When Katsuya arrived home he flung open the door irritably while Takara and Sakura who had heard him come in rushed to the sound.
"Kaye!" Takara said, "You're back."
"Yea. I'm back," he said somberly.
"What's wrong?" Sakura asked at they walked back into the sitting room, "Didn't you have a good time?"
"Oh I had a great time" he nodded falling onto the floor and placing his right arm over his eyes, "Until someone showed up."
"Someone showed up?" Sakura replied confused as she sat down in the chair.
"Who was it Kaye?" Takara said.
"Two people I thought we had seen the last of" he replied back with a sigh.
"Oh no" Sakura leaned forward a little, "It wasn't."
"Yep" he nodded sitting up and looking at her directly, "The Ushida brothers are back in town."
"Oh no" Takara exclaimed.
"You're kidding me right?" Sakura shook her head in disbelief.
"I wish I was" Kaye shook his head back, "But it was them all right. Snide and as rude as ever. Takechi was even trying to hit on her."
"Oh" she grimaced, "He didn't."
"Poor Stephy" Takara nodded, "But if they're back that means He's back too."
"More than likely kiddo" Kaye patted her head as she referred to the youngest Ushida brother who was the same age as her.
"Well then I'll just ignore him like I always do" she frowned closing her eyes.
"Good idea. Hey Kara why don't you go get the rice balls" he suggested.
"Okay" she nodded jumping up and heading to the kitchen while Kaye continued to frown.
"Well don't let it get to you Kaye" Sakura replied, "Those two are professionals when it comes to getting under your skin."
"True."
"But besides that, you did have a good time right?"
"Yea" he nodded, "We had a great time. But that was definitely an outing Sakura" he added, "There's no way I would think of it as a date after what happened."
"I agree with you" she nodded, "Listen Kaye I wanted to ask you something."
"What is it?" he asked.
"I was wondering if it would be all right for me to invite Miss Kamiya to join me and my friends on a shopping spree tomorrow."
"Oh. Well you'll have to call her to ask her. But why are you asking me?"
"I don't know. I know how weird you feel about stuff like that. Besides I was friends with her even before the two of you became close."
"I know. Well sure if you want to."
"Great can I have her number? I'll go call her now."
"Sure" he nodded reaching into his pocket and handing it to her.
"You keep it in your pocket?" she grinned teasingly.
"She just gave it to me today Motor mouth" he retorted as Takara came back into the room with a plate of rice balls, "Hurry up or you'll miss your snack."
"I will" she nodded running to the hallway where the phone was located to make the call.
"What was that all about?" Takara asked as she took a rice ball and took a small bite out of it.
"Nothing important."
"Sorry you're date was ruined. But this gives you the chance to see her again right?"
"Yea" he nodded patting her head, "You're right about that princess. And the next time let's hope they don't show up."
(Next Scene)
The next morning Sakura left the house promising Katsuya that her lips would be sealed about information about him. He explained that he didn't approve of her dropping hints about him just like his parents had done the night before. She agreed and then left heading for the Kamiya residence. The night before Stephanie was more than happy to accept the invitation and told Sakura that she couldn't wait. It took Sakura about ten minutes to find the house according to the directions that Katsuya had given her before she left. She stared at the large gate and then entered in. Once at the door she rang the door enthusiastically.
Meanwhile on the other side of the door Sam was sitting in the living room once more, because he knew his sister was going out again and was determined to have a word with Katsuya before he took his sister again. Little did he know when he answered the door that a girl much to his surprise was standing there.
"Uh" he stammered immediately attracted to her looks, "Can I help you?"
"Hi there. I'm here to pick up Stephanie."
"You're here to pick her up?" he asked astonished.
"Mhm. I'm Sakura Sohma" she grinned, "We're going shopping today."
"Oh. Well come on in" he opened the door wider and allowed her to step inside.
"Thank you" she bowed appreciated.
He stared at her and then spoke again.
"You said your last name is Sohma?"
"Mhm. I know it probably sounds familiar. I'm the twin sister of Katsuya Sohma."
"You're his sister?"
"Twin sister" she implied, "That's right. Or couldn't you tell by the hair color" she teased.
"Uh" he stammered again as Stephanie came down the stairs.
"Sakura. Hello."
"Hey there!" Sakura waved, "Ready to go?"
"Um yea" Stephanie nodded, "I'll see you later Sam" she waved as they walked over to the door and he kept his eyes on the other girl.
"Okay. Yea" he said absently as Sakura giggled and they departed.
