The week between Christmas and New Years flew by quickly. There was a cold snap and the snow stayed on the ground for the whole week. Yuki, Kyo, and Tohru spent their days outdoors in the snow. They built snow forts,fought snowball fights, and created snow angels. Sometime Momiji and Hatsuharu would join them and other times it would be Kisa and Hiro. In the evenings they would gather around the table to chat and play cards. More often than not Hatori and Kagura would join them at that time. It was a lighthearted time, a time of no cares and few worries. For just a few days Tohru, Kyo, and Yuki were able to forget about the upcoming separation when the boys would be leaving for Tokyo University. Tohru never doubted but that they would succeed in gaining admittance.
New Year's Eve arrived and Hana and Uo came over to help Tohru with the traditional cleaning of the house. This had become a regular event for them since Tohru had first gone to live with the Sohmas. Yuki had gotten a little more skilled at helping with the housework and Kyo managed to not get blamed for everything that went wrong…well almost at any rate. He and Uo still had a few arguments when things went awry. This year Kagura had joined them to help in the cleaning. She and Rin had already been through their small apartment and given it a thorough cleaning. With Kagura's help the house was clean in record time. There was still a while to wait before their presence was required at Sohma House.
Uo and Hana joined Tohru upstairs in her room as she began to pack her overnight bag. They oohed and aahed over her two kimonos. "Alexander-sensei and Akito-sama both have remarkable taste," Hana said approvingly.
"Yeah, just imagine, our little Tohru in traditional kimonos. She will look so lovely!" Uo winked at Hana as Tohru started to protest her compliment.
Finally Tohru was done with her packing. Hana and Uo presented her with a traditional hair ornament to wear with her kimonos and took their leave. "Happy New Year's all. See you in a few days." The two girls went home to be with their families.
Tohru returned to her room to be sure she had not forgotten anything. She opened her desk drawers and saw the journal Kyoko had written for Akito and which had been entrusted to her by Kazuma-san. She started to close the drawer back but then removed the journal. Akito had changed much in the last several months, his eyes had been so clear and open the last time she had been together with him. Perhaps New Year's would be the right time to present him with his journal from her Mom.
She sighed. She had not seen Akito since Christmas morning. She wondered if he had had a pleasant week. It had been quite a relief to know that he had not taken cold from his jaunt in the garden that day. Hatori had reassured her on that point. She had been very worried that he might. Mom, I miss our daily talks. Akito-san is so different now Mom. He seems softer, more open to friendship now. I think maybe he's started thinking more about living and less about dying. It makes me so happy!
"Tohru-kun, are you ready to go? It's time that we were leaving."
"Hai Shigure-san, I am coming."
Tohru grabbed her overnight bag and went downstairs. "I'm ready. Shall we be going?"
Tohru and the three men set off for Sohma house with Yuki carrying Tohru's case.
There was much laughter and talk on the way there. Tohru, Yuki and Kyo still seemed to have so much to say to each other. It was quite amazing. Shigure followed behind listening to the laughter. This was the way New year's was supposed to be. He knew it was going to be an interesting three days.
When the four arrived at Sohma House, a hyperactive Momiji opened the door. "Shigure, Yuki, Kyo, good evening. Tohru, come with me. Let me show you to your room. You'll be staying in Hatori's extra bedroom. It's right next door to mine. Isn't that wonderful? Yuki, Kyo, you'll be staying in Yuki's old bedroom. Akito had an extra bed moved in there yesterday."
"Why do I have to share a room with that damn rat, again!" Kyo said angrily.
"There is another option Kyo." Kyo looked over at Hatori who had just entered the hallway. "Oh yeah, what?"
"You can stay in your mother's old house."
"No thanks, I think I would prefer to put up with Yuki for three days."
"Is there no other choice, Hatori?" Yuki asked with a sigh.
"I am afraid not Yuki, not if you want to stay here in the main house. It seems we have a larger attendance than usual this time around."
"Very well, I can tolerate the stupid cat for that long, I think."
