Chapter Three: Making New Friends
Ritsu showed them to a very large room with a view of the mountains. Machi gazed in awe of the same thing that she had seen in Ritsu's painting the first time and had to agree that the mountains were very beautiful.
"I hope everything is to your liking" Ritsu replied.
"This is great Ritsu thank you" Yuki nodded with a smile.
"Okay I'll let you settle in. Mother said she would see you around dinnertime. So enjoy yourselves" he closed the door behind him.
"Thanks again Ritsu" Momiji called, "Well ladies what do you want to do first?" he smiled with his hands behind his back.
"Well this is a Hot Spring isn't it Momiji?" Andie replied amused.
"Why so it is. Then that's what we should be doing. Right guys?" he said to his cousins.
"Sounds good to me" Haru nodded as Kyo put his bag down.
"Mhm" Tohru agreed, "I'll show the girls to the room and we'll go get ready."
"See you girls later" Momiji replied as Tohru left with Machi, Andie, and Kisa behind her.
(Next Scene)
Tohru and the girls changed and then she led them to the hot baths. In front of them was the same one that she bathed in.
"This one's perfect" she replied to the girls as she pointed to the sign, "This one was put up specifically for those who get dizzy in the baths."
"Dizzy?" Andie said.
"Uh huh. If you're not used to the temperature of the water" Tohru explained as Kisa stepped into the water, "Then you could get dizzy. That happened to me the first time I ever came here. It's good for newcomers."
"Well thanks" Machi replied as they all stepped in and Andie agreed with a nod.
"That's very considerate of you" Andie added as she sat down.
"Thank you" Tohru smiled as she sat down next to Kisa.
"Sissy's always considerate when it comes to other peoples thoughts and feelings" Kisa said with a smile.
"Oh Kisa" Tohru blushed.
"So you two are really close aren't you?" Andie replied.
Kisa nodded while Tohru smiled.
"Yes. We really are."
"You're real close to everyone in the Sohma family" Machi said, "How did you meet them?"
"Oh it was really funny how that happened. But it's really a long story. The short of it is, I met them, found out their secret and then we just became like a family."
"You're the one who lives with them right?" Andie said.
"Mhm. For three years now."
"You're so lucky."
"I really am" Tohru agreed, "I don't know what I would have done if I had never met them. I just feel so lucky."
"It's us who are happy to have you Sissy" Kisa replied.
"Thank you Kisa. But enough about me" Tohru said, "I want to know about you guys" she turned to the other two girls across from her, "I want to know how you met them. Yuki and Momiji."
Andie and Machi looked at each other with small smiles on their faces and then Machi spoke up.
"Well I guess I should go first since we sort of already know each other."
"But I don't know you at all" Andie replied with a grin.
"Yea I know. I go to the same school as the rest of them do."
"Oh so you go to Momiji's school?"
"Mhm. I'm on the Student Council with Yuki, that's sort of how we met. But he didn't really tell me that he loved me until aboutsix monthsago."
"Mhm" Tohru nodded, "I remember. I remember having a conversation with him."
"What do you mean?" Machi frowned slightly.
"Well when he was just starting to realize his feelings for you, he was all confused and he needed to talk to someone about it. You see Yuki is like an older brother to me. He always has been. So when he didn't understand why he showed you his transformation I had to help him, but ultimately I think it was his brother who convinced him to tell you the truth."
"His brother?"
"Yea. His brother Ayame. I was so happy when the two of you got together too. All I have ever wanted was for the Sohma family to be happy. And to hear that Yuki was in love with someone, made me very happy and now I can see why."
"Huh?"
"You're a very sweet girl Machi and you make him smile. I am very glad that his has someone now, other than myself that he feels comfortable around. Someone other then me that he can confide in."
"Thanks."
"Mhm. But I don't really know all the details about how he showed you the transformation."
"Oh that. Well we were working on Student Council things one afternoon, talking about our lives, our parents, just normal stuff and he just decided that he wanted to show me. I wasn't scared at all. I mean he was just a cute little rat."
"A rat you say?" Andie spoke up, "So that's what he is."
"Uh huh. And afterwards he felt so relieved that I hadn't freaked out. I still don't know why."
"Lots of people have told Yuki in the past that showing his transformation to other people would make them hate him" Tohru explained, "I suppose that's why he's always been afraid to show it."
"How awful" Andie exclaimed, "I didn't think it was so terrible when Momiji showed me his."
