Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Sleepless in Sohma House ❯ The Hallowed Ring ( Chapter 25 )
[ 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: 03.12.2004 | Pages: 6 | Words: 9.5K | Visits: 793 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Fruits Basket Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Comedy | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 03.12.2004 | Pages: 6 | Words: 9.5K | Visits: 793 | 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.
Hello, all of you people who are crazy enough to have made it this far.
Thanks again for sticking with my little story. It is really long, and you have put a lot of time into it by reading this far. You’re wonderful!!! I have to say hello, and thank you to Kyoko Suomi, a wonderful artist, and my new partner in crime. We have something interesting in the works, but for now I am keeping it on the D.L. She actually inspired a line in this chapter from something that she said to me in an e-mail. Probably, the best line in the whole chapter, in fact.
Also, I have to say sorry to Shinsei, you are right, I probably shouldn’t have made Shigure a Kagura beater. In case you all haven’t noticed, I have some pretty strange views on things. Still, I do not condone a man hitting a woman. In my mind, Shigure backhanded her gently, yes that’s it, gently. Okay, I’ll stop fibbing now, I just didn’t think it through. Bowing humbly now, bowing again, keeping it up… please forgive.
Oh, and I almost forgot, as promised, this is a two version chapter. Look for the PG-13 on FanFiction.net, and the NC-17 on Mediaminer.org. I don’t think I need to tell you that the NC-17 version is a lemon between a certain couple who are not Haru/Yuki. (Those two wore me out, no more play for you, Haru), and the NC-17 is a much better version in my humble opinion. The PG-13 is basically the same thing, but with all the fun parts cut out. Did I say fun? I meant naughty. Sorry, but it really is better. Do remember, I am bias.
Sleepless in Sohma House
PART TWENTY FIVE - THE HALLOWED RING
YOUNG HATORI *
At the tender age of seven he already understands that he is not like other children. It isn’t just the curse, although that is certainly a part of it. He is nothing like his cousins either. He is special, exceptional, gifted, in fact. As he accompanies the other zodiac members into the sacred shrine, he holds his head high and proud. In his small hands he carries a pretty jeweled square; his fingers caress it’s smooth edges, liking the texture of the shiny stones set against the cool metal. He is Hatori Sohma, the dragon, and today he is the keeper of the hallowed ring.
Hatori’s place is in front of his cousin Ayame. Hatori is the fifth member in the procession of the zodiac. The first place, behind the master, is held by the ancient elder Daichi Sohma, the rat.
As they enter the shrine, Hatori spots his dear father. His father bows, his head to the floor signifying his great respect. Today his father’s status is unimportant, he is one of the uninvited, one of the un-cursed. They line the walk which leads into the shrine, they will not be allowed inside. Only a few were invited, those of the council, and zodiac members themselves, to witness this most divine day. The wedding of Kosuke Sohma, the head of the family, their master.
“You will hold a great station in the family, my son.” These are the words that Hatori has been weaned upon, the words of his father, words he is never to forget. Hatori understands that he is vital to the family, much more significant than Ayame and Shigure combined. One day Hatori will take his place as the caregiver, the third most important position in the family. The first place, of course, is the head of the family, the person that Hatori will one day be sworn to protect. The second is the rat, the harbinger of the zodiac, the treasured one.
Hatori is learning about medicine, his studies began at the age of five. Young though he is, Hatori already possesses certain talents, an uncannily expertise with herbs, a photographic memory, and a maturity well beyond his years. There is also another gift, Hatori’s special magic. This one, however, he has been prohibited from using.
“This gift is only to be used in service to your master.” These were his father’s other famous words.
“Who is this master, father? Is he not Kosuke Sohma?“ Hatori had thought to ask, just this morning, in fact
“Be patient, my son, you will meet him soon enough. Your master’s era is not yet upon us.” His father explained lovingly, but this only served to exasperate the young boy.
“Does my master even exist? Perhaps he is only a legend. Perhaps he is like that Santa Claus that Gure spoke about? If my master is genuine then I do not wish to wait. I would like to meet him soon, father.” Young Hatori’s impatience grows out of his desire to use his special gift. He thinks that it is brilliant that his small body holds such a magical power, and he longs to show it off. He wants his cousins to see it, to see why he is better. He is certain that they will be impressed, perhaps then they will show him some respect, perhaps then they will love him.
“You cannot meet him, yet. You see, your master has not yet been born. Today, in fact, is a significant day for you. The present master is to be wed, and you, my child, the caretaker will bear his ring. This day, you take your place among your zodiac brethren, this is your first step towards becoming a man.”
The zodiac shrine is a remarkable place, an area of dark enchantment. Hatori is nervous as he steps in front of the rat, looking up into a pair of cold violet eyes, he offers up the ring box. Daichi removes the box from his hands, giving the boy a nod of approval. Hatori then takes his place at the side of the alter, bowing deeply, in respect to the head of the Family. Daichi, in turn, presents the ring to the master.
As the ceremony begins Hatori is allowed to stand, his eyes dart around inconspicuously in his longing to examine everything at once. The shrine is formed from ancient wood, dark marble, and pale ivory; the walls are adorned with twelve silk wall tapestries each depicting a different creature of the zodiac, the cat is not included. Hatori favors the dragon, of course, although he notices, unhappily, that it does not resemble him in the least. At the front of the shrine, beyond the ivory alters, a porcelain sculpture looms large, the sculpture is frightening for what it depicts. Young Hatori cannot look at it, it is simply too terrible, so instead he focuses his attention upon the pretty bride.
Her name is Mika, the grand daughter of the rat, and Hatori finds her beautiful. The white silk of her kimono accents her raven hair and pale gray eyes. When I am grown, perhaps I will marry someone even half as lovely, the child hopes silently.
As Hatori watches in childish fascination, the master takes her hand; it is a flawless hand pale and delicate, her nails the color of a soft pink rose. The master holds the ring in his hand, it glitters with many jewels. Like the sculpture, Hatori has a hard time looking at it, and yet he cannot pull his eyes away. The ring emulates something, a power, an evil, a ominous darkness. When the master slips it upon Mika’s finger it glows deeply, causing Mika to cry out in pain. Hatori wants to run to her, to tear the ring off, to save her, but his feet will not move. Instead he watches, in horrified fascination, as the blood drips from the ring, slowly at first, but increasing. The master lifts a jeweled chalice from the alter, holding it under his wife’s trembling hand. He nods to Daichi who steps forward to steady his grand daughter as they bleed her, filling the chalice to nearly full, until finally the bleeding slows and ceases. The glow fades from Mika’s hand, allowing Hatori to breath a momentary sigh of relief, which is quickly replaced with disgust, for now the master places the goblet to his lips. Hatori screams…
HATORI *
Hatori awoke with a start, a soft scream tearing from his lips, before it was quickly contained. While doing his nightly reading, he had fallen asleep in one of the comfortable library chairs, now he was covered in sweat and the book that he had been reading lies at his feet. Pulling his handkerchief from his pocket, Hatori wiped his brow, before leaning down to rescue the book.
The book is very old, like many of the books in this library. Hatori checks to make sure it has not been damaged by his carelessness. The book flops open to the page that Hatori had been reading, to a hand drawn picture set in fading black ink, the hallowed ring. Just looking at the picture make Hatori shiver, and his dream threatens to re-surface. He pushes it away, back into the recesses of his mind. He tells himself that it was simply a bad dream, even though somewhere very deep inside of him, he knows that he is lying. Closing the book, Hatori stands, moving to a back corner of the large library. Bending down Hatori lifts the very corner of the carpeting aside, revealing a tiny golden switch. This he presses, causing the library wall to slide open, and now we see a tiny, musty, room. This is the zodiac library, the one that lays hidden from all. Entering, Hatori returns the book to it’s proper place on it’s shelve. He takes a moment, still trying to recover from his nightmare, before he turns and steps back into the main library. As he bends down to once more press the golden switch, he hears her voice.
“Hatori, what is this place?”
Startled, Hatori quickly presses the switch and stands to face Tohru.
“Tohru, I thought that you were with Akito.” Hatori said, avoiding the question that he has no intention of answering. Behind him the wall slides shut with a muted clack.
“He’s sleeping now, and I need to study. Actually, I was looking for a book.” Tohru explained, still examining the spot in the wall which conceals the tiny room.
“Oh, I see, well did you have something particular in mind?” Hatori wondered moving away towards the opposite end of the library, wanting the girl to forget what she has seen. ‘You’re doing it again. You’re keeping secrets.’ Hatori’s mind whispered to him, and he pushed those thoughts away. One day Tohru would have access to all that is Sohma, but for the moment she is still an outsider.
“I don’t suppose you have anything in English?” Tohru asked. “I have a book report due in my English class, but I was in such a hurry to make it home that I didn’t bother to stop in at the school library.”
“Actually, I do have something.” Hatori admitted, realizing he could lure Tohru from one secret by divulging another. “I have just the thing, only it is not in here. I keep a personal library in my rooms, though I would prefer if you kept this between us. Come along, I have a book that I think you will enjoy.”
TOHRU *
Hatori reads smut. Of all the secrets that Tohru had uncovered this was, perhaps, the most shocking. He kept a small library in the back of his walk in closet. He blushed profusely, as he unveiled it, literally, pushing aside his many pairs of proper black pants, and permitting Tohru to gaze upon it. The bookshelves were built into the wall itself, and bursting with trashy romance novels. Tohru put her hand to her mouth to keep herself from laughing, it was just too amusing, the very idea that the proper doctor would have such a quirkily little habit.
“It’s this one.” Hatori said quickly, pulling a small blue and white book from the bottom of the shelve. “It’s Kagura’s actually.” He explained. “She left it in my office when she came for her physical. I simply haven’t gotten around to returning it.”
“Oh… well, then I will have a look at it.” Tohru told him, backing out of the closet, and still trying to keep from laughing. The book in question was ‘The Tribes of Palos Verdes’ something written by an American author named Joy Nicholson. It was in English and Tohru supposed it would suit her needs just fine.
“Hatori?” Tohru asked suddenly, just when Hatori imagined he was safe. “I wanted to ask you, since Yuki showed up we didn’t get to finish our conversation. What exactly is the Council of the Elders?”
Hatori looked at the girl for a moment, considering. He saw no reason why he shouldn’t tell her.
“The Council of the Elders is somewhat like a governing force behind the family. They are in place to enforce the will and traditions of the family. They also serve to keep Akito‘s darker side in check.”
“Who are they? Are you one of them? An Elder? I suppose that is a silly question, you are much too young to be considered an Elder.”
