While Shigure regaled anyone who would listen with his story of Yuki's mistletoe kiss, other people were enjoying themselves as well.
Momiji was bounding around the garden talking to everyone present. "Isn't this fun. Wasn't this a good idea? You know Shigure and I thought of it together."
Hatsuharu stood over in the corner having a quiet conversation with Kisa and Hiro while Ritsu stood in the corner looking lost.
Tohru spotted Ritsu and approached him. "Ritsu, hello. I am so glad you were able to come. Will you come help me serve drinks to the guests?"
"Are you sure I can Tohru-san? I will probably just spill the drinks and everyone will be mad at me. I will then apologize to the world for being so clumsy." This was spoken with a smile. In the time he had known Tohru, Ritsu had learned that he was not as horrible as he had always believed. He still spent a good deal of time apologizing, but at least it was only about half as much as before.
"I know you can help Ritsu," Tohru said with a smile.
With Ritsu carrying the tray, Tohru walked among the guests. Shigure had set up tents in the garden with small heating units so that everyone would have room to move around. Besides the juunishi, there were also many of the Sohma folks that Tohru had made friends with as she worked at Hatori's clinic. It was a large turnout for an event that was not New Year's.
Tohru had a smile and a hello for everyone. Many of the young men were vying for her attention, but they found Hana and Uo attractive as well. Ayame arrived with Mine and Mii arrived shortly afterward and the party went from loud to very loud. Laughter and conversation abounded everywhere and it seemed everyone was having a good time. Kagura had managed to corner Kyo, and much to everyone's surprise, Kyo didn't seem to mind too terribly much.
Ayame came striding across the garden toward the spot where Tohru and Yuki stood talking. "Tohru-kun, darling, you look so very lovely. Of course, who wouldn't be lovely in one of my creations. Doesn't she look beautiful Yun-kun? Of course she does, you are stricken speechless by how cute she is in a dress I made for her…say something Yuki, don't just stand there. I will have to take matters into my own hands." Ayame leaned over to kiss Tohru's cheek and suddenly found himself in a rosebush.
Yuki spoke quietly, "Let's go Tohru-san, I do not want to stand here and listen to my brother's speeches."
"But Yuki-kun, he did make the dress and…".
"Mine, did you hear that. My brother called her Tohru-san. Can you believe it, he is finally loosening up a bit."
Yuki took Tohru's hand, "Shall we go find you something to drink Tohru-san. Ritsu seems to have wandered off with the tea tray."
"Oh, of course. I am thirsty."
As she sipped a cup of hot tea Tohru looked about the lawn. I wonder where Akito-san is? The party had been in progress for 3 hours and the Sohma head had still not appeared.
"Yuki-kun, please excuse me. I need to have a word with Hatori-san."
Yuki looked up from his conversation with one of his friends from Sohma house who had begun attending Tokyo University in April. "Of course Tohru-san. Call if you need me."
Tohru walked over to where Hatori, Shigure, and Ayame were holding an intense conversation. Shigure saw her walking up and halted, "Tohru-kun, are you having fun? Aren't you glad I had the food catered so you could have time to enjoy the party?"
"Hai, Shigure-san. I am having a wonderful time. I didn't know it could be so much fun to be just a guest." She turned to Hatori. "Hatori-san, is Akito-san well? I do hope he will come today."
Hatori smiled. "Akito is fine today. He said he needed to run a few errands beforehand."
"Really, Kenobi-kun and Kureno-san took him shopping?"
"As a matter of fact, that is exactly what happened. He should arrive soon."
Hatori watched Tohru as she traipsed over to where Kyo and Kagura were talking. The three were soon involved in what looked to be an interesting conversation.
"Ha-san, what is so interesting?" Ayame asked.
"Oh," Hatori returned to his conversation with his friends. "Nothing much, I was just concerned about something for a minute there."
