Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Valentine Surprises ❯ Valentine Surprises ( One-Shot )

Valentine's Surprises

Written by: Kokoro no Ookami

Disclaimer: Do you see a sign saying I own Fruits Basket? *looks around* Hehe, oops! *hides sign behind back* Sorry about that, but I really don't own it. The only one I do own is Reiko.

Pairing: ReikoxHatori

Rating: PG13 for a bit of language

Warnings: They might be OOC; it's my first Fruits Basket story.

Notes: Reiko is my own character; she's part of a series I'm starting. My friends and I have kinda adopted her, and now she's in a lot of our stories. Not just Fruits Basket either. I have to explain a bit about her, because all of her information is from my other series. She turns into a wolf. The story behind it is that there is a lone wolf that watches over the members of the zodiac. Every time a wolf is born, their younger sibling will be the future head of the family. She's also two years younger than Hatori, Shigure, and Ayame.

***

"Hatori, you have to be the hardest person to get a gift for!" Reiko whispered to herself. She was perched outside his house at the main Sohma complex, waiting impatiently for the doctor to awake. Although, she might not have been as anxious if she hadn't taken position at 5 am. It was now 6:30, and she was hoping he wouldn't decide to sleep in. She really needed to find out what he wanted for Valentine's Day. So naturally, she had gotten Shigure to leave a message in the middle of the night which would lead him somewhere that he could be detained. Then she would be free to slip in and snoop-er-casually glance around.

She was startled out of her thoughts by a light flickering on in what she knew to be his bathroom. 6:35, right on time. She resisted the urge to peek in on him in the shower and settled into a more comfortable position. Irritably she brushed her brown-grey-blonde hair out of her eyes. She shouldn't have left Shigure's without putting it up. It was just a bundle of trouble.

At 7:22 Hatori hurriedly left his house, hastily pulling on his coat and tripping as he tried to slip on his shoes at the same time. Reiko wondered what Shigure's message had said to make him in such a rush. Oh well, down to business.

Hatori's bedroom was much like his office, she noted, the same organized neatness and the same bare walls. The only few personal items were located on his nightstand. Reiko smugly observed her picture next to Kana's. It was larger and the frame brought a weird feeling, as if the owner had put some serious thought into it. It made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside. He did feel something for her after all!

/Don't read too much into it! It's just a picture frame! /

She blushed; she was getting carried away again. Attention back to the task at hand she rummaged through his dresser. She knew he must have one drawer filled with either junk or personal stuff. All men had one. Ah ha! This was what she was looking for. The first item she grabbed made her wince. It was a pair of white, silk gloves that Hatori had planned to give to Kana for her birthday. They were embroidered with a dragon stretched around the hem. She remembered giving him the idea when he had called her on the phone, frantic because he couldn't think of a single present. It was the last time she had heard from him until she moved back. Damn her brother and his twisted mind!

Resuming her search she picked up a….Playboy magazine? She shuddered and threw the magazine under the bed. Well, at least she knew he was straight! The next item from his drawer was a half eaten Hershey bar. /Hatori, that's just nasty!/ she thought. The chocolate had some green substance growing on the surface, and was it her imagination or had it just wiggled in her hand? Gross! She dumped the…substance…into his trash can and continued on, after washing her hands of course. Going on she lifted a tube of chapstick of the watermelon variety. Come to think of it, he really liked the taste of watermelon. She recalled that all the candy he ate (which wasn't much) was watermelon flavored. She'd have to remember that for later. Finally, the last object was a thin…purple…ribbon….that she had given to him when she left for America! Pulling it out she noticed that it was attached to something. Two somethings, actually. A letter and a photograph. Reiko felt her eyes water and she tried to hold back the tears. That picture….

It was of her, when she was fifteen, taken about a week before she had left. Shigure was behind the camera, while Ayame was being chased by Hatori. He had stolen Hatori's jacket, if she recalled correctly. Shigure had been on his photography phase, and was taking pictures left and right. At the moment, she had been laughing at the running duo, and Shigure had thought it would make a good picture. She had hit him over the head afterwards. Why would Hatori still have it? And it looked to have been handled quite a lot, it was dog-eared and the edges were worn. It made her tears threaten to fall.

