A/N: This is my first shot at an AU so be kind! As expected, major OOCing...
Disclaimer: While the plot and circumstances may be somewhat original, these characters, manipulated by my puppet master skillfulness, are…not…my…own… (sigh)
Like An Open Book
Ch 1: The Wolf
"Ouch," Tohru Honda yelped as the pavement assailed her right knee. She lay face down on the sidewalk, her newly purchased nylons snagged beyond repair, and a trickling of bright blood flowing helplessly down her leg.
"Honestly, Tohru—you are a mess." The voice came from above.
Tohru peered up to see electrifying eyes staring down at her intently. Saki Hanajima shook her head as an endearing smile curved her thin lips. She fumbled through her black purse to produce a band aid. "What would you do without me?" she asked.
Tohru smiled, sheepishly. "Probably suffer a thousand gruesome injuries a day, not to mention the massive accruement of a doctor's bill, all of which I assume will end with me towing myself around in a wheelchair." She gestured to the band aid she now placed over the cut. "Where did you get this?"
"Well—being that I spend seventy percent of my time with you, it is necessary that I take the proper measures while you are under my care." She stated with a twinkle in her eye. Peering up at the traffic light, the girl in black stifled a lazy yawn. "Oh. Hurry. We can cross now." A sarcastic grin appeared. "Hmmm…perhaps you should hold my hand until we reach the other side…safely."
Tohru huffed as she stood up, her hands clinging daintily to her waste while she shot Saki a menacing glare. "I may be a klutz, but I know how to cross a street, Hana!" With that, she stomped out into the road, only to be reprimanded by a series of honks dislodged from several angry drivers. Tohru felt someone pulling her backwards, and fell into the arms of her friend.
"It appears the light has changed to red." Saki stated, chuckling.
Tohru's face flushed at her own stupidity.
"Don't worry," Hana soothed. "I'm sure they will make a 'special' wheelchair for you—perhaps even in pink," she teased, affirming Tohru's preferred color, never mind the fact that she should have long since grown out of such a bright and girly hue. Saki's laugh deepened at the sour look Tohru gave.
The severely offended friend stuck out her tongue. "Well—I'm sorry. You aren't exactly the picture of perfect elegance either, Miss Hanajima. Need I remind you of the time in grade school when you nearly trampled that unfortunate boy, Ritsu, like an elephant? Poor guy—his only desire was one dance with his beloved Saki; how could he have known what dangers would come when you so gracefully entered the dance floor? And just how many stitches did he have to get again?"
Dark peels of laughter erupted from the dancing queen as she reveled in the memory.
Tohru squinted at her reproachfully before she was driven to peer down at her watch. A grave expression settled into her green eyes. "Oh no. I can't believe this. I've made us late again." She fretted, her forehead folding in concern. "Oh, Hana—and this is your special night," She cried.
Saki shook her head carelessly. "Don't worry so much, Tohru. This is my first book. I don't expect there to be very many people there for the signing."
Tohru unleashed a frightening look before snatching the obstinate girl's wrist. "Looky here, Missy. I did not endure torturous months of pouring over that manuscript and you balling up pages of it, screaming with frustration like the devil himself, just for it to consequentially be labeled a success and for you to undermine all of your hard work!"
Saki blushed moderately, but she had long ago convinced herself that embarrassment did not become her, and she quickly trampled the sentiment beneath her mulish heel. "Tohru—it's really not that big of a—"
"Hush up Hanajima. You know trying to pull the wool doesn't fool me one bit."
Saki snickered at her nerve. But then her tone softened reluctantly. "I…could never have done it without you." Her eyes threatened to glisten.
Tohru hastened to pull her into an affectionate hug. "That's not true. You have been writing since you were in diapers." She laughed into her hair. "It's me who is a mess without you. I—I couldn't have gotten through last year if it wasn't for your guidance."
