Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Sleepless in Sohma House ❯ Second Choices ( Chapter 18 )
[ 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: 12.02.2003 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.7K | Visits: 775 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Fruits Basket Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Comedy | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 12.02.2003 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.7K | Visits: 775 | 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.
My, my, my… I knew that I was going to have hell to pay for my last chapter. (Evil laugh, as I count the zeros on my check from Akito) But come on now, be nice… after all I did give you a little taste of Yuki/Tohru i.e. remember, the kiss. That part was so fun to write, after this story I must do a serious Yuki/Tohru lovey dovey fic.
Next thing. Who the heck is Rin? Kidding, thanks to Inu Youkai-Hime. (You are the best, thanks again for the cute pictures, young Yuki; I just want to adopt him, so precious.) I now know that Rin is one of the characters from the Manga version, but since I can’t read Japanese (so sad about that) and since the Manga won’t start coming to America until next year (I love you Tokyopop, my first born is in the mail) I decided that my story is only a continuation of the Anime… Speaking of, what is wrong with those people at Funimation, why would they stop at 4 DVDs? I want more Fruits Basket and I want it now. Anyone else with me? Oh, and to my Wannabehobbit buddy, Hatori is the dragon, Seahorse/dragon? I don’t know exact how that fits together, there are still many strange things in this world unknown to me, but he is.
Lastly, I also need to send out a special Thank You to my dear friend Hikari-chan, for her assistance and advice on this chapter, and for the non-stop laughs that her wonderful e-mails give me each and everyday. Pink Jello Army, ha ha ha, you crack me up. Also, one final thank you to Shiara-chan, I hope you are taking good care of Black Haru-chan for us.
Very lastly, the rating thing again. While I try to be good, and I try to keep this story on the straight and narrow (pardon the bad pun), I really do have a bit of a passion for good Yaoi, also Akito puts a special bonus in my check whenever I write an especially tasty Haru/Yuki yaoi scene. I wonder why that is? So, once again this is 16+, at least the first two scenes. If you are not ready to deal with yaoi, please skip down to Tohru’s scene.
Okay, now that that is out of my system, you may continue:
Sleepless in Sohma House
PART EIGHTEEN - SECOND CHOICES
HARU *
It was late in the morning when Hatsuharu finally awoke. Sitting up in the futon and, stretching his neck slowly from side to side, he looked down upon the naked, angelic, form of his sleeping prince.
“God, Yuki…” He said in a low, somewhat gloomy, voice. “Why do you keep doing this to me?”
“What’s the problem?” His white side wondered, and slowly ran a finger along the prince’s sleeping face. “He came back to you. He obviously wants you. We won.”
“That’s bullshit! You moron, you got him by default!” His black side bitched, “Are you really going to take that shit from him?” Haru yanked his hand back, as if as from a raging fire.
“Is it so bad?” His white side questioned. “He’s here, he let you make out with him this morning. I mean look at him, he’s fabulous.”
“You’re only the rebound.” His black side insisted. “Do you really want to be Yuki’s second choice? Is that really good enough for you?”
Haru leaned down, brushing his lips upon Yuki’s sweet mouth. Yuki mumbled something, too soft for Haru to hear, and turned over on his back.
‘Man! Are you trying to make me attack you?’ Haru thought, running his eyes, slowly, along the entire length of Yuki’s slender body. The prince’s feet were petite for a boy, tiny and perfect. His legs were thin, but muscular, with just the lightest layer of silky soft hair covering them. Moving upwards, Haru stopped, a wickedly delighted smile gracing his handsome face. “I’m bigger than him, but he’s certainly not bad.” Black Haru announced proudly. “We Sohma men, we might be cursed in a lot of ways, but we are, most assuredly, blessed when it comes to certain, minor, details.”
“Shut up, you pervert, you sound like Shigure.” White Haru reprimanded his black counterpart, and returned to his careful appraisal. With one hand, Haru lightly stroked the soft skin on Yuki’s perfectly toned stomach, and moved upwards to gently caress Yuki’s tiny round nipples. “They are so cute,” his white side told him. “So small, so adorable.” Haru leaned over and lightly touched one with the tip of his tongue. “Um, he tastes like sugar candy.” His white side purred.
“You’re such a wuss,” his black side complained. “So what? You’re just going to forgive Yuki? He treats you like shit, goes chasing after that stupid girl, and you’re just going to forget?”
