"Make a Wish"
by Shinigami's Voice
Part Four: To Face a Stranger
The Sohma doctor kept his usual blank expression, as he heard the soft but serious demands of the youngster standing in front of him.
"Will you answer me, Hatori?" -Haru repeated again in his deadpan voice and glaring eyes.
"Hatsuharu, I have no ill intentions against any of you, and you know it. But it's my duty to comply to the Master's orders, and for the time being, I don't know what-"
A soft knock on the heavy wooden doors of Hatori's clinic interrupted the conversation held inside. Both Dragon and Cow turned slightly to the sound directions, the pale light of the night sky filtering into the room through the small glass circle in the furthest corner.
Without waiting for any answer, the person on the other side slipped open the door, just a shadow visible from the threshold.
"Hatori..."
"Yuki" -Haru's voice was pitched with the smallest tone of worry as he recognized the figure talking.
The white-and-black haired rocker made his way up to the door, Hatori trailing behind, the Mouse finally coming into view.
Silver hair fell messily all over his face, giving just sporadic glimpses of the lavender eyes. His right hand was gripping his own left shoulder, where the clothes had been torn and the blood stained the fabric and the pale skin, contrasting with the crimson shade.
Not Haru or Hatori said anything. The Cow just pressed his lips tightly, silencing a curse probably aimed to the Sohma Master, and the Dragon gave an imperceptible sigh, his eyes already traveling up and down the Rat's body, doing a diagnosis of the damage.
"I'm fine" -before the doctor asked, Yuki stated in such a soft, drained voice, that only the quietness of the place made it possible to hear him- "You should....should go and see Akito...he ne-he needs you...."
"I understand" -the older Sohma nodded, then addressed the cursed Cow- "Take Yuki to his room, make sure he changes clothes. I'll be there to check him in a moment"
Haru watched the Dragon walk away into the dark halls.
"You should let him die"
The rocker's comment floated in the air, but Hatori merely ignored it and disappeared.
"Come, Yuki" -Hatsu motioned for his cousin to follow, taking light hold of the mouse's hand and accompanying to the white room destined for Yuki.
The short way was made in complete silence.
Yuki stepped into the room, going directly to sit on the big bed, feeling strangely tired to the bone. The whipping was almost usual coming from Akito. The man had always used such violent manners around him. But the struggle to refuse him and his offers had taken a lot from him.
After all, he had always given in. Since a child, living in fear of what Akito could do to him, he had learned to lower his head and obey.
....'You'll be so truly scared, that will become docile and obedient, just like before! Even if that takes erasing your memory!'....
The voice still rang in his head, ominous and threatening.
Hatsuharu closed the doors and then made sure the window was firmly shut. The cold air could do no good to his cousin's asthma. He gave Yuki a sidelong glance, but the nezumi was lost in thought, sitting on the soft surface of the bed.
If it wasn't because he had to stay there to help Yuki, Black Haru would have already been in his way to shout every foul swearing he knew against Akito. But then again, Yuki was more important now. He could deal with that bastard later.
He stood in front of the large closet and grabbed the first decent robe he saw, overlooking the exuberant cerulean, purple, black and blue clothes stored there. Surely Ayame had put all that there in an effort to make his brother wear one of his eccentric creations. But the Cow settled for a plain white one, probably silk.
"Hmm, Yuki" -the other teen called, sitting beside the mouse, but the other Sohma didn't seem to hear him.
A pair of hands reached forward and started to undo the knot on the tie of Yuki's uniform and then proceeded to try and pry away the torn clothe from the boy's upper body.
"What are you doing, Hatsuharu?" -Yuki watched his cousin working his uniform jacket off him, but besides than asking, the mouse didn't resist.
"Hatori said you had to get this thing off. It's ruined now anyways" -the rocker explained in his calm tone.
"I haven't unpacked other clothes yet" -the nezumi commented, looking down at his bags still resting on the floor.
"I'll help you do that later" -the Cow offered, continuing his task with slow, gentle care, as not to graze the fresh cuts, though his eyes were dark with suppressed anger- "Why did you let him do this again, Yuki?"
The bluish-purplish eyes looked into Haru's eyes, but the teen didn't answer right away. He kept silent for a moment, then spoke.
"If it's not me, then other Sohma" -Yuki furrowed delicate eyebrows and continued- "Someone's going to suffer anyway. What's worse, I would know it was my fault if other takes the punishment Akito inflicts upon me"
"So? You still should have the right to defend yourself" -Haru opined, studying the cuts and bruises covering his cousin's back and shoulders. Blood still trickled down the flesh.
Yuki's eyes softened a little at Haru's careful aid. His cousin, just like the other Sohmas, were all possible victims for Akito. If Yuki could just do something to protect them from the Master's wrath...
How stupid of him, if he couldn't even protect himself.....
How could he protect the others?.................
Sooner or later, Haru and Kisa, Momiji, Hiro.....
