A Warm Place
Disclaimer
I don't own Yummy Yuki or any Fruits Basket character. Fruits Basket belongs to Takaya Natsuki.
A continuation of the anime series laced with some obsessive hallucinations of mine.
Italics thoughts
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There were those that suffered with silent decorum, and there were those that vocalized the state of each and every cell within their body. There were those that plotted with a masquerade of innocence, and there were those who could not conceal a simple negative thought.
What was it that molded individuals into these states? Was it an inherent constitution or an acquired trait as a means of defense or vengeance?
Shigure hated the deceptive façade of an unmarred existence that people like Hatori and Yuki would often wear. He saw no reason in the persistence of these efforts, not while Akito habitually embellished every paper cut and broken nail. In the Sohma universe, torment was a shared trait, so why would one presume their own pain to be their fault alone and refuse to share their sentiments?
What a strange bunch they made. While their disposition united them in more ways than many normal families, the Jyuunishi could never truly act as one. Not in vocalizing their displeasure to the atrocities Akito committed against them, nor in attempting to defeat their cursed existence. Resignation and submission had long since been ingrained into each and everyone of them and Akito's fearful hold was stronger, even more terrifying than that of the curse. They couldn't afford to lose the little freedom, the humanity that Akito allowed them to retain. It was too risky, they wouldn't dare…
Cowards.
Cowards they were, but it was out of necessity that their pretense of content perfection continued.
Regardless, if one was to master a mask of nonchalance in regards to distress, why not develop that sense in plotting an escape?
It would be beyond Hatori or Yuki to wish or plan reprisal, for they justified their circumstance to their own personal failures or shortcomings – a sentiment shared by many of their Jyuunishi comrades.
And those of the house that actually spared a thought to freedom, failed due to an utter lack of composure. Rin's tempestuous nature would be her proverbial downfall. Hiro was much too callous and vocal with his thoughts, Kyo had long since given up…and Yuki – Shigure had thought he'd be different. That day he finally reacted against Akito, Yuki's rage would've been sufficient to help him pummel his way out of Akito's prison and pave the way for the others.
Where's that anger now, Yuki?
It both was amusing and infuriating for Shigure to be surrounded by so many defeatists and amateurs, for he was a veteran with regards to control over his emotions and expressions. Quite simply, it was integral part of his plot.
With every passing day, the maintenance of his ambiguous mask would bring him closer to glorious success or utter failure.
So, it was no short of a surprise for him when he found his mask nearly crumbling today. Why did the sight of the young exhausted faces that greeted him evoke such a reaction? Anyone else would find the situation heartbreaking, but not him.
He could barely keep from laughing out loud.
Was it elated relief that everything would return to the way it was? The precious Rat returning obediently to his insistent Master's side without further harm to anyone? Was it amusement at Yuki's failed and resigned attempt at escaping his fate, or was it simply disappointment that the ultimate, inescapable fate of all was the same regardless of how much one may endeavor?
Or maybe it was Kyo's nearly hidden silhouette out side the door that was the source of Shigure's mirth? The redheaded teen's classic pretense of detached interest was far more transparent than the Shoji he was hiding behind.
Giving the door one last glance, Shigure returned to face Yuki and Hatsuharu. Behind Yuki's collected declaration to return to the main house, Haru looked to be in an inner struggle to preserve his fragile sanity and keep his infamous Black side at bay.
How could Shigure not smile?
Everything would return to what it was before, and Shigure's plot would proceed unhindered without the need for his interference.
Not that Shigure would have had any objection to dirtying his hands for achieve his heart's desire, but this time there would be none of that. He did not have to coerce Yuki into returning, nor would he have to endure Hatori's scolding tone and disappointed eyes. That would be the end for unforeseen actions and martyrs, Hatori and Ayame would soon heal, and there would be no more victims save for Yuki.
An acceptable sacrifice.
Indeed, how could Shigure not smile?
"You really are too kind." The novelist finally said, and there was no ulterior motive nor false facade behind those words. There was something about Yuki that drove others to act truthfully. Seeing Kyo's hovering form outside, Ayame's unprecedented interference, even Hatori's impromptu injury…
Even Shigure's honest words.