His glasses slid down his nose slightly as he moved to the window and watched as they walked to the gate.
"That was his sister?" he thought.
"I'm sorry about my brother" Stephanie began as they walked out of the gate, "I don't know what he was doing."
"Oh don't worry" Sakura replied smiling, "I've seen that reaction before."
"Huh?"
"Don't worry about it" Sakura giggled, "Today it's a girl day. C'mon!" she said taking her hand and running, "The other's are waiting!" she pulled her down the street in a run.
(Next Scene)
Downtown Sakura and Stephanie finally met up with her other three friends that Stephanie had met her first week at the school. Yuriko Tanaka was Sakura's oldest friend and with her long black hair and blue eyes she was by far the prettiest. Kaori Yoshida and Rei Inoue were two girls that Sakura and Yuriko had met in the sixth grade and they both had brown hair, one short (Rei) and one long (Kaori). Kaori's eyes were green while Rei's were a dark brown and matched her tomboy attitude. The girls were very excited that Stephanie had come to join them and immediately began asking questions about her life since they hadn't gotten the chance to learn about her at school. As they sat down at the table for lunch after an hour of shopping on which Kaori who loved shopping the most was the only one who bought anything, Yuriko turned to her after taking a sip from her straw.
"So how about brothers and sisters?" she asked, "Do you have any?"
"Oh yes" Stephanie nodded, "I have a younger sister. And two older brothers."
"Are they cute?" Kaori asked excited since boys were one of her favorite subjects.
"Would you like to see a picture?" she said and they all nodded eagerly as Stephanie pulled a photograph from her purse, "That's my younger sister Sophie there" she pointed, "My older brother Stephen who lives with my father back in Chicago is right here" she pointed to the left at a tall boy with handsome features.
"Ooh" Kaori gushed, "He is cute."
"Who is the other one?" Rei asked.
"That's my other older brother, Sam. He goes to our school actually."
"He's not bad looking either" Kaori replied, "For a guy with glasses."
Sakura giggled as she thought of her encounter with him.
"I think I scared him this morning."
"What do you mean?" Stephanie said as put the picture back in her purse.
"I think he was expecting to see someone else on the other side of the door. When Iwalked in he was completely tongue-tied. It was kind of cute."
"Yea well you always manage to do that to all the boys Sakura" Rei observed as Kaori nodded.
"Cut it out would ya" Sakura tried to avoid their eyes.
"No they're right my friend" Yuriko spoke up, "Most boys become stammering idiots when you walk around the corner."
"You're a lot of help," Sakura said irritably but still smiling because she knew it was true.
Just like her brother she had quite the popularity following although she didn't try to avoid it like he did, instead she accepted the fact and even went on dates when the boys with enough nerve asked her out. After that the subject was dropped and the girls returned to their fries and burgers. When they were finished they headed back out to shop some more when Sakura stopped at one of the corners frowning quite distinctly. The other three girls continued moving till Stephanie turned to her since she had stopped next to her.
"What's wrong Sakura?" she asked concerned.
"Incoming" she whispered bitterly as the other three girls came back.
"Hmm?"
Sure enough heading in their direction, surrounded by a bunch of their friends this time, Hayoto and Takechi spotted the girls and eagerly approached them. Yuriko moved up next to her friend as she crossed her arms and frowned even more as the entourage of boys stopped.
"Hello Sakura" Hayoto replied, "It's so good to see you again. You're looking beautiful as always."
"Save your sweet talk for a girl who cares Ushida" she said back angrily, "You have no right to talk to me in that manner."
"Oh really" he smoothed his hand through his hair and smiled, "You think so."
"I know so. So why don't you move along and let us pass."
"Hey you're here too" Takechi suddenly exclaimed when he saw Stephanie standing next to her, "You remember me."
"Leave her alone Takechi" Sakura warned, "Why don't you go oil down the street or I'll throw you both over my shoulder," she added warningly.
"Hmm" Hayoto smiled even more and then moved forward slightly, "I don't think you want to do that Sakura. After all it would be a terrible thing if you're little secret was to get out."
Sakura's eyes became wide at his last sentence and she frowned at him even more.
"You wouldn't dare" she seethed.
"If you don't behave in a more lady like manner I might not have no choice but to reveal your family secret" he took her arm, "You know what I mean?"
She removed her arm from his grasp and then pushed him backwards.
"You will not threaten me" she stated, "Let's go guys" she turned around taking Stephanie's hand in the process, "We're out of here."
The other girls followed behind as Hayoto and his brother stood with their friends and laughed at her reaction.
