Notes: Hi everyone, I've extended some scenes on Chapter 1 (Ah More Raye's tantalizing thoughts on Kyo Sohma! LOL. BTW, if you're a Chad fan it's not a chapter for you to read).

I don't really know where Hatori proposed to Kana so I just made it up. Hatori and Trista are long overdue for a romantic entanglement in their lives. Listening to the romantic ballad from D.N. Angel soundtrack helped me inspired writing this chapter. Hope you like it, Rose-chan. LOL

Warning: Some OOC-ness may occur in this chapter as briefly mentioned before. It's hard to incorporate the outers' flawlessness on their personalities if you know what I mean. They're human after all. They're allowed to be silly and make mistakes too. I'm not sure if Setsuna was ever a good cook in the animé version. LOL.

Chapter 4: We were once strangers… (Part 1)

Trista x Hatori storyline/portion is dedicated to Deaths Bloody Rose

And to my angel, thanks for everything. God bless you and a thousand more.

He was usually diligent with his work. Most of his busiest times kept him pre-occupied being as a doctor attending to Akito's needs. Maintaining his professional image was important and he liked to be taken seriously but slacking off in the job was never his priority. But strangely enough, he didn't feel like working today. His energy seemed to be down lately…

Hatori's bored, weary eyes gazed through the stacks of paperwork lingering on his desk. The idea of spending the entire day working tediously with the amount of paperwork necessarily to be completed wasn't such a pleasant thought. It was enough to drive anyone crazy. Although, he was a family doctor with a vast experience working with his patients' medical charts and records but dealing with his family's business transactions was another matter. After all, he was temporarily assigned to be the headmaster for the benefit of his family's interest since Akito was hospitalized a few days ago…

He could have asked for his other cousins, Shigure and Ayame's help but knowing those two would bound to cause trouble and embarrassment for him alone. Not to mention, none of his work would ever get done if he were easily distracted by their foolish antics. He grown up with such a delightful, fun-loving cousins but their usual interference on a particular incident had caused him an aggravating, sleepless night thinking of her…

Those unmistakable, haunting maroon eyes that perfectly matched the colors of a red, smooth wine defined by its mystique and elegance. Ayame had been right about her. His keen sense of perception was quite accurate. Notably, she was an attractive and sensual lady though when it came to the opposite sex, he was more attracted to a woman's attributes than her physical appearances. His nagging feelings for her told a different story, there was something more beyond to her physical beauty. She intrigued him… He hasn't shown interest since his last encounter with Kana Sohma…

His last thoughts of his first love, Kana never wandered far off from his mind. Surprisingly, he had been quite shocked to learn that she got married when Ayame blurted the news to him. Supposedly, it was for their best interest to erase the painful memories shared between them. A promising love that ended so tragically. To ease the pain of her suffering, his love and kindness allowed him to save her from her torment. And yet in the end, he was ultimately punished for loving a good woman. A past that he tried to forget, encasing around his cold heart. Just like the icy snow as best described by Akito…

He shook his head to clear the brooding thoughts away from his mind. He was usually detached of his emotions unlike Kyo lacking in self-control of his violent temper. His dampened mood was enough to ruin the rest of his entire day and sulking inside this isolated fortified mansion wasn't helping him either. He needed a break, away from his work and not being a Sohma for a change.

But he desired more if fate was kind enough to let him begin again…

oooooooooooooooo

Never alone again…

She rarely smiled when she was by herself guarding alone in the Time Gates. Not a single soul would dare venture into her sacred domain. It was one of those unbending rules that she adhered to and vowed to follow for the rest of her "life." As the time guardian, she took her job very seriously and with such high level of dedication. For such a noble cause, she even sacrificed her fated life just to become Sailor Pluto. As time passed, she endured her lonely years of silence in the dark abyss of the Forbidden Time Gates…

But for the first time in her life, she found herself smiling again. It was because of him that she had a reason to live her life again…

It was another busy morning period for Michelle and Amara living in their main residence. A penthouse situated at the top of a luxurious condominium located at the heart of downtown Tokyo. Along with Hotaru and Trista, they were now one big happy family better known as the outer sailor scouts. They were the most powerful and revered group of Princess Serenity's sailor soldiers. Trying to live a normal life as ordinary people had its disadvantages. It was Trista's assigned duty to cook and prepare breakfast this morning. A bit inexperienced in the matters of household chores, Trista was willing to try anything.