"Which one is he?" Machi asked as Kisa listened in.
"He's the rabbit" Andie grinned clasping her hands together, "And he is so adorable. I mean he's adorable anyway but as a rabbit he is really quite cute."
"Yes he is" Tohru nodded with a chuckle of her own, "How did you meet him?"
"Oh well we met at the music training center where my father works. You see I also teach younger kids how to play the violin."
"Really?" Machi replied her interest peaked, "But you're so young yourself."
"Oh I know but I've been playing since I was like four. Anyway my father is Momiji's violin teacher."
"Really?" Kisa asked.
"Uh huh. And I had seen Momiji come in the first time and I thought that he was, well needless to say, really cute."
The girls giggled and then she continued.
"Anyway we met one afternoon, started spending some time together. He told me lots of things, I told him lots of things. Much in the same way you did with Yuki Machi."
Machi nodded.
"Well on Valentines Day I bought Momiji this box of chocolates and I wanted a hug from him. You know as a sign of appreciation?"
"Oh" Machi said, "I see."
"Yea well he got down after that and then he decided to tell me. Now I believed him from the start but I wanted to see his transformation so I convinced him that I didn't believe him."
"That was pretty sneaky of you" Tohru smiled.
"I know" Andie grinned sheepishly, "It was, wasn't it? Anyway he bumped into my housekeeper, I saw the rabbit and I told him that I already believed him."
"Did Momiji tell you about his past?" Tohru asked.
"Oh uh huh."
"Strange. I don't think he told anyone about that. Except for me."
"Yes he told me that too. All about his mother and his younger sister."
Tohru nodded and then Machi turned to the youngest girl.
"So are you a member of the Zodiac too Kisa?" she asked.
"Oh" Kisa looked up a little bit startled at the question, "Uh huh" she nodded, "I'm the tiger," she said in a small voice.
"Really?" Andie got excited again, "You're a cute little tiger?"
"Mhm" Kisa blushed.
"I can see why Momiji picked you for his partner Andie" Tohru laughed, "You get excited just like him."
"I absolutely adore that zest he has for life too" Andie smiled.
The girls all laughed.
(Next Scene)
Meanwhile over on the boy's side things were pretty quiet, all except for Momiji's nattering. Haru was by the side reading a book, Hiro was floating around on his back, while Kyo and Yuki had their eyes shut and were relaxing as best as they could.
"What do you think they're talking about over there?" Momiji asked as he heard the laughing.
"Who knows" Kyo shrugged.
"I might" Haru spoke up not looking up from the book, "They're probably talking about you guys."
"What?" Yuki exclaimed opening his eyes and the others following him over to Haru equally surprised, "About us?"
"What makes you think that?" Kyo asked.
"They're chicks. They talk about what they know. And boyfriends is one of them. Believe me, the topic of conversation over there right now is you guys."
"Whoa" Momiji's eyes became wide, "I sure hope Andie does me justice."
"Oh brother" Hiro said with a huff, "I'm sure glad that I don't have to worry about that."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that Hiro" Haru replied turning the page, "I'm sure Kisa is over there talking about you too."
"Huh?" Hiro said surprised as Kyo placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Welcome to the club buddy" he grinned.
"Oh boy" Hiro thought a bit disturbed.
(Next Scene)
"So Kisa" Andie replied as she leaned against a rock, "The boy you were sitting on the bus withis he your guy?"
"Oh" Kisa blushed a little, "Well sort of. Hiro and I have known each other a long time. We're very close."
"That's right" Tohru nodded.
"He's a member of the Zodiac as well isn't he?" Machi asked.
"Yes" Kisa nodded her head, "He's the sheep."
"That other boy on the bus is one too isn't he?" Andie added.
"Yes" Tohru agreed, "He's the cow."
Andie and Machi looked at each other stunned.
"I know it's hard to believe but it's true" Tohru replied when she saw the looks on their faces.
"That's why his hair is black and white like that," Machi pointed out.
"Uh huh. That's his natural hair color."
"And you're boyfriend Tohru" Andie replied, "His hair is orange. That's unusual too. What member of the Zodiac is he?"
"Oh Kyo? He's the cat of the Zodiac. Just like in the old story."
"Oh I see. You must really love him."
"Yes I do. Very much."
"You know it's been a long time since we have been in here" Machi replied, "We're gonna prune if we stay too much longer."
