Ok Here goes another chapter. I take all suggestions for this story. Hope everyone likes it!
Chapter 3: Unexpected Meeting.
Hatori entered Phillia's room, to find her sitting at an open window, staring at the blue afternoon sky. To Hatori she was like an angel that had appeared from nowhere. He wondered why, that this girl he barely knew could start to rekindle the flame that Kana put out when she left. As Akito said, he was the frozen snow. Now it seemed that Phillia could be a knew source of sunlight. She looked so innocent and happy sitting there, like she was lost in the world around her.
Phillia turned around and saw Hatori. She smiled that same sweet smile she had that morning. "Hello Hatori." He took a deep breath and calmed his nerves. "Afternoon Phillia. I've come to ask you a few more questions." Phillia stepped down from the window and sat down at the little wooden table a few feet away from his futon. He sat down across from her and cleared his throat. "Its seems that you have met another one of the Sohmas. Momiji." "Yes I bumped into him in the hallway." Hatori shifted his weight. "He said you were running. You know in your condition you shouldn't do that." Phillia turned her gaze away from him, and her eyes became a little sadder. "I'm sorry. I think I'm better now." "What were you running for?"
Hatori looked serious. "I uh...always run. I'm full of energy." Phillia gave a dry laugh. She could tell Hatori didn't really believe her, but was glad when he didn't say anything more about it. "Phillia, wounds like yours take a long time to heal. I'm surprised you woke up the next morning." Phillia looked to her injured arm. It didn't hurt cause the wound, in fact, had healed. "Hatori, there a lot of things you don't know about me." Phillia said rubbing her bandaged arm. Hatori was about to say something when there was a knock on the door. "Mr. Hatori? I brought some tea." A gentle voice said. Phillia's eyes lit up and she made a run for the door before Hatori could say anything. Phillia opened the door and took the tea tray from the lady. "Thank you!" Phillia said with a big grin on her face.
She took the tray back to the table and poured them both a cup. She sniffed the aroma then took a big gulp of the tea, but spit it out immediately. "Lech! Its green tea! Awww...darn." Phillia complained as she wiped her tongue. Hatori was shocked, but soon his shock turned into laughter. Phillia stared at Hatori.
Guess this is the first time I've heard him laugh.
"What?" Phillia pined. "I'm sorry Phillia. You're reaction to the tea, and then the way you wiped your tongue. It was very funny." Phillia felt her cheeks turn red. "I'm guessing you don't like green tea?" Hatori asked. "Nope, nasty stuff." Phillia grinned. "Well then what do you like?" Phillia pondered a minute then replied, "I like sweet tea and iced tea!" "Would you like for me to have them make you some?" Phillia shook her head. "No I'll be fine. I'm not really that thirsty. Oh by the way, have you told Akito yet?" Hatori wondered at her sudden interest in Akito. "Yes I have. He said you could stay until you were better, then he said he wanted you to leave." Phillia was disappointed. Hatori noticed it, "Don't worry those wounds will take a while so you don't have to worry about it." Phillia forced a smile onto her face. "Oh right. A long while." She was going to show Hatori that her gash had healed but, decided against it. "Have you thought of some family to stay with?" Hatori asked. Phillia looked down onto the soft maple floor. "I have no family. They are all dead, I am the last of-." Phillia stopped. "Last of what? Phillia?" Phillia looked into his eyes. "Oh I'm feeling so tired. Ow my arm hurts! Hatori I think I need to sleep." Phillia lied. Hatori lifted one of his eyebrows, then shook his head. "Alright I'll leave you." Phillia gave him a goofy grin. He gathered the tea tray and left. As he shut the bedroom door, Phillia let out a heavy sigh. "Sorry Hatori. I can't let you know. I have to protect this family from...him." A chill ran up her spine. Phillia shivered and got into the futon.
