*Muse Tunes: "Daydream" by Jillian Edwards, "Like a Scene from a Movie" by Masaru Yokoyama

CHAPTER 6 – The Show Must Go On

That night Tohru slept soundly, for once uninterrupted by the shadowy figures that so often haunted her dreams.

She had slept so deeply, in fact, that when she finally awoke the next morning, she was shocked to find the sun already high in the sky. Not only had she slept in, but for the first time in longer than she could remember she felt completely refreshed, even excited to see what the day ahead would bring. Stretching languorously, she enjoyed a moment of pure indulgence as she lingered in bed to replay every detail of the previous day's encounter with the intriguing Mr. Handsome in her head.

Kyo, she corrected herself. A huge grin suddenly broke across Tohru's face.

The name suited him.

Her smile diminished slightly when she recalled the accident—or rather almost-accident—that had precipitated their chance meeting on the street. Had she been a more suspicious person she might have worried more about how, out of all the people in Tokyo, he could be there right when she needed him. Instead, she chose to see it as a lucky coincidence. Regardless of how or why he was there, there was no doubt in her mind that her erstwhile rescuer had saved her life, even if now the whole episode was little more than a blur. In fact, everything happened so quickly she couldn't recall much of the incident itself beyond the screeching of tires and the fearsome look on Kyo's face as he leaned over her, her small form pinned between cold hard pavement and six-feet-plus of lean, sinewy man. That had been shocking in and of itself, but not what kept her thoughts returning over and over again to that moment.

It was his eyes that had captivated her. Eyes that had been full of such powerful emotion she could feel his body trembling with the force of it. It had been that look that made her reach out to him; to want to somehow soothe away the pain, only to be startled by his violent reaction to her touch. Yet somehow even that, looking back, seemed to fit with what she was learning of his character. She thought it was sort of cute (was it weird that she thought it was cute?) …and then on impulse invited him to lunch… (whatever possessed her to invite him to lunch?) In the end she was glad she did but at the time it had been utterly nerve-wracking.

He'd been a little gruff at first, a little awkward, but very sweet…and even charming once he let himself relax. Tohru had hoped spending a little time with him would satisfy her curiosity but instead it had only grown exponentially. She had so many questions! And yet those things she most wanted to know were the things she had not been brave enough to ask on such a brief acquaintance.

His hair color for instance.

Ever since she learned about it, Tohru pondered what shade of red it was. Did it lean more toward ginger or auburn? Was it a subtle red or as bright as flickering candlelight? Was it as silky soft to the touch as it appeared? To this last thought she could not help but blush, but she still wondered.

Tohru wondered too what shade his eyes must be and became frustrated when she couldn't conjure a satisfactory image of them in her head. Oh, why hadn't she simply asked when she had the chance! She'd never before been so frustrated by her color blindness as she was trying to see him the way the rest of the world must. Yet despite this disappointment Tohru could not deny he was a handsome man no matter what his true coloring may be.

Besides, it was not only his looks which intrigued (and, if she were honest, unnerved) her. Kyo was an enigma—at turns complex and familiar. They barely knew each other and yet it almost felt as if they'd always known each other in that odd paradoxical way she'd heard about but never experienced herself. It gave her a strange, fluttery sensation in the pit of her stomach…on the knife's edge between pleasure and fear. Kyo seemed genuine but what did she really know about him? Not that she was afraid, exactly…or perhaps fear wasn't the right word for what she was feeling. There was a great deal too many "good" butterflies mixed in with the uncertainty for such a decisive term.

Confused?

It certainly felt like it. She wanted to learn more about him…needed to know much, much more. The nervous energy grew at the thought of just how she might go about peeling back the layers that made up such a man. She knew she was getting ahead of herself but even someone as dense as she could tell by halfway through their meal he was openly flirting with her…wasn't he? Or had it all just been wishful thinking?

So, what did that make her now? Cautiously optimistic…or optimistically cautious?

Tohru had never been the brightest crayon in the box but life on her own, if nothing else, had taught her to be wearier of the intentions of others. Especially young, attractive men. After all, the incident with Mitsuo Yamada was hardly the first time someone tried to take advantage of her sweet nature. Kyo had done nothing thus far to make her distrust him, but she would be lying if she said her strong reaction to him hadn't at least given her pause.

