Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Sleepless in Sohma House ❯ UNINVITED VISITOR ( Chapter 16 )
[ 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: 11.27.2003 | Updated On: 11.27.2003 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.6K | Visits: 800 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Fruits Basket Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Comedy | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 11.27.2003 | Updated On: 11.27.2003 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.6K | Visits: 800 | 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.
Okay, first, a big thank you to everyone for the friendly reviews, e-mails, grammar pointers, and for the simple fact that you have read my little story all the way to chapter 16. Since, I have no shame (a point well proven by chapter 15), I thrive on your feedback, and I hope it makes me write better too.
Now, something else. Some of you have written to me with deep concern about the possibility that Yuki is gay. A few of you are a little pissed at me (I don’t mind, I think it’s cute, makes me feel wicked that I got you all riled up… I am so bad) Let’s talk about this for a moment. First of all, anyone who has watched even a single episode of fruits basket must admit that Yuki (along with, pretty much, the entire Sohma clan) has some serious effeminate qualities. We would all have to be blind to miss them… hello, a boy in a dress!!!!, Second, as I have mentioned before, I adore Yuki. I fell in love with him in episode one, and it is a love that I plan on taking to the grave, however, I think Akito is a seriously fascinating character, who is dangerously in need of a nice girl, which brings me back to … Third, I have very firm beliefs about love. I do not think that a person’s race, sex or religion should ever be considered in matters of the heart. Love is love, it makes no sense, and has no boundaries. What it does have is the power to change people. For the better or for the worst. As love is the true theme of my story I needed to write what felt right to me at the moment. I ended up with chapter 15. Sorry.
That said, I want to stick a tiny warning stamp on this chapter. I have a pretty soft core Shonen-ai thing going on in this chapter. I considered raising my rating, but I don’t think it’s anything worse then you will find in Gravitation - which is 16+, so if your younger or can’t really handle it, you might want to skip over this chapter. Or just read the Akito/Tohru/Kyo parts they are pretty safe. Okay. Everyone else, enjoy
Sleepless in Sohma House
PART SIXTEEN - UNINVITED VISITOR
AKITO *
She hadn’t spoken a word on their drive back to the main house. As Akito pulled through the gate he glanced over to her. She had managed to crumple herself into a small ball, as if to make herself as tiny as she felt inside. Resting her head on her knees, she was looking away from him; gazing out of the passenger’s side window solemnly. He didn’t need to see her face to know that she was crying, all the way home he could feel her tears inside of him, his body shook with them. He couldn’t bear knowing that she was hurting, and the knowledge that Yuki was the cause behind her pain, made it all the worse. How could he fix what had been broken inside of her? How could he remove her sorrow? He thought about telling her the obvious truth, that the prissy little rat just wasn’t worth it, but he knew that to do so would only make himself sound petty. He didn’t want to be that person, he was fighting it with all of his worth, still a bitter spark of jealousy laid dormant inside of him. Like an uninvited visitor it waited to be let out.
Parking the car, he got out, and walked around to open her door for her. She turned her face away from him. Sliding out from the car, slowly, as if the simple act of moving was excruciating, and stood looking down, her eyes focused on the cobblestone driveway. Akito gently took her by the hand and led her towards the house.
Once inside, they walked down the darkened hallway towards her rooms. Her tiny sobs echoed delicately in the stillness of the empty house. Akito searched deeply within himself. What words? Was there a trick to it? Something that he could say to her that would break the powerful spell that she was presently under?
As they came upon the entrance to her rooms, he looked to her, anxiously. Trailing her line of vision, he witnessed the cascade of teardrops as they splattered down upon the hardwood floor. The ache in his own heart grew more powerful, and he sucked in his breath, attempting to keep his own tears at bay. Stopping in front of her door, he pushed it open. He squeezed her hand softly, and set it free, ignoring his urge to continue the contact with her.
“Will you be okay?” He spoke the only words that seemed appropriate at the moment. What else could he say, how else could he offer her comfort?
“Akito,” She wept, her fragile voice reminding him of a small and wounded bird, “I…”
She crumbled, into his arms. Her legs gave away, out from under her, and he wrapped her tightly to him, supporting her as he lowered them both down onto the cool wooden floor. Leaning back against the wall, ignoring the pain that was caused by his wounds, he gently caressed her sweet face and kissed the silk that was her hair. It came to him then, in a sudden moment of clarity, the answer that he was searching for, the one thing that she needed most from him. So, he remained quiet, rocking her softly in his arms, allowing her the time that she needed to cry herself empty.
TOHRU *
Lying in Akito’s arms, the last of her tears still drying on her face, Tohru was filled with remorse. She hadn’t wanted to cry in front of Akito. She had tried to hold it in. All the way home, she had battered herself, ‘Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry.’ She was utterly unsuccessful. She had never been skillful at controlling her emotions, and this was not going to be the exception.
She hated herself. She kept remembering the look on Kyo’s small face. He was worthy of so much better then her. It was unforgivable, how she had treated him. She had wanted to turn back, ask Akito to let her out of the car. She wanted to run to him, to cuddle him in her arms and explain everything to him. He deserved a proper explanation. But in the end, the result would still be the same. Kyo would never understand. She loved Kyo, he had become a necessary part of her being, but over the last few days, he had not been the one haunting her mind.
She knew it now, how she felt about Yuki. It had taken a rather nasty shock to her system to open her eyes, but in the end, she got it. Just, unfortunately, too late. Yuki was her first true love, and she had treated him dreadfully. In her life, she had never before known jealousy, and even now, she didn’t recognize it for what it was. All that she knew was that Yuki had called out to her, and she had turned her back on him. She had walked out of the forest in the arms of the one person Yuki considered his enemy. She had hurt him intentionally, it was completely unbecoming of her.
Tilting her head up, she found that Akito’s eyes were closed. He looks tired, she realized, but even in his exhaustion he is so elegant, so lovely. He looks like Yuki, yet different, they could be brothers. It was no wonder that Akito would have such an effect on her. He was, after all, another version of Yuki, only more mature. He didn’t hide his affection for her beneath a mask of excuses. He was available, and he was willing to openly love her back.
Moving closer, she melted into Akito’s chest. She put her arms around him, wanting to draw him nearer, planning to steal a kiss from his sleeping lips. She noticed it, immediately, that something felt wrong… Her hands were soaked in it, blood; she suddenly remembered Kyo’s attack.
