A new chapter! (Duh duh duh da!) I'm so sorry about not updating. I won't give you exuses. You've heard them already, so I won't waste your time.

It's true, this chapter took a long time to write. Just because of the German, which is spoken between Akemi and Momiji in this chapter. I'm a begging German student, so it took me a bit to get it down in this fic. If something is wrong, please notify me in a nice way. If you're bitchy about it…well, then you'll hurt my feelings. TT

Disclaimer: I don't own fruits basket or its characters. I don't own Amaya Kamikara because she belongs to that silly cat Paris-rose. I own Akemi Kamikara & the rest of the family though.

The English translation for the German is written in brackets, bold and italics. Pretty cool, ne?

Song lyrics are in plain old Italics. The song is made up by the way. No musical artist sucks that badly to create horrible lyrics as I did. The only reason I did it was because I couldn't find a song to fit Akemi, so I started writing random emotions Akemi felt throughout the last chapter as a song.

Thanks so much who reviewed the last chapter. It's the support from you guys that keep the story going!

Chapter 7: All things White


The crowd's faithfully eyes watched her every move. This only seemed to heighten her stage fright. She wished she had never agreed to this.

Make it happen, she told herself. You want to prove you're not a failure? Then sing.

"This song is called 'I'll Never Be'," She said, moving a microphone over to the large mahogany upright piano. She cleared her throat and took a deep breath. Then, she began to struck the chords on the piano. Her pulse pounded in her ears as she opened her mouth to sing:

Mother always told me

That I was kinda special

That I was something different

Something new

But now I look back at those words

And see there nothing more

Than just a few things said

To raise my self-esteem

Cuz' when I look at you

And see how great you are

Nothing I can do will ever compare

Following in resplendent footsteps

Never does you well…


I will never be beautiful

And I will never be good enough for

Everyone to see, that I will never be

Anyone,

Anyone but me

She continued to pound the piano keys as she closed her eyes and envisioned the words. The crowed called and hollered as she sang.

If you could only look back

See who's following your tracks

Feel a little sympathy for a girl

Who's never going to add up to

What ever you will be.

I've always been two cents short,

And I'm sure that you know that

If I could be my own identity,

Without being shadowed by your

Glorious hues

That maybe I wouldn't have to choose

Between the failures I'll receive

And the glory…your glory, that I long for

At the climax of the song, she paused to look at Amaya off stage. She held a depressed expression on her face, wondering as to why Akemi would sing a song such as this. Feeling her sister's emotions through her eyes, she took a more soft approach to the end of the song.

Maybe I can be beautiful

If you would just see me

For who I am

Cuz' I will never be anyone

Anyone…but me

As she lifted her hands from the keys, she held the right pedal down for a few seconds, then slowly and carefully, lifted it up. The audience was silent for a moment, then burst into applause. The announcer came back on stage, Amaya shortly behind him.

"Let's hear it one more time for the Kamikara sisters!" Amaya grinned widely at Akemi, who couldn't help but smile back. The crowd was still clapping. Some of them were standing. Both girls took a bow, and went back off stage.

In the pit of her stomach, Akemi knew that if she didn't apologize she was going to vomit all over something. "Amaya," She said in a rushed tone, "I'm sorry, I never meant to jump to conclusions, I just thought-"

Amaya waved her hand to silence her sister. "Don't bother. I know I should have told you earlier. It slipped my mind, like so many other things in this world. Just be more trusting next time, okay?"

Akemi nodded slowly. "I've got a lot to learn about this business," she told her sister truthfully. Amaya shrugged.

"I think we both do. Most definitely. And we could use a little teamwork practice as well…" Amaya said offhandedly. The two girls thanked the manager of the club, along with the backstage crew, acting band members and announcer. After that, the two headed home in exhaustion.

"I just hope we don't get into any trouble," Akemi said, as they pulled up in the driveway. Amaya nodded.

"Yea. If mom or dad found out that we snuck out, the shit would really hit the fan," Amaya said, getting out of the car.

"Gee, thanks for using such a wonderful metaphor," Akemi said, voice lined with sarcasm.

Luck was on the girls' side that night. When the got back, at 9:55, there parents were (Guess what) still unloading boxes. The two girls barely managed to take off their shoes before dropping dead tiredly into their beds and falling fast asleep.


The next day their parents had a difficult time getting both girls out of bed. Usually Akemi got up on her own accord, but this morning, both of them refused to get up for the life of them, since they were so incredibly tired.


