Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Seasons of Sorrow ❯ Embers of Summer's Glory = Our World Goes Round ( Chapter 40 )

DISCLAIMER: I am here…penniless. A clue that I make no money here…never ever.

 

Embers of Summer's Glory

Chapter 40: Our World Goes Round

Edited by: TBD

 

A bright Sunday morning, where the early temperatures were steadily increasing with each passing hour, settled upon the household hidden in the forest. Calm, cool breezes coming from the mountains were few and far between, but were the only means to cool oneself. That plus a nice hand-held fan, a cool glass of water, a cold tub of water to rest the feet in, and a good friend to talk to over the phone.

 

“Is there a point to your nonsense, Shigure?”

 

“Come now, Tori-san! Gure-san has never said one thing that was deemed unworthy to be heard by his two most wonderful friends in the world! Ne, Gure-san?”

 

“Aya, you've not come by my home in such a while. I fear that we are slowly growing a gaping hole between us… (Sniffles)”

 

“I'm hanging up.”

 

“NO” cried out in unison the Snake and Dog of the Zodiac circle.

 

“I need to WORK, unlike you two babbling fools,” grumbled Hatori into the phone while filling out a medical form for another Sohma patient. `Does this family have a penchant for getting sick all the time… And how in the world did I manage to fall for another three-way calling with these idiots?'

 

“It's a SUNDAY for the love of all that is good!!!!” cried out Shigure animatedly. “Aya, we must save him! Let us go to his office and bring salvation to our best friend!!!”

 

“Anything for Tori-san, you know that, Gure-san!” declared Ayame with obvious passion.

 

“I'll give you both THOROUGH examinations if you dare step one foot into my office,” warned the Dragon in a low whisper.

 

Ayame gasped loudly, “Tori-san, say it isn't so!”

 

“My dear Haa-san, you are certainly scariest when you threaten us with perfect health. Honestly, being healthy around you involves painful moments,” remarked the Inu wisely. “You know, Aya, that I believe I now know where Yuki gets his more `charming' side…”

 

“Hm, I must say that it would explain much, Gure-san,” agreed the tailor. “I only went to visit him a few times, and each time he threw me out of his lovely blush pink room! And I was getting such good shots with the camera and digital camcorder…”

 

Shigure sighed with admiration. “He does look good in pink, doesn't he? Ah…the little nose breathing quietly with his soft hands nestled under his head that's against a soft, pink pillow. And the blanket beneath, so comforting and pale pink against him… KAWAII!!!”

 

“And you wonder why he had you in a head-lock two weeks ago? Maybe I should have let Yuki give you another ram to the wall,” stated Hatori with annoyance while vainly trying to get his pen to work. `Damn these cheap pens!'

 

“He did have a good grip, the little Nezumi.” Stretching fully in his chair, Shigure went back to staring at a blank screen while balancing two pencils on his nose. It was a magnificent feat. “Ne, Aya, will you be visiting soon? I'm sure you'll love the new decorations we set up for your brother's newly restored bedroom. I tried so hard to get in some pink coloring, but he just flat out refused. And to think he was getting pinker by the minute… Oh, how I wish I had my camera!”

 

“Gure-san, you must hand me your negatives so that I may make prints for myself! I have mine right here if you want copies, too!” Swooning to his own tune, Ayame hugged himself while mentally imagining many things. “Oh, fret no longer, Gure-san…I will shower my beloved brother that fell from heaven herself with a pink satin blanket and some small pink throw pillows. Oh, Gure-san, I'm feeling light-headed with the possibilities!”

 

“Aya, my dear, I have the negatives, but I must hunt them down. They were accidentally thrown in with those negatives. We mustn't getthose out…innocent eyes rove these parts,” sagely replied the trusty Inu.

 

“Oh, those negatives. For shame, Gure-san, must I continue to warn you of innocent minds? They mustn't be tempted at such a young age!” declared Ayame passionately, leading to a minor mishap with his tea and the fabric he was sewing… “DEAR BELOVED GOD OF ALL THAT IS FASHION WORTHY!!! MY PRECIOUS SILK!!! NOOOOO!!! PUNISH ME NOW AND SEND ME TO ALL THE KNOWN HELLS OF THIS WORLD!!! MIIIINNNNEEEEE!!!!!”

 

“So, Shigure, how did the renovations make out after all?” asked Hatori casually, clearly ignoring the fervent declarations of a designer that is running amok in his shop with the phone line still active. After another round of cries from said designer promising acts of committing seppuku, Hatori irately remarked, “Ayame, just use another swath of cloth. You always order more than you need anyway.”

 

“NANI? OH…” Coming to that stunning realization, a flurry of activity could be heard from Ayame's line, the clanging of items indicating the designer's frenzy to find the extra cloth.

 

“You're good, Haa-san,” complimented Shigure wryly. Dropping his pencils back to his desk, he turned to review his research taped across the wall behind him. Yawning lightly, he stretched his cramped limbs and recalled his friend's earlier question. “Oh, the renovations did come together rather nicely. I even had them do some touch-up on the side of the house. It was rather damaged by the storm as well. Now my home is `damage-free'…for now.”

