Author's Note: This chapter is dedicated for Missblondie. Why? Because she gave me the idea to put the curse in. I wrote this chapter like three times before getting this perfect. Thanks for your help, Missblondie!
Before I forget, I'm not sure 'bout the rating of the story. I put PG-13 to be safe, but if it's not that inappropriate, then I should change it to PG. I don't know.
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Chapter 4
Interview and Love Problems
It was a beautiful, sunny day. The birds were chirping and the sky was cloudless.
Tohru was having a perfect dream before her alarm clock woke her up. Wait….alarm clock?
Tohru lazily pressed the snoozed button and noticed the note by the clock. It read:
Tohru
Meet us at Tokyo Station for an interview with Tokyo Morning News. You'll have an interview with them every week talking about the contestants and the elimination.
We left this morning to make sure everything is set at the station and the fact you overslept. Hurry up and get here! The interview starts at nine. We'll see you there.
Uo and Hana
Tohru looked at the time. It was eight, and she had to be there at nine! She rushed to the bathroom and quickly brushed her teeth took a shower, changed, and ran out the door. The singer knew where the station was and decided to quickly rush over there on foot not noticing whom she was bumping into.
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"Why are we here again?" asked the annoyed, furious cat as he almost got ran over by a car.
"Aw, what's wrong Kyo? Don't you think it's nice to be out of the stuffy house and walk around a bit? Get a whiff of that city smell," Shigure answered.
"Well, you didn't have to take us with you!" Kyo shouted. People started to stare at them wondering what the orange head was yelling about.
"Baka (idiot) cat," Yuki whispered. "Shigure, are you sure it's not distract us from the house when your editor comes by looking for you?" he asked suspiciously.
"What are you talking about? Today's not the 10th is it?" Shigure lied.
'That poor woman,' the rat and cat thought as they shook their head in disbelief.
In that moment, the two felt an impact, and smoke was seen along with a poof sound.
"GOMEN(sorry)! GOMEN! GOMEN!" replied the person who bumped them. The mysterious person feel down with a thump, but instead of landing on the persons, she landed hard on the concrete.
Everyone around them stared and starting whispering among themselves asking, "Where did the smoke from? What happened? Weren't there two people right there?"
The person quickly looked up and wondered whom she jostled into, but instead found a pile of clothes and a white rat and orange cat. The two animals quickly ran into the alley.
Tohru didn't have time for this. She was going to be even later if she wasn't going to leave. She stood up and briskly walked to the station limping. Her left knee was badly scrapped from her fall, but she ignored it.
When she entered the station and met up with Hana, Uo, and Akito, they gasped when they saw her knee.
"Tohru, what happened?" Hana asked worriedly as she kneeled down to examine it.
"I bumped into someone and fell," she replied.
"Who was this jerk? I'll teach him a lesson," Uo said, punching her fist to her hand.
"Uo-chan, don't. I ran into them and fell, but I don't know who it was. When I realized I fell, I found some clothes and a mouse and cat, but no one," Tohru stated.
Akito's face whitened. 'Those fools. What if someone else saw and knows about the secret? I guess we'll have a little chat the next time I see them,' he thought. "Tohru-chan, are you sure that's what you saw? Maybe it was an illusion from a bump in the head?" Akito insisted.
"What are you saying, Akito? That Tohru's lying?" Uo yelled at him.
"No, of course not. It's just not that normal to find clothes and a mouse and cat once you fall," the music dealer tried to defend himself.
"Enough of this argument. Someone get me an first-aid-kit," Hana interrupted.
"I'll go find one," the blonde sighed.
"There you are Tohru. We were wondering when you would show up," stated the assistant manager, Erika. "OMG! What happened to you?" she asked, noticing that Hana was cleaning a large scrap.
"It's nothing, Erika," Tohru insisted.
"If you say so. You're on in five minutes so let me get you into make-up," she dragged Tohru on a chair and getting a make-up artist. "Tohru, once Hikaru introduces you, you're gonna sing the new song you've been working on. After that, you'll head down to sit next to Hikaru and talk about the contest so far, " she told her quickly when make-up was being put on.
Once the make-up was finished, Erika dragged her to the stage where she was going to make her entrance.
"You're on in a few seconds, Tohru. Good luck," she whispered before leaving.
Tohru gulped. It was just like her concerts. Why was she nervous? Millions of people have seen her, but why did this one make her jittery?
