Disclaimer: Neither Fruits Basket nor the Fruits Basket characters belong to me. They are the property of Natsuki Takaya...wish I'd come up with them first.

Wow, I am really surprised! There seems to be quite a few people out there who like Momiji-kun and the Momiji/Tohru match up. I wasn't really sure if that would be the case. This fanfic has been fun to write, it is almost complete except for a few sections that need revising, but right now we are only about halfway through the story. I certainly hope each of you will continue to read and review.

Thank you so much for the support I've received so far. I know I shouldn't be so selfish, but it really is the reviews that keep me in fanfiction writing. Of course it helps that I have a deep abiding love for Fruits Basket and it's characters. I try very hard to keep people in character so please let me know if there is any major OOC going on. I don't feel like I am guilty of a lot of that, but I'm not you folks.Please continue to read and enjoy my little fanfic. Thank you so very much.

Chapter 8 Fun on the Beach

Saturday was almost anti-climatic. The four girls helped Momiji prepare for his guests and the caterers arrived right on time. It was time for an all out beach party with lobster and crab, salmon, and steak, and side dishes of many varieties. Hayashi-san had done a splendid job in helping Momiji arrange everything. All he really had to do is make sure that everyone felt welcome. The girls were invaluable in that area. Tori laughed and talked with the many guests, her warmth drew them in, just as it had always drawn in Momiji. Risa, Hana, and Kristi contributed their share of hospitality as well. From 5:00 p.m. until well after midnight, the usually quiet beach outside Momiji's bungalow was ringing with laughter, song, and dancing. Everyone ate their fill and had a lot of fun. It was agreed amongst all of the attendees that this was the best company party they had ever attended. Momiji was everywhere talking to the employees, asking about their families, if they were happy in their jobs. Gradually the party thinned out until it was just Momiji, Hayashi-san, her family, and the four girls. The caterers had cleared away all the debris and the beach was quiet once more.

As Hayashi-san prepared to leave, Momiji walked over to tell her thank you.

"Momiji-kun, I would hang onto that girl, the one with the sweet smile and beautiful eyes. I can tell you are in love with her already. She is definitely a keeper."

"I am going to do my best Hayashi-san. Do not doubt that."

Just then Tori came over to join them. "Hayashi-san, this was wonderful. I am so glad Momiji had you to help him. There was almost nothing at all for us to do. Thank you very much."

"My pleasure, Tori-chan. You don't mind if I call you that?"

"Oh no, of course not. Please be safe on the way home Hayashi-san. Good night."

And then there was just the five of them. Risa, Hana, and Kristi glanced at each other and then at Tohru and Momiji. Momiji only had eyes for Tori. Kristi sighed deeply.

"What are you thinking Kristi?" Risa asked.

"I think it is a very good thing that I didn't fall in love with Momiji. Tori is the only person he's really seen since we walked in the door last night."

Hana nodded. "There are very strong vibes between those two. Our dear Tohru may soon be a married woman. Oh, it makes me sad to think of her leaving us."

"Hana, aren't you being a little premature? They've only just started getting reacquainted." Risa spoke jokingly, but she wondered if perhaps Hana might be right.

"I think he's loved her for a long time," Kristi said enviously. "Do you think she realizes that?"

"Tori? Probably not. She's slow when it comes to romance." Risa remarked.

"Yes, she's still so naïve in some ways" Hana added.

"And totally clueless" Risa said in disgust.

"That's our Tori and that's why we love her," Kristi spoke softly.

"Yes, that is our Tori, invincible love. She has a heart big enough for everyone in the world and possibly much of the universe as well."

By mutual agreement the girls decided to leave the young couple to their own devices and retire to their bedrooms. Tomorrow evening they would be making the long drive back to Phoenix.

"Good Night everyone," Tori called as she saw them going up the stairs to the bedrooms. "I will be up soon. Momiji and I still have some catching up to do."

Momiji could not take his eyes off of the petite brown-haired woman. She was everything he remembered and so much more. It was as if last night had never happened. She had returned to once again being the cheerful optimist he had always known.

"Tohru, would you like to take a walk on the beach while we do our catching up?"

"Sure. I would love to."

The two clasped hands and walked out onto the sand. The ocean waves beat rhythmically upon the beach and the stars leant a tranquil light to the scene. The two wandered along the shore talking quietly. Eventually they removed their shoes and Momiji rolled up his pants so that they could wade in the water.

"Wow, this is cold!" Tohru laughed happily as she darted out into the waves and back into the shore.