The letter fell at her feet, catching her attention. She reached down to pick it up and was surprised to see her name on it. She felt bad about opening it, but she figured that since it was addressed to her that she had the right to read it. She felt unexplainably nervous, and the simple act of unfolding the letter seemed to go on forever. She read with rapt attention.

Dear Reiko,

It's been awhile since we've seen each other hasn't it? How's life over in America? You'll be eighteen soon. I'll have to send your birthday present in a couple of weeks. It was weird, not having you here when I turned twenty. I felt like you should have been here. Like you should have been with me. I know you had a crush on Aya, and that you've probably never even looked at me in that light, but it still feels like we should have been together. I can see you now, "Hatori what's with you? You sound like a thirty-year-old!" you'd say, with that sparkle to your eyes. Hah, I feel silly. I guess it doesn't matter, I won't be sending this to you anyway. I don't have the nerve. Besides, you deserve to be told in person, not in a letter. You deserve to hear me say it, even if you wouldn't reciprocate my feelings. Look at me, too afraid to even write them in a letter you will never see! I should get them out, really I should. I love you Reiko. I have for a long time. I can't even remember a time that I wasn't in love with you. But you're gone now. It's…hard, I miss you. I miss the way your eyes twinkle when you're happy. I miss your innocent smile when you're doing something mischievous. I even miss your perverted cracks at every turn. I hope you will not be over in America for much longer. It tears me apart every time we talk on the phone. I must be crazy, acting so love struck. I really do love you though. And even if I eventually force myself to move on, I know that I will always love you.

Love, (that sounds corny doesn't it?)

Hatori

Reiko's hands slowly relaxed and the letter fluttered softly to the floor. She hugged herself tight, her crystalline tears slowly slipping down her flushed cheeks. She walked slowly to his bed in shock. He had loved her! The pain he must have felt, the despair at her departure. She knew it was hell for her when she had to leave him. She might have had a crush on Aya when she was fourteen, but it had turned into a gentle love for Hatori the last year she was here. It had only continued to grow since then, and she was still head over heels for the man! And he returned the sentiment! Or at least… he had a while ago, but did he still feel that way? Another sparkling tear rolled down her face falling off her chin and landing with a splash on the floor. She had to get Hatori the best Valentine's gift! She simply had to!

"Mmm…Reiko? Is that you? What are you doing here so early? And where's Hari?" said Momiji, peering in the door rubbing his eyes.

Reiko looked up, startled. What was Momiji doing up at this hour? Hastily wiping her tears away she put the ribbon, picture, and letter back in the drawer. She turned back to the sleepy bunny slowly, smiling a small, soft grin.

"Hey, bunny! Why are you awake? I would have thought you would be sleeping in, it is a weekend."

Momiji smiled at her. "Yep, you're right! I was just so excited about going over to see you, and Tohru, and Shigure, and Kyo, and Yuki that I woke up extra early! Hari said we would go as soon as I was ready!" She smiled at him-his cheerful persona was contagious. Leading the boy back to his room, she snuck a wistful glance back to the room. She would not give up this time. She would give the perfect gift to Hatori.

***
"Shigure, what was so urgent that you had to call me so early in the morning?" Hatori said monotonously. Anything Shigure came up with would probably be rather silly. Unfortunately, he hadn't been awake to remember that fact until he had pulled up in the driveway. He wondered briefly if Reiko was awake before focusing on the dog's exaggerated explanation.

"Oh it was dreadful! I was simply minding my own business on the way to the kitchen when the door decided to hit my hand! The awful, dreadful pain! I thought I was going to die! When I looked at my hand to assess the damage, I noticed the most horrible thing I had ever seen! A SPLINTER! It nearly brought tears to my eyes." To emphasize his point he added a pitiful sniffle and some water to his eyes. If he was going to play this he was going to play it up good!

Hatori sighed. It figured. Shigure always liked to make him do things out of the ordinary. And leaving his house at 7:22 was definitely different for him. Although, he told himself, he had been meaning to come here later. Except that now he felt a little bad. Momiji had looked forward all week to coming with him.

"Damn it! You mutt, do you have to make so much damn noise? Some people are trying to sleep. Oh, hey Hatori," said Kyo, walking past the duo grumbling. It was too damn early.

