(Author Note- Hey guys! I'm SO SORRY for not updating…Final Exams are coming up and I have to do my best, but that's no excuse. Please review! Thanks!)

Toharu Point of view

I knew who he was the moment he walked in. I mean, how could I not? He walked in dressed to the nine in his designer jeans from some label that I probably couldn't pronounce even if I wanted to and his Gucci sunglasses (yes, I knew those) perched on his head. And oh what a nice head it was…hair, head of hair, what a nice head of hair is what I meant. God Toharu.

Rin had called me literally a minute before Mr. Sex Hair walked in. Yes, I said it, Mr. Sex Hair. Anyway, she had called to tell me that she was caught up in Port Angeles and wouldn't make it into town before I closed up for the night, but not to worry because she was sending in her overly spoiled, overly sexed older brother to pick up her book. Well, she didn't exactly use those words, I elaborated a little. I mean, from what I've heard about this guy I was being nice, very nice.

"Toharu, he's having a really bad day so do you think that you could try to be nice to him?" Rin asked, a whine coming into play.

"Rin, when I am not ever nice?" I feigned surprise.

She let out a giggle, yes a giggle. She is the only person I know over the age of 13 that giggles.

"You're right, Toharu. Just be your charming self and I'm sure he'll love you."

I rolled my eyes, "I sense some sarcasm there, pixie. And from what you've told me about him, love is not the emotion I'm going for."

"Toharuuuu," I heard her whine.

"Fine, fine. I'll be nice," I grumbled.

"Thank you. Now I'll see you soon. Love ya! Gotta go!" she squealed hanging up. A minute later, he walked in.

I thought about getting up to greet him but disposed of that idea as soon as I saw his look of disgust as his gaze surveyed my bookstore…well, not my bookstore, but whatever, now's not the time. You just don't walk into a place and give it that look, the look that says 'I am better than everything here and you should bow and kiss my feet". You know, that look. I don't care who you are. So I did what I normally do when I don't want to deal with people, I just sat in my chair and ignored him.

I did however watch him as he made his way to the counter, and yes, I enjoyed the way his ass moved in those jeans. The view was even better as he leaned over the counter. And when he spoke, ah, his voice was like velvet. I closed my eyes. Smooth velvet…sexy velvet…annoyed velvet. Annoyed velvet? I snapped my eyes open as he started to drum his fingers impatiently on the counter in annoyance. Oh, I sure as hell wasn't getting up now and couldn't he see the sign? It was right in front of his freakin' face.

"Excuse me, miss? Do you know who works here?" that annoyed velvet voice asked what I assumed to be me. I shrugged, not looking up from my book. I heard him let out another sigh as he turned back around. I raised my book slightly to cover my smile. Rin was going to kill me.

I was beginning to wonder how far I could push his patience when Kyo walked in.

"Yo Toharu, my dad said you got his book in," he said cheerily as he walked right past me and up to the counter coming to a stop right next to Mr. Sex Hair.

"Yeah, Kyo. I got it in today," I closed my book and jumped out of the chair. Making my way to the counter I was very careful not to look at him, but I swear there was steam coming out of his ears as I walked by. I started digging through the pile of special orders behind the counter looking for the book that Kyo's dad ordered. I finally found it at the bottom rubber banded with another one. I chuckled to myself before turning around.

"Ahh…here it is," I put both books on the counter. "I also have this for Kikyo, did you want to get that one too?" I held up the book on top. Myths and Other Things.

Kyo chuckled, "Sure, sure. You're going to make his day with that one. Ever since dad started telling all those legend stories about wolves, Kikyo's become obsessed with werewolves."

I smiled, "Well, he is 13." And adorable, I thought. I slid the books into a paper bag and handed them to Kyo. I had already paid for the book for Kikyo knowing that he would love it.

Kyo started to turn then paused, "Hey, we're having a bonfire down on the rez this Saturday, you should come. It's been forever since you've been down there."

I took a deep breath, "I know, I've been busy. But I'll try to make it."