“No, Damn it. I‘m not.” Haru groaned, dragging his lips from Yuki’s chest and pushing himself backwards to put some distance between them. “I can’t do this anymore. I’ve got to get the hell out of here.”
“That’s right, Hatsuharu. Be a man, dump this little sissy boy.“ His black side cheered, but then reconsidered, “Unless you want to have a little fun with him first, I’m all up for that idea.
“Leave me the hell alone,” Haru said, sticking a finger in his ear, and twisting it “you’re two are driving me out of my friggin mind.”
Gathering his clothes, Haru walked, naked, out of the room…
AYAME *
… And right smack into Yuki’s flamboyant older brother.
“Oh, Hatsuharu,” Ayame giggled, his eyes moving fondly up and down Haru’s body. “My how you’ve grown.” Seeing where Ayame’s eyes were focused, Haru positioned his pile of clothing to cover himself and attempted to pass Ayame by.
“Well, then Haru,” Ayame teased, taking a quick step in front of the boy and leaning down into Haru’s face. “What were you and my little brother, Yuki, up to in there? Do tell.”
“Ya really, want to know, Aya?” Black Haru purred, and took a hold of the front of Aya‘s robe. “Maybe you’d like me to show you?”
“Oh, Black Haru. I didn’t know that YOU were here.” Ayame said, backing away from Haru with a disappoint shrug. “That’s okay, just forget I asked.”
Behind them, the door to Kyo’s room flew open. Kyo stormed out, a naked picture of perfection, having transformed back into his human form during the night. “What in the heck are you two freaks doing out here. I’m trying to get some sleep.”
“Oh, Lucky Kyo.” Ayame said, unable to resist checking Kyo out. “I see you made it back.”
“HARU, WHY IN THE HELL ARE YOU STANDING IN THE HALL WITHOUT ANY CLOTHES ON? AND YOU, AYAME, YOU STUPID PERVERT, WHAT IN THE HELL ARE YOU LOOKING AT.”
“Kyo,” Haru pointed out. “You’re you again.”
“I’m me?” Kyo wondered, looking down at himself. “What do you know, I’m big again.”
“You certainly are,” Ayame flirted, and was immediately sent flying by Kyo’s perfectly placed kick.
“DON’T LOOK AT ME THAT WAY, YOU NASTY FREAK. WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE ANYWAY? DON‘T YOU HAVE A SHOP TO RUN?” And then to Haru, “AND YOU, PUT SOME CLOTHES ON.”
With that Kyo stormed back into his bedroom, slamming the door behind him.
KYO *
Closing the door to his room, Kyo stepped over Momiji‘s suitcase and moved to his dresser. Opening the top draw he pulled out a clean pair of cargo pants and a black t-shirt. Kyo quickly got dressed. Once done he glanced into the full-length mirror next to the dresser, and took a moment to admire himself. “Well. It’s not much, but at least I‘m a human again.” He said pessimistically.
Walking back to the open dresser, he then dug down into the bottom of the drawer and removed a tiny silver picture frame. On the way to his futon he stopped at his bookcase and pulled out his school year book. Sitting down, he looked at the picture in the frame. It was a picture of Tohru Honda at the lake house. Shigure had taken it during the weekend of that ridicules trip. Kyo and Yuki had both wanted the picture, but of course neither of them had the guts to ask for it. One morning, Kyo woke to find the picture, framed and laying upon his pillow. A tiny note let Kyo know that it was a present from Shigure. Sometimes the dog was too clever for his own good. Kyo cherished the picture, but kept it hidden away in his dresser afraid of what the rat would have to say if he ever discovered it. None of that mattered now.
Turning the frame over, he pushed back the tiny clips that kept the picture in place, and removed the photo inside. Taking one final glance at the smiling face of Tohru Honda, Kyo slowly ripped it in two, then he calmly balled the photo up inside his fist and pitched it out the open window.
Opening the yearbook, Kyo paged through it until he found what he was looking for. A picture of the Yankee, complete with white medical mask. Tearing it, carefully, out of the book he placed it inside the frame, replaced the frames backing, and hugged it to his heart. ‘This one,’ he vowed, ‘I’m not going to lose.’