"What was that all about?" Rei asked.
"Yea" Kaori added, "What were they talking about?"
"What secret?" Yuriko replied.
"Oh it's nothing" Sakura said, "Just something he made up."
This answer seemed to satisfy her friends but Stephanie watched her expression as she said it and couldn't help but wonder if that really was the case.
(Next Scene)
In the center of the shopping district Rei, Yuriko, and Kaori departed from Stephanie and Sakura since they lived in another direction. Sakura nodded and waved goodbye and then turned to the other girl beside her.
"Well let's go home."
"Okay. Thanks again for inviting me today Sakura. I had a lot of fun" Stephanie nodded.
"No problem. Say," she said excitedly, "What are you doing tonight?"
"Huh?"
"For dinner?"
"Nothing much I guess."
"How would you like to come over to my house for dinner then?"
"You don't mind?"
"No. I'm sure Kaye would like it anyway."
"Okay then. I'll call my family when we get there."
"All right" Sakura grinned.
They arrived back at the house and Stephanie made the quick call to her house informing Sophie of her plans, who in turn informed her that the rest of the family would be out anyway so have a good time. As Stephanie hung up the phone she suddenly felt a pair of little arms wrap around her and peered down to see Takara staring up at her.
"Hi Stephy!" she said loud enough that Kaye heard her from the kitchen, "What are you doing here?"
Katsuya walked into the hallway and was astonished to see her there. So astonished that he dropped the dishtowel that was in his hand.
"Stephanie? I didn't know you were coming over."
"Your sister just invited me" she replied, "I hope that's all right?"
"Uh yea. That's fine" he nodded, "Where is Sakura?" he gazed around the hall because she had just moved out of it.
"She was just here," Takara pointed out.
"Huh?" Kaye shrugged, "Well come on in. I'm afraid my parents and Uncle Yuki are both out tonight, so just like your family it's just us eating."
"And Kaye's making the dinner" Takara added holding onto her hand.
"Really?" Stephanie said smiling, "Then I came on the right night" she added making him blush slightly as they all walked into the kitchen.
After stirring the contents in the pot for a few moments Katsuya turned to Takara seriously.
"Kara can you do me a favor?" he replied.
"Mhm" she nodded.
"Watch the pot for me for a few minutes? I have to go check on something."
"Okay" she nodded again as he departed the kitchen heading for his sister's bedroom where he was sure he would find her.
Sure enough he found her sitting on her bed and staring forlornly at the floor. He knocked on the doorframe and she looked up.
"Hey."
"What's the matter Sakura?" he asked concerned, "You don't look very happy."
"I ran into them today also," she said simply.
Katsuya sighed and then walked over sitting down next to her on the bed.
"What happened?"
'Oh just the usual except Hayoto did bring up the secret threat again. And right in front of my friends too."
"That jerk" Katsuya spat, "But he knows he can't say anything. If he does he'll be in big trouble with his old man."
"I guess that's true. But still he made me so mad today."
"I can imagine" Katsuya nodded, "But don't let it get to you. Instead why don't you have dinner with us?" he said moving towards the door.
"Okay" she agreed and stood up.
"Incidentally" he said turning around, "Why did you invite her to dinner tonight?"
"What's wrong Kaye?" Sakura replied moving past him teasingly, "Did I spring it on you?"
"Mmm" he grumbled under his breath as she laughed and they both headed into the kitchen to grab their dinner.
(Next Scene)
Later that evening Katsuya walked Stephanie home after Takara had begged her to come back over again. As they arrived at the door she turned to him with a smile and he grinned serenely back.
"Thanks for dinner" she replied, "You really are a wonderful cook."
"Aw I'm not that good" he said back blushing.
"No. You are" she shook her head, "I never had a meal as good as that one before."
"You're exaggerating."
"I make it a point to never exaggerate" she smiled, "Good night Katsuya" she replied opening the door.
"Wait" he reached out for her hand and pulled her back, "I wanted to ask you something."
"What is it?" she looked at him in astonishment at his sudden forwardness.
"Would you be willing to go out with me sometime?"
"You mean like a date?"
"Well I would be there" he stammered, "And you would be there, so, yea like a date."
She chuckled lightly and then turned her smiling face towards him.
"I'd love to."
"Really?" he asked almost not believing that she had agreed.
"Mhm."
'Great. Then how about next Saturday."
"All right" she nodded, "It's a date," she agreed as she walked inside the door, "Good night Katsuya."
"Good night, Stephanie" he replied back sweetly as she closed the door.
