A/N: Holy wow this chapter is WAAAAY longer than I thought it would be! It surpasses the first one-shot's length, and that one was 18 pages!
So, anyways, after doing some research for this fanfic, I realized something. As realistic as I've wanted to be, I kind of messed up on a few details. No one mentioned these in reviews, but I feel the need to correct/explain them because I'm crazy like that.
Kyo was planning to inherit Shishou's dojo. I guess I addressed that in the second chapter, where he wanted to create even more challenges for himself so he could really live his life. This includes building his OWN dojo in my story here.
"Stupid rat" instead of "Damn rat." I think he's been saying "stupid rat" because he toned it down in front of the kids. Because "stupid" is better than "damn" …right?
Hatori and Mayu are rather old to be having children (they're in their late 30s, early 40s). All I can say is just go with it because it's cute as you will soon see! Besides, Shishou looked damn sexy when he was actually close to being 40!!
Tohru calls Rin "Rin-san" instead of "Isuzu-san." That was just my bad for not having read the manga in a while…I suppose they've gotten more familiar with each other by now?
As you can tell, I've been reading the manga again (which has prompted the aforementioned corrections) and I LOVE KNOWING THE FUTURE! Even reading it again is AMAZING! I can't stop squeeing even though I know what's going to happen!
Oh, right, I should probably shut up. People just want to read the chapter now. So yeah, go do that! Bye!
"Now I want you both to behave, do you understand me?" Kyo warned in a serious tone as he eyed the rearview mirror. In its image, he saw Jari squirming in his car seat and knew that Kyoko was just next to him. "Do you hear me?"
"Yes, Daddy. Don't worry about me!" Kyoko stated happily. She was very excited about New Years at the Sohma compound, and she had a hard time bottling up her eagerness to be there already. She couldn't wait to see how big it was, or to meet all the different people that would be there! This was her first trip there and she had been looking forward to it for what seemed like forever!
"Jari?" Kyo repeated. He glanced at his son pointedly in the mirror and saw Jari nod.
"Yup! Got it," he said as he struggled against his seatbelt.
Kyo sighed and glanced at Tohru in the front seat. She met his gaze and smiled, knowing what he was thinking.
"I'll keep a close eye on him," she promised.
"Make that two eyes and we might survive this," Kyo muttered under his breath.
Tohru giggled. "You don't seem very excited for this party. Aren't you glad you'll get to see everyone?"
"Shishou's the lucky one for not having to go," Kyo grumbled, oblivious to his wife's questioning.
Tohru sighed. "Anata, we don't have to go…"
"No, Mommy!" Kyoko shouted accusingly as she practically jumped out of her seat.
"Tohru, Kyoko, calm down! I'm fine. We're still going," Kyo quickly cut in.
"Good!" Kyoko replied. "I can't wait to see Harumi!"
Tohru eyed her husband. "Are you sure?" she asked worriedly.
Kyo's face softened. "Yeah, sorry. I'm just a little tense, I guess. I'm not a big fan of the Sohma compound."
"I understand, but it'll be okay," Tohru assured him as she affectionately leaned into his arm and closed her eyes. "I love you," she whispered.
"I love you, too," Kyo answered immediately, deftly planting a kiss on her head as he steered into the driveway of the Sohma compound. They unloaded the car and headed into the celebration hall. The room was filled with decorations, and one entire side was made up of a long table loaded with food. Other tables dotted the room and one corner was devoted to toys and other objects that could entertain the children while their parents chatted with one another. A stage had been erected on the far length of the room, and above it hung tapestries depicting a dog and a boar.
Upon noticing them, Tohru whispered to Kyo, "It's odd that this will be the year of the boar, but Kagura-chan won't even be here." She giggled at the relieved look on Kyo's face.
"Well, I don't think this is going to be like the previous celebrations. If it is, I'm out of here – I really don't want to see Shigure dance!" Kyo laughed at the image in his head.
"Daddy!" Jari whined, impatiently tugging on Kyo's hand.
"What is it?" Kyo asked him, but he already knew that the energetic three-year-old just didn't like to stand still for so long. They were both distracted when Tohru suddenly gasped.
"Ritsu-san!" she called out, waving frantically. With a purposeful stride, she led the family over to where Ritsu was standing.
"Tohru, Kyo!" Ritsu smiled at them as they approached. "It's good to see you! It's been a while!"
Kyo appraised him with a raised eyebrow. "You seem…different. And it's not just because you're wearing men's clothing…"
Ritsu blushed fiercely. "U-uhh…"
"Hello there! Oh wait, I've seen you before," said a woman with short brown hair who appeared at Ritsu's side. She was wearing a blue suit and looked awfully familiar…
A light bulb went on in Tohru's head. "Mitsuru-san!" she cried out.
"Yes, that's me. And you're Tohru right? And Kyo?"
They nodded respectively.
"Are you here to see Shigure-san?" Tohru blurted innocently, recalling that Mitsuru had been Shigure's editor. She stopped smiling as the color drained from Mitsuru's face. Her jaw slackened and the light in her eyes died.
"Shi-Shigu-re," she strained through barely parted lips. She appeared on the verge of fainting.
Ritsu hurriedly jumped in. "My my! Kyoko and Jari sure have gotten big!" he exclaimed as he knelt before them. "Look, Mitsuru! Look how adorable they are!"
Mitsuru blinked and slowly came out of her brain-dead stupor. "Huh? Oh, they are indeed!"
Ritsu chuckled nervously.
"You're funny, Ritsu-san!" Kyoko giggled as Jari pouted grumpily, not liking to be called "adorable." Ritsu winked at them as he stood up.
"So, if you're not here to see…him…, why are you here?" Kyo asked Mitsuru curiously.
"Oh well, actually…she's with me," Ritsu admitted as he linked arms with his girlfriend. He blushed slightly as they smiled at each other.
"Really? How lovely!" Tohru exclaimed. "I'm so happy for you both! I had no idea! You should have come to visit!"
