Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Akito's Bloody Knife ❯ Chapter 2 ( Chapter 2 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Yuki_The_Rat 
Anime/Manga: Fruits Basket Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Thriller / Romance / Hentai | Type: Revenge Fic | Uploaded On: 12.10.2003 | Pages: 5 | Words: 6.5K | Visits: 528 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Fruits Basket Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Thriller / Romance / Hentai | Type: Revenge Fic | Uploaded On: 12.10.2003 | Pages: 5 | Words: 6.5K | Visits: 528 | Status: Completed
Well, I must start by telling Chibi Nightmare-chan Thank You! This story would not have existed if not for you putting the idea into my wee little brain. Of course since I started working on this, I have basically been obsessed by it… by the need to do justice to it. I am my worst critic, and I tend to re-write things to death. (and I still miss all my typos, I suck) Regardless, I do feel pretty good about this story, so much so that I missed my weekly update on my other story, yikes… but I will continue that one soon too, I promise. After all, I need to see to it that poor Kyo-kun gets a little loving, I really abused that poor cat…
In addition, I lied. This will be a three part story, not a two part story… really only three parts, I promise.
Well, shutting up, now. Enjoy:
YUKI/HATORI CHALLENGE - PART TWO
FREEDOM
YUKI *
Hatori and I enjoyed a very pleasant day in town together. After my fitting he bought me lunch. As Akito runs a very traditional Japanese household, I rarely get to eat foreign food. Hatori decided that it might be nice to pick up hamburgers and french fries, and to eat them in the park. It was fun. It was very fun. I’ve decided that french fries, and those bright red cherry shaped candies, are going to be my favorite foods from now on.
When we got back in from town, I was still pretty nervous. Hatori followed me to my room, and waited outside in the hall for me, while I hid the box of chocolates, and the bag of cherry candies from Akito. I was a little concerned at first. I was worried that Hatori might actually want to come inside my room. I still didn’t trust him, yet. I didn’t really want Hatori to know about the secret hiding place that the rats had dug for me, deep within the floor boards of my closet. This is the place where I keep special things. The stuff that I wouldn’t want Akito to find. My mother’s picture is there, along with a letter that Haru gave me yesterday. Yeah, it would be pretty bad if Akito discovered that letter, it would be really, really, bad.
On Monday nights Hatori always had dinner at the Main House, so after I was done in my room, Hatori sat with me in the library until dinner time. I studied, and Hatori read the newspaper and smoked. I don’t normally like the smell of cigarettes, but Hatori’s smell great. He taught me that they come from Indonesia and are called Djarum. I told him that perhaps I would smoke them someday, and he laughed at me and told me that as my Doctor he wouldn’t allow it. Hatori seemed so different to me that night. During dinner, he smiled at me a lot, and once when Akito reach under the table to rub my leg, Hatori’s face grew dark and cold, and I thought that he was going to say something. He didn’t though, which I was thankful for. After treating me so nice all day, I didn’t want to see Hatori get on Akito’s bad side.
After dinner, Akito sent me to bed. I had dance lessons early the next morning, and he didn’t want me to be tired. It didn’t matter. I didn’t sleep that night at all. I laid in my bed, and thought about things. Mostly about Hatori, and about how nice it would be if he could be my friend. I didn’t have many friends, in those days. I had Haru, but Akito rarely allowed me to see him. Things were weird with Haru too, because of that letter. Whatever in the world could have possessed Haru to tell me those things. I didn’t understand, and I didn’t want to think about it too much, because it made me feel really funny inside. I didn’t dislike the feeling, that wasn’t exactly it, it was just confusing.
HATORI *
To prepare himself for the Zodiac Banquet, Yuki was to attend dance lessons every other day. His instructor, Sho Sohma ran a studio on the south side of the Sohma compound. On the mornings of Yuki’s lesson’s Akito would pile into the car with Yuki. The driver would take Yuki around the block, and drop him off at the studio. An hour later Akito and the driver would return to the car, and repeat the process to pick the boy back up. It was insanity really, Akito going to all that bother. Just as it was insanity that Akito had hired the boy a private tutor instead of allowing him to attend a proper middle school as his cousins did. I determined that it would be better that the boy be allowed to walk occasionally, and as such, I decided that an early holiday gift to Akito, might be in order.
Akito loved a certain jasmine tea, it was served to him at every meal. Personally, I couldn’t stand the stuff, and like myself, I knew that Yuki preferred a simple green tea. Monday evening, I enjoying a rather unpleasant dinner with Akito and his young charge - I found I could hardly tolerate the lecherous glances that Akito continuously favored the boy with, or the way that he would sporadically reach down under the table and stroke the boys slim thigh. What made matters worse was the dead look that would flash across Yuki’s eyes each time that Akito touched him. It was obvious that the boy had an idea of what Akito wanted from him. It was just as obvious that the boy hated him for it - After Akito had retired to his chambers I took great pleasure in sneaking into the kitchen, and carefully tainted Akito’s entire supply of jasmine tea. This would assure that Akito remained basically indisposed up until the night of the Zodiac Banquet. This would give Yuki a small taste of freedom. I felt that it was important that the boy be allowed to enjoy life, since I would soon be depriving him of it. This also allowed me to spend time with the boy, which I needed to do in order to capture his young heart.
YUKI *
“Yuki.” Hatori called to me, as I was heading past his office. “Wait up.”
Stopping, I waited patiently while the Doctor locked his door and hurried to my side.
“How are you doing today, Yuki? I see that you are out for another stroll. Do you mind if I join you.”
I didn’t mind, in fact, I had hoped that Hatori would do just exactly that. Over the last week and a half, since our trip into town, I had seen quite a lot of Hatori. For some strange, and lucky reason, he seemed to keep showing up. The truth was that I was starting to like Hatori a lot. Actually, I was convinced that I liked him too much. Considering that Hatori was twenty two, I couldn’t really imagine that he enjoyed spending time with a kid like me. I kind of figured that he must be bored, and maybe a little lonely, since his girlfriend was gone. I also figured that it wouldn’t last, Hatori would eventually tire of entertaining me, and move on to more grown up activities. Somehow that made me just a little sad. On the other hand, Akito had become hopelessly ill, and this earned me a small amount of freedom, this of course made me unbelievably happy.
“Oh, by the way, Yuki. I have something for you.” Reaching into his briefcase, Hatori pulled out a small wrapped package, and handed it to me.
“What is it?” I wondered, impressed by the pretty wrapping.
“It’s a holiday present.” Hatori informed me, and gestured to a nearby bench. “Here, let’s sit down for a moment, and you can open it.”
My cheeks felt flushed, and my heart was beating quickly, as I followed Hatori to the bench. I was both surprised and embarrassed that he had gotten me a holiday present. I also felt guilty for I had nothing to give him in return.
“You shouldn’t have gotten me anything,” I told him, as I sat down beside him and carefully peeled back the wrapping. “I just hope you didn’t spend a lot of money on me.”
Inside the wrapping, I found a small silver box, and when I opened it I saw that it contained a delicate silver chain with a tiny silver charm. The charm was the kanji character for snow, which also happens to be the meaning of my name. “Hatori, why would you think to… If Akito finds…” I didn’t finish because Hatori had put a finger to my mouth to hush me.
