Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Sleepless in Sohma House ❯ The Two Week Promise ( Chapter 13 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Yuki_The_Rat 
Anime/Manga: Fruits Basket Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Comedy | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 11.20.2003 | Updated On: 11.20.2003 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.3K | Visits: 787 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Fruits Basket Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Comedy | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 11.20.2003 | Updated On: 11.20.2003 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.3K | Visits: 787 | Status: Completed
Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket or it's characters. It belongs to Takaya Nasuki. Yuki too. That’s just the way it is. I am learning to accept it.
Sleepless in Sohma House
PART THIRTEEN - THE TWO WEEK PROMISE
TOHRU *
Tohru’s eyes were wide with wonder as she sat picking at her dinner. Piled high on the small table in front of her, was an amazing array of numerous types of foods. There was pasta, rich with sauce and grated parmesan cheese. There was Miso soup, with tofu and rice balls, as well as stuffed fish baked in a white wine and an herb vinaigrette. On top of all of this, there was Akito’s personal favorite. A barbequed chili dog, served with freshly baked chips and an wide variety of toppings. This, strangely enough, was the only thing that Tohru had touched.
“Akito,” Tohru asked shyly, “are you trying to fatten me up?”
“No,” Akito laughed, his cheeks growing rosy in his embarrassment. “I just didn’t know what kind of foods you liked to eat. So, I asked the chef to make everything. It was too much, wasn‘t it?” Feeling rather silly for having brought so much food, Akito stared down at his feet.
“I didn’t mean that,” Tohru said quickly, his sweetly offered confession touching her heart, “it was so nice of you to do all of this. It’s just that I feel bad. You shouldn’t go out of your way for me.”
“I want to do it.” Akito told her, honestly, “it just feels nice, somehow, to take care of someone. I have never really done this before.”
This was a little more then Tohru was ready to grasp. Her heart was being torn in numerous directions. Seeing Yuki, earlier, had filled her mind with confusion. She understood that a part of her was strangely attracted to Akito Sohma, but this didn’t mean that she could just forget the other two Sohma’s in her life. How would they feel if they knew that she had moved into the main house? She couldn’t imagine that they would take it that well.
Mistaking her silence for disapproval, Akito turned and took a few steps away from her. He seemed slightly distressed. What Tohru couldn’t possible realize was that Akito was a nervous wreck. He hadn’t really had too many romantic encounters in his life. Well, actually, until Tohru he hadn‘t wanted to have any, and he was still just feeling his way around, not at all sure of the right things to say or do.
“I’m sorry, Tohru Honda,” Akito said uncomfortably, “I must seem pretty foolish to you right now.” Lifting his head, he let out a soft sigh, and pushed his hair out of his face with a dainty swipe of his hand.
Seeing him this way, with all his vulnerabilities exposed, reminder her so much of Yuki. Yuki was a saint, he had given her so much, and she had returned his kindness by hurting him. In the same fashion, she had also caused Kyo pain. She vowed that she wouldn’t make that mistake another time. She wouldn’t hurt another Sohma, not if she could help it.
“No, Akito, really. I don’t think that you’re one bit foolish. What you’re doing is wonderful. It’s just…”
“It’s Just, what?” Akito implored.
“It’s just…um, nothing, it’s perfect. Everything is. Really.”
Satisfied with her answer, Akito plucked up the napkin from her lap. He tenderly wiped away a speck of mustard, which she had somehow managed to get on the tip of her nose. Now it was her turn to feel silly.
“Thank you, Akito.” Tohru breathed. Taking her napkin back from him and placing it on the table. “Is that for me too?” she asked, looking a large piece of chocolate cake, topped with warm raspberry sauce.
“Well, actually, you are going to have to share, that one, with me.” Akito teased her, picking up the cake and heading towards the garden with it.
“Now, wait a minute,” Tohru picked up a fork from the table and went after him, “You did say share, right?”
“That could be what I said,” Akito joked, “but I am really not so sure. This is, after all, a very special cake. What will you give me in return?”
“Well, let’s see.” Tohru played along. “What can I give you? I have a few bags of clothes, some hair ribbons, those might look pretty cute on you. Oh and I have a pup tent….” Suddenly, her smile faded, as she remembered something.
“MY TENT… Akito I forgot, I need to go back to my tent. My mother’s picture, my school supplies. Everything that I own is in that tent.”
