"That jerk" Kyo replied under his breath.
"Remember Kyo be calm" Yuki said, "Go sit next to Miss Honda."
"I know, I know" Kyo clenched and unclenched his fist.
Tohru's grandfather entered the tent followed by another man. He had short blond hair. Obviously he was the last Uncle.
"Who's that?" Kyo asked as they walked over.
"That's Miss Honda's grandfather" Yuki answered.
"Geez" Kyo thought as he sat down next to Tohru, "He does look like a general."
Mr. Miyoshi cleared his throat. The tent quieted down and they all looked his way. In the front Tohru's Uncle Otojiro had set up a video camera.
"Welcome everyone! It has been a long time indeed since our family has gotten together like this. And we must also extend a welcome to those family members who we have not seen for quite some time" he looked towards Tohru and Kintaro, "And for the friends who have accompanied us this afternoon" he smiled at Tai, "I know I speak for myself and my beautiful wife Serika" she gazed lovingly at him, "That we are truly honored that all of you could attend. And we also must not forget the loved ones who are not with us today. But I guess in a way they are. Let us think of them as we eat, drink, and just have a general good time. To the Miyoshi Family" he held up his cup in tribute.
"To the Miyoshi Family" everyone did the same.
"Let's eat" Mr. Miyoshi said sitting down.
"Enjoy you guys" Tohru stood up, "I am going to say hello to my other uncles and aunts."
"Don't worry about us Miss Honda" Yuki replied with a smile.
"Yea, go ahead" Kyo grinned.
"Okay. I'll be right back. Are you coming Uncle Kintaro?"
"Right behind you sweetie" he got up from the table and followed her.
"So that's her grandfather?" Kyo said to Yuki now that they were alone, "He seems like an okay guy."
"Now that you mention it, he does seem a lot more relaxed today" Yuki said, "But he sure wasn't very nice the last time I saw him."
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Riku, Takao, and Tai wandered over and sat next to the two Sohmas.
"Hello guys" Riku grinned mischievously, "Having a good time?"
"Uh yes" Kyo said with a bit of food on his fork, "We're doing okay."
"That's good" Takao replied, "Listen after dinner, the kids in the family usually get involved in the games. We were wondering if the two of you are interested in joining?"
"Yea" Riku said, "Tai always joins in and he usually wins too."
"You want us to join in your family games?" Yuki replied, "I don't know about that."
"Yea" Kyo added, "I mean, it's for your family right?"
"That's true" Riku went on, "I guess you guys are afraid that you might lose."
"Excuse me?" Kyo said with an angry tone.
"Lose" Takao replied, "We understand if you are scared I mean you are going against Tai and my brother, and they are the best athletes here."
"We" Kyo began to stand up but Yuki pushed him down.
"Are you issuing us a challenge then Mr. Miyoshi?" Yuki replied.
"I believe I am" Takao crossed his arms.
"Then Kyo and I accept. Sohmas don't turn down challenges."
"Great" Riku said standing up, "I'll go tell dad that we have volunteers."
"See you guys later" Takao replied with an evil look on his face.
Tai turned to the two boys.
"You guys don't stand a chance. No one has ever beaten me and Riku before."
"Well that's because you have never gone up against a Sohma before" Kyo said with his fist clenched.
"This is just for fun after all" Yuki replied, "Right Mr. Ushida?"
"Oh yea" Tai chuckled walking away, "For fun."
"For fun my ass" Kyo said, "Those guys mean to get rid of us."
"I know that. And they will probably cheat to do it" Yuki nodded, "We had better be on our guard."
"Man" Kyo sighed, "First I have to act like you, now I have to fight by your side. This is turning me into an absolute sissy."
"Oh Kyo" Yuki replied cynically, "It's your whining that makes you look like a sissy not your fake good boy act."
"Shut up" Kyo said under his breath, loud enough for Yuki to hear.
Tohru came back over and sat down.
"Riku just informed me that you guys are entering the games this afternoon."
"Yes Miss Honda" Yuki said, "We are."
"Okay, but be careful. I don't want to see either of you guys get hurt" she replied with a worried frown.
"Don't worry about us Tohru" Kyo said with a grin, "We'll wipe the floor with those guys."
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After dinner the family gathered in the huge backyard. The younger kids were off to the side with Tohru's Uncle Otojiro. The older ones were with her Uncle Tenchi. Riku and Takao, along with Tai were helping with the equipment.
"I wonder what type of competition that we found ourselves in?" Kyo said next to Yuki.
