Momiji rushed across town and grabbed the quickest train that he could to Shibuya. His heart was pounding in his chest as he finally got off the train and headed in the direction of Andie's house. He rang the doorbell excitedly and was surprised to see the door open by none other than his girlfriend.
"Momiji" she replied with a smile, "What are you doing here?"
"I just had to tell you the great news, right away" he said out of breath but grinning just the same.
"Well come on in" she nodded letting him and closing the door, "You sound really happy."
"I am. This is the best thing that ever happened for me."
"Well let's go sit down and you can tell me all about it."
"Okay" he said agreeing as they walked into the drawing room and sat down on the couches.
"Now" she replied, "What's going on?"
"Well. Do you remember how I told you that Momo had been following me?"
"Mhm" she nodded a bit sad.
"Well today I actually saw her."
"You did?" her eyebrows rose.
"Yea. She was just crouching behind a bush watching me play my violin."
"What did you do?"
"Well I walked right up to her, offered her some juice and cookies, and we sat together for a good twenty minutes. But that's not my good news."
"Well for heaven's sake" she giggled, "Just tell me before you burst."
"I am about to burst with so much happiness. You see afterwards I sent her home. And it got me thinking you know, maybe I can't have a relationship with Mama, but there is no law saying that I can't have a relationship with my sister. So I went to my Papa and told him how I felt. And do you know what he said?"
"What?"
"He agreed with me. He totally agreed with me. So much to the point that he said that he was going to talk to my Mama tonight and that on Monday night he wants you and me to come over for dinner. I get to have a real dinner with my family and not only that he's gonna arrange a way for Momo and me to spend time together. Isn't that great!" he shouted picking Andie up excitedly and spinning her around making her laugh even more.
"Oh Momiji" she cried as she embraced him tight, "I am so happy for you."
"Yea" he replied putting her down, "You will come with me won't you?"
"Of course" she nodded, "I want to be by your side when you finally get one of your wishes."
"Andie" he replied sweetly embracing her tightly, "I am so lucky to have you and I mean I really am."
"Yes" she nodded, "I am very lucky to have you too Momiji. Even more lucky now that I can hug you."
"Yea. I know what you mean. I finally understand what it means to hold the person I love in my arms. And I never want that feeling to go away. Ever."
"You're sweet" she smiled as he kissed her passionately and them picked her up still kissing her and spinning her around with a great big smile on his face.
(Next Scene)
Tohru walked into the house quite tired but satisfied that evening. It had taken all day but she finally had picked out the designs she wanted for both the bridesmaids and her own wedding dress. Ayame reassured her that he would have the designs done by the week of the wedding, in turn she would have the guest list to him before then. She smiled happily as she removed her shoes. Just as Kyoko came bounding out of the sitting room to greet her and as she bent to pet her cat, the phone rang. Tohru walked over and picked it up.
"Hello! Sohma residence" she replied.
"Tohru" Rebecca's voice came over the other line.
"Rebecca. What's going on?"
"I'm not interrupting you am I?"
"Mnm. I just got in the door," she said as Kyo came into the front door.
"Good. Listen. I knew you wanted to know about this as soon as possible, so I am calling."
"Huh?" Tohru's eyes became wide as Kyo removed his shoes and stared at her stunned expression with concern.
"Kandis called me today. She's coming back sooner than expected. Her plane arrives Monday night."
"Really?"
"Uh huh. She also told me that she wants to talk to you alone in that park by your house. Do you know which one I am talking about?"
"Yes" Tohru nodded as Kyo leaned against the wall with his arms crossed and Yuki came out of the sitting room because he had heard her voice, "When does she want me to meet her?"
"If you can arrange it, around lunch time. She sounded insistent Tohru. Do you thinkyou can make it?"
"Yes" Tohru nodded again fervently and with a determined look on her face, "I can. No problem. You tell her I will be there at exactly noon."
"Okay. I'll let her know."
"Thanks Rebecca" Tohru added, "For everything."
"Sure no problem. Take care" Rebecca said.
"You too. Thanks. Goodbye" Tohru hung up the phone with a satisfied smile.
"Miss Honda?" Yuki replied quizzically.
"Tohru?" Kyo walked over and patted her back.
"Kandis is coming back a lot sooner than she planned" Tohru said looking directly at Yuki, "I am meeting her Tuesday afternoon at lunch time."