 

“FOUND IT!” cried out Ayame triumphantly. “Tori-san, I can't ever thank you enough! You are the green in my tea, the savior in my ocean, the needle in my haystack…”

 

“Aya, your words move me,” quipped the writer with a wide smile.

 

“Ayame, your words make no sense,” flatly commented the doctor while retrieving another pen that worked.

 

And Ayame's words continued to make very little sense to one individual while inspiring the other to delve into his writing…with no end in sight to this three-way calling.

 

—ooo—

 

The melody that drifted down the halls in the old Sohma home soothed the weary minds of many that happened to catch wind of it, which were very few indeed. All personnel knew to stay away from the master and the area where their master was whenever these moments occurred.

 

Suddenly the melody stopped.

 

“Why did you stop, Yuki?” quietly asked Kureno from the paperwork he currently was reviewing.

 

“It's not right. The piano is off-tune, I'm sure of it,” commented the pianist for what seemed like the hundredth time that morning.

 

“I assure you, Yuki, that I did have it re-tuned last week when you told me about it the first time,” hurriedly replied Kureno as he fully turned his attention to him. Laying his work to the side for the moment, he stood and went over to the piano, hitting a few keynotes while intently listening to the timbre.

 

“Maybe the man didn't do it right, I don't know…it's just…” Groaning lightly, Yuki scratched the back of his head, uncertain if he was just being finicky. Shaking his head at his uncertainty, he smiled brightly and restarted his playing. “Gomen ne, it must be in my head. I'm just not focusing today…”

 

“Let us leave, Yuki.”

 

Both males at the piano startled at the low voice heard from outside, not expecting their dozing audience to have heard their conversation. But apparently she had…

 

“I want to go out. It's too stuffy to be indoors today,” continued Akito as she wavered while standing to her full petite height. She was definitely feeling the ache in her joints for having laid too long outside on the smooth wooden floor of the veranda.

 

Kureno felt obliged to point out, “Hatori-niisan had advised—”

 

“It's fine, really,” butted in Yuki gently while grasping Kureno's arm firmly from behind. When the elder Sohma looked down at him, wordlessly questioning him, Yuki smiled assuredly. “Going out will be a nice change.”

 

“Kureno, quit standing there gaping and call that man that supposedly tuned that thing. I need to change.” Walking haughtily down to her bedroom, she called out, “Those papers need to be finalized today, Kureno.”

 

Seeing her out of sight, but knowing that she isn't completely out of hearing, Kureno lowered his voice considerably from his gentle tone. “Hatori-niisan was still worried about her last fever…” `…and constant nightmares.'

 

“He's always worried. We'll be okay. I'll make sure she doesn't overdo it.” Gathering what few things he brought with him, Yuki patted Kureno's back as he walked past the young man. Looking over his shoulder, he softly replied, “Don't work too hard, Kureno. I'm…sorry. About the piano…”

 

“No, no, don't worry about that,” quickly remarked Kureno as he smiled brightly to the solemn gaze of the Nezumi. “I'm sure you're right about it. I'll have the man look at it more carefully this time around.”

 

“Hm…well, okay. I'll bring something back for you.” Grinning slightly, he turned back to the hallway and made his way to the private entrance to Akito's home. He saw her ready and waiting for him. `She's fast when she wants to be…' “Sumimasen. I didn't mean to make you wait.”

 

“No matter.” She turned on her heel and went out to the car that was ready and waiting for them. She looked weary to anyone who saw her, but loe to the person that dared voice that to her. Yuki was no such fool, and so had gone along with her sudden idea to leave the premises.

 

It was a common occurrence now that they go on these drives together in relative but comfortable silence. She would have the driver go around town with seemingly no destination in mind, her solemn gaze always on the passing scenery. And when she sees something that draws her attention, she orders the driver to stop, traffic behind them be damned. Thankfully he's been able to cut down on those incidents by carefully persuading her to let the driver pull over to the side at the very least.

 

Today seemed to be no different. The car took them aimlessly down the streets, silence permeating the air in the car. He would shift his gaze from the passing scenery to her curled form on the seat next to him. Although her stares outside seemed listless, he knew that she was very much aware of what went on around her. As much as he wanted the serenity to continue, he felt that now was the time to voice what was on his mind for some time.

 

“Akito?”

 

Roused from her reverie, she glanced sideways at him. “Yes?”

 

He couldn't exactly look at her directly, so he opted to stare at his folded hands on his lap, mentally bracing himself for whatever may happen. He's not fond of riling her, and he was certain his question would do just that.

 

`There's no way around it…I'll need to be direct.' Sighing softly, he licked his dry lips and asked, “Are you having trouble sleeping at night?”

 

Riled, yes, but she was more shocked and surprised at hearing his inquiry. Wide-eyed and with a temper simmering very quickly, she jerked her head to face him fully. “What?”

 

He caught her heated gaze on him with a look of his own that was full of concern. He pressed forward despite the alarms in his head telling him otherwise. “You're sleeping in during the day more, so—”

 

“Did they tell you about my nightmares? DID THEY?” she yelled angrily as she rounded on him.

 

“Who? I don't…” he asked bewildered.