"I can tell you for one thing" Kintaro came up, "Every year it is a different game. It all depends what my brother Tenchi picks."
"I see" Yuki replied.
Takao came over and handed the boys some tee shirts and shorts.
"You'll need these. You can change in my room. It's in that building over there. You can't miss it, my name's on the door."
"What kind of activity involves us changing clothes?" Kyo asked.
Takao pointed. In the backyard was now a net. In Riku's hand was a white ball.
"Volley ball" Yuki said.
"See you guys later" Takao winked.
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"Volley ball? Why that girly sport?" Kyo said in the bedroom, he was putting on the blue tee shirt.
"If it is such a girly sport, then you should have no trouble" Yuki replied lacing up his sneakers, "C'mon they're waiting."
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Yuki and Kyo walked back outside. They were surprised to see stands up now, that the family was filing in. The court was completely done, including the white lines for the boundaries. Tohru's grandparents were sitting under another small tent on the sidelines in soft comfortable chairs.
"Is it me, or is this like a jousting tournament? Complete with a king and queen" Kyo whispered to Yuki who was also wearing a blue tee shirt.
"It's not just you" Yuki said back.
He looked into the stands and saw Tohru sitting next to Takao and her Uncle Kintaro. Tai and Riku, who were both wearing white tee shirts, were on the other side of the net, Tai catching the ball in his hands and sporting a very sarcastic grin. Uncle Tenchi was on the sidelines near a scoreboard. He was dressed in a referee uniform, with a whistle around his neck. Her cousin Jiro had a piece of chalk in his hands.
"Man, all there is missing is the video cameras" Kyo said in awe.
"Not exactly" Yuki pointed.
On the sidelines Otojiro was setting up the video camera once more.
"Okay boys take your positions!" Tenchi said. He now had the ball in his hands.
Kyo and Yuki took their positions onto the field.
"Do you know how to play this game?" Yuki asked his cousin.
"Yea. It's kind of like badminton. Except you hit the ball with your hands. Do you know how?"
"Mhm. I guess you can't really cheat at volleyball. Let's do our best."
"Okay boys let's have a nice clean game" Tenchi said tossing a coin, "Call it in the air."
"Heads!" Riku said.
"Okay it's heads. White team serves. Good luck" he replied handing the ball to his son.
Riku took the ball and spiked it over the net. It came Yuki's way so he hit it back. It landed on the other side. Riku had just missed it.
Riku served again. This time Kyo missed the ball by inches. The score was now 2 to 2. Yuki served the ball and Tai hit it back. Kyo hit it. Then Tai hit it again. He hit it so hard that it struck Kyo in the chest. He toppled over. Tohru gasped. Her uncle patted her hand as Yuki helped Kyo up.
"That bastard" he spat, "He did that on purpose."
"Remember Kyo be calm" Yuki said.
He turned once more and served. He spiked it so hard that neither Tai nor Riku caught it in time. Riku served the ball and Yuki and Kyo missed it. Now the score was 10 to 12.
The game continued. By the time they reached the end of the 2nd set, the score was now 13 to 15, in favor of the white team. This time Kyo served. It flew into the air and Tai thought that he had it. But he missed. Then Tai served. Yuki hit it and again the white team missed. It was now a tie game going into the third set. First Yuki served, then Tai served, and then Riku served. The ball went back and forth. The score was now 21 to 20. Yuki spiked the ball and Tai went for it. He hit it. Kyo hit the ball and it struck Tai in the stomach, just like it had Kyo. The whistle blew. In the end the score was 21 to 21.The Sohmas had tied the white team. The crowd cheered. Never had they seen such an entertaining match. Riku helped Tai up who stared angrily at Kyo as Tohru rushed over to congratulate Yuki and him. On the sidelines Tohru's grandfather stood up and walked over to Tai. He brushed him off and then the two of them walked back into the house.
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After a few minutes of praise the two Sohmas walked back to change.
Kyo was the first one to be done so he wandered back to the courtyard where everyone was standing and talking. He spotted Tohru among her cousins and was about to walk over to her when her grandfather approached him.
"That was quite a game" Mr. Miyoshi replied.
"Uh thank you sir" Kyo replied, "And thank you for inviting me this afternoon" he remembered to bow.
"Not at all. But I was wondering if I could have a word with you Mr. Sohma?"
"Sure" Kyo nodded as the older man led him away from the crowd.
"Tell me Mr. Sohma, do you care about my granddaughter? My wife informs me that you are dating."
"I uh, of course I care about her. She is very special to me" Kyo replied to him.