"Then it's finally come" Yuki shook his head, "I can't believe it."
"Yea but" Kyo added, "Do you really think this is going to work?"
"It's got to Kyo. I believe that this is the only way to save Akito now. That is more important than solving the curse to me. We have to save Akito. Because who knows what will happen to all of you if he were to pass away. I don't want to take that risk" she sighed again walking into the kitchen.
"Like always" Kyo shook his head sadly and admiringly.
"She's only thinking about others" Yuki finished, "And not herself."
(Next Scene)
When Monday night arrived Momiji fidgeted a little with his shirt as he and Andie walked to his parents house.
"Are you a little nervous Momiji?" Andie asked as he buttoned up his maroon shirt once again.
"Yea" he nodded leaving it alone, "I don't know what to do or say in this place. I haven't lived in this house since I was four years old."
"You'll be fine" she replied, "Just be yourself. Your father will handle everything else. Just trust him."
"Yea. You're right" he smiled as he turned to her, "I am glad that you're here with me."
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now," she said sweetly as she took his arm, "Is this is it?" she asked as he stopped in front of the house.
"Yea."
"Nice place."
"Mhm. Well. Let's do this."
"You'll be fine," she repeated patting his hand and then the two of them walked up to the front door.
Momiji knocked on it once and Hideto came to answer.
"Momiji" Hideto replied with a smile as he opened the door, "Come on in. And Miss Sullivan?" he said surprised as she walked in with him, "You're Momiji's girlfriend?"
"Mhm" she nodded with a grin, "It's nice to see you again Mr. Sohma" she bowed her head politely as Momiji had taught her.
"Well. I guess I shouldn't be surprised since you both have so much in common. Come on in" he took Momiji by the side and whispered in his ear and Andie sat down, "I've spoken with your mother and she is open to the idea."
"Huh? Really?"
"Mhm. Just let me handle everything" he patted his shoulders as Momiji went to sit down next to Andie on the couch, "Naomi!" he called into the kitchen, "The kids are here!"
"I'll be right in darling!" Momiji's mother called back making Momiji perk up his ears.
Andie took his hand gently as his mother came into the room. Now that she had seen her up close Andie could clearly tell that Momiji resembled his mother uncannily. She smiled as Naomi sat down next to Hideto on the other side. From around the corner Momo finally appeared and smiled immediately when she saw Andie. She rushed over to her and took her hand.
"Miss Andie" she replied sweetly, "What are you doing here with Momiji?"
"Well I am his girlfriend" Andie giggled patting her on the head.
"You're his girlfriend? Really?"
"Yep" Momiji nodded, "Nice to see you again Momo."
"Now then Momo" Naomi replied, "You go eat your supper while we grownups talk okay?"
"Okay Mama" she agreed, "But they're staying for awhile aren't they?" she asked before leaving the room.
"Uh yea" Momiji said, "That is if it's okay?"
"That shouldn't be a problem right Naomi?" Hideto asked his wife.
"Not at all. Go eat your dinner and then you can come back" she replied to her daughter.
"Okay" she said with a smile and then took off running.
"All right. Mr. Sohma" she replied to the boy.
"Yes mam."
"I understand from my husband that my daughter has been watching you for some time."
"Uh?" he looked at his father confused, "Yea kind of. I don't mind it though. You see I don't have any brothers or sisters and I think it is kind of cute."
"Really?"
"Yea sure. I mean she's a smart little girl."
"That's why I suggested," Hideto interrupted, "To you dear" he replied to Naomi, "That maybe since she likesMomiji so much and since he's in the family that he could be like an older brother figure to her. He's an only child too after all so he knows whatit's like."
"I don't believe I have ever met your mother before" Naomi said stunning the other three in the room, "But I have met you several times."
"Uh well, my mother" Momiji said nervously, "Uh to be honest" he looked straight at his father, "I haven't seen my mother for a long time" he said telling the truth somewhat.
"Oh I see" she frowned sadly, "Does she travel a lot?"
"No" Momiji shook his head; "She's just hardly ever around, so I don't get to see her as often as I like to. But that's okay. I'm used to it. Any way. I wouldn't mind being like a big brother figure to Momo. We both like to play the violin after all and I kind of like the idea of hanging out with someone like her to feel like a big brother. I don't know why I feel this way all of a sudden but I do know what it's like to live on your own and it's not a great feeling. I'm sure there is lots of things I can teach Momo. As well as lots of things that she can teach me."