"Kyo! How could you say such a thing! I'm in agony!"

Kyo simply rolled his eyes and continued on to the kitchen. Hatori rubbed the bridge of his nose, walking to the front door. He didn't want to be here in the morning, so he decided to come back later.

As he climbed into his car, his mind shifted again to the wolf of the zodiac. He glanced up at her window and sighed. He could admit it now; he still had feelings for her. Even if he had moved on, and had fallen just as in love with Kana, he could honestly say that he still loved Reiko. There was something about her that called to him. He knew it couldn't be purely attraction. Reiko was beautiful, but in a subtle way unlike most women. She didn't need any make-up or trendy hair-styles. The plain half-ponytail just seemed to suit her.

Shaking his head he started the engine and drove off, still thinking about the amber-eyed girl. He could recall with great clarity every event from the past year. Every touch and sunny smile sent his way. That smile…it made his heart do funny little somersaults in his chest. He was truly happy around her, a feeling he hadn't experienced for a great deal of time. To tell the truth, he was afraid she would leave soon. After all, whenever he was happy, didn't something ruin it every time?

Swerving as he almost entered into the other lane he decided not to think too much at the moment. No use dying because he'd been daydreaming!

***

A week later, the day before Valentine's, poor Reiko still hadn't gotten any closer to finding that perfect gift. She didn't think Hatori would be this hard to shop for! She supposed it had something to do with his extremely picky tastes, but this was ridiculous! She should have been able to come up with something! She really only had one more trick up her sleeve: an e-mail questionnaire that she could get Shigure to send to Hatori. She knew Hatori would respond to him, he was one of the few adult male friends Hatori would trust enough to say anything personal at all. And as weird as Shigure was sometimes, he cared enough about his family to help them out. Okay, so it might have more to do with the chance at manipulating Hatori, but he would still be helping! At least she was assured the writer would come through. Now all she had to do was sit back and wait.

Hatori sat down at his workstation, intending to quickly scan his e-mails. He didn't expect anything new, just the same boring advertisements that somehow obtained his address. Advertisement, advertisement, advertisement, questionnaire, advertise- wait- questionnaire? And from Shigure no less. Warily, he moved the curser over the link, anything from that man had the potential to be dangerous.

TO: Sohma_sensei@yahoo.com

FROM: ILoveHatoriSohma@hesavedmylife.com

Hello Ha-san! I thought you would like this, and I have to repay you somehow! You saved my life! You saved me from that horrid, massive splinter! I truly saw my life flash before my eyes!

P.S. - You seriously need a new e-mail! It's so dull!

Hatori rolled his eyes heavenward and read on; it wouldn't hurt to at least check it out. He decided to send it back to Shigure. Maybe the dog would stop bothering him if he responded.

***

Reiko bounced in her chair and looked around. She knew it would probably take a while for Hatori to reply, and for Shigure to send it back to her, but she couldn't help it! She was too impatient. She looked back at her e-mail screen and refreshed the page. She heaved a sigh, still nothing. Geez, how long did it take to fill out a simple e-mail!

As her mind began to wander, it eventually landed on the dragon, like usual. He had been acting a little different this past week; almost as if he was…restless, tired of something even. She hoped that her present would cheer him up. If she could ever think of one, that is! She shook her head and looked back at the screen. She'd just take one more peek…

Ah ha! A new message! And it was from Shigure! Hurriedly she opened the screen, her eyes shining with delight.

TO: ILoveHatoriSohma@hesavedmylife.com

FROM: DogsAre_Nature'sDisease@DogHaters.net

There. Are you happy Shigure? I changed my e-mail. I even answered all the questions.

- What is your name? - Hatori Sohma.

- How old are you? - Does it matter? 27

- Sex? -That's private.

- What are you doing right now? -Answering an e-mail

- Hair color? -Some say dark green, some say dark black. It doesn't matter.

- Eye color? -Jade green

- Favorite book? -Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

- Favorite movie? -….As loath as I am to admit it, Two Weeks Notice

- Favorite song? -Drops of Jupiter

--Why? -….It reminds me of Reiko (Shigure, if you tell her this I'll be forced to tell your editing company some very personal information)

Reiko blushed, that song was her favorite too. He was thinking of her!

