Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ !! Strange Events !! ❯ Ch. 1 + 2 ( Chapter 1 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: Drakell 
I just know...
...that there might be changes coming up soon. Not sure what, or when, but when it happens, I'll let you know too.
Anime/Manga: Fruits Basket Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Comedy / Supernatural / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 05.13.2008 | Updated On: 03.02.2009 | Pages: 2 | Words: 4.0K | Visits: 393 | Status: Work In Progress
I just know...
...that there might be changes coming up soon. Not sure what, or when, but when it happens, I'll let you know too.
Anime/Manga: Fruits Basket Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Comedy / Supernatural / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 05.13.2008 | Updated On: 03.02.2009 | Pages: 2 | Words: 4.0K | Visits: 393 | Status: Work In Progress
AN: This is a fic I wrote down for my own sake, so my mind could rest atleast for a while. Being obsessed with an anime cannot be good for anyone, as ideas keep swirling in the back of ones heads all the time, even when sleeping. ><
Therefor I wrote this. I do not expect anyone to read or rate, that must be entirely up to you. I'm just glad I wrote it, and by doing so, getting it out of my system. There might be typos, but I don't care. I'm Norwegian, my English grammar isn't the greatest, but I try, and who cares what the world thinks ~_^
I have seen the anime, and read the manga, but this fic separates from the manga, and is more related to the anime, after episode 26.
I know Akito's a woman in the manga, but the anime never got as far as to reveal that. And thus, Akito's a man. A man I tell you! *shakes fist* ^____^''
Fruits Basket does NOT belong to me!
Kirin Nimato is my OC, and my way of joining the Fruits Basket world. RawR! ^_^
- - -
S t r a n g e E v e n t s - # 1
There are no clouds on the baby blue sky today. Somehow it makes her feel comforted, and the gentle breeze whips softly through her hair, like a mother's loving caress. "Mother, I'm here!" She chirps. "I brought you your favourite flowers, they smell so pleasant!" She places the flowers by the grave and leans back on her heels, gazing at the smooth rock. "Mother, I finished high-school. Isn't it great?" Holding up her diploma she flashes a bright smile and rises. "The exams were hard, but I never gave up! I had such wonderful help from Yuki-kun, Hana-chan and Uo-chan. Even Kyo-kun helped me study!" Striking a pose, she earns a pat on the head from the ones behind her. Uotani and Hanajima bows gratefulle before the grave. "Kyoko-chan, you can be proud of your little Tohru. I know we are." Uotani smiles at the two other girls and Hanajima and Tohru beams at her. Through it all, they've stuck together. Helped, supported and cheered for eachother. Their bonds will last beyond death. Anyone who sees them together, will think so.
- - -
Two boys stay in the background, watching the scene unfold. The three girls laughing and smiling infront of the grave. While others would be tearful and silent, mourning their dead, these three treated the grave much like a living being. Yuki Sohma, and Kyo Sohma never really understood how they managed to keep their bright faces, knowing how much hurt that had been involved with Tohru's mother's death.
"Yuki-kun! Kyo-kun!" Tohru turned to them and smiled graciously. "I will go with Hana-chan and Uo-chan to Hana-chan's place for tea. Thank you so much for coming here today with us!" She hooked her arms with her friends, and Yuki couldn't help but smile at her. "Honda-san, have a good time." He looked to Kyo and tilted his head. Kyo shrugged, and turned to walk home. The cat never really felt comfortable at the grave. His hands were burried deep in the pockets of his trousers, his face turned down to avoid eye-contact with people. Typical cat, the mouse thought and followed the other boy down the stairs from the graveyard to the street.
"HEY! Watch out! Get outta the wa..." *CRASH*
It was as though the world stopped right infront of Yuki's eyes as a bike ran into the oblivious cat. The rider swooped over the front and probably would've received quite some bruises hadn't Kyo been there to act like a futon. Dread coursed through Yuki's veins as he waited for the inevitable 'poof' of smoke that would mean Kyo had changed into a orange cat. He closed his eyes, brows furrowed. Hatori would have his work cut out for him this afternoon, that was for sure.
"Oh my God! I'm so sorry, I didn't see you, and then you were like...right infront of me! Are you hurt?"
Opening his eyes, Yuki saw the rider of the bike help a stunned Kyo to his feet. He watched dumbfounded as she quickly brushed imaginary dust from her shoulders and fetched her bike from the ground. "Be more careful with where you walk in the future, ne?" She got on her ride and waved at them both before she continued down the street.
