Later in the second week that Reiji and the others had attended Suichi Nakamura high school, Akito sat in the hall near Yamato's door after his day at school had ended. As he turned the page inside his book Yamato came strolling around the corner all dressed up.
"Ah Akito" Yamato smiled when he saw him and walked over to his door to open it, "You managed to make it."
"Yes sir" Akito nodded as he stood up, "I got your message. Forgive me for asking" he replied as Yamato turned the knob of the door, "But did you go out?"
"Yes. My mother and I went out for a drive today" Yamato said as they both entered the room, "Come on in. I have something I must talk to you about."
"Yes sir" Akito nodded again following him over to the table, "Is it important?"
"It will be. I've come to another decision" Yamato replied as he sat down.
"Oh?" Akito's eyes became slightly sad, "What is it?"
"I've decided to become more involved. We'll just put it at that."
Akito nodded a third time not really understanding what Yamato was cryptically implying but quite certain that it would be something else the other Zodiac members would not enjoy.
(Next Scene)
Two days later Katsuya was in the kitchen making breakfast, which was very unusual considering it was a school day and Tohru was no where to be seen. Sakura came into the kitchen sleepily and noticed that her brother was in uniform already and placing the food onto serving plates.
"Kaye?"
"Good morning sleepyhead" he replied with a grin.
"What are you doing?" she asked rubbing her eyes.
"Making breakfast. What does it look like?" he said placing the food onto the kitchen table.
"Well where's mom?"
"No idea" he shook his head, "She left a note on the fridge saying she was going out this morning and that she'd be back later."
"Well, why are you in your school uniform already?"
"Because I, unlike you" he said sarcastically, "Like to be prepared. You'd better go get ready too."
"All right. All right, I'm going. But incidentally don't you think it's kind of strange?"
"What is?"
"Mom and dad lately. It seems like they have been sneaking off a lot."
"Maybe they want to spend some time alone."
"Maybe. But that doesn't explain this morning. Mom loves breakfast time. It's her favorite time of the day.
"I don't know" he shrugged his shoulders, "All I do know is that she is not here this morning. Now your breakfast is going to get cold if you don't get dressed."
"All right" she said in a huff.
"Good morning!" Takara greeted cheerfully as she came into the kitchen also fully dressed in her uniform.
"Morning sweetie" Katsuya replied with a smile as she sat down.
"She's already in uniform too?" Sakura asked stunned.
"Well that's what happens when you get up on time" Kaye said sarcastically again, "You manage to get dressed."
"Or" Sakura replied a bit indignant, "That's what happens when someone goes out of their way to wake that person up."
"An alien spacecraft could land noisily outside at the same time as a garbage truck with a load driving by couldn't be enough to wake you up Sakura."
"What's your point?"
"My point is, go get dressed" he pushed her forward pressing onto her shoulders, "We're going to be late."
"Fine. I'm going" she said finally departing the room as Kaye shook his head and sat down at the table to start his breakfast.
When Sakura was dressed she joined them at the table just as Takara finished her meal and had placed her dishes into the sink. Katsuya also stood from the table as they heard the front door open and Tohru came into the kitchen a few seconds later.
"Good morning you guys" she replied with an elated smile.
"Morning mom" the twins said in unison as Takara at the same time said, "Morning Aunt Tohru."
"Mmm. Everything smells so good. I'm sorry I wasn't here this morning."
"That's okay" Katsuya grinned.
"Where's dad?" Sakura asked, "Didn't he go with you?"
"No. I imagine your father is at work right now. You kids better hurry to school," she added still smiling happily as Kaye handed his sister and Takara their lunches, "Oh. But I do want you two to come straight home this afternoon. I have news for you both" she replied to the twins.
"News?" Katsuya said raising his eyebrows questionly as Sakura eyed her mother curiously.
"Mhm. Big news. Hurry up now."
Sakura and Katsuya stared at each other quizzically wondering if the news they were going to receive was going to be bad or good. As soon as they left Tohru hurried over to the dojo. After speaking with Kunimitsu briefly, who located Kyo, the couple talked outside. From where he was Kunimitsu saw Kyo embrace Tohru happily.
"Have you told the kids yet?" Kyo asked.
"I'm going to tell them this afternoon."
"We'll tell them together."
Tohru nodded and Kyo leaned down, kissing her gently on the lips.
(Next Scene)
Meanwhile standing at his locker Katsuya wondered about his mother's words and became quite worried. Reiji and Soujiro, who stood next to him, watched his expression and turned to him at once.
