Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket, and school midterms suck!
Chapter 35
Slowly their holiday break began to wind down. Yuki recovered from his fever the following day, much to the relief of Tohru, and the disappointment of Yuki. He had not been able to hear what her answered was, and it was constantly wandering through his mind.
The snow was beginning to thaw itself to slush, so Tohru spent most of the day cleaning clothes, counter tops, and the bed spreads. The sun was out, so she let the sheets hang outside on a line. She bent over with two clothes pins in her mouth and draped them up to hang in the soft breeze. Hatori and Shigure sat on the back porch, sharing a smoke watching her in all her beauty and grace.
"Tell me Shigure. What are you going to do if she doesn't pass Akito's final test?" Hatori asked
"I don't know, and I don't wish to think about it. Tohru will not fail, she's changed us in ways, I don't think even you thought were possible. I have faith in Tohru's abilities"
"Indeed, we place a lot of faith in Tohru. I sometimes ponder if that is only added stress to her" Hatori's eyes followed Tohru as she bent over to put up another sheet
"Maybe. But I do think Tohru performs well under her stress. She handles it extremely well, and she always knows that she doesn't have to do everything herself." Shigure watched as Kyo walked up to her from behind and picked up another sheet and stood beside her hanging it up. Tohru smiled up at Kyo, and Kyo blushed a little and looked away like his cold embarrassed self.
"It seems they've all grown very much attached to her" Hatori spoke again after letting out a puff of grey smoke
"Yes, I do believe so. Even the other extended family has, especially little Kisa and Hiro." Shigure took in another heavy breath of his cigarette
"Does she know of the truth yet?" Hatori asked Shigure gently
"No. I do believe, that this truth, shall remain between us, old friend. We're the only two who remember, besides Akito," Shigure told him gently "I think, telling, would only change her outlook on us. The boys don't even know. Lets just, leave it in the past" Shigure put out the stub of his cigarette.
"Indeed, maybe for once, the author makes sense" Hatori smiled laughing. Shigure pretended to stab himself through the heart
"Oh woe is me, my best friend has betrayed me!" Shigure rolled his eyes
"Tell me Shigure, how is your newest novel coming?" Hatori asked
"Oh you know how it is, my publisher is always begging me to finish" Chibi like movie in Shigure's head of his producer yelling at him, and then she falling to her knees and crying "But this one, is a very special novel" Shigure ran his hand through his hair
"Oh? No more of those kinky comic books you found so much humor in publishing?" Hatori rose an eyebrow
"Those were off the shelves in weeks they were so popular! And yes, the series ended thank-you very much, and they're still on back order!" Shigure rose his head proudly. Shigure looked back to Tohru and Kyo, who had now been joined by Yuki. "This story, cannot be completed just yet though, I still have...more research to do on the topic"
Hatori watched the three, until Momiji came running and slammed into Kyo, who knocked into Yuki, who fell into the sheets until it all sprang off into a big pile of mess and Tohru laughing.
"Research indeed." Hatori put out his cigarette "My dear friend, take advice from someone who's lost their love by Akito's dirty hands, be careful with her. We don't want a repeat"
"I know Hatori, I know" Shigure replied blandly. Watching the group get up, and Tohru droop her head finding her sheets covered in mud all over again. Momiji started crying and Tohru hugged him and picked him up as a bunny. Kyo and Yuki got stuck carrying the muddy sheets, and brought them inside for Tohru to wash again. "Tell me Hatori, do you think, Akito can truly change?"
"If Tohru can make Kisa speak, Hiro forgive himself, allow me to forgive myself, make Kyo open up, Yuki have confidence, and much more, I don't see why she can't do it again"
Hatori and Shigure wandered into the house and continued their conversation between old friends. Tohru wandered around the house with Momiji in her arms.
"Tohru?"
"Yes Momiji?"
"Are you coming with us to the new years eve party?" He asked her quietly twitching his nose
"Nope." Tohru shook her head "That's something for the Sohmas."
"But aren't you a Sohma now"
"Not until the filing for the adoption goes through, and I still have Akito's final test. I, just want to stay here this year. Maybe next year"
"But why...?" Momiji whispered to himself.
Tohru walked out onto the front porch with a blouse draped onto her shoulders. She sat down on the swinging bench with a cup of tea and Haru turned to look at her.
"Hey Tohru, how are you doing?"
"I'm alright I guess. There's only a few more days left of our vacation. Three right? Then New Years, then back to school again. So I guess, in total there are only four days"
"Seems like we've been out of school forever though. Time seems to flow differently when the stress of academics are gone."
"Do you think everyone would mind a trip before the New Year?"
