Disclaimer: I do not hold any ownership over any of the Fruits Basket characters. I do however own Kei; so feel free to comment on her as well.

(A/N: To Miko Sakura-samaIn answer to your question, as much as I love Hatori, I did not pair him with Kei. The two of them are just friends, since she would transform. However, at least, she balances out the Sohma curse. If she transforms, her transformation keeps Hatori from transforming. As for fluff for Hatori, don't give up; there will be new characters climbing into this story as it goes, so there may be a love interest for Hatori yet.

To Valese: Well, how do I say this, um, if you go back and read chapter three, you'll see that Tohru was spared the curse of her family just as her mother was, sorry about that.

Well that's all I have to say for now hope you enjoy.)

Chapter 4: An Embarrassing Hello

By Tainted InuShemeeko

It's strange, really, seeing Aunt Kei after so many months have passed. Then again, she does have her own life, it wouldn't be right for her to drop everything just because of me. I'm still trying to figure out how she knew I was sick, it's almost like she's hiding something. Then again if she wanted to tell me something, I'm sure she would so, I'm not even sure what I'm worried about.

Then again, what if something has happened to someone on my mother's side of the family? What if that's the true reason she's really here? What if I've done something terribly wrong; oh no what am I going to do?

Shigure now wore a huge smile on his face as he rubbed his now full stomach. He couldn't think of any take-out they had, ever had that had as much flavor to it as much as what Kei's homemade dinner had.

"I think I now know why Tohru's is so good. It runs in the family."

Yuki's voice remained calm as he spoke.

"Oh really, I was going to say that it was because it wasn't cooked by you or me."

Yuki's remark only caused Shigure to blush a bit.

"Well- I –I wouldn't say that Yuki."

Shigure's words caused both Kei and Tohru to giggle as both Yuki and Kyo's faces fell at his words. Tohru then smiled up at Kei.

"Shigure is right, Aunt Kei, dinner was delicious. I think it was even better then some of the meals I've cooked."

Kei just smiled at Tohru and her dark brown eyes seemed to smile as she did so.

"Don't sell yourself short, Tohru, if Shigure thought it was good enough to eat then it had to be great."

She then winked at Tohru as she began to gather up the dishes off of the table. Tohru then suddenly jumped up from the table to take the dishes from Kei.

"Here let me get the dishes, Aunt Kei, you did cook dinner tonight. It's the least I can do since you came all the way the way here to see me."

Yuki soon followed suit after Tohru.

"Yes, after fixing a wonderful meal, let us do the dishes for you."

She then watched as Tohru, Yuki, and Kyo cleared the table and started washing the dishes. Seeing an empty bowl on the table Kei bent down to get it. She gasped as Shigure's hand caught her wrist gently stopping her movements.

"Shigure, what are y…"

Her words trailed off as his eyes locked with hers.

"Why, Kei, why did you come here now after all these months? What has happened that would cause you to return here after all of these years you were away?"

Kei's eye shook with emotion as she looked at Shigure.

"Shigure I, it's not…"

Her words were stopped by the yelling in the kitchen.

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"Damn rat! Look what you made me do."

"I can't help it if you're an idiot."

"Guys, please don't fight now. Please, my Aunt Kei is here."

Both boys sighed and then looked away from the other as they went back to work.

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"He knows she's here, Shigure, Lord Ryuzo of the Minino family knows that Tohru is staying with members of the Sohma family. He doesn't know where, though, which is good for now. She should be safe for a little longer."

Shigure became shocked as tears sparkled in her dark brown eyes. There was more to why she was here; Shigure just knew it.

"Kei, tell me what's wrong. Tell me what happened, you look as though you haven't slept in days."

Kei's voice was barely above a whisper as she spoke.

"Hastsu is gone, Shigure, the one person that I looked up too in my life is gone forever. That's the price she paid for her happiness. How do I tell her? How do I tell her that someone else special to her is now gone?"

At first Shigure was too stunned to say anything. He had only met Hastsu once; she was one year older then Kei. With Hastsu being born in the year of the rooster she was very out going and always spoke her mind. After hearing Kei words it was hard to believe that she was gone for good.

Shigure continued to go over what Kei had just confided in him. He just didn't understand it; Aya had told him that Hastsu and her husband were expecting their first child so did that mean?

"Kei tell me, what about Hastsu's husband and the baby."

His first suspensions was realized when Kei failed to answer him. Before he knew it she was leaning into him, it was as if it was the only way for her to steady herself was to hold on to him.

"There was a fire, and the two of them were trapped inside. The fire department said it was bad wiring, but there's something about it that just doesn't pan out. Then again, it's just a silly feeling."