How she wished she had someone to talk to about all this! Unfortunately, the girls were both at work until late and she didn't trust anyone else enough to confide in. She would have to wait until she saw Hanajima tomorrow and by then she knew she would tie herself into knots just thinking about it. All the while she couldn't help but still wonder when she might see him again. She had impulsively given him her phone number. Would he call today or was it too soon to hope…?

A breathy laugh escaped Tohru's lips. Since when was she the type of girl to lay around the house mooning over some guy she just met? With a soft huff she threw off the covers and quickly climbed out of the bed. What she needed was a distraction. Something to take her mind off things for a little…Ah-ha!

Zeroing in on the business card left on her nightstand Tohru smiled.

Perfect.

Forty-five minutes later Tohru stood outside of a quaint little shop with a glossy sign displaying the same words that were printed on the card in her hand:

Ayame - Most Trusted - Most Caring.

She wasn't quite sure what that was supposed to mean but she shrugged and entered the store anyway. A bell above the door tinkled merrily announcing her entry.

"Be right with you!" a muffled voice called from somewhere deeper inside the store, followed by a strange series of shuffling noises before a dark head popped into view. "Welcome to Ayame's how may I serve you—"

Tohru blinked. Whatever she was expecting it wasn't a be-speckled girl in a maid outfit... or rather woman as she clearly was, at second glance, a woman in her late twenties—maybe early thirties. The maid froze mid-curtsey; the smile on her face similarly frozen as the words seemed to die in her mouth mid-thought.

"Um…hello," Tohru replied with a polite bow.

"Hello?" The maid repeated, staring blankly at her.

"Hi," Tohru drawled nervously, hoping the sudden uneasiness she was feeling wasn't showing on her face. When the maid didn't offer any further commentary, she began to fidget. "I'm sorry, but do you sell…dresses…here?"

"What? Yes, yes of course! Wait right there, the boss will know just the thing!"

"Wait, but I— "

"Boss! Boooossss!" The maid called as she disappeared behind a curtain she could only assume led to the back of the store. Tohru sighed, wondering what she just got herself into. With a moment to herself she took the time to really take in her surroundings and her brows lifted. The storefront was filled with neat rows of brightly colored yarns and fabrics, ribbons and laces and sundry other handicraft supplies. If there were any clothes for sale here Tohru had a sinking feeling they would not be readymade let alone affordable. Certain now there must be some mistake she started edging towards the exit when the maid appeared again, this time with one of the most striking figures she had ever seen in tow.

She did not often think of men as beautiful but in this case the term seemed the most suitable to describe the man that now stood in front of her. He was slim and tall and immaculately dressed, with long flowing hair and delicate, almost feminine features. Like his assistant his eyes widened when he spotted her but instead of freezing like she had his smile grew two times the size. Tohru could not help but feel like a deer in the headlights as he glided up to her and executed a flowery bow better suited to royalty than a potential customer.

"Greetings, ma petite joux joux! I am Ayame, the proprietor of this fine establishment, and this," he waved his hand towards the be-speckled maid, "is my lovely assistant, Mine."

"Um…pleased to meet you. I'm Tohru Honda," Tohru replied disjointedly.

"The pleasure is all mine Tohru-chan! Now, tell me how we might assist. Do you prefer Nurse? Sailor? Bunny?"

"...Nurse?...Bunny?" Tohru pronounced slowly. When Ayame and Mine simply exchanged a look she shuffled nervously. "I-I think there's been a misunderstanding…I'm just looking for a dress."

"A dress? Why of course you are looking for a dress, and why wouldn't you come to me with such a momentous task? I am the best in town. It would be an honor and a pleasure to create the wedding gown of your dreams!"

"Not a wedding dress! Just a regular one. For a concert!" Tohru squeaked, the very idea sending her into a fluster.

"A concert…?" Ayame repeated, looking at her curiously.

"The symphony. Tomorrow afternoon. Look, Mr. Ayame, I'm sure you are very…talented…but as I said, there's been a misunderstanding. I was given your card by a shop girl at one of the stores I was browsing yesterday. I had thought she was sending me to another clothing store, not a tailor. I-I'm sorry, but I'm not really sure that…I-I mean, there wouldn't be enough time and…I don't really think I could afford—"

Tohru flushed as the proper words failed her but by then Ayame was looking at her almost speculatively.