"Kyo!" Yuki ran to the other Juunishi and grabbed his arm, as if to confirm the fact that he was still human. Kyo, in his turn, glanced at Yuki with wide eyes and opened his mouth to say something, but couldn't find the words to utter, as the shock of not transforming still lingered. "How did you not..." Yuki mumbles through clenched teeth, still affected by the frost that suddenly had crept down his spine. "She...didn't actually...land ON me." Kyo replied in the same hushed voice, his breath calming slowly until he could call upon the strength to run a hand through his hair. he didn't say more, but he knew Yuki would want to know what he meant. He wasn't sure what he meant himself. His gaze travelled in the direction the girl had disappeared, and he frowned, accompanied by the mouse. "Let's get home, Shigure would love to hear this..." Yuki muttered, wiping his hair away from his brows.
- - -
"What do you say? A girl ran into Kyo today without him transforming?" The dog tore his eyes away from the newspaper and looked at the shaken boys. Kyo scoffed, while Yuki shoved his elbow in his ribs, and nodded. "Kyo said she didn't actually land ON him..." Yuki sat down by the table and rested his elbows on the hard surface, his chin coming down to rest in his palms. Kyo, true to himself, lay down on the floor with his back to them, and snorted.
"It was as if she knew..." The cat finally said, his voice low, steady. This made Shigure arch an eyebrow. "Knew? What's that, Kyo-kun, what did she know?" The newspaper was folded and put onto the table, while the older of the three watched the tense boy tense up even more. "I dunno..she flew off her bike.." Kyo began, shortly cut off by Shigure. "Bike?" Casting the dog a narrowed glare over his shoulder, Kyo shrugged, and continued. "Her hands grabbed my shoulders, pushing me down, and when she landed, she didn't physically come near me aside from where her hands touched my shoulders. Her eyes...I'm positive her eyes said that she knew..."
Yuki blinked. "She knew? How the heck could she possibly know if you didn't transform??"
Kyo's hair stood on end and he sneered at the mouse. "How the heck should I know?!" He barked and went back to sulking with his back to them, not saying more. Yuki hoped Shigure had some good ideas now, but the dog had gone back to reading his newspaper. "Don't you think this is odd at all?" He asked. With a heavy sigh, Shigure Sohma lowered his reading material and his deep brown eyes locked onto Yuki's brilliant purple. "Odd? Ofcourse it is, Yuki-kun, but nothing happened, no transformation. It is worrysome that Kyo says this stranger 'just knew', but I take it you won't be bumping into this...person again, ne?" He smiled goofily and got up from his place at the table. he would have to inform Akito of this, naturally, but he didn't voice it out loud, as both Yuki and Kyo had little or no interest of hearing their Clan Leader's name.
- - -
"I'm home!" Tohru's sweet voice rang through the house, and the three male inhabitants brightened at once. "Ahh, my little flower has returned to me! How much have I not missed your presence!" Shigure was the first to greet her, grabbing her hand. His smile could've melted any girl's heart, as he was a very handsome man indeed. Kyo and Yuki quickly shoved him away, and smiled at her. "Did you have a good time at your friend's?" Yuki asked politely, smirking at the cat. He had gotten the first greeting, and Kyo sneered at him and refrained from saying anything at all. "Oh yes!" Tohru exclaimed happily and put her hands together. "We were looking through some pictures. I didn't know Hana-chan had so many pictures of Mother. It was wonderful!" It was then Kyo noticed her arms trembling, and he realized she was still holding on to the bags. She had been to the store, he figured, and before she dropped it all, he grabbed the bags and took them into the kitchen, muttering about her foolishness.
"Ano..Honda-san.." Yuki continued, gaining Tohru's attention once more. "You went shopping? You could've called, and I would've come to help you carry the bags..." He tilted his head slightly at her, watching how her expression fell. "Oh, I couldn't ask that of you, Yuki-kun! It was something that just popped into my head as I waslked home. I remembered that there were a few things we needed! I'm so sorry! I didn't think it would be that much, and I did manage to carry it all home, and I know I should've called and..." Kyo's head shot around the corner and he watched the apologizing girl with curious eyes.
He secretly wondered how many years they would have to live together before she stopped acting as though she was a guest whom had to apologize for being there. Walking over, he put a hand on her head, putting an immediate stop to her frenzy. "Oi, Tohru-kun, don't apologize to that mouse, come, come, kitchen is this way." He turned her around, leading the now, apparently, dumbfounded girl, to the kitchen. "I put the contents of the bags in the fridge and closets, but I don't know what you had planned for dinner...er...supper..." He muttered. Tohru quickly regained composure and shoo'ed him out of her domain. "I'm sorry, Kyo-kun, I didn't mean to cause you trouble, I'll have supper ready in no time, please go sit down." She flashed one of those adorable smiles of hers, and the cat couldn't help but obay. She was like that, Tohru, their own personal angel.