“Don‘t worry, Tohru. I promise you, your tent is safe.” Akito reassured her. He wondered if she would notice that, for the first time, he had called her by only her first name. “I can send someone for your stuff, if you would like?”
Tohru did notice, and a part of her liked it. Another part of her, however, found it worrisome.
“No, don’t do that, you have already done too much. I’d like to do it myself.” She insisted.
“Well, why don’t you, at least, let me drive you. We can go Tuesday afternoon, and if you would like we can drop by the tea garden for a snack. It will be fun.”
“I can’t do it Tuesday,“ Tohru informed him.” I have to work on Tuesday,”
“You can take the day off. Actually why don’t you just take a two week vacation.” Akito recommended, as if it was the most obvious solution.
“I can’t just take two weeks off from work. They need me, and besides I can’t afford it.” Tohru stated.
“You have a vacation coming anyway, and it’s a paid vacation.”
“How do you know that?” Tohru asked warily. This was a little too much, too fast, and she was feeling suddenly unsure.
“Tohru, you do realize who signs your paychecks, don’t you.”
“Well, of course, I do.” Tohru stubbornly asserted, “Momiji’s father does.”
“And who do you think employs Momiji’s father?” This Akito simply could not say without a tiny grin creeping up on his face.
“Oh,” Tohru said, starting to comprehend what Akito was getting at. “You? All of this time, I have been working for you?”
“Shocking, isn’t it.” Akito admitted, “I didn’t realize it myself, until a couple of months ago.”
“Is there anything in this town that your family doesn’t own?” Tohru asked.
“Not a whole lot.” Akito confessed.
“Akito, do you really think that it’s such a good idea for me to be staying here? Sooner or later, Hatori or someone is going to see me.” She liked the main house. She also really wanted the opportunity to get to know Akito, she felt attracted to him, and was curious to see where it might lead. Still there was the bottom line. “I can’t hurt Yuki, not again. He would hate it if he knew I was staying here.”
“I know that.” Akito said, his smile fading, “I wanted to talk to you about that.”
Taking a seat on an antique lounge chair. Akito grabbed Tohru’s hand and lead her to sit down beside him.
“You can’t get mad okay.” Akito said, placing her hand to his lips he placed a tiny kiss on it.
“I won’t” Tohru agreed, without really thinking. For just a moment she was distracted by how lovely Akito’s lips felt against her hand.
“I sent the other’s away.” He admitted, staring into her eyes, and holding his breath. He was not sure if being honest with her was the best route to take, but for some reason he found himself unable to lie to her.
“You sent them away?” Tohru repeated slowly, a mask of confusion drawing down over her eyes.
“Just for a couple of weeks. Well, Momiji might stay at Shigure’s for awhile, but Hatori will be back.” His honesty didn’t seem to be having the desired effect. The look on her face sent a soft flutter of pain through him. ‘She’s thinking of leaving.’ This thought made him feel helpless. Inside his head he was silently pleading with her to stay.
“Akito, you do realize that I can’t hide here forever, right? I mean, I like it here, and I really want to get to know you better, but I have work, and school will be starting in a few weeks. I just, I just don’t know.” She informed him, but at the same time she felt like she was losing a battle. She could feel him calling to her, though he hadn‘t said a word. Had she been anyone else she might have missed it, but she saw it all so plainly. It was right there within his eyes. Akito Sohma needed her. He needed her to protect him. Protect him from his family, and protect him from his curse.
“Tohru, listen. I’m not trying to keep you prisoner here. I just think that you could use some time away from the others, and away from all your responsibilities. I figured that it might be nice for you to just have sometime to yourself. I know how hard this thing with Yuki has been on you. I hated seeing you hurt like that. I was just trying to make it all easier on you. If I did something that I should not have done. I’m sorry.”
Once again, he had found the exact words that she needed to hear. Without thinking Tohru moved closer to him.
“You have nothing to apologize for. You were just being thoughtful. I’m the one who should say sorry.” Tohru smiled up at Akito, and the sweetness in his eyes, calmed the remaining fears inside of her. “I’m just not used to all of this. It’s really overwhelming. The room, and the food, and the hot springs. I shouldn’t let you do all of this, that’s all.”
“It‘s what I want.” Akito told her truthfully. “It really is. You don’t have to stay if you don’t actually want to, but I like having you here. I wish you would just give it a try.”