“I saw it in a store, and it reminded me of you. I know that you can’t wear it around Akito, but I thought that you still might like to have it. Here, let me put it on you. You can wear it to your lesson.” Lifting the chain from the box, Hatori unlatched it and placed it around my neck. “When you’re at the main house you can keep it in the box, but you must be sure to hide it well.”
“Yes,” I agreed, “I have just the place.” The feel of his strong fingers against my neck and the taste of his breath in my face caused me inhale nervously, and to take a step back It wasn’t that I was afraid of Hatori. It was more like I was afraid of myself, of what I felt when I was near him. It felt amazing, but somehow also terrifying.
“It looks good on you Yuki, the silver suits you. I‘m so pleased.” Hatori said, smiling down at me, and softly patting my head, like a father might do. “Well now, we better hurry, we don’t want you to be late.”
The rest of the way to the studio I felt miserable. I was certain that Hatori saw me as a child. I hated that. I wasn’t a child. I was thirteen now, soon I would be a man, I wanted Hatori to see me as his equal. I wanted him to see me as a friend, or maybe even possibly more.
HATORI *
Yuki was an astonishing dancer. As I stood in the studio, watching him rehearse, I felt awed by the perfect beauty in his every move.
“He’s quiet good, isn’t he?” I heard a familiar voice behind me, and turned to see Shigure standing at the door.
“Yes, he most certainly is.” I agreed, my eyes moving back to watch Yuki perform his finishing move.
Taking the towel that Sho held out to him, Yuki wiped his brow, and headed our way.
“Hatori, have you been watching all this time?” Yuki asked me, and a tiny blush suffused his pale cheeks. “You shouldn’t have stayed. I imagine I looked very foolish out there.”
“Not at all, Yuki. I actually thought your performance was splendid.”
“Hatori’s right, Yuki.” Shigure agreed, “Akito is going to be very impressed with you.”
As was to be expected, the mention of Akito’s name, stole the light from the boys face, and caused his eyes to drop to the ground.
“Why are you even here, Shigure?” Yuki whispered coldly, and after honoring Sho with a slight bow, rushed past Shigure and out of the studio.
“Yes, why are you here?” I asked him suspiciously. Although Shigure, Aya and I have always shared a warm bond of friendship, I was well aware of Shigure’s peculiar relationship with Akito. Although, we’ve never actually discussed it, I suspect that Shigure was Akito’s first love. Two years ago, when Akito was Yuki’s age, Shigure spent much of his time secluded within Akito’s chambers. It wasn’t at all surprising to catch Shigure skulking, half naked, back to his own room in the early hours of the morning. Of course, it didn’t last, as could be expected Akito quickly tired of Shigure. When he did, he sent Shigure away, forcing him to take up residence in a small house outside of the Sohma compound. If Shigure was disappointed he never let it show, of course sadness was never Shigure’s style.
“Why are you being so cold, Ha’ri?” Shigure pouted childishly, “Akito has been raving about the boy’s dance abilities for months now, I simply wanted to come see for myself.” and then I swear I actually heard something click inside the silly dog’s brain, and he was on to me. “But, Ha’ri, why exactly are you here? Did Akito send you for Yuki?”
“Yes,” I lied, and turned to the door. “now, if you’ll excuse me.”
As I exited the studio, I was pleased to see that Yuki had waited for me. The boy sat, huddled against the wall of the studio, playing with the laces on his shoes. Seeing me, he stood and together we walked silently back towards the main house.
SECRETS
YUKI *
Hatori knew, I was sure of it. He knew what Akito was planning. Although, I was in denial about it, I suppose that I knew, as well. There were things that Akito wanted to do to me. He never actually came out and said it, but his eyes made it quite clear. Akito wanted me, wanted to make love to me. I prayed nightly, that I was wrong, but I was entirely certain that I was right. Akito was planning to force himself upon me after Zodiac Banquet, and all the praying in the world would not help me. The gods had never before saved me from Akito Sohma, and I didn’t expect New Year’s Eve to be the exception. I was doomed. Over the last week and a half, I had done my best to put it out of my head. Shigure’s comment to me at the studio, coupled with the look of pity in Hatori’s eyes, had sent it all flooding back.
I felt completely depressed, and close to tears, as we turned onto the dirt road that led to the main house. Going back to that place, back to Akito, was the last thing that I wanted to do.
“Yuki,” Hatori said suddenly, “Hold up.”
I stopped, and looked up at Hatori, curious to see what he might need. Standing over me, he reach around my neck, and removed the chain. Taking my hand into his, he pressed the necklace into my palm, closing my fingers around it for me.
“You have to remember, Yuki. Akito is never to see this, you have to promise that you will be careful in this matter.”
What I did next I did on instinct, I didn’t think about it, or surly it never would have happened. Without thinking, I put my arms around Hatori, and I hugged him.
“I will, Ha‘ri, I promise.” I whispered, and then I made a decision, “If you would like I can show you. I can show you my special hiding place. It’s a secret, but I trust you now. Ha‘ri. I’d like to know.”
I could tell that I had surprised Hatori, just as I had surprised myself. He stood stiff for a second, and that alarmed me, because I was sure that I had offended him. I was about to pull away, “I’m sorry Hatori… I…” when suddenly I felt his arms wrapping themselves around me. He hugged me close to him, for a moment, and then he released me.
“Yes, Yuki, certainly. I would be honored if you would show me your secret.” As we continued on to the main house I glanced over at Hatori, wondering what he could be thinking.
It found it interesting, how his face looked so peaceful and kind. His cheeks were red, probably from the cold, and he had the smallest glimmer of a smile on his lips. I liked it, that smile, because I understood, unlike his other smile, that one was not a fake. That was Ha’ri true smile.
HATORI *
Yuki had a secret. A tiny hiding place, in the floor of his closet. His small rat friends had dug it for him, he admitted. I was surprised, and somewhat flattered, that he had chosen to share this with me. I don’t know why, but it choked me up, the idea of him trusting me. Of all people, I should not have been trusted. In such a short time, I had made substantial progress with the boy. My plan was working startlingly well, and yet something was nagging at me. Something was causing me to doubt myself. He hugged me today, right down the street from the main house. I was annoyed with him for taking such a risk. If someone had seen us. If word had gotten back to Akito, the consequences were inconceivable. Regardless, I enjoyed the hug. I found it to be astoundingly agreeable, as well as terribly sweet. Afterwards, I went with him back to the main house. I took a moment to check in on Akito, who was fortunately still sound asleep, and then I walked down the hall to where Yuki was waiting inside his bedroom.
“So, Hatori, uh….” Yuki whispered awkwardly, as he placed the small silver box into his hiding place and removed a tiny folded piece of paper. “Can I show you something? Another secret? Something you can never tell anyone about?”
I looked at him curiously. His delicate hand, which held the paper out to me, trembled anxiously, and his violet eyes seemed wary and unsure. Seeing him this way, so innocently vulnerable, broke my heart. It was obvious that he still didn‘t trust me, not completely anyway. However, he was taking a chance.
Removing the paper from his shaky hand I looked into his eyes. He nodded his head lightly, urging me to go on, to read it. Unfolded the paper, and sitting down beside him on his closet floor, I read.
