Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Slave of Sensation ❯ Chapter 4 ( Chapter 5 )

Written in response to the Week Makin' Lemonaide challenge.


DISC: I don't own Fruits Basket or its characters. They are owned by Natsuki Takaya. I make no profit off this story. If anything, it's making me less productive at work and ruining my chances for a raise. You think I'm joking, but I'm serious.




It had been a week since Shigure had told Tohru about Akito's task. Six days since she and Kyou had made spaghetti for dinner for the first time.

In that time, the household had fallen into an odd tension. At each dinner, Shigure would always compliment his young charge on something, then say, "Don't you agree, Kyou?" The cat would have the hardest time responding. Yuki would have found the whole exchange interesting and amusing if he wasn't spending so much of his time either actually with, or daydreaming about someone else. Instead, he was kind of oblivious. When he was there. Which was only every other night.

This meant that Kyo was pretty much on his own for handling the "pervert dog".

Tohru on the other hand, for once, knew what the dog was trying to do. He was provoking the cat for HER benefit. And she thought she knew why. They'd spent additional time together since that first night - not enough to really get into lessons, but stolen kisses, tender words of shared love, commiseration at their other love that might never go the way they wanted. They knew that they loved each other - but they were not their first loves. Instead, they were the other part of their hearts. Treasured, but it was understood that their time together would be limited.

It was so sweet. To feel love. To feel the pure desire that came from it. Shigure knew that he'd done nothing in his life to deserve this blessing. And his heart was compressed with guilt from it. He loved Akito. He wanted Akito. Akito was the love that would always eat at his core. Without her, he was incomplete.

Still. He loved Tohru. She was everything good and wonderful that he didn't deserve. And his jealous nature wanted to lock her away and keep her all to himself. But the fact that his heart broke under that thought... There was no way that this wasn't love. Because he would actually do the right thing and find a way to make her happy.

In spite of himself. In spite of Kyou's reluctance to admit his feelings. Regardless of whatever Akito planned.

He would find a way.

And so, he began. Taunting the cat. They'd been living together for so long, it was easy. It was a pattern. And he knew that Kyou always refused to bend. So if he kept pushing him, eventually the boy would break. Break and admit everything.

And then, Tohru could have her first time be with her first love. Like his was with Akito.

He felt pretty sappy about that. But he loved her. So... Whatever.

He'd give Tohru her first time with Kyou. Then, they'd both be so entangled in each other, that they'd be more willing to accept what they could have and what they couldn't. And Shigure would complete his task. And both Shigure and Kyou would do what they needed to do to protect her from Akito.

That was his plan. It wasn't much of a plan, but it was all he had.

And so it began.

Day two (after her first kiss) at dinner:
"Tohru, you've really outdone yourself tonight. You take too good care of us poor bachelors. If you're not careful, you'll win all of our hearts and then the three of us will have to fight to the death for the honor of your hand." Wait for her blush. "Truly, you are a gift sent from above. Don't you agree, Kyou?"

Sputter. Stammer. Blush. "What the hell are YOU yammerin' about?"

Fake appearing shocked. "Are you saying that you'd rather not have Tohru here, living with us, blessing us with her gentle presence?"

Anger. Confusion. "I didn't SAY THAT!"

Drama. "Tohru, just ignore the boy. He's obviously too young to appreciate a woman as wonderful and talented as you."

Day three at dinner:
"My, Tohru, you are looking especially radiant today - like a beautiful flower that's finally coming to bloom. Don't you agree, Kyou?"

Blush. Stammer. Stutter. "Why the hell are you looking at her, pervert?!"

Shock. "Why, Kyou! Are you saying that you think that Tohru is ugly? I'm surprised that even YOU could be that rude."

Anger. "Stop putting words in my mouth! Tohru always looks beautiful and you know it!" Embarassment. Blushing. Running to the roof. Progress.

Day four at dinner, Yuki absent at student council meeting:
"Once again, you've prepared a meal fit for a king. Tohru. Ah. Marry me and be my beautiful little wife."

Wait for blush. And anger. "Shut up you pervert dog."

Amusement. "Why Kyou, are you trying to steal my bride from me? Oh! The cat has finally found his one true love!"

Punch out. "I said shut up!"

Sitting up after Tohru had left the room to get ice. "Really, Kyou, the sooner you admit what you're feeling, the sooner you'll get to kiss her."