"We could always put Tohru-kun in my old bedroom The one I'm staying in for the next three days and Kyo could have the room you set aside for her…"
"NO!" from Kyo and Yuki. Shigure shook his head to clear the stars away. "Ouch…I think that was a definite no to that idea."
"Tohru, I'll show you to your room and then Sonomi-san can help you get dressed for the party tonight. Akito has assigned her to you especially for the next three days."
"oh, uh…thank you very much."
Tohru looked around her room in delight. It was done in yellows and pinks. I bet this was Kana's room when she lived here Mom.
"Sonomi-san will be here in a short while. There is a bathroom next door if you want to freshen up Tohru."
"Thank you Momiji. I'm sure I will be fine."
After taking a bath, Tohru began to comb out her hair and get ready for the event. Tonight she was going to wear the dark blue kimono given to her by Akito. Sakura-san, wherever you are, please forgive me, but I feel I must wear this kimono tonight. I think he would be upset if I didn't. Sonomi soon arrived and helped her to tie her obi and do her hair in the traditional fashions. After she finished dressing, Tohru looked in the mirror. " Sonomi-san is this really me?" Looking back at her was a lovely young woman with sparkling blue- green eyes and shining hair done up in a bun. She barely recognized herself.
"Hai, Honda-san, it is truly you."
"Thank you Sonomi-san. This is wonderful."
Sonomi bowed and left.
"Tohru, hey Tohru, it's time…"
She opened her door and shyly stepped out. Momiji stopped in mid sentence. "Wow! May I escort you down the stairs, Princess Tohru?" His eyes were wide with admiration. Wouldn't everyone be surprised when they saw Tohru looking this beautiful?
Tohru accepted Momiji's proffered arm. "Of course."
Akito stood back in the shadows where the group awaiting Tohru-san could not see him. Will she be wearing the kimono I gave her tonight? How will it look, I wonder. She is very cute, but…
He saw Tohru descending the stairs with Momiji. She was an angel in blue…he retreated down the hall and returned to his rooms. Even Sohma heads had to uphold tradition and it wasn't time for him to make an appearance, yet. He found himself a little jealous. How did the rabbit rate escorting her down the stairs? He had really expected it to be Yuki.
Yuki and Kyo were struck speechless at Tohru's appearance. This was one of the only times she had ever been seen in traditional garb.
Momiji watched the expressions on all the faces. He saw the total shock on the faces of Kyo and Yuki and grinned. He knew one of them would probably take over when they reached the bottom of the stairs, but for now the princess was on his arm. Arriving at the bottom of the stairs, Momiji bowed gracefully to Tohru and offered her to Yuki. Yuki bowed in turn and offered Tohru his arm. Tohru accepted and they proceeded into the banquet hall that was open to all.
"Tohru-san, I told you three years ago that you would be cute in a kimono. You didn't believe me then, but I think you must believe me now. You are very cute." Yuki smiled his gentle smile and Tohru returned it. Kyo followed a few steps behind the two, he had decided that he had no romantic interest in Tohru, but boy did she look terrific tonight. Kagura caught up with them as they were entering the hall. Kyo turned and stopped short. Kagura was in a lovely green kimono and she was gorgeous too. He forgot in his irritation with her at times how cute she really was. "Hey Kagura, that suits you." Kyo said with a warm grin.
It was Kagura's turn to be astonished. Kyo was actually complimenting her. He hadn't done that since they were very small children. Her face lit up with a big beautiful smile. "Thank you, Kyo-kun"
Kazuma entered the hall just behind Yuki, Kyo and the girls. He watched Kagura's face light up and smiled. Yes, his son was going to be just fine. Just then Tohru turned and saw Kagura and Kazuma.
"Kagura-chan, you are beautiful. That kimono is perfect on you!"
"Thank you, Tohru-kun. I think you look great as well."
Tohru then turned to greet Kazuma. "Kazuma-san, hello. How are you tonight?"