In the enclosure of her arms, Saki frowned. It wasn't unusual that Tohru was this humble when receiving a compliment. But…you are so much stronger than I am. Why can't you see that? She thought while brooding over the memories of the past year, or more importantly, one particular memory. A second later, her arms joined Tohru's, locking the girl in an embrace of her own.
The gesture caused an involuntary flinch on Tohru's part. It wasn't that she didn't want her friend to hug her, but more so that it was an action so infrequent that she could count the number of times on one hand that Saki had willingly welcomed the conduct, let alone carried it out herself.
Saki wavered at the edge of some discomfited chasm protecting her emotions. She struggled to decipher whether or not she should be annoyed or proud of herself. Tohru was constantly changing her, a feat which was about as promising as budging a mountain with one's bare hands. "We should go," she spoke, her words as frozen as her arms around the girl.
Tohru nodded and couldn't help but smile proudly as they crossed the street. Saki Hanajima had been her best friend since the third grade. In grade school, Tohru read every day during recess. While other boys and girls were playing kick ball and tag, she sat in her favorite swing and engaged herself in mystery novels for the full hour. Tohru never was the athletic type. She was so oblivious to her surroundings that she did not notice another girl with a long, black braid and glasses doing the same thing. Needless to say, they formed an instant friendship.
Hana's first book, "Zodiac Curse," was quickly approaching the best seller's list. Being that the two girls had only finished college half a year ago, it was quite an accomplishment. But higher education was below Saki as there was no need for her to pursue another degree. One only had to read a sentence or two from her work to recognize her brilliance.
Tohru, on the other hand, was taking the year off before grad school, where she would get a degree in Psychology. She wanted to counsel elementary school children. But for the time being, she was finding it increasingly difficult to manage rent while only working in a small, family owned shop for used books.
Saki's grip on Tohru's hand suddenly tightened when they entered the massive book store for her first signing. It was stunning in comparison to the small one Tohru worked in. The interior contained several floors, all of which were aligned in a maze of bookshelves. Tohru's awe escaped in an appreciative breath of air.
It took her a moment before she noticed that her friend's grip had not lessened, and she glanced at her questioningly. "Hana, what are you—?" Saki was glaring at something...or was it someone? Tohru followed the darkened gaze to find her staring at a man behind a table filled with books that could only be his own. There was a line of eager customers; all clutching the advertised book that sat next to him on the table. A huge poster of his head-shot rested beside him, a somewhat irresistible grin on his boyish face.
"What is it?" Tohru whispered.
"He is the most insufferable creature I have ever had to endure the presence of," Saki stated lethally.
Tohru was sure that the arctic intonation of her voice could strike a man dead where he stood.
This particular breed of male, however, looked up at them suddenly. Recognizing Saki, he plastered a comical smile on his face and waved.
"Ugh! He aggravates me." Saki declared, gripping her stomach as if she were sick.
"Who is he?" Tohru felt her heart flutter as his eyes settled on her curiously. He was quite attractive, though noticeably older than the two girls.
"Shigure Sohma...the man-whore." She affirmed dryly.
Tohru laughed. "What are you talking about?"
"He writes mystery novels as well—but unlike most, he has made money off of his work and now owns his own publishing company."
"Sohma," Tohru whispered, now recognizing the name. "But—Saki—how do you know him?"
Her eyes boiled with something like hatred. "Believe it or not, but he's an old friend of the family."
-
After making sure Saki had her table set up and a few pens to spare, Tohru wondered off to the mystery section in search of something to read at work for Monday. She almost felt guilty for doing it, but the tiny shop never really did get too many customers. Still, the family had been so kind to her. It was probably the reason why she hadn't already found a new job that would pay more. Tohru sighed as her fingertips scanned the various authors on the shelf. She felt an overwhelming sense of pride again when she saw Saki's book, and pulled it out. Tohru had seen it so many times before, but she never got tired of reading the dedications page.
'I dedicate this book to the Onigiri for all of her love and support. Thank you, Tohru, for always believing in me.'
