Author's Notes: Maruken your entry made me blush "This is one of the best written pieces of fiction I have EVER had the honor of reading. Thank you EVER SOME MUCH for this rare opportunity to
gaze upon such a brilliantly crafted masterpiece."
I am sure you exaggerate but I do hope you enjoyed the story half as much as this seems to indicate.I would have e-mailed you but since I didn't have an e-mail address I had to say thanks in this manner. By the way, have we met...I'm not quite sure how you would figure out that I am a terrific mom otherwise -smile-
Na-chan, another anonymous reviewer...I am really glad you like my story thus far. Thank you.
To everyone else that reviewed. Hopefully I remembered my manners and sent you a thank you via e-mail. If I didn't, please forgive me. Thank you very much kyo's little koneko, drifted stars, liviania, Dark Inu Fan, SheWolfe, nightfall, kairi-chan, and celesmoon.
Now for my next chapter...It got away from me. It took on a life of its own. I wrote lines I never anticipated coming up with. I read and reread it and I have to admit I like this chapter. Now the real acid test...will those who read this chapter like it? I do hope so.
Chapter 19 Another Graduation Party
The final six weeks between Valentine's and graduation passed by all too quickly. Soon the exams were taken and graduation day was almost here for Momiji and Hatsuharu. Momiji and Haru were ecstatic to finally be graduating. The two boys together were planning on attending the Cherry Blossom Festival to be held the day after graduation and had been trying to make sure that everyone important got an invitation. It was to be a happy occasion because not only were they graduating, but also the two of them along with Yuki and Kyo would all begin the final cram school studies for Tokyo University entrance exams the Monday after the festival. Hatori had volunteered to close the clinic for graduation and the festival so that Tohru might attend with her friends. He knew she was feeling a little on the outside because it seemed everyone would be going away to Tokyo U except for herself. Of course Hiro and Kisa would still be around, but he and Tohru were both certain the four boys and Kagura would all pass their exams and gain admittance to the University.
"Hatori-san, isn't it wonderful that the five of them will all be at Tokyo University together. I was really surprised and happy when Kagura told me she is taking the exams and I am sure she will be admitted as well. I know she's doing it because she wants to be close to Kyo, but I am so pleased for all of them. I shall miss them of course, but there are always the holidays and seasonal breaks. This is so exciting!"
Hatori grinned at her enthusiasm. "Yes it is very nice, but I must admit I am glad that I am not going to lose my assistant. Are you sure you are okay with staying here? You know you could get a job in Tokyo and go with them. I would guess that the main house would provide the funds to rent a house so you could all stay there together."
"Do you really think I might, Hatori-san? I never considered that possibility. But then, what would you do here all by yourself? And Shigure-san, what would he do? I think I will stay here. I'm happy with my life as it is. I have already learned so much more than I ever thought I would and I have been so happy with you and the rest, and Uo and Hana are nearby as well as Grandfather and my aunt and cousins. I don't think I will go to Tokyo, Hatori-san."
Hatori looked at her with an intent gaze. "Are you sure about this Tohru-san?"
Tohru looked down at the ground in sudden embarrassment. "There is one other reason Hatori-san although I don't know if I should say what it is. If I should go away to Tokyo, I would miss him very much. I really don't want to leave here and not see him every day" she admitted slowly.
"Him? I assume you are talking about Akito-san."
"Hai, we have become such good friends and I would miss him very much if I were to move."
"I understand Tohru, I think he would miss you as well. Outside of some of our family members, no one else has been allowed as close to him as he has allowed you to become. I think he may have been too sheltered and too secluded as he was growing up. He didn't have a lot of opportunity to meet other people and tutors conducted all of his studies here at Sohma house. It was a fortunate circumstance that brought you into our lives."
"You are too kind Hatori-san. Thank you though. I have tried to be useful and help where I can."
"And you have Tohru-san." More than you will ever know.
The last few days leading up to graduation were suddenly spent and Tohru, Yuki and Kyo found themselves once more on their old high school grounds. A lot had happened in the year since their graduation and even bigger changes loomed on the horizon.
The three of them arrived at the school a couple of hours before the ceremony was to begin. They visited all of the old places where they used to hang out and talk and ended up on the roof.
"This is still my favorite place of all," Kyo smiled reminiscently. "It did get awfully crowded with cats every once in a while though."
