*Rises from grave*
I am a terrible person, and will make no excuses for my absence except major writers block.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but my OC's that show up in this story.
"Tohru?" Arisa's voice had a questioning lilt to it, prompting me to turn away from the windows I was wiping down.
Tohru was standing in the middle of the hallway, holding a broom upside down and clutched to her chest. Concerned, I turned fully and moved to stand next to Arisa and Saki. I tilted my head, placing a hand on my hip.
"Ru? Tohru, honey?"
Arisa cocked her hip, leaning on her own broom. "What do plan on cleaning like that, the ceiling?"
Tohru jolted, like she'd just tuned in to the fact that we were talking to her. "EH?! IT'S UPSIDE DOWN!?"
"Tohru . . ." Saki said, "What are you worrying about? I can feel the waves swirling about you . . ."
That was the problem sometimes with having a best friend who was psychic. Sometimes they knew things that you didn't really want them knowing. I focused on Tohru's frazzled state, wondering if this was normal fretting or Sohma induced fretting. Either way, she would work herself into a fever if she wasn't careful.
Arisa folded her hands on the end of the broom and rested her chin on it, "What's this? Is this something you won't even talk to us about?"
"N-no!" Tohru denied, sounding a little frayed. "It's nothing so major as a worry . . ."
I tucked the dust rag into the back of my skirt, walking over to tuck my arm around her shoulders. "What's eating at you, Tohru?"
"W-well, it's something that has happened before . . ." Tohru began an embarrassed smile on her face. "I start feeling insecure when I think about the future and everything . . ."
"That's a natural thing, isn't it?" Arisa said thoughtfully, "I mean, I feel insecure about things too. Sometimes it feels like something is edging closer and closer from behind you."
My grip tightened around Tohru's shoulders and I puffed out a breath, "That's a really good way to explain that Uo."
Hadn't I been feeling like that ever since we went to the beach with the others? Like something was waiting for us to pause just long enough to catch us with our thumbs up our asses? Our circumstances may be different, but I was relieved that I wasn't the only one to feel that way.
That probably made me a bad person.
"Not to mention my Dad told me to think things through more carefully." Arisa sighed, "What to do . . ."
"Me too," Saki piped up, staring out the windows dramatically. "I was told to at least graduate . . ."
"Ah," I arched a brow at her, moving to take her hand off of the glass. "Hana, you should probably hope for more than just the bare minimum. I just cleaned that!"
"But knowing you, you've been thinking too much about this and that." Arisa turned to look at Tohru, pressing a hand to her head. "Please, don't keep it all locked up inside. After all, that makes a waste of the "now" and makes us worry."
Saki turned to thread her arms around my waist, "That means you as well Mandy. Do not think that I haven't noticed your waves are more chaotic than normal. It does more harm than good, keeping your worries to yourself."
I pressed my temple to hers, feeling overwhelmed by the rush of love that welled in my chest. Tohru seemed to be in the same boat, hugging her broom like it had been the one to give her such sage advice.
"You're . . . you're right, its soumen isn't it . . ."
"What?" I blinked, confused by her logic.
Arisa didn't get it either, "Huh? Soumen? Is that some sort of joke or something?"
"Eh?!" Tohru gasped; obviously worried that she had offended the Yankee. "N-n-no, nothing like that! It's something Shigure told me before. Ummm, he told me to occasionally take a break and have soumen with everyone."
"Basically, to stop and breath and enjoy the "now" with your loved ones." I said, slightly impressed.
"The writer said that?" Arisa blinked at me, obviously surprised.
I shrugged, moving with Saki to stand next to Tohru. "Hey, he's an idiot, but he's an idiot with heart most of the time."
"Uo, Hana, Mandy." Tohru smiled brightly at us, "Thank you very much. I feel much better now."
"You don't have to thank us." Saki smiled softly, grasping Tohru's hands in hers. "I just got to return what you always do for us . . ."
Arisa and I sighed, in tandem. "You can't take credit for something you didn't do Hanajima."
"You didn't say anything until just now." Arisa scolded her, and then turned to Tohru. "I guess that doesn't really matter Tohru, you shouldn't that writer too much, okay?"
"But . . . why not?" Tohru asked, her expression perplexed.
I snickered, looping my arms around her shoulders to pull her back against my chest. "Because he is a manipulative little shit, Tohru, and you can be quite gullible sometimes."
"He does seem to be the conniving type." Arisa muttered.
"He's rather crooked.' Saki joined in.
Tohru shook her head, whapping me in the nose with her ribbons. "It's alright! Shigure's a very nice person!"