She closed the book with a smile. 'Onigiri' had been her given nickname since they were ten. On a miserably boring and storm-filled afternoon during summer break, Tohru and Saki arranged to have their very own onigiri eating contest, which lasted only several minutes. After the sixth ball, Tohru ran to the trashcan to relieve herself while a laughing Saki fell to the floor still clutching her half eaten rice ball. Even now, Tohru's stomach turned when she thought about that day.
She glanced down at a few other authors. It had been a while since she read a mystery novel. Her time was so often occupied with psychology journals that she seldom picked up fiction for pleasure. Tohru's green eyes halted when a name caught their attention. There was that Sohma author Saki had mentioned earlier, the author that was downstairs signing books at that very moment. It appeared that he had written quite a lot and was as successful as her friend had alleged. She wondered what he could have possibly done to incur so much hatred.
"He's an excellent author," a voice abruptly entered her thoughts. Tohru turned rather hastily, Saki's book slipping from her grasp as she did.
Faster than her eyes could manage, the newcomer caught it easily before it hit the floor. Tohru focused on the face, and gasped when she recognized the handsome features. She observed the unruly black hair that curled around his ears and over the nape of his neck. His eyes were dark grey pools, though something blazed inside of them like two burning coals. There was an unwanted lump forming in her throat, and Tohru swallowed hard when he suddenly grinned down at her.
"You know," his voice was teasing, "It's not polite to stare."
Tohru flushed with embarrassment, and she looked away. "I—I'm sorry."
His fingers were on her chin, leading her gaze back up to his. "I don't mind. As long as I get to stare as well." His tone had dropped in octaves, and Tohru thought it vaguely resembled one of the voices of those tasteless men advertising late-night hotline numbers.
She found herself trembling as he leaned his arm against the book shelf, and his scent occupied her nostrils. Cologne. Something outdoorsy. It reminded her of her old dog, Pilo. Tohru shook the thought from her mind. A dog? What a stupid idea to have.
"You're Saki's friend, Tohru—right?"
Tohru balked. "Y—yes. But how did you—?"
"I'm a friend of the family." His smile was beguiling. "Plus, she has dedicated her book to you, hasn't she? I seem to recall you as a child. Two charming pigtails, always clad in pink, bringing over cookies—an unforgettably innocent smile. Who would have thought that you had turned out to be such a cute girl?"
Tohru's chin shot up with defiance. "That's funny…I don't recall ever seeing you."
He snickered and his dark eyes fastened covetously on her. "I don't imagine you would. You were much too young."
"Oh yeah? And how old might you be?" She inquired frankly.
His smile did not waver. "Calm down," he laughed. "I only have seven or eight years more than you do. You don't have to look at me like I'm some dirty, old man."
Tohru's laugh was curt. "Well—if the shoe fits..."
"Come now—not all of my thoughts are filled with lecherous ideals." He slanted his head toward her. "Shall I show you how nice I can really be?"
Tohru blinked stupidly, unable to respond.
"Or if you prefer a lascivious man," he went on, "I can easily make that a reality." She felt his finger softly caress her cheek.
Tohru slapped it away instinctively. "What are you—?" She took a step back. "Don't—don't touch me," she sputtered rather ineffectively. She felt her back hit the wall and realized that she was cornered.
"So—you like the nice boys, then?"
Her tongue felt like rubber. Why couldn't she speak? "I—I don't like any boys." She managed.
Shigure's hand flew to his cheek in an elegant manner that too was entrancing. "Oh! So it's women that you seek. And here I was—"
Tohru groaned, the heat from her face starting to make her dizzy. "No! That's not what I meant. I just—well…Augh! I don't have to explain myself to you."
He watched her, a crooked grin his only retaliation.
And a damn good one at that, Tohru realized when she found herself strangely drawn to it. What a nuisance. But she wasn't exactly sure if she meant him or herself.
