DISCLAIMER -- I do not own Fruits Basket, or any of its characters. However, I do own this story and any original characters not from Fruits Basket
Any similarities between this story and others are purely coincidental and I apologize for the inconvenience.
Translations:
San = Added to the end of someone's name out of respect.
Kun = Like "san" only it's used for endearment.
Chan = Basically the same as "kun" only used normally for girls and younger children.
** If I'm wrong, please inform me. **
I'm not too fond of using a lot of Japanese in fics, for the simple reason that some people don't understand what I'm writing.
That is one thing I'm trying to avoid. However there will be times when I'll use some words here and there, just to get the feel.
Warning:
This is a Mary Sue. If you do not like this type of story, please do not read.
I appreciate reviews, but not flames.
Also:
I cannot promise a new chapter every week. This story was made purely
for my pleasure and love of Fruits Basket and writing. School has kept
me very busy this year, so I will update when I can. All I ask of my
readers is patience. I'll get this fic finished sooner or later.
Story: Je Pretend Que Tu Fais Bien
Author: rembrandt77
Chapter 4: Meeting
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"Has she found out?"
"No." Shigure folded his hands and let them rest in his lap. The frail man across from him coughed forcefully. "She hasn't."
"What did you say her name was? This friend of that wench."
Shigure held back his anger, digging his fingers into the material of his pant suit. "Odette, she's-"
"American, yes I know." The sickly man spat. He turned his back from Shigure; the shoulder of his kimono fell down his arm. His skin was pale. So pale it held a bluish tint. "This Odette…she wants to stay does she?" His fingers drew invisible circles in the fabric of his white futon. "Tell me; is this new pet of yours anything like the old one?"
Shigure gaped. He must have been talking about Tohru. "No." He answered truthfully. "So far, they're quite different."
"Good. I don't think I could stand another one." The man circles became more forceful, until it looked as if his finger were about to break. "There is one last thing I would like to know, Shigure." He turned back around. "Yuki and Kyo, what do they think of her?"
Shigure wondered why he would ask that sort of question. About Yuki, yes he could understand, but Kyo? "Well, she only just arrived last night. It's a little early to tell." He could sense the man was becoming impatient. "So far, the three haven't interacted much. Odette seems to prefer spending time with Tohru." The man's shoulders were shaking. Shigure couldn't tell if he was coughing or laughing.
"You may go. Bring her this afternoon."
"But-"
"Bring her."
Shigure stood with difficulty. He's knees were aching from contact with the wood floor. In spite of the situation, he smiled. Age must be catching up with him.
"Oh Shigure."
He looked up to see the man staring at him again.
"Get Hatori when you leave. I need to speak with him about this matter."
Shigure nodded. "Yes Akito."
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Shigure waited for Hatori outside the compound. He leaned up against the wall and lit a cigarette. How would Odette react to what they told her? She was just an innocent girl coming to visit her long-time friend. She would undoubtedly be hurt. With Akito, it was almost inevitable.
"Shigure."
He turned to see Hatori closing the large wooden doors, amazed that he hadn't heard them open. "Ha-san, want to go get Aya and have a drink?" He could tell Hatori was in no mood for his teasing, but then again, when was he ever?
"What will you tell her?" Hatori grabbed Shigure's pocket for a cigarette and took one for himself.
"Hey!"
"Aren't you a bit concerned?"
Shigure jaw hardened and his shoulders slumped. "Of course," he whispered. "But what can we do? If Akito orders you to erase her memory-"
"I would have no choice. You know that."
A gentle breeze blew from the north, rustling their hair and the end of Hatori's trench coat.
"This will hurt Tohru."
Hatori frown, the worry lines no thirty-year-old should have deepened. "Undoubtedly." He turned toward his car and motioned Shigure to follow.
It will hurt me also.
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"Are you sure? You don't have to buy anything!" Tohru squeaked. She, Yuki, Odette were discussing Christmas shopping, since it was only days away.
