However, the plot of this story is mine as are any original characters I may choose to introduce.
Hello, I know it's been a while since I posted. This chapter doesn't cover as much ground as I originally planned, but I like the way it turned out. This is all Hatori and Momiji with just a little bit of Akito near the end. Be patient, the stage is still being set, soon though the action will begin. My mind takes odd twists and turns when I am writing and this chapter is no exception. I didn't intend toportray Akito as a potentially likeable character, and I also didn't intend to give Momiji so much to say, but the characters directed me otherwise. Please read and enjoy. I hope you will take the time to review and believe me, constructive criticism is more than welcome.
Chapter 4 Hatori and Momiji Have a PlanHatori stood on his verandah watching Shigure 's form vanish through the gates of the Sohma Compound. His gaze never strayed from the garden as he spoke to the empty room behind him. "Momiji, you may as well come out now. I have no intention of leaving the room in the next few minutes. By now you should know eavesdropping is a bad habit."
He turned as the blonde young man slid open the door and stepped in from the adjoining room. "I know Ha'ri, but I hear so many interesting things this way. I must admit I am surprised that only you, and not Shigure-sensei, realized I was here. Actually, I really wasn't trying to eavesdrop, I just didn't want to interrupt unless I was invited." Momiji grinned engagingly and Hatori smiled wryly.
"Incorrigible as usual, Momiji."
"It's one of my charms…but Ha'ri I really am worried about Shigure.."
"How much did you overhear?"
"I heard enough to know that Akito wants to send Shigure and Tohru to a Greek Isle. It really does worry me Ha'ri."
"In what way Momiji?"
"I've noticed that Shigure is not himself. He's fighting a battle between his conscience and his baser instincts. Do you know why Ha'ri?"
"Perhaps Momiji, but why don't you tell me what you think the reason is?"
"That's what I like about you Ha'ri, you want us to form our own opinion before we hear yours. It keeps us from establishing preconceived notions. I believe it is because Shigure-sensei is in love with Tohru. He's not very happy about it either because he has always intended she end up with either Yuki or Kyo. He never planned on falling for her himself, and he doesn't like it when things don't happen according to his plans."
Hatori allowed himself a smile as he quietly listened to Momiji explain his reasoning. It didn't seem possible that Momiji who was now twenty had lived with him for twelve years. When the boy was eight years old his father had asked that his wife's memory of their son be erased. Hatori had complied with the request and Momiji had come to live with him. In the intervening years he had learned to listen closely to Momiji's observations and to respect him as one whom was wise beyond his years. There were ten of the younger Juunishi including Kyo, but Momiji was the only one of those ten entrusted with Hatori's full confidence. There were only two people he trusted more, Ayame and Shigure.
"Momiji, how long have you been aware of that fact?" Hatori inquired with interest.
"Which fact Ha'ri? The fact that Shigure doesn't like it when things don't happen according to his plans or the fact that Shigure is in love with Tohru?"
"Considering the fact that Shigure liking to manipulate people according to his plans is something I have always been aware of, I think it most likely I am talking about the second fact."
Hatori's dry retort forced Momiji to grin wryly. "I should know better than to try to get smart with you, Ha'ri."
"You should" the older man agreed.
"I've known for a while, but if you want an exact time…probably I've really noticed it in the last three or four months. It isn't really hard to pick up on if you aren't totally self-absorbed…which Kyo and Yuki are at times. I know Akito has picked up on it as well. Shigure-sensei hides his feelings very well most of the time but he hasn't been quite as successful at that of late. If it were anyone but Tohru it wouldn't bother him at all to take what he desired; no matter the consequences. We recognize this about him because it is a trait we all share to a certain degree. However; it is Tohru and he does care about what will affect her. What she loves, he's learned to love, what she cares about, he finds himself caring about. Have you noticed this Ha'ri?"
Hatori chose to ignore the part of Momiji's question that was directed at him. "And if you are right Momiji, tell me, how will you feel if Tohru returns his love? You've been in love with her for a long time, I know."
The young man blushed just a little at the doctor's astute observation. "Tohru will never love me in that way. For as long as I've known her and probably for the rest of my life, I will only be a sweet kid brother in her eyes. I'm okay with that. As long as she's happy and I am her friend, I will be happy."
"I expected nothing less than that from you Momiji. You are very like Tohru-kun I think. Both of you always consider others happiness before your own. I am curious though…Why are you okay with a match between her and Shigure?"
"I know Yuki and Kyo appreciate Tohru, but they are too comfortable with her. I don't mean to criticize but I think Yuki and Kyo take Tohru's presence for granted. They aren't in a hurry to take their next step forward because they don't want to venture outside of that comfort zone provided by herand into the unknown. Both of them get angry when someone else takes advantage of Tohru, but they don't realize they are doing the very same thing. I know she doesn't seem to mind, but is this really the case? Do you think that perhaps sometimes Tohru feels a little trapped within the Sohma stronghold? We have her contained within a box Ha'ri. It's a very comfortable box filled with people who love her and rely on her. It has all the physical comforts she could want and then some. But what about freedom to do her own thing. Everything she does revolves around our needs and us. Do you think that perhaps we rely on her too much? I think so."