HARU *
Haru avoided the main gate leading into the Sohma compound, in favor of a smaller entrance. Doing so forced him to go out of his way, and since he got turned around twice, it took forever for him to finally reach his small house. Regardless, he felt certain that the hassle was well worth it. Taking this route allowed him to completely avoid passing both the main house, as well as the Sohma hospital. Knowing that his wounded heart couldn’t handle any further thoughts of Yuki, he had decided that it would be best to avoid anything that might trigger memories of the pretty violet-eyed boy. Unfortunately, that meant avoiding just about everything and everyone.
Finding that Kisa and Hiro were playing, on the sidewalk, outside of his yard. Haru skipped his front door, and snuck around to a side entrance that led straight into his bedroom. Once safely inside, Haru locked his door and crumbled down upon his black and white futon. Hugging his pillow desperately to his chest. Haru stared mindlessly up at the ceiling, doing his best to control the war of emotions that he felt raging inside.
YUKI *
Momiji, Kyo, Ayame, and Shigure were at the dinner table, fighting over the last piece of pizza, when Yuki came down the stairs.
Noticing that Kyo had, at long last, transformed back, Yuki couldn’t help but provoke him, “Got over your little crush on Miss Honda, huh Kyo?”
“THAT’S RIGHT, I’M BACK, SO YOU BETTER WATCH IT GIRLY BOY.” Kyo threatened, jumping to his feet, and shaking his fist.
“Or what? What are you going to do, you annoying cat?” Yuki goaded, his eyes shining blackly and his hands posed for action. For a change the rat was the one aching for a good fight.
“Now calm down boys, we can’t have you destroying the house again.” Shigure calmed.
“You’re right, sorry Shigure.” Kyo agreed, earning him strange looks from everyone at the table. Kyo hated backing down, but the look in Yuki’s eyes actually frightened him, and Kyo was rarely frightened by anything.
“Where’s Haru?” Yuki asked, casually changing the subject.
“Haru, went home.” Shigure informed him, sympathetically.
“I see.” Yuki said quietly, a look of disappointment passing momentarily over his eyes, before he brushed it away with a twist of his pretty head. “Well, then, good night.” Yuki headed back up the stairs.
“Yuki,” Ayame called, grabbing the last piece of pizza out of Kyo’s hand and waving it after him. “I saved you a piece of pizza. You should eat.”
“No thanks.” Yuki answered, not bothering to look back.
TOHRU *
Beneath the gently fading summer sky, a pretty white bird sits perched upon the thin branch of a plum tree, and sings sweetly to a young girl seated below. Hearing him, Tohru looks up from Akito’s mother’s diary, and graces the bird with an appreciative smile. Wiping away, the tiniest tear from her sun kissed cheek, she reads:
He doesn’t love me. He told me so himself. He was smiling when he said it. It was as if he enjoyed inflicting such pain upon me. I was a convenience, those were his exact words. His family forced me upon him. I am simply a part of his curse. But, he does love someone, apparently. I am surprised that he is actually capable of it, a man so touched by rage and brutality, is it even possible? If only I could close off my heart, if only I didn’t care for him so. My one solace lies within the knowledge that he can never, wholly, possess the one that he truly desires. His mistress belongs to another. She is the wife of his cousin. It’s disgusting really, the way he dotes on that woman and her child. You would think that the brat was his own, but that, of course, is not the case. The burden of bringing a new head of the family into the world has been granted to me. It is my own, personal, curse. I was born into it, really, my family being a part of the zodiac. My grandfather carried the curse of the rat…
“RAT!” Tohru bolted up in shock, the book dropping from her shaking hands. Akito’s great grandfather was the rat, like Yuki? Did Akito know?
Grabbing the book back into her hands, she found her place, and continued to read.
AKITO *
Akito sat at his window seat, and gazed down at the ring that he held in his hand. It wasn’t a particularly attractive ring. A large perfect diamond in a setting of pure white gold. Surrounding the diamond were thirteen tiny stones, one to represent each member of the zodiac. It was a family heirloom passed down for generations. It was ancient, and ugly, just like the curse that it represented. He hated it, hated everything that it stood for, everything that it meant. It was part of the tradition, this ring, and part of the ceremony that would inevitably come to pass. His mother had worn the ring, and his father’s mother before her. Now, it was time for it to pass down to another, it was time for Akito to pay tribute to the curse.