Quiet muttering. "Shut up. You know the cat doesn't get to be loved."

Serious response. "No one can stop someone from loving you. They can only try to convince you that you don't feel what you feel. But if you don't grow enough of a backbone to talk to her, I'm going to cease being so generous as to share her with you." By this point, he'd made his tone flippant, and was rewarded with another sock to the jaw. Followed by the cat storming up to the roof.

Day five at dinner:
"Tohru, my flower! After dinner, let's run away together - just you and me. We'll get away from these young boys and enjoy the love that only-"

Boot to the head. "Shut up, you pervert! Tohru, don't put up with him talking to you like that!"

"It's okay, Kyou. He's only teasing. I'm nothing special. He doesn't really want me to run away with him."

At this, Shigure was actually impressed. She wasn't really lying - since she really believed that. But still... She was joining in, trying to get the boy to say something one way or the other.

But the boy just mumbled, "Yeah right. Who wouldn't...?" Unfortunately, Shigure knew the girl couldn't hear what he was saying.

Day six - present day - Yuki out on a date:
"Tohru," patting his belly, "I'm in love with you." Gazing into her eyes deeply. "You make me feel young again. Tell me that you love me too."

Disgust. "Get away from her, you damned dog. No one in their right mind could ever be in love with you."

Drama. "Woe! I'll never have the love of the fair maiden? My heart!" Comedy. "Well if I can't have your love, maybe you'll at least console me with your-"

Did the boy ever break his pattern? As the dog went flying backward, the last word came out, "cooking." The cat looked chagrined.

"Honestly, Kyou. If you're so jealous of your time in the kitchen with her, why don't you admit you love her so you can spend time with her in other rooms," the wounded dog prodded further, winking lecherously.

The cat looked back and forth between the concerned Tohru and Shigure. "I... Oh, just shut up!" And he ran off - presumably to the roof to sulk.

"Shigure, I think you should probably stop teasing him. You can't make him love me like I love him." The girl tending to his wounds looked resigned. He reached up and took her hand, kissing the palm.

"Tohru, he loves you even more than I do. Don't worry about me - I've been beaten up by Hatori, Yuki, and Akito - far worse than Kyou. I don't have to worry about Kyou really hurting me until he knows that I plucked his flower first."

She blushed and said, "Well... you haven't really plucked me yet..."

God, she was adorable when she was using innuendo. He laughed and said, "Nope. I haven't. I haven't poured sauce on your noodles - nor have I added my meat." She blushed deeper. When he'd explained how that could be construed, she'd almost gone apopleptic. It hadn't been her intent to say that to Kyou - even though... the thought... If only... And now, the saying had become a joke between the two of them - or at least a way for the dog to tease the riceball. "I really want you to have a chance with Kyo first."

Smiling kindly at him, she nodded. "But that might never happen."

"Don't give up on him yet," he encouraged, then leaned forward and kissed her. She moaned into the kiss and he deepened it. When they broke apart, he traced a finger down her cheek and she whispered, "I love you, Shigure."

"I love you, too, Tohru."

"Ahem! My my my! Now this is a sight I did NOT expect to see! Shigure! I thought you knew better than to try to seduce a princess on the dining room floor! A beautiful wonder like our Tohru-kun deserves flowers and ROMANCE!"

The two jumped apart the moment they'd heard him clear his voice.

"Ayame!" Tohru clutched her hand to her chest.

"Aya, darling! You've caught me at an awkward moment. But you know you're ever in my thoughts - if not in my arms as much as I would like!"

"Ah, my beloved 'Gure! How long has it been since we've had the chance to truly enjoy each other. You know you are the only one who can truly set my heart free!"

The two held up their thumbs. "Yes!"

"Seriously, Aya, to what DO we owe the honor of this visit?"

Ayame's voice became deeper and lost its ironic tone. "I've been given a task by Akito."

The couple faced him with their eyes wide. This couldn't be good, could it?

"I know what Akito's asked you to do, 'Gure. I'm... supposed to provide you with... equipment to help you achieve your task." He shifted his eyes toward the girl and then back to the dog.

The dog grasped the arm of his friend. "It's okay, Ayame. She knows. She knows everything."

"Everything?" The hebi gasped. If she knew, then why was she...

Tohru stepped in and said, "It's okay, Ayame. I'm willing to try to learn what Akito wishes me to." The girl had her hand on Shigure's lower back, supporting him. The dog smiled down at the girl lovingly.