"I would have, but I've been pretty busy lately at my new job, and we just got an apartment together so…"
"Wow! How long have you two been dating?" Kyo spoke up, recognizing what a big step that was.
"Three years?" Ritsu answered uncertainly, glancing at her for clarification.
"Three years, four months and six days, to be exact," Mitsuru corrected. She shrugged when she caught Kyo's questioning look. "I've always had a memory for dates…like deadlines for books…" She shuddered violently.
"I'm surprised you were able to convince her to come, knowing that he's here," Kyo remarked wryly.
Ritsu chuckled. "Yes, well…."
"Hope she's not planning on taking revenge or anything like that."
Both men turned to Mitsuru, whose eyes abruptly blazed as an evil grin contorted her features. She began to rub her hands together eagerly as she licked her lips.
"Uhh…Ritsu?"
"We may leave before it comes to that!" Ritsu said hurriedly, pulling Mitsuru away. "But I think we best be off for now. Your kids look a bit impatient."
Kyo and Tohru nodded knowingly.
"Alright, well we'll see you around!" Tohru declared cheerfully. "And if not, make sure to come visit, or maybe we'll come visit you!"
"Definitely," Ritsu agreed as he steered his girlfriend away while he simultaneously tried to distract her from her vengeful plans.
"Wow, he's really changed," Kyo mused as he watched them walk away. Tohru tacitly agreed until Ritsu accidentally knocked into someone carrying a tray of food, causing it to crash to the ground.
"I'm SO SORRY!!" Ritsu cried out in horror as he sank to his knees. "I APOLOGIZE TO THE UNIVERSE FOR BEING SUCH A CLUMSY, USELESS ADULT!!!"
Mitsuru fell beside him and began to wail in agony. "OH NO! WE SWEAR IT WAS AN ACCIDENT! WE DIDN'T MEAN TO BREAK THESE BEAUTIFUL DISHES!! PLEASE DON'T THROW US OUT OF THE PARTY!!"
Kyo's face fell. "Or not," he added, seeing as the true Ritsu had been exposed.
Tohru giggled. "Well, at least they're perfect for each other!"
"Yeah, because they can match decibel levels," Kyo muttered in annoyance, not appreciating their loudness.
After the commotion died down, Kyoko spotted a familiar face across the room.
"Look, there's Harumi!" Kyoko exclaimed, yanking on her mother. Tohru reluctantly let her daughter run over and began to follow at a slower speed.
"I'm going to go see if I can find some of the others," she informed Kyo as she turned away.
"I'll catch up with you," Kyo told her as she disappeared. "So, what shall we do, Jari? Jari?" he repeated, noticing his son's frown. "What's the matter?"
"There's another boy," Jari said, pointing. Kyo followed his gaze and grinned.
"Well, why don't we go introduce ourselves then?"
Jari didn't relent as Kyo led him over.
"Hatori!" Kyo greeted the older man and then stopped short. "And sensei…"
"Well look what we have here!" declared a woman with shoulder-length blond hair. She stood beside Hatori and was eyeing Kyo with a smirk on her face. "It certainly is odd see one of my own students so grown up now…and it's even stranger that we're related…"
Kyo wasn't quite sure how to react to this, especially since his former teacher was very pregnant.
"Haha, I'm just joking with you! Sorry to freak you out, there! I see you have a little one as well." She leaned down (with some effort) and introduced herself. "Hi there. I'm Sohma Mayuko." She bowed her head slightly and Jari hesitated before copying her actions.
"I'm Jari," he mumbled without energy before perking up at the sight of a small face peeping out at him behind his father's legs. "Hey, who are you?"
Mayuko straightened and smiled proudly. "Taro, why don't you come out and say hi?"
The little boy had light brown hair and a very innocent face, but was quite frightened of being around so many people. He clutched at Hatori's legs and refused to come out.
Kyo couldn't help but smile at the pure love etched into Hatori's features as he eyed his son with a small smile of his own. Suddenly he turned around and swiftly picked up the boy in his arms. Taro hugged his father desperately and hid his head in his chest. Hatori chuckled.
"He's a bit shy," he admitted as Taro whimpered.
"Why?" Jari piped up, his whole face showing his utter confusion.
Having heard a small voice like his own, Taro peeked out curiously.
"Hi!" Jari cried with a wave as he brightened considerably. "I'm Jari!"
Taro revealed himself fully as he stared at Jari with wide eyes.
Hatori grinned and carefully set Taro on the ground. "Go introduce yourself," he encouraged gently.
Taro stepped forward cautiously and bit his lip. "I'm Taro," he said in a small voice as he abruptly bowed so quickly the adults thought he'd slam his head into the ground.
"Wanna play?" Jari questioned him excitedly, his entire face animated.
Taro paused and glanced back at his parents.
"Sure, sweetie," Mayuko said as he kissed him tenderly on the head. "Have fun boys!"
"Yay!" Jari cried triumphantly before Kyo grabbed him.
"You are not to leave this room, got it?" he warned his son with a look that meant no nonsense.
Jari looked at his feet. "Okay."
Kyo softened. "Go have fun then," he excused him as he let go.
Jari beamed as he reached out and grabbed Taro's hand. The other boy barely had time to open his mouth before Jari was dragging him through the crowd. Taro anxiously glanced back at his parents as they vanished into the mass of people and furniture. He blinked to prevent tears as he looked back at Jari.
"Where are we going?" he asked Jari nervously.
"We're going esploring!"
"Esploring?" Taro gulped.
All of a sudden, Jari stopped. They were standing on the edge of the room near a closed door. Taro fidgeted uneasily.
"How old are you?" Jari demanded abruptly, jabbing a finger at Taro.
"Umm…almost three…"
"Yeah! I just turned three in October, so I'm older than you. That means you better listen to me. We're going to go esplore this place, so no questions!"
Taro frowned. "But we can't leave this room…your daddy said so."
Jari grinned wickedly as his eyes glinted. "So? You have a problem with that?" he challenged.
Taro eyed the floor. "No."