"Hmm?" Haru raised an eyebrow "What did you have in mind Tohru?"
"Well, Yuki got me that pass to the hot springs, and we're never all together at the same time that often." Tohru looked up at the stars "We're usually all here and there with our jobs, and its understandable too, cause its mostly me out with my job. I thought I'd be nice, if we all went somewhere together, before we had to go back to reality"
"Well, that's sure sweet of you Tohru." Haru looked out at the stars "I wouldn't mind a trip myself, the hot springs sound very relaxing." He rested his hands behind his head and looked up at the stars "Let's just hope Shigure remembers to behave"
Tohru laughed and a water droplet fell down the side of her face "Well...I'm sure he will....either that or I'm sure Kyo and Yuki will throw an awful fit." Tohru could imagine it all in her head and she laughed again weakly
"I'm sure he'll behave, its only you after all. A father peeking at his daughter," Haru shuddered and they both laughed. She took a sip of her tea and let out a small puff of air. Haru examined her, she looked tired, but at the same time, she was still so beautiful. "You doing okay Tohru?"
"Hmm?" She looked back at Haru "Of course I am, just did a lot of house work today. I think I want a vacation, that's why I want to go on the trip"
"Seemed like Hatori and Shigure had a nice conversation, Shigure never smokes unless the conversation is something really deep."
"Yeah I know, but I'm not going to bother asking. Those two are best friends. Its nice to see, them relax just for once." Tohru closed her eyes "I miss Uo and Hana, I hope they come back soon"
"Once they're back, you'll have plenty to talk about with them, all these great things that have happened. You girls' will go on for hours" He told her reassuringly. Tohru smiled and together Haru and Tohru spent some time just staring at the stars. It was a clear night, and the moon was only a crescent., it was the sort of view a painter would use. Around seven Tohru went back into the house to cook dinner, and Haru wandered to Shigure's study and knocked on the door.
"Come on in, the door's open" Haru slid in the door and walked in, sitting down at the low table. "Oh hello Haru, what brings you into here?"
"Shigure, I think Tohru wants to take a trip to the hot springs, I know for a fact she won't say anything, she'll be busied with something and it'll completely slip her mind"
"Hmmm how very kind of you Haru." Shigure looked away from his computer with a grin
"Hey, don't give me that look! You know she deserves it! Besides, with us all going to Akito's for the new years eve party, she's here alone. We should do something together before then"
"Alright alright, I'll bring it up at dinner tonight if you so wish" Shigure told him returning to typing up his story
"What are you working on, it must be something really good to have this psycho path leave you alone for so long"
"Heheh that's a secret young fellow" Shigure swished a finger "I will only release it once it's complete"
Haru rolled his eyes and threw a book at Shigure and walked out the door. "Weirdo"
A half an hour later Tohru called everyone in for dinner. She took her seat after serving everyone and that was when Shigure cleared his throat to get everyone's attention "Yeah umm, I know your vacation is drawing to its end, which means school," There was a group moan there "So I figured, let's all go to the hot springs to celebrate the end of this year"
Tohru looked across the table at Haru, who was whistling and looking up at the ceiling. She poked him under the table with her leg, and Haru looked down at her for a moment and smiled before turning back to Shigure.
"So we'll leave early tomorrow morning. So after this delicious meal Tohru made for us, I suggest we get some sleep."
When everyone finished eating, and Tohru finished cleaning, she snuck into Haru's room finding him at his desk. She walked up behind him and ruffled his hair, and then kissed the side of his cheek. "You loser, thanks" She laughed. He ran his hand through her hair and rested his face up against hers
"Anytime Tohru. Can I call you sis every once in a while? Imouto maybe?"
"Even though I'm older?"
"I'm still taller, you're always going to be my little sis even if you are older"
Note that in my fan fiction version, all the kids are in the same grade, however, Tohru is still older than the others by a few months. Sorry if that confused anyone! Imouto is a translated version for the "little sister"
"Okay Haru, okay" she laughed leaning over him, not touching him, the chair's back separated them. From the doorway, Yuki's violet eyes watched, and he remembered what Haru had told him.
No, I know Tohru cares. That I grasp onto more than anything in the world. She has special place for each of us, but you and Kyo, have special places in her heart. Momiji and I, we're different from you two. Momiji and I, we love her, as brothers. Somehow, I took on the older brother role, and Momiji instantly takes on the younger one. In a way, I like it that way.
I don't have to compete. There is no stress to show my feels, I can show them as I please. The same with Momiji. She will never feel reluctant to embrace me, to keep me close, because there is nothing I have to prove
"Is it really better that way?" He wondered, before walking off and returning to his room.
