Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ On Our Knees ❯ Where are the pages?! ( Chapter 1 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: RowinaDequina16 
Reality slightly altered but everyone IC. Written originally for those who aren't familiar with Furuba, so a little boring character description at the beginning. No lemon in this chapter, but heed the warnings for later chapters, and stay away if BDSM squicks you out!!
Disclaimer: No ownership of these characters by me in the foreseeable future. And no profit being made, either. Hail Natsuki Takaya, creative genius.
Anime/Manga: Fruits Basket Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 10.12.2005 | Updated On: 10.12.2005 | Pages: 2 | Words: 2.8K | Visits: 1.0K | Status: Work In Progress
Reality slightly altered but everyone IC. Written originally for those who aren't familiar with Furuba, so a little boring character description at the beginning. No lemon in this chapter, but heed the warnings for later chapters, and stay away if BDSM squicks you out!!
Disclaimer: No ownership of these characters by me in the foreseeable future. And no profit being made, either. Hail Natsuki Takaya, creative genius.
Anime/Manga: Fruits Basket Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 10.12.2005 | Updated On: 10.12.2005 | Pages: 2 | Words: 2.8K | Visits: 1.0K | Status: Work In Progress
TRANSLATIONS:
Shishou - master, as in martial arts master
Bento - boxed lunch, takeout lunch
Takoyaki – popular fast food
Kakigori - shaved ice, or sno-cone-you get the idea!
Shoji - traditional sliding rice paper door
+++-------------------------+++
Cleaning day at Shigure’s house, and everyone was getting started bright and early. After playing cards with Tohru and the boys until late, Arisa and Saki ended up spending the night, and had also stayed on to help Tohru with the cleaning. Only Shigure was still lounging after breakfast, but then lounging is what Shigure did best-that, and ogle the young girls at the local high school. What else is a successful romance novelist to do in his spare time?
Shigure was a voyeur but also a looker himself, although he rarely managed to get out of his dishwater-gray kimono, except if he was required to pay a visit to the Sohma mansion. Tohru had a bit of a shock the first time she saw him in Western dress, coming back from a visit to the main house--he’s straight out of a fashion magazine, she thought. “You look great, Shigure!”
“Ah well, what I wouldn’t go through for Akito!” Shigure was already hurrying to get out of his tie. Head of the Sohma family, Akito elicited a strange mix of fear, awe, respect, and tenderness from all the Sohmas, many of whom lived in various dwellings on the mansion’s spacious grounds.
Pleading for the peace and quiet necessary to work on his novels, Shigure had managed to snag his current abode several years ago, and Yuki was relieved to go with him. The large home was still part of the Sohma estate, but tucked back in the forest, far from both the walls surrounding the inner grounds and also from the main road into the city, about half a mile away. It was only a few hundred yards from this house that Tohru had unknowingly pitched her tent on Sohma property, and thus come to live and work at Shigure’s.
No chance of seeing Shigure in some well-tailored slacks today, though. It looked to Tohru like he’d be lounging in the front room all day while she and her friends, along with Kyo and Yuki, scrubbed his house from top to bottom. So she was a bit surprised to find the front room empty when she walked by late in the morning. Bringing her bucket of dirty water to the kitchen, she found Kyo perched on a step ladder cleaning cabinet tops. “Where’s Shigure?”
“He doesn’t live in my shirt! How the hell should I know?”
Kyo’s typically aggressive manner was not improved by the manual labour he felt compelled to do at his cousin’s house, but Tohru, part of the household for only a few months, had already learned not to take it personally. Being an outsider in his own family was a longstanding source of irritation for Kyo; being forced to live with that cursed rat Yuki, whose treacherous trick had caused the cat’s exclusion from the feast and thus from the Juunishi, was a newer problem, and almost more than he could bear.
But bear it he did, at his shishou’s orders. After four months isolated in the mountains, training his martial arts skills and generally roughing it, Kyo was sent by Kazuma to Shigure’s to continue his training, this time in social skills. Kyo, like most of the cursed Sohma family members, shared many characteristics with the animal into which he transformed. Difficult to approach, solitary, quick to show his claws, Kyo could spend days and nights alone up on the roof, just pondering his miserable lot in life and plotting his long-awaited victory over the rat and thus his acceptance by the family.
Being a cat and not even a member of the twelve signs haunted his every waking minute, but Kyo’s true form was even more terrifying and lonely. He kept it at bay with a talisman bracelet, black and white beads alternating on his left wrist to ensure that his appearance would never be seen, never bother anyone. But it still bothered Kyo, a lot, and kept him even more isolated than the roof.