Even Hatori, Ayame and Shigure, and-and -and Tohru, even Kyou....
They would all be victims of the man that, in exchange of having their fates in his hands, was being consumed by illness and weakness inside that dark room.....
Unless Yuki could also exchange something....a flashback came tumbling down in his mind.
[...."If I don't hit you anymore, if I dress you in silk, if I grant your every whim, what would happen then? You would be happy, isn't that so? I would let the other Sohmas alone, because I would have you. I wouldn't look to harm any of them, nor that cat or that awful girl, or Hatori, Haru, or Kisa...because you would accept to stay with me, just with me, giving me a smile, giving me all I want..."
"Akito" -Yuki peered up, breathing irregularly- "You're describing a lie. I would be caged as well, only this time, the cage would be golden. You try to trade everyone's happiness instead of mine? Can't you see that I wouldn't be happy with you?! Can't you see that I don-"....]
If Yuki only traded his happiness for everyone else's.....
{....So, you'll just have to make a wish
even if you don't believe in faith
life could teach you different....
... Make a wish ....}
"Yuki, please?"
"Uh?" -the nezumi looked up, a bit startled, at Haru, not sure what had the other teen said. A damp cloth was held in his hand.
"Lie down, I need to clean those" -the Cow asked again.
"Oh" -Yuki stated- "I can do it, Haru" -he said.
"No, you can't" -Haru shook his head- "The slashes are on your back, remember? I'll do it. Now, lie down" -the serious teen instructed, but then a small smile crept up to his lips- "Don't worry, I'll be nice"
Yuki blinked, a soft blush coloring his cheeks. Sometimes Hatsuharu could be quite insinuative.
"Uh, okay" -he ended up nodding, knowing well this was just Haru's way to be around him. It still confused or embarrassed him some times, but he trusted his cousin implicitly.
Some minutes later, steps were heard in the halls, as Hatori made his way to the white room. The Dragon entered in his usual somber manner.
The Cow had already cleaned the wounds on his cousin's ivory skin, while Yuki remained silent, eyes distant as a turmoil of thoughts ran unbound in his mind.
"Are you okay, Yuki?" -Hatori inched a bit closer, standing in front of the bed's foot.
"I told you I was fine" -the other teen replied, indifference in his voice.
"Hai, I see" -the Doctor nodded, then kept silence as he watched Haru cover the other Sohma with the white robe and then the discarded blanket.
Yuki's eyes became purple slits when he noticed Hatori's lips pressed in a firm thin line. Though collected and cold as per usual, there was a dim aura of agitation enveloping the Dragon.
Whatever Akito had told Hatori moments ago was the only underline cause of the older Sohma's disturbance, there was no doubt about it.
"Thanks, Haru, you can return to your room now" -the Doctor finally spoke, addressing the rocker.
"I don't want to" -was the other teen's reply- "Yuki, would you like me to stay with you tonight?" -the Cow offered, eyes softening as he watched the injured mouse.
Yuki smiled inwardly. Well, this was the only nice thing he saw about the whole actual disaster. No matter what happened in the Main House, he could always count on Hatsuharu to be there for him. Still, he didn't want to take advantage of his cousin soft spot for him, because the Rat wasn't looking forward to give Haru some hope or encouragement about his feelings, and because Akito could always try and punish the Cow for his actions.
Jealousy was something the Master clearly didn't like dealing with.
"Of course not, Hatsuharu" -the silver-haired teen shook his head- "I'm fine, don't make a fuss over this. It's not like it hasn't happened before...."
"But, Yuki-" -the rocker tried again.
"Haru" -Yuki feigned an annoyed voice for more emphasis- "Go to your room. I thank you for your care, but as things go, I'm bound to stay here for a long time. I can't depend on you like this. I don't want to feel weak or hopeless like I did before" -the nezumi explained, eyes locked with Haru's dark ones- "Please?" -he added in the end.
The cursed Cow sighed, not looking quite convinced- "Fine. As you wish, Yuki. Good night" -and the white and black-haired teen made his way for the doors.
The moment he walked by Hatori, he halted a mere second, just enough to whisper in low voice, only for the doctor to hear him.
"Don't you dare touch him"
And with that, Haru was gone. Doors closed again.
"What is it, Hatori?" -the mouse asked, coming to a sitting position on his bed.
The Dragon gave some steps around, musing silently for himself.
Yuki waited patiently, himself already decided on what his own decisions would be.
Dark locks of hair messily falling on his face, almost covering his left eye, Hatori stood in front of the younger Sohma.
"I've been ordered to take your memory away, Yuki"
"I know it" -was the casual reply.
"I tried and dissuade Akito, but...."
"It doesn't matter. None of you have never been able to do anything about it anyways...." -the teen shrugged indifferently.
"This I do not approve, Yuki, and you know it" -Hatori said, voice serious but calm.