The paper was a letter from Hatsuharu. Apparently, Yuki’s young cousin had a crush on him, and had decided to confess his love. It was precious really, and all the more tragic, because it was something that could never be. Finished with the letter, I refolded it carefully and handed back to the boy. Yuki returned the letter to it’s hiding place and looked up at me expectantly.
“What is it you want from me, Yuki? Why did you share that with me?” I questioned him, my voice sounding much colder then I had intended. I didn’t realize it at that moment, but I was feeling a tiny spark of jealousy. The boy already had me, he had stolen my soul. I was still just to foolish to see it.
“I’m sorry, Hatori. I shouldn’t have shown it to you.” Yuki apologized, and then he came to the most irrational conclusion, “ I suppose that I put your life in jeopardy by sharing these things with you. I’m really sorry, I just didn’t think.
“Yuki, I…” I started, feeling confounded. How was it that this poor boy. This child who I had never once lifted a finger to protect, was concerned about putting my life in danger? I was touched, that was all, and it had left me speechless. Unfortunately, this gave Yuki completely the wrong idea.
“I won’t let you get in trouble. I’ll go to Akito. I’ll tell him right now.” Yuki blurted out suddenly, “I’ll confess everything to him, so that you don’t have too. So that you won’t get hurt.” Standing up the boy rushed for the door.
So I tackled him.
YUKI *
He tackled me, it was terrifying really. Without intended to do so, Hatori had regressed me. In a split second I snapped, my mind and heart plunged into my soul, begging it‘s protection. Suddenly, I was there, in Akito’s special room, I was at Akito‘s mercy. How many times had I ran from Akito? How many times had he jumped upon me to stop my flight? Fighting for escape, I screamed out in fear.
HATORI *
Yuki was struggling, trying to get away. Myself, I just wanted to stop him. Stop him from going to Akito. Stop him from doing something stupid, from ruining everything.
“I’m sorry Akito.” Yuki cried out in fear, “Please, I‘m so sorry. Please don’t hurt me anymore. I promise that I’ll be good. I promise I’ll do anything that you say.”
It felt like my heart shattered, but in reality it had only been tamed. I placed a gentle hand to his mouth, to quiet him and with the other I wrapped him up in my arms so that I could whisper soothingly into his ear.
“Yuki, stop it. It’s me. It’s Ha’ri, I’m not going to hurt you, but you must calm yourself. You must be quiet, or else you‘ll wake Akito. Now please, be quiet now.”
He struggled, for a moment, his eyes so full of fear, and then gradually he came back. His body fell limp against my chest, and his eyes filled with tears, but he was seeing me again. His fear slowly subsided.
YUKI *
Hatori had me in his arms, his hand lightly covering my mouth. When he moved it away, I whispered, “I’m sorry. I…” He put his hand back, his eyes telling me to hush. I pushed my face into his chest. Desperately, needing something, but not understanding what that was. This was Hatori, not Akito, he wasn’t going to hurt me. So why couldn’t I stop crying?
HATORI *
I held the boy in my arms, I could feel his wet tears against my chest. ‘I should go.’ I told myself. Akito could wake at any moment. I couldn’t allow Akito to catch me here. Especially, not like this.
Picking the slender boy up into my arms, I carried him to his bed and laid him upon it, as I bent down to cover him, he grabbed my hand and held it in both of his.
“You should rest for a bit. I’ll try to keep Akito preoccupied. I’ll see you soon, Yuki.” Retrieving my hand, I pushed the silky soft silver hair back from his eyes and placed a gentle kiss upon his forehead. Then shaking the tender thoughts out of my head I went to check on Akito.
NEW YEARS EVE - THREE
HATORI *
Grabbing my medical bag from my trunk, I walked towards Shigure’s house. Since my mind was still wondering the past, I wasn’t watching my step. Half way up the drive I lost my balance and I slipped upon the slick ice. In an instant, I was flying across the yard, my arms flawing uselessly about, until I landed painfully in a puddle of icy mush. Sitting there, the wet ice seeping into my dress suit, I found myself laughing. Yuki would have loved that, I decided, as I picked myself back up. Perhaps it would have even made the boy smile.
I loved Yuki’s smile, it was made even more priceless, because it was so rare. I would forever recall the first time that I saw it. The memory would forever own me, for it was the day I found true …
BLISS
HATORI *
Yuki and I walked together through the thick forest. Back at the main house Akito was once again sleeping soundly, having picked up a nasty case of food poisoning just that morning.
“Such a sensitive stomach you have these days.” I had said to him, and fed him another spoonful of the laxative laced soup.
“Don’t fuck with me Hatori. I’m not in a forgiving mood.” Akito scolded, and then whipped out his hand to send the bowl of soup flying. “This soup tastes like shit. You know sometimes Hatori, I think you are trying to make me sick.”
“That’s ridicules.” I protested, “You must be delirious. Do you have a fever, let me check.” I placed my hand upon Akito’s head, something that I knew he despised.
“Get the hell out of here, Hatori. I don’t want to see you anymore today. And send someone to clean this mess you made up.”
“Yes, Akito.” I agreed, waiting until I was out of the room and down the hall before I allowed myself to laugh. Now to go find Yuki.
Later, as Yuki and I walked through the forest I was pleased that Yuki seemed to be enjoying himself. I had bought him a new bag of cherry candy, and he held it in one hand. When I glanced at his neck I saw a brief flicker of silver beneath the collar of his thick jacket.
Satisfied, I smiled at him, and watched as he carefully removed a candy from the bag and popped into his mouth. I laughed out loud when I noticed his lips were colored red from the candy.
“Ha’ri” He wondered, looking over at me in concern. “Is something the matter?”
“No, Yuki.” I said gently, and pulled a handkerchief from my pocket. “Everything’s fine, but we need to do something about your lips.”
“Um? I’m sorry.” He mumbled, as I stood in front of him, and gently attempted to rub the stain from his lips. His cheeks quickly changed in color, until they matched the red of his lips, and I found myself gazing into his warm eyes. He was so beautiful, simply breathtaking, it was no wonder Akito wanted him so badly. Thinking of Akito brought me back to my senses, taking a deep breath, I patted Yuki on the top of his head and I stepped away.
“It isn’t coming off. Well, there is a small store over near the river. We can clean you up then.”
“Okay, Ha’ri. I’m sorry that I made such a mess of myself.” Yuki said, and pushed the bag of candy into his jacket pocket, and then he sneezed.
“Yuki.” I asked, handing the handkerchief to him. “Is it too cold for you out here? Would you like to go back?”
“No.” He answered, and I knew he was lying to me. It made sense, he might be freezing, but it was better then being at the main house. “It’s fine, Hatori.”
Up ahead was a small clearing, our destination.
“Well, here we are, Yuki.” I told him, and looked upwards to the top of a large tree.
“What’s that?” Yuki asked, his eyes filled with awe.
“It’s what I wanted to show you.” I laughed happily, pleased by his fascination. “It’s a tree fort.”
“So then, it’s a tree fort,” Yuki wondered, “I’ve heard about them, but I’ve never actually saw one. How in the world did it get up there?”
