Disclaimer: fruits basket is trade mark of Hakusensha & Natsuki Takaya . I claim no rights to the characters within this story but it's sure fun writing about the :D Thanks Chi-san for beta-reading and for your suggestions . This is chapter 5 to a multipart story archived on Fanfiction.net You can find the first 4 chapters over hereà http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=689790


Chapter 5

Uo-chan stood nervously in the middle of the room, arrayed in her bridal white, her blonde locks frosted over with the film of her wedding veil. The other girl in the room stood back momentarily speechless and in awe of her best friend ; everything looked just right and the soft smile that curled up on Uo's pink lips was a confirmation that Ayame's creation was a hit with the bride.

"You look beautiful, Uo-chan" the brunette standing next to her exclaimed.

Tohru stood back in awe at her friend's transformation into the lovely bride-to-be ; Arisa had never looked so lovely and feminine she thought. It was more than just the white mix of lace and chiffon dress or satin veil; she had a natural glow about her that she only could guess must come with being on the eve of one's wedding. The wedding was less than 24 hours away and her friend would shed her singles life to tie the knot with her one and only. Tohru sighed as she quickly wiped away a single teardrop that trickled down her face.

"What's wrong, Tohru? " Arisa asked catching the girl's sad expression.

"You look like someone just stole your boyfriend " she teased.

"No…no I ..I am just being silly romantic…that's all. " Tohru stammered .

"Ah just like my Tohru-kun ne " she said with a smile. "I'd hug you right now if it wasn't for this silly dress" the blonde laughed.

Arisa turned around to face the mirror once again. She was still the same Arisa Uotani Tohru had known for most of her life, that was for sure.

"Nothing's going to change…but my last name; Kureno and I already got our marriage certificate and as you can see I'm still the same old Arisa Uotani-- even though my last name has changed. " She smiled and turn around giving her friend a reassuring wink.

"Besides, he likes me as I am which is a good thing ne? I've never been the type to conform to other people' expectations…that's just who I am" she continued.

"That's our Uo-chan alright" Tohru laughed. Somehow just hearing those words helped to ease her silly fear of losing her friend . Arisa smiled happily to see Tohru's back to her usual lively self.

"So honestly do you like the dress Ayame-san made?" she asked changing the subject. She turned around before the mirror critically appraising the tailor's handy work. It was actually very pleasing to the eyes. The dress was made of cream chiffon and lace with a v-neck lace insert, long chiffon sleeves, fairly full skirt with full train, lace edged and satin underskirt with lace trim.

"It suits you perfectly ! " Tohru reassured her friend.

"And …I'm only glad that I can share in this most happiest time of your life. " Tohru had meant every word she said and Uo knew it but could still sense a touch of melancholy in her friend's voice. It was weird she thought; almost ironic because she had always imagined Tohru being the one in her situation . She and Hanajima had often teased Tohru about marriage with either one of the two younger Sohma she lived with yet surprisingly neither had declared let alone proposed.

"By the way..how's the Prince and Kyon Kyon? Been a while since I've seen them around these parts" she inquired trying to sound casual.

"Ah…Yuki-kun..and Kyou-kun.." she mumbled absently. "I think they're doing fine." The truth was she hadn't heard from either in a while and it pained her not knowing how they really were .

"Sou ka…" Arisa said in response noting the sadness that lingered on her friend's reply but not wanting to dampen the otherwise festive evening she didn't press on. " Well, who needs those two around when you've got a hot doctor in the vicinity" she joked . Thankfully for Tohru, Arisa did not catch the redness forming on her cheek as she was busy changing out of the dress . Surely she would have teased her mercilessly if she had even suspected how her words affected her in that moment. Her cheeks burned with a blush that threatened to give her away at any moment as did the galloping beat of her heart that echoed loudly in her ears .

"Tohru…are you ok?" Arisa asked worriedly noting her friend's blush stained face.

"Iie! I'm fine" she frantically tried to reassure Arisa.

"You sure? You look like you're about to pass out." Arisa inquired unsatisfied with Tohru's answer.

"I hope that creep isn't overworking you.." she continued.

"Eh? Akito-san? No, he isn't… really I am fine. Just a little tired that's all", Tohru said hoping to diffuse Arisa's worries.

"Ok…but go home and take a rest. Tomorrow's my big day and you have to be at your best …ne?" she smiled wearily not quite convinced but not wanting to exacerbate her any further.

They said their goodbyes and went their separate ways. Arisa heading back to her small apartment to her soon to be husband and Tohru back to the Sohma Honke. She made her way towards the side entrance on the east wing of the complex heading towards his private quarters.