Shigure's face became serious as he watched Kei walk into the kitchen. Was there more to what Kei was saying; could there truly be a family that was worse then the Sohma's? Shigure had a feeling that they all were going to learn a little more about Tohru's family.

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Kei slowly opened her eyes as she looked at the room she was in. There was one thing Kei was sure of, it wasn't her's. As she slowly started to piece things together a familiar voice startled her, making her look to the right of the bed.

"Ah, I see that you're awake today. I must say you had us all worried Kei, especially Tohru."

Brown meet brown as Kei looked into Shigure's eyes; she then slowly sat herself up in the bed.

"I'm sorry if I worried you all. Mind if I ask you how long I've been asleep for?"

Shigure gave his chin a rub as if he was having trouble thinking.

"I think it's almost been three days. You gave us all quite a scare, when you fainted in the kitchen. Ha'ri said you should take it easy for a few days. I think he's right. You know you've had a lot to deal with. You really should take a day or two off for yourself."

Kei just stared at Shigure for a moment, if only it were that simple. She knew that he should understand that nothing was ever simple.

"Shigure, nothing is ever that simple you know that."

Before she knew it a cool cloth was being pressed to her forehead, and she was being pushed back down into the bed.

"Now, now, Kei I don't want to hear it. Ha'ri said that rest was the best thing you could have. So it's rest you'll get, we can't let a lovely rose such as yourself to become wilted, now can we. Rest is like the spring rain that falls from the heavens; it lifts you up and leaves you refreshed."

A calm and level voice interrupted what Shigure was going to say next.

"Really, Shigure, how do you expect her to rest if you continue to bother her with your nonsense; I really find it hard to believe that she would even listen to it."

Shigure's face almost fell off at the sound of Hatori's voice.

"AhhhHaa, Ha'ri, I wasn't expecting you to stop by so soon."

Kei couldn't stop the small giggle that escaped her lips as she saw the expression on Shigure's face. Both men froze as they looked over at Kei. Hatori then sighed as he set his bag on the floor near the bed, as he replied to Shigure.

"I figured it was best if I came to see her now. Yuki and the others will be home from school soon, correct?"

Shigure nodded his head at Hatori.

"Yes, they will but that won't be for another three and an a half hours."

Hatori then pulled out a thermometer and placed it under Kei's tongue. A few minutes later he took the thermometer out of her mouth and looked at it.

"You still have a slight fever."

Hatori then gave Kei a small yellow pill.

"I want you to take this with some water it should get rid of what is left of that fever of yours as well as help you get some more rest."

Kei let out a small breath as she looked over at Hatori and then Shigure.

"Thank you the both of you for caring so much. Shigure, I'm glad that you and Yuki were the ones to find Tohru first. I don't know what I would have done if something had happened to her."

Shigure couldn't help but smile at her as he and Hatori watched her drift off to sleep. Shigure and Hatori then walked quietly out of his bedroom, sliding the door closed behind them.

"You know, Ha'ri, I think Kei has more going on then she's letting on."

Hatori said nothing at first as he made his way down the stairs. Shigure followed suit behind him.

"Even if she is, Shigure, she's the one who has to decide on when to tell you. You can't rush matters of the heart, now can you?"

Shigure then sighed as he sat down beside of Hatori.

"I suppose you're right, however it doesn't stop the endless fluttering of my heart as I worry over her."

Hatori sighed as he glanced over at Shigure.

"Stop being so over dramatic, especially when there is no one here to buy it."

Shigure's shoulders slumped for a moment.

"Once again, you've found a way to wound me deeply with your words."

Smoke spiraled up from Hatori's cigarette as he muttered two words in a depressing tone.

"Oh please."

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A few hours later, Kei found her way down the stairs, and as she padded into the living room, she was greeted with two familiar faces.

"Hello, Shigure? Oh, Hatori, I didn't expect you to still be here."

Hatori then removed his cigarette and put it out.

"Neither did I; by the way, how are you feeling? Seeing that you made your way downstairs I take it that you are feeling better."

Kei gave Hatori a bright smile as she ran a hand through her orange-tan hair.

"Yes, I do, actually, thank you for asking."

Kei then looked down at the long tan robe and blue sash she was wearing; she then looked over at Shigure her dark brown eyes shining at him.

"Oh Shigure, I hope you don't mind I had to borrow one of your robes."

Shigure just waved a hand at her.

"Oh, not at all, Kei, matter of fact, I believe that one looks better on you then it ever did on me. What do you think, Hatori?"

Hatori however just rolled his eyes at Shigure. He then pulled himself out of his sitting position and stood.

"Well, I really must be going, if the two of you would excuse me now."

Shigure stood up and walked with Hatori to the door.

"Of course, Ha'ri, and thanks for coming by."

