Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Sleepless in Sohma House ❯ More Promises! ( Chapter 24 )
[ 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: 12.28.2003 | Updated On: 12.28.2003 | Pages: 5 | Words: 8.7K | Visits: 942 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Fruits Basket Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Comedy | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 12.28.2003 | Updated On: 12.28.2003 | Pages: 5 | Words: 8.7K | Visits: 942 | Status: Completed
Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket or it's characters. It belongs to Takaya Nasuki. Yuki too, and I‘d only corrupt him if he did belong to me.
Well, I promised you a long romantic chapter, and I do believe that I have delivered the goods. The votes came in, and it has been decided. Two versions. Fanfiction.net gets PG-13, and Mediaminer.org gets NC-17. That’s right, I did say NC-17. Well, it’s kind of on the border, but I wanted to be safe. In all honesty, I really got lost in this chapter, and I hope that my NC-17 version is art and not smut, but that is a matter of opinion. If you’re old enough, and can handle it, I highly recommend the NC-17 version, which I feel is much, much better. Basically the NC-17 version of this chapter is a Haru/Yuki lemon, and my next chapter will probably be an Akito/Tohru lemon. (It was a special request, and I hope that I can do it justice) As for a Kyo/Uo lemon, It will probably only happen if I do a good job with these other two, (you’ll have to tell me if I did) and I get enough requests for it. By the way, as a couple of you had trouble locating the media miner version of my other story, (the site defaults to PG-13, so to see R and NC-17 you have to search,) please feel free to e-mail me (see my profile for my e-mail address) and I will be happy to forward you the link.
In addition, I have added a special warning, even in my PG-13 version; you’ll know it when you see it. I don’t want to spoil any innocent minds.
Lastly, I know that some of you hate Haru/Yuki as a couple, but I can’t help it, I just think they are so cute and perfect together. So please forgive me, okay?
Let’s get on with it.
Sleepless in Sohma House
PART TWENTY FOUR - MORE PROMISES
TOHRU *
They were holding hands, the three of them, by the time that they arrived at the tea garden. Kyo wore a pair of Hatori’s old jeans; they were too long for him and rolled up at the cuffs. Tohru had borrowed them, along with an oversized sweatshirt, and a pair of red, unworn, Converse high tops, a present from Aya to Hatori, another of Aya’s failed makeover attempts. Before leaving, she had requested that Hatori look after Akito for a while. It was probably silly of her to ask, she decided, as Hatori would always be looking after Akito. Hatori had assured her that Akito would be fine, that it was doubtful that Akito would awaken while she was gone. Hatori felt that it would be good for her to take some time with Yuki and Kyo.
“Just remember, Tohru, you must keep certain secrets, even from Yuki and Kyo.” He had insisted, though he hadn’t needed to remind her. The things that Akito didn’t know were for Akito’s own good. Akito had experienced enough pain and sadness in his lifetime. It was bad enough that Akito knew that his mother did not love him; he did not need to know the truth about his father. In Akito’s mind, his parents were in love, his father was an honorable man. Tohru would not be the one to tell him otherwise.
They hadn’t talked, not about anything that mattered, as they walked through the forest and into the town. Tohru had her mind on other things, and although Yuki had taken her hand again, the very moment that they left the main house; Kyo had waited until they were well into the forest, before he self-consciously reach out his own hand and placed it into hers. As they walked, Tohru allowed herself a small smile, temporarily pretending that nothing had happened, that her own heart had not betrayed them, and then they were standing in front of the tea garden, and thoughts of Akito stole the smile from her lips. She missed him, she realized, and she was worried about him. She considered asking Yuki and Kyo for a rain check, but she knew that doing so would only cause them additional pain, so she forced a phony smile onto her face and entered the tea garden with her two dearest friends.
YUKI *
“So, do you really love him?” Kyo was the one to ask. Yuki had wanted to, but he couldn’t bring the words to his lips; it wasn’t really their place to ask such a question. “Tohru, you’re not marrying Akito as some crazy act of charity or something, are you? The guy’s an asshole, he doesn‘t deserve you.”
Since Yuki was staring attentively at Miss Honda, he couldn’t miss the flash of anger, brief but intense, that wafted across her face. She literally brushed it aside with a wave of her hand, shocking Yuki completely. She’s changed, he realized, she’s stronger. Looking to Kyo, Yuki realized that he had seen it as well. Kyo was momentarily stunned, but then he continued. “I’m not trying to be mean, Tohru. I just don’t understand what in the hell you could be thinking. Do you know what it means to marry Akito Sohma? Do you realize what your life will become?”
“I do. I love Akito.” Tohru said quietly, and slowly lifted her cup of tea to her shaky lips. Yes, Yuki thought, she has changed, but she is still Tohru. “I want to marry Akito, Kyo. I know about the curse. I am not concerned with myself in this matter; my only concern is for Akito. I want him to be happy.” She isn’t really strong, Yuki finally understood, she is only pretending to be strong, but she does love him. She loves him very much. Tohru would always sacrifice herself to protect those whom she loves. It was a part of who she was, he couldn’t really change her, but as a friend wasn’t it his responsibility to try?
“What of your child, Miss Honda?” Yuki went for her jugular, aiming his blade at the one place that he felt sure that she would feel it. It was underhanded, but he was trying to save her; she would sacrifice herself, but would she sacrifice her, as yet, un-conceived child? “If you’re not concerned about yourself, shouldn’t you at least consider your child?” Yuki immediately regretted his outburst when her eyes filled with tears. She dropped her face into her arms, upon the table. “I’m sorry, Miss Honda.” Yuki apologized. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”
“Shit, now you’ve made her cry, you asshole.” Kyo said, and slugged Yuki in the arm. “Tohru, don’t cry, we aren’t trying to hurt your feelings.”
“We love you, Miss Honda. We just want what is best for you.”
“No, Yuki, Kyo, it’s alright.” Sitting up again, Miss Honda wiped at her tears with the long sleeve of her sweater, and looked affectionately at her two friends. “I know that you both mean well, but you have to trust in me. Believe that I know what I am doing. I love Akito, and I will love his child, regardless of the curse. Just as I love both of you.”
“Huh?…” Yuki and Kyo looked at each other in amazement, each knowing the she was right, that she was only being true to herself, only doing what was her nature. She was simply being the girl that they had both fallen in love with. She was being Tohru Honda.
“Well then, Miss Honda.” Yuki said, deciding it would be best to just change the subject. Tohru‘s mind was made up, and all they were doing was bringing her sadness. “Did you know that this stupid cat is chasing after your friend Miss Uotani? He’s really embarrassing himself, you really should warn Miss Uotani, she’ll listen to you.”
“Uo?” Miss Honda asked, a gigantic smile immediately replacing her tears. It was just the effect that Yuki had been going for. “Kyo? You and Uo? That’s wonderful.”
“Who are you to talk, sissy boy? At least we weren’t making out in front of the entire high school.” Kyo snapped back at Yuki.
“Huh? You saw?” Yuki said, his face burning scarlet.
“Who didn‘t see? I think that by tomorrow your nickname will have changed to Queen Yuki.”
“Yuki?” Tohru wondered, innocently. “What is Kyo talking about?”
“Nothing, Miss Honda, don’t worry about it.” Yuki replied, sending a silent warning to his grinning cousin. “It’s nothing that you need to concern yourself with.”
HATORI *
Hatori was dozing in the chair next to Akito’s bed, when Akito awoke.
“Hatori… water, please.” Akito choked out, and was immediately overtaken by a fit of coughing.
“Akito!” Jerked awake by the noise, Hatori was, at once, on his feet, and pressing a glass of cool water to Akito’s parched lips. Hatori allowed him only a tiny sip; nevertheless it sent Akito’s fragile body into mild convulsions. Hatori hugged Akito’s frail frame to his own, riding out the worst of them, until Akito had calmed, and he had requested a bit more water. Hatori was used to this, all of it. Nursing Akito had become second nature to him, but he was glad that Tohru was not present. She did not need to see Akito like this, at his weakest. There would be time for that, Hatori understood, but it didn’t have to be today.
“Where is Tohru?” Akito whispered, once he had, at last, gained control of his vocal cords.
“She is out, Akito. I sent her to school; She missed the first two days, and it’s very important to Tohru. She still wants to graduate high school. She should be home shortly.” Hatori informed him, and was relieved when Akito did not question his decision.
“Will you help me, Hatori?” Akito requested.
“Of course, Akito, what is it that you need?” Hatori asked at once.
“I would like to bathe, Hatori.” Akito smiled, and sat up in his bed as if he had just wakened from a refreshing afternoon nap, as if he hadn’t been unconscious for over two days.
“It would be better that you wait.” Hatori told him, even while he rushed to remove the I.V. needle from Akito’s arm. Akito would not listen, he never did.
“No, Hatori, I would prefer to bathe now, and perhaps you can fetch me something clean to wear, and get someone to change the bedding?”
“Of course, Akito.” Hatori replied. “But can you at least wait until I prepare the bathwater?”
“Certainly.” Akito agreed, and leaned back against his pillows. “Add some of my bath oils, please. I desire to wash away this terrible smell of death. I do not wish that Tohru notice it.”
“It is only your imagination, Akito. You do not smell of death.”
“Liar.” Hatori heard Akito whisper as he moved into the bathroom to fill Akito’s large tub.
TOHRU *
Yoshiya was sitting on the steps of the main house when Tohru arrived home from school. She stood when she spotted Tohru heading her way.
“Yoshiya? Is something the matter? Is Akito alright?” Tohru asked, as she hurried toward the front door.
“The master’s awake.” Yoshiya told her with a smile. “He‘s feeling much better.”
“Akito’s awake?” Tohru realized and rushed into the main house, wanting only to be by his side. “I should have been here when he awoke. I should have stayed home from school.” She muttered as she hurried through the halls.
“Tohru wait.” Yoshiya said, catching up with her. “The master is bathing now. Hatori asked me to wait for you, he figured that you wouldn’t want to accidentally walk in on it.”
“Oh my, thank you so much. You’re right, that would have been very embarrassing.” Tohru agreed, the color rising in her cheeks as she couldn’t help but imagine Akito in the bath.
“Or maybe you would prefer, that I didn’t tell you?” Yoshiya teased, and giggled. “That can be arranged, if you would like.”