“Akito,” She said, sitting up and pushing away from him, so that she could position herself to have a look at his back. “You’re bleeding.”
“It’s nothing,” Akito insisted, trying to pull her back to him. He hadn’t really been sleeping, just resting, and he desired to remain just as he was. He wanted her back in his arms.
“No, Akito, this is bad, there is blood all over the floor. We need to tend to this. Hatori’s not here, and if it gets infected, I wouldn’t know what to do.” Standing, Tohru reach out her hand to him. “Come on, do you have a first aid kit?”
KYO *
“I’m telling you, that was not our Tohru,” Kyo stood on top of the desk in Shigure‘s office, filling the others in on the details of their stroll in the forest. “That asshole must have erased her memory, or brainwashed her, or something. We have to rescue her.”
“I knew that bastard was up to something,” Yuki added, for once on the same wavelength as his reckless cousin.
“So, how are we going to get her back?” Momiji asked them, “Do we have a plan?”
“Well, I say we bust down the door and just take her,” Kyo suggested.
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea, Kyo. You know that we can’t go against Akito.” Shigure said reasonably.
“Well, maybe I could do it?” Ayame volunteered, “I could slither into Tohru’s room, and once inside, I can transform into my spectacular self, and break her out of there.”
“You’re not slithering anywhere, you damn pervert.” Kyo and Yuki objected.
“You shouldn’t do anything.” Black Haru popped up, from the corner of the room where he had been laying low.
“What are you talking about?” Kyo attacked, “You want us to just leave her there, at Akito’s mercy? Oh, you’d like that, wouldn’t you, princess? Then you‘d have little
Yuki-chan all to yourself.”
“Princess?” Shigure wondered, out loud.
“Yuki’s the prince…” Momiji reminded him, in a whisper.
“Oh, yeah, I forgot.” Shigure whispered back.
“Haru, you should probably stay out of this.” Yuki requested, “This isn’t something that you need to concern yourself with.” His words were cold and came out sounding more like a demand.
“You’re right, Yuki.” Haru responded, his eyes glimmering like moonlit ice as he stormed towards the door, “I, certainly, shouldn’t concern myself with your life.” In the doorway he paused, trying to keep his rising anger under control. When he spoke again, it was low and reasonable, but his eyes looked upon Yuki with contempt. “It’s just that, I think you are completely mistaken about Tohru. She’s not Akito’s hostage, Yuki. She told you that herself. She is there by choice. You two assheads, really, need to get over yourselves. Neither of you had the balls to tell her how you felt when you had the chance, and now you’re both too blind to see that she might actually be happy, maybe even give Akito a shot at happiness. You claim to love her? What kind of love is that, anyway?” Shaking his head unhappily, He…
HARU *
… Stepped out of Shigure’s office.
Haru slide the door closed behind him. He stood for a moment, trying to decide something. It was difficult, his Black side and his White side never could really agree, and he was too darn tired to actually figure out which of them was right.
Deciding to ignore them both, for a change, he moved up the stairs and headed into Yuki’s bedroom. ‘Let the rat sleep downstairs is he didn’t like it.’ Removing his clothes, he crawled into Yuki’s bed. He was asleep as soon as his head hit Yuki’s pillow.
AKITO *
She looks nervous, Akito thought to himself, as he led Tohru into his rooms. Standing just inside, she gazed around shyly; taking in his private world, and trying to pretend that she was not the least bit uncomfortable. Akito watched her and wished that he could read her mind. His rooms, like her own, were decorated in fine antiques. These rooms had once belonged to his father, and he had not altered them much, since those days. Akito found pleasure in the wine colored tapestries and the aged wood, but how did her eyes see everything? Did she find the décor disagreeable? Was it perhaps too somber for her tastes? She can change it, if she wishes, after we’re married, she can do anything she likes to this house, to me.
“The window,” she said suddenly, and moved timidly toward the large oval window where Akito was known to spend much of his time. “May I?” she asked politely, her face lighting up happily.
Akito nodded, smiling at her in wonder. Where had her sadness gone off to? She could be such a little girl sometimes, finding joy in the oddest things. He found himself sinking deeper, falling into her smile.
“It’s has such a magnificent view.” She admired, knelling on his window seat, and pushing the windows wide so that she could lean outside.
“I never knew that my window was a source of such fascination.” Akito said, moving closer to her, so that he could get a better look at her face. The sun had long since faded from the sky, and as she hung halfway out the window, staring upwards, he could see the moon clearly reflected in her eyes.
“Superb,” he whispered.
“The first time that I saw you, you were sitting here.” She reminded him. Turning to look at him, her eyes twinkled playfully, and he felt his heart quicken. She was back, maybe not one hundred percent, but she was well on her way.
“I remember, I was pretty scared of you.” She admitted. “I’d heard such terrible things about you.” Fearing that she’d perhaps said too much, her hand flew to her mouth.
“Well, I myself, was completely terrified of you.” Akito joked, and moved towards his bathroom where Hatori kept an emergency medical bag.
“You were not.” She laughed, and pulled herself back inside the room.
“Of course, I was, especially after that day at the school when you abused me. Pushing me away, like I was something dirty.” Akito teased. “You were so mean. You completely broke my heart. I was devastated.”
“Liar,” she laughed, “You hated me.”
“I didn’t. I liked you. I thought you were really cute. Didn’t I tell you so?” Akito set the medical bag on the foot of the bed and popped it open.
“Major Liar.” She accused, “You told Shigure that I was ugly! Ugly! Your exact words, you were terrible.”
“Who told you that,” Akito questioned, feeling bad that she would know such a thing.
“Oh…” She hesitated, and then smiled innocently, “It’s a secret.”
“Oh,” Akito laughed, finding the bandages and pulling them out of the bag. “So that’s how it‘s gonna be.”
“Yep,” she laughed, moving to his side, and taking the bandages from his hands. Sitting them on the bed, she searched the bag for a bottle of antiseptic. “Now come with me. We need to clean you up first.” Taking his hands she led him towards …
TOHRU *
… his bathroom was humongous. Almost twice the size of the room she had lived in at Shigure’s. His tub was big enough to seat three people comfortably, and surrounded by many candles. Breathing deeply, she enjoyed the way that it smelled. A sweet mix of grapefruit and jasmine, a scent she had already learned to distinguish as Akito’s personal scent. In fact, she had tasted it on his lips just this afternoon. Thinking of this afternoon, caused a soft blush to sneak it’s way onto her cheeks. Not wanting him to see it, she quickly stepped behind Akito, and examined his wounds.