"What am I doing? She and I aren't really going out," he thought to himself, "Wait a minute. Here it is no problem. I can express how I really feel about her, and she and the damn rat will never know that I really mean it. They'll just think that I am still putting on the act."
"As a matter of fact Mr. Miyoshi" Kyo replied looking him straight in the eye, "I love your granddaughter. I can't imagine what my life would be like without her."
"That is good" Mr. Miyoshi smiled somewhat, "Tell me what are your plans after high school? Are you going to college?"
"Well I haven't really thought about that much yet" Kyo answered.
"I see. Listen Mr. Sohma I want to be frank with you. You see Tohru is my only granddaughter and I love her very much. She is becoming a woman and that is the time when she needs to think about her future. Someday I want her to have a secure life, a safe life."
"Okay."
"What I mean to say Mr. Sohma you aren't exactly what I have in mind for my granddaughter. I'm not saying you aren't a nice guy, but you're not the right guy, you understand. Tohru should be with someone with a little more class. A little more education."
"Forgive me for asking this" Kyo looked at the man with an audacious look, "Don't you think your granddaughter has enough sense to make her own choice about who she's with."
"Quite frankly no. She's very naive about a lot of things. She doesn't always know what is best for her."
"And you do sir?"
"Yes, of course I do. I am the head of the Miyoshi family. I understand you have quite an attachment to her but that really needs to cease."
"Do you mind me asking" Kyo said, "Who you do have in mind for her?"
"Why that is simple. Tai Ushida is an upstanding young man. Intelligent, has good business sense, and he can take care of her for the rest of his days. Anyway I know it's quite an inconvenience, but I can make it worth your while."
"I beg your pardon?"
Yuki appeared and stopped as he saw the old man pull out a checkbook and pen from his suit.
"It is imperative that Tohru ends up with Tai, so I am prepared to offer you this amount" he wrote on the check and handed it to Kyo.
It said 108, 953.57 yen.
"Are you kidding me? You're trying to buy me off?" Kyo's voice started to rise.
"Is it not enough? I'll offer you more. Name your price."
"No price!" Kyo ripped the check in half, "You think your granddaughter is something to sell off? I don't want your money. Keep it!"
"You are making a very big mistake" Mr. Miyoshi's eyebrows were now raised angrily.
"No you are making the mistake!" Kyo replied.
The rest of the family was now watching. Tai was behind Riku and Takao. Tohru was listening intently to the conversation.
"I am not going to just ditch your granddaughter for any amount of money. And she is not naive. She's obviously a lot smarter than you think. The fact that she chooses not to be with that jerk over me is proof of that.
"Why you rude, ignorant boy. How dare you yell at me in my home? My granddaughter is not going to end up with the likes of a uneducated, simple, fool like you!"
"Grandfather" Tohru replied stepping in front of Kyo before he could retort.
She saw the torn up check on the ground and then understood.
"He is not a fool. He is not someone you can push around. How could you do something like this?"
"Tohru I am only thinking about your future" her grandfather retorted.
"Don't you think that I am capable of deciding my own future? That I have the right to be with her I choose to be. Grandfather I am not a little girl anymore. I am a strong and independent young woman and I can make it on my own."
The entire courtyard was silent. Tai walked over to Mr. Miyoshi. Yuki walked over to Kyo.
"Tohru, Tai Ushida is the right choice for you."
"No grandfather" she shook her head, "Tai is your choice for me, not mine. I think that maybe we had better go now."
"I'll get your coat Miss Honda" Yuki replied.
Kyo took her hand gently and led her away from her grandfather. The family watched as they walked to the front gate, some whispering angry words others completely silent.
"That ruffian" Mr. Miyoshi said under his breath.
"Don't you worry about it sir" Tai replied, "This isn't over. Not by a long shot."
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Tohru and Kyo waited for Yuki. When he arrived he helped her with her coat. The rest of the family went back into the tent, following the head. Kintaro rushed over to say goodbye.
"I must say Mr. Sohma" he shook Kyo's hand, "That took a lot of guts to stand up to my father like that."
"Thanks. But I'm afraid I made a very bad impression" Kyo sighed.
"Ah don't you worry about that. Between you and me, they're all asses anyway."
"Goodbye Mr. Miyoshi" Yuki shook his hand.
"Hey it's Kintaro. Mr. Miyoshi is my father. Tohru, are you okay honey?" he looked at her sad face.
"Mhm. I'll be fine" she nodded with a small smile.
"Okay. Here. This is my cell phone number and my phone number in America. Anytime you need to talk. I'm available."