"I'll be fine here, don't worry." Odette pulled her long hair into a ponytail and slipped on a pair of black, rectangle-framed glasses. She thought they aged her young eighteen years to at least twenty-four. "I have some things to finish up here anyway."
Yuki nodded. He wasn't happy about leaving the girl behind, but it would give him some alone time with Tohru. Something he had been wanting since Odette arrived. "Shigure should be back soon anyway so I doubt you'll be alone. Though I can't say he's much company, good company that is."
Odette smirked, but didn't respond like she normally would. She still wasn't as open around Yuki or the others yet, and hoped they would give her some time to warm up to them. "I don't mind Shigure's company at all. Nor Hatori's, nor…" She studied his face, making sure she had his full attention. "Ayame's."
Yuki's eyebrow twitched at the mention of his brother. How could she stand him?
"It's nice to know we're all so loved."
Odette turned to see Shigure smiling all too mischievously in the doorway. Hatori was right behind him, refraining from any sort of eye contact.
"Hello Shigure-san, Hatori-san!" Tohru chirped in her usual fashion. "Yuki and I were about to go Christmas shopping, but Odee-chan said she would rather stay here. I hate to ask any favors…"
Hatori was the first to speak. "Don't worry Honda-san. She'll be fine here with us."
"Thank you so much!"
Odette squelched the urge to grimace. She needed no babysitter. "You better go before it gets dark. Have fun." She waved as they walked out the door, bearing a false smile. Odette was in a foul mood today. Maybe she should check the calendar.
Shigure and Hatori watched the girl rub the bridge of her nose and sigh. Shigure stood next to her.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
Odette glance at him and almost smiled. "Nah…I think you better keep it."
Shigure cocked his head. "Oh? Why's that?"
Odette smirked, looking directly into his eyes. "Considering how often you actually do write…I think you may need all the pennies you can get." Without another word, she withdrew upstairs.
Both men watched her walk away, oddly amused.
"It seems our little swan princess is becoming a bit more bold."
Hatori hid his smirk behind a cup of tea which Tohru had been abandoned at the table. "So it seems."
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Stupid…stupid! Odette flung her body onto Tohru's western-style mattress, until she was imbedded in the goose down comforter. Shigure probably hated her now. How could she have been so forward? It would have been different if she were in America, surrounded by familiar faces, but not in Japan with a group of strangers!
Odette sneezed. The cold air was getting to her. She had never been good with temperature change. It always gave her a headache. "Good grief Odette, quit your whining." She scolded herself, much like her mother would. "You never hear Tohru complain. That's why they like her so much…" Odette could not help but be jealous once again. Tohru was perfect and soft-spoken, always having something nice to say. Odette, on the other hand, was generally quiet but very opinionated. She had an extreme sense of justice and made sure it was done. Her decisions were made with her mind, the only asset she had according to her cranky grandmother. Tohru made decisions with her heart.
Odette pulled a sketch pad from her suitcase, taking note that nothing had been put away yet. She would have to get to that later. Climbing down the stairs as quietly as possible, Odette searched for the only other two people in the house. She spied them sitting on the front porch, smoking. They seemed deep in conversation, but it was out of ears reach. Fortunately, she had good eyesight.
Tugging at the pencil she always kept in her pocket, Odette began to sketch their forms. There wasn't much difference in their shape. Hatori was taller, by only an inch or so it seemed, but both of their faces were chiseled to perfection. Where did Tohru find these gorgeous men? Odette decided to do Shigure last, since he moved too much. It was hard to keep focus.
Slowly and surely her pencil swept across the paper, catching the quiet man's dimensions almost flawlessly. Nothing an eraser can't fix. She scrubbed at the paper silently, not wanting to alert her temporary models. They didn't appear to notice. Odette drew Hatori's sharp, piercing, green eyes, and reprimanded herself for not bringing colored pencils. A charcoal portrait would hardly do him justice.