“Well, an Elder is a title that has less to do with age, and more to do with station. Myself, I am what you might call an alternate elder, a substitute, if you will. Only one zodiac child is deemed important enough to be allowed a place within the council, since custom dictates that he cannot take his seat in the council until he is twenty, I am temporarily acting in his stead. It is my responsibility to look after the best interest of the members of the zodiac in regards to the council‘s decisions.”
“Yuki?” Tohru realized, “Is it Yuki, Hatori?”
“Yes, Tohru, I am acting in Yuki’s place. Yuki is the harbinger of the zodiac. As such, he holds a special place within the zodiac. As such, he is the only one deemed worthy enough to hold a seat within the council.”
“So that would explain Akito’s jealousy.” Tohru blurted out. “I mean if this Council of the Elders holds power over the family, and even Akito himself, it would only make sense that Akito would resent Yuki.”
“Well, yes, in effect. Although, Akito’s jealousy runs much deeper then Yuki himself, throughout the history of the zodiac, the rat has always challenged the head of the family; and the head of the family, in turn, has always hated and punished the rat. Akito’s dark soul cannot help, but long for the rat’s ultimate destruction.”
“I think I understand. Well… I guess, I better get started on this book. Thank you, Hatori.”
Hatori nodded, seeing Tohru to the door. He was relieved to see her go. The girl asked too many questions, in Hatori’s opinion, and he had already told her much more then necessary.
SHIGURE * (One Month Later)
The icy winter air was streaming, unrestrained, through the open door leading into Shigure‘s house. In the front room, Yuki and Shigure sat contentedly under the warmth of the kotatsu watching a show on television. Yuki looked up as Haru entered the house. “I’ve missed you, Yuki.” He announced, dropping down behind Yuki to whisper in his ear. “Let’s go to bed.”
“I’m watching this.” Yuki informed him, leaning back into his arms and kissing him lovingly.
Shigure smiled, watching the two lovers out of the corner of his eye. Haru pulled Yuki in, deepening the kiss, while Shigure’s smile grew larger, obviously impressed by his cousin’s youthful exuberance.
“Why is this door wide open? It‘s freezing in here.” Kyo grumbled, as he entered the house, sliding the door closed behind him, and plopping down, to slide under the table with the others. “My hell! Do you two have to do that right here? It’s broad daylight already, can’t you two do that in your room, Yuki?”
“I’m watching this.” Yuki repeated, haughtily, for Kyo’s benefit. Behind him Haru was playing with Yuki’s hair, running his hand through it‘s silver softness. Kyo looked at him threateningly, and rolled his eyes to the ceiling. In return, Haru give him an impish grin, before flicking out his tongue and licking Yuki’s earlobe suggestively.
“Oh hell, Shigure tell them to take this perversion upstairs.” Kyo insisted, trying to look away, but finding himself strangely entranced by the show.
Shigure waved him off. “No, no, no. Leave me out of this, Kyo. Personally, I think they’re cute. Young love, oh how I long for the days.”
“THEY’RE NOT CUTE! THEY’RE DISGUSTING!”
“You’re just mad, because you’re not getting any.” Yuki said coldly, standing up, and grabbing Haru by the hand. “Come on Haru, let’s go.” Haru smiled and started to follow Yuki upstairs. Their progress was halted by a sudden rush of cold air as the front door slid open and Aya dramatically waltzed in.
“Yuki, Kyo, Shigure… Oh, are you here too, Haru? Well, good, I have one for you as well. We wouldn’t think of leaving you out, but first to get warm. It’s frightfully cold out today, isn’t it.” Aya plopped down under the kotatsu, practically into Shigure‘s lap.
“What in the hell are you babbling about?” Kyo wondered. While Yuki headed back towards the kotatsu, with Haru in tow, looking only mildly curious. Aya rummaged up his sleeve and pulled out a small stack of white and red envelops.
“I am almost afraid to ask, but what are those?” Yuki wondered, reclaiming his seat, to Kyo’s annoyance. Haru slid down next to him, and cuddled into his lovers arms, Yuki kissed his forehead, before turning his attention to his brother.
Mimicking a casino card dealer, Aya quickly passed the envelops around the table.
“Oh…” Yuki whispered, looking down at the envelope. “Miss Honda’s wedding.”
Kyo quickly tossed his envelop back at Aya. “I sure the hell hope you don’t think that I will be going to this!”
“I can’t believe he was even invited.” Yuki said icily, and slipped open his envelope to read the card inside. “Three weeks?” He wondered, laying the invitation on the table.
“That quickly?” Kyo asked, reaching out for Yuki’s invite.
“No you don’t.” Aya told him, grabbing the invite before Kyo could. “This one is yours, and you really must attend Kyo, after all Tohru has requested you personally.” He slides Kyo’s envelope back across the table. Kyo stared down at it, unsure.
“Tohru requested me?” He wondered.
“Well, yes. Of course. You don’t think that Akito would have invited you, do you? If Akito had his way neither you nor my brother would be…” Shigure’s hand flew to Aya’s lips, silencing him.
“Now, now, Aya.” Shigure warned. “All of us, myself, Yuki, and you too Kyo, will be attending Tohru’s wedding. As Tohru’s friends and Akito’s family we would not think of missing it.”
“Yeah, sure, whatever.” Kyo decided. “Uo will be there, right?” He looked to Aya for confirmation.
“Oh, certainly. Tohru insisted, and you really should see the lovely kimono that I, myself, am designing for her. Tohru requested me personally. Well, of course, Akito was none to happy about it, nor do I really enjoy spending time around our master, but as a serious business man I simply could not say no.”
“Akito’s not my master.” Yuki said icily. Pushing Haru aside, and standing. Yuki headed up the stairs towards his room. Haru looked ready to follow, but didn’t, at first. As Yuki reach the top step he called down to him. “Haru, aren’t you coming?”
With a relieved smile Haru jumped up and bounded up the stairs after Yuki.
“Well, now, that’s interesting.” Aya noticed. “How are things working out between them?”
“Surprisingly well actually.” Shigure informed him. “They sort of remind me of us in our younger days.”
“Oh… no.” Kyo complained, as Shigure moved closer to Aya looking down into his eyes. “I’m out of here.”
“Good.” Aya agreed. “You run along, lucky Kyo, and leave us adults alone.”
Once Kyo was up the stairs, and on his way to his room. Shigure pulled away, and turned very serious.
“Aya, are you at all concerned about this wedding.” He questioned.
“Well, Gure, now that you mention it. Akito and Hatori really haven’t given me adequate time to properly plan everything.”
“That’s not what I’m talking about.” Shigure told him. “Aya, I know we were both very young, but don’t you remember Kosuke’s wedding?”
“What do you mean?” Aya asked absentmindedly. “I do recall that the brides komino was an atrocity. If I was her, I would have hung that designer.”
“You don’t remember? Well, never mind then, maybe it’s just me.” He moved in on Aya. “Now where were we again?” Leaning down he placed a passionate kiss upon Aya‘s lips.
“Oh, Shigure, now that I remember.” Aya crooned and moved into Shigure’s arms.
(A.N. Okay, I just figured, what the hell. We all know those two have been doing it for years, don’t we?)
TOHRU *
“Will you two be out long?” Tohru wondered, wrapping her arms around Akito’s neck, and giving him a quick goodbye kiss. They are standing, in front of the main house, and nearby Hatori sits waiting in the drivers seat of his car.
“Not terribly long, these things generally only last a few hours. Of course, since we will be discussing the wedding, it could take a bit longer.”
“Well then. I will probably already be asleep when you get home. I have a test in school tomorrow, so I am going to study for a couple of hours and go straight to bed.”
“Always the good student. Your mother would be very proud of you.” Akito smiled, as always saying the exact words that she needed to hear. Tohru has been thinking a lot about her mother, and also about school lately. It would be difficult juggling high school, while being the wife of Akito Sohma, but she was determined to do her best.
“Thank you Akito, I really want to finish High School. It means a lot that you are so understanding.”
“What’s to understand?” Akito said over his shoulder as he headed toward the car. “It is what you want, and that is all that matters.”
“Is it?” Tohru wondered, waving goodbye to Hatori before heading inside to the library to study.
HARU *
“Yuki, are you okay?” Haru asked as he stared up at the ceiling of Yuki’s bedroom. Yuki was being too quite. While making love, Yuki had seemed distant, preoccupied, and Haru’s insecurity was now getting the best of him. “Are you thinking about Tohru? Should I go?”
“Don’t be silly, Haru.” Yuki said, crawling on top of him, and laying his head on Haru’s naked chest. “I have been thinking of Miss Honda, it is true, but only because I am worried about her, about this wedding.”
“I understand.” Haru told him, although he wasn’t really sure that he did. What was the problem, anyway? Tohru loved Akito, Akito loved Tohru, they would be married, and Haru would never again need to be afraid of losing Yuki. It seemed perfect to Haru. Wrapping his arms possessively around Yuki’s small body, he placed a kiss on the top of his head.
“I love you, Haru.” Yuki told him, as if he had been reading his mind. “This isn’t the zodiac fairytale. The rat isn’t just using the cow for a free ride.” Lifting his head he smiled down at Haru. “I hope that you realize that I will never leave you.”
“So, I’m stuck with you then?” Haru asked, unable to hide both the relief and the love in his eyes.
“I’m afraid so, but do you mind doing something for me?” Yuki said sweetly.
“Of course Yuki, anything, what do you need?”
“Can you go downstairs and fix me some dinner?” Yuki begged placing a kiss upon Haru’s lips, and rolling off of him, to rub his growling stomach. “I’m so hungry.”
“I can do that Yuki, but you will owe me.” Haru laughed, jumping up from the futon and grabbing his pants from the floor. “I’m thinking a nice hot bath later, and a back massage, so you better be ready.” Grinning happily, Haru headed out of the room and down to the kitchen.
Once he was gone, Yuki relaxed back into his futon. His eyes clouding over with worry. “Miss Honda, are you really sure that you know what you’re doing?”
TOHRU *
Tohru couldn’t concentrate. Sitting in the library, sipping a cup of jasmine tea, her mind was wandering. She was thinking about the Sohma Family.
“So many secrets.” She whispered to no one. “Why does it have to be this way?”
Turning in her chair, Tohru stared at the far wall of the library. What is in there? Is it something that could help Akito? Standing, Tohru moved slowly to the wall. Lifting her hand, she ran a single finger along the walls surface, debating. She knew where the switch was, it was under the carpet, she had watched Hatori press it. But should she? Did she have the right? She was Akito’s fiancée now, she was practically a Sohma already, but did that make it okay to snoop?
“No.” She decided, turning and moving back towards the table. However, Akito did tell her that this was her house now, did he not? The library was part of this house, wasn’t it? Yes. Yes it was. Before she could change her mind again, Tohru rushed back to the wall, bent down, pushed the carpet aside and pressed the tiny switch. Then she stood, her heart pounding loudly in her chest as the door to the secret library slid open.