Yuki came in with his own bucket and started washing up as Tohru was finishing. “I see that Shigure’s gone out for bento.”
“Oh, that’s where he went!” Why didn’t he let me take care of the food, like he usually does, wondered Tohru.
Since taking up Shigure’s offer to keep house in exchange for her room and board, Tohru had been responsible for all the cooking, cleaning, and laundry, on top of her rigorous studies and part-time job most evenings, also cleaning but in an office building in the city. Being Tohru, she never complained, even though the others already noticed that she was often tired and struggled to pay attention at school. Her mother’s dearest wish was that her daughter finish high school, so Tohru need only look at her mother’s picture as she laid her head on the pillow at night, and she felt instantly peaceful and serene. Yes, she was tired, but she was doing what her mom wanted and she wouldn’t give up!
The bell rang, signalling someone coming through the garden gate. Tohru went to the front door to find a nervous woman, 30-ish but dressed like a schoolgirl in a short skirt and black knee-highs, scanning the hallway behind Tohru’s back. “Hello, I have an appointment with Shigure Sohma. Does he still live here?”
“Why, yes he does, but I’m afraid he’s out at the moment. Would you like to come in and wait? He shouldn’t be long.”
The woman’s face relaxed visibly and she stood up a bit straighter, a short laugh lightening her features. “Oh, I thought he’d slipped out on me for good this time, that dog!”
Tohru’s eyes widened but she smiled and stood aside to let the woman pass. They went into the front room to find Yuki dusting the large TV; he didn’t look up. “Hello, Mi-chan.”
“Hello, Yuki. Did Gure-san leave anything for me?”
“Um, no.” Yuki frowned but continued his work. “But he’s gone to get takeout, so I’m sure he’s not forgotten you.”
“More like he’s avoiding me!” Mii knelt at the low table and placed her hands on her knees, waiting like a statue for Shigure’s return.
“I’ll go put the water on for tea so we’ll be ready when he gets back.” Tohru, unsure who this woman was, hesitated to introduce herself, and since Yuki didn’t do it, she felt ill at ease and found an excuse to get of the room.
“Kyo, there is a woman named Mi-chan waiting for Shigure in the front room.”
“Tohru, why do you keep talking to me about Shigure?!?”
“A thousand pardons, Kyo!” Tohru bowed quickly several times. “I just thought you would want to know what happens in the house. Please excuse me for troubling you with this useless information!”
“There you go again, Tohru!” Kyo threw down his rag in disgust. “Why do have to be so darn humble all the time?”
“Kyo, you ass. Don’t take it out on Tohru when you feel bad for being such a hothead and running off at the mouth like you do. Man, why do I even bother talking to this cat? He’s so stupid!” Yuki came in from the front room and set his rag down.
“Oh Yuki, it’s not a problem! Kyo’s right-I am too humble sometimes. I’m so sorry, Kyo!”
“GRRR!” Kyo turned and went out the back door with a mighty slam.
“And now he’s gone to lick his wounds, that stupid cat!” Yuki shook his head. “Poor little kitty.”
Tohru sighed; once again, the age-old quarrel between cat and rat had disrupted the household. If only those two could get along! She liked them both so much! “Who is Mii?”
“An old school friend of Shigure’s, and also his assistant editor. She’s here for the next chapters of his new novel.”
“But she won’t be getting them, not before I have some fun!” Shigure was obviously in high spirits as he came through the back door, several plastic bags full of takeout in hand.
+++-------------------------------+++
“G ure-san, I’ve finished my food. Can I please have the pages now?” Mii’s voice hinted at her exasperation with the long wait. He’d told her to come by at 11:30 to pick them up-no, she remembered all too clearly, she’d insisted on coming by in the morning, and he had agreed to it. She had to have those pages on her boss’s desk by five o’clock, or else! And she still needed to copy them and at least scan them over before writing a quick summary to go along with them. She had all afternoon, but knowing Shigure, she was sure that she’d be making a frantic dash back to the office, getting everything done just in the nick of time.
Why did she put up with this torture? She wondered now if it was even worth it; she could probably get a job with another publishing house now, but only if she didn’t get fired from this one first! Still she put up with Shigure’s mischief: toying with her, teasing her, making her wait, driving her crazy.