"LETS GOOO LAST CALL BEFORE WE HEAD OUT!" Shigure called to the Sohmas at six in the morning. Tohru was already piped up and ready standing beside Shigure. Haru and Momiji came down the stairs next, Momiji complaining how early it was.
"How is he awake.....and energetic...." Yuki mumbled
"Damn dog...." Kyo groaned as they piled into the car.
"Cheer up guys! It'll be worth it!" Tohru chirped happily. When the group did pile into the car, the boys went right back to sleep. Tohru spent the time looking out the window at the changing scenery from the city to the mountains. The ride was long, but not anything the boys couldn't tolerate. Tohru had taken the precaution to pack a cooler for them with goodies to munch on. Momiji started playing his video games and the others just sighed and stared at the ceiling.
Five hours and three bags of potato chips later the car pulled to a stop at the top of the mountain. Tohru jumped out of the air and took in a deep breath of the country air. She stretched out her achy and cramped self until the hostess arrived.
No this is not the one from the tv series, whole different place
The hostess in her black kimono bowed to them all, and then especially bowed to Tohru
"Hello Miss Honda, welcome to Hideki Hot Springs"
"Oh, why hello," Tohru bowed too "Umm, thank you for having us here"
"Don't be so formal Miss Honda, today is your day to relax. You're the princess today. No working for you, as your friends have so easily described you as doing all their chores. Today, it will be the opposite" Tohru turned around to look at the boys, who must've blabbed and said she was such hard worker, and they all whistled and looked up at the sky. The hostess cleared her throat "Shall we get your bags Miss Honda?"
"Hmm oh, don't worry, I can carry it, I only brought one"
"Nonsense Tohru, today you're the princess' Shigure reassured her as two men came outside to bring in the luggage off the top of their car
"If you're sure...." Tohru answered unsure. The hostess took her hand
"Let me show you to your quarters where you'll be staying for the next few days. My name is Miki, I'm your personal hostess for the next few days,"
"Oh, I'm sorry, it makes you sound like you're my servant,"
"Not at all, don't apologize, its my job, I love my work" Miki looked over her shoulder and smiled "Just like you, I like helping out others"
Tohru smiled as she continued to follow Miki. It seemed the two of them had plenty in common. Miki looked like she was only a few years older than Tohru, maybe 18 or 19, 21 tops. Miki led Tohru to her room smiling and giggling. "Well, here's your room Tohru" Miki eased open the door. Tohru let out a surprised gasp at the elegance of the room.
The room was fairly large, it must've been one of the master suites. There was a master bed, with a canopy above it that fell with laces of violet and ivory colors. There was a huge circular window, one with a balcony rest on it. On the opposite side of the room, there actually was a real balcony, two huge glass doors that flew open and led out. From the balcony's view, you could see the city miles away and below them, and the clear night sky. It wasn't like the city, they were completely isolated, and in such a strange sense, Tohru really liked it. The room was truly a magnificent place taken out of a magazine or photo brochure.
"Wow Miki, this room is so amazing,"
"Well, that's what you got from your package" Miki held up the brochure and passes she had given in.
"Wow, Yuki really went all out on this trip for me" Tohru felt sort of guilty for it. But Miki sat down on the bed and laughed "What's so funny?" Tohru asked confused
"I think your Yuki friend has the hots for you!" She laughed with a smug look on her face
"Is an employee really allowed to say that!" Tohru asked defensively laughing
"Hey, I'm only 18, I can still tell when a guy is eyeing someone" She laughed running her hand through her dark blue hair.
"Eighteen, oh wow, it seems like we're worlds away, even if separated by two years" Tohru sat down on the bed and pulled out a photograph of her mom and put it up on the mantel
"Judging by how you take something of your mother around with you, I get the vibe she's not living anymore. No offense, I'm sorry, I'm prying, grandpa always said I did"
"No, its alright. My mom died last year, in a car accident."
"Oh, I'm sorry, its Tohru right, I'm sorry Tohru. My parents died when I was little too, in a plane crash. I don't even know how it happened, and I can't remember them. But I've lived here with my grandparents my whole life, I don't regret it, not once"
Miki looked out the window staring at the sun, which now stood at the peak of its rise. She got up from the bed and grabbed Tohru by the arm again "Come on Tohru, we'll unpack your stuff later, lets get into the hot spring before the boys"
The girls stripped of their clothes, tied up their hair in long towel buns, and slipped into the hot spring. Miki let out a refreshing sigh and Tohru allowed herself to let out a silent one. The hot springs felt lovely, they were so warm, it felt like every pore and achy bone could be relieved.
