DIAMONDS AND PEARLS
A Fruits Basket Gift Ficlet

Written by Miyu, Vampire Princess

AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Happy Belated Birthday Koishii-san! *huggles* I hope this will be fluffy enough for you. Hatori x Tohru pairing. Told from Hatori's POV (I'm channeling him a lot lately...scary). Non-lemon. Comments always welcome. Please enjoy!

It was the most perfect day.

Or so I had planned it.

It took some doing. Getting Tohru to see me was easy enough. But to get her alone was somewhat difficult. Shigure was no help. The man would keep Tohru all to himself if it wasn't for our younger cousins watching out for her. Of course, Yuki and Kyo are always watching out for Tohru. Not that this is a bad thing, but it posed yet another obstacle. They rarely leave her alone. She's always with one of them. I had to come up with a valid enough excuse to have Tohru visit me at the Honke.

Then one presented itself.

Momiji got a stomach flu. It only lasted 48 hours...thankfully. I don't think the little rabbit could've lasted much longer. Keeping him hydrated was the most difficult. Between the drips and all the fluids we forced him to drink, I'm surprised his insides didn't flood. But it was necessary.

Granted it wasn't the greatest of excuses, and not one I would've preferred, but Tohru was there, in my office. She came over as soon as she heard. Compassionate and caring, that's Tohru. She sat by his side, kept him company, fed him, talked with him. She was the best nurse, and I think she had as much to do with his recovery as the fluids and medication.

She spent one night, curled up on a chair beside Momiji's bed. I watched her from the doorway as she slept. So peaceful. So Innocent.

I knew then that I loved her. Well, I'd known for months really. Hit me like a slap in the face one day. I'm much older than she. I shouldn't have feelings for her. But I did. I do. Just thinking about her made me feel things I hadn't felt since...well, since Kana. It's unfair to make a comparison, although both of them are much alike. But it's not only her similarities to Kana that I appreciate, but her differences as well. I wanted her with me forever. By my side. In my arms. In my bed.

That's when I began to plan.

And it was time to put my plan into action.

Tohru had done a lot for Momiji, and I really did want to thank her. Grudgingly I woke her the next morning. She blinked sleepily -- it was cute actually -- as she roused. With a yawn she stretched her arms over her head and tugged on every muscle in her upper body. A small smile graced her lips as she opened her eyes and saw me for the first time that morning.

"Ohayo, Hatori-san."

"Ohayo, Tohru-kun. I hope you slept well enough in the chair."

"I slept well." She looked at me curiously, then down at the bed beside her. "How's Momiji?"

"The swelling in his glands has gone down and his fever broke overnight," I said. "I want him to stay in bed today, but as far as I'm concerned, he's fine."

She smiled, a beautiful smile that lit the entire room. "That's great," she practically yelled. Then she covered her mouth as she remembered that Momiji was asleep. Her cheeks flushed, but she maintained her smile. More softly she continued, "I'm glad he's going to be okay."

"Why don't we go out to the waiting room?"

"Hai."

I offered her my hand as she tossed the blanket aside. It was an innocent enough gesture, even if the thoughts behind it were not. My breath caught as she accepted without hesitation, standing from the chair and quickly brushing the wrinkles from her skirt with her free hand. My heart stopped at the breathtaking picture she made as she stood up straight, her hair falling freely down her back. I hadn't realized she'd taken it down from the day before. Her smile had heat rushing to my face before I could stop it. I was acting like such a schoolboy. Odd, to say the least, but it felt...good.

Clasping her hand in mine, I led her from the room. Her hand was so soft in mine that I didn't want to let go. But the waiting room wasn't far away. We paused to close the door and I took one last look inside. Momiji was snuggled under the blankets, asleep.

Of course, if Momiji hadn't been smiling like an idiot, it would've been more believable.

"I should probably get back to Shigure's," Tohru spoke up once we reached the waiting room. "Momiji's feeling better and the house is probably a mess. And you have other patients to worry about...."