Lovingly? The two of them... Quietly the snake spoke. "Akito doesn't know everything, does she?"

Shigure laughed bitterly. "Akito does not. For example, Akito thinks Yuki is in love with Tohru. Akito does not know that Yuki is in love with another girl from his school."

"Machi," Tohru provided. Ayame visibly brightened. Apparently he was supposed to be made to feel guilty for helping to take away Yuki's Love - but if Yuki loved someone out of the reach of Akito, then he didn't have to worry that Yuki would blame him for contributing.

"And Akito thinks that Kyou is only vying for Tohru because he thinks the rat wants her. Akito does not know that Kyou is in love with her - not that the idiot will ever admit it." Ayame wasn't surprised by this.

"Shigure!" Tohru scolded. "I keep telling you that he doesn't feel like that for me." The disappointment on her face was so clear.

"Oh, dear!" Ayame gasped. "This IS complicated. Oh, well. I do have to say that seeing the two of you like this makes me feel much better! I mean, at least you'll both appreciate the gifts that Akito has purchased for you. And maybe if Kyon-kichi sees the outfit that Akito ordered for our princess, he'll finally wake up and claim his bride before you do!" He winked at Tohru, "But if he's too slow to accept a girl who loves him as much as you do, he'll deserve to have Shigure steal you away from him."

He turned to the dog, holding up one finger in admonition as he sang, "Shigure, I do have to warn you... once you see the treats I've brought, you may not want to share her with him anymore."

Shigure smiled. Ayame was a lot smarter than people thought. And it was so cute how wide Tohru's eyes got.

"I... Does everyone know? I thought... I never said..."

Ayame patted her head. "You're as easy to read as Shigure."

"Which means that he just figured it out." Shigure laughed. "Don't worry. I don't think anyone else has any idea about your true feelings for Kyou. Not even our resident baka neko." He turned to Aya and clasped his hands together. "So, what did you bring us?" He bounced up and down like a child about to receive a present.

"First!" Aya reached into a bag and pulled out a collar and leash. They were black leather with yellow ribbon as stitching. "Akito says that since you're both dogs, that you should train her to beg like a dog." Tohru blushed furious red and Ayame laughed. If she'd agreed, there was no reason to be embarassed. She was going to have SO much fun!

Then his words turned serious. "Unfortunately, our family head does try to take the enjoyment out of everything. Akito has asked that I tell you that she needs to be willing to follow commands to get what she needs - and that if she can't be 'trained as a proper dog, she'll be'," his words dripped with distaste as he quoted Akito verbatim, "'returned to the pound from which she came.' Really! Even if Akito is our god, she could use some refinement!"

He then pulled out four more collar-like items that matched -but the bands were thicker. "Akito suggested that you might desire some restraints. Apparently she believes that you'll need to force Tohru to acquiese. I told her that you didn't believe in forcing anyone - but she insisted I bring them to you. And, since she IS willing, these can be FUN!" Next he pulled out a big bag that jingled. And a box.

"Aya, are those...?"

"Well, what good are wrist and ankle cuffs without the chains? There is a full hardware kit for installing the rings, and the box is a love swing - that's MY idea! Helps support the lower back. And when she's fully tied in it, you won't have to worry that a wrong movement will accidentally trigger a transformation. It works MARVELOUSLY!"

Shigure raised one eyebrow. "I thought you didn't believe that I would force her."

"Darling, 'Gure! Why would YOU need to FORCE anyone? Even though the dear girl would prefer to have me present these to Kyonkichi for him to use. Wouldn't you, Tohru? Ah, ah, ah. No need to blush - we all know that when a girl watches your ass when you're walking away from her - she's definitely interested. And while you do look at Kyou every time he walks away, I've also seen you watching Shigure when he's left the room." Ayame's laugh tinkled when he saw Shigure at a loss for words. The dog hadn't even realized that she found him attractive? How hysterical. "Plus, Shigure, I've seen you stare at her your fair share as well. And with MY GIFTS to help you along, I just knew that there would be romance in the air!"

Tohru had crossed her arms over her chest and was blushing, but she was also examining the merchandise thoroughly. Curiously. And judging from her breathing, the snake would say excitedly. Oh, there were many things Akito didn't know.

Damn, that was one lucky dog.

