"Alright, ladies, who's ready to get her game face on?" Grinning, Uotani tapped the hefty makeup bag slung over her shoulder and looked from Hanajima to Tohru with enthusiasm. "Let's see some excitement!"
It was finally Monday morning, and the three of them were back in a large dressing room at Ayame and Mine's shop. With the shop owners' blessing, they would have possession of their dressing room for the remainder of the morning to do their hair and makeup, as well as put on their furisodes and accessories. Considering that there were other women who'd be coming by to be dressed in their own furisodes, Tohru was keenly aware of the privilege and had at first tried to tell Ayame it was too much; he, as usual, had dismissed her concerns out of hand.
"I assure you it's no trouble, Tohru; as you three are already planning to complete your own exquisite ensembles by yourselves, we'd hate for you to have to spoil any part of the surprise for anyone else by passing by with hair done and not dress! And to have to walk through the frightful cold any more than you have to, as well!"
As things happened, it was actually a fairly pleasant morning; after the frigidity of the previous two days, it had been nice to wake up and find that Monday morning was comparatively balmy. Still cold; it was definitely still January. But there was no wind, the sun was shining, and the thermometer had risen nearly ten degrees over the day before.
Tohru would take it.
In the end, Tohru agreed to the offer of the dressing room. They had decided that Hanajima would be arranging all of their hair for the occasion, and Uotani would be taking point on makeup. Tohru would be the primary cheerleader, encourager of good efforts, and general moral support.
In other words, they'd each be playing to their strengths.
Uotani was staying with Hanajima for the weekend, and the two of them came to fetch Tohru from the dojo bright and early that morning. Yet again, Tohru and Kyo had been up far too late the night before, and it had been hard for Tohru to drag herself out of bed. The ceremony wouldn't be held until 11:30, but they needed to get over to Ayame's shop, get their hair done, get their makeup done, get their furisodes and accessories all on, and then make it to the actual ceremony before 11:30. And Tohru needed to shower before literally any of it.
Kyo had tried not to be too amused when he gently shook Tohru awake just before 6am. "Hey, Tohru...time to wake up."
Tohru had groaned and burrowed deeper into the blankets, trying to move away from the unwanted contact.
"If you don't get up, Tohru, you're not gonna be ready when Hanajima and Uotani get here. Or did you finally decide you don't want to do the ceremony today?"
That was right...the ceremony!
"I'm getting up, I'm getting up..." Tohru struggled into a sitting position, giving a mighty yawn as she did so. Then she blinked at Kyo, crouching beside her in his running clothes and completely sweat-free. "Are you back already?"
"Haven't left yet. I wanted to make sure you got up and moving, and it looks like that was the right call." He gestured to her phone, which was resting beside the futon. "Do you even remember turning off your alarm?"
Tohru's eyes flared. "Did I?"
"Must've, because I heard it going off when I was coming back out here just now."
Tohru winced, then looked at him gratefully. "Thank you for looking out for me."
He smiled, leaning in to give her a kiss. "Always. Now, you go shower, and I'm gonna take off. I'll be over at Ayame's around ten." Since Kyo didn't have to worry about hair or makeup and his dressing would take significantly less time, he wasn't going over until a bit later. She couldn't blame him; he'd already spent a lot more time with Ayame this weekend than his patience was meant to handle.
When Uotani and Hanajima arrived, Tohru was showered, dressed, and ready to go; if she was a little droopy from the hour, it was only to be expected.
On the way to the shop, the three of them stopped to grab breakfast bento boxes from a convenience store, laughing about the difference between Saturday's meals and this morning's. "But remember, dear friends, we'll be making up for this unimpressive display at lunch time," Hanajima said serenely. The plan was for them all to go out to a restaurant together afterwards; unlike Saturday, this would be no casual izakaya.
When they got to the shop it wasn't even open, but at Tohru's call Mine came down to unlock the door.
"Good morning! Happy Coming of Age Day, you three," she gushed, letting them in and escorting them to their dressing room. "I think I've got everything all ready for you, just take a look and let me know!"
Due to the nature of the establishment, the shop had notably large fitting rooms, each of them furnished with fitting platforms, comfortable seating, and plenty of mirrors. On Saturday when Uotani had asked, Mine had grinned at her.