Looking through the window, he could see her. She sat in the distance, on the other side of the riverbed, her mind completely absorbed within a book. Seeing her thus, so adorable in her new summer dress, brought a smile to his lips, and an ache to his heart. It wasn’t just love, what he felt for her, for surly these feelings surpassed love. Each day that passed, each second that he knew her, it grew. She was his hope, his desire, and his faith. She gave him something to care for, something to pray for, she gave him a reason to live.
Unfortunately, Akito knew that he couldn’t live, not much longer. He simply had a bit of family business to attend to, fathering a new heir, and then he would become obsolete. No matter how much he loved her, no matter how much he desired to live for her, to grow old with her. He understood that he was powerless to change his fate. In the end the curse would kill him, as it did with his father, as it always did.
Seeing that she was looking his way, he smiled for her. When she waved happily back at him, and called for him to come outside to join her. He stood. Placing the ring back inside its small-jeweled case, Akito exchanged his robes for a pair of black jeans and a black silk shirt. Putting the future out of his mind, he headed outside to his heart.
TOHRU *
Returning the diary to its velvet bag, Tohru shoved it inside her tote. Akito was walking towards her, his sweet smile making her heart twist and turn. He looked so cute today. Just like a regular boy. Tohru found it amazing that two weeks had passed by so quickly. Last night Hatori and Yoshi had arrived home, sporting suntans and souvenirs. They were so cute together, so obviously taken with each other. Tohru was happy that Hatori had found someone to take the place of his Kana.
Hana and Uo should be back by now as well, she realized. The new school year would be starting in just a few days. Thinking of her friends sent a tremor of guilt through her. I should have called them. She repented. They didn’t even know that she had moved. ‘I’ll call them tonight.’ she promised herself, and smiled at Akito as he dropped down beside her and placed a light kiss on her cheek.
“What are you thinking about?” He asked her, “Me, perhaps?”
“Akito.” she giggled, like the schoolgirl that she was, “You sound like Ayame when you say things like that.”
“Now that’s a scary thought.” Akito shivered, and wrapped her in his arms. “So, what were you really thinking about?”
“Really? I was just thinking about Hana and Uo. They should be back from vacation by now, and I haven’t called them yet.”
“Oh,” Akito said, a shadow falling over his eyes, “You’re two friends are home now?”
“Yes.” Tohru told him, noticing the change in him, but not understanding its cause.
“So…” Akito started, but fell quiet.
“Akito?” Tohru wondered, “Is everything alright?”
“Your friends are back, and Hatori’s home. That must mean that our deal is officially over.”
“Oh, Yes, I guess that it is.” Tohru said, and then she understood. Her eyes grew big and she flew instantly into Tohru panic mode, “The two weeks, it’s over…so… You must want me to move out now. I mean since my friends are back, and we did agree that it was only for two weeks… I should go pack now… I …” Rushing to her feet, she was about to head off when Akito jumped up and grabbed her into his arms.
“Wait.” He commanded.
Tohru stopped, staring down at her toes. Taking her chin in his hand he lifted her face to him, as he suspected it was covered in tears.
“Do you really want to go?” He asked her, pulling her closer, so that he could kiss her tear stained cheeks..
“Akito.” She whispered, falling under the spell of his lips.
“Say it Tohru. I need to hear you say it. Tell me you don’t want to go. Tell me you want to live here in the main house, tell me you want to stay here, with me.”
“Akito.” Tohru sobbed, “I don’t want to go. I want to stay here. I want to stay here with you.”
“Forever?” He questioned, looking deep into her eyes, and breathing a sigh of relief when she quickly nodded her pretty head.
“Yes, Akito. I want to stay forever.”
“Good.” Akito said softly, “Because I wasn’t planning on ever letting you go.”
“Oh really,” Tohru laughed, as he pulled her into a gentle kiss. “Why am I not surprised?”
***********************
Okay, I probably need to say sorry for all the nudity and innuendos that went on during the first two scenes… I couldn’t help myself, but I toned it down a lot from my first draft. The simple fact that the Fruits Basket characters are naked upon transformation just leaves them open for all sorts of abuse…. Still I probably got a little carried away.
Speaking of carried away. Chapter 18 is over, and yes, I am still not done yet. You may notice that I worked a little fast forward action into this chapter… I needed to get through the summer, and at the rate I was going it would have taken me 50 chapters to get there. Well, the next chapter is called Back to School, and I have already started writing it. I try to have it up by the weekend. I think you will like it, or maybe hate it, depending on your preferences. Well, bye for now… see you again soon.
