Disclaimer: Why do I have to tell you every time? I don't own Fruits Basket.
A/N: Man have I been a lazy ass. Well, its not like I had much of a chance to write, with school, and those Christmas one-shots… So yeah, be nice! (Hides)
Oh I got funny review from Noriko: what if Hatori's mystery date is AKITO? The thought made me laugh to myself. Thanks.
Oh yeah, and thanks to my reviewers/readers for being patient! As a treat, I'll be putting in lots of Kyo/Tohru, since that's been a common demand from everyone.
Well, the car arrangements were the same as before, except now Momiji and Hatsuharu were riding in Kazuma's car with Rin and Hanajima (who insisted on riding with them).
In Hatori's car, he and Shigure were sitting in the front seat, Hatori at the wheel. "So… who's this mystery date you have for me?" Hatori tried to sound casual, but he was actually a bit anxious at what Shigure had in store for him. That man was just unpredictable.
"You'll see, you'll see…" Shigure sang, giggling like a schoolgirl.
"I know who it is!" Ayame chimed in, waving his hands around, slapping the other two passengers in the backseat, Kisa uncomfortably sliding away, and Hiro yelling at him.
"We're here." Hiro said unaffectedly to nobody in particular. Hatori pulled into the lot and parked, the others in the car pushing their way out. They found that a couple of spaces away, the other two groups were unloading from their cars.
"I get to drive next time, though!" Manabe whined as soon as he got out of the passenger seat, Yuki emerging from the drivers with a solid "NO."
"You're so mean Yun-Yun!"
The three groups joined and paired up, linking arms.
Hanajima hugged closer to a slightly blushing Kazuma and Tohru and Kyo were the reddest of all. Uotani and Manabe were arguing, as per usual, and Momiji and Kimi were giggling like five-year-olds going to a candy store. Ayame and Shigure were chattering about god knows what, and Hatori was still eyeing the surrounding area, searching for someone familiar.
Black heels clicked on the pavement, as slender legs stepped out of a car. A flowing black dress swished around the knees and hugged the torso emerged after. The echoing sound of a car door closing made Hatori's gaze snap towards it, and his eyes widened when he saw who was standing a few feet away. Mayuko stood clutching a purse under her arm and rubbing it with the other self-consciously. "H-Hatori?" she questioned when she saw him. Hatori was completely lost for words, his gaze running over Mayuko's gracefully defined contours and loose hair over her rounded, blushing face.
Shigure appeared over Hatori's shoulder and stifled some laughter. "Look's like you found your date!" he sang, and when Mayuko's gaze found Shigure's she burst into anger.
"YOU! You told me it would just be me and you, discussing some affairs about the bookstore and the kids at school!" She growled, pointing sharply to Shigure, who shrank back, hiding behind Hatori, still laughing.
Hatori sighed. "You got tricked by Shigure again?"
Mayuko admitted defeat and crossed her arms, huffing. "Yeah. But since I came all the way here, we might as well…" She looked up at Hatori somewhat shyly, searching for approval.
Hatori nodded, and smiled somewhat, offering her his arm. "We might as well."
She blushed and took it, and the pair walked to rejoin the group, followed by a positively gleeful Shigure.
"Mayuko-sensei?" Tohru said as the three arrived. The others who attended their high school also looked up, confused.
"WHAT ARE THEY DOING HERE?" Mayuko yelled to Shigure, a blush growing on her face.
Shigure laughed. "They're on this trip too. I hope you don't mind!" He said almost sarcastically.
"OF COURSE I MIND, THIS IS SO EMBARRASSING!" She roared, her hands tearing into her hair.
Kyo scoffed. "I guess now I have some blackmail for when you threaten to dye my hair again."
"Shut up, carrot-top!"
"AH!" Tohru folded her hands and brought them to her chest, looking up at Mayuko, her eyes shining. "I think it's wonderful! You and Hatori-san would make a very adorable couple!" She giggled, her voice dripping with girlish excitement.
Mayuko's blush deepened, as did Hatori's, and she shook her head nervously and stammered. "We're not… I mean… I wouldn't go as far as to say… You really think we'd be cute?" She shook her head and began talking a mile a minute. "I mean, no! That's not how it came out it's not like that with us we're just friends I mean what would give you the idea that I like him I don't of course I don't we're not going out we're just…" Mayuko's ramble was stopped by Hatori's hand on her bare shoulder. Her stomach fluttered as she looked up, her heart racing.
Hatori was smiling down at her. "It's ok, Mayu. Let's just get this dinner over with, alright?"
Mayuko nodded, still red, and the group headed into the restaurant. As they were walking through the door, Mayuko realized something, and looked up at Hatori suddenly. He was busy telling Uotani something, but Mayuko remembered his words and some hope and joy filled her with heat.
He called me Mayu…
Ok, short chapter, but the restaurant one's going to be long, so I wanted to split it up. Sorry I haven't updated since like, November!
Review please! X3