“No, of course not… I didn’t, I wouldn’t!” Tohru babbled, afraid that Yoshiya had somehow managed to read her thoughts.
“I’m sorry, Tohru. I was only kidding. I couldn‘t help myself.” Yoshiya laughed, and grabbed Tohru’s hand to lead her towards her rooms. “I think that you could probably use a nice bath yourself, and perhaps you’ll let me do your make up. Let’s see if we can’t give the master something to really live for.”
“Yoshiya, you’re horrible.” Tohru said, but she found herself laughing as well.
HATORI *
“Hatori, did you not hear me? I do not want to talk about this anymore tonight.” Akito growled at the doctor, slipping into a black and silver robe, pulling it up around his shoulders, and pushing away Hatori’s hands, which attempted to help. “Now where is Tohru? Please bring her to me. I assume that she is home now?”
“Akito, I understand your feelings on the subject, but this is necessary. It cannot wait, as it is we barely have time to plan a proper wedding for Tohru, the elders have demanded that the ceremony take place before the New Year.” Hatori reasoned, sympathetically, hating the words as they came from his lips. Here Akito was barely out of his sick bed, and Hatori was pressing the will of the family unto him; but Tohru was willing, the council of elders had approved of her, and it simply could not wait any longer. Akito‘s time had come upon them earlier then expected. Hatori had even sought to postpone his marriage, until the boy was twenty, until next year, but Akito’s sudden collapse was cause for alarm. The elders were refusing to wait.
“Whose fault is that, Hatori?” Akito blamed angrily. “Even if I hadn’t chosen a wife yet, you should have done your duty and made the required provisions. You knew that I would have to marry someone eventually, didn’t you?”
Hatori hung his head, shamed. Akito’s words stung, all the more as they were true. Hatori had indeed known all along that this time would come. In his monthly meetings with the council, it had been a subject of conversation for almost two years. The truth was that Hatori had dreaded this day. It was Hatori, after all, who had raised Akito, caring for him, since he was six years old. Although he had never actually thought of him as such, Akito was like his own son. Was it really so surprising that he couldn’t bring himself to face it, to plan for it. Could a father really be expected to plan for his own child’s demise? Sure things were now easier as Akito had done something that Hatori had once deemed impossible; Akito had chosen someone. It was not necessary to force Akito into a loveless marriage with a girl that he did not care for. Hatori was grateful for at least that, and even more grateful that Akito’s choice was Tohru Honda.
“It’s okay, Hatori.” Akito whispered, strolling to his window and taking a seat. “I know that you are only doing what is necessary. Please, move forward with the arrangements. The ring is in the chest, right there. Please bring it to me, and bring me the other box too, the pretty blue one.”
Doing as was requested of him, Hatori handed over two ring boxes to Akito. One, a small square of white gold, encrusted with numerous tiny jewels. The other, a brand new, pale blue box, this one Akito opened. “I will use this one, Hatori.” He decided.
“Akito…” Hatori started to object. “You know that tradition calls for….”
“I KNOW, HATORI!” Akito yelled at him, and then softened his voice to a sarcastic anger. “I know that tradition states that I must give her this hideous thing.” Akito threw the jeweled box across the room, striking Hatori in the chest. “They have taken even that much from me, but for our engagement, for the moment, I have decided to give Tohru this one. If the elders have a problem with it, tell them that they can take it up with me themselves.”
Hatori stared at Akito, saying nothing at first. He bent and picked up the box up from the floor.
“As you wish, Akito.” He said sadly, and dropped the box back into the chest. “I will send Tohru to you.”
YUKI *
Yuki was sweat dropping like crazy as he stepped up to Haru’s front door, and rang the cow shaped doorbell. Inside his powder blue backpack he carried his schoolbooks, his school uniform, and a toothbrush. Tonight, Yuki and Haru were to have their first date. Hatsuharu was actually preparing dinner for him. Haru had made it clear that Yuki would be sleeping over, and Yuki was surprised at how nervous the idea was making him. It wasn’t like they hadn’t shared a bed before, but this was different. This was the real thing. ‘Maybe I shouldn’t really stay the night.’ Yuki debated, and was about to stash his backpack in the bushes. ‘I can pretend I forgot it, and I won’t be able to stay over without my uniform.’ As he pulled the backpack from his shoulders and leaned over to drop it in the bushes, the door opened and it was too late.
“Yuki!” Haru said happily, and grabbed his arm to pull him inside. “You’re right on time, I just finish setting the table.”
Yuki stared around Haru’s apartment, and his nervousness increased. Haru had lit candles, had soft music going, and the table was set beautifully. He had really gone out of his way, which, of course, scared Yuki to death. The food smelled wonderful, however, and Yuki followed Haru into the kitchen to see what was cooking.
“I didn’t know that you could cook, Haru.” Yuki told him. “It smells amazing.”
“Yes, Kisa’s mother taught me.” Haru admitted, and pulled the top from a large pot, stirring the contents inside.
“Um… Haru, what is it?” Yuki wondered, trying to peek over Haru’s shoulder.
“You’ll see,” Haru told him, and shooed him out of the kitchen. “Wait at the table. It will be ready soon.”
“Can’t I help?” Yuki asked from the doorway.
“Now, Yuki, we both know that you are dangerous in the kitchen.” Haru said. “Go change the music, or something, I’ll be out in a minute.”
HARU *
As soon as Yuki was out of the kitchen, Haru let out a deep sigh. “What is wrong with me?” He whispered. “This is Yuki, I’ve wanted this forever. Get a grip, Haru.”
Taking his time, Haru arranged two plates of food, and when he felt he couldn’t put it off any longer, he headed to the table. Yuki was already seated, and closely examining a bottle, which sat in a ice bucket. “Wine, Haru? I didn’t know that you drank.”
“Well, I don’t, normally.” Haru admitted, and sat the plates of food on the table. “I just thought that tonight was … um… I don’t know, I just felt it would be nice for a change.”
“How did you even get this stuff? Did Black Haru knock over a liquor store?” Yuki joked, hoping to ease the tension between them.
“No, Yuki. Aya got it for me.” Haru said casually, and took the seat across from Yuki.
“My Brother?” Yuki exploded. “I just hope that you didn’t tell him what you needed if for.”
“No, of course not. I didn’t. I told him it was a gift for a friend.” Haru explained, pulling the bottle from the ice bucket and pouring them each a glass.
“So, um… Haru, what is this?” Yuki asked, looking suspiciously at the plate of food in front of him.
“It’s Transylvanian Goulash.” Haru stated proudly, and Yuki bit his lip to control his laughter.
“Transylvanian? Like where Count Dracula was from? Haru is there something that you would like to tell me?”
“Shut up, and taste it, dumb ass.” Haru complained, and waited patiently.
Yuki brought a forkful of Goulash to his mouth, ogled it for a moment, flicked out his tongue to test it, and deciding it was safe placed it in his mouth.
“Well?” Haru said, getting a little annoyed. He had worked hard on this meal, and Yuki was being a shithead.
“It’s good, Haru.” Yuki admitted with a smile, and took another forkful. “It’s really good.”
Haru grinned back at him, starting to unwind. “I’m glad that you like it, Yuki.”
AKITO/TOHRU *
Akito stared out his window towards the setting sun. In his hand he still held the tiny blue box. This wasn’t the way that he had wanted it, he realized sadly. Why did Hatori have to tell her? Shouldn’t it have been his place? How dare Hatori arrange this for him, couldn’t he, the head of the family, have been allowed even this one small thing? It was wonderful to know that Tohru loved him, that even in spite of the curse, she had agreed to marry him, but it sort of took all the fun out of it, didn’t it. He supposed that it was how it was meant to be, the head of the Sohma family wasn’t required to have fun; he was required to watch over the others, he was required to choose a wife, he was required to procreate a demon, and he was required to die. Fun was never, ever, a part of the deal.
“Akito” Came her soft voice, and her gentle knock at the door. “May I come in?”
“Please.” He welcomed her, placing the small box into the pocket of his robe, and standing.
“Should you be out of bed?” She wondered, rushing to his side. She took his hand to guide him back down into his window seat. She dropped to her knees in front of him, and looked up into his eyes, her own were filled instantly with tears. “I was so worried. I thought that you might not wake up again, that you would just stay asleep. I was afraid… I was afraid that…”
“That you might have to marry an invalid?” He whispered, focusing his anger on the one person who did not deserve it.
“Akito?” She wondered, gazing at him with those giant sad eyes. “I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you. What did you say?“ Immediately, he felt his anger melting away, being replaced with a feeling of warmth, of love. She was so beautiful tonight, somehow even more beautiful, even though her eyes were ringed with dark circles, and she had lost too much weight? ‘Had she not been eating? Had his illness really concerned her so much?’
“Nothing, Tohru, it was nothing of importance.” He told her, reaching out his hand and wrapping his fingers inside the silk of her hair.
“I missed you, Akito. While you were asleep, I missed you so much.” She told him, and placed her head upon his knee, closing her eyes, while he ran his hands through her hair, across her forehead, and down to her cheek.
“Tohru.” He whispered, “My Tohru.” and moved his hands beneath her arms, urging her up and onto his lap, so that he could hold her close to him, so that he could bury his face against her neck. “I love you, Tohru, so very much.” He kissed her neck, smiling when she shivered in his arms, and murmured his name. He found her lips, kissing them gently, and breaking the kiss, he took her face in his hands. “Although, I really do not want to, we need to talk.” He told her, and watched as she nodded in agreement.
“First of all, about your friends. I understand that they have learned about our secret.” Her body grew tense in his arms, and she looked up at him, her eyes wide with concern. “Do you trust them, Tohru? Do you trust that they can keep our secret? Will they keep it, the way that you have kept it?”
“I trust them, Akito. They will not betray me.” She confirmed what he already knew, but needed to hear from her lips.
“Then I will trust them as well.” He told her, and was pleased that this made her smile.
“Thank you, Akito. Thank you.” She kissed his face, one, two, three times, one for each cheek and the third for his lips. He smiled at her, and placed his hand in the pocket of his robe.
He was nervous, he realized, although he already knew what her answer would be. A part of him almost hoped that she would say no, not because he didn’t love her, but because he did love her. ‘How could he ask such a thing of her’?
“Tohru,” He started.” I understand that you have talked with Hatori, that you know what I need to ask you. He’s told you everything?”