The two waited for days on end for 'The New Tomorrow' to call back. After a while, the girls began to feel downhearted. "They're not going to call," Akemi said simply, one Saturday afternoon. "That's it. It was a good try."

Amaya shook her head. "They'll call anyway, even if we don't make it in. For all we know we could have missed it."

Suddenly the phone rang. The two girls looked at each other. "I can't do it, you pick it up!" Amaya urged her sister. Shakily, Akemi picked up the phone.

"Hello? Yes, this is Akemi."

Amaya listened anxiously as her sister talked on the phone. She couldn't bear to listen in herself.

"Uh huh, I understand. Thank you for notifying us. Yes, I know. Alright, goodbye." She hung up the phone and dusted off her hands. "See, that wasn't so hard."

"Who was it?" Amaya asked getting closer to Akemi than she would have liked. At desperate times, Amaya was unaware of personal space. Akemi backed up slightly.

"It was the New Tomorrow," she said her face showing no sign of emotion.

"And what'd they say?!" asked hurriedly. Akemi stood up and shrugged. "Not much. Only that we're their new opening gig." She kept her face still for a moment, then broke into a smile. Amaya squealed in excitement.

"Are you serious?" She asked, jumping up off her sister's bed. Akemi nodded, giggling happily. "We did it!" She said happily. The two sisters grabbed hands and began to jump up and down in excitement. They shrieked as they did this, absolutely thrilled at the exciting news. This lasted for another 5 minutes or so, until the shock had sunk in.

"Well, what else did they say?" Amaya said, finally calming down. Akemi shrugged. "Not much, other than they were really impressed with the two of us. They want us to perform a few nights a month, but not all that much. They know that we're students, so they said they'll fit our schedule best they can. They suggested weekends."

Amaya clasped her hands together happily. "Good, good! But how are they going to keep in touch? Mom and Dad are going to get suspicious if we're always getting calls."

Akemi smiled. "They covered that. I agreed to contact them over email, as well as by cell phone. They know your number, right?"

Amaya nodded. "Yup." She hugged her sister. "This is so awesome! I knew we could do it. God, thanks so much for doing it, Akemi!" Akemi could feel her sister's excitement through the hug.

"You're welcome. I'm glad you talked me into it, actually. I would've felt bad if I didn't." She admitted.

"Hey, let's celebrate!" Amaya said suddenly. Akemi nodded. "Sure, where do you want to go?"

"Well, I saw this coffee shop the other day. I think it'd be nice." She suggested. Akemi nodded.

"Sure, sounds good. I'm sorta in the mood for a mocha cappuccino," she smiled. Amaya nodded and replied, "yea. I haven't had a big train in ages.."

"Well then, what are we waiting for?" Akemi asked, rifling through her bag, looking for her wallet. "I'll pay." Amaya quirked an eyebrow.

"Are you kidding me? No way! I'll be paying, thank you!" Amaya said, swiping her sister's wallet from her hands. "I'll give it back when we come back."

Slyly, Akemi said, "Ok, sure. I'll just get something expensive." Amaya blinked at her sister.

"Ok, I think you can pay for yourself," she said, placing the wallet in Akemi's hand. Akemi smiled happily. " Cool. Let's go." She ran to the front hall, where her wool coat hung in the closet. "Come on!" She urged her sister.

"Yea, yea, I'm going. But I'm the one with the car," Amaya reminded as she got her own coat. Unlike Akemi's, which was a simple and classy black, Amaya's was a fluffy winter coat covered with pins, buttons and patches. Although it left a very unique and creative look, their parents highly disapproved of its roguish look.

The two drove into town and parked the car on a nearby street. Amaya got out and began to walk towards the coffee shop, but Akemi didn't follow. She was distracted.

"Hold on a second!" She urged her sister, running across the street to look at the river. Reluctantly, Amaya crossed the street after her sister. Akemi stood on the cold frozen snow, looking at the sight she deemed wonderful.

"The river's completely frozen over." Akemi blew out hot hair, watching her breath rise.

"That much is obvious," Amaya said, voice lined with satire, "Have you had enough of this natural beauty so we can go inside? I'm freezing."

Akemi shook her head. "No. I wanna stay out just a little longer. Winter will be over sooner than you think," Akemi said, slightly dramatic.

Amaya rolled her eyes. "Oh and I'm sure going to be upset about that. Be in soon ok? I don't want you getting sick. Mom'll have my head. And so will the owner of the new tomorrow…" Akemi nodded. Amaya waved goodbye and headed inside.