"Good. Now let's go! I wonder where what's behind this door?" Jari spoke as he cracked open the door and slipped inside. Despite his misgivings, Taro was close on his heels. Together, they wandered the strangely empty hallways of the Sohma compound and occasionally stuck their heads in different rooms to admire what they could. Unfortunately, much to Jari's disappointment, most of the doors were locked and the hallways weren't that interesting.
As they got farther and farther away from the main room, Taro began to get scared. He had never really been so far from his parents before and he didn't know how he felt about that. It didn't help that he was in a strange house and practically lost with a boy he had just met. At last he couldn't take it anymore. He prepared himself to break down and cry on the spot when he and Jari heard voices. They pulled up short and stared ahead of them at a cracked-open door with light streaming out of it.
"We should get out there, Shigure," came a low woman's voice. "We're the ones that invited them, after all."
"Mmm," murmured a deeper, male's voice. "Not yet. Let's let them catch up a bit while you collect your nerves."
"What are you talking about?" the woman demanded quickly, trying to hide her true apprehension but failing miserably.
The man chuckled. "Akito, you can never fool me. You're practically trembling. Let me help you."
The boys exchanged wide glances as they heard the soft patter of footsteps across the wooden floor followed by a sigh.
"Oh Shigure, why did I come up with this idea? Why did you let me go through with it?"
"You wanted to see everyone again, and finally got the courage to do so. Why would I have stopped you?"
"Because this place…this time…it's all..!"
"Koishii, you're over-thinking this. It's just a party."
"But it's not, Shigure! To them it's like me taking control again and I don't want to do that!"
"Akito, you need to calm down. You've made a lot of progress but suddenly you're letting it all fly away. Stop being so frantic, or else…" the man's voice trailed off into a suggestive whisper that went over the boys' heads. They were surprised when they abruptly heard the sound of kissing and giggling.
"Shigure, stop it!" the woman spoke laughingly before getting more serious. "My makeup — my kimono —! I spent hours getting ready — ohh, no, stop! Not now!"
"What are they doing?" Taro whispered loudly.
Jari shrugged as he wrinkled his nose in disgust. "I dunno. Sounds gross."
Taro frowned in contemplation when, all of a sudden, his nose tickled and he sneezed. As he clapped his hand over his mouth in horror and Jari gave him a severe look, the sounds from beyond the door stopped.
"What was that?" asked the man.
"Who would be in this part of the house?" hissed the woman hysterically.
The boys cowered as the door before them slid open. A man was silhouetted in the opening and he glanced down at them suspiciously.
"Hmm, what are you doing here?" he asked.
Taro hugged himself tightly as Jari swallowed.
"We got lost, sir," he said, trying not to let his voice quiver.
The man smirked as the woman's face echoed from within.
"Shigure, who is it?"
"Some rather unexpected visitors, I would say," the man, Shigure, laughed. He frowned as he observed them. "You look kind of familiar though. Who are you?"
"I'm Jari. Nice to meet you," Jari introduced himself as he bowed formally. Tohru would be proud of his manners. When Taro didn't copy his actions, he jerked his head pointedly and Taro hurriedly complied.
"Oh, and I'm Taro. Nice to meet you," Taro repeated, bowing.
"Did I hear Jari?" A woman suddenly came to stand next to Shigure. She wore a beautiful kimono and had shoulder-length black hair. She smiled down at them. "Hello Jari. Do you remember me? I suppose not. The last time I visited was when you were a bit younger. I'm Akito."
"Hi," Jari said, returning her smile.
"And Taro! You must be Hatori-kun's son!" Shigure exclaimed all of a sudden, his face lighting up. "Your father and I are very good friends!"
Taro glanced up shyly. This man knew his father? Then maybe he could take him back so he wouldn't be lost anymore with this strange boy!
"Aww you're so cute!" Shigure squealed. "You look just like your daddy!" He turned to Jari. "And oddly enough, you look very much like Tohru-kun!"
"You know my mommy?" Jari asked.
"Of course! She used to live in my house, you know," Shigure added haughtily before bursting out laughing. "A funny thought just crossed my mind!"
"What?" Akito questioned.
"Jari's exploring the compound like a curious cat! Get it? Because he's Kyo's son?"
As Shigure laughed ridiculously, Akito rolled her eyes.
"I don't think Kyo would appreciate that joke," she said with a smirk. "I honestly wonder sometimes where you came up with your…odd sense of humor."
Shigure winked. "Oh, you know I'm hilarious."
"I know that you're crazy for staying with me, but that's as far as I'm going. Anyway, I bet your parents are worried about you two. Why don't we head over to the party?"
They began to head down the hall when Shigure had an idea. "Would you like a ride, young man?" He directed his question to Taro, who looked a little glum. The young boy smiled timidly as he nodded. "I thought so. Alley-oop!" Shigure said as he hefted Taro off the ground and put him on his shoulders. Taro clung to Shigure's head as Shigure panted.
"What's the matter?" Akito grinned. "Too heavy for you?"
"No, I'm…fine," Shigure wheezed. "Just…a little out of…shape…"
"I'm sorry," Taro spoke softly, thinking it was his fault.
"I'm just joking!" Shigure jutted in playfully as he reached up to pat Taro on the knee. "I'm glad you can ride on my shoulders. I don't have any of my own to do this with, so I hope you don't mind. Besides, I think it's easier this way; otherwise you'd have to carry me!"
Taro giggled at the silly image in his head.
"Oh, and Jari-kun is it? Maybe when Taro-kun is done, I can give you a ride too," Shigure offered, not wanting to show blatant favoritism.
Jari folded his arms over his chest and shook his head. "I don't need a ride," he said as if he were offended. He was far too old to have to ride on an adult's shoulders. He was three years old after all!
Shigure chuckled. "You look like your mother, but act like your father. How amusing!" He smiled until he noticed Akito's shadowed expression as they walked down the hall. "And here you go getting depressed again," he muttered.
Akito blinked in surprise and glanced up at him. "I'm sorry. I just can't help it. I forget sometimes what I was like, but then when I think of seeing them again, all those memories come rushing back. I was…so horrible," she whispered in agony.