HATORI *
The council of he elders were concerned about the wedding. The meeting had not went well, and Hatori found himself with a rather outstanding headache as he drove, with Akito, back to the main house.
“I don’t understand what all of the fuss is about?” Akito told him, as so often was the case, Akito refused to wear his seatbelt. His feet were up on the seat, and his arms were wrapped around them like an unruly twelve year old. Such a child I have raised, Hatori thought to himself, but remained quiet as Akito complained. “So what, Hatori, what is the big deal? I gave Tohru a engagement ring. People all over the world use engagement rings. As I understand it, Tohru isn’t supposed to take possession of the family ring until the ceremony anyway, so what was the harm in my giving her an engagement ring? The council is a bunch of fools. I wish they would all just drop dead!”
“It isn’t the engagement ring that they are concerned with, Akito. It’s you.” Hatori said honestly, and immediately regretted it. The air grew suddenly heavy. Hatori could feel it. Akito’s dark side was lurking in the shadows, it was waiting for an excuse to surface.
“And why is that, Hatori? Why am I a cause for concern? I got engaged didn’t I? I’ve always followed the will of the council. Why in the hell should those bastards be concerned?”
“You know why, Akito. You cannot pretend that you do not take joy in tormenting the council. I do believe that you take pleasure in making them fret.” Hatori’s headache was getting much worse, he rubbed his temples, wishing that they could move on to a different conversation.
“Perhaps, I do Hatori. Is that really so bad?” Now Akito smiled, and Hatori felt relieved. Akito was becoming much better at controlling himself. Hatori was sure that it was due to Tohru‘s influence.
“No Akito. I suppose the council deserves your contempt. Now, do you mind if we talk about something else? How are things going between Tohru and yourself? You two looked quite adorable together this afternoon. Very much a happy couple.”
“I do believe that we are, Hatori. She pleases me. If I have to marry someone, I am glad that it will be her.”
“As am I.” Hatori admitted. “As am I.”
SHIGURE *
“Aya?” Shigure said quietly, as he traced his own name along the smooth skin of Aya’s naked back. They were laying together in Shigure’s big western style bed. The bedroom wall, which had been demolished during Kagura’s explosion had been replaced, regretfully from Hatori’s own savings, although Shigure had refused to replace the dresser that Kyo had lost. “I think, perhaps, it might be good for you to earn it yourself.” He had teased Kyo, and was completely surprised when Kyo had agreed. Of course, Kyo still hadn’t actually found a job, but it was the thought that counted, right?
“Yes Gure?” Aya asked sleepily.
“Are you really not worried about Tohru? Not at all?”
“What’s to worry about? I saw Tohru this morning, and she seems very happy.” Aya told him, turning over so that he could face his friend. “Besides Gure, Tohru is good for Akito. Have you seen them together? He completely adores the girl. I was amazed by it, really. You know that I’ve always wanted Tohru for Yuki. I was so sure that they belonged together, but now, seeing Yuki with Haru, and Tohru with Akito, I have come to discover how truly wrong I have been.”
“I wonder.” Shigure whispered, and jumped up suddenly from the bed, sniffing the air, excitedly. “Aya, do you smell that?”
“Gure?”
“Haru’s cooking again, Aya. Isn’t it wonderful. Let’s go make him feed us too.”
“Oh, yes, certainly.” Aya said, crawling out of the bed. “We can’t let Yuki keep Haru’s cooking all to himself, now can we? Let’s go.”
AKITO *
The main house was dark when Akito got home from the council meeting. Deciding that he missed his fiancée unbearably, he dropped by her room to check on her. He found her room was empty.
“She must still be studying.” He decided, and headed for the library. When he stepped through the door he was more then a little surprised. Tohru was sound asleep on the dusty floor of the family’s secret library. Creeping quietly across the library’s wooden floor, Akito sat down beside her and picked up the open book that laid discarded by her feet. It was one of the many handwritten books, which covered the Sohma’s family history. This particular volume was one that had been written approximately one hundred year before. Akito thumbed through it briefly, curious to know what his beloved had found so interesting. These books are boring, he decided. He had always felt that they were. Hatori had read them, so he himself felt no need to do so. Certainly, if there was something of interest, something that Akito should know, Hatori would have already told him about it. Placing the book back on the shelve, Akito leaned down and whispered in Tohru’s ear.
“Wake up, my love. You‘ll catch a cold sleeping on the floor.” He had only wished to wake her, but instead he had frightened her. Tohru jumped to her feet nervously.
“Akito? Oh Akito, you’re home already. I’m sorry, I probably shouldn’t be in here. I was just curious, and I just thought that I might learn something that could help you, but I guess that I fell asleep.” Akito smiled at her, and taking her hand lead her out of the room.
“It’s alright, Tohru, I see no reason why you can’t read these books if it is what you desire. Although I don’t know why you would ever want to. Musty boring old stories, written by fools. Perhaps, Shigure’s novels will end up here one day, as well. That would seem appropriate.”
“So it‘s alright? The way that Hatori reacted when I saw him in here, I just thought that I shouldn‘t. That it wasn‘t allowed.”
“Tohru, this isn’t Hatori’s house, nor is this his library, it’s mine, and now it’s yours as well. You can do whatever pleases you.”
“Thank you, Akito.” She said with a smile.
“For now, I think that it’s best that you go to bed, it’s late. Actually, I was thinking, although it might be inappropriate as we are not yet married, but would you consider sleeping in my bed tonight?”
“Akito! You can‘t be thinking that? We have to wait until we‘re married, it wouldn‘t be right. We‘d be asking for it.” Tohru blurted out, in shock, her face instantly turning a bright shade of scarlet.
“That’s not what I’m meant. I wasn‘t asking you to make love to me, just to sleep next to me.” Now Akito was blushing as well. “Tohru, we will be married in just three weeks. I see no harm in you sharing my bed. You are at school all of the time, or you’re studying, and I get so lonely without you. Just let me hold you as I sleep, that will be enough for now.”
“Just that?” Tohru wondered, tempted, but unsure.
“It will suffice. Now, come on, this library is freezing.”
YOSHIYA *
Hatori was screaming in his sleep. Yoshiya, who slept next to him, sat up quickly and flipped on his bedroom light.
“Hatori, are you alright?” She wondered.
“Yes, I’m sorry Yoshi, I had another nightmare.”
“Do you want to talk about it?” She asked him, already knowing what his answer would be. She was worried about him, since they had returned from their trip he had been rather distant. She felt sure that it had to do with Akito, and she was also sure that he would never speak of it to her. It made her sad, really. She was considering letting the relationship go. She had already allowed things to progress too far, and too fast. Although she cared deeply for Hatori, she felt sure that he did not feel the same. As if reading her mind he confirmed things.
“Yoshi, would it be terrible if I asked you to return to your own room? I really feel the need to be alone. I’m afraid that I have a lot on my mind presently.”
“That’s fine.” Yoshi answered, mustering up her best phony smile. Standing, she pulled her robe from his chair and slipped it on. “If you change your mind, and decide that you need to talk, you know where to find me.”
He didn’t answer, to him she was already gone, she didn’t look back as she exited his room.
HATORI *
‘That was very wrong of me.’ Hatori realized, as he heard his bedroom door slid shut. ‘I’m sure that I’ve hurt her, but it cannot be helped, the family comes first.’
He had that dream again. The dream about the wedding, only this time when he looked up into the face of the bride it was not Mika, the bride was Tohru, however the groom was still Kosuke.
‘What are these dreams?’ Hatori wondered, getting out of his bed and moving across his room to slide open his closet door. ‘Did these things really happen? Am I remembering something that I have suppressed, or perhaps was made to suppress? Why do the books not speak of this?’ Pushing his clothing out of the way, Hatori chose a book from the shelve. It didn’t belong there. It belonged in the library. Hatori had brought it to his room to read up about the coming ceremony, and hadn’t gotten around to returning it yet. Now, he was glad for his laziness. Returning to his bed he searched through the pages until he found the picture of the ring. Reading quickly, as was his way, he finished the page and turned to the next, and then he stopped. It was missing, the next page, someone had carefully torn it out. So carefully in fact that he hadn’t even noticed it his first few times through the book. ‘What did that page contain?’ He wondered, though he felt certain that he already knew.
AKITO/TOHRU *
Tohru was shivering slightly as she made her way from her bedroom to Akito’s chambers. After leaving the library she had went back to her room. She had wanted to bathe before bed and to change into her nightclothes, a beautiful silk nightgown that Aya had given her as an engagement present. She had thought that she would save it for her honeymoon, as that is what Aya had intended, but tonight she had changed her mind. The gown was long, and very pretty, she decided it was the perfect thing to wear. Now that she was ready to meet Akito in his bedroom, she was feeling very unsure. “I’m being childish.” she told herself, as she pulled the matching silk robe tighter around her body. ‘He is to be my husband, and it’s not as if we haven’t fallen asleep in each other’s company before. What’s wrong with me? This will be fine.’
Reaching Akito’s door, she hesitated before knocking softly. When there was no answer she considered turning back. Perhaps he fell asleep waiting for me? It’s late and I did take my time.
Just then the door slid open and Akito smiled down at her. Holding out his hand, he led her inside.
The room was darkened, lit only by candlelight from Akito’s bathroom. He wore a pale gray silk robe, which perfectly matched his eyes, and his hair was still damp from his bath. ‘He’s so handsome,’ she decided. ‘what is it that he sees in me?’
Akito, himself, felt suddenly awkward. Although, he kept telling himself that this was perfectly acceptable, a part of him, that sounded suspiciously like Hatori, was telling him to slow down, that he must wait, that Tohru must be respected. ‘This will be okay.’ He argued. ‘I certainly know how to control myself. I will not dishonor my future bride.’
“You’re cold?” He noticed, and wrapped her in his arms, staring down into her big blue eyes.
“Just a little.” She confessed, and snuggled closer to his warmth.
“Come then, it’s very chilly in here. Let’s crawl under the blankets. Is that alright?”
“Okay.” She whispered, and allowed him to lead her to his bed. He pulled back the covers and waited until she had removed her robe, and hid herself beneath the blankets, before crawling in beside her and pulling her into his arms.
“Now, this is much better, isn’t it. Are you warmer now, love?” He asked her, pushing her hair away from her gorgeous face.
“Um…un huh. This is nice.” She agreed, and melted into his lips as kissed her very gently, very respectfully.
“This is very pretty, where did you get it?” He asked her and ran his fingers along the back of her gown feeling her figure beneath. “It feels very nice. It suits you.”