Akemi was enjoying the winter air, for a slight crisp chill hung in it; something that Akemi enjoyed. She happily walked up and down the street, looking at the frozen water. It sparkled and shimmered in the light's reflection. She didn't dare go on it, since it would surely crack beneath her feet. But getting closer wouldn't hurt. She walked slowly down the slope of the hill and stopped when she reached the bank of the river, just underneath the bridge. There she sat down on the snow, despite it's numbing cold. Unbeknown to Akemi, she was not alone.

"It'll all be over soon."

Akemi nearly jumped in shock, she was so startled. She whipped around to see a strange boy standing nearby. He seemed her age, perhaps a bit older. His white hair hung loosely over his smoky eyes. She could faintly see the black hair that remained beneath it, which made her wonder which was dyed. He wore a long white trench coat, and beneath it all black. No wonder she hadn't seen him; he nearly blended in with the snow itself.

"What do you mean it will all be over soon?" Akemi asked curiously, in a polite tone. He looked at her, and then the river. "Winter. After the New Year, the snow will melt, and spring will come, and with it, new life." Akemi frowned, although she knew it true.

Sighing, she said, "I'll miss the winter." He looked at her quizzically.

"Why miss it? Nothing lives. Everything is dead. Its winds are harsh, and cruel. Everything about it is bitter." Akemi shook her head vigorously.

"No no no, not at all! It's a delicate season. You must only try to see it that way! That's all it really is, a world in it's own, made only of… fragile things." He stared at her, reviewing what she had just said in his mind.

"I've never heard anyone take that view," he said finally. He was very soft spoken, as Akemi noticed.

"Sure. If you look around, what do you see? Ice, snow, bare tree branches. All three break so easily. Even though its cold, if you look beyond it…there's beauty in each and every second of it."

The boy started at her for a while, which made her feel uneasy. "Tell me," he said suddenly, his voice growing stronger with volume and emotion, "do think that all things white…are fragile?"

She wished she knew how to answer that question. "Not always…" she answered uneasily. She had never before argued such with a complete stranger.

"Ha-san!!!" A exhuberant voice called suddenly. The boy stood up to see who was calling his name. Both he and Akemi looked around. A boy, who appeared around the age of 8, came bounding down the hill onto the older boy's back. Akemi's eyes widened in surprise at the sudden arrival of another person.

Happily, the little boy cried, "I've been lookin' for ya! Did you get lost again?" Akemi noticed his innocence as his older friend scowled. His big brown eyes stared in wonder at the older boy, twitching his lip slightly. His dirty blonde hair framed his cute face like a portrait.

"Get off," the older boy directed calmly. The little boy immediately jumped off and continued, "As I was saying, we should get going. Ha'ri is probably waiting for us at the coffee shop."

Akemi, who had stayed silent until then let out a gasp. "Ach nein, Amaya!" She cried. She rarely slipped German, but being one of her more fluid languages since childhood, she would sometimes speak without realizing. (A/N: btw, Ach nein, means 'oh no!'…)

The young boy brightened (if it was at all possible) as he heard her speak. He ran up to her eagerly and asked, "Sprechen sie Deutsch?" Do you Speak German?

Looking at him curiously, she nodded. "Ja." Yes

"Wunderbar!"Wonderful! The boy exclaimed, reaching out and grabbing her hands. "Ich heisse Momiji Sohma und es ist nett treffen sie! Wie heisst sie?" He asked. My name is Momiji Sohma and it's nice to meet you! What's your name?

Smiling, she answered, "Ich heisse Akemi Kamikara. Ich bin glücklich trefft du zu!" My name is Akemi Kamikara. I am happy to meet you too!

"Kohmst du mit uns bis der Kaffee enkaufen? Bitte?" He asked her, pulling on her hands. Will you come with us to the Coffeshop? Please?

"Ja, danke schön! Ich brache treffen mein schwester dort," she said, squeezing Momiji's hands. Yes, thank you! I need to meet my sister there

"ausgezeichnet!"Excellent He said happily, waving his hands in the air enthusiastically. Akemi laughed happily at his adorable gestures. How could she resist a child that cute?

"Could you please speak so I can understand you?" The older boy asked Momiji nonchalantly. Yet, even as he said this so emotionless, his gray eyes showed a tiny fleck of annoyance.

"Gomen," Akemi said bowing suddenly. "I'm Akemi Kamikara. My family and I moved here not too long ago. May I ask as to who you are?"

"This is Hatsuharu. He's my second cousin," Momiji said, happily running over to him.

"Once removed," Hatsuharu added.