Kyo gave me a knowing look before nodding, "Sweet. Well, I gotta run. Gotta go pick up Zero. Thanks, T."

I couldn't help grinning at the childhood nickname as I began sorting through old invoices. Kyo was the only person who I still allowed to call me T. Don't ask me why, but for some reason it didn't bother me when he said it. Everyone else got ripped a new one. I'm pretty sure it's because we go so far back. I have known him since I was born, well, since he was born as he is 2 years younger than me.

The sound of a throat being cleared broke me out of my trance. I sighed. Damn, I had forgotten all about him. I looked up slowly and found a pair of piercing purple eyes staring back at me. Violet purple, with so much weight held beneath them. I froze, staring until all I could see was purple. I don't know how long I was lost when I heard a horn honk from outside jarring me back to reality. I blinked, remembering who he was and why he was here. And why was he just staring?

Not even a moment later his eyes narrowed, the lines of his face became more harsh and he took a deep breath.

"You work here?" he asked slowly, spacing out each word.

I stared at him. No, I just feel like standing behind the counter. Good job, Sherlock. Ha, at least I didn't say that out loud. Take that, Rin!

He pressed his palms into the counter and leaned towards me. I stayed rooted to my spot. He was not going to intimidate me. My eyes never left his face as I watched him take over my vision. I breathed in and was immediately overwhelmed with a spicy mix of cedar and ginger and beneath all that, another scent that I couldn't put my finger on. Damn the man smelled good…and expensive. I bet his cologne cost more than my entire outfit put together. Even though that's not saying much since I did get the majority of it at a thrift store, but say what you want, I love my Hufflepuff t-shirt, they were the underrated house.

His voice once again brought me back, "Then why when I asked if you knew who worked here, you just ignored me?"

Hissing at me now? I hitched my eyebrows up and I could feel the smirk playing on my lips. Really, I can't control these things. Well, two can play this game. I cast my eyes down, pointing to the sign in front of me and then back up at him. I watched, amused, as his eyes trailed down to the sign. I knew when he read it because his jaw snapped shut and his brilliant purple eyes flashed back to mine.

"Well he didn't ring the bell," He jabbed his thumb towards the door leaning towards me once again.

"Well he didn't have to. He already knew that I worked here," I retorted not realizing that I was leaning towards him.

He slammed his hand back down on the counter, "And how the hell was I supposed to know that you worked here?"

"By ringing the bell!"

Our faces were so close by this time that our noses were almost touching. I could literally feel the anger coming off his body in waves but I couldn't stop myself.

"Well," he sneered, "are you going to help me now?"

I paused, tilting my head to the side to appear like I was thinking. I pursed my lips, "Nope." I said making sure the 'p' popped.

His hands curled into fists, "Why not?" he asked through clenched teeth.

"Because you didn't ring the bell."

He glared at me for a moment before jerking back harshly bringing his palm crashing down on the bell.

Ha! my inner 5 year old cheered.

Straightening myself up, I put on my sweetest smile, "How can I help you, sir?" Oh, if looks could kill.

I watched as his lips narrowed into a thin line. "I am here to pick up a book," he said slowly.

"And what book would that be?" I asked innocently, widening my eyes. I knew damn well what book he wanted, but this was just too much fun.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, "I don't know the title. It should be under Rin Soham."

I turned around to the stack of books behind me, pretending to rummage through them. I knew where Rin's book was. I had put it right on top because I was expecting her today. After a few minutes, and many grumbled sighs from him, I turned back around with the book in hand.

"Now, I have this book for an Rin Sohma, but unless I'm mistaken, you're not her. You know, male and all." I said pointedly hugging the book to my chest. "I also know that this book is very important to Miss Sohma and I don't think she would appreciate me giving it to some random person."

I swear he deadpanned. I thought for a second he might cry. He closed his eyes for about a minute, visibly calming his breathing.

"I am Yuki Sohma, her brother," he opened those beautiful eyes back up. "She asked me to pick up her book since she was detained in Port Angeles."

