Chapter Five: A Most Gracious Offer

Tohru Honda unwrapped the book covers from her books and discarded them into the trash. It was the second to last day of High School for the upper classmen and Miss Mayuko had given them the morning off to do any last minute preparation for the graduation ceremonies that would take place a day from then. Uo and Hana both sat back down with Tohru and looked over their exam grades.

"So Hana how did you do?" Uo teased a little.

"Oh" Hana shrugged not really caring either way, "I'll graduate."

"Are you certain?" Uo replied amused.

"Yes" Hana nodded, "How did you do Tohru?"

"I did very well" Tohru smiled, "Thanks to Yuki and Kyo."

"By the way where is Orange top this morning?" Uo said, "And the Prince isn't here either."

"Oh I think they're finishing up on their project" Tohru explained.

"Project?" Uo replied leaning back in her chair comfortably, "Oh yea. They were picked for that weren't they? Have you found out what that is all about yet?"

"Not yet" Tohru shook her head, "They've been very secretive about it."

"Well whatever it is, I'm sure it must be good if the Prince is in charge of it."

"Mhm" Tohru nodded, "Yuki does take pride in his work. So does Kyo."

"I wasn't trying to rag on him or anything" Uo looked at her apologetically.

"I know" Tohru smiled, "I need to finish uncovering my books" she replied walking back over to the side of the room where her books were sitting.

(Next Scene)

Meanwhile in the auditorium Yuki was covering a very large something or other with a sheet while Kyo was taking handprint samples from several seniors.

"Thanks" Kyo replied to the student as he finished, "Next!"

"So what are you doing this for Kyo Kyo?" one of his friends asked as Yuki walked over with Kakeru not far behind.

"None of your business" Kyo said a little tired, "You'll see on Graduation day. Just put your hand in the ink and put your hand print on this."

"You got it" his friend smiled doing as he asked.

"Looks like everything is coming together Yun Yun" Kakeru smiled.

"Looks like it" Yuki nodded slowly.

"How many more you got?"

"Just the last three in line, then you, me and Kyo."

"Okay then" Kakeru said, "Let's finish this up."

Kyo finished with the last three and then closed the inkpad.

"Thanks" he replied warily with a sigh.

Yuki and Kakeru walked over. Kakeru was smiling, as he looked at all the handprints.

"Nice job Kyo" he said, "I must say that putting you and Yuki on this project together was really a brilliant idea."

"Uh yea right" Kyo replied, "Can we finish this up? I'm getting tired."

"I tell you what Kyo" Yuki said, "Why don't we all do our handprints and then you let me and Kakeru handle the rest of it."

"What?" Kyo raised an eyebrow.

"Go be with Miss Honda" Yuki insisted.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes I'm sure" Yuki nodded fervently.

"Okay" Kyo sighed again along with a small yawn, "I'll do it first."

After he was done he strode out of the auditorium and Kakeru dipped his hand in the ink.

"Is he okay Yuki?" Kakeru asked as he finished, "It doesn't look like he's been sleeping very well. Yuki?" Kakeru looked at his friend in confusion because he wasn't responding.

Instead Yuki just gazed at the doorway that Kyo had just departed from and sighed himself. Then without another word he placed his hand in the ink and put his handprint on the paper.

"Okay Kakeru" Yuki replied, "Let's get these on the thing."

"Yes sir" Kakeru nodded seriously.

(Next Scene)

That afternoon just like lately Kyo departed school heading in the direction of the dojo. Tohru and Yuki watched as he left and Tohru's face dropped a little. Yuki noticed it and took her hand gently.

"Come on Miss Honda. Let's go home" he replied.

"Yea. I have to get ready for work."

"Um do you really think it's wise going to work tonight? I think it would be better if you took off tonight. In fact I think it would be for your best interest that you take off until after you graduate."

"But I have to go tonight" Tohru replied, "Momiji's father wants to see me. I'm not sure what for but I promised I'd be there."

"In that case, allow me to walk you there" Yuki said with sad eyes.

"Okay" she nodded trying to smile.

(Next Scene)

When Haru finally arrived at the dojo he found Kyo already taking a break from his workout. He could see on his cousin's face just how tired he was. He shook his head sadly as he walked into the room.

"Kyo" he replied.

"You're late" Kyo said gruffly.

"I'm sorry. I had to finish my homework."

"No" Kyo shook his head, "Forgive me. I didn't mean to be so rough."

"It's okay" Haru sat down next to him, "People always are when they are under a great deal of stress. How are you doing?"

"I'm okay" Kyo shrugged, "I have one more night to work out and then the final night I'm spending the night with my Master."

"At his house? Why?"

"I can't" Kyo said and then sighed, "I don't want her to see me like this anymore. Especially the night before. I'll spend as much as the Graduation ceremony with her but afterwards I'm coming back here."

"Do you really think that's the best thing Kyo?"