"Here you go," Trista smiled cheerfully as she placed each plate on their table. For starters, their continental style breakfast consisted of undercooked pancakes, burned fried eggs, bacons and toast. The four of them were outside the backyard surrounded by a small Japanese garden overlooking the great view of the city.

"Are you sure that's even edible to eat!" Amara looked suspiciously at her plate. "Trista, you may be a good fighter and the time guardian as Sailor Pluto but you're a terrible cook!" She spoke bluntly.

"Amara!" Michelle chided her cousin, Amara. "That's very rude thing to say! Everyone's gotta be a tough critic." She shook her head sympathizing for her poor friend, Trista whose sorely lacking in cooking skills. Being as time guardian, Trista was still adjusting to the living conditions in the 20th century.

Trista just smiled, not offended by Amara's thoughtless remarks. "No one can get it right the first time? You heard the old saying goes, "Practice makes perfect. Besides, Lita is willing to teach me a few basic cooking lessons this week. I hope you don't mind if she drops by."

"That's good for you, Trista." Michelle said happily, "I was hoping you wouldn't be too bored while you're staying here with us at this present era. It may not look grand as 30th century Crystal Tokyo in the future or the Silver Millennium in the past that you may be used too."

"I can't thank you enough for your kind and generous hospitality." Trista said gratefully, taking a seat next to Hotaru. "I have to admit it's quite different environment from my guarding post at the Time Gates."

Amara gave her a serious, searching look. "No problem," she said casually, "Out of my curiosity Trista, do you ever feel regret being as Sailor Pluto? It must have been very lonesome for you." When Trista didn't answer her. "You don't have to answer if I'm being too nosey!" Amara said quickly.

"No, I don't mind." Trista replied, reassuring her. "My fate was already sealed way before I was born. I was fully aware of the consequences undertaking this difficult task but acting out of love and concern for my friends that kept my spirit stronger watching over and helping out in times of trouble. I would never abandon them. As a punishment, it can be intolerably lonely at times."

"But you won't ever feel alone, Trista." Michelle said softly, "You'll always be surrounded by friends who truly cares for you even if you're far away. You have us and you'll always be remembered in our hearts."

"And it's not like you have any choice either so you're here stuck with us." Amara pointed out, jokingly.

"You're assuming that's a bad thing?" Michelle questioned, turning her attention to Amara with a twinge annoyance on her face.

"I was only kidding, Michelle." Amara said gently, taken aback by her cousin's tense mood. "I was only trying to lighten the mood so there's no reason to get all hysterical over nothing. I don't want you turning into Serena bawling her eyes out. To this day, I still can't understand how that meat-ball-head came to be our Moon Princess."

"Well, it's hard to tell whether you're being sarcastic or joking sometimes," Michelle replied, rolling her eyes out. "You're not exactly cut out for comic relief. That's Serena's department."

"That maybe true," Amara agreed. "But I don't think you should worry about Trista. She'll be just fine especially now that she has a certain doctor wrapped around her fingers. I'd imagine he's pretty occupied these days…" Amara's eyes glinted mischievously. Trista simply smiled at her, not commenting. Interestingly, a tiny flush came over her face embarrassed to be the center of the attention for once.

"Don't start, Amara." Michelle lightly scolded her.

Hotaru remained quiet throughout their conversation, listening with such keen interest. "Oh, Trista has a new boyfriend?" She innocently asked. Both Michelle and Trista blinked their eyes at her in surprise while Amara nearly chocked on her breakfast, chuckling gleefully to herself.

"You're something else, Amara." Michelle sighed, shaking her head in disbelief. Her eyes shifted to Hotaru's questioning gaze. "To answer your question, No. Trista doesn't have a boyfriend. It's just Amara's figment imagination." She stated.

"Good one," Amara smirked, her laughter came to an abrupt end. She glanced down on her wristwatch indicating it was 7:30 am. It was time for them to be heading out to school. Placing the fork down on her plate carefully, she stood up from her seat and spoke. "Well, thanks for the breakfast, Trista. Didn't mean to hassle you this morning." She winked. "Anyways, we'd better hurry or else we'll be stuck in the traffic jam again. You don't want to be late and get detention on your first day, Squirt. That's leaving a bad impression on your homeroom teacher." She said teasingly to Hotaru.