None of the males gave the incident earlier that day further thought. It had to be just a one timer. Shigure had had a chat with Hatori, whom asured him no one but the Sohma family, and Tohru, knew. Who could possibly know about a secret that's so well kept? Hatori had even given a small chuckle at Shigure's obvious concern. "I'll check it out, Shigure." Was all he said before he hung up. And Shigure, being the carefree dog he was, saw the problem as solved, and ate his supper with glee.
- - -
S t r a n g e E v e n t s - # 2
"I'm home!"
She slid the shoji-door shut behind her as she entered. Her shoes were neatly put away and her feet found their way into her indoor slippers. She padded nimbly into the common room and exhaled a sigh. The scene before her was complete chaos. He had had chocolate, and now he was in hiding, knowing fully well that she was home. "Mika-kun!" She called, ofcourse she received no reply. "Great..." She fell to her knees by the table, lowering her torso to the floor, where her arm snuck out and under the table, making contact with one small foot. "Gotcha!" She grinned as she pulled out the five-year-old. "Mika-kun, did you do all this?" She pointed at the room. The small boy shook his head. "No?" She arched an eyebrow at him. "Did your brother help you?" He nodded, chewing on his fist. She sighed again, and put Mika down. He was firmly lead upstairs to the bathroom, where she washed his chocolate stained face with a small piece of cloth.
Kirin Nimato, age 20. Works in a store from 9am to 5pm each day aside from Saturdays and Sundays. Parents died in a plane-crash a few weeks ago, leaving her with the responsibility for her two much younger brothers.
"Nana?" Kirin poked her head around the corner leading into the boy's bedroom. The old woman sat in the chair, sleeping. A tender smile crossed the younger woman's features as she walked over to the bed the older woman was seated by. "Nana..." She gently tapped the older woman's shoulder, waking her from her slumber.
"What? Oh, Kirin, how wonderful that you're home!" Nana's face is all joy. "Yes, I am, and I found this little scoundrel under the table..." She lightly bounced her brother and put him down on the bed.
"Oh my, my dear, I fell asleep." The old woman's face faltered, and furrowed, if possible, even more than it already was. Kirin smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder in a reasuring touch.
"It's alright, Nana, I'm sorry I couldn't call to tell you I had to work some over time." She quickly received a smile from the old woman.
"You are home now, Kirin-chan, it's all that matters. I should be heading home then, and I will see the two little angels in the morning." With some troubles, Nana managed to get up from the chair and walk out in the hall while Kirin put Mika to bed.
"Now you be good and nap alittle, then we'll go to the park later, okay?" She whispered, as if they have a big secret together. The boy wouldn't object on something like that, and his eyes were closed the moment she walked out in the hall, joining Nana in the common room.
- - -
"I am amazed that you manage it all by yourself, Kirin-chan." Nana said gently. Kirin looked up from the floor, where she had tried to wash off chocolate stains.
"Oh, I get by, you know...it's hard, but...I'm just happy I can do this on my own, without much help." She wiped her forehead and leaned back on her heels. "Nana, would you like some tea? Coffee perhaps?" The toys had been cleared away from the floor, and the common room looked somewhat decent now. One could walk without stepping on something or stumbling. "Ohh, no, no, dear, I have a husband to go home to, he probably wonders where I am." The old woman got up after her small rest, she bowed respectfully at the younger, and headed for the door.
"Oh, b-but, Nana! Wait a sec..." Kirin rushed to the kitchen and got out two small packages. "I know I don't give you much in return for what you do for me, but please take this, and enjoy it. All you need to do is heat it up..."
With Nana gone, and the boys sleeping, Kirin slumped down by the table, and took a real deep breath. Nana was a kind and generous woman who had so much love to give. Nana had always been their neighbour, she and her husband. A lovely couple, always willing to help, even though their health wasn't as good as it once was. They were both retired, but Nana enjoyed babysitting her brothers while she was at work. And Kirin had sworn to save up money which she could give the older woman as a thanks. Nana and her husband didn't have any children. It was something they couldn't help, said Nana. Sometimes God didn't bless people with children. And Nana also said that maybe she was meant to save her love for Kirin and her brothers in their time of need. Kirin wasn't too certain about the God part, but it felt good to have their help and support none the less.
- - -
Looking at herself in the bathroom mirror, she saw an average girl. Average height, average weight, average features... She poured water in the sink, and washed her face. Others said she had beautiful eyes, deep, deep green irises that seemed to know more than what she let on. Smiling to herself, she curled her hair up in a bun and fastened it with a pair of chopsticks she no longer used. Her hair was a shade she couldn't really decide if was brown, or blonde. Average, she said. Caramel, others said. She shrugged at her reflection and stuck out her tongue. Why did people care so much about appearance anyway?
