"So, why do you have to go to the Main House today?" Tohru asked.
"Just a bit of advanced planning for the New Year." Yuki said.
" New Year's? Really?" Tohru said, eyes wide. "It's only the end of August. Do you really have to start planning this early?"
"Yes. We have over six hundred people to send out invitations for; the ones who respond have to be put into the house or hotel rooms, the food, the fireworks, the things for the Zodiac Banquet, it's a lot of work."
"You can do it!" Tohru said, smiling. "You did a great job as class president!"
Yuki smiled. "This is a little different, but thank you for your encouragement." He said, taking her hand. "But I was wondering if you might help a bit."
"Me?" Tohru asked. "Sure! How?"
"I was thinking you could help with the food ordering. You know more about what can feed how many than I do, and it would really help out knowing the food is taken care of once the Sohma's arrive en masse." Yuki said.
"I'd be glad to." Tohru said. "How many do you think are coming?"
"Well, last time I went, four or five hundred." Yuki said calmly. "But I think there'll be more this year."
Tohru's eyes went white. "Four or five HUNDRED!?" She asked, voice shaking. "I don't know how to feed that many people!"
"Well, Except for the New Year's Eve dinner, which is mostly finger food, you only have to worry about one meal a day. For breakfast and dinner, they go to their hotels or restaurants. Really, all you have to worry about feeding at a time is maybe fifty to seventy five. And again, that's a light meal. Sandwich makings, maybe soup."
"That's good to know." Tohru said, still mildly frizzed. "Does any of the family stay at the main house?"
"Well, the ones that do stay with the Zodiac members at their houses. Maybe a half dozen stay in the Main House, but that's a final resort. And even if they do stay at the main house, they have to get their meals elsewhere. Usually with the Zodiac families."
"So other than a party meal for over five hundred, all I have to worry about is ordering for MAYBE one hundred?" Tohru said, just to get the facts straight.
"That's right. And I'm really over dramatizing. The staff of the Main House has been organizing the thing for years. All you have to really do is ok and confirm or overrule what they say."
"Oh good." Tohru said, sighing with relief.
* * *
"Hello Hatori!" Tohru said when they stepped into the Main Compound. "What are you doing here?"
"Hello Tohru. I came to escort Yuki to the meeting." He said blandly. "That way he won't try and escape." He gave him a pointed look. "Like he did last time."
Yuki blushed. "I did not!"
"Yuki, a human being can only go to the bathroom so long." Hatori said.
Tohru laughed. Yuki cleared his throat. "I asked Tohru to help with the food." He said, pushing her forward. "Can we take her to the kitchens?"
"Yes. But then you have to go straight to the meeting." Hatori said.
Yuki sighed. "How many are coming this year?"
"Around six hundred." Hatori said dismissively. "A fairly small number this year."
"You think six hundred is a small number?" Tohru asked, frizzing.
"Yes, last year it was over eight hundred." Hatori said.
"Wow. I never realized the Sohma clan was so large!" Tohru said, eyes wide.
"Well, actually, that's not all of us. The Sohma clan is over a thousand strong, we just don't have contact with a few of them, simply because they're too distant. That's why we send out the invitations. You have to show your invitation at the door before you're allowed in, and you have to RSVP."
"Wow." Tohru said. "This is gonna be.interesting." They finally made it to the kitchen, where masses of people were running back and forth with lists, phone books, and various other items.
"Hello Master Hatori." One harried cook said, running over. "What can I do for you?"
"This is Tohru. She's Master Yuki's wife, and she's here to help with the food." Hatori said.
"Wonderful!" The cook said, wiping his forehead. "We could certainly use it!"
"Fine." Hatori said. "We'll be back in about an hour. How are things going?"
"It's a nightmare, sir. I just thank the gods that we always start this soon. If we waited until November or later, we'd be in trouble."
"Well, Tohru is an excellent hostess, I'm sure she can be of help." Hatori said, pushing a blushing Tohru forward.
Yuki smiled at her reassuringly. "You'll be fine." He said, kissing her on the forehead. She blushed so hard the cooks observing were surprised she didn't burst into flames. Yuki smiled, pushed her forward, and left her alone with the cooks.
"Hello Madame Sohma." Said a woman, bowing. "I'm Miss Leblanc, head chef."
"Hello." Tohru said. "So, what can I do to help?"
