Disclaimer: Ah ha! Look, I didn't forget it this time! Anyways, I don't own Faruba. I do own Rini, her horrible parents, and Kaname. I hope you like the next installment, and thank you for the reviews. They fuel me ppl. Just don't send the same thing three times. Cough like for my 4th chap… cough Anyhow! Enjoy!
I wake up to see Momiji-kun and Diana-chan looming over me with worried faces. My eyes ache, and that is one of the only things my mind will register at the moment. Perhaps it's because I explained my situation to Hatori-sama when he asked, and broke down crying for a long time. I am sure I must look like a mess. What with my frazzled hair, puffy red eyes, and tired, solemn features as of late. Hatori-sama just looked at me with this kind of longing and pain in his eyes last night when I told him I truly loved Sohma-san. I thought it looked like, for a moment at least, that his heart was breaking. As if every fear he'd ever had about or for me had come true in one moment. I close my eyes again, ignoring the protests to wake up from Diana-chan and Momiji-kun.
"H-Hatori-sama…?"
"Yes, Rini-san?" he answers clearly and calmly, taking a drag from his ever present cigarette. I sigh, and my hands are nervously playing with the hem of my blouse again.
"I love him…"
"I know…"
"But…" I say, surprised that he has read me so clearly. How could he have known? I haven't even told Kaname-san! And she works with me the closest when I'm around Sohma-san!
"I know because…because as improbable as it seems…I was in love once too. Kana was my springtime, melting away the snow I had created to keep my distance from hurting, or being hurt by, others. I knew when I heard from Diana-san that you'd kept working with Kaname-san, and when I heard from Ayame-kun that he'd been talking to you, eating meals with you, and spending so much more time with you that you'd be falling in love with him…especially when he mentioned that you'd listen to anything he'd say with this sweet smile on your face…THAT'S what it's like to be in love. Just being willing to want to be near that person you care about, just being able to see them…that's enough when you love a person. And you feel incomplete without them…" Hatori-sama says with a depressed demeanor about his words.
His somber attitude tells me that he still cares for Kana, even though she claims that they had no relationship, and that she was merely his assistant that had developed a crush on him. I nodded. For what he said was 100 true. I DID love Sohma-san so much that I just wanted to see him, to be near him. Just to catch a glimpse of his deliriously amused face when he talked of things that happened at his shop, or Shigure-san's, or where ever…that WAS enough. I was happy as long as he was happy. I can't help that.
"I didn't mean to…it just happened Hatori-sama…I'm sorry if I've disappointed you…" I say apologetically. I AM sorry that I've brought up bittersweet memories for him, for he is a dear and much needed friend of mine. I wouldn't trade the world for an ounce of Hatori-sama's advice and guidance.
"I know…love always seems to happen this way…I just…I just don't know if worst comes to worst…I don't know or, quite frankly, believe that I can protect you or shield you from the consequences of this love of yours…" he sighs sadly, disappearing in a cloud of gray smoke again, as usual when he's faced with something that upsets him.
"You…you don't need to…it's ok. If he rejects me when, or if, I ever tell him…I'll live. And if Akito-sama finds out…then I'll deal with the punishment that he sees fit. You don't have to protect me…I can handle my own self. I am not a child anymore Hatori-sama…you no longer have to stop the local school bullies from teasing me or tugging on my hair or even hitting me. We've grown past that. And as an adult, I no longer want to be a burden to you…" I say solidly. I hope he isn't offended, and I hope he does understand that I still think of him as an older brother.
"I know…it amazes me how much you've grown to be honest. In my mind, you're still that 10-year-old girl that needed a 14 year old me to chase away all the scary things in the world, all the darkness that surrounded you. I've felt that I've needed to protect at least ONE person without giving up. You know…you've always been a little sister to me…but now…you're a young woman. And I don't think I can help you, and it's tearing me apart. I just don't want you to experience the pain I went through…I want to see you smile, instead of pine for something you know can't be…" Hatori-sama says.
I am thoroughly shocked. He has never been this open, as far back as I can remember. Never once. Not even when I knew he was mourning the accident that Okaa-san said Kana got into that made her lose her memory of him. Only him. I don't understand him though. What he and Kana experienced was just a cruel twist of fate, was it not? An accident that cut short their love. Once he stops talking though, his words sink in and I feel the tears pour out of my eyes in realization that Sohma-san and I can never be. I will never be the one that he loves. And I will not be allowed to love him. He walks to the door, but stops and turns his head to me only slightly, and his blind eye, which is covered by his hair, looks at me with its unseeing violet stare.