He turned from the door and grinned happily to himself and began to hum a tune joyfully as he walked home. From up in her room, Stephanie watched him from her balcony and smiled to herself as she took in the cool night air.
(Next Scene)
Another week passed and much to Katsuya's relief Saturday finally arrived. After getting dressed, Sakura giving him dating tips, receiving some flowers from Takara for Stephanie that had been grown in the backyard, and getting an enthusiastic embrace from his mother, he hurried quickly to her house, his heart pounding the entire way.
When he arrived at the door he half expected to be greeted by Sam again but her younger sister Sophie opened this time the door.
"Hello Katsuya" she replied nicely since she had met him several times during her sister's tutoring sessions.
"Hello there Sophie" he grinned back, "Is your sister ready yet?"
"She's on her way down" Sophie nodded.
He nodded back and then stood in the hallway, his palms sweating slightly and the back of his neck becoming stiff because he was so nervous. Soon he heard he lightly coming down the stairs and his eyes became wide.
"Good evening Katsuya" she replied.
"Hi" he grinned, "Oh these are for you" he handed her the flowers, "They're from Takara. We grew them in the backyard."
"They're beautiful" she sniffed them, "Thank you. Soph, would you mind putting these in some water for me" she handed them to her younger sister.
"No problem" Sophie eagerly took the flowers, "You guys have a good time."
"We will" Stephanie nodded with a smile.
"You might want to grab your jacket" Katsuya suggested taking it off the coat rack, "It's kind of chilly tonight."
"Okay. Am I wearing the right thing or is it too dressed up?"
"No" he shook his head, "Not at all. You're fine the way you're dressed."
"Okay" she sighed, "Good."
He placed her jacket on her and then the two of them headed out the door. From up in his room Sam watched them leave and frowned as he moved from the window.
Katsuya led Stephanie down to the smaller parts of town till they arrived at a small restaurant, were seated in the outside section by the manager, and both picked up their menus.
"See I told you" he smiled, "This place is not too fancy and not too plain."
'It's perfect" she smiled back, "And I like it that we're outdoors. And with candles on the table in the nighttime. It's really romantic."
"Uh yea" he nodded blushing again, "That's what I thought. Well let's see what's on the menu."
After ordering their meal Stephanie looked across the table making him glance up at her stare.
"What is it?"
"I was just wondering, why did you ask me out?"
"Oh well. I guess I really should tell you that shouldn't I?"
"Mhm" she nodded leaning her head onto her palms since her elbows were propped onto the table.
"Well the truth is, that I have been having fun spending time with you. Even if we were just studying, it was fun. I really liked showing you around Kyoto."
"I liked that too" she nodded.
"But the real reason is, I like you" he looked at her directly, "I like you a lot."
She nodded and grinned.
"I like you a lot too Katsuya. That's why I agreed to go on the date with you. You're one of the sweetest boys I have ever known."
"Thanks" he nodded, "But I asked you out originally to ask you something else."
"Oh?"
"Yea, I didn't think it was right to ask you until we went on our first date, but since we're already on it I wanted to ask you if you wouldn't mind making it a permanent arrangement."
"Hmm? Oh do you mean like going steady? Or what they call being girlfriend and boyfriend?"
"Yea" he nodded again, " I don't like the idea of some other guy being able to snatch you away before I get the chance. So would you, Stephanie be my girlfriend?"
"You know what" she smiled even more as she nodded, "I thought you'd never ask."
"What?" his eyebrows rose in surprise.
"I was hoping since a few weeks ago that you would ask me. And now you have and I'm so happy."
"You are?"
"Yep" she nodded, "Very."
"Good. Then I guess on Monday we can make it official."
"Mhm. Official."
(Next Scene)
When Katsuya arrived home he told his sister the good news and she immediately flung herself in her brother's arms and congratulated him.
"Oh I am so happy Kaye!" she shouted, "I am so happy for you."
"Thanks" he nodded with a smile as they pulled away, "And thanks for not annoyingly giving up on me."
"Hey" she grinned as he laughed, "That's what I am here for."
(Till Next Time)
Authors Note: Okay! Here's a really long one for you. And I thought that the next one was going to be long. I will try to get the last chapter up tonight but if I don't you will get it tomorrow! Anyway I hope you enjoyed it!
Next Chapter: Seasons of Love
Spring, Summer, and Autumn. The perfect time of year to fall in love. And Katsuya and Stephanie spend every moment together. But they will discover among the many monthsthat life maychange as they know it. See what happens next time. Warning it will be a long chapter!