Kei as well thanked him for his time.

"Yes, thank you again, Hatori."

Hatori managed a small smile as he answered Kei.

"Not at all, it was my pleasure."

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A few minutes later both Shigure and Kei heard the familiar voice of Tohru break through the convention the two of them were having.

"We're home, Shigure. Is Aunt Kei feeling any better?"

Her question was answered by the sound of Kei's voice coming from the living room with Shigure.

"Yes, Tohru, I'm feeling much better now."

Hearing Kei's voice coming from the living room, Tohru then poked her head into the door. She was greeted by a warm smile from Kei, which in turn made her smile back at her. Shigure's happy and joyful voice was heard next.

"Ahh, Tohru, Yuki, and Kyo how was your day today? As eventful as always, I suppose. Oh, to be that young again, and have nothing to worry about other than homework and other high school worries. Oh, how I miss them."

Yuki, Tohru and Kyo all looked surprised by Shigure's confession. Kei on the other hand was giggling into her hand as Yuki softly spoke to Shigure.

"You do?"

Shigure however paused a moment as if he had to give it some thought.

"No, not really, that is, I don't miss the homework."

Yuki and they other's faces fell as they stared at Shigure as he started to laugh. Yuki then shook his head as one thought ran through his head.

'He is such an idiot.'

A few seconds later nothing could have prepared the group for the voice that was suddenly causing the house to shake.

"Oh, Shigure, Yuki, is anyone home? I was just in the neighborhood and I thought I would stop by to see how the fair princess, Tohru, was doing. Not to mention wanting to spend time with Yuki."

Everyone's face fell at the sound of Ayame's voice. Shigure was the first one to speak up.

"AhhhhHaaa, Aya's here."

Yuki was just about to tell Shigure how annoying he was; however, when he turned to look at Shigure he was surprised. Shigure didn't look at all happy that Ayame was here in fact he looked nervous even.

The sliding doors to the living room suddenly came open as Ayame made is appearance known.

"Shigure, it's been too long. I really must come to see you more often."

However, Shigure was gently waving his hands in front of him as he spoke.

"Oh no, you don't have to do that. I know that you're a very busy person, Aya."

Ayame, however, just sighed in return.

"Yes, but still there is always time for family and friends, I'm truly ashamed of myself, for I have failed you by not being here for you."

Tohru slowly started to speak to Ayame.

"Oh, no, Ayame you haven't failed us, you've just been busy that's all."

Ayame's eye sparkled as he looked at Tohru; he then sprang over to Yuki.

"Dear, sweet little brother and how have you been? Doing well I suppose with your lovely little princess at your side; why wouldn't you be?"

Anger started to build up in Yuki as he glared at Ayame.

"Brother, why don't you just shut up? You don't even know what you're talking about."

Ayame looked stunned as he looked down at Yuki.

"Why, I've never heard such a thing. Shigure, did you hear him, did you hear what Yuki just said to me? It's horrible, why it's just unheard of; why I'm hurt I just can't believe it."

His lime-gold eyes widened as he turned and saw the stunning woman sitting next to Shigure.

Oooh, Kei, what a wonderful surprise."

Tohru's face fell as she reached out toward Ayame as he started toward her Aunt Kei.

"Um…uh, Ayame, wait."

Shigure's face fell as well as he tried to stop his friend and family member from embracing Kei.

"Uh…Aya, wait, Tohru doesn't….poof…know yet."

There was a brief silence as everyone stared at the spot where Ayame and Kei had been. Before the smoke had even faded Tohru began thinking up an excuse she could use to explain Ayame's sudden transformation.

"Uh…you see, Aunt Kei, well I'm not sure how to say this…"

However, before she was finished Shigure cut her off.

"Tohru, I don't think you need to worry about your Aunt knowing our secret. You see, she already kind of knows."

Tohru, Yuki and Kyo were all surprised when they heard Ayame's voice.

"Oh dear, I guess I got a little overly excited. I do hope you forgive me, Kei."

What really surprised them, however, was once the smoke was cleared they saw a perfectly clothed Ayame standing before them. Tohru looked confusingly over at Ayame and then Shigure.

"Um…what just happened? Why didn't Ayame turn into a snake?"

It was then that something else sunk into Tohru's thoughts, as she noticed the tan robe that Kei had been wearing lying on the ground.

"What happen to Aunt Kei a-and why are her clothes on the floor? I don't understand."

Shigure sighed as he thought of the best way to explain things to Tohru.

"You see Tohru there's been…."

Shigure words were cut off as the familiar voice of Kei interrupted him. She then sighed as she spoke from inside her hiding place. Kei's words at first were directed straight at Ayame.