“This looks pretty deep,” she told him, and when he turned to face her she glanced down at her feet. “I guess that Kyo doesn’t like you that much.”
“That cat, he needs to learn to control his temper.” Akito said, tilting his head to watch her in the mirror. That she was staring at the floor again, caused him much concern. “are you okay?”
“Oh… Yes, I’m fine. But…” and now Akito had taken hold of her chin and was gently lifting her head up, so that he could more clearly see her face.
“… we have to..” she mumbled incoherently, “Umm, take your shirt off so…”
Akito couldn’t help himself, her face was so red, and she was just so cute in her discomfiture, he broke into a deep laugh, and hugged her to him.
“Is the prospect of seeing my half naked body so unappealing.” He teased her. “You don’t have to do this if it makes you uncomfortable.”
“No, no, that’s not it,” Tohru lied. The idea of seeing Akito Sohma without his shirt on scared her to death. Not, because it was unappealing to her, but because it was so completely appealing to her, she didn’t know if she could handle it. However, she didn’t want him to think her a big baby. So she looked up at him proudly and declared “Really Akito, I do this sort of stuff all of the time.”
“Oh, really?” Akito wondered, “All of the time, you say?”
“Yes,” She insisted, stepping back so that she could unbutton his shirt. “all of the time, it’s my specialty.” As if to dispute her case, the button she was undoing popped off of Akito’s shirt and went flying. It smacked Akito in the head and fell harmlessly to the floor.
“I can see that,” Akito said, trying to control his laughter, and finding it nearly impossible. “You are by all means a professional.”
“You’d better believe it.” Tohru said, trying to keep a straight face as she struggled with the next button. When she couldn’t get it undone, she gave up. Grabbing the shirt in both of her hands she ripped it open in one quick tug. She then looked up at Akito with a tiny, victorious, smirk. “Like I said, it’s my specialty.“
YUKI *
Kyo was disappointed to find Yuki lying in Tohru’s bed. Jumping up, next to him, he nudged Yuki in the arm.
“You going to sleep in here again?” Kyo asked. Tonight, the cat wanted Tohru’s bed for himself.
“Haru’s in my room.” Yuki explained, letting out a soft sigh.
“Is that a problem?” Kyo asked, more out of curiosity, than out of malice.
“I’m not gay, Kyo.” Yuki asserted and pushed the cat off of the bed in frustration.
“Hey, don‘t get mad at me. I wasn‘t the one who was kissing Haru in the forest?” Kyo defended, jumping back up onto the bed, and laying claim to Tohru’s pillow.
“Haru trapped me, what was I supposed to do? I couldn’t fight him off.”
“That’s bullshit, Yuki. I know how strong you are. Why in the hell are you in denial, anyway? Do you think anyone really gives a shit if you and Haru are lovers?”
“We’re not lovers! We just kissed, and fine, maybe I did kiss Haru back, but it didn’t mean anything.” Yuki maintained, “It was just a stupid kiss.”
Kyo was silent for a moment, considering things.
“So, how was it?” Kyo questioned, and Yuki sat up in the bed preparing to kill. “Don’t get mad, Yuki. I’m not asking to be mean. I’m really just trying to understand.”
“Understand what?” Yuki asked, frostily, “You want to know if I liked kissing Haru?”
“I want to know... Sure, if you liked it… I guess… I am just confused…” Kyo stopped talking briefly, searching his heart for what he really wanted to say, “All this time, I’ve been so jealous of you, Yuki. I guess, that I’ve always known that I had no chance in hell of being with Tohru, but I thought that you did. The way you two have always looked at each other. If you don’t love her, how could you …” he didn’t get to finish, because Yuki jumped up off the bed and stomped towards the door, but before leaving he turned back.
“I do love her, Kyo. So much that I can barely stand being in this house without her here.”
“Then why Yuki? Why kiss Haru? I mean, damn, Yuki. Haru’s totally in love with you. He always has been, since we were kids. Don’t you think that what you did was pretty screwed up? Not just to Tohru, but also to Haru?”
“That’s the problem, Kyo.” Yuki confessed. Sitting back down on the bed and wrapping his arms around his knees so that he could hide his face against them. “I am in love with Tohru. I have been, since that night that she moved into this house, but even though I love her, and even though I don’t think that I’m gay… I… I care for Haru.. It’s like I love Tohru, but I desire Haru. I admit it. I’m completely fucked up. It must make you very happy.”
Kyo crawled forward, and tapped Yuki’s elbow with his paw. Yuki looked down at him, wondering.
“You’re not so fucked up. Love is a pretty terrorizing thing. I mean, look what it’s done to me.” Kyo felt satisfied, when a tiny giggle escaped Yuki’s lips. “Now, go sleep in your own room, Yuki. You got Tohru’s bed last night, tonight it’s my turn.”
“I suppose that seems fair,” Yuki agreed, and giving Kyo a look of gratitude, he walked out into the hall and headed towards …
WHITE HARU *
… the bedroom was dark, and felt stifling. Haru had recently waken, having only managed an hour of sleep. He was debating about getting up to open the window, but he was just so sleepy. Kicking off the blankets, he dug his face into Yuki’s pillow, breathing deeply and remembering the taste of Yuki’s lips.
At the sound of the door opening, Haru closed his eyes, he had nothing to say to Yuki. Feigning sleep, Haru smiled in relief as Yuki moved to the window, pushed the curtains apart, and slid the window open. The cool breeze felt wonderful on Haru’s naked skin. Peeking through his eyelashes, Haru spied on Yuki as the boy stood peering up at the stars. ’He’s thinking about her.’ Haru realized, and felt a soft stab of pain, close to his heart. He considered pulling a blanket over himself to hide his nudity, but then decided that he didn’t really care to. He was already too hot, he didn’t want to make it worse. Closing his eyes, he tried to find sleep.
