Disclaimer: Neither Fruits Basket nor the Fruits Basket characters are my property. They are the property of Natsuki Takaya.
Author's Note: The plot is mine. I don't really see the manga heading in this direction but I love the Momiji/Tohru matchup as a change from the Kyoru and Yukiru fics that abound online. Thanks to those of you who read my opening chapter.
Slow Motion Runner: No this is not a one shot. I hope you will enjoy the continuing story.
2h's gurl: I'm so glad you think Momiji's writing fit his character.
Black Winged Angel Sami: What a sweetheart you are. Here's my first update but don't expect all of them to come this quickly.
kyo-obsessedru2: Please don't attack me, here's the update. smile
Livi: You've been reading and reviewing since "The Cat met Mom" Thank you for your continued support.
Dark Inu: Glad you are still reading my fics. I hope you enjoy.
Chapter OneTokyo
Sohma Momiji tossed his backpack over one shoulder as he exited the classroom. The girls behind him oohed and aahed at the play of muscles across the young man's shoulders. Since Sohma Yuki and Sohma Kyo had graduated two years ago, Sohma Hatsuharu and Sohma Momiji were easily the best looking guys in the university. Momiji heard the sighs and looked back over his shoulder with a wink and a grin.
"Haruka-chan and Miki-chan why don't you join me for lunch?" he asked.
The two girls stood stock still in astonishment. Did he really mean it?
"Come on, it'll be my treat. After all, in three days we will all be graduating and beginning our lives in the real world."
The two girls hurried to join Momiji and all headed for the coffee shop just outside the campus. The university was astir with excitement, as graduation was so close. The two girls looked at the tall lithe blonde and realized that this would probably be one of the last times either of them would see him.
"Thank you so much Momiji-kun. Are you sure we won't be a nuisance?"
"Since when have two of the prettiest girls in class been a nuisance?"
The two girls blushed as the trio entered the coffee shop. Momiji grinned, he really did like the girls but for some reason he could not find himself staying interested in any one person. Fortunately for him, there were a lot of girls who just wanted to the chance to be seen with him and be seen by him. From his earliest days at the University he had been a crowd favorite amongst both the guys and the girls. He had such a happy go lucky attitude and such an optimistic outlook on life that many were drawn into his circle.
Momiji and his two companions were just preparing to place their orders when a tall young man with white and black hair approached the table. "Momiji, what are you doing monopolizing the two prettiest girls in our classes?"
Momiji smiled in pleasure. "Haru please join us, I am more that willing to share the company."
Haruka and Miki felt they had just been given a glimpse of heaven. If only it weren't just a fleeting dream, but they, like all the other girls, knew the Sohmas were not easily captured by pretty faces and long flowing hair. It was rumored that Hatsuharu was in love with an older woman and not much interested in his contemporaries. Momiji, on the other hand, enjoyed feminine company but had never committed to any relationships. This made him one of the biggest mysteries on the Tokyo University campus.
The four relaxed around the table and tried to discuss their plans for the future. Exams were complete for that day and the last two would be held tomorrow. This gave them an afternoon to relax before the final bout of studying. As lunch progressed, many of the other students stopped by the table to chat with Momiji and the others.
It was obvious who the drawing card was; although Hatsuharu got his share of sidelong looks from all the girls and Haruka and Miki were quite popular with the guys. It seemed that everyone in school wanted Momiji to come to their graduation party.
Finally the flow of students slowed down and Haruka grinned wryly. "Momiji-san I was really hoping we would get a chance to talk about what your plans are after graduation, but you are so popular, I've hardly been able to say two words to you."
"I'm sorry Haruka-chan, I really did think we would be able to chat for a while myself. I forget how many people frequent this coffee shop. However; I think we have time to talk about that now. Why don't you go first?"
"Me? I was thinking you could go first."
"Please go ahead Haruka-chan, I promise I won't leave without revealing my plans to you."
"Okay. Well...I've been admitted to medical school and will begin classes in September. I am very excited to be given the chance to study under some of the best doctors in the world. Eventually I hope to specialize in neo natal pediatrics."
"That's fantastic! I know you will do well. I've seen you with the mothers and the children in the child care clinics and have been amazed at how good you are with them. And Miki-chan, what are your plans?"
Haruka was still blushing at Momiji's compliment as Miki took up his question.
"I will be joining MaiNichi as an intern on their international staff. My first assignment will be in the Taiwan office. I can hardly wait to get started. I know that I am mostly going to be doing research on background materials, but eventually I will get a chance to actually do some of the reporting. It will be a great experience and I am sure I will learn a lot."
"My, my, you two are not only pretty, but intelligent as well!" Momiji said.
The two girls giggled but then Haruka looked at Momiji with a serious expression.
"Momiji-kun, what are you planning on doing after graduation?"
Hatsuharu glanced at him as well. "Yes Momiji, why don't you tell us what your plans are?"
Haru caught a momentary flash of embarrassment in Momiji's eyes but the girls did not see the expression. He wondered what was up with the Rabbit.