"But that doesn't mean you will refuse, right?" -though Yuki's words were recriminatory, his tone was serene and lacking any real resentment.
Hatori just gazed back, his own thoughts spiraling back to the past, back to Kana, back to ....
'No, don't go back there. Some things are best forgotten' -he ordered himself.
"When?" -Yuki finally asked.
"As soon as possible" -the doctor answered.
"Give me this night" -the mouse settled back on bed- "You can return tomorrow morning, if that's okay with you"
"I could give you until tomorrow's afternoon..." -the Dragon offered, but was cut off.
"No, tomorrow morning. And please bring Haru with you. I want him to be here" -Yuki stated, draping the blanket over himself again. Though the window was closed, the cold air retained inside the room was chilling him. Or maybe it was his imagination.
Maybe the coldness emerged from within.
"You sure?" -the older Sohma inquired, eyes becoming suspecting.
Secretly, Hatori needed Yuki and himself to be alone, if he intended in putting into gears his own plans.
"Aa. He'll help us" -Yuki answered, face expressionless, but eyes tinted with a shimmer of gratitude.
The Doctor widened his eyes ever so slightly. Did Yuki know?
{.....On your toes, trying so hard,
just reach out one more bit,
even if there isn't anything,
anything to reach......}
***
Morning found Tohru preparing breakfast in Shigure's house, quite a typical scene.
But the melancholic expression of her features was not at all familiar.
The Dog, clad in his 'writer's robe', lazily lit up a cigarette, as he took his seat on the table.
"Tohru-kun dear, didn't you sleep well? My little flower looks so tired"
"I'm fine" -the girl tried and smile, though it was a dull smile.
"Oh, my precious sad tulip, come here my sweet girl" -and the Inu proceeded to pat his lap as invitation- "What you need is someone to comfort you...."
"Shigure, you pervert" -the name was practically growled between clenched teeth.
One could only imagine who was behind him.
"Then again, I'm sure Kyou-kun is willing to comfort you too" -the man smiled sheepishly, inching far from the obviously pissed off Cat.
"Humph" -the Neko dismissed the topic, not quite in the mood to punch the Inu so early, and he dropped on his seat, muttering a barely audible- "Ohayo"
"Ohayo, Kyou-kun. I'll bring your breakfast" -Tohru said with a small smile, as she went to the kitchen.
"Dog" -Kyou called for the older Sohma attention- "Tohru and I won't go to school today"
"Uh? Why is that, Kyou-kun? Is the kitty not feeling well either?"
"Shut up" -the Neko scowled- "If you start making up some of your stupid sentimentalist comments I'm gonna bang you against the door, understood? I...I'm gonna take Tohru to the Main House..."
Surprisingly so, the writer remained silent. After a long drag of his cigarette, the man puffed out a slight sheen of smoke, as if thinking.
"Yuki-kun wouldn't agree" -the man finally spoke- "If he went, was exactly to avoid Tohru-kun to go back there, don't you think, my brave cat?"
"Nonsense. Surely the baka nezumi is just waiting for her to show up to console him" -the red-haired teen grunted.
"Is the Cat afraid to lose our pretty Tohru to the Rat?" -the man taunted with a naughty smile.
"I'm NOT afraid!" -as expected, Kyou jumped from his seat, hairs standing on end on the back of his neck.
Shigure giggled- "Of course not. But your nice, soft, tender heart can't stand watching her so worried a day more, ne?"
"Shut that big mouth of yours up" -the Neko sat again, visible angry. Though he didn't deny Shigure's theory.
"So, are you coming with Tohru and I or what?" -Kyou asked after a while.
"Where are we going?" -the Honda girl appeared with a tray of food.
Both cursed Sohmas looked back at her.
"To the Main House" -the Neko said, not that happy.
The girl's eyes illuminated all of a sudden- "Hontou?!"
"Aa. Your feline knight in white armor planned it all by himself. Isn't it just heroic?" -the Dog smiled.
Before the Cat could raise a hand against the novelist, Tohru had already jumped towards him- "Kyou-kun, you're so kind!!"
In doing so, the food went flying, and the teen before sitting there turned into an orange cat.
Some feet beside them, Shigure was covered in breakfast. But the man just burst out laughing.
When the 3 of them finally left the house, the clock on the living room wall read 8 am.
***
"All of this is for me? Really?" - a set of brown eyes went huge, as the boy watched in awe all the clothes sprawled around.
"Of course, little one. They are my latest creations. They are marvelous, just as everything I design" -the long silver hair flared around the cursed Snake, as he motioned for the numerous dresses and feminine garments- "And since you are one of the few people with a classy taste, you can try them on" -Ayame offered in that smug tone of his.
Momiji clapped happily, grabbing one of the pink blouses, and then a flourish skirt, a yellow scarf......
"Sohma-san" -one of the servants of the house knocked on the studio, calling for Ayame.
"Hm?" -the Snake responded languidly.
