Spring Comes
(Third-Person POV)
*Kyo was running through the house like a maniac, looking for something. Then he went to the living room, where Yuki & Shigure were watching TV*
Kyo: Hey! I can't find them! They're gone!
Shigure: Don't get your whiskers in a knote, they said said they were going out to visit a friend.
Yuki: Are you incapable of listening when people talk?
*Kyo's face turned red*
Kyo: They never go out, what am I supposed to think!?
Shigure: Well, I'd say Kyo's hissy fit has shown us just how much a part of the household the Honda twins have become. He's positively lost without our fair maiden and her dear brother.
(Kazuko's POV)
*Tohru & I stood in front of the main gate of the Sohma Estate, amazed at the size of it*
Kazuko:*in his mind* Whoa. This place it huge. We came within telling the guys just Hatori told us to, but I'm starting to wonder if we should have told them anyway.
*Suddenly, we heard a voice that made us jump*
Momiji:*off-screen* Tohru! Kazuko! *we looked up & saw Momiji on the wall, waving down at us**on-screen* Hallo! *Tohru started freaking out* You're both right on time.
Tohru: I'm sorry, you startled me!
*The gates started to open. Momiji was waiting on the other side*
Momiji: Come on in. Welcome to the Sohma Estate.
Kazuko: Uh . . . Thanks. It's really . . . Something.
Tohru: Yeah . . .
Momiji: Hari's house is down this way!
*He lead us down a street, lined with houses that all looked similar. There was no one around & it was really quiet. Probably too quiet. Soon, we arrived at Hatori's house*
Hatori: Welcome to me home. *Tohru was trying to catch her breath* I didn't realize the walk here was so difficult.
Tohru: Oh, it's not.
Hatori: Come on in and have a seat. Momiji, bring us something to drink.
Momiji: Ya!
Tohru: A drink sounds great. Thanks.
Kazuko: Yeah . . . Thanks.
(Fruits Basket - Opening Theme - Again)
(Kazuko's POV)
*We both took out coats off as we stepped into his office. It was pretty much what you'd expect from a doctor's office. Neat, clean, and everything in it's proper place. The only thing that seemed out of the ordinary to me was a framed picture he had on his desk of a young adult woman with light brown hair, light brown eyes, & fair skin*
Kazuko:*in his mind* Didn't think we'd see something like that on his desk. He doesn't seem like the type of person to keep something like that. *I noticed Tohru was starting to look scared. I put my hand on her shoulder**out loud* Tohru, whatever you think is going on, don't worry. I'm sure he just wants to talk to us about something.
Tohru: Yeah . . . You're probably right.
Momiji:*off-screen* Tohru? *we turned around & saw him, holding a tray of tea**on-screen* What's the matter? Do you feel sick? Hari is a doctor.
Tohru: Oh no! I'm absolutely fine! I swear!
Momiji: Kay. Then why don't we go ahead and sit down.
*All three of us sat down around the coffee table & sipped our tea. Hatori soon came in*
Kazuko: So, Hatori. Do you work at a hospital? Did you have to take time off to meet us?
Hatori: No. I don't treat anyone outside of the Sohma Clan. I'm the family doctor. Though, half my job is babysitting it's head. Constantly getting sick is Akito's specialty.
Momiji: Plus, all of the Sohmas are super busy today. So nobody will stop by for am exam.
Tohru: Oh.
Momiji: They're getting ready for New Year's! It's a big event here for us. So, outside people will pitch in to help with the preparations too. And not just inside ones.
Kazuko: Outside?
Tohru: Inside?
Momiji: Yep! See, the members of the main family are on the inside. Remember the treeline road? The one that leads to the front gate? We call the residents of that area outside people. I think there are about . . . A hundred? A hundred of them. There are another fifty living on the inside. And all 150 of us are Sohmas.
Tohru: That's a really big family!
Kazuko: No kidding. *in his mind* How do they keep track of them all?