She felt somewhat guilty taking the side entrance for what was clearly an innocent meeting. It was only dinner yet she didn't want to risk raising eyebrows and surely did not want it brought to Akito's attention. The Sohma complex in all its vastness and multitude of inhabitants always seemed like a lonely place rigid in its traditional hierarchy and rules of conduct. She missed Shigure's cozy home and if it wasn't for Hatori's company she undoubtly would not have lasted long here with her sanity intact. Akito was unpredictable and not someone to be taken lightly. She knew that from past experience and now first hand. As much as she wanted to trust him she knew he might take this the wrong way and …she shook the thought off, not wanting to ruin what she had been anticipating the entire day.

She made her way past the sliding door leading into Hatori's private chamber.

"Hatori-san…?" she inquired peeking through the candle-lit room.

He wasn't there but dinner was served for two. Surely he must be running late at the clinic she thought to herself. She paced around the room slowly taking in her surroundings. The place hadn't changed much from her first private meeting with him which seemed ages ago. It still looked much like the bachelor's chamber from back then. She chuckled remembering how incredibly nervous she was about meeting him. Than again he wasn't exactly the most open or easy to talk to person she knew…but somehow beneath his cold exterior she had caught a glimpse of the warm and caring person he so carefully concealed.

She made her way past his study desk tracing her fingers against the fine wooden polish . It was lined by numerous medical texts neatly stacked up against each other. A small frame discretely tucked behind one of his books caught her attention. She reached out pulling the familiar picture she had once seen. Even with the dust-covered surface she could see clearly the warm smiling face of the woman in the picture. Had he forgotten about it or simply hadn't bothered to clean it over the years. The thought somehow saddened her as she pulled out a handkerchief from her pocket and proceeded to restore the frame to its shining state.

"Tohru-kun…" came a voice from behind her . She turned around swiftly, a little surprised to face the tall figure leaning against the room's entrance.

"I had a few calls to make and of course had to check on Akito.. anyway, sorry for the wait". He said apologetically. He sounded tired.

"Iie…it's not a problem…" she quickly reassured him. She placed the frame back in its original position under his watchful gaze and headed towards him.

"Sorry…I shouldn't have taken the liberty to look around but…I ." she continued.

"It's fine. Shall we eat? I'm starved" he commented dryly.

Dinner was a simple and quiet affair. The menu included a traditional meal of rice, miso soup, fish and eggs. When they were done Tohru offered to do the dishes but Hatori refused as she was his guest. Instead he summoned the maid to clear the table and invited her out on the porch.

They sat comfortably side by side watching the starry sky above. Each relishing in the comfortable silence neither daring to break it for fear of ruining the moment ….Hatori reached in the breast pocket of his shirt pulling out a cigarette stub.

"Do you mind ?" he asked, breaking the silence.

Tohru looked up surprised. "Iie…but I thought you quit" she added.

"Well. . .I have, but every once in a while the craving gets the best of me" he replied lighting up the cigarette stub.

"It's one of the few weaknesses I allow myself to indulge in every now and than" he said with a faint smile.

She nodded saying nothing else.

"How's Uotani-san coming along with the preparations?" he inquired.

"Ah! Everything's about ready. It's almost a done deal. . . I think," she replied back excitedly. She was glad the ice was somewhat starting to melt between them. The silence didn't bother her greatly but made her a tad nervous.

"I'm glad to hear that" he said finishing off his cigarette and retreating back into his own private thoughts.

"Anou… Hatori-san…I. . .I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me. I don't know if I'd ever be able to repay you but…" she said desperately searching for the correct words to convey her gratitude.

"You already have …" he said smiling kindly onto her.

"it's been a long time since I've enjoyed something simple as this…" he continued momentarily directing his gaze above towards the starry night sky.

"and even longer since I've last had the pleasure of another kindred's company…" he added looking at her. His expression seemed unreadable and she couldn't help but feel a little flustered by his words .

She bit her lips as the familiar warm blush crept upon her face. His gaze and attention focused on her face making her even more nervous than she had been. His pale green eyes met her warm chocolate color orbs. Stubbornly refusing to back down from his split-second decision he leaned in closer, surprising her by his sudden move. She stood still as his lips met hers. Her response to the joining of their lips was almost immediate as she closed her eyes and allowed him full access to her mouth. He pressed harder deepening the kiss while grabbing hold of her shoulders as if afraid she'd run from his assault. She didn't nor had she the will nor desire to do so.