Chapter Three: First Meeting

Shigure listened intently as Hatori on the other end of the phone answered his question.

"And you're absolutely sure Hari?" he asked.

"Yes. It's too soon. I'm not ready yet" Hatori replied.

"Well I understand" Shigure said, "You'll still be at the party won't you?"

"Yes" Hatori replied, "I'll be there."

"All right then" Shigure said, "I'll see you tonight. The kids are getting ready right now. We should be there in a couple of hours."

"Okay. I'll see you there. Goodbye Shigure."

"Goodbye Hari" Shigure replied as he hung up the phone.

He walked into the sitting room just as Tohru came out of the kitchen.

"Shigure" she said as he sat down.

"Mhm" he nodded.

"Do you really think that the rice-balls will be enough for tonight?"

"Oh I think so" he replied with a grin, "We all love your riceballs Tohru. The main house should provide everything else. You really didn't have to do those."

"But I wanted to do something to help out."

"As you wish. Yuki should just be about done. You should get ready."

"Your right I should" she nodded, "Kandis said she'd be here in about an hour."

"Good. Then you go get ready" he said picking up his paper, "I'll go after you."

"Mhm" she nodded with a smile departing from the room and heading upstairs.

(Next Scene)

Yuki left Shigure's house about an hour later just as Kandis arrived to go pick up Machi. He told everyone he would see them later at the party. Tohru walked into Kyo's room where he was trying to flatten his hair again, looking dejectedly in the mirror.

"Kyo what are you doing?" she giggled as she walked over.

"Trying to get my hair to behave itself" he replied, "It never wants to."

"You're acting like you're nervous about this," she said taking the comb gently from him and brushing his hair.

"No I'm not really. It's just you look nice tonight, and even it's though it's casual dress I still want to look my best."

"Mhm" she nodded finishing, "I understand."

"By the way where did you get that outfit?" he asked as he looked back into the mirror and smiled because his hair was how he liked it.

"Oh. Uo and I went out shopping for some new outfits when she got invited to the party. So I took some of the money out of my savings account, just like you suggested to."

"About time you did something for yourself" he grinned turning around, "Wait a minute the Yankee's coming? Who did she get invited by?"

"Kureno."

"Oh right. You told me about that. That they met each other."

"Yes but what I didn't tell you is that they both admitted that they loved each other. Just recently."

"Well a lot was going on last month. I don't blame you for forgetting. Any way the outfit looks good on you."

"Thanks" she smiled.

"Tohru! Kyo!" Shigure called, "Are we ready?"

"We'll be right down!" Kyo called back, "Shall we?" he held out his arm.

She smiled again and took his arm as he led her down the stairs and to the hallway where Shigure and a very enthusiastic Kandis were waiting.

(Next Scene)

Hatsuharu waited at the main gate of Sohma house. The first people he spotted coming in were Momiji and his date Andie.

"Good evening you guys" he grinned as they approached.

"Hatsuharu?" Momiji said surprised, "What are you doing standing at the gate?"

"I'm the official greeter tonight, not to mention the musical entertainment. Go on in. Not many people are here yet. Nice seeing you again Miss Sullivan" he bowed his head as they both walked past and Yuki and Machi arrived, "Good evening Yuki. Miss Kuragi."

"Haru? What are you doing here at the main gate?" Yuki asked.

"As I just told Momiji" Haru said shutting his eyes briefly as he crossed his arms, "I am the official greeter tonight. Your brother is already here Yuki."

Yuki grimaced a little as Machi looked at his reaction.

"Really?"

"Yep. And he's been asking for you. So I would go on in there and get it over with."

"Let's go Yuki" Machi urged, "I would like to meet your brother."

"You say that now, but just you wait" Yuki warned her, "By the way Haru where's Rin at?"

"She's not coming" Haru's face fell a little.

"Huh? She's not?"

"No" Haru shook his head; "Her doctor thought it would be best if she stayed there, so I'm solo tonight" he grinned a little, "That's why I am the musical entertainment tonight too."