When she had changed out of her job uniform, and into something far more casual; a light blue cotton skirt which reached down to the middle of her calves, and a simple white singlet, she woke the boys up. She had promised Mika a trip to the park, after all, and he was extatic. Going on an outing with his big sister was something he had always loved. Big sister always made the park fun.
"Nee-chan, your knee is hurt!" Mika exclaimed as a gust of wind lifted her skirt slightly to reveal her knees. His young face was tainted with deep concern, and Kirin couldn't do anything else but giggle. "Is it? Oh, indeed it is...red light, Mika, stop." She held him back by the scruff of his sweather.
She didn't tell him that she had almost ran someone over on her way home from work today. As she had half somersaulted over the front of her bike, she had gotten the idea in her head that she couldn't land on the unfortunate person full-body, something she could thank her unfortunate gift for. She frowned slightly at the memory, but decided not to dwell on it for too long.
"Alright, boys, green man, let's walk." She steadied Kai on her hip and held Mika by the hand as they crossed the street and entered the park.
By reaching out and pushing the boy down before she actually slammed into him, she had managed to land on her knees, half-way stradling the obviously stunned boy's abdomen. How she managed it, seeing as it went rather quick, or how she knew, she wasn't quite sure, she never could be sure if it was instinct or her gift that caused her to act sometimes. Sometimes she 'just knew' things, she'd call it a gift, or maybe even a curse.
"Yaaaay!" Mika squealed gleefully as he swung back and forth on the swing, higher and higher each time. The swings were Mika's favourites, he loved the air rushing past him and he loved the height he gained for each turn. However, his big sister was not as thrilled as he was.
"Careful, Mika.." Kirin called in a worried tone. She knew the boy was fine though, and let him enjoy himself, while she used the other swing, holding little Kai on her lap. He was too young to use the swing by himself yet.
"Kirin, Kirin, watch me!" Mika suddenly called, and Kirin looked up just in time to see him jump off the swing in speed.
"Wheeeeee!" He squealed with glee. Kirin's eyes widened and she abruptly got off her swing, just as her oldest little brother landed, stumbled and fell, and cried out in pain. "Aww, no, Mika..." She held onto Kai while running over to the other brother of hers, quickly covering the distance between herself and the boy. Yet someone got to him before she could. She put Kai down and wanted to have a look at the damage herself. Her motions were repelled by the stranger. She arched an eyebrow, wanting to protest. After all, it was her little brother!
The teary-eyed young boy sniffed and held his knee, while the man knelt by him and gently tucked up the garment of his trousers, and inspecting the bruise.
"Kirin-chan~!" The boy's muffled voice rang brokenly in her ears and she sat down next to him. "Shh, Mika, it's alright, we all fall from time to time." She cooed, stroking his dark brown hair. The shaken boy latched onto her arm and hid his face from the stranger, and Kirin couldn't help but find it endearing. She looked at the man who fished out a tube from one of his pockets. He put the salve on Mika's bruise and pulled the garment down so it once again covered his leg.
"It's nothing to worry about." He said with his deep, gentle voice, as he patted Mika's head. "You'll be just fine in the morning." He reasured when the boy didn't appear to be convinced. Kai sat quietly on the grass next to Kirin, his big innocent blue eyes curious, yet worried. He didn't understand much of what was going on, but his big brother was scared. And that, in turn, made him slightly frightened. "Mama.." he sniffled and tugged on Kirin's skirt, and he was scooped up in a pair of comforting arms which hugged him and cuddled him.
The man's attention was quickly drawn to the young woman, now with a small child in her lap, and her free arm safely around the older child's shoulder, hushing him gently. What a difficult life this woman must've lead. Far too young to be a mother, yet the unfortunate fate seemed to have been thrown brutally upon her shoulders. When she rose, she smiled at him with all the gratefulness in the world. "Thank you so much for helping him." She said, her voice ringing softly in his ears. Maybe she was baby-sitting.
"Nothing to worry about." He replied, and wished his voice could've sounded more friendly. He offered her his hand, meaning to introduce himself, but she only looked at his offering and stepped back, smiling up at him instead, before turning around and scooping the older boy up to rest against her hip, the youngest cradled against her shoulder. The baby burbled at him as his 'mother' began wallking away.
"I've packed your favourite treat in my bag, Mika-kun!" She said teasingly, gaining a thrilled gasp from the five-year-old. "Ne, Kirin-chan, did you bring something for Kai too?" He asked as they walked away. "Ofcourse!" The girl replied. "That man was nice, wasn't he, Kirin-chan?" Their voices grew more distant. "He was very nice, Mika. He's a doctor, and doctors care for others. You should remember that next time you fall ill..." The boy, however didn't settle just with that. "How do you know he's a doctor, Kirin-chan?" He asked. The man's attention focused upon the answer the woman would give. "I just know."