YUKI *
As Yuki gazed out of his bedroom window, watching the night sky, his mind was overflowing with Haru. He had stopped by the room only to pick up a blanket, he had decided he would sleep downstairs tonight. Finding his room uncomfortably hot Yuki opened the window to let in the fresh evening air. Turning away from the window Yuki headed towards his closet, but stopped in mid-step, when his eyes fell upon his friend.
The sight that met Yuki’s eyes caused him to lose his breath. Yuki knew that Haru liked to sleep in the nude. Black Haru had informed him of this fact, often, throughout the lifetime of their friendship. Yuki, however, had never once actually seen Haru naked. On the occasions where Yuki had shared a bed with Haru, Haru had always worn, at the very least, a pair of boxers. Tonight his friend wore nothing. He slept, face down on Yuki’s futon, his arms cradling Yuki’s pillow. His back was slightly turned to Yuki, and the moonlight danced upon Haru’s creamy skin invitingly. Yuki’s heartbeat raced away, chasing a path to Yuki’s stomach, where it twisted and burned like frantic butterflies.
Yuki moved hesitantly across the room, and sat down on the edge of his futon. ‘Why are you like this, Haru?’ Yuki thought to himself. ‘You knew that I wouldn’t sleep next to you, if I found you like this. So, are you trying to tell me to stay away? Is this your way of uninviting me? You know that I hate being left out.’
Biting his lower lip, Yuki held his breath and traced a soft path along …
WHITE HARU *
…Haru’s shoulders sung out in pleasure, at Yuki’s gentle touch. Haru’s eyes popped open in shock, and then closed again. It was better if Yuki did not know he was awake. Somehow, he was sure Yuki would never have the nerve to touch him this way, if he was aware that Haru was not asleep.
Soft hands moved down his back, stroking down along the curve of his waist, and back up again to trace tiny circles along his neck. A delicate kiss was placed on the tip of his left shoulder, and then Yuki stopped. Haru silently cried out in abandonment. Holding his breath, Haru waited, in agony. Wanting to reach out to Yuki, to beg him to continue. Only, Haru’s pride held him back.
Behind him, he could hear the soft the rustle of fabric. ‘What are you doing, come back to bed, Yuki.’ Haru called to him, wordlessly. A moment later, Yuki had returned. Haru felt an army of gentle kisses work their way from the back of his neck up the side of his face. Then Yuki wrapped his arms around Haru’s waist and clung to him. Haru’s eyes flew open, because apparently, Yuki had discovered what Haru had known all along. Clothing was not meant to be slept in.
Turning to face Yuki, Haru pushed him away, harshly. Yuki had hurt him a lot today. He was not to be so easily forgiven.
“What are you doing, Yuki?” Haru questioned.
“I’m going to sleep, in my bed. You just happened to get here first.” Yuki said smartly, and even in the darkness Haru could see the blush upon the boys pretty cheeks.
“It’s not fair to tease me this way, and I’m still upset with you. What is it you want from me, Yuki?” Haru asked, and hated the way it came out. ‘I sound like a silly little girl, how degrading. Black Haru you’re welcome to take over anytime.’
“This doesn’t mean anything, Haru. Its just sleep, like we always do. So let’s go to sleep, okay.” Yuki begged innocently, laying down and pulling the blanket up to cover his nudity.
“You’re gonna piss me off, if you keep messing with my me, this way. You don’t want to do that, Yuki.“ Haru advised him.
“So, are you asking me to leave?” Yuki questioned, sitting up and reaching for his robe.
“That’s not what I said, Yuki. Of course, I want you to stay. I just wish that you would organize your heart. This shit is killing me. Don’t you get that?” Haru put out his hand and touched Yuki’s face. “Yuki, I love you. I’m even willing to wait for you, if you just need time to figure out what you want. I’d wait forever, if you asked me to, but you have to ask.”
“I… I can’t.” Yuki whimpered, and pulled his robe on over his small shoulders. Watching him, Haru could plainly see the tears that were concealed within his eyes. Leaning down, close to Haru’s ear, Yuki whispered, “It wouldn’t be fair for me to ask such a thing of you. You should get over me, Haru. I’m sorry.” Placing a final soft kiss on Haru’s lips, Yuki stood and walked from the room.
TOHRU *
Laying in her bed, unable to sleep, Tohru’s mind was totally focused upon Akito. He had been so wonderful to her tonight. Charming and understanding, everything she could possibly want in a man. He isn’t a prince, like Yuki, he is much more like a knight. Always, showing up at just the right moments, and protecting her from harm. How would she ever be able to repay him for his many kindnesses?
“It’s getting late.” she reminded herself, and cuddled deeper into her bed, trying to empty everything from her head, so that she might fall asleep.
A soft sound of scurrying, found it’s way through her open garden door to tickle her sleepy ears. ‘It must be Akito’s birds,” she decided, feeling completely secluded and safe within Akito’s walls. She turned over, still searching for sleep. A second later she sat up with a start. Something had jumped into her bed.
A scream came from her lips, and she lunged off of the bed.
“Miss Honda. Calm down. It‘s me.” Called Yuki’s soft voice, and Tohru sat down on her bed in relief, as the little rat walked towards her. “I knew this was where he was keeping you. Did I wake you?”
KYO *
“Yuki is such a complete fool.” Kyo said to himself, and his words sounded like a mantra to his small ears. How many times had he said these words during his lifetime? How many times had he thought them. They had become his war cry, they had become second nature. Never, however, had they felt more right then on this night.
‘Yuki was an idiot, and not just for the way he had treated Tohru.’ Kyo doubted he would ever totally forgive the stupid rat for driving away his beloved, but tonight Kyo had other reasons for feeling annoyed at Yuki as he lounged comfortably on Tohru‘s down pillow.
Kyo was strangely jealous of what Yuki had with Haru. Haru loved Yuki so much, and although he didn’t seem to realize it, Yuki obviously loved Haru too.
‘Yuki was blowing it with Haru. It was because he was a silly, greedy, bastard. Having Haru’s love wasn’t enough for Yuki, he had to have Tohru too, and now look at where Yuki’s greed had gotten him. Kyo wished, that for just one day, he had someone who cared for him the way that Haru cared for Yuki.’
“But I’m not gay!” Kyo said, out loud for emphasis. The one he wanted was not Haru, it was Tohru… but, if he was in Yuki position, if he had to make a second choice… no it still wouldn’t be Haru… it would be… it would be…
******************
Hee hee hee, sorry, you will all have to wait until chapter 17 to see who it would be… I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I will try to post more soon.