“Shigure, Aya and I built it when we were about your age. Though, I am amazed that it’s still standing.”
“Um.. Can I go up there?” Yuki questioned, his eyes gazing longingly towards the fort.
“Yes, of course you can. It’s yours after all.”
“Mine.” Yuki whispered, unbelieving. “It’s mine?”
“Yes, Yuki. I’m giving it to you. It can be your secret hideaway, and…” I didn’t finish, because Yuki had leapt upon me, throwing his arms around me and hugging me tightly.
“Hatori. Hatori. It’s wonderful. Thank you! Thank you so much.”
“It’s my pleasure, Yuki.” I told him, and looked down into his eyes.
His smiling face was more lovely than I could have ever imagined. It truly took my breath away.
YUKI *
“Ha‘ri, do we have to go home already?” I asked him. “I wish we could just run away.”
“Well, we can’t do that. You know that‘s not possible.” Hatori answered me. We were almost to the end of the forest, right outside of the main house, and I wasn’t ready to go home. I had something on my mind, something I had been considering carefully, most of the day. I wanted to ask Hatori to do something for me, but I felt that it probably wasn’t appropriate. “We should hurry, Yuki. We’ve stayed out much longer then we should have.”
“I understand.” I told him, but I stopped anyway. Up ahead in the grass I noticed a single pink flower standing tall, but alone, among the ice covered withering grass. Walking toward it, I bent down to pick it.
HATORI *
I was feeling uneasy. The need to hurry back to the main house was distracting me from the boy. I felt it in my gut. Akito was looking for us.
Yuki had stopped to pick a flower. He walked up to me, holding it out.
“This is for you, Hatori, since you gave me the fort, I thought it would be nice to give you something as well.”
“Thank you,” I said, and took the flower from his hand. “Now, Come on, Yuki, we should hurry.” I insisted.
“Hatori, before we go back. Is it alright if I ask you something?” Even though I felt impatient to get back, I stopped. It had been evident to me for most of the day that Yuki had something on his mind. I was interested in finding out what it was.
“Yes, Yuki. What is it?” I encouraged, brushing back a stray hair from his cheek.
“So then, Um…Hatori, do you remember the letter I showed you? Haru‘s letter?” He asked me, his face turning a charming shade of pink.
“Of course, Yuki. What about it?” Noticing he was shivering again, I pulled the front of his jacket closed.
“In the letter, Haru wrote that he thought he would like to kiss me. Um…I was just wondering, Hatori. Have you ever kissed anyone before?”
And now it was my turn to blush. “Yuki, that is a very personal question. It’s not something you should ask people about.”
“Oh,” he said, looking disheartened. “I see. I’m sorry I bothered you.” and now his violet eyes were swimming in tears. “I didn’t mean to offend you, Hatori. I just thought, well I’ve never been kissed. I was just curious what it would be like.”
“Are you saying that your family, your mother. No one’s ever…?” I really didn’t know what to say. I knew that Yuki’s parents had sent him to live at the main house when he was six, but I had never really thought to wonder why.
“My parents…” Yuki started bitterly, and now he completely broke down, “hate me. They want nothing to do with me. Akito told me that they think I’m a freak, that they think that I’m disgusting. Is it true Hatori? Am I? Am I disgusting?”
What I did next, I did without thought. It was a simple gut reaction, brought on by my desire to guarantee the boy that he was most assuredly not disgusting in my eyes. One moment, I was gazing down into Yuki’s tearstained face, and the next I had him in my arms and I was passionately kissing his innocent mouth.
YUKI *
Hatori kissed me. I made him do it, I guess. With everything inside me I had been begging him to. Still I never expected that he actually would.
He tasted of green tea and clove cigarettes, and I thought it made a nice combination. I felt so nervous, not sure of what I should be doing, not sure of what to do with my hands. On instinct I placed them at his side, and using the tips of my toes pushed myself higher. Hatori was so tall and I wanted him to think I was taller. I wanted it to be perfect for him, I wanted him to enjoy the kiss. I wanted to make him happy, just as he made me happy.
HATORI *
Yuki’s kiss tasted like cherry. My fault, for taken such a liking to feeding him candy. His lips were remarkably soft and responsive. I felt his hands at my waist as he pushed himself upwards into me, and against me. I felt my body react, melting into his lips, running my tongue along his perfect straight teeth, and then inside his mouth, his sweet tender mouth.
I felt him sigh, as he relaxed in my arms. I ran my hand up his back to his silky hair, feeling his softness, he was driving me mad.
“YUKI! The voice called, distantly, through the forest, shattering the moment. “YUKI! WHERE ARE YOU HIDING? WHERE IN THE HELL ARE YOU?”
“Akito,” Yuki whispered, and I pushed him away.
We hurried out of the forest, and through the main gate. Akito was standing in the drive. His gaudy robes practically falling off of his scrawny shoulders. He could have seen us, if we had come a just a few steps closer. I had just enough time to regret my carelessness, before Akito reach out his perfectly manicured hand and slammed Yuki to the ground.
“Hatori. Where were you? Did you think you could just take Yuki without my permission? Hatori, I should kill you for this.”
My mind froze, for a moment, I was completely unable to think. I searched for an excuse, something that would get Yuki out of trouble. I wasn’t concerned for myself. I had never in my life feared Akito, but I wouldn’t allow Yuki to be punished for my crimes.
“It was my fault, Akito.” Yuki lied, “I wandered off into the forest, and Hatori came looking for me.”
‘No,” my mind screamed, but before I could stop him, Akito had Yuki by the arm.
“You wandered off, did you.” Akito said bitterly. Twisting Yuki‘s arm painfully behind him he pushed him toward the house, “You should know better then to do such a thing, Yuki. I see, I will have to re-educate you.”
“Akito,” I found my voice at last, ignoring the look in Yuki‘s eyes which begged me to stay out of it. “Don’t punish Yuki,” I hurried after them. “He went looking for flowers for you.”
“What?” Akito stopped, releasing his hold on Yuki’s arm and turning his attention to me. Just exactly as I wanted him too. I held out the single pink flower to him, not missing the sadness I saw flash across Yuki‘s red rimmed eyes. “Why would Yuki, pick flowers for me?”
“You were sick Akito,” Yuki whimpered, understanding my game, and playing along, “I wanted you to get better.”
“Really?” Akito smiled, reaching out for the flower. “That was very kind of you, Yuki.” Dropping the flower to the floor Akito stomped his foot down upon it squashing it into the ground. “Now say you’re sorry, Yuki. Say that you’ll never leave the house without my permission again.”
“I’m so…sorry, Akito. Please forgive me.” Yuki cried, falling to his knees and bowing at Akito’s feet. I bit my tongue, and dug my fingernails into my palm, drawing blood. I couldn’t act. My day would come, but for today, as long as Yuki was not harmed I would not act.
“Okay, then, Yuki. This time I will excuse you, but you’re not to leave the house without my permission again, not ever!”
“I won’t, Akito. I promise.”
Reaching down, Akito pulled Yuki to his feet and pushed him towards the house,
“You can go to your room now, Yuki.” and he turned his attention to me.