My, my, my… I knew that I was going to have hell to pay for my last chapter. (Evil laugh, as I count the zeros on my check from Akito) But come on now, be nice… after all I did give you a little taste of Yuki/Tohru i.e. remember, the kiss. That part was so fun to write, after this story I must do a serious Yuki/Tohru lovey dovey fic.
Next thing. Who the heck is Rin? Kidding, thanks to Inu Youkai-Hime. (You are the best, thanks again for the cute pictures, young Yuki; I just want to adopt him, so precious.) I now know that Rin is one of the characters from the Manga version, but since I can’t read Japanese (so sad about that) and since the Manga won’t start coming to America until next year (I love you Tokyopop, my first born is in the mail) I decided that my story is only a continuation of the Anime… Speaking of, what is wrong with those people at Funimation, why would they stop at 4 DVDs? I want more Fruits Basket and I want it now. Anyone else with me? Oh, and to my Wannabehobbit buddy, Hatori is the dragon, Seahorse/dragon? I don’t know exact how that fits together, there are still many strange things in this world unknown to me, but he is.
Lastly, I also need to send out a special Thank You to my dear friend Hikari-chan, for her assistance and advice on this chapter, and for the non-stop laughs that her wonderful e-mails give me each and everyday. Pink Jello Army, ha ha ha, you crack me up. Also, one final thank you to Shiara-chan, I hope you are taking good care of Black Haru-chan for us.
Very lastly, the rating thing again. While I try to be good, and I try to keep this story on the straight and narrow (pardon the bad pun), I really do have a bit of a passion for good Yaoi, also Akito puts a special bonus in my check whenever I write an especially tasty Haru/Yuki yaoi scene. I wonder why that is? So, once again this is 16+, at least the first two scenes. If you are not ready to deal with yaoi, please skip down to Tohru’s scene.
Okay, now that that is out of my system, you may continue:
Sleepless in Sohma House
PART EIGHTEEN - SECOND CHOICES
HARU *
It was late in the morning when Hatsuharu finally awoke. Sitting up in the futon and, stretching his neck slowly from side to side, he looked down upon the naked, angelic, form of his sleeping prince.
“God, Yuki…” He said in a low, somewhat gloomy, voice. “Why do you keep doing this to me?”
“What’s the problem?” His white side wondered, and slowly ran a finger along the prince’s sleeping face. “He came back to you. He obviously wants you. We won.”
“That’s bullshit! You moron, you got him by default!” His black side bitched, “Are you really going to take that shit from him?” Haru yanked his hand back, as if as from a raging fire.
“Is it so bad?” His white side questioned. “He’s here, he let you make out with him this morning. I mean look at him, he’s fabulous.”
“You’re only the rebound.” His black side insisted. “Do you really want to be Yuki’s second choice? Is that really good enough for you?”
Haru leaned down, brushing his lips upon Yuki’s sweet mouth. Yuki mumbled something, too soft for Haru to hear, and turned over on his back.
‘Man! Are you trying to make me attack you?’ Haru thought, running his eyes, slowly, along the entire length of Yuki’s slender body. The prince’s feet were petite for a boy, tiny and perfect. His legs were thin, but muscular, with just the lightest layer of silky soft hair covering them. Moving upwards, Haru stopped, a wickedly delighted smile gracing his handsome face. “I’m bigger than him, but he’s certainly not bad.” Black Haru announced proudly. “We Sohma men, we might be cursed in a lot of ways, but we are, most assuredly, blessed when it comes to certain, minor, details.”
“Shut up, you pervert, you sound like Shigure.” White Haru reprimanded his black counterpart, and returned to his careful appraisal. With one hand, Haru lightly stroked the soft skin on Yuki’s perfectly toned stomach, and moved upwards to gently caress Yuki’s tiny round nipples. “They are so cute,” his white side told him. “So small, so adorable.” Haru leaned over and lightly touched one with the tip of his tongue. “Um, he tastes like sugar candy.” His white side purred.
“You’re such a wuss,” his black side complained. “So what? You’re just going to forgive Yuki? He treats you like shit, goes chasing after that stupid girl, and you’re just going to forget?”