“Okay,” she decided, “but just for two weeks, okay? Uo and Hana will be back by then, and after that I can stay with one of them.”
“If that’s what you want.” Akito agreed, “but you have to promise me something first.”
“Promise?” Tohru asked.
“Yes, one little promise.” Akito requested, “You have to promise me, that if in two weeks you don’t want to leave, then you will agree to stay with me forever.”
“Forever?” Tohru repeated, “I can’t, Akito.”
“Shhh…” Akito, placed a finger to her lips, and now he whispered, leaning close to her ear. “I didn’t finish. My one condition is that you are not allowed to decide anything, right now. This will be our two week promise. Do you agree?”
His breath, upon her ear, made her feel suddenly powerless. Turning her head, Tohru gazed deeply into his welcoming eyes. She found herself sinking into their depths. She was not sure how she would feel about things in two weeks time. She just knew how she was feeling about things, right now.
“Okay, Akito.” Tohru whispered back, “two weeks then, I promise.”
The look of happiness that quickly covered Akito’s face, was more then enough to convince her that she was doing the right thing. For a second, she felt certain that he was going to kiss her. Instead he let go of her hand and stood up.
Picking up the forgotten piece of cake off of the table, where he had placed it, he returned to Tohru’s side. Ignoring the fork, he took a small piece of the cake in his fingers, and tenderly placed it in her mouth. Tohru found that it tasted like nectar on her tongue. She smiled up at him happily, and decided to return the favor. It was in this manner that the two cemented their promise. Somewhere between a chili dog and a piece of chocolate cake, a bond of friendship was solidly formed.
YUKI *
“I’m Home!” Yuki said, faintly, to himself; as Hatori pulled up in front Shigure’s and parked.
Stepping out from the passenger’s seat, Yuki stood staring up at the house with a mixture of wonder and gloom. Had it only been just a few days, since he left here? While stuck in Hatori‘s small hospital, he had longed for the safety and simplicity that this modest home provided him, yet now that he stood in the driveway he couldn’t seem to bring himself to go inside.
Behind him, Momiji had bounced out of the back seat of the car, and was popping around excitedly, as he waited for Hatori to unpack his baggage from the trunk.
“Momiji,” Hatori said to him, lugging out a giant suitcase that, literally, dwarfed the small boy, “has anyone ever told you that you pack like a girl. What’s in here anyway, did you steal Akito’s silver.”
“Yuki, Hatori’s making fun of me.” Momiji complained, “I just have my clothes and my books. Tell him to be nice.”
Yuki chose to ignore the cheerful boy. Letting out a heavy outburst of breath, he walked broodingly into the house.
“Yuki, Welcome home!” Announced Shigure. “Are you feeling better?”
In a rush of silver and red, Ayame was at Yuki’s side. Ready and willing to fuss over him.
“Yuki, my poor little brother, let me look at you. Are you hurt any place?” Ayame tried lifting Yuki’s shirt to examine him for wounds, and with one swift kick, Yuki sent him flying across the room.
“If you were so concerned, why didn’t you show up at the hospital.” Yuki said coldly, and continued his death walk upstairs.
“You know I can’t tolerate being around that dreadful Akito,” Ayame pouted after him. “Gure and I have been worrying ourselves sick for you.” Yuki was no longer paying attention.
The only thing Yuki was seeing was the closed door to Miss Honda’s room. Stopping in front of it, Yuki hesitated, and then he slid it open. He walked inside and sat down on her big bed. Glancing about he discovered that she had left no sign of herself in the room. Inhaling deeply, Yuki wished for just a trace of her scent, instead he got the soft summer breeze that swirled in through the open window. Yuki let out a long sad sigh. On the floor, just under his feet, he spotted what appeared to be the remains of strawberry.
Closing his eyes, he could feel the sadness overwhelming him. His body was begging to transform. As warm tears poured down his cheeks, Yuki hugged Miss Honda’s pillow to him. He loved her so much, missed her so much, and it was his fault that she had moved out. In a soft puff of lavender and gray he was gone. In his place was only a tiny rat, holding tightly to a lacy pillow, and the sound of Yuki’s soft sobs, which quietly filled the room
KYO *
“WHY DOES HE HAVE TO SLEEP IN MY ROOM?” Kyo shouted at Shigure.
“Well, Kyo, I would have put Momiji in Yuki’s room, but Yuki need’s his privacy right now.”