How could anyone question Yuki's value to Akito?
Now, it was time for all the pieces to fall to their designated places and the main players to act out their assigned roles.
Yuki's influence, whether intentional or not, was a powerful tool, one that even Shigure dreaded, for fear of becoming prey to it. Sheltering Yuki assured Shigure that he'd never be alienated by the Sohma clan, and the teen had served his purpose well. The pretense of benevolent shelter was no longer necessary, after all kindness never really suited Shigure.
"Much too kind, Yuki Kun."
XXX
The car's engine hummed softly amongst the sounds of chirping birds and swaying trees as it waited for its designated passengers. Three forlorn teens stood by quietly, unsure as to what to do as they waited for Shigure to join them.
"You can't make me lie." Kyo suddenly stated, startling the other two. "If she asks I'm telling her what's going on."
Yuki rolled his eyes in exasperation as Haru worriedly looked on. "I wouldn't expect you to, and I never said I would lie to her either."
"What! What the hell did you say then? You better not have said anything that would make her cry, you bastard!"
"I should say the same to you, since you don't have an ounce of discretion in your body." The demeaning look in Yuki's eyes was far more insulting than his words.
"Why you—"
"You'll wake her." Haru began, coming between them and meeting Kyo's glare calmly. "Then there wouldn't be a point in arguing about upsetting her."
"Don't worry, Baka Neko." Yuki began, appearing from behind his taller cousin. "I just said that I need to go back and try to make things right."
"If becoming Akito's pet is making things right." The redhead mumbled.
"Is there really a point in discussing this? I have a headache and this isn't helping."
"Do you need something for your headache?" Haru turned to face Yuki, reaching out to feel his forehead.
"It's a headache, not a fever, Haru." Was Yuki's annoyed reply, as he pushed the questioning hand away. "What are we waiting for anyway? What is Shigure doing?"
XXX
"They're all glaring at me and I don't know why, Ha San. I can't stand for one more person to be upset with me!" Shigure moaned as he moved away from the front door and the irritated teenagers' range of vision. "Yuki Kun made this decision all on his own, why won't you believe me?"
Hatori's grip on the phone tightened with barely restrained fury as he demanded, "Who told him?"
"Well, since I didn't say anything, I'm presuming Ha Kun did. But, I don't know what or how much he was told."
More questions plagued Hatori's mind; what exactly had Yuki been told? How Hatsuharu had come to discover what had happened and more importantly, who else knew?
It had to be those nosy maids; they seriously needed to be sedated.
"He's not stupid nor selfish, Ha San. He knows what's waiting for him. Did you really expect him not to return?"
"I know, but…" But, what will that do to Ayame?
"He'd not going to collapse the moment he sets foot on the property. Now, do you want us to come see you first?"
What about what I--?
sigh "If that's what Yuki wants, but I think Ayame would want to see him first. Though they should keep it short, Akito is impatiently waiting."
"If keeping it short was ever possible with Aya." Shigure chuckled.
"You're taking this much too lightly." Hatori grumbled, "It's so annoying."
"It is, isn't it? But it's all done, so why not just relax and take care of yourself and Aya? We wouldn't want that wound to scar his lovely face, now would we?"
"I think Ayame would be happy to have a scar as a memory of what he tried to accomplish. It would be a good reminder for him, even if things didn't work out."
"My my, how poetic of you, Ha San!"
"Its just common sense, idiot. You know how Ayame thinks."
"And now the two of you have a 'for the love of Yuki' scars I'll be left out! Its too bad Akito hadn't laid a hand on me."
"Akito already scarred your heart, Shigure. You just choose to associate the injury with something else. I'll see you when you get here."
CLICK
"Ouch." Shigure chuckled as he put his phone away, "He's in a extra bad mood today. Oh well, he'll get over it. Everyone will."
He took a moment to run a hand though his mussy hair, and straighten his clothes before joining the now quiet group and putting a compassionate hand on Yuki's slim shoulder.
"Yuki Kun! Please don't look so distraught. You know it could be worse."