“Yes.” She answered softly, and he noticed that she was shaking now. She knew what was coming and she was frightened.
“Tohru, you don’t have to. It’s all right if you don’t want to, if you are afraid. You can say no. I’ll be disappointed, but I would understand.”
“No, Akito.” She blurted out, and his heart stopped. She realized her mistake, and quickly added. “Not that, not, no, I won’t marry you. I only meant to say that I am not afraid to marry you. I will marry you Akito. Well, you actually haven‘t asked me, yet, but...”
Akito found himself laughing at her, at how very cute she could be sometimes. He brought the ring box out of his pocket, opening and removing the ring. It was a plain diamond ring in a platinum setting. Akito had chosen it, because it was so different from the other ring, that ugly gaudy Sohma heirloom. This ring was simple, but beautiful, just like her, just like their love.
Akito lifted Tohru out of his lap, placing her gently beside him, and standing up. He looked down at her for a moment, and then kneeled down in front of her. He took her hand in his, and peered up at her, tears glistening in his eyes.
“Tohru, I am not an easy person to love, and I certainly know that I do not deserve you. You are everything that I never thought I could have, all that I’ve ever dreamed about. I know that I will hurt you, because loving me is sure to cause you pain, but if you marry me I will do everything in my power to make up for that pain. Tohru, I promise that I will love you completely, unconditionally, and infinitely. Tohru, will you honor me by letting me be your husband?”
She couldn’t speak, so instead she nodded, her blue eyes a vast ocean of tears, and as he slipped the ring on her finger. She broke down, falling into his arms. He wrapped her up against himself, kissing her soothingly, murmuring promises of eternal devotion, promises of undying love.
When she was calm again, Akito carried her to his bed, laying her down between his freshly laundered sheets. Crawling in beside her, he pulled her into his arms. He whispered softly in her ear, telling her of all the things that he wanted them to do together, how he desired them to spend the remainder of his days. She listened silently, cuddling close, bathing herself in his gentle dreams, while inside her heart ached, because she realized that these were only fantasies. Akito Sohma did not have the freedom to do such things. It would not be possible. Finally he drifted off to sleep. As he slept, she watched over him, thinking about his curse.
After a while she crawled out of his bed, tucking his blanket around his peaceful form. Leaving the room she walked to the library. She had a book report due, and hoped that the vast Sohma archives held something besides medical journals. As she moved down the hallway, her mind drifted back to Akito, to the family, to the curse. There was so much she was curious about, so many questions still unanswered about her future husband. She wondered where and if those answers could be found.
KYO/UO *
Kyo lay on the roof, staring up at the clear night sky. It was a perfect night, the air was warm and thick, it’s gentle breeze swirling with the flavors of fall. Overhead amidst a sea of stars the autumn moon was plump and gleaming with promise. Smiling softly, he turned his head to the girl laying beside him.
“I told you. It’s nice up here, isn’t it?” He asked her.
“Yes.” Uo agreed, “but I can’t believe that you actually sleep up here sometimes. Don’t you worry that you might fall off and break your neck?”
“Not possible, I always land on my feet.” Kyo lied to her, remembering all of the times that Yuki had knocked him off of the roof and right on his ass, but she didn’t need to know about that.
“Why don‘t I believe you?” Uo wondered, flashing Kyo a warm but wicked smile. He felt his heartbeat hasten as he stared into her eyes.
“Uo, um…Can we, can I…” Kyo started shyly, but then looked away self-consciously.
“What did you just call me?” Uo asked him, in astonishment.
“Your name?” Kyo said. Now he was very uncomfortable. Maybe this was a bad idea. “I mean, that is your real name right? I didn’t say it wrong, did I?”
“No,” Uo laughed at him. “You said it right. I’m just not used to hearing you use it.”
“Well, you don’t expect me to keep calling you Yankee, do you? I mean, not if I, if we…”
With an uncharacteristic giggle, Uo leaned over and kissed Kyo, right on his lips. As she started to pull back, Kyo grabbed her by her shoulders roughly. He pulled her lips back to his, kissing her again, forcefully but lovingly. Uo returned the force as well as the love, dipping her tongue into his mouth momentarily, and withdrawing it, to nip at his bottom lip instead. When she pulled back again she was smiling.
“Just so you know Orange Top, I like it when you call me Yankee, so don’t stop, okay.”
Kyo nodded, and grabbing her by her hair, brought her lips to his once again.
YUKI/HARU *
Dinner had went very well, and thanks to the glass of wine, Haru was feeling a tiny bit more comfortable. Yuki, however, was a train wreck.
Standing at the sink, drying the dishes, Yuki glanced uneasily at his cousin. Haru had just finished brewing the perfect pot of tea, and was carefully pouring it into two cups, one was black and the other, of course, was white. Sensing Yuki’s eyes, he looked up, giving Yuki a big sinful grin. Yuki blushed violently, dropping the dish in his hand. Fortunately, it didn’t break, it simply rolled across the kitchen floor to stop at Haru’s bare feet.
“See Yuki, that’s why you’re not allowed in the kitchen.” Haru teased, bending down to recover the dish. Sitting it on the counter, he stepped in front of Yuki, removing the towel from his hands and hanging it on a hook. “No more dishes for you.” Opening the refrigerator, Haru pulled out a large bowl of fresh sliced fruit. “For dessert.” He informed him, still grinning that grin, which was making Yuki feel very unsettled. Haru put his fingers into the bowl, removed a slice of fresh peach, and held it to Yuki’s lips. Yuki opened his mouth, taking a bite of the peach, and smiling at its sweetness. “It’s delicious.” He informed Haru, who winked at him, and handed him a cup of tea.
“Come on,” he said, holding the bowl of fruit in one hand, and picking up his tea in the other.
Yuki, apprehensively, followed Haru out of the kitchen. As they walked through the front room Haru gestured to one of the two lit candles in the room. “Grab that please, my hands are full.”
Yuki did as he was asked, and followed Haru down the hall to his bedroom.
Haru’s heart was exploding against his chest as he kicked open his bedroom door, and led Yuki inside. Despite his, outwardly, calm appearance, he was totally insecure. ‘Am I moving too fast?’ He wondered. ‘Should we have watched T.V., or played cards, or something less…less?’
“Haru, um…” Yuki mumbled, and Haru saw that Yuki’s eyes were wide with terror, and he looked ready to bolt. ‘Yep, too fast.’ Haru confirmed.
“Here, Yuki.” Haru decided, and pushed open the door, leading to his small outdoor garden, with his elbow. ‘This will be okay.’ He thought to himself. ‘I wasn’t really leading you straight to my bed, Yuki. I just thought that it would be nice to sit outside, and my garden just happens to be attached to my room, yeah sure, that’s it.’
Yuki breathed a sigh of relief, as Haru stepped out into his miniature garden, and placed the fruit and his tea cup upon a small patio table. Yuki followed, and stood for a moment admiring all of Haru’s plants and flowers; Haru’s garden was a tiny virtual jungle, which Yuki found surprising.
“How come you’ve never told me that you liked plants so much, Haru?” Yuki asked, sitting the candle on the table, and taking a seat on one of the two patio chairs.
“You never asked, Yuki.” Haru said flatly, and Yuki felt bad. No, he guessed that there was a lot that he didn’t really know about Haru. ‘And I should know!’ He decided, looking over to Haru who had sat down in the other chair, and was watching him intently.
Yuki took a sip of his tea, finding comfort in it’s sweet, slightly, gingery flavor. He smiled at Haru, and mindlessly licked his bottom lip. “Um… Haru this tea is wonderful, everything tonight has been wonderful. You‘re really incredible.”
“Yuki?” Haru whispered, and looked away, his face filling with color.
‘I made Haru blush?’ Yuki realized and felt instantly happy. Was it at all possible that Haru was nervous himself? Leaning closer to his cousin, Yuki took his face in one hand, wanting him to look at him again. He was enjoying this sudden sensation of power.
“Yuki… um… here, do you want some more?” Haru stuttered, grabbing the bowl of fruit off of the table, to avoid looking him in the eye. ‘Yes, that’s nervousness.’ Yuki recognized with a grin.
(A.N. WARNING, WARNING: Tyouhkriu, Shiomei, veronica, and those still pure of heart, as well as any yaoi haters, might want to just skip on down to the ending scene, you have been warned!)
“Yes, please, Haru.” Yuki said, and opened his mouth to take the melon slice that Haru held out to him. “It’s so good, Haru. Thank you. Here you haven‘t had any.” Yuki reach inside the bowl, picked out a perfect pear slice, and held it to his cousin’s lips. Haru opened his mouth, took a bite of the fruit, and juice dribbled from his lips. Without thinking Yuki leaned over, put out his tongue, and licked the juice from Haru’s chin.
‘So much for taking it slow.’ Haru thought, and captured Yuki’s tongue gently between his teeth, nibbling for a second, and then setting it free. Grabbing Yuki at the waist Haru promptly pulled him onto his lap.
“Haru!” Yuki gasped. Feeling Haru’s hardness beneath him, Yuki lost his nerve, and scooted away from it.
“Shhh…” Haru shushed him, covering Yuki’s mouth with his own, and dragging him back. Yuki melted against Haru’s strong chest, parting his lips to allow Haru’s prodding tongue deep inside.
Haru explored Yuki’s mouth, marveling at its taste. ‘Mixed fruit.’, he decided, running his tongue along Yuki’s perfect teeth, and then diving deep inside, finding Yuki’s own tongue and wrapping himself around it hungrily.
“Haru.” Yuki mumbled, breaking the kiss, and grasping for breath. Haru fought to catch his own breath, marveling at the beauty of Yuki’s face lit only by candlelight. “Yuki, I want you so bad. Is that horrible?”
“No, of course, it’s not horrible.” Yuki shuddered, as Haru licked at his ear, and worked at the button of his high collar shirt. “It’s just that I’ve never, how do we… what do we…” Yuki nearly screamed out loud, when Haru pushed open his shirt and started sucking on his neck while gently caressing his pebble hard nipples. “Haru.” Yuki moaned, as Haru kissed his way along Yuki’s shoulder blade, pushing his shirt down and off, letting it drop onto the grass. Yuki shivered as the cool night air collided with his warm skin.