"Kaye. You okay man?" Reiji replied.
"Huh?" Katsuya snapped back into reality, "What?"
"You're very dazed dude" Soujiro said.
"Oh. I'm sorry. I'm just thinking about something my mom said this morning. She has news for Sakura and I and I am kind of worried about it."
"News?" Reiji scratched his head, "I wonder what it could be?"
Just that moment Stephanie came over and said good morning to the guys and embraced Kaye tightly. When she saw his expression she too asked him what was wrong and he told her. Soon they were all walking down the hall heading for class when Sakura appeared, running towards them, quite out of breath, and with a scared look in her eyes.
"Sakura?" Katsuya replied when he saw her face.
"Kaye" she breathed hard, "Reiji. I need to talk to you guys. Alone Soujiro" she added when she saw him, "This is a family matter."
"Well what about her?" he pointed to Stephanie, "She's not family."
"Trust me. She can be here," Sakura said in a hurry, "Just go to class."
"Whatever you say Sakura" he replied with a grin as he walked past, "I can't resist doing something that you asked" he added, "I'll see you guys in class" he waved, "Don't be late" he walked towards the classroom.
"Okay Sakura" Kaye said, "Now what's going on?"
"Well I. I really don't know how to say this but."
"Well just say it" Reiji replied.
"Actually. Stephanie" she said turning to the other girl who was just as stunned, "I hate to ask this, but do you mind if I talk to them alone?"
"No. Not at all" Stephanie nodded her head in understanding after answering the question, "I'll see you in class Kaye" she said to him as she too headed towards the classroom.
"All right" Katsuya replied a bit irritated now, "You got rid of everyone. Now what's going on?" he reiterated.
"Well, you guys better follow me. You won't believe me unless you see it for yourselves" she moved down the hall in the direction that she had come.
"Huh?" Reiji said as the two boys looked at each other and then followed her.
Sakura led them down close to the other side of the school. When they arrived at one of the classrooms she stopped.
"Uh Sakura" Reiji replied, "I know I haven't been here long, but correct me if I am wrong, but isn't this the section of the school where the third years attend class?"
"It is" she nodded.
"What are we doing here?" Kaye asked.
"Look into the classroom and then ask me questions" she insisted.
"Okay" Katsuya raised his eyebrow as Reiji and he once again looked at each other, "Why?"
"Trust me. You won't believe your eyes."
Taking her insistence as serious the two boys peered into the classroom from around the corner. In the room they could see a crowd of girls gathered around one desk. As the girls slowly moved slightly they caught sight of a familiar looking blonde sitting at the desk with his head bent down and a distinct frown on his face. All at once the two of them pulled from the doorway and faced Sakura once more with their backs against the wall and stunned looks on their faces.
"That's" Kaye replied in shock.
"I know" she nodded.
"How?" Reiji said.
"I don't know. But what I do know is that he's there."
"Yamato" Reiji replied, "He's in our school uniform?"
"Which means he's now attending our school" Kaye finished.
"Reiji" Sakura replied "Didn't you know anything about this?"
"No. Nothing. I don't think anybody did. Except perhaps" he suddenly frowned, "For maybe one person."
"Well what are we going to do?" Sakura said.
"I say," a voice spoke up from behind, "That you just deal with it."
The three of them looked back and saw who had spoken, which made Reiji frown even more.
"Akito" he seethed as he moved past them.
"You knew about this?" Sakura asked angrily.
"Of course I did" Akito replied, as he stopped not even turning his head.
"And just how long have you known about it?" Reiji demanded furiously.
"Two days. But Yamato told me not to tell anyone. So get over it. You better hurry" he said, "You'll be late for class" he added as he walked away.
"Why that little jerk," Reiji clenched his fist as he departed, "He could have let us know or something instead of being such a brownnoser all the time."
"Oh" Sakura sighed, "What are you gonna do? He's here now. There's nothing that can be done."
"Uh oh" Katsuya suddenly replied startling them both a bit because he hadn't spoken for a few minutes.
"What's the matter Kaye?" Sakura asked.
"Look" he pointed.
They both looked in the direction he was staring and saw that Hayoto Ushida was coming down the hall with a bunch of his friends. He stopped immediately when he saw the trio, smiling directly at Sakura.
"Well. Well. Sakura Sohma" he replied, "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Nothing" she retorted with a frown, "I'm not here to see you."
"Oh really?"