"Oh. Well I'll see you inside" the both of them walked into the main courtyard where Momiji and Andie greeted them.

"Okay" Haru nodded and sighed.

Uo was the next to arrive. Hatsuharu was a bit confused at first.

"Hey" she waved.

"Miss Uotani" he replied, "What are you doing here?"

"She's with me," Kureno said as he arrived at the gate to greet her.

"Good evening Kureno" she smiled and blushed as she saw him.

"You look nice Arisa" he grinned handsomely back, "I'm glad you could make it. Come on in."

"Thanks" she nodded and then turned to Hatsuharu, "See you inside."

"Yea. Sure" Haru scratched his head, "Kureno and Miss Uotani. Huh. It is a small world after all."

"Good evening Hatsuharu!!" Kagura's voice rang out as she came over.

Haru stared back at her in surprise because standing beside her on both sides of her were two boys. One was a little taller then her and they both had dark black hair.

"Because you gave up your ticket tonight Haru I brought two dates with me" she grinned.

"I can see that."

"This is Raiu," she pointed to the tall one on her left, "And Kenji."

"Hello" they both bowed their heads.

"Go on in" Haru instructed.

"I'll be right behind you boys!" Kagura called as they walked on in.

"Kagura do they know about the Zodiac curse?" Haru asked his eyes became wider.

"Mhm" she grinned, "But I told them both that if they ever told anyone I would beat the crap out of them. They've seen the way I hit guys, so they were more than accommodating" she laughed, "Besides I couldn't decide which one to bring tonight. They are both so sweet" she clasped her hands together her eyes twinkling, "And very gentlemanly. So thanks again for you ticket" she smiled as she walked into the gates, Haru still staring at her thoroughly confused.

"She's in love with Kyo for so long" he said out loud, "And then she shows up one day with two guys for a date. I will never understand her" he shook his head.

"Never understand who?" Kyo asked from behind.

"Oh" he spun around with a smile on his face, "Good evening Kyo. Tohru."

"Hello Hatsuharu" she replied back with a smile.

"Hey" Kyo nodded.

"You'll see what I mean when you get inside. Oh good evening Shigure" he said when he spotted the novelist right behind them.

"Good evening Hatsuharu" Shigure said with a grin as Kandis walked up next to him.

"Miss Ward?" he said surprised, "When did you get back?"

"A couple days ago" she replied with a grin, "It's good to see you again Hatsuharu."

"You too."

"Yes Kandis was going to be alone tonight since her cousin was going to the party with Ritsu" Shigure said, "So I offered for her to be my date" he grinned.

"And I'm really excited to be here too Shigure" Kandis added with a smile.

"Well shall we go in?" Shigure asked as Kyo placed his head in his hand and shook his head.

"Yep" Kandis nodded taking his hand and allowing him to lead her inside.

"Shigure came with Miss Ward?" Haru replied a bit nervous.

"Yep" Kyo nodded again, "He sure did."

"Well let's go inside" Haru said, "You guys were the last to arrive. Everyone else is inside."

"Where's Rin at Hatsuharu" Tohru asked as they walked in and he closed the gate, "Is she here tonight?"

"Oh uh no" he shook his head, "She couldn't make it. It's just me."

"Oh I'm sorry" Tohru replied.

"No it's okay" he managed to smile, "I don't mind. I'll just hang with you guys tonight. You should be excited Kyo" he grinned.

"Why's that?" Kyo asked an eyebrow raised.

"Because this will be the first Zodiac party you have ever been invited to."

"It's not that big of a deal" he shrugged his shoulders.

(Next Scene)

When they arrived they saw all the members of the Zodiac talking with one another. Shigure and Ayame were talking with each other and Ayame had just spotted Yuki and Machi.

"Oh Yuki" Ayame grinned as he walked over, "I'm so glad that you could make it."

"Why wouldn't I?" Yuki sighed.

"Ah" Ayame grinned when he saw Machi, "And you must be the lovely young lady who stole my little brother's heart" he took her hand.

