Chapter 1

I don't own Fruits Basket or its characters.

Majority of the story is plotted out and I am currently updating old chapters in preparation for NEW chapters. Not all chapters are edited as of yet but when new chapter is posted, they will be.

The sound of the violin was heart wrenching enough to bring tears to her eyes. The music was beautiful…and lonely. As a girl who'd thrown her heart into art of all kinds, she recognized the passion that drove the violinist to practice their instrument until it sang so beautifully. She leaned against the wall outside the complex lost in the sound of the music. It called to her, summoned her and drew her further in with every note that played.

"Oh! Who are you?" A voice asked quietly forcing her back to herself.

Her eyes flew open to see a younger girl with tawny hair and golden eyes peering at her curiously. "I'm sorry." The young woman bowed low her deep red hair swinging forward in her hurried movement. "I was walking by and heard the music." She gave her a wide smile when she saw the younger girl tilt her own head and smile too. "It was so beautiful I had to stop and listen."

The girl's smile widened and she bowed shyly. "My name is Kisa Sohma. The person playing is my cousin Momiji."

"I am Alana Takashi, Sohma-san." Alana replied still smiling though very aware of how unusual her standing there was. "I hope I am not intruding…"

"Oh! No. You are fine Takashi-san. It was just…unusual to see someone here." Kisa replied and turned when she heard herself hailed. "I'm sorry but I have to go. If you like I can introduce you to Momiji-kun tomorrow."

"I could never ask you to do that Sohma-san. Though I thank you for the offer." Alana bowed low and stepped away from the wall. "I have to be off myself. It was a pleasure to meet you."

"Let me know…if you change your mind." Kisa told her then waved goodbye to meet another boy who looked her own age further down the sidewalk.

Alana walked off forcing down the blush that was threatening to burn over her face. She hadn't realized it was so late in the day that the schools were out. What an impression to give someone. She hurried towards home knowing that her sister was probably already waiting for her.

"Okaasan?" She called out opening the door to her home. It was an average house, large enough so that Alana and her younger sister, Emiko, were able to have their own rooms but not too large.

"Haha is at the store." Emiko informed her wandering in from the kitchen. By looking at the two of them together you'd easily see their relationship. They both had their mothers' heart-shaped face and full lips and their fathers' black eyes. But there most of the similarities ended. Emiko was tall and muscular, her black hair cut in a sexy bob around her face while Alana was a more average height, willowy thin and kept the deep red hair of her Northern European heritage long down her back.

While Emiko had taken after their half Scottish mother in loving all things sporty, Alana had followed her paternal grandfather in the pursuit of art. She drew, painted, danced, and played the piano.

"And Chichi?" Alana asked kicking off her shoes and moving to hug her sister.

"Still at work." Emiko laughed softly. "Where were you oneechan? Normally you get home before I get out of school."

Alana shrugged opening the fridge to see what she could make for dinner. "I was walking around thinking." She paused then studied Emiko who had yet to change from her high school uniform. Its sleek blue skirt and shirt were the same as that girl she'd met. "Do you know a Kisa Sohma?"

"Kisa-san?" Emiko asked surprised. "Yeah I know her why?" She caught the onion Alana threw to her and moved to the counter to slice it.

"I met her today." Alana murmured distractedly her mind a million miles away as she pulled out a chicken from the fridge as well.

Emiko froze her hand midway to the knife rack. "Where in the world did you go? She lives on the other side of the school."

Alana flushed and tried to avoid her sisters' all-seeing eye. When Emiko started towards her, she laughed and held up her hands. "I'll confess, I'll confess!" She began to wash the chicken as she explained. "A few weeks ago I was coming back from the Gallery and as I was passing one of the large housing complexes I heard someone playing the violin."

"Ah…I understand now." Emiko chuckled. She knew her sisters love of music and the fact that if she stopped to listen, the person must have been good.

"Yeah, well I've been going by that route a lot lately just so I can listen to him play." Alana caught the smirk on her sisters' face. "I've never seen him! Anyway today I lingered too long and Kisa-san spotted me on her way into the compound. She told me it was her cousin and asked if I wanted her to introduce me."

"And you were embarrassed and beat a hasty retreat." Emiko finished laughing slightly and dumping the onion into the pan around the chicken.

Alana's blush finally won out and she nodded. "Pretty much."

Emiko hugged her gently around the shoulders. "If you get the opportunity again you should take it."

"Emiko I don't know how old he is! He could be forty! Or twelve! Stop trying to set me up." Alana groaned her mind filled with thoughts of old men twice her age or jail because he was eight years younger than her.

"Or he could be the right age." Emiko frowned as her sister laughed. "Seriously you won't know til you ask."

Alana was quiet as she finished dressing the chicken and slid it into the oven to cook. "Maybe one day..."

Emiko watched her sister walk off distracted and let a small smile cross her lips.

Well here is chapter one of Art of Love.

The first few chapters will only include Alana. Eventually Momiji will take centerstage and it will go back and forth. I hope you enjoyed! Please review!

Definitions:

Oka-san and Haha = mom

Chichi = father

Oneechan = big sister