A month went by and Hatori and Phillia grew closer. Hatori learned that Phillia was much like Tohru. Always happy, and amused by the silliest things. Her laughter was like music, and her voice was entrancing. He loved to hear her talk even if it was about nonsense, like he time she made up deer eating monkeys. Still every time Hatori tried to find out about her past, or questioned her injuries she shied away from him. Phillia didn't want to leave. She enjoyed being with Hatori, and Momiji, who was now hugging her every time he saw her. In time she came to meet Yuki, Kyo, Tohru and all the other Sohmas except Akito. Hatori mentioned his frequent illness, and warned her to stay away from him. Despite Hatori's warnings she became ever so curious about Akito. She wanted to meet him. She thought that maybe she could heal him. Phillia didn't know it, but Akito had also wanted to see her. She could hug a member of the zodiac and they not transform. She was a very rare girl indeed. Hatori told Akito that when he was healthy that he could see Phillia. Doctor's orders. Hatori was also afraid of letting Akito see her. He was sure that he would banish her immediately, without second thought.
"Hatori! I'm bored! Can we go do something?" Phillia moaned. It was getting close to dinner, and she hungry, but she didn't want the food that the Sohmas prepared. "I wanna eat out! I haven't been into the city!" Phillia tugged on his black vest. "You're still not well enough to run around." Hatori said. Phillia pouted. "You always say that. If you don't take me somewhere I'll go with Momiji. Momi-!" Hatori covered her mouth. "Fine I'll take you for some dinner, but that's all." "Alright!" Phillia squealed. She ran to her room and grabbed her coat. She ran into Momiji on the way back to Hatori. "Where are you going Phillia?" She grabbed Momiji's hands. "We're going out to eat in the city!" "Oh! Can I come!" "I don't see why not!" They both jumped up and ran to get some of Momiji's things. "They are like a couple of teenage girls." Hatori said to himself. When Momiji and Phillia returned, they all piled into the car. As they were driving they looked around at all the stores, and pointed out different places to eat. "Hari! Let's go there!." Momiji said. "No Momiji, that is a bar." "Oops, guess I didn't see that." He smiled. "Phillia see any places you like?" "Well how about....that place?" Phillia said pointing to a huge pub, with big neon lighting and outside was a line of men in suits." Hatori sighed. "That is a strip club Phillia." "Strip club?" She questioned. "You not know what a strip club is?" Momiji asked. Phillia shook her head. "That is a place where a bunch of men go to eat, and some girls come out on a table and dance while stripping off all their clothes." Phillia looked at the sign as they drove by. "You know...maybe if I danced you two could eat for free!" Hatori nearly choked on his own spit. "No Phillia." Hatori scolded. She laughed, "I was only kidding." They drove a few more blocks in silence till Momiji found a place. "Hari lets eat there!" Momiji pointed to a medium sized fast food restaurant. It was called "The Aisling". Hatori looked over it then agreed. They parked near the front entrance. Inside it was a quit place, only few couples dotted the corners, the air smelled good and the people that worked there seemed friendly. On the chalkboard it read "PLEASE CHOOSE YOUR SEAT!" Within minutes a tall, skinny waitress with red hair and glasses came to take their order. They each ordered beef fried rice, with the Moo Goo Gi Pan, and two eggrolls. The waitress had told them to get that since that's all their new chef could cook with out burning it at the moment. So they took her advice. They ate in silence, and as usual Phillia was the first to finish. When the rest of them finished eating Hatori paid with some cash and left a tip for the waitress. They went outside and Phillia stopped to look at the sky. It was clear, and another full moon was out. "Wow they sky is beautiful." Phillia said hanging on to Momiji. Hatori stared at them. Philla's eyes seem to glow and her hair matched the color of the moon. "It was on a night like this when you first fell onto Sohma property." Phillia sighed. "Yeah at least now I'm not being chased by big black birds." Momiji looked at them."You were being chased by crows!?" Momiji asked. "Well they weren't crows exactly, but close. I made them mad and they chased me." "How were they chasing you? I don't understand." "Don't worry Momiji. I think we should go walk around. Can we Hari?" "Yeah please Hari!" Both Momiji and Phillia asked. Hatori smiled, "You two are sometimes too much for me. Ok but no rough play!" She walked up to Hatori, "Since when are we ever rough?" Phillia grabbed his hand. "You worry too much." Phillia smiled. Hatori patted her head, and laced his finger with hers. "Come on you two!" Momiji urged. He grabbed Phillia's other hand and all three of them ran around the corner and onto sidewalk, where they could look around. Not many people were out, so Hatori and Momiji didn't have to worry too much about transforming. For a while they did window shopping. All the shops were closed, but that didn't discourage them. Phillia pointed out some cute clothes to get Momiji one day. She also found some leather jackets for Hatori, but he said he usually didn't wear leather. She told him that he would look good in leather, but Hatori said he preferred his usual look. During their time looking, Phillia never did let go of Hatori's hand. Momiji was always prancing around them, and finding all these things through the windows that he wanted to get Phillia. "Look Phillia! We should get you this locket! Then you could put a of picture of me and Hari in it. Then you would never forget us!" Phillia looked at it, then the price. "It doesn't look quite as beautiful anymore." Phillia joked. Hatori looked at the locket and the words of Momiji ran through his head.