"Brother" Yuki warned angrily.

"Uh yes" Machi grinned a little nervously, "I'm Machi."

"Machi? Au chauntee! I am Ayame Sohma. Yuki's very handsome and older brother."

She tried to laugh but he made her a little bit too nervous with his flamboyant nature. Yuki took her hand from Ayame's grasp.

"All right! That's enough" he said with a frown as he led her away from him, "I'm so sorry about that."

"No it's okay" she smiled, "He's interesting. Just like you said he would be."

"Interesting is definitely the word."

For the remainder of the evening everyone talked and laughed, telling each other stories about their plans for the future and the guests telling all they had seen and done in their lives. Throughout the evening Kandis would often glance at the different couples in the area. She told Shigure she was going to get a cup of punch. He nodded and continued to talk to Hatori and Ayame. She walked over to the table and stood there for a moment. She glanced sadly at her cousin who was talking to Yuki, Kyo, Tohru, and Machi along with Ritsu. She sighed and looked away.

"Everyone looks like they are having a good time" She thought, "That's good. But for some reason. I'm not having a good time. I know what it is" her face fell a little but then she lifted her nose to sniff the air, "What's that wonderful smell" she looked to her left and saw an open gate that led to a garden, "A garden. I want to go check out" she thought, "I don't think Shigure would mind if I went to look at it for a minute. I'll be right back."

She walked towards the gate and entered in.

(Next Scene)

Meanwhile at that same moment sitting in the garden on a bench, Akito sat listening to all the sounds happening at the party. He frowned as his face fell, in which his hair fell over his eyes in the process.

"That's right" he thought miserably, "Laugh. Enjoy yourselves. Have fun at my expense. You'll all be sorry in the end. When I'm gone you'll all be sorry."

Suddenly he spotted a stranger entering his garden and raised his head. She walked over to a patch of flowers her long brown hair sparkling as the moonlight hit it. She bent down and smelt them.

"Mmm" she said out loud, "They smell so good."

Akito stared at the girl for a moment and after a few moments of reflection he spoke.

"I know you from somewhere" he replied low but loud enough that she could hear.

"Huh?" she said surprised spinning around, "Oh I'm sorry" she replied with a grin, "I didn't even know anyone was in here. Is this your garden?" she asked cheerfully.

"No" he replied sullenly, "I don't garden."

"Oh" she smiled again, "Then you must just like the smell of the flowers."

"Not really" he shook his head.

"Oh I see" she looked around her, "What are you doing here all by yourself?"

"Sitting. What does it look like I'm doing?" he replied sarcastically still frowning.

"Are you supposed to be at the party right now?"

"No. I'm not" he closed his eyes, "I wouldn't go to that party if you paid me."

"Oh I see," she repeated, "Then you must not be a member of the Zodiac. Oh I just realized" she replied before he could ask her how she knew about the curse, "I haven't introduced myself yet have I? My name is Kandis Ward."

"Kandis Ward? That's not a Japanese Name."

"Oh I know" she nodded still smiling, "That's because I am from America."

"America? What are you doing here?"

"I was invited to the party by Shigure Sohma. Do you know him?"

"Yes. But how do you know Shigure?"

"Because one of my dear friends lives with him. Tohru Honda."

"Miss Honda? You're friends with Miss Honda?"

"Oh so you know her too then?" she said excitedly her eyes becoming wide and making Akito look at her with a funny look, "Isn't she just the sweetest person in the world?"

"Uh yea sure" he said not really agreeing.

"It's a nice night huh?"

"I guess."

"You don't like to talk much do you Mr., oh" she replied realizing, "I'm sorry I didn't catch your name?"

"I didn't give it" he said simply, "My name is Akito Sohma."

Kandis suddenly became silent and stared back at him in complete surprise.

"By your expression" he said, "I take it you've heard of me."

"Yea" she nodded her head, "I've heard of you."

"Thought so."

Kandis stood there a few more moments and then squealed with delight.

"So you're Akito Sohma? This is so cool!"