"I will be going to work for my father's firm. He has a branch office in America and would like me to begin my internship there. If I do well and he thinks I am worthy of the position, I will then be allowed to open a second office in the United States in a place of my choosing. This is a once in a lifetime chance and I can't refuse his offer. He is very kind to offer me this opportunity, and even better, Akito has agreed to allow me to go."
"America..." Haru said with a question in his eyes. "Momiji I wonder..." He stopped when he remembered the two girls were still sitting with them. "Never mind, this is a question for later."
"Wow," Miki said in wide-eyed amazement. " I would give anything to go to America. Maybe someday I will get an assignment there."
"If you do, you will have to look me up Miki-chan!"
"Of course I will Momiji-kun."
"Now Haru, you've heard our plans, what will you be doing?" Miki asked.
"Nothing right away. I plan on helping Master Kazuma with the dojo and maybe eventually opening up my own in another location. My cousin, Kyo, is already an assistant master there so I think that would be best. I've always liked martial arts and with my business training here, I think I could do quite well with my own business. That's a ways in the future for me though."
Lunch was done and Momiji and Hatsuharu escorted the girls home. After saying a quick good-bye, they headed for the apartment they had been sharing since both had begun classes at Tokyo University.
Hatsuharu looked at Momiji with a measuring gaze and Momiji sighed. He knew the question Haru was about to ask and he wasn't sure if he was ready to answer it.
"Oh Haru, look at the time. I have an appointment with Papa in 15 minutes. I'll see you later."
Haru grabbed the smaller boy's arm. "Momiji, you do not have an appointment with your papa, I happen to know for a fact that he is inspecting one of his other branch offices right now. You will walk with me and you will answer my question."
Momiji looked away for a moment and then back at the other boy. He smiled resignedly. "Don't go black on me Haru, I'll answer your question if I can."
"Momiji, I know you have been doing some research with your papa's help. You are trying to find out where Tohru Honda was sent by Akito. Am I right?"
"Yes you are. You have always been too astute for your own good Haru. Where are you going with this question?"
"I think that since Yuki and Kyo have found their happiness with other people, that you are going in search of Miss Honda. I think this appointment to your papa's American office is just a subterfuge for the true purpose of your intent."
"Papa really does need me in his California office. It's not just a subterfuge Haru. It's true that I have been trying to locate Tohru, but why would you think this appointment in America has anything to do with that?"
Hatsuharu eyed Momiji with a sympathetic expression. "Because Momiji, you are and have always been in love with Tohru-san. At first it was just a crush on a cute girl, but as you got to know her better and spend time with her, you fell in love with her for real. As long as Kyo and Yuki were in the picture, you did not feel that you could tell her of your feelings. You watched over her, just like you still watch over your mother and Momo-chan, from afar, because you love them. You are like that silly traveler in the story you told me once. You only want the people around you to be happy and will do whatever it takes to achieve that end. In your mind, Tohru-san's happiness was tied to that of Yuki and Kyo. They needed her and you loved her but she seemed to love them so you kept quiet. Except for flirting and stealing a kiss on the cheek any time you got the opportunity." Haru smile at Momiji.
Momiji turned bright red. "Haru..."
"It's true isn't it silly rabbit."
"Suppose your theory is true, I am not admitting that it is, how is that tied to my internship in California?"
"I know from talking to Shigure that Tohru-san is in America. I think you will be trying to track her down when you are not working in your papa's office."
"Haru, how long have you known this?"
"Since Tohru-san went away. I cornered Shigure in the hallway and went black. For some odd reason, he told me the whole story."
Haru hesitated for a moment then continued, "He found out about Akito's plot to send Tohru-san far away. He arranged it so that she would always have funds available, even when she had trouble finding employment. This was all done without Akito's knowledge. The dog can be very crafty when he cares enough to keep someone safe."
"You've known all this time and haven't told anyone?"
"I couldn't. It would put Shigure in disfavor and end up putting Tohru-san some place where he couldn't help her. Each person that knows increases that risk. At the time, he was the only one who was capable of going behind Akito's back without getting caught. He knew I could keep quiet or he wouldn't have told me even after I went black. He didn't tell Hatori or Ayame about this either so don't feel left out.
However, even I did not find out exactly where Tohru-san was sent and America is a very big country. I don't think Shigure trusts anybody that far, or maybe he himself doesn't know. The account he set up can be accessed from anywhere in the States. I think he gave me the generalities just in case."
"Just in case..."
"In case something should happen to him. He knows he's not immortal, and he knows Akito could turn against him. You must admit, Shigure is the most adept at doing what he wants without incurring Akito's displeasure. However, that doesn't mean it will always be the situation. Even his luck could run out at some point in time."
Momiji slowly shook his head. " You still surprise me Haru, even after 25 years."
Haru grinned. "So, I am right?"
"Let's say that you are not wrong."
Haru let the matter drop after that admission. The boys entered their apartment and began studying for the remaining exams. For the moment, the mystery of Tohru's whereabouts was placed on hold.