"Yes, you were," Shigure agreed bluntly. Akito glared at him. "But you've changed and the others have recognized that accomplishment. You're always so hard on yourself when you see the others!"
"Well, they were not as lazy and indifferent as you were! They felt their curse! I just remind them of their pain!" Akito screamed at him in frustration.
On Shigure's shoulders, Taro whimpered fearfully as Jari kept his head down, not used to being around fighting like this.
Shigure sighed. "This is certainly not the place to be doing this. I'm so sorry, little ones. Akito here just doesn't realize how amazing she is and how much I looooooooooovvvvvveeee her!" Shigure shrieked in a silly voice as he swooped low and made Taro gasp in surprise and excitement.
"Wahh!" Taro cried as he desperately clutched at Shigure's hair. Even though he was frightened, it was rather fun at the same time. He found that he couldn't keep the smile off his face!
"Hey, no fair!" Jari declared as he grew jealous watching Taro having fun.
"I thought you didn't want a ride," Akito reminded him teasingly, trying to swallow her emotions for their sakes.
Jari pouted and crossed his arms over his chest. "I didn't."
Shigure, panting hard, abruptly stopped and set Taro back on the ground. He began to rub his sore shoulders with a grimace.
"Again!" Taro cried as his face brightened. "That was fun, Uncle Shigure!"
Shigure sniffled as he brushed an imaginary tear out of his eye. "Uncle Shigure," he repeated, choked up. "Now I think I know how Aaya feels!"
"You're weird," Jari said with a scowl.
Shigure laughed delightedly. "You have no idea, little Kyonkichi." He ruffled Jari's hair and glanced around. "We're almost back to the party. How about a story before we get there? I think you'll find it very amusing since your father's in it, Taro-kun!"
"Really?" Taro perked up as Shigure bent and swung him back up onto his shoulders. Together, the small group slowly approached the party.
Meanwhile, Hatori's eyebrows creased into a frown as he watched his son disappear into the crowd. It wasn't that he didn't trust Kyo's son, and it wasn't that he feared Taro would do something foolish, it was just…they had never been separated before, and he didn't know quite how to feel.
Beside him, Mayuko sighed. "Excuse me for a moment, will you gentlemen?" she asked, smiling sweetly, as she stepped through them to head to the restroom.
Hatori still had that look on his face as Kyo grinned in recognition. "Don't worry," he assured the older man. "They'll be fine…hopefully."
"Hopefully?" Hatori repeated doubtfully, wondering if he should fear for his son's safety.
"Oh, no, not like that!" Kyo gestured awkwardly, finding it odd that he was trying to comfort Hatori. In fact, this whole conversation was rather awkward, considering that Kyo barely ever spoke to the man unless there was some kind of medical emergency. As far as he knew, Hatori was a mystery. The only thing that could be evinced from his face was a pure and undying love for his son, and Kyo could honestly say he felt the same way. At the very least, that was how he could relate to him. "It's nothing dangerous! Jari just likes getting into mischief from time to time. I'd hate for him to drag Taro into it, but he was just really excited that he could play with another boy his age."
Hatori nodded. "I understand. I just…fear that Taro may be too shy…"
"Well, Jari's outgoing enough for the both of them," Kyo shrugged.
Hatori smiled slightly. "I wonder where he gets that from."
"Hmm?" Kyo asked, confused.
"You've changed a lot, Kyo," Hatori explained.
Kyo squirmed uncomfortably. "Yeah, well, we all have…" he trailed off unsurely. Suddenly, from across the room there came a shout and Kyo's face immediately grew sour as Hatori rolled his eyes.
"HELLO KYONKICHI! GREETINGS MY DEAR COMRADE, TORI-SAN!"
"Except maybe for him," Kyo muttered in annoyance, continuing the previous thread of conversation.
"Yes, well, I never did think Ayame would change," Hatori added dryly. "He's the same as he was in high school."
"Ah, Kyonkichi! Tori-san! Did you not hear me bellow your names from the rooftops?" Ayame cried with a flourish.
"You weren't on the roof!" Kyo cut in.
Ayame ignored his comment and plunged forward. "It's so good to see you both! I was so excited for this gathering but I didn't know what to wear! I thought a dress would be absolutely ravishing for such a special occasion, but then I didn't want to be overdressed and outshine the lovely princesses at the ball! Although I must say that my choice of clothing does accentuate highlight my beautiful features and I can't help it if all the attention suddenly falls on me instead of the charming ladies here. It just happens naturally! I try so hard to fight it—"
"No you don't!" Kyo interrupted fiercely. He moaned under his breath, "How can this guy possibly keep getting more annoying??"
Hatori gathered himself as he faced Ayame. "Good to see you, too, Ayame."
Ayame drew himself up as tears shone in his eyes. "Did you hear that Mine? Hatori was so moved by my prolonged absence that he wept for me every day and desired only to see my face so that his heart could be lightened!"
"He didn't say that at all! And your wife isn't anywhere around here!" Kyo burst out.
"Ah, Kyonkichi," Ayame started.
"My name is Kyo!"
"Yes, I heard you, Kyonkichi," Ayame brushed him off as Kyo bristled angrily. "Where are your lovely children at this late hour? Still awake and running about?"
"They're off playing," he answered through clenched teeth.
"But you didn't say anywhere specifically. Is it that you let them roam free? How appalling! I thought you would've become a better parent by now! Goodness, I had no idea little Kyonkichi would become so negligent!"
"Don't lecture me about being a parent when you aren't one yourself!"
"Ayame," Hatori breathed wearily.
"Oh yes, right, now where was I? I was looking for Tohru-kun."
"Why?" Kyo wasn't sure if he even wanted to know.
"Well, Kyoko's birthday is coming up in a few months, and I don't get to see you all very often. Considering that she'll be entering elementary school, I was thinking I should make her a lovely new dress with Tohru-kun's ideas—"
"No, thank you!"