"Well, right now we're trying to order the meats, vegetables, and other supplies we're going to need. We don't start cooking the food until around the middle of December, and we freeze it until we need it. But that's just for the hot food. For lunches we usually have sandwiches, and all that means is a lot of cutting, chopping and slicing."
"When do you usually serve lunch?" Tohru asked.
"Usually from eleven to one. We put the leftovers away and use them the next day. Nothing goes to waste." Leblanc said. "For breakfast and dinner, we do as we always have, because none of the family stays in the main house."
Tohru smiled. "Why on earth did you agree to let me help you? You don't need me, you've got it all figured out!"
Miss Leblanc winked. "Well, we don't usually let it get out how down pat we have everything. For all the 'extra work' we do we get a nice bonus in our paychecks."
Tohru laughed. "My lips are sealed." She said.
"Good." Miss Leblanc said. "Now, how about some apple pie? I made it this morning, and it should still be warm."
"I'd love some." Tohru said, smiling.
* * *
"Tohru?" Yuki called, pushing the kitchen door open. "Are you ready to go?" Tohru stood up quickly, a guilty look on her face. She wiped at her mouth hastily, cleaning away any evidence of pie. "Oh! Yes, I'm ready." She said, smiling.
Yuki smiled. "Were you able to get some work done?" He asked.
"Oh." Tohru said, looking over Yuki's shoulder at Miss Leblanc, who winked and put a finger to her lips. "Yes, we got a lot done!" She said, smiling.
"Well, that's good. Shall we go? The meeting ended quickly, thank goodness." Yuki said, holding out her coat and helping her into it. He escorted her out of the kitchen, closing the door behind them.
"That is so cute." Said one young cook, smiling dreamily. "He's such a gentleman!"
"And she's very sweet too." Miss Leblanc said. "They make a good couple."
"Well, I heard it's not a couple, but a trio!" Said a young man. He winked. "I heard it was Master Yuki, Master Kyo, and that girl."
"Really?" another woman asked. "I didn't think those two got along at all!"
"They don't." A second man said.
"Then how the hell is it a trio?" the first girl asked.
"All right, that's enough." Miss Leblanc said, frowning. "Talking about the Masters and Miss Tohru that way! Even if it's true, she's a perfectly nice young girl."
"She'd have to be a saint to put up with Kyo and Yuki!" A voice called out from behind a counter. The whole kitchen broke into laughter.
"All right you buncha.Come on, we have to get dinner started!" Miss Leblanc said, shooing them off to their various tasks.
* * *
"I'm home." Kyo said, kicking his shoes off. He sighed and massaged his sinuses with the pads of his fingers. "God what a day."
"Hello Kyo!" Tohru said, sticking her head out of the kitchen. "Dinner will be done in a few minutes. Are you hungry?"
"Starving." Kyo said, smiling at her. He rolled his shoulders and winced as he followed her into the kitchen. "Ow."
"Are you ok?" Tohru asked, looking concerned. She put the lid on the pot she was currently stirring and went over to him. "Did you hurt yourself?"
"Nah, I was late this morning, and Master was a little upset. He decided to do a demonstration, with me as the dummy." Kyo said, massaging one shoulder. He winced as he hit a tight spot. "He really put me through the wringer."
"Do you need ice?" Tohru asked.
"Uh uh." He said, wincing again. "I just need to do some stretches and get in a hot bathtub." He grimaced as his shoulder spasmed. "Where is everyone?"
Tohru frowned and moved behind him. "Shigure's in his office, and Yuki went to the base. Hold on, I want to try something." She said, biting her lip.
Kyo craned his neck around to look over his shoulder. "What're you doin' back there?" He asked curiously.
"I'm gonna try something mom taught me." Tohru said, smiling happily. "Hold still."
* * *
Shigure stuck his head out of his office. There it was again. If he didn't know better, he would think someone was moaning. Loudly too.
"Oh, oh yeah, right there." Was that Kyo?
"Wow Kyo, you're really stiff." TOHRU?! Shigure's eyes were the size of saucers. He crept down the hallway, still listening avidly.
"Mmmmm, Tohru, where did you learn how to do this? Oh, lower.lower.right there!" A satisfied gasp, and another moan had Shigure frozen in the hall. It COULDN'T be what it sounded like.
"Oops! Is it supposed to do that?" Tohru asked, sounding surprised. "It's coming out so fast!"
"Yeah, it's ok." Kyo said, sounding breathless. "C'mon, do it again!" She must have complied, because more moans started flowing from the kitchen.