"Stop calling me a squirt!" Hotaru protested, sending Amara an angry glare.

"Okay you two. Let's get a move on." Michelle intervened, ordering them. She was busy collecting her plate, fork and glass from the table. The others followed suit, clearing away the mess on the table.

Trista sat back on her chair, courteously letting her friends leave the table first so she won't be a nuisance making them late for their class. The lovely smile on her face never faded not even when Amara was lightly teasing her earlier. It was a rare and beautiful smile of a lonely soul longing to be a part of a crowd.

Her newfound friends were full of surprises too. It was rather refreshing and unique to see their guard completely down. Their cheerful and playful mood seemed to bring out the other side of their personalities. Who knew that Amara was a flirt; Michelle appearing to be a caring person or Hotaru would get easily irritated for a change?

They each had a role to play just like an actor on a center stage. A mask hidden behind those serious expression on their faces whenever a crises occurred. It was seldom for them too enjoying a quiet, peaceful life that they richly deserved.

But for her, time was no importance. This new sense of freedom leading a normal life was liberating for her although it came with certain restrictions. Time too was short. She was kept imprisoned inside the Time Gates for all eternity. Though, she wondered how long her short-lived happiness would last?

Even sometimes, life doesn't play fair to people.

oooooooooooooooo

The air was cool and breezy. The weather itself was clear on a cloudless, sunny morning. It was the perfect time for an outing just to relax and enjoy far away from life's major problems. Strolling through the streets of a bustling metropolis like in Tokyo, nothing was too peaceful in a crowded city.

He savored every minute of it. Perhaps, he ought to feel guilty leaving his work behind. After all, he was entitled to take some time off from work whenever he needed a break for himself. It might help ease his conflicting problems. The future outcome of his dysfunctional extended Sohma family and the longing emptiness of his heart.

Worrying too much might add to his stress nor his wish to dwell on further unto his problems. Putting aside his worries for now, he decided to take a detour around the corner.

His next destination was Tokyo's Downtown Nature Park. The place that brought unpleasant memories of her… Kana Sohma.

oooooooooooooooo

The Downtown Nature Park became a memorable place for her. The special times that she mostly enjoyed being around with her two dearest friends, Hotaru and Small Lady better known as Rini. It brought great joy and comfort into her life. She felt a special connection to them as if they were like her true children. Except now, Small Lady had returned back home to her real parents in the future.

A small, sad smile formed on Trista's lips. She deeply missed Rini's companionship. There was no denying that Hotaru might have been affected by her best friend's departure. She was little less than enthusiastic going to a new school. Ever since she was reawaken as Sailor Saturn, she remained the sweet and shy girl that she had once been.

Trista took a small stroll around the park. The park was huge and picturesque scene of an evergreen forest. It was an ideal location within the vicinity of downtown Tokyo and became popular hangout. And even sometimes, the park was used to film potential tv shows and movies. Mina was once spotted sneaking into the set. Trista laughed remembering Mina's antics just to get closer to her favorite movie stars. The Self-Proclaimed Goddess of Love was known for causing mischief.

Her wandering eyes soon rested upon a wooden park bench. After the short exercise, she sat comfortably and opened a borrowed library book called, "The Thorn Birds." Trista was so engrossed reading the first chapter of the novel that she failed to notice Dr. Hatori Sohma was staring intensely at her…

oooooooooooooooo

He was surprised coming back to this park. It was either by his instinct nor his unwanted memories that drag him to this place. The same place that he proposed to her, making a life-long commitment to her. It became just a distant past of sorrow and regret. He couldn't let go his past.

He would only torment himself further if his memories continued to resurface from his mind. Only weak and foolish man like him would succumb.

Had he learn to forgive himself? In time, maybe his heart would heal and allow him to love again.

Hatori spent the next few minutes quietly contemplating on his past actions. Once he finished, he would leave the park and returned back to the main Sohma House.

Until, he found her again.