"Well, sometimes people like to try things on alone, and sometimes they like to bring along other people to give opinions! We don't want anyone to have to walk out of the dressing rooms if they don't want to, so we made sure than any reasonable-sized group could be accommodated in one fitting room."
"No kidding," Uotani had said, looking around their room that had enough couch space to easily seat ten. "You guys sure put a lot of thought into how this place is set up, didn't you?"
"Of course! In a business like ours, customer experience is paramount. Doesn't matter how much you like the clothes if you're never comfortable enough to try them on, hmm?"
"Yeah, I guess that makes sense."
Uotani had never been in Ayame and Mine's shop before Saturday, and she had been quite curious, asking Tohru, "So, it's a costume shop, then?" Considering that her first time meeting Ayame and Mine had been when they came to the school to do costumes for 'Cinderella-ish', it was a reasonable guess. And Tohru had smiled, blushing slightly as she responded.
"Well, kind of?"
After actually being in the shop, Uotani could understand Tohru's reticence. The part of the shop customers initially entered looked more like a craft store, with displays of materials and elements used for sewing. But as you moved further in, the materials gave way to displays of costumes, and outfits of a more 'suggestive' nature. Many were innocent, and even sweet, but the further along you went, the more 'interesting' things got, before you passed through some doors that were marked with 'adults only' and found yourself in a whole new world of excitement.
Uotani had been amazed. "This is the Prince's brother's place?" Who would have thought that stick-up-the-ass Yuki would have brother who ran an adult boutique?
And Tohru had laughed, blushing. "Yes! Yuki and Ayame have always been very, very different from one another."
"No kidding, geez." But Uotani's expression had been admiring, and she'd looked around the shop with calculating eyes. "Ayame and Mine, they really seem to love you, Tohru. What is with all the Sohmas thinking you're the bee's knees?"
Hanajima, who'd been drifting along with Uotani and Tohru during their explorations, had given Uotani a reproachful look. "Really, Arisa, are you suggesting they shouldn't?"
"Hell no! I just think it's a little crazy, that's all. Sure, it makes sense that Kyon does. And the Prince. And Momiji and Haru, because they spent so much time with her. And the scribbler, naturally, because if he didn't love her after she busted her ass taking care of his house for over two years then he'd truly suck. But I swear, every time we stumble into a Sohma, it's like they can't do enough for you, Tohru."
"Even Kureno?" Hanajima's tone was mild, and Uotani blushed before laughing.
"Ok, maybe Kureno isn't falling over himself about it, but he still likes her, too. If I was the jealous type, maybe I'd be worried." She gave Tohru a grin, the expression assuring Tohru that she actually meant no such thing. But seeing the shop and the way Ayame and Mine acted with Tohru had given her an idea, one that she'd have to discuss with Mine when the opportunity presented itself.
Once inside, Tohru, Hanajima, and Uotani followed Mine back to the dressing room they'd used on Saturday.
"Like I said, let me know if there's anything else you need!"
The couches, fitting platform, and mirrors were still there, but the room now sported the addition of a vanity table, complete with lights and a large mirror. The three of them looked around approvingly, and Tohru beamed at Mine. "This looks wonderful, Mine, thank you!"
"No problem, Tohru! I'll be out in the shop doing some inventory until we officially open, and Aaya should be down any time as well." The two of them lived in a large apartment, just above the shop, so it was easy for both Ayame and Mine to come and go as needed." Just yell, or come find one of us if you need anything. I'll check in on you a little later."
"Sure thing, Mine, thank you!"
"Yeah, thanks a lot."
"We are most gracious."
After the door closed behind her, it was time to get to work.
"This is my game face, Arisa," Hanajima said calmly, and Uotani snickered.
"You know what I mean. Who's ready to get all dolled up and celebrate adulthood?"
Tohru giggled. "I am, of course, but shouldn't we eat first?"
"Proper nourishment is important to ensuring the adequate completion of any task."
Uotani sighed and flopped down onto one of the couches. "You guys are killing me! Remember, all three of us need hair and makeup before we can dress, and it'll take almost two hours for us to actually get dressed. That means everything else has to be done before nine, got it?"
They all dug into their bento boxes, discussing their plan of attack.