“Leave me now, Hatori. I’m feeling much better. Your services will not be needed tonight.” Nodding my head to Akito I turned my back and headed to my own home. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Yuki look my way one final time, before moving inside.
***********************
Well???? I hope I caught all my typos, and I know that I didn’t cause that would be impossible… Thank you for putting up with them, someday I will … no I probably won’t… no more lies, you deserve better.
We have one more chapter left, and I plan it to be nice and …. Special… It’s actually written, but it’s a mess and I have to re-write it to death now… will post asap.
Please review, and let me know if this is working for you all…
Thanks for reading… see ya soon.
In addition, I lied. This will be a three part story, not a two part story… really only three parts, I promise.
Well, shutting up, now. Enjoy:
YUKI/HATORI CHALLENGE - PART TWO
FREEDOM
YUKI *
Hatori and I enjoyed a very pleasant day in town together. After my fitting he bought me lunch. As Akito runs a very traditional Japanese household, I rarely get to eat foreign food. Hatori decided that it might be nice to pick up hamburgers and french fries, and to eat them in the park. It was fun. It was very fun. I’ve decided that french fries, and those bright red cherry shaped candies, are going to be my favorite foods from now on.
When we got back in from town, I was still pretty nervous. Hatori followed me to my room, and waited outside in the hall for me, while I hid the box of chocolates, and the bag of cherry candies from Akito. I was a little concerned at first. I was worried that Hatori might actually want to come inside my room. I still didn’t trust him, yet. I didn’t really want Hatori to know about the secret hiding place that the rats had dug for me, deep within the floor boards of my closet. This is the place where I keep special things. The stuff that I wouldn’t want Akito to find. My mother’s picture is there, along with a letter that Haru gave me yesterday. Yeah, it would be pretty bad if Akito discovered that letter, it would be really, really, bad.
On Monday nights Hatori always had dinner at the Main House, so after I was done in my room, Hatori sat with me in the library until dinner time. I studied, and Hatori read the newspaper and smoked. I don’t normally like the smell of cigarettes, but Hatori’s smell great. He taught me that they come from Indonesia and are called Djarum. I told him that perhaps I would smoke them someday, and he laughed at me and told me that as my Doctor he wouldn’t allow it. Hatori seemed so different to me that night. During dinner, he smiled at me a lot, and once when Akito reach under the table to rub my leg, Hatori’s face grew dark and cold, and I thought that he was going to say something. He didn’t though, which I was thankful for. After treating me so nice all day, I didn’t want to see Hatori get on Akito’s bad side.
After dinner, Akito sent me to bed. I had dance lessons early the next morning, and he didn’t want me to be tired. It didn’t matter. I didn’t sleep that night at all. I laid in my bed, and thought about things. Mostly about Hatori, and about how nice it would be if he could be my friend. I didn’t have many friends, in those days. I had Haru, but Akito rarely allowed me to see him. Things were weird with Haru too, because of that letter. Whatever in the world could have possessed Haru to tell me those things. I didn’t understand, and I didn’t want to think about it too much, because it made me feel really funny inside. I didn’t dislike the feeling, that wasn’t exactly it, it was just confusing.
HATORI *
To prepare himself for the Zodiac Banquet, Yuki was to attend dance lessons every other day. His instructor, Sho Sohma ran a studio on the south side of the Sohma compound. On the mornings of Yuki’s lesson’s Akito would pile into the car with Yuki. The driver would take Yuki around the block, and drop him off at the studio. An hour later Akito and the driver would return to the car, and repeat the process to pick the boy back up. It was insanity really, Akito going to all that bother. Just as it was insanity that Akito had hired the boy a private tutor instead of allowing him to attend a proper middle school as his cousins did. I determined that it would be better that the boy be allowed to walk occasionally, and as such, I decided that an early holiday gift to Akito, might be in order.
Akito loved a certain jasmine tea, it was served to him at every meal. Personally, I couldn’t stand the stuff, and like myself, I knew that Yuki preferred a simple green tea. Monday evening, I enjoying a rather unpleasant dinner with Akito and his young charge - I found I could hardly tolerate the lecherous glances that Akito continuously favored the boy with, or the way that he would sporadically reach down under the table and stroke the boys slim thigh. What made matters worse was the dead look that would flash across Yuki’s eyes each time that Akito touched him. It was obvious that the boy had an idea of what Akito wanted from him. It was just as obvious that the boy hated him for it - After Akito had retired to his chambers I took great pleasure in sneaking into the kitchen, and carefully tainted Akito’s entire supply of jasmine tea. This would assure that Akito remained basically indisposed up until the night of the Zodiac Banquet. This would give Yuki a small taste of freedom. I felt that it was important that the boy be allowed to enjoy life, since I would soon be depriving him of it. This also allowed me to spend time with the boy, which I needed to do in order to capture his young heart.
YUKI *
“Yuki.” Hatori called to me, as I was heading past his office. “Wait up.”
Stopping, I waited patiently while the Doctor locked his door and hurried to my side.
“How are you doing today, Yuki? I see that you are out for another stroll. Do you mind if I join you.”
I didn’t mind, in fact, I had hoped that Hatori would do just exactly that. Over the last week and a half, since our trip into town, I had seen quite a lot of Hatori. For some strange, and lucky reason, he seemed to keep showing up. The truth was that I was starting to like Hatori a lot. Actually, I was convinced that I liked him too much. Considering that Hatori was twenty two, I couldn’t really imagine that he enjoyed spending time with a kid like me. I kind of figured that he must be bored, and maybe a little lonely, since his girlfriend was gone. I also figured that it wouldn’t last, Hatori would eventually tire of entertaining me, and move on to more grown up activities. Somehow that made me just a little sad. On the other hand, Akito had become hopelessly ill, and this earned me a small amount of freedom, this of course made me unbelievably happy.
“Oh, by the way, Yuki. I have something for you.” Reaching into his briefcase, Hatori pulled out a small wrapped package, and handed it to me.
“What is it?” I wondered, impressed by the pretty wrapping.
“It’s a holiday present.” Hatori informed me, and gestured to a nearby bench. “Here, let’s sit down for a moment, and you can open it.”
My cheeks felt flushed, and my heart was beating quickly, as I followed Hatori to the bench. I was both surprised and embarrassed that he had gotten me a holiday present. I also felt guilty for I had nothing to give him in return.
“You shouldn’t have gotten me anything,” I told him, as I sat down beside him and carefully peeled back the wrapping. “I just hope you didn’t spend a lot of money on me.”
Inside the wrapping, I found a small silver box, and when I opened it I saw that it contained a delicate silver chain with a tiny silver charm. The charm was the kanji character for snow, which also happens to be the meaning of my name. “Hatori, why would you think to… If Akito finds…” I didn’t finish because Hatori had put a finger to my mouth to hush me.
“I saw it in a store, and it reminded me of you. I know that you can’t wear it around Akito, but I thought that you still might like to have it. Here, let me put it on you. You can wear it to your lesson.” Lifting the chain from the box, Hatori unlatched it and placed it around my neck. “When you’re at the main house you can keep it in the box, but you must be sure to hide it well.”