 

She latched tightly onto his arm with her two hands, her face contorting to bitter rage. She bit out through clenched teeth, “Hatori or Kureno. Did they tell you this?”

 

He had to admit, it has been a very long while since he's seen her like this. He almost forgot how it was…so long ago. He couldn't even think of a reply as he was awash with faded shreds of memories from times past of her and him and a single dark room.

 

Letting him go, and she once more retreated into her shell beside the window, never once looking back at him. The storm had passed as suddenly as it had come, yet it left behind a dark gloom that wasn't easily ignored.

 

In any case, he couldn't help but push on. “Gomen nasai. I…no. No, they…didn't tell me anything. I just noticed… You were resting more during the day. I only meant to ask—“

 

“Stop the car.”

 

Abruptly the car came to a halt, thankfully with no traffic in sight since they were in a rather secluded section of town. And it was a section Yuki was most familiar with. Before he could say anything, she got out of the car and walked briskly to the guarded gates of the gardens.

 

`The gardens with the Jyuunishi statues. I've not been here in a while.' Giving brief instructions to the driver to park by the curb and wait for them, he hurried to the gates to catch up with her, bypassing the guard altogether.

 

“Akito…wait!” Calling out to her to stop was fruitless, but he persisted. Hatori would just hang him if Akito overexerted herself today because of him. “Akito!”

 

Allowing his Nezumi instincts to guide him to his `Master', he followed along the stone path past many of the statues that represented their Zodiac signs. He made it a point to touch each one, greeting them as it were after a long absence. Finally he caught a glimpse of her through the trees.

 

`I should have known she'd be here.' Reaching the center of the gardens, he walked slowly up to the slump form of his `god', catching his breath after the rather brisk walk through the large property. “Akito…”

 

She barely made any indication that she heard him. She just sat still against the base of the `tree' that made up a huge portion of the statue. He could only see the top of her head, what with her face cradled in her arms that wrapped around her drawn-up knees.

 

There were times he wished he could open her mind to his own so that he could at least understand what she's feeling, if anything at all. This was such a time. It was highly unlikely that it would ever happen, so he settled to sit next to her and join her in her moment of relative solitude. If she truly wanted to be left alone, she would have said so…she never had any qualms about voicing her wants.

 

While hearing her raspy but even breathing, Yuki recalled that she had mentioned something about nightmares. Having personal experience in that arena, he wondered if she was left with sweat-drenched sheets, clammy hands, a rapid heartbeat, and fear-stricken eyes whenever she awoke from these bad dreams. And if that wasn't bad enough, the memories of those dreams still lingering in your thoughts were like the shadows that would swallow you whole. It was not something he would wish on anyone.

 

“I had put in a nightlight in my room,” he commented softly to her as he looked up above to the statue that loomed over them. Smiling gently, he turned to her. “It's not much, but it does keep them away. If only a little bit…”

 

“Shigure had already told me this long ago,” she murmured without looking up.

 

`The baka has a big mouth. Honestly, I have little privacy with him around!' Frowning on that thought, he looked to the gardens around them, thinking that maybe she came here to escape those dreams…to escape the reality of the dark shadows that awaits them around every corner. At least, that's why he had come here when he did…

 

“It's always dark, like these damn dreams, and no amount of light from anything will take that away. That is the `blessing' I'm given for being your `god'. Do you understand now?” Her tight-lipped remark felt very heavy in the air, turning the cool summer breeze into a smothering stew.

 

Words from some time ago came back at him. She had mentioned before whether or not he thought she was suited to the darkness. At the moment, she certainly gave off the feeling of a dark soul amongst the bright surroundings of the gardens that were full of life. A life that she apparently did not belong to…

 

`And she really believes that living in that dark hell is part of her role as `god'. What's even worse…I sort of believe that, too. Yet…' With a melancholy sigh, he turned to her solemnly. “If it's that dark, Akito, then let us in. If nothing else, at least to keep you company in the dark. Maybe…just maybe…a little light will come our way then.”

 

She was startled from her intent focus on his words when she felt his hand gently clasp her own. It was not a gesture she was used to by any means, least of all from him. For that reason, she allowed it. And with that, the tension that was thick one moment snapped the next.

 

“You can call me at night, if you want. Before you go to sleep or whenever you can't sleep. I'll answer…I'll always answer.” He prayed his sincerity would reach her. He couldn't stop the tides of the Sohma legacy or make something simple like bad dreams go away, but he will do what he can. In the end, it was all he could do…

 

Would it be enough for her? Would she even spare his remarks a single thought?

 

“Will you have one day off this week…from your classes?” she asked with the sudden change in topic, all the while staring down at their joined hands.

 

Disappointment pervaded his being, seeing that she opted not to pursue the prior subject any further. He really thought he could have reached her…if only this once. “I can arrange it. I'm sure Shihan wouldn't mind.”

 

And just as suddenly as the topics changed, his breath was suddenly caught in his throat as he felt her lean in on him, her head on his shoulder, embracing him with her two arms while managing to cuddle next to him like a warm blanket. Taking measured breaths, he looked down to his unofficial guardian, seeing what he thought was just a mere illusion on his part.