Momiji: The only people who can live inside are Zodiac members like us. Or people who know our secret. Shi-Chan and Yuki are gone now. But they used to live here too. Kyo was outside though.
Hatori: I don't know how skilled either of you are at math, but that means even within the Sohma family, a full 2/3 aren't aware of the Zodiac secret. So, perhaps you can see how outrageous it is for complete strangers like you to know it. Ordinarily, I would have wiped both of your memories as soon as you learned about it. But Akito hasn't given me the order to, for whatever reason. Tell me, do you both enjoy living at Shigure's house?
*Tohru smiled*
Tohru: Yes. I do.
Kazuko: We both do. They're very kind to us.
Hatori: I recommend moving out immediately. *we both froze at that* Stay away from the Sohmas from now on. You seemed to think our possessed family is fascinating. Maybe even delightful. But it's not. We're monstrous. Lonesome. Cursed. *the more I listened to him talk, the more I felt my blood boil* So listen when I tell you both. Leave before you regret ever associating with the Sohmas. Make no mistake, Akito is trying to us both of you.
BAM!
*I slammed my fists on the coffee table. Tohru & Momiji turned to me with a flinch, but Hatori didn't seem fazed*
Kazuko: I don't care what you or anyone else in your family says. You can't make us leave. *I stood up & glared at him* I will not make Tohru go back to that house with those bastards!
*Tohru stood up & put her hands on my shoulder & chest*
Tohru: Kazuko, stop! Calm down!
*I just kept my glare on him. Suddenly, the doorbell rang*
Hatori: Wait here for a moment.
*I slowly sat back down*
Kazuko:*in his mind* What the heck was he talking about? Cursed? What's that supposed to mean?
Momiji: You should know. *we both looked at him* Hari is almost entirely blind in his left eye. He used to have a girlfriend. Her name was Kana. She was really nice. They were even going to get married. But Akito got angry. So, so angry. Said they weren't allowed to get married. Then lashed out and injured Hari's eye. But you know what? Hari never blamed Akito. *we all got up from the coffee table & went to the backyard* As for Kana, she blamed herself. She said it was her fault he got hurt. She felt so guilty she became depressed. Like she'd never be happy again. Finally, Hari decided to erase Kana's memories. He couldn't stand to watch her fall apart anymore. So, he took away all the memories of them being in love. Kana left the estate. Hari cried when she went. But even then, he didn't blame Akito.
Tohru: Why not?
Momiji: Because. That's the curse. Hari doesn't want to see any more people end up like Kana. He doesn't want either of you to hurt by the curse like she did. *Tohru fell to her knees & started crying. I got on my knees too & hugged her* Wait, are you crying? *he got up & went to us* Oh no! Did you make you cry? Tohru, I'm so sorry.
Tohru: It's not that. It's just . . . Hatori's so kind to be worried about us. Whatever happens, I'm glad we met all of you.
Kazuko: Me too. Even if he's right about us being used for some reason, I guess we can only feel grateful for it. And I know we'll never regret meeting Yuki, Kyo, Shigure, or any of you. If it weren't for them, we wouldn't have a place to call home.
Momiji: And me too?
Tohru & Kazuko: Huh?
Momiji: Are you glad that you met me!
Tohru: Of course we are.
Kazuko: Always.
*He just smiled at us. Just then,
Shigure:*off-screen* Don't look so glum, you three. *we turned around & saw Shigure standing behind Hatori**on-screen* I promise we're not using the twins.
Tohru & Momiji: Shigure/Shi-Chan!
Shigure: Doc Hatori here can be melodramatic. It's a character flaw.
*Tohru & I stood up*
Kazuko: What are you doing here?
Shigure: My gut! It told me to come, Kazuko! It's a novelist thing. I have a keen sixth sense.
Hatori: Clearly a lie. You only came to check on the New Year's preparations.
*Tohru & I looked stunned at their behavior*
Shigure: Oh, the common folk are quick envy genius. Tragic really.