- Boxers or briefs? -Boxers

- Favorite animal? -Dragon, but I'm biased.

- Most embarrassing moment? -When Reiko found out how I lost my virginity

She had to stop reading for a second to laugh. And laugh she did, very long and hard.

- Favorite quote? "If people can change, the world can change"

- Kids? -not at the moment

- Babies? -are you hinting at something?

- When was the last time you showered? -this morning

- What color pants are you wearing? -dark green

- What song are you listening to right now? -Drops of Jupiter

- What was the last thing you said? -Goodbye

- How are you today? -I'm fine

- What was the last thing you ate? -Chicken

- Have you ever gone skinny dipping? -…

She giggled; the thought of Hatori naked was very appealing.

- Favorite CD? -none

- Favorite color? -dark green

- One pillow or two? -either

- Favorite drink? -I don't have one

- Have you ever been in love? -…yes

- Are you in love now? -…maybe

- Favorite alcoholic drink? -I don't drink

- If you were a crayon, what color would you be? -Silver

- Who is the person you want to spend the rest of your life with? -You know very well Shigure… (Shigure: you know he means you Reiko!)

Reiko blushed again. Did he really? It sent chivers up her spine thinking about it, pleasant chivers.

- Where do you want to go on your honeymoon? -I would like to visit America

- Do you have a lava lamp? -yes…Reiko bought it for me

- How about those sumo wrestlers? -….?

- How's the weather? -cloudy

- What did you do last night? -I went to bed

- What is the nicest thing about the opposite sex? -their eyes

- Who do you like? -…you know that too… (Shigure: again, he means you!)

- Who makes you happy? -…are you trying to imply something? (Shigure: Yes, yes! You like Reiko! She makes you happy!)

- Do you like the person who sent this to you? -unfortunately yes

- Let's get down to business…? -are you quoting Mulan?

- How do you eat an Oreo? -I eat one bite at a time

- Who do you consider your closest friends? -Shigure, Ayame, and Reiko

- What is the best gift you've ever received? -A ribbon…

Yet again Reiko blushed, remembering her ribbon in his drawer.

- Night or day? -either

- Summer or winter? -winter

- Love or lust? -love

- Hugs or kisses? -both

- Barbie or ken? -…?

- Jen or Kara? -….?

- Have you ever peed in your pants? -Not that I could recall

- Have you ever been out of the country? -once, to China

- Favorite gum? -watermelon coolers

- Favorite cousin? -Is this a trick question?

- Did you ever have the falling dream? -yes

- What color walls do you have? -white

- Are you wearing underwear? -yes, can you really see me hanging free?

- What color is the floor? -brown

- Are you suffering from PMS? -I'm sorry to inform you, but PMS happens to be a woman's condition.

- Cold or hot? -warm

- Happy or sad? -happy, even if it rarely happens

- Smart or stupid? -smart

- Green or blue? -green

- Rich or poor? -either

- Ugly or pretty? -does it matter?

- New or old? -sometimes the oldest things are the most precious…

- Coke or Sprite? -Coke

- Mountain Dew or Pepsi? -Pepsi

- And finally, what would you like for Valentine's Day? -chocolate is fine, but really, happiness would be great.

Reiko slapped her forehead. That stupid mutt! How obvious could he be? Nevertheless, that last question, and Hatori's response, got her thinking. Happiness…how was she supposed to give him that? That other question, the `who makes you happy?' one, Shigure had said he meant her. A plan was beginning to form in her head. But could she really go through with it? Did she have the guts? Who was she kidding, of course she did! The only thing left now was to execute it. Oh, and she had to convince Momiji to help her, though she was pretty sure the young blond would be more than happy to help. Hatori wouldn't know what hit him.

***

They were up to something, Hatori decided the next day. That silly little grin was on Reiko's face again, and although he thought it made her beautiful, he was on guard for something tricky - something altogether Reiko-like. He was also a bit disappointed. It wasn't like Reiko had been obligated to buy him something, but he was secretly wishing for maybe a chocolate bar. But the day's not over, he told himself. There was still twelve hours until midnight, maybe - just maybe, she would give him something.