"But the neko-san were all so cute!"
Kyo bopped Tohru lightly on the head. "Only you would think so!"
"Yes, we did spend quite a lot of time up here, didn't we? The three of us and Momiji and Hatsuharu often met here to talk about different things and to make plans. It is strange to realize that four of the five of us will most likely be together again in a new school. Tohru-san, are you quite sure that you will not go to Tokyo with us if we do succeed?" Yuki asked. There was a great deal of longing in his eyes if only she would interpret it.
Kyo noted the expression, but Tohru chose to be oblivious. She can still be such a space cadet. Anyone else would realize how much Yuki cares.
"No, I don't think that is the place for me, Yuki-kun. I will miss you and Kyo-kun very much but you will be home at holidays and school breaks. We will always be together in our hearts, but we have different paths to walk right now."
"Yeah, and I say one of them had better take us down to the auditorium, the ceremony starts in five minutes!"
"Oh! I didn't realize we had spent so much time up here." The three climbed down the ladder from the roof and raced to the auditorium. Kyo and Yuki each had one of Tohru's hands so she could keep up with them. They made it with two minutes to spare. Tohru was breathless with laughter. It had been a while since she had been half carried and half dragged anywhere with the two boys.
"There is Shigure, it looks like he saved spaces for us. She looked around and spotted Akito sitting in the row in front of Shigure. Look, Akito-san is already here."
Kyo noted the sparkle in Tohru's eyes as she saw Akito and he glanced over at Yuki. The rat was putting his best face on the situation, but he was hurting.
"Yes, there he is Tohru-san. Would you like to sit with Akito? It looks like there is an extra seat there beside him."
Stupid rat, what does he think he is doing? He's practically shoving her into Akito's lap. If I loved someone, I wouldn't be that stupid!
"No, that's okay, I'll sit with you and Kyo-kun." Tohru replied.
The three approached the Sohma section of the audience and started to slip into the row flanked by Shigure and Kazuma. Akito turned at their approach. "So you three are here. You are almost late. Tohru-san would you like to join me here?" he said gesturing to the empty seat beside him.
"Thank you Akito-san, but I think I will sit here in the seats Shigure-san has been so kind to save for us."
"Suit yourself" and he turned back to face the front. One day soon Miss Tohru Honda, I will be first in your life before Yuki and before him.
Shigure watched the set of Akito's shoulders as he turned back to face the front. Uh oh! He is quite angry at the moment…Has he truly changed enough?
Akito was furious. I offer that stupid girl a seat here by me and she chooses to sit with them! I do hate her, I truly do! And then another thought insinuated itself into his head. You don't hate her, this is called jealousy. Jealous, me? That's ridiculous.
Throughout the whole ceremony Akito continued to fume. How dare she…she's such an ugly girl… You are lying to yourself…I could care less…. You are lying to yourself…I…I…don't know.
By the end of the ceremony, his temper had not cooled. There is no way she is riding with him and my dear Yuki.
A luncheon was planned in honor of the graduates and Akito schooled his features to an expressionless mask. She will pay!
Akito had reserved a private room at the exclusive country club in which Momiji's father was a member. It would be an exciting banquet for all and Momiji was especially excited. His father had made sure his mother would be there for the party. Even if she didn't remember him, at least he would know she had been present for his graduation. Momo would be there as well. In a sense he would be sharing the day with his whole family.
As they entered the limos waiting to escort them, Akito ordered Momiji, Hatsuharu, and Tohru to ride with him in his limo. He put Yuki, Kyo, and Kagura in a second limo with Kureno and let the others decide where to ride for themselves.
"Momiji-kun, Hatsuharu-san, isn't this wonderful? I always feel so safe when Kenobi-kun is driving. Akito-san, thank you for allowing us to ride with you." Tohru's whole demeanor portrayed her happiness with the arrangement.
"My pleasure, Honda-san." His icy tone made it sound like it was anything but a pleasure. In her excitement Tohru didn't even register the fact that he had reverted to calling her by her family name.
"Honda-san, you will sit here with me. Momiji, Hatsuharu, you may take the other seats."
"Hai Akito-san." The two boys answered at the same time and looked at each other.
For the duration of the trip, Akito talked to Hatsuharu and Momiji about their future plans and wished them luck in qualifying for Tokyo University. He totally ignored Tohru.