"So, what makes more sense; all do hair, then all do makeup? Or one person gets hair done, followed by makeup, one at a time?"
"Well, I think you two should really decide, seeing how you'll be doing all of the work, but I think it would be a lot more fun if we all did hair and then makeup. That way no one person has to sit still for too long at once!"
"An excellent idea, dear Tohru. We'll do that."
That having been decided, next up was deciding who was first.
"I'd prefer to do my own hair last, if there are no objections. While I can't foresee any need of excessive movement, it would be easier to not have to worry about undoing my own locks while adjusting yours."
"Oh no, that's totally fine, Hana-Chan! Why don't you do Uo-Chan's hair first? That will give me more time to finish my breakfast," Tohru said, looking down at her bento with a rueful expression.
Uotani and Hanajima both laughed, and Uotani nodded. "Sounds good to me; do your magic, Hanajima!"
The three of them had already shed their outerwear, and Uotani sat down in the chair by the vanity. Soon Hanajima was busily at work, brushing out and twisting Uotani's long blonde hair into an elegant updo.
It took some time, but the effects were striking when Hanajima finally finished tucking the last decorative ornament into Uotani's hair.
"Uo-chan, you look so beautiful! You did such a great job, Hana-chan, really!"
Uotani was turning her head from side to side, checking out the effects in the mirror. "Yeah, you did a damn nice job, Hanajima! Hard to believe it's me, almost." She grinned, standing up and gesturing to the chair with a flourish. "Ok, Tohru, you're up!"
Tohru was excited to take her own turn, and Hanajima wasted no time. Tohru's hair was silky and long, and Tohru was nervous it wouldn't want to stay in the fancy arrangement. But even her hair was no match for Hanajima, extra-hold hairspray, and pins. By the time Hanajima was finished, Tohru could barely believe it was her own hair.
"It's so beautiful, Hana-chan! Thank you, I love it so much!"
"Yeah, nice work, Hanajima!"
"Thank you both, your compliments are highly appreciated," Hanajima said, settling herself into the chair once Tohru had moved. Her own hair took the longest, because of the thickness and curl as well as the fact she was working on herself. But finally, all three of them were finished, and they looked at each other admiringly.
"We need to take a picture!" Tohru was quick to pull out her phone and gesture to her friends to crowd in.
"But we're not done yet, Tohru! Don't you want to wait for the total package?"
Tohru shook her head. "I want to take as many pictures as we can, to remember every part of this."
Uotani and Hanajima exchanged a smile, then the three of them squeezed together and gave Tohru's phone their best grins. Then it was time for makeup.
"Ok, Tohru, you're up first this time." This was a much faster process than the hair, but in Tohru's mind it was the much more dramatic. Even though Uotani was applying 'natural' makeup, there was still a lot more to it than what Tohru normally wore, and she felt as though she'd been completely transformed when it was done. "I look so beautiful! Thank you, Uo-chan!"
Uotani was halfway through Hanajima's makeup when there was a knock on the door.
"How are you three doing?" Mine's voice floated in, full of curiosity. "Because it's about time for you to start getting dressed!"
The three friends looked at each other; they'd meant to be done already! But Tohru, at least, was ready.
"You can come in and start on me, Mine! Hana-chan and Uo-chan are still getting their makeup."
Shortly thereafter, Mine bustled into the room with her shop assistant Aoi in tow. "Alright, then, let's get to work! Strip, Tohru!"
Even though Tohru knew the process, it was hard not to blush at Mine's words, tone, or somewhat devious grin. But she did, taking off most of her clothing and stepping onto the fitting platform in her undergarments.
Saturday's fitting had prepared her for the process, but she still found herself staggering slightly under the weight of the outfit. Other people would only see the brightly colored furisode, but underneath Tohru would be dealing with layers of additional fabric. With Tohru's sense of balance, bending would be challenging, and none of them would be able to take normal strides. But it was still exciting, and she was practically quivering as Mine and Aoi expertly draped and tied everything into place.
Both Hanajima and Uotani were done with their makeup by the time Tohru was dressed, and their delight at her appearance was obvious.
"Dear Tohru, you are truly a vision!"
"Seriously, you're rocking that look, Tohru. Kyon is gonna flip when he sees you."