"Mmm, I see," Ayame replied seriously as he looked her up and down. "Yes, indeed I do. I cannot bear to say 'no' to a pretty face so I will let you in on a little secret, princess. While it's true I usually create custom pieces on commission, when the muse hits me, I must simply create! Thus the result, as you can imagine, is a closet full of items simply begging for someone to come along and snatch them up. I am confident we will find what you need …" he continued, gently guiding Tohru across the room even as she started articulating her argument. "…and as the next likely destination for these poor, unfortunate creations is the clearance rack I can safely say we can work out a price that works out for the both of us, don't you think?"

By the time Ayame had finished speaking he had ushered Tohru into the back of the store with Mine trailing gleefully behind them. She had only a glimpse of a cozy sitting area and office before they turned down a hallway and entered a large room filled with rack after rack of clothing in just about every shape and size.

"Whoa," Tohru breathed. "You made all of this yourself, Mr. Ayame?"

"Indeed I did!" Ayame crowed proudly. "Mine helped of course, but they were all designed by yours truly."

"That is quite impressive!"

"I agree, I am very impressive," Ayame preened as he flipped his hair and strutted across the room to one of the racks.

Tohru watched in awe as he quickly flipped through the items on the rack, softly speaking with Mine as he went, picking up and putting down several pieces before he held out a pretty, floor length gown.

"What do you think about this, Tohru-chan?"

"Umm…it's very pretty, but perhaps a little too formal for an afternoon show?" she ventured.

"Hmm, yes I see what you mean," he said as he put it back and picked out another, this one much shorter with some sort of pattern of ruffles and flounces she figured she would have to see on in order to appreciate. "And this?"

Tohru walked over to get a closer look, fingering one of the flounces curiously and finding the material to be made of a very silky, supple material. "What color is it?" she asked curiously and blushed when Ayame and Mine both look momentarily startled at her question. She was grateful when instead of asking what she meant Ayame simply answered her question.

"It is royal blue…perfectly suited to a princess such as yourself," he replied, making Tohru giggle.

"It's a little much for her, don't you think boss?" Mine asked, making hand gestures she could only assume was some commentary on her figure (or lack of one).

"Quite right, quite right, my dear," Ayame replied as he went to another rack and repeated the process, muttering something about 'clean lines' and 'pastels' that she couldn't quite understand.

Within a few short minutes they had a pile of dresses for her to try on in various cuts with interesting sounding colors such as robins' egg, coral reef, and sea foam. Through Ayame's detailed descriptions she could almost see the colors herself and she nearly teared up in gratitude at the extra pains he took to ensure she could experience the dresses the best she could. That being said, she could not deny she was so overwhelmed by the selection awaiting her in the dressing room that she nearly jumped out of her skin when Mine approached.

"Shall we get you changed?" she asked, giving Tohru's arms a comforting squeeze.

A couple of hours later Tohru was exhausted but pleased with her final selection: a deceptively simple A-line dress in the very lightest shade of rose petal pink (or so she was told—all Tohru knew was it was the nicest dress she had ever owned). It included a pretty bow and a confection of the sweetest little rosettes worked throughout the bodice, trailing like vines through the waistline. Ayame even threw in a matching shawl and a strappy pair of heels that were thankfully short enough for Tohru to walk in. In total it was more than she would normally spend on an outfit, but it was far less than she would've paid at any of the stores she'd gone to yesterday. She didn't know why he and Mine had been so nice to her, but she could only be grateful for their kindness.

As she left the store that day Tohru looked back in through the window to wave goodbye to the pair one last time. She didn't know why but her heart squeezed painfully when she noticed Mine clasp one of Ayame's hands in hers. In that moment she couldn't help but wonder why they looked so sad or if it was only a trick of the light that made her think so.

Saturday…

The call came unexpectedly, just as Tohru was finishing up her shower.

She squeaked at the sound of the familiar melody blasting loud enough to hear over the running water and uncharacteristically cursed as she nearly killed herself attempting to jump out the shower, suds and all.

"Hi-yes-hello?" she blurted into the phone, her heart racing so loudly she strained to hear the voice on the other end.

"Tohru?"

Tohru's breath left her all at once. "Hana-chan."

"Were you expecting someone else?" her friend asked amusedly.

"No of course not! I was just surprised," Tohru insisted, glad Hanajima wasn't there to see her telling blush.

"I'm afraid I call with bad tidings."