Okay, first, a big thank you to everyone for the friendly reviews, e-mails, grammar pointers, and for the simple fact that you have read my little story all the way to chapter 16. Since, I have no shame (a point well proven by chapter 15), I thrive on your feedback, and I hope it makes me write better too.
Now, something else. Some of you have written to me with deep concern about the possibility that Yuki is gay. A few of you are a little pissed at me (I don’t mind, I think it’s cute, makes me feel wicked that I got you all riled up… I am so bad) Let’s talk about this for a moment. First of all, anyone who has watched even a single episode of fruits basket must admit that Yuki (along with, pretty much, the entire Sohma clan) has some serious effeminate qualities. We would all have to be blind to miss them… hello, a boy in a dress!!!!, Second, as I have mentioned before, I adore Yuki. I fell in love with him in episode one, and it is a love that I plan on taking to the grave, however, I think Akito is a seriously fascinating character, who is dangerously in need of a nice girl, which brings me back to … Third, I have very firm beliefs about love. I do not think that a person’s race, sex or religion should ever be considered in matters of the heart. Love is love, it makes no sense, and has no boundaries. What it does have is the power to change people. For the better or for the worst. As love is the true theme of my story I needed to write what felt right to me at the moment. I ended up with chapter 15. Sorry.
That said, I want to stick a tiny warning stamp on this chapter. I have a pretty soft core Shonen-ai thing going on in this chapter. I considered raising my rating, but I don’t think it’s anything worse then you will find in Gravitation - which is 16+, so if your younger or can’t really handle it, you might want to skip over this chapter. Or just read the Akito/Tohru/Kyo parts they are pretty safe. Okay. Everyone else, enjoy
Sleepless in Sohma House
PART SIXTEEN - UNINVITED VISITOR
AKITO *
She hadn’t spoken a word on their drive back to the main house. As Akito pulled through the gate he glanced over to her. She had managed to crumple herself into a small ball, as if to make herself as tiny as she felt inside. Resting her head on her knees, she was looking away from him; gazing out of the passenger’s side window solemnly. He didn’t need to see her face to know that she was crying, all the way home he could feel her tears inside of him, his body shook with them. He couldn’t bear knowing that she was hurting, and the knowledge that Yuki was the cause behind her pain, made it all the worse. How could he fix what had been broken inside of her? How could he remove her sorrow? He thought about telling her the obvious truth, that the prissy little rat just wasn’t worth it, but he knew that to do so would only make himself sound petty. He didn’t want to be that person, he was fighting it with all of his worth, still a bitter spark of jealousy laid dormant inside of him. Like an uninvited visitor it waited to be let out.
Parking the car, he got out, and walked around to open her door for her. She turned her face away from him. Sliding out from the car, slowly, as if the simple act of moving was excruciating, and stood looking down, her eyes focused on the cobblestone driveway. Akito gently took her by the hand and led her towards the house.
Once inside, they walked down the darkened hallway towards her rooms. Her tiny sobs echoed delicately in the stillness of the empty house. Akito searched deeply within himself. What words? Was there a trick to it? Something that he could say to her that would break the powerful spell that she was presently under?
As they came upon the entrance to her rooms, he looked to her, anxiously. Trailing her line of vision, he witnessed the cascade of teardrops as they splattered down upon the hardwood floor. The ache in his own heart grew more powerful, and he sucked in his breath, attempting to keep his own tears at bay. Stopping in front of her door, he pushed it open. He squeezed her hand softly, and set it free, ignoring his urge to continue the contact with her.
“Will you be okay?” He spoke the only words that seemed appropriate at the moment. What else could he say, how else could he offer her comfort?
“Akito,” She wept, her fragile voice reminding him of a small and wounded bird, “I…”
She crumbled, into his arms. Her legs gave away, out from under her, and he wrapped her tightly to him, supporting her as he lowered them both down onto the cool wooden floor. Leaning back against the wall, ignoring the pain that was caused by his wounds, he gently caressed her sweet face and kissed the silk that was her hair. It came to him then, in a sudden moment of clarity, the answer that he was searching for, the one thing that she needed most from him. So, he remained quiet, rocking her softly in his arms, allowing her the time that she needed to cry herself empty.
TOHRU *
Lying in Akito’s arms, the last of her tears still drying on her face, Tohru was filled with remorse. She hadn’t wanted to cry in front of Akito. She had tried to hold it in. All the way home, she had battered herself, ‘Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry.’ She was utterly unsuccessful. She had never been skillful at controlling her emotions, and this was not going to be the exception.
She hated herself. She kept remembering the look on Kyo’s small face. He was worthy of so much better then her. It was unforgivable, how she had treated him. She had wanted to turn back, ask Akito to let her out of the car. She wanted to run to him, to cuddle him in her arms and explain everything to him. He deserved a proper explanation. But in the end, the result would still be the same. Kyo would never understand. She loved Kyo, he had become a necessary part of her being, but over the last few days, he had not been the one haunting her mind.
She knew it now, how she felt about Yuki. It had taken a rather nasty shock to her system to open her eyes, but in the end, she got it. Just, unfortunately, too late. Yuki was her first true love, and she had treated him dreadfully. In her life, she had never before known jealousy, and even now, she didn’t recognize it for what it was. All that she knew was that Yuki had called out to her, and she had turned her back on him. She had walked out of the forest in the arms of the one person Yuki considered his enemy. She had hurt him intentionally, it was completely unbecoming of her.
Tilting her head up, she found that Akito’s eyes were closed. He looks tired, she realized, but even in his exhaustion he is so elegant, so lovely. He looks like Yuki, yet different, they could be brothers. It was no wonder that Akito would have such an effect on her. He was, after all, another version of Yuki, only more mature. He didn’t hide his affection for her beneath a mask of excuses. He was available, and he was willing to openly love her back.
Moving closer, she melted into Akito’s chest. She put her arms around him, wanting to draw him nearer, planning to steal a kiss from his sleeping lips. She noticed it, immediately, that something felt wrong… Her hands were soaked in it, blood; she suddenly remembered Kyo’s attack.