"I work here, and the feeling is still awesome," Miki commented letting out another great sigh.
Tohru laughed "You have a great job. I'm just a janitor up at some business complex. I plan on quitting that though, and getting a job at an ice cream parlor. My uhh cousins they love going there, and I love working with other people"
"I thought you liked to clean" Miki asked her raising an eyebrow
"I do like to clean, but I like working and helping kids more" Tohru told her "Kids, and smiling faces, just makes me feel better, than picking up trash in a city tower that has no emotion"
Miki nodded "I guess I see your point"
Tohru and Miki left their conversation at the sound of shuffling feet into the hot spring beside theirs, the two separated by a tall fence. Then there was "CANNON BALL" and a huge splash and a few other screams
"Looks like Momiji and the other's finally got in" Tohru let out an exasperated sigh
"TOR TOR! Can I come swim with you?" Asked an innocent Momiji
"NO!" The other three screamed and shoved him under the water
"Well, they all seem to love each other" Miki commented laughing
"Yup...one big happy family" Tohru laughed rubbing the back of her head.
"Indeed indeed my dear flower" Shigure stated off in his own section
"How come he has his own area?" Haru asked curiously from over the fence
"He's the one who drove us," Yuki commented
"Nor do I want to be distracted and disturbed by such innocent play" Shigure stated in his sophisticated voice.
The rest of the night went on that way, but Miki handed Tohru a pair of water proof headphones, and together the two listened to music in the sanctity of their hot spring. They'd swish their right legs left to right with the beats like synchronized swimmers.
The girl's stayed in for hours, but the boys got out after a few hours. They all had on matching maroon and golden lined bathrobes. They all looked rather handsome, they all had to walk by the girls. (No stop don't think that you bad people!) The water covered their bodies, except for their one leg swishing left to right. They all stared, the girl's didn't know, they had their eyes shut. They had such long slender legs, until Momiji shoved them out of the way and kept going. Tohru and Miki opened up one eye each and just laughed.
A few hours later, the two girls were living prunes, they left their hot spring, and put on loose bathrobes. Miki told Tohru she had to at least go and pretend she was doing her job, so she ran off to make Tohru's dinner. That left Tohru rather embarrassed, since Tohru had changed into a different outfit Miki had given her. The robe was a V necked style, which released and showed a good peak of cleavage. Miki had told her to wear it to dinner. Tohru tied her hair up in a bun in front of her mirror and sealed it with a ribbon. Only one strand or two of hair fell from the bun, it caressed the side of her cheek. She wandered out onto her balcony and rested her hands on it. The night air was so fresh here, and the wind blew and she closed her eyes
"It's so beautiful out here..."
"Uh Tohru dinner's ready" Someone called from the entrance of her room. She turned around quickly and smiled seeing Yuki
"Okay Yuki...Yuki?"
Yuki was stunned. Tohru looked, in the gentlest way, absolutely gorgeous. Everything was so simple, but when put all together she looked like the perfect angel. Yuki walked up to her, not too sure what to say, but brushed aside the fallen strand of her hair
"You look...great Tohru..." he told her with a smile
" Uhh thanks Yuki, it was Miki's idea" she rubbed the back of her head blushing. Yuki's hand eased its way to her ribbon in her hair "Also Miki's idea"
"Well, she has lovely ideas for you, you look, cute." He told her simply kissing the edge of the ribbon. "Shall we go to dinner then"
Tohru's stomach growled and she laughed, completely killing Yuki's mood he had set up. "I guess that's a yes"
Tohru and Yuki walked into the dinning hall for dinner and Miki saw her and winked. Tohru had to remind herself to nag at Miki for doing this to her. They all sat down at the traditional Japanese-styled table. Everyone's eyes were on Tohru and she started turning red
"Tohru, you look very nice this evening flower. I'm assuming your new friend Miki helped you." he laughed and nudged her. "So dear Princess of the vacation, ready to eat?"
Tohru nodded slightly still peach flushed as Miki and the others entered with bowls of rice and many other delightful plates. Tohru got a sample of each of them, and in the end it turned out to be a very nice evening. In the end, Tohru returned to her balcony after dinner, most of the boys had already gone to sleep.
Tohru stared up at the growing moon and smiled closing her eyes one more time. Her necklace rested against her bare flesh and she opened her eyes up again thinking. She heard someone ease open her door but she didn't say anything. He walked up to her, and stood by her looking up at the stars.
"Did you have fun today?" he asked quietly.
"I did."
"Can't you sleep?"
"Nope."
"Any reason why?"
"The stars are too distracting. Is this why you sit up on the roof all the time?"
"You know it"
Tohru laughed.