Disclaimer: Neither Fruits Basket nor the Fruits Basket Characters belong to me. They are the property of Natsuki Takaya.

A/N Hey, I am really enjoying writing this fic, thank you all so much for reviewing it. One thing I guess I will have to warn you about is that I don't do love triangles. Also I don't do romantic scenes really well. I hope you will forgive me for my lack in these areas. I do feel I do a good job in other aspects of my fanfics.Please read and enjoy. Reviews are welcome as well. :-)

I know I am updating rather quickly, hopefully no one minds. I have the story completed and I can't wait to see how everyone likes the way it turns out. I do have six more chapters after this one and then the epilogue.

Chapter 9 It's My Turn Now

Joseph Jackson leaned against the doorjamb and watched his administrative assistant as she interacted with his clients. Tori Tanaka had been quite a find when he hired her to help him in his office. She got along well with all of the clients and had excellent taste when it came to purchasing items that would sell well. She understood human nature and what people liked. Her ability to say the right things at the right times was amazing. He knew she respected him, but love wasn't part of the formula. He wished it were though because he was crazy about her. Her joy in life, her compassion, her love for everyone drew him into her sphere with no effort on her part at all. He was still trying to figure out why she didn't fall in love with him. He was good-looking, had a great sense of humor, was chivalrous, and wealthy. What was there not to love about him?

Tohru glanced up from the letter she was typing to see her boss watching her yet again. His violet eyes and long brown hair gave him an exotic appearance. Yuki-kun was the only other person she'd ever met with violet eyes. Many of the lady clients enjoyed interacting with him. Why did he care for her so, there were so many more women out there to choose from?

"Good morning Jackson-san" she called. Miss Cooper asked that you please give her a call this morning. With a smile she turned back to her task.

"Thank you Tori, I will give her a call. Please tell me she is interested in buying that sculpture we ordered two weeks ago. I know you said we should buy it because she would fall in love with it."

"Yes, that is exactly what she called about. I'm so happy she likes it. I chose it just for her, you know."

"Thank you Tori."

"Oh, Jackson-san, I have a guest coming to visit this weekend that may be of some interest to you."

"Really, who is it?"

"You know our client in California, Zodiac Imports?"

"Yes, they are based out of Japan. Mamoru Sohma is the owner. What about them?"

"Sohma-san sent his son out to manage his business in the San Diego office. His name is Momiji Sohma. I knew him before I came to America, but he was only a kid then. At any rate he is visiting as an old friend this weekend. Would you like to come over Saturday evening for a meal and to get acquainted with him? I know how much you enjoy getting to know our clients."

"To your house, really? You've never invited me before."

"Well, there's never been a good reason before, so how about it. You already have our address and I can give you directions if you are interested."

"Oh, I am definitely interested." He gave her a meaningful glance.

"Jackson-san please don't read too much into this invitation."

He laughed. "Don't worry Tori, I'm not. I just can't help hoping that one day…After all you can't blame a guy for trying, right?"

"And just think, you'll get to meet my roommates, Risa, Hana, and Kristin. They are all wonderful people. You'll like them and Momiji-kun as well."

"Momiji-kun? He must be a close friend."

"Oh yes, we were very good friends back in Japan. He seems to understand his father's business quite well."

"Okay, I'll be there. What time?"

"How about 7:00 p.m. Although if you want to come earlier, 6:00 would be fine."

"Thank you, I'll be there at 6:00"

"Good." and the phone rang and it was the beginning of another busy day.

Monday through Thursday flew by very quickly but when Friday arrived, Tori found herself watching the clock. She was so excited about Momiji coming to visit that the day could not pass quickly enough. The minutes crawled by, but finally 5:00 arrived. "Jackson-san, do you need me for anything else today?"

Joseph came to the door of his office. "No, I don't Tori. I suppose it is time for you to leave for the airport to meet your friend. Have a good evening and I'll see you tomorrow night."

"Thank you. I'll see you tomorrow night. Good-bye."