“In case Haru comes to visit,” Momiji whispered to Ayame, and Ayame smiled back at Momiji slyly. Yes, Shigure had filled him in on all the details.
“WHAT ABOUT MY PRIVACY?” Kyo huffed.
“Oh really, Kyo,” Ayame stated the obvious, “you’re a cat now, permanently, what would you need your privacy for?”
“I’M NOT GOING TO STAY LIKE THIS! HATORI SAID IT WAS TEMPORARY!”
“If you insist Kyo,” Shigure negotiated, “I suppose we can just give Momiji Tohru’s old room. It’s just that I was holding out hope that our little flower might someday return to us.”
“YOU BASTARD! No way in hell are you giving away Tohru’s room.”
“Well, then, I guess that it’s all settled.” Shigure determined, “Momiji sleeps in your room.”
“Fine!” Kyo grumbled.
“What is that cat yelling about now?” Came Yuki’s soft voice from the stairwell.
“Stay out of it, you damn rat. I can’t even look at you right now.” Kyo stated, his anger growing.
“And why is that?” Yuki said curtly, walking into the kitchen. He was back to normal, on the outside, though on the inside he was still feeling it. He looked down at Kyo’s tiny cat form threateningly.
“It’s your fault that she’s gone, you dumb rat! Shigure told me what you said to her.” Kyo said coldly, taking a calculated step towards Yuki.
Yuki threw Shigure a look of death, but refused to back down. “Well, what were you doing in bed with her, you dirty feline?”
“I…” Kyo’s furry orange face turned ten shades of red.
“Never mind,” Yuki exhaled, suddenly too tired to do this. “you’re right, I shouldn’t have said those things. It’s my fault she left.” Yuki dropped down on a cushion in front of the table. All his fight had vanished.
“Well,” Kyo said, walking to Yuki and staring up at him. Had Yuki ever backed down from him before? He didn’t think so. So, why in the hell did it make him feel so bad. “It’s not all your fault. I guess that it’s my fault too. If you want, you can help me look for her.”
“That’s right,” Yuki suddenly realized, “we have to find her.”
“Well, duh.” Kyo added. He didn’t really want to spend more time then necessary with Yuki, but in his present cat form, he really needed a human shaped ally.
“Let’s do it.” Both boys decided at once. “Let’s find Tohru.”
**********
I was going to call this chapter Finding Tohru, but then I imagined the entire Fruits Basket crew swimming around in a little aquarium for some reason.. It was too much for me to take.
See you again soon.
Sleepless in Sohma House
PART THIRTEEN - THE TWO WEEK PROMISE
TOHRU *
Tohru’s eyes were wide with wonder as she sat picking at her dinner. Piled high on the small table in front of her, was an amazing array of numerous types of foods. There was pasta, rich with sauce and grated parmesan cheese. There was Miso soup, with tofu and rice balls, as well as stuffed fish baked in a white wine and an herb vinaigrette. On top of all of this, there was Akito’s personal favorite. A barbequed chili dog, served with freshly baked chips and an wide variety of toppings. This, strangely enough, was the only thing that Tohru had touched.
“Akito,” Tohru asked shyly, “are you trying to fatten me up?”
“No,” Akito laughed, his cheeks growing rosy in his embarrassment. “I just didn’t know what kind of foods you liked to eat. So, I asked the chef to make everything. It was too much, wasn‘t it?” Feeling rather silly for having brought so much food, Akito stared down at his feet.
“I didn’t mean that,” Tohru said quickly, his sweetly offered confession touching her heart, “it was so nice of you to do all of this. It’s just that I feel bad. You shouldn’t go out of your way for me.”
“I want to do it.” Akito told her, honestly, “it just feels nice, somehow, to take care of someone. I have never really done this before.”
This was a little more then Tohru was ready to grasp. Her heart was being torn in numerous directions. Seeing Yuki, earlier, had filled her mind with confusion. She understood that a part of her was strangely attracted to Akito Sohma, but this didn’t mean that she could just forget the other two Sohma’s in her life. How would they feel if they knew that she had moved into the main house? She couldn’t imagine that they would take it that well.
Mistaking her silence for disapproval, Akito turned and took a few steps away from her. He seemed slightly distressed. What Tohru couldn’t possible realize was that Akito was a nervous wreck. He hadn’t really had too many romantic encounters in his life. Well, actually, until Tohru he hadn‘t wanted to have any, and he was still just feeling his way around, not at all sure of the right things to say or do.