I pretended to think for a minute, "Nope, I don't think she's ever mentioned you before. You wouldn't mind if we gave her a call just so I can verify facts, do you? I really don't want to lose my job over this." Like that would ever happen. This place would never run without me but he didn't know that.

"Are you being serious? This is fucking ridiculous!" he exclaimed, throwing his hands up. "Why would I lie? It's a fucking book! What could I possibly have to fucking gain from this?"

I put on my serious face, "Sir, there's no need to use that form of language. If you continue I will have to ask you to leave."

His nostrils flared and his jaw clenched as his gaze met mine, pure hatred flowing through his eyes. My stomach tightened. Even in anger, his face was perfection. Everything from his perfectly sculpted cheekbones to his strong, angular jaw, and damn, that head of hair, purple colored with a slight tint of blue when the light hit it. Man he was beautiful, like a Greek god or something. From Mr. Sex Hair to Greek God. I really needed to stay away from the romance section.

"Rin," he hissed into his cell phone that was now up to his ear. Wow, I didn't even see him move. Observant Toharu. "The lady at the bookstore won't give me your book." Pause. "I don't know. She seems to think I'm lying about being your brother." His eyes shot back to me. I shrugged innocently. "What?" Pause. "Fine. She wants to speak to you." He thrust the phone in my face.

I took the phone from his hand and cleared my throat. Then in the most professional tone I could muster up, "Forks Bookstore, this is Isabella. How can I help you today?"

"Toharu!" a tiny voice screeched into the phone. "What are you doing? Why won't you give him the book? Why do you always have to do this? I told you he was in a horrible mood and you have to go and make it worse. And who's going to have to deal with it? ME! He's going to come over here and I'll have to listen to him pout and rant about how horrible his life is and how everything is unfair. I do not need you to add on to this. Toharu, do you hear me?"

I bit my lower lip trying to hide my smile. Wouldn't do any good to let Mr. God Hair…no that didn't work…Mr. Sex God…oohh that sounded better. Wouldn't do any good to let Mr. Sex God know that I was enjoying this. I glanced over at him. He was pacing in front the counter running his fingers through his messy hair. No, I'll stick with Mr. Sex Hair.

"TOHARU!"

I jumped. I had forgotten about Rin being on the phone. What was with me today? I'm normally not this scattered. I took a deep breath to center myself and get back in my rhythm.

"Yes, Miss. Soham. I just wanted to double check with you. I mean, you are such a valued customer."

"Just give him the damn book, Toharu." And with that she hung up.

"Yes, Miss. Sohma," I said to the dial tone. "Have a great day." I stared down at his phone not knowing which button would end the call. Did a phone really need that many buttons? A large hand came into view and snatched the phone from my grasp. Well, I guess he stopped pacing.

"Were your facts verified?" he asked sarcastically.

I plastered on my fake smile, "I sure did, sir. Thank you for being so patient." I slipped Rin's book into a paper bag and held it out to him. "Thank you and please come again."

He stared at me for a second. He opened his mouth to reply and then thought against it before grabbing the bag out of my hand. With no reply, he turned on his heels and stormed out of the store. I chuckled as the door slammed shut behind him.

Well, that was fun.

I walked to the door with a smile still on my face. I really needed that considering the day I had. After locking the door I turned around the OPEN sign so it now read CLOSED to approaching eye. Turning my back and leaning against the door I surveyed the store. I loved this store, everything about it. From the mustiness of the old furniture to the stained glass windows to the smell, the smell being my favorite part. Nothing was better then the smell of books. It relaxed me better than any spa therapy could. My eyes glanced at the clock above the counter. 6:37. Wow, time flies when you're driving someone nuts. I still had paperwork to do before I could head home. I reluctantly pushed myself off the door and made my way back to the counter. I grabbed the stack of invoices and walked through the door that led to my office. My office was pretty sparse since I spent the majority of my time on the sales floor. It had a bookcase against the right wall that was filled with special orders, back stock, and a few books from my own personal collection. A blue loveseat was against the wall next to the bookcase, directly across from me. That wall also held the only window in here, but it was large enough that the light filtering in illuminated the room. To my left was my desk. The desk was my favorite piece in here. It was made of solid oak with a chestnut brown finish and it had 3 drawers, one on each side and one in the middle. Each side also came with a cabinet size drawer that I used for files. It was built in the 1920's and I just loved the antique feel of it. You couldn't help but feel like a proper lady when you sat behind it. The desk had been a birthday gift from Charlotte Stanley, the owner.