He meant to leave as soon as possible. As he took an immediate walk back to the main entrance, he stopped momentarily on his tracks. Unable to move, he stood stiffly on his spot. His eyes widened in shock and his mouth slightly agape. He thought he was hallucinating, experiencing some sort of déjà vu. She was the last person that he was expecting. Nor did he want to meet.

Trista Meioh was sitting on the park bench, quietly reading a novel with pure contentment on her face. Her face looked serene as always, stunningly beautiful. This time, she wasn't wearing that sexy, alluring cocktail black dress emphasizing her shapely figure. The whole night was just to embarrassing to remember the hazy details with Shigure and Ayame clinging to her like a bunch of horny teenagers. Never been so awkward in his life!

Standing before her now, he carefully assessed her. She was wearing casual business suite attire. Nothing too extravagant, a simple outfit made out of Lavender color seemed to be more suitable to her style. And of course, the trademark hairstyle of hers was not to be missed!

Those long, enticing legs of hers were rather distracting.

Damned that perverted Shigure. Blast that annoying Ayame for corrupting his mind with all this impure thoughts.

In all those years that he studied as a doctor and examining female body parts were perfectly normal to him. This proved to be a difficult challenge. Why she should be any different from females other than Kana that he encountered? This left him a very intriguing thought. It would only lead to more trouble for him…

She lifted her head upwards, sensing as if she was being closely watched. Hatori cringed inwardly, rather annoyed at himself for his rudeness. He was caught for staring at her far too long. Then surprisingly, her whole face brightened and he found himself responding back with a smile on his face. Her smile was very warm and inviting just as she appeared to be.

"Dr. Sohma! It's a pleasure seeing you again. Enjoying your morning walk so far?" She inquired politely, snapping the book closed.

"Good morning to you as well, Ms. Meioh." Hatori greeted her. Tilting his head towards the sky, his eyes squinted at the sun shining down on them so brightly. "It's been a delightful morning so far. I have no complaints since Mother Nature has been very co-operative lately."

Trista laughed. It was a nice, soft laugh. It sounded pleasant to Hatori's ears. And then he stopped, shutting his mind off from getting any more strange ideas. "I'm perfectly content just as long the weather is agreeable." she said.

"I apologize if I'm disturbing you?" Hatori spoke with uncertainty. He didn't want to monopolize her free time just talking to him. Never been much of a social butterfly like his cousins, Shigure and Ayame. Most of his life spent being isolated and alone working hard on his career.

"No trouble at all." She responded kindly, "I'm finished with my reading for today." She was on her heels and began walking with him. "I might as well try to enjoy being outside for a change. It would be a shame just to waste a beautiful day like this one."

"Yes, it would." He nodded his head in understanding. With the amount of stress and pressure in his daily life, he didn't get too many chances to rest and relax as much as he would like to.

"If you're not in a hurry, Dr. Sohma. Would you like to join me for a hot cup of coffee?" She suggested.

"That would be nice indeed." He was surprised by her unexpected invitation and his eager answer. Why would anyone seek out his company? He was the least interesting person to be around. Shigure and Ayame always complained that he lacked excitement in his life.

This was truly a perplexing day. Just being around with Trista, he was never sure of himself.

oooooooooooooooo

She liked staring into his eyes. They were unusual light green color just as fascinating as the owner himself. Maybe perhaps, he was like her in so many ways. Both shared the same qualities of a quiet, mysterious, cautious and reserved person being around with a crowd of people. But his eyes had a lost, haunted look on them that never seemed to fade away. What could possibly be troubling this gentle soul?

Sitting across from him, he was charming and a perfect gentleman as ever just as they first met on that night. However being observant and quiet as he was, he would occasionally comment on a certain topic of his interest. But mostly, his two outgoing friends and her friends dominated the entire group conversation. Overall, it was fun and memorable night.

Now, she has an excuse to get to know the elusive Dr. Hatori Sohma on much more relax environment in this quaint café. She took him to this place where she and her friends the outers liked to hangout most of their free time.

He ordered her preferred tea, Camille flavor and he was drinking an espresso. The silence between them didn't bother her. She smiled seeing a curious expression on his face, peering over her book, The Thorn Birds. She wondered briefly what would it take to make this troubling man smile again?

It was then; she decided that she'd make the effort of becoming his friend… Even for a short while.

Chapter 4 ends… to be continued…