"Don't spoil my fun, now!" Ayame pouted. "Since you didn't answer where Tohru-kun is, am I to take it that you've lost her? Oh dear, I do hope no ones tries to pick her up without your knowledge!"
Kyo breathed out slowly, trying to calm himself. A strained smile appeared on his lips.
"You're right. I'm going to go find her. Nice talking to you," he said stiffly as he stomped away.
Hatori gave Ayame a look. "You just said that to make him leave, didn't you?"
Ayame assumed an affronted expression. "I wasn't lying about making Kyoko-chan a dress! I've had an idea in my head for some time now, and she's the oldest child so I figured it was only fair."
Hatori smirked, knowing Ayame really hadn't answered his question. "Fair? What about your actual niece?"
"Are you suggesting that I forgot about her? Certainly not! What kind of uncle would I be if I left Harumi out of the equation? Of course I've thought about her! Actually, I've made several hundred dresses for her, so I figured I would even out the score by making one for Kyoko."
Hatori blinked. "You've made Harumi how many dresses?"
"Only about two hundred thirteen. Don't look at me like that! They're just prototypes!"
Hatori shook his head. "You are amazing, Ayame."
"Oh Mine, I could just faint from the sheer joy I feel in my heart! Twice in one day I have been complimented by the man of my dreams!"
"Don't tell Shigure about that," Hatori commented wryly. "He might get jealous."
"HA HA HA!" Ayame laughed boisterously. "You are hilarious indeed, Tori-san! Which reminds me, I've wanted to talk to you about something!"
Hatori sighed. "What is it?"
"Well, I just feel terrible. Here I am, the representation of beauty and youth, while you keep getting older and older! It is so unfair for me to outshine you, especially when you are a new father and should be shining more brightly than ever!"
"What are you getting at?" Hatori asked him shrewdly, sensing something deeper to their conversation.
"Tori-san, you know that I've always supported you from the days of our cherished childhoods. And always, I've wanted to know one thing: is Tori-san happy? You were once happy with Kana, but then you were hurt and now I must know: now that you are a married man and a father, are you two thousand times happier than you were with Kana? Tell me truthfully, and if it is not so, I will make it happen!" Ayame declared passionately.
Hatori's features softened. Ayame still worried about him after all this time.
"I have never been happier in my life than I am right now," Hatori spoke softly after a moment of consideration.
Ayame regarded him suspiciously and then accepted his answer with a vibrant, beaming smile.
"If you are happy, then I am happy!" he announced. "Now, if you don't mind, I must go find my darling brother and niece!"
"What about Mine? And finding Tohru?" Hatori reminded him with a small smile.
"They're around here somewhere, but I have my doting-uncle duties to attend to! That holds precedence over any other matter!" Ayame stepped boldly through the crowd just as Mayuko returned to her husband's side.
"Hey, where'd orangey go?" she wondered as Hatori slipped his hand over her own and squeezed.
"How are you feeling?"
Mayuko shrugged. "Pregnant."
Hatori chuckled softly. "I think you look beautiful," he whispered in her ear as he planted a kiss on her cheek.
Mayuko blushed. "You're not bad-looking yourself," she replied nervously.
Hatori smiled at that.
Yes, he truly had never been happier.
Tohru was following her daughter through the mass of people when she was stopped by someone calling her name.
"Tohru!"
She glanced up and saw Momiji waving at her. Recalling that she had promised to meet his girlfriend at New Years, Tohru made her way over to them, trusting that her daughter would be safe with Yuki's family.
As she approached Momiji, the first thing she noticed was his wide grin as his arm draped casually over his girlfriend's shoulders. Tohru smiled to see him so happy, knowing that he deserved it after all this time.
The next thing she noticed was his girlfriend's flaming red hair. Tohru had never seen something so red before. It was so vibrant she had to blink twice to erase the blinding image from her eyes.
"Tohru!" Momiji cried as he immediately went and embraced her.
Tohru smiled. "How have you been since I saw you last?"
"I'm doing great! Oh, Tohru, this is my girlfriend, Usagi. Usagi, this is Tohru."
Usagi grinned unsurely but bowed politely. "Nice to meet you. I've heard a lot about you, and I'm wondering if I should be jealous…"
"Eh?" Tohru squeaked.
Usagi burst out laughing. "I'm just kidding! Really, it is wonderful to meet you. Although I have to say that I am slightly jealous after seeing you in person. You've had two kids and you look great!"
"Oh, uh, thank you?" Tohru stammered.
"Usagi, stop teasing her!" Momiji scolded gently.
Usagi dropped her head. "Sorry. I've never been to such a fancy party before, and I'm a bit awkward at social interactions."
"Oh no, not at all! You are doing very…well," Tohru hurriedly spoke up.
Usagi choked out a laugh. "Thanks for trying. I appreciate your effort, but I'm really horrible at this. You don't have to pretend."
"I'm not pretending! You seem very nice, and as long as that comes through, then your manners don't matter."
"You think so?"
"Yes, you are a very kind person! I can already tell."
Usagi chuckled. "Well, you're a very kind person for complimenting me despite my lack of manners." She sighed, "I really should've listened to my parents more."
"Your parents?" Tohru asked, interested.
"Yeah, they're back home right now probably celebrating the fact that I've finally gotten out of the house!"
Tohru blinked at this.
Usagi smacked herself. "Oh, Mo-sensei, I'm really screwing all of this up, aren't I? And I practiced so hard!" She let out a frustrated noise.
Momiji laughed. "Don't worry about it. It's not like you're meeting the president. This is just a family party, and Tohru doesn't mind, right, Tohru?"
"Not at all!" Tohru cried anxiously, although she was a little confused.
Usagi sighed. "Alright, then let me try again. Hi, I'm Usagi. Nice to meet you."
"Um, yes, it's nice to meet you."
There was an uncomfortable moment. Muffled laughter came from Momiji's direction.
Usagi glared at him. "Well, thanks for the support. What should I say now?"
"Oh, well I'd like to know how you two met!" Tohru offered.