"Huh?" he looked at her confused.

"It's so very nice to finally meet you. Wow you're the head of the family. You look nothing like I thought you would!"

"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked a bit offended.

"Well not to be rude or anything" she responded, "But I just sort of pictured you as being a little older. You know maybe middle-aged and with a beard or something. I had no idea you would be so young and healthy looking" she sat down next to him.

"Healthy looking?" he raised an eyebrow as she got closer, "You don't know what you're talking about" he grumbled, "You're a bit loud you know" he said trying to insult her.

"Oh I know," she agreed stretching and standing back up, "I know I can be. I'm very loud and sometimes irritating" she admitted, "But that's just who I am" she giggled happily.

"I know I have seen you somewhere before" he said again.

"Hmm?" her eyes blinked as he tried to remember, crossing his arms in the process.

"That movie" he finalized, "You were in that movie with Miss Honda."

"What movie?"

"The Zodiac one."

Kandis gasped happily and cheered.

"You saw that?"

"Yea" he nodded nervously at her sudden outburst, "So.

"I can't believe you actually saw it!" she grinned starting to do a happy dance, "Imagine the head of the Zodiac actually saw one of my films! So did you like it?" she asked, as she got closer to him.

"It was okay" he grimaced, "I guess."

"You know what" she replied, "You're a bit of a sourpuss aren't you?"

"A what?" he said annoyed.

"A sourpuss. Since I came here, you haven't once smiled."

"I don't smile," he grumbled again.

"You mean never? But there is so much to smile about. There is so much to be thankful for."

"Like what?"

"Lots of things" she replied, "I mean there are so many wonderful things out there. Haven't you ever taken the time to look outside in the world at all the beautiful surroundings?"

"Not really" he shook his head, "I don't get out much."

"How come?"

"I get sick a lot" he replied simply, "So I hardly get out beyond the main walls."

"Really? That's terrible. There is so much you are missing."

"I seriously doubt that" he said annoyed, "What could there possibly be out there that I can't find in here."

"Lots of things" she said, "So much. You know what" she stood up, "I should be getting back. Shigure will be wondering where I am."

"Probably. You should go back. But incidentally what made you come in here in the first place?"

"I smelt the flowers and wanted to check them out" she said happily, "Besides I was a little bored in there."

"Why?"

"Well it was really nice of Shigure to invite me and all so I wouldn't feel left out. You see my cousin is here tonight with Ritsu."

"Ritsu? He even brought a date?" he said under his breath.

"Uh huh" she nodded, "So I came tonight since she was. But everyone who is there has someone. I still feel kind of left out you know. You should come," she offered.

"I'd rather not" he shook his head, "You go on ahead."

"Okay" she said, "Well it was nice to meet you Mr. Frowny Face!"

"What?" he said annoyed again, "Stop saying that!"

"But you are" she laughed, "I mean like I said there is so much to be thankful for. So much to see in the outside world."

"And like I said," he frowned, "I highly doubt it."

"Suit yourself," she said running away.

"Wait a minute!" he called her back, "Prove it!"

"Huh?"

"Prove it to me that there is something out there that I can't find here" he replied his eyes closed.

"Really?" she said happily.

"Yes" he replied uncertainly once more unnerved by her expression.

"Great. It's a deal. I will prove it to you that there is something out there and if I am right then you have to buy me something pretty."

"I what!"

"It is a deal right. If you win you can have whatever you want."

"Whatever I want?" he raised his eyebrows questiongly.

"That's right" she nodded, "Anything you want. I'll be here first thing Monday morning to take you out. Oh wait no. I'll be here in the afternoon. I have class in the morning. So see you tomorrow!" she waved with a laugh.

"What in the?" Akito thought wearily, "What have I gotten myself into?"

(Till Next Time)

Authors Note: Here's the first chapter of the day! Hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it!!

Next Chapter: Spending the Afternoon with Akito

Kandis sets out to prove to Akito that there is more in the world then what is behind the Sohma walls.