"Same difference," Momiji said, sticking out his tongue.

"Come on, Momiji. Hatori will be in a foul mood if we don't get there soon. I'm not your care taker." He pulled the sleeve of Momiji's coat as a gesture for him to move.

"Not with out Akemi!" Momiji whined, grabbing Akemi's hand. "Come on!"

Akemi nodded and smiled brightly at him. Momiji smiled back. "Akemi you're very pretty. Will you be my sister?"

Blushing at the comment, Akemi nodded. "Sure Momiji. I'd love to be your sister."

"Yay!" He cried happily. The two followed Hatsuharu without another word. He never looked back at them to see if they were following; he just continued walking.

The little bell attached to the door tinkled when they entered. "Hmm...I don't see Amaya…" Akemi said, looking around for sights of her sister.

"Does your sister speak German too?" Momiji asked her.

"Ja, eigentlich Ich tun," Yes, actually I do came a sly voice from behind them.

Akemi turned around and laughed. "There you are! I thought you left." Amaya rolled her eyes.

"And leave without getting coffee? No way. Who's your friends?" Amaya asked, looking down at both boys.

"I'm Momiji Sohma, Akemi's new friend. I can speak German too! Akemi says she'll be my sister!" He said happily. Amaya laughed and looked at her younger sister, who in return smiled sheepishly.

"Oh yea, this is Hatsuharu Sohma, my second cousin." He said, pointing to him. "Twice removed," he added quickly, before Hatsuharu could cut in.

"Once removed."

"Aww Ha-kun, don't be so mean! It doesn't matter!" Momiji said in a somewhat whiny tone.

"Well it's nice to meet you. I'm Amaya, Akemi's older sister." She smiled crookedly and put her arm around her sister. Akemi could only smile.

"Momiji, Hatsuharu, I've been looking for you." A man dressed quite professionally walked up to the group. He had intense, dark brown eyes, one of which was covered by his matted hair.

"Hi Ha'ri! Say hi to my new friends Akemi and Amaya!" Momiji said. Akemi bowed deeply.

"It's nice to meet you. I'm Akemi Kamikara and this is my sister, Amaya." The man gave them a nod.

"This is Hatori Sohma. He's related to me…somehow. I don't quite remember," Momiji said.

"As Sohmas, is it possible that you are all related to Yuki, Kyo and Shigure?" Akemi asked Hatori politely. He looked surprised when she asked this.

"Yes, we are. You know them?" Akemi nodded.

"Yes. I got to school with Yuki and Kyo, and I'm friends with Tohru Honda, who is living in their residence. I've been to their house once. Shigure-sama is very funny."

"So it would seem," Hatori said, not at all amused. Momiji pulled on Akemi's sleeve to get her attention.

"Akemi, did they tell you our secret?" He asked curiously.

"Momiji, don't ask such questions!" Hatori said sternly. Akemi only shook her head.

"No, that's alright. I don't know what he's talking about anyway," she assured him. Turning to Momiji, she leaned down and said, "Now Momiji, if Hatori-san doesn't want you to tell me your secret, then you mustn't tell, ok?" He pouted slightly, but nodded. Amaya stood there, looking slightly confused.

"Well, it's about time that we get going. It was nice meeting the both of you," Hatori said with a nod at the girls.

"Aww, but Ha'ri, I don't want to go! Please can we stay?" Momiji said pleading, with a long tug on Hatori's sleeve. Akemi patted him on the shoulder.

"Don't worry Momiji, I'm sure I'll see you again soon. I promise." He nodded sadly and waved goodbye as they left. Hatsuharu didn't say a word, just gave her a nod of recognition and left.

"Goodbye," Akemi called as they left. A cold rush of air came into the shop as the three left.

"Well, that was interesting. What do you say we get something to drink now?" Amaya said, patting her sister's shoulder.

"Sure," Akemi said smiling.


Lola: Aha! Another chapter! I didn't actually think this specific scene would be long enough. It almost proved to be too long…

Paris: You're telling me.

Lola: Shut up. Anyway, I'm sorry it took so long. I've-

Paris: imitating Lola I've been so busy, I'm sorry. My life sucks, blah blah blah. Please review. I'm such a cool author, blah blah blah-

Lola: Do you really want to die before Christmas? Huh?

Paris: Heh heh heh…no hard feelings, right Lola?

Lola: OH shut up. Anyway, please review and enjoy!

Next Chapter:

-Momiji and Haru: Again!

-A visit to Shigure's house: Again!

-Haru has something to tell Akemi…what is it?

See you next chapter!