She looked over from where she was at and saw the light brown mahogany floor with a red rug. There was a white color couch with a black chair on each side of the couch. Behind the couch was a fake window pretending to look out to downtown. Plants were in various parts of the stage to give it some life.
Once she saw Hikaru coming on stage, she calmed down a bit. It was almost show time.
"GOOD MORNING, JAPAN! Here in Tokyo, it's a bright sunny morning, and today we have a special treat. Instead of listening to the latest hit from a CD, we have Tohru Honda as a guest, and she's gonna start your day by singing you her new, never heard before song, Average Girl," the host said with enthusiasm. (A/N: I don't own this song. I repeat. I don't own this song)
Tohru walked up onto the stage, and the audience screamed. Some had posters saying 'I LOVE YOU' or 'I'M YOUR BIGGEST FAN'.
Tohru smiled at the audience and remembered, she had to aim to the cameras so the people at home could be watching her. She took a deep breath and began.
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In that moment, the two felt an impact, and smoke was seen along with a poof sound.
"Dit! Who bumped into us?" Kyo swore.
"I don't know. It's all Shigure's fault for dragging us here," Yuki mummered.
Shigure, who was still in his human form, gave a serious look. Everyone around them were staring and whispering. The only person who would get a good look at what really happened was the girl. Shigure squinted his eyes trying to see who the girl that ran into them was. The smoke was clearing and the person who bumped into them was none other than Tohru. He was going to ask if he could talk to her for a moment, but she walked off quickly.
He would have run after her, but Yuki and Kyo were first priority. He quickly grabbed the clothes and saw the two running to the alley were he followed.
The mass of people were standing, still confused of what had happened. Some saw Shigure run away with the clothes, but assumed that he was a vagabond that really needed new clothes or was a demented man really around, and a police needed to capture him.
A few moments later, the herds of people were vanishing.
The back of the alley, the trio Sohma were breathing hard not because they were tired, but startled by the event that happened.
Another poof was heard, and Yuki and Kyo were naked and quickly changed into their regular clothes.
"Shigure, I am NEVER going anywhere with you again," Kyo screamed.
"It was Honda-san who bumped into us," Yuki stated. "Do you think she saw us?"
"I don't know Yuki, but we can't risk it. From now on, I want you to be careful when you two go to your next audition. We have to tell the others and warn them," Shigure said.
"This is all your fault, you know that right Shigure?" Kyo scolded.
"What? How is it my fault?" he asked acting innocently.
"You were the one who wanted to go out and teasing the deditor," Kyo snapped back.
"Do you think she'll tell Akito?" Yuki said quietly.
Shigure looked at him with his eyes wide. "A…A…Akito? Yuki, what do you know that I don't know?" his face returned grave and paled.
Yuki took a breath, "He's Tohru's music dealer. The baka (idiot) cat and I saw him there on our first audition. He was still same ol' evil b. I hope Tohru doesn't mention it."
"Oh, this might be worse than I thought, and Hatori knew he was here. That's why he was so hesitant to move here. Akito's probably plotting something," Shigure thought out loud. "Let's go home."
When they got home, they found Mit-chan yelling and bawling outside on the porch.
"Excuse me, Mit-chan, but if you must really act this way, please don't do it in front of my house," Shigure said insouciantly and entered the house followed by Yuki and Kyo.
Mit-chan gave an appalled look. Just when she had realized what had happened, it was too late. Kyo locked the door leaving Mit-chan banging on it once more.
Shigure turned on the TV. Just give it about an hour, and he'll give her the chapter.
"Hey Yuki, Kyo, come over here," Shigure barked.
"What do you want you ddog? You already ruined my life by annoying me and entering me into the stupid contest and making me transform into the cat in public. Now what?" Kyo shouted.
"What is it now, Shigure?" Yuki said sternly.
"Look, it's Tohru," he pointed. (A/N: This song isn't mine. It's by Barlow Girl. This is sorta a religious song, but don't worry, it's not going to be a Christian theme for the whole story, I just thought this song would be perfect.)
So what if I'm not your average girl
I don't meet the standards of this world
Chasing after boys is not my thing
See I'm waiting for a wedding ring
No more dating
I'm just waiting
Like sleeping beauty
My prince will come for me
No more dating
I'm just waiting
'Cause God is writing my love story
'I would if this is how she really feels,' the rat thought.