“Akito,” She said, sitting up and pushing away from him, so that she could position herself to have a look at his back. “You’re bleeding.”
“It’s nothing,” Akito insisted, trying to pull her back to him. He hadn’t really been sleeping, just resting, and he desired to remain just as he was. He wanted her back in his arms.
“No, Akito, this is bad, there is blood all over the floor. We need to tend to this. Hatori’s not here, and if it gets infected, I wouldn’t know what to do.” Standing, Tohru reach out her hand to him. “Come on, do you have a first aid kit?”
KYO *
“I’m telling you, that was not our Tohru,” Kyo stood on top of the desk in Shigure‘s office, filling the others in on the details of their stroll in the forest. “That asshole must have erased her memory, or brainwashed her, or something. We have to rescue her.”
“I knew that bastard was up to something,” Yuki added, for once on the same wavelength as his reckless cousin.
“So, how are we going to get her back?” Momiji asked them, “Do we have a plan?”
“Well, I say we bust down the door and just take her,” Kyo suggested.
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea, Kyo. You know that we can’t go against Akito.” Shigure said reasonably.
“Well, maybe I could do it?” Ayame volunteered, “I could slither into Tohru’s room, and once inside, I can transform into my spectacular self, and break her out of there.”
“You’re not slithering anywhere, you damn pervert.” Kyo and Yuki objected.
“You shouldn’t do anything.” Black Haru popped up, from the corner of the room where he had been laying low.
“What are you talking about?” Kyo attacked, “You want us to just leave her there, at Akito’s mercy? Oh, you’d like that, wouldn’t you, princess? Then you‘d have little
Yuki-chan all to yourself.”
“Princess?” Shigure wondered, out loud.
“Yuki’s the prince…” Momiji reminded him, in a whisper.
“Oh, yeah, I forgot.” Shigure whispered back.
“Haru, you should probably stay out of this.” Yuki requested, “This isn’t something that you need to concern yourself with.” His words were cold and came out sounding more like a demand.
“You’re right, Yuki.” Haru responded, his eyes glimmering like moonlit ice as he stormed towards the door, “I, certainly, shouldn’t concern myself with your life.” In the doorway he paused, trying to keep his rising anger under control. When he spoke again, it was low and reasonable, but his eyes looked upon Yuki with contempt. “It’s just that, I think you are completely mistaken about Tohru. She’s not Akito’s hostage, Yuki. She told you that herself. She is there by choice. You two assheads, really, need to get over yourselves. Neither of you had the balls to tell her how you felt when you had the chance, and now you’re both too blind to see that she might actually be happy, maybe even give Akito a shot at happiness. You claim to love her? What kind of love is that, anyway?” Shaking his head unhappily, He…
HARU *
… Stepped out of Shigure’s office.
Haru slide the door closed behind him. He stood for a moment, trying to decide something. It was difficult, his Black side and his White side never could really agree, and he was too darn tired to actually figure out which of them was right.
Deciding to ignore them both, for a change, he moved up the stairs and headed into Yuki’s bedroom. ‘Let the rat sleep downstairs is he didn’t like it.’ Removing his clothes, he crawled into Yuki’s bed. He was asleep as soon as his head hit Yuki’s pillow.
AKITO *
She looks nervous, Akito thought to himself, as he led Tohru into his rooms. Standing just inside, she gazed around shyly; taking in his private world, and trying to pretend that she was not the least bit uncomfortable. Akito watched her and wished that he could read her mind. His rooms, like her own, were decorated in fine antiques. These rooms had once belonged to his father, and he had not altered them much, since those days. Akito found pleasure in the wine colored tapestries and the aged wood, but how did her eyes see everything? Did she find the décor disagreeable? Was it perhaps too somber for her tastes? She can change it, if she wishes, after we’re married, she can do anything she likes to this house, to me.
“The window,” she said suddenly, and moved timidly toward the large oval window where Akito was known to spend much of his time. “May I?” she asked politely, her face lighting up happily.
Akito nodded, smiling at her in wonder. Where had her sadness gone off to? She could be such a little girl sometimes, finding joy in the oddest things. He found himself sinking deeper, falling into her smile.
“It’s has such a magnificent view.” She admired, knelling on his window seat, and pushing the windows wide so that she could lean outside.
“I never knew that my window was a source of such fascination.” Akito said, moving closer to her, so that he could get a better look at her face. The sun had long since faded from the sky, and as she hung halfway out the window, staring upwards, he could see the moon clearly reflected in her eyes.
“Superb,” he whispered.
“The first time that I saw you, you were sitting here.” She reminded him. Turning to look at him, her eyes twinkled playfully, and he felt his heart quicken. She was back, maybe not one hundred percent, but she was well on her way.
“I remember, I was pretty scared of you.” She admitted. “I’d heard such terrible things about you.” Fearing that she’d perhaps said too much, her hand flew to her mouth.
“Well, I myself, was completely terrified of you.” Akito joked, and moved towards his bathroom where Hatori kept an emergency medical bag.
“You were not.” She laughed, and pulled herself back inside the room.
“Of course, I was, especially after that day at the school when you abused me. Pushing me away, like I was something dirty.” Akito teased. “You were so mean. You completely broke my heart. I was devastated.”
“Liar,” she laughed, “You hated me.”
“I didn’t. I liked you. I thought you were really cute. Didn’t I tell you so?” Akito set the medical bag on the foot of the bed and popped it open.
“Major Liar.” She accused, “You told Shigure that I was ugly! Ugly! Your exact words, you were terrible.”
“Who told you that,” Akito questioned, feeling bad that she would know such a thing.
“Oh…” She hesitated, and then smiled innocently, “It’s a secret.”
“Oh,” Akito laughed, finding the bandages and pulling them out of the bag. “So that’s how it‘s gonna be.”
“Yep,” she laughed, moving to his side, and taking the bandages from his hands. Sitting them on the bed, she searched the bag for a bottle of antiseptic. “Now come with me. We need to clean you up first.” Taking his hands she led him towards …
TOHRU *
… his bathroom was humongous. Almost twice the size of the room she had lived in at Shigure’s. His tub was big enough to seat three people comfortably, and surrounded by many candles. Breathing deeply, she enjoyed the way that it smelled. A sweet mix of grapefruit and jasmine, a scent she had already learned to distinguish as Akito’s personal scent. In fact, she had tasted it on his lips just this afternoon. Thinking of this afternoon, caused a soft blush to sneak it’s way onto her cheeks. Not wanting him to see it, she quickly stepped behind Akito, and examined his wounds.