“Yes,” I agreed, “I have just the place.” The feel of his strong fingers against my neck and the taste of his breath in my face caused me inhale nervously, and to take a step back It wasn’t that I was afraid of Hatori. It was more like I was afraid of myself, of what I felt when I was near him. It felt amazing, but somehow also terrifying.
“It looks good on you Yuki, the silver suits you. I‘m so pleased.” Hatori said, smiling down at me, and softly patting my head, like a father might do. “Well now, we better hurry, we don’t want you to be late.”
The rest of the way to the studio I felt miserable. I was certain that Hatori saw me as a child. I hated that. I wasn’t a child. I was thirteen now, soon I would be a man, I wanted Hatori to see me as his equal. I wanted him to see me as a friend, or maybe even possibly more.
HATORI *
Yuki was an astonishing dancer. As I stood in the studio, watching him rehearse, I felt awed by the perfect beauty in his every move.
“He’s quiet good, isn’t he?” I heard a familiar voice behind me, and turned to see Shigure standing at the door.
“Yes, he most certainly is.” I agreed, my eyes moving back to watch Yuki perform his finishing move.
Taking the towel that Sho held out to him, Yuki wiped his brow, and headed our way.
“Hatori, have you been watching all this time?” Yuki asked me, and a tiny blush suffused his pale cheeks. “You shouldn’t have stayed. I imagine I looked very foolish out there.”
“Not at all, Yuki. I actually thought your performance was splendid.”
“Hatori’s right, Yuki.” Shigure agreed, “Akito is going to be very impressed with you.”
As was to be expected, the mention of Akito’s name, stole the light from the boys face, and caused his eyes to drop to the ground.
“Why are you even here, Shigure?” Yuki whispered coldly, and after honoring Sho with a slight bow, rushed past Shigure and out of the studio.
“Yes, why are you here?” I asked him suspiciously. Although Shigure, Aya and I have always shared a warm bond of friendship, I was well aware of Shigure’s peculiar relationship with Akito. Although, we’ve never actually discussed it, I suspect that Shigure was Akito’s first love. Two years ago, when Akito was Yuki’s age, Shigure spent much of his time secluded within Akito’s chambers. It wasn’t at all surprising to catch Shigure skulking, half naked, back to his own room in the early hours of the morning. Of course, it didn’t last, as could be expected Akito quickly tired of Shigure. When he did, he sent Shigure away, forcing him to take up residence in a small house outside of the Sohma compound. If Shigure was disappointed he never let it show, of course sadness was never Shigure’s style.
“Why are you being so cold, Ha’ri?” Shigure pouted childishly, “Akito has been raving about the boy’s dance abilities for months now, I simply wanted to come see for myself.” and then I swear I actually heard something click inside the silly dog’s brain, and he was on to me. “But, Ha’ri, why exactly are you here? Did Akito send you for Yuki?”
“Yes,” I lied, and turned to the door. “now, if you’ll excuse me.”
As I exited the studio, I was pleased to see that Yuki had waited for me. The boy sat, huddled against the wall of the studio, playing with the laces on his shoes. Seeing me, he stood and together we walked silently back towards the main house.
SECRETS
YUKI *
Hatori knew, I was sure of it. He knew what Akito was planning. Although, I was in denial about it, I suppose that I knew, as well. There were things that Akito wanted to do to me. He never actually came out and said it, but his eyes made it quite clear. Akito wanted me, wanted to make love to me. I prayed nightly, that I was wrong, but I was entirely certain that I was right. Akito was planning to force himself upon me after Zodiac Banquet, and all the praying in the world would not help me. The gods had never before saved me from Akito Sohma, and I didn’t expect New Year’s Eve to be the exception. I was doomed. Over the last week and a half, I had done my best to put it out of my head. Shigure’s comment to me at the studio, coupled with the look of pity in Hatori’s eyes, had sent it all flooding back.
I felt completely depressed, and close to tears, as we turned onto the dirt road that led to the main house. Going back to that place, back to Akito, was the last thing that I wanted to do.
“Yuki,” Hatori said suddenly, “Hold up.”
I stopped, and looked up at Hatori, curious to see what he might need. Standing over me, he reach around my neck, and removed the chain. Taking my hand into his, he pressed the necklace into my palm, closing my fingers around it for me.
“You have to remember, Yuki. Akito is never to see this, you have to promise that you will be careful in this matter.”
What I did next I did on instinct, I didn’t think about it, or surly it never would have happened. Without thinking, I put my arms around Hatori, and I hugged him.
“I will, Ha‘ri, I promise.” I whispered, and then I made a decision, “If you would like I can show you. I can show you my special hiding place. It’s a secret, but I trust you now. Ha‘ri. I’d like to know.”
I could tell that I had surprised Hatori, just as I had surprised myself. He stood stiff for a second, and that alarmed me, because I was sure that I had offended him. I was about to pull away, “I’m sorry Hatori… I…” when suddenly I felt his arms wrapping themselves around me. He hugged me close to him, for a moment, and then he released me.
“Yes, Yuki, certainly. I would be honored if you would show me your secret.” As we continued on to the main house I glanced over at Hatori, wondering what he could be thinking.
It found it interesting, how his face looked so peaceful and kind. His cheeks were red, probably from the cold, and he had the smallest glimmer of a smile on his lips. I liked it, that smile, because I understood, unlike his other smile, that one was not a fake. That was Ha’ri true smile.
HATORI *
Yuki had a secret. A tiny hiding place, in the floor of his closet. His small rat friends had dug it for him, he admitted. I was surprised, and somewhat flattered, that he had chosen to share this with me. I don’t know why, but it choked me up, the idea of him trusting me. Of all people, I should not have been trusted. In such a short time, I had made substantial progress with the boy. My plan was working startlingly well, and yet something was nagging at me. Something was causing me to doubt myself. He hugged me today, right down the street from the main house. I was annoyed with him for taking such a risk. If someone had seen us. If word had gotten back to Akito, the consequences were inconceivable. Regardless, I enjoyed the hug. I found it to be astoundingly agreeable, as well as terribly sweet. Afterwards, I went with him back to the main house. I took a moment to check in on Akito, who was fortunately still sound asleep, and then I walked down the hall to where Yuki was waiting inside his bedroom.
“So, Hatori, uh….” Yuki whispered awkwardly, as he placed the small silver box into his hiding place and removed a tiny folded piece of paper. “Can I show you something? Another secret? Something you can never tell anyone about?”
I looked at him curiously. His delicate hand, which held the paper out to me, trembled anxiously, and his violet eyes seemed wary and unsure. Seeing him this way, so innocently vulnerable, broke my heart. It was obvious that he still didn‘t trust me, not completely anyway. However, he was taking a chance.
Removing the paper from his shaky hand I looked into his eyes. He nodded his head lightly, urging me to go on, to read it. Unfolded the paper, and sitting down beside him on his closet floor, I read.
The paper was a letter from Hatsuharu. Apparently, Yuki’s young cousin had a crush on him, and had decided to confess his love. It was precious really, and all the more tragic, because it was something that could never be. Finished with the letter, I refolded it carefully and handed back to the boy. Yuki returned the letter to it’s hiding place and looked up at me expectantly.