"Thank you Uncle Kintaro" she embraced him tight, "I'll see you."
"Mhm. Kyo, Yuki take care of her."
"We will" the two boys nodded.
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The bus driver picked them up at exactly six. They had to sit for an hour since they left early but it didn't matter. They all sat in silence on the way back. Tohru didn't say anything and the two boys didn't see the point in asking her any questions.
"So did you kids have fun?" the driver asked.
"Uh well it was interesting" Yuki replied with a short smile.
"Yea" Kyo agreed, "It was a barrel of laughs all right."
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"Oh I wish I had sent a video camera" Shigure replied that night after Yuki and Kyo had told him everything, Tohru was doing dishes, "It would have been an interesting sight to see. The nerve of that creep trying to buy you off like that Kyo. It sounds like a tragic love story."
"Don't even go there Shigure" Kyo said, "But I have to admit he sure was audacious."
"I actually don't blame you for losing your cool" Yuki said, "That was certainly rude of him."
"Mhm."
"Well in any rate, how is Tohru?"
"We don't know" Kyo said, "She's been quiet since we came home."
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Tohru washed the last dish and dried it. She took a deep sigh and pulled her uncle's phone number out of her pocket. She thought about their earlier conversation.
"Oh that's all right. Grandfather explained that you had business."
"Oh, is that what he told you?"
She walked into the hallway and picked up the phone. She dialed the number.
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Kintaro came out of his bedroom and picked up his cell, which was ringing on the bed. His shirt was off and he was carrying a towel, which he was using to dry his long hair.
"Kintaro Miyoshi."
"Uncle Kintaro, it's Tohru."
"Well hello sweetie. I didn't expect to hear from you so quick."
"I'm not interrupting you am I? Are you at the main house?"
"No" he chuckled, "I had hotel reservations. There's no way I was going to stay there. So what's on your mind honey? Do you want to talk about what happened today?
"No not exactly. Actually something has been bothering me since I came home. It was something you said."
"Something I said?"
"Uh huh. When you apologized for missing the funeral and I told you what grandfather had told me you said so that's what he told you huh? What do you mean by that?"
"Well" he sighed, "The truth of the matter is Tohru. I didn't find out about Kyoko's death until after the funeral. My mother called me."
"But why then?"
"Because I wasn't invited."
"I don't understand."
"Tohru. When it comes to my father, if you anger him he holds a lifetime grudge. My brothers have never gotten on his bad side so they could stay in his favor. Kyoko and I always went our own way. I guess that's why we were so close. Believe me I would have loved to be there. To be able to support you and everything."
"Thank you Uncle Kintaro. Hey you don't even know where her gravesite is do you?"
"I've been to the cemetery on my last trip here but I didn't see it in the family burial ground."
"Oh that's because it is not there. If you want I'll meet you at the place tomorrow and you can say goodbye properly?"
"Tohru I would really love that."
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Sunday afternoon Tohru met her Uncle at the temple. She had given him the address over the phone the night before so he had no trouble finding it. They walked to the headstone.
"So this is it? I see. She was buried next to Katsuya. That makes perfect sense."
He squatted down and placed the flowers.
"Well sis I'm here. I know it took me awhile but I finally found you."
Tohru smiled as he spoke to the grave, much in the same way she spoke to her picture. He stood up and embraced his niece as they both smiled down at the grave. They both could just picture Kyoko looking down at them and smiling. Then they turned and left the grave. The flowers that he had placed moved as the soft breeze hit them, and the petals flew into the air. The uncle and his niece walked side by side down the street each telling the other about their lives.
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Authors Note: Isn't Tohru's Uncle Kintaro the coolest? Any way here's the second half. I really am proud of Kyo in this part. He raises his voice but he also doesn't act as bad as he normally would when provoked. I like the way that she stood up for him as well. Hope you enjoyed it!
Note Two: I went back and changed the game to the right way to play, I think. Thank you again Alphadraconis1 for the input. Next time I'll do my research. I wrote it the way my cousins and I used to play when we are kids, so I do appreciate the advice. If I still got it wrong, forgive me. I'm hopeless. Sigh!
Next Chapter: Exchange Student
Tohru's grandfather is out of the picture but Tai Ushida hasn't quit. A visit to Kawaii high is in the mix, and Tai even now knows a secret about the Sohmas. A secret he is willing to reveal if certain people don't back off of Tohru. Find out what happens next time.