"Really?" Usagi asked doubtfully and then changed her tone to one of interest. "Really? Okay then. My parents wanted me to stop sitting around doing nothing so they forced me to take violin lessons. I thought it was really stupid at first, but Mo-sensei was really good and um…yeah. I guess I was inspired?"
"Yes, I have heard Momiji play before and he is quite good!" Tohru agreed.
Momiji giggled. "Oh, both of you! Stop it!"
"No, really, you are excellent! I've downloaded some files of other musicians and they're just not as good as you are! Which is why I taped you and sent it in to the National Symphony as an audition piece."
Momiji's mouth dropped open. "You what?"
"You should be getting a letter to see if they want you to come audition in person any day now," she continued.
Tohru watched as Momiji's face lit up and he hugged Usagi tightly.
"You're crazy, you know that!"
Usagi giggled in Momiji's arms. "You knew that when you asked me on a date, so don't start complaining now!"
Tohru smiled at the image before her. She couldn't really understand Usagi's character, but she seemed very nice and had a pleasing aura about her. Not to mention the fact that Momiji had never looked happier. Tohru was very glad that they had found each other.
"…so once I graduate, I'll be able to come to all your concerts. Maybe I'll even move out there! You'll have to keep giving me lessons of course and—"
"Graduate?" Tohru interrupted suddenly, and then clapped a hand over her mouth. "Sorry! I didn't mean to intrude on your conversation! Are you at a university?"
Usagi laughed. "No! I'm a third year in high school. You honestly thought I was older? I thought the 'rebellious red hair' would give away that I'm much younger…"
"EHH?" Tohru shrieked in shock.
"She's actually one of my older students," Momiji explained. "Usually I teach younger children, but…"
"I appeared?" Usagi offered with a wry grin. "Although I don't regret it," she blushed.
"That's good, because I don't either," Momiji whispered as he clasped her hand.
"So, um, Momiji-kun, how is your sister doing? Oh!" Tohru berated herself, wondering if she should have spoken for fear of how much Usagi actually knew about Momiji's familial situation.
"It's alright. Momiji already told me about his mother's accident and how she and his sister don't know about him," Usagi spoke up softly. "It's so…sad."
"Oh, don't worry about me! I'm fine!" Momiji cut in. "Really!" he insisted at seeing Usagi's face darken. He sighed and eyed Tohru with a small smile. "She just worries too much. Besides, I've seen much more of Momo lately. Father's allowed me to teach her some things on the violin as well, since she begged so much! I really am very lucky!"
"Baka Mo-sensei!" Usagi cried as she abruptly flung herself at Momiji and hugged him fiercely. He held her tenderly as he patted her back. Tohru's eyes welled with tears. Yes, they made a perfect match! It seemed that Usagi understood Momiji's pain, and he finally had someone to worry about him for a change. It was a wonderful thing, love.
"Tohru!"
She gasped and spun around. A smile grew on her face as Kyo trotted into view, but then it receded at his expression.
"Kyo-kun? What's the matter?"
"It's Jari. He's disappeared!"
Yuki inhaled a deep breath and released it slowly. He repeated his actions as Machi gave him a conciliatory smile. They both knew what was coming, and were mentally preparing themselves for the worst.
"YUUUKKIIII!!"
Kyoko and Harumi were playing near Yuki and Machi when they heard the yell. Kyoko looked confused.
"Who was that?" she asked curiously, poking her head up.
Harumi grinned widely. "That's my Uncle Aaya. My daddy says that his voice is so loud that it can't be human!"
"Really? I think I've met him before then! My dad always got annoyed by him!"
"I can hardly blame him," Yuki muttered, overhearing their conversation.
"Daddy, that is Uncle Aay-AHHH!" Harumi started but she was immediately swept up into said uncle's arms and twirled in the air.
"My favorite niece! Do not fear! I have heard your desperate longing for me, and I have answered your pleas by appearing before you, resplendent in robes befitting only your true and perfect uncle!"
Harumi squealed. "Uncle Aaya!"
"Tell me, Harumi, where shall I take you? Surely we must ascend to your castle in the sky where I can wait upon you like a princess!"
"I don't have a castle in the sky!" Harumi giggled as Ayame set her back down.
"Are you sure? Because I heard from the fairies that you had at last assumed your royal throne and needed some gifts to ensure your reign!"
"You're going a little too far with this," Yuki sighed as he ran a hand down his face.
"Oh, Yuki, I didn't see you there!" Ayame exclaimed suddenly.
"You screamed my name from across the room," Yuki pointed out.
Ayame waved his hand idly. "Details, details! Not important! Now who is this charming young lady?"
"Hello, Ayame-san!" Kyoko greeted him.
Ayame huffed. "Don't be so polite, dear! Just like your mother! Ah, well, I can't blame you for that. I was just looking for her, actually. I've had an idea for a dress that I was thinking of making for you…"
"A dress? For me? Really?" Kyoko cried excitedly. "Would it have animals on it?"
Ayame blinked. "What?"
"Well, I'd want to use the dress to feel like a princess of the Zodiac animals!"
Ayame chortled. "Oh my! Although…" he trailed off as a spark gleamed in his eye.
"I'm here! What's your idea?" Mine appeared suddenly with a notebook in hand, recognizing the telltale look in her husband's eye.
"I see a dress with ruffles, and on each is sewn the patch of one of the Zodiac animals…" Ayame spoke in a hushed tone as the gears in his brain visibly turned.
"Where did you come from, Mine-san?"
Mine jotted down Ayame's notes, scribbling furiously. She looked up and smiled when he paused.
"I was just around admiring the place. And well…what everyone was wearing."
"Ah."
"Oh! Ayame-san! Don't forget to include the cat!"
Yuki smiled down at Kyoko as Ayame looked surprised. "You, too? You really are just like your mother."
"Well of course she would emulate the beauty that is Tohru-kun!" Ayame admonished. "And I'll make sure to include the cat," he added to Kyoko, winking pointedly.
"Good!" Kyoko declared.
As Mine finished writing down Ayame's final notes, Ayame approached Yuki and clapped him hard on the back.