I wrinkled my nose, hugging her tighter to me. She put way too much stock in Shigure capability to be a normal decent human being. The dog could be nice when he wanted to, but most of the time he enjoyed manipulating the others around him to get what he wanted.
"Who is that . . . with Kyo Sohma?"
I followed Saki's gaze, smiling widely at the sight of Kazuma and Kyo. "That's Kazuma-Shishou."
"Um, he's Kyo's father." Tohru tacked on to my unhelpful statement.
"Seriously?" Arisa stated, "That is his dad? I was under the impression that his parents would have orange hair too. They don't really look alike either, but he's not too bad looking. . ."
"What a hunk . . ."
Arisa, Tohru, and I gawked at Saki. We were totally thrown by her statement. I mean, yeah, Shishou was a hunk, but I haven't met an ugly Sohma yet. I think this was the first time I have ever heard Saki express any sort of interest in the opposite sex.
And it was to Kyo's father. Good god.
"Hmm?" Saki turned and took in our dumbstruck expressions, "What's with you guys?"
I snickered, then broke down and started cackling into Tohru's hair. "Oh. Oh no. This is too good. I love you Hana."
"Mandy?" Tohru asked with amusement plain in her voice.
"Oooh!" I smiled evilly, "You two are so coming over tonight. This is too good of an opportunity to pass up."
Tohru turned her head to look up at me, brown eye wide and curious. "What opportunity Mandy?"
Arisa and Saki shared a look before matching my devilish grin, "We're in."
"I'm confused. . ."
I squeezed her in a hug before pulling the rag I'd tucked into my skirt out. "Nothing to worry about my love. Now, let's finish the cleaning before Kyo gets done with his interview so we can ambush him."
We cleaned and even managed to put away the equipment before Kyo and Kazuma walked out of Mayuko-Sensei's office. I paused in our march up to them, seeing the expression on Kyo's face. It was so sad. I guess talking about your future when you don't believe that you have one would be rather depressing.
Damn that Akito for putting that expression on his face. If I could go back in time to the villa, I would fight back. See how he felt being punched in the face, show him how to really fight. Using your nails is cheap way to draw blood. A nice solid punch to the mouth would do the trick. Split his lip, maybe even knock a few teeth loose.
God, I was violent.
I was pulled from my thoughts by Arisa's next actions. She yanked off one of her shoes, cocked her hand back, and chucked the damn thing like she was going for the last strike at a softball game. I opened my mouth to call out a warning, but Kyo didn't need it. He caught it inches before it hit his face.
I hurried past Arisa, "Jesus Uo! That's not how you greet someone!"
She ignored me, "You brat! How the hell did you catch that?!"
Tohru was clapping, eyes wide with awe. "That was amazing!"
"Damn you Uotani!" Kyo shouted, "You really were trying to hit me weren't you?!"
Why was I even worried? The boy was fine. I turned away from the scene they were making and smiled up at Kazuma.
"Hey Shishou," I greeted him, reaching out to squeeze his arm. "It's good to see you."
Kazuma smiled warmly, ruffling my hair. "As it is you, Mandy. Shall I leave Kyo in your capable hands?"
"I can't promise he'll make it back in one piece though." I said seriously, jerking my thumb over my shoulder. "Not with this lot. Uo and Kyo have been trying to kill each other since they met."
"I'm sure he will survive."
I watched him pat Kyo on the shoulder before leaving, then moved to join my friends. Kyo looked away from Tohru, gracing me with a small and genuine smile.
"Ready to go home?" I asked, touching his elbow.
Kyo reached out touched a knuckle to my temple, "Yeah. Let's go home."
The walk home was filled laughter and good natured ribbing. Well, it was good natured on my part. I'm pretty sure Kyo and Arisa were subtly trying to kill each other. At one point, I watched Arisa try to make Kyo face plant into a rose bush.
I spent most of the walk holding hands with Saki and Tohru, just basking in their love and friendship.
Shigure greeted us at the front door, his usual dopey look morphing into a gleeful grin. "Yuki! We've got company~"
~Preparing Dinner!~
"Miss Hanajima has feelings. . . for Shiahn?"
I giggled at Yuki's dumbstruck expression, swinging my feet against the counter. "She called him a hunk."
"But . . . having such an old child will be a problem." Saki murmured, touching her chin thoughtfully.
Arisa cackled, reaching out to sock Kyo in the shoulder. "Ah, I'm sure it would work out in that aspect, right?!"
"Hold on, but that would mean Hanajima would be my mother," Kyo grimaced, "No thanks dammit."
Shigure seemed perplexed by the way the conversation was going, "Aren't you guys forgetting something here? What about how Kazuma feels?"