Yuki and Kyo entered the tent and saw the family sitting down. Tohru waved them over to where she was sitting. Her Uncle Kintaro sat next to her. Tai was in the front next to Riku and Takao. He waved sarcastically to the two boys.
"That jerk" Kyo replied under his breath.
"Remember Kyo be calm" Yuki said, "Go sit next to Miss Honda."
"I know, I know" Kyo clenched and unclenched his fist.
Tohru's grandfather entered the tent followed by another man. He had short blond hair. Obviously he was the last Uncle.
"Who's that?" Kyo asked as they walked over.
"That's Miss Honda's grandfather" Yuki answered.
"Geez" Kyo thought as he sat down next to Tohru, "He does look like a general."
Mr. Miyoshi cleared his throat. The tent quieted down and they all looked his way. In the front Tohru's Uncle Otojiro had set up a video camera.
"Welcome everyone! It has been a long time indeed since our family has gotten together like this. And we must also extend a welcome to those family members who we have not seen for quite some time" he looked towards Tohru and Kintaro, "And for the friends who have accompanied us this afternoon" he smiled at Tai, "I know I speak for myself and my beautiful wife Serika" she gazed lovingly at him, "That we are truly honored that all of you could attend. And we also must not forget the loved ones who are not with us today. But I guess in a way they are. Let us think of them as we eat, drink, and just have a general good time. To the Miyoshi Family" he held up his cup in tribute.
"To the Miyoshi Family" everyone did the same.
"Let's eat" Mr. Miyoshi said sitting down.
"Enjoy you guys" Tohru stood up, "I am going to say hello to my other uncles and aunts."
"Don't worry about us Miss Honda" Yuki replied with a smile.
"Yea, go ahead" Kyo grinned.
"Okay. I'll be right back. Are you coming Uncle Kintaro?"
"Right behind you sweetie" he got up from the table and followed her.
"So that's her grandfather?" Kyo said to Yuki now that they were alone, "He seems like an okay guy."
"Now that you mention it, he does seem a lot more relaxed today" Yuki said, "But he sure wasn't very nice the last time I saw him."
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Riku, Takao, and Tai wandered over and sat next to the two Sohmas.
"Hello guys" Riku grinned mischievously, "Having a good time?"
"Uh yes" Kyo said with a bit of food on his fork, "We're doing okay."
"That's good" Takao replied, "Listen after dinner, the kids in the family usually get involved in the games. We were wondering if the two of you are interested in joining?"
"Yea" Riku said, "Tai always joins in and he usually wins too."
"You want us to join in your family games?" Yuki replied, "I don't know about that."
"Yea" Kyo added, "I mean, it's for your family right?"
"That's true" Riku went on, "I guess you guys are afraid that you might lose."
"Excuse me?" Kyo said with an angry tone.
"Lose" Takao replied, "We understand if you are scared I mean you are going against Tai and my brother, and they are the best athletes here."
"We" Kyo began to stand up but Yuki pushed him down.
"Are you issuing us a challenge then Mr. Miyoshi?" Yuki replied.
"I believe I am" Takao crossed his arms.
"Then Kyo and I accept. Sohmas don't turn down challenges."
"Great" Riku said standing up, "I'll go tell dad that we have volunteers."
"See you guys later" Takao replied with an evil look on his face.
Tai turned to the two boys.
"You guys don't stand a chance. No one has ever beaten me and Riku before."
"Well that's because you have never gone up against a Sohma before" Kyo said with his fist clenched.
"This is just for fun after all" Yuki replied, "Right Mr. Ushida?"
"Oh yea" Tai chuckled walking away, "For fun."
"For fun my ass" Kyo said, "Those guys mean to get rid of us."
"I know that. And they will probably cheat to do it" Yuki nodded, "We had better be on our guard."
"Man" Kyo sighed, "First I have to act like you, now I have to fight by your side. This is turning me into an absolute sissy."
"Oh Kyo" Yuki replied cynically, "It's your whining that makes you look like a sissy not your fake good boy act."
"Shut up" Kyo said under his breath, loud enough for Yuki to hear.
Tohru came back over and sat down.
"Riku just informed me that you guys are entering the games this afternoon."
"Yes Miss Honda" Yuki said, "We are."
"Okay, but be careful. I don't want to see either of you guys get hurt" she replied with a worried frown.
"Don't worry about us Tohru" Kyo said with a grin, "We'll wipe the floor with those guys."
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After dinner the family gathered in the huge backyard. The younger kids were off to the side with Tohru's Uncle Otojiro. The older ones were with her Uncle Tenchi. Riku and Takao, along with Tai were helping with the equipment.