“It was a present from Aya.” She told him. “He made it for me, for us, actually, it was an engagement present.” And now she was blushing, of course.
“Really? Well, I underestimated Aya, apparently. I had no idea that he was so talented. I understand why you chose him to help with the wedding arrangements.” This made her happy, he noticed. It was precious the way that she wanted the whole family to get along, to accept each other, and for her benefit he had decided that he would try.
He leaned in for another kiss, and when her lips opened slightly, he took a chance and dipped his tongue inside. He simply needed more of her.
She cuddled closer to him, her own tongue reacting to his, and Akito ran his hands down her back and found himself unable to stop. He cupped her perfect butt through the silk and felt her tense up, so he quickly drew his hands back up to wrap around her waist instead.
‘She feels amazing.’ Akito realized, and he imagined what she would look like without the silk wrapping. The thought sent his body reeling, and he came to life in a rush. Breaking the kiss he pulled away from her, hoping that she hadn’t noticed. As he did, however, she surprised him, with the tiniest sigh she pulled him back against her, and reclaimed his mouth. She ran her tongue along his lips, and he felt her fingers wrapping themselves in his hair.
“Tohru.” He whispered, and groaned when she answered him by pushing herself closer against him, right into the spot that was longing for her. ‘Did she know?’ He wondered, ‘Did she understand what she was doing to him?’ He had wanted her for too long, but he needed to slow this down.
He pulled back again, breathing deeply, tasting her scent, drowning in it.
“I love you.” She whispered to him, and he looked into her eyes, which were partially closed. She looked so content, and she trusted him. She loved him, how did he ever get so lucky?
“I love you, so.” He answered back, and she rolled back into his arms, placing a soft kiss on his neck, which was all that was needed to set him off again.
He crushed her against him, finding her lips and kissing them heatedly. He ran his hands over her silk covered chest, feeling the soft mounds hidden within. Moving his lips to her neck he kissed and sucked at her smooth skin. Finding her earlobe he nibbled on it for a moment, whispering her name, before moving back to her lips. Of their own accord, his fingers found the buttons on her gown and he undid one, two, three, so he could slide it back, so that he could move his hands inside. He needed to touch her, needed to feel her sweet flesh. He was losing himself, falling into her warmth, into her love. All propriety, all honor, dissolving away into her skin as he succumbed to a primitive plea from his soul. ‘He would have her.’
Tohru felt Akito’s hands slide inside her gown, felt his lips whispering in her ear. ‘We shouldn’t.’ she warned herself, but she didn’t have the will to stop him. She wanted this, perhaps as much as he did. She had wanted this for a very long time. As his lips covered hers again, and his hands tenderly caressed her breasts, then moved down to undo the rest of the buttons on her gown, she closed her eyes and let herself go. ‘What will come, will come, I love him. I am ready.’
As Akito worked the final button and pushed her gown down and off, he pulled back, wanting simply to see her, to worship her. She was perfection, he decided, his eyes trailing from her small but magnificent breasts, her flat stomach and tiny waist, her sexy white silk panties, and lower to her thin but shapely legs, her adorable feet. If he wasn’t cursed, if he believed in a god, he would be on his knees now in gratitude. She was everything that he had hoped for, and more, and she was his.
“Akito?” She blushed as she opened her eyes to see why he had stopped. “Is everything alright?”
“Everything is perfect, my love.” He told her, and leaned down so that he could kiss and touch her firm silky stomach. “You’re so soft.” he whispered. “You’re amazing.” His hand moved upwards cupping her breast, and his mouth followed. She moaned softly as his lips closed upon her nipple, suckling gently, while his hand ran tenderly down her stomach, back up her waist and returned to tug at her other nipple teasingly.
She moaned louder, burying her hand in his hair and arching her back, causing her thigh to rub against him. He sucked in his breath, and she understood, so she arched her back again, rubbing herself purposely against him, marveling at the of sensation of his hardness in contrast to the silky softness of his robe. He growled, low in his throat, and moved back up to her lips, kissing her feverishly, while his fingers trailed back down, moving smoothly between her legs to rub gently along moist hot silk, before sliding it aside so that he could stroke the skin underneath, so that he could touch her.
As his finger entered her she whimpered innocently, then moaned hungrily, causing him to smile. She felt so tight, he noticed, and wet. He kissed her, devouring her lips, his eyes open wide so that he could capture her every sweet sigh. He slowly worked his finger into her, pleasuring her leisurely, sliding in, and back out, then in again a little deeper. She moved beautiful against him, bringing him to the brink, promising nirvana.
When he could hold back no longer, he removed his finger. He smiled as she groaned, and called out his name in a greedy little whimper.
“Be patient, my love.” He whispered, and lowered himself down to sit beside her legs. He grasped her panties in his hands and quickly peeled them away, exposing her completely. He bit his lip, pushing away the urge to take her right then, to tear off his robe and bury himself deep inside of her. ‘Slowly.’ he reminded himself. ‘This night, she‘ll keep forever.’ Standing, he worked off his robe, letting it drop to the floor. She opened her eyes, gazing at him, her eyes trailing over his body. He was anxious, abruptly self conscious, he knew he was too thin, and perhaps she would find it appalling.
“Akito.” She whispered, and he looked up into her soothing eyes. “You are so beautiful, Akito. I love you so much.” He thought he would weep for a moment, falling into her arms, and holding her close. Feeling the warmth of her skin, velvet merged with satin, against the chill of his own.
He loved her, so much. She was all that mattered in his world. Kissing her again, he felt her rubbing against him, wantonly. She was right there, pushing over his tip, bathing it in her wetness. She wanted him now, she was ready. She was so ready, but …
Not yet, he decided, and a soft, slightly evil, smile formed upon his lips. From the moment he first met her there was something. One single thing that he had been dying to do to her. Sinking down between her, he softly kissed the ivory skin of her stomach, and slowly, every so slowly, he kissed a path downward to her legs.
“Akito?” She wondered, and he smiled again, spreading her legs apart tenderly, so that he could brush his lips across the softness of her inner thigh. Her breath caught as he licked the delicate skin between her legs, and then his tongue was on her tasting her, savoring her sweetness and searching for that one precise spot.
Tohru’s body was on fire, Akito’s lips had set it aflame. She was craving something, but it hovered just out of her reach. His mouth was rapture. Surely nothing could be better then this, she squirmed against his lips, loving the feel of his tongue laving over her. Unexpectedly, he hit it, her trigger spot. She screamed in delight, and heard him chuckle to himself. ‘What’s so funny?’ She wondered, and then that thought and all others were lost, as his mouth closed over her, concentrating completely on that one hidden jewel. Erotically he licked and sucked at her, drawing pleasure from her tiny screams and sighs, while his finger played over her. Rubbing first then entering her, working in time with his exquisite tongue.
“Akito.” She called to him tossing her head against his pillows. “I want you, please.” She couldn’t take it anymore, this was too much, too intense, and then suddenly, in a mind numbing flash she climaxed, noisy, her body jerking towards heaven, her lips screaming his name through her tears.
Pulling himself up quickly, Akito wrapped her writhing body tightly in his arms, kissing her reassuringly, and staring deep into her eyes. “I love you.” he whispered, “Are you sure?”
“Yes, so sure, please.” Closing his eyes he plunged into her, trying to be gentle, but failing completely. “Akito.” She whimpered, and cried out in pain, as he swiftly broke through the thin wall of her virginity. “I’m sorry.” He said softly, kissing away her tears, and pulling back. “I hurt you?”
“No.” She smiled, through her tears. “Continue, I want you. Please, don’t stop. Don’t ever stop.” Grinning like a happy clumsy child, he dropped back into her, slower this time, pulling out gently, and gliding back in. Timidly, she moved with him, cautiously at first, shyly, and then as her body came back to life around him, she became more bold. Brazenly, grabbing his waist she curved up to meet his trusts. Akito was spellbound, hovering on the brink of her magic, allowing her to set the pace. He watched, enjoying her this way, his innocent girl, becoming a woman, an enchantress, his wife. It was only when she screamed out, her muscles tightening around him, that he let himself fall, shuddering helplessly into her gentle arms, spilling himself inside. Unintentionally, creating his son.
AKITO *
He cried later, watching her sleep. He didn’t understand it really, why he was crying. He was happy, completely content for perhaps the first time in his life. She loved him. He knew this without a doubt, and he would love her even after he was gone. So what were these tears, and what was this doubt? Pushing it away, he cuddled close against her, discovering that she was awake.
“Akito.” She whispered. “Let’s not do it.”
“Excuse me?” He wondered. Looking into her sleepy blue eyes.
“Let’s not get married, okay. If you don’t get married, perhaps…”
He stopped her, his hand to her mouth, his eyes locked to hers in fear.
“Don’t speak it, Tohru. Don’t even think that way. It cannot be. If you no longer wish to marry me…” He couldn’t finish, it was too painful to think of.
“Of course, I want to marry you, but if you don’t get married. Perhaps you won’t die. I don’t want to lose you. I just don’t understand why you have to. Why you can’t just say no.”
Now he grabbed her face in his hands. He kissed her gently on the mouth, running his hands across her cheeks and pushing her hair behind her ears. Then he took a deep breath and he told her the truth.
“Tohru, I love you. I never want to leave you, but I am the head of this family. It is my responsibility. I must die.”
“But why?” She cried out, her face twisted, her heart breaking. “Why must you die? Why must it be that way?”
“Tohru, I have to. It is the will of the curse. I must die, so that the others can live. If I do not marry, if I do not sire an heir, if I do not honor the tradition, then the others, Yuki, Kyo, Hatori, all of them. If I do not die, Tohru, then the others will. They will die, Tohru, all of them. You must understand why that isn’t an option. Tohru, I love you, and I promise that this is the only thing that I will ever demand of you. Just this. You are not to think this way again. You are never to suggest such a thing, and you are not to tell the others, because except for Hatori, and Shigure, they do not know. Do you understand me?”
“Yes, Akito.” She mumbled though tears of shame. She had never even considered the consequences of her suggestion. She was only thinking of him, of herself. “I’m sorry, Akito. I promise I will never… never again… I just didn’t know.”
“It’s okay. I know that you didn’t. It’s my fault for not telling you, sooner. Come here.”
Pulling her back into his arms, he held her tightly, letting her cry. Trying not to cry himself.
**********************
Well…
I bet you all feel pretty bad for hating Akito don’t you? See, he’s not bad, just misunderstood. And Yummy, let’s not forget yummy.
So, anyway, the next, possibly the last (unless I need to do an epilogue) chapter will be called “The Wedding.” Guess who’s getting married? No, it is not Aya and Shigure, pay attention.