 

`She seems so at peace now, even after all that she had said a minute ago.' Not wanting to ruin the rare moment, he nudged his chin on top of her head, letting himself relax in her firm embrace.

 

“I think this year I'll have them arrange to celebrate Obon here in the gardens. What do you think?” she asked demurely as she lightly traced his high collar with a delicate finger.

 

He wondered why she would bring up the subject of Obon now when the holiday was still a few months away. As a family, they didn't usually observe the day to honor their dead, but it was apparent that Akito wanted to change that this year. As if reading his thoughts, she spoke quietly.

 

“I do believe I'll be meeting our dearly departed much sooner than Hatori leads me to believe.” Narrowing her gaze to an unknown point, she smirked and laughed dryly. “But it still won't be soon enough for some idiots. The wretched vultures…pft, we'll see who'll have their final laugh. So…(sigh)…what do you think? I like the ambience here…these things are as old as the family, ne? It'd be most fitting to honor our beloved ancestors with these old relics.”

 

Her words were falling on somewhat deaf ears. He just couldn't wrap his mind around the fact the she had casually remarked that her death was upon her. It seemed…all too soon. Despite their hardships over the years, her eccentricities, her bouts of unfocused rage…her sorrow…

 

Yes…he's felt her sorrow. A sorrow that's as old as the curse itself. A sorrow that was very much like his own…

 

`It's too soon…' Smiling brokenly, he breathed in heavily to hold at bay the Nezumi's instincts to cry in agony. “Obon here is a fine idea, Akito. I'll help Kureno get the preparations done just right.”

 

Looking all around him, he noted each and every statue in the gardens, including the one they're sitting next to, that fulfilled their roles in the Jyuunishi circle. And to each and every one of them, his pleas never sounded louder in the serene silence that surrounded them both.

 

`Peace…tranquility. Freedom… Is it too much to beg for? And I've begged for it…for so long… Now more than ever…I don't want her to be without it. Her time…grows short. So very short…'

 

Akito snuggled even closer to her companion, hearing the rhythm of his heart beat as smoothly as the wind that caressed her hair. Deeply breathing him in, she softly replied, “A winter smell on a summer day. This is most acceptable.”

 

He leaned the side of his head on top of her head and breathed in her scent as well. He smiled wryly at his realization.

 

`If I smell like winter, then she smells like a clear spring day with all it's blossom full of life. Spring…how very strange.'

 

—ooo—

 

“Well, it's your turn, hot-head,” quipped Uo while looking down at her deck of cards.

 

Tohru worriedly looked to the boy next to her. “Kyo-kun, are you sure you understand this new game? We just taught this to you…”

 

“This game is peculiar indeed. So…lacking of stimulation. Hardly a challenge, really,” added Hana as she eerily looked to those around her.

 

Kyo squirmed under the denpa's scrutinizing gaze, somehow having a good hunch that she was already holding a winning hand, or something like it. `Damn this crap…' Growling lowly, he bit out, “Argghh…just give me an 8!”

 

“Hehe! GO FISH, CAT-LOVER!” shot back Uo triumphantly.

 

“Dammit, this is stupid!” cried out Kyo as he retrieved one card from the deck. “And I ain't no cat-lover!”

 

“It's stupid only to those who are losing, cat-lover!” Grinning widely, Uo looked to Hana. “Hey, Hanajima, how long are you going to avoid winning? It's so obvious you're postponing the ending of the game…”

 

“Hm. I was interested to see how far the game can go. It's boring I must admit,” commented Hana as she retrieved Tohru's cards when the other two were fighting. “I have ended the game now. Let us continue with another.”

 

“DAMN!” swore Kyo as chucked his cards to the floor angrily.

 

“Ha! I knew it!” Taking all the cards, the ex-gangster shuffled them expertly. She smirked at her next idea. “Poker…that's definitely loads of fun. Maybe I can even earn a few good yen from this punk that can't fight a good fight even though he's had martial arts training since forever! Ain't it the truth, pansy-pants?”

 

“Damn bitch…” snarled Kyo angrily as he rolled up his sleeves to slug her a good one, chivalry be damned. `Hell, she ain't even human! She's too damn evil!!!'

 

“ANO…UM…KYO-KUN!” desperately called out Tohru while earnestly pulling the arm that was readying itself to lash out at her old friend. “Please help me in the kitchen! I need to get some snacks put together, and I would very much like your help! I hardly get to have you visit my home on the weekends and…”

 

“Fine, all right already…just take it easy.” Taking another glance at his nemesis over his shoulder as he was hauled away, he shot back, “Poker it is! I'll take all your money! I'll…hey… I ain't no pansy-pants! Come on over here, and I'll take you on! I'll show you who really has the pansy-pants here!”

 

“Pft, that's a delayed reaction as any I've ever seen,” called out Uo with a wide grin as Kyo was pulled into the kitchen still calling out challenges left and right. What with working full-time at a local library (she certainly shocked Kyo speechless when she first told him a month ago), rare were now the moments in which she could just cut loose and vent her frustrations, whatever they were at the time. Today, she honestly just wanted to pick an honest-to-goodness-fight for no good reason.