"Oh no! Is everyone okay? Is your family…?"

"Everyone is fine, dear Tohru, it's nothing like that."

"Thank goodness!"

"But something has happened that will have bearing on our plans today. I just got a call from the wedding venue. There's been an emergency and they need once of us to come down. Since Rico is out of town that means…"

"O-oh," Tohru muttered softly, disappointment washing over her at this news.

"I'm sorry, Tohru. I was looking forward to our girl's night," Hana said sincerely. "But that doesn't mean you can't go yourself if you wish to. The tickets are at the box office, I could call and let them know you'll be picking them up instead if you're still interested."

"That's…possible?" Tohru asked, perking up.

"Leave it to me, sweet Tohru. There's two tickets so invite someone else to go if you want…maybe even your mystery caller? Or go alone if you're comfortable with it. The night is yours."

"Oh, thank you Hana-chan! It would be more fun with you there, but I would still really love to see it if it's truly alright. I've never been to the symphony before."

"Of course it's alright my dear friend. Enjoy yourself tonight. I want to hear all about it at the dress fitting."

With some additional words of gratitude, the two exchanged their farewells and hung up. Tohru returned to her shower, her mind wandering in circles as she washed the rest of the soap away. Such a shame Hana-chan couldn't go…if only she could invite Kyo to come along. She realized too late that she'd given him her number but never got his in return. Not that it would've mattered. It was far too short notice to ask anyway. She would have to go alone and that was just fine with her. It would be like an adventure!

The butterflies started once she truly began the process of getting ready. First low in her belly as she scooped her hair up into a pretty chignon, only to increase in intensity as she moved on to her makeup. By the time she slipped on the dress the feeling was so intense she thought they might fly out of her chest in a burst of color…and here she hadn't even left the house yet!

She had a good laugh at that thought and managed to calm herself down until the cab pulled up in front of her door. Then the butterflies started up all over again. A huge grin broke across Tohru's face. She was ready…

Or at least that was what she thought until the cab dropped her off out front of the concert hall and she was immediately overwhelmed by the size of the building. The place was huge and already crowded.

Tohru thought perhaps once she collected her ticket and went in that the place would be less intimidating, but somehow it looked even larger on the inside! She almost felt like a princess walking through the lobby in her fancy dress, in awe of its vaulted ceilings and marble floors.…and yet she couldn't help but feel a little out of place too. It wasn't until she reached the second floor where the space was a little more intimate that she truly begun to feel the magic of the place. This was where the milling crowds were convalescing before the show, enjoying conversation and light refreshments before going to their seats. Their energy was catching, increasing her excitement even as she caught glimpses of the stage and the orchestra warming up through the doors leading into the main hall.

With no one to talk to Tohru found herself heading to the bar to distract herself with something bubbly to sip on as she soaked in her surroundings. She'd been strolling through the crowd and people-watching for some time when she noticed the poster on a sandwich board propped up just outside of the theater doors. Intrigued, Tohru approached the board to get a better look. It was a rather straightforward poster: a dark background with a single spotlight shining down on a young man with tousled hair playing the violin.

"Momiji Sohma: The Farewell Tour," she read aloud. Farewell tour…but he's so young!

She couldn't help but wonder what would make someone talented enough to deem their own poster quit in the prime of their career…if that's even what was happening. She supposed she would never know. Staring at the poster it began to bug her that she couldn't clearly see his face. Maybe her seats would be close enough to get a better look.

A short distance away stood two figures discretely watching the girl in pink, one casually leaning against the wall, the other with his arms crossed loosely across his chest.

"Is that Honda?"

"Yes."

There was a low whistle of appreciation. "She's looking hot."

"Haru."

"What? Honda's always been cute. She's leveled up since the last time I saw her."

"Try not to forget why we're here."

"And why is that?"

When his dark-haired companion simply gave him a hard look in response Haru rolled his eyes. "I know why we're here; I want to know why I am and not Sensei."

"He has business elsewhere," Hatori replied in a tone that said the topic was closed.

The doctor frowned at the thought of his life-long friend. He hadn't lied exactly. Something was going on with Shigure lately. His cunning friend was obviously up to something, he just wasn't sure what. It was concerning. Glancing back up at Tohru Honda, he hoped whatever it was didn't affect her.