Yes, she did enjoy it USUALLY, had for quite a long time, but in this work context, it stressed her out. She knew better than to mix business with pleasure, but she’d been desperate almost a year ago when she’d accepted Shigure’s offer. It was one thing to be at his mercy in the bedroom; working under him was quite another. I really need to get busy sending out résumés, she thought.
“But, Mi-chan,” Shigure whined in a pouty voice, “the others aren’t finished yet. That would be very impolite, leaving the table. I’m very surprised at you, actually, young lady.” His voice hardened as he reprimanded her. “You are thinking only of yourself, as usual.”
Mii watched Shigure shaking his head in mock disappointment, and quickly bowed her head to him and to the others. “Please forgive my inexcusable rudeness, honorable host. As a guest here, I have deeply disgraced myself and I beg forgiveness of you all.” She looked back at Shigure who was smiling and nodding now.
Tohru’s eyes widened as she watched the exchange between the two old friends. Was Shigure really angry? What kind of game were they playing, so formal all of a sudden? “Oh, Mi-chan, really, there’s no need to apologize! We’re all just taking our time, trying to avoid getting back to the housework, I suppose. But you probably have to get back, too-please don’t let us keep you.”
“Well, she can’t leave yet, actually, because the pages aren’t ready!” Shigure popped another taikoyaki in his mouth, looked sideways at Mii. As he expected, she threw her head back and wailed, startling the girls and Yuki. Shigure chewed, grinning. “There now, Mi-chan, dear friend. Shigure-sama won’t let you down, I promise. Just give me an hour, whaddya say?”
Mii continued to kneel at the table with her shoulders slumping. Tohru and her friends exchanged some confused looks.
Shigure stood and went to the hall, pausing at the doorway, then turned back toward the table. “I’m not actually sure that an hour is enough. Better make it an hour and a half. . . Oh, come on, Mi-chan, give me a smile or I won’t be able to work properly. Yes, there now, that’s my girl!”
Shigure walked towards his study at the end of the long hallway. “And don’t make too much noise, my busy little beavers, or Shigure-sama won’t be able to get the job finished!”
“Shigure-sama! SAMA?! What kind of nut is he?” Arisa scoffed.
“I still can’t read him.” Saki was more than perceptive; her ability to capture, interpret and channel others’ energy was very real and respected, even feared by her classmates. “None of you Sohmas give off any kind of charge that I can understand.” She looked at Yuki, who looked down at the table with studied disinterest, searching his empty bento container for any lingering scraps.
“Mi-chan, are you alright?” Tohru felt sorry for the poor woman, obviously distraught by Shigure’s announcement. “Please don’t be upset. I’m sure Shigure will do his best.”
“He knows that if I don’t meet that deadline, it’s back to the mailroom for me. That, or I’ll get fired. My boss is rather a stickler for the rules.” Mii didn’t look up
“See? Shigure wouldn’t let that happen, right, Yuki?”
Yuki was heading to the kitchen with some empty plates. “He’s actually quite responsible. You know that, Mi-chan.”
Mii nodded, rose from the table. “I think I’ll wait on the porch.”
Tohru followed Yuki into the kitchen. “I feel so sorry for Mii; she seems really worried.”
“You always take everyone’s problems to heart, Tohru. Mii’s a big girl; I’m sure she can take care of herself.”
“Oh, but Yuki, it doesn’t matter how old you are! Everybody needs sympathy and understanding.”
*+-+**+-+**+-+**+-+**+-+**+-+**+-+**+-+ **+-+**+-+*
“Do you understand me, Gure-san? This means my job if it’s not done on time! The job you got for me! How far along are you?” Mii had waited impatiently on the porch for over an hour, pacing and muttering as Shigure’s crew finished up their fall housekeeping.
At last she could wait no longer and had approached the shoji to Shigure’s study. Shigure stood to let her in, then went back to kneel in front of his keyboard, placing the low table between himself and Mii. Kyo was still on the roof; he hadn’t even come down to eat. Arisa and Saki had just gone home, and Yuki was helping Tohru finish up in the kitchen.
“Well, let me see.” Shigure peered at the computer screen. “When last we left Yoh and his young bride Chikako, it seemed that the young lady’s impertinence might not go unpunished. Last paragraph: Yoh set down his empty glass and, undoing his tie, motioned his new bride to take a seat on the bed. ‘My dearest Chikako, I found your behavior toward our hosts quite outrageous, and I have half a mind to make you rue the day you dared to dishonor me in such a disgraceful fashion.’”
Mii paled. “Tha-that’s it?!? But that’s the end of the last chapter we already have! You’re holding out on me! Tell me you’ve got more than that. Tell me RIGHT NOW, Gure-san!”