"Oh my dear brother, how have you been since my absence? Pining for me?"
"Not really," Yuki answered dryly.
"And how is my brother's dear wife faring? You look absolutely stunning tonight!"
Machi blushed. "T-thank you, Ayame."
"What size are you, by the way?"
Machi blinked. "What?"
"Well, I was thinking of starting a mother-daughter line. You and Harumi, Tohru-kun and Kyoko-chan etcetera. I think it would sell brilliantly. Now what did you say your measurements were?"
Machi looked horrified as Yuki rolled his eyes. "Okay, why don't we worry about this some other time?"
"Well, my darling Yuki, I'm afraid that I must maintain my status quo as top doting uncle, so as such, I must make dresses like my life depends on it! Which I must add, is a harrowing way to live!"
"You're still fighting with Kakeru over who's the better uncle?" Yuki muttered in exasperation.
"The better uncle? Why, I wasn't aware that there even was a competition," Ayame announced with his nose in the air.
"You can win for all I care," Machi added. "Kakeru deserves to be knocked down a peg."
"Really? I can win? Then I declare myself the ultimate victor for Harumi's love!"
"But Uncle Aaya, I love you both!" Harumi said with a giggle.
"Harumi, you don't know what you're saying! Surely you don't love that other idiotic—"
"Okay!" Yuki stepped in. "Don't listen to Uncle Aaya!" He glared pointedly at his brother.
"Ah, what a gallant prince you are! Rescuing your daughter and her innocent friend from the harsh words of a criminal mastermind! What a wretched being he was, to spout such wicked, ugly words! It was a good thing that the light of my angelic brother was present to stifle the terrible, gnawing hunger of the darkness!"
"…You realize that you are talking about yourself?"
"So, Uncle Aaya, you wanna play with us?" Harumi asked in a shrill voice.
Ayame snuffled. "An invitation from the royal princess herself? Oh, I would be delighted!"
"We're playing Zodiac animals!" Kyoko stated.
"You sure like them a lot, don't you, sweetie?" Ayame asked.
Kyoko nodded vigorously. "I've loved them ever since my mommy told me the story! They're so…great!"
"And I like them, too!" Harumi added. "My favorite is the tiger! Grrr!"
"Really? But surely you must like the snake?" Ayame asked tentatively.
Both girls paused for a moment, and then they simultaneously scrunched up their faces in disgust.
"I don't really like snakes," Kyoko said.
"Me neither! They're gross and slimy!" Harumi instantly agreed.
Ayame clutched his heart and fell to the floor, gagging. "No, I have been betrayed!" he wheezed pathetically.
Yuki muffled his laughter behind his hand. Well, he tried to. Eventually he couldn't help but snort at the completely horror-struck expression on his brother's face. "Don't worry, nii-san. I'm sure that isn't supposed to reflect on you!" he choked out.
Ayame glanced at Yuki as the color drained from his face. He looked haunted all of a sudden.
"Are you sure?" he breathed raggedly.
"Of course! Harumi, what about the rat?"
Harumi blinked. "I love the rat! It's so cute and little and soft!"
Ayame crashed to the floor as Yuki's face turned bright red behind his desperate attempt to hide his laughter. Beside him, Machi began to giggle shyly. Before, she and Mine had exchanged utterly confused glances as to why their husbands were comparing themselves to Zodiac animals, but now she was just glad to see Yuki laughing. It had been quite some time since had come so close to losing it like this!
"Ayame!" Mine cried out as she knelt beside her comatose husband.
"Mine, are you there?" Ayame spoke weakly, blinking rapidly.
"Yes, my love, I am here!" Mine returned tearfully.
"I can barely hear you. You're so far away…"
"Don't leave me! I'm right here for you, always!" Mine pleaded desperately.
"Mine, I think I see a light…it's so bright and beautiful…I feel as if I must move toward it…"
Yuki rolled his eyes at this dramatic scene as Harumi threw herself on her uncle.
"Uncle Aaya! Don't go! You'll be okay! What if I said that I liked snakes?"
Ayame instantly sat up and beamed widely, engulfing his niece in a strangling hug.
"You mean it? Oh I love you so much!"
"Uncle Aaya, I can't breathe!" Harumi complained.
"Kyoko!" called a voice.
Kyoko perked up. "Mommy?"
An instant later, a worried Kyo and Tohru emerged from the crowd. Tohru ran to Kyoko and hugged her.
"Kyoko, sweetie, have you seen your brother anywhere?" she asked tremulously.
"Jari? No, I haven't seen him at all. What's wrong?"
Yuki glanced up at Kyo's face and knew the answer. "You can't find him, can you?"
Kyo glared at him but nodded.
"It's all my fault! I promised to keep two eyes on him but—" Tohru cried out.
"But I was the one with him!" Kyo interrupted fiercely, releasing a frustrated noise. "I told him not to leave this room!"
"Orangey, where is my son?" came a furious voice. An enraged Mayuko, trailed by Hatori, parted the crowd. "I'm pregnant and I'm angry! You better tell me where my son is right now!"
Kyo shook his head helplessly. "I don't kno—"
"Mommy! Daddy!" cried a voice. The group turned as one to see Shigure and Akito enter the room, with Jari trailing slightly behind and Taro on Shigure's shoulders.
Taro was the one who had spoken. He waved his hands, laughing, as Shigure reached up to ensure that he wouldn't fall off in utter happiness at being reunited with his parents.
"Taro!" Mayuko returned, but Hatori had already made his way to his son and was helping pry him off Shigure's shoulders.
"Hi Daddy! Did you see me all the way up there? That was fun, Uncle Shigure!" Taro said excitedly.
Hatori grinned as Taro went over and embraced his mother. As Jari returned to face his mother's welcoming arms and his father's stern expression, Hatori couldn't help but shake his head at Shigure.
"Since when did you have fatherly instincts?" he asked his friend.
Shigure grinned slyly. "Since I decided that your son is the cutest thing in the world."
"You can't have him, you know," Hatori reminded him.