"Shigure-san is here and asked for you"
Ayame let a pleased smile curved his lips, as he rearranged his attire and encased his long waterfall of silver tresses in a loose ponytail, making his way into the halls.
In one of the spacious waiting rooms, Shigure, Kyou and Tohru sat on the couches. Both teens looked a bit nervous and fidgeting, while the writer looked quite comfortable.
"My lovely Gure" -the greeting was unmistakable- "All my muses must be rewarding me with your visit" -Ayame, dressed in a Chinese female outfit, smiled with a hint of what could be considered as seduction at his friend. Then his eyes took in the other visitors- "Oh, by the graces of God, the sweet little thing! Tohru-kun, you're in a desperate need of appropriate wardrobe. If you saw my new creations, they are just adorable!"
The Honda girl gave an embarrassed smile, while Kyou thanked Heaven for not being victim of such treatment from the cursed Snake.
"Aya-dear, as always, is lovely to see you. I have been looking for a little time off for both of us to have a little chat" -the novelist went with the flow, following the usual tease between them.
"Tohru!!!"
A bundle of pink and yellow bounced up and down, throwing himself right at the girl's arms.
"Hold it, little freak" -Kyou caught Momiji in middle jump.
"Ahh, Kyou, you're no fun" -the cursed Rabbit lamented.
"Hello, Momiji-chan, is so nice to see you" -the girl bowed and smiled to her little friend.
"You definitely must join us for the tea" -Ayame smiled- "I need more models for my new season opening and-"
"We would love to, Aya-babe, but we would like to see Yuki-kun first" -the Dog asked amiably.
Momiji, who had been smiling and running all around Tohru, suddenly fell silent, his brown eyes on Ayame.
"Yes, well, my little brother, such a beautiful creature just like me" -the silver haired Sohma answered- "I don't think he's available for the moment"
"Why?" -Tohru, her eyes nearly watering, inquired. She always imagined the worst.
"Oh, dear girl, you see...Gure-chan surely explained you, that the Master doesn't like my pretty Yuki-dear to have visits" -the Snake tried and smooth things.
"Has he been caged?!" -the girl exclaimed in horror.
"No, no" -Ayame smiled reassuringly- "But for the instance, only Tori-san and Haru are taking care of him. It's such injustice, don't you think?" -the slender man sighed dramatically- "I should be the one in charge of my beautiful brother! He needs someone kind and charming like me!"
"Momiji, is there something wrong? Other than the usual, I mean" -Kyou addressed the Usagi, seeing how Ayame was not about to let in more, and how the pink-dressed boy had refrained from commenting anything.
"I'm not supposed to say" -the boy sighed.
"What are you not supposed to say?" -Kyou pried.
"Hatori called all of us this morning and prohibited..." -Momiji continued, only to have the Cat grabbing him by the collar of his blouse and swaying him back and forth.
"Come on, kid, what is it?" -the neko demanded.
"Momiji-kun, please" -Tohru pleaded.
The blond Usagi nodded, touched by Tohru's sad eyes- "Okay, I'll tell you. Today, the Master ordered...."
Ayame sighed, this time for real, as the boy started talking.
But Momiji went silent as some voices sounded in the hall.
Everyone looked back to see who was approaching.
".....That was almost 3 years ago....."
"I see. Still, I don't recall a thing about it. Tell me, Haru, why is it that-"
The two Sohmas stopped in front of the other people standing in the waiting room.
Kyou and Tohru stared at the front, where Yuki and Haru stood.
Yuki was clad in a light blue robe, long silk robe that fell past his feet, giving him an aura of an ancient prince of the old Japan. His hair was the same messy style, but his eyes were cold and distant, as well as his expression. His face didn't register the most minimal change when his sight fell on the girl and his red-haired cousin.
Hatsuharu sported his usual j-rockers clothes and black boots. His expression one of boredom, like the lazy white Haru.
"Yuki-kun!!" -Tohru blinked away tears of joy as she finally went past the shock and ran up to the teenager- "I was so worried! Oh, Yuki-kun, I'm so glad you're fine!"
The Mouse arched his delicate eyebrows, eyes growing confused, as he stepped back to avoid to incoming girl, putting distance between them.
"Haru, who is this person?"
The girl froze in the spot, and both Kyou and even Shigure widened their eyes.
"Yuki..." -the Dog murmured, finally understanding.
Kyou just kept staring at the front. Was it possible then, what they say about Hatori's ability?
"Yuki-kun?" -Tohru asked in trembling voice.
"Haru?" -Yuki asked his cousin again.
"There must be some mistake" -the Cow simply shrugged- "You don't know her, do you?"
The purplish-eyed teen shook his head, silver locks swaying with the movement.
"I had never seen her"
{.....They do no know, not yet
that for the ones who aren't dreaming
dreams can be quite useless
when there's nothing for you to reach....}
To Be Continued......
A/N: Here's where the interesting stuff begins.