 

Stilling her shuffling hands, she looked to her sedate companion, noting that she was more quiet than usual. “Hey, Hana, school got you all bummed out already? I thought you were all done with the homework.”

 

“Hm…no. Homework is fine,” Hana replied quietly while tiding up the small living room just a bit. While the apartment did sport three separate bedrooms with two baths, size had to be compromised somewhere. Still, the small guesthouse suited their needs perfectly.

 

“Okay…soooo…what's up? You've been like this ever since bricks-for-brains came over. It's not like you to stay this quiet. And I know quiet…I work in a library!” Uo quickly set her calculating gaze on the girl, wordlessly letting her know that she wasn't through nagging her.

 

“I'm just…picking through the patterns. They are very jumbled. It's confusing,” commented the denpa as she narrowed her gaze in the direction of the kitchen.

 

“Huh? Geez, is that all? You know your `waves' could just be on overdrive from all the homework you've brought home,” reasoned Uo off-handedly as she resumed her card shuffling. “Now, drop the glum face and buck up! We've got to beat the pansy-pants off the dope in the kitchen.”

 

Barely shifting her head, she solemnly gazed at her friend and offered a small semblance of a content smile. “Very well then. So…poker? I've not played that too often, Arisa. You will need to take lead on this game.”

 

“I've got it covered!” quipped Uo as she happily set the cards out, a glimmer in her eyes anticipating the upcoming match of wits against luck.

 

Hana could only watch Uo with half the attention, her mind still on the young man conversing lowly with her dear friend in the kitchen. `His mind…fragments. Fragments… They don't make any sense. Ever since he walked in the door, they don't come together. How long has his waves been so scattered?'

 

His thoughts were definitely running amok. Kyo couldn't tell what would be better to make…leek stew or leek salad. Apparently the shopping of groceries has not been done.

 

Meanwhile Tohru was running in full panic-mode while opening cupboards left and right, trying in vain to find something else to make into a salad. “I'm so sorry, Kyo-kun! I was sure Uo had gone to the market today! Silly me, I should have reminded her to go today instead of tomorrow like she always does.”

 

“It's fine, really. Just make…it. I'll be fine…I can pick them out of the salad,” remarked Kyo with a sigh while getting out the necessary utensils and bowls to get the salad prepared.

 

“I'm so sorry, Kyo-kun,” she apologized yet again. “I'll be better prepared next time, promise.”

 

Smiling in her direction, he felt the tension from many days and nights ebb away just a bit. Sure they talked when they walked with each other in the morning along with Yuki, and they talked some more about their day when they went home later on that evening, sometimes with Yuki, sometimes not. And emailing all the time in-between those times wasn't unusual, even though the concept of computing still evaded him at times (how the hell can someone understand a damn thing from those computer pamphlets? Yuki had to show how to turn it on, off, double-click…his pride took a beating many times…).

 

Yet, it was times like these when they were together as true friends enjoying each other's company that he could feel the muscles in his back ease down. He's been so on guard lately…ever since a couple weeks ago. With that image of that boy still fresh in his mind…maybe it'll stay there.

 

`Hell, I'm wishing for the moon, aren't I?' Shaking the dark thought away, he sighed lightly and barely shot a glance to Tohru who was tearing up the leafy parts of the lettuce. Getting back to his task, he chopped in quick succession one carrot after another, willing his mind to stay blank and more importantly to focus on the present.

 

`…save her.'

 

“Damn…that's not helping. Focus on now…here. No creepy kids running around. Nothing even close to a tree being torched for miles around. Just Tohru…and stupid leeks, carrots, lettuce…' He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply, chasing all thoughts from that frightening moment far, far away. Feeling confident that it was accomplished, he opened his eyes and nodded n triumph. Making short work of the carrots, he went on to the celery and cucumbers…

 

“Do you believe me?”

 

He whirled on Tohru instantly. He bit out, “What did you just say?”

 

Tohru looked at him oddly and blushed immediately. She stammered in reply, “I-I'm sorry! I'm so sorry for being a pest about it! I was just worried because you didn't say anything after I said I promised and—”

 

“I believe you, Tohru, honest. You just…caught me off guard, that's all. Don't apologize. I'm the one that's sorry for not listening.” Giving her a reassuring smile, he forced himself to focus on the task at hand, breathing evenly to bring his heartbeat down to normal levels. `She scared the hell out of me with that question!'

 

Tohru noted how he slipped back into his pensive state as before. It had worried her that he didn't reply to her previous remarks before, but now, she noticed how he was more troubled than just busy thinking. In fact, she recalled how he was always staring off into an unknown scene before him, completely blocking everyone else out, even her.

 

`Is he putting up a wall again around him so that no one can reach him? I had hoped he wouldn't do that anymore…' Setting her lettuce to soak in the bowl full of water, she braced herself and asked him straight out, after taking calming breaths, of course. “Kyo-kun…is there something bothering you? You can always tell me what's on your mind…always.”

 

“Hm?” Absently turning his gaze at her, he failed to understand what she was referring to. Bringing himself out of his momentary reverie, he noticed that Tohru was looking rather anxiously at him. “Is there something the matter, Tohru?”