Tohru blushed, looking down and smoothing the front of her obi. "Really?'
Mine was grinning proudly as she surveyed the results. "Oh yes, I'm pretty sure he will. But you can preen over there; I need one of you two to step up," she said, snapping her fingers at Hanajima and Uotani."
"Go ahead, Hanajima. You're more patient than me, you'll do a much better job wearing it longer."
"If you insist." Then Hanajima took her turn, stepping up onto the fitting platform.
Tohru was excited to watch her friends get dressed, but for now, all of her attention was on her own reflection in the mirror. It was definitely herself looking back, but a version of herself so much more glamorous than she'd ever before seen. Her skin was smooth and flawless, her eyes large and radiant, and her lips a delicate pop of pink. Her hair was swirled up and around into a large, beautiful twist, accented with multiple pink and white hair ornaments. And the furisode...
They'd each been given a choice of colors from what Ayame and Mine had available, and it had been hard to choose. But in the end, there had been only one real answer for Tohru: pink. Her furisode was a bright sakura pink, patterned with cascading flowers in other shades of pink, white, and purple, fading to a light lilac near the bottom hem. Her obi was shades of lilac and white, and the cord wrapped over the top was a darker purple.
It was all so beautiful; she couldn't really believe it was her.
"Hey, Tohru, smile!"
Tohru turned to Uotani and flashed her a big, bright smile, which Uotani documented with a laugh. "That's a great one!"
"Oh, can I see?" Tohru shuffled over to Uotani and peeked at the picture. "Would you send that to me, please?"
"Duh! Everyone better be sharing all their pictures today."
Tohru had expected it would be difficult to wait once she was dressed, but with her friends and the lively atmosphere in the room, time passed quickly. Hanajima's dark purple and silver furisode looked almost as though it had been made for her, though Tohru was personally of the opinion she would have picked a slightly different pattern for her friend than classic flowers. And Arisa's dark green selection set off her blonde hair to perfection.
When all three of them were ready, Mine stepped back and looked them over with pride. "Ooh, you three all look so good! You're all meant to dress up, you really ought to come by more often when you're in town! Even if you don't want to buy anything, I'd be more than happy to help you try things on!" If there was a slightly scary glint in her eye just then, no one acknowledged it; Tohru had warned her friends about Mine's tendencies all the way back at the time of the play.
"Now, you three all stand together and let me take your picture. You'd better be sure you're documenting ever part of today, you only get one Coming of Age Day!"
All three of them passed Mine their phones, and she happily snapped an assortment of pictures. Even Hanajima unbent a tiny bit, doing one classic 'sticking out the tongue' snap with the other two before they were done. Then Mine gave them back the phones, and they were just about done.
"Aaya will have your shoulder wraps out there, but you don't need them until you're ready to go outside. And you've all got your tabi on, your zori are out by the door..." Mine looked at Aoi, who shrugged, then turned back to the girls with a grin. "I think you're all set! I'm sure Aaya must be done with Kyo, but let me go check. Wait here."
She bustled out followed by Aoi, and Tohru, Uotani, and Hanajima were left standing in the middle of the room. For a moment they all looked at each other, taking in the whole scene; furisodes, hair, makeup. None of them had ever dressed up this much before, and it was new to even see themselves this way. To see all three of them, together...it was something special.
"We look pretty damn gorgeous, don't we?" Arisa's words were as blunt as ever, but her voice was soft. And Tohru's was, too, when she agreed.
"We really do, don't we? We really look...like women."
Obviously they were women, and all of them had been legal for months now. But Hanajima and Uotani knew what she meant, and they were both feeling it, too.
"Yes...our tender days of girlhood are gone, aren't they? Left behind, to be regarded only in sentiment and memory," Hanajima said quietly.
Tohru's lip was trembling. "You guys..."
"Hey, no crying, Tohru. Remember, this is a happy day! And I don't want you smudging your makeup."
Tohru was trying valiantly not to cry, but it was an uphill battle. "I'm sorry, Uo-chan!"
Uotani looked at Tohru for a moment, then chuckled. "Nah, it's ok. I made sure to use waterproof makeup. Let's be real, we all knew you were gonna cry. I even have a whole pack of tissues in my bag," she said with a grin.