"I wonder what type of competition that we found ourselves in?" Kyo said next to Yuki.
"I can tell you for one thing" Kintaro came up, "Every year it is a different game. It all depends what my brother Tenchi picks."
"I see" Yuki replied.
Takao came over and handed the boys some tee shirts and shorts.
"You'll need these. You can change in my room. It's in that building over there. You can't miss it, my name's on the door."
"What kind of activity involves us changing clothes?" Kyo asked.
Takao pointed. In the backyard was now a net. In Riku's hand was a white ball.
"Volley ball" Yuki said.
"See you guys later" Takao winked.
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"Volley ball? Why that girly sport?" Kyo said in the bedroom, he was putting on the blue tee shirt.
"If it is such a girly sport, then you should have no trouble" Yuki replied lacing up his sneakers, "C'mon they're waiting."
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Yuki and Kyo walked back outside. They were surprised to see stands up now, that the family was filing in. The court was completely done, including the white lines for the boundaries. Tohru's grandparents were sitting under another small tent on the sidelines in soft comfortable chairs.
"Is it me, or is this like a jousting tournament? Complete with a king and queen" Kyo whispered to Yuki who was also wearing a blue tee shirt.
"It's not just you" Yuki said back.
He looked into the stands and saw Tohru sitting next to Takao and her Uncle Kintaro. Tai and Riku, who were both wearing white tee shirts, were on the other side of the net, Tai catching the ball in his hands and sporting a very sarcastic grin. Uncle Tenchi was on the sidelines near a scoreboard. He was dressed in a referee uniform, with a whistle around his neck. Her cousin Jiro had a piece of chalk in his hands.
"Man, all there is missing is the video cameras" Kyo said in awe.
"Not exactly" Yuki pointed.
On the sidelines Otojiro was setting up the video camera once more.
"Okay boys take your positions!" Tenchi said. He now had the ball in his hands.
Kyo and Yuki took their positions onto the field.
"Do you know how to play this game?" Yuki asked his cousin.
"Yea. It's kind of like badminton. Except you hit the ball with your hands. Do you know how?"
"Mhm. I guess you can't really cheat at volleyball. Let's do our best."
"Okay boys let's have a nice clean game" Tenchi said tossing a coin, "Call it in the air."
"Heads!" Riku said.
"Okay it's heads. White team serves. Good luck" he replied handing the ball to his son.
Riku took the ball and spiked it over the net. It came Yuki's way so he hit it back. It landed on the other side. Riku had just missed it.
Riku served again. This time Kyo missed the ball by inches. The score was now 2 to 2. Yuki served the ball and Tai hit it back. Kyo hit it. Then Tai hit it again. He hit it so hard that it struck Kyo in the chest. He toppled over. Tohru gasped. Her uncle patted her hand as Yuki helped Kyo up.
"That bastard" he spat, "He did that on purpose."
"Remember Kyo be calm" Yuki said.
He turned once more and served. He spiked it so hard that neither Tai nor Riku caught it in time. Riku served the ball and Yuki and Kyo missed it. Now the score was 10 to 12.
The game continued. By the time they reached the end of the 2nd set, the score was now 13 to 15, in favor of the white team. This time Kyo served. It flew into the air and Tai thought that he had it. But he missed. Then Tai served. Yuki hit it and again the white team missed. It was now a tie game going into the third set. First Yuki served, then Tai served, and then Riku served. The ball went back and forth. The score was now 21 to 20. Yuki spiked the ball and Tai went for it. He hit it. Kyo hit the ball and it struck Tai in the stomach, just like it had Kyo. The whistle blew. In the end the score was 21 to 21.The Sohmas had tied the white team. The crowd cheered. Never had they seen such an entertaining match. Riku helped Tai up who stared angrily at Kyo as Tohru rushed over to congratulate Yuki and him. On the sidelines Tohru's grandfather stood up and walked over to Tai. He brushed him off and then the two of them walked back into the house.
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After a few minutes of praise the two Sohmas walked back to change.
Kyo was the first one to be done so he wandered back to the courtyard where everyone was standing and talking. He spotted Tohru among her cousins and was about to walk over to her when her grandfather approached him.
"That was quite a game" Mr. Miyoshi replied.
"Uh thank you sir" Kyo replied, "And thank you for inviting me this afternoon" he remembered to bow.
"Not at all. But I was wondering if I could have a word with you Mr. Sohma?"
"Sure" Kyo nodded as the older man led him away from the crowd.
"Tell me Mr. Sohma, do you care about my granddaughter? My wife informs me that you are dating."