“No, Damn it. I‘m not.” Haru groaned, dragging his lips from Yuki’s chest and pushing himself backwards to put some distance between them. “I can’t do this anymore. I’ve got to get the hell out of here.”
“That’s right, Hatsuharu. Be a man, dump this little sissy boy.“ His black side cheered, but then reconsidered, “Unless you want to have a little fun with him first, I’m all up for that idea.
“Leave me the hell alone,” Haru said, sticking a finger in his ear, and twisting it “you’re two are driving me out of my friggin mind.”
Gathering his clothes, Haru walked, naked, out of the room…
AYAME *
… And right smack into Yuki’s flamboyant older brother.
“Oh, Hatsuharu,” Ayame giggled, his eyes moving fondly up and down Haru’s body. “My how you’ve grown.” Seeing where Ayame’s eyes were focused, Haru positioned his pile of clothing to cover himself and attempted to pass Ayame by.
“Well, then Haru,” Ayame teased, taking a quick step in front of the boy and leaning down into Haru’s face. “What were you and my little brother, Yuki, up to in there? Do tell.”
“Ya really, want to know, Aya?” Black Haru purred, and took a hold of the front of Aya‘s robe. “Maybe you’d like me to show you?”
“Oh, Black Haru. I didn’t know that YOU were here.” Ayame said, backing away from Haru with a disappoint shrug. “That’s okay, just forget I asked.”
Behind them, the door to Kyo’s room flew open. Kyo stormed out, a naked picture of perfection, having transformed back into his human form during the night. “What in the heck are you two freaks doing out here. I’m trying to get some sleep.”
“Oh, Lucky Kyo.” Ayame said, unable to resist checking Kyo out. “I see you made it back.”
“HARU, WHY IN THE HELL ARE YOU STANDING IN THE HALL WITHOUT ANY CLOTHES ON? AND YOU, AYAME, YOU STUPID PERVERT, WHAT IN THE HELL ARE YOU LOOKING AT.”
“Kyo,” Haru pointed out. “You’re you again.”
“I’m me?” Kyo wondered, looking down at himself. “What do you know, I’m big again.”
“You certainly are,” Ayame flirted, and was immediately sent flying by Kyo’s perfectly placed kick.
“DON’T LOOK AT ME THAT WAY, YOU NASTY FREAK. WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE ANYWAY? DON‘T YOU HAVE A SHOP TO RUN?” And then to Haru, “AND YOU, PUT SOME CLOTHES ON.”
With that Kyo stormed back into his bedroom, slamming the door behind him.
KYO *
Closing the door to his room, Kyo stepped over Momiji‘s suitcase and moved to his dresser. Opening the top draw he pulled out a clean pair of cargo pants and a black t-shirt. Kyo quickly got dressed. Once done he glanced into the full-length mirror next to the dresser, and took a moment to admire himself. “Well. It’s not much, but at least I‘m a human again.” He said pessimistically.
Walking back to the open dresser, he then dug down into the bottom of the drawer and removed a tiny silver picture frame. On the way to his futon he stopped at his bookcase and pulled out his school year book. Sitting down, he looked at the picture in the frame. It was a picture of Tohru Honda at the lake house. Shigure had taken it during the weekend of that ridicules trip. Kyo and Yuki had both wanted the picture, but of course neither of them had the guts to ask for it. One morning, Kyo woke to find the picture, framed and laying upon his pillow. A tiny note let Kyo know that it was a present from Shigure. Sometimes the dog was too clever for his own good. Kyo cherished the picture, but kept it hidden away in his dresser afraid of what the rat would have to say if he ever discovered it. None of that mattered now.
Turning the frame over, he pushed back the tiny clips that kept the picture in place, and removed the photo inside. Taking one final glance at the smiling face of Tohru Honda, Kyo slowly ripped it in two, then he calmly balled the photo up inside his fist and pitched it out the open window.
Opening the yearbook, Kyo paged through it until he found what he was looking for. A picture of the Yankee, complete with white medical mask. Tearing it, carefully, out of the book he placed it inside the frame, replaced the frames backing, and hugged it to his heart. ‘This one,’ he vowed, ‘I’m not going to lose.’