Reviews, please? Author is serious need of R&R!
by Shinigami's Voice
Part Four: To Face a Stranger
The Sohma doctor kept his usual blank expression, as he heard the soft but serious demands of the youngster standing in front of him.
"Will you answer me, Hatori?" -Haru repeated again in his deadpan voice and glaring eyes.
"Hatsuharu, I have no ill intentions against any of you, and you know it. But it's my duty to comply to the Master's orders, and for the time being, I don't know what-"
A soft knock on the heavy wooden doors of Hatori's clinic interrupted the conversation held inside. Both Dragon and Cow turned slightly to the sound directions, the pale light of the night sky filtering into the room through the small glass circle in the furthest corner.
Without waiting for any answer, the person on the other side slipped open the door, just a shadow visible from the threshold.
"Hatori..."
"Yuki" -Haru's voice was pitched with the smallest tone of worry as he recognized the figure talking.
The white-and-black haired rocker made his way up to the door, Hatori trailing behind, the Mouse finally coming into view.
Silver hair fell messily all over his face, giving just sporadic glimpses of the lavender eyes. His right hand was gripping his own left shoulder, where the clothes had been torn and the blood stained the fabric and the pale skin, contrasting with the crimson shade.
Not Haru or Hatori said anything. The Cow just pressed his lips tightly, silencing a curse probably aimed to the Sohma Master, and the Dragon gave an imperceptible sigh, his eyes already traveling up and down the Rat's body, doing a diagnosis of the damage.
"I'm fine" -before the doctor asked, Yuki stated in such a soft, drained voice, that only the quietness of the place made it possible to hear him- "You should....should go and see Akito...he ne-he needs you...."
"I understand" -the older Sohma nodded, then addressed the cursed Cow- "Take Yuki to his room, make sure he changes clothes. I'll be there to check him in a moment"
Haru watched the Dragon walk away into the dark halls.
"You should let him die"
The rocker's comment floated in the air, but Hatori merely ignored it and disappeared.
"Come, Yuki" -Hatsu motioned for his cousin to follow, taking light hold of the mouse's hand and accompanying to the white room destined for Yuki.
The short way was made in complete silence.
Yuki stepped into the room, going directly to sit on the big bed, feeling strangely tired to the bone. The whipping was almost usual coming from Akito. The man had always used such violent manners around him. But the struggle to refuse him and his offers had taken a lot from him.
After all, he had always given in. Since a child, living in fear of what Akito could do to him, he had learned to lower his head and obey.
....'You'll be so truly scared, that will become docile and obedient, just like before! Even if that takes erasing your memory!'....
The voice still rang in his head, ominous and threatening.
Hatsuharu closed the doors and then made sure the window was firmly shut. The cold air could do no good to his cousin's asthma. He gave Yuki a sidelong glance, but the nezumi was lost in thought, sitting on the soft surface of the bed.
If it wasn't because he had to stay there to help Yuki, Black Haru would have already been in his way to shout every foul swearing he knew against Akito. But then again, Yuki was more important now. He could deal with that bastard later.
He stood in front of the large closet and grabbed the first decent robe he saw, overlooking the exuberant cerulean, purple, black and blue clothes stored there. Surely Ayame had put all that there in an effort to make his brother wear one of his eccentric creations. But the Cow settled for a plain white one, probably silk.
"Hmm, Yuki" -the other teen called, sitting beside the mouse, but the other Sohma didn't seem to hear him.
A pair of hands reached forward and started to undo the knot on the tie of Yuki's uniform and then proceeded to try and pry away the torn clothe from the boy's upper body.
"What are you doing, Hatsuharu?" -Yuki watched his cousin working his uniform jacket off him, but besides than asking, the mouse didn't resist.
"Hatori said you had to get this thing off. It's ruined now anyways" -the rocker explained in his calm tone.
"I haven't unpacked other clothes yet" -the nezumi commented, looking down at his bags still resting on the floor.
"I'll help you do that later" -the Cow offered, continuing his task with slow, gentle care, as not to graze the fresh cuts, though his eyes were dark with suppressed anger- "Why did you let him do this again, Yuki?"
The bluish-purplish eyes looked into Haru's eyes, but the teen didn't answer right away. He kept silent for a moment, then spoke.
"If it's not me, then other Sohma" -Yuki furrowed delicate eyebrows and continued- "Someone's going to suffer anyway. What's worse, I would know it was my fault if other takes the punishment Akito inflicts upon me"
"So? You still should have the right to defend yourself" -Haru opined, studying the cuts and bruises covering his cousin's back and shoulders. Blood still trickled down the flesh.
Yuki's eyes softened a little at Haru's careful aid. His cousin, just like the other Sohmas, were all possible victims for Akito. If Yuki could just do something to protect them from the Master's wrath...
How stupid of him, if he couldn't even protect himself.....
How could he protect the others?.................
Sooner or later, Haru and Kisa, Momiji, Hiro.....