Tohru rushed to the airport to meet Momiji's plane and by 6:00 they were pulling into the driveway at the house. Her three roommates were all still working so they had the house to themselves for the next couple of hours.

"Tori, where is everyone?" Momiji asked when the entered the quiet house.

"They are all still at work. Risa had a fashion show for several of her designs tonight, Hana is working on a really important case for the police department, and Kristin isn't due back in Phoenix until late tonight."

"In that case…" Momiji grinned mischievously and gave Tohru a big hug.

POOF! Tohru giggled as she found herself holding his bunny form once again.

"Momiji…You are a little bit crazy you know." Tohru snuggled the bunny for a couple of minutes.

"I know, but some things are worth the trouble." Momiji replied. He was thoroughly enjoying his place in Tohru's arms.

Tohru gave him a final hug and set him down on the floor with his clothing.

"I'll be in the kitchen getting dinner ready. Join me when you are you again."

"I'll do that."

A few minutes later Momiji came out to the kitchen and made himself at home. "Do you mind if I get a glass of iced tea? These Arizona summers sure are hot!"

"No, please go ahead."

"Would you like a glass too, Tori?"

"Yes, thank you." Tohru turned back to the counter where she was working on meal preparations. Momiji came up behind her and placed her glass on the counter. He then gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Oh." Tohru was startled and turned around quickly and suddenly she was holding the bunny again.

"Momiji I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to turn you into a rabbit again…I…"

"Tohru-kun, calm down, I like it here" he said with satisfaction as he rested across her shoulder.

"You sound just like Shigure-san when you say Tohru-kun…" Tori giggled as she pictured the rabbit and the writer together. "Put on a pair of glasses and I just might mistake you for him."

"Tori, that hurts. How can you confuse me with my perverted older cousin? After all, I am much cuter than he is. Come to think of it though, we are almost the same age as Shigure was when you first went to live with him and Yuki and Kyo."

Tohru thought for a moment. "Has it been that long already. It seems like it was only a short time ago that I was sitting at the table across from them and talking and listening, and sharing…" Tears formed in her eyes. "And now I am the same age as Shigure was when we first met. That seems so strange to me. I miss them all so much and I didn't really realize it until I heard your name again, Momiji."

"Tohru, we have a couple of hours before Hana and Risa come home, do you think you might tell me what happened that last time you met Akito. Shigure has been very close mouthed about it and he is the only one that really seems to have any details."

"I…I'm not sure if I can Momiji. He hated me Momiji, I've never felt such hate and I have no idea what I did to cause him to hate me so. I was really frightened that last time…"

"Tori, you better put me down and turn your back, I think this may be easier to talk about if I am a man and not a rabbit."

Tori removed Momiji from her arms and went back to dinner preparations. She heard the poof that usually accompanied the change and shortly after that a warm hand was placed on her arm.

She turned slowly to look at Momiji. In his blue shirt and jeans, he looked very American. It seemed a lifetime ago when he used to wear his brightly colored jackets and shorts. Momiji bent his head and kissed her once more. "Tori, I have been trying to track you down for 3 years. Shigure has kept silent about what happened seven years ago, I think he is the only one who knows the full story."

"Momiji, remember when we said we would like to hold onto all or our memories. I still believe that, but there are times when I wish I could forget Akito and his hatred. This is what happened. Akito called the house and told Kyo and Yuki that they had to go track down some information for him. I'm not sure what excuse he used. Five minutes after they left, Akito called and told me that I must come to the Main House immediately. I left Shigure a note and then followed Akito's orders. What came after that…"