Shigure couldn't stand it. He had to find out what the HECK was going on. He stepped into the kitchen, whistling cheerfully. "My dear little flower, is dinner.ready." He trailed off at the scene in front of him. Kyo was shirtless, hunched over so his elbows rested on his knees, head dangling. Tohru was behind him, massaging his shoulders. There was a tube of lotion beside them.
"I'm sorry, Shigure, it still has to simmer another ten minutes." Tohru said, smiling at him. She patted Kyo's shoulders. "Ok, I'm done." She said cheerfully.
Kyo sighed and stood, stretching his arms above his head, causing Shigure to wince as his spine popped. "Man you're good at massages." He said, popping his neck, too.
"Thanks!" Tohru said, grinning happily. "Mom knew how to do them, and she taught me! You'd better go take that bath, Kyo, dinner will be ready soon!" She said, shooing him out of the kitchen. He smiled and went, still stretching and popping. Shigure sighed and left the kitchen, not knowing if he were disappointed or relieved. * * *
Tohru took a deep breath and stepped out on the runway, smiling brightly. She felt a little better about the shows now, since she knew a little about what she was doing. She went quickly down, turned and started back. Like in her first show, she turned before she went backstage and looked for Yuki and Kyo. She spotted them and gave them a wave. They waved back as she went behind the curtain.
"Hiya chick." Mariko said, throwing an arm around her.
"Hi Mariko." Tohru said, smiling. "How are you?"
"Can't complain." She sat down at a table and touched up her makeup. "How 'bout you?"
"I've been good." Tohru said. "I got another modeling job."
"Really?" Mariko asked. "Doing what?"
"It's a children's catalogue. I'm kinda like the background." She said.
"Hey, that's great! Any job is a good job." Mariko said. "Pay good?"
"I think so." Tohru said. "I get a flat fee for just being there, and I also get a percentage of that fee for every picture used in the catalogue with me in it."
"Spiffy." Mariko said, standing up when a stagehand gestured her forward. "I'll be back." She went onstage to massive amounts of applause.
"Tohru!" Ayame said, coming backstage. It was a slightly better reaction than last time. No one fainted.
"Hi Ayame!" Tohru said.
"The catalogue shot has been moved up." He said, frowning. "I told her it would be difficult, but it's tomorrow. Can you still do it?"
Tohru went white eyed. "Um, I think so." She said. "I didn't have anything but chores to do tomorrow anyway."
"Marvelous!" Ayame said, smiling. "I'll call and tell her it's all right." He frowned again. "But I shall never again suggest a model to her. Moving a shoot up like this without warning!" he tisked. "Very unprofessional."
"It's ok, I don't mind." Tohru said, smiling.
"Tohru, you truly are a princess." Ayame said, kissing her on the forehead. She blushed wildly.
"Boss man, what do you think her two boys outside would say if they knew you were in here hitting on their girl?" Mariko asked, coming backstage.
"Oh, they'd probably come back here, hit me, and make sure I didn't do it again." Ayame said cheerfully. "Which is exactly why no one is going to tell them!"
Mariko laughed. "Too late boss." She said gleefully, pointing behind him. Yuki and Kyo were standing there, frowning at Ayame, who currently had his arm around Tohru's shoulders.
"Two words Snake." Kyo said. "Back. Off."
Ayame pouted and released Tohru. Kyo and Yuki smiled at her, then tugged her over to the corner, where they started to chat.
"They're nuts about her." Mariko said.
"Oh, completely." Ayame said. "She's been good for them." He smiled when they both pulled jewelry boxes out of their pockets. Tohru's eyes went wide when Yuki reached around her back to put a pearl pendant strung on a gold chain around her neck while Kyo put a gold charm bracelet on her wrist.
"They're good." Mariko said, grinning when Tohru, with tears in her eyes, jumped up and hugged them both, an arm around each of their necks. They threaded their arms around her waist, smiling.
Ayame smirked. "All right boys, that's enough, my young star doesn't need to be distracted!" He said, bustling over to where the trio stood. "Shoo!" he said, gesturing for the boys to leave the area. "Shoo! Tohru has to get changed for the next set!" He followed them to the door just to make sure they were gone, then turned around, a bright smile on his face. "Well?" he asked, hands on his hips. He glared playfully at Tohru.
"What?" She asked, looking puzzled.