Even Hatori, Ayame and Shigure, and-and -and Tohru, even Kyou....
They would all be victims of the man that, in exchange of having their fates in his hands, was being consumed by illness and weakness inside that dark room.....
Unless Yuki could also exchange something....a flashback came tumbling down in his mind.
[...."If I don't hit you anymore, if I dress you in silk, if I grant your every whim, what would happen then? You would be happy, isn't that so? I would let the other Sohmas alone, because I would have you. I wouldn't look to harm any of them, nor that cat or that awful girl, or Hatori, Haru, or Kisa...because you would accept to stay with me, just with me, giving me a smile, giving me all I want..."
"Akito" -Yuki peered up, breathing irregularly- "You're describing a lie. I would be caged as well, only this time, the cage would be golden. You try to trade everyone's happiness instead of mine? Can't you see that I wouldn't be happy with you?! Can't you see that I don-"....]
If Yuki only traded his happiness for everyone else's.....
{....So, you'll just have to make a wish
even if you don't believe in faith
life could teach you different....
... Make a wish ....}
"Yuki, please?"
"Uh?" -the nezumi looked up, a bit startled, at Haru, not sure what had the other teen said. A damp cloth was held in his hand.
"Lie down, I need to clean those" -the Cow asked again.
"Oh" -Yuki stated- "I can do it, Haru" -he said.
"No, you can't" -Haru shook his head- "The slashes are on your back, remember? I'll do it. Now, lie down" -the serious teen instructed, but then a small smile crept up to his lips- "Don't worry, I'll be nice"
Yuki blinked, a soft blush coloring his cheeks. Sometimes Hatsuharu could be quite insinuative.
"Uh, okay" -he ended up nodding, knowing well this was just Haru's way to be around him. It still confused or embarrassed him some times, but he trusted his cousin implicitly.
Some minutes later, steps were heard in the halls, as Hatori made his way to the white room. The Dragon entered in his usual somber manner.
The Cow had already cleaned the wounds on his cousin's ivory skin, while Yuki remained silent, eyes distant as a turmoil of thoughts ran unbound in his mind.
"Are you okay, Yuki?" -Hatori inched a bit closer, standing in front of the bed's foot.
"I told you I was fine" -the other teen replied, indifference in his voice.
"Hai, I see" -the Doctor nodded, then kept silence as he watched Haru cover the other Sohma with the white robe and then the discarded blanket.
Yuki's eyes became purple slits when he noticed Hatori's lips pressed in a firm thin line. Though collected and cold as per usual, there was a dim aura of agitation enveloping the Dragon.
Whatever Akito had told Hatori moments ago was the only underline cause of the older Sohma's disturbance, there was no doubt about it.
"Thanks, Haru, you can return to your room now" -the Doctor finally spoke, addressing the rocker.
"I don't want to" -was the other teen's reply- "Yuki, would you like me to stay with you tonight?" -the Cow offered, eyes softening as he watched the injured mouse.
Yuki smiled inwardly. Well, this was the only nice thing he saw about the whole actual disaster. No matter what happened in the Main House, he could always count on Hatsuharu to be there for him. Still, he didn't want to take advantage of his cousin soft spot for him, because the Rat wasn't looking forward to give Haru some hope or encouragement about his feelings, and because Akito could always try and punish the Cow for his actions.
Jealousy was something the Master clearly didn't like dealing with.
"Of course not, Hatsuharu" -the silver-haired teen shook his head- "I'm fine, don't make a fuss over this. It's not like it hasn't happened before...."
"But, Yuki-" -the rocker tried again.
"Haru" -Yuki feigned an annoyed voice for more emphasis- "Go to your room. I thank you for your care, but as things go, I'm bound to stay here for a long time. I can't depend on you like this. I don't want to feel weak or hopeless like I did before" -the nezumi explained, eyes locked with Haru's dark ones- "Please?" -he added in the end.
The cursed Cow sighed, not looking quite convinced- "Fine. As you wish, Yuki. Good night" -and the white and black-haired teen made his way for the doors.
The moment he walked by Hatori, he halted a mere second, just enough to whisper in low voice, only for the doctor to hear him.
"Don't you dare touch him"
And with that, Haru was gone. Doors closed again.
"What is it, Hatori?" -the mouse asked, coming to a sitting position on his bed.
The Dragon gave some steps around, musing silently for himself.
Yuki waited patiently, himself already decided on what his own decisions would be.
Dark locks of hair messily falling on his face, almost covering his left eye, Hatori stood in front of the younger Sohma.
"I've been ordered to take your memory away, Yuki"
"I know it" -was the casual reply.
"I tried and dissuade Akito, but...."
"It doesn't matter. None of you have never been able to do anything about it anyways...." -the teen shrugged indifferently.
"This I do not approve, Yuki, and you know it" -Hatori said, voice serious but calm.
"But that doesn't mean you will refuse, right?" -though Yuki's words were recriminatory, his tone was serene and lacking any real resentment.