Shigure's gaze sharpened, but Ayame continued with his observations on Tohru, on Yuki, and on everyone there in general.
"Shop keeper," Mine called, "there is a gentleman here interested in that one creation of yours."
"That one?"
"Yes, that one!"
"Excuse me please, I must go talk to a potential customer."
Shigure looked at Hatori after Ayame wandered off. "Ha-san, are you thinking what I have been thinking?"
"Probably, but why don't you tell me what it is."
"It appears that Tohru-kun has developed a great deal of affection for Akito. You don't think she is falling for him do you?"
"I don't know Shigure, but that possibility is no reason for alarm, is it?"
"I'm not sure Ha-san. Akito seems to have changed quite a bit, but is it enough? Is there a chance do you think?"
"A chance for what…Oh, that dream of yours again. I don't know Shigure, but he has seemed quite different when he thinks no one else is watching. Most of the time he is the same Akito, except for not getting angry quite as easily as before. Every once in a while though, according to Momiji, there is something different in his actions, especially with Tohru-san nearby."
"I see. I can't help but be concerned. I'm quite torn between things proceeding in the current manner and looking out for Tohru-kun's best interest. What if Tohru falls for him and then he returns to the way he used to be? And another thing…where would my home be without our beautiful flower to keep it running smoothly?"
"Would you make up your mind Shigure? Do you want that to happen or do you not? I for one don't even want to contemplate it. Tohru with a broken heart is not a person I want to see. She deserves so much more than that."
"I agree, but we can't dictate a young woman's emotions. Maybe…"
"Maybe what Shigure…"
"Nothing Ha-san. It was nothing important."
"I don't believe you."
"Of course you wouldn't, you know me too well. It's just that…"
Before Shigure could continue his train of thought, Akito arrived. The garden became extremely quiet as the young man walked into view. He was followed closely by Kenobi and Kureno, their arms full of packages.
What in the world… Shigure and Hatori looked at each other and at Akito.
Tohru hurried across the garden to greet him. "Akito-san, welcome. Please come sit down and rest, I will bring you a cup of tea."
"Thank you Tohru-san, I think I will. Please show Kureno and my driver where to put the gifts I have brought."
"Akito-san, this is wonderful, I'm sure we will enjoy opening these gifts later. I will show them where to put them and then bring you your tea."
"That will be welcome."
Tohru guided Akito to the nearest tent and a comfortable chair. "I will be back in a minute. Come with me please Kureno-san, Kenobi-kun."
The two men followed Tohru into the house where she directed them to put the packages under the tree. She then returned to Akito with a cup of hot tea. "Hai, Akito-san. Please warm yourself."
Yuki and Kyo stood together and watched as Tohru greeted Akito. "Why did Shigure invite him," Kyo said in a sullen tone of voice.
"I have no idea," Yuki replied. "Perhaps because to not invite him is suicide."
"Look at that. Why is Tohru giving him so much attention?"
"She is Tohru after all," Yuki said in a neutral tone.
Kyo nodded his head. Yuki was right of course. Tohru was just being herself, but why she should waste the effort on someone such as Akito, he had no idea.
"Continue as you were," Akito said with a grand gesture.
The murmurs and laughter gradually resumed. People quickly recovered from the shock that Akito-san had actually attended an event not being held at Sohma House.
"Uo, Hana," Tohru called, " come meet Sohma Akito-san. He's the head of the Sohma family." Uo and Hana approached. Hana did so very slowly. "He has dangerous waves" she said to Uo just before they moved within earshot.
"Akito-san, these are my best friends, Uotani Arisa-san, and Hanajima Saki-san. We have been best friends since middle school. Uo-chan, Hana-chan, this is Sohma Akito-san."
Akito nodded his head. "How do you do, It's a pleasure to meet you."
Uo replied "likewise." She looked at Kureno standing by his side with a certain amount of speculation. "Tohru, who are these other two gentleman?"
"Oh, this is Sohma Kureno and Sohma Kenobi-san."