"I uh, of course I care about her. She is very special to me" Kyo replied to him.
"What am I doing? She and I aren't really going out," he thought to himself, "Wait a minute. Here it is no problem. I can express how I really feel about her, and she and the damn rat will never know that I really mean it. They'll just think that I am still putting on the act."
"As a matter of fact Mr. Miyoshi" Kyo replied looking him straight in the eye, "I love your granddaughter. I can't imagine what my life would be like without her."
"That is good" Mr. Miyoshi smiled somewhat, "Tell me what are your plans after high school? Are you going to college?"
"Well I haven't really thought about that much yet" Kyo answered.
"I see. Listen Mr. Sohma I want to be frank with you. You see Tohru is my only granddaughter and I love her very much. She is becoming a woman and that is the time when she needs to think about her future. Someday I want her to have a secure life, a safe life."
"Okay."
"What I mean to say Mr. Sohma you aren't exactly what I have in mind for my granddaughter. I'm not saying you aren't a nice guy, but you're not the right guy, you understand. Tohru should be with someone with a little more class. A little more education."
"Forgive me for asking this" Kyo looked at the man with an audacious look, "Don't you think your granddaughter has enough sense to make her own choice about who she's with."
"Quite frankly no. She's very naive about a lot of things. She doesn't always know what is best for her."
"And you do sir?"
"Yes, of course I do. I am the head of the Miyoshi family. I understand you have quite an attachment to her but that really needs to cease."
"Do you mind me asking" Kyo said, "Who you do have in mind for her?"
"Why that is simple. Tai Ushida is an upstanding young man. Intelligent, has good business sense, and he can take care of her for the rest of his days. Anyway I know it's quite an inconvenience, but I can make it worth your while."
"I beg your pardon?"
Yuki appeared and stopped as he saw the old man pull out a checkbook and pen from his suit.
"It is imperative that Tohru ends up with Tai, so I am prepared to offer you this amount" he wrote on the check and handed it to Kyo.
It said 108, 953.57 yen.
"Are you kidding me? You're trying to buy me off?" Kyo's voice started to rise.
"Is it not enough? I'll offer you more. Name your price."
"No price!" Kyo ripped the check in half, "You think your granddaughter is something to sell off? I don't want your money. Keep it!"
"You are making a very big mistake" Mr. Miyoshi's eyebrows were now raised angrily.
"No you are making the mistake!" Kyo replied.
The rest of the family was now watching. Tai was behind Riku and Takao. Tohru was listening intently to the conversation.
"I am not going to just ditch your granddaughter for any amount of money. And she is not naive. She's obviously a lot smarter than you think. The fact that she chooses not to be with that jerk over me is proof of that.
"Why you rude, ignorant boy. How dare you yell at me in my home? My granddaughter is not going to end up with the likes of a uneducated, simple, fool like you!"
"Grandfather" Tohru replied stepping in front of Kyo before he could retort.
She saw the torn up check on the ground and then understood.
"He is not a fool. He is not someone you can push around. How could you do something like this?"
"Tohru I am only thinking about your future" her grandfather retorted.
"Don't you think that I am capable of deciding my own future? That I have the right to be with her I choose to be. Grandfather I am not a little girl anymore. I am a strong and independent young woman and I can make it on my own."
The entire courtyard was silent. Tai walked over to Mr. Miyoshi. Yuki walked over to Kyo.
"Tohru, Tai Ushida is the right choice for you."
"No grandfather" she shook her head, "Tai is your choice for me, not mine. I think that maybe we had better go now."
"I'll get your coat Miss Honda" Yuki replied.
Kyo took her hand gently and led her away from her grandfather. The family watched as they walked to the front gate, some whispering angry words others completely silent.
"That ruffian" Mr. Miyoshi said under his breath.
"Don't you worry about it sir" Tai replied, "This isn't over. Not by a long shot."
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Tohru and Kyo waited for Yuki. When he arrived he helped her with her coat. The rest of the family went back into the tent, following the head. Kintaro rushed over to say goodbye.
"I must say Mr. Sohma" he shook Kyo's hand, "That took a lot of guts to stand up to my father like that."
"Thanks. But I'm afraid I made a very bad impression" Kyo sighed.
"Ah don't you worry about that. Between you and me, they're all asses anyway."
"Goodbye Mr. Miyoshi" Yuki shook his hand.
"Hey it's Kintaro. Mr. Miyoshi is my father. Tohru, are you okay honey?" he looked at her sad face.