How did she know he was a doctor? He wasn't wearing his coat, or sign. Hatori narrowed his eyes slightly and fetched his bag off the ground, his forest green eye followed the three shapes before they disappeared out of view, then he lit himself a cigarette, heading home to the Sohma estate.
Therefor I wrote this. I do not expect anyone to read or rate, that must be entirely up to you. I'm just glad I wrote it, and by doing so, getting it out of my system. There might be typos, but I don't care. I'm Norwegian, my English grammar isn't the greatest, but I try, and who cares what the world thinks ~_^
I have seen the anime, and read the manga, but this fic separates from the manga, and is more related to the anime, after episode 26.
I know Akito's a woman in the manga, but the anime never got as far as to reveal that. And thus, Akito's a man. A man I tell you! *shakes fist* ^____^''
Fruits Basket does NOT belong to me!
Kirin Nimato is my OC, and my way of joining the Fruits Basket world. RawR! ^_^
- - -
S t r a n g e E v e n t s - # 1
There are no clouds on the baby blue sky today. Somehow it makes her feel comforted, and the gentle breeze whips softly through her hair, like a mother's loving caress. "Mother, I'm here!" She chirps. "I brought you your favourite flowers, they smell so pleasant!" She places the flowers by the grave and leans back on her heels, gazing at the smooth rock. "Mother, I finished high-school. Isn't it great?" Holding up her diploma she flashes a bright smile and rises. "The exams were hard, but I never gave up! I had such wonderful help from Yuki-kun, Hana-chan and Uo-chan. Even Kyo-kun helped me study!" Striking a pose, she earns a pat on the head from the ones behind her. Uotani and Hanajima bows gratefulle before the grave. "Kyoko-chan, you can be proud of your little Tohru. I know we are." Uotani smiles at the two other girls and Hanajima and Tohru beams at her. Through it all, they've stuck together. Helped, supported and cheered for eachother. Their bonds will last beyond death. Anyone who sees them together, will think so.
- - -
Two boys stay in the background, watching the scene unfold. The three girls laughing and smiling infront of the grave. While others would be tearful and silent, mourning their dead, these three treated the grave much like a living being. Yuki Sohma, and Kyo Sohma never really understood how they managed to keep their bright faces, knowing how much hurt that had been involved with Tohru's mother's death.
"Yuki-kun! Kyo-kun!" Tohru turned to them and smiled graciously. "I will go with Hana-chan and Uo-chan to Hana-chan's place for tea. Thank you so much for coming here today with us!" She hooked her arms with her friends, and Yuki couldn't help but smile at her. "Honda-san, have a good time." He looked to Kyo and tilted his head. Kyo shrugged, and turned to walk home. The cat never really felt comfortable at the grave. His hands were burried deep in the pockets of his trousers, his face turned down to avoid eye-contact with people. Typical cat, the mouse thought and followed the other boy down the stairs from the graveyard to the street.
"HEY! Watch out! Get outta the wa..." *CRASH*
It was as though the world stopped right infront of Yuki's eyes as a bike ran into the oblivious cat. The rider swooped over the front and probably would've received quite some bruises hadn't Kyo been there to act like a futon. Dread coursed through Yuki's veins as he waited for the inevitable 'poof' of smoke that would mean Kyo had changed into a orange cat. He closed his eyes, brows furrowed. Hatori would have his work cut out for him this afternoon, that was for sure.
"Oh my God! I'm so sorry, I didn't see you, and then you were like...right infront of me! Are you hurt?"
Opening his eyes, Yuki saw the rider of the bike help a stunned Kyo to his feet. He watched dumbfounded as she quickly brushed imaginary dust from her shoulders and fetched her bike from the ground. "Be more careful with where you walk in the future, ne?" She got on her ride and waved at them both before she continued down the street.
"Kyo!" Yuki ran to the other Juunishi and grabbed his arm, as if to confirm the fact that he was still human. Kyo, in his turn, glanced at Yuki with wide eyes and opened his mouth to say something, but couldn't find the words to utter, as the shock of not transforming still lingered. "How did you not..." Yuki mumbles through clenched teeth, still affected by the frost that suddenly had crept down his spine. "She...didn't actually...land ON me." Kyo replied in the same hushed voice, his breath calming slowly until he could call upon the strength to run a hand through his hair. he didn't say more, but he knew Yuki would want to know what he meant. He wasn't sure what he meant himself. His gaze travelled in the direction the girl had disappeared, and he frowned, accompanied by the mouse. "Let's get home, Shigure would love to hear this..." Yuki muttered, wiping his hair away from his brows.