Hatori could feel his nerves relaxing as he watched the girl, looking pretty and happy in one of Ayame's dresses. It was ironic really that she would select one (according to Aya's gushing last night) that had been inspired by her in the first place. Without her knowing it she had picked a dress that had literally been made for her.

"I admit…it is nice to see her looking so well," Hatori begrudgingly conceded, offering a small smile.

"Why doc, I am astonished," Haru drawled, tsking at him. "Don't let Shiraki hear you talking that way! She might think you're two-timing her with a younger woman."

"I doubt it," Hatori said, his face instantly shuttering at his words. "Mayu and I are…on a break," he confessed. He wasn't even sure why he was admitting it to Haru of all people but he immediately felt better for having said it out loud.

"What? Why?"

Hatori sighed. "It's complicated."

"I mean, she knows right…about everything? I thought you told her a long time ago?" Haru asked, truly shocked at this news.

"Yes, she knows."

"Then I ask again. Why?"

"Knowing something and experiencing it are two different things. I think she realized...truly realized how serious I was when I said we could probably never get married or have kids. When we first talked about it she said it didn't matter, but with every passing year I see a little more of the light die in her eyes. That is why I suggested we take a break. I don't doubt Mayu loves me as much as I love her but...she needs time to come to terms with what it means…for her and for us. It is the only way forward." When Haru didn't comment Hatori finally glanced back at him to see the younger man looking contemplative. "What about you and Isuzu?"

"What about us?" Haru asked looking up at him in surprise.

"Do you never have any doubts?"

"I…would maybe not compare yourself to us. Rin and I…we've never really been the conventional type. Marriage…kids…might never have been in the cards even if we weren't still as restricted as you are. We're happy as we are so long as we're together and that's good enough for me."

"You really never think about the future?"

"Just because Akito hasn't interfered doesn't mean he accepts us. Realistically, 'now' is all we might ever get. Better to make the most if it."

Both Sohma men fell quiet after the blunt honesty of Haru's words. It was a truth they had all lived with for years but rarely voiced out loud. Too many emotions were attached to that line of thought for too close of an inspection. Both pair of eyes instead turned back to Tohru, who was still contemplating the concert poster as she lightly sipped at her drink.

"Do you think they've seen each other?" Haru asked. "I mean, Honda and Kyo. Not that she would recognize him now, but do you think…?"

It took a moment for Hatori to realize what he meant. He opened his mouth to answer when by chance he noticed a familiar profile from across the room. With his height and coloring it wasn't hard to see him through the crowd. "If he hasn't yet that's probably about to change," Hatori murmured.

Haru looked confused until Hatori gestured with his head. "Is that-?" Haru blurted, his eyebrows shooting up to his hairline.

"Do you know anyone else with that hair?"

"I'll be damned," Haru muttered, staring unabashedly at Kyo. Hatori couldn't really blame him. It was the first time either of them had laid eyes on the former cat in person since that terrible night five years ago. Then, he had just been crossing the precipice from boyhood into manhood. Now, time and distance from the Sohmas had completed the process...

"Hey, you don't think they're actually here together?" Haru asked as an afterthought.

"I don't think so," Hatori replied, internally wondering if it would improve or complicate the circumstances if they were. "Looks like he's here with other people," he added, pointing out the man and woman Kyo was walking with.

Haru snorted. "If he sees her all bets are off no matter who he's with."

"You're assuming he's still—"

"Would any amount of time change how you feel about Shiraki?"

"No of course not."

"Then why would you think it has for him? Trust me. If he sees her, he's not leaving here without her."

"I wouldn't be so sure, Hatsuharu, when we're not the only ones to have taken an interest," Hatori replied with another discrete gesture in Tohru's direction. By this time, she had handed her empty glass to a passing attendant and was making her way into the main hall. Not one but two men in nondescript suits broke away from the crowd to follow her a little too-nonchalantly to be coincidence.

He couldn't see Haru from his current position, but he could very well picture the look on his face as his cousin swore a blue streak under his breath. Hatori had a feeling they were thinking along the same lines: Tohru...Momiji...Kyo...and them, and now a couple of unknowns in the mix with suspicious intentions. With so many players here in one place the stage was set for fireworks. Whether it would end in tears or a reunion still remained to be seen. As they made their way inside he could hear the orchestra warming up their instruments and could only agree with Haru's murmured pronouncement as the door swung closed behind them.

"Showtime."