"Anyway, 'Gure-dear, I'll leave you to explore the rest of the goodies on your own, so that you can get back to the most treacherous task," his voice imparted amusement," that Akito has charged you with. I just have to impart one last piece of information - all the items that are black and yellow are ones that Akito wants to be in place on the princess when you succeed and bring her to the god." He leaned down and kissed the girl on the cheek. "Don't worry," he whispered. "I know you'll be part of our family very soon." He stood up. "You are a blessing to us all, Tohru."

He flounced out the door, calling over his shoulder, "Ja ne!" And then he was gone.

X

Up on the roof, the cat was sulking.

That stupid, idiot, pervert of a dog! What the hell did HE know?

"I'm in love with you. Tell me that you love me, too."

The idiot was just fooling around when he said that. He was always fooling around. But for some reason, it didn't feel like it tonight.

There'd been something different in the air lately. He'd noticed Tohru slipping in and out of Shigure's room several times. Each time, she looked a bit flushed. And she didn't look upset - but she didn't look completely happy, either. It was more like a look of longing.

A look of longing - that was something he was very familiar with.

It was almost as if she had fallen for the damn dog. But if she had, why wasn't he all over her? How could anyone not be all over her? She was...

She was untouchable. Because of who he was - the cursed of the cursed. The cat. The cat doesn't get to be loved. Not by anyone.

Shigure's voice came back to him. "The sooner you admit what you're feeling, the sooner you'll get to kiss her."

His heart beat faster just thinking about kissing her. But he couldn't think about that. He couldn't. Still, his mind remembered her tasting his sauce, her eyes locked on his in a way they never had before - like she was wishing for something, like she wanted something from HIM. And then she had said, "I think I would very much like for you to cook with me, Kyou. Any time you want."

He moaned. She was Tohru. She didn't mean it that way. But that didn't stop his dick from stirring, his pulse from accelerating. "Tohru," he breathed.

And then he saw Ayame. What the hell was the damned snake doing here? Yuki wasn't here. So what was going on? And he was carrying a box and a large bag. This was unlikely to be good.

He went to the edge of the roof and peered over, looking to see what was going on inside. Unfortunately, all he could see was Aya heading toward the dining room. There were no windows that he could look through from the roof into that room. "Shit," he breathed, and then jumped from the roof. He landed softly on the ground, and snuck around to the back, silently entering the house near the laundry room. From there, he silently padded down the hallway, keeping out of sight, but getting close enough that he could hear the words being said - if not see the people saying them.

Tohru's voice - obviously distressed: "I... Does everyone know? I thought... I never said..."
Then Ayame. Calm and friendly: "You're as easy to read as Shigure." Ayame CALM?
Shigure laughing: "Which means that he just figured it out. Don't worry. I don't think anyone else has any idea about your true feelings for Kyou. Not even our resident baka neko."

Her true feelings for me? What were her true feelings? His heartbeat sped up.

He heard Shigure excitedly ask, "So, what did you bring us?"

Then there was some rustling and jingling before Ayame said, "First! Akito says that since you're both dogs, that you should train her to beg like a dog." And then the damn snake laughed. What the fuck did he mean, "train" her to "beg"? What the fuck was going on???

As Ayame continued, Kyou felt a red rage descened on him. "Unfortunately, our family head does try to take the enjoyment out of everything. Akito has asked that I tell you that she needs to be willing to follow commands to get what she needs - and that if she can't be 'trained as a proper dog, she'll be returned to the pound from which she came.' Really! Even if Akito is our god, she could use some refinement!"

Who the GODDAMN FUCK did AKITO think he was? Kyou's rage held him in place as the discussion continued.

"Akito suggested that you might desire some restraints. Apparently she believes that you'll need to force Tohru to acquiese. I told her that you didn't believe in forcing anyone - but she insisted I bring them to you. And, since she IS willing, these can be FUN!"

WHAT THE FUCK? RESTRAINTS? FORCE? Tohru is willing to do WHAT?

Then there was some jingling noises. And Shigure asked, "Aya, are those...?"

"Well, what good are wrist and ankle cuffs without the chains? There is a full hardware kit for installing the rings, and the box is a love swing - that's MY idea! Helps support the lower back. And when she's fully tied in it, you won't have to worry that a wrong movement will accidentally trigger a transformation. It works MARVELOUSLY!"

LOVE SWING? His mind locked up on him. Tohru was willing. To do something Akito ordered - which was never good - and included Shigure and a love swing??? Something that Akito thought would require force.