Put a picture of me and Hari in it. Then you'll never forget us!
An hour later, Momiji and Phillia complained of being thirsty. Hatori looked at his watch. It was almost 9:30 pm. "We'll get something to drink then we need to start heading back to the car." "Ok, Look there is a drink place there. Let's go!" Phillia grabbed Momiji's hand and pulled Hatori, and practically dragged Momiji across the street. As they opened the door to the building, a gust of cold air hit them. It was a beautiful place inside. It was dark with blue lights. At the front was a stage and in the middle was a bar. The floor was black and white checker bored, and on either sides of the tavern was red booths. "This is a kareoke bar." Hatori said noticing a lot of young men drinking martinis and wine. "But no one is singing." Momiji said. "And lets hope it stays that way." Hatori said. They found a booth in the middle of the row on the left side of the tavern. Hatori sat across from Momiji and Phillia. "Welcome to the Musical Pub on the Corner!" A short friendly waitress said. "My name is Himino, and I'll be your server tonight. Can I get you three anything to drink.?" "I'll have a glass of tea with lemon." Momiji said. "A glass of water please." Hatori stated. Phillia thought for a moment, "I know! I want a pina colada!" She smiled. "Ok I'll have those right out!" She said walking briskly to the back. "Wow its nice in here. Cool and the atmosphere is pleasant."Phillia commented. Momiji looked at the stage, then at Phillia. "I think you should sing Phillia! I'll bet you have a pretty voice." Phillia blushed, "I dunno about that." Hatori looked at her.
She's beautiful when she's blushing.
"Here are your drinks. Anything else?" Himino asked. "That will do for now. Thank you." Hatori said as Himino placed their drinks on the black table. "Ok let me know if you need anything else." She left. "Well this has been a good evening. Thank you for showing me around. The both of you." Phillia said as she quickly drank her pina colada. "No problem, it was a lot of fun! Especially all the nose prints we left behind on the windows." Momiji laughed as he hugged Phillia's neck. "And I didn't hurt myself, so see, you do worry too much Hatori!" Phillia winked at him. "Yes well the night still isn't over. Don't get careless now." Phillia laughed at his statement and threw a piece of her napkin at his face. For a moment he tried to imagine Kana sitting their flirting. It seemed that Phillia had, indeed, melted through the snow, for all he could see was her sitting in front of him. He was glad it was that way. "Hmm...I have to go to the bathroom. I'll be right back." Phillia walked up to the bartender and asked him something. He nodded his head. Hatori grew suspicious of this. Then he pointed to a hallway that he thought was the bathroom, and watched as Phillia skipped around the corner.
