"And I must say, absolutely genius!" Ayame exclaimed. "Just spectacular, you must tell me how you came about-"
"What my cousin is trying to say," Hatori broke in, "is that your house is quite unique."
"I blame my parents," Lianu rolled her eyes, smiling, "they chose the color scheme."
"I must make their acquaintance!" Ayame grinned. "We could converse over so many topics, so many ideas-"
"Ayame," Shigure said firmly.
"Sorry, sorry."
The group was situated around the kitchen table, the three Sohma's on one side and Linau on the other. Growing up a Jing, Lianu had learned a long time ago it was easier to deal with crazy people in the comfort of her home than out in the front yard where anyone can see the spectacle. Her hair had blue hair, her mom loved to dye hers purple every now and then...It was never a good combo.
Hatori took a sip of tea, and then turned his gaze on Lianu.
"Miss Jing-"
"Lianu,"
"Lianu," Hatori conceded. "we are here to take Tohru home."
"Home? This is her home." Puzzlement colored the girl's tone.
"Not her true home," Shigure shook his head.
"Um, then why didn't Tohru ever tell me she wanted to go back to her hometown? Or anything, really, about her past life?"
The Sohma's were silent, unsure how to answer the question. Finally, Lianu sighed.
"Lianu, dear, how did you meet Tohru?" Ayame finally asked, and the girl smiled.
"She kinda came to my rescue..."
~(0)~
"Look at her hair," a voice snorted.
"And so pale."
"Maybe someday you'll find someone to like your ugly self."
The taunting always came after the bully beat down. It was the stereotypical terrorization of the weird chick. Lianu Jing didn't look 'normal', she knew that. Her hair was bright pink streaked with blond highlights, her eyes an angry brown, she was just a bit to pale, not to short, not to tall, and didn't mind carrying her back pack wherever she went.
Or at least a purse.
"Someday, you'll understand." one of Lianu's tormentor's cooed. "You're just a freak."
"Freak."
Lianu squeezed her eyes tight, trying to curl into a tighter ball. Maybe, just maybe if she curled in tight enough, she wouldn't be able to hear that taunting voice...
"She is NOT a freak!" a voice cried out, and sighs came from Lianu's bullies.
"It's the new girl." one of the bullies said, "doesn't know her place yet."
"Get lost, girl."
"No! What you're doing is wrong! It isn't right!"
"And what are you going to do about it?" the lead tormentor scoffed.
"Miss Honda isn't going to do anything. I am." Lianu could hear the voice of the Headmaster, and she hesitantly opened her eyes.
Yep, Headmaster Sotoko was there.
He stood, frowning, next to a timid looking brunette. The new girl. Lianu realized. The girl's blue eyes were worried, and the bright blue eyes darted from the Headmaster to the bullies and back, fearfully. Lianu could tell the new girl wanted to cry, and Lianu wanted to tell her to toughen up.
"Thank you for informing me on this issue, Miss Honda. Here at Tottori we have a zero tolerance for violence. Shame on you. All of you. Report to my office immediately for disciplinary actions. Now."
"Yes sir." the tormentors grumbled, and Lianu watched thankfully as they all left. Lianu started to pull herself up, and grimaced. Those girls really did a number on me... hands immediately reached out to help the pink haired girl, and she accepted Miss Honda's help gratefully.
"Are you okay? Please tell me you're not to badly injured! That would be just terrible!" the girl cried sadly, and Lianu wanted to roll her eyes.
"I'm good."
"Oh thank goodness, when I saw what was going on...it was just awful." the girl shook her head, biting her lip trying to fight back tears. "I'm Tohru."
"Lianu." she responded.
"Let me help you home, okay?" Tohru said, and before Lianu could protest they were heading off school grounds. This girl's kinda different. Lianu decided before they had made it even half a block from Tottori. For one, she keeps babbling.
"Tohru," Lianu broke in. "chill."
"Oh, sorry. Am I talking to much? Whoops, sorry!"
Yeah, definitely different.
"This is it." Lianu nodded, and Tohru helped the girl up to the oddly painted house. Tohru helped the injured girl up to the orange painted door, and waited calmly while Lianu unlocked it.
"Well, I hope you feel better soon. And remember," Tohru seemed to hesitate over her next few words, and her tone softened, "it's okay to fight back. Using your fists...it doesn't always work. It can get you a bad reputation, but you have to stand up for yourself every now and then. If you keep letting yourself get pushed over, you'll always get pushed over. A heart can feel so much, but it can also only take so much as well."
Lianu was actually speechless.
"Um, well, yeah, I better get going." Tohru babbled, turning to go.
"Oh, Lianu, you're home, and you brought a friend! How wonderful!" a cheerful voice exclaimed, and an older version of Lianu came to stand in the doorway. "Lianu, where's your manners? Invite this girl in."
"Ya wanna come in?" Lianu asked dutifully, and a considerate smile crossed the blue eyed girl's face.
"I don't want to be any trouble," she murmured.
"Nonsense! Absolute nonsense, you're no trouble at my dear!" Mrs. Jing smiled, and motioned for the girl to come to the doorway. "Lianu! You got into another fight? Oh no...sweetie."
"It's nothin'." Lianu sighed. "Probably won't be happening anymore."
"Well, that's a relief."
"Yeah, it is." Lianu replied.
"Would you like something to eat, Tohru? Anything to drink?" Mrs. Jing asked.
"No, I'm fine. But thank you for offering," Tohru smiled.
"Well, I'm baking some treats in the kitchen, do you mind if I steal my daughter away for a moment?"
"Of course not! This is your home, I'm just a guest, please, take your time."
"Be back in a minute," Mrs. Jing said, and Lianu followed her mom into the kitchen. "Well, who is this girl?" Mrs. Jing asked curiously.
"Tohru Honda, she kinda saved me from the bullies," Lianu replied quietly.
"Oh my,"
"Yep. She got the Headmaster involved."
"I've told you to tell him! I've told you. This is a good thing, now the faculty can actually watch out for you."
"Yeah..." Lianu trailed off.
"We should do something for her. She looked out for you, we need to look out for her. Somehow.." Mrs. Jing mused. "Tohru dear," she called out, and then headed toward where she had left the blue eyed girl. Tohru was seated on the sofa, looking around curiously. She smiled when the older Jing walked in. "do you need to call your mother to let her know where you are?"
"...My mom passed away." Tohru said quietly, eyes down cast, and the Jing women shared a pained look.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to bring up any-"
"It's fine, I'm okay." Tohru said quickly, trying to wave off their apologies. "It's almost been a year now. I'm fine."
"Then do you need to call your father?" Lianu asked carefully.
"He died when I was three."
"Then who are you staying with?!" Mrs. Jing exclaimed.
"...No one."
The Jings shared a look. It was crazy, absolutely crazy, but there was one thing they could do for this poor girl.
"You're staying with us."