Seriously though, let me know how you liked this. The NC-17 version of this chapter is 18 pages long. That is the longest chapter that I written so far. So tell me that you love me okay!
See you again soon. I think I better get some sleep now.
Hello, all of you people who are crazy enough to have made it this far.
Thanks again for sticking with my little story. It is really long, and you have put a lot of time into it by reading this far. You’re wonderful!!! I have to say hello, and thank you to Kyoko Suomi, a wonderful artist, and my new partner in crime. We have something interesting in the works, but for now I am keeping it on the D.L. She actually inspired a line in this chapter from something that she said to me in an e-mail. Probably, the best line in the whole chapter, in fact.
Also, I have to say sorry to Shinsei, you are right, I probably shouldn’t have made Shigure a Kagura beater. In case you all haven’t noticed, I have some pretty strange views on things. Still, I do not condone a man hitting a woman. In my mind, Shigure backhanded her gently, yes that’s it, gently. Okay, I’ll stop fibbing now, I just didn’t think it through. Bowing humbly now, bowing again, keeping it up… please forgive.
Oh, and I almost forgot, as promised, this is a two version chapter. Look for the PG-13 on FanFiction.net, and the NC-17 on Mediaminer.org. I don’t think I need to tell you that the NC-17 version is a lemon between a certain couple who are not Haru/Yuki. (Those two wore me out, no more play for you, Haru), and the NC-17 is a much better version in my humble opinion. The PG-13 is basically the same thing, but with all the fun parts cut out. Did I say fun? I meant naughty. Sorry, but it really is better. Do remember, I am bias.
Sleepless in Sohma House
PART TWENTY FIVE - THE HALLOWED RING
YOUNG HATORI *
At the tender age of seven he already understands that he is not like other children. It isn’t just the curse, although that is certainly a part of it. He is nothing like his cousins either. He is special, exceptional, gifted, in fact. As he accompanies the other zodiac members into the sacred shrine, he holds his head high and proud. In his small hands he carries a pretty jeweled square; his fingers caress it’s smooth edges, liking the texture of the shiny stones set against the cool metal. He is Hatori Sohma, the dragon, and today he is the keeper of the hallowed ring.
Hatori’s place is in front of his cousin Ayame. Hatori is the fifth member in the procession of the zodiac. The first place, behind the master, is held by the ancient elder Daichi Sohma, the rat.
As they enter the shrine, Hatori spots his dear father. His father bows, his head to the floor signifying his great respect. Today his father’s status is unimportant, he is one of the uninvited, one of the un-cursed. They line the walk which leads into the shrine, they will not be allowed inside. Only a few were invited, those of the council, and zodiac members themselves, to witness this most divine day. The wedding of Kosuke Sohma, the head of the family, their master.
“You will hold a great station in the family, my son.” These are the words that Hatori has been weaned upon, the words of his father, words he is never to forget. Hatori understands that he is vital to the family, much more significant than Ayame and Shigure combined. One day Hatori will take his place as the caregiver, the third most important position in the family. The first place, of course, is the head of the family, the person that Hatori will one day be sworn to protect. The second is the rat, the harbinger of the zodiac, the treasured one.
Hatori is learning about medicine, his studies began at the age of five. Young though he is, Hatori already possesses certain talents, an uncannily expertise with herbs, a photographic memory, and a maturity well beyond his years. There is also another gift, Hatori’s special magic. This one, however, he has been prohibited from using.
“This gift is only to be used in service to your master.” These were his father’s other famous words.
“Who is this master, father? Is he not Kosuke Sohma?“ Hatori had thought to ask, just this morning, in fact
“Be patient, my son, you will meet him soon enough. Your master’s era is not yet upon us.” His father explained lovingly, but this only served to exasperate the young boy.
“Does my master even exist? Perhaps he is only a legend. Perhaps he is like that Santa Claus that Gure spoke about? If my master is genuine then I do not wish to wait. I would like to meet him soon, father.” Young Hatori’s impatience grows out of his desire to use his special gift. He thinks that it is brilliant that his small body holds such a magical power, and he longs to show it off. He wants his cousins to see it, to see why he is better. He is certain that they will be impressed, perhaps then they will show him some respect, perhaps then they will love him.
“You cannot meet him, yet. You see, your master has not yet been born. Today, in fact, is a significant day for you. The present master is to be wed, and you, my child, the caretaker will bear his ring. This day, you take your place among your zodiac brethren, this is your first step towards becoming a man.”
The zodiac shrine is a remarkable place, an area of dark enchantment. Hatori is nervous as he steps in front of the rat, looking up into a pair of cold violet eyes, he offers up the ring box. Daichi removes the box from his hands, giving the boy a nod of approval. Hatori then takes his place at the side of the alter, bowing deeply, in respect to the head of the Family. Daichi, in turn, presents the ring to the master.
As the ceremony begins Hatori is allowed to stand, his eyes dart around inconspicuously in his longing to examine everything at once. The shrine is formed from ancient wood, dark marble, and pale ivory; the walls are adorned with twelve silk wall tapestries each depicting a different creature of the zodiac, the cat is not included. Hatori favors the dragon, of course, although he notices, unhappily, that it does not resemble him in the least. At the front of the shrine, beyond the ivory alters, a porcelain sculpture looms large, the sculpture is frightening for what it depicts. Young Hatori cannot look at it, it is simply too terrible, so instead he focuses his attention upon the pretty bride.
Her name is Mika, the grand daughter of the rat, and Hatori finds her beautiful. The white silk of her kimono accents her raven hair and pale gray eyes. When I am grown, perhaps I will marry someone even half as lovely, the child hopes silently.
As Hatori watches in childish fascination, the master takes her hand; it is a flawless hand pale and delicate, her nails the color of a soft pink rose. The master holds the ring in his hand, it glitters with many jewels. Like the sculpture, Hatori has a hard time looking at it, and yet he cannot pull his eyes away. The ring emulates something, a power, an evil, a ominous darkness. When the master slips it upon Mika’s finger it glows deeply, causing Mika to cry out in pain. Hatori wants to run to her, to tear the ring off, to save her, but his feet will not move. Instead he watches, in horrified fascination, as the blood drips from the ring, slowly at first, but increasing. The master lifts a jeweled chalice from the alter, holding it under his wife’s trembling hand. He nods to Daichi who steps forward to steady his grand daughter as they bleed her, filling the chalice to nearly full, until finally the bleeding slows and ceases. The glow fades from Mika’s hand, allowing Hatori to breath a momentary sigh of relief, which is quickly replaced with disgust, for now the master places the goblet to his lips. Hatori screams…
HATORI *
Hatori awoke with a start, a soft scream tearing from his lips, before it was quickly contained. While doing his nightly reading, he had fallen asleep in one of the comfortable library chairs, now he was covered in sweat and the book that he had been reading lies at his feet. Pulling his handkerchief from his pocket, Hatori wiped his brow, before leaning down to rescue the book.
The book is very old, like many of the books in this library. Hatori checks to make sure it has not been damaged by his carelessness. The book flops open to the page that Hatori had been reading, to a hand drawn picture set in fading black ink, the hallowed ring. Just looking at the picture make Hatori shiver, and his dream threatens to re-surface. He pushes it away, back into the recesses of his mind. He tells himself that it was simply a bad dream, even though somewhere very deep inside of him, he knows that he is lying. Closing the book, Hatori stands, moving to a back corner of the large library. Bending down Hatori lifts the very corner of the carpeting aside, revealing a tiny golden switch. This he presses, causing the library wall to slide open, and now we see a tiny, musty, room. This is the zodiac library, the one that lays hidden from all. Entering, Hatori returns the book to it’s proper place on it’s shelve. He takes a moment, still trying to recover from his nightmare, before he turns and steps back into the main library. As he bends down to once more press the golden switch, he hears her voice.
“Hatori, what is this place?”
Startled, Hatori quickly presses the switch and stands to face Tohru.
“Tohru, I thought that you were with Akito.” Hatori said, avoiding the question that he has no intention of answering. Behind him the wall slides shut with a muted clack.
“He’s sleeping now, and I need to study. Actually, I was looking for a book.” Tohru explained, still examining the spot in the wall which conceals the tiny room.
“Oh, I see, well did you have something particular in mind?” Hatori wondered moving away towards the opposite end of the library, wanting the girl to forget what she has seen. ‘You’re doing it again. You’re keeping secrets.’ Hatori’s mind whispered to him, and he pushed those thoughts away. One day Tohru would have access to all that is Sohma, but for the moment she is still an outsider.
“I don’t suppose you have anything in English?” Tohru asked. “I have a book report due in my English class, but I was in such a hurry to make it home that I didn’t bother to stop in at the school library.”
“Actually, I do have something.” Hatori admitted, realizing he could lure Tohru from one secret by divulging another. “I have just the thing, only it is not in here. I keep a personal library in my rooms, though I would prefer if you kept this between us. Come along, I have a book that I think you will enjoy.”
TOHRU *
Hatori reads smut. Of all the secrets that Tohru had uncovered this was, perhaps, the most shocking. He kept a small library in the back of his walk in closet. He blushed profusely, as he unveiled it, literally, pushing aside his many pairs of proper black pants, and permitting Tohru to gaze upon it. The bookshelves were built into the wall itself, and bursting with trashy romance novels. Tohru put her hand to her mouth to keep herself from laughing, it was just too amusing, the very idea that the proper doctor would have such a quirkily little habit.
“It’s this one.” Hatori said quickly, pulling a small blue and white book from the bottom of the shelve. “It’s Kagura’s actually.” He explained. “She left it in my office when she came for her physical. I simply haven’t gotten around to returning it.”
“Oh… well, then I will have a look at it.” Tohru told him, backing out of the closet, and still trying to keep from laughing. The book in question was ‘The Tribes of Palos Verdes’ something written by an American author named Joy Nicholson. It was in English and Tohru supposed it would suit her needs just fine.
“Hatori?” Tohru asked suddenly, just when Hatori imagined he was safe. “I wanted to ask you, since Yuki showed up we didn’t get to finish our conversation. What exactly is the Council of the Elders?”
Hatori looked at the girl for a moment, considering. He saw no reason why he shouldn’t tell her.
“The Council of the Elders is somewhat like a governing force behind the family. They are in place to enforce the will and traditions of the family. They also serve to keep Akito‘s darker side in check.”
“Who are they? Are you one of them? An Elder? I suppose that is a silly question, you are much too young to be considered an Elder.”
“Well, an Elder is a title that has less to do with age, and more to do with station. Myself, I am what you might call an alternate elder, a substitute, if you will. Only one zodiac child is deemed important enough to be allowed a place within the council, since custom dictates that he cannot take his seat in the council until he is twenty, I am temporarily acting in his stead. It is my responsibility to look after the best interest of the members of the zodiac in regards to the council‘s decisions.”