"Like I'd let you even think something like that!" Mayuko added as she stomped over to her husband and glared at Shigure.
"Aww, Mayu-chan! You're so mean!" Shigure whined.
"Because you deserve it!" she hissed.
Hatori smirked as he held his wife steadily. "It's alright, dear. Taro's fine."
"I know," Mayuko replied, sighing. "Ugh, I'm exhausted!"
"Why don't we go sit down then?" Hatori suggested.
"Well, actually, I have an announcement to make," Akito spoke up timidly. "If you could gather the others, plus Tohru, Hatori?"
Hatori nodded and smiled at his wife. "We'll be right back." He went up to the stage and grabbed the microphone. The Zodiacs replied instantly to his summons and they all filtered into an antechamber on the side of the hall.
As Akito stood before the group, she bit her lip nervously. "I am very glad that you were all able to come. Despite what you may think of me, I am happy to see all of you. Shigure and I have been talking for some time and, well…we've decided to go on a trip."
There was silence. Then Momiji spoke up.
"Where are you going?"
"We were thinking around the world!" Shigure cut in, smiling devilishly. "The Sohmas do have quite a large bank account. I think we could afford it."
"What are you planning on doing?" Hatsuharu asked.
Shigure shrugged. "Anything. Everything. We'll have to see."
"Why now? And why the entire world?" Hiro demanded.
"I just…" Akito began unsurely, and then sighed. "I've been highly sheltered, as you all know, and well, I'd like to see more of the world."
"But you don't have to go!" Tohru cried out, stepping forward.
Akito smiled warmly at her. "I know that. But I want to. I know that many years have passed since the curse was broken, and as much as we've all moved on with our lives, including me, it's still a part of us. We still share a bond: our pasts. I don't want to forget that we are connected, but I know that some memories are more painful than others. I did some…horrible…things for which I may never be forgiven, but for right now, I want to experience life and replace some of those things with happier memories. Staying here within the Sohma compound just won't allow that to happen."
"But what of your health?" Kisa asked.
Akito directed another smile in her direction. "I think even Hatori can attest that I've been doing very well lately. I haven't had much more than a cold in a few years now."
All eyes turned to a nodding Hatori. "It's true," he stated simply.
Shigure clapped his hands together. "It's settled then! Everyone should wish us 'bon voyage!'"
"We're still going to celebrate New Years, right?" Tohru asked.
"They wouldn't have arranged this whole party to leave right in the middle!" Kyo said with a grin, bopping her affectionately on the head.
Tohru blushed sheepishly but looked happier nonetheless. "I'm going to miss you, Akito-san and Shigure-san!"
"Me too," Kisa agreed.
"I think we all will," Yuki said softly.
Akito's eyes glistened with tears. "Thank you," she murmured, overcome with emotion.
Shigure draped his arms around her shoulders. "But first we're going to have to get our 'kid fix' before the little tykes tire themselves out!" he declared. Hatori eyed him strangely. "What?" he demanded, offended. "Your little Taro inspired me! We won't be seeing them for a while!"
"All right," Hatori relented with a small smile. "But be careful around Mayuko."
"And Mitsuru!" Ritsu finally spoke up.
Shigure blinked. "Mitchan's here?"
Ritsu struggled for an answer. "Y-yes, I'm sorry! I'm afraid she's planning something involving murder…"
Shigure laughed. "Finally! I wouldn't have it any other way!"
Hatori raised an eyebrow at him. "You have problems."
"Indeed I do, Haa-san, indeed I do."
And so passed the rest of the evening. Shigure and Akito kept their promise by playing with the children until it grew late and they grew sleepy. In an adjoining room, the little ones were tucked away with their dreams as the adults spent time catching up with one another on their lives. It was amazing at how far they had all come, and they all knew that so much remained in store for them.
And as Akito watched the sun rise beside Shigure, she felt a twinge of sadness. She really would miss them all. They had all played such a huge part in who she was, and she was almost afraid to let them go. She knew, though, that this was the right thing to do. This is what she wanted to do, after all. It would just be a little lonelier…
Suddenly, she was hugged from behind and she glanced back to see Tohru embracing her. She returned the gesture and her eyes widened as the Zodiacs, one by one, approached her and repeated Tohru's actions. Even Rin hugged her quickly before darting back to her husband's side.
Tears streamed down her face as the sun rose in a blur of orange-red colors. Shigure leaned in close to kiss a few tears away.
"I told you not to worry so much, my love," he whispered.
Akito chuckled and burrowed herself into Shigure's body. There, embraced in his warmth, she and the others welcomed the New Year.
…and unbeknownst to all of them (except an unconscious Ritsu draped inelegantly against a column) Mitsuru was steadily approaching Shigure from behind with a knife outstretched in her hand, gleaming deadly in the sunlight…
Just kidding! ; p
A/N: Haha, I couldn't resist that bit at the end! I was just like "Wow, Mitchan and Shigure are going to be in the same room…and he kind of made her want to kill herself…" So that was rather fun! And yes, I've effectively written Kagura out of the story…hehe. I don't know why, but I think she's one of my least favorite characters in this manga series. When she's with the others, I just don't know what to do with her, so she miraculously moved to America, haha! That's one way to deal with that! Also, if you were wondering what the Zodiacs do for jobs, I have no idea whatsoever. Notice that I've been rather vague on that point. I just can't think of anything creative enough, except for Momiji, whose job was inspired from the actual manga. If you people have any ideas on that matter, feel free to share!
On that note, actually, I realize that this chapter didn't incorporate any of the ideas from my reviewers that I previously requested. Despite the fact that I only really got one idea from reviewers, this chapter went so long that I decided against using it yet. And seeing as there was only one, I WELCOME MORE!! Please be just a tad bit detailed with them too! Any little detail helps me formulate even more cuteness, so that would be much appreciated!
Thanks again, and sorry about all the author's notes, haha! Hope you enjoyed this! I would like to know your opinions on some things though, like Usagi's character (which I'm still figuring out) so please review!