"But…I don't think…I don't think you should think it's a crime for you to love. I think…you should love. Just know that when and if you falter and give up, I'll be here to support you…" he says, and walks away without another word. And I sit here with a pale blue kimono from my old house, tears falling rapidly down my face like a waterfall. But in some strange twisted way, I am at ease. I suppose knowing someone will pick you up when you fall is comforting in a way. Even if he IS implying the inevitable. But I will have to try anyways. Just so I can know. Just so I can know if Sohma-san could ever feel the same way.
"Rini Sohma! Get up this instant! You cannot waste your life away sleeping just because your parents say you can't go see the man of your dreams! You're an adult young lady! Now, march your little butt down to Ayame-san's house, after a good breakfast of course that Tohru-chan dropped off since Shigure-san is visiting, and go to work on his house! And then you can spend all afternoon with him! You've been working there for 5 months now, and it's fall. You shouldn't slack off, it gives you something to do!" Diana-chan says as I open my eyes again. Momiji-kun nods at certain intervals with the occasional 'She's right.' I smile and nod, getting up.
"I know. I was just remembering something Hatori-sama told me last night…Tohru-san is here? And Shigure-san? I don't suppose Hi- - no…I guess he'd be at home now since I moved out, he's only a little boy that needs to be with his parents," I say with a sad smile. Momiji-kun smiles and drags me to the door, and I see Hiro-chan sitting asleep at the table while Hatori-sama, Kisa-san, Shigure-san, and Tohru-san all talk around him at the table. I walk over quickly and cover him with the blanket around my shoulders and Tohru-san squeaks as if she's done something wrong.
"I'm so sorry Rini-san! I never even thought of covering Hiro-san up!" Tohru-san titters worriedly. I smile and shake my head.
"No, I'm happy you didn't…I get to play big sister finally! I've always imagined doing this for him, but just tell me he didn't stay up all night to make sure I was ok," I say worriedly. Shigure-san nods his head with a friendly smile. He is truly a good person. I mean, he wouldn't have come if he hadn't cared, right? I am glad I've met him. I see now why Sohma-san likes his company so much.
"Yes he did. He was very grown up about it. I have to say I'm proud of Hiro, he didn't partake in any of the fun we had while waiting last night. He just kept watching you sleep and only came out about an hour ago," Shigure-san says softly, almost gently. I know my eyes are wide and I have a frown on my face. Hiro-chan shouldn't have to stay up just for me! He's much too young to be expected of that.
Tohru-san brings out breakfast and we all eat happily, and after that, Diana-chan picks out an outfit for me and combs my long hair, putting a peach ribbon in it, she says to add color to my white blouse and jeans. I smile as I leave, waving to everyone. Hiro-chan waves longest, even though I can see tired bags under his eyes. He looks so sweet, and I'm so happy he stayed up, but I told Hatori-sama to make sure he gets sleep. This is apparent since Hatori-sama is now leading him away to bed, as he protests about Hatori-sama not being his father, so he can't say that he has to go to bed. But for some reason he quiets as Hatori-sama looks back at me and then tells him something. I wonder why.
(Hiro's POV)
I'm so sleepy…but where did this blanket come from? I look around in confusion as I see the others, including Rini-chan eating. I smile warmly for once, she must have put it on me. That seems like her. I crawl over to her side and sit by her, and this seems to make her smile as she shares her plate with me. Normally I don't like to be babied and treated like such a child, but when she does it…I guess it's ok. She hasn't been able to dote on me for 12 years, so I guess I'll give her a week for that lovey-dovey stuff.
Diana leads her away to get dressed, but I almost stop her. I don't think that Rini should have to go to work. Especially not for that stupid snake, Ayame. It's pathetic really, he lets people clean his house and he's HOW OLD? He's a grown man, and yet he still needs someone to pick up after him. It's sad. Shigure just keeps smiling at me, like he understands what I'm thinking. I have the strongest urge to wipe that smirk off of his smug face.
"You know…you've acted very grown-up Hiro…Rini-chan was so happy you stayed up for her…but you should get some rest now," he says, putting on that totally fake voice that's laced with kindness. I hope Rini-chan can see through his act. He's really a ruthless person deep down. He better not try to hurt her, or he'll have me to answer to.