"Yes I do" Kyo nodded, "I haven't told her yet. But I will. Tonight when I go home."

Hatsuharu sighed and leaned back.

"Enough of that" Kyo stood up, "Come on let's practice."

"Kyo" Haru shook his head, "You're overdoing it. You don't have to do this."

"Yes I do" Kyo said firmly, "Let's go."

"Okay" Haru replied relenting and following Kyo back to the practice ring.

From where he stood Kazuma frowned. He saw the weariness and worry in Kyo's eyes. He shook his head as he crossed his arms.

"If only there was another way" he thought to himself, "Another way that my son wouldn't have to suffer anymore" he closed his eyes.

(Next Scene)

Hideto Sohma stared at the clock on his desk as he scribbled a last minute note. Suddenly he heard a knock sound on his door.

"Come in!" he called.

"You wanted to see me sir?" Tohru asked as she stuck her head in.

"Yes" his face lit up at once, "Miss Honda come in. Please take a seat."

"Oh thank you" she said a bit nervously but sat down across from him.

"So" he folded his hands casually, "You graduate soon don't you?"

"Yes on Friday" she nodded her head with a smile.

"I thought so. Momiji told me all about it. Are you excited?"

"Oh. Uh huh" she nodded again.

"That's good. Listen Miss Honda I know that I said I wanted to see you after the holidays, but a lot of things came up. I apologize for that."

"Oh no sir. That's all right. I'm sure they were important. But I do wonder what it is you need me for?"

"Tell me Tohru, after High School. What are your plans?" he stood up and walked over to his window to close the blinds.

"Oh? What do you mean?"

"Job wise? What do you plan to do?"

"Well officially my plan was to continue working here. I hope that's not a problem?"

"No not at all. I just don't think the position that you're in is very appropriate."

"Huh?"

"Miss Honda you're an excellent worker. You're bright, you're young. I don't really like the idea that such a lovely young lady such as yourself is working these types of hours. But" he sat back down, "I don't want to lose you either."

"I don't understand."

"This is the thing. About a month from now my secretary will be leaving me to move to another part of the country. At the moment I have no replacement, and I was kind of hoping that you might like the position."

"Me?" she replied stunned.

"Mhm" he nodded his eyes shining much like Momiji's when he was excited.

"But I don't know anything about being a secretary" she began to protest and freak out.

"It's very simple Tohru" he replied with a smile and a chuckle, "She leaves in a month. She can train you in her position and I know you can do it. I have every bit of faith that you can."

"How do you know?"

"Because you are a very hard worker. And I need someone like that on my staff. And Momiji highly recommends you as well. Besides" he paused, "I like you Tohru. I think you are a very special girl and for all you have done for my son this is the least I can do for you."

"But Mr. Sohma" she said slowly, "Surely there are other people out there who would be much more suited for this job. I don't deserve it."

"What makes you think that?"

"I just don't. I really appreciate the offer but I'm not sure I could do it."

"I have every bit of faith that you can. Besides like I said before I don't want to lose you. Of course it is entirely up to you. You can stick with the job that you have. But I would definitely insist that you take this one. It's much more pay and you won't have to work nights anymore."

"That is a plus" she nodded, "But I don't know. I mean it sounds like a wonderful opportunity."

"Not only that. I would consider you a very important person on my staff. You'll get the training you need from my secretary and then you would start the month she leaves. Come on what do you think? Will you work for me?"

Tohru sat there a few moments and thought long and hard. Her mom had been a cleaning woman and became a secretary. And it was a good opportunity for her and she was certain that Kyo would definitely be behind this idea, that is if he won his freedom.

"Mr. Sohma" Tohru replied standing up, "When do I start?"

"Really?" he replied, "Are you certain?"

"Mhm" she nodded with a smile, "Thank you so much" she bowed her head.

"No Miss Honda" he shook his head taking her hand gently, "Thank you. As of right now you do not need to come back to work until two weeks."

"What?"

"That's right" he nodded showing her to the door, "In two weeks you can start your training. Until then" he winked, "I don't want to see you at this building at all do you understand?"

"Yes sir" she smiled as he opened the door, "Goodnight."

"Good night Miss Honda" he called back, "Safe walk home."

When Tohru walked outside she was surprised that she had an escort waiting.

"Momiji?" she replied stunned.

"Hey there" he grinned with his hands behind his back, "So Tohru what's the answer?"

"Huh?"

"Did you say yes?"

"Mhm" she nodded her head with another smile.

"Yea!" he cheered embracing her tight and spinning her around, "All right!"

She laughed as they walked home and Momiji told her all the things that had been happening with him and Andie since the Hot Springs trip.

(Till Next Time)

Authors Note: Okay! Once again I find myself needing another chapter for this book, so you will get three chapters today instead of two! Hope you liked it and that I finally answered the questions about Momiji fathers's question to Tohru.

Next Chapter: Keeping a Promise

The Big day has finally arrived. Tohru and the Sohmas graduate!!!