Hatsuharu Sohma finished packing up the last bit of his musical equipment into the van. He shut the back door and walked into the studio where his band mates, Arinori, Natsu, and Kaneko were busy cleaning up their own instruments from practice that day.
"Good work you guys" Haru grinned, "Now I gave you all the address right?"
"Don't worry Haru" Arinori said with a smile on his own and brushing a hand through his long blond hair, "We'll be there."
"Yea" Kaneko replied her eyes twinkling, "We wouldn't miss you and Rini getting married for nothing."
"Thanks" Haru said appreciatively as he shook Natsu's hand, "Well I'll see you all on Saturday. I got something I have to do right now" he waved and departed the building.
He walked back to the van and climbed into the drivers seat. As he drove back home he hummed silently to himself as he made a decision. Then instead of turning the way as if he was headed home, he headed in the opposite direction picking up his cell phone as he drove.
(Next Scene)
"Kyo!" Tohru called as she walked through the house, "Kyo where are you?"
"In here!" Kyo called back from the baby's room.
Tohru walked into the room and saw that he was sitting in the rocking chair holding Sakura as he fed her from a bottle. She smiled as she walked over.
"There you are" she replied, "What are you doing?"
"Well she was fussing so I figured she was hungry. Since you were out I just grabbed a bottle from the fridge and heated it up."
"That's good" she patted her daughter's head, "How about him?" she asked as she glanced at the bassinet with the blue ribbon nearby.
"Sleeping like an angel, like always. I swear for twins these two are so different."
"How do you mean?"
"Well" Kyo replied as he stood up and carried Sakura over to the bassinet with the pink ribbon since she was done her bottle, "Sakura likes to cry a lot, not that she's very loud. Her crying is more like squeaking."
Tohru giggled.
"And Katsuya, he is always so quiet. He hardly cries at all. He's really a good baby. Well they both are. But you know what I mean."
"Of course" she nodded, "But babies are all different. Even twins Hatori said are different. But he did say that it's a common known fact, that twins have a bond unlike any other siblings."
"Well I can see that" Kyo said as he put his daughter down and she finally closed her eyes, "When they're together on the floor, they are so close to each other. Have you noticed that?"
"Mhm" Tohru nodded but then she heard a noise from the living room, "Oh? It's the phone. I'll go get it" she walked out of the room while Kyo tucked Sakura under her fluffy blanket.
Then he walked over to gaze at his son and smiled as he slept soundly.
"Yes it's no problem" Tohru said, "Come on over Hatsuharu. I wasn't sure what to make for dinner anyway. It's a great idea. See you in a few minutes" Tohru hung up the phone and headed into the kitchen.
A couple moments later Kyo walked into the kitchen to ask about dinner, but he didn't really need to.
"Wait a minute" he replied, "I know that smell. You're making Ginger pork."
"Mhm" Tohru nodded, "You're right."
"Which can only mean one thing" Kyo said crossing his arms.
Suddenly the doorbell rang. "Speak of the devil" he shook his head.
"Would you get that for me Kyo?" she asked as she pulled out three plates for the table.
"Sure" he agreed walking to the door and opening it, "Haru."
"Kyo" Hatsuharu smiled, "So how's the proud father of two?"
(Next Scene)
Haru placed his chopsticks down with a satisfied. "Tohru as usual that was spectacular."
"Thank you Hatsuharu" Tohru grinned as she picked up his plates and Kyo's and walked them into the kitchen.
"So what brings you to our neck of the woods?" Kyo asked.
"Actually I had a request for Tohru."
"You said that on the phone" Tohru replied as she came back in, "What do you want me to do?"
"Well I was kind of hoping that you would be willing to help me with Rin's wedding gift."
"Hmm?" her eyes twinkled, "Let me guess? You want me to sing with you?"
"You got it!" Haru smiled.
"Huh?" Kyo's eyes became wide, "But Tohru just had the twins. She's in no condition to sing."
"Of course I am" Tohru replied, "Kyo, Hatori said that everything went fine. I can go back to my normal routine. Besides I want to help. But how can we find time to practice?" she asked a bit worried, "Your wedding is this weekend."