"Are you going to show them to me or not?" He asked, bouncing over. He hummed admiringly when she held up her arm for his perusal. He smiled when he saw the little cat, rat, and dog charms. "Lovely." He said, then turned her around and pushed her towards the alcoves. "Now, go and get changed. Keep the jewelry on, it can go with the outfit." She smiled happily and went to change.
"That's so cute." Mariko said, smiling. "Are they all together, or is it just them and her?"
"It's just her." Ayame said, smiling. "Before Tohru, Yuki and Kyo couldn't be in the same room without fighting."
"That's cool. Love soothes the savage beast." Mariko said. She sighed and slapped Ayame on the back, causing him to stumble forward. "C'mon boss, I'll buy you a doughnut at the complimentary snack table."
Ayame straightened himself, looking at her askance. "You're not like any model I'VE ever met before." He grinned. "You eat baked goods."
"Yeah, you know, I eat and eat, it's just none of it ever sticks." Mariko said, smirking. "And it's so much fun eating it in front of the others, watching them drool." Ayame laughed and went to get the doughnuts. Ohh! Crème filled! Now, if only Shigure were here.
* * *
"Did you give them to her?" Shigure asked, when Yuki and Kyo sat back down in the audience.
"Yeah." Kyo said. "She loved 'em."
"She said she had never had any jewelry before." Yuki said. He looked mystified. "I didn't know there were any girls LIKE that."
"You know that our Tohru's one in a million." Shigure said, smiling happily. "I would suggest earrings, but I doubt you could get her anywhere near a ear piercing gun."
"I wouldn't even try." Kyo said, shuddering.
"Now, are you ready to leave, or are we going to stay until the show's over?" Shigure asked.
"Well, we're going to stay." Yuki said. "We were going to walk Tohru home."
"Then I guess I'll have to stay." Shigure said, sighing. "No telling what you'd be up to without my firm guidance." Kyo and Yuki snorted. "So, what do you have planned for this afternoon?"
"Oh, nothing much." Yuki said. "We thought we'd take Tohru on a tour of downtown."
"Ya know, I know girls like presents, but I've never seen anything like Tohru." Kyo said.
"You know, Kyo, presents are nice, and everyone enjoys getting them, but they're so much nicer when they're given to you by someone you love." He said, smiling softly. Kyo blushed and hunkered down in his seat, not saying anything.
"Just a bit of advanced planning for the New Year." Yuki said.
" New Year's? Really?" Tohru said, eyes wide. "It's only the end of August. Do you really have to start planning this early?"
"Yes. We have over six hundred people to send out invitations for; the ones who respond have to be put into the house or hotel rooms, the food, the fireworks, the things for the Zodiac Banquet, it's a lot of work."
"You can do it!" Tohru said, smiling. "You did a great job as class president!"
Yuki smiled. "This is a little different, but thank you for your encouragement." He said, taking her hand. "But I was wondering if you might help a bit."
"Me?" Tohru asked. "Sure! How?"
"I was thinking you could help with the food ordering. You know more about what can feed how many than I do, and it would really help out knowing the food is taken care of once the Sohma's arrive en masse." Yuki said.
"I'd be glad to." Tohru said. "How many do you think are coming?"
"Well, last time I went, four or five hundred." Yuki said calmly. "But I think there'll be more this year."
Tohru's eyes went white. "Four or five HUNDRED!?" She asked, voice shaking. "I don't know how to feed that many people!"
"Well, Except for the New Year's Eve dinner, which is mostly finger food, you only have to worry about one meal a day. For breakfast and dinner, they go to their hotels or restaurants. Really, all you have to worry about feeding at a time is maybe fifty to seventy five. And again, that's a light meal. Sandwich makings, maybe soup."
"That's good to know." Tohru said, still mildly frizzed. "Does any of the family stay at the main house?"
"Well, the ones that do stay with the Zodiac members at their houses. Maybe a half dozen stay in the Main House, but that's a final resort. And even if they do stay at the main house, they have to get their meals elsewhere. Usually with the Zodiac families."
"So other than a party meal for over five hundred, all I have to worry about is ordering for MAYBE one hundred?" Tohru said, just to get the facts straight.
"That's right. And I'm really over dramatizing. The staff of the Main House has been organizing the thing for years. All you have to really do is ok and confirm or overrule what they say."
"Oh good." Tohru said, sighing with relief.
* * *
"Hello Hatori!" Tohru said when they stepped into the Main Compound. "What are you doing here?"