She talked to Momiji about all that had taken place in Akito's rooms and about how Shigure had arrived with Hatori on his heels. " The last thing I remember of that time was Shigure-san telling me to run and him holding Akito's arms while Hatori-san gave him a shot. It must have been a tranquilizer of some kind, because I remember Akito collapsing in Shigure-san's arms as I ran out the door. I was such a coward Momiji, I made it to the gate and fainted. The next thing I remember is waking up in an emergency room somewhere and Shigure-san telling me that everything was going to be okay. I believed him too, Momiji. But I never got to see you, or Yuki-kun, or Kyo-kun, or anyone else again. Shigure-san did not even bring Hatori-san to take a look at me. I knew things were bad then. I followed Shigure-san's instructions and his editor, Mitsuru-san, made arrangements for me to come here. Somehow, I had all the funds I needed to get started in my new life and so here I am. I think Shigure-san may have arranged that somehow, but I don't know the details. Now I am an American with wonderful friends, a wonderful job, and a wonderful life. The only thing that could have made it better was to know that all the people I loved and left behind were okay. Now you are here and have assured me of this. I am really very happy."

Momiji place his hand over Tohru's. "Yes I am here, Tori and very happy to be in this place. I always dreamed of seeing you again, you know. I got your letter and tried to move on with my life. I did in a lot of ways, but I never found a girl that I loved as much as I love you."

"Momiji, you can't be serious. I know we were very good friends, but I never thought you were in love with me.'

"That proves that I can keep a secret too, Tohru!" Momiji suddenly reminded her of the 15-year-old she had mistaken for an elementary schoolboy when they met for the first time at the school cultural festival.

Tohru smiled at the young man. "Well, now that you know all my secrets, maybe you will tell me how Hatori-san, Shigure-san, and Akito-san are doing." She returned to meal preparations as she listened to Momiji talk.

"Ha'ri-san is pretty much the same as he always has been. He doesn't smile as often as he did right before you left Japan. I think he really misses having you around. He seems to have to spend more and more time attending to Akito. Akito, he hasn't changed much at all except he is rarely seen outside his rooms. I think his health is worse. That was a part of the curse you know. He is even more controlling now than he was then. Poppa had to do a lot of fast-talking to convince him to let me come to America and run his business. As for Shigure, I'm not really sure what to say. He still acts pretty much the same. He still teases Mii-chan every chance he gets. However he doesn't come to the main house very often anymore. Akito usually has to request he come before he will. It seems like things are not the same between him and Ha'ri-san anymore. Ha'ri is the same as ever, but Shigure seems to treat him with a coldness that wasn't there before. They are still best friends, but something has changed. Also, the last night before I left Japan, Shigure came to see me off. He came to the restaurant where I was having a farewell dinner with Poppa and Haru. He dropped a card in my lap and looked over his shoulder before he said anything. Kureno-san came in to look for him and he never did tell me what he really intended to, I don't think. The card he dropped in my lap did have the name of the company where you are working. I think maybe Shigure was going to tell me, but he didn't. Shigure didn't even have a cup of sake. He wished me well on Akito's behalf and followed Kureno-san out the door. It seems like Akito has him on a leash and he has to step carefully. I've never seen him so wary."

She frowned momentarily as he spoke of Shigure and his actions. "Shigure-san? Is he okay. I don't like the fact that he has lost some of Akito-san's trust. I know he loves Akito very much and that must hurt him a lot. It must have been my fault, perhaps..."

"Tohru, stop it. I didn't mean to worry you. Do not blame yourself, I know Shigure doesn't. He and Hatori still speak fondly of you. I think they were both half in love with you, too."

"Momiji, you can't mean that. I'm not all that…"

"But you are Tori, even if you don't realize it. You mean the world to a lot of people. That includes Kisa-san. She cried almost every night for weeks after you left, she missed you so much. However, she took the letter you left her to heart and learned how to smile again. She made a lot of friends and will graduate from college soon. You may not know it Tori, but you had a strong impact on all of our lives. You made it possible for all of us to love ourselves."

"I'm home" Hana called as she came in the door.

"Hana, welcome home" Tori called. "Momiji and I are out here in the kitchen."

Hana took her purse up to her room and changed clothes and then joined the two of them.

"Risa may be quite late, her fashion show went splendidly and she has a lot of clients wishing to talk to her about her new designs. She is going out for drinks with them and will be home later. She called just as I was leaving the office."