“This looks pretty deep,” she told him, and when he turned to face her she glanced down at her feet. “I guess that Kyo doesn’t like you that much.”
“That cat, he needs to learn to control his temper.” Akito said, tilting his head to watch her in the mirror. That she was staring at the floor again, caused him much concern. “are you okay?”
“Oh… Yes, I’m fine. But…” and now Akito had taken hold of her chin and was gently lifting her head up, so that he could more clearly see her face.
“… we have to..” she mumbled incoherently, “Umm, take your shirt off so…”
Akito couldn’t help himself, her face was so red, and she was just so cute in her discomfiture, he broke into a deep laugh, and hugged her to him.
“Is the prospect of seeing my half naked body so unappealing.” He teased her. “You don’t have to do this if it makes you uncomfortable.”
“No, no, that’s not it,” Tohru lied. The idea of seeing Akito Sohma without his shirt on scared her to death. Not, because it was unappealing to her, but because it was so completely appealing to her, she didn’t know if she could handle it. However, she didn’t want him to think her a big baby. So she looked up at him proudly and declared “Really Akito, I do this sort of stuff all of the time.”
“Oh, really?” Akito wondered, “All of the time, you say?”
“Yes,” She insisted, stepping back so that she could unbutton his shirt. “all of the time, it’s my specialty.” As if to dispute her case, the button she was undoing popped off of Akito’s shirt and went flying. It smacked Akito in the head and fell harmlessly to the floor.
“I can see that,” Akito said, trying to control his laughter, and finding it nearly impossible. “You are by all means a professional.”
“You’d better believe it.” Tohru said, trying to keep a straight face as she struggled with the next button. When she couldn’t get it undone, she gave up. Grabbing the shirt in both of her hands she ripped it open in one quick tug. She then looked up at Akito with a tiny, victorious, smirk. “Like I said, it’s my specialty.“
YUKI *
Kyo was disappointed to find Yuki lying in Tohru’s bed. Jumping up, next to him, he nudged Yuki in the arm.
“You going to sleep in here again?” Kyo asked. Tonight, the cat wanted Tohru’s bed for himself.
“Haru’s in my room.” Yuki explained, letting out a soft sigh.
“Is that a problem?” Kyo asked, more out of curiosity, than out of malice.
“I’m not gay, Kyo.” Yuki asserted and pushed the cat off of the bed in frustration.
“Hey, don‘t get mad at me. I wasn‘t the one who was kissing Haru in the forest?” Kyo defended, jumping back up onto the bed, and laying claim to Tohru’s pillow.
“Haru trapped me, what was I supposed to do? I couldn’t fight him off.”
“That’s bullshit, Yuki. I know how strong you are. Why in the hell are you in denial, anyway? Do you think anyone really gives a shit if you and Haru are lovers?”
“We’re not lovers! We just kissed, and fine, maybe I did kiss Haru back, but it didn’t mean anything.” Yuki maintained, “It was just a stupid kiss.”
Kyo was silent for a moment, considering things.
“So, how was it?” Kyo questioned, and Yuki sat up in the bed preparing to kill. “Don’t get mad, Yuki. I’m not asking to be mean. I’m really just trying to understand.”
“Understand what?” Yuki asked, frostily, “You want to know if I liked kissing Haru?”
“I want to know... Sure, if you liked it… I guess… I am just confused…” Kyo stopped talking briefly, searching his heart for what he really wanted to say, “All this time, I’ve been so jealous of you, Yuki. I guess, that I’ve always known that I had no chance in hell of being with Tohru, but I thought that you did. The way you two have always looked at each other. If you don’t love her, how could you …” he didn’t get to finish, because Yuki jumped up off the bed and stomped towards the door, but before leaving he turned back.
“I do love her, Kyo. So much that I can barely stand being in this house without her here.”
“Then why Yuki? Why kiss Haru? I mean, damn, Yuki. Haru’s totally in love with you. He always has been, since we were kids. Don’t you think that what you did was pretty screwed up? Not just to Tohru, but also to Haru?”
“That’s the problem, Kyo.” Yuki confessed. Sitting back down on the bed and wrapping his arms around his knees so that he could hide his face against them. “I am in love with Tohru. I have been, since that night that she moved into this house, but even though I love her, and even though I don’t think that I’m gay… I… I care for Haru.. It’s like I love Tohru, but I desire Haru. I admit it. I’m completely fucked up. It must make you very happy.”
Kyo crawled forward, and tapped Yuki’s elbow with his paw. Yuki looked down at him, wondering.
“You’re not so fucked up. Love is a pretty terrorizing thing. I mean, look what it’s done to me.” Kyo felt satisfied, when a tiny giggle escaped Yuki’s lips. “Now, go sleep in your own room, Yuki. You got Tohru’s bed last night, tonight it’s my turn.”
“I suppose that seems fair,” Yuki agreed, and giving Kyo a look of gratitude, he walked out into the hall and headed towards …
WHITE HARU *
… the bedroom was dark, and felt stifling. Haru had recently waken, having only managed an hour of sleep. He was debating about getting up to open the window, but he was just so sleepy. Kicking off the blankets, he dug his face into Yuki’s pillow, breathing deeply and remembering the taste of Yuki’s lips.
At the sound of the door opening, Haru closed his eyes, he had nothing to say to Yuki. Feigning sleep, Haru smiled in relief as Yuki moved to the window, pushed the curtains apart, and slid the window open. The cool breeze felt wonderful on Haru’s naked skin. Peeking through his eyelashes, Haru spied on Yuki as the boy stood peering up at the stars. ’He’s thinking about her.’ Haru realized, and felt a soft stab of pain, close to his heart. He considered pulling a blanket over himself to hide his nudity, but then decided that he didn’t really care to. He was already too hot, he didn’t want to make it worse. Closing his eyes, he tried to find sleep.
YUKI *
As Yuki gazed out of his bedroom window, watching the night sky, his mind was overflowing with Haru. He had stopped by the room only to pick up a blanket, he had decided he would sleep downstairs tonight. Finding his room uncomfortably hot Yuki opened the window to let in the fresh evening air. Turning away from the window Yuki headed towards his closet, but stopped in mid-step, when his eyes fell upon his friend.