"Momiji is a wonderful guy too," Andie added taking his arm.
"Andie" he blushed, "You're embarrassing me."
"I see Mr. Sohma. Or do you prefer Momiji?"
"Oh you can call me whatever you want to, mam."
"Momiji then. I do like the idea of my daughter being involved with someone like you. She's always alone just like you. I think she would honestly like it. And since she is so taken with you already, I don't see why not."
"Really?" he spoke surprised.
"Really. I like you Momiji. You're a very honest young man. You must get that from your father."
"You know what" Momiji said glancing at his father briefly, "I think I do" he nodded.
"Is he around often?"
"I get to see my father very often actually, so that helps."
"Good. I am glad that you have at least one parent in your life."
"Me too" he nodded, "Me too."
"Did I miss anything?" Momo asked reappearing.
"Not really Momo" Hideto shook his head with a smile, "But we do have a surprise for you."
"What is it?"
"Well your father and I have been talking" Naomi said, "And we've decided that maybe twice a week that you are going to spend your afternoons with Momiji."
"Really Mama? I mean really?" she said excitedly.
"Really."
"All right!" she said almost leaping into Momiji's arms but he held up his hand.
"Whoa! Whoa! Settle down there. We don't know each other enough to do that. How about a high five just for now?" he held his hand out to her.
"Okay" she agreed slapping it as hard as she could.
"Poor boy" Naomi thought, "I guess since his mother's never around and he's always on his own, he doesn't know what affection feels like."
Later that evening Hideto walked the two teens to the door while Naomi put Momo to sleep. He walked outside with them as they departed.
"You did well Momiji. I'm proud of you. Even with the hard questions you kept your cool."
"Yea" Momiji nodded, "I didn't want to lie but."
"Actually you didn't lie. You were as honest as honest as you could be without giving too much away. Good job."
"You know I really was, especially the part about you Papa."
"Hmm?"
"I learned everything about honesty from you. That is the truth."
"Momiji" his eyes became gentle, "Miss Sullivan. I hope to see you again."
"You too Mr. Sohma" she replied taking Momiji's arm once more, "I had a really nice time."
"You're both always welcome here," he said placing his hands in his pockets.
"Thanks Papa" Momiji smiled as they turned and walked away, "Good night!"
"Good night!"
"I really am proud of you tooMomiji" Andie replied as they walked down the lit street.
"Yea. I'm proud of me too."
(Next Scene)
The next morning at her desk Tohru tried hard to do her work. Earlier the night before she had called Uo up to get in touch with Kureno. It was only one hour till she was to meet Kandis and she was very nervous. How was she going to tell her friend about Akito's condition? How could she do it without hurting her? Tohru bit her bottom lip as the minutes ticked away. Finally just as she was finishing up some last minute typing her clock turned to the twelve. Hideto stuck his head out of his door with a smile.
"Miss Honda. It's time for you to take a break."
"Yes sir" she nodded, "Well. It's time to do this" she sighed rising slowly from her chair.
Tohru walked to the park with her lunch in her hands. When she arrived she saw several people who already had the same idea. She sat down on the grass and gazed around the area.
"I wonder if she is going to be late," she thought as the wind picked up all around her.
Just as the breeze died down Tohru heard some footsteps from behind her.
"Tohru."
She turned around and saw the smiling brunette staring back at her. Her hair was still quite long and her earrings were just as dangly. But there was no mistaking the smile.
"Kandis" Tohru replied slowly standing, "You came."
"Of course I did" Kandis said with a grin, "Come over here and give me a hug, it's been so long."
Tohru complied and the two of them embraced.
"I am so glad that you could meet me today" Kandis said.
"Me too. We have a lot to talk about."
"We do?"
"Yes we do."
"You mean to catch up?"
"Well yes but" she said however she stopped when Kandis gasped.
"Is that an engagement ring?" Kandis replied excitedly.
"Huh? Oh yes" Tohru blushed as they sat down on the grass.
"You mean he finally popped the question? When's the big day?"
"Uh it's next month. April 14th. I am sorry you didn't know though. I would have liked you to know."
"Wow a lot has been going on for you. April 14th? Imagine that. That's not too far away."