"But beautiful," Momiji commented.

"Yes, it is. Tell me Momiji…" Tori hesitated a moment before continuing.

"What is it Tori?"

"What are Yuki-kun and Kyo-kun doing now? Are they happy? Do they have someone to love? And what about you Momiji, is there anyone you left behind in Japan?"

Tohru really looked at the young man standing by her side as she waited for him to answer her questions. Momiji had gotten very tall and his blonde hair and large brown eyes were quite striking. He rivaled Yuki in looks, at least what she remembered of Yuki's looks. He seemed not to have changed much except for an added maturity. Of course seven years could do that to a person. At heart she felt he was probably the same sweet hopeful person she had always known. She and Momiji, they had both cherished their memories, all of them. Their friendship had been instantaneous and special.

"Where shall I begin…I suppose with the easiest topic, me. No I didn't leave anyone special in Japan. I've had a lot of girlfriends but no serious relationships. I just never met the right girl I suppose. I was really popular in college though, especially after Yuki and Kyo graduated and moved on. Haru was too. It seems funny doesn't it?"

"Not really, you were always popular with everyone, both guys and girls. Did you ever feel like you didn't belong Momiji?"

"Me? Not really, not at school. I always had friends and everyone wanted me to be one of their friends. I guess I was lucky that way. However, within the Sohma family, yes, there were a lot of times I felt I didn't belong. Momma, Poppa, and Momo are so happy together, they don't really need me, but that's okay. I know Poppa loves me a lot and Momma and Momo are happy. That's all that really matters."

"Oh Momiji, I had hoped that you and your whole family would be together by now. I am so sorry."

"For what Tohru? There is nothing that can be done. Momma's happy not remembering and at least Momo and I have a friendship. Poppa talked Momma into that, at least."

"I am happy for that," she said with a smile.

"Yeah, me too. It's not quite having a real family, but it's close."

"And the others?"

"You aren't going to believe this one…or maybe you will. Kyo was really sad after you left and he started doing wild and crazy things. Kagura took him in hand and now the two of them are married. They have twin girls. They named them Tohru and Kyoko. Neither girl suffers from the zodiac curse and of course they can hug their daddy without him changing. We were a little worried about that, but I guess because both parents are a member of the zodiac, the curse is impotent with them. Kyo was really happy about that as you can imagine."

"Kyo and Kagura, how perfect. Kagura loved him for ever so long and he finally loved her too. I love happy endings. I am deeply honored that they cared enough to name their children after Mom and me."

"Yeah, and you know something else? Kagura is pregnant again. Doctor says it will be a boy this time."

"That's amazing. I'm so happy for her. It's everything she ever wanted."

"Yeah, and then there is Yuki. He was really depressed and difficult to live with after you left. He was starting to act a lot like Akito and that was scary. In his junior year at Tokyo U, he met this really sweet girl. Her name is Karin Takeda-san. The two of them are engaged and will be married in April next year. Karin reminds me a lot of you in some ways. Life if always fun for her and she is madly in love with Yuki and he with her. On another note of interest, Yuki and Ayame have finally come to understand each other as much as possible and get along most of the time. Of course, Ayame still finds ways to annoy his little brother, but…that's Ayame, right?"

Tori laughed easily as she recalled the flamboyant person that was Ayame Sohma. "Yuki always did take life a little too seriously and Ayame-san is just the opposite. I can just imagine. Ayame-san has a heart of gold and he really does love Yuki-kun but he always seems to say the wrong thing to him. I'm glad the two of them are getting along better."

"Yeah, and guess what? Yuki is letting Ayame help Karin-san with the wedding arrangements. And another thing, Kyo is going to be one of Yuki's groomsmen. Can you believe it?"

"That's wonderful! Prayers do get answered and New Year's wishes do come true. What have Kyo-kun and Yuki-kun decided to do for careers?"

"Yuki decided to be a teacher at our old High School. He teaches mathematics and Japanese. Of course all of his female students have a crush on him."

"But of course, he is still Prince Yuki isn't he?"

"And always will be. As for Kyo, he is helping Kazuma-dono operate his dojo. Haru is going to be helping them there for a while to gain experience and then will probably open his own dojo in a neighboring town."

"I bet Kazuma-san is very happy that Kyo has decided to go into business with him. He is the closest thing Kyo has to a father and has always watched over him since he was very small."

"Kazuma-dono is very happy, that's for sure."