Shigure bowed his head in mock shame. “Alas, no, dear friend, the well of my inspiration has run quite dry.”
This time Mii’s forlorn cry was even louder; she wailed her frustration as Shigure watched, a playful smile slowly warming his handsome face.
In the kitchen, Tohru and Yuki looked at each other as they listened to Mii screaming. “Um . . .I was thinking about going out to work in my vegetable garden. I’ve got some carrots to harvest. . . maybe see about planting some winter lettuce. Would you like to go with me?”
“Oh yes, Yuki, that’s a great idea! I’d love to!”
Shishou - master, as in martial arts master
Bento - boxed lunch, takeout lunch
Takoyaki – popular fast food
Kakigori - shaved ice, or sno-cone-you get the idea!
Shoji - traditional sliding rice paper door
+++-------------------------+++
Cleaning day at Shigure’s house, and everyone was getting started bright and early. After playing cards with Tohru and the boys until late, Arisa and Saki ended up spending the night, and had also stayed on to help Tohru with the cleaning. Only Shigure was still lounging after breakfast, but then lounging is what Shigure did best-that, and ogle the young girls at the local high school. What else is a successful romance novelist to do in his spare time?
Shigure was a voyeur but also a looker himself, although he rarely managed to get out of his dishwater-gray kimono, except if he was required to pay a visit to the Sohma mansion. Tohru had a bit of a shock the first time she saw him in Western dress, coming back from a visit to the main house--he’s straight out of a fashion magazine, she thought. “You look great, Shigure!”
“Ah well, what I wouldn’t go through for Akito!” Shigure was already hurrying to get out of his tie. Head of the Sohma family, Akito elicited a strange mix of fear, awe, respect, and tenderness from all the Sohmas, many of whom lived in various dwellings on the mansion’s spacious grounds.
Pleading for the peace and quiet necessary to work on his novels, Shigure had managed to snag his current abode several years ago, and Yuki was relieved to go with him. The large home was still part of the Sohma estate, but tucked back in the forest, far from both the walls surrounding the inner grounds and also from the main road into the city, about half a mile away. It was only a few hundred yards from this house that Tohru had unknowingly pitched her tent on Sohma property, and thus come to live and work at Shigure’s.
No chance of seeing Shigure in some well-tailored slacks today, though. It looked to Tohru like he’d be lounging in the front room all day while she and her friends, along with Kyo and Yuki, scrubbed his house from top to bottom. So she was a bit surprised to find the front room empty when she walked by late in the morning. Bringing her bucket of dirty water to the kitchen, she found Kyo perched on a step ladder cleaning cabinet tops. “Where’s Shigure?”
“He doesn’t live in my shirt! How the hell should I know?”
Kyo’s typically aggressive manner was not improved by the manual labour he felt compelled to do at his cousin’s house, but Tohru, part of the household for only a few months, had already learned not to take it personally. Being an outsider in his own family was a longstanding source of irritation for Kyo; being forced to live with that cursed rat Yuki, whose treacherous trick had caused the cat’s exclusion from the feast and thus from the Juunishi, was a newer problem, and almost more than he could bear.
But bear it he did, at his shishou’s orders. After four months isolated in the mountains, training his martial arts skills and generally roughing it, Kyo was sent by Kazuma to Shigure’s to continue his training, this time in social skills. Kyo, like most of the cursed Sohma family members, shared many characteristics with the animal into which he transformed. Difficult to approach, solitary, quick to show his claws, Kyo could spend days and nights alone up on the roof, just pondering his miserable lot in life and plotting his long-awaited victory over the rat and thus his acceptance by the family.
Being a cat and not even a member of the twelve signs haunted his every waking minute, but Kyo’s true form was even more terrifying and lonely. He kept it at bay with a talisman bracelet, black and white beads alternating on his left wrist to ensure that his appearance would never be seen, never bother anyone. But it still bothered Kyo, a lot, and kept him even more isolated than the roof.
Yuki came in with his own bucket and started washing up as Tohru was finishing. “I see that Shigure’s gone out for bento.”
“Oh, that’s where he went!” Why didn’t he let me take care of the food, like he usually does, wondered Tohru.
Since taking up Shigure’s offer to keep house in exchange for her room and board, Tohru had been responsible for all the cooking, cleaning, and laundry, on top of her rigorous studies and part-time job most evenings, also cleaning but in an office building in the city. Being Tohru, she never complained, even though the others already noticed that she was often tired and struggled to pay attention at school. Her mother’s dearest wish was that her daughter finish high school, so Tohru need only look at her mother’s picture as she laid her head on the pillow at night, and she felt instantly peaceful and serene. Yes, she was tired, but she was doing what her mom wanted and she wouldn’t give up!