Tohru felt the chill emanating from Akito but had no clue what she had done to upset him. Oh Mom, I'm not sure what he is unhappy about, but I hope we are still friends. She sat at his side and listened quietly to the conversation. In time she felt he would tell her what was disturbing him. He had become very adept at letting her know when he was displeased. She also knew when he was pleased. Right now he was angry, but she didn't really believe he would stay that way. Mom, since he isn't talking to me, he is taking a real interest in Momiji-kun's and Haru-san's plans for their future. I think this is a very good thing. I am very happy for Momiji and Hatsuharu. Though, I do wonder why he is angry with me…
Akito would glance at Tohru from the corner of his eyes every so often. He was even more frustrated that the only expressions on her face were a smile and an interest in the conversation. Doesn't the stupid girl realize she has angered me…she should be scared, shouldn't she? That little inner voice mocked him. This is Tohru-san, has she ever let your anger scare her away? She's accepted your every mood…who is really stupid one?
Momiji watched the two of them and had to stifle an occasional chuckle. Akito didn't realize how open his expression was right now. He looked at Haru to see if the ox was thinking the same thing. The twinkle in Haru's eyes confirmed that he was.
Hatsuharu couldn't quite believe it. Akito was showing every sign of being jealous and ignoring Tohru in his haughtiest manner. Tohru, however, was letting his foul temper bounce off of her and not allowing it to upset her. Tohru-san accepts the fact that he is angry, but she also seems to feel that he won't stay that way. Is she very foolish or very brave? What an interesting situation…perhaps Akito is human after all.
They finally arrived at the club. "Please excuse us Akito-san. Papa has bought me a sailboat for my graduation present and I want to go take a quick look at it. Do you mind? Haru, why don't you come with me, I know you'll like it too." Momiji gestured toward the Marina where there were several luxury yachts tied up.
Akito nodded his head in assent and the two boys ducked out of sight.
"Momiji, that was too funny for words. Did you see Akito? And Tohru acting as if nothing was out of the ordinary. He must be so frustrated right now…He probably doesn't even realize she knows what is going on. He thinks she's totally oblivious to his mood…"
"I know…you do have to admit that his misunderstanding is logical. Tohru-kun can be clueless at times…just not this time. This time Akito is clueless"
The two collapsed on the sand shaking with laughter. "Haru, I really can't believe it, Akito really does have a heart! He is so jealous right now. I never would have expected this to happen."
"Nor I." After about five minutes they had their laughter under control.
"Haru, we better go before we are missed."
"Yeah, you are right. It wouldn't do for the guests of honor to miss their party. I'm sure he would be angry with us then…I'm not sure I have as much courage as Tohru-san."
"Besides, Momma and Momo are there. Let's hurry back."
The two young men returned to the club and joined the banquet that was already in process."
"Momiji-kun, it's about time you showed up at your own party." Momiji's dad smiled down at him. His mother and Momo flanked him on either side.
"I'm sorry, but I wanted Haru to see my graduation present. Thank you all for coming to our party." Momiji bowed gallantly to the family he knew he couldn't claim.
Tohru watched him from where she was seated by Akito's side. Momiji, you must be both happy and sad today.
"Akito-san please excuse me. I wish to have a word with Momiji."
"Of course, Honda-san." Tohru looked at him for just a moment. For a second hurt was evident in her expression but then it disappeared. Akito wasn't even sure if it had been there so could take no satisfaction in the moment.
"Momiji," Tohru came over to the young man. "I am so glad that you came back. This is a wonderful place for a party." She turned to Momiji's father, "Sohma-san, thank you and thanks to Akito-san as well for providing such a wonderful place."
"It was the least I could do Miss Honda. Momiji-san here is very special to me and he is learning about my business so he can help me after he graduates."
"That's wonderful. Momiji-kun, you didn't tell me you were working with him now. No wonder you haven't been at the clinic with Hatori-san as much."
Tohru and Momiji walked away from the family he loved.
"Thank you Tohru. That was harder than I thought it would be to see all of them together like that and to know that Momma and Momo don't even know me as a part of their family." His large brown eyes glistened with unshed tears.
"I had a feeling you might feel this way Momiji-kun, but you are facing your memories and you will overcome the hurt and be stronger."
Momiji smiled at Tohru. "Tohru, you always manage to say the right thing. Thank you. I will become stronger."