 

Sighing lightly, she smiled half-heartedly and leaned against the counter. “I had just asked you that. You seem to have a lot on your mind. I was just wondering if I could be of any help…maybe...”

 

(Sigh) `She still tries so hard to make me feel better. But this time…damn…how can I explain what's been happening? It's all crazy! It makes no sense even to me!' Giving her a soft smile, he shrugged off his melancholy mood. `I wish I could tell her what's up. But I'm not going to let my time with her go to waste because of some damn dreams that have no meaning as far as I can see. Tohru's safe now, and that's all that matters…creepy kids and freaky dreams be damned.'

 

“Just stuff at the dojo. It's been pretty rough what with the tournament in a few months and so on.” Chopping another cucumber, he casually asked, “What about you? Think you're ready for the tournament?”

 

“Oh yes! I can't wait for it to be here! I'll take the best pictures…I promised Shishou-san as much!” Smiling happily, she pondered on her next thought before voicing it. It had been on her mind for quite some time, but she couldn't ask before for obvious reasons. “Kyo-kun…are you doing okay at the dojo…with Yuki-kun there?”

 

There. The twitch over the eye…the momentary stillness in his swift cutting of the vegetables…it said it all. Well, it told her enough, and so she will tread carefully. Twiddling her fingers together, she tucked a stray hair back into place, quietly commenting, “I know it's not my business, and I don't mean to pry, but—”

 

“—you're worried, right?” finished off Kyo with one final chop to the cutting board. Sighing heavily, he felt his shoulders slump with the burden of his woes that he's carefully hidden from Tohru. It seemed that no matter what he did or didn't do, she'll worry. She just knew him and his family so well…troubles were never far away from any Sohma, and she knew it.

 

Taking his cut vegetables to the sink, he rinsed them thoroughly while phrasing his thoughts. “What's there to be said? He's there…I'm there. I don't fight with him, if that's what you're worried about.”

 

“NO, that's not what…I mean, well…” Blowing out her bangs in frustration, she licked her dry lips and tried again. “Yes, I'm glad that you're not fighting with Yuki-kun. But that's not what's really bothering you, is it?”

 

He went on rinsing his vegetables until he shut the water off, silence now meeting his ears. Turning to her, he asked, “Hey…hand me the lettuce, would you? I think they've soaked enough.”

 

“Oh…yes, of course,” she hurriedly replied as she handed him the bowl, “how silly of me to forget.”

 

“It's okay.” He shook the lettuce in the sink through the colander, all the while looking at her intently. “Listen, things will always be tough between me and the Nezumi. It just is. I can't promise anything beyond that.” Seeing her forlorn expression, he bit back his groan as he forced the words that he knew he needed to say…for her sake. “But…but… (Grrr) I'll try not to let it get to me. I'm just going to focus on the here and now. He'll be gone from the dojo after the tournament. I can be a man and put up with it until then.”

 

“Pft…what kind of `man', I wonder,” remarked Uo with a smirk as she stood at the doorway. “Hey, you two, talk later. We got grub to eat and butts to kick in a round of POKER!”

 

“Dammit! Could ya quit buttin' in on other people's conversations, ya tall WEED?” cried out Kyo irately while shaking a fist full of watery lettuce in her direction.

 

“Son of—STUPID JERK! You're leaving water all over the floor! BAKA!!!” shot back Uo heatedly as Tohru held her off.

“Please…I'll clean up the floor!” added Tohru with a wavering smile, her heart now light after hearing Kyo's earlier resolve to keep the peace as best he could. It was the best she could hope for. “Ano, Kyo-kun, please just toss the salad together, and I'll lay out the drinks with Uo-chan's help, right Uo-chan?”

 

“Yeah, go ahead and start being some kind of manly `man', doofus. Get my snacks ready…and be quick about it, too!” called out Uo as Tohru dragged her away.

 

Kyo charged ahead after them. “Quick my ass—OOMPH!”

 

“Ha, looks like your ass is on the floor! Hahaha…!” guffawed Uo with a slap on the knee while holding her midsection as she laughed hard at the very put out male on the floor.

 

“Kyo-kun, I'm so sorry! It's all my fault because I didn't clean the floor sooner! Please forgive me!” pleaded Tohru from the heart while pulling up Kyo's arm to help him off the floor.

 

Glaring at the puddles of water he slipped on (that he bitterly admitted were his fault they were there to begin with), he quickly calmed the guilt-laden Tohru. “It's not your fault, it's…mine. It's fine, I'm okay…just…wet.”

 

“Pfft…hehe, are you sure it wasn't because you couldn't hold it in? Hehehe…you did drink a lot of tea…heheh,” snickered loudly the tall girl.

 

“THAT DOES IT!!!” he yelled while angrily slapping down the soggy lettuce to the floor.

 

Tohru could only helplessly referee the melee. “EH…KYO-KUN, UO-CHAN…!”

 

As they continued their ruckus in the kitchen, Hana had laid out their dishware around their small table, leaving enough room for the playing cards. She saw how more relaxed Kyo had become, if only a little, after talking with Tohru briefly. She smiled wryly at that thought…she always knew of Tohru's unique gift to bring some peace, no matter how minute, to those around her.