Slowly, he kneeled in front of her. "Did you do this to yourself?" He inquired politely now.
It took Tohru a moment to, first, figure out that he was stooping before her, and second, identify what in the hell he was talking about. She peered down at him, and seeing him in that position pulled at something inside of her chest. With an expression of adoration swaying his pale features, he appeared as though ready to propose.
His eyes are so...sexy.
Tohru shook her head to clear it, reprimanding her imagination as well as her ill-favored libido. Who the hell thinks like that? Idiot! She rebuked.
But then she remembered. Her knee. She felt the pressure of gentle fingers again, this time stroking the area of her skin adjoining the band aid.
"Shall I kiss it and make it better?" He asked as if it were the only possible solution. He peered up at her, a suggestive brow curving upward.
Tohru stepped out of his reach, resisting the tingle around her knee. "What are you? A dog? You look foolish crouching down on the floor like that." Her voice hardened.
"Well adulation has been known to cause a man or two to act nonsensically." He announced in a meaningful breath of air.
How irritating. Hmph.
Shigure stood. "Yes…very cute indeed," he lapsed into a charming grin as he watched her grit her teeth. His hands waved at her in an apologetic approach. "Tohru, I was merely joking. But I have to admit, I do find pleasure in getting such a rise out of you." She did not appear to be pleased. "It makes me wonder—" he thought to himself for a second. "What other pleasures might I enjoy in the satisfaction of your company." It wasn't a question. An afterthought—one that conveniently escaped the limits of his brazen mouth.
Tohru gasped, remedying her shock with a severe frown. "How dare you!"
"Dare I?" A smirk uncoiled and he was nearly up against her again. Except this time, there was no room for her to distance herself.
Tohru struggled to move past him.
"Am I really so horrible that you would rather stare at decaying books than share a word or two with me?"
"Yes!" She sighed with exasperation. "And you've said plenty more than just a word or two."
He was smirking again. "We should have dinner," he announced as though it were the most genius plan ever.
Tohru felt her anger surfacing. Who does this guy think he is anyway? He was clearly just toying with her—trying to get 'a rise' out of her as he had so blatantly confirmed. So this is why Hana dislikes him so much. "Absolutely not." She said abruptly. "Now if you will excuse me—I have to—"
"—Join me for dinner this Friday night. It's settled then. I'll meet you here. There's a charming café just a block away." He was turning now before Tohru could get a word in. " Eight o'clock , my dear. And don't be late. Ta ta." He exclaimed with a short wave.
Tohru rushed forward in vain, leaving the enclosure of the shelves only to find that he was nowhere in sight.
-
"Hell no!" Saki screeched as they headed home that evening.
Tohru sighed. "I never said I wanted to go out with him. I was just telling you what happened."
"Well you stay away from him. He's nothing but trouble."
"And why is he trouble? You said he was a 'friend' of the family. What has he done that is so unforgiving?"
Saki grumbled to herself. "Well—nothing too dreadful, up until a year ago that is. He dated my cousin, Mii, who is a couple of years older than us, and it ended rather painfully for her. Shigure is still a boy—he's arrogant and frivolous. He has never taken anything seriously—not school, not writing, not women, not even his business. And it always turns out fantastic for him in the end. I just don't want you to get hurt, and I haven't forgiven him for hurting Mii."
Tohru nodded in agreement. "He certainly is pig-headed. You should know I would never date someone like that."
"Utterly despicable. More like a wolf if you ask me."
Tohru laughed. "Well if he was even half-way serious about meeting me for dinner on Friday, he is going to be pleasantly surprised when I do not show."
Saki's eyes glinted then as a malevolent chuckle parted her lips. "No. I have an even better idea..."
A/N: For those who have read anything I have written previously, I am a big Shigure fan. Duh! Anyhow…can't really continue with this unless I receive reviews. I'm afraid I haven't thought much more ahead. I'll leave it up to you…(wink)