“Yuki?” Tohru realized, “Is it Yuki, Hatori?”
“Yes, Tohru, I am acting in Yuki’s place. Yuki is the harbinger of the zodiac. As such, he holds a special place within the zodiac. As such, he is the only one deemed worthy enough to hold a seat within the council.”
“So that would explain Akito’s jealousy.” Tohru blurted out. “I mean if this Council of the Elders holds power over the family, and even Akito himself, it would only make sense that Akito would resent Yuki.”
“Well, yes, in effect. Although, Akito’s jealousy runs much deeper then Yuki himself, throughout the history of the zodiac, the rat has always challenged the head of the family; and the head of the family, in turn, has always hated and punished the rat. Akito’s dark soul cannot help, but long for the rat’s ultimate destruction.”
“I think I understand. Well… I guess, I better get started on this book. Thank you, Hatori.”
Hatori nodded, seeing Tohru to the door. He was relieved to see her go. The girl asked too many questions, in Hatori’s opinion, and he had already told her much more then necessary.
SHIGURE * (One Month Later)
The icy winter air was streaming, unrestrained, through the open door leading into Shigure‘s house. In the front room, Yuki and Shigure sat contentedly under the warmth of the kotatsu watching a show on television. Yuki looked up as Haru entered the house. “I’ve missed you, Yuki.” He announced, dropping down behind Yuki to whisper in his ear. “Let’s go to bed.”
“I’m watching this.” Yuki informed him, leaning back into his arms and kissing him lovingly.
Shigure smiled, watching the two lovers out of the corner of his eye. Haru pulled Yuki in, deepening the kiss, while Shigure’s smile grew larger, obviously impressed by his cousin’s youthful exuberance.
“Why is this door wide open? It‘s freezing in here.” Kyo grumbled, as he entered the house, sliding the door closed behind him, and plopping down, to slide under the table with the others. “My hell! Do you two have to do that right here? It’s broad daylight already, can’t you two do that in your room, Yuki?”
“I’m watching this.” Yuki repeated, haughtily, for Kyo’s benefit. Behind him Haru was playing with Yuki’s hair, running his hand through it‘s silver softness. Kyo looked at him threateningly, and rolled his eyes to the ceiling. In return, Haru give him an impish grin, before flicking out his tongue and licking Yuki’s earlobe suggestively.
“Oh hell, Shigure tell them to take this perversion upstairs.” Kyo insisted, trying to look away, but finding himself strangely entranced by the show.
Shigure waved him off. “No, no, no. Leave me out of this, Kyo. Personally, I think they’re cute. Young love, oh how I long for the days.”
“THEY’RE NOT CUTE! THEY’RE DISGUSTING!”
“You’re just mad, because you’re not getting any.” Yuki said coldly, standing up, and grabbing Haru by the hand. “Come on Haru, let’s go.” Haru smiled and started to follow Yuki upstairs. Their progress was halted by a sudden rush of cold air as the front door slid open and Aya dramatically waltzed in.
“Yuki, Kyo, Shigure… Oh, are you here too, Haru? Well, good, I have one for you as well. We wouldn’t think of leaving you out, but first to get warm. It’s frightfully cold out today, isn’t it.” Aya plopped down under the kotatsu, practically into Shigure‘s lap.
“What in the hell are you babbling about?” Kyo wondered. While Yuki headed back towards the kotatsu, with Haru in tow, looking only mildly curious. Aya rummaged up his sleeve and pulled out a small stack of white and red envelops.
“I am almost afraid to ask, but what are those?” Yuki wondered, reclaiming his seat, to Kyo’s annoyance. Haru slid down next to him, and cuddled into his lovers arms, Yuki kissed his forehead, before turning his attention to his brother.
Mimicking a casino card dealer, Aya quickly passed the envelops around the table.
“Oh…” Yuki whispered, looking down at the envelope. “Miss Honda’s wedding.”
Kyo quickly tossed his envelop back at Aya. “I sure the hell hope you don’t think that I will be going to this!”
“I can’t believe he was even invited.” Yuki said icily, and slipped open his envelope to read the card inside. “Three weeks?” He wondered, laying the invitation on the table.
“That quickly?” Kyo asked, reaching out for Yuki’s invite.
“No you don’t.” Aya told him, grabbing the invite before Kyo could. “This one is yours, and you really must attend Kyo, after all Tohru has requested you personally.” He slides Kyo’s envelope back across the table. Kyo stared down at it, unsure.
“Tohru requested me?” He wondered.
“Well, yes. Of course. You don’t think that Akito would have invited you, do you? If Akito had his way neither you nor my brother would be…” Shigure’s hand flew to Aya’s lips, silencing him.
“Now, now, Aya.” Shigure warned. “All of us, myself, Yuki, and you too Kyo, will be attending Tohru’s wedding. As Tohru’s friends and Akito’s family we would not think of missing it.”
“Yeah, sure, whatever.” Kyo decided. “Uo will be there, right?” He looked to Aya for confirmation.
“Oh, certainly. Tohru insisted, and you really should see the lovely kimono that I, myself, am designing for her. Tohru requested me personally. Well, of course, Akito was none to happy about it, nor do I really enjoy spending time around our master, but as a serious business man I simply could not say no.”
“Akito’s not my master.” Yuki said icily. Pushing Haru aside, and standing. Yuki headed up the stairs towards his room. Haru looked ready to follow, but didn’t, at first. As Yuki reach the top step he called down to him. “Haru, aren’t you coming?”
With a relieved smile Haru jumped up and bounded up the stairs after Yuki.
“Well, now, that’s interesting.” Aya noticed. “How are things working out between them?”
“Surprisingly well actually.” Shigure informed him. “They sort of remind me of us in our younger days.”
“Oh… no.” Kyo complained, as Shigure moved closer to Aya looking down into his eyes. “I’m out of here.”
“Good.” Aya agreed. “You run along, lucky Kyo, and leave us adults alone.”
Once Kyo was up the stairs, and on his way to his room. Shigure pulled away, and turned very serious.
“Aya, are you at all concerned about this wedding.” He questioned.
“Well, Gure, now that you mention it. Akito and Hatori really haven’t given me adequate time to properly plan everything.”
“That’s not what I’m talking about.” Shigure told him. “Aya, I know we were both very young, but don’t you remember Kosuke’s wedding?”
“What do you mean?” Aya asked absentmindedly. “I do recall that the brides komino was an atrocity. If I was her, I would have hung that designer.”
“You don’t remember? Well, never mind then, maybe it’s just me.” He moved in on Aya. “Now where were we again?” Leaning down he placed a passionate kiss upon Aya‘s lips.
“Oh, Shigure, now that I remember.” Aya crooned and moved into Shigure’s arms.
(A.N. Okay, I just figured, what the hell. We all know those two have been doing it for years, don’t we?)
TOHRU *
“Will you two be out long?” Tohru wondered, wrapping her arms around Akito’s neck, and giving him a quick goodbye kiss. They are standing, in front of the main house, and nearby Hatori sits waiting in the drivers seat of his car.
“Not terribly long, these things generally only last a few hours. Of course, since we will be discussing the wedding, it could take a bit longer.”
“Well then. I will probably already be asleep when you get home. I have a test in school tomorrow, so I am going to study for a couple of hours and go straight to bed.”
“Always the good student. Your mother would be very proud of you.” Akito smiled, as always saying the exact words that she needed to hear. Tohru has been thinking a lot about her mother, and also about school lately. It would be difficult juggling high school, while being the wife of Akito Sohma, but she was determined to do her best.
“Thank you Akito, I really want to finish High School. It means a lot that you are so understanding.”
“What’s to understand?” Akito said over his shoulder as he headed toward the car. “It is what you want, and that is all that matters.”
“Is it?” Tohru wondered, waving goodbye to Hatori before heading inside to the library to study.
HARU *
“Yuki, are you okay?” Haru asked as he stared up at the ceiling of Yuki’s bedroom. Yuki was being too quite. While making love, Yuki had seemed distant, preoccupied, and Haru’s insecurity was now getting the best of him. “Are you thinking about Tohru? Should I go?”
“Don’t be silly, Haru.” Yuki said, crawling on top of him, and laying his head on Haru’s naked chest. “I have been thinking of Miss Honda, it is true, but only because I am worried about her, about this wedding.”
“I understand.” Haru told him, although he wasn’t really sure that he did. What was the problem, anyway? Tohru loved Akito, Akito loved Tohru, they would be married, and Haru would never again need to be afraid of losing Yuki. It seemed perfect to Haru. Wrapping his arms possessively around Yuki’s small body, he placed a kiss on the top of his head.
“I love you, Haru.” Yuki told him, as if he had been reading his mind. “This isn’t the zodiac fairytale. The rat isn’t just using the cow for a free ride.” Lifting his head he smiled down at Haru. “I hope that you realize that I will never leave you.”
“So, I’m stuck with you then?” Haru asked, unable to hide both the relief and the love in his eyes.
“I’m afraid so, but do you mind doing something for me?” Yuki said sweetly.
“Of course Yuki, anything, what do you need?”
“Can you go downstairs and fix me some dinner?” Yuki begged placing a kiss upon Haru’s lips, and rolling off of him, to rub his growling stomach. “I’m so hungry.”
“I can do that Yuki, but you will owe me.” Haru laughed, jumping up from the futon and grabbing his pants from the floor. “I’m thinking a nice hot bath later, and a back massage, so you better be ready.” Grinning happily, Haru headed out of the room and down to the kitchen.
Once he was gone, Yuki relaxed back into his futon. His eyes clouding over with worry. “Miss Honda, are you really sure that you know what you’re doing?”
TOHRU *
Tohru couldn’t concentrate. Sitting in the library, sipping a cup of jasmine tea, her mind was wandering. She was thinking about the Sohma Family.
“So many secrets.” She whispered to no one. “Why does it have to be this way?”
Turning in her chair, Tohru stared at the far wall of the library. What is in there? Is it something that could help Akito? Standing, Tohru moved slowly to the wall. Lifting her hand, she ran a single finger along the walls surface, debating. She knew where the switch was, it was under the carpet, she had watched Hatori press it. But should she? Did she have the right? She was Akito’s fiancée now, she was practically a Sohma already, but did that make it okay to snoop?
“No.” She decided, turning and moving back towards the table. However, Akito did tell her that this was her house now, did he not? The library was part of this house, wasn’t it? Yes. Yes it was. Before she could change her mind again, Tohru rushed back to the wall, bent down, pushed the carpet aside and pressed the tiny switch. Then she stood, her heart pounding loudly in her chest as the door to the secret library slid open.