Another five minutes had passed and Odette was almost finished with Hatori, she only had to fix the length and sweep of his hair. Then it was on to Shigure, who would no doubt cause her trouble. She bit back a chuckle, wishing she did not have to hide herself from them. Wishing they could see her talent that she worked so hard to improve. Odette tested the slant of Shigure's slender, diplomatic nose. Nope, that was not right. His nose was longer. She tried her theory. No, shorter then that, and a little wider. She almost growled in frustration, rubbing the pink block of rubber against her paper roughly. Yes, he was much trouble, much trouble indeed.
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Shigure pulled the cigarette from his lips and looked at the watch he hid behind the sleeve of his baggy kimono. It was 11:30. They had a half an hour until Odette would need to be at the compound. Shigure smiled. He would have to retrieve her from the pathetic hiding place she chose in the next room. He glanced at Hatori, wondering if he knew as well.
The quiet man nodded. "Go ahead. She's been there for the last fifteen minutes. Just don't scare her."
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Success! Odette smiled widely, proud of her finished piece. She had just perfected Shigure's hair, which was harder then Hatori's. The man seemed to be in constant motion. His large hands and slender fingers animated his every story, making Odette wish she could have heard them, despite what Yuki said. Shigure probably had wonderful stories, albeit sometimes perverted.
"Hey there, watcha drawin'?"
Odette jumped in surprise, dropped her pad of paper on the floor. She heard a deep chuckle. Looking up, she saw Shigure bending down and staring at her. She blushed deeply.
"I told you not to scare her."
Odette was even more startled to see Hatori come and stand behind his friend. Great, now they're both here. She frowned, remembering her previous thoughts about wishing to be with them. I guess you really do get what you wish for. Before Odette could get her sketch, Shigure had already grabbed it and was studying it carefully. Hatori was too, although he did not look at it directly.
"You're quite good you know." Shigure said. "Did you take a class?"
She nodded. "Private lessons actually, for nine years."
Shigure studied the picture again, liking the way she drew him so handsomely. Was that how they appeared through Odette's eyes? He could not help but brush the tips of his fingers over the paper. Sure, Shigure had seen better, more accurate art in his lifetime, but this was his portrait. No one had ever drawn him before. Shigure was flattered if not amused. Hatori seemed to have the same reaction, not that he would ever admit it.
Odette clutched the pad tightly, when Shigure placed it in her hands. Did they really like it? Somehow she could not bring herself to believe it.
"Odette…"
She looked up. Odette? Shigure hardly ever called her Odette. It was usually Odee-chan or Dee-chan or something equally childish. There was something was brewing, that Odette knew.
"Our family head spoke to me this morning. He wants to see you today." Shigure faked a smile and looked at his watch. "In fifteen minutes."
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The scenery flashed by as Hatori's car sped through the outskirts of town. Odette was in the backseat, one leg curled under her as she sat. The other was twitching against the seat cushion. She was horribly nervous. Shigure and Hatori never even told her what the meeting was about! Odette leaned her head against the palm of her hand and watched as a large building appeared through the window. As they grew closer, she noticed it was not just a building, but many. Was it the Sohma compound Shigure spoke of? Odette almost giggled. Sohma compound? Sounds like something off Jurassic Park! I bet this "head of the family" is a big T-rex.
As Hatori pulled up to the gates, they miraculously opened, as if welcoming her in. Odette scoffed. Welcoming…yeah right. Hatori opened the door for her, without her knowing, and she almost fell out. A small smile played on his face, but it disappeared as soon as it came. Oh well, it's a start.
"Remember what I told you." Shigure said. "Don't speak unless spoken to directly, and be polite…thought I don't think we'll have a problem with that." He gave her a wink and she blushed. "As long as he doesn't ask for a penny…" At that Odette's face grew hotter in embarrassment. Shigure would never let her live it down…ever.
As they walked further into the compound, Odette between the both of them, Shigure noticed her discomfort. "Scared?"
