A/n: Took me long enough, right? Thanks so much for the reviews, they truly keep me motivated. Sorry about inconsistency in my writing style.
Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket.
Breathless
Chapter
Two: Lack of Color
Kyo was slowly pulled into consciousness by the sweet of aroma of floating vegetables in a steaming bowl of meat and broth. Opening his eyes he found himself surrounded by four modestly decorated, white walls. Leaning upward, he relaxed himself against the headboard of a full-size bed.
"About time you woke up," a voice traveled from across the room.
Kyo's unsteady vision settled on a familiar slate colored haired boy.
The young man was sitting in the corner of the room in a plain, wooden chair. The only other piece of furniture in the room was a matching dresser. In his lap rested an aluminum tray adorned with a bowl of stew and a sweating glass of ice water.
"I…," Kyo's lips parted then closed again. He wasn't even sure where to begin.
"There's no need to explain," the boy rose and paced toward the bed. "I don't need to know why you were acting like an idiot. Just eat this and get the hell out of my house."
"Thank you," Kyo muttered; removing the tray from the boy's extended hands.
"You're gratitude is also unnecessary," he replied coldly.
"What's you're name," Kyo asked before stuffing him mouth with a spoonful of warm stew.
"Yuki Sohma," the boy grinned slyly.
Kyo coughed with the content half way down his throat.
"I already know who you are," Yuki folded his arms. "It's nice to finally meet you, cousin."
Kyo looked like a helpless animal suddenly approached by a hunter. Yuki's dust colored eyes danced with amusement at the boy's distress. He had heard many things about the infamous "black sheep", but this was the first time he had ever laid eyes on the family stain.
"You do realize that I will have to contact the main house," the boy turned toward the doorway. "I'm sure they are looking for you."
"Bastard," Kyo whispered as the boy's back retreated into the hallway.
Of all the places that he could have turned up, it had to be on a Sohma family member's doorstep. His bad luck was unrelenting. He couldn't even end his own life properly.
Ten minutes later, Yuki returned looking slightly disappointed.
"It seems that Akito would like you to live here with me," he flopped limply into the chair. "I can't imagine why."
"What!" Kyo's eyes widened in disbelief.
"I don't like it any better than you do, but who am I to argue with the head of the family. Akito's word is as good as law," Yuki sighed.
Akito's word was something that Kyo would never understand. The young Sohma leader was practically a tyrant. It didn't make sense for the entire family to bend at his every beck and call. Then again, the Sohma family was an enigma in itself.
"Unfortunately this is a one bedroom apartment," Yuki's voice intruded his thoughts. "You'll have to sleep on the couch."
"That's fine with me," Kyo smiled. Anywhere was better than home.
"Well I better get back to the dishes," Yuki took the tray containing the empty bowl from Kyo's side. "Hatori's bringing your things over; I suggest you wait at the door from him."
Kyo nodded and rose from bed, his legs wobbled beneath his weight. Steadying himself against the wall he moved into the living room.
The small space was equally as bare as the bedroom. All that filled the space was a green couch, a small dining table and a television set. The only item of color in the place was a painting of a garden hanging in Yuki's bedroom.
"Not much of a decorated, ne?" he stared into the kitchen.
Yuki ignored the conversation starter, dunking his lithe hands back into the foaming sink.
Kyo had the feeling that this kid was going to be a blast to live with. He despised already despised him after knowing him for only five hours. Four of which, Kyo was unconscious.
There was a knock at the door, which was of course Hatori. The family doctor stepped in and quickly examined Kyo. After giving him a clean bill of health, the pair began lugging in Kyo's luggage.
"I think that's all of the essentials," Hatori breathed as he settled at the table "clothes, toothbrush and what not."
"I'm a basic kind of guy," Kyo took a seat across from him while Yuki prepared the tea.
"So how do you both feel about the living arrangement?" the medic asked, bring the cup cautiously up to his lips.
Kyo shrugged and Yuki glared.
"It will take some time to get use to, but Akito believes that it will benefit you both," Hatori assured.
"The family favorite living under the same roof as the family monster," Yuki hissed.
"If you've got a problem, why don't you just come out and say it," Kyo growled in response.
"Because I doubt your simple mind would even comprehend it," Yuki rolled his eyes.
"If you think that I'm just going to sit here and take that, you've go another thing comin'," Kyo stood angrily.
"Tsch," Yuki returned to the kitchen.
Hatori smirked at the scene. "I see that you two are going to get along just fine."