Reiko grinned when she saw the suspicious look on the man's face. All throughout lunch he had been shooting glances at her and Shigure. She knew she must look like she had tricks up her sleeve. She couldn't help it though, she was too excited! In less than twelve hours she would be getting together with the love of her life! Her thinking was entirely hopeful, except for that teensy-weensy voice of doubt in the back of her mind. The nagging voice that told her he didn't still love her, and that he couldn't love someone he hadn't seen in 10 years. She ignored it however, choosing to be optimistic. No need for her to chicken out now! Thinking about it, she realized Momiji should be starting right about now.

"Hari, let's go buy the groceries with Tohru! Can we please? I really wanna help her!"

Right on time.

"Only if it's alright with Tohru," the man said, barely smiling at the boy's antics.

"Oh of course you can Momiji! You don't have to though; you don't have to go out of your way to help me! And Hatori, you must have important things to do-"

"Nonsense, it is fine with me,"

"YAY! I get to spend time with Tohru!"

Reiko smiled widely. Momiji was doing an excellent job, no one suspected a thing!

As soon as they left, Reiko high-tailed it out of there and sped to the main house, ignoring the questions thrown at her. She had to have time to set up a certain part of her present, the part that made her the most afraid. It was a wooden dresser, along with all her clothes. If Hatori really agreed, it would stay there, and she would move in with him. Her brother might be a problem, but she could always overpower that twerp. Hatori might be a bit afraid of him, but she hadn't been here when Akito had started his terrorizing. Besides, he was her little brother! How could she possibly be afraid of the kid that used to wet the bed and cry at Disney movies?

***

Hatori sighed and rubbed his temple. As cute as Momiji was, the boy was not good for an oncoming headache. After helping Tohru with the groceries they helped her with the laundry, and after that the vacuuming. Who knew wood floor could be so hard to vacuum? It was almost as if Momiji was purposely keeping…him…here. He knew it! Reiko was up to something! She had probably gotten Momiji to stall him! If she was doing something to his belongings the favor would be returned! Then again, she could be doing something for a Valentine's gift. She had gotten everyone else something. He didn't want to get his hopes up though. If it turned out to be something else he would be disappointed. He felt like a schoolgirl, hanging on every little action of her crush. Sighing again he resigned himself to waiting. If she wanted time to do something, even something devious, then who was he to spoil it?

Momiji grinned when he looked over at Hatori. The man looked irritated, but he seemed to be cooperating. Momiji was sure he'd already figured out what was going on. There were only so many chores you could do in one day. It was so exciting though! And if everything would work out, then Reiko would be living by him! And he could play with her anytime he wanted! And she could drive him to school, and bake cookies (she was really good at baking, though she burned anything when she cooked.), and she would even write him short stories! She could be like a big sister!

Meanwhile, while both Hatori and Momiji were lost in thought, Tohru wondered at Momiji's sudden interest in chores. She appreciated the help, but it almost seemed as if he was stalling. Don't be silly, she chided herself, why would he be stalling? With her mind made up she went back to tidying up the living room.

***

Hatori dragged his feet as he walked up to his house. It had been a long day. He had all but forgotten about Reiko's scheme at the moment, being too tired to think straight. He had done about six hours of chores, after all. What he found when he walked in was much unexpected. Reiko was there, all right, but so was Akito, and they were yelling at each other. They seemed too absorbed in the shouting match that they didn't notice him slide open the door.

"I will NOT allow it!"

"I don't care! You don't control me you brat! You might be the head of this family, but I am your OLDER sister! I just can't look at you with the same fear that you try to instill in everyone else!"

"I will do something, this will not go unpunished."

"Oh, what are you gonna do? Cry to mom? She's DEAD now! You can't whine about me anymore! And father wouldn't care either way! He's too busy being shit-faced in the American slums!"

It was weird hearing the girl curse; she usually didn't use bad language if she didn't have to. She must have been very angry.

"You might not be afraid of me, dear sister," Akito said with a hiss, "but I assure you, Hatori is."

The look on Reiko's face was murderous, and fear was etched behind it. If he could get to Hatori…

On the sidelines Hatori paled, if Akito used him against her, then he must know about his affections for her! He stepped outside the doorway, close enough to hear but not be seen.