"I am fine Tohru-san. I must say you look wonderful in that kimono. The color suits you very well."
A slight blush stained Tohru's cheeks as she accepted his compliment. "Thank you very much Kazuma-san. Sonomi-san did a wonderful job in dressing me. I'm not sure how she did it."
"It wasn't Sonomi-san, Tohru-kun."
Tohru turned to see Shigure standing behind her. "You are our flower and our hearts' treasure Tohru-kun. It is you that make the kimono, not the kimono that makes you."
"Shigure-san…. why thank you."
Everyone began to settle into their places as it was almost time for the banquet to begin.
Tohru was seated with Yuki to her right and Kyo to her left. She was quite happy with that arrangement. It was nearly time and the room grew quiet with expectancy. Akito entered through the door at the head of the room wearing a traditional kimono in dark blue and white. He made his way to the head of the table and sat down.
"Let the banquet begin." He ordered and the food began to be passed about and the conversation started up again. Tohru watched the festivities in wonder. There were Enku singers, acrobats, and folk dancers circulating around the room for everyone's enjoyment. Yuki watched Tohru as she watched the entertainers. He felt a new appreciation for the Sohmatraditions. Akito was watching Tohru as well. Her whole face was lit with delight as she took in all the entertainers. He was still not quite sure why he had taken the action of inviting her, but she was happy and that was enough for the moment.
"Yuki-kun, isn't this wonderful! I never knew a New Year's celebration could be like this."
"Hai, Tohru-san. I had forgotten how much fun this could be."
Shigure sat with Hatori and Ayame, but his gaze was on Akito. He watched the Sohma head as he watched Tohru. Perhaps Akito was well and truly on his way to caring about someone more than himself. He watched a smile fleet across the features when Tohru clapped for an especially wonderful performance. He looked around the room and realized how many people Tohru had befriended since going to work for Hatori.
"Ha-san, don't you get jealous with all the people who migrate toward Tohru? After all, wouldn't you like to have her all to yourself in a nice quiet clinic. Just think…"
"Shut up Shigure. There are still a lot of tales I can spread among the publishing industry if you don't."
"My lips are sealed"
A smile quirked Hatori's lips as he took a sip from his cup. It was always fun when he could shut Shigure up for at least a few minutes.
The dinner came to a close around 10:30 p.m. It was time for the juunishi to go prepare for the zodiac banquet and the New Year's dance.
Tohru turned to Yuki. "Yuki-kun, I guess I'll see you later. I know you have to attend the zodiac banquet. Enjoy yourself. I'll find Kyo and we'll keep each other company. Good night."
Akito approached Tohru as the Sohmas were filtering out of the banquet hall. "Tohru-san, Good Evening."
Tohru bowed respectfully. "Good evening Akito-san. The banquet was wonderful, thank you for the invitation."
"I am sorry I did not get a chance to speak with you earlier tonight, but I did want to say hello before leaving. You are very cute tonight. That kimono suits you very well. Thank you for wearing it."
"It was given to me by you Akito-san and…well I just thought that you would like for me to wear it tonight since it was a gift from you. Uhmmm…I will see you tomorrow won't I Akito-san?"
"You can be sure of that Tohru-san. Good night."
Tohru turned and found Kyo directly to her right. "Kyo-kun, I'm really glad to see you. I'm not sure what to do with myself now that we are done eating."
"Come with me Tohru, I'll show you my favorite places in the outer compound and when the time is right, we will watch the sunrise together. I am sure Yuki will be able to join us by that time. Did you know that Rin and Ayame will be doing the dance tonight? It should be beautiful. The dance usually is."
"Kyo-kun, how do you know? You told me you were not allowed in the banquet."
"I'm not, but I know the perfect place to hide so that we can see what is going on inside. The zodiac banquet is held in a room with large windows, and if you know the right place, you can see everything."
"Kyo…"
"Don't look like that Tohru. I know what you're thinking, but you don't have to feel sorry for me. This time I'm glad I can't be there. It means I get to spend the evening with you unless you want to do something else."