- - -
"What do you say? A girl ran into Kyo today without him transforming?" The dog tore his eyes away from the newspaper and looked at the shaken boys. Kyo scoffed, while Yuki shoved his elbow in his ribs, and nodded. "Kyo said she didn't actually land ON him..." Yuki sat down by the table and rested his elbows on the hard surface, his chin coming down to rest in his palms. Kyo, true to himself, lay down on the floor with his back to them, and snorted.
"It was as if she knew..." The cat finally said, his voice low, steady. This made Shigure arch an eyebrow. "Knew? What's that, Kyo-kun, what did she know?" The newspaper was folded and put onto the table, while the older of the three watched the tense boy tense up even more. "I dunno..she flew off her bike.." Kyo began, shortly cut off by Shigure. "Bike?" Casting the dog a narrowed glare over his shoulder, Kyo shrugged, and continued. "Her hands grabbed my shoulders, pushing me down, and when she landed, she didn't physically come near me aside from where her hands touched my shoulders. Her eyes...I'm positive her eyes said that she knew..."
Yuki blinked. "She knew? How the heck could she possibly know if you didn't transform??"
Kyo's hair stood on end and he sneered at the mouse. "How the heck should I know?!" He barked and went back to sulking with his back to them, not saying more. Yuki hoped Shigure had some good ideas now, but the dog had gone back to reading his newspaper. "Don't you think this is odd at all?" He asked. With a heavy sigh, Shigure Sohma lowered his reading material and his deep brown eyes locked onto Yuki's brilliant purple. "Odd? Ofcourse it is, Yuki-kun, but nothing happened, no transformation. It is worrysome that Kyo says this stranger 'just knew', but I take it you won't be bumping into this...person again, ne?" He smiled goofily and got up from his place at the table. he would have to inform Akito of this, naturally, but he didn't voice it out loud, as both Yuki and Kyo had little or no interest of hearing their Clan Leader's name.
- - -
"I'm home!" Tohru's sweet voice rang through the house, and the three male inhabitants brightened at once. "Ahh, my little flower has returned to me! How much have I not missed your presence!" Shigure was the first to greet her, grabbing her hand. His smile could've melted any girl's heart, as he was a very handsome man indeed. Kyo and Yuki quickly shoved him away, and smiled at her. "Did you have a good time at your friend's?" Yuki asked politely, smirking at the cat. He had gotten the first greeting, and Kyo sneered at him and refrained from saying anything at all. "Oh yes!" Tohru exclaimed happily and put her hands together. "We were looking through some pictures. I didn't know Hana-chan had so many pictures of Mother. It was wonderful!" It was then Kyo noticed her arms trembling, and he realized she was still holding on to the bags. She had been to the store, he figured, and before she dropped it all, he grabbed the bags and took them into the kitchen, muttering about her foolishness.
"Ano..Honda-san.." Yuki continued, gaining Tohru's attention once more. "You went shopping? You could've called, and I would've come to help you carry the bags..." He tilted his head slightly at her, watching how her expression fell. "Oh, I couldn't ask that of you, Yuki-kun! It was something that just popped into my head as I waslked home. I remembered that there were a few things we needed! I'm so sorry! I didn't think it would be that much, and I did manage to carry it all home, and I know I should've called and..." Kyo's head shot around the corner and he watched the apologizing girl with curious eyes.
He secretly wondered how many years they would have to live together before she stopped acting as though she was a guest whom had to apologize for being there. Walking over, he put a hand on her head, putting an immediate stop to her frenzy. "Oi, Tohru-kun, don't apologize to that mouse, come, come, kitchen is this way." He turned her around, leading the now, apparently, dumbfounded girl, to the kitchen. "I put the contents of the bags in the fridge and closets, but I don't know what you had planned for dinner...er...supper..." He muttered. Tohru quickly regained composure and shoo'ed him out of her domain. "I'm sorry, Kyo-kun, I didn't mean to cause you trouble, I'll have supper ready in no time, please go sit down." She flashed one of those adorable smiles of hers, and the cat couldn't help but obay. She was like that, Tohru, their own personal angel.
None of the males gave the incident earlier that day further thought. It had to be just a one timer. Shigure had had a chat with Hatori, whom asured him no one but the Sohma family, and Tohru, knew. Who could possibly know about a secret that's so well kept? Hatori had even given a small chuckle at Shigure's obvious concern. "I'll check it out, Shigure." Was all he said before he hung up. And Shigure, being the carefree dog he was, saw the problem as solved, and ate his supper with glee.
- - -
S t r a n g e E v e n t s - # 2
"I'm home!"