Hatori just gazed back, his own thoughts spiraling back to the past, back to Kana, back to ....
'No, don't go back there. Some things are best forgotten' -he ordered himself.
"When?" -Yuki finally asked.
"As soon as possible" -the doctor answered.
"Give me this night" -the mouse settled back on bed- "You can return tomorrow morning, if that's okay with you"
"I could give you until tomorrow's afternoon..." -the Dragon offered, but was cut off.
"No, tomorrow morning. And please bring Haru with you. I want him to be here" -Yuki stated, draping the blanket over himself again. Though the window was closed, the cold air retained inside the room was chilling him. Or maybe it was his imagination.
Maybe the coldness emerged from within.
"You sure?" -the older Sohma inquired, eyes becoming suspecting.
Secretly, Hatori needed Yuki and himself to be alone, if he intended in putting into gears his own plans.
"Aa. He'll help us" -Yuki answered, face expressionless, but eyes tinted with a shimmer of gratitude.
The Doctor widened his eyes ever so slightly. Did Yuki know?
{.....On your toes, trying so hard,
just reach out one more bit,
even if there isn't anything,
anything to reach......}
***
Morning found Tohru preparing breakfast in Shigure's house, quite a typical scene.
But the melancholic expression of her features was not at all familiar.
The Dog, clad in his 'writer's robe', lazily lit up a cigarette, as he took his seat on the table.
"Tohru-kun dear, didn't you sleep well? My little flower looks so tired"
"I'm fine" -the girl tried and smile, though it was a dull smile.
"Oh, my precious sad tulip, come here my sweet girl" -and the Inu proceeded to pat his lap as invitation- "What you need is someone to comfort you...."
"Shigure, you pervert" -the name was practically growled between clenched teeth.
One could only imagine who was behind him.
"Then again, I'm sure Kyou-kun is willing to comfort you too" -the man smiled sheepishly, inching far from the obviously pissed off Cat.
"Humph" -the Neko dismissed the topic, not quite in the mood to punch the Inu so early, and he dropped on his seat, muttering a barely audible- "Ohayo"
"Ohayo, Kyou-kun. I'll bring your breakfast" -Tohru said with a small smile, as she went to the kitchen.
"Dog" -Kyou called for the older Sohma attention- "Tohru and I won't go to school today"
"Uh? Why is that, Kyou-kun? Is the kitty not feeling well either?"
"Shut up" -the Neko scowled- "If you start making up some of your stupid sentimentalist comments I'm gonna bang you against the door, understood? I...I'm gonna take Tohru to the Main House..."
Surprisingly so, the writer remained silent. After a long drag of his cigarette, the man puffed out a slight sheen of smoke, as if thinking.
"Yuki-kun wouldn't agree" -the man finally spoke- "If he went, was exactly to avoid Tohru-kun to go back there, don't you think, my brave cat?"
"Nonsense. Surely the baka nezumi is just waiting for her to show up to console him" -the red-haired teen grunted.
"Is the Cat afraid to lose our pretty Tohru to the Rat?" -the man taunted with a naughty smile.
"I'm NOT afraid!" -as expected, Kyou jumped from his seat, hairs standing on end on the back of his neck.
Shigure giggled- "Of course not. But your nice, soft, tender heart can't stand watching her so worried a day more, ne?"
"Shut that big mouth of yours up" -the Neko sat again, visible angry. Though he didn't deny Shigure's theory.
"So, are you coming with Tohru and I or what?" -Kyou asked after a while.
"Where are we going?" -the Honda girl appeared with a tray of food.
Both cursed Sohmas looked back at her.
"To the Main House" -the Neko said, not that happy.
The girl's eyes illuminated all of a sudden- "Hontou?!"
"Aa. Your feline knight in white armor planned it all by himself. Isn't it just heroic?" -the Dog smiled.
Before the Cat could raise a hand against the novelist, Tohru had already jumped towards him- "Kyou-kun, you're so kind!!"
In doing so, the food went flying, and the teen before sitting there turned into an orange cat.
Some feet beside them, Shigure was covered in breakfast. But the man just burst out laughing.
When the 3 of them finally left the house, the clock on the living room wall read 8 am.
***
"All of this is for me? Really?" - a set of brown eyes went huge, as the boy watched in awe all the clothes sprawled around.
"Of course, little one. They are my latest creations. They are marvelous, just as everything I design" -the long silver hair flared around the cursed Snake, as he motioned for the numerous dresses and feminine garments- "And since you are one of the few people with a classy taste, you can try them on" -Ayame offered in that smug tone of his.
Momiji clapped happily, grabbing one of the pink blouses, and then a flourish skirt, a yellow scarf......
"Sohma-san" -one of the servants of the house knocked on the studio, calling for Ayame.
"Hm?" -the Snake responded languidly.
