Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Rising Affections ❯ Say What ( Chapter 8 )

Rising Affections

 

 

Disclaimer: I still don't own it.

 

WARNING: this story may contain; citrus, lemon, lime, yaoi, yuri, adult themes, sexually explicit materials, monosodium glutamate, (and unhealthy amounts of fluff) and is processed on a conveyer that also processes nuts. Read at your own risk.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 8 say what?!!

 

 

 

As Hatori rounded the corner he came to a full stop at the sight before him. There was Ayame lying on the ground in a fetal position, with his hair fanned out on the tile floor, and his hands covering his face as two boys were kicking at him and a third boy yelling obscenities and nursing a bloody nose. It struck him in his gut that they were hurting Ayame, They are hurting what is mine… my family… my closest friend… MINE! This was bad. Hatori felt the dragon spirit's bloodlust rising within him seething with anger and possessiveness. A fraction of his mind knew that if he dared to act now he would seriously kill someone. It took an immense effort not to lose control and fling himself into the fight. He instinctively knew the human body's weakest spots, the airway just below the Adams apple, the solar plexus, and the cervical vertebra that could be snapped by a quick twist of the jaw upwards and to the side from behind, the side of the neck where the blood flowed near the surface in artery and vein… He dared do nothing but watch Ayame being attacked through a red haze as the spirit within him cried out for blood. He fought back the urge desperately, freezing in place. This was neither a time nor situation where killing force was needed. He could feel his pulse pounding and sweat beading up on his brow. He stood there scowling darkly at everyone his hands down by his sides, clenching and unclenching with the desire to hurt, maim, destroy…boiling emotions pulsing through his head.

 

 

Shigure pushed his way past Hatori actually snarling like a dog. A low threatening rumbling growl as he threw himself at the boys that were attacking his friend. One of the boys came at him from behind grabbing for his arms, but he wasn't strong enough to hold an irate Shigure who pulled one arm free and spun around slamming his fist deep into his eye socket. He then pushed that one into the path of another boy who was rushing in to attack as well, bowling them both over. The third boy came in swinging and found out that Shigure doesn't fight fair, doubling over in pain from a fierce kick to the crotch. By then the principle and several teachers reached the scene and were subduing all of the boys involved. Other students also were gathering on the scene, some of who were friends of the swim team boys. They began throwing insults and the occasional text book at Shigure and Ayame, who was sitting up looking around dazed at this point. A particularly nasty math teacher, who Shigure had tormented on several occasions, got the opportunity for payback. He wrenched the boy's arms behind him forcefully as the dog looked over at Hatori who was still just standing at the edge of the gathering crowd scowling but not moving to help him or Ayame in any way. “Ha-san where were you? Why didn't you help Aaya?” He snapped as he was lead away; furious at his long time friend for his inaction in the fight.

 

 

Help Aaya… the words filtered into Hatori's mind, and a course of action finally crystallized for him. Now that the ones that caused the problem had been carted away he could tend to Ayame. Silently he moved forward, other students scurrying out of the way to form a path as he made his way to where Ayame was still sitting on the floor. He could see the boys slight frame shivering and hoped he wasn't going to transform right there in front of everyone. Omi-kun was kneeling beside Ayame apologizing profusely and blotting at his face with a handkerchief where a split in his bottom lip leaked a small trickle of blood down his chin. He looked up at Hatori and tears started to fill up his eyes. “Why? Why didn't you help me `Tori?” he asked quietly. “Were you afraid of what people would say if you got involved?”

“Omi- kun… I think you've done enough now, please leave.” Hatori ordered the boy away, his voice deadly calm. One look at the stern expression on Hatori's face, which didn't bode well for him, and Omi fell over himself scrambling away as Hatori knelt down in front of Ayame. He drew back as Hatori reached out to him.

 

“Shigure is right” he said with his words marred a bit by a fattening lip. “Where were you? Why didn't you help me?”

 

“I couldn't Aya, I am so sorry but I ….”

 

“You what? You didn't want to run to my rescue like some knight in shining armor? Did you think I could hold my own against three other guys? Do the rumors worry you so much you couldn't bring yourself to act in a way that might seem like we are a couple?”

 

“Aya listen to me, I didn't get involved in the fight. But not for the reasons you're thinking. I couldn't… let myself get a hold of them just now.” He said hands still making little rending motions when he thought about it. He looked deep into Ayame's eyes trying to find a hint that he understood what he was trying to explain and finding none. Trying to convey his sincerity he reached out and grabbed him by the shoulders. Ayame once again tried to pull away but this time Hatori just tightened his grip and pulled him in closer.