HATORI *
The council of he elders were concerned about the wedding. The meeting had not went well, and Hatori found himself with a rather outstanding headache as he drove, with Akito, back to the main house.
“I don’t understand what all of the fuss is about?” Akito told him, as so often was the case, Akito refused to wear his seatbelt. His feet were up on the seat, and his arms were wrapped around them like an unruly twelve year old. Such a child I have raised, Hatori thought to himself, but remained quiet as Akito complained. “So what, Hatori, what is the big deal? I gave Tohru a engagement ring. People all over the world use engagement rings. As I understand it, Tohru isn’t supposed to take possession of the family ring until the ceremony anyway, so what was the harm in my giving her an engagement ring? The council is a bunch of fools. I wish they would all just drop dead!”
“It isn’t the engagement ring that they are concerned with, Akito. It’s you.” Hatori said honestly, and immediately regretted it. The air grew suddenly heavy. Hatori could feel it. Akito’s dark side was lurking in the shadows, it was waiting for an excuse to surface.
“And why is that, Hatori? Why am I a cause for concern? I got engaged didn’t I? I’ve always followed the will of the council. Why in the hell should those bastards be concerned?”
“You know why, Akito. You cannot pretend that you do not take joy in tormenting the council. I do believe that you take pleasure in making them fret.” Hatori’s headache was getting much worse, he rubbed his temples, wishing that they could move on to a different conversation.
“Perhaps, I do Hatori. Is that really so bad?” Now Akito smiled, and Hatori felt relieved. Akito was becoming much better at controlling himself. Hatori was sure that it was due to Tohru‘s influence.
“No Akito. I suppose the council deserves your contempt. Now, do you mind if we talk about something else? How are things going between Tohru and yourself? You two looked quite adorable together this afternoon. Very much a happy couple.”
“I do believe that we are, Hatori. She pleases me. If I have to marry someone, I am glad that it will be her.”
“As am I.” Hatori admitted. “As am I.”
SHIGURE *
“Aya?” Shigure said quietly, as he traced his own name along the smooth skin of Aya’s naked back. They were laying together in Shigure’s big western style bed. The bedroom wall, which had been demolished during Kagura’s explosion had been replaced, regretfully from Hatori’s own savings, although Shigure had refused to replace the dresser that Kyo had lost. “I think, perhaps, it might be good for you to earn it yourself.” He had teased Kyo, and was completely surprised when Kyo had agreed. Of course, Kyo still hadn’t actually found a job, but it was the thought that counted, right?
“Yes Gure?” Aya asked sleepily.
“Are you really not worried about Tohru? Not at all?”
“What’s to worry about? I saw Tohru this morning, and she seems very happy.” Aya told him, turning over so that he could face his friend. “Besides Gure, Tohru is good for Akito. Have you seen them together? He completely adores the girl. I was amazed by it, really. You know that I’ve always wanted Tohru for Yuki. I was so sure that they belonged together, but now, seeing Yuki with Haru, and Tohru with Akito, I have come to discover how truly wrong I have been.”
“I wonder.” Shigure whispered, and jumped up suddenly from the bed, sniffing the air, excitedly. “Aya, do you smell that?”
“Gure?”
“Haru’s cooking again, Aya. Isn’t it wonderful. Let’s go make him feed us too.”
“Oh, yes, certainly.” Aya said, crawling out of the bed. “We can’t let Yuki keep Haru’s cooking all to himself, now can we? Let’s go.”
AKITO *
The main house was dark when Akito got home from the council meeting. Deciding that he missed his fiancée unbearably, he dropped by her room to check on her. He found her room was empty.
“She must still be studying.” He decided, and headed for the library. When he stepped through the door he was more then a little surprised. Tohru was sound asleep on the dusty floor of the family’s secret library. Creeping quietly across the library’s wooden floor, Akito sat down beside her and picked up the open book that laid discarded by her feet. It was one of the many handwritten books, which covered the Sohma’s family history. This particular volume was one that had been written approximately one hundred year before. Akito thumbed through it briefly, curious to know what his beloved had found so interesting. These books are boring, he decided. He had always felt that they were. Hatori had read them, so he himself felt no need to do so. Certainly, if there was something of interest, something that Akito should know, Hatori would have already told him about it. Placing the book back on the shelve, Akito leaned down and whispered in Tohru’s ear.
“Wake up, my love. You‘ll catch a cold sleeping on the floor.” He had only wished to wake her, but instead he had frightened her. Tohru jumped to her feet nervously.
“Akito? Oh Akito, you’re home already. I’m sorry, I probably shouldn’t be in here. I was just curious, and I just thought that I might learn something that could help you, but I guess that I fell asleep.” Akito smiled at her, and taking her hand lead her out of the room.
“It’s alright, Tohru, I see no reason why you can’t read these books if it is what you desire. Although I don’t know why you would ever want to. Musty boring old stories, written by fools. Perhaps, Shigure’s novels will end up here one day, as well. That would seem appropriate.”
“So it‘s alright? The way that Hatori reacted when I saw him in here, I just thought that I shouldn‘t. That it wasn‘t allowed.”
“Tohru, this isn’t Hatori’s house, nor is this his library, it’s mine, and now it’s yours as well. You can do whatever pleases you.”
“Thank you, Akito.” She said with a smile.
“For now, I think that it’s best that you go to bed, it’s late. Actually, I was thinking, although it might be inappropriate as we are not yet married, but would you consider sleeping in my bed tonight?”
“Akito! You can‘t be thinking that? We have to wait until we‘re married, it wouldn‘t be right. We‘d be asking for it.” Tohru blurted out, in shock, her face instantly turning a bright shade of scarlet.
“That’s not what I’m meant. I wasn‘t asking you to make love to me, just to sleep next to me.” Now Akito was blushing as well. “Tohru, we will be married in just three weeks. I see no harm in you sharing my bed. You are at school all of the time, or you’re studying, and I get so lonely without you. Just let me hold you as I sleep, that will be enough for now.”
“Just that?” Tohru wondered, tempted, but unsure.
“It will suffice. Now, come on, this library is freezing.”
YOSHIYA *
Hatori was screaming in his sleep. Yoshiya, who slept next to him, sat up quickly and flipped on his bedroom light.
“Hatori, are you alright?” She wondered.
“Yes, I’m sorry Yoshi, I had another nightmare.”
“Do you want to talk about it?” She asked him, already knowing what his answer would be. She was worried about him, since they had returned from their trip he had been rather distant. She felt sure that it had to do with Akito, and she was also sure that he would never speak of it to her. It made her sad, really. She was considering letting the relationship go. She had already allowed things to progress too far, and too fast. Although she cared deeply for Hatori, she felt sure that he did not feel the same. As if reading her mind he confirmed things.
“Yoshi, would it be terrible if I asked you to return to your own room? I really feel the need to be alone. I’m afraid that I have a lot on my mind presently.”
“That’s fine.” Yoshi answered, mustering up her best phony smile. Standing, she pulled her robe from his chair and slipped it on. “If you change your mind, and decide that you need to talk, you know where to find me.”
He didn’t answer, to him she was already gone, she didn’t look back as she exited his room.
HATORI *
‘That was very wrong of me.’ Hatori realized, as he heard his bedroom door slid shut. ‘I’m sure that I’ve hurt her, but it cannot be helped, the family comes first.’
He had that dream again. The dream about the wedding, only this time when he looked up into the face of the bride it was not Mika, the bride was Tohru, however the groom was still Kosuke.
‘What are these dreams?’ Hatori wondered, getting out of his bed and moving across his room to slide open his closet door. ‘Did these things really happen? Am I remembering something that I have suppressed, or perhaps was made to suppress? Why do the books not speak of this?’ Pushing his clothing out of the way, Hatori chose a book from the shelve. It didn’t belong there. It belonged in the library. Hatori had brought it to his room to read up about the coming ceremony, and hadn’t gotten around to returning it yet. Now, he was glad for his laziness. Returning to his bed he searched through the pages until he found the picture of the ring. Reading quickly, as was his way, he finished the page and turned to the next, and then he stopped. It was missing, the next page, someone had carefully torn it out. So carefully in fact that he hadn’t even noticed it his first few times through the book. ‘What did that page contain?’ He wondered, though he felt certain that he already knew.
AKITO/TOHRU *
Tohru was shivering slightly as she made her way from her bedroom to Akito’s chambers. After leaving the library she had went back to her room. She had wanted to bathe before bed and to change into her nightclothes, a beautiful silk nightgown that Aya had given her as an engagement present. She had thought that she would save it for her honeymoon, as that is what Aya had intended, but tonight she had changed her mind. The gown was long, and very pretty, she decided it was the perfect thing to wear. Now that she was ready to meet Akito in his bedroom, she was feeling very unsure. “I’m being childish.” she told herself, as she pulled the matching silk robe tighter around her body. ‘He is to be my husband, and it’s not as if we haven’t fallen asleep in each other’s company before. What’s wrong with me? This will be fine.’
Reaching Akito’s door, she hesitated before knocking softly. When there was no answer she considered turning back. Perhaps he fell asleep waiting for me? It’s late and I did take my time.
Just then the door slid open and Akito smiled down at her. Holding out his hand, he led her inside.
The room was darkened, lit only by candlelight from Akito’s bathroom. He wore a pale gray silk robe, which perfectly matched his eyes, and his hair was still damp from his bath. ‘He’s so handsome,’ she decided. ‘what is it that he sees in me?’
Akito, himself, felt suddenly awkward. Although, he kept telling himself that this was perfectly acceptable, a part of him, that sounded suspiciously like Hatori, was telling him to slow down, that he must wait, that Tohru must be respected. ‘This will be okay.’ He argued. ‘I certainly know how to control myself. I will not dishonor my future bride.’
“You’re cold?” He noticed, and wrapped her in his arms, staring down into her big blue eyes.
“Just a little.” She confessed, and snuggled closer to his warmth.
“Come then, it’s very chilly in here. Let’s crawl under the blankets. Is that alright?”
“Okay.” She whispered, and allowed him to lead her to his bed. He pulled back the covers and waited until she had removed her robe, and hid herself beneath the blankets, before crawling in beside her and pulling her into his arms.
“Now, this is much better, isn’t it. Are you warmer now, love?” He asked her, pushing her hair away from her gorgeous face.
“Um…un huh. This is nice.” She agreed, and melted into his lips as kissed her very gently, very respectfully.
“This is very pretty, where did you get it?” He asked her and ran his fingers along the back of her gown feeling her figure beneath. “It feels very nice. It suits you.”
“It was a present from Aya.” She told him. “He made it for me, for us, actually, it was an engagement present.” And now she was blushing, of course.