The sight that met Yuki’s eyes caused him to lose his breath. Yuki knew that Haru liked to sleep in the nude. Black Haru had informed him of this fact, often, throughout the lifetime of their friendship. Yuki, however, had never once actually seen Haru naked. On the occasions where Yuki had shared a bed with Haru, Haru had always worn, at the very least, a pair of boxers. Tonight his friend wore nothing. He slept, face down on Yuki’s futon, his arms cradling Yuki’s pillow. His back was slightly turned to Yuki, and the moonlight danced upon Haru’s creamy skin invitingly. Yuki’s heartbeat raced away, chasing a path to Yuki’s stomach, where it twisted and burned like frantic butterflies.
Yuki moved hesitantly across the room, and sat down on the edge of his futon. ‘Why are you like this, Haru?’ Yuki thought to himself. ‘You knew that I wouldn’t sleep next to you, if I found you like this. So, are you trying to tell me to stay away? Is this your way of uninviting me? You know that I hate being left out.’
Biting his lower lip, Yuki held his breath and traced a soft path along …
WHITE HARU *
…Haru’s shoulders sung out in pleasure, at Yuki’s gentle touch. Haru’s eyes popped open in shock, and then closed again. It was better if Yuki did not know he was awake. Somehow, he was sure Yuki would never have the nerve to touch him this way, if he was aware that Haru was not asleep.
Soft hands moved down his back, stroking down along the curve of his waist, and back up again to trace tiny circles along his neck. A delicate kiss was placed on the tip of his left shoulder, and then Yuki stopped. Haru silently cried out in abandonment. Holding his breath, Haru waited, in agony. Wanting to reach out to Yuki, to beg him to continue. Only, Haru’s pride held him back.
Behind him, he could hear the soft the rustle of fabric. ‘What are you doing, come back to bed, Yuki.’ Haru called to him, wordlessly. A moment later, Yuki had returned. Haru felt an army of gentle kisses work their way from the back of his neck up the side of his face. Then Yuki wrapped his arms around Haru’s waist and clung to him. Haru’s eyes flew open, because apparently, Yuki had discovered what Haru had known all along. Clothing was not meant to be slept in.
Turning to face Yuki, Haru pushed him away, harshly. Yuki had hurt him a lot today. He was not to be so easily forgiven.
“What are you doing, Yuki?” Haru questioned.
“I’m going to sleep, in my bed. You just happened to get here first.” Yuki said smartly, and even in the darkness Haru could see the blush upon the boys pretty cheeks.
“It’s not fair to tease me this way, and I’m still upset with you. What is it you want from me, Yuki?” Haru asked, and hated the way it came out. ‘I sound like a silly little girl, how degrading. Black Haru you’re welcome to take over anytime.’
“This doesn’t mean anything, Haru. Its just sleep, like we always do. So let’s go to sleep, okay.” Yuki begged innocently, laying down and pulling the blanket up to cover his nudity.
“You’re gonna piss me off, if you keep messing with my me, this way. You don’t want to do that, Yuki.“ Haru advised him.
“So, are you asking me to leave?” Yuki questioned, sitting up and reaching for his robe.
“That’s not what I said, Yuki. Of course, I want you to stay. I just wish that you would organize your heart. This shit is killing me. Don’t you get that?” Haru put out his hand and touched Yuki’s face. “Yuki, I love you. I’m even willing to wait for you, if you just need time to figure out what you want. I’d wait forever, if you asked me to, but you have to ask.”
“I… I can’t.” Yuki whimpered, and pulled his robe on over his small shoulders. Watching him, Haru could plainly see the tears that were concealed within his eyes. Leaning down, close to Haru’s ear, Yuki whispered, “It wouldn’t be fair for me to ask such a thing of you. You should get over me, Haru. I’m sorry.” Placing a final soft kiss on Haru’s lips, Yuki stood and walked from the room.
TOHRU *
Laying in her bed, unable to sleep, Tohru’s mind was totally focused upon Akito. He had been so wonderful to her tonight. Charming and understanding, everything she could possibly want in a man. He isn’t a prince, like Yuki, he is much more like a knight. Always, showing up at just the right moments, and protecting her from harm. How would she ever be able to repay him for his many kindnesses?
“It’s getting late.” she reminded herself, and cuddled deeper into her bed, trying to empty everything from her head, so that she might fall asleep.
A soft sound of scurrying, found it’s way through her open garden door to tickle her sleepy ears. ‘It must be Akito’s birds,” she decided, feeling completely secluded and safe within Akito’s walls. She turned over, still searching for sleep. A second later she sat up with a start. Something had jumped into her bed.
A scream came from her lips, and she lunged off of the bed.
“Miss Honda. Calm down. It‘s me.” Called Yuki’s soft voice, and Tohru sat down on her bed in relief, as the little rat walked towards her. “I knew this was where he was keeping you. Did I wake you?”
KYO *
“Yuki is such a complete fool.” Kyo said to himself, and his words sounded like a mantra to his small ears. How many times had he said these words during his lifetime? How many times had he thought them. They had become his war cry, they had become second nature. Never, however, had they felt more right then on this night.
‘Yuki was an idiot, and not just for the way he had treated Tohru.’ Kyo doubted he would ever totally forgive the stupid rat for driving away his beloved, but tonight Kyo had other reasons for feeling annoyed at Yuki as he lounged comfortably on Tohru‘s down pillow.
Kyo was strangely jealous of what Yuki had with Haru. Haru loved Yuki so much, and although he didn’t seem to realize it, Yuki obviously loved Haru too.
‘Yuki was blowing it with Haru. It was because he was a silly, greedy, bastard. Having Haru’s love wasn’t enough for Yuki, he had to have Tohru too, and now look at where Yuki’s greed had gotten him. Kyo wished, that for just one day, he had someone who cared for him the way that Haru cared for Yuki.’
“But I’m not gay!” Kyo said, out loud for emphasis. The one he wanted was not Haru, it was Tohru… but, if he was in Yuki position, if he had to make a second choice… no it still wouldn’t be Haru… it would be… it would be…
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Hee hee hee, sorry, you will all have to wait until chapter 17 to see who it would be… I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I will try to post more soon.