Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Hyouhyou Kodori ❯ Chapter 2 ( Chapter 2 )

Disclaimer: Fruits Basket and all its characters are properties of Takaya Natsuki-sensei and Hana to Yume comics. Everything else in this fanfic are figments of my imagination. Any similarities to name, places, yada yada yada are simply examples of the world's many coincidental mysteries.

October 25, 2002 (revised Dec. 7, 2002)

Category: Drama

Rating: R

Hyouhyou Kodori: Chapter Two

By Ina-chan

Should we answer passion's call?

Not caring if we fall

The balance where we stand

At a careless slight of a hand

Can rumble, tumble, crumble

As we danced and danced and danced

~~*@*~~

The full moon shone in its full glory that night, its bright ethereal glow casting a mysterious shadow over its land bound subjects below. It caused everything to look hazy and surreal… then again it could just be my fogged-up mind. People often said that the full moon could cause people to do lots of crazy things.

The faint jingling of bells, a light thump as something fell on the ground, and an explosion of uncontrollable giggling caused me turn sharply at my companion. /Shhhhh! If you keep that up, they'll find us./

/It's not my fault, it's the bells./ My younger companion slurred in a loud whisper. I thought he had already taken off all the accessories of his attire right after he finished his dance with Haru-chan in the Jyuunishi party this year. Apparently, he forgot to take off the most disadvantageous piece in a game of hide-and-go-seek. I swear, if they find us because of his carelessness, Isuzu will never let us hear the end of it!

/Then do something about the damn bells,/ I hissed back in annoyance

With that, he tuned his attention to the piece of jewellery dangling on his foot, pursed his lips over a finger and let out a loud /Shhhhhh!/

/You are so strange./ I couldn't help but let out a giggle at his antics. Suddenly getting found didn't seem to matter any more. Yun-chan is definitely not acting like himself right now. The logical part of my mind nagged at me, trying to tell me something very important about the situation. Normally, I probably would have listened. But that strange but pleasant buzz in my head made it very difficult to hear what the logical part of the brain is trying to tell me. That was just so weird. I had no idea that cigarettes can do that to you, /Stop acting like an idiot and get up. Momi-chan would be finished counting by now./

Yun-chan obediently tried to get on his feet, only to loose his balance and fall back on the ground, emitting another series of uncontrolled giggles. /I can't, the ground is spinning too fast./

/Silly mouse!/ I let out a giggle at the lame joke as I made my way over to help him on his feet. He wobbled precariously before collapsing in my arms in an undignified giggling heap. A few moments later, his head lolled forward, eyes drooped tiredly, and his strength to stand on his own legs gave way even with my support. His sudden lethargy immediately cleared up the haze in my head, /Yun-chan…/

/I'm sorry Nee-chan./ He apologized, trying to suppress another round of giggles /Let me close my eyes for a minute, then we can continue the game./

I let out a breath of relief, seeing that he was okay. Still, whichever way I see it, Yun-chan was definitely in no condition to continue with the game. So without another word, I hauled him on a piggyback and started the short trek from the gardens to his house. I was simply grateful that Yun-chan still hasn't gotten his growth spurt despite already being fourteen. He actually looked a lot more like twelve. And because of his chronic illness… a very petite, thin, and light twelve-year-old…

/Nee-chan/ I felt his warm breath whispered softly over my ear, /Can I tell you a secret?/

/What?/ I whispered back

The chilly evening breeze blew short gusts at our direction and I felt his arms wrap around my neck a bit more tightly for warmth… but also as if afraid that he would fall. It was silent save for the faint tinkling of tiny bells with each step I took. The full moon continued to shine its mysterious ethereal glow over its land-bound subjects below.

"Kagura?"

I snapped out of my reverie and turned to the direction of the voice that called me and saw Yun-chan's face staring at me with a puzzled expression, "Eh? Yun-chan? What are you doing here?"

"No, I think the appropriate question is… what are YOU doing here?" Yun-chan corrected, the puzzled look quickly turning that into genuine concern, "When I found you, you looked as if you were in a daze. Have you been standing here too long?"

I looked around and understood his apprehension… Somehow, I've wandered into Yun-chan's neighbourhood, standing in front of Yun-chan's apartment building since who knows when, with no idea how I got there. The past couple of days, these spells started to become more and more frequent. The last thing I remember were having visions of these old forgotten memories… then 'waking up' somewhere unexpected. Frankly, I'm starting to get worried myself.

Nonetheless, I gave Yun-chan the sunniest smile I could muster, "I was just taking a walk, and just happened to wander by your neighbourhood."

"I see…" He replied, still looking unconvinced. He waited expectantly for a few moments, for me to elaborate my explanation. When he received none, he ran his fingers through his hair and let out a defeated sigh, "I was about to go and get something to eat… do you want to join me?"