"Oh that's no problem" Haru shook his head, "It's a song we used to sing a lot a long time ago. You know the one we always opened up with it."
"Oh yea. I know that song" Tohru nodded, "That's a good idea."
"I know it will be kind of difficult when you have to take care of the babies and everything" Haru began but Kyo interrupted him.
"Actually that's no problem."
"Huh?" Haru said confused.
"The babies aren't coming with us."
"They're not?"
"Mnm" Tohru shook her head, "This weekend they're going to be spending time with my grandparents. They haven't seen them yet and they are really excited."
"But you're a new mother" Haru replied.
"So?" Kyo replied.
"Well I have heard that new mothers have a hard time of letting go of their kids. You know leaving them alone for very long."
"Tohru is fine with it though" Kyo said, "This was her idea."
"Actually it was Hatori's" Tohru spoke up, "He suggested that I may need some time away from them once and a while. Kyo too. He said it's a very healthy thing. It will be hard but I trust my grandparents."
"Well okay" Haru nodded, "If that's what you both want to do. But one more question."
"Yes?" Kyo asked.
"How are you going to transport them? You're not taking them in the truck."
"No" Kyo shook his head with a smile; "I actually traded in the truck to get a car not too long ago. It's in the back. It's more of a family vehicle."
"Oh" he nodded as he stood up from the table, "Well I got to get going. There is something I have to do tonight. You'll both be up on Friday?" he asked as they walked him to the door.
"Yea" Kyo nodded, "After we drop the twins off in the country, we'll head straight for the hot springs."
"I can't believe you're getting married there" Tohru replied.
"Yea well everyone else got married at the main house. You and Kyo. Ritsu and Rebecca. I want to do something different. And they offered the last time I saw them, so that's where we are going to do it" Kyo opened the door, "I'll see you both Friday night" Haru replied as he walked out the door, "Thanks for the great dinner Tohru" he added.
"You're welcome" she nodded as he climbed into his van.
(Next Scene)
Hatsuharu drove the van directly to the main house and parked it by the garage. Then he hurried into his parent's house, ran to his room, and picked up a small box from off his dresser. Then he walked back out of the house, and headed to the woods where he was certain he would find his fiancée.
Sure enough he spotted her sitting with her back pressed against the old familiar log, reading one of her favorite books for like the millionth time. He walked up behind her and placed his hands over her eyes.
"Guess who?"
"As if I couldn't guess," she smiled, "There are only two people who come to this place. Me and you, Haru."
"Good guess" he pulled his hands from her eyes and leaned down to kiss her lightly on the lips, "What you doing?" he asked as he climbed over the log, sitting down on the ground next to her.
"Just reading. And taking a break. He keeps kicking me" she felt her tummy.
"I can't believe I am going to have a boy" Haru replied as he felt her stomach, "And I am marrying the most beautiful woman in the world this weekend."
"Oh Haru" she giggled, "You're such a clown."
"There's only one thing that would make this perfect."
"What?"
"I got you something" he pulled the box from out of his pocket, "I know we said we didn't want to do anything too traditional. But I really wanted you to have this" he handed it to her.
"Haru" she looked at the small box, "Is this uh?"
"Just open it."
Rin opened the small box and almost cried. For resting in the center of the red velvet was anengagement ring in the shape of a black rose.
"An engagement ring? It's a little too late for this isn't it?"
"It's never too late" Haru shook his head, "We're not getting married till Saturday. But this isn't the proper way to do things so, um here" he took her hand trying to help her up onto the log, "You sit there. And we are going do this right."
"Haru" she smiled, "You don't have to do this."
"Yes I do" he nodded, "I want to."
"Okay."
"Okay" he took a deep breath and then took her hands in his, "Rin. All my life since I have known you ithas been interesting."
She laughed as the tears welled up in her eyes.
"Exciting, happy, and so wonderful that there are words that don't even exist. I know now this moment I love you more than anyone I have ever loved. And this Saturday the world will know and you will know that I will take care of you and love you till the day I die. Rin Sohma" he looked up into her brown eyes, "Will you marry me?"