"Whatever. It's not like I'm a little kid! So you can stop treating me like such a child!" I huff. I hate it when he tries to compliment people, because he rarely means it.
"But Hiro, you ARE a child. You're only 12. You can't save the world, or put the weight of the world on your shoulders yet. But you'll get there. Eventually," Shigure smiles again. Now that stupid, ditsy woman is nodding and smiling one of those goofy smiles.
"Yes, Hiro-san! You're so grown up already, and I'm sure Rini-san is proud of you! You should be able to enjoy being a child though, because that time passes so quickly. I'm sure in your own way, you'll be able to help Rini-san no matter what. Oh, but I'm not saying that you don't help her NOW, I'm just saying that you'll be able to help her even MORE the older you get…oh, now it seems like I'm calling you too little to help…ahh…" the stupid girl says. She's getting so worked up over nothing. I hate people who can't say what they mean. You just think something, and say it.
Diana-san comes back out with Rini-chan. She's so beautiful when she's smiling. But almost every time I see her, she's upset. My baka family treats her so poorly. I have to look after her now, so she doesn't hurt anymore. I didn't help Kisa, and that turned out bad. So I can't ignore her problems either. I have to help her as much as I can. She walks to the door, then out. But she stops and turns at the gate to the garden, and waves. We all gather at the door and wave back. I wave as much as I can, but I feel like my eyes will close any second. Hatori taps my shoulder and looks at me sternly.
"You need to go to sleep and get some rest Hiro," he says in that annoying monotone voice of his. I hate people who think you have to do what they say just because they're older.
"You're not my father! So how can you possibly tell me to go to sleep? You have no legal rights to give me any orders, and I'm not entitled to listen!" I protest. He just sighs, looking to Rini-chan, who looks confused.
"Rini-san asked me to put you to bed because she was worried about you. She doesn't want you to wear yourself out on her account…" he whispers. I blush and nod, walking into the house. Truthfully, I'm sleepy, but I won't admit that to Hatori if my life depended on it.
(Ayame's POV)
My, it's starting to get chilly lately. Well, it IS fall. Soon we'll be breaking out the kotatsu! Oh I can't wait until winter, Shigure-chan visits more often then. So do the rest of the zodiacs in general. But I can't help but wonder if Rini-chan will be here today. Yesterday I was worried sick. I hope Kaname-chan doesn't start that 'Spring Fever' nonsense again. ESPECIALLY if Rini-chan comes. I can't have her think that I like her, which would ruin our beautiful friendship. As I look at the calendar, I see all the little pink flowers she draws in the corners. One for every day she's worked here. Flipping through the pages, I see she's worked here for 5 short months. Why has it felt like longer to me? I feel like we've become so close in so short a time. But I suppose that is what happens when you spend your days with someone. I told Mine' yesterday while I was at the store that Rini-chan didn't come. She just smiled at me, like Kaname-chan did.
"Oh really Boss-san? You really miss her when she's not there, huh? You haven't been spending as many afternoons at the store either. Is she the reason you stay home? I'd say that the master of romance has fallen into a romance of his own! You just HAVE to bring her to the shop! We can dress her up in the cutest outfits!" Mine fawned happily while putting some ribbons up on display.
"Why does everyone keep saying that it bothers me so much without—" I start to say to myself, but hear footsteps behind me and a soft, sweet voice I'd been longing to hear.
"What's been bothering you, Sohma-san? You look upset. What are you doing without?" Rini-chan says with a sweet smile. But something is wrong with her as well, since I can tell in her sweet eyes. But I won't press it, she was sick once and still came, and when I questioned her about it she looked like she was going to cry when she asked if I didn't want her here. Of course I said no, like the impeccable gentle man I am, and made her some tea until her fears were soothed by my calming, silky voice.
"Non, non! I'm fine! Where were you yesterday? Were you sick? Did you get enough rest? Did I upset you? Did Kaname-chan upset you? Was a family member sick? If so, what's their address so we can send them flowers?" I say, shooting out questions that I think are important.
"Oh, no, I'm fine! I was just a little…upset yesterday. It's alright! Hiro-chan, Momiji-kun, Hatori-sama, Diana-chan, and Shigure-sama were there to help me. Oh, Tohru-san too! She really IS a good cook, isn't she?" Rini-chan says with a friendly wave of her hand. She's so sweet. But I want to know who upset her, making her sweet face have its doorstep darkened by tears. Her eyes are still a little bloodshot. But she looks sweet and lovely either way in my opinion.