“Yuki.” Haru noticed. “Are you cold? Do you want your shirt back?”
“No.” Yuki answered, and wrapped his arms around Haru’s neck, pushing closer to him, desiring his warmth.
“Okay then, let’s get you inside.” Haru decided, and jumped up from the chair, still holding Yuki in his arms. “I can’t have you getting sick on me.”
Yuki closed his eyes, and wrapped himself tighter to Haru, willing his heart to slow down. Haru carried him to his futon, and carefully set him down. Yuki stared up at him, his eyes enormous, and his breathe shallow.
“Are you okay, Yuki?” Haru asked him, leaning over and running a finger across the firm silk of Yuki’s stomach. The room was dark, but the candlelight through the window reflected in Yuki’s eyes, it betrayed his discomfort. “Do you want to stop?”
“No. At least I don’t think that I do.” Yuki admitted timidly. “It’s just that this is my first time. I’m not even sure what to do. What if I’m awful?” Grabbing the pillow from the bed, Yuki buried his face in it. Desiring to hide from Haru’s thoughtful eyes.
“Yuki, there is no way that you could be awful, but if it makes you feel any better, this is my first time too.” Yuki looked up from the pillow in shock.
“You lie!” Yuki insisted. “How come you’re so good at this than?” Hearing himself, Yuki blushed, and hid back inside the pillow.
“I told you Yuki. I’ll never lie to you. I’ve just read a lot of Fan Fiction on the Internet. You’d be amazed by what you can pick up.” Pulling the pillow away from Yuki’s face, Haru placed a gentle kiss on his nose. “Tell me the truth Yuki, do you want to stop? If your not ready.”
“Are you ready?” Yuki wondered.
“Uh huh.” Haru admitted, running a finger along Yuki’s bottom lip. “I am, but you don‘t have to be. I can wait.”
Yuki sat for a moment, thinking things over, before deciding. “I want to be. I want to try. I’d like to try, very much.”
Smiling, Haru sat beside Yuki on the futon. Doing nothing at first, just looking, and then he laid back, his head nestling against a mound of comfy pillows. “Come here.” He commanded in a whisper, grabbing Yuki and bringing him down on top of him, so that he could kiss him, leisurely, brushing his mouth across the velvet of Yuki’s lips, while his hands roamed along Yuki’s silky back.
Yuki pulled back, sitting up, straddling Haru’s stomach, careful to avoid that one certain spot, and stared down into Haru smoky gray eyes, as he caught his breath. Haru reached out his hand, stroking Yuki’s cheek and running his fingers through his feather soft silver hair, before urging him back down towards his ravenous mouth.
Yuki found Haru’s lips again, kissing him softly, and allowing his hands to work their way under Haru’s black silk T-shirt. Taking the soft fabric in his hands, Yuki pushed it up toward Haru’s neck, and then with a quick tug pulled it up and over Haru’s head. Moving downward, Yuki placed a tiny, curious, kiss upon Haru‘s right nipple, and felt Haru tense up beneath his lips. Deciding this was pleasant, as Haru tasted amazing, Yuki flicked out his tongue, and licked circles around the nipple, following up with gentle kisses and tiny nips from his teeth.
“Yuki!” Haru moaned, grabbing Yuki’s face in his hands and forcing Yuki’s lips back up to his thirsty mouth. Yuki ran his hands along Haru’s waist, pushing his chest up against him, loving the feeling of Haru’s skin rubbing against his own, as he explored Haru’s lips, with his tongue. He had a moment of sweet satisfaction, when Haru groaned into his mouth longingly. Then Haru tackled him, flipping him on his back, pinning him underneath him, and imprisoning Yuki’s hands above his head.
“You’re mine.” Haru whispered lovingly into his ear, and ran kisses across his face, pausing to dive back into Yuki’s soft mouth, before trailing downward, tasting and teasing. Forcing himself to move slowly, wanting to savor every moment, every sweet sigh, Haru bit and sucked at Yuki’s neck, his chest, each of his nipples. He relished the way that Yuki’s breathing grew heavy with yearning, and yet, he’s too quiet. He’s still nervous, I need him to relax, to really enjoy this, he decided. He released Yuki’s hands, needing his own to open the drawer by the bed.
“Haru?” Yuki questioned, curious about what was taken from the drawer. Haru hid the bottle of massage oil behind his back, letting it lie at the foot of the futon. “Haru, what was that?” Yuki wondered, and Haru put a finger to his lips to quiet him.
“Shhh… just trust.” Yuki nodded, closing his eyes, and relaxing back against the futon. Haru undid the buttons of Yuki’s black jeans, ignoring Yuki’s sharp intake of breath. He peeled them down, taking Yuki’s black cotton briefs at the same time, until Yuki was wearing only his white socks, which were the last to go. This accomplished, Haru stood, unbuttoning his own jeans, and easing them off.
Sitting back, on the edge of the futon, Haru held his breath, taking a moment to appreciate Yuki’s naked splendor. “You’re so beautiful.” He whispered, fighting off his darker side, which was begging to be set free.
Yuki opened his eyes. Haru was sitting up, naked, at the edge of the futon, actually admiring him. Yuki felt his heart quicken, as the color flared to his cheeks, and he reach for the blanket, wanting to cover himself. In a flash, Haru had his hands locked above his head again, and was leaning down to whisper in his ear. “No, Yuki, I won’t let you hide yourself from me. Flip over, okay.”
“Why?” Yuki questioned, but did he as was asked. Haru reached down and picked up whatever had been waiting in the drawer. There was a tiny clicking sound, and a pleasing smell that Yuki couldn’t quiet place. Yuki bit his lip, and closed his eyes, and a moment later Haru’s hands were on his shoulders massaging a pleasant scented oil into his skin. Yuki moaned softly, as Haru rubbed at his flesh, kneading away his tension, helping him to relax. Yuki closed his eyes, feeling Haru’s hands they worked their way down his back. Yuki started to tense up again when Haru’s fingers brushed across his buttocks, but sensing his fear, Haru skipped down to his legs.
Yuki was in heaven by the time Haru had reach, and massaged his toes, and when Haru flipped him on his back and began working his way slowly back up from his feet, Yuki couldn’t even speak. His eyes were closed and his mind was drifting almost into sleep, but then he felt it. Haru was licking his stomach. Yuki’s eyes popped open, and he looked down. Haru stared up at him, a soft sexy smile forming on his lips. Yuki didn’t move, barely allowing himself to breath, as Haru kissed the spot just above his belly button. Slowly, excruciatingly, Haru moved lower, dipping his tongue into the tiny hollow, and then moving lower still. ‘He wouldn’t.’ Yuki told himself. ‘Though, how, he was hoping that he would.’
He did! Haru’s tongue flicked out and licked across his tip. Yuki moaned and locked eyes with Haru, watching, breathlessly, as Haru’s tongue lashed teasingly, maddeningly, along his erection. “Haru, please.” Yuki found himself begging, searching for something that he didn’t completely understand. “Haru, I need…” He whimpered, and sucked in his breath, as Haru wrapped him in his lips, swallowing his length and gently sucking. “Haru!” He cried out, his hands fisting themselves into the soft flannel blanket beneath him. Haru favored him with his tongue, his lips, his teeth; while his well oiled hand slide down between Yuki’s thighs, his finger softly stroking and slowly entering him. Yuki moaned, deep in his throat, as his passion tore frantically through him; he caught fire, his body falling into the white-hot flame of Haru’s mouth, his hands, his fingers.
“HARU!” Yuki screamed, spilling himself into Haru’s waiting lips. His body bucking and trashing in uncontainable abandon. Haru swallowed, smiling victoriously, and crawled up Yuki’s body. Covering Yuki’s mouth with his own, he pressed his tongue inside, wanting Yuki to taste himself on his lips, because he tasted so incredibly good. Yuki found Haru’s tongue, sucking on it fervently, still moaning, still lost, still wanting.
Haru pulled back, breaking the kiss, gazing down into his lover’s lust crazed violet eyes. Reaching beneath Yuki’s legs, he urged his knees up, hoping to make it easier, on both of them. Positioning himself between Yuki’s thighs, he waited, ignoring his own needs. Pushing away the excitement that threatened to tear him apart. He wanted this so much, but he would stop if Yuki didn’t want it.
“Are you sure, Yuki?” He whispered tenderly. “This might hurt you. We should stop.”
With tears of desire in his eyes, Yuki nodded his assent. “It’s okay, Haru. I want to, so much.”
Haru hugged Yuki to him, kissing him tenderly, as he slowly slid inside. Yuki groaned, and sucked at Haru’s lip, savoring the pain, the final proof of Haru’s devotion. Haru moved smoothly into him, tentatively at first, gently, carefully, and then faster, and deeper, working in rhythm with Yuki’s breathing. Unexpectedly, Yuki’s pain disappeared, replaced with something else, something indescribable. Yuki relaxed into it, feeling his body turning to liquid, flowing into Haru’s and drifting away. Haru dove down into his essence, then pulled back, only to plummet back in. They swam together, feverishly, drowning, their passion swelling and cresting until it burst, exploding in a shower of black, white, and gray. They splashed together, meeting in the center of their souls, climaxing in synch with their hearts.
*
Later, they cuddled together, exhausted, two perfect bodies, meshed as one, bathed in oil, and sweat, and candlelight.
“I love you.” Haru whispered, “You are mine.”
“Forever.” Yuki promised.
“Eternally.” Haru answered back.
*************
Well…um… okay then… breathe, breathe, breathe…
A little note about my research approach for this chapter. When I couldn’t decide what Haru should make Yuki for dinner, I walked into my kitchen and opened up a Cooking Light Magazine. I decided that the first dish that I came across was what Haru would make. The dish was Transylvanian Goulash. Once I stopped laughing my ass off, I decided it was perfect.
Before writing the Haru/Yuki love scene I also had to do some research, but I probably shouldn’t get into that right now. : ) Get your mind out of the gutter, it wasn’t that! Perverts!
Well, thank you for reading, review if you have the time. And for those who got the nerve to read the NC-17 version, please let me know what you think. I’m afraid that I might be getting good at this whole yaoi thing, and don’t know if I should be happy or truly scared.