"I am very pleased to meet you" Hana said in her most mysterious tone of voice.
"HI" Uo said easily.
"Excuse us please now, Akito-san" Tohru politely asked.
"But of course Tohru-san."
The three girls moved off into a corner of the garden. "Are all the Sohma men this gorgeous," Uo said in surprise. "Akito-san looks a lot like the prince, and the other two aren't bad either."
"I guess so. All the ones I've met are anyway," Tohru replied.
"That man in the middle, Sohma-Akito, he gives off dangerous vibes Tohru. Be careful around him."
"Yes Hana-chan, I am very careful around him. He used to scare me, but now he's my friend. Please be kind"
"For you Tohru, we will do anything"
"Oh Uo-chan, Hana-chan, Thank you."
Akito turned to Shigure. "Shigure, show me into your house. I did quite a bit of shopping today and am tired. I need a quiet place to rest for a short while."
"Of course Akito-san, My house is yours."
"Of course it is."
Momiji watched as Shigure escorted Akito into the house. "Akito is really changing. He knows his presence is making people nervous and so is moving out of the public eye. Just a few months ago he would have been happy to stay right there and watch everyone's discomfort." He turned back to Hatsuharu. "Don't you think so Haru?"
"Perhaps, Momiji. That is one interpretation you could put on this. You haven't been this optimistic about Akito-san in a long time."
"I know, but she makes me want to believe."
Hatsuharu didn't have to ask who she was, she made him a believer as well.
Hana and Uo watched Tohru as her eyes followed Akito-san into the house. It seemed their dear friend was quite happy that Akito Sohma had arrived. The two young women glanced at each other. Uo spoke up, "Tohru, why don't you go make sure the writer and his guest are comfortable. We will entertain your other guests for a little while."
"Yes, please do Tohru." Hana agreed.
"Thank you Uo, Hana. I'll be back in just a few minutes."
Kyo and Yuki had also watched Tohru as her gaze followed Akito and Shigure.
"I don't like this, not at all," Kyo muttered.
"Nor do I."
Has the damn rat left it for too long, is it too late for him to tell Tohru of his feelings? What is Akito to her now? Kyoko-san is this really okay?
Yuki turned away from Shigure's house and circulated among the many guests. Many of the people there had been his friends when he had lived at Sohma House. Besides, if she prefers to visit with Akito, who am I to say otherwise. Kagura walked over to where Kyo was watching Yuki. "Yun-kun is sad now isn't he? Do you think he's waited too long to tell Tohru how he feels?"
"I just don't know Kagura. I just don't know."
Hatsuharu came up and joined their conversation. "I understand why Yuki never told Tohru-san how he feels but now I am afraid he may never get the chance. She and Akito have become quite close. The strange thing is, she may be just the person Akito needed in his life. Even for him, she may be an irresistible force. I just hope he isn't playing her."
"Playing her, what do you men Haru?" Kyo asked with a worried gleam in his eyes.
"Think about it you stupid cat. What would one of the best ways to hurt somebody be? What if Akito is only pretending to like Tohru-san and she believes it and falls for him. What if he then rejected her? What would happen then?"
Kyo thought for a moment. "We would be there for her Haru. She means too much to all of us to let her leave because of something like that."
Kagura nodded her head in agreement. "Even Shi-chan, Aya-chan, and Ha'ri-san would stand by her side."
"But it would be up to Tohru, wouldn't it? It would be her decision to stay or go. What would happen to those of us she has befriended if she should decide to go.?"
"You know, I don't think she would let that drive her away," Momiji said as he came out of nowhere.
"MOMIJI ! Don't startle me like that," Kyo said angrily as he stopped just short of hitting Momiji with his fist.
"Forgive me, but I couldn't help overhearing. I don't think Tohru would leave us for something like that. She isn't one to let bad memories and bad things discourage her. She would be sad, but she would remember all the good as well. That's what Tohru's like, you know."