"Hatori," Momiji began, "do you like Phillia?" Hatori didn't know what Momiji meant. "Yes, she is a good kid." Momiji looked a little serious. "No like when you liked Kana. Do you love her? I think you do, it shows in your eyes Hatori." Hatori looked away from Momiji. "You shouldn't worry about things like that Momiji." "So you do like love her." "I never said-" He looked at Momiji's expression. He knew nothing he said would change Momiji's mind about what he thought. "You know you should tell her." "I never said I loved her Momiji. End of discussion." Momiji smiled and Hatori looked around at the other guests. Then a man wearing a black suit with a trumpet in his right hand approached the microphone on stage. "Ladies and gentlemen we're going to start singing and parting!" Most of the people in the tavern applauded. "For our first singer we have a beautiful, yet mysterious looking young woman." Hatori and Momiji both jerked their heads up, and looked at the stage. "Please welcome Ms. Phillia!" He backed away taking the microphone and microphone stand with him. Hatori quickly got up, but Momiji stopped him. "Hatori, don't! Let see what she sings!" Hatori hesitated, but sat back down. The lights dimmed, and the soft sound of some music started to play, and she sang: "L is for the way you look at me..." Phillia appeared from behind the blue and black curtains. She was dancing and her voice captivated all of the audience. "V! Is very very extra ordinary.." The more she sang the more she hypnotized Hatori. Her dancing was beautiful, the way her hair surrounded her when she would spin, and the graceful movement of her body. Her sleeveless red shirt, and black pants, brought the best of her figure. On part of the instrumental break, Momiji jumped up and ran on stage, and began to dance with her. Everyone clapped, and together Momiji and Phillia finished the song. Whistles came from the audience, and Phillia and Momiji bowed. Hatori clapped a little smiling at the two. "She definitely has a free spirit. Like that of a silver prancing horse." He mumbled to himself. Momiji left the stage, and Phillia ran back to hand the announcer the microphone, but he shoved it back toward her. Phillia questioned him, but he only smiled and then the music for Ricky Martin's "Livin' La Vida Loca" came on. It startled Phillia and she froze on stage. Then six men came dancing out on stage. All of them wearing black shirts and sunglasses. One of them grabbed Phillia and started dancing with her. "She's in to superstitions, black cats and voodoo dolls." One man with short golden hair began to sing. Hatori began to worry, but noticed that Phillia was laughing, he decided to let her have her fun. In the back of his mind he was worried about her injuries. Phillia was pushed around from man to man, spinning and being lifted up. Every now and then she would push one away to go with the song. In the middle of the song she lifted on to someone's shoulders. She fell backwards but another man caught her. Hatori was becoming very irritated at they way they were pushing her around. Phillia didn't seem to mind too much. At the end all the guys lined up and began synchronized dancing. Phillia was in the middle moving her hips and arms. At the very end all the men gathered around her and couple of them grabbed her waist. On the final beat they all froze and looked to the audience. The crowd went wild and everyone that was on stage bowed and had big smiles on their faces. All the men thanked Phillia and shook her hand. She smiled at them, then staggered off stage and back to Hatori and Momiji. She had a goofy expression on her face as if she was spaced out. "That was fun! Didn't you hiccup think so?" Momiji laughed at her. "Phillia you're acting funny." She looked at him. "Hey...why are there two of you? Momiji you never told me you had a twin!" Momiji placed a hand on her forehead. "Phillia are you feeling alright? You're warm." Hatori looked at her strangely, as she hiccuped again. He then took her empty glass and sniffed it. He had a disgusted look on his face. It reeked of alcohol. "Come on Momiji we have to leave." He saw the look on his face, so he didn't object. Hatori picked up Phillia and they exited the tavern. There he sat Phillia against a wall. "Hey where are we? Hatori?" She whispered, and bursted out laughing. "What did you order to drink?" "I had a cina polada!" She hiccuped. "You know Hatori, I'll bet the waitress brought her a regular one instead of one with no alcohol." Momiji said. "I know, but they aren't supposed to do that. Its at least half an hour walk to the car and with as drunk as she is its going to take twice as long to get back." Hatori said lifting her in his arms. "I can't believe she can get drunk on just one pina colada." "Well she drank the whole thing very fast, then all that dancing must've mixed her up." "La la la! Mix it up!" Phillia sang off key. "You know I don't wanna walk and I don't want you to carry me! So let's fly!" "Phillia no!" Hatori said. "Hatori? What does she mean fly?" Momiji asked. "Come on it will be fun!" Phillia stood up and grabbed both their hands. "Phillia, you can't fly like this! Don't-!" It was too late. From her back a golden mist blew as her black wings extended. Momiji was speechless, but full of excitement. Hatori tried to get her stay on the ground, but one flap and they were up in the air. "Hang on tight!" Phillia yelled to the two dangling figures on her hands. "Wow! I didn't know she could fly! This is really amazing!" Momiji yelled. Hatori was only hoping she wouldn't faint while in flight. Phillia flew higher and higher till she could the restaurant they ate at. Hatori was feeling dizzy, and Momiji was having a good time. "I see it! The Aisling!" Phillia flew straight a little ways then took a nose dive to the parking lot. "Phillia! Slow down!" Hatori yelled. "Weeeeeee! Faster! Faster!" Hatori looked at Momiji as if he was crazy. When they got closer to the ground Phillia slowed down and landed in a dark area beside the restaurant. The blue mist returned and Phillia's wings dissolved. "That....wasn't...hiccup..." Phillia fainted into Hatori's arms. He sighed then sat down on some grass, till his dizziness left him. He still held Phillia in his arms. "You silly girl." He whispered while stroking her hair. "Is she going to be alright Hari?" "Yes she'll be fine. She just wore herself out." He looked at her sleeping face. When he felt he could drive without running into anything he said, "Let's go Momiji." They got into the car and drove home. On the way home he told Momiji to never mention Phillia's wings.