Well, I have to go now, I have a wedding to plan. By the way, if any of you know (from the manga, I guess) of what, if any, religion the Sohma family is, please let me know. Otherwise I will go on my instincts. Also, I had hoped to finish the story by the new year, but this chapter took so long to write, and has honestly exhausted me. I need to take a break for a day or two, but will move on to the last chapter (small possibility of it being two, you know how I am) as soon as I am able. Thanks.
YTR
Well, I promised you a long romantic chapter, and I do believe that I have delivered the goods. The votes came in, and it has been decided. Two versions. Fanfiction.net gets PG-13, and Mediaminer.org gets NC-17. That’s right, I did say NC-17. Well, it’s kind of on the border, but I wanted to be safe. In all honesty, I really got lost in this chapter, and I hope that my NC-17 version is art and not smut, but that is a matter of opinion. If you’re old enough, and can handle it, I highly recommend the NC-17 version, which I feel is much, much better. Basically the NC-17 version of this chapter is a Haru/Yuki lemon, and my next chapter will probably be an Akito/Tohru lemon. (It was a special request, and I hope that I can do it justice) As for a Kyo/Uo lemon, It will probably only happen if I do a good job with these other two, (you’ll have to tell me if I did) and I get enough requests for it. By the way, as a couple of you had trouble locating the media miner version of my other story, (the site defaults to PG-13, so to see R and NC-17 you have to search,) please feel free to e-mail me (see my profile for my e-mail address) and I will be happy to forward you the link.
In addition, I have added a special warning, even in my PG-13 version; you’ll know it when you see it. I don’t want to spoil any innocent minds.
Lastly, I know that some of you hate Haru/Yuki as a couple, but I can’t help it, I just think they are so cute and perfect together. So please forgive me, okay?
Let’s get on with it.
Sleepless in Sohma House
PART TWENTY FOUR - MORE PROMISES
TOHRU *
They were holding hands, the three of them, by the time that they arrived at the tea garden. Kyo wore a pair of Hatori’s old jeans; they were too long for him and rolled up at the cuffs. Tohru had borrowed them, along with an oversized sweatshirt, and a pair of red, unworn, Converse high tops, a present from Aya to Hatori, another of Aya’s failed makeover attempts. Before leaving, she had requested that Hatori look after Akito for a while. It was probably silly of her to ask, she decided, as Hatori would always be looking after Akito. Hatori had assured her that Akito would be fine, that it was doubtful that Akito would awaken while she was gone. Hatori felt that it would be good for her to take some time with Yuki and Kyo.
“Just remember, Tohru, you must keep certain secrets, even from Yuki and Kyo.” He had insisted, though he hadn’t needed to remind her. The things that Akito didn’t know were for Akito’s own good. Akito had experienced enough pain and sadness in his lifetime. It was bad enough that Akito knew that his mother did not love him; he did not need to know the truth about his father. In Akito’s mind, his parents were in love, his father was an honorable man. Tohru would not be the one to tell him otherwise.
They hadn’t talked, not about anything that mattered, as they walked through the forest and into the town. Tohru had her mind on other things, and although Yuki had taken her hand again, the very moment that they left the main house; Kyo had waited until they were well into the forest, before he self-consciously reach out his own hand and placed it into hers. As they walked, Tohru allowed herself a small smile, temporarily pretending that nothing had happened, that her own heart had not betrayed them, and then they were standing in front of the tea garden, and thoughts of Akito stole the smile from her lips. She missed him, she realized, and she was worried about him. She considered asking Yuki and Kyo for a rain check, but she knew that doing so would only cause them additional pain, so she forced a phony smile onto her face and entered the tea garden with her two dearest friends.
YUKI *
“So, do you really love him?” Kyo was the one to ask. Yuki had wanted to, but he couldn’t bring the words to his lips; it wasn’t really their place to ask such a question. “Tohru, you’re not marrying Akito as some crazy act of charity or something, are you? The guy’s an asshole, he doesn‘t deserve you.”
Since Yuki was staring attentively at Miss Honda, he couldn’t miss the flash of anger, brief but intense, that wafted across her face. She literally brushed it aside with a wave of her hand, shocking Yuki completely. She’s changed, he realized, she’s stronger. Looking to Kyo, Yuki realized that he had seen it as well. Kyo was momentarily stunned, but then he continued. “I’m not trying to be mean, Tohru. I just don’t understand what in the hell you could be thinking. Do you know what it means to marry Akito Sohma? Do you realize what your life will become?”
“I do. I love Akito.” Tohru said quietly, and slowly lifted her cup of tea to her shaky lips. Yes, Yuki thought, she has changed, but she is still Tohru. “I want to marry Akito, Kyo. I know about the curse. I am not concerned with myself in this matter; my only concern is for Akito. I want him to be happy.” She isn’t really strong, Yuki finally understood, she is only pretending to be strong, but she does love him. She loves him very much. Tohru would always sacrifice herself to protect those whom she loves. It was a part of who she was, he couldn’t really change her, but as a friend wasn’t it his responsibility to try?
“What of your child, Miss Honda?” Yuki went for her jugular, aiming his blade at the one place that he felt sure that she would feel it. It was underhanded, but he was trying to save her; she would sacrifice herself, but would she sacrifice her, as yet, un-conceived child? “If you’re not concerned about yourself, shouldn’t you at least consider your child?” Yuki immediately regretted his outburst when her eyes filled with tears. She dropped her face into her arms, upon the table. “I’m sorry, Miss Honda.” Yuki apologized. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”
“Shit, now you’ve made her cry, you asshole.” Kyo said, and slugged Yuki in the arm. “Tohru, don’t cry, we aren’t trying to hurt your feelings.”
“We love you, Miss Honda. We just want what is best for you.”
“No, Yuki, Kyo, it’s alright.” Sitting up again, Miss Honda wiped at her tears with the long sleeve of her sweater, and looked affectionately at her two friends. “I know that you both mean well, but you have to trust in me. Believe that I know what I am doing. I love Akito, and I will love his child, regardless of the curse. Just as I love both of you.”
“Huh?…” Yuki and Kyo looked at each other in amazement, each knowing the she was right, that she was only being true to herself, only doing what was her nature. She was simply being the girl that they had both fallen in love with. She was being Tohru Honda.
“Well then, Miss Honda.” Yuki said, deciding it would be best to just change the subject. Tohru‘s mind was made up, and all they were doing was bringing her sadness. “Did you know that this stupid cat is chasing after your friend Miss Uotani? He’s really embarrassing himself, you really should warn Miss Uotani, she’ll listen to you.”
“Uo?” Miss Honda asked, a gigantic smile immediately replacing her tears. It was just the effect that Yuki had been going for. “Kyo? You and Uo? That’s wonderful.”
“Who are you to talk, sissy boy? At least we weren’t making out in front of the entire high school.” Kyo snapped back at Yuki.
“Huh? You saw?” Yuki said, his face burning scarlet.
“Who didn‘t see? I think that by tomorrow your nickname will have changed to Queen Yuki.”
“Yuki?” Tohru wondered, innocently. “What is Kyo talking about?”
“Nothing, Miss Honda, don’t worry about it.” Yuki replied, sending a silent warning to his grinning cousin. “It’s nothing that you need to concern yourself with.”
HATORI *
Hatori was dozing in the chair next to Akito’s bed, when Akito awoke.
“Hatori… water, please.” Akito choked out, and was immediately overtaken by a fit of coughing.
“Akito!” Jerked awake by the noise, Hatori was, at once, on his feet, and pressing a glass of cool water to Akito’s parched lips. Hatori allowed him only a tiny sip; nevertheless it sent Akito’s fragile body into mild convulsions. Hatori hugged Akito’s frail frame to his own, riding out the worst of them, until Akito had calmed, and he had requested a bit more water. Hatori was used to this, all of it. Nursing Akito had become second nature to him, but he was glad that Tohru was not present. She did not need to see Akito like this, at his weakest. There would be time for that, Hatori understood, but it didn’t have to be today.
“Where is Tohru?” Akito whispered, once he had, at last, gained control of his vocal cords.
“She is out, Akito. I sent her to school; She missed the first two days, and it’s very important to Tohru. She still wants to graduate high school. She should be home shortly.” Hatori informed him, and was relieved when Akito did not question his decision.
“Will you help me, Hatori?” Akito requested.
“Of course, Akito, what is it that you need?” Hatori asked at once.
“I would like to bathe, Hatori.” Akito smiled, and sat up in his bed as if he had just wakened from a refreshing afternoon nap, as if he hadn’t been unconscious for over two days.
“It would be better that you wait.” Hatori told him, even while he rushed to remove the I.V. needle from Akito’s arm. Akito would not listen, he never did.
“No, Hatori, I would prefer to bathe now, and perhaps you can fetch me something clean to wear, and get someone to change the bedding?”
“Of course, Akito.” Hatori replied. “But can you at least wait until I prepare the bathwater?”
“Certainly.” Akito agreed, and leaned back against his pillows. “Add some of my bath oils, please. I desire to wash away this terrible smell of death. I do not wish that Tohru notice it.”
“It is only your imagination, Akito. You do not smell of death.”
“Liar.” Hatori heard Akito whisper as he moved into the bathroom to fill Akito’s large tub.
TOHRU *
Yoshiya was sitting on the steps of the main house when Tohru arrived home from school. She stood when she spotted Tohru heading her way.
“Yoshiya? Is something the matter? Is Akito alright?” Tohru asked, as she hurried toward the front door.
“The master’s awake.” Yoshiya told her with a smile. “He‘s feeling much better.”
“Akito’s awake?” Tohru realized and rushed into the main house, wanting only to be by his side. “I should have been here when he awoke. I should have stayed home from school.” She muttered as she hurried through the halls.
“Tohru wait.” Yoshiya said, catching up with her. “The master is bathing now. Hatori asked me to wait for you, he figured that you wouldn’t want to accidentally walk in on it.”
“Oh my, thank you so much. You’re right, that would have been very embarrassing.” Tohru agreed, the color rising in her cheeks as she couldn’t help but imagine Akito in the bath.
“Or maybe you would prefer, that I didn’t tell you?” Yoshiya teased, and giggled. “That can be arranged, if you would like.”
“No, of course not… I didn’t, I wouldn’t!” Tohru babbled, afraid that Yoshiya had somehow managed to read her thoughts.