Hatori: Genius? More like slacker.
Momiji: You'd never guess it, but those two are best friends.
Shigure: Honestly. With all the worrying you do, it's a wonder you're not bald yet. I keep telling you Akito doesn't mean any harm to the twins, but you refuse to believe me. And now you've gone and scared the poor kids. What if they actually move out?
*We both went up to Hatori*
Tohru: Please. It's okay, really. Just knowing you were concerned about us means a lot, thank you.
*She bowed me him*
Kazuko: Yeah, thanks. But you didn't have to be so mean about it. So, we're going to stay at Shigure's house for now.
Hatori: Very well. *he put a camera on her head* Be sure to take this with you. *she stood up & held the camera* It's the camera from the Culture Festival.
Tohru: Why give it to us?
Hatori: Our deal. Have you forgotten it already. Told you that if you and your brother came here, I would surrender the camera to you.
(Flashback)
Hatori: If you don't show up, I trust you know what'll happen.
(Present Time)
*Tohru & I both froze*
Kazuko:*in his mind* That's not what he said at all! I guess these are "my way or the highway" types of people.
Hatori: I forgot. I haven't introduced either of you to Akito.
Tohru: Um . . . It's okay, really. I don't mind.
Kazuko: Yeah. Me neither. *in his mind* I'd like to avoid meeting him, if at all possible.
Tohru: I was wondering though, you're a member of the Zodiac too, right? Which of the spirits are you?
*Shigure started laughing*
Shigure: Now that's an excellent question and the answers hilarious!
*Hatori started to look really angry*
Hatori: I'll call your publisher and tell them every embarrassing thing you've done since you were four.
Shigure: Right. Lips sealed.
*Hatori turned back to us*
Hatori: I apologize for today. All was make one of you cry and the other one angry. I'm sorry.
*We were both a little surprised by his apology*
*Later, we both had our coats back on & were outside with
Shigure: I'll stay for a bit. I still need to take sneak a peek at the celebration set up.
Momiji: And I've got a dance rehearsal tomorrow get to.
Tohru: Dance?
Shigure: Yes. It's sort of like a ritual we perform every New Year's years. Now, Hatori. You behave yourself around these youngsters.
*Hatori started to leave*
Hatori: Let's go.
Kazuko: Okay.
Momiji: Bye!
Tohru: We'll see you later!
Kazuko: Bye, Momiji.
*All three of us walked through the estate in silence. It was starting to get awkward*
Tohru: So, is it true that you're best friends? You and Shigure?
*He started to look uncomfortable*
Hatori: Us? Best friends?
*Tohru started freaking out*
Tohru: Well, that's what Momiji said! But, but, but maybe he was wrong!
Hatori: I'm stuck with him, that's all
Kazuko:*in his mind* Guess he doesn't want to talk about it.
Hatori: Hey, watch your step.
*Suddenly, Tohru tripped on the first step of a flight of stairs. Hatori got to her before I could & there was a puff of purple smoke*
Kazuko: Are you guys okay? I -
*We both stopped when we saw a seahorse in Hatori's place. Tohru started freaking out again*
Tohru: What do we do!? Water! Wait, hold on! Which kind of water does he need!? Fresh water or salt water!?
Kazuko: Tohru, calm down! Just help me gather up his clothes!
Tohru: R - Right!
*We took him to a nearby bench & laid him down. An hour later, he turned back. Tohru turned around while I quickly put his clothes back on. Soon, he woke up*
Tohru: Hatori! Hatori! Can you hear me!?
Kazuko: Are you okay? How do you feel?
Hatori: Fine. Still a little cold though. So, you both saw?
Tohru: Oh, no! I didn't look! I promise!
Hatori: Saw mt Zodiac form?
Kazuko: Well, yeah.
*He started to look depressed*
Tohru: I don't think it's weird or anything! It's great! And of course there's a surprise factor, I mean who doesn't love a good surprise!? Oh, your shoes! They're probably back by the stairs! I'll just go and get them!