“Ayame… love, I don't give a damn what anyone here thinks is going on between us.” He said softly as he leaned forward wrapping his arms around his cousin; who fell forward into the embrace quietly sobbing on his chest. “What matters most now is getting you somewhere warm and quiet where I can take care of you.” He added shifting his grip so he could pick Ayame up and carry him to the infirmary. Ayame leaned his head on Hatori's broad shoulder and allowed himself be carried through the halls without complaint. He felt shaky sick and sore. He was worried that he would transform at any moment and fought desperately against it. Surprisingly, no one commented on Hatori carrying his cousin bridal style as He stalked through the halls, still fuming over the assault, and that Ayame would even for a second believe he would leave him hung out to dry like that over fear of what other people might say. Concern for Ayame won out over anger by the time he walked into the infirmary. The boy hadn't stopped shivering and seemed to be tense and in pain, whimpering as Hatori gently lowered him onto the nearest bed. “Here, let me cover you up some.” Hatori said gently as he tucked Ayame in trying to get his body temperature under control. “Why are sick rooms and hospitals always so damn cold?” He muttered under his breath.

 

 

“That's because cold air helps stave off nausea. What happened here?” asked Shinji the school medic as he appeared out of no where and began gingerly examining Ayame.

 

 

 

 

Three boys made an unhappy semi-circle along the front of Principle Iijima's desk. Ichiro Haname, whose nose had quit bleeding by then, was studying his shoes intently. Kiiji Uno was nervously playing with a tear in his school jacket as he shot nervous glances at the principal. Jiro Mamani was rubbing at some nasty scratches on his cheek.

 

Iijima angrily ran a hand through his graying hair as if it would somehow help settle his mind before he began to speak. “Now this is a respectable school.” He began after taking a deep breath. “Ours is a private school for the best and the brightest. We have a discerning application process and try to instill a sense of right and wrong in our students. So, please be so kind as to tell me how it came to be that five of my students were brawling like common street thugs in the hallway!” The force and volume of his words increasing as he spoke. At first he was standing with his arms extended onto the desk leaning on it as if it was going to hold him up and then he began to pace back and forth arms folded. He turned to face one of the boys, slamming his hands on his desk for emphasis.” Answer me! Ichiro Haname,” he singled the boy out pointing at him, “what happened out there?”

 

 

The boy swallowed, visibly nervous under the scrutiny. “Well… it's like this. We, I mean Jiro, Kiiji and I were in the hall between classes when we saw Ayame. He had an underclassman pinned to the wall by the lockers. I asked him what he thought he was doing, he said it was none of my business. It looked like he was touching him in a sexual way and the boy looked pretty scared. So, we decided to make it our business. The boy ran away and Ayame got really angry and that's when he hit me.” The other two boys just stood there and nodded their agreement. Iijima hadn't missed the surprised look on both of their faces as Ichiro started his story, but by the time he got to the end they had apparently decided to go along with whatever he said. `Ayame can make anyone nervous when he tries. I still remember the time I asked him to cut his hair. Somehow I just don't see him forcing himself on an underclassman like that though.' He thought.

 

 

Iijima sighed, “This is a serious accusation, If Ayame was making unwanted advances on another student there would be serious legal repercussions. I will need to talk to this underclassman before I can accuse him of any wrongdoing. Otherwise it is nothing but hearsay. Tell me who it was and I will contact him to get his side of the story.”

 

 

“Well, I am not sure who it was. Am I supposed to the name of every student in the school? He ran away pretty quickly once we got Ayame's attention off of him. Did you guys see who it was?” He asked looking at his teammates.

Each shook their head no, making negative noises, but neither chose to add anything at this point.

 

 

“Well unfortunately unless the victim decides to file a complaint there isn't anything I can do at this point. Even though you boys seem to have been playing the hero fighting at school isn't allowed. In a situation like that you should have gotten a teacher or even the custodian, not taken matters into your own hands. I have to give you a mandatory three day suspension starting Monday that gives you tomorrow to gather your assignments for next week from your teachers. Go wait in the outer office I will call you back in after I get the other side of the story from Ayame and Shigure.”

 

With a few moans and groans the boys exited the room and he leaned out the door waving Shigure in.

 

After regaining his seat Iijima looked across his desk at Shigure who was standing ramrod straight expressionless and looking, as if he were awaiting a death sentence Before he could speak, the vice principal came in and whispered something in Iijima's ear; handing him a folded piece of paper. “Yes by all means and have the secretary call the parents of all of the boys involved. Thank you.” He said.