"Yes, I know exactly what's going on, dear sister," the normal endearment was lost in the tone of voice he used, "You can't be around him all the time, he'll have to have some private time. You never know what…accidents…could happen." His face held a sinister smirk. He knew the one thing that would make Reiko crumble before him, the one thing that assured his control.

Reiko was frightened. She could stand up to her brother's selfish cruelty by herself, but he was threatening Hatori. She had seen what Akito could do to him. She remembered the heart-breaking fear in his voice over the phone. And he was using it against her! It was the first time she felt truly terrified of her sibling. "Akito, you- you can't. Please, please, don't - do anything. He doesn't deserve to be hurt because of me."

Akito was pleased at the fear he knew Reiko was experiencing. He had power over her at last! Oh, how the tables had turned. He began to walk away, stopping a bit in front of the door to call back to her. "You should never have let your love be known, Reiko-chan…the Sohma's aren't meant to be happy!"

Reiko glared. "No, everyone deserves to be happy; you just can't accept the fact that you're not the center of their world!"

Akito slowly tilted his head at her, his eyes narrowing and a languid smirk came over his face. "Now, now, there's no need to be so harsh, is there? All I'm doing is looking out for Hatori's…safety." The way he said that word sent tendrils of fear up her spine.

Out in the hall, Hatori decided to take action. He was sure that with enough evidence they could get the boy sent to prison. He pulled out a tape recorder from a nearby desk and pressed record.

Reiko shivered, not believing that this - this monster was her brother! "You're bluffing, you have to be! What could you possibly do to him? You're a sick, little child, stuck in a fantasy world of your own making!" Dimly she realized what a bad idea this was, but she was too much on the defensive to stop.

A harsh chuckle came from Akito's lips. "Oh, is that what you think? Do you remember the puppy you bought for him when you were fourteen? The one that `drowned' in the river? He never went near that place. He was…placed there after his untimely death…"

Hatori stepped in at that moment, cutting off any response Reiko might have made. He tried to look surprised at their presence.

Akito glared, walking out of the room quickly. The walls seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

Hatori gave a small smile and held up the tape recorder. Her eyes lit up with realization. Surely they could find something to charge him with! With a quick phone call, everything could be done in a short amount of time!

***

Hours later, after everything had been settled and Akito locked away, Reiko and Hatori finally had time to sit down.

Hatori looked at Reiko and frowned, something was wrong with her. "What is it Reiko?"

The girl in question looked up, startled, the pout on her face more visible. "That totally ruined the mood!"

"What mood?"

Reiko looked down again, suddenly shy. She had been so determined earlier, but now that nagging voice was back, a little stronger now. She shushed it mentally and lifted her head.

"I have a Valentine's Day present for you."

Hatori's smile came back again, and the sight made butterflies come to life in her stomach.

"Wait here." She went into his bedroom and grabbed the big, floppy, red bow on the nightstand, where Kana's picture was overshadowed by her own. Putting it around her neck she walked back out and leaned against the doorframe. She crossed her arms and smiled. "You see, I really wanted to get you the best gift ever. You're very hard to shop for, you know. I looked everywhere, and I couldn't find a single thing I thought was good enough. I even had Shigure distract you one morning so that I could look around in here to try and get an idea. I did, but I wasn't sure if it was really all that great. That meant I needed extreme measures. Luckily, Shigure was willing to help me, and he made an e-mail questionnaire, which he sent to me once you had filled it out."

Hatori stared at her in shock, all of that, just to find him a present?

Reiko grinned, walking over to Hatori. Now, the punch-line. "Naturally, I came to the conclusion that the best present for you happened to be me!" Her voice lowered, "It was an added bonus that I just happened to be in love with you."

He blinked, taking all of it in slowly. Was it possible? That someone besides Kana could love him? His head reeled and didn't give him a chance to respond.

Reiko took his silence as rejection. She knew he wouldn't want to hurt her, but after all this time he must have fallen out of love with her. Her heart constricted in her chest, and the tears welled up in her eyes. She tried not to let them fall, but one slipped down her cheek anyway. Hanging her head, she turned to go, forgetting about the dresser in his room for a moment. "That's ok, I understand, I'll go now. It was silly to think that you would love me."