HARU *
Haru avoided the main gate leading into the Sohma compound, in favor of a smaller entrance. Doing so forced him to go out of his way, and since he got turned around twice, it took forever for him to finally reach his small house. Regardless, he felt certain that the hassle was well worth it. Taking this route allowed him to completely avoid passing both the main house, as well as the Sohma hospital. Knowing that his wounded heart couldn’t handle any further thoughts of Yuki, he had decided that it would be best to avoid anything that might trigger memories of the pretty violet-eyed boy. Unfortunately, that meant avoiding just about everything and everyone.
Finding that Kisa and Hiro were playing, on the sidewalk, outside of his yard. Haru skipped his front door, and snuck around to a side entrance that led straight into his bedroom. Once safely inside, Haru locked his door and crumbled down upon his black and white futon. Hugging his pillow desperately to his chest. Haru stared mindlessly up at the ceiling, doing his best to control the war of emotions that he felt raging inside.
YUKI *
Momiji, Kyo, Ayame, and Shigure were at the dinner table, fighting over the last piece of pizza, when Yuki came down the stairs.
Noticing that Kyo had, at long last, transformed back, Yuki couldn’t help but provoke him, “Got over your little crush on Miss Honda, huh Kyo?”
“THAT’S RIGHT, I’M BACK, SO YOU BETTER WATCH IT GIRLY BOY.” Kyo threatened, jumping to his feet, and shaking his fist.
“Or what? What are you going to do, you annoying cat?” Yuki goaded, his eyes shining blackly and his hands posed for action. For a change the rat was the one aching for a good fight.
“Now calm down boys, we can’t have you destroying the house again.” Shigure calmed.
“You’re right, sorry Shigure.” Kyo agreed, earning him strange looks from everyone at the table. Kyo hated backing down, but the look in Yuki’s eyes actually frightened him, and Kyo was rarely frightened by anything.
“Where’s Haru?” Yuki asked, casually changing the subject.
“Haru, went home.” Shigure informed him, sympathetically.
“I see.” Yuki said quietly, a look of disappointment passing momentarily over his eyes, before he brushed it away with a twist of his pretty head. “Well, then, good night.” Yuki headed back up the stairs.
“Yuki,” Ayame called, grabbing the last piece of pizza out of Kyo’s hand and waving it after him. “I saved you a piece of pizza. You should eat.”
“No thanks.” Yuki answered, not bothering to look back.
TOHRU *
Beneath the gently fading summer sky, a pretty white bird sits perched upon the thin branch of a plum tree, and sings sweetly to a young girl seated below. Hearing him, Tohru looks up from Akito’s mother’s diary, and graces the bird with an appreciative smile. Wiping away, the tiniest tear from her sun kissed cheek, she reads:
He doesn’t love me. He told me so himself. He was smiling when he said it. It was as if he enjoyed inflicting such pain upon me. I was a convenience, those were his exact words. His family forced me upon him. I am simply a part of his curse. But, he does love someone, apparently. I am surprised that he is actually capable of it, a man so touched by rage and brutality, is it even possible? If only I could close off my heart, if only I didn’t care for him so. My one solace lies within the knowledge that he can never, wholly, possess the one that he truly desires. His mistress belongs to another. She is the wife of his cousin. It’s disgusting really, the way he dotes on that woman and her child. You would think that the brat was his own, but that, of course, is not the case. The burden of bringing a new head of the family into the world has been granted to me. It is my own, personal, curse. I was born into it, really, my family being a part of the zodiac. My grandfather carried the curse of the rat…
“RAT!” Tohru bolted up in shock, the book dropping from her shaking hands. Akito’s great grandfather was the rat, like Yuki? Did Akito know?
Grabbing the book back into her hands, she found her place, and continued to read.
AKITO *
Akito sat at his window seat, and gazed down at the ring that he held in his hand. It wasn’t a particularly attractive ring. A large perfect diamond in a setting of pure white gold. Surrounding the diamond were thirteen tiny stones, one to represent each member of the zodiac. It was a family heirloom passed down for generations. It was ancient, and ugly, just like the curse that it represented. He hated it, hated everything that it stood for, everything that it meant. It was part of the tradition, this ring, and part of the ceremony that would inevitably come to pass. His mother had worn the ring, and his father’s mother before her. Now, it was time for it to pass down to another, it was time for Akito to pay tribute to the curse.