Around one in the morning Phillia woke up. She was still in her normal clothes, and she had a terrible headache. She looked around and saw Hatori sleeping with his head on the table, and a half empty cup of tea beside him. He had changed into some more comfortable clothing. Phillia tried to stand up. Her vision was still blurred, but she could make out a closet in the back of the room. She walked to a closet and grabbed a heavy green blanket, and placed over his shoulders. "There, now you'll be warm. Thank you Hatori." Phillia ran her fingers through his hair then left the room and went to go sit outside. She sat on the edge of the wooden patio and gazed at the stars. So many of them were out; it was a gorgeous night. From behind she heard some footsteps. She turned around and saw Hatori standing in the doorway. "Ha- Hatori...I thought you were asleep." "No, just dozing." He said as he sat beside her. "Are you feeling better?" She looked down at the ground, and with her toes played in the dirt. "Yes I am. Thank you so much for putting up with me. For all you've done. I owe you a lot." Phillia laid her head on his shoulder. He put one arm around her shoulders and rested his head on hers. "You're welcome. I have to admit it was a little fun watching you sing and dance. You really are a good dancer." "Have you eve loved someone Hatori?" Hatori was a little afraid to tell Phillia about it. "Yes once, but its all in the past." "The picture of that girl, in your office is that her?" Hatori let out a tires sigh. "Yes. Her name was Kana, but she's gone now. Her memories of me were erased." "Is it because of your curse?" "How did you know?" "Momiji told me about your curse. And told about how the zodiac member transform." She grabbed Hatori's other hand. "I guess I'm a special girl!" "Yes you are, very special." Phillia smiled, then a concerned expression covered her smile. "Hatori, you don't think I'm an ignorant brat, or a burden do you?" Hatori let go of her and turned her face to his. "No of course not. What would make you think that?" Phillia's smile returned. "I'm glad. I'm grateful to have met you and Momiji and all the other Sohmas plus Tohru. You know...your family are the only friends I've ever had." Tears filled her eyes. "I'm so happy right now. I feel invincible, like I can do anything. For the first time in my life, I have something to protect." Hatori took her face in his hands and wiped the tears from her face. "I don't know your story Phillia, but I hope one day that you will tell me. I'll help you overcome your fears." Hatori hugged her. "Someday I'll tell you. Right now the time isn't right. Also you've already helped me to overcome my fears. Thank you Hatori." She hugged him back. "Well I think I'll go to bed. Goodnight." "Good night Phillia."Hatori wanted to ask her more questions, like why she thought he would think that, or who had ever told her that, but he couldn't find the words to. Phillia walked back to Hatori's bedroom, and Hatori went into the living room.
It was now December, and the weather had cooled down. Now that it wasn't so hot, Phillia would sneak out and take strolls though the estate. She took familiar paths to not get lost.