 

Then turning to Shigure he said “Well, it seems that Ayame-kun has gotten out of this little meeting. He is in the infirmary waiting for a ride home. It looks like he will have a long weekend to recuperate from his injuries, on top of three days of suspension; which I am sure you remember is the mandatory punishment for fighting.” He opened the paper to see that there were actually two sheets folded together, one addressed to Shigure the other looked like a formal letter from the swim team requesting Ayame Sohma not be allowed to any of their events. He couldn't decipher half of what the letter to Shigure meant. It read:

 

 

Dear Gure,

Thank you so much for helping get those barbarians off of me earlier. I have no idea why they would maliciously attack me. Perhaps it was just their jealousy of my innate regal bearing. Don't be upset with Tori, I am glad no, elated that he isn't involved. It would only make matters so much worse if he were. My parents refused to deal with my “behavior problem” and told the school to contact Akito about it. The snake isn't much better than the cat in Akito's eyes so, depending on what he decides to do, I may not see you for a while; but I will persevere. Remember to tell your parents you were defending the Sohma name and honor not just me personally. It may help ease your own punishment. `Tori was right, we shouldn't have pulled that scene at break. I suppose I shouldn't have been giving out fashion advice when they confronted me at my locker either… hindsight you know. I have a few deep bruises but am otherwise unharmed, although the fat lip does reinforce that I don't want to do the collagen injection thing ever, it's not a good look on me. Rest assured that I will keep my chin held high through this adversity as I always have. Let Iijima know that I did not start the fight; I am not so stupid I would think I could take on three guys at the same time like that. Please remind `Tori to bring me my assignments after school please and thank you.

your bestest best friend,

Ayame

 

 

 

He handed the letter to Shigure who paled visibly as he read it.

 

Would you mind telling me what all of that means? He asked

 

Shigure looked at him and said “Well, it means Ayame's parents decided to defer to Akito on the subject of his punishment. Since he is head of the family they are probably sucking up to him for something, He didn't start the fight but was apparently stupid enough to comment on their fashion sense when the boys out there were already upset with him. It probably had something to do with the latest rumors that he is gay. We heard the rumors earlier, and really should have tried to put a stop to them; but we kind of did a big overacted love scene in the cafeteria at break instead. We were just horsing around, he isn't gay `I'm pretty sure he's bi, so I am not lying here.' Ayame's reputation for being flamboyant is well known, but that doesn't necessarily speak of his orientation. He and I were just playacting because we found the rumors to be amusing. It seemed so absurd to us we didn't think anyone would take us seriously. Apparently someone did.”

 

 

“And what does the cat and snake stuff mean?”

 

 

“Oh that, it just means he expects Akito's punishment to be a bit severe, probably a long grounding since he says he may not see me for a while. `No use telling you the grounding could be in a windowless room with no light and include daily beatings if he's in that sort of mood right now.'

 

“Is that all? I can tell there is something you aren't telling me here Shigure” Iijima said looking at him pointedly.

 

“And there is something you aren't telling me as well.” Shigure shot back at him. “What did those boys use as their excuse for beating up my cousin like they did?” He asked, knowing the answer since he could hear everything that was said from the outer office earlier but desperate to redirect the conversation.

 

“They claim they caught him making unwanted advances on one of the younger students and when the boy got away Ayame attacked them in anger.” Iijima told him.

 

 

 

 

“You don't believe that do you?”

 

“I am not sure what to believe.” He sighed.

 

“There are a few flaws in their story. The first, and biggest is that Ayame doesn't get angry. He gets snippy and makes rude comments. Sometimes he even talks as if the person he is upset with isn't in the room and doesn't let them get a word in edgewise, but he doesn't get visibly angry. I seriously can't picture him starting a fight with three other guys. It's just not in his nature and no one has ever seen him act violently. I was amazed he even fought back a little in self defense today. He usually just curls up and protects his face when he gets A…anyone mad enough to hit him. `Danm! no good, can't believe I slipped up and said that. This really has me shook up.' Second, he wouldn't need to force himself on anyone. With his exotic features all he would have to do is let it be known that he was looking and more of the students than I care to think about, possibly even some of the faculty would form a line for the chance to go out with him.

 

 

“I am not sure I like what you just insinuated about my students and faculty at all Shigure You might want to rethink what you just said.” Iijima's face was reddening with anger, as he bit out the words.

 

 

`Good he completely overlooked my little slip up.' Shigure thought smugly.

“Sorry I didn't mean to offend or accuse any specific person, I was just making a generalized statement. Perhaps if I reword it something like…”There are many people who would find my cousin charming and attractive, so I do not see him feeling the need to force himself upon another. Is that better?” Shigure asked earnestly.

 

 

 

"Shigure I am tired and we are getting off subject here so I just want to ask what did you see in the hall today? Were you even there when the fight started?” Iijima asked with a sigh.