She laughed and rolled her eyes.
"Come on you got to do your part" he insisted.
"All right" she sighed, "Yes. Haru I will marry you. And I will accept this ring as I sign of my pledge to you."
Hatsuharu smiled and placed the ring on her left hand. Then he sat on the log next to her and kissed her deeply.
"Not bad for an old tradition."
"Shut up" she laughed and kissed him back.
(Next Scene)
Friday afternoon Tohru and Kyo arrived at the Miyoshi manner. Immediately her grandparents came over to see the two new arrivals.
"Oh look at them," her grandmother said with tears in her eyes, "They're so beautiful Kousuke."
"Yes they are" Mr. Miyoshi nodded, "What are their names again?"
"Well" Tohru grinned, "The boy is named Katsuya after my father and the girl is Sakura after Kyo's mother."
""Oh how perfect" Mrs. Miyoshi, "Let me hold one sweet little angel."
"Here you can hold Sakura" Kyo replied lifting his daughter from the car seat, "Here you go" he placed her gently into the old woman's arms.
"Oh how precious" she cooed, "Hello Sakura. You are so beautiful."
Sakura opened her eyes and smiled at the old woman making her smile back. "Oh look she's got Tohru's eyes."
"They both do" Kyo grinned as Kuniko Miyoshi and her husband Tenchi came into the room.
"Hello there Aunt Kuniko" Tohru replied with a smile, "Would you like to see the babies?"
"Oh" Kuniko's heart melted when she saw Sakura in her mother-in laws arms, "They are so cute. I just adore babies. May I hold one?"
"Sure" Tohru nodded, "You can hold him" she picked up Katsuya from his car seat, "Here you go sweetie" she said to her son as she handed him to her aunt.
"Oh isn't he beautiful" Kuniko whispered, "He's so cute."
"I'll say" Takao replied as he came into the room, "I didn't know you guys were here" he shook Kyo's hand and then walked over to Tohru.
"Hello Takao" she said embracing him tightly.
"And these guys get to stay here the whole weekend?"
"Yep they sure do" Kyo nodded, "Which reminds me, we need to get going. We don't want to hit traffic going up."
"Yea. You're right" Tohru agreed walking over to her grandmother who handed her Sakura, "Goodbye my little one" she kissed the top of her head and then handed the bag to her aunt since she had handed Katsuya to her husband to hold, "Everything they need is in there."
"Okay sweetie" Kuniko nodded, "You have a good time."
"We will," she said as she walked over to Katsuya and Kyo kissed the top of his daughter's head, "Bye buddy" she replied to her son, "Be good."
Kyo joined her at her side and patted Katsuya's head. "I'll think they'll be just fine" he replied, "Well we're off" he waved wrapping his arms around Tohru, "We'll see you guys later."
"Have fun!" Mr. Miyoshi waved back with a huge smile.
"We'll call you as soon as we get there" Tohru added.
"Okay dear!" Mrs. Miyoshi nodded, "Don't worry about a thing."
The two of them departed and Serika handed Sakura to Kousuke who cuddled her in his arms.
"It'll be so nice to have babies back in the house again" he grinned.
"It sure will" Kuniko said as everyone else nodded and admired the two twins as they both drifted off to sleep.
(Next Scene)
By the time that Tohru and Kyo arrived at the Hot springs the sun was setting. Rebecca came out to greet them.
"Rebecca" Tohru embraced her, "Look at you. You're positively glowing."
"I know" Rebecca nodded, "I am very excited."
"So many people having babies lately" Kyo said taking the luggage out of the back of the car.
"Here let me help you with that" Rebecca said trying to take the piece of luggage but someone placed a hand on her shoulder.
"You'll do no such thing" Ritsu shook his head, "You're in no condition to lift heavy stuff."
"Oh come on Ritsu I haven't been pregnant that long."
"Still I would prefer it if I could carry it" Ritsu took the suitcase from her hand.
"I'd prefer it too" Kyo nodded, "She's just like Tohru in that way" he commented as Rebecca led Tohru into the building.
"Yea. Well I can't get her to stop doing stuff. I mean I know she's only three months pregnant but still" Ritsu nodded.