Haru had to agree with Momiji's assessment. "I suppose you are right Momiji. That is what she is like."
Kagura and Kyo sighed in relief. Haru had worried them there for a moment.
Shigure wandered over to the four young juunishi. "What are you doing looking so solemn. It's Christmas Eve! Have fun, enjoy yourselves."
"Yes Shi-chan," Kagura said with an impish smile. "Kyo, let's go get something to eat, I'm starving." Kagura pulled Kyo along in her wake. He looked back over his shoulder and shrugged in resignation. Shigure noted just a hint of a smile on the young man's face. Perhaps Kagura would get her fondest wish someday. She had mellowed out a bit as she spent time with Tohru.
The day passed quickly. After the surprise of Akito actually showing up, things did settle back down enough that everyone enjoyed himself or herself. Dinner was served at 8:00 and everyone began leaving for home. By 10:00 the only people remaining were Akito, Kyo, Tohru and the twelve juunishi. Even Rin had come this time as Shigure had delivered her invitation in person. Hana and Uo left a little earlier in the evening after they and Tohru exchanged Christmas gifts and now it was time to open the many gifts glittering under Shigure's tree. The living room was a little crowded but Tohru brought in extra cushions and everyone was able to find a place to sit.
Tohru's sparkling eyes got larger and larger as the gifts piled up around her seat. Momiji, who had quickly assumed the role of Santa's elf, was having a wonderful time passing out the gifts. There were gifts for every one, but it was evident that Tohru was the Princess tonight. "Oh my, I really can't accept these, this is too much" she would say every couple of minutes. Finally all the gifts were distributed and it was time to begin opening them.
Akito slowly stood up and every eye turned toward the Sohma head. "Since everyone is here at this time, I have an announcement I would like to make. This year I have a special invitation to issue for the New Year's celebration at Sohma House. Miss Tohru Honda, you are invited to Sohma house for New Year's. All events will be open to you except for the Zodiac banquet. Of course you will come."
The room was quiet as every eye turned to Tohru.
"Do you mean it, am I really invited? Oh, I accept. This is so exciting. Thank you for your kind regard Akito-san. I am already looking forward to it." Mom, can you believe it? Akito-san has invited me to Sohma house for the New Year.
The room erupted in excited chatter that amounted to a cheer of approval. Akito sat down once more, the expression in his blue eyes hidden by the dark fall of his hair. I did not anticipate such excitement at my invitation to her. What is so special about her? There is something, there has to be or they would not all care so much for her. And even stranger, she cares about me as well. I really don't understand nor do I have any idea why I decided to invite her. Why did I break my own rule? Outsiders have never been allowed to participate in the Sohma New Year, why now, why her?
The gifts were all opened and Tohru was wide-eyed with astonishment. Every one of the Juunishi had given her a very special gift. She gazed at the dark blue kimono embroidered with gold and silver birds. "Akito-san this is so lovely, are you sure you want me to have it?"
"Tohru-san, why would it have been given to you if I didn't want you to have it?"
The juunishi, except for Momiji, all looked at each other in surprise. When did Akito start addressing her as Tohru-san?
Shigure sat back and took in the atmosphere. Life was becoming more and more interesting every minute. He looked at Yuki and saw an unexpected sadness in his eyes. The rat was so used to thinking of the cat as an idiot, perhaps he should consider himself an idiot for never telling Tohru-kun of his feelings. Tohru had been watching Akito closely all night. Shigure wasn't quite sure what to make of it. Was it for real, or was it just an act the Sohma head was putting on to fool everyone and lull their suspicions before his next cruel edict? Somehow, this time, Akito's new attitude seemed to be the real thing.
"Shigure-san, it's snowing" Tohru joyful exclamation caught everyone's attention."
Shigure smiled, if Akito changed for anyone, it would be Tohru-kun or someone similar to her.
7