“Really? Well, I underestimated Aya, apparently. I had no idea that he was so talented. I understand why you chose him to help with the wedding arrangements.” This made her happy, he noticed. It was precious the way that she wanted the whole family to get along, to accept each other, and for her benefit he had decided that he would try.
He leaned in for another kiss, and when her lips opened slightly, he took a chance and dipped his tongue inside. He simply needed more of her.
She cuddled closer to him, her own tongue reacting to his, and Akito ran his hands down her back and found himself unable to stop. He cupped her perfect butt through the silk and felt her tense up, so he quickly drew his hands back up to wrap around her waist instead.
‘She feels amazing.’ Akito realized, and he imagined what she would look like without the silk wrapping. The thought sent his body reeling, and he came to life in a rush. Breaking the kiss he pulled away from her, hoping that she hadn’t noticed. As he did, however, she surprised him, with the tiniest sigh she pulled him back against her, and reclaimed his mouth. She ran her tongue along his lips, and he felt her fingers wrapping themselves in his hair.
“Tohru.” He whispered, and groaned when she answered him by pushing herself closer against him, right into the spot that was longing for her. ‘Did she know?’ He wondered, ‘Did she understand what she was doing to him?’ He had wanted her for too long, but he needed to slow this down.
He pulled back again, breathing deeply, tasting her scent, drowning in it.
“I love you.” She whispered to him, and he looked into her eyes, which were partially closed. She looked so content, and she trusted him. She loved him, how did he ever get so lucky?
“I love you, so.” He answered back, and she rolled back into his arms, placing a soft kiss on his neck, which was all that was needed to set him off again.
He crushed her against him, finding her lips and kissing them heatedly. He ran his hands over her silk covered chest, feeling the soft mounds hidden within. Moving his lips to her neck he kissed and sucked at her smooth skin. Finding her earlobe he nibbled on it for a moment, whispering her name, before moving back to her lips. Of their own accord, his fingers found the buttons on her gown and he undid one, two, three, so he could slide it back, so that he could move his hands inside. He needed to touch her, needed to feel her sweet flesh. He was losing himself, falling into her warmth, into her love. All propriety, all honor, dissolving away into her skin as he succumbed to a primitive plea from his soul. ‘He would have her.’
Tohru felt Akito’s hands slide inside her gown, felt his lips whispering in her ear. ‘We shouldn’t.’ she warned herself, but she didn’t have the will to stop him. She wanted this, perhaps as much as he did. She had wanted this for a very long time. As his lips covered hers again, and his hands tenderly caressed her breasts, then moved down to undo the rest of the buttons on her gown, she closed her eyes and let herself go. ‘What will come, will come, I love him. I am ready.’
As Akito worked the final button and pushed her gown down and off, he pulled back, wanting simply to see her, to worship her. She was perfection, he decided, his eyes trailing from her small but magnificent breasts, her flat stomach and tiny waist, her sexy white silk panties, and lower to her thin but shapely legs, her adorable feet. If he wasn’t cursed, if he believed in a god, he would be on his knees now in gratitude. She was everything that he had hoped for, and more, and she was his.
“Akito?” She blushed as she opened her eyes to see why he had stopped. “Is everything alright?”
“Everything is perfect, my love.” He told her, and leaned down so that he could kiss and touch her firm silky stomach. “You’re so soft.” he whispered. “You’re amazing.” His hand moved upwards cupping her breast, and his mouth followed. She moaned softly as his lips closed upon her nipple, suckling gently, while his hand ran tenderly down her stomach, back up her waist and returned to tug at her other nipple teasingly.
She moaned louder, burying her hand in his hair and arching her back, causing her thigh to rub against him. He sucked in his breath, and she understood, so she arched her back again, rubbing herself purposely against him, marveling at the of sensation of his hardness in contrast to the silky softness of his robe. He growled, low in his throat, and moved back up to her lips, kissing her feverishly, while his fingers trailed back down, moving smoothly between her legs to rub gently along moist hot silk, before sliding it aside so that he could stroke the skin underneath, so that he could touch her.
As his finger entered her she whimpered innocently, then moaned hungrily, causing him to smile. She felt so tight, he noticed, and wet. He kissed her, devouring her lips, his eyes open wide so that he could capture her every sweet sigh. He slowly worked his finger into her, pleasuring her leisurely, sliding in, and back out, then in again a little deeper. She moved beautiful against him, bringing him to the brink, promising nirvana.
When he could hold back no longer, he removed his finger. He smiled as she groaned, and called out his name in a greedy little whimper.
“Be patient, my love.” He whispered, and lowered himself down to sit beside her legs. He grasped her panties in his hands and quickly peeled them away, exposing her completely. He bit his lip, pushing away the urge to take her right then, to tear off his robe and bury himself deep inside of her. ‘Slowly.’ he reminded himself. ‘This night, she‘ll keep forever.’ Standing, he worked off his robe, letting it drop to the floor. She opened her eyes, gazing at him, her eyes trailing over his body. He was anxious, abruptly self conscious, he knew he was too thin, and perhaps she would find it appalling.
“Akito.” She whispered, and he looked up into her soothing eyes. “You are so beautiful, Akito. I love you so much.” He thought he would weep for a moment, falling into her arms, and holding her close. Feeling the warmth of her skin, velvet merged with satin, against the chill of his own.
He loved her, so much. She was all that mattered in his world. Kissing her again, he felt her rubbing against him, wantonly. She was right there, pushing over his tip, bathing it in her wetness. She wanted him now, she was ready. She was so ready, but …
Not yet, he decided, and a soft, slightly evil, smile formed upon his lips. From the moment he first met her there was something. One single thing that he had been dying to do to her. Sinking down between her, he softly kissed the ivory skin of her stomach, and slowly, every so slowly, he kissed a path downward to her legs.
“Akito?” She wondered, and he smiled again, spreading her legs apart tenderly, so that he could brush his lips across the softness of her inner thigh. Her breath caught as he licked the delicate skin between her legs, and then his tongue was on her tasting her, savoring her sweetness and searching for that one precise spot.
Tohru’s body was on fire, Akito’s lips had set it aflame. She was craving something, but it hovered just out of her reach. His mouth was rapture. Surely nothing could be better then this, she squirmed against his lips, loving the feel of his tongue laving over her. Unexpectedly, he hit it, her trigger spot. She screamed in delight, and heard him chuckle to himself. ‘What’s so funny?’ She wondered, and then that thought and all others were lost, as his mouth closed over her, concentrating completely on that one hidden jewel. Erotically he licked and sucked at her, drawing pleasure from her tiny screams and sighs, while his finger played over her. Rubbing first then entering her, working in time with his exquisite tongue.
“Akito.” She called to him tossing her head against his pillows. “I want you, please.” She couldn’t take it anymore, this was too much, too intense, and then suddenly, in a mind numbing flash she climaxed, noisy, her body jerking towards heaven, her lips screaming his name through her tears.
Pulling himself up quickly, Akito wrapped her writhing body tightly in his arms, kissing her reassuringly, and staring deep into her eyes. “I love you.” he whispered, “Are you sure?”
“Yes, so sure, please.” Closing his eyes he plunged into her, trying to be gentle, but failing completely. “Akito.” She whimpered, and cried out in pain, as he swiftly broke through the thin wall of her virginity. “I’m sorry.” He said softly, kissing away her tears, and pulling back. “I hurt you?”
“No.” She smiled, through her tears. “Continue, I want you. Please, don’t stop. Don’t ever stop.” Grinning like a happy clumsy child, he dropped back into her, slower this time, pulling out gently, and gliding back in. Timidly, she moved with him, cautiously at first, shyly, and then as her body came back to life around him, she became more bold. Brazenly, grabbing his waist she curved up to meet his trusts. Akito was spellbound, hovering on the brink of her magic, allowing her to set the pace. He watched, enjoying her this way, his innocent girl, becoming a woman, an enchantress, his wife. It was only when she screamed out, her muscles tightening around him, that he let himself fall, shuddering helplessly into her gentle arms, spilling himself inside. Unintentionally, creating his son.
AKITO *
He cried later, watching her sleep. He didn’t understand it really, why he was crying. He was happy, completely content for perhaps the first time in his life. She loved him. He knew this without a doubt, and he would love her even after he was gone. So what were these tears, and what was this doubt? Pushing it away, he cuddled close against her, discovering that she was awake.
“Akito.” She whispered. “Let’s not do it.”
“Excuse me?” He wondered. Looking into her sleepy blue eyes.
“Let’s not get married, okay. If you don’t get married, perhaps…”
He stopped her, his hand to her mouth, his eyes locked to hers in fear.
“Don’t speak it, Tohru. Don’t even think that way. It cannot be. If you no longer wish to marry me…” He couldn’t finish, it was too painful to think of.
“Of course, I want to marry you, but if you don’t get married. Perhaps you won’t die. I don’t want to lose you. I just don’t understand why you have to. Why you can’t just say no.”
Now he grabbed her face in his hands. He kissed her gently on the mouth, running his hands across her cheeks and pushing her hair behind her ears. Then he took a deep breath and he told her the truth.
“Tohru, I love you. I never want to leave you, but I am the head of this family. It is my responsibility. I must die.”
“But why?” She cried out, her face twisted, her heart breaking. “Why must you die? Why must it be that way?”
“Tohru, I have to. It is the will of the curse. I must die, so that the others can live. If I do not marry, if I do not sire an heir, if I do not honor the tradition, then the others, Yuki, Kyo, Hatori, all of them. If I do not die, Tohru, then the others will. They will die, Tohru, all of them. You must understand why that isn’t an option. Tohru, I love you, and I promise that this is the only thing that I will ever demand of you. Just this. You are not to think this way again. You are never to suggest such a thing, and you are not to tell the others, because except for Hatori, and Shigure, they do not know. Do you understand me?”
“Yes, Akito.” She mumbled though tears of shame. She had never even considered the consequences of her suggestion. She was only thinking of him, of herself. “I’m sorry, Akito. I promise I will never… never again… I just didn’t know.”
“It’s okay. I know that you didn’t. It’s my fault for not telling you, sooner. Come here.”
Pulling her back into his arms, he held her tightly, letting her cry. Trying not to cry himself.
**********************
Well…
I bet you all feel pretty bad for hating Akito don’t you? See, he’s not bad, just misunderstood. And Yummy, let’s not forget yummy.
So, anyway, the next, possibly the last (unless I need to do an epilogue) chapter will be called “The Wedding.” Guess who’s getting married? No, it is not Aya and Shigure, pay attention.
Seriously though, let me know how you liked this. The NC-17 version of this chapter is 18 pages long. That is the longest chapter that I written so far. So tell me that you love me okay!
See you again soon. I think I better get some sleep now.