"I do as well," agreed Hanajima, and Tohru laughed before admitting "Me too!"
The three of them looked at each other once more, then moved together into a hug.
"Remember, ladies, we might be adults now, but that doesn't mean we have to be boring, and it definitely doesn't mean we stop being friends. No matter what."
"Indeed!"
"That's right, Uo-chan!"
They separated at the knock on the door, and Mine stuck her head back in. "Ok, they're all set, too! And good thing, too, because you all need to get going."
"Thank you so much, Mine, you've been so wonderful!"
Mine smiled at the three of them. "My pleasure! Let's go get a few more pictures, and then you all have fun. Don't hurry back, either; as long as you're here before we close you'll be fine."
Tohru sighed. "Well, Kyo and I have to be on the train by four, so that shouldn't be a problem." She glanced around the room at their things, then looked back at Mine. "Do you want us to move anything out of here?"
"Nope, I'll take care of everything. Now, let's go!"
Mine led the three women out of the dressing room and through the shop, back around to Ayame and Mine's personal sitting area. At first it was tricky to take the tiny steps necessitated by the furisode, but after Tohru's first near-stumble she quickly got the hang of it.
As they approached the sitting area, they could hear Yuki and Kyo's voices, along with Ayame's. At the sound of Kyo's voice, Tohru once again felt the heat rush to her cheeks. What would he think, when he saw her like this? And what would she feel like, seeing him?
Ayame and Kyo had both stopped her from seeing Kyo on Saturday, wanting the first time she saw him in his montsuki haori hakama to be when the outfit was complete. Today was that day, and she'd be looking at him exactly as she'd see him on their wedding day. Even though she knew it wasn't the same thing, it was close enough; the flutters in her stomach were real.
Yuki and Kyo were both sitting on a couch with their backs to the women's entrance, but they could see the grey and orange backs of their heads. Ayame was sitting on a couch opposite, and he practically broke off mid-word as they came into view.
Leaping to his feet, Ayame clapped his hands. "Très magnifique, my dear Mine! You have utterly and completely outdone yourself," he said, beaming at his wife.
Mine preened slightly, nodding in agreement. "Thank you, Aaya! But is it any wonder, with what I had to work with?" She gave Tohru, Hanajima, and Arisa an approving look, and they all smiled.
Yuki and Kyo exchanged a glance, trying to avoid looking behind them. Ayame and Mine had threatened dire consequences on both of them if they cheated anyone, particularly Ayame and Mine themselves, out of 'the big reveal.' But it was difficult, to sit and wait while those two patted themselves on the back.
"Are we allowed to look, too?"
"Seriously. We've been waiting long enough." Kyo's voice was meant to sound surly, but Tohru heard the repressed excitement, and she beamed.
He was waiting for her.
"Yes yes, just one moment. You two stay exactly where you are, and don't so much as shiver until I say so." Sweeping around the back of the couch, Ayame came up to Tohru, Hanajima, and Arisa, gently but firmly arranging them into a loose formation with Tohru slightly in front of and between her friends. "Exceptional." Stepping back, Ayame whipped out his own phone and took a few pictures, then sighed happily. "Alright, you two may now look!"
Yuki looked exceptionally handsome, in a silvery grey suit a few shades lighter than his hair. But Tohru only had eyes for Kyo as he stood up and turned around. How many times had she imagined him like this? Too many to count, even before they'd actually started dating. Black had always been one of his best colors, and she'd expected he'd look wonderful in the traditional outfit. But seeing him actually wearing it...
Kyo's eyes had gone straight to Tohru as well, and he was beaming at her as he came around the couch to take her hands. "You look beautiful, Tohru. Absolutely amazing." He was being sappy, but he didn't care. It didn't matter that everyone was looking at them, that Ayame and Mine were actually taking pictures. It didn't matter that Uotani was smirking at him. Or that he'd been sitting somewhat uncomfortably for the past half hour listening to Ayame ramble. All that mattered was that he was here, now, with Tohru, and she looked gorgeous.
He had no idea what all they'd done, but the effect was stunning. Tohru was always beautiful, but her current look was something else. He'd been leery; worried that Uotani would go overboard with the makeup, that Tohru would be swallowed up by the furisode. That she'd look 'great', but not like Tohru.