The two of them walked for a little while longer. It felt so right to be holding hands and walking along a moonlit beach. "Momiji-kun…"

"Hmmm?"

"For some reason, it makes me very happy to be walking here with you now. When I left Japan, I thought I would never see any of you again. And here you are…I'm so glad!"

"Me too Tohru. I've missed you a lot."

Momiji sat down on the beach and pulled Tohru down by his side. "It's so peaceful here, I think I could really grow to love America, although I haven't seen much of it yet."

"It's a wonderful land with a lot of opportunities. I miss Japan, but I love it here too. I have my dearest friends, Risa, Hana, and Kristi living together with me. I have a great job and a wonderful boss, and now I have one of my other dear friends living near-by. Maybe not exactly near, but you are only six hours away and that's much better than 18 hours away, or however long the flights take these days."

"That is true. Tohru, do you think I might come visit you in Phoenix some weekend?"

"Of course Momiji, you are always welcome. We have a big house with extra bedrooms and would love to have you visit."

"Would next weekend be too soon?"

"No, in fact that would be wonderful. When should we expect you?"

"Give me your e-mail address and I'll send you my flight information. Also, a telephone number would be good in case I need to touch base with you really fast. I may drive and if I do, I may need instructions."

"Okay. Remind me to write it down when we get back to the house."

The two of them slowly made their way back to the house. There was so much catching up to do and every minute was precious. Momiji was deliriously happy to be with Tohru again. He wondered what Tohru was thinking.

"Tohru…"

"Yes Momiji…"

He raised her head to look at him. "Do you mind if I kiss you again…"

"Uhmmm, no I don't think I do."

Momiji bent his head to kiss Tohru. He had intended only a short friendly kiss, but she responded swiftly to the touch of his lips and it ended up being much longer than planned. If only he could hold her, the moment would be perfect.

"Wow…I've never been kissed quite like that before."

Momiji raised her hand to his lips and kissed it gently. "Princess Tohru, someday I will be your Prince." Momiji released her hand and guided her up the stairs to her bedroom with his arm carefully about her waist. "Good Night Princess, Sweet Dreams."

Momiji sauntered up the hall to his bedroom and Tohru entered the one she was sharing with Kristi. Kristi turned towards her as she quietly got ready for bed.

"Tori, did you enjoy yourself tonight? I've had a wonderful time."

"You're still awake Kristi? That surprises me, it's so late. Yes I had a lovely time, it's like Momiji and I never spent seven years apart. He's still the very dear friend I left so many years ago. I was afraid things might have changed, but they haven't. I'm so happy."

Kristin smiled at her best friend. Tori deserved all the happiness in the world, especially if last night's horror was anything to judge by. She had a feeling that Momiji would be more than willing to provide her with that happiness.

After Kristin fell asleep, Tohru lay in bed watching the night sky. Mom, this is too wonderful to be true. I have finally met up with one of the Sohmas again and he still wants to be my friend. Yuki-kun, Kyo-kun, Kagura-chan, and Ayame-san are all living happily and I am too. Maybe next time I will find out how Hatori-san and Shigure-san are doing.

The next morning Momiji and the girls spent several hours on the beach. The girls in their brightly colored bikinis attracted a lot of guys and soon there was a full-fledged game of beach volleyball taking place. Tohru was still not very good at sports but she put 110 percent effort into the game and she looked cute doing it. Several of the younger guys from Momiji's staff and a few of Kristin's friends had all decided to join the fun on the beach that day.

Gradually the day started winding down and it was almost time for Risa, Hana, and Tori to head back to Phoenix so they could return to work the next day. Momiji regretfully walked them out to Uo's car. "It's been so much fun seeing the three of you again, and getting to know you better as well Kristin. I've had a wonderful weekend. Don't forget, next weekend, it is your turn to entertain me." He winked at the girls and opened the doors for them to get in the car. When it came Tohru's time to get in the car, he halted her with a hand on her arm for just a moment. "Tori, will you tell me what happened that one day in Japan sometime soon? I'd really like to know."

"Oh Momiji, it was really not that much. I'm sure I've got it all blown out of proportion in my memory. Perhaps, someday soon I will though, since you are asking."

"Thank you Tori, be safe. I'll see you next weekend." He leaned down and kissed her cheek softly. "I can't wait."

"Bye Momiji, see you soon."

Momiji watched the car until it was out of site. Tohru, I will find out what Akito did to you, one way or another. And then I will do my utmost to make you love me as much as I love you.