The bell rang, signalling someone coming through the garden gate. Tohru went to the front door to find a nervous woman, 30-ish but dressed like a schoolgirl in a short skirt and black knee-highs, scanning the hallway behind Tohru’s back. “Hello, I have an appointment with Shigure Sohma. Does he still live here?”
“Why, yes he does, but I’m afraid he’s out at the moment. Would you like to come in and wait? He shouldn’t be long.”
The woman’s face relaxed visibly and she stood up a bit straighter, a short laugh lightening her features. “Oh, I thought he’d slipped out on me for good this time, that dog!”
Tohru’s eyes widened but she smiled and stood aside to let the woman pass. They went into the front room to find Yuki dusting the large TV; he didn’t look up. “Hello, Mi-chan.”
“Hello, Yuki. Did Gure-san leave anything for me?”
“Um, no.” Yuki frowned but continued his work. “But he’s gone to get takeout, so I’m sure he’s not forgotten you.”
“More like he’s avoiding me!” Mii knelt at the low table and placed her hands on her knees, waiting like a statue for Shigure’s return.
“I’ll go put the water on for tea so we’ll be ready when he gets back.” Tohru, unsure who this woman was, hesitated to introduce herself, and since Yuki didn’t do it, she felt ill at ease and found an excuse to get of the room.
“Kyo, there is a woman named Mi-chan waiting for Shigure in the front room.”
“Tohru, why do you keep talking to me about Shigure?!?”
“A thousand pardons, Kyo!” Tohru bowed quickly several times. “I just thought you would want to know what happens in the house. Please excuse me for troubling you with this useless information!”
“There you go again, Tohru!” Kyo threw down his rag in disgust. “Why do have to be so darn humble all the time?”
“Kyo, you ass. Don’t take it out on Tohru when you feel bad for being such a hothead and running off at the mouth like you do. Man, why do I even bother talking to this cat? He’s so stupid!” Yuki came in from the front room and set his rag down.
“Oh Yuki, it’s not a problem! Kyo’s right-I am too humble sometimes. I’m so sorry, Kyo!”
“GRRR!” Kyo turned and went out the back door with a mighty slam.
“And now he’s gone to lick his wounds, that stupid cat!” Yuki shook his head. “Poor little kitty.”
Tohru sighed; once again, the age-old quarrel between cat and rat had disrupted the household. If only those two could get along! She liked them both so much! “Who is Mii?”
“An old school friend of Shigure’s, and also his assistant editor. She’s here for the next chapters of his new novel.”
“But she won’t be getting them, not before I have some fun!” Shigure was obviously in high spirits as he came through the back door, several plastic bags full of takeout in hand.
+++-------------------------------+++
“G ure-san, I’ve finished my food. Can I please have the pages now?” Mii’s voice hinted at her exasperation with the long wait. He’d told her to come by at 11:30 to pick them up-no, she remembered all too clearly, she’d insisted on coming by in the morning, and he had agreed to it. She had to have those pages on her boss’s desk by five o’clock, or else! And she still needed to copy them and at least scan them over before writing a quick summary to go along with them. She had all afternoon, but knowing Shigure, she was sure that she’d be making a frantic dash back to the office, getting everything done just in the nick of time.
Why did she put up with this torture? She wondered now if it was even worth it; she could probably get a job with another publishing house now, but only if she didn’t get fired from this one first! Still she put up with Shigure’s mischief: toying with her, teasing her, making her wait, driving her crazy.
Yes, she did enjoy it USUALLY, had for quite a long time, but in this work context, it stressed her out. She knew better than to mix business with pleasure, but she’d been desperate almost a year ago when she’d accepted Shigure’s offer. It was one thing to be at his mercy in the bedroom; working under him was quite another. I really need to get busy sending out résumés, she thought.
“But, Mi-chan,” Shigure whined in a pouty voice, “the others aren’t finished yet. That would be very impolite, leaving the table. I’m very surprised at you, actually, young lady.” His voice hardened as he reprimanded her. “You are thinking only of yourself, as usual.”
Mii watched Shigure shaking his head in mock disappointment, and quickly bowed her head to him and to the others. “Please forgive my inexcusable rudeness, honorable host. As a guest here, I have deeply disgraced myself and I beg forgiveness of you all.” She looked back at Shigure who was smiling and nodding now.