“What is it you want from me, Yuki? Why did you share that with me?” I questioned him, my voice sounding much colder then I had intended. I didn’t realize it at that moment, but I was feeling a tiny spark of jealousy. The boy already had me, he had stolen my soul. I was still just to foolish to see it.
“I’m sorry, Hatori. I shouldn’t have shown it to you.” Yuki apologized, and then he came to the most irrational conclusion, “ I suppose that I put your life in jeopardy by sharing these things with you. I’m really sorry, I just didn’t think.
“Yuki, I…” I started, feeling confounded. How was it that this poor boy. This child who I had never once lifted a finger to protect, was concerned about putting my life in danger? I was touched, that was all, and it had left me speechless. Unfortunately, this gave Yuki completely the wrong idea.
“I won’t let you get in trouble. I’ll go to Akito. I’ll tell him right now.” Yuki blurted out suddenly, “I’ll confess everything to him, so that you don’t have too. So that you won’t get hurt.” Standing up the boy rushed for the door.
So I tackled him.
YUKI *
He tackled me, it was terrifying really. Without intended to do so, Hatori had regressed me. In a split second I snapped, my mind and heart plunged into my soul, begging it‘s protection. Suddenly, I was there, in Akito’s special room, I was at Akito‘s mercy. How many times had I ran from Akito? How many times had he jumped upon me to stop my flight? Fighting for escape, I screamed out in fear.
HATORI *
Yuki was struggling, trying to get away. Myself, I just wanted to stop him. Stop him from going to Akito. Stop him from doing something stupid, from ruining everything.
“I’m sorry Akito.” Yuki cried out in fear, “Please, I‘m so sorry. Please don’t hurt me anymore. I promise that I’ll be good. I promise I’ll do anything that you say.”
It felt like my heart shattered, but in reality it had only been tamed. I placed a gentle hand to his mouth, to quiet him and with the other I wrapped him up in my arms so that I could whisper soothingly into his ear.
“Yuki, stop it. It’s me. It’s Ha’ri, I’m not going to hurt you, but you must calm yourself. You must be quiet, or else you‘ll wake Akito. Now please, be quiet now.”
He struggled, for a moment, his eyes so full of fear, and then gradually he came back. His body fell limp against my chest, and his eyes filled with tears, but he was seeing me again. His fear slowly subsided.
YUKI *
Hatori had me in his arms, his hand lightly covering my mouth. When he moved it away, I whispered, “I’m sorry. I…” He put his hand back, his eyes telling me to hush. I pushed my face into his chest. Desperately, needing something, but not understanding what that was. This was Hatori, not Akito, he wasn’t going to hurt me. So why couldn’t I stop crying?
HATORI *
I held the boy in my arms, I could feel his wet tears against my chest. ‘I should go.’ I told myself. Akito could wake at any moment. I couldn’t allow Akito to catch me here. Especially, not like this.
Picking the slender boy up into my arms, I carried him to his bed and laid him upon it, as I bent down to cover him, he grabbed my hand and held it in both of his.
“You should rest for a bit. I’ll try to keep Akito preoccupied. I’ll see you soon, Yuki.” Retrieving my hand, I pushed the silky soft silver hair back from his eyes and placed a gentle kiss upon his forehead. Then shaking the tender thoughts out of my head I went to check on Akito.
NEW YEARS EVE - THREE
HATORI *
Grabbing my medical bag from my trunk, I walked towards Shigure’s house. Since my mind was still wondering the past, I wasn’t watching my step. Half way up the drive I lost my balance and I slipped upon the slick ice. In an instant, I was flying across the yard, my arms flawing uselessly about, until I landed painfully in a puddle of icy mush. Sitting there, the wet ice seeping into my dress suit, I found myself laughing. Yuki would have loved that, I decided, as I picked myself back up. Perhaps it would have even made the boy smile.
I loved Yuki’s smile, it was made even more priceless, because it was so rare. I would forever recall the first time that I saw it. The memory would forever own me, for it was the day I found true …
BLISS
HATORI *
Yuki and I walked together through the thick forest. Back at the main house Akito was once again sleeping soundly, having picked up a nasty case of food poisoning just that morning.
“Such a sensitive stomach you have these days.” I had said to him, and fed him another spoonful of the laxative laced soup.
“Don’t fuck with me Hatori. I’m not in a forgiving mood.” Akito scolded, and then whipped out his hand to send the bowl of soup flying. “This soup tastes like shit. You know sometimes Hatori, I think you are trying to make me sick.”
“That’s ridicules.” I protested, “You must be delirious. Do you have a fever, let me check.” I placed my hand upon Akito’s head, something that I knew he despised.
“Get the hell out of here, Hatori. I don’t want to see you anymore today. And send someone to clean this mess you made up.”
“Yes, Akito.” I agreed, waiting until I was out of the room and down the hall before I allowed myself to laugh. Now to go find Yuki.
Later, as Yuki and I walked through the forest I was pleased that Yuki seemed to be enjoying himself. I had bought him a new bag of cherry candy, and he held it in one hand. When I glanced at his neck I saw a brief flicker of silver beneath the collar of his thick jacket.
Satisfied, I smiled at him, and watched as he carefully removed a candy from the bag and popped into his mouth. I laughed out loud when I noticed his lips were colored red from the candy.
“Ha’ri” He wondered, looking over at me in concern. “Is something the matter?”
“No, Yuki.” I said gently, and pulled a handkerchief from my pocket. “Everything’s fine, but we need to do something about your lips.”
“Um? I’m sorry.” He mumbled, as I stood in front of him, and gently attempted to rub the stain from his lips. His cheeks quickly changed in color, until they matched the red of his lips, and I found myself gazing into his warm eyes. He was so beautiful, simply breathtaking, it was no wonder Akito wanted him so badly. Thinking of Akito brought me back to my senses, taking a deep breath, I patted Yuki on the top of his head and I stepped away.
“It isn’t coming off. Well, there is a small store over near the river. We can clean you up then.”
“Okay, Ha’ri. I’m sorry that I made such a mess of myself.” Yuki said, and pushed the bag of candy into his jacket pocket, and then he sneezed.
“Yuki.” I asked, handing the handkerchief to him. “Is it too cold for you out here? Would you like to go back?”
“No.” He answered, and I knew he was lying to me. It made sense, he might be freezing, but it was better then being at the main house. “It’s fine, Hatori.”
Up ahead was a small clearing, our destination.
“Well, here we are, Yuki.” I told him, and looked upwards to the top of a large tree.
“What’s that?” Yuki asked, his eyes filled with awe.
“It’s what I wanted to show you.” I laughed happily, pleased by his fascination. “It’s a tree fort.”
“So then, it’s a tree fort,” Yuki wondered, “I’ve heard about them, but I’ve never actually saw one. How in the world did it get up there?”
“Shigure, Aya and I built it when we were about your age. Though, I am amazed that it’s still standing.”
“Um.. Can I go up there?” Yuki questioned, his eyes gazing longingly towards the fort.
“Yes, of course you can. It’s yours after all.”
“Mine.” Yuki whispered, unbelieving. “It’s mine?”
“Yes, Yuki. I’m giving it to you. It can be your secret hideaway, and…” I didn’t finish, because Yuki had leapt upon me, throwing his arms around me and hugging me tightly.