"Hello Tohru. I came to escort Yuki to the meeting." He said blandly. "That way he won't try and escape." He gave him a pointed look. "Like he did last time."
Yuki blushed. "I did not!"
"Yuki, a human being can only go to the bathroom so long." Hatori said.
Tohru laughed. Yuki cleared his throat. "I asked Tohru to help with the food." He said, pushing her forward. "Can we take her to the kitchens?"
"Yes. But then you have to go straight to the meeting." Hatori said.
Yuki sighed. "How many are coming this year?"
"Around six hundred." Hatori said dismissively. "A fairly small number this year."
"You think six hundred is a small number?" Tohru asked, frizzing.
"Yes, last year it was over eight hundred." Hatori said.
"Wow. I never realized the Sohma clan was so large!" Tohru said, eyes wide.
"Well, actually, that's not all of us. The Sohma clan is over a thousand strong, we just don't have contact with a few of them, simply because they're too distant. That's why we send out the invitations. You have to show your invitation at the door before you're allowed in, and you have to RSVP."
"Wow." Tohru said. "This is gonna be.interesting." They finally made it to the kitchen, where masses of people were running back and forth with lists, phone books, and various other items.
"Hello Master Hatori." One harried cook said, running over. "What can I do for you?"
"This is Tohru. She's Master Yuki's wife, and she's here to help with the food." Hatori said.
"Wonderful!" The cook said, wiping his forehead. "We could certainly use it!"
"Fine." Hatori said. "We'll be back in about an hour. How are things going?"
"It's a nightmare, sir. I just thank the gods that we always start this soon. If we waited until November or later, we'd be in trouble."
"Well, Tohru is an excellent hostess, I'm sure she can be of help." Hatori said, pushing a blushing Tohru forward.
Yuki smiled at her reassuringly. "You'll be fine." He said, kissing her on the forehead. She blushed so hard the cooks observing were surprised she didn't burst into flames. Yuki smiled, pushed her forward, and left her alone with the cooks.
"Hello Madame Sohma." Said a woman, bowing. "I'm Miss Leblanc, head chef."
"Hello." Tohru said. "So, what can I do to help?"
"Well, right now we're trying to order the meats, vegetables, and other supplies we're going to need. We don't start cooking the food until around the middle of December, and we freeze it until we need it. But that's just for the hot food. For lunches we usually have sandwiches, and all that means is a lot of cutting, chopping and slicing."
"When do you usually serve lunch?" Tohru asked.
"Usually from eleven to one. We put the leftovers away and use them the next day. Nothing goes to waste." Leblanc said. "For breakfast and dinner, we do as we always have, because none of the family stays in the main house."
Tohru smiled. "Why on earth did you agree to let me help you? You don't need me, you've got it all figured out!"
Miss Leblanc winked. "Well, we don't usually let it get out how down pat we have everything. For all the 'extra work' we do we get a nice bonus in our paychecks."
Tohru laughed. "My lips are sealed." She said.
"Good." Miss Leblanc said. "Now, how about some apple pie? I made it this morning, and it should still be warm."
"I'd love some." Tohru said, smiling.
* * *
"Tohru?" Yuki called, pushing the kitchen door open. "Are you ready to go?" Tohru stood up quickly, a guilty look on her face. She wiped at her mouth hastily, cleaning away any evidence of pie. "Oh! Yes, I'm ready." She said, smiling.
Yuki smiled. "Were you able to get some work done?" He asked.
"Oh." Tohru said, looking over Yuki's shoulder at Miss Leblanc, who winked and put a finger to her lips. "Yes, we got a lot done!" She said, smiling.
"Well, that's good. Shall we go? The meeting ended quickly, thank goodness." Yuki said, holding out her coat and helping her into it. He escorted her out of the kitchen, closing the door behind them.
"That is so cute." Said one young cook, smiling dreamily. "He's such a gentleman!"
"And she's very sweet too." Miss Leblanc said. "They make a good couple."
"Well, I heard it's not a couple, but a trio!" Said a young man. He winked. "I heard it was Master Yuki, Master Kyo, and that girl."
"Really?" another woman asked. "I didn't think those two got along at all!"
"They don't." A second man said.
"Then how the hell is it a trio?" the first girl asked.
"All right, that's enough." Miss Leblanc said, frowning. "Talking about the Masters and Miss Tohru that way! Even if it's true, she's a perfectly nice young girl."
"She'd have to be a saint to put up with Kyo and Yuki!" A voice called out from behind a counter. The whole kitchen broke into laughter.