"You know Aya there are other ways to greet people. Especially with the curse your family has. However, what's done can't be undone so we'll all just have to live with it."

Even though she continued to speak she refused to come out of her hiding place.

"I wanted to tell Tohru, I was just afraid I guess. You've had to deal with so much lately. However this was the last way I wanted you to finds out especially after I found out you had been spared. Then when I found out you were very sick with a fever I had to come and see you."

Tohru continued to look around for her missing Aunt.

"Aunt Kei where are you? You don't have to hide from us."

"I'm not, Tohru, I'm right here."

Tohru then took a step forward when one of the floorboards moved. However, she didn't think anything of it until something crawled across her foot and back over toward Shigure and the clothes she had been wearing. Tohru screamed the minute she felt something crawl over her foot, which caused everyone in the room to look at her.

Once her breathing was calm, Tohru glanced back over at Shigure. That's when she noticed something orange and tan curled up in Shigure's lap, as if it was trying to hide itself. However, before she was able to say anything, Ayame beat her to it.

"Really, Kei, I don't see why you're so ashamed. I think you look lovely in any form. It's your inner beauty that counts. There are times when you remind me of Ha'ri, you know. For as long as I've known you, you've been concerned with other people's feelings, well; I think it's time you looked at your true beauty. If Shigure, Hatori and I can see it, then why can't you."

During Ayame's long speech, Kei had crawled up Shigure's back and was now draped over his neck. Giving Yuki, Kyo and Tohru a perfect glance at the orange and tan snake that used to be Tohru's aunt. Shigure then gently picked up the snake up and lifted its small head up to meet his eyes.

"You know, Kei, Aya's right. It was strange at first when the three of us found out. That is Hatori, Ayame and I. We never did judge you once, though your outer beauty is stunning. It was what was inside that made me fall in love with you, you know."

Shigure's confession of the heart caused Kei to turn a bright red. It was then that the small orange and tan snake then fainted. Causing Shigure to have to catch Kei the best he could as she slid off of his shoulders.

Tohru's voice was filled with panic as she watched her Aunt, who was now a snake, go limp.

"Oh no, Aunt Kei, is she all right, Shigure?"

Shigure just smiled at Tohru as he held Kei gently in his hands.

"She'll be fine, Tohru, she just fainted. She's been under a lot of stress, I'm sure when she awakes up, and she'll have a lot to tell you. For right now, I think it's best if we let her rest awhile."

Tohru just smiled at Shigure.

"Right."

She then draped the tan robes Kei had been wearing over one of Shigure's arms, followed by the blue sash. Tohru then watched as Shigure disappeared up the stairs with Kei. She then turned to face Ayame.

"Ayame, if you don't mind me asking; how did you find out about my Aunt Kei?"

Ayame's face brightened as he prepared to tell Tohru his version of how he met Kei, much to Yuki and Kyo's dismay, causing both boys to sag in their spots.

'Oh no, Miss Tohru just encouraged him to tell another one of his stories.'

Kyo looked like he was about to turn into a puddle.

'No, not this again, somebody please make him stop.'

"So kind of you to ask, Tohru, well, it was a rather warm and beautiful day out as Shigure, Hatori and I were walking home from school, when we happened along the most breathtaking young woman we had ever seen. Shigure and Hatori where so stunned by her beauty that they both forgot how to speak. Leaving it to me to carry on a conversation with her, well, as the four us continued onward, the three of us realized what a charming young woman she really was. That's when Ha'ri managed to…"

Ayame's words were cut short by an all too familiar voice.

"That's quite enough, Ayame. Don't you think it would be better if Kei explained things to Tohru? I take it that once again you're causing trouble for Yuki and the others."

Hatori glanced over at Tohru and said a brief hello before continuing.

"Tohru, Yuki, and Kyo, the three of you are doing well, I hope. If you will just tell Shigure I stop by. Come on, Ayame; let's go home, we'll come by another time."

Ayame just smiled as he headed out the door.

"Good bye, Princess Tohru, Yuki and Kyo. I'll see you real soon, little brother, I promise."

Tohru stared after Hatori and Ayame for a minute, before glancing toward the stairs. Just what was the curse on her mother's side of the family? Why had she been spared? Had her mother been cursed too and just not told her? Kei had been born in the year of the dog, so when she bumped into Ayame, why did she turn into a snake? One other thought ran through Tohru's head as she thought. When her Aunt Kei and Ayame had embraced, why hadn't the both of them transformed?

(A/N: Will Tohru find out all the answers to her questions? Stay with me for the next chapter in Starling Surprises. Chapter 5: Painful Truths

Thanks again for reviewing; hope you enjoyed.

Ja ne!

Tainted InuShemeeko)

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