Hatori was shocked out of his reverie by the sound of her footsteps as she walked away from him. No! She couldn't leave! Not when he was finally beginning to be happy again! Her words hit him, and he realized he must have hurt her with his lack of response. Standing he embraced her from behind before she could get to the door, his arms sliding around her shoulders and his chin resting on the top of her head. "Do you really think I'm going to let you walk out of my life as soon as you've walked back in? I'm not going to let you go, not now, not ever!" The words were soft spoken, but they hit her like a ton of bricks. She turned in his arms and looked up at him, a smile ghosting over her lips. "Reiko, I love you, you're not leaving me now that I've found you."

She threw her arms around his waist and leaned into the embrace. She never wanted this to end. "Hatori, I love you too, I was worried you might not feel the same, not after Kana."

"It's true that I loved her deeply, but that doesn't mean I'm not capable of loving you. There's a level of closeness I could never have with Kana. If we were in each other's arms, I would change. Our relationship was doomed from the start."

Reiko suddenly buried her head in his chest. While the action filled him with a sense of contentment, he noticed a few wet spots appearing on his shirt. Concerned, he placed a finger under her chin and tilted her head up. The tear tracks on her face made his heart clench painfully. "What's wrong?"

"*sniff* I feel so bad. I was always very jealous of Kana, of your relationship with her, but I never realized what you were both giving up."

Hatori shook his head, pulling her even closer. "No, don't think like that. In a way, I'm glad I never shared that with Kana. I can share that with you."

Reiko looked up at him again with that sparkle in her eyes. He was glad to see it back; her eyes seemed so empty without it.

"You know, I just realized how unfair this is!"

Confusion flooded Hatori.

"I mean, you're what, six foot? Six foot one? And I'm only five three! You're like, a whole foot taller that me!"

"Well, I'll just have to bend down to kiss you, won't I?" He chuckled at her shocked gazed and leaned down. The distance was slowly closing between them. She hadn't even noticed when she went onto her tip-toes. Closer…closer…until finally, their lips met with an electric spark, touching with a tender gentleness. Reiko felt like she was floating, the feelings his lips on her inspired in her was magnificent. Hatori, she realized, was a great kisser.

Reluctantly they pulled apart, the need for air overcoming them. Eyes locked they shared a moment, a moment in time where all else stopped and the world existed for only them. Reiko suddenly giggled, breaking the mood. "You taste like watermelon!"

He smirked. "So do you."

She smiled at him and nonchalantly brushed his hair away from his face, as if it was second nature to her. He sighed as he looked at her, now he would be even more tempted to just go away from work to visit her at Shigure's house.

Seemingly reading his thoughts, she laughed and put both her hands behind her back, leaning forward a bit and looking every bit the hopeful child. "Hatori…you know, there is another part to your present!"

"What is it?"

"Well, if you go into your room, you will notice a new mahogany oak dresser next to yours."

"Reiko, are you moving in?"

"Only if you want me to, Hari!" She smiled up at him again and winked.

"Of course, Reiko."

Reiko led him to the bedroom, excitedly telling how she set up the whole thing by herself. Turning to him she smirked.

Hatori eyed her warily, not liking the look that crossed over her face.

"So, Ha-san, aren't you going to unwrap your present?" She said seductively. Her expression turned tender, and she stroked his cheek. He caught her hand in his own, leaning into the caress. Softly kissing her palm, his jade green eyes never leaving hers, he reached out and removed the tie holding back half of her hair. The silky mass flowed down around her shoulders.

Reiko shuddered. Those simple actions made her blood race, and she could feel the beginnings of lust creep up on her. She tugged on his hand, pulling him to the bed, and brought his head down for a kiss. While their kiss earlier had been sweet, a small show of feelings, this one was more passionate. And the feelings were ten times as intense. She felt his tongue glide along her bottom lip, asking for entrance. Eagerly she granted permission, parting her lips as their tongues dueled in a sweet dance. Her hands tangled in his hair, and she pressed against him. Suddenly the presence of clothing was irritating. She began to unbutton his shirt, only breaking their kiss for air. The offending article was removed and her hands began an exploration of his body.