She slid the shoji-door shut behind her as she entered. Her shoes were neatly put away and her feet found their way into her indoor slippers. She padded nimbly into the common room and exhaled a sigh. The scene before her was complete chaos. He had had chocolate, and now he was in hiding, knowing fully well that she was home. "Mika-kun!" She called, ofcourse she received no reply. "Great..." She fell to her knees by the table, lowering her torso to the floor, where her arm snuck out and under the table, making contact with one small foot. "Gotcha!" She grinned as she pulled out the five-year-old. "Mika-kun, did you do all this?" She pointed at the room. The small boy shook his head. "No?" She arched an eyebrow at him. "Did your brother help you?" He nodded, chewing on his fist. She sighed again, and put Mika down. He was firmly lead upstairs to the bathroom, where she washed his chocolate stained face with a small piece of cloth.
Kirin Nimato, age 20. Works in a store from 9am to 5pm each day aside from Saturdays and Sundays. Parents died in a plane-crash a few weeks ago, leaving her with the responsibility for her two much younger brothers.
"Nana?" Kirin poked her head around the corner leading into the boy's bedroom. The old woman sat in the chair, sleeping. A tender smile crossed the younger woman's features as she walked over to the bed the older woman was seated by. "Nana..." She gently tapped the older woman's shoulder, waking her from her slumber.
"What? Oh, Kirin, how wonderful that you're home!" Nana's face is all joy. "Yes, I am, and I found this little scoundrel under the table..." She lightly bounced her brother and put him down on the bed.
"Oh my, my dear, I fell asleep." The old woman's face faltered, and furrowed, if possible, even more than it already was. Kirin smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder in a reasuring touch.
"It's alright, Nana, I'm sorry I couldn't call to tell you I had to work some over time." She quickly received a smile from the old woman.
"You are home now, Kirin-chan, it's all that matters. I should be heading home then, and I will see the two little angels in the morning." With some troubles, Nana managed to get up from the chair and walk out in the hall while Kirin put Mika to bed.
"Now you be good and nap alittle, then we'll go to the park later, okay?" She whispered, as if they have a big secret together. The boy wouldn't object on something like that, and his eyes were closed the moment she walked out in the hall, joining Nana in the common room.
- - -
"I am amazed that you manage it all by yourself, Kirin-chan." Nana said gently. Kirin looked up from the floor, where she had tried to wash off chocolate stains.
"Oh, I get by, you know...it's hard, but...I'm just happy I can do this on my own, without much help." She wiped her forehead and leaned back on her heels. "Nana, would you like some tea? Coffee perhaps?" The toys had been cleared away from the floor, and the common room looked somewhat decent now. One could walk without stepping on something or stumbling. "Ohh, no, no, dear, I have a husband to go home to, he probably wonders where I am." The old woman got up after her small rest, she bowed respectfully at the younger, and headed for the door.
"Oh, b-but, Nana! Wait a sec..." Kirin rushed to the kitchen and got out two small packages. "I know I don't give you much in return for what you do for me, but please take this, and enjoy it. All you need to do is heat it up..."
With Nana gone, and the boys sleeping, Kirin slumped down by the table, and took a real deep breath. Nana was a kind and generous woman who had so much love to give. Nana had always been their neighbour, she and her husband. A lovely couple, always willing to help, even though their health wasn't as good as it once was. They were both retired, but Nana enjoyed babysitting her brothers while she was at work. And Kirin had sworn to save up money which she could give the older woman as a thanks. Nana and her husband didn't have any children. It was something they couldn't help, said Nana. Sometimes God didn't bless people with children. And Nana also said that maybe she was meant to save her love for Kirin and her brothers in their time of need. Kirin wasn't too certain about the God part, but it felt good to have their help and support none the less.
- - -
Looking at herself in the bathroom mirror, she saw an average girl. Average height, average weight, average features... She poured water in the sink, and washed her face. Others said she had beautiful eyes, deep, deep green irises that seemed to know more than what she let on. Smiling to herself, she curled her hair up in a bun and fastened it with a pair of chopsticks she no longer used. Her hair was a shade she couldn't really decide if was brown, or blonde. Average, she said. Caramel, others said. She shrugged at her reflection and stuck out her tongue. Why did people care so much about appearance anyway?
When she had changed out of her job uniform, and into something far more casual; a light blue cotton skirt which reached down to the middle of her calves, and a simple white singlet, she woke the boys up. She had promised Mika a trip to the park, after all, and he was extatic. Going on an outing with his big sister was something he had always loved. Big sister always made the park fun.