“I’m sorry, Tohru. I was only kidding. I couldn‘t help myself.” Yoshiya laughed, and grabbed Tohru’s hand to lead her towards her rooms. “I think that you could probably use a nice bath yourself, and perhaps you’ll let me do your make up. Let’s see if we can’t give the master something to really live for.”
“Yoshiya, you’re horrible.” Tohru said, but she found herself laughing as well.
HATORI *
“Hatori, did you not hear me? I do not want to talk about this anymore tonight.” Akito growled at the doctor, slipping into a black and silver robe, pulling it up around his shoulders, and pushing away Hatori’s hands, which attempted to help. “Now where is Tohru? Please bring her to me. I assume that she is home now?”
“Akito, I understand your feelings on the subject, but this is necessary. It cannot wait, as it is we barely have time to plan a proper wedding for Tohru, the elders have demanded that the ceremony take place before the New Year.” Hatori reasoned, sympathetically, hating the words as they came from his lips. Here Akito was barely out of his sick bed, and Hatori was pressing the will of the family unto him; but Tohru was willing, the council of elders had approved of her, and it simply could not wait any longer. Akito‘s time had come upon them earlier then expected. Hatori had even sought to postpone his marriage, until the boy was twenty, until next year, but Akito’s sudden collapse was cause for alarm. The elders were refusing to wait.
“Whose fault is that, Hatori?” Akito blamed angrily. “Even if I hadn’t chosen a wife yet, you should have done your duty and made the required provisions. You knew that I would have to marry someone eventually, didn’t you?”
Hatori hung his head, shamed. Akito’s words stung, all the more as they were true. Hatori had indeed known all along that this time would come. In his monthly meetings with the council, it had been a subject of conversation for almost two years. The truth was that Hatori had dreaded this day. It was Hatori, after all, who had raised Akito, caring for him, since he was six years old. Although he had never actually thought of him as such, Akito was like his own son. Was it really so surprising that he couldn’t bring himself to face it, to plan for it. Could a father really be expected to plan for his own child’s demise? Sure things were now easier as Akito had done something that Hatori had once deemed impossible; Akito had chosen someone. It was not necessary to force Akito into a loveless marriage with a girl that he did not care for. Hatori was grateful for at least that, and even more grateful that Akito’s choice was Tohru Honda.
“It’s okay, Hatori.” Akito whispered, strolling to his window and taking a seat. “I know that you are only doing what is necessary. Please, move forward with the arrangements. The ring is in the chest, right there. Please bring it to me, and bring me the other box too, the pretty blue one.”
Doing as was requested of him, Hatori handed over two ring boxes to Akito. One, a small square of white gold, encrusted with numerous tiny jewels. The other, a brand new, pale blue box, this one Akito opened. “I will use this one, Hatori.” He decided.
“Akito…” Hatori started to object. “You know that tradition calls for….”
“I KNOW, HATORI!” Akito yelled at him, and then softened his voice to a sarcastic anger. “I know that tradition states that I must give her this hideous thing.” Akito threw the jeweled box across the room, striking Hatori in the chest. “They have taken even that much from me, but for our engagement, for the moment, I have decided to give Tohru this one. If the elders have a problem with it, tell them that they can take it up with me themselves.”
Hatori stared at Akito, saying nothing at first. He bent and picked up the box up from the floor.
“As you wish, Akito.” He said sadly, and dropped the box back into the chest. “I will send Tohru to you.”
YUKI *
Yuki was sweat dropping like crazy as he stepped up to Haru’s front door, and rang the cow shaped doorbell. Inside his powder blue backpack he carried his schoolbooks, his school uniform, and a toothbrush. Tonight, Yuki and Haru were to have their first date. Hatsuharu was actually preparing dinner for him. Haru had made it clear that Yuki would be sleeping over, and Yuki was surprised at how nervous the idea was making him. It wasn’t like they hadn’t shared a bed before, but this was different. This was the real thing. ‘Maybe I shouldn’t really stay the night.’ Yuki debated, and was about to stash his backpack in the bushes. ‘I can pretend I forgot it, and I won’t be able to stay over without my uniform.’ As he pulled the backpack from his shoulders and leaned over to drop it in the bushes, the door opened and it was too late.
“Yuki!” Haru said happily, and grabbed his arm to pull him inside. “You’re right on time, I just finish setting the table.”
Yuki stared around Haru’s apartment, and his nervousness increased. Haru had lit candles, had soft music going, and the table was set beautifully. He had really gone out of his way, which, of course, scared Yuki to death. The food smelled wonderful, however, and Yuki followed Haru into the kitchen to see what was cooking.
“I didn’t know that you could cook, Haru.” Yuki told him. “It smells amazing.”
“Yes, Kisa’s mother taught me.” Haru admitted, and pulled the top from a large pot, stirring the contents inside.
“Um… Haru, what is it?” Yuki wondered, trying to peek over Haru’s shoulder.
“You’ll see,” Haru told him, and shooed him out of the kitchen. “Wait at the table. It will be ready soon.”
“Can’t I help?” Yuki asked from the doorway.
“Now, Yuki, we both know that you are dangerous in the kitchen.” Haru said. “Go change the music, or something, I’ll be out in a minute.”
HARU *
As soon as Yuki was out of the kitchen, Haru let out a deep sigh. “What is wrong with me?” He whispered. “This is Yuki, I’ve wanted this forever. Get a grip, Haru.”
Taking his time, Haru arranged two plates of food, and when he felt he couldn’t put it off any longer, he headed to the table. Yuki was already seated, and closely examining a bottle, which sat in a ice bucket. “Wine, Haru? I didn’t know that you drank.”
“Well, I don’t, normally.” Haru admitted, and sat the plates of food on the table. “I just thought that tonight was … um… I don’t know, I just felt it would be nice for a change.”
“How did you even get this stuff? Did Black Haru knock over a liquor store?” Yuki joked, hoping to ease the tension between them.
“No, Yuki. Aya got it for me.” Haru said casually, and took the seat across from Yuki.
“My Brother?” Yuki exploded. “I just hope that you didn’t tell him what you needed if for.”
“No, of course not. I didn’t. I told him it was a gift for a friend.” Haru explained, pulling the bottle from the ice bucket and pouring them each a glass.
“So, um… Haru, what is this?” Yuki asked, looking suspiciously at the plate of food in front of him.
“It’s Transylvanian Goulash.” Haru stated proudly, and Yuki bit his lip to control his laughter.
“Transylvanian? Like where Count Dracula was from? Haru is there something that you would like to tell me?”
“Shut up, and taste it, dumb ass.” Haru complained, and waited patiently.
Yuki brought a forkful of Goulash to his mouth, ogled it for a moment, flicked out his tongue to test it, and deciding it was safe placed it in his mouth.
“Well?” Haru said, getting a little annoyed. He had worked hard on this meal, and Yuki was being a shithead.
“It’s good, Haru.” Yuki admitted with a smile, and took another forkful. “It’s really good.”
Haru grinned back at him, starting to unwind. “I’m glad that you like it, Yuki.”
AKITO/TOHRU *
Akito stared out his window towards the setting sun. In his hand he still held the tiny blue box. This wasn’t the way that he had wanted it, he realized sadly. Why did Hatori have to tell her? Shouldn’t it have been his place? How dare Hatori arrange this for him, couldn’t he, the head of the family, have been allowed even this one small thing? It was wonderful to know that Tohru loved him, that even in spite of the curse, she had agreed to marry him, but it sort of took all the fun out of it, didn’t it. He supposed that it was how it was meant to be, the head of the Sohma family wasn’t required to have fun; he was required to watch over the others, he was required to choose a wife, he was required to procreate a demon, and he was required to die. Fun was never, ever, a part of the deal.
“Akito” Came her soft voice, and her gentle knock at the door. “May I come in?”
“Please.” He welcomed her, placing the small box into the pocket of his robe, and standing.
“Should you be out of bed?” She wondered, rushing to his side. She took his hand to guide him back down into his window seat. She dropped to her knees in front of him, and looked up into his eyes, her own were filled instantly with tears. “I was so worried. I thought that you might not wake up again, that you would just stay asleep. I was afraid… I was afraid that…”
“That you might have to marry an invalid?” He whispered, focusing his anger on the one person who did not deserve it.
“Akito?” She wondered, gazing at him with those giant sad eyes. “I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you. What did you say?“ Immediately, he felt his anger melting away, being replaced with a feeling of warmth, of love. She was so beautiful tonight, somehow even more beautiful, even though her eyes were ringed with dark circles, and she had lost too much weight? ‘Had she not been eating? Had his illness really concerned her so much?’
“Nothing, Tohru, it was nothing of importance.” He told her, reaching out his hand and wrapping his fingers inside the silk of her hair.
“I missed you, Akito. While you were asleep, I missed you so much.” She told him, and placed her head upon his knee, closing her eyes, while he ran his hands through her hair, across her forehead, and down to her cheek.
“Tohru.” He whispered, “My Tohru.” and moved his hands beneath her arms, urging her up and onto his lap, so that he could hold her close to him, so that he could bury his face against her neck. “I love you, Tohru, so very much.” He kissed her neck, smiling when she shivered in his arms, and murmured his name. He found her lips, kissing them gently, and breaking the kiss, he took her face in his hands. “Although, I really do not want to, we need to talk.” He told her, and watched as she nodded in agreement.
“First of all, about your friends. I understand that they have learned about our secret.” Her body grew tense in his arms, and she looked up at him, her eyes wide with concern. “Do you trust them, Tohru? Do you trust that they can keep our secret? Will they keep it, the way that you have kept it?”
“I trust them, Akito. They will not betray me.” She confirmed what he already knew, but needed to hear from her lips.
“Then I will trust them as well.” He told her, and was pleased that this made her smile.
“Thank you, Akito. Thank you.” She kissed his face, one, two, three times, one for each cheek and the third for his lips. He smiled at her, and placed his hand in the pocket of his robe.
He was nervous, he realized, although he already knew what her answer would be. A part of him almost hoped that she would say no, not because he didn’t love her, but because he did love her. ‘How could he ask such a thing of her’?
“Tohru,” He started.” I understand that you have talked with Hatori, that you know what I need to ask you. He’s told you everything?”
“Yes.” She answered softly, and he noticed that she was shaking now. She knew what was coming and she was frightened.
“Tohru, you don’t have to. It’s all right if you don’t want to, if you are afraid. You can say no. I’ll be disappointed, but I would understand.”