Hatori's eyes widened as he considered Momiji's interpretation. He had never even considered that Tohru-kun might feel obligated to stay with them. "I do see what you mean, but I don't think I understand what this has to do with Shigure and Tohru."
"Tohru needs room to grow and to become her own person.Before Tohru's grandfather sickened and died a few months ago, he said something I did not forget. He always called Tohru Kyoko-san in the later days, but he said that Kyoko-san needed room to spread her wings and to grow. He said that she would be happy in an environment that allowed her that freedom. Substitute Tohru's name in place of Kyoko-san's and you will see what I mean. Another thing that occurs to me is that when we were writing our papers on what we wanted to do after graduation, Tohru wanted to get a job and to live on her own. She is still here with us and it's been three years since she graduated. Is this what she really wants? I don't know because she never lets us see her unhappiness or dissatisfaction. She always smiles even when she's crying inside and we don't even realize that she is sad. She sees us so clearly, but do we see her that clearly?"
Momiji continued, "Kyo and Yuki have forgotten what it was like, what they were like before she came to live with them." The rabbit seemed to backtrack just a little as a sad expression chased across his features. Hatori mused that perhaps Momiji was remembering the impact of forgotten memories in his life. After a second, Momiji's expression cleared and he picked up where he left off.
"I think forgotten is too strong a word. What I mean is that Yuki and Kyo are dependent on Tohru, on the warmth and acceptance she brings to our lives. They have chosen not to think about the past and the power it once held. I would say that they and we have healed. We do have the ability to move forward in our lives, with or without Tohru because she has been our guiding star. We have this ability because she has given us that strength. We can move into the future now. Even you Ha'ri, you feel as if you have a future as well, right?"
Hatori nodded in agreement as Momiji paused for a response.
"Tohru is our present, she's given us hope for the future. Before she came we were all trapped by our past to one extent or another. All of us except for Shigure. He remembers the past but he has never been bound by it. He has always moved forward. I know his past must hold hurtful things, just as it does for the rest of us but he never talks of it, never allows it to keep him from moving. When he met Tohru, he saw in her the qualities needed to bring healing to our family. He saw her as a tool to move all of us forward and he had no qualms about using her for that purpose. He knew she would be hurt in the process but that didn't stop him. I may not like his methods, but it did accomplish his goal. And he was right, we are all evidence of that"
"But is there something more about Shigure that sets him apart from Yuki and Kyo. Doesn't she keep him comfortable as well?"
"Shigure-sensei appreciates what Tohru has done just as Yuki and Kyo do. However, unlike them, he is willing to move forward. He is going to be at a different place tomorrow than he is today. And while this is true, I know he hasn't forgotten because he remembers daily and in the most annoying fashion. Every day you can hear it in the teasing remarks he makes. They are aimed at you, or Yuki, or Kyo, but it's his way of letting Tohru know he hasn't forgotten her. I'm sure you've noticed, he almost always makes them in Tohru's hearing and she always blushes. She's so cute when she blushes. And then she claims that she isn't all that." Momiji smiled when he considered the last time Shigure had made one of those outrageous remarks. He had been given a double headache when both Kyo and Yuki's fists connected.
"Shigure isn't afraid to keep moving and this is why I think he may be good for Tohru. He isn't afraid of change, he will allow her to grow and to find her own path. Of course he will try to guide her down the path he thinks is right for her, but he will allow her to make the final choice, to be free. I think Tohru falling in love with Shigure might not be a bad thing because of this."
"In other words, you would be okay with it as would I."
"Yes I think I would. There is one other thing I think Ha'ri and this is the real reason I can accept it."
"And what is that Momiji…"
"It's a fairly simple thing, the way I see it. Tohru is a first love for Yuki and Kyo, but it doesn't mean she is their final love. There will be others although they are not willing to consider this right now. On the other hand, Shigure has already experienced first love, and probably others besides, but Tohru just might be his last and best love. He didn't start out loving her. She was bait for moving us into our future, but now he's been caught in his own trap. Tohru really might be his future."
Hatori was silent as he absorbed Momiji's reasoning. As had often happened in the past, the young rabbit's wisdom and selflessness astounded him, not because it was outrageous, but because it was the truth. Momiji could be outrageous and childish when it suited him, but his insight into human nature was anything but that.
"So…" Hatori spoke slowly and thoughtfully, "You basically believe that Tohru is our present, but for Shigure she is or may be his future."
"Bingo," was Momiji's reply.
"I do agree with your reasoning. Yet, you have concerns about Shigure and Tohru being sent on this journey together. Why is this?"
"I am not sure if this is a recipe for love or for disaster. As we have noted, Shigure-sensei is not himself, his emotions are tempestuous and I'm not sure…Ha'ri how would Shigure feel if he lost control of his emotions and took advantage of Tohru before she was ready to accept his feelings. What if she could not return his love after that? How would he feel? How would she feel? It does worry me Ha'ri, what about you?"