"Heeeh? You're not going to see Tooru-kun at Shi-chan's today?" I looked up at him in surprise as we started out pace on the sidewalk

Yun-chan looked at me strangely, "That computer workshop course that she wanted to take was today, remember? She said it might finish late, so I'm picking her up later tonight."

I couldn't help but blink in surprise. Tooru-kun talked about that for several weeks. It was rather strange for me to suddenly forget. But seeing that worried look deepen on Yun-chan's face from the corner of my eye, I quickly covered up my own surprise and flashed him a sly knowing grin, "Ah! That's right… tomorrow is Christmas, after all… So I guess that means she's sleeping over tonight…"

"Yes…" The worried look automatically vanished from his face as he looked away, suddenly feeling uncomfortable to meet my eyes, "And take that smile off your face, it's disturbing."

If Tooru-kun was fun to tease, managing to get through Yun-chan's calm exterior to pull out a reaction was an even better treat, "Eh? Yun-chan actually has a guilty look on his face," I stated in mock surprise. "Aaaah… Now, I see… Tooru-kun has been denying it, and she's not the type of person to lie. So that means Yun-chan has something very perverted in mind for tonight…"

"Shut up! That really is none of your business!"

Seeing Yun-chan flustered after a good teasing always gave me a triumphant high… even when we were children. But for some strange reason, watching him now… as he started to walk briskly and quicken his pace to leave me behind… it didn't seem funny anymore.

When we were children, Yun-chan told me once that if he were given a choice to what jyuunishi animal to be cursed with… he would have chosen to be the bird. At least, he said, birds have the ability to fly away if opportunity presents a door cage to be open. I always knew that he would find a way to get out of the cage. Now, at the realization that he was actually walking away without looking back… he was walking away and leaving me behind without even looking back… aya… My chest is starting to ache again…

"Sorry! Sorry! It was just a joke," I called out as I hastened my own steps

He continued to look ahead, ignoring me, obviously still peeved.

"Ne, Yun-chan… I'm glad to be spending some time alone together just like old days," I said quietly in a serious tone, before letting out a melodramatic sigh, "Even though it's just a consolation date," with that, I reached out and tugged childishly on his sleeve, "Ne, you ARE treating, right?"

"Idiot," He muttered, keeping his eyes looking ahead. But despite of himself, a small smile managed to escape to his lips

"YATTA!!! LUCKY!!!" I cheered out loud as I threw my hands in the air before playfully lunging at him to cling on his arm, "YUN-CHAN DAI-SU-KI!!!"

"AAAAH! Stop it! You're making a scene!" Yun-chan cried out in annoyance as he started to peel me off his arm, in vain.

Though what I said earlier wasn't a joke. It really did feel good to be able to spend time with him just like old days. The opportunity rarely presented itself since Yun-chan moved out from Shi-chan's house since he started attending his undergraduate program in University. He hasn't moved back to live in any of the Souma properties ever since. Not even on a temporary basis.

Initially he started out in residency at an all-boys dormitory. Then, he moved into various affordable student-rate apartments around the campus as soon as he secured regular income from various odd private tutoring jobs and as a teaching assistant to his mentor at the University. Aya-chan offered to take him in once, but Yun-chan refused without hesitation. I caught him mumbling something about him rather enduring worse fates than death…

Back then, I didn't really fully understand why Yun-chan was driven to do what he did after high school. It was expected that he would be offered various academic scholarships based on his performance in high school and the college entrance examinations. But it was completely unexpected that he would actually accept one of them. After all, the Souma Family could afford to send him to any program or any University of his choice regardless of his academic standing.

Yun-chan's academic gifts were not a secret. So it was also expected from him to shine and be noticed. In fact, one of his professors almost immediately took Yun-chan under his wing as his prodigy. What was completely unexpected was Yun-chan's decision to use his gifts as means to independently support himself. From the private tutoring and the teaching assistant position when he was an undergraduate… In fact, that those connections facilitated his automatic hiring as a part-time research assistant to his mentor's other work as soon as he finished his undergraduate program. His Professor was doing some research for the Department of Agriculture.

With the help of his mentor's recommendation and another series of scholarship grants, Yun-chan was able to pursue his post-graduate studies unhindered. Now, he was finishing the final year of his doctorate studies, already with a position waiting for him as a full-time member of his mentor's team of scientists. I heard Aya-chan proudly bragging that Yun-chan was probably one of the youngest graduates of that University to get his doctorate… with honours.