Boys are bad that's certainly not true
'Cause God's preparing one for you
If you get tired waiting till he comes
God's arms are the perfect place to run
'I wish Kagura were more like this. Why am I thinking about her? Kyo shook his head. 'It's because she's so annoying and…and always bugging around me. Why does she care about me so much? All I do is yell at her,' the cat started to feel guilty. 'ARG! That's not important. What's important is to beat the drat!' he concluded to himself.
No more dating
I'm just waiting
Like sleeping beauty
My prince will come for me
No more dating
I'm just waiting
'Cause God is writing my love story
Sleep that's the only thing
For me 'cause when I sleep God's
Preparing one for me
No more dating
I'm just waiting
Like sleeping beauty
My prince will come for me
No more dating
I'm just waiting
Like sleeping beauty
My prince will come for me
No more dating
I'm just waiting
'Cause God is writing my love story
No more dating
I'm just waiting
'Cause God is writing my love story
No more dating
I'm just waiting
Once she finished, Shigure was about to turn the TV off, but Kyo and Yuki gave him a threatening look.
Shigure snickered. They were following into his plan hook, line, and sinker. While they busy themselves with the show, he was going to go phone the others for a meeting. After that, deal with Mit-chan. Sigh.
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Once the song ended, Tohru did what she was told. She walked over to Hikaru and sat down next to her.
"That was a great song, Tohru-chan. I bet the everyone listening loved it too," Hikaru complimented.
The audience applauded and whistled. Tohru blushed.
"Now Tohru-chan, I'm curious about this contest that you are holding. I'm sure millions of fans are wondering too. What's it about?" the hostess asked.
"My best friends are the ones who decided to hold the contest. Akito-san is, of course, my music dealer and wanted me to do a duet with a guy. My best friends, Hana-chan and Uo-chan, immediately said no. After a while of convincing, they agreed. The only catch was we hold an audition for a guy to be the duet because my friends thought we should find an average guy," she began.
"Ah, Hana-san and Uo-san. They are very protective of you. First time you came here for an interview, I was nearly beaten up. I still have a bruise to show you," she kidded. "But we know that it's not the only thing the contest was held, right?" Hikaru raised an eyebrow.
"Umm….I have to admit, I've never had a boyfriend before, and Uo-chan and Hana-chan thought it was time for me to get a life outside of my music. Of course the first couple auditions, Akito-san, Uo-chan, and Hana-chan are choosing who will go on to the round where I shall be choosing from there on. Akito-san is judging talent. My friends are determining whether or not they're good enough for me," the singer finished.
"I see. Do you have a favorite, yet?" the hostess asked slyly.
Tohru's face reddened. "I'm guessing be the way you're blushing, you do," Hikaru laughed. "I think we'd all like to know who that lucky guy is, don't you audience?"
The audience started cheering.
Tohru's face was turning redder and redder.
"So, do you mind telling us?"
"If you don't mind Hikaru-chan, as much as I love you, but it's a secret. You'll have to wait like everyone else," Tohru said, relieved that she could make up an excuse.
"Aw, com'on Tohru-chan, why not give us a little hint?" she said, holding out her thumb and index finger to indicate what she meant.
"Well…I can say that he's very mysterious…in a way and very kind," Tohru blushed.
"I think that's all we're gonna get out of her folks, so why don't we bring in our next guest, Akito-san," Hikaru said.
The audience cheered in politeness. No one liked him. Why? Because they all had heard bad rumors about Akito and because of the creepy aura he sends out in a mile radius. They all felt sorry of the pretty, young singer.
When Akito appeared and gave his usual smile, the audience from the set and home all had shivers from the spine.
"Akito-san, what's it like to be working with Tohru?" Hikaru questioned.
'It's sick and horrifying. How could anyone stand for so much annoying smiling and laughing? The only good thing is the money,' he wanted to answer, but knew it wasn't going to end well with him after.
"It's so much fun. Everyday when we come in to work, it's always new and exciting. Her warm smile warms everyone up," he lied.
Everyone knew it was a lie, only poor, dense Tohru thought it was true.
"Do you have any one in mind for Tohru's duet?" Hikaru asked, curiously.
Akito smirked. "Why, yes I do. Have you ever heard of Yamato Nakano?"
"The most hottest, richest, wanted bachelor?" she asked.