"I think that you and I need to pay a visit to Greece during golden week to be sure all is well."
"Do you think we might? Would Akito allow us to do this?"
"The only way I can find out is by asking him." Hatori replied to the eager rabbit in somber tones.
Hatori found himself at Akito's door only a few hours later. He knocked politely and waited for an answer.
"Enter"
"Akito, I wonder if I might have a moment of your time."
"Of course my dear Hatori, I am certain you have spoken with Shigure by now. I would guess you wish to discuss my plans for him."
"That is true. From what he told me, it seems you wish to stir the waters with Yuki-kun and him."
"That is true Hatori. They have both become too complacent for my amusement."
"I understand that is the reasoning you gave Shigure, but I can't help but think there is more to it than just that."
"Ahh…Hatori, you are as perceptive as ever, I see. Tell me, what more do you think I might be planning?"
"I think you are hoping that Tohru-kun will find she prefers Shigure to the others. Maybe you are only hoping for this because it would stir up trouble, but maybe there is more to it."
"And you would like to know why? So curious Hatori…You have certainly become more outspoken. You were so taciturn before…"
"Only in some matters Akito…"
"Shigure and Tohru Honda-san are both involved in my scheme this time and that is why you are speaking so forthrightly." Akito spoke with certainty.
"Yes Akito-san, you know me well."
"I know all my juunishi well, even him. Don't forget this Hatori. As for your speculations, I think I will tell you as I am in a good mood today. Do you think it is possible for me to want my juunishi to be happy?"
Hatori's eyes widened in surprise at Akito's question. He hadn't expected it. "There are times I doubt that Akito," Hatori replied honestly.
Akito's eyes narrowed momentarily but then he smiled just a little. "That is what I like about you Hatori, your honesty no matter the consequences. I should be angry with you, but I find myself amused today. Let me rephrase my question. Do you believe that I could want Shigure to be happy? I do, especially if it means my dear Yuki and him will have some interesting reactions. How will they feel, do you think, if the girl they believe they are in love with falls in love with someone else? Are they strong enough to accept her choice, will they move forward or will they be full of jealousy and be miserable? Do you begin to understand my plan Hatori?"
"Yes Akito, it is much as I thought. I must admit, I am very interested in what Shigure will do myself. I understand you are decided on this course. Would you not like a report on how it is working?"
"That might prove interesting. What are you suggesting?"
"I am suggesting, no, I am asking you if Momiji and I might be allowed to visit Greece during Golden Week. We can see how this plan is progressing and report back to you."
"And it will also give you the chance to be certain Tohru Honda-san is safe with just Shigure for her companion. Is that not right Hatori?"
Hatori remained silent but Akito noted the red stain that crept to his cheeks. He chuckled at Hatori's discomfiture. It wasn't often the doctor was made uncomfortable and he did enjoy those moments when he succeeded in doing so. "I will allow you to go to Greece and the rabbit may accompany you, but he is the only one. No one else is allowed. Are you clear on this?"
"Very clear Akito. Thank you." Hatori bowed and left the room.
Akito walked over to his window and gazed out onto the garden. A sad smile lit his face, but there was no one to see. "Hatori, do you really understand I wonder? She has changed me too. I don't really want Yuki and Kyo to be miserable; I do want them to take the next step forward. But if they choose to wallow in their misery, it will be their choice and it will be what they deserve. Tohru-san, be patient with us a while longer. I too am learning to move forward, to live in the present."
Hatori returned home to find Momiji waiting impatiently in his office.
"What did Akito say Ha'ri? Can we go?"
"The truth is Momiji…" Hatori spoke slowly, reluctantly as if he had bad news to impart and Momiji jumped to conclusions.
"He said no didn't he?" Momiji asked with crestfallen features.
"The truth is, we better start deciding what we need to pack for Greece for Golden week." Hatori spoke crisply and with a smile.
"Ha'ri!" Momiji said in a plaintive voice. Then he grinned merrily. "Really, he said we can go? Akito said it was okay?" The excitement was evident in his tone.
"Yes, but only the two of us; no one else. You are not to tell anyone where we are going for golden week. If you do, I will cancel the trip." Hatori spoke sternly and the rabbit listened.
"Of course Ha'ri, you know I can keep my own counsel."
"I do and that is why I am willing to take you with me. I am off to Shigure's now for supper. I will see you later."
"You are going to see Tohru tonight? I want to come!"
"No Momiji, not this time."
"But Ha'ri…"
"I said no."
"Yes Ha'ri" Momiji gave into the older man's commanding tone. "I'll go find Haru and eat at his house." Momiji wave good bye as Hatori slipped into his jacket.
A/N: And so this chapter concludes. Next time we find out how Shigure manages to convince Tohru that she must accompany him to Greece. Are you curious about Yuki and Kyo's reactions? The next chapter will answer these questions.