Author's Note: Hello everyone! I've FINALLY updated Chapter Four! I hope you like it! Although it hints of some dark things to come, the wonderful Christmas Ball still much take place! That will be in Chapter Five! Again, as soon as I get some reviews, I will be updating Chapter Five as fast as I can! Thanks SO much to those people who have submited reviews and took the time to read my story! Enjoy!

Chapter 4

Happy Life

Tohru had, true to her word, moved in with Yuki to live in the "castle" of a house. It seemed that they were inseparable for a while. Wherever one went, the other accompanied. Except for a few exceptions, of course. It was the twentieth, and Tohru had decided to go dress shopping with Uo and Hana whom she had talked to for two years. She had been having such a wonderful time with Yuki that, regrettably, she had not been in contact with them in any way! She was sure that they would be happy to see her. They arranged to meet in front of the mall on Monday, which was the twentieth. So, here she was, waiting for her long-lost friends.

"Hey, Tohru!" her Yankee friend waved at her. She had changed quite a bit. Her hair was a little longer, and she was wearing a pair of flare jeans with black heels, and her overcoat was of a black color. It had the image of the Red Butterfly on it. It was a different from the one Kyoko had given her long ago, but you could tell that that was the one it portrayed. "I haven't seen you in a while! Wow! You've changed! Look at you! You're all decked up in jewels and frippery!" she smiled a cocky grin.

"Yes, I must say, you have changed quite a bit. You are so beautiful, still," Hana had, as she had many times before, seemed to have come from nowhere and made her presence known by saying a simple sentence. She was, still, dressed all in black. Even her black cloak is the same. Although, her hair was now put up in many braids at the back of her neck. She looked quite the part of a gothic. But, she had an air of hidden beauty beneath all of that blackness.

They three friends embraced one another. And again, Tohru started to have tears well up in her eyes. "Oh, I'm so happy to see you both again!"

"Yeah. That goes for us as well," Uo warmly replied.

"Yes, Tohru. It had been too long. But, now is not the time for us to catch up. We still have that Christmas ball to prepare for. I sense that there are out perfect dresses just waiting for us…" Hana paused. "There," she pointed to a hot pink store with frilly lace decorating the window of the shop.

"THERE!" Uo leapt back. "No! Surely not THERE? I mean, look at it! It's SO… girly! Who the hell in their right mind would go in there, let alone own a shop like that? No way. I refuse to." she crossed her arms and looked disdainfully at the shop.

"Oh, but, if our perfect dresses are in there, as Hana says, then I'm sure you're bound to find something wonderful that you can wear! Can't you do it for me?" she looked mock sadly at Uo while batting her eyelashes at her.

"Hey, you've changed A LOT! I haven't seen you pout and beg like this before. Clearly, this dance with Yuki means a lot to you," a grin began to form on her face.

"Yes, I wouldn't even hold to such nonsense as going into a shop like that. But, alas, they may have some good styles in there… Even though it's appearance may seem…" Hana thought for a moment, "As, Uo put it, girly. I admit, it is too pink for my taste," she serenely replied.

"Well, if what we look for is there, then I suppose that if we get out of there as soon as possible, I'm sure it won't do you any harm," Tohru smiled warmly at her two friends.

"Alright, Tohru, but only because I haven't seen you in so long," she grinned.

Tohru smiled sweetly back and she took both her friends hands in her own and entered the shop.

"Oh my gosh! Look at that dress!" Uo exclaimed when she saw one that was black and was flaring out at the hem. It had a V-Neck that was revealing, but only to a point that was cute. It was only halfway up the manikin's calf, and in Tohru's opinion, it was the perfect dress for Uo.

"It would look GREAT on you!" Tohru exclaimed with glee.

"Go try it on, we will be waiting…" she waved her hand in the direction of the dressing rooms.

Meanwhile, Tohru looked through the mass of dresses hanging from the clothes lines. She caught a glimpse of one that was fit for a queen! It was white gown that was in the princess-style. It had long skirt that reached the floor, and was strapless. It had a silk band at the chest that went around, and their were little droplets of diamonds that aligned the hem of the gown. It just took her breath away. When she stood gawking at it for a full five minutes, Hana came over to look.

"It suits you very well, Tohru. Change into it after Uo comes out, I can't wait to see you in it," although she was still using the neutral voice, you could tell that a smile was flickering in her face.