"You're right it has been awhile" Tohru nodded, "We should get out."
"I'll bet the boys are already out by now," Kisa said standing up after Tohru.
"Then what are we waiting for" Andie grinned following them out of the bath and back to their room.
(Next Scene)
The girls quickly got dressed and joined the boys for supper. They ate a nice leisurely meal and afterwards went to the game room to play some ping-pong. Once more Yuki beat Kyo in every game that they played. After the tenth game Kyo marched out of the room with a huff, followed closely by Tohru. Machi had run to the ladies room, so Yuki walked out of the area as well, just as Momiji got set up to play Hiro in a game, with Andie cheering for him from the sidelines. Haru was still reading his book and sat next to Kisa as she leaned on his knee, cheering for Hiro silently with a smile on her face. When Machi returned she discovered that Yuki wasn't there, so she went to look for him.
Outside Kyo and Tohru sat by the small pond, which they had sat at just a year before. Tohru leaned her head onto Kyo's and he smiled.
"Do you remember the last time we were here?" he replied.
"Mhm."
"Do you want to know what was going through my head?"
"What?"
"I was thinking, since at the time you and I weren't together how hard it was gonna be to see you leave Shigure's house" Tohru raised her head and looked at him sadly, "And how it would be for me never to look at you again. To see you."
"Oh Kyo. You even thought about me back then?"
"Of course I did. I just hadn't admitted to myself at the time that I loved you."
"I know what you mean" she nodded placing her head back on his shoulder, "I know exactly what you mean."
"And now we're together and those thoughts about youare still in my head."
"Mhm" she nodded once more as he threw a small pebble into the pond and sighed heavily.
From where he stood Yuki watched Kyo's reaction and bent his head. Then he walked to the nearby garden and sighed himself. Machi approached him silently.
"Yuki" she replied.
"Machi?" he looked back at her sadly.
"You okay?"
"No" he shook his head turning completely around, "No I'm not. Would you take a walk with me?" he held out his hand.
"Yes" she nodded taking it gently.
(Next Scene)
When Momiji hadwon two more games more then Hiro, Hiro and Kisa went off on their own saying they wouldn't be far. Hatsuharu nodded and continued to read, quite certain that they would be all right. Momiji and Andie wandered over to one of the many verandas and gazed at the night sky.
"It's so beautiful up here" Andie sighed happily leaning on the railing.
"It sure is" Momiji said softly.
"Thank you for inviting me Momiji. I really am having a wonderful time."
"I'm glad."
"Your friends are so nice and so is your family. Tohru is a real sweet girl."
"I know she's the best. Whenever I'm down going to her always makes me feel better."
Andie smiled and took his arm.
"That's good."
"Happy White Day Andie" he replied.
She smiled and looked up into his brown eyes.
"Thank you" she said laying her head on his shoulder, the soft breeze blowing her hair behind her.
(Next Scene)
Not too far sitting in a gazebo Kisa and Hiro looked at the same sky.
"I'm so glad that we came up here Hiro" she replied.
"Why's that?"
"I'm having so much fun."
"Really?"
"Mhm. Really. I'm glad that I get to spend some time with you too."
"Uh" he began to turn red, "Me too Kisa. I'm glad we're alone now anyway. I got something for you" he reached into his robe.
"What? You got something for me?" she said surprised.
"Yea" he nodded pulling out a small box, "It's your White Day Present. I got it like a month ago. But I knew you wanted to go on this trip so I decided to give it to you up here."
"Oh Hiro" she replied sweetly as he handed it to her, "Thank you" she began to unwrap it, "Oh" she gasped when she saw the hair comb, "This is beautiful."
"And it's got a butterfly on it. I know how much you love butterflies."
"Thank you Hiro. I do love it. It's so pretty" she tried placing it in her hair.
"Here let me help you" he took the comb gently placing it carefully in her hair.
Suddenly their eyes locked and he pulled away suddenly his face turning even redder.
"There you go."
"How does it look?" she asked.
"Oh it looks good" he replied nervously, "It looks good on you."
"Thank you Hiro."
"Happy White Day Kisa."
"Can I tell you something?"
"Sure. What is it?"
"It's something I've wanted to tell you for awhile. Ever since New Years."
"What?"
She leaned in and kissed his cheek, stunning completely.
"I love you Hiro."
"Huh?" he was now completely red.
"I love you," she repeated.
"You do? Really?"