"Is everyone else here yet?" Kyo asked as they walked across one of the bridges following their two wives.
"Uh let's see. Shigure's here. He came up with his fiancée and Yuki too I believe. And a few others. I really can't recall I haven't seen them all."
"You mean the groom is not here yet?"
"No he said he would be here in about an hour. He called. The rest of the guests are coming up tomorrow. All except Rin and her folks. They'll be up here tonight. They'll be in another part of the springs."
"Why?"
"You know it's bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the wedding day."
"Oh that tradition? Right" Kyo nodded again as they arrived at the main sitting area where Tohru was waiting and talking with Aoko and Shigure.
Shigure was a little upset that they hadn't brought the twins but he let it pass and they all sat down to talk. Yuki came into the room followed by Ayame and Mine who had been walking with him around the springs.
"Yuki" Tohru smiled as she walked over to embrace him and Ayame sat down to chat with Shigure, "So you came up with Shigure?"
"Yes and what a noisy ride" Yuki frowned slightly, "My brother was there and wouldn't stop talking the whole way up. I'm kind of glad that you're here though. I wanted to talk to you about something."
"Sure" she nodded, "We can go talk in the garden. Rebecca was just telling me that they planted some new flowers."
"Yea they are pretty" Yuki agreed with a smile, "That's a good idea. Come with me" he took her hand and they walked outside while Kyo sat down at the table and tried to answer Ayame's annoying questions.
(Next Scene)
After Tohru and Yuki's discussion they both came back inside. Hatsuharu had arrived and was talking to everybody excitedly. Tohru decided to let what Yuki had told her in the garden to remain in the back of her mind so she could focus on the day ahead. Before going to bed, Hatsuharu had handed her the sheet of music in case she had forgotten any of the words.
The next day everyone was bustling around the Hot springs preparing for the big event. Ayame and Shigure were helping by setting up chairs. Kyo and Tohru assisted Rebecca in the kitchen with all the food that was being delivered. Ritsu waited for the other guests to arrive and showed them to their seats. The wedding was starting in just one hour, so Yuki ready in his tux walked to Haru's room to check on him. He opened the door and saw that he was standing in front of the mirror admiring his suit but mostly the red cummerbund that he sported.
"Haru."
"Hey Yuki" Haru grinned, "Come on in. You know I never thought I would actually wear a cummerbund. But my parents insisted."
"You look good anyway. Everyone is just starting to arrive."
"Wow. It's finally here. I have been dreaming about this day since the day I met her."
"I know" Yuki replied trying to straighten Haru's tie, "It's good when you find someone you care about and you want to spend the rest of your life with them."
"Yea. It will be your turn next."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean when you get the nerve to ask her to marry you. It will be your turn next."
"It's not that simple. I have asked her."
"And she didn't give you an answer?"
"I don't want to talk about it. Today it's your day. Let's focus on you. Okay. You look good."
"Thanks" Haru grinned, "Oh yea one more thing" he reached into his pocket, "You'll need this" he handed him the ring.
"The wedding ring?"
"Yep. You are my best man after all."
"Okay" Yuki nodded, "I'll be sure to do my job" he smiled.
(Next Scene)
Tohru knocked on the door lightly and entered in with the flowers in her hand. Inside Rin was standing elegantly dressed in a white wedding kimono.
"Oh Rin" Tohru breathed, "You look beautiful."
"Tohru" Rin said surprised, "What are you doing here?"
"Rebecca asked me to bring in your bouquet" Tohru replied, "So here you go."
"You really think it looks okay," Rin asked.
"Absolutely."
"I couldn't very well wear a wedding dress when I am this pregnant."
"You look beautiful," Tohru repeated.
"Thanks."
"Well I will see you out there" Tohru said, "I guess you want to wait for you father?"
"Actually my father isn't walking me down the aisle."
"Oh your brother then?"
"No" Rin shook her head, "I have someone else I already asked."
"Oh okay" Tohru nodded, "Well I'll guess I will see. Good luck" she added as she departed the room.
"Thanks" Rin nodded appreciatively and the door closed.