I adored Charlotte. The 92 year old woman reminded me of my grandmother on my mom's side, so warm and caring, and she was very spry for her age only recently had begun to slow down since being placed in a wheelchair. She had taken a liking to me the moment she met me and hired me on the spot, right out of high school with no work experience. That was four years ago and now I pretty much ran the store. Charlotte would always talk about how she wished her children and even her grandchildren would take an interest in the store. She had opened it with her husband in the early 30's and had continued to work here even after her husbands death 13 years ago. She had always hoped that someone in her family would want to continue to keep it open, but so far no ones showed interest. About a year ago she asked me to meet her for lunch. I will never forget that day. Charlotte confessed to me that she lost all hope that the store would remain open if left in her family's hands. She saw how much joy it brought me and asked me to consider if one day I would be open to running it myself. I of course jumped at the opportunity, telling her that it would be my honor. She decided to give me a trial run and this last year she gave all reins to me. Everything was going perfect, the store was profiting and everything was running smoothly. Then Jessica happened.

Enough thinking about that pathetic little twit, Toharu. I told myself, sinking down into my chair. Ugh, but the nerve of her to come in with Charlotte today. I can't believe that she would stoop this low.

"I'm just so thrilled that someone in the family has decided to open their eyes," Charlotte had beamed at me as Jessica pushed her in. I looked up to see Jessica leering at me over her grandmothers' head. I had never wanted to bitch smack someone so much in my life and I am not a violent person. I know for a fact that Jessica didn't give a damn about this place, so her sudden interest had me a little worried.

I pushed the thoughts out of my head. I really needed to finish these invoices so I could get home. With a sigh I began sorting the piles.

~oOo~

Two hours later I was finally home. I pulled into my driveway and listened to the light patter of rain on my truck. Figuring I better get inside before the storm came; I grabbed my bags and carefully made my way to the porch. However, because I'm me and can't make it from point A to point B without disaster, I caught my foot on the corner of the concrete walkway and found myself sprawled face down on the path. Pushing myself up into a sitting position I saw that my backpack with all my paperwork inside landed a few feet away in a puddle the size of a kiddie pool. Perfect. I slowly stood up, wiping my hands on my jeans, wincing slightly as the rough fabric rubbed against the cuts.

"Haha, very funny," I grumbled looking up towards the sky. "I get it, karma's a bitch."

I wiped my eyes with the sleeve of my sweatshirt before picking up my backpack and heading in the house. I kicked the door shut behind me, dropped my bags in the hall and plopped on my couch. It was then that I realized the cuts on my hands were still bleeding. Wouldn't do much good to bleed all over the sofa.

I made my way over to the kitchen sink and turned on the faucet. I tried not to look as the water ran down my hands turning pink before swirling down the drain. Reaching above the sink, I grabbed the First Aid kit that I kept there for accidents such as these, I also keep on in each bathroom and in my bedroom. I've learned my lesson.

Wiping my hand with a towel, I applied antiseptic to the cuts and covered them with band aids. Great, now I had mummy hands. Shaking my head I walked back into the living room when I noticed the light blinking on my answering machine. Four messages, I'm popular today.

BEEP

"Hey Toharu, it's Angela. I got my weekend cleared with Ben so I'm good to help you with inventory. Just give me a call and let me know what time you want me there on Saturday. I'll bring the doughnuts if you being the coffee. I will talk to you later. Bye."