In simple words, Yun-chan persistently pursued his dream without touching a single yen from the Souma Family. Of course being one of the few people "in" on the secret, I know exactly the reason why he did it. All the more, I can't help but admire his dedication and determination to reach a goal… since he had been planning this for so long. He really is amazing…

Compared to me…

After all the declarations, persistence, and determination I invested in my own cause, I ended up empty handed because I didn't realistically think that far ahead. I always thought that I would be a bride at twenty-two, and a loving wife and a mother of two beautiful children by age twenty-five. But here I am now, twenty-seven, still single, frustrated, frantic, and practically an old maid. After I finished college, and still haven't won Kyou-kun's affections… I ended up in limbo situation. I ended up working an office job for Momi-chan's father's company. I took it initially just to pass time until Kyou-kun finally came to his senses… Tooru-kun even ended up working with me for a while, after she graduated high school. Of course, that was before she found another job at a non-Souma related company.

Heh… looking back at it now… it was obvious that Yun-chan wasn't the only person who was doing all the planning…

The dim lighting of the restaurant played with his with his delicate features as we waited for our order, ignoring the hushed whispers and jealous glances from the other tables. I suppose it was something to be expected when you walk into a place with someone like Yun-chan. And to the casual observer, we did look more like a couple on a date. I couldn't help but wonder in amusement how Tooru-kun handled this when she goes out in public with him.

"Ne, Yun-chan, how did the apartment go?" I finally asked before taking a sip from the cup of sake in my hands

His face automatically brightened as he started to talk animatedly, "We went last week. She loved it, so I we settled the lease on the spot. We're moving in as soon as the old occupants move out in May."

"It seems like everything is all set. You're graduating in May, and your ceremony is on June," I stated, trying hard to keep any hint of bitterness from lacing my voice, "All that's missing now is New Year's."

One week from now.

One week for now was the crossroad that will determine which path Yun-chan will be forced to take. Everyone knows from past history how huge the risk is involved. Maybe that's the reason why Yun-chan and Tooru-kun had to do that secret that we now all share… until the New Year. It's funny how a trip to the local registry with four witnesses, several legal documents and a blank form can complicate one's life.

Only God knows how much I wished my life would become complicated like that…

"Scared?"

He didn't reply at first. He simply looked down and swirled the contents of his own cup, deep in contemplation for a few moments, before slowly nodding his head. He finally looked up with a serious and determined expression on his face, "I'm going to face him to let him know it as a formality, not to ask permission."

I nodded my head silently as I reached out across the table for him.

"And he can't do anything about it. I'm no longer a minor, I've been on my own since I was eighteen, and at least legally… I'm no longer a Souma," He continued out loud, more for his own benefit, as he took my hand and accepted my reassuring squeeze, "And Honda-san will be going on an out of town trip with Uotani-san and Hanajima-san for the New Year. So everything will be all right."

"Everything will be all right," I echoed reassuringly before flashing him a bright smile, "After New Year, you won't need to keep it a secret anymore. You and Tooru-kun can finally spend your new life together... and you can finally openly use your new legal name…EXCEPT for one thing."

"What?"

"You HAVE to stop calling her 'Honda-san'," I can't help wrinkling my nose in disgust, "It's just plain weird, specially with your circumstances now!"

"I guess you have a point there," He agreed sheepishly

"Well then, lets have a toast!" I proposed as I let go of his hand to refill our tiny sake cups. I raised mine in the air enthusiastically, "To the New Year and your new life… Honda Yuki-sensei! KAMPAI!"

"Kampai," Yun-chan replied in a more reserved tone, but he raised his cup and clinked it with mine anyway

"Yun-chan, everything will be all right."

His reply was a small sad smile as he brought his cup to his lips.

Who exactly were we kidding? Despite the hopeful masks we're wearing, we're not so naïve, most specially Yun-chan, who already had first-hand experience of Akito-san's wrath. But love can give you the strength to overcome all forms of obstacles… even facing your greatest fear.

But still…

"HAAAA!!! It's raining!" I cried out in despair as we exited the restaurant

"Well, it's only drizzling now… but it looks like its been raining a bit when we were inside, so be careful…" Yun-chan commented as he looked over the puddles pooling on the sides of the street by the sidewalk, "I'll go and hail you a taxi."

"Hai! Thank you very much!" I replied gratefully

But still…

Even if Yun-chan and Tooru-kun escapes unscathed on the battle they have to face on New Year's… even though Akito-san no longer has any legal jurisdiction over Yun-chan… even though Yun-chan has already proven that he can stand on his own feet without any help from us…

Akito-san can still disinherit him.

If Akito-san orders so… none of us has Yun-chan's strength to disobey his wishes. It would mean that none of us would be able to openly see Yun-chan and Tooru-kun ever again. This could be very well the last time Yun-chan and I would be spending time together like this.

The metaphorical box started to shake violently again. But this time, the ache in my chest burst into searing pain. My vision of Yun-chan unsuccessfully trying to hail a cab from the sidewalk started to blur. I felt my strength quickly drain from my body as I stumbled to hang on tightly to Yun-chan's arm.