"Yes. I have met with him on various occasions and from what I've heard, he's very charming and kind. His kindness led me to how nice Tohru-chan was, and they would be perfect together," Akito insisted. "They both can sing well and he seems to care about her already."
The whole crowd awed. Tohru gave a light smile and blushed.
"Now Tohru, is this the mysterious guy that you have your heart sent out?" Hikaru smiled.
"…Not really, but he seems really nice. I don't really know exactly if I really think of him that way, but he's one of the few who I've talked to," she tried to state it in the way that wouldn't hurt him.
'Dit! She's supposed to fall in love with Yamato. That Yuki is ruining my plans. Yamato and Motoko better hurry up with their part or else things are going to get drastic. I can't wait to get rid of that wretched girl!' he yelled in his mind.
"I'm sure Tohru's friends would like to join us now," the hostess stated, indicating that it was their turn to come in. "So do you have any one in mind for Tohru?" she asked, abruptly.
"Hmph. No one was good enough except for a few, but I don't care as long as he doesn't hurt her," Uo said.
"What about you, Hana?" she asked.
"Some of our contestants had very strange waves. I don't know what it means. Even our own Akito has a strange wave. I think that there is one person good enough for her, but the answer lies with her heart," Hana said in a mysterious voice.
'Dit! I hope she doesn't find out. At least she wasn't with Tohru when she hugged one of my idiotic family member. If anyone found out, I promise you they will pay. Maybe a quick reminder will help…' he thought evilly.
The audience as well as Hikaru stared at her. "OKAAAY! Well, I have a spe……," she started, but was rudely interrupted.
"I'm sorry to barge in like this, but I wanted to give this beautiful young lady this," said Yamato. Hikaru looked mad for the interruption, but was happy when she realized that it was the Yamato that Akito was talking about.
He handed two dozens of red roses to Tohru.
Her eyes widen, and the audience awed. Tohru flinched a bit and flushed. She took the roses and gave a small 'Thank you'.
Everyone was impressed and thought they would be perfect together. Hana, of course, knew better by his wave, but didn't say anything.
Akito smiled. 'Perfect. Everyone likes Yamato. Now all we have to do is get Yuki out of the way.'
"What a special treat! For al of you at home you didn't get it. This is Yamato Nakano, and he dropped by some beautiful red roses to Tohru. These two would be so cute together!" Hikaru said. "Now Tohru, don't you think this pushes Yamato a bit on your list?" she asked.
Tohru was nervous. Akito had scooted over so that Yamato could be sitting next to Tohru. His hand was almost touching hers, but she placed them over her lapped, twitching with her skirt. "…Y…Yes, but I'd like to know the other contestants better also," she said. 'Especially Yuki…' she thought.
"That's all the time we have folks. Catch us next Sunday with more info on the contest," Hikaru said, as the curtains rolled down.
"This was an unexpected surprise, Yamato. I know you and Akito are up to something," Hana hissed so only the two of them could hear.
"Hey Hana, com'on. Akito wants to talk to us. He said to bring Yamato along too," Uo shouted from the door.
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Yuki turned off the TV and went to his room. It looked like Kyo was on the roof again.
He laid on his bed thinking. Jealousy raged inside of him when Yamato came and gave Tohru the roses, but why? He was only in the contest because of Shigure and the idiot cat. But…what was this feeling he was feeling inside? Ever since they met, his heart would always thump harder than usual with the mention of her name. Any guy around her, it mad him jealous. When she smiles, he was happy, but he didn't know why. He didn't like this feeling haunting him, but it never leaves. It was like some one was calling him, trying to give him a sign, but what was it?
Yuki groaned. Maybe all he needed was a walk to clear his head. Yeah, it's just all the stress that's all.
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'Dit! Why does her face keep on showing up?' Kyo thought.
All he wanted to do was go somewhere with peace and nothing would distract him, but her face was everywhere. We're probably wondering whose face, but whom else? Kagura…
Clouds floating by had her boar shape. He closed his eyes and her face popped up.
Every since the song, thoughts of her would appear out of nowhere. He didn't know why. So what if he kept on thinking about her? It meant nothing and always will be. She was just an annoying cousin who would always follow him around. Why did she care about him anyway? It wasn't like he was that special. He was a freak. His true form is hideous. No one could stand him, yet she did. Why?
He decided to go to his master's dojo and get his anger and confusion out. This was too weird for him.