"Mhm. I'll be fine" she nodded with a small smile.
"Okay. Here. This is my cell phone number and my phone number in America. Anytime you need to talk. I'm available."
"Thank you Uncle Kintaro" she embraced him tight, "I'll see you."
"Mhm. Kyo, Yuki take care of her."
"We will" the two boys nodded.
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The bus driver picked them up at exactly six. They had to sit for an hour since they left early but it didn't matter. They all sat in silence on the way back. Tohru didn't say anything and the two boys didn't see the point in asking her any questions.
"So did you kids have fun?" the driver asked.
"Uh well it was interesting" Yuki replied with a short smile.
"Yea" Kyo agreed, "It was a barrel of laughs all right."
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"Oh I wish I had sent a video camera" Shigure replied that night after Yuki and Kyo had told him everything, Tohru was doing dishes, "It would have been an interesting sight to see. The nerve of that creep trying to buy you off like that Kyo. It sounds like a tragic love story."
"Don't even go there Shigure" Kyo said, "But I have to admit he sure was audacious."
"I actually don't blame you for losing your cool" Yuki said, "That was certainly rude of him."
"Mhm."
"Well in any rate, how is Tohru?"
"We don't know" Kyo said, "She's been quiet since we came home."
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Tohru washed the last dish and dried it. She took a deep sigh and pulled her uncle's phone number out of her pocket. She thought about their earlier conversation.
"Oh that's all right. Grandfather explained that you had business."
"Oh, is that what he told you?"
She walked into the hallway and picked up the phone. She dialed the number.
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Kintaro came out of his bedroom and picked up his cell, which was ringing on the bed. His shirt was off and he was carrying a towel, which he was using to dry his long hair.
"Kintaro Miyoshi."
"Uncle Kintaro, it's Tohru."
"Well hello sweetie. I didn't expect to hear from you so quick."
"I'm not interrupting you am I? Are you at the main house?"
"No" he chuckled, "I had hotel reservations. There's no way I was going to stay there. So what's on your mind honey? Do you want to talk about what happened today?
"No not exactly. Actually something has been bothering me since I came home. It was something you said."
"Something I said?"
"Uh huh. When you apologized for missing the funeral and I told you what grandfather had told me you said so that's what he told you huh? What do you mean by that?"
"Well" he sighed, "The truth of the matter is Tohru. I didn't find out about Kyoko's death until after the funeral. My mother called me."
"But why then?"
"Because I wasn't invited."
"I don't understand."
"Tohru. When it comes to my father, if you anger him he holds a lifetime grudge. My brothers have never gotten on his bad side so they could stay in his favor. Kyoko and I always went our own way. I guess that's why we were so close. Believe me I would have loved to be there. To be able to support you and everything."
"Thank you Uncle Kintaro. Hey you don't even know where her gravesite is do you?"
"I've been to the cemetery on my last trip here but I didn't see it in the family burial ground."
"Oh that's because it is not there. If you want I'll meet you at the place tomorrow and you can say goodbye properly?"
"Tohru I would really love that."
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Sunday afternoon Tohru met her Uncle at the temple. She had given him the address over the phone the night before so he had no trouble finding it. They walked to the headstone.
"So this is it? I see. She was buried next to Katsuya. That makes perfect sense."
He squatted down and placed the flowers.
"Well sis I'm here. I know it took me awhile but I finally found you."
Tohru smiled as he spoke to the grave, much in the same way she spoke to her picture. He stood up and embraced his niece as they both smiled down at the grave. They both could just picture Kyoko looking down at them and smiling. Then they turned and left the grave. The flowers that he had placed moved as the soft breeze hit them, and the petals flew into the air. The uncle and his niece walked side by side down the street each telling the other about their lives.
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Authors Note: Isn't Tohru's Uncle Kintaro the coolest? Any way here's the second half. I really am proud of Kyo in this part. He raises his voice but he also doesn't act as bad as he normally would when provoked. I like the way that she stood up for him as well. Hope you enjoyed it!
Note Two: I went back and changed the game to the right way to play, I think. Thank you again Alphadraconis1 for the input. Next time I'll do my research. I wrote it the way my cousins and I used to play when we are kids, so I do appreciate the advice. If I still got it wrong, forgive me. I'm hopeless. Sigh!
Next Chapter: Exchange Student
Tohru's grandfather is out of the picture but Tai Ushida hasn't quit. A visit to Kawaii high is in the mix, and Tai even now knows a secret about the Sohmas. A secret he is willing to reveal if certain people don't back off of Tohru. Find out what happens next time.