“I’m sorry, Tohru Honda,” Akito said uncomfortably, “I must seem pretty foolish to you right now.” Lifting his head, he let out a soft sigh, and pushed his hair out of his face with a dainty swipe of his hand.
Seeing him this way, with all his vulnerabilities exposed, reminder her so much of Yuki. Yuki was a saint, he had given her so much, and she had returned his kindness by hurting him. In the same fashion, she had also caused Kyo pain. She vowed that she wouldn’t make that mistake another time. She wouldn’t hurt another Sohma, not if she could help it.
“No, Akito, really. I don’t think that you’re one bit foolish. What you’re doing is wonderful. It’s just…”
“It’s Just, what?” Akito implored.
“It’s just…um, nothing, it’s perfect. Everything is. Really.”
Satisfied with her answer, Akito plucked up the napkin from her lap. He tenderly wiped away a speck of mustard, which she had somehow managed to get on the tip of her nose. Now it was her turn to feel silly.
“Thank you, Akito.” Tohru breathed. Taking her napkin back from him and placing it on the table. “Is that for me too?” she asked, looking a large piece of chocolate cake, topped with warm raspberry sauce.
“Well, actually, you are going to have to share, that one, with me.” Akito teased her, picking up the cake and heading towards the garden with it.
“Now, wait a minute,” Tohru picked up a fork from the table and went after him, “You did say share, right?”
“That could be what I said,” Akito joked, “but I am really not so sure. This is, after all, a very special cake. What will you give me in return?”
“Well, let’s see.” Tohru played along. “What can I give you? I have a few bags of clothes, some hair ribbons, those might look pretty cute on you. Oh and I have a pup tent….” Suddenly, her smile faded, as she remembered something.
“MY TENT… Akito I forgot, I need to go back to my tent. My mother’s picture, my school supplies. Everything that I own is in that tent.”
“Don‘t worry, Tohru. I promise you, your tent is safe.” Akito reassured her. He wondered if she would notice that, for the first time, he had called her by only her first name. “I can send someone for your stuff, if you would like?”
Tohru did notice, and a part of her liked it. Another part of her, however, found it worrisome.
“No, don’t do that, you have already done too much. I’d like to do it myself.” She insisted.
“Well, why don’t you, at least, let me drive you. We can go Tuesday afternoon, and if you would like we can drop by the tea garden for a snack. It will be fun.”
“I can’t do it Tuesday,“ Tohru informed him.” I have to work on Tuesday,”
“You can take the day off. Actually why don’t you just take a two week vacation.” Akito recommended, as if it was the most obvious solution.
“I can’t just take two weeks off from work. They need me, and besides I can’t afford it.” Tohru stated.
“You have a vacation coming anyway, and it’s a paid vacation.”
“How do you know that?” Tohru asked warily. This was a little too much, too fast, and she was feeling suddenly unsure.
“Tohru, you do realize who signs your paychecks, don’t you.”
“Well, of course, I do.” Tohru stubbornly asserted, “Momiji’s father does.”
“And who do you think employs Momiji’s father?” This Akito simply could not say without a tiny grin creeping up on his face.
“Oh,” Tohru said, starting to comprehend what Akito was getting at. “You? All of this time, I have been working for you?”
“Shocking, isn’t it.” Akito admitted, “I didn’t realize it myself, until a couple of months ago.”
“Is there anything in this town that your family doesn’t own?” Tohru asked.
“Not a whole lot.” Akito confessed.
“Akito, do you really think that it’s such a good idea for me to be staying here? Sooner or later, Hatori or someone is going to see me.” She liked the main house. She also really wanted the opportunity to get to know Akito, she felt attracted to him, and was curious to see where it might lead. Still there was the bottom line. “I can’t hurt Yuki, not again. He would hate it if he knew I was staying here.”
“I know that.” Akito said, his smile fading, “I wanted to talk to you about that.”
Taking a seat on an antique lounge chair. Akito grabbed Tohru’s hand and lead her to sit down beside him.
“You can’t get mad okay.” Akito said, placing her hand to his lips he placed a tiny kiss on it.
“I won’t” Tohru agreed, without really thinking. For just a moment she was distracted by how lovely Akito’s lips felt against her hand.
“I sent the other’s away.” He admitted, staring into her eyes, and holding his breath. He was not sure if being honest with her was the best route to take, but for some reason he found himself unable to lie to her.