Odette fought the urge to frown. Scared? We drove for what seemed like eternity and now he wants to know if I'm scared! "Having second thoughts?"
Shigure could not understand this girl. First she was sweet and quite, and then she was sarcastic and moody. He wondered which face was the real Odette. "No, are you?"
She shook her head. "I don't think I had any thoughts about this to begin with." Odette watched Shigure nod, not paying much attention to Hatori beside her. She bumped into his arm. "Sorry." She mumbled, sounding as if her touch diseased him.
Why is she so leery of me? Hatori carefully watched the brunette head below him, seeing if she would have any other accidents. He could feel her anxiety, but what could be done? Hatori thought hard, and then spoke. "Don't worry. I'll be there with you, as will Shigure."
They'll be there too? Odette exhaled the breath she had been holding since bumping into Hatori. She felt the warmth of relief wash over her like that morning's shower. She hoped it would stay that way.
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"Akito-"
"You may enter."
Odette shivered at the voice. It was so…childlike. Could the leader of the Sohma family really be a child? She hoped there was that chance. Maybe then she would not be so nervous.
Hatori entered first, then Shigure. Odette followed reluctantly, realizing her error. The man Akito was not a child, nor an old man. He looked to be about her age and very sickly. Maybe he was not as formidable as Shigure made him out to be, but looks could always be deceiving. No not a T-rex…a raptor. She shivered.
As the two men sat on the pillows in front of them, Odette mimicked. She noticed the last pillow was set closer to the front where the leader sat. She wished she could sit back with Shigure and Hatori. Kneeling quietly, Odette stared down at her knees. There was a rustling of fabric, which she knew was Akito, turning around to stare at her.
"State your full name."
"Odette Viola Hadassah Cohen." Her cheeks went ruddy. How she hated her name!
Akito grimaced, showing his obvious displeasure. "What a horrible name…"
Odette knew she should be hurt, but strangely she agreed with him. "Yes, it is."
At that Akito smiled, thought it was not kind. "Who named you?"
"My mother."
"And do you dislike her?"
Odette pondered for a moment before speaking. "Yes…on occasion."
"How fickle."
Odette would not dare look up at him, knowing she would give away her fear. Why was she so afraid of this man? He was frail, looking only to weigh about ninety pounds. Why would someone like that give her goose bumps by breathing alone?
"You are from America, correct?"
She nodded. "Yes, Illinois." The sheets were rustling again. Was he standing now?
"And what is your relationship with the members of my family?"
Odette gave in and looked up at the face towering over her. He resembled Yuki more than Ayame did. She breathed deeply. "I know the Sohmas through Tohru Honda. With your permission, I wish to become friends with both you and your family, as I have been with her."
Akito sneered. This girl was asking his permission? "Charming little friend you brought me." He said to Shigure and Hatori. "You know I hate charming."
Odette, tired of feeling afraid, was hoping she would eventually become numb to him.
"Leave us. I wish to speak with her alone."
There was another rustling of fabric and a creaking of the wooden floor. Odette knew they were leaving her. They were leaving her alone! She wouldn't turn around to look at them. The man they called Akito would like that too much. If there was one thing Odette learned since meeting him, it was that he liked seeing people afraid. She would not show him her fear…if she could help it.
The wooden-framed doors behind her slid shut, and Akito moved back to sit on his futon. "Tell me." His voice was quiet, but still held a simmering malice. "Do you know of the Sohma's curse?"
A curse? Odette's brows furrowed. "No…they never spoke of it. Does Tohru know?"
Akito was silent as another man walked into the dark room, keeping himself concealed in shadow. "Kureno…kneel by the girl."
Odette's hand laced together with its partner to keep from shaking. Thoughts of a fate worse then death raced through her mind.
"Now…" Akito shifted, getting more comfortable in his blankets. His face held some sick amusement. "Hug him."
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Ooh cliff hanger! I hope you guys don't hate me!