Shigure's voice was low and dangerous, "I thought you didn't believe that I would force her."

DAMN RIGHT YOU'RE NOT GOING TO FORCE HER! I'LL KILL YOU!

Ayame laughed. "Darling, 'Gure! Why would YOU need to FORCE anyone? Even though the dear girl would prefer to have me present these to Kyonkichi for him to use."

WHAT? What was that?

"Wouldn't you, Tohru? Ah, ah, ah. No need to blush - we all know that when a girl watches your ass when you're walking away from her - she's definitely interested. And while you do look at Kyou every time he walks away..."

She watches... What?

"...I've also seen you watching Shigure when he's left the room." Then Ayame laughed again. "Plus, Shigure, I've seen you stare at her your fair share as well. And with MY GIFTS to help you along, I just knew that there would be romance in the air!"

Romance? Between Shigure and Tohru? He felt like all the air had rushed out of his body, leaving him deflated. She'd rather they go to him though. That's what Ayame said. And no one contradicted.

"Anyway, 'Gure-dear, I'll leave you to explore the rest of the goodies on your own, so that you can get back to the most treacherous task that Akito has charged you with. I just have to impart one last piece of information - all the items that are black and yellow are ones that Akito wants to be in place on the princess when you succeed and bring her to the god."

Kyou's mind was racing. The pieces of what he'd heard. Akito had ordered Shigure to do something with Tohru - something that she agreed to - something that involved... there was no other way to put it: bondage. Akito had ordered Shigure to tie Tohru up and have sex with her. And she'd agreed to it.

Of course she'd agreed to it. She was Tohru. She would do anything to help those she loved.

Those she loved. Why would she be watching his ass? Shigure's, too. But his. Or was Ayame making that up? He did have an active imagination.

Kyou registered that the snake had left,and Tohru and Shigure began speaking. He froze as he listened in.

"Well! This is an interesting gift that Ayame's brought us, now isn't it?"

"I'm not quite sure I understand what any of these things are for. But I suppose that Akito won't be satisfied until..." she gulped loudly, "Until I not only know, but... want them used. That's right, isn't it?"

The dog's voice was tender. "Don't worry, Tohru. I won't do anything until you're ready. And I've made a promise to myself that I'm not going to continue our lessons until I can get that stupid cat to face up to his own feelings!" The dog sounded angry on that last part.

"It's okay, Shigure. He... Just because I love him doesn't mean you need to wait. I know you think my first time should be with him - and... Well, even though I have to admit that when I've thought about it, it's always been him, I know that you can't always get what you want."

"Tohru..."

"No, Shigure. It's okay. I mean, you love Akito, and she loves you, and still, you end up hurting each other. I always thought that when you loved someone that things became simpler. But it's not like that. It gets way more complicated.

"I love you, Shigure. I don't want you to get into trouble with Akito. And you know that she's not going to be patient."

"No. Akito is not patient. Damn it all to hell, Tohru. This would be easier if I didn't love you. But. Damn it, I do. And I'm not going to let that stupid cat ruin love for you. I will wait. And I'll deal with Akito if I need to. You deserve to know love above anything, Tohru."

"Shigure." Her voice was so sad. "I know you think... But I can face the facts. Kyou doesn't love me. He may never love me. And once we've completed Akito's task, once I 'crave sensation' as she put it, he won't ever want me. I wish it were different. But it's not. And anyway... if you succeed, then at least I'll get to be a part of the family."

"Oh, Tohru. I should have never..."

Kyou didn't even realize that he'd moved. But all of a sudden, he was standing in front of the two dogs, who were still holding the bag of items from Ayame. They jumped apart guiltily.

"You're wrong."

"K- Kyou!" Tohru felt like her heart was beating triple-time. "Wha- What?"

"You're wrong." He knew his face was empty, devoid of all emotion. Because he didn't know what to think. She loved him. But Akito wanted to ruin it. And he never had had a chance anyway - because he was the cat. But he had heard her. She thought he didn't love her, and he could hear that this thought hurt her. He closed his eyes, and by doing so, allowed his face to show pain. When he opened them again, it was a stoic mask once again.

"Just because I'm not allowed, doesn't mean I don't." He turned away and began climbing the stairs. He needed to get away. His room. Softly, he spoke, not believing she would hear the rest, "I will ALWAYS want you. Tohru." His voice broke at the end, and he kept walking.

X