"Goodnight Momiji!" Phillia grabbed him and gave him a big bear hug. Momiji had now come to think of Phillia as his big sister and was always following her. "Hatori? Can I sleep with Phillia tonight?" Both Phillia and Momiji gave Hatori the "puppy dog face". "Momiji you know it isn't right to sleep in the bedroom of a young lady." "Aw. Hari you're no fun" Momiji pouted. "That's ok Momiji! I'll see you bright and early!" Phillia laughed. "Ok Goodnight Phillia! Sweet dreams!" Momiji waved as he ran to his room. Phillia stood there with another goofy grin waving back. Hatori watched her and his eyes softened. He noticed that Phillia had grown very attached to this family, and he knew that she wanted to stay, that he wanted her to stay. The thought of her leaving made him a little sad. Phillia looked at him. "What's wrong Hari?" She asked looking worried. They were alone in Hatori's living room, where he slept, since Phillia used his futon in his bedroom. "You can tell me. No one is around." Hatori gazed into her loving eyes. He had grown so fond of her. He wanted to be with her, and love her. She was like a little kid, but Hatori knew that she had some sad secret yet she could always smile. She was very much grown up. "Phillia...." He whispered grabbing her into his arms. She was so warm and fragile. Hatori had never really held a woman in his arms before. He didn't understand why he didn't transform, but he didn't care, and pulled her even closer. Phillia, on the other hand, had never had anyone truly love her. She didn't know how she was feeling, only that she was clam and warm. She felt safe in the arms of Hatori. "Phillia...sometimes I wish you would never get better. Just so that I could hold on to you forever." Hatori whispered. He gently kissed her forehead and placed his chin on her head. He loved the smell of her. Like peaches and cream. Phillia looked up at Hatori. She didn't want to leave, but the thought of Beeru crossed her mind. She didn't know what to do. For right now she didn't care. She looked up into Hatori's eyes, as two tears trickled down her face and she smiled. Hatori laid his gentle hands on her face and wiped away her tears. "Why are you crying?" He asked. Phillia sniffed then hugged Hatori's neck. "No one has ever liked me before. Not this much." Hatori smiled, and turned her face toward his. She didn't understand that what he felt was love, not just liking her. For now he didn't tell her. With his left arm he grabbed her and with his right hand lifted her chin up. He kissed her. A warm kiss at first, but then Hatori deepened the kiss. Phillia pulled him closer and cherished the way his mouth felt. Hatori's mouth left hers and wondered down her cheek to her neck, where he kissed her passionately. Phillia laid a slender hand on his head, and nuzzled his neck. Hatori traveled back up her neck and found her mouth again. She held on to him for support since she felt so weak right now. Hatori became more aggressive in the kiss, and Phillia, having never been kissed, forgot to breathe. Hatori felt her become limp in his arms. He looked at her face and saw the she had fainted. "Phillia? Phillia...wake up!" Hatori shook her. Phillia came back to her senses. "Sorry Hari...I forgot when to breathe and I fainted." Hatori laughed and gave her another hug. "Well you'd better go to bed Phillia." She nodded in agreement. He kissed her one last time and she trotted off to her room.
It was dark. Only the light of the moon the shown through the window was all the light she had.
Well I'm not tired, so I think I'll sneak out for another walk. Today I shall take a new path.
She sat for ten minutes, then peaked out her door to make sure everything had calmed down. Only a faded light from Hari's TV glowed. She turned and silently shut her door. She ran across the room, and in one graceful movement jumped through the window and landed on both feet. "Ta da!" Phillia giggled. She began walking on a path that took her past the main house. "Wow! It so big... I wonder if that is where Akito lives." She said passing by. Phillia strolled along the main path then veered off toward a small pond. She got a drink then continued on her way. After half an hour, Phillia didn't recognize any of the buildings. She began to worry. "I'm lost....darn." Phillia mentally punched herself for being so careless. Another hour past, Phillia still couldn't find her way back. She was growing tired and worried. It was too late to knock on someone's door and ask for directions. She laid by a tree to rest for a moment, trying to think of which way to go. "If I could transform I could just smell my way back. Hmm...I would fly , but I'm too tired." Phillia mumbled to herself.
From behind her she heard a bird fly off. Scared, she jerked around and saw a small white bird flying away from her, also she saw an arm drift away from a window.
Yay! Now I can ask for directions!
She ran over to the window and jumped on the edge of it. "Hello," She said quietly, "I'm lost and I need help getting back to Hatori's place. Hello?" No one answered. Phillia shrugged her shoulders and let herself through the window. Not expecting the floor to be so low she tripped and landed on her rear end. "Owie!" She squeaked. Phillia looked around the room. "Man...it's so...gloomy in here." Inside it was very dark and empty. She couldn't see anyone in the room. "I know I saw someone." She got up and ran toward the bedroom door, but crashed into a wall. Eventually she found the door and tried to pull it open, but it was locked. "Grr...." Phillia tugged at the door. She was startled when she heard the window slam shut. She froze and the room became even darker. From behind a mysterious voice spoke. "Hello, you must be Phillia. I've heard so many rumors. You sound like a nice person, Phillia."
Ok I know she was supposed to meet Akito in this one, but I got carried away with Hatori. At she kind of met him...right? Anyway they DO talk in the next chapter.