"Oh, okay. Then it will be the three of us for dinner then, I guess," Tohru said.

"No, it will be just the two of you. I came home to change but my captain wants me to join the team for dinner tonight. We solved this latest case we've been working on and everyone wants to celebrate. I really couldn't tell him no. It was a difficult mystery to solve."

"Hana, that's wonderful. I suppose I made too much food then…"

"It can be heated later. Risa and Kristi will both be hungry when they get home I suspect. And you know me, I am always interested in a late night snack. See you two later." Hana waved casually as she went back out the door.

Momiji shook his head in amazement. "Seven years sure does make a lot of difference. I can't believe how easily you, Hana, and Risa have adapted to the American lifestyle. I never would have expected that to happen."

Tori looked back over at Momiji. "As I remember someone telling me a few years ago, 'be surprised about everything.'"

He laughed. "Touché, I did say that to you didn't I? It was so funny, the surprise on your face when you found out I was only a year younger than you. You really thought I was a grade school kid."

She laughed along with him. "Yeah, I was pretty foolish then wasn't I, and you have to admit, you looked very young for your age. It looks like it is only going to be the two of us for dinner. You don't mind do you?"

"Tori, have you already forgotten what I was telling you right before Hana came in?"

She blushed becomingly, "Well no, but…"

"Then tell me, why would I mind spending the evening with just you?"

Momiji looked through their CD collection and chose some old Japanese folk songs for accompaniment. He discovered candles in the linen closet and set the table with candlelight and wine he had brought with him from San Diego.

Tohru finished cooking and walked out to the dining room with their plates. Momiji was fortunately close enough to take them from her hands or she would have dropped them in surprise. "Momiji, this is so lovely. I would not have thought to set the table in such a wonderful fashion."

"Princess Tohru, please take your seat and allow me to serve you." Momiji pulled out her chair for her and she sat down, still a little stunned.

Momiji served Tohru's plate and poured her wine. She returned the favor by serving him and pouring his wine. They ate and talked about Japan and the people they loved throughout the meal.

"You know, Momo is sixteen now and she plays the violin. Momma and Poppa are so proud of her. She got a music scholarship to one of the best music academies and she hasn't even graduated from high school yet. I got to go to a couple of her recitals since I am her friend, and she was fantastic."

"Sixteen…that's how old I was when I met Yuki-kun and Kyo-kun," Tohru said thoughtfully. "I really can't imagine Momo that age, she was such a little girl those times I saw her when I worked in your father's building."

"She looks just like Momma. She is beautiful and gets really good grades. She has a lot of friends and likes to go to concerts. I think she has a lot of guys that would like to be her boyfriend, but right now she is totally immersed in her violin. Poppa says he is glad she doesn't want to date yet. I think I am too." He stopped talking for a moment and then looked into Tori's eyes.

"Tori, I really have to ask because it's important to me. Are you in love with anyone else? You asked me before, now it's my turn. I know you really cared a lot about Yuki and Kyo and I thought you were in love with them. Every time you say their names you have a wistful expression in your eyes."

"In love with Yuki-kun or Kyo-kun? No I don't think so. I miss our friendship terribly and I admit I had some very strong feelings, especially for Yuki, when we were in high school. Kyo was important to me too, but not in the same way. I always felt that Yuki-kun and I…well I thought we might have a future if Akito would approve, but Akito never would have approved. I know that now, and it makes me sad, but…no I'm not in love with Yuki anymore. As you said, seven years is a long time. I am very happy he and Kyo have both found someone to share their lives with. I am especially happy for Kagura, I know she and Kyo are happy because she loved him so much. There is no one special here either. I've been so busy working and studying since I got here that there really hasn't been that much time for finding the man I want to spend the rest of my life with."

Momiji sighed in relief. At least she wasn't currently in love with anyone. That meant that he really did have a chance to convince her to fall in love with him and he wouldn't have to feel guilty about it. Sorry Kyo and Yuki, but it's my turn now.