“You sent them away?” Tohru repeated slowly, a mask of confusion drawing down over her eyes.
“Just for a couple of weeks. Well, Momiji might stay at Shigure’s for awhile, but Hatori will be back.” His honesty didn’t seem to be having the desired effect. The look on her face sent a soft flutter of pain through him. ‘She’s thinking of leaving.’ This thought made him feel helpless. Inside his head he was silently pleading with her to stay.
“Akito, you do realize that I can’t hide here forever, right? I mean, I like it here, and I really want to get to know you better, but I have work, and school will be starting in a few weeks. I just, I just don’t know.” She informed him, but at the same time she felt like she was losing a battle. She could feel him calling to her, though he hadn‘t said a word. Had she been anyone else she might have missed it, but she saw it all so plainly. It was right there within his eyes. Akito Sohma needed her. He needed her to protect him. Protect him from his family, and protect him from his curse.
“Tohru, listen. I’m not trying to keep you prisoner here. I just think that you could use some time away from the others, and away from all your responsibilities. I figured that it might be nice for you to just have sometime to yourself. I know how hard this thing with Yuki has been on you. I hated seeing you hurt like that. I was just trying to make it all easier on you. If I did something that I should not have done. I’m sorry.”
Once again, he had found the exact words that she needed to hear. Without thinking Tohru moved closer to him.
“You have nothing to apologize for. You were just being thoughtful. I’m the one who should say sorry.” Tohru smiled up at Akito, and the sweetness in his eyes, calmed the remaining fears inside of her. “I’m just not used to all of this. It’s really overwhelming. The room, and the food, and the hot springs. I shouldn’t let you do all of this, that’s all.”
“It‘s what I want.” Akito told her truthfully. “It really is. You don’t have to stay if you don’t actually want to, but I like having you here. I wish you would just give it a try.”
“Okay,” she decided, “but just for two weeks, okay? Uo and Hana will be back by then, and after that I can stay with one of them.”
“If that’s what you want.” Akito agreed, “but you have to promise me something first.”
“Promise?” Tohru asked.
“Yes, one little promise.” Akito requested, “You have to promise me, that if in two weeks you don’t want to leave, then you will agree to stay with me forever.”
“Forever?” Tohru repeated, “I can’t, Akito.”
“Shhh…” Akito, placed a finger to her lips, and now he whispered, leaning close to her ear. “I didn’t finish. My one condition is that you are not allowed to decide anything, right now. This will be our two week promise. Do you agree?”
His breath, upon her ear, made her feel suddenly powerless. Turning her head, Tohru gazed deeply into his welcoming eyes. She found herself sinking into their depths. She was not sure how she would feel about things in two weeks time. She just knew how she was feeling about things, right now.
“Okay, Akito.” Tohru whispered back, “two weeks then, I promise.”
The look of happiness that quickly covered Akito’s face, was more then enough to convince her that she was doing the right thing. For a second, she felt certain that he was going to kiss her. Instead he let go of her hand and stood up.
Picking up the forgotten piece of cake off of the table, where he had placed it, he returned to Tohru’s side. Ignoring the fork, he took a small piece of the cake in his fingers, and tenderly placed it in her mouth. Tohru found that it tasted like nectar on her tongue. She smiled up at him happily, and decided to return the favor. It was in this manner that the two cemented their promise. Somewhere between a chili dog and a piece of chocolate cake, a bond of friendship was solidly formed.
YUKI *
“I’m Home!” Yuki said, faintly, to himself; as Hatori pulled up in front Shigure’s and parked.
Stepping out from the passenger’s seat, Yuki stood staring up at the house with a mixture of wonder and gloom. Had it only been just a few days, since he left here? While stuck in Hatori‘s small hospital, he had longed for the safety and simplicity that this modest home provided him, yet now that he stood in the driveway he couldn’t seem to bring himself to go inside.
Behind him, Momiji had bounced out of the back seat of the car, and was popping around excitedly, as he waited for Hatori to unpack his baggage from the trunk.
“Momiji,” Hatori said to him, lugging out a giant suitcase that, literally, dwarfed the small boy, “has anyone ever told you that you pack like a girl. What’s in here anyway, did you steal Akito’s silver.”
“Yuki, Hatori’s making fun of me.” Momiji complained, “I just have my clothes and my books. Tell him to be nice.”