"Nah." I leaned over the pot on the stove, using Yuki's shoulder to steady myself. "Shishou doesn't get a say. We're talking about a man who can't even make tea without burning the water."
Saki perked up at that, "Then I'll have to make him something delisious and introduce myself."
"HELL NO!" Kyo hollered. "Shishou can't be bought with food!"
I arched a brow at him, "Are you sure hon? Are you really, really sure?"
Scarlette eyes stared at me, ublinking, before closing with a defeated sigh. "No . . ."
"Better just resign yourself to the thought now, Carrot Top." Arisa chirped, "I've never even seen Hana look at another guy before."
I cackled gleefully at the anguished groan that escaped Kyo. Shigure side eyed me, "Sometimes I wonder about you Amanda."
"Shigure, it's too late to get rid of me now. Too many people know where I am."
The kitchen was crouded, so I made my escape not long after that. It was fun, teasing Kyo, but with him it was always best not to push the poor kid too far.
Yuki followed me to the back porch, sitting next to me with one knee pressed to his chest. I hummed contentedly, leaning back on my hands to let the last rays of sun hit my face. It was a nice evening, not too warm, but peaceful.
"You look happy."
I rolled my head in Yuki's direction, smiling lazily. "I am happy. I've got my family here under this roof, and I wouldn't have it any other way."
Yuki blinked at me, violet eyes troubled. "Family?"
I lifted a hand, pushing his shoulder gently. "Yuki, after all we've been through together. of course we're family. Family isn't just blood and genetics, it's who you feel comfortable with. It's who you want to spend your free time with. Family doesn't end in blood, Yuki, it's friends who would go to the end for each other."
"Hmmm" Yuki smiled tenderly, copying my position from earlier. "I like that. It's almost poetic."
I pulled a knee to my chest, looping my arms around it and resting my chin in my knee cap. Something was bothering him. I knew his interview was scheduled for tomorrow, and that his mother would be coming for it. Could that be what was bothering him so? I've never even once heard him talk about her, not even in passing.
"Yuki," I waited for him to look at me, "What's wrong? Something's been bothering you for a while now."
His brows pinched, before smoothing out with a tired chuckle. "How do you always know?"
"I'm naturally observant." I smirked, "It's a gift."
He was silent for so long that I thought he wasn't going to say anything. Then he shifted so his legs dangled off of the porch and let his hands hang between his knees.
"Tomorrow is my interview,"
"Your mother is coming, right?" I asked, tilting my head. "Is that what's bothering you?"
"Yes and no." Yuki said, examining his palms. "That woman has always carried a certain vision about how my life would be. She had wanted me to go to a private all boys school, but I wanted to be on the Outside."
I nodded, silently trying to urge him on. They all wanted to be on the Outside, to escape from their lives for at least a little bit.
"As the mother of the Rat, she was automatically raised in the eyes of the Sohma's." Yuki told me, "It was a blessing for her. When I was old enough, I would be sent to Akito to keep him company. I was the Rat, after all, and the Rat and God has always had a special bond."
Oh boy. I didn't really care for where this was going. I shifted, legs dangling over the edge of the porch and hands planted on either side of them. Really, I wanted to reach out and sooth the hurt I could feel coming from him, but I was afraid he wouldn't keep talking.
"That time with Akito, it was hell." He sighed, "It was during one of those times that I'd escaped with the Cat's cap and stumbled upon Miss Honda."
"Did . . . did you ever tell her you didn't want to do it?" I asked tentatively, leaning forward so I could see his face.
Yuki chuckled humorlessly, "Like what I wanted matters. Just like what I want will not matter tomorrow. She already has plans for what University I will be going to, what classes I will be taking, and what I am going to do with my future."
"No." I stood, moving to crouch in front of him and take his hands in mine. "What you want matters, Yuki. What you want will always matter."
Yuki blinked at me, eyes wide. "M-Miss Cho?"
I looked him in the eye, just so he could see how serious I was. "Yuki, what you want matters. I know it's hard, but you have to do what you think is the right thing. If someone is saying something that you disagree with, don't let them trample all over you. You're your own person, with your own feelings and wants."
"No one can tell you how to feel about something." I said, squeezing his hands in mine. "No one can tell you what you want to do with your life, and they certainly can't force you to do it."
Yuki's hands grasped mine, almost painfully tight. "How is it, Miss Cho, that you always seem to know how to say the right thing? You and Miss Honda both, always comforting us when we need it."
I blushed, entirely caught off guard by the sweet smile he sent me. "I don't know what you're talking about. I say plenty of wrong things all the time."