The teen was thoughtful before smiling contritely. "Yeah, I guess it could. I could be moving in with Niisan."
"That's the spirit! Kyo Kun, you aren't coming are you?"
It would be unlikely for the redhead to decide to join them. At any rate, Shigure knew better than to bring him along. It wouldn't do to upset Akito any further, and it wouldn't bode well for Yuki to arrive side by side with his mortal enemy.
"HELL NO!" Kyo nearly screamed and turned away. "Someone has to stay here when Tohru wakes up!"
Yuki struggled to ignore the obvious bait. I'm not leaving because I want to, you idiot! I would never willingly leave her side unless she told me to go!
He knew that the time for tears had passed. He hated himself for his earlier emotional display and lack of composure. His decision to return was so that the others would no longer worry. It didn't matter if he had no idea what awaited him at the Honke. It didn't matter if he was leaving the only place he had ever considered home and the first person to accept him wholeheartedly.
It didn't matter, because some one had once said 'what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger'.
Yuki hoped with all his heart that he'd survive to agree.
Don't make it any harder than it already is. He berated himself, feeling his breathing strain and his vision cloud with unshed tears.
He jumped as Haru's hand closed around his, clammy and trembling just like Yuki's was. The gesture was meant to comfort but it made Yuki all the more aware of the distress of those around him. It was time to go, and he wanted to express his thanks to Haru, to leave Kyo with some meaningful parting words, but he knew the moment he'd attempt to speak he'd embarrass himself even more.
He was Yuki, the Jyuunishi Rat. He had to pull himself together.
Swallowing back the stubborn tears, Yuki squeezed Haru's hand in gratitude and turned to Kyo, who was in turn struggling to speak. The two teenagers could easily read each other's confusion, trepidation and regret.
"I'm not going to apologize for the past, Kyo." Yuki said with finality. "It's going to take more than words to make everything right." For us. Between us.
The redhead was speechless for an instant, and hated himself for suddenly feeling so emotional. "Don't you dare apologize, rat! I absolutely refuse to accept it!"
"Idiot! Weren't you listening? I said I'm not apologizing!"
"When you come back, you'll see it'll take a lot more than a wimpy apology to earn my forgiveness. I'll only consider it when I beat your skinny ass!" Kyo crossed his arms and smiled smugly despite the obvious misunderstanding.
Yuki didn't have the energy to argue, and let Kyo persist in his fantasies of victory. But, he couldn't help but smile in return.
Tohru would've been proud had she been a witness.
"We leave Tohru Kun is in your capable hands, then." Shigure waved, as he ushered Yuki and Haru into the car. "Though I'd watch were you put those hands, ok?" The writer quickly ducked inside and hoped the car would be gone before Kyo caught up with them.
"SHUT UP!" Kyo grabbed for the nearest heavy object and prepared to launch it at the departing vehicle.
"Stupid pervert." He mumbled, as he watched the car depart. "So stupid. We're all so stupid."
Minutes passed and the car was long gone and there was nothing to see; yet Kyo had no energy nor will to turn away. With unfocused eyes and an angry spirit, his exhausted spirit began to compose the words he would say at his own inevitable departure.
Even in his mind, he stumbled upon the words he wanted to say to her. And though he could hold not real hate for Yuki at the moment, the thought of the graceful Sohma leaving a poetic, touching note to Tohru angered Kyo. Yuki wouldn't even have to say goodbye in person to make her cry and miss him.
Kyo was so unlike Yuki. He would never make such a regal exist.
As the sky darkened and his vision grew dimmer, he hoped that if he let himself cry now, he'd have no more tears to shed when it was his turn to go.
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I'm alive but I don't like this chapter. It reminds me too much of chapter 25. But it's been sitting 99.9 on my pc for about 4 months now. So, I think I'm just going to post it and hope that the next chapter makes up for its silliness. I was going to make Yuki apologize to Kyo initially, but I thought it would be too much of a victory for Kyo. He has to fight his own battles, right?
Thanks go out to everyone who reviewed and emailed. I love you all.
I'm working on 27, I swear! It's on my other browser right now!