“Hatori. Hatori. It’s wonderful. Thank you! Thank you so much.”
“It’s my pleasure, Yuki.” I told him, and looked down into his eyes.
His smiling face was more lovely than I could have ever imagined. It truly took my breath away.
YUKI *
“Ha‘ri, do we have to go home already?” I asked him. “I wish we could just run away.”
“Well, we can’t do that. You know that‘s not possible.” Hatori answered me. We were almost to the end of the forest, right outside of the main house, and I wasn’t ready to go home. I had something on my mind, something I had been considering carefully, most of the day. I wanted to ask Hatori to do something for me, but I felt that it probably wasn’t appropriate. “We should hurry, Yuki. We’ve stayed out much longer then we should have.”
“I understand.” I told him, but I stopped anyway. Up ahead in the grass I noticed a single pink flower standing tall, but alone, among the ice covered withering grass. Walking toward it, I bent down to pick it.
HATORI *
I was feeling uneasy. The need to hurry back to the main house was distracting me from the boy. I felt it in my gut. Akito was looking for us.
Yuki had stopped to pick a flower. He walked up to me, holding it out.
“This is for you, Hatori, since you gave me the fort, I thought it would be nice to give you something as well.”
“Thank you,” I said, and took the flower from his hand. “Now, Come on, Yuki, we should hurry.” I insisted.
“Hatori, before we go back. Is it alright if I ask you something?” Even though I felt impatient to get back, I stopped. It had been evident to me for most of the day that Yuki had something on his mind. I was interested in finding out what it was.
“Yes, Yuki. What is it?” I encouraged, brushing back a stray hair from his cheek.
“So then, Um…Hatori, do you remember the letter I showed you? Haru‘s letter?” He asked me, his face turning a charming shade of pink.
“Of course, Yuki. What about it?” Noticing he was shivering again, I pulled the front of his jacket closed.
“In the letter, Haru wrote that he thought he would like to kiss me. Um…I was just wondering, Hatori. Have you ever kissed anyone before?”
And now it was my turn to blush. “Yuki, that is a very personal question. It’s not something you should ask people about.”
“Oh,” he said, looking disheartened. “I see. I’m sorry I bothered you.” and now his violet eyes were swimming in tears. “I didn’t mean to offend you, Hatori. I just thought, well I’ve never been kissed. I was just curious what it would be like.”
“Are you saying that your family, your mother. No one’s ever…?” I really didn’t know what to say. I knew that Yuki’s parents had sent him to live at the main house when he was six, but I had never really thought to wonder why.
“My parents…” Yuki started bitterly, and now he completely broke down, “hate me. They want nothing to do with me. Akito told me that they think I’m a freak, that they think that I’m disgusting. Is it true Hatori? Am I? Am I disgusting?”
What I did next, I did without thought. It was a simple gut reaction, brought on by my desire to guarantee the boy that he was most assuredly not disgusting in my eyes. One moment, I was gazing down into Yuki’s tearstained face, and the next I had him in my arms and I was passionately kissing his innocent mouth.
YUKI *
Hatori kissed me. I made him do it, I guess. With everything inside me I had been begging him to. Still I never expected that he actually would.
He tasted of green tea and clove cigarettes, and I thought it made a nice combination. I felt so nervous, not sure of what I should be doing, not sure of what to do with my hands. On instinct I placed them at his side, and using the tips of my toes pushed myself higher. Hatori was so tall and I wanted him to think I was taller. I wanted it to be perfect for him, I wanted him to enjoy the kiss. I wanted to make him happy, just as he made me happy.
HATORI *
Yuki’s kiss tasted like cherry. My fault, for taken such a liking to feeding him candy. His lips were remarkably soft and responsive. I felt his hands at my waist as he pushed himself upwards into me, and against me. I felt my body react, melting into his lips, running my tongue along his perfect straight teeth, and then inside his mouth, his sweet tender mouth.
I felt him sigh, as he relaxed in my arms. I ran my hand up his back to his silky hair, feeling his softness, he was driving me mad.
“YUKI! The voice called, distantly, through the forest, shattering the moment. “YUKI! WHERE ARE YOU HIDING? WHERE IN THE HELL ARE YOU?”
“Akito,” Yuki whispered, and I pushed him away.
We hurried out of the forest, and through the main gate. Akito was standing in the drive. His gaudy robes practically falling off of his scrawny shoulders. He could have seen us, if we had come a just a few steps closer. I had just enough time to regret my carelessness, before Akito reach out his perfectly manicured hand and slammed Yuki to the ground.
“Hatori. Where were you? Did you think you could just take Yuki without my permission? Hatori, I should kill you for this.”
My mind froze, for a moment, I was completely unable to think. I searched for an excuse, something that would get Yuki out of trouble. I wasn’t concerned for myself. I had never in my life feared Akito, but I wouldn’t allow Yuki to be punished for my crimes.
“It was my fault, Akito.” Yuki lied, “I wandered off into the forest, and Hatori came looking for me.”
‘No,” my mind screamed, but before I could stop him, Akito had Yuki by the arm.
“You wandered off, did you.” Akito said bitterly. Twisting Yuki‘s arm painfully behind him he pushed him toward the house, “You should know better then to do such a thing, Yuki. I see, I will have to re-educate you.”
“Akito,” I found my voice at last, ignoring the look in Yuki‘s eyes which begged me to stay out of it. “Don’t punish Yuki,” I hurried after them. “He went looking for flowers for you.”
“What?” Akito stopped, releasing his hold on Yuki’s arm and turning his attention to me. Just exactly as I wanted him too. I held out the single pink flower to him, not missing the sadness I saw flash across Yuki‘s red rimmed eyes. “Why would Yuki, pick flowers for me?”
“You were sick Akito,” Yuki whimpered, understanding my game, and playing along, “I wanted you to get better.”
“Really?” Akito smiled, reaching out for the flower. “That was very kind of you, Yuki.” Dropping the flower to the floor Akito stomped his foot down upon it squashing it into the ground. “Now say you’re sorry, Yuki. Say that you’ll never leave the house without my permission again.”
“I’m so…sorry, Akito. Please forgive me.” Yuki cried, falling to his knees and bowing at Akito’s feet. I bit my tongue, and dug my fingernails into my palm, drawing blood. I couldn’t act. My day would come, but for today, as long as Yuki was not harmed I would not act.
“Okay, then, Yuki. This time I will excuse you, but you’re not to leave the house without my permission again, not ever!”
“I won’t, Akito. I promise.”
Reaching down, Akito pulled Yuki to his feet and pushed him towards the house,
“You can go to your room now, Yuki.” and he turned his attention to me.
“Leave me now, Hatori. I’m feeling much better. Your services will not be needed tonight.” Nodding my head to Akito I turned my back and headed to my own home. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Yuki look my way one final time, before moving inside.
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Well???? I hope I caught all my typos, and I know that I didn’t cause that would be impossible… Thank you for putting up with them, someday I will … no I probably won’t… no more lies, you deserve better.
We have one more chapter left, and I plan it to be nice and …. Special… It’s actually written, but it’s a mess and I have to re-write it to death now… will post asap.
Please review, and let me know if this is working for you all…
Thanks for reading… see ya soon.