Fruits Basket belongs to Natsuki Takaya. Nothing concerning it belongs to me, and if I did indeed claim it to be, I would be a great deal poorer in the purse, and very rich in Flames, in as little time as is imaginable.
Title: "Bind my hands, so I can drown."
Author: Zuki-chan.
Rating: T?
Chapter: 1?
One.
"Could you please put these away for me, my dear?"
Managing a business would be dreadfully difficult without dear Mine-san. She smiles, replies with her usual, "Yes shopkeeper!", and takes my box of ribbons to be sorted in some spare time. When I am working on a new project, I often shut myself in the side room and work for hours on end, so naturally I don't have time to worry about sorting trivial odds and ends of ribbons, buttons, fabrics and other delightful things. Naturally, my devotion shines within the finished project- I sometimes liken them to shining winged doves, waiting to be released once my finished works are put to use.
I stride out of my 'Work Station' and set to the task of making sure that the rest of my magnificent shop is in order. After all, dearest Yuki-kun shall be arriving soon, and he explained in lengthy (And boring) detail that he did not wish for me to act embarrassing this time. As he is such a sweet boy, I shall not chastise him- Me, "Embarrass" Yuki? Imagine! Nevertheless, I closed the shop early- at this time, on such a lovely spring afternoon, the shop would be at its peak.
Yuki and I have never been on such lovely terms, although I can hold some part of Tohru-kun's words to remain true. I'm afraid that, as charming and handsome as I am, Yuki and I can only ever meet halfway.
Mine is talking with her usual enthusiasm to someone up the front, so I can only assume it is Yuki-kun. Trying to stop myself from flinging at the visitor, I instead merely glide over to the two, my platinum hair playing interesting shapes across the slightly coarse texture of my overcoat.
"Yukiii!" The Façade strengthens, and continues to grow. I try my best to subdue my excitement, but that was never my strong suite. Yuki only tries to stay at the level of tolerance that he keeps for just about anything- except Tohru-kun. I don't blame him- she is an extraordinary individual.
"Nii-san, you-" Yuki begins, sounding a little cross. Naturally, I ignore him, and instead guide him towards the couch, and tell him to wait while I fetch him some tea. Mine excuses herself and goes off to work on projects that I requested of her- she is a lifesaver!
Yuki-kun is already looking bored by the time I return. Frankly, I don't blame him- I wouldn't be enthralled about this if I were in his predicament, either. He cautiously sniffs the tea, and almost too hastily places it back down on the table.
After what seems an eternity trying to commit himself, he finally asks, "How have you been?" I can almost taste the reluctance in his words.
"Ah, I have been doing wonderfully, little brother!" I begin, and launch into a complete recount of how prosperous the store has been lately.
Although he maintains an interested mask, he seems anything but concerned, and I must admit, after all these times, I am hardly interested either. Finally, when it seems enough, I finish, and continue with, "But how are you, Yuki-kun?"
He smiles faintly, and replies that he has been fine.
"School is busy, and the student council makes it a little more difficult, but it's still manageable. Miss Honda is also well, and-" I can't help myself, and smile, trying not to laugh.
"So tell me, dear brother, does she kiss well?" That's blown it. I swear, if I hadn't known already that he was capable of causing great pain, the look he is giving me now tells me so. Although, he looks a little flustered. I know how he truly feels about her- it isn't very difficult to see, even for myself.
I saw the same look in Kyonkichi's eyes once when he was speaking to her. It truly is a little saddening, to me at least, to see how quickly Yuki especially is finding more solace in Tohru than myself, when the dear girl isn't even trying nearly as hard as I am. I suppose some gifts come naturally, while others can never be obtained…
"That had nothing to do with the conversation!" He snaps, his eyes cold "Don't change the subject to things that aren't of anyone's concern."
I would have felt somewhat upset at his manner, but one becomes used to it. He wouldn't mean the way in which he is behaving at the moment, anyway, so it doesn't really matter. He understands that this is the way I am, but I must admit, I do try his patience a little often.
"Tsk tsk, you should not be so nasty all of the time." I reply, grinning.
He seems at a loss of what to say, then comes back with, "If you weren't so ridiculous all of the time, then perhaps you would be more manageable!"
Ouch! Instead of concentrating on his words, I hastily study his face. It seems… paler? And even though he argues with a heavy force, his words seem somewhat labored. Interesting.
"Oh, are you alright, Yuki-kun?" I ask abruptly. He does worry me sometimes.
"Don't change the subject!" he snaps angrily.
Ah, what a dear, sweet hypocrite. Weren't you just complaining a little while ago about things that did not concern the subject? I care enough about him to worry about how he is feeling, even if it does not appear to be so, and I consider his health to always concern the sole subject- himself.
I hate things being hidden from me. I suppose it is all a little hypocritical.
"Dear Yuki-kun," I begin, standing up and moving over to him. I could have sworn he looked frightened for a moment. Am I that spontaneous, or does he dislike my company that much, that he doesn't feel at ease? I suppose it should not surprise me. "I don't think that you are all that well." I state, placing a slender hand on his forehead- such looks have always run in our area of the Sohma family, and I can not disprove the often-thought statement that I am indeed a handsome specimen (Try as I may, you understand!).
I realize what is wrong, albeit much too late.
He murmurs, "Nii-san…" before his constricted breathing takes hold of him, and face blushed, darkness takes him.
Please review- I would like as many suggestions for improvement as possible, when given reason. If there is something that is working, please tell me, so I know what I have been doing correctly in your opinion.
Zuki-chan.