"Actually, my schedule is clean today." It took a number of phone calls, but I'd managed. I'd pay for it later though, especially since Ayame was supposed to see me that day.

Tohru's eyes widened. "Really?"

"Aa." I paused, clearing my throat. "And, if you don't mind, I'd like to take you out today...as a thank you," I added the last bit quickly.

"Hatori-san is too kind," she said, ducking her head to hide the blush on her cheeks. "I really didn't do anything...."

"You've done so much more than you give yourself credit for," I replied with a small smile that came from the heart. It was the truth. Tohru has done more for me, for the Sohma family as a whole, than any other one person. She deserved a little praise, even if she didn't believe so.

And I, of course, had ulterior motives.

Gods, now I sound like Shigure.

"Let me take you out for the day, Tohru-kun," I reiterated, trying not to plead. "I can take you home whenever you like."

Her hand unconsciously squeezed mine. We were still holding hands. The thought alone sent a warm feeling through my body. I squeezed back, to be reassuring. Tohru was giving this offer some serious thought and, after a few moments, she looked up at me with those sparkling emerald eyes and a bright smile.

"I'd love to go out with you, Hatori-san."

The way she spoke. Her exact words. She had no idea how much they meant to me. But I had to wonder, did she have ANY clue as to what those words meant?

Probably not.

"Ano...may I shower first?"

"Of course," I said. "There's a small shower in the back bathroom."

"Arigato."

I stared at my hand as Tohru released it to go back to the shower. I could still feel her warmth, her soft fingers. Closing my eyes I imagined feeling that warmth, those fingers, in other places. Wrong of me, I know, but I couldn't help it. Sighing, I went about some small stuff, including digging through my laundry to find Tohru a towel. Laying it on the floor outside the door, I return to check on Momiji.

The usagi's awake...and hungry. I made a bowl of oatmeal for him, poured both of us a glass of milk and took it to him. After making sure he was settled, I returned to my office. No sooner than I sat down at my desk to fill out some paperwork, I heard Tohru's voice down the hall.

"Hatori-san?"

"Hai, Tohru-kun?"

"I...I seem to have...umm...forgotten a towel."

"It's right outside the door, Tohru-kun."

"AH! Arigato!"

I managed to sign a few papers before I stood form my desk, grabbing my own bath things and scurrying into the front bathroom. I donned clean clothes -which also needed to be dug out from my laundry -- combed my hair and managed a quick shave without nicking myself too badly. Some aftershave, a quick brushing of teeth and some mouthwash and I was ready for my date.

Yes. A date.

When I returned to my office, Tohru was sitting in one of the leather chairs, waiting for me. She was dressed in a pale blue skirt and a long-sleeved white blouse. Her hair was pulled back on both sides, a stray piece clinging to her neck on the right side. She smiled as I entered and I know I smiled back. I was too entranced to do anything else.

"Hatori-san looks very nice." Tohru commented on my khaki pants and dark green button down shirt. The only things in my laundry that looked like they didn't need ironed. Then her smile vanished somewhat. "Are we going somewhere special? Do I need to dress up?"

I shook my head. It was like waking from a dream. "Iie. Tohru-kun looks dressed-up enough for where we're going," I assured her. She blushed at my comment and for a moment, a silly grin passed my lips. I hid it quickly, offering her my hand once again. "Ready?"

She nodded, raising her hand to mine. I grasped it lightly, helping her stand from the chair. She did like before, using her free hand to smooth over her short skirt, then looked up at me with those trusting eyes. If she knew what was going through my head, my body, when I looked at her, she wouldn't be so trusting. My chest tightened as her hand grasped mine tighter.

"Where are we going first?"

It took me a moment to realize she'd spoken. I was so caught up in those thoughts. Wouldn't Shigure be proud? "How about food? You haven't eaten anything since lunch yesterday, have you?"

"Food sounds lovely."