"Oh Kyo, thank you. Our friendship means so much to me. I am truly happy we have know each other for so long even if we didn't realize it."
"Yeah, me too."
"Kagura-chan was beautiful tonight in her kimono wasn't she?"
"Yeah…. Hey why are you asking me that. I don't care what Kagura wears. I'd be just as happy if I didn't see her at all."
Tohru giggled. "Sure you would, Kyo-kun."
"Anyways, come on. If we don't get changed and get there soon, we'll miss the dance."
Tohru went to her room and Sonomi-san was waiting for her. Sonomi helped her unfasten the obi and then left Tohru to get dressed in some warmer clothes for her evening adventure with Kyo.For many years she had seen the cat go aloneto the place where the dance could be watched. This time he wouldn't be alone. She smiled when Tohru left her room again to rejoin Kyo. "Sonomi-san, don't wait up for me, I will not be in until after the sunrise."
"Hai, Tohru-sama."
"Sonomi-san that is too much. Have a lovely night with your family."
Kyo took Tohru's hand and led her to the place he had told her about. "This will be our secret place, Tohru. It's the best place there is to view the dance."
Tohru followed Kyo as he climbed up on the roof of one of the houses nearest the wall surrounding the inner compound. "Kyo-kun, this is wonderful, I can see so far from up here."
"Yeah, that's why I like it. See that building down there with the big windows, that's the zodiac banquet room. We should be able to see everything from here."
Tohru looked and to her amazement she could see everything that was happening. She could make out the individual features of each of the juunishi. She was sure that both she and Kyo would be able to watch the dance.
The two friends sat together and chatted as they waited for the dance to begin. "Kyo-kun, do you really dislike Kagura?"
"No, I guess not. I just hated getting beat up by her all the time. She has calmed down a lot. I think that my memory being erased after meeting Kyoko-san also made me forget how much Kagura and I liked each other when we were children. She always took the time to play with me when no one else would. I'm beginning to remember quite a lot of things I had forgotten."
"Oh Kyo-kun, that's wonderful. I'm happy for you, and I'm happy for Kagura-chan as well."
"Hey, look, the dance is starting."
"Tohru turned and watched the windows. Soon she heard the faint sound of music drifting across the open expanse and she could see Ayame and Rin dancing. Ayame's every move was graceful and flamboyant. Rin's were graceful as well, but much more subdued. It must be the difference in their personalities
The dance continued for several minutes and Tohru could only marvel at its beauty.
"Kyo-kun, thank you for bringing me here tonight."
Once the dance was ended, Kyo stretched and offered Tohru his hand once again. "Come on, let's get back to the main house. I know Yuki and probably everyone else is going to be looking for you before too long."
"Do you really think so? I think they probably have more important things to consider right now."
"Doubt it."
They returned to the main house andmade themselves comfortablein the sitting room by the fire. Tohru had gotten a little chilled as they watched the dance in the cool night air and the blaze felt wonderful. Kyo watched the fire shine on her chestnut brown hair and the sparkle in her sea-green eyes. Kyoko-san, thank you. I really feel as if I have a sister and a family to belong to.
Yuki found them in the sitting room half an hour later. He had changed out of his formal clothes and into something much more comfortable. "Tohru-san, the sun will be up soon. Shall we go find a place to watch the first sunrise of the New Year."
"Hai, Yuki-kun. Kyo-kun, you'll come too won't you."
"Of course. Hey, here's Kagura. Do you mind if I invite her to join us?"
"No please do."
Fifteen minutes later the four young people were up on the roof and the sun was just beginning to come up over the horizon.
"It's so beautiful. Mom and I always loved the first sunrise. Does everyone have their wishes ready?"
Each of the other three nodded their heads and the sky blossomed with pink, purple and orange streaksas the sun rose above the rooftops.
It was fully daylightwhen they went back to their rooms to get a few hours of sleep before the first day of the New Year went into full swing. Tohru couldn't wait to see what new joys the day would bring.
7