"What do you guys think?" Uo had come out and the sight that beheld the two friends was remarkable. Her blond hair cascaded down her shoulders, and it fit her personality very well. It was stylish, and not too girly. Just what Uo was all about.

"I have a diamond necklace that would look great with that!" Tohru exclaimed.

"Awwww, Tohru, you are JUST too nice to us! Tell you what, we'll meet on the day of the dance, and we'll just spend the time away, talking, eating, and everything and anything that pops into our minds!" she put out a hand to flick her hair back out of her eyes.

"That sounds lovely. Tohru has found a dress. I think that it would be best if she went to change now," Hana gestured towards the fitting rooms once again, and Tohru whisked away the mound of white that she was carrying and closed a door.

"I can't wait to see this," Uo happily smiled.

"Nor can I," was Hana's serene reply.

The two waited impatiently as Tohru took he time in getting herself into the dress. Then, finally, Tohru stepped out, and the sight that was beheld was astonishing. Tohru looked like a new bride. The dress just became one with the wearer.

"D-Do I look okay?" she blushed prettily.

"Okay? You looked great!" Uo laughed and clapped her hands together.

"You truly do look wonderful," Hana had a hint of glee in her usually monotone voice.

"Did you find a dress yet, Hana?" Tohru asked her.

"No, I believe that it has already been taken by another," she quietly replied regaining her usual tone of voice.

"Then, let's get going!" Uo and Tohru exclaimed together.

The two paid for the dresses, and called up Tohru's limo driver, to escort them back to the car. It wasn't an easy job for him alone, seeing the boxes were about the same size as he was. So, out of the goodness of the young girls hearts, they helped to carry them into the roomy car. Then, back to shopping they went!
They went to something like a Japanese Hot Topic and found Hana's dream dress. It had lace trimmings that were in black, and it was a V-Neck that becomingly showed just the right amount of everything. It went down to the floor, and the sleeves were long, and ended with a bunch of lace so her fingers peeped out. All through the girls day out, they talked about their lives, what had happened and all those other things that girls talk about when they gather. The conversation turned itself to where Tohru is living right now. Their reaction was out of control.

"You're WHAT?" Uo jumped up and her chair fell backwards while they were in the restaurant.

"Yes, well, I used to when I was in high school, so I don't know why it seems to be so astonishing," Tohru quizzically replied.

"Yeah, well, that was because you had to go to school, but you situated yourself in their house as a housekeeper. Now, you have a house of your own, and your this princess of Osaka, but your living with HIM?" Uo sat back down after retrieving her chair. "I refuse to believe it," she huffily crossed her arms.

"Well, I suppose that living alone could be lonely at times. Especially when you are used to living with others. I think that living with the Prince will be for the best," Hana casually drifted off.

"For the best? I don't think so. You can live with me," Uo grumpily said.

"Well, I think that you would can be reassured that I don't do anything to keep my place there like I used to. I spend money as I please, and do whatever I fancy," Tohru happily said. "I'm really happy there. You should come visit as soon as possible. Oh! You can come on the day of the ball, and we can spend the day together," she clasped her hands together and smiled gleefully.

"Okay, we're going to come visit on the day of the dance," Uo declared.

"That's fine with me," Tohru replied. "I'm sure that Yuki will be happy to see you as well," she pushed a stray lock of hair out of her face.

"Hey," Uo squinted at Tohru's hand, "Is that a ring?" she suspiciously looked at her face.

"Yes, it is a ring. But, it's just a coupling ring, it's not like I'm getting married or anything," Tohru blushed furiously.

"Why are you blushing? You don't like him, do you?" Uo raised an eyebrow.

"I think that she would tell us in her own time," Hana cut in.

"No, I confess. I'm going out with Yuki," Tohru lowered her gaze and stared at her hands.

"All the more reason NOT to stay in the same house as him," Uo seized the chance.

"I don't seem to understand why you wouldn't like me to stay with him. He's been like a brother to me, and now that I have a relationship with him, doesn't mean that I'm going to be hurt by him or anything. He's just so polite and caring. He wouldn't even dream of something like that!" Tohru earnestly said. "I like staying with him. He makes me happy," she smiled dreamily.

"Yup. She's in love," Uo declared with a cocky smile.