We ate lunch at a small cafe style restaurant near the center of town. I ordered plain udon while Tohru ordered tempura. It wasn't a large meal, and I encouraged Tohru to order more if she was hungry. Either by feminine consciousness or a full stomach, she ate only the tempura and half a slice of cake. I argued with her over the check, telling her it wasn't necessary for her to pay, but she insisted, paying for her meal as well as mine. I was flattered, truly, and promised myself I'd make it up to her.

"All right, where to now?" she asked as we walked out of the cafe.

I looked up and down the street. It didn't look busy. Good. I could use a walk. And a cigarette.

"Let's just walk for a little," I suggested. "Do you mind if I smoke?"

"Iie." Tohru shook her head. "I don't think you've ever asked me that before, Hatori-san?"

I hadn't realized that either. With a shrug I replied, "I try not to smoke around those who don't smoke."

Tohru's smile could've melted an iceberg. "I don't mind."

"Arigato."

We walked up one side of the street then down the other. There were little stores I never knew existed. We stepped inside one or two, casually looking around for things of interest. One of the stores sold jewelry. So as Tohru walked off in search of clothing, I browsed the counter. They had a relatively nice selection of gold and silver, but there was one item that caught my eye. Stunning, small, white beads, laced together with diamonds. A pearl necklace. It practically glowed in the light of the case. I waved to a counter person who happily walked over to help me.

"Yes, sir?"

"How much is that necklace?"

"That one? 64,122 yen."

I couldn't help but whistle. Actually, I thought it was rather cheap. "Are they handmade stones?"

"No, sir. Those are genuine, polished pearls. The diamonds are a special cut, a total of two and a half karats."

I listened as the woman continued to explain the significance of the necklace, down to where the pearls were harvested and the diamonds found. But my mind had been made up long before she was finished. The diamonds and pearls would look beautiful around Tohru's neck. And it was a surprise I knew Tohru would like. But was it being too forward?

I hadn't planned for indecision...so...I decided.

"I'll take it."

The associate wrapped it up nicely and placed it in a shopping bag. I made a quick stop through the men's department before looking for Tohru. She was waiting by the front doors, her eyes constantly searching the store. Probably for me. Just the thought of her eyes looking for me, at me, it sent chills up and down my spine. With a contented sigh, I waved to her. The worried look on her face turned to another brilliant smile as she waved back. Then she held up a small bag.

"I bought something for Momiji. I think he'll like it," she said, eyeing my bag. "What did you buy, Hatori-san?"

"It's a surprise," I told her. "Where to now?"

"How about the mall?"

I could feel a part of my heart sink. The mall would be far more crowded than the streets had been. My nerves were sending warning flares through my system. I tried to hide my reaction, but the frown on my face must've alerted Tohru to my worry. She frowned in return.

"If you don't want to...."

"Iie, it's not that I don't want to," I said quickly. "It's just that the mall could be crowded and...well...."

"Hatori-san does not do well with crowds," Tohru finished for me.

"Hai," I replied with a nod. "How about a movie? Perhaps we can go walking around the mall afterward."

Tohru brightened at this. "Oh, I know just the film!"

Tohru's excitement was almost tangible as we drove to the movie theatre. It was also contagious. She explained the film to me on the way. It was an American import. A suggestion from her friend Uotani. Comedy. I could deal with comedy, although American comedy sometimes eludes me.

I purchased tickets for both of us -- Tohru argued until I reminded her I owed her for lunch -- and we each got a drink and some popcorn before going into the theatre. It'd been a while since I'd been to a movie theatre. This particular one was huge. Double sized screen, stadium seating, the works. We walked all the way to the top -- well, Tohru practically ran, I followed -- and we took two seats dead center. The height had me worried for a moment, but after settling in it wasn't so bad.

Besides, I was sitting next to Tohru. The thought alone made me feel warm, comfortable. The feel of her arm on the armrest on my right was reassuring. I was relaxed in no time, although the thoughts that ran through my mind were anything but relaxing. I forced myself to concentrate on the movie, allowing Tohru's close proximity to be the calming force it was meant to be.