 

`Perhaps the scattered fragments of his mind will come together better after today. I certainly don't wish for Tohru-kun to be caught up in whatever mess he's in. I will allow his continued presence around here and around her…for now…'

 

—ooo—

 

“—and just so you'd know, that merchant is never allowed to do business with me again. I don't take kindly to flirting, mind you. I am after all a professional designer.”

 

“Aya, you certainly can rile up a set of hormones. That's a skill I just can't match.”

 

“Tell me about it! I honestly can't keep some people's hands to themselves! Do I look like I have a sign on my forehead that says, `I'm here for the pickin'…the perverts!”

 

`With what he wears sometimes, it's a miracle they don't confuse him with a girl more often.' Swearing to many deities and then others that he'll never get coerced into a three-way conversation ever again, he took the mute off once more and commented half-heartedly, “Hm.”

 

“You see, Gure-san? Even Tori-san agrees with me! I am the bulls-eye of many a fantasy…such is the burden I've always carried,” dramatically remarked the tailor while talking into his speakerphone and sewing his latest creation with gusto.

 

“I'll have to agree, Aya. When you finally give me permission, I will make note of these trials of yours in your memoirs. It must be shared with the whole world, don't you agree?” Shigure himself was working as well on his computer, having put his phone down while talking into it from his seat.

 

“My memoirs…oh, Gure-san! There's much to put into one of those! I'll give you exclusive rights to this plus our early years together…” murmured Ayame seductively while recalling his youth that was full of misfit adventures with his best friends.

 

“Aya, you cunning snake! That book will have to be censored in some parts!” replied in a hushed tone the writer, a sly grin working its way across his face.

 

“Do tell, Gure-san…” softly whispered the tailor.

 

“Don't tell, Shigure,” butted in Hatori as he soothed yet another headache from his temple. “What happened back then, stays back there. I don't want to have anything to do with your memoirs…either of yours.”

 

“Aw…pish, Haa-san is being a cold fish, ne Aya?” snickered Shigure at his odd pun of choice.

 

“Hm…or just plain crabby, ne Gure-san?” added Ayame with a snicker of his own.

 

As the two guffawed and laughed at their own jokes at his expense, Hatori placed them on mute, intent on pushing them out of his mind while finishing the last of his paperwork. “I really need an assistant…”

 

“Hatori-niisan, why are you working today?” asked the young man timidly from his post at the doorway.

 

Turning to see Kureno behind him, Hatori sighed heavily and gestured for him to come in. Finished with updating the current patient's file in his hands, he placed it on a teetering stack of files and began the next chart. “I am just catching up on old paperwork. I used to be able to keep an assistant for this sort of thing, but…well…I just don't anymore. The paperwork just piles up…”

 

Kureno smiled softly at the overworked doctor. “Let me help, Hatori-niisan. I've just finished my work, so I'll be happy to help you catch up. Akito and Yuki are out, so—”

 

Hatori swiftly lifted a hand up to silence him. “I'm sorry, Kureno…just a moment.” Taking the mute off the phone (that was now hooked up to the AC adapter), he spoke out. “Shigure, I will personally sue you out of house and home and for everything you hold dear if you say one word about my fear of heights. No excuses. Ayame, your teakettle has been sounding off for the last ten minutes…take care of it.”

 

“You are so unbelievably unfair, Haa-san!” cried out the writer tearfully while clenching the phone tightly to his ear.

 

“Bless you, Tori-san!” praised the tailor loudly as he ran off to the kitchen to save his tea. His remarks were far off, but still clearly heard. “It's taken care of, Tori-san, and I turned off the stove and set the teakettle to cool and—“

 

(Click) With mute on, Hatori looked to Kureno with another sigh and asked, “I'm sorry, you were saying…about Akito and Yuki…”

 

Momentarily dumbfounded, Kureno blinked out of his stupor and answered the lingering question. “Oh, yes…the two of them set off for another one of Akito's strolls.” Seeing the inevitable alarm in the doctor's eyes to find out his ill patient ran off again, he quickly pointed out, “It's fine since Yuki will be with her and they were in the car the whole time.”

 

“Hmph. That girl will send me to my grave first at this rate.” Wincing at his own callous remarks, he groaned loudly, rubbing his eyes viciously with the heels of his palms. “That's not what I meant to say. These idiots are getting on my last nerve…”

 

“Ano, Hatori-niisan, why are you speaking with them if you're busy working?” asked his helper curiously as he seated himself across from the weary man.

 

“I'd rather know that they are where they are than wonder where they might be off to on their own without supervision. It's not advisable to leave these two morons by themselves together to their own devices, even over the phone.” Stopping the conversation again, Hatori turned off the mute and blurted out, “No, Shigure, you're not going to use my person as part of your lover's triangle in your novel.” (Click) “This mute button is going to fall off. Here Kureno…I just finished updating this stack. If you could please file them away in the filing cabinet behind you? Thank you.”

 

Taking the files, Kureno promptly started the filing with ease, his practice as Akito's assistant coming in perfect timing. “Your welcome, Hatori-niisan. If you'd like, I may speak with Akito and advise of your need for further assistance in your office.”

