The sun came flashing through the trees, casting delicate shadows along the east walls of the Sohma main house. Though all windows were closed, the light from the sky was enough to heat the large house and everyone in it.
Kaede, a very young house maid, nearly 15, carefully walked across the newly cleaned floors carrying out her morning chores when a sudden breeze in the hall made her short, violet hair blow out of her eyes. Startled, she looked up and saw that the front door was opened as wide as it could go. She placed her tray on the floor and rose to close the door when something glimmering in the sunlight caught her eye down the hall. There was a boy with blonde hair standing to the side of the last door at the end of the hall with his head in his hands.
Though Kaede knew she had to get back to work, she felt it her duty to greet the familiar boy. As she approached him, his bodily features began to register in her memory, and she realized he had grown so much from the last time she saw him. Just from the back of his head, she could tell that it was Sohma Momiji.
Hot tears ran from his cheeks and into his wet hands. He bowed his head in sorrow for he had never felt so disgraceful in his life.
"Momiji-san? How are you this beautiful morning?" Kaede asked, only a few feet behind him. He quickly wiped his eyes and turned to face her, painting the the best smile he could across his lips. Just a mirror of the young girl's.
"Guten Morgen! Kaede-kun!" he cheered as his head tilted to the side, letting his long bangs fall over his red puffy eyes just slightly. Kaede instantly saw his emotional state and though her smile faltered, she pretended not to notice for his own dignity.
"So what are your plans for today Momiji-san?" she asked as Momiji looked as his watch. "I'm going to school today," and his eyes grew in realization. "Ahh! I'm going to be late!" he panicked. He quickly picked up this bag and slipped his shoes on.
"Well, I hope you have a wonderful day!" she smiled, hoping Momiji could get this spirit up somehow. It seemed to work as Momiji rushed down the hallway and out the door mumbling something about Haru getting black if he didn't hurry. Kaede stood at the door and absent-mindedly watched Momiji speed walk down the path and out the gates, smiling as he turned the corner and gave her a wave.
"He's getting tall isn't he?" a somewhat low voice appeared behind her, making her jump. She looked up and saw Shigure-san leaning over her.
"Ah, good morning Shigure-san" she turned and bowed, resulting in a grin spreading across his lips. "Is there anything I can get you for breakfast?" She quickly recollected her tray, keeping her gaze down and her blush hidden. How much had he seen?
"Please, that would be too much. I am only here running a few errands." He responded, brushing his fingers though his hair. "Such beautiful weather is it not? The beautiful flowers blossoming so early this year." He smiled, gazing at Kaede all too casualy. Which made her blush even more. He must know something he's not letting on.
"Will you be visiting Akito-san this morning?" her voice chimed entering the kitchen, hoping to change subject and clear her mind of Shigure's suspicious behaviour.
Shigure followed her lead, leaning on the island on the opposing side of the girl. "Ah, I wasn't planning on to, but that may be a good idea."
"Then you should stay for breakfast! Akito-san has not awoken yet, so there shall be more than enough hot food for you to enjoy later. It could be fun." She smiled. She knew she shouldn't have spoken to him so casualy, but it just came out, and at least there where none of the other maids around.
"I'm on a timeline this morning sadly to say, but maybe another time." He winked.
Why did he have to make it sound like I was asking him out! He's too old for me! She thought to herself. Age aside, she didn't have time to think of him in that way, because there was already someone that filled that space in her heart.
"Then I guess I will see you another time Kaede." He lifted himself off of the counter and left the room. I guess he wont be visiting the master this morning.
Kaede carefully unloaded her tray, removing the cleaning utensils and placing them in their proper cupboards. The silence of the big house comforted her. She took a list out of her pocket and sighed. Next on her list was grocery shopping. She opened the large walk-in cooler to see what was needed, wrapping her kimono tightly around her body to accommodate the sudden change of temperature. On one of the shelves there was a yellow tin with a cute bunny on the lid.
"Kaede! Are you in here?" The voice of the older woman demanded, surprising her once again as she turned around and saw her mother – the head maid – standing at the door of the cooler looking quite angry.
"Y-Yes ma'am." Kaede quickly retreated with the lunch box in hand and bowed to her superior.
"How many times do I need to tell you! You should not go in there by yourself!" Chinatsu scowled. Her disapproving eyes are what got through to Kaede and hurt her every time. "What were you doing there anyhow?" Her mother stood with her arms crossed, closing the cooler.
"I was checking for the groceries I need to get." She answered, not moving her gaze on the floor.
"And what is that in your hands!" She demanded.
Kaede lifted the tin for a better look "It appears Momiji-san forgot his lunch today in a rush."
"Then you may deliver it to him on your way to the market." Kaede lifted her head in surprise. She had never been to a high school, little own momiji-san's high school.
"Here is the list of groceries that I have already made." Chinako handed Kaede a sheet of yellow, lined paper, but took it back and scribbled something on the back. "There is the map to his school." Kaede blushed at the thought of getting to meet Momiji's friends at school and completely ignored the harsh looks her mother gave her. Kaede slowly turned with her things and headed towards the door.
"Kaede!" her mother called to her from the door. "There shall be minimal time wasted or there shall be dire consequences." she warned. Kaede bowed and walked along the stone path to the gates.
It really is turning out to be a nice day…
End Chapter 1+
A/n: I don't own Fruits Basket, and this was inspired by a scene from a chapter in volume 20 of the manga written by Natsumi Takaya... so pretty much this story may spoil the readers of the manga that haven't gotten as far as I have. This fan written fiction may or may not be loosly based on events of the manga, I haven't yet descided, but it will most definately have a different point of focus than the manga. The main character was entirely made-up by me. I'm sorry for any inconvenience this story may cause to any one, but it here for my own enjoyment. If you are a reader, then I would be glad to share it with you. Once again, this is my disclaimer.