He never should have worried. The teary eyes looking back at him was all Tohru, as were the smiling lips. The slightly shaking hands, tightly gripping his own. His Tohru, always and forever.
Tohru couldn't say anything; she knew if she even tried, she'd be bursting into tears. Instead, she simply stood, holding his hands and beaming at him. But that was enough.
Leaving the two of them to their moment, Yuki smiled at Uotani and Hanajima. "You all look beautiful; you did a wonderful job. You as well, Mine," he said, smiling at his sister-in-law. "It was so kind of you to do this."
"Aww, thanks Little Brother," Mine said with a curtsy.
"Thanks, Prince, you clean up pretty sharp yourself! Not that I'm surprised." Uotani grinned at him, then turned to Ayame and Mine. "Seriously, thanks for this. All of it. It's been a lot of fun!"
"Yes, indeed," Hanajima agreed.
Ayame handwaved the thanks. "It was our pleasure; there is nothing that brings us greater joy that spreading a little beauty forth into the world! And to help dear Tohru, or the beautiful friends of dear Tohru, only adds to that joy." He looked around at the five of them, his expression one of deep satisfaction, then smiled at his wife, his voice softening. "Perfection, Mine."
Mine smiled, resting her head against Ayame's shoulder. "It really is, isn't it?"
"Absolutely." Then the softness was gone, and Ayame clapped his hands. "Alright, you have less than half an hour before your ceremony starts! Kyonkichi and Tohru, I know how difficult it must be, to tear yourselves away from your current romantic imaginings, but alas, we are all slaves to the clock at one point or another. Quickly now, I must have a picture! All together!"
With little care for the dirty look Kyo shot his way, Ayame was back in their midst, rapidly shuffling everyone around. When he was done, Tohru and Kyo were standing in the middle, Yuki on Tohru's other side and Hanajima and Uotani on either end.
"Alright, smile! Remember, you are bright new adults, crossing the threshold of maturity as one!"
It was hard for Yuki or Kyo to actually smile at that prompt, but there was an attempt.
"You all have fun now! Remember, pictures! Lot and lots of pictures," Mine repeated, helping the girls on with their wraps and zori. Then they were gone, leaving Ayame and Mine alone.
Mine sighed, stretching her arms up over and behind her head. "That was sure fun, wasn't it, Aaya? Yes, kimonos aren't the most interesting, but it's nice to break out something traditional once in a while, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is," Ayame said, smiling gently at the closed door. His voice was unexpectedly soft again, and at first Mine was surprised. But then she smiled, patting his arm.
"Is it hard, knowing your little brother is all grown up?"
Ayame sighed, taking her hand and lifting it to press against his cheek. "Somewhat, yes. It makes it even harder, convincing myself that I might actually be needed."
"Maybe, but maybe you don't have to be needed, Aaya. Maybe all that the two of you need is to just be brothers. Friends, even."
He gave her an amused look, then laughed. "You are such a beautiful dreamer, my dear Mine, and I adore you for it. But perhaps you are right. Or you will be, someday."
Mine grinned. "Tohru and her friends looked beautiful, didn't they? It was so nice, having a chance to properly meet them. And oh!" she stepped back, tapping Ayame's shoulders with her hands. "That reminds me, I needed to talk to you!"
"About?"
"Uotani, Tohru's blonde friend? She asked if we'd be open to letting her have Tohru's bachelorette party here."
"Bachelorette party..." Ayame's eyes were thoughtful, then they lit up and he grabbed Mine's hands. "My dear Mine, I do hope you said yes! What a marvelous thing, to be able to help celebrate dear Tohru's final hurrah before crossing into wedded bliss!"
Mine giggled. "I thought you'd say that; I'll tell Uotani later today." She started to walk back to the dressing room, then paused, looking back at Ayame. "You did a great job with Kyo, you know. Everything looked perfect! And Tohru certainly thought so, did you see the way she was looking at him?" She sighed happily, hugging her arms around herself. "I just love young love!"
Ayame smiled, coming up to Mine and tilting her chin up to look at him. "Thank you, Mine. I do, too."
Though as he kissed her, they both thought that there was something to be said for established love, too.