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Tohru, Uo, Hana, Akito, and Yamato were in Akito's limo. They were heading to a restaurant to have brunch. The five were silent until Tohru broke the silence.
"So what are our plans for Saturday?" Tohru asked. "You've already picked out people from their voices and personality. What now?" she asked in curiosity.
"That's a good question, Tohru. What are you guys planning next?" Yamato asked also.
"You know, since you're a participant, we're not allow to answer, but let's just say it has something to do with poise," Uo hinted.
"I see."
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Yuki was walking down the street still confused. The walk wasn't really helping him. He sighed.
"Yuki-san!" someone shouted to him.
He sighed once more. This day could not be getting any worse.
He turned around and gave a forceful smile. "Hello (name)-san. How are you?" he asked politely.
"I'm fine," Motoko replied. "Fancy meeting you here, eh? I heard that you're in the contest trying to win Tohru Honda's heart. I never thought of you like that going after a girl," she said smoothly.
"My cousin entered me. I only went because of him," the rat replied, hoping the conversation would end soon.
"So you don't like her?" she asked.
"….No," Yuki said briefly before leaving.
'YES! Now, just let Akito and Tohru hear this and Yuki shall be mine,' she thought aloud, pressing the stop button on the recorder.
'I wasn't lying, was I?' Yuki thought. 'I don't like Honda-san. I think I love her, but she'll never like me. My heart is still confused,' he thought.
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"Shihan (master), what do I do? You know Kyo-kun the best," Kagura asked.
"I'm sorry, Kagura. I can't help you on this. Kyo's heart is not something I know the best. He might be stubborn, but somehow, feelings of love are still buried deep inside of him. One day, it will blossom and he will finally understand, but until then, love will be hard for him to understand," Kazuma told her.
"I see…Well, I better get going. I promised Kisa I'd take her shopping," the boar said. "Thanks for listening though."
"Your welcome. Be careful," the gray hair man said.
Just when she left, he heard punching and screams coming from the dojo.
"Kyo, what are you doing here?" he asked.
"Master, I'm…I'm sorry for not telling you that I was here. It's just…I'm so confused," Kyo began.
"Confused about what, my son?" Kazuma asked concernedly.
"It's about Kagura. I can't stop thinking about. Ever since the ddog entered me into the contest; I can't stop thinking about her. She's so annoying, and yet that's all I can think about is her," Kyo shouted, punching the bag.
"What about Tohru Honda?" he asked.
"What does she have to do with anything?" Kyo asked.
"What do you think about her?"
"What do I think? I dunno. She's just some singer that I'm trying to win to beat the drat," Kyo shrugged.
"So you don't like her. What if she liked Yuki? Would you like her?" he asked once more.
"Of course! I'd show her that I'm better than Yuki and that if she had to choose, it would be me!" he shouted.
Kazuma sighed. "Kyo, love is not about winning or losing to your opponent. Love is two people that care for each other and will do anything for the other no matter what. You can't force someone to love you, and you can't make someone not love you. We are all different and for each of us, love is something we can grow upon and strengthen, not by hurting others for your own self," he stated.
Kyo thought about this. 'You can't force someone to love you…That's what Kagura tries to do to me. You can't make someone not love you…I can't do that to Kagura either. …Not by hurting others for your own self…I guess that means the contest,' he thought.
"…Will do anything for the other no matter what…If that's true then why doesn't Kagura stop bugging me when I tell her?" Kyo asked.
"You don't understand yet, Kyo. Think about it some more and come back when you have found your answer," he said.
"But Shishou (master)…"
"Not until you're ready," he ordered. 'It looks like his heart is starting to blossom afterall.'
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In an dark alley, two people met.
"Excellent work, Motoko," Akito praised.
"Hmph, it wasn't that hard. I don't see why he's in the contest if he doesn't like her," Motoko said, looking at her nails. "Now all we need to do is let Tohru listen to it. Before you know it, she'll come crying to Yamato and fall in love with him. When are you going to let her hear it?" she asked.
"Soon, but not now. If my dear Yuki does begin to get Tohru to fall in love, then I'll let her listen to the tape," Akito told her.
"Why not now? It'll be so much quicker. That way I can get Yuki," Motoko whined.
"Yes, it would be faster, but Yuki might like Tohru later and that would be the perfect time," Akito stated.
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Author's Note: Kinda long, but I think you deserve it since I couldn't update until today.
R&R PLEASE!