 

Hatori adjusted his glasses further up his nose, smiling wryly. “No, it is all right. I'll manage…so, you finished your work for Akito. I would have thought you'd be helping to prepare their dinner.”

 

“Oh, there's time for that yet. I was actually just done with having the piano re-tuned again…” Efficiently placing the files in order in quick succession, Kureno took the other stack by Hatori and started on these. “The Sensei told me he was amazed that someone could catch the very slight off-tune of one of the keys. Yuki does know his piano.”

 

“Hm…that he does.” Giving the phone a glare when his name was mentioned in a situation best not heard by virgin ears, Hatori turned off the mute. “Shigure, I swear I'll gut you open for the wolves to pick you apart if you take my name into your novel…period.”

 

“Ahem…Nii-san sure has a…eh…vivid imagination,” commented Kureno after the mute button was turned on. “He's very well gifted in that aspect anyway. So many in our family have wonderful talents…how shameful that I can't do more to honor our family.”

 

Hatori couldn't help but look to the timid Bird of the Zodiac. Like a bird that is barely having a glimpse of the world around him outside of the cage Akito had him in for so many years. Not well versed in the ways of the world, yet that's what made him so well admired by one particular rat of the family.

 

`They are so alike, it's not wonder Yuki relates to him better. They've both lived with Akito in the best of times and the worst of moments. It has been a hard road for the both of them.' Finishing the chart in hand he set aside his paperwork for the day…it'll still be there tomorrow. “Kureno, let's leave this for another day. I'll help you get dinner started for those two stubborn patients of mine.”

 

Finishing the last of the filing, Kureno quickly stood to follow the leading Jyuunishi out the door. He anxiously commented, “Hatori-niisan, there's no need for you to go out of your way to help me.”

 

“I want to.” Taking his now fully-charged cell-phone with him, Hatori glanced over his shoulder to the young man and smiled softly. “The family wouldn't benefit from it, but Yuki becomes all too happy when he knows you'll be cooking for him. He even said as much when he mentioned that it was the one thing he truly missed when he moved out. And Akito never complains about any of her meals when you make them—that's rather amazing in my book. So I'd like to see what it is you do to make those meals so special to them.”

 

Kureno could only return the smile with his own special smile as he followed the way to the kitchen at the other end of the property. `Hatori-niisan is right… I may not do much for the family, but to those closest to me…to the ones I hold dear…what little I do is enough.'

 

Hatori abruptly stopped in front of him. Yanking the phone to his ear, he pounded the mute button and bit out, “Shigure, I will NEUTER you if you have me in that position in your novel! I'm giving you ONE minute to take it back.”

 

“I told you Tori-san was listening, Gure-san!” whimpered Ayame as he hid from his phone to avoid the verbal feud between his two friends. “Take cover, Gure-san!!!”

 

“I TAKE IT BACK—ALL OF IT!!! PLEEEEAAAASSSSEEE, DON'T DO IT! I'LL BE GOOD!!! AYA, HELP ME!” cried out Shigure into the phone while wrapping his yukata just a little tighter around his personal space.

 

`Idiot…moron…mentally-deranged MUTT!' Mentally seething in quiet rage, Hatori looked to Kureno behind him. “Never have those two as your friends…EVER.”

 

Kureno quickly nodded in agreement, silently noting never to anger this doctor who has a sharp tongue when needed and a hypothermic needle to back it up. A scary combination indeed. `I wonder what the others are like when they get angry? They hardly ever do…'

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

The Short End of the Stick (05-11-06):

 

This will be by far the shortest author's section ever! I'm really not feeling too wordy today because of some personal circumstance beyond my control. Having the living daylights scared out of you by a passing tornado that was literally in your backyard can really shake you up! And yes, those things do sound like trains passing you by.

 

This release is mainly a break from the heavier portions of the storyline, although I still managed some heavy stuff there with Yuki and Akito. Oh well.

 

Three-way calling will never be seen the same way again, Kyo hates soggy lettuce, Yuki and Akito are definitely coming to a better understanding of one another (I think), and Kureno is curious to know if the others ever get angry…Shigure and Ayame that is. There are reasons for me seemingly dropping this out of the blue. It's for much later.

 

Song for you? Hmmm… “Lazy Days” by Enya fits perfectly here. The lyrics and melody can be for the fun portions, but can also apply to times that seem to fly beyond our reach, like for Akito and Yuki. Bittersweet truths…

 

Here's a big welcome to my new editor, Sei! Hi there! Thanks for those that volunteered…I'm so touched, really!

 

Thanks to those that participated in the Fruits Basket Readers Choice contest. It was a successful run, and I somehow managed to win a few! Sometimes… tied for first place in the Best Romance category (I was really surprised), and The Game of Memory won first place for Most Original (my favorite sidefic)! Thanks to all for reading these other gems of mine, and my congrats to those that did win an award in this contest. It was fun! And to those that didn't, your stories still rock!

 

So what do you think of this release? Good, bad, atrocious? Just send me your words (however long it is) to my review bin or email bin! I read both! Take care everyone…'chat' with you soon! Ja ne!