"All right you buncha.Come on, we have to get dinner started!" Miss Leblanc said, shooing them off to their various tasks.
* * *
"I'm home." Kyo said, kicking his shoes off. He sighed and massaged his sinuses with the pads of his fingers. "God what a day."
"Hello Kyo!" Tohru said, sticking her head out of the kitchen. "Dinner will be done in a few minutes. Are you hungry?"
"Starving." Kyo said, smiling at her. He rolled his shoulders and winced as he followed her into the kitchen. "Ow."
"Are you ok?" Tohru asked, looking concerned. She put the lid on the pot she was currently stirring and went over to him. "Did you hurt yourself?"
"Nah, I was late this morning, and Master was a little upset. He decided to do a demonstration, with me as the dummy." Kyo said, massaging one shoulder. He winced as he hit a tight spot. "He really put me through the wringer."
"Do you need ice?" Tohru asked.
"Uh uh." He said, wincing again. "I just need to do some stretches and get in a hot bathtub." He grimaced as his shoulder spasmed. "Where is everyone?"
Tohru frowned and moved behind him. "Shigure's in his office, and Yuki went to the base. Hold on, I want to try something." She said, biting her lip.
Kyo craned his neck around to look over his shoulder. "What're you doin' back there?" He asked curiously.
"I'm gonna try something mom taught me." Tohru said, smiling happily. "Hold still."
* * *
Shigure stuck his head out of his office. There it was again. If he didn't know better, he would think someone was moaning. Loudly too.
"Oh, oh yeah, right there." Was that Kyo?
"Wow Kyo, you're really stiff." TOHRU?! Shigure's eyes were the size of saucers. He crept down the hallway, still listening avidly.
"Mmmmm, Tohru, where did you learn how to do this? Oh, lower.lower.right there!" A satisfied gasp, and another moan had Shigure frozen in the hall. It COULDN'T be what it sounded like.
"Oops! Is it supposed to do that?" Tohru asked, sounding surprised. "It's coming out so fast!"
"Yeah, it's ok." Kyo said, sounding breathless. "C'mon, do it again!" She must have complied, because more moans started flowing from the kitchen.
Shigure couldn't stand it. He had to find out what the HECK was going on. He stepped into the kitchen, whistling cheerfully. "My dear little flower, is dinner.ready." He trailed off at the scene in front of him. Kyo was shirtless, hunched over so his elbows rested on his knees, head dangling. Tohru was behind him, massaging his shoulders. There was a tube of lotion beside them.
"I'm sorry, Shigure, it still has to simmer another ten minutes." Tohru said, smiling at him. She patted Kyo's shoulders. "Ok, I'm done." She said cheerfully.
Kyo sighed and stood, stretching his arms above his head, causing Shigure to wince as his spine popped. "Man you're good at massages." He said, popping his neck, too.
"Thanks!" Tohru said, grinning happily. "Mom knew how to do them, and she taught me! You'd better go take that bath, Kyo, dinner will be ready soon!" She said, shooing him out of the kitchen. He smiled and went, still stretching and popping. Shigure sighed and left the kitchen, not knowing if he were disappointed or relieved. * * *
Tohru took a deep breath and stepped out on the runway, smiling brightly. She felt a little better about the shows now, since she knew a little about what she was doing. She went quickly down, turned and started back. Like in her first show, she turned before she went backstage and looked for Yuki and Kyo. She spotted them and gave them a wave. They waved back as she went behind the curtain.
"Hiya chick." Mariko said, throwing an arm around her.
"Hi Mariko." Tohru said, smiling. "How are you?"
"Can't complain." She sat down at a table and touched up her makeup. "How 'bout you?"
"I've been good." Tohru said. "I got another modeling job."
"Really?" Mariko asked. "Doing what?"
"It's a children's catalogue. I'm kinda like the background." She said.
"Hey, that's great! Any job is a good job." Mariko said. "Pay good?"
"I think so." Tohru said. "I get a flat fee for just being there, and I also get a percentage of that fee for every picture used in the catalogue with me in it."
"Spiffy." Mariko said, standing up when a stagehand gestured her forward. "I'll be back." She went onstage to massive amounts of applause.
"Tohru!" Ayame said, coming backstage. It was a slightly better reaction than last time. No one fainted.
"Hi Ayame!" Tohru said.
"The catalogue shot has been moved up." He said, frowning. "I told her it would be difficult, but it's tomorrow. Can you still do it?"