"Leave her alone Hayoto" Kaye warned eyeing him.
"Oh. And the monster's here too" he added making Reiji step forward.
"What did you call him?" he shouted.
"And you are?" Hayoto replied taking aback by Reiji's forwardness.
"Reiji Sohma" Reiji said proudly.
"Oh? Another Sohma. Well aren't you" he replied searching for the right word, "Short."
"Mmm" Reiji grumbled as the same time that Katsuya moved forward.
"That's enough Hayoto" he replied, "We got to go."
"Just like a monster to run away" Hayoto said snidely as they moved past the group.
"All right you jerk" Reiji began but Kaye took him by the shoulders.
"No! Reiji. He's not worth it."
"He's right" Sakura nodded, "Let's go."
"Goodbye Sakura" Hayoto replied, "I hope you come see me again. I look forward to it."
"Only in your dreams Ushida" she scoffed with a frown as he and his friends laughed and departed for their classroom.
"What an asshole" Reiji spat.
"Well that's an Ushida for ya" Kaye said, "Come on" he told the both of them, "We better get to class before we are late."
Meanwhile inside the third years classroom Hayoto took his seat and saw all the girls surrounding Yamato's desk. Soon the teacher came in and he was introduced to the class. As classes began Hayoto eyed the new boy quite curiously.
"So that's him," he thought, "That's Yamato Sohma."
(Next Scene)
During lunchtime Katsuya told Stephanie all about Yamato and she comforted him. He also informed her that he wouldn't be able to meet her at the park that afternoon because of his mother's news. She told him that was okay and that she and Sophie would go alone, so after school Sakura and Kaye headed for the house still worried about the outcome of their mother's news.
"We're home!" Sakura called as they entered the house.
"We're in here!" Kyo called back from the sitting room.
Sakura and Kaye looked at each other as they removed their shoes, surprised at the sound of their father's voice. They both walked into the sitting room and they saw that Tohru was sitting in the chair and Kyo was sitting on the armrest of the chair waiting patiently for them.
"Pop?" Kaye replied.
"Hey you guys" Kyo smiled but suddenly frowned as they sat down.
"What's wrong kids?" Tohru asked because she too also saw how somber they both looked, "You don't look so happy."
"Well" Sakura replied.
"You want to tell them or should I?" Kaye said.
"I will" Sakura volunteered, "We're sorry we seem so down. But we found something out when we got to school today."
"What is it?" Kyo asked worried.
"Well Yamato is apparently going to our school now."
"What?" Kyo's voice rose.
"She's not kidding" Katsuya nodded, "He was there today and Akito told us he's attending it from now on."
"Why that little punk" Kyo began to fume.
"Kyo" Tohru raised her head, "Please don't."
"I'm sorry" he nodded, "But this infuriates me. Are you both okay?"
"We're all right," Kaye said.
"Yea. We're more interested in what you guys have to say," Sakura added, "So mom you have news?"
"Well yes. Your father and I both have news for you" she looked up at Kyo with a gentle smile.
"Okay" Kaye nodded, "But just for our benefit, considering the day we've had, could you please tell us if this is good or bad news."
"Well" Kyo looked at them both with a grin, "I'd say it's more like good news."
"Okay" Kaye sighed along with his sister, "Then what is it? What's going on?"
"Well" Tohru began embracing Kyo around the waist, "I'm sure you're wondering why your father and I haven't been around lately."
"Oh no mom" Sakura shook her head, "That's really your business."
"We didn't mind" Kaye added.
"Oh. But. Well you see because of that, your father and I have some wonderful news."
The twins leaned in forward quite interested to hear the news now.
"I'm gonna have a baby. I'm pregnant."
The two of them stared at her for a few moments until they both jumped up with elated looks on their faces.
"Really mom?" Katsuya exclaimed.
"You're pregnant?" Sakura asked happily.
"Mhm. I found out this morning. That's where I was. You know I've had those flu symptoms as of late and your father suggested I go to the doctor, because this was."
"Familiar territory" Kyo finished with a grin, "She was like that before the two of you were born too. So that's our news. We're going to have a baby."
"This is so great!" Katsuya said.
"When is it due?" Sakura asked excited.
"In November" Tohru replied.
"Oh mom" Sakura embraced her mother, "We're so happy for you."
"You guys are really okay with this?" Kyo asked them.
"Are you kidding?" Kaye replied as he embraced his mother and Sakura hugged her father, "This is the best news we have heard all day."