"Kandis I'm sorry you didn't know about it. But I couldn't get a hold of you."
"Oh yea" Kandis lowered her eyes, "I guess a lot has been happening to me too."
"Would you like to tell me about it? I mean it might help."
"If you wouldn't mind" Kandis finally said after pausing, "I haven't exactly spoken to anyone else about it yet."
"Then I will listen" Tohru agreed.
Kandis cleared her throat and for twenty minutes she told Tohru all that had occurred to her in the past year. Tohru listened patiently surprised by what she heard, but continued to let Kandis say everything she needed to say. At the end Kandis wiped the tears that had come out of her eyes, and Tohru felt sorry because she was about to tell her something even worse.
"So that's all that has happened to me. It's been pure hell. But at least you're doing okay. Despite the fact that you have been looking for me. Was it really important? Rebecca said that it was."
"Yes. Kandis" Tohru said taking a deep breath, "I'm afraid what I have to tell you is just going to make you sad again. But it has to be said."
"What's going on Tohru? I don't like the sound of your voice."
"For this past year I have been trying to get a hold of you. Because" Tohru paused, "Kandis the thing is, it's about Akito."
Kandis's eyes became wide.
"What do you mean? What about Akito?"
"Please don't hate me" Tohru lowered her face trying to hide the tears beginning to glisten in her eyes, "I wanted to tell you. But I couldn't because you were so happy. But I should have told you. You see you know the Zodiac curse?"
"Yea."
"Well Akito is also affected by it, only his curse is the worst of them all."
"What do you mean?"
"He is what is known as the God of the Zodiac. He alone shoulders the entire curse on his back. He carries the brunt of it. That's why he is sick all the time, and ever since he was little he was told that he was going to die young."
"What?" Kandis said in shock.
"Kandis. Right now. At this very moment. Akito is dying."
"Dying?"
"Yes. He has been getting worse and worse in this past year, ever since your departure. He's very ill. Hatori says it's only going to be a matter of time before he leaves us all, for good."
"Dying?" Kandis repeated, "He can't be. He just can't be."
"I'm sorry. You were so happy with him. But maybe now that you're back you can do something about it."
"What?"
"Kandis no one has ever touched him like you did. Even Kureno says that he never saw Akito so happy and full of life."
"No" Kandis stood up, "I can't do that. He won't want to see me. He said that the last time I left."
"What?"
"He said he never wanted to see me again. And he meant it."
"No he didn't. Kandis you love him don't you?"
Kandis's eyes became even wider as the tears settled in her eyes.
"You do. I know you do. I knew that time when you talked to me on the phone. You ought to know this too. He loves you as well."
"No he doesn't."
"Yes he does. Why else is he holding on so long?"
"Huh?"
"He's been waiting for you. You have to go to him. Now. Before it is too late."
"Tohru. What if it is already too late?"
"It's never too late when it comes to true love. You told me once that you wanted me to be happy. Well I am going to tell you the same thing. You and Akito have suffered enough, don't you think it's time for you guys to find your own happiness. If you love him you have to tell him so. He's waiting for you."
"Tohru. Where can I find him?"
"He's at the main house" Tohru replied taking her hand, "Hurry."
"Thank you" Kandis shook her hand, "Thank you for everything!" she shouted dashing out of the park.
(Next Scene)
At the main house Akito's breathing had become shallower and he looked to his left at the photograph of Kandis and him and closed his eyes slowly, a tear falling from it. Outside it began to rain.
(Next Scene)
Kandis's feet pounded against the wet pavement as she ran, her hair-dripping wet behind.
"Hang on Akito" she said over and over to herself, "Hang on. I'm coming. Wait for me. Please wait for me."
(Till Next Time)
Authors Note: I know. I know. You hate me right. I want the revelation what happened to be revealed to Akito and to you at the same time so you'll have to wait till next week to find out where she has been all this time! Sorry! Hope you enjoyed the chapter anyway. Also Momiji's mom's name of Naomi means pleasant face;Beauty. Don't you think that is a perfect name for her?Have a good weekend everyone and have a Happy Easter!
Next Time on Rice-Balls in a Fruits Basket:
Chapter Five: One Last Time
Will Kandis make it in time to save Akito? What will Ren's reaction be to the mysterious American? And will Akito accept that she has come back for him after all this time? All these questions and more will be answered in the next installment. See you then!