Yuki chose to ignore the cheerful boy. Letting out a heavy outburst of breath, he walked broodingly into the house.
“Yuki, Welcome home!” Announced Shigure. “Are you feeling better?”
In a rush of silver and red, Ayame was at Yuki’s side. Ready and willing to fuss over him.
“Yuki, my poor little brother, let me look at you. Are you hurt any place?” Ayame tried lifting Yuki’s shirt to examine him for wounds, and with one swift kick, Yuki sent him flying across the room.
“If you were so concerned, why didn’t you show up at the hospital.” Yuki said coldly, and continued his death walk upstairs.
“You know I can’t tolerate being around that dreadful Akito,” Ayame pouted after him. “Gure and I have been worrying ourselves sick for you.” Yuki was no longer paying attention.
The only thing Yuki was seeing was the closed door to Miss Honda’s room. Stopping in front of it, Yuki hesitated, and then he slid it open. He walked inside and sat down on her big bed. Glancing about he discovered that she had left no sign of herself in the room. Inhaling deeply, Yuki wished for just a trace of her scent, instead he got the soft summer breeze that swirled in through the open window. Yuki let out a long sad sigh. On the floor, just under his feet, he spotted what appeared to be the remains of strawberry.
Closing his eyes, he could feel the sadness overwhelming him. His body was begging to transform. As warm tears poured down his cheeks, Yuki hugged Miss Honda’s pillow to him. He loved her so much, missed her so much, and it was his fault that she had moved out. In a soft puff of lavender and gray he was gone. In his place was only a tiny rat, holding tightly to a lacy pillow, and the sound of Yuki’s soft sobs, which quietly filled the room
KYO *
“WHY DOES HE HAVE TO SLEEP IN MY ROOM?” Kyo shouted at Shigure.
“Well, Kyo, I would have put Momiji in Yuki’s room, but Yuki need’s his privacy right now.”
“In case Haru comes to visit,” Momiji whispered to Ayame, and Ayame smiled back at Momiji slyly. Yes, Shigure had filled him in on all the details.
“WHAT ABOUT MY PRIVACY?” Kyo huffed.
“Oh really, Kyo,” Ayame stated the obvious, “you’re a cat now, permanently, what would you need your privacy for?”
“I’M NOT GOING TO STAY LIKE THIS! HATORI SAID IT WAS TEMPORARY!”
“If you insist Kyo,” Shigure negotiated, “I suppose we can just give Momiji Tohru’s old room. It’s just that I was holding out hope that our little flower might someday return to us.”
“YOU BASTARD! No way in hell are you giving away Tohru’s room.”
“Well, then, I guess that it’s all settled.” Shigure determined, “Momiji sleeps in your room.”
“Fine!” Kyo grumbled.
“What is that cat yelling about now?” Came Yuki’s soft voice from the stairwell.
“Stay out of it, you damn rat. I can’t even look at you right now.” Kyo stated, his anger growing.
“And why is that?” Yuki said curtly, walking into the kitchen. He was back to normal, on the outside, though on the inside he was still feeling it. He looked down at Kyo’s tiny cat form threateningly.
“It’s your fault that she’s gone, you dumb rat! Shigure told me what you said to her.” Kyo said coldly, taking a calculated step towards Yuki.
Yuki threw Shigure a look of death, but refused to back down. “Well, what were you doing in bed with her, you dirty feline?”
“I…” Kyo’s furry orange face turned ten shades of red.
“Never mind,” Yuki exhaled, suddenly too tired to do this. “you’re right, I shouldn’t have said those things. It’s my fault she left.” Yuki dropped down on a cushion in front of the table. All his fight had vanished.
“Well,” Kyo said, walking to Yuki and staring up at him. Had Yuki ever backed down from him before? He didn’t think so. So, why in the hell did it make him feel so bad. “It’s not all your fault. I guess that it’s my fault too. If you want, you can help me look for her.”
“That’s right,” Yuki suddenly realized, “we have to find her.”
“Well, duh.” Kyo added. He didn’t really want to spend more time then necessary with Yuki, but in his present cat form, he really needed a human shaped ally.
“Let’s do it.” Both boys decided at once. “Let’s find Tohru.”
**********
I was going to call this chapter Finding Tohru, but then I imagined the entire Fruits Basket crew swimming around in a little aquarium for some reason.. It was too much for me to take.
See you again soon.