"And we definitely have to celebrate" Sakura added, "You know? Have a little party tonight with Uncle Yuki and Takara."
"That's a great idea," Kaye said as they moved towards the kitchen, "We can start dinner now."
Tohru and Kyo looked at each other and Tohru smiled.
"Did you have any idea how happy they would be about this?" she asked him.
"No. But we should have" Kyo replied, "We have two very great kids."
"That we do" she nodded hugging him around the waist once more and he kissed her on top of her head.
(Next Scene)
At the same time as Katsuya had arrived home Stephanie too had arrived at her house. She walked upstairs to her room, dressed quickly, and called to her sister to get ready to go to the park. Sophie came into the room quite surprised.
"Isn't Kaye coming with us?" she asked.
"He had something to do this afternoon," Stephanie answered shaking her head, "So it's just us this afternoon. Go get ready" she reiterated.
"Okay" she nodded dashing from the room.
Stephanie smiled, grabbed her bag of drawing supplies, and walked out of the room pausing at her brother's door. Sam looked up from his laptop as she lightly tapped on the doorframe.
"We're going to the park. Do you want to come?"
"I'd rather get my teeth drilled," he stated sarcastically.
"Suit yourself. We'll be back in time for dinner. What do you want to do tonight?"
"Oh don't worry. I'll have it made by the time you get home. Be careful."
"I will."
"By the way" he added before she left.
"Mhm?"
"A new student started today with the same last name as your boyfriend. Yamato."
"Mhm" she nodded.
"Do you know him?" he asked.
"I know about him, but I have never met him personally. He's Kaye's cousin."
"What have you heard?"
"That he's not a very nice person. Of course I don't want to make an assumption about what he's really like till I've met him."
"I'd believe it though. He's not a very agreeable person."
"Whatever you say," she shrugged her shoulders, "I'm going to go now" she replied as she left.
"Don't be late!" he called.
"Yes mother!" she called back jokingly making him smile as he heard the two girls walk down the stairs and out the front door.
(Next Scene)
Stephanie and Sophie arrived at the park and her younger sister immediately went to play with her friends while she sat on the grass, took out her sketchpad, and began to draw. At the same moment, walking towards the park Akito and Yamato stared at their surroundings as they entered.
"This is a pleasant sort of place" Yamato replied smelling the fresh air.
"Uh yea" Akito nodded, "But why did you want to go out this afternoon Master Yamato, if you don't mind me asking?"
"I was getting so bored of being cooped up in that house. Besides I haven't seen much of this town since we moved here have I?"
"Oh."
"I think I'd like to sit on the grass for awhile. Please tell me you brought that book of yours that you always have your nose pressed into so you no longer ask me any more ridiculous questions?"
"Uh" Akito lowered his head a little; "I did" he nodded holding it up.
"Good" Yamato snapped as he sat down, "Read it and be quiet."
"Yes sir" Akito agreed sitting down next to him.
Sophie and her friends ran by laughing as the breeze blew slightly and Yamato frowned at the disturbance.
"Noisy brats" he spat, "They pollute the area with their noise."
"Uh huh" Akito nodded looking in their direction but gasping as he saw someone sitting not so far away.
"What's the matter with you?" Yamato asked because he had heard him.
"Uh. Well it's nothing" Akito stammered.
"Spit it out Akito" Yamato demanded with a frown but he didn't have to ask because he simply stared in the direction that Akito was looking and understood.
His eyes immediately became wide at the sight of Stephanie drawing on her pad and recognized her at once.
"I see. Well then. This must be my lucky day" he stood up.
"Master Yamato?" Akito replied a bit worried.
"Stay where you are Akito" Yamato commanded, "Do not move from that spot until I come back."
"Yes sir" Akito nodded again as another sharp breeze blew around them and he clutched onto his book.
From where she sat Stephanie's papers began to blow away from her.
"Oh no" she exclaimed, "Not again" she ran to catch the scattered papers as Yamato caught one in his grasp and moved towards her.
"Ahem" he cleared his throat making her look up into his dark brown eyes, "Did you lose this?"
"Oh" she smiled as he handed the paper to her, "Thank you."
"My pleasure" he bowed his head, "What is that anyway?" he asked referring to the picture.
"Oh. It's just one of my drawings. I'm an amateur so I am not that good. But thank you again for your help Mr.."
"Sohma. Yamato Sohma."