 

“No, Ayame went to get some notes he left in his locker. Hatori and I went on to class, but when he didn't show up we went back to look for him. When I got there Aya was already on the ground being kicked by the other three guys. I couldn't just stand there and let them continue to beat him.”

 

“So you were only defending your friend and you didn't see how the fight started.”

 

“Yes, that's right. Could you promise me one thing please?”

 

“What ?”

 

“Just please get Ayame's side of the story before Akito is contacted about this. Ayame is bound to see trouble for the fight especially since his parents chose to dump this into Akito's lap. It doesn't matter how it started. If he hears the lies those guys made up Aya will be in really bad trouble for something he didn't even do.” Pleaded Shigure; with a truly serious look on his face for once.

 

“Thank you. That will be all I need to know for now. You may go wait outside …Oh, and ten steps from the other boys at all times Shigure.” He waved his dismissal as he once again looked over the paper in his hand. `Wow, seeing such a grim look on that kid's face is scary. Never want to see that again. If I hurry I can ask Ayame about this before he goes home today and hopefully get this whole mess taken care of.'

 

 

 

Shigure sat in the outer office quietly thinking things over, trying to ignore the death glares he was getting from the other boys seated across the room from him. They weren't worth wasting time worrying about. Shigure was pretty sure his parents would take care of punishing him. As distasteful as that was it could be worse. Ayame would be facing Akito over this, he would ask questions Ayame would be better off not answering but he couldn't lie to their God, none of the junishi could. It was part of the curse. A well intentioned half truth was as dishonest as it got. Maybe he could arrange to be there to help Aaya direct the questioning. That's what he'd have to do.

 

 

 

Vice Principal Masuoka had just left the infirmary with the hastily scribbled note for Shigure and the scrap of paper he found on the hall floor near where the fight had taken place. He nervously folded them together as he walked down the hall to the principal's office.

 

The stark white screen was pulled around the bed, shielding Ayame from the curious glances that he'd been getting from other students as they passed the infirmary door on their way to and from classes. Shinji had gone to contact the Sohma house about when a car could be sent for Ayame. Hatori sat in a chair next to the bed. Ayame had finally stopped shivering and Hatori was pleased to note that he was starting to look less pale; his natural coloring was light but not that light.

“Ayame,” he said softly “ I am sorry I didn't defend you from those jerks.”

 

“I've thought about it `Tori and I am glad you weren't involved.” Ayame said after a few seconds pondering on it. “You would have only gotten yourself into trouble too, and you need to keep up with your studies if you are going to be a doctor one of these days like you want to. It would upset me greatly if I did anything that ruined your chances for college and the career you want.”

 

Hatori smirked at him “You are being very noble about this Aya, thank you.”

 

“I know, and you are welcome.” Ayame preened. “But if you truly feel bad for not involving yourself there is one thing I can think of that you can do to make up for it.”

 

“And what would that be?” Hatori asked suspiciously.

 

Ayame looked around slyly then tapped the split in his lip gingerly with his index finger wincing a little. “You could kiss it and make it better.” He said waggling his eyebrows suggestively.

 

Hatori's smirk widened into an almost smile as he swallowed a chuckle. `Aya, you idiot.' he thought to himself as he leaned forward and very gently placed a kiss just to the side of the indicated spot so as not to cause any more pain.

 

Ayame was looking a bit too smug when Hatori leaned back; so he decided to have a little fun. He leaned over again to where a bruise was darkening on Ayame's shoulder.

 

“Does it hurt here too?” he asked placing a feather light kiss on the bruise. Ayame cocked his head and looked at him strangely for a second, then a fire lit behind his eyes. He'd play along with this game. “Oh yes, `Tori. It hurts there,” He said “and here too.” he added indicating his cheek where there was a pink spot beginning to go sallow around the edges. Hatori kissed him there also. Then leaned down to his ribs; which were bandaged heavily. Finding a small unwrapped area about half way down his ribcage, he placed a light kiss on the bare skin. “And how about here?” he asked adding yet another kiss. “It's going to take several kisses to do any good here.” More gentle kisses, and a bit of nibbling along the sliver of unbandaged skin he had found. By now Ayame was starting to squirm and giggle, ticklish despite the bruising. Hatori sat back up suddenly hearing footsteps approaching on the tile floor of the infirmary. Ayame definitely had more color now; he even looked a little flushed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

AN: Kind of a long chapter, but that's ok. I hope the fight scene is all right I just don't write much action stuff so I am a little unsure about it. Thanks again to Shae for helping me by giving me the kiss it and make it better idea, and for doing a quick beta tonight. And thanks to Yuurei Onnanoko for letting me bounce ideas off of you also.