“No, Akito.” She blurted out, and his heart stopped. She realized her mistake, and quickly added. “Not that, not, no, I won’t marry you. I only meant to say that I am not afraid to marry you. I will marry you Akito. Well, you actually haven‘t asked me, yet, but...”
Akito found himself laughing at her, at how very cute she could be sometimes. He brought the ring box out of his pocket, opening and removing the ring. It was a plain diamond ring in a platinum setting. Akito had chosen it, because it was so different from the other ring, that ugly gaudy Sohma heirloom. This ring was simple, but beautiful, just like her, just like their love.
Akito lifted Tohru out of his lap, placing her gently beside him, and standing up. He looked down at her for a moment, and then kneeled down in front of her. He took her hand in his, and peered up at her, tears glistening in his eyes.
“Tohru, I am not an easy person to love, and I certainly know that I do not deserve you. You are everything that I never thought I could have, all that I’ve ever dreamed about. I know that I will hurt you, because loving me is sure to cause you pain, but if you marry me I will do everything in my power to make up for that pain. Tohru, I promise that I will love you completely, unconditionally, and infinitely. Tohru, will you honor me by letting me be your husband?”
She couldn’t speak, so instead she nodded, her blue eyes a vast ocean of tears, and as he slipped the ring on her finger. She broke down, falling into his arms. He wrapped her up against himself, kissing her soothingly, murmuring promises of eternal devotion, promises of undying love.
When she was calm again, Akito carried her to his bed, laying her down between his freshly laundered sheets. Crawling in beside her, he pulled her into his arms. He whispered softly in her ear, telling her of all the things that he wanted them to do together, how he desired them to spend the remainder of his days. She listened silently, cuddling close, bathing herself in his gentle dreams, while inside her heart ached, because she realized that these were only fantasies. Akito Sohma did not have the freedom to do such things. It would not be possible. Finally he drifted off to sleep. As he slept, she watched over him, thinking about his curse.
After a while she crawled out of his bed, tucking his blanket around his peaceful form. Leaving the room she walked to the library. She had a book report due, and hoped that the vast Sohma archives held something besides medical journals. As she moved down the hallway, her mind drifted back to Akito, to the family, to the curse. There was so much she was curious about, so many questions still unanswered about her future husband. She wondered where and if those answers could be found.
KYO/UO *
Kyo lay on the roof, staring up at the clear night sky. It was a perfect night, the air was warm and thick, it’s gentle breeze swirling with the flavors of fall. Overhead amidst a sea of stars the autumn moon was plump and gleaming with promise. Smiling softly, he turned his head to the girl laying beside him.
“I told you. It’s nice up here, isn’t it?” He asked her.
“Yes.” Uo agreed, “but I can’t believe that you actually sleep up here sometimes. Don’t you worry that you might fall off and break your neck?”
“Not possible, I always land on my feet.” Kyo lied to her, remembering all of the times that Yuki had knocked him off of the roof and right on his ass, but she didn’t need to know about that.
“Why don‘t I believe you?” Uo wondered, flashing Kyo a warm but wicked smile. He felt his heartbeat hasten as he stared into her eyes.
“Uo, um…Can we, can I…” Kyo started shyly, but then looked away self-consciously.
“What did you just call me?” Uo asked him, in astonishment.
“Your name?” Kyo said. Now he was very uncomfortable. Maybe this was a bad idea. “I mean, that is your real name right? I didn’t say it wrong, did I?”
“No,” Uo laughed at him. “You said it right. I’m just not used to hearing you use it.”
“Well, you don’t expect me to keep calling you Yankee, do you? I mean, not if I, if we…”
With an uncharacteristic giggle, Uo leaned over and kissed Kyo, right on his lips. As she started to pull back, Kyo grabbed her by her shoulders roughly. He pulled her lips back to his, kissing her again, forcefully but lovingly. Uo returned the force as well as the love, dipping her tongue into his mouth momentarily, and withdrawing it, to nip at his bottom lip instead. When she pulled back again she was smiling.
“Just so you know Orange Top, I like it when you call me Yankee, so don’t stop, okay.”
Kyo nodded, and grabbing her by her hair, brought her lips to his once again.
YUKI/HARU *
Dinner had went very well, and thanks to the glass of wine, Haru was feeling a tiny bit more comfortable. Yuki, however, was a train wreck.
Standing at the sink, drying the dishes, Yuki glanced uneasily at his cousin. Haru had just finished brewing the perfect pot of tea, and was carefully pouring it into two cups, one was black and the other, of course, was white. Sensing Yuki’s eyes, he looked up, giving Yuki a big sinful grin. Yuki blushed violently, dropping the dish in his hand. Fortunately, it didn’t break, it simply rolled across the kitchen floor to stop at Haru’s bare feet.
“See Yuki, that’s why you’re not allowed in the kitchen.” Haru teased, bending down to recover the dish. Sitting it on the counter, he stepped in front of Yuki, removing the towel from his hands and hanging it on a hook. “No more dishes for you.” Opening the refrigerator, Haru pulled out a large bowl of fresh sliced fruit. “For dessert.” He informed him, still grinning that grin, which was making Yuki feel very unsettled. Haru put his fingers into the bowl, removed a slice of fresh peach, and held it to Yuki’s lips. Yuki opened his mouth, taking a bite of the peach, and smiling at its sweetness. “It’s delicious.” He informed Haru, who winked at him, and handed him a cup of tea.
“Come on,” he said, holding the bowl of fruit in one hand, and picking up his tea in the other.
Yuki, apprehensively, followed Haru out of the kitchen. As they walked through the front room Haru gestured to one of the two lit candles in the room. “Grab that please, my hands are full.”
Yuki did as he was asked, and followed Haru down the hall to his bedroom.
Haru’s heart was exploding against his chest as he kicked open his bedroom door, and led Yuki inside. Despite his, outwardly, calm appearance, he was totally insecure. ‘Am I moving too fast?’ He wondered. ‘Should we have watched T.V., or played cards, or something less…less?’
“Haru, um…” Yuki mumbled, and Haru saw that Yuki’s eyes were wide with terror, and he looked ready to bolt. ‘Yep, too fast.’ Haru confirmed.
“Here, Yuki.” Haru decided, and pushed open the door, leading to his small outdoor garden, with his elbow. ‘This will be okay.’ He thought to himself. ‘I wasn’t really leading you straight to my bed, Yuki. I just thought that it would be nice to sit outside, and my garden just happens to be attached to my room, yeah sure, that’s it.’
Yuki breathed a sigh of relief, as Haru stepped out into his miniature garden, and placed the fruit and his tea cup upon a small patio table. Yuki followed, and stood for a moment admiring all of Haru’s plants and flowers; Haru’s garden was a tiny virtual jungle, which Yuki found surprising.
“How come you’ve never told me that you liked plants so much, Haru?” Yuki asked, sitting the candle on the table, and taking a seat on one of the two patio chairs.
“You never asked, Yuki.” Haru said flatly, and Yuki felt bad. No, he guessed that there was a lot that he didn’t really know about Haru. ‘And I should know!’ He decided, looking over to Haru who had sat down in the other chair, and was watching him intently.
Yuki took a sip of his tea, finding comfort in it’s sweet, slightly, gingery flavor. He smiled at Haru, and mindlessly licked his bottom lip. “Um… Haru this tea is wonderful, everything tonight has been wonderful. You‘re really incredible.”
“Yuki?” Haru whispered, and looked away, his face filling with color.
‘I made Haru blush?’ Yuki realized and felt instantly happy. Was it at all possible that Haru was nervous himself? Leaning closer to his cousin, Yuki took his face in one hand, wanting him to look at him again. He was enjoying this sudden sensation of power.
“Yuki… um… here, do you want some more?” Haru stuttered, grabbing the bowl of fruit off of the table, to avoid looking him in the eye. ‘Yes, that’s nervousness.’ Yuki recognized with a grin.
(A.N. WARNING, WARNING: Tyouhkriu, Shiomei, veronica, and those still pure of heart, as well as any yaoi haters, might want to just skip on down to the ending scene, you have been warned!)
“Yes, please, Haru.” Yuki said, and opened his mouth to take the melon slice that Haru held out to him. “It’s so good, Haru. Thank you. Here you haven‘t had any.” Yuki reach inside the bowl, picked out a perfect pear slice, and held it to his cousin’s lips. Haru opened his mouth, took a bite of the fruit, and juice dribbled from his lips. Without thinking Yuki leaned over, put out his tongue, and licked the juice from Haru’s chin.
‘So much for taking it slow.’ Haru thought, and captured Yuki’s tongue gently between his teeth, nibbling for a second, and then setting it free. Grabbing Yuki at the waist Haru promptly pulled him onto his lap.
“Haru!” Yuki gasped. Feeling Haru’s hardness beneath him, Yuki lost his nerve, and scooted away from it.
“Shhh…” Haru shushed him, covering Yuki’s mouth with his own, and dragging him back. Yuki melted against Haru’s strong chest, parting his lips to allow Haru’s prodding tongue deep inside.
Haru explored Yuki’s mouth, marveling at its taste. ‘Mixed fruit.’, he decided, running his tongue along Yuki’s perfect teeth, and then diving deep inside, finding Yuki’s own tongue and wrapping himself around it hungrily.
“Haru.” Yuki mumbled, breaking the kiss, and grasping for breath. Haru fought to catch his own breath, marveling at the beauty of Yuki’s face lit only by candlelight. “Yuki, I want you so bad. Is that horrible?”
“No, of course, it’s not horrible.” Yuki shuddered, as Haru licked at his ear, and worked at the button of his high collar shirt. “It’s just that I’ve never, how do we… what do we…” Yuki nearly screamed out loud, when Haru pushed open his shirt and started sucking on his neck while gently caressing his pebble hard nipples. “Haru.” Yuki moaned, as Haru kissed his way along Yuki’s shoulder blade, pushing his shirt down and off, letting it drop onto the grass. Yuki shivered as the cool night air collided with his warm skin.
“Yuki.” Haru noticed. “Are you cold? Do you want your shirt back?”
“No.” Yuki answered, and wrapped his arms around Haru’s neck, pushing closer to him, desiring his warmth.
“Okay then, let’s get you inside.” Haru decided, and jumped up from the chair, still holding Yuki in his arms. “I can’t have you getting sick on me.”