"Yes, but who upset you? Oh, myself and Mine', that's my assistant at the store, were wondering if you would come to the store and try on some of our clothes! They'd look so cute on you, and I'd really appreciate it if you did!" I say with a smile, taking her hand and putting a gentile kiss on it. She looks so sweet when she's blushing. No, I have to stop thinking that way. Otherwise people will start assuming things.
"Oh…s-Sohma-sama! I don't know what to say! I'd never think you'd invite me to the shop! But I'd like to go…if it won't bother you that is," she says softly in that sweet, innocent and kind voice of hers. Her voice is much like honey. Slow and sweet, and once you get a taste, you crave for more.
"I wouldn't ask if I didn't want you there. Let's go now! Kaname-chan can take care of the house again! Mine' would enjoy meeting you, I'm sure!" I titter happily. Why am I so giddy? Why is her simple yes making me do back flips, and the fact that she thinks that she's bothering ME makes me want to laugh at the notion that she'd EVER be a hindrance. She smiles softly again, and I get up, leading her by her hand to the shop. I can hear her basically running to keep up with my long strides, so I slow down. She looks to me and smiles thankfully, and I realize that we're walking side-by-side, holding hands like a couple. She must realize this too, because she withdraws her hand and blushes again.
I almost wish she hadn't. it was nice, just holding her hand like that. My own hand is still warm actually. It's a comforting warmth. But now I suppose I know. I know now that this warm, complete feeling I get when I'm around her is love. And I cannot deny it any longer.
(Rini's POV Don't worry, almost over… with the pov switches in this chap that is… )
Sohma-san has just opened the door for me to his shop. It's such a wonderful place! It's so cute and nice, and all the fabric and ribbons are quite attractive. I was expecting to see a dress shop. He smiles, leading me to the back, and I suppose he's noticed my confusion. He opens a back curtain and I see racks and racks of dresses. They're all so beautiful! It's amazing! How could all of these beautiful dresses come from one man, even if it IS my love? I never knew talented he truly was!
A woman with a maids dress on and long brown hair, put into two braids, with brown eyes, and glasses comes around with a smile. She looks nice enough. Oh, maybe SHE is the thing that Sohma-san said earlier he couldn't do without! Oh, I cannot tell him now! What if he truly loves her, and that would offend them both? I would be so ashamed of myself!
"Hi! I'm Mine' Kuramae! YOU must be Rini-san! Ayame-san has told me a lot about you! Oh, you seem interested in our dresses! You want to try one on, don't you? I think ya do!" Mine-san says with a happy smile, but a dangerous, slightly scary glint in her eyes. Sohma-san just laughs with one of his broad smiles that make me feel warm inside.
"Mine-chan! Go easy on Rini-chan! You have to understand Rini-chan, once Mine sees a pretty girl she feels the strongest urge to dress them up!" Sohma-san explains happily. I have the feeling he knew this would happen. But regardless, I follow Mine-san nonetheless. She flips through many dresses as Sohma-san waits in the back room, sipping on tea as always.
"Hmmm…I think…THIS one!" she chirps, pulling down a beautiful silver gown. I think it's an evening gown. It has only one strap, cutting down at an angle, but it has a thick stitch of silver in a beautiful, slightly waving pattern down the side of the leg, wrapping around the cut in the side. She pulls out some matching heels and a crystal necklace and hands them to me. I must have a blank confused look on my features because she smiles and pushes them to me.
"Put them on! I'm SURE Ayame-san will be pleased!" she chirps again. I nod, and she helps me get into the outfit. I can't believe that I'm wearing something so elegant. But if it will please Sohma-san…then I can do it. Just this once. I walk out and all he does is stare, wide eyed and mouth agape at me. I know I am blushing, and I look to the floor.
I don't even hear him move as he sweeps my chin up with his soft, gentle hands, and kisses my cheek. I gasp and blush. To be touched like this by my love, it makes me realize that I cannot stay away. No matter what Hatori-sama and the others say, I cannot make myself leave his side. It would cause me to break. And so, all I can do is please him to the best of my ability. Because I love him.
AN: WOOT! Done! What'd you think! Review, or I shan't do any more! And the diaries I have lined up for this, quite frankly rock. So stay tuned, dear readers! And by all means, keep reviewing!