"Mhm" she nodded, "Very much. I have for a long time."
"Then I guess that I should say. I mean of course I should say I love you too."
"Mhm" she nodded again and leaned her head onto his shoulder, his cheeks refusing to turn back to the pale color they had originally been.
(Next Scene)
Yuki and Machi walked deep down the path and stopped at a very wooded area.
"So what's on your mind Yuki?" she replied as they stopped, "You said something is wrong."
"Something is?" he nodded, "I mean I'm having a wonderful time with you Machi, don't get me wrong. But what's bothering me just keeps coming back" he sat down on a log.
"What is it?" she sat down next to him, "You can tell me."
"I will tell you. I'll tell you everything" he nodded again taking a deep breath, "I don't want you to be kept in the dark anymore."
For twenty minutes he told Machi everything about Akito. All the nightmares he had gone through. The red cap story and he finally ended with Kyo's transformation and the final match that was taking place. Machi held her hand over her mouth as he concluded tears stinging her eyes, because she wouldn't let them fall.
"And the stupid part is, I don't hate him. I don't even loathe him anymore" Yuki stood up as she placed her hands in her lap, "I have always believed that I'm supposed to hate him. But what if that's a lie? What if someone made me hate him, just for this reason? I'm doing my part to help with this fight, but is it enough? I can't stand watching Miss Honda suffer like this. And I know why. I think I have figured out why and who was behind the whole thing anyway."
"Akito?"
"Yes. Akito. The nightmare in my dreams. The man who haunts my every waking moment. I don't know how to describe it. But I'm tired of it" Yuki started tearing up, "I'm sick of it. All my life I've thought one thing, and it turns out it's not true. I want the chance to help Kyo by free. But I'm not really sure I'll ever be free myself" Yuki began to sob placing his head in his hands, "Free myself from all the pain and the suffering that I have had to endure most of my life."
"Yuki" Machi stood up as he fell to his knees holding his hands together.
"I don't want to put you through that. I don't want you to suffer. And I don't want to suffer anymore. I don't know what I am gonna do" he cried once more sobbing even louder.
"Oh Yuki" she knelt beside him, "I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere. You have suffered a long time. It's time to stop. For both of us. It's time we started living our lives, not worrying about what others think. It's time we start doing and having the life that will make us happy. Hmm?"
"You're right" he nodded, "I'm gonna do what's right. What's right in my heart. I don't carewhatAkito thinks anymore. Or my mother. I'm not gonna feel guilty for helping Kyo. Not at all. There's something I want to do, but I might transform if I do it" he looked up at her.
"What's that?"
He leaned in slowly and kissed Machi gently on her lips. Suddenly it was inevitable. He wrapped his arms around her, as the kiss became even more passionate. But no POOF sound came and when the kiss had ended, neither one was that surprised.
"I think I understand now" Yuki replied slowly.
"What?"
"When a Zodiac member goes a certain way with their feelings for another person, and it has to be a major thing, then that person is no longer affected by the curse. Miss Honda has been around us for so long, and has done so much for us. And you have done so much for me. It's when a person accepts us, that the curse no longer is a problem."
"That's a good theory" she nodded, "Do you think it's true?"
"I don't know. I mean Hatori's been in love before but it didn't happen for him. I don't know," he repeated with a shrug of his shoulder, "But I am happy."
"Why?"
"Because now I can embrace the woman I love, whenever I want."
"Oh Yuki" she smiled as they hugged once more, the stars twinkling above them.
(Next Scene)
In a small room far away from the Hot Springs, Rin sat in her bed opening a package that had just been delivered to her. Inside was a wrapped up figurine that had been her favorite as a child. She smiled as she read the message and then plopped onto her pillow, crying softly with a smile on her face.
From where he stood Hatsuharu watched the moon and smiled himself as he sighed contently.
"Happy White Day Suzu" he whispered into the wind.
(Till Next Time)
Authors Note: Well there you go! I will see you all later in the week for the next chapter!! It's a pretty long one, this one, but I hoped you enjoyed it!!!!
Next Time on Rice-Balls in a Fruits Basket:
Chapter Four: Rigorous Training
Hatsuharu puts into play Yuki's plan of action to help Kyo defeat him and meanwhile Shigure offers Tohru another deal. Find out what it is next time!!
And
Chapter Five: Keeping a Promise
The Big day has finally arrived! Tohru and the others prepare themselves to graduate!!!