"Kagura?" Yun-chan looked at me again with that worried expression

"Sorry! I'm fine!" I replied weakly, forcing another smile on my face, as I desperately searched my mind for a lame excuse, "I think it's the sake. I seemed to have overestimated my tolerance. But I'm fine now." I took a step away from him and waved my arms in the air enthusiastically to prove my point, "SEE? GENKI-GENKI!!!"

It was as if the goddesses of the fates were playing a big prank on us. That same moment, a big delivery truck sped by, causing the mother of all rainwater tidal waves to wash over us.

For a few moments, we simply stood there, staring and blinking silently at each other in surprise like two drowned rats... pun not intended. I burst out in hysterical laughter as Yun-chan buried his face in one hand in his exasperation.

"Come on," He sighed as he started the short trek toward his apartment building, "Hatori will kill me if I send you home in those wet clothes. I think Hon---Tooru left some clothes in my place."

I raised an eyebrow and automatically put on an impish grin, "Oooooooooh! Tooru-kun's clothes!"

"I'm leaving you behind," He said blandly, and emphasized his threat by quickening his pace

"Hai! Hai! I'm shutting up now!"

To be quite honest, I was a little relieved with the unexpected extension with our time together. I should feel guilty inconveniencing him like this. After all, he was due to pick up Tooru-kun in an hour or two. But strangely enough… I don't feel anything at all… except an odd sense of excitement.

It was a full moon. It shone in its full glory tonight. Its bright ethereal glow casted a mysterious shadow over its land bound subjects below, making everything to look hazy and surreal… then again it could just be my alcohol-fogged-up mind.

"Ne, Yun-chan…" I began quietly

"What?"

"Remember the New Year when you and Haru danced?"

He frowned, "Oh, God… why did you have to bring that up. I don't even remember half of what happened that night anymore."

It was a little tradition our age group did together after the Jyuunishi party for as long as I could remember. It originally started out as own party for Kyou-kun since he wasn't allowed to attend the real one. Of course, when Yun-chan started to reluctantly join us on the year we danced together, Kyou-kun's participation started to became sparse. It took all of Haru, Momi-chan and myself to get him to come and stay.

Well, anyway… after the Jyuunishi party… myself, Kyou-kun, Yun-chan, Isuzu, Haru-chan, and Momi-chan would get together to do our own New Year's party. We usually ended up doing crazy dares that the adults have become quite weary of us.

That year, Isuzu dared Haru-chan to sneak into Shi-chan's room and steal some of his cigarettes. Of course, it wasn't until later on that we found out that the stash that Haru-chan stole were not 'cigarettes'. Needless to say, it was probably quite a sight to see all six of us. Giggling uncontrollably, and stoned stupid.

"Well… we probably would have gotten away with it if Momi-chan didn't start running around the garden naked, babbling about seeing God trying to steal Aunt Keiko's car…" I reminded him with a giggle, "Oh God! Mother was so furious! I thought I was going to be grounded for life!"

Despite of himself, Yun-chan also let out an amused laugh at the memory, "Did Shigure ever get in trouble for that?"

"I don't know. But knowing Shi-chan, he probably managed to erase all traces of evidence linking the incident to him," I replied, making a disgusted face

The chilly evening breeze blew short gusts at our direction. I let out an undignified sneeze that prompted Yun-chan to give me another worried look. I simply gave him a reassuring smile. Without another word, he slung one arm around me and pulled me closer in a protective embrace. His own wet clothes wasn't much help, but I gratefully welcomed and let the heat radiating from his body engulf me. My treacherous heart started to increase its pace despite how many times my mind reminded it whose arm around me belongs to. It started to become harder to breathe even though my mind reminded my lungs that this is just generously borrowed time.

/Nee-chan/

"Ne, Yun-chan… do you remember that time? When I carried you home?"

/Can I tell you a secret?/

"You did?" I could sense him frowning as he searched his mind for the memory, "Yeah… but very vaguely… I think. Why?"

/What?/

The searing pain shot through me again, and I unconsciously clutched my chest as I suddenly found myself at total loss when the realization finally hit me.

"Kagura? What is it?"

Even though my mind kept on reminding me of the way things are supposed to be…

"Iie… it's nothing. Don't worry about it."

…it seems now that my heart didn't really care.

/Kagura-neechan…/

The only thing that mattered right now is the way I feel his warmth as his arms wrapped around my neck… the way he held on to me, as if afraid that I would fall. For a moment, I thought I heard the faint tinkling of tiny bells with each step we took as the full moon continued to shine its mysterious ethereal glow over its land-bound subjects below.

/…I love you./

TO BE CONTINUED…