Tohru’s eyes widened as she watched the exchange between the two old friends. Was Shigure really angry? What kind of game were they playing, so formal all of a sudden? “Oh, Mi-chan, really, there’s no need to apologize! We’re all just taking our time, trying to avoid getting back to the housework, I suppose. But you probably have to get back, too-please don’t let us keep you.”
“Well, she can’t leave yet, actually, because the pages aren’t ready!” Shigure popped another taikoyaki in his mouth, looked sideways at Mii. As he expected, she threw her head back and wailed, startling the girls and Yuki. Shigure chewed, grinning. “There now, Mi-chan, dear friend. Shigure-sama won’t let you down, I promise. Just give me an hour, whaddya say?”
Mii continued to kneel at the table with her shoulders slumping. Tohru and her friends exchanged some confused looks.
Shigure stood and went to the hall, pausing at the doorway, then turned back toward the table. “I’m not actually sure that an hour is enough. Better make it an hour and a half. . . Oh, come on, Mi-chan, give me a smile or I won’t be able to work properly. Yes, there now, that’s my girl!”
Shigure walked towards his study at the end of the long hallway. “And don’t make too much noise, my busy little beavers, or Shigure-sama won’t be able to get the job finished!”
“Shigure-sama! SAMA?! What kind of nut is he?” Arisa scoffed.
“I still can’t read him.” Saki was more than perceptive; her ability to capture, interpret and channel others’ energy was very real and respected, even feared by her classmates. “None of you Sohmas give off any kind of charge that I can understand.” She looked at Yuki, who looked down at the table with studied disinterest, searching his empty bento container for any lingering scraps.
“Mi-chan, are you alright?” Tohru felt sorry for the poor woman, obviously distraught by Shigure’s announcement. “Please don’t be upset. I’m sure Shigure will do his best.”
“He knows that if I don’t meet that deadline, it’s back to the mailroom for me. That, or I’ll get fired. My boss is rather a stickler for the rules.” Mii didn’t look up
“See? Shigure wouldn’t let that happen, right, Yuki?”
Yuki was heading to the kitchen with some empty plates. “He’s actually quite responsible. You know that, Mi-chan.”
Mii nodded, rose from the table. “I think I’ll wait on the porch.”
Tohru followed Yuki into the kitchen. “I feel so sorry for Mii; she seems really worried.”
“You always take everyone’s problems to heart, Tohru. Mii’s a big girl; I’m sure she can take care of herself.”
“Oh, but Yuki, it doesn’t matter how old you are! Everybody needs sympathy and understanding.”
*+-+**+-+**+-+**+-+**+-+**+-+**+-+**+-+ **+-+**+-+*
“Do you understand me, Gure-san? This means my job if it’s not done on time! The job you got for me! How far along are you?” Mii had waited impatiently on the porch for over an hour, pacing and muttering as Shigure’s crew finished up their fall housekeeping.
At last she could wait no longer and had approached the shoji to Shigure’s study. Shigure stood to let her in, then went back to kneel in front of his keyboard, placing the low table between himself and Mii. Kyo was still on the roof; he hadn’t even come down to eat. Arisa and Saki had just gone home, and Yuki was helping Tohru finish up in the kitchen.
“Well, let me see.” Shigure peered at the computer screen. “When last we left Yoh and his young bride Chikako, it seemed that the young lady’s impertinence might not go unpunished. Last paragraph: Yoh set down his empty glass and, undoing his tie, motioned his new bride to take a seat on the bed. ‘My dearest Chikako, I found your behavior toward our hosts quite outrageous, and I have half a mind to make you rue the day you dared to dishonor me in such a disgraceful fashion.’”
Mii paled. “Tha-that’s it?!? But that’s the end of the last chapter we already have! You’re holding out on me! Tell me you’ve got more than that. Tell me RIGHT NOW, Gure-san!”
Shigure bowed his head in mock shame. “Alas, no, dear friend, the well of my inspiration has run quite dry.”
This time Mii’s forlorn cry was even louder; she wailed her frustration as Shigure watched, a playful smile slowly warming his handsome face.
In the kitchen, Tohru and Yuki looked at each other as they listened to Mii screaming. “Um . . .I was thinking about going out to work in my vegetable garden. I’ve got some carrots to harvest. . . maybe see about planting some winter lettuce. Would you like to go with me?”
“Oh yes, Yuki, that’s a great idea! I’d love to!”