*CRASH*
"DAMN YOU UOTANI! THE FUCK IS YOUR PROBLEM?!"
"YOU ARE, CARROT TOP!"
*CRASH BANG*
"Oh boy," I snickered, releasing Yuki. "I'd better go make sure they don't actually try to murder each other."
Yuki stood, helping me back onto the porch. "Or break the house. Again."
I shook a finger at him, "Hey! Kagura is the one who always breaks the house. Usually with Kyo's face too."
He sat back down, leaning back on his hands. "I think I will stay out here for a little while more."
"Okay. I'll send out Tohru when dinners ready." I reached down, gently carding my hand through his hair.
The only people left in the kitchen were Tohru and the girls, so probably Kyo had made his escape to the roof. I eased back and went up stairs, looking for Shigure. Like hell Yuki was going to have to endure hell with his mother tomorrow. Not if I could do something about it.
Shigure was reclined at his desk, reading glasses slumped on his nose. He looked up when I tapped on the door frame with my nail.
"Mandy! I do hope they aren't destroying my house."
"Nah," I leaned a hip against the door frame. "Our friends are house trained, promise. Actually, I wanted to ask you something."
"I am at your service!" Shigure replied, a dopey grin on his face.
I smirked, "I need Ayame's phone number. Cell phone preferably, if you don't mind."
"Oh?" Interest piqued, Shigure leaned forward to look at me over his glasses. "Whatever for?"
"It's a surprise," I lowered my voice, "For Yuki."
Shigure seemed to think for a moment, before writing down a string of numbers on a piece of scrap paper. "Aya would never forgive me if I didn't help orchestrate a surprise for Yuki that involves him."
"Thanks 'Gure!" I grabbed the paper and went to lock myself in the bathroom.
I sat on the toilet, flipping open my cell phone. It rang for only a moment before Ayame answered, flamboyant as ever.
"Ayame Sohma, purveyor of fantasies and dreams, at your service!"
I snickered, "Do you always answer your phone like that Ayame?"
"Who is- Mandy?" Ayame giggled like a little girl, "Well isn't this a pleasant surprise~"
"Ayame-"
"Have you finally decided that I shall make a costume for you?! Oooh, am I making something for you to show Lucky-"
No. Nope. Not having that conversation. "I'm calling about Yuki."
"What's wrong? Is he okay?"
I chuckled at how quick his tone changed, "He's fine Ayame. Just a little frazzled right now. Tomorrow is his career counseling interview."
"Ah. I see." Ayame hummed, "Mother will be there."
"That's what he told me. It also sounded like he didn't particularly want her to be there." I mused, examining my nails. "This could be the perfect opportunity, you know."
"Opportunity?" Ayame asked, obviously intrigued.
"M-hm." I smirked, "You're always looking for ways to make Yuki respect you. This is it, Ayame. I think you should go."
"You are a goddess. Truly, I shall make this up to you Amanda."
"Love me, worship me, just don't leave me." I sang lightly, making him laugh.
"I must prepare for this! Sweet dreams my dearest! Ta~"
I closed my phone with a satisfying snap, crossing my knees in contentment. This would be good for both of them.
"Mandy?" Arisa knocked on the bathroom door, "Tohru says dinner's done."
I opened the door, smiling at her. "Kay! I'm starving!"
Arisa followed me, one eye brow raised. "Why do you look like the cat that ate the canary?"
I smirked at her, "It's a surprise!"
"You wierdo . . ."
"Ah, but I'm your weirdo Uo."
Hey guys!
I am so sorry that it took me so long to get back to this. My updating pattern has never been very reliable, but with the way my life goes, I wont be able to promise updates at a steady pace.
I've found that I get into what I call "Writers Block Fugue" and it takes me a little bit to get back into the rhythm of writing without it feeling forced.
Reviewer Thanks:
Valerie Chavous: D'aww :) seriously, I get so warm and fuzzy when I read things as nice as what you wrote. In reality though, it you as a reader who is the MVP. I wouldn't be able to do this without you guys.
Guest: Why thank you, I'm happy you think it's well written!
Guest: I love the enthusiasm in you all capital review. I'll do my best to keep at it so you aren't always waiting too long for a chapter.
LadyAmazon: It's good to be baaaack!
Guest: You have no idea how much of a relief it is to hear that I'm not making them OOC! I'm glad you're enjoying the read!
Guest: Right?! It will happen, I promise. It's just going to take a while :)
felicia: Here you go! You found it now though!
Guest: *Wiggles in my seat happily* Thank you! I know it has the potential to be nothing but angst and drama all the time, but I really try to avoid that.
Zaz: Here you go! Enjoy!