The movie was funny, and had a touch of drama I found appropriate. I had to remember to recommend the film to Ayame. He'd been searching for a good foreign film to watch.

As promised, we walked around the mall after the movie let out. My legs had gotten cramped in the theatre and were more than happy to stretch. The mall was still a bit crowded for my taste, but Tohru stayed close, her hand on my elbow, as she led me around from store to store. I was actually a little bored with shopping, but it was fun just to watch Tohru. She was a ball of emotion, or energy. I don't think I ever had that much, not even when I was younger.

I thought back to the necklace in the car and wondered if I was making a mistake. Tohru was much younger than me, eleven years my junior. Granted she would be 18 soon enough, it was still another year away. Could I wait that long? If I confessed, would she?

"Hatori-san?"

"Hmm...Hai?" Lost in thought again. Damn.

Her smile was so bright, her eyes focused on something in the window. "Isn't it pretty?"

I blinked, confused. "What?"

"This ring...it's beautiful, don't you agree?"

The ring in question -- a two-karat diamond, surrounded on either side by tiny pearls and set in 14-karat gold -- was indeed beautiful. And it was the perfect compliment to the necklace I had purchased earlier in the day. I smiled to myself. I could buy it for Tohru, but it wouldn't be more than a mere gift to her right now. I wanted it to be more than that. I wanted it to be special.

I wanted it to be a promise.

"It certainly is," I answered, giving her a light tug to pull her away from the window. "Would you like some dinner?"

Her smile, if it was possible, grew brighter. She placed both hands on my elbow and nodded. "Hai!"

The restaurant had already been picked days in advance, but I had neglected one minor detail. A reservation. Even still, we were seated within 20 minutes of arriving. And not a bad spot either. We had a table for two near one of the indoor fountains. The water seemed loud to my ears, but the atmosphere was peaceful, quiet.

Tohru bit her bottom lip as she sat down. "Hatori-san," she whispered across the table. "I'm not sure I can afford a place like this." it was much more upscale than lunch.

"Don't worry about it, Tohru-kun. This is my treat."

"But Hatori-san already paid for the movies and--!"

"Tohru, let me do this for you. Onegai. I want to."

She went from worried to embarrassed in a matter of seconds, her cheeks tinting in color. "You don't have to...."

"I want to," I repeated, adding a small smile for effect. More than she'd ever now. Maybe.

She nodded in return, picking up the menu and looking it over carefully. Her eyes widened as she looked over the appetizers and entrees. I urged her to order whatever she wanted. It was a special day after all. She would only nod at my urging, her eyes continuously skimming the menu. I could tell when she came across something that seemed to please her. Her brown eyes would light up. So cute. So Tohru.

We had agreed to split an appetizer when the waiter appeared. He took our orders -- I had to go first so Tohru could decide -- and left, only to return moments later with our drinks. I ordered a glass of wine, Tohru a soda.

Silence enveloped us in the tiny space by the fountain. The logical part of my brain was screaming at me to make my confession as I had planned, but a smaller part of me was still nagging. Are you insane, it would ask. I sighed, sipping my drink.

"Hatori-san?" I looked up at Tohru and nodded my acknowledgement. "Thank you for today. I've had a wonderful time so far."

"I'm glad," I replied, more calmly than my nerves would let me admit otherwise. "But the day isn't over yet."

"No, it's not," she replied with a smile.

"I have...a surprise for you, Tohru-kun."

Those emerald orbs, curious as ever, looked at me in surprise. "A surprise...for me?"

"Hai. I wanted to give it to you when we were alone."

"Uh-huh."

"Tohru-kun...I...I have a confession to make as well," I said as I sat a neatly wrapped package on the table. "Perhaps you'll want to listen before you accept the gift."

She nodded in response, her gaze and attention so focused on me it made me even more nervous.

"Tohru-kun, by now you must realize how special you are to the Sohma family. You've done so much...made us a family again. On a more personal level...I have to admit that you've had a great affect on my life. I truly enjoy being around you. Spending time with you. Talking with you and sometimes just watching you. I kept telling myself that I wasn't good enough but, somewhere along the way, I...well, I...fell in love with you."