From out of the back room Hiro appeared properly dressed. "Boy she's nosy," he mumbled.
"Not so much" Rin shook her head, "You look wonderful Hiro."
"You look great too Aunt Rin" he grinned, "Are you sure you want me to do this?"
"I can't think of anyone better" she nodded as he held out his arm and they both walked out the door.
(Next Scene)
The ceremony was a beautiful affair. There were flowers everywhere and everyone was truly touched when they saw the bride walk down the aisle with her nephew escorting her. Hatsuharu could hardly contain his happiness as they spoke their vows and placed the appropriate rings on their fingers. When the ceremony was over the entire courtyard clapped as the newly weds kissed.
Soon everyone departed the courtyard for the great hall where everything was set up for the reception. Haru's band played music while everyone ate and danced. In the middle of the reception Hatsuharu called over Rin and took her hand leading her to the piano. He tapped on the mike.
"Can I have everyone's attention please" they all became quiet, "Thank you. I can't tell you what a joy it is to have you all here with us on our special day. Right now I have a gift for my new wife. Rin baby this song is dedicated to us" he winked at Tohru and she came over making Rin smile as she sat down in a chair.
Haru:
Standing in our silence/
I hear my heart beating/
And if only I could choose/
I'd stay here with you/
But hold me 'til the train is leaving/
Tohru:
Somewhere down the line/
After you're gone from sight/
Our love will be the same/
And, whispering your name/
I'll cling to you with all my might/
Let me dream of you/
And wake me up when this is over/
Haru:
But it's true/
Love will be there when this is over and/
Chorus: Both
Somewhere far beyond today/
I will find a way to find you/
And somehow thru the lonely nights/
I will leave a light in the dark/
Haru:
Let it lead you to my heart/
There's a love inside us/
That goes without saying/
Tohru:
Deep down inside/
Don't say a word/
Haru:
But I'll tell you just the same/
Both:
And that love will fan the flame/
And that flame will warm the heart that's waiting/
Tohru:
You are mine and I'll wait for you my love/
Haru:
You are mine it may take some time/
Both:
Even if it takes a lifetime/
Tell me you'll wait/
Chorus: Both
Somewhere far beyond today/
I will find a way to find you/
And somehow thru the lonely nights/
I will leave a light in the dark/
Bridge: Tohru sings first
And somewhere alone/ Somewhere alone/
I will be praying you home/ Praying you home/
I know that/ I know that somehow our love/
Our love will lead me to your arms/
Chorus: Both
Somewhere far beyond today/
I will find a way to find you/
And somehow thru the lonely nights/
I will leave a light in the dark/
After the song was over Hatsuharu stood up from the keyboard and walked over to Rin who embraced him tightly.
The remainder of the evening the Sohma's had a wonderful time, not really aware that an uninvited guest was lurking outside the Hot spring walls. Ichirou Nakagami blew some smoke out of the car, and flicked the cigarette he had been smoking out of the window in disgust. Then he pressed a few buttons on his cell and put the phone to his ear.
"Ushida. It's Nakagami. Well everything is just as you said. So you can count me in on the next part of your plan" he hung up the phone, started up the car and drove away from the festivity.
(Till Next Time)
Authors Note: Okay guys! Since this chapter was so long I think it's the last I am going to write this week. You'll get chapter fifteen next week. And if any of you have any questions regarding Kagura and what Yuki and Tohru discussed in the garden, you're just going to have to keep reading to find out. I will answer every question I promise you. I won't leave you hanging! Next few chapters you will see a little bit of Kisa and Hiro too!
Note One: Song is "Somewhere, Somehow" by Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant. I thought this song fit the up and down relationship that Haru and Rin have shared over the years!
Next Time on Curse Renewed:
Chapter Fifteen: Separate for Now
Kyo and Tohru take drastic measures to protect their family from Tai Ushida. See what happens next time!
And
Chapter Sixteen: Paris or Tokyo?
Yuki and Machi have had quite the difficult long distance relationship up to this point and now it is time for her to make a decision. Will she choose him or her career in Paris? Find out next time!
See you all next week and have a great weekend!