Stephanie stared at him as another breeze blew around them, scattering their hair in different directions. He smiled looking down at the ground briefly and then lifted his head facing her once more.
"I gather by that pause that you have heard of me?"
"Um. Yes I have."
"And I have heard a lot about you Miss Kamiya."
"Huh?"
"Don't tell me that it didn't occur to you that Akito asked you all those questions for my benefit not his?"
"Well actually I did have my doubts but since he did I guess it doesn't matter. It's a pleasure to finally meet you" she bowed her head politely.
"You as well" he bowed back, "Like I've said, I've heard a lot about you. And you've heard a lot about me you said?"
"Well yes I have."
"And what is your opinion of me?"
"Well I haven't met you until now so I can't really make an assumption about your personality."
"I suppose" he frowned a little at her response, "I wonder if you wouldn't mind telling me something."
"Sure. What do you want to know?"
"You know everything about the Zodiac curse I understand?"
"That's right. Yes I do" she nodded, "And I promise I wont say anything to anyone."
"Don't worry" he grinned slyly, "I believe you. I'm sure you wouldn't jeopardize Katsuya's life."
"Of course not Mr. Sohma."
"Mr. Sohma?" Yamato frowned slightly again, "Don't call me that. It makes me sound like an old man. You can just call me Yamato."
"If you like, but isn't it customary that if you don't know somebody that it's proper to call them by their last name until you get to know them better?"
"What are you basing that on?"
"It's in Japanese culture isn't it?"
"How would you know about that when you are an American?" he replied a bit snidely.
"Well" she paused noticing the rudeness in his question, "I did some research on it before I moved here and I have been here for almost a year."
"I see. Just the same. I would prefer for you to call me Yamato."
"Well. Meaning no offense to you but I would prefer to call you Mr. Sohma for now."
"Have it your way" he crossed his arms, "Like I was saying about Katsuya."
"Yes?"
"You know he's very special to me."
"Uh huh" she nodded a bit uncertain about his affections.
"I care about him a great deal. I know you're not supposed to play favorites but I sort of can't help myself when it comes to him."
"I see" she frowned slightly herself now.
"And with that in mind, I just want to give you a piece of advice."
"Oh? What is it?"
"I will accept the relationship, now" he replied, "But if you get in my way, you'll regret it" he turned his back to her, "Keep that in mind."
"Does that mean" she said as he started to walk away, "That you'll have my memory erased if I don't cooperate with what you say?"
He stopped dead in his tracks and stared back at her.
"How do you know about that?"
"I know everything about the Zodiac members I told you. Kaye and I don't have secrets with each other. We tell each other everything."
"Everything?" his eyebrows rose.
"Yes. I assure you Mr. Sohma I will keep the secret about your family but" she said seriously staring at him directly in the eye, "I won't be threatened by your words."
"I beg your pardon?"
"That's what you're doing isn't it? Let's be honest. You don't approve of me at all do you? You didn't approve of me even before you met me because of Katsuya. But I'm gonna promise you this. I'm not going anywhere. No matter how much you may threaten me or no matter what you say or do. Because I love him."
"Love?" Yamato spun around, "What do you mean love?"
"It's exactly as I said" she turned around from him now, "I love him. Well it was nice meeting you Mr. Sohma. I have to leave now. It's getting late. Oh one more thing" she looked back over her shoulder, "Next time if you like, have Akito join us in the conversation. It would be the right thing to do," she added as Yamato's eyes became wider, "Sophie!" she called to her younger sister, "Let's go! Goodbye Mr. Sohma" she said to Yamato before walking away, "Until we meet again."
Yamato watched her walk off stunned for the moment and then turned on his heel with a furious frown.
"We're leaving," he stated to Akito.
"Huh?" Akito looked up surprised from his book.
"Get up!" Yamato ordered, "Let's go!" he moved away.
"Yes sir" Akito nodded standing up at once and following him, trying to keep up since he was walking so fast and muttering to himself.
"That. That infuriating woman" Yamato said out loud, "Who does she think she is?"
"Sir?" Akito asked concerned.
Yamato said nothing but continued to ponder his first encounter with the young American with distaste in his mouth and a distinct scowl on his face.
(Till Next Time)
Authors Note: Okay guys! Here's today's chapter! Hope you liked it!
Next Chapter: Akito's Task
Stephanie informs Katsuya of her encounter with Yamato and he in turn tells her the news about his mother's pregnancy and a little more about his past. Meanwhile Yamato sends Akito on another spying mission. Find out what happens next time!