Tohru went white eyed. "Um, I think so." She said. "I didn't have anything but chores to do tomorrow anyway."
"Marvelous!" Ayame said, smiling. "I'll call and tell her it's all right." He frowned again. "But I shall never again suggest a model to her. Moving a shoot up like this without warning!" he tisked. "Very unprofessional."
"It's ok, I don't mind." Tohru said, smiling.
"Tohru, you truly are a princess." Ayame said, kissing her on the forehead. She blushed wildly.
"Boss man, what do you think her two boys outside would say if they knew you were in here hitting on their girl?" Mariko asked, coming backstage.
"Oh, they'd probably come back here, hit me, and make sure I didn't do it again." Ayame said cheerfully. "Which is exactly why no one is going to tell them!"
Mariko laughed. "Too late boss." She said gleefully, pointing behind him. Yuki and Kyo were standing there, frowning at Ayame, who currently had his arm around Tohru's shoulders.
"Two words Snake." Kyo said. "Back. Off."
Ayame pouted and released Tohru. Kyo and Yuki smiled at her, then tugged her over to the corner, where they started to chat.
"They're nuts about her." Mariko said.
"Oh, completely." Ayame said. "She's been good for them." He smiled when they both pulled jewelry boxes out of their pockets. Tohru's eyes went wide when Yuki reached around her back to put a pearl pendant strung on a gold chain around her neck while Kyo put a gold charm bracelet on her wrist.
"They're good." Mariko said, grinning when Tohru, with tears in her eyes, jumped up and hugged them both, an arm around each of their necks. They threaded their arms around her waist, smiling.
Ayame smirked. "All right boys, that's enough, my young star doesn't need to be distracted!" He said, bustling over to where the trio stood. "Shoo!" he said, gesturing for the boys to leave the area. "Shoo! Tohru has to get changed for the next set!" He followed them to the door just to make sure they were gone, then turned around, a bright smile on his face. "Well?" he asked, hands on his hips. He glared playfully at Tohru.
"What?" She asked, looking puzzled.
"Are you going to show them to me or not?" He asked, bouncing over. He hummed admiringly when she held up her arm for his perusal. He smiled when he saw the little cat, rat, and dog charms. "Lovely." He said, then turned her around and pushed her towards the alcoves. "Now, go and get changed. Keep the jewelry on, it can go with the outfit." She smiled happily and went to change.
"That's so cute." Mariko said, smiling. "Are they all together, or is it just them and her?"
"It's just her." Ayame said, smiling. "Before Tohru, Yuki and Kyo couldn't be in the same room without fighting."
"That's cool. Love soothes the savage beast." Mariko said. She sighed and slapped Ayame on the back, causing him to stumble forward. "C'mon boss, I'll buy you a doughnut at the complimentary snack table."
Ayame straightened himself, looking at her askance. "You're not like any model I'VE ever met before." He grinned. "You eat baked goods."
"Yeah, you know, I eat and eat, it's just none of it ever sticks." Mariko said, smirking. "And it's so much fun eating it in front of the others, watching them drool." Ayame laughed and went to get the doughnuts. Ohh! Crème filled! Now, if only Shigure were here.
* * *
"Did you give them to her?" Shigure asked, when Yuki and Kyo sat back down in the audience.
"Yeah." Kyo said. "She loved 'em."
"She said she had never had any jewelry before." Yuki said. He looked mystified. "I didn't know there were any girls LIKE that."
"You know that our Tohru's one in a million." Shigure said, smiling happily. "I would suggest earrings, but I doubt you could get her anywhere near a ear piercing gun."
"I wouldn't even try." Kyo said, shuddering.
"Now, are you ready to leave, or are we going to stay until the show's over?" Shigure asked.
"Well, we're going to stay." Yuki said. "We were going to walk Tohru home."
"Then I guess I'll have to stay." Shigure said, sighing. "No telling what you'd be up to without my firm guidance." Kyo and Yuki snorted. "So, what do you have planned for this afternoon?"
"Oh, nothing much." Yuki said. "We thought we'd take Tohru on a tour of downtown."
"Ya know, I know girls like presents, but I've never seen anything like Tohru." Kyo said.
"You know, Kyo, presents are nice, and everyone enjoys getting them, but they're so much nicer when they're given to you by someone you love." He said, smiling softly. Kyo blushed and hunkered down in his seat, not saying anything.