Hatori shivered at the feel of her cool hands on his chest. The feelings she inspired in him were raging, and he found himself peeling off her shirt. He began to kiss along the curve of her neck, stopping to lap at the juncture where it met her shoulders. Her nipples were taut with excitement, easily seen through her flimsy bra. He reached around and clumsily unhooked it. Her breasts sprung free, and he admired their shape and texture. His hands started to wander; cupping her breasts as he again kissed her lips. They were so pliant under his hands, and he found himself teasing her nipples. Pinching and caressing them. Gently he laid her down on the bed, resting on his side next to her.

Reiko gasped when she felt his lips travel back down her neck, planting butterfly kisses until he came to her breasts. A moan escaped her lips when his closed over one erect peak. Fondling the right with his hand, he sucked and nipped the left. She writhed in pleasure, moaning again when his tongue flicked the nub playfully. Moving to her other, neglected nipple, he worked on that one. Reiko was being reduced to a pile of mush.

Hatori moved lower, tracing invisible paths down her stomach with his tongue. He stopped when he arrived at her navel, dipping in and out and swirling around it. Unbuttoning her shorts, he slid them down her hips and past her smooth, creamy legs. He paused and admired her body, nude except for the bright red bow on her neck. Lightly he traced her opening with gentle fingers, making her shiver with need. Her entrance was slick, and he couldn't resist dipping a finger in.

Reiko arched her back, fisting the sheets as the feelings his finger created spread through her veins. She could feel his warm breath on her thighs, slowly moving closer to her center. His finger slipped in farther, making her cry out. He slid his digit in and out of her, building up speed until he added another finger. Her hips gyrated with each thrust of his fingers. "Hatori!" she gasped, when she felt his mouth descend upon her clitoris. He flicked his tongue out, running it up and down her slit. He nipped the little nub then sucked lightly and it almost made her go over the edge.

Hatori could sense that she was near the peak and moved away. A whimper escaped from her lips, but he silenced it with a searing kiss. Pulling away, she smirked. "That's not very fair. Here I am without clothes and you still have your pants."

Hatori simply smiled at her deviously and began to unbuckle his belt. Pulling it off he started on his pants, Reiko watching the entire time. She was pleased to see no underwear. "Hatori, I'm shocked! You were going commando!"

He just shrugged, a small blush gracing his features. His erection was clearly seen. Reiko attacked his mouth again, wrapping her legs around his waist, his member now pressed against her opening. Her juices began to trickle down the head, and he shuddered. They lay down on the bed again. He looked at her with a question in his eyes, hesitant to go too far. She nodded wordlessly, and pressed their lips together as he began to enter her. He went slowly, not wanting to hurt her, until he hit a barrier. Swiftly thrusting, he sheathed himself fully inside of her.

Tears were building in Reiko's eyes, but she refused to let them fall, telling her self that the pain would go away in a minute. Hatori uttered a groan and she forgot about the discomfort she was feeling. Moving her hips she urged him to move, and with another soft moan he did.

He thrust into her slowly at first, building a rhythm until he couldn't control himself anymore. Losing himself in the passion he pumped wildly, while Reiko matched every movement with her hips. Sweat began to form on their bodies as climax approached faster and faster. Hatori bent his head and began to once again torture her breasts, lapping at them furiously. He alternated between groping them and sucking zealously on the twin peaks.

It was too much for Reiko and she felt herself begin to go over the edge. Her breath was coming in gasps, and a white heat was spreading from her stomach down to her toes. Suddenly stars burst behind her eyes and she came explosively.

Hatori couldn't take the clenching of her tight muscles around his shaft. He held on for a few seconds, thrusting a little faster, and then spilled his seed within her. Panting he collapsed next to her. He tiredly moved his arms to cover them with the sheets.

Later, when they were lying together in bed, she turned to him with a smirk and said, "Drops of Jupiter, huh? You know, that is my favorite song too!"

He blushed, and her giggles could be heard faintly throughout the main house. It had a different feeling now, what once was fear, now was happiness. A peaceful atmosphere was a nice, and welcomed, change.

***

Owari!