BEEP

"Toharu! You're not answering at the store, you're not answering at home! Would it kill you to get a damn cell phone! I am not in the mood to rant on your answering machine, but seeing how you leave me no choice this will just have to do. And you better not delete this before you listen to it. I know you and I cannot believe you! Thanks to you Yuki has done nothing, literally nothing since walking through the door but just glare. He hasn't said a word since arriving; nothing, he's just sitting in the living room staring off into space with his fists clenched. Hatsuharu keeps trying to make conversation, but it's like a goddamn monastery during silence hour or whatever it's called over here. Toharu, you broke my brother! I told you to be nice. I told you that he had a bad day. Couldn't you just have given him the book! I swear, if you weren't my best friend-"

BEEP

"Stupid answering machine. They never leave you enough time to properly say what you need to. Which is you are NOT forgiven, Toharu. I hope you know that this will take some serious girl time to make up for. You know what that means and I have plenty of wedding shopping to do. I guess you will now be my shopping buddy. Oh, and I need to order another book. This one didn't have the place settings I was looking for. Call me as soon as you get this. I mean it. Okay? And you know I love you, bye!"

BEEP

"Hey T, it's Charlie, well, your Dad. Kyo told me that saw you today. Oh and before I forget, Kikyo wanted me to tell you thanks for the book. Billy said that he's locked himself in his room ever since Kyo gave it to him. That kid has one active imagination. Anyway, the reason I'm calling is because Kyo said he mentioned the bonfire to you. It would be really nice if you could try to make it. I know that Sue would love to see you and, uh, so would I. I miss ya, T."

I would deal with Rin tomorrow. I just didn't have the energy to call her back tonight. Grabbing my bags, I climbed the stairs up to my bedroom thinking about the last call. I knew that Kyo would tell my dad that he saw me. It wasn't like I was ignoring Charlie, I've just been so busy with the store that I haven't had time to get down to La Push. I had inventory this weekend but with Angela helping out I might be able to cut out of there early on Saturday to make it to the bonfire. It would be nice to see everyone.

Stopping at the top of the stairs I turned left and walked into what used to be my Charlie's room. When I had acquired the house I couldn't quite bring myself to switch rooms even though his was the larger of the two. So instead I turned his room into my own little library/office. Without turning on the light I dropped the bags right inside the door then made my way to my room.

When Charlie told me that he was going to sell the house and move in with Sue after their wedding, I couldn't quite explain the sense of loss that I felt. This was my childhood home. I grew up here and even when my parents divorced I still spent every summer here. I couldn't imagine some other family living in it, making their own memories when all of mine were still fresh. Heck, there were still hash marks in the kitchen from when Charlie used to measure how much I'd grown each year. So right after high school in a move that surprised the hell out of everyone, including me, I packed up my life in Phoenix and moved back to Forks. My mother of course threw a fit. I was throwing everything away in her eyes, going back to the one place that had trapped her for so long. She couldn't possibly understand what I was feeling. She had hated Forks with every bone in her body. I, however, saw it as an escape from my currently boring non-existent life. I wasn't enjoying Phoenix. I never quite felt like I belonged there. So, I enrolled in Peninsula College in Port Angeles to make my mother happy, but ended up dropping out in my first year. I felt I was just wasting money since I was unsure as to what I wanted to study. I had always planned to go back once I sorted things out but later that year I got the job at the bookstore and that's also when I met Rin. I was happy for the first time in awhile. I mean, what kid could say they had their own house right out of high school? Charlie was happy because I was closer to him and he also hadn't really wanted to sell the house but Sue was adamant about staying on the reservation so she could be close to her family and since Charlie spent almost every day down there anyway, it was a no brainer.

I quickly washed my face and got ready for bed. Setting my alarm for 6 am, I slid under the covers. Closing my eyes, I thought about my current life. I didn't regret any of the choices that I've made. I loved my home, my job, and my friends. I curled up on my side. What else could I need? As I drifted off to sleep, a pair of brilliant purple eyes flashed in my mind.