Yuki closed his eyes, and wrapped himself tighter to Haru, willing his heart to slow down. Haru carried him to his futon, and carefully set him down. Yuki stared up at him, his eyes enormous, and his breathe shallow.
“Are you okay, Yuki?” Haru asked him, leaning over and running a finger across the firm silk of Yuki’s stomach. The room was dark, but the candlelight through the window reflected in Yuki’s eyes, it betrayed his discomfort. “Do you want to stop?”
“No. At least I don’t think that I do.” Yuki admitted timidly. “It’s just that this is my first time. I’m not even sure what to do. What if I’m awful?” Grabbing the pillow from the bed, Yuki buried his face in it. Desiring to hide from Haru’s thoughtful eyes.
“Yuki, there is no way that you could be awful, but if it makes you feel any better, this is my first time too.” Yuki looked up from the pillow in shock.
“You lie!” Yuki insisted. “How come you’re so good at this than?” Hearing himself, Yuki blushed, and hid back inside the pillow.
“I told you Yuki. I’ll never lie to you. I’ve just read a lot of Fan Fiction on the Internet. You’d be amazed by what you can pick up.” Pulling the pillow away from Yuki’s face, Haru placed a gentle kiss on his nose. “Tell me the truth Yuki, do you want to stop? If your not ready.”
“Are you ready?” Yuki wondered.
“Uh huh.” Haru admitted, running a finger along Yuki’s bottom lip. “I am, but you don‘t have to be. I can wait.”
Yuki sat for a moment, thinking things over, before deciding. “I want to be. I want to try. I’d like to try, very much.”
Smiling, Haru sat beside Yuki on the futon. Doing nothing at first, just looking, and then he laid back, his head nestling against a mound of comfy pillows. “Come here.” He commanded in a whisper, grabbing Yuki and bringing him down on top of him, so that he could kiss him, leisurely, brushing his mouth across the velvet of Yuki’s lips, while his hands roamed along Yuki’s silky back.
Yuki pulled back, sitting up, straddling Haru’s stomach, careful to avoid that one certain spot, and stared down into Haru smoky gray eyes, as he caught his breath. Haru reached out his hand, stroking Yuki’s cheek and running his fingers through his feather soft silver hair, before urging him back down towards his ravenous mouth.
Yuki found Haru’s lips again, kissing him softly, and allowing his hands to work their way under Haru’s black silk T-shirt. Taking the soft fabric in his hands, Yuki pushed it up toward Haru’s neck, and then with a quick tug pulled it up and over Haru’s head. Moving downward, Yuki placed a tiny, curious, kiss upon Haru‘s right nipple, and felt Haru tense up beneath his lips. Deciding this was pleasant, as Haru tasted amazing, Yuki flicked out his tongue, and licked circles around the nipple, following up with gentle kisses and tiny nips from his teeth.
“Yuki!” Haru moaned, grabbing Yuki’s face in his hands and forcing Yuki’s lips back up to his thirsty mouth. Yuki ran his hands along Haru’s waist, pushing his chest up against him, loving the feeling of Haru’s skin rubbing against his own, as he explored Haru’s lips, with his tongue. He had a moment of sweet satisfaction, when Haru groaned into his mouth longingly. Then Haru tackled him, flipping him on his back, pinning him underneath him, and imprisoning Yuki’s hands above his head.
“You’re mine.” Haru whispered lovingly into his ear, and ran kisses across his face, pausing to dive back into Yuki’s soft mouth, before trailing downward, tasting and teasing. Forcing himself to move slowly, wanting to savor every moment, every sweet sigh, Haru bit and sucked at Yuki’s neck, his chest, each of his nipples. He relished the way that Yuki’s breathing grew heavy with yearning, and yet, he’s too quiet. He’s still nervous, I need him to relax, to really enjoy this, he decided. He released Yuki’s hands, needing his own to open the drawer by the bed.
“Haru?” Yuki questioned, curious about what was taken from the drawer. Haru hid the bottle of massage oil behind his back, letting it lie at the foot of the futon. “Haru, what was that?” Yuki wondered, and Haru put a finger to his lips to quiet him.
“Shhh… just trust.” Yuki nodded, closing his eyes, and relaxing back against the futon. Haru undid the buttons of Yuki’s black jeans, ignoring Yuki’s sharp intake of breath. He peeled them down, taking Yuki’s black cotton briefs at the same time, until Yuki was wearing only his white socks, which were the last to go. This accomplished, Haru stood, unbuttoning his own jeans, and easing them off.
Sitting back, on the edge of the futon, Haru held his breath, taking a moment to appreciate Yuki’s naked splendor. “You’re so beautiful.” He whispered, fighting off his darker side, which was begging to be set free.
Yuki opened his eyes. Haru was sitting up, naked, at the edge of the futon, actually admiring him. Yuki felt his heart quicken, as the color flared to his cheeks, and he reach for the blanket, wanting to cover himself. In a flash, Haru had his hands locked above his head again, and was leaning down to whisper in his ear. “No, Yuki, I won’t let you hide yourself from me. Flip over, okay.”
“Why?” Yuki questioned, but did he as was asked. Haru reached down and picked up whatever had been waiting in the drawer. There was a tiny clicking sound, and a pleasing smell that Yuki couldn’t quiet place. Yuki bit his lip, and closed his eyes, and a moment later Haru’s hands were on his shoulders massaging a pleasant scented oil into his skin. Yuki moaned softly, as Haru rubbed at his flesh, kneading away his tension, helping him to relax. Yuki closed his eyes, feeling Haru’s hands they worked their way down his back. Yuki started to tense up again when Haru’s fingers brushed across his buttocks, but sensing his fear, Haru skipped down to his legs.
Yuki was in heaven by the time Haru had reach, and massaged his toes, and when Haru flipped him on his back and began working his way slowly back up from his feet, Yuki couldn’t even speak. His eyes were closed and his mind was drifting almost into sleep, but then he felt it. Haru was licking his stomach. Yuki’s eyes popped open, and he looked down. Haru stared up at him, a soft sexy smile forming on his lips. Yuki didn’t move, barely allowing himself to breath, as Haru kissed the spot just above his belly button. Slowly, excruciatingly, Haru moved lower, dipping his tongue into the tiny hollow, and then moving lower still. ‘He wouldn’t.’ Yuki told himself. ‘Though, how, he was hoping that he would.’
He did! Haru’s tongue flicked out and licked across his tip. Yuki moaned and locked eyes with Haru, watching, breathlessly, as Haru’s tongue lashed teasingly, maddeningly, along his erection. “Haru, please.” Yuki found himself begging, searching for something that he didn’t completely understand. “Haru, I need…” He whimpered, and sucked in his breath, as Haru wrapped him in his lips, swallowing his length and gently sucking. “Haru!” He cried out, his hands fisting themselves into the soft flannel blanket beneath him. Haru favored him with his tongue, his lips, his teeth; while his well oiled hand slide down between Yuki’s thighs, his finger softly stroking and slowly entering him. Yuki moaned, deep in his throat, as his passion tore frantically through him; he caught fire, his body falling into the white-hot flame of Haru’s mouth, his hands, his fingers.
“HARU!” Yuki screamed, spilling himself into Haru’s waiting lips. His body bucking and trashing in uncontainable abandon. Haru swallowed, smiling victoriously, and crawled up Yuki’s body. Covering Yuki’s mouth with his own, he pressed his tongue inside, wanting Yuki to taste himself on his lips, because he tasted so incredibly good. Yuki found Haru’s tongue, sucking on it fervently, still moaning, still lost, still wanting.
Haru pulled back, breaking the kiss, gazing down into his lover’s lust crazed violet eyes. Reaching beneath Yuki’s legs, he urged his knees up, hoping to make it easier, on both of them. Positioning himself between Yuki’s thighs, he waited, ignoring his own needs. Pushing away the excitement that threatened to tear him apart. He wanted this so much, but he would stop if Yuki didn’t want it.
“Are you sure, Yuki?” He whispered tenderly. “This might hurt you. We should stop.”
With tears of desire in his eyes, Yuki nodded his assent. “It’s okay, Haru. I want to, so much.”
Haru hugged Yuki to him, kissing him tenderly, as he slowly slid inside. Yuki groaned, and sucked at Haru’s lip, savoring the pain, the final proof of Haru’s devotion. Haru moved smoothly into him, tentatively at first, gently, carefully, and then faster, and deeper, working in rhythm with Yuki’s breathing. Unexpectedly, Yuki’s pain disappeared, replaced with something else, something indescribable. Yuki relaxed into it, feeling his body turning to liquid, flowing into Haru’s and drifting away. Haru dove down into his essence, then pulled back, only to plummet back in. They swam together, feverishly, drowning, their passion swelling and cresting until it burst, exploding in a shower of black, white, and gray. They splashed together, meeting in the center of their souls, climaxing in synch with their hearts.
*
Later, they cuddled together, exhausted, two perfect bodies, meshed as one, bathed in oil, and sweat, and candlelight.
“I love you.” Haru whispered, “You are mine.”
“Forever.” Yuki promised.
“Eternally.” Haru answered back.
*************
Well…um… okay then… breathe, breathe, breathe…
A little note about my research approach for this chapter. When I couldn’t decide what Haru should make Yuki for dinner, I walked into my kitchen and opened up a Cooking Light Magazine. I decided that the first dish that I came across was what Haru would make. The dish was Transylvanian Goulash. Once I stopped laughing my ass off, I decided it was perfect.
Before writing the Haru/Yuki love scene I also had to do some research, but I probably shouldn’t get into that right now. : ) Get your mind out of the gutter, it wasn’t that! Perverts!
Well, thank you for reading, review if you have the time. And for those who got the nerve to read the NC-17 version, please let me know what you think. I’m afraid that I might be getting good at this whole yaoi thing, and don’t know if I should be happy or truly scared.
Well, I have to go now, I have a wedding to plan. By the way, if any of you know (from the manga, I guess) of what, if any, religion the Sohma family is, please let me know. Otherwise I will go on my instincts. Also, I had hoped to finish the story by the new year, but this chapter took so long to write, and has honestly exhausted me. I need to take a break for a day or two, but will move on to the last chapter (small possibility of it being two, you know how I am) as soon as I am able. Thanks.
YTR