Looking through the window, he could see her. She sat in the distance, on the other side of the riverbed, her mind completely absorbed within a book. Seeing her thus, so adorable in her new summer dress, brought a smile to his lips, and an ache to his heart. It wasn’t just love, what he felt for her, for surly these feelings surpassed love. Each day that passed, each second that he knew her, it grew. She was his hope, his desire, and his faith. She gave him something to care for, something to pray for, she gave him a reason to live.
Unfortunately, Akito knew that he couldn’t live, not much longer. He simply had a bit of family business to attend to, fathering a new heir, and then he would become obsolete. No matter how much he loved her, no matter how much he desired to live for her, to grow old with her. He understood that he was powerless to change his fate. In the end the curse would kill him, as it did with his father, as it always did.
Seeing that she was looking his way, he smiled for her. When she waved happily back at him, and called for him to come outside to join her. He stood. Placing the ring back inside its small-jeweled case, Akito exchanged his robes for a pair of black jeans and a black silk shirt. Putting the future out of his mind, he headed outside to his heart.
TOHRU *
Returning the diary to its velvet bag, Tohru shoved it inside her tote. Akito was walking towards her, his sweet smile making her heart twist and turn. He looked so cute today. Just like a regular boy. Tohru found it amazing that two weeks had passed by so quickly. Last night Hatori and Yoshi had arrived home, sporting suntans and souvenirs. They were so cute together, so obviously taken with each other. Tohru was happy that Hatori had found someone to take the place of his Kana.
Hana and Uo should be back by now as well, she realized. The new school year would be starting in just a few days. Thinking of her friends sent a tremor of guilt through her. I should have called them. She repented. They didn’t even know that she had moved. ‘I’ll call them tonight.’ she promised herself, and smiled at Akito as he dropped down beside her and placed a light kiss on her cheek.
“What are you thinking about?” He asked her, “Me, perhaps?”
“Akito.” she giggled, like the schoolgirl that she was, “You sound like Ayame when you say things like that.”
“Now that’s a scary thought.” Akito shivered, and wrapped her in his arms. “So, what were you really thinking about?”
“Really? I was just thinking about Hana and Uo. They should be back from vacation by now, and I haven’t called them yet.”
“Oh,” Akito said, a shadow falling over his eyes, “You’re two friends are home now?”
“Yes.” Tohru told him, noticing the change in him, but not understanding its cause.
“So…” Akito started, but fell quiet.
“Akito?” Tohru wondered, “Is everything alright?”
“Your friends are back, and Hatori’s home. That must mean that our deal is officially over.”
“Oh, Yes, I guess that it is.” Tohru said, and then she understood. Her eyes grew big and she flew instantly into Tohru panic mode, “The two weeks, it’s over…so… You must want me to move out now. I mean since my friends are back, and we did agree that it was only for two weeks… I should go pack now… I …” Rushing to her feet, she was about to head off when Akito jumped up and grabbed her into his arms.
“Wait.” He commanded.
Tohru stopped, staring down at her toes. Taking her chin in his hand he lifted her face to him, as he suspected it was covered in tears.
“Do you really want to go?” He asked her, pulling her closer, so that he could kiss her tear stained cheeks..
“Akito.” She whispered, falling under the spell of his lips.
“Say it Tohru. I need to hear you say it. Tell me you don’t want to go. Tell me you want to live here in the main house, tell me you want to stay here, with me.”
“Akito.” Tohru sobbed, “I don’t want to go. I want to stay here. I want to stay here with you.”
“Forever?” He questioned, looking deep into her eyes, and breathing a sigh of relief when she quickly nodded her pretty head.
“Yes, Akito. I want to stay forever.”
“Good.” Akito said softly, “Because I wasn’t planning on ever letting you go.”
“Oh really,” Tohru laughed, as he pulled her into a gentle kiss. “Why am I not surprised?”
***********************
Okay, I probably need to say sorry for all the nudity and innuendos that went on during the first two scenes… I couldn’t help myself, but I toned it down a lot from my first draft. The simple fact that the Fruits Basket characters are naked upon transformation just leaves them open for all sorts of abuse…. Still I probably got a little carried away.
Speaking of carried away. Chapter 18 is over, and yes, I am still not done yet. You may notice that I worked a little fast forward action into this chapter… I needed to get through the summer, and at the rate I was going it would have taken me 50 chapters to get there. Well, the next chapter is called Back to School, and I have already started writing it. I try to have it up by the weekend. I think you will like it, or maybe hate it, depending on your preferences. Well, bye for now… see you again soon.