I waited for a reaction. For her to scream. To stand up and leave. But when I looked up, she was still in her seat, her eyes still focused on me, although her vision had to be strained through the tears in her eyes. I reached for her hand quickly, before she could withdraw it to the safety of her lap. I held it tightly in both of mine, our eyes drawn to each other. I couldn't look away.

"Tohru, I love you," I said, all seriousness, tears forming my own eyes. "I truly believed I would never feel this way about someone else. Not after Kana. But you...it's difficult to explain. May I show you?"

She nodded, not knowing that my intention was to kiss her. I maneuvered around the table, her hand still tightly held in one of mine. Kneeling beside her, I brushed her hair away with my other hand and tilted her chin upward with my thumb.

Our lips met as if they were made to melt together the way they did. A slight slant to the left. A gentle brushing of skin. It was only meant to make her feel what I felt around her. Warm. Shaky. Breathless. But a tiny moan escaped from her throat and the kiss quickly turned into so much more.

Her lips parted as she gasped and I carefully snuck the tip of my tongue into her mouth. Her tongue tentatively reached out to mine. They danced for a bit, simply getting the feel of each other before beginning a duel. We both moaned, pressing our lips closer together. Both of us wanting something more.

Someone cleared his or her throat behind us and I immediately came back to myself. I pulled away from the kiss, albeit unwillingly. The heat in my face indicated a heavy blush. Tohru's face looked beet red, her eyes averted to the floor.

"Tohru?"

Through thick eyelashes she looked at me shyly. "Hai?"

"How did that make you feel?"

She looked down at our still joined hands, her lips pursed in serious thought. "I felt...very warm. Like I'd been wrapped in a blanket. And my insides were shaky, like my nerves were all jumbled." Her blush deepened as she admitted, "Your kiss stole my breath away."

I smiled. "That's how I feel every time I'm around you."

"Really?"

"Really."

Remaining in my kneeling position beside her, I grabbed the package from the table and offered it to her again. "This is a special gift because I'm giving it to you out of love, Tohru. If you put this on, you must promise me you will never take it off unless I ask it of you." I paused, trying not to hold my breath. "Can you promise me, Tohru?"

She accepted the gift from me, her cheeks colored a dark red, and nodded. "May I open it?" After I nodded, she opened the bag and pulled at the colored paper inside. Reaching into the bag, she found the box and pulled it out.

The look on her face when she first saw the necklace plastered the stupidest grin to my face. Her eyes grew wide, sparkling from unseen light. Her mouth formed a little "o" and the air from her lungs left her body in one breath.

"Diamonds and pearls...Hatori-san, you shouldn't have."

"I thought it was perfect for you." I brought her hand to my lips and kissed her palm. "I love you, Tohru."

In her joy she leaned over and kissed me lightly on the lips.

"I love you too, Hatori."

It was a quiet, yet peaceful drive to Shigure's. He had called my cell phone twice during dinner wanting to know where Tohru was. Apparently Momiji had told him I was taking her out for the day. It was really no business of his, but Shigure's good with information. He'd find out eventually.

"Tohru?"

"Hai?"

"How do you want to handle explaining our new relationship to the others?"

I could barely see her frown as she contemplated my question. "If you'll talk to Shigure...I'd like to break the news to Yuki and Kyo myself."

I nodded, partially happy that I didn't have to face my two protective cousins.

Still, Shigure was a different matter.

"Ha-san! You've kept our beautiful flower out all day!"

"Gomen, Shigure. She was such a help with Momiji, that I wanted to treat her to something special."

Tohru excused herself and headed into the main house. Shigure was about to follow her when I placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Why don't we stay out here and have a smoke?" I offered him one of mine and he accepted with a smile.

"That's quite a piece of jewelry she's wearing, Ha-san. I hope there's a good story behind it."

It was the most perfect day.

Happy Birthday, Tohru.

~OWARI~

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