"Nee-chan, your knee is hurt!" Mika exclaimed as a gust of wind lifted her skirt slightly to reveal her knees. His young face was tainted with deep concern, and Kirin couldn't do anything else but giggle. "Is it? Oh, indeed it is...red light, Mika, stop." She held him back by the scruff of his sweather.
She didn't tell him that she had almost ran someone over on her way home from work today. As she had half somersaulted over the front of her bike, she had gotten the idea in her head that she couldn't land on the unfortunate person full-body, something she could thank her unfortunate gift for. She frowned slightly at the memory, but decided not to dwell on it for too long.
"Alright, boys, green man, let's walk." She steadied Kai on her hip and held Mika by the hand as they crossed the street and entered the park.
By reaching out and pushing the boy down before she actually slammed into him, she had managed to land on her knees, half-way stradling the obviously stunned boy's abdomen. How she managed it, seeing as it went rather quick, or how she knew, she wasn't quite sure, she never could be sure if it was instinct or her gift that caused her to act sometimes. Sometimes she 'just knew' things, she'd call it a gift, or maybe even a curse.
"Yaaaay!" Mika squealed gleefully as he swung back and forth on the swing, higher and higher each time. The swings were Mika's favourites, he loved the air rushing past him and he loved the height he gained for each turn. However, his big sister was not as thrilled as he was.
"Careful, Mika.." Kirin called in a worried tone. She knew the boy was fine though, and let him enjoy himself, while she used the other swing, holding little Kai on her lap. He was too young to use the swing by himself yet.
"Kirin, Kirin, watch me!" Mika suddenly called, and Kirin looked up just in time to see him jump off the swing in speed.
"Wheeeeee!" He squealed with glee. Kirin's eyes widened and she abruptly got off her swing, just as her oldest little brother landed, stumbled and fell, and cried out in pain. "Aww, no, Mika..." She held onto Kai while running over to the other brother of hers, quickly covering the distance between herself and the boy. Yet someone got to him before she could. She put Kai down and wanted to have a look at the damage herself. Her motions were repelled by the stranger. She arched an eyebrow, wanting to protest. After all, it was her little brother!
The teary-eyed young boy sniffed and held his knee, while the man knelt by him and gently tucked up the garment of his trousers, and inspecting the bruise.
"Kirin-chan~!" The boy's muffled voice rang brokenly in her ears and she sat down next to him. "Shh, Mika, it's alright, we all fall from time to time." She cooed, stroking his dark brown hair. The shaken boy latched onto her arm and hid his face from the stranger, and Kirin couldn't help but find it endearing. She looked at the man who fished out a tube from one of his pockets. He put the salve on Mika's bruise and pulled the garment down so it once again covered his leg.
"It's nothing to worry about." He said with his deep, gentle voice, as he patted Mika's head. "You'll be just fine in the morning." He reasured when the boy didn't appear to be convinced. Kai sat quietly on the grass next to Kirin, his big innocent blue eyes curious, yet worried. He didn't understand much of what was going on, but his big brother was scared. And that, in turn, made him slightly frightened. "Mama.." he sniffled and tugged on Kirin's skirt, and he was scooped up in a pair of comforting arms which hugged him and cuddled him.
The man's attention was quickly drawn to the young woman, now with a small child in her lap, and her free arm safely around the older child's shoulder, hushing him gently. What a difficult life this woman must've lead. Far too young to be a mother, yet the unfortunate fate seemed to have been thrown brutally upon her shoulders. When she rose, she smiled at him with all the gratefulness in the world. "Thank you so much for helping him." She said, her voice ringing softly in his ears. Maybe she was baby-sitting.
"Nothing to worry about." He replied, and wished his voice could've sounded more friendly. He offered her his hand, meaning to introduce himself, but she only looked at his offering and stepped back, smiling up at him instead, before turning around and scooping the older boy up to rest against her hip, the youngest cradled against her shoulder. The baby burbled at him as his 'mother' began wallking away.
"I've packed your favourite treat in my bag, Mika-kun!" She said teasingly, gaining a thrilled gasp from the five-year-old. "Ne, Kirin-chan, did you bring something for Kai too?" He asked as they walked away. "Ofcourse!" The girl replied. "That man was nice, wasn't he, Kirin-chan?" Their voices grew more distant. "He was very nice, Mika. He's a doctor, and doctors care for others. You should remember that next time you fall ill..." The boy, however didn't settle just with that. "How do you know he's a doctor, Kirin-chan?" He asked. The man's attention focused upon the answer the woman would give. "I just know."
How did she know he was a doctor? He wasn't wearing his coat, or sign. Hatori narrowed his eyes slightly and fetched his bag off the ground, his forest green eye followed the three shapes before they disappeared out of view, then he lit himself a cigarette, heading home to the Sohma estate.