*She ran off & I saw down next to him*
Kazuko: So . . . You're the dragon, right? *Hatori looked at me in surprise* Don't look so surprised. It does say in mythology that seahorses are baby dragons.
*Hatori was about to say so when we heard a voice behind us*
Mayuko: So, you're finally getting married, huh? Congratulations, Kana.
*I recognized that voice as Shiraki-Sensei, our homeroom teacher. I looked out of the corner of my eye & saw the woman from the picture, but with long hair*
Kana: Thanks, Mayuko.
Woman: Well, what's the lucky man like?
Kana: Huh. My heart always feels calm when I'm with him. His face isn't quite as handsome as Hatori's though.
Woman: Ah, you're terrible! Don't say that!
Kana: Give me a break, he was the man of my dreams. Even if he never felt the same. I wish I'd gotten to tell him hi while I was visiting.
Mayuko: Easy, you already got a man.
Kana: And I'm madly in love with him.
*I looked back at Hatori*
Kazuko: That was her, wasn't it?
Hatori: Yes. It's been two years since I last saw her. And she's smiling like she did back then. *he looked at her with a smile* Congratulations.
*Just then, Tohru appeared with his shoes*
Tohru: I'm sorry. Congratulations for what?
Kazuko: Oh, I was just telling about my with the school swim team. Right, Hatori?
Hatori: Uh . . . Oh, yes. That's right.
*Tohru suddenly noticed something*
Tohru: Do you see that? It's snowing! No wonder you were feeling so cold earlier.
*He was quite for a a few minutes*
Kazuko: Hatori? Are you okay? You look sad.
Hatori: I'm fine. *he stood up* Tell me. What do you suppose comes of snow when it melts?
Tohru: Huh. Let me think for a second. Oh! When snow melts, spring comes.
Kazuko: Yeah. *I stood up & joined them* No matter how cold it is now, spring will come again. Pretty mysterious, huh?
*Hatori looked surprised & then smiled*
Hatori: Yes. It is.
*We made it back to the main gate*
Tohru: Thanks for walking us to the gate. I appreciate it.
Kazuko: Me too. Thank you.
Hatori: Sorry about the . . . Incident.
*Just then, Shigure walked up to us*
Shigure: You're still here? Slowpokes.
Tohru: Shigure!
Shigure: Now, Doctor. You haven't been behaving improperly, have you?
Kazuko: Relax, he's been a big help.
*Hatori started to leave*
Hatori: See you later.
Tohru: Thank you for inviting us to visit.
Kazuko: Hope to see you again soon
*He just gave us an over the shoulder wave as he walked back home*
Shigure: Poor twins. It was quite rude of him to summon you both here like that. But he's not as much of a jerk as he seems.
Tohru: Not at all. He was very kind to us.
Kazuko: Yeah. He only had our best interest in mind.
Shigure: Well. Let's get home. All this New Year's prep has me positively famished. *suddenly, a black cat drove past us. In the back seat we saw a young man with black hair, purple eyes, & pale skin, staring at us. soon it was gone* Speaking of. What are we having for dinner?
Tohru: Shigure?
Shigure: Hm?
Tohru: Will you tell us . . . About the curse? Sorry, it's just . . . It just seems like we should be doing something to help.
Shigure: And you are. Just by being yourselves. But for now, I don't think I should tell you anything more. In sorry.
Kazuko:*in his mind* After today, I feel like the more we learn about the Sohma family, the less we really know. It's feels so weird. We still haven't officially met Akito, but I hope we never do.
*When we got home, we found Yuki & Kyo asleep under the kotatsu in the living room*
Shigure: I guess it's true what they say. A kotatsu can put even the fiercest demons to sleep.
*He went to wake them up*
Kazuko:*in his mind* Well, in any case. Whatever happens. Nothing will change how much Tohru and I want to cherish what we have now. And we will. Now and forever.