"You are already one of the bravest people I know Momiji-kun."
Akito watched the two of them and his anger simmered even hotter. Stupid girl!
"Excuse me Momiji, I think I better go talk to Akito. He still looks like he might be angry with me and I don't really understand why. I think he will tell me in a little while though"
Momiji watched Tohru return to Akito's side. Poor Yuki and poor me. She really doesn't know how much she means to the both of us. The rabbit glanced over to where Yuki was watching the drama between Tohru and Akito.
Hatsuharu gravitated to Yuki's side. "Yuki, are you okay with this?"
Yuki looked at Haru. "With what Haru?"
"This whole development between Tohru and Akito. You still love her don't you? Does it hurt Yuki?"
Yuki thought about lying to Haru, but knew it wouldn't do any good. The ox always knew when he was lying. "I would be a liar if I said it didn't hurt Haru, but it is her choice. I do love her, I guess I always have and probably always will…but maybe he deserves something good to happen to him. I don't know." Yuki paused for a moment, but the emotion could not be held at bay. "Why, Haru, why would she fall in love with someone like him?"
"Tohru-san is Tohru-san. I think that is the only answer I can give Yuki."
Yuki nodded and turned back to his plate. He was barely touching his food, but he made a pretense of eating.
Kyo watched from across the table. The damn rat was really having a hard time. He looked to the head of the table where Tohru was once again at Akito's side. Kyoko-san, I have to keep asking, is this really okay?
Akito watched the emotions on the features of his juunishi and realized that he was gaining his revenge. The hurt on his Yuki's face and the distress on the Cat's face should be vindication for him. He looked at the others, they all looked disturbed to one degree or another. Why didn't this make him happier? He was succeeding but the revenge didn't seem nearly as sweet as he had believed it would. He looked at Tohru still sitting by his side although he was treating her so harshly. Why didn't she recoil from him, why didn't she go sit somewhere else?
Tohru caught Akito looking at her and gave him one of her sweetest smiles. "Akito-san, would you like to go see the gardens? I hear they are beautiful here." She had been waiting for a chance to pull him aside since the graduation ceremony. She really needed to know why he was angry with her.
"No, Honda-san, I do not wish to view the gardens."
Her big sea green eyes began to glisten wetly, "As you wish Akito-san."
He sighed. Why did her sadness affect him so?
"Honda-san, don't cry. I don't think I can stand that. Come, we will walk after all." He got up and assisted her from the chair.
Tohru looked at him, sudden hope on her face. "Do you mean it Akito-san?"
"Of course I do. Let's go."
Several pair of eyes watched them as they exited through the arbor door. Those who watched reflected varying emotions. Some watched in distress, some in curiosity, and some in amazement. Shigure watched with satisfaction. Yuki was a dear cousin, but Akito needed her more. The Sohmas needed Akito to learn the lesson that only Tohru could teach him. She really deserved better he knew, but he couldn't help feeling it was necessary. She was in no physical danger, but he did fear she would be hurt again. Please kami-sama; don't let Akito break her.
Ayame decided he would add some life to the party and requested the band play an old drinking song. His enthusiasm was contagious and most of the people present were caught up in it. The mood became lighter within five minutes of Ayame's dramatics. For once, Hatori decided not to rein in his ebullient friend. Everyone needed a little bit of lightheartedness after the drama of the first part of the banquet.
He looked over at Shigure and frowned. The dog was acting way too pleased about something. What was his friend thinking? For once Hatori found himself wondering if he really knew Shigure at all. The writer had changed over the years since Tohru had come to live with him Sometimes Shigure would feel remorse. It didn't seem to stop him though because he still had the dream that the curse would be lifted and he believed that Tohru was the key. But was it really worth it? Did Tohru really deserve the hurt and the pain that loving Akito would bring? She had already had so much of it in her life and Akito was at the root of a great deal of her sorrow. Would she forgive him if she knew the truth? Should she be told the truth? Hatori cringed from the thought of Tohru finding out the truth behind her mother's death. If she knew Akito's part in it, then she would discover Hatori's complicity as well. He didn't think he was ready for that. Was he a coward or was he just considering the young woman's feelings? Probably it was a little of both. Either way, he knew he would never tell her this truth, she didn't need the sorrow of betrayal to compound what she had already been through.