"Shigure-san is here and asked for you"
Ayame let a pleased smile curved his lips, as he rearranged his attire and encased his long waterfall of silver tresses in a loose ponytail, making his way into the halls.
In one of the spacious waiting rooms, Shigure, Kyou and Tohru sat on the couches. Both teens looked a bit nervous and fidgeting, while the writer looked quite comfortable.
"My lovely Gure" -the greeting was unmistakable- "All my muses must be rewarding me with your visit" -Ayame, dressed in a Chinese female outfit, smiled with a hint of what could be considered as seduction at his friend. Then his eyes took in the other visitors- "Oh, by the graces of God, the sweet little thing! Tohru-kun, you're in a desperate need of appropriate wardrobe. If you saw my new creations, they are just adorable!"
The Honda girl gave an embarrassed smile, while Kyou thanked Heaven for not being victim of such treatment from the cursed Snake.
"Aya-dear, as always, is lovely to see you. I have been looking for a little time off for both of us to have a little chat" -the novelist went with the flow, following the usual tease between them.
"Tohru!!!"
A bundle of pink and yellow bounced up and down, throwing himself right at the girl's arms.
"Hold it, little freak" -Kyou caught Momiji in middle jump.
"Ahh, Kyou, you're no fun" -the cursed Rabbit lamented.
"Hello, Momiji-chan, is so nice to see you" -the girl bowed and smiled to her little friend.
"You definitely must join us for the tea" -Ayame smiled- "I need more models for my new season opening and-"
"We would love to, Aya-babe, but we would like to see Yuki-kun first" -the Dog asked amiably.
Momiji, who had been smiling and running all around Tohru, suddenly fell silent, his brown eyes on Ayame.
"Yes, well, my little brother, such a beautiful creature just like me" -the silver haired Sohma answered- "I don't think he's available for the moment"
"Why?" -Tohru, her eyes nearly watering, inquired. She always imagined the worst.
"Oh, dear girl, you see...Gure-chan surely explained you, that the Master doesn't like my pretty Yuki-dear to have visits" -the Snake tried and smooth things.
"Has he been caged?!" -the girl exclaimed in horror.
"No, no" -Ayame smiled reassuringly- "But for the instance, only Tori-san and Haru are taking care of him. It's such injustice, don't you think?" -the slender man sighed dramatically- "I should be the one in charge of my beautiful brother! He needs someone kind and charming like me!"
"Momiji, is there something wrong? Other than the usual, I mean" -Kyou addressed the Usagi, seeing how Ayame was not about to let in more, and how the pink-dressed boy had refrained from commenting anything.
"I'm not supposed to say" -the boy sighed.
"What are you not supposed to say?" -Kyou pried.
"Hatori called all of us this morning and prohibited..." -Momiji continued, only to have the Cat grabbing him by the collar of his blouse and swaying him back and forth.
"Come on, kid, what is it?" -the neko demanded.
"Momiji-kun, please" -Tohru pleaded.
The blond Usagi nodded, touched by Tohru's sad eyes- "Okay, I'll tell you. Today, the Master ordered...."
Ayame sighed, this time for real, as the boy started talking.
But Momiji went silent as some voices sounded in the hall.
Everyone looked back to see who was approaching.
".....That was almost 3 years ago....."
"I see. Still, I don't recall a thing about it. Tell me, Haru, why is it that-"
The two Sohmas stopped in front of the other people standing in the waiting room.
Kyou and Tohru stared at the front, where Yuki and Haru stood.
Yuki was clad in a light blue robe, long silk robe that fell past his feet, giving him an aura of an ancient prince of the old Japan. His hair was the same messy style, but his eyes were cold and distant, as well as his expression. His face didn't register the most minimal change when his sight fell on the girl and his red-haired cousin.
Hatsuharu sported his usual j-rockers clothes and black boots. His expression one of boredom, like the lazy white Haru.
"Yuki-kun!!" -Tohru blinked away tears of joy as she finally went past the shock and ran up to the teenager- "I was so worried! Oh, Yuki-kun, I'm so glad you're fine!"
The Mouse arched his delicate eyebrows, eyes growing confused, as he stepped back to avoid to incoming girl, putting distance between them.
"Haru, who is this person?"
The girl froze in the spot, and both Kyou and even Shigure widened their eyes.
"Yuki..." -the Dog murmured, finally understanding.
Kyou just kept staring at the front. Was it possible then, what they say about Hatori's ability?
"Yuki-kun?" -Tohru asked in trembling voice.
"Haru?" -Yuki asked his cousin again.
"There must be some mistake" -the Cow simply shrugged- "You don't know her, do you?"
The purplish-eyed teen shook his head, silver locks swaying with the movement.
"I had never seen her"
{.....They do no know, not yet
that for the ones who aren't dreaming
dreams can be quite useless
when there's nothing for you to reach....}
To Be Continued......
A/N: Here's where the interesting stuff begins.
Reviews, please? Author is serious need of R&R!