"Pretty soon, she will be wanting to marry him. Our little Tohru as a new bride. I'm going to cry," Hana sniffed.

"You're getting a little ahead of yourself, don't you think?" Uo glanced at her friend.

Tohru laughed. "Who knows what Fate has in store for us," she smiled mysteriously.

So the day of the Christmas ball arrived and there was tension in the air along with a mixture of joy and love. Tohru was fairly singing as she came down the stairs that morning.

"You're in a wonderful mood," Yuki smiled at his companion.

"Yes, today's the Christmas dance!" she warmly replied to him. "I invited Uo and Hana to come visit today and stay until the dance. Is that okay?" she guiltily looked up at Yuki.

"Of course. But, I'm afraid that I have to leave this morning to look over the preparations of the dance. I'll be back at 4:00 PM,"

"I'll be waiting," Tohru smiled.

"Mr. Sohma," one of the maids came up to him, "There are two young ladies by the name of Uo and Hana? Shall I let them in?" she had a disdainful look on her face. Tohru figured that was Uo's doing. She smiled to herself.

"Yes, we were expecting them," Tohru warmly told her.

Yuki smiled at her. "You're going to make a wonderful princess,"

"Thank you. You should get going, you're going to be late for work." she smiled again. "Have a good day," she stood on tiptoe and gave him a sweet kiss on the lips. Yuki embraced her.

"Hey, break it up, you guys," Uo came in hands in her pockets.

Tohru broke off the kiss, and blushed furiously. "Welcome to Yuki's place," she smiled.

"You live here too, you know," Yuki gently reminded her.

"But, you invited me, so it's your house. I just live here WITH you,"

"Oh, but you're the mistress,"

The couple continued to coo and talk.

"Would someone tell me where I may find the kitchen?" Hana cut into their conversation.

"Oh, yes, I'll have one of the maids escort you there," Tohru waved her hand at one of them scurrying about, and set Hana to go after her.

"Wow, nice place you've got here," Uo nodded towards Yuki.

"Thank you. It's a pleasure to meet you again," Yuki bowed slightly.

"You haven't lost your Prince-ness," she smirked. "You know, you could be prince to Tohru and sweep her off her feet and become the next King of Osaka!" she grinned at him.

"Are you proposing the idea of marriage?" he inquired of the blond haired girl.

"Maybe," she slyly replied. "Maybe…"

"You'd better go! You're going to be late for work! The sooner you go, the earlier you will be back!" Tohru pushed him towards the door while giving him another peck on the cheek.

"Ugh. The lovey-dovey feelings in the air are stifling me!" Uo fanned herself with her hand and headed for the direction that Hana went.

"I guess we scared them off," Yuki smiled.

"Yes, and I need to scare you off to work!" Tohru continued to try and push him out the door but he wouldn't budge.

Yuki acted offended. "It almost feels like you don't want me here," he looked at her with puppy eyes.

"Ohhhhh! Yuki! You know I love you too much to do that! I'll come by later, okay?" she smiled.

"You! Prince! Get outta here! Tohru come with me!" Uo came back and directed.

"Guess girl powers going to drive me out of here!" he walked out the door and waved goodbye.

"You are spending way too much time with me! You're going to forget all about us!"

"Well, that just goes to show how much I've gotten used to being with Yuki all the time," Tohru blushed prettily.

"It seems as though you two are going to be getting married soon," Hana walked towards them with a bowl of chips.

"Oh no… oh no no! It's not anything like that!" Tohru shook her head vigorously and looked horrified.

"Alright. Well, give us a tour of this place!" Uo put her hands on her hips in mock sternness.

"Oh! Right!" Tohru led her friends outside to see the gardens.

"Wow. Look at all of this! It's like in full bloom here almost! It's like magic!" Uo exclaimed.

"Yes, well our gardeners are really good at what they do!" Tohru laughed.

"You really know your way around here, don't you, Tohru?" Hana quietly asked.

"Yes, I suppose you could say that I do. I mean, I've been living here for about a week or two! And these are some of my favorite spots!"

All Hana did was nod to herself knowingly.

While the three friends reunited and ohhed and ahhed over everything. A dark figure from the trees looked over evilly at the trio.

"You little wench. Did you really think that you would be able to take my Yuki from me? You were wrong. You will be taken care of," the figure laughed maliciously.